RTHK: Russia's Lavrov praises 'useful' talks with Blinken

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday praised his talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as "constructive" and "useful", saying both sides understand the need to mend ties.

"The conversation appeared constructive to me," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies after nearly two hours of talks with Blinken in Reykjavik.

The discussions were the first high-level ones between the two countries since Joe Biden became president.

"There is an understanding of the need to overcome the unhealthy situation in ties between Moscow and Washington," Lavrov told Russian reporters after meeting Blinken on the sidelines of the Arctic Council meeting in Iceland.

Since taking over the White House in January, Biden has taken a strong line against Russia, going as far as describing Putin as a "killer" - in sharp contrast to his predecessor Donald Trump, who was accused of complacency towards the Russian president.

But signs have emerged that the two sides are seeking to appease each other.

Lavrov said there were "a lot of logjams" in the two countries' ties and working through them was not easy.

"But I sensed the determination of Antony Blinken and his team to do it. We will not be found wanting," he said.

"I believe the talks were useful," he added, saying the two sides also looked into the work of US and Russian diplomatic missions following tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats.

"We've agreed to continue our joint actions - which are developing rather successfully - on regional conflicts where US and Russian interests overlap," he also said.

Lavrov and Blinken discussed Washington's proposal to organise a summit between the Russian and US leaders, possibly in June.

But asked by reporters if Russia formally agreed to the summit between Biden and Vladimir Putin, Lavrov did not reply.

He said however that the two had agreed to prepare proposals for the top-level summit, including those on strategic stability.

He said he had reiterated Moscow's suggestion of beginning broad dialogue with the United States on strategic stability, stressing that Blinken did not refuse.

"But experts will have yet to work on it," he added. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hong Kong: HK's strengths recognised

Chief Executive Carrie Lam

I am honoured to have this opportunity to congratulate the six Shaw Laureates of 2020.

COVID-19 may have delayed the presentation of the 2020 Shaw Prize. It has not, however, dimmed our delight in honouring the year's laureates and their profound achievements in Life Science and Medicine, Mathematical Sciences and Astronomy.

If anything, the pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of groundbreaking research and innovation in science and its numerous applications. It emphasised just how much we count on scientists' continuing pursuit of excellence. A case in point is the rapid development of effective COVID-19 vaccines, giving people all around the world hope for finally overcoming the pandemic.

In the 14th Five-Year Plan of the nation recently released, we are delighted by the inclusion of the central government's support for Hong Kong to develop an international innovation and technology hub. I believe this is a strong recognition of Hong Kong's strengths, particularly in basic research conducted in our universities, and the synergy in innovation and technology that is evident in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will spare no effort in seizing these opportunities and one of the key initiatives is the Global STEM Professorship Scheme that will be launched later this year. By offering well-funded professorship and research support, the scheme aims to recruit overseas and Mainland scientists to come to work in Hong Kong. Another initiative with planning under way is the Hong Kong Laureate Forum organised with the full support of the Shaw Prize Foundation which will take place towards the end of this year.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam gave these remarks at the Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2020 on May 20.

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The Egyptian Transport ministry is in talks with four foreign firms to launch a new factory to manufacture metros and railway cars at Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), reports say.

The factory will be a joint venture between the four companies namely Bombardier Transportation, Russias Transmashholding, Seminis, Korean Hyundai Rotem and the ministry as well as the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, the SCZone, and the National Company for Railway Industries (NERC).

NERC will manage the project following its inception. In a separate report, the ministry on May 09 said it was in talks with three international companies to manage the countrys railway system.

The companies, identified as French transport company RATP Dev and two German and Russian firms, will submit a detailed long-term plan for improving the countrys railway system.

Egypt is planning to launch from July, 107 projects at EGP 617.7 billion in several areas including roads, railways, tunnels, seaports, urban ports and logistics, and inland transportation, Arab Finance reports.
(CNN) -- Thirty-five House Republicans chose the truth and American democracy over Donald Trump's personality cult. Now their Senate colleagues face the same battle of conscience over the effort to investigate the Capitol insurrection.

The House of Representatives voted to establish an independent, bipartisan commission on Wednesday, but the bill still has a cliffhanger path ahead as supporters seek votes of 10 Republican senators needed to usher it into law. It remains an open, if perplexing, question if Republican senators will stand in the way of an investigation into an armed attack that sent them fleeing for safety.

The revolt of 35 House Republicans against their leader, California Rep. Kevin McCarthy -- who pushed strongly for the bill's defeat -- represents the strongest rebuke yet of the former President from his own party ranks, far more than the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over the Capitol mob scene. The surprising size of the Republican vote for the commission may indicate the politics of the issue are not yet set in stone and could give some Republicans pause as they consider their position on investigating the insurrection.

"People said we would not get more than 20 votes in the House from Republicans," said House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who negotiated the compromise bill with a GOP colleague.

"We got 35, I am optimistic on the Senate side," Thompson said on CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront."

John Kasich, the former Republican governor of Ohio, wondered tentatively on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" whether the size of the GOP vote in favor of a commission was the "beginning of the breaking of the dam" against Trump.

"It is a big blow to the leadership that they lost these people and that's going to give momentum over in the Senate to see if they can find the 10 people to say they ought to get to the bottom of it," said Trump's former 2016 presidential primary opponent.

Trump's power is still dominant

It's worth remembering 35 Republican votes in favor of the commission represents a small fraction of the overall GOP caucus. A total of 175 Republicans voted against establishing the panel, the best hope of arriving at an established national set of facts about Trump's effective coup attempt against Congress.

The sizable vote against a deal to establish the investigation, which drew concessions from Democrats and was negotiated by New York GOP Rep. John Katko, showed the still-vibrant power of Trump within the party.

Late on Tuesday, Trump wondered in a statement whether McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell were "listening" to his bid to whitewash an egregious assault against US democracy.

Within 24 hours, the ex-President had his answer. McCarthy was said by sources to be imposing intense pressure on his GOP members who were thinking about backing the bipartisan compromise.

Even more significantly, McConnell -- who had said he was open to hearing arguments for the commission -- came out against it.

His decision did not just show the power of Trump, but also just how much the party needs the base voters on whom the McConnell and McCarthy are relying in their quest to take back control the House and the Senate in the midterm elections next year.

A tough decision for GOP senators

The fact there is not overwhelming support to investigate an incident in which a sitting President sent his mob to attack Congress to try to disrupt the transfer of power to his successor tells an eloquent story about the state of US politics.

The move by McConnell, who fiercely condemned the Capitol insurrection but ultimately made the political calculation not to convict the ex-President at his impeachment trial, could be crucial.

He, in effect, gave many of his Senate troops cover to vote against establishing the commission with his arguments that it had been over-politicized by House Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi and that it would risk detracting from a large number of criminal prosecutors against January 6 rioters.

The bill is in doubt because Republicans face the same political choices as they did when most of them wavered over holding Trump responsible in his second impeachment trial for the mob attack he incited.

The sanctity of free elections and America's two-and-a-half century old experiment with democratic self-government is one thing. But any senator who wants a future in the party and the chance of enjoying life in a GOP majority after the midterm elections needs the ex-President's most committed voters.

There are plenty of examples of what happens to Republicans willing to defy Trump. Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, who put the principle of peaceful transfers of power above her own career, lost her House leadership post. Republicans in the House and Senate who voted to impeach and convict Trump have been ostracized by colleagues, censured by local parties and are already staring down challenges from pro-Trump primary opponents.

An emerging midterm strategy

Apart from Trump's influence, there are several other reasons why Republican leaders are opposed to a formal commission like the one that investigated the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Any final report of the commission is likely to be highly critical of the ex-President's role in claiming the US election was stolen and then inciting furious supporters to march on the US Capitol as Congress was certifying his defeat.

A panel armed with subpoena powers might also call key figures like McCarthy himself for high profile testimony under oath about his own involvement in the insurrection, including an angry phone call with Trump as it unfolded. That would be deeply embarrassing since McCarthy has hitched his party to Trump's still-burning political star as he tries to win the speaker's gavel next year.

While it would also probe failings in the US Capitol Police and security around the Capitol, the commission might also be likely to note the role played by many members of Congress in fanning Trump's lies about election fraud.

And it would be a massive public spectacle, with days of televised hearings and testimony likely to be damaging to Trump and his party.

Republican leaders have also been remarkably open about other reasons for their reticence to vote for the commission: They want to crank up the pressure on President Joe Biden over his expansive liberal agenda and concentrate on their midterm message.

South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, has said he's fine with a commission, as long as it is set up in a way that cannot be weaponized politically by Democrats.

But he also told CNN on Wednesday that he wanted to talk about "the kinds of things that the American people are dealing with: That's jobs and wages and the economy and national security, safe streets and strong borders -- not relitigating the 2020 elections."

"A lot of our members, and I think this is true of a lot of House Republicans, want to be moving forward and not looking backward. Anything that gets us rehashing the 2020 elections I think is a day lost on being able to draw a contrast between us the Democrats' very radical left-wing agenda," he added.

Any search for the 10 votes needed to enshrine the commission would likely start with the seven Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in February over the insurrection.

Several of their number, like Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, have long established themselves as enemies of Trump and probably have little left to lose politically from supporting a probe. Others, like Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, are retiring so may be less constrained by a midterm focus than some of their colleagues and have the luxury of not caring about future primary challenges.

But a senator like Bill Cassidy of Louisiana -- who surprisingly voted to convict the ex-President may now have reasons to keep his head down -- has more difficult questions to answer as he mulls his vote.

Another senator who voted to convict, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, said on Wednesday that she felt Pelosi had politicized the commission and that she could not support it in its current form.

And even if all the seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump over the Capitol insurrection stayed in line on the current matter, Democrats would still have to find three more Republicans to rebel against McConnell.

The complicated mathematics suggests that the 35 votes of conscience in the House on Wednesday night may not be a harbinger of an even more significant revolt against the former President in the Senate.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "House GOP revolt against Trump sets up tough Senate battle on January 6 probe"
(CNN)  The world's largest iceberg has calved from Antarctica over the past few days, a giant floating piece of ice close to 80 times the size of Manhattan.

The iceberg broke off the western side of the Ronne Ice Shelf in Antarctica's Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency (ESA) said Wednesday.

The iceberg is shaped like a giant ironing board, measuring around 170 kilometers (105 miles) in length and 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) in width. That makes it slightly larger than the Spanish island of Majorca, ESA said.

Iceberg calving is part of the natural cycle, with huge chunks of ice breaking off the ice shelf at regular intervals. Scientists aren't attributing this particular break-off to climate change, and instead believe it's part of the natural cycle of iceberg calving in the region.

Once it melts, the new iceberg will not lead to a sea level rise, because it was part of a floating ice shelf -- just like a melting ice cube doesn't increase the level of the drink in your glass.

That makes icebergs like this different from glaciers or ice sheets, which are found on land, and which do raise global sea levels when they break off into the ocean and melt. If Antarctica's entire ice sheet were to melt, it could raise sea levels by nearly 190 feet.

ESA said the iceberg was first spotted by Keith Makinson, a polar oceanographer with the British Antarctic Survey last week and confirmed from the US National Ice Center using ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-1 imagery.

The huge chunk of ice is now officially known as the A-76. The name might sound a bit boring for the world's largest iceberg, but it is based on science. ESA said icebergs are traditionally named from the Antarctic quadrant in which they were originally sighted, then a sequential number, then, if the iceberg breaks, a sequential letter.

This story was first published on CNN.com World's largest iceberg breaks off from Antarctica
(CNN)  The Trump administration secretly sought and obtained the 2017 phone and email records of a CNN correspondent, the latest instance where federal prosecutors have taken aggressive steps targeting journalists in leak investigations.

The Justice Department informed CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr, in a May 13 letter, that prosecutors had obtained her phone and email records covering two months, between June 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017. The letter listed phone numbers for Starr's Pentagon extension, the CNN Pentagon booth phone number and her home and cell phones, as well as Starr's work and personal email accounts.

It is unclear when the investigation was opened, whether it happened under Attorney General Jeff Sessions or Attorney General William Barr, and what the Trump administration was looking for in Starr's records. The Justice Department confirmed the records were sought through the courts last year but provided no further explanation or context.

A Justice Department official confirmed that Starr was never the target of any investigation.

The seizure of Starr's records is the third disclosure in as many weeks where the Trump administration used its Justice Department to secretly obtain communications of journalists or to expose the identity of critics of former President Donald Trump's allies.

"CNN strongly condemns the secret collection of any aspect of a journalist's correspondence, which is clearly protected by the First Amendment," said CNN President Jeff Zucker. "We are asking for an immediate meeting with the Justice Department for an explanation."

The Obama administration also came under criticism for its heavy-handed tactics toward leak investigations involving journalists. But the Trump administration aggressively pursued leak investigations as the former President frequently railed against the leaks coming out of the government. The latest disclosures appear to show the Justice Department targeting news organizations and social media companies particularly loathed by the former President.

Three Washington Post reporters who covered the FBI's Russia investigation were told earlier this month that last year the Justice Department had obtained their phone records from 2017. In 2018, the Justice Department disclosed it had also obtained 2017 phone and email communications from a reporter for Buzzfeed, Politico and the New York Times who had written stories about Russia.

Court filings revealed last week that the Justice Department under Barr also subpoenaed Twitter in late November 2020 to try to learn the identity of the user behind a parody account that criticized Rep. Devin Nunes, a California Republican and stalwart Trump ally, which Twitter suggested was part of an effort to try to unmask Nunes' critics and chill their speech.

Anthony Coley, DOJ's director of public affairs and a senior advisor to Attorney General Merrick Garland, said in a statement to CNN that the decision to use the legal process to obtain Starr's communications was approved in 2020, during the Trump administration.

"Department leadership will soon meet with reporters to hear their concerns about recent notices and further convey Attorney General Garland's staunch support of and commitment to a free and independent press," Coley said.

Barr did not respond to a request for comment.

Free speech and government transparency advocates warn that the seizure of journalists' records has a chilling impact on newsgathering and discourages whistleblowers from coming forward with government wrongdoing.

"Now for the second time in just about as many weeks we've seen these disclosures that the DOJ has gone about obtaining records without advance notice to the journalist or to the news organization to give the reporter a chance to contest what DOJ is seeking," said Bruce Brown, Executive Director, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

"Twice now we've seen in the prior administration that toward the end of their time in office they used this route to intrude into the very heart of what newsgathering is about," Brown continued. "It's deeply disconcerting and the new team at DOJ has a real imperative in front of it now to very quickly explain to these newsrooms, and to press freedom advocates, what happened and how did it happen, and why did it happen and what they can do to ensure in this administration and future administrations this doesn't happen again."

The Justice Department said in the letter to Starr that it had obtained phone "toll records," which would include calls made to and from the targeted phones and the length of the calls. The letter said that the Justice Department had received "non-content information" from Starr's email accounts, meaning the recipient, sender, date and time would be included, but not the content of the emails.

The Justice Department did not say why Starr's communications were being sought. During the two-month timeframe listed in the letter, Starr reported on US military options in North Korea that were ready to be presented to Trump, as well as stories on Syria and Afghanistan.

Under DOJ regulations, the department can secretly obtain journalists' records through a court order, without the journalists knowing. The Justice Department laid out revised, slightly more stringent guidelines for issuing media subpoenas during the Obama administration in 2015, mandating that the attorney general had to authorize subpoenas when they related to the newsgathering activities of journalists.

But the policy still provides the attorney general and other top department officials wide latitude to seek communications from journalists -- and to keep the matter secret initially.

"The level of secrecy is something we've been very focused on for years. From our perspective it impacts reporter source privilege and the protections for the reporter," said Katie Townsend, legal director at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. "These things are routinely filed under seal and kept under seal and maintained under seal indefinitely."

In some cases, members of the media are notified before a subpoena is issued, giving the news organization the ability to fight the subpoena in court. But DOJ policy also allows prosecutors to obtain journalists' communications without their knowledge through the courts -- if the attorney general signs off and the Justice Department determines the case falls under "extraordinary measures," such as harm to national security, and after all other reasonable attempts have been made to obtain the information elsewhere.

"On paper, DOJ established these guidelines and levels of approval that appear fairly stringent," CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig said. "But it is entirely and solely within DOJ's discretion to seek issuance of a subpoena."

The scope of these subpoenas can often be overly broad, Honig said, "because you're going to get all of the journalists' phone records, the vast amount of which do not pertain to their newsgathering activities at all."

"A lot of this just rests on the judgment and good faith of Justice Department officials and it is subject to very few formal checks," he added.

The process in some ways is similar to how federal investigators can secretly obtain communications under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through the FISA Court.

Ultimately, journalists must be informed that their records were obtained, as Starr was by the letter on May 13. But the timeline is fluid, as the guidelines mandate the notice must occur only after there is no longer a threat to the investigation or national security, or no longer than 90 days from the time the government has received the information sought from the subpoena.

The letter to Starr was signed by Raj Parekh, the acting US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and John Demers, the assistant attorney general for the National Security Division.

Since the time he took office, Trump fumed about leaks from inside the government, beginning with a January 2017 Washington Post story that disclosed Trump's first national security adviser Michael Flynn had discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador to the US.

In July 2017, Trump scolded then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to crack down on leaks from intelligence agencies, and the following month, Sessions announced the Justice Department was "reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas."

In November 2017, Sessions announced that the Justice Department had opened 27 leak investigations. Several officials were charged by the Trump Justice Department for leaking information, including federal contractor Reality Winner in 2017, a Treasury Department official in 2018 and a counterterrorism analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2019.
Some people seem to believe that we can live separated from nature, but we cant, Goodall said.

Were animals, too, you know, by definition. ... We just happen to have (less) hair and have had an explosive development of our intellect. But we seem to fail when it comes to wisdom  the wisdom that says, The decision I make now, how will that affect future generations or the health of the planet?

In recent decades, Goodall has averaged more than 300 days of travel each year, educating audiences worldwide about nature, conservation and the potential for collective action to bring about change. The coronavirus pandemic halted those travels, she has continued to have a strong influence through virtual participation in events and lectures involving thousands of people in scores of countries.

She launched a podcast from her childhood home in England and, at age 87, is reaching millions of people through social media.

Raised as a Christian, Goodall said she developed her own sense of spirituality in the forests of Tanzania  in essence, believing that all living things and the natural world are connected through a divine force.
Walzs LB542 would have authorized up to $450 million bonds with the majority of that funding going toward the projects completion. On May 12, the legislature agreed to delay the decision until the 2022 session.

I wish we could have talked about it this year. But she (Walz) decided that we'd let it come up first of the next session, Moser said. But at least my bill passed, so we got something done in this session about roads.

Heimes noted that he understood the reasoning behind LB542s delay.

I think that the governor was not in favor of bonding anyway. So if the bill had been passed, as it was originally proposed, it most likely would have been vetoed, Heimes said. This will allow some time to visit with the governor and see if there's some compromise that can be reached.

Also, Heimes said, there is the chance of federal funding coming down the pipeline.

Thatll give the legislature a chance to determine what's going to happen with regard to funding that may come from a larger federal infrastructure program, he said.

Ricketts stated in his weekly column published in The Telegram on April 17 that Nebraska is the least indebted state in the country because it only spends money it has.
All 10 Republicans who voted in January to impeach Trump for encouraging his supporters to storm the Capitol supported the commission. Most of the 35 Republicans backing the commission were moderates.

The 10 who backed impeachment included Katko and Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., Trump's most prominent House GOP critic. She did not speak during Wednesday's debate, but after the vote she tweeted a message urging the Senate to approve the commission, saying, Some things must be above politics. The vote came a week after her colleagues dumped her from a Republican leadership position for repeatedly criticizing Trump for his role in the attack and his false claims that he lost the election because of widespread voting fraud.

Opposing the commission was Rep. Greg Pence, R-Ind. His brother, former Vice President Mike Pence, was in the Capitol during the attack and was hustled to safety by security officers even as some in the pro-Trump mob were heard shouting Hang Mike Pence. Trump had turned on his vice president for not derailing Congress counting of the votes, which Pence did not have the constitutional power to do.

A moderate and former prosecutor, Katko defended the proposed commission as a fair and needed step toward understanding the riot, how it happened and what security improvements the Capitol needs to prevent a future assault.
LINCOLN  A bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security checks breezed to final passage on Thursday.

The 41-0 vote sends the bill to Gov. Pete Ricketts, who has indicated he will sign it into law.

Legislative Bill 64, introduced by State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, seeks to phase out state income taxes on Social Security over 10 years. When fully implemented, it would provide about a $1,000 yearly tax break on the average Social Security benefit in Nebraska, which is about $18,400 a year.

"This is a great step forward for Nebraska taxpayers," said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, a key supporter of the bill as chair of the Legislature's Revenue Committee.

Some concerns were voiced about the bill's fiscal impact, estimated to be $168 million after 10 years. That represents about 6.7% of the total individual income taxes collected by the state last year. But senators adopted an amendment to address those concerns, requiring a review of the affordability of LB 64 after five years by state lawmakers, who would need to authorize the remaining five years of the phase out.
EMMITSBURG, Md.  Prosecutors in Maryland have found that a sheriffs deputy and Pennsylvania state trooper mistook a 15-year-old bystander for an attempted murder suspect they were chasing last year and fired shots in the teens direction eight times. The teen was not struck.

But the Frederick News-Post reports that in a report released Wednesday, prosecutors investigating the October 2020 incident found the use of deadly force was not objectively unreasonable." The Frederick County States Attorneys Office wont pursue criminal charges against the unidentified county deputy or trooper.

It was unclear why the shooting involving the teen was not disclosed until seven months after the incident. Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said authorities did not intentionally withhold the information.

Law enforcement officers from Maryland and Pennsylvania pursued David Leatherman, 43, who was wanted in Pennsylvania for attempted murder, and Bryan Selmer, as they fled in a vehicle and later on foot. County deputies fatally shot Selmer, 38, and prosecutors determined that shooting was justified. Leatherman, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, was extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges there and remains held without bail.
Earlier this year, the high school said that no outside guests would be allowed at the 2021 prom, with school officials reasoning that, while the COVID transmission risk of students was a known quantity over the past 14 months of distancing and contact tracing, allowing outside guests would be a much greater hazard.

But last week, after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance regarding fully vaccinated people, some students asked if they would be allowed to bring outside prom dates if those individuals had received a full COVID vaccination.

The administration found no reason not to, according to CV Superintendent David Christopher, and advised students that guests could attend as normal if they provided proof of vaccination.

This was something that our senior students, who wanted to have guests from outside CV attend prom, shared with us after the rule change from the CDC as part of their request to allow their fully vaccinated guests to attend, Christopher wrote in a message to The Sentinel.

District spokesperson Tracy Panzer said prom guests who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical or religious prohibitions would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Christopher said the prom policy does not extend to other school functions.

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Egypt Tuesday vowed to allocate $500 million for the reconstruction of Gaza, ravaged by the Israeli air power amid the ongoing new conflict.

The presidential office said in a statement issued Tuesday that Egyptian construction companies will rebuild the damaged infrastructures, The New Arab reported.

Egypt will provide $500 million for the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip as a result of recent events, with expert Egyptian construction companies implementing the rebuilding, the statement said.

A new conflict has broken out since May 10 between Israel and the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. Over 212 Palestinians have died in Israeli multiple airstrikes which also hit a building hosting international media offices, including those of Al Jazeera and AP.

More than 10 Israelis have also lost their lives in missile attacks by the Palestinian resistance movements in reaction to violence by Israeli security forces and citizens against Palestinians and the planned expulsion of dozens of Palestinian families from their homes in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

Egypt, a key ally of Gaza ruler, Hamas, has sought to broker a ceasefire between the two sides.

Aside from the reconstruction pledge, the Arab country has also provided medical support to Palestinian victims in the conflict.

On Sunday, it reopened the Rafah crossing, the only exit not controlled by Israel, to allow injured Gazans to be treated in Egyptian hospitals.

Tuesday, 26 trucks of food had been sent to Gaza, with 50 ambulances ready to transport the wounded, the London-based media reports.

Part of the Moroccan emergency humanitarian aid dispatched to the Palestinians, at the instructions of King Mohammed VI, was also delivered Wednesday to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing.

The Egyptian government also pledged to make space in 11 hospitals nationwide at a capacity of over 1,800 beds.

Over 1,400 Gazans including children have been wounded so far in the nine-day conflict according to Hamas ministry of Health.
Cumberland County will get an early start this weekend in its annual salute of fallen veterans.

A year after COVID-19 sidelined traditional events, some organizers are back in action to schedule Memorial Day observances.

The Newburg Memorial Day Committee will take the lead this Sunday with a worship service at 10:45 a.m. on the Monument Green. The annual parade will move through town at 2 p.m.

In the event of inclement weather, the Newburg Community Memorial Service will be held at the Newburg United Methodist Church, 203 N. High St.

Below is a list of Memorial Day events scheduled in the county. Because this list mostly includes those organizations that responded to a request from the county veterans department, it may not be a complete list of all events.

Tuesday, May 25

Central Penn College: The college will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at noon at the flag pole in front of its ATEC Building, 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, with guest speaker Col. Leo Wyszynski, director of the Center for Strategic Leadership the U.S. Army War College.

Sunday, May 30
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A man who spent nearly seven years awaiting trial for murder in South Carolina has been exonerated after testifying in his own defense that he gave police the name and address of the person who committed the crime.

The jury found Jeffrey Keezel, 28, not guilty of murder in the shooting of another man in a car in an Orangeburg parking lot in 2014. They also acquitted him of armed robbery and a weapons charge during his trial this month, defense attorney Carl B. Grant said.

Keezel testified he was in the parking lot of the hotel where 30-year-old Ricardo Sisco Sprinkle was shot in September 2014, Grant said.

Keezel said he didn't shoot Sprinkle, whose house he visited when hanging out with Sprinkle's brothers. Keezel told the same thing to investigators at the time of the killing, Grant said.

Keezel gave police the name and other identifying information about the person who killed Sprinkle both on the stand and in a nearly hour-long interview with police before Grant was hired as his lawyer, but no additional arrests have been made, the defense lawyer said.

Investigators collected fingerprints and DNA from blood at the scene, but that evidence was not presented during the trial.
Equipment Pro, where we get our grinders from, Bill called me last Friday and said Just to give you a heads up, all of our suppliers have told us everythings going to go up astronomically, immediately, Brooks recounted. He said within the next week, quotes will be good for only 24 hours, instead of 30 or 60 days.

Weve been having a lot of trouble with the transfer pipe from the observation hitch to the clarifier, weve been pulling wads of stuff out of there like you wouldnt believe, he said. Every so often we have to get it all cleaned out with an auger. Its not the end of the world, its just aggravation. Theres a six-inch pipe that moves the liquid from one place in the plant to the other, it goes underneath the clarifier, comes back up in the center of the clarifier, thats a six inch pipe and we ran an auger through that 10-15 times in the last 10 days, and every time, we pull out a wad that looks like yarn, is what it looks like, it gets all wrapped up in the grinders. Its a mess.
An abrupt relaxation of mask policies has left workers at supermarkets and other stores reeling as they try to sort out what the new environment means for their own safety and relationship with customers.

Kroger, the country's largest grocery chain, became one of the latest to announce that, starting Thursday, workers and customers can stop wearing masks in states where mandates are no longer in effect. Other companies that have adopted similar changes include Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Macy's, Costco, Home Depot, Trader Joe's and Target, following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

Some workers have taken to social media to cheer, but many others protested. Some dont trust customers  or their co-workers  to be truthful about their vaccination status since most companies are not requiring proof. Others fear they will be judged if they leave their own masks on, even though their reasons for doing so are varied.

William Stratford, 29, wont be fully vaccinated until next month, but shoppers and co-workers at the home improvement store where he works had been coming in without a mask even before the CDC put out its latest guidance.

He has complained to management and eats lunch in his car to avoid mask-less people in the breakroom. He gets stares from shoppers and co-workers.
On July 1st, under Missouris Constitution, that eligibility will be expanded to childless adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level  which means that doctors visits, medications, and other services can and should be provided through MO HealthNet at that time, she said.

The lawsuit was filed against the Department of Social Services on behalf of three Missourians who would become eligible for services on July 1 under the constitutional amendment.

It also follows comments by Michael Neidorff, the CEO of Clayton-based Centene, who threatened recently to leave Missouri over the states lack of Medicaid expansion.

Jefferson City attorneys Chuck Hatfield and Lowell Pearson filed the lawsuit.

One plaintiff, according to the lawsuit, is Stephanie Doyle, a single mother of three children who earns $12 per hour working full time. The lawsuit says she struggles with severe eczema and needs two medications for the ailment, but is unable to afford them without health coverage.

A second plaintiff, Melinda Hille, in unable to work because of medical conditions and earns less than 100% of the federal poverty level, the lawsuit says.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel and Hamas announced a cease-fire Thursday, ending a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel accepted the Egyptian proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the deal.

Egypt's state-run MENA news agency said the truce would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement.

In a statement, Netanyahu's office said the Security Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal after recommendations from the military chief of staff and other top defense officials. The statement boasted of significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented" and included a veiled threat against Hamas.

The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign, the statement said.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed, he said.
The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost.
Egypt Wednesday approved the raise of civil servant minimum wage from EGP 2,000 to EGP 2,400 (153 U.S. dollars) pending parliament approval.

Under the same decision, the minimum salary of the highest-grade civil servant will also increase to EGP 8,400, down from EGP 7,000.

The decision will come into effect from July 1st, the beginning of the new fiscal year, following parliament rubber stamp. In March, Egypts National Wages Council started studying the potential of raising the wages of workers in the private sector, Arab Finance reports.

The hike in the private sector, ranging between EGP 240 and EGP 560 will also come into force on July this year.
The community COVID-19 vaccination clinic scheduled for Friday, May 21, at Prospect Heights Middle School, is accepting walk-ins for ages 12 and up.

As of Monday, 27,776 Orange County citizens had received at least one shot, with 12,799 fully vaccinated. Local vaccination figures have slowed in recent weeks as most eligible residents wanting to be vaccinated have been able to do so.

After more than 8,120 county residents were vaccinated in April, only 3,257 have received vaccinations thus far in May.

As vaccination figures decline, so too do new local COVID-19 cases. In the past week, 27 new cases have been reported, according to Virginia Department of Health data, bringing the running Orange County total to 2,205. The countys seven-day average of new cases is four. Two new COVID-related hospitalizations were reported Saturday (bringing the total to 89). Meanwhile, its been more than a month since a local COVID-related death has been recorded. There have been 38 deaths reported in Orange County.

The community clinic, at 202 Dailey Drive, Orange, will accept walk-ins Friday for ages 12 and up from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Some students declared an interest in pursuing unique careers ranging from diplomat to baker to CIA agent to tattoo artist to photojournalist to YouTube content creator.

Almost all of the students who participated in the survey thanked a teacher or teachers who had a positive impact on them during their time at OCHS.

For the question of where they would like to be in 10 years, the majority of students chose happy, financially stable, with a family or kids of their own and healthy.

Were very fortunate to be able to have our seniors participate in senior meeting event, said OCHS principal Wendell Green. They had their senior prom, which we held outdoors on May 1. And then to have the ability to hold graduation has been wonderful. These students were juniors when school closed last year in March. Just looking at what theyve gone through this year, to be able to pull off these three events is remarkable. I feel very proud that we did everything in our power, considering the circumstances we face because of COVID, to send our students out the right way.
Capt. Maples sister asked for copies of articles printed about the portrait unveiling and provided an email address, starting with sputty  her fathers nickname for the airman, because he was always sputtering around like an airplane. She said she was overwhelmed with gratitude for Orange County remembering his sacrifice.

I said you want to put a picture where?! When Zann first contacted me I didnt believe what she was saying. I think its a great honor for him and its a great honor for the young African Americans that are coming up in Orange to see that you can be somebody, Walker said.

***

U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown, a veteran serving in Congress for Marylands 7th District, is part of the Maples family by marriage. He spoke in the courtroom after the cloth was removed from the portrait, thanking the judge for the recognition as well as the kind people of Orange County. Capt. Maples came from a long line of service, Brown said.

Its a family that reveres patriotism, honor and country and a family that recognizes that his service would not have been possible if it had not been first for the Buffalo Soldiers and the Harlem Hell-fighters of World War I, Brown said.
RICHMOND  Judge Adrianne Bennett of Virginia Beach, the former chairwoman of the state parole board who is at the center of an ongoing scandal, went on extended leave in April and court clerks were instructed not to reach out to her with questions.

Amy Burnham, the clerk of the Virginia Beach Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, emailed those instructions to her colleagues on April 14, according to records the Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Burnham told court staff that substitute judges would handle Bennetts cases.

Burnham also told some of her colleagues not to include Bennett in emails sent to all the courts judges, and said she was removing Bennett from a group email that went just to judges.

If you need to send an email to all of the judges, do not include Judge Bennett for now, Burnham wrote to the courts chief deputy clerk and chief administrative assistant. Keep a note or print out the email. When she gets back, we can decide if she still needs the information.

Burnham later wrote to a court payroll official in Richmond that Bennett was on extended leave.
Bihar: Highly vulnerable to climate change, says study, but lacks action plan

by Rohin Kumar

May 20,2021 | Source: Mongabay India

Fourteen out of 50 districts most vulnerable to climate change in India, are in Bihar, according to a latest study, Climate Vulnerability Assessment for Adaptation Planning in India Using a Common Framework. The study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi and IIT Guwahati in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru identifies the most vulnerable states and districts of India with respect to current climate risks and finds Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam have over 60% districts in the category of highly vulnerable districts. The study recommends prioritisation of adaptation interventions in all these states. Among the vulnerable states, Bihar in fact has recently abandoned a draft climate action plan submitted by the Department of International Development (DFID), a United Kingdom government agency (which, since late 2020, is known as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). The state is unique in its vulnerability to hydro-meteorological disasters as the northern part of Bihar faces annual floods and the southern part is prone to droughts. According to a 2014 study in Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 21.1 percent of the total area of Bihar falls in seismic Zone V. While 27 out of 38 districts of the state are fully affected by high-speed winds of 47 m/s density. Climate change is making extreme climate events more frequent in the state and the incidences of landslides, flash floods, and droughts are on the rise. In the last two decades or so, like any other state, Bihar too has seen intensified public discussions on climate change and its impacts. But indeed very little has reflected in policies. The reason for the political apathy perhaps, tends to rise from the sustainable development challenges  growing populations and limited resources.



Drivers of climate change vulnerability for Bihar



The measures to climate change adaptation planning and investment are only possible when the states have an assessment of vulnerability. According to the IIT study, lack of forest area for the rural population, high yield-variability of food grains, the prevalence of rainfed agriculture, lack of crop insurance, compounding agricultural vulnerability, high sensitivity of the health sector (disease prevalence) coupled with a low adaptive capacity due to a lack of healthcare workers are the major drivers of vulnerability for Bihar. The study also recognises a high proportion of Below the Poverty Line (BPL) population, prevalence of marginal and small landholdings, and lack of womens participation in the workforce, low road density, lack of implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as the other drivers of vulnerability. Fourteen (out of 50 in India) most vulnerable districts to climate change that are in Bihar include Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Jamui, Sheohar, Madhepura, Purbi Champaran, Lakhisarai, Siwan, Sitamarhi, Khagaria, Gopalganj, Madhubani and Buxar. Apart from these, about 80% (31 out of 38) of the districts in Bihar are among the top 25% most vulnerable districts in the country. Lack of area under horticulture, low coverage of central crop insurance schemes and prevalence of small and marginal landholders unable to make adequate decisions about when to sow, what to grow, and how-to and lack of inputs along with low adaptive capacity amount to major drivers of vulnerability in these districts. The study mentions an elaborate list of indicators and the rationale behind the selection of that particular indicator. For instance, monthly income is chosen as one of the indicators because people with extremely low incomes are among the most vulnerable because they have little or no financial capital. So, they have the least capacity to adapt to impacts of climate risks. Similarly, livestock to human ratio is considered because agricultural loss due to climate events can be compensated by income capitalised from livestock. Livestock can be sold in times of need hence, contributes to the reduction of vulnerability.



Challenges to sustainability



On October 2, 2019 the Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar launched the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign which was to be implemented at the cost of Rs.24,524 crores (Rs. 245.24 billion). In his note, he said, The state government through Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali intends to limit the impacts of climate change, promote ecological balance, and promote water conservation. The CM hailed the campaign at the UN Climate Change Round Table in 2020, and dwelt upon the benefits of Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali started across the state that claims to protect water, life and greenery. Experts argue that Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali is neither a holistic nor a better-implemented program undertaken by the state government. The major component of this program (Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali) is to deal with water scarcity in major parts of Bihar. There are various elements to this project. However, frankly speaking, the bureautic implementation of the program is not satisfactory, said a senior official of the Science and Technology Department. He agreed that the state lacks a sustained action plan, Our (state governments) intention is very noble. Officials in theory understand that climate change is a serious issue. Putting theory to practice is where the challenge lies. Just for an example, for years now, experts have been saying that dams in north Bihar are doing more harm than good. But bureaucracy has turned a deaf ear to it. Floods have become a business. Everyone knows, every year the region would be ravaged by floods, the government would compensate. It has been normalised. This situation could still be averted now. Floods recharge the soil fertility every year. The fertility can be utilised by the government by enabling the farmers. It is one such example. Similarly for South Bihar, restoration of wells and canals is needed. Its not that we didnt have the system or that what I am talking about is something alien. It requires better planning and coordination between various departments. Similar concerns were also shared by an official at the states Environment, Forest and Climate Change department. We are witnessing effects on the environment due to climate change in the form of various extreme weather events.



For instance, lightning strikes, devastation by floods have only increased, soil erosion is engulfing villages, deaths due to extreme heat waves and many such other climatic events have grown exponentially in the past few years. These are impacting our people socially as well as economically. Thus, the states growth and development is also halted and offers little opportunities to rebuild economies, he said passionately and expressed his helplessness citing lack of a comprehensive plan to combat the challenges of climate change. Having said that, we officials too need timely workshops to understand the dynamics of unfolding climate crises so that it enables us to improvise our existing plans as well as devise new plans, he added. However, Anamika Barua, Professor at IIT Guwahati, one of the researchers part of the IIT study views it differently. Bihar does not need to do something extraordinary to make their state resilient to climate change. If the state government is basically talking about reducing poverty, enhancing the sources of livelihood, better health facilities, strengthening institutions  all these are going to make your state climate resilient, said Barua. Bihar basically needs to mainstream the adaptation strategies within the development. One of the factors of vulnerability continues to be the lack of alternative sources of livelihood. A large chunk of people in Bihar are dependent on climate-sensitive livelihood, for example, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, etc. then, of course, larger section of people are vulnerable to climate change. Thus, the state needs to also focus on non-farming sectors, by doing so you build a climate-resilient community, she adds, Districts in Bihar are vulnerable to socio-economic, biophysical and institutional factors that are drivers of vulnerability for climate change.



Need for an action plan



IITs study is not the only one that has highlighted the fact that the state is highly vulnerable to climate change. Annual floods of north Bihar and annual droughts of south Bihar open up the discussions every year on how hazardous are the impacts of climate change for the lives and livelihood of the people of Bihar. But time and again the discussions have found very little mention in the policymaking. In 2015, the state government came up with Bihar State Action Plan on Climate Change that put across sectoral plans to tackle the issue of climate change, however, not much of it was put to use. In the same year, the state government resolved to the centres mandate on climate change in light of Paris declaration at the United Nations conference of climate change. The state government teamed up with the Department for International Development (DFID) to prepare an action plan for climate change. The DFID in its draft plan suggested a plethora of smart strategies  strengthening agriculture chains, ensuring minimum support price to farmers, de-siltation measures of Kosi, development of agro-based industries, and others. Some of these strategies also find their mention in the state governments action plan on climate change in 2015. But reportedly, the draft plan by DFID was not approved by the government and later withdrawn for unknown reasons. Dipak Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the department of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department could not be contacted for a quote. However, an official from his department said, We will soon have an action plan. Climate crisis is one of the top priorities of the state government. In 2019, CM Nitish Kumar announced that a separate unit of analysts and researchers would be constituted within the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department but so far it isnt in place yet. Reportedly, the recruitment process was hampered due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking on the need for an action plan for climate change in Bihar, Anamika Barua said, Bihar definitely needs an action plan. The inputs of our study could possibly be very helpful in their state action plan for climate change. Barua also said that after the publication of the study by IIT, many state governments have approached the researchers and shown keen interest in chalking out a plan further. For now, the Bihar government hasnt approached them.

 2021 Mongabay-India
Karnataka: Hundreds of dead fish float in Bengaluru lake; residents complain of pollution

May 20,2021 | Source: Khaleej Times

Way back in the mid-1980s, Bangalore had over 50 lakes, with fresh water gushing across the city. Sadly, today there are less than a score of lakes and many such as the Mottanalluru are flooded with effluents including pesticides and chemical wastes, which kill most of the fish and other creatures. Residents around lake Mottanalluru have been complaining to local officials and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board over the past few days about the hundreds of dead fish floating by the lake. Board officials told them that the fish were killed by the sudden dip in dissolved oxygen and the inflow of effluents and pesticides from nearby industrial units. The level of contamination has increased and the discharge is coming from Chandapura lake, K.C. Santosh, an activist was quoted in the media on Tuesday. This discharge is from the industrial unit located in and around the lake. Another major factor for the disappearance of lakes is the massive urban growth witnessed by the metropolis. Sprawling catchment areas have been overtaken by housing and commercial complexes with developers dumping construction material and other waste products, virtually blocking the flow of water and destroying biodiversity.

 2021 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC.
Pakistan: Cage Fish Culture cluster project reviewed

May 20,2021 | Source: Pakistan Observer

Secretary Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries South Punjab, Sarfraz Magsi accompanied by Director General Fisheries and Wildlife South Punjab Dr Khalid Pervez visited the Cage Fish Culture Cluster Development Project of the Fisheries Department at Head Panjnad. He said that according to the vision of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, this project is very important to meet the nutritional needs of the country, in which fish production can be increased by using natural water resources. The project is still in the early stages. He directed to work diligently for timely completion of the project to benefit the masses and exchequer alike. During briefing about the project, Assistant Director Muhammad Ali Gohar said that the project provides a lot of productivity in less space. This project is a milestone in the supply of high quality protein from fish production for the nutritional needs of the country. By 2023-24, 5,000 cages will be installed across Punjab. In which 80% subsidy is being given to fish farmers. Fish farmers will also be given regular training in this modern technique.
Sauti Sol band member Polycarp Otieno alias Fancy Fingers and his wife Lady Mandy opted for a home birth for their son, Baby O.

The couple opened up about their natural childbirth in a recent episode of Sol Generation, revealing why they chose to deliver Baby O in the comfort of their home.

It felt like it was just the right thing. I wanted to allow my body to do what it is meant to do without interference, said Lady Mandy.

Before the delivery date, she said they were taken through a series of activities to do to help in the contraction of muscles.

We had the classes and that helped us so much. I learnt very quickly but I did not know how to breathe. Two weeks passed and our midwife tells us we need to be induced into labor naturally, said Mandy.

Fancy Fingers added he was advised to put cloves in Mandys food and give her raspberry leaf tea.

The guitarist noted the idea of a home birth came up as he remembered a friend who had given birth at home.

I remember Mandy mentioning about someone asking about home births and that there were midwives around the country, he said.

What sealed it for me is that I have had to make decisions that are for the best interest of my child by taking care of myself because I am growing a human being inside me, added Mandy.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by FANCY FINGERS (@itsmefancyfingers)



On the day of Baby Os arrival, the couple said they had an ambulance outside their home.

The ambulance was a proper backup plan and that made us safe and that everything was going to be okay, Polycarp said.

Polycarp and Lady Mandy welcomed their son in their bedroom.

The moment the midwife said she could see the head of the baby. I think that was the magical word I have ever heard. Coz I knew finally, this is our end. I could not believe that I was holding someone who I have had conversations with, someone I have had moments with that were only for us.

She added: The plan was never to give birth in the bedroom in the first place but we did it from there. No word in the whole world can ever explain labor.

Polycarp on the other hand said he wailed when he first met Baby O.

I fell on the floor wailing like a small child. everyone was looking at me wondering what was wrong with me. I took him and held him on my chest, I cannot forget that feeling. it was the most amazing feeling ever.

Baby O is now seven months old. The Sauti Sol composer said his son usually wakes up at 6 am and he has to wake up with him to give his mum time to sleep.
IT Infrastructure

Inside Raytheon's four-year blueprint for growth

One year on from its creation, Raytheon Technologies is turning the page on portfolio transformation and is now looking at how to achieve what the companys chief executive called operational transformation.

That second and really just beginning transformation as described by Greg Hayes was the overarching topic of Raytheons four-hour investor day event on Tuesday to share its four-year blueprint for success.

One more divestiture is on the horizon for Raytheon though as the company is planning to sell its global training and logistics unit that generates roughly $1 billion in annual sales, Hayes said.

Here are some broad themes from Tuesday that warrant consideration for Raytheon and its market peers.

Office of the future

Future of work is an item Raytheon and substantially all companies are looking hard at given the large number of employees not going to their offices regularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Raytheon has been looking hard at its physical footprint to begin with given the push to achieve $1.3 billion in gross cost synergies by 2024.

Michael Dumais, Raytheon chief transformation officer, said the companys envisioned office of the future will likely see less than half of employees be onsite full-time with the majority shifting to a hybrid model or be permanently remote.

Fifty projects are ongoing to help Raytheon figure out how to revamp its highest-cost sites whether they be factories, offices or other locations. But that is only just part of the review of Raytheons 32 million square feet of office space, according to Dumais.

We see that generating $80 million in annual synergy, and thats just about halfway on our plan to reduce 25 percent of all the office space across the company, Dumais said.

Physical assets are one aspect of the integration process to help Raytheon make the most out of the merger. Dumais said Raytheon is also moving to common operating system and implementing digital twins of factories and products before breaking ground on a project.

Increased use of cloud computing infrastructures underpin those shifts. Dumais said the company is pushing to get half of its data into a cloud environment from the current rate of 25 percent.

One-stop tech shop

Perhaps the biggest rationale behind the merger to create what Wall Street calls RTX in shorthand is envisioned technology and revenue synergies across the defense-government and commercial aerospace businesses.

Raytheon recorded $65 billion in pro forma revenue last year and pegs its research-and-development spend at approximately $8 billion per year: $3 billion on the companys own dollar and the other $5 billion customer-funded.

That government-commercial rationale has been put to the test during the pandemic that saw air travel plummet last year and slowly trickle back up since.

Hayes said that Raytheon sees slow, steady growth in global defense spending amid expectations the U.S. portion will remain large but hold flat.

Whether its in space-based systems, whether its in joint command and control, sensing systems and propulsion, we think were in the right markets, Hayes said.

To date, Raytheon has identified 300 separate projects they see as revenue synergy opportunities that feed into a potential $10 billion pipeline over the full lifetime. Hayes said Raytheon has booked $150 million in awards under that category with more to come on the pipeline front.

One early test of that thesis will come when the Federal Aviation Administration awards the recompete of its $3.5 billion telecommunications services contract known as FENS, which a team of Raytheon and MetTel is bidding for to try and unseat longtime incumbent L3Harris Technologies.

Right bets by RTX?

The longer-term test for Raytheon will see whether the company is indeed placing the right technology bets for itself amid expectations that U.S. defense budgets will not grow significantly over the next few years and perhaps decade.

Does that mean Raytheon may have to put more resources into advanced technology R&D so it can keep its defense business growth going, particularly with what the likes of Russia and China are doing?

Hayes believes Raytheons focus on the technologies that augment the larger platforms represents a good overall bet.

As we think about the (2023) and out budget, I think the DOD is going to be forced to make some choices in terms of legacy programs versus future programs, Hayes said.

The good news is we dont have a single program out there that is more than 3 percent of our total revenue. I think some of those old legacy programs will probably be cut to fund some of this newer technology thats emerging.

Raytheons plan is to see revenue growth of between 5 and 7 percent on a compound annual basis through 2025 from this years expectation of $63.9 billion-to-$65.4 billion in sales. Segment margin is seen as improving to between 13.4 and 14.4 percent by 2025, up from 7.9 percent last year.

All of that aided by expanding the defense business and riding the ongoing recovery in air travel, the latter of which youll have to go elsewhere for more.
As wildfires seem to grow in number and severity each year, Oregonians are expressing greater concern for how wildfire affects their own lives.

A recent survey conducted by the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center found a strong majority of Oregonians see wildfires as "a somewhat or very serious threat" to residents of the state.

Respondents described challenges with managing the forests, as well as climate change that is drying out forest areas and making them more susceptible to wildfires.

The survey was conducted May 4-10, with 918 Oregonians responding. The survey has a margin of error of 2-3%.

Here are some of the hard numbers: Nine out of 10 (93%) Oregonians see wildfires as a somewhat or very serious threat to life and property. Most people expressed concern about wildfires affecting the people of Oregon rather than their own community (68%) or their family (58%).

Most Oregonians are also convinced that the number of serious wildfires will continue to rise. More than half said wildfires in the state will increase in both frequency (55%) and severity (53%).

Beliefs that wildfires will grow in frequency and intensity are not tied to political beliefs, the survey found.

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I feel their support, but I believe that it should be stronger, he said. They are aware of my thoughts, I have been very frank with them. I believe that they have recently weakened their positions a bit.

The 2015 peace deal signed in Minsk, Belarus, obliged Ukraine to offer broad autonomy to the separatist regions and a sweeping amnesty for the rebels. It also stipulated that Ukraine would regain full control of its border with Russia in the rebel-held territories only after the election of local leaders and legislatures  provisions resented by many Ukrainians as a betrayal of national interests.

Ukraine has pushed for modifying the Minsk agreement to make reclaiming control of the border with Russia in the rebel-controlled regions precede the local elections there, but Russia has firmly rejected Kyiv's demands.

Zelenskyy said his office has engaged in contacts with the Kremlin on preparing his meeting with Putin.

A conversation between the Ukrainian presidential office and the Russian Federation has started to organize the talks, Zelenskyy said, adding that he could meet with the Russian president in a third country.

The Ukrainian leader has previously suggested that he and Putin meet in eastern Ukraine, and Putin invited Zelenskyy to come to Moscow.
In the 1950s Joseph McCarthy cowed and terrorized the American people, the artistic community particularly, with his dogged search for a deep communist cancer within the government and media. Ultimately, he was exposed for the fraud he was, sanity prevailed, and life went on. However, many careers and livelihoods were ruined in the process. Reputations were destroyed, marriages wrecked, and lives irreparably damaged. History does repeat itself. Today, there is a more pernicious form of McCarthyism.

This political virus has infected a large percentage of the electorate. It is characterized by an unwillingness to accept reality, dependence upon conspiracy theories, and addiction to a media cult that continues to sing the praises of a hack politician who accomplished very little of substance during his term as president. One of the most virulent advocates of the big lie is another McCarthy, the current minority leader in the House.
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ANNIE SPILMAN is spokesperson for the Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas, a coalition of business organizations that advances policies that foster economic growth and allow the free market to operate without heavy government interference.
A Kenyan man who had flown to India for specialised treatment was reportedly beaten to death following an altercation with a cab driver.

Jama Said Farah, 50, was found dead near the Indira Gandhi International airport (IGI) in Delhi city.

A detective based at the airport said the Kenyan man was attacked after an argument with a taxi driver over Rs 500 (Ksh737) fare.

We found a dead body of Jama Said Farah, a citizen of Kenya, lying on the pavement near Centaur Hotel and came to know that he had booked a ticket through a travel agent on May 17 for Somaliya, the detective identified as Rajeev Ranjan said.

The victims cellphone helped the police crack the case, said the deputy commissioner of police (IGI Airport).

According to the Indian Express, Rajeev said the deceaseds daughter called the phone and they were able to establish he had been in India for two weeks for treatment of a heart disease.

But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, his treatment was postponed by the hospital and he was coming back to his country via Somalia, the officer was quoted.

Jama Said Farah is said to have been denied immigration clearance at IGI Airport as he did not have a visa for Somalia and could not travel.

Police added that after leaving the airport, Jama Said boarded a taxi and requested to be dropped off at a nearby hotel.

So, the man decided to stay at a hotel in Mahipalpur. He hired a cab from Terminal 3. Before departing, he sent the taxis registration number to his daughter, the DCP said.

The taxi driver, one Virender Singh, had been accompanied by two of his friends  Gopal Singh and Dilbagh.

On the way, they had a heated argument with the deceased over the fare and they started beating him after stopping their car. After physically assaulting him, they dumped him near another hotel and managed to escape along with his luggage and other valuable items, police in India said.

CCTV footage helped police identify the vehicle leading to the arrest of the three men.

The suspects were produced before a Delhi Court and sent to 14-days judicial custody as investigations continue.
Idahos governor was on hand Wednesday to help break ground for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories 140,000-square-foot printed circuit board factory in Moscow, welcoming one of the few new plants of its kind to be built in the United States in the last decade.
DALEVILLE  All In Credit Union is pleased to announce Todd Peeples as Senior Vice President of Sales and Lending.

The Florida State graduate joined All In Credit Union in 2016 as the Vice President of Information Technology before transitioning to the Vice President of Lending in 2018.

Peeples began his career working for AmSouth Bank as a Financial Services Specialist in 2003 and transitioned to Tyndall Federal Credit Union as Information Technology Project Manager from 2005 to 2011. There, he honed his skills by working and presenting information to senior management and planning, organizing and leading projects from initiation to completion.

In 2011, Peeples became the Vice President of Information Technology at Tyndall Federal Credit Union and was responsible for various aspects of the Information Technology department and developing short-term and long-term strategic plans. His experience at Tyndall prepared him to become Vice President of Information Technology at All In. He expanded on the role he had with his position at Tyndall while now leading the entire Information Technology department. Later, Peeples returned to Tyndall to become Senior Vice President Information Technology, before again joining All In as Vice President of Lending in 2018.
The Trustees of The Baptist College of Florida met on the campus in Graceville for their annual meeting on May 18.

The Board received reports on rebuilding efforts since Hurricane Michael and changes in the schools curriculum. The items receiving the most attention in the meeting dealt with a plan for Presidential Succession and the approval of the 2021-2022 Operating Budget.

Recognizing the impact of COVID 19 during the last year and the growing competition in ministry preparation brought on by new and expanding programs, BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen recommended an operating budget of $5,913,000 for the 2021-2022 session.

This total represents a decrease of $87,000 from the schools 2020-2021 budget. Most of the cuts came as the result of recent faculty retirements.

Kinchen also introduced the plan for Presidential Succession for discussion.

I want you to know several things about this plan, stated Kinchen. First, I asked for it. No one asked, suggested, or pressured me to ask for it. Last week I finished 31 years as President of BCF. This year, I will be 75 years old. I dont think that I will have another 31 years to serve here. Therefore, it is a good business decision to have an orderly succession plan in place.
Wallace Community College plans to return to normal activities on campus for students when the colleges summer semester begins next week.

It is so refreshing to see students back on campus this summer, as their presence adds vibrancy to our campus environment, said Dr. Ryan Spry, director of student and campus services. As we look toward the fall semester, we anticipate engaging our students outside the classroom with a diverse set of activities that will promote a sense of college pride among our students, faculty, and staff.

Summer semester begins Monday. In advance, the college is holding on-campus registration rallies to help students complete the registration process. The events are in the A Building on the Sparks Campus in Eufaula and in Grimsley Hall on the Wallace campus in Dothan.

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The rallies began Thursday and will continue Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Masks will be encouraged based upon individual health situations, but not required, according to a college news release. Classes will be on campus with the exception of typical online and hybrid courses.
An Alabama child advocacy organization honored Mayor Mark Saliba for his work as an advocate for Dothans vulnerable children, youth, and families during National Foster Care Month.

Embrace Alabama Kids, a faith-based nonprofit, joined Saliba, First United Methodist Church of Dothan, and more than 40 local supporters, staff, and board members for a community celebration highlighting the ministrys impact on Tuesday at the Dothan Country Club.

Saliba was honored as an Embrace Alabama Kids Advocate for his dedication to the ministrys mission to embrace and nurture vulnerable children, youth, and at-risk families by providing homes, healing, and hope. He has served on the board of directors for the Montgomery-based nonprofit, a ministry of the United Methodist Childrens Home, for the last eight years and was chair of the board from 2014-2017.

Embrace Alabama Kids is one of many faith-based ministries doing meaningful work to positively impact our community, and I am honored to help advocate for Alabamas vulnerable children over the past several years, Saliba said. Whether its educating yourself about issues impacting our children or supporting local organizations that care for them, each of us can play an important role in creating real, meaningful change for our kids who need it most.

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Martha Karambu Koome officially became Kenyas first woman Chief Justice on Wednesday, May 19 following her appointment by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The President gazetted Justice Koome to head the Judiciary for a non-renewable 10-year term, just hours after Parliament approved her nomination by the Judicial Service Commission.

Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo was among the members of parliament who were full of praise for Justice Koome.

In her remarks on Wednesday, Millie congratulated Koome and proposed that she be deputised by the current Acting CJ Philomena Mwilu.

According to Millie, this would go some way in addressing the gender disparity in the allocation of top seats in Kenya.

I am hoping Mr. Speaker, that we will not then hound the deputy out of office because she is a woman. In this country, there are many men holding multiple positions and nobody has hounded them out because they are men, Millie argued.

She went on: Let us have a lady Chief Justice and a Deputy Chief Justice who is another woman. Let us not hound the other woman out of office.

The outspoken lawmaker described Chief Justice Koome as passionate, focused, and clear on the things she stands for.

She is also passionate about the things I am passionate about. She is passionate about womens rights and she is passionate about childrens rights I can vouch for her competence.

Millie at the same time said Koomes ascension to Head of the judiciary had motivated her to run for presidency.

I will be the first woman president after Raila Odinga and I am speaking from my mouth to Gods ear.
Some activists opposed the legislation's reliance on law enforcement.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is Black and Indian, discussed reports of stabbings, shootings and other attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals and their businesses since the start of the pandemic a little over a year ago.

Harris said such incidents had increased six-fold during that time.

She said that while the new law brings the U.S. closer to stopping hate, the work to address injustice, wherever it exists, remains the work ahead.

The AAPI Victory Alliance, a policy and advocacy organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, complimented Biden for quickly signing the bill. But executive director Varun Nikore said the law is only one piece in the long fight for equity and opportunity for communities of color.

Nikore said Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will use the electoral prowess they demonstrated last year to elect leaders who will advocate for their community.

Ending Asian hate should never be a partisan issue, he said.
After Tuesdays votes, several of the Republicans who declined to wear a mask gathered outside the Capitol for a group picture.

Massie said Wednesday that he had previously contracted COVID-19 and recovered. He said he is immune and that part of the reason you know theyre not following the science here is they dont care if you have the antibody.

The CDC states on its website that people should get vaccinated even if they had already had COVID-19.

Thats because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible  although rare  that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again, the CDC says.

Massie said he was prepared to test the mask requirement again.

I cant afford to be fined into poverty, but if Im not willing to spend $500 defending freedom, I dont belong here, he said.
Solar cells installed on the roof of a factory in the southern Dong Nai Province. Photo courtesy of Nami Solar Power JSC.

The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched an anti-dumping probe into solar cells originating from China, Thailand and Vietnam.

It follows a petition by the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association.

The dumping margins related to the products under investigation have not been disclosed, with the ministry merely saying they exceed the 2 percent threshold.

The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam said producers and exporters should contact the Indian ministry to register for questionnaires, and keep breast of relevant information emanating from India.

Any action deemed uncooperative can lead to India imposing anti-dumping duties, it warned.

"High taxes will result in Vietnamese producers losing their competitive advantage and lose part or even all of the market share in India."
"They were in good health but some had mild symptoms of hypothermia," the statement said, explaining that the boat had taken on water and was "in distress" when it was spotted.

A helicopter was launched to track the boat while rescuers headed to the scene and the migrants were taken ashore and transferred to the maritime police in Zeebrugge.

Police will launch an investigation "into the smuggling organization responsible for these events."

"Based on initial findings, it is suspected that the boat departed from the French coast, but the investigation will have to confirm this," the prosecutor's office said.

Vietnamese migrants are among those camped out at Grande-Synthe on the northern French coast, trying to find a way to cross to Britain.

Around 100 Vietnamese were taken out to the camp to be rehoused in shelters on May 6, according to the Grande-Synthe town hall.

The migrants are brought to the Channel coast from their southeast Asian homeland by a network that flies them to Moscow and then transports them through Europe.

Yann Manzi from the NGO Utopia, which helps migrants, says that until recently the Vietnamese kept themselves apart from other migrant populations.

But they are now increasingly mixed up with the other African and Asian travelers waiting for a place on a boat or a chance to jump in the back of a truck.

The last leg of the trip, across the sea to southern England on a dinghy or in a truck carried by a ferry or the Channel tunnel can be the most dangerous.

In October 2019, the lifeless bodies of 39 Vietnamese migrants were discovered suffocated in a trailer in Grays Industrial Estate, east London.

The investigation established that the migrants had been picked up in northern France and had transited through the Belgian port of Zeebrugge.

Investigations were launched in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom, where a trial was held in 2020 resulting in the conviction of two key figures in the trafficking.
Whether it is practicing yoga, interviewing prospective employees or teaching online, foreigners are dealing with their mandated quarantining with minimum fuss.

Australian Jack Smith arrived in HCMC on May 15 with a detailed plan for being quarantined in a hotel. Yoga and some detox practices were part of it.

Smith, 49, has come to Vietnam on a business visa for a short term contract as an expert on leadership development. His plan is to stay as long as his visa allows and obtain a spousal resident permit as his partner is Vietnamese.

In the long term, he plans to shift to an investor visa and establish his own consulting firm in the country. Therefore, Smith is using his quarantine time as a chance to do some business research as well as some study of Vietnams culture and history.

"Moreover, quarantine is a good time for meditation," he says.

Malaysian Kavin Martinus is also meditating "once every few days to relax" while he is quarantined in HCMC with his wife.

Martinus, 52, is in Vietnam to manage his company's cargo business in HCMC and Hanoi. The company represents several international airlines and plans to operate air cargo charter services. He envisages the company doing long term business in the country.

During his quarantine period that ended May 15, Martinus stuck to a routine of getting up early at around 6 a.m. and going through an exercise routine. Next, he watched the news and had his breakfast. A smart TV in the hotel room helped "keep things alive." He also frequented Vietnam-related forums on social media to keep himself in the loop.

The Malaysian also worked from his hotel room. He exchanged emails with business associates and busied himself completing some business applications online to save time. He also carried out some interviews on the phone to recruit staff.

Martinus said this was his third quarantine in three cities in six months, and the longest, but he came prepared.

"I always bring my favorite coffee blend and some healthy snacks to keep my mood up."

Kavin Martinus and his wife in a quarantine hotel in HCMC in May 2021. Photo courtesy of Kavin Martinus.

British citizen Abigail Weegram has been quarantined along with her partner. The couple have come for marketing related work in HCMC and plan to stay here for a year.

Weegram, 27, spends a lot of time watching Netflix and does some work for her company back in the U.K. to "keep me busy." Her boyfriend, Chris, holds online classes for students abroad.

Weegram and Chris also try to get up early and "make the most of the day." They will complete their quarantine on Friday.

The mother of a three-year-old boy, Thailands Belle Wns, only had free time for watching TV or chatting when her son slept. In the quarantine hotel in HCMC, Wns was busy all day taking care of her son as they waited to reunite with her husband who works on Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province. The family had gone to Thailand last year and were returning now.

Wns and her son completed their quarantine on May 15.

Feel safe here

Weegram, in Vietnam for the first time, admitted that she and her partner felt some frustration when they were informed on day seven that the quarantine period had been extended to 21 days from 14. But she understood the necessity for it.

"We feel safe here," noting that measures in her hometown were not good enough to contain the pandemic. She said she also did not mind taking different tests because "they make sense." The couple had not been vaccinated before arriving in Vietnam.

She has a suggestion to make, though. She said authorities should consider giving people quarantined in hotels some exercise options. In her case, she does not have a balcony, so had no option of getting some fresh air apart from opening the windows.

Weegram also finds the food very repetitive. There's not much choice of food and there's a lot of rice. She is unable to order food online as the restaurants are far away. She's two hours away from HCMC.

Abigail Weegram and her partner Chris are in the U.K. before leaving for Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Abigail Weegram.

Martinus found that allowing food from outside helps people in quarantine feel better. He also suggests that hotels allow people to go to an area for walking about and getting some fresh air "in an appropriate way."

"The mental state is important. People may fall ill or get depressed if they are not used to being in a closed area for so many days."

Martinus feels that the 21-day quarantine period needs to be continued to reduce the chances of Covid -19 spreading easily, based on the current situation in Vietnam.

For his part, Smith thinks hotel quarantines could have been responsible for small outbreaks because of a breakdown in infection control protocols by the staff.

Before he came to Vietnam, Smith had quarantine in a resort in Seychelles and he saw that people were allowed to roam around the resort and interact with staff and other guests, thus making quarantining pointless.

Smith has been vaccinated and recognizes that Covid-19 taking hold in the community can be devastating for the country and its people.

"So I am fully prepared to comply with whatever protocols are required in Vietnam."
Vietnam has sought technologies for Covid-19 vaccine production from the U.K., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said in a release.

Foreign affairs minister Bui Thanh Son, during wide-ranging discussions on Wednesday with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Dominic Raab, congratulated the U.K. for its achievements in the coronavirus fight, including becoming one of the first countries in the world to roll out vaccines, and said it should consider transferring vaccine technologies to Vietnam.

Vietnam is currently using the Covid vaccine produced by British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca for its mass vaccination program.

Speaking about international affairs, Raab said his country would like to cooperate with Vietnam in multilateral forums, especially since the latter is a member of the U.N. Security Council for 2020-21.

In a reference to the disputes in the South China Sea, he stressed that international laws must be obeyed, including the U.N. Convention for the Law of the Sea.

Both sides agreed to make sure that the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), expected to be hosted by the U.K. in November, is successful.

Last week the WHO representative in Vietnam, Kidong Park, said his organization is considering a request from a Vietnamese entity to transfer technology to produce mRNA vaccines. mRNA is used to produce certain Covid vaccines like those by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, while AstraZeneca uses the viral vector technology.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan has said some countries have agreed to provide Vietnam with technologies for Covid vaccine production, including Japan.

The country has received over 2.6 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through contracts and global vaccine access mechanism Covax.

So far over a million people have been vaccinated.

The latest Covid-19 wave has seen 1,678 new cases in 29 cities and provinces.
People line up at HCMC's Tan Son Nhat Airport for Covid-19 testing, May 6, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa.

Visitors to Vietnam who are categorized as "safe" might only be quarantined for seven days instead of the usual 21, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has said.

He made the suggestion at a meeting with the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Wednesday, but did not elaborate on who would be considered "safe," and instead ordered the Ministry of Health to draw up the categorization.

He also instructed the ministry to create new Covid testing plans for visitors and prioritize flights.

Vietnam currently mandates a 21-day quarantine for all visitors from abroad, up from the previous 14 days after several people were diagnosed with the disease after completing quarantine.

Dam said reducing the quarantine duration to a week is crucial to commerce, would relieve the burden on quarantine zones and reduce expenses for entrants.

"In not more than a week the health ministry must issue the new guidance, and carry out Covid-19 testing and quarantining procedures in accordance with [it]."

Dam said testing is expensive, and so localities must have strategic plans for mass testing to prevent resource loss.

The latest Covid wave has caused 1,678 infections in 29 cities and provinces, including 618 in Bac Giang and 361 in Bac Ninh. The two hotspots are home to several large industrial parks that employ thousands of workers.
People line up at a coronavirus disease mobile vaccination unit in Beijing, China, April 14, 2021. Photo by Reuters/Thomas Peter.

Vietnamese in China and Laos are confident about authorities' policies to contain Covid-19, but not in Cambodia.

People in Beijing go out for work and other public activities, according to Doan Thi Quynh, a Vietnamese living in the Chinese capital.

"Of course it's not the old normal before Covid-19 existed. Citizens are cautious about the virus transmission risk and very conscious of taking preventive measures."

They follow the government's regulations on wearing masks and keeping a distance from one another in public places.

China has not reopened its borders.

It was the biggest Covid epicenter in early 2020 after the pandemic emerged in Wuhan, but within months life returned almost to pre-pandemic normality.

By Thursday the total number of infections in mainland China stood at 90,908, and the death toll was 4,636.

With vaccines in abundance, authorities have been encouraging people to participate in the free national vaccination program. In the beginning many expressed anxiety about possible side effects, but a majority of Beijings residents have been vaccinated by now.

Quynh got the second shot in early May but continues to wear a mask and regularly report her health status.

"I feel more secure after being fully vaccinated."

Doan Thi Quynh stands in front of her house in Beijing on May 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of Quynh.

In Shanghai, Le Thu Huong said she has not got the vaccine because she is a breastfeeding mother but many people in her city support and are taking part in the vaccination.

Huong saw that things were returning to normal "as if the pandemic had not ever caused serious impacts."

But the local government is still strict with preventive measures, and people are not for instance allowed to use public transport if they do not wear a mask, she said.

Furthermore, China is maintaining tight regulations on immigration, especially at a time when the Indian variant is spreading to various countries.

"I am not worried even if some new cases emerge."

Many Vietnamese in Laos also believe the government can control the situation though an outbreak erupted recently.

It ordered a lockdown from May 5, which Nguyen Hoa My, a Vietnamese living in Vientiane, saw as its usual quick response.

Laos closely follows Covid news from Vietnam and Thailand to ensure trade with them is safe.

The number of cases spiked in Laos in early May following New Year festivities in mid-April, but they began to go down recently.

My said people have better awareness of the danger compared to last year. Everyone wears masks in places allowed to open such as small traditional markets. Workers, including her, go to work in shifts to reduce transmission risks.

Nguyen Hoa My is in Plain of Jars, Xiengkhuang Province, Laos in early 2021. Photo courtesy of My.

People in Vientiane seem to prefer the U.K.'s AstraZeneca vaccine over China's Sinopharm, she said. She herself had a first shot in early April and will have the second one in June.

"I am still vigilant because having a vaccine does not ensure that I will not be infected."

Concurring with My about the government's quick action, Canda Sinpaseuth, a Vietnamese Laotian, said he supports the lockdown in the capital because the experience in other countries shows it is easy for the pandemic to get out of control if authorities do not act in time.

As a result the lockdown, the number of new cases declined sharply after the New Year in mid-April, he said.

Since then people have been complying with the rules of mask use in public places and not leaving home unless required, he said.

People in Laos are less skeptical now about vaccination compared to when it was first introduced, as vaccinated people have shown no dangerous side effects. Canda is set to get a Sinopharm shot next week.

Not enough assurance in Cambodia

Nguyen Kien, who lives in Phnom Penh, expressed deep concern because of authorities' "negligence."

They did not order a complete lockdown but instead designated areas with a large number of cases as red zones with strict rules. In other places, people are allowed to go to work.

The authorities do not trace people coming into close contact with patients. Only those who actually test positive are taken to hospital for treatment while others can quarantine at home.

Kien said keeping public spaces open is one reason for the quick spread of the virus.

He got a second shot of Sinopharm in late April, but has not tried to find a job after losing his old one.

"I don't know what else to do but stay at home to avoid the risk of infection."

Pham Thi Hanh, who lives in the same city, also refrains from going out except for work, and only goes to the market to buy food once every 10 days or two weeks.

She too was uneasy in the beginning since she feared things were "not safe enough."

Then she saw authorities begin to test regularly to find new cases and increase the number of programs encouraging people to wear masks and keep social distance.

"I am less anxious now."
March 30

Dylan Thomas Woten pleaded guilty to one count of driving under the influence, second offense, and one count of failure to maintain lane/improper lane change/failure to use a signal and was given a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail and was ordered to serve 10 days of residential confinement in lieu of additional jail time and pay $1,200 in fees and fines.

April 30

Salvador Garcia Espitia pleaded guilty to two counts of violating temporary order for protection against domestic violence and was given a suspended sentence of 90 days in jail.

-

Samantha Gandolfo pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and was given a suspended sentence of 90 days in jail and was ordered to complete 26 sessions of domestic violence counseling.

May 3
RENO (AP)  U.S. Forest Service officials in Nevada have started to crack down on its leash laws after recent reports of dogs attacking sheep used for wildfire reduction on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Officials said dogs at Whites Creek and Thomas Creek trails must be leashed within a mile of trailheads through June 30 to reduce the risk of attacks, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.

The U.S. Forest Services Carson Ranger District has deployed sheep in the Arrowcreek and Carson City areas for the last decade to reduce the amount of forest fuel that could spark wildfires. It contracts with Gardnerville-based Borda Land & Sheep Co.

The sheep are used to remove cheatgrass, a highly flammable invasive species, and other vegetation on more than 1.5 square miles south of Reno and about 500 acres west of Carson City.

However, District Fuels Specialist Steve Howell said there is at least one sheep attack a year.
An M-Pesa operator in Naivasha nearly lost Ksh60,000 to a fraudster on Saturday in a new popular trick that detectives have identified.

The fraudster is said to have tricked an employee of one Grace Wambui into giving him her personal mobile phone despite having been warned against doing so.

The criminal was a frequent customer at the M-Pesa outlet which doubles up as a cyber cafe. This is said to have gained the confidence of the employee.

My employee had saved my contact as Madam Boss, which the con man blocked and saved his own number as Madam Boss, without the knowledge of the employee, Ms Wambui said.

The fraudster would then send the employee a message directing her to send a total of Ksh60,000 to two different numbers.

Thinking she was communicating with her boss, the employee first sent Ksh33,000. As she was about to wire the remaining Sh27,000, the shop owner showed up and stopped the transaction.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Utah Democrats walked off the House floor Wednesday in protest of a resolution recommending that the state review curriculum that examines the ways in which race and racism influence American politics, culture and the law.

Republican lawmakers say they want to ensure that children arent being taught that one race is inherently superior or inferior to another as part of critical race theory, which highlights how historical inequities and racism continue to shape public policy and social conditions.

Critical race theory is not a part of curriculum in K-12 schools, and the state school board has said no board member has suggested including it.

Lawmakers initially intended to consider an outright ban on critical race theory during the special legislative session, but Republican Gov. Spencer Cox declined to place the bill on the agenda and recommended delaying it until the next general session.

Cox said Monday that the critical race theory ban and a proposal to declare Utah a Second Amendment sanctuary needed more time, thought, dialogue and input before being voted on.

In response, the House and Senate announced they would still bring both issues to the floor as separate resolutions over Coxs objections.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Rapper T.I. and his wife Tameka Tiny Harris are under investigation by police in Los Angeles after a sexual abuse allegation.

Los Angeles Police Officer Rosario Cervantes said Tuesday that an active investigation is underway. The investigation comes after a woman in Los Angeles and another in Las Vegas filed a police report that accused the couple of sexual assault.

A report was taken April 8 for a sexual assault involving the couple that occurred in 2005, Cervantes said. The police did not provide any additional details.

Las Vegas police received a report this month of a sexual assault incident in 2010 involving the couple. But the case was closed because it was reported outside the statute of limitations.

Steve Sadow, the attorney for T.I. and his wife, said his clients steadfastly deny and repudiate all the allegations. He said the couple has not spoken or been contacted by police in Los Angeles, Las Vegas or any other jurisdiction in the country.
BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on all capable countries to urgently provide COVID-19 vaccines to Africa while chairing a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate via video link.

"The international community should give more help on anti-pandemic supplies, medicines, technology and funding, especially through ways including non-reimbursable assistance, preferential procurement, technology transfer, and cooperative production, so as to ensure the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in Africa," he said.

In the face of the once-in-a-century pandemic, China and Africa are willing to jointly launch a partnership initiative to support Africa's development, Wang said.

He called on the international community to beef up support for Africa in such areas as fighting the pandemic, post-pandemic reconstruction, trade and investment, debt relief, food security, poverty reduction and alleviation, coping with climate change, as well as industrialization.

"China welcomes more countries and international organizations, especially Africa's traditional cooperation partners, to join this initiative, adhering to the principle of 'Africa-led, equal-footing, and openness', strengthening coordination and cooperation, committing to real multilateralism, so as to gather the strong force to support Africa's development," he said.

As the president of the UNSC for May, China convened a UNSC open debate on Wednesday on "Peace and Security in Africa: Addressing Root Causes of Conflict in Post-Pandemic Recovery in Africa".

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
Washington's latest policies to contain China will prove self-defeating, said Chas Freeman in an article published on the East Asia Forum.

PLAYING A LOSING GAME

"Washington would be easy to spot in a game of chess," argued the former US Assistant Secretary of Defense, "It's the player with no plan beyond an aggressive opening."

His article stated that Washington erred in its decision to launch a trade dispute against China.

Not only have the tariffs and sanctions failed to reduce US trade deficits, but they have also harmed American workers and consumers.

"US farmers have lost most of their US$24 billion Chinese market. US companies have had to accept lower profits, cut wages and jobs, defer wage hikes, and raise prices for American consumers," said the article.

According to a study commissioned by the US-China Business Council, the Sino-US trade conflicts have cost an estimated 245, 000 US jobs. The study also warned of an "escalation scenario" where the "decoupling" of the world's two largest economies could shave about $1.6 trillion off US GDP over the next five years.

HAWKING BACK TO THE OLD TONE

Despite the calls for steering US foreign policy back to the pre-Trump channels, President Joe Biden still echoes the tone of his predecessor by depicting Beijing as a threat to global order.

"It has become a cottage industry in Washington these days to highlight all the many ways in which China threatens US, Western, and Asian interests," said an opinion piece published in the Foreign Policy magazine.

Inflammatory adjectives are used when describing Beijing's "expansionist" and "aggressive" military, "implacably hostile" ideology, "predatory" economic and tech policies, and "insidious" overseas influence operations.

Chinese activities, as Biden declared in the US - Japan Joint Leaders' Statement, are "inconsistent with the international rules-based order", and allegedly harm the "peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world".

The same old same old.

Washington needs to respond to a changing China based on facts, not dangerous rhetoric, the article pointed out.

Take a closer look at the concern over China's "aggressive" military. The truth is there are US aircraft and ships aggressively patrolling China's borders, but no Chinese aircraft or ships off America's coast. While the conventional military of China lives on what is equivalent to a fraction of US military budget, China's nuclear capabilities are also far below those of the US'.

It's clear that the actual challenge for the US is not the imagined existential threats posed by China. Instead, it lies in developing a factually based understanding of China's development and the opportunities China offers.

BRINGING CHINA INTO THE FOLD

Decoupling is the wrong way to go. Antagonism, seeking to hamstring one other, is not counterproductive. It entrenches hostility, justifies hatred, injures, and threatens to weaken both sides, said Freeman.

In the context of bilateral cooperation, China's capacity could be understood as leverage instead of threats to serve US interests.

As Freeman wrote in his article, Washington should work with China to ease the inevitable transition from dollar hegemony to a multilateral monetary order in ways that preserve American influence; leverage, not boycott, China's "Belt and Road" Initiative to benefit from its opportunities and connectivities; and expand consular relations, restore exchanges, and promote Chinese studies to enhance understanding of China.

The former US official also stressed the need for a US policy involving the competitive efforts to deal with common overriding threats.

"The United States needs to cooperate with China to reform global governance and address global problems of common concern like the mitigation of environmental degradation, pandemics, nuclear proliferation, global economic and financial instability, global poverty, and set standards for new technologies."

To cope with global challenges, countries, without exception, want multilateral backing rather than unilateral US confrontation. If the US won't give up confrontation with China, it will find itself in isolation.

[ Editor: WXL ]
WENCHANG, Hainan, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China plans to launch the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft at around 1:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Wednesday.

The Long March-7 Y3 carrier rocket, carrying the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft, is filled with propellant and ready for launch, said the CMSA.

[ Editor: WPY ]
XI'AN, May 18 (Xinhua) -- A new museum displaying two bronze chariots and horses opened in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Tuesday.

The two bronze chariots and horses have attracted global attention since they were unearthed in 1980 at the mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang.

Multimedia technologies have been used to better present the chariots and horses system and etiquette culture during the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.).

More exhibits consist of photos of the excavation site at the mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang, bronze relics related to chariots and horses, and those concerning the manufacturing technology at the time.

When the two bronze masterpieces were discovered, they were broken into more than 3,000 pieces due to the collapse of the upper soil, said Wu Yongqi, a researcher at Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum.

It took cultural relics experts eight years to restore the bronze chariots and horses and bring them to life, according to Wu.

The bronze chariots and horses are highly valuable in terms of history, technology and art, as they reflect the ancient metallurgical casting process, and provide detailed information about the shape and structure of wagons in the Qin Dynasty, Wu added.

[ Editor: WPY ]
On Thursday, May 20, the first fuselage of the An-178T aircraft for the needs of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was demonstrated on the territory of the state-owned enterprise Antonov, the press service of the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine reported.

"Of course, there is still a lot of work ahead - the integration of import substitution components, the testing phase, etc., but another important step in the process of restoring the country's aviation industry has been made," said Oleh Urusky, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine.

It is noted that Antonov received an order under state guarantees for the construction of three An-178T military transport aircraft for the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine at the end of 2020. The contract is valid until 2024, however, according to Urusky, the first aircraft may be handed over to the military in the spring of 2023.

Urusky thanked the Anotov team and added that the Ministry for Strategic Industries, for its part, is carrying out fundamental work to reform the aerospace industry and the defense industry, which is aimed at creating all the necessary conditions for the effective operation of the industry.
The Verkhovna Rada has appointed Oleksandr Kubrakov as Minister of Infrastructure.

His candidacy was supported by 284 MPs at a plenary session on Thursday.

Oleksandr Kubrakov, born in 1982, has been the head of the State Agency for Highways (Ukravtodor) since November 19, 2019. He is an entrepreneur, expert on digital and road infrastructure, member of parliament of the IX convocation from the Servant of the People party (he retired from responsibility of an MP from December 3, 2019).

He began his career as a marketing manager, was the head of the market monitoring department, and later the head of the marketing department of the fixed business of the telecom operator Kyivstar. In 2007-2009, he worked as the head of the strategic marketing department of JSB Finance and Credit. From 2011 to 2015, he was an advisor to the mayor of Kyiv, in 2015-2016 - the head of the project office of the Ministry of Justice. From 2016 to 2019, he worked as the head of the telecommunications and IT sector at BRDO, and was also the executive director of the Ukrainian Information Technologies Association.

As reported, on May 18. the parliament dismissed Vladyslav Krykliy from the post of Minister of Infrastructure. Krykliy has worked in this post since August 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has said more partnerships between Kenyan and American Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will help unlock the huge trade potential that exists between the two nations.

The President invited American SMEs to invest more in the country by entering into mutually beneficial arrangements with their Kenyan counterparts, adding that the enterprises are the backbone of Kenyas vibrant economy.

This is where the real opportunity lies. This is not to say that we are telling the big boys not to come in, they are already here. The big corporates are already here.

But they dont have the capacity to propel inclusive growth as the small and medium enterprises that have a much greater capacity of affecting lives and changing the livelihoods at the grassroots level, President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke Tuesday evening during a virtual US Chamber of Commerce Global Leaders Forum on Economic Recovery.

The President said Kenya is keen on concluding negotiations for the free trade agreement with the US and underscored the importance of the private sector in Kenyas economic growth and job creation.

He invited American enterprises to set shop in Kenya saying the country provides a ready market for US products, and has an expanding economy supported by an innovative and highly skilled young labour force that is ready to absorb American investments and technology.

I believe this is a mutually beneficial relationship that offers investment opportunities with great returns for American companies while at the same time offering job opportunities to Kenyans, the President said.

President Kenyatta also spoke about climate change, saying Kenya was utilizing mobile phone technologies to boost environmental conservation and agricultural productivity efforts by sharing of information on smart farming practices, better soil management and water conservation practices with farmers.

These are some of the things that we are doing to improve farming but also to make it more climate-friendly while at the same time increasing yields and reducing costs to farmers, President Kenyatta said.

He said Kenya had made tremendous progress in the energy sector where the focus has been on the use of green sources of electricity to power the countrys agriculture and industrial sectors.

Kenya is, for example, ranked among the top 10 in the world because we now have almost 90 percent of our power coming from green sources  be it geothermal, wind or solar as well as hydro which has been the traditional source in Kenya for a very long time, the President said.

President Kenyatta also spoke about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying the multilateral trade arrangement had consolidated Africas market of over one billion people into one basket making the continent an attractive investment destination for American businesses.

On Covid-19, President Kenyatta said his administrations adoption of a whole-of-government approach had helped slow down the spread of the disease in the country.

He called for increased availability of vaccines to African countries, saying focus must be directed to ensuring that developing and developed countries have equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.

No one is going to be safe until everybody is safe. The world economy is not going to recover until everybody is safe. Vaccines availability is going to be the key to getting the world economy back on its feet, President Kenyatta said.

US Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Myron Brilliant assured President Kenyatta of his associations full backing of the Kenya-US free trade agreement negotiations and the countrys Covid-19 containment efforts.

We also support Kenya in combating the pandemic (Covid-19), and support your efforts in enhancing trade and investment opportunities, Mr Brilliant said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the ex-executive board chairman of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy Andriy Kobolev for misuse of funds for lobbyist offices, financing of media and individual journalists.

"There is a lot of money, and it is not you, not me, but all Ukrainian citizens who pay it. This is a serious problem," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

The head of state said that the dismissal of Kobolev is primarily due to the negative financial result shown by the company in 2020.

"Naftogaz shall fill the budget in accordance with their promises and in accordance with their operation plans," Zelensky said.
JSC Ukrposhta and one of the world's largest logistics operators Cainiao (China, part of the Alibaba group) have optimized IT infrastructure and are transferring shipments without tracking to AliExpress in a controlled format, according to a posting on the website of the Ukrainian state postal operator on Thursday.

Thanks to this solution, Ukrposhta customers are able to track the status of everyone, including inexpensive goods, without additional price increases.

All orders have a tracking number in the SK123456789LV format and are tracked all the way, from China to Ukraine; the customer will be informed about the receipt of the parcel in a post office by SMS or Viber message. Delivery time from the moment of ordering to receiving in Ukraine is 14-20 days.

"It is important to note that in most cases the delivery of Cainiao Super Economy is free for the client, but at the same time the client gets fast delivery time, the ability to track at all stages and inform about the arrival of the parcel at a post office. We want Ukrainian buyers to choose Ukrposhta for delivery parcels from China, and in the future we will work to improve the service," Director of the International Operations Department of Ukrposhta Yulia Pavlenko said.

Previously, the cost-effective way of sending without tracking and SMS was used to send goods worth up to $2.

Now, instead of simple letters, Ukrposhta will use tracking shipments, which means that all shipments when choosing Cainiao Super Economy delivery with free delivery will be tracked in the personal account and the AliExpress application and on the Ukrposhta website.

"Ukraine has become one of the first countries for AliExpress to launch a service for providing tracking statuses for low-cost purchases. According to analysts at Cainiao, thanks to the introduction of tracking parcels, the number of undelivered parcels is more than halved," the company said.

Ukrposhta also services such delivery channels from AliExpress as AliExpress Saver Shipping, Cainiao Super Economy, Singapore post, ePacket, China Post. Parcels from AliExpress are delivered by charter flights twice a week.

Delivery time for parcels from China is only 14-20 days.
The Verkhovna Rada has appointed Oleksiy Liubchenko to the post of First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy. Some 293 MPs voted for the corresponding resolution at a plenary session on Thursday.

As reported, on Tuesday, the parliament dismissed Ihor Petrashko from the post of Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture. He has been in this position since March 17, 2020.

The Cabinet of Ministers appointed Oleksiy Liubchenko as the head of the State Tax Service in April 2020 without competition, according to a simplified procedure for the quarantine period, and in April 2021 the government signed a five-year contract with him.

Liubchenko was born in the village of Orlovets, Horodyshchensky district in Cherkasy region on September 21, 1971. In 1993, he graduated with honors from Kyiv State Economic University (economic and social planning). In 2003-2005, he headed the State Tax Administration of Cherkasy region, in 2009 he moved to the head office of the tax department, where he subsequently held the position of deputy head of the department for two years, and then director of the department of taxation of legal entities of the State Tax Service. From 2012 to 2014, Liubchenko was an assistant to deputy of the VII convocation Viktor Tymoshenko, and in 2012 he became vice president of JSC Ukrahrokhimholding. In July 2014, Liubchenko became an advisor in the department of support for the activities of the State Fiscal Service, and in October 2015 he returned to Ukragrokhimholding as the first vice president.
Yuriy Vitrenko, head of the board of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy, dozens of Ukrainian parliamentarians and civil society leaders have addressed an open letter to the United States and European countries, in which they urge to maintain sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project.

"Nord Stream 2 remains a major geostrategic threat to Ukraine and Europe. We call on stakeholders in Washington, Berlin, and Brussels in a position of authority and responsibility to apply all means necessary to stop this project," the Naftogaz press service said, citing the letter.

According to it, the document expresses concern over the proposals of the U.S. Department of State, submitted to the Congress, to waive sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG (Switzerland), the management and employees of this company.

The authors of the letter remind that earlier U.S. President Joe Biden had already expressed his position on the inadmissibility of completing Nord Stream 2, calling it "a bad deal for Europe," the implementation of which will lead to increased energy dependence on Russia and destabilization in Ukraine.

Naftogaz said that the European Parliament also supports the immediate termination of the Russian project. Therefore, Ukrainian parliamentarians and civil society leaders appeal to Germany to stop construction.

"We support the U.S. and European calls on Germany to help stop this Russian geopolitical project [...] This diversionary pipeline threatens European unity, contradicts the climate goals, and subverts the EU's common energy policy," the letter said.

The authors of the letter remind that the commissioning of Nord Stream 2 will not only lead to economic consequences, but will also embolden Russia in further military aggression against Ukraine.

"By hesitating to apply existing laws and impose sanctions on companies currently involved in Nord Stream 2 pipe-laying, the United States is sending a dangerous message to Russia, one that will affect Russian behavior far beyond Nord Stream 2," the letter said.

As reported, the State Department on Wednesday submitted to Congress a report on sanctions related to Nord Stream 2. According to the law, the U.S. administration must submit such reports to congressmen every three months. According to the report, the pipeline operator Nord Stream 2 AG is not subject to sanctions, as the administration decided that such restrictive measures were contrary to the national interests of the United States.

According to the U.S. media, the report says that the U.S. administration, as part of its opposition to the Nord Stream 2 project, has decided to impose sanctions against four Russian structures and four courts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that lifting sanctions on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be a defeat for the United States and President Biden personally.

Earlier, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov instructed the profile committee to consider a draft resolution on the parliament's appeal to the House of Representatives and the Senate of the U.S. Congress to impose sanctions in connection with the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
Fifth president of Ukraine (2014-2019), leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, is convinced that those who made the decision to detain the suspect in the Sheremet case, Andriy Antonenko (stage name Riffmaster), will be held accountable for this, according to European Solidarity website on Wednesday.

"We will prove that it was a crime. And they will definitely be responsible for each of the 500 days when Riffmaster was imprisoned. They will be held accountable for these crimes - both in relation to Andriy and in relation to Yulia Kuzmenko," Poroshenko said during a meeting with Antonenko, who is currently under house arrest.

The politician noted the huge role that Antonenko played in the creation of the Special Operations Forces. "Everyone knows about the huge role that Andriy played in the process of creating the Special Operations Forces. I am proud that my signature is under the decree on the creation of the Special Operations Forces as a separate branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I am proud of our special forces, our soldiers, who already performed the most difficult tasks during the armed aggression," the leader of European Solidarity said.

"Today is a good day when I can shake hands with Andriy at home, but next time let's agree that we do it on the street and when there is an opportunity to take off the bracelet. Ukraine must see that we do not abandon our people. Truth always wins," Poroshenko said.
The number one priority for the Ministry of Health will be overcoming of COVID-19 disease, said Deputy Minister of Health, Chief State Sanitary Doctor, candidate for Minister of Health Viktor Liashko during a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada on Thursday.

"Number one priority for me is overcoming the coronavirus disease. We will do everything so that Ukrainians can get vaccinated, work and travel. But this pandemic is not over yet and, unfortunately, it is not the last. That is why the biological safety of citizens will become a priority for the ministry. In the fall, we will have a completely different readiness of the health care system to respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases and epidemics, approaches to responding to radiation and chemical threats will be completely revised," he said.

Liashko noted that by the end of 2021, everyone who wants to be vaccinated against coronavirus will be able to do so.

The deputy minister added that Ukraine needs its own vaccine production.

"We need our own production of vaccines. The Ministry of Health will determine a list of critical medicines, offer a stable government order so that investors deploy capacities for their production in Ukraine and provide products to our citizens as a priority," he said.

Liashko also noted that by the end of the year it is planned to expand the "Affordable Medicines" program to new diseases, to approve new industry standards.
Visits by Ukrainian and Israeli business representatives to present capacity and build ties will resume after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was agreed during the meeting of the Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk with the President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Israel Uriel Lynn, the Embassy reported at Facebook.

The traditionally friendly and mutually beneficial nature of cooperation between the CCI of Ukraine and the State of Israel was mutually stated. After overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, it was agreed to resume offline activities for Ukrainian business, including organizing visits on a regional or sectoral basis to present economic and investment potential, and establish business ties, - the statement reads.

The Ukrainian side was acquainted with the principles and main directions of the Federation's activities, the specifics of the Israeli economy, the country's monetary policy, as well as measures to encourage international business activity.

At her request, the Israeli side was informed about the main challenges facing the Ukrainian government, measures to combat COVID-19 and the priorities of the Embassy of Ukraine in the economic field, - the statement said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that France and Germany are somewhat weakening their positions in relation to the Russian Federation and expects from them stronger support for Ukraine.

"We understand that we will go further in the Normandy format. I had a meeting with President Emanuel Macron in video format, and with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. I feel their support. I think they should provide more support ... I think they are slightly weakening their positions regarding Russia these days," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, answering a question from an Interfax-Ukraine's correspondent.

The head of the Ukrainian state said that the weakening of positions in relation to the Russian Federation is associated, in particular, with the economic situation, in particular, with the pressure within their countries from business in the context of the sanctions.

"For example, in Germany, this is due to the fact that there is also economic pressure due to the sanctions policy regarding Nord Stream 2. It's a very difficult choice. But so far I know that they support Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that the era of poverty will end when everyone pays taxes and complete deregulation takes place.

"As for poverty, not everything depends on me. To be honest, I put pressure on the government to increase both the minimum wage and pensions. It is not easy for them with me, on the one hand, and it is not easy with filling the budget," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

The President noted that the economy is not developing very well.

"The era of poverty will end only when everyone pays taxes, when there is deregulation and when the state is digitized as much as possible. All this will happen for sure," he added.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about the ongoing negotiations at the level of the administrations of the presidents of Ukraine and the Russian Federation about the possibility of his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"Now there are coordinated clusters regarding the end of the war, clusters between Germany and France. There is no agreement with the Russian side. Therefore, as far as you know, I proposed a meeting to the President of the Russian Federation, I suggested meeting anywhere in our Donbas. The President of the Russian Federation, you probably saw, proposed to hold a meeting in Moscow. But traditionally, in such situations of a conflict, presidents either meet in one of the places of a conflict, or on neutral territory. Let me tell you frankly, a conversation has begun between the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Russian Federation," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.
The hearing of a case in which a man allegedly pushed a woman from the 12th floor of a building resumed Tuesday, with the first witness taking the stand.

John Kitavi, head of security at Ambank building in Nairobi CBD, told the court he heard Eunice Wangari scream for help after she fell from the 12th floor to the 9th floor of the building.

The accused came to me saying that a woman has fallen down and requested we go and help her. We rushed there and found her in pain, he recounted.

The witness told Milimani Principal Magistrate Esther Kimilu that the plaintiff said the accused Moses Gatama Njoroge had pushed her off the window.

RELATED: Denied Sex on First Date, Man Throws Woman From 12th Floor of Nairobi CBD Building

Kitavi also told the court the woman looked drunk at that time judging from how she was talking.

Njoroge was at the scene and has an office at the building and the windows are big and have no grills.

The window is wide and if leaned on, someone can fall down. I called the control room for backup and police from central came to the scene and took over the matter, the court heard.

The head of security at Ambank building also said he did not see Ms Wangari fall.

I cant say the accused pushed the woman down because theres no CCTV at the veranda, Kitavi said.

The accused Moses Njirige is facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Eunice Wangari.

The hearing continues on June 15.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that businessman Ihor Kolomoisky and MP (Opposition Platform - For Life faction) Viktor Medvedchuk no longer have the influence they had before.

"We understand the situation with Medvedchuk now, as well as the situation with Kolomoisky. We understand perfectly well: they no longer have the influence that they had," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

In addition, the president said that the draft law on de-oligarchization will prohibit officials, including the president, from meeting with large businessmen. At the same time, he noted that if there is such a need, then such a meeting should be held publicly, and a report should be issued on its results.
Zelensky on possibility of reaching agreement with Putin on ending Donbas war: I believe in it, we have no other chance

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky believes in the possibility of ending the war in Donbas under the presidency of Vladimir Putin in the Russian Federation.

At a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, answering the question whether he considers it possible to reach an agreement with Putin and whether it is likely to end the war while Putin is the president of the Russian Federation, Zelensky said: "You and I have no other chance. We must stop the war now, when the president of the Russian Federation is Putin, I really want it, I believe in it."
The lifting of sanctions on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be a defeat for the United States and President Joe Biden personally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

"For example, now I believe that there is a big risk that they [Russia] may put pressure on the United States or they will have some kind of agreement and lift sanctions on Nord Stream. Almost 95% have been built there, and 5% is left. I believe that this will be a loss for the United States of America. I believe that this will be a personal loss for President Biden. I say this frankly that this will be a serious geopolitical victory for the Russian Federation and a new redistribution of forces and influence," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

Regarding the possibility of a meeting between the presidents of the United States and the Russian Federation, Zelensky said that this meeting is necessary.

"President Biden knows my position, we discussed it with the U.S. Secretary of State, that they will discuss the Ukrainian issue only in that space and in the agenda that they will agree with us before. Are there any risks that they will raise some issues, despite our agreements? I am sure that there are such risks," the president said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky notes that the accession of various countries to the Crimean Platform threatens them with complications in relations with the Russian Federation.

"This is a serious challenge for all countries that will come to us, due to complications in relations with the Russian Federation as a result of the creation of the Crimean Platform. It is, indeed, very difficult for Russia to react and perceive the Crimean Platform," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

At the same time, he noted that it is very important for Ukraine "that at the end of seven years of war and illegal annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, at least something should finally appear." "I am glad that today this is not 'at least something,' but really the first serious platform for the de-occupation of Crimea," the head of state said.

He said that the Crimean Platform will consider steps to de-occupy the peninsula.

"We will finally open a permanent office of the Crimean Platform. These will be professionals who, every day, from lawyers to economists, to humanitarian specialists, will deal with the issues of the occupied Crimea and the issues of people who should receive humanitarian aid, and those who are there in prisons  both of Crimea and the Russian Federation. This is a very serious step forward," Zelensky said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects active work of the entire judicial system, in particular in the fight against corruption.

"We are looking forward to the serious work of the entire judicial system, the judicial sector, including the Anti-Corruption Court. We really want this or that court not to release people for bribes," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

He said that this is an important institution, and he does everything to ensure that it is not influenced.

"We heard NABU and understood that it was necessary to start the work of the Anti-Corruption Court very quickly, and we all thought and still very much believe that there will be sentences. These are sentences from the work of NABU. There is only one court that gives these sentences  these are the sentences of the Anti-Corruption Court. And it is very important for us that these sentences will be clear and harsh. I do not see them, but I believe they will come," the President said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington did not prepare the visit of the President's Office head to the United States, MFA Spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko said.

"If the head of the President's Office was planning an official visit to the United States or another country in the world, its organization and preparation would take place exclusively through official diplomatic channels. The reports of some media outlets about the allegedly planned trip are the initiative of individuals," Nikolenko told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

According to him, in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine, external relations are carried out through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In particular, in relations with the United States, the organization of official visits of Ukrainian and U.S. officials is carried out by diplomatic and not third-party channels, he said.

"In this regard, we would like to inform you that the President's Office did not voice any initiatives to prepare the visit of President's Office head Andriy Yermak to the United States, and also, according to the information available at the Foreign Ministry, did not authorize unauthorized persons to organize such a visit. Accordingly, the Foreign Ministry and the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington did not prepare such a visit," Nikolenko said.
The number of candidates for the 15th National Assembly totals 866, from which 500 will be elected.

A breakdown of candidates shows that 393 are women, 185 are members of ethnic minority groups, 74 are non-Party members, 224 are under 40 and 9 are self-nominated candidates.

Among the 866 candidates, 204 are seeking re-election to the National Assembly.

For the provincial Peoples Councils, voters will select 3,726 representatives from a total of 6,199 candidates, while 22,952 representatives will be picked from 37,468 candidates at the district level.

At the commune level, voters will elect 242,312 representatives from 405,244 candidates.

According to the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, at the request of election commissions in 15 provinces and cities, early elections will be held in some remote, border and island areas to help ensure a high voter turnout.

On May 17 and 19, Politburo member and Permanent member of the Secretariat Vo Van Thuong attended virtual meetings between voters of Da Nang and National Assembly candidates representing the central city.

At the meetings, Thuong presented his action programme, in which he vowed to put forward substantive measures to build Da Nang into a major centre of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

He also pledged to step up Party rectification and the fight against corruption in the spirit that there are no no-go areas, no exclusions and no influence from any organisations nor individuals.
Don Pramudwinai spoke highly of Vietnams fight against COVID-19, socio-economic development, significant external achievements, success in its role as ASEAN Chair 2020, a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and UNSC Chair in April.

He affirmed that Thailand attaches importance to the enhanced strategic partnership with Vietnam.

Son, for his part, lauded the efficiency of bilateral collaboration in various areas, adding that Thailand remains Vietnams largest trade partner in ASEAN and the ninth largest investor despite the pandemic.

Both sides consented to closely work to celebrate the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (August 6), continue facilitating the exchange of delegations at all levels, effectively carry out bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the fourth Joint Cabinet meeting co-chaired by the two PMs, the fourth Inter-Committee on Bilateral Cooperation at ministerial level, and the eighth political consultation at deputy ministerial level.

They agreed to soon sign an action programme to realise enhanced strategic partnership for the 2021-2025 period, work closely together to cope with the pandemic and access safe and effective vaccines.

Minister Son suggested Thailand mitigate trade barriers and share information related to export-import procedures and regulations.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, they affirmed ASEANs central role in helping Myanmar overcome existing challenges.

The two sides pledged to partner with ASEAN to push forward Myanmars implementation of Five-point consensus adopted at the ASEAN Leaders Summit in April.
The Vietnamese delegation was led by Lieutenant General Vu Chien Thang, Director General of the Foreign Relations Department under the Ministry of Defence.

At the dialogue, Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Maawiah, Permanent Secretary of the Brunei Ministry of Defence, called on nations to boost their sound collaboration, including strong defence cooperation, in the context that the region and the world are facing a wide range of security challenges.

He expressed his hope that the ARF member countries will have more opportunities to learn from each other, as well as work closely to help the region get ready and stay resilient to cope with future challenges, particularly the critical impacts of COVID-19.

This year DOD aimed to discuss measures to narrow gap in knowledge of emerging technologies between nations, and their influences on defence-security.

Participants also worked to agree the agenda in preparation for the 18th ASEAN Regional Forum Security Policy Conference (ASPC-18) scheduled for late this month. It will be hosted by Brunei and in the form of video conference.
A road sign directs traffic towards the Nord Stream 2 gas line landfall facility entrance in Lubmin, Germany, (Photo : REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke/File Photo)

The Biden administration waived sanctions on the company behind Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany and its chief executive, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, a move decried by critics of the project in Congress.



A State Department report sent to Congress concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity. But Blinken immediately waived those sanctions, saying that it was in the U.S. national interest.



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The decision came as the Biden administration seeks to rebuild ties with Germany, after relations deteriorated under Republican former President Donald Trump. The waivers have no specific end date, but can be rescinded by the secretary of state.



The State Department imposed sanctions on four Russian ships, including the Akademik Cherskiy, which began pipe-laying for the project in Danish waters in April. It also imposed the measures on five other Russian entities, including the Russian Marine Rescue Service.



"Today's actions demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe, consistent with the President's pledge to rebuild relationships with our allies and partners in Europe," Blinken said in a release, issued as he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Iceland for an Arctic Council conference.



President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has opposed the $11 billion project that would take Russian gas from the Arctic to Germany, saying it is a bad deal for Europe. The United States is an exporter of natural gas to Europe in the form of LNG, but Russian gas is cheaper.



Washington fears Russia could use Nord Stream 2 as leverage to weaken European Union states by increasing dependency on Moscow.



STOPPING PIPELINE IS A 'LONG SHOT'



Russia's state energy company, Gazprom, and its Western partners are racing to finish the pipeline to send natural gas under the Baltic Sea. The project, now about 95% complete, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of lucrative transit fees and potentially undermining its struggle against Russian aggression.



A U.S. official conceded that stopping the project would be difficult but that Washington would keep trying. "We inherited a pipeline that was over 90% complete and so stopping it has always been a long shot," the State Department official said.



At the rate it is being constructed, Nord Stream 2 will be finished before the end of the year, if not sooner, analysts said.



U.S. lawmakers from both parties who oppose the project said the sanctions did not go far enough, as Russia could likely continue work.



Senator Jim Risch, the senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the waivers will be "a gift to Putin that will only weaken the United States' leverage in the lead up to the impending Biden-Putin summit."



Biden "should do everything possible to accomplish what the Trump administration failed to do for four years: stop the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline for good," said Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat and chair of the committee.



Yuriy Vitrenko, the new CEO of Ukraine's state-owned energy company, Naftogaz, said Nord Stream 2 is Russia's "most malign and dangerous geopolitical project" and that Ukraine would ask Washington to fully apply its laws and impose sanctions to stop the pipeline.



U.S. officials hope the waiver will give time for discussions with Germany on potential negative effects of the pipeline and provide some leverage to deepen cooperation on broader issues, such as the pandemic, climate change, the economic recovery and dealing with China and Russia.



The waiver also "provides space for diplomatic engagement with Germany to address the risks that a completed pipeline would pose to Ukraine and European energy security," the State Department official told reporters.



Germany has been pressing for the United States to drop its opposition to the project, arguing that the overall relationship was too important to sacrifice over what Berlin has described as a commercial project.



"We see this as a constructive step, which we are happy to further discuss with our partners in Washington," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters.



Russian officials signaled on Wednesday that waivers could help mend Washington's fraught ties with Moscow.


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U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) talks to reporters as he transits the underground subway at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution blocking a $735 million weapons sale to Israel on Thursday, mirroring a symbolic action by the House of Representatives in response to conflict between Israel and Gaza's Hamas leaders.



"At a moment when U.S.-made bombs are devastating Gaza, and killing women and children, we cannot simply let another huge arms sale go through without even a congressional debate," said Sanders, an independent who votes with Democrats.



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Democratic President Joe Biden's administration approved the potential sale of $735 million in weapons to Israel this year, and sent it to Congress on May 5 for formal review.



The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees all backed the sale during an informal review before May 5. And lawmakers predicted efforts to stop the sale would fail, given traditionally strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate for arms sales to Israel.



Senator Bob Menendez, the Democratic chairman of Senate Foreign Relations, said he would oppose the Sanders resolution. He also said he was not certain that Sanders had filed it within a required 15-day period.



"I can't imagine that passing," Senator Jim Risch, the committee's top Republican, told reporters.



The clashes have prompted calls from some lawmakers for a more concerted U.S. effort to stop the violence, including Israeli airstrikes that have killed dozens of civilians, most of them Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.



Sanders, a former candidate for Democratic presidential nomination, said Americans need to take a "hard look" at whether the weapons sales fuel conflict between Israel and Palestinians.



His resolution follows a measure introduced by U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan and Rashida Tlaib, which has at least six other co-sponsors, including some of the most left-leaning Democrats in the House.


A Palestinian woman carrying her son evacuates after their tower building was hit by Israeli air strikes, amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, in Gaza City (Photo : REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)

The United States on Thursday defended its efforts to broker a ceasefire in renewed fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants after Washington found itself isolated at the United Nations over its opposition to any Security Council action.



"We have not been silent," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the 193-member U.N. General Assembly as it met to discuss the violence. "In fact, I don't believe that there's any country working more urgently and more fervently toward peace."



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The United States has repeatedly objected to a U.N. Security Council statement since fighting erupted 11 days ago between Israel and Hamas militants and other groups in Gaza. The United States then expressed opposition on Wednesday to a French push for a council resolution on the conflict.



When U.S. President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, he said the United States believes "Israel is now in a position to begin winding down the conflict and we expect a significant de-escalation to begin," Thomas-Greenfield said.



The United States has traditionally shielded its ally Israel at the United Nations.



The French draft text demands an immediate cessation of hostilities and condemns "the indiscriminate firing of rockets against civilian areas," without laying blame. It urges protection of civilians and revival of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians with the aim of creating two states.



Despite the U.S. stance on a resolution, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said his country would forge ahead in the hope that the council could unanimously adopt a resolution.



"It is vital that the cessation of hostilities takes place and that humanitarian aid is organized very quickly for Gaza," he told reporters in Dublin.



Diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire in the Gaza war gathered pace on Thursday amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, but fighting between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas continued.



U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to allow rapid and unhindered aid access and told the General Assembly he would launch a full humanitarian appeal for funding as soon as possible.



"If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza today," Guterres said.



"The hostilities have caused serious damage to vital civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including roads and electricity lines, contributing to a humanitarian emergency. Crossings into Gaza have been closed and power shortages are affecting water supplies," Guterres added.



Hundreds of buildings and homes have been destroyed or damaged, Guterres said, and airstrikes have damaged several hospitals. Some 50,000 people were seeking shelter in U.N. schools, mosques and other places with little access to water, food, hygiene or health services, Guterres added.



"The needs in Gaza in particular are immense," Thomas-Greenfield said. "We hope the international community will step up to meet the humanitarian needs on the ground."


Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa hailed during a meeting in Paris with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday Egypt's efforts to prevent illegal migration across its coasts and welcoming refugees, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

Costa, whose country is currently chairing the Council of the European Union, praised Egypt for hosting millions of refugees and granting them full rights while not asking for support from the international community in return.

El-Sisi in April told German newspaper Die Welt that Egypt is currently hosting six million refugees and has stopped illegal migration through its coasts to Europe since 2016.

The president added that Egypt does not ask for anything in return from Europe and is not planning to exploit the issue politically or economically.

El-Sisi is on an official visit to Paris to attend an international conference to support Sudan during its transitional period. He also held bilateral talks with Macron at the Elysee.

During his meeting with El-Sisi, Costa affirmed Portugal's keenness to enhance cooperative and friendship relations with Egypt and to support Egyptian efforts in achieving comprehensive economic development, the statement read.

El-Sisi hailed efforts made by Portugal, as the current president of the Council of the European Union, to support African causes.

The president also praised the firm coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

El-Sisi highlighted the importance of continuing and enhancing regular and periodical coordination mechanisms between the two countries.

El-Sisi and Costa also discussed developments of the regional situation in light of the serious challenges facing the Middle East, the statement said. They agreed on continuing coordination in this regard.

They also discussed enhancing bilateral relations in several fields, especially tourism and trade, added the statement.

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Egyptian Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati said on Wednesday in a TV interview with Egyptian TV channel DMC that Egypt has prepared three scenarios to deal with the Grand Renaissance Ethiopian Dams (GERD) second filling if Egypt and Sudan fail to reach to a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia before next July.

The scenarios depend on the size of the annual flood.

The first scenario is having a large-scale Nile river flood which will result in a safe amount of water in the Aswan High Dams lake that will allow Egypt to overcome the second filing of the GERD safely, Abdel-Ati said.

The second scenario, according to the minister, is having an average sized flood, which will provide Egypt with the same quantity of water which Ethiopia will reserve for the GERD.

The third scenario, which is the worst-case-scenario, is to have drought at the same time of the GERDs second filing.

Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati revealed that the Ministry of Irrigation has taken several precautionary steps to face any shortage in water like reducing the agricultural spaces used for the cultivation of water-hungry crops like rice and bananas, as well as establishing agricultural drainage treatment plants and rain harvesting stations and dams in addition to the canal lining project.

He also stated that the second filing of the GERD will negatively impact Sudan more, pointing out the negative consequences Sudan suffered following the first filing of the GERD in 2020 due to Ethiopias unliteral actions.

Ethiopia plans to reserve 13.5 billion cubic meters of water during the second filling, Abdel-Ati told DMC, adding that the second filing will reduce the quantity of water coming to Egypt, especially if it happens during a drought.

Sudan warned last month that it would take legal action if Ethiopia moved forward with the second filling of the GERD in July without first signing a legally binding agreement.

Egypts 100 million-plus population is dependent on the Nile River for over 95 percent of its renewable water resources.

Sudan fears the GERD would put the operation of its Roseires dam and the lives of 20 million Sudanese citizens at a very high risk if an agreement regulating its operation and filling is not reached before the second filling.

Egypt fears that the massive $4.8 billion Ethiopian hydropower project will significantly diminish its crucial water supply, which is already below scarcity level.

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Egypt has banned on Thursday the entry of seven Indian passengers after testing positive for COVID-19 upon arrival despite of a presented negative PCR test.

Informed sources told Al-Ahram Arabic news website that health authorities at the airport tested seven Indian passengers arriving from Oman for the virus using the newly used rapid molecular test, known as ID NOW, that only takes 15 minutes to detect coronavirus infections.

The passengers have been isolated at an airport hall, before boarding the same flight back to Muscat.

The sources said that the airports health authorities have asked all airline operators arriving at Cairo airport to provide the names of passengers arriving from countries where the Indian COVID-19 variant has been detected.

Egypt said earlier in May that it will conduct a rapid coronavirus test for visitors from countries where coronavirus variants emerged upon their arrival in the country.

Health officials said Egypt did not detect any case of the Indian COVID-19 variant to date.

Egyptians and non-Egyptians coming from countries with coronavirus variants are required to undergo the test, and they will also be subjected to medical examination.

PCR test results are also required, which the visitors have to submit before entering the country.

The move comes as many countries are currently seeing a new variant of coronavirus, the B1617, which was first detected in India and is scientifically believed to be more transmissible.

India has been recently hit by one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks, with the new variant pushing infections to over 400,000 new daily cases.

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Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has stressed on Thursday the necessity of giving precedence to a political solution to reach a comprehensive settlement in Yemen.

According to an official statement by the foreign ministry, Shoukry received Yemens Head of Shura Council Ahmed Ubaid Bin Dagher in a meeting in Cairo that tackled the Yemeni crisis latest developments and means to bolster Egypts support to Yemen.

Shoukry reiterated Egypts steadfast position towards the Yemeni crisis given that the country is one of the pillars of national Arab security.

He stressed the necessity of a political solution that would lead to putting an end to negative interferences in Yemen and ensure its unity and territorial integrity.

He welcomed an initiative by Saudi Arabia in March 2021 to resolve the Yemeni crisis, underscoring the necessity of Yemeni parties responding to the initiative by Riyadh to stop the bloodshed and back peace-making efforts in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia's initiative calls for holding a ceasefire overseen by the UN across the war-torn country, reopening Sanaa International Airport to a number of direct regional and international destinations and starting UN-sponsored consultations between the Yemeni parties to reach a political resolution.

The conflict in Yemen began after the 2014 takeover of the capital Sanaa by the Houthis, which led the Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015 to try to restore the internationally recognised Yemeni government.

Since the Saudi coalitions intervention, the kingdom has intercepted hundreds of drone and missile strikes by the Houthi rebels.

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Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited on Thursday Cairo's International Exhibition Centre, which has been turned into a centre for mass COVID-19 vaccinations in Cairo, where he inspected the preparations made by the health ministry.

According to the cabinets statement on the visit, the prime minister was accompanied by Health Minister Hala Zayed, who stated that 96 clinics are being prepared at the venue, which can accommodate 10,000 people daily, and features a large waiting area to ensure social distancing.

The centre located in Nasr City will be opened from 9 AM to 9 PM all everyday except Friday, the minister said.

There are currently 600 people working to provide the service in Cairo from healthcare workers to support teams to help citizens.

Minister Zayed revealed that the ministry was currently working on finishing preparing the final lists of citizens who registered to receive the vaccine, adding that similar mass vaccination centres will be inaugurated in highly populated governorates in the country like Giza soon.

Madbouly stated that expanding these mass vaccination centres comes as part of the states plan to face the coronavirus pandemic, as well as protecting citizens and public health.

Madbouly called on citizens to register themselves for vaccination to protect themselves and society.

UNICEF Representative in Egypt Jeremy Hopkins attended the tour with Madbouly.

Egypt has started rolling vaccinations to citizens in February. According to health ministry officials, opening mass vaccination centres aims to accelerate the process of administering the doses.

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has told a PLO official that Cairo is exerting the "utmost effort" to end the current state of tension in the Palestinian territories to restore stability and cease the bloodshed.

Shoukry received Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee member Azzam Al-Ahmed in Cairo on Thursday to discuss the latest developments in the Palestinian territories as the Israeli aggression continues for the 11th consecutive day.

During the meeting, Minister Shoukry reviewed the efforts Egypt is making at all levels to contain the escalation, which has claimed over 200 Palestinian lives, including many women and children, and injured over 8,000.

Over the past several hours, the Egyptian delegation has paid visits to Ramallah city in the central West Bank and Tel Aviv to mediate an immediate ceasefire, according to media reports.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Tuesday that Cairo would intensify contacts with all concerned international parties, including both the Palestinian and Israeli sides to end the escalation.

Shoukry stressed the need to press ahead with regional and international efforts to end the crisis and avoid the repetition of such a flare-up by reviving the frozen peace negotiations, foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said in a statement.

"Reviving the peace negotiation is the main way out to reach the two-state solution," the statement quoted Shoukry as saying.

Egypt, alongside Jordan, France and Germany, formed in February 2020 a quartet group, dubbed the Munich Committee, to revive the halted peace negotiations to push ahead with reaching the two-state solution and establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the borders of 1967.

Azzam Al-Ahmed, who is also a member of Fatah's Central Committee, praised the Egyptian stance toward the Palestinian cause and Cairo's recent efforts to end the crisis.

He also thanked President El-Sisi for his initiative to reconstruct Gaza.

El-Sisi announced on Tuesday the allocation of $500 million as part of an Egyptian initiative for the reconstruction of the strip, whose infrastructure was devastated by the Israeli airstrikes.

As per the presidential directives issued during the trilateral summit with France and Jordan in Paris, specialised Egyptian companies will be involved in the reconstruction process.

Egypt also announced on Monday that it has allocated 11 hospitals nationwide to receive Palestinians injured in the Israeli bombing of Gaza. It also sent 65 tons of medical aid to aid Gaza.

The recent escalation was sparked on 10 May when Israel cracked down on Palestinian demonstrators protesting Israels plan to forcibly expel Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah district in East Jerusalem.

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Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call on Thursday from US President Joe Biden, where they discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and agreed to enhance coordination to contain the escalation as the Israeli assault on Gaza continues for the 11th consecutive day.

El-Sisi and Biden "exchanged points of view on ceasing the violence and escalation in the Palestinian territories," said Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Rady.

The pair agreed to press ahead with "regular consultation" and to enhance "mutual and fruitful coordination" between the concerned agencies of both countries during the coming period to contain the escalation.

The US president praised President El-Sisi's "relentless efforts" with all the parties involved, saying these moves "are balanced and wise and [aim to] achieve security and peace for the entire region."

Biden added that these steps "consolidate Egypt's historical and pivotal role in the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Africa to support stability and settle crises."

He noted that the US administration supports and relies on the Egyptian role in contributing to containing the current escalation and stopping the violence, according to Rady.

The US president also voiced his country's aspiration to promote bilateral ties with Egypt in the coming period in a way that enables the two countries to confront what he described as unprecedented challenges regionally and internationally in light of both sides' mutual priorities.

El-Sisi underscored the significance of uniting all international efforts to contain the flare-up in Palestinian lands.

He also reiterated Egypt's "steadfast" stance regarding the Palestinian cause, stressing the importance of reaching a "comprehensive" solution that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinians in establishing their state.

The Egyptian president highlighted the significance of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, which spans decades, in achieving the common interests of the two countries and facing joint challenges.

"The crises that threaten the security and stability of the region as a whole require strengthening cooperation and [holding] regular consultations between Egypt and the United States to ward off these perils," he stressed.

Over the past several hours, Egypt sent a delegation to Ramallah city in the central West Bank and Tel Aviv more than once to mediate an immediate ceasefire.

The Israeli bombing of Gaza has claimed over 250 Palestinian lives, including many women and children, while over 8,000 have been wounded.

The recent escalation was sparked on 10 May when Israel cracked down on Palestinian demonstrators protesting Israels plan to forcibly expel Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah district in East Jerusalem.

Egypt has maintained its position of rejecting illegal Israeli settlements and the annexation of Palestinian territories as well as its full support for establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the borders of 1967.

Egypt announced on Tuesday the allocation of $500 million as part of an Egyptian initiative for the reconstruction of the strip, whose infrastructure has been devastated by the Israeli airstrikes.

Egypt also announced on Monday that it has allocated 11 hospitals nationwide to receive Palestinians injured in the Israeli bombing of Gaza. It also sent 65 tons of medical aid to aid Gaza.

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Hong Kong: CE signs public offices law

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today signed in accordance with Article 48(3) of the Basic Law the Public Offices (Candidacy & Taking Up Offices) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021 passed by the Legislative Council.

The ordinance will come into effect after it is published in the Gazette tomorrow.

Mrs Lam said upholding the Basic Law and bearing allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is the legal requirement and the precondition for public officers of the Hong Kong SAR. It is also the fundamental obligation and responsibility of people who stand for election or take up the relevant public office.

She said the ordinance stipulates very clearly for the first time the legal requirements for oath-taking of public officers, marking an important step for safeguarding the patriots administering Hong Kong principle.

The ordinance clearly explains the meaning of a reference to upholding the Basic Law and bearing allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR; introduces the oath-taking requirement for the District Council members; specifies oath-taking requirements; standardises arrangement of oath administrators; enhances the mechanism to deal with breach of oaths; and introduces restrictions on participation in public elections for related situations.

Article 104 of the Basic Law states that five categories of public officers, that is the Chief Executive, principal officials, members of the Executive Council and of LegCo, judges of the courts at all levels and other members of the judiciary in the Hong Kong SAR must, in accordance with law, swear to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR of the PRC when assuming office.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress endorsed the Interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law on November 7, 2016, which explains that oath-taking is the legal prerequisite and required procedure for public officers specified in Article 104 of the Basic Law to assume office, and must comply with the legal requirements in respect of its form and content.

The interpretation also makes it clear that an oath taker who makes a false oath, or who, after taking the oath, engages in conduct in breach of the oath, shall bear legal responsibility in accordance with the law.

Apart from the five categories of public officers specified in Article 104 of the Basic Law, Article 6 of the National Security Law stipulates that a resident of the Hong Kong SAR who stands for election or assumes public office shall confirm in writing or take an oath to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR in accordance with the law.

The ordinance seeks to implement the oath-requirements for public officers as stipulated in the interpretation and the National Security Law accurately.

The bill was introduced into LegCo for first and second readings on March 17 this year and was passed by LegCo on May 12.

To implement 'one country, two systems' fully and accurately, we must act in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Chief Executive said.

She also noted the ordinance improves the oath-taking arrangements as required by the Basic Law and effectively deals with the legal responsibility that a public officer has to bear if he or she engages in conduct in breach of the oath after taking it and assuming the office.

It will be conducive to the full and faithful implementation of one country, two systems, Mrs Lam added.

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Togolese opposition parties and civil society groups called Thursday for the release of a former minister arrested last week.

Djimon Ore, president of the Front for Patriots of Democracy (FPD) party and a former communications minister, was detained at his house in the capital Lome.

'Ore was detained on April 29. He was placed under a detention warrant,' prosecutor Essolissam Poyodi told AFP without giving further details.

No charges against him have been made public but sources close to his party say Ore was accused of making defamatory comments.

Ore's comments last month on Togo's 61st independence anniversary criticising President Faure Gnassingbe and his father may be those at issue.

'The toll, in terms of blood spilt, in terms of citizens killed the military oligarch clan of the Gnassingbe is much worse than in Rwanda where we speak of genocide,' Ore said.

The sources said Ore has also been accused of attempted aggravated disturbance of public order and offences against public authorities.

Ore has not responded to any accusations against him.

His detention is making waves in the country where Gnassingbe was reelected for a fourth term in February last year.

'He just spoke freely, in accordance with the right to free expression and opinion guaranteed by the constitution,' said one opposition party, the National Alliance for Change (ANC).

'The majority of Togolese people do not think differently, even if they don't say it.'

David Dosseh, spokesman of the FCTD coalition civil society groups, said dissidents can no longer speak out.

'Those that speak too loudly risk being caught by a justice system that has become an instrument of government repression,' he said.

Ore's arrest is an 'affront to freedom of opinion and a violation of the charter regulating political parties,'said the DMK coalition of opposition parties.

In November last year, two DMK members were detained in Lome, accused of being a 'threat to internal security'. They were released on bail in December.

Gnassingbe was first elected in 2005, taking over after the death of his father General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the impoverished West African state for 38 years.

The last election was marked by accusations of fraud and an amendment to the constitution enabling the president to run for two extra terms.

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Nigeria's Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously wounded after trying to kill himself to avoid capture during clashes with rival Islamic State-allied jihadists in the north of the country, two intelligence sources said on Thursday.

Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP has become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Nigerian news sites and social media on Thursday were filled with rumours and unconfirmed reports about the death of the jihadist leader who made international headlines when his men kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls in 2014.

It was not the first time Shekau has been reported killed or seriously wounded. If confirmed, his loss could be a huge blow to a jihadist group already weakened by air strikes on its bases and defections of his fighters.

After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his men were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said.

"To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said. "He was badly injured."

Some fighters managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added.

A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men.

"We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports.

Jihadist splits

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past.

But ISWAP has emerged as the stronger force, carrying out complex attacks on the military and overrunning army bases.

Routing Shekau's faction from its Sambisa forest stronghold would be a worrying advance for the IS jihadists who have bases in Nigeria's Alagarno forest and around Lake Chad, with access to Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

"If ISWAP really controls Sambisa, Alagarno and the Lake, it can bear on all the main roads into Maiduguri," said Vincent Foucher, a research fellow with the French National Centre for Science Research, referring to Borno state's strategic capital city.

"Clearly, this is not good news for the armies of Nigeria and the other Lake Chad states."

Shekau took over Boko Haram, formally known as the Jama'tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, after its founder Mohammed Yusuf was killed in police custody in 2009.

Under Shekau's leadership, Boko Haram turned large swathes of the northeast into no-go territory, proclaiming a "caliphate" in the Borno town of Gwoza in 2014.

An offensive since 2015 by Nigerian troops backed by soldiers from Cameroon, Chad and Niger drove jihadists from most of the area that they had once controlled.

Angered by Shekau's indiscriminate targeting of Muslim civilians and use of women and children suicide bombers, a rival faction broke away in 2016 to become ISWAP with the backing of the Islamic State group.

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Israel unleashed a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Thursday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several others. The latest strikes came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back against U.S. pressure to wind down the offensive against Gaza's militant Hamas rulers.

Explosions shook Gaza City and orange flares lit up the night sky, with airstrikes also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis. As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis. There were also heavy airstrikes on al-Saftawi Street, a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it struck at least four homes of Hamas commanders, targeting ``military infrastructure,'' as well as a weapons storage unit at the home of a Hamas fighter in Gaza City.

An Israeli airstrike smashed into the Khawaldi family's two-story house in Khan Younis, destroying it. The 11 residents, who were sleeping in a separate area out of fear, were all wounded and hospitalized, said Shaker al-Khozondar, a neighbor.

Shrapnel hit his family home next door, killing Hoda al-Khozondar, his aunt, and wounding her daughter and two cousins, he said. Weam Fares, a spokesman for a nearby hospital, confirmed her death and said at least 10 people were wounded in strikes overnight.

Netanyahu has pushed back against calls from the Biden administration to wrap up the operation that has left hundreds dead. It marks the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began last week and could complicate international efforts to reach a cease-fire. His pushback also poses a difficult early test of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

After visiting military headquarters, Netanyahu said Wednesday he appreciated ``the support of the American president,'' but that Israel would push ahead to return ``calm and security'' to its citizens. He said he was ``determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.''

U.S. President Joe Biden had earlier told Netanyahu that he expected ``a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire,'' the White House said.

Biden had previously avoided pressing Israel more directly and publicly for a cease-fire with Gaza's Hamas militant rulers. But pressure has been building for Biden to intervene more forcefully as other diplomatic efforts gather strength.

Egyptian negotiators have also been working to halt the fighting.

Moussa Abu Marzouk, a top Hamas official, told the Lebanese Mayadeen TV that he expected a cease-fire in a day or two.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was expected in the region Thursday for talks with Israelis and Palestinians. Israel's Foreign Ministry said the foreign ministers of Slovakia and the Czech Republic would join him after being invited ``to express their solidarity and support'' for Israel.

The current round of Israeli campaign on Gaza began May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of an Israeli crackdown on Palestinian protesters by Israel's police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Muslims. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network it refers to as the ``Metro.'' Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted or landing in open areas.

At least 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.

Twelve people in Israel have been killed.

Since the fighting began, Gaza's infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated. Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power in 2007.

Israeli attacks have damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.

The Israeli campaign, the worst since a previous one in 2014 , has ignited protests around the world.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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The Gaza Strip's already feeble health system is being brought to its knees by the fourth Israeli military campaign in just over a decade.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed with waves of dead and wounded from Israel's bombardment. Many vital medicines are rapidly running out in the tiny, blockaded coastal territory, as is fuel to keep electricity going.

Two of Gaza's most prominent doctors, including the No. 2 in Gaza's coronavirus task force, were killed when their homes were destroyed during barrages since Israel started its campaign on the strip 10 days ago.

Just as Gaza was climbing out of a second wave of coronavirus infections, its only virus testing lab was damaged by an airstrike and has been shut. Health officials fear further outbreaks among tens of thousands of displaced residents crowded into makeshift shelters after fleeing massive barrages.

At one U.N.-run school where 1,400 people were taking shelter, Nawal al-Danaf and her five children were crammed into a single classroom with five other families. Blankets draped over cords crisscrossed the room to carve out sleeping spaces.

``The school is safe from the war, but when it comes to corona, with five families in a room, everyone infects each other,'' said al-Danaf, who fled Israeli tank shelling on the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya a few days ago.

Blankets and laundry dangled from the railings of the school's balcony, as women looked down into a yard where children were playing and men sat chatting. No one wore a mask or could do any social distancing in the cramped quarters.

The Gaza Strip's health infrastructure was already collapsing before this latest Israeli offensive, said Adnan Abu Hasna, a spokesman for UNRWA, the U.N. agency that provides vital assistance to the 75% of the enclave's population who are refugees. ``It's frightening,'' he said.

The sector has been battered by three previous Israeli campaigns on Gaza.

This Israeli offensive began May 10 when Hamas fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem in support of Palestinian protests against Israel's heavy-handed policing of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Muslims, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Israeli settlers.

Since then, Israel has struck hundreds of targets across the Mediterranean coastal strip, and Hamas has fired thousands rockets at Israel. Israel says it seeks to cripple Hamas by targeting its leaders, and military infrastructure. But the powerful bombs dropped on crowded Gaza have caused significant damage to the territory's infrastructure.

During each of the Israeli campaigns, hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, and medical personnel killed. And after each, authorities had to slowly rebuild, hampered by the blockade imposed by Israel since Hamas took power in 2007.

Other turmoil also weighed on the system. More than two years of weekly Friday Palestinian protests at the border with Israel against the blockade produced a constant stream of casualties from Israeli fire _ more than 35,000 injured, many with lifelong disabilities and around 100 still awaiting reconstructive surgery and amputations.

Now health facilities are struggling to handle both the casualties of the Israeli offensive and the everyday needs of Gaza's 2 million people.

``It's layer-upon-layer of crisis. And there never is really enough time between each crisis to rebuild,`` said Matthias Schmale, the UNRWA director in Gaza. ``The (health care) system has gradually been quite significantly weakened. I wouldn't say it's on its knees, but getting close.``

Gaza health officials say at least 227 Palestinians, including 64 children, have been killed in airstrikes and more than 1,600 wounded. Twelve people in Israel have been killed by rockets.

The bombardment has driven more than 56,000 Gazans from their homes, fleeing into 59 schools run by UNRWA. The U.N. agency is providing them with water and basic hygiene supplies, including face masks. Unknown numbers more have taken refuge with relatives.

UNRWA learned from the last Isareli offensive, in 2014, when some 292,000 displaced people crammed into its schools and other shelters during 50 days of an Israeli military campaign. Since then, the agency has installed showers, more bathrooms and extra water and electricity capacity into some of the schools in case they might be needed again for shelters, officials said.

So far, the current onslaught has not been as directly destructive to health facilities as 2014, when multiple hospitals and clinics took direct hits from Israeli bombing, as did U.N. schools housing the displaced.

Still, Israeli attacks this time have damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out. Schmale said at least three health care centers have been leveled, including a trauma and burn center run by Doctors Without Borders.

Among the sites damaged was the main health care clinic, the only site in Gaza where tests detecting COVID-19 can be analyzed, said Dr. Majdi Dhair, head of preventive medicine at the Health Ministry. As a result, coronavirus testing has halted.

``It's like a ticking bomb because people are not tested, and those who are infected won't know that they are infected,'' Dhair said.

As of Monday, when the clinic was damaged, Gaza had recorded more than 105,000 coronavirus infections, including 986 deaths. Some 80 people were in critical condition with the virus.

Gaza's COVID-19 vaccination drive, already slow, has stopped, said WHO's top official in Gaza, Sacha Bootsma.

Just under 39,000 people, or 2% of Gaza's population, have received vaccinations. There are only enough doses to vaccinate another 15,000, and those expire in June, raising fears they will be unusable by the time they can be given.

``In a war, there are responsibilities to protect health institutions and health care workers,'' Schmale said.

He said this week a senior lab technician who works at a main UNRWA health clinic was seriously wounded in an airstrike as he rushed home to help his wife evacuate. He is in intensive care with severe brain damage.

``The price the civilian population is paying is unbearable and unacceptable, and health care workers are an element of that,`` Schmale said.

``Our staff are as terrified as the rest of the population. They are really afraid to go to work after heavy nights of shelling or bombing.``

Only about half of government-run primary care centers are operating. Sixteen of UNRWA's 22 health care centers were working as of Wednesday. Most of Gaza relies on the U.N. centers, according to UNRWA.

All of the government's 13 hospitals are running, though some have sustained damage, and as of Monday, 16 private or NGO-run hospitals were working.

But all are badly in need of emergency medical supplies. WHO listed some 40 key medicines and medical supplies that it is waiting for, including anesthetics, antibiotics, sutures and blood bags. Gaza's border with Israel has been closed throughout the Israeli offensive.

Also urgently needed is fuel. Electricity output in Gaza has dropped some 60%, forcing hospitals to rely more on fuel-thirsty generators, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement.

During one brief opening, UNRWA was able to bring in five fuel trucks, enough to help it run its facilities for a few weeks. But other trucks of food and medicine could not enter, reportedly prevented by ongoing shelling.

Two days ago, Egypt sent in a supply convoy that included medical supplies and fuel.

If the border stays closed, supplies will begin to run out and ``we will need so-called humanitarian corridors open to bring stuff in,'' Schmale said.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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US President Joe Biden spoke to Prime Minister Benajmin Netanyahu twice this week -- on Monday and Wednesday -- about Israels ongoing aerial and artillery campaign on the Gaza Strip, raising questions on the continued assault after 10 days of Israels bombardment of the coastal enclave.

Biden called for an immediate significant de-escalation on Wednesday after he had expressed support to a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions, which mainly include Hamas -- the Islamist armed group that rules Gaza -- and the Islamic Jihad.

However, Biden reiterated his staunch support for Israels right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks in a call that came a few hours before the start of the ninth day of Israeli aggression on Gaza. Additionally, Biden and Netanyahu discussed progress in Israels military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza, according to a White House statement.

This also leads to questions on the extent to which the US is ready to push for ending Israels brutal use of force on Gaza.

It is worth noting that the arrival of Biden to the White House was arguably a positive sign for the Palestinians who wanted him to follow the course of Barack Obama. Obama, with whom Biden worked as his vice president, has engaged in a political battle with Netanyahu to stop building further Israeli settlements, which is illegal under international law. But it didnt work out as the Palestinians had hoped.

The Biden administration has tools at its disposal to encourage an immediate ceasefire, but instead they have chosen to publicly support Israel's actions and approve $735 million of additional arms sales to Israel, actions that will only contribute to further violence and insecurity, Sean Lee, assistant professor of political science at the American University in Cairo (AUC), told Ahram Online.

The US reluctance to definitively crack down on the Israeli governments bloodlust even extends to the UN. This week, Washington vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that urges a ceasefire and expressed concerned about the expected eviction of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalems Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood.

France submitted a new draft resolution on Wednesday. But the US will likely act in the same way again, favouring diplomacy.

In a call between Biden and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday, Biden stressed the need for Hamas to cease firing rockets into Israel, turning a blind eye to the Sheikh Jarrah evictions, the protests and riots that followed, the attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque by right-wing Israeli settlers, and over 200 Palestinian deaths and more than 1,000 injured  including women and children.

The Biden administration is continuing a long history of unconditional support for Israeli attacks on Gaza and the continued repression of Palestinians in the occupied territories and increasingly within the green line as well. Democratic administrations often frame this support as a way of gaining leverage over Israeli behaviour on other issues, a strategy which time and time again has been shown to be totally ineffective, Lee added.

Bidens calls for a ceasefire came as Gaza is suffering from millions of dollars-worth damage in properties and infrastructure, an imminent electrical blackout, fuel shortages, as well as Israeli targeting of refugee camps, hospitals, schools, and offices of media outlets.

The current Israeli bombardment of Gaza is a familiar chapter in the history of Israeli offensive campaigns in the Hamas-controlled enclave which took place in 2008, 2012, and 2014. Furthermore, Israel -- which has been imposing a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took power -- regularly launches aerial attacks on Gaza in different times of the year, especially in parallel with growing tensions with the Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Egypt and Western governments normally take diplomatic steps to end any wave of Israeli violence on Gaza once it erupts.

The Israeli wars on Gaza have claimed the lives of almost 10,000 Palestinians since the year 2000, leading to the injury of thousands. In 2014 alone, UN figures suggest, 60,000 Gazan homes were partially or totally destroyed. Damage to public services, including water, electricity, and sanitation, can be added to the list.

Unlike Donald Trump, Biden has mentioned his support for a two-state solution numerous times in recent days. But current events posit the question of whether this is his roundabout way of making Palestinians desperate enough to push for a solution where they remain disenfranchised.

The Trump administration chose a hardline approach to the Israel-Palestine question, opting to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, labelling it the "undivided capital" of Israel and cutting humanitarian aid to the UN Palestinian refugees agency (UNRWA).

Throughout Trumps term, Palestinians -- who have always wanted a two-state solution on the basis of the pre-1967 borders that makes East Jerusalem the capital of their future state -- decided to boycott him. This also ended hopes for reviving the peace process, which has been stalled since 2014.

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Diplomats stepped up efforts Thursday toward a ceaseefire to stem 10 days of Israel's aerial campaign on Gaza Strip, while Hamas downplayed the recent reports that claimed that a possible ceasefire between the Palestinian armed factions in Gaza and Israel might happen in the next two days, saying that "we will force Israel to surrender to our conditions. "We will remain ready until the last minute before the ceasefire," the group added.

Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that a ceasefire could be reached by Friday, according to sources involved in the discussions.

Hamas political official Moussa Abu Marzouk also told al-Mayadeen TV that he believes "ongoing efforts regarding the ceasefire" would succeed. "I expect a ceasefire to be reached within a day or two, and the ceasefire will be on the basis of mutual agreement," he said.

Meanwhile a column of grey smoke billowed above Gaza after a night in which families cowered in fear from the bombing while, the Israeli army said, some 70 rockets were fired from Gaza toward Israel, sending residents fleeing into bomb shelters.

Talks aiming to end the bloodshed continued after US President Joe Biden urged a "significant de-escalation" while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push on until the military campaign reaches its objective, "to restore quiet and security" for Israelis.

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, speaking in Tel Aviv on Thursday, expressed his "solidarity" with Israel but also called for an end to the Israeli campaign on Gaza Strip.

"Israel has the right to defend itself against this massive and unacceptable attack," Maas said of the rockets Hamas first fired on May 10 amid high tensions and violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

"The number of victims is rising every day and this greatly concerns us, which is why we support the international efforts for a ceasefire and are convinced that the violence needs to end soon in the interest of the people."

Maas was also due to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank but had no plans to meet with Hamas, which the European Union considers a terrorist organisation.

The Israeli army said Hamas and other Islamist armed groups in Gaza have fired 4,070 rockets towards Israel, the overwhelming majority of them intercepted by its Iron Dome air defences.

The rockets have claimed 12 lives in Israel with one Indian and two Thai nationals among those killed, the police says.

Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed 230 Palestinians, including 65 children, according to the Gaza health ministry, leaving vast areas in rubble and displacing tens of thousands in the crowded territory.

Overnight, Israel continued to pound Gaza with air strikes and artillery fire aimed at destroying Hamas tunnels and other infrastructure, the military said.

One Israeli strike on Gaza on Wednesday killed a disabled man, his pregnant wife and their three-year-old child, the enclave's health ministry said.

"What did my brother do?" the man's brother Omar Saleha, 31, told AFP. "He was just sitting in his wheelchair."

Elsewhere, Gaza resident Abdullah Abu Eshkia surveyed the destruction caused by a hit in the Jabaliya camp, saying: "We can only see civilians here. They are targeting civilians."

Israel says it takes all steps to avoid civilian casualties, including by phoning residents to warn them of imminent strikes.

The United States, a key Israel ally, has repeatedly blocked adoption of a joint UN Security Council statement calling for a halt to Israel's offensive on Gaza, including one proposed by France, saying it could undermine efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken however again stressed Thursday on Twitter that Washington "expects to see de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire."

An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Wednesday Israel was assessing at what stage it may stop its military campaign.

Two foreign diplomatic sources in Jerusalem on Wednesday said a ceasefire was not yet imminent, while a third said the risk of spillover in the region made a ceasefire even more "urgent".

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said the group that has run Gaza since 2007 could "continue its resistance" longer than Israel estimated.

Israel's bombing campaign has left the two million people of Gaza, which has been under Israeli blockade for 14 years, desperate for relief.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed, and some 75,000 civilians have fled their homes, seeking refuge in UN-run schools and other public buildings, the United Nations says.

The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that people in both Gaza and Israel "urgently need respite from non-stop hostilities".

The Israeli military briefly opened a border crossing with Gaza to allow for relief supplies to be delivered Tuesday, but closed it after mortars were fired at the area.

Amid the conflict, rockets were also fired from neighbouring Lebanon into Israel on Wednesday, which responded with artillery strikes.

Israel's offensive on Gaza began following its crackdown on Palestinian civilians and protesters in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Many Palestinian citizens of Israel, whose forefathers remained on their land after Israel's creation in 1948, took part in a general strike on Tuesday.

In the West Bank, the army has killed 25 Palestinians since the outbreak of the crackdown.

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It's a story Joe Biden has loved recounting over the decades: A chain-smoking Golda Meir welcoming the 30-year-old senator to Israel on his first visit in 1973 and giving him a grandmotherly hug before schooling him on the Six-Day War and the dangers still faced by Israel.

A classified Israeli government memo, though, paints a less anodyne version of Biden's meeting with the Israeli prime minister that day, reporting that the young senator privately ``displayed an enthusiasm'' that ``signaled his lack of diplomatic experience'' as he laid out his concerns over land seized in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by Israel years earlier. The document was published last year by Israel's Channel 13.

For Biden it was the start of a familiar dynamic. Over his nearly 50 years in national politics, he has often reserved his toughest messages for Israeli leaders for private talks while publicly burnishing his image as an unwavering supporter of Israel.

The pattern holds true to the present, as Biden has delivered his most pointed messages for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Israel's military campaign on Gaza Strip during private conversations while having little to say in public.

For days, as Hamas rockets have flown toward Israel and Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza, Biden resisted mounting calls from some Democrats and U.N. Security Council members to more forcefully pressure Israel for a cease-fire. On Wednesday, in their fourth conversation in eight days, Biden told Netanyahu that he expected a ``significant de-escalation'' by day's end on the path to a cease-fire, according to a White House summary of the phone call.

But hours later, Biden didn't make even a passing reference to Israel's war on Gaza or his diplomacy during a commencement speech at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as he spoke of the need to face accelerating global challenges.

In 1982, Washington was the setting when Biden was among a group of U.S. lawmakers who had a tense meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Biden reportedly pressed Begin to halt the building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, while some of his colleagues were critical of other aspects of Israel's policies.

?I think it is fair to say that in my eight years in Washington I've never seen such an angry session with a foreign head of state,? Sen. Paul Tsongas, a Massachusetts Democrat, told reporters after the meeting.

Overall, Biden has hewed to the U.S. establishment line of reaffirming a financial commitment to Israel regardless of its actions toward Palestinians, while frequently reminding Jewish American audiences of his personal closeness to their community. In a 1986 Senate floor speech, he offered a fulsome defense of U.S. aid to Israel _ calling it ``the best $3 billion investment we make`` _ and urged colleagues to stop apologizing for their support of the country.

Biden has spoken to Jewish audiences about building bonds with the nine Israeli prime ministers who've overlapped with his own time in elected office, recalled his father teaching him about the horrors of Nazi efforts to rid Europe of Jews, and noted that he took each of his children to visit the Dachau concentration camp. On the lighter side, he often jokes that his daughter gave him every Irish-Catholic father's dream when she married a Jewish surgeon.

But there have also been moments where Biden's frustration with Netanyahu has seeped into public view.

As vice president, he kept Netanyahu waiting for a dinner meeting after the Israeli leader embarrassed Biden and President Barack Obama by approving the construction of 1,600 new apartments in disputed east Jerusalem in the middle of Biden's 2010 visit to Israel.

Netanyahu sought to patch up hurt feelings at the dinner. But after the meal, Biden admonished the prime minister in a statement, saying the move undermined an Obama administration effort to persuade the Palestinians to resume peace talks.

Amid ongoing tension between Obama and Netanyahu, Biden went out of his way during a 2014 speech before the Jewish Federations of North America to note that he and Netanyahu were ``still buddies'' _ albeit with a somewhat complicated relationship.

Biden noted that he had once inscribed a photo for Netanyahu with the message ``Bibi I don't agree with a damn thing you say but I love you.'''

In late 2019, during a question-and-answer session with voters on the campaign trail, Biden called Netanyahu ``counterproductive'' and an ``extreme right'' leader, while accusing Palestinian leaders of ``fomenting'' the conflict and ``baiting everyone who is Jewish.'' He also suggested that some on the U.S. political left give the Palestinian Authority ``a pass'' when criticizing Israeli leadership.

As the Biden White House negotiated the current crisis, the president and his advisers made the calculation that the Israelis are unlikely to respond to international resolutions or public demands by the U.S. and that their best leverage would happen behind the scenes, officials said.

At the same time, the White House is mindful that the longer Israel's offensive on Gaza goes, the greater chance of a very high-casualty event or other provocative action by either side that could make reaching a cease-fire more difficult.

Aaron David Miller, a former Mideast adviser to Democratic and Republican administrations, said Biden had demonstrated patience with Netanyahu's campaign to degrade Hamas' military capability in part because Biden has bigger priorities, including shepherding the U.S. recovery from the global pandemic and focusing on an emerging economic and strategic competition from China.

``This is not Joe Biden approaching the crisis as a young senator or as the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,'' said Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. ``This is not even Joe Biden as vice president. This is Joe Biden as a president that faces immediate crises and an agenda that would make your head spin. The last thing he wants to do is find himself bogged down on this issue.''

Biden validated that notion this week during a visit to Michigan as he sat in the cab of an electric-powered Ford truck he was taking for a test drive.

A reporter asked Biden if he would take a question about the ongoing Israeli campaign on Gaza.

``Not unless you get in front of the car as I step on it,'' Biden shot back. He added that he was teasing, but then hit the gas and sped away.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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The U.N.'s top human rights body said Thursday it will hold a special session next week to address ``the grave human rights situation'' in Palestinian areas in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The Human Rights Council will convene the May 27 meeting following a request presented by Pakistan, as coordinator of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation.

The session at the 47-member state body in Geneva paves the way for a day-long debate over the recent Israeli crackdown on the Palestinians in Jerusalem and military campaign on Gaza Strip.

More than 60 states, including member states and observer states, have so far expressed support for the special session, council spokesman Rolando Gomez said.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, quit the council in mid-2018 _ partially over the administration's allegations that the council has an anti-Israel bias. President Joe Biden has returned the U.S. to participation at the council, and the U.S. plans to seek a seat next year.

Israel's ambassador in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, called on member states to ``strongly oppose this meeting.''

``The convening of yet another special session by the Human Rights Council targeting Israel is testament to the clear anti-Israel agenda of this body,'' she wrote on Twitter.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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The US mission to the United Nations said it "will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate" Israel's military campaign on Gaza Strip when asked on Wednesday about a French push for a Security Council resolution.

France circulated a draft text to council members on Wednesday, diplomats said.

The French draft text, seen by Reuters, demands an immediate cessation of hostilities and condemns "the indiscriminate firing of rockets against civilian areas" without laying blame. It urges protection of civilians and revival of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians with the aim of creating two states.

The Palestinians want a state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with east Jerusalem as its capital, all territory captured by Israel in 1967.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he hoped the 15-member body could vote as soon as possible. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, France, the United States or Britain to pass.

The United States has traditionally shielded its ally Israel at the United Nations. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told her UN counterparts on Tuesday that a "public pronouncement right now" by the council would not help calm the crisis. read more

When asked about the French push for a resolution, a spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations on Wednesday reaffirmed its position had not changed.

"We've been clear and consistent that we are focused on intensive diplomatic efforts underway to bring an end to the violence and that we will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate," the spokesperson said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue its offensive on the coastal enclave after US President Joe Biden urged him on Wednesday to seek a "de-escalation" of 10 days of fighting.

France made its move at the United Nations after Washington repeatedly opposed a Security Council statement, which has to be agreed by consensus. French diplomats believe a resolution could raise pressure on the parties to end hostilities and would complement other diplomatic initiatives.

"We think a unified and strong voice from the Security Council actually carries weight, not only in this situation, but in other situations of conflict," a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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A senior Hamas official said in an interview Thursday that he expects a cease-fire between the group's Gaza branch and Israel within a day, but warned that Hamas has no shortage of missiles.

Osama Hamdan also told The Associated Press that Mohammed Deif, an elusive Hamas commander who has been hunted by Israel for decades, is alive and remains in charge of Gaza military operations.

Deif, also known as Abu Khaled, is by far Israel's most wanted target in Gaza. He has survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts, and is rarely seen in public. Israeli media have said there were two more failed attempts during the current Israel-Hamas war, the fourth in just over a decade.

Hamdan told the AP that Deif is still heading the operation and directing the joint operations of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, and other factions. He provided no evidence for that statement.

Since the conflict began, Israel has leveled a number of Gaza City's tallest office and residential buildings, alleging they house elements of the Hamas military infrastructure.

On Saturday, an Israeli strike destroyed the 12-story al-Jalaa Building, an office and residential tower where the offices of the AP and the TV network Al-Jazeera were located. The military gave a warning ahead of the strike and occupants evacuated safely.

The AP has called for an independent investigation. AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt has said in statement that the AP had no indication of a Hamas presence in the building. This is something we actively check to the best of our ability, he said.

Hamdan denied there was any military presence belonging to Hamas or any other armed group in the building.

In the interview, Hamdan said his group could continue bombarding Israel for months if it chose to do so.

I can assure that what we saw during the first days in terms of bombarding Tel Aviv and some areas in Jerusalem, can continue not only for days or weeks but for months, said Hamdan. But he added that he believed a cease-fire announcement is near.

Hamdan, who is based in Beirut, is a member of Hamas' powerful decision-making political bureau.

The Israeli military aggression on Gaza broke out on May 10, after Hamas fired long-range rockets at Jerusalem following weeks of clashes in the holy city between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police. The protests were focused on the heavy-handed policing of a flashpoint sacred site during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the forced expulsion of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers.

Since then, the Israeli occupation army has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says are targeting Hamas' militant infrastructure. Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza have fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israeli cities and towns.

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, have been killed.

Hamdan said Egypt and Qatar have been involved in cease-fire negotiations and suggested that progress was being made. This is the tentative vision that I believe that within 24 hours will lead to an understanding or an agreement, he added.

Hamdan said that as part of the talks, Hamas and a smaller militant group, Islamic Jihad, demand that Israeli police agree not to enter Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site.

During the Jerusalem tensions that preceded the current war, Israeli riot police firing tear guns, stun grenades and rubber bullets clashed with Palestinian stone throwers in the compound. Israel is bound to reject any Hamas demands linked to Jerusalem.

During the current fighting, Hamas missiles have been hitting deeper inside Israel and with greater accuracy than ever before, including several barrages on Tel Aviv.

Hamdan said the arsenal was far from being depleted. There is no shortage of missiles, he said, without elaborating.

*This story has been edited by Ahram Online

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It is such a tumultuous time for Bitcoin investors that if you are one, you are probably having nightmares. All the soaring and dipping of cryptocurrencies' value has sent the investors in a tizzy. On Wednesday, Bitcoin dipped 30 per cent to $31,000, wiping out $500 billion from its peak market value. Ethereum was down 40 per cent and Dogecoin was down 45 per cent.

Bitcoin's upheaval came on the back of Elon Musk's tweets. It soared when Musk said that Tesla will accept Bitcoin in payments for its cars. It nosedived after Musk said that the company will no longer accept Bitcoin as payments. Dogecoin soared after the Tesla chief backed it and said that he is working with Dogecoin developers to "improve system transaction efficiency." But Musk's appearance on Saturday Night Live, where he called Dogecoin a 'hustle' and a series of tweets criticising crypto mining saw the meme coin tumble.

Additionally, China has banned crypto transactions. The country has asked financial institutions and payment companies to not provide services related to cryptocurrency transactions and warned investors against speculative crypto trading.

Moreover, closer home, reports stated that the Centre may form a new panel of experts to study the possibility of regulating cryptocurrency in India. The Finance Ministry is also monitoring the growing volume of cryptocurrency trading in the country. A committee headed by former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg had, in 2019, recommended a blanket ban on these assets.

As the crypto market crashed, the app of India's largest crypto exchange WazirX crashed too. WazirX said that the heavy price dip has led to a tremendous surge in their traffic, with people seeking to buy into the dip. This led to the crash in the app.

Bitcoin clawed its way back to $38,136.44 on Thursday from $31,000 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, as the global crypto ecosystem was on a trip, netizens did what they could possibly do at the time -- make memes as they perfect the art of meme-making in the face of adversity.

Me waking up this morning seeing the value of my #bitcoinspic.twitter.com/bAu7i55v1e  Vonn Russell (@TheVonnRussell) May 19, 2021

Also read: Crypto in free fall: Bitcoin tanks 30% to $31,000, Ethereum loses 40%, Dogecoin down 45%

Also read: Bitcoin recovers to $38,000 after plunging 30% in 24 hours
Israeli media say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet has approved a unilateral cease-fire to halt an 11-day military operation in the Gaza Strip.

It was not immediately clear when the truce was to take effect. The public broadcaster Kan said the fighting was to halt immediately, while other TV channels said it would go into effect at 2 a.m.

There was no immediate reaction from Hamas.

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Israel and Hamas announced a cease-fire Thursday, ending a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel accepted the Egyptian proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the deal.

Egypt's state-run MENA news agency said the truce would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement.

In a statement, Netanyahu's office said the Security Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal after recommendations from the military chief of staff and other top defense officials. The statement boasted of ``significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented`` and included a veiled threat against Hamas.

'The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign,' the statement said.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. 'The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed,' he said.

The agreement would close the heaviest round of fighting between the bitter enemies since a 50-day war in 2014, and once again there was no clear winner. Israel inflicted heavy damage on Hamas but was unable to prevent the rocket fire that has disrupted life for millions of Israelis for more than a decade.

The fighting began May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of crackdown by the Israeli police against the Palestinian protesters at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site that is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes during the operation, targeting what it said was Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.

At least 230 Palestinians were killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

Hamas and the militant group Islamic Jihad said at least 20 of their fighters were killed, while Israel said the number was at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes, many of them seeking shelter in crowded U.N. schools at a time of a raging coronavirus outbreak.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, were also killed.

Since the fighting began, Gaza's infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated.

Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power in 2007.

Israel considers Hamas, an Islamic militant group that seeks its destruction, to be a terrorist group and Hamas' government is not internationally recognized.

Israeli bombing has damaged over 50 schools across the territory, according to advocacy group Save the Children, completely destroying at least six. While repairs are done, education will be disrupted for nearly 42,000 children.

Israeli attacks have also damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.

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The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (SFE) and EFG Hermes Holding SAE sealed agreements to acquire 76 percent of the capital of the Arab Investment Bank (AIB), the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development announced on Thursday.

The deal received the Egyptian cabinets approval on Wednesday, and is awaiting the final approval of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

The parties are expected to initiate working on the fulfilment of the conditions precedent immediately, with the transaction anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2021.

The acquisition includes a capital increase that will raise the paid-in capital of the AIB to EGP 5 billion, making it compliant with the regulatory requirements of the Egyptian Banking Law.



In accordance with the terms of the agreement, EFG Hermes will subscribe to 423 million newly issued shares of AIB at a price per share of EGP 6.03 and a total value of EGP 2.55 billion.

Meanwhile, the SFE will subscribe to 207 million newly issued shares of the AIB at the same price per share, for a total value of EGP 1.25 billion.

Following the capital increase, EFG Hermes will become the largest shareholder of AIB with a stake of 51 percent, while TSFE will become the second-largest shareholder with 25 percent.

Moreover, the National Investment Bank (NIB), which is the majority shareholder of the AIB, will hold the remaining 24 percent after purchasing stakes held by minority shareholders prior to the execution of the capital increase.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development and Chairperson of the SFE Hala El-Said stated that completing the AIB partnership transaction underscores the SFEs pivotal role in unlocking and maximising the value of state-owned assets.

This transaction complements Egypts Vision 2030s third objective of achieving knowledge-based economic growth and digital transformation; increasing the resilience and competitiveness of the economy; increasing employment rates; improving the business environment; and realising financial inclusion, El-Said said.

The minister also said that engaging in similar transactions showcases the intrinsic integration between the visions and objectives of different state bodies, with the SFE anchoring and arranging a private-sector partnership to restructure and generate returns on a state-owned asset.

By retaining a stake in AIB, the NIB is slated to benefit from the promising returns AIB will generate following the ambitious restructuring plan drawn up in partnership with the private sector. AIBs financial indicators will witness a substantial improvement, as will its competitiveness in the market. It will be better poised to comply with the Central Bank of Egypts regulatory requirements, drawing on the technical expertise available in the SFE and EFG Hermes, AIBs new partners, according to El-Said.

She noted that the transactions success is a result of the cooperation protocols the SFE signed with different state bodies including the NIB, tapping its large portfolio, adding that it reflects the close collaboration between different state bodies, in coordination with the cabinet, working towards attracting private investments to government projects.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of EFG Hermes Holding Mona Zulficar said that "the signing of this landmark transaction has helped create a partnership between the SFE and EFG Hermes, as we work together to unlock the potential of the AIB and help it play an increasingly active role in the Egyptian governments efforts for financial inclusion and digital transformation in the coming years.

I am also hopeful that it will set the mould for future cooperation between the Egyptian private sector and the SFE, she added.

SFE CEO Ayman Soliman said that the deal aims to capture compelling growth opportunities in the Egyptian banking sector.

Driven by the strong commitment of the Egyptian government towards boosting financial inclusion and digital transformation as a driver to serve wider segments of the society, AIB is now well-positioned to become a significant catalyst of this goal. Furthermore, this partnership embodies the SFEs mandate of attracting local and international private-sector investors to state-owned assets and maximizing returns for future generations, said Soliman.

He added that the banking sector is a key holder in the portfolios of major sovereign funds globally, reflecting the significance of the sector in driving economic growth.

He noted that the AIBs strategy will concentrate on serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a driver for inclusion, adding that the bank will be better able to serve more customers, especially after the capital increase to meet the new Banking Law requirements.

Soliman stressed that the AIBs transaction is the first of many to come from the cooperation protocol the SFE signed with the NIB in the near future.



Karim Awad, CEO of EFG Hermes, said that the deal represents a strategic milestone for the company, transforming it into a universal banking platform that offers its clients a full spectrum of financial services.

The acquisition of AIB sees EFG Hermes enter the commercial bank space as part of a diversification strategy that has seen the group become the leading all-inclusive universal-access financial corporation with a presence spanning frontier emerging markets. This diversification strategy has seen EFG Hermes consistently create new value for all stakeholders despite headwinds that most recently have included the Covid-19 pandemic, Awad explained.

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In a not-so-surprising development, the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya has changed its name to the Revival and Renewal Association, according to a statement the group released on 1 May. The reason, it said, was to revive the call to adhere to a moderate approach and the teachings of Islam, adding that the decision was made after the groups 10th and 11th conferences and following rounds of talks and workshops.

The move had been anticipated for the past six months due to successive crises within the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya and its political wing represented by the Justice and Construction Party. The group wanted a facelift that would help it to resolve its internal dilemmas.

Despite the Turkish and Qatari political and financial support the group and its political party have been receiving over recent years, in addition to their making available media outlets that adopt their vision, the role of the Brotherhood on the Libyan domestic stage and in the region has continued to plummet. That is in addition to the rifts that have been wrecking the group from within.

The Muslim Brotherhood in Libya has not made achievements that have earned it continuous support. On the contrary, it has become a burden and a source of problems for regional countries, without bringing any gains to its supporters. For this reason, the group resorted to the new technique of changing its name in an attempt to resolve some of its crises on the domestic front.

There have been six predicaments afflicting the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya and leading it to rename itself the Revival and Renewal Association.

First, internal crises began to snowball with the group resignation of Justice and Construction Party members in Misrata in October 2020. These then decided to disband the groups branch in the city west of the Libyan capital Tripoli and to continue working in civil-society institutions. They said that their resignation had been the result of the groups procrastination, disruption and delays in implementing revisions that are commensurate with the requirements of the day and that were approved at the groups 10th conference in 2015 by an absolute majority in line with the national interest.

The incident gained in significance because Misrata is a main stronghold of the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya and the Justice and Construction Party. The majority of Libyan Brotherhood leaders hail from Misrata, including Sadiq Al-Ghariani, head of the Justice and Construction Party Mohamed Sawan, figurehead leader Abdel-Rahman Al-Swehli, Minister of the Interior Fathi Bashagha, and many leaders of armed militias.

Second, there have been Turkeys attempts to reformulate its relationship with Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Sawan said in early May that changing the name of the group was crucial to rebuilding its structure and vision in order that it would be able to cope with domestic, regional and international developments. His statement can be interpreted within the context of Turkeys desired rapprochement with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which will reflect on the relationship between Ankara and the Muslim Brotherhood, including the branch in Libya.

The decision to change the Libyan groups name was thus a tactic designed in Ankara, where the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya and the former grand mufti of Libya resides. The rebranding, therefore, was meant to relabel the group as a charitable association, instead of a political group affiliated to the international organisation of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Third, the groups popularity has waned in many areas of Libya of late, leading several members from Zawiya to the west of Tripoli to resign in August 2020 and disband the local branch. Chairman of the Libyan Supreme State Council Khaled Al-Mashri also submitted his resignation a year ago. Group resignations have taken place in many southern Libyan regions as well, leading to the further dwindling of the popularity of the Muslim Brotherhood with the approach of parliamentary and presidential elections in Libya.

This was confirmed in a leaked audio recording of a conversation between Sawan and a leading figure in the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood, in which he expressed his fear that the group would lose sovereign positions in the country. Sawan talked about plans to ensure that the Muslim Brotherhood maintained its control over the Libyan central bank and other leading positions in the coming years.

He added that losing control of these would compromise the future of the Brotherhood and the Justice and Construction Party in the forthcoming Libyan parliamentary and presidential elections, especially given the increasing public anger in Libya over deteriorating economic, political and security conditions that prompted the Libyan people to go out onto the streets of Tripoli to demonstrate against the government and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Fourth, the recent rise in the influence of the Salafi current at the expense of the Muslim Brotherhood in the Libyan public sphere and the increase in the number of local Salafi associations have weakened the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood. This is in addition to the strong relationship between Salafi groups and tribes in eastern and southern Libya that has given popular leverage to the Salafi movement as a result of the large network of services granted through its many civil-society associations and religious institutions.

Furthermore, Salafi religious discourse is now extensively broadcast over many media outlets in Libya, along with social media and satellite channels, and the movement is heavily present in mosques. Another reason the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya was motivated to change its name was to allow it to focus on offering services and preaching to create a popular base that would serve the Justice and Construction Party on the political and electoral levels. This was evident in the groups statement, which confirmed that the new association would fulfil its mission in society through tireless work in various fields.

Fifth, the group has tried to open new communication channels with Egypt, and its change of name is designed to make it appear that it has disassociated itself from the international organisation of the Muslim Brotherhood. Abdel-Razzak Sarqan, a member of the Justice and Construction Party, told the Anadolu News Agency on 2 May that the group had decided to work uniquely in the domestic field, causing it to change its name to the Revival and Renewal Association. It was not affiliated to any organisation outside Libya or to the international organisation of the Muslim Brotherhood, he said.

As a result, the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya is trying to pass on a message to Egypt and to some regional and European countries that it has structurally disassociated itself from the international organisation, hoping that this will help it in advancing on new political tracks with these parties and particularly with Egypt.

Sixth, the group is seeking a rapprochement with the West and especially with France after many European countries have begun to view the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya as an extremist group as a result of the involvement of many of its leaders in battles dubbed the Libyan Dawn that saw violations against civilians. Moreover, the group has been trying to cover up the movement of militias and extremist groups in Libya, and at times it has provided them with political and financial support. This prompted it to emphasise in its 1 May announcement that the renaming was based on its belief that the civilised gateway to change and renaissance is community work and contributing to the establishment of a civil society [in Libya] that is not restricted in terms of diversity.

These factors show that the Muslim Brotherhood in Libyas decision to rebrand itself as the Revival and Renewal Association is a tactical manoeuvre rather than an ideological or strategic shift and is intended as a way of repositioning itself in the west and east of the country and of offering public services in order to stand up against the Salafi tide in Libyan society. The move also comes at a time of popular discontent in Libya with the Islamists, whom the majority of Libyans blame for the chaos that has been engulfing the country since the fall of the former Gaddafi regime in 2011.

The writer is an expert on terrorism at Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 20 May, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Renowned Egyptian actor, entertainer and comedian Samir Ghanem died on Thursday in one of Cairo's hospitals where he was admitted after being infected with COVID-19 in late April, the ministry of culture revealed.

Ghanem has been one of the favorite comedians performing in dozens of theatre works, television series and films over the span of over half a century long career, leaving a memorable imprint in all of them.

Among his best known roles are the comic character of Fatota, a famous TV classic from the 1980s. He was a member of 'Tholathy Adwa'a El-Masrah,' the 1960s standup comedy trio, with George Sidhom and El Deif Ahmed.



Ghanem received numerous awards during his career. In 2017, he received the Faten Hamama Honorary and Excellence Award during the Cairo International Film Festival, as testament to the vital role he has played in the film scene and his immense contribution to Egyptian cinema.



Culture minister Ines Abdel Dayem expressed that the whole Arab world lost an exceptional comic icon who created scores of works filled with joy and comedy. Abdel-Dayem indicated that his distinctive style succeeded in attracting the hearts of the public over the decades.



Ghanem leaves behind wife Dalal Abdel Aziz, who is also hospitalised due to COVID 19 infection, and two daughters, Donia Samir Ghanem and Amy Samir Ghanem, all well known actors.

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Gilles Carbonnier, vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was in Egypt for a three-day visit during which he met with top-level officials to discuss joint action on Covid-19 as well as the humanitarian activities of the organisation.

In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram Weekly on 6 May in Cairo, Carbonnier spoke of the humanitarian situation in conflict-hit countries in the Middle East and Africa, including Libya, Syria, Yemen and Ethiopia.

What were the highlights of your visit to Egypt?

It was three full days of mainly interacting with the Egyptian authorities, the Red Crescent Society, and the partners with whom we develop our humanitarian activities in the country. It was an occasion to remind ourselves of the fact that we have had an excellent relationship with Egypt for more than 100 years.

The ICRC was already present in Egypt during World War I when we visited prisoners of war. Since then, the ICRC has worked to alleviate suffering and has responded to every major crisis Egypt has known. Today, we are working with the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Ministry of Health to offer support during Covid-19.

Part of my visit included looking at what we have done so far and the steps that we will take in order to be able to support our counterparts in Egypt. For instance, there was recently a major train accident. We helped by strengthening the capacity of health workers to deal with mass casualties and save lives during such an event.

We engage with the Foreign Ministry on a range of issues, including promoting international humanitarian law as it applies to large-scale armed violence and conflicts. We have discussed with the Ministry of Social Solidarity some of the humanitarian challenges in the region and the activities we run with the Egyptian Red Crescent to support vulnerable people in North Sinai. The Egyptian Red Crescent, with our support, is running food and non-food programmes for people who face difficulties and are affected by the situation in North Sinai.

The ICRC has major operations today in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Ethiopia and Libya. These are all issues of interest for Egypt, and my visit provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing humanitarian challenges in neighbouring countries and the protection we provide to the populations affected by these crises. I also gave a lecture at the Egyptian Centre for Strategic Studies which allowed me to meet with researchers from different generations and discuss the economic aspects of protracted crises.

Have you spoken to the interim authorities in Libya? And what, amid Covid-19, a weak economy, and post-war arrangements, are your plans there?

We have large operations in Libya, a main office in Tripoli and offices in Benghazi, Misrata and Sabha. We have been present throughout the conflict, offering emergency medical assistance, reaching out to all parties to the conflict and promoting the application of international humanitarian law which includes protecting the civilian population from harm.

We are keeping this dialogue alive to ensure that both the civilian population and infrastructure are protected in case of renewed hostilities. We have also provided food assistance, non-food items and water to people affected by the conflict.

Thousands and thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) had to leave their homes because of the conflict. If I am not mistaken, Libya has over 30,000 IDPs, and now they want to go back. The issue is when this happens. We have to be very careful because there are a lot of unexploded devices still there. There are grave threats ahead of restoring livelihoods, and we are working with all partners to resolve them. We also continue to support the health infrastructure which has been badly damaged. Medical facilities were attacked during the conflict. It is important that we work with all parties to make sure that the health infrastructure is protected. Within a month, I might visit Libya to meet our teams there to be ready for any situation that may arise in the future.

Bearing in mind the situations in Syria and Yemen, how hard is it to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in times of conflict?

It is always difficult to work amid armed conflicts but this is our core mission, something we have been doing for over 160 years. We have learned, and improved the ways in which we can be effective in protecting civilians and providing life-saving assistance to them during armed conflicts.

If you look at Syria and Yemen, and this also applies to Libya, we see three basic trends. One is that these conflicts are protracted: they dont last for six years like World War II. They keep going on for a decade, sometimes two or more, as has happened in Afghanistan, Columbia and Iraq. Several generations are affected by them. People are forced to raise their children, sometimes their grandchildren, in situations of protracted armed conflict. This means ICRC must try to find ways to make a sustainable, humanitarian impact. Instead of providing food assistance forever, we are concerned about how we can provide the affected population with income-generating job opportunities so that they have a livelihood and a dignified life. What we also see is that people need connectivity during protracted armed conflicts. They need mobile phones and Internet connections which help them speak to loved ones and relatives, access information about the situation and take measures to protect themselves and their children as much as they can. We provide assistance that responds to these evolving needs.

Another trend is that armed conflicts have become urban. We have seen images of, and heard about, the destruction in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Taiz and Marib. When armed conflicts happen in densely-populated cities and artillery and heavy explosives are used, it becomes more difficult to protect civilians.

A third aspect, which adds further complexity, is the fragmentation of armed actors. This has been the case in Libya. We have to make sure that all armed groups appreciate what the ICRC is doing and engage with it to ensure our teams can safely operate.

The humanitarian consequences in Syria and Yemen are horrific for the populations. Syria, which was a middle-income country with a sophisticated health system, is now a low-income one with a partially-destroyed health system. Its basic infrastructure is on the brink of collapse, a major concern for us, and we have been calling on the international community to support us in maintaining vital infrastructure. This is a priority because if electricity-generating systems collapse you cannot ensure the provision and pumping of water to the population and this can lead to epidemics in urban centres and beyond.

Maintaining medical infrastructure is key. We operate at scale in Syria: it is our eighth year in a row and our Syria operation is the major one for us in terms of budget. Today  although some people might believe that the situation is improving because armed conflict has receded in some parts of the country  the humanitarian situation remains dire amid an intense economic crisis. The Syrian people need life-saving aid. The situation is extremely tense in terms of food security. We estimate that about two-thirds of the population needs some form of humanitarian assistance. In Yemen three-quarters of the population needs humanitarian assistance.

The Covid-19 pandemic has added a layer of complexity. In its wake some of our major donors face major budget constraints and budgetary priorities have shifted from foreign aid to domestic issues related to the pandemic. We do everything we can in this context. I would like to highlight that  in Syria just as Yemen  there is no humanitarian solution to the conflict. We need a political solution. The ICRC is not responsible for engaging in political discussions.

Internal conflicts in Ethiopia, in the Tigray region and elsewhere, have resulted in a refugee crisis in Sudan. How are you dealing with the situation?

It is a very worrying situation. We had a team in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray province, before the conflict started, and have remained present and active in Mekelle and Tigray, the only humanitarian organisation to do so.

As soon as we could, we arranged a convoy to bring medical supplies to Mekelle, and from there to other towns of Tigray. Our priority during the conflict was to treat those who had been wounded.

We have also seen a massive movement of population fleeing the hostilities. We have opened offices in Gedaref in neighbouring Sudan and, together with other organisations like the UNHCR, we have provided direct response to 72,000 Tigrayan people in Sudan.

In Sudan we worked to restore family links and allow people to connect with their families.

We are still very much active in Tigray, building our humanitarian response in terms of the provision of water, food and non-food items to support the medical mission. We are also engaging with parties to the conflict, underlining the basic rules that should be respected in armed conflicts and trying to persuade them to protect civilians from the impact of hostilities and respond to their needs.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 20 May, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weeky

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For Instagram blogger Kirsty Rutherford, many media outlets are deliberately using the wrong words to describe Israels actions in Jerusalem and its aerial bombing campaign against the Gaza Strip. She advocates using different words to change global perceptions about the 70-year-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Instead of using terms such as eviction, conflict, war, and clash, she has been replacing them with others to describe Israels actions such as apartheid, colonialism, state-sanctioned violence, ethnic cleansing, illegal settlements, and occupation.

Hundreds of Palestinians have thus far been injured or killed in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem. But this is not the only battle they are fighting, for another one is taking place on social media.

Palestinians are using social-media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to produce visual and written documentation explaining the Palestinian cause to the world. The Israelis are also doing the same thing in presenting their actions.

Facebook and Instagram have reportedly removed content and blocked the accounts of people reporting on Israels violent campaign against the people of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, many of whom will likely be kicked out of their homes by Israel, as well as attacks on them by Israeli settlers.

Instagrams public relations team made an attempt on 6 May to justify its position. We know that some people are experiencing issues uploading and viewing stories. This is a widespread global technical issue not related to any particular topic and were fixing it right now. Well provide an update as soon as we can, it said in a statement.

Some Palestinians whose accounts were deleted by Instagram posted screenshots of the messages they received. Post removed for hate speech or symbols, the messages read.

They received a warning ahead of the deletion of their accounts. Some of your previous posts didnt follow our community guidelines. If you post something that goes against our guidelines again, your account may be deleted, including your posts, archive, messages and followers, it said.

The Palestinians believe they are being treated unfairly by the social media giants. Dina Matar, chair of the Centre for Global Media and Communications at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, told Al-Ahram Weekly that social media had helped Palestinians by providing them with platforms to tell their story in their own words.

However, these platforms were now being closed to them in some cases.

Facebook, in particular, has blocked accounts of Palestinian spokespeople and actors under the guise of hate speech. However, Facebooks procedures to block accounts is based on a Western-centric view of activism that sees any support for Palestine as being anti-Semitic or as equated with hate speech. The logic used has no scientific basis, but is related to generalised rules that link particular terms and language to what the US and its allies have termed to be terrorist organisations, Matar explained.

What we need to understand is that language cannot be taken out of context and that these media companies continue to focus on language without linking it to its production and use in different contexts.

Matar believes that the Palestinian use of social media may not lead to a definitive shift in international policies, which continue to be dictated by long-term strategic imperatives that go beyond Palestinian needs and legitimate demands.

The Palestinian Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology has been asking people on Facebook to unify hashtags to make sure they trend around the world, including #GazaUnderAttack, #GenocideinGaza and #savesheikhjarrah.

The ministry has also urged people to change the privacy settings of posts and make them public ones. The aim is to make sure that as many people as possible can see them, not only those present in a persons list of friends.

The Palestinians have also been using TikTok, a Chinese social media site which almost 750 million people actively visit each month. This has been a successful move as millions of viewers have watched Palestinian content on it.

A video that shows Gazan people running from an Israeli airstrike has been viewed more than 44 million times on TikTok. You guys know what to do, Sabrina Abukhedir, a Tiktoker, said in a video in which Palestinian children were shown crying as a building was destroyed. About two million people have watched the video.

Palestinian content exists on Facebook and Instagram, but the companies attempts to block it have raised serious questions about the ability of Palestinians to post freely.

Ahlam Muhtaseb, a professor of communication studies at California State University in the US, said that Palestinian bloggers and influencers could group their followers using Instagram Live, as the group Muna Hawwa has done. They have been livestreaming in coordination with famous Arab bloggers and even American bloggers and influencers.

Israel has so much power in the decision-making process of these two giant platforms and probably others as well. The evidence in the case of Facebook and Instagram is hard to refute or ignore. Israel reached an agreement back in 2016 to censor any comment that incites violence against Israel and the Israelis. But the rules are very loose when it comes to defining what constitutes inciting violence  would a comment about Israeli violations or war crimes in Gaza, for example, constitute incitement, Muhtaseb asked.

There is the war on the ground, and there is the war in cyberspace. Money and influence tilt the power dynamics in favour of Israel in general, but the dedication of Palestinian cyber-activists and their supporters, motivated by their strong belief in the justice of their cause, manages to break through. A look at the mainstream media coverage shows the dent they have been able to make. The change is happening incrementally and slowly, but steadily.

Israel cannot be excluded from the equation, as it is doing its best to play down its devastating air strikes on Gaza, the destruction of Palestinian homes and the use of violence against protesters in Jerusalem.

Sally Buzbee, executive editor of the US Associated Press (AP), called for an investigation into Israels airstrikes on many media outlets in Gaza. Among those affected were the Al-Jalaa offices of AP. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the building contained an intelligence office for Hamas, but AP doubts the claim.

We are in a conflict situation, Buzbee said. We do not take sides in that conflict. We heard Israelis say they have evidence; we dont know what that evidence is. We think its appropriate at this point for there to be an independent look at what happened and an independent investigation.

In a letter sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a France-based media watchdog, said that the offices of 23 Palestinian and international media organisations had been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

RSF wants the ICC to launch a probe into the incidents and deal with them as possible war crimes.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 20 May, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Despite decades of conflict, non-Arabs might know little about Palestine beyond the news. It is Palestinian artists who have best presented the human cost of occupation and violence. Hundreds of films are available on such platforms as Shahid, OSN, Netflix, Watch It  and they are eye openers.



The MBC-owned Shahid offers nine films by Palestinian filmmakers based in Palestine or the diaspora. These include Palestinian director Najwa Najjars latest, Between Heaven and Earth (2019). Best known for Pomegranates and Myrrh (2009) and Eyes of a Thief (2014), the latter being Palestines 2015 Academy and Golden Globe Awards nomination, Najjar has won many awards. Between Heaven and Earth did not travel as far or wide as it might have due to the pandemic, but it did win awards including the 2019 Cairo International Film Festival Naguib Mahfouz Award for Best Screenplay. Starring Mona Hawa, Firas Nassar, Lamis Ammar and Louise Heem, the film, based around the divorce of a young couple, is road trip shot all across Palestine.



Another Palestinian film to see is Ghost Hunting (2017) by Raed Andoni, who also made the critically acclaimed documentary Fix Me (2009). Both films are dig into the trauma of living under occupation. In Ghost hunting, real people recall their dehumanising experience at the Moskovia Interrogation Centre in Jerusalem. Starring Palestinian director-actor Ramzi Maqdisi, it received the best documentary at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2017, and was selected but not nominated as a Palestinian Academy Awards entry that year.



Hany Abu-Assads Omar (2013) is a remarkable film by the director of Paradise Now (2006). Both films were Palestinian Oscar entries. Omar was also screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, where it won a Special Jury Prize, and at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. Starring Adam Bakri, Leem Lubany and Eyad Hourani, the film follows the relationship of three friends, Omar, Tarek and Amjad and Amjads sister Nadia who all live in the West Bank and who are continuously kept off-balance by political tensions. Abu-Assads latest is a Hollywood film unrelated to Palestine, The Mountain Between Us (2017), which stars Idris Elba, and Kate Winslet.



In his debut feature film, Screwdriver (2018), Bassam Jarbawi tackles one mans return home after 15 years in an Israeli jail. Played by the renowned Palestinian actor and cinematographer Ziad Bakri, the son of celebrated Palestinian director Moammed Bakry, Screwdriver had its world premiere at the 2018 Venice Film Festival and its Middle East premiere at El Gouna Film Festival.



The Reports on Sarah and Saleem (2018) is yet another gem by Muayad Alayan, whose debut feature was Love, Theft and Other Entanglements (2015). It shows flesh-and-blood Palestinains acting (often controversially) in real-life ways, and often generates heated debate for that reason. Among nine awards, The Reports on Sarah and Saleem won two at the 2018 Rotterdam International Film Festival, the Audience Award and a special mention (Tiger Award) for to screenwriter Rami Musa Alayan. The jury commented, This well-crafted screenplay shows us four humans, each with their own flaws and desires, who have to face the consequences of their actions in a complicated, divided world. The screenplay intertwines the personal and the political and manages to balance a complex plot with convincing characters. This proves to be the basis for a strong film by a talented director and an excellent cast. The film stars Adeeb Safadi, Maisa Abd Elhadi and Kamel Al Basha.



Villa Touma (2014) by Suha Arraf is another controversial film, but the controversy relates rather to the fact that 70 percent of its budget came from Israeli sources. They wanted me to call the film Israeli and not Palestinian, and wanted the film to represent Israel at festivals abroad, Arraf said in an interview on Jadaliyya web site. But I am an Arab, Palestinian and xitizen of Israel  I have the right to define my own identity. Starring Nisreen Faour, Ula Tabari, and Cherien Dabis, the film follows a Palestinian Christian family of three women (Violette, Juliette, and Antoinette) who are wholly immersed in the past, isolated from Palestinian society within their Villa Touma in Ramallah. When their niece Khadija, who was raised in an orphanage, appears in their life, they embark on a journey through class, gender and religion. Though the film went to court over its identity, it participated in over 50 festivals including Venice in the name of Palestine and won several awards and honours. Arraf was on Variety magazines Top 10 Screenwriters to Watch.



Despite a long documentary career that started in the mid-1980s, often working in collaboration with her husband, Lebanese filmmaker Jean Khalil Chamoun, Palestinian filmmaker Mai Masri did not make a feature film until 2015. Starring Maisa Abd Elhadi, Nadira Omran, and Rakeen Saad, 3000 Nights is the story of a young Palestinian schoolteacher who gives birth to a son inside an Israeli prison where she has to fight to protect him, survive and keep up hope. The film was shot in a real prison with an almost entirely female cast, with most of actresses having a strong connection with imprisonment whether directly or through their families. It was Palestines official submission for the Golden Globe Awards and Jordans official submission to the Academy Awards. It was officially selected in many prestigious film festivals including Toronto and Busan, and won the Tanit dBronze at the 2016 Carthage Film Festival.



The Time That Remains (2009), widely believed to be the closing part of a trilogy by Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman that also includes Chronicle of a Disappearance (1996) and Divine Intervention (2002). Although, being autobiographical drama, it is the most personal film in the trilogy, the film is also an account of the state of Israel from its creation in 1948 to the present day. The film stars Ali Suliman, Saleh Bakri, and Elia Suleiman himself, who appears in most of his movies. Competing for the Palme dOr of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, The Time That Remains was on the official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival, among many other honours and awards.



Shahid also features a tiny selection of short films including The Parrot (2016) by Jordanian directors Amjad Al-Rasheed and Darin J. Sallam. According to Amjad Al-Rasheed, it is based on the true story of his grandmother who left Jerusalem fir Jordan in the 1930s shortly before the Zionist occupation of Palestine. All her stories to her grandson were about the little parrot she left behind at a Haifa home she would never be able to return to. Al-Rasheed used to wonder how the poor little creature dealt with its new life with the Mizrahi Jewish family from Tunisia who take over the house.



OSN, another streaming platform that celebrates some of the latest Palestinian productions, offers 200 Meters (2020) by Ameen Nayfeh. The film premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival where it won the BNL Peoples Choice Audience Award. It was also the Jordanian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. Starring Ali Suliman, Anna Unterberger and Lana Zreik, it won four awards at El Gouna film festival where it had its Middle East premiere, including the best actor award and the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize. Based on a true story witnessed by the director-writer himself, 200 Meters is a road film about a Palestinian father trapped on the other side of the separation wall as he tries to reach the hospital where his son is.



OSN also offers Elia Suleimans latest, It Must Be Heaven (2019). Starring Elia Suleiman, Tarik Kopty, and Kareem Ghneim, the film was selected to compete for the Palme dOr at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize,and received a Special Mention. It was also selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. The film depicts a mans attempt to flee his problems in Palestine  only to encounter the same problems. The story of the film draws on Suleimans own life journey.



Among the short films recently acquired by OSN, there are three interesting shorts about Palestine and Palestinians. Bonbone (2017) by Rakan Mayasi stars Saleh Bakri, Rana Alamuddin, and Nadira Omran. The film, which won 14 awards including the Best Short Film award at the 2018 Moscow International Film Festival, is about a Palestinian couple resorting to an unusual way to have a baby as the husband is detained in an Israeli jail where visits are restricted.



The other film is A Drowning Man (2017) by Mahdi Fleifel, starring Atef Alshafei, Jalal Qaniry and Thymios Koukios. Fleifels debut fiction film, it is about a refugee drowning in sorrow and hardship, struggling to survive another day in a foreign country. The film was nominated for the 2018 BAFTA Best Short Film prize and the 2017 Palme dOrs Best Short Film prize and won the Muhr Award in addition to a Special Mention at the 2017 Dubai International Film Festival.



There is also Five Boys and a Wheel (2016) by Said Zagha, starring Ali Suliman, Nadira Omran, and Haidar Kfouf. Based on the American author Raymond Carvers short story Bicycles, Muscles, Cigarettes, it is about a school teacher who must regain his young sons confidence and admiration through an act of violence, symbolically reflecting the directors perspective on the political conflict.



Nominated for the 93rd Academy Awards, the Palestinian-British director Farah Nabulsis debut The Present (2020) is streaming exclusively on Netflix. Starring renowned actor Saleh Bakri, it centres on a Palestinian man in the West Bank who sets out with his daughter to buy his wife a gift, and demonstrates the struggles they go through among soldiers, segregated roads and checkpoints. The short film has also been nominated for Best British Short at the BAFTAs. Nominated for 45 awards, it won over 20 honours including the Audience Award at Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.



Also on Netflix, there is Ibrahim: A Fate to Define (2019), a documentary feature by Lina Al Abed. The film which won the Best Arab Film award at El Gouna Film Festival tracks the directors journey to find out about her father, Ibrahim Al Abed, who left house one day 1987, when she was six, never to come back. Said father turns out to have ben a secret agent for the Revolutionary Council, a militant faction that opposed the PLOs attempts to adopt more peaceful solutions to the conflict with Israel.



Another Palestinian film on the same platform is Wajib (2017) by Annemarie Jacir, starring Mohammad Bakri, Saleh Bakri, and Tarik Kopty. It was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. It was also selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards, but not nominated. Another road movie, it is about a father and son travelling amid wedding preparations in the buildup to Christmas in Nazareth. The film won 23 awards including the Arab Critics Award for Best Actor at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, the Muhr Award for both Best Fiction Feature and Best Actor at the 2017 Dubai International Film Festival and four awards at the 2017 Locarno International Film Festival.



The Egyptian-based streaming platform Watch It, although it does not yet focus on non-Egyptian content, is streaming three Egyptian films about the Arab-Israeli conflict: The Road to Eilat (1994) by Inam Mohamed Ali, Cousins (2009) by Sherif Arafa and Dignity Day (2004) by Ali Abdelkhaleq.



In addition to the pre-paid streaming platforms, there are also a few nonprofit streaming platforms which aim to spread independent Arab cinema among audiences across the world. These include the Aflamuna and the Palestine Film Institute, where several Arab and Palestinian films are streamed on a regular basis but for a limited period of time.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 20 May, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The problem in the talks between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) over the past ten years has not been a failure to compromise to make the negotiations successful, but the fact that Ethiopia has been coveting the water of the branches of the Nile that originate on its territory.

It does not want to abandon this water because of its failed development policies and corruption, despite its being home to a vast freshwater lake, nine river basins, 100 million cattle, 35 million hectares of agricultural land and thousands of hectares of pasture. Administrative corruption has allowed bartering to take place over water rights to one river out of the nine, and Ethiopia claims that this river alone, and not the others with their dozens of tributaries, can save it.

Egypt, by comparison, relies on a single river that has no tributaries throughout its vast desert land, whereas Ethiopia aggressively covets the water of the Blue Nile, a small river with a flow of no more than 49 billion cubic metres of water. Ethiopia has given itself the right to reserve 75 billion cubic metres of water from this small river, and it has unilaterally decided to divert this river to a lake.

It has also given itself the right to make the GERD a reservoir on this river in violation of its natural route which should flow through Egypt and Sudan towards the Mediterranean Sea.

The purpose of Egypts Aswan High Dam was to halt the waste of the water of the Nile in the salty waters of the Mediterranean, not to deprive its neighbours of water. Ethiopia, by contrast, is lying in its claim that electricity generation from the GERD will save it from poverty and propel it into a more developed position. No power-generating dams in history have ever saved a people from poverty or been the cause of their wealth.

Ethiopia says that its giant dam, which violates international law on the building of dams on transboundary river systems, is legitimate and only serves the purpose of generating electricity. However, it is deceiving the world in doing so and is hiding the fact that it objected to language in the Declaration of Principles on the Dam, signed in Khartoum in 2015, describing it as solely intended to generate power.

Instead, it insisted on adding that this was also a dam meant for economic development, meaning that Ethiopia reserved the right to establish factories and farms around its reservoir and to use the water for various economic purposes, including for sale, something not approved by the UN.

Ethiopia has told the world and the source countries of the White Nile that Egypt and Sudan intend to monopolise the rivers water, depriving the source countries of their right to benefit from it. However, it has not produced a shred of evidence from either Egypt or Sudan directed to Ethiopia or any White Nile source country demanding that they do not use the water of the Niles tributaries for agriculture, industry, domestic consumption or to protect the environment.

Ethiopia claims that the water of the Nile constitutes its major resource, ignoring its fresh lakes, abundant rainfall, marshlands, and subterranean water. The six source countries of the White Nile benefit from the fresh water lakes Victoria, Albert, Kyoga, George and Edward that together contain billions of cubic metres of water, as well as from two cycles of rain that allows for rain-fed agriculture.

All these countries are satisfied with their freshwater resources, and none have picked fights with Egypt. They do not covet the small amount of water that reaches Egypt and Sudan from the White Nile, no more than 13 billion cubic metres annually since the river loses 30 billion cubic metres of water in the marshland of South Sudan.

The problem lies in Ethiopias greed for the White Niles annual 71 billion cubic metres of water that come from three rivers, the Blue Nile, the Atbarah and the Sobat. For this reason, it persuaded the White Nile countries to sign the Entebbe Agreement that divides the rivers water. These countries do not benefit from this agreement, which Ethiopia tricked them into signing, because no matter how many dams they build or water they reserve this will not hurt Egypt or Sudan, even if they capture half of the 13 billion cubic metres of water.

Ethiopia wants to use the 71 billion cubic metres of water that flows into the Nile from Ethiopian sources as a bargaining chip, because the Ethiopians have failed to achieve development or take advantage of the countrys nine rivers and other natural resources to generate prosperity. It has decided to barter using water, even to the detriment of its neighbours, forgetting that water is a matter of life and national security and that neither Egypt nor Sudan will shy away from war if need be to liberate every drop of water withheld by Ethiopian greed.

Ethiopia denies that it makes use of every drop of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile with a volume of 40 billion cubic metres, and that it has built the Tekeze Dam to reserve another ten billion cubic metres of water. As a result, it has some 50 billion cubic metres of water from its three rivers, while 71 billion cubic metres go to Egypt and Sudan combined. The White Nile source countries are satisfied with their share of water, but Ethiopia denies receiving water from the Tekeze Dam and Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.

It seems that it is a case of never the twain shall meet when we consider the aggressive ambitions of one country and the legitimate demands of others that for thousands of years have received a certain amount of water from the Nile without any outside interference, agreements or treaties. Ethiopia, however, claims that the Blue Nile alone, and none of its other nine rivers, can lift it out of poverty. It should focus on its own failures of vision, development and education before it resorts to aggression and trafficking in water.

The writer is a professor of land and water resources at Cairo University.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 20 May, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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KYODO NEWS - May 20, 2021 - 20:07 | All, Japan, World

Russian Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin on Thursday reiterated his country's readiness to begin exports to and production in Japan of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.

Galuzin said earlier this year Russia had proposed the vaccine supply to Japan and was awaiting a response from the Japanese government.

His remarks come at a time when Japan, where Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is the only one approved for use and those of Moderna Inc. and AstraZeneca Plc are set to be approved Friday, is struggling to speed up vaccination of health care workers and the elderly before starting a rollout to the wider population.

"We are ready for cooperation with Japan with regard to the Sputnik vaccine," Galuzin told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo.

The ambassador said the Russian vaccine has already been approved for use in about 65 countries and several of them including India are locally producing it.

As for the long-running territorial issue between the two countries, Galuzin said there is no change in Russia's position of prioritizing economic cooperation in such fields as tourism and fisheries.

Japan and Russia have yet to conclude a post-World War II peace treaty due to their spat over the Moscow-held, Tokyo-claimed islands off Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and Southern Kurils in Russia.
Peninsula sell-off protests attract 'a great turn-up'

Protests against the proposed sell-off of Council-owned parks on the Peninsula have attracted 60-80 people on each of the last two Saturdays.

The protests were held at 83-85 Brisbane Ave, Umina, on Saturday, May 8, and at 23 and 23A Memorial Dr, Blackwall, on Saturday, May 15 - both blocks that are on the council's proposed sale list.

Organisers of the rallies described them as having "a great turn-up".

Speakers at both protests spoke of the need for shaded open space on the Peninsula for recreation and to address the "heat island" effect which made the Peninsula's suburbs the hottest on the Coast.

Others spoke of the value of the remnant vegetation both as habitat and as a seed bank for future tree planting.

The speakers on May 8 included Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch, Grow Urban Shade Trees group members Ms Jenny Wilder and Ms Leslie Harvey and Central Coast School Strike 4 Climate organiser Ethan Hill from Brisbane Water Secondary College.

Other speakers included representatives of the Central Coast's Community Environment Network and the Wires wildlife rescue service, Sue Chidgey, Kay Williams, Jake Cassar and Tim Selwyn.

Speakers on May 15 included Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast branch representative Mr Norm Harris, as well as representatives of GUST, CEN and Wires.

Both protests started with an Aboriginal smoking ceremony.

Participants at both protests decorated the trees with paper hearts as a token of their love for the trees and to express their hope that they will survive.

Organisers of the rallies described them as having "a great turn-up".
KYODO NEWS - May 20, 2021 - 16:42 | World, All

Some 100 Myanmar diplomats supporting a civil disobedience movement in opposition to a Feb. 1 military coup have been ordered to return to the country by the junta, according to a leaked internal document.

But some of the diplomats did not follow the order and continue to stay in their countries of assignment, speaking out in their support for democracy forces in Myanmar against the junta.

The diplomats who were ordered to return to Myanmar had served in some 20 nations including the United States, Britain, Japan and Singapore.

Among them was Myanmar Ambassador to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun who expressed opposition to the military coup at an unofficial meeting of the U.N. General Assembly held on Feb. 26.

Kyaw Moe Tun has ignored a dismissal from the junta, calling on the international community to support the democracy forces in Myanmar.

Thet Htar Mya Yee San, a second secretary at the Myanmar Embassy in the United States, contributed an opinion article to The Washington Post newspaper on April 29.

In the article, Thet Htar Mya Yee San wrote that she and three other diplomats in the embassy decided to declare their opposition to the junta.

She said it was a hard decision as she was about to step over an invisible line, a choice that would change her whole life.

"But I have faith that we will prevail, and that justice will be restored," the diplomat said.

In April, Myanmar's ambassador to Britain Kyaw Zwar Minn, who had made a statement criticizing the Feb. 1 coup in March, was locked out from the embassy in London.

Related coverage:

FOCUS: Axed diplomat fears Myanmar descending into darkness of dictatorship

EXCLUSIVE: Myanmar junta fires 2 diplomats in Tokyo for opposing coup, violence
KYODO NEWS - May 20, 2021 - 13:15 | Arts, All, Japan

Japanese dancer Fumi Kaneko has expressed her joy over recently being promoted to principal dancer at Britain's Royal Ballet, saying it "feels like a dream."

"I am still surprised and it hasn't sunk in," Kaneko, 29, said in an interview with Kyodo News on Wednesday, after the Royal Ballet announced the previous day her promotion to principal, the highest-ranked dancer who often plays a leading role.

Kaneko, who is set to appear as the principal in Christopher Wheeldon's "Within the Golden Hour" on Thursday, said she "couldn't believe it" and cried tears of joy when she was told about her promotion.

Having started training at a ballet school in the western Japanese prefecture of Osaka when she was 3 years old, Kaneko said she was determined as a child to someday become a "world-recognized ballerina."

The native from the city of Osaka said, "I just loved ballet and wanted to continue doing it," and her determination grew as she became older.

Kaneko won a gold medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition in 2008, then silver medals at international competitions in Moscow the following year and the United States in 2010.

She went on to join the Royal Ballet in April 2011, and was promoted to soloist in 2013. Five years later, she became first soloist, the rank under principal.

Her roles at the Royal Ballet include that of Princess Aurora in "The Sleeping Beauty," Odette and Odile in "Swan Lake," and the Sugar Plum Fairy in "The Nutcracker."

She is the first Japanese dancer to be elevated to the rank of principal at the Royal Ballet since 2016, when Ryoichi Hirano and Akane Takada were promoted.

Coming to Britain alone was not easy, Kaneko said, as she recounted how she underwent two surgeries due to serious injuries she sustained that forced her to stop training for a period.

"It was a long road but I hope that by coming this far, I can give hope to people who are thinking about doing their best," she said.

Related coverage:

Japanese dancer Kaneko promoted to principal at Royal Ballet
KYODO NEWS - May 20, 2021 - 18:59 | All, World

The U.S. administration of President Joe Biden plans to keep its North Korea policy flexible, while building on a 2018 summit agreement that included Pyongyang's commitment toward denuclearization, according to a senior official.

The Biden administration wants "maximum flexibility" in the process of dealing with Pyongyang, the official said as he explained why the diplomatic strategy on the issue is unlikely to be detailed in public.

The remarks were made during a conference call to preview the meeting between Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae In in Washington on Friday, during which the North Korean nuclear issue is expected to be high on the agenda.

The Biden administration said in late April that it has finished its months-long policy review on North Korea, which calls for "a calibrated, practical" diplomacy toward the goal of "a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

The details have remained unclear, other than that the plan is to seek a middle ground between the approaches taken by Biden's two most recent predecessors, Donald Trump and Barack Obama.

Trump, who in 2018 became the first sitting U.S. leader to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, had pushed for a "big deal" under which all sanctions would be lifted if North Korea gave up all of its nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

Under the Obama administration, in which Biden served as vice president for eight years through January 2017, Washington adopted a "strategic patience" policy, designed to put more pressure on the reclusive country while waiting for it to return to denuclearization talks.

Both administrations failed to make substantial progress in ridding Pyongyang of its nuclear arsenal.

The senior official acknowledged during the conference call that the Biden administration will still inherit the agreement reached between Trump and Kim during their first summit in Singapore in 2018 as well as other agreements made by previous administrations.

In a joint statement following the Singapore summit, Trump and Kim said Washington would provide security guarantees to Pyongyang in return for a "complete" denuclearization of the peninsula.

A security guarantee is seen as a key incentive for North Korea to give up its nuclear arms. The United States and North Korea are still technically in a state of war as the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in a cease-fire rather than a peace treaty.

Asked about the possibility of coming up with an end of war declaration in its communications with North Korea, the Biden administration official said, "At this juncture, it's really not in our interest to preview or comment on specific issues like an end of war declaration in hopes of spurring dialogue."

But he noted that "a significant amount" of Moon's visit will be spent discussing the challenges posed by North Korea and how Washington and Seoul can move forward together in "dialogue and deterrence."

Related coverage:

New U.S. policy toward North Korea builds partly on 2018 agreement

Japan, U.S., South Korea leaders eye meeting on fringes of June G-7 summit

Blinken hopes N. Korea will engage as U.S. eyes "practical" diplomacy
KYODO NEWS - May 20, 2021 - 22:13 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

A health ministry panel on Thursday approved two COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna Inc. and AstraZeneca Plc, clearing the way for Japan to boost supplies and speed up its sluggish inoculation program.

The ministry is expected to give the formal green light for use in people aged 18 or older on Friday, bringing the number of vaccines available in the country to three, including the one already in use from Pfizer Inc.

The Moderna vaccine is slated to be used at mass vaccination centers run by the Self-Defense Forces in Tokyo and Osaka as well as similar facilities being set up by some prefectures, while sources said the AstraZeneca one may be stockpiled for later use.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters vaccines are an "ace in the hole" in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and that he hopes to deliver them to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.

Japan's vaccine rollout has lagged behind other developed countries. Since its launch in February, first with health care workers and later people aged 65 or older, only around 4 percent of its population of 126 million has received at least one dose.

Suga, whose public support has fallen amid dissatisfaction with his COVID-19 response, has vowed to ramp up inoculations to 1 million shots a day and finish vaccinating the elderly by the end of July.

But a recent government survey showed 14 percent of municipalities expect to miss that deadline amid a dearth of doctors and nurses to administer shots. The effort has also been hampered by technical issues with reservation systems.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has a supply agreement to receive 50 million doses from Moderna by September, to be imported and distributed by the U.S. biotechnology firm's Japanese partner Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.

The vaccine must be stored in deep freezers at around minus 20 C, with shots to be administered four weeks apart.

AstraZeneca is contracted to provide 120 million doses, which can be kept at 2 to 8 C and are therefore easier to handle. Its efficacy rate of 76 percent, however, is lower than 94 percent for Moderna and 95 percent for Pfizer.

The first batch of Moderna Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in Japan is unloaded from an airplane at Kansai airport in Osaka Prefecture on April 30, 2021. (Kyodo)

Some countries have also temporarily suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, developed by the British drugmaker with the University of Oxford, or restricted its use in younger people following rare reports of blood clots.

The government is not in a rush to use the AstraZeneca vaccine because it expects to be able to cover everyone aged 16 or older with the Pfizer and Moderna ones, and may choose to store it away for later use, according to the sources. Japan has supply agreements with Pfizer for a total of 194 million doses.

Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a press conference Thursday he is launching a team within the Cabinet Secretariat to consider ways, in coordination with the health and foreign ministries, to certify and allow people who have been inoculated against COVID-19 to travel internationally.

Such "vaccine passports" are being introduced in the European Union and China among other places as a way to gradually allow people to resume business trips and take holidays overseas.

Issues to be addressed by the team include how long the vaccines remain effective and ways to prevent discrimination against people who cannot be inoculated for reasons such as potential allergic reaction.
KYODO NEWS - May 20, 2021 - 18:01 | All, Japan

A fire broke out at the Pakistan Embassy in Tokyo on Thursday, but no injuries were reported as all staff had safely evacuated, local authorities said.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene after the Tokyo Fire Department received an emergency call around 2 p.m., with the fire later extinguished, they said.

Local police and the fire department are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which is believed to have originated in wood chips on the embassy grounds that set the outer wall of the building alight.

The embassy is located in Tokyo's Azabu district, which houses the diplomatic missions of many countries.
United Nations:

The US on Sunday said it has pulled out of Global Compact on Migration, arguing that the Obama-era negotiated UN deal contains numerous provisions that are "inconsistent" with its immigration and refugee policies and the Trump Administration's immigration principles.

"President Trump determined that the US would end its participation in the Compact process that aims to reach international consensus at the UN in 2018", the US Mission to the United Nations said in a statement.

Earlier, the mission informed the UN Secretary-General about the US decision to end its participation in the Global Compact on Migration.

US participation in the Compact process began in 2016, following the Obama Administration's decision to join the UN's New York Declaration on migration.

"The New York Declaration contains numerous provisions that are inconsistent with US immigration and refugee policies and the Trump Administration's immigration principles". it said.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said America is proud of its immigrant heritage and its long-standing moral leadership in providing support to migrant and refugee populations across the globe.

Read more: CIA director warns Iranian general on Iraq

No country has done more than the United States, and its generosity will continue, she said.

"But our decisions on immigration policies must always be made by Americans and Americans alone. We will decide how best to control our borders and who will be allowed to enter our country. The global approach in the New York Declaration is simply not compatible with US sovereignty", she said.

Under the Trump administration, the US has pulled out of several global commitments including the UN culture and education body, UNESCO, and the Paris climate change agreement.

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New Delhi:

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to present Indias first post-GST and the current governments last full Budget on February 1 next year.

The Budget session of Parliament may begin on January 30 with President Ram Nath Kovind addressing the Joint Session of both the Houses of Parliament, a senior government official said.

The Economic Survey, detailing the state of the economy, is likely to be tabled on January 31 and the Union Budget may be presented the following day, he said.

Scrapping the colonial-era tradition of presenting the Budget at the end of February, Jaitley had for the first time presented the annual accounts on February 1 this year.

The Budget presentation was advanced by a month to ensure that proposals take effect from April 1, the beginning of the new financial year.

Also, the nearly century old tradition of having a separate budget for the railways was scrapped and merged with the general budget.

The tentative schedule being drawn up for the Budget Session means that there would be less than a months gap between two sessions of Parliament. The Winter Session, which begins on December 15, will end on January 5.

The official said that at least on one occasion in the pastin 1976, when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister, had the winter session spilled into January. But in those days, the Budget was presented on the last day of February and so there was one-month gap between the two sessions.

ALSO READ | Arun Jaitley: GST made doing business and trade very easy

The Union Budget 2018-19 would be the last full Budget of the BJP-led NDA government before the 2019 General Elections. As per the practice, a vote-on-account or approval for essential government spending for a limited period is taken in the election year and a full-fledged budget presented by the new government.

While P Chidambaram had presented the previous UPA governments vote-on-account in February 2014, Jaitley had presented a full budget in July that year.

The official said this will be the first budget post implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

Even though independent Indias biggest tax reform of GST was implemented from July 1, the Budget for 2017-18 (April-March), had followed the practice of tax revenue projections under the heads of customs duty, central excise and service tax alongside direct tax numbers.

With excise duty and service tax being subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the classifications in the forthcoming budget may undergo change, he said.

While a new classification for revenues to be accrued from GST will be included in the Budget for next fiscal, for the current year two sets of accounting may be presented, one for actual accruals during April-June for excise, customs and service tax, and the other for July-March period for GST and customs duty.

The official said that since the GST rates are decided by a GST Council, headed by Union Finance Minister and comprising of representatives of all states, the Budget for 2018-19 may not have any tax proposals concerning excise and service tax levies.

Only proposals for changes in direct taxes, both personal income tax and corporate tax, besides customs duty, are likely to be presented in the Budget along with new schemes and programmes of the government.

This will be Jaitleys 5th Budget in a row. With the preponement of Budget, ministries are now allocated their budgeted funds from the start of the financial year beginning April. This gives government departments more leeway to spend as well as allow companies time to adapt to business and taxation plans.

Previously, when the Budget was presented at the end of February, the three-stage Parliament approval process used to get completed some time in mid-May, weeks ahead of onset of monsoon rains. This meant government departments would start spending on projects only from August-end or September, after the monsoon season ended.

Besides advancing the presentation date, the Budget scrapped the Plan and non-Plan distinction as well.

ALSO READ: Cabinet approves ordinance to amend Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

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New Delhi:

Commodore G Prakash, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy told reporters in Kochi that the Indian Navy has rescued 25 people from Lakshadweep and picked 13 people off the Kerala coast.



Navy is continuing with a massive search operation with 8-10 ships off the Kerala coast, Commodore Prakash added.



In Lakshadweep, there has been massive destruction. Houses have lost their roofs, trees have fallen and boats capsized. Navy is conducting a massive search in the area, Commodore Prakash said further.



Meanwhile, in Kerala, a team of Indian Navy has made preparations in Kochi to fly to Lakshadweep for rescue operations. So far 25 people have been rescued from Lakshadweep.



The collector of Gir Somnath district in Gujarat has said that Cyclone Ockhi is likely to lash Saurashtra coast in the next 48 hours and subsequently weaken. All fishermen have been warned to not venture out and those already out have been asked to return immediately.



In Tamil Nadu, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took stock of Cyclone Ochki affected Kanyakumari and interacted with the locals.

#CycloneOckhi - Smt @nsitharaman reaches Kanyakumari. Along with Hon. Dy CM @OfficeOfOPS

senior ministers, officers of Navy, coastguard and district officials, Smt @nsitharaman reviews the current situation. pic.twitter.com/5u2OTQSSxS  Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) December 3, 2017

Tamil Nadu State Revenue Control Room has said a total of 690 people have been rescued so far. The total number of deaths is 19 while 96 people are missing, 63 have been hospitalised, 74 houses fully damaged, and 1122 housed partially damaged.

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Bharuch :

"A youngster Shehzad has exposed the rigging that is taking place in the Congress president poll. Shehzad is a senior Congress leader in Maharashtra. Congress has tried to muzzle his voice and wants to even remove him from their social media groups. What tolerance is this?"

"A few days ago I said there are 3 polls whose results are certain- UP local polls, Gujarat polls where I said BJP will win and the INC President election where 1 family will win. We saw what happened in UP," said PM Modi in Surendranagar.

Those who have no internal democracy can't work for people. I want to say to this youngster Shehzad- you have done a brave thing but this is sadly what has always happened in Congress: PM Narendra Modi in #Gujarat's Surendranagar pic.twitter.com/ittZiKjNu6  ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Sharpening his attack on the Congress in poll-bound Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the opposition party of seeking to divide society on the basis of caste and religion.

Resuming his campaign in his home state, where the first phase of Assembly elections is to be held on December 9, Modi lashed out at the Congress, saying that it wanted to create walls between brothers.

The people of Gujarat know what the Congress is up to. It changes colour time and again, creates a wall between brothers, he said.

Addressing a rally in Bharuch district, Modi said the party made one caste fight with the other, one religion fight with another.

My problem with Congress politics is simple- they oppose us just for the sake of opposing. They oppose things like bullet train only because they could not take this initiative forward and are envious someone else is: PM Modi in Bharuch pic.twitter.com/FSGH6bI7dw  ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

They keep you busy in fighting with each other. You may die but the Congress will eat malai (cream), he said.

The prime minister is slated to address two more rallies in Surendranagar and Rajkot later in the day. Bharuch goes to polls on Saturday.

Do you remember the poor law and order situation in Bharuch when Congress was in power? Curfews and violence was common here. BJP changed this, not only in Bharuch but all over Gujarat: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/4FbBKcnGYn  ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Gujarat will vote in two phases - on December 9 and 14 to elect a 182-member Assembly. The counting of votes will take place on December 18.
Seoul:

North Korea on Sunday blasted the United States and South Korea as "warmongers" on the eve of their largest-ever joint air exercise, saying it could trigger a nuclear war.

The comments came as White House National Security Advisor H R McMaster warned of the "increasing" possibility of war with the impoverished but nuclear-armed North.

The five-day Vigilant Ace drill -- involving some 230 aircraft including F-22 Raptor stealth jet fighters  begins tomorrow, five days after the North test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile believed capable of hitting the US mainland in a fresh challenge to President Donald Trump.

The North's ruling party Rodong newspaper slammed the upcoming drill.

"It is an open, all-out provocation against the DPRK, which may lead to a nuclear war any moment," it said in an editorial today, using the North's official name.

"The US and South Korean puppet warmongers would be well advised to bear in mind that their DPRK-targeted military drill will be as foolish as an act precipitating their self- destruction," it said.

The commentary was published a day after Pyongyang's foreign ministry accused the Trump administration of "begging for nuclear war" by staging what it called the reckless air drills.

McMaster said the possibility of war with the North was "increasing every day".

"I think it's increasing every day, which means that...we are in a race to be able to solve this problem," he said at a forum yesterday.

"There are ways to address this problem short of armed conflict, but it is a race because he's getting closer and closer, and there's not much time left," he said.

The North says the Hwasong-15 missile fired on Wednesday can be tipped with a "super-large heavy warhead" capable of striking the whole US mainland.

But analysts remain unconvinced that it has mastered the advanced technology to allow the rocket to survive re-entry to the Earth's atmosphere.

The months-long nuclear standoff between Kim and Trump has fuelled concerns of another conflict, after the 1950-53 Korean War left much of the peninsula in ruin.

But even some Trump advisers say US military options are limited when Pyongyang could launch an artillery barrage on the South Korean capital Seoul -- only around 50 km from the border and home to 10 million people.

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Ankara:

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today said Turkey could never be condemned by virtual courts in the US after he was implicated in a scheme allegedly designed to subvert US sanctions on Iran during a trial in New York.

Turkish-Iranian gold trader Reza Zarrab had been due to go on trial over the accusations but, to Turkeys chagrin, he agreed to cooperate with US prosecutors and told a court on Thursday that Erdogan authorised two Turkish banks to circumvent the sanctions and launder money from Iran.

The case has angered Erdogan, who accused the trial of being linked to the network of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based Muslim cleric blamed by the Turkish government for last years failed coup.

My country can never be condemned by virtual courts set up by FETO scoundrels, fake representatives, Erdogan said during a televised speech in the eastern city of Kars, referring to Gulens group that Turkey has dubbed the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation.

Someone has got up and decided they will apparently try my country in their falsely set-up courts. Dont bother! Erdogan added.

Turkey has repeatedly called for Gulen to be extradited, but he denies any involvement in the coup or terrorism.

Since Zarrab became the prosecutions star witness in the trial, deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank Mehmet Hakan Atilla is now the lone man in the dock accused of violating sanctions, bribery and money laundering.

Zarrab has taken the stand three times since Wednesday, admitting to bribing a former Turkish economy minister and being involved in the multi-billion-dollar gold-for-oil scheme.

On Thursday he told the court he was informed that in 2012, then prime minister Erdogan and then treasury minister Ali Babacan had given instructions for two other Turkish public banks, Vakif and Ziraat, to take part in the scheme.

Zarrab was a key figure in a 2013 Turkish corruption scandal, which Ankara denounced at the time as another conspiracy by Gulen and his group.

Analysts say the embarrassing revelations could damage Erdogan politically and also harm the Turkish economy, if one or more Turkish banks are fined over violating sanctions.

Ankara has urged Zarrab to turn back from his mistake and claimed this week that the trader is under pressure to make defamatory claims against Turkey.

Istanbuls public prosecutor ordered the seizure of Zarrab and his familys assets late on Friday, accusing him of espionage for the benefit of a foreign state.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier today claimed FETO has infiltrated American missions in Turkey, the US judiciary, its Congress, everywhere, they have infiltrated all institutions in this or that way, legally or illegally.

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Lahore:

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed confirmed that his banned outfit Jammat-ud-Dawah will foray into Pakistans political scene by contesting the 2018 general elections under the banner of Milli Muslim League which is yet to be registered in the Election Commission of Pakistan.



Saeed, who was under house arrest since January this year, walked free on November 24 after the Pakistan government decided against detaining him further in any other case.



"The Milli Muslim League (MML) is planning .. planning to contest next year's general elections.I also dedicate 2018 for Kashmiris who are struggling for freedom," Saeed said while meeting a group of columnists at the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) headquarters in Chauburji.



The JuD, a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore.



The founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba also vowed to continue supporting Kashmiris.

Also Read: Hafiz Saeed - Terror mastermind of deadly 26/11 Mumbai attacks

"I want to tell India that I will continue support Kashmiris no matter what kind of difficulties are there. India wants us to stop raising voice for the Kashmiris. It is building pressure on the Pakistani government. I want to tell Pakistan that back channel diplomacy only caused harm to the Kashmir cause," he alleged.

Saeed, who is accused of having masterminded the November 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, was placed on the terrorism black list by the United Nations under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008.



The US too has designated him as a global terrorist and has announced a reward of USD 10 million for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Saeed also claimed that his detention in Pakistan and Hurriyat leaders in India was part of an international agenda.



"This had been done to harm the Kashmir cause. India is angry over my release from the house detention. I warn India if it does not stop atrocities against Kashmiris then this struggle will rise further and it will face the music," he said.

Last September when Saeed was under house arrest in Lahore, the JuD entered in the political arena and contested by-poll from Lahore's NA-120.

Also Read: Pakistan justifies Hafiz Saeed's release, says Indias concern 'self serving

That National Assembly had fallen vacant after the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. His wife Kulsoom Nawaz had won that seat.

Sheikh Yaqoob, a JuD-backed candidate who secured 6,000 votes, had announced that the JuD which has the blessing of Saeed would contest 2018 elections.



Yaqoob was placed in 2012 on a US Treasury sanctions list of those designated as leaders of terrorist organisations.

India had expressed outrage over the judicial board's decision to release Saeed, calling it an attempt by Pakistan to mainstream proscribed terrorists and a reflection of its continuing support to non-state actors.



Saeed has now filed the petition to delist him from the UN list of designated terrorists. He was put under house arrest after the Mumbai attack but he was freed by a court in 2009.



Nine of the Mumbai attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught and executed after a trial.



India had expressed outrage over the judicial board's decision to release Saeed, calling it an attempt by Pakistan to mainstream proscribed terrorists and a reflection of its continuing support to non-state actors.

Saeed has now filed the petition to delist him from the UN list of designated terrorists. He was put under house arrest after the Mumbai attack but he was freed by a court in 2009.

Nine of the Mumbai attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught and executed after a trial.







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New Delhi :

A 32-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a rooftop in New Delhis heart, Connaught Place, on Saturday.

According to Delhi Police, the victim was groped and molested by an unidentified man in his late twenties on the terrace of her office.

The police said, The incident occurred around 10 am in the morning. The victim in her complaint has mentioned that she had gone to the terrace of her office. The accused groped her from behind and started masurbating.

According to the Delhi Police, the victim was sitting on the terrace when the accused came up pretending to be over the phone.

The victim also told us that her perpetrator touched her private parts. said a police officer.

Also read: 4-year-old sexually assaulted in Kolkata school, accused teachers arrested



The victim said, I somehow managed to reach the door and cried for help. He let me go only after my colleagues came for rescue. He jumped onto an adjacent terrace and fled.

Also read| UP: Brother, father, uncles rape girl for disgracing family honour by eloping with boyfriend



An FIR has been registered at the Connaught Place police station under sections Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 354 (criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 342 (wrongful confinement), 356 (theft), and 379 (punishment for theft).

Police is yet to arrest the accused.

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New Delhi:

A scuffle broke out on Saturday between BJP and Congress workers over vandalisation of a Congress candidate's poster in Rajkot.

Later, the police detained three congress party workers in connection with the incident.

The Congress workers were protesting outside chief minister Vijay Rupanis residence after brother of Congress candidate Indranil Rajyaguru was injured in scuffle, the police informed.

Those detained include Rajkot West Congress candidate Rajyaguru, Rajkot East Congress candidate Mitul Donga and another party worker, police said.

Police also indulged in baton charge to disperse the mob. Rupani is contesting polls from his Rajkot West seat against Rajyaguru. Elections will be held in Rajkot on December 9.

Scuffle broke out between Congress and BJP workers over the issue of tearing of posters. Brother of Rajyaguru, Deep was injured in the the scuffle, Joint Commissioner of police Dipak Bhatt told reporters.

Injured Congress workers were taken to City private hospital. (With PTI Inputs)
New Delhi:

The Max Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi terminated the services of two doctors involved in the declaration of a 22-week-old premature baby as dead while he was alive.

The hospital situated in north-west Delhi's Shalimar Bagh, which has also set up an inquiry into the matter and has two senior doctors from Indian Medical Association (IMA) in the panel, is likely to conclude its investigation on Monday.

"While the inquiry by the expert group which includes external experts from IMA is still in process, we have decided to terminate the services of the two treating doctors, Dr A P Mehta and Dr Vishal Gupta in the case relating to the twin extreme pre-term babies," the hospital said in a statement.

"This strict action has been taken on the basis of our initial discussions with the expert group and as a reflection of our commitment to higher standards of care," the statement added.

The hospital added that the action should not presuppose finding of any lapse by the expert group and should not be construed in any way to be anything other than an expression of our continued commitment to providing quality healthcare.

On November 30, doctors had declared the 22-week-old premature baby dead at the hospital and handed over the body to the parents in a polythene bag along with his stillborn twin brother.

The family observed slight movement in the polythene bag while they were on their way to perform the last rites. The baby was found alive and was rushed to a nursing home in Pitampura.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Saturday said that strict action would be taken against the hospital and if required its licence would be canceled.

He said the government ordered an inquiry on Friday when it came to know about the alleged negligence of the hospital. Jain said a show-cause notice was served to the hospital on November 22 for not treating poor patients.

The baby remains critical at a nursing home in Pitampura. "The baby is in a critical condition now. The body is supposed to be kept under observation for 72 hours after admission on Friday," a nursing home doctor, who did not want to be named, told IANS.

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Bhopal:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president of Madhya Pradesh Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan, while addressing a rally in Kolaras Tehsil of Shivpuri District, made a rather unfit statement in his enthusiasm to present the durability of the houses being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.



Chauhan while heaping praises on the quality and durability of the houses said the houses though cost only Rs 1.5 lakh each, person who will get the house, his funeral will be conducted from the same house and even his children will enjoy living in the same place.



The video is going viral leaving Chauhan red-faced.

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New Delhi:

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday filed his nomination papers for the party's chief post. The 47-year-old Gandhi scion is likely to emerge as the lone candidate in the fray and decks have been cleared for his election as the Congress president, succeeding his mother Sonia Gandhi, who has held the post for 19 years in a row now.

Here are some interesting facts about Congress VP Rahul Gandhi:

# He attended St. Columbas school in New Delhi and the Doon School in Dehradun. In 1989 he went to St. Stephens College, New Delhi and earned bachelors degree in History. He also earned M.Phil degree from Trinity College.

# Rahul Gandhi earned the degree in international relations and development studies at the universities of Cambridge and Rollins.

# He was only 14 years when his grandmother was killed by her own loyal security guards.

# Before his political career, Rahul Gandhi established his own firm, Backops Services Private Limited in 2004 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

# Rahul Gandhi was arrested for the first time when he was going to meet the farmers in Bhatta Parsaul village in Uttar Pradesh in May 2011.

# In 2006, Rahul had purchased two shops in Metropolitan Mall in Saket with super built-up areas of 514.44 square feet and 996.98 square feet. In his 2009 election affidavit, Rahul had declared that the combined value of these two properties stood at around Rs 1.63 crore. He sold the shops for Rs 5.28 crore sometime in 2012-13.

# According to the published reports of the Sunday Guardian, Rahul Gandhi was having an affair with the Afghan Princess. Later on, Afghan Princess got married to the Prince of Egypt in 2013.

Also Read: Rahul files nomination for Cong president's post, Manmohan Singh calls him party's darling

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New Delhi:

Shehzad Poonawalla, the Congress leader and an officer-bearer in Maharashtra Congress, who raised his voice against dynasty politics and election for President post, has accused Congress and Rahul Gandhi's office of insulting him on Sunday.

Talking about the same Poonawalla said, "Today morning, I called Rahul Gandhi's office for an appointment to provide him proof that it was a rigged (Congress president) election before he files his nomination on Monday. I thought Rahul Gandhi has some morality and will stop the election process, but his office insulted me," the news agency ANI reported.

Today morning, I called Rahul Gandhi's office to ask him for his time so I could give him the proof that it was a rigged election before he files nomination tomorrow. so. he has some morality& stops process and takes right decision but his office insulted me: Shehzad Poonawalla pic.twitter.com/Y7EhADZtpp  ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Poonawalla further took the matter to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote, "Sardar Patel was denied his due years ago; I contacted @OfficeOfRG even today asking his office to meet me so I could give them proofs about the rigged election of RG- they insulted me just like Patel must have been insulted."

If Sardar Patel was insulted by Congress leadership back then, then I feel the same way today.When I raised my voice to end dynasty politics&election for Pres post&,not coronation of Rahul Gandhi,then they (Congress)said I was not member.I proved that they lied:Shehzad Poonawalla pic.twitter.com/TZKffcfmPP  ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Also Read: Jaitley's dig at Rahul Gandhi, says BJP is pro-Hindutava, who cares for clone

While Congress Presidential Election is around the corner, Shehzad Poonawalla has given birth to a new controversy after on November 29 he called Rahul Gandhi's elevation a slection rather than an election.

"Raising an issue nobody in my party - the Congress will have guts to raise- my conscience will not allow me to stay quiet anymore on Dynasty/ sycophancy," the Congress leader tweeted further.

Meanwhile, Congress had raised questions over Poonawalla's existence in the party after the Congress leader expressed his displeasure regarding the process of the election.

Earlier, on December 1, Shehzad alleged that party's spokesperson Manish Tewari had told him that the Congress was a 'proprietorship' like every other political party in India.

Till three days ago, I had been receiving communication from Maharashtra Congress office, now they are saying I am not a party member. I had to become a whistle-blower: Shehzad Poonawalla pic.twitter.com/xVwxzTNxQE  ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Ballot papers instead of EVMs, demands opposition

Moreover, amidst this ongoing debates, Maharashtra Congress unit and Shehzad's family members have also 'disowned' him virtually.

According to state Congress president Ashok Chavan, Poonawalla remarked so with an aim to get 'cheap publicity', and the party has no connection with the same.

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New Delhi :

Giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband, according to a draft law aimed to curb the practice which continues despite the Supreme Court striking it down.

The draft 'Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill' was sent to the state governments on Friday for their views, a senior government functionary said. They have been asked to respond to the draft urgently, he said.

The draft was prepared by an inter-minister group headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The other members included External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and his junior in the ministry P P Chaudhary.

The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or 'talaq-e-biddat' and it would give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children.

The woman can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate who will take a final call on the issue.

Under the draft law, triple talaq in any form -- spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp -- would be bad or illegal and void.

"The provision of subsistence allowance and custody has been made to ensure that in case the husband asks the wife to leave the house she should have legal protection," the functionary said.

According to the draft law, which would be applicable to the entire country except Jammu and Kashmir, giving instant talaq would attract a jail term of three years and a fine. It would be a non-bailable, cognisable offence.

The functionary pointed out that after the Supreme Court order, the government was of the view that the practice would end. "But it continues. There have been 177 reported cases of instant talaq before the judgement and 66 after the order this year... Uttar Pradesh tops the list. Hence, the government planned a law," he explained.

He said the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act were found to be of little help in such cases even as the government and the Prime Minister's Office were receiving complaints from women.

The subjects of divorce and marriage come under the Concurrent list of the Constitution and Parliament is free to pass laws on it in emergencies. But going by the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, the government decided to consult states.

"The plan is to bring it in the winter session of Parliament," the functionary said.

As of now, the draft law is prospective in nature. But if Parliament feels, it can be implemented retrospectively once it is passed and gets the President's nod, he said.

Perhaps women who have been given triple talaq before the proposed law comes into force can also seek custody of minor children and subsistence allowance using its provisions, another official said.

Once the views of the states are received, the law ministry would move Cabinet with the proposal.

As the law stands today, a victim of 'talaq-e-biddat' or instant triple talaq would have no option but to approach the police for redressal of her grievance as a Muslim clergy would be of no assistance to her.

Even police are helpless as no action can be taken against the husband in the absence of punitive provisions in the law, they explained.

In August, the Supreme Court struck down the controversial Islamic practice of instant divorce or 'talaq-e-biddat' as arbitrary and unconstitutional.

Also read: Hyderabad man gives triple talaq to wife over phone, case registered



But there have been reports of a number of divorces by way of 'talaq-e-biddat' even after the judgement, the functionaries said.

Despite advisories being issued to the members of the community against the archaic practice, there seemed to be no decline in the cases of divorce by 'talaq-e-biddat', they claimed.

Also read: Centre mulls introducing Bill in winter session to end triple talaq



In a recent case of 'talaq-e-biddat', a man working with a leading educational institution divorced his wife through WhatsApp and SMS, the functionary said quoting media reports.

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New Delhi :

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, before his appearance at the Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday in London, said that the charges leveled against him were fabricated and baseless.

News agency ANI quoted Mallya as saying, I have said repeatedly that charges are false, fabricated and baseless. I have nothing to say, submissions in court will be sent evident.

The liquor baron denied to make any further comments and said, I am not the decision maker and would follow the proceedings.

He also told the reporters, "Please hear the proceedings."

The 61-year-old liquor tycoon is scheduled to appear before London's Westminster Court shortly. Mallya is wanted in India for defaulting on loans more than Rs 9,000 crore and alleged money laundering charges. He has been under a self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom since he left India on March 2, 2016.

Also read: Vijay Mallya hits out at Indian media over 'hate campaign' against him

Mallya is currently out on a 6,50,000-pound bail bond following his arrest by Scotland Yard over money laundering charges. Mallya is out on bail since Scotland Yard executed an extradition warrant in April this year. The extradition trial is scheduled to end on December 14.

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New Delhi:

Pakistan has violated the ceasefire along the International Border and the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir more than 720 times this year, the highest in past seven years.

According to the data compiled by the Union Home Ministry, Pakistani forces have violated ceasefire 724 times along the IB and the LoC till October in comparison to 449 times in 2016.

As many as 12 civilians and 17 security personnel were killed in the firing from across the border till October, a home ministry official said quoting the data.

A total of 79 civilians and 67 security personnel were also injured in the firing.

The truce between India and Pakistan along the International Border, the Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir came into force in November 2003.

Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir: Pak Army resorts to unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC in Poonch; Indian army retaliates

India shares a 3,323-km-long border with Pakistan of which 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC fall in Jammu and Kashmir.

In 2016, there were 449 incidents of ceasefire violations in which 13 civilians and 13 security personnel were killed and 83 civilians and 99 security personnel were injured.

In 2014, there were 583 incidents of ceasefire violation in which 14 civilians and three security personnel were killed and 101 civilians and 28 security personnel were injured.

In 2015, the number of ceasefire violations was 405; 347 in 2013, 114 in 2012, 62 in 2011 and 70 in 2010.

Also Read: Pakistan summons Indian Deputy High Commissioner over 'ceasefire violations'

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New Delhi:

A team of scientists have said that allowing people to write their own medical records can actually help the patients feel more involved in the treatment.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles found out that patients could benefit if they are encouraged to co-produce medical notes, called OurNotes, with their doctors, rather than just reading them.

The study which was published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine says that the practice may turn out to be beneficial for the doctors as it can reduce the time spent on documentation.

As per John Mafi from the University of California, If executed thoughtfully, OurNotes has the potential to reduce documentation demands on clinicians, while having both the patient and clinician focusing on whats most important to the patient,.

John also added that piloting OurNotes will start at four centres next year.

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In order to prepare for the pilots, the team of scientists conducted in-depth telephonic interviews with 29 health care experts.

The results indicated that participants overall believed that OurNotes can promote patient engagement and also improve patient-provider collaboration and patient-centred care. Participants also believed that writing ones own record can probably take some of the documentation burden from the busy providers.

The consensus among the researchers was that the most promising and suitable approach for OurNotes is to contact the patients before they visit the doctors and ask them to review the previous notes, give an interval history and also list what they wish to address at the visit.

(With PTI inputs)
The government of Bangladeshi has approved the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines Sinopharm from China. Bangladesh`s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the highest body to deal with economic issues, in a meeting has approved the purchase.



The approval came a week after Bangladesh received a batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China.

The Bangladeshi government has already announced that it will start administering from next week the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China.



Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming formally handed over the vaccines to Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque at a ceremony at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka last Wednesday.



The health minister made the announcement at a press conference Monday, saying "health professionals on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic will receive the doses beginning May 25 or 26".



Bangladesh suspended administering the first dose of the vaccine on April 26 after India halted export to tackle its own crisis. Subsequently, the country`s drug regulator authorized the emergency use of the Sinopharm vaccines.



Bangladesh kicked off the Covid-19 vaccination drive on January 28 to rein in the pandemic that has so far spread across the country.

A total of 5.82 million people in Bangladesh have so far received the first dose of the vaccine.



On Wednesday, the country`s Directorate General of Health Services reported 1,608 new cases of Covid-19 and 37 new deaths, bringing the number of total cases to 783,737 and the total death toll to 12,248.

Global Covid Updates: Thailand registers 3,394 new cases, 29 deaths

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Building more climate literate business, Leadership in Global Climate Change
Dubai has launched a crowdfunding platform to support the creative dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs in the emirate. The initiative was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Wednesday.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "Today, we launched the "Dubai Next" platform, the first of its kind, to attract crowdfunding to support creative ideas and projects..." The Dubai Crown Prince said the idea behind the initiative was to motivate youth from the UAE as well as from other countries to start their own businesses in Dubai.

"The traditional job is no longer the best option in an era in which the chances of success are for the creative and innovative," said Sheikh Hamdan. There are great success stories of entrepreneurs who started their projects from Dubai and reached international levels," he added.

"Trade is rooted in UAEs culture and heritage and its potential for growth is unlimited with Dubais position as a hub for global trade. Our goal is to see new generations of successful Emirati merchants."

Sheikh Hamdan, who is also the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said that the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector is a key pillar of the national economy, and that the UAE continues to give increasing attention to the sector through initiatives and programmes launched to support entrepreneurship in the city.

Crowdfunding is the use of small amounts of capital from individuals to finance a new business venture. With the use of digital technologies, aspiring entrepreneurs can now present their ideas and projects to a larger segment of the community locally and globally, and obtain direct financing or support in marketing the idea.

Bangladesh Govt approves purchase of Covid-19 vaccines from China

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Kolkata: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was injured in a firing by cattle smugglers near the Indo-Bangladesh International Border in West Bengal. Officials said today, Thursday, that the incident took place at 8 pm on Wednesday (May 19) near Putiabaromsia border post in BSF in Behar district.

A BSF spokesperson said, the patrol found about 10 to 15 Indian cattle smugglers heading towards the border to meet Bangladeshi miscreants and carrying about 6 to 7 cattle. The spokesperson said, "BSF jawans reached the spot and asked the smugglers to stop and hurled a non-lethal weapon (Chile grenade) at Indian miscreants. 

He further said, "However, the warning did not affect the miscreants and they fired four to five rounds at the BSF personnel. The spokesperson said that one of the soldiers was shot in the left ankle after which the patrolling team also fired a round, causing smugglers on both sides to flee. He said the injured jawan has been admitted to a local hospital and is in stable condition at present.

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Today on May 20, Andhra Pradesh Assembly has scheduled to be held a single-day budget session. Let us share here that the one-day session is being called by Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government as a statutory obligation, as is mandatory for Assembly to meet every six months.

For your information let us share that the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Tuesday said that it would boycott the single-day budget session in protest against the unilateral, undemocratic and illogical decisions of the government led by Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. TDP said it will hold a mock Assembly session on Thursday evening and Friday morning to discuss state government failures.

However, here it is to be noted that TDP deputy floor leader Nimmala Ramanaidu in a statement said that his party has boycotted the assembly budget session because alleging there will be no scope for discussion of public issues in this budget session which is to be held for only one day.

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Global Covid Updates: Thailand registers 3,394 new cases, 29 deaths
Kathmandu, May 20

Gorkha Brewery, a leading brewery of Nepal, in partnership with Singapore-based entities Temasek Foundation and Lotus Life Foundation, has provided Covid-19 testing and treatment medical equipment worth Rs 200 million in total to the government.

The brewery says the aid includes equipment like ventilators, BiPAP machines, pulse oximeters, fortitude kit amongst others.

They will soon be handed over to the Ministry of Health and Population.
Kathmandu, May 20

The government of Nepal is receiving 30,000 litres of liquid oxygen from the Tibet autonomous region of China.

The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu says Tibet is also providing 800 filled oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators, five ventilators, 200 ICU beds and 15,000 antigen kits to help Nepal fight the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The embassy claims this is the first time that a foreign country provided liquid oxygen to Nepal.

The consignment will come to Nepal via the Tatopani border point, it has been learned. The aid is expected to arrive in Kathmandu by the weekend.
Kathmandu, May 20

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has requested the British Ambassador to Nepal, Nicola Pollitt, to make efforts for sending Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal from the United Kingdom as far as possible.

Pollitt had gone to the Prime Ministers Office in Singhadarbar today to call on Oli on Thursday afternoon, during which Oli requested support, informs Olis press advisor Surya Thapa.

During the meeting, the two discussed various issues of bilateral relations, in particular, the cooperation during the ongoing pandemic, according to Thapa.

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On Saturday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in an all-party meeting criticised the far-western provincial government for not cooperating with the federal government in controlling the Covid-19 outbreak.

The provincial government sends back the people from the central government sent for situational assessment, monitoring or consultation, stating it does not need anything. Is this kind of attitude appropriate during a humanitarian crisis? the PM asked.

The provincial government spokesperson Internal Affairs and Law Minister Prakash Shah gave his reply to the PM at a press conference, on Monday. There must have been a lack of coordination among the government levels. The PM must have been misinformed about the provincial government, said Minister Shah.

This shows how divided and uncoordinated the federal, provincial and local government bodies are in the prevention, control and treatment of the Covid-19 epidemic. Such mismanagement can be seen between federal and provincial bodies, federal and local bodies, provincial and local bodies, and among the local government bodies.

Crisis and confusion

At present, most of the health facilities do not have empty beds; isolation wards are full; there is a lack of oxygen and oxygen cylinders everywhere. There are also reports of a shortage of human resources, inadequate health supplies in hospitals and laboratories, affecting testing and treatment. Similarly, the Covid-19 contact tracing mechanism is also not effective. All three tiers of government, individually, are not capable of solving such problems at once.

Amid the problems galore, the people are looking towards the government bodies. Due to different responsibilities, there is no unison among all government bodies. They are engaging in the blame game. And sadly, even during the epidemic, there is a power struggle going on between the federal and provincial government bodies.

Even though the Covid-19 second wave has paralysed the nation, the PM is yet to hold joint discussions with all the chief ministers regarding the pandemic control. Due to the lack of initiative of the federal government, there is no environment of coordination or cooperation among the provincial government; neither is it listening to the local bodies.

A former director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), Dr Baburam Marasini, says all government bodies are in their own ignorant worlds.

By now, there should have been clearly defined roles and responsibilities regarding how the level of government would deal with the crisis, and how to coordinate with their counterparts, he says, also hinting at the lack of legal instruments for the same. But, the current act does not clarify anything. Just based on a notice in the Nepal gazette, it does not seem the provincial and local governments will get responsible now.

Article 232 of the constitution says that the relationship between federal, provincial and local government bodies should be based on the principles of cooperation, coexistence and coordination. Article 235 says the federal parliament will make necessary laws to maintain coordination between all three.

However, so far, the government has not paid attention to making such laws.

As a result, the coordination between government bodies during natural calamities and other kinds of crises lacks.

Infectious disease specialist Dr Anup Subedi also says that victory against the pandemic will be possible only if all three tiers of government are united to set up quarantine, run Covid-19 testing, tracing, isolation and treatment programmes.

Not just by imposing prohibitory orders, but all government bodies must play their part to subside the epidemic, by quarantining, testing, contact tracing, isolating the infected and treating the sick, he says.

Rush for credit

Office of the Chief Minister, Hetaunda, Bagmati province. Photo: Office of the Chief Minister

All the local government bodies have expressed dissatisfaction saying that the federal government has been uncooperative with them, even during the pandemic.

An official of the Bagmati Provincial Ministry of Social Development says there is a tendency among the local representatives to do everything on their own whereas officials of provincial and federal governments also want to take relief programmes directly to claim the credit.

The federal and provincial governments are trying to have their separate influence at the local level, which is not appropriate during an epidemic, the official says, Likewise, the local officials are also getting more into unhealthy competition and promoting themselves than helping each other.

The chief ministers and the ministers are running on their own. There is no strong coordination or partnership among them as they fear others getting the credit, the official says. The role of the provincial government is being questioned because rather than setting up the system, they are making efforts to procure and distribute health supplies and budget on their own.

Dissatisfied local units

With the intergovernmental coordination getting weak, dissatisfaction is rising at the local level. The local unit, which seemed to have done well last year and got praised for the epidemic control as the Birgunj model, also seems discouraged this time.

Birgunj Mayor Vijay Kumar Sarawagi says his government faced difficulty to control the second wave, not because of the open border but lack of enough preparations. We are working thrice as much this time, but since the virus spread has been high, we have had trouble controlling the impact.

Mayor Sarawgi accused the federal and provincial government of not working together with the local level. He says because the local government is working independently, without enough discussion of the real-time situation with other levels of the government, they face more difficulty controlling the outbreak.

The provincial government provided two ventilators. If there was better coordination, we could have bought dozens of cheap CPAP and BIPAP machines instead of ventilators worth millions. This time, such machines have proven to be effective in Birgunj.

Last year, the metropolitan city decided to provide land to build a temporary 100-bed hospital for Covid-19 patients. We also set aside the budget, he says, But, the provincial government did not show interest and the plan has been in limbo.

At present, there is a 100-bed isolation centre and a 100-bed Covid-19 hospital in Birgunj. The metropolitan city has made arrangements to deliver free oxygen to the infected people at their doorsteps. It has distributed medicine to 1,200 people and fed the needy in different places. There are more people at hospitals than in other isolation centres this time. We should have been able to plan and work accordingly, but the local level was not capable on its own. All government levels should have worked together.

In their own worlds

The story of the Jugal rural municipality of Sindhupalchok is not different from that of Birgunj. There is an isolation centre of 50 general and 20 oxygen beds with health workers including two medical doctors.

The rural municipality has requested the federal Ministry of Health and the Bagmati Provincial Ministry of Social Development, for the expenses incurred in running the isolation centre. So far, however, both the governments have not responded.

Hom Narayan Shrestha, the chairman of Jugal rural municipality, says although the local body has done effective work, the federal and provincial governments have not fulfilled their duties or provided adequate support, facilitation and coordination in the pandemic control. He adds the lack of coordination and cooperation among the local bodies have also added to the problem.

Isolation in Jugal is sharing space with the infected from Balephi rural municipality also. The centre is well-equipped, but other local bodies have not been able to maximise all the resources, informs Shrestha. He adds coordination among the government bodies would be crucial to set up ICUs at the district hospital for the treatment of critically ill patients.

But sadly, everyone has gone their separate ways, says Shrestha.

The same story in the valley

This kind of lack of coordination is seen not only outside but also within the Kathmandu valley. Although the rate of infection has increased, preparations for treatment including quarantine, testing, contact tracing and community isolation are still weak.

The federal government has run a 100-bed isolation centre at the Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu without any coordination with the local government. But, Kathmandu needs an isolation centre with a much larger capacity.

Local representatives are requesting to provide oxygen, beds, ICUs and ventilators at the hospitals as per need but have not been able to take the initiative to do contact tracing at the local level and provide community isolation with oxygen supply.

Meanwhile, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division and the Department of Health Services under the federal government are claiming that the local levels are doing everything, including contact tracing.

Kathmandu Metropolitan Citys Chief Administrative Officer Rajeshwar Gyawali says that there has been a lapse in swab collection as there is a limit fixed by the federal government. This has affected the number of tests and contact tracing as well.

Problems at the local level

The Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN), an umbrella organisation of municipalities, also feels that there is a lack of coordination and facilitation at the inter-government level.

The MuAN President Ashok Kumar Byanju says he wrote a letter to the Federal Ministry of Health on May 12 demanding the government immediately declare a health crisis in the country, put health services as a top priority and mobilise additional budget as needed.

He also says the local governments in all 77 district headquarters should establish and operate a communicable disease control hospital as soon as possible.

The letter also calls for vaccinating all citizens and establishing a financial partnership among all three levels of government for sustainability and effective implementation.

It has also demanded that the local units mobilise the unused funds of the federal ministry for the Covid-19 insurance of all citizens as well as mobilise the health workers and boost their morale.
Statement by the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone Regarding the China-aid Fish Harbour Project

2021/05/20

I, Du Zijun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone have noted that some local and foreign media have recently published some false reports on the China-aid Fish Harbour Project for Sierra Leone on the basis of some unfounded social media news. I find it difficult to understand this kind of groundless speculations, attacks and smear. I wish to make the following points:

First, it is an assistance project that the government of Sierra Leone has requested the Chinese government to help construct for the purpose of promoting the development of Sierra Leones own fishery sector. The content of the project is to build a fish harbour rather than a "fish meat mill". It is a Sierra Leonean project rather than a Chinese one. The accusation about Sierra Leonean side selling 250 acres of land to China is totally groundless.

Second, the site selection and environmental impact assessment of the project are determined or conducted by the government of Sierra Leone in accordance with its own laws and administrative procedures. The Chinese side will decide on the establishment and implementation of the project after the Sierra Leonean side completes its relevant work. The accusations of not paying attention to environmental protection and destroying the ecological environment are completely sensational and hypothetical. It is an insult to the government and people of Sierra Leone to claim that the Sierra Leonean government is incapable of doing relevant work or does not consider the interests of the Sierra Leonean people.

Third, some people make relevant remarks about the project in the name of environmental protection. However, their real intention may not be to protect the environment, but to hinder the implementation of the project and thus hinder the economic and social development of Sierra Leone.

Fourth, some people indulge in criticizing and accusing China- Sierra Leone and China-Africa cooperation for one reason or another, but they are unwilling to contribute in a substantiated way to the economic and social development of Sierra Leone and other African countries. The Sierra Leonean people and the African people can see it through very easily. The China-Sierra Leone and China-Africa friendly cooperation will not be detracted by such groundless accusations.
Kathmandu, May 20

This turned out to be a bad day for Ram Bahadur Thapa, a former Maoist leader who has recently joined the ruling CPN-UML.

Hours after he lost the position of the Minister for Home Affairs due to a Supreme Court order, Thapa lost his effort to secure a National Assembly seat.

In the election held on Thursday, he lost the battle to the opposition alliances Khim Lal Devkota, according to the results announced in the late afternoon.

Devkota secured 5,088 votes against 4,014 of Thapa.

The UML apparently had a majority in the electorate comprising of Provincial Assembly members and chiefs and deputies of the local governments of the Bagmati province. However, he could not win the poll as the voters of the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led faction of the party voted against him.

Until a week ago, the disgruntled faction was preparing to split the party. Hence, it had already made a deal with the opposition parties to form an alliance for the by-election in the province. Although the camp has withdrawn the split plan, it decided to not vote Thapa as Devkota was loyal to the faction.

Following the results, the UML has once again come onto the verge of splitting. The party leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has already said the act of not voting for the partys official candidate could not be tolerated.
" " A powerful piece of street art, titled "Mild, Mild West," by British street artist Banksy showed up on the side of a building in Bristol, England. GEOFF CADDICK/Getty Images

Turn the clock back 20 years, and a mention of "street art" might call to mind words like "graffiti" and "vandalism." But in the last decade or so, this public genre has made massive gains in acceptability and appreciation. In some cases, monetization has come along too, which has kept more than a few talented individuals from falling into the trope of starving artist.

In 2021, a painting by street artist Banksy sold for $20 million at auction. That is a long way from the early days of classic New York City underground graffiti of the 1970s and 80s. But the genre has undergone a shift from being a "private language" that was deliberately illegal and not necessarily meant to be understood by all viewers, says Prof. Paul Gough, principal and vice-chancellor, Arts University Bournemouth and author of "Banksy: The Bristol Legacy."

Early practitioners of street art included French artist Blek le Rat, Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose work is by Artnet to be "largely responsible for elevating graffiti artists into the realm of the New York Gallery scene" and Keith Haring. Their work exemplifies the fact that street art is "rooted in the revolutionary practices of those who identified with various subcultures linked to class, race, or gender," as Jessica McQueen, associate curator at Saatchi Art, explains.

Today, the political remains largely present, and of course, graffiti and vandalism still happen, but as an art form, street art is now often paid for, commissioned or at least permitted. The Street Art Museum Amsterdam calls it "an important counterculture movement that can be found all over the world." It is site-specific, and the artist considers the physical context in which it is being created. In addition to graffiti, street art has been connected to muralism, neo-graffiti and urban art, and there are many ways it can be expressed.

"Definitions are a bit elusive," says Gough. And they probably aren't helpful. "It's democratic. That's the ultimate word about street art. It's for everybody."

And that is part of its power. Street art is accessible spatially and visually to people who might never set foot inside a gallery or museum, he says.

Rather than attempting to delineate what street art is and isn't, looking at some recent works by contemporary street artists offers a picture of its breadth. Here are six powerful and provocative examples of street art  they barely scratch the surface.

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1. Dugudus' Paris Commune

Talk about revolutionary roots  French artist Dugudus installed a diverse array of 50 life-size cutouts of Communards on the steps of the Place Louise Michel to mark the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune. A three-month insurrection that began on March 18, 1871, the Paris Commune saw people's committees running the capital and the official government exiled to Versailles, according to the BBC.

" " Silhouettes of the Communards created by the artist Dugudus stand in front of the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris, on March 18, 2021, to commemorate the 150 years of the Commune of Paris. ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/Getty Images

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2. Falko One's Elephants

Street art is known for its connection with urban spaces, and artist Falko One got his start painting in Cape Town, South Africa, in the late 1980s. But it was while painting in a small village in Dakar, Senegal, that he hit upon his signature colorful elephants. In remote locations, his playful murals "transform and reinvigorate villages and towns," according to Culture Trip.

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3. Maya Hayuk's Colorful Abstracts

Known for massive abstract street work with detailed and intricate painted patterns, feminist artist Maya Hayuk refuses to work with galleries that exhibit fewer than 10 percent female artists. "Melt the Guns," her 2013 mural in East London demonstrated her signature style, which is visually appealing but has "a deeper political undertone," according to Artsper Magazine.

" " A colorful geometric mural by Maya Hayuk in Toronto, Canada. bixentro /Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

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4. Stik's 'Big Mother'

Street art doesn't have to be complicated or intricate to be meaningful, but being enormous doesn't hurt. A case in point  the artist Stik's well-known "Big Mother," a 13-story mural formerly located on the side of the Charles Hocking House social housing tower in London. It was "a symbol of protest against the destruction of social housing," according to Stik's website, a message that took on additional poignancy when its building was demolished.

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5. Clet Abraham's Sign Hacks

Clet Abraham, who goes by Clet, is a Florence, Italy-based artist who adds humor and meaning to existing street signs. Unlike sticker art that might cover a surface, he harmonizes with his "canvases." Nevertheless, his work takes on serious topics too like "I Can't Breathe," about which he states on his website, "Once again, a human being has died under the weight of authority."

" " A Clet Abraham No Entry sign hack near The Louvre in Paris. Lorie Shaull /Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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6. Banksy's 'Achoo'

This list cannot end without a work from Banksy, the mystery artist whose Instagram bio calls him an "overrated graffiti artist." During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Banksy painted this image of a sneeze on the wall of a home in Bristol, England. Gough notes that during dark times, like a national lockdown, street artists have the ability to give something back to the people.

" " Banksy claimed the artwork "Achoo" as his in a tweet after it appeared on the side of a house on Vale Street in Bristol, England overnight on a random Thursday in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

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Now That's Something To Chew On Some artists literally take to the street with their art, like Ben Wilson, who paints discarded chewing gum from London's busy thoroughfares
Workforce

OPM tells agencies they may set up labor-management relation forums

Agencies can reinstate labor-management relation forums, although they aren't required to, according to May 18 guidance to agencies from the Office of Personnel Management.

A 2017 executive order removing requirements for these forums remains is still on the books.

Former President Donald Trump's executive order removed requirements that agencies create labor-management relation forums where managers, feds and union representatives discuss government operations, although it didn't ban them completely.

That executive order also removed the requirement that agencies engage in "pre-decisional involvement" feds and unions" over workplace matters with feds and unions before final decisions are made. OPM guidance on the order told them to do this "only to the extent that the cost of doing so brings tangible benefits to the agency."

The Trump executive order that rolled back those policies and called for agencies to disband the groups remains "in effect" but is "under review," wrote acting OPM director Kathleen McGettigan.

While that review is pending, agencies can establish these labor-management forums.

Under previous guidance issued pursuant to the Trump executive order, agencies had to notify OPM if they determined that "benefits" of any labor-management relations forums outweighed the "costs," but that requirement no longer applies.

"OPM believes the establishment of labor-management forums and use of [pre-decisional involvement] can be beneficial and useful to agencies and labor unions. Therefore, if an agency believes establishments of these forums or use of pre-decisional involvement will be productive and elects to use them or some version of them . The agency is encouraged to do so," the guidance states.

Federal employee unions have called for the forums to be reinstated.

"We commend President Biden for removing obstacles and allowing agencies and their employee representatives to restore these valuable forums that in the past have helped resolve workplace problems in their early stages; created efficiencies in the delivery of government services; and given employees a meaningful voice in helping agencies accomplish their missions," Tony Reardon, national president of the National Treasury Employees Union said in a statement.

"With this new guidance, NTEU intends to encourage agencies where we represent employees to reinstate labor-management forums and grant pre-decisional involvement when it comes to workplace policies," he said.
(Corrects 4th paragraph to say Ramadan ended last week)

CAIRO, May 19 (Reuters) - Egypt will extend measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including early closing hours for shops, until the end of May, the cabinet said on Wednesday.

Since May 6, stores, malls and restaurants have had to close by 9 p.m., straddling the last days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Eid celebrations.

Public parks and beaches, which were closed during Eid, will be allowed to reopen with appropriate precautions, the cabinet said in a statement.

The number of new cases has been steadily rising in Egypt in recent weeks and officials have warned of infections spreading further as families were meeting during Ramadan, which ended last week. The Eid holiday ended on Sunday.

While Egypt imposed stricter measures at the start of the pandemic, closing its airspace and setting nightly curfews to curb the spread of the virus, it has remained largely open since June 2020.

Egypt had officially confirmed 248,078 coronavirus cases including 14,441 deaths as of Tuesday. However, officials and experts say the real number of infections is far higher, but is not reflected in government figures because of low testing rates and the exclusion of private test results.

Egypt, with a population of just over 100 million people, has agreed to import 20 million doses of the Russian coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik-V, and the supply would take place in succession until the end of the year, the cabinet said on Wednesday.

The country, which is trying to contain a third wave of COVID-19 infection, also agreed to buy 20 million doses of the vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson, it added.

Egypt has received batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX initiative and other shipments of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine over the last few months. (Reporting by Moamen Said Attalah; writing by Mahmoud Mourad; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Richard Chang)
Chinas crypto warning on Tuesday may look similar to previous notices. However, it conveys a pointed message to commercial banks and payment companies that have been friendly to crypto-related businesses.

The National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association and the Payment and Clearing Association of China published a notice saying member financial institutions should not provide services to crypto-related transactions or investment funds. The news appeared to help spark a crypto sell-off on Wednesday, when the overall crypto market lost nearly $1 trillion before it began recovering on Thursday.

Although yesterdays notice looks largely the same as before, it is a more explicit warning specifically for Chinese banks and payment processors, said Tao Luo, former Beijing Fengtai district attorney and chief consultant at Global Blockchain Compliance Union.

Related: Bitcoin Falls as China Calls for Crackdown on Crypto Mining, Trading

Chinas central bank officially barred financial and payment institutions from providing any services related to all cryptocurrencies as early as 2017. But some major crypto trading platforms are still able to process transactions through personal bank accounts due to certain banks lax compliance requirements, Luo said.

The warning could lead Chinese financial institutions to implement more rigorous compliance requirements and further limit basic banking services they can offer to crypto traders, at least in the short term, according to Luo.

The recent notice appears to be targeted more at the banks by spelling out what specific banking services are prohibited. Some services in the recent notice, such as purchasing crypto with fiat currencies and setting up crypto funds, were not included in the 2017 ban prohibiting financial institutions from transacting, clearing, settling and insuring all cryptocurrencies as well as initial coin offerings.

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The earliest crypto-related ban in China dates back to 2013, which barred financial institutions from offering services related to bitcoin.

Related: Gensler Says SEC Should Be Ready to Bring Cases Involving Crypto

The regulation seems to have tightened, said a Beijing-based executive from a U.S. crypto investment firm that has a few multi-million dollar crypto funds in China. The number of available service providers has dropped. The executive sought anonymity due to the sensitivity of OTC trading activities in China, some of which are still illegal in the country.

The messenger

Sometimes who sends the message is almost as important as the message itself, Luo said. The three associations issuing the warning are among the most important watchdogs besides Chinas central bank, the Peoples Bank of China (PBoC), which oversees Chinas banking and online payment services.

The members of the three associations that issued the notice range from major state-owned commercial banks to payment giants including AliPay and WeChat Pay.

That fact that the notice comes from these semi-official associations indicates the regulators might just want to give the banks a wake-up call, said Aries Wang, partner of South Korea-based crypto venture capital firm BlockWater Capital. There will be more serious consequences if it is from the central bank.

The bans in 2013 and 2017 were issued by the Peoples Bank of China along with other government agencies including China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The Chinese financial regulators have taken a similar approach in limiting investment in other asset classes such as real estate and U.S. stocks, Luo said.

Although the Chinese banking system can not officially offer any services related to crypto, sometimes these banks have offered services without knowing they were dealing with crypto-related businesses, said Wang.

Certain Chinese banks would allow crypto trading firms to use personal bank accounts to deposit cash for their trading businesses as long as the firms are not involved in money laundering, while other banks would not even know they are dealing with crypto-related businesses, he added.

Many of the crypto trading firms have over-the-counter trading (OTC) desks, which is a major marketplace for Chinese traders to buy or sell cryptocurrencies.

OTC trading in China

OTC trading services is one of the two major ways for Chinese investors to enter the crypto market. Investors could set up an account on a foreign exchange, such as Coinbase, where they can buy crypto with fiat currencies or cash in on their crypto holdings. However, many Chinese investors are not able to go abroad and open such accounts due to the exchanges compliance requirements. That leaves OTC trading as the more common trading platform for Chinese traders.

If the Chinese regulators completely close bank accounts associated with crypto businesses, the impact on trading, such as the OTC desks, in the country could be devastating, Wang said, adding it is highly unlikely regulators would be able to ban all such transactions in practice.

The intensifying crackdown on crypto trading could be, in part, attributed to OTC trading desks potential involvement in money laundering.

The notice comes amid Chinas nationwide crackdown on an increase in money laundering activities in the banking system due to the rise of telecom fraud. Some fraudsters tend to use crypto OTC trading desks because tens of thousands of their bank accounts have been closed by the Chinese police. Prominent Chinese OTC trader Dong Zho has been in police custody since last year for his involvement in money laundering.

Another reason prompting the crackdown notice could be the overheated crypto market.

The crackdown notice calls the crypto markets extreme volatility a substantial threat to Chinas financial stability and its citizens assets. As virtual currencies see more drastic price swings, we have also seen more frequent trading and marketing activities, the notice said.

A number of memecoins have been issued in China following the success of dogecoin copycat SHIB in the U.S. There are more than 60 new coins that derive from DOGE on the market. Unlike decentralized finance (DeFi), which could be complicated for the average crypto investor to participate in, memecoins can be easily traded on small exchanges, Wang said.

Rebound

However, the Chinese crypto market is likely to survive this round of crackdowns in the long run.

Traders would probably experience short-term headwinds, Lingxiao Yang, chief operating officer at crypto hedge fund Trade Terminal, said. But they have seen multiple rounds of crackdowns before and they can wait out the cycle.

In China, crypto trading remains in a murky legal area. The regulators tend to carry out crackdowns when the Chinese crypto market is overheated or serious compliance issues emerge.

The Chinese crypto community has seen two large-scale crackdowns over the last decade. Chinas central bank banned financial institutions from offering services related to bitcoin in 2013 and expanded the ban to all cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings in 2017. Yet, Chinese crypto trading persists.

Its just about controlling the narrative, not about controlling bitcoin, Leonhard Weese, co-founder of the Bitcoin Association of Hong Kong, said. Bank accounts will be shut, new accounts will be opened and everyone is on notice not to get too big.

Related Stories
Consumers are moving into investing to complement -- or in some cases, offset -- less favorable returns from things like traditional savings accounts with low interest rates or pensions, and today one of the bigger "neobrokers" in Europe helping to open up that opportunity is announcing a monster round of funding to fuel its growth.

Trade Republic, which lets people buy and sell shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), derivatives and (most recently) cryptocurrency by way of a mobile app that does not charge commissions (but does have a fee structure for various services), has raised $900 million in a Series C round of funding that values the Berlin startup at $5.3 billion, the startup confirmed.

The round has a very strong bench of investors behind it. It is being led by Sequoia, with new backers TCV and Thrive Capital, as well as previous backers Accel, Founders Fund, Creandum and Project A, also participating. Accel and Founders Fund co-led Trade Republic's Series B a year ago.

The investment catapults the Berlin-based startup into being one of the biggest privately-held fintech businesses in the region, and while Trade Republic is currently only active in Germany, Austria and France, Christian Hecker (who co-founded the company with Marco Cancellieri and Thomas Pischke) said the startup will be using the funds to expand to many more countries (which will include not just sorting out licenses to do so, but implementing larger regional operations, hence the large round of funding).

"It's our ambition to be present across the entire Eurozone in the next four months," he said in an interview with TechCrunch. That might logically start with the biggest markets in the region, which would mean Spain and Italy, followed by Benelux, Ireland and Finland.

Hecker's view is that what Trade Republic provides is a resource that everyone should be able to access. "It really hurts me to see that the those demographic or macroeconomic factors [that are impacting users in Germany, France and Austria] are basically burning all continental European countries. So I think that's really, really important we launch in all of those nations." The U.K. is also on the target list, he noted, but Brexit has definitely thrown a proverbial spanner into the works on sorting that one out.

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The turning tides of consumer habits, and economic trends, are indeed playing in favor of apps like Trade Republic that are giving people a crack at investing, an area of financial services that has traditionally been reserved for wealthier individuals with large sums of money and access to brokers to help them manage that.

For more ordinary people in Europe, interest rates have been at an all-time low, making traditional savings a less-compelling way of growing money; and given the rate of inflation, there are concerns that state pensions -- Social Security, as it's known in the U.S. -- will not be enough for average consumers to live on in their later years without a supplement, while private pension plans are not widely used to supplement that already.

Enter "neobrokers" that are leveraging the ubiquity of smartphones and mobile apps, and a growing acceptance of carrying out financial services like payments or banking using them, to build a new approach to investing, one that is far more accessible to a wider pool of consumers by splitting the stock investing into increments or making way to invest in funds that are composites of many stocks; or indeed giving users a way of investing into alternative areas like cryptocurrency.

Or, as Hecker sums it up: "We have negative interest rates, and we have inflation, and we have a huge pension gap. All three factors demand that you need to do something for yourself."

This has meant a massive shift in stock trading that has led to the rise of a number of new players.

They include Robinhood in the U.S. (which has tried but has yet to make a move into Europe); eToro, which in March announced it was going public by way of a SPAC valuing it at $10 billion; Bux, which raised $80 million just last month; and neobank Revolut, which also provides stock trading services. It is also leading to the growth of completely new approaches to the concept, such as Rally creating a new market for investing in collectibles, and most recently NFTs to turn "everything" into an investible asset. Rally too raised $30 million led by Accel this week.

All those trends, and the wider rise of services to let you easily manage trades by smartphone app, has led to a huge boost for Trade Republic. Last year when announcing its Series B, Trade Republic said it had more than 1 billion under management. Now, that figure has ballooned to 6 billion, coming from just 1 million customers in the three markets where the startup is active: Germany, Austria and France.

Doing the math on that, customers on average are putting some 6,000 per account into Trade Republic, although in practice -- and as a mark of the "democratization" that the company touts as part of its mass-market appeal -- some are putting significantly less, and some significantly more, than that amount.

Hecker said that some users are earmarking as much as 20-30% of their salaries or savings on a monthly basis, and the idea is not so much about quick returns from quick trades, as it is about people looking longer-term gains.

"Weve never been a trading platform," Hecker said, referring to the fact that many people treat their Trade Republic accounts as a savings plan. And for that reason, he wouldn't really be drawn out on what kind of returns people could expect from the investments except to say that they are in line with how the general market provides gains, and would depend on what you invest in.

"I think what's very exciting about being a savings plan is that it's not only bound to short-term returns," he said, noting that a recent customer survey found that 70% of Trade Republic's customers "are not looking for short-term gains, or investing with the sole purpose to benefit from the average buying effect." Users, he said, "believe in trends, like sustainability, or the ability of the U.S. technology industry to really grow for the next 10 to 30 years."

The funding and valuation, and the story that the company likes to tell about its potential to help the average consumer have a better financial outcome with what money they have to hand, certainly seem to set up the startup to begin positioning itself as a more permanent part of the financial fabric, although as we have unfortunately seen, that can be a slippery idea not just in the world of financial services, but in the world of startups, too.

This is one reason why the fact that the company has a banking license comes in handy: it means that customers get deposit insurance of up to 100,000 per account (similar to how the FDIC backs banks in the U.S.).

Sequoia has been a strong investor in fintechs, backing the likes of Klarna and Nubank, and this comes as the firm is expanding its reach in the region after opening its first European office, in London.

The democratization of financial markets will be one of the most important consumer trends of the next decade," says Doug Leone, partner at Sequoia, in a statement. "Trade Republic is on the leading edge of this trend and has attracted an untapped generation of European savers who demand increased financial accessibility. Were thrilled to partner with Christian, Thomas, Marco and their team as they deliver a product and experience that customers love."
There are experts out there in the stock market whose investing moves command respect. Theyve earned this through the long-term cultivation of a reputation for true savvy in finding solid returns  and few of these experts have the stature of billionaire financier Ray Dalio.

Dalio got his start trading commodity futures on Wall Street, and in 1975 he founded Bridgewater Associates from his New York City apartment. Today, with Dalio still at the helm, Bridgewater generates over $46 billion in revenue and has over $140 billion in assets under management.

Dalio has built his castle by sticking to three rules for his investments; First, he reminds us that Diversifying well is the most important thing you need to do in order to invest well. Dalios second tip is a reminder of the old market cliche that past performance will not guarantee a future return, but couched in his own style. He says, Don't make the mistake of thinking those things that have gone up are better, rather than more expensive. Finally, Dalio tells us to always Do the opposite of what your instincts are. Dalio would buy when others are selling, and sell when they are buying  and the results, in Bridgewaters long-term success, are clear.

Looking to Dalio for investing inspiration, we used TipRanks database to find out if three stocks the billionaire recently added to the fund represent compelling plays. According to the platform, the analyst community believes they do, with all of the picks earning Strong Buy consensus ratings. Lets jump right in.

Aptiv PLC (APTV)

Aptiv has a long history in the automotive industry, where it used the name Delphi and was a staple of Detroits supply chain from the mid-90s until 2017. At that time, it spun off its remaining powertrain activities, and changed both its name and focus. In its modern incarnation, Aptiv works on the fusion of high-tech and automotive technology. The company develops software, networking, and computing platforms geared toward improving vehicle safety and efficiency.

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In January of this year, Aptiv unveiled ADAS, its open and scalable platform to enable software-defined vehicles while reducing complexity. The platform delivers high performance computing power to enhance connectivity and move a step closer to autonomous vehicle driving systems. The platform will also allow continuous updating over the vehicles lifespan.

In Q1, Aptiv showed $4 billion at the top line, up 20% year-over-year. Operating income was $437 million, up almost 11% yoy, and EPS came in at $1.03. The EPS was down from the $6+ reported one year ago, but was in in-line with the $1.04 reported in the two most recent quarters.

So, Aptiv is working to break new ground in automotive, and its work is turning a profit. Its no wonder, then, that in Dalio added 256,497 shares to his existing holding in the stock in Q1  an increase of more than 1,500%, and putting his stake in the company at $35.12 million at current valuation.

Turning now to the analysts, the stock boasts a strong fan base, which includes Raymond James' 5-star analyst Brian Gesuale.

Business trends are solid, and a combination of typical conservatism and several uncontrollable industry dynamics (supply chain, input costs, etc.) leave ample opportunity for upward revisions and beats/raises through the balance of the year. We continue to see APTV as one of the best positioned auto tech names to capitalize on the growth of green, connected, and autonomous technology adoption, Gesuale noted.

Based on all of the above, the analyst rates APTV an Outperform (i.e. Buy), and his $200 price target implies an upside of 46% for the coming year. (To watch Gesuales track record, click here)

In general, the rest of the Street is in agreement. 11 Buys, 1 Hold and 1 Sell assigned in the last three months add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. In addition, its $170.33 average price target suggests 24% upside potential. (See APTV stock analysis on TipRanks)

Vroom, Inc. (VRM)

The second stock we're looking at, Vroom, is an online retailer that specializes in used cars, as well as parts and accessories, insurance, car rentals, and purchase financing. In short, Vroom is an online one-stop shop for automotive needs  for customers who arent looking to buy new, and are in the US.

Vroom was founded in 2012, and went public last summer. The IPO was priced at $22, and shares closed at $47.90 in the first days trading. Overall, Vroom raised $467.5 million putting its stock on the market.

In recent months, the company has been expanding its last mile concierge service, delivering purchased vehicles and picking up customers old cars. The company added Detroit, LA, and Chicago to this service in May, and Denver in April.

Last week, the company released its Q1 results, its fourth as a public entity. The quarter marked the third consecutive sequential revenue gain, and saw the top line reach $591.1 million. E-commerce accounted for $422.3 million of that revenue, up 81% from the year before, and total online vehicle sales reached 15,504 units, for a 96% yoy gain.

Pulling the trigger on VRM in the first quarter, Bridgewater purchased over 47,000 shares. This is a new position in the stock for Dalios firm, and is currently worth $2.01 million.

Weighing in on the company for Wedbush, five-star analyst Seth Basham points to its Q1 results as an encouraging sign.

VRM delivered solid 1Q21 results that exceeded buy side and sell side expectations VRM is not only benefitting from strong market dynamics, but is also earning higher margins by nearly eliminating bottlenecks associated with its post-sales support processes and is investing to remain ahead of the growth in this and other key areas," Basham wrote.

The analyst summed up, "With these strong results, solid guidance and continued improvements, we believe VRM could top its unchanged FY21 y/y growth goals of 100%+ e-commerce units and 200% gross profit and it could raise these targets with 2Q21 results."

Unsurprisingly, Basham gives VRM shares an Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating, along with a $60 price target that implies an upside of ~41% for the next 12 months. (To watch Bashams track record, click here)

With Buy reviews outnumbers Holds by 10 to 1, VRM shares have a solid Strong Buy consensus rating. The stock price is $42.60, and the average target, at $53.64, suggests a one-year upside of ~26%. (See VRM stock analysis at TipRanks)

Tempur Sealy (TPX)

From automotive, well shift gears, slow down, and take a look at bedding. You probably dont think much about your bed, mattress, or your pillow, but taken together, theyre big business. Tempur Sealy, which owns the well-known Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Sealy brands of bedding products, is a leader in the industry. Last year, the company saw its topline revenue grow 18%, from $3.11 to $3.68 billion.

Over the past 12 months, TPX shares have gained an impressive 155%, more than doubling in value. While the company did see a short-lived dip in sales during the corona crisis, business has rebounded since and each of the last three quarters has exceeded $1 billion at the top line.

In April, TPX reported Q1 earnings, showing a 27% year-over-year increase in total revenue, along with EPS of 62 cents. The EPS number, while down sequentially from Q4, was up 121% year-over-year. The company reported a substantial yoy increase in net cash from operations, from $15 million to $86.3 million.

Were looking at a solid company, with a firm foundation, aspects sure to attract an investor interested in diversity and returns. Dalios firm bought 199,649 shares of TPX in Q1. This was a new position for Bridgewater, but a substantial one; at the current share price, it is worth $7.24 million.

Among the bulls is Piper Sandler's 5-star analyst Peter Keith, who underscores the soundness of TPX investment.

TPX's competitive positioning remains at an all-time high, the bedding industry has never been healthier, the consumer is in excellent shape, and International should show sequential improvement in trends into 2022. While supply chain constraints have resulted in some disruption, TPX expects headwinds to moderate substantially by the end of Q2, Keith opined.

To this end, Keith rates TPX an Overweight (i.e. Buy), and gives it a price target of $50, suggesting a one-year upside of ~40%. (To watch Keiths track record, click here)

Wall Street clearly agrees with Keith here, as the stocks 8 reviews on file include 6 to Buy and just 2 to Hold, for a Strong Buy consensus rating. The trading price is $35.83 and the $46 average price target implies a 28% upside from that level. (See TPX stock analysis on TipRanks)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
MIAMI, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- eMed , a digital point-of-care company, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) partnered to distribute 1,000 free third-party verified COVID-19 Home Tests to students, teachers, and the community in Miami's Historic Overtown Community.

A community outreach event, attended by eMed Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Patrice Harris, Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho, and M-DCPS District 2 School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, was held today at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. M-DCPS Community Involvement Specialists received test kits of the BinaxNOW Home Test, provided by eMed, and will assist with making the kits available to families.

"eMed is honored to partner with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Historic Overtown Community, both of which share the same city we all call home  the Magic City of Miami," said Dr. Harris. "Helping communities in need attain greater access to rapid antigen testing is part of the solution we can all contribute to as we move forward and transition into a post-pandemic 'transformed normal'."

eMed's pioneering digital health platform offers a third-party guided and verified rapid COVID-19 Home Test with a validated result in minutes and automated reporting to public health authorities, providing critical data for population health management. The test is a reliable, quick, and easy-to-administer antigen test for COVID-19 detection and requires no additional equipment aside from what is inside the test kit.

"Miami-Dade County Public Schools is proud to partner with an innovative company that champions the health of our students and families," said Superintendent Carvalho. "The distribution of these COVID-19 test kits will contribute to the wellbeing of our community and allow us to continue moving toward a sense of normalcy."

eMed tests are virtually guided by an eMed Certified Guide, and are easily accessible from a laptop, desktop computer or single device - like a smartphone or tablet - in English and Spanish.

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"It is admirable that this Miami-based company has demonstrated a willingness to give back to the schools in Overtown, and we greatly appreciate eMed's generous donation of 1,000 virtually guided at-home COVID-19 rapid test kits," said Dr. Bendross-Mindingall. "This partnership provides an additional resource for supporting our students and families during such difficult times so that they can overcome this pandemic and return to normalcy."

M-DCPS, one of the nation's largest school districts, continues to identify new opportunities for engaging its community during the pandemic, and is complementing ongoing efforts with the University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic, that provides free COVID-19 testing from 3-5 p.m. at select schools. To learn more, visit the M-DCPS COVID-19 Reopening Page.

To date, eMed has distributed millions of rapid antigen tests through individual sales and partnerships with school districts, states, nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals across the country.

eMed is committed to delivering affordable, on-demand access to verified diagnostic testing and services. At $25 each, the BinaxNOW Home Test available for sale at eMed.com and in select local pharmacies, is the most affordable third-party verified at-home rapid test option currently available on the market.

Visit www.eMed.com and click Order Now to purchase.

This product has not been FDA cleared or approved; but has been authorized by FDA under an EUA;

This product has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS- CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and,

This product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C.  360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

About eMed

eMed ( www.eMed.com ) is a digital health company democratizing healthcare with a digital point-of-care platform that provides fast, easy and affordable at-home healthcare testing, supervised and guided online by eMed Certified Guides. We embrace quantitative medicine to deliver prescribed tests and treatments directly to patients, driving better and more cost-effective health outcomes.

Editorial Note: View eMed media kit and download event images here.

Cision

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SOURCE eMed
BERLIN (Reuters) - European Union trade ministers will discuss a dispute over steel and aluminium tariffs with U.S. officials at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday, German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said.

"We have the opportunity to create a new basis for global trade politics with the new U.S. administration," Altmaier said, adding EU ministers would hold talks with the new U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai during their meeting.

The European Commission announced a partial truce with the United States on Monday, saying it would not impose retaliatory tariffs on more U.S. products nor double duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, bourbon whiskey and motor boats on June 1.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold)
Grant will provide support and services, resources to combat racial discrimination

ATLANTA, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As Georgia Power continues to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the company and the Georgia Power Foundation today are announcing $100,000 in grants to support the Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS), the largest and longest-standing nonprofit dedicated to supporting Asian communities in the Southeast.

Georgia Power logo. (PRNewsFoto/Georgia Power)

CPACS will regrant funds received to support local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community-based organizations that provide support and services to communities across Georgia. Funds will be used for interpretation and translation services, emergency crisis funds and COVID-19 relief funds to support those in financial crisis. Additionally, funds will support an AAPI coalition to better serve communities in the wake of an increase in violence and hate crimes towards Asian Americans during the pandemic.

"At Georgia Power, investing in organizations that align with our company's core values of leading racial equity efforts is one way that we are helping to ensure future generations have a prosperous place to call home," said Mike Anderson, senior vice president of Charitable Giving for Georgia Power and president and CEO for the Georgia Power Foundation. "We appreciate all that the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and culture bring to our state and are glad to support vital services and resources that not only assist families in need, but also support the goal of ending racial discrimination against any group of people."

While Georgia Power is part of a growing number of corporate and philanthropic organizations who have increased support of nonprofits dedicated to racial equity and social justice among Asian American and Pacific Islanders, the company has long been recognized for its dedication to the community as well as its overall commitment to helping all communities in Georgia thrive.

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"As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in hate crimes across the country, we continue to stand in solidarity with our diverse communities," said Victoria Huynh, vice president at the Center for Pan Asian Community Services. "We are grateful for Georgia Power's ongoing support as we work together to further build capacity to address issues and needs within the AAPI community."

Georgia Power celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Every May, Georgia Power joins the community to celebrate the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.

On Thursday, May 20 at 6 p.m. EST, the company will host a panel on Facebook Live (www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) on uplifting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, as well as resources available in light of the increase in racism and hate crimes across the country. The panel will include representatives from the company and community partners, as well as Younghoe Koo, placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons and 2020 NFL Pro Bowl honoree.

Additionally, Georgians can celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month through social media by visiting Georgia Power's Facebook (www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (www.Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (www.Instagram.com/ga_power/) pages.

Georgia Power supports racial equity initiatives

Earlier this year, Georgia Power joined more than 150 companies to sign on to the Metro Atlanta Chamber's (MAC's) "Atl Action for Racial Equity" initiative to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion in the business community, and to address the effects of systemic racism across the metro area and in the workplace.

In 2020, the company, along with a coalition of leading Georgia businesses, signed a letter asking the Georgia General Assembly to support, approve and sign into law a comprehensive, specific and clear bill against hate crimes.

House Bill 426, also known as the Georgia Hate Crimes Act, was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp following bipartisan support to extend protections to individuals targeted based on biases.

The Georgia Power Foundation

The Georgia Power Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is the fifth-largest corporate giving foundation in Georgia. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that are enriching communities across the state and is part of Georgia Power's philanthropic focus to empower Education, Environmental Stewardship and Communities.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), better known as drones, are on the rise. During the ongoing corona crisis their potential to either monitor curfews or to provide contactless deliveries is increasingly featured in various media outlets and discussed in policy circles.[1] A focus on health-related issues harkens back to earlier attempts to render drones  a military technology  productive for civil use. Currently, one of the most widely featured companies in this field is the Silicon Valley-based start-up Zipline. In late 2016, Zipline started to deliver blood  and quickly added other essential medicines  for medical emergencies in Rwanda. They expanded to Ghana in 2019. Given that the start-up portrays itself as a robotics company comprising mainly of software and hardware engineers and is located in Silicon Valley, the epicentre of digital innovation, it seems reasonable to ask how Zipline came up with a focus on health. Moreover, what definition of health does Zipline promotes and relies upon? How does the companys understanding of health relate to other global health priorities? How are end-users like doctors and nurses imagined to engage with the new mode of instant airspace delivery of blood and other medical products? Finally, how do African health infrastructures fit into Silicon Valleys technocratic solutionism (Morozov 2014, Daub 2020)?

What I will call Silicon health aims to capture two interrelated aspects of this amalgam. First, I examine Ziplines digital and logistical imaginations of health for which they claim their technology provides the perfect fit. While we need to understand where these framings originate from and how the affordance between drones and health is operationalized, I also argue that it is actually health that helps the technology to take off, earn moral credit and eventually connect African systems to the digital economy and platform capitalism. As a result of the rather unlikely entanglement between Silicon Valley engineers, venture capital, Global Health and African states it seems that health has become central in that it both disguises and facilitates the companys strive for data. In what follows, I briefly summarize Ziplines origins and outline some of its core operational principles. Against this background I delineate some empirical instances that help to explain the different roles health plays within Ziplines operations and indicate some of the side effects of Silicon health in Africa.

Taking off

The fact that Zipline commenced its commercial operations on the African continent  and for instance not in the US  is related to regulatory thresholds, as a statement of the companys CEO Keller Rinaudo indicates:

A lot of commercial [drone] operators in the US are waiting to get permission from the FAA [Federal Aviation Authority]. But the FAA is saying we want more data. But no one is actually flying. So, I actually think that [] one of the best ways that we can work together with the FAA to help this technology take off in the US is by operating in a country where we can basically serve a very clear need and get tens of thousands of hours of safe flight data [].[2]

During their first three years Zipline conducted their prototype testing without much noise and rather secretly on a large cattle range outside San Francisco.[3] In early 2016 the company signed a deal with the Rwandan government and Zipline positions itself as a logistical intermediary working between national medical supply chain management and all the health facilities dispersed throughout the territory. Zipline operates out of several distribution centres from where they supply preselected health centres and hospitals in Rwanda and Ghana with blood, vaccines, and other medical products.[4] The companys bold mission is to provide every human on earth with instant access to vital medical supplies.[5]

Saving time during medical emergencies by flying above terrestrial hurdles may indeed offer some benefits for the saving a patients life. However, the branding of Zipline UAVs as medical drones cannot entirely disguise the contingent nature of this particular use-case. As the CEOs statement indicates, Ziplines focus on health and medical emergencies needs to be situated in a broader context of increasing competition for market shares, regulatory thresholds as well as popular scepticism. Currently, drone companies are required to find niches through which they are able to distinguish themselves from competitors and draw public attention, convince regulatory authorities and eventually attract (venture) capital funding. This is also because Ziplines biggest competitors are monopolistic internet giants like Amazon and Google, which are successfully running their own drone projects but largely focus on profitable consumer goods. Health product logistics appears to be a niche area that is left open for start-ups like Zipline, one that requires they deal with two highly regulated sectors: aviation and health. In addition, public perceptions of drones are suffused both with concerns about their safety (when flying over populated areas) and fears regarding the potential violation of peoples privacy in unpredictable ways. To counter these concerns, drone companies aim to reframe their product from a military technology that has mainly brought destruction, into a device that proves valuable for the saving peoples lives.[6] Showcasing good drones (Sandvik & Jumbert 2018) is assumed to counterbalance fears regarding safety and privacy. Such moralisation, however, is likely to eventually result in pitting privacy concerns against saving lives in emergency situations.

Defining Silicon Health

Promoting emergency deliveries of blood (or other medical products) is largely an effect of the companys focus on their own technology and less the result of an engagement with existing global health priorities. Ziplines ambitious goal to provide instant access to all humans on earth only loosely connects to the aims and objectives of an equally ambitious  and often criticized  Universal Health Coverage campaign (see Prince 2020).[7] But even within the Health for all agendas of international organisations and national Ministries of Health, emergency medicine is not treated as a priority. Risks and fears prevail that an increased focus on emergency medicine would divert resources away from other preventive and curative programs (Raazak & Kellermann 2002). Studies have also indicated that acute medical situations can often be absorbed by a well-functioning and strong primary care service. Many paediatric emergencies in low- and middle-income countries can often be solved with little additional expertise or outside help (Duke & Cheema 2016). In Ghana (though less so in Rwanda) civil and medical organisations have begun to question the value of the contract which their government signed with Zipline guaranteeing the company a payment of 12 million $US over the next four years.[8] The contention is that this money could have been better used to strengthen other already existing emergency or health supply infrastructures.[9] Prioritizing high-tech solutions reveals preferences in answer to the question of what kind of health is preferable in a pre-dominantly low-tech context. Here it seems that the buying of Ziplines services reinforces earlier discussions on the affordance of preventive vs. curative interventions. To put it differently in the words of a commentator during the Vice-Presidents inauguration speech of the 4thdistributions centre of Zipline: Mr. Vice President congratulations, but remember the people drinking the same unclean water with cattleI am confident they will appreciate even manual pumped boreholes.[10]

But what does the integration of Ziplines logistics actually mean for health service delivery in Rwanda and Ghana? From a birds eye perspective, it seems that Ziplines promise of instant access to medical products relies, first and foremost, on a significant (re-)centralization of national medical supply logistics. The decentralized health systems of both Ghana and Rwanda usually operate with a mix of push and pull models, depending on the system level and the complexity of respective health facilities (e.g. district hospitals). On a district and hospital level, this allows for a certain degree of independence regarding the whens and wheres of distribution and use of essential medical products. Currently most of the products Zipline delivers are still paralleled by ground-based supplies. However, a stronger shift and reliance on the companys distributive model is likely to have a substantial impact on the socio-technical significance of remote health facilities. According to Zipline, remote health facilities would no longer need to maintain thousands of refrigerators. Such a disconnect from cold chain (and potentially other) infrastructures is not seen as a risky intervention but largely celebrated as some form of liberation. Or as one of Ziplines employees puts it: We do guarantee cold chain down to the last mile which frees up a lot of these last mile health facilities from not having to have cold chain storage on site.[11]

In addition, Ziplines pitting of their novel airspace logistics against existing health systems implicates road and transportation infrastructures. By claiming that their drone services are able to fly over all of these troubles and thus doesnt depend on roads, Zipline attempts to position airspace logistics and drones as yet another example of a leapfrogging innovation. On the one hand we can certainly understand some of these claims and exaggerations as part of the companys need to convince investors of the novelty and revolutionizing potential of their innovation. On the other hand, some of these claims distort operational and contextual realties and disguise which technical, legal and infrastructural requirements their services in fact continue to depend on. For instance, Ziplines distribution centres in Ghana and Rwanda need to be constantly and reliably re-supplied with blood and medical products. That means trucks from national medical stores will still need to use roads to get there. Moreover, visualisations of Ziplines flight routes show only zig-zagging lines, indicating that their drones are not able to simply fly over ground trouble but instead are forced to account for various geographical (e.g. mountains, trees, cell towers), climatic (e.g. wind, rain) and socio-technical formations on the ground (e.g. schools, government buildings).

Health as frontend and its side effects

Reducing the independence of remote health facilities is just one side effect of the companys overall tendency to disconnect its services from local expertise and engagement. Apart from centralizing commodities at their distribution centres Zipline also operates with a specific framing of their end-user or what in the digital world is call the frontend of a service. As the CEO of Zipline puts it: Although we are taking advantage of a lot of technology on the backend to make that experience possible, the experience for the user, the doctor or the nurse is really, really simple: Push a button, get what you need.[12] From the companys perspective the projection of an idealized user experience  like that of an Amazon order in a well-connected (Western) setting  onto rural African health logistics initially offers a substantial operational advantage. If pushing a button constitutes the ideal as well as minimal requirement for engaging with their services, this also means that there is no need to rely on any form of local expertise.[13] Disengaging end-users from more intense interaction with the technology spares the company from having to provide costly and complex training as well as from relying on non-experts to keep their operations running.

Ziplines leadership assumes that that this strategy will have only a positive impact on how health staff access and apply medical products. Early indications suggest, however, an actual user experience that is somewhat more complex than simply pushing buttons. What the CEOs image of pushing a button currently translates to is the writing of a text message, a WhatsApp message, or phone call in order to place an order at a distribution centre. While there might be back-and-forth communications and the need to clarify between the Zipline pharmacist and the ordering nurse or doctor, Ziplines system also relies on a mixture of additional social, technical and infrastructural requirements. Sending text or WhatsApp messages requires the availability of either data bundles or credit on a (smart-)phone. This can not always be taken for granted, as many people regularly run out of credit or data bundles. A similar problem concerns the need for a mobile phone that is always charged, which may be difficult in rural regions given the patchy availability of reliable electricity.

On a more practical level, in emergency situations staff often need to choreograph several different tasks at once. The arrival of the blood delivery from outside needs to be integrated with the emergencys own temporality or with tasks that might have risen after the message had been send. The same applies to Ziplines announcement of speed and (emergency) temporalities. Storing blood in a decentralized manner in some of the hospitals indicates that Ziplines services have the potential to actually slow down the availability and applicability of blood. Fetching a pint of blood that is stored in-house might take 5 to 15 minutes, almost half of Ziplines average delivery time of approximate 30 minutes. This brings us to the final point regarding the availability of blood in remote clinics. In order to showcase their focus on blood, Ziplines portrayal of the interaction between their services and local clinics does not make any reference to the existence of a local practice called replacement donors. Rural hospitals often only stock small quantities of blood. When demand arises, doctors will use stored blood but in turn will approach caring relatives of the patient and ask for donations to replace the used units (Bates & Hassall 2010). While this system is imperfect when it comes to safety and quality management, the WHO still estimates that in many low-and-middle income countries 50% blood donations depend on on-site replacement donors.[14] Taking account of the role and relevance of local replacement donations in Ziplines reductionist framing of the reach of national blood banks, the needs they aim to fulfil suddenly appear more complex and less clear.

Concluding remarks

Ziplines focus on speed and acceleration of access to medical products is likely to shine brighter in contexts that are stereotypically not associated with speed and high levels of technologically enabled mobility. While not openly described as such, African health systems, their supply and distribution structures, as well as their ground-based transportation infrastructures, implicitly serve as the slow and sluggish backdrop for Ziplines privileging of instantaneity and speed. This article was an attempt to understand how Silicon Valley roboticists and (software) engineers come to (re-)define access to medical products and health practices of rural African populations. The aim was to show that, against the companys claim that their technology constitutes the appropriate solution to the continents health needs, it is indeed the other way around: health serves the companys need to showcase their technology and facilitates the collection of flight data. While Zipline claims that every flight is saving a human life, it is actually the case is that every flight collects data on the behaviour of drones, often in conditions under which flight would not be allowed in the US. In addition to handing over their safety flight records to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Zipline managed to transport approximately 40 FAA officials to their Rwandan distribution centre in order to demonstrate their features.

In general, it seems we are better off in understanding Ziplines focus on health as largely a strategic decision than a path-dependent connection between a medical problem and a technology. During their public presentations over the last couple of years, Ziplines leadership was repeatedly asked if and when they would consider opening their airspace services for products other than health. In their reactions Zipline continually emphasized that the health logistics market would be large enough for the company to scale up and eventually become profitable. The more recent reality however offered a somewhat different picture. In September 2020, Zipline announced that it will enter a collaboration with the US retail giant Walmart, delivering medical and wellness products into private homes starting in Arkansas. The announcement suggests that the line between lifesaving products for medical emergencies and probably less existential wellness products  and soon other products  is rather thin, suggesting that health may be dropped when other fields of delivery turn out to be (more) profitable.

In the midst of a Q&A at an International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting Zipline CEO Rindaudo called global health experts that would dare to question the idea and relevance of medical drones in Africa total hypocrites[15]. Despite this criticism, other global health organisations like GAVI and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have supported Ziplines airspace logistics financially and ideologically from early on. This indicates that the kind of Silicon Health that is promoted by digital tech starts-ups like Zipline or Matternet can also be understood as an increase and acceleration of the fragmentation of an already arbitrarily connected global health landscape. How this will play out in the midst of the global pandemic remains to be seen.

Rene Umlaufs research focuses on conceptual and methodological implications of technological change. In his work on health-, laboratory- and humanitarian-infrastructures he connects this line of inquiry to the broader political, cultural as well as historical encounters between old and new modes of knowing and doing things. After receiving his PhD in sociology from the University of Bayreuth in 2016 he worked as a post-doc at the Department of Anthropology at Martin-Luther University Halle. In 2020 he joined the Department of Sociology at Leipzig University where he started a project on humanitarian drone infrastructures.

References:

Bates, Imelda, und Oliver Hassall. 2010. Should We Neglect or Nurture Replacement Blood Donors in Sub-Saharan Africa? Biologicals, Special Section: Advances in Transfusion Safety (pp. 1-104), 38 (1): 6567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biologicals.2009.10.013.

Daub, Adrian. 2020. What Tech Calls Thinking: An Inquiry into the Intellectual Bedrock of Silicon Valley. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Duke, Trevor, und Baljit Cheema. 2016. Paediatric Emergency and Acute Care in Resource Poor Settings. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health52 (2): 22126. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.13105.

Morozov, Evgeny. 2014. To Save Everything, Click Here: The Folly Solutionism. London: Pubilc Affairs.

Prince, Ruth. 2020. Utopian aspirations in a dystopian world: Health for all and the Universal Health Coverage agenda  an Introduction. Somatosphere. 2020. http://somatosphere.net/2020/universal-health-coverage.html/, accessed 21.01.2021.

Razzak, Junaid, und Arthur Kellermann. 2002. Emergency medical care in developing countries: is it worthwhile?, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 80 (11). http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0042-96862002001100011.

Sandvik, Kristin Bergtora, und Maria Gabrielsen Jumbert. 2018. The Good Drone. Routledge. London.

Spicer, Neil, Irene Agyepong, Trygye Ottersen, Albrecht Jahn, und Gorik Ooms. 2020. Its far too complicated: why fragmentation persists in global health. Globalization and Health16 (1): 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-020-00592-1.

Notes

[1]See for instance in Germany where Labor Berlin, one of the biggest laboratories in Europe, entered a collaboration with another Californian drone company called Matternet. The aim is to accelerate transportation of Covid-19 test samples from hospitals to laboratories (https://www.laborberlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/201117_Pressemitteilung_Drohnen_ENGLISH.pdf, accessed 24.01.2021). Or for instance how some government agencies make use of drones in order to enforce lock-downs and sanitary cordons etc. (https://blog.werobotics.org/2020/04/09/drones-coronavirus-no-sense/, accessed 24.01.2021).

[2]See: http://sustainableskies.org/autonomous-drones-air-drop-medical-supplies/, accessed 28.01.2021.

[3]Both Rwanda and Ghana have their own specific regulatory framework: See Rwanda https://www.droneregulations.info/Rwanda/RW.html#country-searchand for Ghana https://www.droneregulations.info/Ghana/GH.html#country-search, accessed 04.02.2021.

[4]In order to get an impression how Zipline drones are actually flying and how they drop their cargo see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnKnMgWy_tM, accessed 24.01.2021

[5]For the companys self-portrait and mission description see: https://flyzipline.com/.

[6]Combating terrorist activities in Afghanistan through drones strikes for instance is ultimately also justified by the narrative of saving peoples life in the US by protecting them from deadly attacks.

[7]Health (for all) has also been singled out as the 3. Goal of the Sustainable Development Agenda (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/, accessed 09.02.2021). But one can also add that the emergence of Zipline is only another instantiation and expression of a highly fragmented Global Health landscape whose least common nominator constitutes the embrace of technological innovations (Spicer et al. 2020).

[8]See https://imaniafrica.org/2019/01/04/a-detailed-evaluation-of-ghanas-drone-purchase-agreement-between-fly-zipline-ghana-ltd-and-the-ministry-of-health-by-kobina-ata-bedu-mcips/accessed 28.01.2021.

[9]The 12 million $US is however only the fee for the actual delivery services. The set-up of Ziplines distribution centres (approx. 800.000 $US) have been financially supported by Gavi and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation among others.

[10]See https://www.facebook.com/MBawumia/videos/live-commissioning-of-zipline-medical-drones-project-at-vobsi-walewale/961844704298577/accessed 28.01.2021.

[11]See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z50lBJ4Vsjo, accessed 28.01.2021.

[12]See https://acecnational.podbean.com/e/zipline-ceo-keller-rinaudo-saving-lives-through-innovation/, accessed 28.01.2021.

[13]The strong disconnect from end-users engagement is also an effect of Ziplines decision to use fixed-wing drones. Other systems using quadcopters and tilt-rotators can hoover as well as take off and land in different sites both allowing and requiring basic knowledge and training in how to receive or send items. Depending on the context and the actual use case operating systems that are open to end-user engagement have the clear advantage to make use of flying back and force destinations. While Zipline praises itself of being worldwide the first drone delivery system operating at national scale they are also the first to replicate the old logistical problem of returning home empty.

[14]See https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/blood-safety, accessed 28.01.2021.

[15]After being asked whether they talked to other governments before starting their collaboration with the Rwandan government the CEO response was: [] to be totally honest the first thousands of conversations I had people told us this was totally stupid and was not gonna work. People also told us  and I am mainly actually speaking about experts in Global Public Health here in the United States, people told us that this actually wasnt the problem. Based at that the reasons stockouts occur at these hospitals is that doctors arent very good at forecasting, doctors are irresponsible and if only doctors would do a better job in forecasting these stockouts wouldnt happen. And you know I wasnt an expert in Global Public Health so I heard this and thought: Gosh maybe we are wrong about this and maybe we are being stupid, I mean these guys are experts. And then I kind of looked at the data[] and that for me was like a lightbulb moment where I am like all these Global Health experts are total hypocrites [] See: https://www.imf.org/external/POS_Meetings/SeminarDetails.aspx?SeminarId=271, accessed 20.05.2021.

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Company encourages customers to prepare now to help minimize the impact of hot weather on power bills

Company offers flexible and customizable rate plans; energy assistance programs available to help customers in need

ATLANTA, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees starting this weekend, Georgia Power encourages customers to prepare for summer heat and take advantage of energy-saving tips and programs, free resources and tools to help minimize the impact of increased energy usage during the heat of summer on their electric bills.

Georgia Power is also reminding customers to review their current rate plan and select the one that best fits their budget and lifestyle. The company offers a variety of flexible and customizable rate plans to minimize the impact of higher temperatures and increased energy use on electric bills.

Additionally, the company offers energy assistance programs to those in need of help paying or reducing their monthly energy bill.

Tips, Tools & Resources

Whether customers own a home or rent, tailored tips are available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/EnergyEfficiency, which also includes access to a free Online Energy Checkup and a variety of rebates and incentives for both homes and businesses.

Georgia Power's My Power Usage program allows customers to track their daily energy use, project their monthly bill, and set daily or monthly usage alerts.

Simple tips focused on savings as the summer heats up, include:

Set it for the season: Set thermostats to 78 degrees and use fans to keep you feeling cooler. For every degree higher you maintain your thermostat, you can see up to a 3-4% decrease in energy use.

Feel the flow; free your filters: Clean or change your air filters monthly. Dirty filters can block airflow, making your system work harder to keep you comfortable. Clear spaces around your air returns and vents to prevent airflow blockage.

Phase out phantom energy loss: Unplug your electronic devices when not in use and use smart power strips. Consider energy-saving settings, which are often available on newer equipment and appliances.

Manage your spin cycle: When washing clothes, try to wash and dry full loads only, and in cold water.

Cool down the kitchen: Use your oven sparingly. Consider cooking options such as the microwave, slow cookers and outdoor grills.

Fill your fridge: Solids and liquids are easier to cool than air. Try to keep your refrigerator set to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer for optimal performance.

Keep the heat out: Close your curtains and blinds during peak hours of the day to keep the sun's heat out.

Choose the right plan for your budget and lifestyle

Georgia Power offers a variety of flexible and customizable rate plans to minimize the impact of higher temperatures and increased energy use on electric bills. Ensuring that you are on the most economical rate plan for your use is one of the most effective ways to keep your energy costs low.

Story continues

Customers can explore Georgia Power rate plans at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Pricing, including:

Smart Usage  This plan can provide savings by implementing small changes in how and when you use electricity. Electric appliances such as clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers are some of the biggest energy users and, by using these appliances at different times, you can reduce your monthly energy bill.

FlatBill   This plan offers a 12-month fixed contract price that does not fluctuate when your power usage does  eliminating surprises and preventing higher bills during the summer months.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV)  A great option for electric vehicle (EV) drivers who can charge their EVs during nighttime hours and take advantage of lower-priced energy.

Nights & Weekends  If you can shift when you use electricity during the summer months to the evening, the Nights & Weekends rate is for you. By changing when you wash dishes, do laundry or cool your home, savings add up annually.

PrePay  This plan allows you to pay as you go and add funds as needed. It requires no deposit, credit check or reconnection fees.

Pay by Day  Combines the control of PrePay with the certainty of a fixed daily price like FlatBill that allows you to lock in a fixed daily price over an entire year.

Residential Service  Georgia Power's basic rate plan is available to all residential customers. This plan has a monthly base charge and a rate that changes based on your monthly usage and the time of year.

Energy Assistance Programs

Georgia Power partners with nonprofit, community and faith-based organizations to offer assistance programs to those in need. These programs include:

The Salvation Army's Project SHARE  Established in partnership with The Salvation Army, Georgia Power customers can provide assistance to residents in the same community for expenses, such as utility bills, housing, food and medical necessities.

Georgia Power's Senior Citizen Discount  Georgia Power customers 65 years of age or older who meet the income requirements for eligibility can receive up to $24 a month off their bill.

Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Program - The Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Program helps eligible income-qualified customers make free energy efficiency improvements to their single-family home. At no cost to the customer, a program contractor performs the recommended energy efficiency upgrades. Customers can learn more and apply at www.GeorgiaPower.com/HEEAP.

HopeWorks  HopeWorks and Georgia Power are offering senior residential customers valuable information on ways to save money on their energy bill while keeping their home comfortable and efficient.

Visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/EnergyAssistance for more information.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Georgia Power logo. (PRNewsFoto/Georgia Power)

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SOURCE Georgia Power
FILE PHOTO: The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Berlin

BERLIN (Reuters) - German exports to the United States and China jumped on the year in April, data showed on Thursday, suggesting that strong demand from abroad is helping Europe's largest economy recover from last year's coronavirus slump.

Exports to the United States, Germany's biggest sales market outside the European Union, soared by 60.4% year-on-year in April to 10.1 billion euros ($12.31 billion), preliminary trade figures from the statistics office showed.

Exports to China, Germany's second largest exports destination outside the EU's single market, rose by 16.3% to 8.4 billion euros, the office said.

Exports to Britain jumped by 58.6% on the year to 5.1 billion euros.

Overall, exports to non-EU countries rose by 35.6% on the year to 50.8 billion euros.

The statistics office said that the year-on-year figures for April were strongly impacted by the first coronavirus wave in 2020 which had pushed down exports compared to April 2019.

It added that exports to non-EU member states, also called third countries, accounted for roughly 47% of overall exports. This means that more than half of Germany's exports still go to clients within the EU's single market despite Britain's exit.

"When comparing with the same month of the previous year, it should be noted that German exports to third countries in April 2020 fell by 27.1% compared to April 2019 in the wake of the coronavirus crisis," the statistics office said.

The statistics office will release its full trade figures for April, including sales to other EU countries, on June 9.

($1 = 0.8205 euros)

(Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Riham Alkousaa and Toby Chopra)
HSBC has earmarked HK$40 billion (US$5.16 billion) for loans to small and medium-sized business owners in response to a push from Hong Kong's government officials who are hoping that the extra capital will help the city's economic recovery gather pace.

Europe's biggest lender said on Thursday that it would offer incentives to encourage the 340,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to borrow starting from Thursday, including a two-month interest rebate of up to HK$20,000 and several fee waivers for those applying for a loan before the end of November.

HSBC's offer comes after government officials have pushed lenders to support SMEs, the bedrock of the economy, through the coronavirus pandemic. Banks tend to focus on their largest clients, as they can sell them a range of financial products at scale.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the city's de facto central bank, in March instructed all banks to extend a loan repayment holiday for small businesses by another six months.

"Faced with the current economic downturn, SMEs are operating under tremendous pressure. A stable flow of credit is therefore particularly important to them," wrote Eddie Yue Wai-man, HKMA's chief executive in October in an article urging banks to help small business owners.

Hong Kong's economy posted 7.9 per cent growth in the first quarter, the biggest jump in quarterly growth in 11 years, the government reported last week. Policymakers hope that businesses will start to invest and expand again to keep the economic momentum growing, for that, they need capital.

"Millions of people globally have been vaccinated, which will help reduce infection cases. In addition, many landlords have cut rent by 20 or 30 per cent. These developments will encourage SMEs owners to consider expansion," said Peter Shiu Ka-fai, a lawmaker representing the wholesale and retail sector.

Story continues

Under the Hong Kong government's definition, an SME is any manufacturing company that employs less than 100 people or non-manufacturing businesses hiring fewer than 50 employees. They constitute more than 98 per cent of business establishments and employ 45 per cent of Hong Kong's private sector workforce.

"With the roll-out of vaccines in Hong Kong and economic recovery looks set to accelerate in mid-2021, business owners must once again focus on growth," said Frank Fang, head of commercial banking of Hong Kong of HSBC.

However, some analysts and strategists believe many SMEs will remain cautious about borrowing.

"The current low-interest-rate environment means SMEs could borrow at a low cost. However, since the outbreak is not yet over, many SMEs will not be aggressive about borrowing a large amount of money to expand their businesses," said Kenny Ng Lai-yin, a strategist at Everbright Sun Hung Kai.

Hong Kong's banks approved 91,000 applications from companies and individuals for a loan repayment holiday on HK$800 billion worth of loans between May last year and March, meaning borrowers only had to pay interest and not the principal of the loan. As part of this scheme, HSBC offered a repayment holiday for borrowers on about HK$250 billion worth of loans.

Separately, the government offered a 100 per guarantee to banks lending to SMEs since April last year. Hong Kong's banks approved 33,394 cases and offered HK$53.76 billion of loans under this government-backed programme up until May 14. Among them, HSBC extended over HK$10 billion loans for SMEs.

HSBC's latest offer does not come with a government guarantee and it is the first time it has earmarked loans specifically for SMEs.

Besides the interest-rate rebate, other incentives include a 50 per cent reduction in transaction fees for new trade finance customers, two-month fee waiver for autoPay customers, and other deals for setting up new payment and business accounts.

"Hong Kong companies are increasingly capable of delivering innovation and higher-end manufacturing and services. In a post-Covid world, they need to turbocharge that growth with investments in technology and sustainability performance," said Diana Cesar, chief executive of Hong Kong of HSBC.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2021 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2021. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP announces that Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP has filed a securities fraud class action against Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) ("Emergent") on behalf investors who purchased or acquired Emergent common stock between April 24, 2020, and April 16, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action, captioned Roth v. Emergent BioSolutions Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-01189-PX (the "Roth Action"), was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (Southern Division). To view a copy of the Roth Action complaint, please click here.

There is one related class action case pending against Emergent in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (Southern Division), and a published notice in that action triggered the deadline of June 18, 2021, for any investors who purchased Emergent common stock to seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. The filing of the Roth Action does not change the June 18, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline.

Deadline Investor Reminder: 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 atinfo@ktmc.com; or visit: https://www.ktmc.com/emergent-biosolutions-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=emergent.

Emergent is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that develops vaccines and antibody therapeutics for infectious diseases. In response to the novel strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 disease ("COVID-19") pandemic, Emergent signed a series of deals with Johnson & Johnson ("J&J") and AstraZeneca worth a combined $876 million to provide contract development and manufacturing organization services to produce the companies' COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

Story continues

The Class Period begins on April 24, 2020, the day after Emergent announced that it had entered into an agreement with J&J to manufacture J&J's COVID-19 vaccine candidate at Emergent's Baltimore facility. Under the deal, Emergent would provide drug substance manufacturing services and reserve large-scale manufacturing capacity for J&J. Then, on June 11, 2020 Emergent announced that it had signed another agreement to provide contract development and manufacturing services and secure large-scale manufacturing capacity to support AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

The truth about Emergent began to be revealed on March 31, 2021 after the close of markets, when The New York Times published an article reporting on the accidental contamination of COVID-19 vaccines developed by J&J and AstraZeneca at Emergent's Baltimore facility. The New York Times article stated that in late February 2021, Emergent employees at the Baltimore facility mixed up ingredients of the two different COVID-19 vaccines, contaminating up to 15 million doses of J&J's vaccine and forcing regulators to delay authorization of the facility's production lines. Also, "[f]urther shipments of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine - expected to total 24 million doses in the next month - were supposed to come from the giant plant in Baltimore" but "[t]hose deliveries are now in question while the quality control issues are sorted out."

The next morning, April 1, 2021, the Associated Press reported, based on documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, that the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") had "repeatedly . . . cited Emergent for problems such as poorly trained employees, cracked vials and problems managing mold and other contamination around one of its facilities." Following this news, Emergent's stock price substantially declined from a close of $92.91 per share on March 31, 2021, to $80.46 per share at the close of trading on April 1, 2021, a drop of $12.45, or over 13%, per share.

Then, on April 19, 2021, Emergent revealed that, "at the request of the FDA, Emergent agreed not to initiate the manufacturing of any new material at its Bayview facility and to quarantine existing material manufactured at the Bayview facility pending completion of the [FDA's] inspection and remediation of any resulting findings." Following this news, the price of Emergent's common stock declined $9.77 per share, or more than 12%, from a close of $77.64 per share on April 16, 2021, to close at $67.87 per share on April 19, 2021.

The Roth Action alleges that, throughout the Class Period, the defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Emergent's Baltimore facility had a history of manufacturing issues increasing the likelihood for massive contaminations; (2) the Baltimore facility had received a series of FDA citations as a result of these contamination risks and quality control issues; (3) Emergent had been forced to discard millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines after workers at the facility deviated from manufacturing standards; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, the defendants' public statements about Emergent's ability and capacity to mass manufacture multiple COVID-19 vaccines at its Baltimore facility were materially false and/or misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Emergent investors may, no later than June 18, 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). 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

info@ktmc.com

SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP





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Taking place August 16-18 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, DesignCon 2021 will be joined by Drive World + ESC (Embedded Systems Conference)

DesignCon, the nations largest event for chip, board, and systems design engineers, today opened registration for its 2021 conference, August 16 through 18, featuring technical paper sessions, panels, tutorials, and boot camps spanning 14 tracks to provide engineers the information they need to solve design challenges now and plan how to improve designs in the future. DesignCons content will be joined by Drive World and the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) program, enhancing the event by offering learning and networking in the automotive electronics/intelligence and embedded/IoT spaces. Furthermore, the event will take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, which has received Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, as a facility that knows how to prepare, respond, and recover from infectious disease outbreaks and biohazard situations.

To attend, please register here.

To attend as press, please register here.

The electronic industry is expected to boost market growth in the forthcoming years. In fact, a recent report by IC Insights, Semiconductor Units Forecast To Exceed 1 Trillion Devices Again in 2021, forecasts semiconductor shipments will grow more than 13% in 2021, setting a new all-time annual record.

"The growing adoption of electronic devices across the globe is prompting the need for engineers and technologists to gain practical insights and knowledge to engineer the next generation of products," said Suzanne Deffree, Group Event Director, DesignCon. "Were thrilled to be able to provide our attendees the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest engineers in the industry and connect with the most innovative companies and products."

Featured DesignCon Speakers Include:

Cathy Liu, Distinguished Engineer, Broadcom

Dr. Cathy Ye Liu, distinguished engineer and director, currently heads up Broadcom SerDes architecture and modeling group. Previously she worked as R&D director and distinguished engineer in Avago/LSI which acquired Broadcom. Since 2002, she has been working on high-speed transceiver solutions. Prior to this, she developed read channel and mobile digital TV receiver solutions. Her technical interests are signal processing, FEC, and modeling in high-speed optical and electrical transceiver solutions. She has published many journal and conference papers and holds 20+ US patents.

Story continues

DesignCon 2021 Sessions:

Tutorial  What is FEC & How Do I Use It?

Salz SNR & Shannon Limit Study for the Next Speed Node Beyond 112Gbps (and up to 224Gbps)

Federico Centola, Lead EMC Engineer, Google

Federico Pio Centola spent nine years at Apple as a Senior Electromagnetic Technologist. In the technology group, he developed design methodologies and tools for the Apple EMC and Electromagnetic Design groups. He worked on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and different iMac products. In 2017, he has joined the Platform group at Google where he works as the Lead EMC Designer. Federico Centola has authored or co-authored a number of papers and patents. He has been serving for many years as reviewer for the IEEE Transaction on EMC.

DesignCon 2021 Session:

Analytical Prediction of EM Radiation from Stacked Trays in Data Centers

Medhi Mechaik, Sr. Signal Integrity Engineer, Amazon

Mehdi Mechaik has been working on package and board designs in the areas of Signal and Power Integrity applications for over 20 years. He has a BSc., MSc., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and Computer Engineering, authored and co-authored over forty papers on computational electromagnetics, EMI/EMC, signal, and power integrity.

DesignCon 2021 Session:

Predicting Emissions Properties

Mike Li, Fellow, Intel Technologies

Dr. Peng (Mike) Li is an Intel Fellow and the technologist for high-speed I/O and interconnects at Intel Corporation. He serves as Intels technical expert and adviser in high-speed I/O and link technology; standards; SerDes architecture; electrical and optical signaling and interconnects; silicon photonics integration; optical field-programmable gate arrays (OFPGAs); and high-speed simulation, debug and test for jitter, noise, signaling and power integrity, from deign validation, to high-volume manufacturing (HVM). Li joined Intel in 2015 with the acquisition of Altera Corp., where he had held a similar role. Before joining Altera in 2007, Li spent nearly a decade at Wavecrest Corp., culminating in his seven-year tenure as CTO. He began his career in 1991 as a post-doctorate researcher at the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. A distinguished scientist and technologist, Li has contributed extensively to industry standards during his career, including PCI Express, Ethernet, Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), Fibre Channel, and Serial ATA.

DesignCon 2021 Sessions:

Tutorial  Design & Verification for High-Speed I/Os at 10 to 112 Gbps & beyond with Jitter, Signal Integrity & Power Optimized

Panel  Interoperable Common Electrical Interfaces (CEI) & Channel Standards Update: An OIF Perspective

Next Generation 224-Gbps Highest-Speed Electrical I/O & Link Systems

SNDR Analysis & Its Impacts on Link Performance

100-G Chip-to-Module Interface Challenges & New Measurement Methodology

Mike Resso, Signal Integrity Application Scientist, Keysight Technologies

Mike Resso is the Signal Integrity Application Scientist in the Internet Infrastructure Group of Keysight Technologies and has over 25 years of experience in the test and measurement industry. His background includes the design and development of electrooptic test instrumentation for aerospace and commercial applications. His most recent activity has focused on the complete multiport characterization of high-speed digital interconnects using Time Domain Reflectometry and Vector Network Analysis.

DesignCon 2021 Sessions:

Design Case Study for a 112 Gb/s Per Lane VSR/C2M Link Using Channel Operating Margin

System Level Impact to 100-Gb/s Electrical Signaling Due to Common to Differential Mode Conversion

The full conference schedule can be viewed here. In addition to an expertly curated conference, the DesignCon expo will run August 17 and 18, featuring leading suppliers displaying the latest in high-speed design tools, technologies, and developments.

Featured DesignCon 2021 exhibitors include:

Keysight Technologies Keysight is the world's leading electronic measurement company delivering solutions in wireless communications, aerospace and defense, automotive and energy, and semiconductor markets. Its automotive and energy solutions efficiently test cells, batteries, and power train components to optimize your HEV/EV system. Scienlab is now part of Keysight providing a wide range of simulation and test solutions across the entire e-mobility ecosystem.



Amphenol Amphenol is one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world. The company designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiber-optic connectors, coaxial and flat-ribbon cable, and interconnect systems. The company has a worldwide vision of "enabling the technology revolution." Stop by Amphenol's booth to see what's new and enter a raffle for an Apple Watch.



Rambus Inc. Rambus creates cutting-edge semiconductor and IP products, spanning memory and interfaces to security, smart sensors, and lighting. The company's chips, customizable IP cores, architecture licenses, tools, services, training, and innovations improve the competitive advantage of its customers. Rambus collaborates with the industry, partnering with leading ASIC and SoC designers, foundries, IP developers, EDA companies, and validation labs.



Rosenberger North America Rosenberger of North America LLC is one of the world's largest producers of coaxial RF connectors and cable assemblies. The company is also a world-class producer of fiber-optic jumper cables, and it offers world-class precision machining of standard and exotic metals and ESD gaskets.



Samtec Known as a worldwide service leader for electronic connectors and cables, Samtec Inc. has focused on leading-edge, high-speed products and services for the last two decades. The tremendous success in these areas has driven the company to further move into faster and smaller arenas. The company now provides full turnkey solutions for the entire signal chain, from IC through package, substrates, connectors, and cables.



About DesignCon

DesignCon is the world's premier conference for chip, board and systems design engineers in the high-speed communications and semiconductor communities. DesignCon, created by engineers for engineers, takes place annually in Silicon Valley and remains the largest gathering of chip, board and systems designers in the country. This three-day technical conference and two-day expo combines technical paper sessions, tutorials, industry panels, product demos and exhibits from the industry's leading experts and solutions providers. More information is available at: www.designcon.com. DesignCon is organized by is organized by Informa, which recently acquired UBM to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B events and exhibitions organizer in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.informa.com.

The health & safety of the DesignCon and Drive World+ESC community remains a top priority. Health and safety information can be found on DesignCons website and will be updated as venue and local protocols advance.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the worlds leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005397/en/

Contacts

Audrey Uchimoto

PR and Communications Manager

pr.ime@informa.com

310-496-9423
ORION CORPORATION

STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE / MAJOR SHAREHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

20 MAY 2021 at 7.15 p.m. EEST



Orion Corporation: Disclosure Under Chapter 9 Section 10 of the Securities Market Act (BlackRock, Inc.)

Orion Corporation has received a disclosure under Chapter 9, Section 5 of the Securities Market Act, according to which the total number of Orion shares owned directly, indirectly or through financial instruments by BlackRock, Inc. and its funds decreased on 19 May 2021 below five (5) per cent of Orion Corporations total shares.

Total positions of BlackRock, Inc. and its funds subject to notification:

% of shares and voting rights

(total of point A) % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments

(total of point B) Total of both in % (points A + B) Total number of shares and voting rights of issuer Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached Below 5% shares







Below 5% voting rights Below 5% shares







Below 5% voting rights Below 5% shares







Below 5% voting rights



141,134,278 shares







806,883,011 voting rights







Position of previous notification (if applicable) 5.00% shares







Below 5% voting rights 0.00% shares







Below 5% voting rights 5.00% shares







Below 5% voting rights

Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed:

Point A: Shares and voting rights

Class/type of shares

ISIN code Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights Direct

(SMA 9:5) Indirect

(SMA 9:6 and 9:7) Direct

(SMA 9:5) Indirect

(SMA 9:6 and 9:7) FI0009014377 Below 5% shares







Below 5% voting rights SUBTOTAL A

Point B: Financial Instruments according to SMA 9:6a

Type of financial instrument Expiration

date Exercise/

Conversion Period Physical or cash settlement Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights CFD N/A N/A Cash Below 5% shares







Below 5% voting rights Below 5% shares







Below 5% voting rights SUBTOTAL B



Below 5% shares







Below 5% voting rights

Orion Corporation

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Timo Lappalainen



President and CEO Olli Huotari



SVP, Corporate Functions



Contact person:

Tuukka Hirvonen, Investor Relations, Orion Corporation

tel. +358 10 426 2721

Publisher:

Orion Corporation

Communications

Orionintie 1A, FI-02200 Espoo, Finland

http://www.orion.fi/en



http://www.twitter.com/OrionCorpIR



Orion is a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company  a builder of well-being. Orion develops, manufactures and markets human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The company is continuously developing new drugs and treatment methods. The core therapy areas of Orion's pharmaceutical R&D are neurological disorders, oncology and respiratory diseases for which Orion develops inhaled pulmonary medication. Orion's net sales in 2020 amounted to EUR 1,078 million and the company had about 3,300 employees at the end of the year. Orion's A and B shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.




SUZHOU, China, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen years ago, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, a partnership between the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom and Xi'an Jiaotong University in China, started with one building and 164 students.

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), an international joint-venture institution in China, is celebrating its 15th anniversary by launching academies and planning expansion (PRNewsfoto/Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)

Today, at 18,000 students from around the globe, XJTLU is the largest joint-venture university in China. It boasts approximately 900 staff from 50 countries and regions. The University's alumni study at global top universities and work at world-leading companies.

Key to its success is its unique blend of educational styles, enabling students to become internationally minded global citizens.

As an institution constantly looking forward, it's fitting that XJLTU is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the launch of new academies and plans to expand outside its home province.

On Saturday, 22 May, the University will launch its Academy of Future Education, encompassing research and education activities, training for educators in and outside of the University, support for students' educational growth, and a platform for online and onsite lifelong learning around the globe. "The future of education is not focused on teachers imparting knowledge to students, but instead on how educational institutions will support lifelong learning," says Dr Xiaojun Zhang, Executive Dean of the Academy.

To provide tools for all learners, XJTLU and the Academy of Future Education will open the XJTLU Learning Mall to the public on Saturday, one year after its launch to University staff and students. Available offerings at www.learningmall.cn continue to grow, with partners including Adobe, Microsoft, McGraw-Hill Group, Alibaba Cloud and Digital China providing educational content, training and online certification tests.

XJTLU's Academy of Film and Creative Technology also will launch Saturday. "Partnering with media and creative industries will enable us to meet industry needs and train students and professionals to be cultural and creative industry leaders," says Professor Stuart Perrin, Associate Principal of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang).

XJTLU's plans include additional exploration of online-onsite educational models and expansion to other sites like China's Greater Bay Area (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau), where the University plans to establish the XIPU Innovation and Education College (GBA).

Learn more at www.xjtlu.edu.cn

SOURCE Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
YWIB Ambassador Program application deadline extended through June 30, 2021

The YWIB Ambassador program is an initiative created by YWIB in response to the growing number of girls who are looking for ways to get involved and help lead efforts to accelerate and encourage STEM opportunities for girls in their communities and beyond. Ambassadors are integral to the planning of events and programs hosted by their local chapter. They will also actively engage with YWIB to raise awareness in STEM and encourage girls both locally and nationally to pursue their passion for STEM.

The YWIB Ambassador program is an initiative created by YWIB in response to the growing number of girls who are looking for ways to get involved and help lead efforts to accelerate and encourage STEM opportunities for girls in their communities and beyond. Ambassadors are integral to the planning of events and programs hosted by their local chapter. They will also actively engage with YWIB to raise awareness in STEM and encourage girls both locally and nationally to pursue their passion for STEM.

Sea Island, GA, May 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Young Women In Bio (YWIB) is thrilled to announce applications for the 2021-2022 YWIB Ambassador Program are now open. A YWIB Ambassador is a high school student who identifies as female with a passion for STEM who demonstrates leadership among her peers and encourages others in their quest to make a difference by promoting STEM within her school, local community, nationally, and online.

YWIB launched this initiative in 2020 for high school students who identify as female and are interested in championing and supporting YWIBs efforts to create educational and leadership opportunities in STEM for young girls, both locally and nationally. In its inaugural year, YWIB welcomed 22 Ambassadors who had the opportunity to engage with and interview experts in STEM, organize and lead YWIB events at their local chapters, launch YWIB Clubs at their school, establish a YWIB Ambassador Instagram Page, and support YWIB diversity and inclusion efforts.

They also attended virtual events with speakers from the Broad Institute, Biotech Pioneers in Gene Therapy, Girls Who Code, and more. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and to have met all the incredible women engaging in the program. This experience solidified my passion for life sciences and my desire to pursue research in the future said one YWIB Ambassador. YWIB helped me get inspired and to take action on my ideas instead of just ignoring them, said another about her experience.

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We are excited to continue to grow the YWIB Ambassador program and inspire and encourage more young women as they explore careers in STEM said Sarah Odeh, YWIB National Vice Chair. Our inaugural year was a huge success and we are not only looking forward to our second class of YWIB Ambassadors, but also to continue supporting our YWIB Ambassador Alumni as they progress through high school and college.

YWIB encourages high school students to apply to become a YWIB Ambassador among its 14 chapters across the United States and in Canada (www.womeninbio.org/YWIBAmbassadors). Completed applications must be submitted to YWIB by June 30, 2021. Each of the 14 YWIB Chapters will review applications from their local students and appoint one or two YWIB Ambassador for their region by August 1, 2021. The YWIB Ambassador Program will kick-off in September 2021. Please visit www.womeninbio.org/YWIBAmbassadors for more information.

ABOUT YOUNG WOMEN IN BIO (YWIB)

Young Women In Bio (YWIB) gives girls today the inspiration and support they need to become tomorrow's leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. We strive to provide education and mentoring, as well as share our passion for scientific fields. Through 14 chapters across the United States and Canada, YWIB partners with leading companies, universities, hospitals, and other organizations to host highly engaging, educational, and motivational programs for young girls interested in STEM. To learn more, visit: www.womeninbio.org/ywib.

ABOUT WOMEN IN BIO (WIB)

Founded in 2002 to support all women employed in the field of life sciences from the classroom to the boardroom, Women In Bio (WIB) is a multifaceted organization with 14 chapters in North America. It offers an array of professional educational programs, peer to peer learning, mentoring and networking opportunities and is the only organization for women that integrates all career levels and life sciences fields. WIB is funded by sponsors and partners dedicated to supporting women of all ages in their lifelong journey in the life sciences and beyond. Please visit www.womeninbio.org.

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CONTACT: Tamara Kilgore Women In Bio 412-445-6012 tkilgore@womeninbio.org




Today the pendulum is poised in judgment above the debate over Critical Race Theory. At the heart of CRT is the concept that racism is woven into the fabric of the American psyche, its systems and its institutions, and that only deliberate action can correct the damage it has done.

Across this country, there is a movement afootfed and fueled by such groups as the American Legislative Exchange Council, the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Instituteto oppose the spread of Critical Race Theory.

You can see the fruits of their labor on TikTok in tutorials about Black people owning slaves; in Twitter rants equating CRT with publicly sanctioned racism; and in state legislatures and among House Republicans in Congress, where there is a push to ban teaching it in public schools.

Opponents of CRT push back despite a preponderance of evidence that even people new to this country can see. Why else would Indian Sikh Bhagat Singh Thind and Japanese-American Takao Ozawa sue the United States to be classified as white if they did not equate whiteness with justice in America?

Immigrants watch and make their judgments as the benefits of the GI Bill and favorable home mortgages and places at our elite universities accrue with abundant regularity to certain people. They see how the cards are stacked.
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We should always be reminded of where we came from, but I dont think, when I enter the courthouse, I should be reminded that my ancestors were slaves. I dont feel my children should have to take that burden on, that they are reminded that family members were owned by people, she said.

Shelton and Bob Baird, who are active with the King George Historical Society, asked the supervisors to keep the memorial where it is. Both suggested the current courthouse, which will be vacant when a new facility is built by 2023, be used as a cultural center to share the history of all people of the county.

I believe we need memorials; we need to understand our history, Baird said. It causes us to think, to remind us of the rights and wrongs of our past.

Shelton said hes related to 22 people on the monument who are direct descendants of Black, Irish and Native American slaves.

Its not a monument toward Confederacy, it is a memorial, a tombstone to the people of this county who died for a cause they didnt really want to fight, Shelton said.

Resident Koontz Campbell admitted some confusion on the matter.
China's Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO)--one of the country's key national science and technology infrastructure facilities--has found a dozen ultra-high-energy (UHE) cosmic accelerators within the Milky Way.

It has also detected photons with energies exceeding 1 peta-electron-volt (quadrillion electron-volts or PeV), including one at 1.4 PeV. The latter is the highest energy photon ever observed.

These findings overturn the traditional understanding of the Milky Way and open up an era of UHE gamma astronomy. These observations will prompt people to rethink the mechanism by which high-energy particles are generated and propagated in the Milky Way, and will encourage people to explore more deeply violent celestial phenomena and their physical processes as well as test basic physical laws under extreme conditions.

These discoveries are published in the journal Nature on May 17. The LHAASO International Collaboration, which is led by the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, completed this study.

The LHAASO Observatory is still under construction. The cosmic accelerators--known as PeVatrons since they accelerate particles to the PeV range--and PeV photons were discovered using the first half of the detection array, which was finished at the end of 2019 and operated for 11 months in 2020.

Photons with energies exceeding 1 PeV were detected in a very active star-forming region in the constellation Cygnus. LHAASO also detected 12 stable gamma ray sources with energies up to about 1 PeV and significances of the photon signals seven standard deviations greater than the surrounding background. These sources are located at positions in our galaxy that can be measured with an accuracy better than 0.3. They are the brightest Milky Way gamma ray sources in LHAASO's field of view.

Although the accumulated data from the first 11 months of operation only allowed people to observe those sources, all of them emit so-called UHE photons, i.e., gamma rays above 0.1 PeV. The results show that the Milky Way is full of PeVatrons, while the largest accelerator on Earth (LHC at CERN) can only accelerate particles to 0.01 PeV. Scientists have already determined that cosmic ray accelerators in the Milky Way have an energy limit. Until now, the predicted limit was around 0.1 PeV, thus leading to a natural cut-off of the gamma-ray spectrum above that.

But LHAASO's discovery has increased this "limit," since the spectra of most sources are not truncated. These findings launch an era for UHE gamma astronomic observation. They show that non-thermal radiation celestials, such as young massive star clusters, supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulas and so on--represented by Cygnus star-forming regions and the Crab nebula--are the best candidates for finding UHE cosmic rays in the Milky Way.

Through UHE gamma astronomy, a century-old mystery---the origin of cosmic rays--may soon be solved. LHAASO will prompt scientists to rethink the mechanisms of high energy cosmic ray acceleration and propagation in the Milky Way. It will also allow scientists to explore extreme astrophysical phenomena and their corresponding processes, thus enabling examination of the basic laws of physics under extreme conditions.

Extended Materials:

LHAASO and Its Core Scientific Goals

LHAASO is a major national scientific and technological infrastructure facility focusing on cosmic ray observation and research. It is located 4,410 meters above sea level on Mt. Haizi in Daocheng County, Sichuan Province. When construction is completed in 2021, LHAASO's particle detector arrays will comprise 5,195 electromagnetic particle detectors and 1,188 Muon detectors located in the square-kilometer complex array (KM2A), a 78,000 m2 water Cherenkov detector array (WCDA), and 18 wide-field-of-view Cherenkov telescopes (WFCTA). Using these four detection techniques, LHAASO will be able to measure cosmic rays omnidirectionally with multiple variables simultaneously. The arrays will cover an area of about 1.36 km2.

LHAASO's core scientific goal is to explore the origin of high-energy cosmic rays and study related physics such as the evolution of the universe, the motion and interaction of high-energy astronomical celestials, and the nature of dark matter. LHAASO will extensively survey the universe (especially the Milky Way) for gamma ray sources. It will precisely measure their energy spectra over a broad range--from less than 1 TeV (trillion electron-volts or tera-electron-volts) to more than 1 PeV. It will also measure the components of diffused cosmic rays and their spectra at even higher energies, thus revealing the laws of the generation, acceleration and propagation of cosmic rays, as part of the exploration of new physics frontiers.

PeVatrons and PeV Photons

The signal of UHE photons around PeVatrons is so weak that just one or two photons at PeV energy can be detected using 1 km2 of detectors per year even when focusing on the Crab Nebula, known as the "standard candle for gamma astronomy." What's worse, those one or two photons are submerged in tens of thousands of ordinary cosmic rays. The 1,188 muon detectors in LHAASO's KM2A are designed to select photon-like signals, making LHAASO the most sensitive UHE gamma ray detector in the world. With its unprecedented sensitivity, in just 11 months, the half-sized KM2A detected one photon around 1 PeV from the Crab Nebula. In addition, KM2A found 12 similar sources in the Milky Way, all of which emit UHE photons and extend their spectra continuously into the vicinity of 1 PeV. Even more important, KM2A has detected a photon with energy of 1.4 PeV--the highest ever recorded. It is clear that LHAASO's scientific discoveries represent a milestone in identifying the origin of cosmic rays. To be specific, LHAASO's scientific breakthroughs fall into the following three areas:

1) Revealing the ubiquity of cosmic accelerators capable of accelerating particles to energies exceeding 1 PeV in the Milky Way. All the gamma ray sources that LHAASO has effectively observed radiate photons in the UHE range above 0.1 PeV, indicating that the energy of the parent particles radiating these gamma rays must exceed 1 PeV. As a matter of convention, these sources must have significances of photon signals five standard deviations greater than the surrounding background. The observed energy spectrum of these gamma rays has not truncated above 0.1 peV, demonstrating that there is no acceleration limit below PeV in the galactic accelerators.

This observation violates the prevailing theoretical model. According to current theory, cosmic rays with energies in the PeV range can produce gamma rays of 0.1 PeV by interacting with surrounding gases in the accelerating region. Detecting gamma rays with energies greater than 0.1 PeV is an important way to find and verify PeV cosmic ray sources. Since previous international mainstream detectors work below this energy level, the existence of PeV cosmic ray accelerators had not been solidly confirmed before. But now LHAASO has revealed a large number of PeV cosmic acceleration sources in the Milky Way, all of which are candidates for being UHE cosmic ray generators. This is a crucial step toward determining the origin of cosmic rays.

2) Beginning an era of "UHE gamma astronomy." In 1989, an experimental group at the Whipple Observatory in Arizona successfully discovered the first object emitting gamma radiation above 0.1 TeV, marking the onset of the era of "very-high-energy" gamma astronomy. Over the next 30 years, more than 200 "very-high-energy" gamma ray sources were discovered. However, the first object emitting UHE gamma radiation was not detected until 2019. Surprisingly, by using a partly complete array for less than a year, LHAASO has already boosted the number of UHE gamma ray sources to 12.

With the completion of LHAASO and the continuous accumulation of data, we can anticipate to find an unexplored "UHE universe" full of surprising phenomena. It is well known that background radiation from the Big Bang is so pervasive it can absorb gamma rays with energies greater than 1 PeV. Even if gamma rays were produced beyond the Milky Way, we wouldn't be able to detect them. This makes LHAASO's observational window so special.

3) Photons with energies greater than 1 PeV were first detected from the Cygnus region and the Crab Nebula. The detection of PeV photons is a milestone in gamma astronomy. It fulfills the dream of the gamma astronomy community and has long been a strong driving force in the development of research instruments in the field. In fact, one of the main reasons for the explosion of gamma astronomy in the 1980s was the challenge of the PeV photon limit. The star-forming region in the direction of Cygnus is the brightest area in the northern territory of the Milky Way, with a large number of massive star clusters. Massive stars live only on the order of one million years, so the clusters contain enormous stars in the process of birth and death, with a complex strong shock environment. They are ideal "particle astrophysics laboratories," i.e., places for accelerating cosmic rays.

The first PeV photons found by LHAASO were from the star-forming region of the constellation Cygnus, making this area the best candidate for exploring the origin of UHE cosmic rays. Therefore, much attention has turned to LHAASO and multi-wavelength observation of this region, which could offer a potential breakthrough in solving the "mystery of the century."

Extensive observational studies of the Crab Nebula over the years have made the celestial body almost the only standard gamma ray source with a clear emission mechanism. Indeed, precise spectrum measurements across 22 orders of magnitude clearly reveal the signature of an electron accelerator. However, the UHE spectra measured by LHAASO, especially photons at PeV energy, seriously challenge this "standard model" of high-energy astrophysics and even the more fundamental theory of electron acceleration.

Technology Innovations

LHAASO has developed and/or improved: 1) clock synchronization technology over long distances that ensures timing synchronization accuracy to the sub-nanosecond level for each detector in the array; 2) multiple parallel event trigger algorithms and their realization, with the help of high-speed front-end signal digitization, high-speed data transmission and large on-site computing clusters; and advanced detection technologies include 3) silicon photo multipliers (SiPM) and 4) ultra-large photocathode micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes (MCP-PMT). They are being employed at LHAASO on a large scale for the first time. They have greatly improved the spatial resolution of photon measurements and lowered the detection energy threshold. These features allow detectors to achieve unprecedented sensitivity in exploring the deep universe at a wide energy range. LHAASO provides an attractive experimental platform for conducting interdisciplinary research in frontier sciences such as atmosphere, high-altitude environment and space weather. It will also serve as a base for international cooperation on high-level scientific research projects.

History of Cosmic Ray Research in China

Cosmic ray research in China has experienced three stages. LHAASO represents the third generation of high-altitude cosmic ray observatories. High-altitude experiments are a means of making full use of the atmosphere as a detector medium. In this way, scientists can observe cosmic rays on the ground, where the size of the detector can be much larger than in a space-borne detector outside the atmosphere. This is the only way to observe cosmic rays at very high energy.

In 1954, China's first cosmic ray laboratory was built on Mt. Luoxue in Dongchuan, Yunnan Province, at 3,180 meters above sea level. In 1989, the Sino-Japanese cosmic ray experiment ASg was built at an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level at Yangbajing, Tibet Autonomous Region.

In 2006, the joint Sino-Italian ARGO-YBJ experiment was built at the same site.

In 2009, at the Xiangshan Science Forum in Beijing, Professor CAO Zhen proposed to build a large-scale composite detection array (i.e., LHAASO) in a high-altitude area. The LHAASO project was approved in 2015 and construction began in 2017. By April 2019, construction was 25% complete and scientific operation had begun. By January 2020, an additional 25% had been completed and put into operation. In December of the same year, 75% of the facility had been completed. The entire facility will be completed in 2021. LHAASO has already become one of the world's leading UHE gamma detection facilities, and will operate for a long time. With it, scientists will be able to study the origin of cosmic rays from many aspects.

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Nakhaleh was referring to thousands of missiles and rockets that Gaza militants have fired toward Israel.

Nakhaleh said that after Israels moves that threatened the eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers in east Jerusalem, we were in front of two choices, to surrender and to give them everything or fight them over everything.



JERUSALEM  Israels Foreign Ministry says foreign ministers from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia will arrive in Israel on Thursday.

The ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the diplomats were invited by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to express their solidarity and support for Israel during its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate hostilities after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.



JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to continue this operation until its aim is met, despite U.S. President Joe Bidens call for a de-escalation of hostilities in Gaza.
A Virginia prison inmate pleaded guilty Wednesday to mailing a threat to harm an assistant U.S. attorney who had prosecuted him.

Rondale Latte Claud, 44, faces up to 10 years in federal prison when sentenced Sept. 17 by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Claud was indicted last year on two counts of mailing threats to an assistant U.S. attorney who had prosecuted him and who was identified in court papers only as P.O.

Records show that Claud, who had a long prior record that included violent crimes, was prosecuted in 2019 in Newport News by Peter G. Osyf, an assistant U.S. attorney, for the unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison.

A statement of facts signed by Claud on Wednesday says that on March 2, 2020, while he was an inmate at the Augusta Correctional Center, he wrote a letter to P.O. stating that he had been thinking about him to the point where he could not sleep.

He accused P.O. of turning his son and his family against him. He closed the letter by writing: If s--- gets hard I will just go out the easy way which is killing myself ... and you, according to the statement of facts.
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From the panhandle to the Nebraska State Capitol, volunteers with the Pony Express Ride will ride their motorcycles more than 600 miles across the state to raise awareness about childrens mental health this week.

For the first time this year, the ride will stop in Fremont, with the group arriving at the Rodeway Inn on the third day of the journey at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The participants will stay the night before finishing their ride Saturday.

For the past 14 years, these dedicated motorcyclists have been a key partner in raising awareness for childrens mental health, Sheri Dawson, director of the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health, said in a press release.

The Pony Express Ride, formed in 2007, is an advocacy ride that picks up letters from children in Nebraskas six behavioral health regions. The ride is named for the Pony Express, a cross-country mail service from the 1860s.

We work with family orgs, they collect letters, we pick them up, we carry those letters across the state and deliver them to the Nebraska State Capitol to government officials, Promotion and Site Visit Coordinator Holly Stevens said. And then those letters are utilized in planning for needs for the different regions of the state.
Members of Congress and advocates have called for the closure of the Georgia facility since last year after women held there told of being forced into unnecessary gynecological procedures amid unsanitary conditions.

DHS and the Justice Department are investigating the allegations of medical mistreatment, which a doctor involved in their treatment has denied, and Mayorkas said that steps will be taken to preserve evidence.

Immigrants held at Irwin also had broader complaints about overall conditions, alleging that authorities at the detention center failed to take adequate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Given its extensively documented history of human rights violations, Irwin should have been shut down long ago, said Azadeh Shahshahani, legal and advocacy director for Project South, an advocacy group that has pressed for ICE and the company that runs the facility to compensate any women subjected to unwanted procedures there.

The facility in Ocilla, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Atlanta, has been used to house men and women for ICE as well as inmates for the U.S. Marshals Service and Irwin County. Its run by the private LaSalle Corrections, a Louisiana company.
The House voted Wednesday to create an independent commission on the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, sending the legislation to an uncertain future in the Senate as Republicans increasingly line up against the bipartisan investigation and align themselves with former President Donald Trump.

Democrats say an independent investigation is crucial to reckoning what happened that day, when a violent mob of Trump's supporters smashed into the Capitol to try and overturn President Joe Biden's victory. Modeled after the investigation into the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the legislation would establish an independent, 10-member commission that would make recommendations by the end of the year for securing the Capitol and preventing another insurrection. It passed the House 252-175.

But top Republicans in Congress are working to stop it. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday morning that he will oppose the legislation, joining with House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, who came out against it Tuesday. Both men claimed the bill was partisan, even though membership of the proposed commission would be evenly split between the parties.
OMAHA -- The search for a missing La Vista boy continued Wednesday with a focus on area bodies of water.

Tweets from the La Vista Police Department asked volunteers to meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the Walnut Creek Recreation Area. Volunteers were asked to walk the park trail.

Police said Wednesday that they had no updates in the search for 11-year-old Ryan Larsen.

The Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area is a 450-acre mixed-use park with a 105-acre reservoir. The park is located south of Nebraska 370 and west of 96th Street.

Ryan last was seen about noon Monday walking out of La Vista West Elementary School near 78th Street and Terry Drive. A business between Ryans school and his home recorded the boy on security video at about 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Ryan is described as being about 5-foot-8 and 125 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans and an Old Navy shirt. He was carrying a polka-dot umbrella.
TIRANA, Albania (AP)  An Albanian court that handles top officials' corruption cases sentenced the countrys former chief prosecutor Thursday to two years in jail for hiding money from illegally owned properties.

The ex-prosecutor, Adriatik Llalla, was sentenced for hiding property and giving false information on the asset declarations Albanian officials must submit every year. The sentence also bars Llalla from holding any public post for five years.

He plans to appeal, according to his lawyer.

Judge Daniela Shirka of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime said Llalla could not account for the money behind his buying and selling some 5.4 acres of land ) and his purchase of an apartment. He also failed to justify his family's expenses in the United States and Germany.

Llalla resigned from the position of Albanias most senior prosecutor in December 2017.

In 2018, prosecutors sequestered Llallas apartment in the capital, Tirana, and just over two hectares (5.4 acres) of land belonging to him. The properties had a total value of more than 98 million leks (some $900,000) at the time, according to prosecutors.
This Sunday, July 10, 2016 photo shows the First Baptist Church, left, the First Baptist Church of Christ, center, and Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Macon, Ga. About 170 years ago, the two Baptist churches were one congregation, albeit a church of masters and slaves. Then the fight over abolition and slavery started tearing badly at religious groups and moving the country toward Civil War. The Macon church, like many others at the time, decided it was time to separate by race.
The detection of the heavy metals iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) in the fuzzy atmosphere of a comet are illustrated in this image, which features the spectrum of light of C/2016 R2 (PANSTARRS) on the top left superimposed to a real image of the comet taken with the SPECULOOS telescope at ESO's Paranal Observatory. Each white peak in the spectrum represents a different element, with those for iron and nickel indicated by blue and orange dashes, respectively. Spectra like these are possible thanks to the UVES instrument on ESO's VLT, a high-resolution spectrograph that spreads the line so much they can be individually identified. In addition, UVES remains sensitive down to wavelengths of 300nm. Most of the important iron and nickel lines appear at wavelengths of around 350nm, meaning that the capabilities of UVES were essential in making this discovery. CREDIT ESO/L. Calcada, SPECULOOS Team/E. Jehin, Manfroid et al.

A new study by a Belgian team using data from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT) has shown that iron and nickel exist in the atmospheres of comets throughout our Solar System, even those far from the Sun.

A separate study by a Polish team, who also used ESO data, reported that nickel vapour is also present in the icy interstellar comet 2I/Borisov. This is the first time heavy metals, usually associated with hot environments, have been found in the cold atmospheres of distant comets.

"It was a big surprise to detect iron and nickel atoms in the atmosphere of all the comets we have observed in the last two decades, about 20 of them, and even in ones far from the Sun in the cold space environment," says Jean Manfroid from the University of Liege, Belgium, who lead the new study on Solar System comets published today in Nature.

Astronomers know that heavy metals exist in comets' dusty and rocky interiors. But, because solid metals don't usually "sublimate" (become gaseous) at low temperatures, they did not expect to find them in the atmospheres of cold comets that travel far from the Sun. Nickel and iron vapours have now even been detected in comets observed at more than 480 million kilometres from the Sun, more than three times the Earth-Sun distance.

The Belgian team found iron and nickel in comets' atmospheres in approximately equal amounts. Material in our Solar System, for example that found in the Sun and in meteorites, usually contains about ten times more iron than nickel. This new result therefore has implications for astronomers' understanding of the early Solar System, though the team is still decoding what these are.

"Comets formed around 4.6 billion years ago, in the very young Solar System, and haven't changed since that time. In that sense, they're like fossils for astronomers," says study co-author Emmanuel Jehin, also from the University of Liege.

While the Belgian team has been studying these "fossil" objects with ESO's VLT for nearly 20 years, they had not spotted the presence of nickel and iron in their atmospheres until now. "This discovery went under the radar for many years," Jehin says.

The team used data from the Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES - https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/vlt-instr/uves/ ) instrument on ESO's VLT, which uses a technique called spectroscopy , to analyse the atmospheres of comets at different distances from the Sun. This technique allows astronomers to reveal the chemical makeup of cosmic objects: each chemical element leaves a unique signature -- a set of lines -- in the spectrum of the light from the objects.

The Belgian team had spotted weak, unidentified spectral lines in their UVES data and on closer inspection noticed that they were signalling the presence of neutral atoms of iron and nickel. A reason why the heavy elements were difficult to identify is that they exist in very small amounts: the team estimates that for each 100 kg of water in the comets' atmospheres there is only 1 g of iron, and about the same amount of nickel.

"Usually there is 10 times more iron than nickel, and in those comet atmospheres we found about the same quantity for both elements. We came to the conclusion they might come from a special kind of material on the surface of the comet nucleus, sublimating at a rather low temperature and releasing iron and nickel in about the same proportions," explains Damien Hutsemekers, also a member of the Belgian team from the University of Liege.

Although the team aren't sure yet what material this might be, advances in astronomy -- such as the Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS - https://elt.eso.org/instrument/METIS/ ) on ESO's upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT - https://elt.eso.org/ ) -- will allow researchers to confirm the source of the iron and nickel atoms found in the atmospheres of these comets.

The Belgian team hope their study will pave the way for future research. "Now people will search for those lines in their archival data from other telescopes," Jehin says. "We think this will also trigger new work on the subject."

Interstellar heavy metals

Another remarkable study published today in Nature shows that heavy metals are also present in the atmosphere of the interstellar comet 2I/Borisov. A team in Poland observed this object, the first alien comet to visit our Solar System, using the X-shooter spectrograph on ESO's VLT when the comet flew by about a year and a half ago. They found that 2I/Borisov's cold atmosphere contains gaseous nickel.

"At first we had a hard time believing that atomic nickel could really be present in 2I/Borisov that far from the Sun. It took numerous tests and checks before we could finally convince ourselves," says study author Piotr Guzik from the Jagiellonian University in Poland. The finding is surprising because, before the two studies published today, gases with heavy metal atoms had only been observed in hot environments, such as in the atmospheres of ultra-hot exoplanets or evaporating comets that passed too close to the Sun. 2I/Borisov was observed when it was some 300 million kilometres away from the Sun, or about twice the Earth-Sun distance.

Studying interstellar bodies in detail is fundamental to science because they carry invaluable information about the alien planetary systems they originate from. "All of a sudden we understood that gaseous nickel is present in cometary atmospheres in other corners of the Galaxy," says co-author Micha? Drahus, also from the Jagiellonian University.

The Polish and Belgian studies show that 2I/Borisov and Solar System comets have even more in common than previously thought. "Now imagine that our Solar System's comets have their true analogues in other planetary systems -- how cool is that?," Drahus concludes.

###

More information

This research was presented in two papers to appear in Nature.

The team that carried out the study "Iron and nickel atoms in cometary atmospheres even far from the Sun" is composed of J. Manfroid, D. Hutsemekers & E. Jehin (STAR Institute, University of Liege, Belgium).

The team that carried out the study "Gaseous atomic nickel in the coma of interstellar comet 2I/Borisov" ([https://doi.org/] - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03485-4 [10.1038/s41586-021-03485-4] - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03485-4 ) is composed of Piotr Guzik and Micha? Drahus (Astronomical Observatory, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland).

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Emergency personnel work the scene of a structure fire at 22 Cheyenne Boulevard in Colorado Springs on Monday, May 10, 2021. A body was discovered near the home. (Photo by Christian Murdock, The Gazette)
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.
Shape-shifting computer chip thwarts an army of hackers

We have developed and tested a secure new computer processor that thwarts hackers by randomly changing its underlying structure, thus making it virtually impossible to hack.

Last summer, 525 security researchers spent three months trying to hack our Morpheus processor as well as others. All attempts against Morpheus failed. This study was part of a program sponsored by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Program Agency to design a secure processor that could protect vulnerable software. DARPA released the results on the program to the public for the first time in January 2021.

A processor is the piece of computer hardware that runs software programs. Since a processor underlies all software systems, a secure processor has the potential to protect any software running on it from attack. Our team at the University of Michigan first developed Morpheus, a secure processor that thwarts attacks by turning the computer into a puzzle, in 2019.

A processor has an architecture  x86 for most laptops and ARM for most phones  which is the set of instructions software needs to run on the processor. Processors also have a microarchitecture, or the guts that enable the execution of the instruction set, the speed of this execution and how much power it consumes.

Hackers need to be intimately familiar with the details of the microarchitecture to graft their malicious code, or malware, onto vulnerable systems. To stop attacks, Morpheus randomizes these implementation details to turn the system into a puzzle that hackers must solve before conducting security exploits. From one Morpheus machine to another, details like the commands the processor executes or the format of program data change in random ways. Because this happens at the microarchitecture level, software running on the processor is unaffected.

A skilled hacker could reverse-engineer a Morpheus machine in as little as a few hours, if given the chance. To counter this, Morpheus also changes the microarchitecture every few hundred milliseconds. Thus, not only do attackers have to reverse-engineer the microachitecture, but they have to do it very fast. With Morpheus, a hacker is confronted with a computer that has never been seen before and will never be seen again.

Why it matters

To conduct a security exploit, hackers use vulnerabilities in software to get inside a device. Once inside, they graft their malware onto the device. Malware is designed to infect the host device to steal sensitive data or spy on users.

The typical approach to computer security is to fix individual software vulnerabilities to keep hackers out. For these patch-based techniques to succeed, programmers must write perfect software without any bugs. But ask any programmer, and the idea of creating a perfect program is laughable. Bugs are everywhere, and security bugs are the most difficult to find because they dont impair a programs normal operation.

Morpheus takes a distinct approach to security by augmenting the underlying processor to prevent attackers from grafting malware onto the device. With this approach, Morpheus protects any vulnerable software that runs on it.

What other research is being done

For the longest time, processor designers considered security a problem for software programmers, since programmers made the software bugs that lead to security concerns. But recently computer designers have discovered that hardware can help protect software.

Academic efforts, such as Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions at the University of Cambridge, have demonstrated strong protection against memory bugs. Commercial efforts have begun as well, such as Intels soon-to-be-released Control-flow Enforcement Technology.

Morpheus takes a notably different approach of ignoring the bugs and instead randomizes its internal implementation to thwart exploitation of bugs. Fortunately, these are complementary techniques, and combining them will likely make systems even more difficult to attack.

Whats next

We are looking at how the fundamental design aspects of Morpheus can be applied to protect sensitive data on peoples devices and in the cloud. In addition to randomizing the implementation details of a system, how can we randomize data in a way that maintains privacy while not being a burden to software programmers?

This article was first posted on The Conversation.
Govt-and-politics

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Mason City Council greenlights downtown skywalk construction, approves plans for multiple trails

While the City of Mason City is yet to announce a groundbreaking date for the downtown hotel project it's pursued for years now, officials have been trying to get to a place where all other possible impediments to finishing the original River City Renaissance are off the board. Tuesday night, the Mason City Council helped removed a few more pieces.

LISA GROUETTE, Globe Gazette The city is looking at making updates to the paved trails at Georgia Hanford Park in Mason City.

The Council unanimously approved awarding a $1.648 million contract to Henkel Construction to build a skywalk that will connect the Hyatt Place Hotel (developed by MCCCH previously known as Gatehouse Mason City) and The Music Man Square.

Rendering by Gatehouse Rendering of what the downtown Mason City hotel will look like with the skywalk running above South Delaware Avenue.

Before voting in favor of awarding the contract, Third Ward Councilmember Joshua Masson asked City Administrator Aaron Burnett if there was any chance that the City could wind up with no hotel and a skywalk to nowhere. While Burnett avoided giving a 100% guarantee about construction happening, he didn't express any significant skepticism to Masson.

"I would not bring this forward if I had concern that we were not in this place," Burnett said.

Mason City's Southbridge Mall may soon be transformed into family entertainment center Public hearing date set for June 1 to discuss amending urban renewal plan that would make repurposing possible.

In tandem with the contract award, the City Council also approved executing an agreement between the City, the Mason City Foundation (which oversees The Music Man Square) and MCCCH for the skywalk which has an initial 20-year term. The structure itself will go over the South Delaware Avenue right-of-way.

Under the terms spelled out in the agreement, the City will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep as well as all electricity costs and necessary insurance policies. In the packet for the meeting, Director of Development Services Steven Van Steenhuyse wrote to Burnett to acknowledge again that "the City has always accepted responsibility for constructing and owning the skywalk element."

New community garden to take root in Mason City The site will be on the former Madison School Property on South Jefferson Avenue.

Happy trails

During the meeting, City Council also paved the way for two separate trail plans in town. The first would create pedestrian side path beginning near the intersection of North Taft Avenue and Fourth Street Northwest and go all the way to 12th Street Northwest. The other will give the Georgia Hanford Park Trails a makeover.

LISA GROUETTE, Globe Gazette The city is looking at making updates to the paved trails at Georgia Hanford Park in Mason City. On Tuesday night, the Mason City Council approved awarding a contract to Heartland Asphalt for $77,598 to complete repairs.

To help make the former possible, which will cost an estimated $595,710 (not including money needed for property acquisitions), the City is putting in for a $500,00 grant through the "COVID-19 Relief Recreational Trails Program" that the Iowa Transportation Commission helped create.

In the packet, City Engineer Mark Rahm wrote that the proposed project isn't budgeted yet and is contingent on the grant application being approved. To help make that approval more likely, Rahm said during the meeting that the City will provide $200,000 to complete the needed work.

"We will score points for making that match in kind but theres no guarantee," Rahm said.

As for Georgia Hanford, the Mason City Council approved awarding a contract to Heartland Asphalt for $77,598 to complete repairs to park trails.

The winning bid by Heartland was one of two, the other coming from North Iowa Sand and Gravel, and is budgeted in the 2022 budget according to Operations and Maintenance Manager Bill Stangler. The Council also voted to award Heartland a contract of $634,861 to do hot mix asphalt paving throughout Mason City. Per a packet note from Rahm, the contract is over the probable cost of $584,699 but budgeted and being funded with general obligation bonds as well as water and sewer funds. Rates for those two utilities will soon increase as the City is moving to up water by 1% and sewer by about 2.66%.

Long-time Mason City Finance Director Kevin Jacobson dies at 59 "Its a huge loss to not have Kevin with the city and to not have him as a friend."

Tribute for Jacobson

At the top of the meeting, Mason City Mayor Bill Schickel held a moment of silence for Kevin Jacobson who served as finance director for more than 20 years and died on May 7 at age 59.

Schickel called him both a friend and colleague and Burnett said that he was "a huge public servant."

After paying tribute, the city officials pivoted to how they would begin to fill a position left by someone with two decades of institutional knowledge. Fourth Ward Councilmember John Jaszewski wanted to what a reasonable timetable would be to get "back to normal" for the finance department.

"Give me a little bit of time to bring something forward," Burnett said. "(We're) working on several different potential paths."

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"Selfishly, I would have preferred the matter have been dictated in another six and a half days -- after our school year was over," he wrote in an email.

Osage's Barb Schwamman agreed.

I was surprised at the timing of this, and the fact were this close to the end of the school year, Schwamman said. At the time the Legislature enacted this, it was the middle of the night. We had just changed our policies as of Monday, so it doesnt affect Osage much, other than what were doing on the school buses.

Versteeg said the lack of a coordinated pandemic response from federal and state health agenices, as well as the governor's office and the Legislature has been frustrating. Mason City plans to announce further revisions to its safety mitigation plan in the next weeks, and make any changes for the upcoming school year in August.

"We have all experienced some amount of pandemic whiplash the last fourteen months and there is likely more to come," he said.

The measure was introduced in an amendment to House File 847, and passed both chambers on party-line votes, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing.
Cher recorded a song, Walls, to amplify the growing social-media clamor for Kaavan's release, and her involvement went far beyond her comfort zone: She flew to Pakistan amid the COVID-19 pandemic when, she said, the government made it a condition of Kaavans transfer to a sanctuary in Cambodia after the zoos court-ordered closure.

Her trademark candor is on exhibit in the documentary, in which she admits to hesitation about the journey that she and a small group of intimates were about to make.

I kept saying to my friends  Are we really going to Pakistan? Is this really happening? she recounted during the panel discussion about her efforts and the documentarys production. Then I just went, Yeah, come on, youre doing it. Stop playing around and just do it."

It wasn't just trepidation weighing on her, Cher said. There had been so many times that it looked like the effort would fall short that she honestly began to wonder if anybody would be all that interested in what was being attempted.

Her unstinting effort resulted in an endearing scene in which Cher is coaxed by veterinarian Amir Khalil to bond with Kaavan by feeding him watermelon and singing the elephant's favorite song: My Way, made famous by Frank Sinatra.
Now in the world, were seeing a lot more one-use items," she said. At the same time, we have millennials, like me, who dont want to throw stuff out. We want to act as sustainably as possible. So theres this optimism of, Im sure someone wants this old spaghetti jar to turn into a flower vase. But the truth is, they dont. Some things are recyclables or trash and should not be brought to Goodwill.

Indeed, experts say the recent increase in trash costs for these stores is part of a larger trend that resellers, including mom-and-pop thrift stores, have been seeing for perhaps 15 years.

We just have a lot of things in our homes and our storage units that are filled with stuff that just doesnt last long, said Cynthia Isenhour, a professor of anthropology and climate change who has been researching Maines reuse economy for years. So it breaks, and people dont know what to do with it. A lot of it is not repairable because of the low quality of the materials.

The spike in pandemic-induced trash goes beyond Goodwill. Other stores, like the Farmington Thrift Shop in Farmington, Maine, say they, too, have experienced an increase in trash donations during the pandemic.
I met with the governor's chief of staff several times, but not with the governor directly, added Wahls.

For them, it was another session of missed opportunities, such as the lack of legislative action to help the state recover from the health, educational and economic impact of the pandemic.

Throughout the session, Prichard and Wahls hammered Republicans for their lack of attention to the pandemic and the toll it has taken  and still is taking  on Iowans. Since the Legislature gaveled in Jan. 11, about 1,800 Iowans have died of COVID-19 related causes, he said.

What did this administration do? It played politics with the pandemic, Prichard said as representatives instead debated a ban on local governments, including schools, enforcing mask mandates.

A measure to would ban school districts, cities and counties from enacting face mask requirements that go farther than the states policy was approved in the 11th hour Wednesday night.

The amendment to House File 847, passed on party-line votes in both chambers will essentially ban all face mask requirements in Iowa, since there is currently no face mask requirement at the state level.

Millions from feds
Iowa is now among 14 states in the country to remove the statute of limitations (SOL) for criminal charges on child sexual abuse and exploitation. Iowa SF562 amends the Iowa Code. Many individuals on both sides of the political aisle have been advocating for SOL changes for years. This bill does not eliminate the civil claims time frame of the SOL, which is one year after turning 18 years old or five years after they are no longer enrolled in school/receiving treatment. It is a positive piece of bipartisan legislation.

I have met survivors of child sex abuse over the last five years. One of those survivors was a 78-year-old woman who I met in Des Moines in August of 2018 at a rally that I held with a friend of mine on the Capitol steps. As we were setting up, I noticed an elderly woman with a folding lawn chair, trudging slowly up the Capitol steps. It was a hot and humid August day. As she set up her chair, under a shady spot, I walked over to her. I thanked her for coming and asked her how she heard about our rally. She stated that she read my guest column in the local paper and wanted to support me. I found out she drove over three hours, one way, to attend. As we stood side by side, I noticed she began to tremble and her hands were shaking. I put my arms around her and she hugged me back. She began to cry and told me that when she was a child, a family member sexually abused her over several years. She had never told anyone until then. Her story is only one out of so many others, sadly.
Hong Kong: Vaccine storage incident reported

Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital reported today that a nurse discovered on May 18 the temperature inside a portable cooling bag transporting 15 Sinovac vaccine doses had slightly deviated from the designated range.

The designated range should be two to eight degrees Celsius, however, as recorded by the temperature-logger inside the bag, the temperature ranged from 1.3 to 1.7 degrees Celsius for around two hours.

Three staff members received these vaccines on the same day and were informed of the incident. The hospital has not received any reports of post-vaccination adverse effects from these staff.

As a precautionary measure, the hospital suspended the use of the remaining vaccine doses concerned immediately and consulted the vaccine supplier about the situation.

The hospital received a reply from the supplier today confirming that the slight deviation in the storage temperature should not affect the vaccine's effectiveness and safety.

The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority and will review the workflow and guidelines on the use of portable cooling bags for vaccine transportation to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we were all thrown out of our concept of normal. However, we did our best to rise to the challenge. We stayed at home. We canceled plans. We socially distanced. We baked bread. We masked. We Zoomed. We lost. We mourned.

For students, parents and educators, the pandemic was monumentally disruptive to the school year. Teachers made the most of virtual learning and hybrid models, but even with their great work, students struggled and fell behind. On three of four end-of-course subjects, a higher percentage of students was not proficient compared to last school year. At the start of the most recent school year, three quarters of third graders were not proficient in reading. And in a notably troubling development, enrollment this year is down 4.4%  or roughly 63,000 students  compared to last year. As policy makers, it is imperative that we do not allow these students to be left behind permanently.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that every family can use a little relief when tough times hit. The CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan both put money in the pockets of American families to make sure they could weather the storm. Now we seek to do something similar with our Student Success Program  with an eye specifically toward education.
My daughter and N.C. A&T

After going on an HBCU (historically Black college or university) campus tour during her junior year of high school, my daughter Tyler fell in love with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She felt welcomed as soon as she stepped on campus. She saw they had an excellent STEM program which was perfect because she wanted to major in biology and go into the medical field. During her tour, she also learned about the rich history of N.C. A&T, its notable alumni and its famous marching band, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine.

Tyler chose to attend A&T in the fall of 2017. During her journey as an Aggie, she was involved in many campus and school activities. I have watched her evolve into a confident, exceptional and valiant woman during her time there. She recently graduated cum laude from A&T, will start her career with a Fortune 500 company, and will begin a new chapter in her life.

I am certain that, no matter where she goes in life, she will succeed in any endeavor she pursues and always show that AGGIE PRIDE!

Tracey K Baker, Ph.D.

Ypsilanti, Mich.

Jan. 6 heroes
Mark Specht is a senior energy analyst at Union of Concerned Scientists and the author of Countdown to Shutdown: Californias Clean Energy Future after Diablo Canyon Closes, MSpecht@ucsusa.org. Frank Lindh is the former general counsel of the California Public Utilities Commission, FrankRichLindh@gmail.com.
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Ministry Survey Shows Religious Freedom at Risk

NEWS PROVIDED BY

D. James Kennedy Ministries

May 20, 2021



FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 20, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- Christian social conservatives answering a recent D. James Kennedy Ministries (DJKM) survey reported pervasive ill-treatment for their Christian faith.



An astonishing 96% of those who answered DJKM's 2021 Spiritual & Constitutional State of the Nation Survey said they have "experienced verbal or physical abuse or bias" due to their "faith in Jesus Christ or . . . conservative Christian views." That is three times more than in 2020, when 31% said they have been mistreated for their Christian faith.



"There is a rising tide of secular hostility against followers of Jesus Christ and this informal survey is yet more evidence," said Dr. Frank Wright, President and CEO of D. James Kennedy Ministries. "The dramatic uptick since 2020 suggests accelerating bigotry and malice toward followers of Jesus Christ."



Other top-line results from DJKM's 26-question poll of our largely evangelical constituency include:

Overwhelming support for religious freedom with 98% saying Americans "should have a freedom of religion and be able to express that in their public life."



97% said students should have "the right to pray in public school classrooms. . . ."



98% oppose "open borders" as the "the ideal answer for the immigration issues facing the United States."



96% agreed that "radical Islam continues to pose a significant threat to America."



100% agreed that "it is the constitutional right of citizens to defend themselves by the use of firearms."



100% want schools to teach "the truth about the history of socialism and its damaging impact on the world."



97% oppose the use of their taxes to "help pay for abortion."



99% oppose defunding the police.

In addition, when asked to identify the top three issues facing Congress and the Administration, a strong majority of respondents listed religious freedom (79%) and abortion (65%), with the economy (28%) in third place. When asked to name serious threats to the U.S., respondents chose China first followed by socialism and the United Nations.



DJKM's Spiritual & Constitutional State of the Nation Survey is an annual gauge of evangelical opinion on key social policy concerns. It is designed to give Christians the opportunity to clearly and effectively communicate their values to America's leaders.



DJKM is sharing the results, which are available at www.DJKM.org/2021Survey, with Congress, Cabinet officials, President Biden, and key media outlets.



SOURCE D. James Kennedy Ministries



CONTACT: John Aman, j.aman@djkm.org


" " In 1984, some scientists predicted that an HIV/AIDS vaccine would be available within two years. It is now 37 years later and there is still no vaccine. Rapeepong Puttakumwong/Getty Images

Smallpox has been eradicated from the face of the Earth following a highly effective, worldwide vaccination campaign. Paralytic poliomyelitis is no longer a problem in the U.S. because of development and use of effective vaccines against the poliovirus. In current times, millions of lives have been saved because of rapid deployment of effective vaccines against COVID-19. And yet, it has been 37 years since HIV was discovered as the cause of AIDS, and there is no vaccine. Here I will describe the difficulties facing development of an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS.

I am a professor of pathology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. My laboratory is credited with the discovery of the monkey virus called SIV, or simian immunodeficiency virus. SIV is the close monkey relative of the virus that causes AIDS in humans  HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. My research has contributed importantly to the understanding of the mechanisms by which HIV causes disease and to vaccine development efforts.

Dr. Anthony Fauci discusses the difficulty of finding a vaccine for HIV/AIDS in 2017:

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HIV Vaccine Development Efforts Have Come up Short

Vaccines have unquestionably been society's most potent weapon against viral diseases of medical importance. When the new disease AIDS burst onto the scene in the early 1980s and the virus that caused it was discovered in 1983-84, it was only natural to think that the research community would be able to develop a vaccine for it.

At a now famous press conference in 1984 announcing HIV as the cause of AIDS, then U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Margaret Heckler predicted that a vaccine would be available in two years. Well, it is now 37 years later and there is no vaccine. The rapidity of COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution puts the lack of an HIV vaccine in stark contrast. The problem is not failure of government. The problem is not lack of spending. The difficulty lies in the HIV virus itself. In particular, this includes the remarkable HIV strain diversity and the immune evasion strategies of the virus.

So far there have been five large-scale Phase 3 vaccine efficacy trials against HIV, each at a cost of over US$100 million. The first three of these failed quite convincingly; no protection against acquisition of HIV infection, no lowering of viral loads in those who did become infected. In fact, in the third of these trials, the STEP trial, there was a statistically significant higher frequency of infection in individuals who had been vaccinated.

The fourth trial, the controversial Thai RV144 trial, initially reported a marginal degree of successful protection against the acquisition of HIV infection among vaccinated individuals. However, a subsequent statistical analysis reported that there was less than a 78% chance that the protection against acquisition was real.

A fifth vaccine trial, the HVTN 702 trial, was ordered to confirm and extend the results of the RV144 trial. The HVTN702 trial was halted early because of futility. No protection against acquisition. No lowering of viral load. Ouch.

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The Complexity of HIV

What is the problem? The biological properties that HIV has evolved make development of a successful vaccine very, very difficult. What are those properties?

First and foremost is the continuous unrelenting virus replication. Once HIV gets its foot in the door, it's "gotcha." Many vaccines do not protect absolutely against the acquisition of an infection, but they are able to severely limit the replication of the virus and any illness that might result. For a vaccine to be effective against HIV, it will likely need to provide an absolute sterilizing barrier and not just limit viral replication.

HIV has evolved an ability to generate and to tolerate many mutations in its genetic information. The consequence of this is an enormous amount of variation among strains of the virus not only from one individual to another but even within a single individual.

Let's use influenza for a comparison. Everyone knows that people need to get revaccinated against influenza virus each season because of season-to-season variability in the influenza strain that is circulating. Well, the variability of HIV within a single infected individual exceeds the entire worldwide sequence variability in the influenza virus during an entire season.

What are we going to put into a vaccine to cover this extent of strain variability?

HIV has also evolved an incredible ability to shield itself from recognition by antibodies. Enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses and herpes viruses encode a structure on their surface that each virus uses to gain entry into a cell. This structure is called a "glycoprotein," meaning that it is composed of both sugars and protein. But the HIV envelope glycoprotein is extreme. It is the most heavily sugared protein of all viruses in all 22 families. More than half the weight is sugar. And the virus has figured out a way, meaning the virus has evolved by natural selection, to use these sugars as shields to protect itself from recognition by antibodies that the infected host is trying to make. The host cell adds these sugars and then views them as self.

These properties have important consequences relevant for vaccine development efforts. The antibodies that an HIV-infected person makes typically have only very weak neutralizing activity against the virus. Furthermore, these antibodies are very strain-specific; they will neutralize the strain with which the individual is infected but not the thousands and thousands of other strains circulating in the population. Researchers know how to elicit antibodies that will neutralize one strain, but not antibodies with an ability to protect against the thousands and thousands of strains circulating in the population. That's a major problem for vaccine development efforts.

HIV is continually evolving within a single infected individual to stay one step ahead of the immune responses. The host elicits a particular immune response that attacks the virus. This puts selective pressure on the virus, and through natural selection a mutated virus variant appears that is no longer recognized by the individual's immune system. The result is continuous unrelenting viral replication.

So, should we researchers give up? No, we shouldn't. One approach researchers are trying in animal models in a couple of laboratories is to use herpes viruses as vectors to deliver the AIDS virus proteins. The herpes virus family is of the "persistent" category. Once infected with a herpes virus, you are infected for life. And immune responses persist not just as memory but in a continually active fashion. Success of this approach, however, will still depend on figuring out how to elicit the breadth of immune responses that will allow coverage against the vast complexity of HIV sequences circulating in the population.

Another approach is to go after protective immunity from a different angle. Although the vast majority of HIV-infected individuals make antibodies with weak, strain-specific neutralizing activity, some rare individuals do make antibodies with potent neutralizing activity against a broad range of HIV isolates. These antibodies are rare and highly unusual, but we scientists do have them in our possession.

Also, scientists have recently figured out a way to achieve protective levels of these antibodies for life from a single administration. For life! This delivery depends on a viral vector, a vector called adeno-associated virus. When the vector is administered to muscle, muscle cells become factories that continuously produce the potent broadly neutralizing antibodies. Researchers have recently documented continuous production for six and a half years in a monkey.

We are making progress. We must not give up.

Ronald C. Desrosiers is a professor of pathology and vice-chair for research at the University of Miami. He receives funding from the National Institutes of Health.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You can find the original article here.
Lane equated taking options such as an outright dismantling of the SRO program off the table during discussions amounts to censorship.

"We were told we were wanted on the committee, but we're essentially silenced," Lane said, also referencing MTREP's Executive Director Judith Heilman and Criminal Justice Initiative Lead Courtney Smith's participation in the group. "They want to tokenize us, have us on the committee but gagged."

Harlow-Schalk said in a Wednesday interview that she and city staff intend to work with ACLU of Montana and MTREP to come to some kind of resolution.

"The ACLU team is great," she said. "We look forward to chatting with them."

Harlow-Schalk characterized the initial meeting of the working group as a "get-to-know-you meeting" in which the 27 members introduced themselves and spoke to why they were participating in the group. It was the only one of the two meetings held so far that ACLU of Montana and MTREP representatives attended.

City Commissioner Heather O'Loughlin said in an email Wednesday that the city intends to address the concerns.

"The concerns raised by the Montana Racial Equity Project and ACLU of Montana in relation to the scope and composition of the work group are valid and should be considered by the city," O'Loughlin wrote. "I look forward to working with staff to ensure the work group, established to support the city's discussions with the school district on a future MOU that considers best practices including restorative justice and mental health response, are both meaningful and consistent with the commission's directives last summer and earlier this year."

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The amended complaint claims three of the locum oncologists hired since Oct. 15 to replace Weiner have been terminated for various reasons, including professional and sexual misconduct.

The lawsuit does not give further details.

The complaint states that as St. Peter's has maligned Weiner and told patients he was dangerous, the hospital has harmed patients. It mentions one patient who had been treated by Weiner and did not know the doctor had left when she arrived for a follow-up appointment. The patients name was not released, but was called patient A.

According to the complaint, she was told a locum tenen oncologist would follow up and did not hear from the hospital for three months. It was in late January that a biopsy revealed her endometrial cancer had returned, the complaint says.

Had defendants not abruptly removed Dr. Weiner from SPH, he would have seen Patient A on October 20, 2020 and immediately ordered an ultrasound guided biopsy, the lawsuit states.

As in previous legal filings, the lawsuit notes the Great Falls-based Benefis Health System is bringing a medical clinic to Helena and will provide competition to St. Peters Health, especially in the field of oncology.
Republicans immediately objected to the language. They also disagreed with the legislations broad latitude to investigate the causes of the insurrection, saying that it should also be focused on other types of violence in the country, including riots in cities after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police last summer.

The bill negotiated by Thompson and Katko removed the quotes from Wray and it contains far more specific language about the scope of the investigation, keeping the focus to Jan. 6. Republicans, including Trump, have argued that the scope of the investigation is reason to oppose the bill.

SHIFTING POSITIONS

McCarthy and McConnell have each suggested in recent months that they might be open to a commission. McCarthy sent Pelosi a letter in February saying that any legislation to form the panel should have commissioners evenly divided by party, equal party signoff on subpoena power and no predetermined findings or conclusions  all of which were satisfied in the final bill. McConnell signaled he might be willing to vote for it just days ago, saying on Tuesday that he was open to the bill.

By Wednesday, both men had come out against it, and rank and file Republican senators gave a variety of shifting explanations for why they opposed it. Many said they had not read it.
The last load of raw milk left the ranch outside Montana State Prison on Dec. 27, drying up a decades-long run for the prisons work program that was clipped by a shift in a single companys global commerce policy.

Last year Darigold, the product brand for a dairy cooperative headquartered in Seattle, canceled its 30-year contract with the prison, forcing the state's prison work program, Montana Correctional Enterprises, to scale down its dairy operation from 350 head to about 70, enough to produce milk to self-sustain the Department of Corrections' facilities around the state.

Darigold ended its contract after one of its major customers  Costco  said last year it would begin to phase out all products made with legal prison labor, according to the corrections department. Costco's shifts in labor policies last year touched producers around the world, leading the company to even part ways with a Thai coconut milk producer accused of forced monkey labor.

In an email with the Montana State News Bureau Darigold did not identify Costco as the customer, and spokesperson Erin Byrne said the company would not identify a customer by name. However, corrections' officials named Costco as the customer during legislative hearings.

The end of the prison programs contract translates to a $1.5 million loss to the work program and a reduced work program for adult male inmates housed at the facility outside of Deer Lodge. A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections said the entire effect of the loss of revenue won't be fully known for about a year as MCE adjusts to the lower capacity.

"At this point, we do not know the entire effect of the loss of revenue as we are still adjusting our inventory levels for feed and supplement for the animals," DOC spokesperson Carolynn Bright said. "MCE Agriculture is 100% self-supporting and does not receive a general fund appropriation. Instead, the loss is to MCE proprietary funds."

Lawmakers in April approved a $1 million for a new venture to fill the gap. House Bill 637, sponsored by Joliet Republican Seth Berglee, did many things, among them establish a new program to raise pheasants at the prison (see related story in Outdoors). The allocation was a source of contention among lawmakers during the legislative process: some lawmakers would have rather seen that million spent on wildlife habitat, while Berglee and others argue the money is well spent on bolstering the state pheasant population on public lands, drawing more young hunters into bird hunting.

Montana Correctional Enterprises, a division of the state corrections department, is headquartered outside of Deer Lodge near the Montana State Prison. The work program, including dog trainings, products manufacturing and other services, provides training for approximately 700 inmates, according to MCEs website.

The agriculture operations raise beef cattle and crops, all utilized in-house, MCE Director Gayle Butler told a legislative committee in January. The dairy operation includes a processing plant that churns out non-fat milk, cottage cheese and yogurt. The majority of MCE's raw milk was sold to Darigold.

We would pick up milk every other day and deliver it to one of their bottle plants across Montana or Idaho, Butler told the legislative budget subcommittee on Jan. 21.

Inmates working the agriculture jobs stay in dorms outside the prison walls. Ross Wagner, agriculture director at MCE, likened the quarters to a pre-release center. Inmates apply for the open MCE jobs and have to be designated as minimum custody, clear disciplinary records and a high school diploma, or have completed their GED. If inmates are selected for the job, they sign a four-month commitment to the work and stay in the dorms. Thirty-three inmates and five staff run the dairy operation, Wagner said.

"The guys that come out there, most of them would rather be working as much as possible instead of sitting in their (cell)," Wagner said.

The majority of the prison program's milk production went to Darigold, and in turn much of it ended up in Costco coolers, according to corrections' officials. In 2018, Costco enacted a global policy on prison labor that allowed prison-made products so long as the inmates were paid a prevailing wage, with its first report in 2019. The next year, Darigold notified the prison it would not be able to meet the policy.

There was no way DOC could accomplish this and remain economically viable as we are a training program, Butler told the committee. We could operate our dairy with only staff but that does not provide the training and work programs needed for our offenders.

The Department of Corrections tried to appeal to Costco. In a letter to the company the department tallied up the inmates wages, cost of room and board and health coverage, which included dental and vision, mental health services and savings for the inmates re-entry after their sentence.

All came to $22.16 per hour given all these factors, Butler said. Unfortunately, that was not adequate."

Butler said state officials, too, contacted Costco in hopes they could sway the company, but the effort failed. The Department of Corrections also set out in search of a new partner to purchase the milk.

After an exhaustive search, we were unable to find an alternate buyer and the dairy needed to reduce its milk production, Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin said in an email in March. The work program sold off the cows, and began exploring new products that could be made at its processing plant. The dairy still produces other dairy products like yogurt and ice cream for the inmates.

Darigold is a marketing and processing subsidiary of the Northwest Dairy Association, a cooperative of 350 dairy producers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

We went above and beyond contract requirements and explored ways to continue, as well as gave MCE ample notice of this decision, Darigold spokesperson Erin Byrne told the Montana State News Bureau in an email. Unfortunately, the primary reason for this decision was due (to) the fact that MCE could not meet the official policy requirements of a major Darigold customer recipient of their milk.

Our purpose is to create value for our customers and our Northwest Dairy Association farmer member-owners, including existing member-owners in Montana, Byrne continued. In this case, certain business conditions existed that made the contract with MCE no longer viable.

The Montana corrections department and Darigold both referenced declining market conditions when asked to comment for this story. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the number of dairy herds fell by more than half between 2002 and 2019, with an accelerating rate of decline in 2018 and 2019. COVID-19 also caused great uncertainty in the industry.

"Milk prices fluctuate, it's an ag commodity," Wagner said. "When the price of milk drops, we feel it just like anyone else does."

Ultimately, however, the department's bid to Costco to maintain its policies may have been too late. In a 2020 statement to investors, Costco said it was going to phase away from prison labor altogether due to "the reduced transparency of prison systems in general," which made it hard to reliably monitor the wages paid out to inmates. In its entire supply chain, Costco had identified 11 facilities that used prison work programs to make products sold on Costco's shelves.

A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections declined to comment when asked if reduced transparency was part of the discussion when Darigold notified the prison it would end its contract with MCE. Darigold likewise declined to comment on its customer's specific policy requirements MCE's dairy program failed to meet. A spokesperson for Costco also declined to comment when asked if any transparency issues with the Montana State Prison prompted the companys decision.

To backfill the reduced dairy operation, MCE will now develop the blueprints for raising pheasants as a new training opportunity for inmates. Just like the inmates, Wagner will be learning a new trade.

"It's going to be a task, I guarantee you," he said.

This story has been updated to clarify that officials with the Montana Department of Corrections rather than Darigold identified Costco as a customer of milk produced at Montana State Prison.

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The study of history reveals pertinent lessons. The PBS series on the "Rise of the Nazis" and how democracy died in Germany from 1930-1933 reveal that the antidotes to fascism are to strengthen voting rights, hold those who break the law accountable, and fight disinformation.

Some of the key takeaways that America should consider before history repeats itself are: Don't think it cant happen here, Don't cooperate with those who show authoritarian tendencies, Holding political people accountable to the rule of law saves lives, and Disinformation leads to death.

In 1930, Germany was a liberal democracy  with elections, parliament and the rule of law, and just four years later the freedom of speech was over, most of the political opposition was in jail, the government was in the hands of murderers. This is the story of how democracy died.
DECATUR  The former Decatur veterinary office manager who steadily looted more than $331,000 from her employers accounts over a span of 13 years was sentenced to 48 months probation Thursday.

Angela M. Schmitt, 35, took a plea deal negotiated by defense attorney Philip Tibbs that saw her admit a single charge of theft involving a sum of more than $100,000 when she appeared in Macon County Circuit Court.

Schmitt, who worked at the Decatur Animal Clinic for 18 years until her pattern of systematic thieving was uncovered in December 2019, also received a 14 day jail sentence. But that was canceled out with credit for 14 days previously spent in custody since her arrest on Feb. 18, 2020.

Judge Thomas Griffith wondered out loud why Schmitt wasnt faced with more substantial custodial time given the size of her crime. Assistant Macon County States Attorney Christina Mullison said Schmitt had been spared by a combination of factors working in her favor: a change in the law regarding mandatory custodial sentences and the fact she was ready to make an immediate $116,500 down payment toward restitution.

Man who said he spent stimulus money on drugs arrested with illegal weapon, Decatur police report A Decatur man who told police he had spent his federal stimulus check on crack cocaine was arrested after fellow guests at a motel he was staying at said he was armed and making threats to kill.

Griffith wanted to know if her former employer, Dr. Alec Messamore, was happy with the plea deal and both Mullison and Tibbs said the veterinarian, who was present in court, was willing to accept it, which also helped her escape prison time

Griffith, who noted the maximum possible custodial sentence for the theft was 15 years, then asked Schmitt if she understood the plea agreement terms and was willing to accept them.

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Yes, sir, replied the defendant, who has been free since March 3 of 2020 after posting a $15,000 bond on bail that was reduced from $250,000 to $150,000. Her restitution payment included a check for $103,000 plus $13,500 that had been deposited as part of her bond money.

Outlining Schmitts crimes for the judge, Mullison explained she had total control of accounts as office manager. Decatur police reports had described her as jealously guarding the billing systems and not allowing anyone else to learn the process of sending out billing statements, so she could steal by manipulating accounts showing how much money the practice had taken in.

But her crime scheme began to unravel in December of 2019 when another employee happened to notice the cash drawer was short $200.

Two days later that shortage had been resolved but there was no explanation as to how it had been fixed, said Mullison.

Alerted to potential trouble, Messamore found out the shortage had been equalized by a negative cash transaction accounting procedure showing, basically, his office had made a payment to a pet owners account.

Dr. Messamore indicated that there should be no negative transactions as this would indicate that the business was paying money to customers, which should not be occurring, Mullison told the judge.

Messamore would go on to discover many such transactions which only occurred when Schmitt was working in the office. Checking back to 2007 with a full audit, Messamore initially came up with a theft grand total of $365,727.34, later revised down to $331,244.34.

Passing sentence, Griffith ordered Schmitt to pay back the $214,744.34 she still owes her ex-employer. He also ordered her to pay $250 to have her DNA added to a criminal database maintained by the State Police.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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SHELBYVILLE  Students at Main Street School took over the Lithia Springs Recreation Area on Wednesday for a taste of the great outdoors.

The brainchild of physical education teacher Greg Harkins, who teaches a Great Outdoors unit in his class, the idea was to get the kids outside, teach them some basics about water safety, camping, fishing and orienteering, and hope the taste whets their appetites for more.

We've got one (group) learning about campfires and cooking over a fire, we've got one camping and learning about pitching a tent, we've got one fishing and one of the most exciting ones is, we've the the Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance here and they're building fish cubes as a little community service so they can be put into the lake, Harkins said. We're learning about the outdoors and getting these kids outside and teaching them what's in their backyard.

Despite living in the same community as Lake Shelbyville, with opportunities to do all those things, some of the students had never been there, Harkins said.

This is a day to get these kids outside away from their screens and also show them what they've got here at this lake and all the great work the Army Corps of Engineers does, he said.

When the lake was first built, said Chip Christensen, who was helping students build the fish cubes, there was plenty of fallen timber in the water to provide cover for fish, but over the years, that deteriorated. The cubes, made of PVC pipe and drainage tile, will replace those natural hideouts. The kids helped build them and the Army Corps of Engineers will place them in a few days. There are about 1,300 fish cubes in the water.

We've tried to include the youth in building these, and that's kind of what today is all about, Christensen said. Today we'll build eight of them and on Saturday we put them in Woods Lake.

The cubes give smaller fish a place to hide from predatory bigger fish, but also draw the bigger fish who are hoping for a meal. Plankton and microorganisms grow on the cubes and provide food for the smaller fish, and the biggest fish, Christensen added with a laugh, referring to humans, will fish near the cubes.

We're going to put these ones we made in shallow water, said third-grader Gauge Sloan. It's good for the fish so they can have habitats to live in.

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Cory Donnel, natural resource specialist for the Army Corps of Engineers, said he hopes the kids learn a bit about fisheries management and how important the lake is to the community.

They also learn skills, how to build something, and how to assemble something, he said.

It's especially important to get the kids active and outdoors this school year due to the pandemic, said Kate Harkins, Greg Harkins' wife and also a teacher at the school.

Over the last two or three years, we've noticed more kids are playing video games, and they're inside, so this was a good opportunity to get the kids outside and moving, she said. This is the time for the kids to learn what this is about and get outside and enjoy the outdoors.

School counselor Heather Townsend said she was touched by how happy the children were to see and talk to friends they hadn't been able to see due to social distancing guidelines. Though Main Street School has been having in-person classes, kids had to avoid getting too close to each other, so the day outside was welcome relief.

Third-grader Gabe Pritchard is one kid who spends a lot of time outdoors, so he was in his element on Wednesday.

I think it's actually a good idea, because I get to go outside and I get to do stuff, he said.

The school staff all wore T-shirts that read Learning Outside the Classroom with the hashtag #mainstreet2thecorps. Principal Ryan Scott said he hopes kids will get excited about camping, fishing and the lake and convince their parents to plan family time doing those things, take photos while they're at it, and post them on social media with that hashtag.

The idea is, if we open their eyes and expose them (to the lake), that they go home and they want to come back and start making memories like this with their families, Scott said.

Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter

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'America's Future' ... Leaving Behind an Exceptional Legacy?

Former Leader and Patriot Involved with 'Eagle Forum' and 'America's Future' Questions New Direction of Foundation



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Major General John K. Singlaub

May 20, 2021



FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 20, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- The legacy of Phyllis Schlafly (Aug. 15, 1924  Sept. 5, 2016) is one that has inspired and changed millions of lives for over nine decades. Mrs. Schlafly founded the Eagle Forum and the Republican National Coalition for Life, and was a national leader of the conservative movement since the publication of her best-selling 1964 book, "A Choice Not An Echo."



In a ten-year battle, Mrs. Schlafly led the pro-family movement to victory over the principal legislative goal of the radical feminists, called the Equal Rights Amendment.



Mrs. Schlafly was a lawyer and served as a member of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, 1985-1991, appointed by President Reagan.



Major General John K. Singlaub, U.S. Army (retired) was a board member of the Eagle Forum for over three decades. He was also the chairman of the America's Future foundation, a partner organization of the Eagle Forum, also founded by Phyllis Schlafly.



Major General Singlaub issued a statement today, questioning the new direction of the America's Future foundation:

"Today I, MG John K. Singlaub U.S. Army, retired, along with my family, announce that we will no longer be participating in the America's Future foundation.



"I always strive to protect the United States of America and our way of life; to preserve the free enterprise system, uphold Judeo Christian values and defend our constitutional form of government. I have spent most of my life in leadership positions in combat and otherwise difficult situations. I feel that I have an ability to recognize good leadership and I know how important it is to have someone representing you making right decisions. Good leaders are watchful and discerning while knowing it is key to recognize those that share your best interest and to keep those that do not at an arm's length.



"It is with regret that we no longer have any active role with the America's Future foundation and I implore the new leadership to follow the principles Phyllis Schlafly and I maintained to defend and preserve the unalienable rights of all persons.



"God bless the United States of America."

Major General John K. Singlaub has a 35-year military career that has frequently reflected vanguard military action, having been awarded 45 distinguished medals of honor. Find his biography here.



SOURCE Major General John K. Singlaub



CONTACT: Debra Satterfield, sogboss@gmail.com


The convoy of vehicles is expected to arrive in Decatur around 2:30 p.m., traveling along Interstate 72 from Monticello and exiting at Illinois 121 before traveling east into Decatur and south on North Oakland Avenue for arrival at Graceland-Fairlawn Funeral Home.

The procession will begin at 1 p.m. from the Coroners Office at 202 Art Bartell Road in Urbana, passing by the Champaign Police Department along roads lined with police, firefighters and other first responders.

Schools in Monticello, where the 44-year-old Oberheim made his home with wife Amber and their four daughters, will let out 30 minutes early so teachers and students can acknowledge the officer.

The motorcade will visit Monticello by heading south on Interstate 57 to Monticello Road and westbound on Monticello Road through the town before joining I-72 for the ride to Decatur.

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The motorcade bringing Oberheim, a Decatur native who began his career with Decatur Police Department, is expected to be honored by many Decatur officers, active and retired, who will man the route and be present at the funeral home.

Oberheims death has sent shock waves through the world of law enforcement after he was killed in a shoot-out with a domestic violence suspect early Wednesday in Champaign. The suspect also died and another officer with Oberheim was wounded.

Oberheim served in Decatur for seven years and his brother, Joe, is a serving officer with the Decatur force. Oberheim joined Champaign Police in 2008 and both the fallen officer and his family have many friends and relatives living in the Decatur area.

For those who knew him, Chriss loss will leave a void that can never be replaced, but he also leaves an example that shall never be replaced, retired Decatur Police Officer Robert A. Pittenger wrote in an email to the Herald & Review.

He, like most law enforcement officers, chose to put his fellow human beings lives above his own, to the extent that he has now made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man. God bless Chris, his family, and the law enforcement.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP)  An Iowa parolee tentatively agreed to serve a lengthy prison term on Illinois drug charges days before he allegedly killed a 10-year-old girl, but was allowed to remain free on bond until a plea hearing, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Henry Dinkins indicated during a hearing last July 7 that he would accept a deal to plead guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and be sentenced to eight years in prison, said Geno Caffarini, the state's attorney in Bureau County, Illinois.

Dinkins, 48, said he needed more time to get his affairs in order before returning to prison, and a hearing was scheduled for July 22 for him to enter his plea, Caffarini said.

Police say that on early July 10, Dinkins kidnapped 10-year-old Breasia Terrell from a Davenport apartment where she was staying the night with her half brother, who is Dinkins son. They say he shot her to death and discarded her body in a pond in rural eastern Iowa, where her remains were discovered in March after a monthslong search.

I feel bad with that whole thing that happened. Thats a tragedy. Didnt expect it from this guy, Caffarini said.

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Dinkins, a registered sex offender with a long criminal history, was charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping earlier this month. He has yet to enter a plea and his public defender hasn't returned messages seeking comment.

The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Dinkins had been granted parole in Iowa just months before the girls death, in March 2020, and released from a Davenport residential correctional facility. The early release was granted even though Dinkins was facing the felony meth charges in Illinois, which stemmed from an April 2019 traffic stop in which police found about two pounds of the drug in his car.

Iowa Department of Corrections spokesman Cord Overton said Wednesday an initial review of Dinkins parole and supervision has not identified any deviation from policies or procedures for individuals with similar risk factors and convictions. He said Illinois authorities had not placed a detainer on Dinkins for the drug charges, and so he was released rather than transferred to face them.

Caffarini said that Dinkins had been released on $100,000 bond after his April 2019 arrest in Illinois and had made every court appearance in the case. He said the trial had been delayed several times as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to court backlogs across the nation.

Dinkins did not formally enter a guilty plea at the July 7 hearing, and could have changed his mind before the July 22 hearing, Caffarini said.

There was nothing binding him to that plea agreement, he said.

Caffarini chastised Overton, the Iowa corrections spokesman, for releasing a statement with misinformation claiming that Dinkins sentencing had been delayed. Since he hadnt yet pleaded guilty, there never was a sentence to stay, he said.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
For the nearly five decades since the U.S. Supreme Court decided that a woman has a constitutional right to an abortion, that right has been under attack by state legislators. But the high court has stood by its landmark decision in Roe v. Wade over and over again in the rulings that followed.

Now the justices have taken a case that could result in that bedrock precedent  a pillar of a woman's ability to control her body and her life  being overturned. On Monday, the high court agreed to weigh in on a Mississippi state law that bans abortions at 15 weeks of pregnancy. A federal district court and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals both found the law unconstitutional because Roe guarantees a right to an abortion up to the point when a fetus would be viable outside the woman's body, which is around 24 weeks of gestation.

States have passed hundreds of unnecessary restrictions on abortion, including mandatory waiting periods, compulsory sonogram viewings and requirements that abortion clinics be outfitted like surgical centers. But states have never been able to get away with an outright ban on abortion before viability. When they do pass laws banning abortion at six weeks or 12 weeks, for example, the laws, when they are challenged, always get blocked by federal district and appeals courts, as happened with Mississippi's 15-week cutoff. The Supreme Court has consistently refused to hear any of those cases.

Until now. After months of scheduling and then rescheduling the discussion on whether to hear the state of Mississippi's appeal of the 5th Circuit's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the court finally decided to accept it. The court said it would consider only one of the three questions Mississippi broached, but it's enormously important: Does the Constitution bar all prohibitions on elective abortions prior to viability?

The case will probably be argued in the fall and decided some months later. In the meantime, Mississippi's abortion cutoff cannot be enforced.

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There are basically two ways for the court to go: gut Roe v. Wade or reaffirm it. The Supreme Court should do the latter.

If the court lets states decide when a woman's rights take a back seat to those of her fetus, that will all but obliterate Roe v. Wade. In fact, states pass these laws to do just that. Legislators know the federal district and appellate courts will find the restrictions unconstitutional and not let them go into effect, but they hope that one day the Supreme Court will give abortion opponents another chance.

And that's what happened Monday. Nancy Northup of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents the sole abortion clinic in Mississippi, said, "The court cannot uphold this law without overturning the principal protection of Roe vs. Wade." Nearly a dozen states have bans on all or nearly all abortions waiting to go into effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned; others would certainly follow suit.

In Mississippi and elsewhere, laws that make it difficult to get an abortion always end up disproportionately affecting women of color and lower-income women, who have a difficult time getting to a clinic and paying for an abortion. It's already an ordeal to get an abortion in Mississippi, given that there is only one clinic. A pregnant woman could run out of time in states with bans of 15 weeks or less just trying to make arrangements to get an abortion.

Lawyers for the state of Mississippi have argued that the viability threshold "constantly moves." In fact, since Roe v. Wade was decided, it has barely changed. Dr. Daniel Grossman, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco, says viability remains at about 24 weeks; survival without severe health problems is rare for fetuses delivered earlier than that.

When deciding this case, the Supreme Court could send a clear message to state legislatures, once and for all, that a woman has a constitutional right to an abortion before the fetus is viable. Any state law that shortens that time frame abridges that right and will always be unconstitutional. That is the opportunity presented by Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, and the court should seize it.

Los Angeles Times

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As on the EP, Logan Fritz and his band, Fritz & Co., will back Bolt during Saturdays show. He plans to perform the EP in its entirety, beginning with lead track The Curse of Bellingham.

In 2008, I was running away from working at a restaurant in Greensboro, North Carolina, Bolt said.

He and a buddy decided to hit the road. They paid $107 for one-way bus fare to adventures untold.

Bellingham is a beautiful place in Northwest Washington, Bolt said. It seemed almost haunted, enchanting.

The song details their meeting with an old coot in Washington. He plied them with legends and lore the likes of which identified Bellingham as being haunted.

We had been up for three and a half days drinking on the Greyhound, Bolt said, so that might have contributed to our belief in the story.

A pop-rocker follows. Titled Saxapahaw, the song details a journey taken in the aftermath of a domestic argument.

Saxapahaw is in North Carolina, Bolt said. I love the name. I liked it, and it rhymes. Well, when you get into a fight with your significant other, maybe the answer is to get into your car and drive until youre not angry anymore.
Elizabeth City police had declared the protest an unlawful assembly at 8:27 p.m. The News Leader reported that police threatened to arrest protesters under a law that prohibits standing, sitting or lying on a street or roadway.

Nagaishi and Cutler briefly walked into Main Street to film and watch one of the arrests happening.

Ramsey tweeted that the journalists, who had traveled from Staunton, were doing a public service" and that being taken into custody will not stop them from doing their jobs for readers.

The News Leader reported that it's not clear whether either of the journalists will be charged.

Demonstrators had gathered to protest a prosecutor's decision that sheriffs deputies were justified in fatally shooting Brown in April because the Black man struck a deputy with his car and nearly ran him over while ignoring commands to show his hands and get out of the vehicle.

Attorneys for the family who watched body camera footage have said repeatedly that he was trying to drive away from deputies serving drug-related warrants and posed no threat.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The News Leader.
This is Bidens first major foreign policy crisis. Hes treading carefully, and hes correct in backing Israels right to defend itself against indiscriminate Hamas rocket fire on Israeli civilians. Israels strategy to go after Hamas Metro, the vast web of tunnels underneath Gaza territory that serves as a vascular system for the movement of rockets, supplies and soldiers, is justifiable.

But Israeli airstrikes on Hamas targets have disproportionately exacted a higher toll on Palestinian civilians. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said while Hamas must stop rocket attacks on Israeli civilian targets, Israel as a democracy has an extra burden to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties.

Netanyahus government still must fully explain Saturdays attack on a 12-story building in Gaza City that housed offices for The Associated Press, Al-Jazeera and other media outlets. Netanyahu told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that the presence of Hamas military intelligence inside the building made it a perfectly legitimate target. Media organizations and other tenants were given an hour to evacuate. But AP executive editor Sally Buzbee says Israel has yet to disclose clear evidence that justified the airstrike and has called for an independent probe into the attack.
Rural localities who want to counteract that ought to be moving now to position themselves to get some of those new businesses. They can identify people in their community who qualify for special preference under the laws social equity provisions (those with marijuana convictions and graduates of the states historically Black colleges, most notably). They can hold seminars on how to start those businesses. They can consult with their counterparts in other states that have legalized cannabis. You dont have to approve of marijuana to approve of marijuana jobs. We suspect that back in the day lots of non-smokers still approved of all the tobacco jobs in Danville. But rural Virginia also needs representatives on the states governing board to make sure a fair share of those licenses get assigned here. Lived in Virginia at least three years? Got a bachelors degree in business or a related field of study? Got seven years of experience in the direct management, supervision, or control of a business or legal affairs? If so, youre eligible. Apply here: https://solutions.virginia.gov/boardappointments.
Two Clifton Forge residents were charged with abducting Noah, and Commonwealths Attorney Bobby Lilly said the abduction was not connected to Graves case.

At Wednesdays bond appeal hearing, which Graves attended via a video link from jail, attorney Chris Tuck of Blacksburg argued that his client needed to be freed so that he could assist in his own defense. Graves is being held in special protective custody within the jail and does not get to use a telephone until 10:30 p.m., which has kept Graves and Tuck from communicating, Tuck said.

Tuck noted that Graves is a lifelong resident of Giles and Montgomery counties, that he has no past criminal history, and that if allowed out on bond, he would live with relatives in Montgomery County and have no contact with his alleged victim.

But Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Anthony Needham ran through a description of the accusations against Graves that added numerous details to what had been said publicly about the case.

Needham said Graves had asked the boy, a member of his church youth group, for pictures of the boys penis and called it a trust-building exercise, Needham said.
Brendel has a short-term goal of becoming an occupational therapist assistant and a long-term goal of becoming an occupational therapist. She has had experience working at a long-term care and rehabilitation center and has observed individuals recover as they regain normal functions through occupational therapy support.

Brendel has the passion of working with individuals in various stages of life. Her community service includes helping at the Soup Kitchen and The Salvation Army. While volunteering with her church group, she made acquaintances with the homeless and wants to help more. She looks forward to a career of helping people and is already grounded in service above self.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. Anyone interested in being involved in the international organization, may contact Joy Cline at 464-0311 ext. 276.

NEWTON  The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover presented the Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship to a student, Andrea Brendel, at their annual Rotary Night celebration.

Since 1949, the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover has served the community. A standing mission of Rotary clubs all over the world is to take action to enhance basic education and literacy in local communities. The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover addresses this mission through various means throughout the year  Dr. Seuss Reading Day, school mentoring buddies, support of K-64 initiative in Catawba County, teen leadership, and local scholarships.

The Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship, through the CVCC Foundation, was established by the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover to honor Dr. John F. Sinnett for his contributions to Rotary as a member of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover in all capacities of leadership including Rotary District 7670 governor.

Sinnett exemplified Service Above Self," the basis for which Rotary International was organized. A scholarship in his memory enables and encourages a deserving Catawba Valley Community College student to develop their leadership potential as exhibited by their present and future contributions to the community entering one of CVCCs health and human resources programs.

Brendel plans a career in the health and human resources field and will attend classes in CVCCs health and human resources programs this fall.

Brendel currently holds a certified nursing assistant certificate and a medication aide certificate. She has a short-term goal of becoming an occupational therapist assistant and a long-term goal of becoming an occupational therapist. She has had experience working at a long-term care and rehabilitation center and has observed individuals recover as they regain normal functions through occupational therapy support.

Brendel has the passion of working with individuals in various stages of life. Her community service includes helping at the Soup Kitchen and The Salvation Army. While volunteering with her church group, she made acquaintances with the homeless and wants to help more. She looks forward to a career of helping people and is already grounded in service above self.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change  across the globe, in communities, and in ourselves. Anyone interested in being involved in the international organization, may contact Joy Cline at 464-0311 ext. 276.
A Taylorsville man has been identified as the employee killed at a worksite in Taylorsville on Wednesday, according to an Alexander County Sheriffs Office news release.

The individual was identified as Shane Anthony Sharpe, 38. On Wednesday at approximately 1:50 p.m., a call came in to Alexander County Communications in reference to a possible trench rescue at a business located on Highway 64/90 West in the Ellendale community of Alexander County.

Units from Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department arrived a few minutes after the call was given out. Firemen found that dirt and asphalt had fallen onto Sharpe, who was inside the trench that was about 10 feet deep, according to the release.

Firemen and volunteers were able to free Sharpe from the trench. CPR was administered immediately but was unsuccessful. Sharpe was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The construction crew was replacing a damaged culvert.

Dolores Quesenberry, public information officer with the North Carolina Department of Labor, confirmed that the state Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Division has been notified of the incident and has opened an investigation.
Premier Productions Celebrates Sold Out Concerts Amid Live Concert Comeback

Grammy Nominated Group We The Kingdom Sells Out First Two Weekends of Tour



Kari Jobe Plays to Sold Out Crowds Night After Night



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Premier Productions

May 20, 2021



NASHVILLE, May 20, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- Premier Productions celebrates the comeback of live concerts with numerous sold out shows in Spring 2021 for artists like We The Kingdom and Kari Jobe.



"Concerts are not just on their way back, concerts are back with much support from avid fans," says Premier Co-Owner, Shane Quick. "The artists and teams behind these shows are elated to be reunited together with their fans once again."



"We are so excited to be out on our first headline tour," said Ed Cash with We The Kingdom. "The energy and response from the crowd has been overwhelming. What an honor to get to sing together again!"



We The Kingdom's first-ever headline tour sponsored by illumiNations is benefitting from the excitement of concert-goers with two sold out weekends and counting. Future tour dates are either sold out or very close to selling out. The winner of New Artist of the Year at the 2020 GMA Dove Awards, We The Kingdom has garnered more than 180M global streams to-date. We The Kingdom has recently been nominated for Top Christian Album at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards for their hit album, Holy Water.



"We are having such beautiful and powerful nights on this tour," says Kari Jobe. "It's such a gift to be able to gather again with the church and worship Jesus together. These nights have been a great reminder that the church is alive and strong."



Kari Jobe is seeing an abundance of sold out shows after proclaiming blessings over 2,500 attendees at each tour stop. The first three weekends of The Blessing USA Tour have been completely sold out, which is proving that audiences will be beyond ready to return to venues. The Blessing USA Tour, sponsored by illumiNations, is expected to sell out all tour dates. "The Blessing (Live)" was the #1 most consumed new release for 2020 and continues to lead the charts. The wildly popular anthem was nominated for Top Christian Song at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards.



"We knew that fans had a desire to come back to concerts, but their enthusiasm has blown us away," says Shane Quick. "Both We The Kingdom and Kari Jobe are delivering exactly what people need to experience and it feels that both are poised for exponential growth."



Visit WeTheKingdom.com to buy tickets now. For a full list of tour stops, visit WeTheKingdom.com.



Visit KariJobe.com to buy tickets now. For a full list of tour stops, visit KariJobe.com/Tour.



About Premier Productions

Founded in 1996, Premier Productions has sold over 20 million tickets to patrons. Owned by veteran promoters Gary Gentry, Roy Morgan, Shane Quick, Premier is the largest producer of family and faith-based events both nationally and internationally, producing more than 600 events per year. Premier is currently promoting acts including Hillsong UNITED, Dude Perfect, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong Worship, Casting Crowns, Gaither Vocal Band, Sadie Robertson, Elevation Worship, Kari Jobe and many more.



About Roundtable Management

Roundtable Management is an artist management and vision execution firm based in Nashville, Tennessee and is a division of Premier LLC. Founded by Shane Quick in 2018, Roundtable has helped break new artists such as We The Kingdom and helped continue the legacy and growth of artists such as Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes.



About illumiNations

illumiNations is a collective impact alliance of 10 of the leading Bible translation agencies and their resource partners working together to eradicate Bible poverty in this generation. Of the 7,000 languages spoken around the world today, approximately 3,800 have little or no access to Scripture. IllumiNations is working to change this by making God's Word accessible to all people by 2033. IllumiNations is inviting people around the world to take illumiNations Twelve Verse Challenge. We have the opportunity to be the generation that could be the first people, in the history of the world, to see nobody trapped in the darkness of Bible poverty. Please visit illuminations.bible/12VC.



SOURCE Premier Productions



CONTACT: Nicole Crumbley, EPIC, 770-286-1144, nicole@epic.inc


ATLANTA (AP)  With rank-and-file Republicans in arms over fears that their public school students are being indoctrinated that the United States is inherently racist, Gov. Brian Kemp signaled Thursday that he shared their concerns.

Georgia's Republican governor wrote a letter to the state Board of Education, whose members he appoints, urging them to take immediate steps to ensure that Critical Race Theory and its dangerous ideology do not take root in our state standards or curriculum.

There is little evidence, however, that the state is sanctioning such teaching for any of Georgia's 1.7 million public school students.

Richard Woods, Georgia's elected Republican state superintendent, said as much in a May 11 Facebook post for his campaign.
BERLIN (AP)  Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Germany will discuss necessary common ground with the U.S. on relations with Russia after President Joe Biden opted not to punish the company overseeing a Russia-Germany pipeline project that Washington opposes.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been an irritant in relations between the U.S. and Germany for years. Washington, which has battled to block it, argues that the pipeline  now 95% complete  threatens European energy security, heightens Russias influence and poses risks to Ukraine and Poland in bypassing both countries.

On Wednesday, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian companies and ships for their work on the pipeline, but Biden angered many Democratic and Republican lawmakers by opting not to punish Nord Stream 2 AG, the company overseeing the project.

Waiving penalties regarding ally Germany was in line with our commitment to strengthen our Transatlantic relationships as a matter of national security, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
Representative image

Munich [Germany], May 21 (ANI): A total of 55 activists in exile have called for "urgent coordinated action" to suspend all bilateral extradition agreements between the EU Member States and China, to "protect the freedom of movement, association, and speech for all."

In a letter addressed to the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission, the activists from Hong Kong, Tibet, and mainland China said that extradition treaties with China play a key role in the country's effort to export its regime of "political terror overseas."

"Not only do the Bilateral Extradition Treaties with the PRC legitimize a judicial system that does not respect any of the due process standards prescribed by international law, but they also play a key role in the CCP's effort to export its regime of political terror overseas," the letter read.

"As activists in exile, in the safe haven of Europe, these active extradition treaties are of great and immediate concern. Under current judicial review procedures for extradition requests they not only present a potential threat to our freedom of movement within the European Union, but to our freedom of association and freedom of expression, as Beijing may seek our extradition for statements we make in Europe," it added.

Signatories to the letter include former pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmaker Nathan Law; Chinese contemporary artist and activist, Ai Weiwei; Angela Gui, the daughter of abducted Hong Kong bookseller, Gui Minhai; Dolkun Isa, the President of the World Uyghur Congress; and Shao Jiang, a student leader during the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

Citing a few examples, the letter stated that "Recent extradition cases in Sweden, Poland and Spain have shown a dangerous trend where the Chinese Government has sought to circumvent provisions to stop political persecution by demanding extradition for financial crimes, accusing activists and dissidents of financial fraud."

Story continues

As many as 10 EU member states have extradition treaties with China. They are Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, and Spain.

Commenting on the publication of the letter, Ray Wong, a Hong Kong activist who was granted asylum in Germany and one of the signatories, said: "It is appalling that countries like Belgium, France and Spain still have extradition treaties with mainland China. In practice this means that if I decide to visit Brussels to speak to European parliamentarians or travel to Paris to address a rally, I could run the risk of being arrested and extradited to China to stand trial under the National Security Law. "

Reinhard Butikofer, Chair of the European Parliament's China Delegation, said: "We cannot allow the long arm of the Chinese state to reach into the heart of our European democracy. Bilateral extradition treaties with China are an open invite for the Chinese government to exert pressure on European citizens who dare to criticize the actions of the Chinese Communist Party. Terminating these agreements must be a first step in strengthening the resilience of our democratic institutions." (ANI)
The May 18 rally marked the 100th consecutive day of protests

Almaty [Kazakhstan], May 20 (ANI): The relatives of Kazakh people, who have been detained in "re-education camps" in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang, have been protesting for over 100 days in the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan.

They have called on Kazakh authorities to pressure China to release them. The May 18 rally marked the 100th consecutive day of protests, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty (RFERL) reported.

Kazakh national Qalida Aqytkhan was blocked by police from reaching the Chinese Consulate as she held a picture of her three sons who have been imprisoned in Xinjiang on "unfounded charges."

China has been rebuked globally for cracking down on Uyghur Muslims by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities and sending members of the community to undergo some form of forcible re-education or indoctrination.

Beijing, on the other hand, has vehemently denied that it is engaged in human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang while reports from journalists, NGOs and former detainees have surfaced, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's brutal crackdown on the ethnic community.

Early this year, the United States become the first country in the world to declare the Chinese actions in Xinjiang as "genocide".

In February, both the Canadian and Dutch parliaments adopted motions recognising the Uyghur crisis as genocide. The latter became the first parliament in Europe to do so.

In April, the United Kingdom also declared China's ongoing crackdown in Xinjiang a "genocide".

The Chinese government has increased its "groundless prosecutions" with long prison sentences for Uyghurs and other minority communities in recent years in China's Xinjiang province, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

HRW, a non-governmental body that conducts research and advocacy on human rights last week had said since the Chinese government escalated its repressive "Strike Hard Campaign against Violent Terrorism" in late 2016, the region's formal criminal justice system has convicted and sentenced more than 250,000 people.

"While few verdicts and other official documents are publicly available due to Xinjiang authorities' tight control of information, a Human Rights Watch analysis of nearly 60 of these cases suggests that many people have been convicted and imprisoned without committing a genuine offence," the HRW said (ANI)
Blue Tigers land in Doha (Photo/ Indian Football Team Twitter)

New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): The Indian national team landed safely at the Hamad International Airport Doha late on Wednesday evening for India's three forthcoming matches in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualifiers, slated to be played from June 3 onwards.

The 28 players and the support staff are in compulsory quarantine till they receive the test results of the RT-PCR tests conducted upon arrival in Doha. The squad will thereafter be allowed to kick off their preparatory camp as part of their preparation for the matches.

The AIFF thanked the Qatar Football Federation for their help, cooperation, and understanding in helping the Blue Tigers to assemble in Doha and start the camp, all in an effort to take football forward together.

"We are extremely grateful and thankful to the Qatar FA for the manner they went out of the way and helped us begin our camp in Qatar early. The Group E World Cup Qualifiers will be played from inside a secure bio bubble. We understand that there are certain mandatory health parameters which we need to adhere to upon arrival in Doha, which we will with complete diligence," AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said in an official release.

"The AIFF President Praful Patel had detailed chats with the President of the Qatar FA who raised our concern with the Prime Minister's Office, after which the 10-day quarantine period was waived off," he added.

The preparatory camp was originally slated to happen in Kolkata from May 2 onwards till the second wave of the covid pandemic forced a cancellation. The Blue Tigers also had a scheduled friendly match behind closed doors in Dubai as part of the preparation, but even that had to be cancelled.

India is currently on 3 points from 5 matches in Group E and is scheduled to play Asian Champions Qatar on June 3, Bangladesh on June 7, and Afghanistan on June 15 with all three matches to be played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha. (ANI)
Thubten Wangchen, Chief of Tibet House Foundation.

Barcelona [Spain], May 20 (ANI): Foundation Casa De Tibet (Tibet House Foundation) has organised two protests in front of the Chinese Consulate seeking genuine autonomy to Tibet and the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama.

These events were held in front of the Chinese Consulate and, at Plaza Universidad in Barcelona on May 17.

A large number of protesters staged a silent protest holding photographs of the 11th Panchen Lame with 'Missing since May 17, 1995. Where is Panchen Lama' written on it.

During the protest, Thubten Wangchen, the President of the Tibet House Foundation criticised the Chinese government administration for curtailing fundamental and religious rights of people in Tibet.

"Almost six million Tibetans are living in Tibet under repressions and prohibitions. We have asked the United Nation and other international bodies to speak for the freedom of people of various locations including Honk Kong, Uygurs, and Taiwan. But they did nothing," Wangchen said.

He also reiterated that Tibetans were not seeking independence from Chinese but genuine autonomy which needs to be achieved through reconciliation and dialogue. Wangchen also urged the supporters of Tibet, to organise protests in front of Chinese Missions world over.

"The world is showing a blind eye to crimes of China as everybody wants to gain from doing business with China," he said while thanking the Indian government for its support for preserving Tibet culture and protecting the Dalai Lama.

He accused China of being responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic across the world.

"The entire world knows that you are responsible for the spread of COVID-19. It comes from Wuhan and generated by the Chinese government. Millions of people across the world have died due to it," Wangchen said. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing clashes between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist outfit Hamas, six shells fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel ended up falling in Lenabese territory itself.

Sharing the development, the Israeli military also added that responding to the firing of shells towards Northern Israel, it also fired artillery at the sources of the launches in Lebanon.

It should be noted that following shells being fired from Lebanon, Israeli air raid sirens began to blare near the kibbutz of Misgav Am which lies along Israel's northern border with Lebanon, reports Reuters.

The report also quoted a source from the Lebanese security establishment who shared that the shells were heard being fired from Southern Lebanon and that efforts were being made to identify the location.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon also said it had detected rocket fire from around Rashaya Al Foukhar in Southern Lebanon. Taking to Twitter, it also said that its head was in touch with counterparts in the Lebanese army and Israel Defence Forces (IDF) commands urging the parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent any escalation of the situation.

The tweet added that the IDF has now stopped the fire and that the situation in the area is now calm.
Brown was born in Oklahoma and said she lived in Tulsa for a while as a child. Her paternal grandmother was born in Boley. Her father is a Baptist minister in Tulsa.

Brown hasnt seen all of the race massacre documentaries, but she suggested that, in general, the intent of the documentary filmmakers has been to uncover this piece of history so people can understand what happened during the massacre  and what led up to it  so that it becomes part of the conversation in our countrys history.

So the goal would be to dive back in history and try to figure out what happened, and then report the truth in the films so that mass audiences can understand this period in history when racial massacres occurred, she said.

The Tulsa World screened advance previews of the History Channels documentary (a film in 10 acts) and the PBS documentary. The search for mass graves at Oaklawn Cemetery is a common denominator. The late Dr. Clyde Snow, a forensic anthropologist, said this in the PBS documentary: The objectives of our investigations are to put our findings in the historical records, so that the revisionists cant come along in a generation or two and say this never happened. Its hard for a revisionist to argue with a skull with a gunshot wound in the head.
President of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Christopher Langham also explained that even with mutual aid, there could still be more danger at a scene.

With your typical house fire, there is so much more to do than just put the fire out, he said. We put the fire out. We search the residence to make sure no one is there. We have someone going around the house looking for exposures and utilities that need taking care of.

There are six to eight tactical priorities that need to be done in the first four to five minutes, and if you only have two or three people there, those dont get accomplished, and it becomes unsafe on the fire scene.

Having so few people also stretches available firefighters thin as other job demands increase, and that, Chief Mosley said, is what leads to burnout.

When you have a firefighter concentrating on being the best firefighter he or she can be, and now were losing members  they have to be a firefighter, a driver, support personnel  they have to be all of the above pretty much at one time for the fire department to exist, he explained.
Students will wear their caps, gowns and honorary regalia and can have family and friends join them in their cars as they drive through to receive their diplomas with safety precautions, including face masks, in place.

The ceremony will be projected on the speedways Jumbotron video screen, which is 200 feet wide and 80 feet tall. Graduates and their guests will be able to use their FM radio and hear the ceremony in their cars. While each graduate is limited to one car, family and friends can join in the celebration as the ceremony is streamed live at www.rccc.edu/grad2021.

Dr. Darise Dari Caldwell, former president of Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center and a member of the Rowan-Cabarrus board of trustees, will deliver the keynote commencement address.
Bob Fu, Founder and President of ChinaAid Receives Colson Center for Christian Worldview Wilberforce Award



Bob Fu, recipient of Wilberforce Award. (Photo: ChinaAid resource)



NEWS PROVIDED BY

ChinaAid

May 20, 2021



MIDLAND, Texas, May 20, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- On May 14, the Colson Center for Christian Worldview announced the recipient of this year's Wilberforce Award, "a Man for Our Time" Bob Fu, PhD, founder, and president of ChinaAid.



In "Bob Fu: Wilberforce Award Winner and a Man for Our Time," John Stonestreet [with Roberto Rivera] reports:

For the last several years, China has become more aggressive to both the outside world and to its own people, particularly the people of Hong Kong, the Muslim Uyghur population, and, of course, Christians. While other countries may rank higher on Open Doors' "World Watch List," the economic might, global clout, and sheer population size of China make its treatment of religious minorities a matter of enormous concern.



The history behind this growing and troubling reality was one that forged the life, testimony, and word of Pastor Bob Fu. This weekend [May 22], Pastor Fu will become the latest recipient of the William Wilberforce Award, a recognition established by Chuck Colson to honor modern-day heroes committed to Christ and just causes, as was the famous British abolitionist for whom the award is named.



Pastor Fu is [the] founder and president of ChinaAid, a Christian "human rights organization committed to promoting religious freedom and the rule of law in China." ChinaAid works to expose systemic persecution, harassment, torture, and imprisonment of Chinese Christians and human rights lawyers in China. It offers financial support to Chinese Christians persecuted by the Chinese government, and training for Christians and church leaders in China to help them defend their rights.



Pastor Fu was to be recognized a year ago at the Wilberforce Weekend. That event, like every other live event of 2020, was a casualty of Covid-19. I wish that somehow, through God's gracious working in that difficult nation, Pastor Fu's life and work would've become less relevant to the headlines. Instead, the work of ChinaAid is more important than ever. In fact, when you think of Pastor Fu, the biblical phrase, "for such a time as this," should come to mind.



Still, Bob Fu never intended that this would be his life. Born in Shandong Province to a disabled father and beggar mother, Pastor Fu fully intended to join the [Chinese] Communist Party [CCP] after graduation and become a government official. God, however, had other plans.



An American professor gave Pastor Fu a biography of a Chinese intellectual convert to Christianity that, he told the Wall Street Journal, "changed my life." After graduation, Fu and his wife Heidi became active in the house church movement. They even established a Bible school, using chairs he borrowed from a [Chinese] Communist Party school where he taught.



The [Chinese] Communist Party didn't quite share Fu's sense of irony. He and his wife were jailed. Then, a few months after their release from jail, Heidi became pregnant with their first child. Because the one-child policy was still being vigorously enforced in China,* they emigrated to Hong Kong which, at the time, was still under British rule. Fu was granted political asylum by the Clinton Administration in 1997.



Just as the persecution of the Church has, at times throughout history, led to the unintended spreading of the Gospel, Pastor Fu's forced emigration expanded his impact. From his base of operations in west Texas, Fu operates what the Wall Street Journal has called "the most influential network of human-rights activists, underground Christians and freedom fighters in China." In fact, some of what ChinaAid has accomplished is the stuff of movies, including smuggling human rights lawyers and their families out of the country to safety.



Through it all, Pastor Fu has earned a fitting nickname: "the pastor of China's underground railroad."



The Colson Center is pleased to recognize the life, the work, the courage, and the testimony of Pastor Bob Fu, and to present him as the William Wilberforce Award recipient at the Wilberforce Weekend this week. If you aren't able to join us in person, we invite you to attend our online offering which features all of the sessions from the weekend, plus some additional online-only content, all for only $49. For more information, visit www.wilberforceweekend.org/online.

*Dr. Fu said, "Under the CCP's cruel 'family planning policy,' Heidi and I had to obtain a 'pregnancy/birth permit card' from the Family Planning Office before the pregnancy for our first child would be allowed. The CCP strictly enforced this policy for those of us working in the government. Each work unit had an annual quota for legal pregnancy. We had not been able to obtain a permit card, even after we had been married for three years. If an expectant woman, like Heidi, had been found with an 'illegal pregnancy,' without a 'permit card,' the CCP would perform a forced abortion.



ChinaAid notes:



Speakers at the William Wilberforce Award ceremony include Sam Brownback, former Ambassador at Large for the State Departments Office for International Religious Freedom, members of Congress, with other officials, including Michael Horowitz, former President Reagans Advisor, Reverend Zhang Boli, renowned Chinese Church leader, also Tiananmen Square movement leader, and Mayor Patrick Payton of Midland, Texas.



In response to learning he will receive the annual award, Dr. Fu said:

I am deeply humbled and encouraged to receive this distinguished award. The unwavering, principled solidarity the Colson Center provides for human dignity and religious freedom reflects that which the great William Wilberforce (24 August 1759  29 July 1833), a British, evangelical Christian, and social reformer demonstrated during his time. His dedicated perseverance as a leader in the movement to abolish the slave trade, leading to the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 inspires me to persevere in ChinaAid's workexposing the Chinese Communist Party's abuses, equipping leaders, and encouraging the persecuted faithful in China.

SOURCE ChinaAid



CONTACT: ChinaAid Media Team, 432-689-6985, media@chinaaid.org;

Office phone, 432-689-6985, General inquiries: info@chinaaid.org


Oh, my God, enable Russia! Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, exclaimed at the decision. Joe Biden, thank you so much for allowing Russia to export their goods, she said, sarcastically.

Blinken said the Biden administration would continue to fight the pipeline. Our opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is unwavering, he said.

Biden's administration has emphasized strengthening alliances internationally to deal with foreign policy challenges. U.S. relations with Germany were unsettled by President Donald Trump's frequent affronts to Germany and other European allies and Trump's enthusiasm for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who spoke with Blinken by phone Tuesday, praised the decision regarding the German interests involved.

We perceive this to be a constructive step that we will gladly continue to discuss with our partners in Washington, Maas told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday.

The administration was making public the sanctions as Blinken prepared to sit down in Iceland for his first face-to-face meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Their meeting was already expected to be contentions amid a sharp deterioration in ties between Washington and Moscow.
We call on the universitys leadership to reaffirm its commitment to the university, its faculty and time-honored norms and procedures, and its endorsed values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the statement said. The university must tenure Nikole Hannah-Jones as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism.

King said in a statement on Wednesday that the journalism school is delighted to have Hannah-Jones join the school in the fall despite the change.

While I am disappointed that the appointment is without tenure, there is no doubt in anyones mind that she will be a star faculty member, King's statement said. I am more than delighted that she will be here at UNC, teaching our next generation of journalists, working with our graduate students, and sharing her perspective with us all. I can only imagine how our students will benefit from her wisdom and experience.

University spokesperson Joanne Peters Denny declined comment on the situation, saying faculty hiring processes are personnel protected information. But she added that the school looks forward to welcoming Hannah-Jones to campus.
The report is critical of both Bashir's behavior and of the way the 1996 probe was carried out by the BBC.

It concludes that "without justification" the BBC "covered up... facts as it had been able to establish about how Mr Bashir secured the interview."

Dyson added that the BBC also "failed to mention the issue at all on any news programme and thereby fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark."

The BBC's former director-general Tony Hall, who was in charge of news and current affairs at the time of the controversy, said Thursday that he was "wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt," according to PA Media news agency

Last week Bashir stepped down from his role as the BBC's religion editor, citing health reasons.

On May 14, Jonathan Munro, the BBC's Deputy Director of News, sent an email to staff confirming that Bashir would leave the corporation.

"He let us know of his decision last month, just before being readmitted to hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart," the email read. "Although he underwent major surgery toward the end of last year, he is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health. We wish him a complete and speedy recovery."
WASHINGTON (AP)  In her last years on the Supreme Court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg moved slowly. She was always the last justice to exit the courtroom, with Justice Clarence Thomas helping her down the steps from the Supreme Court bench. But Ginsburg, who died in September at age 87, was known for her speed at something: writing opinions.

In a new, short remembrance for The Supreme Court Historical Society, Thomas says Ginsburgs efficiency became a source of humorous banter as well as a thing of legend" among her colleagues.

Ginsburg described herself as Rapid Ruth when it came to opinion writing. And because she was so fast in writing her own opinions and so speedy in responding to draft opinions circulated by colleagues, other justices always got back to her as quickly as possible, said Thomas, who served with Ginsburg longer than any other justice.

It was as though we all owed it to her to reciprocate her conscientiousness. I cannot recall a single colleague who felt burdened by this. In fact, it often served as a source of laughter. When we discussed circulating opinions, she might quietly note that several colleagues had not responded to her opinion that circulated a day or two before. And, because it was her opinion, we would laughingly chide the tardy colleague, Thomas wrote.

Thomas first worked with Ginsburg when they served together on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Ginsburg had already been a judge on the court for nearly a decade when Thomas arrived in 1990, and he left for the Supreme Court just 19 months later. But he says Ginsburg invited him to dinner and they were assigned to the same three-judge panels a few times.

Before Ginsburg joined the Supreme Court in 1993, Thomas remembered, another justice asked his opinion of her. He gave her rave reviews based on their brief time together on the appeals court.

In my short time as a judge and as a member of the Court, I had learned that, unlike elsewhere in the city, disagreement was not the controlling factor in relationships among judges. Character and work ethic were far more important. I expected Judge Ginsburg would be an excellent colleague, and her tenure converted my assessment to a prophecy, he wrote.

On the court, the liberal Ginsburg and conservative Thomas disagreed more often than almost any other pair of justices. In her last term on the court, for example, they agreed with each other only 49% of the time. Only Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed with Thomas more often, according to statistics compiled on the SCOTUSblog website.

"Justice Ginsburg and I often disagreed, but at no time during our long tenure together were we disagreeable with each other. She placed a premium on civility and respect," Thomas wrote.



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While civil, disagreements between justices can sometimes have an edge to them. A back-and-forth between Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Elena Kagan in an opinion this week seemed more heated than usual.

It was a contrast, at least, from 2018 when, after Kavanaugh's bruising confirmation, Kagan seemed to welcome him to the court. The justices, who sit next to each other, often seemed to chat warmly on the bench.

But this week, the pair was on opposite sides of an opinion about extending the impact of a 2020 Supreme Court decision. The 2020 opinion said criminal juries must be unanimous to convict. The question this time was whether that decision should be made retroactive, benefiting more people. Kavanaugh said no in a 6-3 decision for the court's conservatives.

His opinion steamed Kagan, who wrote a dissent for the court's three liberals. She hurled what amounts to a legal insult at Kavanaugh's opinion, saying it discards precedent without a party requesting that action.

And that was just the beginning of the barb-slinging. Kavanaugh, for his part, underscored that Kagan would have kept in place a 1972 decision approving non-unanimous juries. And he wrote that criminal defendants are better off after the two rulings than they would have been if Kagan's views won out. Kagan responded by accusing Kavanaugh of treating judging as scorekeeping while Kavanaugh called Kagan's rhetoric misdirected.

The justices have many more opinions to issue before they take a summer break. Whether Kagan and Kavanaugh will find common ground elsewhere or whether Kagan and her liberal colleagues will lose many more decisions 6-3 remains to be seen. But sometimes one charged disagreement can signal more to come.



The most prolific author on the Supreme Court will have a new book in September.

Justice Stephen Breyer's sixth book comes out then. The question is whether he'll still be a sitting justice when it's published. Some liberals have urged the 82-year-old justice to retire now, so that President Joe Biden can replace him with another liberal while Democrats have control of the Senate.

But Breyer said in a speech in April that judges dont make decisions with politics in mind. That speech is being published in book form with the title The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics. A summary of the book on Harvard University Press website says that if public trust in the judiciary is currently in decline, the solution is to promote better understanding of how the judiciary actually works: overwhelmingly, judges adhere to their oath to avoid considerations of politics and popularity. So would Breyer consider making a politically timed retirement? Maybe, but maybe not.

The courts other authors include Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the author of four books (eight if you count that each has a Spanish translation). Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Clarence Thomas have each published one book as a justice. The courts newest member, Amy Coney Barrett, also has a book deal.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  Italy and the European Union promised Thursday to support Tunisia's economy as part of their efforts to stem migration across the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe.

Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson visited Tunisia for talks with President Kais Saied and Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.

More than 67 migrants drowned or disappeared off the coast of Tunisia in recent days after their boats sank.

Saied called for a global approach on migration issues that goes beyond security solutions...to treat the deep roots of the phenomena via fighting poverty and unemployment and supporting development policies in the countries of origin, according to a statement from the Tunisian presidency.

Italy committed to support Tunisia though increased investment and by helping to create jobs for the youth, the statement said.

Both countries stressed "their determination to fight against criminal human trafficking networks, it added.

Lamorgese and Johansson said Italy and the EU were ready to help Tunisia overcome its economic and social difficulties, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Lamorgese also called for more cooperation to accelerate the return of migrants to their country of origin after they arrive illegally in Italy.

Johansson stressed the need to provide opportunities for young Tunisians to come to Europe legally.

We have more than 1 million Tunisians who are working in European countries, and we are ready to welcome more" to contribute to the bloc's economy, she said.

The Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights, a non-governmental organization, issued a statement denouncing Italian and European pressure on Tunisia" to make it accept an unfair cooperation that is infringing on the countrys sovereignty and on migrants human rights."

The organization also criticized Tunisian authorities for doing the police work of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea instead on focusing on other priorities.

The organization said at least 153 people have been found dead in Tunisia's waters and on its beaches and dozens of others disappeared since the beginning of the year.

Lamorgese reported Tuesday that of the 13,358 migrants who have arrived in Italy this year, nearly 9,000 had come from Libya and over 3,000 from Tunisia.



Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

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As the show proceeds, Bobby meets Hope Cladwell, who  it turns out  is related to the president of the company who controls the facilities.

He finally finds the strength to start standing up for the people and lead them toward a better life, Messina said, and catchy songs and silliness ensue.

Wilson is also finding Bobby to be an uplifting, if sometimes confused, character.

Bobby is your typical good guy, Wilson said. Hes working hard, keeping his nose to the grindstone and doing what he can to support his family.

When he sees injustice happening around him, especially to his own father, though, he simply has no choice but to take up the fight. However, Bobby really doesnt know how to lead a rebellion or interact or deal with those in power, he said.

Hes just a man of the people doing the best he can to make sure that everyone receives justice, fairness and equity. And I think that playing those qualities in a person is truly a breath of fresh air, Wilson said.
In eastern Winston-Salem, there are six Title 1 schools with a large percentage of students from lower-income families, Kimbrough said.

Kimbrough also cited a study that shows that adverse childhood experiences can have negative and lasting effects on childrens health and well-being. In addition, there is a lack of grocery stores in eastern Winston-Salem, he said.

All of these trends that Kimbrough mentioned in the Facebook video are factors in gun violence, he said.

When people see the news about local shootings, they see the cleaned up version, Kimbrough said. When I go to the crime scenes, I see the  the mothers screaming, people crying  with their (children) lying dead on the floor. I see it in its raw form.

The recent shootings are concentrated mostly in one citys section, but Kimbrough declined to say whether he was talking about eastern Winston-Salem. However, violent crime also happens in Clemmons, Lewisville, Walkertown and Rural Hall as well as downtown Winston-Salem, he said.

13 homicides, recent shooting

The sheriff pointed to the 12 homicides so far this in Winston-Salem and the May 13 fatal shooting in Rural Hall.
To understand fully the story of Ervins Beauty Services, its necessary to know something about Minnie and Jakay Ervin Sr.

They met when Jakay was a student at Winston-Salem Teachers College. Minnie Ervin was riding on a homecoming float; she was Miss Lemay Beauty College. He told a friend, I have to meet her, Minnie Ervin said.

And he did.

Jakay Ervin Sr. was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War era. Hed dropped out of high school, got drafted and badly hurt his knee when a Jeep flipped over during training. The injury prevented him from being sent to Korea.

That military experience, as it can, sharpened a young mans focus. So he went back to high school as soon as he mustered out. After that, it was on to Winston-Salem State  while working a fulltime job at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco  for his bachelors in 1958 and N.C. A&T State University for graduate school.

He and Minnie married in 1955; Jakay Ervin Sr. settled into a job with the U.S. Postal Service and Minnie Ervin worked as a hairdresser. A family followed.

Opportunity knocked in the mid-70s when that old gas station on Patterson Avenue went up for sale, and the Ervins answered it together  all four of them.

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Lead author Leighton Ku said the report was designed to show the benefits of expansion to the 14 states that havent, and not put an overarching spotlight on each states internal political debate over the issue.

Yet, Ku said from his research and previous presentations made in North Carolina he noted a very strong, partisan approach against expansion from Republicans.

Its sad that its that way, Ku said.

I dont know what legislation can be introduced that could result in a compromise acceptable by both sides of the North Carolina legislature.

Where I hope this (study) will make a difference is trying to point out in a time when states are trying to recover from the worst recession and pandemic that weve seen in a long time, heres something thats available that could help with that recovery, Ku said.

Berger has said there are not the votes to pass Medicaid expansion (in the N.C. Senate). Thats not an ultimatum, but a factual statement that it would not pass.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the Republican-sponsored fiscal 2019-21 state budget bill in large part because it lacked any form of Medicaid expansion and did not provide the level of public school teacher raises that he sought.
Emrill, a leading facilities management company in the UAE, said it has secured a two-year contract to provide security, housekeeping and mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) services to W Residences Dubai  The Palm, located on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Awarded by the owners association management company Strata Global, this contract is within the branded residences sector in the UAE, which the company has identified as a target growth area in 2021, said the statement from Emrill.

Home to 104 serviced luxury apartments, W Residences Dubai  The Palm offers a hotel-inspired concept. Every owner at W Residences Dubai  The Palm benefits from Ws renowned Whatever/ Whenever service promise and has access to a 24-hour residential concierge, in-residence catering and a seamless maintenance service.

Owners can also access W Dubai  The Palms luxurious facilities, including a pristine private beach with several pools, access to the hotels Michelin Star chef-restaurants and a relaxing sanctuary at Away Spa, it stated.

"We are excited to bring the W-branded residences to Dubai with the opening of W Residences Dubai  The Palm," said Peter Katusak-Huzsvar, general manager at W Dubai  The Palm.

"This unique development offers resident owners something extraordinary, from stunning views, modern design, high-end finishes, services and amenities. Were confident Emrill will work hand-in-hand with our team to deliver a premium luxury service for our owners," he added.

Emrill CEO Stuart Harrison said: "This most recent contract win adds W Residences Dubai  The Palm to our growing portfolio of prestigious projects across the emirates and fully aligns with Emrills premium service offering."

"We are honoured to have been entrusted with offering services that will enhance the experience of those living in W Residences Dubai  The Palm and we are confident we can maintain the world-class standards the client and residents have come to expect from one of the worlds leading lifestyle brands," he added.

Emrill has mobilised an extensive team, including housekeeping attendants, security, MEP technicians and an FM Management team.

The primary focus will be to ensure the residences high housekeeping and cleaning standards are maintained throughout the property to ensure the comfort of residents and prevent the risk of cross-contamination from Covid-19 and other infectious illnesses.

Emrill will also oversee the maintenance of facilities and assets located across W Residences Dubai  The Palms eight mansions, which are home to its range of luxury apartments and penthouses.

"Working with W Residences Dubai - The Palm amplifies Emrills commitment to the delivery of service excellence across the full scope of technical, security and housekeeping services. This contract gives us another opportunity to implement global best practices on a local level, contributing to further raising FM standards in the region," said Harrison.

Strata Global CEO Khaled Kaawar said: "Our experience of working with Emrill on various projects has been very positive. Their ability to mobilise in a swift and efficient manner, coupled with their executive and technical support, adds a great deal of value to day-to-day operations."

Emrill has continued its organic expansion in 2021, winning contracts with master developer Arada in Sharjah and entering the education and hospitality sectors.
Arnita Miles, community activist and former Winston-Salem police officer, accused Tonya McDaniel, a Forsyth County commissioner, of misappropriating about $47,000 in grant money meant for the Winston-Salem NAACP and pocketing it into a personal bank account. No criminal charges have been filed. Blueprint NC, a nonprofit, said it gave the grant money based on an application made on behalf of the local NAACP, but the past president of the chapter said he was never aware that a grant request had been made and he never saw any of that money come through the Winston-Salem NAACP.
Count local infectious diseases expert Dr. Christopher Ohl among healthcare officials taking issue with the relaxing of federal and state social-distancing guidelines.

Ohl said Thursday he agrees with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Preventions May 13 guidance that those who are fully vaccinated can go mask-less in outdoor and most indoor settings.

However, he said he believes the CDC missed some signals for human behavior that could lead to clusters of new COVID-19 cases, particularly among those unvaccinated gathering in potentially risky indoor public settings, such as bars, fitness centers, places of worship and restaurants.

The CDC is expected to provide more social-distancing guidance by the end of May. Ohl hopes that guidance will clarify who qualifies for going mask-less.

When people get excited sometimes, and they really, really want something to happen, what they hear is not the same as whats been said, Ohl said.

What did we all hear? Oh, that everyone can take their mask off now.

Ohl made the comparison to instructing teenagers about all the things they need to agree to in order to attend a party with their friends.
The judge in the lower court argued that it was not defamatory to describe Tyrmand as part of Trumps circle when he has written for Breitbart and been associated with other pro-Trump political actors. A panel of three judges at the appellate court upheld that ruling, though one of the three dissented.

The appellate court's judgment became final earlier this week after a deadline passed by which Tyrmand would have had to appeal higher to the countrys Supreme Court.

Tyrmand told The Associated Press that he decided to end his legal battle because he had little faith in getting a fair hearing if he continued, alleging that Polish courts are politicized.

I have decided not to appeal to the Supreme Court because frankly after reading the ridiculousness of the appellate court ruling, my faith in the judiciary acting apolitically stands somewhere between low and none, Tyrmand said in message sent Wednesday.

Piatek, who has written books that explore alleged links between people in the world of politics, business and the media with pro-Kremlin groups, welcomed the ruling.

"It's a victory of truth, he told the AP on Thursday from Warsaw.
The Cooper administration launched Thursday North Carolina's version of a vaccination lottery featuring four $1 million cash prizes and those newly vaccinated getting two entries.

Meanwhile, Gov. Roy Cooper said he will provide Friday a status update on his COVID-19 statewide pandemic emergency order.
Building trust occurs when a police department and the judicial system around it understand and accept that secrecy erodes trust.

Recently, Pasquotank County sheriffs deputies shot and killed Andrew Brown Jr., a Black man, in Elizabeth City. The deputies were trying to serve a warrant on Brown, who attempted to drive away. When the sheriff was asked to release the police camera video, he said he wanted to but cited a North Carolina law which says police video can only be released with a judges approval. The local judge, when faced with a request in court to make the video public, blocked the release for 30 days. Since that ruling, the family has been allowed to view a snippet of the two hours of video. On Tuesday, a portion was released to public view by Pasquotank County District Attorney Andrew Womble, who said Browns killing was justified. The Pasquotank County Commissioners have unanimously urged the N.C. General Assembly to change the law.

Not surprising is the public outrage over the delays in that county which have created an even higher level of distrust and a feeling that police there are hiding something.
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editor's pick top story

Lincoln woman spreads joyful democracy with a voting bench on a busy boulevard

GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star Mary Beth Rice set up a voting station for people walking on Sheridan Boulevard. Here, night owls hold the lead over early risers. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star Mary Beth Rice (left) set up a voting bench last fall along Sheridan Boulevard, asking passersby to weigh in on just about everything. Now, her neighbors --siblings Margot, 8; Linus, 11; and Oscar Swanson, 9 -- pitch in on the project.

The politics-free polling place showed up on Sheridan Boulevard on the first Tuesday in November.

A small wooden bench with a stone-filled basket in the middle, a slip of paper on either side.

Apple cider lovers to the left.

Hot chocolate fans to the right.

Grab a rock, cast your vote.

People were walking that wide boulevard in record numbers during the pandemic months, eager to be outside and unmasked.

They strolled all summer.

They walked as fall arrived and cold crept in and COVID-19 cases started rising. They were walking when Mary Beth Rice set up her polling place.

The idea came from a friend in Indiana, who sent her a photo of a similar setup there, Rice said Wednesday.

She liked the idea.

And when she spotted a bench in her old neighborhood -- set out for the garbage truck -- she went into action.

Election Day was looming.

Everyone was so tense and upset and scared, no matter what side they were on, I thought, Ill just put it out.

A lighthearted way to express an opinion, she said.

Something fun. Something that might build community, the way it had in her friends Indiana town.

Something that connected people in a time when it was hard to be connected.

And its something thats stuck around long past Biden vs. Trump.

Cindy Lange-Kubick: Ripping off the masks and what comes after Will Americans emerge from the pandemic as a kinder more unified people? Not a trick question.

The inaugural election on Sheridan Boulevard went on without dispute. And Rices Facebook friends cast their votes, too, like a mail-in ballot without a stamp.

Hot chocolate won, 2 to 1. Next came Batman vs. Superman with a write-in for Wonder Woman. (Batman by a dozen.)

The next week, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups ran away from M&Ms. Mashed potatoes beat out green bean casserole at Thanksgiving.

Winter came and with it snowmen vs. snow angels and Elf vs. Polar Express and pancakes vs. waffles. (Snowmen, Elf and pancakes.)

The neighbors started calling it the Voting Bench.

And they voted, rock by rock. (And when the rocks ran dry, they cast ballots via acorns, mulch, twig, seashell.)

The mailman was known to cast a vote. The FedEx driver. The UPS guy.

All those early-morning and late-evening walkers. Little kids like Linus, Oscar and Margot Swanson from next door.

It was like this COVID ray of sunshine, said their mom, Roxane Swanson. It just became this phenomenon.

Something fun in a year when fun got the short end of the stick.

Swanson calls Rice the neighborhood Martha Stewart. (Caveat: Shes Martha with the heart of Mary, a faith-filled and compassionate Catholic.)

Shes creative. Always looking for ways to include people in her endeavors.

Rice is a communications consultant and a retreat facilitator. Shes an author and a blogger. She grows flowers for butterflies and for beauty. Shes a baker and a bike rider. She tells funny stories. Shes a five-year cancer survivor whos raised four great kids. She sends emails with great quotes stuck at the bottom.

Every winter, she sticks a couple of small snowballs in the freezer, and in July, she throws an ice cream social with a snowman centerpiece and raises money for Willies Underwear Project. (All the donations go toward undergarments and clothes for school nurses to stash away for kids in need.)

For years, she organized the neighborhood Easter egg hunt. (Now she just plays the part of the Easter Fairy, looking for sad kids who didnt find enough eggs.)

Cindy Lange-Kubick: Son clutches Dad's red pillow to his heart and wears a scar to match Twenty-three years after his father had open heart surgery, Bill Ganzel uses his red heart pillow -- one of 18,000 sewn by Bryan Health volunteers -- to help in his recovery.

When she hears about a great idea, she thinks of a way to make it happen.

The Voting Bench has been around for more than six months.

Grilled cheese beat out PB&J. Dark chocolate edged milk chocolate. The Beatles took down the Rolling Stones.

Coke beat Pepsi.

Tulips took down daffodils in a landslide.

Tuesday night tacos and Friday night pizza were a tossup.

Rice isnt sure how long the tradition will last: Its kind of like Zoom and masks. Are they going to go away completely?

For now, voter apathy doesnt appear to be an issue.

The candidates change on a random basis. When the basket is empty and people have to resort to mulch, Rice closes the poll and starts a new one.

Hammocks vs. porch swings. Joggers vs. sprinters. Sunrise vs. sunset.

Cindy Lange-Kubick: Catching up with corgis with law degrees, shots in arms, boring photos and other Lincoln stories Its time to catch up, writes columnist Cindy Lange-Kubick, who was surprised to look back at the last six months and see that not everything she wrote about started and ended with a virus.

Last week, night owls beat early risers.

A pizza duel is currently underway: pepperoni vs. cheese. (Early numbers favor cheese).

Rice has started compiling a list for summer -- frogs vs. toads, tiki torches vs. twinkly lights -- and she continues to collect suggestions from the Swanson kids and Facebook friends.

Voting bench vs. no voting bench?

The woman behind the pandemic project seems to know how shed vote.

I just think its a little bit of joy amidst some of the heartache and struggle in the world, Rice says. So why not?
The Schendts are among thousands of Nebraskans who stand to benefit from the new law, which increases the subsidies available to most people with lower incomes who already buy their own insurance on the federal exchange. It also extends the credits to some with higher incomes.

The changes are slated to last two years, applying retroactively to January and continuing through 2022. An extended open enrollment period gives people until Aug. 15 to review their options and sign up.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated last month that 132,000 Nebraskans are eligible for plans through the HealthCare.gov marketplace under which their premiums would be entirely covered by subsidies. That includes 77,000 Nebraskans who are currently enrolled in the marketplace as well as 55,000 uninsured residents who may be eligible.

The majority of Nebraskans receive health insurance through their employers. But historically, about 88,000 have purchased coverage on the federal marketplace each year. Most of those  almost 95%  receive subsidies that make the coverage more affordable.

The changes have made marketplace coverage more affordable and accessible to more people, said Sarah Maresh, staff attorney for Nebraska Appleseed's health care access program.
Police say they took a 15-year-old Lincoln boy to the Youth Services Center on Wednesday night after he shot a cat with a stolen gun.

Officer Erin Spilker said the boy's mother called police at 8 p.m. to a home in the 500 block of East Hillcrest Drive near 90th and O streets.

She said the woman told police her son had discharged a firearm in the home, but the firearm was since locked up.

The shot killed the family cat.

Spilker said the gun had been stolen from a friend's home about six weeks earlier.

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Police referred the boy to the Lancaster County Attorney's Office for possession of a defaced and stolen firearm and animal cruelty.

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Dubai-based developer Sobha Realty has unveiled a new 592-unit residential tower, Waves, within its AED16 billion ($4.35 billion) Sobha Hartland, a eight million square feet freehold master development at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City in Dubai.

Announcing the launch, Sobha Realty said Waves is one of the 12 towers the developer plans to build within The Waterfront District. It will boast 35 residential floors featuring the best-in-class amenities.

As the first project of The Waterfront District, the project will also include 12 retail units. Work on the project has already started and is due for completion in 2023, it stated.

Founder and Group Chairman PNC Menon said: "The launch of Waves is an endorsement of the continued health of the real estate sector and reflection of the robust investor confidence in our brand and the immense potential for investments in Dubai."

"Following the phenomenal success of Creek Vistas and Creek Vistas Reserve, the Waves tower is an iconic addition to the Sobha Hartland portfolio and will see the introduction of the Waterfront District within the master development," remarked Jyotsna Hegde, President of Sobha Realty.

"With its unique residential offerings, coupled with unmatched views of the waterfront promenade that includes a boardwalk corridor which will house retail spaces and a dynamic piazza with F&B attractions, this tower will become a destination onto itself and serve as a magnet for residents in the coming years,"

she added.
The stakes weren't all that high for Wednesdays live races in Lincoln. Yet the 1-furlong sprints at Lincoln Race Course gave fans a chance to look to the future.

Soon, a $220 million casino and hotel complex will begin to rise in southwest Lincoln, with gambling proceeds expected to help facilitate live races that could grow from Wednesday's seconds-long dashes to full fields running for 100 days.

Itll be good for Nebraska racing, said jockey Mike Luark, who rode Chared in Wednesday's first race. The more days we run, the better off it is for all of the horsemen and everybody involved with it.

The Lincoln Race Course had originally planned this years live racing day for July, but moved it up as preparations continue for construction of the new WarHorse casino.

Bumpy Game took Wednesday's first race, with Mayzee winning the second. The live races are a constitutional requirement which allows Lincoln Race Course to open its doors to simulcast wagering of races from across the country over the next year.

Since State Fair Park closed after the 2011 meet, simulcast wagering has been about the only offering to horse racing enthusiasts locally.
Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little 96 years ago today at University Hospital in Omaha.

His parents, the Rev. Earl Little, a Baptist minister, and his wife, Louise, came to Omaha in 1921 to bring the Garveyite Christian message of self-sufficiency and independence for African Americans.

The Little family lived at 3448 Pinkney St. until threats from the Ku Klux Klan drove the Littles out of Nebraska toward the end of 1926  about five months before Malcolm's second birthday.

Malcolm spent much of his life in Boston, where he was convicted of burglary in 1946 and spent six years in prison. He educated himself in prison and joined the Nation of Islam.

Upon his release, he changed his name to Malcolm X, and became a Muslim minister, a spokesman for the Nation of Islam and a civil rights leader.

For nine years, Malcolm X used fiery oratory to win thousands of followers for himself and the Nation of Islam. He didn't overtly encourage violence but urged his followers to protect themselves "by any means necessary" from physical attacks of racism.
THACKERVILLE, Okla. (AP)  Federal authorities have seized 68 big cats from an animal park in Oklahoma featured in Netflixs Tiger King.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that the seizure of the federally protected lions, tigers, lion-tiger hybrids and a jaguar as part of a court-approved agreement to resolve a DOJ complaint against Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe over the animals care.

The civil complaint, filed in November, accused the Lowes of recurring inhumane treatment and improper handling of animals protected by the Endangered Species Act. The couple has received numerous citations for failing to properly care for the animals following three inspections of the Tiger King Park in Thackerville since December 2020.

During a hearing last week, a judge found the couple in contempt for failing to comply with court orders to employ a qualified veterinarian and establish a program of veterinary care for the animals. Daniel Card, an attorney for the couple, told a federal judge that the Lowes want out completely.
Noem, in a document filed Sunday, opposed the tribe's request to join the lawsuit, arguing that the tribe doesn't have standing in what is a state-federal dispute. Her lawyers argue that the fireworks display wouldn't hinder the tribe's religious or free speech rights.

When she filed the lawsuit, Noem included patriotic arguments on why the fireworks should be allowed and argued that the permit's denial was an arbitrary and capricious decision based on politics.

Chief Judge Roberto Lange of the federal district court of South Dakota hasn't ruled on whether the tribe can join the suit. He indicated that he'll decide by June 2 whether to issue a preliminary injunction to force the Park Service to allow the fireworks this summer. The governor's daughter, who worked as a federal liaison for her mother for last July's event, said in a court filing that the governor's office had invited tribal leaders to provide their perspective on it.

Noem wrote to President Joe Biden last month that the tribes were consulted before the event last year. But in a statement Tuesday, the tribe denied that was the case.

The office of the chairman has no record of any consultations with the state of South Dakota or the federal government regarding fireworks in the sacred Black Hills, the tribe said.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  The Malaysia-based owner of one of the biggest casino projects ever on the Las Vegas Strip won regulatory approval Thursday to deal cards, roll dice and welcome gamblers when Resorts World Las Vegas opens on June 24.
The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash early Wednesday that took the life of a Burwell teenager.

Colton Dawe, 18, died at the scene of the crash 1 mile south of Taylor in central Nebraska, State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said.

He was headed west in a Chevrolet Trailblazer on Nebraska 91 when he failed to stop at the T-intersection with U.S. 183. The SUV drove through the intersection, into a vacant property and struck a large tree.

Dawe's passenger, 15-year-old Austin Thompson of Burwell, suffered minor injuries and had started walking east on Nebraska 91 to seek help.

First responders arrived to find Dawe dead.

Thomas said alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Seat belts were not in use.

A GoFundMe page has been started to raise funds for Dawe's funeral expenses.

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Law enforcement officers and volunteers looking for a missing La Vista boy moved their search area Thursday to Hell Creek in Sarpy County.

Volunteers were asked to meet at 11 a.m. Thursday in the parking lot of Brookhaven Park, 6576 S. 115th St., for information about the search. The search will be along Hell Creek from 110th and Harrison Streets to 110th and Giles Road.

There were from 50 to 75 volunteers searching Walnut Creek and Prairie Queen yesterday."

Search teams looked for Ryan Larsen, 11, in the Walnut Creek Recreation Area near 96th Street and Gold Coast Road on Wednesday. Officers and volunteers also searched the Prairie Queen Recreation Area near 132nd Street and Nebraska Highway 370.

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The La Vista Police Department has asked that people in the entire Omaha metro area be on the lookout for Ryan and check doorbell and home security cameras for signs of him.

Ryan last was seen about noon Monday walking out of La Vista West Elementary School near 78th Street and Terry Drive. A business between Ryans school and his home recorded the boy on security camera about 1:30 p.m. Monday.
OMAHA  A Nebraska man charged in the deaths of his two young children waived extradition from California on Wednesday.

Adam Price, 35, appeared at a court hearing in San Mateo County, California. He said little during the hearing, which last just more than five minutes.

He was arrested in Pacifica, California, on Sunday, hours after the bodies of his children  5-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Theodore  were found at his home in Bellevue.

Authorities havent said how or when the children died.

Price has been charged with two counts of felony child abuse resulting in death.

It was not immediately clear when Price would be returned to Nebraska.

The children were with Price for a court-ordered visitation. Their mother, Mary Nielsen, who lives in Illinois, called police Saturday after she couldnt reach the children. Police said they did not have sufficient reason to enter the home.

A friend of Nielsen's went to the home Sunday at the mother's request and found the children's bodies.

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Rep. Don Bacon said Thursday he disagrees with former President Donald Trump's declaration that Republicans should not support an investigation of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, declaring that "I take my marching orders from my district."

Bacon was one of 35 Republicans who joined House Democrats in voting this week to establish a commission to investigate the assault that interrupted the congressional count of electoral votes that sealed the election of President Joe Biden.

Asked during a Zoom news conference whether he would describe the Jan. 6 events as an insurrection, Bacon said: "Technically, yes. It fits the definition.

"The majority of the country ... disagrees with what happened," he said.

Later, Bacon issued a statement to "clarify" his remarks.

"For some people who were there, they would fit into an insurrection, but many people were there to just peacefully protest," read the statement from Danielle Jensen, the congressman's communications director.

"He heard from some who attended that they had no idea what was going on inside. But he realizes that some were there that could be part of an insurrection."
They didnt want any barriers to remediation, Freeman-Caddy said after the meeting.

Mossman said the recommendation approved Wednesday night appeared to do the same thing AltEn had pushed for, though he added he would need to review the specific language to be considered by the village board.

Bill Thorson, the chairman of Meads village board, also said he agreed with the language in the recommendation allowing for AltEn and Bayer  which has taken a point position in remediation efforts at the ethanol plant  to continue cleaning up the site.

Thats what weve been pushing for the whole time, Thorson said. Theres no sense in stopping them from using anything out there that cleans it up.

Revoking AltEns permit outright would only delay cleanup, and potentially do more damage to surface and groundwater in the area, Thorson added.

State environmental regulators continue to do site visits at the ethanol facility and are in contact with plant manager Scott Tingelhoff as well as remediation experts from Bayer, which Thorson said puts too many eyes on them to mess up again.
The 74th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) will stress the urgency of ending the current Covid-19 pandemic and preventing the next one by building a healthier, safer and fairer world.

The Health Assembly is WHOs highest decision-making body and is attended by delegations from all around the world. It will also be open to Associate Members, Observers, invited representatives of the UN and other participating inter-governmental organisations, and non-State actors. This years session will run from May 24 to June 1, 2021, and be held virtually.

Over the past year, cases of Covid-19 rose 40-fold to 162 million globally, while the number of deaths has increased 11 times, to more than 3.3 million.

The pandemic has hit all countries hard, but its impact has been harshest on those communities which were already vulnerable, who are more exposed to the disease, less likely to have access to quality health care services and more likely to experience adverse consequences (such as loss of income) as a result of measures implemented to contain the pandemic.

A crisis often brings out the best in people and organisations, said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. From the WHO Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to our technical guidance, the Solidarity Trial, the UN Supply Chain Task Force, the OpenWHO.org learning platform and initiatives like the Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator, including its Covax partnership, and the Solidarity Response Fund, WHO has given countries effective and evidence-informed tools to prevent infections, save lives and maintain essential health services. I am especially proud of the incredible work that WHO staff have done all over the world in the past 17 months to support countries to put these tools to work.

But the pandemic is far from over and the global response is at a critical phase. Stark contrasts still undermine progress, with vaccine inequity being one of the most urgent issues, posing a threat to ending the pandemic and to global recovery  over 75% of all vaccine doses have been administered in only 10 countries; the lowest income countries have administered less than  a percent of global doses.

"This year's World Health Assembly will play a vital role in shaping the global health architecture of the future, and in strengthening WHO to fulfil its mission and mandate," added Dr Ghebreyesus.

The Assemblys agenda will focus on the health-related Sustainable Development Goals and WHOs Triple Billion targets of one billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage; one billion more better protected from health emergencies; and one billion more enjoying better health and well-being.

WHOs Results Report, will also be presented during WHA.

A high-level segment will take place on 24 May (10:00 -12:00 CEST) with participation from Heads of State and Governments and special guests, as well as an address by the WHO Director-General.

The Assemblys two Committees - Committee A, which deals with predominantly programme and budget matters and Committee, B which deals mainly with administrative, financial and legal matters  will then consider the individual agenda items. Highlights include:

*Proposed programme budget 20222023;

*WHOs work in Health Emergencies, the Covid-19 response, including mental health preparedness for and response to the Covid-19 pandemic;

*Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property;

*Global action on patient safety;

WHO global strategy on health, environment and climate change;

*Noncommunicable diseases;

*Antimicrobial resistance;

*Immunisation Agenda 2030;

*Health in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;

*Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery;

*Poliomyelitis; and

WHO transformation.

Three reports on Covid-19 response will be presented at the Assembly: the Health Emergencies Programmes Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee (IOAC), the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response and the Review Committee on the Functioning of the International Health Regulations (2005) during the Covid-19 Response. -- TradeArabia News Service
Pour, who has served in her position for 18 years, will turn 70 in July.

Chris Rodgers, the health board's president, said nine people applied for the position; five candidates advanced. A nine-member search committee made up of health board and community leaders from the health and education sectors unanimously selected Huse.

Huse will be in Omaha for an interview with board members and meetings with community members over two days beginning June 2. The board of health is set to consider her appointment at a special meeting June 9. The Douglas County Board then is scheduled to consider Huse on June 15. State health officials also must give their OK.

With the pandemic, Rodgers said, the health director position has risen to the level of importance of a police chief or school superintendent.

"What 9/11 did for homeland security," he said, "the pandemic is going to do for public health."

The health boards new job description required that the next health director, like Pour, have a doctorate and will support meeting the boards goals regarding social determinants of health and pandemic preparedness.
For some at the vigil, which was held at Twin Ridge Park, the grief was overwhelming. One woman, who had wanted to share memories of baby-sitting the children, broke down as soon she addressed the crowd. She could only sob to Nielsen, "I'm so sorry, Mary."

Many of those at the Tuesday night vigil were mothers and children or coworkers from the Nebraska Medical Center, where Nielsen previously worked as a certified nursing assistant in oncology.

The vigil was organized by a La Vista mother of four who had never met Nielsen but said she wanted to do something "mother to mother."

"I can't imagine how she feels," said Lynnette Rohde. "I'd like her to know she has a lot of support. Her kids didn't deserve this, and the community is here for her."

Hunter Kruszka of Omaha was among Nielsen's former coworkers in attendance.

Kruszka's first thoughts of Nielsen were of how hard she worked to care for her kids after she left her husband.

"Mary worked overtime; she worked way more than she needed to as a CNA to support those kids so she could get a big enough apartment for them to live in," Kruszka said. "Those kids were everything to her."
Sexual and reproductive champions are running boldly on their values, and they are winning. Many believe Nebraska is solidly conservative. But as our fundamental freedoms increasingly come under attack  including the right to love who we love, access the health care we need and be safe in our communities -- more candidates are running in support of these issues.

We also see the shift in policies, whether it be Lincoln banning discriminatory and harmful practices like conversion therapy, the Unicameral introducing and advancing bills expanding access to prescription birth control, protecting natural hair in the workplace, stepping up for tenants during a global pandemic, or the State Board of Education grappling with updating statewide health standards.

Continuing to elect champions who stand for our communities and our rights, including sexual and reproductive freedom, has a direct impact on health, safety and wellbeing.

We know progress is not always steady. We will see fits and starts, setbacks and obstacles. But, looking at the long-term trends and the continued momentum in key districts and city elections, I am confident Nebraskans will continue voting for change. It will take time, but we are already seeing the arc bend toward justice.

It is more vital than ever to continue our fight for the change that will transform Nebraska into a more just, equitable and prosperous state. The tide is changing in Nebraska. As the swell for progress grows, I invite you to join us and our more than 36,000 supporters in riding this pink wave toward more success in 2022.

Meg Mikolajczyk is deputy director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska.

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Rather than waiting on the 33 votes that seemingly will never come, proponents of the measure are wise to cast a wide net for the betterment of Nebraskans in need.

Their petition seeks to provide just one more option for treatment of chronic conditions  cancer, seizures and post-traumatic stress disorder, to name a few of the more frequently cited  severe illnesses that always could strike again after lingering dormant beneath the surface for ages.

And opponents continue to overlook one tiny detail about any medical marijuana law: Nobody is forcing them  or any other  Nebraskans to use cannabis.

For all the painstaking work of attempting to craft pages upon pages of legalese that met the concerns expressed by opponents at every step of the way, theres a bit of irony in the simplicity in the proposed language for a constitutional amendment:

Persons in the State of Nebraska shall have the right to cannabis in all its forms for medical purposes.

That new petition? All of one short, simple sentence, as currently written. Not pages upon pages of finely-tuned specifications, as the proposed law was.

For those frustrated by the much more permissive language thats on the ballot, dont blame Wishart and medical marijuana supporters. Instead, the finger should be pointed at the senators who refused to yield an inch for years on end and left the petition as the only way for this needed reform to take effect.

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Dr. Bob Rauner states, "I agree that there is no need to require a mask if people are vaccinated. but how do we know who in room is vaccinated and who is not?" ("CDC relaxes mask guidance. What will Lincoln do?" May 15)

Who cares?

He continues, "For example, how do we keep a grocery store safe if 30% of the shoppers are unvaccinated, potentially infectious and not wearing a mask."

Again, who cares?

Those who have not gotten the vaccine are only going to infect others who have not gotten vaccinated and not harm those of us who have been vaccinated, have antibodies, or immunity.

What better an incentive for getting vaccinated, to those laggards or nonbelievers, than getting back to normal and making masks a thing of the past. Get vaccinated, or risk getting COVID.

Unvaccinated people are incredibly unlikely to infect any of us who conscientiously did our duty and got the vaccination.
Republicans say they are all inclusive and welcome everyone under their big tent. On May 12, House Republicans voted Liz Cheney (R-WY) out of her leadership position as 3rd ranking Republican in the House. By doing this, the GOP was trying to kick Cheney out of the tent they love to talk about. Her sins were speaking the truth in opposing Trump after the January 6 insurrection and standing up for democracy and our Constitution and its values.

The term big tent reminds me of the circus. When I was a young boy, I went to my uncles farm in Indiana and saw a traveling circus putting up big tents on his property for a three-day show. The enormous circus elephants would pull up the many poles it took to erect the tents. It was exciting to watch.

Today, the big tent Republicans talk about is crashing in upon itself. The elephants in their tent are being crushed and fed a daily portion of lies and threats if they stand up and defend democracy. This is not exciting to watch. Congressman Steils vote to remove Cheney is helping to bring the big tent down.

Bill Schalk, Wind Point

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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
Omans Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology (MTCIT) has invited bids from leading construction firms and contractors for the development and operation of two major ports in the sultanate, reported Oman Observer

The ministry called upon interested parties on a concessionary agreement to develop and operate the Port of Khasab and Port of Shinas. The term of the concession period will be mutually agreed upon based on an investment basis, it stated.

Both ports are involved in domestic and international trade, equipped with basic infrastructure and offices for concerned government agencies.
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LONDON (AP)  Prince William said Thursday he has received his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as Britains National Health Service expands it inoculation program to younger people.

William, 38, received his shot at Londons Science Museum, one of the large-scale vaccination centers opened around the country. A photo of the prince receiving his shot was posted on his social media account.

On Tuesday, I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, he wrote. To all those working on the vaccine rollout  thank you for everything youve done and continue to do.

Britain last week opened its national vaccination program to anyone over the age of 34. The program has been gradually expanded to progressively younger age groups since it began in early December.

Other members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, have also received their shots publicly to promote vaccine take-up.

More than 70% of Britains adults have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.


Little stores and shanties are being opened up for business ... selling everything from fresh meat to ice cream cones.

Tulsa Daily World

June 6, 1921

The embers had barely cooled before Black Tulsans began rebuilding Greenwood Avenue. Amid the rubble of their beloved Black Wall Street, they found ways to keep going, just as they always had.

Black Wall Street rose again  and fell again  and for more than half the past century has been trying to figure out its place in a world so much different than the one in which Greenwood flourished.

Dwain Midget, a son of Greenwood and Black north Tulsa, has for more than 30 years been one of the citys top development officers. He says the Black Wall Street and Greenwood Avenue are not necessarily geographically intertwined.

Black Wall Street is to be honored, he said. Its to have continual recognition and acknowledgement in history. But we will never have that Black Wall Street on Greenwood again.

To me, you remember it, and then you make a new Black Wall Street, he said.

Midget thinks the new Black Wall Street could be north of Pine Street on Peoria Avenue. An active business area is becoming more entrenched, he said, and housing is improving, especially in the Lacy Park neighborhood.

All of that, Midget said, began with planning 30 years ago.

Things are happening, he said. Theyre too incremental, but thats because ... of systemic, institutionalized racism that has to be overcome. It can still be done, and its being done, just not fast enough.

As segments in a timeline, the 10 decades since 1921 roughly mark stages in the life of a place and maybe even a dream.

Greenwood, says Tulsa historian, author and lecturer Hannibal Johnson, is a mindset as much or more as it is a place.

Its psychological, he said. Its aspirational.

1921-31: Recovery

Defying efforts to keep them from rebuilding, Black Tulsans erected buildings at night to evade enforcement of a fire code passed by the city commission expressly to pressure them to sell. They also pulled cash from unsuspected reserves or found credit to put up new brick buildings that complied with that code.

By the end of July 1921, the Tulsa World reported, several Black owners, including Charles M. Goodwin and Vernon A.M.E. Church, had obtained building permits.

Ten days later the Tulsa Tribune said 65 wood structures and several brick ones had been completed or were under construction.

Tulsas 1922 city directory shows more than 80 businesses with North Greenwood Avenue addresses. In 1926, five years after it was burned to the ground, the 100 block of North Greenwood alone was home to more than 50 enterprises of just about every description.

Perhaps the crowning moment occurred in 1925, when Tulsa hosted the National Negro Business Leagues annual convention.

1931-1941: Good bad times

The 1930s were tough for most Americans, and Black Americans were certainly no exception. Yet somehow Greenwood managed to grow and even prosper.

By the end of the decade, the neighborhood was nearing its peak in terms of population and business activity.

But that success was largely built on a segregation that forced more and more Black Tulsans into the confines of a neighborhood with little room to grow, and created a ready-made customer base for the little shops lining Greenwood Avenue and the neighboring streets.

That would change dramatically in the decades ahead.

1941-1951: Peak years

By one count, the Greenwood District counted almost 180 businesses and more than 1,400 residences in 1942.

Data compiled by researcher Amanda Coleman in the late 1990s indicates Greenwood continued to grow through the war years to the end of the decade.

But in 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional the race restrictive title covenants that effectively segregated housing in many American cities, including Tulsa. That was good for Black Tulsans, but not so good for Greenwood.

1951-1961 Hollowing out

The Dreamland Theater closed in 1952. Now an iconic symbol of Black Wall Street at its height, the Dreamland became one of the first casualties of the social, political and economic forces conspiring against Greenwood.

As early as 1917, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled cities and states could not segregate housing based on race. But that was wired around through title covenants that prohibited the transfer of property to non-whites.

When the title covenants were thrown out, African Americans were free to move out.

Red-lining and other obstacles remained, to be sure, but U.S. Census data shows clearly how Black Tulsans spilled out of the old boundaries  Detroit to the old Midland Valley railroad tracks  into adjoining neighborhoods.

1961-1971 Bottoming out

By 1960, the city of Tulsa classified half of the Greenwood Districts housing stock as dilapidated. Five years later, to the dismay of many Greenwood residents, it initiated an urban renewal project that some might argue has never really ended.

The project originally encompassed only the northern portion of the Greenwood neighborhood but was soon extended to the inner dispersal loop, a total of 309 acres.

1971-1981 Urban renewal

Midget says community leaders such as Homer Johnson and later Julius Pegues and Ralph McIntosh did their best to blunt urban renewal.

Johnson, for one, predicted urban renewal would result in Black Tulsans losing ownership of the fading ribbon along Greenwood Avenue. The northern half of the 309-acre project was successfully redeveloped as Heritage Hills, but the southern half attracted little interest and zero investment.

1981-1991 False promise

Formed in 1938, the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce found new purpose during the urban renewal era: saving what remained of Deep Greenwood.

By 1981, the only business remaining in the 100 block of North Greenwood was the Oklahoma Eagle. Three other businesses  a diner, a small grocery and an upholstery shop  held on six blocks north, between Haskell Place and Independence, but would soon be gone.

In 1980, the Greenwood Chamber received a $1.6 million grant to renovate the 11 remaining buildings in Deep Greenwood. It would be three more years, though, and a host of headaches before work began. The renovations would not be completed until 1985.

Despite much fanfare, the Greenwood Centre, as it was then called, landed on the commercial real estate market with a thud. Tenants were so scarce the city had to kick in $1.6 million to avoid a default.

Concurrently, the wheels fell off a deal to develop housing, hotels and commercial space on 90 acres north of the IDL. With no other prospects and the economy in a swoon, the city committed $6.5 million to build the University Center at Tulsa  now Oklahoma State University-Tulsa  on the same tract.

Adjoining it, ground was broken in 1985 for the Greenwood Cultural Center.

1991-2001 Reawakening

By 1991, Deep Greenwood was again home to a handful of businesses. But with no adjoining population base, most of them were struggling and the complex depended largely on government offices to stay open.

Arguably, Greenwood now extended as far north as Turley and west into Gilcrease Hills, and a business district was coalescing around Pine Street and Peoria Avenue.

In 1997, legislation creating a commission to examine the 1921 Race Massacre earned Greenwood an international celebrity that would only grow over the next two decades.

2001-2011: Encroachment

Renewed investment in downtown Tulsa brought more interest and money to the old Greenwood, but also what many Black Tulsans regarded as unwanted encroachment.

Construction of ONEOK Field in the historic district quashed the Greenwood Chamber of Commerces plans for a mixed use development on a portion of the site and led to extension of the adjoining Arts District onto Greenwood turf.

2011-2021: Centennial

Redevelopment of Tulsas inner city, Black Tulsans fierce sense of ownership and the approaching 100th anniversary of the 1921 massacre have brought to the surface disagreements both old and new.

Tenants of the Greenwood Centre  the 11-building complex comprising the 100 block of North Greenwood  continued to complain about the buildings management.

The Greenwood Chamber, the Centres manager, says its doing the best it can given limited revenue and aging facilities.

Meanwhile, across Archer, new apartments and retail space are about to open  as is the Greenwood Rising History Center.

That the new construction is largely owned by non-Blacks rankles some but is fine with others who figure the increased traffic will help everyone.

The decade began with the opening of John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park two blocks west of Greenwood. Itll end with a once-in-a-hundred-years test of that concept.
Obviously, when we have an incident where former police officers are charged with a crime, were going to have broken trust," Ticer said. "We recognize that. We understand that. ... Our department wants to restore that trust.

Hopp arrested Garner after she left a store without paying for about $14 worth of items. His body camera footage shows him catching up to her as she walked through a field. She shrugged and turned away from him, seeming not to understand him, and he quickly grabbed her arm and pushed the 80-pound (36-kilogram) woman to the ground.

The lawsuit claims Hopp dislocated Garners shoulder by shoving her handcuffed left arm forward onto the hood of his patrol car and that she was denied medical treatment for about six hours.

When Hopp has Garner pushed against the hood of his car, she tried to turn around and repeated that she was trying to go home. He then pushed her back against the car and moved her bent left arm up near her head, holding it, saying, Are you finished? Are you finished? We dont play this game.

About 30 seconds later, Garner began to slump toward the ground. Jalali said, Stand up! Were not going to hold you.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  In a major reversal, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Wednesday that the names of deputies who shoot civilians will be released within 30 days of the incident, a newspaper reported.

Villanuevas policy switch comes after the Los Angeles Times found that the LA sheriff's department was an outlier among some of Californias largest law enforcement agencies, which promptly identify officers involved in shootings.

Villanueva had said as recently as last month that the names would come out only after the district attorneys office finishes its review of each shooting.

Family members of people shot by deputies complained that months or years may go by before they learn details of the incidents.

Villanueva's announcement during a Facebook livestream came a day after the county's Board of Supervisors directed its lawyers to draft an ordinance requiring the publication of deputies identities within 48 hours of a shooting.

The sheriff said the 30-day window will give investigators time to evaluate whether a threat exists against the deputy, the Times reported.
There is a lot to love about bees.

They are crucial to growing many of our favorite and healthiest foods as they move pollen from plant to plant, pollinating more than a hundred fruits and vegetables including strawberries, potatoes and apples.

But many bee species are under threat as a result of changes in land use, pesticides, intensive agriculture and climate change, but there are steps you can take to help them thrive.

In honor of World Bee Day on May 20, here are five things you might not know about nature's hard-working pollinators.

1. Bees like to 'waggle dance'

Bees can communicate and make decisions by dancing.

When a honeybee scouts out and inspects a new nest it uses a waggle dance to advertise and debate its merits. The better the site, the longer and harder the bee dances. If another bee bumps into a dancing bee, she will go off to inspect the site, and if she likes it, she, too, will waggle.
The UAE Ministry of Economy announced that the amended Commercial Companies Law will come into effect on June 1, 2021, allowing foreign investors and entrepreneurs to establish and fully own onshore companies.



The UAE government has recently adopted an amendment to the Commercial Companies Law allowing 100 percent foreign ownership of companies, reported Emirates news agency Wam.



Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said: "The amended Commercial Companies Law aims at boosting the countrys competitive edge and is a part of UAE government efforts to facilitate doing business."



Bin Touq added that the amendments introduced by the new Commercial Companies Law will boost the UAEs appeal as an attractive destination for foreign investors, entrepreneurs and talents. It will further strengthen the countrys position as an international economic centre and encourage the flow of investments to the countrys vital economic sectors.








GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israel on Thursday announced a cease-fire in the bruising 11-day war against Hamas militants that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced the cease-fire after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. It said the group had unanimously accepted an Egyptian proposal, though the sides were still determining exactly when it was to take effect.

Senior defense officials, including the military chief of staff and national security adviser, recommended accepting the proposal after claiming great accomplishments in the operation, the statement said.

The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will be that which determines the future of the campaign, the statement said.

One member of the Security Cabinet said the cease-fire would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the closed-door talks.

Shortly after the announcement, air-raid sirens indicating incoming rocket fire sounded in southern Israel.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  The New Hampshire Senate on Thursday killed legislation that would have prohibited the construction of landfills near state parks.

The bill, which had passed the House last month, would have created a 2-mile buffer zone around parks in which landfills couldnt be located. It was driven by opponents of a proposed landfill in Dalton near Forest Lake State Park, and senators who voted against it said the issue was a matter for local zoning officials and environmental regulators, not the Legislature.

While recognizing the concerns of the local residents, this bill would have significant repercussions on land owners rights and the use of the state legislative process to address what is basically a zoning issue, a local zoning issue, said Sen. Kevin Avard, R-Nashua.

Supporters of the bill argued that state parks are a critical part of the states tourism infrastructure and should be protected. Sen. Erin Hennessey fondly described her familys annual camping trips in northern New Hampshire and argued that citing a landfill next to a state park would result in noise and odor issues, disruption of wildlife and declines in both property values and park visitors. Nearly a dozen other state have enacted buffer zones, she said.
KATHMANDU, Nepal  A repatriation flight is rescuing dozens of Spanish nationals who have been stranded in Nepal since a lockdown was imposed in the Himalayan nation to curb the spiking COVID-19 cases.

The charted flight arranged by the Spanish government was taking back 96 Spanish mountaineers, trekkers and tourists who arrived in Nepal to climb the mountain peaks or hike the trails before the country went on lockdown on April 29.

The plane arrived in Nepal on Thursday bringing in health aid materials given by the Spanish government. The shipment included respirators, 10 concentrators, face masks and antigen test kits.

Nepal has been recording its highest daily new cases and daily deaths this month, while struggling with shortages of hospital beds, medication and oxygen. The country so far has recorded 488,645 COVID-19 confirmed cases while 5,847 people have died.

-

THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

 Big gaps in US vaccine rates among Northeast, Southern states

 European Union signs Pfizer vaccine contract for 1.8 billion doses

 When to wear a mask depends mostly on whether or not vaccinated

 Teen baker sweetens lives making desserts for those in need

 Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine



HERE'S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Two Republican lawmakers in the Nevada statehouse were punished on Thursday for not complying with restrictions in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Assemblywomen Annie Black and Jill Dickman went mask-less on the Assembly floor but refused to make known whether or not they had received vaccines.

Dickman was escorted out of the Assembly floor after staff told her that she would have to prove that she had been vaccinated. She refused.

In a party-line vote, Black was stripped of her right to vote on measures and address the chamber until she apologized. She remained on the Assembly floor.



HONOLULU  Hawaiis governor says the state will once again require people receiving unemployment insurance benefits to search for work as a coronavirus testing program for travelers and growing vaccinations fuel a recovery of the tourism industry.

Anyone filing for unemployment will need to report at least three steps they took to look for work from May 30 through June 5 when they submit their weekly claim on June 6.

These steps can include filling out job applications, interviewing for jobs and registering at the jobs website HireNetHawaii.com.

The governor says Hawaii will maintain other pandemic-era unemployment insurance benefits, including a weekly $300 supplement to weekly benefits.



HOUSTON -- About 60% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses that have spoiled since Texas vaccination program began in December were wasted in the past two weeks, according to an analysis of state data.

According to a Houston Chronicle analysis of the roughly 60,000 vaccine doses spoiled since December, about 36,000 were lost in the past two weeks, indicating plummeting demand for the vaccine in Texas.

The number of wasted doses through spoilage of the highly perishable vaccine was still a minute fraction of the states vaccine allotment. The state is currently administering an average of about 144,000 vaccinations daily. Even so, that was less than half of the 290,000-vaccination-a-day peak last month.

Just one in three Texans were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday, mostly with the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, while 42% have received at least one dose.

More than 51,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Texas during the 15-month pandemic out of the more than 3.2 million positive test results reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.



RENO, Nev. -- Nevada health officials admit the states goal of vaccinating 75% of the eligible population may not be realistic.

But they say progress toward that goal is continuing to pay dividends with the average number of new cases being reported statewide dropping to its lowest level since June 2020.

The states positivity also rate fell to 4.8% on Wednesday. Thats higher than an all-time low of 4.2% reached March 28, but down from 5.7% April 21 and far below the peak high of 21.3% in mid-January.

Of all Nevadans age 12 and older, 46% have had their first shot and 37% are now fully vaccinated.



BATON ROUGE, La.  Louisianas state epidemiologist and her 12-year-old daughter were among those stressing the need for COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday at the state Capitol.

Theresa Sokol and her daughter Elise joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and health officials at a news conference.

Elise spoke about being part of a clinical trial for the Moderna vaccine. She said shes grateful to be part of the effort to get more people vaccinated. State officials are now promoting vaccinations for children as young as 12.

Edwards, meanwhile, says the states vaccination rate remains too low. A little over 35% of the states eligible population have had a first shot; 30% have completed their vaccination dosages. Thats not where we want it to be, quite frankly, Edwards said. Im very disappointed in those numbers. We have to do better.

Edwards said he is looking at possible incentive programs to encourage people to get vaccinated. He would not give details.



SEATTLE - Despite recent guidance from federal and state officials, the top health official in Washingtons most populous county urged people Thursday to keep wearing face masks in public, indoor settings.

King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin issued a directive strongly recommending that residents age 5 and up wear face coverings whether or not they are vaccinated until 70% or more of the countys residents 16 and older are fully inoculated. The agency projects the county will reach the threshold in late June.

Some 57% of those residents in King County  home to Seattle  were fully vaccinated on Thursday, according to the directive. The county is home to about 2.26 million people.

The directive applies to public indoor spaces including grocery and retail stores, government buildings and anywhere else members of the public can enter freely  unless a state-approved method of checking vaccination status is implemented. It does not apply to outdoor places.

Last week, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.



CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginias governor debuted a new portal Thursday for vaccinated residents aged 16 to 35 to receive a $100 incentive.

Those in the age group who received all required doses of the vaccine can register at governor.wv.gov to get their prize of a $100 U.S. Treasury bond or a gift card of the same value. Gov. Jim Justice announced plans for the incentive program last month, and it will apply retroactively to people who already received the vaccine.

The state is aiming to boost its sluggish vaccination campaign with the prize and has also expanded clinics at schools and businesses. Justice has a goal of vaccinating at least 65% of residents aged 12 and over by June 20, when his statewide mask mandate will be fully lifted. A month out, 55% of those residents have received at least one dose.



NEW YORK  People who get vaccinated at select state-run vaccination sites in New York next week will receive a lottery scratch ticket as the state tries to boost slowing vaccination rates.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the pilot program at 10 state-run sites will offer prizes from $20 up to $5 million and run from Monday to May 28.

The governor says theres a one in nine chance of winning a scratch ticket prize in New York, which is joining states like Ohio that have similar lottery incentives. About 43% of New York state residents are fully vaccinated.



HARRISBURG, Pa.  Pennsylvania marked a milestone on Thursday, with 50% of adults statewide now considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf says it will lift an order requiring unvaccinated people to wear masks in public once 70% of Pennsylvanians aged 18 and older are fully vaccinated, meaning at least two weeks beyond the last required dose.

The pace of vaccinations has been slowing for weeks, with most people eager to get the shot already having done so. Health Department data indicates Pennsylvania ordered only about a quarter of the vaccine doses it was entitled to last week.



TULSA, Okla.  The Tulsa Health Department is contacting 1,150 people who received improperly stored doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine so they can get another shot.

The vaccine was kept in cold storage for up to two weeks longer than the recommended maximum of 14 days, Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart said Wednesday.

The improper storage doesnt present a health risk, according to Dr. Gitanjali Pai, Chief Medical Officer at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

However, past this 14-day mark, the vaccine may not be as effective at protecting you from COVID-19, Pai said. For this reason, we are asking these individuals to receive another dose of the vaccine.

The doses were administered May 3-17 at four health centers in Tulsa County, the local health department says.



ANKARA, Turkey  German pharmaceutical company BioNTechs CEO Ugur Sahin says Turkey will receive a total of 120 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by September.

Sahin participated in a meeting of Turkeys health advisory council via teleconference from Germany. Ozlem Tureci, BioNTech co-founder and Sahins wife, also joined the meeting. Both Sahin and Tureci were born to Turkish immigrant parents.

Pfizer-BioNTech agreed in December to provide 30 million doses of its mRNA-based vaccines to Turkey. Under a new agreement that was finalized on Thursday, Turkey will buy 60 million more doses, with an option for an additional 30 million doses.

The Health Ministry posted 9,385 new cases and 207 deaths in the past 24 hours on Thursday. Turkey has registered more than 5.1 million cases and 45,626, confirmed deaths since the start of the pandemic.



FOXBOROUGH, Mass.  A distinct geographic pattern has emerged in the U.S. drive to vanquish the coronavirus - the highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest are mostly in the South.

Experts say the gap reflects a multitude of factors, including political leanings, religious beliefs, and education and income levels. Close to 160 million Americans  48% of the population  have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 million are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Vermont is No. 1, with nearly 64% of its population receiving at least one dose. Mississippi is last at 32%.

Following Vermont at 54% or higher are Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.

Eight Southern states are in the bottom 10, all under 40%. Mississippi was followed by Louisiana, Alabama, Wyoming, Idaho, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia and South Carolina.

Low vaccination rates will leave room for the virus to circulate, re-emerge and possibly form new variants, said Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. High vaccination rates are critical to keeping the disease under control, especially when we get back to the fall and winter.

Closing the state gaps is vital to controlling the virus that has killed 588,000 Americans, health experts say.



TOKYO  A Japanese health ministry drug safety panel has given preliminary approval to coronavirus vaccines developed by Moderna and AstraZeneca.

That comes ahead of an expansion next week of the countrys slow-paced immunization program before the Tokyo Olympics.

The only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for emergency use in Japan is developed by Pfizer. Formal approval of the two additional vaccines is expected Friday by a broader vaccine policy panel.

As the government pushes to host the Olympics in about two months, accelerating vaccinations is key to warding off mounting public concern about the safety of the event. Recent polls indicate more than 80% of Japanese oppose hosting the Olympics this summer.



BRUSSELS  The head of the World Trade Organization says its paramount to diversify vaccine manufacturing and develop production in Africa and Latin America to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

On the eve of a global health summit in Rome, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told European Union legislators on Thursday that normal market forces for exports and imports cant apply when it comes to the life-or-death issue of COVID-19 vaccines. Many of the worlds wealthiest nations were hoarding the shots for their own population.

She says the world has the capacity to manufacture 5 billion vaccine doses overall but as the virus has spread we require twice and three times that. So the capacity was not there.

A main challenge is diversifying vaccine production, which is now 80% concentrated in 10 European, North American and South Asian nations. She says Africa, with 1.3 billion people, has 0.17 % of the manufacturing capacity of the world, and Latin America has about 2% of global production capacity. This has to change.
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This Chateuesque-style home on Adamstowns Main Street was built in 1912 with the scale and details grand enough to house the children of a hosiery mill magnate.

Decades later, new owners turned the duplex into one big home.

The property, with its nine bedrooms, original woodwork, salt water pool and a peacock aviary, is on the market for $829,900. The nearly 8,000-square-foot home has original details and modern upgrades.

I would consider it one of a kind. Ive been doing this a long time, says Realtor Marilyn Berger, who just celebrated her 54th year in real estate. To have the foresight to bring those two properties together and develop them into one makes it unusual for that era.

A most elegant home

The property caught the attention of a historic survey for the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County even before it was a century old.

This house, without question, must rank as one of the most elegant built in the first quarter of the twentieth century of all of northern Lancaster County, John J. Snyder Jr. and Esther F. Boyle wrote in the 1983 survey, which is held by the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley.

The home at what is now 63-65 W. Main St. was commissioned by Samuel Stork, one of the developers of Hope Hosiery Mills and designed by a Philadelphia architect. The builder, Samuel Snyder, finished the home in 1912. He liked the design so much, he built a similar and smaller version for himself at 439-441 Walnut St. in Denver, according to LNP archives.

The Adamstown original, had yellow brick from the Midwest, a large porch with Corinthian columns and turret dormers with fish scale slate shingles.

Merging two homes

Indoors, each half of the home was a mirror image of the other side.

The Stoudt family purchased the property in the 1970s. Ed and Carol moved into one side of the house. As their family grew, they decided to turn two homes into one. The work took more than two years while running Black Angus Restaurant and raising a family. Later, Carol started Stoudts Brewing Co.

To combine the two sides of the house, the central wall had to be removed. Once that was gone, treads were filled in to make the two main staircases into one grand entryway.

The woodworking in that property is exquisite, says Berger, of Keller Williams Elite. This could not be rebuilt today.

Ed Stoudt got to know the woodwork in the hours he spent stripping varnish or white paint. He went through 91 gallons of paint remover, according to LNP archives. He then stained the woodwork and sealed it with polyurethane.

A virtual tour

In front of the central staircase is a main entryway surrounded by stained glass. The vestibule has black and white tile floor.

On the first floor, each side is a mirror image with sitting rooms, a living room and dining room.

The original houses had kitchens in the lower level basement with dumbwaiters leading upstairs. The Stoudts brought the kitchen upstairs and renovated the space three times. Today, it overlooks a balcony, pool and backyard. Theres a dining area on one side and a study on the other. The kitchen has commercial appliances and theres a double-tap beer tower.

Theyre set up to entertain, says Milton Ranck, a member of Bergers team.

The second floor has four bedrooms and a laundry room, which could be converted into a bedroom. One bathroom is tiled and has a whirlpool spa.

A later renovation was the third floor. Four bedrooms now fill this level. Each has its own bathroom.

Outside, theres a pool thats now filled with saltwater. Theres a koi pond with fish. A cobblestone driveway leads to a three-car garage that has a potting shed attached to the side. An aviary used to house peacocks. Theres a chicken coop, too.

The Stoudts have spent decades fixing up the home. They are now selling the complex that includes the restaurant, bakery, brewery and antiques mall. Theyre planning to move in with one of their daughters, Berger says, so the home in Adamstown is now for sale.

LNP|LancasterOnline is highlighting special properties in this hot housing market in an occasional series. Do you have a property to share? Fill out the form below:
Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank is asking the public for blood donations after blood supplies were driven down to emergency levels last week.

The blood banks inventory for A+ blood type on Wednesday evening was 451 units, less than half of their normal inventory of 925 units, Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, which supplies blood to WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital as well as other hospitals in the region, said in a news release.

The shortage was caused after four local hospitals implemented multiple massive transfusion protocols last week, driving blood supplies down to emergency levels, according to the news release. A massive transfusion protocol is when a patient requires a minimum of 20 units of both red cells and plasma as well as two units of platelets.

Blood supplies have not been able to recover from the massive transfusions due to lower than normal collections, the blood bank said.

We often reach out to donor centers across the country when we are dealing with low supplies, Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank said. However, there is currently a nationwide shortage and we are unable to import the needed blood components.

The blood bank is asking donors to donate blood by registering at donate.717giveblood.org/donor/schedules/zip or by calling them at 1-800-771-0059. Appointments are strongly suggested to provide safe social distancing.

Donating blood is safe, and safety protocols are in place to provide donors with safe donation experiences, the blood bank said. Staff and donors wear masks at blood drives and donor centers, and temperatures are taken at registration. Masks are provided to donors who do not have one.
About 100 demonstrators gathered in Penn Square on Wednesday evening to protest the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza.

Holding signs that said End Apartheid and Free Palestine, protesters aimed to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people as well as demand that the U.S. government stop funding the reckless military aggression of Israel and (put) an end to the violent occupation of Palestine, Lancaster Stands Up, the group that hosted the event along with Peace Action Network, said in a statement posted to social media on Tuesday.

As U.S. citizens, we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice perpetrated by our own government, the group said in the statement. As Lancastrians, we feel a duty to speak up on behalf of our Palestinian refugee community.

The event featured speakers from both the Jewish and the Palestinian communities, who spoke in solidarity.

Ammar Hamid, a Palestinian American currently pursuing his doctorates in education at Penn State, told the crowd that the death toll of Palestinians compared to Israelis shows that the bulk of the violence is coming from the Israeli side.

I would prefer that no one on either side get hurt or killed, he said. Everyone deserves that right that we have to live life to the fullest.

Lancaster Stands Up stated that they grieve equally for the loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives in the ongoing conflict, but that we feel a responsibility to speak out against the disproportionate violence and oppressive policies of Israels government.

Hamid also decried the state of discourse about the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the U.S., saying that critics of the Israeli government's policies are unfairly labeled as anti-Semitic or in favor of terrorism.

A lasting peace cannot be reached without the American government taking a different approach in the region, Hamid said.

We have to aid both peoples, not just one, he said.
A little more than a year after Lancaster Airport officials had to send most of their employees home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the runways in Manheim Township are the busiest they've been in years.

Through the first three months of this year, the airport saw 20,342 departures and landings, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration; the most in that period since 2012.

Its the latest sign that Lancaster Airports efforts to remake itself as a destination for corporate and chartered jet services are paying off after a difficult year for air travel.

In June, officials plan to unveil a new VIP-style lounge area for corporate clients, according to Airport Authority Chairman Jim Cunningham.

These people that are operating these corporate jets, they need pretty nice facilities, some comfortable lounges and easy access to rental cars, Cunningham said.

The corporate lounge occupies space in the airport terminal that has largely gone unused since the days when Lancaster drew commercial flights from US Airways, Cunningham said.

Lisa Riggs, president of the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, said shes not surprised by the big uptick in chartered and corporate flights at the airport.

While working from home has become more commonplace, Riggs said business executives might be more apt to visit locations in person during a challenging time like the pandemic, or even more recently, a big surge in business volume in the Lancaster area.

Being able to fly someone in, see the operations, talk to folks on the ground probably is even more critical right now than it has been, Riggs said.

Some of the jump in chartered flights may also come from Lancastrians getting a head start on a return to tourism and vacationing.

Some of its business and some its leisure, vacation-based travel thats driving chartered flights, Foster said.

Essential service

The Lancaster Airport Authority generates most of its revenue from its own operations. Rental fees for housing planes in its hangars, gasoline sales for planes, and income from tenants like Penn Cinema, Fiorentinos and Sheetz all help keep the lights on, its most recent financials show.

The authority also competes for state and federal grants, typically for capital projects, Lancaster Airport Authority Director Ed Foster said. In the previous two years, those grants averaged roughly $1 million a year, financials show.

Commercial flights are still available through the federal Essential Air Service program, run by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program subsidizes air carriers to operate in areas that arent well-served by larger airports.

That program was renewed in December when former President Trump signed at the last minute a $900-billion stimulus package that also sent Americans $600 checks.

The legislation included an amendment from U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker that removed a rule that had added uncertainty keeping Lancaster Airport over the long-term.

Since the airport is within 40 miles of a commercial airport -- Harrisburg International -- and within 70 miles of a major hub in Philadelphia, the federal program required a local matching grant, usually a couple hundred thousand dollars a year. That is no longer the case.

The program remains in place for the rest of the year, and a spokesman at Southern Airways said the company is confident Lancaster will remain in the program for years to come.

I don't think the community of Lancaster has to worry about Essential Air Service, Keith Sisson at Southern said. We now have a long-term permanent fix.

Beginning June 28, Southern will end its route to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and instead fly to Washington Dulles International Airport. The move will coincide with a new partnership between United Airlines and Southern, said Mark Cestari, Southerns chief commercial officer, though that deal is not yet final.

It's a wonderful alternative to the congestion at Philly and the high cost there, and I think that's why Lancaster will really flourish, Cestari said.

The airport will continue to offer free parking to flyers, Foster said.

Starting June 5, the carrier will also offer direct weekly flights to and from Nantucket, Massachusetts, on Saturdays for $95 a seat, Cestari said.

A diversified portfolio

The airport authority is also continuing an ambitious slate of projects that includes new hangars to house more planes, a rehabilitated runway and requests for proposals to develop more than 30 acres of the authoritys vacant land.

The airport already leases land to the Sheetz at 3205 Lititz Pike and Penn Cinema, 541 Airport Road. It has also generated income in recent years by offering landfill space for construction debris, like torn-up paving and concrete, Cunningham said.

We have, I would say, a dozen or more nonaviation models that help us with our overall financial model here at the airport, Foster said.

Its a fortuitous time for Foster to take over the airport authority. Foster, who previously worked at the University Park Airport in State College, replaced David Eberly, who retired after 44 years at the authority.

The authority has a waiting list of private plane owners and corporate jet services who want to house their fleet at Lancaster Airport, Foster said. The current capacity is completely full, he said.

The list for small one-engine plane hangars, called tee hangars, has at least 18 people on it, Foster said. For larger corporate hangars, at least three entities are waiting for a spot, he said.

In 2020, the airport authority made $1.8 million in rent from land, buildings and hangars, financials show.

Corporate hangars are larger than tee hangars, about 12,500 square feet in size, Foster said.

We could build some today and probably fill them right up, Foster said of both hangar types.

But it doesnt happen that quickly. Authority officials are currently at work developing a master plan for the airport to assess how to best make room for more planes, Foster said.

The entire process will likely take a couple years, Foster said, and it will require grants to get the work done. Since hangars are a moneymaker for airports, theyre not eligible for capital grants from the FAA, Foster said.

Authority officials are also looking for proposals to develop various tracts of land, including 31 acres near Penn Cinema.

Foster said the authority has no strict vision on what the new development should be, but something like a strip mall would be appropriate.

I can't see any roadblocks in the future for us, Cunningham said.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  A Republican state senator who has talked of possibly running for governor of Pennsylvania in 2022 said Wednesday that former President Donald Trump asked him to run and promised to campaign for him.

Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, said he met with Trump on Monday for an hour and fifteen minutes at Trump Tower in New York and, among other things, discussed the governor's race and the candidates.

He had asked me to run some months ago," Mastriano said during a sit-down interview in the studio of WEEO-FM in Chambersburg. He said, Doug, run and Ill campaign for you.'

Mastriano, first elected two years ago, has talked of speaking with Trump at least 15 times. In November, Mastriano organized a hearing in Gettysburg that featured Rudy Giuliani and a phone call appearance by Trump in which the president claimed the election was rigged and urged state lawmakers to overturn the result.

Mastriano also hosted Giuliani in Chambersburg on Saturday for a fundraiser, where the LNP newspaper reported that Mastriano posed for a photo with a man wanted by the FBI in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Told of Mastriano's comments, a senior Trump aide did not address them or dispute them in a statement in response. But Trump has not endorsed anyone in the race, still a year out from the primary.

Mastriano has become a one-man force in conservative politics in Pennsylvania, leading anti-mask protests last year, pushing to overturn Trumps reelection loss and showing up outside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot.

Mastriano's statements come days after Lou Barletta, the Trump-endorsed nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018, said he is running for governor of Pennsylvania.

Barletta said last weekend that he will try to earn Trump's endorsement, but that he had not discussed his candidacy with the former president.

Barletta, a former Hazleton mayor and four-term member of Congress, served as Trumps campaign co-chair in Pennsylvania in the 2016 presidential campaign and on Trumps transition team before becoming one of the former presidents biggest allies on Capitol Hill.

Barletta ran for U.S. Senate in 2018 at Trumps urging, and drew two Trump visits to Pennsylvania to help rally support for his candidacy, including one where Trump called Barletta a star and a legend.

Barletta campaigned for Trump, was one of his 20 handpicked Pennsylvania electors last year and has hired members of Trumps presidential campaign team for his gubernatorial campaign.

Barletta  like most in the GOP  has not disputed Trumps baseless claims that the election was stolen from him, despite no evidence of widespread fraud.



Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter
RTHK: Israel-Hamas agree on ceasefire

Israel and Hamas will cease fire across the Gaza Strip border as of 2am on Friday (0700 HKT), an official with the Palestinian Islamist faction said, bringing a potentially tenuous halt to the fiercest fighting in decades.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said his security cabinet had voted unanimously in favour of a "mutual and unconditional" Gaza truce proposed by Egypt, but added that the hour of implementation had yet to be agreed.

Within minutes of the announcements, in the countdown to the ceasefire, the sides were trading blows again. Sirens warned of incoming rockets in Israeli border communities, and a Reuters reporter heard an air strike in Gaza.

There was no immediate word of casualties.

Amid growing global alarm at the bloodshed, US President Joe Biden urged Netanyahu on Wednesday to seek de-escalation, while Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations ventured mediation.

A Hamas official told Reuters the ceasefire would be "mutual and simultaneous".

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had ordered two security delegations into Israel and the Palestinian Territories to work towards upholding the ceasefire, Egyptian state TV reported. It also confirmed the 2am hour.

Rocket attacks by Hamas and allied Islamic Jihad had resumed after an eight-hour pause earlier on Thursday, as Israel continued shelling that it said aimed to destroy the factions' military capabilities and deter them from future confrontation after the current conflict.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said on Twitter that the Gaza offensive had yielded "unprecedented military gains".

Since the fighting began on May 10, health officials in Gaza say 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments. Israel says it has killed at least 160 combatants in Gaza.

Authorities put the death toll in Israel at 12, with hundreds of people treated for injuries in rocket attacks that have caused panic and sent people rushing into shelters.

On Thursday, Biden discussed Gaza with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the White House said reports of moves toward a ceasefire were "encouraging".

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that UN Middle East Envoy Tor Wennesland is in Qatar, adding: We are actively engaged with all the relevant parties for an immediate ceasefire. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), a part of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has unveiled a brand-new scholarship at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to mark the UAEs Year of the 50th.



The Golden Jubilee Scholarship will be available to students enrolling for DCTs 2021/22 academic year, starting this September and is open to Emiratis and UAE-based expatriate residents of all nationalities.



More specifically, the opportunity is open to applicants who hold a grade 12 (or equivalent) high school graduation certificate from a UAE registered school or college. Once prospective candidates submit their applications via the DCT website, they will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an interview.



The Dubai College of Tourism was founded to help foster the talent pool within the emirate and encourage young Emiratis and expatriates to take up suitable careers within the tourism industry. By providing an avenue for high school and college graduates to pursue certificate and diploma courses in tourism, events, hospitality, retail business and culinary arts, the college aims to aid the development of the tourism sector, as well as groom the countrys next generation of tourism leaders.



The scholarship closely aligns with the foundational pillar of the Year of the 50th, which is to inspire the youth to realise their ambitions of the next 50 years, while supporting them to make quality national achievements in furtherance of The March of Development, Progress and Prosperity.  TradeArabia News Service
East Hempfield Township police

ASSAULT

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: A 15-year-old male student, of Mountville, was charged with simple assault and a 16-year-old male student, of Landisville, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation at Hempfield High School at 200 Stanley Avenue on May 4, police said.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Ashley Deynes-Cordero, 24, of Lancaster, was charged with criminal mischief after scratching a vehicle in the 2000 block of Swarr Run Road, causing $1,180 in damage, sometime between 9 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. on May 12, police said.

DUI

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Pradip Rai, 27, of Henrico, Virginia, was charged with driving under the influence and a traffic summary after he was found sleeping in a disabled vehicle with two flat tires and a missing front tire at a Speedway at 1660 Rohrerstown Road at 10:17 a.m. on May 12, police said.

WEAPONS VIOLATION

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: A 15-year-old male student, of Landisville, was charged with possession of a weapon on school property after he was found with a folding pocket knife with a 4-inch blade at Hempfield High School at 200 Stanley Avenue on May 5, police said.

Lancaster police

ASSAULT

LANCASTER: Kenneth Douglas Clark III, 27, who is incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison, was charged with aggravated assault after he headbutted a cop, causing injury, at 9:22 a.m. on May 4 in the Lancaster County Prison Commitment Counter at 625 East King Street, police said. Clark, who was incarcerated in October 2020 after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated assault and possession of an instrument of crime, was returning to the prison after a jury trial, police said.

Lititz Borough police

CRASH

LITITZ: A vehicle left the road and struck a tree, resulting in the vehicle overturning onto its roof, at South Broad Street and West Second Avenue at 6:01 a.m. on May 16, police said. No one was injured in the crash, and the driver was charged with a traffic violation, police said.

Manheim Township police

FRAUD

MANHEIM TWP.: An unknown man passed a fraudulent prescription for a controlled substance at a CVS Pharmacy at 1507 Lititz Pike at 6:21 p.m. on May 5, police said. The man returned to the store and obtained the medicine, and it was later discovered that the prescription was phony, police said.

Manor Township police

INDECENT ASSAULT

MANOR TWP.: Jesse Chad Stoltzfus, 47, of Manheim Township, was charged with indecent assault and corruption of minors after entering a 7-year-olds room at bedtime and French kissing her at a residence in the 1100 block of Colonial Road for a period of about two weeks in either 2011 or 2012, police said.

Northern Lancaster County Regional police

HARASSMENT

WARWICK TWP.: Abiodun Ololade Okuwa, 46, of Linthicum Heights, Maryland, was charged with harassment after repeatedly messaging a person through social media and email after steps were taken to prevent communications at 12:30 p.m. on April 14, police said.
About 28% of Lancaster County's 344,000 registered voters participated in Tuesday's municipal primary, according to the county Board of Elections.

There were 96,325 voters in Lancaster County who cast a ballot in Tuesdays election, with 18,427 of those ballots -- or 19% -- cast by mail, said Christa Miller, the countys chief registrar of elections.

The 2021 turnout rate was more than twice what it was for the 2017 and 2019 municipal primaries, when turnout sat at about 14%. In 2017, 38,818 of the 272,258 eligible registered voters participated, while 39,148 of the 271,856 eligible voters cast a ballot in the 2019 primary, according to county records.

The number of voters who cast ballots this year is significantly higher for two reasons. First, it was the first municipal primary election under the states expanded no-excuse mail voting rules, which may have encouraged some voters to participate who ordinarily would skip an off-year primary.

The other factor was that independents, who sit out Pennsylvanias closed primaries, were eligible to vote on three constitutional amendments and one voter referendum. That pool of eligible voters, plus heightened interest in two amendments to limit the governors emergency powers, was another draw for many voters.

Elections staff wont begin counting most of the mail-in vote until Friday because a vendor error in the ballot printing and assembly process affecting about 14,000 mail ballots.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the county had only tallied results from 2,167 of the mail-in ballots that were not affected by the vendor error.
College news

Graduations

Area students were among those who graduated May 3, 2021, from Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida. They are Ally Bish, of Landisville, bachelors degree in coastal environmental science, magna cum laude; and Abigail Bittner, of Landisville, bachelors degree in digital media production and journalism.

Deans list

Connor Hamilton, of Strasburg, was named to the presidents honor roll with a 4.0 GPA for the spring 2021 semester at the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Georgia.

Honors

Christopher Roe, of Lancaster, a junior at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, was recently awarded the Rensselaer Medal. He is only the fifth student in Hargraves history to receive this award. His lowest grade at Hargrave thus far was a single B. One of the premier merit scholarships at Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute is the Rensselaer Medal, a scholarship opportunity worth up to $120,000 for outstanding math and science students. For more than 100 years, Rensselaer, in conjunction with high schools around the world, has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. This merit scholarship, with a value of $30,000 per year, is guaranteed for four years for each medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer.

Lily Delle-Levine, of Millersville, was named the recipient of The Clark Prize on May 11, 2021, at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York. The Clark Prize is awarded to the senior who is judged to be the best speaker in the annual Clark Oratorical Contest. Delle-Levine, a senior majoring in government and theater, is a graduate of Lancaster Country Day School.

Area students were among those who were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the history national honor society, at Lebanon Valley College in spring 2021. They are Ryan Dennehy, of Elizabethtown; and Kaitlyn Reed, of Willow Street.

Email college news items to collegenews@lnpnews.com.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire Thursday, halting a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, brought life in much of Israel to a standstill and left more than 200 people dead.

At 2 a.m. local time, just as the cease-fire took effect, life returned to the streets of Gaza. People went out of their homes, some shouting Allahu Akbar" or whistling from balconies. Many fired in the air, celebrating the truce.

Like the three previous wars between the bitter enemies, the latest round of fighting ended inconclusively. Israel claimed to inflict heavy damage on Hamas but once again was unable to halt the Islamic militant group's nonstop rocket barrages. Almost immediately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced angry accusations from his hard-line, right-wing base that he stopped the operation too soon.

Hamas, the Islamic militant group sworn to Israels destruction, also claimed victory. But it now faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding in a territory already suffering from poverty, widespread unemployment and a raging coronavirus outbreak.

Netanyahus office said his Security Cabinet had unanimously accepted an Egyptian cease-fire proposal after recommendations from Israels military chief and other top security officials. A statement boasted of significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented.

It also included a veiled threat against Hamas. The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign, the statement said.

The fighting erupted on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound, built on a site holy to Muslims and Jews, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinians by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

The competing claims to Jerusalem lie at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have repeatedly triggered bouts of violence in the past.

Hamas and other militant groups fired over 4,000 rockets into Israel throughout the fighting, launching the projectiles from civilian areas at Israeli cities. Dozens of projectiles flew as far north as Tel Aviv, the country's bustling commercial and cultural capital.

Thousands gathered Friday morning in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis outside the family house of Mohammed Dief, the shadowy Hamas commander who had ordered the rocket attacks. Supporters shouted victory and waved green Hamas flags.

Israel, meanwhile, carried out hundreds of airstrikes targeting what it said was Hamas military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.

At least 230 Palestinians were killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl, were killed.

The United States, Israel's closest and most important ally, initially backed what it said was Israel's right to self-defense against indiscriminate rocket fire. But as the fighting dragged on and the death toll mounted, the Americans increasingly pressured Israel to stop the offensive.

In a rare public rift, Netanyahu on Wednesday briefly rebuffed a public call from President Joe Biden to wind things down, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.

But late Thursday, Netanyahu's office announced the cease-fire agreement. Hamas quickly followed suit. Militants continued to launch sporadic rocket at Israel early Friday, before the 2 a.m. cease-fire took effect.

In Washington, Biden hailed the cease-fire. I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress, and Im committed to working for it, he said.

Biden said the U.S. was committed to helping Israel replenish its supply of interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome rocket-defense system and to working with the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority  not Hamas  to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Netanyahu quickly came under heavy criticism from members of his hawkish, nationalist base. Gideon Saar, a former ally who now leads a small party opposed to the prime minister, called the cease-fire embarrassing.

In a potentially damaging development for the Israeli leader, the Palestinian militants claimed Netanyahu had agreed to halt further Israeli actions at the Al Aqsa Mosque and to call off the planned evictions of Palestinians in the nearby Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

An Egyptian official said only that tensions in Jerusalem will be addressed. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing behind-the-scenes negotiations and provided no details.

Itamar Ben Gvir, head of the far-right Jewish Power party, tweeted that the cease-fire was a grave surrender to terrorism and the dictates of Hamas.

The cease-fire comes at a sensitive time for Netanyahu. In the wake of an inconclusive election in March, Netanyahu failed to form a majority coalition in parliament. His opponents now have until June 2 to form an alternative government of their own.

The war greatly complicated the efforts of his opponents, who include both Jewish and Arab parties and were forced to suspend their negotiations in such a fraught environment. But the inconclusive outcome of the war could give them renewed momentum to restart those talks.

Meanwhile in Gaza, a Hamas spokesman, Abdelatif al-Qanou, said Israel's announcement was a declaration of defeat. Nonetheless, the group said it would honor the deal, which was to officially go into effect at 2 a.m.

Ali Barakeh, an official with Islamic Jihad, a smaller group that fought alongside Hamas, said Israels declaration of a truce was a defeat for Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

Despite the claims, both groups appeared to have suffered significant losses in the fighting. Hamas and Islamic Jihad said at least 20 of their fighters were killed, while Israel said the number was at least 130 and probably higher.

Some 58,000 Palestinians fled their homes, many of them seeking shelter in crowded United Nations schools at a time of a coronavirus outbreak.

Since the fighting began, Gazas infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated.

Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power from the Palestinian Authority in 2007. Since then, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has governed autonomous areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and has limited influence in Gaza.

Israeli attacks have also damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.

Israeli bombing has damaged over 50 schools across the territory, according to advocacy group Save the Children, destroying at least six. While repairs are done, education will be disrupted for nearly 42,000 children.



Akram reported from Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Zeke Miller in Washington and Iris Samuels in Helena, Montana, contributed reporting.
THE ISSUE

As LNP | LancasterOnline reported Wednesday, Danielle and Stephen Lindemuth are outspoken proponents of the false claim that widespread voter fraud in last falls election robbed former President Donald Trump of a second term. ... And as of Tuesday night, they appear likely to walk away as two of four Republicans to earn their partys nomination for a spot on the Elizabethtown Area school board. The Lindemuths attended the Washington, D.C., Trump rally that preceded  and precipitated  the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. They are among numerous political candidates seeking elective office at nearly every level who are perpetuating the Big Lie that the election was stolen from Trump. On Wednesday, the U.S. House voted 252-175 to create an independent, bipartisan commission to study the events of Jan. 6.

Stephen Lindemuth told LNP | LancasterOnline on Tuesday night that people want to see a return to traditional American values in schools.

Alas, Lindemuths version of traditional American values must differ from ours. Because he and his wife clearly embraced the Big Lie  a contradiction to the traditional American values of truth and adherence to the Constitution. And this has serious implications for their potential roles as school board members.

School directors play an invaluable role in ensuring that our educational systems prepare future adult citizens who are capable of not just earning a living but of engaging actively in our democracy.

A dedication to truth is essential not just in education but in every form and at every level of government.

In the writings of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, the phrase follow truth appeared multiple times, according to the website of his Monticello plantation.

In an 1819 letter to John Adams, Jefferson wrote that good government meant in all cases to follow truth as the only safe guide.

Jan. 6 commission

Not all Republicans regard the truth as an unnecessary and annoying hindrance to fulfilling their ambitions.

But some clearly do.

How else to explain the announcement Wednesday by U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell that he opposes legislation that would create a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the events of Jan. 6?

U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also opposes such a commission, which, as proposed, would consist of five Republican and five Democratic appointees.

Naturally, Trump  whose rhetoric sparked the insurrection  also is opposed. He called the proposed commission a Democrat trap.

Which it absolutely isnt.

As U.S. Rep. John Katko of New York stated, This is about facts. Its not about partisan politics.

As the ranking Republican member on the House Homeland Security Committee, Katko negotiated the proposed commission. He said that an independent, 9/11-style review was critical to removing the politics surrounding Jan. 6.

And were heartened that nearly three dozen of his fellow Republicans agreed with him, voting Wednesday in favor of the proposed bipartisan commission. These 35 GOP House members faced enormous pressure to vote against the measure. But they chose to follow truth and were grateful for their courage.

Unfortunately, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster County voted against the Jan. 6 commission.

He tweeted this Monday: We must always support and #BacktheBlue.

And then two days later, he voted against creating a commission that would investigate an insurrection in which more than 140 law enforcement officers were injured. One of those police officers had his eye gouged by an insurrectionist, a horrific attack that haunts us.

Another, D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, told CNNs Don Lemon last month that it has been very difficult seeing elected officials and other individuals kind of whitewash the events of that day or downplay what happened.

Fanone, who was beaten, shocked with a stun gun and dragged down the Capitol steps, said that what he experienced Jan. 6 was the most brutal, savage, hand-to-hand combat of my entire life, let alone my policing career, which spans almost two decades.

Back the blue? Smucker has demonstrated a pattern of placing the Republican red above all else. Remember that in the early hours of Jan. 7, he stood on the U.S. House floor and argued  without basis in law or fact  that the legally cast votes of 115,847 Lancaster County residents should be nullified. He thus advanced the aim of the insurrectionists to overturn the results of the November presidential election.

Quashing the Big Lie

That the insurrection is a bipartisan concern shouldnt even be in dispute.

After all, the terrorists who besieged the Capitol were threatening violence on both Republicans and Democrats  particularly former Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

As Republican U.S. Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan said Wednesday, referring to a gallows that was built by insurrectionists outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, If it had not been for the brave Capitol and Metropolitan police men and women that day, who knows how many of our heads would have been swinging on those gallows?

The FBIs Washington field office tweeted Wednesday that it had arrested more than 425 people who took part in the U.S. Capitol riots. Over 90 of them were arrested for assaulting law enforcement officers. Some of the most violent offenders have yet to be identified.

But sure, lets pretend  as Smucker is doing  that the most devastating domestic attack on American democracy since the Civil War doesnt merit an in-depth, independent investigation.

That would not, however, be the truth. And, as Jefferson insisted, good government requires that we follow truth.

A Jan. 6 commission not only is imperative to quash the Big Lie in national politics and governance. Its essential if were to keep the Big Lie from infiltrating and warping politics and government at every level  school boards included.

Next years GOP gubernatorial primary race may include state Sen. Doug Mastriano, of Adams and Franklin counties, who organized a bus trip to Trumps Jan. 6 rally and has perpetuated lies and conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, vaccination and COVID-19.

And next years Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Pat Toomey likely will include Allegheny County Republican Sean Parnell.

As The Philadelphia Inquirer explained, Parnell was one of the lead plaintiffs in a lawsuit attempting to reverse Pennsylvanias election result by throwing out nearly all of the states mail ballots.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected the case and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal.

Nevertheless, the Big Lie persisted, fueling the violent Jan. 6 insurrection that U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia last week claimed was akin to a normal tourist visit.

Clyde had helped to barricade the House chamber door as the raging, violent mob attempted to break in. That he so egregiously tried to downplay the events of Jan. 6 has troubled some Republicans, too.

As GOP U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer of Michigan said Wednesday, there has been an active effort to whitewash and rewrite the shameful events of that day to avoid accountability and turn away from difficult truths.

As a nation, we need to reckon fully with the Jan. 6 insurrection. We cannot move on without such a reckoning. We must, as Jefferson advised, follow truth.

Or well be lost in a damaging thicket of lies forever, and our governance at every level will suffer as a result of the diminution of truth. And our democracy will be diminished along with the truth.
This letter is in response to the May 17 letter Oil companies profit either way.

Yes, capitalism is great!

Would you prefer to be in a socialist country, where everything is owned by the government, which taxes you to the poorhouse and then gives you something  like a cheap gas or free college tuition?

Socialism has never worked any place it has been tried! It only works until they run out of other peoples money. It seems to me that under socialism the rich become powerful and the powerful become rich.

Let me work for what I want and need, which has made this country the greatest and richest in the history of this world in only a couple hundred years. Unlike all those socialist countries!

Dennis Piasecky

Salisbury Township
This article appears in the May 21, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

[Print version of this article]

Helga Zepp-LaRouche

Ending the Crisis Today Through the

Coincidence of Opposites

Helga Zepp-LaRouche is the Founder and Chairwoman of the Schiller Institute. She delivered these introductory remarks to Panel 2, The Method of the Coincidence of Opposites: Only a United Worldwide Health Effort, Without Sanctions, Can Reverse a Worldwide Pandemic, of the Schiller Institutes May 8, 2021 conference, The Moral Collapse of the Trans-Atlantic World Cries Out for a New Paradigm.

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Schiller Institute Helga Zepp-LaRouche

Good evening, or good afternoon for some of you.

As we were discussing in the first panel, the world is on the edge of a potential war, and it is not so clear where the solution is, because there was also a very far-reaching discussion on why the United Nations is very important, because it has presently no replacement; but also, that according to its present Charter, you cannot really force one of the Permanent Five members of the UN Security Council to stop policies which are right now to the detriment of many countries, like the ones affected by the sanctions.

The question is what can we do, is there a solution? Are we as a human species condemned to again and again repeat the same mistakes, like World War I  when we were sleepwalking into it? World War II was sort of a logical consequence of the First World War, because it was not resolved by a peace order, because the Versailles Treaty was absolutely not one which could have worked.

So, are we condemned to walk into a Third World War, which by all knowledge we have about it and the nature of nuclear weapons, maybe nobody would survive, and the human species would cease to exist? Thats what several people have mentionedArmageddon, total catastrophe, end of life as we know it on this planetthese formulations have been used in the recent period by many people.

The method of the empire, all empires, is divide and conquer. To create geopolitical conflict, to set one country against the other one, then manipulate them like on a chessboard. This is Brzezinskis Grand Chessboard strategy for the defeat of Russia. So, is there another way than to insist on your interest against the interest of another one? Or is there a method of thinking how you can overcome a seemingly impossible situation?

We discussed a couple of times, in the Schiller conferences and elsewhere, the difference between Aristotle and Plato. Aristotle basically saying if something is A, it cannot be B, and this contradiction is insurmountable. And Plato already with his conception of the higher hypothesis, or the hypothesis of the higher hypothesis, showed a road to a conception how the human mind can leap onto a higher level and redefine solutions through a process of change.

That was the subject of one of the previous conferences. Nicholas of Cusa developed this method of the coincidence of opposites, which is the idea that the human mind being endowed with creativity, can define always, for any problem, a level of solution which is on a completely different plane, a higher plane than that on which the conflict arose, because the One is of a higher order than the Many. That was also what Einstein was saying: never try to find a solution to a problem on the level where it arose; you have to find a new conception, a more powerful conception.

Nicholas of Cusa had the idea that harmony in the macrocosm can only exist if all microcosms develop. It doesnt matter if the microcosm is a human being or a nation, but that the harmony can be accomplished by taking the maximum development of the other microcosm as your self-interest, and vice versa. And that, then, the development of all of these microcosms are a process of perfection, where the more development you cause in the other microcosm, the more it echoes back on you, and vice versa, and in this way, it becomes a process of development to higher levels.

A Revolutionary Method of Thinking

A similar conception you find in Leibniz and his idea of the monads, which I dont want to go into, here, right now. But I want to mention in a couple of words, how Nicholas of Cusa arrived at this truly revolutionary method of thinking. He was very conscious about it: He said that he was proposing a way of thinking that had never been thought by any human being before and was a completely new way of approaching things.

This idea came to Nicholas while traveling by ship from Byzantium, from Constantinople to Italy on the way to the Councils of Ferrara and Florence. He said that all of a sudden, he had a complete thoughtlike a thought coming from above, from God, a divine inspiration. Then he developed the idea of the coincidence of opposites of thinking. It is very obvious that that is something which influenced Cusanuss thinking throughout his whole life. Because a little bit later, when you had the Fall of Constantinople [1453], this was the final battle which decided the fate of the Byzantium Empire, and it was quite a bloody battle.

Mehmed II, a young [Ottoman] ruler, had set his mind to conquer Constantinople. He prepared it well. He built up a huge army of 150,000 people, he had a big flotilla. He worked on that for about two years, where the preparations were made, he had an elaborated system of building tunnels, of building various flanks. The defender of Constantinople, Constantine XI, could not really mobilize the other Christian forces to come to help. He had only something like 40,000 troops, and he was in a defeatable situation.

Finally, I spare you all the very interesting aspects of how this occurred, but Constantinople fell after fierce battles. The Turks stormed into the city, and they were told that they could possess the city for three days, and everything they could plunder, they would own afterwards, forever. So, naturally, people really behaved like people behave in such circumstances. And it must have been quite brutal. A lot of blood flowed; a lot of people got killed. Many women were kidnapped and made into slaves. It was an absolute disaster. When the knowledge about that became known, this was a horror show, this was like an early clash of civilizations between the Occidental Christianity and the Oriental Muslim worlds, and there were horror stories of what had happened.

It is under the impression of these absolute horror storiespeople being killed, and thousands losing their livesthat Nicholas of Cusa applied this method of the coincidence of opposites and wrote one of the most beautiful dialogues On the Peace of Faith, De Pace Fidei. He says after having heard all these horror stories about Constantinople, we have to find a way of resolving this.

The Peace of Faith

So, he creates a Socratic dialogue whereby 17 representatives of different nations and religions go to God, and they say, Look, Logos, you have to help us, because we all kill each other in Your name, and this cannot be Your intention. So, can You not give us some advice on what to do?

Then God talks to all of them, the Syrians and the Italians, and the different religions. He says, You all are representatives of philosophy, you love truth, because you are philosophers in your own country, and you are respected for that.

They all say, Yes, yes, we are philosophers, absolutely. But what do we do? We still fight each other. Can You help us?

And God says, Well, yes. As philosophers, you know that there is only one truth. And the mistake you make is that you mistake the one truth which comes from God, with the many interpretations which were made by the prophets.

They say, Yes, we can see that the truth of God must be a higher truth than the interpretation of the prophets. But this is not enough; can You still help us?

Then, God says, Yea, and you make the other mistake that you mix up that one Divine truth with tradition. Each of you has different traditions, and they seem to contradict each other, but the truth is only one.

So, they say, This makes all sense, but you cannot ask us that we go back to our people and tell them that they should follow a new religion when they spilled so much blood for the old one.

Then, God says, No, Im not talking about a new religion. Im talking about the one religion which is above religions; Im talking about the religion which is before all religions.

Then, they agree with that, and they can see that there is one truth, one God, and one religion.

So, by investigating this question many years ago, I said, well, does that make sense? Do you find a resemblance in the different religions about that concept? And I looked at various philosophies like Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity; and indeed, I did find that you have a principle in each of those which corresponds to this dialogue and this one truth, and that is, the lawfulness of the universe, Gods creation. In Christianity, you call that natural law. In Confucianism, you call it cosmology, or the Mandate of Heaven. In Hinduism, you also talk about cosmology, but you call it Sanatana Dharma, this divine spark which is in all of us.

In Cohesion with the Universe

So, it seems to me, that if mankind is going to survive or not, as a species, whether we are going to self-extinct or not, really depends entirely on whether we can overcome being victimized by the imperial thinkingthe divide and conquerwhether we let ourselves be either in one camp, hostile to the other camp; or, can we somehow evoke in us and in others this quality of the inner self-development in cohesion with the lawfulness of the creation of the universe.

It seems to me that this is a method which absolutely must be applied, now, to somehow overcome this geopolitical confrontation, or especially the divisions of identity policies, which is making the divisions more and more and more by the day. We have to somehow find this inner mechanism, this inner idea which makes us all human, belonging to the one human species. It seems to me that given the pandemic, and the fact that we are really in an unbelievable crisisa moral crisis, a political, medical, military crisis, economic crisis, financial crisisthat we have to start somewhere, where we address what makes us all human, and that is the sacredness of every human life on this planet.

I think that the key leverage to change the situation, is to create a world health system, to create a modern health system in every single country, because without that, we will not be able to defeat this pandemic. Otherwise, new strains will develop in those countries which are not being helped, and they may undo all efforts we have done with the vaccinations in the countries that were more fortunate to apply them. I think that this idea of starting to create a better worldI mean, really a better worldis to create a health system in every country, which naturally means sanctions have to go. We have to build a health system in Syria, in Yemen, in Iraq, in Haiti, in Mali, in Niger, in all countries. I think that we will be able to do that, because I think human beings have the potential to be human, and that is what we are all about.

That is really what I wanted to say in the beginning.
This editorial appears in the May 21, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

EDITORIAL

Your Life, and Mankinds Existence, Depend on a Global Mobilization for Modern Health Facilities in Every Nation

[Print version of this editorial]

May 15There have been other moments like the current one in the history of Western civilization. In the 1330s, Europe fell into general warfare, and within a decade the Black Death, bubonic and then pneumonic plague, began to sweep through the entire region, eventually wiping out 20 million people, one-third of the populationand yet the wars raged on.

In 1914, the nations of Europe had formed into blocs, threatening each other with war, but not expecting war to break out. Of course, it did, and another 20 million souls were needlessly sacrificed to Mars, the God of War. When the war was being brought to an end in 1918, yet another plague, the so-called Spanish Flu, broke out among the soldiers and the immiserated civilians among the wreckage of war. Soon 500 million peopleone-third of the worlds populationbecame infected with the virus, with 50 million dead worldwide.

Are we walking, morally self-blindfolded, into yet another world war, this time with a deadly pandemic already in progress, brought on by decades of little wars and economic decay? Why did the populations of the 1330s and 1914 not foresee the horror of the wars and pandemics they were about to endure? You must ask yourself that question, and more importantly, reflect on your own actions, or non-actions, in the face of the crisis today.

Schiller Institute Chairwoman Helga Zepp-LaRouche and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders initiated the Committee for the Coincidence of Opposites in June 2020, to address the global strategic and social crisis. The Committee released an emergency call on May 14, to all peoples and all nations, titled: Global Health Security Requires Medical Infrastructure in Every CountryMajor Industrial Nations Must Collaborate Now! The call presents a picture of the drastic situation facing civilization today, stating:

Our response to the pandemic, seen in these terms, is a question of existential importance to the human species. It requires the cooperation of all major industrialized nations. A new paradigm of coordination among the United States, China, Russia, and others is central.

It is no hyperbole to declare that this an existential crisis. Again, ask yourself, what should the people of 1330 and 1914 have done, and what must you do today? This is not a question of charity. Hand-outs, even food and medicine hand-outsas desperately as those are neededwill not have the power to stop the onrushing holocaust. Decadesnay, centuriesof neglect, of barbaric violence against major portions of the human race, the looting of their resources by colonial powers, the artificial debt slavery in the neo-colonial IMF/World Bank era, and now endless regime change wars and sanctions imposed by the decaying trans-Atlantic powers, have brought us this pandemic. These evil powers are now frantically trying to prevent the emergence of China as a modern nation, while at the same time demonizing Russia, accusing them both of aggression when they exercise their military forces within their own boundaries, while surrounded by nuclear armed, hostile forces from nations thousands of miles away.

Consider that Daniel Nadel, Director of the U.S. State Departments Office of International Religious Freedom, this week declared that the Chinese government had turned the entire region of Xinjiang into an open-air prison, while, in fact, the people of Xinjiang are free to come and go from Xinjiang, and visitors from anywhere in the world are welcome. The Muslim people there have more mosques per capita than any other region in the world, while abject poverty has been eliminated.

Compare that to Gaza, whose two million people, Muslims, and Christians, have truly been held in an open-air prison, blockaded on all sides, lacking in electricity, food, and clean water for years, and are now being bombarded daily, even high-rise apartment buildings being demolished by bombs from a modern air force, leaving thousands dead or injured and many thousands homeless. Their health system was already crushed by COVID-19 and is now unable to care for the wounded. The President and the U.S. Secretary of State commented only that Israel has a right to self-defense. What rung of Dantes Inferno do such rulers have to look forward to?

Speak Out for our Common Humanity

Distribute the statement from the Committee for the Coincidence of Opposites, formatted for mass circulaton on the Schiller Institute website to everyone you know, to your political representatives, to your places of worship, to unions, and businesses. Without a modern health care system in every country, millions more will die, while the mutations which emerge from the uncontrolled spread, as in India today and Africa tomorrow, will render the vaccines being hoarded in the U.S. ineffective.

As Helga Zepp-LaRouche underscored in the Schiller Institutes May 8 international conference, We have to create a completely different system. President Putin, in January 2020, called for an urgent meeting of the Permanent Five Members of the UN Security Council. Such a summit, taking on these challenges, will bring together Russia, China, and the United States. Other countries would quickly join in. Then the United States would be using its power for a great good, which our ancestors and our progeny can be proud of.

Building a modern health system in every country will require massive supplies of energyprecisely what the genocidal Green New Deal intends to prevent. It will require clean water sources and modern transportation. Only if the worlds leading nations come together, doing away with British imperial geopolitics once and for all, can such a massive new Renaissance come about. The alternative is unthinkable.
This article appears in the May 21, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

[Print version of this article]

INTERVIEW WITH RAYMOND PAN

Building the 12-Day Hospital in China

Reprinted from EIR, Volume 47, Number 16, April 17, 2020

Raymond Pan is the Design Principal and an award-winning architect at the Los Angeles-based HMC Architects, one of Americas leading architectural design firms.

Mr. Pan designed the Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University in China, an enormous undertaking, which opened in 2018. It is a 3 million square foot, 2,000-bed hospital. By number of beds, the Shunde Hospital, located in Shunde, near Guangzhou, is the eighth-largest hospital in the world.

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CGTN

March 13, 2020As the novel coronavirus advanced in the city of Wuhan, on January 23, the Chinese and the Wuhan governments began building the Huoshenshan hospital, containing an infection isolation capacity in Wuhan, Hubei provinces largest city, which was then the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. The government, and the construction companies they directed, conducted an all-out mobilization. They deployed 4,000 workerswhich swelled to 7,000led by 700 project managers, and dozens of engineers, who together employed over 1,000 large-scale pieces of equipment (excavators, cranes, etc.) and transport vehicles to level a 50,000 square meter site, excavating 150,000 cubic meters of earth.

They laid essential infrastructure, on top of that put down a foundation, and then, built a 25,000 square meter, two-storey hospital, holding 1,000 beds. In an incredible accomplishment, on February 5, twelve days after construction started, the hospital opened for use.

Mr. Pan has knowledge of the method by which the Huoshenshan hospital was built.

On March 13, EIRs Richard Freeman interviewed Mr. Pan.

EIR: The planning for the building of the Huoshenshan hospital was started a few days before, and then on January 23, construction of the hospital began. Who built the prefabricated units, if you know, that were ready for assembly when they began, after the clearing of the ground and the setting of the sites, and things like that?

Pan: From what I know, it is a general contractor, one builder. But the prefabricated units, the units you see outside, its just one of the components of the hospital, because to build this hospital on the ground, it also involves the utilities, the roofing company, the mechanical system companies, and those things. But the prefabricated units, the steel frame kind of housing that you saw, was manufactured by a company. I dont know the name of the company, but it had to be fabricated by a single company, otherwise it wouldnt work as the parts would not come together very precisely. With the requited assembly precision, you dont want them manufactured by different entities.

EIR: How was the planning for this done? I know that there was a hospital built in Beijing to treat SARS in 2003. But is there some conception of what was needed for a 12-day hospital; is this a standby capability that China has developed? How did the Chinese government put together what is an incredible achievement in 12 days?

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Pan: Obviously, as you know, they had experience with the smaller hospital they built for SARS in 2003. That was the prototype that they developed for this hospital, but on a much smaller scale. So, looking at how the site works, and I have seen the published building blueprint, it was custom fit for the site. That means that the hospital was conceptualized as something that could be scaled and shaped in different ways, based on the modules needed. For example, it can get re-configured in another site, based on how many rooms they need, such as isolation roomsyou can also have wards as needed, which are larger rooms with multiple beds for people with less coronavirus acuity. In the more severe acuity cases, you would isolate them in a single room by themselves.

EIR: I would imagine there is a scaling methodology.

Pan: There is one commonality that is crucial to Chinese infection control hospitals. You will see there is always a central spine, a central corridor, what they call a clean corridor and they keep it uncontaminated. And that corridor can extend longitudinally or the other way, but the thing just replicates, based on the desired shape. Then that corridor connects to individual treatment wings on its sides, so this corridor can extend indefinitely and connect as many wings and rooms as it could.

EIR: So, this clean corridor could be expanded longitudinally or latitudinally and could go in either direction for as long as needed?

Pan: Yeah, yeah. The blueprint shows that it is a pretty traditional Chinese infection control building type. In terms of how the plans are laid out, it is not groundbreaking. The innovation is really in the technology to modulate it. To do it, offsite pre-fabricated modules are produced, and you bring them on-site assembled, at a speed that you saw [in Wuhan], we all see today. But this is based on the traditional Chinese model for infection control.

EIR: Would this be the case in some of the hospitals that are built elsewhere in China? I mean, they would not look like the Huoshenshan, because it is a two-story and some of the hospitals are many stories. But in terms of the infection control plan, would it be that which you would see in a Chinese hospital or in the infection ward section of the hospital?

Pan: Yes. I designed one large hospital in Shunde, the Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University in China that has an infection control building. In fact, that replaces the original hospital there, the old hospital, where SARS got started.

EIR: SARS started in Shunde?

Pan: Yes. The first case of SARS was discovered in Shunde in the early 2000s. Patients were housed in the old hospital, which afterwards was demolished and replaced by one that I designed.

An added note, if I may: Given this was the epicenter of the SARS outbreak, we designed the whole hospital with infection control as an overarching strategy. Each of the hospitals major building components is designed to be able to connect physically and decouple for quarantine instantaneously in case of outbreak within. Its an innovative design approach for the region that has since been copied in other Chinese hospitals.

EIR: Thats significant.

Pan: Yes, so there, as I worked on this Chinese hospital, the one thing I learned is that the way the Chinese address infection control is different than elsewhere. And what that means is they always build one stand-alone infection control building in the hospital.

EIR: Is it a separate building or floor?

Pan: It is a separate building. It is very different from our concept of infection control in the West. It is a completely different concept. It is a stand-alone infection control building and the layout in the infection control building of the prefabricated [Huoshenshan] hospital that was built in ten days is based on that tradition.

EIR: I imagine from what you are saying that the reason it is a separate stand-alone building is to keep it separate from all other portions of the hospital.

Pan: Yes. That is the way the Chinese do it, which is based on how they treat infected people and how they perceive pandemics can be stopped. It really is pure total isolation. There is no question of failure of mechanical systems. Dont touch anything. Just leave it alone; leave it at a distance.

The hospital that I designed in Shunde has six buildings connected by walkways and an arboretum. If there is an alarming number of infection cases, the infection control building is shut off from the rest of the hospital.

Cooperation, Centralization, and

Capacity to Intervene

EIR: In Wuhan and Hubei province, it is very hard to have 60 million people under quarantine. And yet what struck me is that the population worked with this concept. No one likes to be quarantined, but they worked with the idea, realizing that it was a very important step to take, to save lives.

Pan: Yes, under extreme conditions they understood that they had to take extreme measures, probably the most extreme measure, for controlling an epidemic in shutting down a whole city, in locking down the whole province of 60 million. They took extreme measures for sure.

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EIR: The Construction Times reported that there were about 700 project managers and they had about 4,000 to 7,000 workers for Huoshenshan. This took a high degree of centralization; how did they select the project managers and the workers?

Pan: I dont know exactly where these people are from. But I would assume the benefit of China is that a lot of their construction companies are central government-owned. They have the capacity to mobilize unlike anything weve seen elsewhere. For example, the hospital that I designed and was built in Shunde, during a time when there was no emergency to get it built, at one point there were 2,000 workers on site, and it was normal. In the U.S., at hospital construction sites, there are normally 400 workers.

The one thing that China is able do is to mobilize, thats one thing they can do and that is one of the reasons they can build this [Huoshenshan] hospital this fast. It is this capacity to mobilize, not only the people but the necessary construction material itself. You have to have the construction materials in place, concrete, all these pre-fab units. Another advantage is that in China, in the recent twenty years, theres been a construction boom. They have a lot of workers at hand, at their disposal. Having gone through this process of a massive construction boom, the skill set is there. The company that built this, likely a state-affiliated company, already had pretty significant capacity. They can mobilize.

EIR: You seem to marvel at the building of infrastructure.

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Pan: Yes, and the reason I say that, is that to build hospitals, it is what you dont see that is most complicated. It is what I call the infrastructure work, including water supply, electrical, the gas, all those utilities that are all underground. In fact, when we build hospitals, the underground utilities take a major amount of effort just to get the site ready. It is very complicated. But, in this case, they did it in such a short span of time. They had to select a site. Not only that, they had to select a site in a way that they could already tap into public utilities because you dont have time to create new utility lines to the site. What I find under-appreciated is the Chinese capacity to identify where the site can be so they can tap into public utilities, and be able to connect to that and bring those lines in and put them in under ground, which also involves a large amount of earth excavation. Its what you dont see that was one of the greatest efforts in building this hospital.

EIR: When you build a hospital, how long would you take to build the required infrastructure, if you werent in this 12-day mode, if you were trying to do it as quickly but as competently as possible, within stringent standards, how long would that normally take, as say with the Shunde hospital?

Pan: The utilities itself? Shunde hospital was designed in essentially a new city where the infrastructure had not been laid out. So, I had to go in and suggest to the government how the future adjacent roadways could work, including the subway station, which was completed a year after completion of the hospital. The scale of the project was so big, I see it as an urban project. It is no longer one single building. It is such a big building, and also if you think about city growth, to build a city, you need hospitals, and schools as essential infrastructures.

Most of my projects are in the U.S.; the U.S. takes longer because the regulations are different. The underground utilities for a hospital are a pretty major endeavor that people dont see for hospital design.

But I would say, probably infrastructure is a third of the time.

EIR: At the Huoshenshan hospital they were able to put in the underground infrastructure in two to three days. Thats quite something?

Pan: Yes. The most challenging part of that is coordinating between different trades and types of workers. What I mean is when somebody is trying to lay out different types and conduits of water supply, and there is also another set of persons who are laying down the concrete floor, and it all has to be coordinated. This is where it is quite amazing. They were able to coordinate it all, with so many workers on site because sometimes the more workers on site, the more complicated it becomes. You now have to manage a big group of people. Its not just the capacity itself, but the quantity, the sophistication of being able to manage so many types of workers at the same time.

EIR: Which might explain why there were 700 project managers?

Pan: Yes, yes. Each project manager probably manages one aspect of this. For example, one is managing the electrical lights, another the water supply, another the sewage system, etc., etc. But even for 700 project managers to manage themselves as a team is quite amazing.

Imagine you were working on a project where you had 700 team members, how do you actually manage within yourselves? With seven hundred managers, there is a pretty daunting complexity in this aspect alone.

EIR: Are the rooms at the Huoshenshan hospital pretty standard rooms or were there changes made to accommodate the fact that they had to be built with speed?

Pan: The concept of the rooms is for quarantine. The rooms themselves, the modular unit is already designed somewhere else before this happens. The two parts to that question are: one is, what is already designed. And those rooms, the technology surrounding the room; how air gets into it, how a person gets into it; how do you supply medication? Those are already designed.

Now the second part of the question, the room is actually not the same as a normal patient room because it is an infection control unit. For example, in a typical patient room, you would have a bed, a bathroom, and a family area. This quarantine unit, the difference is, there is no family area in the room. You have the patient, the doctors and all the technology for treating this patient in an isolated manner. So, it is not a typical patient room that has to be pre-designed.

EIR: Is the machinery the same as that which you would have in a normal isolation ward?

Pan: Conceptually, yes. What I mean by that is that theyre negatively pressured, where air only goes inward, it does not go outward. These rooms are pretty bare bones, because the walls finish is metal as it comes. Then what we call the head-work, the electrical outlet, the gas lines and all the devices behind the patients head on the wall, those are pre-fabricated, so it is a lot more utilitarian than what we would see in a normal patient room. However, the room is every bit a hospital room. Its general layout is based on the traditional Chinese infection control model.

The Shunde Hospital

EIR: How long did it take to build the Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University in China near Guangzhou? It is one of the largest in the world, having 3 million square feet and 2,000 beds.

Pan: From design to construction? So, design was about a year, construction was three years. But there were some delays, not because of the construction process. There was some delay primarily in the funding of the project. At one point the Chinese government, since it was a public hospital, the Chinese government was being very cautious on public project funding. That caused delay for six months.

The Chinese government became very cautious about releasing funds. They wanted more documentation, more support documents, to make sure the funds were not being abused. Before, they would have released the funds more freely.

EIR: Otherwise the construction phase would have taken two and a half years rather than three?

Pan: Yes, two and a half to three years. To put this in perspective, for a hospital of that scale in the U.S., the construction time would probably take five to six years. That is twice the amount of time.

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EIR: Why?

Pan: A lot of it has to do with our U.S. regulations, which is a good thing. We have stronger regulations in terms of the inspection process, and the review of our design by our governing health agency.

But, as I mentioned, it is also the number of workers. On the Shunde hospital project, there were normally, about 2,000 workers building it per day. For the U.S. hospital construction sites, it would normally be about 400 workers.

EIR: How much are pre-fabricated modules used?

Pan: The technical term is modulated facade system which represents LEGO-like facade assembly systems. So we defined 60 different wall modules for the project, each one is roughly ten feet by fifteen feet. The construction team can pre-fabricate some of these wall systems off site, and then bring them out to the site and assemble them. So that would help speed up the process but also for us it is about quality control. We can control consistent quality of exterior finishes, of exterior materials, for wall systems throughout the whole campus, throughout the whole hospital.

In the U.S., it actually makes a lot more sense to pre-fabricate, because now you can have less workers on site, and then more workers in the factory in a controlled environment.

Were going to see that more and more in the U.S.

EIR: Could you name some of the companies in the U.S. that make pre-fabricated modules?

Pan: There are companies that manufacture exterior wall systems, modulated wall systems. One company is called Digital Building Components. Another company is called Kapture. There are several in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Plan, Plan, and Mobilize

EIR: Let me pose this to you. Weve been looking at the situation in the United States, and it used to be we had 4.5 beds per 1,000 population. And now were down to about 2.3 beds per 1,000 people, so roughly half, since 1975. COVID-19 is getting much worse. What would it take, could America do what was done with the building of the Huoshenshan hospital in twelve days, or if not that time, at least quickly? What could we do if say President Donald Trump, and the Congress, and others, together said, weve got to build 20 of these infection isolation hospitals in selected areas, could America do it? How would that look? Because, if we could do it, we would develop a capability, a new technology of building, that we could use to build regular hospitals much more quickly, as well.

Pan: Lets look at how China is doing this. What it takes is, you have to have the mentality to prepare for it, so you have to think ahead, youve got to plan ahead, because as I mentioned, when the Chinese build this, they did not start in on it on day one of the construction [without preparation]. They planned ahead. They knew that this is something they would have to deal with. You have to have people who plan ahead.

As well, you have to have the experience of doing this. There was a small hospital that you mentioned in Beijing that was built as a prototype during SARS. They had the experience, they planned ahead, and they were able to mobilize a massive amount of resources. So, thats three key components.

So, for the U.S. to do this, weve got to think that way. Youve got to be able to plan this as if we are preparing for the pandemic, and to have a strategy to implement that. But also youve got to do it, youve got to do it to gain the experience. Think ahead of time. You can design anything you want, but until the rubber hits the road, and without such preparation, you dont know what youre doing; you dont have time even to test things out. You have ten days to build this hospital. Theres not any last minute there that you can say, Let me try this system out and see if it works.

Weve got to think ahead, plan ahead. In advance, weve got to test it out, and have a strategy of how we can mobilize. Because, I think mobilization is one key area that is going to be more challenging in the U.S., because a lot of work forces are privatized. So that means that its harder to mobilize, compared to China where theres a lot of state-owned construction companies; they can mobilize workers a lot faster.

So, there needs to be a planning phase to do that, to look at all those things. Not just physically building it, but I think its the work ahead of time in preparing for it, in case anything happens. So Im afraid we [in America] are a little bit late to this, at this point.

But I wonder, Ive always wondered, if there is an entity that should be ready for this type of pandemic, it should be our military and military capacity. You would think that they must have developed some type of military hospitals, battlefield hospitals that they can probably adapt, because they must have something that can be put together in a very short period of time.

EIR: That makes sense to me. Would it make sense to take an area and see if we can replicate this Huoshenshan building process, where it might be needed? In the United States, we have the Army Corps of Engineers, and other branches of the military, and some Governors and parts of the Federal Government have raised the issue of mobilizing them.

Should the United States broaden channels to China on this matter, including military-to-military?

Pan: Yes, yes. I think that definitely is one avenue that we can explore. Also, there is the WHO, the World Health Organization. The mission of the WHO is to create a common platform on a global scale between countries to share healthcare policies and activities.

EIR: Do you think there are other ways?

Pan: Well, the U.S. State Department should contact the Chinese State Department and find the right contact, and I suspect Chinas Health Department, equivalent to our CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), here. I think that thats probably the counterpart with CDC.

EIR: And would they talk to them about hospital building on this emergency basis, do you think?

Pan: I believe so. China is willing to share, I think its probably willing to share, yes, I think that definitely, on the state level they could find out more details than civilians could.

EIR: In the United States, is there sufficient innovation in building hospitals?

Pan: There is some degree of limitation. In the U.S., innovation in healthcare, especially in hospital design, is closely coupled with our health insurance policies. The current U.S. push on innovation is based on how to build it faster and better, and cheaper. You know you treat a patient with some sort of normal disease, influenza for example, you may have three days to treat a patient. The goal is to get the patient out of the hospital in three days or as fast as you could, in some cases. In China, it is different.
Attorney for Anthony McClain Demand Justice in Pasadena Police Shooting

George Floyd family attorney, Benjamin Crump, Anthony McClain, and co-counsel, Caree Harper, led a rally in front of Pasadena City Hall on Monday. Family members of McClain were joined by two of George Floyds brothers in demanding justice in the shooting of McClain who was shot last summer by a Pasadena police officer. The protesters are demanding justice for McClain and want the officers fired, arrested and charged for his murder.

McClain, 32, was shot twice in the back while fleeing police during a traffic stop in August of 2020. Just like those who killed George Floyd unjustly, said Crump. We want the officers who killed Anthony McClain arrested and convicted for killing Anthony McClain.

Because of the protest and rally at city hall, the Pasadena City Council elected to cancel their normally scheduled Monday council meeting out of an abundance of caution. Attorney Crump addressed Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton as he stood in the audience, telling Hampton to make sure the Council does not cancel again and instead, hear their demands in the future.

The crowd of nearly a hundred protesters and supporters listened to co-council, Crump and Harper, who were flanked by McClains children, along with members of the Floyd Family. Deandra Williams, mother of McClains daughter, Skylinn, told the crowd that Anthony was a great Dad; he was very hands-on and was just talking to his daughter on FaceTime before this happened. He always told his children to leave their [mark] on the world.

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Also on hand was Ben Crumps, close friend and Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree, George Clinton, who stated

We are a nation under one groove. We cannot let him down, Clinton said, referring to McClain.

The Pasadena City Council has not resumed in person meetings and is still meeting virtually. However, as stated, out of an abundance of caution and because city staff coordinating the meeting would have been on the premises, the council elected to roll over the last agenda to the May 24 meeting.

The facts of this case have been in dispute since the incident occurred in August of last year. McClain, who was a passenger in a car that was pulled over by police near La Pintoresca Park for failing to display a front license plate.

After the driver and McClain were asked to step out of the car, McClain ran from the scene. Police reports say McClain removed a handgun from his waistband, prompting officer Edwin Dumaguindin to open fire on McClain. Attorney Caree Harper denies that McClain was carrying a gun and others have reported that they did not see a gun in the body-cam footage of the incident.

Police investigators have said that McClains DNA was recovered from a pistol that police seized at the scene. But Harper and other family attorneys have questioned whether the gun may have been contaminated with McClains DNA, such as his blood, after the police shooting took place.
African hotel development continued its growth trend in 2020, with 82,000 rooms in 447 hotels in the pipeline at the beginning of 2021. This is according to the 13th annual survey by W Hospitality Group.

Whilst the Covid-19 outbreak had a profoundly negative impact on Africas hotel operations, the impact on deal signing was, surprisingly, much less  there were 71 deals with 10,000 rooms signed since the last study, down only 30 per cent on the previous year.

Whilst the continued activity by the chains in expanding their footprint contributed to the increase in the pipeline, another factor was the reduction in the number of hotels opening. It was anticipated at the beginning of 2020 that 90 hotels with 17,000 rooms would open across Africa during the year, but in the event only about 25 per cent of those opened their doors. The reasons for that are well known.

W Hospitality Groups Managing Director, Trevor Ward, said: The growth of the chains presence in Africa has been a very positive story since we started this analysis in 2009. It is quite clear from the numbers that the chains, the developers, the investors  and all of us at W Hospitality Group!  continue to believe in the opportunities that Africa presents in the hotel and tourism industry, even in the face of the serious impact of Covid-19 on demand."

We knew that 2020 would see a slowdown in signings, it was just inevitable because so many of the players were locked down, but it wasnt nearly as bad as we feared. And although hotel openings in Africa were far fewer than expected  again, pretty inevitable  most of the pipeline is delayed, not cancelled, and we are looking at a record 217 hotels with 32,000 rooms scheduled to open between now and the end of 2022."

This years African Hotel Chain Development Pipeline survey has 40 international and regional hotel contributors across the 54 countries in north and sub-Saharan Africa, and in the Indian Ocean islands. It reveals a 5.3 per cent increase on the 2020 pipeline.

The findings of the 2021 Pipeline report, together with a mid-year podcast update, will be discussed in depth at the Arabian and African Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC), organised by bench, to be held in person on September 20-22 in Dubai. This event will bring together the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, the leading hospitality investment conference in Africa, with the Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference, the Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference and the Global Restaurant Investment Forum. The event will connect business leaders to serious investors, driving funds into tourism projects, infrastructure and hotel development across the MEA region.

This years report reveals that, whilst France-based Accor and the USAs Marriott annually compete for the number 1 slot in the Pipeline, this year its the Europeans that win (Accor - 89 hotels, 19,241 room), with Marriott (94 hotels, 18,723 rooms) a close second, a reverse of last years result. Whilst Accor has slightly fewer hotels than Marriott, it records 3 per cent more rooms in its development pipeline, because of a larger average number of keys per hotel.

Both Accor, with its 43 brands (globally, not all in Africa) and Marriott, with a total of 31 brands and collections, have clearly positioned themselves as the dominant players on the continent.

Egypt has by far the largest pipeline (67 hotels , 19272 rooms), more than double second placed Nigeria (62 hotels, 9032 rooms), and with almost a quarter of the total pipeline rooms on the continent.

Trevor Ward said: Hospitality is an enormously important industry in Africa, not just in the Top 5 but in several other countries as well, because of the direct and indirect jobs that it creates and sustains, as well as its strong foreign currency earnings. We are anxious to see a return to growth, particularly in existing hotels reopening and new ones entering the market, and getting back to contributing to the African growth story.

Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of bench, which is staging the Arabian and African Hospitality Investment Conference, said: After a difficult year, I am truly excited to be looking forward to an in-person event that brings all our audiences together in one, safe and secure, environment. For the savvy investor this is actually a real moment of opportunity as hotels are a long-term investment. As we near the bottom of the economic cycle this is such an opportune moment to come together and lay the foundations for deals across the Middle East and Africa. See you there! - TradeArabia News Service
Black and World Solidarity with Palestine: A Rising Tide of Righteous Resistance

There is a rising tide of righteous and relentless resistance by Palestinians to Israeli apartheid and occupation, and Black people and others around the world are increasingly speaking up and actively standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their liberation struggle. It is a central moral mandate of the sacred teachings of our ancestors that we must bear witness to truth and set the scales of justice in their proper place, especially with rightful and righteous concern for the vulnerable, the downtrodden, the disempowered, and the oppressed. Thus, as Dr. Martin Luther King phrased it concerning the war against Vietnam, we are compelled to bring Palestine into the field of our moral vision, our moral concern and our moral commitment to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their liberation struggle. In this month of his coming into being, I pay homage to Haji Malcolm X, fierce freedom fighter and our noble witness to the world, who stood up early in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.

Thus, as Israel wages another major terror campaign of indiscriminate bombing, brutalizing and killing at this point 263 persons including 63 children, we, as persons and a people, must avoid what Dr. King called the immorality and betrayal of silence in the face of the radical evil of unjust war, a brutal occupation and savage oppression. Indeed, we must continue to speak truth to the people and to power about Palestine and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their rightful resistance to oppression, removal and erasure. We must reject justification for this current carnage carried out in the name and false deceptive claim of self-defense which no aggressor can make. And we cannot really or rightfully do this if we take seriously and embrace the maze of myths created by Israel and its compliant and complicit guardian, the U.S.

This means setting aside all the illusions and lies offered and starting with the fundamental moral, political and historical reality that the problem we are to face and deal with decisively is not the Palestinian people, Hamas, or other convenient diversions, but Israels immoral, illegal and brutal occupation of Palestine. It is Israels denial of the right of the Palestinians to exist as a people, as a political and cultural community within their land and to have their own independent sovereign state secure from invasion and intervention of any kind.

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Secondly, we must realize, expose and resist the U.S. key and complicit role in supporting, sustaining and justifying this structural and daily violence against the Palestinian people. Israel is a financial, military and political dependent of the U.S. The U.S. gives it $4 billion plus per year in military aid, as well as military secrets, intelligence, weapons, defense systems, and authorizations to pursue its settler, occupation and apartheid policies  openly as with Trump or with covered consent as with other U.S. leaders. The U.S. defends Israel diplomatically in the UN and other venues, vetoing virtually every majority Security Council criticism of its wars and terror campaigns against Palestine and the Palestinian people. It coerces and bribes other states to stop criticizing the immoral and illegal treatment of the Palestinians and paves the way for Israel to join its imperial projects in various countries. Not since Dwight Eisenhower has the U.S. government acted to reign in its ward and ally in its imperial and oppressive projects.

Thirdly, we must recognize the Palestinian liberation struggle is a legitimate struggle against an occupying power with a settler apartheid structure. Indeed, Human Rights Watch stated in a recent report that even before this latest attack on Palestine, Israel is committing crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution. That is to say, it is engaging in systemic and systematic racial/ethnic oppression affecting literally every aspect of the Palestinian peoples lives  from water and food delivery to marriage and moving freely in their own land. And as an apartheid state, like apartheid South Africa and segregated U.S.A., Israel has enshrined its supremacist will in law and also uses religious and racially supremacist references to justify its oppression.

It is important also to reject any oppressors false and deceptive claim of self-defense. It is a tired and tattered claim that the Biden administration and American politicians mouth automatically, expecting us and the world not to question it, let alone reject it. But Israel is an occupier and invader and there is no morality or international law that allows an invader and occupier to claim self-defense against the people they are oppressing. Indeed, morality and international law support the right to resist as UN Resolution 37/43 states specifically citing the Palestinian liberation struggle. Imagine someone arguing French people had no right to resist Nazi occupation, even if the Germans claimed self-defense and imposed collective punishment and executions of the Resistance forces.

There is a natural and human right to freedom and thus the right to resist those who deny it. With Palestine, however, American and Israeli propaganda has worked to delegitimize the right to resist for the Palestinians and others they are oppressing. Thus, they call the liberation struggle terrorism and freedom fighters terrorists. This is typical colonial, invader and occupier talk found in the French murderous and torturous attempt to suppress the Haitian liberation struggle and the British attempt to suppress the Kenyan Liberation Movement imprisoning 1.5 million Kenyans in concentration and torture camps. Israel has likewise imprisoned two million Palestinians in Gaza Palestine in what has been defined as the largest outdoor prison in the world  blockading them on land, air and sea. It is Orwellian double talk and reversal of moral and linguistic realities: calling truth, lies; liberation, terrorism; and enslavement, freedom.

Likewise, we cannot talk about cycles of violence without talking about the origin of the violence in Israels occupation of Palestine. Nor can we honestly or adequately discuss the so-called cycle of violence without adding that its current augmented and advertised form began when Israelis moved to expel Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and from East Jerusalem, effectively erasing them from their own land in what is called elsewhere ethnic cleansing. Moreover, the recent violence, again by the occupier, begins also with the Israeli unprovoked and unjustifiable armed assault on worshippers praying in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islams holiest sites.

Clearly, we must move beyond the morally questionable position of both sides as if there is a moral equivalency between the oppressed and the oppressor and we must maintain that no person, nation or state has immunity from criticism or impunity from punishment. We must struggle to stop the U.S. from funding the occupation, apartheid, dispossession, and war crimes in its support of Israel. We must also, in our religious and political thinking, stop conflating and confusing ancient Israel as a moral ideal with modern Israel which is an occupying and apartheid state. Likewise, we must recognize the extreme imbalance between Israel, a military Goliath and the Palestinian people without an army, air force or navy or the weaponry or Iron Dome or the U.S. patron who provides it. And thus, they are defenseless against Israels rain of terror and destruction from the sky. Also, we must intensify the struggle to lift and end the inhuman blockade and occupation, the collective punishment and the dehumanization of the Palestinian people.

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In this regard, the sacred teachings of our ancestors tell us that we must do good in and for the world and all in it. They teach us that the good we do for others we are also doing for ourselves. For we are building the moral community and world we all want and deserve to live in  a world of freedom, justice and human flourishing and where the equal dignity and rights of every person and people are neither denied nor questioned.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org.

05-17-21
Black, Latino and Female Officers Use Less Force than Whites

African American police officers made more than 15 fewer stops, about two fewer arrests on average than their White counterparts, ScienceNews.org found in a new study.

The study revealed that throughout 100 shifts, African American officers used force 0.1 fewer times.

The numbers correspond to a 29 percent reduction in stops, 21 percent reduction in arrests, and 32 percent reduction in force among Black officers than the average enforcement rates among their White peers.

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When I got the paper, I literally at one point said, hot damn, says Phillip Goff, a behavioral scientist at Yale University who wrote a commentary on the study published in the same issue.

I was a skeptic about demographic reform previously, and now I am a convert. Demographics reform in policing actually has the potential to dramatically change behavior.

The study arrives as police traffic stops, and shootings continue to grab headlines.

It also comes less than a week after a jury convicted former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin of three counts of murder in the death of George Floyd.

George Floyd was approached by the police for the allegation of a $20 alleged fraudulent counterfeit bill, which is a misdemeanor, Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Floyd family, remarked in a statement.

They could have given him a ticket. But when it is marginalized minorities, especially Black people, the police have the tendency to always do the most and engage in the most excessive use of force. And so George Floyd literally was tortured to death for 9 minutes and 29 seconds for what would have amounted to a minor misdemeanor, Crump concluded.

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The ScienceNews.org report concluded that Black and Hispanic officers tend to stop, arrest, and use force against civilians less often than White officers.

According to a Chicago Police Department study, female officers of all races use less force than their male colleagues.

Further, Bocar Ba, an economist at the University of California, Irvine, told ScienceNews.org that diversifying law enforcement is one of the oldest, most frequently proposed police reforms.

Over three years, Ba and colleagues peppered various city and state agencies with open-records requests and appeals to collect data on officers in the Chicago Police Department, the outlet reported.

Those data included officers race, gender, and daily patrol assignments, as well as timestamped and location-tagged records of when those officers stopped, arrested, or used force on civilians, they reported.

In total, the researchers examined 2.9 million officer shifts and 1.6 million enforcement activities performed by nearly 7,000 officers from 2012 to 2015.

The team looked at how officers of different backgrounds behaved while patrolling the same neighborhood at the same time of day, day of the week, month, and year.

This study is one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated examinations of how officer demographics affect policing to date, Robin Engel, a criminal justice researcher at the University of Cincinnati who was not involved in the work, told ScienceNews.org.

We now have rigorous, robust evidence that suggests there are differences in behavior across racial and gender groups within our police departments, and thats important for a whole host of things. Its important for recruitment, and its also important for our training of officers.

The trends uncovered in this case study do provide compelling evidence that diversifying police departments is an important part of any comprehensive effort at police reform, stated David Sklansky, a law professor at Stanford University who was not involved in the work.

Its not just that Black and Hispanic officers conduct fewer stops  its that they conduct fewer stops of Black suspects in situations not involving serious crime, Sklansky explained.

Thats clearly an improvement.

@StacyBrownMedia @NNPA_BlackPress @AttorneyCrump @ScienceNews @police_chicago
Bruces Beach Bill Clears Another Hurdle, Heads to Senate Floor

This week, SB 796, a bill championed by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn which would allow Los Angeles County to return the Bruces Beach property to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce, cleared another legislative hurdle in Sacramento.

Chair of the California Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Anthony Portantino, determined that the legislation had no significant state costs and applied Senate Rule 28.8, sending it directly to the Senate Floor for a Second Reading without a hearing in the Appropriations Committee. The legislation had already passed the California Senates Committee on Natural Resources and Water last month with unanimous support.

I never served in Sacramento but from what I am told, this legislation is moving quickly, said Supervisor Janice Hahn. I want to thank Senator Bradford, Senator Portantino, and everyone who has made calls in support of this bill. We are another step closer to returning Bruces Beach to its rightful owners.

In 1912, a young Black couple named Willa and Charles Bruce purchased beachfront property in Manhattan Beach and built a resort that served Black residents. It was one of the few beaches where Black residents could go because so many other local beaches did not permit Black beachgoers. The Bruces and their customers were harassed and threatened by white neighbors including the KKK. Eventually, the Manhattan Beach City Council moved to seize the property using eminent domain in 1924, purportedly to create a park. The City took the property in 1929 and it remained vacant for decades.

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The property the Bruce family once owned was years later transferred to the State and in 1995 transferred to Los Angeles County. It is now the site of the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Training Headquarters.

Supervisor Hahn announced her intention earlier this year to return the property to the Bruce Family, but found that she needed State legislation before the County could transfer this property. When the property was transferred from the State to the County in 1995, the State imposed restrictions that limit the Countys ability to transfer the property. SB 796, legislation introduced by State Senator Steve Bradford, would exempt the Bruces Beach property from statuary restrictions on the transference and use of that land to enable the County of Los Angeles to transfer the land to the descendants of its rightful owners, the late Willa and Charles Bruce.

SB 796 next heads to the Senate Floor where it needs a vote of two-thirds to pass before heading to the Assembly.
California State Budget for 2021-22 Draws Both Pushback and Praise

Depending on where they stand, a number of political leaders in California either praised or pushed back on Gov. Gavin Newsoms $ 267.8 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2021-22. The plan includes a broad range of high-dollar investments intended to help the states struggling economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, the governor announced his mid-year budget, which Sacramento insiders call the May Revise. It is an enhanced and more detailed version of the smaller $227 billion spending plan Newsom sent to lawmakers for approval in January.

Under California law, the Legislature has until June 15 to negotiate and approve the budget before it takes effect July 1.

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While we are still at the tail end of getting out of this Pandemic, our budget reflects how we will move past it into a more prosperous future, said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who is secretary of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

I am pleased to see that the budget proposal includes, $11 billion to enhance our transportation system including funding for transit and rail projects, active transportation, and zero emission public transit options; an additional $4.7 billion to address homelessness, and direct cash assistance and tax credits to middle and low-income families and small businesses to ensure Californias recovery is everyones recovery, continued McCarty.

With an expected $75 billion surplus from California taxpayer revenue  and an additional $27 billion in a recovery cash infusion from the federal government  the governor revealed an ambitious plan that includes historic investments in early childhood education, vocational education, wildfire prevention, infrastructure, clean cars and more.

This is a historic, transformational budget, Newsom announced. This is not a budget to play small ball.

The budget plan includes a whopping $14.5 billion budget for education, including a statewide universal pre-k class added to the California public school system for 4-year-olds, smaller class sizes and college savings accounts for low-income children. There is also $2 billion to help Californians affected by the pandemic catch up on unpaid utility bills; $11 billion for transportation infrastructure; and $7 billion to expand broadband access to Californians in places that are underserved.

Internet access is a social justice issue, Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) tweeted, responding to Newsoms plan to invest in narrowing the gaping digital divide that runs along class and racial lines.

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Newsom says his plan will help California recover and put the countrys largest state economy on a path to sustained prosperity in the short term.

This is our plan to get California not only back on its feet, but California roaring back, once again, to its rightful status as the most essential and dominant state, not only in the United States, but one of the most essential modern economies anywhere in the world, Newsom added.

A number of Republican elected officials, including Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), responded to the governors budget, saying it falls woefully short.

For example, the Governor and the Legislature could fully fund the projects outlined in Senator Steve Glazers $15 billion school bond proposal. This would build schools and colleges while avoiding more than $5 billion of interest charges and an expensive bond campaign. Wall Street and political consultants may not like it, but it would be good for Californias kids and for the states fiscal stability, she said.

Assembly Minority Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido said Newsoms proposal, Does nothing to lower the cost of living for hard-working Californians.

This budget will do some temporary good, but it fails to seriously address any of the long-term structural problems facing the state, she said.

Across the aisle, Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), the only African American woman in the California Senate, took to Twitter to highlight some of the highlights of the governors budget she called her top takeaways. They include: $300 million for public hospitals; investments in the art; and $12 billion to address homelessness.

The plan also funds a number of Green initiatives. Among them are a $3.2 billion investment in clean transportation, and another $400 million over three years for a clean car vehicle rebate program for individuals.

Were heartened by much of what Gov. Newsom has proposed, said Greenlining Institute President and CEO Debra Gore-Mann. The Oakland-based Greenlining Institute is an environmental public policy and research organization.

Now its up to the legislature to build on this foundation, using both the budget and pending legislation to build a truly just economy in California, said Gore-Mann. The budget affects all of us, so we urge everyone to contact their legislators and push them to seize this opportunity to pass a just, equitable budget.

Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, threw his support behind the governor.

As Democrats work to create equitable solutions that meet the moment, the California Democratic Party commends Governor Newsom for centering our recovery around those who need it the most, he said.

Betty Yee, California State Controller, praised the governors budget for prioritizing communities hit hardest by COVID.

Today, Governor Gavin Newsoms announcement of Californias economic recovery plan demonstrates how Democratic leaders across the state are working to ensure every person builds back stronger, she said.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds the Passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) this week voted to pass H.R.1843, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which aims to combat the rise in Anti-Asian hate crimes since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the U.S. grapples with the horrific impacts of COVID-19, the Asian American community is also facing an alarming rise in anti-Asian violent attacks and discrimination. Since March 2020, Stop AAPI Hate has documented over 6,600 incidents of anti-Asian violence and verbal attacks against the Asian American community.

Thousands of law enforcement agencies also do not participate in the FBIs hate crime reporting program or collect hate crime data. Additionally, 17 states do not require local law enforcement to collect data on hate crimes, and three states have no statutes governing the treatment of hate crimes.

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From the horrific shooting we saw in Atlanta to the attacks on the Asian community in my own district, I am outraged by the violence directed toward individuals, businesses, and families, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Todays passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act is an important step toward putting a stop to this violence and supporting the individuals and communities who have experienced these tragedies. I will continue working with my colleagues in the Tri-Caucus to demand accountability for these attacks and ensure the safety of our communities.

This legislation, among many things, would create a position at the Department of Justice to facilitate expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes, require the Attorney General to issue guidance for the creation of online reporting mechanisms and the collection of disaggregated data, and direct federal agencies to work with community-based organizations to raise awareness of hate crimes during the pandemic.

For more information about the bill, click here.
Conoco Phillips Heads Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Oil and Gas Industry

With projections that half of its workforce will consist of minorities by 2040, the oil and gas industry has continued to recruit individuals of color, women, veterans, and groups that have been mainly underrepresented.

At ConocoPhillips, Shawn Green and Maalika Moore-Thomas each take an optimistic approach to recruiting some of the best minority talent and minds.

Green, the manager of global services and technology, and Moore-Thomas, the senior supplier diversity coordinator, also keep a steady eye on diversity and inclusion with ConocoPhillips contractors and suppliers.

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My day-to-day is basically working with our diverse suppliers from various backgrounds  minorities, LGBTQ community, and veterans  to ensure that our supplier base is well-rounded and to make sure that we have those diverse suppliers that we contract within our oil and gas specific jobs, as well as our professional services jobs, Moore-Thomas asserted.

Greens role is to set the supply chain approach and strategy for automation, data analytics, and merchant technology, he stated.

Im ultimately accountable for the development approach for those programs that are under my purview.

Moore-Thomas added that ConocoPhillips and the industry continue to work toward a more inclusive environment that reflects different backgrounds, interests, and perspectives.

Green concurred.

One of our major initiatives is ensuring we have suppliers for the variety of categories and sourcing opportunities we have, Green remarked.

Its really about making sure that we have a line of sight to those opportunities and a pipeline to diverse suppliers.

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Added Moore-Thomas, The importance of diversity is not just talking points or conversation. We believe each person is accountable for creating and sustaining an inclusive work environment. Its important to have diversity in backgrounds, but its important to have diversity in thought and perspective at each table where decision making takes place.

Raised in a single-family home in Tampa, Florida, Moore-Thomas later attended The Ohio State University and earned two degrees in psychology and criminology.

While working as a buyer for a small company, Moore-Thomas received a message from a ConocoPhillips manager that intrigued her enough to relocate to Houston eventually.

I became very interested in oil and gas through learning about how much this industry truly influences the way we work and live, Moore-Thomas said.

I applied for the position and never looked back.

Green grew up in Houston, where he lived with his grandparents.

He said his primary focus was acquiring an education.

Green attended a magnet high school where engineers from Exxon often mentored him and other students.

Green attended Tulane University, where he majored in chemical engineering, and he later received an MBA with finance and management concentrations.

Both Green and Moore-Thomas have pitched the industry to students at historically Black colleges and universities, and they continue to encourage all minorities about oil and gas.

I have worked in this industry for 24 years, but my first exposure was in high school, Green recalled.

Over the years, I think weve made steady strides in energizing folks to understand the industry more. I know we have more work to do in having that awareness and outreach (regarding diversity and inclusion).

Moore-Thomas said all hands are on deck in creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.

[We are] figuring out how we can better task force, or diversify, the space, she added.

Green concluded that the industry is keen on developing programs and strategies to increase diversity in the workforce.

Its a great time to be in the industry, he exclaimed.

Its a great time to be at the forefront of change. There will be a lot of opportunities.

@StacyBrownMedia @APIenergy @concocophillips @NNPA_BlackPress
Crenshaws 3DE Program Promotes Integrative Learning

Starting in Fall 2021, Crenshaw High School will be implementing a new educational program that helps students apply academic subjects into real-life. The program is called 3DE, it is an interdisciplinary program that is in conjunction with Junior Achievement.

Crenshaw also offers students the College Track program, that is a resource to students during their high school and college years.

Crenshaw principal Peter Benefiel mentioned how veteran business teacher Maynard Brown was influential in implementing the program. Crenshaw is the first LAUSD school to adopt the 3DE curriculum.

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Students will be involved in project-based learning; teachers will teach general education topics by relating them to a main project that the student must complete. Benefiel wants to show how lessons learned in math, english, and science is relevant beyond high school. The projects have students working with businesses; other 3DE schools have worked with Arbys, UPS, and Delta along with other companies.

The 3DE program does not cost anything to the school; they provide each school with a partnership director, who oversees the businesses that gives projects to the students, and a director of the entire program.

Im a big believer in project-based learning that connects the disciplines and uses the skills they want students to develop to apply them to real life situations, Benefiel said. It becomes relevant, becomes meaningful to students and then they can be more engaged because they see how its connected to life.

During this current school year, teachers at Crenshaw have been preparing for the 3DE curriculum. They also got a chance to interact with other 3DE teachers.

Weve had panels with students as well who were in schools that were 3DE schools, Benefiel said. The theme that runs throughout is that it really just shifts the culture and the level of engagement of the students and the motivation levels.

College Track is a program that provides mentorship and support to students for a span of 10 years, beginning in ninth grade. Crenshaw offered this program to select ninth graders this year.

[Students] basically get support with tutoring, theyll be able to work with financial aid systems, community building, Benefiel said. One of the unique things about College Track is that they also work and support the students through college as well.

Both programs promote cohorting students, which is when students work together in a group to complete assignments. Benefiel noted that through cohorts, students can assist each other in overcoming challenges.

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Ive actually learned in my time as a principal is cohorts are very important, Benefiel said. We need to support each other, so cohorting students  it helps with students being more successful.

While students have to meet a certain criteria to join College Track, the college center at Crenshaw also offers post-secondary education resources for all students.

Benefiel wants Crenshaw to be on the cutting edge. Crenshaw is currently in the finishing stages of building their state-of-the-are performing arts center and auditorium along with pioneering the 3DE program in LAUSD.

Crenshaw has many accomplishments throughout its history and Benefiel wants to add on to the schools legacy.

Im always thinking about the students first and how we can provide the best education possible, he said. With this shift with 3DE thats gonna happen, that to me is a manifestation of the vision Ive always had for all the students Ive ever served in 25 years with the district.
Gov. Newsom Plans to Invest in Black and Brown Communities with California Comeback Plan

California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week announced a $100 billion economic recovery plan to support small businesses and public schools, as well as Black and Brown families that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We here to make sure were there for the most vulnerable who were impacted by this pandemic and thats low-income individuals disproportionately represented in the Latino and African American communities, said Gov. Newsom.

The California Comeback Plan includes a $12 billion state tax rebate and additional funds for stimulus checks and rent relief programs. Although the state expanded stimulus checks to middle-class families, state officials say the recognize that Black and Brown communities were the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Newsom says his plan includes targeted investments in diverse communities to promote health equity, secure housing, a holistic education system, and public safety.

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Operating surpluses are not the new norm, were not naive about that, Gov. Newsom.

Thats why we want to continue our prudent fiscal practices by building up our reserves and our resiliency, across the spectrum, and use one-time money for one-time purposes, he said.

The plan proposes the following key investments in Black and Brown communities the governors office says will address major challenges accelerated by COVID-19. Broadly, they include support for small businesses; improving access to healthcare; investments in vocational education; expanding affordable housing and housing assistance programs; increased financing of higher education; enhancing worker protection, and more.

The state has also allocated $8.1 billion in stimulus funds for families including middle-class families earning less than $75,000 in annual household income. Based on the recent expansion, two-thirds of people in California will receive $600 stimulus checks and families with children will receive an additional $500.

The proposed plan will provide $5.2 billion in rent relief for low-income renters to pay back 100 % of their rent from previous months. The funds also include $2 billion for unpaid utility bills and legal assistance for tenants across the state.

The homeless crisis is one of the many persisting problems in California the governors Republican opponents say have propelled them to launch a recall effort.

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Newsoms plan will invest $12 billion to address homelessness by building 46,000 housing units expanding Project Homekey, a California grant program that funds counties and cities to acquire hotel rooms as housing for people who are unhoused. Recall efforts have raised questions about accountability measures to keep track of government spending to fix homelessness. However, Newsom emphasized that the state is working to provide accountability measures to ensure that local governments are spending money effectively.

Small businesses will receive $4 billion in direct grants as part of a relief program to help rehire workers displaced by the pandemic. The budget allocates $35 million for the California Dream Fund with $10,000 grants for small businesses serving Black and Brown communities including immigrant populations. Approximately $1 billion will be set aside for job creation and youth employment opportunities to promote economic resilience in Black and Brown communities.

We want to invest in our small businesses that are really the backbone of our economic recovery, said Gov. Newsom.

Advocates for racial and health equity shared concerns about the limited access to healthcare for vulnerable populations in Black and Brown communities. The state plans to expand Medi-Cal to people 60 years and older irrespective of their immigration status. Medi-Cal will also cover services offered by doulas and community health workers who work primarily with Black and Brown patients. A total of $70 million will be allotted for educational programs and language services, including $50 million for new graduate medical programs and $20 million to eliminate language barriers in health programs.

Ronald Coleman, the managing director of policy for the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, said that Gov. Newsom should do expand Medi-Cal coverage for all undocumented immigrants.

Health advocates emphasized that the governor missed an opportunity to properly invest in racial equity within the healthcare system and public health. All Black and Brown immigrants would benefit from the federal government resources through the American rescue plan, and the $22 billion state surplus.

Its mind-boggling to us that the governor did not take the opportunity to do more to invest in communities of color, particularly really related to health equity, to ensure that we can reduce healthcare disparities while improving health outcomes in our communities, said Coleman.

The racial justice movement also intersects with health equity during the pandemic since the majority of essential workers are Black and Brown people.

Black communities have been hit harder as it relates to those whove gotten sick from the Coronavirus, those whove lost their jobs from Coronavirus, and also those whove lost their lives, he said.

Coleman noted that another proposal missing from the California Comeback Plan is the California Health Equity Fund. The Public Health Institute partnered with several community-based organizations requesting $180 million to implement strategies for policy, systems, and environmental change that will mitigate the health and social impacts of COVID-19.

Gov. Newsom announced the highest level of funding ever for public education to transform K-12 education and doubled down on funding for state colleges and universities. The state aims to create universal transitional kindergarten for all children. An additional $3.3 billion is included for student support and grants for certified teachers in high-needs schools. Additional funds will be allocated to summer and after-school programs to take care of vulnerable students from underserved communities. A lump sum of $4 billion will be allotted over a span of five years to treat behavioral health issues for minors and young adults between the ages of 0 to 25 years.

Students enrolled in higher education, including immigrants, will have access to financial aid, secure housing, and resources for textbooks and learning materials. Approximately $4 billion will be allocated to support student housing projects to help curb the high cost of housing. College service programs will receive $285 million for college scholarships and stipends. An additional $100 million will be dedicated to student support services and learning materials such as textbooks. English language courses and vocational programs will receive $50 million in funding to help students receive credentials at community colleges.

The states efforts to encourage environmental health include a $500 million to clean up contaminated sites across California. An additional $500 million will be allotted to fund community-based violence prevention initiatives, recreational and outdoor activities, youth development programs, and emergency response networks.

State officials continue to partner with community-based organizations to build trust and resilience in Black and Brown communities to help promote equity.
NAACP Launches COVID. KNOW MORE

An Innovative, Timely New Initiative Empowering Black Americans With the Latest Information, Resources and Updates On COVID-19

With the country showing increasing signs of reopening each day, the tendency exists among some to forget the most devastating impacts of COVID-19. In many of our most vulnerable communities, the battle against the disease continues to rage on as Americans contend with not just high infection rates, but also the pandemics long term health implications and unprecedented economic setbacks.

The NAACP, the nations largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization, in seeking to ensure that our communities continue to stay informed and get the facts they need to make best decisions for their families and communities, today announced the creation and launch of an essential and exciting new national initiative, COVID. KNOW MORE. The campaign, which kicked-off this morning, has been conceived with the intent of providing to Black Americans the most comprehensive suite of relevant information and resources on COVID-19 available, curated specifically for them.

The mainstay of the NAACPs COVID. KNOW MORE effort is a now live, multifaceted online information hub housing a broad array of features designed to empower African Americans decision making as they navigate the pandemicat their own convenience. The hub, which can be accessed at naacp.org/covidknowmore, stands as one user-friendly, central place for individuals, community groups, partners and NAACP branches alike to find the latest news and information, research, resources, science-based guidance and updates from medical experts. The platform further reinforces the NAACP as the most visible and trusted resource for African Americans on the health crisis.

The NAACP is continuing its work to help our most vulnerable citizens and communities safely navigate back to normalcy while countering the ongoing devastation of COVID-19, said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. Through our pioneering COVID Unmasked virtual town hall series, local mask distributions and other COVID education efforts, the NAACP has been dedicated to fighting this pandemic from the outset. COVID. KNOW MORE is the natural evolution to continue to expand not only the information provided to our communities, but also to address the long-term implications and impacts of the pandemic and systemic disparities.

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The NAACP has commissioned proprietary research, which will be featured and updated bi-monthly, taking a consistent pulse of Black Americas status and progress as we collectively progress toward full recovery. African Americans surveyed have expressed ongoing concerns about the vaccines, the rise of COVID-19 variants, public adherence to guidelines, jobs availability, safely returning to work and other factors affecting their daily lives. The key learnings from this exclusive polling will serve to fill in the information gaps, and further strengthen our communities as they build back given the expressed need for reliable updates on the factors impacting their daily lives over the coming year.

Other specific highlights to be found on the branded site are a running news feed, infographics illustrating proprietary NAACP COVID-19 research, an information-rich video series, public service announcements and testimonials plus a customizable messaging toolkit which partners, NAACP branches and units can use to pique awareness of the COVID. KNOW MORE initiative in the organizations key regions across the country. Among the partners who will be engaged in facilitating the rollout of the national campaign are J.P. Morgan Chase and international rideshare operator Lyft.

Lyft has launched a Universal Vaccine Access initiative in partnership with the NAACP with the goal of providing a total of 60M rides to help get people vaccinated. Lyft users can easily secure transportation to and from their vaccine appointments by requesting a promo code, and then adding that code to the Rewards section of their Lyft app before requesting a ride to the location.

@NNPA_BlackPress @NAACP @NAACPDerrick @DrBenChavis @Lyft @jpmorgan
NNPA EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Val Demings Will Run for Senate

Congresswoman Val Demings (D-FL) will run for the U.S. Senate seat out of Florida currently held by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, an advisor to the campaign has confirmed exclusively to the Black Press.

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Stories had floated in mainstream media outlets this week that Congresswoman Demings was considering a run against Rubio, but it was just speculation until now.

She is planning a Senate bid with a more formal announcement coming in June, Mark Bergman, Congresswoman Demings advisor said on Tuesday, May 18.

Electing a Black woman to the U.S. Senate this cycle is a top organizational priority, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, the co-founders of The Collective PAC, proclaimed on Tuesday, May 18.

We are proud to stand with [Congresswoman] Val Demings (D-Fla.), the couple, who represent the PAC, stated.

There has never been a more crucial time for us to elect leaders who are committed to criminal justice reform, safeguarding voting rights, and ensuring government officials are held accountable for unethical behavior, the couple stated.

The Collective PAC is an organization formed to boost Black participation in elected office.

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CNN noted that such a bid would provide Democrats with a high-profile candidate in a key Senate race against a nationally known  and well-funded  opponent, Republican Rep. Marco Rubio.

The network cited a source close to the Congresswoman who said she had spent the last few months mulling over a statewide race and recently decided on a bid for the Senate over governor.

Congresswoman Demings will make for a great candidate and we are positive it will be a successful outcome, a source close to the Congresswoman told the Black Press.

She is confident, and why shouldnt she be?

Congresswoman Demings has dedicated her life to public service, including a nearly three-decade-long career in the Orlando Police Department.

In 2007, she became the citys first female police chief.

On then-presidential hopeful Joe Bidens shortlist for vice president, Congresswoman Demings became the first woman and one of the first African Americans to prosecute a presidential impeachment before the U.S. Senate, where she serves on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Intelligence Committees.

In a live interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association last summer, Congresswoman Demings stated her case for vice president and other potential offices.

You all know my history. I grew up the daughter of a maid and a janitor in Jacksonville, Florida, the Congresswoman offered.

The youngest of seven children, I watched my father go to work every day, working odd jobs to keep a roof over our heads. I was the first in my family to graduate college. I worked as a social worker, law enforcement officer, and now a member of Congress.
Help India!



President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Syed Sadatullah Husaini urged the all justice-loving countries of the world should not merely condemn this blatant aggression, but also to take all the steps that the United Nations Charter entitles them for seeking appropriate action against hostile and lawless nations.

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New Delhi: Prominent citizens and religious leaders of India denounced Israels massacre of innocent Palestinians, in an online press meet under the banner Indian Friends for Palestine. They issued a joint statement today in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Addressing the press conference, former MP Mr K.C. Tyagi and member of the Executive Committee of Parliamentarians for Al Quds (Jerusalem) said: We should look at this issue from a humanitarian perspective, not a religious one. The current conflict and Palestinian protests in Jerusalem are due to Israels aggressive expansionist policies and actions on the ground. The current unrest erupted when the Israeli government, in violation of all international laws and treaties, launched a campaign to forcibly evict the Palestinians living in Sheikh Jarrah and other neighbourhoods near Al-Aqsa Mosque. We welcome the announcement by TS Tirumurti, Indias Representative to the UN Security Council, that India fully supports the just cause of Palestine.

Acting General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, who also convened the PC, pointed out that: The Al-Aqsa Mosque is a holy place for Muslims all over the world and their religious sentiments are associated with it. The city of Al Quds (Jerusalem) is important for three major religions of the world. Therefore, Israel has no authority to change the demography or status of the city and its structures.

President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Syed Sadatullah Husaini urged: All justice-loving countries of the world should not merely condemn this blatant aggression, but also to take all the steps that the United Nations Charter entitles them for seeking appropriate action against hostile and lawless nations. They must pressurize Israel and impose strict economic and diplomatic sanctions against it. The Zionist rulers and soldiers of Israel must be indicted and put on trial for war crimes in the International Court of Justice for their atrocities in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.

Fully endorsing the position of Indian Friends for Palestine, former parliamentarian and General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, Maulana Mahmood Madani said: The main reason for most of the Palestinian protests and intifadas (resistance movements) are the unprovoked attacks on Gaza by Israel, its daily atrocities against Palestinian civilians, and its covert and open diplomatic activities in the Middle East. Israel has been violating many UN resolutions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Even in bilateral agreements, Israel has a history of backtracking on its commitments. Israeli political class and its rulers intensify their aggression from time to time to subvert focus from their local political problems.

Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Sajjad Nomani pointed out that: These heinous acts are being concealed from the world and attempts are being made to publicize the Palestinian resistance operations unilaterally. The way journalists are being targeted and their offices being demolished to keep the world unaware of the truth and facts on the ground is a serious challenge to the whole free world. I call upon all justice-loving countries including the Arab world to take the lead in resolving this crisis as soon as possible.

General Secretary of All India Milli Council Dr Manzoor Alam said, The immediate solution to this problem is to swiftly end the Israeli occupation of Al-Quds and other occupied Palestinian territories and to force Israel to stop all its cruel and aggressive intentions and actions. The United Nations must play its role in stopping Israel. Israels actions are illegal, against all international treaties and equivalent to war crimes against the whole world.

Addressing the press conference, the rector of Darul UloomWaqf Deoband Maulana Muhammad Sufyan Qasmi has said that he supported the stand taken by the group and hops that the Palestinians get justice and are liberated from the illegal occupation of Israel.

Others who also addressed the online press conference include Maharishi Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Dr M D Thomas, General Secretary of Press Club of India Vinay Kumar, and senior journalist and commentator Santosh Bhartiya.
Police Force Cutting into Family Ties: 23-Year-Old Targeted by an Order Given by His Uncle

On Tuesday, May 10, Attorney Carl Douglas, and Black Lives Matter Los Angeles Co-founder Melina Abdullah joined 23-year-old filmmaker Jamal Shakir to announce a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and LAPD police officer, Eric Anderson. The premise of the case sounded like many others, law enforcement using overly aggressive force to manage a peaceful protest, but for Shakir, the order for his attack came directly from a family member.

On May 29, 2020, Shakir participated in the Black Lives Matter protest; many public demonstrations were happening around this time as a response to the viral video of George Floyd being murdered by members of the Minneapolis police. Shakir joined the protest in the downtown area of Los Angeles, where thousands of people took to Spring Street spread across the surrounding areas. As Shakir documented the moment by phone, he followed the crowd of people going north.

This was the first time Shakir was a part of a protest of this magnitude; he recalled the change of atmosphere. He stated, it something completely different than your normal day of living in downtown and going out to do certain things, Shakir continued, the entire atmosphere was just filled with tension and turmoil from the polices end.

The 23-year-old college graduate described additional policemen were swarming the protest. According to Shakir, they were lining the streets from intersection-to-intersection. Through raised emotion, Shakir began talking to the Black officers who were on duty. Shakir was trying to grasp their strength of their morals and the message these officers were representing. An officer in particular caught Shakirs eye, there was a familiar air between them.

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As the protest went on, the energy took a pivotal turn towards danger; police officers began to believe the crowd were becoming unmanageable and began to use hostile tactics to keep the protest under control. Still documenting the events taking place, Shakir felt he knew one of the police officers; Shakir stated he wasnt completely sure until it was confirmed when he took a closer look to the officers helmet. It read Anderson, that officer was Eric Anderson, Shakirs uncle.

The 23-year-old stated, At that point, my passion heightened to a higher stance it was because now its not just officers that look like me, but its an officer that shares the same blood as me. He continued, To see him standing, opposed of me, was unimaginableat first, it felt like extremely surreal it didnt feel like it was actually happening.

According to the official press release, Shakir stated, I asked Eric if he was serious and he just stared at me for a second and then told me to go home. He continued, With no facial expression, no nothing, he told me to go home. The conversation did not end there, Shakir was shocked by the fact of staring at his own flesh and blood, behind the anguish of the protest against people marching in peace. For Shakir, the responsibility of serve and protect began to take on a deeper meaning, as he stared at his uncle in full suit and armor.

The shock of seeing his uncle in this light brought up questions of alliance and what would the past generation of men in Shakirs family say about Andersons role in this protest. Shakir explained the world around him went blank and it was just him and his uncle. Since then, Anderson has not reached out to reconcile or check on Shakir.

Amid conversation addressing the current situation, Shakir caught a glimpse of Anderson signaling with his baton to another officer; a nonlethal projectile was then aimed and used against Shakir, knocking his phone out of his hand. As Shakir tried to gather his possessions, he was targeted again and received more wounds.

According to Shakir, he was rushed to the hospital, wounded. According to the press release, attorney Douglas said, That Anderson would direct that his own nephew be shot twice even with rubber bullets, though he was peacefully protesting, should send chills through us all, Douglas continued, Never in my 40 years as a civil rights lawyer, have I ever encountered so stark a tragedy as a police officer using excessive force against his own blood.

Dr. Abdullah and Douglas joined Shakir to announce the civil rights lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and Officer Anderson. On Tuesday, May 11, around 12:30 p.m., they declared the litigation in front of the LAPD Headquarters. Attorney Douglas made the City aware of the case eight months ago.

The passion Shakir was feeling is deeply rooted; both his parents have been incarcerated. From a young age, Shakir was raised by his grandmother since he was three months old. Shakir stated, The entire irony of the situation is that Ive done everything in my power to prevent becoming a statistic of the criminal justice system, or a victim of law enforcementdue to the fact that I was affected by the system.

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He went on to explain the long-standing effects of both of his parents being incarcerated at such an early age; he uses their situation as an example and motivation to propel in academics. Shakir graduated with two bachelors degrees in Kinesiology and digital creative media and film from LaGrange College, a private college in Georgia thats ranked top 10 by U.S. News and World Report.

Shakir stated, Personally, Im looking to be the voice of people that dont have the opportunity to do so. Everything that I have been doing throughout my life and even now, has been trying to focus on bringing your life and your voice of justice and reason to light.

He continued, The system that is in place is wrong, and to show that its not just solely Black and White, its not solely about racebut the fact that your own family, your own blood, your own linage could do such a thing and choose the opposing side over you, is a large part of the things that are embedded in this system and the things that are wrong in this system.

Attorney Douglas stated the most important thing about this narrative is the struggle for justice with citizens and police does not end with race; there is a warrior culture among law enforcement that needs to be eradicated. Shakir closed with the following statement, To the people who have been through trials and tribulations throughout the entire justice systemcontinue to press on and your voice is not going unheard.
Rep. Waters Slams Fox News for Publishing Unsubstantiated Claims, Considers Lawsuit Against Network

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, issued a statement slamming Fox News for its willingness to report absolute lies and falsehoods. Rep. Waters also announced she is considering a lawsuit.

Fox News is an organization that charades as a news outlet while manufacturing lies, claiming them as truths, and using their platform that reaches millions of Americans as a vessel to spread misinformation. It is no surprise that the targets of Foxs misinformation campaigns include women of color like me, other people of color, and anyone who dares to speak the truth.

In a recent article by Fox News, reporters William La Jeunesse and Lee Ross cited sources that falsely claimed I was accompanied by two armed Capitol Police and two U.S. Secret Service agents on an April 17 flight, that I requested a total of four U.S. Air Marshals, and used government resources for my travels. Variations of this article and false claim were then published by the New York Post and the Daily Mail.

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Each and every one of these claims is an absolute lie. Let it be made clear that I have never requested or utilized any Capitol Police, Secret Service, or U.S. Air Marshal presence on that flight or any of my flights.

The United States Capitol Police quickly refuted and debunked the claims reported by Fox News in a statement that read as follows: The USCP did not have any officers or agents on the plane with Rep. Waters.

Following my trip to Minnesota, I became aware that documents outlining a security threat assessment that included my flight number and other travel information was leaked to TownHall, a right-wing media outlet. It was then subsequently shared by Fox News, the New York Post, the Post Millennial, and other outlets where it was falsely claimed that the document indicated I had requested police protection during my trip. Again, this is an absolute lie.

The United States Capitol Police has informed my staff that they are continuing to investigate the source of the leak. This leak of my travel information and operational and threat assessment information is deeply disturbing and puts my life at risk.

Because of the way that right wing media outlets have rushed to spread lies about me, it should be no surprise that as an outspoken Black woman with an important role in Congress as Chair of the House Committee on Financial Services, death threats against me have continued.

A recent death threat that was left on a voicemail message to my office shows the direct link between Foxs lies and the threats to my life. These are the disturbing words that the caller used:

You stupid fucking nigger. How much more do you want to tear this country apart with your racist bullshit? Your ass is on the fucking line. You may not know it, you may think your security detail is good enough to keep you safe, but Im calling you from Louisiana and I know you are not safe and your life is on the line bitch. I dont care if the Secret Service shows up at my door  you deserve to be hung by a rope for treason And I swear to god, bitch, if I have to come to California to eliminate your fucking assAnd I swear to god, I pray for your death every day just like you prayed for the fucking conviction of an officer who is not guilty. So, go fuck yourself and go shove your face into some dough, in the kitchen, and make some gorilla cookies, bitch Fuck you Maxine Waters

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This is yet another clear example of just how dangerous lies and distortions can be.

Once again, this is a made-up story by Fox News, which is not only irresponsible, but now openly creating danger for me. My office is now getting even more calls from haters who are threatening my life due to this type of reporting. As a result of Foxs willingness to lie and deceive its audience, I am now considering a lawsuit against Fox News and demand an immediate retraction of the article.

Lastly, I am Maxine Waters, and my life is constantly threatened by racists, haters, and ill-informed people under the influence of the likes of Fox News. If in fact I lose my life because of these scurrilous attacks in the fight against injustice and racism, my life will not have been lost in vain.

Background:

On December 15, 2020, mere weeks before the Capitol insurrection, a man from Kansas called Congresswoman Waters and left a message saying You black nigger whoreyour ass is grass. Your time is coming nigger bitchI got an AK47 and Ill use it if I have to. On February 8, 2021 a man from Mississippi called the Congresswomans district office and left a message saying: You are a disgusting piece of shitIf I didnt have a kid, I would wipe out all you disgusting pieces of shitI got nothing to loseI would take my AR and spray Pelosi, YOU, Swalwell, Sheila Jackson Lee The Capitol Police is investigating both the call from Kansas and Mississippi along with a few other menacing calls made to Rep. Waters office within the past several weeks.

These calls follow a string of deadly threats made against the Office of Congresswoman Waters over the past few years:
Trinity Baptist Honors Pastor and First Lady Tunstill

The congregation of Trinity Baptist Church honored Pastor Alvin Tunstill, Jr., and First Lady Dr. Sandra Mitchell-Tunstill on Sunday, April 25.

The Tunstills were saluted for their 25 years of commitment, dedication, love and service as servants of God to the membership, their families and the community. Under their leadership, Trinity has remained a beacon of light and a pillar of service and love to the Jefferson Park and greater Los Angeles, said a spokesperson.

To commemorate the occasion, church officers presented Pastor Tunstill with a certificate of appreciation and gave a beautiful bouquet of red roses to First Lady Tunstill. Also, during the surprise ceremony, members of the leadership team highlighted several significant accomplishments during the honorees tenure.

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Trinity Baptist Church is located at 2040 West Jefferson Boulevard in Los Angeles. For information, call (323) 735-0044.
Walter Mosleys BLOOD GROVE AN EASY RAWLINS MYSTERY  Social Commentary Brilliantly Mixed Mystery

It is 1969, and flames can be seen on the horizon, protest wafts like some through the thick air and Easy Rawlins, the Black private detective whose small agency finally has its own office, gets a visit from a White Vietnam veteran. The young man comes to Easy with a story that makes little sense.

If you know Easy Rawlins and his mysterious life, there is a moment in the labyrinth of the story that leaves you puzzled  maybe, even scratching your head and flipping back to re-read past chapters.

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Then the Mosley magic picks up. The plot starts to move, picking up speed until its like a runaway train leaving a trail of dead bodies and heartless killers, women designed to seduce a stone, duplicitous, crooked cops, and places few ever visit in Los Angeles; all this coming at you with the speed and conviction of a fast-moving train.

BAM. What just happened? Did I fall into a vortex? Im tingling. I want more and like the proverbial car crash, I cant look away.

But thats what Mosely wants. At least, thats what I strongly believe the gifted author wants from his readers. He wants us stimulated. Enthralled. Curious, and in for the whole ride of the mystery.

This is why Mosely won the National Book Foundations 2020 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters  as a mystery master.

He stepped into his fame in 1990, with the debut of the Easy Rawlins series which charted a social history of Los Angeles, with a concentration, a high beam of light, if you will, on the racial attitudes that run through every inch of the city.

Devil in a Blue Dress takes place during a post-World War II Los Angeles when the climate forces Easy to look hard at the country he fought for. Now, an out-of-work Black Army vet, he shifts into his profession as a private investigator.

Blood Grove is the 15th Easy Rawlins novel and drops into the almost mystical summer of 1969 and it opens with Easy, who now owns his detective agency, watching long-haired hippies next door as they participate in whatever illegal substances theyre growing in their backyard nursery.

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Then trouble walks into his office, a prospective client, a young White man, deeply traumatized by his time as a soldier, fighting in Vietnam; this is Craig Kilian and he has a very strange story to tell. A few nights earlier, Craig was sleeping under the stars in a grove of blood oranges in the San Fernando Valley, his refuge, the only place, it seems, to settle his ravenous nightmares.

In the middle of his peaceful night, Craig heard a woman, terrified, screaming and he ran to a dilapidated cabin to find an African-American man wielding a knife at a White woman who was tied to a tree. Craig went into action, wrested the knife away, and, by accident, stabbed the man. Then, unseen, someone came from behind and knocked Craig out cold. When he awoke, he was alone. His mind wont rest. Did he kill the African-American man? Is the White woman, ok?

Easy is not a stupid man. There are many reasons they should turn down this case. Post traumatic syndrome makes Craigs memory unreliable and the racial identities of those involved are, as always, prickly

Warning bells not heeded, Easy agrees to investigate because he and Craig share the brotherhood of combat, the blood, and mayhem fighting in an unjust war.

The tangled roots of the mystery push the plot along, with the master, Mosley creating images that linger inside the minds eye. Places that engage the reader as we go inside LA hole-in-the-wall dive bar, visited by haunted vets (Little Anzio), the strip club (Dragons Eye), and the spooky blood orange grove, and the round tower of a house  high above Los Angeles and accessible only by funicular  where Easy lives with his daughter, Feather.

Feather is adopted and is part of one of the subplots concerning the sudden appearance of Feathers biological uncle, Milo Garnet, who is White and a hippie. Always the hippie  choosing love, not war, the attempts to create a bond with Easy but he quickly brings the horrible truth of race in America, to a place the man must understand. Hard realities of race in America do not go away with protests or catchy phrases. Its war. Undeclared but war, nonetheless.

At the beating heart of Blood Grove  as in all the Easy Rawlins books  is the hidden truth about America.

Facebook: WalterMosleyAuthor

Blood Grove

By Walter Mosley

Mulholland. 336 pp. $27.

Mulhollandndbooks.com

@mulhollandbooks

Facebook.com/mulhollandbooks
Warlick Uses Variety of Music Styles to Promote God, Love and Unity

The genre-crossing, Christ-centered recording artist has gospel, country and hip hop fans.

Everything about Lathan Warlick shouts, Im a child of God and like the Lord cant be confined to one area or section of life, Warlick approaches his music the same way, insisting, Dont put me inside a box!

His philosophy illustrates why his songs cross over into so many genres. Currently, the rising star attracts fans of gospel, country and hip hop, and hes open to recording rhythm and blues, pop and rap music as well.

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His EP, which dropped on April 23, features his top single, My Way, which he recorded with country superstar Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. Other popular tracks are Roots, a female-power anthem with RaeLynn, and Over Yonder, a call for unity with Matt Sell. The record also includes vocals by Lauren Alaina, Russell Dickerson, High Valley and Dustin Lynch.

But the common thread connecting all of his work is his desire to fulfill the mission that God has prepared for him. I felt like God was calling me to bring God, love and unity to the world, so I wanted to mix genres [with] people who didnt look just like me, he said in a Zoom interview with the L.A. Sentinel.

I wanted to step and do something different like, Okay, lets mix Black people and White people together and lets bring the world together with sounds of music. I dont want to be labeled in a genre to put me inside a box, said Warlick, who describes himself as a positive artist.

If you label me a Christian artist, then people will think theyre just going to hear Christian music or if you label me a country artist, you think youre just going to hear country music from a hip hop artist. So, positive artist puts all of this stuff under one umbrella, he explained.

Also, pushing the positivity theme allows him to traverse from one kind of music to a different type to yet another category, all while creating upbeat messages to encourage people through his compositions. The goal, he shared, is to knock out some depression, knock out some suicidal thoughts, knock out some anxiety [by] just listening to my music.

Acknowledging Gods influence in his life, Warlicks relationship with Christ became stronger following an incident in 2011. A man pointed a .45 caliber pistol in Warlicks face, ready to kill him right then and there.

Remembering his grandmothers admonition to call on God in a time of need, Warlick pleaded with God for help. The guy looked at Warlick, pulled the trigger, but instead of a bullet, the gun just clicked. Taking that sound as divine intervention, he vowed to get better acquainted with the Lord.

After 2011, it was more so like, I want to get to know this God I just called on. I want to get to know this Man that saved me from death. Let me understand Jesus and who this Man is. After that, He equipped me to the calling to be a vocal artist, said Warlick, who was working in at the railroad at the time.

While remaining at his job, but he also worked on his music, letting God guide him. He self-released three EPs Tellem That Im Coming (2016), 2nd Time Around (2017) and A Church in the Trap (2018). He signed his first record deal in August 2020 with Barry Weiss RECORDS Nashville.

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In December 2020, he quit his day job, stepped out on faith and made the move to being a full-time artist. With 1.3 million followers on Tik Tok combined with 85,000 on Instagram, his career has taken off and his relationship with Christ has only gotten stronger.

Whatever I create in the studio, its about God, its about love and its about unity. Even when Im in the studio creating, I say a quick prayer [first] or if Im [about to] write a song, I ask God to be my ears, to speak through me and to be my mind for anybody who needs to hear whats going on, said Warlick.

I can camouflage myself throughout this music so when people hear the music, thats what they get, thats what they see. Jesus didnt just throw Himself on you and thats how I look at life. I just dont throw myself on people. I let people catch the vibes, let them feel the love, so when they ask me in interviews why Im this kind of way, its because Im connected to the source, which is Jesus, he declared.

While Warlick doesnt designate a particular Bible verse as his favorite, he admitted that he reads a lot of scripture on a daily basis and prefers to meditate on the section or words that stick out to me during that day. Everything just points me back to Jesus so I can be like a disciple to the world.

As for the future, he looks forward to more collaborations with various performers. Believing that God has given him a whole different vision, Warlick said, I want to work with any type of artist. Thats why when I came in, I wanted to come in pushing God, love and unity.

Whats next for me is connecting with people, even outside the U.S., and thats going to blow peoples minds even still. I got a lot of stuff coming out and its going to be different, he said with a smile.

Thats why people label me as a positive artist. Throughout my whole journey, theyll never hear me glorify money, sex, drugs [or] women. You dont have to glorify these things in order to make music sound good or sound like its bumpin or whatever, said Warlick.

Through his music, he hope that listeners will conclude, This guy is just reaching and teaching people about a positive direction!

To learn more, visit lathanwarlick.com and follow @LathanWarlick on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Tik Tok.
Why Malia Cohen Announces is Running for State Controller in 2022

Nearly three years after her successful run for a seat on Californias Board of Equalization (BOE), Malia Cohen now has her sights set on a higher office: State Controller. The election for State Controller will be held in November 2022.

Cohen is one of two women  and the only African American  serving on the BOE, the state agency responsible for representing taxpayer interests and making county-by-county tax assessments and adjustments across the state.

She announced her candidacy for State Controller during the California Democratic Party (CDP) 2021 convention, held online from April 29 to May 2.

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I am running because I am committed to equity, empowerment, hope and opportunity for all Californians, Cohen told California Black Media.

During the Democratic Party convention, current State Controller and BOE member Betty Yee gave her blessing. She endorsed Cohen to occupy the seat she was first elected to in November 2014. Yee was re-elected for a second term in 2018.

Yee, who is termed out from running for State Controller in 2022, was elected vice chair of the CDP at its recent convention.

Taisha Brown, chair of the California Democratic Party Black Caucus, said shes ready to support Cohen and see more African American women, the most loyal voting bloc in the Democratic Party, in leadership roles.

Im happy to see more Black women moving in the direction to lead California as statewide officers. We have always been capable and have put in the work. Im excited and ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for Malia Cohen to be our next State Controller, Brown said.

Cohen and Yee recently participated in a discussion the CDPs Womens Caucus, titled Honoring Trailblazing Democratic Women on the Frontlines. They discussed how they have both worked hard to find innovative solutions to longstanding problems, broken stereotypes and lead while facing various challenges in their respective careers.

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If Californians vote Cohen the next State Controller, she will become chair of the Franchise Tax Board and serve on the boards of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) as well.

CalPERS and CalSTRS manage financial investments totaling more than $620 billion.

The controllers office is the states independent fiscal watchdog, providing oversight and managing more than $100 billion in receipts and disbursements of public funds a year. The state department also offers fiscal guidance to local governments and uncovers fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars. It is also charged with protecting the states coastline and helping to build hospitals.

As a member of the BOE, Cohen represents 23 counties and 9.5 million constituents in the Second District, an area that stretches along Californias coast from the top of the state down to Santa Barbara County.

Before that, Cohen represented the 10th District on San Franciscos Board of Supervisors from January 2011 to January 2019. Cohen, born in the Richmond District of the Golden Gate City, was also president of the Board of Supervisors, succeeding London Breed, who was elected the San Franciscos mayor in 2018.

Cohen, 43, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Fisk University in Tennessee and a Masters in public policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania.

For more than a decade now, Cohen has been an influential figure in California state politics, taking on a number of high-profile issues.

In 2017, she introduced legislation to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including, menthol cigarettes in San Francisco. The measure was approved. She celebrated last month when the Biden administration announced its intention to make that prohibition national.

I knew if we had a victory, it could start something big. But I did not know just how far it would go, Cohen said. After our ordinance passed in San Francisco, 75 other cities in California passed similar bans.

After she was re-elected to represent the 10th District in 2014, Cohen gained national attention when she defended San Franciscos sanctuary city policy. The ordinance shields undocumented immigrants living in the city from deportation.

Bill OReilly, then a conservative commentator for FOX News, took issue with Cohen and her pro-immigrant stance. He said on his show, The OReilly Factor, that Cohen was a disgrace and should be apprehended.

If I were the attorney general of the United States, I would place her immediately under arrest, OReilly said at the time, That woman is a disgrace.

The former FOX News talking head made the comment while blaming the policy for the death of a 32-year-old woman who was killed by an undocumented immigrant from Mexico.

Cohen expressed horror at the womans death and called the incident a tragedy, but she did not shy away from OReillys attack.

We cannot allow one event to dictate 25 years of our citys policies towards undocumented immigrants in our city, Cohen responded. And more importantly, we cannot allow hateful conservative news stations to drive how we respond to incidents in our city. Im not afraid of FOX News and they dont influence how I make my policy decisions here in San Francisco.


Early in the pandemic, many Asian countries appeared to control the spread of the virus while European nations struggled with high numbers of deaths and infections.

Not anymore.

India on Wednesday reported more coronavirus deaths in one day than any other country at any time during the pandemic. The Health Ministry reported a record 4,529 deaths in the past 24 hours. Indias confirmed deaths are 283,248. The numbers are almost certainly under-counted.

The large cities of Mumbai and New Delhi have seen signs of improvement in recent days. But health experts fear that the virus is spreading in rural areas where health care and testing are limited.

Across Asia, countries that had been praised earlier for effective control measures are now closing down due to rise in cases of infection.



Taiwan, once considered a major success in battling the virus, has recorded more than 1,200 cases since last week. The independent island has since placed over 600,000 people in a two-week quarantine.

The government has also ordered all schools to close across the island. And gatherings of more than five people indoors and more than 10 people outdoors are banned.

In mainland China, new cases linked to international visitors have surfaced. And the country has set up medical stations for pandemic testing at airports and train stations.

Vietnam closed four industrial centers in the north because of an outbreak of COVID-19. In the south, officials have begun carrying out mass testing of workers in that areas industrial production centers. Additional anti-virus measures were also ordered in an effort to prevent new outbreaks.

In Japan, a top medical organization representing 6,000 doctors is now calling for the country to cancel this summers Tokyo Olympics.

A slow vaccination program, increase in virus cases, and a shortage of hospital beds led the government to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan for the third time. Bars, restaurants and public gathering places have been closed for months. The restrictions are set to end May 31.

Malaysia announced a one-month lockdown through June 7, after an increase in cases and fear of the more infectious variants. The countrys cases have increased by 300 percent since January, now it is at 485,000.

Singapore has announced restrictions on public gatherings and closed restaurants. Schools have moved online as the spread of the virus appears to be increasing.

Thailand also has seen the virus appear to increase, about 75 percent of Thailands more than 116,000 cases have been recorded since the beginning of April.

Europe reopens

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) on Wednesday began to welcome visitors from other parts of the world as long as they can prove they are fully-vaccinated.

EU spokesman Christian Wigand said it will now recommend that member states ease some of the current restrictions for those who have been vaccinated.

Greece, for example, is heavily reliant on tourism. It has already lifted quarantine restrictions for the U.S., Britain, Israel, and other non-EU countries. Negotiations between governments and EU lawmakers to introduce COVID-19 proof of vaccination documents are continuing with a target date at the end of June.



In France, cafes and restaurants reopened Wednesday after a six-month coronavirus shutdown that left the French without their beloved lifestyle. Its 7 p.m. curfew to was pushed back to 9 p.m. Museums and cinemas reopened.

France has recorded more than 108,000 deaths due to COVID-19, among the highest number in Europe. But virus deaths are decreasing.

About 40 percent of Frances adult population has received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. That rate, however, is still well behind Britains 70 percent and behind several other EU nations.

Britons drink again

Britain, no longer in the EU, reopened the countrys famous pubs this week after a big drop in coronavirus infections.

At the Prince of Peckham pub in London, marketing manager Helen Waller said This pub brings people together. Its a nice mix of the community in an unforced way.

But social distancing rules remain, limiting the number of drinkers.

Im Susan Shand. And I'm Jonathan Evans.

The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

quarantine - n. the period of time during which a person or animal that has a disease or that might have a disease is kept away from others to prevent the disease from spreading

outbreak - n. a sudden start or increase of fighting or disease

variants - n. different in some way from others of the same kind

tourism - n. the activity of traveling to a place for pleasure

proof - n. something which shows that something else is true or correct


Children are suffering severe trauma as Israel continues its bombing campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza health officials say at least 63 children are among the 217 Palestinians who have been killed in Gaza. The fighting between Israel and Hamas began on May 10.

On example is seven-year-old Suzy Ishkontana. She spent hours Sunday under the wreckage of her family home. Her brothers, sisters and mother died. Now she speaks or eats very little.

In Israel, 12 people have been killed by rockets fired by the militant group Hamas which rules Gaza. All but one of the people killed were civilians. One was a five-year-old boy.

For many children, it is trauma they have experienced for much of their lives. Israel and Hamas also fought wars in 2009, 2012 and 2014. Each time, Israel has launched heavy airstrikes in the small area where 2 million people live.

Israel says it does everything it can to prevent civilian deaths. Sometimes, Israel sends warnings to people to leave buildings that are about to be bombed.

Hamas has fired hundreds of rockets, but most are stopped by Israels defense system. Israel also continues to bomb targets in Gaza.

The Ishkontana family was buried under their home early Sunday, after intense bombing of Gaza City. Israel said it was targeting a Hamas tunnel network. The strikes came without warning.

Riad Ishkontana said he was buried for five hours under a big piece of wreckage. He was unable to reach his wife and five children.

I was listening to their voices beneath the rubble. I heard Dana and Zain calling, Dad! Dad! before their voices faded and then I realized they had died, he said, speaking about two of his children.

Suzy was brought to the hospital alive, the second-oldest of his three daughters and two sons. She was the only survivor.

The young girl was in severe trauma and shock, said Dr. Zuhair Al-Jaro. He said the hospital could not get her the psychological treatment she needs because of the continued fighting.

She has entered into a deep depression, Al-Jaro said.

The Ishkontanas were just one family destroyed that day.

The Israeli military said the strikes Sunday targeted Hamas tunnels under Gaza City. The strikes hit al-Wahda Street. Reports say it is one of the citys busiest streets and has many buildings where people live, and includes stores and restaurants.

Three buildings were destroyed, and many people from at least three families were killed. In all 42 people died, including 10 children and 16 women.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus is an Israeli military spokesman. He said the airstrikes caused a tunnel to collapse, bringing houses down with it. He said civilian deaths were not the aim.

The Norwegian Refugee Council is a group that aims to help displaced people. It said 11 of the children killed in this war were involved in its program. One of the children was eight-year-old Dana, Suzys sister.

Hozayfa Yazji is with the Norwegian Refugee Council.

The violence will of course affect the psychology of these kids, he said. We are expecting that ... the situation will be much worse and more children will need more support.

The refugee council says it works with 118 schools in Gaza, affecting more than 75,000 students. Its Better Learning Program trains teachers to help traumatized children and organizes fun exercises to ease stress.

Jan Egeland is the councils secretary-general. He called for a cease-fire, saying, Spare these children and their families. Stop bombing them now.

But in the longer term, he called for an end to the blockade on Gaza and the occupation of Palestinian territory. It is necessary if we are to avoid more trauma and death among children, he said.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Fare Akram reported this story for The Associated Press. Dan Novak adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

trauma  n. a very difficult or unpleasant experience that causes someone to have mental or emotional problems usually for a long time

rubble  n. broken pieces of stone, brick, etc., from walls or buildings that have fallen

spare  v. to choose not to punish or harm

blockade n. an act of war in which one country uses ships to stop people or supplies from entering or leaving another country


Scientists have found that sharks use the Earths magnetic field as a sort of natural GPS. This permits them to swim across great distances in the worlds oceans.

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a United States government-owned service that provides users with their location on Earth. A GPS device can tell users directions from any point to another point in real-time.

Researchers held experiments with a small kind of shark in a sea laboratory. They confirmed the theory that sharks use magnetic fields to guide their travels. This behavior is seen in other sea animals as well. Their study was published this month in the journal Current Biology.

Bryan Keller, an expert on sea life, is one of the researchers. He said the study explained how sharks can travel the seas and find their way back to feed and produce offspring.

Keller said, We know that sharks can respond to magnetic fields. But scientists did not know that they use magnetic fields to help direct them. He noted that You have sharks that can travel 20,000 kilometers and end up in the same spot.

Researchers have questioned how sharks perform long-distance traveling for years. Sharks make their trips in the open ocean where they pass few physical features such as corals that could serve as landmarks.

Looking for answers, scientists based at Florida State University decided to study a small kind of shark called a bonnethead. The bonnethead shark they studied lives on both American coasts and returns to the same waters every year.

Researchers created magnetic conditions to make 20 bonnethead sharks think they were hundreds of kilometers away from where they were caught off Florida. The scientists found that the sharks began to swim north. This was due to the magnetic conditions that made them think they were south of where they should be.

Robert Hueter, who was not involved with the study, is a scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Hueter said more studies are needed to find out how the sharks use magnetic fields to know their location. Also, studies are needed to find out if larger, long-distance traveling sharks use a similar system to find their way.

He said the question has always been: if sharks are sensitive to magnetic fields, do they use this sense to travel the oceans and how? He said the researchers are making some progress at answering this question.

Keller said the study could help inform the protection of certain sharks. A study this year found that the number of sharks dropped more than 70 percent between 1970 and 2018.

Researchers say that, like bonnetheads, other sharks probably also use the Earths magnetic field. This includes large sharks that make cross-ocean trips. Keller said that it is very unlikely that the shark they studied developed this sense and other traveling sharks did not.

Im Dan Friedell.

Patrick Whittle reported this story for the Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

shark  n. a large and often dangerous sea fish with very sharp teeth

offspring  n. the young of an animal or plant

respond  v. to do something as a reaction to something that has happened or been done

spot  n. a particular space or area

location  n. a place or position

sensitive  adj. able to sense very small changes in something


Apple is fighting a court battle against Epic Games that could affect how major technology companies are regulated in the future.

The trial, which began in California on May 3, is expected to last about a month. It centers on whether Apples control over its App Store system unlawfully locks out competition.

Apple requires that nearly all third-party software developed for iPhones and other iOS devices be released through its App Store. It also requires developers to use Apples in-app payment system, which charges commissions of up to 30 percent.

Epic, which sells its hugely popular Fortnite video game on the App Store, argues that Apples requirements establish a monopoly.

The two companies are debating whether Apple has the right to set its own rules, fully control its payment system and remove apps from the App Store.

Epic tried to avoid paying Apple by creating its own payment system for Fortnite. But Apple said the action violated its rules and the company kicked Epic out of the App Store. That dispute led Epic to bring the legal action against Apple.

Apple rejects Epics arguments. It says its payment structure is not unusual in the industry. And it says its commissions are fair in exchange for giving developers access to a worldwide marketplace that it spent $100 billion to build.

Epics CEO, Tim Sweeney, admitted in court that his company knowingly violated Apples rules by creating its own payment system for Fortnite. Sweeney said Epic took the action in an effort to prove a point.

"I wanted the world to see that Apple exercises total control over all software on iOS, and it can use that control to deny users' access to apps, he testified. Epic says Apples system makes it as hard as possible for users to stop buying Apple products and services.

Apple argues that Epics rules violation was an attempt by the company to increase its own profits by benefiting from Apples massive App Store structure.

Sweeney said in court that Epic is seeking to increase profits through its own app store, which charges 12 percent commissions on in-app sales. While that model is not currently profitable, Sweeney said it could be in the future.

Even though Apples late co-founder Steve Jobs publicly said the App Store was not expected to make a lot of money when it opened in 2008, it is now highly profitable. It brought in nearly $17 billion in just the first three months of 2021.

A lawyer for Epic, Katherine Forrest, noted in court that the App Stores profit margin during 2018 and 2019 was 75 to 78 percent.

But having a financially successful App Store does not mean Apple has violated any laws. Most legal experts say Epic has an uphill battle to win the trial.

I don't think they are likely to win, said Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a law professor at Vanderbilt Law School. However, she said the case may have already served a valuable purpose  drawing attention to some of Apple's practices that many developers see as abusive."

Larry Downes, with Georgetown Universitys Center for Business and Public Policy, also predicted a court loss for Epic. I would certainly say Apple has the stronger case under existing case law, he said.

While Apple may be in a good position to win, regulators around the world are starting to look more closely at the company. As public support for regulating big tech grows in the U.S. and abroad, Epic also launched a public relations campaign to build support for its case. The company has run advertisements accusing Apple of taking a large cut of app sales.

Karen Dunn is a lawyer for Apple. She said that rather than investing in creative solutions, Epic chose to spend money on lawyers, PR and policy advisors in an effort to get all ... the benefits Apple provides without paying.

Joel Mitnick is a former lawyer with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. He says the biggest threat to Apple's App Store is not court cases, but possible new regulations.

If it were me, I would be looking at ways in which I could influence what might be inevitable changes to the rules under which (Apple) are going to operate, he said.

One judge is to make the decision in this non-jury trial. Experts say the decision will come down to a market definition. Epics position is that the iPhone and the App Store have grown into an influential single market.

Apple argues that the market definition should include other devices, such as computers, or Microsofts Xbox and Sonys PlayStation gaming machines. Those companies also charge developers a 30 percent commission on payments.

Downes, the Georgetown University expert, said the judge has to place herself in the shoes of consumers.

If its not harming consumers, then this is just a contract dispute between two companies, with one of them trying to use (legal action) to renegotiate the terms, he said.

Im Bryan Lynn.

And I'm Dorothy Gundy.

Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse reported this story. Dan Novak adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor.

Quiz- What Are the Issues in Epics Court Battle with Apple? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_________________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

regulate -v. to bring something under the control of a government or authority

commission -n. a payment made to someone who sells goods that is directly related to the amount sold

monopoly -n. complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market

access -n. the right or ability to approach, enter or use

profit margin n. the difference between the total cost of making and selling something and the price it is sold for

benefit -n. a helpful or good effect

inevitable -adj. sure to happen

consumer -n. a person who buys goods and services
Help India!



As Covid-19 has taken a heavy toll on the society, especially economically weaker sections, the young students of Jamia Millia Islamia and other colleges came up with an initiative of Dhobi Ghat Pathshala, that provides free education to the children living in the Dhobi Ghat, where the Delhi Development Authority demolished over 200 Jhuggis in September 2020, displacing hundreds of poor families.

Shadab Farooq | TwoCircles.net

Support TwoCircles



The Delhi Development Authority demolished over 200 Jhuggis at a slum near the Dhobi Ghat on 24 September 2020, citing the National Green Tribunals (NGT) law banning construction on river embankments.

Dhobi Ghat used to be home to around 1,000 people, mainly construction workers, rickshaw-pullers, and domestic labourers, before the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) directed to demolish the Jhuggis of these residents.

Most residents whose homes have been demolished have been living in Dhobi Ghat for close to two decades and suffered massive economic losses.

As Covid-19 has taken a heavy toll on the society, especially economically weaker sections, the young students of Jamia Millia Islamia and other colleges came up with an initiative of Dhobi Ghat Pathshala, that provides free education to the children living in the Dhobi Ghat.

It was on February 27 when the Dhobi Ghat Pathshala was started in the slums of Dhobi Ghat, with the joint efforts of the All India Students Association (AISA), Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA), and the women-led Dhobi Ghat Jhuggi Adhikar Manch. The Pathshala was built near the demolition site on the debris.

Asima, a nine-year old girl, is a regular student of the Pathshala who keeps reiterating that Panchhi and bird are not the same. Though Panchhi is a Hindi name for a bird, Asima insists that both can never be the same. On asking her the reason for it, she said, Panchhi is the one who is held to her desire while a bird can be a vulture also, eating the flesh of the dead.

Rabia Parveen, a twenty-five-year-old who is currently teaching at Dhobi Ghat Pathshala tells Asima that Panchhi and bird are the same.

Parveen has been a student of history at Delhi University and is currently preparing for B. Ed Exams and lives around the periphery of Dhobi Ghat.

There are many children whose parents work as labourers and the eldest child has to take care of their siblings, Parveen told TwoCircles.net.

Asima is among those children who take care of their younger siblings.

Asima was observing Dhobi Ghat Pathshala from a distance, holding the hands of her 3-years-old younger brother. When I talked to her about joining the Pathshala, she refused by saying that she cant leave her younger brother at their Juggi alone.

During the starting days of the Pathshala, the same pattern was observed where one sibling has to take care of the other. This is when the Pathshala decided to allow students with their siblings.

From then onwards, Asima and her brother never miss a day of school, said Rabia Parveen.

No one cares for the poor person. The Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown had already brought miseries to people. We were not able to send our children to school because we couldnt pay the fee. Getting our children to school was tough and the pandemic made it further impossible. This Pathshala, with Gods grace, has brought a ray of hope at least. My children daily come up with one English sentence. I am happy to see their growth, said Shabana Begum, a mother of two and a member of Dhobi-Ghat Jhuggi Adhikar Manch.

The residents are in a constant legal battle with the authorities. The court has ordered the Delhi Development Authority not to take any precipitative measures in connection with the Dhobi Ghat. In January 2021, the women in Dhobi Ghat started women-led JHUGGI ADHIKAR MANCH, comprising of different awareness programmes and protests. As part of this campaign, clothes, shawls, blankets and ration kits were arranged and distributed to some of the poor families.

Seven-year-old Fatima, who is currently a student at Dhobi-Ghat Pathshala said, I used to go to school earlier in Batla House Anganwadi Centre, but my school is shut due to coronavirus. My books were dead in the debris when the demolition took place. I thought I would never be able to go to school again.

Currently, a total of eighty students are enrolled in the Pathshala with a varying age difference. Among these, fifteen students are those who used to go to school earlier but due to lockdown and the demolition were not able to go to school.

The books and reading material is being provided through donations.

Earlier, we thought of renting a space for teaching children, but it didnt work due to a lack of funds, said Mohammad Asif Abid, an RYA activist and founding member of the Dhobi-Ghat Pathshala. We then constructed a temporary Jhuggi with the aid of all the residents and began teaching the children there. All we want is to prepare these kids for formal education and provide them with a healthy environment.

Plans are also in the works to recruit a teacher, with money raised from the volunteers own pockets. They aim to train students for entrance exams and provide a complementary and in some cases, an alternative for students to pursue their education after they have dropped out of school, Abid added.

Seven-year-old Shamshad has problems in understanding the numerical system and introduces himself as Khali, the Indian wrestler.

Fatima, a seven-year-old friend of Shamshad continuously argues with him to correct his age to which Barbin Nawaz, a student of Jamia Millia Islamia volunteering as a teacher comments, Discussions are needed to be done. We, at this Pathshala, make sure that students must have discussions on issues related to sex and gender, good touch and bad touch.

The authorities must realise that they cannot break our resistance and our voice. When the DDA Authority demolished our Jhuggi, we made sure to re-build our home again. They have demolished it three times. I and my daughter slept fifteen days on roads and at Jamia metro station. The foundation of this Pathshala is a symbol of our voice. We will produce our Kalam, and that is something that the authorities could never break, said forty-year-old Parveena Khatoon, a resident of Dhobi Ghat.


Experts say it could be 2023 or later before COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in some countries.

The United States, Israel and Britain are among the countries where more than half of the population has gotten at least one injection, or shot. But, some countries have fewer than one percent of their populations vaccinated. They include South Africa, Pakistan and Venezuela. About 10 countries  mostly in Africa  reportedly have no vaccines at all.

There are many reasons for the difference. Economic ones play an important part. But, some people say, so do intellectual property laws that cover scientific discoveries. These laws protect peoples creative or scientific work from being reproduced without their permission.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has supported waiving intellectual property protections for the vaccines. But it is not clear if there will be agreement on the issue. It is also unclear if such an agreement would speed production.

COVAX, a United Nations-supported project, aims to ensure that poor countries around the world are able to get vaccines. But COVAX has run behind schedule. The reason for the delay is partly because India, a vaccine manufacturer, has banned vaccine exports as it faces increased coronavirus infections. Some countries are also stockpiling vaccines. Stockpiling means getting and keeping a large supply of something for future use.

In April, researchers at Duke University said that, even with help from COVAX, many countries would not be able to reach a 60 percent vaccination level until 2023 or later.

Matthew Kavanagh is a global health policy expert at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Kavanagh suggested that preordering partly explains why rich countries have more vaccines.

The U.S., European and other wealthy nations long ago preordered nearly all the doses available and now other countries, even with the money to buy, are at the back of line waiting, Kavanagh said.

China and Russia are among the countries that have committed to giving vaccines to other nations. Others, including the United States and Britain, have not yet opened their stockpiles, although they have committed to doing so. However, some experts expect low vaccine supplies to continue for years to come. There is simply not enough vaccine to go around, Kavanagh said.

Im John Russell.

Victoria Milko reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. ____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

dose  n. the amount of a medicine, drug or vitamin that is taken at one time

waive  v. to officially state that you will not use or require something that is usually required by law or agreement

schedule  n. a plan of things that will be done that includes the times when they will be done

commit  v. to say that you will definitely do something; to require someone to do something
Gov. Kate Brown is the final stop for a bill that reinstates a moratorium on Oregon residential foreclosures through June 30, and possibly to the end of this year if she chooses to extend it by executive order.

The House gave final approval on Wednesday to an amended House Bill 2009 by a 36-20 vote. The Senate approved it on May 17. The bill clarifies that a borrower must give notice to the lender of an inability to pay the mortgage  and show how the novel coronavirus pandemic affected the borrower's ability to pay, such as a loss of job or income.

"We continued to work on the language as some concerns came up after this bill had passed the House," Rep. Paul Holvey, a Democrat from Eugene and the bill's floor manager, said.

Brown imposed a moratorium by executive order at the outset of the novel coronavirus pandemic more than a year ago. A June 2020 special session of the Legislature wrote Brown's order into law, and let her extend it by order through Dec. 31.

Unlike the original state moratorium, which applied to all properties, House Bill 2009 applies only to a total of five residential properties per owner. Each property can contain no more than four units. Commercial property is excluded.
Lewiston, ID (83501)

Today

Showers early, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 78F. ENE winds shifting to WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low 57F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
The Central Coast should focus on its key strengths  tourism, agriculture, hospitality and certain high-tech industries  in a collaborative regional approach to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to two presenters in a REACH Central Coast webinar May 19.

But the recovery of jobs, the expansion of businesses and providing more housing at lower costs to help those hurt the most by the pandemic  lower-income residents and people of color  are also priorities in the economic recovery, they said.

The keynote speakers were Bruce Katz, a pioneer of the New Localism that looks at how social, economic and environmental challenges are addressed by change instituted by cities and metropolitan areas; and Josh Williams, founder of BW Research Partnership that analyzes changes in the working world and what they mean for individuals, households and businesses.

Central Coast Road to Recovery was presented by REACH Central Coast, the Regional Economic Action Coalition of public, private and civic leaders working toward inclusive economic prosperity, and focused on Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and their 15 cities.

Fragmentation is not an excuse, Katz said of the regions demographics, noting the area is so competitive because its not only on the California coast but also has agriculture and high-tech industries spinning off Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Collaboration to compete is the order of the day, Katz said. Choose one thing that cuts across all municipalities  and focus on that.

Asked which should be tackled first, jobs or housing, Katz responded that job recovery, job growth and business expansion are top priority, but housing is just as important.

In California you have to do both, he said. You dont have an option.

As far as the potential for a wind farm off the coast, Katz said to think of it as more than clean energy, because the big impact would be on the entire energy grid and the job market.

He said it would involve the construction of giant turbines, their placement, their maintenance and training people to maintain them.

It could be a big job generator, he said.

Williams said the pandemic had little or no economic impact on the highest wage earners and the greatest impact on those in lower-wage jobs  50% or more tourism and retail jobs were lost.

Those least able to afford it have lost jobs, he said.

Yet now that the economy is starting to recover, employers say they are having trouble finding qualified workers, and Williams attributed some of that to the high cost and low supply of child care, noting 2 of every 5 adults said they altered their work to care for children.

He said remote working will increase, leading to unused office spaces that could be converted to housing, but infrastructure will need to be improved, particularly broadband availability, noting up to 1 in 4 people dont have internet access at home.

Williams said tourism and hospitality will come back.

This is an opportunity where the Central Coast can really grow, he said. I think visitor experiences are going to be important.

While online retail shopping increased, its unclear yet whether small businesses will embrace online sales or if consumers will return to more in-person buying.

But Williams advised prioritizing infrastructure improvements, with online bandwith and energy being the first concern, followed by transportation, water and health care.
Help India!



On the occasion of Eid, a protest against the recent Israeli actions in Palestine took place in an area in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, during which a local artist painted a mural in solidarity with the Palestinians. Next day, the artist was arrested by the police and released after three days. Jolted by the arrest, the artist said that he longer will draw political art.

Auqib Javeed | TwoCircles.net

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SRINAGAR  Emotions ran high in the conflict-torn region of Kashmir following Israels airstrikes on Gaza that have claimed over 200 lives so far and injured thousands.

Cutting apart political differences, people from all walks of life condemned Israeli raids on Palestinian worshipers at Al-Aqsa mosque and airstrikes in Gaza.

When Israeli jets and forces raided the Palestinian worshipers, Kashmiris took to social media to express solidarity with the Palestinians.

With the hashtag #KashmirStandsWithPalestine, Kashmiris shared messages of solidarity with the besieged Palestinians on social media.

On the occasion of Eid, scores of youth staged protests in the summer capital Srinagar, following which police detained 21 protesters including a graffiti artist from Srinagar.

Few youths assembled at Srinagars Padshahi Bagh and asked a local graffiti artist, Mudasir Gul to make a mural in solidarity with Palestinians.

Gul, 32, had no idea that it would land him in trouble and he will be arrested.

The artist painted a face of a sobbing woman, wearing the Palestinian flag as the headscarf, and had written: We Are Palestine, on the platform of a bridge. The image went viral on social media.

The next day, a police unit from the J&K police raided Guls house and detained him.

I was first taken to the bridge, where the cops forced me to remove my paintings, Gul, who was released after three days told TwoCircles.net.

He said he had no inkling that the graffiti would invite such reprisals for him.

I expressed my emotion and my feelings through my art. I didnt write anything anti-national but I was still detained, Gul told TwoCircles.net.

Gul said art is his passion. He used to paint and try his hands on different paintings, sketching and portraits since his childhood.

I used to participate in painting competitions during my schooling. By noticing my talent, the teacher would always suggest making a career out of it, he said.

He completed his degree in fine arts at University of Kashmir but couldnt find a job.

I used to do small projects on a commission basis but it was very difficult to find a job, he added.

This, however, didnt discourage Gul to give it up. He continued to pursue his dreams. He has won two national awards.

Gul said that three days of detention has changed his life entirely and he sees his life in a different prism.

I will never make any Political graffiti or any mural that will get me in trouble, he said, adding, The idea behind this mural was just to express our feelings in support with the people of Palestine since you cant even talk about the oppression in Kashmir so I thought it should be safe but I was wrong, Gul told TwoCircles.net.

He said he now regrets the making of the mural and never thought that this too shall be considered anti-national.

I will continue with the artists work but will never make any political mural or graffiti that will put me in trouble, he says.

His detention evoked massive criticism from netizens across the world, with people urging the authorities to release him.

Gul, along with others who were detained were released without any charges after counselling and strict warning from the cops.

Protests in Kashmir in solidarity with the people of Palestine is not new. These protests have taken place in Kashmir on several occasions against the Israeli aggression on Gaza and occupied territories of the West Bank.

On Eid, a video showing an elderly lady from Kashmir praying for the end of oppression in Gaza was widely circulated on social media.

Last week, the police in restive South Kashmir also arrested a prominent religious preacher Sarjan Barkati after a video of him expressing solidarity with Palestinians surfaced online.

Barkatis arrest comes six months after he was released from four-year detention earlier in January.

For Gul, the rumours of police slapping the Public Safety Act (PSA) against him were making him anxious.

For the three days in jail, I was thinking, what will happen now? What If I was booked under PSA? These thoughts were running in my mind, Gul told TwoCircles.net.

Gul said he was not treated as a criminal at the police station but was told that his mural might create law and order problems in the valley.

I was told that the art might create disturbance in the valley since emotions among the people towards the Palestinians are high in Kashmir, he said.

He said he wasnt part of even the peaceful protest that took place in the area. I made the mural and left for home, he said.

Gul, who belongs to a business family, is now pressurized by them to stop drawing political art.
Roughly half of Lompoc prison inmates and staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19, although engaging high-risk individuals to take the vaccine remains a challenge at the facility, according to findings published in a federal report.

The report was issued on May 12 by Dr. Homer Venters, an epidemiologist who was appointed by a federal judge to inspect the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex in the wake of a federal class-action lawsuit filed in May 2020 after an outbreak infected about 1,000 inmates. Venters visited the facility for the second time on April 20 and 21.

Of the 1,891 inmates who were offered the two-shot Pfizer vaccine, 951 inmates have received both doses as of May 14 while the rest have declined, according to a declaration filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jasmin Yang.

The Bureau of Prisons doesn't track staff vaccinations unless they occurred at the prison, although data included in Venters' report indicate roughly half of prison's staff is vaccinated.

I am extremely concerned that the facility has taken a passive approach to understanding and addressing the relatively low rates of vaccination among staff, and equally concerned that many of the high-risk patients I spoke with simply had questions or concerns that (the Bureau of Prisons) has failed to address, leaving them unvaccinated," Venters said in his report, adding staff viewed occasional mass offerings of the vaccine as sufficient.

U.S. Attorney officials in Los Angeles declined to comment on Venters' report.

+3 Trial date approved in Lompoc prison COVID-19 class-action lawsuit; second inspection authorized A tentative trial date has been set for August in a federal class-action lawsuit accusing Bureau of Prisons officials of cruel and unusual pun

The report noted strengths of the Bureau of Prison response including effective staff intake screening processes, improved efforts at social distancing and access to personal protective equipment.

Deficiencies pointed out in the report include no screening of inmate workers, a lack of soap and water in housing areas that include the north and south camps, and a lack of adequate mortality reviews to determine if appropriate care was given.

Venters ultimately made eight recommendations, including substantially expanding vaccinations, increasing out-of-cell times for inmates in quarantine and expediting home confinement reviews.

Several people reported to me that the intake quarantine was more psychologically stressful than punitive segregation in other prisons, Venters wrote. "There is no excuse for denial of basic services and rights to people under the guise of infection control.

In its May 14 response to Venters' report, Bureau of Prisons officials objected to officials expediting home confinement reviews, citing guidance issued by the attorney general that prison officials verify whether an inmate's history includes a violent, sex- or terrorism-related offense.

As the attorney general clarified, the (Bureau of Prisons) has an obligation to protect the public, which means we cannot simply release prison populations en masse onto the streets, Yang said.

In addition, officials objected to the reports directive that pre-release quarantine last only 14 days because it would violate the Bureau of Prisons' response plan, which requires an inmate to provide a test result on the 14th day of their quarantine prior to release.

A quarantine period of exactly 14 days does not allow adequate time for an inmate's second test to be returned and could result in the inmate's release despite a positive test on the last day of quarantine, since test results are taking three to seven days to be returned, according to Yang.

Bureau of Prisons officials did not respond to emails seeking further comment.
With the recent closure of Vons, neighboring residents can put at ease, according to Osborne who confirmed that businesses ALDI grocery store will split the empty lot with Boot Barn...
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jeff.pownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips.
Under the proposal, the council would allocate $100,000 from the fund to the Community Development Authority to manage the Madison Pop-Up Shop Program. The Community Development Authority, which manages the citys public housing as well as the Village on Park shopping center, has the real estate experience needed for this project, said Economic Development Director Matt Mikolajewski.

The city would work with the Community Development Authority and community organizations to recruit a group of vendors, each of whom would sell within a section of the market-like space. Mikolajewski anticipated that each vendor would commit to use the space for a minimum of three months and a maximum of a year. They would likely pay a modest rent designed not to create significant barriers to entry, he said.

Hopefully we're going to have more demand for locating in the space than we have space available, so we want to make sure that the retailers that are selected are serious about trying out the space, he said.
After bidding farewell to its only strip club, Madison will soon welcome a grocery store in its place.

On Monday, May 3, Kaba Bah and Jerreh Kujabi of Go-oh Groceries officially became the owners of 3554 E. Washington Ave., the former home of Visions strip club, which had been closed since January of 2020. Bah and Kujabi, both longtime Madisonians originally from Gambia, say their store will increase food access for low-income families and provide culturally appropriate groceries for Madisons growing West African community.

The $1.3 million project is getting $320,000 in support from the city of Madison, including $125,000 through the Healthy Retail Access Program and the very first forgivable loan from the citys new Commercial Ownership Assistance Program, which helps underrepresented business owners purchase commercial properties. The new owners aim to open the doors in six to nine months.
DeGuerin said Durst had nothing to do with Berman's killing.

Bob Durst did not kill Susan Berman and he doesnt know who did, he said. Bob Durst had no motive and nothing to gain by the death of Susan Berman.

Berman, the daughter a Las Vegas mobster who was a writer, had been best pals with Durst since they met on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, in the 1960s. DeGuerin showed a photo of a younger bearded Durst, his smiling wife and a beaming Berman at one of her book launches.

Lewin said Berman told friends she helped Durst cover up the killing by phoning in sick for Kathie Durst the day after she was last seen  providing evidence she was alive the day after her husband said he put her on train back to New York City after a weekend at their lakeside cottage.

But DeGuerin said Berman was famous for embellishing stories with lies. Even her friends didnt believe what she told them.

She was a fabulist. She made up stories, he said. "She told lies day in and day out.

DeGuerin said Durst discovered Bermans body when he showed up at her house in Benedict Canyon just before Christmas. The back door was open and she was lying on her back with blood pooled under her black hair.
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For the administration and its supporters, the answer is pulling out of stalemated, costly wars, and managing Middle East diplomatic efforts so that foreign policy efforts don't rack up air miles in years of fruitless shuttle diplomacy in peace processes that combatants often don't want.

When it comes to Yemens war, for example, At some point you have to accept what the facts on the ground are telling you, said Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat who met with Gulf and U.S. officials in a tour of the region this month. The United States was involved for six to seven years, and Yemen during that period of time moved further and further away from peace.

Since 9/11, all we have done through fighting war after war in the region is to make our country less safe, Murphy said. So yeah, it may take some adjustment if the United States decides to remember how it protected its interests prior to 2001."

The Biden administration points to intensive efforts by its diplomats for Yemen peace talks despite the end of military support. On Thursday the U.S. imposed sanctions on two Houthi leaders in the offensive on Marib.
One week after 12- to 15-year-olds became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin, more than 24% of those in that age group in Dane County have received their first dose, Public Health Madison and Dane County said Wednesday.

Pfizers two-shot vaccine is the only one approved for the age group, and the city-county public health department said that while appointments for the group are all booked at its mass vaccination site at the Alliant Energy Center this week, appointments for next week are wide open.

There are still some slots left this week for those 18 and older who want to get the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine, the agency said.

The pace of vaccination for young people in the county has so far outstripped that of those 18 years old and older. As of Tuesday, only six days into eligibility, 16.4% of the group had had its first dose. If interest in and availability of the vaccine continues, Dane County would have all of its 12- to 15-year-olds partially vaccinated by late next month.

For the county population as a whole, 63.6% of people have had at least one shot of one of the two-dose vaccines, and 54.2% are fully vaccinated. Dane County is among the leaders nationwide in the percent of people getting vaccinated against the virus.
The United Way of Dane County announced Wednesday plans to focus on addressing racial disparities in health across the county, a new direction that will shape the organizations priorities and how it helps residents over the next several years.

United Way President and CEO Renee Moe said the organization has been working on uprooting racial disparities for more than three decades, but that it was important to make a formal commitment to that target, with a plan and strategies to effect change. Moe noted that United Way is the largest private funder of health and human services in the county and has the ability to transform the system.

We believe it is imperative that we incorporate a racial equity lens and bring a commitment to make sure that we are able to create these changes, Moe said during a Zoom news conference Wednesday.

She was joined by health and nonprofit leaders who support United Ways selection of equity as the focus of its new mobilization plan in the area of health.

United Way selects new mobilization plans for its focus areas  others areas include education and income  about every five years as the needs of the community change. Other mobilization plans have focused on health care access, housing, healthy food for children, academic success and volunteer engagement.
So lets proceed, masks on or off based on our personal comfort levels, without disapproval.

In Indiana, most counties have dropped mask mandates completely. The state of Michigan is following the CDC guidelines for mask-wearing with businesses able to implement stricter rules. Wisconsin establishments have been dropping mask mandates, prior to the CDC recommendations, after a state Supreme Court ruling two months ago struck down Gov. Tony Evers mask mandate.

In Illinois, the mask rules are not universal. Local governments and businesses still can implement their own policies, and many have. If your gym wants to kick you out for not masking up, it can. If your grocery store keeps a mask policy in place, you still have to follow it. And if youre in any health care setting, the CDC strongly recommends a continuation of face coverings.

But the shaming  the confrontations and the glaring at people not wearing masks  comes to an end. Right?

In a letter to the editor published online Wednesday by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago resident David Whiteis suggests public health officials encourage unmasking for vaccinated people as a measure to protect our mental health.
The number of wasted doses through spoilage of the highly perishable vaccine was still a minute fraction of the states vaccine allotment. The state is currently administering an average of about 144,000 vaccinations daily. Even so, that was less than half of the 290,000-vaccination-a-day peak last month.

Just one in three Texans were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday, mostly with the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, while 42% have received at least one dose.

More than 51,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Texas during the 15-month pandemic out of the more than 3.2 million positive test results reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.



RENO, Nev. -- Nevada health officials admit the states goal of vaccinating 75% of the eligible population may not be realistic.

But they say progress toward that goal is continuing to pay dividends with the average number of new cases being reported statewide dropping to its lowest level since June 2020.

The states positivity also rate fell to 4.8% on Wednesday. Thats higher than an all-time low of 4.2% reached March 28, but down from 5.7% April 21 and far below the peak high of 21.3% in mid-January.
Its been over a year since the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum has been able to host visitors, so one can imagine their relief and joy at opening their doors for the fist time again this past Saturday May 15th! The weather was perfect for flying, so they took up their F2M Wildcat and SNJ-4 Texan to celebrate with a little style. The video below shows Evan Fagen taking the Wildcat up this past Saturday, and while the fighter appears small in the frame, the sound of its engine during the low pass down the runway will likely raise your pulse its pure magic!



As their press release noted, if you missed this opportunity to see some warbirds in the air again, dont worry they look forwards to much more flying this summer and to welcoming many more visitors. For regular updates on these opportunities, be sure to follow the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum on Facebook.

Given all that has happened this past year, the museum has obviously had to adapt some of their procedures to accommodate our present reality. While many details remain similar, there are some exciting new changes also. Here is what the museum has posted about what you can expect, and what to be aware of





Whats the same?

Our mission, to preserve the memory of the heroes of WWII, promote patriotism in todays Americans, and inspire tomorrows leaders to study and apply historys lessons.

Our hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The location: 2450 240th Street Granite Falls, MN 56241

What are the changes?

Admission prices Children (9 years-old and under  free) Children ages 10  17  $5, Adults  $10, Family  $20. Half off for Active Military  $5.



Annual memberships now available! Memberships can be purchased at the front desk. Single Membership will be $25 (remainder of 2021) Family Membership will be $50 (remainder of 2021)



(note: in 2022, membership prices will be $50 and $100)

No guided tours or scheduling any bus/school tours at this time. Of course, our staff will be ready to greet visitors and will make their way around our facilities to answer questions.

NEW Exhibits: The BEST and newest addition to the museum is the United States Navys F6F-5 Hellcat, Death N Destruction! A beautiful mural depicting the F6F Hellcat and SB2C Helldiver A training base mural Robin Olds display case Numerous photos and WWII artwork A Merlin engine An original aircraft tug from Pearl Harbor and another WWII-era tug

COVID-19 related:

Of course, we ask that all visitors use the precautions we have all come to know well.

While mask wearing is not required, it is encouraged indoors. Wear if you want!

Hand sanitizers are available in each hangar

Please stay with your group and keep a distance from other visitors.

LEARN MORE AT: Fagen Fighters WWII Museums Website
Tribe denied the request, but Roark said he would try to refrain from using the term.

Once in front of the jury, Larsen called state prison inmate Cody Thompson to the stand, who said that as a 16-year-old he was in a car with Rodriguez when Rodriguez went to Kriegers house on the night she was murdered.

Thompson is serving a life term in the Idaho Department of Correction for raping an inmate while he was incarcerated.

Thompson, who said he weighed about 100 pounds at the time, said he was intimidated by Rodriguez, who was an adult, because of his manner and the way he dressed.

Thompson said on the night of the murder, he was left waiting in the car in an alley and said he wasnt feeling well and at one time left the car to defecate near Kriegers house, but he doesnt remember exactly where.

He said when Rodriguez came out of the house he had what Thompson thought was a body wrapped in a blanket and he was told to help put it in the back of the car.

On the witness stand, Thompson stopped his testimony several times to wipe away tears.
The revelations arrive amid turbulence at the Workforce Solutions Department, where Bill McCamley departed as agency secretary a month ago and a review is underway of inflated tax rates on employers for unemployment insurance.

Acting Workforce Solutions Secretary Ricky Serna said the agency was in a bind as it struggled to keep up with an unprecedented tide of legitimate unemployment claims amid brazen fraud schemes by criminals trying to get payouts. Serna said fraud schemes also tied up phone lines with robocalls and appropriated the identities of state unemployment regulators.

You dont have enough time to certify that everyone who applied meets the program requirements because you dont want those people to wait five or six weeks for their money, he said. But then five or six weeks later, after theyve been receiving their money, you realize that wasnt right, or this was inaccurate or you didnt provide this. So we need to revisit eligibility. And to be sure, in some instances, it resulted in overpayments.

Serna, who is performing double-duty as director of the State Personnel Office, said the challenges of limiting overpayments was compounded by new federal pandemic initiatives.
One of the tenets of the Green New Deal is an embrace of wind-power as a replacement for all hydrocarbon based power plants: whether possible or not. Lets examine the folly of wind: wind farms are tax payer subsidized, and do not pay back on their own, the rare earth metals needed for the generators are mined in China, and, as President Biden noted in his joint session to Congress, the turbine blades are made in China. Further, when those blades are worn-out, those same turbine blades are buried in old mine shafts, as they cannot be recycled. Wind turbines placed on federal land pay no royalties to Idaho whatsoever, and only a pittance for the roads will be paid to the counties. This is hardly green, and hardly a deal for Idaho. Perhaps their worst feature is what they do to raptors.
One happy addition Alden said was the base-area restaurant will be open all riding season long Friday through Sunday, with the potential of being open other days of the week if demand warrants it.

A fully operational bike shop on wheels from Ketchum-based Idaho Cycles will be in the parking lot area to help assist riders with maintenance issues on their bikes if and when components tweak or break.

We are trying to get into the retail convenience items, but the supply chain in the bike industry right now is essential non-existent, Alden said. We think we will have two, three or four rentals, but for now you just cant buy bikes.

Like ski patrol in winter, Soldier will also have a bike patrol on mountain.

Weve got to have good medical on site, Alden said. We purchased an all-terrain vehicle to evacuate injuries should that become necessary. We also purchased a lot of equipment to get people down off the hill should that eventuality occur.

Alden also said the mountain is hiring for the summer.

Wed love for people to come and apply for jobs because it is just a great, fun way to spend your summer and get paid for it, he said.

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JEROME  The Sawtooth National Forest would like to encourage everyone to get out this Memorial Day holiday weekend and enjoy your National Forest.

We encourage you to know before you go.

People planning on recreating on the Sawtooth National Forest over the Memorial Day holiday weekend will find facilities open and operating; however, due to the lingering snowpack at the higher elevations a number of roads and trails will be closed. We would like to remind visitors to avoid driving or riding on muddy roads and trails to avoid damaging the running surface.

Please check with your local Forest Service office for current road and trail conditions. We would like to encourage visitors to stop by any Forest Service office and pick up the new motor vehicle use map so they will know what roads and trails are open to motorized use. They can also be downloaded by going to: fs.usda.gov/detail/sawtooth/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5421960

Many of our campsites are first come-first serve but there are also campsites that can be reserved in advance. These sites can be reserved at Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.
Death from COVID-19 returned to Henry County as of Thursday morning.

The 124th resident of the county was recorded at 5 p.m. Wednesday by the Virginia Department of Health as having died from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

This death likely occurred weeks or even months ago. VDH goes through an extensive review of death certificates and other information before adding to its database.

We never know much about victims or cases other than basic demographic information that can be derived by changes in VDHs data. Health officials dont discuss specific cases or individuals who pass away.

But all data are tracked by residence, and we were able to find that this one was a Black man in his 70s.

This was the 320th victim of COVID-19 in the West Piedmont Health District and the sixth in May  two of them Henry County residents and the first since May 13.

Most have been elderly: 241 of them (75.3%) have been at least 70 and all but two were 40 or older. They also are overwhelmingly white (230, or 72%) and predominately male (54%).

This death was recorded on the same day as 13 net new cases of COVID-19 and four new hospitalizations in the West Piedmont Health District.
In all three years  1952, 1956, 1960  Republicans declared themselves in favor of a constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal rights for women. By that measure, a good Republican such as Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt, should be using his position on the House Judiciary Committee to advocate for legislation that would extend the ratification period for the Equal Rights Amendment. Otherwise, he could rightly be called that dreaded phrase  a Republican in name only.

In 1956, Republicans declared they believed in an immigration policy which is in keeping with the traditions of America in providing a haven for oppressed peoples, and which is based on equality of treatment, freedom from implications of discrimination between racial, nationality and religious groups. In 1960, Republicans went further. Immigration has historically been a great factor in the growth of the United States, not only in numbers but in the enrichment of ideas that immigrants have brought with them, the party resolved. Now, though, the party complained that immigration has been reduced to the point where it does not provide the stimulus to growth that it should, nor are we fulfilling our obligation as a haven for the oppressed. Republican conscience and Republican policy require that: The annual number of immigrants we accept be at least doubled. That was the platform that Richard Nixon ran on.
SNHU announces winter 2021 presidents list

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the winter 2021 presidents list. The winter term runs from January to May.

Full-time students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.7 and above are named to the presidents list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in fall or spring semester, and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5 & EW6.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 88-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 150,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the Most Innovative regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Internationally renowned experts in dementia and cognitive assessment, including researchers from UNSW Sydney's Center for Healthy Brain Aging (CHeBA), have provided expert opinion on the development of a standard set of neuropsychological tests for patients presenting to memory clinics, to ensure consistency in diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia.

The invited experts, which included CHeBA Co-Directors Professor Henry Brodaty and Professor Perminder Sachdev, and Leader of the Neuropsychology Group, Dr. Nicole Kochan, acknowledge that a standard assessment for individuals presenting with cognitive difficulty is an international priority.

A critical step in the diagnostic process for people with cognitive complaints referred to a memory clinic is to examine performance on a set of neuropsychological tests. It has been evident that different tests are more sensitive to different disorders which can lead to varied diagnoses for patients.

Dr. Nicole Kochan said that the testing process not only differed across regions and countries but also differed among local clinics here in Australia.

"This research recommends a uniform set of tests that a person should receive when attending a memory clinic to receive a comprehensive assessment of their cognition, thinking abilities and problem solving," said Dr. Kochan.

"Standard diagnostic procedures then ensure best practice and consistency across diagnosis of dementia," she said.

Many efforts have been made internationally to tackle this problem.

In Australia, CHeBA's experts are involved with The Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT), which is one such group with a key objective of developing unified guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive disorders and the creation of a network of memory clinics.

The consensus, published in Alzheimer's and Dementia, and led by Dr. Marina Boccardi at DZNE-Rostock, clearly defines a European standard for the cognitive assessment within memory clinics.

The battery used includes best performing traditional and new tests sensitive to the typical memory deficits of Alzheimer's disease and to a range of other neurodegenerative conditions.

The research highlighted that a standard assessment would mean results from cognitive assessments were immediately comparable across Centers and clinics. This would also benefit research through the capability of pooling data from different Centers, where patients consented.

CHeBA's Co-Directors said that ultimately a standardized test will assist with early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related neurocognitive disorders, ensuring greater access to new clinical trials and person-centered care.

More information: Marina Boccardi et al, P2-468: Development of a consensus roadmap to harmonize cognitive assessment, Alzheimer's & Dementia (2019). Marina Boccardi et al, P2-468: Development of a consensus roadmap to harmonize cognitive assessment,(2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2019.06.2875

Provided by CHeBA
By Luigino Caliaro

English adaptation Stephen Chapis

This May 20th marks the fifth anniversary of the first flight in U.S. soil of the Military Aviation Museums (MAM) Messerschmitt Bf-109G-4, WkNr 19257, just prior to the 2016 Warbirds Over The Beach Airshow. The story of how the rare Luftwaffe fighter ended up in the skies of Virginia Beach, starts on May 5, 1943, when Feldwebel Viktor Peterman, who was then assigned 5./JG 52 force landed his Gustav after the coolant system was damaged during an engagement with Russian fighters. However, before being forced down he scored his 30th, 31st, and 32nd victories. It took Petermann four days to walk back to his airfield and went on to score another 32 victories, all on the Russian Front, before he was captured by American forces in Czechoslovakia. Petermann passed away on May 19, 2001 at the age of 85.

The G series was introduced in mid-1942 and the initial variants, G-1 through G-4, differed only in minor details from the Bf 109F, Freiedrich, most notably a more powerful 1,455-hp DB 605 engine. The G-1 was equipped with a pressurized cockpit while the G-2 was unpressurized, but the type reverted back to a pressurized cockpit on the G-3. The G-3 was also fitted with larger main wheels, which required the wings to be bulged slightly, and a larger and non-retractable tailwheel.

The original plan for the restoration was to combine whatever usable components from Petermanns Gustav with parts from Hispano HA-1112-MIL s/n C.4K-64 Jerry Yagen had in storage. When everything was examined by the technicians at MeierMotors GmbH in Eschbach, Germany in 2005, they, along with Yagen, decided to use as much of the Messerschmitt as possible. When the aircraft was completed German officials (LBA  Luftfahrtbundesamt) determined there was enough original parts to title the aircraft as Messerschmitt Bf109 G-4, WkNr 19257. One departure from original was fitting a composite propeller owing to the scarcity of original blades. The new propeller however, matches the profile of those originally fitted to the Gustav series of fighters. On August 15, 2015, British pilot, Charlie Brown, performed the first post restoration flight from the Meier Motors facility.

When it came time to paint the Gustav, the MeierMotors team, who had spent much time speaking with the Alten Adler (Former Luftwaffe Pilots), recommended the personal aircraft of GruppenKommandeur Hptm Klaus Quaet-Faslem of the I/JG3 Udet while the unit was based in Germany in mi-1943. This historic fighter wing was founded in 1939 and served on every front in the European theater from London during the Battle of Britain to Stalingrad before falling back to defend the Reich from the onslaught of B-17 and B-24 Veirmots, during which pilots make mas head-on attacks and ram bombers if necessary. Klaus Quaet-Faslem was born in Kiel on September 5, 1913 and scored 49 aerial victories before he was killed in a flying accident on January 30, 1944. He was posthumously awarded the Knights Cross.

The Gustav is displayed alongside the other Warbirds at the Military Aviation Museum today, flanked by other rare and unusual restorations, including a number of significant Luftwaffe types, both flying and static. From the Fw-44J Stigeleitz and Bucker Jungmeister to the Ju-52 (CASA 352). Also in the collection, but not currently on public display is a modern reconstruction of an Me 262.

The collection is appropriately housed in the historic Cottbus hangar that was originally designed by Osdeutsche Landwerkstatten GmbH to be raised quickly and easily transported, with curved arches designed with no interior columns to provide for maximum usable space. Erected in 1934, it housed notable Luftwaffe types from the Fw200 to the Ta 152. On May 29, 1944, the hangar was severely damaged during an Eighth Air Force bombing raid, but it was repaired and used throughout the Cold War. In 2000, the hangar was acquired by Jerry Yagen, dismantled and moved to the Military Aviation Museum site in Virginia Beach and erected on the western end of the airfield

Although the Cottbus Hangar continues to be closed to the public due to COVID precautions, Bf 109G is scheduled to fly as part of the Museums Summer of Flight Program on August 7th, 2021 For more information about the Military Aviation Museum visit www.militaryaviationmuseum.org/

A special thanks to Luigino Caliaro for helping with the drafting of the article and the photos. FOr more information about Luiginos work visit www.aerophoto.it


Kevin Fisher, of Quincy, Mass., left, receives his second shot of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from RN Katherine Francisco, of Avon, Mass., right, at a mass vaccination clinic, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South. Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne

A steady crowd of people flowed into the New England Patriots' stadium for their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this week in Massachusetts, which is nearing its goal of vaccinating more than 4 million and plans to close its biggest clinics in little more than a month.

In the Deep South, meanwhile, one of the largest clinics in Alabama shut down Wednesday and others will follow in the coming weeks because demand for the shot has plunged.

"They didn't have long enough to test it," said James Martin, 68, explaining why he has no plans to get the vaccine as he stopped for cigarettes at a convenience store in Clanton, Alabama. "They don't know what the long-term effect is. That's what makes me skeptical."

A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South.

Experts say the gap reflects a multitude of factors, including political leanings, religious beliefs, and education and income levels.

Close to 160 million Americans48% of the populationhave received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 million are fully vaccinated against the virus.

New England and Northeastern states account for eight of the top 10 in vaccination rates, with Vermont No. 1 as of last Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 64% of its population has received as least one dose.

James Doyle, front right, hands out face masks as people arrive at a COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South. Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne

Following right behind are Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico, all of them at 54% or higher.

Eight Southern states are in the bottom 10, all of which are under 40%. Mississippi was dead last at 32%, followed by Louisiana, Alabama, Wyoming, Idaho, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia and South Carolina.

Closing the gaps is vital to controlling the virus that has killed 588,000 people in the U.S., health experts say. The vaccination drive has helped drive U.S. cases down to their lowest level since last June, at around 30,000 a day on average, and reduced deaths to about 570 a day, a level not seen since last July.

"Low vaccination rates will leave room for the virus to circulate, re-emerge and possibly form new variants," said Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. "High vaccination rates are critical to keeping the disease under control, especially when we get back to the fall and winter."

The divides aren't just limited to statesthere are marked differences between urban and rural places, from county to county and from one neighborhood to another.

James Martin discusses his hesitancy to get a COVID-19 vaccine while stopping at a store in Clanton, Ala., on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Martin said he doesn't trust the vaccines because of the speed with which they were developed and a lack of knowledge about long-term effects. Credit: AP Photo/Jay Reeves

The disparities are even more glaring when looking at individual places around the U.S.: Vermont has four counties where 75% of the residents have had at least one dose, while there are 11 Mississippi counties with under 25% vaccinated.

Roddy Carroll has seen both sides from where he works in technology sales in Atlanta and where he grew up in northern Georgia. "There's a pretty stark difference," he said.

Back home in rural Murray County, only 1 in 4 residents have rolled up their sleeves for a shot. Carroll blames conservative politicians for sowing doubts that have made people reluctant.

"They're more willing to listen to conspiracy theorists than doctors who know how vaccines work," he said. "You're talking about people you've known all their life. But you hear them say those things, and you think, `How well did I know them?'"

Those anti-vaccine beliefs have led to some uncomfortable conversations with his family, Carroll said. "I don't know anybody who hasn't had tense moments like that," he said.

People work at a mass vaccination site operated by the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in Hoover, Ala. Across the Deep South, where vaccination rates are the lowest in the nation and mistrust remains high, this site, one of the largest clinics in Alabama already shut down Wednesday and others will follow in the coming weeks because demand for the shot has plunged. Credit: AP Photo/Jay Reeves

Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, said the gaps in COVID-19 vaccination can be traced directly to political influences, particularly what he called "anti-science" attitudes among Republican leaders, who were skeptical about the value of masks, too.

Getting more people vaccinated will take continued education, incentives and "head-on" confrontation of misinformation, Topol said.

He expects U.S. regulators to grant full approval to the vaccines soon, which will give employers, the military and health systems the green light to require vaccination. "That will make the biggest difference," Topol said.

Gail Borel, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, a nurse who arrived with her husband at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday to get their second doses, said she was initially reluctant. But she said she decided to go through with it after her employer said she could be held liable if she refused the vaccine and got patients sick.

Her husband, Tom, didn't share her concern.

In this May 18, 2021, file photo, Cathy Fuller, a nurse at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, vaccinates a patient at a mass COVID-19 immunization site in Hoover, Ala., where declining demand prompted a shutdown. A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South. Credit: AP Photo/Jay Reeves, File

"Everybody I know just wants to get it over with. If this is the path to get it over with, then this is what we're willing to do," he said. "I just want this to be over. It's how we stop wearing masks and how people stop getting sick."

In Massachusetts, where 62% have had at least one dose, there has been little resistance to public health orders during the pandemic, and state leaders have kept tight restrictions on gatherings and businesses, drawing praise from officials such Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert.

Some credit the success to the state's deep ties to education and health care. The Boston area alone has dozens of universities, including Harvard and MIT, and scores of biotechnology companies, including the vaccine maker Moderna.

Nationwide, rural counties are behind urban places in their COVID-19 vaccination efforts39% of adults in rural counties had received at least one shot compared with 46% in urban counties as of April 10, according to an analysis released Tuesday by the CDC.

The rural-urban gap exists among women, men and both younger and older adults, the CDC said.

Licensed practical nurse Yokasta Castro, of Warwick, R.I., draws a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine into a syringe at a mass vaccination clinic, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South. Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne

Paul Clasby, of Holliston, Mass., left, receives his second shot of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from paramedic Jake Lees, of North Attleborough, Mass., right, at a mass vaccination clinic, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South. Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne

People work at a mass vaccination site operated by the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in Hoover, Ala. Across the Deep South, where vaccination rates are the lowest in the nation and mistrust remains high, this site, one of the largest clinics in Alabama already shut down Wednesday and others will follow in the coming weeks because demand for the shot has plunged. Credit: AP Photo/Jay Reeves

In Alabama's Chilton County, a peach-farming area, the longtime mayor of Clanton died of the virus last year along with 85 others in the county. Yet less than 17% of its population is fully vaccinated, giving it one of the lowest rates in the state.

Store clerk Kim Pierce said she isn't getting a shot despite knowing as many as 30 people who developed COVID-19 and two who died. Besides, Pierce said, she hasn't gotten sick despite not wearing a mask and working in a busy gas station just off Interstate 65.

"Basically I think it's just scamming. I don't think it's any worse than the flu," she said.

Recent high school graduate Abby Calhoun said she sees few people wearing masks these days.

"We are from Alabama and we are in the country, so these older folks don't believe in COVID-19," she said.

Calhoun got sick and lost her sense of taste and smell in the fall, forcing her to quarantine for two weeks. She is among the unvaccinated, but she might get a shot before going to college in the fall.

"I just haven't had time to stop by and get it," she said.

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The rate of deaths related to diabetes and high blood pressure among Black people over the past two decades improved in urban areas, according to a new study, but rural communities are lagging.

Scientists have known for years that people in rural areas of the U.S. were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than their city counterparts. But researchers wanted to see if recent efforts to reduce the racial gap in health were working equally in both areas of the country.

First, they looked at U.S. deaths for Black and white adults age 25 and older from 1999 to 2018. Then they zeroed in on where people lived and what cardiovascular conditions were listed as a cause of death.

While the study found death rates in rural areas were higher for Black adults compared with white adults for heart disease and stroke, it did show the racial gap in heart disease deaths declined at a similar rate in both rural and urban areasand fell more rapidly for stroke in rural areas than in urban ones.

But the gap was especially wide for deaths related to diabetes and high blood pressure. Black rural residents were two to three times more likely to die from those conditions than white rural residents.

A slightly different picture emerged in urban areas. The gap between the rate of deaths for diabetes and high blood pressure among Black and white people improved about three times faster in cities and nearby suburbs than it did in rural areas.

"What's really concerning is these disparities haven't meaningfully improved over the last two decades," said lead author Dr. Rahul Aggarwal, a resident physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

The findings suggest a dire need for health care improvements in rural areas, he said. "It's important to modify public health and policy initiatives so we can get to the root causes of these regional inequities, including income inequality, structural racism and access to health care services."

The study will be presented Friday at the American Heart Association's virtual Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference. The research also was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

About 60 million Americans20% of the U.S. populationlive in rural areas. Last year, the American Heart Association issued a rural health advisory in the journal Circulation calling for better long-term funding for Medicaid patients and for rural hospitals and care clinics. The advisory also recommended using digital and telemedicine tools to improve cardiovascular health in rural areas.

"From a rural perspective, you have to think of new solutions," said Dr. Keith Churchwell, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. "This may be an opportunity to take a deeper dive to see if telehealth can lead to better pathways to improve care."

Doctors in rural areas face unique challenges, including isolation and a shortage of health care professionals, said Churchwell, who was not involved in the new study. "You're at risk of having a disconnect in your ability to take care of patients."

He called for more research to explore why racial disparities are improving in urban areas for diabetes and hypertension and to see how those gains can be duplicated in rural settings. "There may be lessons we can learn about improving therapies, outcomes and overall care for populations everywhere."

 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Cancer drugs capable of weakening the body's immune defenses are no more likely to increase the risk of COVID-19 infection or death than breast cancer therapies that do not undermine the immune system, a new study shows. Researchers say the results challenge initial concerns that such treatments, which poison cancer cells, were too dangerous to continue during the pandemic.

Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center, the new investigation involving over 3,000 women treated for breast cancer at the height of the pandemic in New York City showed that only 64, or 2 percent, contracted the virus. Of this group, 10 died from COVID-19, a number the study authors say is low and expected for this age group, regardless of cancer.

Notably, those receiving cytotoxic, or cell-killing, chemotherapy were at about the same risk from coronavirus infection as those taking other classes of drugs with minimal impact on the immune system defenses.

"Our results show that patients can safely receive breast cancer therapy, including chemotherapy, during the pandemic," says study lead investigator and Perlmutter Cancer Center medical oncologist Douglas Marks, MD.

"As long as patients continue to take reasonable precautions such as wearing masks and social distancing, they should feel confident in continuing the treatment plan that they have chosen with their physicians," says study senior investigator and cancer center medical oncologist Sylvia Adams, MD.

Adams, a professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, notes that breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States and kills approximately 45,000 every year.

At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2020, lack of information regarding the risk factors for COVID-19 infection for these patients led to delays in treatment. Many physicians, the study authors say, were particularly concerned about giving standard chemotherapy regimens, potentially making patients more vulnerable to the virus. As a result, some delayed or even avoided treatment.

The new study, presenting online June 4 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, is believed to be the first large investigation to directly evaluate whether breast cancer therapies affect the risk of coronavirus infection and death, according to Adams.

For the investigation, the study researchers reviewed medical records for breast cancer patients receiving either chemotherapy or other drug therapies from February to May 2020 at Perlmutter Cancer Center in New York City and Long Island. The investigators then analyzed information including COVID-19 testing results, the extent of cancer, the presence of other illnesses, and survival.

Among the study results, the risk of coronavirus infection among breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy was not greater than the risk for those who received treatments that were not expected to hinder their immune systems. Treatment also did not increase their risk of death from COVID-19.

In addition, the study showed that elderly and overweight patients remained at increased risk of dying from coronavirus infection, a finding in line with previous research on COVID-19 mortality, according to the researchers.

Adams, also the director of the Breast Cancer Center at Perlmutter, cautions that the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly evolving and that enhanced infection precautions should remain in place at cancer centers.

Marks, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Long Island School of Medicine, notes that it remains unclear whether these findings will hold true in the case of newly emerging variants of the coronavirus, which the research team has yet to investigate. Marks is also medical director of the cancer clinical trials office at NYU Langone HospitalLong Island.

Explore further Most women treated in New York City for gynecologic cancers are not at increased risk of death from COVID-19
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Psychiatrist Tami Benton was recently called to the emergency department about a child whose family had concerns about the girl's suicidal threats to run into traffic and end her life.

The child was only 5 years old.

Both of the child's parents had lost their jobs. The mother was struggling with depression, stressed by the demands of the pandemic.

"I asked her what she thought would happen when she died. She responded that I will come back tomorrow and I'll be a good girl and my parents will be happy again," Benton, who leads the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia child and adolescent psychiatry and behavioral sciences department, testified to Congress in April.

"Even more disturbing to me was my inability to provide an appropriate avenue for care for this youngster and her family. The option that I provided for her maintained safety but did not provide the care she needed and prevented other children from having a medical bed that was desperately needed during that time," Benton said. "I wish that I could say that this story was an uncommon one, but it's increasingly common in our emergency departments."

The COVID-19 pandemic has taxed the nation's mental health system, and youth have been harshly affected. Children have been impacted by social restrictions, school closures, parental health and family financial stressors. Experts also worry about reduced availability to school-based resources and limited access to outdoor activities.

"Children are uniquely suffering in ways we have barely begun to grasp. Isolation, depression, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, the rise in self-harm," Michelle A. Williams, dean of the faculty at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said at a briefing. "This is nothing less than a crisis."

Growing problem

Hospitals saw a 24% increase in mental health emergency department visits by kids who were 5 to 11 years old between April and October of 2020, according to Children's Hospital Association data. For children who were ages 12 to 17, that number rose 31%.

A separate poll that the American Psychiatric Association, or APA, released on May 2 found that 48% of parents said the pandemic contributed to mental health problems for at least one of their children. About half of surveyed parents said their child had some care from a mental health professional, and 26% said the mental health care was specifically due to the pandemic.

More than 1 in 5 of the parents surveyed had trouble finding an appointment with a mental health practitioner such as a psychiatrist or social worker.

"This poll shows that even as vaccines become more widespread, Americans are still worried about the mental state of their children," said APA President Jeffrey Geller. "This is a call to action for policymakers, who need to remember that in our COVID-19 recovery, there's no health without mental health."

Amy Knight, president of the Children's Hospital Association, said the pandemic exacerbated an already growing problem.

"Many kids that may have been coping, or appeared to be coping, during normal times, the pandemic just exacerbated feelings they were having," she said.

A study in the March edition of the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal compared suicide ideation rates and attempts among young people ages 11 to 21 from January to July 2020 and in the same period the previous year.

"Months with significantly higher rates of suicide-related behaviors appear to correspond to times when COVID-19-related stressors and community responses were heightened, indicating that youth experienced elevated distress during these periods," the study reads.

"They're no longer having those normal interactions, so by the time it becomes an issue, it's a significant issue," said Knight. "And kids shouldn't be seen in an emergency room for those kinds of things, you know. We should be intervening much earlier."

Policy proposals

Lawmakers have introduced a number of mental health proposals but have been largely focused on adults, who may have different needs.

Knight said she hopes the Biden administration's infrastructure plan being debated in Congress will include workforce development and loan forgiveness funding to enhance children's mental health care.

"We are pressing forward so that it will be included," she said, adding that previous legislation had "vague opportunities" for funding but "not a lot of direct funding for pediatric behavioral health."

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra cited a "historic investment in behavioral health" while speaking before the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee last week.

"We want to make sure we do everything that we can to address the stresses that our children have been facing," he said.

During a House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee hearing in March, Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said while the committee has made some strides, like funding the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, more should be done.

"We need to be thinking on a more long-term scale," she said.

Lisa Amaya-Jackson, co-director of the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, touted six priorities to the Appropriations subcommittee: ensuring that families have basic resources; supporting evidence-based services; helping schools implement programs on trauma; supporting systems that serve youth, such as juvenile justice and foster care; funding research; and prioritizing the needs of at-risk youth.

Last week, both chambers took a step toward addressing mental health needs by passing legislation.

The House passed a series of mental health bills last week en bloc by voice vote, including one to reauthorize and expand grants for school-based mental health programs at $130 million per year for five years. Another bill would implement student suicide awareness and prevention training policies in schools. Another would improve research and outreach efforts and develop training for culturally competent providers to address mental health disparities among minority youth.

The House on May 13 also passed, 323-93, a bill to require HHS to develop guidelines for behavioral intervention teams in schools.

The Senate on May 12 passed by voice vote a bill to require schools to include phone numbers for crisis resources on student identification cards or the school's website.

Other bills specifically address children's mental health needs.

Still awaiting action is bipartisan legislation that would examine the mental health impact of the pandemic on children and health care workers and authorize $100 million per year for five years for the National Institute of Mental Health.

Lifelong effects

Andrea Smyth, executive director of the New York State Coalition for Children's Behavioral Health, said if disruptions to children's mental well-being aren't addressed, they can affect a person's entire life.

"Having the right interventions at the right moment can have a positive impact for years and even generations to come," she said in March while advocating for the bill.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., also hinted in April that she plans to introduce a bipartisan bill to expand access to suicide awareness and prevention training for students to address rising youth suicide rates.

The expansion of telehealth helped many individuals seeking mental health care during the pandemic, and advocates want to make it easier for states to permanently implement tele-access to behavioral health even after the public health emergency ends. The scope of telehealth coverage in Medicaid varies by state.

"While most people, including most children, will likely adapt and recover well as we emerge from the pandemic, we know from previous research that for some, the mental health impacts of this trauma and distress will continue to have repercussions into the future," said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin. "We need to be prepared to help those who need it in the coming months and years."

Explore further New APA poll shows sustained anxiety among Americans

2021 CQ Roll Call

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Fully vaccinated people will likely need a COVID-19 booster shot within about a year, the nation's top infectious diseases expert and Pfizer's CEO said Wednesday.

"We know that the vaccine durability of the efficacy lasts at least six months, and likely considerably more, but I think we will almost certainly require a booster sometime within a year or so after getting the primary," Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN.

Fauci also said Wednesday that variant-specific booster shots may not be needed.

"Instead of having to play whack-a-mole with each individual variant and develop a booster that's variant-specific, it is likely that you could just keep boosting against the wild type, and wind up getting a good enough response that you wouldn't have to worry about the variants," he said. The wild type is the original strain of the virus.

Meanwhile, trials of a Pfizer booster vaccine are ongoing, company CEO Albert Bourla said.

"I believe in one, two months we will have enough data to speak about it with much higher scientific certainty," he told CNN.

"If they got their second shot eight months ago, they may need a third one," Bourla said, adding that booster shots could be coming between September and October of this year.

He said Pfizer will have to see what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves, and what its recommendation will be on how best to protect the American people.

Moderna has also been working on a booster shota half dose of its vaccineto fight COVID-19 variants like B.1.351, first seen in South Africa, and P.1, first discovered in Brazil, CNN reported.

Medical experts believe coronavirus may end up being like the flu, which requires a new shot every year both because the circulating strains mutate quickly and because immunity wears off quickly.

Fully vaccinated welcomed to travel to EU countries

The fully vaccinated will soon be welcome to visit countries in the European Union, officials there announced Wednesday.

The new measures for tourists and other travelers could take effect as early as next week, The New York Times reported.

Visitors will be allowed into the bloc's 27 member states if they've been fully immunized with vaccines approved by the European Union's regulator or the World Health Organization. They include the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines.

That would make Americans, who have been receiving shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, eligible to travel to the EU.

Visitors from countries considered safe from a COVID-19 perspective will also be allowed to visit Europe, and a list of those countries will be finalized on Friday, the Times reported.

EU member states will still be able to require negative PCR tests or quarantines for certain visitors.

The EU will also have a legal "emergency brake" that will let it quickly return to more restrictive travel rules if a threatening new variant or other COVID-19 emergency emerges, the Times reported.

US to share another 20 million vaccine doses with countries in need

President Joe Biden announced this week that the United States will share another 20 million doses of coronavirus vaccines with countries that are in dire need of shots.

The move comes on the heels of his promise to share 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with the world by July 4. This latest batch of 20 million doses will include Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines as well as AstraZeneca's vaccine, which has yet to be approved by federal regulators before being shipped overseas, CNN reported.

"We need to help fight the disease around the world to keep us safe here at home and to do the right thing helping other people. It's the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do, it's the strong thing to do," Biden said during a media briefing at the White House on Monday. "We want to lead the world with our values, with this demonstration of our innovation and ingenuity, and the fundamental decency of the American people."

As more and more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19, the Biden administration has been starting to help other nations get their populations vaccinated as the pandemic worsens globally. Biden said the vaccines would be shipped by the end of June, when the United States has enough for all of its citizens, the Times reported.

In February, Biden said a $2 billion U.S. contribution would go toward a global coronavirus vaccine initiative, CNN reported. The funding will provide support to COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, known as COVAX. Biden also pledged an additional $2 billion in funding contingent on contributions from other nations and dose delivery targets being met, CNN said.

A staggering 11 billion doses are needed to vaccinate 70 percent of the world's population, according to Duke University researchers, the Times reported. Only about 1.7 billion have been produced so far, the analytics firm Airfinity estimated.

"It's great to share, but redistributing 20 million existing doses has little impact on the global demand for the 10-to-15 billion doses needed," Lori Wallach, who oversees global trade work for advocacy organization Public Citizen, told the Washington Post. "Obviously, it's better to share than not, but it's like offering 20 million bites from our existing slice of pizza when we need to be getting a bunch of new pizza production lines going as fast as possible."

In the United States, the vaccination picture is much brighter. Biden has said there will be enough vaccine supply for every American adult by the end of this month. As of Wednesday, 125.4 million Americans were fully vaccinated and over 56 percent of adults had received at least one dose, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also recently approved the Pfizer vaccine for adolescents ages 12 to 15.

As of Thursday, the U.S. coronavirus case count passed 33 million, while the death toll neared 588,000, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, nearly 164.9 million cases had been reported by Wednesday, with nearly 3.4 million people dead from COVID-19.

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More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus

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Denmark, the first European country to discontinue the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines, on Thursday made both shots available to volunteers, health authorities announced.

"With the optional system put in place, the people now have the possibility to get vaccinated with the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines which are not part of Denmark's overall vaccination campaign," Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said in a statement.

The Nordic countrywhere the epidemic is considered under control and where the majority of people at risk and health professionals have been vaccinatedhad decided to exclude both vaccines because of a potential link to a rare but serious form of blood clot.

Both vaccines will now be made available to adults after consultations with a doctor.

Currently, two vaccinesproduced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Modernaare part of Denmark's vaccination program.

According to the latest figures, nearly 19 percent of Denmark's population of 5.8 million are fully vaccinated while nearly 30 percent have received the first dose of the vaccine.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

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Tourist-dependent countries like Greece are desperate for the return of mass travel to boost their economies.

The European Parliament and EU member states reached a deal Thursday paving the way for a Covid-19 certificate that will help open up travel in Europe for the key summer season.

"We have white smoke," tweeted EU justice commissioner Didier Reynders after a fourth negotiating session between MEPs and diplomats from Portugal, which holds the EU's six-month rotating presidency.

The deal will allow for anybody living in the EU's 27 countries to secure a digital health pass by the end of June that displays their vaccination status, results of Covid-19 tests or whether they have recovered from a coronavirus infection.

It is seen as a key tool to save the European summer vacation period, allowing countries dependent on tourists to reopen to visitors less likely to bring Covid with them.

"This is an important step towards restarting EU free movement as safely as possible, while providing clarity and certainty for our citizens," said EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides.

Other countries around the world have moved in the same direction, including Israel with its "green pass", and Britain, which has told its citizens that some international travel will be permitted with an app from its National Health Service (NHS).

The EU's health pass will initially be used only for travel within the European bloc and will be legally valid for 12 months. Any extension will require a new legislative process.

According to negotiators, MEPs failed in a bid to make free Covid tests available to all unvaccinated citizens, securing only a call for "affordable" testing across the EU.

The European Commission also promised to make at least 100 million euros ($122 million) available for the purchase of rapid tests.

In addition, the deal allows for member states to recognise vaccines that are not authorised in the EUa demand of Hungary, which has relied heavily on unapproved Russian and Chinese vaccinations for its rollout.

'Step forward'

Liberal MEP Sophie in 't Veld regretted that the Parliament had not been able to push through its more far-reaching demands. Nevertheless, she described the agreement as "a tangible step forward for citizens".

France, Malta and the Netherlands are among the countries piloting the EU's pass.

The test involves making sure that digital keys used to authenticate the passes work correctly, and that it is interoperable across different countries' systems.

The pass, while mostly designed to be accessed via a smartphone app, also has to be able to be authenticated in paper form. The technology was developed by German companies T-Systems and SAP.

The certificate is on the agenda of the summit of European heads of state and government scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Brussels.

Thursday's agreement will then have to be formally approved by a full session of the European Parliament, whose plenary is scheduled for June 7-10 in Strasbourg.

Explore further EU's COVID health pass to be operational in June

 2021 AFP
A medical assistant prepares a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to a patient. Credit: Public domain image courtesy of Lisa Ferdinando, U.S. Department of Defense

The European Parliament has urged the EU to back a push for a temporary waiver of coronavirus vaccine patents, in the face of scepticism from Brussels and key member states.

Lawmakers voting late Wednesday narrowly approved an amendment calling on the bloc to back an Indian and South African proposal to the World Trade Organization "for a temporary waiver on intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccines, equipment and treatments".

The text, which was attached to an unrelated health motion by MEPs from The Left (GUE), also "urges pharmaceutical companies to share their knowledge and data".

Earlier this month, EU leaders said they were willing to discuss patent waivers after US President Joe Biden backed the planbut called for more details on the proposal and urged other major producers to first increase their exports of much-needed jabs.

EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told lawmakers on Wednesday that Brussels would put forward its own proposal at the WTO focused on boosting production and freeing up exports.

He insisted that Brussels would "engage constructively" to see if a temporary waiver of patents could help bolster global supplies and access to the doses.

WTO boss Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is in Brussels, said production was key to addressing the global shortfall in jabs.

"I want to be clear: Getting the IP waiver will not be enough," Okonjo-Iweala told MEPs before talks with EU trade ministers.

"We need to decentralise manufacturing. It's anomalous that Africa, with 1.3 billion people, has 0.17 percent of the manufacturing capacity of the world," she said.

The World Health Organization, India and South Africa have all called for patents to be temporarily suspended in a bid to help boost supplies to poorer nations struggling to vaccinate their populations.

The EU points to the fact that it has exported over 200 million vaccine doseswhile other key manufacturers such as the US and Britain have sent only limited supplies abroad.

Officials from the bloc have said the hoarding of crucial ingredients needed for vaccines by some nations was a larger obstacle than patent protection.

Key EU members France and Germany have defended vaccine patents, arguing that innovative companies must be rewarded for their efforts.

Germany is the home of BioNTech, which developed the vaccine now being produced by US giant Pfizer that has become the mainstay of Europe's inoculation campaign.

"The limiting factors in the production of vaccines are the production capacities and the high quality standards and not patents," a spokeswoman for Chancellor Angela Merkel's government said earlier this month.

"The protection of intellectual property is a source of innovation and must remain so in the future." The European Commission has also defended this view.

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 2021 AFP
In this Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 file photo, a sign is pasted into an upper window at Pfizer manufacturing center in Puurs, Belgium. The European Union cemented its support for Pfizer-BioNTech and its novel COVID-19 vaccine technology, Saturday, May 8, 2021 by agreeing to a massive contract extension for a potential 1.8 billion doses through 2023. The new contract, which has the backing of the EU member states, will entail not only the production of the vaccines, but also making sure that all the essential components should be sourced from the EU. Credit: AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File

The European Union's executive arm on Thursday finalized a third vaccine contract with Pfizer and BioNTech through 2023 for an additional 1.8 billion doses of their COVID-19 shot.

The European commission said the deal, which was agreed on behalf of all 27 EU countries earlier this month, will allow the buying of 900 million doses of the current shots and of a serum adapted to the virus' variants, with an option to purchase an extra 900 million shots.

The signature of the agreement comes less than a week before a court hearing in Brussels pitting the Commission against the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which is accused by the EU of failing to deliver the promised number of doses of its own vaccine.

The Commission said that the deal with Pfizer-BioNTech stipulates that the production of doses must be based in the EU and that essential components are sourced from the region. "From the start of the supply in 2022, the delivery to the EU is guaranteed," the Commission said.

AstraZeneca's contract with the EU foresaw an initial 300 million doses for distribution among member countries, with an option for a further 100 million. The doses were expected to be delivered throughout 2021 but only 30 million were sent during the first quarter. According to the Commission, the company is set to provide only 70 million doses in the second quarter, rather than the 180 million it had promised.

In sharp contrast with the tense nature of its relationship with AstraZeneca, the Commission highlighted its "well-established cooperation" with BioNTech and Pfizer guaranteeing that "timely deliveries of the doses are ensured."

In this Friday, April 23, 2021 file photo, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen makes a statement during an official visit to the Pfizer pharmaceutical company in Puurs, Belgium. The European Union has cemented its support for Pfizer-BioNTech and its novel COVID-19 vaccine technology by agreeing to a massive contract extension for a potential 1.8 billion doses through 2023. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that her office "has just approved a contract for a guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options)." Credit: John Thys, Pool via AP, File

The Commission said that under the new deal EU countries will have the possibility to donate some of their allocated doses to non-EU countries or through the U.N-backed effort known as COVAX, which is providing vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.

Stella Kyriakides, the commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said the EU is now prioritizing vaccine technologies "that have proven their worth, like mRNA vaccines."

The active ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is messenger RNA, or mRNA, which contains the instructions for human cells to construct a harmless piece of the coronavirus called the spike protein. The human immune system recognizes the spike protein as foreign, allowing it to mount a response against the virus upon infection.

"But we keep our options open," Kyriakides said. "The past months have clearly demonstrated the need to have access to a broad portfolio of vaccines and different technologies, as well as reliable partners. As the pace of vaccination increases every day and work on effective therapeutics intensifies, we can look ahead with more optimism and confidence."

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told an event organized by Germany's WDR public television that, by the end of this week, 260 million doses of vaccine will have been delivered in Europe. She acknowledged that countries such as the U.S. and U.K. were faster to start with, but said "that has been put into perspective over time."

After its much-criticized slow start, she said the bloc's COVID-19 vaccination drive is a success.

"Yes, there was a lot of criticism of the European Union at the beginning," she said in comments broadcast Thursday. "What counts in the end is that the European Union reliably delivers vaccines to its 450 million citizens day by day, and that we can say we got there together as a community. Measured by that, our European vaccination campaign is a success."

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
We can act now to put us in a position so that when the next pandemic does happen, we dont have to allow it to get out of control, says Michael Mina. Credit: Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer

Michael Mina is assistant professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a member of the School's Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, and associate medical director in clinical microbiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital's Pathology Department. Mina's work revolves around disease testing and the development of new technologies to better understand the population and immunological consequences and patterns underlying infectious diseases.

Q&A with Michael Mina

GAZETTE: Is it possible to prevent the next pandemic? If not, can we better prepare for it?

MINA: Pandemics are going to happen, but we can absolutely prevent the devastation that occurs from a pandemic. We can act now to put us in a position so that when the next pandemic does happen, we don't have to allow it to get out of control. We can build tools to find it quickly and to act fast. We can build up new public health infrastructure to tackle it once it starts spreading.

There are a lot of ways to do this. One of those steps is building up proper surveillance. We can work togetheracross countriesin a way that betters societies everywhere. We didn't see it in this pandemic, unfortunately, primarily because our president couldn't even unite people in one country. But in what I would consider more ordinary times, a virus should be something that all people on earth can rally around.

GAZETTE: What would such a surveillance system look like?

MINA: An immunological observatory, a global immune observatory, would be a massive engineering feat, the likes of which may be comparedat least in my visionto the weather system. We don't need physicians working on this problem; we really need engineers and epidemiologists and mathematicians. It would be a "collective global good" sort of program to help preventor at least rapidly identifythe next pandemic so that we can respond quickly.

It would run all the time in the background and would allow two things. One would be rapid identification of new infectious diseases. It would be a massive, everyday surveillance program using ready-to-access blood samples from blood banks or hospitals that are about to be thrown awaythere are tons of ways to get blood samples in the world. This could be supported by federal governments or by industry or the Department of Defense. It would be a daily churn, running lots of different tests to look at people's immune responses.

GAZETTE: From those immune responses, we'd know what is circulating out there?

MINA: I think of every individual as a recording device. We're all just USB sticks, always recording. The problem is that it's really hard to uncover what we have recorded. But we have the tools to actually go into our blood and say, "What has Michael recorded today in terms of infectious disease exposures? He didn't get sick, but maybe he got exposed to something." We could start doing that for millions of people every single day. That would create a robust surveillance program. The constantly recording devices of our immune system would be interpreted and read out, "Hey, it looks like there's a new coronavirus spreading in Wuhan." Or, in late January [2020], "It looks like there are some people with what looks like a new virus popping up in New York City." And then you would read the news and say, "There's a coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan," put two and two together, and Governor [Andrew] Cuomo would have had the firepower to close down the city in early February instead of March. That would have saved tens of thousands of lives and perhaps prevented that major outbreak in New York.

GAZETTE: The key would be that we're not waiting for people to get sick or for someone to notice that several people have gotten sick with something that they don't recognize? It would be a routine scan of people's blood collected for other procedures?

MINA: Yes. We have tools that we are developing in my lab, some initially invented by collaborators like Steve Elledge [Gregor Mendel Professor of Genetics and of Medicine] here at Harvard, that use a drop of blood, just a finger prick. The government could spend a few hundred million dollars and buy every American 10 of these that they could use throughout the yearit's like filter paper and a lancet. These things could be mailed to everyone's homes. We actually did this in Massachusetts recently. We mailed thousands of people a little piece of filter paper and a little finger prick thing, just like a diabetes finger prick device, and you put a drop on the filter paper, mail it back into the lab. And with that one drop, we can evaluate somebody's blood for hundreds of thousands of distinct antibodies simultaneously.

What we're doing is asking, for this person: Have they seen any number of hundreds of different pathogens? And we get high resolution for what those individual antibodies look like. For example, if you get a COVID antibody test, you get one number back. With our technology, you get 1,000 numbers back just for COVID. So you can start building up something like fingerprints of what different pathogens look like in terms of the immunological response. Then, if there is a novel virus, something the world has never seen before, you can detect it.

We didn't have this coronavirus in our test a year and a half ago, obviously, because we didn't know it existed. But we would have very quickly picked it up by seeing a picture from a lot of people that looked like a coronavirus antibody response. Our pattern recognition software would have said, "Hey, we just got these 30 new coronavirus cases and these new antibodies detected in people with coronavirus, but they don't target the known coronavirus spike protein. Maybe that's because it's a new spike protein, and it's a new coronavirus." We could use the pattern recognition and the resolution that comes from these new tests to be able to see what are essentially weird patterns. They look a lot like a coronavirus, but don't quite fit the patterns we're used to seeing for coronaviruses. That would give us a hint that maybe a new one is spreading.

GAZETTE: What is the status of these tests today?

MINA: These technologies exist and are very cheap. We've been trying to build them into a much more robust platform. They could essentially be built into a program that governments or nonprofits could buy and utilize.

It's an extraordinarily powerful way to try to identify new transmission. We're doing a pilot right now in partnership with a company called Octapharma. This company collects blood plasma from regular people, so every week my laboratory gets tens of thousands of samples from places all across the United States. There are 110 different sites.

This is a centralized way to get a huge number of specimens. We are processing them for COVID antibodies. In this case, we're doing passive collection of all these blood samples that were going to be thrown away by the company. So the company said, "We'll just ship them to you."

So through 2020, we will have processed around half a million specimens, and we'll be able to reconstruct the entrance of this virus into the United States and watch, on a practically daily basis, how the virus' prevalence shifted, grew, and fell, and grew again across the U.S.

Now we're looking back in time, but what I want to do is to get caught up so that we're doing it in real time. Then we'll be able to tell a governor, who might have turned down the state's testing program for viruses, that our surveillance system is starting to see new cases of flu early this year, or coronavirus, or we are detecting a lot of new antibodies against Lyme disease and it looks like this is going to be a really bad year, or Zika, whatever the virus or pathogen might be.

It can also be used not just for pandemic detection, but to provide a whole new data stream that allows people to say, "There's really good evidence that there's rhinovirus moving around in your community." So, if you're a parent and your kid is sick, you probably want to know: Does your kid have the flu? Does your kid have adenovirus? Coronavirus? Rhinovirus? RSV? Each of those require different levels of attention.

So maybe you open up your phone, and an app says your community, your ZIP code, has had a lot of rhinovirus over the past week and almost no flu. So you could probably say, "Look, kid, you're going to be just fine. You very likely have rhinovirus, and if you don't get much worse, we don't really have to take action."

I think of it like the weather system. Right now we look at our phones, and if it says it's going to rain, we bring an umbrella. We don't wait until it starts raining. We preemptively take it with us to work.

GAZETTE: And so these two functions would be side by sidesurveillance for new pathogens and a more routine state of viralor whatevertransmission occurring in your area?

MINA: That's right. It would be serving dual purposes. Maybe the whole program could be funded by subscribers or something like that. I don't know. I just think that there are ways to make it work. Frankly, it should just be funded by the government. This pandemic is a $16 trillion hit on our economy. If the government put $2 billion into an effort like this and it had any chance at all to stop a major expansion of a new pandemic virus in the future, that's well worth the investment. The potential benefits greatly outweigh the financial risk.

GAZETTE: We talked about a global surveillance system, but you also mentioned building up public health infrastructure as a way to stay ahead of a future pandemic. What does that look like?

MINA: To not have another 2020, we need to put a few things in place. First really is a playbook. Science isn't immutable, but science is much more standard than policymakers. We should not be banking on this or that administrationsome might be more scientifically savvy than others. There's no reason we can't be anticipating this and come up with a playbook that every policymaker, whether it's governors, presidents, or prime ministers, should be able to open and say, "OK, this is a virus that seems to be spreading quite readily with aerosolized transmission. It has an R naught of around two; it doesn't seem to be spread too much by fomite transmission; and it's a coronavirus. Now what is the way to deal with this?"

We should have those playbooks written so that when it happens, we can push a button and say, "OK, these are the things we need in place. These are the potential good approaches to take. And these are the tools we're going to need."

GAZETTE: Is this a process that could run, at least initially, independent of political leaders? Insulated from politics?

MINA: I think so. One lesson that we should learn from this pandemic and from the Trump presidency is that though we assume that scientists with the best interests of humanity would be leading efforts, that did not happen in this presidency. We should have an independent crisis group that doesn't include political appointees. They can say, "This is serious." It could be a constant group of advisersnot the CDC because the CDC has its daily ongoing workpeople who maybe rotate every two years, like a National Guard of scientists. It could be a small group, maybe only 20 or 30 who respond when called upon for a threat.

GAZETTE: What does a strong public health system look like? And how is that different from what we have right now?

MINA: I will answer that question from an infectious disease perspective, because the broader issue of public health is huge and includes nutrition, smoking, and many other things. But it means optimizing the system to help the most people, even at the expense of individuals. Public health tools, whether vaccines, a test, or distancing and masks, need to be evaluated in the context of population and not individual risk.

That requires a whole new way of thinking, and I'd like to start a new field called public health engineering because, ultimately, the response to an outbreak has to be engineered. That's a big difference. Medicine is very much a one-on-one interaction between a patient and a doctor. It's not a cold engineering problem. Public health is. It does include consideration of social structures and belief systems, but those are part of the optimization problem.

GAZETTE: Is this idea of public health at times conflicting with individual well-being something we've had the luxury of forgetting, since we've tamed so many infectious diseases?

MINA: Absolutely. We have not had to deal with adversity on our shores in any real population-wide way in decades or even longer. We've lost track of what it means to act collectively. World War II was a great example of when we said, "We have to work collectively. We have to optimize our response." By the end of World War II, we were rolling out B24 bombers every 60 minutes. That is something that would have been unfathomable if we were trying to optimize every individual's safety and well-being and not thinking about the population-level response.

If you go further back and a plague was on board a ship, you'd burn the ship and quarantine every passenger on it. You'd do whatever was needed because the last thing we wanted is for this thing to spread to the population. We've advanced from that, but our problem today is that the virus is the same. It doesn't care. The virus doesn't feel for our emotions. It's not an enemy that we can talk down. We can't bribe a virus with money. It is completely emotionless. There's nothing we can do to control it, except to control it. I think we have lost all sense of that.

We're really good in this country at doing biology, at doing medicine. We were able to go from zero to a vaccine finishing phase three trials in months. But we completely failalways in this country and in many countriesto actually do the public health part. We did all the expensive biological stuff; we did all the fancy stuff that gives people credit, all the doctor-y things, all the technology things. But then when it came to scaling and distributing the vaccine, the not-sexy, public health intervention part, nobody thought about it.

It was complete afterthought, but it's the most important part. So we need a whole new field that is thinking about public health optimization in a whole new way. We need engineers on the ground.

GAZETTE: How do you get at the human behavior part of this? Getting people to do what science and public health tells us will work?

MINA: One thing that governments do badly is we ignore public health. And the way that we communicate public health to the public needs to change. It needs campaigns that are on par with the campaigns of Joe Camel and Marlboro Man, Doritos and Coca-Cola. When it's for profit, we have huge industries focused on how to get people to do something they didn't know they wanted to do. There's a huge amount of psychology that goes into those ad campaigns and those messaging campaigns. Why is that amazing tool left only to adverse things for human populations? To for-profit things that generally don't make people healthier?

GAZETTE: Is this maybe a communications aspect of your public health engineering?

MINA: Yes, it all needs to be taken into account. A problem for the spread of rapid tests is that people say, "Well, people won't know how to use them." Well, they'll know how to use them if they see it on the back of every magazine, and they see news anchors and people on sitcoms do a COVID test at home. It absolutely needs to be part of this overall approach to how we tackle pandemics in the future. We should not be shying away from marketing. We should be pouring billions of dollars into McCann and into Coca-Cola's branding agency. We should be paying them well to tell the public about public health, to teach people. There's no reason why we can't do this. It would be well worth every dollar, and probably be some of the best return on investment we could ever put forward, given the context of this pandemic right now.

GAZETTE: Is there an opportunity today in that there is a generation of kids and young adults for whom this will be a formative event in their lives? They may be the ones who get this message even if their elders are more blase.

MINA: I do think that signs are pointing to a new generation of people more engaged with each other, even if it's being engaged with each other through technology. I hope that many people will be interested in public policy, in infectious disease dynamics, and epidemics. The interest in going into infectious disease and pandemic research has skyrocketed among young people this year. Around me, anyway, there have been armies of young peopleand some older peoplewho have really rallied around, in this case, me and this idea of rapid testing, building grassroots campaigns online. To see that energy has been pretty heartening.

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2020, file photo, Mark and Patricia McCloskey leave following a court hearing, in St. Louis. The McCloskeys, accused of waving guns at racial injustice protesters in the summer of 2020, are due back in court Friday, April 30, 2021, when a judge will consider whether to send the case back to a grand jury to decide if they should have been indicted in the first place. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) PHOTO:AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File

Man Who Waved Gun at Protesters to Run for Senate

By The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - Mark McCloskey, a St. Louis personal injury lawyer who gained national attention after he and his wife waved guns at racial injustice protesters who marched near their home last summer, says he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2022.McCloskey made the announcement Tuesday on Tucker Carlsons show on Fox News. Incumbent Missouri Republican Roy Blunt announced in March he would not seek a third term.McCloskey will seek the Republican nomination against two contenders with strong name recognition: Former Gov. Eric Greitens, who resigned from office amid a sex scandal in 2018; and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt.Several GOP members of Congress also are weighing runs.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Transgender adolescents are more likely to have at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor compared to cisgender (same gender as at birth) adolescents, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021.

The United States has a growing population of transgender adolescents ages 12-21 who seek medical transition gender-affirming hormone therapy. Gender-affirming hormone therapy involves taking estrogen or testosterone for transgender females or males, respectively. Previous research of cisgender adults indicates estrogen has cardioprotective effects, and an estimated 37% of healthy-weight cisgender adolescents have at least one atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factor.

"Gender-affirming hormone therapy is an option for transgender individuals, and yet very little research currently focuses on the transgender adolescent community," said first author Ambur Staab, M.D.-candidate at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. "Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States, and we understand, to some degree from previous research, that estrogen and testosterone can impact risk factors for heart disease. We have yet to fully study how these hormones affect heart disease risk specifically in the transgender adolescent/young adult population, and we sought to get a better understanding through this study."

Researchers at the University of Utah conducted a retrospective analysis of 300 adolescent transgender patients who received gender-affirming hormone therapy at the Adolescent Medicine Clinic at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, between January 2015 and December 2020. Among the 300 transgender adolescents, 50 transgender male and 50 transgender female patients were randomly selected for analysis of ASCVD risk factors when gender-affirming hormone therapy began and after one year of treatment.

Researchers found that among the 100 transgender patients analyzed:

At baseline, 50% of transgender females and 66% of transgender males had at least one ASCVD risk factor;

After one year of gender-affirming hormone therapy, 30% of transgender females and 70% of transgender males had at least one ASCVD risk factor; and

While there was no significant change in ASCVD risk factors for transgender females, transgender males experienced a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol levels and significant increase in BMI for after one year of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

"Gender-affirming hormone therapy appears to have greater benefits than risks for transgender adolescents and young adults," said Nicole L. Mihalopoulos, M.D., M.P.H, chief of the division of adolescent medicine at the University of Utah and principal investigator of the study. "For some people, these findings influence their decision to not to start gender-affirming hormones during adolescence. However, without gender-affirming hormone therapy, transgender individuals may experience worse gender dysphoria, depression, anxiety and possibly increased suicidal ideations."

These findings indicate that gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender males may have a negative impact on some ASCVD risk parameters; however, the researchers note that baseline lab testing can help physicians counsel and educate patients about the benefits and risks of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Additionally, adverse health effects should be addressed with healthy lifestyle behavior changes first, as is standard care for any other adolescent and young adult who may have modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Some limitations of the study include a small sample size and that most patients identified as non-Hispanic white individuals; therefore, the results are not generalizable to transgender individuals from diverse racial or ethnic groups. In addition, follow-up data was only collected for one year. While researchers note the strengths in their preliminary findings, it is not possible to establish a causal relationship between gender-affirming hormone therapy and ASCVD risks factors without a larger study that includes more follow-up data and for a longer time period after treatment.

Explore further Gender-affirming hormone therapy may increase risk of high blood pressure
Credit: Petr Kratochvil/public domain

It is ingrained in parents to curtail the hours their children spend in front of the television. Anecdotal evidence suggests that prolonged viewing of television and use of smart gadgets during early years can adversely affect a child's eyesight and behavioral development. However, there is little scientific evidence to support such observations on the effects of excessive television exposure on children's visual acuity. Now, Professor Matsuo Toshihiko (M.D., Ph.D.) and Professor Yorifuji Takashi (M.D., Ph.D.) from Okayama University describe how such exposure can indeed have detrimental effects on children's eyesight during later years.

The researchers used a national database of the Japan Government, based on the annual survey of all children born in the certain period of the year 2001. In 47,015 eligible children from the database over time, watching television or videos as a primary form of "play" and also daily duration of television-watching were assessed in the earlier years of life. The same children at elementary school were assessed yearly from the ages of 7 to 12 years to measure any concerns about visual acuity raised by their parents.

The Okayama University team first observed that if children had high television exposure at the ages of 1.5 years or 2.5 years, parents showed significant concerns around their children's eyesight in the second half of the study. This observation was consistent for children of both sexes and did not change based on parameters such as residential area or parents' education. Deeper analysis showed parents of children aged 2.5 years who watched television for greater than or equal to 2 hours/day had much greater concern for their children's visual acuity compared to those of children who watched television for up to 1 hour daily. However, as a child's age increased, their parent's concern during later years decreased.

Responses received on the television-watching patterns in children between the ages of 1 to 6 years and the corresponding eyesight concerns shown by their parents during elementary-school years. Credit: 2021 Okayama University

To ensure uniformity of the results, the researchers re-analyzed the responses of a smaller pool of participantsthose who participated in all surveys conducted when the children were between 7 to 12 years of age. Not only did the responses from this group reiterate their primary findings, but it was also found that the proportion of concerned parents increased as the children aged from 7 to 12 years. Visual acuity seems likely to deteriorate with age.

"This nationwide population-based longitudinal study is the first to demonstrate that television-watching only in the earlier years of life, but not in the later years, leads to the later consequence of visual acuity problems at elementary school age," conclude Professor Matsuo Toshihiko and Professor Yorifuji Takashi.

Hence, carefully monitoring a child's television exposure up to the age of three could be a critical factor in healthy eyesight development. The research suggests that younger children should be encouraged to try more traditional ways of playing.

Explore further Study suggests few developmental effects of television on five-year-old children

More information: Toshihiko Matsuo et al, Television-watching in the early years of life and the association with parents' concerns about decreased visual acuity in their elementary school-aged child: results of a nationwide population-based longitudinal survey of Japan, Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology (2021). Toshihiko Matsuo et al, Television-watching in the early years of life and the association with parents' concerns about decreased visual acuity in their elementary school-aged child: results of a nationwide population-based longitudinal survey of Japan,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10384-021-00831-x
Figure 1 From: Quantifying the alignment error and the effect of incomplete somatosensory feedback on motor performance in a virtual braincomputer-interface setup

Invasive brain-computer interfaces aim to improve the quality of life of severely paralyzed patients. Movement intentions are read out in the brain, and this information is used to control robotic limbs. A research team at the Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum Langendreer, University Clinic of Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, has examined which errors can occur during communication between the brain and the robotic prosthesis and which of them are particularly significant. With the aid of a virtual reality model, the researchers found that a faulty alignment of the prosthesis, the so-called end effector, results in a measurable loss of performance. The Bochum-based researchers headed by Dr. Christian Klaes from the Department of Neurosurgery published the results in the journal Scientific Reports.

Three main sources of error

Brain-computer interfaces can enable severely paralyzed patients to move a prosthesis. In the invasive method, a measuring device implanted in the brain translates the signals from the nerve cells into control signals for the end effector, for example a robotic arm prosthesis. The Bochum-based researchers started with the assumption that three main factors have a negative impact on the control of the end-effector: the decoding error, the feedback error and the alignment error.

The decoding error describes the difference between the patient's real intention to move and the intention to move decoded from the brain signals by the decoder. Alignment error occurs when the end effector of the brain-computer interface is incorrectly positioned relative to the participant's natural arm. The feedback error of the brain-computer interface system arises from a lack of somatosensory feedback, i.e. the lack of feedback from the robot arm regarding touch. The Bochum team used a virtual reality model to analyze the misalignment and feedback errorsindependently of the decoding error and also independently of each other.

Figure 2 From: Quantifying the alignment error and the effect of incomplete somatosensory feedback on motor performance in a virtual braincomputer-interface setup

One-to-one translation of movement intentions into movements

"Healthy study participants without sensorimotor disorders slipped into the role of patients with motor dysfunctions in virtual reality," explains Robin Lienkamper, lead author of the study. "Our model thus provides a one-to-one translation of movement intentions into end-effector movements, comparable to that of a patient using a faultless decoder."

In virtual reality, the participants were given the task of drawing shapes with a pencila square, a circle, a star, a spiral and an asymmetrical shape. This corresponds to a frequently set task in experiments on brain-computer interfaces, which can be used to evaluate and compare motor performance under different conditions.

The controller was perceived as a pen by the test participants in the experiment. The researchers achieved the desired feedback effect by having the test person sit at a real table while drawing in the virtual world and the controller touching table surface. There were two groups to control the effect: one group received indirect haptic feedback, the other did not. This means that for the second group, the physical table was removed while the table remained visible in virtual reality.

Ideally, the robotic arm is incorporated in the body schema

Using the collated data, the research team showed that the lack of indirect haptic feedback alone had a minor impact, but amplified the effect of the misalignment. Based on the results, the researchers also suggested that a naturally positioned prosthesis could significantly improve the performance of patients with invasive brain-computer interfaces. They also hypothesized that anchoring the robotic arm to the patient's own body awareness would have a positive effect and improve motor performance. Ideally, a patient using a brain-computer interface would incorporate the robotic arm into their own body schema.

The researchers concluded their study by highlighting the importance of developing end effectors that enable better incorporation and more natural positioning. According to them, solutions such as exoskeletons or functional muscle stimulation should be considered. "The future of research now lies in using engineering to bring the scientific results to the patient," says Robin Lienkamper. He expects that, thanks to the commitment of the industry, applications suitable for everyday use will already be available in five to 10 years.

Explore further Research lowers errors for using brain signals to control a robot arm

More information: Robin Lienkamper et al, Quantifying the alignment error and the effect of incomplete somatosensory feedback on motor performance in a virtual braincomputer-interface setup, Scientific Reports (2021). Journal information: Scientific Reports Robin Lienkamper et al, Quantifying the alignment error and the effect of incomplete somatosensory feedback on motor performance in a virtual braincomputer-interface setup,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84288-5
Sia Sandi, a student midwife checking out a patient at Makeni Regional Hospital, Sierra Leone. A report on the global state of midwifery highlights gaps in maternal health services in the low-income countries. Credit: Abbie Trayler-Smith, (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Midwives could prevent 4.3 million infant and maternal deaths each year by 2035, but only if critical shortages are addressed.

So says a report on the global state of midwifery which highlights the limited investment, gender disparities and inequitable access to education that has resulted in gaps in maternal health servicesespecially in the low-income countries that need them most.

"Evidence shows investments in women and families through investments in midwifery are effective and make a difference," says Sally Pairman, chief executive of the International Confederation of Midwives. "If government[s] want healthy populations, they have to take this seriously."

Midwives are core members of the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) workforce. Responsible for providing antenatal and postnatal care, they also provide family planning, detect and treat sexually transmitted infections, and contribute to a range of community healthcare needs.

However, there is currently a global shortage of 900,000 midwives, according to the 2021 State of World's Midwifery report, published on 5 May by the International Confederation of Midwives and partners the WHO and the United Nations Population Fund.

Documenting the world's SRMNAH workforce, the report includes data from all 194 WHO member states. It builds on previous reports in the series published in 2011 and 2014 to show a global gap of 1.1 million full-time SRMNAH workers, mostly midwives and mostly in Africa.

Pauline Bakibinga, an associate research scientist at the African Population and Health Research Center, based in Nairobi, Kenya, said: "This is a result of years of limited investments in the health sectors of especially the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which as no surprise have the worst SRMNAH indicators."

One in three births globally will take place in Africa by 2050, according to theWHO. In the Sub-Saharan African region alone, fewer than 50 percent of all births are assisted by a skilled birth attendant,says the body.

Poor work conditions, limited career opportunities and low pay push midwives out of Africa and on to wealthier nations in search of better opportunities, says Bakibinga. Those who stay are often inadequately skilled.

"Some institutions still have a narrow focus on midwifery without empowering graduates to attend to the wider needs of their patients," she added, calling for updated curricular and financial support to boost training programs.

"Strategic partnerships with countries that receive midwives from LMICs are also necessary to share best practices and identify strategies to ensure that countries retain well trained and motivated professionals," she says.

Over 90 percent of the midwifery workforce are women in countries that submitted data to the report. Only half reported having midwife leaders within the national ministries of health.

"Gender stratification in midwifery persists and reflects a bigger challenge within the health sector with women taking on more service delivery roles while men tend to be in leadership positions," Bakibinga says.

Access to education is another barrier to midwifery in low-income countries, says Kate Wade, a Cape Town-based midwife who has practiced across the continent including in Benin, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

"Many don't have access to basic education. Without that, it's impossible to think about tertiary education options like midwifery," she says. In some regions, women are barred from education opportunities in general.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, nine million girls will never attend school, compared to six million boys according to UNESCO.

Genderand inequality are likely the root of barriers to midwifery careers, according to Pairman, from the International Confederation of Midwives. "Until governments start to tackle those issues and bring in more gender-positive policies and processes, the barriers will continue."

For Wade, change won't happen until women's health gains as much attention as COVID-19to draw the necessary political and financial will.

The pandemic has underscored the value of midwifery amid overburdened health systems, the closing of maternity facilities, and fears among women of attending hospital.

"We've seen midwives in many parts of the world being able to keep those services running. They've gotten creative and faced risks to provide care in their communities," said Pairman. "We need to invest in midwives as a primary health service to build back better from the pandemic."

Provided by SciDev.Net
Not all persons age at the same rate. Research shows that those who experienced mental-health issues while young can age faster and have more health issues in later life. Credit: Cristina Seri/Unsplash

Across the world, populations are aging. Increases in life expectancy over the last century, combined with declining birth rates mean that the proportion of older people is on the rise in many countries. Projections suggest that by 2050, one in five people worldwide will be over 60 years old (up from one in eight in 2015).

An aging population brings multiple challenges. As people age, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer become more common. These diseases shorten people's "healthspan" (the period of life spent in good health), take a toll on families, and drain healthcare resources. Policymakers and healthcare professionals are faced with an urgent question: how can we reduce the burden of physical disease in older people?

Early-life mental-health problems and subsequent physical health

New research from our team of researchers based at Duke University and the University of Michigan suggests a possible answer: by treating mental-health problems in younger people. Together with collaborators at the Universities of Auckland and Otago, our team recently conducted two studies to investigate how people's mental-health problems earlier in life may impact their physical health as they age.

Linking together mental- and physical-health problems may seem surprising. The separation between the two is perpetuated by our healthcare system, which tends to divide treatment between the brain and the body. However, previous research has shown that our mental health can shape our physical well-being, and vice versa.

We built on this work to address two questions:

The potential link between experiencing a mental-health problem and subsequent chronic age-related physical disease and earlier death.

Whether experiencing a mental-health problem could be linked with faster aging even before people develop chronic age-related diseases.

To test the first question, we conducted a nationwide hospital-register study of 2.3 million New Zealanders aged 10 to 60 years at baseline. We followed them across three decades (from 1988 to 2018) to test whether individuals with mental-health problems were at increased risk for subsequent chronic physical diseases and earlier mortality.

We collected information about hospital admissions for different mental disorderssubstance use disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disordersas well as self-harm. We also collected information about hospital admissions for different chronic physical diseases, ranging from coronary heart disease to cancer.

Greater disease burden and earlier mortality

We found that across the 30-year period, people with mental disorders were more likely to develop subsequent physical diseases and they also died earlier than people without mental disorders. They also experienced more medical hospitalisations, spent more time in hospitals for physical-disease treatment, and accumulated more associated health care costs. These associations were present across all age groups and in both men and women.

The longitudinal association between mental disorders and physical diseases was evident across different mental disorders and different physical diseases. And importantly, the association held even after controlling for physical diseases that predated individuals' mental disorders. Thus, we were able to rule out the possibility of reverse causation, in which having a physical illness precipitates mental-health problems.

We next tested whether mental-health problems would also be linked with faster aging in people who had not yet developed chronic disease.

What does faster aging mean? We tend to think of age in years: a 51-year-old person is older than a 50-year old. Viewed in this way, all of us age at the same pace: one year per chronological year. However, at the biological level, the pace at which people's bodies age can vary considerably, even among people born in the same year. Some people's bodies age faster than others." A faster pace of aging has been linked to greater risk of disease and death.

Mental-health problems and aging

This led us to wonder: do people with mental-health problems age faster, thereby putting them at risk for developing chronic physical diseases? To test this idea, we studied 1,037 individuals born in 1972-73 in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. Study members have been followed up regularly until age 45 years. While age 45 might seem young, previous work suggests that differences in people's biological aging are already evident at this age.

To measure mental-health problems, study members were interviewed every few years. We assessed a variety of problems, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and schizophrenia.

We found that at age 45, people who had experienced more mental-health problems were aging faster. We measured the pace of biological aging by combining 19 biomarkers, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. People who experienced the most mental-health problems were aging approximately 5.3 years faster between ages 26 and 45, compared to participants with the fewest problems.

We also found differences in other signs of aging. At age 45, study members who had experienced more mental-health problems performed worse on tests of hearing, vision, balance and cognition, and on tests that gerontologists typically give to older adults, such as walking speed. They also reported greater difficulty in their everyday lives in these domains (for example, finding it difficult to follow conversations, or finding the words they want to use).

Furthermore, when we asked an independent panel to rate photographs of each study member's face, study members who had experienced more mental-health problems were rated as looking older compared to their same-aged peers.

This pattern of findings remained when we took into account a number of factors that can lead to mental-health problems or faster aging, such as study members' physical health as children, childhood maltreatment and socioeconomic status, overweight, smoking, medications, and prior physical disease. The pattern of findings was also very similar across different types of mental-health problems.

Taken together, the findings of our two studies reveal that people with mental-health problems are at outsized risk of chronic diseases and early death, and that they show signs of faster aging even before diseases first emerge. There are two implications.

First, preventing mental-health problems in young people has the potential to reduce age-related disease later in life. Mental-health problems tend to develop relatively early in life, often by adolescence or early adulthood, years before the typical onset of physical diseases. More investment in prompt mental-health care for the young might reduce subsequent physical diseases and associated healthcare costs.

Second, individuals with mental-health problems are a high-priority group to monitor for signs of faster agingsuch as hearing impairment, motor problems, and cognitive declineas well as chronic diseases. Such monitoring will require greater integration of mental- and physical-health services, to reduce health inequalities and lengthen healthy lives.

Explore further Mentally ill kids become less healthy adults

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Almost 1 million extra deaths relating to the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in 29 high income countries in 2020, finds a study published by The BMJ today.

Except for Norway, Denmark and New Zealand, all other countries examined had more deaths than expected in 2020, particularly in men. The five countries with the highest absolute number of excess deaths were the US, UK, Italy, Spain, and Poland.

Measuring excess deathsthe number of deaths above that expected during a given time periodis a way of assessing the impact of the pandemic on deaths in different populations. However, previous studies have not accounted for temporal and seasonal trends and differences in age and sex across countries.

To address this, a team of international researchers, led by Dr. Nazrul Islam from the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, set out to estimate the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in 2020 in 29 high income countries.

Using a mathematical model, they calculated weekly excess deaths in 2020 for each country, accounting for age and sex differences between countries, and also for seasonal and yearly trends in mortality over the five preceding years.

Overall an estimated 979,000 total excess deaths occurred in 2020 in the 29 countries analysed. All countries experienced excess deaths in 2020, except New Zealand, Norway, and Denmark.

The five countries with the highest absolute number of excess deaths were the US (458,000), the UK (94,400), Italy (89,100), Spain (84,100), and Poland (60,100). New Zealand had lower overall deaths than expected (?2,500).

The total number of excess deaths was largely concentrated among people aged 75 or older, followed by people aged 65-74, while deaths in children under 15 were similar to expected levels in most countries and lower than expected in some countries.

In most countries, the estimated number of excess deaths exceeded the number of reported deaths from COVID-19. For example, in both the US and the UK, estimated excess deaths were more than 30% higher than the number of reported COVID-19 deaths.

However, other countries such as Israel and France had a higher number of reported COVID-19 deaths than estimated excess deaths. The cause of this variation is unclear, but may result from access to testing and differences in how countries define and record COVID-19 deaths.

In most countries, age specific excess death rates were higher in men than in women, and the absolute difference in rates between the sexes tended to increase with age. However, in the US the excess death rate was higher among women than men in those aged 85 years or older.

The researchers point to some study limitations, including a lack of data from lower and middle income countries and on factors such as ethnicity and socioeconomic status, and they acknowledge that many indirect effects of a pandemic may need a longer timeframe to have a measurable effect on mortality.

Nevertheless, this was a large study using detailed age and sex specific mortality data with robust analytical methods, and as such "adds important insights on the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on total mortality," they say.

"Reliable and timely monitoring of excess deaths would help to inform public health policy in investigating the sources of excess mortality in populations and would help to detect important social inequalities in the impact of the pandemic to inform more targeted interventions," they add.

Future work will also be needed to understand the impact of national vaccination programmes on mortality in 2021, they conclude.

These findings confirm the huge toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in high-income countries in 2020, say researchers at Imperial College London in a linked editorial.

But they warn that its full impact may not be apparent for many years, particularly in lower income countries where factors such as poverty, lack of vaccines, weak health systems, and high population density place people at increased risk from COVID-19 and related harm.

And they point out that while mortality is a useful metric, policy informed by deaths alone overlooks what may become a huge burden of long-term morbidity resulting from COVID-19.

"There is an urgent need to measure this excess morbidity, support those with long-term complications of COVID-19, and fund health systems globally to address the backlog of work resulting from the pandemic," they conclude.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Nazrul Islam et al, Excess deaths associated with covid-19 pandemic in 2020: age and sex disaggregated time series analysis in 29 high income countries, BMJ (2021). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Nazrul Islam et al, Excess deaths associated with covid-19 pandemic in 2020: age and sex disaggregated time series analysis in 29 high income countries,(2021). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1137
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Spending moderate to high amounts of time watching television throughout midlife was linked to greater cognitive decline and lower gray matter volumes in the brain later in life, according to preliminary research from three studies (P149, MP24 and MP67) to be presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021 (EPI).

"While studies have shown the benefits of exercise to support brain health, less is known about the potential consequences of prolonged sedentary behavior such as television viewing on brain structure and function. This is important to look at because other studies have shown that physical activity and sedentary behaviors may have different effects on health and disease," said Kelley Pettee Gabriel, M.S., Ph.D., FAHA, lead author of one of the studies and a professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "Engaging in healthy behaviors during midlife, between ages 45 to 64 years in the context of our study, may be important factors to support a healthy brain later in life."

Cognition includes one's abilities to remember, think, reason, communicate and solve problems. Life expectancy is increasing in the United States, which experts believe will likely be associated with an increase in the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia. An aging population with multiple factors that do not support a healthy brain may lead to an increased number of people with dementia. Worldwide, more than 7 million new dementia cases are diagnosed annually. By 2050, the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase by 116% in high-income countries and 264% in low-income countries.

"There are currently no medications available to cure or stop dementia. However, a recent report showed that nearly 40% of worldwide dementia diagnoses may be prevented or delayed by modifying twelve risk factors including exercise," said lead author of the second study Priya Palta, Ph.D., M.H.S., assistant professor of medical sciences and epidemiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

To better understand the effects of sedentary behavior during midlife on brain health, Palta and Gabriel led teams to examine television viewing information collected in midlife from a subset of participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and the ARIC Neurocognitive Study (NCS). Participants were asked how much they watched television in leisure time. The self-reported responses were not based on specific hours or amounts of time, but whether they: never or seldom watched TV (low), sometimes watched TV (medium/moderate) or often/very often watched TV (high). Palta's study focused on cognitive decline and risk of dementia, while Gabriel's study focused on structural brain markers from brain imaging scans.

Palta's study (P149Sedentary Behavior In Mid-life And Risk Of Change In Global Cognitive Function And Incident Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Neurocognitive Study/ARIC-NCS) included 10,700 adults. All participants (mean age of 59 years, 44% male, 19% Black people) provided self-reported assessments of television viewing at Visit 1 (1987-1989) and Visit 3 (1993-1995) to detail their level of television viewing each time. Over that time, 6,463 participants reported persistence in their television viewing, meaning they reported no change in their television viewing habits at visits 1 and 3. They received additional cognitive tests of working memory, language and executive function/processing speed, administered at Visit 4 (1996-1998) and Visit 5 (2011-2013).

In this study, the researchers found:

Compared to people reporting that they never or seldom (low viewing) watched TV, participants reporting that they sometimes (moderate viewing) or often/very often (high viewing) watched TV had a 6.9% greater decline in cognitive function over 15 years, suggesting worse changes in performance on cognitive tests over the course of the study.

High amounts of television viewing were not notably associated with a higher dementia risk.

Participants' reported physical activity and exercise habits did not appear to alter the relationship between time spent watching television during midlife and changes in cognitive function and risk of dementia.

Gabriel's study (MP24Sedentary Behavior In Mid-life And Structural Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Markers Of Cerebrovascular Disease And Neurodegeneration In Late-life: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Neurocognitive Study ARIC/NCS) included 1,601 adults. All participants (mean age of 76.2 years, 60.5% female, 27.2% Black adults) self-reported their level of television viewing at Visit 1 and Visit 3 (seldom/never, sometimes or often/very often) and then underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain at Visit 5. Of this group, 971 people reported persistent levels of television viewing at Visit 1 and Visit 3, and they were included in the final analysis to determine how sedentary behavior may have affected brain structure measures. Using the brain MRI scans, researchers looked at several structural brain markers, including deep gray matter volume in the brain of each participant. Gray matter is the darker tissue of the brain and spinal cord and it is involved in muscle control, seeing and hearing, decision-making and other important brain functions. The higher a person's volume of brain gray matter, the better cognitive skills they typically have.

In this study, researchers found:

Compared to participants who said they never or seldom (low viewing) watched TV during midlife, those who said they sometimes (moderate viewing) or often/very often (high viewing) watched TV had lower volumes of deep gray matter more than a decade later in life, which indicates greater brain atrophy or deterioration.

The association with the level of TV watching to brain gray matter was greater with persistent television viewing throughout midlife. Specifically, compared to people who said they never or seldom watched TV at both Visit 1 and Visit 3, people who reported they sometimes or often/very often watched TV at both of those visits had lower volumes of deep gray matter in late life.

The participants' self-reported physical activity and exercise habits did not change the associations between the level of television viewing during midlife with brain structure measures of gray matter.

"Our findings suggest that the amount of television viewing, a type of sedentary behavior, may be related to cognitive decline and imaging markers of brain health. Therefore, reducing sedentary behaviors, such as television viewing, may be an important lifestyle modification target to support optimal brain health," Palta said.

"In the context of cognitive and brain health, not all sedentary behaviors are equal; non-stimulating sedentary activities such as television viewing are linked to greater risk of developing cognitive impairment, whereas cognitively stimulating sedentary activities (e.g., reading, computer and board games) are associated with maintained cognition and reduced likelihood of dementia," said the lead author of the third study Ryan Dougherty, M.S., Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the department of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of public health in Baltimore, Maryland. "Considering the contextual differences in varying sedentary behaviors is critical when investigating cognitive and brain health."

Dougherty's study (MP 67Long-term TV Viewing Is Associated With Gray Matter Brain Volume In Midlife: The Coronary Artery Risk Development In Young Adults (CARDIA) Study) also found a correlation between television viewing and the volume of gray matter in the brain. In this ancillary study to the CARDIA Brain MRI Substudy, investigators evaluated data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a longitudinal study which began in 1985-86 with 5,115 people from four U.S. cities (Birmingham, Ala.; Chicago, Ill.; Minneapolis, Minn. and Oakland, Calif.).

The substudy of 599 participants (mean age of 30 at baseline and 50 at follow-up; 306 females; 264 Black Americans) from three of the original cities (Birmingham, Minneapolis and Oakland), launched five years into the CARDIA study. During the 20-year substudy period, (1990-91 to 2010-11), participants took part in follow-up visits every five years, during which they were asked the average number of hours per day spent viewing television over the previous 12 months.

Dougherty noted that television viewing patterns were stable over time. His team calculated the mean television viewing time over the 20-year period for each participant to assess long-term patterns of television viewing time as a proxy for the amount of sedentary activity time.

Twenty years into the substudy (2010-11) MRI scans were taken to assess structural measures of gray matter in the brain. The researchers found:

Greater television viewing in early to mid-adulthood was associated with lower gray matter volume.

Considering the effect estimates, a one-hour greater mean television time was associated with approximately a 0.5% reduction in gray matter volume which is similar to the annual rate of atrophy throughout mid-late adulthood, Dougherty noted.

As with Gabriel's study, the participants' physical activity and exercise habits did not impact the association between the level of television viewing during midlife with brain structure measures of gray matter.

"In our findings, television viewing remained associated with cognitive function and gray matter volume after accounting for physical activity, suggesting that this sedentary behavior may impart a unique risk with respect to brain and cognitive health," Dougherty said. "This is an important finding since it is now well accepted that the neurobiology of dementia including brain atrophy begins during midlife. That's a period were modifiable behaviors such as excessive television viewing can be targeted and reduced to promote healthy brain aging."

The three researchers agreed there is a need to identify modifiable behaviors, such as excessive television viewing, that may be targeted prior to the development of cognitive impairment. Promoting healthy brain aging is important, particularly given current trends in television viewing and binge-watching behaviors.

Limitations of these studies are that television viewing was based on participant reporting, which may not be accurate. Television viewing is only one type of sedentary behavior and provides an incomplete picture of total sedentary time.

"This research is very timely and important in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic because we know people are spending more time engaging in sedentary behaviors such as watching television while being in quarantine," said American Heart Association President Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, FAAN, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Mailman School of Public Health, and attending neurologist at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "These are interesting correlations among television viewing, cognitive decline and brain structure. Television viewing is just one type of sedentary behavior yet it's very easy to modify and could make a big difference in maintaining and improving brain health."

Explore further How much TV you watch as a young adult may affect midlife cognitive function
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A new study provides public health planning authorities with a method of calculating the number of COVID-19 isolation beds they would need for people experiencing homelessness based on level of infection in the city. The research holds promise for controlling spread of the virusor future infectious diseasesin a population that is highly vulnerable and less likely than many others to access health care services.

The report, developed to support public health decision-making in Austin, Texas, was recently published by PLOS ONE. The paper's first author is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, Tanvi Ingle, who harnessed her days in the pandemic lockdown to work with researchers in The University of Texas at Austin COVID-19 Modeling Consortium.

"Our model can help Austin and other cities ensure they have sufficient resources to protect populations experiencing homelessness during future disease outbreaks," said Lauren Ancel Meyers, director of the UT Austin COVID-19 Modeling Consortium and a professor of integrative biology. "Our calculations indicated how many hotel rooms would be needed to isolate individuals when they developed symptoms or were exposed to the virus. Given that this community generally has high contact rates, poor health care and lack of privacy, these isolation facilities were critical to preventing transmission and protecting this vulnerable population."

Projections based on the model were provided to the City of Austin during the beginning of the pandemic and helped the city finalize lease agreements for isolation facilities.

"The projections from the UT COVID-19 Modeling Consortium were invaluable to us in determining the potential impact and magnitude of support needed to prevent a catastrophic impact on people experiencing homelessness in Austin," said Dr. Mark Escott, the City of Austin's chief medical officer. "As a result, multiple area hotels were used as protective lodges to provide non-congregate sheltering to the most vulnerable members of our community."

Before the lockdown, the undergraduate first author, Ingle, served as a clinical volunteer with Dell Medical School at the C.D. Doyle Clinic, a student-run free clinic that provides care to people experiencing homelessness. When the lockdown hit, she responded to a campus-wide call for help from the newly formed UT COVID-19 Modeling Consortium. Ingle volunteered to lead a research project that could help the homeless population navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

"From my clinical experiences, I knew that the pandemic would be especially hard for people who experience homelessness since they face unique challenges in social distancing and accessing health care. Eager to help improve the situation, I collaborated with the consortium and the City of Austin to determine how many isolation rooms we should provide to help protect our unhoused neighbors from COVID-19," Ingle said.

Using the mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission developed by the consortium, the City of Austin could determine what proportion of people experiencing homelessness would need to be tested and how many of those individuals would test positive. With these parameters, they were then able to estimate the total number of individuals who would need an isolation room at any given time.

"This project was a way for me to see firsthand how clinical experiences inform scientific research that impacts public health outcomes," Ingle said. "Cities around the world will be able to adapt our framework to help shape public policies in the early stages of any pandemic."

"UT undergraduates have stepped up as researchers and leaders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," Meyers said. "Tanvi is an inspiring example. Her calculations helped the City of Austin to protect some of its most vulnerable populations."

Explore further Recuperation unit decreased hospitalizations of homeless individuals with COVID-19

More information: Tanvi A. Ingle et al, Projecting COVID-19 isolation bed requirements for people experiencing homelessness, PLOS ONE (2021). Journal information: PLoS ONE Tanvi A. Ingle et al, Projecting COVID-19 isolation bed requirements for people experiencing homelessness,(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251153
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Pfizer-BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal to deliver an additional 60 million doses of its vaccine to Turkey that could revive the tourism-dependent country's stalled innoculation drive.

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said he hoped the new shipments could help the nation of 84 million to reach "collective immunity" by August.

Pfizer-BioNTech said the deal includes an option for 30 million doses that could bring the US-German venture's total deliveries to Turkey to 120 million doses this year.

BioNTech was founded by its current chief executive Ugur Sahin and his wife Ozlem Tureciboth children of Turkish immigrants to Germany.

Sahin has spoken repeatedly about his desire to see Pfizer-BioNTech reach a large agreement with Turkey that could help it deal with the economic woes unleashed by the pandemic.

"We are grateful to be able to make an important contribution to Turkey's vaccination efforts and for the trust placed in us," he said in a statement Thursday.

NTV television said Sahin will sit in on a meeting of the Turkish health ministry's scientific council later Thursday.

Turkey is in danger of losing its second successive tourism season after witnessing its deadliest wave of the disease earlier this year.

Tourism indirectly accounts for up to 12 percent of the Turkish economy and is a key provider of foreign currency.

Turkey has managed to bring down the daily new infection numbers from 60,000 to around 10,000 after imposing its strictest lockdown of the pandemic last month.

Some of the toughest measures have been lifted but the entire country is still under full lockdown on weekends.

Turkey launched its vaccination drive with China's CoronaVac shot in mid-January and has since also reached a licensing and production agreement with Russia's Sputnik V.

But it has only administered the first dose to 15.6 million people and the full two doses to 11.7 million.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he raised the issues of delays in promised CoronaVac deliveries during a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in March.

Turkey has officially recorded more than 45,000 virus-related deaths and 5.2 million infections.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositivity is not associated with low vitamin D levels, according to a study published online May 19 in JAMA Network Open.

Yonghong Li, Ph.D., and colleagues from Quest Diagnostics in San Juan Capistrano, California, conducted a cohort study involving employees and their spouses who elected to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) in August to November 2020. Data were included for 18,148 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 IgG tests and vitamin D levels from the prepandemic and pandemic periods.

The researchers found that 5.0 percent of participants were seropositive. SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was not associated with having a vitamin D level less than 20 ng/mL before or during the pandemic in models adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, blood pressure, smoking status, and geographic location; there was also no association for having a vitamin D level less than 30 mg/mL before or during the pandemic. In propensity score analyses, the results were similar. There was an association noted for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity with obesity (odds ratio, 1.26), not having a college degree (odds ratio, 1.40), and Asian, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander race/ethnicity (odds ratios, 1.46, 2.74, 2.65, 2.01, respectively); inverse associations were seen for high blood pressure, smoking, and residing in the Northeast and West of the United States (odds ratios, 0.82, 0.60, 0.75, and 0.54, respectively).

"These findings do not support the hypothesis that vitamin D plays a role in susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection," the authors write.

Quest Diagnostics provided funding for the study.

Explore further Community exposures tied to SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in HCWs

More information: Yonghong Li et al, Assessment of the Association of Vitamin D Level With SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity Among Working-Age Adults, JAMA Network Open (2021). Journal information: JAMA Network Open Yonghong Li et al, Assessment of the Association of Vitamin D Level With SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity Among Working-Age Adults,(2021). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11634

 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: University of Manchester

Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a more efficient method to produce medicines that are in development for the treatment of COVID-19, cancer and other diseases that affect many of the world's population.

New research published today, in Nature, describes a new family of enzymes (ligases) which can assemble the key chemical building blocks required for pharmaceutical production. The newly discovered enzymes can effectively enable different molecules to be stuck together by creating what is known as amide bonds. This discovery paves the way to more efficient and sustainable production of pharmaceuticals and other valuable chemicals.

The new findings have demonstrated that the ligase enzymes can accept many substrates, but in some cases proved too unstable for practical use. To overcome this problem, the researchers mutated the enzymes to create more robust and stable variants which were shown to have important practical applications and could be used to make pharmaceuticals. They were able to make key amide containing precursors of various antiviral agents, including a drug from Pfizer that is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19. They also made the key amide component of an anticancer agent in clinical trials for leukemia. Finally, they showed how the ligases could be used to generate derivatives of ibuprofen which are being developed as potentially improved anti-inflammatory agents.

Amide bonds are very important in nature. For example, the protein molecules that control the functions of all living organisms are held together by amide bonds, which form a link between the carbon and nitrogen atoms of amino acid building blocks.

The amide bond can also be used to construct a raft of synthetic, non-natural, molecules including many of the most important pharmaceuticals that we rely on today and agrochemicals that can boost crop yields to feed the growing population. In addition, the amide bond is also very strong and is used to construct hard wearing materials (polyamides) including, textiles and carpets.

Prof Jason Micklefield who led the Manchester team said: "We are confident that our ligase enzymes offer many advantages over the existing methods used to make amides. We are also optimistic that our enzymes can find real word applications in the manufacture of new medicines and other useful products."

"The ligase enzymes provide a cleaner more efficient and rapid way to construct amide bonds. This could enable pharmaceuticals to be produced in fewer steps, with less waste and at lower costs than the typical chemical processes used today."

For many years, scientists have sought to develop new synthetic methods to construct amide bonds. To date most of these methods have relied on toxic chemical reagents and dangerous volatile organic solvents which are damaging to the environment. Most of the existing methods also lack selectivity and result in by-products. Consequently, amide containing molecules, including pharmaceuticals, often require multi-step manufacturing processes which make these products expensive.

The team in Manchester, went searching for natural catalysts (enzymes) that could construct amide bonds in a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable manner using water as a solvent. They investigated pathways used in bacteria to produce amide containing molecules (natural products). They found a family of ligase enzymes that bacteria use to make amide containing toxins that kill plants.

Initially the team explored the use of these ligases to make herbicides, which might be deployed in farming to improve crop yields. However, when they used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of one of the ligase enzymes, they realized that the enzyme active site was relatively open and could accommodate a much wider range of substrate building blocks for production of pharmaceuticals.

Explore further Well connected through amides

More information: Michael Winn et al, Discovery, characterization and engineering of ligases for amide synthesis, Nature (2021). Journal information: Nature Michael Winn et al, Discovery, characterization and engineering of ligases for amide synthesis,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03447-w
Big Sky Fringe Festival

Open AIR closing reception

Its your last chance to see art made during residences around Montana last year through the Open AIR program. At the closing reception for Flourish: Come Hell or Highwater, youll have the chance to view not just the visual art, but hear readings from Claire Compton, Taylor Stein and Cassie Sevigny, and see a screening of a dance film by Carrie Richer from 6-7 p.m. The event as a whole runs from 5-8 p.m. at Gallery 709 at Montana Art and Framing, 709 Ronan St.
It was happening all over the country, he noted.

"People were fleeing inner cores and going all over the country and it caused a huge construction boom that nobody saw coming," Bangs continued. "And the supply chain for building materials got stretched immediately and building costs got stretched very drastically. We knew we had to do something different to make Villagio work."

Villagio Apartments rendering A rendering of what the new Villagio apartments will look like.

The project's planners knew they had a difficult task ahead of them when they started meeting, Bangs said.

"At the time we were going forward with this dream, we knew two things," he said. "We knew it would be very hard, technical and frustrating because of the tax credit program. And being 200 units, it was going to be much harder and take longer and be much more technical, but we had a great team."

The second thing they knew was Missoula needs the Villagio.

"The rental market is slowly getting worse and worse and without something on the scale of the Villagio there wasn't going to be any way of making a difference in the rental market," Bangs said.

Speaking on a Zoom press conference for the groundbreaking, Bangs said houses all over Missoula are being sold "for huge prices" and renters are being evicted.
Each week the Montana VA hosts a town-hall style question and answer session regarding the vaccine, said Tiny Hudson, VA clinic manager for Missoula, Kalispell, Cut Bank and Hamilton. Misinformation has been a constant fight.

The logistics behind providing vaccines and getting them to the right places has also been a challenge. At the beginning of vaccination efforts, vials were coming from just three places  Billings, Fort Harrison and Miles City.

"Once we found out how much we were going to have, we could open up the schedule to start scheduling visits, but we had to find out how much vaccine was available to us," Hudson said. "Then we had to make sure we had both the first and second dose."

The VA has made thousands of phone calls to try to schedule appointments for veterans, starting with the state's oldest population.

During an initial push to fill a clinic in Kalispell, they made more than 1,000 calls to veterans to find 400 who wanted to schedule a vaccine appointment, Hudson said.

To reach 10,000 in the state was no small effort. In some cases, vaccine actually had to be flown out to more remote and rural areas.
LOGAN, Utah (AP)  A Utah woman was sentenced to more than two years in a federal prison after she pleaded guilty to fraud in the embezzlement of more than $1.6 million from a meat processing business.

Christine Gillins, 53, pleaded guilty in January to one count of wire fraud after prosecutors accused her of defrauding Lower Family Foods Inc. in Richmond from 2015 to 2018 while she worked for the company, The Herald Journal reported Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Gillins performed 107 separate transactions disguised as double payments to 14 different vendors, collecting more than $1.6 million by sending one payment to the vendor and one to her personal bank account. Prosecutors say Gillins spent the money on vehicles, vacations, sporting events and a home in Mesquite, Nevada.

The stolen funds took a serious financial toll on Lower and left them with a cash flow problem in 2018, prosecutors wrote in documents filed in U.S. District Court. They went on to explain that the company didnt realize the crime at the time and took on an additional equipment loan of $2.8 million to make ends meet.
Frustrated with the private ownership of its only hospital in town, city leaders in Riverton, Wyoming have decided to build their own hospital.

Those leaders formed the Riverton Medical District and on Wednesday announced the new hospital is developing an affiliation and clinical partnership with Billings Clinic.

The move cements what the Riverton group describes as a strong focus on local health care with a trusted partner.

With Riverton, Billings Clinics relationships in Wyoming communities include Basin, Lovell, Powell, and two clinics in Cody.

The current hospital in Riverton, which is 250 miles from Billings, is controlled by the private-equity owned LifePoint Health Inc., which also owns the hospital in nearby Lander, according to an April 11 report in the Wall Street Journal. Since acquiring the two hospitals, LifePoint has been consolidating the hospitals services and has cut back on surgeries in Riverton and stopped delivering babies, the Journal reported.
Recently Rep. Ed Buttrey offered , The ultimate power needs to reside with the people while supporting a bill to limit the authority of public health boards to ensure public safety. Yet, numerous examples put lie to this statement about the peoples power. The overreach and disregard of the will of Montanans by the 67th Legislature is glaring.

In 2004, the electorate approved same-day voter registration. In 2014, the people voted to sustain that same-day registration, voting against a legislative initiative. But in 2021, the Republican-controlled legislature curtailed voting rights, including same-day registration. In 2010, voters approved a citizens initiative that abolished outfitter-sponsored tags and reserved a portion of revenue from nonresident hunting license fees to improve access and for habitat preservation and restoration. This session, House Bill 176, replete with last-minute amendments, laid waste to the voter-approved initiative. In 2020, Missoula County residents approved a 2-cent gas tax to help transfer infrastructure costs to the 1.5 million annual tourists. Less than a year later, HB 464 stripped local governments and voters of their ability to meet local needs.
A North Carolina House of Representatives bill that would require teachers to post lesson plans and all instructional material is now in the hands of the N.C. Senate.

House Bill 755 says the school board would have to ensure the information is prominently displayed on school websites, organized, at a minimum, by subject area and grade level by June 30 each year. The bill crossed over from the House to the Senate on May 6 and is in the committee on rules and operations of the Senate.

Rep. Hugh Blackwell, R-86 (Burke), is one of the primary sponsors of the bill.

The News Herald asked Blackwell what he hopes can be accomplished with the bill.

He said he hopes it will accomplish two things.

I think that its pretty well established that when parents are more, rather than less, actively engaged in their childrens education, that the children end up doing better, Blackwell said. And so this is an effort in that regard, to provide a fairly easy way for a parent to know more about what is going on, or has gone on, in a class, so that they can, hopefully, reinforce it, support it, and where they would like to, they can follow up and ask questions and so forth.
The current COVID-19 fuss has caused adverse effects on the business industry. However, as businesses transform seamlessly to accommodate changes caused by the pandemic, the e-commerce industry has experienced a boom for a niche of products. Even in a marketplace platform such as Amazon, sellers have noticed at least 8 products that customers frequently add to their carts.

Buying Trends in 2021

Industry influencers often determine buying trends, and the current customer behavior is fast shifting towards trending products. Thankfully, social media has a hand in promoting buying trends for most products in 2020 and 2021.

8 Amazon Items That Are Flying Off The Shelves

With thousands of products today, some people rely on social media recommendations and reviews that back bestsellers in the online market. In this regard, let us explore 8 Amazon Items you can feel confident purchasing this spring.

1. Little Green Machine
Prosecutors have recommended she be sentenced to 10 years with the Department of Corrections, with all but 45 days suspended. She would face years of probation supervision, too, but she can argue for a lesser or deferred sentence.

But under the plea deal, Trandahl also agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution for the tax dollars she allegedly bilked from Medicaid, the federal health-care program for the needy, aged, blind and disabled.

Judges typically go along with plea deals and sentencing recommendations but they dont have to and at times do not. Prosecutors said Wednesday the plea agreement is still intact.

Trandahl was initially charged in May 2018 with one count of Medicaid fraud, but prosecutors later added more than a dozen additional counts, most of them for fraud but also felony charges of identity theft and tampering with evidence.

Just before the initial fraud charge was filed, prosecutors dropped remaining charges against Trandahl for allegedly trying to get a client to plant meth and other drugs on her ex-husband, his wife, and the attorney representing him in a long-running child-custody dispute with Trandahl.
Cline, a Montana native, kept his distance. He clicked a few photos with his cellphone. The day before, his son, Liam, 1, had been playing in the back yard while his mother, Sara Cline, worked nearby.

Phillip Masters lives in the 1300 block of West Fifth Street. He said the mule deer carcass cached in the alley by the cougar was uncomfortably close to his house.

I have grandkids who come over at times, Masters said. Usually we go out at night to empty the trash. Its nice to see deer, but not this many.

He said hed recently seen about 30 deer in town.

On the afternoon of May 12, Kambic and a houndsman and his dogs searched the Sunnyside area but did not spot the lion or pick up a scent strong enough to follow.

We spent a good couple of hours going back and forth in the hills, Kambic said Wednesday.

Several contributors to the Uniquely Anaconda Facebook page observed at the time that Anaconda residents who feed the mule deer in town need to stop.

Kambic agreed. As did Masters and Cline.
Butte police reports

Felony PFMA

At around 4 p.m. Tuesday, officers were called to the Leggat Apartments, 50 W. Broadway St., to investigate a disturbance between a man and a woman.

According to witnesses, Curtis Lee Gilbert, 52, of Butte had grabbed the female by the arms and was refusing to let her go. One witness assisted the woman and Gilbert left.

An officer found Gilbert in the stairway of the Leggat and placed him in custody.

Because this was his third or subsequent offense, he was jailed for felony partner or family member assault.

Felony contempt

Just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers were at the 200 block of Silver Street to assist a bail bondsman in apprehending Caitlin Melissa Kittner, 32, of Butte.

Kittner exited the residence and was placed into custody for felony contempt of court out of Butte District Court. She was transported to the Butte Detention Center.

Bike thief caught
"We have customers who literally cuss at us," said Bartlett, recalling an incident where a man stormed out of the store shouting obscenities after Bartlett pleaded with him to wear a mask. "The country should just have one policy. It would make it easier because we wouldn't have deal with customers who are so rude and awful to us."

The Biden administration had faced pressure to ease restrictions on vaccinated Americans, in part to show the benefits of getting the shot at a time when vaccine demand has started to plateau. Companies are also trying to incentivize their employees to get vaccinated with measures ranging from bonus payments to on-site vaccination drives.

It's unclear if the relaxed mask restrictions will motivate unvaccinated workers to now get their shot. Some may feel more at risk of contracting COVID-19 but others may believe they can enjoy the same privileges as vaccinated workers because no one is checking.
The state of Montana is trading Holsteins for hens at Montana State Prison, hopeful that a new pheasant rearing and release program will help recruit hunters and provide inmates continued work opportunities.

House Bill 637, a wide-ranging and hotly debated bill brought by Joliet Republican Rep. Seth Berglee, includes $1 million in funding for a new pheasant program at the Montana State Prison. Plans call for the birds to be released on state wildlife management areas ahead of youth hunting seasons  the first time in nearly four decades the state will be raising and stocking pheasants.

Recruitment, retention and reactivation, commonly called the Three Rs of hunting, is part of a national push to bolster hunter numbers. Recognizing that hunting is not only about shooting a bird, FWP sees the pheasant releases as an opportunity for early success, especially as young people try hunting, said Quentin Kujala, FWPs chief of staff.

Theres a whole body of evidence that at that stage of someones hunting career, success with a bird in hand or a fish in hand is really important, he said. If theres not some element of success, evidence suggests new (hunting) recruits tend to drift off to other places.

Ring-necked pheasants are not native to North America, but are widely distributed after being imported from Asia. Although an exact date is not known, pheasants are believed to have been introduced in Montana before 1895. Birds would continue to be released in the early 1900s, and by 1929 the state of Montana built state-run pheasant farms at Warm Springs, Billings, Fort Peck and Moiese. By 1982 nearly 900,000 birds had been released, Kujala said. That was the year the state discontinued its stocking programs with funding then focused more on habitat for wild birds to prosper.

Before HB 637, pen-raised pheasants could be released in two different ways.

Shooting preserves are private operations that may release birds to be hunted outside of regular hunting seasons. The preserves are subject to state permitting and reporting.

FWP also runs its Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program. That program is primarily focused on improving habitat for pheasants and other game birds, such as funding shelter belts or providing some leftover crops to supply food through the winter.

One part of the enhancement program also provides grant funding for pheasant releases with birds privately sourced, usually to kick-start a private land population after habitat projects, Kujala said. But that funding is fairly lightly used and habitat has continued to be the primary focus.

The new stocking program is not an effort to expand the number of wild birds, but purely to bolster numbers on wildlife management areas for the youth and subsequent general pheasant seasons.

I think the emphasis here is that this is not about trying to establish new pheasant populations, its about augmenting populations that are there presently, and bolstering them, if you will, for those youth seasons, Kujala said.

While the heartiness of pen-raised birds varies, they generally have far lower survivability than wild birds and do not out-compete wild birds for resources, he continued. Because pheasants are already exotic, FWP does not have concerns that the introductions could affect the gene pools, and the birds are certified as disease-free.

Wild populations of pheasants often fluctuate from year-to-year based on the severity of the winter and weather during spring nesting periods.

In order to fund the new program FWP will tap dollars from the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition, as well as some state license money. The rearing and releases are funded as a new program and will not mean a funding loss for other programs, Kujala said.

+19 Photos: On the job at the Montana State Prison dairy operation The last load of raw milk left the ranch outside Montana State Prison on Dec. 27, drying up a decades-long run for the prisons work program t

With a goal of 50,000 birds per year, the cost per bird has not yet been determined due to uncertainty with expenses of standing up the prison program with training and equipment, Kujala said.

Still, the price tag came with some sticker shock for several legislators and some interest groups. Hearings included debate on whether the funding was a waste of money considering the low survivability of pen-raised birds and an ongoing need for habitat dollars, or whether the state should be pushing put-and-take style hunting practices. They noted that privately sold birds cost less, although FWP said in-state private operations could likely not meet the state's 50,000-bird demand.

Ultimately, the $1 million remained in the bill as it passed the Legislature, with some legislators touting it as a benefit to both the inmates at the Department of Corrections and hunters.

Ross Wagner, who heads up the agriculture program at Montana Correctional Enterprises, said the program will take some time to scale to full size.

The prison work program sold off about 270 cows in mid-December, which marked the end of MCEs 30-year contract with Darigold, the product brand for a Pacific Northwest dairy cooperative with headquarters in Seattle. The program held on to about 70 head to milk twice a day, enough to sustain the prison and deliver to nine other Department of Corrections facilities around the state.

Wagner said earlier this month that while HB 637 may have successfully emerged from the Legislature, the designs for a pheasant farm in Deer Lodge are still up in the air, as far as I know.

Ive been looking at some existing buildings to see if it would work here, Wagner said. It sounds exciting, though. I think it would be a good training program for these guys.

The job skills in raising pheasants may not have the same applicability as a dairy operation, but Wagner said there may be some certifications, like a pre-apprenticeship for the work done at the program, to have in hand when inmates transition back to their communities.

Any training we can do with these guys, it helps them in the long run, he said. Weve dealt with some who have never held a job in their life. Once you give them a little pride and ownership, a pat on the back and show them what a good job their doing  it really helps the self-esteem. It does wonders for them.

The prison will need incubators and hatching machines, equipment Wagner said has been hard to track down. Wagner also isn't clear if one of the programs buildings can be fitted to house the chicks or if theyll need a new structure altogether.

Wagner has never raised pheasants before  theres a great deal of technical difference between farming birds and milking cows  but his plan for taking on the new operation is to start small and build up to the numbers envisioned by FWP.

Its not going to happen overnight, thats for sure, Wagner said.

This fall, FWP plans to source privately raised pheasants for its release program as MSP gets its program underway.

In addition to the logistics of starting the program and coordinating releases across the state, FWP is also looking at recruiting young hunters and mentors ahead of the two-day youth hunt Sept. 25-26, Kujala said.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

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Tom Kuglin State Reporter Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources. Follow Tom Kuglin 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
MUSCATINE  A 62-year-old Wapello man died after a crash on Highway 61 at 41st Street Sunday afternoon. Two others were reported injured.

According to the Iowa State Patrol accident report, a 2004 Buick LeSabre driven by Jill Lovell of Muscatine was traveling southeast on 41st Street at about 2:17 p.m. Lovell's car reportedly failed to yield while crossing Highway 61 and was struck by a 2006 Honda CRV driven by Olivia L. Danz of Mediapolis, traveling northeast on Highway 61.

The report said James E. Laing of Wapello was pronounced dead at the scene. The report does not say which vehicle he was in.

Lovell was injured and taken by Med Force to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Danz was also reported injured, but no further information was available. All were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Midtown towed both vehicles.

The crash remains under investigation. The Iowa State patrol was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine Fire Department.

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U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, said hes concerned about information gathered by the CIA being used indirectly by agencies like DHS and the FBI. Stewart also questioned the departments plans to contract with private companies for social media data.

I understand there are concerns regarding domestic terrorism, Stewart said. I support those efforts so long as (they) do not breach the wall between using intelligence assets that are supposed to be focused on foreign threats.

He added: You cant backdoor that by saying, We wont, but well pay Google to do that for us.

Cohen, who previously worked for DHS under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, said the department would not tap private companies to collect intelligence that it would otherwise be barred from collecting. We cannot hire them to do things that we cant do under our own authorities, he said.

The Jan. 6 riot, in which a mob seeking to stop the certification of Bidens victory ransacked the Capitol, exposed intelligence weaknesses across law enforcement. Police on scene were left unequipped to stop the rioters, many of whom were carrying bear spray, metal pipes, and even guns.
AMSTERDAM (AP)  A Dutch court on Thursday rejected fugitive auto executive Carlos Ghosn's wrongful dismissal claim against an Amsterdam-based alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi and ordered him to repay nearly 5 million euros ($6 million) salary he received in 2018.

Ghosn vowed to appeal.

The ruling came in a case in which Ghosn sought to have his 2018 sacking from Nissan-Mitsubishi B.V. overturned and demanded 15 million euros ($16.5 million) in compensation.

The court in Amsterdam rejected his claims, saying he did not have a valid contract with the company at the time. The salary he was ordered to repay covers payments made to him by the Dutch joint venture from April until November 2018.

As todays verdict has been rendered without hearing Mr. Ghosn and other key witnesses, the defense team will now take the case to the court of appeal where Mr. Ghosns right to witness evidence will be granted," a spokesman for Ghosn said in a written statement. "We are satisfied with the court verdict which ruled out any bad faith from Mr. Ghosn.
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
Telkoms international roaming customers are charged R300,000 per GB for mobile data on MTNs network in Nigeria which costs around R30.00 in the country.

Furthermore these roaming customers pay R30 per minute for calls while subscribers in Nigeria pay 30c per minute for the same service.

Even more surprising is that Telkom subscribers have to pay R30 per minute to receive calls on MTN Nigeria, which is typically free.

These rates emerged after Telkom Mobile launched international roaming  including voice, SMS, and data services  to its prepaid and top-up customers.

Andrew Dawson, executive product portfolio management at Telkom, said the international roaming rates for prepaid customers are similar to post-paid rates.

Telkoms international roaming rates differ significantly based on the country and the roaming partner in that country.

On Telna in the United States, for example, Telkom users pay R5.00 per minute for calls, R1.50 per SMS, and R2,000 per GB for mobile data.

On Vodafone in Italy the price increases to between R50.00 and R100.00 per minute for calls, R10.00 per SMS, and R300,000.00 per GB for data.

In many countries, including Italy, Telkom users will also have to pay to receive calls.

It is clear that international roaming is extremely expensive with rates that will never be accepted when offered as a standard mobile product.

The table below provides an overview of Telkoms roaming rates on MTNs network in Nigeria, compared with MTN Nigerias local rate.

Telkom International Roaming on MTN Nigeria Service Telkom roaming on MTN Nigeria MTN Nigeria Difference Mobile data R300,000.00/GB R30.00/GB 999,900% higher Mobile call R30.00/min R0.30/min 9,900% higher Receiving a call R30.00/min Free  SMS R5.00 per SMS Free 

These high fees raise questions as to why mobile operators across the world charge these exorbitant rates.

The traditional argument from mobile operators is that they are a conduit and merely pass on the bill sent to them from their international roaming partner to their subscriber.

There is, however, a problem with that argument. Local operators also charge international roaming customers exorbitant rates.

Another argument is that international roaming involves unique costs such as IOTs (Inter Operator Tariffs)  the wholesale cost an operator must pay to a foreign network for its customers to roam.

There are also costs like the financial clearing house, data clearing house, signalling, global roaming exchange, and roaming traffic management tool.

The IOT roaming cost accounts for a large part of the overall cost of roaming, and that is where operators coin it.

IOT rates are extremely high when compared with equivalent services which means travellers get fleeced if they use data or make calls when roaming overseas.

It is easy to lower IOT rates, but operators refuse to do it. And why should they? They are coining it and making millions from these exorbitant roaming rates.

The problem is so pervasive that that the European Commission (EC) has stepped in to lower roaming charges in the European Union (EU).

The EC introduced regulatory interventions on international mobile roaming service tariffs for the benefit of users. This is, however, only applicable in the EU.

To try to understand why Telkom subscribers have to pay up to 10,000 times more than MTN subscribers in Nigeria to use the MTN network, MyBroadband contacted MTN and Telkom.

Telkom and MTN are both South African companies, and it should therefore be easy to negotiate an agreement to benefit subscribers.

The response was telling. Telkom and MTN were not willing to answer questions about their high roaming fees.

Telkom and MTNs silence should not come as a surprise. There is no excuse for charging subscribers R300,000 per GB for mobile data and no amount of finger pointing will change this fact.

Leaders in Africa are well aware of the high roaming costs and the negative impact on travellers.

ICASA Councillor Peter Zimri, for example, said low roaming charges was important for attracting visitors to South Africa and to help cross border trade.

The regulator blamed loopholes in regulations for the high roaming costs in the SADC region.

To try to address this problem, SADC Ministers of Communication signed a roam like at home initiative in 2007.

This initiative tried to convince African operators to allow roaming consumers to pay charges similar to what they pay in their home countries. Not much came from this initiative.

The high roaming rates in the SADC region fell under the spotlight again at a Ministers of Communications and ICT meeting in Durban in 2017.

At this meeting there were renewed calls for operators to reduce roaming costs in southern Africa or do away with them altogether. Strategies on how to do away with high roaming fees were proposed at this meeting.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also punted the SADC Roam-Like-At- Home Initiative in 2018 to produce a harmonised cost model for wholesale and retail roaming tariffs.

These strategies and plans were ineffective at curbing high roaming prices.

The poor execution of SADCs roam like at home initiative means South Africans, and travellers to South Africa, remain at risk of bill shock if they roam internationally.

The solution is to avoid roaming. South Africa travellers are advised to buy a local SIM card when arriving in a new country and select a suitable package for their stay.
Codehesion is South Africas top mobile app development company and makes it easy for businesses to get a new Android or iOS app.

Codehesion has developed numerous world-class smartphone apps for local companies and helped them to successfully launch these apps.

What sets Codehesion apart from other software development companies is its strong focus on building smartphone apps.

This focus means it can hire highly-specialised software developers and app designers to work on projects  and allows it to build world-class apps faster and more affordably than their competitors.

Another benefit is that Codehesion takes care of everything when providing a business with a new smartphone app, including the planning, design, build, and launch.

Their app developers also help with the strategy around the app, advice on which features to include, and listing it on app stores.

Codehesion CEO Hector Beyers said their experience helps them guide clients on which type of app will work best for their business, too.

Free and easy consultation process

Codehesion offers South African businesses looking to build a new app a free and easy consultation process.

Beyers encouraged companies who are looking for a new Android or iOS app to contact them via their website.

For a risk-free consultation  Contact Codehesion here.
A collection of writers joined Poet Laureate Marianne Lyon and Arts Council Chair Jim McDonald for an ekphrastic poetry afternoon on May 8. (Ekphrastic comes from the Greek for the written description of a work of art).

A skrim of sunshine warmed the entrance to the Art Gallery in Yountville. Alan Arnopole wrote and sang a song inspired by Nancys Gates' "Orange Sky" inviting poets to enter the gallery.

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Participants from Napa County of all ages were mesmerized by the audacious, otherworldly paintings in the show, Yountville Artists x 3, featuring works by Nancy Gates, Jeff Spratt, and Yvonne Bundy.

After viewing the paintings, ekphrastic verse emerged singing of love, conflict, humor, and pathos. Curls of rhyme drifted around. Couplets rose like resplendent clouds. Some poems occasioned a blend of senses. Some invited a chuckle, a nod of the head, some stirred longings deep inside. Below is a tease of a cento poem collected from some of those attending the event

Joyce Prescott wrote of Spratts painting "Old Woman Waits":

Shes ready to go

She has no place to go

She waits

Michelle Kendell fashioned:
Ariosta voiced frustration at the time appealing for an exemption might take and said she wished the city had been more direct in its outreach to business owners before deciding the rationing parameters.

Water rationing does not apply to wineries within St. Helena city limits reliant upon well water instead of city water, Mitts confirmed. But water conservation is already front of mind for many in the wine industry, according to Crocker & Starr Winemaker Pam Starr, especially as growers are being forced to irrigate their vines earlier than ever because there's "no water in the soil."

In my over three and a half decades in this business, Ive not experienced where we have to water the soil just to make it through bloom and set, she said, describing a phase of the growing season. Crocker & Starr is prioritizing water conservation through each step of the wine-growing process  from farming through production  because the drought already feels severe to Starr.

I dont think its going to take another year  I think were in it, she said of the drought, commending St. Helena for its efforts to promote conservation.
On Tuesday, a Napa Superior Court jury found that a Napa State Hospital patient convicted in the 1980s of a horrific crime against a 3-month-old infant in Vacaville, is a sexually violent predator.

Thomas Clifton Turner, 57, will be committed for treatment for an indefinite period of time to the California Department of State Hospitals at Coalinga.

Judge Mark Boessenecker presided over the six-day trial in which two psychologists testified that Turner currently suffers from multiple mental disorders that predisposed him to act in a sexually violent, predatory manner. The doctors said there was a substantial danger that he would re-offend if released into the community.

Turner had been convicted of an attack on a 3-month-old infant in 1987. He entered a Vacaville home while the parents were sleeping, took a baby from her crib, and violently sexually assaulted her, the Napa District Attorney's Office said in a news release.
After she showed up and talked to us, there was a party the following day, Polverino said.

Theyre not our neighbors. All they are is a detriment to the neighborhood, Jim Davis, who also lives near the Valley View home, told the City Council on May 11.

Neighbors of other Pacaso homes on Hillview ($418,000 for 1/8 ownership) and Madrona ($525,000) worry that the same thing will happen to their neighborhoods.

Mari Jansdotter was once a second homeowner herself, but over a year ago she bought a house near Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School and became a full-time resident. Thanks to a few Pacaso homes that are in the works nearby, this is already not the neighborhood I bought my house in, she said.

She has nothing against second homeowners, but shes worried that if fractional owners cant spend their allotted time at the house, theyll either rent it out under the table or let someone else use it. (Pacaso prohibits rentals, but fractional owners may have guests.)

Then you have commercial visitors in a residential neighborhood, Jansdotter said. Thats why we have residential zoning in the first place.

A Pacaso spokesperson released a statement in response to Saturdays protest.
This is about facts  its not partisan politics, said New York Rep. John Katko, the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee who negotiated the legislation with Democrats. He said the American people and the Capitol Police deserve answers, and action as soon as possible to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., said that Jan. 6 is going to haunt this institution for a long, long time and that a commission is necessary to find the truth about what happened. He recalled that he heard the shouts, saw the flash-bangs, smelled the gas on that sorry day.

Democrats grew angry as some Republicans suggested the commission was only intended to smear Trump. Several shared their own memories of the insurrection, when rioters brutally beat police, broke in through windows and doors and sent lawmakers running. Four of the rioters died, including a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break into the House chamber. A Capitol Police officer collapsed and died after engaging with the protesters, and two officers took their own lives in the days after.
DANVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Two fatal shootings by the same police officer in a wealthy San Francisco suburb have cast a spotlight on what criminal justice activists are calling a case of delayed justice and its deadly consequences.

Felony charges were announced last month against Officer Andrew Hall, of the Danville Police Department, for fatally shooting an unarmed mentally ill man in 2018.

The April 21 announcement of charges came more than two years after the shooting of Laudemer Arboleda, and one day after a jury convicted Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin of killing George Floyd.

It also came six weeks too late for Tyrell Wilson, who was shot and killed by Hall in March.

Why did it take so long for the DA to file charges? asked Wilsons mother, Diane. Just a few weeks sooner, Hall would have been off the streets and, she said: Tyrell would still be here with us now.

Danville is a town of multimillion-dollar homes that tops lists of the safest places to live in California. Many of the questions residents are now posing echo those America is asking of policing nationwide. Was the officers use of deadly force justified or excessive?
As part of the plea bargain agreement reached in March the men accepted a single charge of providing logistical support to an illegal armed group. Charges for a more serious offense of providing military training were dropped as part of their collaboration.

None of the men participated in the failed raid, having abandoned the secret camps in northern Colombia where the rebels were gathering, in some cases months before it was launched. Testimony from other Venezuelan deserters, one of whom was arrested transporting a weapon and a large number of cellular phones, nonetheless placed each of the men in leadership positions of the plot alongside Goudreau and the plots ringleader, retired Venezuelan Army Gen. Cliver Alcala.

A fourth defendant in the Colombian investigation, Yacsy Alvarez, is fighting charges that she helped smuggle weapons to the volunteer army. She has accused Colombian authorities of being in constant contact with Alcala.

Alvarez served as Goudreaus translator during his visits to Colombia and the two opened an affiliate of his small Florida security firm Silvercorp, in mid-2019. It listed its address at an upscale hotel in Barranquilla, according to Colombian public records.
Wen was then taken to another restaurant where Ziskin insisted he wanted the Taiwanese company to return his payment for the gloves, according to police.

That same night, they brought Wen to a police station where they wanted him to sign a statement that he would not press charges against them, the statement said. He refused, after which he was released, and he returned later to the police station to file a complaint, it said.

Ziskin was arrested in 2000 and convicted of being part of a drug ring that smuggled large amounts of ecstasy to southern California from Europe, according to U.S. court documents. He was released from prison in 2011 and then remodeled himself as an entrepreneur whose main business, DropIn Inc., uses drones to help insurance companies evaluate risks and verify claims.

He also is an active motivational speaker, presenting himself in personal appearances, interviews and podcasts as an example of how a convicted criminal can clean up his act and prosper in legitimate business.

-

This story has been corrected to say that Ziskin replied to a request for comment. His initial emailed reply to the AP was overlooked.



Associated Press writer Grant Peck contributed to this report.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
BERLIN (AP)  Germanys only state governor from the rising Green party on Wednesday announced ambitious new climate targets that includes boosting new technologies so that Tesla will soon only see our tail lights.

The wealthy southwest German state, home to German automakers Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040  five years earlier than the national goal, recently re-elected governor Winfried Kretschmann said.

Baden-Wuerttemberg will also become the first German state to require that all new buildings have roofs with solar panels, he said. The same requirement will apply to existing buildings undergoing major refurbishments.

Kretschmann's state government, which has Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right Christian Democrats as its junior coalition partner, is seen as a possible template for the federal level. The Greens are currently leading in polls ahead of Germany's national election on Sept. 26, with measures to combat global warming among voters' top concerns.

Whoever protects the climate, protects our freedom, Kretschmann said in a speech to regional lawmakers setting out his governments plans for the coming five years.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Democratic-led House on Wednesday approved a resolution condemning attacks in March that killed six women of Asian descent at Atlanta-area massage businesses, which they characterized as a grim reminder of a surge in violence directed at Asian Americans.

The resolution by Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., was approved on a 244-180 vote. It commemorates the eight who were killed and lists them by name, while condemning any racism and sexism that motivated the gunman. It also rebuked local law enforcement officers who downplayed the potential that the attacks were a hate crime.

Authorities say Robert Aaron Long, 21, opened fire at the three Atlanta-area massage businesses and later denied that he was motivated by racial animus. But to many, his denial was belied by a troubling reality: Long is a white man, the three businesses that were attacked were Asian-owned and the dead were predominantly women of Asian descent. Fulton County's prosecutor has said she intends to seek a hate crime sentence enhancement against Long.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden and progressive Democrats have proposed to lower Medicares eligibility age to 60, to help older adults get affordable coverage. But a new study finds that Medicare can be more expensive than other options, particularly for many people of modest means.

There are two reasons: Traditional Medicare has gaps in coverage that most people fill by purchasing supplemental plans, which means they pay added premiums. And premiums for the Obama-era Affordable Care Act have come way down recently due to Biden's COVID relief bill. That's made the ACA more attractive for older adults who haven't reached Medicare's eligibility age of 65.

Simply expanding Medicare eligibility does not guarantee premium affordability, concluded the study by Avalere Health for The Associated Press.

It found that many older adults with low to modest incomes can already find cheaper premiums in Obamacare's markets, while those in the solid middle class would be more likely to benefit if they could get into Medicare.
We want to get money in peoples pockets as rapidly possible, Newsom said as he unveiled his plan in Alameda County.

But economic sense? Not so much.

Newsom bills his plan as a way of jump-starting the economy and returning to the prosperity that California was enjoying prior to the onset of the pandemic 18 months ago. However, while the $100 billion in state tax revenues and federal aid that Newsom wants to inject into the economy is a hefty sum, its a relative drop in the bucket of an economy that approaches $3 trillion a year.

True recovery would come when the more than 1.5 million Californians who are either unemployed or have stopped looking for work are once again on the job, supporting their families and paying taxes. Theres precious little in Newsoms plan to make that happen and it could have the opposite effect.

Throughout California, as employers resume operations, they complain that they cant find enough workers to fully staff up. The phenomenon is not confined to California and economists agree that one factor is that enhanced unemployment insurance benefits and other pandemic relief programs have removed some incentives for the jobless to seek work.
We Filipinos have a reason to celebrate. A celebration of one, as a people of faith, is a celebration for all.

The Holy Family Catholic Church, through the leadership of pastor Rev. Fr. Frederick Kutubebi, commemorates the five centuries since the first heard and received Christian message in the Philippines. The event will be held on May 23 at 1 p.m., 200 Antonina Avenue, American Canyon. After the church service, guests will be entertained with folk dancing rendered by parishioners.

This Christian message is at the heart of every Filipinos lived experience as a people and as a nation. This is a source of great joy that continues to sustain and renew our lives. Pope Francis himself referred to this joy as he presided over the Eucharistic celebration on March 14, 2021, at St. Peters Basilica. Your joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, your faces, your songs, and your prayers. I want to thank you for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian community. The beautiful experiences of families in Rome and throughout the world, your discreet and hardworking presence became a testimony of faith.
International winemaker Paul Hobbs has launched his newest winery, Hillick & Hobbs Estate, to the U.S. market this spring.

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Named after his parents, Joan Hillick and Edward Hobbs, the project brings Paul back to upstate New York near his childhood home to make Riesling in the Finger Lakes region.

My mother is overjoyed to see her children come together to create this new endeavor, and my late father would have been elated to see his dream of our family making wine in upstate New York finally become reality, Hobbs said. We are thrilled to finally become a part of the progress and promise of the Finger Lakes region with this release of our first vintage.

Situated on the southeastern tip of Seneca Lake, the estate vineyard is planted to 21-acres of high-density Riesling vines on steep slate soils that run up and down the slope in a style akin to Germanys famed Mosel region.

Hobbs discovered the 78-acre property in 2012 after a two-year search with his brother, David, who lives on the estate and oversees a local team. Development began a year later, lasting nearly a decade before the ventures inaugural release.
VeriFLY expands apps capabilities to include COVID-19 vaccination verification, starting with the Bahamas, El Salvador and Guatemala

Customers using VeriFLY can use expedited check-in lanes at most U.S. hub airports

FORT WORTH, Texas  As more countries and destinations move to require proof of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination for travelers, American Airlines is working with mobile health partner Daon and its app VeriFLY to help customers verify they are vaccinated and ready to fly before they even step foot in an airport. Customers using the VeriFLY app now have the option to securely upload their vaccine documentation for travel to the Bahamas, El Salvador and Guatemala.

VeriFLY gives customers peace of mind that they can meet their destinations travel requirements and save significant time at the airport, said Julie Rath, Vice President of Customer Experience at American. As countries reopen to those who have been vaccinated, we are ready with VeriFLY to help our customers travel with confidence.

For travel to the Bahamas, El Salvador and Guatemala, customers can upload a photo of both sides of their COVID-19 vaccine record into the app. The VeriFLY team will review that all documentation meets the destination requirements.

The VeriFLY app simplifies travel by allowing customers to enter their origin and destination and guiding them through the necessary travel requirements. Customers can upload documentation of their fulfilled requirements directly to the app, which then validates that the documents match a countrys requirements, and displays a simple pass or fail message. This simple message streamlines the check-in and document verification process at the airport before departure. The app also provides travelers with reminders when their travel window is coming to a close or once their pass credential has expired.

As countries continue to set standards for COVID-19 vaccination requirements, VeriFLY will integrate those standards into its verification processes to simplify the customers journey and provide peace of mind that they met their destinations requirements. Customers can download the app for free from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. VeriFLY is the airline industrys most widely adopted mobile health passport, helping customers flying on American and its partners  Aer Lingus, Alaska Airlines British Airways, Iberia, Japan Air Lines, and Qantas  travel to more than 60 countries and 280 destinations.

American Airlines does not require vaccination for travel. In some cases, as with required visas or other immunizations, a customer may be required by a local destination to have proof of a COVID-19 immunization. American will confirm the customer has documents required by their destinations local government before they board the plane.
Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party assures that it's not expecting ministerial positions

Robert Kocharyan: "Armenia" bloc will restore and deepen country's ties with allies

Czech Rep. parliament committee calls on Azerbaijan to release all Armenian captives immediately

"Armenia" bloc member Armen Gevorgyan holds meetings with diplomatic corps and international organizations

Dollar still dropping in Armenia

Azerbaijan announces names of 26 Armenian servicemen it intends to "put on trial"

Meghan Markle's relative speaks on different strata of society

Armenian publishing house to print 66,925,000 ballots for upcoming snap parliamentary elections

"Armenia" bloc member: There are reports that over 10 police buses escorted acting PM yesterday

Gallup: "Armenia" bloc records slightly higher indicator than ruling party

Armenia acting PM has been obligated to publicly apologize to Khachatryan family

"Armenia" bloc: Robert Kocharyan and ARF-D resolved crisis that Levon Ter-Petrosyan created in 1998

Intellectual Armenia Party to support "Armenia" bloc in snap parliamentary elections

What does Bradley Cooper think about Irina Shayk and Kanye West dating?

Armenia ruling party MP's powers terminated

Brawl takes place during Armenia ruling Civil Contract Party's campaign meeting, case launched

Vaccinated people are less likely to infect others with COVID-19, study claims

Armenia acting premier: We also have enclave under Azerbaijan rule

Holy Etchmiadzin: We express regret for unwise, inappropriate statements of acting PM

"I have the honor" bloc member: Armenia acting PM has instructed his voters to go to polls by afternoon

Prosperous Armenia Party MP: Enemy does not divide Armenians into "blacks" and "whites"

Bright Armenia Party leader: Acting premier will not be able to get 60% of votes

Nike confuses letters in Greek lettering

Armenia acting PM: There are people in media who are more like "killers" than journalists

Ex-President Kocharyan: 2009-2018 I did not agree with Armenia authorities on many issues

Football Federation of Armenia to have representative at Euro 2020

Armenia has new millionaires

Armenia President visits Russia embassy, meets with ambassador

Artsakh search continues Friday for remains of Armenian soldiers killed in war

Michael Douglas reveals how he was mistaken for his daughter's grandfather

Armenia ruling party election offices heads being paid by provincial halls?

Armenia emergency ministry preparing for a new cooperation with USAID

US, Turkey top defense officials discuss regional issues

Indian strain of COVID-19 may lead to gangrene

95 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

G7 leaders pledge to share 1bn doses of coronavirus vaccine with world

Armenia snap parliamentary elections online voting starts

Trump tells Biden to give Putin his warmest regards

Newspaper: Pashinyan is both Armenia acting PM and not

Newspaper: Why is Armenia arms dealer released from custody?

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Euro 2020 kicking off

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Armenia MP candidate is detained

Jan Oblak is named La Liga 20/21 season MVP

Mancini: I am sure that we will reach Euro 2020 semifinals

Armenia Prosecutor General receives OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission's delegation

Antoine Griezmann receives injury

France's Macron intends to discuss situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with Turkish counterpart

Armenia 3rd President on Nikol Pashinyan: People look at him and say 'greetings, son of a b**ch'

US Department of Commerce intends to impose sanctions against Armenia's Armenal aluminum foil producer/exporter

Armenia 1st President recalls his "remedial secession" formula for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement

"I Have the Honor" bloc to Armenian authorities: Let them try to use force or threaten anyone

Armenia 2nd President: Everything that makes us Armenian has been destroyed over past three years

Juventus have eye on Harry Kane

Azerbaijan continues obscene farce, "investigation" into case of another 26 Armenian POWs is over

Ex-governor presents situation in Armenia's Syunik Province

UEFA Euro 2020: Roma's midfielder to not help Italy national team

Armenia 3rd President doesn't know why Nikol Pashinyan hasn't signed the pro-Armenian document he's talking about

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

Harry Maguire recovers, participates in training of England national team

Enigmatic incident takes places in Yerevan, semi-decayed body of man found under bridge

Philip Reeker: Azerbaijani Armed Forces need to return to positions of May 11

Armenia opposition party leader says he's ready to form coalition with all forces, except for ruling party

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani side opens fire at military posts in border section of Gegharkunik Province

Head of Armenia's Mission to OSCE: Goals of OSCE and CSTO serve as ground for their cooperation

Azerbaijan shares documents on 8 Armenian POWs, COVID-19 in Armenia, Jun 10 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)

Manchester City reach agreement with Jadon Sancho

Zakharova: Russia makes essential contributions to post-war demining in Nagorno-Karabakh

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Biden, Johnson underscore close ties between US and UK

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are suing BBC over publication of their daughter's name

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

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Iranian Ambassador to Armenia acting minister: Iran has already developed roadmap and timetable for joint programs

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Acting US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs visits Armenian Genocide Memorial

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The defense ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt said Wednesday that emerging regional threats and challenges necessitate even closer cooperation and will seek to invite more countries to take part in joint military drills that aim to sharpen their preparedness levels, AP reported.

Cyprus Defense Minister Charalambos Petrides hosted his Greek and Egyptian counterparts, Nikos Panagiotopoulos and Gen. Mohamed Zaki, in the Cypriot capital as part of a series of three-way meetings aimed at boosting defense cooperation between the three countries.

We also agreed to further develop our now firmly established cooperation and thus sending clear and strong messages, as well as looking into the possibility of expanding it ... through the inclusion of other countries with which we share the same values and objectives for the future of our wider region, Panagiotopoulos said.

Earlier this year, France and the United Arab Emirates took part for the first time in joint maneuvers with the three countries.

Zaki said the three ministers discussed better coordinating actions to counter threats that emanate from the wider region such as terrorism, illegal migration and illegal trafficking.

Both Panagotopoulos and Petrides rejected what they called Turkeys illegal, provocative and unilateral actions inside Greek and Cypriot waters that contravene international law and undermine regional stability.

In a joint statement, the ministers condemned actions that violate the sovereign rights, territorial integrity and unity of any country and to respect international law.
In the ongoing conflict there is an increasingly marked division between leadership and ordinary people. The "profound weariness" of a "perpetual conflict" and the "economic interests" that prevail over rights and people. In Kuwait hundreds of people demonstrated against the Jewish state, burning flags. Protests also in Bahrain and Qatar.

Dubai (AsiaNews) - The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, combined with the multiple outbreaks of violence between Jews and Arabs in various Israeli and Palestinian cities that also worry the local Church, reveal an increasingly marked rift between peoples and leadership of the Gulf countries.

A diplomatic source stationed in Abu Dhabi, well aware of the reality of the region spoke to AsiaNews about the reality on the ground making a clear "distinction" between public opinion close to the Palestinian population and government leaders who want to preserve relations with Israel after the steps of the recent past and the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The source says we need to distinguish between public opinion, the people and the leaders, the governments of the Gulf monarchies that now have a consolidated relationship" with the Jewish state.

There is also a general climate of profound weariness from what is perceived as a perpetual conflict in the region. Finally, there is the aspect of economic interest, of established and consolidated business relationships that end up having pre-eminence "over the suffering of people" as in other parts of the world.

Yesterday, hundreds of people in Kuwait demonstrated in the streets in support of the Palestinian cause (and the population), burning Israeli flags in protest against the bombing of Gaza. The authorities, given the growing popular pressure, authorized the demonstrations despite the restrictions in place for the coronavirus.

A limited number of demonstrators gathered singing "Death to Israel" and brandishing placards and posters rejecting the process of normalizing relations between the Jewish state and some Gulf monarchies, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain.

"We send a message to our friends in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries that any normalisation with the Zionists will not help. It helps the killer against the Palestinian people," said 43-year-old Osama al-Zaid, a Kuwaiti political activist.

The bloodbath taking place in Gaza, in response to the Hamas rocket launch, raises criticism and attacks in various nations in the area, whose peoples openly show their solidarity with the Palestinian victims. The opposition manifests itself through street protests, posts and campaigns on social media and in newspaper articles, complicating the plans for a progressive normalization of relations with Israel. Confirming that the Palestinian cause and the rights of its people, although now archived at the leadership level, remains an open - and sensitive - question when it affects ordinary people throughout the Middle East.

In Bahrain, civil society groups have signed an open letter calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador. Street demonstrations are also recorded in Qatar, while in the Emirates numerous internet users have published the image of the keffiyeh on their profile, still others have relaunched hashtags in favour of the Palestinian people.

Madawi Al-Rasheed, Saudi scholar and dissident in exile in the United Kingdom, stresses that "despite the speeches marked by the normalization of relations in the official [including Saudi] media, the hearts of the people have not strayed from support for the Palestinian cause".
YEREVAN.  How did it become possible for Azerbaijani servicemen to cross the border? Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asked this question at the beginning of Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the interim government of Armenia, and gave his take on the matter.

"First of all, let me say that after the [Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] war [last fall], our border has extended by several hundred kilometers. In the areas where we have work, these are mountainous areas with difficult terrain where it is under snow most of the year and where no engineering work is possible. What is the border situation in those parts today? It is in exactly the same situation from the Azerbaijani side.

There is another problem here that we have to compare the current situation with the November 9 statement because, yes, in our estimation, the movement of Azerbaijani troops is in direct opposition to the November 9 statement. Here, too, we must express certain positions and carry out diplomatic work to record this," he said.

Pashinyan spoke also about why Armenia applied to the CSTO without carrying out armed resistance first to resolve this matter. "All those who have read at least a few paragraphs of the CSTO treaties will know that the CSTO is for overcoming crisis situations without firing. (). If shooting starts within the CSTO, it can most likely turn into a major regional war, if not a larger-scale war in the event of some scenarios.

In this regard, it is very important to understand what the goal of the Azerbaijani side was. One of the options was to provoke a war. And we must focus our attention on the fact that this action, at least in Syunik Province, is carried out along the narrowest part of Syunik Province and the territory of the Republic of Armenia, which is about 26km wide. If the situation would get out of control, uncontrollable situations could develop there, which could then lead to very big problems.

We [Armenia] have decided that we must resolve the issue through our international security mechanisms; I consider this correct, which at the moment justifies itself, although we still cannot say that we have achieved our goal that way.

Observing the internal processes of the Republic of Armenia, it cannot be ruled out that the purpose of this action [by Azerbaijan] is to influence the internal political processes, the [forthcoming snap parliamentary] election results of the Republic of Armenia, and perhaps also to provide political support to the propaganda, agent network operating in the Republic of Armenia," Nikol Pashinyan emphasized.
Yesterday a joint petition for adoption of a resolution demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian prisoners of war was submitted on behalf of the European Peoples Party in the European Parliament.

The draft resolution has been included in the agenda of todays session and will be considered during todays Plenary Session of the European Parliament at 2 p.m. Armenia time.

The draft resolution reads as follows:

"MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

on prisoners of war in the aftermath of the most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the South Caucasus and on the European Neighbourhood Policy,

- having regard to its resolution of 20 January 2021 on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy  annual report 2020,

- having regard to the European Parliament recommendation of 19 June 2020 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the Eastern Partnership, in the run-up to the June 2020 Summit,

- having regard to the letter by 120 Members of the European Parliament to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, on the Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan of 3 May,

- having regard to the Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the Armenia/Azerbaijan border situation of 14 May 2021,

- having regard to the EU Statement on captives from the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the 1402nd meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 28 April 2021,

- having regard to the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on Nagorno Karabakh of 19 November 2020,

- having regard to the Statements by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group of 13 April and 5 May,

- having regard to the letter addressed by Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic to President Aliyev on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict of 20 April 2021,

- having regard to the Joint Statements by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina Kaljurand, the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Andrey Kovatchev, and the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Zeljana Zovko of 13 November 2020, 2 February 2021 and 23 March 2021,

- having regard to the Human Rights Watch report Azerbaijan: Armenian POWs Abused in Custody of 19 March 2021,

- having regard to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part,

- having regard to the Partnership Priorities between the EU and Azerbaijan endorsed by the Cooperation Council on 28 September 2018,

- having regard to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure;

A. whereas the trilateral ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020 between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia ended the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh that were conducted from September 27 to November 9; whereas the war resulted in the loss of lives of thousands of servicemen on both sides and caused great suffering to civilians by causing hundreds of tragic civilian casualties and tenths of thousands of displaced people;

B. whereas the paragraph 8 of the ceasefire agreement provides that exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and other detainees as well as the remains of the fatalities shall be carried out; whereas it was agreed by the parties concerned that the return of captives would be carried out on the principle of all in exchange for all;

C. whereas Armenia released all captives of the recent war and no Azerbaijani prisoners of war or civilians are known to be held in Armenia or Nagorno-Karabakh;

D. whereas Azerbaijan still holds Armenian prisoners of war and has allegedly made new prisoners, including civilians, after the official end of hostilities; whereas it is difficult to precisely draw up the number of remaining prisoners and captives, due to the high number of missing persons and the lack of cooperation from the Azerbaijani side, but it would include 69 people whose captivity Azerbaijan admits, 112 people about whom Azerbaijan did not provide any information, and 61 people whose captivity Azerbaijan categorically denies, but about whom there is concrete evidence to the contrary;

E. whereas the refusal of the Azerbaijani authorities to unconditionally liberate all the prisoners of war and captives is a grave violation of the international humanitarian law, a non-respect of the ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020 and is also in deep contradiction with Azerbaijans claims to move to normalization and reconciliation;

F. whereas Azerbaijan has not responded to the mandatory information request by the European Court of Human Rights on the circumstances of the capture, the conditions under which prisoners of war are detained, their medical examinations or treatment with the support of medical certificates, made by the Court under Rule 39 in the context of legal proceedings initiated at the urgent request of Armenia[1];

G. whereas the Human Rights Watch reported on 19 of March that Azerbaijani security and armed forces abused Armenian prisoners of war, subjecting them to cruel and degrading treatment and torture either when they were captured, during their transfer, or while in custody at various detention facilities; whereas Azerbaijani forces used violence to detain civilians and subjected them to torture and inhuman and degrading conditions of detention, leading to the death of at least two detainees in Azerbaijani captivity; whereas Azerbaijani forces detained these civilians even though there was no evidence that they posed any security threat to justify their detention under international humanitarian law;

H. whereas the creation of a  Military Trophies Park  in Baku goes against the responsibility held by authorities of Azerbaijan to heal the wounds inflicted by the armed conflict and to ensure that citizens under Azerbaijans rule are treated with respect;

I. whereas videos reportedly circulated on the Internet and social media which evidenced instances of abuse and ill treatment of captives by members of the armed forces of both sides; whereas there is no indication that Azerbaijani or Armenian authorities have conducted prompt, public and effective investigations into these incidents, or that the investigations, if any, have resulted in criminal prosecutions;

J. whereas during the hostilities from September to November 2020 the Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces carried out unlawfully indiscriminate rocket and missile strikes on populated areas, causing civilian casualties and damaging homes, businesses and schools, and contributing to mass displacement; whereas both sides also used cluster munitions, banned because of their widespread indiscriminate effect and long-lasting danger on civilians, in populated areas, resulting in civilian casualties;

K. Whereas millions of pieces of unexploded ordnance and mines are spread in and around Nagorno Karabakh; whereas all sides should provide available maps of minefields to permit civilians to return to former conflict regions;

L. whereas on May 12, troops from Azerbaijan entered the territory of Armenia, which amounts to a violation of the territorial integrity of Armenia and of international law;

M. whereas on May 16, Azerbaijan started military exercises in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic involving up to 15,000 military personnel and heavy military equipment;

N. whereas the European Commission announced on 17 of May the allocation of an additional 10 million in humanitarian aid to help civilians affected by the recent conflict in and around Nagorno Karabakh, bringing the EU assistance to people in need, since the start of the hostilities in September 2020, to over 17 million;

1. Welcomes the agreement on a complete ceasefire in and around Nagorno-Karabakh agreed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on 9 November 2020; notes positively that the ceasefire has been generally respected, apart from deplorable but isolated incidents; condemns the entry of Azerbaijani troops inside of the territory of Armenia, in violation of international law; regrets the large military exercises by Azerbaijan which further escalate tensions between the two countries; hopes that this agreement will save the lives of both civilians and military personnel and open brighter perspectives for a peaceful settlement of this deadly conflict;

2. Regrets that during the 25 years of negotiations there were no results; regrets the use of military force designed to change the status quo; strongly condemns the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian facilities and places of worship, condemns the reported use of cluster munitions in the conflict;

3. Regrets that the outcome of the ceasefire agreement led towards deployment of the so-called Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh, which based on experiences of other Eastern Partnership countries serves the interests of Russia alone;

4. Condemns the support provided to Azerbaijan by Turkey, which only encouraged Azerbaijan to use military force instead of peaceful negotiations; also condemns the participation of Syrian mercenaries, brought by Turkey, to the armed conflict;

5. Notes that the conflict destabilized Armenian political environment, which after 2018 parliamentary election embarked on a path of democratic and pro-European reforms, and increased Armenias dependability on Russia known for its active opposition to democratization of the EUs Eastern Partners;

6. Stresses that a lasting settlement still remains to be found and that the process of achieving peace and determining Nagorno-Karabakhs future legal status should be led by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and founded on their 2009 Basic Principles, in line with the norms and principles of international law, the UN Charter and the OSCE 1975 Helsinki Final Act;

7. Regrets that the EU Member States participating in the OSCE Minsk Group were not present when the ceasefire agreement was brokered, as well as the EU did not demonstrate leadership in bringing to the negotiation table two of its highly valued Eastern Partners;

8. Expresses concerns over decreased activity of the OSCE Minsk Group and capacity to serve its purpose; calls for active EU and its Member States engagement in reinforcing the peace and reconciliation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, applying similar leadership demonstrated in Georgia when mediating the prolonged political crisis;

9. Raises concerns over a decision of the separatist parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh to make Russian the region's second official language, along with Armenian language;

10. Calls on both parties to fully and expeditiously complete the exchange process for all prisoners, detainees, and human remains, and to respect their obligations to ensure the humane treatment of detainees;

11. Calls on Azerbaijan to comply with its obligations under the international humanitarian law and with the ceasefire agreement and to release without delay all remaining prisoners of war and detained persons, regardless of the circumstances of their arrest and to refrain from arbitrary detentions in the future; urges the government of Azerbaijan to provide the lists of all persons in captivity in Azerbaijan detained in connection with the armed conflict or in its aftermath and to provide information about their whereabouts and state of health;

12. Expresses its grave concern over the numerous allegations of abuse of the prisoners of Nagorno-Karabakh war, in particular as documented in the Human Rights Watch report Azerbaijan: Armenian POWs Abused in Custody; reminds the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia of their international obligations to conduct independent, prompt, public and effective investigations and prosecute all credible allegations of breaches of the Geneva Conventions, and violations of the prohibition of torture; stresses that full respect of international humanitarian law and the prohibition of torture and other degrading or inhuman treatment must be ensured;

13. Calls on the government of Azerbaijan to refrain from any violence, harassment, torture and ill-treatment of Armenian prisoners and fully respect the provisions of international humanitarian and human rights law; calls, furthermore, to respect legal safeguards, to ensure judicial control over detentions, allow access of independent lawyers, doctors, human rights defenders to prisoners, and facilitate communication with the relatives;

14. Calls on Azerbaijan to provide the outstanding information requested by the European Court of Human Rights;

15. Calls on the government of Azerbaijan to guarantee free and unimpeded access to prisoners for relevant international organisations, such as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT);

16. Highlights the urgent need to ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need, that the security of the Armenian population and its cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh is ensured, that unexploded ordnance and mines are removed, i.a. through the provision of maps of minefields, and that internally displaced persons and refugees can return to their former places of residence;

17. Disapproves the opening of the Military Trophies Park in Baku, which displays Armenian military equipment taken as a trophy during the war and caricatured mannequins of Armenian soldiers; sees such exposition as humiliating and dehumanizing, increasing the violent rhetoric, and obstructing much needed reconciliation efforts;

18. Strongly insist on both parties to refrain from any actions destructing Armenian heritage in Azerbaijan and Azeri heritage in Armenia; deplores destruction of the Armenian cemetery in Julfa, in the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan, and dismantling of the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi by Azerbaijan, inter alia; deplores the destruction of mosques and cemeteries by Armenian forces during the past 30 years; considers unacceptable reports of destruction of or manipulation with Armenian cultural and religious sites by Azerbaijani authorities; urges that no interventions on Armenian heritage sites occur prior to a UNESCO assessment mission, and that Armenian and international cultural heritage experts are consulted prior to, and closely involved during interventions on Armenian cultural heritage sites; calls for full restoration of these and other demolished sites and for greater involvement of the international community, particularly UNESCO, in protecting the world heritage in the region;

19. Underlines that renewed efforts are necessary to build confidence between both countries, which include the lifting of restrictions on access to Nagorno-Karabakh, including for representatives of international humanitarian organizations, the unblocking of transportation and communication lines throughout the region, and the fostering of direct contacts and co-operation between communities affected by the conflict as well as other people-to-people confidence building measures;

20. Calls on the EU and Member States to put pressure on Azerbaijan and Armenia to take a firm stance against any rhetoric or actions which lead to triggering animosity or hatred and instead, provide full support and political backing towards efforts aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation between the populations affected by the conflict, particularly bearing in mind the wellbeing of the future generations of Azerbaijan and Armenia;

21. Calls on the parties to resume at the earliest opportunity high-level political dialogue under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group;

22. Calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to make an immediate commitment not to use cluster munitions and to take the necessary steps to join without further delay the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which comprehensively bans their use;

23. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the EU Member States, the Council of Europe, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the OSCE, Armenia and Azerbaijan."
YEREVAN.  The opposition Bright Armenia faction of the National Assembly (NA) wants to convene a special sitting of the NA Thursday in connection with the possible signing of a new documentwith Azerbaijanannounced by the Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Edmon Marukyan, chairman of the opposition Bright Armenia Party (BAP) and head of its NA faction, on Thursday told about this to reporters in the parliament.

"Right now we are compiling the text of the statement which will serve as a basis for convening a special session. The content of the text of the statement will be approximately the following: under the RA [Republic of Armenia] Constitution and the Law on International Treaties, in case of signing any document related to politics, the military, as well as human rights, the mentioned document must be ratified at the RA parliament. Second, another document has been prepared behind the back of the RA people. Neither the MPs of the parliament, nor, I believe, most of the members of the government, nor any other elected official has any information on its content," Marukyan said.

He informed that he talked also with Arman Abovyan from the opposition Prosperous Armenia faction in the NA, and they were discussing the matter of convening this sitting.

Marukyan added that the acting prime minister must present the content of this new document in detail, noting that Pashinyan did not do this at Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the interim government. "Perceptions of the RA's interests may be different for us, for the Prime Minister, and for other forces. Therefore, this document, which is in the interests of the RA, must be presented in detail, at least for the discussion of the parliament, after which it will be decided whether it is in the interests of the RA or not. If something good is being done, how can it be concealed? Let the people know, be happy," said the BAP leader.

Acting PM Pashinyan confirms he is negotiating new document with Azerbaijan
Organisers request has been turned down. Like last year, the authorities cite the pandemic. Hong Kongs Secretary of Security says that activists who fled abroad will remain criminally liable for the rest of their lives. Defendants in national security cases can now be tried without a jury.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  Police have refused to authorise the traditional vigil held on 4 June to remember the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre, this according to the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which usually organises the event every year.

For the second year in a row, the authorities cited 19 as the reason for the ban, the need to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-.

Organisers applied for permission to hold a march from the Southorn Playground in Wan Chai to the mainlands Hong Kong Liaison Office in the Sai Wan area. Between 3,000 and 6,000 people were expected to take part this year.

Alliance leaders said that they would continue to seek permission for an authorised demonstration, hoping that the police will recognise the right of citizens to gather and demonstrate peacefully.

The administration of Chief Executive Carrie Lam has systematically used the pandemic to block all public actions in favour of democracy.

Secretary for Security John Lee said yesterday that he expected street protests to resume after the health emergency is over, but added that he does not expect them to be like those of 2019 that beset the government.

Lee also promised that all activists who fled abroad will remain criminally liable for the rest of their lives.

Meanwhile, the former British colonys liberal legal tradition has been dealt another blow. This morning, High Court Judge Alex Lee ruled that in national security cases the defendant can be tried without a jury.

His ruling will affect the trial of Tong Ying-kit, 24, the first Hong Konger arrested under Beijing's new national security law.

Hitherto, under Hong Kong's Common Law system, juries have been used since 1845 for the most serious criminal cases. The website of Hong Kongs own judiciary describes them as one of its most important features.
The order came after a senior official died after taking a medicine produced in China. The ban also covers Chinese vaccines against Covid-19. The health facilities of the capital do not have adequate facilities for the storage of medicines.

Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Kim Jong-un has banned the use of Chinese drugs in the main hospitals in Pyongyang. According to Daily NK, the North Korean leader ordered the ban after a senior regime official died earlier this month after taking a medicine produced in China.

The ban also covers the administration of Chinese vaccines against Covid-19. Chinese anti-coronavirus drugs cannot even be used in research for the development of a domestic vaccine. North Korean authorities claim that there are no cases of Covid contagion in the country, a statement that the international scientific community believes to be false.

The news of the ban on Chinese medicines contrasts with the revelations of 19FortyFive. In December, the US website said that Kim had been vaccinated against the coronavirus with a Chinese experimental drug.

North Korean sources cited by Daily NK, however, question the version according to which the senior Pyongyang official died from taking the Chinese drug. An internal investigation showed that hospitals in the capital do not have adequate refrigeration facilities to store medicines, especially Covid vaccines.
Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 20.05.21:

Acting PM Nikol Pashinyan said he is negotiating a new document with Azerbaijan and Russia.

The paper was first published by Armenia's former ambassador to the Vatican Mikayel Minasyan. According to the latter, Pashinyan was going to sign a new agreement that would damage the interests of the country.

"Yes, if Azerbaijan implements those agreements, in the conditions we have talked about, yes, I will sign that document," Nikol Pashinyan today told the government sitting.

The acting PM also noted that Armenia has reached some agreements with its international colleagues. According to him, those solutions are 100% in line with the interests of Armenia.

Pashinyan added that he would not publish the document to be signed because it was not correct to publish a working document.

The PM also noted that nearly 500-600 Azerbaijani troops are still located on Armenian sovereign territory in different parts.

"The logic of our armed forces actions is the following: to limit the potential of the actions of the Azerbaijanis with tactical actions," he said adding that a huge amount of diplomatic work has been done and is being done in this regard.

The European parliament has adopted a resolution demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian prisoners of war.

During today's session, MEP Marina Kaljurand noted that 'Azerbaijan should fulfill its international obligations, including the ceasefire agreement and the ECtHR ruling, which applies to more than 200 Armenian citizens.'

"The inflammatory rhetoric and spread of hatred should be stopped.

The military trophy park in Baku is the most serious example of it," she added noting that it has to be removed.

She also referred to the Azerbaijani provocations near the Armenian state border, noting that "the border incidents are deeply worrying."

"I urge Azerbaijan to withdraw and start proper negotiations with Armenia," she added.

MEP Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel, in turn, noted that thousands of killed soldiers from Armenia and Azerbaijan and many more displaced civilians - that is the price of what Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev calls the victory.

"Mr. Aliyev, noting suits more than the humanity to extend the helping hand to its defeated enemy," she noted.

Meanwhile, another MEP Petras Aushtrevicius noted that 'everything must be done to move from conflict to peaceful coexistence.'

"The EU was the passive observer of the conflict. It did not use its influence to prevent it. The EU must initiate and actively participate in the peace process," he added.

As of Thursday morning, 191 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 221,559 in the country.

Also, seven more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 4,364 cases.

The number of people who have recovered over the past one day is 472, the total respective number so far is 209,980.
by Francis Khoo Thwe

Critics of the violence against the democratic opposition, the two envoys asked the Japanese government for help. Japanese companies present in Myanmar say Tokyo is too "weak" with the Burmese generals. The military has recalled about 100 rebel diplomats to their homeland since the coup.

Yangon (AsiaNews) - The military junta has removed two diplomats stationed at the embassy in Tokyo. The two envoys boycotted the mission's activities in protest against the coup that overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy in February.

Their removal was reported this morning by Kyodo News, citing Burmese diplomatic sources.

The regime of General Min Aung Hlaing already sacked the ambassador to the United Nations in February, and last month dismissed the envoy to London.

The two diplomats on duty in Tokyo, a first and a second secretary, have had their diplomatic status withdrawn and been banned from entering the embassy buildings. Both asked the Japanese authorities to be allowed to keep their diplomatic credentials, which they received under a mandate from the Suu Kyi administration, chosen by the people with a democratic vote.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry has stated that the position of the two dissidents will be assessed on the basis of how the situation in Myanmar will evolve. The Irrawaddy notes that Japan is the number one provider of development aid to the former Burma and the fourth largest investor in the country.

According to an independent poll conducted in April, of 135 Japanese businessmen residing in Myanmar 71% of respondents considered Tokyo's response to Min Aung Hlaing's coup d'etat "weak".

Many Myanmar diplomats have come out against the military coup, which came after the National League for Democracy overwhelmingly won the November elections.

Just as with a large part of the international community, they are calling on Naypyidaw's generals to end the violence against opponents, free political prisoners and hand over power to the civil authorities.

The junta has recalled about 100 envoys who support the civil disobedience movement in Myanmar. They were stationed in 20 states, including the United States, Great Britain and Singapore. Some of them did not respect the order and remained in the countries of assignment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia doesnt know if there is a document or not, and it doesnt have any information about the particular document. This is what acting nDeputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Avet Adonts told reporters in Syunik Province today.

According to him, the events are developing dynamically, and the addressee is the Government of Armenia.

As acting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, thats all I can say. I havent seen the document and havent participated in the discussions, he emphasized.

The official explained that representatives of the countrys power structures are the ones who are mainly leading the negotiations over the situation at Sev Lake.

We are aware that the Azerbaijanis didnt come yesterday. Well see what happens. Todays processes are an encroachment on the sovereignty of Armenia and violate the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan must leave the territory of Armenia. This is a mandatory step to continue the negotiations, Adonts added and welcomed the decision of the head of the EU delegation and ambassadors of EU countries to visit Syunik Province.

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin and EU countries ambassadors visited Syunik Province and the area near Sev Lake, as well as met with Governor of Syunik Province Melikset Poghosyan.

The President of Armenia has not been and is not involved in the processes and discussions related to the alleged document. This is stated in the statement issued by the Staff of the President of Armenia.

The statement also states the following: Therefore, the President is absolutely unaware of the document, much less the specifics. The President of Armenia is certain that such processes need to be maximally public and need to be held through the involvement of all interested parties.

Acting PM Nikol Pashinyan said Thursday he is negotiating a new document with Azerbaijan and Russia.

The paper was first published by Armenia's former ambassador to the Vatican Mikayel Minasyan. According to the latter, Pashinyan was going to sign a new agreement that would damage the interests of the country.

The acting PM also noted that Armenia has reached some agreements with its international colleagues. According to him, those solutions are 100% in line with the interests of Armenia.

Pashinyan added that he would not publish the document to be signed because it was not correct to publish a working document.
There is a document disseminated on the Internet concerning the creation of an Armenian-Russian-Azerbaijani commission, and this is an annex to a particular document. This is what leader of the opposition Bright Armenia faction of the National Assembly Edmon Marukyan said in parliament today.

The Bright Armenia faction also invited the acting Prime Minister and acting foreign and defense ministers to answer the following questions: Is the disseminated document the real document that the Prime Minister is planning to sign? Wasnt it possible to not negotiate and not sign any document until the formation of a new government? After all, we are going to elections because the mandate given by the people hasnt been fulfilled, and were going to see which force will continue to govern Armenia and negotiate over such documents. Will this document also concern the borders of Artsakh? I have already read statements by government officials stating that this document isnt subject to ratification by the parliament, Marukyan said and read a part from the law on international treaties according to which any international agreement must be ratified by the National Assembly, regardless of its name.

According to Armenias law on international treaties, this document is considered a treaty. If it concerns human and citizens fundamental rights and freedoms, an international agreement is ratified. Since were talking about demarcation, this means that it concerns the rights of people who are living in the territories near the border. Finally, international treaties are subject to the parliaments ratification, if they envisage legislative amendments. The commission will discuss, make a decision and state the border, but this implies amendment to the law on administrative-territorial division. This means the law had to be ratified by the National Assembly. If it isnt ratified, it cant be enforced, Marukyan said.

Acting PM Nikol Pashinyan said Thursday he is negotiating a new document with Azerbaijan and Russia.

The paper was first published by Armenia's former ambassador to the Vatican Mikayel Minasyan. According to the latter, Pashinyan was going to sign a new agreement that would damage the interests of the country.

The acting PM also noted that Armenia has reached some agreements with its international colleagues. According to him, those solutions are 100% in line with the interests of Armenia.

Pashinyan added that he would not publish the document to be signed because it was not correct to publish a working document.
European Parliament has adopted the resolution demanding Azerbaijan to release all Armenian POWs.

The resolution has been adopted with 607 votes for and 27 votes against, while 54 MEPs abstained to vote.

Parliament deplores the violence that took place during the most recent war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh area between 27 September and 10 November last year. MEPs also express their grave concern about credible reports, according to which Azerbaijan has been holding and torturing Armenian prisoners of war and other captive persons in degrading conditions since the end of active hostilities.

MEPs urge the Government of Azerbaijan to provide exhaustive lists of all persons held in connection with the armed conflict and to provide information about their whereabouts and health, including of those who have died in captivity.

The resolution finally demands the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners, both military and civilian, detained by Azerbaijan during and after the conflict, and that Azerbaijan refrain from detaining people arbitrarily in the future.

The draft resolution reads as follows:

"MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

on prisoners of war in the aftermath of the most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the South Caucasus and on the European Neighbourhood Policy,

- having regard to its resolution of 20 January 2021 on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy  annual report 2020,

- having regard to the European Parliament recommendation of 19 June 2020 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the Eastern Partnership, in the run-up to the June 2020 Summit,

- having regard to the letter by 120 Members of the European Parliament to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, on the Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan of 3 May,

- having regard to the Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the Armenia/Azerbaijan border situation of 14 May 2021,

- having regard to the EU Statement on captives from the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the 1402nd meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 28 April 2021,

- having regard to the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on Nagorno Karabakh of 19 November 2020,

- having regard to the Statements by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group of 13 April and 5 May,

- having regard to the letter addressed by Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic to President Aliyev on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict of 20 April 2021,

- having regard to the Joint Statements by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina Kaljurand, the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Andrey Kovatchev, and the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Zeljana Zovko of 13 November 2020, 2 February 2021 and 23 March 2021,

- having regard to the Human Rights Watch report Azerbaijan: Armenian POWs Abused in Custody of 19 March 2021,

- having regard to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part,

- having regard to the Partnership Priorities between the EU and Azerbaijan endorsed by the Cooperation Council on 28 September 2018,

- having regard to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure;

A. whereas the trilateral ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020 between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia ended the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh that were conducted from September 27 to November 9; whereas the war resulted in the loss of lives of thousands of servicemen on both sides and caused great suffering to civilians by causing hundreds of tragic civilian casualties and tenths of thousands of displaced people;

B. whereas the paragraph 8 of the ceasefire agreement provides that exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and other detainees as well as the remains of the fatalities shall be carried out; whereas it was agreed by the parties concerned that the return of captives would be carried out on the principle of all in exchange for all;

C. whereas Armenia released all captives of the recent war and no Azerbaijani prisoners of war or civilians are known to be held in Armenia or Nagorno-Karabakh;

D. whereas Azerbaijan still holds Armenian prisoners of war and has allegedly made new prisoners, including civilians, after the official end of hostilities; whereas it is difficult to precisely draw up the number of remaining prisoners and captives, due to the high number of missing persons and the lack of cooperation from the Azerbaijani side, but it would include 69 people whose captivity Azerbaijan admits, 112 people about whom Azerbaijan did not provide any information, and 61 people whose captivity Azerbaijan categorically denies, but about whom there is concrete evidence to the contrary;

E. whereas the refusal of the Azerbaijani authorities to unconditionally liberate all the prisoners of war and captives is a grave violation of the international humanitarian law, a non-respect of the ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020 and is also in deep contradiction with Azerbaijans claims to move to normalization and reconciliation;

F. whereas Azerbaijan has not responded to the mandatory information request by the European Court of Human Rights on the circumstances of the capture, the conditions under which prisoners of war are detained, their medical examinations or treatment with the support of medical certificates, made by the Court under Rule 39 in the context of legal proceedings initiated at the urgent request of Armenia[1];

G. whereas the Human Rights Watch reported on 19 of March that Azerbaijani security and armed forces abused Armenian prisoners of war, subjecting them to cruel and degrading treatment and torture either when they were captured, during their transfer, or while in custody at various detention facilities; whereas Azerbaijani forces used violence to detain civilians and subjected them to torture and inhuman and degrading conditions of detention, leading to the death of at least two detainees in Azerbaijani captivity; whereas Azerbaijani forces detained these civilians even though there was no evidence that they posed any security threat to justify their detention under international humanitarian law;

H. whereas the creation of a  Military Trophies Park  in Baku goes against the responsibility held by authorities of Azerbaijan to heal the wounds inflicted by the armed conflict and to ensure that citizens under Azerbaijans rule are treated with respect;

I. whereas videos reportedly circulated on the Internet and social media which evidenced instances of abuse and ill treatment of captives by members of the armed forces of both sides; whereas there is no indication that Azerbaijani or Armenian authorities have conducted prompt, public and effective investigations into these incidents, or that the investigations, if any, have resulted in criminal prosecutions;

J. whereas during the hostilities from September to November 2020 the Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces carried out unlawfully indiscriminate rocket and missile strikes on populated areas, causing civilian casualties and damaging homes, businesses and schools, and contributing to mass displacement; whereas both sides also used cluster munitions, banned because of their widespread indiscriminate effect and long-lasting danger on civilians, in populated areas, resulting in civilian casualties;

K. Whereas millions of pieces of unexploded ordnance and mines are spread in and around Nagorno Karabakh; whereas all sides should provide available maps of minefields to permit civilians to return to former conflict regions;

L. whereas on May 12, troops from Azerbaijan entered the territory of Armenia, which amounts to a violation of the territorial integrity of Armenia and of international law;

M. whereas on May 16, Azerbaijan started military exercises in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic involving up to 15,000 military personnel and heavy military equipment;

N. whereas the European Commission announced on 17 of May the allocation of an additional 10 million in humanitarian aid to help civilians affected by the recent conflict in and around Nagorno Karabakh, bringing the EU assistance to people in need, since the start of the hostilities in September 2020, to over 17 million;

1. Welcomes the agreement on a complete ceasefire in and around Nagorno-Karabakh agreed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on 9 November 2020; notes positively that the ceasefire has been generally respected, apart from deplorable but isolated incidents; condemns the entry of Azerbaijani troops inside of the territory of Armenia, in violation of international law; regrets the large military exercises by Azerbaijan which further escalate tensions between the two countries; hopes that this agreement will save the lives of both civilians and military personnel and open brighter perspectives for a peaceful settlement of this deadly conflict;

2. Regrets that during the 25 years of negotiations there were no results; regrets the use of military force designed to change the status quo; strongly condemns the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian facilities and places of worship, condemns the reported use of cluster munitions in the conflict;

3. Regrets that the outcome of the ceasefire agreement led towards deployment of the so-called Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh, which based on experiences of other Eastern Partnership countries serves the interests of Russia alone;

4. Condemns the support provided to Azerbaijan by Turkey, which only encouraged Azerbaijan to use military force instead of peaceful negotiations; also condemns the participation of Syrian mercenaries, brought by Turkey, to the armed conflict;

5. Notes that the conflict destabilized Armenian political environment, which after 2018 parliamentary election embarked on a path of democratic and pro-European reforms, and increased Armenias dependability on Russia known for its active opposition to democratization of the EUs Eastern Partners;

6. Stresses that a lasting settlement still remains to be found and that the process of achieving peace and determining Nagorno-Karabakhs future legal status should be led by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and founded on their 2009 Basic Principles, in line with the norms and principles of international law, the UN Charter and the OSCE 1975 Helsinki Final Act;

7. Regrets that the EU Member States participating in the OSCE Minsk Group were not present when the ceasefire agreement was brokered, as well as the EU did not demonstrate leadership in bringing to the negotiation table two of its highly valued Eastern Partners;

8. Expresses concerns over decreased activity of the OSCE Minsk Group and capacity to serve its purpose; calls for active EU and its Member States engagement in reinforcing the peace and reconciliation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, applying similar leadership demonstrated in Georgia when mediating the prolonged political crisis;

9. Raises concerns over a decision of the separatist parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh to make Russian the region's second official language, along with Armenian language;

10. Calls on both parties to fully and expeditiously complete the exchange process for all prisoners, detainees, and human remains, and to respect their obligations to ensure the humane treatment of detainees;

11. Calls on Azerbaijan to comply with its obligations under the international humanitarian law and with the ceasefire agreement and to release without delay all remaining prisoners of war and detained persons, regardless of the circumstances of their arrest and to refrain from arbitrary detentions in the future; urges the government of Azerbaijan to provide the lists of all persons in captivity in Azerbaijan detained in connection with the armed conflict or in its aftermath and to provide information about their whereabouts and state of health;

12. Expresses its grave concern over the numerous allegations of abuse of the prisoners of Nagorno-Karabakh war, in particular as documented in the Human Rights Watch report Azerbaijan: Armenian POWs Abused in Custody; reminds the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia of their international obligations to conduct independent, prompt, public and effective investigations and prosecute all credible allegations of breaches of the Geneva Conventions, and violations of the prohibition of torture; stresses that full respect of international humanitarian law and the prohibition of torture and other degrading or inhuman treatment must be ensured;

13. Calls on the government of Azerbaijan to refrain from any violence, harassment, torture and ill-treatment of Armenian prisoners and fully respect the provisions of international humanitarian and human rights law; calls, furthermore, to respect legal safeguards, to ensure judicial control over detentions, allow access of independent lawyers, doctors, human rights defenders to prisoners, and facilitate communication with the relatives;

14. Calls on Azerbaijan to provide the outstanding information requested by the European Court of Human Rights;

15. Calls on the government of Azerbaijan to guarantee free and unimpeded access to prisoners for relevant international organisations, such as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT);

16. Highlights the urgent need to ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need, that the security of the Armenian population and its cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh is ensured, that unexploded ordnance and mines are removed, i.a. through the provision of maps of minefields, and that internally displaced persons and refugees can return to their former places of residence;

17. Disapproves the opening of the Military Trophies Park in Baku, which displays Armenian military equipment taken as a trophy during the war and caricatured mannequins of Armenian soldiers; sees such exposition as humiliating and dehumanizing, increasing the violent rhetoric, and obstructing much needed reconciliation efforts;

18. Strongly insist on both parties to refrain from any actions destructing Armenian heritage in Azerbaijan and Azeri heritage in Armenia; deplores destruction of the Armenian cemetery in Julfa, in the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan, and dismantling of the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi by Azerbaijan, inter alia; deplores the destruction of mosques and cemeteries by Armenian forces during the past 30 years; considers unacceptable reports of destruction of or manipulation with Armenian cultural and religious sites by Azerbaijani authorities; urges that no interventions on Armenian heritage sites occur prior to a UNESCO assessment mission, and that Armenian and international cultural heritage experts are consulted prior to, and closely involved during interventions on Armenian cultural heritage sites; calls for full restoration of these and other demolished sites and for greater involvement of the international community, particularly UNESCO, in protecting the world heritage in the region;

19. Underlines that renewed efforts are necessary to build confidence between both countries, which include the lifting of restrictions on access to Nagorno-Karabakh, including for representatives of international humanitarian organizations, the unblocking of transportation and communication lines throughout the region, and the fostering of direct contacts and co-operation between communities affected by the conflict as well as other people-to-people confidence building measures;

20. Calls on the EU and Member States to put pressure on Azerbaijan and Armenia to take a firm stance against any rhetoric or actions which lead to triggering animosity or hatred and instead, provide full support and political backing towards efforts aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation between the populations affected by the conflict, particularly bearing in mind the wellbeing of the future generations of Azerbaijan and Armenia;

21. Calls on the parties to resume at the earliest opportunity high-level political dialogue under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group;

22. Calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to make an immediate commitment not to use cluster munitions and to take the necessary steps to join without further delay the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which comprehensively bans their use;

23. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the EU Member States, the Council of Europe, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the OSCE, Armenia and Azerbaijan."
Im not sure whether this discussion will be helpful from the perspective of solving the posed questions, but it will surely be helpful from the perspective of informing the public. This is what acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said during todays special session of the National Assembly.

We all know what has been going on since May 12. I have touched upon the governments evaluations and actions since then and would like to talk about the results. I still believe the aim of Azerbaijans actions was to incite a military clash on the border in the narrowest section of the sovereign territory of Armenia and start taking action in the depth of the territory of Armenia. By assessing the situation, the government decided to let the situation get out of hand and settle the issue through diplomatic means, Pashinyan said and emphasized that Armenias efforts are effective because there is consensus over the situation among the international community, which is recording the unlawfulness of Azerbaijans actions and the need for Azerbaijan to leave the sovereign territory of Armenia.

Pashinyan informed that the European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the return of Armenian POWs and, at the last minute, made a supplement to the resolution in regard to the territorial integrity of Armenia.

Talking about the document on the demarcation and delimitation of the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the acting premier stated that since Armenia doesnt have diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan, the process needs to be implemented in the trilateral format. He added that there is no and cant be any confidential annex since this document is itself a confidential working document.
Yesterday when the foreign minister of Russia mentioned that a document has been placed into circulation, in response, Armenia declared that even though there is such a document, there is an important condition for consideration of the document, that is, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan must leave the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. This is what Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said during todays special session of the National Assembly.

The Armenian government has worked as publicly as possible. We talked about this document yesterday and said there was such a document, but we havent launched discussions since its very important for the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan to leave the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. When this process was launched, we localized the issue to a certain extent and launched a major international process, as a result of which different countries agree that the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan must leave the territory of the Republic of Armenia, Grigoryan said, adding that the government understand that there are certain circles that arent pleased with the successful diplomatic efforts and that their actions are aimed at posing a threat to the upcoming elections in Armenia.

Grigoryan added that if the issue isnt solved diplomatically, Armenia will reserve itself the right to launch other mechanisms in order to solve the issue. He also called on the public to be a little patient so that the government can work and solve the problem.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Work has begun on two nuclear power plants and will be completed by 2028. "Golden visas" for Chinese entrepreneurs, with facilitated taxation. Over the past 15 years, Chinese private investment in Russia has reached $ 56 billion.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Yesterday May 19, the leaders of Russia and China, Putin and Xi Jinping, joined online for the laying of the foundation stone on two new gigantic reactors for nuclear power plants in China.

Three years ago the two presidents signed the protocols for the joint supply of four nuclear reactors, no. 7 and 8 of Tianwan (in the city of Lianyungang, in Jiangsu), and the maintenance of reactors 3 and 4 Siuydapu, also in the group of the province of Jangsu (photo 2).

The Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant is the most impressive project of the Russian-Chinese economic collaboration in the energy field. The first reactors were activated in 2007, the third at the end of 2017 and the fourth in December 2020.

"For the first time we were able to agree on the realization of such important projects simultaneously in two areas" - said the deputy- Russian Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak at Rossiyskaja Gazeta - "for the Russian energy industry, partnership with China is our strategic priority today, and today's ceremony is a decisive step in this direction".

The head of the Russian nuclear power company Rosatom, Alexei Likhacev, explained that Russia currently supplies 27 plants abroad, and the Chinese ones are the most impressive.

During the meeting, President Putin promised Russia's full readiness to continue collaboration in the field of nuclear energy and in the preparation of new low-carbon technologies. In this way, thanks to the union with China, Russia seeks to gain ground in the new prospects for ecological conversion of the economy, in which so far it appears tragically overdue.

The new nuclear reactors, according to Putin, "the most powerful, modern and safest ever" will reach full capacity between 2026 and 2028: "Chinese consumers will have large quantities of clean and cheap electricity at their disposal".

The Russian openings to China are also underlined by the new rules for granting entry visas to citizens of the East, which provide easy long-term permits for those who invest capital in Russia. The bill is called the "golden visa", which should attract above all Chinese entrepreneurs eager to multiply their capital abroad.

In Russia they would not need new registrations for their businesses, and would enjoy a much more favourable tax regime than at home.

The "golden visas" will be accessible as early as 2022, and will allow the free transit of investors and their relatives between Russia and China, even obtaining medical assistance and all the social services of Russian citizens themselves. On the Chinese side, the project receives the praise of the press: The South China Morning Post has shown how this favourable regime already works very well in several countries that have good relations with China. For example, in Portugal since 2012 it is enough to invest just over 300 thousand dollars to obtain a visa, and since then the Chinese have invested almost 6 billion for this purpose, almost all in real estate.

Over the past 15 years, Chinese private investment in Russia has reached $ 56 billion. The new measures should quadruple the pace of cash flows, attracting funds especially in the luxury construction sector. For the Chinese whose income exceeds $ 149,000, the taxation at home reaches 45%; in Russia they would remain at 15%.

Demographic data show that the Chinese population decreases in the northern regions bordering cold Siberia, mostly moving to the warmer regions; the new conditions should instead entice the wealthy to enjoy much more comfortable conditions despite the low temperatures of Asian Russia.
Participants of the demonstration held by the I Have Honor alliance of political parties marched from the government building and reached the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they are continuing their demonstration.

During the demonstration, leader of the Youth Organization of the Republican Party of Armenia Hayk Mamijanyan declared that rumor has it that acting foreign minister Ara Aivazian has submitted his resignation letter, adding that Aivazian doesnt have the right to resign because he has to come out and explain the secret agreement and how is it that he isnt aware of the negotiations.

Acting PM Nikol Pashinyan said Thursday he is negotiating a new document with Azerbaijan and Russia.

The paper was first published by Armenia's former ambassador to the Vatican Mikayel Minasyan. According to the latter, Pashinyan was going to sign a new agreement that would damage the interests of the country.

The acting PM also noted that Armenia has reached some agreements with its international colleagues. According to him, those solutions are 100% in line with the interests of Armenia.

Pashinyan added that he would not publish the document to be signed because it was not correct to publish a working document.
The fact that Armenia addressed the Collective Security Treaty Organization and Russia in regard to the incursion of the Azerbaijanis into the territory of the Republic of Armenia serves as serious evidence that the Azerbaijanis are within the boundaries of sovereign Armenia. This is what deputy of the National Assembly of Armenia Sergey Bagratyan said during todays special parliamentary session.

If Armenia encircles the border now, no international organization can accuse Armenia of aggression or non-peaceful relations. I think its time to give the Azerbaijanis reasonable time (48 hours or 72 hours) to leave the Armenian territory; otherwise, Armenia needs to act tough. This needs to be announced to the whole world. I dont see any point in waiting any longer, he declared.

Touching upon Azerbaijans statements on opening a corridor through Zangezur, Bagratyan said the following: Turkey knows very well that this is the northern door of Iran and that Iran will never agree to this, even if Armenia is incapable of defending itself from the aggression of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Russia also wont agree to see its southern border closed forever. India and China wont agree to see suspension of their course to Europe. The US also told Azerbaijan to pull out their forces from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. France and the European Union also made statements. Its time to take action, and the first people who should talk about this are people who know the price of carrying out such operations.
Mapping has been conducted throughout the years, and now Armenia is asking Russia to come and map the borders for the country. This is what leader of Unified Armenia Party Yervand Tarverdyan told reporters after a meeting with citizens of Charentsavan, touching upon the situation on the borders of Syunik Province and Gegharkunik Province.

As Commander-in-Chief, Nikol Pashinyan should have sent people to stand on the border after the war. All of us would go and stand on the border so that nobody would say that Armenia doesnt have an army. If you cant build an army, let others build it. The document on the borders hasnt been signed yet, but the authorities are exalting and considering a new option for demarcation as their victory. There is no new option for demarcation in any part of the world. The authorities simply arent able to maintain the honor of Armenians, Tarverdyan said.

According to him, his political party wont go to the extreme and will wait until the elections. I believe any document to be signed can be annulled after thirty days. We wont let them take actions that wont be in Armenias interests, he added.
Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party assures that it's not expecting ministerial positions

Robert Kocharyan: "Armenia" bloc will restore and deepen country's ties with allies

Czech Rep. parliament committee calls on Azerbaijan to release all Armenian captives immediately

"Armenia" bloc member Armen Gevorgyan holds meetings with diplomatic corps and international organizations

Dollar still dropping in Armenia

Azerbaijan announces names of 26 Armenian servicemen it intends to "put on trial"

Armenian publishing house to print 66,925,000 ballots for upcoming snap parliamentary elections

"Armenia" bloc member: There are reports that over 10 police buses escorted acting PM yesterday

Gallup: "Armenia" bloc records slightly higher indicator than ruling party

Armenia acting PM has been obligated to publicly apologize to Khachatryan family

"Armenia" bloc: Robert Kocharyan and ARF-D resolved crisis that Levon Ter-Petrosyan created in 1998

Intellectual Armenia Party to support "Armenia" bloc in snap parliamentary elections

Armenia ruling party MP's powers terminated

Brawl takes place during Armenia ruling Civil Contract Party's campaign meeting, case launched

Armenia acting premier: We also have enclave under Azerbaijan rule

Holy Etchmiadzin: We express regret for unwise, inappropriate statements of acting PM

"I have the honor" bloc member: Armenia acting PM has instructed his voters to go to polls by afternoon

Prosperous Armenia Party MP: Enemy does not divide Armenians into "blacks" and "whites"

Bright Armenia Party leader: Acting premier will not be able to get 60% of votes

Armenia acting PM: There are people in media who are more like "killers" than journalists

Ex-President Kocharyan: 2009-2018 I did not agree with Armenia authorities on many issues

Armenia has new millionaires

Armenia President visits Russia embassy, meets with ambassador

Artsakh search continues Friday for remains of Armenian soldiers killed in war

Armenia ruling party election offices heads being paid by provincial halls?

Armenia emergency ministry preparing for a new cooperation with USAID

US, Turkey top defense officials discuss regional issues

95 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

G7 leaders pledge to share 1bn doses of coronavirus vaccine with world

Armenia snap parliamentary elections online voting starts

Trump tells Biden to give Putin his warmest regards

Newspaper: Pashinyan is both Armenia acting PM and not

Newspaper: Why is Armenia arms dealer released from custody?

National Geographic officially announces 5th ocean

Armenia MP candidate is detained

Armenia Prosecutor General receives OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission's delegation

France's Macron intends to discuss situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with Turkish counterpart

Armenia 3rd President on Nikol Pashinyan: People look at him and say 'greetings, son of a b**ch'

US Department of Commerce intends to impose sanctions against Armenia's Armenal aluminum foil producer/exporter

Armenia 1st President recalls his "remedial secession" formula for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement

"I Have the Honor" bloc to Armenian authorities: Let them try to use force or threaten anyone

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 3rd President doesn't know why Nikol Pashinyan hasn't signed the pro-Armenian document he's talking about

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

Enigmatic incident takes places in Yerevan, semi-decayed body of man found under bridge

Philip Reeker: Azerbaijani Armed Forces need to return to positions of May 11

Armenia opposition party leader says he's ready to form coalition with all forces, except for ruling party

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani side opens fire at military posts in border section of Gegharkunik Province

Head of Armenia's Mission to OSCE: Goals of OSCE and CSTO serve as ground for their cooperation

Azerbaijan shares documents on 8 Armenian POWs, COVID-19 in Armenia, Jun 10 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)

Zakharova: Russia makes essential contributions to post-war demining in Nagorno-Karabakh

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
by Nirmala Carvalho

Two ventilators and two oxygen concentrators arrived recently at St Joseph's, the diocesan hospital in one of the most COVID-19-affected rural areas. Every home is affected by this sickness and people have no money to treat themselves, Archbishop Gonsalves said.

Nagpur (AsiaNews)  Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur yesterday blessed two ventilators and two oxygen concentrators that arrived at St Josephs Hospital, Yerla, near Nagpur (Maharashtra). The arrival of the new equipment is a small sign of hope.

The diocesan medical facility is located just outside Nagpur, in one of the areas most affected by the new terrible wave of COVID-19, serving a mostly poor rural populations.

Despite a slight drop in the number of cases in recent days, the pandemic continues unabated in India. Yesterday 276,110 new cases were officially reported with 3,874 new deaths.

Faced with an increasingly serious situation, St Josephs Hospital opened a COVID centre on 1 May, but it only had basic medical equipment. Still missing were ventilators, oxygen concentrators and medicines for the treatment of COVID-19.

For this reason, Archbishop Gonsalves appealed to Indias Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, whose constituency is in Nagpur. Thanks to him, the equipment was sent to the hospital, and has been in operation since yesterday.

The hospital also runs a quarantine centre and a COVID kitchen that serves free meals to patients and those serving the COVID infected, Archbishop Gonsalves told AsiaNews. Currently we have 50 poor patients who are totally dependent on our charity and service.

With a population of 2.41 million, Nagpur is one of the places most affected by COVID-19 in Maharashtra.

The pandemic has entered the community spread phase, which is very dangerous, a local health official explained. In Nagpur district, 6,364 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours and 113 have patients died. Nagpurs caseload stands at 329,470 people with 6,386 fatalities.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Archbishop Gonsalves confirmed the tragic picture. Nagpur has been badly affected by this pandemic, he noted.

By and large, locals are daily labourers, domestic workers, masons and unskilled workers with low incomes. Every home is affected by this sickness and people have no money to treat themselves. There are long queues outside hospitals and people are dying waiting in the queue.

The prelate added: It takes a minimum of four days in the queue before a patient is admitted to the hospital, and even if one gets in, the means available are often insufficient to heal people.

In most cases, patients get significantly worse while waiting as their oxygen saturation drops below 85 per cent, resulting in multiorgan failure and death.

The main problem is the lack of timely treatment, especially for the poorest in rural areas. Ventilators and oxygen concentrators will help deal with this serious situation.
China accuses US of 'creating risks' with sail-bys

Beijing said the USS Curtis Wilbur, a guided missile destroyer, was warned and driven away from the contested waters near the islands. Image: Shutterstock

China on Thursday branded the United States an "out-and-out security risk creator" in the South China Sea, after an American warship sailed through waters near the disputed Spratly Islands.



Tensions in maritime waters claimed by both China and many of its neighbours have ratcheted up recently, with Beijing staging live-fire drills and sending hundreds of fishing vessels to a reef claimed by the Philippines.



China's military said the USS Curtis Wilbur, a guided missile destroyer, was warned and driven away from the contested waters near the islands, which are claimed by China.



US actions "increase regional security risks, which easily causes misunderstandings, misjudgements and unforeseen maritime incidents", People's Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command spokesman Colonel Tian Junli said in a notice posted on social media.



"This is unprofessional and irresponsible, and fully demonstrates that the US is an out-and-out 'South China Sea security risk creator'."



Beijing on Wednesday had chastised Washington for sailing the USS Curtis Wilbur through the Taiwan Strait earlier this week.



The US Seventh Fleet described it as a "routine" transit.



The United States frequently conducts what it calls "Freedom of Navigation Operations" in the flashpoint waterway.



The South China Sea and its various islands are claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines.



It is home to some of the world's most resource-rich waterways. (AFP)
Olusegun A. Ojewuyi will serve as interim dean for the new College of Arts and Media, which will launch July 1. (Photo by Russell Bailey)

SIU launches new college combining arts and media

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  On July 1, Southern Illinois University Carbondale will launch a new college that delves into how people communicate, from the fine and performing arts to mass media.

The College of Arts and Media consists of six academic units in both undergraduate and graduate levels: the School of Architecture, School of Art and Design, School of Journalism, School of Media Arts, the School of Music, and the Department of Theater. Interdisciplinary graduate programs for the School of Journalism and the School of Media Arts will be administered at the college level. About 760 students will be enrolled within the college, said Meera Komarraju, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

It is exciting to form a new college that brings together highly visible programs with renowned and talented faculty, she said. This college provides a chance to imagine offering a variety of hands-on and professional experiences that would attract graduate and undergraduate students. It provides a valuable opportunity for developing innovative and interdisciplinary programs and for generating research and creative synergies.

A model for interdisciplinary education

Komarraju expects the college will bring together all of the creative fields to become the model for interdisciplinary education and gain regional, national and international recognition. She noted that it is more typical in university settings for the programs to be part of a college of arts and sciences or a college of liberal arts.

This new college highlights, in a compelling way for students and the community, our innovative programming in media and the visual, fine and performing arts, she said. It will align closely with industry and position our students for professional success.

Theater professor tabbed to be colleges interim dean

Komarraju also announced the appointment of Olusegun A. Ojewuyi, a professor in the Department of Theater, as the new colleges interim dean. The appointment is also effective July 1, pending approval by the SIU Board of Trustees later that month.

She noted Ojewuyis vision for bringing about an interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and media, noting the new college will be home to a range of disciplines that are diverse but also have a common thread.

Ojewuyi has been with SIU Carbondale since 2004. He has been the theater departments interim chair since 2019 and was Faculty Senate president from 2019 to 2020.

Great opportunity to lead the college

Leading a new college comes with a mix of excitement and tension, Ojewuyi said, comparing it to guiding a newborn through the inaugural stages of life.

It is an honor of immeasurable responsibility, he said.

Ojewuyi said he is motivated by the colleges potential  a unique, forward-looking college of artiste-scholars, conceptualized and birthed by its faculty. The confluence of creative activity, scholarship and teaching will sit squarely at the core of the new college, with students, faculty and staff engaged in collaborative, multidisciplinary creative activities and research with a much needed dialogue between theory and practice, just as you have in the Schools of Medicine and Law, he said.

Our students should be active participants in the innovations, and dialogues of the 2020s and beyond, not of yesterdays, he said.

Competitive edge

Ojewuyi said the college presents an opportunity to really, truly be focused and engaged with the future.

We must come to pace with the new technologies in our schools and the trends in the creative industry that we belong to, he said. This will make us competitive in our recruitment of students and faculty. We also want to be nationally and internationally current in our research and creative productions. While these can be seen as the advantages of newness, they are also the challenges of the years of infancy.

Several goals already set

Noting that the new college stands at the intersection of creativity, scholarship and critical instructional strategies, Ojewuyi said his first objective is to build bridges between the six schools that are coming from vastly different colleges to very quickly become a unified creative and scholarly force. He will also seek to engender a strong culture of inclusion and diversity to foster and strengthen the colleges scholarship and creative activities.

I believe we must generate, where necessary, new courses and curricula that probe beyond the usual Euro-Western tropes and provide our graduates with the fundamental creative and critical skills for productive and rewarding careers in the 21st century and beyond, he said. We must pitch these innovative strategies for students and faculty who come with diverse local and global experiential representations.

Ojewuyi said he also plans to be involved in another critical aspect for the college by leading a strong fundraising campaign to provide the resources  human and material that the college needs to be competitive.

I want to be smart, judicious and fair in the distribution of opportunities for students, faculty and staff of the college, he said.

Editors note: Olusegun Ojewuyi is pronounced Sh-ae-ghun Aw-jeh-woo-yee.
N'DJAMENA (Reuters) -The African Union on Thursday called for civilian and military leaders in Chad to share power until elections can be organised following the death of President Idriss Deby and subsequent military takeover last month.

While the AU repeated its earlier calls for a civilian-led transition to elections after 18 months, it said the military officers that seized power, led by Deby's son Mahamat, could continue to oversee security matters.

In a statement, the AU's Peace and Security Council "underscored the imperative of an inclusive and consensual transition process in Chad run by civilians, with a clear separation of roles and functions between the transitional government and Transitional Military Council (CMT)".

A CMT spokesman said he welcomed the AU's recommendations.

"The division of tasks will be done clearly and pragmatically so that everyone goes to work to meet Chadians' expectations for peace and free and peaceful elections," General Azem Bermandoa Agouna told Reuters.

Idriss Deby had ruled Chad, an important ally of France and other Western powers in the fight against Islamist militants, for 30 years. His death while visiting troops fighting a rebel insurgency in the north raised fears of regional instability.

As a result, analysts said, AU leaders have taken a softer line than they ordinarily would have following a military takeover by declining to say a coup had occurred or impose sanctions.

On Tuesday, Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, chairman of the African Union, backed the military's takeover, saying the risk of disorder made its "firm hand" necessary.

The AU statement also called on Mahamat Deby, who is serving as Chad's interim president, and the other members of the CMT to respect their promises not to run for office in elections next year.

Since taking over, the military has appointed a new government with many civilian ministers, although most held positions under Idriss Deby, drawing criticism from the opposition.

(Reporting by Mahamat Ramadane; writing by Aaron Ross; editing by Grant McCool and Jonathan Oatis)
(Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc. was hit Wednesday with lawsuits from five women alleging harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

The women, who have held jobs in the companys headquarters, regional offices and logistics operations, are all represented by Wigdor LLP, the law firm representing a plaintiff in a high-profile discrimination and harassment lawsuit targeting Amazon and filed earlier this year.

These five people really represent a cross-section of employees, said Jeanne Christensen, a partner with the firm. We definitely saw a pattern in stories that we were being told.

Amazon spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the company was investigating each of the incidents detailed in the lawsuits and has found no evidence to support the allegations. Amazon works hard to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, Anderson said in an email. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form, and employees are encouraged to raise concerns to any member of management or through an anonymous ethics hotline with no risk of retaliation.

The lawsuits come as Amazon, known for an aggressive and intense workplace culture, faces pressure to make life better for its workers. Shareholders are set to vote next week on a resolution, filed by the New York State Common Retirement Fund, urging the company to audit its impact on civil rights, equity, diversity and inclusion. Top shareholder advisory groups have recommended investors vote for the proposal.

In April, Amazon publicly outlined goals to promote more women and Black employees, and in his final letter to shareholders as chief executive officer, Jeff Bezos pledged to focus more on workers well-being, saying we need a better vision for how we create value for our employees.

In one of the lawsuits, filed Wednesday in federal court in Arizona, Tiffany Gordwin, who joined Amazons human resources group in 2019, alleged she was treated like a second-class citizen by the majority of her supervisors, all White. A Black woman, Gordon was rejected for promotions in favor of younger, less qualified White men, she says in the complaint.

Story continues

Emily Sousa, hired at Amazon last year as a shift manager at a Pennsylvania facility, says her manager made her the target of constant harassment and attempted to cultivate a sexual relationship. She was demoted and sent to another warehouse after rejecting his advances, she alleges in a complaint filed in federal court in Delaware.

Diana Cuervo, a Latina and former manager in an Amazon warehouse in Everett, Washington, says she was terminated after complaining to human resources about a manager, Christopher Stoia, who she says subjected her to repeated racist remarks. Stoia did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Pearl Thomas, a Black human resources employee who worked for the Amazon Web Services cloud division at Seattle headquarters, said in a complaint that during a virtual meeting to discuss post-pandemic return to work plans, her manager Keith DurJava muttered the N-word before hanging up. DurJava did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

And in a case filed in California, Cindy Warner, a gay woman hired in February 2020 for a senior role in Amazon Web Services professional services group, says she was targeted for abusive and sexist treatment by a boys club where predominantly White male executives jealously guard their sphere of influence. Warner, who was fired in April, is alleging violations of equal pay laws. She alleges her supervisor Todd Weatherby passed her over for promotions in retaliation for her voicing concerns about gender discrimination in the department. Weatherby didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Updates with details about allegations starting in the eighth paragraph.)

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(AFP/Getty Images)

European Union ambassadors met on Wednesday to finalise plans to allow fully vaccinated people to fly to Europe without quarantine or Covid testing.

The US is expected to be included on a so-called green list of countries, from which all tourists will be allowed to enter the continent.

Residents of seven countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Israel, are currently allowed into the bloc for non-essential travel.

The US and UK, which now have low incidences of Covid-19 and high rates of vaccination, are expected to be added to that list in the coming days.

It will consider countries that have fewer than 75 Covid new infections per 100,000 people  the current eligible rate is below 25.

The US has 35 per 100,000, and the UK has 44, according to recent figures.

The EUs green list will also take into consideration the vaccination rates, and instances of variants, in non-EU countries.

It is all in the hope of salvaging some of the lucrative summer tourism season in 2021, after a disastrous 2020.

Just under 50 per cent of the adult population in the US is fully vaccinated, having received full doses of one of the approved vaccines. For the EU, it is 16 per cent.

Either way, EU ambassadors also agreed to ease restrictions for all fully vaccinated persons.

In order to be eligible to travel it is expected individuals will have to wait until 14 days after their second dose.

A formal adoption of the EUs plans will follow on Thursday, with a signing-off by EU trade ministers. The list of eligible countries will be updated every two weeks.

Talks are continuing over how to make US vaccine certificates eligible as proof of immunity for visitors.

Leading the push to open up are diplomats from countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain that are more heavily dependent on tourism. They argue that increased levels of vaccination make the existing measure of infection rate less relevant.

Greece had already moved to accept US visitors with proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

Story continues

Much of Europe remains under a Do Not Travel Advisory per the US State Department website, though it is thought that this may also change in the near future.

Current exceptions for Americans in the EU that are classified at the lower advisory level of Reconsider Travel are Spain, Denmark, Estonia, and Austria.

The UK, Bosnia, Albania, and Belarus are the non-EU countries that currently fall under that classification.

In a statement, the US state department told The Independent that remained in close contact with our foreign counterparts and we are continuously adapting to evolving conditions.

We appreciate the transparency and concerted efforts of our European partners and allies to combat this pandemic, [and] We look forward to the resumption of transatlantic travel as soon as our medical and public health professionals advise.

It added: We are closely monitoring health and safety conditions across the globe, and will continue to update our destination-specific information for US travellers as conditions evolve.

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EXCLUSIVE: As the Biden administration continues talks with Iran about restarting the nuclear deal, five Americans are still being held in prison by Tehran. Their families say they are human bargaining chips.

Among them: Emad Shargi, a 56-year-old American businessman whose wife and daughters are making a public appeal for his release. He has not been heard from in five and a half months. He was taken to Irans notorious Evin prison in 2017.

"He was simply taken out of our life and without an explanation," his wife of 32 years Bahareh Shargi told Fox News in an exclusive interview.

They went to Iran three years ago inspired by travel shows and Anthony Bourdain to see the country they left as children - a decision that would upend their lives.

IRAN 'DANGEROUS' FOR WORLD PEACE BY TARGETING ISRAEL, BUSH SAYS, WARNING 2-STATE SOLUTION 'VERY DIFFICULT

"It was at 2:30 in the morning when about 15, 16, 17 people came to the house and without any kind of explanation went through every little detail, every door, every paper of the house and proceeded to take Emad with them," Bahareh explained with her daughter Hannah by her side. She was told he would be taken to Tehrans notorious Evin prison.

"I went there for two weeks every morning and it was as if they didn't know who I'm talking about until they finally told me your husband is here and will be here for a long time."

Emad Shargi has not been charged or put on trial.

His two daughters: Hannah, age 23, and Ariana, age 24, described how hard it has been not having their father home with them in the US. He has missed both their college graduations and so much more.

"Our dad is really just the most incredible father in the world. He's extremely present. He shows up for you all the time, every single game," Hannah said. "He loves listening to music. He's a great cook. And I just miss those things about him. I miss being around him. I miss hugging him and driving around DC, listening to the radio. He's just an incredible father and he should be with his family."

Story continues

NETANYAHU BRUSHES OFF BIDEN CALL FOR 'SIGNIFICANT DE-ESCALATION' IN GAZA, SAYS ISRAEL 'DETERMINED TO CONTINUE'

Her older sister Ariana added: "He is the person that we all turn to. He's the one who keeps our family together. He's the foundation of our family. He's an innocent American who's being held against his will, unable to come home."

Six days after becoming Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke to the families of all Americans detained wrongfully overseas. While in London recently he reiterated: "I am determined to bring every American home. More broadly on this, we have to take a stand against the arbitrary detention of citizens for political purposes."

"Countries that engage in these actions need to know that that cannot happen with impunity and it is truly unacceptable," Blinken said.

For the families of Baquer and Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, Afshin Sheikholeslami Vatani, Emad Shargi and Robert Levinson who the US government believes to be deceased, having their family members used by Iran as geo-political pawns has been excruciating.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"For the first time, we truly understand what it means to be an American, and that's to have your whole country, your whole community rally behind you and really be there for you. So I think that's what's gotten us through the last three years," Ariana told Fox.

The State Department has played down reports of an imminent prisoner swap. The Special Envoy for Iran Rob Malley is currently in Vienna leading the nuclear talks.
By Steve Gorman

(Reuters) -A giant slab of ice bigger than the Spanish island of Majorca has sheared off from the frozen edge of Antarctica into the Weddell Sea, becoming the largest iceberg afloat in the world, the European Space Agency said on Wednesday.

The newly calved berg, designated A-76 by scientists, was spotted in recent satellite images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, the space agency said in a statement posted on its website with a photo of the enormous, oblong ice sheet.

Its surface area spans 4,320 square km (1,668 square miles) and measures 175 km (106 miles) long by 25 km (15 miles) wide.

By comparison, Spain's tourist island of Majorca in the Mediterranean occupies 3,640 square km (1,405 square miles). The U.S. state of Rhode Island is smaller still, with a land mass of just 2,678 square km (1,034 square miles).

The enormity of A-76, which broke away from Antarctica's Ronne Ice Shelf, ranks as the largest existing iceberg on the planet, surpassing the now second-place A-23A, about 3,380 square km (1,305 square miles) in size and also floating in the Weddell Sea.

Another massive Antarctic iceberg that had threatened a penguin-populated island off the southern tip of South America has since lost much of its mass and broken into pieces, scientists said earlier this year.

A-76 was first detected by the British Antarctic Survey and confirmed by the Maryland-based U.S. National Ice Center using imagery from Copernicus Sentinel-1, consisting of two polar-orbiting satellites.

The Ronne Ice Shelf near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the largest of several enormous floating sheets of ice that connect to the continent's landmass and extend out into surrounding seas.

Periodic calving of large chunks of those shelves is part of a natural cycle, and the breaking off of A-76, which is likely to split into two or three pieces soon, is not linked to climate change, said Ted Scambos, a research glaciologist at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

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Scambos said the Ronne and another vast ice shelf, the Ross, have "behaved in a stable, quasi-periodic fashion" over the past century or more. Because the ice was already floating in the sea before dislodging from the coast, its break-away does not raise ocean levels, he told Reuters by email.

Some ice shelves along the Antarctic peninsula, farther from the South Pole, have undergone rapid disintegration in recent years, a phenomenon scientists believe may be related to global warming, according to the U.S. National Snow & Ice Data Center.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Cooney)
An Idaho man is dead and an Arizona man is in jail after a fatal crash near Eagle on Wednesday night.

Cecilio Eliut Camacho-Montoya, 32, was booked into the Ada County Jail at around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday on felony counts of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence, according to a news release from the Ada County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies were dispatched at 8:40 p.m. after reports that a semitrailer hit a vehicle near the intersection of Idaho 55 and Idaho 44 in northern Ada County, not far from Eagle. When they arrived, deputies found a semi was driving south on Idaho 55 when it reportedly went through a red light and struck a pickup truck headed east on Idaho 44.

The Sheriffs Office described the force of the crash as significant, adding that the semi split apart and hit several concrete barriers before it stopped.

Investigators say the driver of the pickup was thrown from his vehicle during the crash. He was rushed to the Saint Alphonsus Eagle Health Plaza, where he later died.

On Thursday afternoon, the Ada County Coroners Office identified the deceased as Connor Dale Holcomb, 22, of Meridian. Holcomb died at around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, according to the coroner.

Deputies said that they spoke with Camacho-Montoya, a resident of Arizona, and that he smelled of alcohol. He told deputies he had a few beers earlier, according to the release.

Camacho-Montoya failed field sobriety tests and registered a blood alcohol content of .22, nearly three times the legal limit, deputies said.

Camacho-Montoya was still in jail Thursday morning and was scheduled for an initial court appearance Thursday afternoon.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Armenia's defence ministry said on Thursday it had fired warnings shots at the border with Azerbaijan due to an alleged Azeri incursion, the RIA news agency reported.

Armenia accused Azerbaijan of sending troops across the border last week, highlighting the fragility of a Russian-brokered ceasefire that halted six weeks of fighting between ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces last year. Azerbaijan has previously denied crossing the frontier.

(Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Alison Williams)
The Chaldean primate spoke at a conference organised by University of Kurdistan Hewler in Erbil, in the presence of the top leaders of Iraqi Kurdistan. True democracy is fundamental for the progress and unity of peoples. A secular state embraces all religions, cultures, groups and languages.

Erbil (AsiaNews)  Mixing religion and politics is a distortion because the two are different. Democracy is not an ornament, but guarantees freedom, human rights, and dignity, a way to spread the culture of life and make the economy prosper, said Card Louis Raphael Sako.

The Chaldean patriarch spoke yesterday at a conference titled The Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Unity and Constitution organised by the University of Kurdistan Hewler in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

The President of Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, the regions Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, as well as ministers and Members of the regional parliament were present at the event.

For the progress and unity of peoples, the Chaldean primate noted, it is necessary to establish a true democracy, with a civil constitution that is protected by competent government institutions, and which respects the freedom of individuals and groups.

Card Sakos address comes more than two months after Pope Franciss historic visit to Iraq, ahead of the countrys parliamentary elections. Scheduled initially for June, they are now set to be held on 10 October, unless there is any further delay.

Voters will be able to choose the 328 members of Iraqs Council of Representatives, who will in turn be called upon to choose the new President of the Republic, Prime Minister, and government.

In his speech, the Chaldean primate urged his fellow Iraqis to accept the separation of religion and state in any new constitution, for Kurdistan and Iraq, a civic charter that recognises political pluralism and ethnic and religious diversity.

For Card Sako, "A civil constitution must be in harmony with the new reality, a constitution that is based on universally recognised principles identified by international law and human rights, such as recognition of pluralism, gender and diversity.

He warns that The inclusion of religion in politics is a distortion of it and its sublime values. By contrast, a civil state is the system of managing public affairs, embracing all religions, cultures, groups and languages and administering their public affairs fairly, and it does not interfere with the religious choices of its citizens."

The Chaldean patriarch used the occasion to thank the leaders of the Kurdistan Region for welcoming hundreds of thousands of Christian and Muslim refugees who fled Mosul and the Nineveh Plain following the rise of Islamic State (IS) in the summer of 2014.
BERLIN (AP)  Austrian authorities said Thursday they seized weapons and ammunition in raids on radical opponents of coronavirus restrictions.

The interior ministry said that the investigation stemmed from a Telegram chat group in which people discussed things such as building Molotov cocktails and bombs or buying weapons, the Austria Press Agency reported. They allegedly talked about using firebombs against police officers.

The posts talked of violence planned for a protest in Vienna on May 15, and authorities carried out searches the previous day in various part of the country. They found weapons, including two handguns, and large quantities of ammunition as well as two swords, protective vests, helmets and radio devices.

Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said that the paramilitary equipment is almost reminiscent of terrorist groups."

It wasn't immediately clear how people were involved, but Austrian media reported that there were no immediate arrests.

Austria, like many other European countries, is emerging from months of closures and other restrictions designed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Restaurants, theaters, cinemas and sports facilities reopened on Wednesday, and hotels were allowed to receive guests again. In many situations, people using facilities have to prove that they have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from COVID-19.
The new park

Little Island, a new public park floating in the Hudson River on the west side of New York City, will open to the public on 21 May.

Media mogul Barry Diller conceived of the park and live performance venue, supplying $260m to get it built.

It took almost a decade of pitches, public pushback, negotiations, and a final intervention by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2017 to finally settle the fate of the project.

Given how many revolutions this went through, from starting to dying and starting again, I was actually awestruck when I could actually look up and see it, Mr Diller told the Wall Street Journal. I walked on and felt pure, actual joy, which is not something I can say happens very often.

Mr Diller, 79, became the chairman of Paramount Pictures at 32 years old, and later served as chairman and CEO of Fox Studios and in the same positions at QVC in the 1990s. He currently serves as chairman of holding company IAC and Expedia Group.

Mr Diller has a foundation along with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, 74, which donated tens of millions of dollars to restore the High Line, a public park built on a disused railway, which opened in 2009.

REUTERS

Mr Diller says the foundation has donated another $260m to build Little Island and has pledged another $120m over the next decade for upkeep and performances. New York City pitched in $17m while the state put forward $4m for the project.

The park has been built where pier 54 used to be and includes walking paths, lawns, and plenty of trees. It also has three stages for live performances in addition to what Mr Diller calls an outdoor nightclub.

Around 500 events are supposed to take place between 15 June and the end of September.

REUTERS

This is only for peoples pleasure. It has no other purpose, Mr Diller told the Wall Street Journal. For me, if you walk up that bridge and you leave New York behind, and you enter our little Oz, and it brings you pleasure, it was all worthwhile. Its not cancer-curing, but its pretty good for the spirit of life.

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The meeting to get the project started in 2012 took place on the day New York City was first pummelled by Hurricane Sandy. The project was subsequently cancelled in 2017 but was later brought back to life.

We went through years of saying, Can we even build this f****** thing? Mr Diller told the outlet.

REUTERS

He added that it took one whole year for an architect to configure the engineering for an individual vessel to be large enough to contain the dirt to house tree[s] of that size. So, just the design process took a long time. Then, we got sued.

Starting in 2015, a group led by The City Club of New York claimed in multiple lawsuits that the Hudson River Park Trust and the State Department of Environmental Conservation didnt properly evaluate the environmental impact of the project and werent sufficiently transparent.

These claims were rejected and the lawsuits in the New York State Supreme and Appellate Courts have been dismissed. But in a separate lawsuit in 2017, a US District Court judge instead ruled in favour of the group and the project was ordered to stop.

Mr Diller told the Wall Street Journal: On the day we were supposed to order $80 million worth of cement, our lawyers said [the opposing group] could get an injunction. Not only would I have all this cement sitting around with nowhere to put it, whatever else Id done so far would have to be undone too. We already invested $45m. I thought this is crazy. Diane and the children said, Stop this. Go where youre wanted.

Interestingly enough, when we said we werent going to do it, more people suddenly thought it was a good idea. One of them was Cuomo, Mr Diller continued, adding that the New York governor called him and said: I know you feel this way now, but Im not going to forget this. Just pin it in the back of your head and Ill ask you again later.

Mr Diller added: I said, No, I dont think so, and I hung up. A month later, and Im grateful for this, he called and said, I think I can solve this. I can get this lawsuit dropped and give you the moral support ... if its not too late. We had given everyone their severance, we cancelled all the contracts. I had to go back and ask if we could get this thing back together. I gave the team 10 days and, ultimately, everyone was great about coming back.

The City Club of New York agreed to end its legal proceedings against the project in October 2017.

Read More

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By Marine Strauss

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The Belgian army helped comb a forest on Thursday in search of a heavily armed soldier with far-right views who disappeared three days ago, authorities and media said.

The federal prosecutor said that 46-year-old Jurgen Conings went missing after he had made threats against Belgian institutions and celebrities, but did not give details.

The case has gripped Belgians and dominated headlines since weapons including anti-tank rocket launchers and ammunition taken from a military base were found in Conings' abandoned car near Dilsen in west Belgium.

Local media said the army deployed armoured vehicles and demining equipment to assist police already hunting him in the 12,000-hectare Hoge Kempen park of woodland, lakes and dunes.

A highway through the area was closed.

The Belgian government said earlier this week that Conings was on a list of potential terrorists due to far-right tendencies.

"The question is how someone active in the defence service - who is on a security list as a person with extremist ideas and who has already made threats - gained access to weapons and was able to take them away," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told Belga news agency.

Local media linked Conings to Marc van Ranst, a COVID-19 expert supportive of vaccines and social restrictions who has advised the Belgian government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Van Ranst told Belga that he had lodged a complaint after death threats were made against him on the website of the Viruswaanzin (Virus Insanity) organisation, a group that has held protests against COVID-19 curbs. The virologist said he and his family had been moved to a safe location.

(Reporting by Marine Strauss; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
May 20The Berks County coroner's office is seeking relatives of Spurgeon M. Aldinger Jr., 68, of Alsace Township, who died of natural causes Wednesday evening.

Officials have been unable to identify his next of kin.

Anyone with information is asked to call the coroner's office at 610-478-3280.
President Joe Biden. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

On Thursday, Joe Biden gave remarks lauding the newly announced cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

Biden added that in the past 11 days he spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu six times.

The cease-fire was scheduled to take effect at 2 a.m. local time on Friday.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

In a roughly four-minute statement, President Joe Biden lauded the cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel on Thursday.

Biden said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu six times in the past 11 days, and he added that he spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Thursday as well as the Palestinian Authority's president, Mahmoud Abbas.

Biden added that his administration would coordinate with the Palestinian Authority to send aid to the Gaza Strip for its reconstruction following Israeli airstrikes.

The militant group Hamas controls Gaza but is designated a terrorist group by the US.

"I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and to enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and democracy," Biden said, adding that he believed there was "a genuine opportunity to make progress."

Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire Thursday after Israel's security cabinet voted to approve the truce, and Hamas officials told Reuters the cease-fire would be "mutual and simultaneous." The cease-fire was scheduled to take effect at 2 a.m. local time on Friday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Joe Biden signs into law the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on May 20, 2021. NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

Biden signed a bill into law that addresses the spike in anti-Asian hate crimes over the past year.

"Hate can be given no safe harbor in America," he said Thursday.

The House passed the bill earlier this week. The Senate passed it last month.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a bill into law that would address the rise in violence and discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden celebrated the legislation, saying "there are simple core values and beliefs that should bring us together as Americans" and "one of them is standing together against hate, against racism - the ugly poison that has long haunted and plagued our nation."

The bill, called the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, directs the Department of Justice to expedite the review of coronavirus-related hate crimes, provide guidance to state and local governments to improve public reporting on hate crimes, and raise awareness about hate crimes during the public-health crisis.

The president discussed how over the past year - coinciding with the spread of coronavirus across the country - Asian Americans have been "brutally attacked, simply by walking outside or waiting for a bus."

"Silence is complicity, and we cannot be complicit," Biden said. "We have to speak out. We have to act. I'm proud today of the United States."

Read more: Biden pledged to fight white supremacy. But one of his biggest challenges may be rooting out extremists in federal law enforcement.

The federal government has faced pressure to respond to the spike in anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic. The nonprofit group Stop AAPI Hate has recorded 6,603 incidents of physical assault, shunning, verbal and online harassment, and civil-rights violations against AAPI communities in the US from March 2020 to March 2021.

The issue sparked national outrage in March after a mass shooting at three massage parlors in Atlanta killed eight people, including six women of Asian descent. Democratic Rep. Grace Meng of New York and Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii introduced the legislation that month.

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The House passed the legislation on Tuesday, with 364 supporting the bill and 62 House Republicans opposing it. The Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill last month. Only one member, GOP Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, voted "no," arguing the bill was "too broad."

"Of all the good that the law can do, we have to change our hearts. We have to change the hearts of the American people," Biden said. "Hate can - I mean this from the bottom of my heart - hate can be given no safe harbor in America. I mean it. It can't be dismissed."

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea will be a key topic when U.S. President Joe Biden meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday, the White House said on Thursday.

"We expect that North Korea will be a central topic of the discussion, of course, tomorrow," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, adding that the two leaders would also discuss issues such as climate change, China and the economy."

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Andrea Shalal)
Associated Press

The worlds largest meat processing company says it paid the equivalent of $11 million to hackers who broke into its computer system late last month. Brazil-based JBS SA said on May 31 that it was the victim of a ransomware attack, but Wednesday was the first time the companys U.S. division confirmed that it had paid the ransom. This was a very difficult decision to make for our company and for me personally, said Andre Nogueira, the CEO of JBS USA.
May 20Mississippi State pulls into the Stillwater Regional one of the best power-hitting softball teams in the SEC.

The Bulldogs (33-23), who will be the No. 2 seed in the regional, averaged just over one home run per game and have hit a combined 65 long balls in its 56 games this year.

Mississippi State  which went winless against Big 12 opponents this season with a loss each to Oklahoma (9-0 in 5 innings), Texas (8-7) and Baylor (10-6)  have three batters with double-digit home runs on the season.

Fa Leilua leads the team both in home runs (18) and batting average (.340), Mia Davidson has accounted for 16 home runs  and leads the team in runs scored (40)  and Carter Spexarth has 11 homers.

They will open against a Boston squad that is the complete opposite on offense.

The Terriers (36-2), who received five votes in Top 25 Coaches Poll, have just 15 home runs in the 38 games they were able to play on their way to the winning the Patriot League tournament with a 9-2 win over Lehigh  scoring nine runs without a single home run.

It's been more about getting on base and working runners around the base path, with six Terriers batting over .300  and a seventh right on the cusp of the mark. They also have three batters over .400, led by Jen Horita with a .443 average  followed by Caitlin Coker, who leads the team with 17 stolen bases, at .410 and Nicole Amodio at .400.

"They don't know much about us, so we're trying to use that as an advantage and make sure that no one underestimates BU," Boston Coker said in story by the Boston Globe. "I wouldn't necessarily say we're an underdog, but I definitely think that people tend to overlook us."

What Boston lacks in offensive firepower they have made up for in defensive firepower.

The No. 3 seed in the regional has a team ERA of 1.19, with its ace Ali DuBois registering a 0.89 earned run average  which ranks eighth in the country  in 21 starts (and 27 total appearances) on her way to a 25-0 record.

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Opposing teams are batting just .171 against DuBois, who has 151 strikeouts in 149 innings of work.

Boston's second pitcher, Emily Gant, also ranks in the top 20 in the country for ERA. Gant's 1.18 average in 14 appearances (with 47 1/3 innings pitched) is sixth in the country. The Terriers have also utilized Allison Boaz, who has a 1.94 ERA in nearly 40 innings of work.

"They've got a really tough pitcher," Mississippi State softball coach Samantha Ricketts said in a press conference Monday. "They have some really good hitting and speed, especially at the top of their lineup. ... I know they are not a team we can take lightly and look ahead. That's what we're going to have to be prepared for first."

Mississippi State has steadily worked in five pitchers, but have relied heavily on two pitchers, Annie Willis and Emily Williams, who have combined to make 37 starts and 58 appearances. Willis has a 2.59 ERA with a 16-9 record in 132 1/3 innings pitched, while Williams has a 3.59 earned run average with an 8-5 record in 101 1/3 innings of work.

Boston and the Bulldogs will play in Friday's regional contest, scheduled for 3:30 p.m., following the Oklahoma State game versus Campbell.

The winners of the two contests will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, while the losers of the first two games will play at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain will work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a "pandemic radar" system to identify new coronavirus variants quickly and track emerging diseases globally to ensure the world is never "caught unawares again".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the plan for a "Global Pandemic Radar" ahead of a G20 Global Health summit on Friday in Rome, where he called on the world to unite to tackle COVID-19 and future pandemics.

He is using Britain's presidency of the G7 to highlight the need to be prepared for future pandemics, launching an expert group to examine how the development of vaccines against future diseases can be expedited.

"Tackling COVID-19 globally and ensuring we are better prepared for future health threats is an absolute priority for the UKs G7 presidency," Johnson said.

"The world must never be caught unawares again by a virus spreading among us unchecked. We need to build a system of disease surveillance fit for the 21st century, with real-time data sharing and rapid genomic sequencing and response."

Johnson said in his G20 speech that Britain had asked the Wellcome Trust global health charity to work with international partners on a network of surveillance hubs that could watch out for outbreaks and share data on variants and vaccine resistance.

"We are long overdue the essential reinforcement of our local, national and international disease surveillance networks," Jeremy Farrar, director of Wellcome, said.

"We failed to address these gaps following other epidemics and we must act now before countries move on from this pandemic."

Britain will host a G7 health ministers summit on June 3-4, ahead of an in-person leaders summit in south-west England the following week.

Britain has extensive virus-sequencing capabilities that have come to the fore as coronavirus variants raise the risk of new waves of infections.

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WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Britain had "set a strong example for pathogen surveillance and sequencing, as well as vaccine development".

"I am delighted that under PM Johnson, the UK will partner with WHO to contribute to stronger global surveillance and a safer world," he said.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout, additional reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Barbara Lewis)
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 67.3% of Marylanders 18 and over have received at least one shot of the vaccine. That includes 83.6% of those 65 and older, the age group most vulnerable to severe impacts from the virus, and 70.6% of those between 50 and 64, according to the states dashboard.
(Bloomberg) -- ByteDance Ltd. founder Zhang Yiming will cede the reins of TikToks owner to an old college roommate and lieutenant, stepping back from running the worlds most valuable startup ahead of its highly anticipated market debut.

Zhang will hand off the chief executive officer role at TikToks owner to human resources chief Rubo Liang, he announced in an internal memo posted online Thursday. The billionaire entrepreneur remains chairman but plans to relinquish most of his day-to-day duties because they were an increasing burden on his time, a person familiar with the matter said.

Zhang, who will instead focus on longer-term strategy, is retreating from the spotlight just as Beijing intensifies efforts to curb the influence of internet firms and their billionaire founders, from Jack Mas Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to Tencent Holdings Ltd. That antitrust campaign coincides with a series of moves from ByteDance that could shake up the countrys internet landscape.

Liang takes the helm just as ByteDance prepares for a highly anticipated initial public offering in the U.S. or Hong Kong. Its also orchestrating its next big act -- a move into e-commerce that could pit it against Alibaba and Meituan in a $1.7 trillion Chinese arena.

I feel I did not achieve as much as I had hoped to on my previous objectives in the areas of new strategic opportunities, organizational management, and social responsibility, Zhang said in his memo. After several months of thinking about this, I came to the conclusion that transitioning out of the role of CEO, with all of the related day-to-day responsibilities, would enable me to have greater impact on longer-term initiatives.

Listen to the podcast: Foundering: The TikTok story

Zhangs handoff recalls a similar move by Pinduoduo Inc. founder Colin Huang, who relinquished the helm of his own firm to a deputy two months ago. The pressures of running fast-evolving, hyper-competitive businesses while dealing with mounting regulatory requirements may have exacted a toll on Zhang, who had begun delegating responsibility.

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In 2020, he appointed two executives to run the Chinese side of ByteDances sprawling business. This month, he elevated recent hire and former Xiaomi Corp. finance chief Shouzi Chew to CEO of its U.S. business. Zhang said in the memo he began discussing with a small group the possibility of having Liang as the new CEO this March. The two will work side-by-side over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.

The regulatory environment for technology companies in China has become ever-changing and that requires a lot of energy and effort, said Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based boutique investment bank Chanson & Co. Wearing two hats at a company as sizeable as ByteDance is just too stressful.

Read more: Leaked ByteDance Memo Shows Blockbuster Revenue Projections

Zhang founded ByteDance in 2012 before using highly refined AI recommendation engines to create hit news service Toutiao and viral global video app TikTok. His first big success was Toutiao, which means headlines in Chinese. TikTok became a global phenomenon, while its cousin Douyin leads in Chinas domestic market. The founder now ranks among the worlds richest people after ByteDance shares traded in the private market at a valuation of more than $250 billion, people familiar with the dealings have said.

Liang, an entrepreneur like Zhang, will shepherd ByteDances move into new arenas from e-commerce to education devices. The low-profile executive and Zhang studied microelectronics at Tianjins Nankai University and shared a computer for coding, Zhang said in a public speech in 2016. The pair co-founded 99fang.com - a search service for real estate -- in 2009 before teaming up to create ByteDance three years later.

Read more: ByteDance Eyes a New $185 Billion Business Ahead of Mega IPO

The internet titan is now seeking to increase ad revenue for its China-based businesses including Douyin and Toutiao to 260 billion yuan ($40 billion) this year from 183 billion yuan in 2020, Bloomberg News has reported. The target excludes short-video sensation TikTok. Its also aiming for e-commerce gross merchandise value of as much as 600 billion yuan, up from 170 billion yuan last year. Douyin is targeting 680 million daily active users, compared with around 610-620 million in March.

The aggressive targets underscore ByteDances intention to take on Chinas largest internet companies from Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to Tencent Holdings Ltd. on their turf.

ByteDance -- whose overall revenue more than doubled to $35 billion last year -- has kicked off preparations for an IPO of some of its main businesses, including Douyin, and is choosing between Hong Kong and U.S. as the listing venue, people familiar with the matter have said. It could raise at least several billion dollars from a listing of the Chinese assets, although deliberations are at an early stage.

If ByteDance hits its sales goal, its Chinese arm will have done in nine years what it took Facebook 13 to achieve, and that excludes TikTok and other businesses abroad. At $40 billion, the nascent ad business would be roughly twice that of YouTubes. Reuters first reported Zhangs decision.

ByteDance is mature enough for him to step back, said Ke Yan, a Singapore-based analyst with DZT Research. He can now selectively do what he thinks is important, as opposed to being a CEO who needs to handle nitty-gritty things.

(Updates with analysts comments from the seventh paragraph)

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Monserat Ramos, 3, keeps a close eye on the needle as both of her grandparents are vaccinated at a clinic in the South L.A. area in March. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

With coronavirus cases plummeting and vaccinations hitting new milestones, California is considering a dramatic liberalization of COVID-19 safety rules that would allow workers to return without masks and social distancing as long as everyone is vaccinated.

The push comes as employers are developing plans to bring back office workers after more than a year of remote work. There has been much debate about what the future of the office will look like, with some firms building elaborate barriers and spacing out work stations to avoid coronavirus spread.

But the dramatic success of efforts to contain COVID-19 is changing the dynamics, with public health officials believing workers don't need some of those protections in workspaces where everyone has gotten their shots. That could cover offices and some manufacturing businesses.

But the relaxation of existing masking and physical distancing rules would not apply to workers who are exposed to customers who might not be vaccinated.

California is set to fully reopen its economy on June 15. On Wednesday, it celebrated another positive milestone: 67.3% of adult Californians are at least partially vaccinated for COVID-19. After a slow start, California now ranks 11th out of all states and is well above the national figure of 60.2%, federal data show. By comparison, the states with the highest levels of partial coverage for adults are Vermont, 78.6%; Hawaii, 77.1%; and Massachusetts, 75.9%.

Public health experts say the increasing cumulative rate of immunization, coupled with the small rate of coronavirus spread, is allowing officials to reduce restrictions.

For the first time in a long time, I feel optimistic, Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County health officer and public health director, and a key architect of the nations first regional stay-at-home order, told reporters. For a while, it seemed uncertain to me whether the vaccines or the variants would win. And I think that team vaccine is in the lead, holding the lead and will win.

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Californias Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to weigh further steps to relax masking and physical distancing requirements for vaccinated workers.

Among proposed changes the board will weigh Thursday morning: dropping a requirement for workers to wear masks when everyone in a room is fully vaccinated and does not have COVID-19 symptoms; and no longer requiring physical distancing at locations where all employees are fully vaccinated.

Should the changes go into effect, a supermarket could potentially decide  if all workers on a shift were fully vaccinated  to let employees in a stockroom work without a mask or physical distancing. But vaccinated workers would still have to wear masks when working in public areas of the supermarket, where possibly unvaccinated customers might be shopping.

Should the board approve the proposal, it will be submitted to Californias Office of Administrative Law, which will have 10 days to review it and make a decision.

Current California emergency workplace health and safety regulations, which went into effect Nov. 30, require that workers wear masks when indoors, except when a worker is alone in a room or is eating or drinking, but they must be at least six feet away from other workers and outside air supply must be maximized. Workers must also wear a mask outdoors when less than six feet away from someone else.

Current rules also generally require workers be separated from one another by at least six feet.

If not everyone in a room is vaccinated, the proposed standards call for employees to still wear face coverings and stay six feet away from other workers.

If a workplace did seek to eliminate masks and physical distancing among employees who are fully vaccinated, the employer would need to obtain the workers vaccination records under the states proposal.

Santa Clara County has gone a step further and on Wednesday issued a health order requiring employers to determine which employees are fully vaccinated. Employees can decline to answer, but employers would then have to treat that worker as unvaccinated as workplaces navigate loosened masking and physical distancing requirements for vaccinated workers.

It was not immediately clear how workplace safety standards might change after June 15, when California is expected to allow vaccinated members of the public to stop wearing masks in indoor public settings.

The state's proposal retains the previous instruction that employers develop policies to minimize employee exposure to COVID-19 hazards originating from any person not wearing a face covering, including a member of the public.

The proposal does suggest dropping, by the end of July, the states physical distancing requirement for all workers and the requirement to install cleanable solid partitions, such as in front of cash registers, where employees cannot maintain physical distance at all times.

The states proposed rules also ban companies from ordering employees to take off their masks should they choose to keep them on.

The states proposal would generally apply to all places of employment except for medical facilities, such as hospitals and nursing facilities, which have more stringent requirements.

Some infectious diseases experts suggested the proposed relaxation in Californias workplaces could be loosened further.

They pointed out that fully vaccinated people are highly protected from the coronavirus, even when in close contact with unvaccinated people. In the rare instance that a vaccinated person gets infected anyway, chances are they will either show no symptoms or have very mild symptoms, and they are unlikely to transmit the virus to other people.

I feel that they are trying to be conservative, said Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, a medical epidemiologist and infectious diseases expert at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. I think its very likely that the board, as we go out further and have more and more people vaccinated and go to extremely low levels of disease circulating in the population, I would anticipate that they would revisit these recommendations.

Importantly, the chances people today in California are likely to get infected are far lower than they were at the height of the pandemic. California already has one of the lowest daily coronavirus case rates in the nation. And so, Dr. Monica Gandhi, infectious diseases expert at UC San Francisco, said as a vaccinated person, while she wouldnt be unmasked in a densely packed crowd in a place with a high case rate, she would feel fine doing so in San Francisco, which has a very low prevalence of the virus.

Notably, scientists in the U.K.  buoyed by the nations high rate of vaccination  decided to embark on an unusual experiment in Liverpool, where they allowed thousands of people who tested negative for the virus to attend a crowded music festival with no masks or physical distancing.

More than two weeks later, they saw no uptick in cases in Liverpool, Gandhi said.

Thats why, Gandhi said, officials should be thinking about how to change rules for when there are vaccinated and unvaccinated workers in the same room. Gandhi said one idea is to drop mask mandates once a certain percentage of residents has received at least one dose of vaccine  like 70%  and the daily per capita number of coronavirus cases has fallen to, say, between 2 and 3 cases per 100,000 residents.

Dr. Robert Wachter, chair of the Department of Medicine at UC San Francisco, said in a tweet he'd only go maskless indoors under three conditions: if he's sure everyone is vaccinated; if unvaccinated people there are masked; or if the local coronavirus case rate is so low that even an unvaccinated, unmasked person is unlikely to have COVID-19.

While it's true the vaccines are highly effective, Wachter said he still doesn't want to get COVID-19 if he can help it, not wanting to be the rare fully vaccinated person who might become very sick. He said that scientists can't say for certain yet whether a case of mild COVID-19 in a vaccinated person can lead to "long COVID," which can leave patients sick for months.

"Im happy to be indoors [with] un-masked vaccinated people," Wachter tweeted. Otherwise, "I'd recommend you keep the mask on for another month or so while more folks get vaccinated. We'll get there, but let's not rush it too much."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BANGKOK (AP)  Police in Thailand said Thursday they are pursuing more suspects in the kidnapping of a Taiwanese businessman for which an American entrepreneur with a criminal past and two other men have already been arrested.

The case involves a business dispute over the purchase of nitrile gloves, critical personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.

Louis William Ziskin, the CEO of a Los Angeles-based tech company, and Jeremy Hughes Manchester, identified as a former U.S. Marine, were arrested on Saturday along with a Thai man. The five additional suspects are from the U.S. and Israel, said police Col. Netiwit Thanasithnitikul of Thailands Crime Suppression Division.

Ziskin and Manchester have denied the charges, which include kidnapping, attempted murder, assault and being part of a criminal gang. Both are free on bail but must wear tracking devices at all times and not leave Thailand.

Ziskin replied to an email query from The Associated Press, and in a series of exchanges indicated the accounts given by Thai police were misleading and that he has evidence that will exonerate him of wrongdoing.

Netiwit said the case resulted from a business deal gone sour between Ziskin and the company for which the Taiwanese man worked. Ziskin accused the company of cheating by selling him substandard nitrile gloves for almost $3 million.

Netiwit said Ziskin allegedly hired a group of Americans and Israeli private detectives based in Thailand to help recover the money he paid the Taiwanese company for the gloves.

This crime has two complicated aspects. One is a kidnap attempt and other is the medical supply deal gone bad during COVID time, Netiwit said.

He said Thailand is a major glove supplier, and we hear so many stories of fraudulent deals by people who claimed to represent a legitimate glove company when they dont really have any connection.

He said the police Economic Crime Division is investigating the glove deal.

Story continues

According to a police statement after Saturdays arrests, the representative of the Taiwanese company, Wen Yu Chung, was lured to a meeting in March on the pretext of discussing the possible purchase of rubber gloves.

The group allegedly hired by Ziskin, including Manchester, seized Wen in full view of customers, restaurant staff and a CCTV camera, dragging him outside after a brief struggle and bundling him into a waiting vehicle, which took him to a rented room nearby, the statement said.

Wen was allegedly threatened with physical harm, and the men holding him are accused of using his phone to call his company to demand $2 million, and his family to demand $1 million, police said. The company refused and contacted the authorities.

Wen was then taken to another restaurant where Ziskin insisted he wanted the Taiwanese company to return his payment for the gloves, according to police.

That same night, they brought Wen to a police station where they wanted him to sign a statement that he would not press charges against them, the statement said. He refused, after which he was released, and he returned later to the police station to file a complaint, it said.

Ziskin was arrested in 2000 and convicted of being part of a drug ring that smuggled large amounts of ecstasy to southern California from Europe, according to U.S. court documents. He was released from prison in 2011 and then remodeled himself as an entrepreneur whose main business, DropIn Inc., uses drones to help insurance companies evaluate risks and verify claims.

He also is an active motivational speaker, presenting himself in personal appearances, interviews and podcasts as an example of how a convicted criminal can clean up his act and prosper in legitimate business.

-

This story has been corrected to say that Ziskin replied to a request for comment. His initial emailed reply to the AP was overlooked.

___

Associated Press writer Grant Peck contributed to this report.
Candace Owens and husband George Farmer at a White House event in October 2019 organised by Turning Points USA (Getty Images)

Social media app Parler has named George Farmer, husband of Trump loyalist Candace Owens, as its new chief executive.

The announcement of the appointment of the British conservative comes as the network returns to Apples App Store having being removed following the deadly US Capitol riot.

Mr Farmer succeeds interim head Mark Meckler, who is leaving the company. Parler did not provide a reason behind the executive change.

Having joined Parler in March as operating chief and previously having worked in financial services for a decade, Mr Farmer was also an active financial supporter and candidate for the UKs Brexit Party.

In a statement, Mr Farmer said: For the past two months I have worked with an incredible team of people, under the leadership of Mark Meckler, to bring Parler back online and return to Apples App Store after we had been unfairly maligned by the media and its allies in Big Tech and Congress.

Both Apple and Google removed Parlier in January saying that the platform did not take adequate steps to remove harmful content.

Amazon also pulled the plug on Parlers use of its cloud-computing services, briefly causing the companys website to go offline. It was eventually restored in February through other tech providers.

In order to return to the App Store, Parler says that its rebuilt platform includes new community guidelines.

According to its website, people are encouraged to be themselves; all parleyers are equal; there is religious freedom; and the platform claims to be viewpoint-neutral to foster a community of individuals who tolerate the expression of non-violent ideas.

Apples strict guidelines for the App Store mean that even with these changes, certain content will be excluded from the iOS app that can be viewed on the Android and web-based versions of the platform.

The company also claims that algorithms will automatically detect violent content or incitement to violence.

There are no plans to return to the Google Play Store as Android users can access the app in other ways.

Story continues

Mr Farmer, a former member of Oxford Universitys Bullingdon Club and the son of former Conservative treasurer Lord Farmer, was at one point the chairman of Turning Point UK, an offshoot of rightwing group Turning Point USA.

The group was launched in December 2018 by Ms Owens, then communications director of the US parent organisation, and Charlie Kirk, its founder.

Ms Owens is known for her unapologetic pro-Trump views, conservative activism, controversial statements, and as the founder of the Blexit movement, which encourages Black people to abandon the Democratic Party.

Mr Farmer and Ms Owens married in 2019 at the Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, and welcomed their first child, a son, in January.

Parler is backed by investors including Republican donor Rebekah Mercer, daughter of hedge fund investor Robert Mercer, and conservative talk-show host Dan Bongino.

Before Mr Meckler became interim CEO, Parler was run by John Matze, a software engineer who was dismissed from the role in late January.

Mr Matze said at the time that he met resistance from the companys board for his vision for the product and had pushed for a more effective approach to content moderation.

Mr Bongino countered that Mr Matze was responsible for really bad decisions that led to Parler being taken offline.

Read More

Republicans are right  we dont need a probe on the Capitol insurrection

Republican under fire for voting down Capitol riot commission despite his own angry video selfie while sheltering from mob

House rejects move by Republicans to relax mask requirements
By Paul Carrel

BERLIN (Reuters) - The conservative and Greens candidates to succeed German Chancellor Angela Merkel after September's federal election clashed on Thursday on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, and on whether Germany should host U.S nuclear weapons.

In their first debate, focused on foreign and security policy, Armin Laschet, from Merkel's conservative alliance, welcomed a decision by the U.S. administration this week to waive sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG and its chief executive.

Gazprom and its Western partners are racing to finish the pipeline to send natural gas under the Baltic Sea. The project, now about 95% complete, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of lucrative transit fees and potentially undermining its struggle with Russia.

"I stand by the project and consider it important," Laschet said in the debate hosted by broadcaster WDR.

"This decision on how we organize our energy supply we make ourselves, by the way, and so it is a good signal that the policy of President Trump has ended," he said, referring to the U.S. waiver on sanctions.

"Germany always has Ukraine's security in mind," he added.

But Annalena Baerbock, the environmentalist Greens' candidate, said the pipeline issue was "about war and peace", arguing that Nord Stream 2 risks undermining Ukraine's security. In recent months, Russia, in what it called a defensive exercise, massed troops on its western border with Ukraine and in Crimea.

Baerbock made the running for much of the debate, but Laschet and Olaf Scholz, the Social Democrats' (SPD) chancellor candidate, called her out when she said "this German government is completely against all other Europeans with this (pipeline) project."

In the most heated exchange in the hour-long debate, Laschet retorted: "That's not true Ms. Baerbock, and you know it."

The project pits Germany, the EU's biggest economy, against central and eastern European nations, some of them EU members, who say it would increase the bloc's dependence on Russian gas.

Baerbock's differences with Laschet and Scholz are significant because opinion polls show a coalition is as good as certain to follow after the election, with the Greens likely to join forces with either Laschet's conservative camp or Scholz's SPD.

(Additional reporting by Madeline Chambers; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
CARsgen Therapeutics Corporation, a Chinese biotechnology startup that has raised hundreds of millions of dollars from investors, has picked Durham as the home for its first manufacturing site.

The project will eventually be home to at least 200 workers, and CARsgen plans to invest $157 million into the site.

The selection comes after the states Economic Investment Committee approved a $1.6 million incentive package for the company Thursday. The incentive, valued at around $8,000 per job, will only be paid out if the company meets hiring and investment milestones.

However, the North Carolina Community College System is adding training support worth $460,000, and Durham County and the City of Durham will add $1.3 million in incentives to the project, making the total size of the companys award worth around $3.4 million, or around $17,000 per job.

The incentive will be paid out over a 12-year period starting in 2022.

CARsgen makes chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, a therapy that tweaks a patients cells to have a stronger immune response against diseases.

The companys therapies are currently in clinical trials, including one for the cancer, multiple myeloma. CARsgen currently has a small clinical operation in Houston.

The manufacturing site would include two different facilities, according to the states Commerce Department. The first facility will be a 35,000-square-foot building that will house a clinical laboratory for research and developing cell therapies. The second facility, which will be 100,000 square feet in size, will handle manufacturing.

Competition for the project came mainly from a site in Maryland, according to Commerce. Maryland was willing to pony up an incentive package worth $5 million, Commerce said.

CARsgen has raised a lot of money from investors, including a $186 million round completed last November.

Gov. Roy Cooper, in a statement, called CARsgens expansion another positive sign for the Triangles workforce.

Story continues

Global companies know that North Carolina is a world-class leader in biotechnology, Cooper said. Our states skilled workers, educational institutions and business environment provide life science companies with the tools they need to succeed.

Salaries for the new jobs will vary, but they will have an average wage of $76,061 per year. That is just north of Durham Countys current average wage of $75,892, according to the states Commerce Department.

We are very excited to receive the JDIG grant approval from the State of North Carolina, CARsgens CEO Dr. Zonghai Li said in a statement. CARsgen will continuously develop and embed innovations to advance the revolutionary CAR-T cell therapy for unmet clinical needs. ... The new facilities will expand our global cGMP manufacturing capacity to produce the innovative CAR-T cell products for the U.S. patients.

This story was produced with financial support from a coalition of partners led by Innovate Raleigh as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. Learn more; go to bit.ly/newsinnovate.
By Ahmed Eljechtimi

FNIDEQ, Morocco (Reuters) - As migrants crowd along a coast road in Fnideq intent on crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, the Moroccan town's Masira Khadra market stands largely empty - a visual contrast summing up a state of crisis.

Fnideq once thrived on its links with nearby Ceuta, importing goods that townspeople often smuggled across the border to sell in Masira Khadra's small shops, until Rabat took action against the illicit trade last year.

"We are open, but we have no customers," said Hassan Lakhal, standing near his blanket shop.

Sold as a measure against tax dodgers and, some say, also partly aimed at hurting Ceuta's economy, Morocco's crackdown was followed by its closure of the border when the coronavirus hit.

Now, with business trips by Moroccan customers also curtailed by COVID-19 curbs, Fnideq's economy is devastated too. Many shops and restaurants are closed and the prevailing mood is increasingly desperate.

"This year our occupancy rate has not exceeded 4%," said Abdellah Bakkali, manager at the Senator hotel where most guests are in transit through Ceuta.

He says revenues have dropped 95% since the border closed.

Blanket shop owner Lakhal has two sons who crossed into Ceuta this week, along with thousands of others, when Morocco appeared to relax the frontier controls in a move widely linked to a row with Spain over Western Sahara, a region Rabat claims sovereignty over.

In the town's streets, that dispute and the window of opportunity it triggered has combined explosively with resentment at since re-tightened border controls.

Hundreds of migrants clashed in Fnideq after dark on Wednesday with riot police, throwing stones and setting a motorbike on fire.

The variable security presence at the border reflects the paradox that Morocco faces in dealing with Ceuta and a second enclave, Melilla  zones its frontier guards protected from mass migration for years while simultaneously demanding that Spain give them up.

Story continues

Morocco increased efforts to stop migrants reaching Spain in 2018 and, in return for cash assistance, cutting the number of illegal crossings.

Rabat views the enclaves, held by Spain since the 16th century, as colonial relics, though they are a lower priority than seeking global acceptance for its rule in Western Sahara, challenged by the Algeria-backed Polisario.

'THEY SAID THEY WERE GOING TO LUNCH'

When border controls appeared to ease on Monday - interpreted as retaliation for Spain's decision to host the Polisario leader - thousands of locals decided to cross.

Lakhal, the Masira Khadra blanket shop owner, said his 12-year old had disappeared on Monday and he assumed he was among around 1,500 minors now being held by Spanish authorities.

"His brother, who is 17, has crossed into Ceuta three times to look for him," he said, adding that he wanted his younger son back "as soon as possible".

Nearly half of Masira Khadra's shops appeared to have closed for good. Some merchants still trading said their businesses had depended on cheaper prices they could offer by bypassing customs duties on smuggled items.

The closed border has also hit local craftsmen, who could enter Ceuta without a visa and often did work there.

Younes, who makes metal doors and windows, said two of his workers had left on Monday. "They said they were going to lunch. Then I learnt they had crossed and are staying with relatives in Ceuta," he said.

As news spread that the crossing was easier, people flocked to Fnideq, including migrants from elsewhere in Africa.

"We are waiting until night to try crossing," said Adam Farouq, 17, sitting with two teenage girls after they had travelled from Rabat.

Hassan, 35, from Ivory Coast, said he had come to Fnideq, swum across the bay to Ceuta, and was immediately caught by the Spanish army and returned to Morocco.

"I'm exhausted and have to get some food and sleep. Then I'll wake up in the night and try again," he said.

(Reporting by Ahmed El Jechtimi, writing by Angus McDowall; editing by John Stonestreet)
CHICAGO  Rank-and-file Chicago police officers on Wednesday issued a no-confidence vote against police Superintendent David Brown and Mayor Lori Lightfoot during a meeting held by the citys largest police union, according to union officials.

The no-confidence vote  also directed against Browns second-in-command, First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter  is the latest showing of tension between the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and city leaders concerning myriad issues with the nations second largest police force.

The FOP and the Lightfoot administration have already remained starkly divided on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement for Chicagos thousands of rank-and-file cops, whove gone without a police contract for more than three years.

Wednesdays FOP meeting was attended by about 150 to 200 officers and all of them supported the vote of no confidence, according to the FOP. Some of the reasons for Wednesdays vote include officer exhaustion and Chicago Police Department officials decision on several occasions to cancel days off for cops, moving them from 8 -hour shifts to 12-hour shifts, and taking robbery detectives away from their cases and moving them to patrol duties, according to the FOP.

These directives have come at a time when Brown and other CPD leaders have been under pressure from Lightfoot to find ways to combat big increases in city violence. Through May 2, homicides in the city were up 22% over the same period last year, going from 160 to 195, official CPD statistics show. The 195 slayings were also a 35% jump over the last two years. Total shootings through May 2 were also up over the last two years by 58%, the statistics show.

Another reason the FOP cited for the no-confidence vote was the CPDs cancellation this year of its annual St. Jude Memorial March for fallen officers, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wednesdays vote occurred as the Police Department has come under heavy pressure by police accountability advocates to adhere to a federally mandated consent decree to improve the training and supervision of its officers and fix other longtime deficiencies.

Story continues

The no-confidence vote is only a symbolic action taken by the rank and file. But FOP President John Catanzara said he hopes it forces city officials to respond on what they think about it.

Spokespeople for CPD and Lightfoots office declined to comment on the vote Wednesday evening.

No-confidence votes against police leaders from FOP officials or rank-and-file officers are not unprecedented, though its unclear if the rank-and-file or the FOP have ever included a sitting mayor in those votes.

In 2019, FOP officials issued a no-confidence vote for then-police Superintendent Eddie Johnson after he was criticized by the union for not attending a speech by then-President Donald Trump at McCormick Place for the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention.

Ten years earlier, the rank and file issued a no-confidence vote for then-Superintendent Jody Weis  who spent years with the FBI prior to leading CPD  at a time when the FOP cited low police morale and poorly staffed patrol beats, among other issues.

____
The pool of eligible potential winners will be updated daily to include those who just got their first doses. Those already vaccinated, or those who run out and get jabbed by Monday, will be included in all 41 drawings, giving them the best odds at a prize  as well as a quicker path to protection against the deadly virus.
(Bloomberg) -- A tightening of Chinese developers use of secretive funding is threatening to curb growth in the worlds second-largest economy.

For years, Chinas property developers have drawn on shadowy pools of capital to fund their projects. Now, government scrutiny is reining in that system, after already curbing traditional avenues of funding. Debt-laden developers including China Evergrande Group will likely need to scale back growth and resort to other means such as equity financing and spinning off more assets for financing to avoid defaults.

Polarization among Chinese developers will deepen this year, and more developers are likely to suffer from debt failures, said John Sun, co-managing partner at Aplus Partners Management Co, which focuses on private equity and credit investments. Weaker developers will need to sell assets to fight for survival, while some will likely default on their debt.

That hunt for new funding is adding pressure on the nations cash-strapped developers, which already account for nearly 27% of the more than $20 billion of missed bond payments this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The constraints will dampen investment in property and the pace of construction activity, Macquarie Groups China analyst Larry Hu predicts.

Since China introduced the Three Red Lines policy late last year to curb property companies debt ratios, regulators have required developers to turn over information on their off-balance sheet arrangements, said Adrian Cheng, senior director of Asia Pacific corporates at Fitch Ratings.

The funding is often masked as equity offerings that are debt-like in nature. Another avenue is to provide guarantees to joint ventures or associates that borrow on behalf of the developers, Cheng said.

Funding sourced via such guarantees for joint ventures accounted for about 9% of total debt issued by Fitch-rated developers last year, based on Fitch estimates, reaching a record 460 billion yuan ($71 billion).

Story continues

Offshore Private Debt

Its outside of mainland China where the impact on developers has been most telling. One of the popular approaches in the past three years has been using so-called orphan special purpose vehicle structures to issue private debt, said Chen Yi, head of global capital markets at Haitong International Securities Group Ltd.

Under such a structure, the issuer of the debt is an orphan that is not an affiliate or subsidiary of a company, so the debt wont appear on the companies balance sheet.

Private debt issued by orphan special purpose vehicles have declined due to tighter regulations such as the Three Red Lines, said Chen.Such financing activities in the offshore market peaked last year, Chen said. Developers have become more disciplined this year as rating agencies have been asking borrowers for more transparency on their off-balance sheet borrowing and so do the regulators.

Brewing Troubles

Thats not to say off-balance sheet financing will disappear, though it will be used more sparingly and for more targeted activities. For instance Chinas centralized land-bidding policy means developers need to amass large amounts of cash in a short period of time to win land.

Companies that rely on joint ventures for financing could see such off-balance sheet debt accounting for as much as 40% of their debt, said Cheng.

Under the stringent policies, some developers are already starting to crack. Chongqing Sincere Yuanchuang Industrial Co. has failed to repay three onshore bonds. They follow the footsteps of China Fortune Land Development Co. and Tianjin Real Estate Group Co., each unable to meet payments of more than 10 billion yuan. Shares of the countrys major developers have lost 10% since authorities signaled the restriction in August.

It spells trouble for one of Chinas biggest growth drivers. Real estate contributes to about 29% of Chinas economic output if its wider influences are factored in, according to a joint research by Harvard University and Tsinghua University.

The sectors investment growth could moderate to 4% compared with 7% last year, Hu said. A key measure of construction pace could decline 4% this year, he added.

In face of these headwinds, Chinese developers might need to rely on more equity offerings and spinoffs to meet their financing obligations. Evergrande is taking some of the most aggressive steps, pledging to list an online sales platform and water business, as well as planning a secondary listing of its electric-vehicle company onshore under a goal to cut its $100 billion debt by half.

Just last week, Evergrande raised about HK$10.6 billion selling shares in its electric vehicle unit, a move that could help repair its balance sheet. Evergrande didnt respond to emailed requests for comment.

Haitongs Chen expects the offshore equities market will remain a bright spot for developers seeking funds. We will continue to see more developers go public in Hong Kong this year given limited access to other funding channels, he said.

(Updates with share changes of Chinas biggest developers)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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Cars, scooters and bicycles wait impatiently at traffic lights ready to zip across one of Shanghai's main roads. In the thick of them sits an old man in an electric wheelchair.

Nearby, another wheelchair user is pushed along in the street as traffic whizzes past just inches away.

Busy, narrow or clogged pavements -- haphazard rows of rentable bikes are a prime offender -- sometimes force people in wheelchairs to brave the busy downtown roads of China's biggest city.

Overpasses seemingly constructed with little regard for people with disabilities, uneven pavements, badly made ramps and patchy access to public transport can also make life difficult for "wheelers".

They say that the situation is even worse outside China's first-tier cities but is generally improving compared to just a few years ago.

Zhao Hongcheng is a video blogger who highlights the challenges she faces in Shanghai and other cities.

Now 31, she contracted polio as a baby and has been in a wheelchair since she was 11.

Wheelchair users in roads or bike lanes are an incongruous sight, but it is also noticeable how few people with disabilities are out in public.

"You rarely see them because, first of all, barrier-free travel is not perfect so it is difficult for people (in wheelchairs) to travel farther than two kilometres (1.2 miles)," said Zhao, whose videos can draw nearly 500,000 views.

"Secondly, wheelchair users still face difficulties getting into education and employment," added Zhao, who recently left her job working for a food delivery platform for reasons unrelated to her condition.

- Car park tragedy -

Information on the number of wheelchair users among China's 1.4 billion population is elusive.

But state-run media says there are 85 million disabled people and President Xi Jinping has called them "a group with special difficulties that require extra care and attention".

In 2019, Xi said that "no disabled person should be left behind".

Story continues

Despite China's rapid and recent modernisation, attitudes towards people with disabilities and facilities for them have lagged.

Huang Yan, who is also in a wheelchair, says things are gradually changing.

"Ten years ago many people would look at people in wheelchairs as alien objects," said the 39-year-old, who works in e-commerce.

After a day out with other wheelchair users at a Shanghai park where cherry blossoms were in bloom, she related the tragic story of her friend Wen Jun.

He made headlines in 2019 when he plunged to his death in an underground car park while assessing wheelchair access in the southwestern city of Dali.

With a ramp for wheelchairs blocked by vehicles, Wen took a detour and could not see the sheer drop.

"He advocated barrier-free travel and was probably the first person to lead us disabled people out of the house and into society," said Huang.

"He didn't want us to be invisible any more."

- 'You will see us' -

Huang and Zhao, the video blogger, are not afraid to tell the authorities when they encounter a problem.

Sometimes issues such as blocked wheelchair exits or inaccessible public toilets get fixed. Sometimes not. Most often they just overcome the obstacle with their own determination.

They say that while some elderly people often take to Shanghai's busy roads in wheelchairs, it is not generally necessary and definitely not safe.

Zhao knows first-hand: a car struck her from behind while in her wheelchair on a road in the nearby city of Hangzhou. Fortunately she was not badly hurt.

Old attitudes have sometimes proved hard to shift.

Zhao receives online messages from fellow wheelchair users who tell her of their problems, including universities revoking admission after realising they are disabled.

"I think it's really heartbreaking," she said.

Zhao, who bucked the trend with a Masters degree, also says that too often she faces the humiliation of being asked by strangers why she is in a wheelchair.

"Many people think that the disabled live on an island and are completely disconnected from the masses," she said.

"In fact, we are integrated in society and it is very likely that you will see us.

"If we really get to know each other, you will find that we have a lot in common."

pst/dma/gle
After months of anticipation, the emergence of the Brood X group of periodical cicadas is underway across parts of the eastern United States for the first time since 2004.

Despite the cooler-than-normal start to May across the East, the song of the late spring and early summer, the buzzing of cicadas, is being heard loud and clear across parts of the South and mid-Atlantic.

The cooler conditions that have been felt in the northern range of Brood X territory through the start of May have slowed the insects' emergence down a little, but Brood X cicadas are already chorusing in northern Georgia, Dr. Jim Fredericks, the chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), told AccuWeather.

"As daytime temperatures continue to rise we should see an increase in adult cicada activity," Fredericks told AccuWeather. "Cicadas, like all insects are cold blooded, so when temperatures are [lower], activity slows down."

Depending on the ground temperature, most cicadas in the Brood X geographic range should be above ground by late May or early June, Fredericks added.

The preferred soil temperature for cicadas to emerge is said to be right around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Adult cicadas only spend about a month above ground looking for mates and laying eggs.

The current brood's geographic footprint stretches as far south as Georgia, as far west as Illinois and all the way north into Michigan.

When these cicadas were hatching from eggs 17 years ago, the iPhone didn't exist, and the sitcom Friends was at the end of its final season, Fredericks pointed out on AccuWeather's Everything Under the Sun podcast.

In terms of weather, some of the cicadas near the Atlantic coast may have felt the effects of Hurricane Alex, which brushed the Southeast in early August, and Hurricane Charley, which marched right up the Eastern Seaboard about a week later.

Fredericks also noted in the podcast that the deafening mating calls of cicadas (only the males sing) can reach up to 100 decibels.

Story continues

BROOD X CICADAS map (AccuWeather)

But while much attention is paid to the cicadas' dramatic arrival, some who find the pests to be a nuisance may wonder when these bugs are going to disappear.

It turns out that the cicadas' departure will have more to do with their life cycle than the actual temperature, according to Fredericks.

"The only temperature correlation would be based on when the adults emerge, mate and lay eggs. Tiny cicada nymphs will hatch from their eggs about six weeks after they are laid," Fredericks said. "Soon after, they will drop to the ground, burrow into the soil and begin feeding from tree roots for the next 17 years."

And the timing of the cicadas' departure will also depend on location, since they were up by mid-May in some places, but still ensconced in the earth in parts farther north.

"Individuals live from two to four weeks but because they emerge over the span of several weeks, they will be with us for about two months," Dr. Michael Raupp, emeritus professor of entomology at the University of Maryland told AccuWeather.

Raupp noted that the current emergence, which he previously described as a "cicada palooza," was well underway across northern Virginia and Maryland.

"Eggs will be laid in June and take six or more weeks to hatch, at which point they drop to the ground and go back underground for another 17 years," Raupp said.

Extreme meteorologist Reed Timmer took a break from chasing severe storms to instead hunt for the emerging bugs in Georgia last weekend. Timmer managed to record a Brood X cicada just as it shed its exoskeleton

"[It's] a beautiful thing to witness," Timmer said.

An up-close look at a Brood X cicada in Georgia. (Photo/Reed Timmer)

Fredericks noted that most adult Brood X cicada activity will cease by early July, and it will probably wane in the southern portion of the brood's range first. However, that doesn't mean cicadas will be gone for good this year. In fact, some will still be able to hear the bugs as late as August.

"Annual cicadas emerge every year to provide the soundtrack of late summer's hot and humid afternoons," Fredericks said. "Despite their larger size, annual cicadas are more difficult to spot compared to periodical cicadas, since they rely on a more camouflaged color scheme to evade predators."

Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier, Spectrum, FuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, left, with his little brother Chris, a CNN anchor. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

Chris Cuomo joined his brother Andrew Cuomo for "strategy calls," according to The Washington Post.

The younger Cuomo reportedly helped the governor craft a response to sexual-harassment allegations.

CNN issued a statement saying Chris Cuomo's involvement was "inappropriate."

See more stories on Insider's business page.

The CNN host Chris Cuomo was brought into "strategy calls" with his brother Andrew Cuomo and his aides to iron out a communications strategy in the wake of the litany of sexual-harassment allegations leveled against the New York governor earlier this year, The Washington Post reported.

Andrew Cuomo, who has denied any wrongdoing, was joined by his younger brother on "a series of conference calls that included the Democratic governor's top aide, his communications team, lawyers and a number of outside advisers," Josh Dawsey and Sarah Ellison of The Washington Post wrote.

Chris Cuomo told Andrew to take "a defiant stand" and not to resign amid mounting calls from Democrats in the state Legislature and most of the Empire State's congressional delegation for exactly that, The Post reported.

CNN released a statement to The Post acknowledging the calls and describing them as a mistake.

"Chris has not been involved in CNN's extensive coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo - on air or behind the scenes," CNN said in the statement. "In part because, as he has said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because he often serves as a sounding board for his brother."

The statement added: "However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governor's staff, which Chris acknowledges. He will not participate in such conversations going forward."

CNN also told The Post that the anchor would not face any discipline over the conference calls.

"There were a few phone conversations, with friends and advisers giving the governor advice," Andrew Cuomo's spokesman Rich Azzopardi told The Post.

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The CNN anchor used the phrase "cancel culture" in one of the calls, according to two people on the line who spoke with The Post.

In mid-March, Andrew Cuomo used the same term when decrying lawmakers calling for his resignation.

The Cuomo brothers were also involved in a scandal around friends and family of the governor getting priority testing for COVID-19, which the governor's office said was instead part of an effort to protect key personnel from the virus.

Chris Cuomo is 13 years younger than Andrew, and the two had quite different childhoods when their father, Mario, was the 52nd governor of New York.

Andrew Cuomo went to high school at St. Gerard Majella's School in Queens before running his father's first gubernatorial campaign in his early 20s, while Chris went to high school in upstate New York at the Albany Academy while Mario was governor in the 1980s.

Their relationship raised ethics concerns from media watchdogs when the governor would appear on his brother's CNN show during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

One segment involving a comedic bit around a swab test - which aired exactly one year before Thursday's Post story - drew substantial backlash from viewers and political rivals before the pair stopped appearing together.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Colombian lawmakers voted against a bill to overhaul health care system after protesters opposed it because it would increase privatization, AP reports.

Why it matters: Massive anti-government protests began several weeks ago against a now-shelved tax reform, but quickly expanded to demand an end to police brutality, economic inequality, and "the withdrawal of the health measure," per AP.

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Human Rights Watch said in a statement it's received "credible reports" that 55 people have died during the protests. So far, the rights group has confirmed the deaths of 15 protesters and one police officer.

The big picture: Opponents of the health care bill argued that it would have increased privatization of the health care system, potentially leading to the creation of monopolies, per AP.

Supporters of the bill claimed it would have helped the country better deal with the coronavirus.

Protesters in Bogota greeted the decision with a round of applause, the Rio Times reports.

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Women say Korby Smith touched and groped them and exposed himself to them. He faces 10 charges.

Video Transcript

MICHAEL KONOPASEK: Douglas County prosecutors have filed six misdemeanor charges of sexual contact no consent, and four misdemeanor indecent exposure charges against Korby Joe Smith, seen here in Fox31 file video at his CrossFit Loop.

- Didn't know what to do, and didn't know who to tell.

MICHAEL KONOPASEK: Ashley started working at the gym last year. And a couple months in, she says, her boss, Korby, started acting inappropriate.

- A lot more hugs, long embraces, would slap my butt.

MICHAEL KONOPASEK: And, she says, it got worse, in the privacy of his office.

- Pulls his pants down.

MICHAEL KONOPASEK: Other women have shared similar stories.

- Reached underneath my legs, and like, just touched my vagina, like it was no big deal.

- A high level of touching that was inappropriate.

MICHAEL KONOPASEK: The alleged known offenses date back to 2018. The women tell us they did not feel immediately comfortable coming forward.

- And if it's friend or family member, it makes it hard. But tell somebody, and maybe find some support.

MICHAEL KONOPASEK: But Ashley eventually found the courage to tell police.

- If I didn't say something, he could still be at the gym now, doing things to other women, young women of all ages.

MICHAEL KONOPASEK: And that's the message these ladies want everyone to know. Don't stay silent.

Again, we are talking about a total of 10 misdemeanor charges here. We stopped by Korby Smith's Castle Rock home today, but we were told that he is unavailable. We also spoke to his business partner here at this gym. And his business partner tells us that Smith's alleged actions do not define this business, and they are looking to sell the gym.
The UK could be at the start of a third coronavirus wave as the Indian variant continues to spread, an expert has warned. (Getty)

The UK could be at the start of a third coronavirus wave, a leading government adviser has warned.

Professor Andrew Hayward, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the scale of spread of the Indian variant is different to previous variants, and admitted he is "very concerned" about it.

Prof Hayward's comments come as efforts continue to limit the spread of the variant, which is believed to be behind soaring COVID rates in some hotspots around the country.

According to government figures, five COVID hotspots now have rates higher than the benchmark of 100 cases per 100,000 people, despite efforts including surge testing and a push for localised mass vaccination.

Prof Hayward told BBC Breakfast he was concerned about the Indian variant. (BBC)

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Prof Hayward said that while "localised interventions" had helped halt the spread of other variants in the past, the Indian variant of the virus is bringing a different challenge.

Asked if the UK is at the start of a third wave of coronavirus, he said: "I think so."

Read more: Vaccine rollout extended for second time this week as 34 and 35 -year-olds in England can get the jab

He said the strain was likely to spread beyond the communities it is already in and suggested that "generalised measures" may start to be needed to control it.

Prof Hayward added that while "localised interventions" like surge testing had halted the spread of other variants, the scale of the Indian variant was different.

Covid-19 Indian variant: areas of surge testing/vaccinations. See story HEALTH Coronavirus. Infographic PA Graphics. An editable version of this graphic is available if required. Please contact graphics@pamediagroup.com.

Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK. See story HEALTH Coronavirus. Infographic PA Graphics. An editable version of this graphic is available if required. Please contact graphics@pamediagroup.com.

He said: "Im very concerned and that largely arises from the fact it is more transmissible than the previous variant.

"While weve always thought we would have another wave of COVID, the size of that wave is going to very much depend on how transmissible that variant is and what proportion of the population has been vaccinated when it hits.

Although 70% of adults in the UK have had their first dose, there are still people who arent vaccinated in high-risk groups.

Story continues

Bolton Covid-19 case rates. See story HEALTH Coronavirus. Infographic PA Graphics. An editable version of this graphic is available if required. Please contact graphics@pamediagroup.com.

Prof Hayward also warned that if the variant does spread widely among younger age groups, it could result in a lot of hospitalisations and subsequent deaths.

He said the new variant had so far proved effective at spreading within households and then the wider community, adding that he saw no reason why this spread wouldn't continue more generally around the country.

The variant, he said, would likely become the dominant strain the UK, and maybe across the world.

He added: "And that brings it back to this race between the vaccine and the virus, exceptionalities the virus just got faster."

On Wednesday, health secretary Matt Hancock announced that surge testing and additional vaccinations would be rolled out in six more areas  Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester, and North Tyneside  in a bid to combat the spread.

He said there had been 2,967 confirmed B.1.617.2 infections in the UK  up 644 cases from the 2,323 he announced on Monday, which in itself was up 1,010 from 1,313 cases announced by Public Health England on Thursday.

Watch: What is long COVID?
In recent weeks, the state has seen the spread of COVID-19 decline significantly and now more than 67% of adult Marylanders have received at least one shot of a vaccine. As of Thursday, Baltimore Citys seven-day average positivity rate was at 1.87% and about 34.53% of the citys population has been fully vaccinated.
Des Moines is officially skate city this weekend as athletes from across the globe travel here for the Dew Tour.

Why it matters: This is the first time skateboarding will be in the Olympics, and Des Moines gets to be a part of that history since the Dew Tour is the only U.S. qualifying event.

Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

The state of play: It could draw up to $4 million in tourism as restaurants, hotels and stores say they're seeing an uptick in traffic, according to the Register.

And if you're looking for tickets ... good luck. We recommend grabbing a blanket and seeing if you can snag a viewing spot outside the park.

Meet some of the skaters:

Felipe Gustavo skates in Los Angeles in February. Photo by Paulo Macedo for Red Bull Content Pool

Felipe Gustavo, an L.A.-based skateboarder, wants to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics on behalf of Brazil.

He catapulted to fame when, at 16, his father sold his car so they could travel to Tampa AM  a skateboarding contest he won, launching him to "national folklore" back in Brazil.

He got into town Friday, but this week's rain has kept him and the other athletes from getting out or getting much practice in, he told Linh.

"It's a pretty big event, so like, the more practice we can get, the better," Gustavo said. "But I'm feeling pretty good. Everything should work out."

You can watch him starting Friday at the men's qualifiers. (And watch him practice here.)

Sky Brown in Des Moines. Screenshot via Instagram

Sky Brown, a 13-year-old phenom is expected to be the youngest British Olympian of all time.

You can watch her starting Friday in the Women's Park competition.

Zion Wright outside Aimee in the East Village. Screenshot via Instagram

Zion Wright is officially competing in the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

You can see him starting Friday at the men's qualifying event.

Catch the full schedule for this weekend.

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The body of 33-year-old Jake Seet Choon Heng was found on in the waters off Sentosa on 7 May 2018. (Yahoo News Singapore file photo)

SINGAPORE  A diving superintendent with a ship cleaning company was on Wednesday (19 May) jailed for two years for forging his qualifications and abetting a subordinate in causing a diver's death by a rash act.

Mohd Zalkarnain Mohd Salleh, 56, pleaded guilty at the State Courts to using forged diving supervisor accreditation, and abetting to cause the death of Seet Choon Heng, 33, on 5 May 2018 by a rash act not amounting to culpable homicide.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Andre Chong, who sought at least 27 months' jail, said, "Having secured his job as a diving superintendent by submitting forged qualifications, he rashly endorsed a diving plan which flouted numerous safety regulations, and thereafter rashly failed to intervene when the deceased was left unmonitored. In so doing, he abrogated his responsibility and placed the deceased in what amounted to death trap, leading to his tragic demise."

Seet had repeatedly called for help over the intercom for one minute, but there was no response as his supervisors had lowered the volume level and were not monitoring his video feed. He then removed his helmet and struggled to swim to the surface but was unable to do so as his helmet was still connected via a hose to the bailout tank that he was carrying on his back.

Seet's body was found two days later in the sea off Sentosa near the spot where he went missing.

About the case

In late 2017, Zalkarnain applied to Mola Subsea Services to be a diving superintendent. He had worked previously with various companies as a diving supervisor, diving manager and diving superintendent since 2011.

Zalkarnain was qualified as a diver under the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme and a diving supervisor under the Association of Diving Contractors International. However, the latter was not a recognised qualification by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower.

As part of his job application, Zalkarnain submitted a forged diving supervisor card and a dive supervisor diploma certificate purportedly by the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme. He was hired in January 2018 with a monthly salary of $6,000.

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On 4 and 5 May 2018, Zalkarnain, dive supervisor Raden Roslan Mohd, and four divers were involved in two back-to-back diving operations from the diving boat Mola Saif, which ended at about 7am on 5 May.

Seet joined the team 40 minutes later on board the boat at Marina South Pier and the team headed to clean the hull of a cargo vessel Jork which was moored at the Western Working Anchorage.

"As Raden and the crew were physically tired from the previous two diving operations, Raden decided to conduct a diving operation using two divers in the water simultaneously in order to speed up the operation," DPP Chong said.

Zalkarnain agreed, despite knowing the increased complexity of the operation and that Raden had never managed a simultaneous dive previously. The monitoring setup on board the Mola Saif was also not configured for such an operation.

At about 12.30pm, Raden asked Seet to enter the water to clean the ship's stern. About half an hour later, Raden asked another diver to clean the ship's propeller.

Shortly after, Raden found that he was unable to hear the other diver's voice clearly so he turned down the volume of Seet's radio. Raden also switched the other diver's CCTV screen to the master screen and relegated Seet's CCTV feed to the smaller screen.

From about 1.41pm to 1.45pm, Raden turned his back to the diving communication system while talking to Zalkarnain, leaving the audio and video feeds of the two divers unmonitored.

"The accused was subjectively advertent that Radens failure to monitor the divers feeds placed both divers at risk of death or grievous hurt, notwithstanding that both divers had a continuous air supply, as there remained the risk that the divers could be pulled away by a current, or that their umbilical cords could be fouled and severed," said DPP Chong.

Reconstruction from Seet's video feed revealed that at about 1.39pm, Seet realised that his umbilical cord was entangled with the seabed, preventing him from ascending. He repeatedly called for help over the intercom but did not get a reply.

At about 1.42pm, he removed his helmet and tried to swim to the surface but remained at the same dive depth as his helmet was still connected via a hose to the bailout tank on his back.

"After struggling for approximately 45 seconds, the deceased's movements stopped and his helmet sank to the seabed. The deceaseds video feed turned black upon contact with the sea floor," said DPP Chong.

"At approximately 1.45pm, the accused finally noticed that the deceaseds video feed... had gone black. According to the video footage, this was approximately five minutes and 58 seconds after the deceased first showed signs of distress. The accused notified Raden, and Raden attempted to contact the deceased... However, there was no reply," added the prosecutor.

A diver found Seet's umbilical and helmet trapped among corals on the seabed at about 33m dive depth.

Seet's body was found at about 6.30pm on 7 May in the sea off Sentosa.

For his forgery charge, Zalkarnain could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

The maximum penalty for causing death by a rash act not amounting to culpable homicide is five years' jail and a fine.

Raden was jailed for one year in June last year over his role in causing Seet's death.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

Related stories:

Over $70,000 raised for family of commercial diver who died on the job

Diver who died off Sentosa: 'A brother' who worked hard for his family, say ex-colleagues

Body of missing Singaporean diver Jake Seet found off Sentosa

Sister of diver missing near Sentosa pleads for all parties to find her brother
British airline EasyJet revealed Thursday that first-half net losses deepened as the pandemic ravaged demand, but expressed optimism over the reopening of travel in Europe.

The group faced a loss after taxation of 549 million (637 million euros, $777 million) in the six months to the end of March compared with a loss of 324 million a year earlier.

Passenger numbers tumbled by almost 90 percent to 4.1 million, EasyJet said in a results statement published after the UK partially lifted international air travel on Monday.

The airline, which is based in Luton north of London, added more than 150,000 seats on flights after the British government announced so-called green list countries -- from which UK passengers will not need to quarantine upon their return home.

The UK green list currently comprises a handful of nations and territories including EasyJet destinations Gibraltar, Iceland and Portugal.

"EasyJet is encouraged by the reopening of travel across much of Europe and will maximise opportunities for European flying," the carrier said.

"EasyJet is the largest operator from the UK to green list countries and is looking forward to taking customers on a long-awaited holiday this summer."

The airline will fly only 15 percent of its 2019 capacity levels in the third quarter, or three months to the end of June, but this is expected to be ramped up thereafter.

It also logged a first-half pre-tax loss of 701 million, widening from 193 million last time around, but this was at the lower end of guidance.

- Leisure travel taking off -

"With leisure travel taking off in the UK again earlier this week ... and with so many European governments easing restrictions to open up travel again, we are ready to significantly ramp up our flying for the summer with a view to maximising the opportunities we see in Europe," noted EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren.

"We have the ability to flex up quickly to operate 90 percent of our current fleet over the peak summer period to match demand," he added.

Story continues

Meanwhile, headline costs excluding fuel were slashed by nearly 60 percent to 844 million on the back of capacity cutbacks and its efficiency drive.

The results come after its Irish low-cost rival Ryanair posted Monday an annual net loss of 1.0 billion euros but also added that a recovery was underway.

In a separate development this week, EU member states agreed Wednesday to reopen the bloc's borders to travellers who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to European sources.

Diplomats, meeting in Brussels, also agreed to increase the level of new cases a country can hit before being declared unsafe -- a measure that would open up travel into the EU from more places.

The recommendations will be adopted by EU ministers on Friday, the sources said.

Non-essential travel into the 27-member European Union has been banned since March 2020, apart from a small number of countries deemed safe because of their low Covid case rate.

bur-rfj/lth
Ethiopia's poll body on Thursday said twice-delayed national elections would be held on June 21, kicking off a fresh countdown to a major test of democratic reforms under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Africa's second most populous country was first due to hold the polls last August, but officials pushed them to June 5 of this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Then last weekend electoral board chairwoman Birtukan Mideksa announced a new delay was needed because of logistical woes related to tasks like training electoral staff and printing and distributing ballot papers.

The new date was revealed at a press conference by electoral board spokeswoman Solyana Shimeles, following meetings with Abiy's government, opposition parties and regional officials.

Solyana said she did not expect any further delays, citing the upcoming rainy season which begins in June and can wreak havoc with infrastructure.

"We're trying to keep it before the rainy season," she said.

The logistical challenges promise to be daunting even with the delay, and Solyana estimated Thursday the board would need to hire more than 100,000 additional staff and train them on voting day procedures and tabulating results.

Staff shortages have been especially apparent so far in Afar and Somali regions, where registration started late, she said.

- Conflict complications -

Abiy came to power in 2018 on the back of several years of anti-government protests and promised to break from Ethiopia's authoritarian past in part by holding the most democratic elections the country had ever seen.

His reform agenda earned him the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, but his tenure has been marred by security challenges, most prominently the six-month-old war in the northern Tigray region, which will not participate in the June 21 polls.

Around 36 million Ethiopians had registered to vote as of last weekend, though no registration had occurred in several constituencies rocked by ethnic violence, including in the country's most populous regions, Oromia and Amhara.

Story continues

Solyana said it would be "very difficult" to include these conflict-hit constituencies on June 21.

But she said she expected voters in those areas to be able to cast ballots before a new parliamentary session begins in early October.

The elections will choose national and regional parliamentarians. The national MPs elect the prime minister, who is head of government, as well as the president -- a largely ceremonial role.

The ruling coalition that preceded Abiy claimed staggering majorities in the two previous elections, which observers said fell far short of international standards for fairness.

A more open contest in 2005 saw big gains for the opposition but led to a lethal crackdown on protests over contested results.

This year some opposition parties, notably in Abiy's native Oromia region, have opted to boycott, complaining that their candidates have been arrested and their offices vandalised.

rcb/fb/ach
(Reuters) - The European Commission said https://bit.ly/3f1bDo4 on Thursday that it signed a third contract with pharmaceutical companies BioNTech SE and Pfizer Inc for an additional 1.8 billion doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

The contract reserves the doses on behalf of all European Union member states, between end 2021 to 2023, the statement added. The contract requires that the vaccine production is based in the EU and that essential components are sourced from the EU.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alison Williams)
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, speaks during the inaugural meeting of the Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, with Vice President Kamala Harris, in Harris' ceremonial office, Thursday, May 13, 2021. When he was mayor of Boston, Walsh appointed Dennis White as Boston Police commissioner in January 2021, prior to joining the Biden administration. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Ex-Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh knew of past domestic abuse allegations against his police commissioner pick, according to a court affidavit.

Walsh, now US Labor Secretary, maintained that he had no knowledge of the internal affair history of Dennis White.

White was placed on administrative leave in February after a Boston Globe investigation revealed he had allegedly pushed and threatened to shoot his then-wife.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

According to a court affidavit filed earlier this week, then-Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh was aware of the domestic abuse allegations against his pick for the city's police commissioner.

Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White was placed on administrative leave in February after a report by The Boston Globe revealed 1999 allegations that White had pushed and threatened to shoot his then-wife, who was also a police officer. White succeeded retired commissioner William Gross in January 2021 after Walsh appointed him.

The affidavit is part of a lawsuit filed by White against acting Mayor Kim Janey after the city attempted to fire him earlier this month following an outside investigation initiated by Walsh, WBUR reported.

In the affidavit, Gross said in January 2014, when he was superintendent-in-chief of the BPD, he and then-commissioner William Evans were reviewing candidates on the force for promotion, including White, who was up for promotion to deputy superintendent.

Gross said the mayor must approve every candidate to the command staff, and therefore is briefed on each one and their internal affairs history.

"There is no way anyone is brought onto the command staff without such a briefing to the mayor and approval by the mayor," Gross said in the affidavit. "The city, including Mayor Walsh, was aware no later than January 2014 of White's IA [internal affairs] record."

Gross' remarks in the affidavit contradict Evans' and Walsh's claims that they were not aware of White's past prior to being appointed to the commissioner role.

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In February, Walsh, who currently serves as the US Secretary of Labor for the Biden administration, denied having any knowledge of the domestic abuse allegations prior to appointing White as police commissioner.

"These disturbing issues were not known to me or my staff but should have been at the forefront," Walsh said on February 3, ahead of his nomination hearing to be labor secretary.

In a Wednesday statement, Gross continued to dispute Gross' claim in the affidavit, saying that he "was not aware of these serious allegations until after I appointed White as police commissioner."

"Neither the allegations nor the internal affairs files were shared with me in 2014, or during any other consideration of Dennis White," Walsh said in the statement to The Globe. "Had I known, I would not have chosen him for police commissioner or any other role."

Evans also denied that he nor the former mayor knew about White's internal affair history, saying that it was "not true."

"Under no circumstances did I know about his past, nor did the mayor know," Evans told The Globe.

White called the investigation a "sham" and Janey's attempts to fire him as an "ambush," WBUR reported. He filed his own affidavit Wednesday denying the allegations in his internal affairs history, and disputing claims made in a 19-page report by an independent investigator.

"The investigator's report, which was made public by the Acting Mayor, has had a devastating effect on me," White said in the affidavit. "It is filled with false allegations of the most serious nature, including allegations I committed the crime of domestic violence, and has caused the most severe damage to my reputation with the general public."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Rep Ilhan Omar and other Democrats talk to reporters about rent and mortgage cancellation, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, 11 March, 2021 (AP)

Facebook has refused calls to remove an advertisement from its platform that claims Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has links to Hamas, despite her aides telling the social media giant that the message was inaccurate and could incite people to send the lawmaker death threats.

The incident could become the latest source of ammunition for Democratic lawmakers who have long claimed that Facebook does an inadequate job of removing false and misleading information which can potential spin-off real world consequences.

The Washington Post reported that Ms Omar's office reached out to Facebook on Tuesday asking the ad - which was produced by a pro-Israeli lobbyist group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee - to be removed.

In one ad, Ms Omar's face is superimposed onto Hamas rockets and text accompanying the image claims "when Israel targets Hamas, Rep. Omar calls it an act of terrorism."

The ad appears to twist a tweet made by the congresswoman in order to make its claim.

In the tweet, Ms Omar said that Israeli airstrikes that kill civilians in Gaza was an act of terrorism. She did not say that Israeli airstrikes that target Hamas were terrorist acts.

"Israeli air strikes killing civilians in Gaza is an act of terrorism. Palestinians deserve protection," she wrote. "Unlike Israel, missile defense programs, such as Iron Dome, dont exist to protect Palestinian civilians. Its unconscionable to not condemn these attacks on the week of Eid."

Ms Omar's aides warned Facebook that previous images attempting to link her to Hamas have resulted in the lawmaker receiving death threats. They told the company that the ad "peddles both hate speech and misinformation."

Facebook initially responded by saying it could not find the ad. After locating it, the company reviewed its content and ruled it did not violate the social media platform's policies.

The ad was widely seen, racking up an estimated 500,000 to 1 million views, and was part of a series condemning other lawmakers who opposed Israel's airstrikes, including Senator Bernie Sanders.

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Andy Stone, a spokesman for Facebook, confirmed to The Washington Post that the company did review the ads and deemed them acceptable under its policies.

Ms Omar's office told Facebook it was "deeply concerned that Facebook would continue to profit off this hate" in an email exchange with the company.

Read More

Massive Belgian manhunt continues for armed soldier on run

An ailing Sahrawi leader shakes Spain and Morocco's alliance

Spain's migrant drama highlights EU outsourcing policy flaws
Anthony Fauci said the way to prevent variants from mutating to become resistant to vaccines is to try to "get the entire world vaccinated." Patrick Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Fauci said pharma firms can make billions of dollars while giving away drugs to developing nations.

The pharma industry has lobbied against waiving intellectual property right on COVID-19 vaccines.

Fauci said the US must help get the rest of the world vaccinated to stop the global pandemic.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Anthony Fauci said pharmaceutical companies can make billions of dollars even when smaller drug companies make generic version of their products.

Fauci, the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, said transferring the capability of making a COVID-19 vaccine to low- and middle-income countries is an important part of ending the global pandemic.

The Biden administration has supported waiving intellectual property rights for coronavirus vaccines produced by Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna. The move allows drug companies in other countries to replicate the vaccine without infringing on trade laws.

Pharmaceutical companies lobbied against waiving patents, but former world leaders and the World Health Organization have called on the US to waive patents to get vaccines to people in non-wealthy nations quicker.

"I am very much in favor of protecting the capability of pharmaceutical companies to continue to make a good profit so they can continue to put what it takes to get newer drugs and newer interventions," Fauci said at the Bloomberg Businessweek conference on Thursday. "But there comes a time when the emergent nature of a situation requires doing things that would allow less well developed nations to have access to these interventions. And in this case, that intervention is vaccines for COVID-19."

Read more: The 24 billion-dollar startups to watch that are revolutionizing healthcare in 2021

Fauci said the way to prevent variants from mutating to become resistant to vaccines is to try to expand access to vaccines as much as possible.

"A very important tenet in virology is that viruses don't mutate if they don't replicate; if you prevent it from spreading from person to person and replicating, it's not going to mutate," he said. "So the easiest way to prevent the emergence of a problematic mutant, which would lead to a variant, is to get as many people throughout the world vaccinated as quickly as you possibly can."

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The US has been a leader in getting HIV vaccines and AIDS treatment to developing nations in the past, Fauci noted. The immunologist pointed to George W. Bush's President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program, which he said has saved 14 to 18 million lives in primarily Southern Africa since 2003.

Fauci added drug companies continued to make "billions and billions of dollars" at the same time other drug companies provided generic HIV treatments to people in developing nations.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The former prosecutor has helped unearth millions of dollars in waste related to the water system shared by the city and county, and earlier this year found the county squandered $1 million on a program at the Center for Maryland Agriculture in Cockeysville that was meant to provide food to those in need.
The two houses caught fire on Wilson and McKinley Avenues, near Fresno High School, just before 5:30 am.

Video Transcript

- And we have breaking news right now, the house fire in Central Fresno. Take a live look right now, this is our ABC 30 downtown Fresno skycam, where you can just see the intensity of this fire right now. Now we're told this is burning on Wilson near McKinley, that's near Fresno High School. The fire started before 5:30 this morning, no word on the cause at this time or any injuries as well. You're asked to avoid the area as firefighters take on the blaze. Please take a different route if you're in the area.
By Marcelo Rochabrun

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -A century ago Henry Ford came to Brazil and established the town of Fordlandia, hoping to become an Amazonian rubber baron, but retreated deep in the red.

Now the automaker he founded is once again licking its Brazilian wounds, having abandoned production in the challenging market after burning through roughly 61 billion reais ($11.6 billion) in the past decade.

Ford Motor Co announced the closure of its manufacturing plants in January, dealing a heavy blow to its more than 5,000 workers in the country and almost 300 dealerships.

Previously unreported corporate filings show the scale of the financial woes that led to the decision. Ford had burned through $7.8 billion, the bulk in accumulated losses but also some cash injections, according to the documents filed in Sao Paulo state, where the automaker is registered in Brazil.

Add to that the $4.1 billion that Ford will shell out to extricate itself from its commitments, and the price tag for the Brazilian operation rises to almost $12 billion.

Almost all the losses and cash injections were in the past eight years, when the company has lost about $2,000 for every car it sold, Reuters calculations based on the filings and sales data indicate.

Ford, which does not separate out Brazil from South America in its financial results, declined to comment on the losses, cash injections and calculations.

The expensive retreat of the U.S. heavyweight underlines the risks for global automakers in Brazil, a country seen not long ago as one of the most promising growth markets in the world, but where tax, labor and logistics costs are high.

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained finances while Ford's problems also reflect, in part, a strategic misstep that saw it lag rivals in transforming its lineup of unprofitable compact cars into higher-margin SUVs, according to half a dozen sources familiar with the company's Brazilian operation.

Ford had in fact drafted a plan to shift into SUVs, larger cars with higher profit margins, but was too slow to implement it, they said.

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"There were no other viable options," Lyle Watters, Ford's head for South America, told Reuters in a statement about the decision to exit the country.

Watters, who will start a new Ford role in China in July, cited an "unfavorable economic environment, lower vehicle demand (and) higher industry idle capacity" for the Brazil retreat.

He declined to comment on the SUV project, saying he would not "speculate on new product plans."

A Ford spokesman in Brazil said the company was implementing "a lean and asset-light business model in the region, with a truly customer-centric mindset".

BRAZIL VS MEXICO

Brazil is largely a lossmaker for global car companies, despite the government providing federal subsidies totaling $8 billion over the past decade and a 35% import tariff to shield local production.

Domestic costs are high. Even though local factories can make 5 million cars a year, more than double the number sold in the country, exports are minimal because prices are uncompetitive. And it costs automakers money to keep factories open while operating at low capacity.

Mexico, by contrast, exports more than 80% of the cars it makes, helped by free-trade agreements with the United States and Canada, making it an attractive alternative for the same carmakers that already operate in Brazil.

A 2019 study by consultant PwC found that selling a Mexican-made car in Brazil was 12% cheaper for an automaker than selling a locally-made vehicle, including production, tax and logistics costs.

The study was commissioned by Brazilian auto industry group Anfavea, which is lobbying the government to reduce taxes and labor costs.

The high Brazilian costs mean even carmakers who pivoted earlier than Ford to higher-margin SUVs, like the Brazilian units of players like Volkswagen AG, General Motors Co and Toyota Motors Corp, are struggling to stay in the black.

Volkswagen Brazil has lost $3.7 billion since 2011, according to the corporate filings in Sao Paulo state. GM Brazil has received $2.2 billion in cash injections since 2016, and Toyota Brazil last year required forgiveness on $1 billion of inter-company debt, the documents showed.

Volkswagen and GM and Toyota all declined to comment on the filings figures.

The Brazilian economy ministry did not respond to a request for comment about the Ford exit and problems faced by the auto sector.

PROSPECTS PLUMMET

Ford failed to develop a viable production business in Brazil despite a practice of pursuing tax subsidies, which totaled more than that of its rivals over the past decade.

Since 2011, Ford has reaped about $2.6 billion in tax subsidies, or a third of all federal automotive incentives distributed in that period, according to Reuters calculations based on official tax forfeiture figures.

Ford declined to comment on its tax benefits.

In 2013, however, the business outlook began to change, as commodities prices crashed and dragged the local currency with it, sending Brazil into a deep recession made worse by corruption scandals. At the time, it was the world's fourth largest auto market. It now ranks seventh.

Weak domestic demand and the uncompetitive exports pushed Ford to quintuple its bulk fleet sales between 2011 and 2019, and deepen the discounts to 30% or more, a person familiar with the pricing said.

Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, shored up its Brazilian subsidiary with $1.3 billion in cash injections, in nine transfers between March 2018 and January 2021, according to the Sao Paulo corporate filings.

By late 2019, Ford was considering the key strategic shift to manufacture SUVs in Brazil and had three models planned, according to three of the source

Yet many of its competitors had already been revamping their lineup to produce such vehicles for about two years.

"The truth is, Ford failed to modernize its product lineup at the same speed as its rivals," said Ricardo Bacellar, automotive head at KPMG's consulting arm in Brazil.

In the end, the SUV plans never came to fruition.

By April 2020, the economic pain wrought by the pandemic forced Ford to reevaluate its plans for Brazil, the automaker has said.

Still, Ford made commitments to the government as late as November last year to invest more in Brazil and told its dealers in December that it expected improved sales in 2021, according to a government announcement and the dealers' association.

Yet just weeks later, it halted production.

It closed its three plants, the largest one in Camacari, in the northeastern state of Bahia. It retains only a small operation selling imports, a niche market for high-end cars that the import tariffs make prohibitively expensive for many people.

On Thursday, Ford launched its new Bronco Sport SUV in Brazil. Made in Mexico, it is exported to the U.S. where it starts at $26,820. In Brazil, where per capita income is much lower, Ford said the Mexican-made car will retail for $48,000.

While Ford sold 18,000 cars in Brazil in April 2019, it sold 1,500 cars in the same month this year.

($1 = 5.2821 reais)

(Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun; Editing by Christian Plumb, Joe White and Pravin Char)
A Colorado school bus driver is no longer employed and facing criminal charges after video was captured of the driver slapping a 10-year-old girl for not properly wearing her mask.

In video obtained by KKTV Colorado Springs, the bus driver, identified by the Fremont County School District as Bertram Jaquez, is seen talking to the girl, who has her mask down, before slapping her face.

The incident occurred in April, and Jaquez resigned before the district could take action. But Jaquez is now being charged with several misdemeanors, including harassment, assault causing injury and child abuse.

The 10-year-old said in a written statement to the school district on April 14 that other kids were telling her to put her mask on, but she didn't want to because masks make her sick. When she asked Jaquez why she had to wear her mask, he and other kids told her it was the rule.

"I yelled at them and said you shut up your [sic] not involved in this," the girl said before she says she was slapped.

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Jaquez admitted to slapping the girl, telling the school district that "Out of reaction, I slapped her once.

The school district said in a statement that Jaquez's actions were enough cause for termination and the "community is experiencing a very unfortunate situation.

"We have had a bus driver strike a child over the child not wearing a mask on the bus. We believe it is never okay to lay a hand on a child," the statement said. "Our goal every day is to transport students safely to school and back home, but that can only happen when everyone, including students and staff, follow the rules. We are currently working to identify next steps to help our drivers with strategies designed to support a safe ride to and from school."

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jord_mendoza.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colorado school bus driver faces charges for slapping child over mask
Mayor Eric Garcetti and his wife, Amy Elaine Wakeland, onstage at the United State of Women Summit in 2018. (Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images)

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcettis possible exit to join the Biden administration has lawyers in a lawsuit against the city tussling over when his wife could be deposed ahead of any departure by the couple.

Lawyers filed papers Tuesday asking the court to order the first lady of Los Angeles, Amy Elaine Wakeland, to be deposed before June 15 in a lawsuit brought by a former bodyguard to the mayor who claims he was harassed by a longtime Garcetti aide.

The motion doesn't concern whether Wakeland should be deposed, only when her deposition should take place.

Diana Wells, an attorney for plaintiff Matthew Garza, argues in a motion that city attorneys offered to depose Wakeland on July 7 and that Deputy City Atty. Doug Lyon reported that he was booked" before that date. Wells claims in her motion that intentional delay is what is really going on.

It is now public knowledge that Mayor Eric Garcetti is one of President Bidens top choices for the position of U.S. Ambassador to India, the motion states. If Mayor Garcetti accepts such a position and moves to India with Ms. Wakeland, Plaintiff will have to seek Ms. Wakelands deposition by using whatever process and procedures are required under the laws of India.

The motion states that Ms. Wakeland is not a city employee," that city attorneys cannot force her to sit for her deposition," and that "Ms. Wakeland will be out of this courts subpoena power once she and the mayor have relocated out of the country.

Garcetti is on the shortlist of candidates that Biden is considering for the post of ambassador to India, a White House official confirmed this month. The mayor hasnt publicly indicated that he would stay in Los Angeles if he was picked for the job.

The mayor's potential exit comes as he and Wakeland are considered witnesses in a lawsuit filed by Garza, a Los Angeles police officer who claims that former Garcetti aide Rick Jacobs harassed him and that the mayor didn't do anything to stop it. Garcetti has said in his deposition that he didnt witness any inappropriate behavior, and Jacobs has denied the police officers allegations.

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Emails included in the court filing show the attorneys on both sides debating the possibility of the India nomination as they discussed deposition dates for Wakeland.

In a May 6 email to Lyon, the deputy city attorney, Wells wrote: We are aware that Mayor Garcetti is being considered for a post in India. Please immediately provide us with dates this month for Amy Wakelands deposition.

Lyon wrote back that July 7 was the soonest date. It is not reasonable to assume everyone can be deposed at your beck and call, he added in an email.

Wells followed with an email May 10 to Lyon: What assurances do we have that she will actually appear on July 7? We are concerned that Garcetti may be posted to India before then.

Replying that day, Lyon wrote: I have no information about India. But they have computers there also. She can still be deposed. And I believe they will still be here in LA anyway.

On May 14, Lyon wrote to Wells that the mayor has not been offered any positions outside L.A.

Even if he is, it would require Senate confirmation. All of this would be in the news. The soonest he could reasonably leave would be well after July 7, which is the [scheduled] Wakeland deposition. Therefore, there is no reason or good cause to move the date.

Wells' motion says that Lyon already has confirmed his availability for depositions on two days in May and two days in June.

If it is true that Mr. Lyons schedule will not allow him to provide Ms. Wakeland until July 7, 2021, then one of the above-scheduled depositions can easily be rescheduled to make time in Mr. Lyons schedule for Ms. Wakelands deposition, Wells writes.

Wells motion also asks the court to impose sanctions of $4,950 against Wakeland and her counsel, Lyon, for their refusal to provide a timely date for Ms. Wakelands deposition is without substantial justification.

Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for the L.A. city attorney's office, declined to comment.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Protesters rally outside the Consulate General of Israel in midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. (Dave Sanders/The New York Times)

Dan Kleinman does not know quite how to feel.

As a child in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, he was taught to revere Israel as the protector of Jews everywhere, the Jewish superman who would come out of the sky to save us when things got bad, he said.

It was a refuge in his mind when white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, chanted Jews will not replace us, or kids in college grabbed his shirt, mimicking a South Park episode to steal his Jew gold.

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But his feelings have grown muddier as he has gotten older, especially now as he watches violence unfold in Israel and Gaza. His moral compass tells him to help the Palestinians, but he cannot shake an ingrained paranoia every time he hears someone make anti-Israel statements.

It is an identity crisis, Kleinman, 33, said. Very small in comparison to what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank, but it is still something very strange and weird.

As the violence escalates in the Middle East, turmoil of a different kind is growing across the Atlantic. Many young American Jews are confronting the regions long-standing strife in a very different context, with very different pressures, from their parents and grandparents generations.

The Israel of their lifetime has been powerful, no longer appearing to some to be under constant existential threat. The violence comes after a year when mass protests across the United States have changed how many Americans see issues of racial and social justice. The pro-Palestinian position has become more common, with prominent progressive members of Congress offering impassioned speeches in defense of the Palestinians on the House floor. At the same time, reports of anti-Semitism are rising across the country.

Divides between some American Jews and Israels right-wing government have been growing for more than a decade, but under the Trump administration those fractures that many hoped would heal became a crevasse. Politics in Israel have also remained fraught, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus long-tenured government forged allegiances with Washington. For young people who came of age during the Trump years, political polarization over the issue only deepened.

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Many Jews in America remain unreservedly supportive of Israel and its government. Still, the events of recent weeks have left some families struggling to navigate both the crisis abroad and the wide-ranging response from American Jews at home. What is at stake is not just geopolitical, but deeply personal. Fractures are intensifying along lines of age, observance and partisan affiliation.

In suburban Livingston, New Jersey, Meara Ashtivker, 38, has been afraid for her father-in-law in Israel, who has a disability and is not able to rush to the stairwell to shelter when he hears the air-raid sirens. She is also scared as she sees people in her progressive circles suddenly seem anti-Israel and anti-Jewish, she said.

Ashtivker, whose husband is Israeli, said she loved and supported Israel, even when she did not always agree with the government and its actions.

Its really hard being an American Jew right now, she said. It is exhausting and scary.

Some young, liberal Jewish activists have found common cause with Black Lives Matter, which explicitly advocates for Palestinian liberation, concerning others who see that allegiance as anti-Semitic.

The recent turmoil is the first major outbreak of violence in Israel and Gaza for which Aviva Davis, who graduated this spring from Brandeis University, has been socially conscious.

Im on a search for the truth, but whats the truth when everyone has a different way of looking at things? Davis said.

Alyssa Rubin, 26, who volunteers in Boston with IfNotNow, a network of Jewish activists who want to end Jewish American support for Israeli occupation, has found protesting for the Palestinian cause to be its own form of religious observance.

She said she and her 89-year-old grandfather ultimately both want the same thing, Jewish safety. But he is really entrenched in this narrative that the only way we can be safe is by having a country, she said, while her generation has seen that the inequality has become more exacerbated.

In the protest movements last summer, a whole new wave of people were really primed to see the connection and understand racism more explicitly, she said, understanding the ways racism plays out here, and then looking at Israel/Palestine and realizing it is the exact same system.

But that comparison is exactly what worries many other American Jews, who say the history of white American slaveholders is not the correct frame for viewing the Israeli government or the global Jewish experience of oppression.

At Temple Concord, a Reform synagogue in Syracuse, New York, teenager after teenager started calling Rabbi Daniel Fellman last week, wondering how to process seeing Black Lives Matter activists they marched with last summer attack Israel as an apartheid state.

The reaction today is different because of what has occurred with the past year, year and a half, here, Fellman said. As a Jewish community, we are looking at it through slightly different eyes.

Nearby at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, teenagers were reflecting on their visits to Israel and on their family in the region.

They see it as Hamas being a terrorist organization that is shooting missiles onto civilian areas, Rabbi Evan Shore said. They cant understand why the world seems to be supporting terrorism over Israel.

In Colorado, a high school senior at Denver Jewish Day School said he was frustrated at the lack of nuance in the public conversation. When his social media apps filled with pro-Palestinian memes last week, slogans like From the river to the sea and Zionism is a call for an apartheid state, he deactivated his accounts.

The conversation is so unproductive, and so aggressive, that it really stresses you out, Jonas Rosenthal, 18, said. I dont think that using that message is helpful for convincing the Israelis to stop bombing Gaza.

Compared with their elders, younger American Jews are overrepresented on the ends of the religious affiliation spectrum: a higher share are secular, and a higher share are Orthodox.

Ari Hart, 39, an Orthodox rabbi in Skokie, Illinois, has accepted the fact that his Zionism makes him unwelcome in some activist spaces where he would otherwise be comfortable. College students in his congregation are awakening to that same tension, he said. You go to a college campus and want to get involved in anti-racism or social justice work, but if you support the state of Israel, youre the problem, he said.

Hart sees increasing skepticism in liberal Jewish circles over Israels right to exist. This is a generation who are very moved and inspired by social justice causes and want to be on the right side of justice, Hart said. But theyre falling into overly simplistic narratives, and narratives driven by true enemies of the Jewish people.

Overall, younger American Jews are less attached to Israel than older generations: About half of Jewish adults under 30 describe themselves as emotionally connected to Israel, compared with about two-thirds of Jews over age 64, according to a major survey published last week by the Pew Research Center.

And though the U.S. Jewish population is 92% white, with all other races combined accounting for 8%, among Jews ages 18 to 29 that rises to 15%.

In Los Angeles, Rachel Sumekh, 29, a first-generation Iranian American Jew, sees complicated layers in the story of her own Persian family. Her mother escaped Iran on the back of a camel, traveling by night until she got to Pakistan, where she was taken in as a refugee. She then found asylum in Israel. She believes Israel has a right to self-determination, but she also found it horrifying to hear an Israeli ambassador suggest other Arab countries should take in Palestinians.

That is what happened to my people and created this intergenerational trauma of losing our homeland because of hatred, she said.

The entire situation feels too volatile and dangerous for many people to even want to discuss, especially publicly.

Violence against Jews is increasingly close to home. Last year the third-highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States were recorded since the Anti-Defamation League began cataloging them in 1979, according to a report released by the civil rights group last month. The ADL recorded more than 1,200 incidents of anti-Semitic harassment in 2020, a 10% increase from the previous year. In Los Angeles, the police are investigating a sprawling attack on sidewalk diners at a sushi restaurant Tuesday as an anti-Semitic hate crime.

Outside Cleveland, Jennifer Kaplan, 39, who grew up in a modern Orthodox family and who considers herself a centrist Democrat and a Zionist, remembered studying abroad at Hebrew University in 2002, and being in the cafeteria minutes before it was bombed. Now she wondered how the Trump era had affected her inclination to see the humanity in others, and she wished her young children were a bit older so she could talk with them about what is happening.

I want them to understand that this is a really complicated situation, and they should question things, she said. I want them to understand that this isnt just a, I dont know, I guess, utopia of Jewish religion.

Esther Katz, the performing arts director at the Jewish Community Center in Omaha, Nebraska, has spent significant time in Israel. She also attended Black Lives Matter protests in Omaha last summer and has signs supporting the movement in the windows of her home.

She has watched with a sense of betrayal as some of her allies in that movement have posted online about their apparently unequivocal support for the Palestinians, and compared Israel to Nazi Germany. Ive had some really tough conversations, said Katz, a Conservative Jew. Theyre not seeing the facts, theyre just reading the propaganda.

Her three children, who range in age from 7 to 13, are now wary of a country that is for Katz one of the most important places in the world. Theyre like, I dont understand why anyone would want to live in Israel, or even visit, she said. That breaks my heart.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

 2021 The New York Times Company
Georgia has seen more than two dozen tornadoes so far this year, ranking among states with the most twisters in 2021.

The Peach State placed fifth in the nation for reported tornadoes, according to an annual report by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. To date, there have been at least 30 tornadoes, including a destructive EF-4 that leveled homes, schools and businesses in Newnan in late March.

Storms also unleashed at least six twisters in North Georgia earlier this month, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Texas, the nations second largest state by area, took the top spot for the number of reported tornadoes this year  79 in all, data show.

But the next five states are all in the Southeast, lending to the thought that tornado alley could be moving east. Alabama has had 77 twisters, followed by Mississippi with 66, Louisiana with 37, Georgia with 30 and Tennessee with 27.

The NWS report is based on preliminary data and is subject to changes.

Other than Texas, Georgia has already seen more tornadoes than other states in tornado alley, a region of the southern Plains known for a disproportionately high frequency of tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

To date, Georgia has had at least 285 reports of severe weather.

The regions boundaries are arguable, but usually include the area stretching from central Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and parts of the upper Midwest, As of May 19, there have been seven reported tornadoes in Oklahoma, four in Kansas and eight in Nebraska, according to the Storm Prediction Center report.

Peak tornado season differs from region to region, however. States in tornado alley typically see a higher frequency of twisters between May and early June while tornado season in the Southeast begins earlier in the spring.

Tornadoes can happen any time of year in Georgia, but things tend to ramp up starting in February through April, said Dave Nadler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.

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It starts to come down in May, Nadler told McClatchy News in an interview. And then in June, we start to transition to more of a summertime pattern that just lowers the probability of seeing tornadoes across the state.

On average, the state sees about 35 reported tornadoes per year, Nadler said. However, that number can vary and Georgia has seen a few anomalies in recent years.

Back in 2017, we had almost 150 [twisters] and in 2018 we had below 35, he recalled.

Nadler said NWS Atlanta has yet to release an official count of documented tornadoes in the state through May, and noted that preliminary data can take months to be verified.

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Diners at a New Jersey restaurant got more than they ordered this week when a girl  who had apparently just given birth  dumped her newborn baby onto them and fled the restaurant.

Frankie Aguilar, an employee at a restaurant called El Patron, told Leigh Valley Live that a girl who looked a little bit desperate walked in around 4pm on Wednesday with the newborn in her arms.

She apparently began asking for help. The El Patron staff called the police, thinking that law enforcement could assist the girl.

At some point between her arriving at the restaurant and police turning up, the girl apparently handed her baby  which still was attached to its umbilical cord  off to a customer, after which she disappeared.

Once she handed the baby to someone else, one of our customers, she just left, Mr Aguilar said.

Police radio logs revealed that the girl was located near the restaurant and was detained for a short time before being taken to the Jersey City Medical Centre.

They also revealed that the girl was 14-years-old.

The state does have Safe Haven laws for infants.

Under New Jersey's Safe Haven Infant Protection laws, a baby's parents  or someone acting on their behalf  can drop off an infant less than 30 days old with the staff at any hospital emergency room, police station, fire station, ambulance, first aid, or rescue squad.

A child was left in the parking lot of a Massachusetts hospital last month, presumably a result of someone misunderstanding the Safe Haven law in that state or just not wanting to reveal themselves to the staff.

Some organisations even install Safe Haven boxes in their facilities.

The boxes open up to the outside, much like the opening of a USPS blue mailbox, and allow an individual who is abandoning a baby to safely place them in the box without having to talk to or alert any staff members.

When the boxes are opened, a silent alarm is sounded, which alerts law enforcement to the baby's presence and allows rescuers to reach the child shortly after it is abandoned.

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The New Jersey Department of Children and Families said it will be moving the baby into a foster or pre-adoptive home.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Google's Russian arm said on Thursday it had lodged an appeal against a Moscow court order obliging it to unblock the YouTube account of a Christian Orthodox news channel owned by a Russian businessman who is under U.S. and EU financial sanctions.

Tsargrad TV, which is owned by Konstantin Malofeev, says YouTube blocked its account in July 2020 without providing a reason. Google said at the time that it has a policy of suspending accounts found to violate sanctions or trade restriction rules.

In April, the Moscow Arbitration Court said Google must restore Tsargrad's account or face a daily 100,000 rouble ($1,358.29) fine, which would double each week that Google failed to comply.

Malofeev was placed under U.S. and EU sanctions in 2014 over accusations that he funded pro-Moscow separatists fighting in Ukraine, which he denies. Russia considers such Western sanctions illegal.

The dispute with YouTube is one of a number of cases in which U.S. tech and social media giants have drawn the ire of the Russian state. President Vladimir Putin accused social media companies of "monopolism" in a speech this year to the World Economic Forum.

Russia has been punitively impeding the speed of Twitter since March and warned other tech platforms, including YouTube, over failing to delete content it deems illegal.

"We've now filed an appeal against last month's Tsargrad ruling, because it sets aside the prior decisions of multiple Russian courts, and comes with a penalty that is out of all proportion to the matter at hand," Google Russia said in a statement.

"We're also appealing because the decision creates a great deal of uncertainty for foreign investors - like Google - in Russia. We look forward to presenting our arguments in detail at the appeal hearing."

Malofeev's representatives said they categorically disagreed with Google's appeal and its interpretation of the ruling.

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"We believe that the earlier ruling is absolutely legal and we will prove this in the appeal hearing, which is likely to take place at the end of June," Malofeev's press secretary Valeriy Rukobratskiy told Reuters.

Google Russia said the appeal had been filed on Wednesday.

($1 = 73.6220 roubles)

(Reporting by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Each time the government has found itself on the back foot during this pandemic, it has sought to pass the buck onto individuals instead of owning up to their own mistake (PA)

When Matt Hancock was challenged earlier this week about rise in cases of the Indian variant, he responded by emphasising that several of those in hospital with the disease were eligible for the vaccine but had chosen not to take it. This appears to have been a cynical ploy to deflect the blame from the governments own failings.

Since then, weve seen a dangerous and divisive narrative emerging, in which instead of ministers being held to account, communities are being scapegoated around the UK. Mark Harper, the chair of the Covid Recovery Group, remarked that wider societys fate cant be sealed by the actions of a small group of people, whereas a hysterical Daily Mail front page talked about vaccine refuseniks threatening plans to lift Covid restrictions next month.

This is typical of the behaviour of this Conservative government and their allies. Each time it has found itself on the back foot during this pandemic, it has sought to pass the buck onto individuals instead of owning up to their own mistakes. We have a prime minister who tells the public to take personal responsibility for keeping coronavirus under control, while failing to do so himself.

Let us be clear here. This is not the fault of people in Bolton, Blackburn or Bedford. Nor is it right to say that vaccine hesitancy is the root cause of the rise of cases of the Indian variant. The rise in the number of cases is predominantly occurring in age groups that are not yet eligible for the jab: those aged between 10 and 44. And vaccine take-up in areas such as Bolton is broadly in line with the national average.

In any event, pointing the finger at hard-hit communities is not the answer. The reason that this new strain has seeded in certain communities is that the government delayed putting India on the red list until 23 April. This is despite the fact cases in India were sharply rising in March and April, with significant numbers of cases arriving from that country identified as being a variant of concern.

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Ministers have struggled to explain this delay, but given that Boris Johnson was scheduled to visit India for trade talks, it does appear that he put the pursuit of a trade deal before public health. This means that a crucial opportunity to stop the Indian variant was missed. While we were locked up in our homes, the government let the virus in through the back door.

To prevent this from happening again, the government must sort out its chaotic travel policy and the mess it has made of quarantine measures at our borders. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, of which I am a vice chair, recently heard evidence from border force representatives who told us that passengers are queueing for hours at airports, side by side with arrivals from red list countries. We heard that on average 100 fake Covid-19 test certificates are identified every day, with many more going undetected.

The government also needs to start getting the basics right, starting with a locally led test and trace system. With cases at low levels when we began to unlock in March, this was the obvious route to go down. Cases and their contacts could have been identified and isolated very quickly. Combined with proper financial support for those self-isolating, we could have controlled the number of cases much more effectively.

In addition, we need to prioritise  and not demonise  the communities where vaccine hesitancy is the highest. It is these groups that are both the most at risk of getting the virus, and the most hesitant to get vaccinated. I, therefore, welcome the surge vaccination centres that are being rolled out in the hardest-hit communities, as well as initiatives to encourage vaccine take up.

The successful work in this area has involved engaging with the local community and faith groups at a grassroots level to overcome deep-seated mistrust. However, divisive rhetoric threatens to undermine these efforts and alienate the very communities where vaccine take-up is already low.

Clive Lewis MP, and vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus

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The post-Brexit Australia trade deal and the farming problem is a headache the government doesnt need

Boris Johnson quickly defended football a few weeks ago  Middle East conflict needs the same urgency
Brown recalls a group of ladies who moved from house to house, making quilts for families for the winter. Quinton remembers that someone always seemed to be preparing to harvest a hog in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Everyone would head over to help, he says, and youngsters would learn how to use every part of the animal, from the ears and tail to the innards for sausage.
By Angeliki Koutantou

ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of more villages threatened by a forest fire on Thursday as winds strengthened and firefighters battled the blaze, which had already scorched 20 square kilometres of woodland.

No deaths were reported as a result of the fire, which broke out on Wednesday night in a forest at a small seaside holiday resort on the Gulf of Corinth, about 90 km west of the capital, Athens.

Seven villages and two monasteries in the Geraneia mountains have been evacuated since Wednesday night after the blaze moved eastward and crossed into western Attica province.

Residents of four more villages received a text message from the authorities earlier on Thursday, advising them to leave their homes and move towards the town of Megara.

"They were asked to move away as wind speed strengthened to eight on the Beaufort scale," a fire brigade official said.

The fire has burnt mainly woodland and thick vegetation, another fire brigade official said. State television showed images of some holiday homes and electricity pylons damaged by the blaze.

In parts of Athens, the smell of fire was suffocating and the sky had turned grey from the smoke.

More than 200 firefighters were battling the blaze, backed by more than 80 fire trucks, 17 aircraft and one helicopter, the fire brigade said.

(Reporting by Angeliki KoutantouEditing by Robert Birsel and Estelle Shirbon)
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams

GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel and Hamas will cease fire across the Gaza Strip border as of 2 a.m. on Friday (2300 GMT Thursday), an official with the Palestinian Islamist faction said, bringing a potentially tenuous halt to the fiercest fighting in decades.

Israel's security cabinet said it had voted unanimously in favour of a "mutual and unconditional" Gaza truce proposed by mediator Egypt, but added that the hour of implementation had yet to be agreed.

The development came a day after U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek de-escalation, and amid mediation bids by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations.

A Hamas official told Reuters the ceasefire would be "mutual and simultaneous".

Rocket attacks by Hamas and allied Islamic Jihad had resumed after an eight-hour pause on Thursday, as Israel continued shelling that it said aimed to destroy the factions' military capabilities and deter them from future confrontation after the current conflict.

Since the fighting began on May 10, health officials in Gaza say 232 Palestinians, including 65 children and 39 women, have been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments. Israel says it has killed at least 160 combatants in Gaza.

Authorities put the death toll in Israel at 12, with hundreds of people treated for injuries in rocket attacks that have caused panic and sent people rushing into shelters.

On Thursday, Biden discussed Gaza with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the White House said reports of moves toward a ceasefire were "encouraging".

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that U.N. Middle East Envoy Tor Wennesland is in Qatar, adding: We are actively engaged with all the relevant parties for an immediate ceasefire.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Rami Ayyub in Tel Aviv and Andrea Shalal aboard Air Force One; Additional reporting by Jeffrey Heller and Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem and Aidan Lewis in Cairo; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Philippa Fletcher, Giles Elgood and Andrew Heavens)
Hollywood stars and activists held a rally in Boyle Heights in support of Senate Bill 805 which would help small theaters.

Video Transcript

- Holywood stars and activists held a rally in Boyle Heights today in support of a Senate Bill that would help small community theaters. Our community journalist Eric Resendiz has the story.

ERIC RESENDIZ: Hollywood stars like Edward James Olmos and Danny Glover joined State Senator Susan Rubio in a rally to support her Senate Bill 805, known as "Save the Performing Arts Act of 2021."

EDWARD JAMES OLMOS: And the arts are the single most important aspect for strength to culture and community, and theater is the number one goal. If it was not for small theater in this city, I would not be standing here as Edward James Olmos, the artist.

ERIC RESENDIZ: The bill would primarily create funding to help small nonprofit theaters pay workers minimum wage, particularly workers in marginalized communities.

JOSEFINA LOPEZ: But the big fear houses, you know, what they do, they bring shows from New York City. They basically take everything that's done in New York. And so the actors here in Los Angeles, you know, it's like the playwrights here we're ignored.

ERIC RESENDIZ: Theater owners say if the bill doesn't pass, some small theaters will have to permanently close.

MICHELLE KRUSIEC: We know what is happening to Asians in this country right now. It is horrific. What we are going through right now being attacked, being killed, being assaulted, and no one is talking about it. And it is awful and horrific. And I have been dealing with it my whole life, and what saved me was theater.

ERIC RESENDIZ: Senator Rubio says the bill is up for a vote tomorrow with the committee before it goes to the Senate floor for a vote.

SUSAN RUBIO: If it doesn't pass tomorrow, it is dead. So we need to do the work today, start calling, organizing, and making sure that our voices are heard.

ERIC RESENDIZ: In Boyle Heights Eric Resendiz ABC7 Eyewitness News.
New York state police raided the home of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren on Wednesday, and her husband was later arrested on drugs and weapons charges, officials said.

Timothy Granison, Warren's 42-year-old husband, appeared Thursday via video in Rochester City Court from the Monroe County jail, where he spent the night.

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He pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell. He was released without bail and his next court date was set for June 21.

The raid was part of a seven-month-long, local drug probe that didn't originally target Granison, officials said. But once the mayor's husband got on the police radar three months ago, Rochester authorities looped in state police.

"Once we learned that he was becoming a potential target, I determined, along with my staff, that in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, that we bring in the New York State Police," Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley told reporters on Thursday.

Seven people were arrested and two kilos of crack and powder cocaine seized, officials said.

"That's significant, especially for this community, " said Doorley, who declined to disclose where the drugs were seized from during raids of seven different homes on Wednesday.

The probe also involved wire taps and authorities declined to say if the mayor was captured in the confidential recordings.

Police said they want to interview Warren, but haven't immediately heard back from her.

Asked point-blank if Mayor Warren is not a target of the on-going probe, Doorley said: "I'm not saying that, I'm not commenting at this point."

Police also seized four weapons, a semi-automatic rifle and three handguns, and $100,000 cash in the raids on Wednesday. The rifle and one of the handguns were taken from Warren's home, police said.

"The handgun was unregistered, yes. The rifle has issues separate from that," state police Maj. Barry Chase said.

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Warren was not home when police searched her home.

The police action took Warren by surprise and she didn't immediately know what investigators could have been looking for, according to city spokesman Justin Roj.

"The mayor is just learning about the events that unfolded this afternoon and has no more information than the rest of the community," Roj said in a statement on Wednesday. "She hopes to learn more details this evening and will have a statement tomorrow.

Roj could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday.

Rochester is New York state's third-largest city, with more than 200,000 residents along the southern shore of Lake Ontario.

This is a developing story, please refresh here for updates.
A new report has found that some vulnerable hospital patients were discharged into care homes unlawfully - Getty Images Europe

An SNP minister has been accused of evading key questions over their decision to move thousands of vulnerable hospital patients into care homes at the start of the pandemic after a damning report found that some transfers were unlawful.

Covid outbreaks savaged Scotlands care homes during the first wave of Covid-19, which public health chiefs finally admitted last month may be linked to the SNP governments decision to transfer thousands of elderly hospital patients without testing many of them.

And now a report released on Thursday by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, which studied a sample of discharges when vulnerable patients did not have the capacity to decide for themselves, found that at least 20 transfers were unlawful.

The disappointing findings expose endemic examples of poor practice, the commission said, some of which pre-dates the pandemic.

It also estimated that many more patients may have been unlawfully moved.

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Following an urgent question on the findings at Holyrood, new social care minister Kevin Stewart defended the SNP governments decisions as being in the context of images from Italy - which was hit by the pandemic before the UK - showing "coronavirus going rampant".

"Clinicians believed that the best possible outcomes for patients at that time was to move them out of hospital settings, he insisted.

However, Mr Stewart admitted that the government made mistakes and conceded that this should have been done following legal process and pledged to ensure that does not happen again.

But deputy Scottish Labour leader and health spokesperson Jackie Baillie challenged Mr Stewart on why risk assessments werent carried out on vulnerable hospital patients being transferred into care homes untested when such assessments were carried out for NHS employees from the very start of the crisis.

Despite Nicola Sturgeon claiming this year that the transfers would not have occurred with the benefit of the knowledge we have now, Ms Baillie pointed out that the NHS had already classified Covid-19 as a Group 3 biological agent in line with health and safety legislation at the outset of the pandemic.

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The disregard with which this government approached the transfer of patients into care homes beggars belief, she said.

Despite a legal requirement to carry out risk assessments, the SNP government catastrophically failed to do so.

Ms Baillie accused the SNP of still trying to evade scrutiny on the issue and questioned why Mr Stewart failed to commit to a review on the reports shameful findings.

The commission also uncovered evidence of longstanding misunderstandings within health and social care partnerships about the law surrounding adults with incapacity, with those working in hospital discharge not fully aware of the powers held by attorneys or guardians in 78 out of 267 cases.

The findings provoked alarm from Scotlands legal community, with its governing body claiming the report makes worrying, although sadly not unexpected reading.

This confirms the concerns we have raised throughout about whether the rights of individuals have been upheld, particularly where they may have lacked capacity to give valid consent, said Amanda Millar, president of the Law Society of Scotland.

Meanwhile, investigators said they had been told of "pressure on wards to clear beds" between March and May 2020 as hospitals prepared for an influx of Covid patients.

Earlier this year, Jeane Freeman, then Health Secretary, admitted "we didnt take the right precautions" when demanding that elderly Scots be transferred out of hospital wards and into homes.

Julie Paterson, chief executive of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, said: "Lack of understanding of the law, lack of understanding of good practice, confusion over the nature of placements, misunderstanding over power of attorney.

"These findings are very disappointing and may mean that many more moves were made without valid legal authority."

The report made eight recommendations for HSCPs, including making sure staff understand the law through training.

It urged the Care Inspectorate to take account of the report in its inspection activity, and the Scottish government to monitor the delivery of the recommendations, which Mr Stewart said it would do.
By Jon Nazca and Mariano Valladolid

CEUTA, Spain (Reuters) - A Moroccan boy who used empty plastic bottles to swim to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta this week said he would rather die than go back to Morocco, according to the Spanish soldier who translated for him before he was escorted away.

The boy attracted international media attention as he floated in a dark T-shirt with the bottles under his clothes and attached to his arms, crying as he reached the beach only to be led away by soldiers.

"He didn't want to go back, he didn't have any family in Morocco, he didn't care if he died from cold; He preferred to die ... than go back to Morocco," soldier Rachid Mohamed al Messaoui said.

"I never heard that from someone so young," the 25-year-old told Reuters, speaking on the beach.

Soldiers accompanied the crying boy through the gate to the security zone between the two countries, along with other migrants. An army spokesman in Ceuta said he had no information on what happened to the boy.

Deporting minors is illegal in Spain and hundreds have been processed in a makeshift reception centre in Ceuta.

The boy was one of some 8,000 migrants who swam or climbed over a border fence into the enclave this week after Rabat relaxed border controls. Spain has deployed troops to Ceuta to patrol the border with Morocco and called the situation a crisis for Europe.

On the northern tip of Morocco across from Gibraltar and with a population of 80,000, the enclave's beaches are only a few hundred metres (yards) away.

Al Messaoui, who speaks Moroccan Arabic, or Darija, said he tried to put his feelings to one side to help calm those arriving on the beach, acting as a translator for his Spanish army colleagues.

"You feel frustrated, desperate that you can't do more for that boy," he said.

Asked what he would tell the parents of young Moroccans eager to cross over to Ceuta, he said: "Not to let them go, to be with them, and to be united as a family even if there are difficulties of life in their country... not to let them drift away alone, desperate, helpless."

(Open https://reut.rs/33Z7URR in an external browser to see a picture story of the Moroccan migrant boy and the soldier on the beach)

(Writing by Robin Emmott, editing by Andrei Khalip and John Stonestreet)
The IMF is continuing meetings to restructure Chad's debt, the fund spokesman said Thursday, despite the country being run by a military junta after the death of President Idriss Deby Itno in battle.

"I can tell you the creditor committee had a technical meeting earlier this week, and a follow-up meeting is planned for next week," Gerry Rice told reporters at the IMF headquarters in Washington.

Chad in January became the first country to request debt restructuring under a new mechanism established last year by the G20 as it dealt with a heavy debt burden exacerbated by the downturn caused by Covid-19, which sunk prices of its main export oil.

The country is among several in Africa dealing with high debt loads, and Ethiopia and Zambia have made similar debt relief requests.

In late January, the Washington-based crisis lender announced a four-year interim agreement under its Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility, both viewed as necessary steps in restructuring Chad's debt.

However, the IMF executive board has not approved the programs. According to fund data, Chad's external debt stood at 25.6 percent of GDP as of the end of 2019.

"Chad urgently needs a debt relief to help recover from this crisis, and success with (Chad's) common framework request will also help more countries step forward if they need debt restructuring," Rice said.

G20 and Paris Club creditors -- including China, France, India and Saudi Arabia -- had supported a request from Chad for debt restructuring following a mid-April meeting.

But days later, Deby was killed in fighting with rebels, plunging Chad into political turmoil amid claims from the opposition that the junta's takeover amounted to an "institutional coup."

Rice did not comment on the political situation in his press conference.

Dt/jum/clp/cs/to
By Manas Mishra

BENGALURU (Reuters) - India has ordered tighter surveillance of a rare fungal disease hitting COVID-19 patients, officials said on Thursday, piling pressure on hospitals struggling with the world's highest number of daily infections of the novel coronavirus.

Mucormycosis, or "black fungus" usually infects people whose immune system has been compromised, causing blackening or discolouration over the nose, blurred or double vision, chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing blood.

Doctors believe that the use of steroids to treat severe COVID-19 could be causing the rash of cases because those drugs reduce immunity and push up sugar levels.

Health Secretary Lav Agarwal said in a letter to state governments that mucormycosis had emerged as a new challenge for COVID-19 patients on steroid therapy and those with pre-existing diabetes.

"This fungal infection is leading to prolonged morbidity and mortality among COVID-19 patients," he said in the letter reviewed by Reuters on Thursday.

He gave no numbers of the Mucormycosis cases nationwide but Maharashtra, one of the states worst hit in the second wave of coronavirus infections, has reported 1,500 cases of it.

Agarwal asked state governments to declare it as a "notifiable disease" under the Epidemics Act, meaning they have to identify and track every case.

India on Thursday reported 276,110 new coronavirus infections over the previous 24 hours, slightly higher than a day earlier but well below the 400,000 high seen at the beginning of this month in a devastating second wave.

The total caseload stands at 25.77 million, the world's second highest after the United States. Deaths rose by 3,874 overnight, taking the total tally 287,122.

But with hospitals and crematoria overflowing and the health system overwhelmed, it is widely accepted that the official figures grossly underestimate the real impact of the epidemic, with some experts saying infections and deaths could be five to 10 times higher.

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The second wave has penetrated deep into the countryside and the additional burden of mucormycosis has hit a rural health system ill-equipped to cope.

SP Kalantari, a doctor based in Sevagram, a town in Maharashtra, said that a team including ear, nose, and throat surgeons, ophthalmologists and neurologists was needed to treat mucormycosis.

"Unfortunately, this kind of team does not exist in rural areas," Kalantari said.

(Reporting by Manas Mishra and Sai Sachin Ravikumar in Bengaluru, Sudarshan Varadhan in Chennai; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani, Robert Birsel)
Eight English councils did not have access to full coronavirus infection data between 21 April and 11 May, according to a report. (PA)

The spread of the Indian coronavirus variant was made worse by a failure in the test and trace system which meant eight councils didn't know about more than 700 positive test results, according to a report.

The BBC reported the eight English councils did not have access to full coronavirus infection data between 21 April and 11 May.

This meant 734 positive tests were not registered, according to the report, meaning their contacts were not traced locally and told to self-isolate.

Among those councils was reportedly Blackburn with Darwen, which has among the highest number of cases of the B.1.617.2 variant in England.

According to the report, the other council areas affected were Blackpool, York, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

Officials at one of the councils reportedly said the spread of the variant was exacerbated by the sporadic failure of the national test and trace system.

Cases involving the variant have accelerated across England in the past week, with 2,967 reported on Wednesday. This was up 1,654 from 1,313 on Thursday last week (13 May).

Watch: Almost 3,000 cases of Indian variant in UK

Downing Street labelled the issue a short delay on Thursday and said problems with informing eight councils about the positive cases were quickly resolved.

Boris Johnsons official spokesman told reporters: In this specific instance, all positive cases were contacted and told to self-isolate for 10 days.

As you know, there was a short delay when asking some of those positive cases to provide details of individuals they had contacted since contracting COVID.

This issue was across a small number of local authority areas and was quickly resolved.

Read more:

The pay is right: Jacob Rees-Mogg defends 1% increase after nurse who treated Boris Johnson quits NHS

3 things we learned about the Indian COVID variant on Wednesday

Asked whether the government accepted the failure contributed to the spread of the variant, the spokesman said: The spread of the variant will be down to a number of factors. This was an issue that occurred across a small number of local authority areas, so I dont think it is possible to draw that conclusion from this.

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Labour shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "It beggars belief that yet again local health experts on ground have been left in the dark for two weeks [sic] when we know acting with speed is vital to containing an outbreak.

Ministers need to explain whats gone wrong and provide local health directors with all the resources they need to push infections down.

Since last week, the spread of the variant has led to questions about whether the government will be able to go ahead with its plan to drop all restrictions on social contact in England on 21 June  though Boris Johnson has signalled COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the strain.

Watch: Government has 'increasing confidence' vaccines effective against Indian variant
Illustration by The Daily Beast

Choire Sichas sudden departure as The New York Times Styles section editor shocked many at the paper. He left a job previously described by the Times leadership as one of the most important features jobs in American journalism for a newsletter positiona sign some took as a demotion.

The move also took many by surprise, as some Styles employees only learned that it was Sichas last day on the team from a tweet posted by NBC News media reporter Dylan Byers. Six insiders at the publication suggested to The Daily Beast that Sichas transfer was the result of both masthead-level dissatisfaction with Sichas management styleincluding his handling of some of the papers higher-profile reportersand a bit of discontent with the gig on the part of the now-former Styles editor himself. The friction is also part of the papers continued struggle to reconcile the buttoned-up impulses of its old guard and its newer, less traditional, digital-native staff.

A spokesperson for The Times said in a statement: You've heard a lot of false and misleading rumors. Choire is a superb journalist and a treasured colleague who has mentored journalists on the Styles desk and across the newsroom. We realized that newsletters offer us big opportunities and key to those ambitions is having expert newsroom leadership.

As our most senior leaders have made clear, there is no one better suited than Choire, an innovative thinker and a naturally entrepreneurial editor, to help build on our newsletter portfolio and showcase new voices in ways that meaningfully expand and evolve Times journalism.

NY Times Staffers Send Outraged Letter to Bosses Demanding Reporter Apologize for Racial Slur

Since taking the helm of the section in 2017, Sichaa former Gawker editor and co-founder of The Awlturned the Styles section into something weirder, more playful, and more engaged with how online life informs and defines cultural trends.

Beyond its traditional focus on fashion, the section published lighthearted takes on how the pandemic has affected urban rat populations and the people who suspect they live in haunted houses; and expanded its coverage of the changing lives, ideas, and culture of young people in America. Sicha allowed his team broad freedom to pursue story ideas that may not have run under previous Styles editors; one Times staffer said it was rare to see him shoot down pitches. The open-mindedness and creativity paid dividends: The section was widely praised as one of the Times most innovative, playful, and fun.

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But multiple insiders who spoke with The Daily Beast said that, in recent months, some friction had grown between management and Sicha. To some senior editors, Sichas management style was viewed as what Times insiders described as, at best, hands-off and, at worst, absenteea creative editor well-liked by his crew of writers, but seen as averse to the difficult conflicts or the intrapersonal headaches that may come with running one of the papers highest-profile sections.

Others also said Sicha seemed out-of-step with Times leadership. Some masthead editors were irked, for example, when they saw Sichas signature on protest letters involving internal Times matters, including a note from staff critical of racist comments made by former reporter Donald McNeil Jr. during a 2019 Times-led student trip to Peru.

Sicha declined to comment for this story but in an interview last year with Study Hall, he acknowledged that he had taken a fairly hands-off approach to the section, and much of the sections success could be attributed to its rank-and-file staff.

[I]f your central question is Gosh how does Choire Sicha make the Style section so magical? Then the answer is... I do not. It's not me doing any of it! I don't write the stories, I don't assign the stories, I don't design the stories, I don't take the photographs, I don't edit the stories. Man, I don't even do the INSTAGRAM stories, he said. And this can sometimes be really annoying or stressful for folks here! When things are a mess, I'll let them be a mess until someone decides to clean it up. It can be uncomfortable, or awful.

Some of those intra-management frustrations played out over Sichas approach to managing stars like Taylor Lorenz, a technology and internet culture reporter originally hired onto the Styles desk. After being poached from The Atlantic, Lorenz (a former Daily Beast staffer) has quickly become one of the most prominent reporters at the Times, breaking major stories on influencer culture, TikTok and other emerging social-media platforms, and prominent YouTube starsearning wide acclaim in journalism circles as a creative and hardworking reporter.

Bret Stephens Column on McNeil Scandal Didnt Clear Editors High Bar and He Freaked Out

But many of those stories were not for Styles. Over her tenure, shes written more and more for Business and an array of other sections at the paper. The Times has rewarded her with a documentary project, as well as with an upcoming newsletter, both outside of Styles.

Lorenzs rising profile has also made her the target of many detractors. At one point, the star reporter had to apologize for misattributing a slur to prominent tech investor Marc Andreessen. Her coverage of the audio-based social platform Clubhouse prompted outrage among tech bros who took issue with their public conversations on the platform being reported. Earlier this year, Tucker Carlson and Glenn Greenwald repeatedly mocked a tweet she posted lamenting how persistent online harassment had destroyed her life, and criticized her reporting on teenagers who use various social platforms. It prompted the Times to release a statement labeling the Fox News far-right hosts broadsides against her to be calculating and cruel.

Few Times staffers have a more active social-media presence than Lorenz, who has nearly a half-million followers on TikTok; shes tweeted or retweeted more than 100 times on Tuesday and Wednesday alone, for example. And the Times has publicly struggled to develop and enforce social-media guidelines for its reporters that have been seen as both strict but fairly vague. The paper, for example, prohibits employees doing anything else that undercuts The Timess journalistic reputation.

Over the past year masthead editors have on occasion held internal discussions about how to respond to the wave of this persistent, heated, and often bad-faith attacks generated by Lorenzs thousand-mile-an-hour social stream. Sicha, while technically her manager, was seen as too hands-off and too conflict averse to handle such a high-octane, highly-combustible situation. It was another sign that Sicha wasnt perceived to be enough of a hands-on leader.

Masthead editors made the case to Lorenz that by regularly engaging with her critics online, she was giving them ammunition and perpetuating the cycle of harassment. Deputy managing editor Carolyn Ryan suggested that Lorenz reach out to Pulitzer Prize-winning political reporter Maggie Haberman, a prominent Times female journalist with a large online following whose work often provoked the online wrath of political media figures like former president Donald Trump.

This did not happen, Lorenz told The Daily Beast. That literally did not happen.

New York Times Trump Tax Team Imploded When Star Reporter David Barstow Went Rogue

But Lorenz did say she and Haberman had spoken on several occasions. According to three insiders, one of those conversations turned into a heated exchange that was later described as a blow-up. The pair allegedly argued about Lorenz's reporting on and signal-boosting of Kellyanne Conways teenage daughter Claudias social-media postings about her difficult family life, these people familiar with the matter said.

I dont remember every single specific conversation but I have a great working relationship with Maggie and everyone else on the politics team, Lorenz said. It is so disappointing that people are trying to sow controversy and instigate acrimony when there is none. Maggie is amazing. Shes talented and I'm so lucky to be her colleague.

Following the conversation, Lorenz made a number of critical and disparaging remarks about Haberman in Times Slack chats, three people familiar with the matter said, including complaining about how the political reporter had treated her, and using the word bitch to underscore her frustration.

Haberman declined to comment for this story, and Lorenz said she had never made disparaging comments about Haberman or any other colleague in any sort of public Slack.

People try to make me as the main character of every story about the New York Times, Lorenz told The Daily Beast, saying she has recently questioned if she wants to have a public-facing role in journalism.

NY Times Admits Newsroom Is Difficult Environment for Staffers of Color

Meanwhile, the search for Sichas successor continues. Times insiders said the most likely replacement is Alexandra Jacobs, who has been acting as a sort of interim leader for the section since Sicha abruptly vacated the role. The New York Post reported that former Cut editor Stella Bugbee was in the running for the gig, but that Jacobs, a well-liked features editor who has been running the section in Sichas absence, is seen as having the fashion industry knowledge and editorial sensibilities necessary to take the helm of the culture, fashion, and lifestyle vertical. Dodai Stewart, the deputy editor for narrative projects at the paper and former editor-in-chief of the website Splinter, is also a potential candidate for the gig.

But the process may give some observers a sense of deja vu from the last Styles editor search, back in 2017: As Vanity Fair reported at the time, several of the candidates included Bugbee, who reportedly turned down the job, and Jacobs, as well as Times media editor Jim Windolf. The gig ultimately went to Sicha.

with additional reporting by Lloyd Grove

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The suit also alleges that the Association of Public School Administrators and Supervisors of Harford County  the organization for non-certified and administrative staff  collected dues from the four women even though it was defunct and Gerringer, its then-president, knew. It also says she represented herself as being the head of the association, even though it was not permitted to operate in the state of Maryland at the time, accusing her of fraud and misrepresentation.
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's president said on Thursday that the United States was ready to lift sanctions on his country's oil, banking and shipping sectors that were reimposed after former U.S. President Donald Trump exited a 2015 nuclear deal three years ago.

Iran and world powers have been in talks since April on reviving the deal and the EU official leading the discussions said on Wednesday he was confident a deal would be reached.

But European diplomats said success was not guaranteed and very difficult issues remained, while a senior Iranian official contradicted the president.

"The talks in Vienna are about minor issues. They have accepted to lift sanctions on Iran's oil and shipping sectors as well as sanctions on the Central Bank and others," President Hassan Rouhani said during a televised cabinet meeting.

Rouhani was speaking a few weeks ahead of Iran's presidential election, in which the revival of the nuclear accord could boost moderate candidates close to him.

Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, prompting Iran to steadily overstep the accords limits on its nuclear programme designed to make it harder to develop an atomic bomb - an ambition Tehran denies.

Iran's top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday that some "key issues" needed to be discussed further.

And a senior Iranian official told the country's Press TV that Washington had no intention to "completely lift any sanctions on the oil, banking, finance and energy sectors".

"Washington intends to temporarily suspend some of the sanctions over a long period of time and in various steps," said the official, who was not identified by the station run by hardliners and which is close to the Revolutionary Guards.

Oil prices were on course for a third day of losses on Thursday after diplomats said progress was made towards a deal to lift sanctions on Iran, which could boost crude supply.

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Giles Elgood)
Josh Harris is stepping down from his day-to-day Apollo Global Management, the alternative investment giant he co-founded in 1990, after losing a succession battle.

Between the lines: This is the latest domino to fall from the relationship between fellow Apollo co-founder Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein, which ultimately resulted in Black's resignation as both CEO and chairman.

Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

Background: Harris concluded that Black had to go long before Black did, which either means Harris was more in touch with the gravity of the Epstein situation, was being an opportunist, or both.

Either way, Black didn't take too kindly to the usurpation, recruiting third co-founder Marc Rowan back from his Hamptons retirement to become CEO.

The writing was then on the wall for Harris, who has outside interests as co-owner of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and NHL's New Jersey Devils. He also was part of an unsuccessful effort to buy the New York Mets.

Details: Harris will remain on Apollo's board of directors and executive committee. His transition becomes effective when the firm closes its megamerger with Athene, which is expected to occur next January.

What Harris is saying, per an internal email sent this morning: "I will return to my roots as an investor and entrepreneur, focusing full time on the platforms Ive created outside of the firm, as well as deepen my commitment to philanthropy and social impact. Now is the right moment for this transition. I believe that our unrivaled and deeply talented global team is in the most capable hands under Marcs leadership. I am grateful to Marc for his partnership and friendship."

What Rowan is saying, per an internal email sent one minute later: "Josh has been an amazing partner and it has been my privilege to work side by side with him for nearly 35 years. I am fortunate to lead a business with an incredibly strong management team, which Josh had a significant role in helping to develop."

What Omar Little would say: You come at the king, you best not miss.

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An image of Chelsea Becker is shown on a phone. (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times)

A judge on Thursday dismissed a murder charge against a Central Valley woman who prosecutors said delivered a stillborn baby after using methamphetamine, ruling the prosecution failed to present adequate evidence to support the accusation.

Chelsea Becker, 26, of Hanford had already been released into a treatment facility in March while awaiting trial. Before that, she had been ordered held on $5-million bond, which was later reduced to $2 million, and spent more than a year in jail after her arrest in November 2019.

Kings County Superior Court Judge Robert S. Burns on Thursday granted a motion by Beckers attorneys to set aside the charge entirely, finding that prosecutors failed to prove she acted with implied malice, a standard that would have meant she had understood but disregarded the risk to her unborn child when she allegedly used methamphetamine while pregnant.

Chelsea is incredibly relieved that this nightmare for her is over, said her attorney Dan Arshack, a consulting counsel at National Advocates for Pregnant Women. Shes looking forward to picking up the pieces and getting on with her life.

Becker plans to remain in a drug treatment facility for the time being, he said. When he shared the news with her Thursday morning, she wept.

Arshack noted that the judge stopped short of ruling that the charge was not permitted under state law, as her legal team had sought.

Im elated that for Chelsea this case is over, he said. Sadly, however, the possibility of other women in California being charged with murder associated with having a stillbirth is still a distinct possibility and perhaps in Kings County even a likelihood.

The prosecution can appeal the ruling or seek a second chance to present its case at a new preliminary hearing. Kings County Dist. Atty. Keith Fagundes' office will review the record and the transcript of Thursday's proceedings before deciding how to move forward, said Phil Esbenshade, the executive assistant district attorney.

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Becker delivered a stillborn son, whom she named Zachariah, at Adventist Health Hanford on Sept. 10, 2019. Hospital staffers suspected she may have used drugs while pregnant and called the Kings County coroners office.

Nearly two months later, on Nov. 6, police arrested Becker. Fagundes charged her with murder, citing an autopsy report stating her unborn child had toxic levels of methamphetamine in his system.

The charge drew outrage from civil rights groups, and a legal team backed by National Advocates for Pregnant Women took on her case.

This is such an important victory," Lynn Paltrow, executive director of National Advocates for Pregnant Women, said Thursday. "We are so grateful that Chelsea Becker was willing to fight this egregious charge to try to ensure that no one else has to face a murder charge for experiencing a stillbirth."

Still, she said, the outcome was slightly bittersweet.

"This prosecution based on a misinterpretation of state law resulted in somebody being deprived of her liberty and exposed to the real danger of COVID for 16 months of her life," she said. "This cost taxpayers innumerable dollars in terms of the incarceration as well as all of the time to pay for the prosecution in this case, money that could have been used to improve access to healthcare in their community."

Becker's lawyers argued the prosecution presented no evidence that Becker was aware using methamphetamine while pregnant could cause her to have a stillbirth.

"There are some good reasons why the prosecution didnt produce any evidence of that," Arshack said. "One is that there is absolutely no scientific evidence that establishes that the ingestion of methamphetamine while pregnant causes fetal demise."

In fact, he pointed out, the lead officer on the case testified during a December preliminary hearing that Becker had told him she didn't know what using the drug during pregnancy could do to her unborn child. Before the stillbirth, she had given birth three times while struggling with addiction, each time with no significant injury to the baby, Arshack said.

Beckers defense also argued that the prosecution failed to prove that drug use caused her unborn childs death. Although she had suffered from three reproductive tract infections that could have resulted in the stillbirth, the pathologist who performed her stillborn baby's autopsy and determined the cause of death to be methamphetamine toxicity failed to consider any of them, her attorneys said.

The pathologist, Dr. Jue-Rong Zhang, testified during the preliminary hearing that he had not examined Beckers medical records until the day of his testimony, which came more than a year after her arrest.

Thursday's ruling marked a major development in a high-stakes legal fight that advocates said could have had far-reaching implications for women's rights in California, where a woman has never been convicted of murder in the death of her own unborn child. If the court allowed such a charge, they said, it would judicially rewrite the homicide statute, opening the door to the prosecution of any woman who has a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Fagundes had contended that the charge was permitted by a 1970 amendment to California's murder statute that added a fetus as a potential victim. But a section in the law states it does not apply to acts solicited, aided, abetted, or consented to by the mother of the fetus, and multiple attempts to convict women of killing their unborn children have been knocked down by California courts.

Still, Burns in June sided with Fagundes interpretation, denying an application by Beckers lawyers to dismiss the case because of the way the law is written. And in his ruling Thursday, he stated the charge should be dismissed because of evidentiary problems only, not improper application of the murder statute.

Burns began the ruling by making statements that suggest he believes the state's murder statute could be used to punish anyone who has an abortion that isn't permitted by Californias Reproductive Privacy Act, Paltrow said.

Although thats just dictum  words the judge is saying  it gives us a clue as to the kind of things that could happen if the Supreme Court does overturn Roe vs. Wade, or further limit it with statements regarding state interests or rights for fetuses, she said.

Until a court rules on the underlying question of whether California law permits a woman to be charged with murder for killing her own fetus, advocates will need to deal with each case separately as it arises, they said.

While we are thrilled that the case against Ms. Becker has been dismissed, we are disappointed that a dismissal on these grounds does not foreclose the possibility that a misguided prosecutor may attempt a similar prosecution in the future. Becker's attorney Jacqueline Goodman said in a statement. As a result, we are left to play a sort of whack-a-mole, ever vigilant that we find and prevent any similar efforts to charge a woman with murder for the outcome of her pregnancy.

California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said his office strongly believes the murder statute was never intended to prosecute women who have stillbirths or miscarriages. That view is in keeping with his predecessor, Xavier Becerra, who had submitted court filings calling for an end to Beckers prosecution.

The dismissal of the murder charges against Chelsea Becker today is a victory that we hope will prevent this misinterpretation of California law from happening in the future, Bonta said Thursday in an interview with The Times. Its not lost on us that Ms. Becker was forced to fight over a year and a half, spending 16 months in jail after being wrongfully charged with the murder of her stillborn child.

Like Becerra, Bonta also said his office would work to end the imprisonment of Adora Perez, 33, of Hanford.

Perez was charged with murder by Fagundes office in 2018 after she delivered a stillborn baby at Adventist Health Hanford and authorities alleged she had used methamphetamine while pregnant. She pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 11 years.

"My office's stance is clear," Bonta said. "Ms. Perez should not be in prison and should never have been charged with murder in the first place."

Her attorneys, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, are now working to appeal her case, saying her previous legal counsel was ineffective and never told her the murder charge lacked a legal basis.

A request to reopen Perez's appeal was denied by an appeals court in March, and her attorneys are seeking relief in the state Supreme Court. A separate motion for the conviction to be overturned is pending before a Kings County Superior Court judge.

Even though Burns' ruling in Becker's case does not directly affect Perez, it has given her legal team hope, her attorney Mary McNamara said.

I think this marks a turning point for these kinds of prosecutions, because I think they are now going to get the kind of judicial scrutiny thats warranted, McNamara said.

Perezs charge was based on evidence that was similar to that in Becker's case, McNamara added, and shes hopeful the courts will rectify what she describes as "a grave and appalling injustice."

In the meantime, she said, her client is struggling to keep her head up in prison as her legal fight grinds on.

The greatest challenge for her, as it is with everybody in a situation where theyre going though the legal process after conviction, is the state of not knowing when or if there may be relief, she said. That, I think, is a psychological torment, and its extraordinarily difficult.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A federal judge ordered former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to testify in a lawsuit related to her role in how the Education Department (ED) handled debt relief for students who felt they were defrauded.

United States District Judge William Alsup wrote in a 12-page ruling, first reported by Politico, that the motion to quash a subpoena for her deposition is denied and that "extraordinary circumstances warrant the deposition of Secretary DeVos for three hours, excluding breaks."

The class action lawsuit, filed in June 2019, stems from around 160,000 former students of now-defunct for-profit colleges suing the Education Secretary to spur the borrower defense process.

Plaintiffs demand for a former Cabinet officials deposition is extraordinary, unnecessary, and unsupported, DeVos personal attorney and Justice Department lawyers previously argued in a court filing. It is a transparent attempt at harassment  part of a PR campaign that has been central to Plaintiffs litigation strategy from the outset.

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy Devos arrives before an event with young artists who depicted imagery related to the suffrage movement and the 19th amendment, at the White House in Washington, U.S., August 24, 2020. REUTERS/Al Drago

U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens with federally-backed student debt can apply for borrower defense if their college or career school education misled them "or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws," according to the ED's Federal Student Aid office.

Education Department (ED) data previously obtained by Yahoo Finance detailed a backlog of claims from U.S. college students who felt defrauded, underscoring the Trump administration's deregulatory actions toward U.S. higher education.

Borrower defense applications surged after the Obama administration cracked down on predatory for-profit colleges in 2015 and created new regulations, but the mechanism for defrauded borrowers seeking debt relief broke down during the Trump administration.

Judge Alsup, a Clinton appointee, noted DeVos "moved to rein in" loan forgiveness for defrauded borrowers, approving some claims under a new partial relief methodology (that has now been rescinded by the Biden administration) while denying others. There was then an 18-month delay in the process, followed by a flurry of systematically denials during the final year of the President Trump's term.

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Judge Alsup noted that "class counsel are entitled to probe matters broadly related to the actual cause for the challenged eighteen-month delay, the development, approval, and use of the form-denial letters, and the Secretarys involvement in clearing the backlog of our classmembers borrower-defense claims."

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DeVos resigned in January, shortly before Trump's term ended, and was subpoenaed four days later.

Alsup noted that while the deposition of a former cabinet secretary is "rare," U.S. presidents going back 200 years have been required to answer to subpoenas.

Even assuming Secretary DeVos retains some measure of executive prerogative, she must answer an appropriately issued subpoena," the order stated. "Judicial process runs even to unwilling executives. Chief Justice Marshall first ruled that a subpoena could require a presidents production of documents material to the defense when presiding over Vice President Burrs treason trial. For the same reasons, in 1818, President Monroe answered written interrogatories on summons by the defense in a court martial. In 1974, a unanimous Supreme Court ordered President Nixons compliance with a subpoena for the White House tapes. President Clinton twice gave videotaped testimony for criminal proceedings and, most famously, sat for deposition in a civil suit regarding his conduct as governor of Arkansas. If judicial process runs to presidents, it runs to cabinet secretaries  especially former ones."

The judge added that there was "personal involvement" of DeVos in the borrower defense process, since lower-level officials like Federal Student Aid COO Mark Brown or Under Secretary Diane Jones said they were not the decision-makers on this issue.

"To wit, if an order came from above, it came from the Secretary," Alsup wrote. "Beyond illuminating her involvement, these material gaps at the highest rungs of the Departments decision making record reveal the necessity of Secretary DeVoss testimony for an independent reason. We lack an official and contemporaneous justification for the eighteen month delay because this suit concerns agency inaction, and not the usual agency action."

The judge put a stay on the order for 14 days in case of an appeal, and also set another hearing in the case for June 3.



Aarthi is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. She can be reached at aarthi@yahoofinance.com. Follow her on Twitter @aarthiswami.

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A man is criminally charged in the shooting death of a beloved personal trainer gunned down in Kansas Citys 18th & Vine district last month, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Thursday.

Jerronn Anderson, 29, faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of 34-year-old Gary Taylor, the prosecutors office announced Thursday afternoon. Standing beside members of Taylors family, Baker praised the actions of investigators and said she hopes her office may swiftly deliver a measure of justice in the case.

Taylor, a father of three and the owner of Power House Fitness, was killed on April 25. He was among four people shot during a bout of gunfire in an area that is a historic mainstay of Kansas City.

After the charges were announced, his girlfriend Rashouna Harris told The Star they bring the family some peace.

We can now tell his children that their fathers unfortunate murder did not fall by the wayside like unfortunately so many others, thank you God, Harris said.

Speaking on behalf of his children and other family, Taylors mother Latrice Carroll said they are tremendously grateful for the actions that led to an arrest in his killing.

Sunday dinners will never be the same without him, she said. He had been there the day he was killed.

Shooting in 18th & Vine district

Officers were called just after 10 p.m. to the intersection of 18th and Vine streets on a call of gunshots on April 25. When they arrived, they found four shooting victims including Taylor near 19th and Vine streets.

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Emergency medical personnel tried to save Taylors life at the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later, Officer Donna Drake, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City Police Department, said shortly after the shooting took place.

Detectives reviewed video from different cameras that showed Taylor walking south on Vine Street with two of his friends in the moments before the shooting, according to charging documents.

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As the three friends got closer to 19th Street, Anderson approached, pulled out a handgun and allegedly shot Taylor, who fell to the ground. Taylors friends then pulled out guns and started shooting toward Anderson. One of the friends later told police hed never seen Anderson before.

Detectives in video footage saw Anderson running north on Vine Street with visible difficulties before disappearing from view.

About two minutes later, a tan Chevy pickup left a parking lot near 19th Street, court records show. Video footage showed someone lying in the bed of the truck.

The same truck arrived at a hospital about three minutes later. Anderson was seen getting out of the bed of the truck, and checking himself into the hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Anderson told medical staff that he was shot in the area of 39th Street and Topping Avenue, but police never found a crime scene in the area, according to charging documents.

Detectives were later told Anderson left the hospital against medical advice prior to the completion of his treatment.

The witness who drove Anderson to the hospital told police that he was gambling on a dice game with Andersons brother when he heard gunshots. Then Anderson appeared with a gunshot wound. The witness agreed to take him to the hospital.

Anderson was arrested Wednesday afternoon, the prosecutors office announced. He declined to give detectives a statement.

His bond has been set at $250,000.

Details about what motivated the shooting remained unclear Wednesday.

Impact on countless lives

Taylors killing gripped Kansas City in the immediate aftermath of his death. Mayor Quinton Lucas, who lives in the neighborhood, toured the area the morning after Taylor and the others were shot, stopping by the blood-stained street after a morning jog.

The mayor has pointed to Taylors killing as yet another example showing the citys efforts to stem violent crime have been largely unsuccessful.

We have a problem. We have a very serious problem, Lucas told The Star after Taylors killing.

Taylor, who was the 48th homicide victim in Kansas City this year, was remembered by loved ones as a gentle giant who sought to encourage those around him to become greater. As of Thursday, a total of 59 people have been killed in the city in 2021.

Alexander Taylor, Gary Taylors younger brother, said he wants everyone who his brother influenced to remember the way he touched their lives  and to press onward.

Continue to do the positive things that youre supposed to be doing, he said. He wouldnt want anything more than for you to continue.

Taylor made an impact on the lives of countless people who in the days after his death told their own stories of how Taylors training and motivation improved their lives.

He had talked of giving his kids, ages 12, 6 and 18 months, the opportunity to take over his business someday, Taylors girlfriend previously told The Star.

We gotta take care of ourselves so that we can be here for our children and then that will teach them to also take care of themselves, Taylor used to say.

The Stars Glenn E. Rice contributed.
Key Senate Republicans are open to paying for a potential bipartisan infrastructure package with one of President Bidens proposals: increased IRS funding to boost tax enforcement and collections.

Why it matters: By inching toward an agreement about how to pay for a portion of a potential $800 billion, hard infrastructure package, centrist Republicans are creating an avenue for a deal.

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 Regular taxpayers can't stand it when somebody is not paying their fair share, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who's leading negotiations with the White House, told Axios.

Providing IRS with more resources so that people who were evading taxes that they owe is a good idea, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). It is a possible pay-for."

Driving the news: After meeting with administration officials Tuesday, Capito said Wednesday the prospects of a bipartisan deal are greater than 50%.

She expects a White House counteroffer on Thursday or Friday.

We put a lot of things on the table, she said.

The big picture: When the White House unveiled its proposal to invest $80 billion in the IRS, it claimed that would raise $700 billion over 10 years.

Aides attached it to the president's secondary, $1.8 trillion American Families Plan, not his original, $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan.

After Republicans balked at paying for any infrastructure projects by raising the corporate tax rate, as Biden initially proposed, administration officials indicated the tax enforcement revenue could be used instead to pay for traditional infrastructure projects.

"You need equity in the tax code, and the fact that you got a lot of people either not paying their taxes, or making a pile of money, doesn't speak of equity  so I'm for it," Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mt.) said.

A conservative anti-tax group is zeroing in on Biden's IRS tax proposal as a means to sink his tax-and-spend infrastructure package, preying on the fears of small-business owners.

Between the lines: Republicans and the White House still disagree about how much revenue tax enforcement would actually raise.

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Progressive economists say the number may be closer to $1 trillion, but that figure has been met with skepticism from both parties.

I don't think anybody really thinks that's a true number, Capito said.

The bottom line: More money for the IRS isn't a silver bullet for figuring out how to pay for new roads, bridges and waterways. And the numbers have to add up.

You shouldn't put a stretch number on it, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told Axios. You should try to be realistically conservative on the amount.

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Allen Minish said he was surveying land near Gulkana in Alaska when he startled a brown bear, triggering an attack that left him with a crushed jaw, lacerations and wound in his scalp.

I saw him and he saw me at the same time, and its scary, said Minish, 61, the Associated Press reported.

Minish said the Tuesday morning attack, which lasted less than 10 seconds, happened after the bear charged at him while he used his surveying pole to try to keep the animal away, according to the publication.

In all honesty, it wouldnt have mattered either way. You know, if it killed me, it killed me. I had a good life; Im moving on. It didnt kill me, so now lets move on to the other direction of trying to stay alive, he said, the AP reported.

Minish said he tried to hide behind shrubs and grabbed the bears jaw to try to stop it from biting him, KTUU reported.

But then he twisted his head so fast, he knocked my hand free, Minish said. And when he did that, he lunged, grabbed my head, took the first bite, relaxed, and took the second bite, that was stronger, and thats when he cracked all the bones and part of my head.

Eventually, the bear let go and walked off while Minish tried to shield his face with his arms and hands, according to the station.

Alaska troopers said they responded to the attack and found Minish, helping him to the Alaska Pipeline road. Minish was flown to an Anchorage hospital to be treated, officials said.

The bear has not been found, according to police.
Harrisons knowledge is in demand because Baltimore is the second major police department he has guided through the consent decree process. Harrison spent 28 years on the New Orleans police force, working undercover early in his career to help the FBI catch corrupt cops, then rising through the ranks, including a stop as head of the internal affairs division. He became police superintendent in 2014, two years after that department entered into an agreement with the federal government, which accused it of a corrupt culture and rampant civil rights violations.
ASHKELON, Israel (Reuters) - The Vaizel family long felt it was just a matter of time before their home was hit by a rocket from Gaza.

So after it came, plowing through their kitchen wall, they stayed on, trying to maintain a semblance of normal life even as fresh sirens forced them to rush back down to the bomb shelter.

An eruption of fighting on May 10 has seen more than 4,300 rockets launched by Islamist militants in the Gaza Strip, salvoes of an unprecedented intensity for southern Israel even as its forces have pounded the Palestinian enclave.

"It is sad to say but we got used to it," said Adi Vaizel, 50, a widowed father of four. "Every few years we have this routine. It's unpleasant but, you know, we live in a place which is near a border, near a country we have a conflict with."

He added: "This round has been especially difficult."

Sirens sounded as the family hosted a Reuters TV crew. Everyone - including their Labrador named Shluk - trooped down to a fortified room in the basement, which saved them from the rocket strike on Sunday.

When the all-clear sounded, they were back upstairs, preparing food off improvised equipment in the ruined kitchen.

"There is still some fear, as they continue to fire rockets," said Vaizel's 17-year-old son Shai. "But I think it won't help if we go elsewhere. This is our home."

The rockets have killed 12 people in Israel, authorities say. Health officials in Gaza say 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been killed by Israeli shelling.

(Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
The worlds largest iceberg has broken off from Antarctica, the European Space Agency reported.

The 1,667-square-mile block of ice is more than three times the size of Los Angeles.

Images were captured by the Copernicus Sentinel 1 mission after it calved from the Ronne Ice Shelf in the Weddell Sea, ESA reported.

Iceberg calving is the breaking of ice chunks from the edge of a glacier and a natural process that will not lead to rises in sea levels because it was already a part of a floating ice shelf.

What might not be natural is the rate at which it is happening, the acceleration of the process. That is where we see what might be our human influence, Aleksandra Mazur told National Geographic in 2019.

The iceberg, A-76, took first place from another iceberg that broke off in the Weddell Sea that measured 1,498 square miles.

'Alarming': World's glaciers are melting faster than ever because of global warming, study says

How does a glacier burst?: Flooding in India leaves at least 31 dead and 165 missing.

The world's largest iceberg calved from the Ronne Ice Shelf in Antarctica.

A-76 was spotted by the British Antarctic Survey and confirmed by the U.S. National Ice Center.

ESA said icebergs are traditionally named from the Antarctic quadrant in which they were originally sighted, then a sequential number, then, if the iceberg breaks, a sequential letter.

In February another iceberg larger than New York City broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica.

Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World's largest iceberg breaks off at Weddell Sea in Antarctica
Police shared new details on their search for missing Chula Vista mother Maya Millete Wednesday, disclosing a new location of interest in their investigation.

Video Transcript

MARIA ARCEGA-DUNN: information this afternoon in the search for missing Chula Vista mother, Maya Millete. It's been more than four months since she vanished without a trace, and police just provided an update on this case. They say based on some new leads, authorities have held searches over the past week in the area of 500 Hunt Parkway in Chula Vista. It's about a mile west of the Millete home off the 125. And Sky Fox is live over that search area right now. Police, though, did not reveal exactly what led them there, just new leads.

Now, the department says that tips are coming in from all over the country, with two possible sightings of Maya in the past two weeks. Now, one in Arizona, the other in New Mexico, and in the past two weeks they've conducted three more interviews. They've served eight more warrants since Maya's disappearance in January. So two warrants have been served at the Millete home, and her family isn't giving up hope in finding her anytime soon. Fox5's Jeff McAdam, he is live in Chula Vista with these new clues in the case. Jeff.

JEFF MCADAM: Hey, Maria. Yeah, we are just outside that area police say that they searched last week. As you can tell, behind me there is a gate. This is private property. We can't get back there. We've seen the Otai Water District trucks coming in and out over the past hour. We hoped to show you what it is that police were looking at last week at some point, but obviously, won't be able to do it from the ground. We just saw Fox5 circling above.

It's a road that it's about, as you mentioned, about a quarter mile to maybe a half mile behind the family's home. You can take a hiking trail to get from their home to this area. Investigators did not say why they were searching this area. But Maya's sister, Maricris, told me on the phone here about an hour ago that the community search group has already searched this same area a couple of times because Maya like to hike here. They thought it was possible maybe she fell down and was injured. Of course, that was a couple months ago. The police are now searching this area too.

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It's been 4 and 1/2 months now that she's been missing. Her three kids, still at the family home with dad Larry Millete. Two search warrants have been served there, including one less than two weeks ago where they removed weapons from his possession. Maya's sister says one of their biggest priorities at the moment is getting visitation hours with Maya's kids. They've hired a lawyer now to try and make it happen.

MARICRIS DROUAILLET: We haven't seen them for four months. More than four months, it's 20 weeks. It's almost five months. And to not see them at all, you know, we were together almost every other weekend, sometimes every weekend. We still need to show them that we love them and we are still here. Their family, their cousins that they grew up with, that we are supporting them.

JEFF MCADAM: Yeah, Maya's sister also tells us that Chula Vista Police met with them yesterday, made kind of a commitment that they were going to work together. To just some extent moving forward that's, of course, great news for the family that's only been asking for communication with police since Maya went missing. At least Maya's family tells us that police have even offered to do future searches together, which, of course, is good news for the family.
May 19If you or someone you know needs resources or support related to sexual violence, contact the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault's 24/7 hotline at 800-871-7741.

A Stetson man accused of raping and killing a Connecticut girl in 1986 pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a federal child pornography charge.

Marc Karun, 55, who has been held in Connecticut since his June 2019 arrest outside his Penobscot County home, entered his plea remotely before a Bangor judge, according to CBS affiliate WABI.

He was indicted on the charge in March. The charge he faces is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Karun allegedly kidnapped 11-year-old Kathleen Flynn as she walked home from school in Norwalk, Connecticut, on Sept. 23, 1986. He allegedly sexually assaulted her and strangled her to death. Her body was found the next morning.

It was a death that shocked the community. Karun was an early suspect in Flynn's death, but was not arrested until two years ago.

If convicted in Flynn's death, Karun faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Karun is a lifetime registrant on Maine's sex offender registry for a 1989 sexual assault conviction in Connecticut. He was convicted Aug. 18, 1989  nearly three years after Flynn's killing and sexual assault  in Norwalk Superior Court. He served 10 years in prison, followed by five years of probation, according to the registry.

Karun is also facing federal firearms charges after police found 60 weapons and 15,000 rounds of ammunition in his Stetson home. As a convicted felon, Karun is not legally allowed to own any firearms.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva's change of course comes after The Times found that his department was an outlier among some of California's largest law enforcement agencies. (Nick Agro / For The Times)

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Wednesday that the names of deputies who shoot civilians will be released 30 days after the incident, reversing a longtime practice.

As recently as last month, Villanueva had said that the names would come out only after the district attorney's office finishes its review of each shooting, which can take months or years.

Villanueva's change of course comes after The Times found that his department was an outlier among some of Californias largest law enforcement agencies, which readily identify officers involved in shootings.

It also follows a push by relatives of people shot by deputies. Some have long complained that months or years may go by before they learn who killed their loved one.

The day before, the county's Board of Supervisors had directed its lawyers to draft an ordinance requiring the publication of deputies' identities within 48 hours of a shooting.

"As a parent, to not be given the respect of not just knowing the name of the person who ended your child's life ... it just seems reasonable to know the name," Supervisor Holly Mitchell said in an interview Tuesday after the board's vote on her proposal to draft the ordinance.

On Wednesday during a Facebook livestream, Villanueva announced the 30-day window, saying it will give investigators time to evaluate whether a threat exists against the deputy.

He said that in one recent shooting, there was a specific threat from a gang in prison "putting what they call a green light on deputies."

"So that name will not be revealed," he said, without specifying the shooting. "So if somebody wants to complain about it, well, you should complain to the people that are making the threats against the deputies."

This week, the department will publish online 95 names that have not previously been released, he added.

The idea is we want to be as transparent as we can, but we cant jeopardize ongoing investigations and we cant create a threat to someone," he said. "We have to keep that in mind. So were going to balance the two things and the publics right and need to know.

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He did not say why he had changed his mind since April 21, when he said on a live broadcast that waiting until the district attorney's review was concluded was "the proper way to do it."

But later in the same broadcast, after reading a note that was handed to him, he said the practice was "under review."

Melanie Ochoa, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Southern California, said Villanueva's new policy was "not doing the public a favor."

As long as the decision to release the names remains with the sheriff's department, they are still in danger of being withheld, she said in a written statement.

"LASD has repeatedly violated the Public Records Act prior to his tenure and has only more brazenly done so under his watch," she said of Villanueva.

The Times report, which ran online May 6, found no shootings between 2018 and 2020 in which the Sheriff's Department released the names of deputies on its own accord.

When the newspaper filed a lawsuit last year over the agencys failure to abide by a police transparency law, the Sheriffs Department belatedly began disclosing information about shootings, including the names of deputies.

The LAPD, by contrast, publicly identified officers in each of the 88 shootings that occurred between 2018 and 2020, according to The Times review.

In San Diego, police released the names of officers in all 20 of the citys police shootings during the same period.

The state Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that law enforcement agencies cannot use general concerns about officer safety to justify withholding names and, barring a specific threat, must make deputies names public.

Times staff writer James Queally contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The fight against COVID continues, but those who suffer from long COVID are likely to feel the effects of contracting the disease for months to come. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Some COVID long-haulers told Insider they turned to Facebook groups when their families did not believe them.

They say the encouragement they receive online makes them feel visible, understood, and believed.

Doctors say these groups are a valuable resource, but warn they could unintentionally spread misinformation.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Patients suffering from long COVID search for a silver lining on the internet and turn to online communities for solidarity.

Support groups on Facebook and other social media sites offer COVID long-haulers a much-needed ray of hope and source of support in times of despair - especially when their doctors are dismissive or their friends and family do not believe them.

The wide variety of symptoms of long COVID, which can range from physical ailments to mental health issues - and how people can manage them in the long term - are still being studied, even as the number of known COVID-19 cases in the US alone passes 33 million.

Insider spoke to nearly a dozen COVID long-haulers who said their online communities made them feel visible, understood, and believed. Female sufferers said the groups were especially important to them because they had struggled so much to be taken seriously by the medical establishment. But, as more and more people turn to online groups to find solace and community in their struggles with long COVID, medical experts worry these groups may harbor dangerous misinformation.

What is long COVID?

Long COVID symptoms are often similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, Elaine Wan, assistant professor of cardiology at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, told Insider. Some sufferers may report constantly fatigue, brain fog, muscular weakness, joint pains, shortness of breath, and cough. Meanwhile, other patients Wan has seen have had headaches, heart palpitations, chest pain, and sustained hair loss, as well as severe tinnitus, anxiety, and depression.

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Experts disagree about just how many long COVID sufferers there are. According to Harvard Health Publishing, several studies have found that 50% to 80% of COVID patients may continue to experience a variety of COVID-linked ailments - long after tests no longer detect the virus in their bodies. CNN, however, reported a more conservative number in April, citing clinicians who said that around 10% of COVID patients would suffer long-term symptoms.

Even the most conservative estimate puts several million people suffering from some variation of long COVID.

Many of them have turned to Facebook groups to connect with each other. Insider counted close to 100 COVID long-haul support groups on Facebook of varying sizes - with one of the largest being the Survivor Corps, a group with over 166,000 members.

Support groups help long haulers push for better care

Jody Brown Hall, 44, who lives in Northern California, is one of the hundreds of thousands who have turned to these groups for help. She experienced shortness of breath, fluctuating heart rate, low blood pressure, anxiety, and serious hair shedding after being diagnosed with COVID in December. She started a women's Facebook group for COVID long haulers like herself in February, the Women's Long Haulers COVID Support Group. Hall expected 20 sign-ups - but three months later, the group has over 2,000 members.

Hall told Insider that she still suffers symptoms now, and her doctor recently diagnosed her with "COVID myocarditis," a potentially serious inflammation of her arteries. But she feels better with the affirmation she gets from the Facebook group - which she spends two to three hours on every day.

"I am blown away by how much support it has brought me and so many other women. I think feeling isolated with these scary health issues makes the situation feel dire, and it's heartening to know that having this group has actually helped save lives," she told Insider.

"I couldn't imaging feeling like this for over a year, losing a job and having insurance running out, which is what some of our group members are going through now. But we've had members step up and help support the women who are going through the worst struggles," Hall added.

Kelsey Chao, 39, who lives and works in Boston, told Insider that she felt "unseen and isolated" before joining Hall's group in March.

"Months after my COVID diagnosis in October, I still had difficulty getting out of bed and suffered from chest pains and constant headaches. I would tell my mother and husband that I was fatigued and feeling groggy, but they didn't believe me. I would tell my friends I was constantly depressed, and no one seemed to think that was linked to COVID," Chao said.

Chao's anxiety intensified when she found out that she was pregnant last month. She worried that the chest pains and occasional respiratory issues she experienced would affect her baby.

"I felt like my world was ending because this news - which I was supposed to be overjoyed about - could not have come at a worse time," she said.

The long hauler's Facebook group provided "solidarity and sympathy," she continued. "It helped to know that I was not the only one who felt that way, who had these symptoms, and more importantly, that I wasn't imagining things or making my symptoms up."

Chao now speaks to members she met on the group for an hour every day and hopes she will be able to meet up with them in person when she feels fit enough to travel.

Dominic Murphy, 49, from Los Angeles, was diagnosed with COVID in November of last year. He said that being on multiple COVID long-hauler Facebook groups - including one 29,000-member strong Facebook group - helped give him a "space to vent."

"I never thought it would be this emotionally liberating to talk about things as mundane as joint pain. At first, my doctors didn't believe that the joint pain had anything to do with COVID and just kept prescribing things that didn't work," he told Insider.

"I went back with more information I got from the group and told my doctor - 'hey, what you're using to treat me doesn't help, and we need to do better,'" Murphy said.

He is currently working with his physician to run tests and see if more can be done to alleviate his symptoms, which range from chest and joint pain to constant headaches and breathing difficulties. But the groups he is a part of, he says, are a "godsend."

"Men might find it hard to talk about how they feel, whether it's in front of their friends or families. We need to change that, of course, but the group has been a way for me to express myself," Murphy said. "On bad days, sometimes all you need is to feel like you aren't pushing a rock up the hill on your own."

Online groups are a source of support - and data

A public information display offering support to counter the mental health aspects of COVID-19 in the UK. Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images

For COVID researchers, these support groups potentially offer a wealth of data on a virus we're all still struggling to understand.

"I think that these patient groups are a very good idea as they let people collect information, which can be useful to scientists and clinicians who are trying to characterize a new condition. I actually encouraged one of my patients to start a Singapore chapter," Paul Tambyah, a professor in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore, said.

Shruti Mehta, professor in the department of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said that physicians are still learning how to cope with long COVID, as patients experience a wide variety of symptoms and do not yet know what the likelihood or time frame for recovery is.

Mehta believes online support communities are an important part of recovery.

"We need more of what has already started to happen from support groups to specialized care centers. And we urgently need research to better understand how common long COVID is, who is at risk, why they are at risk, and what the course of the disease is," she added.

Meanwhile, Columbia professor Wan says these offer a critical component of mental health support. Wan suggests long COVID sufferers try the COVID Advocacy Exchange, the National Patient Advocate Foundation COVID Care Resource Center, the Body Politic COVID-19 Support Group, the Survivor Corps, and the Patient-Led Research for COVID-19 for support and medically sound information.

Ultimately, the groups are a strong indicator, said Joanna Hellmuth, a neurologist in the University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, that modern medicine is failing to provide adequate answers for long COVID sufferers and simply not doing enough to meet patients' needs.

But while medical experts say that support is important - they also warn about the pitfalls of relying too heavily on peer-to-peer advice.

Michael Saag, an epidemiologist at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, acknowledged that while the support generated amongst those in long COVID groups may be valuable, a "caveat emptor" regarding information shared on these groups is necessary.

"It is a place to share experiences and a place for people to support one another. I think caution is warranted, however, in relying on medical advice or claims of research success from a Facebook site," Saag told Insider.

"There is no peer-review and no easy way for a group member to assess the accuracy - or not - of medical information shared there," he added.

Hellmuth, who studies patients with long COVID, told Insider that while online forums run the risk of perpetuating misinformation, there was still a lot of value in these groups - to teach doctors to take into account patients' input and what they experience.

Ideally, COVID long haulers would use discussions they've had in support groups as a jumping-off point for conversations with their doctors.

"One of the beautiful things about science is that data can come from all different sources," Hellmuth said, noting that citizen science - where members of the public participate in collecting and analyzing data - has its own value.

"Hopefully, a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it will further democratize medical science," she added.

Ziyad Al-Aly, assistant professor of medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, told Insider he thinks doctors need to adapt to the "reality" of long COVID.

"Governments and health systems should be prepared," he said. "There will be millions of people with long COVID, and these people will need integrated multidisciplinary holistic care."

Read the original article on Insider
BERLIN (AP)  Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Germany will discuss necessary common ground with the U.S. on relations with Russia after President Joe Biden opted not to punish the company overseeing a Russia-Germany pipeline project that Washington opposes.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been an irritant in relations between the U.S. and Germany for years. Washington, which has battled to block it, argues that the pipeline  now 95% complete  threatens European energy security, heightens Russias influence and poses risks to Ukraine and Poland in bypassing both countries.

On Wednesday, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian companies and ships for their work on the pipeline, but Biden angered many Democratic and Republican lawmakers by opting not to punish Nord Stream 2 AG, the company overseeing the project.

Waiving penalties regarding ally Germany was in line with our commitment to strengthen our Transatlantic relationships as a matter of national security, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Merkel said Thursday that President Biden has now taken a step toward us in connection with the Nord Stream 2 conflict, where we have different views but where we will now talk further about what the necessary common ground is in the relationship with Russia.

Speaking at an event organized by German broadcaster WDR in Berlin, she didn't elaborate on that common ground.

Asked what Biden will get from Germany or Europe for waiving sanctions, Merkel replied: Look, that's not how it works.

Merkel added that she and Biden will soon see each other at Group of Seven and NATO meetings. She noted that she and Armin Laschet, her party's candidate to succeed her after Germany's Sept. 26 election, advocate sticking to pledges to raise Germany's defense spending.

We will have to speak about Russia and Ukraine policy, and of course about China policy, she said. But this isn't measured in millimeters and grams  partnerships are based on trying to react to the other's thought processes and positions in order to find good compromises.

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Nord Stream 2 is owned by Russian state company Gazprom, with investment from several European companies. Domestic critics in Germany  including Laschet's main opponent in the election, Green party candidate Annalena Baerbock  have argued that the pipeline should be abandoned for various reasons, including Russias treatment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, Weve continued to convey that we believe its a bad idea, a bad plan.

Our view is that its a Russian geopolitical project that threatens European energy security and that of Ukraine and the Eastern flank NATO allies and partners, Psaki said.

But, she added: In what way were we be going to be able to stop a project in another country thats been built 95%?

___

Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
Last night while I was out with work colleagues, a male stranger aggressively biked towards me and two female friends and shouted into my unmasked face, she said in a statement. As he biked off, I responded the way any normal woman would to a threatening strange man. No woman  elected or otherwise  should be expected to put up with that type of behavior from a man.
A suspect was arrested Wednesday in connection with the 2010 cold case murder of his wife in St. Paul, Minnesota, authorities said.

Nicholas James Firkus, 38, was arrested more than a decade after he told authorities that an intruder had broken into their home and shot his wife, Heidi Firkus, 25, during a struggle, according to reports.

The St. Paul Police Department SWAT team took Nicholas Firkus into custody on an arrest warrant around 5 a.m. at his home in Mounds View, about 15 miles north of Minneapolis, police said. He was interviewed and booked into the Ramsey County jail on suspicion of murder, according to the department.

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It wasn't immediately clear what led to charges against Firkus. Prior to Wednesday, no one had been arrested in the killing, however, police said they never stopped investigating the case.

Heidi Firkus was shot and killed in their home in the early morning hours on April 25, 2010, FOX 9 of Minneapolis reported. Nicholas Firkus, who was 27 at the time, told police he grabbed his shotgun after someone broke into the home around 6:30 a.m. Firkus said he struggled with the intruder and the gun went off, hitting his wife in the back.

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Nicholas Firkus added that he was also shot in his thigh and groin and was treated at an area hospital for his injuries, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

Friends and family of Heidi Firkus learned the day after the shooting that she and Nicholas Firkus were about to be evicted from their home due to foreclosure, according to the paper. Police reported that nothing was packed in the home.

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The family of Heidi Firkus issued a statement Wednesday following the husband's arrest, according to FOX 9.

"We're extremely grateful for all those who have worked so hard and long to get the case to this point. And also for everyone who has prayed and stood beside us all these years," the statement read. "We are hopeful that these charges will finally bring out the truth and result in justice for Heidi. Even though we know we can't have her back, we believe Heidi would want us to have the truth. God is honored by truth. Heidi's life and memory is further honored by truth."
Minnesota has changed its guidance from avoiding COVID-19 vaccine waste at all costs to risking a little waste if it allows providers to get more shots in arms.

The Minnesota Department of Health's official provider guide was updated Friday with a section previously titled "do not waste vaccine" renamed "do not miss an opportunity to vaccinate."

State infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann said the original policy was devised this winter when vaccine doses were extremely limited and "treated like gold," but supplies have increased and the new challenge is making sure shots are available when people want them.

"If someone walks up [to a vaccine clinic] and says they want to be vaccinated, and it's the end of the day, we want to get that person vaccinated," she said. "We don't want to miss that chance."

Minnesota remains a national leader in vaccine efficiency and in its per capita rate of doses administered, but progress has slowed. The state on Wednesday reported that more than 2.7 million people have received at least a first shot, and nearly 2.4 million of them have completed the one- or two-dose series. But the number of shots has declined from 407,673 in the week starting April 4 to 223,115 in the week starting May 9.

Minnesota still has a goal of providing first doses to 70% of people 16 and older by July 1, state Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said, even though eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine was extended last week to people 12 to 15.

The original idea behind that goal was to incentivize vaccination by promising to lift the state's public indoor mask mandate when it reached 70%. But that incentive ended when Gov. Tim Walz lifted the mandate last week in response to new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"It's still a good marker for us," Malcolm said.

A 70% vaccination rate in people 16 and older would mean the administration of 3,087,404 first doses, leaving Minnesota roughly 350,000 shots short right now.

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A separate goal could be set just for the 283,000 Minnesotans 12 to 15 who are newly eligible for vaccine. The latest state data indicates that more than 20,000 of them have received shots in the past week.

Three teenage children of state executives received shots at the Mall of America Wednesday as part of a press event by Walz to promote COVID-19 vaccination in the new age group. The state's mall vaccine site will prioritize shots for this age group through Saturday.

"The sooner those [vaccination numbers] go up, the better we protect our neighbors, the better we protect against any potential surge coming back," Walz said.

Vaccine waste has been uncommon in Minnesota, despite the ultracold storage requirements of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and their limited shelf lives.

More than 5.7 million vaccine doses have been distributed to Minnesota, and only 3,522 have been reported as wasted. That includes 927 doses that weren't used after vials were opened and 552 doses that were drawn into syringes but never injected.

Ehresmann said the new approach isn't a "free-for-all" that will result in substantially more waste. Minnesota still must report wastage to federal regulators who control supply levels and many places in the world are desperate for more doses.

"We certainly don't want to be cavalier," she said. "It's a balance."

On the other hand, increasing on-hand supplies at clinics and walk-in events could increase vaccinations. The state has converted metro buses into mobile vaccine clinics and is using other strategies to get shots to people who otherwise don't have access because of limited time or transportation options.

"We do have an obligation to make sure we're getting Minnesotans vaccinated," she said.

State health officials believe Minnesota's vaccination progress has made a difference in shortening the severity and length of the latest COVID-19 wave.

The state reported 15 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday along with 658 infections with the novel coronavirus that causes the respiratory disease. That was the lowest single-day total reported on a Wednesday in 2021.

The state also reported a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 4.9% for the seven-day period ending May 10  dropping below the 5% caution threshold for the first time since mid-March.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined in Minnesota from a recent peak of 699 on April 14 to 420 on Tuesday.

Minnesota earlier in the pandemic had set a goal of vaccinating 80% of eligible people in order to achieve a level of "herd immunity" that would curtail viral transmission.

Ehresmann said even a rate that high might not prevent COVID-19 entirely but could reduce it to more of an occasional or manageable level.

"I personally was never defining herd immunity as eradication of COVID-19," she said. "When you think about herd immunity of measles, we currently have elimination of measles in the U.S., but we don't have eradication. The whole concept of herd immunity is you've vaccinated enough people to make it that much harder for the virus to find the susceptible people."

SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination remains possible  with Minnesota now reporting 2,249 breakthrough infections that include 206 hospitalizations and 24 deaths. However, those breakthrough infections represent only .1% of the more than 2 million people in Minnesota who have been fully vaccinated  which means it has been 14 days since they received their last dose.

Staff writer Glenn Howatt contributed to this report.

Jeremy Olson  612-673-7744
A star student from St. Charles West High School is using his success to help others.

Video Transcript

JOSHUA NELSON: I've always tried to come into this hallways striving for success.

MIKALA MCGHEE: Joshua Nelson's commitment to his education and involvement in school programs landed him one of the most prestigious scholarships at SEMO, the presidential scholarship.

JOSHUA NELSON: After I interviewed, I didn't know if I was going to get it or not. I thought the interview went well. And it did go well.

MIKALA MCGHEE: Joshua was one of five students receiving the fullride scholarship out of 288 applicants this year.

JOSHUA NELSON: It's definitely a sigh of relief knowing that all the hard work I put in high school actually was recognized. And it paid off.

MIKALA MCGHEE: He's been working and saving money for college since he was 15-years-old. The senior now taking his hard earned savings to start a scholarship program of his own.

JOSHUA NELSON: I decided I'm not going to buy super expensive clothes, not going to try to look lavish or whatever. I was going to save that money and allow it to accumulate. So yeah, and now what I've decided to do with that money since college is taken care of is I started the Joshua Nelson Leaders and Action Scholarship.

MIKALA MCGHEE: The Joshua Nelson Leaders and Action Scholarship will be awarded to a St. Charles West graduate with a 3.5 GPA or higher, looking to continue their education. The recipient must also be a member of the school's minority achievement committee, a program Josh helped create and served as the first president.

CHUCK STANCIL: That's just part of his character. He-- like I said, he gives. That's what he does in any way, shape, or form be it like this money, scholarship, his time to help students out with friends, that's just him.

MIKALA MCGHEE: After contributing $1,000 of his own money, the community has stepped up to raise funds as well.

JOSHUA NELSON: I didn't expect this type of outturn from the community. But the least I can say is that I'm grateful. I know that the whole St. Charles West family is grateful. And we're just happy that we have such a supportive community.

MIKALA MCGHEE: Reporting in St. Charles, Mikala McGhee, Fox 2 News.
The two people linked to a chase and manhunt this week in Chester County, S.C., also are suspects in two killings that happened Saturday night in Missouri, police said.

Joseph Speiss Jr., police chief in Brentwood, Mo., described the suspects, Tyler Donnet Terry and Adrienne Simpson, as a modern day Bonnie and Clyde, in a Missouri news conference Thursday morning.

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Its still unclear how all of this is connected.

Simpson was arrested Tuesday morning after a police chase through parts of Chester and York counties. Terry is accused of shooting at three Chester County Sheriffs deputies at some point in the chase.

Terry remains uncaught. The manhunt started Tuesday, has spread across York and Chester counties, and continues.

Terry is charged with attempted murder related to Tuesdays chase and murder from a city of York killing on May 2. He also is charged with attempted murder for two shootings in Chester May 2.

The dead body of Simpsons husband was found Thursday night in Chester County. Officials say it is being investigated as a homicide, but no charges have been filed.

Missouri connection

Speiss and Chief Larry Hampton of the University City, Mo., police department said during Thursdays news conference that Simpson and Terry are suspects in the killings of Dr. Sergie Zacharev in Brentwood and Barbara Goodkin in University City. The two were killed Saturday night in separate robberies about a mile apart.

Speiss said there is no known reason that Terry and Simpson were in Missouri, but surveillance video from the Missouri killings showed the same vehicle as the one in the Chester chase. Both Missouri killings were robberies that turned into murders, Speiss said at the news conference.

Police in Missouri referenced the Chester cases and manhunt, and South Carolina police mugshots of both suspects.

Two people can be seen on surveillance videos stealing a license plate and in a purported drug transaction, and at a Missouri motel on Sunday, Missouri police said.

Story continues

The same vehicle involved in the Missouri crimes is believed to have been involved in the South Carolina chase, police said.

Missouri police are sending seven investigators to Chester County to assist in the overall investigation and work the St. Louis County killings, Speiss and Hampton said.

Grant Suskin, spokesman for the Chester County Sheriffs Office, confirmed South Carolina police are working with Missouri detectives.

We are all working together to determine the possibility of any connection, Suskin said

How the manhunt began Tuesday

Chester County deputies tried to stop a car Monday night before midnight driven by Simpson with Terry as the passenger, officials said. The car was seen outside a closed Bojangles restaurant off S.C. 9 near Interstate 77. The car fled and Terry is accused of shooting at several deputies during a 20-mile chase, which reached speeds over 100 mph, into York County and back to Chester County, officials said.

Deputies returned fire but it is not believed Terry or Simpson was hit, officials said.

Simpson was arrested when the car crashed, but Terry fled on foot.

A manhunt in Chester County started Tuesday along S.C. 9 near I-77. The search caused school delays and lockdowns.

Simpson was charged with failure to stop and remains in jail in Chester.

Wednesday manhunt hits York County, and a body found

Wednesday as the manhunt continued -- with more than 100 local, South Carolina and federal police -- schools were locked down in York County after a report that Terry had been seen. He avoided capture.

Around noon Wednesday police in the cities of York and Chester in South Carolina confirmed they had warrants against Terry for a May 2 murder in York and two shootings in Chester.

Wednesday night a body was found in rural Chester County near Great Falls.

Around dawn Thursday the manhunt shifted back to Chester County after Terry was spotted east of I-77. Shortly afterward, coroner and police officials confirmed that the body found was Eugene Simpson, 33, the husband of Adrienne Simpson.

Then Thursday in the late morning, Missouri police confirmed that both Simmons and Terry are the suspects in both robberies and murders that happened Saturday in St. Louis County.

Check back for updates on this developing story.
Holding up a photo taken by China's new Mars lander, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson warned Congress on Wednesday that his agency faces increasingly stiff competition on the high frontier and that sustained funding for a new moon lander, infrastructure upgrades and other critical programs is vital for America's space program.

In his first congressional appearance since being confirmed by the Senate, Nelson, a former lawmaker who flew aboard a space shuttle in 1986, told a House appropriations subcommittee that China plans to send multiple landers to the south pole of the moon in the not-too-distant future, the same area NASA is targeting in its Artemis program.

And the moon isn't the only arena where NASA faces competition from China's increasingly capable space program.

"I want you to see this photograph," he said in the virtual hearing, holding up a photograph taken this week by China's Zhurong rover, which successfully landed on Mars last week. "This is the Chinese rover that has now landed on Mars and has sent back this picture."

New NASA Administrator Bill Nelson holds up a photo taken by China's Zhurong Mars lander, telling lawmakers the agency needs sustained funding in the face of increased competition in space. / Credit: NASA TV

While not in the same league with NASA's more powerful Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, China's first Mars mission, which includes a sophisticated orbiter, followed the April launch of the country's first space station module, the core element of a large Mir-class outpost.

Nelson said China is also gearing up for multiple missions to the moon's south pole, leading up to a "flyby and a lunar lander in the decade of the 2020s."

"I think that's now adding a new element as to whether or not we want to get serious and get a lot of activity going in landing humans back on surface of the moon," he said.

He was speaking to a sympathetic audience.

"China's dramatic progress with moon and Mars robotic elements, plus their space station elements, means that we cannot lose focus or momentum in developing our own programs," said Representative Robert Aderholt, a Republican from Alabama, whose district includes parts of Huntsville and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

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The hearing was called to discuss the Biden administration's preliminary, or "skinny," budget for the next fiscal year, which includes $24.7 billion for NASA, an increase of 6% above current funding levels.

NASA's most ambitious program  Artemis  will consume a large fraction of the agency's budget through the rest of the decade. The program is built around the gargantuan new Boeing-managed Space Launch System rocket, which will propel four-person astronaut crews to the moon aboard Lockheed Martin-built Orion capsules.

After braking into orbit, the astronauts will board a waiting lander and head for touchdown near the moon's south pole, where ice is believed to exist in ultra-cold, permanently shadowed craters. If ice is, in fact, present, future astronauts may be able to break it down to provide water, air and rocket propellants.

A shot taken by a hazard avoidance camera on China's Mars lander showing the ramps the rover will use to drive off onto the surface. / Credit: China National Space Administration

The SLS rocket is being assembled at the Kennedy Space Center for a maiden flight later this year to boost an unpiloted Orion capsule on a long, looping trip around the moon. A piloted flight is planned in the 2023 timeframe, followed one to two years later by what NASA bills as a mission to land the first woman and the next man to walk on the moon.

But that assumes a new lunar lander is available. Earlier this year, SpaceX won a $2.9 billion contract for the initial lander mission, beating out higher bids from a "National Team" led by Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Huntsville-based Dynetics.

Just like it did for commercial resupply missions and crew ferry flights to the International Space Station, NASA originally planned to select two winners. The goal was to ensure competition for multiple Artemis moon landings after the initial flight and provide redundancy in case of problems that might affect one company but not the other.

But Congress only appropriated a quarter of the requested HLS funding, and NASA ultimately awarded a single contract to SpaceX on April 16.

Blue Origin and Dynetics promptly challenged the award, citing a variety of alleged improprieties and claiming NASA did not give them an opportunity to revise their bids when it became apparent the agency would not receive the requested funding.

The Government Accountability Office is reviewing the protest, forcing NASA to stop work on the lander contract until the issue is resolved.

"With China's progress, and the lack of U.S. government ownership of the lander, it is unacceptable for the fate of the U.S. access to cislunar space to be in the hands of only one company," said Aderholt. "I will have to admit that I have concerns about the process and how it was used to make a single award."

A notional view of SpaceX's winning moon lander proposal, a variant of its Starship upper stage. / Credit: NASA

Nelson told the panel he is committed to competition.

"But this is where you all become extremely important partners in this whole competition, because if we are going to the surface of the moon with humans, it is going to cost some money," he said.

In the fiscal 2021 budget, he said, NASA asked for $3.4 billion to fund lander development, but only $850 million was appropriated.

"They just simply didn't have enough to keep going forward (with) more than one lander," Nelson said. "If the bid protest is successful ... then everything starts over, and you do (another) competition. If it is not successful ... what's been done is done."

If so, there will still be opportunities for competitors, he said "because this first competition was only as a demonstrator to show that you can land and bring humans safely back home. There are many additional landings that are planned for on the moon."

He said Congress could help by adding $5.4 billion to a jobs bill to help fund lander development and infrastructure upgrades to replace or repair aging NASA facilities. Such funding also could help pay for development of the spacesuits moon walkers will need and development of new propulsion technology to shorten the time needed for voyages to Mars.

Multi-billion dollar push to invest in broadband internet access in rural and low-income communities

Israeli prime minister rebuffs Biden's call to de-escalate

House votes to approve bill to create January 6 commission
Apple CEO Tim Cook. Karl Mondon/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images

Apple employees called on Tim Cook to issue a statement supporting Palestinians, The Verge reported.

Employees said they were frustrated Apple has kept silent amid recent violence.

This is the second time in a week that large numbers of Apple employees have criticized the company.

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Nearly 1,000 Apple employees have signed an internal letter to CEO Tim Cook urging the company to issue a public statement in support of the Palestinian people, The Verge reported Thursday.

"We are frustrated and disappointed because once more, many of those in positions of power and influence - who boldly stand for human rights in so many other just causes - either choose to remain silent or release ineffectually neutral 'both sides' statements with regards to the Palestinian situation," wrote the letter's authors, who are members of the Apple Muslim Association, according to The Verge.

Apple taking a "both sides" approach, they wrote, "would feel to us as the equivalent of 'all lives matter' - a minimization of the disproportionately larger pain and suffering of the Palestinian people."

Apple did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

The letter follows a wave of violence in Gaza, where Israeli military forces have killed at least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children and 39 women, and the militant group Hamas has killed around a dozen Israelis.

On Thursday, Israel and Hamas announced a ceasefire.

International human rights organizations have condemned Israel's attacks as possible war crimes, and have denounced its treatment of Palestinians as a form of apartheid. More recently, Israel's effort to push Palestinians out of East Jerusalem, and an Israeli police raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, have escalated tensions.

The letter to Cook is the second high-profile instance of a large number of Apple employees criticizing the company over ethical concerns in the past week alone - a rare occurrence at Apple.

Last week, The Verge reported more than 2,000 employees signed a letter slamming Apple for hiring Antonio Garcia Martinez, citing "misogynistic" and racist past comments. Hours later, Apple said Garcia Martinez had left the company (Garcia Martinez claimed Apple fired him).

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A Virginia Beach Marine whose legal case drew national attention because of its centering of mental health and sexual assault issues has been released after almost a year in pretrial confinement.

Under a plea agreement finalized last week, the Marine Corps dropped an attempted murder charge against 27-year-old Cpl. Thae Ohu that stemmed from a domestic incident last April in Virginia Beach. She was released from the Navy brig in Chesapeake where shed been held since June.

Ohu, an administrative specialist at Dam Neck Naval Base, pleaded guilty to lesser charges, including aggravated assault on an intimate partner with a dangerous weapon, a Marine Corps spokesman confirmed in an email. She was sentenced to the 328 days she already served and is awaiting word from military officials on a bad conduct discharge that would threaten her medical benefits.

Over the past year, Ohus family publicly pleaded for her to be released into mental health treatment. They say the April incident was the result of a psychological break and that shes suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues following a 2015 sexual assault by a Marine superior while stationed in Japan.

After first being reported by The Virginian-Pilot last summer, Ohus story was shared in advocacy circles as emblematic of broader issues with how the military treats sexual assault victims. A Facebook page called Justice For Thae Ohu gained more than 8,000 followers and an online fundraiser set up for her legal and medical fees raised nearly $20,000. Supporters have held rallies on her behalf in Washington, D.C., and her hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Ohus recent legal conundrum began April 5 of last year. Thats when Ohu attacked her boyfriend, Marine prosecutors have said.

In a court hearing at Naval Station Norfolk last summer, military officials laid out what they say happened: Ohu entered the home of her then-boyfriend, fellow Marine Michael Hinesley, with a key, screaming threats laced with profanities. She then grabbed a knife and repeatedly stabbed a door behind which Hinesley stood, they said. He was not harmed.

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Ohu was taken to an inpatient facility and released a few days later with an order to stay away from Hinesley, but eventually arrested and taken to the Chesapeake brig when she showed up at his house again.

Throughout the ensuing military judicial process, Hinesley  the victim in the case  pleaded with Marine Corps officials to drop the charges against Ohu, saying her actions were the result of serious mental health struggles stemming from the 2015 assault.

I have always been her advocate, Hinesley wrote in a recent statement to the court posted on the Justice for Thae Ohu website run by her family. From the very beginning I pleaded to her Commanding Officer for Thaes care and I tried to help him understand that this was not her fault and she is a victim too that needs intervention, not jail time.  Corporal Ohu deserves grace, compassion and understanding NOT conviction. ... Corporal Ohu is a good Marine but an injured one.

He also wrote in the statement that military prosecutors had never asked him to confirm what happened that night.

Ohu could not be reached for comment. Following her release last week, her family posted a statement on their website.

Although we cannot and will not overlook the failures of the United States Marine Corps and DamNeck Leadership [sic], we are overjoyed Thae is released from their toxic control, they wrote.

Pan Phyu, Ohus sister who serves in the Navy based in San Diego, posted a photo on the Facebook page Friday, a screenshot of a video conversation with Ohu sitting outdoors. Phyu did not respond to an inquiry from The Pilot on Thursday.

As part of her sentence, a military judge recommended that a bad conduct discharge for Ohu be suspended for six months. The final decision, however  unlike in civilian court  rests with military officials.

Capt. Sam Stephenson, a Marine Corps spokesman, said in an email that Ohu, who also received a rank reduction, will be placed on voluntary appellate leave pending a decision on her discharge.

Maj. Zachary Phelps, the Marine Corps lead prosecutor on the case, argued in court that Ohus behavioral issues  including an outburst at a Navy hospital where Ohu broke free of restraints and damaged a window  were a show of complete disrespect for the law, not her diagnosed mental illness, according to the Marine Corps Times. A bad conduct discharge would deter future Marines from violent outbursts, Phelps said, according the news outlet.

Master-at-arms Sayth Mason testified on Ohus behalf, the Marine Corps Times reported. Once she received the correct medication, Mason said, her behavior in the brig improved.

Eric Montalvo, one of Ohus attorneys with the Washington-based Federal Practice Group, said hes glad to see Ohu out of confinement because I felt her life was being taken away day by day through maltreatment and lack of treatment for mental health concerns.

Ohu pleading guilty, however  and possibly losing medical benefits through a bad conduct discharge  is not the outcome he wanted.

I dont believe justice has been properly served here, Montalvo said. I wish (Ohu) the best and hope shes able to move forward and get the help she needs.

Katherine Hafner, 757-222-5208, katherine.hafner@pilotonline.com
I find it very timely, though, that as the settler colonialism and the Jim Crow citizenship laws are getting more oppressive, on April 27 Human Rights Watch released A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution. This is remarkable and very fitting considering that Israel lacks a government, and its ultra-right prime minister is looking at years in prison. So what better way to turn attention away from his judicial problems than to bomb back to the Stone Age one of the poorest plots of land in the world?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene Israel's Security Cabinet at 7pm local time (12pm ET) on Thursday to discuss the military operation in Gaza and the possibility of a ceasefire.

Why it matters: Any ceasefire would require the approval of the Security Cabinet, and senior Israeli officials expect an agreement by this weekend.

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Yes, but: Netanyahu has resisted international pressure toward a ceasefire so far. In an apparent signal that he wouldn't be rushed, Netanyahu canceled a planned Cabinet meeting on Wednesday after President Biden urged him to move toward a ceasefire.

The state of play: The ceasefire talks are moving on two tracks: Egyptian intelligence officials are talking to Netanyahu's office and to Hamas leadership in Gaza; while UN envoy Tor Wennesland is talking to Hamas political leadership abroad.

Wennesland arrived in Qatar on Wednesday for talks with Hamas officials.

Driving the news: Both sides have intensified their attacks in anticipation of a ceasefire. Gaza health officials said on Thursday that 230 Palestinians had been killed since the beginning of the crisis, with 1,710 wounded.

What they're saying: A diplomatic source told me the UN was "actively engaged with all the relevant parties in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground."

A senior Israeli official said he thinks a breakthrough toward a ceasefire could take place in the next 24 hours. Netanyahu's office declined to comment.

Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk said Wednesday that he expects the talks to produce a ceasefire within a day or two.

What to watch: Hamas officials have called on Israel to end police "incursions" into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, or Temple Mount, and stop the evictions of Palestinian residents in East Jerusalem as part of a ceasefire.

Israel refuses to discuss any agreement that would link the Gaza conflict to Jerusalem, sources familiar with the talks tell me.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country will continue strikes on Gaza, despite mounting calls for a ceasefire. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab has the latest. Then, Rashid Khalidi, a professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.

Video Transcript

LANA ZAK: President Biden, Wednesday, told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expected a quote, "significant de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East by the end of Wednesday." That's according to a White House readout of the call between the two world leaders, but in a statement, Netanyahu said his country would continue its strikes on Gaza, and Israel's top diplomat in the US said the country was not looking for a cease fire.

CBS News foreign correspondent, Imtiaz Tyab, has the latest from Tel Aviv.

IMTIAZ TYAB: If a cease fire is near, it doesn't feel like it. Air sirens sent dozens of Israelis and our crew into this southern Israeli bomb shelter. Several Hamas rockets were intercepted right above us. In Gaza, Israel's bombing campaign has been unrelenting. Despite President Biden's call to de-escalate today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the operation will continue, tweeting, "until its goal is achieved, to restore peace and security to you, the citizens of Israel."

Since fighting began 10 days ago, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been displaced, and these United Nations schools are the only refuge. And it's been the youngest who suffered the worst, like Nadine Abdel-Taif.

NADINE ABDEL-TAIF: I'm only 10.

IMTIAZ TYAB: Seen in multiple social media posts, she's become the face of Gaza's children.

NADINE ABDEL-TAIF: I want to feel safe for one day, at least. I never feel safe in my own home.

IMTIAZ TYAB: It's a feeling shared across the border by 10-year-old Israeli, [? Renata ?] Boltzer Switza. What's it like in your house?

- It's very scary. I don't need all the time to be prepared to run to my room. That is a safe room in my house.

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IMTIAZ TYAB: Renata lives just a few miles away from Gaza and fled with her parents to this temporary housing. When we asked her what she'd say to Nadine if they were to ever meet--

- I wouldn't say nothing. I'd just hugged her.

IMTIAZ TYAB: The Israeli media is reporting that a cease fire could come as early as Friday, but the Israeli Ambassador to the US has told CBS News that they're looking for a quote, "cure and not a Band-Aid." Lana.

LANA ZAK: Imtiaz, thank you. We have been exploring this conflict from multiple angles, and joining me today is Rashid Khalidi. He is a professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University. Professor Khalidi, thank you so much for joining us to share your perspective. I'd like to start off with the latest news. Hamas laid out its conditions for a cease fire with Israel on Wednesday. There are two conditions, are that Israeli forces and police agree to not enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque again and that Palestinians living in a disputed neighborhood in East Jerusalem not be evicted.

Tell us about those conditions, and do you think that these are realistic preconditions to a cease fire?

RASHID KHALIDI: Well, I think what they point to is what really started this, which is this ongoing process of eviction and dispossession of Palestinians from properties like the one in Sheikh Jarrah and a series of encroachments on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and on the [? harem ?] shape around it that have been going on for a very long-- both things have been going on for a very long time.

But these are really the things that triggered this whole outbreak of violence, and I don't know whether they're realistic. In a normal world, not entering the third holiest mosque in Islam with soldiers firing tear gas grenades should be as simple ask. Preventing people from attacking worshippers during Ramadan prayers should not be a controversial request. Preventing people from being evicted from the homes that they lived in for 60 years should not be even controversial. Will Israel do these things? Well, that's up to the Israeli government, obviously.

LANA ZAK: The White House says President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, and according to a readout of their call, the president told the prime minister that he quote, "expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire." What do you see as the US role in trying to bring an end to this conflict, and is it working?

RASHID KHALIDI: What I expect is one thing, and what we're likely to get is another thing. I mean, what I would expect is that the major supplier of weapons to the Israeli Army insist that those weapons are being used for defensive purposes. The killing of over 200 people, most of them civilians in Gaza, doesn't look defensive to most of the world.

What I think this administration has done is completely inadequate. The bloodshed that has taken place, almost all of it on the Palestinian side, there have been 10 Israeli civilians killed, but there have been over 212 in Gaza, and there have been a couple of dozen in the occupied Palestinian territories, should have led the United States to insist that Israel stop long ago.

The latest report I heard from the AP is that the Israeli Prime Minister has stonewalled. For some reason, he wants to continue this pointless offensive. It's just killing more people, and frankly, alienating more people from Israel.

LANA ZAK: I want to follow up with you on that point in just a moment, but first, you've actually written at length about US involvement, and you've argued that it's actually undermined the peace process between Israel and Palestine. I'm wondering if you can take a moment, first, to walk us through that. And if you feel that the US cannot play the role of peacemaker, who might be better able?

RASHID KHALIDI: Well, I have argued at length that the approach that the United States takes is not just one where it's not an honest broker, but rather, is as, Aaron David Miller himself, one of the senior American diplomats involved called, acting as Israel's lawyer. The last thing Israel needs is a lawyer, and the last thing it needs is the greatest superpower on Earth to be putting its big thumb on the scale on the already imbalanced Israeli side of that scale.

The United States, I think, has utterly failed to advance peace in the Middle East. You will remember that the so-called peace process was, as far as Palestine is concerned, was supposed to have started with the Camp David Summit back in 1978. We have not had peace in Palestine since 1978, since the Oslo process began. And a large share of this, I think, falls on the United States.

The United States starts in the wrong place. It talks about Israeli security. It doesn't talk about Palestinian security. The most insecure people in Palestine and Israel are not the Israelis, however insecure many of them undoubtedly feel. They are the Palestinians. And one could go through American positions one by one and see a failure to deal with the basic substantive issues.

The evictions, planned evictions in Sheikh Jarrah, the attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque are just symbols of the kinds of problems that the United States has refused to deal with. The people about to be evicted were refugees. United States deferred discussion with refugees for decades in negotiations, whether in Camp David in 1978, whether in the talks I was a participant in in Washington in the early 1990s, or whether after the Oslo Accords. So the United States failing to grasp the nettle of issues like Jerusalem, of issues like refugees, which are the core issues in this conflict, as this bloodshed has shown, are just examples of how the United States has actually failed to do anything to bring lasting sustainable peace to Palestine and Israel.

LANA ZAK: And as you point out, the history of failed peace processes are decades in the making, but there was another part of that question that I want to circle back to, which is, if not the US, then who might be able to help broker peace in the Middle East?

RASHID KHALIDI: Well, I have two answers to that question. The first is, the United States is maybe pivoting away from the Middle East, maybe diminishing its footprint in the Middle East, but it is still the 900-pound gorilla there. You can't get the Middle East out of this process. If the United States would efface itself a little bit, I would say almost any other major actor would be a better intermediary with Israel than the United States would be.

The United States, at every stage of this, has been guided by advice, which says you have to coddle the Israelis. You have to make them feel secure, or they won't make concessions. Well, the Israelis have never made concessions as far as Palestine is concerned, I mean, real substantive concessions, and the United States has coddled them, and coddled them, and coddled them. I would argue that almost any other intermediary would be doing a better job as an honest broker than what the United States.

Now, where that intermediary can be found, I don't know. Would the Europeans do it? I don't think they can. They're not united. Could you count on the United Nations? Well, the United Nations, as we've seen, can be stymied, as it has been several times in the past 10 days by the United States simply putting its foot down and preventing action from taking place in the Security Council.

So we do need a format, a forum, which is more balanced and fairer than one where the United States dominates the proceeding world entirely. And I think it's up to, perhaps, the president and others to think about where that forum could be, what the structure of the architecture of a better process than any that the United States has been involved in as far as Palestine is concerned for decades and decades and decades.

LANA ZAK: And Professor Khalidi, as you mentioned earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu didn't seem to fully embrace the comments from President Biden. He thanked him in a statement for his support, but he said he's quote, "determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved, to restore quiet and security to you, citizens of Israel." As we are talking about the prospect for peace, how much damage do you think that this conflict causes to Jewish-Arab relations and further entrenches these sides and makes the possibility for peace even more elusive?

RASHID KHALIDI: Well, I think that the prospects, when you talk about Jewish-Arab relations, I assume you're talking about situation among citizens of Israel, Arab citizens and Jewish citizens. But I think if you pull out a little bit and examine the extent to which what has happened in the last several weeks, starting in Jerusalem and then continuing with the bombardment of Gaza, has affected people all over the Palestinian diaspora, in all parts of Palestine. Palestinians have been unified by what has happened in the last several weeks in a way we haven't seen for many, many years. But Arab sentiment and sentiment in the Islamic world has shifted very strongly in favor of the Palestinians.

Now, whether that improves or hinders the search for peace is another question. But I think we have to look at that in terms of a complete failure on the part of Israel, to understand that sending soldiers to fire tear gas and stun grenades into the third holiest mosque in Islam is guaranteed to ruin relations between Israel and many, many countries, and Israel's image the world over.

And all the countries that began the normalization process with Israel, in view of how their public opinion has reacted to this, are having serious second thoughts about that today. And I think that as far as relations between Palestinian-Arab citizens of Israel and Jewish citizens of Israel are concerned, the degree to which mob violence, mainly from the side of extremist, religious fanatics directed against Arab communities, has damaged coexistence is something a little hard to measure at this stage.

But I think it's a result of a rightward trend and an anti-Palestinian hatred that is growing on the Israeli side and at the same time, intense frustration by Palestinian citizens of Israel with their appalling second-class status. I don't think that that situation can continue. Unless Israel begins to understand that you can push people just so far without a reaction, I'm afraid we may see a further deterioration, not just within Israel, among citizens of the state of Israel, but in the occupied territories and in the region as a whole.

LANA ZAK: Professor Rashid Khalidi, thank you for joining me.

RASHID KHALIDI: Thanks for having me.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP)  Nicaraguan national police raided offices of a prominent nongovernmental organization and an independent news outlet Thursday  both linked to children of a former president  as the government of President Daniel Ortega continued to clamp down on critical voices in advance of November presidential elections.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that it was investigating Cristiana Chamorro, former director of the Violeta Barrios de Chamorro Foundation for Reconciliation and Democracy and daughter of the former president.

The ministry said Chamorro and others connected to the foundation had been called in to explain alleged inconsistencies in financial reports filed with the government between 2015 and 2019, did not comply with their obligations and that an analysis turned up clear indications of money laundering.

Chamorro attended a meeting Thursday at the Interior Ministry, where she was notified of the investigation against her.

After the meeting, she accused Ortega of ordering that evidence be fabricated against her.

This is a process to not only inhibit me, but to impede Nicaraguans from freely voting and having the sacred right that the law allows us next November 7, Chamorro said. This is part of the whole process that the dictatorship is setting up to impede that right.

Also Thursday, police raided the Managua offices of the news outlet Confidencial, run by Carlos Fernando Chamorro, Cristiana Chamorros brother and son of former President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro. In December 2018, police also raided and seized the independent outlets offices. The government confiscated the property and turned it over to the Health Ministry.

Ortega alleged at the time that the news outlet and other nongovernmental organizations that were also raided were part of a failed coup attempt in 2018. Street protests of a change to social security in April 2018 set off months of protests that were violently put down by the government.

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Carlos Fernando Chamorro was not present Thursday, but denounced the raid and called for authorities to respect the safety of his colleagues. After the raid on his old offices in 2018, Chamorro spent a year in exile in Costa Rica before returning to Nicaragua in January 2020.

He said that a cameraman who was in the offices at the time of Thursday's raid had been detained and was being held by police. The government has again raided and confiscated our media, but they are not going to silence us, we will continue doing journalism.

Anti-riot police blocked access to the site. Police briefly detained a photographer from the French news agency AFP, who was covering the raid.

Cristiana Chamorro has not ruled out the possibility of running for president in the November elections. In January, she stepped down from her role at the foundation. A month later, it closed its operations in Nicaragua after passage of a foreign agents law that aimed to track foreign funding of organizations operating in the country.

Ortega is seeking his fourth consecutive presidential term in November. Nicaragua's Supreme Electoral Council and congress have been narrowing the space for maneuver for the country's opposition. On Tuesday, the council cancelled the legal status of the Democratic Restoration Party, which was expected to potentially be a vehicle for an opposition coalition bid against Ortega.

Violeta Barrios de Chamorro beat Ortega to win the presidency in 1990 and served until 1997. Her husband Pedro Joaquin Chamorro ran La Prensa, his family newspaper, and was jailed and forced into exile multiple times before his assassination in 1978.

His killing galvanized opposition forces against dictator Anastasio Somoza and propelled the Sandinista revolution led by Ortega that resulted in his ouster.
OSLO (Reuters) - A Norwegian man was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison on Thursday for hijacking an ambulance in 2019 and attempting to run over and kill seven people, including two police officers and twin toddlers.

Prosecutors had said Nicolai Kaupang, 33, stole the vehicle at gunpoint from ambulance workers responding to a traffic accident in which he was involved, leading to a high-speed pursuit by police.

Kaupang was carrying a significant quantity of illegal drugs, police said.

Kaupang had pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and of threatening two police officers but guilty to charges of aggravated robbery, possession of drugs, making aggravated threats and carrying a firearm.

The sentence matched the term sought by prosecutors, who had argued that when Kaupang drove the ambulance onto a pavement at high speed he had intended to kill the pedestrians there.

An 8-month-old girl was injured when the vehicle hit the buggy she was sharing with her twin brother. Her injuries were not life-threatening, and the boy escaped unhurt as the children's mother had almost managed to pull the stroller away before the vehicle struck, prosecutors said.

The mother herself, the two police officers and two other passers-by all managed to get out of the path of the ambulance.

"It is proven beyond any reasonable doubt that the accused attempted to kill the victims," the court said in its verdict.

Kaupang hit several cars during the chase, which lasted around five minutes according to a timeline provided by prosecutors, and police fired multiple shots at the ambulance before it came to a standstill.

Kaupang will be eligible to seek parole after eight years but his eventual release will depend on rehabilitation in prison due to the risk of repeat offences, the judges said.

The verdict is subject to appeal.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
A complaint from child services about a middle-aged man sending photos of naked women to an underage girl led investigators to a stash of secret recordings featuring dozens of students at a high school in Tennessee, officials say.

The suspect  40-year-old Leon B. Hensley  was the school nurse, according to federal prosecutors.

Hensley was charged with attempting to produce child pornography in a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday in federal court, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee said. He was arrested near his home in Florida and was expected to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Prosecutors said he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a possible life sentence if convicted.

Hensley worked at Northeast High School in Clarksville, Tennessee, from August 2017 to November 2019, the government said. He was reportedly fired after the Department of Child Services reported him to local police when he was accused of sending inappropriate photos to a minor.

Northeast High School is just south of the Kentucky border in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. Administrators issued a statement on April 28 regarding the federal governments investigation into Hensley.

This former employee was terminated in November 2019 due to a CPD investigation at that time for exploitation of a minor, the school district said. CPD has informed CMCSS that law enforcement is currently contacting other potential victims. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and CMCSS is fully cooperating with CPD as they investigate these heinous crimes.

Naked photos

The investigation into Hensley started with a photo of a naked woman wrapped in caution tape, according to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint.

Hensley sent the picture to an underage girl in a conversation about a posing for a photo shoot, prosecutors said. Child services reported it to the Clarksville Police Department.

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Investigators discovered Hensley worked as a nurse at Northeast High School and brought him in for an interview at the police station, according to the affidavit. He reportedly admitted to texting the girl and gave police permission to search his cell phone, where they found a folder of images showing post-pubescent minor childrens exposed genitalia, the affidavit states.

Further searches net a folder labeled NEHS containing random first names and naked pictures. Officials said detectives were able to match the photographs to students using the high school yearbook. When they interviewed the students, two said they thought they were sending the pictures to other students. The other three believed they were sent to a modeling agency.

None of the child victims knew they were sending images to Hensley, the affidavit states.

Police subsequently obtained a warrant to search Hensleys house and seized several electronic devices  including a small black video camera the agent described as a hidden spy camera.

Over 700 images from single bathroom

It reportedly took investigators months to sort through the trove of images on Hensleys devices, some of which showed nude women and girls in hospital rooms and tanning beds, authorities said.

Police ultimately contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to assist in the investigation in April, and agents uncovered at least 700 pictures and videos from a single bathroom where a hidden camera had been placed. In all of the images, the minor girls were in various stages of undress and/or utilizing the bathroom facilities, the HSI agent said in the affidavit.

The camera was also positioned directly across and in front of the toilet seat, at toilet seat level, he said.

Investigators linked the bathroom seen on the tapes to the private student restroom at the nurses station where Hensley worked at Northeast High School. At least 40 students have been identified in the pictures and videos  only half of which have been examined, officials said.

All of the students were between 12 and 18 years old.

Homeland Security also learned Hensley had previously worked as a nurse at Tennova Hospital and Healthcare in Clarksville, where investigators believe the hospital room pictures were likely taken.

Hensley is accused of attempting to delete all of the images after his interview with police in early November 2019 but before investigators searched his house.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim or who has information about the investigation is asked to call the Homeland Security Hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or email specialvictimscase21@cityofclarksville.com.

Officer enters home with gun, Louisiana cops say. It was fake  and so was her badge

Georgia teacher emailed himself photos of children at nudist colonies, feds say

SC school resource officer arrested, charged as part of child sex trafficking case
In this Jan. 11, 2017 file photo, Allen Weisselberg, center, stands between President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Donald Trump Jr., at a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

The New York attorney general's office and the Manhattan district attorney's office are investigating Allen Weisselberg.

Investigators are aiming to find leverage against the longtime Trump aide, CNN reported.

Prosecutors' attempts to sway Weisselberg could ramp up legal pressure on Trump and his family.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Both the New York attorney general's office and the Manhattan district attorney's office are looking into the taxes and personal finances of Allen Weisselberg, a top Trump Organization officer, in an attempt to find leverage that could convince the longtime Trump employee to cooperate with authorities, according to a new CNN report.

The news comes one day after the New York attorney general's office announced its investigation into the Trump Organization was no longer "purely civil in nature," and had become a criminal probe - one that has been ongoing since at least March according to the New York Daily News.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Cyrus Vance Jr. who leads the Manhattan district attorney's office, are coordinating on the criminal investigation into Weisselberg, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

James' office has been investigating Weisselberg's personal finances for several months, according to CNN, but people familiar with the probe told the outlet the investigation could expand to include actions he took in his role at the Trump Organization.

Those investigators are now working with Vance's office, which has been looking into the Trump Organization, the former president's tax returns, and more recently, company perks the organization extended to employees.

The district attorney's office is also looking into Weisselberg's finances and benefits he and his son received from Trump, CNN reported.

Prosecutors' attempts to sway Weisselberg could ramp up legal pressure on Trump and his family.

Story continues

Trump responded to the team-up on Wednesday, calling the investigation a "political and partisan Witch Hunt." But even before Vance and James' offices began cooperating, their investigations had been in progress for more than two years.

Prosecutors are said to be exploring the possibility there was a policy at the Trump Organization to offer employees benefits and perks instead of salaries in order to keep payroll taxes low, CNN reported.

Investigators are also said to be looking into rent payments on Weisselberg's Manhattan apartment.

Documents shared by Weisselberg's former daughter-in-law, Jennifer Weisselberg, sparked the attorney general's criminal investigation into the longtime Trump aide, according to CNN.

Jennifer Weisselberg has been cooperating with prosecutors since September.

Her attorney Duncan Levin told Insider on Wednesday they have been in contact with prosecutors from both offices and have been in contact with the criminal division of the attorney general's office "for a while now."

"So it does not come as news to us that criminal investigators from the attorney general's office are involved in this probe," he said. "Jennifer continues to be cooperative with both offices and responsible to them for whatever they need."

Jennifer Weisselberg was married to Alan Weisselberg's son, Barry Weisselberg, for 14 years. Barry managed some Trump Organization businesses for years, though it is unclear if he is still a Trump Organization employee.

Jennifer and Barry's excessive spending habits during their marriage is what initially attracted attention from investigators in both offices, according to CNN. During a 2018 divorce deposition obtained by the news outlet, Barry testified the couple's lifestyle was mostly funded by his father, Allen.

Jennifer told CNN investigators have previously questioned her about perks she received during her marriage, including rent-free apartments owned by Trump. Prosecutors are also said to be looking into tuition payments made by Alan Weisselberg for the couple's children.

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From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, corporations pledged support for the Black Lives Matter movement and condemned police killings as protests flooded American streets.

One year later, the national unrest has quieted, but the racial justice movement ignited by the death of George Floyd is coursing through cubicles, conference rooms and corner offices in corporate America, with U.S. workers demanding that companies confront systemic racism in the nation and inside their own organizations.

Two-thirds of Americans say they want their companies to speak out publicly against racial injustice, according to a survey out Thursday from diversity, equity and inclusion strategy firm Paradigm and the Harris Poll.

A majority of the 2,035 adults surveyed said they would hold their employers accountable if they failed to do so, particularly workers 45 or younger.

What's more, 54% said they would consider quitting if their employer did not take a stand.

"I think were increasingly seeing employees expect more from their companies on a range of social impact themes," Joelle Emerson, founder and CEO of Paradigm, told USA TODAY. "People are recognizing the role that organizations have on the communities and world around them, and a lot of people want to work for a company that is using that influence to drive positive impact."

From George Floyd to Breonna Taylor, racial injustice is a problem, workers say

Calls for racial justice following the deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others have made American workers more aware of racism and more eager to support those harmed by it, according to the Paradigm survey.

More than two-thirds of respondents  69%  say they believe racial injustice is a problem in the U.S., with 60% saying its a bigger problem than they thought a year ago.

Perspectives varied by race and ethnicity and age. People between the ages of 35-44 were most likely to think racism was a problem in the United States (78%); people between the ages of 55-64 were the least likely (60%).

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Black Lives Matter and corporate America: Why are there still so few Black executives?

Racism and discrimination: After police killing of George Floyd, Black employees ask corporate America: Do we matter?

Black, Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous people were more likely (75%) than white people (65%) to think racism was a problem in the United States.

"A lot of people spent the past year paying more attention to racial injustice and learning more about it. I think this led people to consider how the same themes that they were seeing culminate in violence and murder might also be showing up in different forms within their own organizations," Emerson said. "People started to consider how might racism be showing up within our four walls, and many leaders who were also educating themselves on these same topics were more receptive to those questions than they might have been in the past."

A protester waves a Black Lives Matter flag during racial justice protests on Nov. 3, 2020. in Seattle.

The Paradigm survey found that 61% of American workers want to be an ally to marginalized groups, with people of color (68%) more likely to feel that way than white people (56%).

Two-thirds expect their employers to make an equal commitment.

People arent just motivated to take individual action; a majority of people want to see organizations do the same, the survey found.

Taking a public stand isnt enough to satisfy workers.

Nearly three-quarters of the Americans surveyed  72%  want their employers to create an inclusive workplace. More than two-thirds  68%  also said they should be able to discuss racial justice issues at work.

Organizations have work to do. Nearly half of Americans  49%  witnessed or experienced racial bias or discrimination at work during the past 12 months, according to the survey.

14% said they experienced bias or discrimination related to their race/ethnicity;

20% experienced microaggressions;

20% witnessed bias or discrimination against others based on race/ethnicity;

17% witnessed microaggressions against a colleague.

Some 15% of those surveyed said they felt unable to speak out about bias or discrimination they experienced or witnessed.

Employee activism for racial justice grows

Change inside companies cannot only come from the hope that executives will have a momentary change of heart, said Ifeoma Ozoma, a former Pinterest public policy manager who accused the social media company of racial discrimination.

Employee activism is sweeping corporate America. Nowhere is that more evident than in the technology industry where employees at Google, Amazon and other companies who used to keep their opinions to themselves are speaking out on diversity and equity issues, from pay discrimination to sexual harassment.

A group of women from Colorado and North Carolina react while paying respects to George Floyd at a mural at George Floyd Square, Friday, April 23, 2021, in Minneapolis.

Ozoma is pushing legislation in California known as the Silenced No More Act that would protect workers from nondisclosure agreements in situations where they face discrimination or racism.

As more companies are called out on a year of next to no action, after spending money on marketing campaigns pretending that they care about Black lives and Black employees, Id expect to see more workers eager to use an inside and outside approach, Ozoma said.

Paradigm's recommendations to employers:

Communicate diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and policies to employees and spell out what actions the organization is taking.

Give employees skills and tools to help create a more inclusive workplace and address discrimination.

Create dedicated spaces for people to talk about racial injustice at work.

Respond to the call to publicly state your organizations stance on racial injustice and give regular updates on how you are following through on your commitments.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd: Employees want corporate America to stand against racism
People wearing masks in Lake Oswego, Oregon on April 11. Gillian Flaccus/AP

Oregon says businesses must ask for proof of vaccination from mask-less customers.

Asking for proof of the COVID-19 vaccine could create complications for workers and business owners.

Some businesses are worried about enforcing this rule, a spokesman for Oregon Business and Industry told the New York Times.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Fully vaccinated Oregonians can now go mask-less in most places. But if you plan on heading to a private business, be prepared to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status.

On May 13, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated Americans will no longer have to mask up as rigorously in most indoor and outdoor locations. And shortly after, on May 18, Oregon updated its face mask and physical distancing protocols to match the CDC's overhauled guidelines.

But unlike the CDC's announcement - which left private companies without much guidance - Oregon says workspaces, businesses, and "faith institutions" that want to lift their own mask mandate must have a policy in place for checking the COVID-19 vaccination status of mask-less visitors and patrons. This is a deviation from states like Florida, which have already banned local businesses from requiring proof of vaccination.

As per the CDC's guidelines, several private companies have also already lifted their own face covering protocols for fully vaccinated customers pending state and local mandates. And a few of these companies - including Costco and Trader Joe's - have announced they will be relying on the "honor system" instead of requiring proof of vaccination from mask-less customers.

However, this trust system could create "great confusion," Larry Barton, a professor of crisis management and public safety at University of Central Florida, told Insider.

"I have zero confidence if I'm a retailer that just because someone claims that they're vaccinated, that they are," Barton said. "It could be that they're lazy and they don't want to put on a mask, or it could be that they're an anti-vaxxer and simply tell me what they want me to hear."

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Oregon is seemingly trying to stay away from this "honor system" with its new guidance. However, the state's decision to require businesses to request proof of vaccination from un-masked patrons could create a new set of complications.

And now, several businesses in the state are worried about "putting their frontline workers in a potentially untenable position when dealing with customers," Nathaniel Brown, a spokesperson for Oregon Business and Industry, told the New York Times's Bryan Pietsch. OBI represents over 1,600 businesses in the state, according to its website.

"What will we have in society to prove vaccination?" Barton said. "We're a long, long way from that."

Barton explains that there are three possibilities of what a customer might do if a business asks them for proof of vaccination: the patron could either show their CDC vaccine card, verification of the vaccine on an app, or defy the protocols and not show any confirmation at all.

"We have serious concerns about the practicality of requiring business owners and workers to be the enforcer," Sandra McDonough, president and CEO of Oregon Business and Industry, told Insider in an email statement."We have raised our concerns with the state and asked regulators to give business owners maximum flexibility when it comes to vaccine verification processes."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Protestors supporting Palestinians shut down the Southwest Freeway feeder road as they marched to the Israeli Consulate calling for peace.

Video Transcript

MYCAH HATFIELD: We see these images from the Middle East flash across our TV screens, but the reality of what Israelis and Palestinians have faced every day for the last couple of weeks is unfathomable.

MOHAMAD FATTOUH: My uncle, actually, his apartment building was bombed. Thankfully, he was able to flee only 15 minutes before, but obviously, he had to pack up whatever stuff they could and hurry in the moment and then quickly leave and escape.

Michel Shriki, who lives in Ashdod, Israel, showed us the warnings broadcasted on their news, letting citizens know to get in their bomb shelters immediately.

MICHEL SHRIKI: When I'm driving, I look around where I have to hide if there will be a siren.

MYCAH HATFIELD: Over the last 10 days, The AP is reporting that Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes, they say, targeting Hamas infrastructure, killing more than 200 Palestinians.

In return, Hamas and other militant groups have fired about 4,000 rockets toward Israel, taking the life of 12 people.

MICHEL SHRIKI: Most of the people from Gaza are like me. We are not different. I don't see anybody who likes to live in fear and likes to live in-- I'm sure we are the same. There's no change. They have family, they have grandchildren, I'm sure.

The leaders, always the leaders, this is the problem.

MYCAH HATFIELD: Houstonians are advocating for an end to the violence. Tuesday evening, Palestinian protesters shut down the Southwest Freeway feeder road as they marched to the Israeli Consulate in the Greenway area.

MAI ABUSHAABAN: It's really scary knowing that we can't do anything over here. We can spread awareness. We can raise money. But at the end of the day, they're in God's hands.

MYCAH HATFIELD: Mycah Hatfield, ABC13 Eyewitness News.
Homecoming week ended at Wrigley Field on Thursday, and it was time for the Chicago Cubs to move on with the season and put the past behind.

The return of former Cubs stars Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber with the Washington Nationals provided reminders of the days when everything was golden and the window to win championships seemingly was wide open.

But as the Cubs head to St. Louis Friday for their first series with the National League Central leaders, its a matter of survival for a group of veterans whose futures in Chicago remain uncertain.

Theres been a ton of success with this group, team President Jed Hoyer said via teleconference before a 5-2 win over the Nationals. There have been times we havent achieved the level we wanted, but these players are iconic players for the Cubs.

Weve seen a couple of these guys come back here and the way they were treated. These guys that we have are absolutely at that level, or even higher. Obviously wed love to have those players going forward. Nothing has changed that feeling the way this year has started.

A wide-ranging interview with Hoyer covered the trade deadline, the offense, the Cubs failure to get 85% of Tier 1 employees vaccinated and the decision to start Nico Hoerner in the minors, a move Hoyer said he does not regret.

Hoyer voiced optimism about the current state of the Cubs, whove been at or near .500 for weeks, while offering no thoughts on the likelihood of retaining impending free agents Kris Bryant, Javier Baez or Anthony Rizzo. There are no ongoing contract conversations with the three, Hoyer said, and he still is unsure of how the trade deadline will play out for the Cubs.

If were in position to be a buyer, well have the budgetary flexibility to do that, Hoyer said.

If the Cubs are in contention in late July, it will put Hoyer in a difficult position trying to decide whether to keep his stars and go for it or deal one or more of them for prospects to reload in the coming years.

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At this point, it probably could go either way.

Hope we can go down to St. Louis and perform well, Hoyer said. Im trying to keep an open mind about this team and about the deadline. Right now, its May 20, theres a lot of time  two months and 10 days. Of course, you think about these different things. Theres plenty of time before the trade deadline for things to happen. Rushing that decision doesnt seem prudent.

The Cubs took three of four from the Nationals, improving to 22-21 and moving to within three games of the first-place Cardinals. Ian Happ homered twice and drove in three runs with the wind blowing out Thursday, Rizzo returned to the lineup after a day off with back issues, and the bullpen turned in 4 innings of scoreless relief while striking out nine, punctuated by Craig Kimbrels three Ks in the ninth.

After serving up back-to-back home runs to Josh Bell and Schwarber in the first, Trevor Williams settled down and kept the Nats at bay until Ross removed him after 77 pitches.

Kyle Hendricks will start the series opener Friday at Busch Stadium, followed by Adbert Alzolay and Zach Davies.

The Cubs will play 13 of their 16 games against the Cardinals before the July 31 trade deadline, so every series with St. Louis could factor into how Hoyer approaches the big day. For the time being, the Cubs will be without right fielder Jason Heyward, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain before Thursdays game.

A week of warm nostalgia ended with a Cubs win, and now the first big series of the 2021 season begins.
President Biden recognized Israels right to defend itself from rocket attacks and has also vetoed resolutions in the UN Security Council that would hinder diplomatic efforts. He has thrown a bone to the 25 Democratic senators urging him to pressure Israel, saying simply that the conflict should wind down. Thats all they should get from him knowing that Israel is acting in self-defense by continuing to destroy the Hamas military infrastructure and leadership.
He was struggling and being tortured. They didnt do anything, they just kept cutting his nails, says Ross about the PetSmart employees



For the last 12 years, AJ Ross had a constant companion in her toy poodle, Kobe. Their worlds collided when she got her start as a television news reporter in South Carolina in 2009.

He had this playful personality and he was like my spirit animal, Ross tells theGrio.

In a job that can be demanding, Ross says that Kobe brought light into her life, especially as she traveled from city to city and spent a lot of time away from family and close friends. The intangibles that pets can bring to your life, ordinary moments become just that more special, and theres a connection between pets and their owners, says Ross, who also is a freelance writer for theGrio.

That bond has now been broken, according to Ross, who says a routine grooming trip to a Pittsburgh-area PetSmart ended in tragedy. While in line at the pet store to buy a treat for Kobe after stopping at a pharmacy next door, Ross heard a manager being paged to the grooming area, where she found her dog lifeless on a table.

Read More: Barack Obama on late dog Bo: I needed a friend during presidency

AJ Ross is pictured with Kobe. (Credit: AJ Ross)

According to the criminal complaint, employees at the PetSmart claim the dog passed out and went limp, but police say video footage showed the dog hanging by two leashes.

That morning he was perfectly fine and had no record of medical issues. When they told me that he faintedin my shock and cryingIm hearing them but its not registering, Ross says.

Ross says that, initially, she was not getting answers that aligned with what employees said happened to her beloved Kobe. She then went on a crusade to see footage of what actually happened inside of the grooming room. Ross wasnt able to go inside with Kobe during the November 2020 nail-trimming appointment because of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Ross says after several attempts to get answers from employees at PetSmart, a regional manager brought her into the store to view the surveillance video in December of last year. I was told that I could not take any photos or record video, she says.

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Ross adds what she saw on the surveillance video traumatized her.

They had him tethered to a leash and tethered to the end of the grooming table. So his neck is being hyperextended in different directions, she recalled. He was hanging. He was hanging for over a minute. He was struggling and being tortured. They didnt do anything, they just kept cutting his nails.

Read More: Ex-officer avoids charges for slamming K-9 dog into patrol car

AJ Ross is pictured with Kobe. (Credit: AJ Ross)

According to Animal Control, Ross called Humane Animal Rescue the same day she saw the video and asked for an investigation. Since news of the incident broke, four employees at the PetSmart location are facing animal cruelty charges in connection with the toy poodles death.

This lawsuit will ensure that more people wont have to go through what I went through. Im looking into civil charges ,as well as trying to get laws changed, Ross said.

In the meantime, PetSmart released the following statement saying, We are heartbroken by and truly sorry for the loss of Kobe. After this terrible accident, we launched an internal investigation and found unintended failure to adhere to our pet safety processes. Additionally, we cooperated with an external investigation, terminated the responsible associates and facilitated an autopsy to help provide answers.

Ross says the store also provided her with the option to get another dog but she declined. I dont want any reminders or connection with PetSmart and I feel if had accepted their offer for another dog it wouldnt sit well with me, she explains.

Ross says shes now on a mission to help prevent others from experiencing her pain by making sure theres laws in place that require all pet groomers to be licensed. Ive written to anyone who will listen, from the mayor to Pennsylvania state representatives and senators, Ross adds.

As for the four employees now facing charges in the case, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 2021.

Kelsey Minor is a two time Emmy-winning freelance reporter based in New York City. You can follow his work on Twitter @theKELSEYminor.

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The post Pittsburgh reporter AJ Ross seeks to change laws after PetSmart strangulation of toy poodle appeared first on TheGrio.
A Texas police officer accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman has been arrested, officials say.

The El Paso Police Department announced the arrest Tuesday of Abderrazak Boukhatmi, a 34-year-old who has been with the department for two years. He has been charged with sexual assault.

Officials say he forced a 19-year-old woman to perform oral sex on him Sunday night in an apartment complexs pool restroom. Boukhatmi was working in an off-duty capacity at the apartment.

Boukhatmi will be booked in the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $45,000 bond, police say.

Chief Greg Allen wants to assure the public that such an abhorrently shameful act by an individual within the ranks of the police department is intolerable and will be investigated swiftly and thoroughly, police said in a statement. Boukhatmi was relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave.

Boukhatmi was hired in July 2019 and was earning $48,512 annually, KTSM reported.

Registered sex offender assaults mom, kidnaps her 14-year-old daughter, Texas cops say

Teacher accused of molesting 8-year-old told her to keep it our secret, Texas cops say
May 20Honolulu police seized nearly two dozen gambling machines, cash and drugs during a raid at an illegal game room in Kakaako Tuesday night.

Officers of the District 1 Crime Reduction Unit executed a search warrant with the assistance of the Narcotics /Vice Division and Specialized Services Division at a building at the corner of Cummins and Waimanu streets.

To report illegal gambling, call the Narcotics /Vice 24-hour hotline at 723-3933.
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper toured a childcare center in Cary on Thursday to promote a national plan to give two years of free preschool to all children.

President Joe Biden is proposing spending $200 billion on universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds as part of his American Families Plan that hes pitched to Congress. Cardona and state leaders said Thursday that two years of preschool will help give children the skills they need to prepare them for school and life.

When I think of the American Families Plan and the potential it has, I think of places like this, Cardona said after touring Bright Beginnings Child Development Center. Imagine if kids across the country had the opportunities that children have here.

The American Families Plan in all would spend $1.8 trillion, which would be covered by higher tax rates on the weathiest and other IRS enforcement changes, the Associated Press reported.

NC not meeting Pre-K goal

The national plan comes as North Carolina still hasnt reached its goal of providing free pre-K to 75% of the states at-risk 4-year-old children.

The state has seen increases in pre-kindergarten enrollment, reaching 31,000 children, roughly 50% of those eligible. But enrollment dropped by more than 9,100 children this school year during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some of the states most prominent business leaders have urged the Republican-led General Assembly to maintain funding for the NC Pre-K program and, if possible, increase funding so that expansion can continue.

The business leaders also want to encourage high-quality childcare centers to participate in NC Pre-K, to increase how much money the state provides per child and to help lower-wealth communities increase participation.

Coopers budget proposal calls for more money to expand Pre-K enrollment, higher pay for childcare workers and increased reimbursement rates for providers.

Pre-K is critical, Cooper, a Democrat, said Thursday at a news conference with Cardona. We want universal Pre-K in North Carolina. We know that education is cradle to career.

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The State Board of Education has proposed increased spending for the Smart Start program and the Pre-K program as part of its action plan in the Leandro school funding court case.

But state lawmakers have complained that they werent consulted in the plan. The judge presiding over the Leandro case has said he wont order lawmakers to provide the funding.

Wake County has had more success than other North Carolina counties in getting low-to-middle-income 4-year-olds into Pre-K programs. As a result, the county is launching a new program to provide free preschool to low-income 3-year-olds.
An Israeli artillery unit at the border fires shells toward targets in Gaza Strip on May 19, 2021. (Tsafrir Abayov / Associated Press)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday publicly shrugged off the strongest U.S. call yet to wind down fighting with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, but there were growing indications he would accede to international pressure for a cease-fire.

A 10th day of intense exchanges of fire saw Israeli forces again carry out airstrikes against dozens of militant targets in the small coastal enclave, while Palestinian militants fired new volleys of rockets into Israeli towns and cities.

Early Thursday in Gaza City, orange flashes lighted up the sky, as the thunder of heavy bombardment drowned out the morning call to prayer.

The fighting has killed at least 227 Palestinians, 64 of them children, and 12 people on the Israeli side, including a small child, a teenager and a soldier.

The White House announced that President Biden had told Netanyahu in a phone call Wednesday  their second in three days  that he expected to see significant de-escalation today as part of a move toward a truce.

Netanyahu said soon afterward he was determined to continue this operation until its aim is met," though he coupled that with an expression of appreciation for the support of the American president.

It was difficult to assess whether Netanyahus seeming shrug at a public appeal from Israels closest ally reflected a genuine intent to press ahead with an offensive that has disrupted daily life for hundreds of thousands of Israelis, while spreading death and devastation in Gaza, an already battered corner of the region.

Members of Israeli bomb squad unit inspect a house in Sderot that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip on May 19, 2021. (Tsafrir Abayov / Associated Press)

A former senior military chieftain, speaking on Israels Channel 12, said the prime minister had little choice but to ultimately go along with Bidens wishes, even as he signaled preparedness to continue the military offensive indefinitely.

It needs to be made clear that Israel hears [Biden], even if we dont accept a cessation to the fighting tonight, said retired Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, a former air force deputy commander.

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The prime ministers insistence on reserving the right to punish Hamas, even at the cost of a deepening humanitarian crisis and many Palestinian civilian lives in Gaza, may play well with his hard-line domestic base. But Yadlin suggested that in the longer term, it could hurt Israels dealings with the 4-month-old U.S. administration.

Netanyahu is missing an opportunity to strengthen Israels ties with Biden, he said.

In addition to admonitions from the Biden administration, the European Union and several European leaders are urging a quick end to the fighting.

Germany's foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said he would travel to the region Thursday for talks, and Qatar and Egypt have reportedly been involved in mediation efforts.

A senior Hamas political leader, Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook, said in a television interview Wednesday that he expected to see a halt to the fighting within a day or two.

I expect the cease-fire efforts will succeed, Abu Marzook, who lives in exile, said on Al Mayadeen television, a station affiliated with the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah.

But Hamas has been careful to stress its resolve to keep up the fight. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, in an online statement, contended that "the resistance has a long life" and "capabilities to continue the battle."

Israeli news reports suggested that even if Israel does want an off-ramp from the fighting, Netanyahus government does not want it to appear that the United States is dictating battlefield strategy.

"Israel will decide the timeline for a cease-fire, Eitan Ginzburg, the communications minister, told Israel's Channel 11.

Domestically, Israels Gaza campaign has been criticized in some quarters for lacking a clear goal beyond the general aim of seeking to degrade Hamas military strength, but commentators said that in any event, the decision to end the offensive would not be driven primarily by security concerns.

Its a political decision, not a military one, said Roni Daniel, a veteran military affairs reporter, speaking on Channel 12.

The most serious combat in seven years between Israel and Hamas erupted after weeks of confrontations between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem, the tinderbox for so many past conflagrations.

Palestinians were particularly angered by a police raid on Aqsa Mosque, the holiest Islamic site in the Old City, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Tensions were also inflamed by aggressive policing of weeks of protests in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheik Jarrah, where several Palestinian families faced possible eviction to make way for Jewish settlers.

Even as the Gaza fighting has raged, the conflict widened to the West Bank, where Israeli troops have engaged in violent confrontations with Palestinians, and to Israeli cities and towns, where Palestinian citizens of Israel have staged protests and sometimes clashed with Jewish extremists.

Earlier Wednesday, rockets fired from Lebanon landed inside Israel, the third such episode in a week. Israels military said it pinpointed four rockets that were launched, with one landing in an open area, two splashing down offshore and one intercepted.

No party has claimed responsibility for the rockets fired from Lebanon in recent days.

In the campaign of airstrikes on Gaza, Israel says it has been targeting an elaborate tunnel network dug and maintained by Hamas. The latest aerial assault Wednesday concentrated on the southern Gaza Strip, near the Egyptian border, where the Israeli military said it had targeted underground passages with 40 strikes.

On both sides of the border, the missile and rocket fire turned neighborhoods into battlefields.

In Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, residents said a compound that was home to 40 members of an extended family was leveled by a missile strike. What appeared to be a warning projectile hit the compound moments earlier  a common Israeli military practice indicating a site is being targeted  and the compound quickly emptied, a panicked exodus that included many women and children, witnesses said.

In the southern Israeli town of Sderot, Israeli television showed images of a house that took a direct hit, just after a man had picked up his nearly 2-year-old daughter to flee to an adjacent bomb shelter. The blast left couches covered in gray soot, tiles scattered and the floor littered with chunks of debris and concrete.

The father, Ben Buchris, 27, told Channel 12 of his narrow escape.

Its a miracle, he said. I have no words.

Conditions were increasingly miserable in Gaza, already struggling with deteriorating infrastructure and a coronavirus outbreak. Electricity and fuel are scarce, as is clean drinking water. Gaza has been under a blockade by Israel and Egypt since Hamas took control of the territory 14 years ago.

In Israel, some seasoned observers of past conflicts predicted that the fighting would wind down soon. Mike Herzog, a retired brigadier general, told Israeli radio that he believed a cease-fire could happen as early as Thursday.

Its hard to see it going on much longer, he said.

Special correspondents Kraft and Salah reported from Tel Aviv and Gaza City, respectively, and Times staff writer King from Washington. Staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
UNC-Chapel Hill trustees were met by more than three dozen students, faculty and community protesters Thursday who are upset that acclaimed journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones did not get tenure for a new position she will begin this summer.

Later in the day, UNC leaders attempted to clarify the issue as campus and national outcry continued to mount.

Hannah-Jones is a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times investigative journalist and MacArthur Fellowship Genius Grant recipient who will join the UNC-CH faculty as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism in July.

The outrage from faculty, students and professional journalists stems from the fact that previous Knight Chairs have always been tenured positions at UNCs Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Hannah-Jones, however, will have a fixed-term Professor of the Practice position, with the option of being reviewed for tenure within five years.

Kim Talikoff of Chapel Hill joined two friends at Thursday mornings protest on the sidewalk outside the Carolina Inn, where the Board of Trustees met. Talikoff said she was upset that UNC made a different deal with Hannah-Jones than with other Knight professors.

I care deeply about freedom of speech and freedom of thought. I trust people to think critically, and I dont think the university is a place where people ought to be afraid of ideas, Talikoff said.

LeRoi Brashears said the problem is that UNC-CH doesnt have the courage to acknowledge what he called its racist foundation or root it out from its management. He is a member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch of the NAACP, but said he was not speaking for the organization.

Every time you see them come to a juncture like this, they default to some spectacularly bigoted and racist move, Brashears said.

Brashears noted Hannah-Jones professional accolades and experience, including her work on The 1619 Project, which explores the legacy and history of Black Americans and slavery.

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He said there are powerful people still running the university who dont want the truth told about the institution of slavery in the United States.

Why Hannah-Jones didnt get tenure

During a brief press conference after the trustees meeting, Board Chairman Richard Stevens said Hannah-Jones was part of a slate of tenure candidates proposed by Provost Bob Blouin to be considered at the January 2021 board meeting. The boards University Affairs Committee vets candidates on behalf of the board before the full vote for approval.

Before that January meeting, trustee Chuck Duckett, who chairs that committee, contacted Blouin with questions about Hannah-Jones. Duckett suggested they have more time to postpone the review and consider those questions in her overall application, which is not unusual, Stevens said.

Stevens said the board took no action regarding tenure for Hannah-Jones and there was no decision made denying her tenure. She accepted the fixed-term faculty position that was presented to her, he said.

Asked what questions or hesitations Duckett presented to Blouin, Stevens said for this lifetime position its not unusual to have questions or clarifications about background, particularly candidates that dont come from a traditional academic-type background. He offered no specifics.

When asked, Stevens said he did not recall if any other candidates were brought into question.

Stevens and Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz took just five questions from reporters before ending the video news conference. The News & Observer asked afterward for clarity on a number of other questions, including what happened to the request after Duckett postponed it, whether Guskiewicz and Blouin were in favor of tenure, whether there was pressure put on Duckett or other trustees to slow the tenure, and the number of Black and women faculty members who have tenure.

Susan King, dean of the journalism school, said she was told that the trustees didnt approve tenure to someone outside of academia, as Hannah-Jones is a professional journalist, not a professor. However, the Knight Chair is specifically designed to bring the best in their industry into higher education.

The Knight Foundation respects the independence of each school with these endowed chairs and does not appoint individuals, president Alberto Ibarguen said in a statement, noting Hannah-Jones distinguished career in journalism.

It is not our place to tell UNC or UNC/Hussman who they should appoint or give tenure to, Ibarguen said. It is, however, clear to us that Hannah-Jones is eminently qualified for the appointment and would urge the trustees of the University of North Carolina to reconsider their decision within the timeframe of our agreement.

At the press conference, Stevens said Hannah-Jones could be considered for tenure again before the five-year term of her contract.

Shame on you

The trustees meeting was held in one of the large ballroom spaces at the Carolina Inn, with trustees spaced out at separate tables along the perimeter. As the meeting was about to start, protesters were allowed to come in. They filed in quietly, bringing their signs, some of them holding them above their heads.

Some of the signs said Abolish the BOT #BlackHistoryMatters #BlackWomenMatter, Nikole Hannah Jones is all of us and UNC = Klan University lovers of racist ignorance!!

Nikole Hannah-Jones

As the meeting got underway, one protester said, Shame on you. Shame on you.

Then a few began to sing We Shall Overcome.

Stevens told demonstrators they were welcome to be there, but said if they interfered with the meeting, they would be asked to leave and could be subject to arrest.

Brashears continued to sing and say, Shame, and then left the room.

In the meeting, protesters applauded with finger snaps at the moment when incoming UNC Student Body President Lamar Richards mentioned the ongoing hatred and bigotry in North Carolina and the country, in an apparent nod to the issue at hand.

If there is one thing that we have learned from the past year, it is that flexibility, patience and understanding are all virtues that one must hold, especially in navigating events as historic and inequitable as a global pandemic, Richards said, as well as the ongoing hatred and bigotry in our state and across the country towards Black individuals, towards individuals in the Asian American community, towards our transgender friends and community members.

Later on in his speech, Richards said in the midst of adversity, it is time for our university to rise to the challenge and lead by example.

Most of the protesters left at the end of his speech.

Hannah-Jones, a Black woman who earned a masters degree at UNC-CH, went through the extensive process to be granted tenure, gaining the support of UNC-CH faculty and academic administrators along the way.

Hannah-Jones has not responded to interview requests, but said I see you all and I am grateful in a tweet Wednesday.

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Controversy over The 1619 Project

The news of Hannah-Joness hiring sparked scrutiny from some conservatives critical of her work, particularly on The 1619 Project. Hannah-Joness piece won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, but has been attacked by some historians and politicians and led to a clarification from The New York Times.

One point that sparked debate was the claim that a primary reason the colonists fought the American Revolution was to protect the institution of slavery, according to The Times, which stood behind the work. Its also been recently debated in Congress as an example of an educational program that teaches about systemic racism and slavery, though some politicians say it puts advocacy ahead of historical accuracy, The Times reported.

Dozens of UNC-CH faculty were stunned that Hannah-Jones didnt receive tenure because they had been impressed by her work and 20-year career. They pointed to politics, race and gender as reasons behind the decision.

Associate Professor Deb Aikat told The News & Observer it sets a disturbing precedent that in 2021, when we are in a racial reckoning, the UNC Board of Trustees declined to consider for tenure a prospective faculty of color.

Our faculty colleagues in UNC are troubled and tormented that conservative ire has forced the UNC Board of Trustees to back down from offering a tenured position to an acclaimed journalist like Nikole Hannah-Jones, Aikat said.

Members of the UNC-CH Board of Trustees are appointed by state legislators and the UNC System Board of Governors. Current members of the Board of Governors have been appointed by a Republican-dominated state legislature.

Mimi Chapman, chair of the UNC-CH faculty, sent faculty the remarks she told trustees at a committee meeting Wednesday regarding their decision to override a faculty recommendation regarding tenure.

Chapman said she recognizes their right to do so, but their rumored concerns about Hannah-Jones teaching experience and academic background make no sense as a reason and damages the relationship between trustees and faculty. Their decision shows that trustees do not value faculty members expertise, our judgment, our devotion to this institution, and indeed our time, she said.

To get that message after all theyve gone through is devastating and demoralizing, Chapman said.

When we recommend tenure, we do so with a deep conviction that the person being tenured has ideas and work that are life changing and life affirming, Chapman said, even if that work and those ideas are controversial or difficult to sit with.

The Raleigh-Apex NAACP issued a statement Thursday saying this is a real case of cancel culture because many of the arguments in The 1619 Project are uncomfortable for people who want a sanitized notion of U.S. history.

It said tenure was created for cases like this and to protect controversial work.

Silencing dissenting views, like the 1619 Project, will have a chilling effect on scholars, especially women and scholars of color who might raise questions about the impact of systemic racism or gender discrimination on our society, the statement said. Instead of focusing on frivolous examples of cancel culture, we should instead be standing up for academic freedom and for the often difficult work of confronting and coming to terms with our nations original sin.

The National Association of Black Journalists said Thursday it was disappointed to learn Hannah-Jones position wouldnt be tenured and reached out to the university to find out why.

If issues of race or attempts to muffle the freedom of the press are at the core of this decision, NABJ will stand strongly against it and work to hold the university accountable, the statement said.

NABJ President Dorothy Tucker added: The university would be sending a message to its students that it does not support press freedom and that seeking the truth and reporting it is not a pillar it believes should be a part of our profession, and that the work of Black journalists, or any journalist, to expose the ills of slavery and its impact on America is unmerited.

NABJ Academic Representative Jarrad Henderson said in the statement that this is the latest in the history of unfair treatment of Black women in academia, who are often denied promotion despite exceptional work.

Support from UNC-CH student leaders

Undergraduate student leaders published a letter written directly to Hannah-Jones telling her they are frustrated and disappointed by their university.

They told her they need her in Chapel Hill and are hopeful UNC leaders grant her the tenured contract she deserves. They said UNC does not create an environment for Black academics to flourish and it would be hypocritical to ask her to be in an atmosphere that does not uplift, protect, or respect you.

They said they cannot ask her to walk into a place where where respect is minimal, criticism is high, and quantity is all too few for academics of color  especially Black women.

But, if Hannah-Jones decides to come, they said she will find a community of committed student leaders  activists, advocates, and representatives who stand behind you, recognize the impact of your work, and will support you from your first step on campus.
Travelers with a dog make their way through Los Angeles International Airport. The nation's airlines have begun to reintroduce pre-pandemic fees and restrictions. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

To lure hesitant fliers back onto planes during much of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation's struggling airlines waived change fees, freed up middle seats to promote social distancing, extended expiration dates on loyalty reward points and cut airfares.

Now that new U.S. coronavirus cases are dropping and travel restrictions are being lifted, the country's airlines are starting to act like, well, airlines again.

Air carriers have reintroduced change fees for the least expensive tickets, returned to filling the middle seats and once again imposed expiration dates for many loyalty reward programs. On average, domestic airfares are up 12% from full-year 2020 prices, according to industry data, and are expected to climb by the end of the year to 28% above the full-year 2020 prices.

"During the pandemic, we saw airlines pulling out all the stops to incentivize people to travel," said Adit Damodaran, an economist at Hopper, an airline and hotel data analysis company. "But I think the times are changing, and we are turning the corner here."

The airline industry has suffered greater financial effects from the ongoing pandemic than from either the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, or the Great Recession of 2007-09, according to industry experts. Air travel demand last year plunged to as little as 10% of the demand in 2019, leading airlines to park idle aircraft in remote desert airports and furlough thousands of flight attendants and mechanics.

Even the most optimistic industry forecasters say air travel demand in the U.S. won't return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024.

To appeal to coronavirus-leery travelers, airlines have relaxed or removed some of the fees and restrictions that have made flying less than enjoyable for many passengers.

"The last thing a lot of companies want to do is alienate their most loyal and lucrative customers," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst and loyalty reward program expert at Lending Tree. "It's in their interest to play as nicely as they can."

Story continues

The policy changes adopted over the last year or so were an effort to "offer increased flexibility for customers," said Carter Yang, a spokesperson for Airlines for America, a trade group for the nation's airlines.

When coronavirus cases began to surge in early 2020, Delta, American, Alaska, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue and Southwest airlines announced plans to promote physical distancing between passengers by blocking fliers from booking the middle seats in some or all sections of the cabin.

Every airline has since ended the middle-seat blocking strategy. Delta was the last major U.S. carrier to continue the program, ending it April 30.

With record-low travel demand in 2020 came rock-bottom airfares for passengers who were willing to board a plane despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance to avoid nonessential travel. Domestic round-trip airfares in the U.S. dropped in 2020 to an average of $220, down 25% from 2019, according to Hopper.

The CDC updated its guidance this spring, saying that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19  waiting at least two weeks after their final vaccine dose  can travel within the U.S. at low risk to themselves.

Now that demand for travel has started to pick up, airfares are also rising. So far in 2021, the average domestic round-trip airfare is $247, up 12% from full-year 2020, according to Hopper, which predicts fares will climb 28% from the 2020 average to an average of $281 by year's end.

Experts suggest taking advantage of the low fares while they last.

"We are in this era of a lot of enticing fares," said Sara Rathner, a travel expert at NerdWallet. "That will continue for some time. Then we'll see all of those deals go away."

Early in the pandemic, many of the nation's largest airlines also waived their change fees  the charge for changing a reservation on a non-refundable ticket. It was a significant move because change fees have historically been a major source of airline revenue. Airlines in the U.S. collected $2.8 billion in change fees in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Many U.S. airlines vowed in 2020 to permanently eliminate change fees on higher-priced tickets. But several, including American, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian, have reimposed the fees on no-frills basic economy tickets.

JetBlue waived change fees for all fares booked through the end of May. But starting June 1, the airline's low-priced Blue Basic fares for trips within the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico or Central America can be changed or canceled only by paying a $100 fee.

American Airlines also waived change fees on all tickets booked through March 31, 2021, but basic economy fares purchased after that date for future travel became nonrefundable and unchangeable.

Loyalty reward programs also have been a big revenue generator for air carriers. The programs, along with commissions for booking hotel and car rental reservations through airline websites, generated $11.5 billion for U.S. carriers in 2019, according to an analysis by IdeaWorks, a consultant on boosting airline revenue.

When the pandemic made much travel inadvisable, several airline loyalty programs, including those for American, Frontier, Emirates and All Nippon Airways, delayed the expiration dates of their points by several months. Those extensions are about to end.

In the American Airlines program, AAdvantage, points that were scheduled to expire in 2020 remain in good standing until June 30 of this year. Points in Emirates Airlines' loyalty program, Emirates Skywards, also will start expiring at the end of June.

Frontier Miles, the loyalty program for Frontier Airlines, postponed the expiration date indefinitely, with the caveat that it can reintroduce an expiration date with 90 days' notice.

Industry experts predict airlines probably will reimpose old fees, add new charges and introduce new limits on loyalty reward programs as soon as demand begins to return to pre-pandemic levels.

"You are going to see aggressive moves by the airline industry to raise fares and not become as generous as they are now," said Jay Sorensen, president of IdeaWorks. "U.S. airlines are simply trying to recover a year of lost revenue."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Thousands of Banyamulenge people have fled a flare-up of fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in recent weeks to take refuge in the town of Uvira, on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The renewed violence is a blow for communities that have been wracked by unrest in recent years as warring militias battle over bitter, longstanding ethnic rivalries.

"People died, houses were set on fire... all our property was taken away," said Aline Ndariburugwa, one of the roughly 3,000 to have fled the fighting in the Hauts Plateaux region.

Banyamulenge civilians, resented for their role in violence that racked the DRC after Rwanda's 1994 genocide and suspected of being tools of an attempt by Kigali to destabilise its neighbour, have been targeted by militias known as Mayi-Mayi drawn from other ethnic groups.

Ndariburugwa said Burundian militiamen took part in the attack alongside Mayi-Mayi fighters.

South Kivu province has been the scene of periodic inter-ethnic violence for the past three decades, and April was "the second most active month... since mid-2017," Kivu Security Tracker (KST) coordinator Pierre Boisselet said.

The KST's monitoring of violence in eastern DRC, especially volatile North and South Kivu, has shown the situation worsening since late March in the verdant High Plateaux, which overlook Lake Tanganyika and neighbouring Burundi from a height of some 3,000 metres (10,000 feet).

Conflicts variously pit armed groups from the local Babembe, Banyindu, Bafulero and Banyamulenge communities against one another.

But the KST said the latest flare-up "is said to be linked to an incursion of armed men from Burundi in March," naming the Resistance for the Rule of Law (RED)-Tabara, a militia that first appeared in 2011.

"Violence is cyclical in the highlands, (but) this situation is relatively new," Boisselet said.

- Martial law -

Violent clashes "have begun to spill over" into neighbouring regions, according to a report from an international NGO seen by AFP.

Story continues

Militia forces "are out of the control of their communities and the clashes involve extremely violent reprisals," while crime is growing "at an exponential rate," the report warns.

In the High Plateaux, armed groups have been reinforced by men from the hinterland forests and the Ruzizi plain on the border with Burundi, an "infiltration point" for foreign fighters, notes a report from another NGO.

Compounding the crisis are inaction by the army, a divided provincial government, civil society groups manipulated by one side or another, a governor accused of embezzlement and dilapidated infrastructure.

President Felix Tshisekedi on May 6 proclaimed a "state of siege" -- effectively martial law -- in North Kivu and neighbouring Ituri province in a bid to curb bloodshed by the Allied Democratic Forces, a historically Ugandan Islamist group accused of murdering more than 1,000 civilians since November 2019 in and around the major city of Beni in North Kivu province.

The move risks shunting militias and criminals into neighbouring South Kivu, one of the NGO reports seen by AFP warned.

Mathias Gillmann, a spokesman for the UN's MONUSCO peacekeeping force, said "we are trying to do what we can to protect civilian populations" with a new base in the area.

But the UN troops themselves struggle with "problems of access and the absence of state authorities," he added.

In the long run, "the solution will come from the communities" themselves, Gillmann said.

For now, eastern DR Congo is plagued by almost 122 active armed groups, and at least 490 civilians have been killed in North and South Kivu alone since early 2021, according to the KST.

The ADF is the bloodiest among the militias, active in North Kivu since the mid-1990s with alleged links to the Islamic State group.

- Legacy of Rwanda -

Over the past three decades, many Congolese have developed a hostile image of the Banyamulenge.

The Tutsi herders with distant Rwandan origins see themselves as victims of discrimination.

But most Congolese associate them with the aftershocks of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi, when the Kivus -- and all of the DRC -- were plunged into chaos.

Some Banyamulenge joined Paul Kagame's successful Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR) rebellion which ended the massacres.

In the DRC, they were active in Rwandan-backed rebellions by Laurent-Desire Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) and the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD).

Kabila ousted president Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997 and led the DRC until he was assassinated in 2001 and replaced by his son, Joseph Kabila.

The conflicts that brought him to power saw numerous atrocities against civilians, while relations with Rwanda swung from alliance to hostility.

Members of other communities formed the Mayi-Mayi armed groups, attacking Banyamulenge civilians in turn and sparking a cycle of violence that continues to this day.

hba/mbb/sba/nb/tgb/gd
Vallarta Living



Nuestro Orgullo Vallarta Pride Events Support SETAC



'Nuestro Orgullo Vallarta' is a Pride celebration that goes beyond typical circuit parties to include cultural, artistic and recreational events in support of the SETAC Community and Wellness Center. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - A new pride organization has emerged in Puerto Vallarta. Nuestro Orgullo Vallarta (Our Vallarta Pride), is an LGBTQ+ festival developed by and for the local community that is separate from Vallarta Pride, which has been organized since 2013 by ACT LGBT, a non-profit organization representing the various interests of LGBT owned and managed businesses.



So, this year, there are more Pride events for locals and visitors to enjoy. Pink & Proud Puerto Vallarta is partnering with both organizations for their pride week. Check out



In celebrating Gay Pride in Puerto Vallarta, Nuestro Orgullo goes beyond typical circuit parties. Cultural, artistic and recreational events outside of the club scene are part of this first edition. These events, which support



The global COVID-19 Pandemic hit SETAC particularly hard, like so many other nonprofits around the world, because they have relied so much on financial support from Vallarta's LGBT business community since they began more than 11 years ago.



This community saw its revenues dry up virtually overnight when the tourist trade shut down completely in Spring 2020. Since then, with so many in the businesses struggling not to go bankrupt, SETAC has had to rely on occasional donations from international supporters just to keep the doors open. They're predicting that it will be well into 2022 before the local economy recovers enough for businesses to be able to start supporting them again in the ways they traditionally have.



So, while tourism is now picking up and is expected to continue expanding this year, they are not yet out of the woods by any means, and are still counting on donations from U.S. and Canadian friends and supporters to help them provide HIV medication, PrEP, counseling services, lab work, and transgender support to the over 2,500 locals that make use of SETAC services.





Cultural, artistic and recreational events that support the SETAC Community and Wellness Center.







Their Pride Week events run from May 24-May 31, 2021, and include:

May 24-31 - an exciting campground experience at Rancho Mi Abuelo

Friday, May 28, 7 pm-2 am - Celebration of Life Dance Camp Night

Friday, May 28, 2 pm-12 am - Pink & Proud Pool Party Women Only

Saturday, May 29, 8 pm-LATE - Red Dress Party with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Sunday, May 30, 2 pm-LATE - SETAC Sunday: Lip Sync, drag shows, DJ spinning dance tunes & more



For more information about these and other Nuestro Orgullo 2021 events hosted by Casa Cupula, The Palm Cabaret,



Located at Aldanaca 178 4A & 4B, in the Colonia Versalles of neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, SETAC is a non-profit community and wellness center whose mission is to reduce HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the greater Banderas Bay region through education, detection and prevention. Free counseling, testing, treatments and referrals for HIV and other sexual transmitted illness are just some of the free services SETAC provides to the entire population, without prejudice or discrimination. For more information, follow SETAC on Facebook, visit the website, call (322) 224-1974 or email contacto(at)setac.com.mx.



Click HERE to learn more about Centro Comunitario SETAC. - A new pride organization has emerged in Puerto Vallarta.(Our Vallarta Pride), is an LGBTQ+ festival developed by and for the local community that is separate from Vallarta Pride, which has been organized since 2013 by ACT LGBT, a non-profit organization representing the various interests of LGBT owned and managed businesses.So, this year, there are more Pride events for locals and visitors to enjoy. Pink & Proud Puerto Vallarta is partnering with both organizations for their pride week. Check out pinkandproudpvr.com for their full schedule of events.In celebrating Gay Pride in Puerto Vallarta, Nuestro Orgullo goes beyond typical circuit parties. Cultural, artistic and recreational events outside of the club scene are part of this first edition. These events, which support SETAC - a non-profit community and wellness center whose mission is to reduce HIV and other STDs in the Banderas Bay region through education, detection and prevention - range from camping experiences to a Red Dress Party, and everything in between.The global COVID-19 Pandemic hit SETAC particularly hard, like so many other nonprofits around the world, because they have relied so much on financial support from Vallarta's LGBT business community since they began more than 11 years ago.This community saw its revenues dry up virtually overnight when the tourist trade shut down completely in Spring 2020. Since then, with so many in the businesses struggling not to go bankrupt, SETAC has had to rely on occasional donations from international supporters just to keep the doors open. They're predicting that it will be well into 2022 before the local economy recovers enough for businesses to be able to start supporting them again in the ways they traditionally have.So, while tourism is now picking up and is expected to continue expanding this year, they are not yet out of the woods by any means, and are still counting on donations from U.S. and Canadian friends and supporters to help them provide HIV medication, PrEP, counseling services, lab work, and transgender support to the over 2,500 locals that make use of SETAC services. Amaria Villas , a resort hotel nestled in the hills of Puerto Vallarta along the Rio Cuale, is among the businesses that will host a series of Pride Week events supporting SETAC and Nuestro Orgullo Vallarta.Their Pride Week events run from May 24-May 31, 2021, and include:May 24-31 - an exciting campground experience at Rancho Mi AbueloFriday, May 28, 7 pm-2 am - Celebration of Life Dance Camp NightFriday, May 28, 2 pm-12 am - Pink & Proud Pool Party Women OnlySaturday, May 29, 8 pm-LATE - Red Dress Party with the Sisters of Perpetual IndulgenceSunday, May 30, 2 pm-LATE - SETAC Sunday: Lip Sync, drag shows, DJ spinning dance tunes & moreFor more information about these and other Nuestro Orgullo 2021 events hosted by Hotel Mercurio Act2PV and other LGBTQ businesses and community members, visit setac.com.mx.



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Mayor Lovely A. Warren speaks to media following the death of a Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his head during an arrest on March 23, in Rochester, New York, U.S. September 3, 2020. REUTERS/Lindsay DeDario

The husband of Rochester's Mayor Lovely Warren has been arrested.

Timothy Granison pleaded not guilty to drug and gun charges after a seven month investigation.

Warren was also indicted last year on felony fraud charges related to her campaign.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The husband of Rochester, New York, Mayor Lovely Warren has been arrested as part of a seven-month narcotics ring investigation, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Timothy Granison pleaded not guilty to two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count of criminal possession of a firearm, The Democrat and Chronicle reported.

Police surrounded the home of the mayor and her husband on Wednesday. During a search, they recovered a handgun and a semi-automatic weapon, according to Rochester City Newspaper.

Granison was one of seven people charged in the sting, the paper reported, in which police recovered a total of two kilograms of powder and crack cocaine, which has a street value of $60,000; three firearms; and more than $100,000 in cash.

Court documents seen by The Democrat and Chronicle show that Granison is accused of possessing 31 grams of cocaine.

Legal trouble for the mayor

When addressing reporters after Granison's arraignment, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley didn't confirm or deny whether the mayor was involved in the drug ring, City Newspaper reported.

She simply said, "We're not charging yet," adding the investigation isn't over.

Separately, Warren was indicted last year on felony fraud charges related to her 2017 mayoral campaign. Investigators accused her team of illegally using a political action committee to bolster finances above the allowable donation limit, The Democrat and Chronical reported at the time.

Despite the indictment, Warren is currently seeking her third term in office.

Warren's attorney, Joseph Damelio, questioned whether a grand jury was swayed to indict because they were seated when members of the public had been calling for Warren to resign over the police killing of Daniel Prude.

Story continues

Prude died in March 2020, a week after his brother called 911 to seek help for him during a mental health crisis.

When officers responded to the 911 call, they found Prude naked in the street and put a "spit hood" over his head due to concerns he might have COVID-19, according to police video made public in September. The officers pressed Prude's head to the ground for two minutes, and he stopped breathing. Prude was taken off life support seven days later.

Read the original article on Insider
Hundreds of workers in restaurants, health care, retail and other hospitality industries could see more stability to their works schedules and their lives if a bill passed Tuesday by the Connecticut Senate is made law. But opponents say the measure, introduced by Senate Pro Tempore Martin Looney and co-sponsored by 18 other legislators, threatens those industries recovery as the pandemic abates.

If passed, SB 668  called Fair Work Week Law by fans and Scheduling Mandate by foes  obligates employers to provide workers an estimated work schedule, average number of weekly hours and minimum shift lengths that the employees should expect. Shift schedules would have to be posted two weeks in advance and adhered to.

Employees whose schedules are altered could refuse the altered hours, and employers may have to compensate affected workers when a schedule is changed suddenly. Employees would be able to refuse shifts that begin less than 11 hours after their previous shift ends, and if they do not refuse, they would be paid time and a half for that shift.

But the bill, passed by a 20-16 vote, would only apply to companies that employ more than 500 people or to restaurants with 30 or more locations or franchisees if the global network includes at least 500 employees.

Though the bill wont impact most of Connecticuts small businesses and restaurateurs, Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said the bill remains a real threat.

I already have franchisees say to me Were going to question whether we keep our franchises in Connecticut because of this bill. There is no bill like this in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island. We want to be a leader in economic recovery, not turn away growing businesses.

Dolch said supporters defended the bill on the grounds that it only affected larger restaurant groups or big-box chains, but he said franchisees are also small businesses.

I know a guy who has one Dunkin Donuts franchise, just 40 employees. But he would have to follow this because Dunkin has thousands of locations worldwide, he said. It does affect small businesses.

Story continues

Sen. Paul Formica is both a Republican state legislator and a restaurateur. He and his wife have owned Flanders Fish Market in East Lyme for 38 years. Formica called the bill the camels nose in the tent, suggesting that if the bill is passed that eventually smaller workplaces will be affected, too.

This is a blatant attempt to unionize without going through the effort of collective bargaining.

Dolch said the bill will eliminate the flexibility employers have to adjust scheduling as day-to-day situations arise.

If you have to change your employees schedules for any reason, like if theres a snowstorm, lightning rain, and you decide youre not going to work on the patio. You dont know the weather seven days in advance, he said. You still have to pay those employees for the time they didnt work.

Luz Ramos, who owns The Sloppy Waffle in Newington, will not be affected by the law, if it is passed. She said, however, that the business is too unpredictable to lock in schedules.

Restaurants in particular are governed by how busy they are or arent. Imagine if we had to keep people on if we didnt need them because business was slow that day, she said.

Advocates say the legislation is an important step for workers. Barbara Lopez, director, Make the Road CT, an organization that works with Black and Latino communities in Hartford and Bridgeport, said the bill opens a path to opportunity.

For many workers in Connecticut, their job is not a source of stability, but of uncertainty, of not knowing when they will be called next. Latinx and Black workers, especially women, bear the brunt of on-call scheduling, and with each shift change, each scramble to find transportation to work, they see their path to opportunity made narrower, the climb more steep, Lopez said.

Maddie Granato, policy director of the Connecticut Womens Education and Legal Fund, pointed out that the bill will heavily impact women of color, who make up a large percentage of low-wage essential workers.

Unstable work hours make it extremely challenging for women to manage caregiving responsibilities, afford and access child care, attend doctors appointments or pursue higher education or training, Granato said.

A statement released through the states Working Families Party praised the legislation as a way to show low-wage workers, many of whom we relied on during the pandemic, that we value them.

Susan Dunne can be reached at sdunne@courant.com.
A second person has died days after a car crashed into multiple trees near a Midlands road, the Sumter County Coroners Office said.

Dustin Porter died Wednesday at a Prisma Health hospital in Richland County, Coroner Robbie Baker said in a news release.

The 30-year-old North Carolina man was a passenger in a car that ran off U.S. 378 and hit several trees before crashing into a ditch on Saturday morning, according to Baker.

The driver  34-year-old Sumter resident Brian Hough II  died at the scene, Baker said.

The single-vehicle collision happened at about 5 a.m. Saturday in Sumter County, according to Sgt. Sonny Collins of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

A 2019 Dodge Challenger was heading east on U.S. 378, in the Wateree Swamp area, when it ran off the left side of the road, Collins said.

Porter was airlifted to the hospital, according to Baker.

No other injuries were reported by Highway Patrol.

Both Porter and Hough were wearing seat belts, Baker said.

Information on what caused the Dodge to veer off the road was not available, but the collision continues to be investigated by the coroners office and Highway Patrol.

Through Wednesday afternoon, 374 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2021, according to the state Department of Public Safety.

At least 17 people have been killed in Sumter County crashes in 2021, DPS reported.

The State, This Week

Want to know whats going on in the Grand Strand? The Upstate? The Lowcountry? Our newest South Carolina newsletter will bring you some of the best highlights of our statewide coverage. The newsletter is delivered straight to your inbox every Friday afternoon. Subscribe up here.
Like many other museums around the world, the Theodore-Monod museum of art in Dakar reopened this week after over a year of pandemic-induced closure with a "new vision" and works of art returning to the continent after years.

Visitors will find improvements as well as additions to the already extensive collection.

Built in the early 1930s, the building housed the French Institute for Black Africa -- since re-named the Fundamental Institute for Black Africa (IFAN) -- before being converted to a museum in 1960 and named for French scientist and explorer Theodore Monod in 2007.

But the current exhibit celebrates Senegalese figure Amadou-Mahtar Mbow, the first African director of UNESCO, who turned 100 years old on Thursday.

During his tenure as UNESCO chief, Mbow penned "A Plea for the Return of an Irreplaceable Cultural Heritage to those who Created It" in 1978, in which he asked that member states take measures "for the return of cultural property to the countries from which it has been taken".

- 'Unparalleled in Africa' -

Curator El Hadji Malick Ndiaye describes the collection at the Theodore Monod Museum "unparalleled in Africa".

Some of the works were acquired in the 19th century and with IFAN researchers later adding art they collected in the context of their studies: figurines, masks, vessels, cloth, ornamental or live weapons of wood, metal, earth or leather, mainly from West Africa or the Sahel.

Recently arrived from Paris are several works that had been on loan for years to the Quai Branly museum.

"It isn't a restitution, it's a return," explains Ndiaye, "But still, the symbolism is there: these are objects that have returned to African soil."

At the entrance of the exhibit is an installation made from crates in which artworks are transported -- "the symbol of the crossing", says Ndiaye.

Nearby, a megalith is on display that not so long ago graced the halls of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Story continues

A portrait of Mbow celebrating his centenary hangs in the middle of the exhibit, and his appeal is prominently featured.

"The vicissitudes of history have... robbed many peoples of a priceless portion of this inheritance in which their enduring identity finds its embodiment," it reads.

"The men and women of these countries have the right to recover these cultural assets which are part of their being."

- 'New vision' -

Ndiaye laments the fact that the museum's 9,000 works of art were forced into "invisibility" by the pandemic, as well as the loss of revenue for the IFAN.

But the institute seized on the closure as an opportunity.

"It allowed us to take a long look at the state of the museum," he says, noting the outdated layout and signage around the exhibition spaces, as well as the rundown gardens.

"Reopening required us to have a new vision of the museum," he says of the space that was originally built to house Dakar's district command in the early 1930s.

Improvements have been made to lighting -- direct sunlight that once glared in from openings is now being diffused to make detail on the works more visible.

Work carried on up to hours before the public was admitted. In the quest for post-pandemic normalcy, Ndiaye says his museum is "the admiral ship that symbolises the return".

lal/nrh/ach
Several people were arrested in Elizabeth City Wednesday night, including two journalists, the day after the Pasquotank District Attorney announced that deputies would not face criminal charges in the killing of Andrew Brown Jr. last month.

The two journalists work for the USA Today Network and were covering the protests, which have been held every day since April 21, when sheriffs deputies fatally shot Brown while serving search and arrest warrants.

Tuesday, DA Andrew Womble said that Browns death while tragic, was justified because three deputies believed they needed to use deadly force to protect themselves and others, The News & Observer reported.

Wednesday night, William Ramsey, executive editor for USA TODAY Networks Southeast Central region, identified the journalists as reporters Ayano Nagaishi and Alison Cutler.

Our reporters were arrested tonight in #ElizabethCity NC while doing their First Amendment jobs, Ramsey tweeted. Im incredulous. Watched it live. No explanation for this.

At 10:45 p.m., he tweeted that the journalists had been released, but he had not spoken with them.

Nagaishi was live streaming the protests Wednesday night on Twitter. When Nagaishi and Cutler ask officers why theyre being detained, an officer responds because that they were standing in the middle of the roadway.

Both Nagaishi and Cutler are seen wearing bright yellow vests that say News Media and tell police at least eight times they work for USA Today and the Staunton News Leader. They identify themselves as journalists covering the event.

Elizabeth City police had declared the protest an unlawful assembly at 8:27 p.m., while the protesters were gathered at Elizabeth and Water streets. By 8:45 p.m., three additional warnings had been issued, according to the Elizabeth City Police Departments Facebook page.

The Staunton-Leader said police had threatened to arrest protesters for a law that prohibits standing, sitting or lying on a street or roadway.

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Nagaishi and Cutler briefly walk into Main Street to film and watch one of the arrests happening.

Nagaishi is heard on the video saying at least four people had been arrested when an officer comes toward her and says, Come on, you too. Come this way.

Moments later, after the reporters had retreated to a nearby curb, officers approached them.

After they were released, the journalists said they were less than a foot away from the curb in a crosswalk, The Staunton-Leader reported.

In her livestream, Nagaishi said a peaceful protest had started at the Pasquotank County public safety building around 6 p.m., with about 60 marchers looping through the city and chanting.

Nagaishi said the events started to escalate after a man climbed on top of a police car, with more than 10 officers running at him and tackling him. While three officers tackled the man, other officers told the crowd to stay back, with some officers withdrawing their tasers.

By about 9:10 p.m., protesters had made their way to Elizabeth Citys police station, near the intersection of East Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. There, police started making additional arrests.

A Facebook Live video from Raleigh activist Kerwin Pittman also shows he was detained while he told officers he was bailing out those who had been arrested. Officers do not identify the charges for Pittman.

At 11:30 p.m. he said on Facebook that he had been released.
DETROIT (AP)  A student sued the University of Michigan on Thursday to try to force changes in how the school protects the campus from sexual misconduct, the latest strike after a year of scandals involving a doctor and the chief academic officer.

The class-action lawsuit seeks a series of reforms, including the appointment of an independent monitor to enforce the steps.

There is a difference between having policies and having policies that are empty and not being enforced, Josephine Graham, 21, told The Associated Press.

We've seen U of M policies have not been effective in protecting students, she said. A lot of times students have been ignored. There is room for them to improve.

The school has been rocked by allegations from hundreds of men who said they were molested by the late Robert Anderson, a campus doctor who spent nearly 40 years at the school. He died in 2008.

Separately, the university paid $9.25 million to eight women who reported emotional or sexual abuse by Martin Philbert, who over 25 years rose from professor to provost, the senior academic official. He was removed in 2020.

Investigators found that allegations about Philberts conduct had reached campus officials at certain points of his career but no one intervened. In Anderson's case, no one took meaningful action, despite a destructive pattern of sexual misconduct," according to a report by the WilmerHale law firm, which was hired by the school to interview victims.

The Anderson report, released last week, said the university has improved its policies related to reporting sexual misconduct by staff but still can change the culture through better training, among other efforts.

The lawsuit, too, takes aim at training and education for university staff, especially in health clinics. It also seeks a comprehensive but easier system for students to report sexual misconduct and get help.

Sadly, the decades-long Anderson debacle was not a one-off for the U of M culture. ... After Anderson left campus, U of M did not adequately reform its culture, the lawsuit filed in Detroit federal court states.

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The university has acknowledged failings by officials in the Philbert matter and recognized widespread harm caused by Anderson. But it said there's no basis for the lawsuit, noting that Anderson stopped working in 2003.

The university has adopted dozens of policies and practices designed to protect student health and safety, spokeswoman Kim Broekhuizen said, including sexual misconduct training for all employees and providing chaperones for sensitive medical exams.

Many members of our community are now a part of the formal effort to improve the culture of the institution even further as it relates to sexual and gender-based misconduct, Broekhuizen said.

Annika Martin, an attorney who helped craft reforms after a sexual abuse scandal involving a doctor at the University of Southern California, is on the legal team suing the University of Michigan.

U of M has been communicating with the public about its efforts to make changes. But institutions are not good at policing themselves, Martin said. Having an independent monitor and having court enforcement and oversight like we have at USC adds a layer of strength to the reform requirements and ensures theyre going to do the hard work.

___

Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez
(Bloomberg) -- It began with a group of scientists and a wild idea: That the byproduct remaining after making oat bran could be turned into non-dairy milk.

That idea became the foundation of Oatly Group AB, the Swedish oat milk company that debuted Thursday in New York after raising $1.4 billion in an initial public offering.

The share sale cements the fortunes of one of the scientists, Rickard Oste, and his brother Bjorn Oste, who co-founded the Malmo-based company. The American depositary shares climbed to $21.30 at 11:55 a.m. from the IPO price of $17, giving them a combined stake worth $562 million, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Oatly is now valued at about $12.5 billion.

Its a 20-year-old overnight success story, Bjorn, who remains an Oatly board member, said last year in an interview with William Hood & Co., a boutique investment bank.

A Lunatic

Rickard, a professor of food chemistry, had for years focused some of his research on lactose intolerance and toyed with the idea of developing an oat-based milk substitute. By the mid-90s, he and a team at Swedens Lund University had developed a prototype. Bjorn, an engineer by training, joined his older brothers venture in 1997 after selling a computer security company hed built with friends from his high school and college days.

His friends were skeptical of his career change, he said in the interview: They all wrote me off as a lunatic.

In 2001, after the product had been released through various partnerships, the brothers launched Oatly as a separate brand. The company developed a small but devout following of consumers and grew slowly. It had less than 100 employees in 2015, according to a Lund University case study of the firm.

Chief Executive Officer Toni Petersson, who was hired in 2012, helped develop the companys cheeky branding and focus on environmental consciousness. Its products were first available in the U.S. in 2017 and can now be found in more than 20 countries.

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Blackstone Stake

Oatlys largest shareholder -- a joint venture between Belgium-based investment firm Verlinvest SA and China Resources, a state-owned conglomerate -- will control roughly 48% of the companys shares after the offering is completed, the prospectus shows. Blackstone Group Inc. owns a stake of about 7%.

The companys success was anything but certain, but that didnt deter them, Bjorn said in the interview.

It was a cool thing and we like challenges, he said. We have a saying, my brother and I: If its hard and difficult, thats good. Then were going to do it.

(Updates net worth in headline and third paragraph.)

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BEIRUT (AP)  Groups of angry Lebanese on Thursday beat up Syrian expatriates and refugees heading to the Syrian Embassy in Beirut and pelted their cars and buses with stones and sticks, outraged over what they perceive as an organized vote for President Bashar Assad.

Meanwhile, some Syrian refugees reported being pressured to cast their ballot with threats of physical violence or confiscation of documentation that could lead to loss of refugee status, the U.N. refugee agency said.

Assad is running for a fourth seven-year term  facing symbolic competition from two other candidates  in a vote all but guarantees to bring him back as president. The Syrian opposition, as well as Western and some Arab countries see it as a sham designed to give Assad a new mandate with a veneer of legitimacy. It also comes in violation of U.N. resolutions that call for a new constitution before a presidential vote.

The in-country vote is expected next week.

In Lebanon, scattered mobs, mostly from the Christian right-wing Lebanese Forces group, intercepted cars and buses plastered with pictures of Assad and carrying Syrian voters at intersections in and around Beirut and in the eastern Bekaa region.

The attackers pelted them with rocks and smashed windows with sticks. On the highway north of Beirut, one attacker poked a wooden stick inside a car, while others smashed its windshield. In another attack, a Lebanese driver ran over a group of Syrians, hitting one man. There were no official reports on how many were injured.

If they want to vote, they can go home and vote there," said Fadi Nader, a Lebanese protester. Since they love Bashar Assad, why don't they go home?"

Lebanese soldiers stood guard as hundreds of Syrians queued outside their embassy in Yarze, east of Beirut, to cast their ballots. Some Syrians shouted slogans in support of Assad as they waited.

I came here to elect President Bashar Assad. This is a national duty," said Ramzi Ahmad, a native of the central Syrian province of Homs.

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Lebanon is home to over 1 million Syrians, the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita. Their presence  nearly one Syrian for every four Lebanese  has weighed heavily on Lebanon's infrastructure and resources, particularly as the small country reels under an unprecedented economic crisis.

Calls for Syrians to go home have also been a widely politicized issue among Lebanese, deeply divided over the 10-year conflict in Syria, some supporting Assad and others backing his opposition.

The violence came a day after Samir Geagea, the head of the Lebanese Forces group, called for for those who vote for Assad to go back home since they are clearly not fearful of his government.

Even before the conflict, Syria's role in Lebanon was deeply divisive. Syrian troops  deployed in Lebanon in 1976, shortly after the civil war broke out  withdrew in 2005 following a U.N. resolution, after a 29-year domination of Lebanese politics.

It's a dilemma for Syrians living in Lebanon. Many say they are not ready to return home because of fear of prosecution in the absence of a peace deal. The U.N., the EU and the U.S. say conditions are not ripe for the return of millions of refugees.

Also on Thursday, UNHCR said it received reports of intimidation and pressure, according to Lisa Abou Khaled, a spokesperson for the agency, adding that the agency was looking into it to ensure that refugees are free to decide whether or not to vote.

Assad has been in power since 2000 when he took over from his father, Hafez, who ruled for 30 years. In the 10-year conflict, Assad has been supported by Iran and Russia.

While fighting has subsided in recent years, Syria remains torn. Thousands of foreign troops are based in different parts of the country. The elections are not taking place in at least four provinces under the control of the opposition or Syrian Kurdish forces, depriving nearly 8 million Syrians of a vote.

The Biden administration has said it will not recognize the result of Syrias presidential election.

France and Germany banned any voting at Syrian missions in their country, with a French Foreign Ministry official saying the elections are null and void and there is no point in holding them.

Syria has been engulfed in civil war since 2011, when Arab Spring-inspired protests against the Assad family rule turned into an armed insurgency in response to a brutal military crackdown. Around half a million people have been killed and half the countrys population has been displaced.
State President offers incense i

State President offers incense in commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on May 19 offered incense and flowers to President Ho Chi Minh at Ho Chi Minh Museum in Ho Chi Minh City as the country is celebrating the late leaders 131st birthday (May 19), and 110 years since he left Nha Rong Wharf, starting his journey to search for ways to save the nation.

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc offers incense to late President Ho Chi Minh. (Photo: VNA)

President Phuc also offered incense to late President Ton Duc Thang, one of the pioneers in the workers movement and proletarian revolution in Vietnam. Like Ho Chi Minh, Ton Duc Thang dedicated his whole life for the revolutionary cause of the Vietnamese people.

The State leader visited a photo exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh in cinematography.

The same day, Phuc and Ho Chi Minh City leaders offered flowers at President Ho Chi Minh Statute Park on Nguyen Hue Street, District 1.
A Taiwanese Indigenous hunter facing jail for killing protected animals was granted a rare presidential pardon on Thursday, a gesture that followed an unfavourable court ruling in his long-running case.

Tama Talum, a member of the Bunun tribe, was arrested in 2013 for killing two protected species with a modified rifle and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.

The verdict caused anger within Indigenous communities and sparked a legal battle that went all the way to Taiwan's top court.

President Tsai Ing-wen's office said Talum was being granted the first pardon since she took office five years ago "out of respect for Indigenous people's traditions".

"Talum violated relevant laws for hunting wild animals but the president took into consideration that he went hunting for food for an ailing family member," the statement said.

Talum, 62, described the pardon as "a good thing for me personally".

"But there is no progress on the whole issue and hunting is still a crime," he told AFP.

"I'm worried that there could be a second or third Talum and I hope the government can amend relevant laws."

Talum has long argued he was following tribal customs that should be protected and was hunting the animals for his elderly mother who was used to eating wild game.

His prosecution pitted activists against both conservationists and a legal system that Talum's supporters argue has long discriminated against Indigenous culture and customs.

This month, Taiwan's Constitutional Court ruled some hunting restrictions placed on the Indigenous inhabitants were unconstitutional.

But it stopped short of supporting the complete overhaul of regulations that campaigners had pushed for.

The ruling meant Talum's conviction remained and he had been due to return to another court for final sentencing. But Tsai's pardon now stops that process.

- 'Transitional justice' -

Hunting restrictions have become a bone of contention among Taiwan's Indigenous communities, who have long felt marginalised and discriminated against by the Han Chinese majority that first began arriving in the 17th century.

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Austronesian in ethnicity, culture and language, they now make up only 2.5 percent of Taiwan's 23 million population.

Under current regulations, Indigenous communities are only allowed to hunt with homemade rifles during certain festival days and only with prior approval from authorities.

Activists say homemade rifles are dangerous and argue that the restrictions impede on the subsistence hunting traditions their communities have practised for centuries.

Taiwan has morphed into one of Asia's most progressive democracies in recent decades and there is growing recognition that past wrongs must be righted.

In 2016, Tsai -- Taiwan's first leader with some Indigenous heritage -- delivered a landmark apology for how the island's governments had treated aboriginal communities.

Presidential spokeswoman Kolas Yotaka, who is of Indigenous heritage, described Talum's pardon as a significant move that promoted "Indigenous historical justice and transitional justice".

While Taiwanese presidents have the power to pardon crimes, it is rarely exercised.

aw/jta/qan
Two teenagers wearing hijabs were walking home from a school bus stop in 2017 when they said a man shouted at them and told them to go back to their country. The same man is accused of attacking their father with a knife when he stepped in to defend them.

After nearly four years and a mistrial, the man charged in the incident  35-year-old Christopher Beckham  pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges in Tennessee federal court on Friday, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee said in a news release.

Beckham faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine when hes sentenced in October.

The cowardly and unprovoked attack and display of hate-filled aggression by this defendant toward two innocent young girls and their father is despicable, Acting U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart said in the release.

Public defenders appointed to represent Beckham did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment Tuesday.

The case dates to Oct. 24, 2017, when the teenagers told federal agents they opted to walk home from their school bus stop in Nashville instead of waiting for their dad to pick them up. He drove a cab and routinely give them a ride home from the stop but was sometimes late because of traffic.

As the girls were walking, they said a man they had never seen before passed them and shouted Allahu Akbar! The man, who investigators later identified as Beckham, then told them to go back to your country.

Around the same time, investigators said the girls father drove up in his taxi and saw his daughters being followed by an unknown white man. He reportedly parked the van and got out to stand between the man and his daughters.

Beckham is accused of throwing the first punch after the girls dad confronted him. They fought for a few minutes before prosecutors said Beckham brandished a small pocket knife and tried to swing it at the girls father, who ducked but lost his balance and fell.

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When Beckham stood over him, one of teenagers reportedly yelled, Dont hurt him, hes my father!

Beckham ultimately walked away after other witnesses got involved, and investigators said the family followed him in their taxi while they called 911. Beckham reportedly charged the taxi when he saw it. Hes also accused of chasing the girls mother in her van with his knife drawn.

Officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department arrived shortly thereafter and arrested Beckham. While he was being arrested, Beckham reportedly called the family Iranians, N-words, terrorists and members of ISIS.

He asked the officers why they were siding with a terrorist over one of their own kind, investigators said after interviewing the father. The family heard (him) clearly state that he would kill the family when he got out of jail.

The father told investigators he was from Somalia and his daughters were born in a refugee camp in Botswana. He said they immigrated to the United States when the girls were 5 and 6 years old.

In addition to state charges related to the assault, Beckham was indicted on federal hate crime charges in April 2018. He was also accused of lying to FBI agents when he told them the teenagers were trying to break into cars and hit him on the head.

Public defenders representing Beckham tried unsuccessfully to have the case thrown out, saying the federal government was overstepping its bounds in a local crime.

The judge denied the motion, court filings show.

The case went to trial in September 2019 but the jury wasnt able to reach a verdict. Beckham pleaded guilty on Friday before the case could go back to trial this summer.

Charges dropped against hate group member. Pro-Nazi ties never raised in Miami court

Man defaces mosque with anti-Islam graffiti to get a reaction, Minnesota cops say

Woman who called police on Black delivery driver faces hate crime charge, CA cops say
By Panarat Thepgumpanat

BANGKOK (Reuters) -A district of northern Thailand has launched a raffle campaign for inoculated residents to win a live cow per week for the rest of the year, in a bid to boost the local COVID-19 vaccination drive.

From next month, one lucky vaccinated villager in the Mae Chaem district of Chiang Mai province will be randomly chosen every week to win a young cow worth around 10,000 baht ($319).

The campaign, set to run for 24 weeks, has been met with enthusiasm in the town of 43,000 since it was announced earlier this week.

"Our vaccine registration numbers have gone from hundreds to thousands in a couple of days," district chief Boonlue Thamtharanurak told Reuters.

"The villagers love cows. Cows can be sold for cash."

More than 4,000 people in priority groups, including those over 60-years-old and those with pre-existing conditions, have already registered for their shots, Boonlue said.

The town will start vaccinations on June 7, in line with the government's national rollout.

Other provinces in Thailand have also come up with creative incentives to boost registration, such as gold necklace giveaways, store discount coupons, or cash handouts.

At least 1.64 million of Thailand's 66 million population, have already received their first doses and more than 7 million have registered so far.

The Southeast Asian country has been hit by its biggest coronavirus outbreak so far, with the majority of its 119,585 cases and 703 deaths recorded in the past two months.

($1 = 31.3700 baht)

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Martin Petty)
A 17-month-old child likely died in minutes due to injuries he suffered while in the care of his mothers boyfriend, Indiana police say.

The boyfriend, 27-year-old Shaquille Rowe, was charged with battery of a minor causing death and neglect of a dependent resulting in death, court records show. The boy was identified by the Allen County coroner as Aiden Mishawn Clark.

According to court records obtained by WPTA, Rowe told police his girlfriend left him at a Fort Wayne home with her twin children. At one point after she left, Rowe said he was showering when he heard one of the children crying, court records show.

Aiden was wheezing and not breathing properly while he was lying on the ground, so Rowe says he called 911 and attempted CPR, according to an affidavit.

Why did she leave me in the house like this? Rowe said on the 911 call, according to WANE.

Rowe was giving the child CPR when first responders arrived, and the boy was taken to a hospital by ambulance, according to the affidavit. Aiden was pronounced dead at the hospital.

First responders found bruising to Aidens neck and chest that they believed was indicative of some type of abuse, police said, according to WANE. That was confirmed in an autopsy performed Tuesday.

The coroner ruled Aiden died from blunt force injuries to the chest, calling the death a homicide.

Aiden suffered a fractured sternum and his heart was ripped in half, according to the affidavit. He also suffered a massive amount of blood loss to his spleen, kidney and pancreas, WANE reported from court documents.

Aiden likely died within two to five minutes of suffering his injuries, according to court records.

The boys mother declined to speak with police, only saying that she left the twins alone with Rowe around two hours before he called 911.

Rowe met his bail Wednesday and is due in court next Monday, WPTA reported. Homicide charges have not been filed.

Mom used several pieces of furniture to kill 1-year-old son, Ohio police say

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4-year-old found dead in middle of Dallas street was taken from his bed, cops say

Frustrated dad kills his crying baby  then goes to sleep, Pennsylvania official says

Lice infestation nearly killed 4-year-old, Indiana police say. Her mom is charged
Travis Scott performs at the 2019 edition of his Astroworld Festival. (Photo: Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)

A day ahead of his 29th birthday and in celebration of 30 years of the Air Jordan 6 silhouette, Travis Scott released the latest rendition of the shoe via his website on April 29. The $250 "British Khaki" Jordan 6s, a dark khaki sneaker with hints of crimson and cream, were made available through a raffle and accompanied by a collection of merch. And like a majority of the Houston hip-hop star's other sneaker collaborations, they sold out in minutes.

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"I do have a mission statement," Scott told GQ in a 2020 cover story. "Everything is for the performer and the performance athlete. Performing is a sport, and it's a drive. It's so dope to play on the same fields as sporting events. So the whole mission is just to create  whether it's footwear, or whether it's apparel  for that mindset. For just living your life on the go."

And Scott has been living on the go since breaking through with 2015's Rodeo. With his auto-tuned, anti-establishment anthems and wildly thematic performances, the album created a lane for Scott and made his moody raps and unique production more palatable for the mainstream rap world while cultivating a dedicated fanbase of "ragers" who let loose at his shows. His second and third albums  Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (2017) and Astroworld (2018)  solidified his persona and established him as a one-man brand.

Dubbed "king of the youth" by GQ, Scott's energy and appeal to a young audience were recognized early on and he was inevitably sought out by major companies to be the face of their products. "Scott probably earns about $10 million a year or so from his Nike deal, but that figure belies its true worth," noted a Forbes cover story. "His shoe's popularity has granted him tastemaker status. That, in turn, had led to more deals  and, most significantly, the standing to change the rules of celebrity sponsorships."

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From the outset of his career, the Houston rapper collaborated with a handful of clothing brands, including Diamond Supply Co., Bape and Helmut Lang. But as his profile has expanded into the mainstream, helped in part with his on-off relationship with fellow mogul Kylie Jenner (the two share a 3-year-old daughter, Stormi), so has his portfolio.

In 2017, Scott reimagined a pair of Air Force 1s for his first in an ongoing partnership with Nike and Jordan Brand. He then dabbled into the breakfast food realm with his Reeses Puffs collab in 2019. A video game version of him famously dropped in on Fortnite for a virtual Astronomical performance in 2020, an event that revolutionized the idea of a concert experience during the coronavirus pandemic with 12.3 million concurrent viewers. And back in September, he launched his own meal at McDonald's with a collection of exclusive merch. "Same order since back in Houston," his action figure says in the commercial.

"I try to do things with people I know or someone I have a connection with," Scott told GQ. "Sometimes a lot of these companies are so big, they kind of forget about the people who walk the streets every day, [the people] that keep everything moving. So it's just about giving people that access, giving something that caters to them."

With numerous platinum records, several brand deals, a record label and a music festival (this year's Astroworld tickets sold out in under an hour), his rage aesthetic has translated to lucrative side hustles that send fans into a buying frenzy.

Scott, says Eric Holt  an assistant professor of music business at Belmont University, who teaches a course on the business of hip-hop  has established himself as a pop culture fixture, even with those unfamiliar with hip-hop culture. "He is making three or four times off of his corporate deals than he is off of his music," said Holt. "It's been reported that the McDonald's deal was around $20 million and the video-gaming situation that he has with Fortnite and PlayStation [is] right around $40 million. And just that alone, between hamburgers and video games, he's making well over what the average successful artist makes in music.

"With Travis Scott and the areas that he's ventured into corporate America, I think he's been able to do very similar to what Jay-Z's been able to do [which is] to get into ventures on his own terms and do it in an authentic way," Holt continued. "When you step into that realm for dollars, when you do it in a non-authentic way, that's when it jeopardizes the culture and jeopardizes the brand for the artist."

Scott prefers not to be labeled with the words "branding" and "marketing"; instead, he sees his business deals as an extension of his artistry. "I'm just more about putting out very cool things that inspire me and I hope one day inspire other people. I'm trying to bring a utopian effect," he explained to Adweek, "hoping to inspire the next person to just get creative or even just live their life in an aesthetically pleasing, vibed-out way."

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Ultimately, designing sneakers and attaching his name to cereal brands and fast-food chains allows him to connect with his fans in a way other than music. Scott has become notorious for his ultra-exclusive limited-edition merch and sneaker drops (his next Air Max 1 Cactus Jack Nike collab is slated to drop in time for the holidays). However, his partnerships with Reese's Puffs, Fortnite and McDonald's and the recent launch of his own agave spiked seltzer brand, Cacti, provide an all-access experience for fans who have missed out on or can't afford his other releases. Scott wants his fans to eat, both figuratively and literally. And while something like the Travis Scott Meal might not make sense at first glance, it is guaranteed to be a zeitgeist moment to remember  inevitably leaving fans hungry for more.

Read more on Yahoo Entertainment:
(Independent)

The New York attorney generals office has spent months criminally investigating Allen Weisselberg, the long-serving chief financial officer of Donald Trumps business empire, CNN reports.

Prosecutors in the Manhattan district attorneys office have also been pursuing a separate criminal investigation into the Trump Organization, including Mr Weisselbergs conduct.

The Independent is reaching out to Mr Weisselberg for comment on this breaking news story. He has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Betsy DeVos. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

A judge ruled Betsy DeVos must testify in a case brought on by 160,000 defrauded students.

The students claim DeVos mishandled a program to forgive loans for students defrauded by for-profit schools.

Under Obama, the program had a 99.2% approval rate, but under DeVos, 99.4% of applicants were denied.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

As Education Secretary under President Donald Trump, Betsy DeVos was tasked with overseeing the loan forgiveness program for students defrauded by for-profit schools. But thousands of those students claim they didn't get the relief they deserved and have sued DeVos for her mishandling of the program.

A judge just ruled that DeVos has to testify in court about it.

The Biden administration didn't want this to happen. In February, it joined DeVos in fighting a subpoena to testify in the lawsuit filed by about 160,000 defrauded students, arguing it was an "extraordinary request." But on Wednesday, Judge William Alsup wrote in a 12-page ruling that her testimony was warranted given the "sparse" documentation of DeVos' reasoning for rejecting borrowers' claims.

"Even assuming Secretary DeVos retains some measure of executive prerogative, she must answer an appropriately issued subpoena," Alsup wrote in the ruling. "Judicial process runs even to unwilling executives."

Read more: Trump's growing legal jeopardy has his Republican loyalists on the defensive while Democrats fear an indictment would energize the MAGA base

Over the past decade, several for-profit schools have shut down over investigations claiming the schools engaged in fraudulent behavior related to federal loans. Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institutes were two of the biggest schools accused of violating federal law by persuading their students to take out loans they could not pay back. They both shut down, as did other for-profit companies, such as Education Corporation of America.

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DeVos, an heir to the AmWay fortune and member of one of America's richest families, per Forbes, oversaw the "borrower defense to repayment" program to forgive debt for eligible defrauded borrowers, but the program massively failed. Compared to a 99.2% approval rate for claims filed under President Barack Obama, DeVos had a 99.4% denial rate for borrowers, and ran up a huge backlog of claims from eligible defrauded borrowers seeking student debt forgiveness.

Under DeVos, the program began to compare the median earnings of graduates with debt-relief claims to the median earnings of graduates in comparable programs, and the bigger the difference, the more relief the applicant would receive.

The high denial rate alarmed lawmakers, advocates, and borrowers who wanted student debt relief but weren't getting any, and as Alsup said in his ruling, DeVos did not provide a sufficient explanation as to why so few claims were processed.

In March, Biden's Education Secretary Miguel Cardona canceled $1 billion in student debt for about 72,000 defrauded borrowers and said in a statement that DeVos' methodology for giving defrauded students debt relief had been ineffective and needed to be reversed.

"Borrowers deserve a simplified and fair path to relief when they have been harmed by their institution's misconduct," Cardona said in a statement. "A close review of these claims and the associated evidence showed these borrowers have been harmed and we will grant them a fresh start from their debt."

Critics of DeVos' appointment had argued that her financial ties were a conflict of interest, as she never sold her multimillion-dollar stake in Neurocore, a "brain training" program for children. She is also a longtime advocate of "school choice," or vouchers that enable parents to send their children to private schools instead of public ones.

DeVos has separately asked the Georgia-based 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to block the subpoena. Alsup has scheduled a hearing for June 3.

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Turkey is being blamed for shutting off water access for 1 million people in northern Syria.

Local families now rely on trucks to deliver water, but shortages have increased prices by 200% in a year.

Most Syrian families live on less than $2 a day, and many are left digging their own wells and praying for rain.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

It's been 10 days since the last water delivery reached Abdurahman Ferhad's family in northeast Syria.

Truck deliveries are the only way to get water into his neighborhood. It's expensive, and it's not even clean enough to drink.

That's because neighboring Turkey has been using water shut-offs as a weapon in an ongoing conflict in the Al-Hasakah region, according to local Kurdish authorities and NGOs.

We visited families across the region, including at al-Hol, a refugee camp still haunted by ISIS, to understand this little-known water crisis that is making life unbearable for residents.

Over a million people in northeast Syria don't have reliable access to drinking water.

Just days after the withdrawal of American forces from northeast Syria in October 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a military offensive designed to establish a buffer zone along Turkey's southern border with Kurdish-controlled Syria.

While Erdgoan insisted that the 30-kilometer strip of land would provide safe passage for some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees residing in Turkey to return home, humanitarian groups warned that the military operations would displace up to 300,000 civilians along the Turkey-Syria border, or even destroy the infrastructure necessary to support local life.

In the first two weeks of Operation Spring Peace, Turkish forces repeatedly bombed bakeries, grain silos, hospitals, schools and the Allouk water station, the region's only reliable source of water.

Eighteen months after the Turkish invasion, over 1 million civilians in northeast Syria are living without reliable access to drinking water.

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"Turkey has shut off the water flow 16 times in the past year [2019] alone, for up to a month, in this region," said Thomas McClure, a researcher with the Rojava Information Center, a Syrian news agency.

Turkish President Erdogan speaks during a news conference in Ankara. Reuters

Turkish authorities blame the Kurds for regional water shortages. In a statement to Insider, the Turkey Defense Ministry said that the Kurds "deliberately reduce or totally cut the power supply to the safe zone," and that Turkey is "doing all it can" to ensure a continuous supply of water.

But local families tell a different story.

"We drill into the ground," resident Abdelrahman Ferhan said, gesturing to a 1-foot-wide hole in his front yard. "But there is nothing here anymore. The well has become dry."

It's a foreboding sign in a region that has traditionally produced between 50% and 75% of Syria's national wheat crop.

Now, Ferhan's family relies on trucks that deliver water to his home once a week. Each delivery costs about $3 - an enormous sum, considering 80% of the Syrian people in this region live on less than $2 a day.

Human Rights Watch has condemned Turkey's failure to ensure adequate water supplies to northeast Syria, as trucking represents a stopgap solution that only reaches 50% of the households in need.

"As an occupier under international law, Turkey has a duty to provide things like medical care, food, water and shelter," said Sara Kayyali, a researcher with Human Rights Watch.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the stakes for basic hygiene in this region, including at refugee and internally displaced people camps.

Delai Shansedin Ismail, an aid worker at al-Hol refugee camp, warns that water shortages are further threatening the lives of camp residents.

"If you don't have enough water, of course you will struggle to protect yourself from the disease," said Delai Shansedin Ismail, who works with the Kurdish Red Crescent.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch and locals warn that if Turkey doesn't improve the water supply, the humanitarian crisis here will deteriorate even further.

"There are no differences if you kill people with bombs or cut people's water. Both result in death," said Nidal Mohammad, the co-chairman of the Hasakah Water Department. "It shouldn't be a question if [Turkey] sends it or not."

"Bringing water here is a matter of life and death."

Read the original article on Insider
Karen Garner, 73, was arrested last year for not paying a $14 dollar bill (Screengrab/Video)

Two former Colorado police officers have been charged for arresting a 73-year-old woman with dementia last year for leaving a Walmart store without paying for an item.

Former Loveland police department officers Austin Hopp and Daria Jalali arrested and booked Karen Garner as she exited a local Walmart after failing to pay for about $14 worth of merchandise.

The body camera footage of Mr Hopp shows him catching up to Ms Garner as she walked through a field after leaving the store. As she turned away from him, he can be seen quickly grabbing her arm and pushing her to the ground.

I dont think you want to play it this way, he says in the video. You just left Walmart. Do you need to be arrested right now? Mr Hopp asks. Ms Garner can be heard repeatedly stating, Im going home, as she tries to get up but Mr Hopp forces her back down and cuffs her left hand.

Ms Garner, who according to her lawyers is a 5-foot-tall woman and weighs 36 kilograms, suffered a dislocated shoulder from this incident.

Mr Hopp is now charged with two felonies  a second-degree assault and attempts to influence a public servant. Mr Jalali is facing charges of failing to report a use of force, failing to intervene and official misconduct.

While peace officers are permitted to use reasonable force to effect an arrest, the investigation, in this case, showed that Austin Hopp used excessive force in the arrest of Ms Garner that resulted in serious bodily injury to Ms Garner, District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin said at a news conference Wednesday, the Denver Post reported.

Further, the investigation showed that Daria Jalali, having witnessed that excessive force, failed to live up to her duties under the law and as a sworn peace officer to either intervene or report that conduct, he said.

These two officers were among three who resigned last month after a federal lawsuit filed by Ms Garners family. The lawsuit said Ms Garner moved out of the Walmart with a Pepsi, a candy bar, a t-shirt, and some Shout Wipe refills and had forgotten to pay.

Story continues

The incident triggered anger in the community and comes amidst increased discussions over excessive use of force by the police.

Read More

UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast

Ex-officers face charges in arrest of 73-year-old woman with dementia

Republicans rebel against mask requirement in House chamber
Activists opposed to the death penalty in the United States on Thursday cried foul after reporters were not invited to witness the execution in Texas of a convicted murderer, as has been customary for decades.

Quintin Jones, a 41-year-old African-American man sentenced to death for the 1999 murder of his great-aunt, was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville on Wednesday -- the US state's first execution of 2021.

Prison authorities apologized for the failure to include reporters, calling it a "critical error" and blaming a "miscommunication" between officials.

"There was never a call made to summon the media witnesses to the unit," Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jeremy Desel told AFP, adding that an investigation had been opened to determine what happened.

Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun whose fight against the death penalty was popularized in the Oscar-winning film "Dead Man Walking," called the lack of media witnesses "disturbing."

"All executions in Texas should be suspended indefinitely (permanently would be ideal) while an independent investigation is conducted regarding tonight's execution of Quin Jones without media witnesses present," she said on Twitter.

Texas is the US state that carries out the most executions -- 570 of them since 1982 -- and had never before excluded media witnesses, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Media witnesses are standard in all US states.

"They are literally the public's eyes and ears on the execution process," DPIC director Robert Dunham said in a statement.

"They have served this critical function ever since executions moved indoors from the courthouse lawn or the public square to behind the walls of correctional facilities."

Dunham decried what he called a "stunning failure" by Texas prison officials, saying it was "cause for very serious concern."

"Letting media witnesses in to see an execution isn't hard," Dunham added. "If a state can't get that right, there really isn't anything else in the process -- short of executing the wrong person."

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By Monica Machicao

EL ALTO, Bolivia (Reuters) - Bolivia's immunization drive against COVID-19 is being hit by anti-vaccine misinformation that is stoking scepticism and leaving inoculation centers half empty, a challenge for the government facing a wave of new infections.

Health workers and officials have raised concerns about low turnout at some vaccination sites, saying jabs are going to waste. They blame fake news campaigns that have included leaflets saying vaccines contain "satanic" material.

"We read some pamphlets in El Alto from anti-vaccine groups about the presence of a substance in the vaccines from Lucifer and because of that the vaccines were satanic," said Maria Rene Castro, deputy minister of epidemiology.

"Global disinformation has come to our country and it has had an impact on people who are avoiding getting vaccinated."

Bolivia, like much of South America, is being hammered by a deadly new wave of coronavirus infections, with recent daily cases at 98% of the country's peak set in February. So far a total of 340,000 people have been infected and 14,000 have died. (Graphic on cases and deaths) https://tmsnrt.rs/34pvUyi

The region has also struggled with a scarcity of vaccines, though Bolivia has started to see more doses flow in after deals for Russia's Sputnik V, China's Sinopharm and with India's Serum Institute for AstraZeneca shots.

However, many vaccines centers in major cities have continued to face low turnout, with empty sites and queues.

"I don't want to get vaccinated, I don't want to die and I don't want to get sick," said El Alto resident Rogelio Mayta.

Health worker Patricia Almanza said that organization around the vaccine campaign had been poor, which had not helped encourage people to come to get their shots.

"It's criminal that during this time of the pandemic we have to discard vaccines," she said.

"There are places where the vaccines are being discarded, or health workers are going out to look for people to vaccinate so that something so precious is not being thrown away."

Story continues

Bolivia has given at least one shot to just 7% of its population, far behind the 32% in the European Union and 48% in the United States. (Graphic on vaccinations) https://tmsnrt.rs/3tUM8ta

Wealthier Latin Americans have traveled overseas, especially to the United States, to get vaccinated, which has created a stark divide between the rich and poor. Vaccine scepticism risks widening that even further.

"For me the COVID-19 vaccine is not credible," said Ismael Blanco on the dusty narrow streets of the highland city. "I don't trust the vaccine."

(Reporting by Monica Machicao, Santiago Limachi, and Sergio Limachi; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Lisa Shumaker)
GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met with a group of leading voices on Guatemalas troubled justice system Wednesday, sending yet another signal to Central American governments that the U.S. government is interested in addressing the regions corruption.

The White House meeting with two former Guatemalan chief prosecutors and two top judges came less than three weeks before Harris is scheduled to make her first trip abroad as vice president to Guatemala and Mexico on June 7 and 8.

Harris made clear she believes the four Guatemalan women have been on the right side of the fight to uphold the rule of law in their country. That could put President Alejandro Giammattei in an uncomfortable position since some of the women have felt forced to live outside Guatemala for their safety.

President Joe Biden put Harris in charge of finding ways to address the root causes of migration from Central America. In addition to the legal experts, Harris has met with representatives of Guatemalan civil society groups to gather information on the forces driving migration.

But Wednesdays meeting appeared to be a conversation among like-minded justice leaders.

Mentioning her own career as a prosecutor, Harris said, This is a table of leaders who have fought for justice, who have fought against injustice  often at great peril to yourselves but in the interest of the greater good.

Injustice is a root cause of migration, Harris said. And in particular, it is causing the people of the region to leave their homes involuntarily.

Among those in the meeting, former Guatemala Attorney General Thelma Aldana received political asylum in the United States last year. Guatemalas current top prosecutor, Consuelo Porras, sought two arrest orders against Aldana for alleged corruption.

Aldana had worked closely with the United Nations-backed anticorruption mission in Guatemala on numerous cases of corruption, including a successful prosecution of former President Otto Perez Molina. That mission was forced out of Guatemala by then President Jimmy Morales in 2019. Anticorruption efforts have faltered since then and those who worked closely with the international mission have seen the justice system turned against them.

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After the meeting, Aldana said via Twitter that the encounter had been excellent and that there is hope for Guatemala.

Claudia Paz y Paz, Aldanas predecessor in the post, has been living in the U.S. since 2014, when she left the position. Paz y Paz pursued human rights abuse cases, including genocide charges against now dead dictator Efrain Rios Montt, which led to legal action against her.

Former judge Claudia Escobar has lived in exile in the U.S. for several years, after she received threats following a bribery case against a former president of the Guatemalan Congress. That politician is serving a 13-year prison sentence.

Finally, Justice Gloria Porras was selected this year to a new term on Guatemalas highest court. But lawmakers from the governing party blocked her confirmation, leaving her exposed to some 70 legal complaints related to her previous rulings as a judge.

Ricardo Zuniga, the White House special envoy to the Northern Triangle nations of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, who has already made multiple trips to the region, also attended the meeting.

The Biden administration and U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern over meddling in Guatemalas justice system, in particular with the selection of justices for its top courts and the case of Porras.

The meeting came the same day that Guatemalan police arrested an outspoken opposition lawyer on charges he falsified documents to form a political party.

___

Associated Press writer Sonia Perez D. reported this story in Guatemala City and AP writer Gisela Salomon reported from Miami.
A 34-year old man accused of raping two children in Washington state in January was arrested this week on a boat on which he was living in Lee County, Florida.

The man, who was not named by police, was arrested Sunday by U.S. Marshals and Lee County Sheriffs Office deputies, according to police in Edmonds, Washington. Edmonds police spokesman Sgt. Josh McClure said the agency is waiting for the man to be returned to the state and to be officially charged before naming him.

There are also child victims involved, so we are doing our best to respect the process, McClure said Thursday.

The man is accused of molesting his ex-girlfriends children, ages 11 and 13. The mother of the children reported the alleged abuse to Edmonds police in January, according to the department.

Investigators with Edmonds police, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Snohomish County Violent Offenders Task Force determined that the man left Washington state for Florida, where he was living on a sailboat. Police say he was preparing to leave the country on the vessel.

As of Thursday, he was in Lee County jail awaiting an extradition hearing before being sent back to Edmonds.

The suspect made many admissions related to the case and will now go before a judge in Florida related to the extradition process, McClure said in a statement.

The man faces charges of second-degree rape of a child and second-degree child molestation. Detectives in Washington are still investigating to case to determine if there are more victims, McClure said.
D.C. receives about 90 calls a day in regards to mental health

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia is making big changes to their department this summer.

The United States Capitol is the latest place to make changes to its police department, but they are not calling it police reform. Starting in June, police officers will no longer be first responders for certain mental health calls, according to The Washington Post.

Interim Director for the Office of Unified Communications, Cleo Subido, said the new initiatives goal is to ensure they are not making something more of an event by sending a uniformed officer there if they are not needed.

Read More: Washington governor signs sweeping police reform measures

She adds: some kind of a situation where theres a distrust of law enforcement, or distrust of the fire department, or of strangers, sending police could be doing a disservice.

The citys police reform commission recommended change last month in the wake of George Floyds killing. The goal is not to stir up police brutality. However, the city is not calling the move police reform; instead, the pilot program is recognized as simply providing better service. For example, about four years ago, a program launched diverting calls to nurses for non-emergency health conditions. Subido said, This really mirrors that.

WASHINGTON, DC  APRIL 23: A police officer rides past Black Lives Matter signs while following demonstrators during a protest on April 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. Activists with the group Freedom Fighters DC gathered on Friday for the first of three days worth of rallies calling to abolish the police. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

The program will go through a six-month trial and will operate between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The goal is to expand the hours to 24/7 in 2022 and reroute 911 qualifying calls to mental health services.

The D.C. Department of Behavioral Health works very closely with the Metropolitan Police Department, said its director Barbara J. Bazron. The office also assists in training officers on how to address mental health crises. She said the overall goal is to get the best, most appropriate care.

Her office handles psychiatric emergencies and drug overdoses but they are aiming to connect those calls through 911.

Story continues

D.C. receives about 90 calls a day in regards to mental health, according to Subido. She hopes about 25 of them will be pushed through the new program. Experts say the success of the program depends on how danger is interpreted.

The norms that develop likely will be as important as the words in the policy, said co-chair of the reform commission and a former Justice Department official, Christy Lopez. It will require good training and leadership.

Read More: Washington Post reporters records secretly obtained by Trump DOJ: report

As reported by theGrio, other states around the country are implementing similar programs.

According to USA Today, Eugene, Oregon, Olympia, Washington, and Denver have the only existing non-police responder programs in the United States, however, more strategies and plans are being developed in various locations.

The outlet cited growing movements against police brutality and nationwide calls to defund the police as motivating factors. A June 2020 survey found nearly 8 in 10 voters support routing 911 calls related to mental health and substance use to trained, non-police responders but the programs are not all brand new.

In Eugene, the civilian response program has existed for over three decades. According to USA Today, the White Bird Clinic, a health care center in the city, launched the Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets program in 1989.

Abbreviated as CAHOOTS, the program sends a team that consists of a medic, usually, a nurse, EMT or paramedic, and a crisis worker. This team takes calls relating to mental illness, homelessness, and addiction.

NEW YORK, NY  APRIL 9: An FDNY EMT sits in an ambulance outside of the emergency room at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

USA Today reported in 2019, responders requested police backup only 150 times out of an approximate 24,000 CAHOOTS calls.

The work theyve been doing is both pioneering and successful, said Betsy Pearl, associate director for criminal justice reform at the Center for American Progress, according to the news outlet. The major objection or concern you see is from folks who say this isnt safe. But from what weve seen play out, that isnt true. In Eugene, theres never been a serious incident.

Additional reporting by DeMicia Inman

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The post Washington D.C. will stop sending police for some mental health calls appeared first on TheGrio.
A woman taking a selfie while being vaccinated. Watchara Phomicinda/MediaNews Group/The Press-Enterprise/Getty Images

Vaccinated people should still socially distance and wear masks in public, WHO's Europe head said.

It was a departure from CDC guidance, which said fully vaxxed people didn't need masks in most settings.

Hans Kluge also said people should "rethink or avoid" international travel.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Fully vaccinated people should still wear a mask and socially distance in public, the World Health Organization's Europe director said Thursday.

The remarks came in contrast to the May 13 updated guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said that fully vaccinated people can drop their masks in most settings, indoor or outdoor.

"Neither testing nor receiving vaccines is a substitute for adherence to measures such as physical distancing and mask wearing in public spaces or healthcare settings," Hans Kluge, WHO Region Director for Europe, told a press conference on Thursday.

"Most of us are still susceptible to the virus and not vaccinated yet," he said.

Kluge also said that people should "rethink or avoid" international travel.

That guidance came as a departure from the position of the European Union, which on Wednesday backed a proposal to let fully vaccinated people from "safe countries" enter the block for nonessential travel.

Cases in the WHO European region, which includes 54 countries and is wider than the European Union, have fallen by 60% in the past month, Kluge said.

But that progress is "fragile," he said.

The B.1.617 coronavirus variant, which was first seen in India, is spreading rapidly in the European region and could displace the B.1.1.7 variant which is currently dominant in Europe, Kluge said at the briefing.

"Most cases have a link to international travel," though onward transmission has also been seen, Kluge said.

He also said that approved coronavirus vaccines are effective against all the known variants, including the variant first found in India. He did not specify whether he meant vaccines approved by the WHO or vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency.

Story continues

The WHO has given authorization to the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Sinopharm vaccines.

On Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious-diseases expert, also said that studies were "very encouraging" that vaccines approved in the US are effective against all the known variants.

Only 23% of people in the European region have had a single dose of vaccine and 11% have completed a vaccine series, Kluge said.

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Still, parents with children under the age of 12 remain cautious.

Kelly Henriquez, 31, is conflicted about whether to allow her 10-year-old step-son to return to school. Clearance for the Pfizer vaccines use in children between the ages of 2 and 11 is expected in September.

Thats been really difficult for us because were now being told we need to make a decision by June 1 as to whether hes going to go fully back to school five days a week in person or be fully virtual five days a week, Henriquez said. Were being asked to make a decision for September in June.

Henriquez also works in facilities with children younger than the age of 5 who arent eligible to be vaccinated or cant wear a mask because of a developmental disability. While the chances of this age group being sick is low, it can occur and children can spread the virus. Some children as young as 1 year old have been reported to develop a rare but severe illness called multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which occurs after being infected or coming into contact with the virus.

Fewer than 100 cases have been identified in Virginia as of May 3, the last available update.
Physicians can mitigate some of the long-term harmful effects of this forgone care by proactively reaching out to patients who missed care to try and reschedule the care either in-person or through telehealth, said corresponding author Kelly E. Anderson of the department of health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

We agree, but why should the onus solely fall on physicians? When will we hear from elected officials about the broader health care needs facing our communities? Why have we not made COVID-19 vaccines part of the discussion about resuming regular doctors visits, either in person or via telehealth?
TOKYO -- Japan will consider cutting off all official development assistance to Myanmar, even for ongoing projects, if the situation there does not improve, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told Nikkei.

"We don't want to do that at all, but we have to state firmly that it will be difficult to continue under these circumstances," Motegi said. "As a country that supported Myanmar's democratization in various ways, and as a friend, we must represent the international community and convey that clearly."

Japan provided 189.3 billion yen ($1.74 billion at current rates) in development aid to Myanmar in fiscal 2019, more than any other country with disclosed figures -- numbers for China have not been released.

Tokyo has already halted negotiations on new projects in response to the military coup and the ensuing violent repression of protesters. A full suspension of funding would mark its first time doing so since Japan began providing ODA to Myanmar in 1954, according to the Foreign Ministry here.

Projects receiving official Japanese financial support include a rail link between Yangon and Mandalay, the country's two largest cities. Work on some has been brought to a halt by the ongoing turmoil, but others are still underway.

Security forces are said to have killed about 800 people and arrested roughly 4,000 since the Feb. 1 coup. While the U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions against junta leaders and military-linked entities, Japan has avoided following suit, opting instead to keep dialogue going.
US customs authorities have blocked a shipment of Uniqlo shirts, saying the Japanese clothing giant violated an import ban on cotton products from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

US Customs and Border Protection announced earlier this month that the Port of Los Angeles had "detained a shipment of cotton garments imported by Uniqlo" in January.

Washington has banned the import of such products from Xinjiang since last December, citing suspicions of forced labor.

Uniqlo filed a protest, saying it buys raw materials for the shirts from Australia among other places, and not China.

But the US rejected the response, saying the evidence presented was insufficient.

The Biden administration has been critical of what it calls human rights violations in Xinjiang. It has been urging companies to take their business elsewhere.

Uniqlo operator Fast Retailing says it is firmly opposed to any form of forced labor, and considers human rights a top priority. But it adds that it has found no problems with its supply chain.

China is adamant there is no forced labor in Xinjiang. At a news conference on Wednesday, a Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said these claims amount to "bullying" by the US.
No one can afford these obligations if they have gone bankrupt. That is why we need companies to be adequately bonded on the front end," she said.

The New Mexico Legislature in 2018 increased the amount of certain financial assurances. Industry officials said not enough time has passed to determine if the new rules are working as intended.

The State Land Office is planning a series of public meetings on how increasing bond amounts for oil and gas operators would affect communities, workers and small businesses.

Oil and gas is a driving force of New Mexicos economy and the state budget. The State Land Office reported oil and gas royalty earnings of nearly $110 million in April, which marked a record. Much of that money goes to support public education and other trust land beneficiaries.

Bonding concerns go beyond New Mexico. A 2019 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted bonding shortfalls on federal lands and found that oil and gas bond amounts largely have not been updated in 40 years or more and fail to serve their intended purpose.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A hiker who was missing for five days in the rugged Southern California wilderness was found alive after an extensive search.

George Null, 58, was picked up Wednesday by a Los Angeles County sheriffs helicopter in remote area of the Angeles National Forest. A Sheriffs Department photo taken with a crew member showed Null dirty and with a stubbly beard but smiling broadly.

So relieved, his sister, Rebecca Latta, told Los Angeles news station KCBS-TV after learning of the rescue. We didnt know for days. Not knowing is so hard.

The search by authorities and volunteers began Saturday when Null did not return from a day hike in the Mount Waterman area of the San Gabriel Mountains, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

The helicopter crew spotted him waving next to a creek in a deep canyon.
Prosecutors included the anti-Trump diatribe in which Nordean seemed to acknowledge he and others are facing criminal charges because they followed Trumps lead.

Ive followed this guy for four years and given everything and lost it all. Yes he woke us up, but he led us to believe some great justice was upon us ... and it never happened, Nordean wrote on Jan. 20, after Proud Boys members were charged, now Ive got some of my good friends and myself facing jail time cuz we followed this guys lead and never questioned it.

We are now and always have been on our own. So glad he was able to pardon a bunch of degenerates as his last move and (expletive) on us on the way out, Nordean said in an expletive-laden message about the former president. ... trump you left us on [t]he battle field bloody and alone.

Nordean is one of several members of the extremist group with ties to white supremacy whose members describe themselves as Western Chauvinists.

For those unable to afford an attorney, the government is assigning attorneys from the public defenders office paid for by U.S. taxpayers.

Lee Hazer, Council Bluffs

Being woke
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It will also be a warehousing and cross-docking location for other K&M distribution centers, it added.

This is not only an opportunity to bring more jobs to the area, but it also allows us to further expand our distribution capabilities and meet the growing needs of the market, said K&M President Cheryl Gossard.

Person said K&Ms decision further proves the worth of Twin Rivers Business Park, which the chamber established and owns west of the Walmart Distribution Center.

Having a shovel-ready business park is critical when business looks to expand or even begin new operations, he said.

It allows us to market North Platte on a national basis, and that is how we were able to connect with K&M Tire.

Twin Rivers Business Park also hosts the Cabelas/Bass Pro Call Center, at the intersection of Twin Rivers Drive and State Farm Road, and the nine-building Iron Trail Industrial Park built by Chief Development Inc. FedEx lies in between.

The chamber hopes soon to announce another new distribution-center project at Twin Rivers, Person said.

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Motorcyclists from across the state picked up letters Thursday in North Platte to deliver to the Nebraska Legislature advocating for funding of mental health programs for children.

North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher welcomed the bikers on the 14th annual Pony Express Ride Across Nebraska, and Miss Alliance Outstanding Teen Katelyn Bowers, of North Platte, handed the letters to rider Luke Bennetts of Wilcox.

This is important because its supporting our upcoming generation, said Holly Stevens, the stop and promotion coordinator for the ride. Its really, really tough when you dont have resources, when youre parenting and trying to do your best and you dont have that support.

Stevens said the purpose of the letters is to try to find that support for those parents and children.

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We want to let the parents and children know they are not alone and that we are pounding the pavement for them, Stevens said.

This is the 14th year for the ride. The motorcyclists started their journey at Scottsbluff and will stop along the Interstate 80 corridor to meet with local family support organizations.
In the other bills with regional interest debated Wednesday:

 Brewer won 47-0 final approval of his bill for a full military retirement tax exemption, which would replace a 50% exemption he helped secure in 2020.

The District 43 senator was recorded as excused-not voting because he couldnt return from his medical appointment in time to vote on LB 387.

Brewers bill, which he introduced at the governors request, was the first of several subjected to delays by Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who failed to break a filibuster Tuesday night on her bill to expand developmental disability services.

Though she eventually voted to pass LB 387, she first decried the previous nights statements by Brewer and 10 other conservative senators that the state didnt have money for her bill.

I expect the 11 senators who got into the (speaking) queue to speak on my bill will speak in favor of abandoning LB 387, Cavanaugh said.

None did. Senators voted 48-0 against sending Brewers bill back to committee  with Cavanaugh herself voting no.

 LB 650, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Mike Flood though prioritized by Hughes, had an easier time in winning 48-1 final passage.
Now its up to us to perform. Were looking forward to making our (state) application at the appropriate time.

The chamber last year secured purchase options on 118 acres of land just east of Hershey chosen with input from the Union Pacific Railroad.

Design work on the rail park has proceeded with $75,000 from the city of North Plattes Quality Growth Fund and a $25,000 Nebraska Public Power District grant.

LB 40 had its origins late in the Legislatures pandemic-delayed 2020 session, when Groene offered an 11th-hour amendment to a major tax-incentive bill to enable the rail-park project to gain up to $5 million in state matching funds.

Encouraged instead to turn the amendment into a separate 2021 bill, Groene found Revenue Committee members encouraging him at LB 40s Feb. 18 hearing to sweeten the pot and offer rail-park aid statewide.

The full Legislature went along, offering generous matching funds to help build a rail park and launch an initial tenant in the manufacturing, processing, distribution or transloading trades.

Applications would be taken through June 30, 2023, with the state matching the first $2.5 million of locally secured funds at $2 for every local dollar.

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On Saturday, May 8, I stopped by the Evan Lurie Gallery in Carmel. The gallery has been a steady presence in the city since Nov. 2007, but now there was a Moving Sale sign on the gallery window.

Susan Brewer, a longtime Indianapolis artist based at the Stutz, where she has studio space, was seated behind the desk when I walked in. She told me that Lurie had just secured a new lease on a gallery space in Miami, Fla., where most of his client base is located.

Im gonna miss this, she said, referring to the gallery, where she has worked for three years, and her conversations with potential clients about art.

After the Carmel Main Street location closes for good, she plans to devote more time to painting her large abstract canvases. (Brewer says she managed to do well economically during the pandemic.)

Two of the questions Brewer receives when customers walk through the door are: Is this a museum? and Is it free? The answer to both is no. Maybe its the high ceilings and polished floor of the space  giving the gallery a slick big city ambiance  that makes visitors ask this. Or maybe its the high caliber of art hanging on the walls.

Lurie is drawn to painters like the California-based Jorge Santos, whose detailed figurative depictions often hint at something menacing beneath the surface, whose canvases have been a steady presence in the gallery. Several Santos paintings were hanging in the gallery on the day of my visit. There was an abundance of abstract work and pop art.

Also on display was work by artists who are difficult to categorize like painter Michael Gorman and British photographer Nick Veasey, who uses X-ray photography as part of his process. (His X-ray depiction of Trayvon Martins hoodie, which made the cover of Time Magazine, was on display for a time in 2020.) The gallery has also occasionally featured the work of local artists over the years, including Cagney King, Steve Paddack, Jason Myers, and Brewer herself among others.

Brewer said that the gallery received a decent amount of foot traffic during the pandemic, when the gallery was open, but it wasnt always consistent.

Last fall, I was opening on Sundays, she said. Sixty people in three or four hours wanted to walk, be somewhere, do something. But then the election happened. Once the election started, forget it; thats all people were thinking about.

Many who did visit came from outside Central Indiana. I saw people doing the day trips as well l from Cincinnati, Chicago, B&Bs  they just want to get out and travel three hours and go somewhere, she said.

But those people arent buying art like they are in Miami (and in Miami Beach, home of Art Basel.)

When Lurie first moved to Carmel from Los Angeles, CA.  secured by a public-private partnership with the city  he had high hopes that the expanding local economy would attract a steady customer base, noting the substantial and expanding presence of the healthcare industry in Carmel and Indy. "When you have hospitals, you have doctors," he told NUVOs David Hoppe in 2010. "I knew Indianapolis was becoming a really medically-oriented city. There was a good population of well-educated, high income, well-traveled and surprisingly international people."

One of those well-traveled people was Carmels mayor Jim Brainard, who visited Lurie in L.A., where he had a gallery. Lurie, in turn, educated the mayor on the synergy between the fine art market and the design industry in the L.A. economy. In the early 2000s, the mayor was making plans to turn Carmel into an arts district to attract business and tax revenue. Lurie convinced Brainard to add design to the mix.

"Executives are coming into town and building these homes and designers are looking for art," he told Hoppe. So it's important to have a center where the design industry can call home and piggyback on the art industry. I realized how important it was for the art and design to be together. And the mayor saw and understood that from the very beginning also."

Luries vision of a Midwestern fine arts center based in Carmel didnt turn out as expected, but his influence is all over Carmel. Thanks to Lurie, Carmel downtown is called the Arts & Design District  rather than just the arts district  where youll find the Indiana Design Center, with its 15 showrooms and featuring 21 different design firms. Youll also see Luries influence on the art selection on (at least) three of Carmels 139 roundabouts, another one of Mayor Brainards signature (and much written-about) achievements in the city. Three of those sculptures are by Brad Howe, a Lurie-represented artist.

The price tag of the Howe sculptures  the latest Morning Sun cost the city $209,200  has been an item of controversy. (In the opaque and convoluted matter of Carmel spending, controversy is par for the course.)

IUPUIs Jason Kelly and others, on the other hand, see the selection of public art in Carmel as a social justice issue. Focusing attention on the recent commission of a $70,000 sculpture by the atelier of deceased sculptor J. Seward Johnson of a Black girl at a stop sign called Waiting to Cross, Kelly recently wrote a blog post titled More Public Sculptures: Carmel misses the Point About Equity Altogether.

Also controversial is the fact that Howe is a California-based, rather than a Hoosier, artist. A large proportion of artists commissioned to make public art in the city come from elsewhere, but Carmel has granted some notable commissions to local artists. This includes Anderson-based Arlon Bayliss and his Homage to Hoagy at a roundabout adjacent to the Palladium and Sail, by the Indianapolis-based team of Quincy Owens and Luke Crawley, which rises above the Monon Trail in Midtown.

While artists will usually accept commissions from whomever, some see a reluctance of Carmel and Indy residents to check out each others art scenes. Actors Theatre of Indiana executive director Jim Reilly likens this to a wall of Plexiglas along 96th Street. In an interview with NUVO in 2018, he said he wanted to encourage people to cross that street (in both directions) to take in art events and performances on either side of the municipal boundary.

It's a good time to do so, if you're vaccinated. Like multiple venues in Indianapolis, the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel has restarted in-person events. The Evan Lurie Gallery is, for the moment, still open, and there are other galleries you can visit as well. And while the visual arts scene hasnt taken off in quite the way that Lurie envisioned, the city has managed to attract crowds in at least some of its public spaces. One of the citys newest completed projects, Midtown Plaza, has become a popular outdoor gathering place during the pandemic.

Brewer, who mentioned jokingly that one of her friends calls Carmel the gold ghetto, echoes Reillys sentiments.

It's walkable, she said. There's lots of things to do with the family.

You'll have a chance to check out the work of Susan Brewer and other Stutz studio artists at the Stutz Artists' Open Studios First Friday, June 4, from 5 p.m - 9 p.m.
Photo: Fatima Shbair/Getty Images

Israel will cease military operations in the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security cabinet approved a unilateral cease-fire in the conflict with Hamas, his office said Thursday. After 11 days of fighting, the conflict in Gaza appears to be over for now, though at enormous cost for the enclave: 230 Palestinians killed, including dozens of children, and tens of thousands of people displaced from their homes.

Hamas said it will also cease fire, after firing thousands of rockets from Gaza that killed 12 people in Israel.

Netanyahu initially held out against international pressure, including a Wednesday phone call by President Biden, to ramp down air strikes in Gaza against what Israel said were Hamas military targets  including, controversially, a high-rise building housing the offices of the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. The Israeli bombing campaign has left Gaza in ruins, according to the New York Times, which reported earlier this week that sewage systems, hospitals, and schools for 2 million people have either been damaged or destroyed.
Our Climate: A series exploring a world of fear and promise. Elon agreed with Jack before he disagreed with him. Photo-Illustration: Konstantin Sergeyev/Intelligencer. Photos: Getty Images

The day before Earth Day this year, Jack Dorsey, Twitters CEO, tweeted that #bitcoin incentivizes renewable energy. It was a counterintuitive, provocative assertion as cryptocurrency critics and environmental advocates have decried bitcoin  and were especially noisy about it that week  for using too much electricity. So it seemed exactly backward what Dorsey was saying, that bitcoin was actually positive for the environment. To support his assertion, Dorsey had shared a new white paper from Square, his other company, which argued that Bitcoin mining presents an opportunity to accelerate the global energy transition to renewables, and could encourage investment in solar systems.

Beyond the 17,500 people who liked Dorseys tweet, there was one particularly interesting reply: Elon Musk, the ecocentibillionaire CEO of Tesla, answered simply, True. At that point, Musk had been egging on cryptofans for months, culminating in a February announcement that Tesla had bought $1.5 billion worth of bitcoin and would accept the cryptocurrency as payment for its electric cars. That made it all the more surprising when, just over three months later, Musk apparently changed his mind, announcing on May 12 that Tesla had stopped allowing purchases with bitcoin, sending prices of the cryptocurrency plummeting (it was recently down 50 percent from its peak last month). He appended a statement explaining that he and Tesla were concerned about rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal. Cryptocurrency, he added, 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.

Its unclear exactly when or why he changed his mind in the three weeks since Dorseys tweet, but his flip-flop puts him on both sides of perhaps the most contentious debate in the digital-asset space right now. The core technological breakthrough behind bitcoin, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies  the ability to create digital scarcity  is a major one and is on the ascendent in a range of industries. Its only going to be more present in our lives in the years ahead. So the debate embodied by Musks two tweets is very important: Is bitcoin, the largest and most valuable cryptoproject in the world, a boon or a menace to the health of the planet?

The more widely accepted view at the moment is that bitcoin is an environmental scourge. There is no question that the network requires a lot of energy to function: Its core appeal is security, and the network is secured by millions of super-powerful computers constantly competing to solve difficult math problems. Those computers require huge amounts of electricity. According to the IEA, bitcoin mining consumed 50 to 70 terawatt hours in 2019  roughly as much as a small wealthy nation like Switzerland, which consumes some 63 terawatt hours annually. But it gets worse: The Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index, a metric tracked at the University of Cambridges Judge Business School, indicates that the total could surge to more than 130 terawatt hours this year if miners continue at their current rate. By comparison, companies like Microsoft and Google used 10 and 12 terawatt hours of electricity last year; worldwide, data centers (excluding cryptominers) consumed 250 terawatt hours, according to data compiled by Eric Masanet, who leads Northwestern Universitys Energy and Resource Systems Analysis Laboratory. Electricity consumption is, most of the time and in most of the world, strongly correlated with carbon emissions, as we still tend to get our energy from burning hydrocarbons. That is certainly true at a national level in China, which burns more coal than any other country. It is also where most bitcoin mining takes place.

Bitcoin advocates who take Dorseys side of the argument would both acknowledge that all those numbers are at least directionally accurate and also make the case that they are misleading. Bitcoin, they say, creates value with the energy it uses  and the situation today is nowhere as bad as critics would have you believe. Looking into the future, they see bitcoin being on the verge of becoming a strong force that will make the electrical grid greener, in part by providing a dependable financial incentive that will help make renewable power sources like solar and wind more economical. This is the case that Dorseys white paper lays out in detail.

Bitcoin mining rigs. Photo: Sheldon Bennett

First, the bitcoin defenders will note, consuming energy is not the same as releasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere, and bitcoin mining likely does surprisingly little of the latter. Switzerland, for example, produces nearly two or even three times as much CO2 as bitcoin does, according to IEA estimates. The reason is that the bitcoin network  all those computers solving math problems all day  are already disproportionately powered by zero-carbon sources, especially hydroelectric, which most of Chinas bitcoin miners use (as it tends to be the cheapest dependable power source  less expensive than coal). Data is spare on the sources of electricity powering bitcoin miners, but CoinShares, a digital-asset investing company that says it spent hundreds of thousands of dollars researching the issue, estimates 74 percent of the energy used in bitcoin mining comes from renewable sources.

And that share is likely to grow. Renewable sources like solar and wind power are also cheap and their prices are continuing to fall  an attractive feature for an industry like cryptomining whose biggest expense is electricity. In early April, a consortium of nonprofits and blockchain companies launched the Crypto Climate Accord, with the aim of using 100 percent renewable energy to power the entire industry by 2025 and reach net-zero emissions by 2040. Square, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars buying bitcoin and whose CashApp facilitates trading of it, in December started the Bitcoin Clean Energy Initiative to promote the use of clean energy in Bitcoin mining.

We as a private industry are going to do what we can to ameliorate the problem, says Meltem Demirors, chief strategy officer of CoinShares, one of the founding members of the Crypto Climate Accord as well as a de facto spokesperson for the effort. A former oil-and-gas trader who now invests in start-ups working to make cryptomining more green, she feels a bit miffed that critics have zeroed in on bitcoin as the planets problem child when far bigger polluters exist. When they get on a plane, theyre not buying carbon offsets, she says. I find it preposterous that when theyre looking at bitcoin, they feel like the glaciers are melting.

Defenders also point out that the bitcoin network is now worth (depending on the day) in the ballpark of $1 trillion, and that it is no different from any other industry: It uses energy to create economic value (in fact, more efficiently by many measures than a lot of other industries). While bitcoin mining does consume energy, the question becomes, is it a worthwhile use of energy to secure the bitcoin network and process transactions? And the answer to that depends on the person answering, says Jeff Cathie, a spokesperson for Fidelity, one of the largest investment brokerages that also runs an in-house cryptomining operation. We believe bitcoin holders that derive value from storing value or transacting in bitcoin would suggest that it is.

But the strongest form of the the green case for bitcoin is that it can help the electrical grid become greener by giving the companies that generate power  especially from renewable sources  an easy way to monetize energy that would otherwise go to waste. Consider, for instance, a wind installation, which is generating peak capacity at night, when electrical demand is low. Or a solar farm on sunny days, when output exceeds consumer demand. Or a hydroelectric project during spring floods, when the dam is able to create far more electricity than usual. In all those real-world cases, that electricity now tends to go to waste, hampering profitability. But if the power companies could sell it cheap to green bitcoin miners, its a win-win: Everybody makes more money, and theres no net carbon added to the atmosphere.

That logic even spills over to the oil-and-gas industry. Last year, at the beginning of the pandemic, when demand for fuel dried up, energy markets crashed so low that certain oil prices even went, briefly, negative. Natural gas was worth so little that it would cost more to transport or store it than it would to sell it. The response by many energy producers: burn it, in a process known as flaring. Bright plumes from such flares are often visible on the horizon in oil-producing regions from Texas to North Dakota. Last spring was an extreme example, but flaring is a standard practice in the industry when theres no easy or economical way to sell the gas that accompanies oil drilling.

Enter bitcoin miners, who saw the plumes as an opportunity to power their computational rigs with dirt cheap  if not free  energy, and reduce the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere at the same time. Bitcoin is like a sponge that can soak that up, says Nic Carter, a founding partner of Castle Island Ventures, a VC fund that focuses on digital assets. Last month, a company specializing in taking advantage of wasted natural gas that would otherwise be flared and using it for cryptomining and other data centers, Denver-based Crusoe Energy Systems, raised $128 million to expand its operation to more than 100 sites over the next year. The stranded energy is an abundant power source whose emissions bitcoin could make a serious dent in: I ran the numbers  the flared gas alone could power bitcoin, claims Carter.

There are opponents to this practice who argue that it merely encourages and supports fossil-fuel producers. But, given that the oil and gas industry is going to be around for a while yet, mitigating the damage in other ways is arguably still worth doing.

You can think of bitcoin as the ultimate energy subsidy  a go-anywhere, plug-and-play, there-when-you-need-it mechanism for turning power directly into money when otherwise it would just be stuck or poured down the drain. When the grid is idle  as it is much of the day between the morning rush and nighttime dinner-and-TV rituals  bitcoin miners are there to keep energy use humming at optimal levels, saving utilities the expenditures required to rev up and down repeatedly. Bitcoin, in other words, makes it possible for energy producers to run on cruise control as opposed to stop-and-go traffic. When the grid is stretched thin in brownout and blackout conditions, bitcoin miners can simply be switched off to conserve power and deploy it elsewhere, as happened in Texas during its power crisis this past winter.

Green power in, bitcoin out. Photo: Sheldon Bennett

There is even an argument that utilities should consider a side hustle in bitcoin mining  cutting out the middleman. Whereas the typical utility sells power to homes at about 10 cents a kilowatt, if it used the power to mine bitcoin instead, it could make at least 30 cents on the same kilowatt (based on bitcoin trading above $50,000), says Sheldon Bennett, CEO of DMG Blockchain Solutions, a large bitcoin-mining company based in Vancouver. That math led one large publicly traded U.S. utility to buy DMGs bitcoin-mining containers  mobile units containing mining equipment. Not only can the mining add-on help the utility keep its power generation stable, thereby reducing production costs and, over the long term, staving off rate increases for customers, its also helping to bring in extra cash, making the utilitys expansion into solar power more profitable.

In some cases, bitcoin is already incentivizing the transition to renewable energy, just as Jack Dorsey argued. While DMG Blockchains own operations in British Columbia already rely entirely on cheap hydropower from dams, Bennett, constantly seeking to lower his energy costs, is also putting in a solar installation; he expects to begin reaping returns on that investment in a few years. Were pushing into renewable because its just logical and natural for us to go that way, he says. Its natural and logical for me to put a solar plant up because that would give me the lowest-cost power. Considering sunlight itself is free, if you can harness it to literally mint money, that creates a nice additional incentive.

As interest in bitcoin from Wall Street and big banks rises, theres also mounting pressure for the crypto they transact in to be green crypto, in accordance with the companies own environmental policies. In a month or two, DMG Blockchain is preparing to launch what it believes is the first bitcoin-mining pool to run completely on clean energy, called the Terra Pool. We already have interest from financial institutions in those coins, says Bennett. In the future, you could imagine that bitcoin mined with coal or fossil fuels will be seen as the crypto equivalent of blood diamonds  with perhaps a premium market for those created in environmentally friendly ways. That there are cleaner and dirtier varieties of bitcoin mining might even help explain Elon Musks complicated views on the subject.
Loud and proud. Photo: Gaston Paris/Roger Viollet via Getty Images

The most common political narrative outside MAGA-land is that the Republican Party is screwed, and richly deserves the ignominious future it faces.

Until recently the GOP was a reasonably normal and intermittently successful center-right political party, not wildly different from its counterparts in other countries with a two-party system, despite some racist and militarist habits that burst into view in times of stress. But then America elected a Black president, and Republicans went a little crazy, according to those outside their circles. First they abetted a destructively antediluvian Tea Party Movement and then lurched into the arms of an evil charlatan who somehow got elected president and spent four years trashing hallowed conservative principles and losing both Congress and the White House before his disgraceful and violence-inflected departure.

Worse yet, in the face of huge demographic challenges that beg for a new approach, the Republican Party has now lashed itself to a Trumpian mast going forward, following the most consistently unpopular president in American history in his bizarre crusade to deny he has ever lost anything. Meanwhile a shockingly united Democratic Party is whipping a few decades worth of liberal legislation through Congress as Republicans whine about cancel culture and try to sell the idea that Joe Biden is actually Che Guevara.

Thats the narrative you hear a lot. But theres another way to look at political trends that points in a very different direction, and it begins with a stubborn fact:

Republicans will almost certainly win back the House in 2022

A byproduct of the surprisingly strong showing of downballot Republicans in 2020 is that even the smallest midterm wave will give them control of the House. An analysis from Larry Sabatos Crystal Ball projects that even without taking redistricting into account, Republicans are expected to flip nine seats in 2022 and enjoy roughly the same narrow but very real majority Democrats have now. And thanks to a dramatic underperformance by Democrats in 2020 state legislative races, redistricting of congressional districts will add to the high odds of a GOP House. The Cook Political Reports David Wasserman suggests Republicans might pick up the five seats they need for control of the House via redistricting decisions in just four states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas).

As my colleague Eric Levitz has pointed out, since World War II the presidents party has lost an average of 27 House seats in midterm elections. Last time Democrats controlled the White House, they lost 63 House seats in the first midterm. It wont be that bad in 2022, but suffice it to say that any remotely controversial legislation Biden hopes to enact in his first term better be on his desk by the end of 2022.

If Republicans do win the House in 2022, could they promptly lose it again in 2024? Of course they could, but the last time the House changed hands in a presidential election year was 1952.

Republicans will likely take control of the Senate by 2024

The usual midterm House losses by the White House party dont always extend to the Senate because only a third of that chamber is up for election every two years and the landscape sometimes strongly favors the presidential party (as it did in 2018 when Republicans gained two seats). But there a still generally an out-party wave that can matter, which is why Republicans may have a better than average chance of winning in at least some of the many battleground states that will hold Senate elections next year (Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin). If they win four of the six youll probably be looking at a Republican Senate.

But its the 2024 Senate landscape that looks really promising for the GOP. Democrats will be defending 23 seats and Republicans just 10. Three Democratic seats, and all the Republican seats, are in states Trump carried twice. Four other Democratic seats are in states Trump won once. It should be a banner year for Senate Republicans.

The 2024 presidential election will be close, even if Trump is the GOP nominee

One very important thing we should have all taken away from both the 2016 and 2020 presidential contests is that the two major parties are in virtual equipose (given some well-known structural GOP advantages that lets them turn fewer votes into more power). The ideological sorting-out of the two parties since the 1960s has in turn led to extreme partisan polarization, a decline in ticket-splitting and and in number of genuine swing voters. Among other things, this has led to an atmosphere where Republicans have paid little or no price for the extremism theyve disproportionately exhibited, or for the bad conduct of their leaders, most notably the 45th president.

Indeed, the polarized climate encourages outlandish and immoral base mobilization efforts of the sort Trump deployed so regularly. Some Republicans partisans shook their heads sadly and voted the straight GOP ticket anyway, And to the extent there were swing voters they tended strongly to believe (in part because key elements of the news media reinforced this view) that both parties were equally guilty of excessive partisanship, and/or that all politicians are worthless scum, so why not vote for the worthless scum under whom the economy hummed?

None of these dynamics show any sign of changing between now and 2024, whether or not Trump attempts a comeback and wins or loses his partys nomination. If he does pack it in, Republicans have plenty of options among potential candidates who can simultaneously play to the MAGA crowd while implicitly representing a more respectable brand of politics. In any event, there is no reason to believe they will enter the 2024 cycle at some sort of terrible disadvantage.

To the extent Democrats might have a thumb on the scales in 2024, it would be in the form of presidential incumbency. And no matter what he is currently saying, I dont know any knowledgeable political observer who really thinks Joe Biden is going to put himself through the rigors of a real presidential contest (not likely one in which his time and energy will be protected by pandemic conditions) at the age of 81. And while Kamala Harris could become an effective successor and go into 2024 with a united and enthusiastic Democratic Party, she could also face a progressive primary challenge just like the last heir apparent Hillary Clinton, and could struggle to become as popular as Biden (so far her favorability rating has remained stubbornly underwater). No one raised an eyebrow when Trump called her a communist and a monster in 2020, so we can assume Republican attacks on her will be unremittingly savage, and will probably appeal to every racist and sexist bone in the body politic.

Then there is the very strong likelihood that Republicans will continue to screw around with voting rules and election administration tasks to further skew future political races in their favor, secure in the knowledge that most of their voters and many independents think everybody does it, or that Democrats really are dragging illegal aliens across the border in order to have each of them cast 10 or 20 mail ballots. The same midterm trends discussed above are likely to award Republicans with crucial governorship and/or secretary of state positions in 2024 battleground states where their newly blatant determination to suppress votes and cook the books could be extremely consequential.

The bottom line is that anyone who assumes Republicans are in irreversible decline in presidential elections really hasnt been paying attention.

The GOPs long-term demographic problems may have been exaggerated

Republican gains among non-white voters after four years of hearing Trump incessantly attack people of color, immigrants and refugees, voting rights, racial justice protesters, critics of Confederate memorials, and inner-city residents were a clear warning to Democrats that demographics alone are not going to award them an automatic or permanent majority. Every cycle we are told the GOP cannot possibly wring more votes out of their white non-college-educated base, and then they do. Yes, eventually the GOP needs to find a youth cohort they can actually win, and their gains among Black and Latino voters should not obscure the fact that they are still getting hammered among minorities by large margins.

But demographic change is slow enough that Republicans can hang in there for a good while via modest success in appealing to young and minority voters while continuing to get members of the white MAGA base psyched out of their skulls with fear and hate lest the Radical Socialists padlock their churches and cancel Andy Griffith re-runs. Maybe in the long run the GOP is the north end of a south-bound brontosaurus, but a lot of damage to America can be wreaked before they march to extinction.

Democratic accomplishments just give Republicans something to undo

Yes, even if the Democratic trifecta is very likely to end next year, and even if Republicans win their own in 2024, theres no way around the fact that in an amazingly short period of time Biden and his party may wrack up a mini-New Deal that reverses many years of atavistic Republican and meh Democratic policies. That has to be an enduring blow to Republicans, right?

Maybe not so much any more. One of the benefits of being conquered by a free-spending protectionist and isolationist is that the GOP is now pretty flexible in terms of its old Reaganite core ideology. As Rand Paul just cheefully said, if Democrats raise taxes  something that horrified old-school Republicans like the ugly face of sin itself  theyll just lower them next time they have the power to do so! Bidens accomplishments give the opposition an agenda, which is useful at a time when it isnt exactly brimming with policy ideas. Republicans may very well embrace the most popular Biden initiatives while demonizing the ones that dont poll so well. Its an easier strategy than the one they followed in those more principled days when they lectured voters about the need for entitlement reform.

To be clear, I am not predicting that happy days will soon be here again for the Republican Party. But by the debased just win, baby! standards of the Trump era, and given an ossified partisan environment they have helped engineer, they arent too far from controlling the country, and have very little to lose by pursuing the most ruthless measures to claw back lost offices. Its no time to pity them for their inability to get rid of Trump, or mock them for their fecklessness. Theyre not going away.
Legislators were still finalizing how to propose splitting the $500 million among the accounts.

In May 2020, the Edenville Dam failed during a steady rain, draining Wixom Lake and unleashing the Tittabawassee River, which then overwhelmed the Sanford Dam, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Detroit.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the GOP-controlled Legislature will sponsor the measures.

It was heartbreaking to see the devastation facing so many people, especially when almost all of it could have been prevented if improvements to the local dams had been made to ensure they could handle the water levels, said Sen. Jim Stamas, a Midland Republican, who said the measures will help prevent future disasters in other communities.

In March, the state said the major portion of emergency work to restore the Tobacco River was completed. And this week, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said a reorganized dam safety unit will soon have the equivalent of five full-time staffers to oversee more than 1,000 state-regulated dams, double from when the two dams failed a year ago.
Localnews

West Greene teachers vote to authorize strike

Members of the West Greene Education Association have voted to authorize a strike against the school district.

In a release issued by the WGEA, representatives said an overwhelming majority of the membership earlier this month authorized its negotiations committee to issue a strike notice if a new contract is not reached soon.

A strike authorization provides the WGEA Negotiations Committee with the authority to call a strike, if necessary, under Pennsylvanias public sector strike law, Act 88 of 1992, said Nicole Redlinger, WGEA spokesperson. At this time, WGEA will continue negotiations with the board in order to reach a fair and equitable contract settlement.

Added WGEA President Matthew Rychtarsky, By taking this action, the membership of the WGEA has clearly indicated to the board that we will take any and all steps available to us under Pennsylvania law in order to reach a contract settlement that treats all members of our union fairly and equitably, Rychtarsky said.

A statement released by the school board states that the boards negotiating committee was made aware of the vote when it was taken two weeks ago.

The board is committed to reaching a resolution of the contract dispute in a fashion that is fair to the professional staff and to the districts taxpayers, but that resolution must advance the goal of long-term financial sustainability for the district so that we can continue to provide a quality education to all students, the boards release states.

WGEA represents 69 teachers and professional education staff int the West Greene School District.
Washington, PA (15301)

Today

Showers early with isolated thunderstorms arriving for the afternoon. High 73F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 59F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
FINISH HIM

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not the play the "what if?" game but he made her so paranoid that she refused her royal security officers she still had access to after the divorce. if she still had them, she most definitely wouldn't be having a drunk driver the night of her crash in paris, for starters.





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I think that is exactly why Prince William apparently put his foot on BBC's neck to get an investigation. It will change nothing but it's the principle of it.

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i mean i think thats pretty obvious



she would have never gotten in that car w a drunk guy if she had rpos. bashir deserves a lot of blame in what happened to her imo

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i'm not sure--wasn't henri paul hired by the fayeds? maybe she would've had a different bodyguard, but possibly still had that same driver

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The point is the royal officers would not have let her get into the car, iirc the entire escape from the paparazzi was reckless and impulsive from start to finish.

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hmm good point. if anything, they at least would have followed the car since they'd still be having to watch her. they would know defensive driving way better than whatever security firm dodi hired.



(i'm assuming this is like secret service level of security - where they definitely know defensive driving tips in the event of a chase)

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Yep... if she had her royal security with her, Dodi's security guy who had been off the clock and drinking would not have been at the wheel that night.

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He's scum of the earth.

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the interview was great for tea but it really did destroy her life and she regretted it from the moment it aired. i really dont feel comfortable watching it tbh esp knowing the background and how it came to be



as always, she deserved so much better :/

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She was failed by so many people. And when you go back to the beginning it's clear to see she never had a chance and it's heartbreaking.

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take him out

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So what could happen to this guy?

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?? bashir isn't white

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Shhhh...let them have this. They need it.

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I thought he had COVID really bad. Anyway, this whole thing was just so sleazy and unethical

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The shame is that this story won't get 10 percent of the attention of the original interview.

Which is understandable to some degree. But still unfortunate. Diana made some unfortunate choices based on Bashir lying and manipulating her at a low point in her life. And now her family and friends are stuck with the results forever, while Bashir lives out his life in comfortable retirement, surrounded by the kind of fellow psychopaths of journalism, who'll always make him feel like a legend.

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This turd stain.

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how evil do you have to be to alienate someone from their child just to get an interview. William was only 13 when the interview came out and Bashir made his mother think he was a spy for the palace.



Poor Diana, reading how much she regretted the interview was heartbreaking.

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What a sack of shit. Lets charge him with culpable homicide.

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Even if Diana had lived the fact that he sabotaged her relationship with her son would be horrendous enough, but knowing she then shortly after died... it's mind blowing to think what he stole from that child. Like, if all the other lies you told weren't enough, you had to go for a young boy?

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Apart of me wonders if its too late for them to weave this into the next season of The Crown.

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@me: side-eye at this being your one comment on a story about woman being psychologically manipulated into airing her secrets to the public and being turned against her 13 year old son. Fuck Im the worst sometimes.



I guess what I should have articulated is that I feel that this is a really important element of this interview that really shifts the whole thing into a whole new light. I know a lot of people reacted to this interview like some reacted to Meghan and Harry (i.e looking for attention, trying to do a mic drop to gain the upper hand) whereas it really was a woman thinking that she had been backed into a corner and desperately trying to reclaim her personhood.

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The only thing she had going for her was having less work done than her sisters, and now she doesnt even have that because shes starting to look like a sim with alpha cc applied. Sad

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A sim with alpha CC.. too accurate!

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Not the alpha CC  LOL

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Cultural appropriation but make it aesthetic is always my fave genre

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She could have had so much good will if she just highlighted the workers on her farm and paid them a living wage.

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I wonder how much they make relative to her.



Actually, I don't want to know



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This! It's so easy to do at least a little good in her position

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This! What's so hard about saying "I really like tequila, I'd like to be involved with the creation of a tequila brand, look at how this is made by these awesome people?" and promote it without centering herself constantly? Her name on the brand and her sharing to SM a few nice photos of the employees give it a boost, she pays the employees a good wage, everyone's happy.



Except Kendall because she doesn't get to center her own image, attempt to model, and wear ~cute outfits I guess.

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Puta

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Gringos were a mistake

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this asshole

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I reeeaalllly wish we would leave this family in 2020. Let's move forward into a new age without them.

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I just have never ever gotten their appeal. I don't understand. But some my co-workers love them

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GOD YES PLEASE

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for real

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We should have left them in 2013

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I wish they would just fucking disappear, they're all fucking vile human being

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I cant fucking stand her and yes Im still mad at her trying to claim 818. Like bitch youre from Calabasas thats barely the valley

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unrelated: when will overlined lips die? she looks ridiculous



related: if you're rushing to buy tequila under the jenner/kardashian brand, cultural appropriation is probably in your dna at this point and i have no hope for you lol

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You just know that is the first time she ever set foot anywhere near those fields.

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"oh my god i'm so nerdy, look at me out in a field. this ah-gay-ve smells so good!"

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Before you come into this post and leave your hot take like in the last post, how about you educate yourself by reading this thread and the comments in that post first. Gracias. 



the shame i feel at op leading ppl to my shame omg. unnecessary but hopefully ppl will just read what you pointed them towards and learn instead of attack



but i learned so i'm grateful, ty op and other ontders



on topic, idg how there's any way she didn't know this look would be an issue. this family does this shit on purpose, which is why they're so hated. wanting attention for being assholes and knowingly not caring that it's a slap in the face so long as it gets you more attention is just gross.





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Aw, Im sorry. There were a lot of ignorant comments in that post by multiple users clearly unaware of the history of tequila and its sacredness. It was a teachable moment for everyone and by no means was I trying to single you out with my note at the end.



We all make mistakes and get called out. Just this morning my dumbass used the wrong pronouns in the Demi Lovato post I submitted because I failed at proofreading. It happens and no one is perfect. 

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i know bb, i didn't really think you were sending them my way! just embarrassment couched in sarcasm tbh



i'm just forever sensitive abt that post bc it evidently set a few people off in a big way, bc they used mule accounts to send me some very pleasant personal messages regarding my death. so i definitely retained all the knowledge i learned that week (when usually i don't retain shit, no matter how much i'd like to). i also got some personal messages from people thinking they were on "my side" and just being racist assholes, so i learned that my dumbass comment made the wrong people think i was one of them. absolute teachable moment and i hope more people get educated, for real. most people i know have no idea abt the history and dgaf who makes it so long as they can drink it



that themi post was a good read tho, but that screencap scared me

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It was a learning moment for me too. As a clueless European, I didn't know of the whole concept of food being sacred to people. The closest comparison I could think of is that while the EU has restrictions about methods of making smoked meats and fish due to possible carcinogens, we're allowed to do it anyway, because smoked foods are marked as culturally significant to my country, but we wouldn't care at all if other nations used our methods and culturally significant =/= sacred, so I had no idea.

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Anyone have Tequila recommendations? I have to bring something to game night and I'm in recovery so I gotta get in and out of the shop.

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I like Herradura. That Casamigos crap gives me headaches.

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Don Julio, I rarely drink tequila, but that I one I tolerate.

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i love Espolon, their blanco or reposado are both perfect

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2nding Espolon - it's solid and affordable

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I second the Don Julio rec, but it's very expensive here so I've had it just a couple of times, and I was never the one who paid for it lol



I'd also rec Mijenta, it's probably the most delicious tequila I've ever tasted.

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Maestro Dobel diamante

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Recommend Don Julio too, Reposado is my choice.

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if youre bougie clase azul reposado is the besttttt.

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I second herradurra, most tequila makes me vomit after taking shots but that one doesnt

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It's incredible how this family has built an empire by purposely doing things that cause controversy and it working each and every time.



The power of insecurity, social media, and affluency desire is strong.

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this family can't breathe unless they culturally appropriate

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She is really beginning to look like Kris.

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she's starting to look like her mother?

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I don't look like either of my parents.

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Why you acting like the person you replied to is talking about naturally looking like your parent vs looking like whatever the current version of your parent's face is?

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That was my exact first thought when I saw her photo lol.

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Please add a cut at least for some of the tweets, OP. Thank you

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Sorry about that! I havent made a post in a while so bare with me please. Gonna edit right now and fix it



ETA: Hey mods (or anyone who makes posts on here) how would I go about putting the tweets under the cut? When I try to do it in the draft it has them between the cut but then when I save it, it doesn't show up in the post. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!



Edited at 2021-05-20 08:49 pm (UTC)

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You can try to wrap the cut around the tweets:

With the brackets:



lj-cut embed tweet info /lj-cut



Edited at 2021-05-20 08:54 pm (UTC)

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That has never happened to me before. Did you embed the HTML-code from twitter between <*lj-c*ut> and <*/*lj-c*ut> (without * obviously)



Edited at 2021-05-20 08:55 pm (UTC)

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i am SO shocked camila liked that post. that's so out of character for her!

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She forgot to blame Susan Sarandon for it

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lmao give her time!!

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Susan Sarandon didnt need time when she single handledly came up with the anti Israel sentiment sorry but the truth has to be exposed

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lmao "i know this is complex." there is nothing complex about israel committing genocide.



i cant believe some of you actually wanted her to play lucille ball in that lucy & desi movie. true clownery all around.

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haha I def wanted her to but I had no idea she was this messy in real life, lawd debra.

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Her dumbassery aside, shes not a great actress and just because she has red hair does NOT mean she should play Lucy

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Debra MESSSSSSSS

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i'm casting her as 2021 lucille ball now :)

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When that popped up, I googled her imitation of Lucy on YT and cringed. It was so fucking bad. I can't see Nicole as her either but maybe I thought Debra might be decent?



The way people were propping her up, I expected better but that was truly awful. Her 'acting' and her voice were so wrong. It was a poor impersonation at best.

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I am begging people to stop getting all their information from pictures on instagram

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social media infographics were a mistake





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I don't mind it as a starting point, but if you need 13 pages to explain it, it's okay to just link to a reputable source.

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instagram doesn't allow links unless they're in your profile or you have x amount of followers and can post links in your story, it's ridiculous. that's probably why these infographics are so common. but none of them ever at least cite sources!

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I was listening to an episode of the Maintenance Phase podcast this morning about how the wellness movement is a pipeline for QAnon, and one of the things they talked about was how Instagram and Facebook are perfect for spreading disinformation because of the easy use and reposing of aesthetic infographics that people dont research before sharing.

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The fucking image even say



"Stop taking everything you read online for face value"



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Fucking YIKES.

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what a fucking stupid cunt



idk if y'all listen to the daily (nyt podcast) but yesterday's episode was heartbreaking. they interviewed a young palestinian woman and i was crying on the bus. if you can look at what's going on rn and your takeaway is "it's really the israelis who are the victims here" that says way more about you than it does about the palestinians.

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That episode was so sad, just crying at my desk when she talked about how everyone would gather together when they heard the rockets coming just so heartbreaking.

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i know, bc nobody wants to live to have to mourn their family :( it's so fucked that that's even something they have to worry about

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my mom told me that when she was younger her family would all sleep in the same room so if their house were to get bombed theyd all die together and so the rescuers would find their bodies in the same area.



its so unbelievably sad and heartbreaking that decades later this is still happening.

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I couldnt finish it. No one should live like that. I feel so hopeless.

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I think Megan Mullally was in the right....don't know the context of why she and Debra had a falling out, but most likely it was Debra's fault

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Seriously. Every time Debs in the news its because she showed her ass

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I hope Susan Sarandon tweets in response.

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Coke mom killed too many brain cells.



Shes waaaaaay too comfortable with her Twitter numbers making her think she should lead on politics & racial issues. When she tried to school Nina Turner (a black woman in politics for our overseas friends) whom your agreeing with her brand of progressive politics or not is incidental, on the black experience and she would get Stacey Abrams (also a black politician) to give her a call, it was the final nail in the coffin for me.





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The propaganda has been too much for the past few weeks. Palestinians are being ethnically cleansed, hospitals and apartment buildings are being intentionally targeted, even before this particular situation Israeli settlers were attacking Palestinians left and right on land THEY STOLE but its Israel thats the real victim here apparently!

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Okay but how is this Susan Sarandons fault????



Edited at 2021-05-20 08:26 pm (UTC)

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Debra claims she has inside sources about Susan Sarandon being at fault for all of Middle Easts turmoil



Big if true

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lmao WHAT

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Debra MESSY

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there is nothing complex about what's happening, Israel is killing palestinians and has oppressed them for decades, there aren't both sides, there is a victim and an oppressor, it is like that, it's very black and white, the IDF destroyed a building that had offices of the AP and Al Jazeera, they knew what they were doing.





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and these are the same people reposting thoughts and prayers and performative tweets about BLM.

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only v recently.

back in like 2013 it was like pulling teeth to get any non black celeb to say anything about it

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China and Japan have recently intensified purchases of crude oil on the spot market, driving spot premiums for some grades to their highest in several months and signaling that Asias physical demand for crude is rising despite the crisis in India, where fuel consumption is slumping.

The premiums for cargoes of some of Asias favorite grades such as ESPO of Russia and Al-Shaheen of Qatar have jumped in recent days to their highest in months, traders told Bloomberg on Wednesday.

Rising premiums, as well as deepening backwardation of the Dubai futures structure, are pointing to continued recovery in oil demand in the most important oil-importing region. Backwardation is the state of the market signaling tighter supplies with prompt prices higher than those further out in time.

The bullish signals of demand from China and Japan add to the signs that Europes demand has also started to recover as most of the largest economies are re-opening.

In the UK, for example, fuel sales surged earlier this month to their highest level since the first lockdown in March last year, according to government data cited by Bloomberg.

In Asia, Indias demand has unsurprisingly dropped in the past weeks, with gasoline sales estimated down to a one-year low and diesel consumption dropping to the lowest in seven months in the first two weeks of May.

But refiners in China and Japan have been raising crude oil purchases from the Middle East and Russia.

According to Bloomberg, Rongsheng Petrochemical Co of China bought as much as 12 million barrels of oil from Middle Eastern producers Iraq, Oman, and Abu Dhabi. This was the biggest purchase in seven months.

Japans refiners, for their part, have bought at least five oil cargoes of the Al-Shaheen grade from Qatar at the biggest premium this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Protests and civil dissent are once again sweeping across Latin America, a region infamous for its political instability and economic inequality. While Colombias security crisis is threatening the strife-torn countrys petroleum industry, Argentinas hydrocarbon sector is recovering after striking healthcare workers lifted blockades in the Neuquen province at the end of last month. By early April 2021, striking healthcare workers demanding higher wages as they managed Argentinas COVID-19 crisis, were blockading the sprawling Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas deposit in Neuquen. That province is at the heart of Argentinas hydrocarbon sector - pumping over a third of Argentinas total crude oil production and half of its natural gas. Neuquen contains the vast Vaca Muerta shale formation, which is recognized as the worlds second-largest shale gas deposit, holding 16 billion barrels of oil and 308 trillion feet of recoverable natural gas. The EIA estimated that only around 4% of the shale oil and gas play is developed, while S&P Platts believes that less than 10% of the Vaca Muerta is in full-scale development. This lack of development is preventing the shale formation from reaching its potential despite exploration, development, and production activities having commenced nearly a decade ago. Prior to the roadblocks, Argentine government data (Spanish) showed crude oil and natural gas output was steadily climbing. March 2021 oil production averaged 496,871 barrels daily, which was 12% higher than a month earlier although 4% lower compared to the same month in 2020. Natural gas production fell by 0.06% month over month and almost 10% year over year to 719,966 barrels of oil equivalent daily.

Related: $70 Oil Could Put The Brakes On Chinas Crude Buying Spree

The blockades prevented fuel and other supplies from reaching oil industry operations in the Vaca Muerta, which is seen by Buenos Aires as a silver bullet for Argentinas chronic economic woes, slowing development, and production. There were signs that before the healthcare workers strike, oil industry operations in the Vaca Muerta were returning to pre-pandemic levels. Data from S&P Global Platts shows that by March 2021 there were 733 fracturing stages, which was a new record exceeding the March 2019 peak of 712 and 7% greater than the 685 stages reported a month earlier. While health workers have lifted the blockades, there are signs that they had a marked impact on operations in the Vaca Muerta and Argentinas economically crucial hydrocarbon production.

While Buenos Aires has yet to release April 2021 oil industry data, hydrocarbon production in Latin Americas third-largest economy is expected to decline for that month because of the blockades mounted by healthcare workers. According to oil industry estimates, reported by Argus Media, the roadblocks immobilized 45 drill rigs and cost the industry at least $25 million. The latest Baker Hughes rig count, which is a reliable de-facto indicator of oil industry activity, shows there were 33 operational rigs at the end of April 2021 or six less than a month earlier. That it is the lowest rig count since December 2020, illustrating the impact the health worker roadblocks had on oil industry operations in the Vaca Muerta. This indicates hydrocarbon production for April 2021 will fall compared to the first three months of the year where it averaged just over 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. Those events will only slow the development of the Vaca Muerta which the national government views as a panacea for Argentinas myriad economic afflictions.

Related: Colombias Oil Industry Is On The Brink Of Collapse

Before the pandemic and the latest political turmoil in Argentina, the petroleum industry was alarmed by Peronist Alberto Fernandez winning the presidency in 2019. There were fears that under a Peronist President that there would be a return to heavy-handed regulation, in a country that is a perennial meddler in energy markets, and that oil nationalism would reemerge. In response to growing petroleum industry concerns, which were magnified by the March 2020 oil price crash and COVID-19 pandemic, Buenos Aires has focused on favorable regulatory reform for the economically crucial industry. This is particularly important in light of the debt crisis national oil company YPF faced earlier this year because of the 2020 sovereign debt default and restructuring. President Fernandez announced in a speech to congress (Spanish), earlier this year, that his government was focusing on energy sector reform which is designed to attract additional urgently required investment and boost production as well as exports. By mid-April 2021 Argentinas energy minister stated the government was drafting a bill to introduce further incentives for oil companies which would ultimately lead to higher oil and natural gas production. According to the minister, that bill was set to go before Congress in early May 2021. Among the proposals considered were establishing an oil price floor and ceiling, which would reduce the impact of weaker prices on energy companies operating in Argentina while preventing an oil bull market from roiling economic growth.

There are signs that Argentinas burgeoning oil boom is gaining momentum, particularly with Brent trading at $67 per barrel - well above the Vaca Muertas average breakeven price of $45 to $50 per barrel. The recent turmoil which interrupted operations in the Vaca Muerta, which was only a short-term glitch impacting April 2021 production, appears to have ended. For as long as oil prices remain high exploration and development activities as well as production will keep growing.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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The energy transition is putting as much as $14 trillion worth of oil and gas assets at risk, Wood Mackenzie said today, as quoted by Reuters, in the latest doomsday scenario for the energy industry.

Over the short term, the future looks good for oil and gas, according to the consultancy. Demand for oil and gas will rebound to pre-pandemic levels and even exceed them, reaching 160 million barrels of oil equivalent daily.

What's more, oil and gas companies are getting still leaner and meaner, and will this year be able to generate as much cash flow at $60 per barrel as they did at $100 per barrel of Brent seven years ago, Wood Mac analysts also said.

Over the long term, however, things begin to look different, with every energy transition scenario involving a decline in oil demand.

In the scenario most optimistic about oil and gas, global demand would decline slowly and gradually, to reach 90 million barrels daily in 2050. This would encourage investments in new production and see prices climb above $80 per barrel by 2030.

Yet if the world decides to pursue the 2-degree warming scenario, demand for crude oil could fall to as little as 35 million bpd by 2050, with demand growth peaking by 2025. That would mean Brent prices of $40 per barrel on average in 2030, and lower afterwards, according to the Wood Mac report.

Even in the more ambitious scenario, "The world will still need oil and gas supply for decades to come, and the scale of the industry will remain enormous," according to Wood Mackenzie vice president Fraser McKay.

The report comes just a day after the International Energy Agency called on the energy industry to stop investments in new oil production right now so the world could reach its 2050 Paris Agreement targets.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The United States shale revolution completely redrew the geopolitical map. The gush of cheap and plentiful shale oil and gas out of West Texas and New Mexico over the last decade has allowed the United States to achieve a new level of energy independence and has fundamentally changed the relationship between the U.S., and the rest of the world to some degree, with the oil-rich Middle East. But now the geopolitical power of the shale revolution is fading, and the worlds complex web of power dynamics are in flux once again.

When it comes to energy, the United States self-sufficiency and independence is now under threat from a number of different factors, some of the biggest and most dire of which are climate change, security, ramping up international competition, and woefully underdeveloped infrastructure. Its going to become increasingly more difficult for the United States to maintain its energy independence unless the country starts addressing the issues in a serious way and with a major sense of urgency.

1. Climate change and the renewable revolution

Climate change wont just change the global energy landscape--it will change everything. As weather patterns shift and extreme weather events become commonplace, supply chains will become increasingly vulnerable and global priorities will shift radically. In Texas catastrophic and tragic deep freeze earlier this year we all saw how fragile our energy grids really are, and those kinds of stress tests are only going to become more powerful and more frequent.

Whats more, thanks to the world finally getting serious about climate change, you can bet that oil will never again carry as much currency as it does right now. Were already seeing the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. Many experts believe that we are already experiencing peak oil. Renewable energy technologies are advancing at a breakneck pace, and wind and solar are now competitively cheap, even pricing out coal in most of the world. Renewable energy investment shattered records across the globe in 2020 as the spread of the novel coronavirus upended oil markets ultimately catalyzed the global clean energy transition, causing the renewable energy industry to grow faster than it has in over a decade.

Despite all of the decades of warning signs and outright pleading from environmental scientists and activists, the United States has been severely lagging in preparing the energy industry and the country as a whole for climate change. Decades of dragging feet and outright denial have put the U.S. behind in the race for the frontlines of the new global warming economy. Even the new presidential administration, which has centered climate change and clean energy in its platform, may be too little too late to keep the United States competitive in the global clean energy race.

2. Competition

All of the developments in the global clean energy transition outlined above mean that sitting on top of massive petroleum reserves no longer translates to global power and influence like it used to. Clean energy, in many ways, is a democratizing development in global energy industries, as practically anyone with the infrastructure can produce their own energy relatively cheaply.

Of course, while generally true, this is a gross oversimplification. Even renewable energy and electric vehicles require finite resources that certain countries have in spades and which others do not. This will likely be a major geopolitical factor in the energy landscape of the future--but it wont be in the United States favor. A clean energy resource war could be brewing between the first and second biggest economies in the world. Renewables are currently reliant on lengthy supply chains for finite rare earth minerals and metals including lithium and cobalt, and at present China is in control of more than 90 percent of some of these essential resources. Related: $70 Oil Could Put The Brakes On Chinas Crude Buying Spree

While China has been keen to become energy independent and energy secure for a long time now, renewables have emerged as the nations clearest path to achieving that goal, as well as to establishing Beijing as one of the major energy-industry superpowers of the world, if not the outright global leader. While the United States will still be able to produce plenty of its own energy through natural gas and its own clean energy production, there is no doubt that the United States overall energy independence and exporting power will fade right along with the shale revolution as other powers around the globe expand their own energy production capacity.

3. Security

Unless youve been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, you probably already know that the United States has some major troubleshooting to do when it comes to security in the energy industry (and in general). Cars lined up at gas stations across the Southeastern United States and a level of petrol panic reminiscent of the 1970s swept the nation last week as the Colonial Pipeline was shut down by a cyberattack, causing shortages and supply chain interruptions. The hack was carried out by a criminal group seeking a ransom payout to get the pipeline back up and running.

If thats what a group of hackers can do, imagine how vulnerable we are to all-out cyber warfare. Energy companies will come under greater pressure from governments and investors to bulk up their defenses against cyberattacks, the New York Times reported this week, but those and other vulnerabilities will not be easily overcome, especially after years of underinvestment.

4. Infrastructure

All of this brings us back to infrastructure. As President Joe Biden will be quick to tell you, the United States is woefully behind on infrastructure investment. Almost nowhere is this more true than in the energy industry, where aging and outdated power grids, dangerously old nuclear plants, and severely underdeveloped clean energy capacity has rendered the country completely anachronistic in an age of constant energy updates and innovations.

The United States has had an understandably hard time letting go of its petro-power just a decade after shale oil and gas jettisoned it to the top of global energy trade. It wont do the country any good, however, to hang on to oil for love of God and country. Investment into clean energy capacity, renewable energy storage, smart grids, electric vehicles, and forward-thinking green tech research and development is absolutely essential for the United States to stay energy dependent and even to stay relevant on the global stage.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Asian energy leaders have dismissed the International Energy Agencys net-zero carbon report, saying there are many paths to reaching net-zero.

The IEA shocked the energy world on Tuesday with its Net Zero by 2050 report that suggested the world wont need any additional oil and gas projects beyond what is already approved as of this year. According to the IEA, the path to net-zero is narrow, and oil, gas, and coal arent on that path.

The report caused quite a stir, not the least of which came from several Asian countries that have high energy usage.

According to Reuters, Australian energy companies as well as officials in Japan and the Philippines, argue that there are many ways toward net-zeronot just those detailed by the IEA.

The IEA, however, claims its way is the most technically feasible, cost-effective and socially acceptable way.

Regardless, Akihisa Matsuda, deputy director of international affairs at Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said that Japan doesnt plan on immediately stopping oil, gas, or even coal investments, citing the need for energy security.

Philippines Energy Secretary Alfonso Cursi claims that stopping gall oil and gas financing without taking other things into consideration would prevent the nation from its upper-middle-income aspirations.

If the world did follow the net-zero 2050 path outlined by the IEA, in addition to driving less than 62 mph and setting air conditioning at more moderate rates, coal demand would collapse by 90%, oil demand by 75%, and natural gas demand by 55%.

Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require nothing short of the complete transformation of the global energy system, the IEA said in its report.

It would appear that the Asian nations relying heavily on fossil fuels agree with that statement.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Qatar is cutting prices for its gas and expanding into the Asian spot market as it seeks to maintain its number-one position in exports of liquefied natural gas.

According to unnamed sources cited by Bloomberg, the country has shifted its priority from prices to market share, hence the price undercutting and the push ahead with a production capacity expansion worth $29 billion. The goal is to increase LNG exports by 50 percent.

With this strategy, Qatar threatens the commercial viability of new LNG production capacity projects in the rest of the world, according to the report.

Australia has been breathing down Qatars neck for a couple of years now, at one point temporarily overtaking it as the worlds largest LNG exporter. The United States is also boosting its exports of the superchilled fuel. Last month exported almost as much as Qatar.

In truth, the reason for this was maintenance at a big production facility in Qatar, but the Gulf nation has reason to feel threatened by emerging competitors. Even so, it retains some major advantages over this competition.

Nobody can compete with Qatari costs, according to Jonathan Stern, a senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute of Energy Studies, as quoted by Bloomberg in its report. They can do whatever they like and everybody will have to respond the way they can. And, especially when the market is in surplus and prices are low, that will impact the competitions profits.

Yet some LNG supply elsewhere remains competitive even at lower prices, such as Russian Novateks Yamal LNG and U.S. Cheniere Energys output. This is because of buyers desire to not have to rely on a single source of LNG and diversify their sources of the fuel, and because of U.S. producers flexible delivery terms and the fact that their prices are not tied to crude oil benchmarks.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Washington said it would waive sanctions about to be imposed on Germany-registered Nord Stream 2 AG, the operator of the Nord Stream-2 pipeline project.

The sanctions were suggested by a report sent to Congress by the State Department, which said in it that Nord Stream AG and its head, Matthias Warnig, engaged in a sanctionable activity, Reuters reported. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, however, said it was in the national interest to waive these sanctions.

Other sanctions the last two administrations have imposed on participants in the Nord Stream 2 project remain, including sanctions on four Russian vessels and five entities, including the country's Marine Rescue Service.

"Today's actions demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe, consistent with the President's pledge to rebuild relationships with our allies and partners in Europe," Secretary Blinken said in a statement ahead of a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss the Arctic.

Just two months ago, the same administration threatened all companies involved in the project with sanctions.

"As the President has said, Nord Stream 2 is a bad dealfor Germany, for Ukraine, and for our Central and Eastern European allies and partners," Secretary said in March. "The Department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved."

Meanwhile, Nord Stream 2 AG is forging ahead with the project. Germany authorized pipe-laying in its waters earlier his month for a two-kilometer stretch in its exclusive economic zone, after pipe-laying finished in Danish waters. The pipes will be stored in the stretch before they are laid along the pipeline route.

"After carefully weighing all interests, this permit was required for laying pipes for 2 km, so that they could be temporarily stored in the exclusive economic zone on the seabed until further construction," the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency said on Monday.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The planned $103 million concert venue for downtown Omaha has a name: Steelhouse Omaha.

The facility, which will hold 1,500 to 3,000 people when it opens in 2023, is already under construction. Omaha Performing Arts and city officials announced the name during a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning at the former parking lot between Dodge Street and Capitol Avenue, east of 12th Street.

Steelhouse Omaha will offer a midrange concert venue, larger than the Orpheum Theater and smaller than the CHI Health Center. It is across Dodge Street from the Holland Performing Arts Center.

Once open, Steelhouse Omaha will transform our citys music scene, drawing fans from across the region to enjoy a wide variety of music options, O-pa President Joan Squires said in a press release.

Officials said the lack of fixed seating at Steelhouse Omaha should help attract in-demand musical artists who otherwise might not consider the city for their concert tour schedules.

There is no space with this capacity and this style anywhere in our community, Squires told reporters.

The venues name will be in reference to its exterior siding. But it wont be made out of pure steel.
Lavrov, meanwhile, told Russian reporters after the meeting that the talks had been constructive and that Russia has proposed starting a new and broad strategic dialogue. There is a lot of rubble, its not easy to rake it up, but I felt that Antony Blinken and his team were determined to do this. It will not be a matter for us, he said, according to the news agency Tass.

A senior U.S. official called the meeting a good start with no polemics that had allowed both sides to tee-up a lot of the issues that the two presidents may have the opportunity to discuss. But, neither side offered any update on progress toward a Biden-Putin summit, saying only that discussions about its logistics continue.

Perhaps anticipating Blinken's position and the expected sanctions announcement, Lavrov had offered a prebuttal at a news conference Monday in Moscow.

Apparently, a (U.S.) decision was made to promote stable, predictable relations with Russia," he said. However, if this includes constant and predictable sanctions, thats not what we need."
Ultimately the $1 million remained in House Bill 637 as it passed the Legislature, with some legislators touting it as a benefit to both the inmates at the Department of Corrections and hunters.
The previous 570 executions carried out by Texas since capital punishment resumed in 1982 all had at least one media witness.

My assumption is there will be a thorough investigation into how this all transpired and what was missed that allowed it to happen, and I expect that investigation is already underway, Desel said.

There were no unusual circumstances with the execution itself, he said, relying on accounts from agency officials who were inside the death chamber.

Jones made a brief statement thanking his supporters and expressing love for them.

I was so glad to leave this world a better, more positive place, he said, according to a prison transcript of his remarks. "It's not an easy life with all of the negativity.

I hope I left everyone a plate of food full of happy memories, happiness and no sadness.

As the lethal dose of pentobarbital was administered, he took four or five deep breaths followed by "a long deep snore," Desel said.

Jones was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m., 12 minutes after the drugs began.

Less than an hour before the scheduled punishment, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt the 41-year-old man's execution.
During questioning at the cornfield, Bahena Rivera told Romero that he followed Tibbetts in his car, got out and started running behind her. Bahena Rivera said Tibbetts noticed him and tried to use her cellphone to call police.

He said that Mollie tried to slap him and was screaming at him, Romero testified. Mr. Rivera said this is when he became angry.

Bahena Rivera told Romero that he remembered that the two started fighting but then he blacked out. He said that the next thing he recalled was driving in his car and seeing the earbuds Tibbetts used while running on his legs and that her body was in his trunk, Romero testified.

Bahena Rivera told Romero that he did not remember how she got in the vehicle but that he recalled carrying her body on his shoulder to the cornfield, covering her with leaves and leaving immediately. He said her body felt like a person that had just fainted and was bleeding, pointing to his neck when asked why. He said he had taken off his shirt because of the blood.

Romero, then an Iowa City officer, was brought in to question Bahena Rivera because, like him, she was a native of Mexico whose first language was Spanish. She recalled asking Bahena Rivera what he thought as his neighbors and scores of investigators had searched for Tibbetts.
A second measure, LB 644, would require local governments to mail notices to property owners if they expect to increase property tax collections more than a specified amount. The bill, introduced by Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, passed on a 42-0 vote.

School safety. People could anonymously report concerns about students who may be thinking about harming themselves or other people on a statewide hotline under LB 322, introduced by Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg and passed on 41-5 vote Wednesday.

The bill expands the Safe2HelpNE hotline, launched on a pilot basis last year in Douglas County. The hotline connects callers to trained crisis counselors at Boys Town, who can offer help and resources and can alert threat assessment teams set up in the participating school districts.

LB 639, introduced by Sen. Jen Day of Omaha and passed 44-3, would require that all public and private schools have someone on staff able to respond to students suffering seizures. It also would require an hour of training about seizures for school staff.

Meat and poultry. Consumers could buy shares of an animal or a herd directly from a farmer or rancher and get part of the meat when the animal is slaughtered under LB 324, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth and passed on a 48-0 vote Wednesday.
Citing a need for transparency and a return to regular, peaceful order, two of Nebraskas three congressmen voted for a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Reps. Don Bacon and Jeff Fortenberry, who represent the most populous areas of the state, voted for the commission, while Rep. Adrian Smith, whose sprawling district covers the greatest territory, opposed it.

All three are Republicans. The votes by Bacon and Fortenberry required that they buck the position of Republican House leadership  only 35 GOP House members voted in favor of the commission.

Most Nebraskans desperately want a return to regular, peaceful order in Washington and the rest of America, Fortenberry said in a statement explaining his vote. I am hopeful that this bipartisan commission helps us do that.

Fortenberry said the attack was unlike anything hes witnessed and it included police detonating an explosive device outside his window. He described the attackers as a radical mob ... their violently destructive actions undermined the principles of democracy they pretended to exercise.

Bacon, whose district includes Omaha, tweeted late Wednesday night that the attack on law enforcement personnel compelled his vote.
Our country is belatedly awakening to the need to strengthen protections for Native women and children. Thousands of Indigenous women have gone missing, been slain or died under suspicious circumstances on and off reservations, including here in Nebraska. Authorities say human trafficking is behind the disappearance of many Indigenous women and children.

Among the victims are three Native women found dead last year in reservations in Northeast Nebraska: Ashlea Aldrich, 29; Kozee Decorah, 22; and Lenice Blackbird, 25. Decorahs fiance is set to stand trial in U.S. District Court in Omaha in April on second-degree murder charges.

More than 5,700 Indigenous women and girls had been reported missing nationally as of 2016, according to the National Crime Information Center.

Nebraska has taken positive steps to address concerns in recent years. Under legislation from State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, the only Native American currently in the Legislature, the State Patrol held a series of listening sessions on tribal concerns and worked with local and federal agencies on recommendations. The sessions identified common factors in tribal missing persons cases, including domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health challenges and poverty.
These members are not interested in governing, but are continuing to support the big lie for their own political gain. Recall that the 2020 Trump campaign had no platform. Why? It is because they dont care about ideology. They care only about keeping power through slavishly worshiping a liar who thinks he should be king despite voting results and 60 thrown out court cases.

Ms. Cheneys record is more in line with conservative principles than the House member who has taken her place, Elise Stefanik. The only reason Stefanik got this job is that she is willing to go along with Trumps lies.

What does all this mean? It means that the Republican leadership is unwilling to speak truth, is unwilling to democratically tolerate differences in the party, is unwilling to subscribe to the rule of law. This is extremely dangerous for our democracy!

Charlotte Shields, Papillion

Theyll believe anything

OK, Republicans. Youre ignoring the Constitution. I respect Liz Cheney. This a country where we value free speech. You are Donald Trump puppets who believed everything he said.

Kathryn Major, Lincoln

The need for ID
In line with its commitment to empowering local businesses to thrive in the midst of COVID-19, Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) has hosted the second edition of its Adesua Series to educate its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) clients on the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) opportunities.



The virtual event, themed Time with Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Import/Export Procedures and AfCTA Opportunities, aimed at removing ambiguity about procedures and also to encourage CBG SME customers to follow the laid down procedures to avoid paying penalties or being taken advantage of by Clearing Agents.



Reiterating CBGs commitment to support SME clients in the wake of the COVID pandemic, Deputy Managing Director of CBG, Thairu Ndungu, said the bank is committed to being at the forefront of supporting SMEs. He said, We pledge to be at the forefront of servicing SMEs with products and value propositions designed to grow their businesses. We continually engage in strategic partnerships with Organizations such as Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Enterprises Agency, GHIRSAL, Exim Guarantee and many more to help our SME customers.



Speaking on the three important facilities to support SMEs, Albert Akurugu, Esq., Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Customs Division of GRA said, Under the AfCTA Secretariate, the Secretary-General has announced 3 important facilities to support SMEs including finance facility where the AfCTA has provided a 1-billion-dollar fund for SMEs in Africa, a Pan African payment platform aimed at reducing the cost associated with exchanging currencies into dollar in order to transfer and pay for goods and services. Again, we have created an AfCTA app to enable interconnectivity for expansion of businesses, reach potential customers, and access information on trade.



On non-payment duty, he stated that any country in Africa that has signed on to the AfCTA is enjoined by the agreement to continue to dismantle their tariffs over a period of 10 years to ensure that a 0 % rate is reached by the tenth year.



On his part, General Manager for Business Banking at CBG, Michael Quansah, said CBG has alternative payment channels for Customs duty payments. He said, It is exciting that over a period of 10 years, AfCTA is looking to eliminate Customs duty payments among intra-Africa trades. CBG has several payment channels for payment of Customs duty including in-branch payments and Ghana.gov on *222#.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Global Leading ICT Company, Huawei has today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education in Ghana purposed at offering skilled ICT Training to Ghanaians while enhancing basic education through the application of technologies for uninterrupted learning.



The MOU which was signed at a short ceremony at the Ministry of Education, forms part of the ICT giants commitment to the Government of Ghana through the President, to train up to 10,000 Ghanaians by 2024 through the Huawei ICT Training (HIT) program, while complementing Huaweis continuous effort to grow with Ghana by building the capacity of the citizenry through development of the countrys ICT Talent pool and formal education in general.



Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum hinted that Education is of paramount importance to the government of Ghana and the MOU is a crucial first step in seeing Ghanaians compete at all levels in leading global organizations. He said; the MOU is just the floor, the ceiling is higher and if we facilitate the process where brightest minds can work for international companies and even [remotely] from Ghana, that will be a great addition in terms of this MOU.



Adding to the significance of the Huawei Professional Certifications, the Minister urged Ghanaians, especially the youth who are interested in joining the tech industry to take advantage of it now to properly equip themselves for the industry. He however called on Huawei to introduce more entry level courses and make them available for SHS students to enable them graduate with some level of ICT skills which can earn them employment.



Dr. Adutwum also added that the plans are underway for the Ministry of Education to roll out a number of policies aimed at operationalizing specialized STEM schools while incorporating professional ICT courses to mainstream academics to ensure that most Ghanaian students graduate with professional certifications like the Huawei ICT Academy Professional Certifications among others to enhance their employability while making Ghana a hub for ICT human resource in the Sub Region.

The Managing Director for Huawei Ghana, Mr. Tommy Zhou in his remarks applauded Ghanaian students as very hardworking and exhibiting a plethora of potentials. Every year we hold ICT competitions across various countries in the world and our students from Ghana were one of the excellent students from the African region [in 2019 and 2020] which is a big achievement and we believe we can do better with more effort.



He finally praised the Ministry for their commitment towards ensuring Ghanaians get access to quality education and commended the Ministry for signing the MOU with Huawei. We [Huawei Ghana] are very pleased to be given this opportunity by the Ministry of Education to cooperate on such a project. We will take this opportunity and put in more efforts to train more ICT talents in Ghana for the development of the country. He said.



Through the MOU with the Ministry of Education, Huawei hopes to pilot the Technology-enabled Open School System (TOSS) which is being done in partnership with UNESCO to connect school and home-based learning in basic schools to benefit over 1000 students. The Company will also train 100 instructors and 2000 students in professional certification courses and certify over 1000 students each year and finally provide skilled ICT training to civil servants and industry professionals which will see the MOU cumulatively benefit over 10,000 Ghanaians in the next three years.

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The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has donated food items to the Akuapem Schools for the Deaf and blind.



The items were presented to the schools Wednesday by the National Chief Imam himself, with a powerful delegation which included the Okuapehene, Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.



Before the visits to the schools for the presentation, the Chief Imam and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Okuapehene at his Palace, who reciprocated the Chief Imam's gesture by surprising him with a durbar of chiefs in his honour.



From the Palace, the Okuapehene and his elders joined the Chief Imam's delegation to the schools for the presentations.



To each school the Chief Imam donated bags of rice, sugar, water, cartons of milk as well as a bull.



Addressing the students through his spokesperson, the National Chief Imam said his presentation is to share with his grandchildren, food items he had during the recent Ramadan and Eid, as well as to remind them that society has not abandoned them.



The school authorities expressed their gratitude to the National Chief Imam for his kindness and warm thoughts about them.







Source: graphiconline.com









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Vast swathes of forest reserves and farms, as well as some rivers in the Western and Eastern regions, have been destroyed by the activities of illegal miners.



Deep in the heart of the two regions, where accessibility to the thick forests is virtually impossible, illegal miners have managed to penetrate with huge machines to cause destruction of unimaginable proportions.



Last Tuesday, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, high-ranking officials from the Operation Halt Team, as well as the media, embarked on an aerial tour of the areas devastated by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and it was a sorry sight to behold.



As the Ghana Air Force MI-17 helicopter that carried reporters and other officials on the tour flew over the vast areas, there was nothing but scenes of sprawling land and water bodies that had been pounded by illegal mining.



From the helicopter, the scenes of destruction and degradation were visible for miles.



Many in the aircraft could not help but shake their heads in utter disbelief.



Although mineral wealth constitutes a valuable asset that can propel national growth and spur development in the mining communities, the havoc that the Daily Graphic witnessed from the air showed that the mining communities and the nation had rather become poorer.



The illegal activities have left chains of uncovered abandoned pits filled with muddy water in several areas, posing grave danger to residents of those areas.



The tour



Among the ministers team was the National Security Coordinator, Major General Francis Adu Amanfo, and the Commander of the Operation Halt Team, Brigadier-General Amoah Ayisi.



The tour was meant to inspect the level of devastation perpetrated by the galamsey operators.



The team toured around the Oda, Offin, Birim and Pra rivers.



With the aircraft hovering over the rivers, the Daily Graphic saw muddy water, signifying pollution.



However, it was later realised that there had been some improvement in the quality of water.



Abandoned pits and mining settlements dotted the sites.



As part of the tour, the team made a quick stop at Anyinam in the Eastern Region and Daboase in the Western Region to engage with the chiefs and community members.



Governments intervention



Mr Jinapor, who was visibly shocked by what he had seen, described the scenes as tragic and heartbreaking.



He held the conviction that if the government did not swiftly intervene, illegal mining would result in the destruction of all the countrys forest reserves and water bodies.



He gave an assurance that the government was not going not relent in its effort to clamp down on the activities of illegal miners.



Sustainability



In waging that crusade, he said, the government would use concerted efforts and resolutions to ensure its sustainability.



Already, he said, it had engaged in a stakeholder consultation with some operators and cautioned them to cease their activities around rivers and forest reserves.



We are genuinely embarking on this effort and the governments resolve is unflinching and honest. This means whatever measures we are putting in place will have no regard for political affiliation and status in society, the minister said.



There will be no discrimination, and if the law catches up with anybody, whether a party big-wig or a government official, the full rigours of the law will be made to apply. We are going to do this for the future of our country, he added.



Excavators



Touching on the burning of excavators by the Operation Halt Team, the minister said persuasion had failed and it was about time force was applied.



We are demobilising the excavators and making them incapable of functioning, so that they cannot be used for the illegality that they are involved in. This is because extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and we have to put in enhanced measures to protect all the areas which have been declared red zones, he said.



Commendation



For his part, the Chief of Daboase, Nana Ekow Piabo IV, commended the government for coming up with such an intervention to address the issue of illegal mining in the area.



He said the activities of the miners had rendered the Pra River, which used to be the towns major source of drinking water, no longer safe for consumption.



Personally, he said, he had tried every effort to halt those activities, including legal action, but all had proved futile.



We, therefore, plead with the government to ensure that this does not become a nine-days wonder. Several attempts have been made to get rid of this matter, but to no avail. I hope that this time around, something positive will come out of it, Nana Piabo added.









Source: graphiconline.com









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A 12-year-old schoolgirl from Kenya's western Busia county rowed her pregnant mother through floodwaters to a hospital.



The mother, Judith Anyango Akala, said her waters broke at around 03:00 on Tuesday morning and asked her daughter to get her to a nearby hospital as her husband had left earlier in the night for work.



As their village, Rukala, is submerged by high water in Lake Victoria following heavy rains, the family is living in a camp together with other families who have been forced from their homes.



The young girl steered the boat through the dark using the torch from her mothers mobile phone to help guide her.



Ms Akala said they rowed through vegetation and kept getting lost before arriving at the Rukala Model Health Centre. The journey took about an hour, she added.



A medic at the facility, Felix Pambula, told the BBC that the woman and unborn child could have died if the delivery was done at home.



The foetus had a short umbilical cord that was wrapped around its neck. The mother and child were at risk and needed good attention, he said.



The woman and her new-born were discharged on Wednesday but she said they have no money for food and the tents at the camp were too hot for the baby.



We have found a house but we cant raise the rent of 1,500 Kenyan shillings ($14; 10). We are asking for any help we can get, she told the BBC.

Source: BBC









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The Church of Pentecost has built a GH135,000 police station at Abrem Agona in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) Municipality of the Central Region to replace an old dilapidated one.

The facility was inaugurated and handed over to the Ghana Police Service at a ceremony last Tuesday.



It has offices with washrooms, an armoury, exhibit store, orderly room, male cell with toilet and bathroom.



The District Minister of the church, Pastor George Ofori; the Chief of Abrem Agona, Nana Terkpor V, and the Central Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mrs Habiba Twumasi-Sarpong, jointly cut the tape to inaugurate the police station.



At the ceremony, Pastor Ofori said the construction of the facility was inspired by the national agenda of the church to provide decent facilities to support the security agencies.



Deathtrap



The new facility replaced a dilapidated one which was a deathtrap for police personnel, as well as the clients who sought their services.



The cells were also in bad shape, compelling police officers to always refer suspects on remand to Elmina.



Police quarters project



According to Pastor Ofori, the church was also working to complete a police quarters that had the capacity to accommodate 10 police officers, adding that consultative meetings had been held with the major stakeholders in the community on the project.



Nana Terkpor V commended the effort of the church to support the infrastructural development of the community, saying the newly built facility would help reduce the crime rate and other forms of violence in the community.



DCOP Twumasi-Sarpong thanked the Church of Pentecost for putting up the edifice for the community, saying the facility would motivate the police officers to work efficiently and effectively.



The Area Head of the church, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, added that the gesture was part of the church's humanitarian service to the community.



Partnering government



Apostle Antwi gave an assurance that the Church of Pentecost would continue to partner the government in the delivery of its mandate to the country.



The Municipal Chief Executive for KEEA, Mr Appiah Korang, applauded the leadership of the church for its vision and show of generosity.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Two salesmen of 2PA Company Limited have been jailed a total of five years by the Weija Circuit Court for stealing over GH96,000 from their employers.



Nathaniel Ekow Anderson and Patrick Semadebe were respectively jailed for three and two years on two counts of stealing, both to be served concurrently.



Apart from their sentence, the court ordered the two convicts to refund the entire money they stole from the company based at Gbawe in Accra.



The two pleaded not guilty to the charges, but after a full trial, the court  presided over by Mr Bernard Bentil  found them guilty and sentenced them accordingly.



Stealing



It was the case of the prosecution that in 2019, Anderson failed to account for goods worth GH16,089, while Semadebe also could not account for goods worth GH36,561.





The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company reported the matter to the police and the two promised to refund the money.



Then in 2020, the CEO discovered that Anderson and Semadebe had again stolen goods worth GH44,556, and subsequently reported the matter to the police which led to their arrest a second time.



According to the prosecution, the two admitted committing the offence.



In their defence, Anderson and Semadebe admitted being responsible for the missing money



It was their case that they made business losses while selling the goods for their employer, and that it was not the case that they willfully misappropriated the money.



Judgment



The court, however, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and had adequately proved all the ingredients of stealing.



It was the considered view of the presiding judge that the evidence on record, including the accused persons own admission, showed that they could not account for the goods.



That admission, he said, amounted to a confession.



It is clear that they were in possession of the goods, which is now unaccounted for. In the event, the court finds that a prima facie case has been firmly established against the accused persons without any viable challenge to the facts from the defence, the court held.



Mr Bentil, however, decided to impose the minimum sentence under the law, with an explanation that Anderson and Semadebe were first-time offenders.



They are first-time offenders with their whole life ahead of them. The court will be lenient with them, the presiding judge held.

Source: graphiconline.com









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The University of Cape Coast will on Saturday, May 29, 2021, confer on President Akufo Addo the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (Honoris Causa).



The honor will be done the first gentleman of the land at a special congregation to be held at the university campus at Cape Coast at 10:00am.



A letter signed by Secretary to the Cabinet, Mercy Dapaah-Karikari for Secretary to the President, dated 17th May 2021 and copied to the Minister of Education said the President has accepted the decision by the Council of the University to honor him.



The Presidency consequently requested a programme outline of activities for consideration.















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Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has condemned the invasion of Police officers at Accra-based media house, Citi FM/Citi TV, on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.



The Police Officers 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 restricted security zone.



About seven heavily armed officers stormed the premises of Citi FM/TV to arrest another broadcast Journalist named Zoe Abu-Baidoo who works with the media house.



They claimed Zoe Abu-Baidoo had received some files from Caleb Kudah.



The two were accompanied by the Citi FM/TV management to the Ministry of National Security for interrogation but Caleb was detained for several hours while Zoe was released.



Citi News Security Correspondent, Anass Seidu, narrated how the incident happened.



Caleb Kudah who had visited someone at the National Security was arrested after filming at the premises of the Ministry. After he was arrested, the operatives detected that he had sent whatever he had filmed to another colleague, Zoe Abu-Baidoo. They moved to Citi FM with heavily armed men to arrest Zoe. When they got here, the management of Citi FM and Citi TV joined the team back to the National Security Ministry with Zoe. After some interrogation, Zoe was allowed to leave. Caleb Kudah was being interrogated at the time we left, he said.



Touching on the arrest of the Journalists, Kwamena Duncan decried the Police's action saying it was distasteful for armed officers to have gone to Citi FM/TV premises to arrest a Journalist.



He cautioned against the rambo style by the National Security operatives stressing the situation should have been handled in a professional manner.



"We (National Security) could have handled it in a better way than we did . . . for them to have armed themselves just to go and invite a small unarmed lady journalist, invade the whole premises of a media house; it was unnecessary. It was needless. They could have done it in a better way than they did.



''Every agency, every department, every individual, government connected in anyway making any move; please let us stay on the path of the law. Let us stay on the path of what democracy requires of us. Let us stay on the path of what will not give the mince meat," he said on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Seasoned Journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has shot back at his social media trolls after writing an article on the arrest of Citi FM/TV broadcast Journalist, Caleb Kudah.



Caleb Kudah was arrested by National Security operatives for filming at a restricted security zone at the premises of the National Security Ministry.



He and another Journalist with the aforementioned media house named Zoe Abu-Baidoo were whisked away for interrogation.



Zoe is said to have received files from Caleb causing the security operatives to storm the Citi FM/TV premises to arrest her.



Following the release of Caleb Kudah, the Journalist recounted his ordeal while under detention for hours by the security operatives.



He made mention of torture by some officers and other trying experiences which courted public sympathy for him and ignited a crusade for punitive actions to be meted out to the security operatives.



But Kweku Baako expressed some reservations about the account by Caleb Kudah and how the management of Citi FM/TV handled his issue on Newsfile last Saturday.



To him, Caleb's decision to go home and report to work the following day without first reporting the alleged assault and seeking medical care, could undermine the sanctity of evidence needed to make a case.



Moments after that submission on radio, his critics took him to the cleaners on social media, thereupon the Senior Journalist wrote a lengthy article to further highlight his remarks.



Kweku Baako's Article



Portions of the article read;



''A journalist is released from security custody after 5 hours. He proceeds to his workplace after his release and is instructed to go home by his superiors and return to work the next day. The next day, the journalist is on air (in his station) alleging that he had been tortured whilst in security custody prior to his release. Prior to his disclosure of having been subjected to physical assault/torture, one of his superiors appeared on a major television network to recount what had happened to him (the arrested journalist) and the events which had transpired at the station of the media house (workplace of the arrested journalist) earlier that day. No hint of the reported physical assault or torture was/is communicated to the audience of the program or the nation.



''Apparently, this was because the physical assault or torture was unknown to the superiors of the arrested/incarcerated journalist at that point in time. And this was because the journalist was instructed to go home and rest. And return to work the next day. What if the effects of the reported torture had taken its toll on him the night before?''



He questioned why the management delayed in reporting the physical torture on Caleb Kudah.



''For me, the allegation of physical assault or torture was/is a more significant feature of the unfolding saga. I called the management of the station and indicated that the omission of delayed disclosure could have the effect of undermining the credibility of the subsequent disclosure and provide some skeptics and cynics with the basis to cast doubts on the significant disclosure. The decision not to run with the story of the physical assault or torture timeously was explained to me. I am/was told that there were good reasons for the delay. Emotional trauma among other reasons. I respectfully disagreed.



" . . Going home to bath and report to work the following day or days could undermine the sanctity of evidence needed to make a case! Ask the lawyers!'', the article further read.



Social Media Trolls



Following the article, a Facebook user named Abubakari Sidiq Iddrisu replied; ''Should we also assume that all the alleged torture you claimed you were subjected to in the military era were all fallacy and concocted??''



Another called Ticha Ebbah said; ''Should we by this narrative and logic also rubbish your "I was tortured during Rawlings' regime" story?''



''Blacks and their ways of defending absurdities, they only speak and write english to confuse their gullible people. You think you are the only one who has the reserved rights to defend senseless acts. A lot can do that but their consciences aren't like yours. If this is what you call good conscience and intellectual brevity then sensitive Ghanaians don't need it. You will meet another Rawlings in your life again'', a Facebook user who also goes by the name Heshibalor Nii Amarh-Ashitey Bleoobi stated.



There were many other responses that bashed Kweku Baako over his article.



Contributing to Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Kweku Baako seized the opportunity to clarify his article and also gibed his trolls.





Kweku Baako's Responses

Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi, Mr. Baako replied those who claim his torture wasn't broadcast and slammed him for raising an issue with Caleb Kudah's delayed report on his physical torture.



''Apart from the fact that I was subjected to torture in an open space with hundreds of civilians and Military persons being witnesses on the five/six days continuous, it was open; where was I going to be able to communicate my ordeal at that time? Fifty (50) days, the 25 days that I suffered, how and where was I going to be able to articulate? Where was the channel of communication to me to communicate my experience then? And then don't forget that, after the 50 days, I went to prison for two years from 1982 to 1984. Again I was in prison, where was I going to get the opportunity to communicate my ordeal?'', he asked.



"But the truth of the matter is this, in spite of that, because we had visitors and things, people compiled records, gave it to the Ghana Journalist Association as well as other civil society groups who sent them to Amnesty International. So, those things were published.



"I have copies of the Amnesty International newsletters (they have records they issue with some on annual and quarterly basis) on the experiences of prisoners of conscience. I was adopted as a prison of conscience by the Amnesty International, not alone but many. So, our experiences, before we personally individually got the opportunity to talk about them, had already been communicated," he clarified.



"So, if you're sharp and a bit knowledgeable, you will not even ask that question," Mr. Baako further blasted his critics.



He also stressed that he made critical analysis of Caleb's ordeal ''in good faith and not to attack the gentleman or his story. Look, he's such a young person. I watched him as he gave his narration. Those are people you don't discourage. Those are people you don't take their confidence away from them''.

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.

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Social commentator, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has waded into discussions regarding Citi FM/Citi TV's broadcast journalist, Caleb Kudah's arrest by National Security operatives.



Caleb Kudah was arrested by the security operatives for filming at a restricted security area at the National Security premises.



He reportedly went to film some abandoned vehicles at the premises but was picked up by the operatives together with another journalist of Citi FM/Citi TV called Zoe Abu-Baidoo who reportedly received files from Caleb Kudah on her phone.



Discussing the issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Allotey Jacobs believed the journalist's incident is all a conspiracy theory to make people believe in the stories of culture of silence under President Nana Addo's administration.



He wondered why just few weeks after the ''fix the country'' campaign and businessman Sam Jonas' brouhaha comes the issue of security operatives detaining a Citi FM/Citi TV's journalist who goes to film a restricted security zone at the National Security Ministry.



Doing his calculation of the events that have unfolded in the past weeks to the latest development, Allotey Jacobs asked; ''Are these not conspiracies just to create some perception both outside and within the country that all is not well, so that we will create that argument and run it for a period of time?''



"For me, you could say that the way the National Security went to Citi FM wasn't in the best taste, but yet if we undermine our security, it means we're undermining the sovereignty of this country . . . Don't let put all the blame on National Security," he concluded.







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.

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Social commentator, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has asked media houses in Ghana to declare their political affiliations.



Allotey Jacobs bemoaned the conduct of some media houses, particularly with their publications.



He was commenting on the arrest of broadcast journalist, Caleb Kudah by Police officers after he went to film a restricted security zone at the National Security office in Accra.



The journalist was detained and interrogated for hours before he was released.



He has accused some security operatives of physically torturing him while under detention.



Addressing the issue, Allotey Jacobs blasted the media houses over the way they report issues.



"Media houses in Ghana must declare their stance; which political party they belong . . . I say they should declare their stance that I'm for the other party or I'm for NPP. Newspapers should also declare their position. Simple! For us to be able to sift through that this publication they have done is political. It's just to attack this government or attack this opposition party," he stated.







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.

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Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com.
The Director of Legal Affairs of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Abraham Amaliba who was representing the Member of Parliament for Assin North in the parliamentary election petition pending at the Cape Coast High Court has withdrawn from the case.



The means the respondent, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, Mr James Gyakye Quayson would have to look for a new counsel to represent him in the case.

The petitioner in the case, Michael Ankomah is seeking to annul the MP's election.



The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2021.



It had gotten to the stage where the lawyers were to submit their written submissions for the court to fix a date for judgment.



Mr Abraham Amaliba informed the court of his decision to recuse himself from the case on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.



Mr Amaliba had earlier put in an objection, which sought to have the presiding judge, Justice Kwasi Boakye, recuse himself from the case.



He had accused Justice Boakye of being biased and having a predetermined judgment.



At last Wednesday's hearing (May 12, 2021), Mr Amaliba who was the lead counsel for the MP contended that the judge must put the case on hold due to what he described as the likelihood of bias.

According to him, the presiding judge had already determined the case during the hearing of the injunction when he held that Mr Gyakye should have renounced his Canadian citizenship at the time of nominations and not during the actual voting.



Mr Amaliba said the judge had said something in relation to Article 94(2), which states that a person seeking to be an MP should be a Ghanaian.



He argued that Justice Boakye had asked him if he thought that the constitutional directive ought not to be obeyed by any person seeking to be MP even before filing to contest the election.



Mr Amaliba asserted that, that question by the judge was indicative that he had a predetermined judgment.



He therefore raised the objection but Justice Boakye, however, overruled the objection and said there had not been any instances of bias in the course of the case.



Mr Amaliba did not appeal the ruling nor appealed to the Chief Justice for the removal of the judge.



Related: Assin North Parliamentary seat: Petitioner fails to remove judge



Tuesday's sitting



On Tuesday, May 19, when the case came up for hearing, he announced his decision to recuse himself from the case.



Mr Quayson would have to get a new counsel for the case to continue.



Election petition



Mr Quayson polled 17,498 votes as against 14,793 by the New Patriotic Party's (NPP's) Ms Abena Durowaa Mensah, in the December 7, 2020 parliamentary election.



On December 30, 2020, a resident of Assin North, Mr Michael Ankomah-Nimfah, filed a parliamentary election petition at the Cape Coast High Court challenging the eligibility of Mr Quayson to be a Member of Parliament (MP).



He contended that the MP was not eligible on the basis that at the time he (Quayson) filed his nomination to contest as a parliamentary candidate, he was still a citizen of Canada.



Such an act, he argued, was against the express provision of Article 94 (2) (a) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 9(2) of the Representation of the People Act 1992 (PNDCL 284).



Among other reliefs, the applicant wants the Cape Coast High Court to declare the nomination filed by Mr Quayson illegal, void and of no legal effect.



He also seeks a declaration that the decision by the EC to clear Mr Quayson to contest as a parliamentary candidate was illegal, void and of no legal effect.



Another relief the applicant seeks is an order restraining Mr Quayson from holding himself out as the MP-elect for Assin North and another order cancelling the parliamentary election that took place in Assin North on December 7, 2020.



Injunction



On January 6, this year, Justice Boakye issued an interlocutory injunction against Mr Quayson restraining him from holding himself as the MP-elect until the final determination of the election petition.



This effectively barred the MP from being sworn in.



Mr Quayson showed up in Parliament the same day to vote in the election to select the Speaker of Parliament, and for him (Quayson) to be sworn into office as MP.



The Clerk of Parliament initially refused to allow him to take part in the election, but the NDC parliamentary leadership argued that Mr Quayson had not been served with the court order and was, therefore, not aware of any injunction restraining him from holding himself out as MP-elect.



After many arguments, the Clerk of Parliament allowed Mr Quayson to vote and also to be sworn into office, with a caution that he (Quayson) would bear the consequences of that action.



The Cape Coast High Court has overruled an objection by lawyers for the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Assin North, Mr James Gyakye Quayson, seeking to have the presiding judge, Justice Kwasi Boakye, recuse himself from the case which seeks to annul the MP's election.









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.

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Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator Kwaku Ayesu Opare-Addo has described as lies, claims by acting National Security Coordinator Major General Francis Adu Amanfo (rtd) that he has a criminal record, thus, his recent forceful removal from office.



The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) said in a statement issued on Wednesday, 19 May 2021 that: Ordinarily, I would not have responded to such accusations but I find the comments by Major-General Adu Amanfo distastefully unprofessional and a direct attack on my unblemished professional career spanning over three decades in the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana Police Service.



DCOP Opare-Addo said the allegations of criminality made against him by the retired army officer are completely false and a figment of his imagination.



I have always exhibited high professional standards in my work and my record in the various capacities is there for all to see, DCOP Opare-Addo insisted.



He said: With over two decades of service as a senior police officer in the Ghana Police Service, there was not a single allegation against my hard-earned reputation, and for this reason, I find the comments made by the Acting National Security Coordinator as a misrepresentation of facts and unfortunate cultivated lies by an officer of the ilk of a retired Major-General.



He listed his professional achievements as follow:



1. I joined the Ghana Police Service through their officers cadet programme in 1989 and passed out in 1990 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and was assigned as the Secretary to the then Inspector General of Police, J.Y.A. Kwofie. I served in this capacity for almost seven years and the longest-serving secretary to the longest-serving IGP in Ghana.



2. Deputy Commandant/Directing staff of Ghana Police College



3. Head of Interpol, Deportation and Extradition Unit, CID Headquarters



4. Divisional Police Commander-Mampong, Ashanti Region



5. Deputy Regional Police Commander, Ashanti Region



6. Regional Police Commander, Brong Ahafo Region



7. Regional Police Commander, Greater Accra Region



8. Regional Police Commander, Ashanti Region



9. Director General, Legal Directorate at the National Police Headquarters



10. Director-General, Technical, National Police Headquarters



11. Barrister- at- Law for twenty-one years



He said apart from his regular work:



1. I am a Special Consultant and designer of the Security Sector Reform Participants Manual on Reform, Restructuring and Rebuilding of Police Institutions, an 86-page manual with an accompanying 24-page Facilitators Notes at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra.



2. I have facilitated several training programs for the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre,



3. Facilitated the Security Sector Reform (SSR) Police Course in Lilongwe, the Republic of Malawi.



4. Also, I facilitated the Security Sector Reform (SSR) Police course in Banjul, The Gambia.



5. I was Civilian Police Adviser and Ghanaian Police Contingent Commander for UNMIL: LIBERIA, CP 15.



6. I also developed teaching manuals for the Liberian Police College:



 The constitution of Liberia; Summary and comments



 Rules of Evidence



 International Criminal Investigation Standards



 Legal Aspects of Criminal Investigations













Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), will later on Thursday address journalists on the recent proposed electoral reforms announced by the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC).



The EC on Tuesday, May 18 after a two-day Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) Meeting said it is considering some 21 reforms including closing polls at 3:00pm instead of 5:00pm and tying the ballot boxes to tables to avoid snatching.



But the Meeting was without the NDC, which has since the December 7, 2020 elections boycotted activities of the Commission, adducing lack of candour, odious duplicity, and open bias as the partys reasons.



This move has been described by the EC as unjustified.



Director of Training Michael Boadu told 3FM in an interview last month that the Commission operates an open-door policy and would welcome the NDC if it comes with its reforms.



The EC has no problem with any party, he insisted.



The IPAC invitation was sent to all the parties; if we had deliberately left out the NDC, then there would have been a problem.



The party has indeed hinted at capturing its electoral reforms proposal in a document ahead of the next general elections.



Electoral reforms was a big issue that came up during the party retreat and we are going to table all the reforms we want to see and narrow it down in a paper we would produce for the benefit of the public and the EC as to what we say are the necessary changes we want to see, senior member of the NDC Alex Segbefia told 3FMs Komla Adom in April.



But some parties including the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) say NDCs absence at IPAC is a blessing in disguise.



A couple of days after the ECs announcement, the NDC is set to address the press at its headquarters in Accra.



The topic will be: Assessing the So-Called Achievements & Electoral Reform Proposals of the Electoral Commission.



It is at 2:00pm.

Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye has explained the reasons why the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in last years elections, John Dramani Mahama won in his constituency against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



The former Deputy Minister of Health who was also defeated by the NDCs parliamentary candidate Benjamin Ayiku Narteh, explained that most of the voters in the constituency are traditionally NDC sympathizers who were determined to vote for the main opposition party.



For a candidate of the NPP to win, he said, that person will have to overwork himself to ensure that victory.



Speaking in an interview on the 3FM Drive on Wednesday May 19, he said Even in 2016 when I won the Ledzokuku seat it was the NDC that won the presidential. So the NDC and John Mahama won the presidential with about 45000 votes, President Akufo-Addo, then candidate had 43,000.



The point I am making is that even in 2016 when there was a wind of change and everybody was calling for a change, NDC still won my seat in terms of the presidential. What it tells you is that it is a constituency that they the NDC are strong in.



It is like the NPP in Bantama or NDC Ketu South. So even in 2016, when I won the seat, it was skirt and blouse, they won it by a margin of about 2000 but I won the Parliamentary with about 1,5000. Immediately a presidential candidate wins a particular constituency, it tells you that their party as a brand has an upper hand so for an NPP candidate to win, then the candidate must appeal to maybe, some of the NDC folks or have some other sympathizers.



So that was the situation that brought me to parliament. So, I knew from day one. But guess what, before 2016 in 2012, the NDC averagely wins Ledzokuku seat with a margin 10,000 votes, it is only when NPP wins that it is about 1000, they (NDC) have the comfortable hold. In 2020 it went back to that default where President Akufo-Addo had 50,000 votes, Mahama had about 59000plus.



What does it tell you? It tells you that if you are a candidate who is contesting on the ticket of the NPP you have a mountain to break. It is like what Amewu did in Volta Region.



He added I dont believe that former President Mahama had done so well that he deserved to lead close to 9000 especially with the work that Akufo-Addo had done in the last four years. Policies like the free SHS which has affected many families, coupled with the Highways in Ledzokuku, the Teshie Landing beach. President Akufo-Addo has started and completed major projects that the community had wished for over close to 50 years.



So, the question is that, why is that NDC got that lead? This is the answer. There are people who vote in a traditional manner. I know people who said [I] took care of them at the hospital but you know, I am NDC so I still voted for the NDC candidate . To be honest, most people you meet who tell you Doctor gave rice but didnt give oil, it is not because of the oil.



I understand where I am coming, I was born, bread in the constituency, my mother who raised me was strong NDC . When you ask her why are you NDC she eventually tells you this is where they say we belong. To them even when the NDC is performing so badly it is a heritage you must protect. When it is deep seated like this it takes patience, time to change. The seat can come back.



By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana

Source: 3news.com









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Atik Mohammed has added his voice to the ''fix the country'' campaign by some agitated youth of Ghana.



According to the youth, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is underperforming in his second term and so calling on him to up his performance and improve their living conditions.



Touching on the campaign during a panel discussion on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Atik Mohammed emphasized that, "let nobody kid himself into thinking that this country doesn't need fixing".



He stressed that, ''in fact, this country needs a lot of fixing" but, he asked, "is government making an effort towards that?"



"Maybe yes! But how would we know?'', he further questioned.



Atik Mohammed advised the Ministers and government officials to assist the President to fix the country citing the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor as one particular Minister whose work has been impressive.



"If you're a Minister and you sit in your office and all you know is to sign papers but you don't go to the field, Ghanaians might not see what you're doing. That's why I'm saying that I'm excited about what Abu is doing. He's shown that he's a young person who is enthused about his work and he's really determined to make sure that he makes a difference. And I am very happy that he's flying high the flag of the youth. He's representing the youth agenda very well and I am excited."





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.

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" " Sikh devotees light candles on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second guru of Sikhs, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in India on May 12, 2021. NARINDER NANU/AFP via Getty Images

There are more than 25 million Sikhs on the planet, making Sikhism the fifth-largest religion in the world, yet many westerners are painfully ignorant of this monotheistic, centuries-old faith with roots in South Asia. Chances are that if you've seen a man or woman in the United States wearing a turban, they are Sikh  not Muslim or Hindu  and part of the proud community of roughly 500,000 Sikh Americans.

The word Sikh (pronounced with a short "i" like "sick") means "learner," and Sikhs refer to their religion as Sikhi or the "path of learning." This path, as taught by a succession of 10 enlightened gurus and written in the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh scripture), focuses on cultivating selfless love toward all of God's creatures through service and prayer.

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God, Gurus and Equality

Sikhi is not a combination or offshoot of any other religion. It is a distinct religious faith founded in 1469 by a man named Guru Nanak, who taught that there was one God, that all living beings contained a divine spark of this infinite being, and that all people were therefore equal and equally deserving of love. Guru Nanak was born in the Punjab region of South Asia, now split between modern-day India and Pakistan, and his message of total equality was in part a radical rejection of the caste system, which viewed entire classes of people as "untouchable."

To a Sikh, the guru is a "spiritual teacher." Guru Nanak was the first of 10 living gurus or enlightened teachers who were inspired by God to reveal the path of Sikhi to the world. Before the passing of the 10th guru in 1708, the eternal and perpetual guruship was bestowed to the Guru Granth Sahib, a collection of writings from the 10 gurus plus teachers from other faiths, and to the Guru Khalsa Panth, the community of initiated Sikhs. Sikhs now regard the Guru Granth Sahib and the Guru Khalsa Panth together as the "living and eternal Guru."

"The Guru Granth Sahib is an embodiment of the Guru's teachings and therefore an embodiment of the Guru," says Pritpal Kaur, education director for the Sikh Coalition, a Sikh advocacy and outreach organization. "That's why it's treated with the reverence and respect of a living guru."

" " More than 1,000 Sikhs march in Denver's first-ever Sikh parade in 2016. The event was held to celebrate the culture of the growing Sikh population in the area. AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images

If a Sikh family has the Guru Granth Sahib in their home, for example, it's given its own room. And at Sikh places of worship, known as gurdwaras, the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a throne and devotees bow to the scripture out of respect, says Kaur.

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Seva, the Sikh Practice of Selfless Service

While the gurus and Sikh scripture discuss reincarnation and the "afterlife," Sikhs are primarily focused on the here and now  what they can do in their daily lives to love and serve others, and to be spiritual warriors for social justice and equality, says Kaur. The Sikh practice of selfless service, called seva, is central to the faith.

For example, one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in Sikhi is called langar, preparing and serving free meals for the public. In India, most Sikh gurdwaras are open 24/7 and serve vegetarian meals to a continuous stream of people from all walks of life. The food is prepared by volunteers and, true to Sikh principles of equality, everyone is welcome  and seated together on the floor to erase class distinctions. Gurdwaras in the U.S. also practice langar, but may serve food during specific hours, says Kaur.

Simran Jeet Singh, a writer and scholar named by Time magazine as one of 16 people fighting for a more equal America, says that service is a great way to look beyond oneself and feel that connection with God and fellow beings.

"Seva lines up really beautifully with one of the core Sikh teachings, which is that we suffer in this life because we are disconnected from our own divinity," says Singh. "The disconnection occurs because of our egos. Seva can become a daily practice that helps erase the ego, and in that way really start feeling the selfless love that is our ultimate goal."

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Turbans and Other Articles of Faith

The turban is one of the most visible outward articles of faith of Sikhism. For those who have formally joined the community of Sikh initiates, called the khalsa, it becomes a mandatory religious requirement as an article of faith. In a ceremony called Amrit Sanchar, individual Sikhs formally commit to living by the guru's teachings, including spiritual practice, discipline and social justice. (Women may wear turbans too, but more often they wear a long scarf called a chunni.)

" " Members of the Sikh community gather at the Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis on April 18, 2021. A former FedEx employee fatally shot eight people, including four Sikhs, at the delivery company's facility in Indianapolis. Male and female Sikh worshippers often sit separately although they participate equally. JEFF DEAN/AFP via Getty Images

"It's like a spiritual marriage to God," says Kaur. "And along with the commitment comes a type of uniform as well."

Along with the turban, initiated Sikhs show their commitment to God by maintaining five additional "articles of faith," that they will wear including:

kes (uncut hair): Sikhs promise to never shave or cut any hair on their bodies. Uncut hair affirms an acceptance of God's will as creator and cherishing a God-given gift.

kirpan : This resembles a small knife and is worn in a strap called a gatra . This symbolizes a commitment to justice and defending the weak.

kanga : This is a small comb for the hair; in addition to practicality in keeping hair tidy, it encourages people to remove tangles from their lives and pursue clarity and order.

kara : This steel bracelet symbolizes a commitment to the Guru and the community.

kashera: This is a special type of undergarment that is changed every day. It represents a commitment to sexual restraint if unmarried, fidelity to a spouse if married, and respect for others.

Taken together these items are known as the Five Ks.

"It's up to the individual and their personal journey [as to when to be initiated]," says Kaur. "Some Sikhs wish to make a commitment as early as 7 or 8 years old, and others do it in their 70s or 80s. Some never end up making a formal commitment, but they're still part of the Sikh community and aren't judged."

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Being a Turbaned Sikh in America After 9/11

The first Sikhs immigrated to the United States in the late 19th century and settled in California and other west coast communities. While turbaned Sikhs have been frequent targets for xenophobic and racist attacks in America, the situation got far worse after the Sept. 11 attacks, when the turbaned Sikh identity came to be conflated with the stereotype of a "Muslim terrorist." On Sept. 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh gas station owner in Arizona, became the first American killed in a post-9/11 hate crime. In 2012, a white supremacist killed six worshippers at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. And four Sikhs were among the eight killed at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis in April 2021.

Singh, the writer, grew up as one of the only turbaned Sikhs in his Texas community and was in high school when the Sept. 11 attacks happened. He and his family experienced backlash from racists during this time. He knows that even today wearing the turban makes him a potential target for hate, but it only strengthens his resolve to live out his Sikh values, which include fighting for justice for all faiths, including his Muslim brothers and sisters.

"As I wrap my turban every day, I think about what it means to me: our principles, our history, and especially my commitment to justice and integrity," says Singh. "I see my turban as a public statement: 'Here's who I am. You know what I'm about, and feel free to hold me accountable to that.'"

Rather than being something to fear, turbans should be seen as an outward sign of love and service, adds Kaur. "If you need help and you see somebody in a turban, you should run toward them, not away from them," she says.

Now That's Cool To promote equality, most Sikhs take one of two last names: Kaur for women and Singh for men.
The Arctic, with its extreme climate and immense oil and gas resources, is also threatened by global warming.

The Arctic, whose bordering countries met in Reykjavik on Thursday, is on the frontlines of global warming and is increasingly coveted for its natural resources and strategic location.

What and where is it?

The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land, unlike the Antarctic at the other end of the world, which is a continent surrounded by water.

Its vast territory of 21 million square kilometres (7.7 million square miles) stretches from the North Pole to the Arctic Circle.

Bordered by North America, Asia and Europe, it spans eight countries or territories: Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and the US.

The Arctic Ocean connects to the Atlantic and to the Pacific via various straits.

Polar nights

Its extreme climate means living conditions can be very tough.

With temperatures sometimes falling below minus 50 degrees Celsius (minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit) and with a very low level of light for much of the yearincluding "polar nights" when the sun doesn't rise above the horizon for monthsits only vegetation is the tundra, a vast, treeless area of low swampy plains.

At the height of winter, ice forms to cover 14 million square kilometres of ocean. In summer, it melts to less than five million square kilometresor even four million, with the annual melt being accelerated by global warming.

Four million residents

Some four million people live in the Arctic region, including around 500,000 people from dozens of distinct indigenous cultures such as the Inuit, the Aleut, the Sami and Yakut.

Many depend on the ocean and its wildlife for food and income.

An Arctic Council was set up in 1996 to discuss issues such as the environment and economic and social development, and foreign ministers of the member states meet every two years.

Ecosystem threatened

The Arctic, which is home to some 21,000 known animal and plant species, is one of the last vast regions of the world to remain in a wild state.

But the development of human activities including fishing, transport, tourism and drilling has threatened its fragile ecosystem.

Since the 1970s, climate change has pushed up temperatures in the Arctic three times as fast as the world average.

In 2019, the region saw its second hottest year since 1900 and the second smallest ice floe ever registered.

The ice shrank even more in 2020.

Global warming, which reduces the part of the Arctic Ocean that is permanently covered by ice, puts at risk species such as polar bears, bowhead whales, seals and sea birds.

While the melting of the Arctic ice pack in the ocean has no impact on sea levels, the melting of the huge Greenland ice sheet is a cause for concern.

Were it to completely disappear it would lead to a seven-metre (2.1 feet) rise in sea levels.

Other alarming phenomena include the emergence of major forest fires in remote areas and the melting of the permafrost, which houses large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas much more powerful than CO 2 .

Undiscovered resources

The Arctic is estimated to hold around 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil and 30 percent of its natural gas reserves.

The melting of the Arctic ice cover has made the region more accessible to shipping as well as oil and gas extraction, making it increasingly coveted by neighbouring and distant countries, including China.

Russia has made the development of the region's natural resources a priority, while Norway estimates that the Barents Sea holds more than 60 percent of the country's untapped oil reserves, although drilling there has so far been disappointing.

Former US president Donald Trump approved oil and gas exploration in the US's biggest wildlife reserve in Alaska in August, but his successor Joe Biden has since blocked those efforts.

Greenland is also attracting interest from mining companies, although the new local government has vowed to stop a controversial uranium and rare earth mineral mine project.

Territorial disputes

Alongside interest in resources there has been an escalation of territorial claims in recent years with Moscow, Ottawa, Oslo and Copenhagen all weighing in with demands to extend their portion of the continental shelf.

The US is still gathering data to potentially make a claim, even though it has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Strategic shipping route

Thanks to the melting ice, Russia is counting on the development of maritime traffic via the northeastern passage of the Arctic linking Europe to Asia. It has opened military and scientific bases there over the past years.

Meanwhile, Canada sees the potential to considerably reduce the distance between the Atlantic and Pacific by using the northwestern passage off its coast.

Explore further Rivers melt Arctic ice, warming air and ocean

 2021 AFP
This adaptation of the 3D model of IC 443, a supernova remnant, has been optimized for virtual reality (VR). The outer blast wave of the explosion is bright blue, while the outer layers of the star are in reds and oranges. Chandra's data of the nebula of particles and energy around the neutron star are found at the center of this VR version (cyan). Credit: NASA/CXC/Brown Univ./A. Dupuis et al.

A collection of the 3D objects from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory is now available on a new platform from the Smithsonian Institution. This will allow greater access to these unique 3D models and prints for institutions like libraries and museums as well as the scientific community and individuals in the public.

The Chandra X-ray Observatory is one of NASA's Great Observatories (along with the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Compton Gamma-ray Observatory). Chandra, the world's most powerful X-ray telescope, is operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Massachusetts.

Chandra's 3D datasets are now included in Voyager, a platform developed by the Smithsonian's Digitization Program Office, which enables datasets to be used as tools for learning and discovery. Viewers can explore these fascinating 3D representations of objects in space alongside a statue of George Washington or a skeleton of an extinct mammoth.

The only requirement to access these 3D models is a smartphone, tablet, or computer that has a current web browser. The Voyager platform enables 3D manipulation, augmented reality, or downloads of 3D printable files. There are also additional levels of information and interaction for the Chandra 3D models, including annotated tours pointing out key features on each cosmic object.

A new model of the IC 443 supernova remnant is part of a collection of 3D objects from Chandra now available on a platform from the Smithsonian Institution called Voyager, which enables datasets to be used as tools for learning and discovery. There are several versions of the IC 443 model to explore. This first animation of IC 443 data in 3D was optimized for virtual reality. It shows the blast wave of the explosion (bright blue) as well as the outer layers of the star (reds and oranges). In the center, Chandra's data reveal a nebula of particles and energy around the neutron star (cyan), the dense object left behind after the star collapsed. Credit: VR version: VR model: NASA/CXC/Brown Univ./A.Dupuis et al.; Simulation: INAF/S. Ustamujic et al.; X-ray data: NASA/CXC/MSFC/D.Swartz et al.

The current suite of Chandra 3D models in Voyager features stars in various phases of the stellar life cycle. Through a variety of techniques, astronomers have captured data from Chandra and other telescopes from these stars and constructed science-based simulations and 3D models of what previously had been represented as flat, two-dimensional projections on the sky.

The inclusion of the Chandra collection in Voyager coincides with the release of Chandra's latest 3D model: a stunning supernova remnant (remains of an exploded star) called IC 443 located about 5,000 light-years from Earth. Details of the model are included in a paper published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics led by Sabina Ustamujic from the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) in Palermo, Italy.

There are several versions of this 3D model of IC 443. In the first, Ustamujic and colleagues produced an interactive version of IC 443. The shock wave (gray) and the remains of the star (red, yellow, green, and blue) have collided with the gas cloud (gray) and are now passing through it. The different colors for the star's remains show the range of velocities for their motion away from the center of the explosion. The model is combined with a visible light image of this field of view from the Focal Pointe Observatory, a private telescope run by amateur astronomer Bob Franke.

A comparison of the 3D model with X-ray data from ESA's XMM-Newton shows that the collision of the shock wave and debris with the gas cloud is the main factor responsible for the unusually complex appearance of the X-ray emission from IC 443.

The 3D model also gives important information about the supernova explosion that formed IC 443. It shows that the explosion was weaker than most supernovae and that it occurred about 8,000 years ago, in Earth's time frame. In addition, this work provides new evidence that a source of X-rays discovered with Chandra (blue in the inset image) contains the neutron star that formed when a massive star collapsed and exploded to create IC 443.

A new adaptation of the 3D model, which has been optimized for virtual reality (VR), is featured in the main graphic. In this 3D version of IC 443, the outer blast wave of the explosion is bright blue, while the outer layers of the star are in reds and oranges. Chandra's data of the nebula of particles and energy around the neutron star is found at the center of this VR version (cyan).

The 3D model of IC 443 has been transformed so that it is more suitable for augmented reality as well as 3D printing, which requires connected structures. The Voyager IC 443 has the central region of the debris field in blue with the shockwave in purple. Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/Smithsonian

Scientists constructed a simulated 3D model of IC 443 based on data from telescopes including the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The shock wave (gray) and the remains of the star (red, yellow, green, and blue) have collided with the gas cloud (gray) and are now passing through it. The different colors for the star's remains show the range of velocities for their motion away from the center of the explosion. The model is combined with a visible light image of this field of view from the Focal Pointe Observatory, a private telescope run by amateur astronomer Bob Franke. Credit: Simulation: INAF/S. Ustamujic et al.; X-ray data: NASA/CXC/MSFC/D.Swartz et al.

In a version for Voyager, the 3D model has been transformed so that it is more suitable for augmented reality as well as 3D printing, which requires connected structures. The Voyager IC 443 has the central region of the debris field in blue with the shockwave in purple.

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More information: A full list of the Chandra 3D objects, along with information about how to view and print, is available at Astronomy & Astrophysics (2021). Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics A full list of the Chandra 3D objects, along with information about how to view and print, is available at chandra.si.edu/3dprint/ . S. Ustamujic et al, Modeling the mixed-morphology supernova remnant IC 443,(2021). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202039940
In this black and white photo taken by China's Zhurong Mars rover and made available by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, extension arms and a departure ramp are deployed on the rover's lander on the surface of Mars. China landed a spacecraft on Mars for the first time on Saturday, a technically challenging feat more difficult than a moon landing, in the latest step forward for its ambitious goals in space. Credit: CNSA via AP

China postponed a supply mission to its new space station on Thursday for unspecified technical reasons, while photos sent back from Mars by its newly arrived rover earned plaudits from NASA despite only sporadic contacts between the Chinese and American space programs.

The Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft was to have been launched early Thursday morning. China Manned Space announced the delay on its website but didn't say when the rescheduled launch would occur.

It would be the first mission to the main Tianhe space station module that was launched on April 29. A total of 11 launches are planned by the end of next year to deliver the station's other two modules, various components and supplies and a three-person crew.

The launch of Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, was considered a success although China was criticized for allowing the uncontrolled reentry to Earth of part of the rocket that carried it into space. Usually, discarded rocket stages reenter the atmosphere soon after liftoff, normally over water, and don't go into orbit.

NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson said at the time that China had failed to meet responsible standards regarding space debris.

China's space program has suffered relatively few setbacks since it first put an astronaut into orbit in 2003, although the space station launch was delayed by the failure of an earlier version of the massive Long March 5B rocket.

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, a Long March-7 carrying a Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft is moved to the launch area at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in southern China's Hainan Province on May 16, 2021. China postponed a supply mission to its new space station Thursday, May 20, 2021 for unspecified technical reasons. Credit: Guo Wenbin/Xinhua via AP

Earlier this month, China also landed a probe, Tianwen-1, and its accompanying rover, Zhurong, on Mars and has begun sending back pictures from the surface of the red planet.

In a message posted to the NASA website on Wednesday, Nelson congratulated the China National Space Administration on receiving those first images.

"As the international scientific community of robotic explorers on Mars grows, the United States and the world look forward to the discoveries Zhurong will make to advance humanity's knowledge of the Red Planet. I look forward to future international discoveries, which will help inform and develop the capabilities needed to land human boots on Mars," Nelson said.

The pictures were taken by Zhurong from atop its landing platform. Since setting down on Saturday, the rover has been conducting diagnostic tests and will shortly descend its ramp to begin a search for signs of frozen water.

In this photo taken by China's Zhurong Mars rover and made available by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, the rover's solar panels and antenna are deployed as the rover sits on its lander on the surface of Mars. China landed a spacecraft on Mars for the first time on Saturday, a technically challenging feat more difficult than a moon landing, in the latest step forward for its ambitious goals in space. Credit: CNSA via AP

The United States is the only other country to have successfully landed and operated a spacecraft on Marsnine times, beginning with the twin Vikings in 1976 and, most recently, with the Perseverance rover in February.

China also recently brought back lunar samples, the first by any country's space program since the 1970s, and also landed a probe and rover on the moon's less explored far side.

China earlier launched two smaller experimental space stations. It has been excluded from the International Space Station largely at the insistence of the United States, which is wary of the secrecy surrounding the Chinese space program and its close military links. Congressional approval is also required for any cooperation between NASA and the CNSA.

Explore further China delays supply mission to newly launched space station

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Managed honey bees. Credit: Bianca Ackermann, public domain

The University of Maryland (UMD) co-published a new review paper in the Annual Review of Resource Economics to examine pollinators from both an economic and ecological perspective, providing much needed insight into the complexities of valuing pollination. Pollinators are not only a critical component of a healthy ecosystem, but they are also necessary to produce certain foods and boost crop yields. While native and wild pollinators (whether they be certain bee species, other insects and animals, or just the wind) still play an important role, managed honey bee colonies are commercially trucked around the U.S. to meet the need for pollination services in agricultural products. Recent reports of parasites, disease, and other concerns in colonies call into question the resilience of the managed honey bee rental markets, as well as how those managed bees are interacting with native pollinators. This recent collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the University of North Texas (UNT) highlights the importance of characterizing the economic value of pollination services, including that of managed and wild pollinators, both for the sustainability of honey bee markets and the protection of overall ecosystem health.

"Many people don't realize that honey bees are not native to the U.S., or that they are actually a form of agricultural livestock rented out largely for their pollination services," says Erik Lichtenberg, professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics at UMD. "It used to be that you raised bees for honey, but today, pollination services account for the largest share of commercial beekeeper income, with honey as a secondary product. Agriculture is always integrated into an ecosystem, and we typically think about the managed parts without the ecosystem parts. But when we are thinking about resilience and things like climate change which is changing the ecosystem, then we have to reckon with the parts that we've tended to ignore. Getting a more holistic sense of the health of pollinators and the true resilience of the rental market is very important."

Researchers have historically struggled to put a value on pollination services, largely because of the many complex inputs into the system like wind, native versus managed pollinator interactions, weather, and even quality or health of the bees due to emerging diseases and invasive pests like varroa mitesin addition to inputs provided by farmers. With these complexities in mind, Erik Lichtenberg teamed up with Kathy Baylis, economist and professor in geography at UCSB, and Elinor Lichtenberg, ecology professor at UNT, to take an interdisciplinary approach to reviewing the economics of pollination.

"As a pollination ecologist, it was exciting to collaborate with economists to write this review," says Elinor Lichtenberg. "One of our goals was to help ecologists understand the economics, and economists understand the ecological considerations and constraints involved. This will help develop solutions that benefit both wildlife and farmers."

Elinor Lichtenberg did her undergraduate work in biology at UMD, also spending a year working with Daniel Gruner and Dennis vanEngelsdorp in Entomology. Baylis also collaborates with vanEngelsdorp and the Bee Informed Partnership (BIP), a UMD-led nonprofit organization that conducts a nationwide annual survey each year since 2006 to assess managed honey bee health and colony loss.

"Colony collapse disorder was big in the media in 2006 when beekeepers started seeing so many of their bees dying, so people wanted to know why," explains Baylis. "With our increased reliance on managed honey bees for pollination, it really raised concerns about the resilience of the system we have in place, or the lack thereof. As it turns out, the pollination market and associated fees are quite responsive to colony health, and beekeepers have been able to meet that demand so far. The price signals are working, but there are many things that aren't really priced in yet. So a big part of this paper is to highlight the linkages where we know things are being captured, and the values that aren't being captured but should be."

Erik Lichtenberg adds, "If we are thinking about the resilience of the system of migratory managed pollination services, a lot of that system is still hidden. We see the tip of the iceberg, but we don't see what is underneath the waterline, so we'd like to take our analytical submarine and check out what's down there."

Currently, the system involves a migration route that is similar to that of farmed labor. Managed honey bee colonies start their year in central California pollinating almonds, plums, prunes, and other early blooming crops, and then are transported slowly up north to later blooming crops like apples, cucumbers, squash, and even pumpkins. The route moves up to the Pacific Northwest and then ends with the bees "summering" in the Northern Plains region to forage and recharge. This system has become increasingly important as agriculture has become more specialized and mechanized, with less habitat for native pollinators and more consumer demand for insect-pollinated crops. But, as the researchers explain, there is so much about the system we just don't understand.

"When problems like colony collapse disorder arise, to me, it feels like we are always trying to attach band aids to different parts of the dike wherever we see a crack without seeing the whole necessarily," says Baylis. "And that's a big purpose of the paper is trying to at least sketch out what the whole thing might look like."

Some of the biggest unknowns identified are the protection of forage lands and habitat for native and managed honey bee colonies, how to manage the surrounding landscape to optimize pollination services and pollinator health, and especially understanding the interactions between wild and managed pollinators. Interactions may be positive, as with native pollinators reaching higher branches in high winds while honey bees stick to lower branches, or they can be negative, like the spread of disease from managed to wild pollinators. All these inputs are especially important when considering the costs and benefits of conserving wild pollinator habitat.

"Economists and ecologists both recognize the importance of putting an economic value on inputs like clean water, clean air, biodiversity, and natural pollination, because these natural products that aren't bought and sold in the market otherwise get a default value of zero placed on them," says Baylis. "We know that is wrong, so hopefully this can draw attention to that issue. We've identified a lot of gaps here, and it is important not just for the space of bees, but more broadly for issues where part of the ecological system is managed and monetized, and other parts are not. This speaks to how we can develop a system that is responsive, resilient, and also sustainable."

Erik Lichtenberg adds, "We are excited about the follow-on work that we've identified to do. There is a lot of fascinating work to be done in this area, and we hope this review inspires people to think creatively about some of the issues we've raised."

Explore further Decline of bees, other pollinators threatens US crop yields

More information: Kathy Baylis et al, Economics of Pollination, Annual Review of Resource Economics (2021). Kathy Baylis et al, Economics of Pollination,(2021). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-resource-101420-110406
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from the Faculties of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences of the CEU Cardenal Herrera (CEU UCH) university of Valencia have published the detection of two positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in wild American mink, in two rivers of Castellon province. These two cases are the first ones in Europe where the virus has been detected in feral animals that have not been in direct contact with infected people. The article, which has just been published after being peer reviewed, suggests the possible source of the contagion could be these aquatic animals coming into contact with contaminated wastewater.

As professor Jordi Aguilo from the CEU UCH explains, "Mink are animals that have proven to be susceptible to contagion by SARS-CoV-2 due to coming into contact with infected people in farms in several European and North American countries. However, the virus has not yet been detected in feral animals of this species." The two positive specimens analyzed in this study were caught, along with 11 more, during the invasive exotic species control campaign in the Palancia and Mijares rivers, where there are records of stable populations since the late 80s. In both cases they were feral animals without contact with farm animals: the closest facilities, over 20 kilometers away, have not reported the escape of specimens since 2007, nor has SARS-CoV-2 been detected in the regular analyzes performed by the technicians of the Department of Agriculture.

Wastewater, possible cause of contagion

Even though the source of the infection in these animals cannot be established with absolute certainty, the CEU UCH researchers suggest the most probable cause was these feral American minks coming into contact with contaminated wastewater in the rivers they inhabit, the course of the Mijares and Palancia rivers, which are separated by the Espadan mountain range. "These animals were caught on 14 and 28 January, dates that coincide with the third wave of the virus and whose incidence was especially high in the Valencian Community. This could explain the contagion of the feral mink," notes professor Aguilo.

After the first necropsy of the specimens caught, which was performed at the Fauna Recovery Center in El Saler, the researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 "in the tissue from the mesenteric lymph node with a two-step RT-PCR test, and then the RNA of the virus was sequenced," says professor Consuelo Rubio, from the department of Pharmacy at the CEU UCH and head researcher of the Molecular virology group. These positive analyzes could not be confirmed in subsequent analyzes performed at the Veterinary Science Central Laboratory in Algete, probably due to the fragility of the RNA and the further freezing processes that the samples had to be subjected to.

Wild minks, virus bioindicators

The study suggests for the first time the possible indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to feral fauna, without coming into contact with human beings. This could entail that species that are susceptible to the infection, such as American mink, act as SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs, transmitting it to other animal species and to humans. Thus, the CEU UCH researchers and authors of the study underline the need for a One Health approach, taking into account the interconnection of human, animal and environmental health to prevent the transmission of the virus not only among humans, but also to feral animals.

The study authors also suggest that minks, due to being susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, could represent a bioindicator of the presence of the virus in the environment, if studies are conducted to analyze more specimens from this and other species along the banks of the rivers they inhabit, while analyzing the presence of the virus in rainwater. The characterization of this strain of the virus in these animals, through its full sequencing, would make it possible to better identify the possible paths of contagion, as well as closely monitoring potential mutations of the virus when jumping between species.

Explore further Coronavirus cases detected in farmed mink in Poland

More information: Jordi Aguilo-Gisbert et al, First Description of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Two Feral American Mink (Neovison vison) Caught in the Wild, Animals (2021). Jordi Aguilo-Gisbert et al, First Description of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Two Feral American Mink (Neovison vison) Caught in the Wild,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/ani11051422
The LLNL understanding of inertial confinement fusion implosion physics is based on a combination of high-volume, lower-fidelity simulation ensembles; sparse, difficult-to-diagnose experiments; and best-physics simulations that push the limits of high-performance computing technology. Creating and synthesizing these data into an improved understanding of the physics will require multiple complementary techniques from data science, uncertainty quantification and artificial intelligence. Credit: Damien Jemison/LLNL

By applying modern machine learning and data science methods to "extreme" plasma physics, researchers can gain insight into our universe and find clues about creating a limitless amount of energy.

In a recent perspective published in Nature, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists and international collaborators outline key challenges and future directions in using machine learning (ML) and other data-driven techniques to better understand these extreme conditions that potentially pave the pathway to nuclear fusion as an industrial power source, as well as helping to improve our understanding of the universe.

Extreme plasma is described as the physics of matter at extreme densities, temperatures and pressures like those found in the interior of stars and planets.

"Extreme plasma physics experiments historically had a very low data rate, but future planned laser facilities will have a very high shot rate, with the potential to produce huge amounts of data," said LLNL physicist Gemma Anderson, one of the lead authors of the paper. "This in turn will move the field into the big-data regime and create a corresponding need to leverage modern data science methods to a much greater extent."

The newest generation of extreme physics facilities can perform experiments multiple times a second (as opposed to almost daily)  moving away from human-based control toward automatic control. To make the most of the emerging opportunities, the team proposed a playbook for using ML in high energy density science through research design, training, best practices and support for synthetic diagnostics and data analysis.

The study of plasma physics under extreme temperatures, densities and electromagnetic field strength is important to understand astrophysics, nuclear fusion and fundamental physics. These systems are highly non-linear and are very difficult to understand theoretically or demonstrate experimentally.

Anderson and colleagues have suggested that machine learning models and data-driven methods could be the answer by reshaping exploration of these extreme systems that have proven far too complex for human researchers to do on their own. Interpreting the data from the experiments of these systems, such as the National Ignition Facility, requires simultaneously comprehending large amounts of complex multi-modal data from multiple different sources. The image above shows a potential workflow that fully integrates data-driven and machine-learning methods to achieve this goal. Optimizing extreme physics systems requires fine-tuning over large numbers of (often highly correlated) parameters. Artificial intelligence methods have proved highly successful at teasing out correlations in large datasets and can be crucial to understand and optimize systems that up to now have been difficult to understand.

The paper was a result of a workshop organized by Anderson, her LLNL colleauge Jim Gaffney and Peter Hatfield from the University of Oxford, held at the Lorentz Center in The Netherlands in January 2020. A key goal of the meeting was to write a white paper detailing the conclusions of the meeting: what standards the community should adopt, what machine learning can do for the field and what the future may hold.

Anderson said the paper will be circulated to key funding bodies and policy makers in research councils and national labs.

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More information: Peter W. Hatfield et al, The data-driven future of high-energy-density physics, Nature (2021). Journal information: Nature Peter W. Hatfield et al, The data-driven future of high-energy-density physics,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03382-w
Screen capture of the new European Red List of Taxonomists data website. Credit: Pensoft

The 'Red List of Taxonomists' initiative, funded by the European Union, launches its registration portal, where professionals and citizen scientists are called to register on. The purpose is to build a database of European taxonomy experts in the field of entomology, the biological discipline dedicated to insects. The analysis of these data will elucidate the trends in available expertise, thereby forming the basis of key recommendations for policy makers to further allocate necessary efforts and funds to support taxonomists' work and contribute to protecting European biodiversity and beyond.

Globally, insect populations have been catastrophically plummeting over the last decades. According to the first major Europe-wide survey of honeybee colonies, conducted in 2013, some European countries lost as many as one-third of their colonies every winter. On the other hand, estimates state, the European agriculture industry alone 'owes' at least 22 billion per year to honey bees and wild bees, in addition to many species from other insect orders, as together they ensure pollination for over 80% of crops and wild plants in Europe.

The health of European pollinators on species and population level and other insects essential in our ecosystems strongly relies on our ability to rapidly turn the growing awareness about these worrying trends into swift, decisive actions. These decisions are crucial to mitigate the negative impacts of these alarming trends in human activities, mainly industrial agriculture. Taxonomiststhe people who can identify, discover and monitor insect specieshave a decisive role to play.

Together, pollinating insects ensure over 80% of the pollination of crops and wild plants across Europe. Credit: Lenka Z (Pexels)

Often specialised in specific insect groups, they can investigate the diversity and abundance of insects. To a great concern, the numbers of trained insect taxonomists seem also to be fast declining. There is the real danger of losing numerous species before we get the chance to even learn about their existence!

On a more positive note, while species extinction is an irreversible event, certain taxonomic expertise can be nourished and 'brought back to life' if only we have the data and analyses to bring to the attention of the relevant education institutions, governments and policy-makers, so that the necessary resources are allocated to education, training, career support and recognition.

This is how the 'Red List of Taxonomists' project, an initiative by the organisation uniting the most important and largest European natural science collections (CETAF), the world's authority on assessing the risk of extinction of organisms: the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the scientific publisher with a long history in the biodiversity and ecology fields: Pensoft, and funded by the European Commission, comes into play. Launched earlier this year, the 'Red List of Taxonomists' aims to compile the very first inventory of taxonomic expertise for any group of organisms, understandably choosing the class of insects.

Hornet specimen (genus Vespa) from the entomological collections at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Credit: Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

Bringing together scientists, research institutions and learned societies from across Europe, the project will compare the trends and extract recommendations to overcome the risks, while preserving and further evolving the expert capacity of this scientific community.

As partners of the project, CETAF and IUCN are mobilising experts from their respective networks to populate the 'Red List of Taxonomists' database. In parallel, Pensoft is extracting further data of authors, reviewers and editors from taxonomic publications across its portfolio of academic journals and books, in addition to major relevant databases working with scholarly literature.

To reach experts, including professionals not necessarily affiliated with partnering institutions, as well as citizen scientists, the team is now calling for European taxonomists to register via the newly launched 'Red List of Taxonomists' portal and provide their data by filling a short survey. Their data will not be publicly available, but it will be used for in-depth analyses and reports in the concluding stage of the project, scheduled for early 2022. The collection of the data is in full compliance with GDPR requirements.

Insect taxonomists, both professional and citizen scientists, are welcome to register on the Red List of Taxonomists portal at: red-list-taxonomists.eu and further disseminate the registration portal to fellow taxonomists.

Explore further Making a list of all creatures, great and small
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Even as temperatures have warmed this spring and some Florida manatees have left the Indian River Lagoon, where many of them died this winter without enough food to eat, researchers are finding survivors up and down the coast struggling with prolonged effects of starvation.

"This event is not over yet. We are still picking up occasional cases with the effects of starvation," said Martine de Wit, a veterinarian in the state's marine mammal pathology lab. Cases have been documented as far as Georgia, she said. "These animals started to eat, but their bodies could not resolve those effects of prolonged starvation."

As of late last week, 738 manatee deaths had been recorded this year, according to reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The total is nearly triple the five-year average for the same time period. Fewer manatees, 637, were reported dead all of last year.

About 300 of the manatee deaths have happened in Brevard County, the state says, where scientists believe years of seagrass losses led to manatees not having enough food where many of them winter near warm discharges from power plants.

State reports show 230 manatees turned up dead in Florida this February alone.

Week after week, de Wit said, veterinarians saw manatees with "severe emaciation," as much as 40% underweight. Their muscles and fat had been wasting away, with damage also in their livers and hearts. She spoke Wednesday at a regular forum on the status of manatee research and conservation in Florida.

Through May 14, according to agency reports, 89 manatees had been rescued around the state. On the East Coast, de Wit said, blood data from manatees suggested some were suffering end-stage starvation. Even at aquariums and rehabilitation facilities, she said, the animals' health improved slowly.

"If you can just sit still in a tank and get fed all the lettuce you need and you still take months ... I think that's telling," she said.

The federal government has labeled the die-off an "unusual mortality event," freeing up resources to help the state in the response.

Manatees are considered a threatened species; their status was upgraded from endangered a few years ago. On its website, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says a population estimate indicates there are at least 7,520 alive today.

The die-off, de Wit said, began in December. But researchers did not immediately clock the trend because they expected an uptick in deaths due to a sudden temperature drop at that time that would have stressed manatees anyway.

The situation got more dire during the first few months of 2021. The loss of tens of thousands of acres of seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon is the likely culprit, de Wit said. The area has been plagued by algal blooms, which are fed in part by nutrients in runoff and wastewater coming off land.

"We've been talking about this for a long time," de Wit said. For a while, she said, it seemed as though manatees were managing to sustain themselves by going to other feeding zones or eating other vegetation.

The seagrass problem will be hard to fix, especially because water quality is not ideal in the affected parts of the lagoon, said Ron Mezich, imperiled species management section leader at the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Algal blooms reduce water clarity, and seagrass relies on sunlight reaching it in order to grow.

Scientists and conservationists worry what could happen next winter, when manatees return to stay in the lagoon in major numbers.

The effects of the die-off may endure for years, according to de Wit, with cascading issues in reproduction and manatees' metabolism that would affect future generations.

"Even animals that are spread out and are eating now," she said, "it will take a longtime for them to recover from what they went through this year."

Explore further Florida manatee deaths surge past 400 in first two months of 2021

2021 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Firefighters used helicopters to tackle the blaze threatening villages and monasteries.

More than a dozen Greek villages were evacuated Thursday as firefighters battled the country's first major blaze of the year on a mountain range overlooking the Gulf of Corinth.

No injuries were reported, but "it will be a hard night... we're fighting in difficult conditions," junior civil protection minister Nikos Hardalias said.

People were evacuated before dawn from the first of 17 villages and hamlets affected after the fire broke out on Wednesday evening near Schinos on the Gulf of Corinth, some 90 kilometres (55 miles) west of Athens, a fire service spokesman told AFP.

"Hundreds of people" had been moved out in the action, which also covered two monasteries, Hardalias said, adding that around 20 square kilometres (eight square miles) of pine forest had been razed.

Additional evacuations were ordered on Thursday afternoon after the fire crossed the rugged Mount Gerania and headed for the coastal town of Megara, with authorities contacting residents by text message and with loudhailers.

"We're on a war footing, we're in a state of emergency," mayor Grigoris Stamoulis told the ANA news agency, adding that "when the fire started, we had to keep an eye out because we couldn't rule out the wind bringing the fire front here".

The national observatory in Athens said smoke from the blaze had billowed over the capital and the Cycladic islands as far as Ikaria. The health ministry recommended people limit physical activity and close doors and windows.

Another fire broke out Thursday in Viotia, central Greece.

Map of Greece locating the area where a forest fire started near the village of Schinos, prompting evacuations.

Difficult terrain

Bleary-eyed villagers said they barely had time to dress as they were brought from nearby communities to the coastal Corinthian Gulf village of Alepochori for safety.

"I was woken up by the sound of the planes. I was startled and my husband told me there was a fire," local resident Irini Lianou told AFP.

"We had no electricity and we rushed outside. There was panic, with the planes and helicopters, the police and ambulances everywhere," she added.

In the village of Kato Alepochori, police used loudhailers to tell residents to leave.

Fire service chief Stefanos Kolokouris said reinforcements had been rushed in from around the country to contain the blaze, which local officials said had a front 10 kilometres wide.

"It's a large fire in a pine forest (and the) terrain is difficult," Kolokouris told Skai TV.

Smoke has blanketed the Greek capital Athens and reached as far as the island of Ikaria.

"This is a dense forest that had never burned before," Yiorgos Gionis, mayor of the neighbouring resort town of Loutraki, told Alpha TV.

Kolokouris said he believed the fire could be brought under control during the day.

But the winds picked up in the afternoon.

First major fire this year

Many people have summer homes in the area, but lives are not under immediate threat, fire officials said.

However, electricity has been out in the area and it could take 48 hours to restore service, according to state grid technicians on the scene.

"This is the first major fire of 2021... communities have been evacuated as a precaution," fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis had earlier told Skai.

"We have no information ( people's lives threatened) and we have not had to rescue anyone," he said.

Over 180 firemen with 62 fire engines in addition to volunteers have been deployed to the area, backed by 17 planes and three helicopters, the fire service tweeted.

Over 180 firefighters have been deployed to the area.

A handful of homes are believed to have been burned, the Loutraki mayor said.

The fire on Wednesday had reached the sea, burning two boats in the coastal village of Mavrolimni, local officials said.

Wildfires pose a challenge for Greece every year during the dry summer season, with strong winds and temperatures frequently exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

In 2018, 102 people died in the coastal resort of Mati, near Athens, in Greece's worst ever fire disaster.

 2021 AFP
Regional-scale research networks such as the UC Natural Reserve System are ideal for documenting the impact of climate change on plants and animals. Credit: Simone des Roches

Hundreds of biological field stations exist across the globe, supporting highly local, single-site projects as well as endeavors spanning continents. Yet few are networked on a regional scale. Likewise, current funding structures do not support regional science research over the long term. These omissions hamstring efforts to understand the climate crisis and its impacts plants and animals.

According to a new paper in the journal BioScience, regional field studies are the Goldilocks of climate change ecology: just right for examining the impacts of the climate crisis on plants and animals. "Many of these questions can only be answered at an intermediate, regional scale. That's the scale that is really important to organisms and their populations, because they involve dispersal and evolution," says coauthor Laurel Fox, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz.

"We estimate where species will move in theory, but it's another thing to see them consolidate in slightly cooler microsites, demonstrating we have to protect spaces like this or else we're going to lose those organisms," says lead author Katie Stuble. Now a scientist with the Holden Arboretum in Ohio, Stuble was a UCSC postdoctoral fellow.

The foundational studies of ecology in the American West were all regional in scale, Fox points out. "Think about Joseph Grinnell's groundbreaking science surveying California vertebrates in the 1920s and 30s. He was able to look at hundreds of sites for many years." Scientists are now revisiting Grinnell's study sites to learn how animals have fared after a century of environmental change.

The authors cite the University of California's Natural Reserve System (UC NRS) as a premier example of a regional field station network. Located across California, the 41 reserves of the UC NRS feature examples of most major state ecosystems.

The regional scale of the UC NRS enables scientists to peer into the future with the help of geography. Southern California sites that are hot and dry today offer a glimpse of how climate change is expected to transform more northerly or high elevation locales. And because multiple UC NRS reserves have similar ecosystems, scientists can make "space for time" substitutions comparing, say, chaparral or oak savanna at different latitudes.

"The UC NRS provides a great backbone for thinking about global change research," Stuble says. "It's unprecedented to have replication of field sites at that fine resolution within a region like California."

A long record of research adds further value to studies of field stations like the NRS. "You can look at climate questions on spatial scales, and you can look at them on longer temporal scales. But when you have historic records, you can verify those trends, and that's the sweet spot," Stuble says.

Beyond the NRS, however, the authors were able to identify only a handful of other regional-scale networks. These include efforts to coordinate fire research and policy in the southeastern United States, marine productivity in the Caribbean, and freshwater lakes in Canada. Many of these networks have limped along with unstable funding that resulted in data gaps.

Angelo Coast Range Reserve in Mendocino County is one of 41 reserves in the UC Natural Reserve System. Habitats at the reserve include streams, mixed conifer and hardwood forests, and meadows. Credit: Lobsang Wangdu/UC NRS

The gaps in a global canvas

By contrast, networks pursuing work on continental or global scales are relatively plentiful. Many of these, such as the Long-Term Ecological Research Network and Critical Zone Collaborative Network in the United States, are funded by government agencies through targeted programs. These stable, long-term sources of support have enabled these programs to continue for decades.

Yet continental and global networks, the authors contend, lack the resolution to study processes occurring over finer gradients. For example, the National Ecological Observatory Network, which extends from Hawaii to Florida, relies on a single site to represent California's famously complex environment. The lack of funding for regional research means concerns relevant to climate change and conservation are falling through the cracks.

"When you want to document global climate change dynamics, like where a specific lizard species is going to be in the future, you can't look at one site in the Sierra and one site in the Rockies; you would miss all the small shifts the species might make over the course of a century," Stuble says.

"It's not that research done at a local or continental scale isn't valuable. It's more that they address different questions," Fox says. "There's a lot of biology that's happening in the middle."

Strategic conservation

Regional research is of particular value for conservation. Where species are found now predicts the conditions they will require in the future. This type of data is already being used to model where species will move.

"Several hundred miles in California are variable in ways that are incredibly meaningful to organisms that might be dispersing just ten or a few tens of kilometers," Stuble says. For example, range shift information can identify areas to set aside for conservation. "If you understand that this microhabitat in this mountainous region will become key for conserving species in 20 years, then you would put your efforts into protecting those areas," she says.

Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center offers access to high and low elevation Sonoran Desert habitats. Credit: Lobsang Wangdu/UC NRS

Shaping policy

Data from regional studies are well suited to guide environmental policies. For one thing, similar findings from multiple nearby sites add credence to findings. Governments "are not necessarily going to respond to one local entity crying out for a particular policy," Stuble says. But "if there are partners doing similar research throughout the state, we could say with high confidence that policy is critical."

Networks within a political jurisdiction can further amplify the influence of findings. "Policies are often enacted on the state level. States can enact financial or other incentives," Stuble says, effecting change on a broad scale.

For example, field research conducted within the UC NRS is poised to help attain the environmental goals of its home state. Launched in 2018, the California Biodiversity Initiative seeks to safeguard California's natural heritage by restoring and protecting habitat.

"Regional-scale research across the state would be ideal for implementing the California Biodiversity Initiative," Fox says.

"More regional work could help inform policies aimed at preserving California's biodiversity in the face of climate change and other threats," Stuble says.

A regional climate change institute

Fox and her late colleague, UC Santa Cruz Professor Barry Sinervo, were so taken with the potential to study climate change on a regional scale that they launched an institute to do just that. In 2015, they established the Institute for the Study of Ecological and Evolutionary Climate Impacts (ISEECI) with a five-year, $1.9 million grant from UC's Office of the President. The institute was specifically designed to leverage UC NRS reserves across California.

"We saw that this network of roughly 40 sites provides a wonderful backbone for research distributed across the region," Fox says. "We could go across a bigger array of sites than we'd normally be able to fund." The grant could defray the extra costs of doing research at several locations, such as travel among sites and the need to buy multiple sets of research equipment.

Three examples of ISEECI-sponsored graduate research synthesizing data from multiple UC NRS reserves plus neighboring other sites not mapped here. Projects examined the evolution of fire adaptation in California lilac, the effect of temperature on fish and aquatic invertebrates, and the impacts of radiation, rain, and temperature on microbial community function and composition. Credit: Simone des Roches

ISEECI funded postdoctoral fellows, including Stuble, and graduate students from across the University of California to examine how native species have responded to the climate crisis. Together, these findings document an astonishing array of ecological changes propelled by climate change.

For example, researchers from UC San Diego sampled Daphnia water fleas from Sierra Nevada lakes at several elevations, then grew them in warmer water at different altitudes. Temperature affected traits such as growth rates and body size in just a few generations, demonstrating the importance of genetic variation in adapting to climate change.

Another project sampled a lagoon-loving fish called the three-spined stickleback at 25 California estuaries, including two NRS reserves. Populations from drier southern California were known to have fewer bony plates in than those living further north, which needed armor against local predators. An ISEECI researcher from UC Santa Cruz found that over several decades, fish at northern location had lost plates, reflecting the influences of a drier climate.

Other ISEECI studies compared the impact of fog and drought on plant photosynthesis, local lizard population extinctions due to climate change, fire responses by California lilacs, and how environmental conditions across a climate gradient affect decomposition by fungi.

"It was both exciting and humbling to be able to provide a platform of protected areas for ISEECI research," says Peggy Fiedler, Executive Director of the UC Natural Reserve System. "The UC NRS facilitates exactly the kind of research needed to find both answers and solutions for climate resilience."

The funding conundrum

For Fox, the experience of running ISEECI underscored not just strengths but also pitfalls facing regional-scale field networks. "There's one-off funding for these kinds of regional studies, but not regular grants. It was so clear with ISEECI that you need institutional support, administrative support, for years to maintain this level of effort across multiple campuses and involving multiple faculty."

A prime example of what regional-scale field research can accomplish with steady support is Australia's Centre for Excellence in Coral Reef Studies. Incorporating multiple field stations operated by a variety of Australian universities and government agencies, the center has provided infrastructure and assistance to studies of the Great Barrier Reef since 2005.

Despite the barriers, informal regional networks of field stations continue to be formed to meet research needs. In time, strong demand may tip the scales to put regional-scale scienceand the long-term funding it requireson the map.

Explore further Climate change impacts conservation sites across the Americas

More information: Katharine L Stuble et al, Regional Networks of Biological Field Stations to Study Climate Change, BioScience (2021). Journal information: BioScience Katharine L Stuble et al, Regional Networks of Biological Field Stations to Study Climate Change,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab048
In this early Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, file photo, a waning moon is seen at the sky over Frankfurt, Germany. The European Space Agency, ESA, national counterparts and private companies are presenting their vision Thursday to put satellites in orbit around the moon, to make future missions to Earth's closest neighbor easier. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst, File

The European Space Agency presented a vision Thursday to put satellites in orbit around the moon that would facilitate future missions to Earth's closest neighbor.

The plan, dubbed "Moonlight," would see ESA offer communications and navigation services to any country that wants to carry out lunar exploration missions.

By relying services provided from lunar orbit, space agencies would be able to design their moon landers without the need for cumbersome communications and navigation devices on board. This would free up space to carry other cargo, making each launch more cost-effective, said Paul Verhoef, ESA's director of navigation.

The project builds on one of the agency's strengths: launching satellites to provide services to third parties. ESA has a fleet of observation satellites in orbit around Earth that supply weather, climate and other data to public and commercial companies.

It also has a constellation of navigation satellites, known as Galileo, that provide highly accurate global positioning data to rival the U.S.-based GPS system.

But it also highlights the European agency's weakness: unlike the United States, China or India, ESA lacks any ambitious moon exploration programs of its own. Instead, ESA is hoping to partner with NASA to build a "lunar gateway" that would be a staging post for future moon missions.

In this Thursday, May 7, 2020 file photo, the full moon sets behind trees in the Taunus region near Frankfurt, Germany. The European Space Agency, ESA, national counterparts and private companies are presenting their vision Thursday to put satellites in orbit around the moon, to make future missions to Earth's closest neighbor easier. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst, file

The proposal outlined by ESA on Thursday will see two international consortiums devise ways for building a reliable and dedicated lunar communications and navigation service.

The first such satellite, called "Lunar Pathfinder," will be operational in 2024.

David Parker, ESA's director of human and robotic exploration, said the agency's member states would be given a formal proposal for a constellation next year.

In this Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 file photo, a super blue blood moon rises behind the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. The European Space Agency, ESA, national counterparts and private companies are presenting their vision Thursday to put satellites in orbit around the moon, to make future missions to Earth's closest neighbor easier. Credit: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, file

"If approved, the project could start full steam ahead at the beginning of 2023 to ensure it's operational within four or five years," he said.

Explore further Video: Bringing connectivity to the moon

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Plants use chemical, or epigenetic, modifications to control the activity of their genes. Red and green mark epigenetic modifications in the DNA (gray on the left) of an early embryo of an Arabidopsis thaliana plant. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Professor & HHMI Investigator Rob Martienssen's team discovered one of the genes responsible for attaching these modifications at the right spots in the genome. Credit: Daniel Grimanelli and Jean-Sebastien Parent/Martienssen lab, CSHL/2021

Passing down a healthy genome is a critical part of creating viable offspring. But what happens when you have harmful modifications in your genome that you don't want to pass down? Baby plants have evolved a method to wipe the slate clean and reinstall only the modifications that they need to grow and develop. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Professor & HHMI Investigator Rob Martienssen and his collaborators, Jean-Sebastien Parent and Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement Universite de Montpellier scientist Daniel Grimanelli, discovered one of the genes responsible for reinstalling modifications in a baby plant's genome.

A plant's genomic modificationscalled epigenetic modificationshelp turn off genes at the right times. Epigenetic changes accumulate with age. Martienssen explains:

"If you think about a tree, the flowers that arise a hundred years after it germinated, they're obviously a long way from the original acorn, and an awful lot of epigenetic changes could happen in that period. And so, these are important resets for development so that you don't inherit this epigenetic collateral damage."

Martienssen's team discovered that after baby plants remove the epigenetic modifications, the SUVH9 protein puts back the ones they need to survive. Without SUVH9, plants develop poorly because the wrong genes turn on at the wrong time. Parent, a research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, says:

"I remember this moment where we were like, 'Wow! This is not what we expected.' There was an opening for an actor that was not accounted for in the standard models, and that was the most innovative part of our story."

The SUVH9 protein uses small snippets of RNA to look for the right places to reinstall the beneficial modifications, which are on mobile genetic elements known as transposons. The SUVH9 protein adds the epigenetic modifications to them, and this ensures nearby genes are turned off at the right time. Reinstalling the beneficial modifications also stops the transposons from jumping around in the genome and disrupting other genes.

Plants must keep mobile genetic elements called transposons in check; otherwise, seedlings develop poorly. SUVH9 is a protein that helps silence transposons by adding epigenetic modifications to them. These images show 4-week old Arabidopsis thaliana plants that grew with functional SUVH9 enzyme (left) and without functional SUVH9 enzyme (right). Credit: Parent/Martienssen lab, CSHL/2021

The scientists think SUVH9 protein contributed to today's plant diversity. By stopping harmful transposons from disrupting genes, the protein allowed different species to evolve. Parent says:

"One of the big mysteries about flowering plants is how they manage to become so diverse and to generate so many different species so quickly in evolutionary history. And, we believe that we are touching here a part of a molecular mechanism that can allow this sort of flexibility."

The study is published in Genes & Development.

Explore further Epigenetic changes drive the fate of a B cell
Schematic of the co-planar light-actuated optoelectrowetting microfluidic device that features an integrated metal mesh grid. A droplet on the device surface is actuated and moved around the two-dimensional plane under the influence of an incident optical pattern. Credit: Jodi Loo et al. doi: 10.1117/1.JOM.1.3.034001.

Microfluidic technologies have seen great advances over the past few decades in addressing applications such as biochemical analysis, pharmaceutical development, and point-of-care diagnostics. Miniaturization of biochemical operations performed on lab-on-a-chip microfluidic platforms benefit from reduced sample, reagent, and waste volumes, as well as increased parallelization and automation. This allows for more cost-effective operations along with higher throughput and sensitivity for faster and more efficient sample analysis and detection.

Optoelectrowetting (OEW) is a digital optofluidic technology that is based on the principles of light-controlled electrowetting and enables the actuation and manipulation of discrete droplets. OEW devices have many advantages, such as the ability for large-scale, real-time, and reconfigurable control of picoliter- to microliter-sized droplets by adjusting the number and size of low-intensity optical light patterns incident on the device. With each individual droplet on the OEW device acting as its own bioreaction chamber, the OEW device also has the ability to support multiplex capabilities. This can prove to be beneficial in applications such as single-cell analysis and genomics or combinatorial libraries.

Previous traditional OEW devices provide a flexible platform to perform chemical and biological assays such as real-time isothermal polymerase chain reaction with basic droplet manipulation techniques. However, in these OEW devices, droplets are sandwiched between a bottom active OEW substrate and a top layer ground electrode substrate, forcing any input/output fluidic configurations to be integrated from the side openings. Although feasible, this can prove to be limiting for system integration.

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, created a single-sided, co-planar OEW device that allows for individualized and parallel droplet actuation and benefits from easier droplet accessibility from above for more input/output configuration schemes. This was achieved by eliminating the need for a top cover electrode found in traditional OEW devices by fabricating a metal mesh grid integrated on the OEW device. Droplets can still move freely around the two-dimensional device surface and are now accessible from above due to the open-top design.

Light is selectively illuminated on the photoconductor layer under part of a droplet's contact line to achieve an electromechanical force imbalance within the droplet. This causes the droplet to move toward the light pattern. Credit: Jodi Loo et al. doi: 10.1117/1.JOM.1.3.034001.

In their research, recently published in SPIE's new Journal of Optical Microsystems, they have also derived a theoretical model of the co-planar OEW device to better understand how the integrated metal mesh grid affects device and droplet performance. Analysis gathered from the co-planar OEW model was used to optimize the co-planar device structure and operation. They have demonstrated the ability for basic droplet manipulation, such as individual droplet operations in parallel, merging of multiple droplets, and the ability to handle and move droplets with varying volumes simultaneously.

The co-planar device improves on the traditional OEW device's droplet actuation performance with speeds more than two times faster, up to 4.5 cm/s. Higher droplet speeds on the co-planar OEW device achieved despite a marginal reduction in effective force compared to the traditional OEW device can be partly attributed to the reduction in friction due to elimination of the top cover.

In addition, the ability to operate co-planar OEW devices with 95% reduced light intensity was demonstrated. To showcase the benefit of having exposed droplets to accommodate a wider range of input/output configurations, a droplet-on-demand dispensing system from above was integrated with the co-planar OEW device to inject, collect, and position individual droplets and form large-scale droplet arrays of up to 20 by 20, covering the whole device surface area. Creating larger OEW devices should allow for even more droplets to be accommodated on chip.

With this research, the team has developed an OEW platform for reliable droplet manipulation that can accomplish most basic biological and chemical benchtop techniques. The co-planar OEW device expands the flexibility and range of possibilities for optofluidic technologies to realize greater system integration capabilities and biological and chemical applications.

Explore further Microfluidic system with cell-separating powers may unravel how novel pathogens attack

More information: Jodi Loo et al, Co-planar light-actuated optoelectrowetting microfluidic device for droplet manipulation, Journal of Optical Microsystems (2021). Jodi Loo et al, Co-planar light-actuated optoelectrowetting microfluidic device for droplet manipulation,(2021). DOI: 10.1117/1.JOM.1.3.034001
Buchanan's provenance research includes digitizing ancient clay tablets for public use. Credit: University of Missouri

Passports are a tangible way of showing where one has traveled, as the stamps provide a chronological order that traces an individual's journey across international borders. When an object's origins are not readily apparent, a variety of sources can be relied upon to learn more, which might include labels, sales receipts, foreign translations, oral histories, GPS coordinates and itemized personal possessions.

That documentation is an example of provenance, or the origins of an object and where it has traveled throughout history. Sarah Buchanan, an assistant professor in the University of Missouri's College of Education, is an archivist, a professional who assesses, collects and preserves various artifacts and archives them to better understand their origin and cultural heritage.

With a three-year grant, Buchanan is investigating ways to conduct provenance research more efficiently, inclusively and transparently, both on MU's campus and abroad. In a recently published study, Buchanan collaborated with Sara Mohr, a doctoral student at Brown University who reads and translates Assyrian, to create an online bibliography and corresponding map of ancient tablets located in universities throughout the United States, including six tablets inside MU's Ellis Library.

The tablets were written in cuneiform, the first writing system ever used by humans. It was first developed by the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia around 3,200 B.C.E in modern-day Iraq. Written on clay tablets, the writing system was used to document things like trade, business and religious activities at ancient temples.

"We identified cuneiform tablets at Brown University that complement the six we have here at Mizzou, and when we look at all of them together, we have a fuller, more compelling story about the societal context of their creation," Buchanan said. "If we only look at ours, it is like reading a page of a book that is half cut out. Their combination shows how powerful digitizing these artifacts can be, as it allows us to analyze two tablets side by side online that are otherwise thousands of miles apart."

The importance of provenance extends well beyond cuneiform tablets. Buchanan's research also includes studying rare books and manuscripts, audio recordings, Native American and indigenous collections, artwork, photos, and videos.

"Provenance shapes the stories that are told about objects and their owners," Buchanan said. "Artifacts and archives are a form of our history. They shed light on our cultural heritage that roots us as humans in where we have been and where we are going."

Museums can use provenance to assess the authenticity of collections on display. In Washington, D.C., officials from the Museum of the Bible accepted donated antiquities, including alleged fragments of the Dead Sea Scrollsancient Jewish manuscripts with significant religious ties to the Hebrew Bible and Judaismthat turned out to be fake.

After suspicions that the fragments were created recently, an investigation by independent researchers, which was funded by the museum itself, confirmed in November 2019 that all of the displayed fragments were modern forgeries.

"Unfortunate situations like this show why provenance research is so important, as there is a real accountability issue when artifacts, photographs or artwork are found to be doctored or forged," Buchanan said. "This work will help give a wider range of artifacts a clearer provenance so that we can be sure when pieces are exhibited in museums, that they truly are what we say they are and can be attributed back to a specific time and place."

Provenance can also help play a role in repatriation, or the return of a valued item to its place of origin. In 2018, Bowling Green State University announced that ancient mosaics housed in the university's Wolfe Center for the Arts purchased in good faith with the belief that they were excavated from ancient Antioch had actually been looted in the 1960s from Zeugma and later sold on the black market.

After years of talks between the university and the Turkish government, the 12 mosaics were returned to Turkey, where they are now on display at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest mosaic museum in the world.

"As archivists, we are tasked with determining how, where and when these historic objects traveled across land and time," Buchanan said. "Traditionally, institutions tend to display only items that have clear provenance. As we refine our methods of researching provenance, we will be able to narrate a greater number and variety of previously unstudied artifacts and share them with new audiences."

Because America's history is closely intertwined with immigration and the oppression of minority groups, provenance research can help archivists tell more complete storiesthe good, the bad and the uglysurrounding artifacts with murky history.

"Provenance can help us confront our history when it comes to topics like war, colonialism and land acknowledgments," Buchanan said. "By uncovering a greater number of artifacts, we can properly tell more stories so that more cultures are represented, particularly the cultures of traditionally marginalized groups like Native Americans."

Through conversations with Native American tribes, Buchanan has learned the power of collaboration and civil discourse in facilitating more inclusive storytelling.

"There is always the potential for repatriation," Buchanan said. "However, we have also learned that several Native American tribes are open to particular artifacts remaining here at Mizzou's Museum of Anthropology, where climate controls and procedures are in place to properly care for the artifacts."

As a professor in the College of Education's School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, Buchanan teaches graduate students in the archival studies emphasis of MU's Master of Library and Information Science program.

In 2018, she supervised graduate students in the program as they inventoried and digitized audio recordings with KOPN, a community radio station in Columbia, Missouri. The recordings cover interviews with political figures such as Angela Davis, and social topics such as the feminist movement in the 1970s. The collection of recordings was recently featured by GBH, the NPR radio affiliate in Boston, and the Library of Congress in March for Women's History Month.

"This grant will help us get tools into the hands of archivists so we can be more responsive to our communities and make our collections meaningful to their work." Buchanan said.

As technology has advanced, the value of provenance in documenting ownership of rare items has transferred to the digital world online. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have become increasingly popular and raised more than a few eyebrows in mainstream media. They are digital tokens attached to online items such as videos, photos or artwork that document their authenticity and original ownership, a clear way to show that they have not been altered or faked.

"I am passionate about teaching the next generation of archivists," Buchanan said. "Studying cuneiform in America is just the tip of the iceberg. The more we learn going forward, the better we can tell stories about a wide variety of items' origin in a clear and compelling way."

Editor's note: "A Bibliography of Cuneiform Tablet Editions in United States Colleges and Universities through 2020" was recently published in the Journal of Open Humanities Data. Funding for the study and Buchanan's Early Career Development grant was provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The cuneiform tablets located in Ellis Library can be viewed and read further here.

Explore further Ancient tablets displayed in Jerusalem fuel looting debate

More information: Sara Mohr, A Bibliography of Cuneiform Tablet Editions in United States Colleges and Universities through 2020, Journal of Open Humanities Data (2021). Sara Mohr, A Bibliography of Cuneiform Tablet Editions in United States Colleges and Universities through 2020,(2021). DOI: 10.5334/johd.27
Juvenile Chinook salmon were tagged with acoustic transmitters, allowing scientists to track them as they migrated down the Sacramento River to the sea. Credit: Alex McHuron

Juvenile salmon migrating to the sea in the Sacramento River face a gauntlet of hazards in an environment drastically modified by humans, especially with respect to historical patterns of stream flow. Many studies have shown that survival rates of juvenile salmon improve as the amount of water flowing downstream increases, but 'more is better' is not a useful guideline for agencies managing competing demands for the available water.

Now fisheries scientists have identified key thresholds in the relationship between stream flow and salmon survival that can serve as actionable targets for managing water resources in the Sacramento River. The new analysis, published May 19 in Ecosphere, revealed nonlinear effects in the flow-survival relationship, meaning it changes in stepwise fashion, with significant jumps in survival rates at two key steps.

A threshold defined in the paper as the "historic mean" flow of 10,712 cubic feet per second (cfs) provides an especially important target for resource managers, said first author Cyril Michel, a project scientist in the Institute of Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz.

"We see a substantial increase in salmon survival above that level, so if we can increase stream flow to that level for critical periods of the year, it would really benefit the salmon populations," Michel said.

The researchers analyzed migration survival data from 2,436 juvenile Chinook salmon tagged with acoustic transmitters and tracked in years with different water flows, from 2013 to 2019. After identifying the key thresholds, the team then used historical data on river flows and salmon migration patterns to run simulations of different management actions.

"We wanted to see how much the salmon populations would benefit if we had enacted flows to match that threshold of 10,712 cfs," Michel said. "We found we could increase survival by a lot, sometimes doubling or tripling the survival rates in a given year, without having to spend too much water. It's a reasonable target that won't break the bank in most years."

Juvenile salmon migrate out to sea in the spring, which was historically a period of high flows in the Sacramento River. Now, however, dams and water diversions combined with seasonal reductions in flows from tributaries result in spring flows that tend to be the lowest of the year.

Fisheries scientist Tom Pham releases tagged juvenile salmon into the Sacramento River. Credit: Jeremy Notch

"Because of how we've plumbed the Central Valley, salmon now have to migrate out during low flows. So we're proposing to enact pulse flows in the spring to bring the river up to historical conditions for short periods of time," Michel said.

He noted that plans to implement pulse flows in the Sacramento River are now being developed under environmental permits renegotiated last year for the Central Valley Project, the massive federal water management project that includes the Sacramento River. An interagency group of scientists has agreed to use the 10,712 cfs threshold as the target for these pulse flows, Michel said.

"We're excited that this might actually happen this year or next, and we will be tracking survival rates to see how successful it is," he said. "This could be a tool that is used for many years to come, with real benefits for salmon populations."

Additional research on the optimal timing of pulse flows could improve their implementation, enabling adaptive management in response to environmental conditions, he added.

The study identified two other thresholds, defined as "minimum" (4,259 cfs) and "high" (22,872 cfs). Below the minimum threshold, only 3% of the tagged salmon survived the migration. Survival was 18.9% between minimum and historic mean, 50.8% between historic mean and high, and 35.3% above the high threshold.

The results suggest that the main mechanism behind the flow thresholds relates to how fast migrating fish are able to move through the river and get past the hazards along the way. Travel times for fish during flows between the historic mean and high thresholds were significantly shorter than for fish experiencing all other flows.

"In most years, it's best for juvenile salmon to rear in the upper river where it's safer, and then move through the lower river as quickly as possible to reduce their exposure to predators and other stressors," Michel explained.

Explore further Shasta dam releases can be managed to benefit both salmon and sturgeon, study finds

More information: Cyril J. Michel et al, Nonlinear survival of imperiled fish informs managed flows in a highly modified river, Ecosphere (2021). Journal information: Ecosphere Cyril J. Michel et al, Nonlinear survival of imperiled fish informs managed flows in a highly modified river,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3498
All of these black holes cast dark shadows that are distinguishable from each other in size, but only those that fall in the gray band are compatible with the 2017 EHT measurements of M87*, and in this image, the one represented in red at the bottom is too small to be a viable model for M87*. Credit: Prashant Kocherlakota, Luciano Rezzolla (Goethe University Frankfurt and EHT Collaboration/ Fiks Film 2021)

As first pointed out by the German astronomer Karl Schwarzschild, black holes bend space-time to an extreme degree due to their extraordinary concentration of mass, and heat up the matter in their vicinity so that it begins to glow. New Zealand physicist Roy Kerr showed rotation can change the black hole's size and the geometry of its surroundings. The 'edge' of a black hole is known as the event horizon, the boundary around the concentration of mass beyond which light and matter cannot escape and which makes the black hole black. Black holes, theory predicts, can be described by a handful of properties: mass, spin, and a variety of possible charges.

In addition to black holes predicted from Einstein's theory of general relativity, one can consider those from models inspired by string theories, which describe matter and all particles as modes of tiny vibrating strings. String-inspired theories of black holes predict the existence of an additional field in the description of fundamental physics, which leads to observable modifications in the sizes of black holes as well as in the curvature in their vicinity.

Physicists Dr. Prashant Kocherlakota and Professor Luciano Rezzolla from the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt, have now investigated for the first time how the different theories fit with the observational data of the black hole M87* at the center of the galaxy Messier 87. The image of M87*, taken in 2019 by the international Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, was the first experimental proof of the actual existence of black holes after the measurement of gravitational waves in 2015.

The result of these investigations: The data from M87* are in excellent agreement with the Einstein-based theories and to a certain extent with the string-based theories. Dr. Prashant Kocherlakota explains: "With the data recorded by the EHT collaboration, we can now test different theories of physics with black hole images. Currently, we cannot reject these theories when describing the shadow size of M87*, but our calculations constrain the range of validity of these black hole models."

Professor Luciano Rezzolla says: "The idea of black holes for us theoretical physicists is at the same time a source of concern and of inspiration. While we still struggle with some of the consequences of black holessuch as the event horizon or the singularitywe seem always keen to find new black hole solutions also in other theories. It is therefore very important to obtain results like ours, which determine what is plausible and what is not. This was an important first step and our constraints will be improved as new observations are made."

In the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, telescopes from around the globe are interconnected to form a virtual giant telescope with a dish as big as the Earth itself. With the precision of this telescope, a newspaper in New York could be read from a street cafe in Berlin.

Explore further Testing Einstein's theory of gravity from the shadows and collisions of black holes

More information: Prashant Kocherlakota et. al. Constraints on black-hole charges with the 2017 EHT observations of M87*. Physical Review D journals.aps.org/prd/accepted/  211e6b42b295ab17d057 Journal information: Physical Review D Prashant Kocherlakota et. al. Constraints on black-hole charges with the 2017 EHT observations of M87*.
Limited genetic variation meant the Tasmanian Devils immune system had reduced genetic options. Credit: Chen Wu/Flickr

In the critical battle against extinction, conservationists use a variety of tactics to try to save species.

One of the most fundamental tools is maintaining the amount of variation of genetic material (DNA) in a group of animalsthis is described as their "genetic diversity." In general, the greater the genetic diversity, the higher chance of long-term survival.

This technique works because a wider range of genes and gene variants is more likely to enable a species to adapt to unexpected conditions, including new diseases and warmer climates.

Just like having a small pack of playing cards, if we don't have many to choose from, our options are limited.

The Tasmanian Devil has faced this issue, persisting as populations that have in the past been small, with reducing genetic diversity.

This limited genetic variation has meant the Devil's immune system has reduced genetic options to adapt and fight off the contagious cancer known as the devil facial tumor disease.

What is conservation genetics?

The field of conservation, genetics deals mainly with strategies to conserve or enhance genetic diversity within species' populations to promote their capacity to adapt, reduce the negative effects of inbreeding and random genetic drift, and ultimately, decrease their extinction risk.

So, from a conservation genetic perspective, a high level of genetic diversity within a species' population (compared with other populations from the same species) generally reflects a "healthy" viable population.

A recent perspective has challenged this school of thought, arguing that the amount of genetic variation present in a population is not an important consideration for their conservation.

Because this view is not supported by the literature and ignores well-established evolutionary principles, it's concerning that it may affect how conservation genetic strategies are applied in future.

Genetic variation is measured by heterozygosity which is the presence of different versions of the same geneknown as allelesat a number of locations across the genome of individuals.

The process of inbreeding leads to increased sameness or homozygositythat is the same versions of a gene are the same allelethrough mating between related individuals.

Deleterious alleles (versions that negatively affect health) reduce the likelihood of reproducing for an individual, and are typically expressed when homozygous.

This results in a decrease the individual and population chance of survival, known as fitness, and has been seen in the Helmeted Honeyeater.

For an accurate estimation of the health of a population from a genetic viewpoint, both the diversity and 'sameness' of genetic makeup need to be considered.

In making their arguments, the authors of the recent perspective separate the effects of genetic variation that influences traits important for survivalthe so-called "adaptive" or "functional" variationfrom genetic variation that does not, or "neutral" variation.

Variation in genes that directly affect disease susceptibility or drought tolerance would be regarded as adaptive, whereas variation in genes that do not affect these traits or any other traits would be regarded as neutral.

However, it's not usually possible to distinguish these types of variation, so conservation genetics typically assesses variation without reference to whether it is neutral or adaptive.

In a recent publication, we discuss the difficulty associated with identifying adaptive diversity, particularly in relation to how genomic information can be used to predict the future vulnerability of species under climate change.

Within this paper, we highlight that while genomics is providing valuable insights into processes like inbreeding, there's a need to further develop approaches based on functional genes before we can use genomics to predict how species may genetically evolve to deal with future climate change.

The role of genes in survival

Increasingly, variation in conservation genetics is now being characterized based on DNA sequence variation that's scattered throughout the thousands of nucleotides that make up an organism's genomeso-called single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP markers.

This variation is regarded as a reasonable approximation of adaptive potential, particularly as adaptation involving traits like growth ability, stress tolerance and even disease tolerance are also scattered throughout the genome.

Any sign of variation in the genome is taken as a signal of variation more generally.

Research shows that when flies, birds and other organisms adapt to new environments, hundreds or even thousands of genes throughout the genome can be part of the adaptation process and that these are often inconsistent between evolutionary events, making it hard to identify specific genes involved in adaptation.

There is plenty of evidence that overall levels of genetic variation, regardless of whether it's adaptive or neutral, affects the rate of adaptation of populations and high levels reduce the probability of populations becoming extinct.

The best studies come from careful laboratory experiments where a large number of populations derived from the same source, but differing in genetic variation, are compared.

Results from these experiments show that larger and genetically diverse populations have much lower extinction rates in experimental systemslike flies and crustaceans.

Under field conditions, there's also a lot of evidence that an injection of new genetic variants boosts the fitness of threatened species. This includes the genetic rescue strategy used successfully to prevent the extinction of the Mount Buller Mountain Pygmy-possum in Victoria.

Recovering genetic health

The initial recovery of "genetic health" in these populations is partly associated with decreasing inbreeding but, in the longer term, the increase in genetic variation will be important for adaptation.

But these genetic strategies cannot succeed, without addressing threats like habitat destruction and invasive predatorsboth of which went hand-in-hand with the genetic rescue of the Mountain Pygmy-possum.

There is no doubt that many species lacking genetic variation can still be highly successful. This includes many 'weedy' species of animals and plants that do not have much genetic variationincluding pest species that reproduce clonally like many aphids.

There are also some highly invasive species in Australia that have limited diversity, including foxes, carp, and deer and more. But these species can often reproduce quickly, are freed from natural predators and competitors, and are often generalists, resulting in the quick expansion of populations and range in non-native environments.

Conservation genetics does not focus on such comparisons between speciesinstead, it tends to focus on native species of conservation concern where the relative fitness of populations is linked directly to their relative levels of genetic variation.

Best chance of survival

As we head into an uncertain world, it is important to ensure that threatened species have the best chance of surviving changes to their environment.

There are different ways of boosting genetic variation in populations that have become genetically vulnerable, including the deliberate introduction of individuals from other populations and the re-establishment of habitat corridors.

All of these efforts should coincide with restoration programs that help conservation-dependent species maintain large population sizes, which will in turn enable the maintenance of high levels of genetic diversity, increasing resilience and adaptive capacity.

These are key principles that must be followedgiven that adaptive changes to environmental stressors remain unpredictable at the genetic level, are complex involving many genes and are likely to depend on biological as well as environmental factors.

When it comes to conservation efforts in the immediate future, assessing genetic variation across a species' entire genome must be pivotal in our decision making.

Explore further Don't focus on genetic diversity to save endangered species

More information: Joao C. Teixeira et al, The inflated significance of neutral genetic diversity in conservation genetics, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2021). Joao C. Teixeira et al, The inflated significance of neutral genetic diversity in conservation genetics,(2021). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015096118 Andrew P. Hendry et al, Evolutionary principles and their practical application, Evolutionary Applications (2011). DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4571.2010.00165.x Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Credit: University of Michigan

Exposure to a chemical found in the weed killer Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides is significantly associated with preterm births, according to a new University of Michigan study.

The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, found that the presence of the chemical in women's urine in late pregnancy was linked to an increased risk for premature birth, while the association was inconsistent or null earlier in the pregnancy.

"Since most people are exposed to some level of glyphosate and may not even know it, if our results reflect true associations, then the public health implications could be enormous," said senior author John Meeker, professor of environmental health sciences and senior associate dean for research at the U-M School of Public Health.

First author Monica Silver conducted the study while a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Public Health.

"It is well understood that infants who are born preterm have an increased risk for adverse long-term health effects, and the results of this study indicate the need for further investigation," she said.

Meeker said a couple of years ago he and his collaborators were driving near the northern coast of Puerto Rico, visiting local clinics and research collaborators when he noticed a sign advertising a commonly used herbicide on a corner, the lush greenery of the tropical island as a backdrop.

"I'm like, I'm wondering if we can measure its main chemical, glyphosate, in our participants. Maybe that's high here," Meeker said.

Twelve years ago, Meeker and collaborators established the PROTECT pregnancy and birth cohort to look into what environmental factors predicted preterm birth in Puerto Rico, which had been rising in the island for the last couple of decades.

Over time, the interdisciplinary, collaborative teamincluding dozens of collaborators in five clinics and two hospitals throughout the islandhave studied a broad range of environmental factors, including maternal stress, chemicals, metals, etc. Funding for the PROTECT study is provided by the Superfund Research Program from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

After seeing the road sign, Meeker and his team searched the scientific literature and realized that while glyphosate is the most heavily used herbicide in the world and that there's mounting evidence of its negative effects on human health, very few studies focused on prenatal exposure and its impact on human reproductive and developmental outcomes.

The researchers decided to measure glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA)one of the primary degradation products of the herbicideby testing urine, since the chemicals are not metabolized by mammals. They tested the urine of 247 pregnant women at the first and third study visit of their pregnancy, at 16-20 weeks and 24-28 weeks.

Looking at preterm births (babies born at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy) and comparing them to controls, the research team found that the odds of preterm birth were significantly elevated among women with higher urinary concentrations of glyphosate and AMPA at the third visit, while associations with levels at the first visit were largely null or inconsistent.

The researchers say that AMPA is formed not only from the degradation of glyphosate, but from other common industrial chemicals as well. AMPA is also highly persistent and can take months to break down in the environment.

"Despite the potential for widespread exposure to glyphosate and AMPA, there is very little information regarding the health effects of exposure during pregnancy," Silver said. "Ours is the first study to measure AMPA, and only the second to measure glyphosate in relation to birth outcomes."

Meeker said that another small study from Indiana recently reported that higher exposures to glyphosate were correlated with reduced gestation age at birth.

"Our results are consistent with those findings when explored in a different study population and using a different study design, which lends some additional confidence to what we're observing, but more work is needed," he said.

Explore further Study finds direct evidence of exposure of pregnant women to herbicide ingredient

More information: Monica K. Silver et al, Prenatal Exposure to Glyphosate and Its Environmental Degradate, Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA), and Preterm Birth: A Nested CaseControl Study in the PROTECT Cohort (Puerto Rico), Environmental Health Perspectives (2021). Journal information: Environmental Health Perspectives Monica K. Silver et al, Prenatal Exposure to Glyphosate and Its Environmental Degradate, Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA), and Preterm Birth: A Nested CaseControl Study in the PROTECT Cohort (Puerto Rico),(2021). DOI: 10.1289/EHP7295
On the first day that vaccinated New Yorkers could take off their masks, 51% of eligible people have had at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

Among adults, who have been allowed to get the vaccine longer than children, 61% of New Yorkers have gotten at least one dose.

The vaccine is not fully effective until two weeks after the second dose.

As we hit a major milestone in reopening our state, its important to remember that our progress on vaccinations has been a key component in making this big comeback possible, Cuomo said in a statement. Reopening does not in any way mean that getting vaccinated has become less urgent. As always, we are continuing to work with community leaders and organizations to make sure the vaccine is accessible to every New Yorker, and our providers are working around the clock to administer more shots. If you still need to get your shot, you just have to show up at one of our many sites across the state and roll up your sleeve.

The states positive COVID test rate dropped to 1% Tuesday, the lowest it has been since Oct. 10.
We can do it, we have the supply now, Jones noted. Weve done an excellent job in the North County and New York state as a whole.

Although Canada was more successful than the U.S. in controlling the initial spread of COVID-19, it has lagged behind in vaccinating its citizens.

Just 3% of people in Canada have been fully vaccinated, compared to almost 40% of U.S. residents.

According to the Canadian Press, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly suggested that he would not relax border restrictions until at least 75% of Canadians have been immunized.

Garry Douglas with the North Country Chamber of Commerce says the slow rollout has led to unvaccinated but essential workers crossing the border.

Weve got a lot of younger drivers who still arent eligible back home, Douglas said.

It just makes good health sense to vaccinate these folks who are coming across the border.

There is precedent for such a program. North Dakota started offering vaccines to Canadian truckers crossing the border there.
Rotterdam EMS Executive Director Dean Romano spoke at the announcement and later commented on some of the trends hes observed among rural ambulance companies in recent years. He said the Rotterdam EMS has two stations, about 50 employees, five ambulances and a fly car, and handles approximately 4,000 EMS calls per year with an annual budget of $1.5 million. He said when Rotterdam EMS first came into existence in 2013 it had to fulfill the requirements of a own of Rotterdam request for proposals process that spelled out precise vehicle response times, although the town does not provide any revenue to operate the ambulance service. He said many rural ambulance services would have stronger fiscal balance sheets if they had a local municipal funding stream to back up their operations, but most dont have that.

Romano said he thinks one of the potential dangers of too few ambulance services occurs when an ambulance service provides both non-emergency inter-facility transfer calls between hospitals and emergency EMS calls without strict rules for making certain enough ambulances remain available for the emergency calls.
Owner Longo was born and raised in South Philly where he learned to respect and appreciate his Italian American culture. He often found himself in the kitchen with his mother preparing Italian Soul Food, which now lives on through the menu items offered at Jerry Longos Meatballs & Martinis. Using only the finest imported and the freshest local ingredients, menus are designed to inspire exploration and sharing. Entrees at their new Atlantic City location will include pasta dishes such as spaghetti and crab gravy, bucatini allAmatriciana and their classic Roman-style pizza al taglio.

Phil Juliano, Executive Vice President of Casino Operations and Chief Marketing Officer at Ballys Corporation is a long-time friend of Longos. If you know the incredible guy that Jerry is, and have ever been blessed to experience his food and impeccable service, you surely would understand why we wanted him to be part of the Ballys family. As an Atlantic City guy myself, I have known Jerry a long, long time and this will be an added food experience visitors and locals alike will cherish as they enjoy Bally's and Atlantic City!, says Juliano. Longos restaurants are also known to be frequently visited by well-known celebrities, including Billy Joel, several actors from the Sopranos, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former tight end Rob Gronkowski, American actor Richard Jenkins and many more.
Small also said Public Works and Atlantic City Electric will be in contact regularly to share information and identify any problems that need attention.

The Police and Fire departments also will institute a watch-and-report program to allow officers on the street to alert the city of any lights needing repair or replacement, Small said.

The project also helped identify which areas need lights installed.

Atlantic City police arrest driver found with drugs, suspended license ATLANTIC CITY  A city man with a suspended drivers license and an unregistered vehicle was

There are isolated sections of the city, including areas in the 4th Ward, where there are no lights or lighting infrastructure, Small said. These locations have been identified, the equipment necessary to install has been ordered and the installation of the lighting will be completed as soon as equipment is received.

Jerkins said some unlit areas of the city were easy to fix while others will require more time and effort.

As we were going throughout the city, we noticed many of the areas where there were no lights in certain areas (and) we were able to place lights there. ... In other areas, its going to be a lot more effort put into being able to get lighting, Jerkins said. Weve reached out to our grants person, who will be looking into the availability of money to be able to provide the infrastructure cost to provide lighting in those areas.
The requirements keep knocking out possibilities, Caterson said.

She said the state has not advised the board that 24/7 security is needed, or that there needs to be 24/7 camera surveillance. But, if it is eventually required, that will add costs and complications.

+2 2nd District GOP Senate primary to create plenty of buzz There are few contested primary races for state offices this year in southeastern New Jersey

The board is compiling a possible list for the county so we are not behind the 8-ball, Caterson said. We have to be proactive and start the process now.

An obvious choice would be either the Atlantic City Convention Center or Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, but that would mean no other events could occur at those venues during the same time, she said.

Its not like, Oh, there are dozens of places you can choose, Caterson said. No, theres not.

The New Jersey Association of Counties has said the cost of the equipment and staffing for the new system is far greater than the amount offered by the state to cover it. Since it is a state mandate that all counties move to early voting, the state under the law must cover all of the costs, Caterson said.
A South Jersey man charged with murder in the shooting deaths of two men at an Edgewater Park birthday party in January had been released early from prison because of coronavirus concerns, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office said last week.

Ronny Paden, 27, of the 200 block of Hawthorne Way in Delran, was arrested this month in the deaths of James Gist III, 29, of Westampton, and Marcus Thompson, 29, of Willingboro.

The two men were killed shortly before 1 a.m. Jan. 24 in the 200 block of Dogwood Road, where a friend, Donte Benns, was celebrating his 29th birthday. The day after the shootings, Benns said he was in his kitchen when Thompson got shot, then died right in my arms. Gist was shot multiple times while sitting in the drivers seat of his vehicle, which was parked outside the home.

The investigation revealed neither of the victims was the intended target, but the Prosecutors Office declined to say who may have been the target.

According to the affidavit of probable cause for Padens arrest, he had issues with another person at the party, whose name was redacted from the document, and who blamed Paden for another persons death.

Atlantic City approves police substation at The Walk ATLANTIC CITY  City Council approved a police substation at Tanger Outlets The Walk during 
During the first full year that New Jerseys Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act was in effect, 33 people used its provisions to end their lives, according to a new report from the state Health Department.

Locally, two people used the law in Atlantic County in 2020, one in Cape May County and one in Ocean County. None used it in Cumberland County.

Only people who have a terminal illness and are expected to die within six months can receive prescriptions for a fatal cocktail of drugs. They must request to participate in the program three times and be able to take the medications themselves.

The law went into effect Aug. 1, 2019. During its first five months, 12 people used it to end their lives. Five people are in some stage of the application process but have not been reported dead.

In a news release, Kim Callinan, president and CEO of Compassion & Choices, an organization that advocates for medical-aid-in-dying laws, said she would normally expect higher numbers in the second year of such a law.

Brick woman dies after crash on Lanes Mill Road BRICK  A township woman died Sunday morning after two cars collided on Lanes Mill Road near Greenwood Loop Road. Nancy Penrod, 78, was not breathing in the passenger seat of a van when authorities arrived at the scene after 9:44 a.m., Brick Police said in a news release. Seeing Penrod had suffered severe internal injuries, police Emergency Medical Service and paramedics attempted to save her ...

COVID-19 likely resulted in fewer terminally ill New Jerseyans being able to access medical aid in dying, she said.
Even after we lost one-third of our potential when former Soviet republics became independent after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia is still too big for some, Putin said.

No matter what we do, no matter how we try to satisfy the appetites of those who are trying to contain us, the containment will continue because many of our opponents just don't want such a country as Russia, Putin said. But we, citizens of the Russian Federation need it, and we will do everything to not just preserve but strengthen it.

He claimed that Russia now has the most modern strategic nuclear forces compared to other nuclear powers, including such state-of-the-art weapons as the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle.

The military has said that the Avangard is capable of flying 27 times faster than the speed of sound and making sharp maneuvers on its way to target to dodge the enemys missile shield.

It has been fitted to the existing Soviet-built intercontinental ballistic missiles instead of older type warheads, and the first unit armed with the Avangard entered duty in December 2019. The military said that in the future Avangard could be fitted to the prospective heavy missile called Sarmat that is under development.
Cocoziello said work can begin soon with renovating one floor at a time, which wont need additional approvals.

The plan for the entire site, however, will require state Coastal Area Facilities Review Act approval, better known as CAFRA. The plan for the new tower includes penthouses on the top two floors, a four-level garage underneath and some retail space.

The city Planning Board approved the complex project unanimously. Rosenello said that after years of trying in vain to get the senior tower renovated, a grand plan with new construction looks like the only path forward.

This solution leaves North Wildwood facing two significant challenges. First, rehabilitating the senior housing and putting an end to a giant bay-front eyesore are now hostage to the success of a new development that could face challenges. Getting CAFRA approval is never certain, and there could always be a problem with the financing.

Second, even if all the work is completed as planned and promised, there is no guarantee that the towers wont face the management and maintenance problems that resulted in complete disrepair in the first place.
May 19, 2021 in Publishing (E)

[prMac.com] Dayton, Nevada - Markzware has released PDFMarkz(R), the third in the new "Markz" line of applications. This stand-alone application enables users to preview native PDF documents. The preview feature is free to any macOS user and also displays document information. This "mini file info overview" of the PDF file is especially useful, before taking further workflow steps with incoming .pdf files.



In addition, PDFMarkz will export your PDF files to IDML, the Adobe "InDesign Markup Language." This IDML can be opened in Adobe InDesign CS4 and newer versions. The IDML can also be imported into many other desktop publishing (DTP) applications. This will allow you to share or reuse your PDFs, to make new edits or design changes. PDFMarkz can also convert PDF Annotations (known as "PDF comments") to the IDML, so you can view them in InDesign 2019 and newer versions.



Chuck Geschke, Adobe Co-Founder and PDF innovation legend, said in 2011, that Acrobat was responsible for generating "trillions of pages" (PDF files). Now, PDFMarkz is the tool which can "democratize" the content in those trillions of .pdf files, by converting them to other document types, for editing and reuse. These document types include Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, QuarkXPress, and Affinity Publisher.



PDFMarkz will also give you the ability to export individual pages or the entire document to a PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and other image formats. There is also the ability to "share" parts of your PDF, such as any given page of the PDF, via various platforms, including email or social media platforms.



PDFMarkz user, Stephen Duxbury, Prestset Bureau, said, "What I really like is the summary of the files. It told me how many fonts were used, how many colours and images."



Finally, PDFMarkz will allow you to automatically open PDF files, directly in Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, and Acrobat. There are various workflow automations, so you will have the ability to open a .pdf file, in a specific application of your choice, or to automatically export PDF to IDML, and much more. Plus, if you work in Adobe InDesign, PDFMarkz also ships with scripts that you can install in Adobe InDesign and call PDFMarkz to do its magic, right from within Adobe InDesign.



System Requirements:

* macOS 10.12 or newer

* 4GB of RAM

* 1024x768 display

* Internet connection



Pricing and Availability:

PDFMarkz can be purchased through the PDFMarkz page on Markzware online or through authorized Resellers. Pricing is $199 for a 12-month Subscription and $299 (USD) for a Perpetual license.

Markzware, Inc. is a privately-held company based in Dayton, Nevada, and the leading software publisher providing solutions for document previewing, data conversion and print quality control. Markzware supports major graphic software layout applications used by printers, publishers and graphic arts professionals worldwide. All Material and Software (C) Copyright 2021 Markzware, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo and macOS are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks may be the property of their respective owners.

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WWE'S FIGHT LIKE A GIRL ON THE ROKU CHANNEL EPISODE 1 WITH SASHA BANKS REPORT

With WWE's Fight Like A Girl getting a renewed look with a vastly larger audience thanks to being rebranded as a Roku Original as part of The Roku Channel's launch of Quibi content it has acquired today, here's our original report on the debut episode....

Fight Like A Girl is a reality genre series featuring WWE talents playing mentor to a young woman who needs a reboot in life. They aren't trying to become WWE performers but are fans and are looking to the stars to change the trajectory of their outlook into one that's heading in a positive direction. The first episode, running just 6:13, features an easy explanation of the premise, explained by all the talents taking part - Charlotte Flair, Natalya, Sasha Banks, The Bellas, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Sonya Deville, etc. before settling into our pioneer voyage for the concept.

It is explained that Stephanie McMahon has picked "ten special women" for this journey.

We meet Caprice, 28, from Dallas, explained that her father wasn't around her family while she was growing up in Texas while her brother was imprisoned from the time he was 17 on. Not having her father around was emotional for her. Her husband has left and she doesn't "want to be hurt like that again." Stephanie, via voiceover, explains that in order to love again, Caprice needs to learn to love herself.

Caprice is being paired with Sasha Banks, who McMahon explains, dealt with abandonment issues of her own and had to fight to regain her own self esteem.

The two meet at WWE HQ's gym in Stamford, CT. As Banks oversees Caprice working out, she explains her husband "flipped the script" after four years, moving out as she was at work, even taking the TV. Caprice noted that she wants to "feel whole" to move forward. Banks admitted that her father was gone very early in her life, leaving it to her and her mother to care for Banks' younger brother, who has a disability. Banks said they moved a lot before they were able to find their place to feel whole and she wants to be family for Caprice.

Banks noted that she didn't have confidence or "self-love" and tells Caprice not to give up on the journey. At three minutes into the episode, a graphic tells us we are about to see the ten-week journey. On Day 2, Caprice is training hard in the WWE Performance Center, even grappling in the ring as we see highlights of her. As we hit Day 24, she noted she didn't know what to expect but feels she's getting stronger, emotionally and physically. She's learned self-control and self-confidence. She's trying to be a better her. "If I can't live with me, who else is going to live with me?, " Caprice asks, her voice cracking emotionally.

We jump to "Reveal Day", again at the WWE Performance Center. With Caprice's ex-husband watching on (man, that's some gall!), Caprice gets a big ring entrance complete with WWE-style pomp and circumstance smoke, music and TitanTron graphics as she marches down to meet Banks, center-ring. Banks is impressed by what she's seen in the woman she met several months ago. Banks said that two months ago, Caprice didn't have the confidence to "even walk down that ramp." She's proud that her transformation went so well. She noted Caprice looked amazing.

In front of a crowd at the PC, Banks put her over for looking so great. Caprice said her dream has been crazy, but she made it and she's here. She said that without this moment of "solitude and guidance", she never would have learned to "self-nurture" and now knows she doesn't have anything to prove to anyone but herself. Banks applauded her and embraced her.

Banks said she has a special guest, her ex-husband Charles. Charles enters the ring and tells Caprice that it's great to see her. Caprice said it was "everything" for her to see him in that moment. Back in the ring, he told her that it was amazing not to see anyone holding her back and told his ex that "the world is yours." Caprice told him that she appreciates that and that she tried "so hard with you, but she appreciates you showing up here in Florida to see me shine."

Banks said that she thinks Chris is realizing that he's missing out on something so special in Caprice. We, however, don't get any comments from Chris, which would have added to the presentation in my opinion.

They closed out with a segment called "The Sendoff" with Caprice sitting with Stephanie McMahon at WWE HQ. She said she didn't expect Chris to show up. She was surprised and appreciative that he was there, for her. She said that she can see what consistency can do. Stephanie told her that she found her voice and now the "world is a better place" because of Caprice. She thanked Stephanie.

That was the show. It was obviously meant to be an inspirational video and certainly, it will hit that mark, but for some, the lack of time for the episode will also mean a lack of depth to truly examine Caprice's issues and the journey she's putting herself through. Sasha Banks came off well here, revealing some personal details of her own life, but with the episode over just as you are settling in, one can't help but to feel that those missing four minutes (out of the potential ten minute window) might have allowed viewers to find an even deeper connection to Banks or Caprice, or see them connect closer with each other.

With the other episodes running between 6-7 minutes each, we'll see in future episodes how the series' editors balance the lack of time with telling the stories of the mentors and their subjects.

Tomorrow - Episode 2 featuring Nikki and Brie Bella.

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The collegiate swimmer who was mistaken for a suspect during a brief stop in the Quad-Cities is getting a settlement from the East Moline Police Department and another from a former Hampton police officer.

The ACLU of Illinois initially filed suit against six Quad-City police officers on behalf of Jaylan Butler.

The then-19-year-old stepped off an Eastern Illinois University bus at a rest area off Interstate 80 near East Moline in early 2019. He then was spotted by police who were searching for a suspect in a reported interstate shooting.

Butler, the only Black member of his swim team, was taken to the ground, handcuffed and threatened that, if he moved, he would be shot in the head, according to his complaint.

The East Moline Police Department and Officer Travis Staes reached a settlement agreement with Butler, which awards him $50,000. A settlement also was reached with former Hampton officer Ethan Bush, who was separated from the department several months after the incident.
ALEDO  Mercer County School Superintendent Scott Petrie told the school board Wednesday there were "common themes" emerging from community forums in April.

There were 185 responses from the public and 20 pages of community comments, he said, with common themes such as curriculum requests and concerns about student mental health.

He said there would be some new math and English Language Arts classes next year and kindergarten through eighth-graders were screened in February and again last week on how they are feeling.

There were also many comments on facilities regarding maintenance and safety for students and comments about finances, encouraging the district to be careful using the additional funds," he said.

There were a lot of comments about Internet access, he added. He said he had contacted Mercer County Better Together about providing additional funds for students and families in need of better Internet access, but privacy issues require parents to contact the agency for help.

The board also discussed next years pre-kindergarten classrooms moving from the Joy Vocational building.
"These all affect consumers and small businesses," she said. "It was clear to us that when these moratoriums were lifted, we were going to get hit and hit hard (in the courts.) It wasn't just a question of how do we process these cases, it was a question of when these people get into the system, are we doing a service to the community and are we promoting access to justice by throwing people out into the street?

"We simply cannot handle the volume. Evicting a tenant doesn't solve the problem," Pentuic said. "It's in everyone's best interest to try to divert this out of the court system and participate in the program. We don't want you coming through the courthouse door if you can avoid it. There are programs available that can help everybody."

Jennifer Kincaid, an attorney and vice president of the Rock Island County Bar Association, said there has been a misconception that tenants did not have to pay rent during the moratorium period.

"That's inaccurate and we are seeing some of that come to a head now," Kincaid said. "As Judge Pentuic said, small business owners are being impacted, foreclosures are threatening for them and attorneys have stacks of files waiting to file these eviction cases as soon as the moratorium is lifted."
As I write this, the bloodthirsty Palestinian terrorist organizations in Gaza  Hamas and Islamic Jihad  have fired over 3,000 rockets into Israeli cities. They are intentionally and indiscriminately targeting Israeli citizens  whether they are Israeli Jewish, Muslim or Christian men, women and children.

Fortunately, Israel has the right, the obligation and the ability to defend its citizens through its defensive weapon systems, such as the Iron Dome, as well as the right, the obligation and the ability to use its offensive weapon systems to try to destroy the terrorists' infrastructure as well as its terrorist leaders.

Very importantly, there is absolutely no moral equivalence here. Hamas and Islamic Jihad intentionally target innocent civilians, whereas the Israeli military does its best to avoid harming innocent civilians.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad are again committing war crimes, and its members need to be brought to justice or have justice brought to them.

Fortunately, President Joe Biden, as well as most  but certainly not all  members of Congress understand the truth and have supported Israel's right of self-defense. Hopefully, this support will continue despite the concerted efforts of those who hate Israel and/or the Jewish people.
9. Jacob Thomas Boss, 35, 1221 June Street, Kewanee, Illinois, was arrested at 1777 Isle Parkway on suspicion of domestic assault with injury and interference with official acts.

April 26

10. Timothy Ryan Smead, 28, no address given, was arrested at 1100 State Street on suspicion of domestic assault impeding blood/airflow with injury, possession of a controlled substance, interference with official acts, possession of drug paraphernalia, providing false identification information, and an intrastate warrant.

11. Criminal mischief, damage totaling $600, was reported at 1300 Spruce Hills Drive.

April 28

12. A 2015 Ford TCN and a 1995 GMC Sierra collided at 18th Street and Spruce Hills Drive, resulting in $5,000 in damage.

April 29

13. A fraudulent charge, valued at $469, was reported at 5500 North Street.

April 30

14. A 2021 Honda CRV and a 2018 Ford Focus collided at Interstate 80 and Middle Road, resulting in $5,000 in damage.
April 22

1. A 2019 Freightliner Cascadia collided with a light pole at Grant Street and 12th Street, resulting in $15,000 in damage.

April 24

2. Katelyn Victoria Hunter, 22, 841 19th Street, Rock Island, was arrested at 2900 Devils Glen Road on suspicion of fifth degree theft and possession of a controlled substance.

3. Chavesta Shaneise Wires, 28, no address given, was arrested at 2900 Devils Glen Road on suspicion of fifth degree theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.

April 27

4. A 2007 Pontiac G6 and a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 collided at 2500 18th Street, resulting in $5,000 in damage.

April 29

5. Shoes, valued at $200, were reported stolen at 2700 Hawthorne Drive.

6. A 2013 Chrysler Town and Country and a 2013 Ford Taurus collided at Devils Glen Road and Belmont Road, resulting in $11,000 in damage.

April 30

7. A 2001 Nissan Xterra, a 2014 Infiniti QX70, a 1992 Honda Civic, and a 2019 Buick Enclave all collided at Greenbriar Drive and Spruce Hills Drive, resulting in $8,200 in damage.

May 1

8. A phone, valued at $200, was reported stolen at 1200 State Street.

May 2

9. Iryna York, 45, 5254 North Richmond Circle, was arrested at 6600 Crow Creek Road on suspicion of first offense operating while intoxicated.

10. A 2013 Ford F15 and a 2012 Lincoln SUV collided at Interstate 74 mile marker 4.9, resulting in $3,000 in damage.

May 3

11. Rebekah Nicole Harvey, 36, 2223 Central Avenue, was arrested at 2900 Devils Glen Road on suspicion of fourth degree theft.

12. A 2016 Volvo Tractor and a 2019 Kenworth truck collided at Interstate 80 mile marker 305, resulting in $50 in damage.

13. A 2014 Chevrolet Cruze and a bicyclist collided at Tanglefoot Lane and Devils Glen Road, resulting in $50 in damage. The bicyclist was transported by air to University of Iowa Hospital.

May 4

14. Frederick Roache, 48, 1103 Pershing Avenue , Davenport, was cited at 600 23rd Street on suspicion of first offense operating while intoxicated and operating a vehicle without interlock.

15. A 2005 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2011 Toyota Camry collided at 600 23rd Street, resulting in $8,500 in damage.

16. Justin Marlin Parker, 41, 1316 18th Street, was arrested at 900 23rd on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury.

May 5

17. A 2010 Nissan Maxima and a 2011 Ford Edge collided at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, resulting in $1,300 in damage.

May 7

18. A 2002 BMW X5, no value listed, was reported stolen at 1100 State Street.

May 8

19. Elaina Elizabeth Clancy, 31, 1051 South Pioneer Street, Davenport, was arrested at 1200 State Street on suspicion of third degree theft.

20. A 2012 Honda Civic and a 2011 Chrysler 200 collided at 4800 Competition Drive, resulting in $12,000 in damage.

May 10

21. A 1998 Toyota 4Runner and a 2019 Toyota Highlander collided at Woodland Lane and Spruce Hills Drive, resulting in $8,000 in damage.
Citians of Quad and Islanders of Rock, I have always championed you. But some of you are seriously trying my patience this week.

I came to the Quad Cities by way of Augustana College. A good chunk of Augie's student body hails from the Chicagoland area, including many of my college friends. Some of my friends really liked the Quad-Cities, but most of them treated our area like some sort of backwoods prison camp they were forced to endure in order to get a decent education.

I know, right? It seems impossible that ANYONE could happily exist in a metropolitan area with only THREE major shopping malls and few if any daily traffic jams, but somehow, we unfortunate backwoods country folk manage to survive.

I always had a different take on the Quad-Cities. Growing up in Galesburg, when the cool kids at my school talked about going to "the city" for the weekend, they didn't mean Chicago. They meant HERE. The QC is fancy big-city livin' compared to Galesburg. I remember the first day I ventured to Rock Island on my own, I turned the wrong way down the 7th Avenue one-way. About 72 people honked at me and I nearly wet my pants. I questioned whether I could ever hack life in such a big city.
A Clinton County man is accused of sexually abusing two girls for at least seven years each.

John Bradley Barr, 41, who has homes in DeWitt and Delmar, is charged with three counts of second-degree sexual abuse. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law and carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

Barr also is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class C felony that carries a prison sentence of 10 years; one count of lascivious acts with a child, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years; two counts of indecent contact with a child, each an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years; and one count of lascivious acts with a minor, a serious misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of up to one year.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Clinton County Sheriffs Deputy Scott Wainwright, one of the girls mothers learned of the sexual abuse and reported it to authorities.

One of the victims, who was 17 when she described to detectives the abuse allegedly done to her by Barr, said she was abused by the man from age 5 through age 12.
Policing may not have been his first choice, but Officer Ahn John Nguyen has never considered changing jobs.

"I wake up in the morning, and I just enjoy going to work," Nguyen said Thursday in an event at a Davenport Hy-Vee.

The Davenport Police Department started hosting every other week "Coffee With a Cop" events on April 8. Community members are invited to a join the police officers for a free cup of coffee and a conversation.

Over a doughnut and coffee Thursday, Nguyen talked about work and high school, mental health, de-escalation and cancer.

Nguyen, who grew up in Davenport, talked about how he had originally planned to join the military but opted to stay close to home after his brother died of cancer. He's been a police officer for about three years.

He speaks English and Vietnamese, so he's often called on to translate for the large population of Vietnamese people in Davenport.

Nguyen said one of the best parts of the job was the opportunity to support and help people in times of need. People often call the police when they are in crisis, he said, because they don't know where else to go, and sometimes they just need someone to talk to.
A good Thursday to all. First, the good news: Temperatures will climb into the 80s today. The bad? More rain is in the forecast.

Here's the weather details from the National Weather Service.

1. Gusty winds and showers today

There's a chance of showers with thunderstorms also possible today after 3 p.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80 degrees. South winds between 10 to 15 mph will gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight there is a slight chance of thunderstorms before 7 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10 p.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a low around 66 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a high near 82 degrees. South winds between 10 to 15 mph will gust as high as 20 mph.

Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 67 degrees.

2. New location will get Davenport fire station out of floodplain

By the end of the month, Davenport should have design ideas for a new fire station that will allow one station to get out of the way of floods.
"We already have a challenge with homelessness and we do not want to see these numbers increase, so it has forced us to the table to find solutions," Ford said. "Housing, for us, becomes the anchor to opportunity."

Any landlord who files an eviction order will be informed of the new program and required to go through mediation before advancing to court. Mediators will provide services free of charge, made possible through John Deere and the Public Interest Law Initiative.

Judge Carol Pentuic of the 14th Judicial Circuit said it's important to focus on access to justice, adding there are already more than 100 eviction cases pending in the courts.

"When COVID hit, it became very clear there were significant issues with access to justice, and we started meeting as groups," Pentuic said. "One of the first things that came up with the moratoriums that were in effect, was that this was going to have an adverse impact on our communities. Dealing with it the way we always had was not going to work."

Pentuic said there are currently moratoriums on evictions, foreclosures, wage garnishments and citations to discover assets.
We have concerns about some of the recent military activities in the Arctic, he said. That Increases the dangers of accidents and miscalculations and undermines the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region.

Blinken also took Russia to task for proposing new navigational regulations for the region and decried Lavrov for comments in which he dismissed such criticism because the Arctic is our territory, our land.

We have to proceed all of us, including Russia, based on the rules, based on norms, based on the commitments that weve each made and also avoid statements that undercut those, Blinken said.

Moscow and Washington are also in a bitter dispute over the status of their respective embassies and consulates after the diplomatic expulsions. Russia has given the U.S. until Aug. 1 to get rid of all non-American staff at its diplomatic missions, something the U.S. says will make it nearly impossible for its facilities to function.



Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov and Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this report.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Champaign officers have been equipped with body cameras since 2017, and those cameras are supposed to be activated when an officer responds to service calls or is engaged in any law enforcement-related encounter, according to the departments website.

The department didnt immediately reply to Associated Press requests for further information about the shootout, including what the officers' body cameras captured.

Cobb said Oberheim joined the police force in Champaign in 2008. Before that, he spent seven years on Decaturs police force. Champaign is 125 miles (200 kilometers) southwest of Chicago,

His only intention was to serve, protect and help provide care before he was senselessly fired upon and killed, the chief said.

Monticello Schools Superintendent Vic Zimmerman said in a statement that Oberheim had four daughters, including three who attend the district's schools, and that he was very involved in their lives.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time, Zimmerman said.

The News-Gazette reported that days earlier Cobb said he feared that a shooting involving police could happen because the city of about 85,000 has been dealing with an increase in gun violence.
Everyone poops. Hogs poop. Cattle poop. Humans poop. And on, it goes. No matter who is doing the pooping, how we manage it is critical, and this is why the Iowa Legislature passed House File 522.

Currently, House File 522 is sitting on Governor Kim Reynolds' desk. This is a really good bill for managing livestock poop, but also controlling odors, reducing our carbon footprint, improving soil health, and providing another source of revenue for farmers.

First, what does this bill do? This bill is about odor control. It offers anaerobic digestion as an alternative means to meet odor control requirements that apply to the largest livestock farms in Iowa. Previously, these farms had to aerate their manure or use solid manure systems. Should anaerobic digestion count? The research sure says so as it reduces manure odor by 75%.

More importantly, this bill inspired a conversation on anaerobic digestion  both the good and the bad. Anaerobic digestion is the breakdown of organic material without oxygen. While this process happens naturally in every liquid manure storage or saturated soil, we typically refer to a controlled system where the generated biogas is captured and used when we talk about anaerobic digestion.
Noem, in a document filed Sunday, opposed the tribe's request to join the lawsuit, arguing that the tribe doesn't have standing in what is a state-federal dispute. Her lawyers argue that the fireworks display wouldn't hinder the tribe's religious or free speech rights.

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When she filed the lawsuit, Noem included patriotic arguments on why the fireworks should be allowed and argued that the permit's denial was an arbitrary and capricious decision based on politics.

Chief Judge Roberto Lange of the federal district court of South Dakota hasn't ruled on whether the tribe can join the suit. He indicated that he'll decide by June 2 whether to issue a preliminary injunction to force the Park Service to allow the fireworks this summer. The governor's daughter, who worked as a federal liaison for her mother for last July's event, said in a court filing that the governor's office had invited tribal leaders to provide their perspective on it.

Noem wrote to President Joe Biden last month that the tribes were consulted before the event last year. But in a statement Tuesday, the tribe denied that was the case.

The office of the Chairman has no record of any consultations with the State of South Dakota or the federal government regarding fireworks in the sacred Black Hills, the tribe said.
Evans' campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Just before Warren's first inauguration in 2014, she faced questions about her husband's involvement in a jewelry store robbery that took place when he was 17.

Granison received five years of probation in connection with the 1997 robbery, while two other men were sentenced to prison terms.

In a statement, Warren had said Granison was judged as a youthful offender and his file was sealed, and that he did not have a criminal record.

She pointed to him as an example of someone who had turned his life around and said he had learned from the experience.

State police investigators want to interview the mayor as part of the current probe, Chase said, and were awaiting her attorney's response to their request.

Granison and a passenger were stopped at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday by members of the state police's violent gangs and narcotics enforcement, who suspected there were drugs in the vehicle, Chase said. City Court documents indicate Granison is accused of possessing 31 grams of cocaine.

He was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, including one with intent to sell.
When you go to see your health care provider, who do you want them to be protecting -- your welfare or theirs? she said.

Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, a conservative group that backed the state legislation, said the law will be valuable even if women are free to give another reason for seeking an abortion.

Doctors will be on notice, women will be on notice that you dont secure an abortion simply because theres a diagnosis of a nonterminal genetic condition, she said.

Michael New, an abortion opponent who teaches social research at Catholic University of America, said the laws are a good strategy for the anti-abortion movement even if their enforceability is questionable.

If these laws are upheld, that would create a precedent that would increase the likelihood that other types of protective pro-life laws would be upheld, he said via email.

He also suggested the laws could help shape public opinion, drawing attention to the high percentage of abortions in cases of a Down syndrome diagnosis.
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To gain insight on the kinds of information these workers need access to, Project Firstline is encouraging those workers in the Pennington County/Rapid City area to take the survey so that they have data representing all corners of the state. The goal is to collect 2,000 surveys, and so far more than 1,500 surveys have been completed, Bucheli told the Journal.

After the survey, the project coordinators will evaluate the responses and conduct listening sessions through focus groups to further identify what kinds of training front line workers need and how to best deliver it to them. Once that data has been gathered, the coordinators will develop the training itself. The training will also have input from medical experts during the development process.

Its going to be customized to deliver to workers how they want it, which is why we need to get input so we know the needs and gaps [in information] they have, Hofer said.

The training could reflect a whole spectrum of knowledge from the basics of hand hygiene to more advanced topics like infection control procedures and how viruses mutate, but it all depends on what workers want to know more about.
Altogether, 13 women passed the same tests as did the Mercury 7 astronauts. The results were announced at the second International Symposium on Submarine and Space Medicine in Stockholm, Sweden in August 1960. These women would eventually be known by the moniker The Mercury 13.

Since Cobb and the others were not part of an official NASA program, NASA turned her down to become one of its astronauts. Her cause was further hindered because she had flown primarily propeller aircraft (over 60 types) and had made only one flight (in the back seat) of a jet fighter.

Undeterred, she attempted to rally support in Congress to add women to the astronaut program. In 1962, Cobb testified before a Congressional subcommittee hearing about women astronauts. Astronaut John Glenn stated a the hearing that "men go off and fight the wars and fly the planes", and "the fact that women are not in this field is a fact of our social order."

Ironically, only a few months later, the Soviets sent the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, into space.
Montanas head of public instruction wrote a letter to school superintendents on Wednesday strongly recommending that districts end their mask mandates and make the wearing of face coverings a personal choice starting in the fall.

State Superintendent Elsie Arntzens letter also offers support to schools that decide to lift mask mandates for the remainder of the school year and for summer programs, NBC Montana reported.

We cannot enter another school year subjecting our students to any additional loss of instruction time," Arntzen wrote. We also cannot perpetuate the notion that masks will be a permanent feature in or state's classrooms."

In February, Gov. Greg Gianforte issued an executive order urging schools to make reasonable efforts to follow guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Montana Office of Public Instruction, Arntzen noted in her letter.

The CDC still recommends wearing face coverings in schools.

The Montana Federation of Public Employees, which has teachers among its members, said masking decisions should be made locally.
One of the Richmond regions largest real estate development and management companies will be undergoing a leadership change.

Daniel T. Schmitt, president and chief business development officer of HHHunt Corp., is retiring at the end of the year. He has been with the company since 1989.

Schmitt, 61, was named president and chief operating officer in July 2013 of HHHunt Corp., the parent company of HHHunt Communities, one of the largest residential builders in the Richmond metropolitan area. Its developments include Twin Hickory, Wellesley, Wyndham communities in Henrico County and The Villages of Charter Colony in Chesterfield County.

Replacing part of his role will be Kim Kacani, currently the president of HHHunt Communities.

Kacani becomes executive vice president of real estate development for the corporation. She will lead HHHunts growth goals in current markets as well as identify new markets for growth as the company expands its geographic footprint in the Southeast.

Harry H. Buck Hunt IV, whose father founded the business, adds the titles of president to his CEO role.

Schmitt gave up the chief operating officer position about two years ago to focus on the companys growth and expansion across the Southeast.
A Richmond-based company that manages drug-testing programs for health care providers, substance-abuse programs and courts around the nation is expanding its footprint through an acquisition.

Averhealth, which is based in Richmonds Scotts Addition area, said Wednesday that it has acquired Aspenti, a drug-testing and diagnostics company based in Burlington, Vt.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The company made the acquisition along with Five Arrows Capital Partners, which is the North American private equity business of Rothschild & Co. Merchant Banking, the investment arm of Rothschild & Co. that has more than $19 billion of assets under management.

Averhealth has grown from a small business with a dozen employees about 10 years ago to a company that now has a nationwide reach and more than 500 workers, including at a laboratory in St. Louis and at Averhealth offices in 30 states.

The company has focused primarily on working with drug- and substance-abuse courts to provide drug-testing services for individuals who have been referred to treatment programs because of addiction.
(left to right): H.E. Dawda Docka Fadera, Ambassador of Gambia to the U.S.; H.E. Madjid Bouguerra, Ambassador of Algeria to the U.S.; H.E. Mahamadou Nimaga, Ambassador of Mali to the U.S.; Pastor Abdul K. Sesay; H.E. Seydou Kabore, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the U.S.; H.E. Sidique Wai, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the U.S.; H.E. Frederic Hegbe, Ambassador of Togo to the U.S.; Professor Dr. Judy Kuriansky, NGO representative to the United Nations (this reporter)

WASHINGTON D.C.  Sixty years have passed since the country of Sierra Leone claimed its independence, on April 27, 1961, from the British who had dominated the country since 1898. On the very day, the 27th of April in 2021, a Diamond Jubilee was held for the 6Oth Independence Anniversary of Mama Salone, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United States and its Chief of Mission H.E. Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai.

The country has survived slavery, colonization, an 11-year-long civil war; the ravage of Ebola in 2014-2015; a tragic 2017 mudslide; and is now staving off the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite such hardships, the people demonstrate impressive resilience and unity.

Members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the United States State Department, V.I.P. guests, Sierra Leoneans, and members of the Diaspora, gathered at the Swahili Village: A True Taste of Kenya restaurant in downtown D.C., for the gala.

Women dazzled in traditionally blue-and-green colored sequined gowns and men donned traditional African dashikis or tailored suits.

While many could have been invited, attendance was restricted to comply with mandates to control the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.

Nevertheless, spirits were high, as the event was kicked off by Pastor David Vandy, the popular radio broadcaster of African Beat on Voice of America, who emceed the event with his characteristic high-energy and enthusiasm.

In common tradition, prayers were offered. Referring to the countrys history overcoming treacherous civil war, Pastor Abdul K. Sesay hoped for bringing an end to every civil war and presaged the future of the country to soar like an eagle. Quoting from the first verse of the Quran, the Muslim Imam Sheikh Cole offered, Peace be upon you, adding, We are here to pray for the success of Sierra Leone.

The anthems of the United States and of Sierra Leone played.

As Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United States, H.E. Ambassador Wai presided over the event. With his lovely wife, Millicent sitting proudly by his side at a head table in the middle of the VIP section, H.E. Wai listened with his usual grace and humility to the proceedings and all the accolades to his country and himself.

Colleagues and friends offered glowing and inspiring messages for the bright future of their beloved country and for Ambassador Wai, acknowledging his wisdom and kindness in guiding the Embassy through major accomplishments in his nearly three-year posting, mobilizing both the communities of the Diaspora as well as the of Washington-based Ambassadors heading Embassies of his fellow African nations.

The comments, from this event, and in interviews with this reporter afterward, proved H.E. Wais well-earned reputation as the Peoples Ambassador and the Unifying Ambassador, having held many Town Hall Meetings to inform and connect the Diaspora with issues for the home country, and being elected by his peers to the honored leadership position as Secretary-General of ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) the political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa created to promote economic integration and peace across the region. He was also chosen to be Co-chair of Diaspora Engagement and Public Affairs of the African Group of Ambassadors accredited to the United States.

You are our 911, said H.E. Ambassador Mahamadou Nimaga of the Republic of Mali to the United States, referring to H.E. Wais leadership in their ECOWAS brotherhood. You are our leader, and also our very good friend.

We are brothers, said the Ambassador of Guinea to the United States, H.E. Dr. Kerfalla Yansane, explaining that his village being at the border of Sierra Leone and recalling being in Sierra Leone in 2001 when rebel war broke out. Praising H.E. Wais leadership earning the confidence of his colleagues and admiration of others, he said, Since he has been Secretary-General of ECOWAS, everything has changed.

Sierra Leone is now safe for business and open for business, he said, adding a personal note, You have my prayers for good health.

In his native French language, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Togo to the United States, H.E. Frederic Edem Hegbe, lauded his colleague for la fraternite et lamitie pour le developpement et le bien-etre de tous (brotherhood and friendship for the development and well-being of all).

The Ambassador to the United States of Gambia, H.E. Dawda Docka Fadera, who certainly understands about civil service, is impressed with his colleagues skills.

Other brothers of ECOWAS offering congratulations were the Ambassador to the United States of Algeria, H.E. Madjid Bouguerra; and the Ambassador of Burkina Faso, H.E. Seydou Kabore, who is the ECOWAS Dean.

Expressing positive relations between West and East Africa was Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Kenya to the United States, Ambassador David K. Gacheru.

While Sierra Leone has long experienced internal strife among political parties, recent times have been peaceful, which speakers attributed to the inclusive leadership of H.E. retired Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and H.E. Sidique Wai.

In recalling the fight for independence of the founding fathers in 1951, Desmond Pessima, head of the Sierra Leones Peoples Party (SLPP), said, We thank President Bio for giving us Ambassador Wai to represent usand giving us peace and security.

We are the only country with the motto, One Country, One People, Pessima added.

H.E. Wais background and character were lauded as presaging success in his current Ambassadorial role, as a world-class community organizer and a man of humility showing the best of humanity in his selfless pursuit of causes for others.

Diaspora leaders were equally appreciative and laudatory.

Psychologist Bernadette Sankoh-Kuyateh, aptly praised Ambassador Wais dedication to people and emotional intelligence in leadership, with skills calling on people to participate in important projects to benefit them and their country, proving that together we are strong and we can do anything.

In his typically eloquent style, Ambassador Wai delivered inspirational and eloquent remarks, printed in entirety in the Appendix below.

He lauded the resilience of the Sierra Leoneans through civil war, natural disasters, and political disputes, to become a democratic country with a transparent government, and a vibrant, dynamic, multi-dimensional society of communities, faiths and professionals where all are respected.

Progress over the 60 years reflects the seal with the words unity freedom and justice printed under three lions.

Ambassador Wai acknowledged President Bio for the peaceful multiparty governance and success of the New Direction Agenda campaign guaranteeing political, social, economic, and cultural rights; successfully promoting health; expanding youth employment opportunities; developing agriculture and other sectors; and progressing the Free Quality Education program.

Ambassador Wai also acknowledged the efforts of First Lady Madam Fatima Maada Bio in protecting and empowering women and girls through her internationally acclaimed project called Hands Off Our Girls against rape, child marriage, and domestic violence.

In health, the Embassy is collaborating with the United African Congress and other partners in a major project called Africa Rise: Healthier and Stronger to strengthen essential healthcare infrastructure.

In recognition of President Bios administrations impressive accomplishments, Sierra Leone was awarded a coveted 5-year USD$400 million grant by the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of Directors for poverty eradication and economic growth, and a USD$5million grant by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the capacity of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to prevent avoidable epidemics.

Positive relations between the Embassy and the U.S. is evident in the offer by National Security Adviser to President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan, of assistance to help prevent the spread to Sierra Leone of the recent Ebola outbreak in Guinea, and also in productive discussions with the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee for Foreign Affairs, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, which made front-page news in Sierra Leone and the U.S.

Ambassador Wai so effortlessly makes ties in the U.S. Congress, Sierra Leone Presidential Trade Envoy Mohamed Serry told me. With all his skills and years of experience, he is expert in political and community affairs who can be trusted.

On the trade front, plans for a fair are underway, to increase foreign investment, including a loop through the Caribbean islands, given their historic connections to Sierra Leone.

On the international stage, the Embassy of Sierra Leone to the United States has collaborated with the Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in international government and civil society events promoting peace and security, human rights, health, and development.

With his signature appreciation, Ambassador Wai thanked the Diaspora community for their partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, mobilizing financial and material support valued in excess of USD$7.5 Million in a short three-months. Thankfully, progress is being made in curbing the spread.

In fitting conclusion to the finale of the formal ceremony, and true to his outstanding skill acknowledging others, Ambassador Wai recognized the efforts of all the staff, including his driver, surprising them with plaques for their dedicated service to the Embassy.

You have all selflessly given of your time and talents to make this event possible, Ambassador Wai commented, announcing that every expense was borne by contributions, requiring no financial cost from the Embassy. This included not only the venue, but all Sierra Leone-themed swag in translucent aqua-colored gift bags with the Sierra Leone flag, emblemed T-shirt, cap, and protective face mask.

Returning the honor, Bernadette Sankoh-Kuyateh surprised Ambassador Wai with a plaque, in special recognition and appreciation for outstanding performance and unwavering dedication to your country and people.

I have never seen anyone reward their staff like my dear brother Ambassador Wai does, said H.E. Dr. Baffour Adjei-Bawuah, Ghanas Ambassador to the United States. He is an example to all of us in this, and so many ways.

More appreciation was expressed by Mohamed Kosia, an advisor to Ambassador Wai, recognizing the diplomatic core, guests, friends of Sierra Leone, and his fellow Sierra Leoneans. "We might have our political and other differences, he said, but we always come together when necessary to support and be counted for the land that we all truly love, Sierra Leone."

Appropriately, Kosia added well-deserved accolades to the Swahili Village venue staff and management, guided by Dr. Kyle Dele, for their exceptional service and fine dining. The restaurant had courageously opened in the heart of D.C. in February 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

A devoted friend of Sierra Leone in attendance was Gary Schulze, a close friend and advisor of Ambassador Wai for years, now promoting the affairs of Sierra Leone in the United States. Schulze, who had served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone in 1962, is now a fully naturalized citizen of Sierra Leone and an Honorary Paramount Chief of the Kagboro Chiefdom, Shenge, Moyamba District. Schultz had just sponsored an exhibit in the capital town of Freetown in honor of Sierra Leone historical figures, four of which are mounted around the historic Cotton Tree and others are on the exterior wall of the Big Market. One is of the Father of Sierra Leone Independence, Sir Milton Augustus Strieby Margai (1894-1964).

While the gala evening ended, the 60th Independence Anniversary celebration continued to further support the Diaspora, as the Sierra Leone Embassy offered events for free COVID-19 vaccination. The event held in Maryland on May 16th in partnership with the City of Light Church was accompanied by cultural food distribution and free groceries. Another opportunity, on May 25th, offered transportation assistance to get to the campus of Howard University in Washington DC, for the Embassy of Sierra Leone Vaccine Day in partnership with the African Women's Cancer Awareness Association and the Howard University College of Medicine.

As Ambassador Wai reiterated from his closing comments at the ceremony, a bright future lies ahead for Mama Leone, in good health, friendship, unity, and prosperity.

On a personal note, this reporter was honored to be invited to this gala Diamond Jubilee as a guest of Ambassador Wai, a dear friend whom I admire so much, and call not only the Peoples Ambassador but the Visionary Ambassador, as a shining example of a brilliant diplomat and a generous and loving human being. For me, it was deeply moving to be part of the celebration of his leadership and of the country I love -- having been there to offer psychosocial support years ago during the HIV/AIDS crisis, then during and after the Ebola crisis, as well as co-producing many events at the United Nations with the Sierra Leone Mission including featuring the First Lady and her #HonorOurGirls initiative, and co-producing webinars with the United African Congress featuring Ambassador Wai speaking on behalf of the country, and recently participating in the Sierra Leone COVID-19 Health Taskforce USA. The Sierra Leone flag from the jubilee now sits on my desk, next to my flags of the United Nations and of my country, the United States, as a constant reminder of this spectacular event and of the nation of Sierra Leone that is flourishing as a country and taking a leadership position on the international stage. It is all epitomized in the song my music partner Russell Daisey and I wrote for Sierra Leone, Hope is Alive.

APPENDIX: full text of address of the AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON THE OCCASION OF THE 6Oth INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY SIDIQUE ABOU-BAKARR WAI

April 27, 2021

EXCELLENCIES,

MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS,

THE HONORABLE MAYOR OF WASHINGTON D.C., MURIEL BOWSER,

OFFICIALS OF THE UNITED STATES STATE DEPARTMENT,

FELLOW SIERRA LEONEANS,

FRIENDS OF SIERRA LEONE, AND

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS,

It is a profound honor and privilege to welcome you to this special celebration of the 6Oth anniversary of our beloved country of Sierra Leone, a landmark event in our history. Sixty years ago, in 1961, Sierra Leoneans with fervent desire for self-determination demanded independence, and successfully defeated British Colonial Masters in the United Kingdom who had dominated our political history from the year 1898. On this very day, the 27th of April, sixty years ago, due to the efforts and commitment of courageous Sierra Leoneans, sovereignty was transferred to the People of Sierra Leone, giving us freedom to determine our destiny.

Since that day in 1961, to today, 60 years later in 2021, our country, now the Republic of Sierra Leone, has indeed come a very long way.

In this address, I want to extend hearty and sincere congratulations to all of you, as we celebrate this 60th Independence Anniversary of the land we love, our Republic of Sierra Leone. And I also want to tell you about the success we have achieved as a nation.

EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, DEAR FRIENDS,

Our Sierra Leone is a unique country with a very rich culture, and a people who have demonstrated their resilience in the journey to gain independence. Together, we have overcome slavery, colonization, the tragic 11-year-long civil war during which 50, 000 people lost their lives; the flooding and 2017 mudslide that claimed thousands of lives and caused millions of dollars of destruction; and the scourge of Ebola. Now, we are also overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenging chapters in our history have brought adversity and hardship, yet, we remain a resilient and united people.

EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, DEAR FRIENDS,

Democracy thrives in our nation, notably since the declaration in 2002 ending our 11-year-long civil war. Today, we embrace democracy, with freedom of speech, and a government of periodic elections, separation of powers, checks and balances and transparency. Notably, we are also an African nation with a vibrant civil society, made up of many community-based organizations, nongovernmental organizations, nationally-oriented faith-based organizations, and professional coalitions, whose voices are all respected, and who contribute valuably to the breadth and scope of our dynamic society.

We can be proud of this respect for the voice of the people, and our current democracy, evident in several successful multiparty elections since 1996. In that regard, allow me to now say, in my role as a representative of your government, how our country has advanced these principles, over years, and now, under our current administration of His Excellent President Julius Maada Bio.

In proof of commitment to peace, our current President, retired Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio, and former Head of State under the National Provisional Ruling Council Military regime, returned our country to multiparty civilian governance by retiring his military uniform to become a public servant when elected President of our Republic of Sierra Leone in April, 2018.

Permit me to outline some of the significant advances our government has achieved for our countrys development.

To sustain our countrys socio-economic growth, President Bio has introduced the New Direction Agenda, the campaign that is guaranteeing political, social, economic, and cultural rights and access of all Sierra Leoneans to basic necessities of life. This Agenda is successfully promoting good health, quality education, gender equality, and development in agriculture and other sectors for our people.

Education of our people is key to our development and lifting our people out of poverty. President Bios Free Quality Education program has seen success. Over two million of our youth have been enrolled in school. Free food to pupils is keeping them in school. Free textbooks are also provided. The salary of teachers has been increased by 30 percent, and teachers allowance increased by 10 percent. More school buildings are under construction. To ensure success, 21 percent of the national budget has been allocated to this Free Quality Education project.

At the tertiary level, scholarships have been increased, especially for those pursuing sciences. We now have six universities, importantly serving the provinces.

You, the Diaspora community, have generously supported the Presidents Education campaign. When I introduced the Diaspora Free Quality Education Basket Fund in June 2019, you, the Diaspora community, put your resources together to help realize our aim to construct an Academy of Excellence School in Sierra Leone. While we continue to secure adequate financial support for this Academy of Excellence School, we greatly appreciate your contribution to this project for our children.

Much progress is also being made in the health field. More healthcare facilities are under construction, to make services accessible and affordable in our country, so Sierra Leoneans do not have to seek treatment in foreign countries, at huge financial cost.

Our embassy is collaborating with the United African Congress and other partners in a major project called Africa Rise: Healthier and Stronger to strengthen the infrastructure essential to healthcare access.

In the health sector, let me acknowledge our First Lady, Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio, for her tireless efforts championing the health and well-being of our people. Her fearless advocacy on behalf of gender equality and the protection and empowerment of women and girls is evident in her internationally acclaimed project, called Hands Off Our Girls, against rape, child marriage, and domestic violence. We can be proud of her national and global leadership in this crucial endeavor.

Our administration is also undertaking unprecedented development in the Energy sector, where district headquarters that had never experienced electricity are now benefitting from energy opportunities.

Impressive advances are also being made in other sectors, such as tourism, infrastructure, and food production self-sufficiency. Youth skills-development for employment opportunities are in development, and key policy measures being instituted to transform the regulatory environment for doing business.

Looking ahead to when the pandemic subsides, the Embassy intends to hold a trade fair, planned last year, for Sierra Leone Tourism and Trade Ministers to offer U.S. and other country investors to visit our country and partner with our local businesses.

EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, DEAR FRIENDS,

The fight against corruption by President Bios government has yielded unprecedented results over the past three years of his administration. The rating from Transparency International has placed Sierra Leone in the echelon of countries producing positive results in tackling corruption. As a result, in December 2020, the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of Directors selected Sierra Leone for one of its coveted 5-year grants for poverty eradication and economic growth, awarding us $400 million US dollars.

Further, as a clear demonstration of commitment to freedom of expression, President Julius Maada Bio signed a new law on October 28, 2020, which repealed the 1965 Public Order Act, which had criminalized libel and sedition.

With all these efforts for freedom and rights for our people, our President, and all of us working together, promise hope for a bright future for our country.

EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, DEAR FRIENDS,

Let me now address the strong and mutually beneficial relations between our Republic of Sierra Leone and the United States of America, also a cause for celebration today.

Support of the United States dates back to the era of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, being among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with us at the time of our Independence, and scaling-up our status from Consulate to Embassy representation in 1961. So, today, I am happy to commemorate 60 years of positive relations between Sierra Leone and the United States.

The United States has offered us continued support and assistance in the consolidation of peace, democracy, and human rights, as well as in health and education. Through its Global Health Strategy Agenda, the U.S. has significantly contributed to strengthening Sierra Leones ability to monitor zoonotic diseases and manage infection prevention and control, including being instrumental in our fight to end the Ebola outbreak, and now, against the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offered Sierra Leone a Five Million US dollar Grant to improve the capacity of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to prevent avoidable epidemics, including naturally-occurring outbreaks, and intentional or accidental releases of dangerous pathogens.

Most recently, after learning news of the renewed Ebola outbreak in Guinea, the U.S. National Security Adviser to President Joseph Biden, Honorable Jake Sullivan, contacted me to offer assistance to Sierra Leone to prevent the Ebola epidemic from spreading to Sierra Leone. He pledged support in three ways: (1) to provide equipment, (2) to provide vaccinations, and (3) to help build our healthcare infrastructure. We welcome these generous offers, and look forward to their assistance and our partnership.

As a country situated on the West Coast of Africa, Sierra Leone is prone to climate disasters. Therefore, we are working closely with the United States and other partners to mitigate the threats of climate change.

Of great significance, the Embassy of Sierra Leone to the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Immigration and National Civil Registration Agency worked with officials of the U.S Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to lift the onerous expanded visa ban placed on our country on September 11, 2020. Special thanks goes to Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Honorable Michael C. Gonzalez, in these cooperative efforts, which we anticipate will result in the permanent lifting of the 2017 visa sanctions.

In an important milestone and goodwill gesture on our part towards the United States, the Embassy of Sierra Leone hosted a dinner in honor of the Chairman of the powerful U.S. House Committee for Foreign Affairs, Honorable Gregory Meeks. Nine African Ambassadors who were present discussed a range of pertinent topics on US-Africa relations, making front-page news in newspapers in Sierra Leone and the United States.

On the international stage, there is much to be recognized on this day, our 60th anniversary. As members of the United Nations, the Republic of Sierra Leone shares common aspirations for all governments of the world to promote the three main pillars of the United Nations on which the UN was founded: peace and security, human rights, and development. Other areas of shared priorities include the fight against Transnational Organized Crimes such as Trafficking in Persons and the illegal drug trade. Our Embassy, working with the Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, has supported major agreements of world governments, and co-sponsored many important events addressing the international agenda.

EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, DEAR FRIENDS,

Today, we also acknowledge the Diaspora community for their ardent support of our country. When President Bio recently appealed for support when the COVID-19 pandemic struck our nation, it was you, the Sierra Leone Diaspora and friends of Sierra Leone, who mobilized financial and material support valued in excess of $7.5 Million dollars in 3 months, with a 40-foot container of medicine and equipment sent to Sierra Leone. Thankfully, with safety protocols and measures of our government under President Bios leadership, our country has done exceptionally well in the face of the dire COVID-19 pandemic.

EXCELLENCIES, GUESTS, FRIENDS,

On behalf of our government and our people of Sierra Leone, I want to say thank you to all of you, our nationals from every political party and region, the Diaspora, and friends, who support us in all the efforts I have outlined, including this celebration today.

Let me close by acknowledging the superb efforts of all the organizers who joined the Embassy of Sierra Leone in the United States to create this event, including representatives of our political parties, religious groups, community-based organizations, Sierra Leone Diaspora and many friends. My deepest appreciation to organizations and individuals who sponsored this event, and humble regards to our Consul-Generals and Honorary Consuls. You all have also willingly paid the entire cost of producing this 60th Independence Day celebration, showing once again, your love and caring for our beloved country.

Much gratitude, as well, to my collegial Ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps, present here this evening to join our celebration. Your presence is an honor to our country and a demonstration of commitment to a united, strong, and vibrant Africa.

And finally, to our Washington D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser, host to Ambassadors in the United States, thank you profoundly for your generosity and welcome to this incredible place we call home away from home.

God bless you,

and God bless all of you,

Happy 60th Independence Anniversary colleagues and friends, for your devotion and sharing today, and in the years ahead, for the bright future for our country and people.

LONG LIVE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE,

LONG LIVE THE FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN SIERRA LEONE AND THE UNITED STATES.
The Dirty South takes its cues from the influential hip-hop genre of the same name that emerged from the region in the mid-1990s. Its musical constellation includes the distinct sounds of Virginias Hampton Roads (Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliott, Timbaland), Atlanta (OutKast, Ludacris, Usher, TLC) and New Orleans (Lil Wayne, Master P), as well as artists in Houston, Memphis and Miami.

The exhibition explores a hip-hop culture rooted in a Black Southern aesthetic dating back at least a century. That aesthetic, shaped by spirituals, jazz and the blues, mixes the sacred and the profane, with the Black body as the holder of traditions, the creator of art, the generator of joy, the object of brutality, and the temple of resistance.

Theres been such a chasm between understanding the South post-civil rights, Oliver said. The South became sort of codified as a space of struggle, a space of violence, as not the most welcoming space for Black bodies, even though we existed in the South from 1619 to the present.

And there was something about the rise of Southern hip-hop culture that gave a new sense of pride to a younger generation of makers and citizens at large.
Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, addressed the crowd and called for the protection of fundamental human rights, such as access to water, health care services and hospitals, and the safety and security of home.

No family should be illegally evicted from a home in which they have lived for generations, a home in which they have celebrated weddings  and nurtured their children, said Hashmi, the first Muslim woman to serve in the Virginia Senate and the chambers first Indian American.

Marches in support of Palestinians were held across the United States on Saturday. Since the beginning of the violence on May 10, at least 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. About 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.
A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South.

Experts say the gap reflects a multitude of factors, including political leanings, religious beliefs, and education and income levels.

Close to 160 million Americans  48% of the population  have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 million are fully vaccinated against the virus. Closing the gaps is vital to controlling the virus that has killed 588,000 people in the U.S., health experts say.

In other developments:
Team McClellans frustration with Carroll Foy hit a boiling point on Thursday. McClellan issued a news release during the broadcast saying the statement by Carroll Foy, who served just three years before quitting office in 2020, was false.

Carroll Foy, first elected to the House in 2017, announced in December she was stepping down in order to focus on her campaign for governor.

And McClellan aide Jared Leopold tweeted a challenge to reporters: Go find one person in Richmond who thinks Jennifer Carroll Foy is one of the most effective legislators in Virginia history. Just an absurd thing to say.

Although the debate happened in the morning, Carroll Foys campaign tried to give the appearance it was happening live in the evening.

Im preparing for another debate tonight and I can tell you the pressure is on, she wrote in a fundraising email Thursday afternoon.

Before the broadcast, she posted a photo of herself on Facebook, sitting in front of her open laptop with the caption, (Virtual) debate ready.
Gov. Ralph Northams office announced steps on Thursday designed to help ease a backlog of requests for pardons and smooth the application process.

Northams office said in a news release that theres been a major influx of pardon petitions during his administration and that of previous Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Northam has declined to disclose the number of cases in the backlog or the number of state employees assigned to investigate cases.

The governors office redesigned its pardon website and petition portal and is eliminating a requirement that petitioners obtain a copy of their criminal history from Virginia State Police, which can be expensive.

The launch of this new website and petition portal furthers the Governors commitment to transparency and good government for the people of Virginia, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson said in the news release. Enabling Virginians to submit their petitions online also improves efficiency of the clemency process, allowing pardons staff to spend less time opening and sorting mail and more time reviewing petitions.
A protester from West Virginia was arrested Tuesday after blockading a path to a Mountain Valley Pipeline worksite, according to Virginia State Police.

Sydney M. Browning, 28, of Whitesville was found attached to the interior of a disabled 2000 Isuzu Rodeo that was blocking a right of way used by MVP crews, authorities said.

The demonstration was reported by pipeline security staff about 5:40 a.m. along Doe Creek Road, about 1.5 miles from U.S. 460 in Giles County.

In addition to the SUV  which had flattened tires and was painted with slogans like Who Killed The World?  about a dozen activists were nearby, officials said.

Appalachians Against Pipelines said the protest was able to halt pipeline work for about 5 hours. The move was the latest in a series of efforts designed to delay construction and add cost to the controversial, 303-mile natural gas pipeline project.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) kept virtual trade missions going during the pandemic. Southeast Asia (May 10-14) and Colombia (May 24-28) are the most recent iterations, and both regions present chances for commonwealth companies to grow, in areas such as health care.

A VEDP flyer explains that the Southeast Asia engagement consists of six major countries  Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam  with a combined population of 582 million people and a gross domestic product of $3 trillion. The regions consumers are young (a median age of roughly 30 years old) and its middle class is expected to add 50 million people by 2022.

That emerging population likely will spur greater demand for quality health services and medical products, VEDP adds. Vietnam and the Philippines import more than 90% of their medical devices. Thailand is looking for contract manufacturing opportunities, while Singapore is all-in on research and development for digital health care solutions. And overall, the pandemic has sparked higher demand in Southeast Asia for personal protective equipment, testing technologies, telemedicine and other services.
If you assume that Democrats would readily vote for marijuana and the question is simply how many Republicans would vote in favor, then South Dakota becomes a useful measuring stick.

King George voted 59.4% for Trump which suggests that King George would vote in favor of marijuana with a few votes to spare. Indeed, some counties in South Dakota that voted as much as 72% for Trump also voted in favor of legal weed.

Lots of conservative localities in Virginia may feel an obligation to ask for a referendum but they shouldnt be surprised if voters say sure, why not?

Indeed, South Dakota voters were being asked the threshold question of whether marijuana should be legal.

In Virginia, that question has already been answered by the legislature  the question now is simply which localities will turn away stores and the tax revenue that comes with them. These will essentially be liquor-by-the-drink referenda for the modern age (and over the past two decades virtually all over those have passed).
UB gives Buffalo world billing at Venice exhibit

View of the room inside the Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy, where the UB School of Architecture and Planning is showcasing the story of Imagine LaSalle with an exhibit as part of the Time Space Existence exhibition. Photo courtesy of gerda studio



Buffalo will stand apart for this park because every design gesture, landscape element and programming decision began with the aspirations of our community.  Robert G. Shibley, dean, School of Architecture and Planning University at Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y.  The University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning is once again putting Buffalos urban design on the global stage. After debuting a documentary film on the city at the 2018 Time Space Existence exhibition in Venice, Italy, the school returns to the international architecture event this month to showcase the world-class park emerging on Buffalos waterfront. Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park  a public-private initiative to transform the former LaSalle Park into an enchanting landscape on the eastern tip of Lake Erie  is one of the citys highest-profile development in decades. The School of Architecture and Plannings exhibition in Venice will zero in on the multiyear civic planning process that is shaping the parks design. Since 2018, the school and its UB Regional Institute research center have engaged more than 2,000 citizen voices in Imagine LaSalle, a community visioning process to drive the parks future with broad and meaningful public input. Buffalo Constructing Buffalo: From Olmsted to Van Valkenburgh opens May 22 at Palazzo Mora in Venice. The international Time Space Existence exhibition is organized by the European Cultural Centre and held in conjunction with the Venice Architecture Biennale, the worlds leading architectural exhibition. Time Space Existence runs through November. The parks redevelopment is the result of an historic gift to the city by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, a New York-based landscape architecture firm, has led the parks design. The City of Buffalo is an active project partner represented by its Division of Parks and Recreation, the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, the Department of Community Services and Recreational Programming, and the Mayors Office of Strategic Planning.

An ambitious civic effort

A series of visual story boards created by Buffalo-based visual storyteller Ariel Aberg-Riger brings to life the community visioning process UB led. Photo courtesy of gerda studio



The exhibition interprets the civic planning process behind the park, the foundation of city plans that informed it, and the best practices research that inspired it. That process has been guided by the faculty and students of the School of Architecture and Planning, whose engagement with the city dates to the schools founding in 1969. The vision of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has always been to make this a grand park, not only in its design but in its authenticity as a park of the people, says School of Architecture and Planning Dean Robert G. Shibley, who led the Imagine LaSalle effort with the UB Regional Institute and has played a key role in developing much of the citys planning framework. Buffalo will stand apart for this park because every design gesture, landscape element and programming decision began with the aspirations of our community, added Shibley, curator of the exhibition in Venice. Its a process that has evolved over decades in line with a city that elevates design in service to the public. It is the next chapter in a decades-long narrative of Buffalo constructing Buffalo. Imagine LaSalle has been an intensive and ambitious civic effort. Over two-plus years, a team from the UB Regional Institute hosted community workshops, conducted survey research in seven languages, and organized design charrettes with youth. They toured a focus group of neighborhood ambassadors through 21 of the nations best urban parks. That chorus of voices was then synthesized into a community vision report outlining core design principles for the park, from the technical (get smart about parking) to the cultural (strengthen neighborhood connections) to the aesthetic (create a great lawn for recreation and events). The report has served as a guiding force for the project, directly informing MVVAs conceptual designs for the park. Among the parks signature features are a berm to block noise from the I-190, an inviting new bridge to the neighborhood across the interstate, a sledding hill and meadow, reinvigorated flora including 2,500 new trees, new ways to meet the water, a magical new playground for children, and connections to surrounding parks and trails. (The exhibitions representations of the parks design are a snapshot of the process at various points in time. Designs are subject to further refinement as the project works through regulatory review). Construction is expected to start in 2022. The park has long served as a gathering place for Buffalonians from all walks of life and backgrounds. As a civic process, Imagine LaSalle has been intentional in bringing together the diverse base of park users and nearby residents so that the parks transformation is shaped by the communitys vision for what a world-class waterfront park could be, says Bart Roberts, an associate director of the UB Regional Institute and Imagine LaSalle project lead.

Buffalo-based visual artist brings story to life

Detailed view of some of the visual story boards created by Ariel Aberg-Riger for UB's Time Space Existence Exhibit. Photo courtesy of gerda studio



The story of the park  and Buffalo Constructing Buffalo  is presented in the Venice exhibition as a series of illustrated story boards created by Buffalo-based visual artist Ariel Aberg-Riger. As a visual storyteller, I use both text and found historical images and artifacts to bring narratives to life, says Aberg-Riger, whose graphic narratives have covered topics from affordable housing to domestic violence and have been exhibited and published internationally. My approach aims to slow readers down so they can truly immerse themselves in the story and wander through the past. Buffalo is such a beautiful city, and exploring the history and legacy of its parks and greenways was fascinating, she says. Julia Jamrozik, an assistant professor of architecture at UB, designed the exhibit in collaboration with Aberg-Riger and UB architecture students Lukas Fetzko, Stanicka Mathurin, Rutuja Shinde and Christopher Sweeney. The idea behind the exhibit design is to try to show the complexity of the story while at the same time facilitating a coherent yet memorable visitor experience. The exhibit is bold but at the same time approachable, adds Jamrozik. Twenty-one illustrated panels, each measuring 6 feet in height, wrap around the one-room exhibition space in the historic Palazzo Mora. A video on Imagine LaSalle produced by John Pagets First + Main Films will also be shown as part of the exhibit. UB students designed a special table at the center of the room, which will allow exhibit-goers to take a deeper dive into the planning reports, technical drawings and studies associated with Imagine LaSalle. Copies of the citys full planning framework reveal the collective vision for Buffalos future. We worked very hard to have Ariels storytelling voice be a strong presence in the room and, at the same time, create an identity that will draw people to our story and make them want to stay and learn more and dig in deeper, says Jamrozik. Aberg-Rigers visual narrative, along with documentation of the exhibition, are available at http://ap.buffalo.edu/buffaloconstructingbuffalo.html.

UB students designed a special table at the center of the room, which will allow exhibit-goers to take a deeper dive into the planning reports, technical drawings and studies associated with Imagine LaSalle. Copies of the citys full planning framework reveal the collective vision for Buffalos future. Photo courtesy of gerda studio



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An assistant commonwealths attorney in Botetourt County has been appointed to the Virginia Parole Board.

Lethia Hammond, an 11-year veteran of the office, was named to the position Thursday by Gov. Ralph Northam. She will serve as the boards vice chair.

In an announcement, Northam said her vast experience in the criminal justice system will strengthen the Virginia Parole Board and its important work.

Hammond will leave her current job  which specialized in the prosecution of cases in Botetourt County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court  to take the position, according to Commonwealths Attorney John Alexander.

I think shell do a fantastic job, Alexander said. Shes very talented.

Hammond previously worked as an attorney for the countys department of social services. She also has served as the director of government affairs for the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, a grant administrator for Alleghany County and mayor of the town of Iron Gate.

The appointment, which fills a vacancy created in March when former vice chair Linda Bryant became a judge in Chesapeake, comes at a difficult time for the board.
But everyones going to die, right? And many of those folks might need a will. And of that group, some cant get out of their homes or up from a sickbed. The Bersches were there for them, whether they were in a Roanoke hospital room or in their kitchen in Radford.

Last week, Bersch called the newsroom wanting to speak to a reporter. He ended up with yours truly. The calls purpose was to get the word out among the legal community that theres a robust demand for the service he once provided  and an unmet need, too.

The call gave me a chance to learn a little bit more about Berschs career.

After he graduated from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, he moved to Charlottesville for seven years, earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Virginia. Bersch obtained a masters in tax law from the College of William and Mary, then in 1961 went to work for the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C.

For a spell in Washington he also worked for a firm that specialized in tax litigation. Then in 1970, Bersch moved to Roanoke and to a law firm that had some big shoes to fill. That was Eggleston, Holton, Butler & Glenn, just months after Linwood Holtons 1969 election as governor.

I got to sit at Holtons desk, Bersch recalled.
Gov. Ralph Northams office announced steps on Thursday designed to help ease a backlog of requests for pardons and smooth the application process.

Northams office said in a news release that theres been a major influx of pardon petitions during his administration and that of previous Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Northam has declined to disclose the number of cases in the backlog or the number of state employees assigned to investigate cases.

The governors office redesigned its pardon website and petition portal and is eliminating a requirement that petitioners obtain a copy of their criminal history from Virginia State Police, which can be expensive.

The launch of this new website and petition portal furthers the Governors commitment to transparency and good government for the people of Virginia, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson said in the news release. Enabling Virginians to submit their petitions online also improves efficiency of the clemency process, allowing pardons staff to spend less time opening and sorting mail and more time reviewing petitions.

The governors news release said thousands of pardon petitions were pending when McAuliffe took office in 2014.
But there was not a significantly changed offer from the Republicans during their meeting with the administration this week, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

The White Houses hopes for a bipartisan deal on infrastructure have cooled but they have not abandoned the effort, according to an administration official not authorized to speak publicly about the private conversations. There was some dismay that the Republican counteroffer did not substantially budge from the partys original $568 billion proposal, leaving it far short of the White Houses plan, according to the official.

A team of West Wing officials, including senior advisor Steve Ricchetti and head of legislative affairs Louisa Terrell, were expected to talk Friday with Republicans on the proposal.

The administration had set a soft deadline of Memorial Day to gauge if enough progress had been made to forge a bipartisan deal or whether it would need to proceed along party lines. Biden has reveled in the face-to-face negotiations, aides said, and has expressed hope to bring Republicans along. And West Wing officials have been hearted by the public comments made by some of the GOP negotiating team, including Capito, the official said.
Judge Adrianne Bennett of Virginia Beach, the former chairwoman of the state parole board who is at the center of an ongoing scandal, went on "extended leave" in April and court clerks were instructed not to reach out to her with questions.

Amy Burnham, the clerk of the Virginia Beach Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, emailed those instructions to her colleagues on April 14, according to records the Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Burnham told court staff that substitute judges would handle Bennett's cases.

Burnham also told some of her colleagues not to include Bennett in emails sent to all the court's judges, and said she was removing Bennett from a group email that went just to judges.

"If you need to send an email to all of the judges, do not include Judge Bennett for now," Burnham wrote to the court's chief deputy clerk and chief administrative assistant. "Keep a note or print out the email. When she gets back, we can decide if she still needs the information."

Burnham later wrote to a court payroll official in Richmond that Bennett was on "extended leave."
Between October 2019 and September 2020, residential consumers who chose to buy from an electric supplier paid in aggregate $38,221,057 more than they would have through the Standard Offer. Connecticut is a small state and less than 25% of its residents buy electricity through an electric supplier  yet that small portion of residents paid over $38 million more for electricity. It is even more egregious over the long term: from approximately 2015-2019, Connecticut residents with electric suppliers paid an estimated $240 million more than those on the Standard Offer.

Other deregulated states see the same overcharges. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey released a report on April 1 that found in the last five years, residential customers who purchased electricity from electric suppliers paid staggering $426 million more on their bills as compared to their utilitys rates. An analysis by the Wall Street Journal released on March 8 found that consumers who signed up with electric suppliers paid a whopping $19.2 billion more than if theyd stayed with their electric utilities from 2010 through 2019, in deregulated states like Maryland, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
After the crises unraveled by COVID-19, Virginians need a governor who is not afraid to meet the major challenges of today with bold action. Jennifer Carroll Foy is fearless.

Foys career demonstrates her willingness to speak boldly on behalf of struggling Virginians. During her tenure as a delegate, she has stood on picket lines with mistreated workers, fought to expand Medicaid to thousands of Virginians, and worked to make Virginia the thirty-eighth state to ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.

Whenever major progress happened in Virginia lately, Delegate Foy was in the trenches.

Her run for governor has only solidified my faith that she has the temperament for the job.

She is not afraid to forge a path for innovative and progressive policies.

She is not afraid to campaign in heavily republican Southwest Virginia, and she is not afraid to engage with her constituents from all corners of the political spectrum to construct a plan for Virginia to thrive.

In the aftermath of a devastating year for our country, I have faith in Jennifer Carroll Foy to fight for Virginia families.

The simple fact is that Foy shows up and fights hard.
Campus News

Center for Diversity Innovation announces second cohort of scholars

UBNOW STAFF

The 2020-21 Distinguished Visiting Scholars have had a tremendous impact on our university community and helped us advance our equity, inclusion and diversity goals. We are excited to welcome another outstanding class of scholars to UB this fall and look forward to their impact on campus. 

In September, a second cohort of eight outstanding scholars and artists will arrive in Buffalo to spend the 2021-22 academic year at UB as part of an annually recurring program funded by the Office of the Provost and led by UBs Center for Diversity Innovation in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Through the investment of more than $1 million in funding to this program, the Office of the Provost is supporting one of the largest diversity-themed visiting faculty programs in the United States. There are multiple goals for the CDI Distinguished Visiting Scholars program, but the fundamental objective is to host an annual cohort of exceptionally accomplished individuals who, through their record of scholarship and/or creative endeavors, teaching, mentoring, and service, as well as their skills, experiences, underrepresentation, and areas of scholarly and/or creative expertise, can substantially advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University at Buffalo.

UB is committed to enhancing our social impact and addressing issues related to structural racism and inequity through our curriculum, research, and hiring and retention practices, says A. Scott Weber, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. The 2020-21 Distinguished Visiting Scholars have had a tremendous impact on our university community and helped us advance our equity, inclusion and diversity goals. We are excited to welcome another outstanding class of scholars to UB this fall and look forward to their impact on campus.

The 2021-22 cohort of Distinguished Visiting Scholars was chosen, once again, from a highly competitive pool of outstanding candidates across academic disciplines and fields generated through UB faculty members and the centers national outreach and advertising efforts.

After initial evaluations and recommendations were provided by academic departments, top candidates received further review by a university-wide selection committee chaired by the center director and consisting of nine highly accomplished UB faculty members from diverse backgrounds whose work traversed the arts, humanities, social, physical, health and applied sciences.
With air travel down 60% last year, and airline industry losses topping $370 billion, this is the hardest hit sector from the pandemic. And the suffering isnt over, yet.

The best-case-scenario estimates are that the airline industry will continue to suffer well into 2023 because of the pandemic. The worst-case scenario is that it wont rebound to 2019 levels for three or four years.

But all this down time has revived the idea of the supersonic jet, and ripe for drastic change, the airline industry might just see disruption beyond COVID-19.

New types of commercial planes are about to come out that aim to eventually take passengers anywhere in the world in four hours for $100.

Last year, Boom Supersonic, an aviation startup, revealed their Overture supersonic passenger jet that is hoping to become the next-generation Concorde--fixing the problems of the failed British-French airliner that was ridiculously expensive and environmentally disastrous. Now-defunct, Concorde was charging $12,000 for a round-trip flight by the 1990s.

It was a great idea with absurdly poor execution.

The next-gen versions think theyll get it right.

The most visible start-ups working on supersonic and hypersonic projects include Boom Supersonic and Florida-based Aerion.

Boom Supersonics CEO Blake Scholl told CNN Travel that the companys long-term plan is to fly passengers anywhere in the world for just $100. We wouldnt count on that price tag any time soon, but it sounds great in a headline. For now, Boom is targeting $5,000 fares for a New York to London round-trip. That is five times more than current fares but still cheaper than Concorde.

Its not exactly going to disrupt travel. Yet. But eventually, it just might.

Overture, the Mach 2.2 commercial airliner expected to get in the air by 2026 will be 199 feet long, carry between 65 and 88 passengers, and fly twice the speed of the average commercial jetliner.

It would eventually be able to travel from New York to London, currently a 7-hour flight, in just 3.5 hours. Boom says the company currently has $6 billion in pre-orders of Overture aircraft.

Supersonic passenger jets will also tackle another issue where Concord failed, pollution.

The global aviation industry produces around 2% of all human-induced CO2 emissions, and, of course, the faster you go, the more fuel you burn.

Here, again, the promises are far down the road.

Next-gen supersonic jets will indeed create more pollution than our existing commercial jets. Some studies estimate that the new supersonic jets will consume as much as five to seven times as much fuel per passenger as current airplanes.

But the longer-term goal is to render them carbon neutral, even if the starting point is rather too Concordian.

According to CNN Travels interview with Scholl, Boom Supersonic aims to eventually build a carbon-neutral plane from the ground up, which would use alternative fuels that will utilize the same amount of carbon thats being emitted during the flight

In other words, the plan is to suck carbon from the atmosphere, liquefy it into jet fuel and run the plane on that.

Florida-based Aerion has also unveiled its plans in March for a Mach 4+ commercial airliner called Aerion AS3, which would be capable of carrying 50 passengers. Production is slated to start in 2023.

Furthermore, NASA itself is planning to test an X-59 QueSST prototype over major U.S. cities in 2023, and Spike Aerospace will begin trials next year, eyeing commercial flights by 2028.
The City also has a highly developed infrastructure, the largest market size, and a very qualified human resource base. Despite this, for many years now, the quality of development in Ho Chi Minh City and the economic growth has seen a gradual decline.

Fall in rankings

Investors usually rely on factors such as geographical location, quality of infrastructure, market size, and quality of human resource, before considering investing in any project in the long term. Other factors that are also considered are cumbersome administrative procedures, the local people, and the running of the state apparatus in that particular area. These are factors that have weighed the quality of economic governance in the field of Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), measured and evaluated in recent years.

Since the establishment of the PCI in 2005, up until now, the highest ranking given to Ho Chi Minh City was in 2014, at 4th place, out of 63 cities and provinces. At this position, Ho Chi Minh City ranked behind Da Nang among the provinces and cities directly under the Central Government, far ahead of ranking of Hanoi at 26th place. Ever since 2014, although the overall score has improved, Ho Chi Minh City ranking has been gradually falling, from 6th place in 2015, to 8th place in 2016 and 2017, 10th place in 2018, and 14th place in 2019 and 2020. During all this time that Ho Chi Minh City has been fluctuating in ranking, Da Nang has remained stable at the top 5 position of best localities, Hanoi has stayed at 9th position for three consecutive years in a row, and Hai Phong has just entered among the top 10 slot for best localities since PCI 2019.

The gradual decline in PCI ranking for Ho Chi Minh City sends a clear message of the need to implement stronger reform programs in terms of governance and local economic management, if the City wishes to keep pace with the rapid development in many other provinces and cities across the country. Ho Chi Minh City is still planning reforms and several development programs and projects, but it seems these are too slow in implementation than in some of the other smaller economic hubs in the country.

Lacking expertise

The index under Cost of Entering the Market of Ho Chi Minh City in PCI 2020 decreased by 27 places compared to PCI 2019, ranking 59th among 63 provinces and cities. This index score of Ho Chi Minh City has been gradually falling since 2016 and the result for 2020 could be even more dismal.

While enterprises recorded an improvement in the application of information technology in business registration settlement, and more efficiency of the OSS department, they are still concerned about the disclosure of administrative and professional procedures and the attitude of working staff. Enterprises have just completed these procedures with worrying results, with only 32% of enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City stating that staff were knowledgeable and friendly. This is the lowest percentage in the country, much worse than the national median when it comes to staff expertise at 73% and friendliness at 79%. The survey results also showed that 12% of enterprises still had to wait more than one month to complete procedures before implementation of projects, which is a very high rate.

The index under Transparency and Access to Information has decreased 22 places compared to the PCI 2019 ranking of 42nd place in 53 provinces and cities. Enterprises also face many difficulties when searching and accessing information and documents for business activities. For example, only 37% of enterprises said that the bidding information was being made public. Enterprises in the City are also in the group of enterprises facing the most obstacles when they learn how to plan documents and receive feedback from local authorities.

The index under Business Support Services used to be the strength of Ho Chi Minh City, but in PCI 2020 it lost its lead position and dropped 16 places, to current 17th position. Business Support Services and the group of businesses that intend to continue to use these services have significantly reduced compared to PCI 2019. This trend is quite consistent in most of the service groups assessed as legal consultants, seeking for business partners, or those related to technology.

Boost business environment

Survey results of enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City show a need to continue to improve the efficiency of public administration centers and the one-stop-shop sector (OSS), such as by upgrading to more efficient administrative procedures. Civil servants operating the OSS sector should be more proactive, in all round supervision, assessment and implementation plans.

Ho Chi Minh City also needs to publicize and provide transparent information on planning, development plans, public investment projects, bidding, projects calling for investment, investment projects in public-private-partnerships, and also all other relevant processes and procedures, as well as share results of administrative procedure settlement of branches and units. The coordination process with business associations is very important, in which regular and substantive dialogue should be conducted with business establishments.

The City government and districts need to promptly solve the problems of enterprises, assign business associations to participate in monitoring and supervising the settlement process, and periodically conduct a public assessment of the results of problems faced by enterprises.

As it is the main economic hub of the country, Ho Chi Minh City is under constant pressure to show better reforms than other localities in the country, with the business community also having much higher expectations from the City as compared to any other place in the country. In order to lure investors to seek business opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City, the government here needs to make huge drastic changes.

I think that perhaps Ho Chi Minh City needs to clear several bottlenecks so as to improve the business environment, such as congested locations, and projects that are just holding up rapid development. It is now vital to quickly build an environment upgrade program, and look at all other situations that are constant obstacles in creating favorable conditions for future investors.

Dau Anh Tuan, Head of Legal Department, VCCI
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Arkansas Times columnist Gene Lyons is a National Magazine Award winner and co-author of "The Hunting of the President" (St. Martin's Press, 2000). You can email Lyons at eugenelyons2@yahoo.com.
Thats a valuable thing to me is to have a friend that I can call on, Caudle said. As they say a friend in need is a friend indeed or a friend in need is a real pest. One or the other.

He said he looked forward to continuing to hunt and fish with DeBerry. Caudle added that DeBerry had become a father twice since he joined the council. He said that DeBerry had great ideas and that he would be missed on the council.

Dr. Al Bradley said he commended DeBerry for the way he operated as a member of the council. He said that DeBerry was smart and watched and learned to develop an understanding to get things done on the council.

The Rev. Dr. Waymon Mumford said that DeBerry is kind and would bring a lot to the judicial bench. He added that DeBerry was a people person and knew how to deal with people.

Springs offered his public congratulations. He joked that when DeBerry told him that he would seek a judgeship, he was rooting against DeBerry. Springs then added that he helped as much as he could to get DeBerry elected by the South Carolina General Assembly.

DeBerrys resignation will trigger the timeline for an election to determine his replacement on the county council.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Florence County Administrator K.G. Rusty Smith says the county council cant hear from the Rev. Leo Woodberry and others about an Effingham wood pellet project because the matter is outside the county councils jurisdiction.

Woodberry, pastor of Kingdom Living Temple and an environmental activist, organized a car caravan and a press conference at the City Grill to say that he and other concerned residents have been denied an opportunity to speak to the county council about the Charles Ingram Lumber Companys plans to make wood pellets from wood chips to sell in Europe at its plant on Francis Marion Road near Effingham.

An article on Environmental Health News about the construction of a wood pellet plant near the North Carolina-Virginia border indicates that global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels has created a market for wood pellets in Europe  and to a lesser extent the northeastern United States  because the pellets are considered a green alternative to coal.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation, the nations premier accrediting agency for college and university education programs, has extended accreditation for the Francis Marion University School of Education through 2027.

FMUs reaccreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) is for the seven-year cycle running through 2027. The accreditation is for both the initial (baccalaureate) and advanced (masters) level of instruction.

CAEPs mission is to advance equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

FMUs School of Education has been successively accredited by CAEP and its predecessors throughout its history.

Dr. Fred Carter, president of FMU, said the CAEP accreditation is evidence of the ongoing excellence of the School of Education.
During questioning at the cornfield, Bahena Rivera told Romero that he followed Tibbetts in his car, got out and started running behind her. Bahena Rivera said that Tibbetts noticed him and attempted to use her cell phone to call police.

He said that Mollie tried to slap him and was screaming at him, Romero testified. Mr. Rivera said this is when he became angry.

Bahena Rivera told Romero that he remembered )that the two started fighting but then he blacked out. He said the next thing that he recalled was driving in his car and seeing the earbuds Tibbetts used while running on his legs, and that her body was in his trunk, Romero testified.

Bahena Rivera told Romero that he did not remember how she got in the vehicle, but that he recalled carrying her body on his shoulder to the cornfield, covering her with leaves and leaving immediately. He said her body felt like a person that had just fainted and was bleeding, pointing to his neck when asked why. He said he had taken his shirt off because of the blood.

Romero, then an Iowa City officer, was brought in to question Bahena Rivera because, like him, she was a native of Mexico whose first language was Spanish. She recalled asking Bahena Rivera what he thought as his neighbors and scores of investigators had searched for Tibbetts.
This is not the first time Biden and Netanyahu have been publicly at odds.

As vice president, Biden kept Netanyahu waiting for a dinner meeting after the Israeli leader embarrassed President Barack Obama by approving the construction of 1,600 new apartments in disputed east Jerusalem in the middle of Bidens 2010 visit to Israel.

Netanyahu sought to patch up hurt feelings at the dinner. But after the meal, Biden admonished the prime minister in a statement, saying the move undermined a U.S. effort to persuade the Palestinians to resume peace talks.

Later, Obama and Netanyahus relationship cratered as White House aides questioned the Israeli's willingness to find accommodations with Palestinians and Sunni Arab countries to build a lasting peace in the region. Netanyahu, for his part, was furious about White House efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran.

Amid the tension between Obama and Netanyahu, Biden went out of his way during a 2014 speech before the Jewish Federations of North America to say that he and Netanyahu were still buddies, albeit with a somewhat complicated relationship. Biden noted that he had once inscribed a photo for Netanyahu with Bibi I dont agree with a damn thing you say but I love you.
Her name is Hope. A single mom who was putting her life back together after an ugly divorce. Then came COVID-19, and she lost her job.

Just when it seemed things could not get worse, her precious 2-year-old was diagnosed with retino-blastoma and referred to Duke Eye Institute for treatment. The hospital social worker, as they always do, referred Hope to Childrens Cancer Partners; she was overwhelmed.

Duke is a three-hour drive from Florence, a trip she would be making three times or more each month, with overnights, for 18-24 months. Thats if things go well. Hope had been on the verge of selling her car just to pay the rent. Imagine yourself in her shoes!

We reached out within 24 hours, our standard, and assured her we would be with her and Tiffany throughout their journey. We helped her get forbearance on her rent and her car payments; got her child support reinstated and then did our usual  treatment, travel and lodging assistance (the Ronald McDonald House at Duke was closed by COVID-19 restrictions), meals away from home and in-kind help with household needs, personal toiletries, etc.

Did you know you cant buy diapers with food stamps?
Campus News

Pollack named dean of School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

UB pharmacy alumnus Gary Pollack will join the university in August as the new dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

By MARCENE ROBINSON

Dr. Pollack is an astute and thoughtful higher education leader whose breadth of knowledge and depth of expertise position him well to build on the many strengths of our pharmacy school and cultivate pharmaceutical research scientists and clinicians who are committed to tackling societys most pressing health care challenges. 

Gary M. Pollack, professor and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Toledo, has been appointed dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The announcement was made today by Provost A. Scott Weber, and Michael E. Cain, vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. Pollack will join UB in August.

An alumnus of the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pollack emerged as the top candidate following a highly competitive national search. He brings nearly 40 years of experience in higher education, also serving in leadership roles at Washington State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I am delighted that one of our most distinguished alumni is returning to UB to elevate the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to its next tier of excellence, said President Satish K. Tripathi. Dr. Pollack is an astute and thoughtful higher education leader whose breadth of knowledge and depth of expertise position him well to build on the many strengths of our pharmacy school and cultivate pharmaceutical research scientists and clinicians who are committed to tackling societys most pressing health care challenges.

Dr. Pollack brings to this role extensive leadership experience, exceptional scholarly and teaching accomplishments, a collaborative approach to leadership, and an innovative and ambitious vision for the school, Weber and Cain said in an announcement to the university community.

Under his leadership, we are confident that the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences will continue to be a global leader in delivering groundbreaking research, innovation and clinical care and excellent educational programs that prepare students to become the next generation of health care professionals and leaders, the announcement said.

Pollack succeeds James M. ODonnell, who during his seven-and-a-half years as dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences oversaw the schools rise in national rankings, launched new educational programs, and recruited world-class faculty members to UB. ODonnell is returning to a faculty role at UB as professor of pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmacology and toxicology.

As dean, Pollack will provide overall leadership to the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, promote academic excellence and advance its national and international prominence in research. He will serve as a member of UBs senior leadership team, working collaboratively with the president, provost, vice president for health sciences, cabinet members and other deans to advance the universitys strategic vision and mission.

I want to thank Provost Weber, Vice President Cain and President Tripathi for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and serve the UB community, Pollack said. The UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is one of the strongest in the nation, with a long and distinguished history. I am grateful to be a part of the schools next chapter.

Prior to joining the University of Toledo in 2019, Pollack served as dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Washington State University for nearly a decade and as vice provost for health sciences from 2011-13. At Washington State, he led the colleges relocation to the Health Sciences Spokane campus, reinvigorated its professional degree program, strengthened graduate education and faculty research, and enhanced alumni engagement.

Pollack also spent 26 years at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was executive associate dean from 2004-10 and chair of the schools Division of Drug Delivery and Disposition from 1992-2006.

He now joins the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which was recently ranked No. 14 among more than 140 schools of pharmacy nationwide in the U.S. News & World Reports 2022 Best Graduate Schools rankings.

Pollacks research focuses on how drugs and toxicants affect the central nervous system, and he has made significant contributions to the understanding of opioid tolerance. A prolific author, he has published more than 150 academic journal articles and delivered 45 research presentations.

He is co-founder of Qualyst Inc., a company formed in 2001 on breakthrough research co-authored by Pollack. The company develops in vitro hepatic models to predict the effect of drugs and other compounds on the human liver. Pollack also holds a patent for a method and apparatus that rapidly determines ligand protein binding using charcoal absorption.

Pollack has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the 2009 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Pharmaceutical Research Meritorious Manuscript Award. He is a fellow of both the AAPS and American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also serves on the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Experimental Pharmacology, and was the former associate editor of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

A dedicated educator, Pollack was named best instructor at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy five times, and has advised and trained more than 50 postdoctoral fellows and graduate and undergraduate students.

He received a doctorate in pharmaceutics from the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a bachelors degree in chemistry and psychology from Knox College.
 Senate Judiciary Committee to mark up three criminal justice and sentencing reform bills | Main | Rounding up a lot of interesting new news and commentary 

The title of this post is the title of this notable new article by Michele Deitch in the American Journal of Criminal Law. Here is part of the issue's introduction:

In 2010, I published research demonstrating that external oversight over prisons and jails was a rarity in the United States. Ten years later, this article reveals a similar conclusion  despite the extraordinary concerns surrounding conditions of confinement and the treatment of people in custody, relatively few jurisdictions have established independent agencies tasked with scrutinizing these institutions and addressing the problems they find. However, there have also been significant signs of change over the last decade: the national landscape for independent correctional oversight is improving, with greater awareness of this issue, more calls for the creation of oversight mechanisms, more concrete efforts to establish these entities, and the successful implementation of several new oversight bodies.

This article builds on my 2010 report to highlight those recent developments and to assess the current state of correctional oversight in the United States. Part I describes the concept of correctional oversight and explains its goals to improve transparency and increase accountability within prisons and jails. It goes on to outline the benefits of oversight that can accrue to diverse stakeholders, including incarcerated persons, correctional administrators, policymakers, judges, the media, and the public at large. This section also discusses the prevalence of independent oversight bodies in other countries, and how the lack of such oversight makes the United States an anomaly on the world stage.

In Part II, I discuss Americas historical reliance on court oversight as a way to address problematic institutional conditions and how this has inhibited the development of preventive oversight mechanisms. But as litigation has become a less reliable tool for prison reformers, and as the drawbacks of court oversight have become more obvious, advocates have begun to emphasize the need for preventing harm through routine inspections of facilities rather than waiting until conditions hit rock bottom to get involved in reform efforts.

Part III examines the growing interest in correctional oversight and discusses recent calls for the development of independent oversight mechanisms in this country. Since 2006, there has been a series of notable highlights in the nascent oversight movement, and this section sets forth a chronology of those key events.

Part IV describes a multi-year research project conducted at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas to find, interview, and catalog all external prison and jail oversight bodies that currently exist for adult correctional facilities around the nation. This part of the article presents and analyzes the key findings about these various oversight bodies. In this section, I also highlight those jurisdictions that have established oversight bodies since 2010, to show the shifting landscape of correctional oversight in the United States. This section of the article also includes charts with lists of various prison and jail oversight bodies at the state and local levels.

Finally, Part V concludes with an overall assessment of the status of correctional oversight in the United States. That assessment mixes optimism and excitement about the future of oversight with a dose of realism about the challenges ahead and a recognition that we continue to trail our peer nations when it comes to belief in the critical importance of independent oversight. But still we must push on in our efforts to promote transparency and accountability in all places of confinement.
Indigenous hunter Tama Talum (R) has been pardoned by Taiwan's president after an unfavourable court ruling in a long-running case

A Taiwanese Indigenous hunter facing jail for killing protected animals was granted a rare presidential pardon on Thursday, a gesture that followed an unfavourable court ruling in his long-running case.

Tama Talum, a member of the Bunun tribe, was arrested in 2013 for killing two protected species with a modified rifle and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.

The verdict caused anger within Indigenous communities and sparked a legal battle that went all the way to Taiwan's top court.

President Tsai Ing-wen's office said Talum was being granted the first pardon since she took office five years ago "out of respect for Indigenous people's traditions".

"Talum violated relevant laws for hunting wild animals but the president took into consideration that he went hunting for food for an ailing family member," the statement said.

Talum, 62, described the pardon as "a good thing for me personally".

"But there is no progress on the whole issue and hunting is still a crime," he told AFP.

"I'm worried that there could be a second or third Talum and I hope the government can amend relevant laws."

Talum has long argued he was following tribal customs that should be protected and was hunting the animals for his elderly mother who was used to eating wild game.

His prosecution pitted activists against both conservationists and a legal system that Talum's supporters argue has long discriminated against Indigenous culture and customs.

This month, Taiwan's Constitutional Court ruled some hunting restrictions placed on the Indigenous inhabitants were unconstitutional.

But it stopped short of supporting the complete overhaul of regulations that campaigners had pushed for.

The ruling meant Talum's conviction remained and he had been due to return to another court for final sentencing. But Tsai's pardon now stops that process.

- 'Transitional justice' -

Hunting restrictions have become a bone of contention among Taiwan's Indigenous communities, who have long felt marginalised and discriminated against by the Han Chinese majority that first began arriving in the 17th century.

Story continues

Austronesian in ethnicity, culture and language, they now make up only 2.5 percent of Taiwan's 23 million population.

Under current regulations, Indigenous communities are only allowed to hunt with homemade rifles during certain festival days and only with prior approval from authorities.

Activists say homemade rifles are dangerous and argue that the restrictions impede on the subsistence hunting traditions their communities have practised for centuries.

Taiwan has morphed into one of Asia's most progressive democracies in recent decades and there is growing recognition that past wrongs must be righted.

In 2016, Tsai -- Taiwan's first leader with some Indigenous heritage -- delivered a landmark apology for how the island's governments had treated aboriginal communities.

Presidential spokeswoman Kolas Yotaka, who is of Indigenous heritage, described Talum's pardon as a significant move that promoted "Indigenous historical justice and transitional justice".

While Taiwanese presidents have the power to pardon crimes, it is rarely exercised.

aw/jta/qan
SingSaver

It is compulsory to have your car insured in Singapore. Why not make the most of it by looking for the best car insurance plan in town when your policy is up for renewal? While it can be tempting to simply renew your existing car [] The post 5 Best Car Insurance Plans in Singapore (2021) appeared first on SingSaver Blog - We Compare, You Save.
The resolution stated that those who have not received the vaccine "pose no real threat to those who have been vaccinated." And it called on the attending physician of the House to consult with the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provide updated mask guidelines applying to vaccinated lawmakers and staff while in the House chamber and in committee rooms.

Democrats turned the resolution aside on a party-line vote of 218-210.

The mask revolt in the House has been brewing for months, with some Republicans chafing at the extra safety precautions imposed during the pandemic and bolstered after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Democrats imposed mask requirements last year when many Republicans, defying public health guidance, refused to wear face coverings.

The complaints from some Republicans have grown louder now that the CDC has altered its mask guidelines, saying it's safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in virtually all situations.

The CDC guidelines say all people should still wear masks in crowded indoor locations such as airplanes, buses, hospitals and prisons. Lawmakers and others in the Capitol have stopped wearing masks when moving around the building.
UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations chief is urging Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers to observe their cease-fire, and he says the international community must develop a reconstruction package that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions.
UNITED NATIONS  The United States opposes a draft U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers. The U.S. says it could interfere with the Biden administrations efforts to end the hostilities.
This spring, Jacobi helped the couple connect with their new plan. Dale Schendt said they have much better coverage. His wife plans to have her second knee surgery as soon as she's able. With the new deductible, their cost for both procedures will be about $2,300.

"I can afford that," Dale Schendt said.

Jacobi said his agency is also seeing good things under the new law for qualified employers with 50 or fewer employees. Instead of offering a group health insurance plan, the agency is helping such companies take advantage of the marketplace by having employees pick a plan and then reimbursing the workers for anything the subsidies don't cover.

McPike said people already on the exchange may not only qualify for additional tax credits but also have enough to move to plans with better benefits, including lower deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

Andres Sandoval, a care coordinator at Midtown Health Center in Norfolk, said his clinic has worked with patients who needed surgery or other procedures but had deductibles that would require them to pay the first $7,000 or $8,000 for their care.
The mass vaccination site at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis is accepting appointments. A limited number of walk-ups will be accepted from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. People are encouraged to get an appointment to ensure a vaccine will be available. To schedule an appointment, go to onestop.md.gov/preregistration.
The Biden administration said it supports the legislation and that the American people deserve "a full and fair accounting to prevent future violence and strengthen the security and resilience of our democratic institutions."

Trump released a statement Tuesday night urging Republicans against approving what he called a "Democrat trap."

Grassley said he has several conditions for whether he would support legislation creating the panel. Chief among them, Grassley said, is the commission should only be established if it can investigate other violent acts, including racial justice protests last summer following the killing of George Floyd by police.

"We've had rioting in this country -- some of it has been called peaceful protest -- over a long period of time," Grassley said. "And sometimes even extremist groups have been involved in some of that. Portland, Oregon, (is) just one example. At the very least, for me, it needs to broaden the scope of the investigations."

Grassley noted he has sent oversight letters to the FBI and other agencies about their investigations into the Jan. 6 riot.

"Then you want to remember that there's also a couple committees (in) Congress investigating what's going on, which would raise some questions about whether or not this needs to be done," he said.
During questioning from Monona Counthy Attorney Ian McConeghey, Neubaum said he believed the 12-gauge was a quality gun when he had bought it about a year and a half earlier, but it had jammed on him once. He agreed that guns can jam, but he said he thought the gun was unsafe. McConeghey presented him with a transcript of his deposition in which he said that he didn't think a gun was unsafe if it jammed.

Neubaum said he and Jay Lee had been hunting about a month prior to the shooting. He said his son would have known that the gun, stored in the garage, was loaded.

ONAWA, Iowa -- The first law enforcement officers responding to Joseph Hopkins' shooting in Mapleton, Iowa, heard the same story from the teen who was holding the gun that fired the fatal shot.

Jay Lee Neubaum told both Monona County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Maule and then-Mapleton police chief Jared Clausen that he was handling a 12-gauge shotgun in front of three other teens and had pointed it toward the floor in his grandmother's garage to check if it was loaded when it accidentally discharged.

"He heard a boom and when he looked up, Joe was on the ground," Maule testified Thursday when recalling an initial interview with Neubaum minutes after the Jan. 31, 2020, shooting.
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)  Relatives of two people killed after shooters opened fire on a party bus driving on a San Francisco Bay Area freeway have identified them as two teenagers who were celebrating a friend's 21st birthday.

Alayasia Thurston, a 19, of Oakland, and Zoey Hughes, 16, of Modesto, died after at least two shooters opened fire on the bus around 12:20 a.m. Tuesday on Interstate 580 as it was returning to Oakland from San Francisco. Another five women were wounded.

Thurston had a daughter who is about to turn 3 years old, a relative who did not wish to be identified told the East Bay Times.

Hughes' mother, Christina Hughes, relatives and friends held a vigil in her memory Tuesday, KCRA-TV reported.

I did everything with Zoey, she said through tears. Zoey was the sweetest. Had the best heart. Her smile. When she walked into a room, you fell in love with Zoey.
When it comes to ballot harvesting' anybody can just walk up and grab it under what was the previous law, Smith said. Theres no security when someone can knock on your door and say, Yeah, Ill return your ballot. You dont know who it is and they can open it up, they can change the vote, they can throw it away, they can shred it.

Democrats said the measure perpetuates lies from President Donald Trump that the past election was fraudulent.

Im tired of this. ... Your noses are getting longer, said Democratic Sen. Tony Bisignano during floor debate. Seven million votes separated our candidates. Ive not seen a hundred people charged with election fraud. If it was so rampant, we ought to be seeing it on a daily basis and were not, so why do we play this game?

Ballot collections have come under intense scrutiny this year from Republicans who claim that the practice is rife with fraud or potential problems. Generally, ballots are collected when a voter is unable to return it in person due to disability, distance from an election office, or other issues that would prevent ballots from reaching destinations on time.
Georgia will provide job training, but will not provide any discretionary incentives, Gordon said. Braselton and Jackson County could give property tax breaks.

Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the plant shows how a flagship company like SK Innovation can bring other suppliers in its wake.

In Georgia, were focused on growing the entire electric mobility supply chain, Wilson said.

SK Innovation announced Thursday that it would form a joint venture with Ford Motor Co. to make batteries and related equipment starting in 2025 to meet Ford's battery needs.

The joint venture, called BlueOval SK, would make enough batteries to require about two jointly owned plants. Ford said that it will need the capacity of 10 factories worldwide by 2030.

SK said it would spend about $5.3 billion to build the plants, on top of the $2.6 billion it said it is spending on the plant in Commerce.

The U.S. International Trade Commission decided in February that SK stole 22 trade secrets from LG Energy, and that SK should be barred from importing, making or selling batteries in the United States for 10 years. The dispute was settled in April with SK agreeing to pay $1.8 billion and an undisclosed royalty, allowing it to move ahead with production in Commerce.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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That could leave lawmakers in charge of deciding whether to extend the whole declaration past its expiration on June 9, including the work-search requirement.

The decision that we face now is, do we extend and renew the disaster declaration in whole, in part or not at all, said Jason Gottesman, a spokesperson for House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre.

Wolf on Wednesday spoke with the Legislature's top Republicans and Democrats on how to chart a way forward with the Legislature's new powers over disaster declarations.

Even though Wolf opposed the constitutional amendment, he pledged to work together with lawmakers. Lawmakers were still getting information Thursday from state agencies about which regulations were waived and why.

In recent months, the Wolf administration has secured bipartisan support for aspects of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and measures to stem the spread of the virus through working with a task force that has appointees from each party in each legislative chamber.

A task force would have its work cut out.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP)  The Biden administration imposed sanctions Wednesday on Russian companies and ships for their work on a European natural gas pipeline adamantly opposed by the U.S., but President Joe Biden angered many Democratic and Republican lawmakers by opting not to punish the German company overseeing the project.
The Historic Inns of Annapolis is made up of three historic buildings in Downtown Annapolis, Maryland, the oldest of which was built in 1727. These days, patrons can tour the historic grounds with more updated amenities, like a Starbucks, or have a meal at the Treaty of Paris Restaurant and Drummers Lot Pub. The hotel is also not too far from popular, historic attractions in Maryland like the Maritime Museum and the Maryland State House. Pricing for a room begins around $130 a night. (Historic Inns of Annapolis/ YELP
The CDC guidance states 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.

"As Members of Congress, we should not only encourage constituents to get vaccinated, we should be showing them what a return to normal looks like and follow the science," Miller-Meeks said in remarks prepared for deliver on the House floor on May 14, the day after the CDC issued it's new mask guidance.

"According to the Speaker, roughly 75% of our members have received COVID-19 vaccination, and therefore should have the choice to go without masks," she said. "Americans are looking for hope, and we are not showing it. ... Even the New York Times said the CDC is finally catching up to the science and so should the House. We must be the leaders we were elected to be, follow the science, and have the choice to go without a mask."

In a memo sent to House members Monday, CNN reported the Office of the Attending Physician wrote: "Extra precautions are necessary given the substantial number of partially vaccinated, unvaccinated, and vaccine-indeterminate individuals."
He has said the case against Becker was not about reproductive rights but about stopping a woman who repeatedly abused narcotics while pregnant. Becker gave birth to two other babies who tested positive for meth.

Becker's attorneys say it's a travesty she had to stay in jail for more than a year, unable to post $2 million bail, until she was transferred to a drug treatment facility earlier this year.

There is no evidence that drug use results in stillbirths, her attorneys say, and allowing murder charges would have a chilling effect: preventing women from seeking needed prenatal care. Numerous medical and public health groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, oppose punishment for drug use while pregnant.

Becerra, who is now U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a friend of the court brief stating that the law was never meant to apply to pregnant women and urging that charges against Becker be dropped. The judge in the case declined and two higher courts said it was too early in the legal process for them to intervene.
So were starting that conversation, he said Wednesday at a news conference in Pottstown. You cant just flick a switch and make the change. But the voters have spoken, and were going to do what I think the voters expect us to do and make the best of it.

Wolf had strongly opposed the amendments, saying in January that Republicans were injecting partisan politics into emergency disaster response in a thinly veiled power grab. Just last week, he warned that the provisions were a threat to a functioning society that must respond to increasingly complicated disasters.

He struck a more conciliatory tone on Wednesday.

Theres no question that I opposed this. I said that many times in many different ways, Wolf said. But the voters have spoken, and Pennsylvania wants to change the rules. And I think its incumbent upon us to the best we possibly can to make those rules work.

Republicans accused Wolf of fear-mongering and had history on their side: The last time voters rejected a ballot question was in 1993, according to information provided by the state.
Test positivity, a measure of the number of people who take coronavirus tests that come back positive, was 4.9% in the region on Thursday. The World Health Organization goal is 5% or below to relax restrictions.

Sibella said more than 4,000 people will be hired over the next three weeks to fill the resort's workforce of 5,500. Most already have offers, he said, and most are vaccinated against COVID-19 and won't have to wear masks.

I want to commend you on all the work that youve done and the investment that youre putting into the state of Nevada and the Las Vegas economy right now, Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey said. I, too, look forward to seeing your diversity and inclusion efforts. Thats important to the community and to the state.

Resorts World is on the site of the former Stardust, a longtime 32-story Las Vegas landmark that closed in 2006 and was imploded in 2007. The Stardust was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1958 with 1,500 rooms. Moran recalled his first jobs there as a restaurant worker and a lifeguard.

The new red-colored, curved 59-story Resorts World will have three Hilton-branded hotels, including 236 upper-floor suites in its exclusive Crockfords gambling and hotel area.
LB639, introduced by Sen. Jen Day of Omaha and passed 44-3, would require that all public and private schools have someone on staff able to respond to students suffering seizures. It also would require an hour of training about seizures for school staff.

* Meat and poultry. Consumers could buy shares of an animal or a herd directly from a farmer or rancher and get part of the meat when the animal is slaughtered under LB324, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth and passed on a 48-0 vote.

Animals sold this way could be processed at a custom butcher shop and be exempt from the federal meat inspections required for meat sold at retail. The bill also would set up a grant program to help small processing plants, with fewer than 25 employees, expand or improve their facilities.

* Unemployment. Nebraskans forced to quit a job to care for a seriously ill family member could get unemployment benefits under LB 260, introduced by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha and passed on a 33-11 vote.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP)  Wildlife officials are urging caution as the number of black bear sightings have increased in the Black Hills.

Bears have been recently been sighted in Lead, Spearfish, Johnson Siding and last weekend in Rapid City.

Right now, with the information we have, it is pointing towards multiple bears. How many that is exactly, were not sure. Right now we are fairly confident that we do have more than one bear, said Mike Klosowski, regional supervisor for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

The number of confirmed sightings has been increasing 10 to 15 times in recent years, officials said, the Rapid City Journal reported.

Right now, Game, Fish & Parks are really focusing on tracking down sightings of bears, listening to where the public is seeing them, and then going out and seeing what sort of activity we have out there, Klosowski said.

If wildlife workers are to locate a black bear, Klosowski said they will sedate the animal, tag the bears ear and complete a health and wellness screening.
The Commission said that the deal with Pfizer-BioNTech stipulates that the production of doses must be based in the EU and that essential components are sourced from the region. From the start of the supply in 2022, the delivery to the EU is guaranteed," the Commission said.

AstraZenecas contract with the EU foresaw an initial 300 million doses for distribution among member countries, with an option for a further 100 million. The doses were expected to be delivered throughout 2021 but only 30 million were sent during the first quarter. According to the Commission, the company is set to provide only 70 million doses in the second quarter, rather than the 180 million it had promised.

In sharp contrast with the tense nature of its relationship with AstraZeneca, the Commission highlighted its well-established cooperation" with BioNTech and Pfizer guaranteeing that timely deliveries of the doses are ensured."

The Commission said that under the new deal EU countries will have the possibility to donate some of their allocated doses to non-EU countries or through the U.N-backed effort known as COVAX, which is providing vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.

Kyriakides said the EU is now prioritizing vaccine technologies that have proven their worth, like mRNA vaccines."
The Caroline County school system has 10 schools and about 5,000 students. On Feb. 23, the Caroline County school board announced that it had decided not to renew Saelens contract for another four years, but signaled its intent to continue working with Saelens to the end of the fiscal year. On March 31, Saelens left and the board issued a statement saying she was departing to focus on the next chapter in her career.
Those higher-income taxes on top of the many costly labor and environmental mandates in the bill would also raise production costs in the United States. That would shift production of many products to other countries that have more competitive tax rates and lower production costs -- but also, oftentimes, questionable environmental standards. This was nicely highlighted in a recent Kite & Key Media video that explains how our already burdensome labor, health and climate regulations make it impossible to open a mine or to operate one profitably in the United States. This matters because the greener our lives, the more we need minerals like graphite, lithium and manganese.

The good news is that regulatory reform of, among other things, the National Environmental Protection Act of 1970 has bipartisan support. Scholars on both sides of the aisle agree that these reviews delay and drive up the costs of infrastructure projects while rarely delivering on the promise of environmental protection. Less expensive infrastructure projects mean more investment at home and more resources to innovate toward a greener future.
It is estimated that Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza every day of the year, or approximately 350 slices per second.

That's a lot of pie for a food which historians say dates back to the Stone Ages.

However, the modern pizza -- actually a flatbread -- was likely conceived in the kitchens of family chefs living in Naples, Italy in the early 1800s.

The pizza was further refined in the United States with endless variations of New York, Los Angeles as well as a Chicago Deep Dish styles of pizza.

So, what is the most popular pizza made at Chilangos Mexican Pizza, a new pizzeria which recently opened at 112 E. 19th St. in South Sioux City?

Perhaps not too surprisingly, Chilangos' Home Special is topped with tons of asada and chirizo while drizzled with cheese and a zesty salsa.

But the pizzeria's best selling pie also contains many things one wouldn't expect in a Mexi-pizza. Namely, plenty of pepperoni, ham and pineapple.

Uh-huh, this south-of-the-border pizza is actually something of a world traveler.

And believe it or not, Weekender Taste Testers say this "Everything On It" pizza is nothing less than a meaty masterpiece.
This post is part of Outward, Slates home for coverage of LGBTQ life, thought, and culture. Read more here.

In her major new account of ACT UP New York, Let the Record Show, writer Sarah Schulman recalls that the infamous AIDS activist group had a special nickname for a certain paper of record: the New York Crimes. Though a bit goofy, the pun drew attention to the New York Times very serious history of institutional homophobia and, at the time, derelict coverage of the HIV epidemic that ACT UP was fighting. While the paper has improved by many measures in the decades since, it showed a little flicker of its old self this week.

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After the announcement that New York Citys Pride organizer, Heritage of Pride, had banned uniformed police and security from events from this June through at least 2025, the Times editorial board righteously declared the move a serious misstep that threated to rend the LGBTQ community asunder. The editorial lamented the hurt feelings of some cops (one of whom described the news as devastating, despite the fact that she can still participate as an individual, just without her uniform) and damage to Prides inclusive spirit, and worried if now wasnt a strange moment for the L.G.B.T.Q. community to be closing the door on some of its own and missing an opportunity to broaden its coalition. No, the editorial board concludedthis foolish, mean-spirited ban wont do. Taking a pledge to protect and serve your city, it wrote, should not mean sacrificing the chance to be included in a community celebration of your identity.

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Whether uniformed police should be present in Pride parades and other events is a long-standing point of conflict among queers. Other cities, like Toronto, already have bans in place, while many campaigns and their attendant pushbacks are ongoing elsewhere. That Heritage of Pride (not known for being particularly progressive) made this move in New York at the behest of community members and activists (and with the guarantee of pro-police backlash) suggests that consensus may be moving in the no-cop direction.

But I am not here today to convince anyone of which side is right. I simply wish to take a moment to draw our attention to why the Times is so wrong in this editorialabout what Pride is even for.

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It is not until the ninth paragraph that readers are reminded why Pride events happen in the first place. The first Pride, in June 1970, was a protest march to commemorate the riots at the Stonewall Inn the year before that wereyes, indeed!an uprising against police violence. And these riots were not, as the ed board implies, provoked by a single police raid; they were the culmination of decades of state violence perpetrated by police against queers, often in places, like the Stonewall, that were the only, already-imperfect havens they had. It is a fine thing that, as the Times points out, the NYPD finally apologized for its actions in a PR stunt during the Stonewall 50th anniversary celebrations in 2019but not nearly fine enough to erase the simple fact that Pride emerged directly and inexorably from activism, specifically against police brutality.

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Times do change, and prejudiced institutions can do better. But the editorial boards misapprehension is not just a matter of the historical origins of Prideits also, and in some ways more importantly, about Prides purpose in the present. The editorial invokes the language of identity throughout. In discussing one lesbian officer, it weirdly conflates sexual identity with choice of occupation, writing that Pride is a special time when two parts of her identity converge. Is cop an identity akin to sexuality? Im not so sure, but I do think Pride is maybe not the place for celebrating that. We gather at these events, quite explicitly, to assert and honor our LGBTQ identities and historywhatever it says on your badge or lanyard or nametag about work is really not the point (which is one reason to be wary of the corporate presence in these events, but I digress).

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Later, the Times writes that the Pride parade is also about the joy of belongingof being part of a people knitted together by shared identity and survival. This is a benign-enough sentiment, up until the last word. What, one wonders, does the Times imagine queer people have had to survive? And which of us have had to do the most surviving? If you checked with trans women of color or queer youth experiencing homelessness, you might find that the police are at the top of the list of things to be survived, and thus you might begin to understand better why some may view cops presence, however crisp and clean their outfits, to be less than desirable at an event we agree should offer a modicum of joy.

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To be fair, the Times does include a few paragraphs allowing that police violence against queers is a thing, though it notably limits its statistics to Pride season itselfas if incidents at the actual parade (which did in fact happen at the Queer Liberation March just last year!) are all critics were concerned about. But, the board inevitably pivots, barring L.G.B.T.Q. officers from marching is a politicized response and is hardly worthy of the important pursuit of justice for those persecuted by the police. And here we have the crux of the misunderstanding: The Times editorial board believes that banning queer cops from marching in uniform is political, that tying police violence to actual police is a politicized move detached from the harm that actual victims have endured. And this is inappropriate, you see, because Pride is a celebration, a joyful party where politics are in poor taste.

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Ill allow that thats what Pride is for somemany, even. A mere celebration. But for others, Pride is meaningless without politics. Pride is political. Pride is a space and a season in which queers have the opportunity to express and test our political commitments, some of which, yes, may divide uswhich is as it should be.

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The Times editorial scolds that New Yorks ban is a poke in the eye at law enforcement more than a meaningful action to address police violence or foster a dialogue about law enforcement reform. But political action sometimes requires a bit of poking, no? (ACT UP certainly thought so.) And here we are, right now, having what looks to me like a dialogue about law enforcement reform. Hm. Not to spoil the party, but could it be that, in this particular instance, mixing politics and Pride is working precisely as its supposed to?
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. In addition to our traditional advice, every Thursday we feature an assortment of teachers from across the country answering your education questions. Have a question for our teachers? Email askateacher@slate.com or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group.

I have been teaching elementary school for several years, and Im moving to a new school next year where the parents are notoriously. intense. I am all about parents advocating for their kids, and I form strong relationships with families, which helps us all do the best for their student. But, Im very petite and look quite young. Upon meeting me, parents regularly ask me if Im a new teacher, and when I say that Ive actually been teaching for many years, they ask how old I am. I dont feel like I need to reveal my age to them, but Im not sure how to respond to this (very rude and inappropriate) question in a way that still communicates that Im interested in having a positive relationship. My strategy in the past has been to say older than I look! It usually works okay. But recently I met some parents at my new school for a summer class Ill be teaching, and two parents would. not. drop. it. It was extremely awkward. Any advice?

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None of Your Business

Dear Business,

How annoying! (And kinda surprisingeven if you were as young as you appear, fresh-out-of-school teachers are a pretty common sight, especially at elementary schools. I would think these parents might at least have the common sense to know that you did not, Doogie Howser your way into the classroom.) Wanting to create strong, positive relationships with families doesnt mean you cant also uphold your personal boundaries, or that youre obligated to accommodate objectively rude behavior. A parent badgering you to disclose your exact numerical age even after being deflected is not advocating for their child, theyre just being nosy and overly familiar, and if you dont want to answer, you should feel confident in not doing so.

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If you know the issue of your youthful appearance is often going to be a thing, I think its a good idea to have a standard, gentle line you deploy when it comes up. If you feel like older than I look! usually works for you, then thats fine, but if perhaps the playfulness of it is being interpreted as openness to further discussion, then Id try to acknowledge the question, but close and change the subjectlike, I do get that a lot, but Ive been teaching for a number of years. So, Id love to tell you about my approach to literacy If they keep bugging, then Id also have a backup line, holding your limit politely but more firmly and clearly; something like a simple I generally prefer not to share that, without lots of apologetic qualifiers. If, heaven help you, they keep asking even after youve said you will not be answering, then Id just keep repeating the line with a like I said for effect.

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You and I cant know these parents intentions in inquiring about your age over and over, but the effect is conveying doubt in your ability to effectively lead a classroom. While I know the question is uncomfortable and annoyingly unnecessary, I think handling this question gracefully but decisively will help in establishing your authority. Fingers crossed it wont come up much as you get more integrated into your new school environment!

Ms. Bauer (middle and high school teacher, New York)

My husband and I have a debate. Our six-year-old LOVES audiobooks. She figured out how to swipe the speaker and turn on her audiobooks whenever she wanted when she was four. It was the beginning of the end for quiet in the house. She listens obsessively, forgoing all other activities, save for occasionally crafting when re-listening to specific audiobooks. Shell sneak the speaker into bed, hide it in the bathroom, claim shes going to the toilet during dinner and not come back, and when we investigate we find her listening in the closet. She ignores her 3-year-old brother and puts a blanket over her head and the speaker to avoid people. (Shes also done this when cousins her age or friends were over.)

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She doesnt even have a huge variety of books; she tends to re-listen to the same books over and over again all day every day for three-to-six months per series. During quarantine, our family memorized the entire Ramona Quimby series as well as the entire Enchanted Forest Chronicles For a while, it was Winnie the Pooh, but, thank God, that seems to have been taken out of rotation, as she listens to the few others we have.

Our debate is two-fold: How much is too much audiobook, and should we force more variety into the line-up? Weve downloaded a variety of authors and series, but her interest tends to be pretty narrow for, as weve noted, a three-to-six-month period, depending on the book. During quarantine, we appreciated that she wasnt addicted to screens, but we are moving back to a more regular schedule these days, and wed like her to explore other activities and interact with people more. She can be very sociable if we take the speaker away from her, but it has to be our decision because it is never hers.

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Audiobooks or Bust

Dear Audiobooks or Bust,

First, lets celebrate that shes taken a significant liking to literature! I think youre right, though, to want to think this through a bit. I can see how this habitwhich is great in moderationcan have negative unintended consequences. Here are some strategies that can help.

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Id begin by trying to ween her into other genres. You want to encourage both the habit of reading and trying new things. Id find what story elements she likes about the books that she listens to on repeat, and do some research yourself or talk with her teacher or local librarian to find books in other genres that share those elements. That might serve as a good segue to exploring new things with a sense of familiarity.

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Next, Id set aside specific uninterrupted times for both reading and socializing. Setting clear boundaries will give her the opportunity to engage with her hobby, but will also encourage her to doing other things. Id recommend maybe doing a 2/1 split of time at the beginning. Maybe for every 2 hours of audiobooks you allow, make sure she is getting at least one hour of reading or something social.

Lastly, Id find a way to make reading and stories more of a social activity with something like a book club or play date story time. That way you kill two birds with one stone by giving her the opportunity to be more social while enjoying books.

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Mr. Hersey (second grade teacher, Washington)

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My kindergartner has her first active shooter drill tomorrow. The school calls it an intruder/ALICE drill. I am not exactly sure what happens. I think they encourage the kids to stay in the classroom and hide (which seems counterintuitive to me but we will go with it this year). My daughter has confessed to my sister that shes nervous about it, so we need to talk about it. Any advice about age appropriate ways to discuss this terrifying scenario and help prepare her?

Filled With Dread

Dear Filled,

An ALICE drill is not just a hide in the classroom with the lights off and stay quiet style drill. ALICE is a system for mass-casualty events. I have taken a similar training (Avoid-Deny-Defend), and while I cannot say I think it was good that I had to do itwe shouldnt live in a country where I, a special education teacher with no combat training, may be the first and only line of defense between a shooter and childrenI did learn some information that is useful, given that we do live in that country. ALICE stands for Alert-Lockdown-Inform-Counter-Evacuate, and it represents a system of responses based on the specifics of your situation. You can read more about how they are using those terms here, if thats something youd like to look at more closely.

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As for how to prepare her, this is a tricky one. Were asking her to be thinking about how she would behave in an unthinkably scary situation for anyone, let alone a child. There are a few social stories you can use to prepare her for what is coming. This website includes one specifically about ALICE drills, and there are others online as well. You can also reach out to the school counselor/school psychologist about making a custom one for your school. Many kindergarteners are likely feeling anxious about this, and the school is probably doing what they can to support their students through it.

Another thing you can do, painful as it is, is talk her through it directly. If she is willing, ask her why she is scared. Remind her that she does lots of drills at school (fire drill, bus evacuation drill, earthquake or tornado drills (depending on where you live), etc.) and that she knows these are only for emergencies, and they are not real. I do have students who continue to be afraid for a few days after drills, and I just try to hear their fears and assure them that, no matter what, teachers find ways to keep kids safe. Its tough, because their worst scenarios are often not what I see as the worst scenario, but try to listen, hear her, and tell your daughter that should anything ever happen, an adult will protect her, because that is ultimately the reassurance shes seeking.

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Ms. Sarnell (early childhood special education teacher, New York)

My daughter Kate is in third grade at our local public elementary school. Last year, Kate started to get into trouble at school, and also started to hate itpretending to be sick in the morning, etc. She got sent to the vice principal fairly regularly, and after having talked with Kate a couple of times, the vice principal called me in for a conference and she told me that she thought Kates struggles may be stemming from being highly gifted.

We started taking Kate to see a psychologist who found her IQ to be well over 150, and said that she thought that boredom in the classroom and difficulty relating to the other children could be causing problems for her because of this.

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She was put in a special behavioral program at school, and started working some with the schools gifted teacher as well. We felt we were on the right track. Shes been attending school in person this year, has a fabulous teacher who she loves, friends in her class, and has been in the gifted classes at school a half a day a week. She was thrilled for the first half of third grade, but for the past several months, she has been back to trying to avoid going to school, pretending to be sick in the mornings, sometimes just sitting in the middle of the floor and refusing to go.

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What should I do? Kate says she is bored with her schoolwork because it is too easy and she already knows it. The gifted teacher says she does not believe that she is bored in her main classroom because she has such an engaging teacher this year, and thinks it is behavioral. Her classroom teacher says she isnt being bad, just not paying attention. It feels like she has gone backwards all of a sudden the past few months.

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We took her back to see the psychologist. She says Kate definitely doesnt have ADHD or any other diagnosable issues causing her problems. Her psychologist said that the school simply isnt doing enough to stimulate her brain for someone as smart as Kate is and that I should ask for an IEP and advocate for her to get more advanced work.

My problem is, I dont feel like I really know what to ask for. Private schools in the area dont offer gifted curriculum. Our school only offers gifted classes a few hours a week. We only have a month left of third grade so I dont necessarily want to change anything this year, but if she needs something different for fourth grade I would like to have it in place before the new school year starts.

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Isnt Life Supposed to be Easier if You Are Smart?

Dear ILStbEiYAS,

Isnt life supposed to be easier if you are smart? is a very good question. Yes, a high IQ can certainly make aspects of a childs school day easier, but I like to remind parents that its the learning that my students do relative to cooperation, collaboration, persistence, grit, friendship, patience, self-confidence, listening, communication, and courage that will have far more lasting effects on my students, long after their ability to multiply mixed numbers or test for a single variable or summarize a fictional text has waned.

When it comes to these critical components to a childs future, IQ doesnt help as much.

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This includes the ability to deal with things that are perceived as boring, and this, too, is an important life skill. Not every moment of every day is incredibly engaging and entertaining. We must learn to maintain effort and focus even when the task at hand is not especially appealing. While I attempt to infuse as much of the school day with fun, engaging learning activities, there are also moments in a students day when they will be asked to demonstrate a skill that they already understand, practice a skill that they have mastered, or even listen to a lesson that they could deliver themselves. While this should not happen often, it will happen on a regular basis as students learn at different rates. As adept as a teacher might be at assessing and challenging students, there are going to be moments when a kid is listening or doing something that isnt exciting them. But through that process, they are learning patience, focus, grit, empathy, and kindness.

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All that said, I think exploring the possibility of modified instruction is entirely appropriate, and calling for a planning placement team (PPT) meeting (the right of any parent at any time) is a good idea. This team of professionals will meet to hear your concerns and decide, with you, if any testing, modified instruction, or specific accommodations would help your daughter. You can ask for this meeting whenever you like, but if you can meet soon, you may be able to put a plan into place for your daughters return to school in the fall.

There are many ways to accommodate your daughters needs, through a combination of gifted and talented instruction, independent study, and differentiation. Some of this may already be happening, but additional supports and accommodations might be necessary, and the PPT would also ensure that this modified brand of instruction is mandated, consistent, and accountable as your daughter moves through the grades.

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What the plan might include will be up to the team to decide. That team will likely include teachers, a school psychologist, an administrator, and you, so I would look at this as an opportunity to explore all of the possibilities available to your daughter. Keep an open mind. Ask lots of questions. Approach the meeting with a collaborative spirit and the understanding that the most important things we learn in school have less to do with academics and more to do with becoming a responsible, accountable, reliable, and empathetic human being.

Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut)

More Advice From Slate

My daughter is a freshman in high school, and she recently got an assignment in life sciences that seems inappropriate. The assignment is for the kids to identify someone in their family who died of cancer, and then students are supposed to research that kind of cancer and create a poster presentation to display for the entire school. This seems like a terrible idea, and an invasion of privacy. Should I talk to the teacher?
Democratic Washington Sen. Patty Murray has been one of Congress strongest supporters of working families ever since she entered the chamber in 1993. That same year saw the Family and Medical Leave Act signed into law, which was a big step forward for employers leave policiesbut nowhere near enough, as the leave guaranteed was unpaid. In the three decades since that legislations passage, there havent been any significant updates to child care infrastructure. But something shifted when the pandemic hit. I was hearing from businesses, from Chambers of Commerce, who are trying to keep some semblance of order, who couldnt get their employees to come to work simply because of child care, Murray says. With everybody now facing the same crisis, a new opportunity has emerged for fixing this countrys child care systemsPresident Joe Biden is putting the weight of his office behind policies that would make day care and preschool more accessible and provide paid family leave. But can these measures pass through a Congress with an obstructionist GOP? To find out, I spoke with Murray on Thursdays episode of What Next. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Mary Harris: Youve told the story about how when you first got to the Senate, you were pushing for the Family and Medical Leave Act. You went onto the floor and gave a speech about how important it was, and you talked about a friend who couldnt spend time with their dying teenager without fearing theyd lose their job. Can you talk a bit about how your colleagues responded when you told that story?

Sen. Patty Murray: I remember as if it were yesterday. I had a male senator come over to me afterward and say, We dont tell personal stories on the floor of the United States Senate. And I remember looking right at him and saying, I came here to tell personal stories about whats happening to people so we can change laws to make them work for people in this country.

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That legislation was a compromise. There were exceptions, loopholes, red tape. Youve said that you thought the FMLA was just the beginning and that it would be sort of the first start of more legislation to come. Why wasnt it? What happened after that?

I feel like what happened was people thought, Well, we already did thatand these are people, by the way, who get paid enough that they dont have to worry about unpaid family leave. There was no understanding that this didnt work for a lot of people because it was unpaid.

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Youve been one of the only women in the Senate for decades, and you also have a history of being in a family that needed food stamps. I wonder if that kind of diversity in the Senate is just as necessary, and harder to get.

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There is no doubt about it: If you understand from a personal perspective what its like to live through real experiences that people have, if youre not from a wealthy or elite background, then you stand on that floor of the Senate and you fight for it. I understood the need for those kinds of policies, including food stamps, because my dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was a teenager. There were seven kids in our family, and my mom, who literally thought she was going to stay home and raise seven kids, all of a sudden had to go out, get some skills, get a job, raise seven kids, and take care of my dad. We made it because of food stamps and because my dad was a veteran and got some VA benefits. We made it because there were those support systems in place that helped families. I know many families in this country today dont have a megaphone, but theyre living with these issues and its our job to lift them up and help them become whatever they can be. Otherwise, were losing so much of our population. Its personal to me. Ive lived it.

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"There are very few Republicans today who are saying child care is not a problem."  Sen. Patty Murray

When you would tell your colleagues that the FLMA isnt working for a substantial portion of people in this country, what would they say?

Well, usually it was a pat on the head, Oh, yeah, I understand, and then never making it a priority. What has changed is now we have more women in the Senate, more people with that lived experience, more younger men whose wives are at work and who are also struggling with how to take care of kids and do jobs. So its not just me at a committee raising it once in my five minutes of timeits echoed throughout the Senate by other people. And this pandemic has made that echo into a roar from constituents who are telling their members of Congress this has to be taken care of.

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I have talked to so many people who have not taken a promotion or added hours because they couldnt afford more child care. So in the Child Care for Working Families Act [which Murray recently reintroduced in Congress] we make sure that no working family under 150 percent of state median income pays more than 7 percent of their income on child care, and that families who are earning above 75 percent of state median pay their fair share on a sliding scale. Families under 75 percent of state median income dont pay anything at all.

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The first thing we do is say, Were going to make it affordable for you. Secondly, were improving the quality by helping to pay for caretakers. Ask any child care provider: Turnover is huge, pay is really low, and its hard to keep people in those jobs. They can make more at McDonalds than they can taking care of peoples kids. So improving the pay is really a critical part of this, as well as improving the skills to make sure they have what they need to be able to do these jobs.

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I think I can hear the Republican pushback already just because Ive heard it before: that people make their choices and they should only make choices they can afford.

Well, first of all, the talking point I heard at our hearing actually was: You guys are making it so parents want to go to work rather than stay home with their kids. I almost leapt out of my chair. People dont choose to go to work because theyre lazy. They dont choose to go to work because they just want to do something. They choose to go to work so they can put food on the table and make sure their kids can go to college and afford this economy we live in today. And in doing so, they increase the skills at workplaces and help our economy grow. So I dont buy that for a minute. I think it is essential that we make sure people have those basic things they need so they can go and make sure their familys OK, that their communitys OK, that the business they work for profits, and that we all do better.

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Its a funny pushback, that youre trying to push people into work, when for such a long time legislators talked about it as a real value to, for instance, tie welfare benefits to work.

Not only that, but I am assuming most parents feel like I do. I want the choices for our other daughters that if they want to go to work and use their skills and be competitive and help their families, I want them to have that choice. I dont want them to have to be forced to stay home because there isnt any quality care, and I dont want them to have to be forced to go to work. I want them to have options. The way we do that is providing quality child care so people can go to work and make that kind of choice.

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Youve been known as a deal-maker in your time on Capitol Hill, meeting with pretty conservative people like Paul Ryan and try to understand their perspective so you could think about how to move legislation forward. I wonder whether your approach to compromise has changed at all over the last four years, over the last six months.

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There are very few Republicans today who are saying child care is not a problem. They know its a problem for their employees. They know its an issue for their constituents. They know its an issue for their families. The solution is always hard to get to. Im listening and trying to get to a solution that works for everybody.

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Mitch McConnell has said Bidens American Families Plan is something that liberals want, not what Americans want.

That argument, I just blow past it becauseseriouslyif you talk to anybody in this country that is not super wealthy, you know child care is an issue and that people are falling behind because they dont have access. Ill say this to everyone who doubts child care: Anybody whos at work and is worried about the safety of their kids in a child care situation, or worried about what theyre going to do tomorrow about their child care, isnt performing to their best ability. Theyre just not. If you want people in your own office or your own family or your own community to be able to do the best job they can, then lets solve this problem.

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The U.S. and Russia engaged in their highest-level talks so far under the Biden administration when Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met for an hour and 45 minutes Wednesday on the sidelines of the Arctic Council meetings in Reykjavik, Iceland. The meeting was considered a likely diplomatic precursor to a presidential summit in the coming weeks between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. There is, of course, much to discuss as U.S. and Russian relations have been increasingly adversarial over the past decade. The two sides are currently at a standoff on a number of issues: high-stakes cyberattacks coming out of Russia, including this months ransomware attack on a U.S. pipeline; the jailing and attempted assassination of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; as well as the Russias continued military involvement in Syria and renewed aggression along the Ukraine border. We seek a predictable, stable relationship with Russia, Blinken said Wednesday. We think thats good for our people, good for the Russian people and indeed good for the world.

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Returning predictability and stability to the American diplomatic lexicon may be a priority of the Biden administrationrestoring faith of American allies while steadying the relationships with global adversaries but at what cost? One particularly challenging sticking point in the relationship repair effort is the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which Europe wants, Russia is building, and the U.S. sees as a national security threat. The $11 billion project connecting Russian natural gas to Germany would nearly double Europes energy supply, but, the U.S. is concerned it would also give Russia enormous political and economic leverage over the continent.

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Trump administration sanctions stalled the project for more than a year with the pipeline 100 miles short of completion and the Biden White House has been wrestling with whether to aggressively expand sanctions to try to detonate the project or stand back and allow its completion as an offering to European allies, particularly Germany. Attempting to scupper the deal would possibly require the U.S. to sanction German companies involved in the project, in addition to sanctions on Russian entities; sanctioning an ally is not likely to mend any past disagreements, leaving the White House with a difficult prioritization of the countrys diplomatic and national security interests.

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Ahead of Wednesdays meeting, the U.S. government announced sanctions on some of the smaller players involved in the project, while waiving sanctions on the Swiss-headquartered Russian company overseeing the project. The move angered Russia hawks in Congress and indicates the Biden administration is prioritizing restoring U.S.-Europe relations while continuing to oppose the pipeline. The administration inherited a pipeline that was over 90 percent complete, a senior State Department official involved in the sanctions decision-making told the Washington Post. Stopping it has always been a long shot, but that doesnt mean were ready to give up that last 10 percent.
Sheikh Jarrah used to be a quiet, affluent neighborhood, just outside the bustling Old City in east Jerusalem. Munir Nusseibehs family has lived there for generations, and he told me the family can trace its lineage in the region back centurieshe said one of his ancestors was entrusted as a neutral Muslim keeper of the keys to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianitys holiest shrines, where some believe Jesus was buried. In Sheikh Jarrah, Nusseibehs grandfather owned one of the first large buildings near the gate to the Old City. When we talked recently, Nusseibeh recalled how it was once a hotel. It was lost to the family when the building was destroyed by Israel in the 1948 war, and his grandfathers land was confiscated by the Israeli government.

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Israels threat to remove longtime Palestinian residents of Sheikh Jarrah helped precipitate the current crisis, which has left more than 225 Palestinians and 12 Israelis dead. Nusseibeh is now a human rights lawyer and academic based in Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, where he leads the Community Action Center. He also heads an organization that provides legal aid and documents human rights violations in his neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. His legal work includes representing Palestinians before Israeli courts for a variety of residency disputes, which are typical in the area. He doesnt directly represent his neighbors who are now facing forced removal from their homes, but he told me he regularly meets with their lawyers and produces fact sheets to help inform the international community of whats happening on the ground there.

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Speaking by phone, we talked about the roots of the Sheikh Jarrah battle, whether he believes victory is possible in an Israeli court system, and what hes seeing in his neighborhood and city right now. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Aymann Ismail: What does the legal battle for the East Jerusalem residents look like? How did they wind up facing eviction?

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Munir Nusseibeh: The people who live in this specific community are refugees who were displaced from the area that became Israel in 1948. During that war, Israel forcibly displaced 80 percent of the Palestinian population to create a Jewish majority in the newborn state. In 1956, the Jordanian government and the United Nations agreed to build 28 houses in Sheikh Jarrah to house some of these families. They have been living in these houses as tenants since 1956. First there was a contract with the Jordanian government that was to transfer ownership to the families after three years. However, time passed, and the ownership was not transferred to the families. Instead, the Jordanian government transferred jurisdiction of the land over to whats called the Custodian of Enemy Property inside the Jordanian government that managed the properties. The residents continued to live in these houses, but in 1967, East Jerusalem became occupied by Israel, and during this period, settler groups claimed ownership of the land on which the houses were built. They then asked the Israeli government to evict the families that lived in these houses.

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Around this time, the Palestinian residents hired an Israeli lawyer to defend them. They learned only later that, at the time, the lawyer had conceded that this land was owned by the Jewish settler groupthe plaintiffsand the tenants were given a status of protected tenant. They became considered tenants who were expected to pay rent. They insist to me now that they were never approached by anyone since the 70s to pay rent, never told how much the rent was or to whom they should pay it. Years later, the Israeli settler organization came back with new cases to evict these families using the law that regulates leasing real estate for not paying rent.

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Since then, a settler organization has been choosing families to sue, claiming that these families should be evicted. In 2009, there were already four families that were evicted from their houses as a result of these cases, and they have been replaced with Israeli Jewish settlers. Now there is a wave of more cases against more residents to evict them from their homes. The Israeli courts wont hear some of the evidence, but they have authorized the plaintiff and defendant to find a settlement. The Israeli settler organization asked the families to recognize that this land is owned by them, and in return, they would allow the land to be leased to someone chosen in their family, and expire with that persons death. The families rejected this offer. So that is where it is today. We are waiting for another session in less than a month, but we dont know what will happen.

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Nahalat Shimon, the settler organization thats helping drive this case, has a plan to build settler units in place of some of the Palestinian homes. Can you tell me why it is so interested in this particular parcel of land?

This organization is very extreme in its Zionism. And the whole idea behind Zionism is to create a Jewish state. So they are not interested in this land specifically, but they will be able to fulfill their national and religious causes by Judaizing this land. They were using the Israeli court system, which is part of the occupation itself, to transfer real estate from Palestinians to settlers. International law makes it very clear that it is illegal to transfer a population from this territory. However, these organizations do not care about international law, and neither does the Israeli court.

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Does Sheikh Jarrah hold any special significance to the Palestinians?

I live in Sheikh Jarrah. I have my piece of land that is not under threat of eviction, but my father, who lived with my aunt and uncle, had his land confiscated a long time ago. It was not related to this case. It was based on a different lawconfiscation for public useand they havent used it to this day, by the way. My father was a journalist, he could read Hebrew, and he read about another Jewish woman whose land was confiscated for public use as well. She went to court and got her land back. My father went to the same lawyer, but he lost the case, unfortunately.

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But Sheikh Jarrah is bigger than that. Its one of the most important city centers in Jerusalem. Its one of closest cities to the Old City. The wealthier Palestinian families at the end of the 1800s started building homes in Sheikh Jarrah to build more modern homes for an updated lifestyle. There were several beautiful neighborhoods outside of the Old City. One of them was called Talbiya, which was totally 100 percent Judaized in 1948 when they ejected all of the Palestinians who lived in West Jerusalem. If you tour Jerusalem, you will see wonderful houses that were built by wealthy Palestinians and were loved and decorated with art. They suddenly lost them. And now they are trying their best to also Judaize the closest neighborhoods to the Old City: in the north, Sheikh Jarrah, and in the south, Silwan. Similar claims and court cases are currently ongoing in Silwan. Today, we are discussing Sheikh Jarrah, and in the future, you will hear more about the families facing displacement in Silwan.

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Ive seen some others say its wrong to simply call whats happening eviction. Do you also see it that way?

Yes, of course. I would call it forced displacement. Eviction is when a tenant is being evicted from a home that is owned by someone else. This language is used currently in the Israeli court system because that is the way Israeli law is dealing with this situation. The truth is that those who are claiming ownership are unable to prove ownership. Still, the expected result is the forced removal of civilians from their homes to somewhere else in the occupied territory. In international law, this is known as forcible transfer. It is prohibited by Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and was prosecuted as a crime historically. It is widely considered as a war crime and a crime against humanity. We have called for a prosecutor from the International Criminal Court to investigate the situation, and it is my belief that if they actually investigate this, they will find that a war crime is being conducted, and if these families are evicted, then their war crime would be completed. This is the language that needs to be used to clarify that we are not talking about a normal situation in a normal city. An owner is not evicting a tenant. International law is being broken.

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Does international attention help your case in any way?

I am not sure how it will affect the court case. A few days ago, the Israeli Supreme Court postponed making a final decision on the case, based on a request from a state attorney who was asked to intervene in this case. The court acknowledged this case has several dimensions. So now they recognize that there are more dimensions to the case than how it was presented, as a simple tenant and owner dispute. So this is one indication of how the attention that this case has received has been helpful.

Do you believe its possible to actually win in Israeli court?

The Israeli court system is part of the occupation machine. You can win, but on their ground and by their rules. Maybe the residents back in the 70s thought that they won the case, but in fact they did not win. Now after 20 to 30 years have passed, they are facing a new wave of displacement. Like in the case of the separation wall: The International Court of Justice said very clearly the wall is illegal. The Israeli court system said the wall is legal but it has to be proportionate. When it violates the rights of Palestinians, it has to violate them in a way that is proportionate to the security needs that its built for. We cannot seek justice in the Israeli Supreme Court and the Israeli court system. Even though we are forced to go thereafter all, it is my job to go to these courtswe go because people have to defend themselves.

We have to use their language, their law, and their standards. Their standards are very far away from the standards of international law or human rights. However, peoples resilience requires that we deal with them. We have no other option but to interact with this discriminatory regime and its court system. And that is exactly what we saw in apartheid South Africa, or any country that persecuted certain populations based on their own justifications.

What are you seeing on the ground now?

Its beautiful and ugly at the same time. Its beautiful because Sheikh Jarrah now is at its height for peaceful, nonviolent resistance against the Israeli occupation as a whole. We have Palestinians coming every day to the Sheikh Jarrah community to show solidarity. Obviously the Israeli Police have been creating obstacles against us. They have closed the streets in Sheikh Jarrah that lead to the houses that face eviction, preventing people from accessing these areas. Today, there was a group of church representatives who managed to enter. So, there is a lot of people currently against oppression. Sheikh Jarrah is like a spring now, and it is producing thoughtful resistance against the occupation. And it has also pushed not only Palestinians butas we call them herefree people from all faiths and nationalities to express solidarity with the victims of this occupation. This is the beautiful thing, but the ugly thing is police and army brutality. The violence they are using against protesters, not only in Sheikh Jarrah but in Al-Aqsa Mosque with no justification, is ugly. The police are very violent. Every night we hear their stun grenades and stun bombs. We smell gas. They spray the streets and the people with skunk water. That is our daily scene in this beautiful neighborhood. There is fear among the people living in this neighborhood, but I think weve seen this a lot in our lifetimes. And we know that this situation will continue as long as this apartheid regime continues to rule over Jerusalem. Until human rights and freedom are established in Palestine, this will continue. We have to expect it and survive, and be as resilient as we can.
Wednesday evening, the House passed a bill that would create an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Thirty-five Republicans joined all Democrats in a 252 to 175 vote.

The bipartisan result came in spite of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthys decision Tuesday to come out against the bill. Democrats had granted most of the concessions McCarthy had previously asked for, but among McCarthys excuses for rejecting the deal was that the Jan. 6 commission would not also be charged with investigating unrelated urban riots last summer.

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Still, the chances of Congress sending Joe Biden a bill establishing a bipartisan Jan. 6 commission were very much in doubt. Even while McCarthy was failing to keep his own conference in line, he spent Tuesday and Wednesday making inroads in the Senateparticularly with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. On Tuesday, McConnells position on the bill was that he would keep his options open. He said that the Republican conference was undecided about the way forward at this point, and that they wanted to read the fine print on the House bill before taking a position. When the House passed the bill and sent it over, they would take a look.

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Overnight, though, McConnell changed his stance. On Wednesday morning, about 12 hours after Donald Trump said in a statement that the discussion over the Democrat trap of the January 6 commission should be ended immediatelyHopefully, Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy are listening!McConnell announced on the Senate floor that he had made the decision to oppose the House Democrats slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January the 6th.

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Somehow, in that brief span of time, the commission had transformed from a course of action worthy of McConnells consideration into a self-evidently pointless project. Its not at all clear what new facts or additional investigation yet another commission could lay on top of the existing efforts by law enforcement and Congress, McConnell said. What is clear is that House Democrats have handled this proposal in partisan bad faith from the beginning. He described Democrats as continuing to insist on various other features under the hood that are designed to centralize control over the commissions process and its conclusions in Democrats hands.

But clearly it was conceivable; you could see the Senate Republican conference pick up their leaders objections to the fine print in real time. South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, who said on Tuesday that he was interested in the commission and that we clearly had an insurrection on that particular day, and I dont want it to be swept under any rug, was singing a new tune on Wednesday after he and other GOP senators met with McCarthy. The Wednesday version of Rounds echoed a concern that McConnell had noted on Tuesday, that staff would only be appointed by the Democrat chairman and that Republicans would not have a say in that, and he worried that the Dec. 31 deadline for the commission to finish its business would be unmeetable, given how long it would take to set up shop and obtain security clearances for everyone. Maine Sen. Susan Collins similarly said, I dont think its right to have the chairman unilaterally appoint all the staff and wanted it made extra clear that the commission could not be extended beyond Dec. 31.

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The complaint about staffing makes no sense at all. The bill text on staff hiring is identical to that of the bipartisan 9/11 commission, which no one had a problem with, as well as that of a separate Jan. 6 commission proposal introduced by House Republicans in January. There is a clearly defined mechanism for Republican appointees on the commission to prevent the Democrat-appointed chair from filling out the staffing entirely with members of Antifa.

The bill text, which is identical to language in the 9/11 Commission bill and H.R. 275, allows for the hiring of Commission staff by the Chair, in consultation with the Vice Chair, and in accordance with the rules agreed upon by the Commission, a Republican staffer to the House Homeland Security Committee explained to me. This avoids any unilateral action by the Chair by requiring consultation with the Vice Chair and adherence to the internal Commission rules agreed to by the Commissioners, now equally split among Ds and Rs.

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The Dec. 31 deadline is a more plausible complaint. Were the bill passed by both chambers and signed into law today, that would leave the commission just north of seven months to get appointed, hire staff, get security clearances, begin investigating, issue subpoenas, deal with stonewalled subpoenas, and then write a report. As Lawfare wrote, the current deadline is a recipe for shallowness. It will discourage consensus-building and give some commissioners an incentive to try to run out the clock.

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The solution to that, then, would be to extend the deadline much furtherperhaps past the electionor to eliminate the deadline. Republican objections, instead, are coming from both ends. They note that the Dec. 31 deadline doesnt give the commission time to properly do its job, but they also want further assurances that the deadline would be held tothat is, they say the commission is being given too little time, and they want to forbid it from getting more. The investigation timetable isnt the issue, the political timetable is: They dont want Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer mounting a public offensive at them, at the end of the year, for an extension and casting them as traitors if they refuse to do so.

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Given that these complaints are technical ones, there should technically be a possibility that the Senate could amend the House bill on a bipartisan basis to fix some of these issues Republicans say they have. Collins indicated that she was partial to that path.

But betting on that outcome over a filibuster would be misreading whats going on here.

Republican leaders believeand theyre not wrongthat any day spent discussing Jan. 6 is a day theyre not helping themselves take back congressional majorities. They dont want a new, evenly split commission passed with bipartisan buy-ina fair commission that they cant attack as a witch hunt would in many ways be worse!in the news all the time, keeping the spotlight on a day that laid bare the rot in their party.

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The House minority whip, John Thune, was pretty clear about this Wednesday.

I want our midterm message to be about the kinds of issues that the American people are dealing withits jobs and wages and the economy, national security, safe streets, strong borders and those types of issues, and not relitigating the 2020 election, Thune told reporters. So clearly, I think, a lot of our membersand I think this is true, a lot of House Republicanswant to be moving forward and not looking backward and, you know, anything that gets us rehashing the 2020 election, I think, is a day lost on being able to draw contrast between us and the Democrats very radical left-wing agenda.

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Texas Sen. John Cornyn said it would be Democrats dream for this to spill out until the middle of next year, and added, I generally dont try to help Democrats.

Republicans arent moving to block the commission because the appointed chairman may have too much leeway in hiring. Theyre blocking it because the Jan. 6 rioters stormed the Capitol in support of Donald Trump, and Donald Trump is still in control of the Republican Party. The lie that brought on the attackthat Biden stole the election from Trumphas become doctrine for their party base. Any honest discussion of Jan. 6 would air these facts, so they want it out of the conversation.

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McConnell may fancy himself more sophisticated than McCarthy. He doesnt say Trumps name, doesnt speak with him, doesnt visit him at Mar-a-Lago to apologize, and tries not to seem visibly in thrall to whatever demands Trump makes of him on a minute-to-minute basis. But the House and Senate Republican leaders are making the same calls in the end. McCarthy voted against impeaching Trump over the insurrection, and McConnell voted against convicting him. McCarthy dumped Liz Cheney from his leadership for continually criticizing Trump and McConnell didnt defend her. McCarthy came up with excuses to oppose a Jan. 6 commission he had originally been open to, and McConnell came up with his own. The mob is still calling the shots.
Two weeks ago, in an interview on Fox News, Sen. Lindsey Graham explained why House Republicans had to purge Rep. Liz Cheney from their leadership. Shes made a determination that the Republican Party cant grow with President Trump, Graham told Sean Hannity. Ive determined we cant grow without him. Graham framed this as a choice, as though either he or Cheney had to be wrong. But what if theyre both right? What if the GOP, by becoming the Trump party, has trapped itself in a fatal dilemma? Polls suggest that this is precisely what has happened. The GOP cant afford to alienate its Trumpist base, but it cant afford to lose anti-Trump Republicans either. By ousting Cheney, the party is risking electoral disaster.

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In the fight between Trump and Cheney over the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 insurrection, most Republicans are on Trumps side. Seventy percent agree (wrongly) that rampant fraud affected the elections outcome, that Joe Biden didnt get enough legal votes to win, and that his victory was therefore illegitimate. Fewer than 30 percent of Republicans concede that the Jan. 6 attack was a rebellion or uprising, and only 17 percent call it an insurrection. Thirty-seven percent hold Biden or the Democratic Party primarily responsible for the attack; only 11 percent hold Trump or the GOP primarily responsible. In fact, 35 percent of Republicans insist that the participants who took part in the events on January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol were patriots.

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Cheney wants the Jan. 6 violence to be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, but most Republicans dont. In a Pew survey conducted in March, a majority of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said too much attention had been paid to the riot at the Capitol and its impacts. Only half said it was very important for federal law enforcement agencies to find and prosecute those who broke into the U.S. Capitol, and 37 percent worried that the offenders would be punished too harshly. In April, in a UMass Amherst/WCVB poll, only 44 percent of Republicans supported continuing the federal effort to identify, arrest, and charge individuals who participated in the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Thirty-three percent opposed that effort. In a third survey, taken last week by Civiqs, 75 percent of Republicans opposed a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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Thats why Cheneys colleagues fired her as chair of the House GOP conference: Truth and principle were on her side, but most Republicans werent. In polls taken last week, Republican respondents agreed by ratios of 4-to-1 that her colleagues were right to remove her.

But that doesnt mean the ouster was cost-free. In three polls taken this month, 17 percent to 20 percent of Republicans opposed Cheneys removal. Independents, by a net margin of 12 to 14 percentage points, were more likely to oppose than support her demotion. A Morning Consult poll found that on balance, registered voters who chose third-party candidates in 2020, or who didnt vote at all that year, also thought the GOP should have kept her in leadership. In a close election, alienating all these people can be fatal.

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Pollsters are just beginning to examine the Cheney sympathizers. In last weeks CBS News survey of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, most of the 20 percent who opposed her ouster cited among their reasons Theres room in the party for different views or Not everyone should support Donald Trump. But many gave reasons that will be harder to reconcile with the partys ongoing campaign to whitewash the insurrection and the lies party leaders told about the election. Thirty-nine percent of respondents who sided with Cheney said shes right about the election, and 37 percent said shes right about rule of law. This core pro-Cheney faction, roughly 35 to 40 percent of 20 percent, adds up to 7 or 8 percent of the Republican-leaning electorate.

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House Republicans figure that by the time the 2022 election rolls around, these people will have forgotten a party leadership vote that took place in May 2021. But purging Cheney didnt solve the GOPs underlying problem: Trump. In an Echelon Insights poll taken in April, 15 percent of Republican voters said they preferred a GOP free of Donald Trumps influence. In a Navigator survey, when Republicans and Republican leaners were asked whether the party should continue on the path laid out by Donald Trump or make some changes and move in a new direction, 22 percent chose a new direction. These numbers closely resemble the percentage who have opposed Cheneys removal in more recent surveys.

And thats just the tip of the iceberg. The Echelon Insights poll found that beyond the 15 percent of Republicans who wanted to cleanse the party of Trump, another 21 percent preferred a GOP that supports Donald Trumps America First agenda but is not led by him, and a further 23 percent preferred a GOP that builds on Donald Trumps successes and moves on from his failures. Polls continue to show that Trump is an abrasive factor within the party, particularly in his treatment of liberals and racial issues. Hes also an albatross among independents: The Echelon Insights survey found that 57 percent of them would prefer a GOP free of his influence.

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On average, Cheney sympathizers and Trump critics are more likely than other Republicans to be moderate, nonwhite, highly educated, and young. In the CBS News survey of Republicans and Republican leaners, one-third of respondents under age 45 who were asked about Cheneys ouster opposed it. While only one-quarter of respondents age 65 or older acknowledged that Biden had legitimately won the election, half of those under 45 did. And while nearly half of respondents 65 or older said it was very important for Republicans to be loyal to Donald Trump, fewer than 30 percent of respondents younger than 45 felt that way. On race, opposition to Trump correlated directly with age: 19 percent of respondents age 65 or older, 33 percent of the 30-to-44 age group, and 43 percent of respondents younger than 30 rejected Trump as a model. The more Trump talks, and the more GOP leaders rally around him, the more they antagonize the rising cohort of younger voters.

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House Republicans think theyll win control next year because its a midterm election and theyre the party out of power. But an Economist/YouGov poll taken this week shows how even a small defection by anti-Trump, pro-Cheney Republicans could upend those plans. When respondents were given a choice between three congressional candidatesthe Democratic Party candidate, a Republican candidate who supports Donald Trump, and a Republican candidate who does not support Donald Trump, 10 percent of Republicans chose the GOP candidate who didnt support Trump. If supporters of the two Republican candidates were to unite against the Democratic candidate, the result would be a tie. But without help from voters who preferred the anti-Trump Republican, the pro-Trump Republican would lose to the Democrat by 7 points.*

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Weve already seen how costly such defections can be. Last year, after Trump and his allies attacked and ostracized Republican Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona, McCains widow and Flake endorsed Biden and campaigned against Trump. They brought 9 percent of the states Republican voters with them, tipping its 11 electoral votes to Biden. Instead of learning from that debacle, Trumpist Republicans decided to inspect Arizonas ballots for bamboo fibers, as though China were to blame. Theyd be better off thinking about how many more states and districts anti-Trump defectors could cost them in 2022.

Correction, May 20, 2021: This article originally misstated that in the Economist/YouGov poll, the pro-Trump Republican candidate, without help from dissenting Republican voters, would lose to the Democratic candidate by 7 points. Dissenting Republican voters would account for only part of that deficit. The full 7-point gap would be the result of losing all votersRepublicans, Democrats, and independentswho had supported the anti-Trump Republican candidate.
If they would have gotten rid of that ordinance, it would have hurt. If customers would like to sit completely outside by the parking lot, I would love to allow it, Harroll said. I do not want people to be pushed into a box they do not want to be in.
Galvanized by the very real possibility that the Supreme Court is poised to overrule Roe v. Wade in the coming months, Republican-controlled legislatures around the country are racing to pass extreme new restrictions on abortion. Four states have enacted laws banning all abortions from conception; nearly a dozen more have passed heartbeat bills that seek to ban the procedure at six weeks. On Wednesday, Texas joined this bloc when GOP Gov. Greg Abbott signed the states own heartbeat bill, SB 8, into law. Like the other states that have passed these laws, Texas cannot actually enforce the ban under Roe, which prohibits state officials from banning abortion before viability. But lawmakers believe they have devised a workaround to Roes roadblock: Rather than empower state officials to implement the ban, they have granted virtually every private citizen the right to sue anyone who aids or abets an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. The goal is not simply to outlaw abortions, but to terrify and punish patients by bankrupting those who support them.

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SB 8s language is sweeping: It encompasses anyone who aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion after six weeks, before the vast majority of patients know theyre pregnant. It also applies to any person who merely intends to aid or abet such an abortion, regardless of whether they follow through. Almost anybody, including complete strangers, can sue the alleged accomplice in Texas state court. If the plaintiff prevails, the accomplice must pay them a minimum of $10,000 for each abortion abetted, plus attorneys fees. If a plaintiff sues an alleged accomplice and loses, by contrast, they are not required to pay their targets attorneys feesa recipe for harassing lawsuits. Moreover, the plaintiff can demand litigation in a county of their choice, forcing their target to travel hundreds of miles to defend themselves.

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The breadth of SB 8s liability is staggering. An insurance company that reimburses the cost of an abortion after six weeks can be held liable. So can the doctors, nurses, and clinic staff who perform the abortion. A patients friends, family members, clergy, or rape crisis counselor may be sued if they facilitate access to an abortion banned by SB 8. By driving a patient to the clinic or helping to cover their bill, an acquaintance becomes liable under the law. These individuals can even be sued if they only form an intent to help someone terminate a pregnancy but never act on it. Donors to an abortion fundincluding people thousands of miles from Texas with no connection to the patientmay also be sued because of their intent to abet abortion.

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A patients friends, family members, clergy, or rape crisis counselor may be sued if they facilitate access to an abortion.

The bill also states that an alleged accomplice may not cite their reliance on any court decision that has been overruled as a defense against liability. This rule applies even if the court decision had not been overruled at the time of the offense. In other words, SB 8 imposes ex post facto liability, penalizing individuals for conduct that was legal when they engaged in it. And it compels state courts to continue enforcing the law if a lower federal court declares it unconstitutional.

Taken together, these rules would open up a huge number of people to legal sanctions. The measure has one ostensible limitation: It does not allow an individual to sue if he impregnated the abortion patient through an act of rape, sexual assault, incest, or another criminal act. But only a small number of rapes are prosecuted, and fewer lead to conviction. What happens if a man impregnates a woman who gets an abortion, then sues under SB 8, and the woman accuses him of rape? The law is ambiguous, but presumably, the alleged rapists culpability will be adjudicated as part of the civil proceeding. As a result, the victim will be dragged into the litigation, interrogated, and retraumatized, because her rapist is mad at her for terminating her pregnancy.

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This cruelty is a feature, not a bug, of the law. Although SB 8 purports not to punish abortion patients themselves, they are its true targets. It is designed to silence and paralyze a patients entire support network, leaving them isolated, afraid, and alone. An individual who decided to terminate their pregnancy cannot turn to friends for help; they cannot ask a family member for assistance; they cannot speak openly with a professional counselor. Again, an individual need only formulate the intent to assist an abortion in any way to be held liable in court by total strangers; no patient can have an honest conversation about their decision to terminate without fear that they placed a loved one in danger of debilitated sanctions. SB 8 ensnares abortion patients in a net of legal jeopardy to frighten them out of exercising their rights.

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Texas approach may be novel, but its goal is nothing new. While anti-abortion groups disclaim a desire to penalize women, the reality is that its impossible to ban abortion without punishing abortion patients. In red states, prosecutors have repeatedly brought criminal charges against women who terminated their own pregnancies in violation of state law. These charges may relate to abortion restrictions, or they may involve creative applications of other criminal laws, like malice murder, abuse of a corpse, or unauthorized practice of medicine. Even with Roe on the books, conservative state officials have proved eager to persecute women who terminate.

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This trend will only accelerate as the Supreme Court weakens or overturns the constitutional right to abortion. It seems unlikely (though not impossible) that SB 8 will ever take effect: The bill establishes an untested system that seems destined to collapse into a mess of frivolous suits that would entangle Texas courts in an endless legal nightmare. In addition, as a group of 300 Texas lawyers, including many former judges, pointed out in a letter to the Legislature, the law seems to violate the Texas Constitution, which bars individuals from suing over conduct that did not injure them personally. Whatever the fate of this particular act, however, Texas Republicans long-term aim is clear. The state wants to end abortions not just by outlawing the procedure, but also by punishing everyone involved in the process. As SB 8 illustrates, there is no way to do that without punishing patients, too.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that people vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks indoors. Plenty has been written about whether this decision was well communicated, whether it was too hasty, and whether it could possibly have the intended effect of swaying anyone toward vaccines. But if youre a parent like me, already exhausted from a year of trying to take care of a small person during a global crisis, you likely have one overarching question: What am I supposed to do now?

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So many parents are now responsible for shepherding their unvaccinated kids through a semi-vaxxed-and-unmasked world. Vaccines protecting against COVID-19 arent yet available for kids under 12, and kids ages 12 to 15 just became eligible for the Pfizer vaccine on May 10. So unless your kid is in a vaccine clinical trialand youre confident they didnt get a placeboall parents of kids ages 12 and under are in the sticky situation of figuring out how to handle unvaccinated family members. The CDC gives basically no guidance on how parents can trust that the unmasked people around them are vaccinated, or how risky it is to take a little one to the store when mask mandates are down and case rates are up. It seems like kids are just getting overlooked in this, says Tara Smith, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Kent State University in Ohio and parent of a 7-year-old. To navigate this new morass of risk calculations, I spoke to Smith and Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease doctor at the University of California, San Francisco. They had somewhat different outlooksillustrating just how much work is being thrust on parents right now to make constant judgment calls.

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The first thing to knowand what the experts did agree onis that vaccinated people, even if theyre unmasked and indoors, are really not a risk to your kid unless your kid is immunocompromised. The biology at the heart of the CDCs decision is sound. Vaccines very effectively block transmission, even in times that are high circulating virus, says Gandhi, and Smith agreed. So if you take your kid to, say, a gathering at a house with other adults, and you know that everyone there is vaccinated, youre fine. The problem comes if youre somewhere public where folks are maskless and unvaccinated. Both experts agreed that does put your kid at risk of getting COVID-19. I would keep them [your kids] away from people or have a mask on them, says Gandhi.

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So then the question is, should you trust unvaccinated strangers to mask? It really depends on whom you ask, and maybe where you live. Gandhi said yes. Its worth noting that San Francisco, where shes based, has a strong culture of masking: Here, if you dont wear a mask, everyone glares at you, Gandhi told Slate in April. (And for now, the city still requires masks to go inside a business and even outdoors if youre not at least 6 feet apart.) Smith had a much different outlook: If theres one thing Ive learned over the pandemic, its that I really dont trust people. Smith lives in rural Ohio. Ive already seen many people declare their intention to go out unmasked and unvaccinated, she says. All over my Facebook page, friends of friends who are not vaccinated are proudly saying that they identify as vaccinatedthats become apparently a popular tagline. You may feel more trustand be off the hook for some risk calculationsif your state or city keeps regulations around indoor masking, if individual businesses decide to keep enforcing masking, or if there are strong social norms around masking indoors in your area. Here in rural Ohio, I know the sentiment has been very strongly against masks from the beginning, and we have a lot of people also against vaccines, says Smith.

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To properly calibrate your worry about your kid catching a disease from a stranger essentially lying about their health statusbecause apparently thats part of parents jobs now!you also need to have a grasp on how bad it might be if your kid gets COVID-19. Children are at low risk for severe COVID, period, says Gandhi, noting that, generally, the younger kids are, the lower their risk of getting COVID and of severe effects of COVID. Smith is more cautious. Kids are at lower risk of serious infection than adults, she agrees. But depending on what database you use, anywhere from 300 to 600 kids have been reported to have died. This is much, much, much lower than mortality numbers for adults, but 1.5 to 3 times higher than the annual number of kids who die from the flu. You might reasonably be worried especially if your kid is immunocompromised or has a condition that places them at higher risk of complications if they get COVID-19. I would be more careful about those kids for sure, in terms of masking or keeping them away from places where there are high incidences of people who arent masking, says Gandhi. And of course, there are also nonmedical negative effects of COVID-19 exposure to consider. Parents can take an economic hit from taking extra time off to keep kids out of day care or school to get tested, and even more time off to quarantine if kids test positive. Parents in tenuous and hourly jobs can even be fired for it.

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This is already a lot to consider about your own personal comfort level, your childs health status, and the norms in your area. But both Gandhi and Smith agreed that what makes the CDC guidelines so fundamentally confusing is that they are blanket national advice, when the viruss activityand the populations vaccination statusvaries pretty greatly by location. How worried you should reasonably be about your kids depends in large part on whats happening with COVID in your area. Both experts recommended checking a few local numbers if you want to take your kids indoors and dont trust people to mask; if cases are low and vaccinations are high, its going to be much, much lower-risk to, say, run errands at Target where folks are unmasked. Gandhi recommends checking for at least a 50 percent vaccination rate and no more than two to three new hospitalizations per 100,000 people. The reason I like the hospitalizations is because thats a hard metric and doesnt depend on testing rates in your region, but if you do a lot of testing you could do it on cases, says Gandhi. Smith has been using five new cases per 100,000 as her personal threshold for feeling more at ease with taking risks.

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If cases are high and you do need (or want) to go inside with your kid, both experts said the No. 1 thing that makes an indoor space safer isas youve probably heardgood ventilation. Look for two windows open that are opposite so theres circulation, or a HEPA filter, says Gandhi. Larger spaces and less crowded ones are also safer. You can also take some comfort that if your kid is masking, they will have some protection even if other people arent. (Wearing a mask yourself as an example might help.) Masking does protect the wearer, stressed Gandhi, who has published seven papers about masking. She says well-fitting cloth masks are fine for kids. (The exception here is that if your kids are younger than 2, theyre not required to wear masks and may not be capable of doing so. But this age group is at extremely low risk for COVID, says Gandhi.) Smith bought some KN95s for her 7-year-old, although she admits, I dont trust them completely because I dont think they undergo quite as good evaluation as the adult ones.

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This is all a lot. I tried to make a flow chart for myself as I reported this article, and it turned out complicated and messy to use. Even I am exhausted of thinking through the nuances of this virusand Im a science journalist who reads medical literature for fun. Some parents will understandably say that they are tired of these calculations, and the risk is low enough, and theyre not going to worry about it. Others might rightfully continue to be very cautious with kids, and even angry about the lack of support for parents in the CDC guidelines. My kid recently had a tantrum because we arent going inside his best friends house yet, and I almost congratulated him for his grasp of the situation. Never was a screaming 3-year-old more justified.

I asked Gandhi if she thought the CDC guidance made parents decisions harder. You know, I dont, actually, she said, because I know that anyone can know the case incidence rates in their area, and I think it will make other people get vaccinated, so I think that were all gonna be safer because of this. Then Gandhi conceded, It does make it, like, more calculations in your head, about things like community incidence, so I guess it does make it harder.
This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech.

From the Great Firewall of China to the huge fines Germany has levied against social media giants for hosting hate speech, governments around the world are tightening their grip on the internet. The island of Mauritius is now debating a law that would represent a drastic acceleration of this trend. If its not opposed, the momentum will buildand threaten an open, rights-respecting internet.

Over the past several years, digital rights advocates have rightly worried over the implications of new social media laws in countries like Turkey and Vietnam. Supposedly designed to rein in disinformation and other harmful speech, these laws represent significant new intrusions on peoples rights to free expression and privacy. Oppressive laws are objectionable everywhere, but we expect them from autocratic regimes.

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Mauritius, however, is a different story. It is a small country, with a population of just 1.3 million, but it has an advanced economy and is often held up among its fellow African Union members as a model democracy. Thats what makes the proposal from the countrys telecom regulator so worrying. It seeks to route all social media web traffic through government proxy servers, allowing it to be cached, searched, surveilled, and blocked. Malicious hackers often use a similar tactic, known as a man in the middle attack. In Mauritius case, the attack would be open, permanent, and sanctioned by domestic law. Prior to the Mauritian governments proposal, the only country to have explored a similar technical mechanism to control internet speech was Kazakhstan in 2019and under international pressure, that law was never implemented.

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The Mauritian government argues that this intrusion on its citizens is merited because social media companies are not adequately responsive to their demands for content takedowns. It wants a government-appointed body to do the blocking while also spying on every post, message, and search. There is no reason to think that this is anything other than an authoritarian power grab. The ruling party in Mauritius has demonstrated itself to be all too willing to go after the opposition. During the 2019 general election, the state-owned Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation was credibly accused of violating neutrality and impartiality requirements. Election results were challenged in nearly half of the countrys electoral districts, but 18 months later the courts have yet to decide any single case. After the elections in 2014, the outgoing prime minister was arrested, but all 11 criminal charges against him were struck out. The authorities sought to arrest the director of public prosecutions, and when they failed due to the timely intervention of a Supreme Court judge, the government attempted to amend the constitution to provide for a Prosecution Commission that could overrule him. Over the past year, elected Members of Parliament have been suspended on multiple occasions.

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Moreover, this isnt the first time the states media authority has gotten involved. In 2018, the government amended the Information and Communication Technologies Act to criminalize messages that were obscene, indecent, abusive, threatening, false or misleading or were likely to cause  annoyance, humiliation, inconvenience, distress or anxiety. The government has used this vague language to persecute its critics, arresting individuals for retweeting cartoons or video clips about politicians. Last year, the states media authority suspended the license of a popular private radio station, and an attempt at a second suspension following comments critical of the governments foreign policy was stayed by the Supreme Court. The proposed social media law would compound the governments ability to profile the opposition, limit open political debate, and blacklist citizens who have publicly criticized its activity from applying for public sector roles.

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The checks on this power are woefully inadequate. The proposal would establish an administrative body to define what speech would be blocked, the National Digital Ethics Committee. While earlier lawsfor example, in Germany and Franceimpose enormous fines on social media companies if they dont take down content quickly, their applicability is limited to relatively narrow categories of illegal content. By contrast, the National Digital Ethics Committee would exercise broad discretionlikely with influence from the executive branchto draw the boundaries of harmful speech well beyond what is already illegal.

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Moreover, there will be no functional judicial oversight. Today in Mauritius, as a general rule the executive branch of government needs to obtain a court order to access private data. Under this proposal, the government-appointed committee would be able to obtain access to any information it judged to be social media without going before a judge. The draft also bypasses the free speech protections under the Mauritian Constitution. While Mauritius provides its citizens with an enforceable right to free expression, the language of the constitution allows a person to waive it. In this case, users would waive their free speech by installing the security certificate the government would require, or simply forfeit access to social media sites.

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Just as the internet allows for trends to circle the globe in a matter of hours, so too have internet governance laws in one jurisdiction proved influential elsewhere. The German NetzDG, which imposes huge fines for failure to quickly remove illegal content, is a good example. Laws modeled on NetzDG, but in many cases more expansive, have since been considered or passed in at least 13 countries such as Venezuela, Kenya, Australia, Russia, India and Philippines. This is a concrete example of how limitations on users rights in one country give cover to other, sometimes less free regimes in other countries to pass laws that grant legitimacy to unlawful and disproportionate actions.

A law that would allow the government the unchecked authority to block content it disapproves and to surveil its citizens by intercepting and decrypting their internet traffic has no place in a free society.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Cyprus has listed Slovakia as a red country. The Defence Ministry plans to purchase two Black Hawk helicopters.

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This is the Thursday, May 20, 2021 edition of Today in Slovakia .

Today in Slovakia news digest is a free-of-charge service for our readers. If you want to support us, become a subscriber and get access to more detailed news and interesting feature stories from Slovakia.

In today's digest:

Bilingual confirmation for vaccination available from Saturday

Confirmation of vaccination that will be issued from Saturday. (Source: TASR)

The Slovak Railway Company (ZSSK) has resumed the operation of some trains that were halted due to the coronavirus. The first InterCity train will return to railways in mid-June. It will connect Kosice with Vienna via Bratislava.

The decision came after the ban on travelling abroad for recreational purposes was lifted. It will thus be easier for inhabitants of Slovakia to travel abroad, but they should check which rules are valid in the country of their interest. You can find the rules for travelling to the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Spain, Italy, United States of America and Canada here.

People vaccinated against Covid-19 in Slovakia will not have an exemption from the rules in place at the borders of foreign countries yet. This is mainly because Slovak vaccination certificates are only in Slovak and do not have a unified form.

This should change on Saturday when vaccination centres start issuing unified bilingual confirmations. Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky showed what the new confirmation will look like. People who have been already vaccinated will be able to ask for the certificate from Monday via e-mail that will be provided at Korona.gov.sk.

Monetary Fund expects a strong economic recovery this year

Illustrative stock photo (Source: Archive of Sme)

The International Monetary Fund expects a strong economic recovery this year, claiming that the real GDP growth could achieve 4.7 percent this year and accelerate further in 2022. Uncertainty remains high, though.

With the second wave of infections receding, the economy seems headed for a strong recovery this year and next, though uncertainty remains very high, the IMF commented in its recent report.

Continued fiscal support is warranted until the recovery is well entrenched, but policies should be increasingly targeted and focused on facilitating resource reallocation and strengthening the economys potential, according to the IMF.

Coronavirus and vaccination news

The most frequent cause of death in Slovakia in the first quarter of 2021 was Covid-19; 39 percent of deceased people died of this disease. In the first three months of this year, more people succumbed to Covid than what is usually the most common cause of death - circulatory system diseases. Nearly four-fifths of those killed by the coronavirus were over 65 years of age.

in Slovakia in the first quarter of 2021 of deceased people died of this disease. In the first three months of this year, more people succumbed to Covid than what is usually the most common cause of death - circulatory system diseases. Nearly four-fifths of those killed by the coronavirus were over 65 years of age. A homeless person who was fined in Bratislava for breaching lockdown rules does not have to pay it. The fined man was in Bratislava despite having permanent residence in Slovenska Lupca.

who was fined in Bratislava for breaching does not have to pay it. The fined man was in Bratislava despite having permanent residence in Slovenska Lupca. Cyprus listed Slovakia as a red country as of May 20. Travellers have to undergo PCR testing before the flight, the result of which cannot be older than 72 hours. Upon arrival to Cyprus, travellers must undergo another PCR test, paid for from their own pockets. They must stay in home quarantine until they receive the result. They also have to fill in a Cyprus Flight Pass.

as of May 20. Travellers have to undergo PCR testing before the flight, the result of which cannot be older than 72 hours. Upon arrival to Cyprus, travellers must undergo another PCR test, paid for from their own pockets. They must stay in home quarantine until they receive the result. They also have to fill in a Cyprus Flight Pass. During the negotiations on the Russian vaccine Sputnik V, the demands of the Health Ministry were accepted, said Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky. However, he did not specify the department's requirements. He also confirmed after Wednesday's negotiations at the Finance Ministry that the purchase of 2 million pieces of Sputnik V is still being allocated.

Photo for today

Flooded fields near Nitra (Source: TASR)

Flooded rivers in some places around Slovakia have damaged crops. Farmers close to rivers are counting their losses.

Feature story for today

It's World Bee Day today, a good day to read about bees in Bratislava.

Bratislava honey tastes like a blend of meadow flowers and trees Read more

Other news

The Defence Ministry plans to use the USA's $50-million offer to purchase two UH-60 M Black Hawk helicopters with equipment. The ministry would have to pay an additional $61 million. The contract should include a new system or spare parts for helicopters.

with equipment. The ministry would have to pay an additional $61 million. The contract should include a new system or spare parts for helicopters. The National Criminal Agency (NAKA) detained eight people for corruption crimes linked with the Slovak Land Fund (SPF). Seven were charged. The lawyer of the financier Martin Kvietik confirmed that his client is accused in a new corruption case involving the Slovak Land Fund. He filed a complaint against the accusation. Kvietik is still in a pre-trial detention cell.

linked with the Slovak Land Fund (SPF). Seven were charged. The lawyer of the financier Martin Kvietik confirmed that his client is accused in a new corruption case involving the Slovak Land Fund. He filed a complaint against the accusation. Kvietik is still in a pre-trial detention cell. The registered unemployment rate in April in Slovakia increased by 0.02 percentage points m-o-m to 8 percent. The Central Office for Labor, Social Affairs, and Family said that in a y-o-y comparison, the registered unemployment rate rose by 1.43 percentage points.

by 0.02 percentage points m-o-m to 8 percent. The Central Office for Labor, Social Affairs, and Family said that in a y-o-y comparison, the registered unemployment rate rose by 1.43 percentage points. General Prosecutor Maros Zilinka transferred former general prosecutor Dobroslav Trnka to the Regional Prosecutors Office Zilina . Trnka, who is being prosecuted in connection with the Gorilla case, had worked at the General Prosecutors Office. He has been temporarily suspended.

. Trnka, who is being prosecuted in connection with the Gorilla case, had worked at the General Prosecutors Office. He has been temporarily suspended. Cash controls will be tightened from June 3. Under the new rules, it will be necessary to report the transportation of currency when sending money by post or cargo from the European Union to non-EU countries or vice versa. The sender or recipient must deliver a report on the sender, the recipient, the origin of funds and their probable use to the Financial Administration within 30 days.

from June 3. Under the new rules, it will be necessary to report the transportation of currency when sending money by post or cargo from the European Union to non-EU countries or vice versa. The sender or recipient must deliver a report on the sender, the recipient, the origin of funds and their probable use to the Financial Administration within 30 days. Production at the Trnava carmaker Stellantis Slovakia is still suspended due to the shortage of semiconductor components. A large part of the plant has been shut down since the beginning of this week. According to the carmaker's website, only employees unloading trucks are coming to work right now.

Do not miss on Spectator.sk today

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A merchant and a farmer will walk tourists through the town Read more

Poll: Party of previous PM would win the election (+graphs) Read more

If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

20. May 2021 at 17:29 | Nina Hrabovska Francelova
Farmers count losses, fields with harvest have been flooded too

The situation is especially unfavourable near the Hron river basin.

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Flooded rivers in some places in Slovakia have damaged crops. Farmers who live close to rivers are now counting their losses.

The situation is especially unfavourable around the Hron basin. From Monday to Tuesday, the Slovenska Lupca area experienced 73 millimetres of precipitation, which is half of the total for May. The Hron flooded arable soil in several places.

We have 27 hectares of corn which have been absolutely destroyed, said Igor Nemcok, chair of agriculture cooperative Hron Slovenska Lupca, as quoted by the SITA newswire. From the overall area of corn, we lost 22 percent, which would be 1,350 tonnes of corn silage 44,000 in value.

They have also lost grain and pea plants in other fields, totalling 66,000 in damage, Nemcok added.

Farmers from Badin in the Banska Bystrica district are dealing with flooded rye and lucerne fields, which were supposed to be mowed during this time of year. As the plants will remain underwater for the next few days, they will decrease in quality, and thus the quality of the animal feed itself will be reduced.

Today, we know that because of flooded growth, we will have to give animals different feed, which will make breeding more expensive, added the chair of the agriculture cooperative Badin Mojmir Hasko, as quoted by SITA.

Insure crops more, insurance company appeals

Growers in the Levice district, especially near Zeliezovce, are also suffering the consequences of local flooding. Exact losses are not determined until the water recedes. These days, farmers in the most affected areas report individual damages to insurance companies.

Burst reservoir in central Slovakia claims one life Read more

Insurance companies urge them to insure more of their crops because the state will reimburse them for part of the premium. "Today, we received dozens of reports from farmers about the current rainfall. We start with individual inspections in the field. We recommend growers report the damage to us as soon as possible," appealed the director of Agra Poistovna Dalibor Ban, as quoted by SITA.

Due to weather fluctuations, the Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber will start monitoring all the damage to this year's harvest this week. It, therefore, calls on farmers to report to it all crop losses experienced throughout the year resulting from spring ground frosts and flooded rivers.

20. May 2021 at 17:02 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Third Covid-19 wave inevitable but should be milder, say scientists

Vaccinating as many people as possible is crucial, but AstraZeneca rejection raises more questions.

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Experts have warned that Slovakia will face a resurgence of coronavirus infections later this year but that it will not be as severe as the second wave that ravaged the country for more than half a year.

In 2020, Slovakia suffered its worst death toll since the end of WW2 Read more

Epidemiologists and disease modelling experts say a further wave of infections is likely at some point in the autumn, but that the protection from vaccinations among the population means it should not be as deadly as the recent wave which claimed more than 12,000 lives.

And they said that while infection, hospitalisation, and death rates across the country are falling, people should not think the disease is about to disappear.

Restrictions have now been lifted and people feel that nothing [bad] is going to happen anymore, but that is not true, Henrieta Hudeckova, Chief Epidemiologist at the Health Ministry, told The Slovak Spectator.

Restrictions are gradually being lifted in almost all parts of Slovakia as the pandemic eases after a second wave of infections during which the country at one point found itself at the top of global Covid-19 mortality charts.

But scientists have been at pains in recent weeks to point out that the improved epidemiological situation is unlikely to last indefinitely.

Mathematician Richard Kollar from the initiative Science Helps explained that just as incidence of flu and other respiratory diseases rises in autumn and winter, the same will be true for coronavirus this year.

Anti-pandemic measures change again  some restaurants will be able to serve indoors Read more

In the sense that conditions for spreading the disease are good if not enough people are vaccinated, or have had the disease, the virus will just go on spreading, Kollar told The Slovak Spectator.

He added that as it is unlikely the virus will simply disappear at any time in the near future, there are likely to be waves of varying strength appearing and then dying out. How severe they are will depend on how much of the population is vaccinated or has had Covid-19.

20. May 2021 at 17:46 | Nina Hrabovska Francelova
Police have arrested Jermarico Carter, 43, for Scheerhoorns killing and he remains jailed in Houston awaiting trial. Authorities say Carter, who was tracked down in Atlanta, confessed to the killing.

The exoneration of innocent individuals is as important as the conviction of guilty ones, said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. The highest responsibility of a prosecutor is to see that justice is done.

The ruling by the appeals court means Grant can apply for $80,000 in state compensation for each year of his wrongful imprisonment.

Grant said he plans on getting a degree in audio engineering and pursuing a music career. He is also writing a book about his experience.

But Grant said while hes ready to move forward with his life, he is still affected by his experience and remains cautious, making sure that whenever he goes to a store he gets a receipt to prove he was there and to show what time he went.
The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash early Wednesday that took the life of a Burwell teenager.

Colton Dawe, 18, died at the scene of the crash 1 mile south of Taylor in central Nebraska, State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said.

He was headed west in a Chevrolet Trailblazer on Nebraska 91 when he failed to stop at the T-intersection with U.S. 183. The SUV drove through the intersection, into a vacant property and struck a large tree.

Dawe's passenger, 15-year-old Austin Thompson of Burwell, suffered minor injuries and had started walking east on Nebraska 91 to seek help.

First responders arrived to find Dawe deceased.

Thomas said alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Seat belts also were not in use.

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I would like all of the police officers to know that we in Havre de Grace are very lucky to have them as our public servants, Boyer said. They care very much about the city, and they care very much about everybody who lives here, and for that we are blessed.
If I learned one thing from The Great Gas Panic of 2021, its that fear and greed can push product demand over the top, as well as cloud good judgment and common sense.

To be honest, I also learned not to let the gas gauge get below a quarter of a tank.

On Black Monday, I woke up early, worked ahead and climbed into the truck for a trip to Charlotte to see the kid and take her to lunch for her 25th birthday. For those who have followed along over the years and wonder how shes doing, shes doing great, working at an aquarium, diving in tanks with sharks and failing to keep her car registration up to date.

Nobodys perfect.

I changed out the wiper blades that were slapping loose rubber all over the windshield and headed toward the interstate. I pulled into a truck stop to top off and grab a cup a-Joe, as the old truck driving songs go.

An announcement inside said some lucky long-haulers shower was ready. Having had mine before leaving the house, I paid up and took off.

Business at the pumps was normal as I drove away.
Abortion has contributed to the caustic environment in which we now live. People kill each other nightly on the streets of major cities. Buildings are burned and riots are becoming increasingly normal behavior. A Wall Street Journal story predicts we face a summer of unrest.

This disrespect for human life, law, order and morality has extended to pressure at the other end of life with assisted suicide laws in some states and, as we have seen with COVID-19, a lack of concern about the elderly in nursing homes.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks the number of abortions in the U.S., more than 62 million abortions have been performed since 1973. Guttmacher acknowledges the figure may be lower than the actual number. Black women have experienced induced abortions at a rate nearly four times that of white women for at least three decades. One might think that if black lives matter, the weakest and most vulnerable would matter most. Think of the potential of these lost lives.

While the number of abortions has been in decline in recent years for several reasons, including the free services of crisis pregnancy centers, which work to dissuade women from getting an abortion, (Planned Parenthood charges for the procedure), any lost innocent life is one too many.
Tradition tells us that, come the midterms, the presidents party loses seats in the House. If this tradition holds in 2022, that could be bad news for Democrats, whose House majority now stands at only nine seats.

FROMA HARROP Froma Harrop is a syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate and contributor to CNN Opinion. Follow her on Twitter @FromaHarrop. She can be 

But history of late doesnt seem to be commandeering the drivers seat. Right after Joe Biden turned Georgia blue, Politico confidently stated that to win the states two Senate runoffs on Jan. 5, the Democratic Party will have to defy a long track record of failure in overtime elections. So everyone believed, Democrats included. Everyone was wrong.

Special elections tend to produce low turnout, and former president Donald Trump wasnt on the ballot to motivate Democrats to show up. But while Trump wasnt on the ballot, he was in voters heads. Democrats took both seats.

And that was the day before Trump sent his goons on a rampage at the Capitol. Rather than outrightly condemning that violent attack on the democracy, Republicans are trying to downplay a horror Americans saw with their own eyes. Rather than evict the man who incited it from party leadership, Republicans have doubled down in demanding servile obedience to the toxic figure now walking the corridors at Mar-a-Lago.
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Also as of Wednesday, about 63% of Howard residents are at least partially vaccinated against the virus. That figure means that, within four weeks, close to two-thirds of Howard countians should be fully vaccinated, since the approximately 39,000 people who have only received one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are in a three- to four-week waiting period for their second dose.
Nevada voters amended the state constitution in 1994 to require two-thirds of lawmakers in both chambers to approve any measure that creates, generates, or increases any public revenue in any form," justices noted.

The DMV transaction surcharge was to modernize the agencys 20-year-old computer system under a contract that became the focus of corruption allegations and a finding by state auditors in 2017 that the project had been mismanaged. The contractor, Tech Mahindra, was fired the following year.

The state used unproven technology and had nonexistent project management controls at the DMV, according to a report from a contractor the state hired to determine what went wrong.

The Review-Journal in 2019 reported that the retired head of the DMV, Troy Dillard, went to work for Tech Mahindra at the same time the company was awarded the $75 million contract.

The newspaper won the unsealing of a lawsuit filed by a company executive, Brian Coffey, accusing DMV employees of sabotaging the modernization when bribes were not paid.

As much as $25 million was spent on equipment and technology that wasnt usable, the Review-Journal reported.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday approved President Joe Biden's nomination of Eric Lander to be chief science adviser, one of the last unfilled Cabinet posts in the Biden administration.

Lander, a geneticist and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, was the lead author of the first paper announcing the details of the human genome, the so-called book of life. He has been nominated as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, a position that Biden has elevated to Cabinet rank.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the Commerce panel chair, said she wished Biden had named a woman for the job, but said Lander has pledged to work to elevate women and minorities in science.

Dr. Lander and I have come to a focus and understanding that the very first task (he) should focus on is helping all of us add diversity of women and minorities in the science field,'' Cantwell said. So he and I will be working aggressively on that.''
The 27th annual Manhattan Wine Auction will put 225 lots and 750 individual bottles of the grape-based alcohol up for bid this weekend to raise money for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.
The appreciation of beer goes beyond learning the terminology, but thats a good place to begin. Of course, as with most fields of study, there is vastly more lingo and information that could be addressed, but below are enough terms and definitions to get you started. We also settle down with beer expert, Shawn Connelly, to get practical tips for deciphering those terms to help you find what you like.

Connelly has worked in the world of beer for more than 16 years. He started as a home brewer, but that evolved into working for Big Muddy Brewing in Murphysboro, Illinois. He moved into distribution, then retail, and finally judging beer and writing about it.

Beer talk 101

First things first: All beer is either an ale or a lager. The key differences between the two are the type of yeast used and fermentation temperature. Lager, which employs cold fermentation, is generally refreshing and crisp. Brewed cold, it is also served cold. Light, lower-calorie beers lead the pack in the U.S. They are the most sold by volume and sales since Prohibition, says Connelly.

Ales employ different yeasts and are brewed and served at temperatures slightly warmer than lagers. The optimum temperature to serve an ale is typically around 50 degrees. Not all ales, such as India pale ale, are obvious from their names. Stouts, porters and sour beers are also examples of ales.

Craft beers can also be seasonal beers, either to celebrate a specific season or created with seasonal ingredients. Forage beers and farm beers, which utilize local ingredients, are often seasonal.

So, what is a hop?

Hops are flower clusters from the female vines of the hop plant, which is a relative of hemp. Hops are commonly used in beer brewing to add flavor, aroma and bitterness, but also as a preservative. When a beer is described as hoppy, that indicates a greater use of hops, to increase bitterness. India pale ales are almost always defined by hops, with bitterness being the attraction for those who like these beers. Add words such as imperial or double to your IPA, and youll find that these have more alcohol with added hops to keep them balanced, though they wont necessarily have more hop flavor.

Not all beers have hops, and hops are not the only way to make beer bitter. However, they are extremely common, in varying levels of intensity. Fortunately, for those who dont fancy hops, an Internet search will turn up a nice range of hop-free beer options.

And how does yeast determine flavor?

Yeast is another flavor component that can make a big difference. Connelly relates, The vast majority of brewers use very well-defined yeast cultures developed in labs. Each yeast is very specific to a style of beer and what results are desired. He also notes that yeast is one of the many things that contributes to why Scratch Brewing Company in Ava, Illinois, is so remarkable. Their yeast is homegrown. So that makes them unique, even without talking about the other ingredients.

The menu of beer (and their meaning)

Though there are two main types of beer, there are many different styles within each of these two categories. Heres a quick guide to several varieties:

Lagers

Pale lager: These beers are light-bodied, pale to golden and designed to be refreshing and approachable, though they are not usually very complex in their flavor profile.

Pilsner: Also commonly spelled Pilsener or abbreviated to Pils, this beer was created in what is now the Czech Republic. Refreshing with an alcohol content on the low end of the range, European pilsner is the archetypical beer most of the popular pale lagers in the U.S. are loosely designed to mimic, according to Connelly.

Bock beer: A strong, malty, sweet, dark amber lager of Germanic origin that dates back to the Middle Ages, bocks were traditionally associated with spring. They were made in the fall and stored over the winter. Higher in alcohol than pilsners, they are made for sipping.

Ales

IPA: India pale ale is a category of pale ale often higher in alcohol thats known for the heavy use of hops, which makes this beer bitter. The name is thought to have originated when the beer was shipped to occupying British troops in India when it was discovered that the hops preserved the beer during the long voyage. There is now an American IPA, which is brewed with even more hops than the English version.

Porter: An ale with a slightly burnt taste, porters dark color comes from roasted barley. British in origin, porters were originally brewed over wood-fired boilers which caramelized the barley. Today, porters are known for a flavor thats low in hops with smoky, chocolate and toffee notes.

Stout: Stout is made with heavily roasted black patent malt. It has a dark color, almost black in the glass, with a pale, creamy foam, rich mouthfeel and toasted flavor. Other types of stouts include oatmeal, which, as its name indicates, adds oats to the recipe, milk stout, which includes lactose, and imperial stout, which has the highest alcohol content.

Brown ale: Lighter than porter or stout, brown ale was born in England and has become popular among craft brewers. It tends to have a strong malt flavor, but a relatively mild bitterness and hop flavor. Different types include English brown, American brown and nut brown ales.

Sour ale: These beers are intentionally brewed to be tart with sourness provided, in most cases, by wild yeasts or bacteria, though occasionally by the addition of tart fruits. The lactic and acetic acids in these beers give them a lot of character and complex flavor.

Decoding the label

ABV: This abbreviation stands for alcohol by volume and tells you how much of a punch a beer packs. The ABV of beer generally ranges between 3% and 13%. A session beer never exceeds 5% ABV.

IBU: International bitter units, or IBUs, will be displayed on some craft beers to indicate how hoppy they are. An American pale ale may be in the low- to mid-40s. IPAs start in the mid-40s and can push the limits of 100 IBUs or more. Any beer style that isnt defined by hop content wont list IBUs.

How to explore the world of beer

Some people think that if its not a pale lager, like Budweiser, its not really beer, Connelly notes. These beers are designed to be inoffensive and easy to drink. Nothing wrong with that, but there is a lot more out there, even without leaving lagers behind.

In fact, Connelly recommends that, if youre just beginning to explore, simply choose a more full-bodied beer, rather than jumping to something too extreme. You dont want to shock your palate, he advises. If you drink Bud, try New Belgium Fat Tire or a Sam Adams Boston lager. Both of these are more full-flavored and accessible, without taking you to the bitter hit of an IPA.

Beer drinking is very individualized, Connelly emphasizes. Some types are very much acquired tastes. No one is going to like every beer. You need to dial in to what you like. There are a lot of sources of information, from friends to your local retailer. Beer Advocate and the Beer Connoisseur are two reliable places to find reviews, as well as the website ratebeer.com and the Untappd app.

Appearance isnt everything

With beer, appearance may be deceiving. Connelly notes, Because Guinness is dark, people perceive it as being heavy, but its not. In fact, it has a lower ABV than many lagers. That said, the different color does signal a different flavor profile. Its also good to remember that higher alcohol doesnt necessarily mean better beer. You can hide a lot of flaws with alcohol, Connelly warns. A nice session beer, with a low ABV, can be more flavorful and complex than a beer with more alcohol. Creating that complexity is difficult, however, so it will most likely be found in a craft beer.

These days, craft beer can be for anyone

Craft beers are more widely available these days and they are worth exploring. Some breweries, like Scratch, which specializes in farmhouse and foraged beer, offer flights of beer. Others sell half-pours, so you can make comparisons. Start with the lightest beer and move to beers with higher ABVs.

Different ingredients, including different water sources, make a difference in taste, which adds to the fun of exploring craft beers. Connelly relates, Scratch Brewing, in many ways, pioneered using what is around you. They are very innovative, but others are following their example.

In other words, there are more options than ever now for those who wish to explore beer. The key is finding what you like.

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OLYMPIA  The Washington State Legislative Ethics Board has dismissed a complaint against 19th District Rep. Jim Walsh, according to a Washington State House Republicans press release.

The Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance filed ethics complaints against three Republican state lawmakers in mid-February, claiming their questioning in public hearings was discriminatory and offensive toward people of color, the Seattle Times reported.

It was not immediately clear if complaints against Reps. Brad Klippert of Kennewick and Jenny Graham of Spokane also were dismissed.

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The boards ruling makes sense. As Ive noted from the start, this poorly drafted complaint is nothing more than a political stunt, Walsh said in a statement. Im just sorry the boards members and staff had to waste their time on this, when they could have been considering more serious matters.

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The alleged conduct comes mainly from the three lawmakers during testimony on legislation concerning police accountability.

The alliance claims the remarks violate the Legislative Code of Conduct that expects legislators to treat others with respect, dignity and civility, and refrain from behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment or bullying, the Times reported.
Some families are aggressively asking about it, he said. There are plenty of families where the adults are still unsure about it for themselves. They say, Were OK with vaccines overall but have concerns about the COVID vaccine, so were trying to do some education around that.

+2 COVID-19 vaccine available in Cowlitz County for 12 to 15-year-olds Several Cowlitz County providers and pharmacies, as well as the countys vaccination site, are now open to adolescents newly eligible for the 

Hendrickson said he tells people about the history of vaccines, and how side effects are caught early on in development.

Although COVID-19 isnt as dangerous for most kids as it is for adults, some studies have shown lingering effects in kids who have had virus, Hendrickson said.

The best thing you can do to protect your kids is to get vaccinated yourself, he said. Get your kids protected from rare cases of them getting ill, as well as protecting yourself from long-term complications from the disease we dont know about.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to The Daily News.

The vaccine is safe for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, and there have not been increased rates of miscarriage or complications among vaccinated pregnant people, Hendrickson said.
The life jackets the girls were wearing were too petite for their size and had little to no insulation, the release said, rendering them unable to provide the necessary buoyancy. The police remind those going out on the water to check what life jacket should be worn based on size and intended activity at https://www.boatus.org/life-jackets/types/.
Netanyahu sought to patch up hurt feelings at the dinner. But after the meal, Biden admonished the prime minister in a statement, saying the move undermined an Obama administration effort to persuade the Palestinians to resume peace talks.

Amid ongoing tension between Obama and Netanyahu, Biden went out of his way during a 2014 speech before the Jewish Federations of North America to note that he and Netanyahu were still buddies  albeit with a somewhat complicated relationship.

Biden noted that he had once inscribed a photo for Netanyahu with the message "Bibi I dont agree with a damn thing you say but I love you.

In late 2019, during a question-and-answer session with voters on the campaign trail, Biden called Netanyahu counterproductive and an extreme right leader, while accusing Palestinian leaders of fomenting the conflict and baiting everyone who is Jewish. He also suggested that some on the U.S. political left give the Palestinian Authority a pass when criticizing Israeli leadership.

As the Biden White House negotiated the current crisis, the president and his advisers made the calculation that the Israelis are unlikely to respond to international resolutions or public demands by the U.S. and that their best leverage would happen behind the scenes, officials said.
Android 12 was unveiled at Google I/O giving us a look at the biggest Android redesign in years. Android 12 comes with a new design, features, security updates and more. Google also released the first public beta version of Android 12 to select smartphones. Google will release more beta versions of Android 12 with new features and changes before the stable release later this year.

Google has made the Android 12 public beta version available on the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 4, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Its also available for select smartphone models from Asus, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, TCL, Vivo, Xiaomi and ZTE. You can check this website to see if your smartphone is eligible for the Android 12 public beta and instructions to install the update. The following steps can be followed to download and install Android 12 Beta 1 on our Pixel phone.

First thing is to visit the Android Beta Program website and sign in with your Google account.

Google will show a list of your devices that are eligible for the public beta.

Select the smartphone by clicking the Opt-In button.

Then youll have to accept the terms and conditions and click Confirm and Enroll.

Once this is done, open the settings menu on your phone and go to software updates.

Here, youll see the latest Android 12 public beta update available to download and install.

ALSO READ: Android 12 will turn your smartphone into your car keys

The update may not appear immediately, and you may have to wait for a few minutes for it to show on your phone. Its advisable to back up your phone before installing Android 12 Beta 1 as some data may be lost during the process. If you want to go back to Android 11 you can follow the same steps but select Opt-Out from the website, and check for the update under the settings menu.
Bitcoin regained some ground on Thursday from the previous session's brutal slide to four-month lows but was weighed down by concerns over tighter regulation in China and unease over the extent of leveraged positions in the cryptocurrency world.

Bitcoin, the biggest and most popular cryptocurrency, rose 8.75% to touch $40,000, after plunging 14% on Wednesday to its lowest since late January.

Smaller rival ether was up 6.6% at $2,600 at 0630 GMT, but in extremely volatile trading after its 28% tumble on Wednesday.

Wednesday's declines in both digital assets were their biggest daily percentage moves in more than a year as investors rushed to exit trades that until recently were heartily outperforming traditional markets such as stocks and bonds.

The latest catalyst was a statement by Chinese financial industry groups on Tuesday banning institutions from offering cryptocurrency registration, trading, clearing, and settlement.

But bitcoin had been under pressure for almost a week after a series of tweets from carmaker Tesla's chief Elon Musk, a major cryptocurrency backer, chiefly his reversal on Tesla accepting bitcoin as payment.

Also read: China bans financial, payment institutions from providing cryptocurrency services

While Beijing has taken steps before to block access domestically to cryptocurrency exchanges, its latest directive was broader.

It bans the use of cryptocurrencies in payment and settlement, and prohibits institutions from providing crypto-related products or exchange services between cryptocurrencies and the yuan or foreign currencies.

Chris Weston, head of research at brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne, pointed to how $9.13 billion of cryptocurrency positions had been liquidated across exchanges over 24 hours, and $532 billion in total volume transacted.

"It's too early to say if the rebound weve seen off the lows in crypto has legs, but as we roll into Asian trade, I question if we will get a chance to catch our breath or is there more volatility in store?" he said.

The slide forced some investors to close out leveraged positions in cryptocurrency derivatives, which caused prices to fall further and knocked digital assets down into a lower trading range, traders said.

James Quinn, managing director at Q9 Capital, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency private wealth manager, said there wasn't that much evidence of extended leverage in these cryptos and that the selling reflected huge crowded positions in ether.

Ether was up six-fold until the selloff, stealing a march over bitcoin this year after being widely used in non-fungible tokens on digital art platforms.

"To me, this is just as much of a spot led selloff as it is a reflection of people de-leveraging futures and swaps products," Quinn said.

"Sometimes a market event is looking for a cause. I think this is about positioning. Over the long term, maybe its positive because a very crowded trade from a lot of new entrants means there are a lot of new entrants.

Bitcoin may fall a little further but is likely to stabilise around $30,000, said Justin d'Anethan, head of exchange sales at Diginex, a Singapore-based digital asset market.

Read more: Bitcoin gains since Elon Musks initial big embrace now completely erased

Digital assets have been on a wild ride this year as a growing number of retail and institutional investors bet that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will gain mainstream acceptance, but large price swings are common. Bitcoin is up 27% so far this year, and intra-day volatility has spiked to near 300% this week.

Prominent crypto backers such as MicroStrategy Inc's CEO Michael Saylor, Ark Invest's [ARKK.P] Chief Executive Cathie Wood and Musk indicated their support for bitcoin as it plunged on Wednesday.

While some retail traders saw missed opportunities in the slide, others saw the rout as a chance to pick up digital assets on the cheap.

"Bitcoin broke down technically," said Michael Oliveri, an independent New York-based equity trader who was formerly a partner at First New York Securities.

"It was an easy short setup actually. Im annoyed I didnt short it. I wouldnt chase it now."

Milko Markov, an independent London-based trader, said he had been buying ether.

"Those with a bit more experience in the crypto market know two cardinal rules: don't leverage and dollar cost average," he said.
An upcoming court decision that will decide the future role Huawei can play in Sweden could also be a potential turning point for national champion Ericsson's ambitions in China.

The case stems from the Swedish government's decision last October to ban Huawei from supplying 5G equipment due to security concerns. Huawei sued to overturn the decision and a verdict is expected in the next few weeks.

China had earlier asked Sweden to "immediately correct the mistake" of banning Huawei and issued a veiled warning this month that it might take retaliatory action against Ericsson.

The Global Times, controlled by China's ruling Communist Party, said on May 10 that while Ericsson has been invited to participate in 5G equipment tests in China, that does not mean it will be hired. Sweden has to carefully reconsider its China policy, the newspaper said.

An Ericsson spokeswoman confirmed that the company has been invited to participate in 5G tests in China. Ericsson last year won 5G contracts from all three major operators in China, and the country brings in roughly 10% of its revenue.

Analysts have been flagging the risk of a retaliation by China and Ericsson Chief Executive Borje Ekholm has acknowledged the concern.

"There is always a risk that we are impacted in auctions in different countries," he said last month, replying to a question on diplomatic tension between Sweden and China.

He had earlier criticized Sweden's ban on Huawei for restricting free competition.

An Ericsson spokesman declined to comment further.

"This is a kind of a test of Sweden's credibility and we believe that we will be given a fair treatment in the court," said Kenneth Fredriksen, Huawei's executive vice president, Central East Europe and Nordic Region.

A potential ban of Ericsson could be a shot in the arm for Nokia, which has yet to win any 5G business in China.

"We have not yet made a breakthrough in 5G in China, but of course we are not excluding that possibility going forward," Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark told Reuters last month.

Nokia's home country, Finland, has not banned Huawei outright, although its parliament has passed a law that allows it to ban equipment for national security reasons.

A Nokia spokesperson said the company has already completed the 5G tests in China.

China has been ahead of other countries in rolling out 5G and is a lucrative market for telecom equipment makers. It's 5G capital expenditure will amount to $223 billion between 2019 and 2025, research firm EY has estimated.
The European Commission has launched an investigation into Facebook's buyout of a US startup, over concerns that the social media giant could misuse personal data.

Last year Facebook announced its purchase of Kustomer, a five-year-old company that specialises in helping businesses interact with customers online.

The commission, which runs the EU's powerful antitrust authority, said 10 national authorities requested an investigation, with Austria making the original demand.

The deal is below the EU's usual financial threshold for merger investigations, but Europeans have become extra vigilant over Big Tech's appetite for startups and how it could harm competition.

After coming under similar scrutiny for its purchase of wearables company Fitbit, Google was forced to make assurances on data use in order to win the green light from Brussels.

In a short statement on May 12, the EU said Facebook will now have to formally notify the deal to the EU and that the firm "cannot implement the transaction before notifying and obtaining clearance from the Commission".

The commission said it will look at whether the transaction will have a negative effect on the market for customer management software as well as online display advertising services.

In response, Facebook said: "We look forward to demonstrating to regulators that Facebook and Kustomer would offer more choices and better services through this pro-competitive deal."

The acquisition of Kustomer raised red flags, coming as Facebook continues a major push to link e-commerce services to its platforms, particularly its WhatsApp and Messenger messaging services.

Of particular concern is Kustomer's popular "chat bot" technology, a customer dialogue channel used by banks, medical offices and airlines where users pump in sensitive information.

Critics, including the Council for Civil Liberties in Ireland, where Facebook's EU headquarters are based, want assurances on how this data will be handled by Facebook.

The subject is a pressing one, with a German regulator last week slapping a three-month ban on Facebook collecting user data from WhatsApp accounts, part of the company's effort to increase its effectiveness for businesses.

According to Facebook, more than 175 million people contact businesses via WhatsApp daily, and the number is growing.
Virtual concerts took off last year due to the pandemic, and various popular artists have held successful concerts online. Taking things up a notch, Spotify has announced it will hose virtual concerts starting May 27 on its platform. Spotify will livestream concerts from five artists and bands including The Black Keys, RagnBone Man, Bleachers Jack Antonoff, Leon Bridges and girl in red. The concerts will take place for 40-75 minutes, and will be ticketed.

These concerts wont exactly be live as they will be pre recorded livestreams. The streaming service plans to integrate concerts better into their platform so its easier for fans to find their favourite artists and events. Each concert is priced at 179, and the tickets can be purchased through this website. There are also four different timings of the concerts for different regions.

Spotifys virtual concert series kicks off on May 27 with The Black Keys performing from the Blue Front Cafe in Mississippi. On June 3, RagnBone Man will play from the Roundhouse in London. The third concert will be of Bleachers Jack Antonoff on June 10 who has a city bus tour planned from Brooklyn, NY, to Asbury Park, NJ. Leon Bridges has a concert planned on June 17 at the Gold-Diggers Hotel where he prepared his upcoming album, Gold-Diggers Sound thats slated to be released in July. The last concert is scheduled for June 24, and it will feature a performance in Oslo by girl in red. The concert will also include unique lights and video filters.

Spotify will alert users about these performances through app notifications. These alerts will only go to those users who are fans of these artists. Also, the concert tickets can be purchased by both Spotify premium and free users.
Credit: Hanny Naibaho/Unsplash

From 2016 to 2020 around 100 million people have moved from the countryside to China's cities. This massive migration to cities means wastewater treatment plant numbers have multiplied to meet demand. At the beginning of the millennium China had around 500 municipal wastewater treatment plants; it now numbers above 4,000.

Director Yanjing Zhu from the Swedish Environmental Research Institute's China office says that years of growing demand has led Chinese authorities and researchers to rethink how the country can use water in a better way. "Because of water scarcity, pollution, organization and other issues, China realized that we shouldn't see water as something to take and discard," she said. "We needed to change our ideas on this."

She says that reused water in China mainly serves industry, park irrigation, and street cleaning. The current wastewater treatment plants face challenges such as high energy consumption, greenhouse gases emission and sludge. Future energy and waste requirements will likely drive the cost of these plants higher.

This problem has been known for some time; around 2013 an expert committee in China began thinking of how to develop modern treatment plants that could provide a sustainable, environmentally-friendly water supply.

The culmination of this research is a new wastewater treatment plant in Yixing, a city on China's west coast and around 150 kilometers from Shanghai. Like many of China's cities, it has seen its population double to 442,000 people in the last 25 years.

Each day the eight-hectare plant will be able to handle around 20,000 cubic meters of waterroughly equivalent to eight Olympic-sized swimming pools. The plant's R&D center will also test out different techniques to bring wastewater treatment into the circular economy by removing common chemicals found in wastewater and treating them to be reused.

"They are pollutants in our traditional way of thinking, but we should also see them as a resource," said Ms Zhu. For example, the plant can recover and treat phosphorous to create fertilizer for farmers.

Another feature of this plant is the organic waste treatment center, where biogas is produced by anaerobic digestion of sludge and other organic matter. The plant can then use this biogas to produce electricity to help power itself. Any biogas residue can then be used as compost, once it has been checked for safety.

The plant offers China a way to test circular water solutions that can then be rolled out nationwide says Ms Zhu. This, and recent announcements from National Reform and Development Commission (NRDC) and Chinese ministries supporting circular water solutions, shows that there is "a good future" for water reuse, she says.

Ms Zhu recently spoke at the WaterShare conference held online on 14th April. The event brought experts from across Asia and Europe to share their experiences developing circular water solutions.

Conferences such as WaterShare are needed in the research community, says Dr. Zhu. "On the one hand Chinese partners say that they are looking for new technologies abroad," she says. "But on the other hand, these technologies perhaps already exist in Europe and abroad. Effective channels to connect China and Europe are lacking."

One benefit of the Yixing plant, she says, is that it can also test new technologies from abroad to see if they work well for Chinese needs.

In the future she would like to see similar ways to communicate circular water solutions, since many solutions are equally applicable outside of Asia. "From my perspective there should be a very good platform where stakeholders from different countries can come together through scientific workshops, matchmaking events, and conferences," she says.

"I think this exchange should not just be in one direction; there are also some good practices from China that can be transferred to European partners."

Explore further Wastewater treatment system recovers electricity, filters water
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, posed with the new all-electric F-150 Lightning at a reveal event Wednesday night.

US auto giant Ford and South Korea's SK Innovation plan to team up to produce battery cells and array modules for electric autos, the companies announced Thursday.

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to establish BlueOvalSK, a joint venture that will initially plan production of 60 gigawatt hours annually of capacity at mid-decade, with potential to expand further.

The move is the latest by Ford to accelerate its ramp-up in electric vehicles as governments, including the Biden administration, enact policies to mitigate climate change and minimize auto-related emissions.

On Wednesday night, Ford officially unveiled the all-electric version of its bestselling F-150 pickup truck, part of Ford's $22 billion electric investment campaign.

Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley said Thursday that the automaker was determined to "in-source" batteries and other critical items needed as autos become more connected and employ more autonomous systems.

Besides the F-150, called the Lightning, Ford has begun selling the electric Mustang Mach-E sport utility vehicle and will soon bring the E-Transit cargo van to showrooms.

"In the next 10 months, we're going to have these three high-volume vehicles and we need batteries, so yes we're investing," Farley told CNBC, adding that integrating batteries into Ford's operation would contain costs.

Ford's joint venture with SK Innovation is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions, the companies said.

SK Innovation has produced mid-to-large EV batteries since 1991 and currently operates a battery plant in Georgia that serves two global carmakers.

"Ford is one of the most active players in vehicle electrification today," said Kim Jun, chief executive of SK Innovation in a news release. "Our JV with Ford will play a pivotal role in fleshing out the electric vehicle value chain in the United States, a key objective of the current US administration."

Explore further Ford to speed up push to electric autos, digitization

 2021 AFP
The Mobile World Congress, the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, will draw over 30,000 people at a smaller edition in Barcelona next month after the pandemic derailed last year's event, organisers said Thursday.

The 2020 edition of the eventwhich is usually held in Februarywas called off at the last minute after dozens of the world's biggest technology and telecoms firm pulled out over fears of the spread of the coronavirus.

The GSMA industry association that hosts the congress scheduled it this year from June 28 to July 1, with attendance limited to 50,000 compared with a normal attendance of around 100,000.

This year's congress will include a mixture of in-person and online events.

"There is no doubt that Mobile World Congress 2021 is going to look a little different," the executive director of the GSMA, John Hoffman, told a news conference.

"How many people will attend? We really dont know, but we are very confident that 30, 40, maybe even 50,000 people will attend Mobile World Congress 2021 in person."

Organisers said there would be 600 speakers across the week, with 70 percent attending in-person.

Several major firms such as Samsung, Amazon, Cisco and Ericsson have pulled out from attending in person citing virus concerns, although some will join the event online.

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei will be the biggest firm with a physical presence at the show.

"We can't say anything, they take their decisions but we take our decisions," Hoffman said.

"But you should know that there are plenty of really, really forward-leading companies that are coming."

Despite the drop in the number of participants, organisers said they were confident the congress would still be useful for dealmaking.

"Previously, many companies sent 200 to 300 participants, now it might be five, but they are the right five," said the director general of the GSMA, Mats Granryd.

"The big numbers are not going to be there, but it's the right number. We hope that we will be able to conduct a lot of good solid business meeting anyway."

Organisers of the IFA consumer technology trade fair in Berlin on Wednesday cancelled its September event, saying the pandemic made it impossible to stage an in-person event.

 2021 AFP
Cassie robot. Credit: Agility Robotics

Agility Robotics, a branch of Oregon State University, has just revealed a new bipedal robot called Cassie. Unlike the many four-legged and four-wheeled robots currently in existence, Cassie will walk much more like a human. This kind of movement allows for far easier travel across diverse types of terrain while delivering packages or even contributing to disaster relief efforts.

Alongside disaster relief and search-and-rescue, Agility Robotics aims to prioritize equipping Cassie to deliver packages straight to people's front doors. So far, the company has published a paper pre-print to the pre-distribution platform Arxiv which has been accepted for the 2021 RSS robotics conference.

At this point, Cassie has proven capable of traversing dirt, grass, a rickety dock surrounded by water and even standing outside in the heavy Oregon rain. Agility Robotics has explained that the ostrich-like physique stems from the real-life birds' natural agility, durability and efficiency that they wanted to recreate in Cassie.

Although Agility Robotics is a new company, many of its researchers come from the ATRIAS project, one of the first initiatives to experiment with instilling humanlike gaits in robots. That said, Agility Robotics intends to surpass the work of ATRIAS by developing robots that can operate more independently beyond mere scientific demonstration. For now, researchers have been using results from ATRIAS, including center-of-mass motion to mimic human walking and spring-mass walking, to make Cassie the most efficient prototype yet.

Thus far, an essential improvement they have made from ATRIAS to Cassie entails an altered leg configuration which will enable smaller motors for enhanced operation. Furthermore, similar to humans, Cassie also enjoys a 3-degrees-of-freedom hip which lets the robot move backward, forward, from side to side and rotate both legs at the same time. Indeed, Cassie even has powered ankles in order to stand in place rather than consistently needing to move its feet as ATRIAS did.

Moreover, Agility Robotics also plans to make Cassie adaptable for use in medical prosthetics. With computer-to-human interfaces already on the rise, a robot such as Cassie could provide a great deal of assistance to human patients who are either missing limbs or struggle with locomotion. Therefore, while Cassie has some ways to go before being able to actually transport groceries upstairs, its designers have high hopes for general applications to locomotion.

While the initial supply of Cassie prototypes has sold out, Agility Robotics states that another batch will release in summer of 2021.

More information: Blind Bipedal Stair Traversal via Sim-to-Real Reinforcement Learning, arXiv:2105.08328 [cs.RO] Journal information: arXiv Blind Bipedal Stair Traversal via Sim-to-Real Reinforcement Learning, arXiv:2105.08328 [cs.RO] arxiv.org/abs/2105.08328

 2021 Science X Network
The rule also approvingly cites the New York Timess 1619 Project, a mendacious series of essays on race that historians spanning the ideological spectrum have denounced. The project derives its name from its misleading contention that Americas birthdate is not signified by the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, but by the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 on the shores of what would later become the United States. The project rejects the document that outlines Americas creed that all men are created equal.
Nathan Copelandcontrols a robotic arm thanks to electrodes implanted in his brain.

Imagine being able to control a robotic arm from a distance, using only your mind. Now imagine being able to feel when its fingers grasp an object, as though it were your own hand.

US researchers published a study in the journal Science on Thursday about the world's first brain-computer interface that allowed a volunteer with paralysis from the chest down to accomplish this very feat.

The team say their work demonstrates that adding a sense of touch drastically improves the functionality of prosthetics for quadriplegics, compared to having them rely on visual cues alone.

"I am the first human in the world to have implants in the sensory cortex that they can use to stimulate my brain directly," Nathan Copeland, 34, told AFP.

"And then I feel as if a sensation is coming from my actual hand."

'Super cool'

In 2004, Copeland was in a car accident that left him with a serious spinal cord injury and without the use of his hands or his legs.

He volunteered to participate in scientific research, and six years ago underwent a major operation to have tiny electrodes implanted in his brain.

Two sets of 88 electrodes the width of a strand of hair are arranged into "arrays" that resemble tiny hairbrushes and penetrate deep into the brain's motor cortex, which directs movement.

Fewer than 30 people in the world have these kinds of implants, the study's co-lead author Rob Gaunt, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh, told AFP.

Copeland sat in from of the metallic black robotic arm and was asked to pick up a series of small objects like rocks, spheres, and place them on a boxwith either the tactile sensors switched on, or off.

What's unique about Copeland is an additional set of electrodes that are connected to his somatosensory cortex, which receives and processes sensations.

"When we're grabbing objects, we use this sense of touch very naturally to improve our ability to control," explained Gaunt.

The team developed an interface that is "bi-directional"meaning not only can it "read" instructions from the brain and send them to the artificial limb, it can also "write" sensations from the device and transmit them back.

The idea of sending tactile feedback to the somatosensory cortex goes back decades, but doing so in a way that is controlled and is understandable by the circuitry of the brain was a challenge.

After operating on Copeland to install the electrodes, the team held their breath.

"No one knew what to expect because this had only been done in monkeys and you can't ask a monkey what something feels like," said Copeland.

Then came the moment of truth, when they tried sending their first touch signal.

"It was really faint," he recalled. He asked them to try again, to be sure it was real.

"Oh yeah, that's what that feels like, and it was just super cool," he said.

Graphic on a thought-conrolled prosthetic arm that can be used by a paralysed person, and is able to provide feedback from touch.

Twice as fast

Before the interface could be put to work with the robotic arm, the scientists had to perform a series of tests with Copeland.

First, they needed to learn which electrodes caused what sensation when activated, and which fingers they were associated with, to set up the robotic hand correctly.

They also made him watch videos of the robotic arm moving left or right and recorded the electrodes that lit up when he was asked to "think" it was him controlling it.

Finally it was time to try it out.

Copeland sat next to the metallic black robotic arm and was asked to pick up a series of small objects like rocks, spheres, and place them on a boxwith either the tactile sensors switched on, or off.

He was able to complete each task on average twice as fast when the sensors were enabled, and was even able to achieve more complex tasks like picking up a glass and pouring its contents into another.

"The sensation gave me that assurance and confidence to know that I definitely had a good grab on the object and I could lift it up," said Copeland.

The team wants to further refine the prosthetics because "we don't want to just do science experiments in the lab, we want to actually build devices that are useful to people in their homes," added Gaunt.

Copeland got his brain-computer interface set up at home when the COVID pandemic shut down the university, and has used his downtime to learn how to draw on a tablet and even play video games.

He does this by using his mind to send signals directly to the computer, rather than using the arm to push buttons.

"It is just second nature to me now," he said.

Explore further Brain stimulation evoking sense of touch improves control of robotic arm

More information: S.N. Flesher el al., "A brain-computer interface that evokes tactile sensations improves robotic arm control," Science (2021). S.N. Flesher el al., "A brain-computer interface that evokes tactile sensations improves robotic arm control,"(2021). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.abd0380 A. Aldo Faisal at Imperial College in London, UK el al., "Putting touch into action," Science (2021). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.abi7262 Journal information: Science

 2021 AFP
Zhang Yiming has come under pressure to convince the world that TikTok will not hand data over to China.

The boss of the Chinese company behind viral video platform TikTok said Thursday he will leave the role because he lacks managerial skills and preferred "reading and daydreaming" to running the tech giant.

Beijing has tightened the screws on China's booming tech sector, levying finesincluding on Bytedance last monthfor allegedly flouting monopoly rules, and issuing stark warnings to the coterie of billionaire digital bosses about their responsibilities to society.

Zhang Yiming, the billionaire co-founder of Bytedancewhich created the popular short video TikTok appsaid he will step down as CEO and transition to a new role by the end of the year focusing on "long-term strategy".

Liang Rubo, with whom he set up the firm, will take over the role.

In an unusually candid open memo by one of Asia's new tech rich, Zhang said: "The truth is, I lack some of the skills that make an ideal manager.

"I'm more interested in analysing organisational and market principles... than actually managing people."

With a net worth of $36 billion Zhang is the fifth richest person in China, according to the Forbes Billionaire Index.

The 38-year-old added that he is also "not very social, preferring solitary activities like being online, reading, listening to music, and daydreaming about what may be possible".

Zhang has also been under enormous pressure to convince the world that TikTok will not hand data over to China's Communist Party, while also protecting his image at home by not appearing to give in to demands from the West.

News that he is stepping down comes as Beijing clamps down on the unprecedented influence of some of China's biggest technology firms.

E-commerce giant Alibaba was fined 18.2 billion yuan ($2.78 billion) last month as part of a push by regulators to rein in dominant digital platforms.

As Alibaba's problems mounted, its founder Jack Ma has been unusually absent from the spotlight after speculation that brash comments by him to regulators brought the hammer down on his firm.

Bytedance was among 34 tech companies summoned by regulators in April that were told to undergo "complete rectification" and "heed the warning" of Alibaba.

TikTok is believed to have around one billion users worldwide including more than 100 million in the United States.

While he was US president, Donald Trump made a series of demands on the Chinese company over security concerns, including calls for the US operations of TikTok be sold to an American company or it would be shut down.

The firm has insisted it would never provide user data to the Chinese government.

ByteDance now has more than 60,000 staff in 30 countries and last year Zhang said they were looking to recruit around 40,000 more.

The company also runs a series of popular products including Douyinthe Chinese version of TikTokas well as news aggregation app Jinri Toutiao and productivity app Lark, which features cloud storage, chat and calendar functions.

Media reports last year suggested Bytedance was planning to list some of its businesses in Hong Kong, in a move that could value it at $180 billion.

Explore further TikTok taps new CEO from Chinese parent firm

 2021 AFP
The two biggest Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce fundraisers of the year, Chamber Experience and Business & Bites, have been combined into one event for the first time. And it wont be the last.
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As much as the session with Emhoff was about listening, it was also about telling that story. The idea is to turn on its head the old Ronald Regan warning about anyone who says, Im from the government, and Im here to help. In addition to being married to a history-making public official, Emhoff is touring the country as a cheerleader for administration initiatives and proposals.
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An investigation undertaken in the aftermath of the Oldsmar water plant hack earlier this year has revealed that an infrastructure contractor in the U.S. state of Florida hosted malicious code on its website in what's known as a watering hole attack.

"This malicious code seemingly targeted water utilities, particularly in Florida, and more importantly, was visited by a browser from the city of Oldsmar on the same day of the poisoning event," Dragos researcher Kent Backman said in a write-up published on Tuesday.

The site, which belongs to a Florida-based general contractor involved in building water and wastewater treatment facilities, had no bearing on the intrusion, the American industrial cybersecurity firm said.

Watering hole attacks typically allow an adversary to compromise a specific group of end-users by compromising a carefully selected website, which members of that group are known to visit, with an intention to gain access to the victim's system and infect it with malware.

In this specific case, however, the infected website didn't deliver exploit code or attempt to achieve access to visitors' systems. Instead, the injected code functioned as a browser enumeration and fingerprinting script that harvested various details about the website's visitors, including operating system, CPU, browser (and plugins), input methods, presence of a camera, accelerometer, microphone, time zone, locations, video codecs, and screen dimensions.

The collected information was then exfiltrated to a database hosted on a Heroku app site (bdatac.herokuapp[.]com) that also stored the script. The app has since been taken down. Dragos suspects a vulnerable WordPress plugin may have been exploited to insert the script into the website's code.

No fewer than 1,000 end-user computers visited the infected site during the 58-day window beginning Dec. 20, 2020, before it was remediated on Feb. 16, 2021. "Those who interacted with the malicious code included computers from municipal water utility customers, state and local government agencies, various water industry-related private companies, and normal internet bot and website crawler traffic," Backman said.

"Dragos' best assessment is that an actor deployed the watering hole on the water infrastructure construction company site to collect legitimate browser data for the purpose of improving the botnet malware's ability to impersonate legitimate web browser activity," the researcher added.

Based on telemetry data gathered by the company, one among those 1,000 visits came from a computer residing in the network belonging to the City of Oldsmar on Feb. 5, the same day an unidentified adversary managed to increase sodium hydroxide dosage in the water supply to dangerous levels by remotely accessing the SCADA system at the water treatment plant.

The attackers were ultimately foiled in their attempt by an operator, who managed to catch the manipulation in real-time and restored the concentration levels to undo the damage. The unauthorized access is said to have occurred via TeamViewer remote desktop software installed on one of the plant's several computers that were connected to the control system.

The Oldsmar plant cyberattack, and more recently the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident, have set off concerns about the potential for tampering with industrial control systems deployed in critical infrastructure, prompting the U.S. government to take steps to bolster defenses by protecting federal networks and improving information-sharing between the U.S. government and the private sector on cyber issues, among others.

"This is not a typical watering hole," Backman said. "We have medium confidence it did not directly compromise any organization. But it does represent an exposure risk to the water industry and highlights the importance of controlling access to untrusted websites, especially for Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control System (ICS) environments."
Olson also expects further support for airports from a forthcoming infrastructure bill, though it is unknown how much will be invested overall.

An initial proposal had been for a $2 trillion investment, he said.

I think on both sides of the aisle, and in both chambers, there is grassroots support for an infrastructure bill that does include airports, Olson said. Theres been several numbers thrown out there, but those are likely to change in the coming weeks and months.

New CDC mask guidelines

Masks must be worn at Central Nebraska Regional Airport.

Last week, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that people who have been vaccinated do not have to wear a mask in public or practice social distancing.

But at CNRA, masks must be worn on the premises at all times by visitors per federal regulations, Olson emphasized.

It is plain and simple, he told The Independent. You have to wear your face mask when you step foot in the terminal and you have to keep it on while youre waiting for your flight, and while youre on your flight and when you get to your destination, you have to keep it on until you get outside of the airport property.
With your help, an influencer from Grand Island could be immortalized on coin in the company of Maya Angelou and Sally Ride  but chances are many people might not have even heard of her: Grace Abbott.

The Hall County Historical Society would like to remedy that via a campaign to honor Abbott as a representative of Nebraska. The United States Mint announced recently their latest project, circulating a commemorative coin honoring American women of particular significance. The quarters, numbering a total of 20 tail images, will be released 2022-2025; the first two women on the list are Angelou and Ride.

Abbott, born 1878, arguably has just as much  if not, more  influence as these well-known women. The Hall County natives list of accomplishments goes on and on. Included in that theoretical list are being one of the most well-known suffragists in the nation (for many years she resided in the legendary Hull House) and a trailblazer in immigrant rights and child labor policies. Her greatest feats are in the fields of education, public administration and social work.

Sue Clement, Hall County Historical Society Board member and co-chair of the likeness efforts, said Abbotts legal mind was legendary.
That action forced the meatpackers to relent in their tireless attack at the national level fighting a national price reporting bill rather than having a patchwork of state price reporting provisions they had to comply with, Hansen said. Thanks to Nebraskas leadership, we finally got national mandatory price reporting established. We are now fighting the meatpackers to get our national mandatory price reporting reauthorized. I am so pleased that provision listed first on the list of joint efforts.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said that unfair markets and a lack of competition in the beef industry have been extremely harmful to producers and consumers alike, especially during the last year.

Many sectors within agriculture, including beef, are dominated by just a handful of multinational corporations, Larew said. The time for action is long overdue, and NFU is glad to be a part of this effort to bring strong, swift and meaningful reform.

Meanwhile, Fischer, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and several of her colleagues are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to continue the DOJ investigation into the nations four biggest meatpackers.
He said the brochure swap is an opportunity not only for tourism officials to get to know one another, but also to exchange travel information that benefits all of the states tourism efforts.

We didnt see each other last year because of the pandemic, so this is kind of a coming back together and making sure that all of our friends are ready for this years travel season, which we think is going to be busy, Fudge said.

Their efforts are not only designed for out-of-state visitors, but for in-state folks as well.

What is great about our tourism industry in this state is that whether you want to get lost in a downtown metro area or in the rural areas of the state, we have both of those and they are very high-quality attractions, he said.

Fudge said there is an optimistic attitude about this years travel season.

We are anxious again to see people in our communities and have them stay and experience what we have to offer, he said.

One of the 50 tourist officials at Wednesdays brochure swap was Stacie Roblyer, who represented the Burwell area and Garfield County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Both Head and Owen were then arrested.

Inside the vehicle, officers observed many items of value, the affidavit filed with the court says. The vehicle was so full that each rear door had items stacked up to the windows.

When the vehicle was towed, deputies conducted an inventory search. During that search, deputies found numerous clothing items, many of which were new with tags. Some of which still had security devices attached to them. The tags indicated the items came from Marshalls and Ross Dress for Less  deputies could not locate any receipts indicating the items had been purchased. A deputy located a purchase and return receipt from Marshalls in Kearney and the Kearney Police Department advised that on April 12, there was a shoplifting reported at Ross Dress for Less in Kearney.

The deputy said the description of the vehicle and the people involved matched Head and Owen.

The loss at that store in Kearney was in excess of $500, according to court documents.

The value of the merchandise stolen at the York store was $140.


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Pittman and Volke intended their bills to appear before the council at the beginning of its in-person budget hearing Thursday at North County High School. It will be the first meeting in person, as a council, since the pandemic sent everyone home and closed county offices and businesses. But since no one from the council would be in Annapolis during that meeting, members cant introduce legislation.
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:
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Texas Scholars

The United Way honored Texas Scholars Monday evening at a ceremony at Wildcat Stadium and handed out five scholarships.

Local Texas Scholars include:

Ellie Ables, Ella Amis, Alysabeth Andoe, Cody Ausmus, Lauren Avery, Blake Ballard, Eduardo Banda, Ryan Bell, Parker Benson, Parker Bolton, Haylie Boyd, Beau Brazeal, Evan Braziel, Madison Bridgers, Parker Brown, Bailee Brown-McCleary, Maggi Burton, Ryan Butler, Ashlyn Callihan, Sarah Carl, Sophie Carl, McKenzie Carlton, Brandi Cary, Isaac Castillo-Rojas, Jessica Cervantes, Bridgitte Collard, Mackenzie Collins, Tanner Collins, Jace Cooper, Collin Coplin, Lane Cornmesser, Fernando Coronado, Baylee Covington, Wesley Crites, Hannah Crosswhite, Donata Curvino, Cayden Day, McKenna Downs, Emma Doyal, Morgan Dudley-Pullins, Kevin Dyck, Madison Edwards, Harrison England, Zoe England, Brody Erwin, Justin Eudy, Canaan Evans, Addison Exum, Lannie Farris, Adysen Finc,h Kip Floyd, T.J. Folse, Emma Fowler, Payton Fowler, Jailen Franklin, Sidney Frierson, Veronica Froese, Brylee Galloway, Treasure Garvin, Hannah Gibbons, Kellan Gibson, Kaiya Gilbreath, Atajdren Gill, Isai Godinez, Garrett Golden, Edwin Gonzales-Salazar, Taylor Gordon, Jonathan Greenwell, George Gribble, Tyler Haley, Jaycie Hall, Marietta Hamill, Lisandro Hernandez, Jacob Hipp, Lilian Hobbs, Emily Hodges, Chloe Holbrook, Bryce Hollje, Destiny Hudson, Melodie Huesca, Zoie Hurst, Karsyn Iltis, Jacob Johnson, Micaiah Jolliff, Troy Jones, Sara Keisler, Andy Kirk, Kristin Knowles, Paul Landers, Abagail Lawson, Jordyn Lawson, Camila Lenertz, Mara Leonard, Jordan Leverett, Tate Lewis, Leighann Lindsey, Isabella LoCicero, Grant Lowry, Morgan Lyles, Keeley Mahon, Corbin Martin, Kylie Miller, Logan Moore, MaKenna Morton, Emmanuel Munoz-Tovar, Hannah Murdock, Jacob Myers, Alex Nava, Abby Neilson, Summer Newsom, Trent Nickerson, Hunter Oneal, Rebecca Painter, McKinley Parris, Jennifer Perez, Grace Perry, Grace Preston, Chloe Prestridge, Merideth Puckett, Noel Rainey, Angela Ramirez, Joel Richards, Macy Richardson, Ammy Rivera-Villacorta, Mikaila Rogers, Weston Romans, Karlie Rouse, Madison Routon, Lisseth Salazar-Diaz, Savanna Sandor, Caleb Sanford, Matthew Scott, Felicity Sefick, Madison Semanek, Chandler Sikes, Jesse Simpson, Brian Slater, Aliyah Smith, Emaly Sneed, Allyssa Standifer, Karson Stephens, Kendall Stephens, Ollivia Stiles, Meredith Stone, Ashtin Stutsman, Shaeffer Suttle, Jacob Thomas, Arthur Tijerina, Jane Tijerina, Kanon Tongson, Ashley Trenchard, Brandon Tullos, Riley Vaughn, Connar Vorheis, Kenzley Waldroup, Corbin Waldroup, Keshwan Wallace, Travis Walter, Levi Weems, Clairah White, Kaci Williams, Riley Williams, Madison Winter, Makayla Winton, Gabbi Wood and Kayden Yates.

See the Sunday, May 16, edition of The Paris News for a two-page spread honoring the Texas Scholars.
Congratulations, congratulations! One hundred years in Rotary. That is nothing less than fantastic.

Past Rotary International vice president Anne Matthews cheered the members of the Rotary Club of Orangeburg on Wednesday as it celebrated the 100-year anniversary of its founding during an event held at Cornerstone Community Church.

I want you to continue to make this club a viable club, a contributing club, Matthews said. Stay in the club. Keep it going. Good luck to you and God bless you in all you do.

Matthews, who has traveled the world as a Rotary ambassador, praised the leadership of the Rotary Club of Orangeburg, which stood the test of time and followed the Rotary motto of service above self.

She also praised the Rotary Foundation, the outreach arm of the club, for making a difference in the world though programs, grants, community activities and scholarships. The Rotary Club of Orangeburg alone has given about $365,229 to the foundation over the years.

The Rotary Foundation has focused on poverty, hunger, health, water, literacy and eradicating polio, Matthews said.

The clubs service is the heart and soul of Rotary," she said.
Richard Murphy, dean of the schools Computer, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Division, is spearheading the effort.

She reported that there were a total of eight vacant positions as the college prepares for the fall semester, including a position for a full-time emergency medical technician instructor.

We have two funding sources for it, either stimulus money or some special funding source that comes from stimulus money through our WIOA (Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act) at Lower Savannah (Council of Governments), Elmore said.

It sounds kind of crazy to think of stimulus money to start an EMT program, but there was a time in the fall we couldnt even offer our certificate program because we rely solely upon adjunct folks and they were all on trucks. And statewide there is a shortage of EMTs, and there are only like 3,000 or so in the state that are actually on trucks," she said.

Elmore continued, The state has put on a person whose sole position is over this year to recruit another 3,000 people into the EMT ranks. So we hope to use this to start the program, and then eventually well be able to transition it into a paramedic program.

Elmore also reported on the college's receipt of equipment funds.
It was not clear how Peterson's decision would affect the case against Anthony Fox, which is before a different judge and has not yet gone to trial. He is also Black.

The officers worked for the Jackson Police Department at the time. Fox and Barney currently work for the Clinton Police Department. Lampley has been doing desk work in the Jackson Police Department but attorney Francis Springer said he expects Thursday's decision will let him return to patrol duty, the newspaper reported.

The officers smiled and hugged their attorneys immediately after the ruling.

They were looking at decades in jail, and they didnt do anything wrong, Springer told the newspaper. Their stories never varied, and unfortunately, they werent able to get their story out until now.

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens said the decision surprised him, WLBT-TV reported.

Significant evidence was presented. ... Three eyewitnesses identified that officers did body-slam Mr. Robinson. Medical professionals ... acknowledged that Mr. Robinson died of blunt force trauma, he said.
BRUSSELS (AP)  The head of the World Trade Organization said Thursday it is of paramount importance to diversify vaccine manufacturing and to have more production taking place in Africa and Latin America to contain the pandemic.

On the eve of a global health summit in Rome, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told European Union legislators that normal market forces for exports and imports couldn't apply when it comes to the life-or-death issue of COVID-19 vaccines, as many of the worlds wealthiest nations were hoarding the shots for their own population when the crisis hit their home turf.

She said the world has the capacity to manufacture some 5 billion vaccine doses overall but that as the virus has spread we require twice and three times that. So the capacity was not there.

One of the main challenges is diversifying vaccine production, which is now 80% concentrated in 10 European, North American and South Asian nations, Okonjo-Iweala said, calling the situation a problem that has come home to roost.

Its not normal that Africa, with 1.3 billion people, has 0.17 % of the manufacturing capacity of the world, she said. So this has to change. She added that Latin America has about 2% of global production capacity.
The proposal for non-partisan elections is not a new one. At least three Charter Review Commissions dating back to the mid-1990s have suggested switching to such a system, though the idea has never gained traction among the heavily Democratic City Council. The commission is a group of city residents appointed by the City Council who convene following a census year to discuss changes to the City Charter, the founding document that establishes its powers.
Contemporary history doesnt bode well for Democrats, either. Expectations for the left arent nearly as high going into 2022 as they were just a year ago. The 2020 election was supposed to deal a crushing blow to Republicans up and down the ballot. Instead, the GOP defeated 12 incumbent House Democrats and successfully defended every incumbent Republican seat.

If historical trends werent enough, Democrats are dealing Republicans a winning hand, too. The Democratic-backed plans to pack the Supreme Court and to end the Senate filibuster are wildly unpopular. A recent Mason-Dixon poll found 65 percent of Americans, and a whopping 72 percent of independents, opposed court-packing. The same survey showed only 37 percent of Americans supported ending the filibuster while 69 percent of independents opposed it.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker concluded that moderate and unaffiliated voters did not vote for Joe Biden in 2020 to turn the government upside-down or remake America.

But thats exactly what Democrats are trying to do. And it will inevitably hurt them on Election Day, especially when 56% of independents said they would be less likely to re-elect their senator if he or she supported those two disliked and radical Democratic priorities.
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BISMARCK, N.D.  North Dakota regulators have approved a pipeline project that will send more Bakken crude to a Wyoming oil hub.

Bridger Pipeline plans to convert 27 miles of an oil gathering pipeline into a larger transmission line in McKenzie County, N.D. It also will add another 2.4 miles to the pipeline located east of Watford City. Other pipelines will transport the oil to Guernsey, and then to market in other states.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of the $21 million project. Commission Chair Julie Fedorchak said she sees it as a sign of the Bakkens recovery following the oil downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Any time these companies are adding more infrastructure and spending money, I think it shows a belief this play is here for the long haul, she said. I feel that it sends a strong message this company and others are still pretty hopeful and confident in the future of the Bakken.
Health

breaking top story

COVID-19 VACCINES

Wyoming has third-highest proportion of COVID-19 skeptics in nation, new report says

Cayla Nimmo, Star-Tribune "Got my shot!" stickers lay on a table at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department's Casper Vaccine Clinic at the Eastridge Mall in Casper on March 29. According to a new report, almost 25% of Wyomingites can be described as "COVID Skeptics," or the least likely group to get vaccinated.

A new national survey aims to answer not just whether people will accept a COVID-19 vaccine, but why they might not.

National health policy think tank the Surgo Foundation gathered more than 17,000 online survey responses from across the U.S., and then used a statistical model to estimate the proportion of different vaccine-hesitant populations in each state.

Wyoming ranked near the top nationally for three of those populations.

The foundation report breaks survey respondents into five categories: the Enthusiasts, the Watchful, the Cost-Anxious, the System Distrusters and the COVID Skeptics. It also accounts for how many people are already vaccinated.

Wyoming considers vaccine incentives as state falls behind much of the country Wyoming officials are considering vaccine incentives as other states offer raffles, booze and cash prizes to entice residents to get inoculated. But details on what a program could look like  or if it will actually happen  are sparse.

About 25% of Wyomingites are considered COVID Skeptics. The Surgo Foundation describes these individuals as People who dont believe in vaccines in general, but the primary barrier is their deeply held beliefs around COVID-19. Every person in this group believes in at least one conspiracy theory.

Wyoming reported the third-highest proportion of that group, behind Arkansas 30% and North Dakotas 29%.

Enthusiasts are those eager to be vaccinated. Less than 1% of Wyomingites are considered Enthusiasts, though the survey also asks if a person is already vaccinated. When the survey was conducted in mid April, vaccines were widely available in Wyoming, meaning many would-be Enthusiasts had already gotten their shots.

The remaining personas fall in between, and according to the report authors, are the most susceptible to be swayed one way or the other.

The Watchful are described as those who want to wait and see how the vaccine rollout goes. They may be unsure about side effects or the effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine. About 13% of Wyomingites are estimated to fall into that category.

The Cost-Anxious are those for whom time and financial cost are the primary barriers.

While the vaccines are free regardless of a persons insurance status, getting the shot does require at least 15 minutes of a persons day.

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated wide mistrust in Wyoming. Experts think person-to-person communication might help. This is understandable when patients hear multiple different threads of advice and data that says somethings effective or not effective from so many sources," said Dr. Joshua Hansen, a family physician at Sage Primary Care. "They dont know who or what to trust.

About 14% of the state is estimated to be in this category and not having time was the top barrier to getting vaccinated shared by Wyoming respondents.

Wyoming has fewer than 3% of System Distrusters or people who feel they are treated unfairly by the health care system because of their race.

Wyomings high rates of vaccine hesitancy arent new. Recent U.S. Census Bureau surveys suggest Wyomings communities are more hesitant toward vaccines than anywhere else in the U.S.

The Surgo Foundation report hopes that identifying why someone might be reluctant will make it easier to change their mind.

We will need to work in a much more precise way to close this vaccine uptake gap efficiently and effectively with limited time and resources, the reports executive summary reads. How do we do it? By using a precision health approach that looks at specific vaccination barriers and beliefs at a geographically granular level.

The most vaccine-hesitant counties in America are all in Wyoming, federal models show Wyoming is home to the 11 most vaccine-hesitant counties in the nation, with 32% of their residents believed to be hesitant to receive COVID-19 inoculations.

Surgos founder and CEO, Sema Sgaier, published a New York Times op-ed Tuesday sharing the research and promoting the approach.

Americas vaccination strategy needs to change to address this, and it starts with understanding the specific reasons people have not been vaccinated yet, she wrote in the column.

The report outlines strategies for reaching each different persona.

For the Watchful, it suggests sharing stories from those who have gotten a vaccine, rather than just providing data.

For the Cost-Anxious, the report suggests finding creative places to inoculate residents. It also suggests that businesses give employees paid leave to get their shot.

For the Skeptics, the report acknowledges they may not be easily swayed. It does recommend deputizing individuals trusted by those individuals to promote the vaccines.

Wyoming has fallen behind the rest of the nation in getting shots in arms. Roughly 30% of residents here are fully vaccinated. About 34% have had at least one shot.

Nationally, about 38% of the population is fully inoculated. Wyoming is in the bottom 10 nationally both for first shots and for those fully vaccinated.
The child also had a 45-degree angle break to his right femur along with a break to the end of the femur by his kneecap. There were two breaks in his right tibia by his ankles. He also had a break to his left femur by his kneecap, the affidavit said.

The emergency room physician told police that his injuries came from high speed brute force trauma like extreme squeezing or shaking the baby. She compared the amount of force necessary to create the injuries to that of a vehicle crash.

The boy was flown to University of Childrens Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Colorado, for treatment of his injuries.

Martinson had been alone with the baby the night before while Bullinger worked, according to the affidavit.

Martinson told police that he thought the boy had a bowel obstruction in the middle of the night. He was pushing on his legs, trying to help him poop because it helped last time, he told authorities. I must have gone to(o) hard.

A detective asked if he thought he was pushing into the childs ribs as he pushed on his legs. Martinson replied that he thought he was pushing into the boys stomach and that the baby grunted as Martinson pushed, according to the affidavit.
I have to say I was disappointed that we were not able to come to some sort of an agreement on school funding; it wasnt necessarily a surprise, Gordon told reporters in a news conference last month. We have not addressed that fiscal cliff.  I believe its time I start to take a role in that discussion.

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The proposals to trim that deficit include new cuts or new taxes, Gordon went on to say at the time. I believe there is a third, perhaps more profitable approach, he said.  Sort of taking a customer service approach. What is it that our customers really want?

The RIDE advisory group is tasked with answering that question.

The governors spokesperson, Michael Pearlman, said Gordon sought this group specifically.

The Governor asked these individuals to participate and they agreed to contribute their time, Pearlman said via email. He selected citizens who he believed would bring an unbiased, open-minded, common-sense approach to broadly exploring education in Wyoming.

The committee is scheduled to meet for the first time in early June. The committee is also planning opportunities to gather public input, but dates for those meetings have not been published.
BILLINGS  Frustrated with the private ownership of its only hospital in town, city leaders in Riverton have decided to build their own hospital.

Those leaders formed the Riverton Medical District and on Wednesday announced the new hospital is developing an affiliation and clinical partnership with Billings Clinic of Billings, Montana.

The move cements what the Riverton group describes as a strong focus on local health care with a trusted partner.

With Riverton, Billings Clinics relationships in Wyoming communities include Basin, Lovell, Powell and two clinics in Cody.

The current hospital in Riverton, which is 250 miles from Billings, is controlled by the private-equity owned LifePoint Health Inc., which also owns the hospital in nearby Lander, according to an April 11 report in the Wall Street Journal. Since acquiring the two hospitals, LifePoint has been consolidating the hospitals services and has cut back on surgeries in Riverton and stopped delivering babies, the Journal reported.
By the time most of you read this, my son Gideon will have marched across the gymnasium floor and received his high school diploma.

I have brainstormed some sage advice for Gideons next phase and hope that his fellow grads nationwide can benefit.

Ill allow someone else to lecture 2021 graduates about following your dream, keeping a journal, subscribing to the local newspaper, formulating a career backup plan, paying it forward, starting retirement planning early, yada yada yada. I prefer to share tips youre unlikely to hear anywhere else.

First, be patient with your elders when they emit trite expressions such as Finishing high school already? Where does the time go? Refrain from exclaiming, When the baby takes its first step, you ask, Where does the time go? When you unbox the Christmas decorations, you ask, Where does the time go? Maybe if your generation wasnt always asking where the time goes, wed have a colony on Mars with a cure for the common cold by now! Buy a calendar!

Before you move too far away, make a point of thanking favorite teachers who inspired you. Dont procrastinate until you run across them in a retirement home. (Mr. Johnson, you were an amazing Drivers Ed instructor. Of course, that was back when you could still see above the stick shift)
FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert said yesterday that the proposal to increase the retirement age to 65 from the current age of 60 is under active consideration, but he said the Government has not made a firm decision on the matter as yet.
Ninety-four-year-old Lionel Duncan arrived at the La Romaine Health Facility at 6 a.m. yesterday, eager to receive the first dose of his Covid-19 vaccine.

He had followed the advice of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh that people over the age of 60, with surnames starting from A to E, would be facilitated at vaccine centres across the country.
Tobagonians are being urged not to show up at the health centres to request Covid-19 vaccines as vaccinations are being done by appointment only on the island.

Speaking at yesterdays Covid-19 news conference in Tobago, general manager of primary care at the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) Dr Roxanne Mitchell said some people descended on health centres on Wednesday, demanding to be vaccinated on a walk-in basis.
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.
Two weeks ago, Belize police Senior Supt Henry Jemmott was shot through the head with his service weapon in San Pedro, an offshore tourist paradise.

Held for the killing was 32-year-old Jasmine Hartin, a glamorous Canadian.
We want to have a teaching kitchen  that would actually bring people into our culinary heritage, said the Tucson native, who practiced law before buying and renovating the Downtown Clifton hotel in 2012. The City of Gastronomy designation can be somewhat opaque to people. They come here and they say, Well, I just want to taste all the food. And they eat all our wonderful food like our Sonoran hot dogs and our tortillas and our Mexican cultural foods. But its not just that. We want to give a platform for all of that and the chefs that are working with all those ingredients.

The Bungalow Block is one of three Rio Nuevo redevelopment projects along the Sunshine Mile. Rio Nuevo also plans to redevelop the historic Solot Plaza, where Roccos Little Chicago Pizza will move, and the Friedman Block, which will be home to Leruas Fine Mexican Food, which was forced out of its home of nearly 80 years at 2005 E. Broadway in early 2019.

Dorman and Lane said it could be a year or more before the Broadway bungalows project is completed.

Its really exciting to bring a spotlight to everything that made us a City of Gastronomy and also to save these historic homes, Dorman said. Its a win, win, win.
PHOENIX  House Republicans have once again blocked a vote over whether Arizona should ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

On a party-line vote Wednesday, lawmakers voted down a motion by Rep. Judy Schweibert, D-Phoenix, to bring the measure directly to the floor for a vote. She had to take that route because Rep. Frank Pratt, R-Casa Grande, refused to give the measure a hearing after it was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee which he chairs.

Rep. Jacqueline Parker, R-Mesa, the vice chair of the committee, said she sees no reason for the amendment.

She said there already are sufficient laws to guarantee things like equal pay for women, and that her fear is an alternate agenda.

This is a back-door abortion bill, she said, reciting fears that putting equal rights based on gender into the U.S. Constitution would effectively undermine efforts to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that women have the right to terminate a pregnancy before a fetus is viable.

Rep. Pamela Powers Hannley, D-Tucson, said that concern and others are off base, as the amendment contains just 23 words that say equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex.
Attorney Matt Zorn, who represents SRI, said he sees the decision as the DEA and federal government beginning to embrace different, diverse supplies of cannabis for clinical and medical research purposes.

Its important because the research thus far has focused on safety and has used what can only be described as bad cannabis, he said.

Sisley echoed that sentiment about the existing supply of research-grade marijuana being low quality. She said that, during past clinical trials she put on, molding, diluted cannabis from the University of Mississippi performed poorly.

Its not that it didnt just perform well, but it never was able to replicate the positive, transformative experiences that people were describing in the real world, she said.

The decision by the DEA on Friday should also help to pump more research-grade marijuana into supply as other institutions market their marijuana to researchers, Zorn said.

The idea isnt that everyone is getting approved to supply themselves, he said. Instead this is going to create a more robust marketplace where researchers can test different types of cannabis.
He also mentioned the nonprofit Tucson Home Sharing organization founded last year by Sharon Kha and Deborah Knox. Kha, 77, a former broadcast journalist who has advanced Parkinsons disease, is sharing her home with Knox, 76, a self-employed businesswoman. The two women have been sharing a home for years; Kha needed help to remain in her home and Knox needed to get out of a mortgage.

Kha and Knox have been introducing home sharing to people in Tucson through nonprofit groups, elder organizations and through our Facebook page Tucson Home Sharing, said Knox.

The last several days have been a whirlwind of phone calls and letters as people are hearing about the idea and calling us for more information about home sharing, said Kha. She said one daughter needed to find someone to live with her mother, and another was from a homeowner who could not manage their home and needed help so they could stay there.
The outgoing council chair, Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, of Iceland, did not appear enthusiastic. Everything that we can do as nations to lower tension and see stability is something that, of course, should be looked into very positively, but I think its important to keep the council as it is, he said.

Lavrov also cast aspersions on NATO and the U.S., which he accused of acting with arrogance toward Russia and its security concerns. He took particular aim at Norway, which he said was amending its laws on foreign military presence to allow for the constant rotation of military equipment and personnel.

Were especially concerned about what is going on close to our borders and Norway is indeed a very close neighbor of ours," he said. "We have very good relations with Norway. Nevertheless, the issues related to heightened military tensions due to military deployments in Norway and in the Baltics are still very present.

He called the rotational presence a play on words to describe what is actually a permanent presence. This is not the first demonstration of this highbrow approach that our Western colleagues are now taking in the international arena," he said. We are going to undertake necessary measures in order to ensure our security, but our priority and our preference really is dialogue.
PHOENIX (AP)  Daniel Hernandez Jr., the intern hailed as a hero for helping save the life of then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords following an attempted assassination a decade ago, announced Thursday he's running to represent her former district in Congress.

Hernandez was a 20-year-old college student in his first week interning for Giffords when he went to her Congress on your corner constituent event where a gunman opened fire killing six and injuring 13, including Giffords, in 2011. He kept the congresswoman conscious and applied pressure to her head wound until paramedics arrived.

His actions were widely praised during a period of shock and unity that gripped the nation. Then-President Barack Obama called Hernandez a hero at a memorial for the victims and also while he a guest at the State of the Union address weeks later.

A Democrat, Hernandez currently represents parts of Tucson in the state House of Representatives. He's developed a moderate profile as one of a handful of Democrats who occasionally cross the aisle to work with Republicans, sometimes to the frustration of more progressive members of his party.

Gabby Giffords continues to inspire me and I strive to follow her example of service for our community, Hernandez said in a statement announcing his candidacy.
Judge Brian Fischer set bail at $20 million and said if Pan manages to post it, he is prohibited from having any contact with a protected person" with the initials Z.P.

Prosecutor Stacey Miranda said during the hearing that Pan rented an apartment in Montgomery under a false name and had $19,000 in cash, his father's passport and several cellphones. She asked the judge to set bail at $50 million, saying Pan's family is wealthy and he is a flight risk.

The state believes his act of extreme violence, flight, the fact that he was very difficult to apprehend, the steps taken to elude law enforcement and his national and international ties prove he is an extreme danger to the community and a major flight risk," Miranda said.

Jiang was found wounded by multiple gunshots and lying outside his car on a New Haven street at about 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 6. Local and international arrest warrants were issued, and U.S. marshals offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Pan's arrest.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (AP)  LaQuae Lebon wants her 16-year-old son to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Making it happen, though, is a different story.

Lebon brought Noah, who is non-verbal, to a vaccine clinic on Thursday hosted by JARC, a suburban Detroit nonprofit dedicated to assisting those with developmental disabilities.

JARC has hosted a dozen community vaccine clinics at its offices since March, partnering with Oakland County to provide a comfortable and supportive environment designed to put those with disabilities  or any vaccine recipient  at ease.

The only way to make sure that we reach those milestones is to get the vaccines to every person possible where they need it and in the manner in which they need it," said Shaindle Braunstein, the CEO of JARC.

In Noah's case, a health care professional and several JARC representatives tried several different techniques, including playing his favorite song and giving him some Play-Doh, but nothing persuaded the teenager to sit for the shot. They even tried administering it while Noah sat in a car in the parking lot.
EMMITSBURG, Md. (AP)  Prosecutors in Maryland have found that a sheriffs deputy and Pennsylvania state trooper mistook a 15-year-old bystander for an attempted murder suspect they were chasing last year and fired shots in the teens direction eight times. The teen was not struck.

But The Frederick News-Post reports that in a report released Wednesday, prosecutors investigating the October 2020 incident found the use of deadly force was not objectively unreasonable." The Frederick County States Attorneys Office wont pursue criminal charges against the unidentified county deputy or trooper.

It was unclear why the shooting involving the teen was not disclosed until seven months after the incident. Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said authorities did not intentionally withhold the information.
DETROIT (AP)  A student sued the University of Michigan on Thursday to try to force changes in how the school protects the campus from sexual misconduct, the latest strike after a year of scandals involving a doctor and the chief academic officer.

The class-action lawsuit seeks a series of reforms, including the appointment of an independent monitor to enforce the steps.

There is a difference between having policies and having policies that are empty and not being enforced, Josephine Graham, 21, told The Associated Press.

We've seen U of M policies have not been effective in protecting students, she said. A lot of times students have been ignored. There is room for them to improve.

The school has been rocked by allegations from hundreds of men who said they were molested by the late Robert Anderson, a campus doctor who spent nearly 40 years at the school. He died in 2008.
The lawsuit does not seek access to the ballots themselves, which Maricopa County turned over under subpoena and are not public records.

Fann already made public the contract documents between the Senate and Cyber Ninjas.

But the lawsuit says at least part of what is missing is any contracts involving third-party vendors that the Senate directly or indirectly retained through Cyber Ninjas.

Potentially more significant, Desai also wants any records reflecting the audits budget and any external funding that may have been received.

Fann has told Capitol Media Services the only thing she knows about is the $150,000 the Senate agreed to pay Cyber Ninjas for the work.

She acknowledged that there is probably money going directly to the contractor. Outside groups are soliciting donations with the aim of raising $2.8 million for the effort.

But Fann said those dollars are not coming through the Senate, though she said she expects a full accounting from Cyber Ninjas when the audit is over.

Desai said thats not good enough. The audit is a public function, she said.
But Shope said language in HB 2190 extending it to businesses goes too far.

I believe in private property rights, Shope said. I believe in the rights of the sole proprietor, the barber who may be immunocompromised who cannot get a vaccine who would just want to put a sign up in the front of their shop.

With Shope unlikely to fold, that leaves Roberts to instead try to appeal to Senate Democrats.

Roberts said after the vote he is hoping to convince some to see this as a matter of individual civil rights. Even the American Civil Liberties Union has expressed concerns about a vaccine passport that people might be forced to show, he noted.

The vote put many Republicans, who have tended to be champions of the rights of businesses, in the position of having to argue that there is a more important consideration.

I think its really important that we understand that theres a difference between business rights and personal rights, said Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa.

For example, she said, a business can deny entry to someone without shoes. But Townsend said thats designed to protect the business from liability should a patron cut her or his feet.
A senior Hamas leader and Israel's Security Cabinet have confirmed that a mutual ceasefire deal has been agreed to.

A senior Hamas leader and Israel's Security Cabinet have confirmed that a mutual ceasefire deal has been agreed.

The senior Hamas leader told CNN that the ceasefire will commence at 2am local time on Friday, though an official announcement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Officer said the ceasefire would go into effect at an hour to be agreed upon later.

The decision comes after more than a week of conflict left hundreds of people dead, the vast majority of them Palestinians.

Israel Security Cabinet had agreed to a truce put forward by Egypt for a "mutual unconditional ceasefire" over Gaza, according to a statement by the the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

"The Security Cabinet convened this evening. And accepted unanimously the recommendation of all security elements -- the Chief of Staff, the head of the Shin Bet, the Head of the Mossad, and the head of the National Security Council -- to accept the Egyptian initiative for a mutual unconditional ceasefire that will go into effect at an hour to be agreed upon later," the statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
The news release said the 21-track Fire in Little Africa collection gets to the truth of what happened May 31 and June 1, 1921. The artists heard on Fire in Little Africa get to the truth through urgent songs, recalling stories told and stories lived in hope to usher in a new era for Tulsa as they help the community process this generational trauma through music.

Fire in Little Africa is a powerful and timely project that provides a platform and outlet for the incredibly talented and thriving music community of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ethiopia Habtemariam, chairman & CEO of Motown Records, said in the news release.

Carrying the legacy of the Black Wall Street community, Fire in Little Africa is a body of work filled with purpose and prolific storytelling. I am honored and feel privileged to have Motown Records/Black Forum partner with Dr. View, the Bob Dylan Center and Guthrie Center to release this impactful hip-hop album.

Habtemariam was referring to Stevie Dr. View Johnson, PhD, manager of the Education & Diversity Outreach at the Woody Guthrie Center/Bob Dylan Center and executive producer of Fire in Little Africa.
Monroe wrote in his motion that even if the court would not have permitted him to question Hamilton on the pending charges, he could have asked whether the government had promised him anything for his testimony in Keplers trial.

But prosecutors have pushed back on the claim that the information about Hamilton would have benefited Kepler.

Had Kepler challenged (Hamiltons) testimony as motivated by his fear of prosecution for events that allegedly took place in February and March 2020, that questioning would have opened the door to introduction of (Hamiltons) consistent testimony at the four prior trials, all of which predated the alleged conduct, Assistant U.S. Attorney Leena Alam wrote in a court filing.

The two federal prosecutors involved in Keplers case claimed in a reply brief that they were unaware of the allegations against Hamilton by the state.

Still, even if the allegations had been shared with Keplers defense, prosecutors say it would not have been able to use that information to impeach his testimony at trial, citing local court rules.

A party may only impeach a witnesss character for truthfulness with evidence of a criminal conviction, according to prosecutors.
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday morning (local time) told Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expects "significant de-escalation today" in the Israel-Hamas conflict, adding to the growing international pressure to end the fighting.

According to The New York Times, " Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the White House principal deputy press secretary told reporters onboard Air Force One."

"Our focus has not changed," the press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said. "We are working towards a de-escalation."

Jean-Pierre said President Biden wanted the situation to reach a "sustainable calm," reported The New York Times.

She said the call, which came before the president departed from Washington to address graduates at the United States Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday morning, did not reflect a shift in administration policy as it pertains to a cease-fire.

"This is what we have been calling for the past eight days," she said.

However, the Israeli PM did not assure of any such claim of "cease-fire" made by the US President, according to a senior administration official who received a readout of the call shortly after it happened, reported by The New York Times.

After visiting Israeli military headquarters, Netanyahu said he was "determined to continue this operation until its aim is met."

Still, the president's call to the Israeli leader added to a growing chorus of international parties urging the Israeli military and Hamas militants to lay down their weapons as the conflict stretched into its 10th day.

France is leading efforts to call for a cease-fire at the United Nations Security Council, but it remains unclear when a resolution will be put to a vote.

Israel and Hamas have signalled a willingness to reach a cease-fire, diplomats privy to the discussions say, but that has not reduced the intensity of the deadliest fighting in Gaza since 2014.

At least 227 people in Gaza have been killed, including 64 children, and 1,620 have been wounded as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israeli airstrikes and shelling have destroyed or damaged homes, roads, and medical facilities across the territory.

Hamas militants continued to fire rockets into Israeli towns on Wednesday, sending people scurrying for shelter. More than 4,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza since the conflict began, according to the Israeli military, killing at least 12 Israeli residents.

As Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations mediated talks between Israel and Hamas, the two adversaries indicated publicly that the fighting could go on for days. Netanyahu tweeted on Tuesday that the attacks against Hamas would "continue as long as necessary to restore calm to the citizens of Israel."

A senior Hamas official denied reports that the group had agreed to a cease-fire but said that talks were ongoing, reported the New York Times.

Still, with Israeli warplanes firing into the crowded Gaza Strip, in a campaign that Israeli officials say is aimed at Hamas militants and their infrastructure, the humanitarian crisis has deepened for the two million people inside Gaza.

The United Nations said that more than 58,000 Palestinians in Gaza had been displaced from their homes, many huddling in U.N.-run schools that have in effect become bomb shelters. Israeli strikes have damaged schools, power lines, and water, sanitation and sewage systems for hundreds of thousands of people in a territory that has been under blockade by Israel and Egypt for more than a decade. Covid-19 vaccinations have stopped, and on Tuesday an Israeli strike knocked out the only lab in the territory that processes coronavirus tests.

"There is no safe place in Gaza, where two million people have been forcibly isolated from the rest of the world for over 13 years," the U.N. emergency relief coordinator in the territory, Mark Lowcock, said in a statement.

(ANI)

Also Read: Israel-Palestine conflict: Situation in Gaza reminds me of apartheid-era in South Africa, says Ramaphosa
The increase in jobless claims follows Gov. Kevin Stitts announcement Monday to cancel the states participation in temporary federal pandemic relief jobless programs.

Chief among the programs to get the ax effective June 26 are Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which provided benefits to the self-employed, contract workers and so-call gig economy workers and the $300 extra weekly benefit that went to all unemployment benefit recipients.

About 90,000 workers qualified for the $300 weekly benefit, about 18,600 of which received assistance through the PUA program at last count.

Stitt said thousands of Oklahomans were making more money in unemployment relief than they were by working, while some employers have expressed difficulty hiring workers as the state emerges from the pandemic.

Stitt also touted an incentive plan to pay certain workers who qualified $1,200 to return to work.

Democrats criticized the cancellation of federal benefits, noting that the states unemployment rate is 4.2%.

But Zumwalt noted in a written statement that Oklahoma has 37% more job openings than before the pandemic as well as the most employment opportunities since job opening data began to be collected in 2001.
Storage and handling guidelines for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine state that before mixing, the vaccine may be stored in a freezer between 13 degrees below zero and 5 degrees below zero for up to two weeks.

The total time vials are stored at these temperatures should be tracked and should not exceed two weeks. Vaccine stored in the freezer can be transferred to refrigerator storage for an additional five days.

The vaccine was inadvertently administered after being stored in the freezer for longer than the recommended time by one to 14 additional days, the Tulsa Health Department said.

THD officials contacted the vaccine manufacturer, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health to determine the corrective course of action.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines state that vaccine exposed to inappropriate temperatures that is inadvertently administered should generally be repeated.

The CDC advised: Since all currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines are not live, the dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can be repeated as soon as possible in the opposite arm.
Today is Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Let's get caught up.

These headlines are in the news this morning: President Biden expressed support for a cease-fire and raised the rising civilian death toll with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu; an associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz pleads guilty to sex trafficking charges; and "That '70s Show" star Danny Masterson in court today on rape charges.

Read on for these stories, other top headlines, celebrity birthdays and more.

TOP STORIES

Biden raises cease-fire, civilian toll in call to Netanyahu

President Joe Biden expressed support for a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza's militant Hamas rulers in a call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but he stopped short of demanding an immediate stop to the eight days of Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rocket barrages that have killed more than 200 people, most of them Palestinian.
The agency says the $38 million is needed for an initial 30-day period to respond to a variety of immediate needs in Gaza including food, health care, psychological services, and water and sanitation. It also includes emergency needs in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, for health care, shelter, education, security and protection.



BEIRUT  The leader the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group says militant factions in Gaza went into the latest battle with Israel knowing it will be costly but also knowing that it is the only road to freedom and to protect Jerusalem.

Ziad Nakhaleh said in a televised speech from Beirut on Wednesday that neither nuclear weapons, warplanes nor peace agreements with some Arab states could bring Israelis security and peace.

He added that militant groups in Gaza have made miracles that you can see with your own eyes and you live them every moment when you run to shelters.

Nakhaleh was referring to thousands of missiles and rockets that Gaza militants have fired toward Israel.
Prosecutors claimed that Ortner falsely claimed to others that he was a member of either the Cherokee Nation or the Pawnee Nation.

However, law enforcement failed to turn up any evidence that Ortner was a citizen of any federally recognized tribe.

Trial testimony revealed that government investigators discovered feathers and various parts of bald and golden eagles, including heads, talons and entire wings, during a search of his residence.

Prosecutors alleged that Ortner gave eagle feathers to the victim to gain her trust and the trust of her family.

Witnesses testified that he later threatened to embarrass the victim and her tribe unless she said the sexual assault did not happen, according to court documents.

Ortner faces not less than 10 years behind bars and up to life in prison on the conviction for traveling out of state to engage in criminal sexual activity.

He also faces up to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a child in Indian Country and up to two years in prison for abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.

Two misdemeanor counts of illegally possessing parts of a bald or golden eagle each carry up to one year in prison upon conviction.
In September, members of the Wisconsin National Guard 54th Civil Support Team went to the couples home to collect more suspected ricin, including two samples from a dresser drawer and one from beneath the dresser. The samples were sent to the FBI for testing and also were found to be ricin.

An FBI scientist later explained to Dane County Sheriffs Detective Coy Bethel that ricin can be present in the home without exposing its inhabitants to a lethal dose if the amount is small enough.

Adams former husband, identified in Oklahoma divorce court records as Alexander Adams, told Bethel in January, under an agreement that gave him immunity for his statements, that Kore Adams had admitted to him that the white powder found in their neighbors home was the result of her trying to poison their neighbors.

He said he and his wife did not get along with their neighbors and that his wife had the makings of ricin as early as 2012 when they lived near Portland, Oregon.

(Alexander Adams) said that Adams told him that she was brewing ricin for use against their enemies, the complaint states. He said he told his wife to take it away and that he didnt see it again.
It has been eight years to the day since an enormous and powerful EF5 tornado ripped through Moore, producing winds of more than 200 mph, killing 24 people and injuring 212 others.

Tragically, seven of those killed were children at Plaza Tower Elementary School, which was reduced to rubble. Nearby Briarwood Elementary was also destroyed, along with churches, businesses, and most of all, homes. Throughout its 37-minute duration, the tornado leveled an estimated 1,150 homes and caused approximately $2 billion in damages.

When we visited Moore in the aftermath of this tragedy, many wanted to know whether any of the devastation could have been prevented. The answer was yes.

Many buildings could have been saved by stronger construction. It was encouraging to see Moore adopt a stronger building code the following year, but other areas of Oklahoma have taken too few steps to brace against future tornadoes. If we dont make improvements soon throughout the state, were inviting what happened in Moore to happen again in another community.

Protecting against tornado damage requires constructing homes to withstand high wind speeds, and Oklahoma is notorious for high wind speeds. Of the six tornadoes with the fastest-ever winds, five occurred in Oklahoma.
A Ho Chi Minh City-based travel company has recently launched a brand new tour that combines sightseeing and COVID-19 vaccination in the United States, with prices starting at US$1,950.

Named VAC-cation, the tour is offered by Hong Ngoc Ha Travel Company, which is headquartered in District 1.

This is the first time a Vietnamese travel agency has organized a tour combining sightseeing and vaccination services.

A representative of Hong Ngoc Ha Travel told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that several developed countries currently have abundant COVID-19 vaccine resources as well as favorable entry policies.

This is a good opportunity for those who wish to travel abroad and be inoculated against COVID-19 at the same time.

The tour will be based on the free and easy model, which allows clients to customize their trips to best suit their needs, the representative elaborated, adding that the travel firm will provide necessary assistance and guidance in the vaccination process.

Prices are advertised as starting at VND45 million ($1,950), but the exact cost will depend on the length of a tourist's stay and the type of coronavirus vaccine.

The jabs developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna require a two-dose regimen with a 21-day interval, while Johnson & Johnsons vaccine needs only one dose, the representative explained.

Travelers are advised to stay in the U.S. for no longer than 31 days, he added.

Those who need treatment for severe side effects after vaccination will be covered by travel insurance.

"We are targeting business people, high-income earners, and white-collar workers who love to travel, the representative said.

Guests can go individually or in groups of eight to ten.

A director of another travel company in Ho Chi Minh City said that such tours may be viable if travelers agree to comply with quarantine regulations in Vietnam.

While it may be simple to enter the U.S., tourists will have to undergo a 21-day quarantine period when they return to the Southeast Asian country despite having been vaccinated, he elaborated.

Vietnam, whose population is around 97 million people, has administered over one million COVID-19 vaccine shots since it rolled out mass inoculation on March 8.

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Clay Center, KS (67432)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. A few storms may be severe. High 86F. S winds shifting to N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Read what is in the news today:

COVID-19 Updates

-- The Ministry of Health confirmed 30 domestic cases of COVID-19 on Thursday morning, taking the national tally to 4,720 patients, including 3,247 locally-transmitted infections.

-- The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance has suggested establishing COVID-19 Vaccine Fund and taking responsibility for managing and utilizing the fund to facilitate the countrys vaccine procurement.

Society

-- Police in north-central Thanh Hoa Province have arrested a suspect for allegedly stabbing a taxi driver in his chest and murdering another person.

-- Police officers in Ho Chi Minh City have captured a man for stabbing another woman over conflict, resulting in severe injuries to her chest.

-- Doctors of the Hue Central Hospitals Branch 2 in the central province of Thua Thien  Hue have successfully performed an operation on a one-day-old baby who suffered from a rare congenital anomaly caused by esophageal perforation.

-- About 200 households in central Vietnam's Quang Tri Province faced a blackout on Wednesday as some locals set haystack on fire near a major substation.

-- A fisherman in Binh Dinh's capital city of Quy Nhon has captured an alligator snapping turtle, which is native to the North American region and one of the biggest freshwater turtles in the world, while going fishing.

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The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court on Wednesday imposed the death penalty upon three men for a series of drug-related crimes.

Phan Phi Long, 33, Hoang Anh Vu, 27, and Vo Tuan Tai, 36, were sentenced to death for illegally transporting, trading, and possessing narcotics.

Long and Vu are residents of the north-central province of Ha Tinh, while Tai lives in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the indictment, Long hired Vu to pick up four kilograms of crystal meth from a Laotian man in Ha Tinh and transport the drugs to Ho Chi Minh City on September 20, 2019.

Vu was promised VND60 million (US$2,600) for completing the job.

After transporting the meth to the southern metropolis, Vu stored it in a hotel room in Ward 2, Tan Binh District.

He was later caught by police officers.

Aside from the four kilograms of meth, officers also found 1.6 grams of heroin which Vu said was for personal use.

When police arrested Long, he was in possession of 11 ecstasy pills, 3.8 grams of synthetic drugs, and several guns and bullets.

At the police station, Long admitted to hiring Vu to transport the drugs.

He also claimed to have sold 1.5 kilograms of drugs and 1.7 kilograms of ketamine to Tai on three occasions.

Officers raided Tais house and found a large amount of drugs and six guns.

Tai said he had purchased narcotics from Long and resold them in Ho Chi Minh City for profit.

Huynh Ngoc Anh Quyen, Tais wife, received a one-year jail term for failure to report a crime, but was given a suspended sentence.

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Authorities in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Ngai have fined three men a total of nearly VND240 million (US$10,400) for deforesting an area of about 4,700 square meters.

The Quang Ngai Forest Protection Department said on Wednesday that the punishment decision signed by the provincial chairman would be imposed on Pham Van Quy, 39, Pham Van Trien, 34, and Pham Van Trau, 28, all hailing from Ba To District.

Quy was fined VND62.5 million ($2,707) for destroying nearly 2,100 square meters of productive forest.

Trien and Trau have to pay a fine of VND87.5 million ($3,796) each for cutting down productive forest trees across a total area of over 2,600 square meters.

The three violators are also ordered to plant green ironwood trees in the affected forest areas.

In 2020, another person from the same district was also fined VND200 million ($8,660) by provincial authorities for destroying and burning protective forest.

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A 64-year-old patient in Hanoi died from coronavirus-related complications on Wednesday, raising Vietnams COVID-19 death toll to 38.

According to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, the victim, dubbed patient No. 3,197, was diagnosed with blood infection, liver cancer, hepatitis B, and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis after she was admitted to the Dong Anh District branch of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in the capital on May 4.

In the early hours of May 7, an abrupt lockdown mandate sealed off all three Hanoi branches of the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital after a cluster of COVID-19 cases was discovered at the facility.

Patient No. 3,197 was announced as COVID-19 positive on May 8.

Her medical record also suggested a 10-year history of battling a hepatitis B infection, while her liver cancer was detected four months ago.

She was sent to intensive care and tended to with ventilators, as well as antibiotics, vasopressors, and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Her condition began to deteriorate before she was pronounced dead on Wednesday, despite an attempt by leading medical experts in the country to solve her case during a meeting on Tuesday.

According to doctors, the patients death was due to septic shock stemming from her pre-existing conditions.

This is Vietnams 38th virus-related death since the pathogen hit the country in early 2020, according to the Ministry of Health's data.

The country reported its the 36th coronavirus death on May 15, when an 89-year-old woman, recognized as coronavirus patient No. 3,839, also died of underlying health conditions.

One day later, a 34-year-old man from Bac Ninh Province was logged as the 37th coronavirus associated death in the nation.

All three COVID-19 deaths this year have been found during the fourth transmission wave that broke out on April 27, after Vietnam had gone about a month without any known community transmission.

Thirty-five fatalities were reported in Vietnam last year.

The Ministry of Health confirmed 30 domestic cases of COVID-19 on Thursday morning, raising the national tally to 4,720 patients.

Recoveries have reached 2,687 while 38 patients have died, most having suffered critical pre-existing health problems.

The country has registered 1,678 domestic infections in 29 provinces and cities since April 27.

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The establishment of a fund to accelerate the purchase of coronavirus vaccines is essential to meeting the countrys vaccination target, the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance said in a proposal submitted to the national government.

The Ministry of Finance on Wednesday confirmed it has asked the government to found a COVID-19 vaccination fund which would help it meet current coronavirus prevention and control targets.

According to the ministry, the proposed fund will receive, manage, and use foreign and domestic financial support to speed up the purchase and use of COVID-19 vaccines.

The ministry also emphasized that the fund will be managed in a way that ensures transparency, thrift, and efficiency.

It will also comply with relevant accounting rules under Vietnams Accounting Law and the ministrys guidelines.

The Ministry of Health expects to buy 150 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in order to vaccinate about 75 million people out of the countrys population of 98 million at an estimated cost of VND25.2 trillion (US$1.1 billion).

Of that amount, the cost of purchasing vaccines will be about VND21 trillion ($909 million), while the rest will be spent on transportation, storage, and injection.

The finance ministry expects that the central budget will allocate about VND16 trillion ($694 million) for this expenditure while the remainder will rely on contributions from businesses and organizations.

However, if the pandemic prolongs, the annual demand for vaccines will increase and the cost of buying the jabs will be larger, making it difficult for Vietnam to meet its goal to inoculate its entire population.

More than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been used across the country, and nearly 29,000 people have received two shots as required, the health ministry reported on Wednesday.

The ministry reported 44 COVID-19 cases at noon on Thursday, all of which were detected in isolated or locked-down areas.

Overall, Vietnam has documented 4,764 infections since the pandemic began in early 2020, with 39 deaths, the ministry said.

The country has registered 1,722 domestic cases in 30 provinces and cities since April 27.

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Vietnamese netizens are hailing a good Samaritan for helping a toddler find his way back home in the middle of the night after the two-year-old baby wandered out while his parents were asleep.

A camera attached to Nguyen Xuan Truongs car captured the mans good deed as it unfolded. Truong is a resident of Phu Cat District in south-central Binh Dinh Province, where he works as a contract driver.

According to the 29-year-old, he was driving home after work at about 1:00 am on Tuesday when he saw a toddler walking alone on a street in Cat Thanh Commune.

I was worried because its dangerous for such a young child to be on the street in the middle of the night, Truong said.

Truongs first reaction was to stop his car and help the child onto the sidewalk.

He then waved down some passing vehicles to ask for help.

While other motorists watched the child, Truong began knocking on nearby doors attempting to find the childs home.

This video shows Nguyen Xuan Truong helping a missing child find the way home in the middle of the night in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, May 18, 2021.

After about 20 minutes, an elderly man opened his gate and listened to Truong as he described the boy.

The man then followed Truong out to the child.

When the man saw the baby, he immediately knew who the parents were and where their house was, Truong said.

I was so happy.

Truong and the elderly man then proceeded to walk the child home.

As the childs mother opened the door and saw her son, she went numb for a few seconds before immediately taking the toddler in her arms.

The mother said that the couple had been tired after coming home from work and immediately fell asleep," Truong recounted.

"The toddler must have found his way out while they were sleeping."

Nguyen Xuan Truong, who helped a lost child return to their parents. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A four-minute video capturing the entire incident was later circulated on social media, leading netizens to rain down compliments on Truongs good-hearted action.

A number of the netizens noted that many people would not have acted as Truong did out of fear of being scammed.

Truong said the idea of leaving a lost child on the sidewalk in the middle of the night never crosses his mind.

Seeing him helpless in the middle of the road, I was so worried, Truong said.

"I just hoped hed be able to return to his parents safely.

When I saw the kid, I immediately though of my own child.

"I wasnt afraid of being robbed or anything.

The man hopes that the incident will help remind parents to monitor to keep a close eye on their chidlren.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Production is underway on Disney+ musical comedy Disenchanted a sequel to Enchanted (2007).

The film, directed by Adam Shankman, is currently shooting in Ireland with returning star Amy Adams.

Also returning are Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden and Idina Menzel.

The score features new songs from Broadway legends Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.

Working again with Disney has been like coming home, says director/producer Adam Shankman. With Amy and this extraordinary cast, Alan and Stephens mind blowing new score, and Barry and Disneys support, I just hope to bring magic and joy to audiences around the world.

Producer Barry Josephson says, I guess dreams do come trueproducing Enchanted was the most rewarding film experience Ive ever had. Im so excited for Adam Shankman to begin filming Disenchanted. I want to thank everyone at Disney for supporting us all the way. Very special thanks to Amy Adams for deciding to play Giselle, the character she created again! And we are so fortunate to have this incredible cast!

It will screen in 2022.

Disenchanted stars six time Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Adams as the hopelessly romantic and eternally optimistic Giselle now married and living in Monroeville; Patrick Dempsey (Greys Anatomy) as Giselles husband, the cynical pragmatist Robert Philip; James Marsden (X-Men) as the dashing but daft Prince Edward from Andalasia; Idina Menzel (Frozen) as Nancy Tremaine, the former dress maker now married to Prince Edward; Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) as Malvina, Giselles new adversary in Monroeville; Kolton Stewart (Nickelodeons Some Assembly Required) as Malvinas son; Yvette Nicole Brown (Lady and the Tramp) as Rosalyn; Jayma Mays (Glee) as Ruby; Oscar Nunez (The Office) as Edgar; and introduces Gabriella Baldacchino as Robert Philips now grown daughter, Morgan. Baldacchino, a 19-year-old from Glen Rock, New Jersey, makes her feature film debut in Disenchanted.

Disenchanted features the much-anticipated return of Giselle, the princess from the fairy tale world of Andalasia banished to Manhattan who found her real Princess Charming in divorce lawyer Robert Philip. 15 years later, Giselle moves to the suburb of Monroeville with Robert and their teenage daughter Morgan, where she must juggle the challenges that come with a new home and discover what happily ever after truly means to her and her new family.

The kingdom loves new visitors! Lets bring @YNB (Yvette Nicole Brown), Jayma Mays, @kolton_stewart and @OscarNunezLA too. Plus, we are SO excited to introduce @gabbaldacchino as Morgan! Cant wait for you to see #Disenchanted, coming to @DisneyPlus in 2022! -Amy & Adam pic.twitter.com/27ohIsm1PT  Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) May 17, 2021

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An independent investigation has found that UK journalist Martin Bashir used deceitful methods in securing a famed 1995 BBC television interview with Princess Diana.

The investigation, launched last year following pressure from the family of the late Princess, found that Bashir used fake documents to gain Dianas trust and convince her to speak to him.

The interview, for the BBCs Panorama program, in which Diana spoke frankly about the problems in her marriage to Charles, the Prince of Wales, was a global media sensation. Tens of millions of viewers tuning in to watch Diana make her infamous declaration that there were three of us in this marriage, in reference to Prince Charles long-time mistress, now wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Former High Court judge Lord Dyson found that the journalist deceived Earl Spencer with fake bank statements to gain access to the Princess.

He says that Bashir also lied three times about what had happened before finally admitting the truth.

Lord Dyson says that before this a succession of senior executives, including former director general Lord Hall, had been too willing to accept the uncorroborated assertions made by Bashir as he attempted to conceal what he had done.

But the judge says that even when the lies were confirmed, the BBC covered up what had happened.

Without justification, the BBC fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark by covering up in its press logs such facts as it had been able to establish about how Mr Bashir secured the interview and failing to mention Mr Bashirs activities or the BBC investigations of them on any news programme, his report states.

Bashir, who was the BBC News religion editor, announced last week he was quitting the BBC on health grounds as he has been seriously unwell with Covid-19 related complications.

Bashir said in a statement: This is the second time that I have willingly fully co-operated with an investigation into events more than 25 years ago.

I apologised then, and I do so again now, over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up. It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret.

But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently.

I also reiterate that the bank statements had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview.

Evidence handed to the inquiry in her own handwriting (and published alongside the report today) unequivocally confirms this, and other compelling evidence presented to Lord Dyson reinforces it.

In fact, despite his other findings, Lord Dyson himself in any event accepts that the princess would probably have agreed to be interviewed without what he describes as my intervention.

It is saddening that this single issue has been allowed to overshadow the princess brave decision to tell her story, to courageously talk through the difficulties she faced, and, to help address the silence and stigma that surrounded mental health issues all those years ago.

She led the way in addressing so many of these issues and thats why I will always remain immensely proud of that interview.

BBC Director-General, Tim Davie says: I would like to thank Lord Dyson. His report into the circumstances around the 1995 interview is both thorough and comprehensive. The BBC accepts Lord Dysons findings in full.

Although the report states that Diana, Princess of Wales, was keen on the idea of an interview with the BBC, it is clear that the process for securing the interview fell far short of what audiences have a right to expect. We are very sorry for this. Lord Dyson has identified clear failings.

While todays BBC has significantly better processes and procedures, those that existed at the time should have prevented the interview being secured in this way. The BBC should have made greater effort to get to the bottom of what happened at the time and been more transparent about what it knew.

While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can make a full and unconditional apology. The BBC offers that today.

BBC Chairman, Richard Sharp says: The BBC Board welcomes the publication of Lord Dysons report which it unreservedly accepts. There were unacceptable failures. We take no comfort from the fact that these are historic. The BBC must uphold the highest possible standards. I want to thank Lord Dyson for the thoroughness and diligence of his work.

The BBC is writing to a number of individuals involved or linked to these events to apologise directly.

We recognise that it has taken far too long to get to the truth, it said in its statement.

Source: Evening Standard, Hollywood Reporter, Yahoo, BBC.

Related
Duncan Laurence, who won the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest for the Netherlands has tested positive for COVID-19.

Because of the 7 day minimum isolation period he will no longer perform Live as a guest in the Grand Final, but will still feature in the show in a different form.

Last Monday, Laurence tested negative in the Eurovision Test Pavilion, which granted him access to the venue for his performance in the first Semi-Final. On Wednesday, he showed mild symptoms and then unfortunately delivered a positive result in a rapid antigen test.

We are of course disappointed, first of all for Duncan, who deserves a live performance on our very own Eurovision stage after his 2019 victory and the worldwide success of Arcade, Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer, said. We couldnt be more proud of his opening act for the first Semi-Final. Of course we wish Duncan a speedy recovery!

Duncan is very disappointed, he has been looking forward to this for two years. We are very happy that he will still be seen in the final on Saturday, May 22, his management said.

Earlier Iceland was forced to withdraw from a Live performance after Dai og Gagnamagni keyboard player Johann Siguru tested positive, falling back on their rehearsal vision.

It remains unclear if any of the other acts or hosts have been impacted after coming into proximity with Laurence.

Since 6 April over 24,400 tests have been conducted amongst crew, volunteers, artists, delegation members and press. Only 16 of those (0.06%) have returned positive results.

Related
Mondays Four Corners is Vaccinating Australia, a report by Adam Harvey into what went wrong with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

Todays a day of hope and Australia needs hope, the world needs hope. Prime Minister Scott Morrison

As the horror year of 2020 drew to a close, Australians were told there was a way out of the pandemic. A mass vaccination program would be our ticket to freedom. The federal government outlined a plan that would see vast numbers of Australians inoculated against the virus by October 2021. Months on, beset by supply problems and hitches in the rollout, the government has abandoned its targets and faces accusations of having botched it.

Everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong. Former health department head

Australias success in keeping COVID from taking hold has made the nation the envy of the world, but the slow pace of the rollout has caused frustration and confusion.

If we look like were slow, if we look like we are taking our time, if we look like we dont really know how well we are doing against our performance expectationsWould that fill me with confidence as a citizen? Absolutely not. Epidemiologist

On Monday Four Corners investigates how Australias vaccine program rollout has fallen short.

One of the failures of the federal government communications has been this lack of transparency around the quantity of vaccines we have in the country, the quantity were administering, and what we can expect. Epidemiologist

Featuring interviews with the key advisers and decision makers running the rollout, Four Corners charts the pivotal moments that have led the nation to this point.

Throughout last year it was very clear that the Commonwealth wanted to keep the vaccine planning to themselves. State government minister

Those running the governments rollout fiercely defend their actions.

Everything we do in this pandemic is dealing with a situation where the world is facing a challenge unlike anything in 100 years. And yet of all the countries in the world, the economic outcome, the human outcome, puts Australia at the forefront. Health Minister

Critics say petty politicking and a lack of transparency have hampered the plan.

I dont think Australians will mind or would mind if mistakes were made along the wayThe problem is when they introduced secrecy, they introduce suspicion. Senator

Those on the frontline are urging Australians to put their faith in the vaccines that are currently available, warning with winter approaching and the pandemic still raging globally, the nation is still at extreme risk.

I am concerned that Australians seem to believe that this virus is just going to go away. Its not, its going to come here, and if youre not vaccinated there is a good chance you will be infected. Head of Infectious Diseases

Monday 24th May at 8.30pm on ABC.

Related
Theres still no word on where Friends: The Reunion will land in Australia, with international rights still in discussion. (**cough Foxtel / Binge**)

But here is the trailer for the one weve been waiting for.

Instant hit.

Update: 5:02pm Thursday May 27 FOX8 / Binge.

Related
Lifetime has cast its US telemovie Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace with Jordan Dean (The Punisher) as Prince Harry and Sydney Morton (Shes Gotta Have It) as Meghan.

The film marks the third Lifetime film chronicling the couple, following 2018s Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance and 2019s Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal.

The film explores what really happened inside the palace that drove Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to leave everything behind in order to make a future for themselves and their son Archie. The movie will detail Meghans growing isolation and sadness, their disappointment that The Firm was not defending them against the presss attacks and Harrys fear that history would repeat itself and he would not be able to protect his wife and son from the same forces that may have contributed to his mothers untimely death.

Also cast are Jordan Whalen as Prince William, Laura Mitchell as Kate Middleton, Steve Coulter as Prince Charles, Maggie Sullivun as Queen Elizabeth II, Melanie Nicholls-King as Doria Ragland, Bonnie Soper as Princess Diana, Deborah Ramsay as Camilla and James Dreyfus as palace insider Leonard. No word on Oprah, I guess

Tanya Lopez, Executive Vice President of Lifetime Movie Network, previously told TV Tonight biography movies work best with lookalikes.

If its a Whitney Houston (bio), then we like to find an actress who most emulates the real Whitney. If were telling a true crime story, our audience will often be more entertained by casting that looks like the real people.

In fact, theyll go online and compare them.

When we did Harry and Megan: A Royal Romance (pictured below), people went online to see how much they looked like them. 

Filming began this week in Vancouver.

Lifetime Movies screen in Australia through Foxtels Lifetime Movie Network.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Related
Betsy McCaughey is a former lieutenant governor of New York and author of The Next Pandemic, available at Amazon.com. Contact her at betsy@betsymccaughey.com or on Twitter @Betsy_McCaughey. To find out more about Betsy McCaughey, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Goldman's investment brings ComplyAdvantage's Series C funding round to $70m. Photo: Ramin Talaie/Corbis via Getty Images

Goldman Sachs (GS) has put its weight behind financial crime fighting startup, ComplyAdvantage as the level of scams and sophistication of criminals grows.

The terms of the transaction with the Growth Equity team at Goldman Sachs Asset Management have not been disclosed.

However, Goldman's investment brings ComplyAdvantage's Series C funding round  first announced in July last year  to $70m (49.5m).

"The company brings clear value to its clients and has grown at an impressive rate," said James Hayward, managing director in the Growth Equity team at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. "We are excited to support the business as it continues to scale rapidly and help companies of all stages manage these critical risks."

ComplyAdvantage, which specialises in artificial intelligence-driven financial crime risk data and detection tech, plans to use the investment to build on its "rapid growth" and managing risks around anti-money laundering (AML).

Due to the growing volume, velocity and complexity of financial crimes, the traditional methods of human analysts reviewing batched data are no longer viable in many cases, the company said. This is further spurred by the "unprecedented acceleration of digital transformation" as well as rapidly growing fintechs and corporates.

As such, the company offers a "hyperscale financial risk insight" and AML data solution that leverages AI and natural language processing to help companies manage their risk obligations and prevent financial crime.

Its proprietary database  derived from millions of data points  provides real-time insights across sanctions, watchlists, politically exposed persons, and negative news. This "reduces dependence on manual review processes and legacy databases by up to 80%", improving how firms screen and monitor clients and transactions.

The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board, Index Ventures, and Balderton Capital are among other investors in the company.

Story continues

Read more: Amazon in talks to buy James Bond studio MGM for $9bn

Charles Delingpole, founder and CEO of ComplyAdvantage, said: "Financial services innovation is the catalyst for massive business transformation. Companies need a hyper-scale AML and risk solution as a financial crime deterrent.

"Goldman Sachs Asset Management is a great partner for ComplyAdvantage because they recognise the power of intelligent AML and risk detection not only to fortify businesses but also to help them introduce new services to market with greater confidence and integrity."

The company, founded in 2014, already works in partnership with several high profile organisations, including US crypto platform Gemini, UK challenger bank OakNorth and Australian payment app Beem It.

The company says over 500 enterprises in 75 countries rely on its risk assessment services and has four global hubs located in New York, London, Singapore and Romania.

Watch: What are SPACs?
VCDC is a registered 501(c)(3) NGO operating in Bensalem, PA and Ghana, West Africa. The purpose of the organization is to establish dedicated rural community centers for educational development in Akyem Hemang, Fanteakwa district and its surrounding villages in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Champaign, United States, May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Kwasi Asare, ESAIYO CoFounder, CMO, and Board Member has been appointed as Chairman of The Board of Ghana and US based Non Profit Organization, The Village Community Development Center (VCDC).

This appointment was driven by Kwasi Asares work within the social impact, marketing, technology, and business development arenas; specifically his work envisioning and implementing growth, marketing, and business development strategies across the planet for nonprofit and for profit companies for almost two decades.

Mr. Asare, a native of Bensalem, PA, and son of Ghana-American immigrants, has been involved in philanthropy and social impact for more than two decades. He was initially inspired by his familys ongoing philanthropic efforts which eventually led to the founding of The VCDC. In response to a question on the driving force behind VCDCs potential success, Asare explained It really boils down to being a catalyst for innovation and higher quality of life for rural Ghanaian communities.

Reflecting on the opportunity the role offers, Asare is quoted as saying: Rural Africa is the worlds next bread basket and innovation lab, VCDC is focused on optimizing Ghanaians access to technology and sustainable quality of life enhancements.

In a recent one on one interview, Asare reminisced on past VCDC campaigns he engineered which helped build momentum towards todays announcement. Notably, one of his proudest accomplishments was producing a partnership with period poverty focused NGO CouldYou? in which 3000 menstrual cups were distributed to women and girls across rural Ghana. CouldYou? is partnering with Mr. Asare, The VCDC, and leading creative arts agency , World Artists United led by Jalen James Acosta and Rachel Karry to celebrate International Menstrual Hygiene Day, on Clubhouse on Friday May 28th at 5pm EST in The UN75 Club. Mr. Asare who founded The UN75 Club was an early adopter in the Clubhouse Community.

Story continues

Asare recently commented on VCDCs roadmap for the future. The primary goal for the next 12 months, Asare states, will be to fund the launch of a community center with a STEM education focus. Looking farther ahead, the aim is to improve the quality of life of people of rural Ghana on a sustainable basis.

When asked about Mr. Asares recent appointment as Chairman of the Board, VCDC Founder Felicia Asare said: Kwasi Asare brings 20+ years of experience in philanthropy, brand building, finance and digital marketing. That experience is priceless

For more information visit https://www.vcdcghana.com/ and https://www.esaiyo.com

CONTACT: Name: Kwasi Asare Email: kwasi@esaiyo.com Organization: ESAIYO Address: POB 6084 , Champaign, IL 61826, United States




This mum gave birth to her baby boy in the footwell of her car - and her husband caught him in her cardigan.

Leah Kemp, 26, felt the urge to push on the drive to hospital, and she told her husband Jordan, 26, he was going to have to be the midwife in the car park.

They didn't have time to make it inside, and despite protesting "he didn't know how" quick-thinking Jordan stepped up and caught his tot in his wife's cream cardi.

Newborn Jenson Jordan Rhodes Kemp was named after his dad because of his heroic delivery.

Tot Jenson is now fondly known as "car park baby", after he joined the world in Leah's blue Mazda 3.

Leah, from Pontypridd, South Wales, said: "It all happened so fast, I have had previous quick labours but never this quick.

"I was having constant pain and slight urges to push but I never imagined that I would be giving birth in the car.

"I told him the baby was coming now and he would have to deliver and he said he couldn't, he didn't know how to,

"But he did it anyway and delivered our son perfectly.

"How we did it I have no idea, it was a miracle because me and the baby didn't have a mark on us after delivery.

"He had no help from anyone while delivering, it was just us two by ourselves in the car working as a team to deliver our son, not thinking about what could go wrong and just concentrating on getting the baby out."

Leah found out she was pregnant with her third child in September 2020 after trying for a few months and on a whim picking up a pregnancy test from Home Bargains.

The trainee beauty therapist started to get strong pains in her back when she was browsing garden lights in ASDA at 10.40pm on May 6 2021.

She knew her labour was starting and rushed home to get in the bath to help ease the pain, while Jordan took two daughters Mercedes-Elise Kemp, five, and Autumn Kemp, two, to their grandmother's.

When he returned to Leah at their Pwllgwaun home, they knew it was time to go to hospital so hobbled towards the car.

Story continues

Leah said: "During the car ride I was having stronger pains and slight urges to push.

"All I kept thinking was 'you're almost at the hospital now, you're nearly there just hold on, it will be over soon'."

They arrived outside the A&E department at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil just after midnight, but realised they were at the wrong entrance.

Leah said: "My husband went to try and find a wheelchair for me as I wasn't able to walk by this point.

"When he returned back with the wheelchair I told him that I could feel the baby's head and that the baby was coming now and he would have to deliver our son.

"He told me he needed to get me into the hospital. He told me I couldn't deliver the baby in the car."

The couple started arguing, with Jordan clutching the wheelchair outside the car, insisting that they go inside, and Leah making herself comfortable in the passenger seat.

After just a 90 minute labour, the baby was coming.

Leah said: "I shouted to my husband to push the seat back as far as it would go.

"By this point I had started pushing and told my husband to grab the head, to which he did, he then told me one more big push and his shoulders will be out.

"Sure enough the baby's shoulders came out and then the rest of his body.

"My husband then knelt down in the footwell and caught our baby boy."

Plasterer Jordan then wrapped up the newborn in Leah's cardigan and put the baby on her chest while he went into the hospital for help.

Two midwives arrived about three minutes later who wheeled exhausted Leah inside where they checked everyone over and cut the umbilical cord.

The birth of Jenson Jordan Rhodes Kemp was recorded as 00:40 on May 7, weighing 7lbs 5oz.

Leah said: "I asked the midwife caring for me if this happens often and she replied 'this is my first car park baby'.

"We still have the car and we have no plans to get rid of it as it is such a special keepsake for us now and a great story to tell our son when he is older."

Jordan began cleaning the Mazda with wipes provided by a paramedic whilst his wife was still in the hospital.

The family-of-five are enjoying life at home and sharing Jenson's unusual story with friends.

Leah said: "Every time a midwife or health visitor calls to the house they say to us 'are you the ones that gave birth in the car?' which always makes us laugh.

"He is known as the 'car park baby'.

"Looking back at the birth now I still can't believe that we actually delivered our son by ourselves in the car and how lucky we are that there were no complications.

"It really was a miracle birth in the sense that nothing went wrong given the circumstances. I joke to my husband that his occupation now is plasterer/midwife.

"I hope my story makes people smile and to encourage those who are ever in a similar situation to trust their body and their instinct."
Michael Addamo Wins WPT Online Series $25,500 Super High Roller on partypoker

May 20 2021 Will Shillibier

Michael Addamo has added a second WPT Online Series title after winning Event #13: $25,500 Super High Roller.

Earlier this week, he won a WPT High Roller Turbo for $87,459, and now adds an extra $363,661 after defeating Artur Martirosian heads-up.

We've got all the latest news, interviews and more from the 2021 WPT Online Series on partypoker right here on PokerNews. Head to the WPT Online Series Hub to find out more.

WPT Online Series Event #13: $25,500 Super High Roller Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Payout (USD) 1 Michael Addamo United Kingdom $363,661 2 Artur Martirosian Russia $223,350 3 Almedin Imsirovic Mexico $145,663 4 Pascal Hartmann Austria $100,993 5 Matthias Eibinger Austria $74,774 6 Duco Ten Haven Netherlands $62,645 7 Sergi Reixach Mexico $53,915

We have 20 x $11 #WPTOS satellite tickets to give away. To go in the draw just like, retweet and tell us what the g https://t.co/dhDyq1HUbh  partypoker (@partypoker)

Final Table Recap

Addamo came into the final table as chip leader after doing the same in Event #5 where he eventually finished third.

Sergi Reixach started sixth in chips, but fell first taking home $53,915. Duco Ten Haven was then eliminated in sixth place for $62,645.

Despite sitting second in chips at the start of play, Matthias Eibinger was eliminated in fifth for $74,774 before Pascal Hartmann followed him out the door, taking home $100,993.

Almedin Imsirovic had an impressive run, starting as the table short stack and ladderign all the way up to third place and a $145,663 payout.

All that was left was for Addamo to eliminate Martirosian, leaving the Russian with a $223,350 payday. The final table took less than two hours, with another impressive performance from Addamo seeing him walk away triumphant once again.

WPT Online Series Schedule

Make sure you check out the WPT Online Series on partypoker this weekend with plenty of events taking place! They include Day 1A of the $3,000,000 WPT Online Series Main Event, as well as the final flights of the WPT500 Knockout that comes with a $1,000,000 guarantee.

Date Time (BST) # Event Buy-in Guarantee Friday, May 21, 2021 19:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Day 1A [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,050 $ 500,000 Friday, May 21, 2021 20:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1E [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Friday, May 21, 2021 20:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1E [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Friday, May 21, 2021 20:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1E [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 19:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Day 1B [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,050 $ 500,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 20:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1F [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 20:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1F [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 20:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1F [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 19:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Final Day - $ 500,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 23 WPT High Roller $10,300 $ 1,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 19:05 20 WPT Online Series Main Event Day 1A [3-Day Event + FT Wednesday] $3,200 $ 3,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 19:05 21 WPT Mix-Max - Online Day 1A [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,575 $ 500,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 22 WPT Omaha - Online Day 1A [2-Day Event] $1,575 $ 250,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 15:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Day 1C [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,050 $ 500,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1G [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1H [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 19 The Big Game - Online 1 Day Event [1-Day Event] $530 $ 300,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1G [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1H [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1G [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1H [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000

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Niklas Astedt Clinches Second GGPoker Super MILLION$ Title

May 20 2021 Matthew Pitt

It took Niklas Astedt 43 attempts to get his hands on the first-place prize of the GGPoker Super MILLION$. Now he has two Super MILLION$ titles in the space of a months.

Astedt won this tournament on April 11 and walked away with $1,095,741, a massive prize due to the event having a $25,000 buy-in. Now he has another title and $313,907 in prize money, taking his total winnings from the Super MILLION$ alone to a ridiculous $3,354,273.

Super MILLION$ Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Niklas Astedt Sweden $313,907 2 Sam Greenwood Canada $248,746 3 Ramiro Petrone Uruguay $197,111 4 rushaakkandqq Austria $156,195 5 Elio Fox Mexico $123,772 6 Mikita Badziakouski Belarus $98,079 7 Mario Mosboeck Austria $77,720 8 Bruno Volkmann Brazil $61,587 9 judd trump China $48,802

The nine-handed final table began with both "judd trump" and Bruno Volkmann on life support with short stack. unsurprisingly, these were the first two players out of the door.

"judd trump" crashed out in ninth-place when they pushed all-in for 177,874 chips with ace-queen from under the gun during the 20,000/40,000/5,000a level. Ramiro Petrone clicked it back to315,748 with ace-jack, only for "rushaakkandqq" to four-bet all-in for 1,167,500 with pocket jacks. Mario Mosboeck let his pocket tens go, while Elio Fox folded eights. Petrone relinquished his hand also. judd trump flopped an ace but their opponent flopped a set, which held to reduce the player count by one.

Volkmann headed for the exits shortly after judd trump's demise. rushaakkandqq opened to 88,000 with ace-queen, and Volkmann defended his big blind with king-ten, leaving himself eight big blinds behind. Volkamm flopped an open-ended straight draw, which meant his opponent improved to top pair. Volkmann check-raised all-in and lost when both the turn and rifer missed his hand.

2021 WSOP Online Dates Announced; 66 Bracelets to be Won Across WSOP.com & GGPoker

Astedt Running Hot

It took another hour before a the seventh-place finisher was decided. Mosboeck was that player, busting at the hands of Astedt. The Swedish legend made it 100,000 to go at the 25,000/50,000/6,000a level before calling Mosboeck's raise to 245,000. Astedt check-called a one-sixth pot bet on the paired flop. All the chips went in on the deuce turn, which gifted Astedt's ace-four a straight. Mosboeck's ace-six needed help, which did not arrive.

Ace-four was not as kind to Mikita Badziakouski because it was his exit hand. The action folded to Badziakouski in the small blind, and he jammed for 1,287,589 with ace-four, the equivalent of 18.4 big blinds. Astedt snap-called from the big blind with the dominating ace-queen, spiked a queen on the flop, and Badziakouski was drawing dead on the turn.

Two Big Hands Slay Fox

Fifth place and $123,722, the first six-figure prize of the evening, went to Fox. First, Sam Greenwood doubled through him with ace-king versus ace-queen, which left Fox with 12 big blinds. Those chips went into the middle with king-queen against Astedt's pocket tens, and Astedt does not lose coinflips!

rushaskkandqq was the next player heading to the showers, doing so during the 70,000/140,000/17,500a level. They shoved for 1,117,930 on the button with ace-five, and Greenwood called with ace-four. A chopped pot looked the most likely result, but a four on the flop put paid to those ideas.

Andres "chokitin" Korn Adds Circuit Ring to his WSOP Bracelet at GGPoker

Start of the day chip leader Petrone crashed out in third to send the tournament heads-up. Petrone saw Greenwood double through him before committing his chips with ace-ten against Astedt's pocket sevens. We already ascertained Astedt is the King of Flips.

Astedt went into the one-on-one section of the tournament holding a mammoth-sized chip lead, his 13.3 million chips eclipsing Greenwood's 2.4 million. Try as he might, Greenwood just could not claw his way back into contention.

The final hand took place during the 125,000/250,000/30,000a level. Greenwood limped with king-queen, Astedt ripped it in, and Greenwood called off the 2,612,048 chips he had behind. Astedt's ace was enough to win his second Super MILLION$ title and resigned Greenwood to a runner-up finish.
By 2050, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Poland and the Baltic countries will all see the age of their populations increase by at least eight years, according to latest Eurostat projections. Together with parts of Spain, Portugal and Italy, eastern Europe will go well above the median age increase of four years projected for most of the regions in EU and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) between 2019 and 2050. Euobserver reports that amongst EU's fastest-ageing regions one particular example is Romania. Some 36 of its 42 counties have more pensioners than youngsters. In Teleorman county now, for every 100 young people (14-years old or younger), there are 203 senior people (65-years of age or older), instead of 163, a decade ago.

Data provided by Romania's Institute for Statistics shows how rapidly the population has aged over the past few years. Valcea county went from having 126 seniors for every hundred young people, to 185 seniors, just 10 years later.

An older population can translate into a shortage of available workforce, as there are fewer active citizens physically able to work. It also can mean tax increases, as authorities require more money in order to sustain an older population. As the number of pensioners increases and that of younger people decreases, the governmental expenses for pension schemes and healthcare inevitably goes up.

Also fewer working people means fewer taxes collected by the state, as pensions are usually tax-exempted.

Demographic decline

The fastest-ageing regions in Europe are also the ones that will have a smaller population in 2050, than in 2019. Eastern Europe is not only ageing fastest - but also has a faster-shrinking population than anywhere else on the continent. According to Eurostat, all the regions in Latvia and Lithuania will record a negative population growth over the next three decades.

Bulgaria, Estonia, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia have only one region with a projected positive population change by 2050.

Poland, Estonia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Croatia have a large majority of regions with a projected decrease of population.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Cyprus, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Germany see either an increase in population or a positive change in median age by 2050. These are also amongst the countries receiving the greatest number of immigrants, both EU and non-EU. Germany, which has received the largest number of immigrants in the EU, has eight of the 10 regions in Europe where a younger population is projected for 2050. On the other hand, eastern Europe has ranked amongst the lowest in receiving immigrants but highest in terms of number of people living in other EU countries. According to World Health Organization the number of people aged 60 and older will reach 2.1 billion by 2050.

Longer life-expectancy means that not only Europe, but also the Americas and Asia will have to adapt their societies to cope with the demographic change.

It would mean not only dealing with a potential fiscal burden, but also providing a more age-friendly environment with better health and social care, transportation, housing and urban planning, seizing also the opportunity to restructure the economy and include new jobs, goods and services for the elderly.
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Sand is the primary substance used in the construction of roads, bridges, high-speed trains and even land projects. Who would think, that in this day and age, sand would become such a desired commodity, that it would give rise to a Sand Mafia, Asia Times reports. Strange as that may seem, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has warned of said groups, which are comprised of of builders, dealers and businessmen known to be operating in countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, Kenya and Sierra Leone. Activists working to shine a light on their activities, UNEP said, are also being threatened and even killed.

The reason being  the world is running out of sand. And no, were not talking about the sand blanketing deserts and lining coastlines around the world  youve probably seen photos from the Sahara and other regions. Desert sand grains, eroded by the wind rather than water, are too smooth and rounded to bind together for construction purposes. The sand that is highly sought after is more angular and can lock together. It is typically sourced and extracted from seabeds, coastlines, quarries and rivers. The problem, however, is that this resource is slipping away.

It goes without saying, our entire society is built on sand. It is the worlds most consumed raw material after water and an essential ingredient to our everyday lives. Sand is the primary substance used in the construction of roads, bridges, high-speed trains and even land regeneration projects. Sand, gravel and rock crushed together are melted down to make the glass used in every window, computer screen and smartphone.

Even the production of silicon chips uses sand. Yet, the world is facing a shortage  and climate scientists say it constitutes one of the greatest sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Is it time for panicking? Well, that will certainly not help, but it is time to take a look and change our perception about sand, said Pascal Peduzzi, a climate scientist with UNEP.

Peduzzi, who is the director of UNEPs Global Resource Information Database in Geneva, Switzerland, described the global governance of sand resources as the elephant in the room. We never thought we would run out of sand, but it is starting in some places. It is about anticipating what can happen in the next decade or so because if we dont look forward, if we dont anticipate, we will have massive problems about sand supply but also about land planning, he added.

The UN estimates that 4.1 billion tons of cement is produced every year, driven primarily by China, which constitutes 58% of todays sand-fueled construction boom. The global use of sand and gravels has been found to be 10 times higher than that of cement. This means that, for construction alone, the world consumes roughly 40 to 50 billion tons of sand on an annual basis.

Thats enough to build a wall of 27 meters high by 27 meters wide that wraps around the planet every year. The global rate of sand use  which has tripled over the last two decades partially as a result of surging urbanization  far exceeds the natural rate at which sand is being replenished by the weathering of rocks by wind and water.



According to an article published in the journal Nature, sand mining has helped push fish-eating gharial crocodiles in the Ganges river to the brink of extinction  fewer than 250 adults remain in the wild  and destabilized riverbanks in the Mekong whose collapse could force half a million people from their homes.

One reason the damage from mining has been ignored is that although sand is in objects all around us, its hidden in plain sight, said Chris Hackney, a geographer at the University of Newcastle in the UK, who studies the issue and co-authored the Nature article. Ask people to name the most important commodity on the planet and sand is probably not the one that gets mentioned. Ironically, Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia import sand from as far away as Canada and Australia, DW.com reported. The 830m-tall Burj Khalifa, a skyscraper in the neighboring United Arab Emirates, was built using imports from the other side of the world.

Most of the demand comes from China, which made more cement in the three years from 2011 to 2014 than the US did in the entire last century. India, the next-biggest cement producer, is projected to overtake China as the worlds most populous country by 2027. As people across Asia and Africa move to cities and the world population swells to 10 billion people by the middle of the century, demand for sand is projected to keep rising. And its not just for making concrete.

In 2011, 20 million cubic meters of sand was dredged from the sea floor on the coasts of the Netherlands to form a natural barrier protecting against erosion and climate change. Over the last half century Singapore has built artificial islands that have increased its land mass by a quarter using sand imported from Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Dubais artificial Palm Islands, visible from space, were made with sand dredged from the bottom of the Persian Gulf.

And then theres the human cost. As sand prices have risen, police officers in countries from South Africa to Mexico have kept reporting dead bodies at the hands of miners. Nowhere is the violence worse than in India, home to the worlds deadliest sand mafias. Criminal gangs there have burned journalists alive, hacked activists to death and run over police officers with trucks.

A report last year from the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, an environmental group based in Delhi, counted 193 people who died through illegal sand mining in India over the last two years. The main causes of death were poor working conditions, violence and accidents.

While some miners dive to the bottom of rivers hundreds of times a day without protective clothing, and there are reports of child labor from India to Uganda, the industry has rarely been held accountable. Id say a grain of sand can be a grain of change, said Kiran Pereira, researcher and founder of SandStories.org. It is important to focus on good things that are happening. Zurich, for example, is building buildings with 98% recycled concrete. The city of Amsterdam has committed to becoming 100% circular by 2050 (and) they aim to halve their natural resource use by 2030. That is the way to go, Pereira said.

The wake-up call on the global sand shortage, Peduzzi said, came in 2019 when governments recognized the environmental crisis for the first time and the issue was finally placed on the political agenda as a result of a UN resolution. Unfortunately, Peduzzi told CNBC that the challenge has still not been adequately addressed on the global stage. It is still very much new. In many of the development policies, there is no-one even talking about this issue of sand, where it is coming from, the social impacts or the environmental impacts, so there is a lot of things to be done, he continued. Its time to wake up.
Xenophobia is widely increasing in Armenia, Spokesperson for Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Leyla Abdullayeva said.

"Unfortunately, xenophobia and intolerance stemming from it are severely gaining foothold in Armenia. Its of particular concern that this tendency is directed not only against Azerbaijan, but also any people or group that has an opinion different from the views of the Armenian side," she noted.

Abdullayeva emphasized that the Nazis' accomplices are idolized and international terrorists are glorified in Armenia.

According to her, an inexplicable act of vandalism was recently committed against the monument of Mahatma Gandhi in Armenia, the world famous supporter of peace.

"Such extremism displays are dangerous and must be immediately eliminated. Its necessary to induce Armenia to abandon such dangerous ideas as national superiority and territorial expansion. Only after that Armenia will be able to benefit from good-neighborly relations and regional cooperation," the diplomat stressed.

"Azerbaijan, for its part, remains committed to peace, security, regional development and cooperation based on sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders," the spokesperson concluded.
Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov arrived in Russia for an official visit.

At the Vnukovo-2 airport, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan was met by Russian officials. A guard of honor was lined up in honor of the head of the Azerbaijani government, AzerTAc reported.

Within the framework of the official visit on May 20, the delegation headed by the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan is expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin and other officials.
Azerbaijans Prime Minister Ali Asadov has kicked off an official visit to Russia.

The delegation led by the Azerbaijani Prime Minister first laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier near the Kremlin wall.

Ali Asadov has arrived in Russia for an official visit yesterday evening.
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez said Wednesday that the Biden administration has confirmed it will waive sanctions against the Russian company behind the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The announcement comes after the decision was initially reported Tuesday. Sources with knowledge of the situation said the administration would issue waivers for both the company and CEO Matthias Warnig, an associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The administration reportedly made the decision to avoid straining Washingtons relationship with Germany, which the natural gas pipeline is set to pass through. Reports said U.S. officials had determined it would not be possible to halt construction of the pipeline without also sanctioning German entities.
Borjomi mineral water company in central Georgia has announced the temporary suspension of operations at two of its plants to avoid provocations staged by activists.

About 350 workers of bottling factories have gone on strike, demanding higher salaries and better working conditions.

The statement released by Borjomi reads that despite the strike they did not plan to stop operations, but they have made a decision after they have observed the certain illegal activities against the vehicles travelling to the plants.

"As a company with a high level of responsibility we are suspending the operations at both of the plants to avoid provocations staged by the activists of the trade union that endanger the health and safety of people," Agenda.ge cited the statement as saying.

The company has meanwhile noted that it is ready to restore its operations as soon as 'the illegal activities are over.
German lawmaker Steffen Kotre has urged Berlin to initiate countermeasures against the U.S. over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.

Kotre, a member of the German parliament's energy committee from the party Alternative for Germany (AfD), said that the situation around Nord Stream 2 remains unclear in light of Washington's latest decision to scrap a number of sanctions against the project's operator.

"It's common knowledge that the construction of the pipeline is coming to a close. I cannot judge how seriously the US administration has decided to review its position on Nord Stream 2, but I hope this important project will be completed successfully", Kotre stressed.

At the same time, he added that "given the German government opposing [the] U.S.' aggressive actions against Nord Stream 2 only rhetorically, there is a growing concern the project will not be completed, so it would be politically correct to initiate countersanctions" on Washington by raising customs duties on liquefied natural gas supplies from America, among other things, Sputnik reported.

Kotre argued that "if the threat of sanctions from the U.S. administration was really dictated by concern for European energy security, they would have imposed sanctions against the German government long ago".

According to the lawmaker, a decision by German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government to simultaneously abandon the development of coal and nuclear energy in the country poses a "serious threat to the energy security" of Germany and Europe. In light of this, the Nord Stream 2 project will "help to mitigate the consequences of this move", Kotre underscored.

The remarks came after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Washington had decided it was "in the national interest" of the U.S. to waive the application of sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG, its CEO Matthias Warnig, and Nord Stream 2 AG's corporate officers.
The countries involved in negotiations on renewing the nuclear deal with Iran had agreed to lift all major sanctions on Iran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced on Thursday, according to the Iranian Fars News Agency.

"All parties to the talks have agreed to lift all major sanctions on oil, petrochemicals, shipping, insurance, the central bank and so on," he said.

"We have taken the main step and discussed the details. The main agreement has been reached. There are issues we are discussing to reach a final agreement," Fars News Agency cited Rouhani as saying.

Irans chief negotiator and deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi said yesterday that U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached a framework on an agreement, adding that there were still some differences on key issues and teams would return to their capitals for consultations.
Israel intercepted an armed drone sent by Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday at a meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Tel Aviv, Bloomberg reports.

The drone was sent from Iraq or Syria, and intercepted on Israels border with Jordan, the prime minister said, producing no evidence to back up his claim but holding what he described as part of the unmanned aircraft. Netanyahu accused Iran of supporting and financing the Islamic Jihad in Gaza, as well as supplying weapons to Hamas and to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov held talks in Moscow.

The meeting's agenda included issues of cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan in the field of economics, agriculture, customs, communications, high technologies and others.

Mishustin said that Russia is ready to establish cooperation with Azerbaijan in the production of vaccines against coronavirus.

The Russian PM noted that Moscow and Baku are jointly fighting the coronavirus spread.

According to Mishustin, Russia promptly handed over special test systems to Azerbaijan, teams of Russian medical experts were sent to the country, and in May 2021, the first batch of 'Sputnik V' vaccine was delivered to Azerbaijan.

"We are also ready to establish cooperation with Azerbaijan on joint production of Russian vaccine," the Russian PM stressed.

The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan have signed an agreement on cooperation on communications and information technologies following the talks between the two prime ministers.

In their presence, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Federal Service for Intellectual Property of Russia and the Intellectual Property Agency of Azerbaijan.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed possibilities for cooperation, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.

"The Secretary noted that the United States sought a more stable and predictable relationship with Moscow," Price said in a readout.

The sides discussed Russias Arctic Council Chairmanship and the importance of cooperation given our shared stake in the region. Blinken told Lavrov that Russia should release American citizens Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed.

Secretary Blinken also raised "deep concerns" regarding Russias military deployments in and near Ukraine, the health of Aleksey Navalny and the repression of opposition organizations, among other issues.

"The Secretary underscored the imperative of ensuring humanitarian access for the people of Syria, while they also discussed regional issues, including finding a long-term political solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They also discussed areas in which both of our peoples could benefit from sustained and enhanced cooperation, including Afghanistan, strategic stability, and curbing Iran and the DPRKs nuclear programs," the statement reads.

"The Secretary and the Foreign Minister committed to continued discussions going forward," Price concluded.
Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has confirmed today that the Armenian government is negotiating a new document on creating a joint Armenian-Azerbaijani commission on border delimitation.

The paper was first published by Armenia's former ambassador Mikayel Minasyan.



Pashinyan accused Minasyan of being an agent of Azerbaijan's information warfare.



The acting PM said Armenia has reached preliminary agreements with its international colleagues, and that those "solutions are 100% in line with the interests of the Republic of Armenia."

The title of the document posted on Minasyan's Telegram channel reads: "Statement by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and President of the Russian Federation."

In the first paragraph, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin state the following: "In order to strengthen peace, stability and security in the region in accordance with the statements of the leaders of the three countries of November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021, a joint Commission to delimit the border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia with its subsequent demarcation is being created."

According to the second paragraph, "the governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia form national delegations within the Commission until May 31, 2021."

The rest of the text is hidden, but according to the fifth paragraph, the Commission is obliged to carry out some work by June 30, 2021.

In addition, Nikol Pashinyan said today that the task of the Armenian authorities is to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The politician described the diplomatic work carried out by Yerevan as productive.

The acting prime minister added that up to 600 Azerbaijani soldiers are currently stationed at various parts in the territory of Armenia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Russias active mediation in normalization on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the Kremlin said on Wednesday after the two leaders telephone conversation.

"Vladimir Putin emphasized that the Russian side, as a mediator, takes an active part in normalizing the situation and will continue doing so," the statement says.

"Following the previous exchange of views, Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan discussed in detail the situation on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They both expressed the desire to settle the border incident through talks as soon as possible," the statement reads.

It was also agreed to maintain contact on this and other issues.

Yesterday, Vladimir Putin also had a telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Over 400 cases of infection with the UK coronavirus strain and 33 cases of the South African strain have been detected in Russia, Deputy Director for Research of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Alexander Gorelov said on Thursday, TASS reports.

"A total of 401 samples of the British strain and 33 samples of the South African one were isolated in Russia," Gorelov told a conference on treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.

According to the latest global statistics, over 165 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 3.4 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 4,974,908 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,591,770 patients having recovered from the disease. Russias latest data indicates 117,361 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.
The Biden administration will use all available tools to try and prevent the completion of Russias Nord Stream 2 gas-exporting pipeline, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Jalina Porter said.

"Broadly speaking, the administration is committed to using all available tools... to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from being completed... Our goal is to reinforce European energy security as well as to safeguard against any type of predatory behavior that Russia has demonstrated in its past actions," Porter said during a briefing.

Earlier on Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that the Biden administration is waiving new sanctions that it imposed on a company constructing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline due to national security reasons.

Lawmakers in the US House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday agreed to work on legislation to impose sanctions on vessels and entities involved in the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, Sputnik reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that the Biden administration has waived sanctions on the Switzerland-based company Nord Stream 2 AG due to national security reasons.
The Azerbaijani State Security Service said the information of the US Department of State about the risks of a terrorist threat in Azerbaijan is unfounded.

"There is information on the website of the U.S. Department of State about the risk of infection with COVID-19 and the risk of high terrorist threat in Azerbaijan and the recommendation was made for the U.S. citizens not to visit our country without urgent necessity," the statement on the website reads.

"In this regard, we state that the information about the risks of a terrorist threat on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan does not correspond to reality and is unfounded," the statement said.

"At the same time, we inform you that the sustainable stability created in Azerbaijan as a result of the successful policy in the law enforcement field and security being pursued under the leadership of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ensures the safety of our citizens and visitors from abroad," the Azerbaijani State Security Service noted.

"There is no risk of a terrorist threat in Azerbaijan," the statement reads.
The talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended in Reykjavik. The talks lasted almost two hours.

The first meeting of the heads of foreign affairs agencies took place on the sidelines of the ministerial session of the Arctic Council in Reykjavik.

At the beginning of the talks, Lavrov said that he intends to discuss with his American counterpart the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian Nuclear Program (JCPOA) and the situation in Afghanistan.

The Russian Foreign Minister also noted that Moscow and Washington should cooperate on issues where the interests of the parties coincide and where they can achieve a positive result, in particular on issues of strategic stability, TASS reported.
Ankara on Wednesday rejected the European Parliament's "unilateral and by no means objective" 2019-2020 report on Turkey, a resolution it passed earlier in the day.

Passing such a resolution at a time when efforts are being made to revive Turkish-EU relations on the basis of its EU membership perspective within the framework of a positive agenda "is unacceptable," said a Foreign Ministry statement.

"We reject this biased text which not only includes false allegations regarding human rights, democracy, the rule of law, our governmental system and political parties; and views Turkey's effective, solution-oriented, humanitarian and enterprising foreign policy as a threat," Daily Sabah cited the statement as saying.

The ministry also underlined that the EU membership is a strategic goal for Ankara and would benefit all of Europe and beyond, adding that Turkey will "decisively" continue its efforts in line with this objective.

It also highlighted that as a candidate country, Turkey expects the European Parliament to carry out "constructive efforts" about how relations can be improved with Ankara and how it can contribute to Turkey's EU integration process."
Turkish security forces raided at least 20 Istanbul addresses and arrested 18 foreign nationals suspected of having links to ISIS terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia), a security source said.

Counterterrorism teams carried out operations to arrest alleged members of the terrorist group who were plotting to launch terrorist attacks, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media. One of the raided addresses was Istanbul's Saryer district, approximately 500 meters from the U.S. Consulate General. The security forces entered in a 4-storey building detained a person in the house, Anadolu Agency reported.

A vast array of documents pertaining to the terrorist organization and digital materials were discovered and seized, the source added.

Turkish security forces nabbed at least 850 suspects with links to Daesh in the first three months of 2021.
RTHK: US House votes to set up commission on Capitol riot

The US House voted on Wednesday to establish a bipartisan commission to investigate January's deadly riot at the US Capitol, overcoming tensions for now amid rising Republican hostility to an independent fact-finding panel.

One day after top House Republican Kevin McCarthy came out against the commission, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also expressed opposition, raising hurdles to Senate passage more than four months after the violence.

But the House of Representatives at least temporarily weathered a brewing storm, voting 252 to 175 to approve legislation that establishes a 10-member panel commission.

Thirty-five Republicans bucked their party's leadership and joined Democrats in supporting the effort.

"This commission is built to work, and it will be depoliticised, and it will get the results we need," House Republican John Katko, who worked with Democrats to craft a deal on the commission, told his colleagues on the floor.

"I urge all of you in the body, all of you on both sides... to set aside politics just this once - just this once."

In January McConnell blamed Donald Trump for inciting violence at the Capitol, which was overrun by the then-president's supporters seeking to block certification of the election won by Joe Biden.

This week McConnell said he remained open to supporting a commission if changes were made to its structure, but by Wednesday he hardened his opposition.

"After careful consideration, I've made a decision to oppose the House Democrats' slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January the 6th," McConnell said.

He pointed to ongoing law enforcement investigations that have already resulted in more than 400 arrests, and said a new panel might cause unnecessary overlap.

The legislation that would create a commission evenly split between five members chosen by Democrats and five chosen by Republicans. Each side would have equal subpoena power.

But McConnell's opposition, coming a day after Trump urged Republicans to oppose it, complicates passage in the Senate.

The chamber is divided 50-50, but at least 10 Republicans would have to join Democrats for the measure to become law.

"It sounds like they (Republicans) are afraid of the truth, and that's most unfortunate," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, told reporters.

While McCarthy slammed Pelosi's tactics for the panel, Pelosi herself said she yielded to several Republican demands including a 50-50 commission split.

Some Republicans critical of the panel said it would merely serve as a vehicle to attack Trump.

Democrats will "use this to smear Trump supporters and president Trump for the next few years," warned controversial House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has peddled Trump's baseless claim that the presidential election was stolen from him.

Other Republicans say they would like broader scope to allow investigation into last year's violence at Black Lives Matter protests, but Pelosi refused.

She said the panel would be similar to the high-profile 9/11 commission created in 2002.

That body's two chairs, former New Jersey governor Tom Kean and ex-congressman Lee Hamilton, have endorsed a January 6 commission.

"As we did in the wake of September 11, it's time to set aside partisan politics and come together as Americans in common pursuit of truth and justice," the pair said in a statement on Wednesday. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Char-Koosta News

ZOOMVILLE  Its beginning to look like its going to be a record setting watercraft recreation season in Montana. Part of that increase can be attributed to COVID-19 restrictions relaxation unleashing of peoples pent up gotta get out of the house, out of town feeling in search of pre-pandemic recreational normalcy. That has caused concern that the increased watercraft traffic will result in increased zebra and/or quagga mussel hitchhikers. And so far in the early watercraft season that is happening.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau Chief Tom Woolf said the 2021 watercraft recreation season has been busy and is already setting early season records in watercraft traffic and zebra and/or quagga mussels detected at the Montana inspection stations.

So far, as of May 18, 19 mussel-fouled watercraft have been discovered at state watercraft inspection stations. The 10,003 inspections conducted included 2,445 high risk boats. The high-risk watercraft emanate from areas known to contain zebra and/or quagga mussels or are watercraft with bilges.

The mussel detected watercraft have emanated from the Midwest and the Southwest. A lot of people from the Midwest and the south are moving to Montana, Woolf said.

Woolf said its still difficult to find, hire and keep good inspectors at some of the AIS inspection stations, which, of course, is a concern as the inspectors are the first line of defense against out-of-state watercraft and the potential mussel infestation in the Columbia River Basin. The CRB is the only river basin in the contiguous United States that is zebra and/or quagga mussel free.

There is one year left on the five-year monitoring of Taber Reservoir. The reservoir, aka Lake Elwell, south of Chester had multiple water samples test positive for invasive mussel larvae in 2016, triggering a five-year quarantine. If its found to be mussel free this year after numerous sampling of the reservoir, the intense monitoring will cease and restrictions that include a certified boater program and decontamination stations will be lifted.

Woolf said the AIS Bureau will continue to keep a close eye on mussels as well as other invasive species that include: milfoil in Beaver Lake; clams in Elmo Lake; and water lily in Holland Lake.

All hands on deck as boating traffic is starting its upward summer trajectory The Columbia River Basin, that includes the Flathead River Basin, is the only river basin in America that hasnt been infested with either the zebra or quagga mussel.

Legislative Session

Senator Mike Cuffe, (R-Eureka) gave an overview of the Montana Legislature-passed AIS bills. There were three of them, this session: SB 384, an AIS funding bill; HB 40, the ballast bill; and HB 152, the pull the plug bill.

Cuffe said there were serious challenges to funding the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau and its mandate to prevent a zebra and/or quagga mussel infestation of the Columbia River Basin. The latest successful funding challenge was with SB 384, an act revising aquatic invasive species fees for hydroelectric facilities that partially funds the FWP AIS effort.

The SB 384 budget that passed will negatively ding the FWPs AIS budget by an estimated $1 million annually. The hydroelectric aquatic invasive species fee is now pegged at $397.88 per megawatt of the facilitys nameplate capacity authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The fee is in recognition of the threat that invasive species pose to Montanas hydroelectric power structures and systems and helps the FWP address the issue.

More people are chipping away at the funding or fighting funding, Cuffe said. Sooner or later there are going to be funding losses.

Some legislators and advocates for hydroelectric facilities in the state are concerned how the funds are spent.

Cuffe said hydroelectric facility fees could be gone after the next legislative session, or the following session.

HB 40 is an act that provides an exception to mandatory decontamination for vessels with ballast or bladders.

Ordinarily, a vessel with ballast or bladders must be decontaminated upon entering the state or crossing the continental divide into the Columbia River Basin if the vessel is to be launched on waters of this state.

However, HD 40 adds an exception. Decontamination of a vessel with ballast or bladders is not required when the operator is able to provide proof that the vessel has not been launched in any water body for the preceding 45 days or meets other criteria determined by the FWP to render decontamination unnecessary. FWP will establish, in writing, the standards for such proof.

A vessel with ballast or bladders that cannot be fully decontaminated must be locked to its trailer to prevent launch for a drying period determined by FWP

HB 152 is an act requiring drain plugs to be disengaged after vessels, equipment, or other items are used in bodies of water inside AIS management areas. Failing to disengage a drain plug is not a primary offense.

A drain plug is a valve or device used to control the drainage of water from a compartment designed to hold water, such as a bilge, live-well, or ballast tank. The drain plug term does not include a permanently sealed device like pontoon boat pontoons, unless the seal is compromised.
Online shoppers are being warned over purchasing expensive goods as a rise in e-commerce means more merchants exploiting loopholes and concerns over customer protection

 something the Vietnamese government is already aware of and attempting to quash with new legislation.

E-commerce apps are increasing in popularity, so naturally more people are at risk of being deceived. VIR Photo

Last week Dr. Leigh Jones, head of training at a research institute based in Ho Chi Minh City, took to Twitter to urge others to be careful when shopping online after a delivery driver took off with around $130 in cash for a GoPro camera - with no GoPro in sight. Just had a box of sand delivered in place of a GoPro 5 in Vietnam. Driver took off with our money, she wrote in the tweet.

After the tweet was met with shock, Jones further explained how merchants seem to be exploiting loopholes in the process. Seems like a scam on the sellers part. The order on Lazada was mysteriously cancelled minutes after the order arrived, therefore the platform itself now takes no responsibility for it, she said. To say I am furious is an understatement.

Talking to VIR, Jones said that the most common method by such con artists seems to be using the e-commerce platforms to provide legitimacy. They falsely cancel orders from the website while arranging fake deliveries of their own through a third-party delivery service. I doubt the delivery drivers are in on this but I cant rule that out, she said.

Jones and other victims added that this would only work with cash on delivery, a common option taken by customers. When this happens it leaves the consumer chasing their tail to find where to place blame. Meanwhile the large platforms deny responsibility, at best removing scam sellers but leaving individuals to lick their wounds, Jones added.

Lazada Vietnam contacted Jones and revealed it had de-platformed the seller in question, and offered compensation of VND500,000 ($21.50) as an apology. The customer refused and demanded a full refund.

A Shopee customer on one expatriate forum last week also explained how they were conned in a similar manner to the GoPro case. The seller shipped the shoes with their own fake order number and not the original Shopee order number. We contacted the seller after paying cash and after explaining the shoe size was wrong, the seller went to the Shopee site and cancelled the original order meaning I could not initiate a return. Shopee just said its not their order and so not their problem, and asked why I didnt check the order number on delivery.

Underlining just how difficult the problem will be for legislators or e-commerce groups to stamp out, the very next morning the removed fraudulent GoPro merchant had seemingly simply opened a new shop on the same platform. The previous sellers message handle was shopcam1 and now there is a shopcamno1, selling the same products from the same province. Id be shocked if this was a coincidence, Jones said.

Ho Chi Minh City resident Kenny Gerchow said, Ive had several issues with these platforms lately. Theyre cutting corners as the competition is gaining more of the market, are selling mediocre gear, and the service is non-existent.

Anton Doman, who now lives in Bangkok, commented on the post about the missing GoPro, Platforms should step up and take responsibility for this. They are facilitating scammers and customers private information isnt safe.

Resolving matters promptly

It is not only the likes of Shopee in the firing line, as similar loopholes in delivery can be found on other sites. Vietnam-based Mark Silkstone said, Ive bought stuff on Tiki before that arrived as fake. Tiki wouldnt do anything about it, not even let me return the item as it was from an overseas seller.

However, many other customers note that they have never had any problems, or have had help if an issue arose. A Tiki user called John Larry replied to Silkstone on Facebook, I never had that problem  when something was not as described Tiki fully refunded me and when my Samsung Galaxy S10 broke after six months I got a full refund. It was from the United States and that didnt matter  they still paid.

Another Lazada user, Michela Joseph, noted that the company usually bends over backwards to help out in refund cases. I buy a lot of stuff from them including electronics and only had a couple of fails in the past three years, but on both occasions they resolved the matter promptly, she said. Especially when its a pricey item, they tend to ensure I get it safely and that Im fully satisfied before they release the money to the merchant.

Hanoi-based Sophia Yachmenyova explained that merchants have to get properly authorised before they can sell items on Lazada. When you create a seller account and upload your product they demand all the legal documents to prove your right to sell this particular item, so they have enough information about the seller, she explained. On Shopee there is a button to open a discussion even after you receive a product, which I used when I received a fake Chromecast, and the case was solved. But you have very limited time for opening such a discussion.

Customers have been advised online, as well as by consumer industry watchdogs, to carefully check any items before signing for them. Some advise paying cash on delivery each time, only handing over money when the package has been inspected, and taking photos or videos of the package and the contents. Although delivery drivers often try to refuse such checks, it is advised to insist on opening the external package to check the item/s, while avoiding opening up the product packaging itself.

However, sometimes even that is not enough. One shopper posted on Facebook an example of ordering a laptop which turned out to be second-hand instead of new, which was not immediately obvious. A second consumer received an incorrect electronic item which was placed instead the correct box for the item; a third explained how they received the shell of a camera with all the insides stripped out; and a fourth shopper purchased a coffee machine which came with a broken water jug  which was not apparent until the machine was actually used.

Taking responsibility

A spokesman for Lazada said its consumer protection measures include a demerit point system for errant sellers that can result in suspension, while a Shopee representative added that its platform works closely with its sellers, brand partners, and users to ensure that items sold on Shopee adhere to its policies and guidelines.

Knowing who is actually carrying out the order and delivery of items, as well as deciphering how trustworthy they are in terms of customer information, often remains under a cloud that leaders are attempting to clear away.

Under a second draft of a new decree amending 2013s Decree No.52/2013/ND-CP, companies operating e-commerce platforms must promptly remove illegal goods or services from the website within 24 hours of receiving a request from the competent authorities.

According to Linh Bui, partner at Allens Law Firm, the draft also removes the provision that the operator of an e-commerce platform is not considered as the third party providing information under the Law on Consumer Protection in respect of any information directly posted by sellers on the platform.

Although neither the draft decree nor explanation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade provides any further guidance or rationale behind such removal, it seems to suggest that the operator of an e-commerce platform may be now required to be responsible for the accuracy and sufficiency of any information posted on its e-commerce platform, regardless of whether such information is posted by the operator itself or by third-party sellers, Bui explained.

The second version of the draft has been submitted to the government for review, with hopes to be enacted in the near future.

Southeast Asias e-commerce market is expected to grow by 5.5 per cent by the end of 2021, according to a report released in December by research firm PPRO. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are the top five Southeast Asian markets at the head of the table when it comes to market growth this year.

This past year accelerated the worlds e-commerce growth by a decade, said Tristan Chiappini, vice president and head of partnerships for Asia-Pacific at PPRO. However, for merchants to truly capture the benefits, they must have a sharp understanding of local payment methods, which are crucial to converting sales.

VIR
The family of Vietnams steel tycoon Tran Dinh Long will mark a turning point in power if Longs son successfully buys more shares of Hoa Phat Group (HPG).

Hoa Phat Group (HPG), one of the largest steel producers in Vietnam, has announced an internal transaction. Accordingly, Mr. Tran Vu Minh, son of Hoa Phat Groups chairman Tran Dinh Long, has registered to buy 5 million HPG shares from May 21, 2021 to June 18, 2021. If this deal is successful, Minh will hold 53 million shares, equivalent to 1.6% of Hoa Phat Groups shares.

Hoa Phat Group's Chairman Tran Dinh Long.

With the current price of more than VND63,000 per share, Long's son will have to pay about VND320 billion to buy the registered shares.

This was the first move of Longs family after the annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Hoa Phat Group allowed Long and his son to receive HPG share transfer without making public offers.

In early 2020, Long's son Tran Vu Minh, bought 40 million HPG shares. These shares are currently worth more than VND2.5 trillion, nearly 4 times higher than the time of purchase.

In late 2020, Long also bought 24 million HPG shares from Vice Chairman Doan Gia Cuong, at the estimated value of about VND800 billion at that time.

If Minh successfully buys the above registered shares, the second richest family on the Vietnamese stock market will hold more than 35% of Hoa Phat Group's shares.

Currently, Long directly holds 864 million shares (equivalent to 26.08%); Long's wife - Vu Thi Hien holds 243 million shares (7.34%); Dai Phong Trading and Investment Company Limited, led by Mr. Tran Vu Minh, holds 1,560,000 shares (0.05%).

According to regulations, the decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders of an enterprise is approved by the shareholders who represent at least 65% of the total votes of all attending shareholders.

Therefore, holding over 35% shares of Hoa Phat Group, Long's family will have the right to veto decisions of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

This move took place after HPG shares doubled in price within 6 months, from about VND30,000 to VND63,000 per share at present. Within the past 1 year, HPG shares rose more than 3 times.

Long currently has net assets worth $3.1 billion and is the second-richest person in Vietnam, just behind Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong.

HPG stock in particular and stocks of the steel industry in general have increased strongly thanks to good business results. In the first quarter of 2021, Hoa Phat Group recorded a high profit after tax of more than VND7,000 billion, an increase of more than 200% over the same period last year.

The shortage of steel while demand increased thanks to economic stimulus around the world was the reason for the sharp rise in steel prices. Many steel firms such as Hoa Sen Steel, Tien Len Steel (TLH)... all recorded soaring profits.

V. Ha

Steel price ripple effect felt across domestic businesses The Vietnam Association of Construction Contractors (VACC) has asked the Government Office to investigate the price hike and find out if steelmakers were cooperating with each other to push up prices.
Along with many nations, the US economy is recovering, leading to a rise in the demand for goods imported from Vietnam amid the two economies witnessing their heyday in bilateral trade and investment ties on the back of various motives,

including a huge recently-enacted fiscal scheme initiated by the US government.

Recent growth in Vietnamese exports is partly being helped by economic recovery in the US. VIR Photo: Le Toan

The rapid pace of vaccinations and massive scale of fiscal stimulus spending will push the global economy, including the American economy, to recover strongly, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in its Economic Outlook Interim Report on strengthening the recovery released a few weeks ago.

Global economic prospects have improved, with global GDP growth now projected to strengthen to 5.5 per cent in 2021 and 4 per cent in 2022, instead of -3.4 per cent last year due to COVID-19, the OECD said.

Significant fiscal and monetary support continues to underpin activity. Additional discretionary fiscal measures announced in several countries during the past months will add to the overall support this year, including in the United States, Japan, Germany, Canada, and India. In Europe, spending of over 2 trillion ($2.45 trillion) from the Next Generation recovery fund is due to begin later this year.

The extent of fiscal support in the US this year is set to be considerably larger than in most other economies. The Consolidated Appropriations Act enacted last December contained new temporary measures worth $900 billion (4 per cent of GDP), largely concentrated on emergency assistance for households and the unemployed.

On March 12, US President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act into law, sending much-needed aid to millions of Americans still struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan provides $1,400 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 annually, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments and $14 billion for vaccine distribution. The bill also provides $130 billion to elementary, middle, and high schools to assist with safe reopening.

The bills economic-relief provisions are overwhelmingly geared toward low-income and middle-class Americans, who will benefit from the direct payments, the bills expansion of low-income tax credits, expanded health-insurance access, extension of expanded unemployment benefits, food stamps, and rental assistance programmes. The bill contains little direct aid to high income-earners, who largely retained their jobs during the COVID-19 economic shock and bolstered their savings.

Benefits for Vietnam

Vietnam is an economy largely depending on exports and imports. Figures from Vietnams General Statistics Office showed that in 2020, while GDP was valued at $355 billion, total export-import turnover was $544 billion, including $281.5 billion from exports and $262.4 billion from imports. In the first four months of 2021, the economys total export-import turnover is estimated to hit $206.51 billion, including $103.9 billion from exports  up 28.3 per cent on-year, and $102.61 billion from imports - up 30.8 per cent on-year.

In this period, the US was Vietnams largest export market, with a total turnover of $30.3 billion, up 50.1 per cent as compared to that in the same period last year. Meanwhile, China was Vietnams second largest export market ($16.8 billion, up 32.4 per cent on-year), followed by the EU ($12.6 billion, up 18.1 per cent), Southeast Asia ($8.8 billion, up 13.3 per cent), South Korea ($6.9 billion, up 12.1 per cent), and Japan ($6.5 per cent, up 1.5 per cent).

While the global economy is still being heavily affected by COVID-19, a lack of empty containers, a rise in shipping charges, and other transportation costs, Vietnams export-import activities since early this year have been flourishing, with good growth in key exports such as electronics, garments, footwear, machinery and equipment, and farm produce in many markets, especially in major ones like the US, China, the EU, South Korea, Japan, and ASEAN, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Cao Quoc Hung.

It is forecast that Vietnams export-import activities will continue thriving in the coming time when free trade agreements are implemented further. Especially, besides support packages launched by nations to support their people and enterprises, deals such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and those with the EU and the United Kingdom will facilitate Vietnamese products to enter partner markets with preferential tariffs, Hung said.

Furthering ties with the US

In the US National Security Strategic Guidance issued in March, US President Biden stated, We will deepen our partnership with India and work alongside New Zealand, as well as Singapore, Vietnam, and other ASEAN member states, to advance shared objectives.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales, said that there will be considerable continuity in the Biden administrations policy from that of the Trump administration.

President Bidens National Security Strategic Guidance sets out to engage Vietnam (along with India). The Biden administration will set a priority on enhancing its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam in all nine areas of cooperation spelled out in the 2013 original joint statement during the Obama administration when Biden was vice president.

The partnership covers furthering bilateral economic, commercial, and investment ties as one of the key pillars of bilateral cooperation.

Early this year, Vietnam and the US agreed the bilateral ties have advanced across fields over the past 25 years, pledging to cooperate in deepening the ties in a more comprehensive manner, with a focus on economy-trade-investment, overcoming war consequences, enhancing maritime capacity, fighting COVID-19 and adapting to climate change. The US reaffirmed it continues attaching importance with Vietnam.

It is expected that in 2021, there will be more connections and talks between both nations high-level leaders, investors, and enterprises.

Adam Sitkoff, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi told VIR that he expected the US-Vietnam trade and investment cooperation will further flourish in the coming time.

Vietnam and the United States have developed a healthy commercial relationship that has created jobs, tax revenues, and opportunity for citizens of both countries, Sitkoff said. The US is Vietnams largest export market. Vietnam also receives billions of US dollars of foreign investment from US companies each year - much of it to build integrated supply chains that benefit American consumers. At the same time, Vietnam has become one of Americas fastest growing export markets.

In 2020, the total export-import turnover between Vietnam and the US was $90.1 billion, up from $76 billion in 2019. In the first four months of 2021, the figure was $35.36 billion.

Responding to a VIR question on whether the US $1.9 trillion fiscal package aimed to spur on domestic consumption, Sitkoff said that it has also partly caused a rise in Vietnamese exports to the US. Anytime American consumers are feeling confident about their finances, it is a positive for exports to the US, he said.

According to Sitkoff, recent growth in Vietnamese exports to the US is partially due to the strong economic recovery and consumer spending in the US. However, most of the export growth to the US appears to be driven primarily by the relocation and reassessment of supply chain sourcing from China to Vietnam.

COVID-19 is likely to continue causing economic disruption. However, I believe the trade and investment relationship between Vietnam and the US will keep growing stronger in the days ahead, Sitkoff said.

Statistics from Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment showed that as of April 20, US investors registered over $9.57 billion in Vietnam for nearly 1,100 valid projects, making the US the 11th-largest foreign investor in the Southeast Asian nation. In the first four months of 2021, the US ranked sixth in investment in Vietnam, with total newly-registered capital of $181 million.

Currently many US firms are exploring opportunities in Vietnam, such as Morgan Stanley, ACORN International, General Dynamics, Nue Capital LLC, BlackRocks Asian Credit, Lockheed Martin International, Smart City Works, Google, Columbia University, and USTelecom.

Intel is now asking Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee for special incentives for its further investment. In January, Intel Corporation announced it has invested a further $475 million in Intel Products Vietnam.

This new investment is in addition to Intels $1 billion investment to build a state-of-the-art chip assembly and test manufacturing facility in Saigon Hi-Tech Park, first announced in 2006. This takes Intels total investment in its Vietnam facility to $1.5 billion, Intel said in a statement.

We see largely positive implications for Vietnam arising from the incoming Biden administration. We expect the impact on trade to be positive, given the reduced risk of punitive trade tariffs (which were imposed under President Trumps currency policies) and because of the ongoing trend of the relocation of manufacturing out of China to other Asian countries, including Vietnam, over the coming years. Vietnams trade would also receive a boost should Joe Biden decide to rejoin the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Bidens impact on Vietnams trade will most likely be positive. Global manufacturers have been gradually diversifying their supply chains away from China and across Asia over the past decade in an attempt to contain production cost increases from rising labour costs in China. This trend was accelerated from 2018 after the Trump administration levied sweeping tariffs on Chinese exports, which started the China-US trade war, prompting companies to seek alternative manufacturing locations to circumvent the US tariffs. In particular, Vietnam continues to be a major beneficiary of this manufacturing shift owing to favourable labour demographics, relatively low labour costs, foreign direct investment-friendly policies, and most recently high market access to the EU following the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Biden is likely to take a more pragmatic view towards trade developments with its economic partners. In particular, we believe that the Biden administration will come to understand that Vietnams trade surplus with the US will grow as more manufacturers relocate to the Southeast Asian nation due to the ongoing US-China trade war. Furthermore, while there is bipartisan support in the US for a hardline stance on trade with China, we believe that a desire by the Biden administration to rebuild its relations with its allies would see an easing of the trade tensions with allied countries generated by the Trump administration. Therefore, we believe that a Biden administration will entail lower risk of further US tariffs on Vietnamese exports. Source: Fitch Solutions Group Ltd.

VIR
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and the World Health Organization (WHO) representative Kidong Park have both noted that Covid-19 has been quietly spreading in the community.

Vaccinations are the only effective weapon against the coronavirus.

Local newspapers reported that the Deputy PM said that the hotbeds have been put under control, but pathogens exist in the community, which could break out in any locality and infect anyone. The whole system is on the alert and action must be taken immediately to create zones of epicenters to stamp out the spread when new infections are discovered.

Kidong Park noted that the coronavirus may have been quietly spreading throughout the community, since epidemiological evidence in some infections could not be found.

When the hotbed at Bach Mai Hospital was discovered, the tracing of two F0 patients failed to find their sources of infection. The same was reported for the outbreak in Da Nang.

In the case of the outbreak in Hai Duong province during Tet holidays and in Hanoi now, physicians discovered infections only after the infected people were tested positive after arriving in Japan and Laos.

As for the ongoing outbreak, the information seems to be clearer as appropriate agencies have confirmed that India, UK and other variants exist.

If there was only one India variant, one would come to a conclusion that the infection just began recently. However, since there are many other variants as well, it is reasonable to think that viruses have existed here and have quietly been spreading.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is negotiating to buy vaccines, but this is a long and tough process. It is necessary to accelerate the vaccine purchase by allowing more enterprises to import the permitted vaccines.

As the whole world is reeling and regional countries are faced with new outbreaks, ii may be impossible for Vietnam to stop the spread of infections, though incoming international flights are still banned except for certain groups.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has an incubation period of 21 days (it was 14 days previously); 86 percent of people with virus did not have clear phenomena, and now the figure is 60 percent; the R0 factor (which indicates how contagious an infectious disease is) is 5, which means that one person can infect five other people; and the testing capability is weak. Some cases had negative results 2-3 times, but later tested positive.

Meanwhile, the testing is very costly compared with peoples financial capability and local budgets.

These figures show that the community cannot be absolutely immune to the virus which has been spreading all over the world.

However, this view has raised controversy. But even if some people disagree on some issues, they still have to strictly observe the regulations to help stop the spread of coronavirus, especially the 5K principle - Khau trang (face mask), Khu khuan (disinfection), Khoang cach (distance), Khong tu tap (no gathering), and Khai bao y te (health declaration).

Many people talk about their fears, but dont wear protective masks, travel a lot, and consider the fight against the pandemic as the job of the State, not their own.

The message from Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and WHO representative Kidong Park might be contrary to the viewpoint of many people, who believe that Vietnam is the best in the world in fighting the pandemic, and that the coronavirus doesnt exist in the society.

Kidong Park affirmed that WHO has confidence in the measures to fight Covid-19 being taken by the Government of Vietnam. The country has intensified the measures which proved effective in previous outbreaks.

Lockdowns have been limited, which have prevented an economic collapse. However, problems still exist. The cooperation among local authorities in the previous outbreaks was not smooth. In some localities, social distancing was too widespread, which caused business stagnation and affected peoples livelihoods.

As a result, Instruction No 82 was necessary. Vietnam needs to strengthen testing capacity and urgently negotiate to buy vaccines if it wants to open its doors to the world.

Bac Giang is currently an epicenter, but the testing capacity is limited, only 1,500 cases a day, which is small compared with the population of 1.8 million.

HCM City has recently bought 200,000 more PCR test kits and 100,000 quick test kits, but the figures are still small compared with its population of 13 million.

The testing capacity needs to be improved urgently to better fight the pandemic.

The vaccination rate in Vietnam is now one of the lowest levels in the world and the number of vaccines imported so far is just a drop in the bucket compared with the total population of nearly 100 million.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is negotiating to buy vaccines, but this is a long and tough process. It is necessary to accelerate the vaccine purchase by allowing more enterprises to import the permitted vaccines.

Vietnam has overcome a long and uncertain path, and the path ahead is still risky. Vaccinations, as seen in the US, UK, Israel and other countries with high vaccination rates, are the only effective weapon against the coronavirus.

Tu Giang

Vietnam to get 31 million Pfizer vaccine doses in Q3, Q4 Vietnam is expected to get 31 million COVID-19 vaccine doses developed by US-based firm Pfizer in the third and fourth quarters of 2021, said the Ministry of Health (MoH).
The domestic steel price hike has been attributed to a global price increase. To reduce steel prices, production costs need to be cut.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has asked the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA) and steel manufacturers to reconsider their business plans related to input materials and to cut production costs to reduce prices, and to increase productivity to satisfy domestic demand. It has also asked manufacturers to restrict the export of steel products in high domestic demand.

In addition, distribution agents that provide steel products to consumers should be checked to avoid steel speculation, which may push up prices and cause unhealthy competition.

Explaining the steel price hikes, VSA said domestic prices are affected by the input material market and the prices of finished steel products in the world, especially in China, which provides nearly 60 percent of the global raw steel output.

The major factors governing the market include tightened supply under the Chinese Governments policy on controlling pollution; and the increase in Chinese domestic demand as a result of their economic recovery and the 5-year economic development plan for 2021-2025.

The domestic steel price hike has been attributed to a global price increase. To reduce steel prices, production costs need to be cut.

Also, China is reducing export tax refunds from 13 percent to 9 percent or even zero percent in an effort to reduce steel exports.

The global economic recovery is also increasing demand for steel. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and international institutions all said that the global steel manufacturing capacity still cannot recover to the level seen before the pandemic outbreak.

This means that the steel prices will continue increasing, VSA warned.

The steel price increase is also blamed on the transport fee, caused by the lack of containers. The materials for steel production (iron ore, scrap steel), fuel, regular consumables (fat coal, coke, graphite, rollers, refractories, etc) and backup equipment for steel manufacturing all need to be fed by imports.

The recent price increase is in accordance with the market. The input material prices have increased all over the globe, and the raw and finished steel products are witnessing unpredictable fluctuations, VSA said. .

Anticipating risks

A representative of MOIT said enterprises now can satisfy domestic demand and there is no steel shortage.

He said the ministry, as the management agency, cannot prohibit enterprises from exporting products and can only ask them to restrict exports.

VSA said that Vietnams steel output will be high enough to satisfy the domestic market and for export. In 2021, Vietnams steel demand will increase by 7-10 percent compared with 2020.



To run production, Vietnam will have to import many materials. Exports will have to face increasingly high protectionism being pursued by many countries.

VSA has recommended that its member companies apply solutions to stabilize the domestic market. They need to increase capacity, step up production, organize the distribution network to stabilize supply and satisfy demand, prioritize materials and raw steel for the domestic market, cut production costs, and ensure reasonable selling prices.

In February, when steel prices began escalating, MOIT sent a report to the Prime Minister and proposed solutions. The agency pointed out that the steel price increased because of the sharp rise in demand from the Chinese market.

According to MOIT, Vietnam needs to import 18 million tons of iron ore in 2021, about 6-6.5 million tons of scrap steel, 6.5 million tons of fat coal for cooking, and 10,000 tons of graphite.

If the input material prices stay at high levels, domestic steel production will still be affected. Analysts have predicted a continued steel trade deficit in 2021 (the deficit was $6.4 billion in 2020).

MOIT has asked the Prime Minister to instruct the Ministry of Finance to adjust the import tariffs on some steel products which saw heavy price fluctuations and consider imposing an export tax on hot rolled and structural steel products.

The General Statistics Office also proposed that the Government give support to steel manufacturers to help them cut costs of the materials under the states control on pricing.

As for hot-rolled coil, only Formosa and Hoa Phat can manufacture this type of product, which means that Vietnam still needs to import these products in large quantities. MOIT has warned that the supply-demand imbalance will continue, once demand for mechanical engineering and supporting industries rises.

To increase the steel supply to serve industries, the Government needs to offer investment incentives to encourage investors to scale up production, or attract new investors capable of developing hot-rolled coil manufacturing projects.

Luong Bang

Ministry wants to support domestic steel market The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed the Government consider policies to tighten exports of steel products to stabilise the domestic market amid soaring steel prices in recent months.
Although the VHD, NCOVI and Bluezone apps have helped people make health declarations, there are still loopholes that allow people to avoid the declarations.

Hanoi authorities said that Nguyen Van Thanh, director of Hacinco, should be disciplined for violations of Covid-19 pandemic prevention regulations.

Thanh did not make a health declaration after returning from Da Nang, which caused the spread of coronavirus in the community.

Under current regulations, passengers have to make medical declarations before getting on board. Hanoi municipal authorities made this compulsory for people who left Hanoi and returned after the April holiday.

Thanh thus should have made a medical declaration before flying from Da Nang to Hanoi and again after arriving in Hanoi.

Soon after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, the Government and Ministry of Information and Communications decided that Vietnam needs to use advanced technology to control the pandemic, and keep society operating in the new normal.

VHD, NCOVI and Bluezone have shown their efficiency. People have been persuaded to install the apps and make declarations with the QR Code when checking in at their destinations.

Medical centers have also organized medical declarations with QR Codes and helped people make declarations through smartphone apps at the checkpoints.

Some cities and provinces have told districts, towns and cities to prepare facilities for the quarantine of 1,500 people, and to install cameras to supervise people under quarantine to ensure that they strictly observe preventive measures.

Some cities and provinces have told districts, towns and cities to prepare facilities for the quarantine of 1,500 people, and to install cameras to supervise people under quarantine to ensure that they strictly observe preventive measures.

In an effort to satisfy the urgent needs of Covid-19 prevention, the Ministry of Infrmation and Communications (MIC) on April 23 released a document with instructions on solutions to help prevent, fight and trace coronavirus in the community.

The technological solutions include Bluezone, the app that discovers close contacts; VHD, the medical declaration app for people entering Vietnam; NCOVI, the voluntary medical declaration management app; QR Code scanning, the system that recognizes the entry/exist to/from public points; and the Covid-19 map.

The Authority of Information Technology Application (AITA ) under MIC stressed that the cooperation of all people in society is needed. Technological solutions alone will not help if people are uncooperative, and if local authorities do not take necessary actions.

Effective use will avoid massive quarantining on a large scale. Students will be able to go to school, while businesses, factories and industrial zones can maintain production and trade activities.

Technological flaws or management loopholes?

Experts have pointed out that though technological solutions have helped in the fight against Covid-19, there are still loopholes that people can exploit.

For example, when bypassing airport entrance gates, passengers can show security officers old installation codes to be able to enter.

In other cases, people phone local authorities to make declarations, but they do not make declarations via apps, and these may not be updated.

A representative of the Information Technology Agency under the Ministry of Health affirmed that the three apps VHD, NCOVI and Bluezone are linked, which means that people can install and make declarations via any app.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam at a meeting on May 16 said the loopholes need to be fixed immediately.

Do Cong Anh from MIC said to settle the problem of missing peoples updated medical declarations, AITA has a hotline to take medical declarations from people. VNPT is in charge of operating the hotline.

The agency has added a declaration code that will require people to update their status within 24 hours. If they dont, they will be discovered when going through security check.

Anh said that the new solutions will fix the existing problems, thus helping traceability and finding people who dont make declarations.

The flaws are being fixed by state management agencies. However, experts say if data is connected nationally, people will only have to check in and their information will be automatically updated. This creates favorable conditions for people to describe their itineraries easily, with no need to use paper.

Ngoc Minh - Manh Hung - Thai Khang

Technology helps Vietnam in Covid-19 battle Technological solutions recommended by the Ministry of Information and Communications have contributed to helping many provinces in Vietnam detect, localize, and prevent the spread of Covid-19 while maintaining a "new normal" life.
Many roads in Hanoi have been decorated with panels, flags, banners, and propaganda slogans for the election day of the 15th National Assembly and all-levels of Peoples Councils for the 2021 to 2026 tenure, which will fall on May 23.

A total of 69,198,594 voters are eligible to go to the polls on May 23 to elect deputies to the 15th National Assembly and Peoples Councils of all levels for the 2021-26 tenure.



Together with the establishment of election committees at all levels, 184 constituencies have been set up with 84,767 voting stations across the country.

The 15th National Assembly is set to hold its first session on July 20 after 500 deputies are elected from 868 candidates.

Most importantly, the new deputies will elect the NA Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, NA Standing Committee members, NA General Secretary, and heads of NA Committees.

They will also elect the State President, Vice State President, Prime Minister, Chief Judge of the Supreme Peoples Court and Head of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy.

The panel, flag, banner, and propaganda slogan for the election day of the 15th National Assembly and all-levels of Peoples Councils for the 2021 to 2026 tenure in Ha Dong District.





On Phung Hung Road, Ha Dong District.





On Hoang Cau Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.





Le Hong Phong Road





In front of the Hanoi Opera House.

A voting station on Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.

A voting station in Hanoi.

A voting station in Dich Vong Ward, Cau Giay District.

A voting station in Phuc Xa Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Another voting station in Phuc Xa Ward.

.

A voting station for voters who are under quarantine.

Fire-fighting exercise performed at a voting station in Phuc Xa Ward.

Pham Hai

All localities resolved to organise elections on schedule, successfully NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Chairman of the National Election Council hosted a national teleconference on deploying the election of deputies to the 15th NA and members of all-level Peoples Councils for 2021-2026 tenure.
When comparing the results to the initial report in 2009 by the Waco Foundation, United Way found the county had improved in different aspects of child well-being.

The teen birth rate decreased from 57.8% to 22.7%, the rate of uninsured children under age 6 fell from 5.3% to 4%, and births to mothers without a high school diploma also dropped from 31.8% to 7.6%.

The percentage of children living in poverty had decreased from 30.1% to 23.7%, or 29% for those those 5 and younger. Food insecurity continues to affect 23.6% of children under the age of 18, down from 25.1% in 2009.

Johnson said knowing how many children live in poverty is crucial when trying to develop a plan of action to address it.

We wanted to focus on the conditions. How is our community supporting these children? Johnson said. When you get to understanding the poverty level, you get to understand where they are. What are their conditions currently? What does life look like?

Community, family

Embracing the whole child means the county needs to approach issues in a two-generational way to include the child and their family as well as community and environmental factors that can lead to a positive experience.
WOODBINE, Ga. (AP)  The family of a Georgia woman killed by gunfire as sheriffs deputies executed a search warrant questioned Wednesday the way officers carried out the operation.

Latoya James, 37, was fatally shot on May 4 after Camden County deputies with a drug-related search warrant forced entry into a home at 4:51 a.m. that day. A man inside the house, Varshawn Lamont Brown, also was shot and hospitalized for his injuries.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating, as is customary for shootings by law enforcement officers in the state. Two days after the shooting, the agency released body camera video that showed deputies announcing themselves at the home's darkened door, then immediately forcing their way inside.

Multiple gunshots are fired within seconds of the deputies entering the house. The deputy wearing the body camera was carrying a shield that obstructed much of the video. It doesn't show who opened fire, and neither James nor Brown can be seen in the three-minute clip.

This is the case of an unarmed Black woman being shot during a botched or a bogus search warrant, Malik Shabazz, an attorney for James' family, told reporters Wednesday at a news conference in Woodbine near the Georgia-Florida line.
Char-Koosta News

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire has concerns about the effects of climate change on the expanse and intensity of wildland fires and the effects of combatting those types of fires and the increased number of them. Luckily, the Flathead Reservation, for the most part, has dodged a bullet when it comes to the extreme fires that are almost indefensible, but Mother Natures flamethrower knows no borders and due to the droughty conditions in the West all forests are in the bulls eye.

We are seeing changes more changes now in the fire season, said Devlin Lafrombois, CSKT Division of Fire information officer. Fires are not just in the summer anymore; weve already had a fire in mid-April and the fire season now goes late into the fall. This summer is forecast to be a busy fire season because of the dry nature of the forests and the hotter temperatures.

Last year wildfires consumed more than 10.1 million acres of land, and consumed forests, grasslands, homes and buildings, and caused the deaths of numerous livestock, wildlife, pets and people. In 2020, 12 people involved in firefighting efforts were killed as were at least 45 civilians in Oregon and California.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 70,000 communities and 44 million homes are at risk from wildfire in the wildland urban interface (WUI)  where vegetative fuels and the built environment meet. Over the last 10 years, more than 35,000 structures were destroyed by wildfires  an average of 3,500 a year.

As a result of last years fires and the growing trend of intensity of fires, the President Biden administration is seeking a 4 percent increase in wildfire fighting spending  to $2.5 billion  for the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior. An additional $1.7 billion is sought by the Forest Service to manage fire dangers including by thinning stands of trees, conducting controlled burns and other measures. Thats a $476 million increase, according to the White House.

CSKT Division of Fire reports Moderate Fire Danger on Flathead Reservation Lake, Missoula, and Sanders County fire resources have been busy this spring with numerous escaped debris burns.

Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in a press release recently announced that the upcoming fire season is going to be a big challenge for firefighters due to the nearly 20 years of drought.

The drought is almost as bad or worse than any other such drought in the past 1,200 years, according to a scientific study by Columbia University.

We now have enough observations of current drought and tree-ring records of past drought to say that were on the same trajectory as the worst prehistoric droughts, said study lead author A. Park Williams, a bioclimatologist at Columbia University, in a statement. This is a drought bigger than what modern society has seen.

The megadrought is, according to the study, partially the result of human caused climate change. The study covers an area stretching across nine U.S. states from Oregon and Montana down through California, New Mexico and part of northern Mexico.

Since temperatures are projected to keep rising, it is likely the drought will continue for the near future  or fade briefly only to return, the researchers say.

Further complicating the drought is the population increases in the west coast and Southwest states. According to University of Michigan study an additional worrisome fact was that the 20th century was the wettest century in the entire 1,200-year record. It was during that time that the population boomed in the western U.S., and that has continued.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Bureau, nearly 90 percent of the Western U.S. is abnormally dry or in drought, with nearly 42 percent of the region in extreme or exceptional drought. About 90 percent of California is in a drought and that has been evident with its recent mega fires and does not bode well for this fire season.

These conditions have not only increased the likelihood of wildfires, but they have also strained water supplies and increased tensions in communities, Haaland and Vilsack stated in their press release.

Lafrombois said, the earlier fire season start, and the later fire season end can be attributed to climate change.

Across the interior Rocky Mountains, snowpack usually reaches its peak in late March or early April and begins its slow melt  adding water to the rivers and eventually filling the reservoirs. However, the snowpack melted out too fast, as a result of nontypical warm temperatures and no new snowstorms.

There is not a lot of snowpack in the mountains this year. The snow melt is an indicator on how the fire season is going to be, he said. The snowmelt that is there goes directly into the streams, rivers and lakes and not much is retained in the hillsides. That results in a dry understory of bushes and grasses that are prime wildfire fuel sources. It is also getting windier and that creates more intense fires.

To combat wildland fires on the Flathead Reservation, Lafrombois said fire prevention, public education and fuel mitigation efforts help lessen the potential of fires. That is something the DOF and the CSKT Forestry Division is already doing.

Normally the DOF makes from 20 to 30 school fire-prevention educational presentations a school year aimed at kindergarten through middle school students  presentations are age specific. However, COVID-19 hampered that educational outreach effort last year, but Lafrombois is looking forward to resuming that now that life is resembling normalcy.

The CSKT Fire and Forestry have been for many years conducting fire prevention efforts through forest thinning and harvesting projects that help reduce fuels for fires and slows down the spread of fires or reduces the potential of fires to begin with.

We have big problems fighting fires in thick forests but not so many problems fighting forests in forest lands that have been thinned, Lafrombois said.

The urban-wildland interface is always a cause of concern for wildland firefighters.

Fires are getting worse. What worries me is the west and east sides of Flathead Lake, there are a lot of people moving into those area, Lafrombois said. The west part of the reservation is also a concern because it is so dry.

When it comes to wildfires in the urban-wildland interface, Lafrombois said DOF practices safety first for its firefighters and will not put them in danger fighting property fires and that is where the CSKT Forestry and Fire divisions mitigation efforts help. Also, a help is property owners taking measures to lessen the potential of fires on their property by establishing a defensible space around their property. A defensible space provides a fuel buffer for the structure and a place for firefighters to do structure protection if the home is defensible.

We advise homeowners in those areas and in urban-wildland interface to take measures to treat their areas through fuel mitigation measures, Lafrombois said. Through our mitigation efforts around those areas we lessen the chance of fires or extreme fires, the homeowners have to do the rest.

A defensible space around structures includes removing flammable fuels like leaf piles, unmown dry grass, lawnmowers and gas, lawn furniture, propane tanks, wood piles, leaves and needles in the gutters and on the roof, and flammable trees too near the home are removed.

The 4th of July holiday will be here before we know it. And although the annual 4th of July Celebration wont take place once again this year, the fireworks will, and that is another cause of concern for Lafrombois.

We will be on pins and needles during the 4th of July, Lafrombois said. Fireworks are prohibited in the woods and we will have increased patrols in those areas.

The firefighters will be there to jump on any fires, natural or human caused. However, human caused fires are preventable with a bit of common sense such as only light fireworks where they can be safely ignited and not in the forest lands.

Preparing Homes for Wildfire

What are the primary threats to homes during a wildfire?

Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.

There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home or any attachments. Experiments, models and post-fire studies have shown homes ignite due to the condition of the home and everything around it, up to 200 from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).

What is the Home Ignition Zone?

The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by retired USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat. The HIZ is divided into three zones.

Immediate zone

The home and the area 0-5 from the furthest attached exterior point of the home; defined as a non-combustible area. Science tells us this is the most important zone to take immediate action on as it is the most vulnerable to embers. START WITH THE HOUSE ITSELF then move into the landscaping section of the Immediate Zone.

Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.

Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.

Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening.

Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers.

Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors  mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles  anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.

Intermediate zone

5-30 from the furthest exterior point of the home. Landscaping/hardscaping- employing careful landscaping or creating breaks that can help influence and decrease fire behavior

Clear vegetation from under large stationary propane tanks.

Create fuel breaks with driveways, walkways/paths, patios, and decks.

Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches.

Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees) so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns. Prune trees up to six to ten feet from the ground; for shorter trees do not exceed 1/3 of the overall tree height.

Space trees to have a minimum of eighteen feet between crowns with the distance increasing with the percentage of slope.

Tree placement should be planned to ensure the mature canopy is no closer than ten feet to the edge of the structure.

Tree and shrubs in this zone should be limited to small clusters of a few each to break up the continuity of the vegetation across the landscape.

Extended zone
Eric Holder doesnt want fair maps, Jefferson said. He wants maps that are tilted to Democrats favor.

As the once-a-decade redistricting conflicts heat up in Wisconsin and across the country, Republicans and Democrats are wrestling with how far to press their advantages in a fight as consequential as any election. For Republicans, that means building on the success of 10 years ago  even as some population and political trends work against them. For Democrats, its a test of their commitment to the changes theyve long argued are needed to create a level playing field.

Any maps passed by the Wisconsin Legislature would need Evers' signature. In the likely event of a veto, lawsuits from groups like the one Holder leads are expected, which would put a court in position to approve the maps. Holder's group has already filed lawsuits in Minnesota, Louisiana and Pennsylvania asking the courts to begin preparing to redraw maps, in the likely event that their legislature and governor cant agree on a plan.

Other priority states for the group this year are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.
The NTSB said the uneven force from the propellers wasnt enough, however, to cause the plane to tilt as far as it did. Armed with data from the propeller and plane manufacturers, the investigators believe the pilot should have been able to control the plane by maneuvering the rudder, but he turned the rudder the wrong direction, perhaps because he was startled by a stall warning. By the time he corrected the rudder setting, it was too late.
And so, a tendency has hardened among some to see power as confirmation of unjust privilege  and also to recognize only certain forms of power. Palestinians are seen to be stateless and weaker than Israel militarily. But too many do not ask whether Palestinians have had opportunities for statehood, as they have, or whether Palestinians offset military inferiority, as their combatants do, through asymmetric warfare that exploits limitations on a uniformed military.

Too many see a blockade on Gaza, but not the violence and explicit threats that precipitated it. Too many see Israels relative strength, but not its longtime vulnerability in the midst of a vast Arab world, let alone nearly 60 Muslim-majority states at the United Nations.

The U.N. condemns Israel, the Middle Easts sole democracy, more than all other countries combined. U.N. bodies tend to dedicate extraordinary attention to Israel only after it responds to attacks  not before.

But the realities are even more daunting outside such halls of power. Not all Muslims or Jews are animated by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but the fact that the world is home to some 1.5 billion Muslims and only around 15 million Jews affects what goes viral on social media, the size of solidarity rallies, and that which politicians and news outlets hear.
Waco Drift

Wow! I didnt realize Hollywood has come to Waco to film Fast & Furious  Waco Drift, the latest movie in the franchise, on Valley Mills at Bosque and Cobbs drives.

I got to witness all the screeching tires, speed-shifting transmissions and rapid accelerations on my drive home. And Im so pleased to know theyre filming with the blessing of the Waco Police Department, because you sure dont see any cops around to stop any of this fast-paced, fun action. Im assuming by the complete lack of police presence that any wrecks, accidental run-ins or life threatening injuries due to high rates of speed resulting in ambulance calls are sanctioned by the city.

Hooray for Hollywood!

Gayle Stone, Waco

Check paid

An amazing thing happened recently at Trujillos restaurant in Waco. I am a member of a national fraternity of military aviators called Daedalians. I want to express how grateful we are because of an unexpected event provided by an unknown person at our last two meetings. We are mostly older retired military members who flew all types of airplanes in all branches of the military in war and peace.
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Shirley, who still lives in Columbus, said she was surprised to learn about the memorial and that she and the entire family is flattered to have the education building named after Johannes.

The whole family feels very honored that they thought that much of him and he was that respected, Shirley said.

Shirley said her husband would be very humbled by the honor. Gottschalk said LPNNRD has not yet finalized the exact name of the education building, but that it will include Johannes name.

Along with the approval of the education building name change, the board of directors approved a $18,138.75 cost increase for the Wanahoo Stilling Basin. Valley Corporation is estimated to be completed with the project by May 31.

The construction company started with the project back in December. Because of the large amount of water coming out of the three tubes under the dam during floods, it displaced all of the rip rap rocks which created a void that is now underwater at the end of the spillway.

Valley Corporation has been working to put in matting over the void area with mesh over large boulders called gabion baskets in several large sections. These sections will then be connected together which will prevent having loose riprap down where the strong flood waters could come.
RAYMOND  Up until May 11, Raymond Central seniors will get to enjoy their favorite lunch menu items like Crispitos, spaghetti and chicken tenders one last time.

Or in the case of Crispitos, two last times.

The 55 Raymond Central seniors helped out Head of Kitchen Patty Hudson by filling the May lunch menu with their preferred food for the week and a half they will be in school. Along with Crispitos, spaghetti and super nachos, the students also asked that there be cookies, cupcakes or ice cream each day throughout the month of May.

Hudson said she had the idea after thinking about all that the 2020 graduates missed out on last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and what this years seniors are also going through.

I thought you know what, last year the seniors lost so much, and theres still some things that they (seniors) dont get this year, Hudson said.

Since she started working with the district in 2016, Hudson said they have let the seniors pick the lunch solely for the last day of school. This year she decided to take it a step further.
WATERLOO  A Black Hawk County jury has found an Oskaloosa man not guilty of exposing himself to a University of Northern Iowa co-ed in a womens dorm shower in 2019.

Jurors deliberated for about two hours before finding Tre Mone Jalin Nimmers, 22, not guilty of invasion of privacy and indecent exposure. The verdict came Thursday following a day of testimony Wednesday.

Nimmers still faces a trespassing ticket in connection with the incident, which will be the subject of a future magistrate trial.

The woman, a UNI student, testified that she was showering in the womens wing of Noehren Hall around 7 p.m. Jan. 13, 2019, when a man ripped open the shower curtain. She said the man was fondling himself, and he ran when she screamed.

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On the stand, the woman identified Nimmers as the shower intruder.

But defense attorney Adam Junaid said the states case was based on a surveillance video that showed Nimmers at UNIs Redeker Center  located next to Noehren Hall  more than two weeks later. He said officers showed the victim images from the video, and she identified him, but police didnt offer her a photo lineup.

I think shes mistaken, Junaid told the jury during closing arguments.
Amazon is among the few companies that is requiring employees to show proof they got the shot before going maskless, asking them to upload a picture of their vaccine card by mid-June. At Walmart, workers who dont wear masks must confirm they are vaccinated by filling out a daily questionnaire, though it is not requiring proof. Still, the company will have some insight into who is vaccinated because workers must show documentation to get a $75 bonus offered to those who get the shots.
CEDAR FALLS  Masks and social distancing are no longer required at the University of Northern Iowa, the Board of Regents president declared Thursday.

And starting July 1, employees are expected to return to campus if they didnt work remotely before COVID-19 swept the country. In-person classes will also go back to that pre-pandemic normal with the fall semester. The changes apply to all regents institutions.

In consideration of significant improvements in the management of COVID-19 both in the State of Iowa and nationally, I am lifting the State of Emergency at the Board of Regents institutions effective immediately, President Mike Richards said in a statement. It had been in place since March 18, 2020.

The announcement follows Gov. Kim Reynolds signing of a bill early Thursday prohibiting Iowas kindergarten through 12th-grade schools from requiring face masks.

Richards noted, Positivity and hospitalization rates continue to decline, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently revised guidance with regard to social distancing, mask-wearing, and isolation for individuals who are fully vaccinated. The Department of Public Health reports that more than 1.2 million Iowans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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DES MOINES  An attorney for the conservative advocacy organization whose leader claimed heavy involvement in the writing of Iowas new elections law has now told state regulators the group did not work with state lawmakers in crafting the legislation.

Heritage Action on Tuesday responded to the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, which had requested more information on the groups lobbying of Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Christopher Byrnes, Heritage Actions chief legal counsel, wrote to the state board that the groups staff has had no communications with any members of the Iowa Legislature relating to legislation over this past year.

That response to state regulators stands in contrast to previous comments made by Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action and a former official in President Donald Trumps administration.

Iowa is the first state that we got to work in, and we did it quickly and we did it quietly, Anderson said in a leaked video published by the progressive investigative news site Mother Jones. We worked quietly with the Iowa state Legislature. We got the best practices to them. We helped draft the bills.  And we were able to get three provisions in the larger election integrity bill that were directly written by the Heritage recommendation.
The CDC guidance states 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.

In a memo sent to House members Monday, CNN reported, the Office of the Attending Physician wrote: "Extra precautions are necessary given the substantial number of partially vaccinated, unvaccinated, and vaccine-indeterminate individuals."

"These measure allow for all participants to be treated in the same fashion without displaying any unique identification feature that would separate individuals based on their vaccination or health status," the letter read.

Several other House Republicans have received first-offense warnings from the House Sergeant at Arms for not following the House mask rule, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.

A second violation is subject to a fine of $500 and considered the first offense. Subsequent offenses can result in a $2,500 fine.

Lawmakers can remove their mask when speaking on the House floor, but otherwise must keep it on when they are in the chamber.
Cedar Falls added in a message to parents that they had "currently symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID cases among students," that "many" students hadn't been vaccinated and that "current practices have been effective at preventing major outbreaks" in the district.

Thursday morning, the districts both had to backtrack.

"The district learned early today that, shortly after midnight, Governor Reynolds signed legislation into law that prohibits school districts from requiring masks to be worn at school," Cedar Falls sent in a message to parents. "Starting today, Thursday, May 20, masks will be optional in all school buildings."

Waterloo sent an almost identical message to parents. Both districts noted masks would still be mandated for students riding buses, citing federal U.S. Dept. of Transportation guidelines.

The Hudson School Board, noting they were following updated guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health last Friday, lifted their mask mandate on Wednesday, hours before the governor banned mandates.

In a release, the board noted they still "strongly recommend the continued use of face coverings" for students and school employees.
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DIVISIVE CONCEPTS: The Legislature voted to forbid divisive concepts like gender- or race-based stereotypes from inclusion in diversity training for staff and students at most publicly funded institutions and government entities in the state, as well as protect free-speech rights on college campuses.

GUN RIGHTS: Beginning July 1, Iowans age 21 and older will no longer be required to get permits to purchase or carry a concealed handgun but they also still will have the option to obtain a permit if they choose. If they choose not to get a permit, they must pass a background check when buying a gun from a federally licensed dealer. Also, a private seller will no longer have to ask to see a buyers permit to obtain. However, under the new law, it will become a Class D felony to sell, rent or loan a gun to a person the seller knows or reasonably should know is prohibited from owning firearms. Reynolds also signed a separate law that provides some immunity from legal liability to companies that make guns and ammunition, which backers say will prevent frivolous lawsuits but critics warn will give people injured by a malfunctioning gun no legal recourse.
DES MOINES  It has not been unusual for legislation restricting abortion to be among the last bills debated before the Iowa Legislature adjourns for the year.

This year is no exception.

I understand were close to the last night and here we are again, said Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, as she spoke Tuesday night against House Joint Resolution 5, which would put an amendment on the ballot as early as 2024 to allow Iowa voters to decide whether the Iowa Constitution provides a right to abortion.

The resolution, approved 54-38, must be approved by the Senate and by both chambers in the 2023-24 General Assembly to be placed on the ballot. It reads: To defend the dignity of all human life and protect unborn children from efforts to expand abortion even to the point of birth, we the people of the State of Iowa declare that this Constitution does not recognize, grant, or secure a right to abortion or require the public funding of abortion.

This will end abortion in Iowa, Wessel-Kroeschell said. It will end legal and safe abortion care in this state no matter the circumstances.

She called it an extremist reaction to a reasonable and fair Supreme Court decision.
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)  At least two shooters opened fire on a party bus driving on a San Francisco Bay Area freeway early Tuesday, killing two women and wounding at least five others, authorities said.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A woman testified Wednesday that she was five years into a relationship with actor Danny Masterson when she awoke to find he was raping her as she slept and took drastic measures to get him to stop.
Some schools in Louisiana were closed on Wednesday in anticipation of severe weather.

It is mind-boggling, said Patrick King of Lake Charles. He was at a car rental office Tuesday after his truck was flooded Monday. He still hadnt moved back into his house after it flooded during Octobers Hurricane Delta, but recently had new furniture delivered to the home. Now it's been flooded again.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter estimated that 400 to 500 structures flooded during Mondays downpours. Hunter was mayor last year when the city was hit by Hurricane Laura on Aug. 27 and then six weeks later by Delta. Then in February, the deep freeze froze pipes and caused widespread drinking water problems.

Louisiana State Police said investigators believe an automobile crash that killed the driver and a toddler Wednesday may have been caused in part by driving too fast for the weather. It was raining when the car ran off U.S. 90 and hit a tree in St. Mary Parish between Morgan City and Amelia, Trooper First Class Derek Senegal said in a news release.

Earlier, the Calcasieu Parish coroner said a 61-year-old man was found in a vehicle submerged under water. The body of 33-year-old Justin Blaine Thompson was found in a vehicle submerged in water under a Baton Rouge overpass, another coroners office said. And near Port Allen, 40-year-old Alvarado Morentes Hermelindo died and another person was missing after their car crashed into a canal Monday evening, Louisiana State Police said.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  An attorney is requesting a mental health evaluation for a Kentucky mother charged with murder in the death of her 10-year-old son whose body was found in the trunk of her car last month.

The attorney for Kaitlin R. Higgins, 28, asked a judge Tuesday to order a mental health evaluation to determine whether the defendant was competent to stand trial, The Courier-Journal reported. Jefferson Circuit Judge Mitch Perry is set to consider the motion next week, according to court records.

Louisville police were sent to Higgins' home in late April after a caller reported seeing her with a gun and a dead boy wrapped in a blanket, according to an arrest report obtained by news outlets.

Officers found Higgins on a blood-stained porch before opening the vehicles trunk and finding the childs body inside, the arrest citation said. Higgins told police she shot her son after trying to cut out his tongue, according to the citation.
Earlier this week, regulators refused to approve Canadian Nationals plan to set up a voting trust to acquire Kansas City Southern and hold the railroad during the Surface Transportation Boards lengthy review that will take more than a year. The STB said it couldnt evaluate CNs plan because at that point it hadnt submitted a copy of its merger agreement, but it also said when it does review CNs plan, it will take a cautious approach. The board also questioned whether the level of debt Canadian National plans to take on to buy Kansas City Southern would undermine the financial stability of the railroad.
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On the day she disappeared, Tibbetts was staying at the Brooklyn home where Jack and his older brother Blake Jack lived. She had been watching Blake Jacks dogs while the brothers were out of town that week for work.

Brooklyn hairdresser Kristina Steward testified she drove past Tibbetts while she was running on a road outside Brooklyn at about 7:45 p.m. on July 18. She said she had known Tibbetts for years and her heart sank when she learned she was missing the next day.

The Jack brothers testified that they became concerned after learning on July 19 that Tibbetts had not shown up for work at a day care, and she was not answering her phone. Both returned to Brooklyn to search for her before calling police.

Dalton Jack testified that he had been part of a crew building a bridge in Dubuque, about 140 miles from Brooklyn. He worked 12 hours on July 18 then drank beer and played yard games with the crew before going to sleep at a hotel, adding that he never returned to Brooklyn that night.

On cross-examination, Jack acknowledged he used to have a short fuse and would get into fights. He said that he had screwed up and cheated on Tibbetts once, and that she discovered the relationship after looking through his phone.
IOWA CITY  An Iowa parolee tentatively agreed to serve a lengthy prison term on Illinois drug charges days before he allegedly killed a 10-year-old girl, but was allowed to remain free on bond until a plea hearing, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Henry Dinkins indicated during a hearing last July 7 that he would accept a deal to plead guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and be sentenced to eight years in prison, said Geno Caffarini, the states attorney in Bureau County, Illinois.

Dinkins, 48, said he needed more time to get his affairs in order before returning to prison, and a hearing was scheduled for July 22 for him to enter his plea, Caffarini said.

Police say that on early July 10, Dinkins kidnapped 10-year-old Breasia Terrell from a Davenport apartment where she was staying the night with her half brother, who is Dinkins son. They say he shot her to death and discarded her body in a pond in rural eastern Iowa, where her remains were discovered in March after a monthslong search.

I feel bad with that whole thing that happened. Thats a tragedy. Didnt expect it from this guy, Caffarini said.
Reynolds signed House File 813, which allows charter schools to be established by a founding group not associated with the local public school board.

The governor had prioritized the charter school expansion as part of her school choice agenda for the 2021 legislative session.

Opponents of charter school expansion generally express concern for potential negative effects on public schools in the areas where new charter schools are established.

Reynolds signed the bill into law at Starts Right Here, which works with at-risk youth in Des Moines. Will Keeps, the organizations president, said he hopes to create a charter school for 50 to 100 students in downtown Des Moines.

REYNOLDS SIGNS MORE BILLS: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation Wednesday to establish an ongoing funding stream for an automated system to track evidence kits critical to the prosecution of rapists accused of sexual assaults.

House File 426 will apply money from criminal fines and penalties, a percentage of the earnings of inmates employed in the private sector, and federal funds for use in operating a system to follow rape kits from evidence collection at a hospital, to law enforcement, to the crime lab for analysis and then back to law enforcement.
On May 10, 44 U.S. attorneys general sent a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg asking him to abandon plans for the new app. All they can do is urge Facebook to reconsider, because no laws prevent it. (The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act is quite limited in scope.) Laws to prevent harm often are passed only after harm has been demonstrated. When new technologies come along, we often dont know what dangers they present until it is too late.

For example, today there are plenty of laws aimed at protecting children from lead exposure. But those laws came about only after millions of people had the quality of their lives severely and irreversibly diminished.

Our situation regarding social media today is comparable to that with lead poisoning 50 years ago. We know it is probably bad for kids in all kinds of ways, but we dont have absolute proof, and there are so many desirable uses for it, and so much money to be made from it, we seem content to just wait and see.

Thats morally unacceptable.

We actually know quite a bit about the dangers posed by social media; we are just focusing on the wrong ones.
Description

A Glimmering in Darkness



A Glimmering in Darkness by Graham Balcombe is described as 'A collection from the principal records in the archives of Graham Balcombe on the events leading to the foundation of the Cave Diving Group and notebook records of the early ops in which he took part.' The work is edited by Duncan Price and published by the CDG, this being one of the scarcer hardback copies as opposed to the print-on-demand softbacks. It comprises records of dives in Yorkshire, Mendip, the Peak District and South Wales and provides a fascinating record of diving with hard hats at the frontier of exploration.

Please see under 'Product details' for further information about this book; remember, the price includes postage.

The one copy available is assigned to UK stock. If you require a different post destination please contact us so that stock may be moved and you can place your order.
Sutcliffe, who married at 17, says the happiest day of her life was her wedding day. The Omaha Morning Bee reported that Thelma Liesche, as she had been known, and William T. Sutcliffe obtained a marriage license on Sept. 3, 1924, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Both were Omahans. He worked for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, according to their nephew. Thelma Sutcliffe was a civilian worker for the War Department during World War II but otherwise never worked outside their home after marrying.

Talking about her spouse, who died in 1971, Sutcliffe says: He was my best friend. He loved to travel, and he loved playing golf. Africa and Mexico were among their destinations, the nephew says.

Some years after losing him, she moved to the high-rise, where she and friends met on Saturdays to have lunch at its restaurant and later play bridge, Mason says: She was an excellent player  I would bet on her today if the cards were big enough."

Bridge games

are a memory

"She has very limited sight and she has difficulty hearing, and so especially with the COVID, she's being restricted to her room, and so all she has to do is sit. So there's very little pleasure, according to Sorenson, who says she derives happiness from friends and family.



Kluthe calls it sad and heartbreaking that she has not been able to see Sutcliffe because of COVID-19 restrictions. Mason, though, has seen her, by appointment, and began bringing her Ensure out of concern about her diet.

The nun began visiting Sutcliffe in March 2019, a year before shutdowns. COVID, I think, really did set her back, Kluthe says. No one was able to go down to the dining room; the meals were brought to her room, and they're struggling with her now to get her to go down there for communal dining.

Beseeching God and the angels

Often during visits Kluthe and Sutcliffe prayed. Once the nun told her she had asked God and the angels to take care of her. Kluthe even wrote that down. She was so cute, the nun recalls. She said, Boy, they've got a big job. 

Mason thinks the prayers will be answered. I really think she will be here for 115. I have no doubt, she says. She's in excellent health. The only thing is her eyesight and hearing."
Electric Egg/Alamy Stock Photo

Captains tour



With your PPNMM ticket, you can roam the Yorktown on your own, but given the ships many nooks and crannies, its best to take the 90-minute Captains Tour ($39, including admission). Not only do the volunteer guides make sure you see everything without getting turned around, theyre also mostly veterans who often share their own intriguing military stories. My groups humble guide, Tom Simons, didnt reveal it at the time, but I later discovered he was with the Blue Angels in the 70s.

Be prepared to cover a lot of ground: The ship was a virtual city, with about 3,200 men aboard at any given time. Everybody had everything they needed, and nothing that they didnt, Simons says. Translated: Streamlined living and working were happening here long before minimalism became a trend. 

First tour stop: an exhibit on the Doolittle Raid  the surprise attack on April 18, 1942, that President Roosevelt ordered in response to Pearl Harbor  located on the Yorktowns main (hangar) deck. Youll immediately notice a restored B-25 Mitchell bomber, the type of aircraft fighter pilots used to take off from the USS Hornet (an aircraft carrier similar to the Yorktown) and successfully bomb their Japanese targets. All 16 of the planes used in the raid ran short on fuel by the end of the mission, with one pilot diverting his aircraft to Soviet Russia and the other 15 crash-landing or bailing out of their planes. Miraculously, 73 of the 80 involved in the dangerous mission survived.

Only those on the Captains Tour can climb up into the restored bomber, which I eagerly do. Looking around inside, I imagine what it must have been like to fly one of these planes for 10 hours during an attack  with no restroom on board, at that.

Moving on from the exhibit, youll start to explore the Yorktowns seven decks open to tour. (Floors below the main deck are called decks, while those above it are levels.) A narrow staircase (navigating a naval ship isnt a stroll in the park) leads down to Deck 2 and the chapel, with wooden pews, hymnals and framed photos of clergymen who had served on the ship, such as Father Holy Joe Moody. In March 1945, it fell on his shoulders to put five men injured in a bomb attack on the Yorktown at peace before they died. 

Down a tight hallway with walls painted mint green, youll pass through a communal restroom, a workshop where sailors assembled torpedo bodies and a room with hanging cots that slept 36 men. Head down more stairs to Deck 3, where youll find a machine shop, a bomb elevator (which transported bombs assembled below deck to the flight deck to be loaded onto planes) and the scullery. A recipe affixed to the bakery room wall lists the ingredients for 10,000 cookies, including 500 eggs. Fresh-baked cookies was one way the Navy reminded sailors of home. Today the Yorktown smells like jet fuel rather than fresh-baked cookies. It's not overpowering, but the smell hits veterans hard on tours, Simons says, who has noticed more than one tear up after breathing it in, as it takes them back to their service days. 


Entitlement Offer Closed - Notice and Placement of Shortfall

Perth, May 20, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Wiluna Mining Corporation Limited ( ASX:WMX ) ( FRA:NZ3 ) ( OTCMKTS:WMXCF ) is pleased to announce the completion of the recent non-renounceable pro-rata entitlement offer ("Offer" or "Entitlement Issue"). The Offer proposed raising approximately $31.55 million before costs, on the basis of 1 new share for every 4 ordinary shares held (New Shares). The Offer, announced on 24 March 2021, closed in accordance with the Offer timetable on Monday 17 May 2021.Wiluna Mining received applications for entitlements from eligible shareholders for 18,411,826 New Shares in the Entitlement Issue. The Company is delighted that it continues to be supported by its major shareholders, including the Delphi Group, Franklin Templeton and Arlington who all exercised their entitlement.Bids for the 13,142,050 shortfall shares were received by several institutional and high net worth investors. The demand was significantly greater than the available shortfall securities pursuant to the Entitlement Issue, demonstrating the strong interest in Wiluna Mining's future.The issue of the New Shares is expected to occur on 24 May 2021, in accordance with the revised timetable released to ASX on 3 May 2021. An Appendix 2A applying for quotation of the new shares will be lodged with ASX following issue. The balance of the issue of shortfall securities will be completed in due course.Milan Jerkovic, Executive Chair of Wiluna Mining commented: "We are delighted at the strong response we have received to our capital raising, with approximately $93 million raised in debt and equity. We are fully funded for Stage 1 and the Stage 2 Feasibility Study. Stage 1 is expected to be in commercial production in CY2022. Pending a successful outcome of the Stage 2 Feasibility Study, Stage 2 development will commence by the middle of 2022."At commercial production, Stage 2 will make Wiluna one of the larger gold mines in Australia. The differentiating factor of Wiluna Mining is its operating cash flows, whilst still boasting a prosperous three-year development program and outstanding exploration potential."To view the funding presentation, please visit:About Wiluna Mining Corporation Ltd

Wiluna Mining Corporation (ASX:WMX) (OTCMKTS:WMXCF) is a Perth based, ASX listed gold mining company that controls over 1,600 square kilometres of the Yilgarn Craton in the Northern Goldfields of WA. The Yilgarn Craton has a historic and current gold endowment of over 380 million ounces, making it one of most prolific gold regions in the world. The Company owns 100% of the Wiluna Gold Operation which has a defined resource of 8.04M oz at 1.67 g/t au. In May 2019, a new highly skilled management team took control of the Company with a clear plan to leverage the Wiluna Gold Operation's multi-million-ounce potential.
I would think that Patrick is going to vote in favor of the deal, if hes not confident theres another viable deal out there, Arthur said. I dont know if he has any other choice. He can sit there at $17.25 or he can sit there at $13 on Monday morning following the shareholder vote.


Achieves Financial Close for Kidston Hydro

Sydney, May 20, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Genex Power Limited ( ASX:GNX ) is pleased to confirm that it has now reached financial close for the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro).Financial close signals the satisfaction of all conditions precedent associated with the Project, including subscription of equity and full effectiveness of all Project Documents as well as the ARENA funding agreement and the NAIF loan facility.Financial close for the Project follows settlement and allotment of 106,990,005 shares in Genex at $0.2337 per share to J-POWER, who now become the largest single shareholder in the Company with a 10% interest. Upon completion of this share subscription, Mr Kenichi Seshimo from J-POWER has now been appointed to the Genex board as a Director.The Company continues to ramp up construction activities at the Kidston site. These activities include the installation of accommodation units at the Oaks Rush accommodation village and at Kidston, upgrade of the access ramp to Eldridge Pit, and installation of a new communication system. Rock material sampling and testing for concrete production has been completed, and pumps are being mobilised to site to commence the initial dewatering of the Eldridge pit.Commenting on today's announcement, Genex CEO James Harding stated:"Today is a landmark moment in the history of Genex Power, and also marks an important step in the roll out of large-scale energy storage capability in the National Electricity Market. Financial close for the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project is a monumental achievement for the Company and is one Genex has been working towards for over 5 years. I am pleased to report that site preparation activities at Kidston are now well progressed as we prepare for full scale Project construction activities over the next few months.I would like to thank J-POWER for their significant investment and ongoing support of the Company since 2019, and I am very pleased to welcome Mr Kenichi Seshimo to the Board of Directors at Genex. We look forward to working closely with J-POWER through construction of the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and the development of the Kidston Wind Project, and we are excited at the prospect of developing further joint investment initiatives with our largest shareholder.Further, I would sincerely like to thank the Queensland Government for the significant $147 million funding support for the Project, together with our financiers NAIF, ARENA and the CEFC for their continued commitment and longstanding support of Genex and the Project. This is an important Project for North Queensland and is an excellent example of Federal and State Government collaboration. We would also like to recognise EnergyAustralia for their ongoing support and for committing to the structured long term offtake arrangement which has allowed Genex to secure the level of debt required to fund the Project.We look forward to providing regular updates to the market as we continue to ramp up construction activities at the Kidston site."The Hon Cameron Dick, Treasurer and Minister for Investment, said:"The Queensland Government has played a crucial role in getting the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project over the line to secure a strong renewables future in North Queensland and unlock hundreds of renewables jobs. Our Government is providing $147 million funding for essential transmission infrastructure to link the Project to the National Electricity Market and help develop a clean energy hub in North Queensland.Our State-owned Powerlink will build, own and operate a 186 kilometre transmission line and associated infrastructure, creating over 400 new jobs during its construction.With the Kidston Hydro Project itself supporting over 500 construction jobs and around 25 operational jobs, the Palaszczuk Government continues to drive investment, create jobs and growth, and lower electricity prices for Queensland households and businesses.Energy storage projects like the Kidston Pumped Hydro Storage Project, and strategic transmission investments that unlock North Queensland's world class renewable energy capacity, will support Queensland to reach 50 per cent renewables by 2030."Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni, said:"The Palaszczuk Government's $147 million investment in the Kidston project will deliver Queensland's first pumped hydro storage project in almost forty years and 900 construction jobs.As Queensland charges towards its renewable energy target, storage projects like this will enable continued investment in otherwise intermittent renewables. The project's contribution to grid stability will secure the future of North Queensland's energy system, further powering the region's economic recovery. Genex reaching financial close confirms Queensland's energy investment credentials are second to none."Catherine Tanna, EnergyAustralia Managing Director, said:"The Kidston pumped hydro storage facility is a big project and an Australian first that will serve the energy needs of Queensland customers, while advancing our company goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.EnergyAustralia is proud to be underpinning the Kidston pumped hydro storage facility, which provides another example of how we're leading the energy transition in Australia. The project will provide the stability our system needs and deliver reliable, affordable and cleaner energy. It's also a terrific example of governments and industry working together to deliver the best outcome for customers.EnergyAustralia congratulates Genex and the project's other stakeholders on today achieving financial close."Chris Wade, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) CEO, said:"NAIF was an early supporter of the transformational Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and we congratulate the project sponsors on achieving financial close. This is a transformational project for North Queensland and it is pleasing to see that construction activities have commenced on site. NAIF looks forward to continuing our partnership with the project parties as they work towards construction and delivering the significant economic and employment benefits to the region."To view figures, please visit:About Genex Power Ltd

Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company.


Exploration Work commences at Holly Kaolin Project

Perth, May 20, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Okapi Resources Limited ( ASX:OKR ) is pleased to advise that the Company has commenced exploration work at the Holly Kaolin Project as part of technical due diligence to acquire Bulk Mineral Holdings Pty Ltd ("Bulk Minerals") which holds the Holly Kaolin Project licenses in Western Australia and the White Knight Kaolin-Halloysite Project license applications as announced on 12th May 2021.Highlights- Okapi commences technical due diligence with site visit to Holly Kaolin Project- 15 samples collected and delivered to the Nagrom lab in Perth for testing with results expected within three to four weeks- Site visits at the Holly Kaolin Project confirmed widespread outcropping Kaolinite mineralisation from surface- Drilling programs in 1995-1996 intersected 5-15m zones of bright white Kaolin- Historical drill results include high brightness Kaolin intercepts > 85%A site visit to the Holly Kaolin Project in Western Australia was conducted earlier this week with approximately 15 samples collected and delivered to the Nagrom lab in Perth for assaying.The Holly Kaolin Project comprises two (2) granted exploration licence E70/5676 and E70/5690 which are located approximately 20km east on Broomehill - Kojonup Road, Western Australia, covering a total area of circa 184km2.The samples will be tested for halloysite existence and further confirmation of the quality of kaolin. The Company expects the results to be available next month. Drilling results in 1995 included many high brightness kaolin intercepts (crude brightness values greater than 85%).Based on historical drilling data, the average depth to the top of the mineralisation appears to be approximately 5m. Previous drilling in 1996 also identified a 11-metre thickness of white clay.Okapi's Executive Director, Mr David Nour said: "We are excited with the prospect of the Holly Kaolin Project and this early exploration work will give an overview of the quality of the kaolin and halloysite existence. The test results will also enable the Company to plan a more systematic and comprehensive exploration program in advance prior to completing the acquisition. The Company looks forward to provide the results of this testing in the next few weeks."To view figures, please visit:About Okapi Resources Ltd

Okapi Resources Limited (ASX:OKR) is a minerals exploration company focused on the discovery and commercialisation of mineral deposits in Australia. Okapi's primary objective is to discover and develop mineral resources from its current portfolio. The Company has carefully selected projects with historical workings and excellent results. Okapi has a team of professionals with an exemplary record of success and with a particular history in Australia. Okapi is also pursuing a growth strategy that aims to appraise and secure further exploration and development opportunities within gold and mineral endowed districts.
WBEZ disputed the mayors observation, reporting that two of its three City Hall reporters are women  one Hispanic and the other South Asian. The larger problem, however, exists. It persisted long before Lightfoot arrived at City Hall, and it has been one of many diversity issues that journalists of color have been fighting to correct within their newsrooms for decades.
WENN/Sheri Determan/Avalon Celebrity

The Destiny's Child member describes the moment she witnessed her bandmate give birth to her second child as a 'beautiful' and 'the most tender moment.'

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Michelle Williams has admitted it was "beautiful" watching her Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland giving birth.

Kelly gave birth to son Noah in January (21), and asked her nearest and dearest to tune in to watch her give birth via Zoom. And having the opportunity to see her friend bring another life into the world was one Michelle will never forget. "It was beautiful," she gushed as she spoke during Premier Gospel Radio's "Evenings with Cassandra Maria". "It was the most tender moment and (I'm) thankful that she decided to share that with us. You know, because had it not been for the pandemic we probably would have been right there waiting outside the delivery room. You know, and for her to want to connect with us. To me, if I ever doubted friendship...not at that moment you invited me to see you give birth."

Michelle also revealed that while some friends come and go in life, she will never doubt the bond shared between her, Kelly, and Beyonce.

"My relationship with them is never in question," she smiled. "Because we give each other that access to tender moments like that, birthday parties, baby showers or just, 'Hey, come to the house for dinner'. To me. That means more than getting on stage. You know, it's that important to you to maintain friendships because a lot of people, they will say, Well, if my friend doesn't talk to me every week, that means they're not friends or, or is it more than moments for you that makes, these are my real friends, these are my sisters..."

Elsewhere in the interview, Michelle weighed in on the controversy surrounding the Duchess of Sussex's recent revelation that she was left suicidal during her time as a senior royal in the British monarchy.

Insisting Meghan experienced "trauma" just like anybody else, she added, "No matter what stage you are in life, no matter how high you may go off, or how much money you may have. Things are still things and things can still happen to everybody. And it still affects us in the same way. But yeah, still human beings. And it's like, we seem to forget that people are just people. And that is what it is."
Instagram Celebrity

The 50-year-old British supermodel is 'honored and humbled' by the outpouring love and support she received after announcing that she has become a first-time mom.

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Naomi Campbell has told fans she's "humbled and honoured" by their well-wishes after her surprise news that she's a first-time mother.

The 50-year-old model took to Instagram on Tuesday (18May21) to reveal she's welcomed a "beautiful little blessing," adding, "So honoured to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you my angel. There is no greater love."

She was inundated with messages of congratulations from her devotees and, as she took part in a YouTube streaming of her "No Filter" interview with Diane von Furstenberg, Naomi wrote, "Hello my darlings , thank you so much for the pre birthday wishes ...and for my new chapter as a mother I'm honoured and humbled. BLESS YOU ALL."

When one fan commented they were "surprised" to see Naomi participate in the chat, she replied, "IM HANDS ON, NO FILTER IS MY OTHER. BABY."

Naomi's remarks come as it's been reported that she's been living in New York with her "secret boyfriend."

"Naomi has really mellowed in the past year and is in a wonderful place in life," a source told Britain's The Sun newspaper. "She has been living in America with her boyfriend and is really happy. It finally felt like the perfect time to become a mother and she is over the moon."

The supermodel's previous beaus include Skepta and Liam Payne.

Following Naomi's baby announcement on Tuesday, her mum Valerie was quick to offer her congratulations, writing, "Congratulations to my daughter Naomi on the birth of her daughter, I'm beyond thrilled as I've waited a longtime (sic) to be grandmother. @naomi."

Naomi then replied, "We love you Mum."
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The 'Frida' actress admits she fell into a dark place after discovering that the disgraced Hollywood mogul preyed on her and many other women in the industry.

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Salma Hayek fell into a months-long depression after discovering she wasn't the only actress who had suffered sexual harassment and bullying at the hands of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

The star was stunned when she first read the exposes which helped bring down the powerful producer at the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017 because. for years, she had kept the terrible treatment she had endured while making 2002 movie "Frida" to herself.

Hayek finally shared her story in an op-ed for The New York Times in December, 2017 - two months after the publication's initial article on Weinstein, who was accused of decades of sexual misconduct from a group of actresses, including her "Frida" co-star Ashley Judd.

Detailing her experience so publicly was "excruciating" for Hayek as she initially didn't consider herself to have been a victim, and had actually turned down the opportunity to join Judd in revealing all in the first Times piece on Weinstein's bad behaviour.

"That's why it took me so long," she explained to Variety. "It was so hard because I chose not to be a victim even though I was a victim. I had to convince myself that I'm a fighter and above all else, a survivor."

"When all this happened with the Harvey story (initial expose), I didn't know that it happened to so many women. I went into such a depression for months. It really took an army of women to make me see I was true survivor, and a true fighter (sic)."

Even after putting pen to paper to recount her ordeal, Hayek was hesitant about having it published.

"When I wrote it, I didn't even know if I was really going to show it to anyone," she admitted. "I kept saying, 'Who wants to hear my story? Why am I giving myself self-importance?' They had been asking me for it from the beginning, but I put it down on paper just for me."

Hayek credits the support of her "amazing" husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, with helping to pull her through her bout of depression, although he was "shocked" she hadn't confided in him about her trauma sooner - and he wasn't the only one.

"A lot of people were upset with me," she said. "Friends were upset with me that I didn't tell them what really happened. Then I thought, I have to do it (get her account published). Afterwards, a lot of people wrote to me. A lot from the industry said, 'This happened to me.' "

Weinstein has long denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour, but is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of sexual assault and rape in the third degree last year (20).
Instagram Celebrity

The tech genius' appearance on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce marks the 65-year-old's first public appearance since announcing his divorce from his wife Melinda Gates.

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Bill Gates appeared to have yet to take his off wedding off despite announcing divorce from his wife Melinda Gates earlier this month. In a scheduled video conference for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on May 19, the Microsoft founder was seen wearing the gold band on his finger.

Elmhurst Chamber shared on Twitter a screencap of Bill sporting the ring as he was seen lifting his left hand. Meanwhile, his appearance on the conference marks the 65-year-old's first public appearance since announcing the divorce news.

Bill Gates was seen still wearing his wedding ring after divorce announcement.

This arrives after Bill admitted to having an affair with an employee years before he and his now-estranged wife called it quits. The acknowledgement came after a woman, a Microsoft engineer, penned a letter to the company's board in 2019, claiming that she and Bill had a sexual relationship over the years.

In response to the claims, board members hired a law firm to conduct an investigation into the allegations. Some members decided it was no longer suitable for Bill to sit as a director at the software company he started and led for decades. However, the tech genius decided to step down from the board before the investigation was completed and before the full board could make a formal decision on the matter.

A spokeswoman for Bill also confirmed that the affair did happen. "There was an affair almost 20 years ago which ended amicably," she stated, but denied that his decision to resign had anything to do with the affair. She said his "decision to transition off the board was in no way related to this matter. In fact, he had expressed an interest in spending more time on his philanthropy starting several years earlier."

Bill and Melinda announced their decision to divorce on May 3 after 27 years of marriage. Words are Melinda hired divorce attorneys in 2019 after his ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein were made public.
WENN/FayesVision Celebrity

Living in an area that sees an increase in homelessness and crime, the 'Crocodile Dundee' star pins the hand-written note on a pole outside his $3.5 million mansion's garage door.

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Paul Hogan makes it clear that he doesn't like the way the homeless camped outside his home. Getting increasingly frustrated with the situation, the "Crocodile Dundee" star gave them an angry warning by leaving a stern "my house not yours" note outside his $3.5 million mansion.

On Sunday, May 16, the 81-year-old was captured tapping a hand-written note on a pole next to his Los Angeles home's garage door. In the photos obtained by Daily Mail, he wrote a message that read, "THIS IS MY HOUSE NOT YOURS" with a red marker on a paper. He underlined the words "MY HOUSE" to further stress on his warning.

The images displayed Paul dressing casually. He wore a pair of blue jeans, a forest green sweater, and a pair of New Balance sneakers. He also wore a face mask. Later that day, Daily Mail reported that he left his home, which common locals have dubbed a "fortress," to pick up his 22-year-old son Chance, who lives with him.

Paul lives in Venice, where a sudden increase in homelessness has led to a frightening crime wave. His neighbor Tyler Proctor opened up to Woman's Day magazine to explain the situation surrounding the actor's mansion. He said, "Where Paul lives in hell on earth." He added, "His house is like a fortress and it needs to be. I can see why [he] wants to move out."

In an interview with "Sunrise" on May 10, Paul himself discussed living in Los Angeles during the coronavirus pandemic. He admitted, "I am desperately homesick. You're living in a country right now, alongside New Zealand, that's the light of the world." He added, "I'm living in LA county which has 10 million people, and about half of 'em got COVID. So am I homesick? You bet your life."

On the subject of the significant rise in homelessness around his neighborhood, "The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee" star said that he barely left his house. He stated, "The crime's up. I don't go anywhere. The minute I can come home without being locked in a hotel for two weeks, I'm back."
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star is also called out by online trolls for deactivating comments on her Instagram post where she promotes the distilled product.

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Kendall Jenner has landed in hot water once again over her 818 tequila. Having launched a new advertisement for the distilled product, the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star was accused of cultural appropriation by many social media users.

The 25-year-old first shared the commercial clip on the official Instagram account of 818 on Monday, May 17. She also turned to her own page to unveil some pictures from the ad and a video of herself watching a farmer distilling the tequila. She captioned it, "what an incredible experience i have had thus far, learning about this beautiful place, it's beautiful culture, and the beautiful people!"

The older sister of Kylie Jenner added, "@drink818 has launched in California... we will be rolling out to the rest of the US all summer long, keep a look out!!!" The supermodel, however, deactivated the comment section of the post.

Kendall has since drawn criticism from many on Twitter. One critic in particular argued, "not Kendall Jenner disabling her comments on the post of her appropriating our culture for her tequila launch." Another sarcastically penned, "@KendallJenner doing her best impression of a Mexican laborer! so refreshing to see that nepotism and cultural appropriation is still a profitable combo."

The backlash continued with one tweeted, "Kendall Jenner roamed through fields of agave on horseback to announce the launch of her 818 tequila brand in California with moody visuals shared to Instagram on Monday. despite tequila's deep-rooted Mexican history having no affiliation to the affluent community she grew up." Someone else raged, "@KendallJenner muted comments on her pictures from Jalisco because she wants to silence the voices of those telling her that it's cultural appropriation."

Despite the heat, some people came to Kendall's defense. An individual declared, "I can tell you that as a Mexican, Kendall Jenner's tequila campaign in no shape or form offends me. Please stop getting offended for us." Another chimed in, "I gotta be honest man, I don't care that Kendall Jenner is making tequila. She could make her own brand of menudo and I wouldn't give a s**t."

This was not the first time Kendall was blasted for cultural appropriation. She was hit by the same accusations in February after announcing her 818 brand. "Kendall Jenner starting a tequila brand, with zero knowledge on Mexican culture and calling it '818 tequila' is GENTRIFICATION. The 818 does not claim Calabasas. What about those smaller, family owned Mexican tequila/mezcal brands? They deserve the hype & support," one hater fumed at that time.
Dont get me wrong, when I heard the news about a full reopening of Navy Pier, I could almost taste the overpriced cinnamon-roasted nuts and feel the magnetic pull of a stand that sells friendship bracelets. It is, by far, my favorite Chicago neighborhood that is also a pier. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago McDonalds cheeseburger, build your own teddy bear and then ride a fast boat that barks like a dog, all for the obscenely low price of $789?
Instagram Celebrity

Adding mother to her resume, the 'Selling Sunset' star raves about motherhood by saying that it is 'the most incredible feeling to know that you have created life.'

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Christine Quinn has officially become a first time mother. Having gone through a scary emergency c-section to give birth to a healthy baby boy, the "Selling Sunset" star admitted in her social media announcement that she's "beyond grateful."

The 31-year-old shared the happy news Instagram on Wednesday, May 19. Along with a series of her sepia-toned maternity shots, she wrote in the caption, "It's official! I'm a mommy! Baby C made his grand entrance over the weekend. I am beyond grateful to my husband, and to all the wonderful doctors and nurses who helped me. It was a little scary, but we are beyond grateful."

When spilling more details about her labor, Christine opened up to PEOPLE that her water broke shortly after she returned home from filming season 4 of "Selling Sunset.". She recalled, "It was a giant gush of fluid, just like in the movies. I wrapped a towel around my waist and off we went to the hospital."

"Twenty-two minutes later, Baby C was born via emergency c-section performed by Dr. Steve A. Rad. He was incredible under the pressure and complexity of the situation," the celebrity real agent continued. She went on to note that "it was the most magical moment" of her life, and added, "Suddenly, there is a tiny human in my arms. It was surreal when I was finally able to hold him and kiss his little nose. I can't believe that we created this little miracle."

"Baby C is more precious than I could have ever imagined. Nine months seems like a lifetime to wait to meet someone," the Netflix star told the publication. She then raved about motherhood by saying, "It is the most incredible feeling to know that you have created life. My protective mama bear mentality is stronger than ever. My sole job is to protect him, to love him and to raise him."

Christine has also revealed her baby boy's name, Christian Georges Dumontet, to the outlet. Baby Christian, whom she welcomed with husband Christian Richard, was born on Saturday, May 15, at 4:22 P.M. in Los Angeles. The newborn weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz., and measured 20.5 inches long at the time of his birth.

Christine Quinn expressed her gratitude in an Instagram Story.

Several hours after going public about Christian's arrival, Christine expressed her gratitude for the warm wishes. Over a selfie snap in an Instagram Story, she wrote, "Love you all! Thank you for the wonderful warm messages! This mommy is tired but she's still got werk to do!" She added the hashtags of "boss bi**h" and "mommys are superheros."
WENN/KIKA Celebrity

In his lawsuit, the 57-year-old actor 'respectfully requests that this Court enter an order directing the ACLU Witnesses to fully comply with the Subpoenas' to verify whether his ex donated the money.

May 20, 2021

AceShowbiz - Johnny Depp has made another move to prove that his ex Amber Heard lied in court about donating her divorce settlement money to the ACLU and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. It has been reported that the actor has filed a lawsuit against ACLU in order to verify the claims.

In the legal docs, the 57-year-old actor "respectfully requests that this Court enter an order directing the ACLU Witnesses to fully comply with the Subpoenas." The "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" star also tries to seek the documents for his ongoing $50 million defamation case against Amber for her 2018 Op-Ed about domestic violence in The Washington Post.

The lawsuit also mentions that the subpoenas are for "discovery concerning any donations to the ACLU Foundation by Ms. Heard or in her name, and/or any public statements related to such donations; communications with Ms. Heard or those acting on her behalf concerning her relationship with Mr. Depp and divorce from Mr. Depp; discovery concerning Ms. Heard's work as an 'ambassador' for the ACLU Foundation and the conception, drafting, and placement of the Op-Ed; and communications with Ms. Heard or those acting on her behalf concerning the Virginia Action and the preparation and submission of the Wizner Declaration."



Prior to this, Johnny said that Amber hadn't donated the money despite her pledges for charity. In response to that, the "Aquaman" actress's legal team insisted that she has done "nothing dishonest" with her donations to both charities and that she "pledged to pay over 10 years." They also claimed that Amber gifted a total of $950,000 to the ACLU and $850,000 to the Children's Hospital through anonymous donors.


Instagram Celebrity

A High Court judge states Martin Bashir made a 'serious breach' of BBC's editorial guidelines by forging two bank statements to deceive Earl Spencer to land bombshell interview.

May 21, 2021

AceShowbiz - Journalist Martin Bashir "deceived and induced" Princess Diana's brother to secure his bombshell interview in 1995, a BBC inquiry has found.

The report compiled by former High Court judge Lord John Dyson, stated that Bashir, 58, made a "serious breach" of the BBC's editorial guidelines by creating two false bank statements, which he showed to Diana's brother Earl Spencer, to manipulate the late princess into giving the interview.

According to Sky News, Bashir has apologised in response to the report's findings and said the faking of bank statements was a "stupid thing to do" and "an action I deeply regret."

BBC director-general Tim Davie has made a "full and unconditional" apology after the findings in Dyson's report were released on Thursday (20May21) afternoon.

And former director-general Lord Hall, the BBC's director of news and current affairs at the time the interview was screened, has conceded the corporation's 1996 inquiry into how the Panorama sit-down was secured "fell well short of what was required."

Bashir said in a statement, "This is the second time that I have willingly fully co-operated with an investigation into events more than 25 years ago. I apologised then, and I do so again now, over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up."

"It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret. But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently."

"I also reiterate that the bank statements had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview."

He recently stepped down as the BBC's religion editor due to ongoing health issues.

The journalist's bombshell Panorama interview with Diana, during which the late royal famously claimed there were "three of us" in her marriage to Prince Charles, led to an order from Britain's Queen Elizabeth that the estranged couple should divorce.

Diana died at age 36 following a car crash in Paris in August 1997, one year after she and Charles officially divorced.

Spencer told People last November (20) that Bashir used forged bank statements to show two senior courtiers were being paid by the security services for information on his sister.

He wrote, "If it were not for me seeing these statements, I would not have introduced Bashir to my sister."

On Thursday, he tweeted a sweet photo of him with his sister adding the caption, "Some bonds go back a very long way."
BBC TV

The bosses at the U.K. television network are handing back the award they won for the bombshell interview with Diana after it's revealed the interviewer deceived her brother.

May 21, 2021

AceShowbiz - BBC bosses are planning to return a BAFTA award the network won in 1996 for Martin Bashir's TV chat with Princess Diana, following claims the journalist deceived her brother to secure the interview.

The 1995 TV sit-down remains one of the most explosive royal interviews in BBC history and it helped turn Bashir into a much-respected broadcaster, who later secured another controversial exclusive with Michael Jackson.

But now former Supreme Court judge Lord Dyson has concluded that Bashir made a "serious breach" of the BBC's editorial guidelines by creating false bank statements to manipulate the then-Princess of Wales and her brother, Earl Spencer, into giving the interview.

Lord Dyson said Bashir "deceived" his way to the interview, and suggested BBC bosses "fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark."

Responding to the findings, a spokesman for the network says, "The 1995 Panorama interview received a number of awards at the time. We do not believe it is acceptable to retain these awards because of how the interview was obtained."

The Panorama interview picked up a BAFTA in 1996 for Best Television Talk Show, while Bashir was named Journalist of the Year and Interviewer of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards, among other accolades.

In a statement, BBC director general Tim Davie said, "Although the report states that Diana, Princess of Wales, was keen on the idea of an interview with the BBC, it is clear that the process for securing the interview fell far short of what audiences have a right to expect. We are very sorry for this. Lord Dyson has identified clear failings."

Bashir has also acknowledged his error of judgement, adding, "This is the second time that I have willingly fully co-operated with an investigation into events more than 25 years ago. I apologised then, and I do so again now, over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up. It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret. But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently."
Dr. Langerman is a chemist, earning a PhD in biochemical thermodynamics at Northwestern University. He received a BS in Chemistry from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Following a NIH Post-Doctoral year at Yale, he joined the faculty of the Departments of Biochemistry and Pharmacology at Tufts University Medical School in 1970. In 1975, he went west and joined the Chemistry Department of Utah State University. At both Tufts and USU, he assumed responsibility for departmental safety programs. In 1979, Dr. Langerman learned of RCRA, and this started him on his career as a consultant.



Dr. Langerman established his first consulting company, Chemical Safety Associates, in 1980, in conjunction with other members of the USU faculty. He headed this firm until 1997, when he sold his interests in MSDS production and set up his current consulting firm, Advanced Chemical Safety.

Dr. Langerman s professional interests are in the prevention of chemical incidents and injuries. His professional time is spent consulting on chemical safety & security, and regulatory issues. He served as the Chair of the Division of Chemical Health and Safety of the American Chemical Society in 2004 and also, in 2004 and 2013, received the Tillsman-Skolnick Award for contributions to the field of chemical health and safety through the ACS from the Division.



Dr. Langerman is an avid SCUBA diver and photographer.
RED BLUFF, Calif.  A Red Bluff man was arrested after authorities said he kidnapped a prominent businessmans son for ransom Tuesday evening.

It started Tuesday around 9:30 p.m. when the Tehama County Sheriffs Office said they received a report from a woman who had also been involved in the attempted kidnapping around Cone Grove Park.

The suspect, 37-year-old Andrew Cornelius Loewen, was seen by responding deputies speeding off from the park in a gold-colored SUV. Deputies chased Loewen throughout Highway 99E, and said they saw him throw what appeared to be a gun from his car.

Loewen finally yielded on Highway 36E near Stice Road. Once Loewen was pulled over, deputies said they located an adult male victim restrained inside his car.

Deputies said they learned the male victim was the son of a prominent businessman in the area who had previously employed Loewen. Loewen went to the property where the male victim and a woman were working and restrained them both. However, he only forced the male victim into his vehicle, according to the sheriffs office. Loewen then left a ransom note demanding a large amount of money for the male victims release and sped off.

The woman, who Loewen left behind, was able to free herself from the restraints and call the Tehama County Sheriffs Office for help.

Loewen was arrested on several charges including kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment, and assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Tehama County Jail and his bail is set at $2 million.

Deputies told Action News Now both victims were not injured during the kidnapping.
GRIDLEY, Calif.  The Community Action Agency of Butte County, (CAA) North State Food Bank will host a free food distribution event in Gridley on Friday, May 21.

The distribution will be held at the LDS Church at 1259 French Ave. and runs from 10 a.m. to noon, or until supplies run out. The food boxes will include healthy, shelf-stable, and perishable food depending on seasonal availability. Attendees should remain in their cars, volunteers will place the boxes into the vehicles.

Weve organized a drive-through event using pre-boxed food to help protect those in need of food and our volunteers to the maximum extent Tom Dearmore, CAA Community Services Manager for the North State Food Bank said.

Food is made possible by funding from the State and County to help families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California regulators will aim for a mid-June easing of workplace masking and social distancing requirements to conform with a broader state order.

They asked to delay a debate Thursday on how quickly they should drop coronavirus safety rules for employees.

They're rethinking a proposal before the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board that would require vaccinated workers to wait until July 31 before they can stop wearing face masks indoors unless everyone in the room is fully vaccinated.

Business groups want the workplace regulator to ease its restrictions starting June 15, saying the later date will cause confusion.
WHISKEYTOWN, Calif.  A Shasta County jury found a man guilty of second-degree murder for a 2020 DUI car crash that killed a woman on Highway 299, according to the District Attorneys Office.

Hawk Blaze Bergstorm faces 15-years-to-life in state prison for the collision, according to the District Attorneys Office.

On Jan. 29, 2020, a driver identified as Diana Schalk was driving west on Highway 299 near Grizzly Gulch Road when Bergstorm crossed the double-yellow center line and drove east into Schalks lane, causing a head-on collision.

Schalk was flown to Mercy Medical Center but died due to her injuries.

CHP officers on scene contacted Bergstorm, they said he showed signs of impairment and a preliminary alcohol screening test showed Bergstorms blood alcohol content as .254% and .255%.

Bergstorm was transported to Shasta Regional Medical Center for a blood alcohol test that showed his blood alcohol concentration as .221%, according to the DAs office.

Prior to this crash, the DAs Office said Bergstrom was convicted of a DUI on Aug. 20, 2015 in Trinity County where he was informed: to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, and, as a result of that driving, someone is killed, you can be charged with murder.

As part of the terms of Bergstorms probation, he successfully completed a 3-month DUI program on Feb. 4, 2017 at Cascade Circle. As part of the program, Bergstrom initialed a form indicating that California law allows for someone to be prosecuted for murder if they drive while intoxicated and cause an accident that kills another person.

Additionally, a review of Bergstroms California Drivers License Application from 2008 shows that he was advised that If I drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, and as a result, a person is killed, I can be charged with murder. Bergstrom signed the form acknowledging that he read and understood the information.

Bergstroms sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2021, at 9 a.m. at the Shasta County Superior Court.
REDDING, Calif. - Recall Shasta, Red, White and Blueprint, and the Shasta County General Purpose Committee all received letters this week from the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

The groups are in support of a recall against Shasta County Supervisors Mary Rickert, Joe Chimenti and Leonard Moty.

"It's the appropriate thing for the citizens of Shasta County, said Rickert, one of the supervisors the groups are trying to recall. They need to know who is behind this recall effort and they need to know who is funding it."

The biggest concern for Shasta Forward Attorney Gary Winuk is where is the campaign money coming from.

"It helps the public decide how to accept the messages by what is being sent by the campaign based on who is paying for it, said Winuk.

One of the groups being investigated, Red, White and Blueprint, claimed that it is just a media company documenting the campaign and not the ones collecting signatures.

"The supervisors and their legal teams should do more research into the law before making allegations towards a media company, said Emily Clendenen, communications manager at Red, White, and Blueprint.

RELATED: Ongoing recall efforts continues to draw people to Board of Supervisors meeting

They do still support the recall.

"We don't want any of our supervisors or anybody in a position of political leadership to ever get comfortable in taking people's voices away, Clendenen told Action News Now.

According to the FPPC, each violation of the Act is subject to an administrative fine of up to $5,000.

Some advertising disclaimer violations can be fined up to three times the amount of the advertisement.

"It is an obvious smear campaign brought on by the supervisors who are the target of the local recall effort, said Clendenen.

Rickert is anxiously awaiting the investigation results.

"I am hoping that as a community we can put a lot of this behind us and we can work together, Rickert told Action News Now.

Shasta forward is hoping that the FPPCs involvement will make immediate changes to the disclosures of the three recall groups.

Recall Shasta released the following statement:

Shasta Recall is dedicated to improving representation and responsible government in Shasta County. Attempted diversions by the Board of Supervisors members who are the target of the recall do not deter our primary goal and focus: bringing new, effective, and competent leadership to the county. The leaders of the recall movement are following the guidelines established by the state and county and wish nothing more than to make heard the voices of the people, and to indicate to their board employees that their job performances are not acceptable.
Downtown Chicagos five largest hotels are expected to be back in business within the next month, more than a year after three of those properties went dark because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pentz Rd. Safe Routes to School Program Starts Wednesday, May 19: All American Asphalt of Live Oak, CA will begin work for the Pentz Road Safe Routes to School Project. This project includes the construction of a multi-use pathway along the west side of Pentz Road between Bille Road and Wagstaff Road. The Pentz Road project is being coordinated with undergrounding of utilities in the area in addition to improvements to the former Ponderosa Elementary School site. The Town said this will soon reopen in the fall as Paradise Ridge Elementary School. Other improvements will include the installation of underground storm drain pipes and a new center two-way left-turn lane in front of the school. This $1M grant-funded project will provide safe facilities for children walking and biking to school while meeting the vision of the Towns Community Long-Term Recovery Plan by establishing interconnected pathways which can double as emergency ingress/egress during evacuation

events. Construction will continue through the summer with expected completion in August 2021.
DURHAM, Calif. - One local school district is under pressure from parents to drop the mask requirement for students. But, Durham School District officials said they'll update their mask rules when the state allows it.

The school board says they'll send a letter to the state to ask that the school district can make masks optional in schools.

Parents and students here want common ground.

"That reality needs to be chosen, choosing to wear a mask or not to wear a mask," said Mikaela Hergst, a mother who pulled her children from the Durham School District during the pandemic because of the mask requirement.

A rally held by parents and students outside the Durham school board meeting called for a complete unmasking of the district.

"We're out of the emergency situation," she said. "And these mandates are going away, and it's not okay, we really need it to stop."

The board decided Wednesday that once schools are able to, the mask requirement for all students can be updated.

"I understand that you're giving me the authority to change the policies as soon as we're allowed to," said Superintendent John Bohannon. "And, that we will continue to bring updates to the board at all future board meetings until we know exactly what's going on."

However, the state is still requiring masks in public places.

And, COVID-19 cases in children are rising, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 17 make up 24% of new cases. That's 10% higher than average.

"Does that not bother you, that if you get rid of the masks there may be more cases than there are already?" asked Action News Now Reporter Esteban Reynoso.

"Children while they may be, contracting the virus, they're also healing from it," responded Hergst. "And they're strengthening their immune system, so no that doesn't change my view."

Despite all of this some parents and even some students want to see the mask requirement dropped.

"Last year we were free and we didn't have to wear a mask," said Rauley Hergst, Mikaela's middle child.

"I feel like it doesn't feel right when I see a person or my friend wearing a mask," said the fourth-grader.

"In August, there's nobody that wants it more than the school board and myself," said Bohannon over the phone.

It is worth noting that the entire Durham school district has had 14 cases of the virus this spring semester.

If the mask rules do change from now until June 15, the school district says the superintendent has the power to implement those rules immediately.

The school board will meet again on June 16.
TEHAMA COUNTY, Calif. - For the 10-year anniversary of the Rolling Hills Clinic, the Paskenta Band of Nomlak Indians is hosting a celebration Wednesday and Thursday.

Over the last 10 years, the Rolling Hills Clinic has provided affordable patient care and dental services to Red Bluff and surrounding communities.

In celebration of 10 years, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians will provide free food, music, raffle prizes and more information about the Rolling Hills Clinic for all Red Bluff, Corning and Tehama County residents.

The event took place Wednesday at the Rolling Hill Clinic in Corning and will host another event on Thursday at the Rolling Hills Clinic in Red Bluff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In a gold rush sell shovels.

E-commerce enablers found themselves in a prime spot to ride the second wave of COVID-19 as order values and number of orders shot up considerably in April and May 2021. Last year, during the first lockdown there were restrictions on non-essential categories, which eventually led to decline in sales for non-essential goods.

Similarly, there was a 15-20% dip in the non-essential orders for Maharashtra in the first few days of the second lockdown, according to Amit Monga, Co-Founder of ANS Commerce  a full stack e-commerce enabler.

However, B2B order processing is witnessing an increase. If we compare, in a similar time period, last years order volume had increased by 4x between Q1 (start of the lockdown) and Q2. We are expecting a similar trend this time as well, he added.

Shailaz Nag, Co-Founder and CEO, Dotpe, observed, Amongst the F&B businesses, we have seen a 2x growth in remote ordering and 3.5x times growth in Maharashtra alone during the lockdown. For other businesses in Maharashtra, we have seen 2x growth in orders during the lockdown months. Dotpe is an enabler of online-to-offline commerce for merchants in rural pockets of India. It has an app called Digital Showroom that helps businesses open a digital storefront in under 15 seconds.

On April 30, only 1.93% of Indians were fully vaccinated. To achieve herd immunity, India would have to vaccinate at least 70% of its population. Furthermore, herd immunity is only a theory to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus. Scientists are discovering new strains of the virus and it is unclear whether we will be immune to the effects of these strains even if we are vaccinated.

Thus, we may rely on e-commerce services for a long time yet and investors are aware of this. Recently, B2B commerce platform Moglix joined the Unicorn club after funding round of $120 billion from the likes of Tiger Global and Sequoia Capital, among others. In the past, Tiger Global bet big on Flipkart and got a $3.3 billion exit after the company was acquired by Walmart. Moglix operates in the industrial, maintenance, operations and repair procurement space.

Another B2B e-commerce start-up, Bizongo, raised $51 million in funding. Bizongo operates in the made-to-order goods space. Online fashion retailer FabAlley raised Rs 25.5 crore in funding from existing investors. Hyperlocal e-commerce start-up, Dealshare, raised Rs 70 crore in funding.

Its not just e-commerce companies, but digital start-ups too have had a great funding year. Last year, when the pandemic struck, investor monies dried up and only obvious players such as food delivery, edtech, and payments platforms (excluding Jio Platforms) got funding.

This year, investors are a lot more confident that online commerce and businesses are here to stay for a considerably longer term and will have a permanent impact on consumer buying behaviour.

Monga observes, Clients are investing more in e-commerce across the value chain (marketing, warehousing, etc.). Demand for multi-city warehousing has surged as brands dont want to rely on one location for their operations and fulfillment. The end consumers are shopping online more, there is a rapid increase in essential categories and growing inbound interest across the client spectrum. We are also seeing some interest from international clients.

He added, We are seeing a 3x increase in traffic and revenue, which is now growing at a 20% m-o-m basis. We have even onboarded 50+ partner brands post-COVID and our total active brand partners have crossed 100.

Nag resonated, Merchants are definitely more willing to invest in expanding their e-commerce operations. We have seen merchants from even Tier 3 cities investing and upgrading to digital showrooms premium offerings. On the other hand, our F&B partners are also seeking to invest in improving their tech capabilities to drive direct sales in every way possible.

He further said, Weve seen a 3x jump in the user base of our product for F&B players and we have seen a 2x jump in customer traction on branded stores.

Earlier, the Maharashtra government mandated that only essential goods would be delivered to the customers doorstep, thus limiting the online commerce boom to categories like Food, FMCG, Beauty and Personal Care. But some e-commerce players started delivering non-essentials as well, catering to consumer demand and amidst lack of clarity from the government. Mobile handsets and home appliances purchases have switched in a big way to online storefronts and offline retailers cannot compete since they have to be mindful of lockdown rules.

The B2B segment is picking up more than ever as brands are now constantly looking to digitise their distributor network, remarked Monga.

The client base has diversified and expanded a lot over the last few months. Businesses of every size now see the need to go digital. As a result, the businesses we are onboarding vary from general stores and construction businesses to bigger brands looking to expand their e-commerce operations, concluded Nag.
Chingari pledges to provide oxygen concentrators in select regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa.

Chingari App, one of the countrys pioneering and leading short video app, breathes hope for the tolerant citizens of this nation. Project Breathe, an initiative by Rotary Dist. 3170 of Rotary International & Being Human in collaboration with Chingari aims to provide oxygen concentrators in the under-served regions of Southwest Maharashtra, North Karnataka, and the entire state of Goa. The leadership at Chingari has come forward in serving the community with oxygen supplies across this region that has been grappling to meet oxygen demands from the past few weeks.

Speaking on the plan of action, Sumit Ghosh, CEO & Co-founder, Chingari App said, Rotary International and Being Human have always come forward to help those in need and as an organization that believes in building a better future for the nation, we are no different. It is the very time when we have to be there for our people and hence without a second thought we have extended our support to help foster Project Breathe. The nation and team Chingari will stand together to overcome this pandemic.

Under the project Breathe, Rotary Dist. 3170 shall be procuring oxygen concentrators which shall be handed over to various hospitals in the region. These concentrators shall be used by hospitals as an Oxygen Concentrator Bank for patients under home isolation, thus proportionately reducing their influx to hospitals that are already overwhelmed.

Chingari and Fireside intend to start a fundraiser along with CovidCitizens.org to support COVID initiatives undertaken by various NGOs across the country such as Rotary.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Bharat Pandya, renowned laparoscopic surgeon & Director of Rotary International said, Rotary International has been in the forefront of carrying out humanitarian projects across the world for more than a century. Rotary during COVID times has spent about $ 35 Million across the globe and $ 5 Millionin India alone towards COVID relief measures and medical infrastructure support. We are grateful to Chingari and Being Human for collaborating with Rotary in supporting this noble cause and look forward to partnering with them in future too.

Speaking on the collaboration, Deepak Salvi, Co-founder and COO, Chingari App said, These are testing times for the country and we all must extend our help to serve our people. We must take the battlefront to help our corona warriors. Team Chingari in its quest to help those suffering due to the shortage of oxygen, will be extending its full support as part of its social responsibility and welfare initiative. I urge everyone to come together and help those around you in whatever way you can.
With focus on growing international business, Vikas Vasal, National Managing Partner, Tax, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, has been appointed as the Global Tax Head for Grant Thornton International Ltd.

On the appointment, Peter Bodin, CEO, Grant Thornton International Ltd, said, With the network strategys focus on growing and protecting our international business, I am delighted that Vikas has agreed to take on this crucial role and bring his world-class expertise to the global stage.

Adding, Vikas Vasal said, I look forward to bringing my experience from the dynamic India market to the benefit of the global organisation, including a renewed focus on tax technology and on global delivery. Vasal is part of the leadership team of Grant Thornton Bharat and joined the firm in 2016 after spending over 20 years with another large firm in New Delhi, including a stint in New York. He is a regular speaker at international tax conferences and is a sought-after commentator in the media.

Recognising that this is perhaps the first appointment of an India based partner to lead a service line globally for a major accounting firm, Vishesh C Chandiok CEO of Grant Thornton Bharat LLP said, Having been a part of the Grant Thornton network since its formation, we have always been at the forefront of helping the evolution of our global network and I am confident Vikass appointment will further that contribution.

Grant Thornton was the first major accounting firm to host its global partners conference in India in 2013, Vishesh became the youngest member of the GTILs Board of Governors when he joined in 2015, and in 2019 Grant Thornton Bharat became the first Indian firm to announce a voluntary ban to render even permitted non- audit services to its India based Listed audit clients.
Mankind Pharma, the fourth largest pharmaceutical manufacturing company headquartered in India has appointed Grapes Digital to handle its PR mandate.

Grapes Digitals Delhi office will be responsible for public relations strategy, planning and execution for Mankind Pharma and the seven brands under the corporate brand; Prega News, Manforce Condoms, Gas-O-Fast, Acnestar, Health OK, Safekind and Unwanted72. The agency will strengthen Mankind Pharmas core brand value of being a trusted leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry, leveraging through an integrated communications approach combining strategic counselling and communication, media advocacy, crisis management and driving thought leadership in the pharma and healthcare space.

Commenting on the partnership, Joy Chatterjee, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mankind Pharma, said We are extremely happy to associate with Grapes Digital as our communication partners. We believe that leveraging Grapes Digitals expertise and long standing experience in the industry will enhance our brand visibility and connect with the target audience. We are confident this partnership will help us communicate our purpose as a brand and build the vision.

Speaking on the win, Himanshu Arya, Founder and CEO, Grapes Digital said, We are delighted that our deep and extensive understanding of corporate communications and a strong team have helped us win the mandate for Mankind Pharma, in their communication journey. We are keen on delivering result-oriented strategies and are delighted to leverage this association.

Grapes Digital is the fastest-growing digital-first marketing agency that is now aiming to grow in the PR industry as well and will be announcing the onboarding of more brands in the near future.
ShemarooMe is all set to release its Gujarati movie Swagatam, which will be a digital first release even before hitting the theatres. The trailer was launched on 8th May and got mind-blowing response from the audience across the world. Also keeping in mind about the current pandemic situation, ShemarooMe has created a special trailer for Swagatam as Worlds Safest Trailer  No Mask, No Swagatam film dialogues are integrated with the public service announcement highlighting the need for maintaining social distance, wearing a mask & taking up the vaccination process in such a way it looks fun along with the stay home and stay safe message.

Swagatam  the Gujarati thriller rom-com will be seen well before theatrical release on the 20th of May, exclusively streaming on ShemarooMe.

Film has Malhar Thakar, Katha Patel, Vandan Pathak, Brinda Rawal, Jay Upadhyay, Ojas Rawal, Chetan Dhananai, Sunil Vishrani, the film is directed by Neeraj Joshi and produced by Bharat Sevak.
Just when you thought that Gurmeet Choudhary has done it all for people suffering from COVID-19, he pushes his envelope even further and surprises you with his relentless nature that is determined to make a change to the nation. Gurmeet has now tied up with a team of young doctors (pan India) or as they are now known, Covid Warriors to launch Covi-Med, FREE teleconsultation service for HOME ISOLATED PATIENTS with mild to moderate symptoms so that they don't panic, don't self medicate, and most importantly they don't need to leave their houses for immediate help. He has tied up with 19 young doctors across the country who will be available from 10am to 8pm via 2 numbers on Whatsapp Messenger for any doubts related to COVID-19. Not only will the team of doctors provide medical consults, but they are also armed with the knowledge on how to deal with the anxiety that comes with whilst testing positive for Covid-19, a disease which may have taken over the world but can very much be cured at home in isolation if the right care and medication is given for mild cases.



The team of doctors of Covi-Med will consult through two operating whatsapp numbers. Once the patient sends us a message , they will ask for their details and medical history and a registered practitioner will call them back ASAP.

They will advise and treat mild to moderate symptoms of covid patients in home isolation., provide medical opinion if in need of hospitalization, deal with all mental health related queries, provide post Covid Care and follow up, in addition to counselling by a psychiatrist every week plus follow up. Covi-Med currently has around 19 doctors in their team at present and many are still volunteering, a few nursing officers have also volunteered to help in follow-up.



The team of doctors behind this initiative with Gurmeet Choudhary headlining the same are Dr. Rupraj Abhishek, Dr. S. H. Warsi, Suchitra Verma and Dr. Rajshree to name a few.
Netflix has recently appointed Nanjappa Palekanda as Vice President, Experience and Operations. He announced his appointment via a LinkedIn post.

Before joining Netflix, Nanjappa was associated with Uber for more than four years where he led an amazing team that worked across Employee Experience, HR Service Delivery, M&A, Risk & Compliance and Portfolio Management (planning, tech prog. management, budget management, etc.) for the people function.

Prior to this he joined Google in 2007 as People Programs Specialist and last served as Lead HR Business Partner in 2017. Nanjappa has also worked with Infosys for four years.
The councils executive director, Matt Pickering, issued the following statement: The fact is we share the same values and goals (the Department of Healthcare and Family Services) does in enhancing care, improving infection control and increasing staffing, but now is not the time to introduce dramatic policy changes that would significantly disrupt the delivery of care while the pandemic is still active.
Bobble AI  the Conversation Media Marketing (CMM) platform making everyday smartphone conversations expressive, smart, and personalized, today released the findings of its study, conducted by Nielsen, that attempts to analyze how millennials and GenZ in the country converse in the post COVID world.

The Bobble AI study conducted by Nielsen involved smartphone users both males and females, divided in two categories: 18-30 and 31-40 years conducted over a fortnight: 2nd March to 16th March 2021. The respondents for this survey are spread across 5 Metros across Zones (62%) including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad and non-metro cities (38%) including Patna, Lucknow, Indore, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The fieldwork was done in an unbiased manner without intervention from Bobble AI and the quality control procedures were also followed very strictly.

Key highlights of the Conversation media focused survey report:

Chatting is a daily activity which most of the people (94%) engage in EVERYDAY! Chatting has surpassed audio calling and video calling as the most common way of communication (by a significant margin  13 percentage points over audio calling). Almost 7 in 10 respondents say that their chatting activity has increased in the last 6 months and 67% of those say that it shall remain the same or increase further in the next 6 months, establishing that chatting is here to stay as the most heavily used communication medium. The awareness and adoption of conversation media formats including emojis, stickers, GIFs across different demographies is very high - 95% users are aware of emojis in NCCS A and 93% in NCCS B and 91% users are using emojis in NCCS A and 84% in NCCS B. Similar pattern is observed for stickers - 92% users are aware of stickers in NCCS A and 85% in NCCS B and 81% users are showing preference for usage of stickers in NCCS A and 71% in NCCS B. Primary reasons for increasing popularity of chatting formats are that 'its fun to use' and 'It helps in expressing oneself better'. The older age group score significantly higher for makes messages easier to understand. Awareness of re-sharing is similar across different chatting formats, however, the likelihood of re-sharing Emojis are significantly higher than stickers and GIFs. Emojis, Stickers & GIFs make the conversations real and personal as it allows people to express accurately and in a fun way. 80% of users believe that chatting formats make their message easier to understand. Emojis were ranked first as the most preferred chatting format, followed by stickers and GIFs. Moreover, Emojis are more likely to be used for 'expressing an emotion' and talk about various daily activities, whereas people prefer to use stickers to send best wishes on birthdays and festivals. 96% of users claim to use emojis, stickers, gifs to express an emotion (happiness, anger, or sadness to name a few) 85% of users claim to use these formats to wish on birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, etc. 81% of users claim to use chatting formats to express or tell something about an activity (eating, running, cooking, etc.) 70% of users claim to use these chatting formats to talk about trending topics, situations IPL, etc. When given a choice between a branded sticker & an unbranded sticker for specific situations, around 3 in 4 among the surveyed respondents claimed that they are likely to use a branded sticker vis-a-vis an unbranded sticker. Given that chatting is one of the main sources of communication these days and majority of respondents prefer branded stickers, it gives a powerful platform to the brands to advertise themselves and be a part of everyday conversations.

Millennials and Gen-Z chats across platforms are evolving from just plain text to stickers, GIFs and emojis. Various keyboard and messaging platforms now understand what youngsters want and are investing to expand their content offerings in these areas. This, in turn, provides opportunity to brands to explore these unique chatting formats and connect with the intended audience most effectively.

Bobble AI, being a conversation media platform, recommends relevant content such as GIFs, stickers and emojis during users' conversations in real time across applications and allows brands to cross path with the consumers by being part of their daily conversations.

Commenting on the findings of the survey, Ankit Prasad, Founder and CEO, Bobble AI said, The key findings validate the growing relevance of Conversation Media among GenZies and Millennials in the country and the rising inclination for chatting over any other means of communication. With more and more people working and living remotely and being compelled to multi-task, they are looking for new and innovative ways to express themselves better. Conversation Media like emojis, stickers, GIFs are a fun, engaging way for brands to break the clutter and connect with their audiences. COVID-19 pandemic has caused gloom and Conversation Media Marketing serves as an opportunity for brands to drive positive impact and influence in the minds of consumers.
, the international authority on marketing effectiveness, is today launching the WARC Awards for Media 2021 , a comprehensive global awards scheme rewarding communications planning which has made a positive impact on business results.

Now in its sixth year, the competition will examine the insight, strategy and analytics that power effective media investment. There are four categories, each with its own international high-calibre judging panel.

The Effective Channel Integration category looks for how sophisticated communications architecture helped boost campaign effectiveness. Leading the jury will be Ron Amram, Senior Director, Global Media, Mars, who is responsible for driving the increased impact and effectiveness of Mars' media investment globally, as well as owning the digital platforms for the company's brands.

Commenting on his upcoming role, Amram says: "The WARC Awards for Media celebrate the crucial role of strong channel strategies in achieving cut through in today's competitive media landscape. I look forward to helping showcase best-practice examples from across the globe to serve as inspiration for the industry."

The Effective Use of Tech category will reward communications that have effectively used or combined emerging platforms or technology in the media mix. Rajoielle Register, Head of Global Brand Experiences, Ford Motor Company, will chair the jury panel. Raj leads the company's collaboration with key stakeholders to deliver the corporate brand experience and marketing strategy for global and regional auto shows.

Sharing her thoughts on this category, Register says: "Technology's role as a catalyst for progress and a force for good is increasingly growing in the advertising industry, as more and more brands embrace tech innovations within their comms. I am honoured to chair this WARC Awards for Media category and look forward to rewarding breakthrough tech-driven work."

The Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category looks for how collaborations with third parties, including native advertising and sponsorships, have helped brands meet business goals. The category will be chaired by Sarita Rao, President, Integrated & Partner Solutions, AT&T Business, who leads the company's business development and specialised sales efforts for next-generation technologies as well as delivering AT&T Partner Exchange and Wholesale initiatives.

Sarita comments: "It is an honor to be working with the WARC Awards for Media and their remarkable panel of judges to uncover and reward work which understands the power of brands joining forces to connect with global audiences."

The Best Use of Data category, recognising the role of data in an effective communications strategy, will be chaired by Siew Ting Foo, Chief Marketing Officer, Greater Asia, HP. At HP, Siew Ting is focused on driving brand relevance and purpose by combining data and emotional connection.

Commenting on chairing this category, Siew Ting says: "With its applications increasingly expanding - from real-time executions to audience segmentation and contextual targeting - I look forward to celebrating uses of data that stopped consumers in their tracks and connected with them meaningfully."
ByteDance on Thursday announced that its global CEO Zhang Yiming will be stepping down from his role. Appointed Co-Founder and Human Resource Chief, Liang Rubo will take his place.

Yiming's resignation comes close on the heels of other rejigs within the company when Shou Zi Chew, the CFO was renamed the CEO of TikTok.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 20.05.2021 - The FDFA and the Federal Ministry of Justice of Nigeria have signed an agreement under which Nigeria will immediately release the ship San Padre Pio. The vessel, which flies the Swiss flag, was detained in January 2018 in Nigeria's exclusive economic zone.

Following extensive diplomatic efforts by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research and the Federal Department of Finance, a memorandum of understanding providing for the immediate release of the vessel was signed on 20 May 2021. It is now incumbent on Nigeria to release the vessel and on the companies involved in operating the San Padre Pio to take the necessary operational measures for the actual departure of the vessel.

The agreement was signed by Nigeria's minister of justice and the Swiss ambassador in Nigeria.

The agreement is the result of numerous interventions of Switzerland vis-a-vis Nigeria with a view to the release of the vessel. Once the vessel has been able to leave Nigeria's exclusive economic zone, the legal proceeding pending before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg can be terminated.

The San Padre Pio was detained in Nigeria's exclusive economic zone in January 2018. Switzerland had initiated legal proceedings before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html



Secretariat-General FDF

http://www.efd.admin.ch



State Secretariat for Economic Affairs

http://www.seco.admin.ch




Dale Kettlewell and his son, Gavian, 9, check in deer for processing at Niemuth's Steak & Chop Shop in Waupaca on Saturday. Gavian was helping his father butcher deer for the first time.
Kansas State University is one of 13 public and private universities calling for increased federal funding of agricultural research in light of growing global population and competition.
Information like this has been a staple on Tempe Union students' IDs for several years, but now it is mandatory for all schools, including colleges and universities, in Arizona.
Ahwatukee leads the rest of Phoenix and the East Valley in the percentage of fully vaccinate
Have a beer with the worlds best boss: Replay Lincoln Park has extended the fan favorite pop-up Back to the Office through the end of May. Celebrate your favorite Dunder Mifflin co-workers by visiting the desks, Michaels office and more. Outdoor cubicle seating is available to enjoy Office-inspired cocktails. Guests can shop for fan art, T-shirts and souvenirs inside the recreated warehouse. Through May 30 at Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave.; 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., $20 (ages 21+); replaylincolnpark.com
Stacker compared the minimum wage in each state and Washington D.C. to the cost of living, referring to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Living Wage Calculator. Click for more.
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Italian buyout house Alto Partners has had "positive responses" from LPs in the pre-marketing phase for its next fund which will be in the market relatively soon, AltAssets can reveal.
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Mistakes People Make When Moving To Mexico



Learn which city in Mexico is ideal for you to live in based on lifestyle preferences, how to buy real estate in Mexico and what healthcare is really like here, join Taniel LIVE! on June 8, 9 or 16 for a FREE webinar. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Over the last few decades, Mexico has become one of the top relocation and retirement markets amongst US and Canadian citizens, with Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Cancun, San Miguel de Allende and other popular resort regions grabbing most of the attention and real estate investment dollars.



Moving to a foreign country is exciting and life changing, and can come with a few challenges, especially in the beginning. To make it a little easier, Timothy Real Estate Group's Taniel Chemsian and Modern Aging's Risa Morimoto put together a list of the Top 9 Mistakes People Make When Moving To Mexico. The list includes:



Expecting Everything To Be Cheaper In Mexico

Assuming Credit Cards Are Accepted Everywhere

Expecting Things To Happen On Your Time

...and much more.



Check out the list on the



For more information, don't miss the



If you are thinking about moving and purchasing property in Mexico, you won't want to miss this great opportunity to learn from The Pros.



Taniel Chemsian is one of the top real estate sales associates for Timothy Real Estate Group in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He moved to Puerto Vallarta from Los Angeles in 2003, became a real estate agent in 2006 and has never looked back. He has sold hundreds of homes in the region over the last 13 years, and is often seen on House Hunters International (HGTV).



The number one selling and listing agency in the greater Bay of Banderas region since 2011, Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the city's Romantic Zone. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate and, with 5 sales offices around the bay, we know our communities well. If you are looking to sell or purchase a property in the Banderas Bay area, download their



Click HERE to learn more about Timothy Real Estate Group - Over the last few decades, Mexico has become one of the top relocation and retirement markets amongst US and Canadian citizens, with Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Cancun, San Miguel de Allende and other popular resort regions grabbing most of the attention and real estate investment dollars.Moving to a foreign country is exciting and life changing, and can come with a few challenges, especially in the beginning. To make it a little easier, Timothy Real Estate Group's Taniel Chemsian and Modern Aging's Risa Morimoto put together a list of the Top 9 Mistakes People Make When Moving To Mexico. The list includes:Expecting Everything To Be Cheaper In MexicoAssuming Credit Cards Are Accepted EverywhereExpecting Things To Happen On Your Time...and much more.Check out the list on the This Is Modern Aging website by clicking HERE. For more information, don't miss the FREE 'Dream Retirement in Mexico' webinar on June 8, 9 and 16. Taniel & Risa will discuss the most popular expat destinations in Mexico, basics on how to purchase property and the ins and outs of the Mexican healthcare system.If you are thinking about moving and purchasing property in Mexico, you won't want to miss this great opportunity to learn from The Pros. Click HERE to register TODAY! The number one selling and listing agency in the greater Bay of Banderas region since 2011, Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the city's Romantic Zone. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate and, with 5 sales offices around the bay, we know our communities well. If you are looking to sell or purchase a property in the Banderas Bay area, download their Free Real Estate Buyer and Seller's Guides to learn more, then contact one of the Timothy Real Estate Group agents for the best experience in Puerto Vallarta real estate. For more information, visit TimothyRealEstateGroup.com.
That wheel series model made a new episode of Columbo special. The signature bits, such as the one more thing  gambit deployed by the wily detective at crucial interrogative junctures, didnt come off shticky for a simple reason. Viewers hadnt heard it in at least three weeks. Today, binge-watching old Columbos, as millions have either done again or for the first time, that bit seems rote. I watched a few again in a clump recently and seeing all those fabulous Columbo guest stars, from Jack Cassidy to Janet Leigh, in a compressed period of time felt at times like gorging at a landlocked Love Boat buffet.
**FILE Oct.11, 2013** Workers seen on the Israeli 'Tamar' gas processing rig 24 km off the Israeli southern coast of Ashkelon. Noble Energy and Delek are the main partners in the Tamar gas field, estimated to contain 10 trillion cubic feet of gas. October 11, 2013. Photo by Moshe Shai/FLASH90
Anna Istre, a second grade teacher at Lake Charles Charter Academy, had two very unusual starts to her career. She graduated McNeese State University and began teaching right before the March 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns and then began again with the difficulties of the storm ridden 2020-2021 sch
HOUMA, La. (AP)  A guard at a Louisiana jail has been fired and arrested after authorities said she conspired with inmates to bring drugs and other contraband into the facility.
There is nothing more American than moms apple pie. The image of the hot sugar-crusted pie is a happy memory for countless Americans. Variations of this tasty dessert belong to all American mothers regardless of race or ethnic origin.

Leave it to progressive demagogues to find a way to tear down this cultural icon. They cannot let an apple be an apple. They deconstruct an apple pie to always find a hidden racist or oppressive narrative.

Food Injustice

The Left rejects the truth that apple pie is just an easy-to-make dessert. Instead, it denounces what it calls food injustice. This sour exercise consists of tracing food origins and reading oppressive narratives into them. These same people will look at modern food chains and find exploitive labor and other practices embedded in their production processes.

Perhaps because it is an American icon, the Lefts food police attack the apple, claiming it is guilty of genocide. In the kangaroo court of food injustice, no one is allowed to speak in the apples defense.

Raj Patel, author of Stuffed and Starved: Markets, Power and the Hidden Battle for the Worlds Food System (Brooklyn: Melville House, 2012), makes a ruthless case against the apple and apple pie.

In an article in the Guardian, he claims the apple has nothing American about it. The fruit tree was imported from Europe and imposed upon the natives. Its introduction was part of a vast and ongoing genocide of indigenous people.

The Apple as an Oppressive Tool

The author does not even allow Europeans to claim the apple as their own. Long ago, apples came from central Asia and found their way into Europe through trade (and presumably without genocide). The apple became an important food in both Asia and Europe for millennia. For centuries, the apple steered clear of offending and oppressing people.

The case against the apple gets serious with its introduction into America by the hated Spaniards in the early sixteenth century. Patel claims the fruit became a tool of colonization wherever it went. The apple could not remain an apple. It became a sign of occupation, not healthy nourishment. Pioneers and settlers imposed it on the peoples they oppressed.

Things got worse for the apple as it took root and flourished in the native soil of the English colonies. Colonial officials saw the trees as a sure sign that the land had been improved and taken from the wilderness. The author says the trees became markers of colonized property and symbolized intruders who uprooted indigenous communities.

Unlike the leftist theorists, most colonials saw only apple trees. They were unaware of their crime. Indeed, the apple can claim it is the most cultivated fruit worldwide, celebrated by all peoples and cultures. Wherever it goes, it has kept the doctor away with its health benefits and excellent taste. In America, the Europeans introduced the tree (that crossed with the native crabapple) to secure an abundant and varied food supply to inhabitants that often experienced food insecurity. Alas, nothing about the apples many benefits is allowed in its defense.

Not the Apple but Property

However, a closer look reveals that the real culprit on the docket at food injustice court is not the poor apple. The Left hates property, not the apple. Patel presents the damning evidence by claiming that apple trees had become markers of civilization, which is to say property.

Rousseau could not have said it better. Cursed be all property that establishes civilization wherever it takes hold! Cursed be all apple trees that mark a property, making it beautiful and productive!

Property is the foundation for a civilization that provides stability for the family and allows traditions to flourish. Private property is where apples can be produced, homes with mothers can be built, and pie recipes can be handed down.

The Abolition of Private Property

That is why the Left hates private property, which it calls theft. Property lies at the center of its class struggle dialectic between the haves and have nots. Marx said that his whole doctrine could be summarized as the abolition of private property.

When put in the context of an attack on private property, the poor apples framing and canceling make sense. The Lefts narratives turn all property markers into instruments of oppression. It hates all signs of Christian civilization that work to improve fallen human nature. All situations of tribal egalitarian misery are turned into idyllic fantasies of the noble savage. In its desire to level everything, the left leaves no stone unturned or apple tree standing.

The charges against the apple are absurd. However, this is no laughing matter as the radical Left is deadly serious. Nothing escapes the cruel tyranny of the food injustice thugs, not even moms apple pie.

Image: PxHere

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Bill Gates has written a book: How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. Unfortunately, the book is a disaster. He doesnt get past the introduction before making mistakes that negate the rest of the book. He claims Carbon Dioxide emissions must be reduced to zero to avoid a climate disaster. Assuming that CO2 can even cause a climate disaster, about half the CO2 emitted every year is reabsorbed by the Earth  by the oceans and by plants. Thus, you dont need zero, a fifty percent reduction would stop the rise of CO2 in the atmosphere. It is vastly more difficult to cut out all emissions compared to cutting them in half.

Gates claims we have to deploy solar and wind faster and smarter. I wrote a book about wind and solar with the title: Dumb Energy. There is no smart deployment of wind and solar. They are very dumb and very, very expensive. It is routine for solar to cost five times more than electricity from natural gas. Heavy solar deployment makes it even more expensive due to the use of auxiliary batteries.

Gates says we need to create and roll out breakthrough technologies. Thats called the pie in the sky.

Bill Gates strikes me as a good guy, especially compared to the nasty guys running Apple, Facebook, and Twitter. He is sincerely trying to help the poor people of the world through his foundation. He is simply out of his depth on climate and is probably talking only to the promoters of climate disaster. There are plenty of scientists that are climate skeptics.

You might think that having a lot of money frees one from the chains imposed by the need to please ones employer, friends, family, and social group. But, rarely do rich people take unpopular positions. Trump is one of the few. Rich people are as much slaves to political fashion as anyone else.

The same applies to scientists. It is unusual for a scientist to question popular wisdom among his peers. As for global warming, an employed scientist risks being fired if he expresses skepticism. Global warming fear is the source of vast funding for science. The hope is that giving money to the people that perpetrated the fraud can save us from it. Most of the scientists publicly skeptical of global warming are retired or otherwise independent of large institutions that hate dissent.

Gates repeats a fallacious theory that has been debunked many times.

How do greenhouse gases (mostly CO2) cause warming? The short answer: They absorb heat and trap it in the atmosphere. They work the same way a greenhouse workshence the name.

Global warming theory is far more complicated than greenhouses. But we should note that the owners of greenhouses often install CO2 generators to make plants grow better and faster. CO2 greatly benefits agriculture.

Radiation has a central role in the Earths climate. Everything with a temperature above absolute zero radiates electromagnetic energy. The radiation from the sun that arrives as sunshine is a consequence of the extremely hot surface of the sun. But even objects at room temperature or even cold objects radiate invisible (to us) infrared radiation.

The considerable energy that is absorbed by the Earth from sunlight does not stay trapped on the Earth. It has to escape back into space or the Earth would heat up without limit. The outgoing radiation that balances the incoming radiation is infrared radiation that mostly originates in the cold upper atmosphere.

The removal of the heat energy from the Earths surface initially takes place by convection, hot air rising. Radiation to outer space from the surface of the earth is largely blocked because the atmosphere has limited transparency to infrared radiation. Convection carries the energy upward to a region called the tropopause that is the boundary between the lower atmosphere and the stratosphere  where jet planes fly.

At this high altitude, the atmosphere is thin enough and dry enough that radiation can escape to outer space. The height of the tropopause above the Earths surface varies by region and is a function of temperature and humidity. The temperature difference between the surface and the tropopause is controlled by the lapse rate, a measure of how fast the atmosphere cools with altitude. The lapse rate is sensitive to the amount of water vapor in the air. If the tropopause rises higher while the lapse rate remains the same, then the surface of the Earth must be hotter because the same rate of cooling is stretched over a greater distance. Adding CO2 to the atmosphere, particularly to the stratosphere, will make the tropopause rise enough for the thinning of the atmosphere to compensate for the infrared radiation blocking properties of CO2. There is little reason to believe that the average lapse rate is frozen at a certain level as global warming theory assumes.

That is the real, complicated theory of global warming. Global warming wont happen unless a lot of conditions are satisfied. Something that is not likely.

There was a period of strong global warming from about 1910 to 1940. Nobody knows what caused it except that it wasnt caused by rising CO2 because CO2 levels were too low in that less industrialized period. The current, minor global warming cannot be attributed to CO2 as its profile, involving a so-called hot spot in the upper atmosphere, does not match the profile expected from warming induced by CO2.

The most extreme weather and temperatures in recent times took place in the 1930s, not the present time. Weve all heard about the dust bowl.

The promoters of global warming claim that anything people have reason to be scared of will be caused by global warming. Some of the favorites are floods, storms, sea-level rise, and crop failure. These threats are made up for political reasons. A thin scientific explanation can always be found.

I started studying global warming fifteen years ago. It took the first few years to have the realization dawn that global warming is political, not scientific. It is something like a religion that is very convenient for the promoters.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The civil complaint, filed in November, accused the Lowes of recurring inhumane treatment and improper handling of animals protected by the Endangered Species Act. The couple has received numerous citations for failing to properly care for the animals following three inspections of the Tiger King Park in Thackerville since December 2020.
I loved President Trump because he stood up for the ordinary people of America, those who for so long had been kept in cultural servitude by the political elite. Trump endowed ordinary Americans with a sense of possibilities by returning manufacturing jobs to America, restoring our sovereignty as a nation free of global institutions, and, above all, ending the atmosphere of political correctness that had choked free expression for decades.

Then, when the elite saw everyday Americans rising above their station, it decided to put them back in their servitude by depriving Trump of a second term, by whatever means necessary. Now the high-paying jobs are disappearing, we are bowing to the UN, IPCC, and WHO once again, and every word that comes out of the White House has to do with social and racial justice. The Capitol riot of Jan. 6 gave them an excuse, and now ordinary Americans are back on the cultural plantation.

To appreciate what Trump meant, one need only look at what Biden has done in four months. Liberal elitism is expressed in many ways, but the overriding theme is that the common people are too ignorant to know the truth, much less to be allowed to govern. For progressive politicians, the truth may shift on particular issuesmasks, no masks, schools closed, schools open, border open, border closedbut it always comes back to the idea of big government and centralized power. At the heart of every move is the power and corruption of a self-anointed elite.

In the 1960s, against all common sense, the left backed the Black Panthers and Students for a Democratic Society, and there were few to call them out on it. There were Huey Newton t-shirts and raised fists resembling the BLM t-shirt and raised fists of today. Now the race cardalong with the science is settled insistence that the earth is dyingis the lefts answer to anyone who would challenge their idea of permanent and total power.

Against all evidence, it is supposed that the Iran Deal will transform the Iranian leadership into a peace-loving neighbor of Israel and that China will cease its belligerent activities. The American people know better, but they are ordered to stomach Bidens appeasement policies so that the vast network of payoff and corruption, apparently involving the Biden family itself, can continue.

Now it appears that John Kerry, a key figure in both the Obama and Biden administrations, passed sensitive information regarding Israels military to Iran and may have attempted to undermine Trumps foreign policy in the Middle East. Kerry and Biden have now revoked much of that policy, and the result is a dangerous unraveling of Middle East peace. Again, the American people are disgusted with what they see, but the administration and the liberal media remain silent as if the people are undeserving of an answer. The idea that one can rule by fiat while rigging elections and coordinating with a complicit media constitutes an astounding assault on American democracy.

The corruption is so vast as to take ones breath away. The Green New Deal promises to siphon vast sums from American taxpayers to reward those who contribute huge sums to Democrats in return for green mandates that favor their investments. Those who have lost their high-paying pipeline jobs are told to retrain laying solar panels at $12 an hour. And so it goes through every fabric of our society from restaurant closings to transgender rights: the ordinary citizen is lectured that his common sense is racist, sexist, homophobic, or simply ignorant. And what is concealed is an enormous network of corruption from the top right down to local organizers thriving on community development and diversity grants. To the victoror the cheatgo the spoils.

President Trump exposed that network of corruption even as liberal media shut down his ability to get the message out. Trump believed that everyday Americans were capable of acting in their own best interests once they learned the facts, and he respected their values of love of family, God, and country. And for this, we loved him.

What Trump meant was an attempt to return Washington to some standard of the truth. With every month that passes, it becomes clearer that President Trump spoke the truth to the American people. He was right about Russiagate, right about the border, right about Iran and China, right about the Paris climate accord. From his heart, Trump believed in the ordinary American, and that is what separated him from the corrupt politicians of The Swamp.

And now the elite are smiling in smug certainty, believing they are laying the groundwork for permanent power with their so-called federal election reform. They believe they possess an inherent right to rule over the great masses who reside between the Appalachians in the East and the Pacific Coast Range in the West, those who work for hourly wages and mid-level management and who speak something other than the dialects of New England, Manhattan, or California. And this elite, under Pelosi and Schumer, is plotting to retain power forever and for that power to be indisputable and absolute. And only President Trump stood in the way of that destruction of democracy, and that is why they hate him.

Is that also why Liz Cheney, another child of the beltway, displays such animus toward the leader of her party? One could hardly imagine Cheney restoring dignity to the plant worker whod lost his job to China, the Catholic mom whod had abortion rights shoved down her throat, the college applicant whod been passed over in favor of less-qualified candidates, or the patriot tired of hearing their presidents apologize for our nations dark past. If she is so much offended by America First, why doesnt she join the Squad and run as a Democrat?

Trump had begun to restore dignity to these ordinary Americanssoutherners, westerners, Catholics, evangelicals, hourly workers, all those who have been the object of liberal contempt from Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama on down to Joe Biden. President Trump believed in the truth of our founding creed that all men are created equal and in the Jeffersonian view that government exists to serve the common people, not just the coastal elite. Trump was the first president since Reagan to confer a true sense of dignity and equal opportunity on the ordinary American.

And for this, I loved President Trump and long for his return.

Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011).

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and a group of like-minded colleagues want to sink the proposed $735-million sale of a Boeing-built arms guidance kit to Israel. The Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) kit converts unguided or "dumb" bombs into precision-guided munitions. The goal, according to Politico, is "leverage to push the Israelis to drop their resistance to a ceasefire."

In fact, Israel's resistance is not to a ceasefire, but to the continued rocket attacks by Hamas into Israeli civilian centers. The Biden administration has no leverage at all with Hamas and is pushing desperately for an Iran deal, which precludes asking Iran to rein in its Hamas terror proxy. For America to consider punishing Israel is nasty at best and counterproductive of AOC's stated goal at worst. Would she prefer that Israel use "dumb" bombs to defend itself and its people?

We've seen this before.

In 2009, Barak Obama's administration blocked the delivery of six Apache helicopters to Israel on the grounds that Israel might use them in Gaza.

During Israel's 2014 response to Hamas rockets and mortars fired into Israel, President Obama accused Israel of "heavy-handed battlefield tactics" and halted the supply of Hellfire missiles. Military equipment supplied to Israel would also have to be vetted individually in the White House instead of shipped by the Pentagon according to prior agreements. The irony of withholding precision missiles  precision being the operative word  was lost on the White House.

Irony abounded also because the Obama administration itself used Hellfire missiles against terrorists. A Hellfire killed American citizens Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Kahn in Yemen and an Italian aid worker in Pakistan. Among others.

But the administration in 2014 appeared  like AOC & Co. today  to have been influenced by press stories about damage in Gaza, which ultimately proved to be concentrated in areas where Hamas was stockpiling munitions and rockets and conducting command-and-control operations that included firing more than 2,700 rockets and missiles that July. Today's Hamas total is more than 4,000 rockets in far less time and with far greater accuracy.

In 2014, Israel struck a UNRWA-administered school, prompting cries of outrage, but UNWRA later admitted that it had covered up that Hamas had used the school for military operations.

The 2021 equivalent is the feigned outrage of the AP and Al Jazeera over Israel's destruction of a high-rise building in which they worked that was also the known home of Hamas offices and capabilities. Everyone in the building received an hour's notice to evacuate  approximately 59 minutes and 35 seconds more warning than Israeli civilians have to find shelter from Hamas rockets.

In 2014, Israel concluded that the U.S. was not a reliable supplier of either helicopters or missiles and adapted the Spike anti-tank missile technology to the Apache while retaining Hellfire capability.

( Side note : Spike has a feature missing in Hellfire  the operator can change target mid-course or abort if targeting information changes. This is not trivial. During the Yugoslav war, NATO aircraft launched a missile at a then-empty bridge near Belgrade. By the time the missile hit, a civilian train was crossing and was destroyed. NATO planes hit a bridge where a school bus had arrived after the missile was launched; a number of children were killed. This is not an indictment of NATO forces  many of whom have now adopted Israel's Spike  but a demonstration of Israel's determination to create ways to minimize civilian casualties.)

In 2014, the U.S. should not have cut off the sale of weapons in the middle of battle. It was bad policy, signaling the unreliability of the U.S. as an ally.

In 2021, the signal is the same.

The Biden administration has its sights firmly set on restoring the Obama administration's flawed JCPOA (the Iran deal). American officials have made it clear they will not concern themselves with Iran's ballistic missile program; human rights violations; or support for proxy terror armies including Hamas, Hezb'allah, and Yemen's Houthis. The terror designation against the Houthis has been removed, and secretary of state Antony Blinken is considering what Trump administration sanctions against Iran could also be lifted in exchange for an Iranian promise.

Throwing Israel under the bus sets up the current conundrum: Hamas feels free to fire rockets from among its civilians into Israeli civilians (two war crimes in one) because it doesn't care in the least who gets killed as long as Israel gets blamed and Iran is happy. Israel has to defend its people by eliminating as much of the Hamas threat capability as it can while trying to spare Palestinians imprisoned by Hamas.

As happened in 2014, Israel will likely weather the storm of 2021  both the Hamas disregard for human life and the foolish virtue-signaling by AOC & Co. now joined by the president telling the Israeli prime minister to hurry up and stop.

But the vision of the United States abandoning an ally under fire and licking the sidewalk in front of the Iranian mullahs, who are enemies both of us and of them, will be hard to erase.

Shoshana Bryen is senior director of The Jewish Policy Center and editor of inFOCUS Quarterly.

Image via Max Pixel.

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And so, Joe Biden has declared, effectively, that he is not his own man. How else to understand this report in the May 19 lead story in the New York Times: "President Biden, who had publicly supported Israel's right to defend itself, privately warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel that he could not deter growing pressure from the international community and American politicians for much longer..."? This bizarre assertion serves, certainly, to negate Israel's right to defend itself.

The jejune nature of the not so well-meaning statements on Israel is made manifest by the absence of third-party condemnation of the inhuman practice of Hamas firing rockets at Israel. The result: This sorry, deplorable comment attributed to Biden using the "pressure" from the usual anti-Israel suspects to place a time limit on Israel's right to self-defense.

Interestingly, if Biden had waited a few days before threatening Israel with a self-defense time limit, he could have read an accurate description of Hamas in, of all places, the Thomas L. Friedman column in the May 19 Times: "For Trump, Hamas and Bibi, It is Always Jan. 6." Let's not focus on this absurd attempt by Friedman to dredge up another bit of anti-Trump demonization. Instead, let's turn our attention to his statement summarizing what Hamas is all about: "an Islamo-fascist organization without a shred of democratic fiber that is dedicated to destroying the Jewish state and imposing a Tehran-like Islamic regime in Palestine[.]"

Mr. Biden, did you read that? You are about to demand a halt to the exercise of self-defense by Israel against an organization "dedicated" to its destruction and, since May 10, that has fired more than 3,000 rockets against civilian targets in the Jewish state. Apparently, a key rationale for the pressure you say you are under is that not enough Israelis have been killed in proportion to the civilian deaths in Gaza that are a pertinent factor in the belligerent strategy of Hamas, a strategy intended to get not so well-meaning third parties to hurl torrents of blame at the target of the Hamas goal: driving the Jews into the Mediterranean.

The immorality of the rush by Biden, as the puppet of radical Democrats and "the international community," is mind-boggling. His failure to denounce Hamas in the strongest terms for turning Gaza civilians into human shields for Hamas is, quite simply, unconscionable  and unfathomable.

I was in error to suggest that it is unthinkable that radical Democrats and the international community should oppose the defeat of Hamas by the Israel Defense Forces. What else explains the rush to curtail Israel's right to defend itself against that organization intent on her destruction? The left does not want Hamas to be defeated.

And what is the response from Biden, anti-democratic Democrats, and the international community to the Hamas Charter, committed to the destruction of Israel, as well as to its practice of sacrificing civilians on the altar of religious war? Silence. More than seven and a half decades ago, the world was also silent. Prime Minister Netanyahu is letting the world know today, "never again" will silence be the handmaiden of those who would snuff out Jewish lives.

Image: Oren Rosenfeld.

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A bunch of people who live in a land that is not their own are fed up with their helplessness and, determined to guide their own destiny, return to their ancestral land to build a country of their own.

Some, like Black Lives Matter, call this "Settler Colonialism."

But is it?

In my opening sentence, I had Liberia in mind: "Liberia began as a settlement of the American Colonization Society (ACS), who believed black people would face better chances for freedom and prosperity in Africa than in the United States[.] ... Between January 7, 1822, and the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, more than 15,000 freed and free-born people of color who faced social and legal oppression in the United States, as well as 3,198 Afro-Caribbeans, relocated to the settlement."

Should BLM argue that Liberia is a product of "settler colonialism"? I guess so, given that this is how they describe the desire of the Jews to have a country of their own.

Does BLM rail against Liberia, as it rails against Israel? The record doesn't show it.

Why this double standard? Is it a result of racism? Or of not thinking Liberia is an exercise in "settler colonialism"?

In fact, it's surprising that American blacks would be outraged by "settler colonialism." Just like the rest of us, they are descendants of foreign arrivals, and their ancestors' arrival in chains does not change this fact. One could argue that those who went to Liberia showed more moral grit than adherents of the BLM, who, while condemning "settler colonialism," practice it  just as every nonNative American does.

The history of humanity is one of population movement. Just a few years ago, Europe was swamped by Syrian Muslims fleeing the civil war; boatloads of North Africans seeking a better life in Europe arrive at its shores daily; Mexicans and Central Americans flock to the American border hoping to establish a new home in (or if you will, "settle in," or "colonize") America. None of them has a title to a place in which they are trying to make a home; in that respect, what distinguishes Israelis is that they at least have a solid title to a land in which they live and which they defend.

Does defending what is one's own exemplify "settler colonialism"? Or does coming to a land not one's own to settle in it better fit that definition?

We don't hear BLM condemning what goes on at our southern border as "settler colonialism." If "settler colonialism" bothers BLM, they should vocally condemn the illegals. For that matter, BLM should, looking in a mirror, seriously consider Liberia as a truly moral alternative to their own share of "settler colonialism." But above all, BLM  and others  should stop accusing Israel of what it is guiltless of. Defending what is one's own isn't "settler colonialism" at all.

Image: Darwinek.

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We all witnessed the shocking moment on Election Day when Arizona instantly turned blue, for the second time in 76 years. The way Arizona voted in the presidential election was determined solely by Phoenix. Phoenix voted blue, so the Electoral College went blue.

In other words, every red county in Arizona had zero say in who was to become president, simply because the urban population officially overcame the rural population. Once this happens, it's blue forever. Take California as an example, or the state of Oregon. Both are ruled by their cities, while both have enormous swaths of unrepresented conservative regions.

This is the fate of every red state in the nation, most alarmingly in deep red states adjacent to deep blue states. Idaho will be the next flipped election. Just like Phoenix once was, Boise is now the fastest-growing city in the nation. Where are Boise's immigrants coming from? California.

The original intent of the Electoral College is constantly debated. The original intent doesn't matter, however; it's the effect that actually matters. Let's explore this.

In U.S. history, two states have exercised their constitutional right and power to reformulate how their electoral votes are calculated: Nebraska and Maine. They recently rejected the "winner takes all" method that the 50 states traditionally employed.

In doing so, their 2020 election results are noteworthy. For the second time in history, Nebraska split its Electoral College votes: Four votes went to Trump, and one was delivered to Biden. The sole Democratic vote came from the urban district. Maine, which is New England's last conservative stand, sent one vote to Trump and three to Biden.

Nebraska and Maine understand how important the Electoral College is in preventing the urban culture from overriding the rural culture. Conservatives in these two states were not shut out of the presidential election process, unlike in Arizona, Georgia, and Idaho soon to follow.

Now, by looking at the actual effect of the Electoral College, we can determine its purpose: to give equal representation to cultures. It prevents the dangerous effect of groupthink and mob rule. This is important to understand, because cities, by definition, are more populated, but that doesn't mean their values are more important.

When the Electoral College was originally established, it can be imagined that it was intended to prevent the population of the major cities (then only on the coast) to override the values of the vast interior of the country. The "winner takes all" method was widely accepted because interior states were still culturally homogeneous.

U.S. population has exploded since then, and with the ubiquity of the internet, interior cities are proving to be just as liberal as coastal cities. Therefore, we need to rescale and reformulate the Electoral College in each state so the E.C can still be effective at giving both cultures equal voice (and preventing mob rule).

It should be mentioned: rescaling the E.C. is not the same as eliminating it. Direct democracy will always result in the urban culture overriding the rural culture. The E.C. is essentially a scoring handicap.

The takeaway: all red state legislatures are strongly advised to re-establish the way the Electoral College votes are calculated, ASAP, while their legislatures are still red. The power to determine election law is well within the constitutional rights of each state, as it is yet another form of separation of powers.

This legislative action appears to be safe (debate encouraged). By definition and circumstance, it can only benefit the rural culture. If a future liberal Legislature wants to revert back to the "winner take all" model, its argument will appear thuggish and suspiciously contrary to liberals' battle cry of "direct democracy." Breaking up the E.C. is a wise maneuver for the conservative party.

To contact your state senators and representatives about this issue, simply copy this article and resend it in an email, or print and send a hard copy directly. An explanation of how Maine and Nebraska have established their Electoral College rules can be found here (though a different formula may be better for your state).

Image: Don Hankins via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.

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In 2016, Kellogg's, the old American cereal company, boycotted Breitbart News because of its support for Trump. A whole host of other companies pledged to do the same. It was the first time in American history that companies boycotted Americans rather than vice versa. That was when we realized that America's companies were selling leftist politics (often aligned with China) along with their goods and services.

Whether it was Nike hiring Colin Kaepernick as a spokesman because he refused to stand for the flag; Gillette shilling its razors to confused women who took testosterone and then needed to shave their beards; or Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Bank of America, and a host of other companies weighing in on Georgia's new laws to prevent election fraud, myriad American companies have taken sides in American politics.

Even worse, a lot of them appear to have taken sides against America itself, because their desperation to profit from China's vast marketplace is what's driving their willingness to use politics to market themselves. Disney, for example, filmed its live-action Mulan right next door to China's Uighur concentration camps. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, in order to get to China's market, helped China spy on and censor Chinese citizens. And Michael Bloomberg, a former Democrat presidential candidate, regularly met with Chinese Communist Party officials to give him his marching orders to operate in China.

The best analogy to what's happening, given China's treatment of religious minorities and tyranny over its own citizens, is to American companies doing business with the Nazis in the 1930s, even as the Nazis slid ever deeper into fascism. As a historic side note, Coca-Cola did big business with the Nazis. You'd think they would have learned by now.

Lee Smith, in a deservedly praised article entitled "The Thirty Tyrants," explained that America's wealthiest and most powerful people and corporations have given their allegiance to China. While we weren't looking, we started becoming China's vassal state. It's a horrifying article, and if you haven't yet read it, you must. Everything America's ruling class has done for the past few years, with special emphasis when COVID came along, has been to damage America and leave it ripe for China.

Still, China hasn't quite taken over  there's still time  and a nonprofit group called Consumers' Research has taken up the flag for America. It's produced a series of advertisements calling out the hypocrisy; anti-Americanism; and, if appropriate, pro-Chinese policies of American Airlines, Nike, and Coca-Cola:

We're putting corporations on notice: It's time to start serving your customers and stop serving woke politicians. pic.twitter.com/Qjj67xdJ6t  Consumers' Research (@ConsumersFirst) May 18, 2021

Why is @AmericanAir appeasing radical politicians?



To distract from their CEO's $10M+ payday, despite laying off thousands of workers & receiving a multi-billion-dollar bailout from the taxpayers the same year.



We're putting them on notice: https://t.co/L3M3MCYMyk pic.twitter.com/p73M42fRZO  Consumers' Research (@ConsumersFirst) May 18, 2021

Why is @Nike constantly political?



To give them cover while they exploit foreign labor in communist China.



We're putting them on notice: https://t.co/L3M3MCYMyk pic.twitter.com/SPbRZiNtUF  Consumers' Research (@ConsumersFirst) May 18, 2021

Why is @Nike constantly political?



To give them cover while they exploit foreign labor in communist China.



We're putting them on notice: https://t.co/L3M3MCYMyk pic.twitter.com/SPbRZiNtUF  Consumers' Research (@ConsumersFirst) May 18, 2021

Why is @CocaColaCo attacking Georgia's voting law?



To distract from the fact that their products are poisoning America's youth and worsening the obesity epidemic.



We're putting them on notice: https://t.co/L3M3MCYMyk pic.twitter.com/gSYeexWMk5  Consumers' Research (@ConsumersFirst) May 18, 2021

"You're willing to talk about politics here in the United States, but how come you're not willing to talk about political abuses in China...?" - @EamonJavers pic.twitter.com/We9YJXa2Ku  Consumers' Research (@ConsumersFirst) May 18, 2021

This is great stuff. I hope they do more, and I hope Americans take seriously the war that corporate America is waging against them and fight back. As I suggested earlier, Trump could help by creating an online marketplace that sells only American goods, whether from corporations or individual craftspeople.

Image: Nike and Coke support slave labor in China. Twitter screen grab.

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In an unprecedented move in American-Israeli politics, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly refused to accommodate an American president's request that Israel pull back from the fight. Netanyahu's willingness to continue the fight reveals a few things: first, Israel may finally have figured out that it needs a victory, not stalemates. Second, Biden is too weak to matter. And third, Biden's allegiance is to the anti-Semitic, anti-Israel side of his party, so his demands are suspect and even dangerous.

The current war between Israel and the Arabs* occurred because Hamas, the genocidal terrorist organization that Gazans elected, began indiscriminately lobbing thousands of missiles at Israel's population centers. Perhaps "indiscriminately" is the wrong word: although Hamas lacks the ability to hit specific geographic targets with accuracy, it wasn't worried about accuracy. Instead, every Israeli citizen was a target, so its random rockets were doing the job. It's only Israel's Iron Dome defense system that has spared Israel thousands of causalities.

Israel has responded by ferociously attacking Hamas. Unlike Hamas, Israel does believe in precisely hitting its targets. It traps Hamas fighters, and only Hamas fighters, in tunnels before destroying those tunnels.

When it wants to take down a building that Hamas is using for military purposes, its missiles strike only that building  and, moreover, they do it only after Israel has repeatedly warned people in or near the building to evacuate. When it came to the building that the AP and Al Jazeera knowingly shared with Hamas, the strike is so perfect that it looks like a controlled demolition:

An Israeli missile strike destroyed a tower block in Gaza housing the offices of the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. Israel said the building also housed assets belonging to Hamas' military intelligence https://t.co/8DUucPqJtw pic.twitter.com/jn0PuB6jBx  Reuters (@Reuters) May 15, 2021

Normally, around this time, world leaders start demanding that Israel stand down without defeating her enemy. It's "unfair," they say, for Israel to use her military prowess to destroy the genocidal enemy on her border. Eventually, American presidents add their voice to the demand, at which time Israel gracefully and stupidly accedes to the world's desire that she snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. For the past four decades, it's the American request for Israel to stop that does the trick  and that's because it carries with it the American promise to have Israel's back when the fighting stops.

(Notably, this was not an issue when Trump was president. Hamas and Lebanon's Hezb'allah left Israel alone because they knew that America would have her back, not just in other contexts, but in any direct strikes against Israel.)

Things are different now that Biden is in office. Israel knows three important things about Biden: (1) he's a puppet for the hardest left-wing elements in the Democrat party, as exemplified by AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, all of whom share Hamas's genocidal opposition to Israel; (2) Biden wants an alliance with Iran, which funds Hamas and is willing to sacrifice Israel; and (3) Biden is weak.

Knowing these three things leads inevitably to a conclusion: for Israel, there is no graceful retreat because America will not provide a cushioned landing. For Israel, this war, unlike any other since the 194748 War of Independence, is existential. It must destroy Hamas or, in a world that's become increasingly anti-Semitic, it will be destroyed. That's a "never again."

All of this makes relatively unsurprising the fact that, when Biden told Israel to stop attacking Hamas, Netanyahu said no:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday brushed off President Biden's call for a "significant de-escalation" of the conflict in Gaza, saying he is "determined to continue" the operation against the terrorist organization Hamas  just as Biden is facing pressure from the progressive arm of his own party on the issue. Biden spoke to Netanyahu early Wednesday, and the White House said the two "had a detailed discussion of the state of events in Gaza, Israel's progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the United States." "The President conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire," the White House said in a statement. But, after a visit to military headquarters hours later, Netanyahu said he "greatly appreciates the support of the American president," but said Israel will push ahead "to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel." He added that he is "determined to continue this operation until its aim is met."

Weak, leftist presidents (Carter, Obama, and now Biden) always make the world a more dangerous place. Netanyahu is not going to let his country go down with that ship. In a way, therefore, Biden is a blessing because Israel, for once, might fight a war to win it.

_________________________

*You will no longer find the word "Palestinians" in anything I wrote because that gives the Arabs in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank a historic legitimacy that has no basis in truth. There has never been an independent, Arab- or Muslim-controlled "Palestine" on that land.

Image: Biden, while Vice President, meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu. YouTube screen grab.

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The uneasy relationship between Jill Biden and Kamala Harris just got harder to paper over. The obviously ghoulish expectation that V.P. Harris will succeed her doddering husband without the benefit of an election and the signs of rebellion from the veep make the relationship between the two women testy at best. Should death or the 25th Amendment remove her husband from office, "Dr. Jill" loses all the status and perks of the presidency, which she obviously relishes. Going back to teach remedial English to community college students might lose some of its appeal. With V.P. Harris hovering in the background waiting to step up, it is understandable for Mrs. Biden to harbor suspicions and resentments.

Excerpts from a new book by Edward-Isaac Dovere, former chief Washington correspondent for Politico and current staff writer for The Atlantic, claim that Jill Biden was so enraged at Kamala Harris during the presidential campaign that she exploded in an epithet-laced rage on a group phone call.

The trigger was the June 2019 presidential debate during which Harris, facing fundraising issues, attacked Biden for having praised segregationist Senate colleagues as able to work together with him, during a fundraiser a couple of days before the debate. Business Insider:

Right before the debate, Biden garnered controversy for comments he made at a New York City fundraiser fondly remembering the days of "civility" in the Senate when he worked with people he didn't agree with, including two Democratic senators who supported segregation. "I was in a caucus with James O. Eastland. He never called me 'boy,' he always called me 'son,'" Biden said. "Well guess what? At least there was some civility. We got things done. We didn't agree on much of anything. We got things done. We got it finished." Harris, who is biracial, confronted Biden at the debate, saying: "I do not believe you are a racist and I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground, but it's personal and it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country." Harris then hit Biden over his controversial record on school busing. "There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools and she was bused to school every day," she said. "That little girl was me. So I will tell you that on this subject, it cannot be an intellectual debate among Democrats." Biden responded: "It's a mischaracterization of my position across the board. I do not praise racists. That is not true." He also cited his time working as a public defender for the cause of civil rights before becoming a senator. After the debate ended, then-candidate Biden leaned to his right and said, "Well, that was some f------ b-------," to his fellow 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg, now his secretary of transportation, Dovere wrote, citing people he said were told of the remarks afterward.

From Dovere's book excerpt, published in Politico, we learn that "Dr. Jill" stewed in her own juices for a week over Harris's attack and then lashed out verbally:

The aides could do the political maneuvering after Harris' attack. Jill was and is the guardian of the Biden honor, the Biden id. She couldn't bear to watch a woman who called herself a friend of her son's  although Beau was not her biological child, she'd raised him his entire life as if he were  try to tear her husband down, to score a point at a debate. "With what he cares about, what he fights for, what he's committed to, you get up there and call him a racist without basis?" she said on a phone call with close supporters a week later, according to multiple people on the call. "Go f--- yourself."

Interestingly, the story is not being denied:

The first lady's press secretary, Michael LaRosa, did not deny that she made the explicit remark. "Many books will be written on the 2020 campaign, with countless retellings of events  some accurate, some inaccurate," LaRosa told Politico Playbook in a statement. "The First Lady and her team do not plan to comment on any of them."

The two females at the top of the Executive Branch are like scorpions in a bottle. Their stingers are always at the ready. What might happen if President Biden shows overt signs of disability? I suspect V.P. Harris has at the ready the private telephone numbers of every member of the Cabinet, for use in case invoking the 25th becomes a possibility. And "Dr. Jill" knows it.

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It was 119 years ago today that the Cuban flag went up on the island after the four-year U.S. occupation and 400 years of Spanish rule. By the way, both of my paternal grandparents were born in 1892, and their birth certificates showed that they were citizens of the Spanish Crown, or whatever was left of it by that time. Let's just say the late 19th century was not the highlight of Spain's history. They lost most of Latin America to independence and hung on to Cuba by a bit.

This is also a good day to remember what my late parents told me about Cuba.

They recalled the elegance of Havana and how nice the country was.

They never said it was perfect, but certainly not "the underdeveloped country" narrative that Castro and the left have been preaching for years.

That was pre-Castro Cuba, as Mark Milke wrote:

Of the many myths that some offer up about Fidel Castro's Cuba, one tale is that despite Mr. Castro's repression, he improved a few social programs. Thus, in his statement on Mr. Castro's death, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted "significant improvements" in Cuban health care and education under the totalitarian tutelage of Fidel Castro. An inconvenient fact: Pre-Castro, Cuba was already better off than most Latin American countries on such indicators. Also, Mr. Castro's rule knocked Cubans to the near-economic bottom of all Latin American countries, with subsequent negative effects on Cuba's much-vaunted social model.

In other words, pre-Castro Cuba was a much better place to live than post-1959.

On behalf of the many who have died in political prisons or were executed by the Castro regime, let me say we are looking forward to another independence day.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).

Image: Pixabay.

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The people of North Carolina dodged a bullet when the Trustees of the University of North Carolina acted to deny a grant of tenure to Nikole Hannah-Jones at the University's Hussman School of Journalism and Media, leaving in place a five-year contract to teach there that the school had offered to recruit her.

The denial of tenure was first reported by NC Policy Watch:

As Policy Watch reported last week, UNC-Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism and Media pursued Hannah-Jones for its Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism, a tenured professorship. But following political pressure from conservatives who object to her work on "The 1619 Project" for The New York Times Magazine, the school changed its plan to offer her tenure  which amounts to a career-long appointment. Instead, she will start July 1 for a fixed five-year term as Professor of the Practice, with the option of being reviewed for tenure at the end of that time period.

Hannah-Jones is being offered the opportunity to prove that she can be an effective classroom teacher before granting her a lifetime job doing something she has never done before. That seems a lot more reasonable than taking a flyer on a rookie in a lifetime job. It's not as if she is ruled out for tenure. By the way, she holds a master's degree from the Hussman School but lacks a doctorate, which raises questions about her capabilities as a scholarly researcher.

Her work on the 1619 Project raises issues of research competence as well, even though the progressive claque that wants to propagandize our young to hate this country seems to love it.

After the publication of the 1619 Project, some historians were signatories to a letter asking the Times to correct the "factual errors" present in the series which amounted to "a displacement of historical understanding by ideology." Among them was Gordon Wood, noted historian and author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution. When the New York Times refused to make any of the historians' recommended corrections, Wood sent a letter which can be best described as an intellectual bludgeoning. Wood's letter kindly begins by saying that he has no problem with "demonstrating the importance of slavery in the history of our country," but is concerned that such a "worthy goal will be seriously harmed if the facts turn out to be wrong" and the "interpretations of the events are deemed to be perverse and distorted." He then goes on to ruthlessly decimate the first of the Project's central contentions with facts. Now, please remember that Hannah-Jones has spent just under two decades as an investigative journalist, and is making the radical argument that the American colonials revolted against the British Empire because it represented a threat to the institution of slavery in the colonies. Gordon Wood, who earned his Ph.D. in history from Harvard over a decade before Ms. Hannah-Jones was even born, thoroughly shatters that contention, writing: I have spent my career studying the American Revolution and cannot accept the view that "one of the primary reasons the colonists decided to declare their independence from Britain was because they wanted to protect the institution of slavery." I don't know of any colonist who said that they wanted independence in order to preserve their slaves. No colonist expressed alarm that the mother country was out to abolish slavery in 1776. Furthermore, he writes: There is no evidence in 1776 of a rising movement to abolish the Atlantic slave trade, as the 1619 Project erroneously asserts, nor is there any evidence the British government was eager to do so. But even if either were the case, ending the Atlantic slave trade would have been welcomed by the Virginia planters, who already had more slaves than they needed. Indeed, the Virginians in the years following independence took the lead in moving to abolish the despicable international slave trade.

The New York Times shamefully waited to stealthily amend its publication of Hannah-Jones's work:

The New York Times eventually corrected Hannah-Jones's opening essay for the project, for which she had won a Pulitzer Prize, conceding seven months after its publication that the protection of chattel slavery was not, in fact, one of the "primary reasons the colonists decided to declare their independence from Britain." The essay now says "some" of the colonists wanted to protect slavery, which is a face-saving nothingburger compared to Hannah-Jones's aim in her essay. It's important to note here the correction came about only after a 1619 Project fact-checker revealed that she had been ignored when she warned Hannah-Jones's essay contained grave historical inaccuracies. The New York Times also quietly amended the project's language after Hannah-Jones falsely claimed, despite abundant evidence to the contrary, that its core thesis is not what she and everyone else involved in the project originally said it was.

A statement posted online by a group calling itself "The Hussman faculty" predictably states, "[W]e are stunned at the failure to award tenure to Nikole Hannah-Jones." The statement also contends that the Trustees' action "undermines the integrity of and academic freedom within the whole University of North Carolina system."

"Academic freedom" is something the left believes in only for leftists. Call someone "racist" or a "white supremacist," and see how many progressives stand up for "academic freedom."

The plain fact is that trustees in higher education have for decades been lulled into neglecting their moral and intellectual fiduciary duty to keep their institutions responsible to the greater society that supports higher education, under the delusion that "academic freedom" means that faculties and administrations can be entirely self-governing (except, of course, when it comes to supplying the money  which comes from a much broader community).

A group with which I have been affiliated for many years, The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), has long been campaigning to educate those who sit on boards of trustees as to their powers and responsibilities to keep higher education aligned with the broader needs of society, as opposed to rubber-stamping everything that administrations and faculties come up with. Alas, it is the exception, not the rule, when trustees act in opposition to what those they supervise demand.

Nonetheless, some reactions have been extreme. "UNC-Chapel Hill Bows to Conservative Crazies, Won't Offer Tenured Position to 1619 Journalist," headlined Black-oriented website The Root.

Given the leisurely pace of scholarly publication, the quality of Hannah-Jones's work will be better understood in the future, so taking five years to evaluate her merit seems only prudent.

Photo credit: Associacao Brasileira de Jornalismo Investigativo, CC BY 2.0 license.

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The cease-fire was announced one day after Biden told Netanyahu in a telephone call that he expected significant de-escalation of the fighting by days end, according to the White House. But the prime minister came right back with a public declaration that he was determined to continue the Gaza operation until its objective is achieved.
In the late 1930s, a German chemist named Otto Bayer synthesized a new organic polymer called polyurethane. Over the decades polyurethane found many applications, especially in the automobile industry, where the soft, elastic polymer is used to manufacture high-resilience foam cushion for seats, headrests, armrests, as well as to line roof, dashboards and instrument panels. Bayer went so far as to exhibit an experimental car whose body was made entirely out of polyurethane. But it was legendary tire manufacturer Goodyear that turned heads by inventing a new use for the wonder materialtires, and not just any tire; these tires glowed.

A woman adjusts her stocking using the light emitted by the Goodyear tire on an October night in 1961.

Unlike traditional rubber tires, where multiple layers of rubber, textile elements, in addition to steel belts, beads, ply, tread, and other components are compressed together in a long and involved processes, manufacturing tires out of polyurethane was a remarkably easy process. All that needs to be done is to mix the polyurethane chemicals together, pour the mixture into tire-shaped molds and bake them in an oven. Goodyear added tiny amounts of dye to the mixture before baking, and voila!colored tires. These tires could be matched to the car, and perhaps, even to the wifes outfit.

Someday a wife may tell a husband: 'Charlie, go out and change the tires. I'm wearing my blue dress tonight., Goodyear's development manager John J. Hartz said in 1962.

But what really made this tire compound that Goodyear called Neothane unique was its ability pass light. Goodyear saw an opportunity and fitted 18 tiny lightbulbs inside the tire, on the rims, producing a vivid glow at night. Goodyear hoped that illuminated tires would make driving safer in fog, or the tires themselves could work as turn signals and brake lights. The company was enthusiastic about its future. In a 1961 press release, the company predicted a new era of fashionable automobiles:

Once the tires reach the marketand that could happen in a few yearsauto stylists may use them to carry out a cars color scheme, perhaps matching the tires with the upholstery. And its not at all unlikely that milady will want tires that enhance her wardrobe, her hair, or even her eyes. Imagine, if you will, one girl telling another: But, my dear, green tires just dont do a thing for your complexion. When that day comes, it will mean a whole new frontier for the tire designer.

A restored 1958 Golden Sahara II with Goodyear's Illuminated Neothane tires.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, the tires didnt reach the market. Testing showed that Neothane tires didnt perform well in wet weather and melted under heavy braking. Other drivers found them distracting. The Life magazine reported that motorists have been so enthralled by the pretty colors that they have gone through red lights or just stopped to stare.

In the end, Goodyear realized that producing Neothane tires commercially would be too expensive anyway, and the idea fizzled out.

References:

# Evan Ackerman, Goodyears Illuminated Tires Promised a Whole New Frontier in Car Fashion, IEEE Spectrum

# Rob Stumpf, Why Goodyear's Illuminated Tires Were Way Ahead of Their Time, The Drive




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Samsungs Neo QLED TVs that were announced at CES back in January, are able to host Google Duo chats. And now, that Google Duo app is finally available on these new TVs.

Now, in order to use Duo with these TVs, you will need to use a USB camera, as the TV doesnt have a camera built-in. But the Neo QLED TVs are able to run Duo natively on the TV. Just login to your Google account and youre good to go. Of course, calls with Google Dup are free.

The app on Samsung Neo QLED TVs can support up to 12 users in a single call.

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Additionally, if you own the Galaxy S21, you are able to mirror your Duo call from your phone to the big screen. Which might be easier than finding a camera to plug into the USB port on Samsungs new Neo QLED TV. Though it should be super simple to set up a camera, just plug it in, and it should work.

Samsung has not announced which models are compatible, but we do know the entire QLED TV line from 2021 is compatible.

Perfect setup for conference rooms

While we are starting to get back into the office, after the pandemic, its unlikely that video conferencing is going away. Itll still be part of our lives in many ways. And adding a Samsung Neo QLED TV to your companys conference room can be very useful for making Google Duo calls with clients or others that are not at the office that day.

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Especially since it sounds like hybrid working will be very popular, post COVID-19. Where some workers come into the office a couple of days a week and work from home the rest of the week.

Dont be shocked if you see other TV makers announcing support for Google Duo or other video conferencing software (like Zoom and WebEx) in the very near future.
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Ordering pills by mail has become easier during the pandemic: The Biden administration has said doctors can use telemedicine to prescribe pills that cause abortions early in pregnancy. The doctors can then mail the pills directly to patients, easing the usual requirement for an in-person visit. That could increase abortion access in states that continue to allow the procedure, but the policy is tied to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and is not permanent. States that seek to ban or regulate abortions could restrict telemedicine abortions, too, and many already do.
The survivors are among the plaintiffs who have sued the city of Tulsa, claiming the city and the Chamber of Commerce tried to cover up the attacks and distort the narrative of what had happened, deflecting blame onto the Black victims and depicting them as instigators. They seek punitive damages, tax relief and scholarships for survivors and their descendants, along with priority for Black Tulsans in awarding city contracts.


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American Express has been fined 90,000 by the UKs data protection watchdog for sending more than four million unwanted marketing emails to customers.

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) said the firm rejected complaints from subscribers who had opted out of marketing, telling them the emails were servicing communications.

An investigation found the financial services giant sent some 50 million individual emails classed as servicing.

But between June 2018 and May 2019, the ICO identified 4,098,841 that it believes were actually marketing, intended to encourage people to spend using their cards, benefiting American Express Services Europe Limited (Amex) financially.

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The emails ranged from details about rewards for shopping online, to advice on getting the most out of using the card and encouraging customers to download the Amex app.

The ICO said it was deliberate action for financial gain and that the company did not review its marketing procedures following customer complaints.

This is a clear example of a company getting it wrong and now facing the reputational consequences of that error, said Andy Curry, head of investigations at the ICO.

The emails in question all clearly contained marketing material, as they sought to persuade and encourage customers to use their card to make purchases.

Amexs arguments, which included, that customers would be disadvantaged if they werent aware of campaigns, and that the emails were a requirement of its Credit Agreements with customers, were groundless.

Our investigation was initiated from just a handful of complaints from customers, tired of being interrupted with emails they did not want to receive.

I would encourage all companies to revisit their procedures and familiarise themselves with the differences between a service email and a marketing email, and ensure their email communications with customers are compliant with the law.

American Express have been approached for comment.
Diana, Princess of Wales defended her decision to be interviewed by Martin Bashir  stating in a letter she had no regrets.

Published for the first time as part of Lord Dysons inquiry into how Bashir managed to land the journalistic scoop of his life, it reveals she did not face undue pressure to agree to the Panorama appearance.

Lord Dysons report also revealed the princess brother believed she was being phone-hacked at the time, as her comments to close friends were appearing in press.

During her bombshell Panorama interview Diana declared Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded. John Stillwell/PA Wire

Dianas letter, dated a few days before Christmas in 1995, said: Martin Bashir did not show me any documents, nor give me any information that I was not previously aware of.

I consented to the interview on Panorama without any undue pressure and have no regrets concerning the matter.

The princess distinctive handwritten note was penned on December 22 1995 using her Kensington Palace headed note paper just over a month after the documentary was aired.

The note was written after Bashir was asked by BBC executives to provide evidence Diana had not been shown fake bank statements, relating to one of her brothers staff and two senior members of the royal household, as he tried to gain access to her.

The mocked-up documents  commissioned by Bashir or likely created by him, Dysons report said  were shown to Dianas sibling Earl Spencer in order to win his trust and falsely suggested the individuals named were receiving money for information.

Dianas letter defending her decision to appear on Panorama (BBC)

When BBC executives began to investigate Bashir, Lord Dysons report said: Mr Bashir gave them an account of the faking of the documents.

Crucially, he told them that he had not shown them to anyone. They accepted that he was telling them the truth, but asked him to provide independent evidence that Princess Diana had not been shown the documents.

Within a few hours, Mr Bashir obtained a note dated 22 December 1995, signed by her which supported what he had said. I am satisfied that the Diana note is a genuine document.

The report also highlighted the concerns of Charles, Earl Spencer, that his sisters phone calls were being intercepted.

Lord Dysons inquiry report stated: At his Investigation interview, he said that she was probably being phone-hacked at the time.

Charles Spencer (Yui Mok/PA)

He thought that reading things in the press, that she had only mentioned to close friends, had made her extremely unsettled.

It was under these circumstance Charles decided to tell his sister about the claims, now known to be false, money was being paid to her private secretary Patrick Jephson and Richard Aylard, the Prince of Wales private secretary, according to Bashirs mocked-up documents.

The report said about the earl: He says that when he told her about Jephson and Aylard, she was absolutely intrigued, and wanted to learn more as quickly as possible: she had felt spied on for a while and what I told her seemed to fit with her general fears.

Lord Dysons document said Dianas brother felt the fake statements were the absolute clincher in encouraging him to introduce Bashir to his sister.

In another part of the report, it states the princess was keen on the idea of a television appearance.

The report said: She would probably have agreed to be interviewed by any experienced and reputable reporter in whom she had confidence even without the intervention of Mr Bashir.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office has announced a ceasefire to halt an 11-day military operation against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

A statement said his Security Cabinet unilaterally approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal.

The two sides were still negotiating exactly when it would take effect.

Multiple reports said the truce was to go into effect at 2am, just over three hours after the cabinets decision.

The political leaders emphasised that the reality on the ground will be that which determines the future of the campaign, the statement said.

The decision came after heavy US pressure to halt the offensive.

An official from the Palestinian militant Hamas group says Israels declaration of a ceasefire represents a defeat for Mr Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

Ali Barakeh, a member of Hamas Arab and Islamic relations bureau, told The Associated Press that the militants will remain on alert until they hear from mediators who have been working for days between Hamas and Israel.

Hamas officials haves said that they have been contacted by officials from Russia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations to reach a truce with Israel.

He added that once Hamas hears back from the mediators, its leadership will hold discussions and will make an announcement after that.

Since fighting broke out on May 10, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.

Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials, while 12 people in Israel have died.
The birth of a rare red-bellied lemur at Chester Zoo is real cause for celebration, according to one of the zoos staff.

The new arrival was born six weeks ago, but  weighing an estimated 70 grams at birth  was so small it managed to hide in its mothers fur.

Born to parents Aina and Frej, the fluffy lemurs sex is currently unknown.

The birth of any lemur is real cause for celebration as these primates are vulnerable to extinction in the wild and every new arrival is a vital addition to the endangered species breeding programme, said Claire Parry, assistant team manager of primates at Chester Zoo.

This one, however, is extra special as its also the first baby red-bellied lemur ever to be born at Chester Zoo.

Aina is a first-time mum whos really taking motherhood in her stride  shes very confident with her new addition.

The baby is always seen clinging on tightly to her, which is exactly what we want to see, and this lovely little lemur looks incredibly content hidden in among mums warm fur.

(Chester Zoo/PA)

Mike Jordan, director of animals and plants at the zoo, said: With lemurs considered as being the most endangered group of mammals in the world by the IUCN, every birth is significant.

Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar where they are severely under threat with over 94% of all lemur populations at risk of disappearing forever.

Sadly, we know that many larger lemur species have already become extinct.

We need to ensure the species that do now remain on this diverse island are safe and protected.
The boss of Shakespeares Globe hopes the theatres reopening can provide cultural nourishment.

The London venue welcomed back patrons on Wednesday after being closed for 429 days due to the pandemic.

It reopened for a production of A Midsummer Nights Dream, with a socially distanced audience reduced to 470 from the usual 1600.

Capacity will gradually increase as health guidelines evolve.

Shakespeares Globe theatre has reopened its doors after being closed for more than a year (John Walton/PA)

The Globes chief executive, Neil Constable, told of his delight at fans being invited back inside.

I think we are going to give an opportunity for people to come together safely. People havent been, unless theyve been to some of the pilot events, in large-scale gatherings, he told the PA news agency.

And there is something about being with people when youve chosen to do something. And then the work they will see on stage, or the music theyll hear from a concert platform, I think will really help heal everyone because there hasnt been this cultural nourishment and just the opportunity to entertain and laugh together.

Mr Constable, who has been in the post since 2010, also stressed the Covid-safe nature of the Globe, which is situated on the south bank of the Thames.

Shakespeares Globe stood empty for 429 days (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

He said: There havent been, as far as I believe, reports of any infections arising from people attending a theatre performance and of course with the Globe being outdoors people do feel safe and you forget about it and you start really enjoying the work youre seeing on stage.

The Globe, like other arts venues, faced financial meltdown during the pandemic, when doors were closed and revenue streams abruptly cut off.

It survived thanks in part to the Governments Cultural Recovery Fund, as well as donors.

Mr Constable revealed he almost recommended mothballing the venue due to the pandemics catastrophic impact, which cut 95% of the Globes income.

He told PA: If we hadnt received that government support and the support from Garfield Weston and many donors we would have been in the difficult position of, if no additional support came in by the end of last year, I would be recommending to the trustees that we mothball the organisation and close down and reopen when we were able to.

For information on forthcoming productions, visit www.shakespearesglobe.com
The 35 defectors represented a relatively modest but still significant proportion of House Republicans, of whom 175 opposed the legislation. Their defiance underscored the partys rift as some lawmakers supported an investigation of the shocking and violent Capitol attack while leaders tried to avoid enraging the former president, whose support they believe theyll need to win House control in the 2022 elections.
UK ministers have a shocking lack of knowledge about the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland following Brexit, a joint session of four Westminster committees has been told.

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee joined together with the Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh affairs committees to hear evidence on the Governments union capability.

Appearing as witnesses on Thursday were Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and Sue Gray, who recently left the Northern Ireland Civil Service to take up a Whitehall role as second permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office.

MPs asked about the workings of the Northern Ireland Protocol, designed to protect the peace process by avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland.

The protocol has angered unionists by effectively creating a barrier between Great Britain and Northern Ireland by leaving the region tied to a range of EU customs and regulatory rules.

Mr Gove told the committees he is working to ensure every Government department understands the workings of the protocol and can communicate them to businesses.

Labour MP Karin Smyth said: It was perhaps surprising that Lord Frost (the Governments Brexit adviser) said last week that the Government and ministers perhaps didnt understand the protocol that they had indeed drafted.

I agree with Lord Frost; the level of ignorance amongst many ministers speaking at the despatch box about the UK not understanding the very different situation of Northern Ireland has really been quite shocking.

Karin Smyth (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/PA)

How can you support civil servants understanding this complicated relationship when, with due respect, UK ministers are being really quite ignorant about the special circumstances of Northern Ireland.

Mr Gove replied: There has sometimes been a tendency to compartmentalise knowledge about the precise operation of Government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and there has been a tendency to sub-contract to the NIO (Northern Ireland Office). But there has been significant improvement across Whitehall.

One of the reasons I am so glad Sue (Gray) has been appointed is that she brings direct experience of working in the Executive, running the Department of Finance in the Northern Ireland Civil Service. She is an experienced Whitehall warrior. She is not afraid of speaking truth to power.

DUP MP Ian Paisley asked how the protocol was consistent with efforts to strengthen the union of Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

DUP MP Ian Paisley (Niall Carson/PA)

He said: How is the Northern Ireland Protocol going to strengthen the union when every single unionist appears to think it is an absolutely total and unmitigated disaster for Northern Ireland?

Mr Gove said: It is a huge issue. The NI Protocol contains significant challenges and David (Lord Frost) has been working to deal with those, but it also is the case, as a number of business organisations have pointed out in Northern Ireland, that a properly functioning protocol can bring benefits.

It is important that we deal with the challenges but also keep an eye on the opportunities, and I think David has been right in his approach which is to stress to the EU that they have a responsibility to help deal with it.

There are folk in the EU who have a tendency to see the Good Friday Agreement just in terms of north/south relations and they havent appreciated both the balance within Northern Ireland and the importance of east/west relations as well.

Labour MP Geraint Davies asked if the changing circumstances brought about by Brexit increase the likelihood of a referendum on the unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic.

Geraint Davies MP (Chris McAndrew/PA)

He said: The Good Friday Agreement has a facility, that if the mood in Northern Ireland is one where they want a referendum on unification with Ireland, they should have one.

Given that in the event of reunification they would be all be part of the single market and the customs union, there may be a changing mood there. Is that something the Government would contemplate allowing if the mood shifted?

Mr Gove responded: There are provisions under which a border poll could be called but it is not a matter of mood, there are stricter tests than that.

The majority of people in Northern Ireland vote for parties that believe in the UK. While the coalition government in Dublin is anxious to improve working across the island of Ireland, they are also very clear that now is not the time for any sort of border poll.

Speaking personally, I am proud of the fact that a majority of people in NI want to remain part of the UK. I think it is fantastic that over the course of the last 100 years we have benefited so much from Northern Ireland being part of our country.

We are so lucky to have Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom. Of course the future of Northern Ireland is for the people of Northern Ireland to decide but I just hope that they stay part of the UK because it is wonderful for us to be working together.
The 31 billion mega-merger between Virgin Media and O2 has been given the green light by regulators.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) waved through the deal following an in-depth investigation, concluding that concerns customers would see price hikes from the telecoms deal were unfounded.

Officials had provisionally cleared the deal last month and on Thursday confirmed the tie-up, which was first announced a year ago.

At the time the deal was announced, the companies said it would create a full converged platform for customers, and will mean an investment of 10 billion in the UK over the next five years.

A Phase 2 investigation found that the deal was unlikely to lead to any substantial lessening of competition for a number of reasons, it said.

Investigators concluded that the costs of leased lines are only a relatively small element of rival mobile companies overall costs, so it is unlikely that Virgin would be able to raise leased-line costs in a way that would lead to higher charges for consumers.

They added that competitors in the market offering the same leased-line services, including larger rival BT Openreach, would keep competition healthy.

And the report found that O2 would need to remain competitive with its wholesale rivals due to strong competition.

O2 is the UKs biggest mobile phone operator with around 36.6 million customers across its networks, which also include giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lycamobile.

Virgin Media has around 5.3 million customers.

Martin Coleman, the chairman of the CMA inquiry, said: O2 and Virgin are important suppliers of services to other companies who serve millions of consumers.

It was important to make sure that this merger would not leave these people worse off.

Thats why we conducted an in-depth investigation.

After looking closely at the deal, we are reassured that competition amongst mobile communications providers will remain strong and it is therefore unlikely that the merger would lead to higher prices or lower quality services.

The CMA said at the outset of the investigation that it was not concerned about overlapping retail services such as mobile, due to the small size of Virgin Mobile, but instead focused on potential wholesale services concerns.

The UK competition watchdog was only granted permission to investigate the deal after the European Commission handed over the case in November.

Under European law, the biggest mergers are generally dealt with by the commissions regulators in Brussels.

But the CMA asked Brussels regulators to hand the case back because it primarily only affected UK customers and that any findings would come after the Brexit transition period had ended.

Mike Fries, chief executive of Virgin owner Liberty Global, and Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, boss of O2 owner Telefonica, said: This is a watershed moment in the history of telecommunications in the UK as we are now cleared to bring real choice where it hasnt existed before, while investing in fibre and 5G that the UK needs to thrive.
By APD writer Shristi Kafle

Nepal is unlikely to get the already purchased one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from India before the end of the year, raising concerns on safety of public.

In February this year, Nepal had paid the Serum Institute of India Rs 930 million to purchase two million doses of the Covishield vaccines.

As per the agreement, the company delivered one million of the supplies immediately, which were inoculated to the certain population as the first dose.

However, Nepal hasnt received the second installment of vaccines even in four months.

Earlier, the Nepali Health Minister and ministry officials accepted that vaccine procurement was disrupted since over a month due to the involvement of agents and the commission row.

The Indian company remained mum in the issue.

However, issuing a statement on Tuesday, Serum Institute of India clarified it would not be able to export vaccines to other countries as well as the World Health Organisations Covax programme before the end of the year.

We continue to scale up manufacturing and prioritise India, the statement reads, We also hope to start delivering to Covax and other countries by the end of this year.

The statement has made it clear that the Indian company would not be able to send the vaccines in next 6 months.

Nepal has recorded over 100,000 active positive cases across the country, while the death toll has crossed 5,000. The country has been facing shortage of hospital beds, oxygen supplies and necessary medical supplies.

At a time, when vaccination is seen as the major alternative to prevent the damage caused by COVID-19 infections, the company's announcement has disappointed the general public, who had already received the first dose and waiting for the second one.

People, who are in lockdown since over two weeks, have taken up to the social media to express their fury. People have started demanding the government to look for other options soon, particularly the northern neighbor China, to procure vaccines.

Bishal K Chalise, who works in the area of research and data, in his Twitter post wrote, "I think hope for Nepal getting Covishield is doomed. We should look for other options, soon."

Bed Mani Dahal, an environmentalist by profession, said, "What is the alternative for those who have already received Covishied as the first dose?"

Dr Luna Bhatta Sharma, virologist, shared, "The new variants are circulating in Nepal as per the notice from Health Ministry. This is not good news for us. We might need the help from international communities to overcome this crisis."

In response, the government has said that it has initiated talks with different countries like China and Russia and various companies to procure vaccines. However, there hasnt been any concrete progress so far.

Currently, Nepal is administering the second dose of Chinese vaccine Verocell to the public starting from Sunday, which it received from the Chinese government in grant assistance in March. The first dose was administered from April first week.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
European Union countries agreed on Wednesday to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions on non-EU visitors ahead of the summer tourist season, a move that could open the bloc's door to all Britons and to vaccinated Americans.

Ambassadors from the 27 EU countries approved a European Commission proposal from May 3 to loosen the criteria to determine "safe" countries and to let in fully vaccinated tourists from elsewhere, EU sources said.

They are expected to set a new list this week or early next week. Based on data from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Britain and a number of other countries would meet the new criteria.

The United States would not, although Americans with proof of vaccination would be welcomed.

One EU diplomat said cases of the Indian variant in Britain would need to be taken into account, although individual EU countries are already setting their own policies. Portugal lifted a four-month travel ban on British tourists on Monday.

Under current restrictions, people from only seven countries, including Australia, Israel and Singapore, can enter the EU on holiday, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.

Individual countries can and will still be able to choose to demand a negative COVID-19 test or a period of quarantine.

The current main criterion is that there should be no more than 25 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the previous 14 days. The trend should be stable or decreasing and there should be a sufficient number of tests, which would need to show a minimum percentage of negative tests. Variants of concern can be taken into account.

The Commission proposed raising the case rate to 100. The EU ambassadors opted instead for 75. For inoculated people to gain access, they would need to have received an EU-approved vaccine, with those with a World Health Organization emergency listing being considered.

These people should have received final doses at least 14 days before travel. Under the plan, EU countries that waive test or quarantine requirements for vaccinated EU tourists are encouraged to do the same for vaccinated non-EU holidaymakers.

Children should also be able to travel with vaccinated parents.

An emergency brake could be used temporarily to stop all but essential travel from a particular country to limit the risk of more infectious coronavirus variants entering the EU. Such a brake has been proposed for India.

The EU plan covers countries of the border-free Schengen area, including non-EU members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, but not the non-Schengen EU member Ireland.

(CGTN)
Shortly before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday near Clark Street and Orrington Avenue, the 27-year-old was grabbed from behind by a man and thrown to the ground, Evanston police said in a statement. The man attempted to remove her pants.
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According to a Tweet published by the American company Oshkosh Defense, On May 11, 2021, Slovenia army has received the first Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) manufactured by the American company Oshkosh Defense.

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The first U.S. made Oshkosh Defense JLTV 4x4 combat vehicles for Slovenia. (Picture source Slovenia MoD)

In December 2018, Slovenia had signed an Intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the U.S. Government for the purchase of 38 Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV). The value of the contract for the purchase of 38 JLTV vehicles, taking into account administrative costs, tools, spare parts and training.

In February 2020, Army Recognition has released news to announce that the American Company Oshkosh Defense LLC was awarded a contract to procure Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) and associated kits to Slovenia.

The JLTV is a light armored vehicle in the category of MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) fully developed and designed by the American company Oshkosh Defense based on the L-ATV (Light Combat All-Terrain) vehicle but with more protection and mobility.

The JLTV was one of the biggest programs of the U.S. army to replace old HUMVEE 4x4 light tactical vehicles. On 25 August 2015, Oshkosh Defense was selected as the winner of the JLTV program. The first JLTV delivery order was placed in March 2016 with the U.S. Army ordering 657 vehicles. The JLTV offers protection levels greater than those of up-armored HMMWVs and comparable to those of original MRAP class designs, but in an overall vehicle package that is considerably smaller and lighter than vehicles procured under the previous MRAP vehicles in service with the U.S. armed forces.

The JLTV for the Slovenian army will be fitted with a Kongsberg Protector Remote Weapon Station armed with one 12.7mm machine and optionally, the turret can be armed with a single launcher for the Israeli-made Spike LR anti-tank guided missile. In December 2020, Slovenian armed forces have completed a successful firing of Rafael's Spike LR missiles from a JLTV vehicle.
Search operation for at least 36 missing personnel is still on and a total of 188 of the 261 onboard have already been rescued

Rescued crew members from the sunken offshore barge P305 look out disembark the INS Kochi naval ship after arriving in Mumbai on May 19, 2021 following Cyclone Tauktae landfall on India's west coast with powerful winds and driving rain, leaving at least 33 people dead and almost 89 missing. (AFP)

Mumbai: The Indian Navy on Thursday confirmed the death of 37 personnel onboard barge P305 with the recovery of their bodies. Barge P305 went adrift and sank in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai coast during Cyclone Tauktae and search operation for at least 36 missing personnel is still on. A total of 188 of the 261 onboard have already been rescued by Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

The barge sank 35 nautical miles off Mumbai as Cyclone Tauktae battered India's west coast. P305 was amongst the four barges that suffered during the cyclone. The other three were Gal Constructor and Support Station-3 -- deployed by the engineering firm Afcons for its ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) contract.

"In one of the most challenging SAR Ops in the aftermath of #CycloneTauktae, 325 survivors have been rescued & 37 #BNV recovered off Mumbai & Gujarat Coasts. Vigorous SAR efforts continue for the missing crew of Barge P305 which sank off Mumbai with five IN ships, aircraft and helos deployed," the Indian Navy spokesperson tweeted on Thursday.

The Navy is leading a massive, round-the-clock rescue effort that includes several of its ships, P-81 reconnaissance aircraft and Sea King helicopters, as well as Coast Guard and ONGC vessels, to detect survivors from the sunken barge and other vessels stranded or affected by the storm.

Indian Navy Commodore Ajay Jha said that the Navy on Thursday morning launched a fresh aerial search and rescue mission, deploying helicopters and Indian Navy ships through the night, to trace any movement in the dark waters to look for survivors. According to him the search operations would continue for another three days at least.

The Directorate General of Shipping had already ordered an investigation into the deaths. Now the Mumbai Police has also announced a probe into barge P305 remaining in the area despite storm warnings. An ADR (accidental death report) was registered Wednesday in connection with the deaths.

On Thursday morning the Coast Guard said another missing tug -- Sangeeta, with a crew of 10 -- had been located about 10 nautical miles west of Maharashtra's Tarapur. The Coast Guard found the ship and has provided food, water and medical support to the crew while it is being towed back.

Another Navy ship, INS Talwar, was the "On Scene Coordinator" off Gujarat coast and assisted Support Station 3 (SS-3) and Drill Ship Sagar Bhushan, which were being safely towed back to Mumbai by ONGC support vessels, an official said.

The ministry of petroleum and natural gas announced a high-level inquiry into lapses and gaps in the system. It will probe the sequence of events leading to the ONGC support vessels left stranded by the cyclone, see whether warnings by the India Meteorological Department and other statutory authorities were acted upon or not, and if the SOP for securing vessels and disaster management was followed.

According to barges chief engineer Rahman Shaikh, everyone onboard could have been saved had many of the life rafts not had punctures and the captain had taken the cyclone warnings seriously.

Shaikh has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Tardeo with injuries on his knee. He stated that they had received the cyclone warning a week before it hit.

Many other vessels in the vicinity left and he had told the captain, Balwinder Singh, that they must also leave for the harbour. However, the captain said that winds were not expected to be over 40 kmph and the cyclone would cross Mumbai in one or two hours.

The Maharashtra Congress demanded the resignation of Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan on moral grounds over the death of 37 personnel on board the barge that sank in the Arabian Sea, and termed it as a "man made tragedy".
The man, 49, also was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center with gunshot wounds to the head and neck, according to police, and he was pronounced dead at 9:28 p.m., according to the medical examiners office. Preliminary information from the medical examiners office listed the man as 48.
The RSS can obfuscate  speak assertively, but also as a ventriloquist, when needed

Some recent observations on Indias handling of the Covid-19 pandemic emanating from the highest levels of the RSS  praised by many as a selfless, nationalist outfit doing social service, and denounced as a fascist or militarist body by a range of critics have left the country mystified. This is because the RSS is the inspiration behind the founding of the BJP.

The RSS can obfuscate  speak assertively, but also as a ventriloquist, when needed.

It works in a bamboo curtain kind of inner culture. As with Chinas power pyramid, words coming out of the RSSs Nagpur headquarters lend themselves to multiple plausible meanings.

This is probably because the organisation was suppressed in certain periods like after Mahatma Gandhis assassination, but also because before the BJPs rise to power, it sought to play down its ambition that its creation should proceed to capture power.

Now that the BJP is at the pinnacle of political power and not any rival, the RSS should no longer have to deploy the artifice of stealth in negotiating relations with the holders of national power. But here lies the irony: though the BJP, the election-fighting instrument it created, is in power in New Delhi, the RSS still appears to be careful in the way it says things out aloud. The reasons are up for speculation.

However, in the context of the Narendra Modi governments conspicuous failure to tackle Covid-19s second wave, as well as its striking failure to offer the country hope -- with crematoriums and graveyards becoming increasingly out of reach, oxygen, medicines and hospital beds running short, and hundreds of (presumably Hindu) corpses floating downstream from UP in the holy Ganga -- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats piercing words, although couched in calm delivery, may give the government cause for anxiety.

On May 15, winding up the Positivity Unbounded lecture series sponsored by the RSS, Mr Bhagwat gave a pep talk on collectively facing the present difficult times, when there might be a death in every family one knows, and go into a fightback mode against the virus. But he also said: The people, administration, government each got into gaflat! In other words, they goofed up; they failed to gauge the situation and respond appropriately.

These may have been the words of an Opposition leader, except that they werent.

The RSS no doubt intends that the Modi government regain its composure and is ready to help. But perhaps there is also something else implied here: there is no immediate rush. But should there be a run on the bank, the RSS may prefer to be forearmed.

Some Assembly elections are due next year, including in Uttar Pradesh, the nations biggest state where the BJP did far from well in the recent panchayat polls. If popular disenchantment surfaces in a big way in voting behaviour in the Assembly election early next year, UP, which sends up the largest contingent of BJP MPs, the RSS is unlikely to settle down to regard the situation with equanimity.

And the way to prepare for any eventuality may be to start cultivating the ground from now to be able to guide key changes in the governments top tier if push came to shove. All of this must be done in good time and none of this can be spelt out. But it is hard to miss that a new particle now hangs in the air.

Through one policy disaster after another demonetisation, GST rollout, the sapping farmers agitation (which continues), the disconcerting unemployment graph, the RSS stood foursquare behind the government. But the Covid-19 disaster, with corpses floating down the holiest river for Hindus, is a different matter  indeed a different kind of matter.

In a recent newspaper article, a senior RSS figure, Ram Madhav, who until recently was a BJP general secretary, asked the political leadership  meaning the top government leadership  to show a little more transparency, a little more engagement with the public, and a little more openness to constructive criticism and enlightened expert opinion from outside the government After all, the lives of millions are at stake. It does seem the RSS is signalling that all is not well.

Wearing BJP colours, two RSS pracharaks, or full-time volunteers dedicated to the spread of Hindu nationalism in a country of many religions and spiritual mores, have made it to the top. But Atal Behari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi had framed a very different relationship with the mother organisation, the RSS, upon becoming Prime Minister.

Mr Modi has been on the whole solicitous, his BJP predecessor in office was more correct, rather than deferential. A part of the reason may have been that Vajpayees government had to depend on a host of secular coalition partners for survival.

Speculation still abounds on this issue, but its evident the relationship between the BJP and RSS is not a carefully studied subject.

While well-known research studies exist on the RSS itself, the sociology of the organisation, its inner workings, and the way it seeks to articulate power in relation to the BJP (earlier Jan Sangh) and influence in Hindu society more generally, has not been adequately studied. The literature is mostly in the nature of self-serving propaganda, hagiography, or trenchant criticism from critics.

The Jan Sangh was created under the RSSs aegis in 1951, and the BJP in 1980. Both were the same thing in spirit. However, at no point did the Jan Sangh wield national power or become a mass party. The RSS, its creator, was the shadow that loomed over it. The spirit of the RSS is the fountainhead of the culture and organisation of the BJP too. But the BJP has become something of a mass party. It has secured power at the Centre for which it doesnt depend on allies. Therefore, its government and leadership may not be a pushover if the RSS showed displeasure.

On the other hand, the BJP cant fail to notice that its the spread of the RSS itself in a communalised polity that ineluctably promoted the BJPs rise as a mass party. At every level of the party and government, the levers are in the hands of RSS personnel.

Its evident that the RSS-BJP leadership is shot through with contradictions. What factors give one the upper hand and not the other, at a time when the BJP holds national power, is a complex subject and needs attention. Which entity will prevail is a matter of great interest to the entire country.
The clouds were hanging low in Henderson County on Monday, dropping multiple inches of rain in much of the area. More rains and flooding could come for the remainder of the week.
kilowatt

Anyway, to take home one of these trucks, we still have to wait until the sales debut in spring 2022. At Ford, they are pretty much sure this all-electric truck will be a game changer in the automotive world, as the Ford Model T and the Mustang previously were. The all-electric propulsion system of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning provides 563 hp and puts down 775 lb-ft (1,049 Nm) of torque Of course, these figures are impressive nowadays, yet they are normal if regarded from the perspective of the future. And we are not talking about a peak torque for a certain engine speed regime, the already mentioned 775 lb-ft (highest torque of any F-150 ever) is available quasi-instantaneously, as soon as you start pressing the (not anymore) gas pedal. So, is the F-150 Lighting really lightning -fast? With the 0 to 60 mph done in about 4.5 seconds, wed say it is.The 4x4 is built-in thanks to the dual in-board motors configuration. Also, the F-150 Lightning has a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body and a new independent rear suspension delivering appreciable ride comfort. Its completely new frame uses the strongest steel ever put in an F-150 chassis.There are some figures to confirm it: this truck can take a maximum 2,000-pound (907 kg) payload and has an up to 10,000-pound (4,536-kg) towing capacity. Here's something the numbers cant express: a quiet and smooth driving experience, new capabilities of the technical platform, and the ability to power your entire home during an outage.The technical platform brings also a next-generation lithium-ion battery. The F-150 Lightning offers two options: a standard-range battery targeting 230 miles (370 km) of EPA-estimated range and an extended-range battery targeting 300 miles (483 km) of EPA-estimated range. On a 150-DC fast charger, the extended-range F-150 Lightning is targeted to get up to 54 miles (87 km) of range in 10 minutes and charge from 15% to 80% percent in about 41 minutes.The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning's starting price will be on par with todays similarly configured F-150 trucks, and the range will include three trim levels: Platinum, Lariat and XLT.Available on the F-150 Lightning in Lariat and Platinum trim will be the SYNC 4A advanced interface, supported by a 15.5-inch touch screen and designed to adapt to driver behavior. SYNC 4A employs voice control, cloud-connected navigation and wireless access to your favorite services: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto , integrated Amazon Alexa, and SYNC AppLink apps.The comprehensive array of connected features improving over time via over-the-air software updates is never seen before in a truck, according to Ford. Among those, the FordPass app provides seamless access to charging stations and remote vehicle controls, BlueCruise (part of the available Ford Co-Pilot360 technology) provides hands-free driving on the highway, while enhanced Pro Power Onboard can power job sites or campsites.The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP before any federal or state tax credits, while the XLT can be acquired starting from $52,974 MSRP.
At 9:48 a.m., he then walked up to the drivers side door of a car, aimed the rifle at a 30-year-old woman, and demanded she get out and give him her valuables, police said. The woman, who was not physically injured, complied, but he didnt take the car, he just walked away.
The purpose is to make Google Maps an app that provides more information on each region while also improving its navigation capabilitiesnot only for drivers but also for pedestrians.This new Google Maps experience comes in handy to everybody out there, but theres just one small problem: since its debut many months ago, the refreshed maps have been released in a rather limited number of regions. As a result, most users out there dont get the aforementioned details for the cities they live in.That is is likely to change by the end of the year, Google says, as the company has promised at I/O 2021 this week that the new Google Maps would be expanded to many more regions in 2021.A total of 50 cities are projected to receive the updated Google Maps data, including both U.S. and non-U.S. locations. And of course, Google says the new maps will be available not only on its very own Android operating system but also on iPhone.And the search giant promises it wont stop here, with more cities coming rather shortly, as it wants the refreshed Google Maps to be available for everybody.The Mountain View-based company used its I/O 2021 event also to introduce a new Google Maps feature that helps look for safer routes to a user-defined destination. Therefore, the application will take into account hard-braking zones when trying to suggest a route and provide users with an alternative that avoids them, all in an attempt to help them reduce the risk of an accident behind the wheel.Furthermore, if the ETA when using a safer route isnt increased substantially compared to the fastest option, this one is offered as the default suggestion in Google Maps.
The entire idea of the exercise was to see how unmanned ground vehicles ( UGV ) could be integrated with a military operation. The pieces of hardware used during the mock battle were Milrem-made THeMIS tracked vehicles.The scenario of the exercise was simple. An infantry company and artillery pieces were deployed in defensive positions to block the advance of a motorized enemy battalion. Being a simulated battle and all, the enemy battalion was not actually advancing, and their motorized hardware was nothing more than stationary white vans But that little fact does not take away how spectacular the whole thing looks (footage in the video attached below). Aside from the massive artillery pieces and machine guns firing live rounds, the Milrem robots played their part in an equally impressive manner.Two UGVs were used for the task. The first was the THeMIS Combat Support Vehicle, equipped with a remotely operated 7,62 mm machine gun. It fired its bullets at the white vans like crazy and then moved to be used as casualty transport for wounded soldiers.The second robot was the THeMIS Observe, equipped with a tethered drone . This one was kept further back, from where it deployed the drone to have a birds eye view of the battlefield.The exercise took place in April, but it is only this week that Milrem released footage from the scene.The THeMIS is tracked vehicle powered by a hybrid diesel-electric drive and can carry 750 kg (1,650 pounds) of payload. It can be configured as a cargo hauler, mortar carrier, medevac, or machine gun platform.So far, this UGV is deployed in the armies of 11 countries, seven of them NATO members, including the United States.
Ariane 6 is one of Europes most ambitious space-related projects, somewhat similar to NASAs Space Launch System. The European Space Agency (ESA) is working with hundreds of companies in various countries, to develop Ariane 6, with the project being led by ArianeGroup, formerly known as Airbus Safran Launchers.At the same time, ArianeGroup is also developing a next-generation launcher engine, called Prometheus. This project was initiated in collaboration with the French space agency CNES, and was later covered by a contract with ESA, in 2017. The company recently announced that it was awarded a new 135 million ($164 million) contract from ESA, to complete the demonstration of the first 2 engine prototypes and to develop a new version of Prometheus.This projects objective is to create a rocket engine that is lighter than standard versions and more affordable, because its made with innovative technologies. Most of the engines components, up to 70%, including the combustion chamber, were manufactured using 3D printing. According to the manufacturer, this made the production costs for the first prototypes 10 times lower than those of the current Ariane 6 engine , the Vulcain 2.And thats not all. The new version will also be more powerful, with a thrust of 120 tons, instead of the first models 100 tons, and the thrust range will be controlled by a digital system. Prometheus will be the first European engine to have controlled combustion, which makes it capable of adapting to varying flight conditions. Plus, it will feature a Health Monitoring System that allows the engine to be diagnosed at any time.The new ESA contract will also cover the development of a liquid hydrogen version of the engine, which could be used on an upgraded version of Ariane 6, starting from 2025. Until then, ArianeGroup will work on getting the Prometheus engine closer to the pre-industrialization phase.
EV

The Chinese tech behemoth sees the expansion of its business in the automotive sector as a top priority in the long term. The living proof in this regard is a recent upper management shift recently revealed in an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg Richard Yu, the man who turned Huawei into a leader in the consumer electronics business, will be in charge of the companys smart-car solutions unit while also giving up on the CEO role of the cloud group.Yu joining the car push shows just how important this particular strategy is for Huawei in the long term, especially as its phone unit is still struggling with sanctions imposed in the United States. Huawei is one of the companies on the United States Entity List and is therefore blocked from working with American partners and using their products, be they software or hardware.As a result, Huawei can no longer use the licensed version of Android and Google services on its smartphones. That has caused a major drop in global sales in the last quarter.Huawei, however, is now moving its attention to the car market, where it plans to compete against other tech giants expanding this direction. Xiaomi has already announced that it plans to invest $10 billion in creating an, while Apple is also hard at work on finalizing its electric car development, with the company hoping for a release in 2024 or 2025 at the earliest.Huawei is ready to spend no less than $1 billion for smart auto tech this year alone, with Yu himself recently admitting that moving to cars is a way to offset the profit decline from smartphones, mostly caused by the U.S. sanctions.
SUV

Back in 2019, Volkswagen showcased at the New York International Auto Show the Atlas Basecamp concept, a project that was clearly aimed at people who love to spend as much time as possible enjoying the great outdoors. The positive reception then brought along with it the Atlas Basecamp accessories line Now, theres no grand automotive show (perhaps well see those make a comeback soon) for the reveal, but VW feels confident enough to state that the one-off Taos Basecamp concept will be followed by a future accessories package. The prototype has been created by the Volkswagen Design Team in Oxnard, California, and seeks to make a properout of the compact crossover.As such, we can see beefier fender flares, all-terrain wheels and tires, front and rear skid plates, and a special paint job combination. The Waimea blue shade is contrasted by silver details, the black plastic cladding, gloss black trim, and a matte black roof and hood mix. The Basecamp also comes with orange details for the logos, mirror caps, or side decals.And its not all show and no go because VW has also tapped the aftermarket pool of accessories and parts. It adds a suspension lift kit from H&R Special Springs LP, bespoke Traverse MX wheels by fifteen52 shod in Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail rubber, a custom Thule Canyon XT roof basket, and integrated off-road LED lighting from Baja Designs.Moving inside, the concept has fewer highlights, as our attention was only grabbed by the special cargo divider from Polytec Group. Volkswagen also promises (but didnt show it) that when the Taos Basecamp debuts in Helen, Georgia (May 20th through 23rd), people will also have the chance to check out the new Gentex HomeLink Bluetooth-enabled frameless mirror with integrated compass.
The British 1 Mercian Battlegroup and a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) led by the Royal Air Force joined forces recently, for Operation Cabrit. The Battlegroup is integrated with the 1st Estonian Brigade, as part of the NATO mission in the region. TACP is part of the C Battery 3 Royal Horse Artillery (RHA) and is based at Tampa Camp, in Estonia.For Operation Cabrit, TACP organized a Fire Support Team that includes Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs, also known as Forward Air Controllers), and signallers (the ones who are responsible for radio communication), in order to provide air support for the Battlegroup.According to TACPs commander, Flight Lieutenant John Ennals, they were supported throughout Operation Cabrit by various aircraft, including Estonian Robinson R44 helicopters, an Italian F35 , as well as German and Italian Typhoons. They also got the chance to meet the U.S. JTACs and work with USAFs F15s , by participating in the U.S.-led exercise Agile Liberty, which is also taking place in the Baltic area.NATO introduced the concept of an enhanced Forward Presence mission in the strategic Baltic region back in 2014, and the first troops were deployed in 2017. Since then, multinational battle-ready forces, led by the UK, Canada, Germany and the United States have a significant presence in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Operation Cabrit is the operational name for UK s deployment to Estonia, where it plays a leading role as part of NATOs eFP.During this recent deployment, TACP participated in Exercise Bold Monsoon and Exercise Bold Eagle, at Tampa Camp. JTACs had the opportunity to work, for the first time, with other NATO Squadrons in the area and to try out Estonian, Italian and German aircraft. According to RHA officials, these exercises represent a great way to develop interoperability and refine combat tactics and techniques.
The 1994 Previa was also a donation, which Toyota made more than 26 years ago. Were not exactly sure why the library decided to retire it (probably mechanical and or comfort-related reasons). Still, it was right to assume the TDA would facilitate them obtaining a brand-new model.Toyota is dedicated to driving mobility for all and by making the library accessible to more neighborhoods throughout LA, were helping to enrich young lives and foster a sense of imagination, stated Toyota LA region exec, Shawn Domeracki. He added how proud his company is to support the Los Angeles Public Library and that Toyota is looking forward to seeing how many communities itll be able to positively impact thanks to that new Sienna MVP If youre wondering why a public library might need a small passenger van to begin with, its because the institution depends on a reliable source of transportation for the implementation of youth literacy programs. Those include the Read Baby Read initiative, which provides new parents in need with reading kits.Furthermore, the library staff is planning on using the Sienna to travel to different neighborhoods in LA to host fun, interactive outdoor programs for children and teenagers. According to principal librarian Madeline J. Bryant, the new Sienna's fuel-efficient characteristics will definitely come in handy during such travels.The all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna boasts a class-leading EPA-estimated 36 combined mpg (6.5 liters per 100 kilometers) thanks to its hybrid drive, as well as helpful features such as the Toyota Kick Sensor or the Split & Stow third-row seat.
SUV

The FJ Cruiser was previewed by a 2003 concept and entered production several years later, with the mix between the sturdy body-on-frame construction and the retro styling proving to be a winning recipe. However, Toyota U.S. axed the model in 2014, with the off-roader also pulled off the Japanese market three years lateryou can still grab one in other parts of the world, the Middle East, Chile, the Philippines, and South Africa.We've been watching the thing for quite a while now, and it seems the vehicle is heading for cult car status . Well, builds like the one on our screens right now certainly keep it under the spotlights.Owned by an Alabama-based gearhead whose Instagram handle is fj_wasted, this looks like a home-brewed proposal. If you drove it onto the live set of the coming-in-2023 Furiosa Mad Max spinoff, chances are nobody would suspect a thing.Thecame to the world as a 2007 FJ Cruiser and now packs a supercharger because "only those mobile enough to scavenge or brutal enough to pillage will survive"that's a Mad Max 2 quote, by the way.Now, the most common application of the sort involves the 4.0-liter V6 motor receiving a TRD (Toyota Racing Development) blower, in which case we can talk about a minimum output of 304 hp and 334 lb-ft (453 Nm) of twist.The apocalypse-embracing look of the Toyota starts straight with the Method Race Wheels. Sure, the beadlock units are wrapped in All-Terrain rubber supplied by BF Goodrich, but we have to mention the grinder-style ornament of the first, along with the custom white branding adorning the latter.There's serious protection across the vehicle, but each piece has studied negligence to it, all with a deep rust flavor. Oh, and would you look at that crosshair-style hood ornament!The "battle scar" livery of the thing is also worth mentioning, especially since it also covers important parts of the greenhouse. The devil is in the details with this Toyota FJ Cruiser , from the sturdy side steps that match the front bull bar to the zip tie riot showcased in the Instagram post below.As for the custom badges, you can't expect such a project to skip them, can you?
Here is a very rare and excellent condition example of a 1958 TG 500, also known as the Tiger. Its listed with RM Sothebys and will go under the hammer this week, on May 22, at the Amelia Island, Florida event. It is a true collectors piece, both due to its condition and historical importance.After WWII, German aircraft maker Messerschmitt was banned from making aircraft, due to its previous contracts with the Nazi regime. So it turned its attention to the automotive industrymicrocars, in particular, since they were all the rage back then. The first microcar, the Messerschmitt KR 175, was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1953, but the KR 200 was arguably its most popular model.The TG 500 is based on the KR 200 (which, by the way, is making a comeback ), and it was produced after the German government acquired Messerschmitt. It came with four wheels instead of three, larger brakes, better suspension, larger headlamps, and a bigger engine (a 494 cc two-cylinder, two-stroke engine that delivered 20.5 hp). It was produced under the name Fahrzeug und Maschinebau GmbH Regensburg, or F.M.R. for short. As such, its official name was F.M.R. TG 500 Tiger.Only 320 Tigers were ever made, with the listing noting that some 150 survive to this day. This example is represented in excellent condition and is still in working order. It means that, once you get under the glass bubble roof into that still-gorgeous blue seat, you will be able to take this retro beauty for a drive and have a blast at 78 mph (125 kph). Or wow bystanders with a 0 to 60 (96.5 kph) time of 28 full seconds.Still, at the time, the Tiger was the cream of the crop. The listing describes it as a high-performance microcar and a must-have for any microcar collector, as long as he or she has an estimated $125,000-$165,000 to spare. For the record, the most expensive microcar ever sold at auction is another Tiger, which fetched $322,000 in 2013.
Bodycam footage obtained and released by AP shows Louisiana state troopers stunning, punching and dragging Ronald Greene, a Black man who died in police custody in 2019 following a high-speed chase near the city of Monroe.

Why it matters: The arrest of Greene is the subject of a federal civil rights investigation, and Louisiana authorities refused to publicly release footage captured during the arrest for two years, which incited accusations of a cover-up.

Body camera footage from in-custody deaths are typically released almost immediately, according to AP.

The state troopers who were on the scene of the arrest first claimed that Greene died on impact after crashing his vehicle into a tree during the chase.

State Police later released a short statement saying Greene struggled with troopers and died on the way to the hospital.

Greene, who was 49 years old at the time of his death, failed to pull over for an unspecified traffic violation on May 10, 2019, about 30 miles south of the Arkansas state line.

The footage shows Greene raising his hands and surrendering to officers after crashing his SUV and apologizing for leading them on the chase.

Trooper Dakota DeMoss and Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth approach the vehicle, and Hollingsworth shocks Greene with a stun gun through the drivers side window within seconds of arriving at the vehicle.

Greene can be heard yelling, Im your brother! Im scared! Im scared! after being stunned for the first time.

Greene exits through the passenger side of his vehicle, and a trooper attempts to wrestle him to the ground by putting him in a chokehold and punching him in the face, while another trooper can be heard calling him a stupid motherf---.

Another trooper stuns Greene's backside and warns, Look, youre going to get it again if you dont put your f---- hands behind your back!

After Greene is on the ground lying on his stomach, Hollingsworth strikes Greene multiple times in the back before finally handcuffing him.

Trooper Kory York is later shown dragging Greene by his leg shackles while on his stomach and not resisting.

At one point, Greene is heard screaming and gurgling. He is left unattended, handcuffed and on his stomach, and then is not seen on camera for several minutes.

When Greene reappears, he is limp, unresponsive and bleeding from his head and face while still on his stomach. He is then loaded onto an ambulance gurney with his arm cuffed to the bedrail.

In another video obtained by AP, Hollingsworth can be heard saying that he "beat the ever-living f--- out of him," referring to Greene.

Hollingsworth is also heard saying, Choked him and everything else trying to get him under control. He was spitting blood everywhere, and all of a sudden he just went limp.

What they're saying: Andrew Scott, a former Boca Raton, Florida, police chief who is also often an expert witness in use-of-force cases, told AP that while Greene was not without fault during the incident, dragging him while he was restrained and facedown was malicious, sadistic, completely unnecessary.

Charles Key, another use-of-force expert and former Baltimore police lieutenant, in an interview with AP criticized the troopers' choice to leave Greene unattended and facedown for several minutes.

You dont leave somebody lying on the ground, particularly after youve had this fight, Key said. The training has been for a number of years that, as soon as you get someone under control, you put them on their side to facilitate their breathing ... and particularly this guy, because he was very heavy. 

The other side: Louisiana State Police said in a statement to AP that the premature public release of investigative files and video evidence in this case is not authorized and ... undermines the investigative process and compromises the fair and impartial outcome.

The big picture: Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (R) allowed Greenes family to view the same footage last year. Greenes family filed a federal wrongful-death lawsuit, alleging the troopers left Greene "beaten, bloodied and in cardiac arrest."
Elmhurst canceled its annual Memorial Day parade for the second consecutive year, citing pandemic guidelines, however it will employ a convoy of first responder service and military vehicles to commemorate fallen veterans. Starting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, the convoy will start its route at the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park and end at 11 a.m. with a ceremony at the memorial. The public is invited to attend the concluding ceremony, and the convoys 16-mile route can be watched on Elmhurst TVs YouTube.
The first Americans to be vaccinated against the coronavirus could require a third "booster" shot as early as September, the CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna told Axios.

Driving the news: "The data that I see coming, they are supporting the notion that likely there will be a need for a booster somewhere between eight and 12 months," Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said yesterday during an Axios event.

That means some Americans could need a booster as soon as September or October, he added.

State of play: Only time will tell how long protection from the first two vaccine doses will last, but there's no evidence yet that it's fading. Even if protection does begin to fade  which is common among vaccines  it won't happen overnight.

And as the virus continues to spread around the world, its possible that vaccine-resistant variants could eventually emerge. (The existing vaccines are highly effective against the variants currently circulating in the U.S.)

What they're saying: "I think we will almost certainly require a booster sometime within a year or so after getting the primary [shot] because the durability of protection against coronaviruses is generally not lifelong," NIAID director Anthony Fauci told Axios' Mike Allen at the same event.

"I think as a country we should rather be two months too early, than two months too late with outbreaks in several places," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel wrote in an email.

"People at highest risks (elderly, healthcare workers) were vaccinated in December/January," he added. "So I would do [a] September start for those at highest risk."

The other side: Experts caution to consider the drug companies' predictions in context with their broader business goals.

"Its not proven that we need boosters yet. Whereas its appropriate to plan for boosters, youve got to look at whether theres a corporate agenda behind this," said Cornell professor and virologist John Moore.

As of now, we dont have any evidence that protective immunity has dropped to a troubling point, and certainly not for people immunized in December, January, February," he added. It's hard to say where we will be in November because right now its May.

The bottom line: Even if you received your first shot in December, you don't need to worry that you'll wake up tomorrow having lost all of your immunity.
With just 65 days until the Olympics, Japan's COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates are providing legitimate cause for concern.

Why it matters: The country's seven-day average of new cases surpassed 6,000 for five straight days last week, just barely trailing its worst surge to date, back in January.

Vaccines: Japan's vaccination rate pales in comparison to similarly developed countries, with just 1.7% of the population fully vaccinated. (U.S., 38%; U.K., 31%; Spain, 16%).

The state of play: The reasons for the slow vaccine rollout largely stem from a cultural barrier that has slowed the process from the start, as well as a reliance on foreign supply due to their feeble vaccine sector.

Despite securing ample supply, a deep-seated skepticism of foreign vaccines pushed Japan to pursue additional testing on top of Pfizer's multinational test whose results were accepted by dozens of countries.

Once they finally began vaccinating the population on that delayed timeline, different challenges arose. Namely, there aren't nearly enough people approved to administer the shots.

"Only doctors and nurses are allowed to give them in Japan's conservative medical culture," writes AP's Mari Yamaguchi. "Getting shots from pharmacists at drug stores as in the U.S. or from volunteers with no medical background other than brief training as in Britain remain unthinkable in Japan."

What they're saying: A prominent group of ~6,000 Japanese doctors is calling for the Olympics to be canceled because "the medical institutions ... have their hands full and have almost no spare capacity," per Reuters.

Meanwhile, 40 towns that had registered to host athletes have abandoned those plans, and 59.7% of people in Japan think the Olympics should be canceled, per a recent Kyodo News poll.

"The risk is too big," Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani told CNN. "It's not time to celebrate yet."

"Holding the Olympics should be welcomed by everyone, but that is not possible under the current situation," said Japanese lawyer Kenji Utsunomiya, whose "Stop Tokyo Olympics" petition has over 350,000 signatures.

The big picture: The coronavirus has evolved over time, with new and more contagious variants posing a major challenge to a world that's already weary from a year unlike any other.

The U.S. has trended in the right direction, going from COVID-19's favorite breeding ground to a world leader in vaccinations.

Japan has gone in the opposite direction, keeping cases low for months before stumbling on the vaccine front. And it could cost them  and thousands of athletes  their Olympic dream.

Go deeper: Japanese doctors urge Olympics to be canceled as COVID surges
A former Arizona sheriff drew national attention for his exorbitant immigration enforcement antics that eventually brought a federal probe. A new book details how Latino activists brought him down.

Why it matters: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's headline-grabbing stunts, like forcing prisoners to wear pink underwear, slowly galvanized a Latino electorate that ousted him and turned Arizona blue.

Details: Investigative journalists Terry Greene Sterling and Jude Joffe-Block detail the rise and fall of the lawman, once a hero for the right, in "Driving While Brown: Sheriff Joe Arpaio Versus the Latino Resistance."

As sheriff of Arizona's most populous county, the son of a working-class Italian immigrant transformed into one of the nation's most ruthless anti-immigrant crusaders amid a rise in migration from Mexico.

A former DEA agent, Arpaio served as sheriff from 1993 to 2016 and was accused of racially profiling Latino motorists, jailing political enemies and harassing critics, including journalists.

Arpaio's actions targeting Latino immigrants were often compared to racist Alabama lawman Bull Connor, who fought against civil rights.

Photo: University of California Press

The intrigue: As Arpaio rose, Latino activists like Lydia Guzman slowly responded to his policies that had sparked fear around Phoenix in the mid-200os, the authors point out.

Immigrants hid in water tanks to avoid aggressive deputies, held hunger strikes in jails, and staged protests outside of Apario's scorching hot Tent City, where he held Latino detainees.

The authors show how that activism led to the landmark racial-profiling lawsuit that exposed more details of Arpaio's behavior and a surge in Latinos registering to vote in southern Arizona.

Arpaio was defeated in 2016 by a coalition of Latinos, Native Americans, progressive white voters and moderate conservatives.

A year later, he was convicted of contempt of court for refusing to obey a federal judge's order to stop traffic officers from racially profiling suspected undocumented immigrants.

President Donald Trump pardoned Arpaio before his sentencing.

Don't forget: Taxpayers are still paying to settle a racial-profiling lawsuit from Arpaio's immigration patrols in metro Phoenix a decade ago.
The New York attorney general's office has begun a criminal tax investigation into Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, CNN first reported Wednesday.

Why it matters: Weisselberg has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but investigators are pushing for him to cooperate with them in their investigation into former President Trump's organization, per CNN and the New York Times.

The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) announced on Tuesday a criminal investigation into the Trump Organization, working with the Manhattan district attorney's office while also keeping open its civil inquiry into the company's financial records.

The investigation is looking into potential bank, tax and insurance fraud.

The big picture: Investigators from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office last month reportedly seized financial records from Jennifer Weisselberg, the former daughter-in-law of Allen Weisselberg.

James' investigators are looking at "whether taxes were paid on fringe benefits" from Trump gave him, "including cars and tens of thousands of dollars in private school tuition for at least one" of Weisselberg's grandchildren, the Times reports.

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance's office is examining the CFO's Trump Organization role, personal finances and benefits allegedly given to his son Barry Weisselberg, who is also a Trump Organization employee, according to CNN.

What they're saying: James' office declined to comment and representatives for the Trump Organization did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Trump said earlier Wednesday that the investigation "is in desperate search of a crime."

"These investigations have also been going on for years with members and associates of the Trump Organization being viciously attacked, harassed, and threatened, in order to say anything bad about the 45th President of the United States."

 Trump

Go deeper: Donald Trump's legal troubles become criminal
An Arizona man turned himself in after the FBI was looking for him in connection to the U.S. Capitol riot and a former FBI agent talks about why the investigation is taking so long.
Update: 20-05-2021 | 16:56:57

Vietnam appears to be leading the economic recovery among four emerging economies in ASEAN known collectively as CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam), with exports and manufacturing already "far above" pre-pandemic levels, according to Maybank Kim Eng.

Illustrative image

In its recent report, the bank described recovery in the region as sluggish and uneven, noting that Vietnam now leads the region, Business Times of Singapore reported.

Vietnam had successfully averted a recession last year, with its export turnover expanding by 7 percent, it said.

In the first four months of 2021, the countrys export turnover rose by 28.3 percent year-on-year, with strong gains in machinery, computer and electronic items. Maybank maintained its forecast of 2021 full-year GDP growth at 6.5 percent for Vietnam.

However, it is slashing its outlook for Cambodia to 4.2 percent from 5.9 percent. Meanwhile, Laos is expected to grow 4.8 percent instead of 6 percent, and Myanmar could contract 8 percent instead of a growth rate of 3 percent.

According to the bank, the pace of economic recovery in all the four countries hinges largely on vaccine rollout, but vaccine procurement has been a challenge./.

VNA
The program ensures that children have an attorney to provide legal defense during removal proceedings. Many unaccompanied child migrants cannot afford a paid attorney and they are not provided a defense counsel under U.S. law, Alvarez said. According to data analyzed by the Vera Institute, children with legal help were able to stay in the U.S. 70% of the time, compared to just 9% for children without representation.
$4 million bond first approved in the 5J District since 1948; Jessica Dougherty elected to school board
There was a buzz among students at South High on Friday and it had little to do with the impending end of the school week.
Bluefield, WV (24701)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 73F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
The problem with the proposal endorsed by most Black Caucus members is that it leaves the mayor with zero say over pivotal police oversight functions. Not just zero say, but zero accountability for public safety in the nations third largest city. Instead, that accountability would be diffused into an 11-member civilian board  nine of them elected and two appointed by the mayor.
Some Southeast Texas school districts are preparing to inoculate students against COVID-19 after the Pfizer vaccine was authorized for children 12 and up earlier this month.

The push comes as schools in June will be required to end mask requirements  one result of an executive order signed Tuesday by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

In Beaumont, vaccination plans still are being finalized.

BISD has two partners we are working with to provide vaccinations for students, BISD Health Coordinator Julie Nezat told The Enterprise. We are currently collaborating with Legacy and Walgreens to provide clinics for students. More details on both partnerships will be available soon.

More Information What: PAISD/Gulf Coast Health Center mobile COVID Vaccine clinic When: 9-4 p.m. Memorial 9th grade academy and Memorial High School students: Tuesday and Wednesday Wilson Early College High School students: May 27 Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln middle schools: TBA Where: Students that will take the vaccine must do so on their home campus. What to bring: Parents must accompany children ages 12-17 and provide the signed consent form, which can be found on the district's website. Students ages 18 and over do not need a parent present, but they must complete the consent form. *Note: The COVID-19 vaccine is completely voluntary and not required for students or staff in PAISD. See More Collapse

The district also has decided to keep mask mandates in place until June 4, when Abbotts order goes into effect.

At that time, the district will strongly encourage but not require students, teachers and staff to continue wearing masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, District Superintendent Shannon Allen said.

Related: Cheers, fears greet Abbott mask decision

Masks, face shields and other face coverings have become ubiquitous symbols of the coronavirus era. With businesses and localities ending mask mandates, schools are some of the last places to have widespread requirements in place.

"Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities, Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday when announcing the end of mask mandates. We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans' liberty to choose whether or not they mask up."

Abbott cited the growing number of vaccinated Texans and the use of therapeutic drugs to treat COVID patients as reasons for ending the mandate.

Those receiving the vaccine now include older children, after the Pfizer vaccine was authorized for use by children 12 and older earlier this month.

Related: US advisers endorse Pfizer COVID shot for kids 12 and up

Port Arthur ISD currently is registering students and parents for a mobile vaccine clinic that is scheduled to run next week on all campuses.

The Port Arthur Independent School District, in partnership with the Gulf Coast Health Center, will provide the Pfizer vaccine to PAISD students ages 12 and older and their parents for the next two weeks through a COVID-19 mobile clinic, the district said in an announcement. In order to receive the vaccine, students ages 12-17 must have parental consent.

That consent form is available on the districts website and Facebook account.

Sign-up is requested by the end of the day Thursday.

As of Sunday, about 270,000 Texans under 18 had received at least one dose of the vaccine  roughly 50,000 of whom were below age 16, according to state health officials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine to the younger group last week.

But advocates say the end of mask mandates in schools comes too early in the vaccine effort.

Related: Some aren't ready to give up masks despite new CDC guidance

In a statement, the Texas State Teachers Association called Abbott's move "premature," saying he should have waited until the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues mask guidelines for the 2021-22 school year before making any changes to existing policy.

"We know some school districts already have ended their mask mandates, and we believe that also is ill-advised," said TSTA President Ovidia Molina, adding that most students won't be fully vaccinated until the summer. "The health and safety of our students, educators and communities must remain our first priority as we attempt to emerge from this pandemic."

A growing number of districts in Southeast Texas, including Bridge City, Vidor, Silsbee and Evadale ISDs opted to end mask mandates voluntarily after the Governor allowed them to do so in March.

Related: Bridge City ISD ends mask mandate

Port Arthur ISD was the first district in the region to respond to the executive order banning mask requirements.

Though our efforts to keep our students and staff safe by implementing COVID-19 practices such as mandatory mask wearing, social distancing and temperature checks were successful, we respect the decision of Governor Abbott and will follow through with his plan, Superintendent Mark Porterie said.

Masks will continue to be a requirement in the district until June 4, when the executive order takes effect.

Last week, the CDC relaxed its own mask recommendations, saying vaccinated people could stop wearing face coverings indoors. Nearly half of Texans age 12 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine, state data show.

Health experts still strongly encourage people to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Related: States, business sort out what new CDC mask guidance means

The Texas Education Agency is expected to release new COVID guidance ahead of the June 4 deadline, which will include an update on whether school districts can require students to take COVID tests or quarantine before coming to class, a spokesman said. Some school districts will still be in session after that date.

The Texas Faculty Association, a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of higher education faculty and support staff, also is calling on the governor to reconsider his order.

We urge him to allow colleges and universities to continue requiring masks, at least until a larger number of Texans are vaccinated against the coronavirus, Texas Faculty Association President Pat Heintzelman said in a statement.

Members of the Texas State University System, which include several local community colleges and Lamar University, are amending guidance to be in compliance with the recent order.

President (Thomas) Johnson has announced that LSCO, a component of the Texas State University System, has made protocol adjustments to follow the Governors latest Executive Order, and face coverings will no longer be required on campus, a spokesperson told The Enterprise. This is effective as of yesterday afternoon when the order was issued.

Houston Chronicle reporters Cayla Harris and Jacob Carpenter contributed to this report.

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com

twitter.com/isaacdwindes
Lamar University and the Lamar Institute of Technology are the latest SE Texas institutions to rescind mask mandates in the wake of an order banning such polices signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week.

Lamar University will no longer require face masks or coverings to be worn on campus by any student, faculty, staff member, or guest, the university said in a statement.

The Student Health Center will continue to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to all current students, faculty and staff. Appointments can be made online at lamar.edu/healthcenter.

Related: SE Texas schools end mask mandates, provide vaccines

We highly encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity, the university said in a statement. We also expect all parties to be respectful of those who elect to wear a mask or face covering as well as those who elect not to as their personal choice.

Lamar University is part of the Texas State University System, along with Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Port Arthur and Lamar State College Orange.

In response to Gov. Abbott's latest Executive Order (GA-36), LIT will end the face covering requirement effective immediately, LIT said in a Tweet. While our faculty, staff and external stakeholders are no longer required to wear masks on campus, all who choose to continue this practice may do so.

Some advocates have decried the decision.

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We urge him to allow colleges and universities to continue requiring masks, at least until a larger number of Texans are vaccinated against the coronavirus, Texas Faculty Association President Pat Heintzelman said in a statement.

Lamar State College Orange also amended mask guidance earlier this week.

President (Thomas) Johnson has announced that LSCO, a component of the Texas State University System, has made protocol adjustments to follow the Governors latest Executive Order, and face coverings will no longer be required on campus, a spokesperson told The Enterprise. This is effective as of yesterday afternoon when the order was issued.

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com

twitter.com/isaacdwindes
Southeast Texas officials are encouraging residents to report damage caused by this weeks flooding.

They can be self-reported to damage.tdem.texas.gov, which provides the damage survey in English and Spanish. The survey also provides an opportunity to upload photos of the damage.

The objective of the survey is to identify damages and support emergency management officials across the state gain an understanding of damages that have occurred during the recent severe weather event, according to a news release from the Orange County Office of Emergency Management.

Reporting damage is the first step to potentially getting a presidential disaster declaration and, later, federal aid, said Jasper County Judge Mark Allen.

As more information comes in from homeowners and business owners  (the Texas Department of Emergency Management) collects all of that and thats a lot of how the governor justifies a request for a presidential declaration, he said.

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With all the damage that was done to Southeast Texas by the rain and flooding, as well as the hail and other bad weather that came as a result of the same system in the northern part of the state, Allen said he expects the state will meet the threshold to get such a declaration if everyone who experienced damage files a report.

He said theres a section in the form to submit even small damage, and even that could help.

It might help the homeowner get FEMA or SBA assistance in the future or, at the very least if they dont qualify, it could help the state qualify so their neighbor can get the assistance, Allen said.

While the region still could get up to 6 inches of additional rain overnight Thursday and Friday, and some rivers and bayous in the area continue to rise, Allen encouraged residents to go ahead and complete the damage survey if theyve already experienced damage. If they see any more over the next few days, that submission can be amended.

Dont wait. Youre going to forget, he said. I pray that we dont see any more damage, but if we do, you can always supplement it. Especially our homeowners, theyve been traumatized enough with the weather  Laura, Delta, the freeze  we want to get this aid.

kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/KaitlinBain
UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations chief is urging Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers to observe their cease-fire, and he says the international community must develop a reconstruction package that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters after Thursdays announcement of an end to 11 days of deadly clashes that Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.

Guterres says the U.N. is ready to work with Israel, the Palestinians, and international and regional partners to return to meaningful negotiations on a two-state settlement based on territorial lines before the 1967 war.

He says Hamas-controlled Gaza is an integral part of the future Palestinian state and no effort should be spared to bring about real national reconciliation that ends the division with the rival Fatah-led Palestinian Authority that governs the West Bank.

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GAZA CITY  Hamas is calling the Gaza cease-fire a victory for the militant group in its struggle against Israel.

Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya made that characterization while addressing a rally in Gaza City.

Al-Hayya claims Israel failed to destroy Hamas military infrastructure, and says the group's fighters are still striding proudly in the underground tunnels.

He did not reveal the terms of the deal.

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JERUSALEM  The top United Nations envoy to Israel and the Palestinian territories is welcoming the cease-fire in the latest war between Israel and the Hamas- militant group that rules Gaza.

Tor Wennesland said early Friday on Twitter that he extends his deepest condolences to the victims of the violence & their loved ones.

He also thanks Egypt and Qatar for their work with the U.N. in brokering the deal that ended 11 days of fighting.

He adds that now the work of building #Palestine can start.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip are taking to the streets to celebrate the cease-fire reached after an 11-day war between Hamas and Israel.

At 2:00 a.m., just as the cease-fire took effect, frenzy of life returned to the streets of Gaza. People went out from their homes in the night for the first time since the war began, shouting Allahu Akbar, whistling from balconies, and many firing in the air.

More rallies are expected across the Gaza Strip later Friday.

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WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden is hailing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ending an 11-day war.

Biden spoke from the White House shortly before the ceasefire was set to go into effect in Gaza, where Israel has struck hundreds of targets in retaliation for Hamas firing thousands of rockets into its territory.

Says Biden: I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and Im committed to working for it.

Biden said the U.S. was committed to helping Israel replenish its supply of interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome protection system and to working with the Palestinian Authority  not Hamas  to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Hamas militant group says it has accepted the Egyptian proposal to end an 11-day war with Israel that killed scores of people, caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. He posted a statement on WhatsApp late on Thursday, saying: The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed.

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel had accepted the truce proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Egypts state-run MENA news agency said the truce would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement.

The White House said President Joe Biden would deliver remarks on the cease-fire later in the afternoon, Washington time, on Thursday.

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BEIRUT  An official from the Palestinian militant Hamas group says Israels declaration of a cease-fire represents a defeat for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

Ali Barakeh, a member of Hamas Arab and Islamic relations bureau, told The Associated Press that the militants will remain on alert until they hear from mediators who have been working for days between Hamas and Israel.

Hamas officials haves said that they have been contacted by officials from Russia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations to reach a truce with Israel. He added that once Hamas hears back from the mediators, its leadership will hold discussions and will make an announcement after that.

Barakeh spoke just minutes after Netanyahus office on Thursday announced a cease-fire to halt the 11-day military operation against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. A statement said Netanyahu's Security Cabinet unilaterally approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal.

It appears the two sides were still negotiating exactly when the cease-fire would take effect. Multiple reports said it would go into effect at 2 a.m., just over three hours after the cabinets decision.

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UNITED NATIONS  Israels U.N. ambassador says his country wants a cease-fire in its conflict with Gazas militant Hamas rulers but only after significantly degrading Hamas terror machine.

Gilad Erdan told Thursdays emergency in-person meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on the conflict that we are looking for a cure and not a band-aid.

He said that Israel will take all steps necessary to protect its civilians while making every effort to avoid harming Palestinian civilians.

Erdan accused the 193-member General Assembly of hypocrisy in supporting Hamas, which every day is firing hundreds of rockets indiscriminately into Israel.

He stressed that Hamas doesnt accept Israels right to exist and refuses to renounce violence.

He warned that if the U.N. strengthens Hamas, it will make the possibility of Hamas replacing the Palestinian Authority much more likely and eliminate the chance of future dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

He stressed there is nothing to discuss with a terror organization committed to your annihilation, nothing.

The Israeli ambassador also lashed out at the demonization of Israel, saying it is spurring sickening anti-Semitic attacks and singling out Turkey.

Erdan said there has never been a clearer example of the fact that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism and called on all governments to take swift action to protect Jewish communities and apprehend perpetrators.

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WASHINGTON  The White House says that reports of a move toward a cease-fire between Israel and the militant Hamas group that rules the Gaza Strip are clearly encouraging but cautioned that a truce has yet to be agreed on.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said on Thursday that the White House believes the Israelis have achieved significant military objectives in their strikes against Hamas targets, which is why President Joe Biden expects them to start winding down their operation there.

Psaki says the Biden administration has conveyed that to the Israeli side and that is what we expect to happen.

Psaki added that Bidens comments to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for de-escalation, were a reflection of what were seeing on the ground."

She said the United States' strategic approach here is to communicate directly, stay closely interlocked with the Israelis, with partners on the ground, to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict.

She also said the U.S. has held more than 80 engagements with senior leaders in Israel, the Palestinian Authority and across the region.

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UNITED NATIONS -- The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says the United States will continue to relentlessly push for peace between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. has held more than 60 diplomatic meetings at the highest levels over the past two weeks, including at least five by President Joe Biden, to try to quickly end the conflict.

She spoke on Thursday at an emergency in-person meeting of the U.N. General Assembly and underscored that the U.S. administration is committed to working with Israelis, Palestinians and parties across the Middle East to stop the hostilities.

She said: I dont believe there is any country working more urgently or fervently toward peace.

Thomas-Greenfield reiterated that in Bidens phone call with Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, the president said we believe Israel is now in a position to begin winding down the conflict, and that we expect a significant de-escalation to begin.

She said the Biden administration is committed to working with other countries to bring a rapid end to the current violence and, over the longer term, create the conditions for a lasting, sustainable peace.

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UNITED NATIONS  The top Palestinian diplomat is accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinian families and urging the international community to protect the Palestinian people until their freedom is assured.

Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki told Thursdays emergency meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers that every country in the world has a responsibility to ensure that peace, justice and freedom prevail.

He urged the assembly ensure that Israel is held accountable for killing innocent Palestinians and is not provided with arms. He said the presence of a dozen ministers, almost all from Arab and Islamic countries, sends a clear message: Stop the violence.

The Palestinian minister responded to Israels claims of acting in self-defense by saying: How can an occupying power have the right to defend itself when a whole people under occupation is deprived of the very same rights?

Al-Malki said the Palestinians have informed the Biden administration and the Quartet of Mideast mediators  the U.S., U.N., European Union and Russia  that ending occupation against our people and our holy sites should be followed by a political process" that would lead to ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its capital.

So far in the deadly conflict, Palestinian militants have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel from Gaza and Israel has hit the territory with relentless airstrikes in response.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The International Committee for the Red Cross is calling for a temporary cessation of hostilities between Israel and the militant Hamas group in the Gaza Strip to allow people time to shop for their basic needs.

Mirjam Muller, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Gaza, said on Thursday that such a breather would allow people to buy food, see doctors and have a little bit of time to digest what is happening to them.

She says a couple of hours for people to move around safely would be really important right now and we are calling for that.

The latest war between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers is now in its 11th day and people in the Gaza Strip are staying mostly holed up in their homes or have fled to schools-turned-shelters. Muller says Israeli airstrikes and outgoing rocket attacks by Palestinian militants have been extremely intense and that people feel they cant breathe anymore.

___

JERUSALEM  Israels defense minister says the military is prepared to expand its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, despite ongoing international efforts to reach a cease-fire.

The minister, Benny Gantz, said on Thursday that Israeli forces are turning the clock back on Hamas and it wont be able to recover.

He spoke during a tour of Israeli artillery batteries near the Gaza border and said that Israeli troops are operating with full resolve and in a politically responsible manner as the fighting neared the end of its 11th day.

The latest, fourth war between Israel and Gaza's militant Hamas rulers erupted on May 10. So far in the conflict, Palestinian militants have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel from the Gaza Strip, some hitting deeper in Israeli territory and with greater accuracy than ever before.

Israel has hit the territory with relentless airstrikes, and at least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women. The casualty tolls are from the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

___

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. chief is urging an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers at the start of a U.N. General Assembly emergency meeting.

The session is expected to hear from about 100 speakers, including 12 ministers mainly from Arab and Islamic countries.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Thursdays in-person meeting in the assembly chamber that he and the U.N. Mideast envoy are engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts in the region, including with Egypt, Jordan and Qatar, to stop the fighting.

He called on all members of the international community to do everything in their power to enable the parties to conflict to step back from the brink.

The U.N. chief also called on Israel and Hamas to allow for mediation efforts to intensify in order to bring the fighting to an end.

Guterres implicitly criticized Israel and Hamas for violating the laws of war which ban indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilians and civilian property as well as attacks on military targets that cause disproportionate civilian casualties. He said counter-terrorism or self-defense are not justifications.

He urged Israeli authorities to abide by the laws, including the proportionate use of force and called on them to exercise maximum restraint in the conduct of military operations. He urged Hamas and other militant groups to stop the indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars from highly populated civilian neighborhoods into civilian population centers in Israel.

___

WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is leading a long-shot effort to halt a $735 million arms sale to Israel as Democrats in the U.S. Congress raise mounting concerns about the violence in the Middle East.

The Vermont senator introduced a resolution on Thursday to block the weapons transfer. A similar measure in the House was introduced Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, and liberal lawmakers on Wednesday.

Sanders says that Congress needs to take a hard look at whether the sale of these weapons is actually helping do that, or whether it is simply fueling conflict.

Supporters of this effort are unlikely to have the votes needed to reverse the sale, but theyre racing the clock to register opposition under a review period that expires this week.

The opposition to what had been a routine transfer of arms shows the increasing unrest on Capitol Hill from key Democrats over Israels handling of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

___

KARACHI, Pakistan  About 200 members of civil society have rallied in Pakistans southern port city of Karachi, demanding an immediate end to Israel's campaign in the Gaza Strip and violence in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The protesters on Thursday chanted slogans against Israel and in support of the Palestinians. Pakistanis are also expected to hold nationwide anti-Israel rallies on Friday, the Muslim day of prayer.

Thursdays rally comes hours after Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi flew to New York to address the U.N. General Assembly to condemn Israels strikes on Palestine.

Pakistan is among few countries that do not have diplomatic ties with Israel.

___

JERUSALEM  Israels opposition leader is leveling severe criticism at the governments handling of the war against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid wrote on Thursday on Facebook that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has failed in developing a concrete policy regarding the Gaza Strip, and has jeopardized Israels relations with the Biden administration with this latest conflict.

Lapid writes: After 11 days of this operation, every Israeli citizen will ask themselves: What did the government really want to achieve with this military operation? What is its policy and strategic long-term aim concerning Hamas in Gaza?

Earlier this month, Lapid was tasked with forming a government. That happened less than a week before the outbreak of fighting between Israel and Hamas and after Netanyahu failed to build a governing coalition following the March 23 elections.

Netanyahu has pushed back against calls from the U.S. to wind down the Gaza offensive, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.

___

JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran was behind an armed drone that Israel intercepted after entering its airspace this week.

Netanyahu said during a meeting with visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Tel Aviv on Thursday that Iran sent an armed drone to Israel from Iraq or from Syria that crossed into Israel from Jordanian airspace before it was intercepted.

Netanyahu told Maas that while were fighting on various fronts, the true backer of much of this aggression is Iran, pointing to its support for Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant groups.

Netanyahu's remarks came as Israel unleashed another wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Thursday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several. Meanwhile, Hamas fired more rockets, even as expectations rose that a cease-fire could be coming.

___

GENEVA  The U.N.s top human rights body said Thursday it will hold a special session next week to address the grave human rights situation in Palestinian areas in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The Human Rights Council will convene the May 27 meeting following a request presented by Pakistan, as coordinator of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation.

The session at the 47-member state body in Geneva paves the way for a day-long debate over the recent deadly violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Mideast conflict that has raged for decades.

More than 60 states  including member states and observer states  have so far expressed support for the special session, council spokesman Rolando Gomez said.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, quit the council in mid-2018  partially over the administrations allegations that the council has an anti-Israel bias. President Joe Biden has returned the U.S. to participation at the council, and the U.S. plans to seek a seat next year.

Israels ambassador in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, called on member states to strongly oppose this meeting.

The convening of yet another special session by the Human Rights Council targeting Israel is testament to the clear anti-Israel agenda of this body, she wrote on Twitter.

___

BEIJING  China says it has been actively engaged in mediation toward ending the ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

Special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has spoken with officials of the Palestinian and Egyptian foreign ministries and will also speak with representatives of Israel, Russia, the United Nations, the European Union and other parties, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Thursday.

Zhao said the envoy was calling for an immediate ceasefire, strengthening assistance to Palestine, and reiterating (Chinas) firm commitment to the two-state solution.

He said Beijing would like to host negotiations between the two sides in China and is willing to provide humanitarian and other types of assistance to the Palestinian side within its capabilities.

China has long been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause but also maintains robust ties with Israel. The country has criticized the U.S. for blocking the adoption of a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the fighting in Gaza.

___

BERLIN  German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that indirect contacts with the Hamas militant group, such as those maintained by some Arab countries, are necessary to defuse the situation in the Middle East.

Speaking in Berlin as her foreign minister visited Israel and the West Bank on Thursday, Merkel downplayed how much Germany alone can do to help defuse the situation.

Merkel said at an event organized by WDR public television: Everything we are doing, and the foreign minister is doing, must be seen in the context of American efforts and the efforts of other European states. She added: I dont think we alone will be the decisive factor there, but we can make a contribution along with the U.S., other Europeans and Britain.

Germany has placed the blame for the latest war in the Middle East squarely on Hamas and what it calls the groups rocket terror.

Asked whether she would back someone speaking with the group, Merkel replied: Of course there have to be indirect contacts with Hamas. Egypt speaks to Hamas and so do other Arab countries.

She added that Egypt is a very, very important quantity in cease-fire efforts and that cant be done without any contact with Hamas -- it doesnt always have to be done directly. But of course Hamas has to be involved in a certain way, because without Hamas there is no cease-fire.

___

BERLIN  Germany's foreign minister says his visit to the Mideast is intended as a show of solidarity with Israeli and Palestinian civilians suffering from the latest eruption of conflict, and part an effort to push for a cease-fire and resumption of peace talks.

Heiko Maas said ahead of his departure Thursday that Germany stands unconditionally to its friendship with Israel, which must defend itself against the rocket terror by Hamas.

He said that Palestinians can also rely on his countrys humanitarian support even in difficult times.

Maas, who plans to meet the Israeli president, foreign minister and defense minister, as well as the Palestinian prime minister, during his one day trip, said the international community must find a way to help end the violence.

He called for talks on a path back to peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians even if they seem miles away at the moment.

Maas said he hoped the Mideast Quartet comprising the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations could play an active role in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict soon.

___

UNITED NATIONS  The United States opposes a draft U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers. The U.S. says it could interfere with the Biden administrations efforts to end the hostilities.

France drafted the resolution after the U.S. earlier blocked at least four attempts to have the council issue a press statement calling for an end to hostilities.

A press statement requires agreement by all 15 council members. A resolution only requires at least nine yes votes and no veto by the United States or any of the four other permanent members.

A French spokesman had said very intense discussions were taking place Wednesday with the U.S. on the proposed resolution.

But the U.S. Mission to the U.N. said later that we will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate.

___

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is urgently appealing for $38 million for emergency needs in Gaza as a result of conflict between Israel and the territorys Hamas rulers.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency said Wednesday that it is already responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees and non-refugees, including tens of thousands of people who have sought safety in the agencys schools and emergency shelters.

The agency says the $38 million is needed for an initial 30-day period to respond to a variety of immediate needs in Gaza including food, health care, psychological services, and water and sanitation. It also includes emergency needs in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, for health care, shelter, education, security and protection.

___

BEIRUT  The leader the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group says militant factions in Gaza went into the latest battle with Israel knowing it will be costly but also knowing that it is the only road to freedom and to protect Jerusalem.

Ziad Nakhaleh said in a televised speech from Beirut on Wednesday that neither nuclear weapons, warplanes nor peace agreements with some Arab states could bring Israelis security and peace.

He added that militant groups in Gaza have made miracles that you can see with your own eyes and you live them every moment when you run to shelters.

Nakhaleh was referring to thousands of missiles and rockets that Gaza militants have fired toward Israel.

Nakhaleh said that after Israels moves that threatened the eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers in east Jerusalem, we were in front of two choices, to surrender and to give them everything or fight them over everything.

___

JERUSALEM  Israels Foreign Ministry says foreign ministers from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia will arrive in Israel on Thursday.

The ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the diplomats were invited by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to express their solidarity and support for Israel during its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate hostilities after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

___

JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to continue this operation until its aim is met, despite U.S. President Joe Bidens call for a de-escalation of hostilities in Gaza.

In a statement from his office Wednesday, Netanyahu said that he greatly appreciates the support of the American president, but said Israel will push ahead to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.

Earlier, Biden called for significant de-escalation by days end from Netanyahu after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

___

CAIRO  An Egyptian diplomat says some of the countrys top officials are waiting for Israels response to a cease-fire offer, and that they expect amendments to their proposal.

He says they hope Frances increasing efforts could spur the United States to exert its influence on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to stop the fighting as soon as possible.

He added that if that doesn't happen, there are some discussions among Arab and Islamic nations, along with China, to put the issue before the U.N. General Assembly in an effort to bypass the Security Council and the U.S.s veto power there.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Egypt has been trying to broker a cease-fire between neighboring Israel and Hamas, as it is one of a handful of countries that maintains official ties with both.

 Samy Magdy in Cairo.
The state borrowed $1.2 billion from the Fed in June and another $2 billion in December. As of May 10, the state had $400 million remaining on the initial loan, with a June 5 due date, according to the Fed. The deadline for paying off the second loan is in December 2023.
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak leaves Kuala Lumpur High Court after a judge rejected the governments claim to $27.5 million seized from a residence linked to him, May 20, 2021

Malaysias government failed to prove that 114 million ringgit (U.S. $27.5 million) in cash seized from a property linked to former Prime Minister Najib Razak three years ago was stolen from state fund 1MDB, a court here ruled Thursday.

Najibs lawyer said he would seek the return of the funds that the ex-P.M. had claimed belonged to his United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party.

Kuala Lumpur High Court Justice Muhammad Jamil Hussin ruled that prosecutors did not prove that the funds seized were obtained from illegal activities.

The court concluded that the prosecution has failed to tie the funds seized from property owned by Obyu Holdings Sdn Bhd to any criminal breach of trust case, Muhammad said.

Malaysian media has reported that Obyu is owned by Bustari Yusof, a confidante of Najib and the brother of Minister of Works Fadillah Yusof. The government named Obyu as the respondent in the forfeiture suit, with UMNO and Najib as third parties.

Justice Muhammad ruled that the investigating officer, Commissioner D. Rajagopal, could not convince the court that the seized funds were stolen property acquired by fraud.

The investigating officer has failed to expose and identify who had been entrusted with 1Malaysia Development Bhd, who had the dominant authority [over] the 1MDB fund and [who] had explicitly abused the fund, while [also] failing to explain how Najib was an agent to 1MDB, Muhammad said.

On the balance of probabilities, the applicant failed to prove the seized money was linked to money laundering or proceeds from unlawful activities, involving criminal breach of trust and stolen property. Therefore, the applicants application is dismissed.

Najib founded 1MDB, the state development fund, in 2009 while serving as prime minister and finance minister.

Malaysian and U.S. prosecutors had alleged that at least $4.5 billion (18.8 billion ringgit) was stolen from 1MDB between 2009 and 2014, in a corruption scandal that implicated foreign and local financial institutions and high-ranking officials, including Najib.

The former P.M. last year was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison on corruption-related charges in a trial over the looting of money linked to a subsidiary of 1MDB, but he is out on bail and appealing the conviction.

The appeal hearing ended earlier this week, but the Court of Appeal reserved its judgment for an unspecified date.

A huge victory, Najib says

As part of investigations into 1MDB corruption, police on May 17, 2018, raided properties linked to Najib, including in Obyu Holdings condominium.

They found and seized the cash totaling 114 million ringgit  in 26 currencies  stashed in 35 suitcases, police told reporters at the time. The bulk of the cash was in Malaysian ringgit and Singaporean dollars.

Investigators also seized jewelry, including a diamond necklace valued at 6.4 million ringgit ($1.5million), 284 handbags, including Hermes bags valued at 51.3 million ringgit ($12.3 million), 423 watches, including Rolex timepieces, and 234 sunglasses, police said.

The cash and items seized were valued at between 900 million ringgit ($217.2 million) and 1.1 billion ringgit ($265.5 million).

On Thursday, the judge did not rule on the return of the seized money that is being held by the Central Bank of Malaysia.

Muhammad Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi, the deputy public prosecutor, urged the court to suspend that decision pending an appeal.

Meanwhile, Najibs lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah insisted the government return the funds to his client.

They [the government] made an application to forfeit. The judge said no, denied it. So they have to return it.  Im going to give them 24 hours, he said.

Najib praised the ruling.

The court has decided that the prosecution failed to prove that the funds were from 1MDB and this means that there was no crime involved, Najib told reporters.

For me this is a huge victory, not only that the funds have been cleared from criminal activity, but it is also proved that all the allegations leveled against me  that I have swindled 1MDB funds, that I was a thief and a thug  were merely baseless and malicious allegations.
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I know weve done really great work first and foremost doing everything we could from the minute that the pandemic hit our shores to make sure we are saving peoples lives. No easy decisions, not one, but Im proud of the work weve done in partnership with a lot of different organizations and individuals across the city, Lightfoot said. The reality is, Im the mayor. Im the target, people are unhappy, people are angry, and criticism comes with the job. But what I do is I make sure I live my values every single day.
The House has voted to create an independent commission on the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, sending the legislation to an uncertain future in the Senate as Republican leaders work to stop a bipartisan investigation that is opposed by former President Donald Trump
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Lightfoot said the city will give up to $1.5 million for one project in each of seven planning regions. At a news conference announcing the program, Lightfoot said the money will go toward upgrading vacant city-owned lots, playground or library improvements, among other ideas.
Deputy States Attorney Steven Brown, of Windham County, stands while speaking to potential jurors during jury selection at the Windham County Superior criminal court, in Brattleboro, on Monday. The proceedings were live-streamed on YouTube due to restrictions on the number of people who could attend in person.
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Take a detour in the produce aisle with these 6 fruits, vegetables
SANDISFIELD  Nearly two months after the town granted Sama Productions LLC a permit for a marijuana growing and manufacturing operation near Town Hill and Abbey roads  over the fierce objection of neighbors  the company is seeking an alternate location in the town.

Sama filed a new special permit application on Tuesday to build its 22 greenhouses and manufacturing building on a 14.7-acre parcel on the eastern side of South Main Street (Route 8).

The scope of the project outlined in the new application is the same at the previous site; it wasnt clear why the company is possibly choosing to switch locations. Sama principal John Heck could not be reached for comment.

The new site abuts property owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and is surrounded by mature forest, according to the application. The nearest other abutter is across the state highway, and the land has 1,200 feet of frontage that the company says it will screen with new trees.

A public hearing date has not yet been scheduled for the new application.

The decision comes just days after residents at the annual town meeting shot down any and all cannabis regulations, as well as a proposed ban on the industry. The regulations would have prohibited cannabis farms with over 20,000 square feet of canopy. Sama is proposing 100,000 square feet of canopy, which the state classifies as a Tier 11 facility  the largest state law allows.

Its really interesting that, had the bylaws passed, Sama wouldnt have been able to even consider a new site in town for their Tier 11 project, said Carl Nett, who has been a vocal supporter of having the industry in town.

Approval of Samas initial permit followed months of townwide debate over the issue. Residents and abutters pitched a battle over the business and its potential future impact on the bucolic landscape. Others welcomed the company, saying cannabis revenues might be the ticket out of a longstanding economic slump in this remote town. The company faced a similar fight in Great Barrington in 2019, and withdrew a permit there as a result.

Amid resistance, Sandisfield approves commercial pot-cultivation plan SANDISFIELD  A companys long battle for a permit to grow and process cannabis in the Berks

Lev Natan, who owns land near Samas Town Hill Road location and plans to build a home there, said while this apparent change of address is good for him personally, he still has concerns about large facilities and pollution. Natan authored a change.org petition this month to protect Western Massachusetts from the industrial cannabis industry.

He was disheartened by the failed bylaw vote, and says he supports a creative diverse economy that includes cannabis on a smaller scale.

He said the approval of Samas permit last month shook him in a new way.

Ive never fought for my own land before, he said. Ive never owned land, and Im grateful that thats something thats in my life now.
Heather Bellow can be reached at hbellow@berkshireeagle.com or 413-329-6871. On Twitter

@BE_hbellow.

Amanda Burke can be reached at aburke@berkshireeagle.com, on Twitter @amandaburkec and 413-496-6296.
Amanda Burke covers Pittsfield City Hall for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Find her on Twitter at @amandaburkec.
Canine specialist Stacey Broderick sits with Remi, a victim of animal cruelty, at the Berkshire Humane Society. People convicted of animal cruelty charges would be banned from possessing animals for up to 15 years under legislation proposed in the Mass. Legislature.
It has nothing to do about you .... with due respect, or anybody else, Lightfoot said. What it has to do about is the facts, and the facts is that when I look at it across this podium as Im doing now, I dont see much in the way of diversity.
Statehouse Reporter

Danny Jin is the Eagle's Statehouse reporter. A graduate of Williams College, he previously interned at the Eagle and The Christian Science Monitor. Danny can be reached at djin@berkshireeagle.com or on Twitter at @djinreports.
Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election are examined and recounted May 6 by contractors working for Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. The audit, ordered by the Arizona Senate, has the U.S. Department of Justice saying it is concerned about ballot security and potential voter intimidation arising from the unprecedented private recount of the 2020 presidential election results.
In New York, eight men have been arrested for allegedly scamming $2 million in unemployment compensation and half reportedly posed with the ill-gotten cash on social media.

According to the New York Daily News, on Tuesday (May 18), federal investigators say the men ran a yearlong scheme, applying for unemployment funds in the names of people whose identities theyd stolen.

The suspects have been identified as Bryan Abraham, 18; Carlos Vazquez, 20; Angel Cabrera, 18; Armani Miller, 24; Johan Santos, 19; Gianni Stewart, 19; Andre Ruddock, 25, and Seth Golding, 18. Authorities say they received $600 weekly payments in the names of hundreds of people.

RELATED: Capitol Rioter Seen With Zip Ties Arrested By FBI

Vazquez, Cabrera, Golding and Stewart posed with some of the loot in photos posted online. Cash netted from the scheme was reportedly directly deposited into their bank accounts, sent as checks to their homes, or issued as debit cards made out to the names of the victims whose identities they nabbed.

Six of the eight men were arrested in a sting on Tuesday. Miller and Santos have not been apprehended as of yesterday afternoon.

After initial appearances in Brooklyn Federal Court, all six were released on $75,000 bond.
A lot of people are outraged by this, but just imagine what its like for Black and brown journalists in the city to not ever have this access, Walden said. This is literally a daily struggle for Black and brown journalists in Chicago, and I wish that was the conversation instead of people who have access to the mayor every single day complaining about one day that they dont have access.
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Rain showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. High around 80F. E winds shifting to WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Next month, the Catholic bishops will decide if Joe Biden is permitted to receive communion due to his stance on abortion. Its certainly going to be an interesting decision. But as we reported last night, some liberal politicians who identify as Catholic dont think the Church has a right to make that call.

The Catholic Church has a perfect right to tell everyone in the world that life needs to be respected. Thats what Jesus did.

Liberal Catholic politicians love to say that while their conscience may say abortion is wrong, they refuse to impose their beliefs on others through legislation.

Okay. But as a practicing Catholic, no one can defy their religious dogma and still be one.

And the left is not only defying a core belief of their religion, they are promoting abortion. Making it easier to take a life. No restrictions. And they want your money to pay for it to boot.

And youre telling me the Bishops and the Catholic Church and the Pope dont have a right to call that out? Come on.

So, the decision next month from the Catholic Church will be a controversial one  and youll get the best analysis of that decision right here on the No Spin News.
Watch the latest video at FoxNews.com By Bill O'Reilly Since nobody knows, nobody knows, what happened in the 1990s regarding Herman Cain and accusations of inappropriate behavior, it is very difficult to analyze the situation with any clarity. On Tuesday, Mr. Cain denied doing anything wrong. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) HERMAN CAIN, GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: With respect to the most recent accusation, I have never acted inappropriately with anyone, period. As I sat in my hotel room with a couple of my staff members, as they got to the microphone, my first response in my mind and reaction was I don't even know who this woman is. The charges and the accusations I absolutely reject. They simply didn't happen. We will get through this. The fact is, these anonymous allegations are false and now the Democrat machine in America has brought forth a troubled woman to make false accusations, statements, many of which exceed common sense, and they certainly exceed the standards of decency in America. (END VIDEO CLIP) Despite Mr. Cain's denials, the question remains: Can the Cain campaign survive all of this? There is no question his supporters are standing by him. He has raised millions of dollars in the past week. And Mr. Cain's poll numbers continue to hold, but that is among likely Republican voters, not the general population. "Talking Points" believes it is far too early to reach any conclusions about the whole mess. Again, we are being very cautious in assessing it. But there is no question, on the Republican side the political dynamic in this presidential election is changing. And that's "The Memo."  You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" and "Pinheads & Patriots" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com. Transcript Show Name: O'Reilly Factor
Watch the latest video at FoxNews.com By Bill O'Reilly It looks like Mitt Romney made a comeback last night. The Governor was feisty for a change and went after Newt Gingrich big time. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Is he still the most anti-immigrant candidate? GINGRICH: I think of the four of us, yes. BLITZER: Go ahead, Governor. ROMNEY: That's simply inexcusable. That's inexcusable. Mr. Speaker, I'm not anti-immigrant. My father was born in Mexico. My wife's father was born in Wales. They came to this country. The idea that I'm anti- immigrant is repulsive. Don't use a term like that. I think you should apologize for it and I think she's recognize of having differences of opinions on issues does not justify labeling people with highly-charged epitaphs. (END VIDEO CLIP) O'REILLY: Well, unlike the final South Carolina debate, Speaker Gingrich did not really launch last night. He was much more measured in his responses. He largely left the media alone but did stakeout religious territory. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) GINGRICH: One of the reasons I'm running is there has been an increasingly aggressive war against religion and in particular against Christianity in this country, largely by -- largely by a secular elite in the academic news media in judicial areas. And I frankly believe it's important to have some leadership that stands up and says enough, we are truly guaranteed the right of religious freedom, not religious oppression by the state. (END VIDEO CLIP) O'REILLY: Now, a bunch of polls released today have Mitt Romney leading in Florida. But those polls are already obsolete because of what happened last night. "Talking Points" does expect Mitt Romney to win Florida with Newt Gingrich coming in second, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul a distant third and fourth. Of course I could be wrong but that is the trend line right now. Once again, there really isn't much difference among Romney Gingrich and Santorum on the issues. They all want to lower taxes, shrink the government and promote capitalism. It is a matter of style, not substance in the Republican sweepstakes. Tonight on the "The Factor" we'll look at the immigration brouhaha with Geraldo, the money factor with Lou Dobbs and the press component with Bernie Goldberg. Also we have BillO'Reilly.com poll question for you. We are asking, "Has the Factor been fair in covering the campaign so far?" Yes or no. I'll give you the results on Monday. It's a very lively poll. One footnote we well understand that Ron Paul supporters don't like us because we think that Congressman Paul is out there and would never be able to govern the country because his belief system is so unorthodox. While the Congressman does have some good ideas he also has frightening ideas and he will not be much of a factor from now on, pardon the pun. All in all last night's debate helped Mitt Romney, I believe. The Governor has to feel better today. And that's "The Memo." - You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" and "Pinheads & Patriots" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com. Transcript Show Name: O'Reilly Factor
Watch the latest video at FoxNews.com By Bill O'Reilly First of all, I have to apologize to some left-wing Americans who are actively trying to protect children and babies. I have to speak generally this evening, but I'm aware there are many liberal Americans who are outraged about what's going on. Now last night we brought you the editorial director of "The Denver Post" newspaper, apparently he opposes Jessica's Law which 44 states have. That law mandates long prison sentences for child rapists and molesters. In Colorado, 41 year-old-man Delbert Wallace Stiewert raped a 13-year-old girl for months, for months. He pled guilty to sexual assault and was sentenced to two years in prison. Also in Colorado, 47-year-old Jeffrey Bigham, sexually abused a 11- year-old boy almost a thousand times. He got one year in a Colorado prison. So it is simply outrageous that seven Democrats in the Colorado house killed Jessica's Law, saying that the state already has enough sanctions against child predators. It does not. Speaker of the House, the very liberal Mark Ferrandino, refused to put Jessica's Law up for a full vote. And now "The Denver Post" is sticking up for him. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) HUBBARD: Colorado has strong sex offender laws and I don't see... O'REILLY: I got... I've got a dozen, I've got a dozen child rapists doing less than five years in your state, Mr. Hubbard. Maybe you ought to do a little research about it. HUBBARD: And they're on lifetime probation which is something unique to Colorado. O'REILLY: Lifetime probation, ooh, lifetime probation for rape? You know if you had a kid and somebody raped that kid and they got lifetime probation you'd probably be out there with a gun, Mr. Hubbard. HUBBARD: That's in addition to their prison sentences, Bill. (END VIDEO CLIP) O'REILLY: So the question is why is that man, Curtis Hubbard, "The Post" editorial director really opposed to Jessica's Law? What's behind it? Now, we have similar situations in Vermont, Illinois, New York and Hawaii which we'll get to in a moment. In addition it is the left that is now pushing late-term abortion on demand for pretty much any reason under the banner of protecting a woman's health. That's simply barbaric as some late term babies are actually birthed, their spines snapped. There's a so-called doctor in Philadelphia on trial for that right now. Other babies have holes drilled into their skulls inside the womb. So it's simply hard to believe that any American would support that, but some on the left do. And again the question is why? Here is my theory and it's just that, a theory. Many secular progressives do not want to make judgments on behavior. They don't believe in evil. They don't believe in right and wrong, everything is a gray area. The left-wing fanatics in Vermont, for example, want restorative justice where child rapists are educated to stop their behavior, not punished for 25 years. As for late term abortions, it is the mother who has all the rights. The babies, simply disposable. Many secular progressive do not believe in God and make up all kinds of excuses why viable babies can be murdered... very, very disturbing. And that's "The Memo."  You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com. Transcript Show Name: O'Reilly Factor
The video shared on social media, which appears to have been taken by a fellow employee, twice shows the customer on top of the employee, who is on the ground in the drive-thru lane. It also appears to show blood coming from the customers mouth. The beginning of the confrontation is not seen in the recording.
Watch the latest video at FoxNews.com By Laura Ingraham Late yesterday, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor denied an appeal to temporarily delay the Obamacare contraception mandate. It requires workers health benefit plans to cover the morning after pill and other emergency contraception. In September, Hobby Lobby, it's a chain of more than 500 arts and crafts stores and its sister company of Christian themed book stores sued the government claiming that the HHS mandate violated the religious rights of the company's owners, the Green family. The Greens are Evangelical Christians. The Oklahoma base company requested emergency relief from the emergency contraception mandate after a lower court denied their request for a religious exemption. The new rule goes in to effect on New Year's day. Although Sotomayor didn't rule on the merits of the case her refusal to grant a temporary stay of the HHS contraception in abortifacient rule is onerous. So starting next week the company will either have to pay a daily fine of $1.3 million dollars or stop offering their employees' healthcare, or abide by the rule and violate their religious conscience. Now, it's worth noting that when she sat on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Sotomayor ruled in favor of the religious rights of a Muslim inmate who was denied a Ramadan meal in prison. Now, she was asked about that case and the religious liberty issue at her confirmation hearing. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SONIA SOTOMAYOR, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE: It is a very important and central part of our democratic society that we do give freedom of religion, practice of religion, that the Constitution restricts the state from establishing a religion and that we have freedom of expression in speech as well. Those freedoms are central to our Constitution. (END VIDEO CLIP) INGRAHAM: I agree and don't religious people who own companies also have religious rights? It turns out as many feared the President's religious exemption to the contraception mandate is so narrow as to be meaningless. Unless you employ and serve only those of your same religious faith you don't receive an exemption. So under that standard, Jesus himself would not qualify. The Little Sisters of the Poor, a saintly order of nuns who give beautiful care and housing to our nation's indigent seniors have already warned that due to this Obamacare mandate they may have to shutter their homes all across the United States, which would be a tragedy. This is unconscionable and unconstitutional. The President can and must step in to stop this madness. And that's "The Memo." - You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com. Transcript Show Name: O'Reilly Factor
Bill again joins Glenn Beck to cure the world's ills. The duo explores President Biden's stunning hypocrisy on pipelines and the dire consequences of his border policies, which are directly leading to the death of Americans. They disagree on the overriding question: Does the president understand what is going on under his watch?

Bill also opines on a new ad campaign aimed at progressive companies like Nike, Coke, and American Airlines, concluding that drinking coke is bad for your health and 'Coca-Cola is hurting the country.'

Bill and Beck also examine Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's overtly racist move that is intended to distract from the city's deadly crime problem. And, now that Geraldo Rivera is getting into disputatious confrontations with Dan Bongino every week, Bill recalls his own epic altercation with Geraldo.

As an added bonus, Bill reveals how the mob itself is reacting to 'Killing the Mob,' currently the bestselling book in the country. Let's explain it like this: Bill has put out a hit with his book, but the mob is not putting out a hit on Bill.
The overall safety profile of the vaccine in adolescents was comparable to that observed in adults

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) at Singapore has extended the authorisation of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents of ages 12 to 15 years for the prevention of COVID-19. The vaccination regimen is the same as that for adults, i.e. two doses of the vaccine to be administered 21 days apart.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was granted interim authorisation under the Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR) for individuals aged 16 years and above in December 2020.

At that time, the data in individuals aged below 16 years was not yet available. As a condition for interim authorisation under PSAR, Pfizer and BioNTech were required to continue to study the safety and efficacy of the vaccines in other subgroups and submit the relevant data for HSAs review.

On 13 April 2021, Pfizer and BioNTech submitted an application to extend the vaccination population for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents aged 12 to 15 years old to HSA.

HSAs review of the clinical data for this subgroup found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine induced a robust immune response and demonstrated a high vaccine efficacy of 100%. This vaccine efficacy was based on the on-going Phase 3 clinical trial, which enrolled over 2,000 participants aged 12 to 15 years.

Based on the safety data available from a median follow-up duration of 2 months after vaccination, the overall safety profile of the vaccine in adolescents was comparable to that observed in adults. The side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, chills and fever. They generally resolved on their own within a few days.
Sends 3000 ventilators to India

Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) is supporting COVID relief efforts in collaboration with Air Canada and the Government of Ontario by providing urgent medical supplies to the Indian population which has been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. 3000 ventilators and other medical supplies donated by the Ontario Government to the Indian Red Cross have reached India.

The Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) was asked by the Ontario Government to facilitate the shipment of its donation to India.

We share a strong and deep relationship with India and we stand with the people of India and its frontline workers during these difficult times. India is the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer and has so far shipped over 66 million doses around the globe. We invite the global community to help India fight the pandemic because unless everyone is safe, no one is safe," said Vikram Khurana, Chairman, Toronto Business Development Centre.

An Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated a cargo-only flight with 40 tonnes of essential supplies from Toronto Pearson Airport to New Delhi. The freight included critical medical equipment such as oxygen cylinders, oxygen generators and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Air Canada also carried 100 ventilators donated recently by the Saskatchewan Government.

When flights to India were suspended on April 22, the movement of essential goods between the two countries was also halted. With this exceptional cargo-only flight, we are grateful to help and contribute to these relief efforts by shipping critical medical supplies. We worked closely with the Toronto Business Development Centre and the Government of Ontario to ensure timely support, in solidarity with the affected communities, said Jason Berry, Vice-President, Cargo at Air Canada.
The machines that have already arrived in Bengaluru will be deployed in close partnership with BBMP and Health Department of Government of Karnataka

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms or C-CAMP has received CSR funding from Mercedes Benz Research & Development India (MBRDI) towards deploying about 110 oxygen concentrators from Germany in public healthcare centres across Karnataka. The machines that have already arrived in Bengaluru will be deployed in close partnership with BBMP and Health Department of Government of Karnataka.

The effort that has been facilitated by Nayonika Eyecare Charitable Trust, the German Consulate General, Bangalore and Indian Embassy in Germany is one of the many national and international CSR fundraising initiatives being co-ordinated by C-CAMP to aid Indias COVID response with life-saving technologies and innovations.

Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO & Director, C-CAMP said, C-CAMP is happy to contribute to Karnatakas ongoing combat by bringing this much needed resource to the state. We are planning on collaborating with Government of Karnataka on deployment in public healthcare centres including makeshift hospitals and COVID care facilities which especially lack infrastructure for cryogenic oxygen.

The consignment of 110 concentrators imported by C-CAMP have been manufactured by Phillips, are lightweight, easy-to-use and low maintenance.

Speaking on the importance of such multi-partner PPP collaborations in rapid mobilisation during this time of emergency, Dr Saiyed remarked that The C-CAMP-MBRDI partnership was turned around in unprecedented urgency and definitely shows the way for greater ecosystem participation in order to bring forward more helping hands from India & abroad in this hour of need.
JSW Group has created this mega hospital in collaboration with the District Administration of Ballari and is dedicated to the nation and the people of Karnataka

JSW Group has launched a 1,000-bedded oxygenated covid care district field hospital in Toranagallu, Ballari, Karnataka. This is one of Indias biggest Covid-care facilities with a dedicated 4.8 km oxygen pipeline originating from its steel factory and supplying medical oxygen directly to the hospital for treatment of ailing patients.

This mega healthcare facility was constructed in a record period of 15 days. JSW Group has created this mega hospital in collaboration with the District Administration of Ballari and is dedicated to the nation and the people of Karnataka. This Mega-Hospital will be managed and administered by the Ballari District Administration.

Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group, said, JSW would like to do everything in its humble capacity for the service of mankind. We have created this field hospital to ensure direct oxygen supply from plant to patient.

Commenting on the newly opened medical facility, Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, said, JSW remains committed to support the Governments efforts in flattening the Covid infection curve while helping patients recover by providing them the best healthcare facilities at this hospital.

According to Dr Vinod Nowal, Deputy Managing Director, JSW Steel Ltd, This Mega Covid-care facility is equipped with all necessary medical facilities for treating patients from North Karnataka and neighbouring districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The Mega Covid-Care Hospital created by JSW is equipped with medical equipment for critical care, pharmacy as well as supported by kitchen and laundry services. The Ballari District Administration will be managing the hospital in multiple shifts with the help of 700 personnel across three shifts, comprising doctors/specialists, nurses, paramedics, supervisors, and non-medical staff.

In order to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, JSW Steel Vijayanagar Works will supply 1200 Nm 3/hr of oxygen to this mega-hospital. The hospital premises will be kept cool through 850 tonnes of air-conditioners installed across the premises with electrical substation. It also has an exhaust and air purifier system installed to maintain appropriate temperature range and air quality inside the premises. It will also have all necessary power and water supply to ensure smooth running and uninterrupted care to the patients.
The initiative is run by Covid India Campaign

The Breathe India Initiative run by Covid India Campaign was recently launched in Karnataka. Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Dr Ashwath Narayan took part in the inauguration where he dedicated machines, patient monitors and other medical equipment and supplies to the society in the presence of ADGP Reserve Police Alok Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Narayan thanked the organisers for coming together in such a short time and supporting six centres. He said, We thank Covid India Campaign for supporting the state government of Karnataka in this time of need by launching the Breathe India initiative and the seven community oxygen centres across the state. This initiative has been instrumental in easing the need for oxygen in the hospitals and augmenting the entire healthcare system in the state

Dr Shalini Nalwad, Chairperson, ICATT Foundation and Co-founder, Covid India Campaign said, "We have been very active since the first wave, enabling more than Rs 4 crores worth of N95 masks, PPE kits and other essential medical supplies to the frontline workers and we are now focussing on converting normal beds into oxygenated beds by deploying the necessary medical infrastructure in place.

Dr Naga Nischal, Consultant Emergency Medicine, Head of Clinical Services at Cloudnine Hospitals and Karnataka President for the Society for Emergency Medicine of India said, When patients are

administered oxygen early, deterioration of their condition can be avoided. We aim to shorten the time to availability of oxygen for needy patients by launching community oxygen centres pan India that will administer oxygen and needful medications without a delay.

Swadeep Pillarisetti, an IIT Madras alumnus, Co-founder of Covid India Campaign (CIC) and Lead, Breathe India Initiative said, Speed is of the essence, hence we quickly conceptualised this and brought together this amazing team of volunteers and organisations in a record time. We aim to set up one Community Oxygen Centre every 24 hours across the country. We have also garnered strong CSR support from various large corporates and NGOs in India as well as abroad.
A R17m grant over the next five years will help develop science-based solutions and developing technologies that utilise indigenous knowledge (IK) and South African iconic biodiversity to produce high-quality proprietary and commercial African traditional medicine (ATM) products, focusing on priority diseases.

Professor Motlalepula Matsabisa,

Rebranded

Knowledge-based thinking

create internationally competitive, quality, safe, effective, and easy-to-use products from local, commercially cultivated medicinal plants that consumers and patients have confidence in;

develop and pilot locally developed technologies to meet local pharmaceutical needs;

create Sanas-accredited, standardised research methodologies on plant extraction, research, and validation;

host students, technicians, technologists, researchers, and scientists (from South Africa, Africa, and abroad) to undertake short-term and long-term collaborative research;

market the value of IKS to a competitive local industry and establish an ATM-based pharmaceutical industry in South Africa; and

grow the platform through employment of qualified and competent personnel.

The grant was awarded to the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) for Health at the Department of Pharmacology at the University of the Free State (UFS) by the Technology and Innovation Agency Platform (TIA).Through this platform, IKS will be in a position to increase the number of postgraduate students being trained and developed in the fields of IKS health and pharmacology, technicians and technologists, scientists, researchers, and communities nationally and across our borders," Motlalepula Matsabisa, professor and director of pharmacology at the university.This research and teaching programme in the School of Clinical Medicine will now be rebranded and be known as the African Medicines Innovations and Technology Development Platform (AMITD), which will strive to respond to community health needs and address industry research challenges.We will work with IK communities of practice in the field of health and traditional medical knowledge, together with the traditional health practitioners (THPs) in South Africa, encouraging them to participate meaningfully in the formal economy of the country by utilising the knowledge of the rich South African biodiversity. This will be done through an inclusive model, which will significantly empower the involved communities to become full participants in the formal economy, says Matsabisa.The platform will work with private pharmaceutical companies to address technological challenges regarding herbal or ATM products that need improvement, and even develop new products for the market. The main scope of the platform will be to conduct applied and need-driven IKS health research.AMITD is envisaged to be a unique platform in that it will include focused technology development, community and indigenous knowledge-holder participation, inclusive innovation, bioprocessing, early commercialisation, and support. The focus will be on inclusive development and holistic research of IK-based products across the value chains - research, development, and commercialisation.In the longer term, the plan is to establish an AMIDT Institute, and to become the international IKS research hub. To continue maintaining this position as the preferred research institute for training, research, and technology development for industry, government, local communities, and forming partnerships with leading national and international institutions.The overall benefits will be skills development, job and wealth creation at community level, high-level training at higher-education level, and industrial and business developments around IKS/ATM production activities. The AMIDT will move the country from the current resource-based thinking to a more intensive knowledge-based thinking and development. Abundance of natural resources means nothing to the country if those resources cannot add value and develop commodities for industry development and job creation, including social impacts, he says.The short-term goals of the platform are to:
Decorex Africa will present the inaugural Cape Town Design Trail in the Mother City from 1 to 30 June 2021.

Design

Nando's Hot Young Designer Talent Search 2020 finalists revealed For the 2020 edition of HYD, young designers were asked to create a unique bench that responds sensitively to seating needs in a time of social distancing...

Interior design

Art

Food

Over 100 participating designers, studios and brands will host launches, exhibitions, presentations, talks and displays during the month. The new trail gives participants one-on-one access to showrooms and private maker spaces.The trail has been divided into a series of curated routes, each with its theme. For example, if you are interested in art, you will be able to follow the art route. Similarly, if you are in the process of renovating, youll be able to follow the route that clusters together suppliers such as fittings, tiles, mirrors, frameless glass, etc.Some of the routes youll be able to cover on foot, others will require motorised transport to reach all the designated stops. You can drive, take an Uber or hop on a specially commissioned Cape Town Design Trail Red Bus. These public transport buses are usually dedicated to tourism but have come on board for June to support the event, with tickets to ride at specially reduced trail rates. All the curated routes will be available online. There will be a separate map for each route, and each participant has their own geotag on the relevant map.Here are some of the routes to experience:An entire firmament of the citys design stars has come out for the trail. Haldane Martin and Willowlamp, both renowned Cape Town-based studios, are two award-winning veterans of local design, having earned their stripes on both the local and international front over two decades. Willowlamp is launching new wall sconces and throwing open its factory to the public throughout the month.Other well-known local names to watch out for include Kirsten Goss, Bofred, Andrea Brand, Meyer von Wielligh and Kino. Clout SA and HUB will be launching to the public for the first time as part of the trail, hosting a stimulating showcase of all-new South African design including pieces by Joburg-based designers Thabisa Mjo and The Urbanative, who were voted Designers of the Year at 100% Design South Africa, as well as a new bench and light by the winner of the 2020 Nandos Hot Young Designer (HYD) talent search.Major design nodes across the city form part of the trail, too. The Watershed at the V&A Waterfront, The Old Biscuit Mill in Salt River, The Woodstock Exchange and The Palms in Woodstock and the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, are all on-board. Each site is a nexus that brims with local artisans and brands that invite you to stay and explore.One of the hotel highlights is that Decorex Africa, in conjunction with Grand Daddy, has invited interior designers to redecorate the interiors of the characterful Airstream caravans that are located on the roof of the hotel. A calling card for the hotel, this unusual hospitality solution can be booked by guests.Venerable art institutions, Zeitz MOCAA and the Norval Foundation are gearing up to greet trail guests, alongside individual artists, galleries and entities. Leading lights include the likes of sculptor Dylan Lewis, Spier Arts Trust, Eclectica Contemporary and Imiso Ceramics.Imisos principal artists Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa are currently flying the flag high for South African ceramics. Dyalvane is currently hosting a solo at the Friedman Benda gallery in New York, while Poswas work has been acquired by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Famed local wine estate Spier is hosting a major art exhibition in its historic manor house entitled Occupants of the Inhabited, curated by Kefiloe Siwisa in collaboration with the Spier Arts Trust.Designer boutique hotels such as Gorgeous George, Grand Daddy, The Silo by The Royal Portfolio, and Spier will provide dazzling watering holes along the way. Network at restaurants and bars where design business mixes beautifully with pleasure.Register for free on www.decorex.co.za to receive a dedicated QR Code entrance ticket and links to download your guided maps to explore the various routes with unique access to promotions and product launches.
Leading fashion and lifestyle retailer TFG shared its strategy to revolutionise the omnichannel experience and transform into Africa's leading high-tech omnichannel retailer. "We are laying the foundations to become the largest, most reliable and most profitable e-commerce destination on the continent; via a simplified, customer-centric approach, aimed at maximising group scale, minimising duplication and cost, and leveraging our incredible assets," shared newly appointed co-chief omni officer Claude Hanan. The announcement came as part of the retailer's 2021 financial year-end presentation.
When he told her to pull into the McDonalds, she tried to ask the employees through the drive-thru for help, the affidavit states. He resumed punching her and threatened her again with the knife, telling her to keep driving, it said.
This job expired on 22 May 2021.
Cape Town, Table View Rand25000 - Rand35000 perMonth

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The remote lighthouse  she tells people it is maintained, not restored  is one of three of Door Countys 11 lighthouses that will open their usually closed doors during the upcoming festivals. At one, Sherwood Point, some visitors will discover theyre eligible to overnight in the three-bedroom house. And, for the first time ever, people will be able to ride the elevator to the top of the new, 10-story lighthouse tower at the Door County Maritime Museum (120 N. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; 920-743-5958; dcmm.org). Christened May 22, its now the tallest building in the county.
Chinese costumes and props, as well as traditional Nigerian attires, were in a colorful display at a cultural fiesta in Abuja on Tuesday, presenting a great spectacle for the audience who witnessed the growing people-to-people interaction between China and Nigeria.

Students from 12 public secondary schools in Abuja thronged the China Cultural Center, the venue of the 2021 China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta, to compete among themselves for three main categories, namely Chinese songs, Chinese dance, and Nigerian songs and dance.

The event organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Secondary Education Board of Nigeria's federal capital territory(FCT), celebrated annually, and is a brainchild of the Chinese Corners, a club formed for extracurricular purposes by government-owned secondary schools in Abuja, to learn and share ideas about the Chinese culture.

For Joy Omarama, the cultural fiesta was a great opportunity for her to socialize with students from other schools, and to have the first-hand experience of Chinese and Nigerian cultures on the same stage.

"I feel very happy. I am happy to be part of this event. I am happy to learn Chinese culture," said an exited Omarama, after she and her team from the Government Secondary School Garki appeared winner at the category of Chinese songs.

"I find pleasure watching Chinese movies. I find pleasure in their dance and their songs. It warms the heart," she told Xinhua.

The only problem she has with Chinese songs is that she does not know the meaning of their lyrics, as she has never been trained systematacially in Chinese language.

"Some of us are willing to learn the Chinese language in our school. We will be happier and willing to learn the Chinese culture and the language if we can get a teacher," she said.

Yakubu Ibrahim, an official of the FCT Secondary Education Board, revealed at the opening of the event that one of the main challenges Chinese Corners faced is the short of Chinese language teachers. Many participants and their teachers know a little or nothing about Chinese language, and they are here in the event purely out of their love for Chinese culture.

"They just downloaded videos of Chinese songs and dances, and they watched videos and practised over and over again," Ibrahim said.

Eze Adeize, Omarama's teacher, told Xinhua they started training since last year.

"We worked hard and went through a lot together," said Adeize, "Chinese songs are not that easy to learn but they are beautiful and once you learn them you will like to keep singing them."

Lukman Umar, a teacher form the Government Secondary School Dutse, is proud to lead his boys and girls to win the champion at the category of Chinese dance.

"I employed so many ways to encourage and motivate the students to pay attention to the Chinese songs and dances that we practised. I mentor them as much as I can," said Umar.

He said there is a need to have more experience in the language and culture of the Chinese.

"As a teacher, we need to know the language well and more culture. We need more training because we are the ones that will train the students. We need Chinese teachers as well," he said.

At the end of the event, the team from the Government Secondary School Jabi won the category of Nigerian songs and dance.

According to Li Xuda, the cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, the essence of culture is a people-to-people exchange, serving as a bridge, and promoting mutual understanding, learning between people and their countries.

"Culture is a country and nation's soul. Our countries will thrive only if our cultures thrive, and our nations will be strong only if our cultures are strong," Li said, adding the annual event offers a platform for the cultural exchanges between the two countries, and fuels the people to people friendship.
The Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is set to open soon in Beijing, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Wednesday.

From June, the new museum will host an exhibition on the history of the CPC, one of the events held in museums across China to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party, according to an NCHA press release.

The memorial of the first National Congress of the CPC in Shanghai will also open a new exhibition hall to visitors shortly, said Gu Yucai, vice director of the NCHA, at a press conference in Beijing.

The NCHA has recommended 109 high-quality exhibitions across the country, Gu said.

Also to mark the CPC centenary, educational activities based on revolutionary cultural relics have been carried out and online Party history courses have been created to help youngsters learn about the Party history in a vivid way.

"We will also form a team to discover the stories behind the revolutionary cultural relics and share them with youngsters," said Zeng Rui, head of the juvenile division of the Communist Youth League Central Committee.

China now has more than 1,600 museums and memorials themed on its revolutionary history. From 2018 to 2020 these institutions launched more than 4,000 exhibitions, according to the NCHA.

Meanwhile, the country has registered more than 36,000 revolutionary heritage sites and possesses a collection of more than 1 million related artifacts.

In 2019, China saw 1.4 billion red tourism trips, or revolution-themed trips, generating a revenue of more than 400 billion yuan (about 62.2 billion U.S. dollars), according to Gu.

Many tourist sites related to the revolutionary history have become a popular choice among Chinese tourists, especially young people, boosting the fervor of red tourism, Gu added.
The article took an increasingly speculative turn in promoting this new theory. If indeed the latter is true, then AIDS takes on an entirely new dimension, it continued. If we add to this possibility that nonsexual, non-blood-borne transmission is possible, the scope of the syndrome may be enormous. Although the article reiterated the need to be cautious in accepting these findings as they awaited more evidence, the discovery should at least alert us to the possibility that we are truly dealing with AIDS in children, as transmitted through routine interaction.

In May 1983, amid the rapidly escalating AIDS crisis, a doctor at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) promoted a stunning theory about the newly encountered disease in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Noting that the same issue of the journal contained an article documenting one of the first cases of the immunodeficiency diseases appearance in an infant, the author sounded an alarm about the possibility that routine close contact, as within a family household, can spread the disease.

Press accounts, noticing Faucis article, immediately sounded the alarm. Household contacts can transmit AIDS, read one nationally syndicated report on the UPI wire dated May 5, 1983. The Associated Press queried the next day Does AIDS spread by Routine Contact? and quoted Fauci as their lead authority. The New York Times raised the specter of household transmission between family members, invoking Faucis commentary as its main authority.

We now know of course that Faucis theory was wrong. HIV, the virus that was later discovered to cause AIDS, only transmits by exposure to infected bodily fluids such as blood, or by sexual contact. The infant infection discussed in the same JAMA issue involved vertical transmission from the mother to child during pregnancy.

The damage was already done though, as the media went to work stoking alarm about AIDS transmission through simple routine contacts. Hundreds of newspapers disseminated the distressing theory from Faucis article. Writing a few weeks later, conservative columnist Pat Buchanan enlisted Fauci as the centerpiece of a rebuttal against Health and Human Services Secretary Margaret Heckler, who told him there is no evidencethat the general population is threatened by [AIDS].

On July 14, both Buchanans column and its excerpt of Faucis article were entered into the congressional record along with moralizing commentary that assigned blame for the disease to homosexual establishments and gatherings. Unfounded fears of transmission risk through simple contact, and accompanying social ostracization of the diseases victims, became one of the most notorious and harmful missteps of the entire AIDS crisis.

It might be tempting to chalk Faucis error up to the scientific uncertainties of a novel disease. Medicine advances by investigating all plausible theories, subjecting them to testing, and ruling out those that lack evidence. In this case however, the more likely candidate was scientific negligence and unwarranted alarmist speculation.

Journalist Randy Shilts documented the incident in his classic early history of the AIDS crisis, And the Band Played On. Immunologist Arye Rubinstein had already offered a more plausible explanation for the infant case, which even cursory examination would verify: the disease transmitted from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. As Shilts explains, Upon investigation, Rubinstein learned that Anthony Fauci had not bothered to read his paper. The NIH scientist instead relied on second-hand information from another researcher to indulge in open-ended speculation (for a longer excerpt of Shilts, see David Hendersons post on Faucis early career).

Although his speculative commentary had triggered a national media frenzy over unfounded fears of AIDS transmission through routine contact, Fauci himself emerged relatively unscathed from the episode. He did so by deploying an all-too-familiar tactic from his Covid-19 commentary: the political pivot, executed in front of a fawning news media.

On June 26, less than two months after his JAMA article appeared, Fauci publicly contradicted its most irresponsible claim  albeit without ever acknowledging his own central role in promoting that claim to begin with. As he told the Baltimore Sun, It is absolutely preposterous to suggest that AIDS can be contracted through normal social contact like being in the same room with someone or sitting on a bus with them. The poor gays have received a very raw deal on this. In short, Fauci flip-flopped with the political winds and the press barely even noticed.

Its a familiar pattern to anyone who has closely followed the infectious disease bureaucrats public commentary since Covid-19 burst into the national news cycle last January. It usually starts with Anthony Fauci fielding a question about a disease from the press, at which point he offers up a highly speculative answer that nonetheless appears to carry the gravity of his own authority.

Fauci usually caveats his remarks with a stream of noncommittal auxiliary verbs  the disease could, might, or may behave as his latest prognostication asserts. But the press runs with a bold headline anyway, declaring that Fauci has spoken and his word is finalat least until it is not. Thats when Fauci modifies his prior position without even the slightest scrutiny from an adoring press corps, and proceeds as if his newer pronouncement has been his position all along. The flip-flop is then complete and broadcast by the same press as the new gospel, even if it directly contradicts the fair doctors own advice given only weeks or days prior.

Consider one of the first examples of Faucis commentary on Covid-19, given to CNN on January 24, 2020  the day after the Wuhan region of China went into draconian lockdown. Asked about the Chinese governments decision, Fauci declared Thats something that I dont think we could possibly do in the United States, I cant imagine shutting down New York or Los Angeles.

This assessment was no casual political preference, but rather reflected Faucis own judgment from past pandemics. He continued: [h]istorically when you shut things down it doesnt have a major effect. Indeed, this was Faucis own position during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. A recently resurfaced interview on NBC shows Fauci warning against draconian quarantine measures for Ebola, and chastising several state governors for enacting hasty emergency restrictions to contain an outbreak in the United States without considering the unintended consequences.

By mid-March 2020, less than two months after he disavowed the use of lockdowns in major US cities such as New York and Los Angeles, Fauci executed a flip-flop and repositioned himself as the U.S. governments primary architect of our historically unprecedented lockdown response. If you look at the curves of outbreaks, they go big peaks, and then come down. What we need to do is flatten that down, he told the press on March 11. On March 16, Fauci, along with the rest of the Trump administrations coronavirus task force, threw their weight behind the now-discredited Imperial College Model of Neil Ferguson, igniting a wave of draconian shelter-in-place ordinances in not only New York and Los Angeles but ultimately 43 of 50 states.

But the evidence on lockdowns changed! comes the predictable cry of those who instinctively defend Fauci through every twist and turn in his messaging. Except it didnt. Prior to March 2020, a substantial body of epidemiological literature strongly condemned lockdowns  both for their ineffectiveness and their extremely high social and economic costs. The only change that happened between January and March was political; namely that technocratic modelers such as Ferguson realized that fear and alarm over the coronavirus could be used to brush aside civil liberties and democratic norms in favor of a society-wide quarantine modeled on the Chinese response in Wuhan. Neil Ferguson openly boasted as much in a December 2020 interview, recalling the political sea change of those confused and panicked days from the previous March.

Among those who embraced this rapid political shift toward lockdowns was none other than Fauci. Indeed on February 17, 2020 the infectious disease administrator told USA Today that the risk from the coronavirus in the United States was just minuscule. Barely three weeks later Fauci would call for a nationwide lockdown, albeit for only two weeks.

For Fauci, that quickly became a month. Then two months. Then denunciations of states that reopened too early. Then testimony praising New York for remaining closed and providing a model Covid response despite boasting one of the highest per-capita death rates in the entire world. Then a push to reimpose stricter lockdowns in the fall. Per his latest prognostication, offered almost exactly 1 year to the day after he dismissed Covid-19 as a minuscule threat to the United States, we may return to normal by early 2022. And just like that, two weeks to flatten the curve became two years.

In recounting this history, it is important to be mindful that high-uncertainty events such as a novel virus and pandemic are unavoidably difficult to predict. But that acknowledged challenge is no excuse for figures like Fauci, who not only offer their prognostications on the whim of the moment but often do so on an entirely speculative basis, fully knowing that it will see credulous repetition in the press as an authoritative pronouncement.

Faucis greater fault is not that he errs, although he does err frequently, but rather the hubris of the moment through which he speaks even as he curiously shelters his pronouncements in caveats intended to permit a future pivot. Yet when that pivot occurs and Fauci adopts a completely different or even contradictory position in light of new political circumstances, he advances it with further hubristic pretensions before an obsequious gaggle of journalists, as if the new stance had always been his position.

Weve now seen such pivots on countless occasions, including some that entailed willful duplicity. Consider Faucis pronouncements against mask wearing in March 2020 on 60 Minutes. By July, Fauci had not only reversed to the opposite position  he essentially conceded that he deceived the public back in March in order to allegedly prevent a run on masks that might cause a hospital shortage.

In effect, Fauci told what he considered to be a noble lie in the name of coaxing the public into a position he desired them to follow, rather than serving as a reliable source of scientific information. Its a pattern he has repeated many times, most recently when he moved the target vaccination rate goalposts from 70% to 90% in a self-admitted deception intended to nudge the public toward his new position. That duplicity earned him praise though when he excused it as an effort to counter vaccine misinformation.

Even beyond these intentional manipulations though, Faucis commentary displays a stunning level of inconsistency and contradiction. Long after masking supplanted his initial advice against masking, Fauci shifted yet again to double-masking, then backtracked on this advice a few days later, then re-embraced the practice a few days after that in conjunction with a new CDC recommendation. More recently, hes taken to contradicting himself on whether to expect the sharp peaks and declines in case numbers weve recently seen in the US and around the world. Yet throughout, Faucis reputation as a steady and measured source of sage wisdom and medical authority remains largely intact before the publics eye.

Why? Ill posit that its the product of a skilled political operative with four decades of honing his abilities to execute politically motivated pivots amid disease uncertainty.

Note the recurring characteristics of his public communications that have become hallmarks of Faucis style. Whether its the coronavirus of 2020-21 or the AIDS crisis of 1983, he routinely stakes out public positions that rely upon unwarranted speculation about scientific matters in the absence of evidence. His scientific statements carry an air of authority, and are certainly repeated as such by an adoring press  including in ways that mislead the public and even cause harm to our ability to address and combat an emerging disease. Yet if one reads his statements carefully, they also contain enough weasel words  might, may, could  to facilitate a convenient political pivot at a later date, shirking all responsibility for the harm caused in the process. And in the instances where a complete contradiction occurs, he takes refuge in duplicity for a noble purpose, which the press is all too happy to excuse away.

But missteps by powerful and trusted public health officials often lead to genuine harms. Indeed, its no small irony that Faucis initial response to AIDS triggered a wave of panicked fear that quickly morphed into the social ostracization of the diseases victims. Its not difficult to see similar patterns at play in the rise of a moralizing coronajustice ideology that treats all of society as a potential disease vector, and even valorizes social derision of those who contract Covid-19. While Fauci is not the only factor in the politicization of either disease, his vacillating commentary has often served to inflame these and other social ills, and usually with few or no professional repercussions to himself. Quite the opposite  the more hes been wrong, the higher his stature has grown. The more hes played politics in the name of doing science, the higher levels of political power he has attained.

If you want to see an end to the lockdown madness, the ongoing destruction of human lives and livelihoods, and the unprecedented government failures that have come to characterize our daily routines for the last year, the lessons of this administrators performance should be obvious. Its time to stop listening to Fauci, and time to stop treating his wildly inconsistent political posturing as if it carries any scientific authority.

Originally published on American Institute for Economic Research. Phil Magness is a Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research. He is the author of numerous works on economic history, taxation, economic inequality, the history of slavery, and education policy in the United States.
An official with the Communist Youth League (CYL) Wednesday said that the Party will make good use of revolutionary cultural relics to help Chinese youth better understand the history.

Zeng Rui, head of the juvenile division of the CYL Central Committee, said that since the start of 2021, educational activities have been carried out based on revolutionary cultural relics to help teach young Chinese about the history of the Party in a vivid way.

The CYL has encouraged the youth to visit local revolution museums and created online Party history courses for them, Zeng said at a press conference.

"We will also form a team to discover the stories behind the revolutionary cultural relics and share them with the juveniles," Zeng said.

Liu Yang, an official with the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said that the administration is exploring new ways to attract young people such as short videos and live streaming.
A group of House Democrats led by New Yorks Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has proposed a resolution blocking the $735-million sale of bombs to Israel, citing its current bombing of Gaza. It is unlikely to actually succeed, however.

The two-page joint resolution of disapproval seeks to cancel the sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and Small Diameter Bombs, which was green-lit by the State Department earlier this month, prior to the outbreak of hostilities with Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

The United States should not be rubber-stamping weapons sales to the Israeli government as they deploy our resources to target international media outlets, schools, hospitals, humanitarian missions and civilian sites for bombing, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted on Wednesday. We have a responsibility to protect human rights.

The United States should not be rubber-stamping weapons sales to the Israeli government as they deploy our resources to target international media outlets, schools, hospitals, humanitarian missions and civilian sites for bombing.We have a responsibility to protect human rights. https://t.co/OctBNYFpwp  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 19, 2021

It is long past time to end the US policy of unconditional military arms sales, particularly to governments that have violated human rights, says an email from Ocasio-Cortezs office to her colleagues in the House, obtained by the outlet Jewish Currents. AOC, as the congresswoman is known, has also urged her online followers to email and call their representatives in the House and the Senate and urge them to back this push.

GREAT NEWS. Big thanks to AOC and others in Congress who are trying to block $735 million in new weapons for Israel https://t.co/hQqYO3Zu5t  Medea Benjamin (@medeabenjamin) May 19, 2021

The resolution was co-sponsored by Democrats Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Cori Bush of Missouri, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Betty McCollum and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.

In a separate statement, Omar said it would be appalling to sell weapons to Israel without any strings attached, and that the sale would be seen as a green light for continued escalation and will undercut any attempts at brokering a ceasefire.

However, the resolution is a long shot at this point, as it has to clear the House Foreign Affairs Committee and get a floor vote by May 20 to meet the statutory 15-day deadline. Congress was briefed on the sale in April and formally notified on May 5. There were no objections from either the Democrats or the Republicans at the time.

There were no objections at the time by the Democratic and Republican leaders of the congressional foreign affairs committees that review such sales, aides said. pic.twitter.com/8xDjxUhnQe  sameera khan  (@SameeraKhan) May 19, 2021

Only if a senator takes up the resolution would it stand a chance of being heard. Even so, a majority of Democrats and Republicans have been outspoken in support for Israel.

In a telephone conversation on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

Shortly afterward, however, Netanyahu said he was determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved  to restore quiet and security to the citizens of Israel.
NBC 5 Chicago political reporter Mary Ann Ahern took to Twitter on Tuesday to mark the "midway point" of Lightfoot's first term in office and apparently acknowledged her failed effort to land an interview.

"As @chicagosmayor reaches her two year midway point as mayor, her spokeswoman says Lightfoot is granting 1 on 1 interviews - only to Black or Brown journalists," Ahern tweeted.

And apparently, Ahern wasn't the only one.

"I was told the same thing," WTTW Chicago Tonight anchor and correspondent Paris Schutz reacted to Ahern's tweet.

"I can confirm," Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone similarly tweeted.

It is unclear when such a practice was enacted and if it only applies to local reporters, particularly after her MSNBC appearance with Stephanie Ruhle on Monday.

Lightfoot was slammed on social media, facing allegations of racism for choosing to speak with journalists solely on the color of their skin.
Left-wing reporter Matt Taibbi is extremely distressed by the state of modern journalism, and he is taking aim at the fake news for cozying up to the powers they ought to be holding accountable.

He explained how the liberal media was fully behind Wikileaks less than a decade ago, before Obamas cultural revolution had taken hold and Trump showed up to turn the Left bonkers. Now, they serve the deep state that Wikileaks once exposed for committing heinous crimes against humanity with their disclosures.

Julian Assange is behind bars, and may die there. Snowden is in exile in Russia. Brennan, Clapper, and Hayden have been rehabilitated and are all paid contributors to either MSNBC or CNN, part of a wave of intelligence officers whove flooded the airwaves and op-ed pages in recent years, Taibbi wrote to describe our dystopian present.

Once again, Internet platforms, credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard, and payment processors like PayPal are working to help track down and/or block the activities of extremists. This time, theyre on the same side as the onetime press allies of Wikileaks and Snowden, who began a course reversal after the election of Donald Trump, he added.

Following the mostly-peaceful protest in and around the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, the Left is fully on board with using the national security state to crack down against political dissidents in the homeland. They have become everything they used to hate, and Taibbi  a reporter who has resisted the mob and kept his moral compass intact  is disgusted as a result.

Another award-winning journalist who is enraged with the status quo in his industry is Glenn Greenwald. He is speaking out against the trend of journalists, backed by corporations or oligarchs, attacking regular people for expressing opinions permissible under the 1st Amendment of the Constitution.

Greenwald has quit The Intercept and turned against the website, which was his own creation, for sifting through hacked private data from the pro-free speech social media platform, Gab, in order to doxx individuals and create new targets for far-left thugs.

That a media outlet founded in order to battle mass surveillance of ordinary citizens and to safeguard privacy rights is now trolling through stolen digital data of private citizens in order to expose and punish them for thought crimes and ideological dissent is as grotesque as it is ironic, Greenwald said.

Big League Politics has reported on how The Intercept is putting videographers in the spotlight so they can be targeted by ANTIFA and Black Lives Matter terrorists while filming rallies:

Left-wing rag The Intercept is doxxing reporters who have filmed Black Lives Matter rallies as they have descended into lawless riots, with low IQ savages raping and pillaging cultural monuments while looting and burning storefronts.

In his propaganda piece doxxing the reporters, writer Robert Mackey highlighted the work of videographers such as Julio Rosas of Townhall, Jorge Ventura and Richie McGinniss of the Daily Caller, Elijah Schaffer of BlazeTV, Drew Hernandez of Riot Squad, Kalen DAlmeida, and others who have captured raw riot footage in recent months.

Mackey is chastising these individuals for performing actual journalism and raising their profile so they are more likely to be targeted by ANTIFA and BLM thugs. This is how the liberal fake news foments left-wing domestic terrorism in the digital age

The world will be better off when The Intercepts billionaire oligarch funders finally pull the plug, and the entity  founded by Greenwald as a redoubt for authentic journalism  is remembered as one of the most disappointing publications in history.

Taibbi and Greenwald deserve credit for having the courage to stand against this Orwellian descent into extreme totalitarianism coming from the Left.
GAZA  As diplomatic powers and regional players meet behind closed doors for ceasefire talks, Israel continues showering Gaza with missile fire. Israeli airstrikes have so far killed at least 230 Palestinians, including 65 children, and injured 1,710 others. The heavy bombardment has also wiped out entire residential buildings and houses, leaving 72,000 people homeless, and has destroyed media offices, schools, libraries and charities.

According to the Israeli Air Force (IAF), on Wednesday night Israel fired 120 missiles in the span of 25 minutes. The most recent attack hit the city of Khan Yunis in Gaza, killing one and injuring eight. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) could not provide an exact number of how many bombs are being dropped on Gaza per hour. The IAF did not respond to press inquiries. The Times of Gaza, however, reported that more than 100 airstrikes occurred in a 30 minute period on May 14.

Amid the rubble, Palestinians in Gaza have found unexploded missiles with writing indicating these bombs were manufactured in the United States. The use of American-made weaponry in Israels latest assault on Gaza is renewing discussions on U.S. foreign assistance to Israel and U.S. complicity in Israeli state violence.

Corporate complicity

On his Twitter page, Muhammad Shehada, Gazan writer and analyst manager at Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, wrote Israel struck the Al-Jalaa Tower, which housed the Associated Press bureau and Al Jazeera offices, with a GBU-31 bomb on Saturday. Israel has also used GBU-39 Small Diameter and Mark 84 bombs in its current onslaught. The GBU-31 and GBU-39 bombs are made by Boeing and the Mark 84 bombs are produced by General Dynamics. Both missiles are manufactured in the U.S.

The bomb Israel used to bring down Al-Jalaa tower (with @AP & @AJEnglish offices) is a #US_Made GBU-31 bomb that weighs 907KG. Thread on #Israel's use of bombs & missiles Made in the USA to pound #Gaza: pic.twitter.com/vSFraYwtoS  Muhammad Shehada (@muhammadshehad2) May 17, 2021

Several posts on Twitter report F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets have also been hovering over Gaza. And for further verification, the IAFs website boasts these three warplanes as part of its arsenal.

Israeli F-16 raid yesterday (Al Wehda st, near Balmera restaurant, central Gaza). A witness at the scene tells me that 20-30 missiles damaged roads, created huge craters and felled a five-storey building. Each floor had six apartments. Entire families with children were killed. pic.twitter.com/XYrRRIQ03o  Ahmed Maher |  (@amaherYAH) May 16, 2021

Palestinians look at an unexploded bomb dropped by an Israeli F-16 warplane on #Gaza City's Rimal neighbourhood on May 18, 2021. Photo by Ashraf Amra#_ #_ #__ pic.twitter.com/tCZ738wWnf  Ashraf Amra (@amra_ashraf) May 18, 2021

Boeing makes the F-15 fighter jets and Lockheed Martin manufactures F-16 and F-35 warplanes. But these are not the only American corporations involved in the production of Israels military aircraft.

General Electric produces the engines for F-15 and F-16 jets. Raytheon Technologies creates the missiles used to arm F-15 and F-35 planes. According to the American Friends Service Committees Investigate Database, Northrop Grumman manufactures approximately 35% of the Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft, including its center fuselage, radar, avionics, electro-optics, navigation, communications and identification subsystems, and mission systems and mission-planning software. The arms manufacturer has also partnered with the Israeli military industry to build the LITENING targeting pod, a weapons laser navigation system used on F-16 warplanes.

Military sales to Israel generate massive profits for these American corporations. Boeing secured a $2.4 billion sale to Israel from the U.S. State Department last year. In February, the aerospace behemoth scored a whopping $9 billion deal with Israels Ministry of Defense. In the last decade, Raytheons contracts to Israel have totaled more than $4 billion. Lockheed Martins most recent sale to Israel is estimated at more than $2 billion. In 2016, General Electric obtained part of a $300 million sale to Israel. Northrop Grumman is less transparent about its international sales. Out of Northrop Grummans reported $36.8 billion in sales in 2020, 14 percent were international.

These companies did not respond to requests for comment from MintPress News.

A coordinated military alliance between the U.S. and Israel

Despite calling for de-escalation, President Joe Bidens administration is going ahead with a $735 million weapons deal with Israel.

The major arms and aircraft manufacturers  Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon Technologies  are all expected to see their earnings boom with the pending sale. Boeing is the predicted primary beneficiary of the deal, given the sale is of its Joint Direct Attack Munitions.

Israel receives $3.8 billion in foreign military assistance annually from the U.S., of which Israel must spend 75% on American-made weaponry under an agreement between the two governments. The recent $735 million sale came out of that yearly aid, according to Danaka Katovich, Middle East and Peace Collective coordinator at the women-led, anti-war organization CODEPINK.

Katovich pointed out that these arms deals are not the only way the U.S. and Israel work together in a defense capacity: The U.S. and Israel have had a strong military Alliance since the Nakba, Katovich said, referring to Israels ethnic cleansing campaign of Palestine in 1947 and 1948 known as the Nakba, or catastrophe in Arabic. Israel and the U.S. do joint military exercises together, and the countries often work together to develop systems and weapons as well.

Katovich also alluded to reports addressing how the U.S. National Security Agency provides Israel with unfiltered intelligence, including data of American citizens.

Biden facing growing Democratic opposition

Congressional pushback against the Biden administrations arms deal has been quick and sharp. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) drafted a resolution blocking the quarter-billion-dollar deal, writing in a tweet on Wednesday that the U.S. should not be rubber-stamping weapons to Israel.

The United States should not be rubber-stamping weapons sales to the Israeli government as they deploy our resources to target international media outlets, schools, hospitals, humanitarian missions and civilian sites for bombing. We have a responsibility to protect human rights. https://t.co/OctBNYFpwp  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 19, 2021

Rep. Betty McCollum also condemned the arms sale. Selling American-made weapons to Israel while Members of Congress are asking for a ceasefire is completely tone deaf, the Minnesota Democrat told MintPress News.

Israel needs to end the bombing of Palestinian families in Gaza and the Biden administration must do more to bring a conclusion to this terrible crisis as swiftly as possible.

McCollum is a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights in Congress. In April, she introduced a bill [ensuring] that United States taxpayer funds are not used by the Government of Israel to support military detention of Palestinian children and further annexation of Palestinian land. She said support is growing for H.R. 2590 every day, emphasizing how four congressional politicians have signed on to the bill since May 12  around when Israel began its bombing campaign against Gaza.

As the Democratic Party appears to be shifting in its stance on Palestine-Israel, CODEPINKs Katovich confirmed change is coming, albeit slowly:

With a lot of Democrats who have been in Congress for a long time, there hasnt been a lot of movement on their thoughts and actions on this issue. But I think there is some hope with the braver people in Congress like Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. So, we are moving in the right direction.

Countering AIPACs relentless pressure

Amid growing calls from progressive politicians and activist groups in the U.S. to end Israels bombardment of the Palestinian enclave, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobby group, is reviving pressure on the U.S. government to unequivocally stand withIsrael.

Katovich said forces in the U.S.s pro-Israel lobby are tremendously influential in fostering the continued military alliance between the two governments, adding:

The Israel lobby says its main goal is to promote Israels interests. And what is Israels greatest interest rather than sustaining a military occupation over Palestinians? So, Israel needs U.S. backing to continue that occupation.

For Katovich, understanding what our taxpayer dollars and financial investments contribute to can help dismantle the U.S.s imperialist endeavors:

Its something we can have community control over in some ways, because a lot of our city, retirement, and public funds are invested in these companies and fund the greater war machine in the United States. So, if people know this and they can research it and can look into it, they can mobilize their cities to divest from war.

Feature photo | Israeli girls write messages on bombs at a heavy artillery position near Kiryat Shmona, in northern Israel. Sebastian Scheiner | AP

Jessica Buxbaum is a Jerusalem-based journalist for MintPress News covering Palestine, Israel, and Syria. Her work has been featured in Middle East Eye, The New Arab and Gulf News.


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"1921," a new film that brings together 100 movie stars to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), explores the human side of the earliest founding members of the CPC and its revolutionary heroes.

Cast and crew pose for a group photo on stage at the press event for "1921" at Peking University in Beijing on May 13, 2021. [Photo courtesy of Dark Horse Marketing]

Veteran filmmaker Huang Jianxin, best known for directing "Beginning of the Great Revival," returned to retell the same revolutionary story for "1921" as executive producer and director. But this time, he said, the film will be different from his previous work.

Director Huang and his co-director Zheng Dasheng as well as several movie stars attended a press event held especially in Peking University on May 13. The university was one of the earliest main proponents of Marxism in China and was where many revolutionary heroes were nurtured. Two predominant Marxist figures, Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao, were teachers at the university, while six of 13 delegates of the First National Congress of the CPC studied or worked at the university.

Huang explained that this new story looks deeper into and reenacts intimate details and the thinking of these revolutionary pioneers, including outlining their personalities, hobbies, and personal approaches to communication.

With a broader vision, "1921" looks back on early historical stories months before and after the first National Congress of the CPC was held in July 1921 in Shanghai. It demonstrates how at the time the founding members found the Party in the turbulent era full of danger, espionage, and foreign threats, retelling the revolutionary leaders' devotion to and sacrifice for the rise of Chinese people.

A poster for "1921." [Photo courtesy of Tencent Pictures]

In 1921, many of these early CPC leaders, along with various revolutionary pioneers, were still very young, so Huang and his team cast numerous young faces from China's film industry. Those chosen to portray these historical figures include Huang Xuan, Liu Haoran, Wang Renjun, Ni Ni, and Zhong Chuxi. These actors worked hard to research the details of their roles by reading historical accounts and documents, hoping to bring their best representation of these characters to the big screen. The crew also built real-life replicas of historical relics to help bring memories of the events depicted alive for the film.

"1921" will be released on July 1 to mark the CPC's centenary.
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Bradford, PA (16701)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning giving way to a few showers late. High 79F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable.
Western Manitobans, including Brandon residents, woke this morning to burning eyes and throats as smoke from the out-of-control fire in Interlake blew in from the northeast around 1 a.m., according to Natalie Hasell, Warning preparedness Meterologogist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

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Western Manitobans, including Brandon residents, woke this morning to burning eyes and throats as smoke from the out-of-control fire in Interlake blew in from the northeast around 1 a.m., according to Natalie Hasell, Warning preparedness Meterologogist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

"By 2 a.m., smoke was reported. Brandon is right in the plume," she said.

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement this morning as of 3:31 a.m. for Brandon, Glenboro-South Cypress including Treesbank, Norfolk Treherne, North Cypress-Langford including Neepawa and Carberry, North Norfolk including MacGregor Sidney and Austin, Oakland-Wawanesa including Carroll, RM of Cornwallis west of Shilo including Chater, the RM of Elton including Forrest and the RM of Victoria including Holland and Cypress River.

Smoke from the fire north of Brandon at Interlake, or EAO44 on the provincial map at gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Fire-Maps/fireview/fireview.html shows just under 200,000 hectares engulfed in fire and out of control.

While it did rain overnight, it wasn't enough to dampen down the smoke due to the drought in the area, Hassell said.

According to Environment Canadas website, smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility in areas with numerous wildfires burning in southern and central Manitoba.

"At this time, the most intense fires are located in the northern Parklands eastward across the northern Interlake. There are also fires in the Whiteshell plus several smaller fires over portions of southern Manitoba. As a result, areas of smoke are creating reduced visilitives and poor air quality downwind of fires," the site reads.

In areas impacted by smoke from wildfires, people are encouraged to:

-limit outdoor activities and/or strenuous physical activity. If breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity

-reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area

-turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors

-keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials

Those who are at higher risk include older adults, infants, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions such as breathing difficulties or heart problems. See weather.gc.ca/warnings/report for further information.

kkielley@brandonsun.com
U.S. businesses are bearing most of the tariff burden from the U.S.-China trade war, rating agency Moody's Investors Service has said.



In a report on Monday, Moody's said that U.S. importers absorbed more than 90 percent of the additional costs caused by the increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods.

"A majority of the cost of tariffs have been passed on to U.S. importers," it said, adding "if the tariffs remain in place, pressure on U.S. retailers will likely rise, leading to a greater pass-through to consumer prices."

Meanwhile, U.S. exporters also absorbed a large part of the costs from retaliatory tariffs imposed by China, because some of the exports targeted by the retaliatory tariffs are products that may be sourced from other places, such as agricultural goods, according to Moody's.

Higher trade tariffs were introduced during the previous U.S. administration, and most of them are still in place and affect half of the trade flows between the United States and China, the rating agency said.
Evacuees from near Carberry were allowed to return home on Wednesday as the fire that forced them from their houses in the dead of night on Tuesday was deemed under control.

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Evacuees from near Carberry were allowed to return home on Wednesday as the fire that forced them from their houses in the dead of night on Tuesday was deemed under control.

A total of 34 people from 18 households were evacuated after midnight on Tuesday after an out-of-control grassfire at Canadian Forces Base Shilos training area and range spewed heavy smoke and soot into the surrounding area.

The Town of Carberry and Municipality of North Cypress-Langford announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday the fire had been declared under control and evacuees could return.

CFB Shilo public affairs officer Lori Truscott said the fire was still burning Wednesday, but firefighting efforts were able to control its spread and protect houses.

Firefighters had favourable winds and were able to do a "back burn"  where the area around the fire is purposely burned to eliminate fuel. As a result, the fire in the Assiniboine Corridor Wildlife Area has nearly been extinguished.

"People in that area might have seen a lot of smoke and thought it flared up again, but it was actually a back burn," she said.

Rain early Wednesday morning and cooler temperatures helped the fire situation, but wasnt enough to completely extinguish it, Truscott said.

Currently, the fire is not spreading after days of firefighting efforts and runs by water bombers on Tuesday morning. It is still burning in the Douglas Marsh and lightly forested area of the Shilo range and training area, Truscott said.

While the fire is still burning in the Douglas Marsh, Nature Conservancy of Canada natural area manager Josh Dillabough said its still too early to say whether its a positive or a negative for the area.

"As with most fires, it really depends. If we see high-intensity fires like some wildfires, it can do damage. However, the North American ecosystems and ecosystems we have in Manitoba are disturbance-based systems, and not all fire is a bad thing," he said.

The marsh is an important area for birds to nest in and habitats for other wildlife. Dillabough said it has one of the highest concentration of yellow rails in the country. Yellow Rails prefer shorter vegetation to nest in  something the fire could help with.

ABOVE: Fire crews prepare to continue fighting the Shilo Range and Training Area fire on Wednesday morning. More than a dozen homes in the Carberry area were evacuated early Tuesday morning as a grass fire fuelled by dry conditions burned. BELOW: A helicopter flies over a portion of the Shilo Range and Training Area on Wednesday morning. Crews were out working fire to put out the fire that is burning in an area of the bases range and training area known as Area 8, near the Douglas Marsh, which is not easily accessible by road. (Photos by Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

"It has the potential to do good things. It really comes down to the intensity of the fire. Birds can fly so they can move out of the way as the fire comes along," he said.

The fire also burned in areas that are home to the prairie skink, one of Canadas only lizard species, Dillabough said. The lizard can burrow underground to avoid the flames, so the impact to them could be limited.

"(Fires) are not necessarily a bad thing. It really depends on the level of intensity we see afterwards  we are concerned, but at the same time these species have evolved on this landscape with fire and they have the ability to seek shelter," he said.

Truscott said the majority of soldiers stationed at the base are either in Alberta for training or serving in northern Manitoba, so local training activities havent been affected by the fire within the bases territory.

A final survey of the area will be completed once vehicles can enter the burned area, she said.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Town of Carberry and Municipality of North Cypress-Langford announced the local emergency operations centre was put into standby mode.

Premier Brian Pallister and Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler were also in the Carberry area on Wednesday afternoon to get an on-site update on the wildfire, the premiers press secretary confirmed. Pallister also met with local officials.

The fire began last week after a lightning strike started the blaze. Firefighters from Shilo, Oakland-Wawanesa, Carberry, North Cypress-Langford and other Westman towns were involved in the effort to put it out.

The risk of wildfires remains high after weeks of dry conditions and recent hot temperatures, but rain is forecasted in the coming days.

According to the province, there is still the potential of smoke in Spruce Woods Provincial Park and Swan Lake First Nation. The Spirit Sands Trails are still closed and hikers are asked to avoid the area.

The municipality also reopened Highway 5 between Carberry and Glenboro on Wednesday morning.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_
Harrisonburg, VA (22807)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially this morning. High 72F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 61F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
BlackRock gave it money. So did Goldman Sachs.

Foreign investors had good reason to trust Huarong, the sprawling Chinese financial conglomerate. Even as its executives showed a perilous appetite for risky borrowing and lending, the investors believed they could depend on Beijing to bail out the state-owned company if things ever got too dicey. Thats what China had always done.

Chinas Huarong is teetering. Credit:Bloomberg

Now some of those same foreign investors may need to think twice. Huarong is more than $US40 billion ($51.3 billion) in debt to foreign and domestic investors and shows signs of stumbling. The Chinese government, which has stayed quiet about a rescue, is in the early stages of planning a reorganisation that will require foreign and Chinese bondholders alike to accept significant losses on their investments, according to two people familiar with the governments plans.

Beijing has spent decades bailing out Chinese companies that got in over their heads, but in recent years has vowed to turn off the tap. While regulators have promised to make an example out of financial institutions that gorged on loans and waited for the government to foot the bill, Huarong is testing the limits of that resolve.
ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming will cede the reins of TikToks owner to an old college roommate and lieutenant, stepping back from running the worlds most valuable startup ahead of its highly anticipated market debut.

Mr Zhang will hand over the chief executive officer role at TikToks owner to human resources chief Rubo Liang, he announced in an internal memo posted online on Thursday.

The 38-year-old billionaire entrepreneur remains chairman but plans to relinquish most of his day-to-day duties because they were becoming an increasing burden on his time, a person familiar with the matter said. Mr Zhang will instead focus on longer-term strategy.

ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming at the company's headquarters in Beijing. Credit:Bloomberg

Mr Liang takes the helm just as ByteDance engineers a series of moves that could shake up Chinas internet landscape. It is preparing for a highly anticipated initial public offering in the US or Hong Kong, and orchestrating its next big act - in Chinas $US2.2 trillion ($2.84 trillion) e-commerce arena. At the same time, the new CEO will have to deal with Beijings intensifying efforts to curb the growing influence of the countrys powerful internet firms.
As she wanders the wasteland, Li is constantly on the hunt for phones, which she can use to call a hotline and try to track down her daughter through a dystopian bureaucracy. This is a novel wise enough to know that even after the end of the world, people will still be driven to despair while on hold to Centrelink. Loading The book is a droll, bleak commentary on refugee policy in Australia, and the bleak future that looms if we continue to do nothing to mitigate climate change and social inequity. Its also an absolute banger of a novel. Comparisons to Cormac McCarthys apocalyptic masterpiece, The Road, are inevitable, and justified. There are echoes of McCarthy in setting, execution and style  right down to unattributed, unmarked dialogue that makes for a disorienting, and sometimes difficult reading experience. Many authors have emulated McCarthys spare, windswept prose style, but few have come this close. At her best, Moletas writing is as beautiful and brutal as the elder statesman of nihilism, but it is also loaded with the emotional depth of a mother who will sacrifice anything, or anyone, to save her daughter. Gripping, propulsive, exhilarating, sickening  its a rare talent who can put both action and pathos on the page this well.

Jacqueline Bublitz is another. Her debut, Before You Knew My Name, is set in the modern era, on another continent, and with a diametrically opposed worldview. It, too, is about violence and patriarchal hegemony, but its as hopeful and uplifting a book about murder as youre likely to read. Jacqueline Bublitz subverts the tropes and cliches of crime fiction in exhilarating ways. Credit: Two women, both recent arrivals in New York City fleeing from relationships with predatory men, cross paths, and their fates become inextricably entwined. In another world, they might have met on a park bench, chatted, become friends, but that will not happen here, because one of them is already dead. Eighteen-year-old Alice Lee steps off a cross-country bus on Seventh Avenue with nothing in the world except a little cash and a Leica camera stolen from her small-town art teacher who groomed, statutorily raped, and discarded her. She aspires to become a photographer, and is taken in by a kindly older man who offers to look after her. A month later, she is dead, an unidentified Jane Doe, found raped and murdered in the river by the park. Thirty-six-year-old Ruby Jones travels from Australia to New York to recover from a long-term love affair with a soon to be married man hoping to reset, and is turned upside down when she finds Alices body while out jogging.

Credit: The scene  the pretty young woman found murdered in the park  is the inciting incident from countless novels, the cold open to a hundred TV episodes. Here it occurs just a little under halfway through, and is the catalyst for a different kind of story, in which Bublitz takes apart every trope and cliche of crime fiction and subverts them in strange, exhilarating ways. Ruby becomes obsessed with identifying Jane Doe/Alice, and solving her murder. Who was Alice? Why did she die? What might she have done with her precious life? The book undercuts the victim narrative and gives voice to the dead girl  literally, after her death, Alice goes on narrating the world around her. Alices voice, disembodied as she lies unidentified in the morgue, flits around the city, ruminates on the morticians and police who process her body, wonders what they think of her, frets about Ruby as she moves closer to solving the mystery. The story is not so much a who done it as a how does this happen? What is wrong with the world that these crimes occur, and why are we obsessed with writing narratives on to them? Both Alice and Ruby are women living in a world where patriarchy, and systematic sexism make survival uncertain. On nearly every page theres a perfectly turned phrase or observation. Its packed with truisms that women and non-binary readers will recognise, and male readers may, to their horror, see themselves in.
Australian writer Tara June Winchs multi-award-winning novel about Indigenous language, The Yield, will be adapted for the screen.

The Sapphires writer Tony Briggs and Mystery Road writer screenwriter Kodie Bedford will create the screenplay for the 2019 novel, which last year claimed the nations most prestigious literary prizes including the Miles Franklin Award, the Prime Ministers Literary Award for Fiction, and three NSW Premiers literary awards.

Tara June Winchs The Yield won both the Miles Franklin Award and the Prime Ministers Literary Award for fiction last year.

Briggs, who is Wurundjeri/Yorta Yorta heritage and won a Helpmann Award for the stage show of The Sapphires, said the novel had captivated him from the first read.

If the ideas are really strong or the images are really vivid, they just pop out to me. Sometimes the way a book is structured feels like it could lend itself to some sort of film adaptation, he said.
About 2.15pm on the afternoon before his death, Mathew Dunbar tried to call his partner Natasha Darcy while she sat at her computer Googling how to kill him. Instead of answering his call, she phoned a gas company in Tamworth to order the tank of helium she would use to end his life.

Thats the picture painted by phone logs and internet searches according to Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield, who told a NSW Supreme Court jury on Thursday they would readily accept it as evidence that Ms Darcy is guilty of murder.

Walcha sheep grazier Mathew Dunbar with partner Natasha Beth Darcy, who is on trial for his murder.

Ms Darcy, 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her de facto partner, Walcha sheep farmer Mr Dunbar, who died in the early hours of August 2, 2017, with a cocktail of sedatives in his system.

Ms Darcy is accused of sedating Mr Dunbar, then gassing him to death by filling a plastic bag tied around his head with helium. She denies committing murder but has admitted to assisting his suicide.
Have you ever found yourself reading the outrage-inducing news story of the day, fully expecting to have the offending details hit you in the face, only to reach the end and wonder what all the fuss is meant to be about?

Thats exactly what happened to me this week as I read the now infamous comments of Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. So bemused was I when I was done that it made me worry either for my own sanity, or for the state of our public conversation. I hope the problem is with me, because the alternative is much more concerning.

Jayne Hrdlicka, chief executive of Virgin Australia, has been under fire for COVID-19 comments. Credit:Ben Searcy

The headlines have Hrdlicka urging us to accelerate opening our international border, even though that would mean some people may die. To follow the reaction, youd think that was all she said. No one wants to die to save Virgin roared one headline. The Prime Minister found it very difficult to have any truck with what was said.

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John deemed Hrdlickas remarks extraordinarily offensive because of disabled peoples unique vulnerability to COVID-19, demanding Hrdlicka declare how many disabled people she believes is acceptable to have die. #BoycottVirgin began trending on Twitter.
A Gold Coast mother and her one-year-old child missing since last week have been found safe and well.

The 36-year-old woman and her one-year-old toddler were last seen on Wandilla Drive in Helensvale about 4pm on Thursday. They lived in the Gold Coast suburb of Biggera Waters.

Police and family were concerned for the pairs safety because the mother had not been in contact.

A police spokeswoman said the mother and child were found on Tuesday in the Pacific Pines area on the Gold Coast, about 10 kilometres from their home suburb.
The Victorian government will splash $492 million to build 13 new schools and a further $340 million will be invested to upgrade 52 schools as part of funding announced in Thursdays state budget.

All 13 new schools will be located on Melbournes fringe, where population growth has surged in recent years, particularly in the north and west. Secondary schools will be built within kilometres of each other in Wollert East and Wollert West, in Melbournes north. Twelve are set to be completed by 2023 and the other in 2024.

The government will also spend $276.4 million acquiring land in the local government areas of Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Port Phillip and Wyndham for future school sites.

However, no money was set aside in the budget for the construction of new schools in regional Victoria, despite people moving to the country in record numbers. Almost 80 per cent of first-home purchases in the state were outside inner Melbourne in the 12 months to March.
Several cities across China have recently started offering residents a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in addition to the two-dose inactivated vaccines that were already widely used in the country's vaccination drive.

At the temporary vaccination station in Shanghai's Xuhui district on Wednesday, a new CanSino sign was placed alongside the Sinovac and Sinopharm ones as vaccine providers of the day.

People waiting to be vaccinated at the station were given the choice of receiving the single-dose adenovirus-based viral vector vaccine Ad5-nCoV, whose trade name is Convidecia. That vaccine uses a modified adenovirus to induce neutralizing antibodies against the COVID-19 virus.

The vaccine, developed by CanSino Biologics and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, has been distributed across Shanghai since Thursday, according to the city's Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The center said the new vaccine, like the others, is injected into muscle tissue and is as safe and effective as the inactivated virus vaccines in use. It is also available for people above age 18.

Its phase 3 clinical trial data show it to be 65.7 percent effective at preventing symptomatic cases and 90.98 percent effective in preventing severe cases. No severe side effects have been reported aside from those typical of other COVID-19 vaccines: pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle soreness, chills and diarrhea.

The National Medical Products Administration authorized the vaccine for conditional marketing in February. It has also been approved for emergency use in Mexico, Pakistan and Hungary.

CanSino Biologics told the media that it has already provided vaccines to health authorities of Beijing and Tianjin, as well as the provinces of Zhejiang, Henan and Anhui.

At the Xuhui district vaccination station, healthcare workers said the vaccine is not recommended for people with preexisting immune system illness such as HIV and lupus erythematosus, as well as people who have diabetes or high blood pressure. People who have already received the first dose of an inactivated vaccine are advised to continue with the second dose of the same vaccine.

Shanghai resident Guo Yuhong, who was inoculated with the single-dose vaccine on Wednesday, said his friends had recommended he do so because the new vaccine is more convenient and time-saving than the two-dose vaccines. He said he did not feel any side effects during the 30 minutes of post-inoculation observation.

By Monday, 23,154 people in Shanghai had received the new vaccine, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Queenslands tourism industry suffered a $12 billion blow in 2020 as domestic and international border closures shut out millions of visitors.

But transforming the states beaches into a European-style tourist mecca, like Santorini in Greece or Positano in Italy, has been suggested to entice travellers to return.

An aerial photograph of tourists playing and sunbathing on a sandy beach in Positano, Italy. Credit:Traveller

A discussion paper from the states Tourism and Industry Reference Panel can reveal 11.3 million fewer visitors travelled to and within Queensland in 2020, representing a loss of $12.3 billion in overnight visitor spending, which sunk to its lowest level in a decade.

Queensland slammed the states borders shut during 2020 in response to rising coronavirus cases nationwide.
The Victorian government has boosted funding for the states justice system as it works to clear a case backlog that has crippled the states courts because of Melbournes coronavirus lockdowns.

Treasurer Tim Pallas also unveiled programs in Thursdays budget aimed at early intervention to help at-risk Victorians, but the government acknowledged that while funding for such initiatives had increased in recent years, it remained low relative to spending on acute services.

The government has also set aside $43 million to build new police stations, including a police station in Benalla and land for a future Yarra police precinct by amalgamating Fitzroy and Collingwood stations.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said Labor was investing where its needed to ensure our justice system is responsible and fair.
The budget identifies delays in the global rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, and in turn the sustained closure of Australias borders, as a key downside risk to the path back to surplus. Net overseas migration was the largest driver of Victorias population growth for more than a decade until last year when the block on incoming migrants was compounded by foreigners and international students returning home. The budget expects Victorias population will grow by 0.3 per cent in 2021-22, 1.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 1.7 per cent in each of the two years after that. Mr Pallas said that while the forecasts on migration and students were dependent on many variables, he had a high degree of confidence in our capacity to project where were likely to be.

These numbers are, for example, much more conservative in terms of the numbers than the federal government have put in place, the Treasurer said on Thursday. And I think they therefore put us in the solid position to have a lot more confidence about the projections that weve plotted and the way out of the economic event that has affected this state. Equity Economics lead economist Angela Jackson said governments faced a difficult task forecasting population growth during the pandemic but Victoria had made a strong assumption on migration bouncing back. The question is how realistic can it be? Are people going to be willing or able to move at the same levels as before? Dr Jackson said. In Victoria particularly, economic growth is more linked to people than states with iron ore supplies. So migration and international education are critical, presenting an even more significant risk compared to the rest of the country if the states assumptions turn out to be overly ambitious.

If the vaccine rollout and economic recovery is slower than expected overseas, the state government expects domestic business confidence will also suffer as Victorian companies put off investment decisions. Loading The shocks to trade, overseas migration and business confidence [would] reduce Victorias gross state product by a peak of about 1 per cent in 2022-23 and by 0.9 per cent in 2024-25, the government stated in its budget papers. International education made $13.7 billion in revenue for the Victorian economy in 2019, the states largest export. Since that year, international higher education enrolments have plummeted 41 per cent. The federal government has invited states and territories to come up with bespoke proposals to quarantine international students this year, which universities in particular have been angling for in the hope of bringing some students back before 2022.

Mr Pallas said on Thursday that Victorias plan to fly in 120 migrant workers and students per week was awaiting approval from the Morrison government and we are largely at the control and behest of the Commonwealth on this. Weve put a proposal to the Commonwealth ... so we can give a demonstration to our university sector that we are coming up with solutions to assist them in what has been a desperately difficult time for them, Mr Pallas said. Dr Jackson said there was little in the Victorian or federal budgets to attract international students back to the country amid fears Australia is losing its market share to Canada and the United Kingdom. International education is highly competitive. Will we have the same market share as before the pandemic? Probably not, especially when there doesnt appear to be a strategy to get there, she said. Earlier this week Deakin University vice-chancellor Iain Martin said he expected international enrolments would bottom out in 2022-23 before recovering to pre-pandemic levels in 2028.
Singapore: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has led south-east Asian leaders in urging wealthier countries such as the United States and Britain to escalate their exports of COVID-19 vaccines, while calling for the global pharmaceutical patent system to be upended.

A new wave of the coronavirus and its variants is wreaking havoc in the region, which, apart from Singapore, has some of the lowest inoculation rates in the world, chiefly due to a shortage of supply.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Credit:UNTV

While Chinese vaccines are being used to combat the infection throughout much of south-east Asia, the outbreak in India has slowed down access to doses through the international facility known as COVAX.

There was a further blow this week with the worlds biggest vaccine manufacturer, the Serum Institute of India, flagging it would continue to suspend external shipments until the end of the year as it moved to scale up manufacturing and prioritise India.
London: An inquiry into how the BBC got a sensational 1995 interview with Princess Diana in which she disclosed intimate details of her failed marriage has found that the journalist involved had acted deceitfully and the broadcaster had covered it up.

The BBC set up the investigation, headed by former judge John Dyson, in November, following allegations from Dianas brother Charles Spencer that he had been tricked into introducing her to journalist Martin Bashir.

Princess Diana on the BBC's Panorama program in November 1995. Credit:AP

Dysons report found that Bashir, then a little known reporter, had shown Spencer fake bank statements to persuade him to set up a meeting with Diana.

Mr Bashir deceived and induced him to arrange a meeting with Princess Diana, the report said. Mr Bashir acted inappropriately and in serious breach of the 1993 edition of the Producers Guidelines on straight dealing.
Paris: Thousands of French police officers took part in a huge demonstration outside Parliament to press for a law that protects the protectors who are feeling vulnerable to attacks, angry and useless.

The rally by security forces represented a bold and unusual move for members of an institution that stresses duty and discretion. The protest, held on Wednesday (Thursday AEST), drew civilian supporters and morphed into what looked like a campaign stop for politicians ahead of regional elections next month and a presidential race next year, with security a top concern.

Raw emotions: Police officers demonstrate outside the French Parliament. Credit:Getty

Hard-line Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin showed up at the start, squeezing through a packed crowd of hundreds waving labor union flags. Representatives from the far-right National Rally and a multitude of other parties were expected to attend. The politicians clearly hoped to send a message that security mattered and police officers, a considerable voting pool, were their friends.

You must help us, Mr Minister, an officer said with emotion to Darmanin.
I sit here in my room in Gaza writing this in an attempt to divert my attention from the distant sound of Israeli artillery shelling which has been constantly bombarding me, my family and two million Palestinians trapped here for more than a week. If Israel cedes to international pressure for a ceasefire, that only begs the question: how long will it last before we once more have to live through this torment?

Over the past 12 days, more than 220 people have been killed, at least 63 of them children. Apartment blocks have been destroyed, roads critical to economic centres are pockmarked with craters, clinics and schools have been ruined and international media bureaus have been flattened on live television.

A Palestinian family sits outside their home in Gaza after it was hit by an Israeli air strike. Credit:AP

I discuss with my friends across Gaza how to prepare for the next, inevitable, attack. We ask each other: have you packed your bags? Have you remembered all your official documents? Food? Clothes for the children?

This aggression is just the latest in a series of attacks. This is the third war my 11-year-old nephew has lived through. We are still trying to rebuild what Israel destroyed in the 2014, 2012, and 2008-2009 assaults, but this latest is the worst we have ever seen.
Washington, DC: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of an Arctic Council summit in Iceland, telling him the US is seeking a more stable and predictable relationship with Moscow.

But, according to a department account of the session released on Wednesday, Blinken underscored President Joe Bidens 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.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, greets Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Credit:AP

He also brought up Russias continued military deployments in and near Ukraine, as well as the wellbeing of the dissident Alexei Navalny, and asked for the release of two Americans held by Russia  Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed.

Blinken discussed Russias activities in the Syrian civil war and underscored the imperative of ensuring humanitarian access for the people of Syria, the State Department said.
HARRISBURG >> The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on June 9 passed legislation authored by State Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) to increase the amount of the burial benefit provided to those who perform burials with military honors for deceased veterans at any one of the Commonwealt


Speakers:

Liu Qi, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jiangxi Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Jiangxi Province

Yi Lianhong, vice secretary of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and governor of the People's Government of Jiangxi Province

Shi Xiaolin, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee

Chairperson:

Chen Wenjun, spokesperson of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee

Date:

May 14, 2021

Chen Wenjun:





Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Jiangxi province is a land with revolutionary glories where the great revolutionary spirit of the CPC such as the great Jinggangshan Spirit and the spirit of the Soviet areas have been fostered. The great revolutionary spirit has been passed on and carried forward, inspiring generations of communists to stay true to the original aspiration, keep the mission in mind, and strive for greater achievements.





On the occasion of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party, we have organized this press conference and invited Liu Qi, secretary of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Jiangxi Province; Yi Lianhong, vice secretary of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and governor of the People's Government of Jiangxi Province; and Shi Xiaolin, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee. They will brief you on issues related to "Jiangxi: Endeavoring to start new chapter with 100 years of glories" and answer your questions. Next, I will give the floor to Mr. Liu.





Liu Qi:





Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning.





This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. It is a great pleasure to attend this press conference held by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and brief you on the situation of Jiangxi's old revolutionary base areas at this critical historic juncture. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee, the People's Government of Jiangxi Province and the more than 45 million people of Jiangxi, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your long-term interest in, support for and assistance to Jiangxi.





Jiangxi is a place endowed with "rich resources, outstanding people and productive land." In ancient times, it was known as "the head of the Wu Kingdom and the tail of the Chu Kingdom," and "the portal of Guangdong province and the courtyard of Fujian province." It has distinct geographical advantages, connecting the east with the west and linking the south with the north. The "red color" (referring to revolutionary heritage) is the best-known brand of Jiangxi. The "green color" (referring to ecological environment) is the biggest advantage of Jiangxi. The "ancient color" (referring to ancient heritage) is the deepest historic holdings of Jiangxi. The red and green colors enhance each other, while the past and the present complement each other.





With regards to the Party's glorious history over the past century, as the Cradle of the Chinese Revolution, the Cradle of the People's Republic, the Cradle of the People's Army and the Birthplace of the Chinese Workers' Movement, Jiangxi, a piece of red land soaked with the blood of numerous revolutionary martyrs, has fostered the great Jinggangshan Spirit, the spirit of the Soviet areas and the Long March Spirit, and carried forward the original aspiration and mission of the Chinese Communists. The Chinese revolution started in Jiangxi and spread across the whole country, and from victory in this place to new victories across the nation. Under the leadership of the Party, the people of Jiangxi have forged ahead with determination and perseverance, and achieved historical advancements from isolation and backwardness to civility and progress, from lack of adequate food and clothing to a moderately prosperous society in all respects. This is a witness to the great strides that the Party has united and led the Chinese people to achieve: from standing up, to becoming rich and growing strong.





The CPC Central Committee attaches great importance to and cares greatly about Jiangxi. In February 2016, General Secretary Xi Jinping inspected Jiangxi, visiting local people and putting forward important requirements for the further development of the province. Three years later, in May 2019, General Secretary Xi Jinping made another inspection visit to Jiangxi and put forward the important target of "setting an example in speeding up the high-quality development of the old revolutionary bases and vying for the forefront in boosting the rise of the central region," and the important requirement of "advancement in five aspects," that is, to promote high-quality economic development, deepen reform and opening up, promote agricultural and rural modernization, promote innovation in social governance, and carry forward the revolutionary heritage. Bearing in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's remarks, we have been working hard in gratitude, speeding up to achieve high quality and leapfrog development, and striving to depict a new picture of Jiangxi's reform and development in the new era. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the province's GDP has grown by 8.7% annually, moving up from 19th to 15th place in the country in terms of its national GDP ranking. More encouragingly, the added value of high-tech industries and strategic emerging industries in the province has accounted for 38.2% and 22.1% of industries above designated size, respectively, increasing by 8.1 and 7.2 percentage points during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020). The quality of development and people's wellbeing has been continuously improved. The sight of "strong industry, beautiful ecology, and rich people with fighting spirits" is gradually emerging in the great land of Jiangxi.





The drivers of innovative development are playing a bigger role. Jiangxi is a place where many development miracles have been created. China's first plane, first diesel-powered wheeled tractor, first military three-wheeled motorcycle and sidecar, and first coastal defense missile were all made here. We have deeply implemented the strategy of innovation-driven development and fully stimulated the vitality of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The Poyang Lake National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone, and the Ganjiang Innovation Academy under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have been established. Part of the fuselage of China's self-developed C919 large passenger aircraft was made in Jiangxi. The technology of blue LED on silicon substrate was also invented in the province. We strove to work on the development of aviation, electronic information, equipment manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, new energy, new materials and other advantageous industries. Virtual reality, "03 special project," namely next generation broadband wireless mobile communications network, Internet of Things and other sectors of the digital economy have achieved rapid development. Nowadays, the land of Jiangxi is full of innovation and creation, surging with the tide of innovation, and gathering the powerful momentum of achieving high-quality and leapfrog development.





Jiangxi has achieved more and more fruitful outcomes in the pursuit of reform and opening-up. It has been a key exporter of trade along the Silk Road since ancient times. The Maritime Silk Road is also known as the Maritime Ceramic Road, and craftsmen traveled from all around to Jiangxi's Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, to make exquisite porcelain which sold well around the world. Comrade Deng Xiaoping was once demoted to Jiangxi to do manual labor, and the "Xiaoping Trail," a memorial park dedicated to him, has become an important symbol of his interaction with the general public and an exploration of the new road he helped China to take. Jiangxi spares no effort to promote the spirit of innovation, while continuously carrying out reform and openingup to tackle key problems and break new ground. Its e-government service platforms, such as "Gan Futong" and "Gan Zhengtong," have been improved. Meanwhile, it has become a national model region regarding its reform efforts to streamline administration and delegate power, as well as in its construction of "sponge cities" and its experience in rural house renovation in Yujiang district, Yingtan city. Jiangxi is also making efforts to build an inland opening-up pilot economic zone with high quality and standards, pressing ahead with the development of major opening-up portals, platforms, and business environment. The latter looks to feature the best policies, lowest costs, greatest services, and highest efficiencies. With the infinite vitality brought about by China's reform and opening-up, today's Jiangxi is exuding the energy of growth. Thus, the once-revolutionary base now exhibits a refreshing momentum for development.





Liu Qi:





Jiangxi's fine ecosystems and environment have progressively displayed prominent features. Green development and ecological conservation are Jiangxi's greatest assets, biggest strengths, and most important calling card. It is here that General Secretary Xi Jinping said "Mount Lu is famed for its tranquility, Mount Sanqing for its beauty, and Mount Longhu for its uniqueness." Poyang Lake, which is known as "the wetland of the world and the kingdom for migrant birds," is China's largest freshwater lake and is often referred to as "the lake that can breathe." As its water level varies each season, different views can be seen in the region throughout the year. The lake area during the rainy season spans 4,600 square kilometers, whereas in the dry season, it only makes up 200 to 300 square kilometers. In spring, the lake will transform into a sea of flowers, while in the summer it becomes misty and stretches to the horizon. During autumn, it becomes a vast grassland where herds of cows and goats can be seen. When winter falls, the lake will turn into a kingdom for migratory birds. Monitoring data in 2020 showed that a total of 680,000 wintering migratory birds across 63 species were found in the Poyang Lake region. This is echoed in a poetic expression that describes the huge number of birds here, which describes how the sun and moon are blocked by the birds when they fly and the grass by the lake can be barely seen when they land. Among these birds, more than 4,000 white cranes, which is also the "provincial bird" of Jiangxi, were found here last year. This means that over 96% of all white cranes in the world migrate to Poyang Lake during the winter. Bird watchers can get the closest views in the world of the white cranes at Poyang Lake. In the Wuxing Reclamation Farm in Nanchang city, a tourist town dedicated to the white cranes is being built. You are all welcome to visit Poyang Lake and enjoy the area's views, which embody the harmonious coexistence between man and nature. All these are a vivid showcase of Jiangxi's fine ecosystem. We have been working to preserve the environment like we protect our own eyes. We have also been working to establish a national pilot zone for ecological progress and resolutely tackle pollution, making Jiangxi's ecosystem and environment one of the best in China. Other efforts have been made to comprehensively improve both urban and rural environments, and to make Jiangxi a tidy, beautiful, harmonious, and livable place. Today's Jiangxi is a land of picturesque scenery, presenting a magnificent picture of blue sky, green land, clear water, and fresh air.





People in Jiangxi, the once-revolutionary base, have experienced growing prosperity. When General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Jiangxi on a recent inspection tour, he told us to think about the source of the river when drinking water. He urged us to keep in mind the revolutionary ideals and purpose, to remain true to the original aspirations and mission of the CPC and to remember the martyrs and folks from the then Central Soviet Area and other old revolutionary base areas. We have been carrying out an in-depth, people-centered development philosophy, making greater efforts to meet people's basic living needs and improve their livelihood and welfare. All 25 poor counties and 3,058 impoverished villages in Jiangxi have since shaken off poverty. This is a historic move to tackle Jiangxi's overall regional poverty. The per capita disposable income for urban and rural residents in Jiangxi has doubled since 2010, ahead of schedule. In addition, efforts have been made to proactively facilitate the modernization of Jiangxi's social governance system and capacities, which enables the province to win national-level prizes for excellence in comprehensive management for 16 consecutive years. People's lives in today's Jiangxi are more convenient, comfortable, and happier, and they are living a better life in this once revolutionary base.





The atmosphere of responsibility and hard work has been further developed in Jiangxi. Jiangxi is abbreviated as "Gan" in Chinese, which is homonymous with the Chinese character for "work." This is also highly consistent with our people's diligence, humility, responsibility and hard work, and their contemporary spirit. Guided by the Party's political building, we will comprehensively strengthen Party building in the new era, and vigorously carry forward the great Jinggangshan Spirit, the spirit of the then Soviet areas, and the spirit of the Long March. As such, government officials and the public in Jiangxi are inspired to carry out the Party's guidelines, are grateful for the Party's work, and follow the Party resolutely. We will pass the Party's revolutionary traditions from generation to generation and strive to build Jiangxi into a place with the most emphasis on Party spirit, politics, and loyalty. We also work to rectify problems relating to the unwilling or sluggish undertaking of responsibility, being dishonest, mediocre, lazy, and inefficient to work. We must resolutely and thoroughly eliminate the adverse effects of the Su Rong case (Su was Party chief of Jiangxi between 2007 and 2013 and was sentenced for life for corruption in 2017) and achieve new results in creating a clean and upright political ecosystem. Nowadays, Jiangxi is an entrepreneurial land with diligent people who roll up their sleeves and seize the moment to press ahead with their work.





Those who drink water should remember those who dug the well. Those who enjoy a happy life should remember what the CPC has done. Earthshaking changes that have taken place in Jiangxi fully demonstrate the great advantages of the leadership of the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics, and fully demonstrate the great strength and practicality of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Embarking on the new journey of the 14th Five-Year Plan, we will act upon Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, focus on the goal of "accelerating the high-quality development of the old revolutionary base areas, taking the lead in the rise of central China" and the important requirement of "advancement in five aspects." We will implement the new development philosophy in a complete, precise, and comprehensive manner. Meanwhile, we will also make efforts to learn the hundred-year-old history of the CPC and inherit its revolutionary traditions in a bid to pool strength to facilitate high-quality development and create a new chapter in Jiangxi's building of a modern socialist country in all aspects and implement reform efforts in the new era. Thank you.





Chen Wenjun:





Thank you, Mr. Liu. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the news organization you represent before asking your question.
As a deadly pandemic rages on, causing particular concern in India with an exponential increase in cases and mortality, young people confined to their homes, keen on meeting and, yes, dating are finding novel ways of doing so. Journalist Revathi Hariharan, for instance, decided to meet her date for the first time at a vaccination centre in Delhi earlier this month.

Dating during the pandemic has been a challenge for many people, and not only from the safety point of view. Hariharan points to a general gloom and lack of interest as well as motivation. With vaccines opening up for the ...
Early stage VC firm Elevation Capital has led a $2.25 million seed funding round in womens activewear brand BlissClub. Angel investors who participated in this funding round include former WhatsApp CBO Neeraj Arora, Cred founder Kunal Shah, DST Managing Partner Rahul Mehta, Urban Ladder founder Ashish Goel, Country Delight founder Chakradhar Gade, among others.

The fresh funds will be used for strengthening and growing the team, product development and marketing.

Founded in 2020 by national level frisbee player Minu Margeret, BlissClub designs activewear specifically for Indian women. Its novel product The Ultimate Leggings (TUL) is aimed at resolving the current issues in womens activewear, especially in terms of the fabric, fit and function. It is custom-made with signature CloudSoft fabric, and has four pockets.

Most activewear brands in the country are largely focussed towards men, leaving very limited options designed specifically for the Indian women. From low-quality material to poor sizing and inappropriate designs, women had to make do with whatever they could find. Not anymore, said Margeret.

India is the worlds fastest growing activewear market with the womens segment contributing to a majority of the growth. While there has been an increasing awareness about health and fitness among women in the recent past, the current pandemic has accelerated the growth in the womens fitness space.

Activewear has found massive adoption across the globe over the last two decades. Today, it has captured more than 20 per cent of the total apparel sales.

Unlike most in the apparel space, BlissClub is extremely focussed on hero products, and is on a mission to create a massive community encouraging women to move and take care of their health, said Chirag Chadha, Associate Vice President, Elevation Capital.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has cleared applications from five pharmaceutical to manufacture anti-fungal drug Amphotericin B, used to treat mucormycosis or black fungus.

The subject expert committee (SEC) of the on Wednesday had given its nod to proposals from drug makers to boost the availability of Amphotericin B.

These developments come amid fast spread of the disease in various states and shortage of drugs to treat them. The government, however, hopes the fresh approvals and imports will help end the drug shortage soon.

Rajasthan has already declared mucormycosis or black fungus an epidemic with over 100 cases reported in the state. The central government has also declared mucormycosis as a notifiable disease under the provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act while the Delhi government has formed a committee to oversee the distribution of this drug. Amphotericin B, an injection, is currently sold by Abbott, Bharat Serums, Cipla, Sun Pharma and Viatris. Drug makers, including Alembic, Emcure and Natco had sought nod to manufacture the drug.

Amphotericin B injection is manufactured using liposomal technology. The production cycle of this injection is 25-28 days. Sterility tests need to be carried out and then only can the finished product be sent for distribution. While existing manufacturers are ramping up their production, new approvals will increase availability further. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is fast tracking the processes of all the drugs used for Covid-19 to ensure adequate supplies, said a pharma industry expert.

R K Baheti, chief financial officer (CFO) of Alembic Pharmaceuticals, confirmed the SEC nod and said the company is now coordinating with third party manufacturers for supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients and packaging materials, among other things. Baheti, however, refused to divulge any timeline for production and supply of the injectable.

We have ramped up production of Lambin B injection (Liposomal Amphotericin B) to meet the additional demand. We are confident of increasing our production rapidly because of the use of advanced technology in manufacturing, Sun Pharma said.

Minister of state for chemicals and fertilisers, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Thursday said the fresh approvals along with the ramp up of production by existing six manufacturers and imports will help to end shortage of the drug soon.

As a leading health care firm, we are committed to doing our part to support the public health needs amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Viatris and Gilead are closely working with the government to accelerate supplies of AmBisome to help meet the evolving patient needs in India, said Rakesh Bamzai, president, India, emerging Asia and access markets, Viatris.
Telecom gear maker India said it will set up a 50-bed COVID-19 medical care facility in in partnership with a local medical institution.

Besides, the company is facilitating the availability of 400 oxygen concentrators, 400 contactless remote vital parameter monitoring devices, 25 HFNC CPAP oxygen therapy systems, and other medical supplies worth Rs 5 crore for public hospitals, makeshift hospitals and other facilities for COVID-19.

"Given the urgency of healthcare requirements, we decided to join hands with local partners to accelerate the facilitation of urgent medical supplies to support those most affected.

"We firmly believe that this situation can be overcome with joint, comprehensive, and targeted community efforts. We at are committed to standing strong with the nation during these challenging times," India CEO David Li said in a statement.

Huawei has collaborated with local NGOs and specialised institutions to facilitate medical resources to strengthen the efforts in managing the crisis in India.

"Separately, the company is also working on setting up a 50-bed Covid care facility in partnership with a local medical institution in for patients requiring mild medical support.

"The facility will be equipped with medical equipment like Oxygen concentrators, BiPAP, patient monitoring, etc., and will be operated by a partner medical institution," the statement said.

Huawei India has also set up an emergency team to handle all COVID-19-related concerns of employees and their dependents and provide them hospitalisation support.

It has arranged for emergency beds with oxygen support in partnership with leading hospitals for employees and their dependents.

The company said it is also contributing to meal support for more than 18,000 government school children whose families are affected by COVID-19.

(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.)
Motilal Oswal (MORE), the equity arm of Motilal Oswal Financial Services on Wednesday announced the first close of its recently launched fifth fund India Realty Excellence Fund V (IREF V).

The Fund, which was launched with a target corpus of Rs 800 crore has received commitments aggregating Rs 650 crore, it said.

The IREF V will focus on providing senior secured debt in post-approval projects. The Fund plans to deploy the capital in mid-income/ affordable residential projects across the top seven cities in India while selectively investing in commercial projects.

The India Realty Excellence Fund V would undertake 12-15 transactions in its entire fund life.

This Fund has been raised from high net worth individuals (HNIs) and family offices. The Fund is set up as an alternative fund (AIF Category II).

Sharad Mittal, Director & CEO of MORE said,With this fund, we have repositioned ourselves to cater to capital requirements throughout the project lifecycle providing a complete financing solution and becoming the preferred financial partner for real estate developers. We have raised INR 650 Cr. for the fund within 3 months of launch and we would like to thank our investors for reposing faith in our capability.

There has been a huge gap in construction finance available in the sector over the last two years pursuant to the NBFC crisis and now the COVID pandemic. The real estate sector has gathered a lot of momentum during the last 6-7 months on the back of bottomed-out prices, peak affordability, historically low mortgage rates, Govt. incentives and increasing emotional value of home-ownership during the pandemic. Several developers have clocked record sales in the last two quarters of FY 2021. However, liquidity is still a concern which is where this fund will help our developer partners.

We plan to complete the fund raising and close the fund in a couple of months. he said.

MOREs second fund, IREF II, which achieved its final close in 2015, has till date made 14 investments and secured 11 exits at an level IRR of 21.3 per cent. The Fund has returned 126 per cent of the money back to its investors.

MOREs third fund, IREF III, which achieved its final close in 2017, has till date made 24 investments and secured 8 exits at an investment level IRR of 22.6 per cent. The Fund has returned 52 per cent of the money back to its investors.

MOREs fourth fund, IREF IV, which achieved its final close in 2020, is currently under deployment and has till date made 13 investments and secured 1 exit at an investment level IRR of 21 per cent.
Mobility company said former S&P Global director Sir Mike Rake has joined the Board as non-executive Chairman, while global transport expert Leon Daniels has become an independent non-executive director. Daniels and Rake will draw on deep experience across the private and public sectors to provide the strongest possible oversight, corporate governance, and strategic counsel to as it continues to grow and scale. SoftBank-backed Ola said this reflects its long-term commitment and ambition for the market.

As a scaled, global business with a major presence in the UK, the appointment of such high-quality independent board members underlines our commitment to the and the scale of our ambition in this dynamic market, said Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman and Group CEO, Ola.

Ola launched in the UK in 2018 and has expanded rapidly since, successfully launching in London in February 2020. Today Ola operates across 27 local authorities, including Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol. Since launching in the UK Ola has further expanded its offering for UK riders, including launching Ola Corporate a partnership with Gett. During lockdown Ola supported essential workers and local communities, delivering discounted rides to NHS (National Health Service) staff and other critical Government workers as well as helping drivers by extending our 0 per cent commission in London.

Rake is one of the UKs leading business figures with decades of leadership experience at the most senior level. He joins Ola having previously served in a range of senior boardroom roles including as Chairman of Worldpay Group plc (2015-2018), BT Group plc (2007-2017), EasyJet plc (2010-2013) and International Chairman of KPMG (2002-2007), along with serving as President of the Confederation of British Industry (2013-2015).

Ola is one of the most ambitious and innovative global technology and I am very pleased to be joining at this stage of its journey, said Mike Rake, Chairman of the Ola UK Board. The application of technology to mobility holds out an exciting future of cleaner, safer and more efficient transportation for millions of UK passengers, and I look forward to helping Ola continue to do what they do best  innovate for the benefit of society.

Rake is joined by Leon Daniels, who will bring his years of policy and regulatory experience in the global mobility industry to help Ola continue its strong growth in the capital and across the UK. Daniels served as Managing Director, Surface Transport at Transport for London until 2017 and previously held the position of Commercial Director at UK Bus, overseeing new ventures in UK and international transport.

Rake and Daniels will join Balasubrahmanyam Vijay Juturi, alongside Marc Rozendal (Managing Director, Ola UK) and Karl Lutzow (Operations Director, Ola UK) on the board of Ola UK.

In its push to increase electric adoption, Ola said it has become the first mobility company globally to manufacture two-wheeler scooters. 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 two-wheeler will be produced in this facility which will be spread across 500 acres of land with 10 production lines and a staggering capacity of 10 million units/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.
With 49 people on board a barge



that sank into the Arabian Sea four days ago still missing, ships worked through the night, using searchlights to trace any movement in the pitch dark waters, as hopes of finding more survivors began to fade on Thursday.

The Navy on Thursday morning launched a fresh aerial search and mission, deploying helicopters to scour the waters off Mumbai coast, where the accommodation barge P305 went adrift in Tauktae fury before it sank Monday.

As many as 26 personnel on board the barge are dead and 49 still missing, after Navy personnel, battling extreme weather, so far rescued 186 of the 261 people who were on board the barge P305 and two personnel from tugboat Varaprada.

Chances of finding more survivors are looking bleak, an official said.

Mumbai police have announced they will conduct a probe as to why the ill-fated barge remained in the turbulent area despite warnings about Tauktae, an official said. They registered an accidental death report (ADR) on Wednesday in connection with the death of the personnel on the barge.

"The Navy's Search and (SAR) operations entered the fourth day today. Naval ships and aircraft are presently undertaking SAR of the missing crew members of Accommodation Barge P-305, which sank on Monday 35 miles off Mumbai," a Navy spokesperson said.

Navy ships INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Beas, INS Betwa, INS Teg, P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, Chetak, ALH and Seaking helicopters are involved in the SAR operations, he said.

Another Navy ship INS Talwar was the 'On Scene Coordinator' off Gujarat coast and assisted Support Station 3 (SS-3) and Drill Ship Sagar Bhushan, which were being safely towed back to Mumbai by ONGC support vessels, he said.

Navy ships were deployed on Monday after the Navy was informed that barge 'P305' had gone adrift off the Heera oil fields in Bombay high area with 261 personnel on board. The oil fields are around 70 km southwest of Mumbai.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government on Thursday said the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state has come down by over 62 per cent since its peak on April 30.

The state in the past 24 hours has recorded 238 fresh deaths, which took the toll to 18,590, while 6,725 new cases pushed the tally to 16,51,532, Aditional Chief Secretary, Health, Amit Mohan Prasad told reporters.

In the same time period, 13,590 people recovered from the disease, the official said.

"The recovery rate of the state is improving. It is now 91.8 per cent. The active cases in the state in past 20 days have come down by 62.5 per cent," he said.

On April 30, there were 3,10,783 active cases which have now come down to 1,16,434, Prasad said.

"At present, there are 1,16,434 active cases in the state and 15,16,508 people have recovered from COVID-19. Among the active cases, 82,801 are in home isolation," he said.

Prasad said 2.91 lakh COVID-19 tests were conducted on Wednesday and so far, over 4.58 crore tests have been conducted in the state.

He said under the anti- vaccination drive, over 1.56 crore doses have been administered.

More than 1.23 crore people have got their first dose and over 33 lakh their second dose, he added.

Prasad said that due to the trace, test and treat policy, surveillance and enforcement of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour cases are coming down in the state.

In 32 per cent of the villages in the state the COVID infection has spread. The state government is actively involved in distributing medical kits in both rural and urban areas, 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.)
While U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken draws attention to climate change in the Arctic at meetings with other national officials this week in Iceland, an even greater threat looms on the other side of the planet.

New research shows it is that may force a reckoning between the choices countries make today about and the future survival of their coastlines and coastal cities, from New York to Shanghai.

That reckoning may come much sooner than people realize.

The Arctic is losing ice as global temperatures rise, and that is directly affecting lives and triggering feedback loops that fuel more warming. But the big wild card for sea level rise is Antarctica. It holds enough land ice to raise global sea levels by more than 200 feet (60 meters)  roughly 10 times the amount in the Greenland ice sheet  and were already seeing signs of trouble.

Scientists have long known that the Antarctic ice sheet has physical tipping points, beyond which ice loss can accelerate out of control. The new study, published in the journal Nature, finds that the ice sheet could reach a critical tipping point in a few decades, when todays elementary school kids are raising their families.

The results mean a common argument for not reducing now  that future technological advancement can save us later  is likely to fail.

The new study shows that if continue at their current pace, by about 2060 the Antarctic ice sheet will have crossed a critical threshold and committed the world to sea level rise that is not reversible on human timescales. Pulling carbon dioxide out of the air at that point wont stop the ice loss, it shows, and by 2100, sea level could be rising more than 10 times faster than today.

The tipping point

has several protective ice shelves that fan out into the ocean ahead of the continents constantly flowing glaciers, slowing the land-based glaciers flow to the sea. But those shelves can thin and break up as warmer water moves in under them.

As ice shelves break up, that can expose towering ice cliffs that may not be able to stand on their own.

There are two potential instabilities at this point. Parts of the Antarctic ice sheet are grounded below sea level on bedrock that slopes inward toward the center of the continent, so warming ocean water can eat around their lower edges, destabilizing them and causing them to retreat downslope rapidly. Above the water, surface melting and rain can open fractures in the ice.

When the ice cliffs get too tall to support themselves, they can collapse catastrophically, accelerating the rate of ice flow to the ocean.

The study used computer modeling based on the physics of ice sheets and found that above 2 C (3.6 F) of warming, Antarctica will see a sharp jump in ice loss, triggered by the rapid loss of ice through the massive Thwaites Glacier. This glacier drains an area the size of Florida or Britain and is the focus of intense study by U. S. and U. K. scientists.

To put this in context, the planet is on track to exceed 2 C warming under countries current policies.

Other projections dont account for ice cliff instability and generally arrive at lower estimates for the rate of sea level rise.

While much of the press coverage that followed the new papers release focused on differences between these two approaches, both reach the same fundamental conclusions: The magnitude of sea level rise can be drastically reduced by meeting the Paris Agreement targets, and physical instabilities in the Antarctic ice sheet can lead to rapid acceleration in sea level rise.

The disaster doesnt stop in 2100

The new study, led by Robert DeConto, David Pollard and Richard Alley, is one of the few that looks beyond this century. One of us is a co-author.

It shows that if todays high emissions continued unabated through 2100, sea level rise would explode, exceeding 2.3 inches (6 cm) per year by 2150. By 2300, sea level would be 10 times higher than it is expected to be if countries meet the Paris Agreement goals. A warmer and softer ice sheet and a warming ocean holding its heat for centuries all prevent refreezing of Antarcticas protective ice shelves, leading to a very different world.

The vast majority of the pathways for meeting the Paris Agreement expect emissions will overshoot its goals of keeping warming under 1.5 C (2.7 F) or 2 C (3.6 F), and then count on future advances in technology to remove enough carbon dioxide from the air later to lower the temperature again. The rest require a 50% cut in emissions globally by 2030.

Although a majority of countries  including the U. S., U. K. and European Union  have set that as a goal, current policies globally would result in just a 1% reduction by 2030.

Its all about reducing emissions quickly

Some other researchers suggest that ice cliffs in Antarctica might not collapse as quickly as those in Greenland. But given their size and current rates of warming  far faster than in the historic record  what if they instead collapse more quickly?

As countries prepare to increase their Paris Agreement pledges in the runup to a United Nations meeting in November, Antarctica has three important messages that we would like to highlight as polar and ocean scientists.

First, every fraction of a degree matters.

Second, allowing global warming to overshoot 2 C is not a realistic option for coastal communities or the global economy. The comforting prospect of technological fixes allowing a later return to normal is an illusion that will leave coastlines under many feet of water, with devastating economic impacts.

Third, policies today must take the long view, because they can have irreversible impacts for Antarcticas ice and the world. Over the past decades, much of the focus on rapid climate change has been on the Arctic and its rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and ecosystems that are under threat.

As scientists learn more about Antarctica, it is becoming clear that it is this continent  with no permanent human presence at all  that will determine the state of the planet where todays children and their children will live.

[Understand new developments in science, health and technology, each week. Subscribe to The Conversations science newsletter.]

Julie Brigham-Grette, Professor of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Andrea Dutton, Professor of Geoscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Chemists have threatened to join the lockdown after their requests to be treated as essential services workers for was not accepted by the government. The medical devices makers industry body, too, has written to the seeking on priority.

An organisation representing around 940,000 chemists on Thursday said, Vaccinate chemists with priority, else all 9.4 lakh chemists are ready to join corona lockdown. Jagannath Shinde, president of the chemists lobby All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), said despite dangers every chemist has been working to maintain the availability of essential medicines.





ALSO READ: Need dynamic strategy to deal with Covid-19, says PM Narendra Modi

The AIOCD said its members may join the lockdown, as they were sidelined while considering priority. Rajiv Singhal, AIOCD general secretary, told Business Standard that about 5 million people would have to be vaccinated. Around 675 of our members have died due to Covid-19, Singhal added.

The Association of Indian Medical Devices Industry (AiMED) too wrote a letter to VK Paul, member health of NITI Aayog, on Wednesday requesting priority allocation of vaccines to employees of medical devices companies. It has mentioned that its earlier requests did not receive any response.
The Maharashtra Congress on



Thursday demanded the resignation of Petroleum Minister on moral grounds over the death of 37 personnel on board a barge that sank in the Arabian Sea, and termed it as a "manmade tragedy".

The Navy on Thursday morning launched a fresh aerial search and rescue mission, deploying helicopters to scour the waters off Mumbai coast, where the accommodation barge P305 went adrift in Tauktae fury before it sank on Monday.

As many as 37 personnel on board the barge are dead and 38 still missing.

The Navy personnel, battling extreme weather, have so far rescued 186 of the 261 people who were on board the barge P305 and two personnel from tugboat Varaprada.

The barge 'P305' had gone adrift off the Heera oil fields in Bombay high area. The oil fields are located around 70 km southwest of Mumbai.

State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant in a tweet said, "News of sinking of #ONGC barge P-305 resulting in the death of 37 workers is devastating. More than 38 ppl are still missing. This is clearly man-made tragedy as warning of imminent #TauktaeCyclone had bn given in advance. @dpradhanbjp must resign taking moral responsibility."



He demanded action against all those endangering the lives of workers who were on the barge.

"Modi govt's reckless approach in handling corona already caused deaths of lakhs of people & it is continuing to exhibit the same. When will Modi govt learn lessons from their grave mistakes?" Sawant said in another tweet.

(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 prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country, Prime Minister Modi will interact with the district magistrates (DMs) and field officials of 10 States today.

"PM Modi will interact with the DMs and field officials of 10 States-Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh today", informed an official statement.

Prime Minister on Tuesday held a meeting with field officials from states and districts about their experience in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also attended the virtual meeting where Union Home Minister Amit Shah was present.

Also, on May 16, PM Modi discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call.

India reported 2,76,070 new COVID-19 cases and 3,874 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's data on Thursday. As many as 3,69,077 discharges have been made in the last 24 hours, which is more than the daily cases reported.

The cumulative caseload stands at 2,57,72,400, including 2,23,55,440 recoveries, 31,29,878 active cases and 2,87,122 deaths.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
president J P Nadda said on Wednesday the will be available for all in the country by December.

He also accused the Congress of spreading anarchy at the time of the pandemic.

Nadda was reviewing the COVID-19 situation in Rajasthan in a virtual interaction with state president Satish Poonia and party MPs from the state, a party statement said.

Nadda said the prime minister had warned the chief ministers of the states in March itself and asked them to be prepared for the second wave of coronavirus.

"India developed two indigenous vaccines for the first time in just nine months, which have been administered to 18 crore Indians so far. By the end of December, the vaccine will be available to all and its calendar has been set," he said.

Nadda said the Modi government at the Center has ensured the availability and supply of oxygen and medicines to all the states.

He said that real face of the Congress has been exposes after revelation of its tool kit''.

Even at the time of the pandemic, the Congress is trying to spread anarchy in the country and is working to destroy the morale of the people by spreading confusion among them, he alleged.

Besides Poonia, Union ministers Arjunram Meghwal, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Kailash Chaudhary, MPs P P Chaudhary, Narendra Kumar, Manoj Rajoria, Jaskaur Meena, Swami Sumedhanand and Ranjita Koli joined the meeting.

(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.)
As many as 188 workmen have been rescued and 37 bodies have been recovered from barge P305 which sank in the Arabian Sea 35 nautical miles from Mumbai under the impact of Tauktae, informed the on Thursday.

Navy in a statement said that a unit of Coast Guard has joined the search and (SAR) operations being carried out in the Arabian Sea.

"188 survivors and 37 Brave Nature Victims (BNV) rescued and recovered so far. INS Kolkata arrived at Mumbai and is disembarking survivors and BNVs. INS Kochi rejoins SAR efforts. ships and aircraft continue to search for the missing crew members. Coast Guard units have joined the SAR effort," tweeted the Spokesperson of the

The Navy also rescued two more persons from a tugboat, Varaprada which went adrift in the Arabian Sea due to the cyclonic storm.

The people on board two other barges and an oil rig are also safe, said navy personnel on Wednesday.

The Barge P305 started drifting after its anchors gave way off the Heera Oil Fields in Bombay High as cyclonic storm Tauktae brushed past the western coast.

The operations by the navy were undertaken in extreme weather conditions and in very rough seas.

Meanwhile, Indian Coast Gaurd on Wednesday informed that all crew of MV Denali which anchored off near Tarapur are safe. The crew of another vessel MV Samarpan that went adrift 19 nautical miles south of Diu are also safe. Both of these vessels are being monitored by the Maritime Co-ordination Centre Mumbai (MRCC).

The cyclone's intensity has weakened on Wednesday but rains continued for the most part of the day.

Tauktae has impacted the weather conditions in several parts of Northern India including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi where heavy rainfall was witnessed.

(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 death toll on the barge that sank in the Arabian Sea rose to 49 with the recovery of more bodies even as the Navy and the Coast Guard searched for 37 other missing persons since the severe cyclonic storm Tauktae battered the region.

Government sources said while 6,961 persons on 337 offshore wells, platforms and other oil and gas installations that dot the west coast stayed safe, five vessels encountered mechanical faults, putting to risk 714 personnel on board.

Three barges and an anchor handling boat deployed by private contractor Afcons for a project it was doing for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and a drillship of a state-owned firm lost anchors and drifted away.

While 440 persons on two barges and the drillship were brought to safety, barge P-305 carrying 261 personnel sank.

Out of 261, 186 were rescued and the bodies of 49 have been recovered, they said. Search for the remaining 26 is going on.

Out of the 13 persons on anchor boat Varaprada, two have been rescued while the search for the remaining 11 is on.

Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the west coast to look for the missing.

The has deployed six vessels -- INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Talwar, Beas, Betwa and Teg, while Coast Guard has deployed ICG Smarth, Juliet, ICG 206, CG Patrol and ICG Shoor for the search operations.

ONGC has also deployed 20 of its vessels to assist the rescue operations, which has also been joined by one vessel of Afcons.

Fifteen helicopters -- seven of ONGC and four each of Navy and Coast Guard -- have been doing sorties to evacuate persons stuck on the five vessels, they said.

Sources said based on the weather warning, ONGC -- which operates the giant High oil and gas field and other fields in the region -- activated its emergency response system and issued instructions to all installations to take action.

ONGC's installations, which include giant platforms which house hundreds of staff, wells, drillships and support vessels, took appropriate actions like staying at safe mode or moving to a safe location, they said.

Afcons' construction barge Support Station-3, while moving to a safe location, encountered mechanical problems after its towing wire line snapped and it started drifting. It had 202 persons onboard.

Its Gal Constructor barge, with 137 persons on board, was at a safe location but its anchors gave away and it too started drifting.

ONGC's drillship Sagar Bhushan was required to stay at its position as per the standard operating procedure but its anchors gave away and it developed a mechanical fault in the steering system. All its 101 persons as also those aboard Afcons' two barges were rescued to safety.

Afcons' P-305 barge decided to stay nearby the platform where it was working. However, its anchors gave away and it started drifting and then hit an unmanned platform before capsizing.

Out of 261 crew, 186 were rescued.

A note from Afcons said all its vessels were on May 14 advised to secure their respective work locations and move to safe locations at the earliest.

The master of P-305 chose to move 200 metres away from the Heera platform where it was working and remain at the location, it said, adding this was based on his assessment that it was a safe location since the maximum predicted wind speed was only 40 Knots and his location was 120 nautical miles away from the eye of the tropical storm.

But the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly from the evening of May 16, reaching worse than predicted levels a day later. This sudden deterioration of weather left no time at all for any further action to be taken by the master of the vessel, it said.

Afcons had chartered the vessel from Durmast. Durmast is the owner and the responsibility for marine operations rests with it.

Tauktae made landfall on Monday night on the Gujarat coast, which is dotted with oil and gas installations. While the offshore has fields producing oil and gas, the coast houses two big refineries and some of the busiest ports.

The cyclone, whose intensity is similar to the one that hit Gujarat in 1998, weakened thereafter.

(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 on Thursday reported a net reduction of 96,841 in active cases to take its count to 3,129,878. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 19.22 per cent (one in 5). The country is second among the most affected countries by active cases. On Thursday, it added 276,110 cases to take its total caseload to 25,772,440. And, with 3,874 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 287,122, or 1.11 per cent of total confirmed infections.

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The Congress on Thursday said the government should issue a white paper on its COVID-vaccination strategy and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate the work on inoculating all Indians against the viral disease on a war footing.

Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said this is not the time for image-building but to help the people in need during the pandemic.

He also expressed concern over the spread of the in villages and said the prime minister needs to work together with the states to step up medical facilities in rural areas and vaccinate more and more people.

"We demand that the government issue a white paper on its vaccination policy for all to know how many vaccines have been procured and are in the pipeline to vaccinate all Indians," Shukla told reporters.

"This is not the time to indulge in image-building. Forget about your image, save people's lives instead. Set aside your image management and put together all your energies in helping people come out of COVID. Try and take everyone together," he said.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary, who is in-charge of the party's Himachal Pradesh affairs, said the is spreading in villages, which is a cause of worry.

He highlighted the lack of testing facilities, hospitals, doctors and medical infrastructure in rural areas.

"The number of corona-infected patients may have reduced, but the death rate is still high, which is of concern. This is a big challenge for us now," Shukla said.

He said according to experts, around 90 lakh people have to be vaccinated daily to break the chain of the virus, but the current vaccination rate is very slow.

"If the virus chain does not break, then the third wave is imminent. I would urge the central government and the prime minister to procure vaccines on a war footing and negotiate on behalf of the states," the Congress leader said, adding that the vaccines should be made available in the open market.

(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 Thursday asked the Centre, and municipal corporations to provide accommodations to all the health workers, who are willing to avail it, so that they do not carry the COVID-19 infection to homes and infect their family members.

The high court also asked the to examine issuing an order under the Disaster Management Act so that such facilities are also made available to health workers of private and charitable hospitals here.

In our view, it is desirable that such a facility is available to all frontline workers since it is likely that they may carry the infection to homes and infect family members, a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh said.

The bench said the hospitals being run by the Centre and municipal corporations should similarly provide facility to the health workers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics and other supporting staff.

The court, which asked the Delhi government, Centre and MCDs to file their respective status reports in this regard, also directed the Delhi Police to file its status report on the facilities available to their personnel and listed the issue for hearing on May 24.

The court was informed that a large number of policemen who are posted at hospitals, crematoriums and oxygen refilling stations are also exposed to the virus and 25 of them have already died and they should also be provided with accommodation facilities.

The court took up the issue raised by senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal that transportation facilities shall be made available to the health workers from the hospitals to the place of their stay.

It is essential to provide such transportation facility to them to prevent spread of the disease to them or by them while availing transportation, the bench said.

It directed that the Delhi government, Centre and MCDs shall take steps in this regard and the AAP government shall also indicate this aspect in the order to be passed under DM Act.

The court had on April 30 directed the to consider use of hotels and hospitals by health workers so that they do not spread the infection to their family members when they go home after their duties.

(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.)
This is a rejoinder to Who destroyed India's vaccine self-sufficiency?, an article by Bharat Bhushan published on the Business Standard website on May 17.

An article, Who destroyed India's self-sufficiency?, written by Bharat Bhushan and published on the Business Standard website on May 17, blames me for destroying Indias self-sufficiency in production. The article further says that I effectively moved manufacture and government procurement to the private sector. These allegations are false.

As mentioned in the article, there are three public sector units (PSUs) producing vaccines: Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, started in the year 1905; BCG Vaccine Laboratory (BCGVL) in Guindy, Chennai, the oldest, started in the year 1899; and Pasteur Institute of India (PII), Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, started in the year 1907.

In the year 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) conveyed its reservations about the vaccines manufactured by these three government-owned manufacturing units. WHO declared that India was giving sub-standard vaccines to its citizens. We took urgent steps to improve the infrastructure at these units. More than Rs 30 crore was spent on each to improve the facilities.

The WHO pre-qualified standards are the international norms for vaccine production. Our PSUs were nowhere near these standards. WHO wanted these units to at least comply with the Indian standards, the Good Manufacturing Practice standards of India (Indian GMP). In spite of spending crores of rupees, our units could not comply even with the Indian GMP standards that are essential for licensing. These institutions faced constraints like running in more than a century old heritage buildings. There was no space for expansion, and renovation was impossible.

Finally, we were forced to issue orders to these units to stop vaccine production till such time as they raised their standards to Indian GMP, the basic standard. It was my duty as a doctor and Minister of Health to ensure that the mothers and children of the country did not receive sub-standard vaccines produced in these units. These units were never closed. There was never any attempt to close these units. They were only asked to stop production until their standards were raised to comply with the basic standards, the Indian GMP.

The order to stop production was issued in January 2008. I stepped down from the office of the Minister of Health in February 2009. Thirteen years after stopping production, various attempts made by my successors at the office of the Minister of Health to recommence production at these units have not materialised. Crores of rupees spent on these units went down the drain.

The false story of me closing down the three state-owned vaccine production units was investigated by a committee headed by Javid Chowdhury. The statement in the said article that the Javid Chowdhury committee, which held the suspension of their licences incorrect, illegal and flawed is also false. The committee found that there was no prima facie evidence for allegations against me. It ruled that the stoppage of vaccine production was necessitated because of the failure of these units to comply with the GMP.

The author of the article claims that then up to 80 per cent of Indias vaccines for the Universal Immunisation Programme were sourced from the public sector and today 90 per cent of the vaccines are procured from the private sector at a higher cost. This is another false allegation. The fact is that the combined production capacity of the above three units never exceeded 10 per cent of the demand at that time and even before that government procured 90 per cent of the vaccine from private companies. I attempted to reverse this situation.

At the same time, when these three PSUs were ordered to stop production for not complying with the Indian GMP, I initiated building an Integrated Vaccine Complex (IVC) in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. One hundred acres of land at Chengalpattu was acquired from the Government of Tamil Nadu. An amount of Rs 800 crore was earmarked for this project and work was initiated in the year 2008 itself.

The IVC was designed to be the biggest in Asia, owned and operated 100 per cent by the Government of India. It can produce all the vaccines required for the Universal Immunisation Programme of our country. It was designed to be a world-class facility to comply with the WHO pre-qualification standards. If I were favouring private companies, why should I initiate such a huge government venture?



This centre would not only produce vaccines for domestic use but can export vaccines and earn foreign exchange for the nation. This facility could produce seven different types of vaccines like liquid pentavalent vaccine (LPV), hepatitis-B, haemophilus influenza Type B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis E, BCG, and measles & rubella vaccine. The good news is that this unit could also produce Covid vaccines.

The author blames me for moving vaccine production to the private sector. But the fact is that I ventured to build government capacity to produce 100 per cent of the vaccine requirement for the countrys universal immunisation programmes.

The work of the IVC started in the year 2008 with the aim of starting vaccine production within two years, i.e. in the year 2010 itself. Even after 13 long years, production is yet to commence. As much as 95 per cent of the work was over as early as 2017. For unknown reasons, final works were not completed and vaccine production has not been started. A couple of months' work and a small investment of Rs 300 crore will make it operational. The government should do this on priority and start producing Covid vaccines at this facility. This would reduce the cost of vaccines by several times. This exclusive government firm can produce 20 million doses of Covid vaccines per month within six months. The capacity can be increased to produce 1 billion doses over time. This will be the answer to Indias all vaccine needs.

The author falsely accuses me when he mentions about a member of my political party owning pharma companies. Ours is a party of peasants. The relationships he has written about me and some pharma companies are not true.

The Covid pandemic is a national emergency. It is the duty of each one of us to contribute to the fight against the virus. Anyone attempting to divert issues by presenting false information and false allegations is actually working against the interests of the society.

The author was the health minister in the United Progressive Alliance government from May 2004 to March 2009
Rare, life-threatening Covid-19 complications appear to be escalating in India, creating a fresh wave of critical medical challenges in a country that has already seen short supplies of oxygen and other basic needs.



Pharmacists are warning of a shortage of a crucial drug to treat an invasive fungal infection preying on patients with weakened immune systems. An uptick in cases across India of a dangerous inflammatory syndrome in children -- also seen in the U.S. and Europe at the height of their outbreaks -- is a harbinger of a potentially deadly spate of the pediatric illness in the coming weeks.



Once considered a rare opportunistic fungal infection in Covid-19 patients, mucormycosis has emerged as a dramatic bellwether for a raft of secondary ailments symptomatic of Indias inability to contain the worlds fastest-growing outbreak. There are as many as 1,500 patients with this condition, known locally as black fungus, in Maharashtra alone, with the state government expecting 200 new cases every week. Rajasthan has declared it an epidemic in the state.



Mucormycosis is part of a cascade of secondary medical problems erupting in India that have been rare or non-existent in other places, said Catherine Bennett, chair in epidemiology at Deakin University in Melbourne. The magnitude of the epidemic and the inability to provide adequate care for Covid patients means India is seeing a lot of cases, adding another, significant dimension to the Covid burden.



India has reported more than 25 million Covid-19 cases, with half occurring in the past two months alone. Thats likely to be a vast underestimate, with many cases likely being missed given Indias extensive rural hinterland amid overwhelming demand on clinics and hospitals.



The second wave has taken us into uncharted territories, said Randeep Guleria, director of New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences, one of the countrys top hospitals, in an interview. We knew there would be a second wave given the international experience, but didnt expect such ferocity. It was like wildfire.



Patients treated for the infection are often given a plethora of unnecessary medications in India, including antibiotics, antivirals and steroids, researchers said. This can trigger or exacerbate other complications in some cases.



Aggressive Treatment



Pressure on doctors and panic among patients is making it worse, Guleria said. Theres sometimes a knee-jerk reaction among physicians, who choose aggressive medical treatments instead of being conservative.



The overuse of medicines -- high in India during pre-pandemic times -- has skyrocketed during the pandemic, said Ramanan Laxminarayan, director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy in New Delhi. The damaging effect of this irrational use of medicines is potentially as high as that of the virus itself.



Cheap steroid medications used to calm an exaggerated inflammatory response to the have helped drive cases of mucormycosis, said Leena Menghaney, the New Delhi-based regional lead for aid group Doctors Without Borders access to essential medicines campaign in Asia.



Steroids depress the bodys immune system, making patients more susceptible to secondary infections, such as mucormycosis, which may be triggered by mold-tainted oxygen pipes and humidifiers.



Lethal Infection



The infection can start in the skin and invade the sinuses and other parts of the face. It requires surgery if its not subdued with anti-fungal therapy. Without treatment, it can cause a lethal bloodstream infection.



Menghaney said she knows of at least one patient from Karnataka state who died this week because he was unable to get the optimal medication for mucormycosis, liposomal amphotericin B, which is hard to procure even when demand is low. It typically costs about $70 per vial, and patients may need as many as 20 vials, she said.



Im getting reports of shortages across the country, Menghaney said. People are willing to pay anything to get the drug. The patients coming from poor, rural areas are just not able to access the drug because its so expensive.



Inadequate infection control in hospitals also risks exposing Covid patients to secondary bacterial and fungal infections, many of which cant be treated with basic medications, Laxminarayan said. The evidence is only anecdotal at this time, since India doesnt have a systematic method to track such infections, he said.



Even more ominous are the complications in children that parents and doctors are describing.



Bloodshot Eyes



Khushnooma Kapadia, a Mumbai hospitality worker, said her 11-year-old son suddenly developed bloodshot eyes, swelling around his neck, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and a rash that covered his body. Tests indicated he was infected with SARS-CoV-2 four weeks earlier, even though he had no symptoms at the time. Nearly a month later, the boy is still recovering, with persistent weakness, Kapadia said.



Doctors diagnosed it as multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, a life-threatening pediatric condition causing inflamed and swollen blood vessels. Its estimated to occur in about 1 in 5,000 children four-to-six weeks after exposure to the coronavirus.



Covid-19 cases in India appear to have peaked last week. That means the surge in MIS-C cases may worsen in coming weeks, T.G. Sundaram and Latika Gupta, researchers at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences in the north Indian city of Lucknow, said in a recent paper.



Intravenous immunoglobulin is the recommended treatment, but thats in limited supply even in wealthy countries, said Nigel Curtis, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Melbourne. This is very likely to be an additional challenge in India, he said.



While theres no aggregate data for pediatric Covid or MIS-C cases in India, five doctors said they are seeing younger patients during the current epidemic. Some speculate the increase might be due to the new so-called variant of concern known to be increasing transmission.



Anuradha Mittal, a pediatrician at Kailash Hospital, on the outskirts of New Delhi, said shes seeing four-to-five times more pediatric Covid cases this year compared to the first wave last year. The volume of infections and virulence of the pathogen -- both are higher this time, she said, adding that even some newborns delivered by Covid-19 patients have tested positive.

Although India has a deep history of medical research and a wide pool of experienced health-care providers, scientists and clinicians are frustrated with a lack of centralized systems to share data and evidence about optimal treatments.



Frustrating Efforts



Thats frustrating efforts to both learn what factors are driving Covid-19 complications in India, as well as the ability to counter misinformation, said Manoj Mohanan, a health economist and an associate professor at Duke University in North Carolina.



The secondary medical problems can be avoided with better patient care, which makes it critical the rest of the world gives India the support it needs to stop this chain of preventable disease, Deakin Universitys Bennett said.



Weve chronically under-invested in health care, Mumbai pulmonologist Zarir Udwadia said in a podcast with editors of the New England Journal of Medicine this month. We spend less than 1.4% of our GDP on public health care, and all that is coming back to haunt us.
India crossed a significant landmark in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic after the cumulative number of vaccine doses administered in the country neared 18.7 crores on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Health and Family welfare.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 18,69,89,265 as per the 8 pm provisional report.

The Ministry in a press statement said a total of 5,27,067 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose of COVID vaccine today and cumulatively 70,12,752 across 36 States/UTs since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive.

As per the government data, a total of 18,69,89,265 people including 96,85,597 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have taken the first dose and 66,67,071 HCWs have taken the second dose, while 1,46,34,130 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have received their first dose and 82,56,235 FLWs have received their second dose.

As many as 70,12,752 people of age group 18-44 years have received their first dose of vaccine so far, while 5,83,40,325 citizens over 45 years old to 60 years old have taken their first jab of vaccine and 94,34,731 for over 45 years old to 60 years old have been administered with their second dose of vaccine so far and 5,49,33,136 for above 60 years have received the first dose while and 1,80,25,288 for above 60 years have received their second dose so far.

"As on Day-124 of the vaccination drive (May 19, 2021), a total of 11,45,569 vaccine doses were given. 9,91,831 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 1,53,738 beneficiaries received the second dose of vaccine as per the provisional report till 8 pm. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight," the statement read.

According to the Ministry, the vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.

(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.)
Indian drug vial maker Schott Kaisha is expecting annual vial sales for Covid-19 shots to more than triple as vaccine production, including by one of its top customers Serum Institute, increases in response to a monster second wave of infections.

An Indo-German joint venture between specialty glass makers Schott AG and Kaisha, the company expects to sell 380 million vials for Covid-19 vaccines in 2021-22, up from 113 million a year earlier, Director Rishad Dadachanji said in an interview.

"The demand from our major customers has gone up two-fold, and is indicated to go up three-fold in the near future," Dadachanji said.

Serum Institute of India, which makes AstraZeneca's Covid-19 shot, is planning to produce 100 million doses a month from July, up from 70 million earlier. A single vial can typically store several vaccine doses.

A major vaccine hub, India has been running short of Covid-19 shots for its own people just when the pandemic has killed at least 114,000 people since mid-April.

Schott Kaisha is also in talks with Indian manufacturers of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine to supply millions of vials, but is yet to receive bulk orders, Dadachanji said. "We have received enquiries ... The quantities are still in discussion." The company, which is India's largest maker of tubular borosilicate glass vials used to store drugs and vaccines by volume, is supplying vials for 14 Covid-19 vaccine candidates either in development or full production.

It plans to increase its annual production capacity for the vials to 1.7 billion by year-end from 1.2 billion last year. The company by its own estimate has a 60 per cent-65 per cent market share.

In the market for vial manufacturing, its rival and German drug packager Gerresheimer, which has four plants in India, has hired more staff to meet the rising demand for Covid-19 vaccine vials, Jari Tevajarvi, vice president for Asia plastic packaging, told Reuters.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indias test positivity rate for Covid-19 has fallen to 15.2 per cent between May 13 and May 19 after reaching nearly 22 per cent in the first week of May, revealed the data.

Positivity rate had been consistently increasing for 10 weeks since February and started to decline in the past 10 days.

The central government has also increased the caution level in its latest advisory by recommending double masking, wearing masks at home, and also stating that aerosols - one of the key transmission modes of the novel - can be carried in the air for up to 10 metres.

The advisory, released by the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor K VijayRaghavan, while suggesting proper airflow and ventilation in indoor spaces, has also cautioned against surface transmission, advising frequent disinfecting of high contact points, such as door handles, light switches, tables, and chairs.

Even one infected person showing no symptoms can release enough droplets to create a viral load that can infect many others, said the advisory.

ALSO READ: Chemists threaten to join lockdown, seek Covid-19 vaccination on priority

The health ministry, quoting an international study, said one person can infect up to 406 people in 30 days if he does not follow any physical distancing. This number can be brought down to 2.5 by reducing physical exposure.

Eight states continue to have more than 100,000 active cases. Of these, all - except Tamil Nadu - are seeing a declining trend in active cases.





There are 22 states reporting a positivity rate of more than 15 per cent. Seven have a positivity rate exceeding 25 per cent, including Goa, West Bengal, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep.

There is decreased positivity and decline in cases in 123 districts, observed the The decline in positivity rate is being reported in 303 districts in the country in the last week, compared to 214 districts in the week earlier.

The number of districts reporting more than 100 daily cases has also come down from 531 during April 28-May 4 to 430 in the last week.



ALSO READ: Self-use Covid-19 testing kits to be available at stores for Rs 250

India has witnessed a consistent upward trend in weekly tests since mid-February, with average daily tests increasing 2.3x in the past 12 weeks, said Lav Agarwal, joint secretary,

However, the government is concerned about the dual challenge of rising daily cases and increased positivity in seven states, including Tamil Nadu and the Northeast states of Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is expecting to increase the testing capacity to 2.5 million per day, from nearly 2 million a day currently by the end of May and to 4.5 million by the end of June. This capacity will be a mix of rapid antigen test (RAT) and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

The ICMR is planning to increase RAT capacity fourfold - from 700,000 per day to 2.7 million a day - and RT-PCR from 1.2 million to 1.8 million a day by the end of June.

The governments strategy would be to ramp up testing using RATs in rural areas, so that there is one mobile testing van for every 10 villages.
has delivered nearly 11,800 metric tonnes of Liquid Medical (LMO) in more than 727 tankers to various states across the country as India battling the second wave of COVID-19, informed the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday.

"Around 196 Expresses have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various states and 11 loaded Expresses trains were on run with more than 717 MT of LMO in 43 tankers," it said.

The Oxygen Expresses have been delivering nearly 800 MT LMO each day for the last few days.

"Oxygen relief by Oxygen Expresses reached out to 13 states namely Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh," it said.

So far 521 MT of oxygen has been offloaded in Maharashtra, nearly 2979 MT in UP, 498 MT in MP, 1507 MT in Haryana, 653 MT in Telangana, 97 MT in Rajasthan, 481 MT in Karnataka, 200 MT in Uttarakhand, 440 MT in Tamil Nadu, 227 MT in Andhra Pradesh, 81 MT in Punjab, 117 MT in Kerala and more than 3978 MT in Delhi, according to the ministry's data.

(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 prestigious Rockefeller Foundation on Thursday recommended a strategic roadmap to not only control COVID-19 in India, but also to manage future waves of the deadly pandemic which has killed over 2,80,000 people in the country.

The Rockefeller report, The Road Ahead for Smart COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in India, prepared in collaboration with experts and other prominent organisations outlines how India can strengthen its testing and tracing capacity to adapt to this moment, break the surge, and control future outbreaks, focusing on five critical opportunities for devising an equitable, cost-effective, and scalable COVID-19 response.

To effectively protect the population from COVID-19, it said testing and tracing strategies should be further strengthened and contextualised through a cafeteria-style approach to testing (enabling the availability of a diverse portfolio of tests with clear guidance); undertaking well-designed sero-surveys; setting regulatory pathways and quality checks on new testing technologies; ensuring equitable access to testing; and scaling genome sequencing efforts.

The report said that testing capacity, availability, and accessibility must be improved through using pooled procurement through a consortium facilitated by the Centre to reduce testing costs by a third, incentivise domestic production of testing kits and components, and control testing prices.

It seeks to enhance the demand forecast of testing for equilibrium. Doing so will ensure that testing and tracing systems are proactive and testing suppliers are response-ready, it said.

Recommending collaboration and communication for uniform and lucid information dissemination, the report says building collaboration and trust with the public must be prioritised through implementing a transparent data collection and sharing policy for researchers and citizens.

It also recommends to scale crucial components of tracing systems. Tracking and tracing require human and technological resources to effectively curb virus outbreaks and provide dignified, destigmatised support to those that test COVID-19 positive.

This focused report, with actionable recommendations, can serve as a resource in informing us specifically in areas of testing and tracing, said Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, constant testing and tracing has benefited us significantly. This was possible due to the speedy advancement through science, technology, and innovation, he said.

Quick recalibration of priorities and impact-driven public-private partnerships have steered us to achieve better capacity in testing, diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, Raghavan said.

Rajiv Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation said that the recommendations in the report make a case for reinforced testing and tracing measures to limit the ongoing pandemic and avert impending ones.

Overcoming the challenges posed by COVID-19 requires continuous learning and application of insights to improve public health outcomes, he said.

This is why we are proud to work with an incredible roster of experts and the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to support the development of more inclusive testing and tracing strategies for India, Shah said.

In its report, the Rockefeller Foundation says that it is essential to create an enabling environment where independent researchers can quickly access authentic data and analyse it to offer valuable insights for policymakers. Communication channels should be strengthened to bust rampant misinformation and allay fears of people.

Building a detailed tracing protocol that combines the best of manual and digital practices and a pool of trained healthcare workers is needed. Tracing and tracking as strategies should also be perfected, and practiced in times when infections are low, so that they can be ramped up, if next waves of the pandemic hit, or other infectious outbreaks strike in future.

The intensity of contact-tracing should be calibrated as per data from gene-sequencing, test positivity, gradient of caseload, and guidance of sero-surveys, it said.

The report notes that it is important to include backward or retrospective tracing as an important aspect of contact-tracing programmes especially since COVID-19 transmission has this typical attribute where few cases cause many and many cases do not cause any transmission.

To attain a three-fold reduction in cost of COVID-19 testing, states should procure kits and consumables through a consortium facilitated by the Centre rather than independently.

Variable cost caps across states without accounting for the diverse cost components will make it unviable for the private sector to sustain testing operations and shift the burden to the public sector, the report says.

Also, scientific demand projection undertaken quarterly can pre-empt both kit shortages as well as losses incurred by test makers due to idle capacity, it said.

Given that close to a billion people are likely to remain unvaccinated at most points in time over next 8 to 12 months, and the prospect of more infective and deadly mutations emerging, testing and tracing should continue to be an integrated part of systemic pandemic response and calibrated to complement the vaccination programme, the Rockefeller Foundation said.

With 2,76,110 new infections being reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry 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.)
The Crisis Management Committee, chaired by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba, met on Thursday to review the relief and restoration efforts made by state governments and union territories affected by Tauktae.

Tauktae originated in the Arabian Sea this month and has affected Indias western coastal states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, among others this week. It is the first Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, with wind speeds of 200 kmph, to reach close to the coast in the last 130 years.

On Thursday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Tauktae had weakened and will further lose strength overnight. In Gujarat, the cyclonic storm ripped out power pylons, damaged about 16,500 homes and blocked more than 600 roads, straining authorities that are looking to contain a surge in Covid infections.

Off the coast of Mumbai, Cyclone Tauktae sunk an oilfield accommodation barge of the Oil Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) with 261 people on board.

While 188 people have been rescued, 37 aboard the vessel have lost their lives. The remaining are still missing and search and rescue operations are underway. The cyclone is estimated to have killed another 62 people.

On Thursday, officials from the affected states and UTs apprised the NCMC of the damage to infrastructure, crops and loss of life in the affected areas and the measures taken by them to restore telecom, power, roads, water supply and other utilities. It was noted that due to the timely and accurate forecast of the IMD and coordinated efforts of all agencies concerned, the damage had been limited.

The committee noted that the functioning of hospitals and Covid-19 care centres in the affected areas had been unaffected.

The NCMC also took stock of efforts by the Indian and Coast Guard along with other agencies to rescue persons on three barges and one offshore drilling vessel of the ONGC.

On Wednesday, the IMD said in a statement that a low-pressure area  a precursor to a cyclonic storm  is likely to form in the Bay of Bengal by 22 May and could reach the Odisha and West Bengal coast on 26 May 2021.

The cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, if it fully forms, will be called Yaas, a name proposed by Oman.
The government aims to ramp up India's daily testing capacity for COVID-19 to 45 lakh by end of June from the current capacity of 16-20 lakh per day, the Centre said on Thursday as a record 20.55 lakh tests were conducted in a span of 24 hours.

On augmenting testing for COVID-19 while ICMR has so far approved a home-based rapid antigen testing (RAT) kit manufactured by Mylab Discovery Solutions Ltd, Pune, ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava said kits by three more companies are in pipeline and likely to get the approval within a week.

Bhargava said kits for home testing will be available in market in 3-4 days.

Besides, Bhargava said for ramping up capacity the ICMR has validated more than 105 Rapid Antigen Tests companies and approved 41 of them.

"We are doing 16-20 lakh tests this week and we have a capacity of about 20 lakh tests by end of the month and upto the end of next month we can have the capacity of upto 45 lakh because ICMR has validated more than 105 RAT companies and approved 41 of them and 31 of them are indigenous" he said.

Out of the 45 lakh tests, 18 lakh will be RT-PCR, while 27 lakh will be Rapid Antigen Tests.

More than 20.55 lakh tests were conducted in a span of 24 hours, the highest ever conducted in a single day in India.

He further said all the states have placed the order and they are rapidly enhancing their testing capacity.

"For home testing, you buy test kit from chemist shop then download mobile app, register and read user manual and then you conduct the test yourself and click mobile image and upload mobile phone gives test result. This ensures patient confidentiality, the data stored in secure server and linked with ICMR database," he said.

In large cities, Bhargava said focus was mainly on RT PCR which is the standard test but in district level the backbone of testing has been TrueNAT and CBNAAT, while in rural areas RAT is the backbone of testing.

"In the second wave, we have to increase the RAT testing, we have written to all chief secretaries and they have acted upon it. Multiple 24X7 RAT booths to be set up in cities, towns and villages.

"RATS to be allowed at all government and private healthcare facilities (no accreditation required). RAT booths to be set up with the community in schools, colleges, community centres, RWA offices etc. All RTPCR and RAT test results should be uploaded on ICMR portal," he said.

"We have encouraged testing at all primary health centres and sub centres which are 1,87,601 so testing. Those testing positive can be isolated immediately and those testing negative and are still symptomatic their samples need to be sent for RT-PCR testing so that will have to go to a facility. But if the positivity rate is high then RAT will be able to isolate them very fast," he said.

Bhargava said there are 2,553 government and private COVID testing laboratories established across the country over the last 16 months.

Citing a study, he said that 50 per cent people do not wear a mask.

"Of the 50 per cent wearing a mask, 64 per cent cover their mouth but not nose, 20 per cent have it on chin and 2 per cent mask on neck," he said, adding that 2,000 people were surveyed across 25 cities for the study.

Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said a continuous decline in the COVID-19 active cases has been noted in the last 15 days.

"From being 17.13 per cent reported on May 3, the active cases now comprise 12.1 per cent of the country's total infections. A positive trend in recovery has also been noted. The recovery rate which was 81.7 per cent on May 3 has increased to 86.7 now," he said.

Agarwal said India has witnessed a consistent upward trend in weekly tests since mid February with average daily tests increased by 2.3 times in last 12 weeks.

"After a consistent increase in case positivity for 10 weeks, a decline in case positivity since last 2 weeks has been reported," he added.

Agarwal said the country's positivity rate in the last ten has been recorded less than 20 per cent and positivity rate was recorded at 13.31 per cent on Wednesday which was lowest in a month.

"Eight states have more than 1 lakh active cases, nine states have 50,000 to 1 lakh active cases and 19 states have less than 50000 active. A decline has been observed in six states which were major contributors to active cases in the country -- Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh Gujarat," he said.

Seven states have more than 25 per cent positivity rate, while 9 states have between 20-25 positivity rate. Twenty-two states have more than 15 per cent positivity rate, 13 states have 5 to 15 per cent positivity rate and one state has less than 5 per cent positivity, he said.

Agarwal said the number of districts with a week-on-week increase in weekly tests and decline in positivity considered for the week has increased from 210 to 303 districts.

"Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Jharkhand are 10 states where a decline in cases and decline in positivity in the last 3 weeks have been observed," he added.

Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram are states showing a rise in cases and rise in positivity in last three weeks, he said.

Agarwal further said that there are 89 districts where a decreasing trend in cases is being noted and there are 123 districts where a decreasing trend in case positivity is being observed for last 3 weeks.

(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.)
Poor vaccination in Africa threatens worlds recovery

Poor vaccination drives in the worlds least-inoculated continent of Africa could pose another big challenge for global efforts to end the pandemic. The danger is that while the rest of the world slowly returns to normalcy, the virus will spread in these African nations, mutating into variants that can evade current vaccines, cause deadly new waves that could spread far beyond their borders. Read here

Let's look at the global statistics Global infections: 164,917,999 Global deaths: 3,418,023 Nations with most cases: US (33,026,739), India (25,772,440), Brazil (15,812,055), France (5,978,650), Turkey (5,151,038). Source: John Hopkins Research Center

100 million J&J vaccine doses held up over contamination concerns

More than 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine have been kept on hold as regulators check them for possible contamination, Emergent BioSolutions disclosed for the first time. In more than three hours of testimony before a House subcommittee, the chief executive of Emergent Bio, Robert G Kramer, conceded that Johnson & Johnson had discovered contaminated doses, as he fended off aggressive questions from Democrats about his stock sales and hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses for top company executives. Read here

After more than a year of shutdown, New York City crawls toward normalcy

New York shut down 423 days ago in March 2020 when it accounted for half the United States' cases. The city has partially reopened in recent months, but Wednesday was the first day businesses were allowed to operate with fewer restrictions and at near capacity. The new rules easing mask mandates and capacity limits were widely superseded by the personal comfort levels of millions of people. The reopening was messy and inconsistent and confusing. Many business owners chose to continue requiring customers to wear masks, making Wednesday look and feel not all that different from Tuesday. Read here

British tourists to EU may have to quarantine even if vaccinated

Fully vaccinated Britons could still be told to quarantine at their EU holiday destination due to concerns over the Covid variant first detected in India and a failure to allow Europeans to visit Britain freely, according to a policy agreed in Brussels. Representatives of the 27 member states provisionally approved a change of the policy under which anyone from a non-EU country could travel if they were able to prove they had been fully vaccinated. Read here
Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday decided to provide an input subsidy of Rs 10,000 per acre to the farmers who will utilize the paddy cultivation area for farming of other identified Kharif crops, in place of paddy, from upcoming Kharif season 2021-22.

According to a press release, the decision to expand the scope of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana from the upcoming Kharif season 2021-22 to provide input subsidy at the rate of Rs 9,000 per acre to the producers of all the major Kharif crops like maize, soya bean, sugarcane, kodo-kutki, Arhar was taken by the state Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in a meeting on Wednesday.

Chief Minister said that if the farmers cultivate other identified crops in paddy fields in Kharif season 2020-21, then they will be provided an input subsidy of Rs.10,000 per acre from the upcoming Kharif season 2021-22. Farmers who plant trees in the fields will be given an input subsidy of Rs. 10,000 per year for the next three years.

Chhattisgarh government has also decided to provide an input subsidy of Rs 9,000 per acre per year for paddy in Kharif season 2020-21 and on all major Kharif crops including paddy from 2021-22. Besides this, the state government has fixed the support price of Kodo at Rs. 3,000 per quintal. Super compost fertilizer prepared in Gothan will be made available to the farmers at the minimum price of Rs 6 per kilogram.

As per the release, if the farmers, who have sold paddy at the support price in the year 2020-21, doing farming of Kodo-kutki, sugarcane, tur, maize, soybean, pulses, oilseeds, aromatic paddy, and other fortified paddy crops or plantations in place of paddy, they would be provided Rs 10,000 per acre as input subsidy instead of Rs 9,000 per acre.

Chief Minister also directed the Agriculture Department to publicize and promote the information about the provision of input subsidy of Rs.10,000 per acre under Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana on the cultivation of crops other than paddy, and also about the production and fixed selling rate of super compost along with vermicompost under the Godhan Nyay Yojana, so that maximum number of farmers may take benefit of these provisions.

In the meeting, the required upgrading of the Agriculture Department's registration portal for registration of paddy as well as other crops, registration of Kharif crops was discussed in detail, and the officials concerned were directed to chalk out an action plan for the same.

Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey, Forest Minister Mohammad Akbar, Education Minister Dr Premsai Singh Tekam, Food Minister Amarjit Bhagat were also present in the meeting held at Chief Minister's residence office.

Besides, Advisor to the Chief Minister Pradeep Sharma, Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Subrata Sahu, Agriculture Production Commissioner Dr. M. Geeta, Food Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Finance Secretary Alarmel Mangai D, Secretary to Chief Minister Siddharth Komal Pardeshi, Secretary Agriculture Amrit Khalko, Revenue Secretary Rita Shandilya were also present.

(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 banned any increase in across all the boards for the upcoming academic session (2021-2022) owing to the coronavirus pandemic situation, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said on Thursday.

Sharma, who also holds the portfolio of Secondary department, in a statement said many families are affected economically due to the COVID-19 second wave and schools are physically closed while online classes are going on.

"Keeping this in mind, the government has taken a balanced decision so that the common man does no have to bear extra load and also schools could provide salaries to teachers and other staff," he said.

The Deputy CM said schools can take fees in accordance with the arrangements they had for the 2019-20 session as the fees was not hiked last year also due to the similar situation during the first wave.

"Those who have taken hiked fees in this academic session should adjust it in future and also no transportation fees should be charged for the days that the schools are closed," he ordered.

Sharma also said if parents are not able to pay three months advance fees, they should be given an option to pay monthly and should not be forced to pay in one instalment itself.

He said activities like computer, sports, science laboratory, library, annual function related fees should also not be charged on the students.

"If the parents of a student are suffering from COVID-19, their current month's fees could be adjusted in the next month's fees on their written request," Sharma said.

Schools should regularly make payments to teachers and their staff, he further 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.)
On the outskirts of this city in a poor, mountainous province in southwestern China, men in hard hats recently put the finishing touches on a white building a quarter-mile long with few windows and a tall surrounding wall. There was little sign of its purpose, apart from the flags of and flying out front, side by side. Inside, was preparing to store the personal data of its Chinese customers on computer servers run by a state-owned Chinese firm.

Tim Cook, Apples chief executive, has said the data is safe. But at the data center in Guiyang, which hoped would be completed by next month, and another in the Inner Mongolia region, Apple has largely ceded control to the Chinese government. Chinese state employees physically manage the computers. Apple abandoned the encryption technology it used elsewhere after would not allow it. And the digital keys that unlock information on those computers are stored in the data centers theyre meant to secure. Internal Apple documents reviewed by The New York Times, interviews with 17 current and former Apple employees and four security experts, and new filings made in a court case in the US last week provide rare insight into the compromises Cook has made to do business in Apple now assembles nearly all of its products and earns a fifth of its revenue in the China region. But just as Cook figured out how to make China work for Apple, China is making Apple work for the Chinese government.

Cook often talks about Apples commitment to civil liberties and privacy. But to stay on the right side of Chinese regulators, his company has put the data of its Chinese customers at risk and has aided government censorship in the Chinese version of its App Store.

Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, is increasing his demands on Western companies, and Cook has resisted those demands on a number of occasions. But he ultimately approved the plans to store customer data on Chinese servers and to aggressively censor apps, according to interviews with current and former Apple employees. Apple has become a cog in the censorship machine that presents a government-controlled version of the internet, said Nicholas Bequelin, Asia director for Amnesty International, the human rights group. A Times analysis found that tens of thousands of apps have disappeared from Apples Chinese App Store over the past several years, more than previously known, including foreign news outlets, gay dating services and encrypted messaging apps. It also blocked tools for organising pro-democracy protests and skirting internet restrictions, and apps about the Dalai Lama.

And in its data centers, Apples compromises have made it nearly impossible for the company to stop the Chinese government from gaining access to the emails, photos, documents, contacts and locations of millions of Chinese residents, according to the security experts and Apple engineers.

The firm said that it followed the laws in China and did everything it could to keep the data of customers safe. An Apple spokesman said that the company still controlled the keys that protect the data of its Chinese customers and that Apple used its most advanced encryption technology in China . Apple added that it removed apps only to comply with Chinese laws. These decisions are not always easy, and we may not agree with the laws that shape them, the company said.

No Plan B

In 2014, Apple hired Doug Guthrie, the departing dean of the George Washington University business school, to help the firm navigate China, a country he had spent decades studying.

One of his first research projects was Apples Chinese supply chain. Guthrie concluded that no other country could offer the scale, skills, infrastructure and government assistance that Apple required. Chinese workers assemble nearly every iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apple brings in $55 billion a year from the region, far more than any other American company makes in China. This business model only really fits and works in China, Guthrie said. But then youre married to China. China was starting to pass laws that gave the country greater leverage over Apple, and Guthrie said he believed Xi would soon start seeking concessions. Apple, he realised, had no Plan B.

Golden Gate

In November 2016, China approved a law requiring that all personal information and important data that is collected in China be kept in China. It was bad news for Apple, which had staked its reputation on keeping customers data safe. While Apple regularly responded to court orders for access to customer data, Cook had rebuffed the FBI after it demanded Apples help breaking into an iPhone belonging to a terrorist involved in the killing of 14 people in San Bernardino, Calif. Apple encrypts customers private data in its iCloud. But for most of that information, Apple also has the digital keys to unlock that encryption. The location of the keys to the data of Chinese customers was a sticking point in talks between Apple and Chinese officials, two people close to the deliberations said. Apple wanted to keep them in the US; the Chinese officials wanted them in China. The cybersecurity law went into effect in June 2017. In an initial agreement between Apple and Chinese officials, the location of the keys was left intentionally vague, one person said.

But eight months later, the encryption keys were headed to China. It is unclear what led to the change.

Documents reviewed by The Times do not show that the Chinese government has gained access to the data. They only indicate that Apple has made compromises that make it easier for the government to do so.
Israeli fighter jets continued to pound the Strip on Thursday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several more as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defied calls for a de-escalation.

At least 230 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been killed in 11 days of violence. On the Israeli side, 12 people have been killed.

Netanyahu has pushed back against calls from the US to wind down the offensive, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on in a war that could help save his political career. Still, officials close to the negotiations say they expect a truce to be announced in the next 24 hours. In another possible sign of progress, Netanyahu scheduled a meeting later Thursday with his Security Cabinet, where the issue of a cease-fire was likely to be debated.

Explosions shook City and orange flares lit up the pre-dawn sky, with bombing raids also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis. As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis.

With inputs from Al Jazeera

Norway Wealth Fund drops firms linked to West Bank settlements Norways $1.3 trillion sovereign wealth fund excluded Shapir Engineering and Industry and Mivne Real Estate KD for their activities associated with Israeli settlements on the West Bank. The firms were excluded based on advice from the Council on Ethics due to unacceptable risk that the companies contribute to systematic violations of individuals rights in situations or war or conflict, the fund. Bloomberg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The European Union's executive arm on Thursday finalised a third vaccine contract with and BioNTech through 2023 for an additional 1.8 billion doses of their COVID-19 shot to share between the bloc's countries except for Hungary, which opted out of the deal.

The European commission said the contract, which was agreed on behalf of all 27 EU countries earlier this month, will allow the buying of 900 million doses of the current shots and of a serum adapted to the virus' variants, with an option to purchase an extra 900 million shots.

Although EU nations agreed to keep on with their strategy of buying doses collectively, Hungary decided not to be part of the new purchase agreement that followed previous agreements with the two companies for 600 million shots.

Therefore it will not be covered by the contract," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said following a meeting with health ministers from the region. All other member states will have the opportunity to purchase vaccines under the new contract."



Hungary is using vaccines from China and Russia in addition to Western jabs. About 40 per cent of Hungary's population has received at least one dose of vaccine, the second-highest vaccination rate in the EU.

The signature of the new agreement comes less than a week before a court hearing in Brussels pitting the Commission against the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which is accused by the EU of failing to deliver the promised number of doses of its own vaccine.

The Commission said that the deal with Pfizer-BioNTech stipulates that the production of doses must be based in the EU and that essential components are sourced from the region. From the start of the supply in 2022, the delivery to the EU is guaranteed," the Commission said.

AstraZeneca's contract with the EU foresaw an initial 300 million doses for distribution among member countries, with an option for a further 100 million. The doses were expected to be delivered throughout 2021 but only 30 million were sent during the first quarter. According to the Commission, the company is set to provide only 70 million doses in the second quarter, rather than the 180 million it had promised.

In sharp contrast with the tense nature of its relationship with AstraZeneca, the Commission highlighted its well-established cooperation" with BioNTech and guaranteeing that timely deliveries of the doses are ensured."



The Commission said that under the new deal EU countries will have the possibility to donate some of their allocated doses to non-EU countries or through the U.N-backed effort known as COVAX, which is providing vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.

Kyriakides said the EU is now prioritizing vaccine technologies that have proven their worth, like mRNA vaccines."



The active ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is messenger RNA, or mRNA, which contains the instructions for human cells to construct a harmless piece of the coronavirus called the spike protein. The human immune system recognizes the spike protein as foreign, allowing it to mount a response against the virus upon infection.

But we keep our options open," Kyriakides said. The past months have clearly demonstrated the need to have access to a broad portfolio of vaccines and different technologies, as well as reliable partners. As the pace of vaccination increases every day and work on effective therapeutics intensifies, we can look ahead with more optimism and confidence.

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told an event organized by Germany's WDR public television that, by the end of this week, 260 million doses of vaccine will have been delivered in Europe. She acknowledged that countries such as the U.S. and U.K. were faster to start with, but said that has been put into perspective over time.

After its much-criticized slow start, she said the bloc's COVID-19 vaccination drive is a success.

Yes, there was a lot of criticism of the at the beginning," she said in comments broadcast Thursday. What counts in the end is that the reliably delivers vaccines to its 450 million citizens day by day, and that we can say we got there together as a community. Measured by that, our European vaccination campaign is a success.

(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.)
Irans President said world powers have accepted that major sanctions on his country  including those affecting oil, banking and shipping  will be lifted, triggering a drop in crude prices. Negotiators in Vienna, where and the US have engaged in indirect talks to restore a troubled nuclear deal from 2015, have taken a major step, Rouhani said Thursday, according to Iranian state TV. The main agreement has been made.

Diplomats are still discussing details and finer points before theres a final agreement, he said. The comments echo those on Wednesday from the European Unions top envoy in Vienna, who said he was quite sure a of a final agreement, not far from here.

Brent crude slipped 1.8 per cent to $65.47 a barrel by 11:11 a.m. in London on Thursday, extending its loss this week to almost 5 per cent. Irans already preparing its oil fields so it can ramp up exports if sanctions are eased.

Under the most optimistic forecasts, the country would be able to increase production to 4 million barrels a day from around 2.4 million in a few months. Analysts at Citigroup said its more likely that Washington will allow Tehran to boost exports by 500,000 barrels a day from the middle of the Q3. The US would want to see evidence of abiding by the terms of the deal before permitting more shipments, the Wall Street bank said.

Negotiators ended their latest round of talks on Wednesday. The EU and Russia said they were close to finalising a document outlining how the US would return to the accord, which former President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, and how would scale-back its nuclear program. Iran holds presidential elections on June 18 and Rouhani, whos served a two-term limit, will step down around two months later.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Thursday announced a cease-fire to halt an 11-day military operation against militants in the Strip.



A statement said his Security Cabinet unilaterally approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal.



The two sides were still negotiating exactly when it would take effect. Multiple reports said the truce was to go into effect at 2 am, just over three hours after the cabinet's decision.



The political leaders emphasised that the reality on the ground will be that which determines the future of the campaign, the statement said.



The decision came after heavy US pressure to halt the offensive. There was no immediate comment from



Since fighting broke out on May 10, has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.



and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.



At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials, while 12 people in have died.



unleashed a new wave of airstrikes across the Strip on Thursday and Hamas fired more rockets into Israel, despite growing signs that the sides were close to a cease-fire that would end 11 days of heavy fighting.



In an apparent sign of progress, Prime Minister convened an emergency meeting of his Security Cabinet, where the issue of a cease-fire was expected to be debated.



An Egyptian official said Israel has informed his government, which is mediating a truce, that it intends to end its military operations in Gaza.



Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing behind-the-scenes diplomacy, he said an announcement was expected following the Security Cabinet meeting.



The official spoke shortly after Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi talked by phone with President The two leaders discussed ways to stop violence in the Palestinian Territories, el-Sissi's office said.



In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said reports of a move toward a ceasefire were clearly encouraging." She said the US was trying to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict. With UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging an immediate cease-fire, a UN Mideast envoy was in the Gulf state of Qatar to help with efforts to restore calm, a diplomatic official said.





Demonstrators attend a pro-Palestinians gathering in Tehran

Energy-rich Qatar often helps mediate between Israel and Hamas and has donated hundreds of millions of dollars for development and humanitarian projects in Gaza in recent years.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.



Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas official based in Lebanon, also said he expected a cease-fire within the coming day.

Biden on Wednesday publicly pressed Netanyahu to wind down the operation. The Israeli leader initially pushed back, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career. But by Thursday evening, Israeli media were reporting that a cease-fire agreement was expected to take effect by early Friday, perhaps sooner.



Despite the signs of progress, fighting continued into the evening, with Israeli airstrikes on targets in Gaza and Palestinian militants firing rockets toward Israeli cities. In past rounds of violence, fighting has picked up in the final hours, with each side trying to eke out a final achievement before a cease-fire went into effect.



Earlier Thursday, explosions shook Gaza City and orange flares lit up the pre-dawn sky, with bombing raids also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis. As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis. Heavy airstrikes also hit a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.



The Israeli military said it struck at least three homes of Hamas commanders in Khan Younis and another in Rafah, targeting military infrastructure, as well as a weapons storage unit at a home in Gaza City.



On Wednesday, Biden told Israel on Wednesday that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire  but Netanyahu pushed back, saying he was determined to continue this operation until its aim is met. It marked the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began and posed a difficult test of the US-Israel relationship early in Biden's presidency.



Visiting the region, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Israel has the right to defend itself against such unacceptable attacks. But he also expressed concern about the rising number of civilian victims and voiced support for truce efforts.



Even as the diplomatic efforts appeared to gather strength, an Israeli airstrike smashed into the Khawaldi family's two-story house in Khan Younis, destroying it. The 11 residents, who were sleeping outside the home out of fear, were all hospitalized, said Shaker al-Khozondar, a neighbor.





An Israeli artillery unit fires shells towards targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border

Shrapnel also hit his own home, killing his aunt and wounding her daughter and two other relatives, he said. Al-Khozondar spoke from the bedroom where his aunt Hoda died. The windows were shattered and the bed pillows and rubble stained with blood.

Weam Fares, a spokesman for a nearby hospital, confirmed the death and said at least 10 people were wounded in strikes overnight.



Heavy airstrikes also pummeled a street in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, destroying ramshackle homes with corrugated metal roofs nearby. The military said it struck two underground launchers in the camp used to fire rockets at Tel Aviv.



The current round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims.



Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.



Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.



At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Hamas and militant group Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.



Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed. The military said an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza hit an empty bus near the frontier on Thursday, lightly wounding an Israeli soldier.



Since the fighting began, Gaza's infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated. Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power in 2007.



Israeli bombing has damaged over 50 schools across the territory, according to advocacy group Save the Children, completely destroying at least six. While repairs are done, education will be disrupted for nearly 42,000 children.



Israeli attacks have also damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.


The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is urgently appealing for USD 38 million for emergency needs in Gaza as a result of conflict between Israel and the territory's Hamas rulers.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency said Wednesday that it is already responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees and non-refugees, including tens of thousands of people who have sought safety in the agency's schools and emergency shelters.

The agency says the USD 38 million is needed for an initial 30-day period to respond to a variety of immediate needs in Gaza including food, health care, psychological services, and water and sanitation.

It also includes emergency needs in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, for health care, shelter, education, security and protection.

(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.)
regained some lost ground to trade near $40,000 on Thursday, a day after a brutal selloff on concerns over tighter regulation in China and unease over the extent of leveraged positions in the world.



The biggest and most popular rose 9% to a touch below $40,000, after plunging 14% on Wednesday to its lowest since late January. Smaller rival ether was up 11% at $2,700 at 0829 GMT, after its 28% tumble.



Its bounce came after prominent crypto backers such Ark Invest's Cathie Wood and carmaker Tesla's Elon Musk indicated their support on Wednesday. Wood said in an interview with Bloomberg that she was still sticking to her $500,000 forecast.



Musk reiterated that Tesla was holding on to its investments.



"People consider this as a 'buy the dip' moment, and many consider this as 'the last chance to buy cheap'," said Ruud Feltkamp, chief executive at crypto trading bot Cryptohopper. "The next few months will show if the bull market will continue or if it's the start of the end of its run." Wednesday's declines in both digital assets were one of their biggest daily percentage moves in more than a year as investors rushed to exit trades that until recently were outperforming traditional markets such as stocks and bonds.



The latest catalyst was a statement by Chinese financial industry bodies banning the use of cryptocurrencies in payment and settlement, and prohibiting institutions from providing crypto-related products or exchange services between cryptocurrencies and the yuan or foreign currencies.



But bitcoin had already been under pressure for almost a week after a series of tweets from Musk, a major backer, chiefly his reversal on Tesla accepting bitcoin as payment.



Analysts said the upheaval was far from over.



"It's too early to say if the rebound we've seen off the lows in crypto has legs," said Chris Weston, head of research at brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne.



"I question if we will get a chance to catch our breath or is there more volatility in store?" he said.



Weston pointed to how $9.13 billion of cryptocurrency positions had been liquidated across exchanges over 24 hours, and $532 billion in total volume transacted.



The slide forced some investors to close out leveraged positions in cryptocurrency derivatives, which caused prices to fall further and knocked digital assets down into a lower trading range, traders said.



Coming off a six-fold jump on the back of rising usage in non-fungible tokens on digital art platforms, ether's selloff was far more damaging with the digital currency trading 39% below record highs.



James Quinn, managing director at Q9 Capital, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency private wealth manager, said the selling reflected huge crowded positions in ether.



"Sometimes a market event is looking for a cause. I think this is about positioning. Over the long term, maybe itas positive because a very crowded trade from a lot of new entrants means there are a lot of new entrants," Quinn added.



Still, ether is up more than 270% so far this year and bitcoin's year-to-date gains stand at 37%.

While some retail traders saw missed opportunities in the slide, others saw the rout as a chance to pick up digital assets on the cheap.



Milko Markov, an independent London-based trader, said he had been buying ether.



"Those with a bit more experience in the crypto market know two cardinal rules: don't leverage and dollar cost average," he said.



(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
U.S. companies take brunt of elevated tariffs in U.S.-China trade war: Moody's

Xinhua) 17:08, May 19, 2021

WASHINGTON, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. businesses are bearing most of the tariff burden from the U.S.-China trade war, rating agency Moody's Investors Service has said.

In a report on Monday, Moody's said that U.S. importers absorbed more than 90 percent of the additional costs caused by the increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods.

"A majority of the cost of tariffs have been passed on to U.S. importers," it said, adding "if the tariffs remain in place, pressure on U.S. retailers will likely rise, leading to a greater pass-through to consumer prices."

Meanwhile, U.S. exporters also absorbed a large part of the costs from retaliatory tariffs imposed by China, because some of the exports targeted by the retaliatory tariffs are products that may be sourced from other places, such as agricultural goods, according to Moody's.

Higher trade tariffs were introduced during the previous U.S. administration, and most of them are still in place and affect half of the trade flows between the United States and China, the rating agency said.

(Web editor: Meng Bin, Hongyu)
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project, Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link.

Xi arrived at the main venue of the Great Hall of the People at around 5:00 p.m. Beijing time and waved to Putin, who had joined in from the main venue of the Kremlin.

He Lifeng, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission, co-chaired the ceremony with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

Heads of relevant departments, local officials and constructor representatives of China and Russia attended the ceremony from the sub-venue of Tianwan nuclear power plant in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province, sub-venue of Xudapu nuclear power plant in Huludao City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, and two Russian sub-venues. The heads of the companies of both countries reported on the progress of the project to the two heads of state.

Xi and Putin delivered their speeches respectively.

Speaking at the ceremony, Xi extended congratulations on the launch of the China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation project and paid high respect to the constructors from the two countries.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, Xi said that he and President Putin have agreed to advance the development of bilateral relations to a higher level and expand the ties to broader fields.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic unseen in a century, China and Russia have firmly supported each other and cooperated closely and effectively, which is a vivid demonstration of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, he said.

Xi stressed that energy cooperation has always been the most important area of practical cooperation which generates the largest achievement and covers the widest scope between the two countries.

Noting that nuclear energy is the strategic priority for bilateral cooperation and a series of major projects have been completed and put into operation, Xi said the four nuclear power units that kicked off construction on Wednesday mark another major landmark in China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation.

Xi put forward a three-point proposal at the ceremony. First, he called on both sides to adhere to the principle of safety first and set a model for global nuclear energy cooperation.

It is necessary to construct and operate the four units with high quality and high standards, create a global benchmark in nuclear safety, give full play to complementary advantages, expand and deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on nuclear energy, and contribute more to the development of the global nuclear energy industry, he said.

Second, Xi suggested the two countries deepen scientific and technological cooperation on nuclear energy by sticking to the driving force of innovation.

He urged deepened cooperation on the basic research, key technology research and development, and transformation of innovative achievements in the field of nuclear energy, such as nuclear environmental protection, nuclear medicine, nuclear fuel and advanced nuclear power technology, so as to promote the deep integration of the nuclear energy industry and the new generation of digital technology, and contribute more wisdom to the innovative development of nuclear energy globally.

Third, he called for adherence to strategic collaboration to promote the coordinated development of the governance system of the global energy industry. He said that it is necessary to promote the building of a global energy governance system featuring justice, equity, balance, inclusiveness, openness and shared benefits, and contribute more solutions to global energy governance.

"Responding to climate change is a common task for all countries," Xi said, adding that China and Russia should promote more low-carbon cooperation projects and play a constructive role in achieving global sustainable development goals.

For his part, Putin expressed warm congratulations on the start of the construction of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and the Xudapu nuclear power plant. He said that Russia has the confidence to work with China to smoothly and safely advance the project's construction.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries, Putin said Russia-China relations reached their best level in history. He added that the consensus reached between President Xi and himself has been well implemented with increasingly broader cooperation areas.

He said cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy marks a significant part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two countries, and it is believed that the start of the four nuclear power units will not only inject new vitality into the further development of Russia-China relations but also help achieve the goals to peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

It will also contribute to coping with global climate change and realizing the sustainable development of humanity, Putin added.

The Chinese representatives at the sub-venue of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and the sub-venue of the Xudapu nuclear power plant then reported to the two heads of state that preparations for the start of construction are completed.

President Xi issued the instruction "Start!"

After the Russian representatives reported to the two heads of state that the equipment is ready to be installed, President Putin issued the instruction "Start!"

The project was officially launched as the first tank of cement was poured at the construction site of the power plants.

Yang Jiechi and Wang Yi attended the ceremony.

Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and units 3 and 4 of the Xudapu nuclear power plant are significant projects in a package cooperation deal on nuclear energy. It was signed with a witness by the two heads of state in June 2018. When completed and put into operation, the annual power generation will reach 37.6 billion kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30.68 million tonnes per year.

Nuclear energy cooperation is a traditional priority cooperation area for China and Russia. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the project is the biggest China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation project to date. Zhao said it represents a high level of practical cooperation between the two countries, adding that the successful beginning of the construction of the four units demonstrates the constructive cooperation outcomes in high-end equipment manufacturing and science and technology innovation between the two countries.

Gavrilin Alexander, a Russian engineer, said he has been working on the Tianwan nuclear power plant since 2003 and highly anticipates that the construction of units 7 and 8 could be completed and put into operation at an early date. He said the new units are "much more powerful, advanced, and safer."

The construction of nuclear power plants is technology-intensive, which requires both sides to mutually cooperate with sincerity and solidarity. "It reflects the deep friendship and mutual trust between the two countries," Gavrilin Alexander said, adding that he believed China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation will achieve win-win results.

Deng Hao, secretary general of the China Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies, said with an increase in complementary trade between the two countries, the nuclear energy projects will further consolidate the material foundation of bilateral cooperation and enhance the trade and economic exchanges between China and Russia.

The event on Wednesday is also the first online bilateral exchange at the head-of-state level between the two sides since the beginning of this year. It is of great significance in guiding the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to maintain high-level development, spokesperson Zhao said.

In recent years, the world has slowed down the pace of building new nuclear power plants. Experts believed that China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation will become a highlight in the global nuclear power industry and help boost worldwide confidence in this energy development.

Besides, since nuclear energy is clean and efficient, the four units will effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Deng Hao said this cooperation project demonstrates that China and Russia take the same stand on combating global climate change and realizing green development.

"It also shows China's firm determination to peak its carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, and its commitment as a responsible major nation," he added.
The Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI's) second tranche of acquisition programme (G-SAP) witnessed massive response as the central bank mopped up Rs 35,000 crore of the stock to ease the pressure on the market.

The central bank has been buying bonds both directly, and anonymously, from the market in order to keep the bond yields low.

The difference between G-SAP and other modes of purchase such as open market operations (OMO), is that the central bank does not refuse to buy bonds. However, it does not also notify in advance how much of a particular bond, from the pre-announced basket of bonds, it would buy in the G-SAP.

In the first tranche, the RBI had bought Rs 25,000 crore of bonds on April 15, the second tranche of Rs 35,000 crore happened on Thursday. The central bank is committed to buy Rs 1 trillion of bonds in the first quarter ending June, and will introduce more G-SAP versions in the coming quarters.

On Thursdays auction, the RBI bought bonds maturing between 2024 to 2035. It bought Rs 8,345 crore of the benchmark 10 year segment, followed by Rs 6,697 crore in the 8 year segment.

However, the 10-year bond yields fell only about 2 basis points from its previous close, but remained below 6 per cent, which is the target of the central bank. The 10-year bond yields closed at 5.968 per cent.
Shares of (India) surged 20 per cent to Rs 742.65 on the BSE in intra-day trade on Thursday, taking the rally to 33 per cent in the past three days, after a strong show in the March quarter.

The company which is engaged in the pump and motors business reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 30.50 crore for the quarter ended March 2021 (Q4FY21). It had posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 6.15 crore in the year-ago quarter and Rs 26.53 crore profit in the previous quarter.

The companys revenue from operations during the quarter under review grew over three-fold to Rs 319.71 crore from Rs 92.56 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. It posted operational profit or Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) of Rs 51.35 crore in comparison to a loss of Rs 1.41 crore in the previous year quarter.

For the entire financial year 2020-21 (FY21), posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 75.59 crore as against a net loss of Rs 14.08 crore in FY20.

The companys revenue from operations more-than-doubled to Rs 930 crore from Rs 382 crore posted in the corresponding quarter last year. In March, the company was awarded a contract by the government of Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, for supply of solar powered water pumping systems at a contract price of $35.3 million.

Water pumps market in India is witnessing an impressive rate of growth on the back of depleting groundwater level, rapid urbanisation and various initiatives launched with the purpose of improving infrastructure, including the construction of roads, homes, toilets, schools and cleaning of major water bodies such as the Ganges, Yamuna, etc.

Agriculture accounts for a significant share in the countrys water pumps market. The demand is complemented by the industrial sector, where power plants, chemical manufacturing and water & wastewater treatment are the prime application areas. Rapid penetration of desalination plants in the industrial sector is expected to drive the demand for water pumps in the segment. Water pumps are gaining demand in the power sector as well, had said in its 2019-20 annual report.

At 11:18 am, the stock was trading 16 per cent higher at Rs 716.45 on the BSE as against a 0.07 per cent decline in the S&P BSE Sensex. The trading volumes on the counter jumped over four times with a combined 2.4 million equity shares having changed hands on the NSE and BSE so far.
The benchmark indices continued trading with minor losses in early afternoon trade. At 12:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 29.22 points or 0.06% at 49,873.42. The Nifty 50 index lost 32.55 points or 0.22% at 14,997.60.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.15% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 0.59%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 1,684 shares rose and 1,182 shares fell. A total of 164 shares were unchanged.

Investors assessed the minutes from the US Federal Reserve's meeting in April 2021 that flagged the possibility of a debate on scaling back asset purchases.

"A number of participants suggested that if the economy continued to make rapid progress toward the Committee's goals, it might be appropriate at some point in upcoming meetings to begin discussing a plan for adjusting the pace of asset purchases," according to minutes from the April 27-28 Federal Open Market Committee meeting published Wednesday.

In a press conference following last month's meeting, Chair Jerome Powell had said that it was premature to start talking about tapering.

Economy:

The Global Trade Update by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Wednesday said that in Q1 2021, the value of global trade in goods and services grew by about 4% quarter-over-quarter and by about 10% year-over-year.

UNCTAD said that India, China and South Africa fared 'relatively better' than other major economies during the first quarter of 2021 even as global trade recovery from COVID-19 impact reached a new high.

The data for India said that import of goods grew 45% in Q1 2021 relative to the 2020 average while services imports were up 14%. Export of goods for India grew 26% for the period under review while services exports grew 2%.

Coronavirus Update:

Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 16,49,13,259 with 34,17,961 deaths. India reported 31,29,878 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 2,87,122 deaths while 2,23,55,440 patients have been discharged, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The country recorded 2,76,110 new COVID-19 cases and 3,874 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry. The total tally of the viral infection now stands at 2,57,72,440.

Derivatives:

The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, rose 1.20% to 19.55. The Nifty 27 May 2021 futures were trading at 15,019.50, at a premium of 21.90 points as compared with the spot at 14,997.60.

The Nifty option chain for 27 May 2021 expiry showed maximum Call OI of 29.5 lakh contracts at the 15,000 strike price. Maximum Put OI of 44.6 lakh contracts was seen at 14,000 strike price.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Media index rose 1.52% to 1,680.30. The index added 5.29% in three sessions.

TV Today Network (up 13.59%), TV18 Broadcast (up 7.34%), Network 18 Media & Investments (up 3.74%), D B Corp (up 0.82%) and Sun TV Network (up 0.65%) climbed.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Cipla gained 1.63% after the pharmaceutical major on Thursday announced the commercialisation of a polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test kit 'ViraGen' for COVID-19 in India. The test kit is in partnership with Ubio Biotechnology Systems. ViraGen is Cipla's third offering in the COVID-19 testing segment. Cipla already has partnerships for antibody detection kit and antigen test kits.

Rajesh Exports rose 2.15% after Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) purchased 59.77 lakh equity shares or 2.025% stake of the company. Post transaction, LIC has increased its shareholding in Rajesh Exports to 9.070% stake from 7.045% held earlier. The deal was executed as a market purchase between 22 October 2019 and 18 May 2021.

Westlife Development gained 0.38%. On 18 May 2021, SBI Mutual Fund (MF) sold 3,34,951 equity shares or 0.2150% stake of Westlife Development on the BSE. Post transaction, SBI Mutual Fund (MF) decreased its shareholding in Westlife Development to 6.3851% stake from 6.60% held earlier. The deal was executed as a market sale on 18 May 2021.

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The domestic equity benchmarks extended losses and hit fresh intraday low in mid-afternoon trade. Oil & gas shares corrected after a recent rising streak. The Nifty hovered above 14,950 mark.

At 14:26 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 177.11 points or 0.35% to 49,725.53. The Nifty 50 index lost 75.05 points or 0.50% at 14,955.10.

The broader market outperformed the benchmark indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.14% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.18%.

Buyers outpaced sellers. On the BSE, 1652 shares rose and 1340 shares fell. A total of 168 shares were unchanged.

Investors assessed the minutes from the US Federal Reserve's meeting in April that flagged the possibility of a debate on scaling back asset purchases.

Buzzing Index:

The S&P BSE Oil & Gas index was down 1.16% to 15,755.59. The index rose 2.3% in the past four sessions.

GAIL (India) (down 3.24%), Petronet LNG (down 2.07%), ONGC (down 2%), HPCL (down 1.93%), Indraprastha Gas (down 1.88%) Indian Oil Corporation (down 1.77%) and Gujarat State Petronet (down 0.42%) declined.

Stock in Spotlight:

Tata Steel fell 4.96% to Rs 1106.60. Fitch Ratings has upgraded India's Tata Steel's (TSL) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'BB', from 'BB-'. The outlook is stable.

The upgrade follows a significant improvement in TSL's financial profile in the financial year ended March 2021 (FY21), driven by a jump in margins following a faster recovery in the global steel market from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic than expected. The agency expects TSL's leverage to remain stable over the next three years, it said.

HPL Electric & Power hit an upper circuit of 5% at Rs 51.45 after the company bagged two orders worth over Rs 372 Cr for its switchgear, wires and other related accessories for housing projects in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The current total order book of the company now stands over at Rs 700 crore.

Numbers to Track:

In the foreign exchange market, the partially convertible rupee fell to 73.1350 compared with its previous closing of 73.18.

MCX Gold futures for 4 June 2021 settlement shed 0.49% to Rs 48,435.

The US Dollar index (DXY), which tracks the greenback's value against a basket of currencies, was down 0.14% to 90.06.

The yield on 10-year benchmark federal paper rose to 5.979% as compared to its previous close of 5.975%.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for July 2021 settlement fell 53 cents to $66.13 a barrel. The contract lost $2.05 or 2.98% to settle at $66.66 in the previous trading session.

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At meeting held on 20 May 2021

The Board of Bosch at its meeting held on 20 May 2021 has approved the following change in directorate:

Resignation of Dr. Bernhard Straub (DIN: 06654241), as a Chairman and Director of the Company with effect from close of business hours on 20 May 2021, due to change in area of his responsibility at global level.

Resignation of Bernhard Steinruecke (DIN: 01122939) as an Independent Director of the Company with effect from close of business hours on 20 May 2021, due to preoccupation.

Appointment of Markus Bamberger (Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director) as an Additional Director designated as a Chairman of the Board with effect from 01 June 2021.

Appointment of Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka (DIN: 00254502) as an Additional Director designated as an Independent Director for a period of 5 years with effect from 21 May 2021 till 20 May 2026.

Appointment of Bhaskar Bhat (DIN:00148778) as Lead Independent Director from 21 May 2021 to 31 March 2024. This appointment is being made in furtherance of Company's commitment to good corporate governance practices.

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Shares of nine fertiliser companies rose by 1.67% to 6.62% after the government on Wednesday increased its share of subsidy for di-ammonia phosphate (DAP) fertiliser by 140% from Rs 500 to Rs 1,200 per bag.

National Fertilizers (up 6.62%), Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (up 5.81%), Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore (up 5.61%), Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals (up 4.88%), Coromandel International (up 3.65%), Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals (up 3.52%), Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals (up 3.14%) and GNFC (up 1.67%) advanced.

The government has decided to increase the subsidy for DAP fertiliser from Rs. 500 per bag to Rs. 1200 per bag, which is an increase of 140%. Thus, despite the rise in international market prices of DAP, it has been decided to continue selling it at the older price of Rs 1200 and the central government has decided to bear all the burden of price hike.

Last year, the actual price of DAP was Rs 1,700 per bag. In which the Central Government was giving a subsidy of Rs 500 per bag. So the companies were selling fertilizer to farmers for Rs 1200 per bag.

Recently, the international prices of phosphoric acid, ammonia etc. used in DAP have gone up by 60% to 70%. So the actual price of a DAP bag is now Rs 2400, which could be sold by fertilizer companies at Rs 1900 after considering a subsidy of Rs 500. With the latest decision, farmers will continue to get a DAP bag for Rs 1200.

The central government spends about Rs 80,000 crore on subsidies for chemical fertilisers every year. With the increase in subsidy in DAP, Government of India will spend an additional Rs 14,775 crore as subsidy in Kharif season.

This is the second major decision in the farmers' interest, after directly transferring Rs. 20,667 crore in Farmers' account under PM-KISAN on the day of Akshay Tritiya.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The centre yesterday decided to increase the subsidy for Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser from Rs. 500 per bag to Rs. 1200 per bag, which is an increase of 140%. Thus, despite the rise in international market prices of DAP, it has been decided to continue selling it at the older price of Rs.1200 and the central government has decided to bear all the burden of price hike. The amount of subsidy per bag has never been increased so much at once.

The price of fertilisers was undergoing an increase due to the rising prices of phosphoric acid, ammonia etc internationally. Last year, the actual price of DAP was Rs 1,700 per bag. In which the Central Government was giving a subsidy of Rs. 500 per bag. So the companies were selling fertilizer to farmers for Rs 1200 per bag. Recently, the international prices of phosphoric acid, ammonia etc. used in DAP have gone up by 60% to 70%. So the actual price of a DAP bag is now Rs 2400, which could be sold by Fertilizer companies at Rs 1900 after considering a subsidy of Rs 500. With the latest decision, farmers will continue to get a DAP bag for Rs 1200. The Central Government spends about Rs 80,000 crore on subsidies for chemical fertilisers every year. With the increase in subsidy in DAP, Government of India will spend an additional Rs 14,775 crore as subsidy in Kharif season.

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Key barometers were trading in a narrow range with small losses in afternoon trade. At 13:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, declined 64.45 points or 0.13% at 49,838.19. The Nifty 50 index lost 45 points or 0.30% at 14,985.15.

HDFC Bank (down 0.57%), Axis Bank (down 0.90%) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (down 0.48%) dragged the market.

The broader market outperformed the benchmark indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was almost flat while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.46%.

Buyers outpaced sellers. On the BSE, 1,700 shares rose and 1,242 shares fell. A total of 167 shares were unchanged.

Investors assessed the minutes from the US Federal Reserve's meeting in April that flagged the possibility of a debate on scaling back asset purchases.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 697.75 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 852.52 crore in the Indian equity market on 19 May 2021, provisional data showed.

COVID-19 Update:

Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 16,49,14,739 with 34,17,982 deaths. India reported 31,29,878 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 2,87,122 deaths while 2,23,55,440 patients have been discharged, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The country recorded 2,76,110 new COVID-19 cases and 3,874 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry. The total tally of the viral infection now stands at 2,57,72,440.

Economy:

The Global Trade Update by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Wednesday said that in Q1 2021, the value of global trade in goods and services grew by about 4% quarter-over-quarter and by about 10% year-over-year.

UNCTAD said that India, China and South Africa fared 'relatively better' than other major economies during the first quarter of 2021 even as global trade recovery from COVID-19 impact reached a new high.

The data for India said that import of goods grew 45% in Q1 2021 relative to the 2020 average while services imports were up 14%. Export of goods for India grew 26% for the period under review while services exports grew 2%.

Gainers & Losers:

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) (up 2.27%), Cipla (up 1.83%), BPCL (up 1.29%), Titan Company (up 1.09%) and IndusInd Bank (up 1.04%) were major gainers in Nifty 50 index.

Tata Steel (down 4.35%), Hindalco Industries (down 3.68%), Britannia Industries (down 2.70%), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) (down 1.87%) and Coal India (down 1.84%) were major losers in Nifty 50 index.

Earning Impact:

Indiabulls Housing Finance soared 8.05% the company reported 101.5% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 276.23 crore in Q4 FY21 as against Rs 137.06 crore in Q4 FY20. Total income declined by 18% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 2,421.96 crore during the quarter. Net interest income declined by 7.7% to Rs 764 crore in Q4 FY21 from Rs 828 crore in Q4 FY20. Provisions and write offs in Q4 FY21 were at 316.49 crore, down by 40.9% from Rs 535.69 crore in Q4 FY20.

Indiabulls Housing's loan book as on 31 March 2021 was at Rs 66,047 crore, lower by 9.61% as compared with Rs 73,065 crore as on 31 March 2021. On the asset quality side, the gross NPA ratio stood at 2.66% as on 31 March 2021 compared to 2.44% on 31 December 2020. The net NPA ratio stood at 1.59% as on 31 March 2021 from 1.46% as on 31 December 2020.

"Had the company not chosen to de-grow its book in the past 1 year, the above Gross NPAs of 2.66% would have been at 2.31%," Indiabulls Housing Finance said in a statement.

Stock in Spotlight:

Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) slipped 0.09%. The company has secured annual maintenance dredging contract worth Rs 122.50 crore from Cochin Port Trust. The work awarded through a tender, includes maintaining the channel and basin at Cochin Port from May 2021 to May 2022, the company said in a statement. DCI has commenced dredging at the port by deploying Dredge XV and Dredge VIII.

Global Markets:

European shares were trading higher while Asian stocks were mixed on Thursday, 20 May 2021. Japan's exports grew the most since 2010 in April, supported by a favourable comparison with the sharp plunge seen during the pandemic last year. Data out on Thursday showed exports rose 38% in April from a year earlier, compared with a 16.1% rise in March.

China's benchmark lending rate was kept unchanged in May, with the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) sitting at 3.85%. The five-year LPR was also held steady at 4.65%.

Wall Street's main indexes closed lower on Wednesday after minutes from an April Federal Reserve meeting showed participants agreed the U.S. economy remained far from the central bank's goals, with some considering discussions on tapering its bond buying program.

The Fed's minutes said a strong pickup in economic activity would warrant discussions about tightening monetary policy in the coming months.

"A number of participants suggested that if the economy continued to make rapid progress toward the Committee's goals, it might be appropriate at some point in upcoming meetings to begin discussing a plan for adjusting the pace of asset purchases," according to minutes from the April 27-28 Federal Open Market Committee meeting published Wednesday.

In a press conference following last month's meeting, Chair Jerome Powell had said that it was premature to start talking about tapering.

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The key equity barometers were trading with minor cuts in mid-morning trade. The Nifty failed to hold above the 15,000 mark. Metal shares declined for the second consecutive session.

At 11:23 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 41.22 points or 0.08% to 49,861.42. The Nifty 50 index lost 33.75 points or 0.22% to 14,996.85.

The broader market was trading higher. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index gained 0.05% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.52%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 1667 shares rose and 1101 shares fell. A total of 146 shares were unchanged.

Investors assessed the minutes from the US Federal Reserve's meeting in April that flagged the possibility of a debate on scaling back asset purchases.

COVID-19 Update:

Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 164,626,458 with 3,413,801 global deaths.

India reported 31,29,878 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 2,87,122 deaths, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The country recorded 2,76,110 new COVID-19 cases and 3,874 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry. The total tally of the viral infection now stands at 2,57,72,440.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday approved a home-based rapid antigen testing (RAT) kit for COVID-19, which it advised should be used only on symptomatic individuals and on immediate contacts of laboratory confirmed positive cases.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Metal index fell 1.77% to 5,153.20, declining for second day. The index has added 2.67% in two sessions.

Tata Steel (down 3.59%), SAIL (down 2.99%), Hindalco Industries (down 2.88%), Jindal Steel & Power (down 2.38%), MOIL (down 1.40%) and Coal India (down 1.28%) declined.

Meanwhile, Mishra Dhatu Nigam (up 2.95%) and Hindustan Copper (up 0.77%) bucked the trend.

Earnings Impact:

Clariant Chemicals (India) slumped 5.99% to Rs 490.40 after the company's net profit dropped 28.6% to Rs 10.97 crore on 29.1% surge in net sales to Rs 218.84 crore in Q4 March 2021 over Q4 March 2020.

Endurance Technologies gained 2.47% to Rs 1390.35 after the auto ancillary company reported a 75.3% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 187.29 crore on 33.6% rise in net sales to Rs 2132.90 crore in Q4 FY21 over Q4 FY20.

Tanla Platforms slipped 1.20% to Rs 878.85. On a consolidated basis, the company's net profit stood at Rs 102.54 crore in Q4 FY21 compared with net loss of Rs 89.13 crore in Q4 FY20. Net sales rose 24.2% YoY to Rs 648.56 crore in Q4 FY21.

Global Markets:

Most Asian stocks were trading lower on Thursday. Japan's exports grew the most since 2010 in April, supported by a favourable comparison with the sharp plunge seen during the pandemic last year. Data out on Thursday showed exports rose 38% in April from a year earlier, compared with a 16.1% rise in March.

China's benchmark lending rate was kept unchanged in May, with the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) sitting at 3.85%. The five-year LPR was also held steady at 4.65%.

Wall Street's main indexes closed lower on Wednesday after minutes from an April Federal Reserve meeting showed participants agreed the U.S. economy remained far from the central bank's goals, with some considering discussions on tapering its bond buying program.

The Fed's minutes said a strong pickup in economic activity would warrant discussions about tightening monetary policy in the coming months.

"A number of participants suggested that if the economy continued to make rapid progress toward the Committee's goals, it might be appropriate at some point in upcoming meetings to begin discussing a plan for adjusting the pace of asset purchases," according to minutes from the April 27-28 Federal Open Market Committee meeting published Wednesday.

In a press conference following last month's meeting, Chair Jerome Powell had said that it was premature to start talking about tapering.

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Reliance Industries Ltd is quoting at Rs 1998.4, up 0.07% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 38.66% in last one year as compared to a 64.77% gain in NIFTY and a 53.92% gain in the Nifty Energy.

Reliance Industries Ltd rose for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 1998.4, up 0.07% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.17% on the day, quoting at 15004.4. The Sensex is at 49893.8, down 0.02%. Reliance Industries Ltd has added around 4.83% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Energy index of which Reliance Industries Ltd is a constituent, has added around 10.78% in last one month and is currently quoting at 19308.1, down 0.33% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 24.92 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 72.98 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark May futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 2004.5, up 0.07% on the day. Reliance Industries Ltd is up 38.66% in last one year as compared to a 64.77% gain in NIFTY and a 53.92% gain in the Nifty Energy index.

The PE of the stock is 45.79 based on TTM earnings ending March 21.

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 Flash

The U.S. House on Wednesday voted to pass the legislation creating an independent commission to probe the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

The bill passed mostly along party lines, with 35 defected Republicans joining 217 Democrats in supporting the creation of the investigative panel modeled after the 9/11 Commission.

The legislation now goes to the Senate, where the Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, said he opposed the measure, casting further doubt over it becoming law, which will require at least 10 GOP senators to sign on to it so as to overcome the filibuster.

Under the bill, which was negotiated by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi, and its Republican ranking member, John Katko of New York, the commission will comprise 10 members who are not sitting members of Congress.

Half of the commissioners, including the chair, will be appointed by congressional Democratic leaders. The other half, including the vice chair, will be selected by GOP leaders.

The panel will have co-equal subpoena power, meaning subpoenas can be issued either when they are signed off by both the chair and vice chair or on a vote by a majority of the members.

The commission is tasked with delivering a final report by the end of the year on its findings about what happened on Jan. 6, when a mob of former President Donald Trump's supporters breached the Capitol to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election victory. The report is also expected to offer recommendations for preventing similar insurrections from happening again.
TCI Express rose 11.66% to Rs 1203 after the company reported a 123.9% jump in net profit to Rs 42.57 crore on 17.6% rise in net sales to Rs 279.80 crore in Q4 FY21 over Q4 FY20.

Profit before tax (PBT) surged 114.6% to Rs 54.74 crore in Q4 FY21 as against Rs 25.51 crore in Q4 FY20.

EBITDA zoomed 106.3% year on year to Rs 57 crore in Q4 FY21. EBITDA margin improved to 20.3% in Q4 FY21 from 11.6% in Q4 FY20.

The company posted 12.9% rise in net profit to Rs 101 crore while revenue from operations declined 18.2% to Rs 844 crore in the year ended March 2021 (FY21) over to year ended March 2020 (FY20).

Commenting on the performance, Chander Agarwal, MD said, "Q4 FY2021 was the one of the best quarter as the company delivered growth in revenues coupled with significant improvement in margins and profitability. During the quarter, we saw a recovery in Index of Industrial Production especially in the month of March, where our key servicing industries registered a robust growth on both sequential as well as y-o-y basis thereby driving volumes. We also saw a strong pickup in business activity with e-way bill collections increasing by 28% on YoY and 13% on QoQ basis. During the quarter, the company delivered revenue from operations of Rs 280 crore, growth of 17.6% YoY. EBITDA was Rs 57 crore, more than twice as compared to last year. EBITDA margins improved to 20.3% as compared to 11.6% in Q4 FY20 and 17.8% in Q3 FY21. Margin improvement was driven by improvement in both volumes and realizations. In addition, the company was able to pass select cost to the customers as we continue to see increase in fuel prices. Our asset light model has also allowed us to maintain high capacity utilization and various cost control measures adopted during the year has helped us delivered strong profitability."

He further added, "We have incurred a total capex of Rs 55 crore towards two sorting centre. Pune sorting centre construction is completed, and we are waiting for regulatory approval whereas construction of Gurgaon sorting centre is expected to be operational by Q3 FY2022. The company remain committed to drive technology advancement, automation at sorting centre to enhance operational efficiency and therefore we will be spending Rs 50 crore in automation at these centres. During the year, we have opened 25 new branches, which helps us penetrate deeper into the key geographies."

Commenting on future outlook, Agarwal said, "The company has a clear vision to expand its service offering and create a niche for itself in the new segments. Therefore, I am excited to announce that we have launched two additional value-added service offering called Cold Chain Express and C2C Express. In the Cold Chain Express, we are looking to cater to the growing demand from Pharmaceuticals and Frozen Food packaging companies for Cold Chain logistics. Whereas in the C2C Express! service, we are the India's first company to launch customer to customer express service with multilocation pickup and delivery. We have also appointed separate teams to drive these new businesses offering and to ensure that it is synergistic with existing business. With clear strategic direction, TCI Express is well positioned to drive step up growth in the coming years and create wealth for all stakeholders.

The company's board recommended a final dividend of Rs 2 per equity share for the financial year ended 31 March 2021.

Shares of TCI Express hit a record high of Rs 1,249.20 in intraday today. The counter is up 130% from its 52-week low of Rs 523 hit on 22 May 2020.

TCI Express is an express distributor. The company has been expanding its distribution network locally, with its current 800 offices covering more than 40,000 locations. Its wide spectrum of services comprises surface, domestic and international air, e-commerce, priority, and reverse express services.

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Suspicions that UP has been fudging its Covid-19 data abound from anecdotal facts on the ground  masses of bodies floating in rivers, the numbers at the funeral ghats -- and the visibly parlous condition of health infrastructure in the state. Omkar Goswami offers an explanation of the fudge here.

UPs data fiddles only highlights the larger picture of serial mis-steps by Indias political leadership that have caused the tragedy of the second wave. India can redeem itself only by transforming our health outcomes by Diwali, writes Naushad Forbes and sets out the principles we must follow to achieve this here

Other views examine the implications of the rabi procurement and dual regulation for micro-finance institutions:

The glitch-free marketing of rabi crop, resulting in record procurement of most crops at minimum support prices, reflects the successful implementation of some key measures that provoked the impasse between the government and over the three reforms-oriented laws, says the second edit. Read it here

The new governments move to regulate in the state is the wrong way to address the problems of micro-credit, the top edit argues. Read it here
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A single-day session of the Assembly is scheduled to be held on Thursday.

The one-day session is being called by Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government as a "statutory obligation", as is mandatory for Assembly to meet every six months.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Tuesday said that it would boycott the single-day session in protest against the "unilateral", "undemocratic" and "illogical" decisions of the government led by Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy.

said it will hold a 'mock' Assembly session on Thursday evening and Friday morning to discuss state government 'failures'.

deputy floor leader Nimmala Ramanaidu in a statement said that his party has boycotted the assembly session because alleging there will be "no scope for discussion of public issues in this budget session which is to be held for only one day".

"The opposition party may not get a chance to raise its voice. In protest of government attitude, we are conducting mock assembly today and tomorrow," said Ramanaidu.

"The mock Assembly will hold a short term discussion on COVID in today's evening session. In tomorrow's session, failures of the government and its betrayal of the public on various issues will be discussed," he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former senior Congress leader PC Chacko was appointed as the Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) new president by party supremo on Wednesday.

Speaking to ANI, Chacko thanked for the decision and said that he will assume charge from tomorrow at Thiruvananthapuram.

"Yesterday Praful Patel told me that this is the decision that has been conveyed by Today they announced this in Mumbai. I want to thank Sharad Pawar for this decision. I will take responsibility as a president. I am quite happy with the present assignment," said Chacko.

Speaking about the coalition in Kerala, he said that strengthening LDF is important as is still in a coalition with LDF in the state.

"Everyday i am getting half a dozen phone calls. All from ex-MLAs, ex-office bearers, ex-PCC office-bearers. So many people are going to join in the in the coming days," said Chacko.

Taking a dig at the national leadership of Congress, Chacko said, "Congress is failing in its duty as a national opposition. Having seen the functioning of the Congress from inside, only these three individuals matter, and that too there is no elected person for Congress from one and a half years. A president is on sick leave. So the Congress party is failing organisationally and failing nationally in facing the BJP."

"What India needs today is an emerging opposition or opposition unity to fight BJP. I find that can be a better option," he added.

He also accused Congress of focusing on personalities than ideology.

"Congress is not conducting its affairs properly. Unfortunately, more than ideology, personalities matter more in Congress. There it was two groups led by two people. They never care for quality and merit. Congress is going down day by day. Again today it is in a bad shape. Congress's fight is unending. That is a good opportunity for NCP to work up."

While on Sharad Pawar being appointed as the UPA Chairperson, Chacko said that Pawar is more deserving for that.

In a setback to Congress ahead of Assembly polls, PC Chacko announced his resignation from the party on March 10 and said that there is "groupism" practised by top leaders of Congress. After that Chacko joined the NCP on March 16.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As struggles to meet the requirements set by the Indian government over its controversial user privacy policy, its archrival on Thursday reiterated that unlike many other messaging apps, it is not dependent on a third-party platform to store its user data that leads to an additional layer of security, thus eliminating the possibilities of a back-door access.

After a battle of words over Twitter with last week where took a jibe by tweeting a meme that suggested it was time to "bin" and its parent company Facebook, the highly encrypted messaging app said that despite all this, it is growing at a very fast rate in India which is one of the key markets for the company.

"We believe that the reason for our success and significant growth is because users today have a thorough understanding of the importance of their data privacy and security - the two key differentiating aspects of as a messenger platform," a company spokesperson told IANS.

Telegram said it is a pro-user platform that offers rich and unique features which no "other nearby competitors in this segment is currently providing".

"User privacy is the biggest priority for Telegram, and we are committed to our principles from the day of our inception. It has been more than seven years now and we are constantly scaling up the security and building a solid framework for user data privacy on the platform," the company informed.

WhatsApp has rolled out its privacy policy globally including in India, where it has more than 400 million users. The users will not immediately lose their accounts or face curtailed functionalities, but they will have to eventually go through limited functions if they fail to accept the new norms in the due course of time.

After persistent reminders, the users will encounter limited functionality on WhatsApp until they accept the updates.

According to official sources, in its fresh notice to WhatsApp, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed the Facebook-owned platform to withdraw its controversial user privacy policy or face action.

The Indian government has directed WhatsApp to respond to its concerns by May 25.

Noting that many Indian users depend on WhatsApp for communicating on a daily basis, the ministry said that it is irresponsible for WhatsApp to leverage its position in the Indian market to impose unfair terms and conditions.

Telegram which has wooed a significant number of new users from WhatsApp in the past couple of years in India, told IANS that it has been an open-source platform since 2013 and anyone can check its source code, protocol and API (application programming interface).

"Telegram is the only instant messaging app in the world that supports verifiable builds for both Google Play Store and Apple store. We allow experts to independently verify that our code mentioned on GitHub is exactly the same code that we have used to build our apps. Our encryption and API has been audited several times before, and we always welcome security experts to review our systems at any point of time for any feedback," the company stressed.

All data, regardless of type, is encrypted in the same way - be it text, media or files.

"This way our users can enjoy Telegram's unique benefits of the technologies which can't be implemented under end-to-end encryption architecture. On Telegram, shortage of local storage never leads to data loss," the company said, adding that third party cloud storage providers might not be end-to-end encrypted as well.

Telegram said it is fully prepared to on-board as many new users who want to join its platform without any technical hassles or bottlenecks.

"Telegram's features are free and will always remain free for the general users in future".

Telegram is soon going to add encrypted group video calling feature for the users followed by the screen sharing options and noise-cancellation.

It will help the users to experience a full-fledged video conferencing tool without any restrictions on the number of participants, or in terms of the storage.

"We are strictly against user data collection and sharing with any third-party platforms, or advertising companies. We will also going to introduce new paid feature for the business users who need additional resources to run larger Channel on Telegram," the company noted.

(Nishant Arora can be reached at nishant.a@ians.in)

--IANS

na/sdr/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India with 40,300 requests was second to the US in terms of asking to provide user data in the second half of 2020, and the social network restricted access in India to 878 items in response to directions from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The restricted access was due to violating Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, including content against security of the state and public order.

"Of these, 10 were restricted temporarily. We also restricted access to 54 items in compliance with court orders," said on Wednesday in its latest Transparency Report for the July-December period in 2020.

Although did not reveal the nature of the requests from the Indian government, the second half of 2020 saw massive farmers' protests across the country against the three farm laws passed by the Parliament in September 2020.

Facebook also said that in response to an order from Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil's Supreme Court related to 12 profiles and Pages of supporters of Brazilian President Bolsonaro, it restricted access globally to this content, including in India.

"While we respect the law in countries where we operate, we strongly oppose extraterritorial legal demands such as the one resulting in these restrictions, and have actively pursued all options to appeal the order. As of May 19, 2021, our appeal to the Brazilian Supreme Court's full bench is pending," Facebook informed.

In total, Facebook provided some data to India in 52 per cent of the requests made.

Facebook said it always scrutinises every government request it receives "to make sure it is legally valid, no matter which government makes the request".

Globally, government requests for user data increased 10 per cent from 173,592 to 191,013 in the second half of 2020.

Of the total volume, the US continues to submit the largest number of requests, followed by India, Germany, France, Brazil and the UK.

During this reporting period, the volume of content restrictions based on local law increased globally 93 per cent from 22,120 in H1 2020 to 42,606 in H2 2020, driven mainly by increases in requests from the UK, Turkey and Brazil.

"In the last half of 2020, we identified 91 disruptions of Facebook services in 18 countries, compared to 52 disruptions in nine countries in the first half of 2020," said Facebook.

During this reporting period, Facebook took down 4,302,992 pieces of content based on 875,421 copyright reports, 584,088 pieces of content based on 310,418 trademark reports and 1,440,415 pieces of content based on 112,660 counterfeit reports.

We also proactively removed 11,992,599 pieces of content for copyright reasons and 338,461,290 pieces of content for counterfeit reasons.

--IANS

na/skp/

(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.)
Indian exchanges WazirX and CoinDCX suffered hour-long outages late on Wednesday as the price of Bitcoin, the worlds leading cryptocurrency, fell sharply to a multi-month low.

Bitcoin has depreciated in value since Monday after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the electric car maker would no longer accept payments in Bitcoin because of concerns over the high consumption of electricity for Bitcoin mining. Musks endorsement of crypto this year has been instrumental in driving up the prices of Bitcoin to a high of over $64,895, (Rs 47.3 lakh) in April. Experts claim that Chinas tightening of restrictions barring payment companies and financial institutions from providing services related to cryptocurrencies has also played a major role in the Bitcoin price plunge.





What did we learn today?



That Indian crypto exchanges are unreliable.



- Forced logouts

- App/Website crash

- Trades stopped, orders not executed

- Lack of transparency over fees

- Difference in pricing#CoinDCX #WazirX are answerable.



Otherwise close the shop.  Abray (@abhpry) May 19, 2021

On Wednesday, Bitcoins price tumbled 30% in a few hours to $31,000. As the price was declining, many investors looked to sell their crypto assets to avoid heavy losses but were unable to do so since the servers of WazirX and CoinDCX crashed and denied those trades. Other investors tried to buy cryptocurrencies while the price was low, but the transactions didnt come through, causing a loss of valuable time before the prices of Bitcoin bounced back to $40,000. Several investors converted their cryptocurrencies to INR and initiated withdrawal requests, but complained that while the amount had been deducted from their crypto wallets, the same wasnt reflecting in their bank accounts.

Notably, this is the second instance of Mumbai-based WazirXs server crashing this month, and the third since April. Earlier this month, WazirX faced a severe lag on its mobile application and website, just as the price of Dogecoin, a meme increased by around 40% in a few hours. As the price of the coin had increased, many investors had tried to sell their dogecoins to make profits. However, WazirXs server wasnt able to process those transactions instantly, leading to heavy losses for investors.

The company had said then that the lag had occurred due to a 10x rise in concurrent users which its server was unable to handle. WazirX has explained that recent problems with its mobile application can be attributed to a significant rise in user signups and trading volumes and that the company is scaling up to address these concerns.

On Wednesday, WazirX tweeted, We're working on a fix for the issues related to WazirX app/website and will update you as soon as it's back up. Since then, there has been no official statement from the company on the issue.

Investors have complained that theyre not able to reap the benefits of cryptocurrencies as an investment class because platforms such as WazirX havent been able to offer a satisfactory user experience.





What's the point of this app if we can't buy in dips. My deposit isn't reflecting from 4 hrs now.

Please fix it before we all switch to some other platform#wazirxdown #wazirxcrash@NischalShetty @WazirXIndia https://t.co/mg3tJiWK7M  Shiekh Taqwa Ayub (@taqwa_ayub) May 19, 2021

Several users flagged similar issues with another Mumbai-based crypto exchange, CoinDCX which was unable to process transactions while the price of Bitcoin fluctuated late on Wednesday.





I am not able to Log-in to my account !! Wth is wrong with you guys ! Where is your 24/7 customer support ! @CoinDCX @smtgpt @nrjkhandelwal



I hope this is not a scam ! These are all my savings. Plz help. #coindcx #wazirx  Dev Ssaluja (@dev_sal) May 19, 2021

Taking notice of user complaints, CoinDCX tweeted on Wednesday, Due to high user traffic we are aware some of our users like yourself might be experiencing issues related to services on our website and our Apps.

In a blog post, it added, We are writing this to ensure that our team has already identified the issues and are working to resolve them at the earliest.

While Wazirx claims to have 2 Mn users, CoinDCX has 400,000 investors trading on its platform.

This month, it has been reported that several Indian banks have stopped providing services to Indian crypto companies, based on an informal advisory from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This despite the Supreme Court in March 2020, overturning RBIs 2018 circular that barred banks from providing services to crypto exchanges.

ICICI Bank, one of the last few big lenders providing services to crypto companies, has now suspended the current accounts of these businesses. The private sector lender has also reportedly directed payment gateways to shut off its net banking services for merchants buying or selling cryptocurrencies.
has announced to retire its iconic Internet Explorer (IE) browser in June 2022, as it envisions the future of Internet Explorer, which was launched in 1995, on in Edge.

Over the last year, is moving away from Internet Explorer support, such as an announcement of the end of IE support by Microsoft 365 online services.

"With capable of assuming this responsibility and more, the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10," the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Internet Explorer was once the most widely used web browser, attaining a peak of about 95 per cent usage share by 2003.

Its usage share has since declined with the launch of Firefox (2004) and Google Chrome (2008), and with the growing popularity of mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS that do not support Internet Explorer.

If you're a consumer using Internet Explorer at home, Microsoft recommends that you transition to before June 15, 2022, to start enjoying a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience.

If you're an organisation using Internet Explorer, you may have a large set of legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and apps, built up over many years.

Microsoft found that enterprises have 1,678 legacy apps on average.

"By moving to Microsoft Edge, you will be able to extend the life of your legacy websites and apps well beyond the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application retirement date using IE mode. Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge will be supported through at least 2029," the company informed.

For web developers, Microsoft said they should plan an orderly movement to end Internet Explorer support based on users' needs.

"Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications," the company said.

Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) built in, so users can access legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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At least four personnel of the Indonesian Military (TNI) were wounded after armed Papuan separatist terrorists intercepted them on Tuesday evening at a village in Papua province, a military official confirmed Wednesday.

"It is true that an incident occurred in Pegunungan Bintang district that injured four TNI personnel who are part of the joint security task force in a vulnerable area," Lieutenant Colonel Christian Ireuw, who is the chief of the 1715 Yahukimo District Military Command, told Antara, a state news agency.

The injured soldiers have been evacuated to the capital of Papua, Jayapura, for medical treatments.

In addition, early on Tuesday in a village in Puncak district, a member of a joint security task force was also wounded during a firefight with the armed separatist terrorist group.

Papua Police Chief Fakhiri said the soldier had been sent to a nearby hospital.

The Indonesian police and military have frequently been engaged in conflicts with the separatists in Papua, leaving casualties from both sides.

The separatist Free Papua Movement based in the province has been seeking an independent state through guerrilla wars since decades ago, targeting military and police personnel as well as civilians.
Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], May 20 (ANI/BusinessWire India): JFrog India Private Limited ("JFrog"), the liquid software company, today announced the lineup for the JFrog annual DevOps user conference swampUP.

The virtual conference will take place on May 25 -27 for the Americas and June 1 - 3 for the EMEA and APAC time zones.

"The next digital wave is here and DevOps and software developers are at the epicenter of this next evolution," said Shlomi Ben Haim, co-founder and CEO of JFrog.

"As DevOps becomes the center of software innovation, and software the enabler of modern businesses, our users become the key players to retain a competitive advantage for their organizations in today's digital age. This is why our swampUP conference is focused on the community, providing an opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and propel DevOps forward. The market in India has extremely talented people and swampUP is an opportunity for the community to skill up and learn together. I am excited about this year's sessions and can't wait to interact with industry veterans across the globe," added Shlomi Ben Haim, CEO & Co-founder JFrog.

All-virtual for a second year, swampUP2021 puts the developer community at the center of DevOps and DevSecOps, empowering attendees to drive the next wave of digital transformation. Through hands-on training, deep-dive tutorials, keynotes and breakout sessions with DevOps luminaries and industry experts, attendees will uncover the latest technologies and best practices around modern CI/CD, package management, security and DevSecOps, large-scale software distribution, and more.

JFrog is bringing together a lineup of DevOps visionaries and innovators to share their unique vision, insights, and inspiration. Speakers, coming from industries as diverse as financial services, automotive, cyber security, cloud, and more, include:

* Four DevOps CEOs--of Datadog, PagerDuty, Elastic, and HashiCorp--will join JFrog's CEO, Shlomi Ben Haim for an exclusive panel discussion: "DevOps Beyond Digital Transformation"

o Olivier Pomel, CEO & Co-founder at Datadog

o Jennifer Tejada, CEO at PagerDuty

o Shay Banon, CEO & Founder at Elastic

o Dave McJannet, CEO at HashiCorp

o Shlomi Ben Haim, CEO of JFrog--who will also deliver the keynote address along with JFrog's co-founders and product leadership

* Alexander Denk, Service Owner Binary Management, BMW AG

* Wayne Chatelain, Senior Manager of Software Engineering, Capital One

* Ayrat Khayretdinov, CNCF Ambassador

* Guillaume Laforge, Developer Advocate, Google Cloud Platform

* John Willis, Senior Director, Global Transformation Office, Red Hat

* Sasha Rosenbaum, Sr. Manager, Managed OpenShift Black Belts, Red Hat

* Alyssa Miller, Business Information Security Officer (BISO), S & P Global Ratings

The annual conference is divided into three parts, across three days:

* Training day: The first day focuses on in-depth, live DevOps training across four dedicated tracks: cloud native, CI/CD, security, and software distribution.

* Conference day: The second conference day offers more than 40 free DevOps talks from world-renowned DevOps gurus. Kicking off with visionary keynotes, followed by thought-provoking breakout sessions and customer case studies. Attendees can choose from a variety of topics, including Enterprise DevOps, Security, Cloud Native, CI/CD, Automation, Digital Transformation, and more. In addition, JFrog is honored to pay tribute to Carl Quinn--a friend of JFrog and the community at large--by presenting an award in his memory.

* Tutorial Day: The third and final day of the conference offers tutorials focused on DevOps topics, a live Q & A with technical experts, plus, a showcase from JFrog ecosystem partners.

"The APAC regions, especially India, have shown increased growth and potential in the market. Last year the response from Indian customers was phenomenal to the conference. This year, we expect it to be even more exciting as the conference is free to attend. India is an important market for JFrog and we continue to invest in it - both to support our growing customer base and our employee base and developers in India," said Kavita Viswanath, General Manager, JFrog India.

IDC predicts that by 2022 65 per cent of the global GDP will be digitized. "As DevOps and secure software delivery increasingly stand at the epicenter of the global economy, so do the developers who make it possible," added Ben Haim. "We're proud to invite the DevOps community to join us at swampUP and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our vibrant DevOps and Software Delivery ecosystem."

(https://register.jfrog.com/swampup2021/begin) Registration for swampUP is open and tickets are going quickly. Get your free conference pass and save your seat for the training and tutorial sessions today to ensure you don't miss this world-class event.

To learn more, visit (https://swampup.jfrog.com/)

This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 20 (ANI/PNN): The film industry has seen many amazing concept-based movies and many producers give opportunities for these unique ideas to appear through the big screen.

Jeegar Chauhan, the producer-writer of the Gujarati Film Industry is all set with his new film 'Dhaundhaar'. He has been working to make this film happen for some time and the shooting was done in all the thick and thin. Dhuandhaar is all ready for the big screen and the entire cast has been waiting for the film to release alongside the audiences.

Jeegar is the producer of the movie Dhuandhaar. The cast involves artists including Malhar Thakar, Hiten Kumar, Netri Trivedi, Dimple Biscuitwala, Alisha Prajapati, and many more known faces. This film has been directed by Rehan Chaudhary. The movie poster release was released earlier with a lot of reaction from the audiences. The expectation is high keeping in mind the cast of the film.

While talking to Jeegar he mentions, 'Finally Dhuandhaar is all set to be released for the audience to experience a new theme. I am hoping to get a varied reaction from my audience, keeping in mind the amount of hard work everyone has put into the film. I am also coming up with another movie which will be directed by Rehan Chaudhary and almost the same team will be locked for the film. I am glad I was able to lock a total of 4 movies to date Kesariya, Dhuandhaar, one with Rehan, and one more project after I finish these.'

In this pandemic, people are looking for ways to get entertained and a new film can be a way to escape through the hard times and emotion-packed environment. Dhuandhaar has been worked on for a very long time and viewers will have some gala time watching the new release soon.

This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Covid-19 patients are paying as much as 40 per cent of treatment costs from their pocket despite health insurance. Insurers have been selling short-term COVID-specific policies -- Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak -- in bulk since last year.

Low premium, as specified by insurance regulator IRDA, made these policies affordable. However, the second wave of Covid-19 has led to a massive spike in the number of insurance claims. Around 50 per cent of such claims are getting rejected while those whose claims are being processed are receiving only 60 per cent of the amount.

A big reason behind a difference in insurance claims and settlement amount, and rejection of a large number of claims, is unpreparedness of insurers who did not anticipate such a large influx of claims. The exclusion of the overhead consumables, including PE kits, masks and gloves, from the policy and different treatment protocols have also forced patients to bear additional costs at their own expense.

Even if a patient's policy is eligible for cashless settlement, the insurance companies are not offering it. They have to pay the full amount themselves and file the reimbursement later. Even Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has taken cognisance of it. She has spoken to the IRDAI chief to look into the matter. Besides, in some cases, the private hospitals are charging much higher prices than what the government has prescribed and the insurance companies are refusing to pay those.

Also read: No cashless settlement, arbitrary pricing: How health insurers are settling Covid claims?

Moreover, they are rejecting renewal of such policies despite the regulator having told insurers to renew these policies up to September 30. As per the IRDA rules, selling and renewing Corona Kavach policy is mandatory for all insurers, while it's an option in cases of Corona Rakshak policies.

State-wise data on Covid insurance claims till May 14 shows total 14.82 lakh Covid insurance claims worth Rs 23,000 crore have been made, out of which 12.33 lakh claims worth Rs 11,700 crore have been settled so far, The Economic Times reported. Also, patients are facing at least two-three week lag in the processing of claims and settlement. This has also caused disparity in claims and settlements.

The General Insurance Council of India (GIC) data shows the average out of pocket payment ratio for Telangana is highest at 47.7 per cent, followed by Tamil Nadu at 42.7 per cent. Gujarat has seen an out of the pocket ratio of 38.8 per cent; UP 37.6 per cent; and Karnataka 38.2 per cent.

The data also shows that an average treatment cost for Covid-19 patients is Rs 1.54 lakh, while claim settlement is around Rs 95,622, showing the remaining amount, about 40 per cent, is being paid by patients. Those whose claims are getting rejected on several grounds have the option of filing a complaint within 15 days. If still, it doesn't happen, you can write to the ombudsman or directly to the regulator IRDA.

Also read: COVID-specific policies see less than 50% claims settlement

ALSO READ: Life insurers' new business premium jumps 45% to Rs 9,739 crore in April
American online payment gateway, PayPal, on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that the constitution of a committee to examine whether entities like it can be considered as a payment system operator and a reporting entity under PMLA was contrary to the court's orders.

Therefore, the report submitted by the committee was illegal, PayPal said to Justice Rekha Palli who was hearing the company''s plea challenging a Rs 96 lakh penalty imposed on it by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) India for alleged violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The FIU on December 17, 2020 had directed the company to pay the fine within 45 days and also register itself as a reporting entity with the FIU, appoint a principal officer and director for communication within a fortnight of the receipt of the order. Under the law, a reporting entity is one which has to report to authorities any foreign exchange financial transaction which occurs on its system

The high court had on January 12 stayed the December 17, 2020 order of the FIU subject to PayPal maintaining records of all its transactions in a secure server and depositing within two weeks in the high court a bank guarantee of Rs 96 lakh. PayPal, thereafter, deposited the bank guarantee in the high court.

On Thursday, Justice Palli said the interim order in favour of PayPal shall continue till the next date of hearing on July 28. The court listed the matter on July 28 after PayPal said it wants to go through the committee''s report. PayPal has contended that only a bank or an authorised dealer of foreign exchange will be a reporting entity and it only a facilitator of financial transactions between registered banks and only charges a small amount as a "facilitator fee".

The FIU in its order had accused PayPal of contravening the PMLA and "concealing" suspect financial transactions and abetting "disintegration" of India''s financial system. Terming the contravention as "deliberate and wilful", FIU held the company guilty on three broad counts, the fundamental being its failure to register itself as a "reporting entity" with the federal agency as mandated under the PMLA.

As per the order, the legal tussle began in March, 2018 when the FIU asked PayPal to register as a reporting entity for keeping "record" of all transactions, reporting suspicious transactions and cross-border wire transfers to the FIU and for identifying beneficiaries of these funds.

The FIU analyses and shares these reports with various intelligence and investigative agencies for further action. As per the order issued under section 13 of the PMLA, PayPal refused the FIU''s directive and hence a show cause notice was issued to it in September 2019.

PayPal defended its action and cited the Reserve Bank of India guidelines to state that it only operates as an Online Payment Gateway Service Provider (OPGSP) or a payment intermediary in India and is "not covered within the definition of a payment system operator or financial institution and in turn, not covered under the definition of a reporting entity under the PMLA".

"Therefore, at this time, payment intermediaries, such as PayPal, are not required to register as such with the FIU-India," it had said in its reply to the agency. The FIU, however, had rejected its claims and said PayPal was very much involved in handling funds in India, is a "financial institution" and hence qualifies to be a reporting entity under the PMLA.

The FIU order had also said while the company "defies" the process in India, its parent company in the US - PayPal Inc - reports suspicious transactions to the American FIU and also to similar agencies in Australia and the UK.

Also read: Samsung, LG, Vivo, others brace for sale crash as lockdowns dwindle demand
A Dutch court on Thursday ordered fugitive former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn to repay nearly 5 million euros in salary to an Amsterdam-based alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi, and rejected his claim for millions in compensation for wrongful dismissal.

The ruling came in a case in which Ghosn sought to have his 2018 sacking from Nissan-Mitsubishi B V overturned and demanded 15 million euros ($16.5 million) in compensation.

The court in Amsterdam rejected his claims, saying he did not have a valid contract with the company at the time. The salary he was ordered to repay covers payments made to him by the Dutch joint venture from April until November 2018.

The Dutch case stems from Nissan''s decision to fire Ghosn after he was accused of financial misconduct in Japan. The former high-flying automotive executive skipped bail in Tokyo in 2019 and fled to Lebanon, where he grew up.

Ghosn, who was first arrested in November 2018, has said he is innocent of allegations in Japan that he under-reported his future income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. He says the compensation was never decided on or received, and the Nissan payments were for legitimate business purposes.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese citizenship, was sent by Renault in 1999 to salvage Nissan, which makes the Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models, from the brink of bankruptcy.

Also Read: Japanese prosecutors charge American father, son of aiding Carlos Ghosn's escape
Big electronic brands in India are bearing the brunt of the second Covid-19 wave as lockdowns and curbs around online selling of non-essential products in most states lead to a crash in sales. As India struggles against the wrath of Covid-19 wave, most top electronic companies such as LG, Panasonic, Carrier Midea, Vivo, Oppo, Haier and Godrej have either shut their plants or have cut down on production significantly.

Many of these companies, including giants like Apple and Samsung, even export their electronic parts and products from India. Their production has plunged to just 25-40 per cent of the total output, The Economic Times reported. At the current production capacity, they can only cater to the demand from global markets.

Also read: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and other cryptocurrencies crash after China crackdown

Plants are shut either fully or partially. Korean behemoth Samsung opens its plants three days a week. LG is also producing products just enough to cater to the global demand. Homegrown company Godrej says the company is able to do 5-6 per cent of the business it used to do before the latest lockdowns across states. Haier India had to announce the closure of plants till May-end after many employees called in sick and others faced lockdown restrictions.

Other companies, including Dixon and Panasonic India, are running significantly at low capacity. Telecom majors like Vivo and Oppo are no longer producing cell phones at their plants in Noida. Another Chinese giant Xiaomi is also running at 30-40 per cent capacity.

Though the Centre has refrained from imposing nationwide lockdown like last year, state-wise lockdown curbs have hurt businesses hard. The government, however, believes the impact will not be severe like last time. As per the latest finance ministry report, the ongoing second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic will have a muted economic impact in comparison to the first wave.

The government's projection, however, is in contrast to what major brokerages are saying. While Nomura has downgraded India's GDP growth projection for the current financial year to 12.6 per cent from 13.5 per cent earlier, JP Morgan has lowered it to 11 per cent from 13 per cent earlier. UBS curtailed its growth forecast to 10 per cent from 11.5 per cent.

Also read: Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, other mobile wallets to be interoperable from April 2022
The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday presented its annual budget for the financial year 2021-22 with an estimated expenditure of Rs 2.29 lakh crore and an estimated revenue of Rs 1.77 lakh crore, that leaves a revenue deficit of Rs 5,000 crore and fiscal deficit of Rs 37,029 crore. Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath presented the Budget in the state Legislative Assembly after Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan's customary address to a joint sitting of the Council and the Assembly during the one-day session.

The state's public debt will mount to Rs 3,87,125 crore in 2021-22 from Rs 3,55,874 crore the previous year as the government targeted to borrow Rs 50,525 crore afresh.

The state will spend a staggering Rs 23,205.88 crore this year towards debt servicing alone.

The government has earmarked a whopping Rs 48,083.92 crore for 22 freebie schemes this year.

Three of these schemes that would cost Rs 16,899 crore would be implemented through the State Development Corporation.

The Finance Minister incorporated a 'gender budget' as well as 'child budget' this year with an outlay of Rs 47,283 crore and Rs 16,748 crore respectively.

The gender budget has further been divided into two components, one of which has an outlay of Rs 23,463 crore to fully cover schemes targeted for women and girls.

The balance outlay will be for composite schemes.india.

Also Read: New Covid strain: Delhi makes 14-day quarantine mandatory for those coming from Andhra, Telangana
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has rationalised GST refund provisions, including giving option to taxpayers to withdraw application. It has amended Goods and Services Tax (GST) rules and has excluded the time period from date of filing of refund application to date of issuance of deficiency memo by the officer from the overall time limit to file refund application.

Dhruva Advisors LLP Niraj Bagri said many GST refund applications were returned on the grounds of deficiency seeking the company to file a fresh application. The filing of a rectified refund application was treated as a new refund application. "In several instances, though the original refund application was filed within the time limit of 2 years, the department has been considering the date of rectified refund application as the relevant date resulting in rejections on the ground of breach of time limits.

"CBIC has put rest to this controversy, by amending the rule, and providing that the time period from the date of filing of original refund application till the time the deficiency letter is issued, will be excluded for determining the two-year period," Bagri said. Athena Law Associates Partner Pawan Arora said now refund application can be withdrawn at any time prior to issuance of provisional/ final refund order or refund payment/ withhold/ rejection order.

Also, the amendments in refund rules have resolved the biggest dispute regarding time limit of fresh filing of refund application after receipt of deficiency notice.

"Now, the time period up to date of communication of deficiency notice shall not be counted in the two years limitation for fresh refund application. In my view it should be given retrospective effect to dispose of the pending litigations on this issue before the courts," Arora added.

EY Tax Partner Abhishek Jain welcomed the amendments, saying they were awaited and advocated by the industry players for a long time.

AMRG & Associates Senior Partner Rajat Mohan said changes in the rules would help numerous taxpayers, including exporters. Current amendments to GST rules will also empower taxpayers to withdraw the GST refund application to correct any clerical mistakes that may have crept in.

Also read: Second COVID-19 wave humanitarian crisis, not economic one: Nomura
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has pipped China's Zhong Shanshan to become the second richest Asian in the world. He is now on the 14th spot on Bloomberg Billionaires Index with a net worth of $66.5 billion. The Chinese billionaire is worth $63.6 billion.

Directly above Adani, on the 13th spot, is Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani with a net worth of $76.5 billion. Ambani had replaced Shanshan in February to become the richest Asian.

Adani began his career as a commodity trader. Now he has businesses spanning across sectors, including energy, ports, airports, logistics, agriculture, real estate, financial services, FMCG, gas distribution and defence, among others.

The rise in Adani's wealth came on the back of increase in share prices of Adani Enterprises, Adani Gas, Adani Green and Adani Transmission. Adani Total Gas share has risen 1145 per cent over the last one year. Meanwhile, Adani Enterprises, Adani Transmission, Adani Green Energy and Adani Power have risen 827 per cent, 617 per cent, 433 per cent and 189 per cent, respectively.

On Wednesday, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) said it has signed a pact to acquire 100 per cent stake in SoftBank group subsidiary SB Energy India for $3.5 billion. The assets forming part of the portfolio are primarily solar park-based projects with 5GW renewable energy capacity. This marks the largest acquisition in the renewable energy segment in India, AEGL said.

Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved proposed acquisition of additional 25 per cent stake of Adani Krishnapatnam Port Ltd by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. The Adani group company already holds 75 per cent shareholding in Adani Krishnapatnam Port. In April, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone had said it has acquired 25 per cent stake of Vishwa Samudra Holdings in Krishnapatnam Port for Rs 2,800 crore.

Adani Group has making serious headway into airport management business. The conglomerate took over the Mumbai International Airport from the GVK group in September last year. It also acquired controlling stake in the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The Gautam Adani-led company has also won 50-year operating rights from Airports Authority of India for airports in Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati.

ALSO READ: Adani Green to acquire SB Energy's India portfolio for $3.5 billion

ALSO READ: CCI approves APSEZ's 25% additional stake acquisition in Krishnapatnam port
The Odisha government has asked district authorities to desist from COVID-19 drive-in vaccination and inoculation at doorstep.

A top Health department official said that it has come to the notice of the state government that COVID-19 drive-in vaccination and doorstep vaccination has been started in some districts.

Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, P K Mohapatra in a letter to authorities on Wednesday said: "You are requested to refrain from such strategies and only to conduct sessions in suitable CVCs (covid vaccination centres) with adequate space following the COVID-19 operational guidelines."

"In drive-in/doorstep strategies, it will be difficult to manage Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI), if it occurs, and there is also a high likelihood of vaccine wastage," Mohapatra said. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guideline clearly states that vaccination sessions shall be conducted in places with adequate space for waiting area, vaccination room and observation room and have adequate facility to manage AEFI, Mohapatra said in the letter.

Beneficiaries who receive the Covid vaccine are required to be observed for at least 30 minutes after vaccination for AEFI (if any).

Some municipal corporations including Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Berhampur Municipal Corporation and Rourkela Municipal Corporation and some district administrations launched either drive-in vaccination or doorstep vaccination facilities recently.

A petition in this regard was also moved to the NHRC alleging that human beings should not be vaccinated on roads and malls.

Meanwhile, sources said Odisha has so far administered 68,12,118 doses of COVID-19 vaccines including 76,478 on Wednesday.

Also read: India reports 2.76 lakh new COVID-19 cases, 3,874 deaths in 24 hrs
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China and the United Arab Emirates reached an agreement on May 18, 2021 to further the two sides' cooperation to benefit people with disabilities.





The China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), a national umbrella organization for persons with diverse disabilities, and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO), an executive department responsible for disability-related affairs in Emirate of Abu Dhabi, jointly launched a cooperative ceremony via video link and exchanged cooperation memorandums.

Ni Jian, Chinese ambassador to the UAE; Zhang Haidi, chairperson of the CDPF and president of Rehabilitation International (RI); Ali Al Dhaheri, UAE ambassador to China; Zhou Changkui, director of the CDPF executive council; and Abdulla Abdulalee Alhumaidan, general secretary of the ZHO, attended the ceremony.





The ZHO and the CDPF previously launched a sign language project together that has achieved fruitful results. Under the project, they released a UAE-China Sign Language Dictionary to increase exchanges between people with hearing impairments in the two countries and this has provided a solid guarantee for cooperation between the two sides in disability-related areas. On this basis, the two sides are willing to step up continuous mutual cooperation.





Alhumaidan said the cooperation between the ZHO and the CDPF will become a model protecting people with disabilities and empowering them.





Ni said the event will be a new achievement as China and the UAE continue to seek cooperation in new areas and also a push for the two peoples to further develop friendship.

Zhang expressed that the relations between China and the UAE are based on a high level of mutual trust and deep-rooted friendship, and the CDPF looked forward to cooperating with the ZHO on a range of issues including disabilities, education, employment and barrier free environments, so that they can make new contributions to improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities and developing international programs for them.



As the president of RI, Zhang also invited the ZHO to join RI, a global organization and network that empowers people with disabilities, to expand beneficial cooperation for people with disabilities.

Dhaheri hoped that the cooperation will promote the integrated development of the two sides' disability-related causes.
An innovative Home Isolation Tracking (HIT) App developed by the Bihar government to monitor the condition of Covid patients recuperating at their homes has drawn special praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister came to know about the HIT App while speaking to Patna district magistrate Chandrasekhar Singh during an interaction with officials of several districts of nine states on Tuesday.

Impressed with the concept, the Prime Minister ordered to send its details to the Union Health Ministry for its utilisation across the country, Mr Singh said.

"The health department has sent one-page detail of the HIT COVID App to the Union Health Ministry," Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Pratyaya Amrit told PTI on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the "HIT COVID App" on Monday to reach out to coronavirus patients undergoing treatment for the deadly disease in home isolation.

As part of the project, health workers at the grassroot level visit patients in home isolation to record their temperature and oxygen level on a daily basis and the data is fed to the app.

Based on the information, necessary action is taken by the health department.

The HIT App has been developed by the Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation (BELTRON) under the guidance of the health department.

Mr Amrit said the app was initially launched in five districts on a trial basis and later expanded across the state.

A nodal officer has been appointed in every district, where a special team has been constituted for better care of home quarantined patients. As part of the exercise, 80,000 ASHA or Auxiliary Nurse Midwife workers and 15,000 rural health workers trained by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) have been engaged for a door-to-door survey of Covid patients in home isolation, the Additional Chief Secretary added.

NIOS is an autonomous body which functions under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Education. It provides a number of vocational, life enrichment and community oriented courses besides general and academic courses at secondary and senior secondary level.

Mr Amrit said the scheme helped in identifying two critically-ill Covid patients in Supaul district, who were provided timely care.

"The app is a big help in fighting the Covid spread in rural areas of Bihar for more effective day-to-day monitoring of Covid patients," Amrit said.

About the rural health workers roped in as foot soldiers in the fight against the pandemic, NIOS Director Sanjay Kumar Sinha told PTI over phone from Delhi that they have been given a crash course for one year by MBBS doctors.

Those enrolled in the one-year course were imparted classes in the treatment of basic health problems in Primary Health Centres, he said.

Mr Sinha said the project was launched in Bihar in 2015 when he was posted as Regional Director of NIOS at Patna.

Over 15,000 in Bihar have cleared the examination conducted by the NIOS and they have been given a certificate of community health worker, he said.

Mr Sinha, however, said that these community health workers are strictly directed to provide basic medical assistance to the needy only and help them reach a hospital if the condition is serious.

Also read: Govt issues advisory on how masks, distance, ventilation can beat Covid-19
Singaporean health ministry has directed the office of Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) to issue directions to social media portals in view of a false assertion over a new COVID-19 variant originating in the country and its risks spreading to India.

Social media sites will have to carry a correction notice to all their end-users in Singapore who use Facebook, Twitter and HardwareZone.com.

The ministry said: "There is no new 'Singapore' variant of COVID-19. Neither is there evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is 'extremely dangerous for kids'. The strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India. The existence and spread of the B.1.617.2 variant within India predates the detection of the variant in Singapore and this has been publicly known and reported by various media sources from as early as May 5, 2021."





Under corrections and clarifications, Singapore MoH stated, "There's no new "Singapore" variant of COVID-19. Neither is there evidence of any variant that is extremely dangerous for kids. Strain that's prevalent in recent weeks is B.1.617.2 variant which originated from India."  ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2021

In this regard, POFMA Office has to issue general correction directions to Facebook, Twitter and SPH Magazines Pte Ltd. All of them are required to carry the correction notice to all end-users in Singapore: Ministry of Health (MoH), Singapore  ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2021

Also read: Singapore govt objects to Kejriwal's COVID-19 variant remark, Centre says he doesn't speak for India

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar clarified on the same on Wednesday and said: "Delhi CM does not speak for India". Dr Jaishankar also recognised Singapore's role as a logistics hubs and an oxygen supplier.

However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships.



So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021

The controversy took place when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for cancelling all flights to and from Singapore, saying a strain of COVID-19 found in the country could reach India's national capital in the form of a third wave.

Also read: 'No truth that there's new COVID strain in country': Singapore on Arvind Kejriwal's tweet

Kejriwal had tweeted in Hindi, "The new form of coronavirus in Singapore is said to be very dangerous for children. It could reach Delhi in the form of a third wave. My appeal to the Central government: 1. Cancel all air services with Singapore with immediate effect, 2. Work on vaccine alternatives for children on priority basis."

Edited by Mehak Agarwal
Fertiliser stocks rose in trade today after the Modi government raised subsidy on diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser by 140 per cent to protect the farmers from increase in prices.

Share of Deepak Fertilisers rose to a fresh 52-week high of Rs 309, gaining 7.24% on BSE. The share has gained 5.1% in the last 3 days. The stock opened with a gain of 4.3% at Rs 300.55. Deepak Fertilizers share is trading higher than 5 day, 20 day, 50 day, 100 day and 200 day moving averages. The stock has gained 191% in one year and risen 87.47% since the beginning of this year. In a month, the share has climbed 28.73%. Later, the stock closed 2.31% to Rs 294.80 on BSE.

Share of another fertiliser manufacturer Chambal Fertilisers zoomed 8.83% to all-time high of Rs 310 on BSE. The stock has risen 115.26% in one year and gained 27.7% since the beginning of this year. Later, the share closed 2.28% higher at Rs 291.35.

Stock of another fertiliser player National Fertilizers opened with a gain of 10.35% at Rs 72.35 on BSE.

The stock has gained after 3 days of consecutive fall. It trades higher than 5 day, 20 day, 50 day, 100 day and 200 day moving averages. The share has gained 191% in one year and risen 84.24% since the beginning of this year. The stock closed 5.86% higher at Rs 69.55 on BSE. Share of another industry player Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizer rose up to 4.16% to Rs 403 on BSE.

The share has gained 191% in one year and risen 71% since the beginning of this year. Later, the share closed 0.83% lower at Rs 384 on BSE.

The subsidy on DAP fertiliser has been raised to Rs 1,200 per bag from Rs 500 per bag. The decision will cost the exchequer Rs 14,775 crore, in addition to the Rs 80,000 crore spent annually on fertiliser subsidy to farmers.

"It was discussed that the price of fertilisers is undergoing an increase due to the rising prices of phosphoric acid, ammonia, etc internationally. PM stressed that farmers should get fertilisers at old rates despite the international rise in prices," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. In 2020, the actual price of DAP was Rs 1,700 per bag. After Centre's subsidy of Rs 500 per bag, the companies were selling fertiliser to farmers for Rs 1,200 per bag.

"Recently, the international prices of phosphoric acid, ammonia, etc used in DAP have gone up by 60 per cent to 70 per cent. So the actual price of a DAP bag is now Rs 2,400, which could be sold by fertiliser companies at Rs 1,900 after considering a subsidy of Rs 500. With today's decision, farmers will continue to get a DAP bag for Rs 1,200," the statement said.
The pandemic has turned the talent market more competitive than ever before. Organisations are battling for the top available talent. They want to hold on to industry expertise as long as possible and have sufficient time to search for a replacement if a top employee decides to leave. This situation has led to excruciatingly long notice periods, often unproductive, becoming increasingly common among varied sectors.

Although there is no universal rule as to when you should give a notice period and for how long, high-level leadership positions and highly technical jobs often see a notice period of more than 30 days which can definitely be considered long.

Also Read: JP Morgan allocates $3.8 mn in aid for India employees amid COVID-19

But why do organisations have long notice periods?

Many organisations believe that long notice periods deter other potential employers from seeking out their employees due to the wait time. Secondly, they also believe a long notice period ensures enough time for work transition. The beliefs have endured because no one has really quantified the impact of these archaic policies, which in reality is quite adverse.

Is a long notice period effective?

A long notice period fails on multiple accounts:

No change in employee attrition rate: Many organisations often hope to control their retention rates by buying or holding back with a longer notice period. However, this has not shown to have any impact on employee attrition for organisation with longer notice periods.

Many organisations often hope to control their retention rates by buying or holding back with a longer notice period. However, this has not shown to have any impact on employee attrition for organisation with longer notice periods. Loss of employee productivity: An outgoing employee has very little motivation to contribute to the organisation. Even the most conscientious employees will contribute productively for at most a month, after which they are bound to lose interest. During their notice periods, employees can also be a source of distraction for other active employees.

An outgoing employee has very little motivation to contribute to the organisation. Even the most conscientious employees will contribute productively for at most a month, after which they are bound to lose interest. During their notice periods, employees can also be a source of distraction for other active employees. Encourages peer departure: Most outgoing employees will share their new compensation details (typically 20-50% hike). So, the outgoing employees and his/her new 'hiked' salary range serve as a new salary benchmark to the others. As more employees get motivated to seek greener pastures, longer notice periods inadvertently end up giving more time to exiting employees to influence other colleagues.

Most outgoing employees will share their new compensation details (typically 20-50% hike). So, the outgoing employees and his/her new 'hiked' salary range serve as a new salary benchmark to the others. As more employees get motivated to seek greener pastures, longer notice periods inadvertently end up giving more time to exiting employees to influence other colleagues. Adverse impact on organisational morale: Once an employee has decided to leave, they tend to emotionally disconnect. In many cases the outgoing employee may not be exiting on the best note and may thus seed discontent and disharmony. Unfortunately, there is no existing system for the management or the human resources team to exercise much control in such a situation.

Breaking down the financial impact of a long notice period

Let's take the example of an IT services company, say TCS, with a 3-month long notice period, as against a typical 2-week notice period for IT services in the US.

1. Cost of unproductive time: -

Average unproductive time during the notice period: 10 weeks out of the 12 weeks' notice.

Assuming average salary of Rs 10 Lakh, the unproductive time costs the company : 10,00,000 X 10/52 ( no. of weeks in a year ) = Rs 1,92,307

Total cost of unproductive time: Assume 10%, attrition rate, for TCS alone, this translates to 47,000 employees attrited x 192,307/employee = Rs 904 crore or $121 million.

For the IT services industry in India with a 4.36 million workforce this would come to Rs 8,384 crore or $1.1 billion.

Job changes cause a chain reaction and market numbers tend to inflate for all employers. This sets an eye-catching precedent for other employees, keeping in mind that the outgoing employee has three months to ensure that his/her good fortune is well advertised.

Also Read: Unemployment rate rises to 14.5% in week ending May 16: CMIE

Increased bench cost

Business decisions are made at a faster pace than they used to be a decade ago. To be able to compete, win and deliver projects, all players are now forced to carry a substantial bench strength because a three-month delay in hiring just doesn't cut it.

50% of this bench strength is attributable to increased notice periods. Assuming an average salary of Rs 10 lakh, TCS's outlay increased by 23,500 x 10 lakh = Rs 2,350 crore or $321 million. The math can be repeated for every IT services company. India's IT services sector alone employs 4.36 million people, which would then translate to an increased cost of $3 billion.

Typically, such a bench would entail 10% of the organisation. India's IT services sector alone employs 4.36 million people, which would then translate to a mammoth cost by way of direct costs alone (indirect costs such as payroll, engagement, training, management, and seat costs would be over and above this).

Other losses to the company and economy include:

Increase in recruitment effort by several multiples, given that only 1 out of 2/3 candidates who accept the offer, ends up joining.

Loss in predictability in staffing for projects inevitably resulting in loss of reputation for company and country (contrast this with a two-week notice in the US, UK or Singapore).

In short, large IT services companies have a hidden cost of at least $400-600 million annually on account of this antiquated concept of long notice period. Similarly, the IT services industry in India is estimated to lose $5-6 billion annually.

In conclusion

Ideally, there is no rationale as to why Indian companies need to have a 90-day notice period. The same organisations that have 90 days as their notice period expect candidates to join within a few weeks which doesn't really add up. There is a critical need for industry bodies and individual players to go back to the whiteboard and relook at the existing notice period rules.

All organisations in the US, UK, Europe and Singapore have a two to four-week notice period, and they remain competitive and efficient. In fact, the short notice period has made them plan transition, recruit, train and onboard more effectively. There is a clear need for Indian organisations to evolve now.

(The author is Managing Director APAC, Catenon.)
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Bitcoin recovers to $38,000 after plunging 30% in 24 hours

The world's largest cryptocurrency Bitcoin has declined 6.62 per cent to $38,018.85 in the past 24 hours. The world's biggest cryptocurrency saw around a 26.7 per cent drop on Wednesday. The most famous cryptocurrency started seeing a major decline after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his company will no longer accept Bitcoin as a digital payment due to the damage Bitcoin processing causes to the environment.

ByteDance Co-Founder Zhang Yiming to step down as CEO; Rubo Liang to succeed

Zhang Yiming, co-founder of TikTok owner ByteDance, told employees of the Chinese technology giant in a memo that he will step down as chief executive and be succeeded by co-founder Rubo Liang, the company disclosed on Thursday.

'No new variant': Singapore emphasises again; issues directions to social media platforms

Singaporean health ministry has directed the office of Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) to issue directions to social media portals in view of an assertion over a new COVID-19 variant originating in the country and its risks spreading to India. Social media sites will have to carry a correction notice to all their end-users in Singapore who use Facebook, Twitter and HardwareZone.com.

Amazon hit with five new racial, gender bias lawsuits

Amazon.com Inc was hit on Wednesday with five new lawsuits by women who worked in corporate or warehouse management roles, and accused the online retailer of gender bias, racial bias or both. The women, ages 23 to 64, accused Amazon of favoring men over women in career growth, allowing supervisors to denigrate them, and retaliating after they complained. An Amazon spokesman said the company has found no evidence supporting the accusations.

COVID-19: Not much difference in breakthrough infections for Covaxin, Covishield

There is not much difference in breakthrough COVID-19 infections amongst those vaccinated with Covishield and Covaxin vaccines, as per government data. Detection of coronavirus in a vaccinated person after 14 days of receiving COVID-19 vaccine is called breakthrough infection. While the absolute numbers are higher for Covishield, the difference isn't much in percentage terms.

Reliance Retail moves NCLT for shareholder meet to approve Future deal

Reliance Retail Ventures has reportedly asked National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for permission to hold a shareholders' meet to consider and approve its Rs 24,715-crore deal with Future Retail. Reliance stated that the legal proceedings involving Amazon and Future did not stop the Mukesh Ambani-led company from seeking its shareholders' approval for the deal as the final verdict will come from Supreme Court.
Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland will provide a life insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh besides medical insurance cover for all COVID-related treatment to the extent of Rs 1 lakh to the on-roll employees of its channel partners amid the second wave of the pandemic.

An estimated 15,000-20,000 people are likely to be benefited by this initiative, the company said. The Hinduja flagship has already rolled out a slew of measures for its own employees in the face of the pandemic.

These include financial assistance and continuation of salary for six months to an employee's family in case of death due to COVID, setting up of a tele-consultation platform with doctors on board to enable employees and their families to reach out to them digitally and work from home facility for most of the executives, among others.

In a communication to the channel partner Wednesday late evening, Vipin Sondhi, MD and CEO, Ashok Leyland, said that the company has always considered its channel partners and their employees as its extended family, and their health, safety and well-being have always been the utmost priority.

We stand by you in these times and as immediate support, we would like to announce a life insurance cover of Rs 1-lakh and a medical insurance cover, for all COVID-related medical treatment, to the extent of Rs 1-lakh for all your employees on roll, Sondhi said.

He also urged the company's channel partners to get vaccinated and also encourage their employees as well for the same on a war footing, adding that the vaccination is the only way to break the chain.

Ashok Leyland, itself has been carrying out a vaccination drive for its employees against the infectious disease. On May 17, Ashok Leyland had said that about 75 per cent of its 45-plus age group employees have been vaccinated while across age groups, 25 per cent have been vaccinated.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq set for June launch in India
India has moved up a spot to third position on EY's Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index owing to an exceptional performance on the solar photovoltaic (PV) front. US and China are in the first and the second spot, respectively.

According to the report released on Wednesday, India's solar sector is likely to grow substantially post the COVID-19 pandemic, with generation from solar PV forecast to outdo coal before 2040, EY said in a statement.

The drastic change has been led by the government's policy ambitions, which have led solar PV to be the most cost-competitive source of power in the region and improve further with the passage of time, it added.

Also Read: Committed to decarbonising Indian economy, says Dharmendra Pradhan

The observations are as per the 57th EY Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) released by EY globally.

In 2020, global renewable energy capacity investments grew 2 per cent to $303.5 billion, the second-highest annual figure recorded to date despite the impact of the pandemic, EY said.

However, the EY RECAI 57 estimated that future development to achieve net zero will require a further investment of $5.2 trillion and highlighted the role of institutional investors in financing the energy transition.

The RECAI 57 found that environment, sustainability and governance (ESG) goals are increasingly being prioritised on the investor agenda while institutional investors' interest in renewables continues to grow.

"India has moved one position above (3rd) from the previous index (4th), this is primarily due to the exceptional performance on the solar PV front. Installed solar PV capacity in India has skyrocketed to 39 GW marginally overtaking the wind capacity for the first time," Somesh Kumar, Partner and National Leader, Power & Utilities, EY India, said.

The economic attractiveness of solar PV and intense competition from the private sector has led to record low tariff bids, Kumar added.

India also committed to setting up 450 GW of renewable energy power capacity (installed) by 2030 at a recent climate summit hosted by the US.

Also Read: India set to cross 100GW renewable energy capacity mark in 2020

This will likely increase the share of renewable energy in overall power generation installed capacity to 54 per cent, vis-a-vis share in overall gross generation to 36 per cent, he said.

The forthcoming 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) presents an opportunity to close the gap between what governments have promised to do and the level of action they have undertaken to date.

The RECAI 57 finds that current policy and pledge trajectories from leading nations indicate an increased commitment to greater accountability and transparency, with representatives expected to outline clear roadmaps and details on policy measures to spur investment in renewables.

Ben Warren, EY Global Power & Utilities Corporate Finance Leader and RECAI Chief Editor, said the impact of the pandemic on economies worldwide seems to have refocused investors' minds on the environmental, social and corporate governance agenda and there is a growing trend towards considering the climate crisis and the energy transition when deploying capital.

"As a result, interest in renewable energy development has risen among institutional investors who have pledged to incorporate climate-risk concerns into their decision-making processes, resulting in new models of investment to locate opportunities that satisfy their risk and return expectations," Warren added.

Also Read: Adani Green to acquire SB Energy's India portfolio for $3.5 billion

The US retains the top position on RECAI 57 and is expected to hold its position under President Joe Biden, it stated.

The reacceptance of the Paris Accord, coupled with the recent announcement to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) levels by 50-52 per cent as early as 2030 and achieve 100 per cent carbon free power by 2035, will likely see increased investment interest in the US, it added.

Similarly, China has remained a buoyant market and maintains the second position, adding 72.4GW of new wind power in 2020, as developers rushed to beat an onshore wind subsidy cut, it stated.

In April, China and the US also announced that they would work together and with other markets to tackle climate change.

(With inputs from PTI.)
Two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine are around 85% to 90% effective against symptomatic disease, Public Health England (PHE) said on Thursday, citing an analysis of real-world data from the rollout of the shot.

Britain has suffered one of the worst death tolls globally from the pandemic, but has also had one of the fastest vaccine rollouts, generating a lot of data about the use of the shots in real world settings.

In a weekly surveillance report, Public Health England said the estimated effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine, invented at the University of Oxford, was 89% compared to unvaccinated people.

That compares to 90% estimated effectiveness against symptomatic disease for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

"This new data highlights the incredible impact that both doses of the vaccine can have, with a second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine providing up to 90% protection," vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said.

PHE said the analysis was the first of its kind on the effectiveness of two doses of AstraZeneca in a real-world setting but was not yet published in a journal, adding more data would boost its confidence in the finding.

Britain has been rolling out the shots manufactured by Pfizer and AstraZeneca since December and January respectively, and in April also started rolling out Moderna's vaccine.

PHE said there was a "small reduction in vaccine effectiveness" from 10 weeks after the first dose of the Pfizer shot before the second shot is given.

Britain extended the gap between doses to 12 weeks, though Pfizer warned there was a lack of evidence of its efficacy outside the three-week gap used in trials.

Last week, Britain cut the gap between doses down to 8 weeks for the over 50s, aiming to give maximum protection to more vulnerable people in light of concern about the B.1.617.2 variant first found in India.

Also Read: 10 billion Covid-19 vaccines required globally in 2021 for high immunisation
Highlights The crypto market crashed badly on Wednesday.

Bitcoin and Ethereum have recovered in last 24 hours.

Cryptocurrencies are not illegal in India.

The entire crypto world was shaken on Wednesday as it lost close to $1trillion in market cap and biggest of trading platforms, including Binance and Coinbase crashed, leaving investors fuming. Most cryptocurrencies have recovered in the last 24 hours. Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin were all in green (at the time of writing), while others also showed a positive sentiment. The recent fall came after China's decision to ban financial and payment institutions from providing cryptocurrency services.

Three state-backed organisations, including the National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association and the Payment and Clearing Association of China issued a warning on social media. They basically told the investors that they will have no protection if they were to incur any losses from crypto-currency investment transactions.

The market reaction to China's decision and massive dip in cryptocurrencies following that, expose the volatile nature of these digital coins, being hailed as the future of transactions. This also brings focus back to the legal status of crypto in India and government's stance on it.

LEGAL STATUS OF CRYPTOCURRENCY IN INDIA

There has been a lot of confusion around the legal status of cryptocurrencies in India. This is because the government had proposed a bill earlier this year that had provisions to impose a ban on all cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Dogecoin. However, there has been no further development on that.

In fact, a recent report claimed that government has dropped the idea of a complete ban on cryptocurrencies. It found the suggestion, initially given by a committee headed by former finance secretary Subhash Garg in 2019, outdated. Instead, the government plans to put cryptocurrencies under the Asset Class and regulate them.

That's the important bit too. Cryptocurrencies are not illegal in India but, they are not regulated. This means that you can buy and sell Bitcoin, even hold it as an investment but, there is no governing body to look after or protect it.

"There is a lot of confusion in India right now. The thing is that there are no regulations in the country yet. When people hear that, they get scared. The fact is that a lot of things on the internet are unregulated. These included services like Ola and uber, even e-commerce is un-regulated," Nischal Shetty CEO and Founder WazirX told India Today Tech in an exclusive interview.

The important thing to note for investors is that the lack of regulatory framework to govern cryptocurrencies leaves a lot of scope for frauds and scams. Anyone out there can start an exchange platform or invent a cryptocurrency. This increases the risk for investors.

"The onus of researching before investing in the market is on the investors in an un-regulated market. The investors should study a crypto before putting money in it," Shetty added.

HOW TO BUY AND SELL CRYPTO?

There are a lot of crypto exchange platforms that have made it very easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin in the country. The popular Indian platforms include WazirX, Zebpay, Coinswitch Kuber and CoinDCX GO. The investors can also buy Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies through international trading platforms like Coinbase and Binance.

Unlike stock markets, all of these platforms work 24x7. This means you can invest and withdraw money on any day of the week and at any time of the day.

The process of buying and selling cryptocurrencies has also been made easier. You just need to sign up on any of these platforms, complete your KYC process, transfer money to the wallet and make the purchase. The investors also have the option to set a pre-decided limit for selling and buying crypto.

There is no limit on how much and what you can buy. The investors can start with as low as they want to. The purchase is completed within minutes after transferring the amount to wallet.

The challenge is that most banks are not willing to work with crypto exchange platforms which has restricted their ability to execute transactions.

"Banks are not giving us the option to accept deposits in the right way and if the banking system doesn't support crypto platforms, how they can work properly. Right now, we have to integrate a new bank to the platform every week because the existing bank stops working. This directly affects the users," Nischal explained.

Clearly, the crypto industry is very young, especially in India. There is a general lack of infrastructure too. The exchange platforms keep running into issues like inability to execute orders, server crashes and more. UPI transactions still don't work on them either. So, these are things investors need to keep in mind before investing.

The other option to buy or sell cryptocurrencies are P2P transactions. This translates to Person-to-Person transactions and works exactly as the name suggests. The users need to find an interested buyer or seller and they can exchange crypto directly with them. However, it isn't easy, especially with the current hype around cryptocurrencies.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH CRYPTO?

This is the most important part. The crypto market has grown exponentially in the last few years but, the fact remains that you can't do much with these digital coins. For example, a Bitcoin can't buy you a sandwich, right? So what good is it for? In real world, probably nothing. But, as a store of value, maybe a lot.

It can be compared to commodities like Gold or Silver. Over the years, people have used these precious metals as a method of payment. They are also bought in exchange for money, assuming that they store that value which will grow over the years.

"The purpose of Bitcoin is just like Gold, that is to store value. In fact, it is more accessible than Gold as you only need a mobile phone and internet to buy it. Gold can be liquidated more easily but, that's what makes crypto more volatile as well," Shetty said.

Apart from this, all cryptocurrencies are believed to have their own purpose. For example, Bitcoin is seen as substitute to Gold while Ethereum is seen like a global supercomputer and can be used to run any global program by purchasing cryptocurrency Ether.

However, there are others like Shiba Inu Coin which are nothing but, meme coins. They don't have any purpose or major value attached to them.

Having said that, there are multiple factors that decide a coin's value

Crypto scarcity Anything that is available in a limited quantity, will always have greater value attached to it. It's the same with cryptocurrencies. This is one of the reasons why Bitcoin has become so popular. There are only 21 million coins in the world and more of them started selling, the remaining became valuable. On the other hand, there is no limit on Dogecoins, which is one of the reasons why it might fail in the long run.

Coin utility How a coin can be used also decides how valuable it is. There are coins that can be used for a specific purpose or within a blockchain ecosystem. That makes the more valuable. Others have limited value attached to them.

The foundation of crypto market is laid on hope and speculation that after a point, so many people across the world will hold cryptocurrencies that their value will go up and more use cases will arise. However, not all speculations turn out right. So, if you are planning to invest in cryptocurrencies, do proper research, consult a crypto expert and then only park your money.
Highlights Microsoft will retire its Internet Explorer 11 desktop application on June 15, 2022.

The company will first pull off support for Microsoft 365 and other apps on Internet Explorer in August this year.

Microsoft urges Internet Explorer users to switch to Microsoft Edge for their web browser requirements.

Microsoft has marked the end of the line for its famous web browser Internet Explorer. Having struggled through the latter half of its existence, Internet Explorer would be shut down in June next year to give way to Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft first introduced the Internet Explorer on Windows in 1995. The web browser enjoyed a run of more than 25 years since then. Much of this life was marred by a gradual decline in its user base over the years, thanks to its slow evolution that was outpaced by that of its competitors like Google Chrome.

Microsoft had long seen this coming and hence, had decided to bring in Microsoft Edge as its primary web browser. As Edge marked its debut in 2015, Internet Explorer was reduced to a "compatibility solution" for Microsoft users.

In a recent blog, Microsoft has announced that the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022. The company has even shared a timeline for this phase-out of the app.

As per the timeline, Microsoft will pull off Microsoft 365 and other apps and support for Internet Explorer 11 on August 17 this year. This was first indicated by the company in an announcement last year, as it pulled off Microsoft Teams support for IE 11 since then. The removal of support for the desktop application of IE 11 will follow next year. Microsoft is expected to end the Internet Explorer bundled in Windows soon after.

"We are announcing that the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge," Microsoft stated in its blog. The company cites several reasons for this transition.

First, it says that Edge offers better compatibility than IE11. It mentions that Edge has a dual engine advantage that supports both legacy and modern websites, as opposed to the built-in legacy browser support for websites and applications on IE 11.

Microsoft also highlights several new features on Edge that offer vastly enhanced productivity in comparison to Internet Explorer. It also states that the browser is much more secure than IE 11.

Going forward, Microsoft suggests its users shift to Edge if they are using Internet Explorer. The company says that the transition can be completed smoothly, with an easy transfer option for all the passwords, favourites and other browsing data from Internet Explorer.

More importantly, it points out that Microsoft Edge even has a built-in Internet Explorer mode, so users can still access it if they come across a website that needs IE to run.
 Flash

Lies told a thousand times remains lies and the truth will always be discovered. Recently, more and more objective voices have begun refuting the groundless accusations about China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Across the world, the truth is being uncovered.



The U.S. website Project Syndicate pointed out in an article titled "The Xinjiang Genocide Allegations Are Unjustified" that the U.S. falsely accused China of "genocide" in Xinjiang without any evidence.

An article published by El Pais, a top-ranking Spanish-language media outlet, last week said that so-called human rights problems and the use of forced labor in Xinjiang "are the new banner driving the latest round of sanctions against Beijing by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union."

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying acknowledged a long list of international publications and individuals that had spoken truthfully about Xinjiang at a press conference on May 12. Among them were U.S. independent news website The Greyzone; media outlets from Australia, Brazil, Singapore and Sweden; and individuals such as former mayor of Frogn municipality in Norway, and French author Maxime Vivas.

Hua noted that these reports and voices pointed out "the allegations of 'forced labor' and 'genocide' lack evidence and expose the double standard on counter-terrorism by the US and other Western countries as well as their geopolitical conspiracy to use Xinjiang to contain China."

"I hope those in the U.S. will take some time to read them," Hua said.
Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which has been the butt of jokes for many years due to its slow speed, will stop working on certain devices from June 15, 2022. Microsoft on Thursday announced that it has decided to pull the plug on its pioneer internet browser. The firm will replace Internet Explorer 11 with Microsoft Edge.

"Today, we are at the next stage of that journey: we are announcing that the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge," noted Microsoft in a blog post.

The firm has stated that Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10.

The original version of Internet Explorer, which is now more than 25 years old, was launched by Microsoft in August 1995. Internet Explorer remained the dominant internet browser for many years before being sidelined by the likes of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc. People soon started clowning on Internet Explorer for its slow speed compared to other browsers. Eventually, even Microsoft lost interest in the Internet Explorer as it launched Edge, a more modern browser.

Earlier, Microsoft had announced that its 365 services will not support Internet Explorer. "Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications," the firm noted. "Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode ("IE mode") built in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge."

Microsoft further explained, "With Microsoft Edge, we provide a path to the web's future while still respecting the web's past. Change was necessary, but we didn't want to leave reliable, still-functioning websites and applications behind."

Also Read: Bill Gates' leadership roles at Microsoft, philanthropic foundation stay intact despite damning allegations

Also read: Microsoft investigated Bill Gates' 'intimate relationship' with employee before he quit: Report
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Syngenta

News Summary

With the second wave of the Covid pandemic gripping rural India in an unprecedented crisis, the country's leading agriculture company Syngenta India has stepped in to provide support to help farmers cope with healthcare challenges. The company is rolling out a series of CSR initiatives across the country towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
WEEXPOINDIA

News Summary

After a massive success of two world class PAN India shows in the Education space, WEEXPOINDIA is partnering with Telangana Government to host the new hybrid format of International Auto Show  WEEXPOINDIA Auto (#WAS2021) between September 16th-19th 2021 at Hitex, Hyderabad International Trade Expositions Centre, spanning a total of 63,000 Sq. M overall area.
Sinopec put into operation a solar-powered gasoline station that it describes as Chinas first carbon-neutral service station

In todays Caixin energy news wrap: Corruption investigations snare more officials in the energy sector; companies link up to explore hydrogen fuel cells for ships; Chinas state railway builder secures massive contracts while the countrys first carbon-neutral gas station is now in service.

Chinas first carbon-neutral gas station goes into service

State energy giant Sinopec put into operation a solar-powered gasoline station that it describes as Chinas first carbon-neutral service station, the company said Tuesday. The Jiaze station in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, is equipped with solar panels that are projected to generate 127,000147,000 kilowatts annually. That would more than offset the 99,000 kilowatts the station consumed in 2020 and would lower carbon dioxide emissions by 91.2 105.6 tons, the company said.

Former PetroChina executive detained in corruption probe

Li Anqi, a former China National Petroleum Corp. (PetroChina) executive, was detained as part of a corruption investigation, Caixin reported. Li was a vice president of a PetroChina division thats developing the countrys massive Changqing oil field. His arrest is related to a case involving Tang Xin, the oil fields chief dispatcher, who was detained in January on suspicion of corruption, Caixin learned.

Graft probe snares another top official at regional steelmaker

Dong Ruizhang, a vice president of Kunming Iron and Steel Group Co. Ltd., is under investigation for serious violations of discipline, according to authorities in Southwest Chinas Yunnan province. The phrase almost always refers to corruption. Dong is the fourth top official at the steelmaker who has been caught up in an anti-corruption dragnet, spotlighting often weak corporate governance at big state-owned enterprises in Chinas less-developed areas.

Shangji Automation unit signs $790 million silicon purchase contract

The Hongyuan New Material (Baotou) Co. Ltd. unit of Wuxi Shangji Automation Co. Ltd. (603185.SH) signed a 5.1 billion yuan ($790.9 million) contract with Xinjiang Xiexin New Energy Material Technology for polycrystalline silicon, Wuxi Shangi said Tuesday. Hongyuan New Material will buy 31,000 tons of the raw material for electronics and photovoltaics between June 2021 and December 2023.

Huaibei Mining starts new coal mine operation in Anhui

Huaibei Minings Xinhu coalmine started trial production at the Xinhu Coal Mine developed by its subsidiary Anhui Bozhou Coal Industry Co. Ltd., the company said. The Xinhu mine, in Woyang county, Anhui province, mainly produces coking coal with annual production capacity of 3 million tons.

State railway builder CRCC secures $10 billion of contracts

China's state-owned railway builder China Railway Construction Co. Ltd. (601186.SH) won bids for eight major projects totaling 66.7 billion yuan ($10.4 billion), the company said Tuesday. The contracts would generate income equivalent to 7.32% of the companys operating revenue in 2020.

Yaguang Technology to develop hydrogen fuel cells for ships with partners

Yaguang Technology Group Co., Ltd. (300123.SZ) signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop hydrogen fuel cells for ships with several partners, the company said. The partners include Tsingyan Huake Institute of New Energy (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Nanjing Tsingyan Engineering Technology Co. Ltd. and Shenzhen Guoxin Deta Technology Information Co. Ltd. Hydrogen fuel cells use a chemical reaction to generate electricity that can be used for zero-emissions propulsion.

Contact editor Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and Bob Simison (bobsimisonn@caixin.com)

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(Bloomberg)  A wave of strong oil buying by processors in China and Japan  underpinned by one mega-refiners massive spree  has lifted spot premiums in Asias physical market, adding to signs of rising global demand.

Spot premiums for crude grades favored by Chinese and Japanese refiners, such as Russias ESPO and Qatars Al-Shaheen, have surged to multi-month highs, according to traders who asked not to be identified. Dubai crudes prompt timespreads went deeper into backwardation  a bullish market indicator  with the differential more than doubling from last week.

Oil processors and traders are weighing mixed signals from Asias market as the coronavirus pandemic leaves an uneven imprint. While key crude importer India has been hit hard by a brutal Covid-19 wave, other nations, especially China, have continued to do well. Those signs of progress add to evidence of recoveries in Europe and U.S. demand, underpinning gains in futures markets.

On Tuesday, Chinas Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. purchased 12 million barrels of Middle Eastern varieties from Abu Dhabi, Oman and Iraq  the biggest volume in about seven months. The purchases come after the Chinese government announced on new tax on imports of three oil-related items from next month, a move expected to spur Chinese buying of heavy crudes.

Russias Surgutneftegas PJSC sold multiple cargoes of ESPO crude for July loading at premiums that are at the highest since December, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Japanese oil companies also picked up at least five cargoes of Qatars Al-Shaheen crude at the widest premiums so far this year.

Spot buying activities for mostly July cargoes are likely to remain active throughout this week, with a flurry of import tenders for Middle Eastern crude issued by Japans Fuji Oil Co., Thailands PTT PCL and Indian Oil Corp. that are due later this week.

Contact editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com)

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In todays Caixin energy news wrap: Premier Li Keqiang calls for guaranteeing commodity supply and price stability; China unveils three new regulations for the carbon market; DCE revises iron ore futures rules; Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway to open next year.

State Council calls for stability in commodity prices

Led by Premier Li Keqiang, the State Council called for stability in commodity prices in an executive meeting May 19. It was the second time in seven days that Chinas cabinet called out commodity prices. A week earlier, the body set tracking and analysis requirements for domestic and overseas markets in response to surging prices of raw materials.

Three new regulations for the carbon market

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued three sets of rules May 19 on carbon emissions registration, trading and settlement. Under the rules, carbon emissions quota will be traded on the national carbon. The ministry may introduce other products. Trading will be based on the price per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent, with the minimum declared unit at one ton of carbon dioxide equivalent and the minimum declared price at 0.01 yuan ($0.008).

DCE releases revision of iron ore futures contract and rules

The Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) issued modifications Wednesday for iron ore futures contracts and rules. The standard ore grade for iron ore futures was reduced from 62% of iron content in ore to 61%. The exchange also plans to regularly alter allowances for quality differences of substitute products, weakening premiums and discounts for deliverable iron ore brands to help stay in sync with the spot market amid big price fluctuations.

China establishes oil and gas methane alliance

The conference to establish the China Oil and Gas Methane Alliance was held May 18 in Beijing. The alliance consists of seven members: China Petrochemical Corp., China National Petroleum Corp., China National Offshore Oil Corp., China Oil & Gas Pipeline Network Corp., Beijing Gas Group Co. Ltd., China Resources Gas Group Ltd. and ENN Energy Holdings Ltd. Members will work to incorporate methane into carbon emissions reduction plans, aiming for an average methane emissions intensity in natural gas production of less than 0.25% by 2025.

Indonesia to open Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway next year

The construction of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway  Chinas first overseas high-speed rail project is now 73% complete. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he hopes the railway will be operational by the end of 2022. With a length of 142 km and design speed of 350 kph, it will be Indonesias first high-speed rail line. It will connect the capital Jakarta to Bandung, the countrys third-largest city.

Construction approved for 4 nuclear power units

China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. (601985.SH) won approval for the construction of the proposed No. 7 and No. 8 nuclear power units at the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant in Jiangsu province and the No. 3 and No. 4 units at the Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant in Liaoning province, the company said Wednesday. The four units have a single unit capacity of 1,274 megawatts and a designed service life of 60 years.

Inner Mongolia sets up platform to report illegal crypto mining projects

Inner Mongolia, as one of the major provinces providing computing power for Bitcoin mining, set up a platform to report illegal virtual-currency mining projects, which consume vast amounts of energy. The local economic planning agency is encouraging people to submit information about any company or activity involved in cryptocurrency mining, including companies disguising themselves as data centers to benefit from preferential policies on tax, land and electricity prices, businesses that provide services to mines, and companies that obtain electricity illegally for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining.

Qingdao Tianneng Heavy to construct phase II of offshore wind project

Qingdao Tianneng Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (300569.SZ) signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the government of Lufeng, Guangdong province, to build its phase II offshore wind power project, the company said Wednesday. The initially investment comes to 2 billion yuan ($310.8 million), and the project is expected to reach completion in three years.

China deploys offshore oil production rig in South China Sea

Chinas largest independently designed and constructed offshore crude oil production platform  Lufeng 14-4 central platform operated by China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC)  completed its float-over installation in the eastern part of the South China Sea. The platform is expected to be put into operation by the end of 2021, said Gao Shuang, general manager of CNOOCs Lufeng oil field groups regional development project. It will provide more oil and gas resources for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

Shanghai Electric Wind Power Equipment debuts on STAR Market

The shares of Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group Co. Ltd. (688660.SH) debuted Wednesday on the Shanghai Stock Exchanges STAR Market. Shanghai Electric Wind Power is a holding subsidiary of Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd. Through the IPO, Shanghai Electric Wind Power will be able to pour more investment into the development of core technologies in the wind power industry, strengthening and expanding the sector.

Steel prices increase pressure on chinas shipbuilding industry

The climbing price of steel is putting the shipbuilding industry under heavy cost pressure. Reporting earnings Tuesday, China State Shipbuilding Corp. Ltd. (600150.SH) said increases in the cost of shipbuilding itself are negligible in comparison with the sharp rise in steel price. The price of steel plate has risen by more than 20% since the end of 2020, which is likely to hurt the profitability of the shipbuilders main business, the company said.

BP, Didi charging stations realize carbon neutrality

BP Xiaoju New Energy (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd.  a joint venture of BP Plc and Didi Chuxing  reached carbon neutrality in its charging business, BP said Wednesday. Carbon-neutral charging will be provided to all China customers using the BP Xiaoju Charging Network. This is the first carbon-neutral charging product launched in China to meet both domestic and international carbon neutrality standards.

Jiangsus first zero-carbon technology industry park opens in Wuxi

Jiangsu province opened its first zero-carbon themed technology industry park in Wuxi. The park plans to introduce more than 1,000 sci-tech enterprises in the field of zero-emissions and to cultivate 20 comprehensive service platforms for energy custody and carbon asset management by 2025.

Contact reporter Denise Jia (huijuanjia@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)

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Do you have an athlete in mind that contributes to the team or sport, holds sportsmanship and team spirit, has epic playmaker moments and/or in general makes the the sports fun? If yes, please make your nominations for our edition of Athlete Spotlight.

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This car needs little introduction. You, your relative, your friend, or at least someone you know own one. Its a vehicle that transcends so...
Cadet Dillon Haymore rings a bell as the names of Carteret County law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty are read Wednesday during an Officer Down Memorial ceremony at Carteret Community College in Morehead City. (Cheryl Burke photo)
Jon Gellin and Kelly Alexander with their two children, Clara, 7, and David, 11. Both parents are fully vaccinated, but their children will not be eligible for at least several months. Christian Green / Carolina Public Press
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As it confirms that it is forging ahead with a hybrid event, Annecy Festival has unveiled the features in competition for its 2021 edition.

The festival has chosen 19 features: ten in the main competition, nine in the Contrechamp category (which is reserved for more indie and offbeat fare). At least one of these films was supposed to play at last years festival, which was held entirely online, but saw its production delayed by the pandemic.

Japan once again has a strong presence, with three films in the running, including the latest from major studios Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell) and Studio 4C (Children of the Sea). Canada is the only other country with three features, among them Felix Dufour-Laperrieres experimental work Archipelago.
Who is leading the division? Christian Roberton has been appointed president. He spent almost two decades at MPC, where he ended up serving as managing director of film. Prior to that, he worked in 2d animation in London, becoming company manager at Uli Meyer Studios.

Why is Technicolor doing this? The change heralds a big step up in the scale of the business. Roberton tells The Hollywood Reporter that the vfx and animation units could go from 8,000 to 11,00012,000 employees in the next year. He anticipates 700800 new animation hires in that time. The studios will share technology, talent, and workflow.

What does that mean for animation output? Roberton says the company is looking to potentially double the size its feature animation business, from around three to six projects on the go at any one time. Current projects at Mikros, which is based in Montreal and Paris, include Spin Masters Paw Patrol: The Movie and Paramounts The Tigers Apprentice. It also worked on Paramount+s The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run (image at top).

Key here is the presence of Andrea Miloro, the new president of Mikros. She has plenty of experience in feature animation, having most recently served as co-president of Fox Animation, where she had oversight of the now-shuttered Blue Sky. Roberton stresses that she has a wealth of knowledge and some great connections to talent that were at Blue Sky.

Is Technicolor focused on service work? For now, yes. Roberton cites the demand from streaming platforms as the main driver of the growth to come. But he adds: Of course there are often conversations about developing our own material and bringing directors in-house. So not now, but that definitely doesnt rule it out in the future.

Why does this matter? Technicolor is a century-old brand that has reinvented itself after a rocky few years. It is far from the only company capitalizing on the growing demand for animation and vfx, but it has greater scale, experience, and clout than most. Roberton is suggesting that his division is positioned to fill the gap in feature animation created by the closure of Blue Sky (which was located in North Americas eastern part, as Mikros is).
Photo: mgnsw.org.au

At the time I write this, British Columbia has received 2.93 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.



More than 85% has already been administered, meaning approximately 2.5 million citizens have now received a single dose of vaccine.



Just over 130,000 have now received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine



With the population of slightly over five million, this means B.C. has not reached the threshold where 50% of our population has at least one dose of vaccine.



Canada wide, this number is not far behind, with 46% of the population having received one dose of vaccine. In other words, almost one half of our population has been vaccinated.



The question that's increasingly being asked is, what comes next?



In the Unites States, the CDC has released guidelines that outlines many activities that are now considered safe and do not require mask wearing or social distancing.



In the U.K., there is now a four-stage roadmap that outlines the lifting of restrictions at each stage.



In Stage 3, for example, most businesses will be able to fully re-open.



This week, the U.K. intends to announce the country is now in Stage 3.



The EU is also creating a harmonized list of travel regulations and restrictions, as well as creating an electronic travel certificate.



Unfortunately, here in Canada, we still do not have a detailed re-opening plan from our federal government.



The Public Health Agency of Canada has recently posted some information but not to the level of detail needed by many Canadians.



As a result of this, the Business Council of Canada has written an open letter to the Prime Minister requesting a plan to reopen the Canadian economy.



This letter offers advice to the Prime Minister:



Canadians also want to know when it will be safe to travel again to see friends and loved ones. To avoid rising levels of confusion and frustration, your government should collaborate with officials in the United States and other countries in setting benchmarks that would enable the easing of border restrictions and travel quarantines.

"A clear and predictable plan for a gradual and safe return to a more normal life would instil public confidence while demonstrating concern for the physical, mental and economic health of Canadians. As business and community leaders we stand ready to work with you to ensure a safe and sustainable recovery.



The intent of my report this week is not to criticize the federal government for a lack of a plan, but rather to ask a question to the citizens of the Central Okanagan, Similkameen and Nicola.

When it comes to re-opening our local and national economy what are the concerns you would like to see addressed?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711
Photo: The Canadian Press Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller is seen during a news conference on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Ottawa. The minister said he doesnt think enough is being done to support mental wellness in Canada's Aboriginal communities.

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says he doesnt think enough is being done to support mental wellness in Canada's Aboriginal communities.

Miller says he has been in touch with the Shamattawa First Nation and has offered to connect mental-health specialists with the northern Manitoba community following a seven-year-old child's suicide attempt.

The attempt prompted Chief Eric Redhead to declare a state of emergency earlier this week and to call on the federal government for more help.

Redhead's own sister, a 32-year-old mother of four, killed herself earlier this month.

Two crisis teams from Manitoba Indigenous organizations were planning to head to the remote community.

Miller says urgent steps need to be taken to support the community now, but there must also be longer-term strategies.

"The particular age of the youth in question is especially heartbreaking," the minister said during a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday.

The community has reported an uptick in suicide attempts and mental-health crises during the pandemic, the chief said Tuesday.

Redhead said health-care staff are exhausted, especially after the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic's second wave.

Canadian Forces members were dispatched to Shamattawa in December at a time when about one-third of the community's population of 1,300 had tested positive for the virus.

Miller said a lack of culturally relevant mental-health services in many Indigenous communities has been an ongoing problem, but it's been exacerbated by the pandemic.

"It's clear that we are, as a country, not dealing with mental health and suicide in a way that is yielding the results that we all would like to see."

All levels of government need to work on solutions that must also address housing, education and infrastructure gaps on First Nations, Miller said.

Perry Bellegarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, tweeted that Indigenous communities must have on-the-ground support, especially during the pandemic.

"The impacts of COVID-19 have taken an emotional toll on many, and during a difficult time, I offer support to Shamattawa and anyone struggling," Bellegarde said.
Photo: The Canadian Press Newfoundland and Labrador Chief Electoral Officer Bruce Chaulk is shown outside of his office in St. John's, Thursday, February 18, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly

Newfoundland and Labrador's abrupt shift to a mail-in election in February led to more than 16,000 calls for help, several allegations of election violations and at least one plea for civility.

"While I recognize that this process has taken longer than expected, it would be appreciated if candidates making complaints do so in a civil manner," chief electoral officer Bruce Chaulk wrote in a March 14 email to all political parties as vote counting was underway.

"My staff have worked extremely hard during this election, and the tone and manner of some complaints border on harassment and unparliamentary conduct."

The email was obtained after The Canadian Press requested all correspondence between party representatives and Elections Newfoundland and Labrador about the vote-counting process, as well as data about the number of calls from the public looking for help.

The correspondence shows Chaulk scrambling to build a system to count more than 120,000 mail-in ballots while balancing COVID-19 protocols and the parties' right to oversee the process.

It also shows the Progressive Conservatives were concerned about "batch sign-ups" of voters, wherein people who called Elections NL were allowed register multiple voters without providing identification for them.

Meanwhile, 16,524 people phoned the voting information line to request a ballot or to ask if theirs was ever going to show up. There were so many calls, Elections Canada had to step in and take over the phone lines. "That was out of the ordinary for us to give support to the provincial election body," Matthew McKenna, an Elections Canada spokesman, said in an interview Tuesday.

But Newfoundland and Labrador's election was anything but ordinary.

Liberal Premier Andrew Furey called the election on Jan. 15, with voting set for Feb. 13. That plan unravelled as a COVID-19 outbreak swept through the St. John's region in early February. Poll workers resigned en masse, health officials put the province in lockdown and Chaulk finally announced on Feb. 12 that in-person voting was cancelled.

Following several deadline extensions to request and return a mail-in ballot, votes were ultimately due on March 25. Results announced March 27 gave the Liberals a thin majority, with 22 of the legislature's 40 seats.

At 48 per cent, the election saw the lowest voter turnout in the province's history, and results in three districts are now being contested in court.

Emails show voters were phoning right up until the March 25 deadline to ask when their ballots kits would arrive. An email from Elections Canada indicates the phone lines got 301 calls in the three days before the deadline, and 94 calls on the day ballots were due. The most frequent questions asked during those calls were about missing ballot kits; kits that had arrived with either no ballot, multiple ballots, no return envelope or incorrect information; and whether there was a place to drop off completed ballots.

From March 15 to March 21, there were 753 calls, asking the same types of questions. The 16,524 calls fielded in total by Elections Canada from Feb. 16 to March 26 represents over nine per cent of voters in the province. During the 2019 federal election, the Elections Canada information line took calls from 1.7 per cent of voters, according to numbers supplied by McKenna.

Behind the scenes, both the NDP and the Tories were growing increasingly concerned about the scrutineering processto oversee the vote count, while the Tories demanded answers about alleged "batch" voter sign-ups.

"We have also become aware of batch sign-ups  someone calling, and signing up multiple voters, without ID verification," Progressive Conservative campaign consultant Steve Kent wrote in a Feb. 19 email to Chaulk. "Is this actually being permitted?" He wrote to Chaulk again on Feb. 25, asking for a response.

Kent told The Canadian Press on Wednesday that he never received a response from Chaulk about that issue. Party secretary Rhonda McMeekin said the Tories asked about the batch sign-ups several times and received no response. "It remains unclear whether these batch sign-ups occurred or not," she said in an email Wednesday.

Chaulk declined to comment on Wednesday, citing the ongoing court challenges in three districts.

As for overseeing the count, Chaulk told the parties in early March they could have only one scrutineer on site who'd be required to work long hours and bring their own snacks.

But on March 5, he said he'd devised a plan using simultaneous Skype calls that would allow scrutineers to monitor the count remotely. That way each party could have several scrutineers and they could switch out and give each other breaks, he said.
Photo: CTV News

A BBC journalist used deceitful behavior to secure an explosive interview with Princess Diana in 1995, in a serious breach of the broadcasters guidelines, an investigation found Thursday.

The BBC said in November it had appointed a retired senior judge to lead an investigation after Dianas brother, Charles Spencer, made renewed complaints that journalist Martin Bashir used false documents and other dishonest tactics to persuade Diana to agree to the interview.

Spencer alleged Bashir showed him fake bank documents relating to his sisters former private secretary and another former royal household member, with the aim of gaining access to the princess.

The interview, in which Diana famously said there were three of us in this marriage  referring to Prince Charles relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles  was watched by millions of people and sent shockwaves through the monarchy.

The BBCs chairman, Richard Sharp, said the corporation accepts the investigations findings, adding there were unacceptable failures.

John Birt, director-general of the BBC at the time of the interview, which was aired on the Panorama news program, apologized to Charles Spencer in a statement.

We now know that the BBC harbored a rogue reporter on Panorama who fabricated an elaborate, detailed but wholly false account of his dealings with Earl Spencer and Princess Diana, he said. This is a shocking blot on the BBCs enduring commitment to honest journalism; and it is a matter of the greatest regret that it has taken 25 years for the full truth to emerge."

The investigation considered whether actions taken by Bashir influenced Dianas decision to give the interview. It also looked into how much the BBC knew about the mocked-up bank statements that Charles Spencer claimed Bashir produced.

Diana divorced from Charles in 1996 and died in a Paris car crash in 1997 as she was pursued by paparazzi. Charles married Camilla, now the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005.

Bashir, who was the BBC News religion editor, left the corporation last week on health grounds. He has been seriously unwell with COVID-19-related complications.
Photo: The Canadian Press Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem takes part in a news conference at the Bank of Canada in Ottawa.

The Bank of Canada says its concerns are mounting that households are piling on too much debt and posing what the central bank says is a key vulnerability to the economy.

In a new report, the Bank of Canada says many households have taken on large mortgages compared with their income, further limiting their flexibility to deal with a financial shock like the loss of a job.

The bank notes that total household debt has increased by four per cent since the start of the pandemic, picking up sharply since the middle of last year as the housing market started to heat up.

The Bank of Canada's report says the boom may help the economy rebound in the short-term, but could lead to a future bust if households have to cut spending because of another downturn that would slow the economy.

It could also mean they fall behind on mortgage payments, see a drop their home value that would impact its use as a nest egg for retirement, or be unable to get a needed loan.

The bank's latest review of the risks to the country's financial system also highlights concerns about a too-soon withdrawal of pandemic aid for businesses.
Photo: RCMP

Police got more than an impaired driver off the road in North Vancouver.

An early morning drinking and driving roadblock in the Lower Mainland city found known gang associates in possession of cash, drugs and a knife.

At approximately 3 a.m. on May 18, North Vancouver RCMP officers were conducting an impaired driving enforcement road check near Capilano Road and Marine Drive.

A newer model Range Rover approached, and the driver stopped and rolled down the window to speak to one of the officers.

"Generally, this initial brief discussion our officers have with the person behind the wheel allows them to detect possible impaired drivers," said Sgt. Peter DeVries. "But sometimes we find more than we're looking for, and that's a good thing."

While questioning the driver, the officer recognized one of the occupants who is known to be associated to the current Lower Mainland gang conflict.

During the subsequent investigation, police discovered a large amount of cash, two bags of what appeared to be illicit pills and a knife. The cash, drugs and knife were seized, and the investigation is ongoing.

"The police agencies across Metro Vancouver, including the North Shore, are working together, sharing resources, and exchanging real time gang intelligence in an effort to disrupt and prevent further violence," said DeVries.

"The North Vancouver RCMP have adopted a professionally assertive position in dealing with known gang members and, along with our counterparts, are working to achieve the same goal: to shut down these gangsters, to take away their guns, drugs, and crime money, and to protect our communities from their reckless violence."

DeVries said anyone who is involved in gangs, or spends time with someone who is, needs to understand they are in danger.

To provide information anonymously about the Lower Mainland gang conflict, call the Crime Stoppers Gangs & Guns Campaign at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
Photo: The Canadian Press Ravi Kahlon listens as John Horgan speaks to supporters during a campaign stop in Surrey, B.C., on Monday May 8, 2017. The British Columbia government is poised to announce details of a provincial restart plan on Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The British Columbia government is poised to announce details of a provincial restart plan to support the post-pandemic economy.

Ravi Kahlon, B.C.'s economic recovery minister, told the legislature today a restart announcement is set for Tuesday, but he provided few other details.

Kahlon made the comments during question period, where the Opposition Liberals called for an economic plan that includes targets and timelines.

B.C. has been under health restrictions for several weeks that closed indoor dining and group fitness activities and limits travel.

Kahlon acknowledged the hardships faced by businesses and B.C. residents, and urged people to register for vaccinations and get immunized.

COVID-19 case counts in B.C. have been declining in recent weeks as immunizations increase following record-high numbers of hospitalizations and COVID-19 infections.
Photo: The Canadian Press RCMP officers make their way around two protesters chained to a tree stump at an anti-logging protest in Caycuse, B.C. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jen Osborne

Opponents of old-growth logging have re-entered a restricted area on southwest Vancouver Island and Mounties have returned to enforce a court injunction that orders their removal.

Cpl. Chris Manseau says the RCMP thought yesterday they had cleared everyone from blockade camps along a remote forest service road west of Lake Cowichan, B.C., allowing Teal Cedar Products to resume work.

But he says in a statement that several people returned to the area and attached themselves to structures, and it's expected they will be arrested.

Manseau said yesterday that 12 people had so far been arrested this week as police began enforcing the injunction granted April 1.

More than three dozen protesters gathered in front of the Environment Ministry offices in Victoria today saying they support those arrested.

Protesters set up camp along the McClure forest service road around Easter, while others have been camping since last August around the Fairy Creek watershed near Port Renfrew, which they say is the last unprotected, intact old-growth forest valley on southern Vancouver Island.
Photo: The Canadian Press Omar Alghabra attends a news conference, Wednesday January 15, 2020 in Ottawa. Alghabra says he cannot yet commit to a date  or COVID-19 vaccination benchmarks  for when so-called vaccine passports will allow Canada to wind down quarantines and open its borders. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra says he cannot yet commit to a date  or COVID-19 vaccination rate benchmarks  for when so-called vaccine passports will allow Canada to ease travel restrictions.

Speaking at a virtual news conference today, he says decisions around the hotel quarantine for air passengers and eventual reopening of the border will hinge on public health advice and unspecified "data and evidence" tied to the pandemic.

Alghabra says the travel and aviation sectors will take off again "when it's safe."

Alghabra has stressed the need for a "common platform" to identify travellers' vaccination status, saying today that he is working with G7 countries and the European Union to integrate vaccine certification into international travel in the months ahead.

The EU took a step toward relaxing travel rules for tourists from outside the 27-nation bloc Wednesday when ambassadors agreed on measures to allow in fully vaccinated visitors, though a date remains to be set.

The EU ambassadors also agreed to ease the criteria needed for nations to be considered COVID-19 safe and from which all tourists can travel, depending on their coronavirus and vaccination status.
Photo: Chris Sky / Twitter

One of the most prominent figures in Canadas anti-mask and ant-lockdown movements has been arrested in Toronto for allegedly threatening to shoot people and driving his car at an arresting officer.

Toronto Police say Chris Saccoccia, better known at Chris Sky, turned himself in on Thursday.

Saccoccia had plans to tour B.C. again this weekend, with stops set in Kelowna, Kamloops and Vancouver, according to his social media. He drew hundreds of people to Kelownas Stuart Park last month during a stop on his cross-country Freedom Convoy.

In a news release Thursday, Toronto Police allege Saccoccia made threats to shoot people several times over the phone on May 12.

The threat was reported to Toronto Police on May 19, who attended an address later that day in the York Region to arrest him.

Police say Saccoccia tried to get into his vehicle to drive away from the officers, leading them to block him in.

When an officer approached Saccoccias vehicle, he allegedly reversed and drove at the officer, causing him to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. He then sped away from the officers.

Saccoccia has been criminally charged with three counts of uttering death threats, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He appears in court Thursday. It is not clear if he will obtain bail and be able to travel to B.C. this weekend.

Last month Instagram banned Saccoccia from the platform for spreading harmful vaccine misinformation and content promoting widely debunked hoaxes. He had upwards of 250,000 followers before his account was deleted.

He has been placed on Canadas no-fly list after several anti-mask incidents in airports and on aircraft.

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network published a report on Saccoccia last month, highlighting past anti-semitic and holocaust-denial related comments, as well as racism targeting Blacks and muslims and homophobia.
Photo: The Canadian Press President Joe Biden speaks about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, in the Cross Hall of the White House, Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden on Thursday hailed the impending cease-fire in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, saying he sees a genuine opportunity toward the larger goal of building a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Biden credited the Egyptian government with playing a crucial role in brokering the cease-fire and said he and top White House aides were intensely involved in an hour by hour effort to stop the bloodletting.

I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy, Biden said. My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that.

The president spoke soon after Israel and Hamas announced a cease-fire would go into effect at 2 a.m. Friday, ending an 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a halt. The fighting killed at least 227 in Gaza and 12 in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel accepted the Egyptian proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the deal.

The cease-fire was announced one day after Biden told Netanyahu in a telephone call that he expected significant de-escalation of the fighting by days end, according to the White House. But the prime minister came right back with a public declaration that he was determined to continue the Gaza operation until its objective is achieved.
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Sephaku Cement CEO passes

20 May 2021

The death of Peter Fourie, Sephaku Cement (Dangote Cement South Africa) CEO, was announced on Wednesday. Mr Fourie had suffered a stroke a week earlier and had been admitted to hospital but did not recover.

The board said: "It is with deep sadness that the board of directors announces the passing away of Pieter Fourie early this morning... Pieter was part of the SepHold founding management who dared to disrupt the long-standing cement industry oligopoly in 2005."

SepHold Board Chairperson, Brent Williams, said, We have lost an individual with enormous institutional insight and memory of the cement industry. This is indeed a very sad day for the Sephaku family. Pieter was pivotal in negotiating the relationship agreement with Dangote Industries PLC to establish SepHolds partnership in Sephaku Cement.

"Pieter had successfully established SepCem as a formidable cement brand in South Africa at the time of his passing."

Peter is survived by a wife, three children and five grandchildren.

Published under
CSN requests IPO for cement division

20 May 2021

After the recent IPO of its mining arm, Brazilian steelmaker CSN is now looking to list shares of its cement division. The company requested authorisation from securities regulator CVM for the IPO of CSN Cimentos, although it did not provide further details.

Cement sales in Brazil increased 20.8 per cent in the first four months of the year to 20.5Mt, according to preliminary figures from industry association SNIC. "The consumption of cement by infrastructure projects is medium and long term. The impact of these concessions on cement consumption will be felt from 2022 onwards," SNIC said in a release.

According to local media, Intercement Brasil, the cement unit of Mover-controlled InterCement Group, is also planning an IPO. Intercement sold around 8.7Mt in 2020 and has an installed cement capacity of 17.2Mta.



Meanwhile, European cement giant LafargeHolcim is reportedly considering the sale of its Brazil unit, reports bnamericas.

Published under
Polish cement association calls for protective measures

ICR Newsroom By 20 May 2021

he Polish cement association has called upon the government to support protective measures such as the border protection mechanism (CBAM) to enable the cement industry to meet the challenges presented by new climate regulations and the market environment.



In a letter to the Polish prime minister, the organisation says: However, we are concerned that the lack of protective measures - such as the Border Protection Mechanism (CBAM) currently being processed by the European Commission - may result not only in the collapse of the entire Polish construction industry for many years, but also in increasing, rather than reducing, the level of CO 2 emissions. This will happen mainly because the unprotected cement sector, which is bearing the enormous costs of the EU climate policy, will lose to the flood of cement from outside the EU.



According to the cement association, imports from Belarus, Turkey and Ukraine have rapidly increased. In 2020 Belarus imported 440,000t, up 80 per cent YoY and compared with 2016 the volume has tripled. The Polish association highlighted that production in these countries does not meet EU climate regulations, resulting in carbon leakage as cement imports from the three countries are said to increase the carbon footprint by up to 15 per cent when compared to Polish cement.



If protective support measures are not put in place, the manufacturers organisation fears that cement production in up to 70 per cent of Poland may be phased out with thousands of job losses. The cement and construction sectors currently employ nearly 2m jobs and generate eight per cent of GDP.

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Ukraine, China hold online forum to boost agricultural trade

Xinhua) 17:15, May 19, 2021

KIEV, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Industry leaders and business representatives from China and Ukraine gathered at an online forum Tuesday to discuss ways to further develop win-win cooperation in agricultural trade.

The forum, titled "Ukraine-China: The Future of Trade, Pulses, Grains, Oilseeds," was co-organized by the Community of Pulse Producers and Customers of Ukraine (SPPBU) and China Chamber of Commerce of Import/Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA).

While attending the forum, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Fan Xianrong said that in recent years, bilateral trade has been constantly growing and China has become Ukraine's largest trade partner.

Agro-products are playing an important role in bilateral trade, Fan said, adding that exports of Ukrainian agro-products to China reached 3.5 billion U.S. dollars last year, up by 84 percent year-on-year, and amounted to about 45 percent of Ukraine's total exports to China.

Fan said he believes agricultural trade between China and Ukraine will be even more vigorous in the near future.

The two countries can also strengthen cooperation in such fields as growing crops and processing agro-products, he added.

Meanwhile, Taras Kachka, deputy minister for Economic Development, Trade, and Agriculture of Ukraine, stressed the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in the agricultural sector.

Agricultural trade between the two countries has great potential, and Ukraine is interested in developing cooperation with China and bringing bilateral trade to a new level, Kachka said.

President of the SPPBU Antonina Sklyarenko, CFNA President Cao Derong, and business representatives from both countries also attended the forum.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Hongyu)
Salma Hayek almost died after contracting COVID-19.

The 54-year-old actress has revealed she caught the virus last year and spent several months recovering from the illness, which she says was so bad her doctor was begging her to go to hospital for treatment.

In an interview with Variety magazine  which marked the first time Salma has spoken about her diagnosis  she said: My doctor begged me to go to the hospital because it was so bad. I said, No, thank you. Id rather die at home. 

The publication reported Salma spent seven weeks in self-isolation in a room of the London home she shares with her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, and their 13-year-old daughter, Valentina.

Varietys article then stated: At one point, she was put on oxygen. She still hasnt fully regained the energy she once had.

Although she wasnt able to see her husband or her daughter while self-isolating, Salma did have the company of her southern white-faced owl named Kering, as she recently admitted her feathered friend sleeps with her whenever her husband is away.

The Frida star adopted Kering  who is named after the company Francois-Henri owns  after she responded to an advertisement about rescue owls, and the two are now inseparable.

She said last month: "I gave it to my husband as a Valentine's present and named her Kering because that's the name of his company and their symbol of the owl. And he was like, 'Well, thank you, but I know this is your own present for yourself.'

When my husband is not in town, she sleeps in the room with me. We have certain routines before we go to sleep. I watch TV with my iPad, and she likes to stand on the iPad.

Salma also insisted Kering is more "curious" than most owls, and has an unusual but "good" sense of taste.

She added: "Even though owls don't drink liquids because they take everything from their prey, she likes good wine, this one.

[She can often be found] on my head or my shoulder, my arms. Sometimes, when she is really close to me, I can feel her rubbing against me, which is really nice. And I feel so blessed. Just being in the same room [with her], there's an energy to it, and it is mesmerizing.
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Chatham, VA (24531)

Today

Cloudy early followed by heavy thunderstorms this afternoon. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
FreightWaves announced a $16 million capital raise to fund product expansion and go-to-market activities for FreightWaves Carbon Intelligence, the companys new sustainability platform built on FreightWaves SONAR.

The investment is led by Triangle Peak Partners, a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm that partners with companies in the technology and energy transition sectors. 8VC, Hearst Ventures, Prologis Ventures, Rise of the Rest fund, Fontinalis and Kayne Partners also participated in the round. Erik Levy, group head of Corporate Development for DMGT, the parent company of the Daily Mail Group, personally invested.

FreightWaves chose Triangle Peak Partners because of the firms unique understanding of subscription data platforms and energy transition technologies.

Weve received very strong interest in our Carbon Intelligence platform and customers are actively involved in developing the road map for the offering, said Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves. There is a major need in the market for carbon emission transparency and solutions that can help companies actively mitigate their carbon footprint. With FCI, supply chain managers are able to benchmark, analyze, monitor and forecast their Scope 3 emissions.

This investment follows a growth round in the summer of 2020 with Kayne Partners, which was raised to help the company scale operations.

We still have all of the capital we raised from Kayne last summer on our balance sheet, said Mr. Fuller. We finished 2020 much better financially than forecasted, dramatically improving our burn rate and were already seeing greater acceleration to-date in 2021. This additional capital will help us speed investment in the FreightWaves Carbon Intelligence platform, while maintaining a very strong balance sheet for opportunistic investments such as acquisitions and product development.

The Triangle Peak round represents the largest valuation markup in company history and allows FreightWaves to make investments in its sustainability platform.

In the first quarter of 2021, annual recurring revenue from the companys software business grew over 80 percent compared to the same quarter last year. The companys media business increased revenue by over 130 percent compared to the same period last year. Much of the momentum in the SaaS business is attributed to the introduction of SONAR Supply Chain Intelligence, which provides shipper-centric supply chain benchmarking, analytics, monitoring and forecasting capabilities.

Over the last 18 months, we have transitioned from an early stage venture-backed startup to a growth-oriented, but operationally efficient business, said Mr. Fuller. We have focused on driving operational excellence in all aspects of our business and have balanced high-growth with a path to profitability. As we adjusted our model from blitz-scaling to operational excellence, our growth and product innovation slowed a bit. But that period is behind us and we are now seeing an acceleration in new product development, new customer acquisition and retention.



FreightWaves also saw significant audience growth in its media business. Since the start of 2021, FreightWaves.com has had over 4.5 million unique visitors. Average time on the site was over three minutes, significantly higher than any other freight and supply chain media property, said officials.

FreightWavesTV, which was launched in April 2020, has had more than nine million views and has served more than 107 million minutes of content to-date. In the first quarter alone, FreightWavesTV had more than 3.1 million views and streamed more than 34 million minutes of content. FreightWavesTV is the only daily streaming video site dedicated to logistics and supply chain news and content.

FreightWaves plans to return to in-person physical events in November, with a new immersive format. F3: Future of Freight Festival will take place Nov. 8-10 in FreightWaves hometown of Chattanooga. F3 will dive into the current and future of freight logistics. The event is expected to attract thousands of C-level executives involved in logistics, transportation and supply chain management. Based on early registrations and interest, F3 will be the largest physical event FreightWaves has hosted to-date.
At the fifth meeting about City Manager Tim Thornburys status in Red Bank, an amendment to the employment agreement between the city and Mr. Thornbury was approved. At the commission meeting Thursday night, despite repeated attempts by the mayor and vice mayor to alter the proposal, the vote was to accept it as written. The original contract between the city and Mr. Thornbury was entered into on Nov. 6, 2018 when the responsibilities of the city manager were added to his existing position as director of the public works department and building inspector.

Attorney Sam Elliott, representing Mr. Thornbury regarding his contract, told the commissioners that it is well known that city manager jobs do not last long. When there is an election, things could change, so he asked for a contract to give him an exit which led to this proposed amendment to the agreement.

In the agreement that was finally passed, Mr. Thornbury will cease the duties of city manager and public works director, and will perform all the duties for all commercial building inspections required by the city until another inspector is hired or is certified to conduct the inspections. This arrangement will end on March 31, 2022. He will also provide on-call services upon request from the interim city manager for assisting in preparation of the 2021-2022 city budget, assisting with the transportation improvement projects that are in process, assisting with the notice of noncompliance from the National Park Service regarding the conversion of the old Red Bank Middle School property on Dayton Boulevard, as well as assisting with other transition matters and projects within the city that he has experience and knowledge of.

Under this agreement, he will be paid his current level of compensation which is $110,000. He will also be eligible to get health insurance and retirement benefits, vacation, sick leave, and an automobile allowance through Oct. 31.

Attorney Mark Litchford was retained to represent the city after City Attorney Arnold Stulce recused himself because of the long-time relationship he has had with Mr. Thornbury. Mr. Litchford told the commissioners that an on-call employee would be subject to responding to the city manager at any time. If the commissioners suggest that he resign, according to his original contract, the city would have to pay for 12 months of work and get nothing in return.

Vice Mayor Stefanie Dalton questioned the provisions for Mr. Thornbury to receive benefits. She contended that according to the citys personnel policy, benefits could only be paid to full-time employees working 40 hours a week, not those working on an as-call basis. She suggested that he should step back into the public works role he held in the past, but maintaining his current salary. Mayor Berry agreed.

Attorney Elliott replied that the vice mayor was being overly technical and that a contract is an obligation that can be changed and that obligations in it can be removed by the commissioners. Both attorneys Elliott and Litchford agreed that the board of commissioners has the power to adjust a change to a contract. Mr. Litchford added that after asking John Alexander, who was later approved to serve as interim city manager, he was told that Mr. Thornbury will be in the field or meeting with professional people every day. Mr. Litchford said that the designation of full-time is not in any job description in the citys personnel policy. The responsibilities of each job are determined by the city manager. Im satisfied on-call complies with the citys employment policy," said Mr. Litchford.

Commissioner Ruth Jeno said some of the projects that Mr. Thornbury has been working on have been ongoing for years and many are being funded by grants which he has been instrumental in getting and managing. The city would lose more that he would be paid for the next 12 months if those projects were lost. She added that he has also been working with the WWTA Board with regards to getting the sewer moratorium lifted in order to move forward with development of the old middle school property.

The vice mayor responded that she has concerns regarding any and all of the projects he has been working on that have not all been approved by the municipal planning commission as required before making changes to any public property. She said that all on-going projects need to sent back through the planning commission, which she said was required by state law.

She added that in the past year, he did 95 building inspections which, she said that she has read, takes around four hours each to perform, implying that would not require his attention full-time.

Mr. Thornbury responded that the first step in all municipal projects is for the city manager to receive approval from the commissioners to go forward in applying for funding or grants. He said that was done for each project. My point is that I have to get your approval first, he said. Three new projects were sent to the planning commission this week for review even though a recommendation to proceed is not needed for routine work such as simple resurfacing, he said. Widening the Lullwater Bridge was the project that did need approval because it altered the width, but repaving on Dayton Boulevard and updating ADA requirements did not need approval, but were sent due to the concern from the vice mayor.

Mayor Berry said if the agreement is reached that the city would still be looking for a new city manager, which she has been told takes around three months. So she suggested shortening the term of the on-call agreement for it to end on Nov. 6. When Mr. Elliott said that would not be acceptable, she withdrew her motion.

Then Vice Mayor Dalton said that the creation of the new position of commercial building inspector would set a dangerous precedent for future city managers and despite a legal opinion from Mr. Litchford representing the city, again suggested that he be assigned to the established position of public works director. I dont feel that creating a new position will help Red Bank going forward with future city managers, she said.

With my long experience with cities, said attorney Elliott, city managers talk. You have an agreement with Mr. Thornbury that is mutually beneficial. When you say it is jeopardizing Red Banks future, it is actually the opposite because Red Bank would not be honoring its agreements, so respectfully, youll have trouble in the future.

He still wants to do the job, said Commissioner Pete Phillips. He just doesnt want to deal with us. Mr. Thornbury, his attorney and our attorney have all agreed to the contract. It will all fall apart if we try to renegotiate it now, he added.

Mayor Berry then made a motion to amend the new agreement by adding that Mr. Thornbury be classified as the director of the public works department, based on comments from the vice mayor. Mr. Thornbury indicated that was unacceptable, after which the mayor again withdrew her motion.

Comments made at the meeting during the citizens participation include:

Some on the board want to make rules to benefit themselves.

In agreement with the vice mayor, the speaker said Mr. Thornbury should be asked to work for a daily rate.

With elections, things change and employees might leave. It was his decision to retire. He does not want to work for you.

You should consider changes that have occurred since the November election. Since then City Recorder Ruthie Rohen, a 33-year employee, Fire Chief Mark Matthews, a 45-year employee and City Manager Tim Thornbury, a 35-year employee have all left.

This process has been drawn out and has had a lot of theatrics, there needs to be a resolution and it should be done respectfully, and efficiently. You cannot bring in a new person and expect them to know what is going on. A new employee does not replace experience.

Thanks was given to Attorney Mark Litchford for his guidance and expertise during this procedure.

Why is an hourly wage not under discussion?

The amount of disrespect during the process has shown distain for all these people. Where is the compromise?

Commissioner Pete Phillips made the motion that was seconded by Commissioner Ed Lecompte, to accept the amended agreement approved by Thornbury, Litchford, and Elliott. The motion passed to accept the contract came from Commissioners Phillips, Jeno and Lecompte. Mayor Berry and Vice Mayor Dalton voted in opposition.

The search for a permanent city manager will be guided by MTAS, (Municipal Technical Advisory Services.)
The Performing Arts League announces the recipients of their 2021 Grants and Scholarships awards totaling $11,600 to support youth involvement in the performing arts. This year, PAL received seven applications from area organizations and awarded six grants to encourage the expansion and development of youth arts programs that recruit, develop or train young students.

Scholarships were awarded to two young performers to encourage their further development and training.

Greg Miller, president of the Performing Arts League, said, The mission of the Performing Arts League is to promote youth involvement in the Performing Arts. We do this by supporting meaningful projects and opportunities for young performing artists both individually and as part of a group experience. Over the years, we have been blessed to witness how these opportunities can change lives and impact our community in such positive ways. Especially during this difficult year, we consider our support for these students essential to the growth and well-being of our community. We are pleased that we were able to fund these outstanding projects, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the future.

2021 Grant Recipients: East Lake Expression Engine, String Theory (Instrumental); Chattanooga Boys Choir, Chattanooga Girls Choir (Vocal); Chattanooga Ballet (Dance); Christian Family Theater Youth Theater (Theater).



2021 Scholarship Recipients: Louise Howard (Instrumental); Harrison Wells (Dance)



Between 2014 and April 2021, the Performing Arts League has awarded over $160,000 in Scholarships and Grants to individuals and to support youth arts programs in the greater Chattanooga area. Among the individuals and organizations who have received funds from the Performing Arts League are: Chattanooga Ballet, Chattanooga Theatre Centre (Youth Theatre), Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras, Ballet Tennessee, Chattanooga Girls Choir, Chattanooga Boys Choir (Only Men Aloud), Chattanooga Clarinet Choir (Concerto Competition), The Howard School Band, String Theory, East Lake Expression Engine, Unity Performing Arts, Christian Family Theater, and the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga (Musical Playground). For more

information about the Performing Arts League and how to become a member, visit:

https://www.palchattanooga.org/




The Chattanooga Historical Society (Picnooga) will open a downtown storefront location at 110 E. 7th St. in late summer or early fall of 2021, founder David Moon said. The building is currently being renovated by Southern Spear Properties of Chattanooga.





Mr. Moon said, "The space will house the Societys collection and will serve as a community hub for local history offering frequent workshops, walking tours, educational programs, and other activities.





"The Historical Society found a grassroots following online in January 2014 with the successful Chattanooga history crowdsourcing project and Facebook page, Picnooga. In 2020 it became a nonprofit 501(c)3.





"From the beginning, our mission has been to bring a new layer of Chattanoogas history to the surface and make it accessible to everyone through social media channels and a searchable database. This mission will continue with an expanding collection of historic photographs, ephemera, and other artifacts that will be available online to the public as a free and open resource.





"Recently the Society hired a Curator of Collections to spearhead digitization efforts and fast-track the cataloging of nearly 5,000 items. There are also plans to exponentially double to triple their collections within the next two years with several large acquisitions already in negotiations.





"In 2022, the Society will launch the Brazelton Project, a dedicated web-based historical resource for Black and African American photography from the region.



"Picnooga has been the largest ongoing publicly crowdfunded project in the region. With its offline expansion, the organization will require funding through local foundations, small businesses, corporate, and government support."

For more information on sponsoring the Society contact David Moon or Laura Strong at history@picnooga.org.




Former Pilot Flying J president Mark Hazelwood said Chattanooga Federal Judge Curtis Collier is biased against him and should not preside over his retrial.

Convictions against Hazelwood were overturned by two members of a three judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals based on Judge Collier allowing the jury to hear racist songs and banter during a Pilot sales party attended by Hazelwood.

New attorneys for Hazelwood said the recordings were highly prejudicial to Hazelwood and tainted the jury against him.

Hazelwood, in a 29-page memorandum, said, "I believe the Court has a personal bias and prejudice against me and in favor of the government, and that a reasonable and informed person (a) would conclude that the Court has such a bias and prejudice, and (b) might question the Courts impartiality."

Attorneys also said they believe the retrial in Chattanooga will focus much more on the Haslam family.

Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, is the longtime Pilot president. His name came up several times in the first trial concerning whether he had knowledge of a widespread fraud on commissions owed to trucking firms. However, he was not charged.

Defense attorneys said, "We note that, for various reasons, the retrial will focus much more on members of the Haslam family than in the original trial. Since remand, we have discovered connections between the Court and Governor Haslam: for example, on October 28, 2014, Governor Haslam was the keynote speaker at an Urban League of Greater Chattanoogas Opportunity Day breakfast at which the Court was honored, and at which Governor Haslam and the Court were photographed together, and, on January 12, 2012, Governor Haslam and the Court attended a ceremony together, at which the Court administered the oath of office to Debra C. Poplin as Clerk of the District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, for whom Governor Haslam apparently served as a reference. We respectfully request that the Court consider whether any relationship or connection between the Court and Governor Haslam merits recusal."

Hazelwood is now represented by attorneys Jim Walden and Bradley Henry of New York City and Robert Cary of Washington, D.c.
U.S. Army Retired Lieutenant Colonel Chris Cole, representing Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented Chattanooga State police officers Chief Donald Coleman, Sgt. Jose Lopez and Sgt. Chad Rogers with an ESGR Patriot Award.



ESGR is a Department of Defense program established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. Patriot Awards are presented to individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating Service member and his or her family.



Matt Agnew, a second-shift police officer at Chattanooga State Community College and a Tennessee Air National Guardsman, nominated his supervisors for the award. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support service men or women through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.



Because of the tremendous amount of support Officer Agnew received from his three supervisors, he was able to perform his military duties without worry about his absence. As a veteran law enforcement officer, I can say without a doubt I have never had a chief be as supportive of my military service as Chief Coleman, stated Officer Agnew.



Sgt. Rogers is Officer Agnews immediate supervisor and as a military veteran himself, Sgt. Rogers understands his situation better than most. He is very flexible about covering the extra day-to-day duties during my absence, shared Officer Agnew. We speak frequently when I am gone, and he always asks if there is anything that he can take care of for me while I am away.



Although Sgt. Lopez is the first shift sergeant; he handles all personnel scheduling for the entire department and provided a great deal of flexibility when Matt was on orders or drill status. Last year when I had my orders extended, he stepped right in and made sure there was coverage without any issues, said a grateful Officer Agnew.



The Chattanooga area is well known for its support of veterans. In 2015, Chattanooga State received a VETS Campus Designation as one of 12 vet-friendly campuses across the state of Tennessee.



Chattanooga State is committed to supporting veterans of the United States armed forces, and we pride ourselves on being a veteran-friendly campus. This recognition of Chief Coleman, Sgt. Lopez and Sgt. Rogers by the ESGR makes us very proud, stated Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president.
Lisa Russell, assistant dean of Dual Enrollment at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, has received her second nomination for Georgia Author of the Year in the history category for her newest book, Lost Mill Towns of North Georgia.What started as a desire to learn more about her grandparents, who lived and worked in a mill village in Camden, NJ, led Russell to begin researching the lives of people in local mill towns.I try to tell the story of the average mill worker, she said.I use all facts, but I tell their stories as a narrative.Ms. Russell conducted her research by reading old newspaper articles and sifting through documents in local, state and national archives. The book looks at mill towns in Bartow, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Floyd, Gordon, Hall, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties as well as the rise and fall of what she calls the Mill Village Era. This is the third book on north Georgia history Ms. Russell has written and says this one is her favorite.When I am writing a book like this I just keep digging until I find something new and fresh, said Ms. Russell. If I find something already written about, I try to come at it from a new angle.Ms. Russell also interviewed people with first and second hand accounts of the regions mill villages and uses GNTC personnel to help tell the story. In her book, Ms. Russell thanks GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham; Don Hayes, evening coordinator at GNTCs Gordon County Campus; and Beth Gibbons, Student Success administrative assistant, for sharing their family ties to mill villages.There is a little GNTC in this book, Ms. Russell said. One of my favorite things that emerged from my research into this book was that Dr. Pophams grandfather-in-law earned a certificate from a Coosa Valley Technical College small engine course while he was working at the Lindale Mill.Ms. Russell hopes these stories will put together a comprehensible picture of what life in a northwest Georgia mill village looked like. Even though she goes into detail on nearly a dozen villages, she could not cover all the villages in the region.Her publisher, The History Press, nominated Ms. Russell for the award. The author has worked with the company since 2016 and enjoys being in a community of writers that focus on local history.I have always loved those books, they tell history in an engaging way, said Ms. Russell. People want to read stories with a clear narrative.For her next book, Ms. Russell wants to look at the women who were influential in the northwest Georgia area, but did not receive much historical recognition. In the meantime, she is thrilled to be nominated for an award she once helped coordinate when she worked for the Georgia Writers Association.Ms. Russell is the author of three books, Lost Towns of North Georgia, Underwater Ghost Towns of North Georgia and Lost Mill Towns of North Georgia.
Marsha seems obsessed with Dr. Fauci. Does it always have to be about her? I wish it was more about us. If it was more about us, instead of Marsha, she would be hard at work finding compromise on the federal infrastructure bill. No other city in the nation would benefit more from the infrastructure bill than Chattanooga. But Marsha has never read the bill and does not ... (click for more)
Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty along with Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas "asking for transparency after the Biden Administration allegedly has been transporting illegal unaccompanied minors to Tennessee."

They cited "media reports that, within the last week, at least four planes carrying UACs landed at Wilson Air Center in Chattanooga before swiftly boarding the children onto buses and transporting them to multiple cities across the Southeastern United States for apparent resettlement, with zero transparency regarding what was happening."

Earlier it was learned that migrant children were being taken to a former Tennessee Temple dorm in Highland Park surrounded by tall fences that have been covered.

Senator Blackburn said, Joe Biden has created a crisis at the southern border.

Biden's actions and rhetoric have caused thousands of illegal aliens to flood our borders and overwhelm our Border Patrol agents, who have been able to apprehend just half a million of them.

Now his administration is secretly transporting the migrants the Border Patrol did catch to communities throughout the United States. They are doing this in the dead of night without the knowledge or permission of the communities involved. Joe Biden has put these children at risk. He is putting Tennesseans at risk. The American people deserve the truth now.

The letter says, "For months, reports have detailed how thousands of children are being housed in neglectful conditions at mass shelters operated by HHS under a veil of secrecy. We are deeply troubled by the lack of transparency and accountability regarding the conditions that HHS is subjecting these children to.

"These reports raise many questions that need to be answered, but the basic question that must be answered is whether the federal government is using Tennessee as a central location for resettling UACs in the United States."



The full letter says:

Dear Secretary Becerra and Secretary Mayorkas:

We write to seek information on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) management of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in federal custody and the facilities used to house them. We are particularly concerned about recent reports regarding the use of Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a central location for resettling UACs in the United States.

There are media reports that, within the last week, at least four planes carrying UACs landed at Wilson Air Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before swiftly boarding the children onto buses and transporting them to multiple cities across the southeastern United States for apparent resettlement, with zero transparency regarding what was happening. For months, reports have detailed how thousands of children are being housed in neglectful conditions at mass shelters operated by HHS under a veil of secrecy. We are deeply troubled by the lack of transparency and accountability regarding the conditions that HHS is subjecting these children to.

Several governors, including Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee, have written to President Biden expressing alarm over how the federal government has circumvented state authorities by placing UACs in their states facilities with little transparency, consent, or coordination.

These reports raise many questions that need to be answered, but the basic question that must be answered is whether the federal government is using Tennessee as a central location for resettling UACs in the United States. The citizens of Tennessee are entitled to more information. After all, their schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies will bear the burden of this reported resettlement, which is the product of an ongoing border crisis that is making every town a border town.

In 2014, Congress became aware of a similar matter regarding a facility operated by HHS that housed over a thousand children. Attempts at oversight of how HHS was managing care for children were limited by undue visiting restrictions and heightened secrecy. Sadly, it appears this pattern is repeating itself.

In light of these recent reports and HHSs past secrecy, we ask that you schedule a briefing with us to discuss the Departments management of UACs, including any operations in Chattanooga and Tennessee at large.
Emmy Award winning Ben Sollee will perform, in collaboration with The Pop-up Project (Dance Group), on June 26 during the Arts in the Burg Launch Party Festival. This featured performance is the final event of the day in the Princess Theatre at 4 p.m. CST in South Pittsburg.

Click here for the full event schedule. Click here for tickets.

Review for Ben Sollee:

Over the last two decades, Kentuckian Ben Sollee has distinguished himself as multi-faceted creative, blurring the lines between music, tech, and experiential design. As a cellist, songwriter, and storyteller he has toured the globe, sometimes by bicycle, performing his original music. As a composer he has created music for stage, screen, and virtual reality apps earning an Emmy Award for his 2018 score for Base Ballet.

As a producer, he has curated hundreds of live events including experiences for the Speed Art Museum and Lincoln Center. Throughout it all, he has continued to advocate for people and the land by creating and curating experiences that grow a greater sense of togetherness.

The throughline for all my various projects is togetherness, says Mr. Sollee of his music and creative work. Whether Im producing a live experience or developing a virtual reality app, my purpose is the same: to include rather than exclude and help humans grow their affection for each other and the environment. Mr. Sollees body of work bears this out. His latest record Kentucky Native, blends traditional bluegrass with influences from Kentuckys latest immigrant population. In the 2010, Mr. Sollee teamed up with songwriter Daniel Martin Moore and My Morning Jackets Jim James to create Dear Companion, a record raising awareness about the devastating practice of mountain top removal strip mining in Appalachia. In fact, his advocacy for the environment is what led him to film composing.

Yes, early on my film composing centered around supporting filmmakers in and around Kentucky producing environmental documentaries, said Mr. Sollee, and my purpose was to help the audience be open to the issues in the films. As time went on, Mr. Sollees composing voice matured, showcased in films such as Maidentrip (2013) and Beauty Mark (2018). In 2013, he teamed up with composer Christopher Young on Killing Season, featuring Robert Dinero and John Travolta. Sollee infused his unique cello styling in to the films score and wrought the original song Letting Go. Ever the collaborator, Mr. Sollees latest score for Robin Wrights directorial debut Land finds him teaming up with contemporary string trio Time for Three.

Mr. Sollee is known for his outside-of-the-box cello playing and his curiosity has led him to new, innovative media spaces. In 2016, Mr. Sollee teamed up with designer Pat King of Woodpenny games to create The Vanishing Point, the first-ever interactive, virtual reality music app for mobile devices. The project was crowd-funded on Indie Go Go with the support of over 160 backers. Continuing his work in interactive media, Mr. Sollee collaborated with contemporary dance icons Keoni & Mari in 2018 to create the music for Ruth, the first-ever, interactive dancebook.

Mr. Sollee is also known for his social and environmental advocacy. Growing up in Kentucky, he developed a deep affection for the land and its people. This affection has manifested in many collaborations and projects with Appalachian Voices, The Nature Conservancy, and Oxfam America to name a few. In 2009, Mr. Sollee began touring partly by bicycle. Over the following five years, he racked up over 5,000 miles of pedaling around the nation with his cello Kay on what he affectional called his Ditch the Van tour. Currently, Mr. Sollee works as Media and Production lead for Canopy Ky, a non-profit helping businesses incorporate, measure, and grow their social and environmental good.

Mr. Sollee lives in Louisville, Ky. with his wife and three children.

Review for The Pop-Up Project:

In 2020 The Pop-up Project Produced a Feature Length Film entitled The Light We Share. This This visual-album highlights stories from everyday people, inviting us to look at one another with more curiosity and compassion, while also highlighting the process of creating vulnerable work in the midst of a pandemic. It is set to be released in the summer of 2021. Its production generated over $130,000 in revenue for local artists.


Two of Daltons leaders met with the director of the CDC on Thursday to discuss ways to combat vaccine hesitancy as efforts continue to get more people vaccinated in northwest Georgia and beyond. City Councilmember Annalee Harlan and Dalton Fire Chief Todd Pangle met with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky and other public health leaders at Dalton State College.

Councilmember Harlan has been instrumental in conceiving and organizing the City of Daltons drive-through vaccination clinics in cooperation with leaders from Whitfield County. The clinics have been popular with residents and have been successful in distributing thousands of doses of the vaccine.

The next drive-through clinic at the Dalton Convention Center is scheduled for May 25, from 10 a.m.

until 10 p.m. No appointment is required and anyone age 12 or older is eligible to receive the vaccine. No ID is required. Parent or guardian consent is required for children ages 12-17 to receive the vaccine. The drive-through clinic will have Pfizer vaccines for those receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine. For those receiving their second shots, please bring the vaccine card you received when you got your first dose.

Everyone who is currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is urged to do so as soon as possible.
The Beatles influenced a lot of classic rock musicians. However, one took this influence even further. A famous rock star admitted to Rolling Stone that he stole a number of Beatles riffs. Heres what he said about The Beatles  and heres a look at his collaborations with Paul McCartney.

Paul McCartney | Fiona Adams / Contributor

This classic rock star gave a stirring tribute to The Beatles influence

Rolling Stone released their list of the 100 greatest Beatles songs. It includes a lot of famous songs like I Want to Hold Your Hand and A Day in the Life as well as less prominent songs like Ive Got a Feeling. In addition, it begins with an introductory essay that reveals something very notable about a talented rock star.

Elvis Costello wrote the essay, in which he discusses The Beatles influence on other groups. The word Beatlesque has been in the dictionary for quite a while now, he noted. You hear them in Harry Nilssons melodies; in Princes Around the World in a Day; in the hits of ELO and Crowded House and in Ron Sexsmiths ballads. You can hear that Kurt Cobain listened to The Beatles and mixed their ideas with punk and metal. The scope and license of the White Album has permitted everyone from OutKast to Radiohead to Green Day to Joanna Newsom to roll their picture out on a broader, bolder canvas. He also noted The Beatles influence on one-hit wonders like the Flamin Groovies Shake Some Action and the Knickerbockers Lies.

The Flamin Groovies Shake Some Action

RELATED: Penny Lane: The Street The Beatles Made Famous May Get a New Name Because of Its Possible Ties to a Slave Merchant

Elvis Costello reveals what it was like to work with The Beatles Paul McCartney

In addition, Costello discussed The Beatles influence on himself. Now, Ill admit that Ive stolen my share of Beatles licks, but around the turn of the Nineties, I got to co-write 12 songs with Paul McCartney and even dared to propose that he too reference some of the Beatles harmonic signatures  as, astonishingly, he had made up another musical vocabulary for Wings and during his solo career, he recalled. Costello appeared to be referring to the Costello Album, also known as The McCartney/MacManus Collaboration. This album is a collaborative album between the two artists that was never officially released  though some of its songs were released later.

My Brave Face

RELATED: George Harrison Said This Song Meant for The Beatles White Album Was Perfect for Another Artist

The most famous song to appear on the Costello Album is My Brave Face. The collaboration between the two artists reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining on the chart for 10 weeks. My Brave Face was also a hit in the United Kingdom, as The Official Charts Company says it reached No. 18 in that region. It would be Pauls final top 40 hit until he worked with Kanye West on Only One decades later. While Costello stole some of The Beatles ideas, that didnt stop Paul from working with him and creating a hit.

RELATED: John Lennons Falling Out With The Beatles Biographer Ended With an Angry Phone Call: You Rotten Sod
So many things happened in A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14, United Front, so viewers need a quick recap. Rome Howard (Romany Malco) attempted to help Tyrell (Adam Swain) find a way to cope. Seeing Regina Howard (Christina Moses) hurt by a cop while protesting infuriated Tyrell.

Meanwhile, Katherine Kim (Grace Park) and Eddie Saville (David Giuntoli) struggle with their relationship and what to tell their son, Theo (Tristan Byon).

[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14.]

A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14: Lizzy Greene as Sophie Dixon and Chance Hurstfield as Danny Dixon | Jack Rowand/ABC/Getty Images

A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14 Recap United Front: Rome and Tyrell

Rome tried to help Tyrell cope with racial injustices in America. However, Tyrell kept skipping classes to attend the Black Lives Matter protests. Tyrell admitted that he went to the protests to record whats happening so that no one can rewrite history like in his classes at school.

Later on in A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14, Rome found a solution for Tyrells activism. Instead of continually skipping history class, Rome began to teach Tyrell how to use his video equipment. The teenager can create a documentary about the protests as an independent study instead of sitting through a history class that he hates.

Maggie Bloom tries to help Sophie Dixon

When Sophie Dixon (Lizzy Greene) returned from visiting her mother, Delilah Dixon (Stephanie Szostak), in France, she still wouldnt touch her guitars. To recap, in A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 12, Sophies music instructor, Peter (Andrew Leeds), sexually assaulted the teenager.

In an attempt to get Sophie to revisit music, Maggie Bloom (Allison Miller) told Sophie she needed help creating a theme song for her podcast. Although Sophie said she was taking an artistic break, she began playing again after hearing how pitiful Maggies jingle sounded. Things finally seemed OK when Sophies ex-boyfriend, Jake, appeared at the door with friendship flowers. Sophies brother, Danny (Chance Hurstfield), told him what happened with Peter.

RELATED: Where Is Delilah on A Million Little Things? Stephanie Szostak Hints at Her Return

Later, Sophie opened up to Maggie. The teen couldnt figure out how to label what happened since the instructor didnt touch her. He forced her to wear revealing clothing while performing and then touched himself in front of her.

With Maggies help, Sophie asked for another chance at MMI and shared her truth with the person who interviewed her. The woman explained that Sophie could audition again next year because Peter always recommended the best students. However, Sophie found out that the last student Peter mentored, Layla Gregory, died six months ago by suicide.

A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14 Recap: Gary and Darcy attempt to help the Saville family

A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14 United Front: Floriana Lima as Darcy Cooper and James Roday Rodriguez as Gary Mendez | Jack Rowand/ABC/ Getty Images

RELATED: A Million Little Things Darcy: Heres Why She Looks So Familiar

When Gary (James Roday Rodriguez) and Darcy (Floriana Lima) took care of Theo for a few hours, things did not go very well. Catherine and Eddie headed to Theos therapist to figure out how to tell him they are getting a divorce. However, Darcys son, Liam (Mattia Castrillo), told Theo about the divorce while the two boys played video games. Darcy called Catherine, and the parents rushed home to Theo.

Who is Steven?

Darcy talked an excessive amount about Steven during A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14. He checked her car before coming over, and she told several stories about him. Gary got a little jealous. However, viewers found out that Steven is her ex-husband. Darcy insisted that they have a great relationship so that they can parent Liam well.

Eddie, Katherine, & Theo

Who else needs a hug after this weeks episode? Thanks for tuning in and well see you next week with more #AMillionLittleThings! pic.twitter.com/WjutkA8ZFu  A Million Little Things (@AMillionABC) May 20, 2021

Later on in A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14, when they get home, both Katherine and Eddie head up to Theos room to tell him how much they love him. Thanks to Gary, single-handedly pulling Eddies wheelchair upstairs, Eddie doesnt miss the moment and their United Front. When Theo asked who he was going to live with, Catherine and Eddie disagreed. Eddie realized that Catherine had no plans to give him joint custody over Theo.

A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14 Recap: Rome and Regina

Reginas mother, Shelly (Romy Rosemont), began to get jealous of Walters (Lou Beatty, Jr.) new girlfriend, Florence (Karen Robinson). She joined Regina at her restaurant to teach her several new recipes passed down through generations.

Her mother surprised Gina with a visit to the restaurant and then criticized her about her Black Lives Matter sign in the window. Shes afraid it puts a target on her daughters back. However, Gina insists she already has a target because of the color of her skin.

Shelly insisted on staying to help the two women cook; however, it didnt go as planned. After a few hours, Gina yelled at her mother for suggesting she give up her dream of owning a restaurant. Meanwhile, Shelly took the outburst to heart, believing that she couldnt do anything right for her daughter. Florence stepped in and reminded Gina that family always comes first. Regina and Shelly admitted that they could both be themselves and try again.

Whats wrong with Regina?

Regina realized that she mistakenly put baking soda into the bread pudding recipe instead of salt. In the next episode, things get worse. Something is wrong with Regina since her head hit the pavement during their last Black Lives Matter protest. However, viewers wont find out what it is until the show returns.

A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 15 airs May 26, 2021, on ABC. According to IMDb, the A Million Little Things Season 3 finale airs on June 9, 2021.
Andy Cohen is the king of Bravo, hosting the late-night show Watch What Happens Live and acting as the father of The Real Housewives franchise. The television personality is heavily involved with the cable network and hosts the reunion specials for all the unscripted shows. Cohen recently aired his grievances about the name of the Southern Charm and Summer House mashup series, revealing he was not fond of it.

Andy Cohen | Bravo

What will the Southern Charm and Summer House spinoff series be called?

Bravo recently made huge announcements about what is coming to the network in the coming months. One of the biggest revelations was the mashup spinoff series between Southern Charm and Summer House. Up until recently, fans had been calling the show Winter House. The title made sense as most of the cast was from Summer House and they filmed during the winter.

However, Bravo officially dropped the shows name and announced its called Summer House Winter Charm.

When the temperature drops, the drama heats up, the NBCUniversal press release read. This all-new series follows some of Bravos favorite Summer House and Southern Charm cast members and their friends during a two-week vacation at a ski house in Vermont.

Andy Cohen | Bravo

RELATED: Summer House: Hannah Berner Quits Bravo Show, Confirms Exit

Andy Cohen is not happy with the name of the show

Cohen interviewed Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, stars of Southern Charm who are set to appear in Summer House Winter Charm. When Kroll asked Cohen what he thought of the name, the WWHL host did not hold back and revealed his real opinion.

I never say anything publicly against Bravo, but I actually saw the name and Ive been meaning to call two people at Bravo to say, What are you thinking?' Cohen shared. It actually is a terr it is an aggressively Its not good.

Conover said that despite the title of the show Cohen is going to love it because its really good. Cohen said he understands that as he has seen the whole show now.

Craig Conover and Austen Kroll | Tommy Garcia/Bravo

Who is part of the Summer House Winter Charm cast?

Conover and Kroll are the only two Southern Charm cast members on Summer House Winter Charm. The rest of the cast is from Summer House or are new faces to the franchises. From Summer House, Luke Gulbranson, Paige DeSorbo, Amanda Batula, Kyle Cooke, Ciara Miller, and Lindsay Hubbard took part in the new adventure.

When the Summer House finale aired on Bravo, the cable network aired a teaser to get fans excited for the new show. The cast is in the middle of a tug-of-war where its clear that one side has more strength than the other.

Amanda Batula and Paige DeSorbo | True Entertainment/Bravo

RELATED: Southern Charm: Madison LeCroy Drama Contributed To Jennifer Lopez Trust Issues With Alex Rodriguez

A couple of new faces are seen in the clip, but Bravo has not revealed who they are yet. There have been some leaks about what goes down inside the house, and Kroll and Miller have been rumored to have a fling. Nothing has been confirmed yet, and viewers will have to wait until the show premieres in the fall.

Bravo has not revealed the exact premiere date for Summer House Winter Charm nor what show it will be paired up with. Summer House just finished airing its finale, and Southern Charm usually starts filming around late spring.
As far as fan-favorite characters go, Jason Morgan of General Hospital is one of those characters fans cant resist. When Steve Burton, who plays Jason, announced in 2012 that he was exiting the show, fans were devastated, although they soon felt relieved when the actor returned to the show two years later.

Burton threw fans in disarray over a 2020 post he made which might have cryptically indicated his departure from General Hospital. So is Jason Morgan leaving Port Charles?

Steve Burton | Michael Tran/Getty Images

Who is Jason Morgan?

Jason and Sam are ready to tell their side of the story. Will they face charges for Shiloh's death on The Haunted Star? @1SteveBurton

A tense, new #GH STARTS NOW on ABC! @kellymonaco1 pic.twitter.com/rF3CspZnh5  General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) September 27, 2019

RELATED: General Hospital: Steve Burton Originally Auditioned for Another Role on the Show?

Jason Morgan was born Jason Quartermaine in 1981. He was Alan Quartermaine and Susan Moores son. After Susans death, he moved into his fathers mansion, where Monica at first didnt like him but ended up adopting him. In 1995 Jason and his brother A.J got into a car accident after A.J drunkenly ran the car into a tree.

Jason went into a coma and, after waking up, suffered memory loss. He rejected his family except for his grandmother and sister. After turning his back on the Quartermaine family, Jason took the name Morgan, his grandmothers maiden name.

He began working for Sonny Corinthos as the mobs enforcer but got shot by the Tin Man. When he survived, Robin Scorpio urged him to abandon the dangerous life, but Jason refused, which led Robin to ask Sonny to fire him.

Over the years, Jason has struggled to balance his life of crime with his better nature. At some point, his family thought he had died only for him to reappear in Russia, changing his facial features through plastic surgery.

Burton isnt the only actor whos ever taken on the part to play Jason. Before he took over the role, Quinn Carlson and Bryan Beck walked in the characters shoes. However, Burton has held the part the longest of the other two.

Fans misinterpreted Burtons post about the departure

Jason can't stop running until he clears his name. Can he convince Britt to jump ship before it's too late?

A tense, new #GH starts RIGHT NOW on ABC! @1SteveBurton pic.twitter.com/yiDP3IoGBo  General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 13, 2021

RELATED: General Hospital: Steve Burton Originally Auditioned for Another Role on the Show

Saying goodbye to a favorite character can be tricky, and General Hospital fans know this more than any other person. When Burton posted a photo with the caption looking back at what an amazing ride Port Chuck was! Thank YOU and thanks to @bfordanderson @brandonjbarash @scottreevesforreal for some of the best times of my life, fans went into a frenzy.

They immediately began speculating that Burton had indirectly announced his exit from General Hospital. Burton, however, cleared the air saying that his fans misconstrued his post. The actor explained that he was thanking his band for some of the best times of my life.

Burton clarified that Port Chuck and Port Charles were two different things: Port Chuck is Burtons band while Port Charles is the setting for General Hosptial, Burton stated he plans to stay in the fictional city for a while, thus laying the rumors to rest. He did, however, admit that his band was disbanding but would set a one-night-only show for their fans. Port Chuck comprises Burton and his co-stars Bradford Anderson, Scott Reeves, and Brandon Barash.

Is Jason leaving?

Jason knows how to dodge the bullets that are headed his way but is Brando as lucky?#GH is tense, new and starts RIGHT NOW on ABC! @1SteveBurton pic.twitter.com/pMWDPrNFO8  General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) February 19, 2021

RELATED: General Hospital: How Tall is Steve Burton?

Fans of the show can remember that Burton left the show back in 2012 due to contract issues. The actors contract negotiations with the network werent going well, and Burton announced that he would be walking away from the soap.

He confirmed in an interview that he had agreed to stay on the show long enough for the showrunners to find a way to give his character a fitting ending. Burton last appeared on the show in 2012. However, in 2014, Jason returned to Port Charles with a new face after Billy Miller took over the role, but fans later learned that he was Jasons twin.

According to Soaps In-Depth, Burtons fans can rest easy knowing that Jason Morgan isnt leaving Port Charles anytime soon. This came after Burtons clarification statements about his status on the show, meaning that Jason might be sticking around for a while.
Ina Garten has a simple and beautiful dessert that will impress your guests and, of course, she has some tricks that make it turn out perfect every time. The Barefoot Contessa stars chocolate pecan meringue torte is a show stopper but there are some pro-tips for perfecting the meringue.

Ina Garten | Mike Smith/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Ina Garten explained the origin of this beautiful dessert

In a post for the Today show, Garten explained the origin of her chocolate pecan meringue torte recipe.

When my late friend Anna Pump came to the United States from Germany, she started a cooking school in New Jersey, where she lived, she explained. This is one of the recipes she taught her students.

Its two disks of crisp and soft meringue, layered with a creamy chocolate pecan filling, Garten added. Your guests will be very impressed that you served such a professional-looking dessert!

How to make Ina Gartens chocolate pecan meringue torte recipe

Gartens chocolate pecan meringue torte recipe isnt difficult but does take some time to make. Garten begins by making the filling: melting chocolate, heavy cream, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla over a double boiler. She also creates a custard with eggs, sugar, and cornstarch set over a pan of simmering water. After both mixtures have cooled, she whisks them together, then adds butter and ground pecans.

She makes the meringues by whisking together egg whites, cream of tartar, salt, sugar, and vanilla extract, beating the ingredients on high speed for 2 minutes. Then she places the meringue mixture on parchment paper and spreads it to the size of an 8-inch circle shes drawn on the paper.

Garten bakes the meringues in a 250 degree Fahrenheit oven for an hour, then turns the heat off, leaving the meringues in the oven for another two hours.

Once theyve cooled completely, Garten pours the filling on the top of one of the meringues, adds the second meringue, and tops it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Garten recommends putting a bar of chocolate in the microwave for 15 seconds, then uses a vegetable peeler to make chocolate curls.

You can find the full recipe on the Food Network website.

RELATED: Ina Gartens Brownies Recipe Uses This Magic Ingredient She Says Enhances the Chocolate Flavor

Ina Garten offers her easy tricks for the perfect meringue

On the Barefoot Contessa website, Garten answered fan questions about perfecting meringue.

I have a question about making meringue, one person commented. Every time I prepare meringue to top my pies or pudding, within a few hours it starts to pull away from the sides and eventually deflates. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?

Garten assured, Thats normal! Thats exactly what meringue does, so its best served right after you make it.

Another fan wrote, My question is regarding meringue for a Pavlova dessert. Mine have a nice texture and taste, but the color is more beige than white. My oven is clean, and I have checked the baking temps with additional thermometers. Help!

Garten provided some valuable information that ensures meringues come out perfect. The problem is either that the temperature was too high or the meringue was in the oven too long, she wrote. In my experience, the trick with meringues is to keep an eye on them  unfortunately, they can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly!
Scandals hit the Duggar family once again thanks to Josh Duggar. Josh was arrested in 2021 for allegedly obtaining child sexual abuse images. Now, it looks like Jim Bob Duggar might have to do some damage control to save his familys name. And hes allegedly building a fence to protect his oldest child. Heres whats reportedly going on.

Wheres Josh Duggar now? The oldest Duggar family child was recently arrested

Josh Duggar speaks during the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) | Kris Connor/Getty Images

RELATED: Josh Duggars Alleged Computer Software Shouldve Alerted Anna Duggar About Sexual Abuse

Joshs scandals made life difficult for the rest of the Duggar family as far back as 2015. That year, the media caught wind that he allegedly sexually assaulted a few of his sisters and the family babysitter. Jill and Jessa Duggar came forward to talk about their experience. Ultimately, TLC canceled 19 Kids and Counting and replaced it with Counting On, a Josh-free show.

Now, the familys in even more trouble. On April 29, 2021, the police arrested Josh for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse images. This investigation took place after the raiding of his car business. The next day, Josh pled not guilty.

In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime, his lawyers stated, according to the New York Post. But when youre accused, you can fight back in the courtroom  and that is exactly what Josh intends to do.

Jim Bob Duggar is allegedly building a fence to protect Josh

Josh Duggar's dad is 'worried about son's safety & is building a fence' https://t.co/T4Monf8HPq  The Sun TV (@TheSunTV) May 19, 2021

It looks like Jim Bob might be going to great lengths to protect the Duggar family son. According to The Sun, Josh is staying with Lacount and Maria Reber, two family friends. They live in a mansion in Elkins, Arkansas, and agreed to take charge as third-party custodians in this trying time. It seems Josh cannot go back to his pregnant wife, Anna Duggar, and their six young children.

A source told The Sun Jim Bob plans on paying for a fence to be built around the Reber property, as he fears for Joshs safety.

Jim Bob is doing everything he can for Josh, and hes worried about the attention on him and the family, the source claimed. Hes concerned about photographers in town covering the case, and anyone who might want to hurt Josh because of the crimes hes accused of. Those who have rebelled against the family think its disgusting hes pulling out all the stops for him years after he was forgiven for molesting his own sisters.

Do the Duggars talk to Josh?

(R-L) AJ Calloway and Hilaria Baldwin interview the Duggar family during their visit with Extra | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra

So, does the rest of the Duggar family communicate with Josh at all? Its doubtful, as many of them have also taken to social media to condemn whats occurred. Jinger Duggar is allegedly horrified and disgusted by the allegations, a source told People.

Being a family themselves, the idea of these kinds of charges against Josh is a horrific thing, the source said. Jinger is having a hard time coping with it.

Jim Bob and Michelle also released a statement, as did TLC. 19 Kids and Counting has not aired since 2015, TLC noted. TLC canceled the show on the heels of prior allegations against Josh Duggar and he has not appeared on air since then.

As for Josh and his wife, Anna, well have to wait and see what happens with their relationship as everything plays out in the courtroom.

TLC did not return a request for comment regarding Jim Bob building a fence to protect Josh by the time of publication.

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.

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Steve Golds funky new Million Dollar Listing New York listing may have baffled former brokers, but his approach of appealing to buyers senses may be the winning strategy.

Golds gorgeous new listing on 123 Baxter has a few big hurdles. The luxury apartment sits in between four extremely distinct neighborhoods. Plus, the apartments lobby looks more like an abandoned bank. Of course, the owner wants top price for the home so Gold has to dig deep and figure out how to showcase the positive features of the location. Where does he turn? Food!

Steve Gold negotiates a property on Million Dollar Listing New York |Greg Endries/Bravo

Steve Gold features the best aspects of the four neighborhoods

Gold points out how the apartment is located in the middle of four very different neighborhoods. I had to figure out how to market a property that sits literally between four different neighborhoods, Gold says in a preview clip. A pop-up map shows the apartment in the middle of Little Italy, Chinatown, Soho, and Nolita.

He is seen brainstorming earlier with one of his team members to come up with a really sick idea for this launch event. As a result, We took it to the streets, Gold continues in his confessional.

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Lets highlight the most well-known restaurants from each area by bringing sampling! he tells his team member while they dine on Chinese dumplings. We could highlight Chinatown with dumplings. His team member suggests pointing out that the location is near just about everywhere too.

Steve Gold received good news about his Million Dollar Listing lobby

One of the coolest things about this property is each of the four neighborhoods has distinct food scenes, he points out in a confessional. So thats what I wanna showcase at the open house.

He visits a store in Soho that offers an array of tantalizing macaroons. And of course, Steve Gold speaks French. For Soho, macaroons from Laduree, he explains. From Little Italy, we went to Aunt Jakes and got the famous meatballs. We then went to Nolita and got our matcha cans from Cha Cha Matcha. Finally, in Chinatown, we got dumplings from Jing Fong.

He also plans to hand out a map of the area to showcase the prime location. But also he will give out a cool tasting menu during the open house. I think the more visuals the more they see, he tells his team member.

It takes a special type of person to work in NYC real estate. #MDLNY pic.twitter.com/U9lseN1QJi  Bravo (@BravoTV) May 7, 2021

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This apartment is amazing, Gold remarks in a confessional. But lets be honest. The lobby sucks, the exterior sucks. Luckily a couple of days before the open house I got news that the lobby is going to be redone. Not only redone but its already been paid for. The building has the money in its reserves. So today what Im focused on is selling the location. The map also shows that all the restaurants are within walking distance from the apartment.

Gold seems confident that his approach is a winning strategy. But will the buyers agree?

Million Dollar Listing New York is on Thursday at 9/8c on Bravo.
As tributes pour in for the legendary Paul Mooney, many are reflecting on his contributions to the comedy world. He spent decades as a writer and comic and as many know, called Richard Pryor his best friend and collaborator.

Younger generations got to know Mooney from his work on Chappelles Show and may have missed out on his celebrity origin story. What some may not know is that he changed his last name to a sentimental childhood nickname.

Paul Mooney attends National Coalition Against Censorship Gala on October 19, 2009 in New York City | JP Pullos/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Paul Mooney was raised by his grandparents

Born in Shreveport, Louisana to his teenage mom in 1941, LaVoya Ealy, Mooney survived a bus flip while still in his mothers womb. He wrote about the remarkable event in his memoir, Black Is the New White, and joked that he was a bus-plunge baby who was born to shock people.

Mooney described his maternal grandmother Aimay Ealy  whom everyone called Mama  as the key person in his world, someone who raised everyones kids, and that included the ones in the neighborhood.

His mother and father (George Gladney) were 16 when he was born, so she took care of him as her own. Mooney recalled being her favorite and also spoke highly of his grandfather, Daddy Preston Ealy who taught him more than a few life skills.

He grew up around his mothers large family in Louisiana and when they all migrated to Oakland, California. My Shreveport life is such a warm cocoon that even if we are in the racist South, I dont see myself as anything but loved. The whole Ealy clan, friends and family both, eventually relocates to California, he wrote.

There she is mother pic.twitter.com/iMecED2cjz  Paul Mooney (@PaulEalyMooney) May 9, 2021

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Paul Mooney got the Mooney name from his grandmother

Mooney was seven years old when his family left Louisiana, and he remembered his grandfather renting them a house on 18th street in Oakland. Its also where his grandmother deemed him Mooney.

Its on 18th Street that Mama first calls me Mooney. She never says why, he wrote. Maybe I am a sloe-eyed, moony child, dreamy-looking. Mama starts calling me Mooney, and then suddenly everyone else is calling me that, too. Pretty soon thats how I think of myself. I am not Paul Ealy or Paul Gladney. I am Paul Mooney.

He added that everybody in his clan had nicknames, including his mother, her sisters, and all the uncles in the family. Nicknames and look-alikes are running jokes. They create the world of my childhood, Mooney shared.

However, the name stuck with him into high school and well into his adult life. When his first children were born  twins  they were named Duane and Daryl Mooney.

Richard Pryor always called Paul Mooney Mr. Mooney

Richard Pryor and Paul Mooney were friends for decades and worked together on the club circuit and television. Though they were tight and looked out for each other, Mooney revealed that Pryor always called him Mr. Mooney, not Paul. There was a reason behind it.

Richard Pryor, (first black) agreed to host the show only with his friend poet Gil Scott-Heron..He also demanded that his writer Paul Mooney write all of his sketches.  Flying back to New York, a frustrated Lorne Michaels said, "He'd better be funny." HAH! pic.twitter.com/eTcI9vCQbG  Paul Mooney (@PaulEalyMooney) April 23, 2020

He always calls me that. Mr. Mooney. Off that character on The Lucy Show, he wrote. Their friendship began in 1968 and lasted until Pryors death in 2005.
Upon a time Prince Harry, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge were dubbed the Fab Four. But at some point, things went south between them and the Sussexes split from the royal household to start a new life in America. Royal watchers on both sides of the pond have kept an ear to everything Meghan and Harry have been saying about what life was like in Britains most famous family.

One thing that comes up a lot is Meghans claim during multiple interviews that she didnt know about Harry or his family before she started dating the prince. Now, a photo that surfaced online has fans questioning that again.

Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton seated on stage next to each other at the Royal Foundation Forum in 2018 | Chris Jackson  WPA Pool/Getty Images

Photo surfaces online of Meghan holding image of Kate

That photo that has been circulating online is of Meghan holding a copy of Irish U Magazine and standing beside deputy editor Denise Cash. The magazine has a picture of Kate on the front cover with a headline falsely blaring that the Duchess of Cambridge was having twins.

The picture of Meghan holding a magazine with her future sister-in-law on it was taken two years before the actress met Harry.

Journalist Dan Wooten shared the pic on his Twitter account. The post has been shared over 100 times and thousands of people have been reacting to it.

Fan reactions to the photo

Some were perplexed by the photo with one asking: What on earth is this! Other Twitter users brought up how Meghan repeatedly said she didnt know anything about the royal family or tabloid culture yet the publication had a false story about Kate being pregnant with twins.

Kate having twins?! Looks like a tabloid to me, one user tweeted.

Heloooooo Oprah what was it she told you???? another wrote.

Surely this is a coincidence. Remember, she didnt know anything about The Royals, a third person sarcastically added.

She said she knew nothing about the RF as shes fr[o]m the US & we dont do Royalty  This pic proves she knew about the RF to the point of knowing who Kate is, a fourth user tweeted.

Finally, one person offered a solid explanation as to why Meghan may have been holding up the magazine saying: I think you will find she is promoting her writing, top right hand corner see how easy for ppl [sic] to be misled and spout nonsense. Will & Kate happen to be on the fro[nt] cover.

Meghan blogged about Kate following wedding to Prince William

Prince William and Kate Middleton smiling and holding hands following nuptials at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Several commenters also noted that Meghan blogged about Kate before she and Prince Harry got together on her now-defunct blog The Tig.

Little girls dream of being princesses. I, for one, was all about She-Ra, Princess of Power, Meghan wrote (per Hello!) following her interview with Libyas Princess Alia Al-Senussi. For those of you unfamiliar with the 80s cartoon reference, She-Ra is the twin sister of He-Man, and a sword-wielding royal rebel known for her strength. Were definitely not talking about Cinderella here. Grown women seem to retain this childhood fantasy. Just look at the pomp and circumstance surrounding the royal wedding and endless conversation about Princess Kate.

RELATED: Why George Clooney Said He Was Irritated After Meghan Markle Gave Birth to Archie
Infrastructure at the university promoting start-ups and contacts in the business community has a positive effect on the start-up success of scientists. This is the result of a study by the IfM Bonn, which examined the start-up behaviour of academics at German universities over a period of seven years.

The study showed that every third person interested in founding a company in 2013 realised it in 2020. "The newly founded companies are innovative. However, 80% of the founders carry out their self-employment as a secondary occupation - and not all of them intend to run it as a full-time business later," reports IfM researcher Dr Teita Bijedic. Together with her colleagues, she has surveyed around 7,300 academics at German universities about their start-up activities in recent years.

The respondents reported a lack of commercial knowledge and a lack of market knowledge as the biggest obstacles to start a business. Especially those interested in founding a company in the so-called STEM areas (mathematics, computer science, natural science, technology) reported these obstacles commonly.

Those who finally found a company did not regret this decision: around nine in ten respondents stated that they would repeat the step into self-employment. In 2020, two-thirds of the start-ups from 2013 were still active on the market - the general survival rate of start-ups is 37% after five years, according to calculations by the IfM Bonn.

In addition, life satisfaction is also significantly higher among the self-employed than among scientists who are not self-employed. However, satisfaction with income was higher among the group of scientists who did not run a business.
A researcher team from industry and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS is spinning off a high-tech company called Fusion Bionic. The company aims to bring lotus effects and other functional microstructures from nature to technical surfaces such as air wings and implants using globally cutting-edge solutions for laser interference technology. The team received support from Fraunhofer-Gesellschafts AHEAD project, which specializes in technology transfer.

Modern light interference technologies in Dresden make it possible: By means of Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP for short), the founders of Fusion Bionic, a Fraunhofer IWS spin-off, can now quickly transfer lotus effects and other sophisticated structural tricks of nature to technical surfaces such as battery components, implants or even airplanes. These microscopic surface patterns design implants to be more compatible or, with their anti-icing structures, prevent air passengers from having to wait forever for takeoff to the sunny south in winter due to deeply frozen wings. The technology, which has been researched at Fraunhofer IWS and TU Dresden over the past decade, is now ready for the market. Dr. Tim Kunze, who previously headed the Surface Functionalization group at Fraunhofer IWS, has therefore launched Fusion Bionic in April 2021 with a team from science and industry. The company name refers to the fusion of nature-inspired effects into technical product surfaces, i. e. a kind of symbiosis of biology and technology along the lines of bionics. The Fraunhofer AHEAD program provided us with a great deal of help in this regard. In an entrepreneurial environment with the support of experts from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we sharpened our business model as well as the product and positioned our team well for the start-up, says Tim Kunze. The Fraunhofer research transfer into practice also aims to provide new jobs and value creation in Dresden and Saxony. The number of employees is expected to grow to around ten by the end of 2022.

Learning evolutionary tricks from sharks and butterflies

We have been researching in this area jointly at Fraunhofer IWS and TU Dresden for ten years, says Institute Director Prof. Christoph Leyens, looking back on the development path to the spin-off. Today, Dresdens scientists are pioneers in this technology and are inspiring more and more researchers in Europe as well as Asia to take a closer in-depth look at interference technology. Nearly endless possibilities are also predicted by Prof. Andres Fabian Lasagni, who brought this technology to Dresden and currently heads the Chair of Large-Area Laser Based Surface at Technische Universitat Dresden. He explains that laser interference patterning transfers evolutionary advantages developed by reptiles, butterflies, sharks and other animals over millions of years to the technological world in fast motion. Many insects, for example, have antibacterial surfaces that ensure they don't get sick as quickly, he says. We can now create all these effects with laser structuring. The prospects in medical technology, mechanical engineering and many other industries are enormous, Leyens adds. Without the pioneering work of Prof. Andres Lasagni, we wouldn't be where we are today.

High speed possible

The interference structures are the special highlight of the Dresden technology: Instead of drawing the desired structural pattern slowly onto the work piece with a single laser beam, as with a pencil, the DLIP process exposes large areas at high process speeds. Fusion Bionic is the world's first commercial supplier of this process and the associated hardware solutions. In order to benefit from this competitive edge, the founding team now wants to quickly establish a production site in Dresden. Several investors have already expressed keen interest in supporting the scalable technology in Dresden. Kunze's team plans to establish complete laser structuring machines there, as well as standardized DLIP processing modules, which, for example, a medium-sized industrial company can then mount on its robots in the future. As a further promising business field in addition to its own laser machine construction, Fusion Bionic also plans to offer contract structuring and specially developed functional product surfaces. Several companies from the aerospace, automotive and plant engineering industries have already requested solutions from Fusion Bionic. There is also great interest from scientific institutions similar to the parent institute Fraunhofer IWS, which want to investigate further potential in their own research activities. We are providing entirely new product possibilities with our DLIP technology, asserts Tim Kunze. Until now, functional surfaces have usually been created by coatings simply because the laser seemed too slow. But coatings often do not bring the desired effect and are sometimes not very durable or even harmful to the environment, he says. Our functional surface structures offer a new approach to enhancing products. Thanks to interference technology, we can now functionalize surfaces quickly and this solution has become a serious competitor to classic coatings, adds Tim Kunze.

Making technological potential available

The founders have already mapped out plans for the coming years: After setting up the first production facilities, system solutions developed in-house will make the technological potential available to more and more branches of industry. We have already demonstrated this with a project partner for a market-leading supplier of connectors, so hopefully our DLIP solutions will soon enable a new generation of electrical connectors with greater reliability, Kunze emphasizes.

How the DLIP process works

In the DLIP process, an optical system splits laser beams into several parts. Subsequently, the Fraunhofer IWS-developed DLIP processing system focuses the partial beams onto the surface, which is to be made water repellent like a lotus flower, for example. Here the beams overlap to form interference patterns similar to those seen in optics experiments in physics classes. The system is based on pulsed beams that successively process surfaces with rapid movement. The laser ablates material at the bright spots, leaving it untouched at the darker ones. Under laboratory conditions, the Fusion Bionic team is already able to process up to 0.9 meters per minute. As a result, very fine structures are created on the surface, some of which are only a few hundred nanometers (millionths of a millimeter) in size, as in a laser texturing process. These ensure, for example, that dirt or ice cannot find grip. But the laser can also bring other functions to the surface, such as greater acceptance of implants by the body or more reliable electrical plug connections.
Memorial Service for Carol "Sue" Woods will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Hawkins Baptist Church in Alex, OK. Carol "Sue" Woods, of Alex, OK passed away on Saturday May 29, 2021 at the age of 76 in her home surrounded by her family. Sue was born June 15, 1944 in Scipio, 
When our church fathers defended one of the most important creeds (the most important creed, some might argue) in the history of the churchthe Nicene Creedthey believed the biblical and orthodox doctrine of the Trinity hung in the balance, and with it, the survival of the church.

As they muscled their defense into place, they pinpointed several key beliefs as absolutely essential in the fight against heresy. One of these was inseparable operations, a belief summed up in a famous Latin phrase, opera Trinitatis ad extra indivisa sunt. What this means is that the work of the Trinityfrom Creation to salvationis undivided. Or as Augustine said with such elegance in his classic, De Trinitate, As the Father and Son and Holy Spirit are inseparable, so do they work inseparably. The Father, Son, and Spirit work as one because they are oneone in essence, will, power, and glory.

Enter modernity. The doctrine of inseparable operationsa rule once indispensable to Christian orthodoxy and liturgyhas been thrown into question: dispensed by some, severely modified by others. As theologian Adonis Vidu explains in his sobering new book, The Same God Who Works All Things: Inseparable Operations in Trinitarian Theology, During the past century the rule has gone from being part of the very foundation of Trinitarian dogma to being dodged as one of its greatest vulnerabilities.

What happened? And why does it matter?

A departure from Nicene tradition

The classical, Nicene tradition labored to preserve Scriptures witness to the unity of the persons of the Trinity, and likewise their equality. This tradition distinguished the persons according to their eternal relations of origin: The Son is eternally begotten from the Father, who is himself unbegotten, and the Spirit eternally proceeds (or is spirited) from the Father and the Son.

Yet these processions (or personal properties) do not create three gods since, as the English Puritan John Owen said, a divine person is nothing but the divine essence, upon the account of an especial property, subsisting in an especial manner. For example, the church fathers not only said the Son is eternally begotten from the Father (this alone distinguishes the Son as Son); they were sure to clarify that the Son is begotten from the Fathers essence. As the early Christian apologist John of Damascus put it, the Trinity is not one compound perfect nature made up of three imperfect elements, but one simple essence  existing in three perfect subsistences. That word simple (or simplicity) is critical, guarding the church from turning the Trinity into a collection of separate partsindividuals who can be greater or lesser, superior or inferior.

Everything changed in the 20th century when theologians, departing from the Nicene tradition, began defining the Trinity as a society of separate agents, a society not unlike our human society. In a shocking statement, theologian Colin Gunton explained the new thinking like this: What it is to be a human person is in this case identical with what it is to be a divine person, and therefore the word means the same at the levels of creator and creation.

With the rise of what came to be called social trinitarianism, explains Vidu, the divine persons were redefined, as if each person were his own center of consciousness and will, his own distinct individual self. Christian philosopher Richard Swinburne has even proposed a Trinity composed of three individuals. Vidus research is revealing: If modern theologians still reserved a place for inseparable operations, they either described the unity of the Trinity in creation and salvation merely as a cooperative enterprise or as a division of labor. But in some cases, the doctrine was discarded altogether because it could not jibe with social trinitarianisms emphasis on the individuality of the persons.

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None of this sits well with Vidu. And as I see it, his theological angst is more than justified. Vidu is onto something when he concludes that modern theology has not only misconstrued but misused this core belief in inseparable operations. He writes, It does not indicate that within the immanent life of the Trinity there are three separate agents who each have a separate will, a separate knowledge, and a separate love for the othersas modern theologians assume. Rather, it indicates that within the essential divine causality there obtain real and irreducible distinctions, that there are subsistent relations that distinguish and define the persons over against each other yet never against the substance.

That last phraseyet never against the substanceshould not be overlooked. What is Vidu suggesting? By treating Father, Son, and Spirit as separate agents with separate wills, and explaining their unity of action as a matter of cooperative enterprise, we have set the persons over against their shared divine substance. Is it any wonder, then, why the charge of tritheism (three gods) has been leveled in recent decades?

Vidu also warns how easy it is to transition from a social definition of the three persons to relationships of supremacy and subordination between them. The Nicene creed unambiguously rejected the idea of the Son being subordinate to the Fatherdescribing Jesus, for instance, as true God from true God, begotten of the same essence as the Father. But over the past several decades, many major evangelicals have created a new subordinationism, as if the Father has a superior authority and glory to the Son.

This is a sobering reminder that we have been more influenced by modern theology than we think. As clever as it sounds to say that the Son is ontologically equal with the Father but functionally subordinate, we must be discerning enough to see through such a false dichotomy. As Vidu helpfully observes, A divine person is not one thing and the divine substance another. Rather each divine person is identical with the substance, but under a particular and irreducible relational aspect.

If Vidu is right, then inseparable operations might just have a future in evangelical theology. But only if we first recognize that there are no individual actions, only Father, Son, and Spirit performing one single action.

Unity of action

The burden of Vidus book is to recover the doctrine of inseparable operations and with it the unity of the Trinity, a project long overdue. Vidus contribution shines brightest when he puts forward several test cases, including the Incarnation. Is the Incarnation the Son gone solo? Unfortunately, too many modern and evangelical theologians talk this way, as if exclusive actions can be attributed to individual persons.

Vidu enlists Augustine to admonish us: The Trinity produced the flesh of Christ, but the only one of them it belongs to is Christ. On the one hand, if inseparable operations is true, then the whole Trinity produces the action we call the miracle of the Incarnation. On the other hand, the state of the Incarnationassuming human nature itselfbelongs only to the Son.

That is not a contradiction. The singularity of the Trinitys action stems from the singularity of the shared, common divine essence. And yet, the Son alone takes on flesh because each person may appropriate a work of salvation in a way that corresponds to that persons eternal relation of origin. Since the Son is eternally begotten from the Father, it is fitting for the Father to send the Son to assume a human nature to his person and for our salvation. Or, as Vidu says with such precision, the persons do not have their distinct actions, but they possess a distinct mode of action within the unity of the same action.

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Therefore, as Vidu argues, while we may look at a particular created effectfrom Creation to Incarnationand say that it terminates on a particular person, we should also recognize that any action is the one action of the whole Trinity. Vidu returns to an illustration throughout his book to capture this mystery: Much like the metal object, which is moved by the whole magnet yet attaches distinctly to one of the poles, the human nature of Jesus Christ, the created effect of the mission of the Son, is produced by the whole Trinity yet attached to the Son exclusively.

This illustration takes on flesh when the book arrives at Calvary. Vidu identifies with penal substitutionary atonement, the belief that on the cross Christ took our place and bore the penalty (divine judgment, eternal wrath) for our transgressions. However, he is quick to point out that some advocates have articulated this doctrine in a way that divides the Godhead. One recurring theory portrays the Father as the angry one in the Trinity, with the Son cast as the loving one. Another speculates that the Cross creates change in God, prodding him from holiness to love. Perhaps worst of all, some claim that, Jesus cry of derelictionwhy have you forsaken me?means the Trinity is divided at the cross, deity ruptured. Vidus recovery of inseparable operations is a needed correction: If penal substitution has any chance of escaping its own worst caricatures, it must avoid depictions that throw Nicene nuance to the wind in an effort to preserve divine satisfaction.

Nevertheless, one criticism should be raised. On the one hand, Vidu is as refreshing as he is honest, predicting the collateral damage should we fail to approach the Atonement within the guardrails of inseparable operations. On the other hand, I finished his atonement chapter still looking for exegetical guidance. If Christs cry of dereliction is not a split in the Godhead, how should Christs quotation from Psalm 22:1 be interpreted?

Vidus compelling theological case could be advanced further by attention to canonical categories. For example, Paul assumes in Romans 5 that Christ is the Second Adam. The first Adam represented his posterity, but his sin brought condemnation. Violating the covenant of creation gave birth to the curse of the cosmos. By contrast, the new Adam, Christ, represents the ungodly, but his fidelity to Gods law is our justification. In that light, the Cross is not a split in the Trinity, but the Son substituting himself and bearing the curse of Adams transgression, the laws condemnation. Sounding a lot like the prophet Isaiah, the church father Gregory of Nazianzus wrote, [Christ] was in his own person representing us. For we were the forsaken and despised before, but now, by the sufferings of him who could not suffer, we were taken up and saved. Similarly, he makes his own our folly and our transgressions.

Vidu does not devote extensive attention to various biblical motifs. Nevertheless, by laying the philosophical foundation, he does leave open a window of opportunity. More work needs to be done locating these canonical themes within a Nicene framework, which is fruit still to blossom from the tree of theological interpretation.

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Deep dogmatics

The Same God Who Works All Things is a superb example of deep dogmatics, the kind C. S. Lewis once said he enjoyed more than devotional books as long as he had a pencil in hand. Vidu is thorough and persuasive. Convictingthat may be the better word. His book leaves the reader lamenting our neglect and outright misuse of inseparable operations.

But if Vidu has his way, this will galvanize the church to join him in the recovery of Trinitarian orthodoxy. After a century of experimenting with the liberal project on a doctrine as consequential as the Trinityand yes, I am speaking to evangelicals as complicit participantsthe time is at hand to recover our orthodox heritage. And inseparable operationsas affirmed by the pro-Nicene traditionis the right step to renewal.

Matthew Barrett is the author of Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit. He is associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, executive editor of Credo Magazine, and host of the Credo Podcast.

[ This article is also available in espanol. ]
For the past two weeks, the world has had its eyes on the violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Each day, new headlines emerge of Hamas launching rockets from Gaza and Israel bombing the strip in return. More than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis have died in the attacks. But before the aggression escalated into direct action, tensions had been simmering for weeks.

Thirteen Palestinian families from a neighborhood in a disputed area of East Jersualem were facing potential eviction. Many Israeli families have already moved into this neighborhood. Israeli settlements on land Palestinians believe to be theirs has consistently been a wider source of grievance between the two communities.

Then, two weeks ago, police raided the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem during Ramadan. The third-holiest site in Islam is also located on the same land as the Temple Mount, a location sacred to Jews.

After 11 days of fighting, a cease-fire has been announced, which will likely halt the rockets and shelling for now. But its unlikely to heal the long-term rifts between the communities. Whats more: hundreds of people now grieve loved ones, including more than 50 children, who were killed in the past two weeks.

Salim Munayer is the executive director and founder of Musalaha Ministry of Reconciliation, which has been bringing Israelis and Palestinians together since 1990. Munayer is a Palestinian-Israeli who received his PhD from the Oxford Center of Mission Studies in the UK and has published several books on reconciliation, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Christians in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He is also the peace and reconciliation network coordinator for Middle East and North Africa for the World Evangelical Alliance.

Munayer joined global media manager Morgan Lee and executive editor Ted Olsen on Quick to Listen to discuss the roots of the violence, the role and responsibility of American Christians in this crisis, and what the ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis can teach us about the racial division in the church.

What is Quick to Listen? Read more

Rate Quick to Listen on Apple Podcasts

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Follow our hosts on Twitter: Morgan Lee and Ted Olsen

Learn more about our guests organization: Musalaha

Music by Sweeps

Quick to Listen is produced by Morgan Lee and Matt Linder

The transcript is edited by Bunmi Ishola

Highlights from Quick to Listen: Episode #265

As a Palestinian-Israeli, can you tell us about your identity as a Christian?

Salim Munayer: It sounds like somebody with those identities would be a schizophrenic, and I find speaking to many Americansespecially Christian groupsthat there is a gap in knowledge and understanding of the people of the land and the history. Usually, they have a certain historical narrative that needs to be adjusted.

First of all, Palestine was the name of the land until 1948, and Palestinian people are mixed people who come from Jewish, Arab, Egyptian, Phoenician, Roman, Greekanyone that passed through this bridge between Asia, Africa, and Europe. So we are a good salad of people and ethnicities, and our identity is very much influenced by the different civilizations that have been in the land.

The Palestinian Christians in the land are mostly coming from three distinct groups: the Jewish community that embraced Jesus, the Arabs that lived in the land that embraced Christianity too, and also more what we see is the Phoenician Greek community. So we trace our history and spiritual identity to the early church.

In 1948, we had Jews and Arabs, the Muslims and Christians living in the land. But as a result of the desperate situation of the Jewish people in Europethe suffering of the Jewish people in Europethey were looking for a safe haven, they were looking to affirm their identity, and it also was part of the nationalism ideology that was developing at that time in the world, especially in Europe. It was the beginning of a process where the Jewish community began to redefine itself as a people, as a nation, and to have its own state.

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They wanted to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, but the land was not empty. There were other people living in the landthe Palestinian people. There were small Jewish communities, a large Christian community, and the majority are Muslim. And some of the Muslims were descendants of Jewish people and other groups that embraced Islam in the land.

So thats where the conflict started, between the indigenous people of the land and a group of people coming from outside who were aided by European powers. For imperial and colonial purposes, the Middle East had become very important, starting with the First World War because of the Suez Canal, because of oil, and competition between the empires.

Other than that, certain theological beliefsdispensational theologybegan to develop around the mid 19th century that basically said that for Jesus to come back, basically that says that the Jewish people in Europe are the descendants that left the land and need to come back to re-establish the Davidic kingdom, to rebuild the temple, and that will inaugurate the Gog and Magog battle and the rapture and so on. That theology was very much, in certain circles, popular in Britain among policymakers.

But it was mixed with antisemitic attitudes toward Jews. The Jews at that time were the ultimate other representing the East, including representing Arab and Muslims. So the question was, how are we going to get rid of the Jews from Europe? And with the suffering of Jews in Eastern Europe, the Western European nations, and even the United States, did not want to have Jewish refugees, which at that time was around 3 million.

So Palestine looked good for political, economic, military, and theological reasons. But in that process, the Palestinian Zionist movement realized that to establish an exclusively Jewish state, they would have to move the Palestinian people. And thats what started the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

So my home city, Lod, which you probably hear about in the news recently, has been conquered by Israeli forces. Lod is an important city for the Christians in the Middle East because it is a city where the St. George church and grave are. (St. George is the patron saint of England. Hes the one that you see on the horse killing a dragon.) It's one of the oldest cities in the world and very important to the Christian history and heritage in the land.

When the army ordered my father to get out of his house, he and 200 Christians found refuge in the church, and they became refugees in their hometown, and they were not allowed to go back to their homes. There was a massacre in the city, and most of the people became refugees. So my family became refugees in their hometown.

So here my family, one of the most well-to-do families in the area, found itself in a new reality where they have to learn Hebrew and to learn a new culture. So I was born into that reality, which we Palestinian call Al-Nakba or The Catastrophe.

So I grew up in a mixed community of Jews, Palestinian, Christians. and Muslims. I became multicultural and multilinguistic. I had many Jewish friends. I went to a Christian school, an Arab school, and then I went to a Jewish high school. And during my time in a Jewish high school, I asked a lot of questions. And in that process, I began a journey to find Jesus and who he is.

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In his teaching, in his inauguration of the kingdom of God, is an answer to the political situation, to the pain that was happening in my land. And that's the reason I went to study at Fuller [Theological Seminary], and then coming back to the land to teach both Israeli and Palestinians.

A lot of people think all Israelis are Jewish, but that's not accurate. About 25% of the citizens of Israel are not Jewish, without the Palestinian territory and Gaza stripthose residents have Palestinian citizenship.

So this is how I am Israeli, I am Christian, and Palestinian. And there is a tension, there are challenges, but also you can turn them into richness. Because my identity is not a source of threat, but a source of richness into your personal and group identity.

Can you share more about how Jesus changed that sense of identity, and how, in the years since, Jesus has continued to shape that sense of identity?

Salim Munayer: I grew up in the church that was a liturgical church, and liturgy is beautiful and liturgy meant a lot. I was an altar boy, but I had questions, you know? I'm living in a city where there was an open, unresolved tragedy, scar, and atrocity that had been committed against the people. But the people whose parents or army committed those atrocities had become my friends.

And you also realize that because you are a Palestinian Christian, you are a third-class citizen. We were not having the same opportunities and possibilities. The land, especially a lot of the land around Tel Aviv airport, used to belong to your family. And you see your parents economically struggling when they used to be the richest people.

You experience hatred and enmity from your neighbors, not only because you're Arab Palestinian, but also because you're Christian because some of the Jews living in the city, they're coming from Europe, and they had very negative experiences with European Christianity. And they projected their fears, anger, frustration, and pain onto you because you suddenly become representative of the two groups that they don't like, and they feel threatened by.

So you ask a lot of questions about your identity, about the future. Many young people like me said, Hey, we don't have a future here. We just need to pack and go to Australia. But then, you realize, or my father told me, Maybe youll physically go to Australia, but you will take your conflict with you of your heart.

I ended up in a Bible study initiated by one of our relatives. He had the concern that we are growing without any New Testament teaching. So he began asking people around, Who is willing to teach the New Testament? He even put an ad in The Jerusalem Post. And out of the blue, a Jew who believed in Jesus answered that ad. And every Friday, a group of us from high schoolArab kids and Jewish kidswould sit together, drinking Coca-Cola, debating and studying the New Testament and other issues.

Here, the Jesus being presented to me wasn't the Jesus I had met at the liturgical church. Jesus dealt with the Roman occupation. Jesus dealt with the corrupt, political, and economic leadership. Jesus dealt with nationalistic and ethnic strife and hatred toward Jews, Samaritans, Romans, Greeks. And Jesus presented the kingdom of God.

And remember the prayer of our Lord, Thy kingdom in heaven will be on earth. The reality of the kingdom of God in heaven needs to be manifested in our life as we are forming a community across gender and ethnicity. A community where reconciliation, love, and equality between the people is the mark of that community.

And Jesus is our Lord, our king, our leader, and we are in the world as salt and as a light. We don't have to conquer. We don't have to dominate. We are called to serve. We are called to love, to bring people together, to break this enmity.

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The enmity that I had in my heart toward many groups of people in the land has been transformed from this anger toward my neighbor into seeking to see how my neighbor and I can together manifest the goodness of God here in the land.

What makes this violence that's happening right now different from previous episodes?

Salim Munayer: There are several factors. For the last 10 years or so, the issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has not been addressed because the Israeli leaders were very content with the status quo, the incompetent the Palestinian leadership, the not caring of the Europeans, and also the one-sidedness of American foreign policy and churches concerning Israel.

So the people on the ground, every day they see the expansion of the settlement, every day they see checkpoints, every day they see limitations imposed upon them, especially in East Jerusalem. In recent years, whats happening increasingly is a Palestinian neighborhood like Silwan, which we call the city of David, will have a change in designation to an archeological area. And there are groups of settlers that are using all kinds of means to move the Palestinians from their neighborhood. Christians are being moved out of their homes, and Muslims, into different neighborhoods. And that stirs up, again, the traumatic experience of Al-Nakba when 750,000 people found themselves as refugees.

And then you add in ongoing police brutality, discrimination, racist statements, more right-wing of the Israeli government, and not seeing any possibility or the prospect of moving ahead. And the coronavirus also led to a lot of unemployment and a lot of economic hardship.

Can explain who has control over Jerusalem and more about some of the tensions over geographic demarcations?

Salim Munayer: In 1967, Israel took over Jerusalem and after they took over the old city, they changed the border line of the city of Jerusalem so it now includes many Arab-Palestinian neighborhoods. The border of the city of Jerusalem now expands almost to the city of Bethlehem in the South and the North, to Ramallah. And so a majority of the people that live in Jerusalem right now are Palestinian. And the Jews that live in East Jerusalem are living in a neighborhood settlement that Israel built for Jews after 67. In other words, West Jerusalem was supposed to be the Jewish side, and Eastern Jerusalem was supposed to be the Palestinian side. But, slowly, slowly, and sometimes faster, by the government policy of not allowing Palestinians to build homes and confiscating land, and building Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem.

The key thing is that during the peace negotiation, the idea was that East Jerusalem would be the capital of Palestine, and West Jerusalem would be the capital of Israel. But the right-wing government that we have here wanted to prevent that. They didn't want the two-state solution. So in order to prevent East Jerusalem from being the capital of Palestine, they Judaizing Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem.

And the area of the old city of David, the Mount of Olives, now called Silwan or The Golden Basin, during the negotiation the idea was The Golden Basin belongs to God. Everybody can come and pray. Everybody can come and go, and it will not be under the exclusive sovereignty of any one party in the conflict. And the right-wing government wants to change that. And in order to change that, one of the most important areas is the Temple Mount, which the Palestinian Muslims fear the Jewish groups will blow up the Dome of the Rock to rebuild the temple on that site.

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And its not an unfounded fear, as several Jewish groups have attempted to blow it up before. But there was also a Christian guy from Australia who came to torch the Islamic shrine because he believed that those two mosques made the mountain unclean to rebuild the temple and also inaugurate the second coming of Jesus. So Christian Zionists are very much involved in supporting the taking over East Jerusalem and the old city. And some Christian groups have contributed money to rebuild all the artifacts that are needed in the temple.

Wherever they are on understanding the conflict, what do you want American Christians to know about their role and responsibility in this conflict? How you challenge them to promote peace?

Salim Munayer: Well, Christians were involved in the conflict from the beginning. So that is a very, very, important factor that we need to know. If you read some of the British Christian writing about the area, it's a typical settler, colonial language: the people that live there are primitive; Muslims are not clean; they don't cultivate the land, they defile the land; we need to finish what the Crusades did not.

Other groups of Christians, because of the mistreatment of the Jews by European Christianity, the guilt because of the Holocaust, and wanting to have a good relationship with Jewsespecially Protestant churches and for the sake of the dialogue between Jews and Christianthey make the mistake of saying, if you have a state, we will stand with you and that will resolve it.

But those two groups both have the wrong attitude toward the Jewish people. It's racist because its saying, You Jews, your destiny is not with us. Your destiny is in the Middle East, in that land. It's very racist language.

Jews have the right to choose where they want to live, Jews have a right to express their faith the way they want to. But for those groups, you cannot fulfill your Jewishness, your destiny as Jewish, if you're not living in the state of Israel. And that is problematic. That is a racist ideology.

Many, especially Western, Christians have an imperial, colonial ideology about chosenness, about the sovereignty of God, about the people, and the nations destiny. So our destiny is to help the Jews to come back to the land and to establish the state. And so we have in our theology, a kind of racial civilization superiority, and religious superiority toward other people. And that is really a problem when in Philippians 2, we are called to serve and not to feel superior to other people.

For many American Christians, praying for peace in the region is our default response. But can you help think through how and what we should be praying for? And in addition to prayer, which is the primary thing, if American Christians played such a role in the creation of some of these issues, what role can we play in some of the solutions?

Salim Munayer: I, like you, believe in prayer. There is a power in prayer; no doubt about that. But if you look into the scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, you see especially in the Hebrew scriptures, there is this very strong word to pursue peace. Peace requires active work. Blessed are the peacemakers You make it.

So if we are representing the Prince of Peace, if we are his ambassadors, and like 2 Corinthians 5 says, I gave you the ministry of reconciliation. You are my ambassadors. Well, ambassadors dont stay at home. Ambassadors go to other countries, they go to the enemy, they are active, they are proactive. How can be an ambassador for Honduras when you are in DC? You cannot do that.

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There is the sense and the feeling for a lot of people of powerlessness: It's too complicated. It's going to take me a few years to understand. Or people say, In order to be involved in peacemaking, I'll have to pay a price and I'm not willing to pay that price. And you are complacent about the situation because it doesn't affect youor you think it doesn't affect you, but as a matter of fact, it does affect you.

Or you have hatred and enmity toward other people: Why should I be engaged in peace with people I don't like? I don't like those Palestinian and the Hamas people are evil. Why should I be involved with them? There are dangerous people.

There is a fundamental reason we are comfortable. We have position and privilege, and we don't want to get out from our comfortable couch to change the world or be involved in peacemaking. And were not understanding that because of our lack of involvement, our children and grandchildren will pay a high price for that.

But specifically, what does working for peace mean? Does it mean demonstrating? Does it mean politically protesting an embassy? Does it literally mean going to the Middle East as a medical worker? Like what is it that American Christians should really feel called to do? What does working for peace looks like in 2021?

Salim Munayer: People ask me, how you define reconciliation? And first, we need to have a relationship with people from the other side. Its restoring relationships and expressing love, empathy, and compassion to people who are suffering.

The second level is that we have to address injustice. We have to address systematic injustice. We have to give people equality. In Christ, there is no male or female, Jew or Greekthat is foundational. So we need to sit in our communities, wherever we are, and work for equality for all people in almost every aspect of law.

Part of reconciliation and restoring relationships will include the important role of forgiveness. Forgiveness is an essential aspect of it. And let me summarize that in a few words: love of God, love of neighbor, and love of enemy. When our theology is causing pain to our neighbors and enemy, it's not good theology. If our theology is seeking the welfare of our neighbors, our enemy, that is good theology.

That is what Jeremiah told the children of Israel when they went to Babylon, to the capital of the empire of the enemy to destroy the temple, he said, Pray and work for the peace of the city where you're living. Plant trees, get married, have children, build houses, bless other people, bless your enemy. And we need to engage with our enemy in order to understand how we can bless them.

This might sound like too much pushback, but what if I dont have a conviction of the Holy Spirit that there's someone on the Israeli side or the Palestinian side that I need to forgive, or necessarily someone that I need to go and ask forgiveness from. So have I deafened myself to the spirit in some way? Or is that call the forgiveness more of a call for me to be more active in helping the folks on the Israeli side and the Palestinian side forgive each other? Im still wrestling here with hearing the specific call for me, as an American Christian who sees that situation over there and it feels distant. I agree with the call for reconciliation but struggle with connecting that to my own call 10,000 miles away.

Salim Munayer: This question shows me the disconnect between the American Christian and the reality here [in Israel]. In the United States of America, your tax money is funding the majority of weapons and bombs in the area. We are your lab experiment for the next generation of weapons.

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You are putting a lot of money in the Middle East, almost $4 billion to Israel, Egypt, and other countries in the Middle East. And most of that money is not for peacebuilding. So you are involved on that level.

The United States of America declared itself, for several decades, as the peace broker between the people here in the land, but in reality, they were not. If you are a peace broker and you chose to be a peace broker, you cannot just say, The Middle East is too problematic for me. I'm packing up and leaving you. And you guys work it out because you guys are primitive, you hate each other. We don't understand your mentality. As if in America, you are living in peace with each other, and you don't have tension in the state. That's a little bitmore than a little bitracist, and running from responsibility and the huge investment of the United States of America in this area.

For the churches, I say you have to be a source of blessing both for the Jews and the Palestinians. Be a blessing by being peacemakers. If the situation deteriorates in the Middle East, then we would have a large war, and you're going to find yourself again, sending your young men and women into the battle. We as a church are not engaging enough in reconciliation and peacemaking. The core of our gospel is the peace of God between me and God, and me and my fellow human being.

We did a survey. How many Christian organizations in the Middle East are involved in peace? How many of them do you think? The political system is paralyzed. If there is going to be reconciliation, it has to be a grassroots movement. But the groups that are involved in peace, are less than 15 throughout all the Middle East.

In our theology, we tell people about Jesus, we join the club of Jesus lovers, we don't care about the world around us, and we wait for the rapture or whatever it is. We become chosen clubs of people, and we're not involved in justice, we're not involved in compassion, and we are not involved in peacemaking.

And if you ask yourself the question, how much money our community is putting toward army and weapons compared to how much we are involved in peace, you will understand we have a problem.

Can you share a specific story or example of how you have helped those in your community work toward peace or find peace with someone they previously considered an enemy?

Salim Munayer: Last year, we had four groups of Israeli Palestiniansone was community leaders, one was teachers, one was women, and one was public leaders. And those people went through our curriculum process, which takes a year and a half. And it is a really painful process, its a very painful process.

After they went through the process of learning about each others history and narrative, learning about forgiveness, they decided to do an environmental project. We have too many plastic bottles. So we went to the Dead Sea and we collected plastic bottles. Then we talked about our country, our geography, about our history. And if we claim that we love this land, we need to love the land, but more than anything, we need to love those that also love the land.

One group went to an area of South Tel Aviv, where there is a lot of drugs and sex trafficking, and Palestinian women and Israeli Jewish women went to help and to work there. We also have women that are part of the organization Women Waging Peace. It's around 40,000 members. And they said, We want to put pressure on our political leaders for peace. And they asked us to train them in leadership, how to meet, how to talk, and how to address the issues between those communities.

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Another group that we worked with is teachers and principals. And as a result of the training them, they began to visit each other schools. They're talking to the school children about other people, teaching them about his or her history, about the culture, and to have a better understanding. There are some groups that doing business together.

A lot of people have decided to take joint initiativedoctors and nurses, schoolteachers. Many say, The situation makes us more determined to work for peace for our people. And that what gives hope.

Do you have an example of a specific person who you saw their heart change? Or two different people who had a broken relationship who were able to repair their relationship that you could share?

Salim Munayer: I had a student in Bethlehem, and he knew about my involvement in reconciliation, and I could see that he was disturbed, that he didn't like me. So one day I took him aside and said, Is there any problem with the materials? Or is there any problem with the information? Can I help?

And he said, I have a problem with you. You bring Israelis and Palestinians together. And he told me a story, that when he was a teenager, he saw in front of his eyes his father had been shot in one of the marches in the neighborhood of Bethlehem. And the Israeli military did not allow any medical care for him. And he saw, in front of his eyes, his father dying. And seeing that the traumatic events, all his thinking, all his mind was, How am I going to get even with the other side. I want revenge.

So it took me a while to talk to him. Then I convinced him to come to one of our desert trips where he met Israelis. And he had dreamed to come to the sea. (The Palestinians in the West Bank are allowed only a few times a year to go to the sea; they don't have access to any true seashore.) And he wanted to learn to swim. And during that time, you could see like onion, peeling layer upon layer upon layer.

And I went to one of our Jewish leaders, and said, Listen, this young man really needs to have a touch of healing. Why don't you take him and teach him how to swim in the Red Sea? And it was a beautiful picture of my Jewish colleague holding him floating in the sea. And I could see my student struggling and slowly releasing and feeling comfortable. And then he came to me and he said, Salim, I want to share with you that one of the things that I wanted to do was revenge. I wanted to take a bomb and put it in major Jerusalem street.

So we're a group of Jewish and Palestinians, and we went to the street, and he stood there and we prayed with him. And he prayed and confessed all the thoughts and feelings and how he has been released from that.

And then, several Jewish people went to his mothers home and asked forgiveness for what happened to her, raising small children, losing her husband. And he could see the tears, the change. And that's so powerful when you see God working in changing the lives of people, those individuals.

Have there been times where you have felt cynical and frustrated in the work that you do?

Salim Munayer: I will not say cynical, but I will say feeling let down by people that you think are with you in the long journey and pilgrimage of reconciliation, but when the price is too high, when there is pressure from the other community, they abandon you. And I think it's not the issue of cynicism, but it is t more the sense of betrayal. Because it's a hard path to walk.

But thats where you have constantly to be in the realm of forgiveness, in the realm of not judging other peoples actions because of the way it hurts you. Because there are many factors and you don't know all the factors of why people made the decision.

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Over the past five or six years, we've had a lot of division in the American church around race, often between African American and white Christians. What do you see as the relationship between reconciliation at the personal level and our obligation to challenge the larger systems that we're all involved with?

Salim Munayer: The definition that many give to reconciliation, we call it stage one. It is the stage of hallelujah, kumbaya. That's not reconciliation. Reconciliation goes deeper than the dominant privileged group wanting to have a relationship with the weak group, but they don't want to change the position of privilege. Reconciliation is a struggle where not only do you develop a relationship with the other, you also deal with the injustice system that exists in our culture.

Part of it is the issue of identity. Out of what I observe in America, Christianity has been many times associated with white people or the white culture. So the issue of an identity that is built on race or color of skin in the American church and American culture is the problem. And part of reconciliation is you have to go through identity transformation. In that process of reconciliation, the distinct aspect of your identity is kept, but you also embrace aspects from the other peoples identity, and you create a third.

It's basically what Paul said in Ephesians, You that were Gentiles, you were one time far away. Now you are brought in, and together with the Jews, in Jesus. At the time the Jews had built up a position of privilege because of God giving them the land because they were the chosen people. But now, you're chosen as is not about exclusiveness. Your chosen-ness is about welcoming other people into the blessing and the goodness that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who came and be with us. And in that process, you build a new identity.

The US has a major issue, not only of systematic injustice system but also the issue of identity. The church in America needs to revisit the idea that Christianity is the religion of white people. But Christianity stated in the Middle East, it started with a Jewish person and a Palestinian. It started here.

Jesus is not the blonde, blue-eyed Jesus. Christianity is not American Christianity. Christianity is people that follow Jesus from all tribes, all languages, where their identity is celebrated, but also welcoming other people. And if you're not going to deal with that, you will continue to have struggles and problems.
Emily Smith didnt realize there was such a divide between faith and science for many Christians.

Smiths parents led worship at a charismatic churchjust a fantastic experience and upbringingand she married a Baptist pastor. She studied science and medicine because she dreamed of becoming a medical missionary. She volunteered in the kitchen and made balloon animals aboard Mercy Ships in Honduras while in college. Eventually, she became an epidemiologist.

For her, epidemiology was a natural way to live out her Christian beliefs, loving her neighbor the way Jesus commanded and caring for the most vulnerablelike the good Samaritan of Jesus parable did when he stopped to care for an injured man while others passed by.

My first (Facebook) post on faith was about the good Samaritan because I see the field of epidemiology as that: Quantify whos the vulnerable, and we dont walk by, said Smith, now 40 and assistant professor of epidemiology at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Then came COVID-19, a time when she thought Christianswith their commitment to love thy neighbormight shine.

Smith started Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist, a Facebook page, in March 2020 to share information about the novel coronavirus and answer questions she was hearing from her neighbors and friends. Yes, COVID-19 was something they should pay attention to. No, they didnt need to hoard toilet paper.

Since then, the page, written in Smiths friendly, informational voice, has grown to more than 96,000 followers. About half are evangelical Christians, she said.

But threats and pushback have also followedall but one from her fellow Christians. She has been sent pictures of guns, handwritten letters about the mark of the beast and the End Times, messages telling her she should leave the preaching to her husband or telling her she is going to hell. Thats nothing compared to what many others have put up with for much longer, she said.

But, the epidemiologist added, Every time I would talk about faith over fear and masking as a way to show our freedom and allegiance to Jesus, they would come.

At first, Smith was answering questions on Facebook about whether face masks work and whether churches should continue to meet in person.

Over the summer, though, she saw some Christians begin to shift the narrative in ways that were alarmingly racist, blaming the spread of COVID-19 on Black Lives Matter protests, immigrants arriving at the US-Mexico border, and Asian Americans. None of the data supported that, she posted on the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist page.

She heard arguments that masking was a sign of fear and not of faith. She kept pointing back to Galatians 5, which says while Christians are called to be free, they are to use that freedom to serve one another humbly in love.

I think wearing a mask and getting a vaccine, full of faith, displays my lack of fear more than going to an unmasked church service just to prove something, she said.

Especially troubling to her were people who refused to wear masks, especially at large gatherings hosted by evangelical Christian leaders, like Franklin Grahams Prayer March 2020 in Washington, D.C., and services at John MacArthurs Grace Community Church in California.

I was hearing all of this stuff, and I was uncomfortable, because thats just not Jesus to me or love thy neighbor, she said.

These days, Smith is posting a lot about the COVID-19 vaccines, as polling by the Pew Research Center shows 45 percent of white evangelicals say they definitely or probably will not get vaccinated against COVID-19, a higher number than any other religious group.

Shes not the only Christian urging evangelicals to get vaccinated.

Curtis Chang, a faculty member at Duke Divinity School and senior fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary, has launched ChristiansAndTheVaccine.com in partnership with the National Association of Evangelicals to help pastors and other Christian leaders talk about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Graham, head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and evangelical relief organization Samaritans Purse, appeared on Axios on HBO over the weekend to encourage evangelicals to get vaccinated, saying his father, the late evangelist Billy Graham, would have supported it.

Also over the weekend, Pastor Robert Jeffress megachurch, First Baptist Dallas, hosted a vaccination clinic.

Smith said shes glad Graham and Jeffress, who both informally advised the previous president, are speaking out now about the vaccines, but, she added, I wish they would have been as vocal about loving your neighbor through masking and public health precautions for the last year.

Theres a reason why the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist approach has resonated with so many Christians, according to Aaron Kheriaty, director of the Medical Ethics Program at UCI Health.

I think one of the reasons theres serious engagement with Dr. Smiths website is that this is a Facebook page that doesnt just engage in sloganeering. It tries to unpack complicated science for the lay public, and people are obviously hungry for that, Kheriaty said, speaking alongside Smith on a panel about faith communities and COVID-19 vaccines last month at the virtual Religion News Association Mini-con.

The Rev. A.R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, who appeared alongside Smith in one of a series of live videos hosted by Facebook on the topic of faith and COVID-19, noted her ability to speak from both a pastoral perspective and a scientific perspective.

Smith said she believes Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist has taken off the way it has because her experience of the pandemic has been the same as so many other Christians experiences. Her Facebook page has given a voice to those who believed wearing a mask was a way to love thy neighborher mantra for the past year.

Shes heard all the same arguments and conspiracy theories they have. She and her husband even left their church this past year, she said.

I think there were a lot of people like me that had to make a decision: Were they okay with what they saw unearthed in 2020? A lot of people left their churches, a lot of people left faith in general. Theres just an entire population of Christians that are homeless now, she said.

But, Smith said, shes come out the other side. Shes found a new Baptist church that shares her view of what it means to love thy neighbor and offers a bit of quiet at a time that feels anything but. In 2021, she said, she wants to share with other Christians thats possible for them, too.

Hopefully, it can give people hope theres more to Christianity than what is being shown on Fox News, she said.
Catholic League head denounces White House faith-based partnership office's meeting with atheist groups

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Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights President and CEO Bill Donohue recently denounced a White House meeting with atheist and secular organizations who he claims have an agenda driven by "anti-religion politics."

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships held a meeting last week with six non-religious advocacy groups. Those groups included the American Atheists, American Humanist Association, Center for Inquiry, Ex-Muslims of North America, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Secular Coalition for America.

In an opinion column published Monday by CNS News, Donohue took issue with the White House meeting, arguing that the Biden administration was catering to anti-religious groups.

It would be one thing if White House staffers in domestic policy or civil rights invited representatives of these six organizations to discuss their concerns; it is quite another when those who purport to work with people of faith do so, argued Donohue.

None of them are religion-friendly and some are positively militant in their agenda. They expressed their displeasure with the pro-religious liberty policies of the Trump administration, accusing it of fomenting Christian nationalism. The creation of this fiction is central to the anti-religion politics that drives these groups.

Donohue contends that the meeting is a byproduct of President Joe Bidens executive order from February, which created the faith-based initiative office.

Specifically, Donohue quoted the fact Sheet released with the order stipulating that the office will not prefer one faith over another or favor religious over secular organizations.

But the whole point of creating an office of faith-based programs was to prioritize religious social service agencies, Donohue argued.

If the Biden administration is going to manipulate the founding purpose of faith-based initiatives by welcoming the advice of militant secularists, it should do us all a favor and simply trash this office.

Rob Boston of the advocacy group Americans United for Separation of Church & State critiqued the Donohue column. Boston argued that although "the office absolutely does work with faith-based organizations, thats not its entire mandate."

"At a time when growing numbers of Americans are identifying as 'nones' and others are embracing a secular outlook, it just makes sense to include these groups," wrote Boston.

"Donohue is a typical religious extremist who believes the answers to all of lifes thorny questions can be found in the narrow segment of religiosity he chooses to embrace."

According to a statement from the Secular Coalition for America, the meeting with the White House office last Friday was productive." During the meeting, the secular groups expressed their concerns about lingering policies from the Trump administration.

In this meeting, which we hope was the first of many, we encouraged the White House to continue engaging with organizations representing nonreligious Americans at the national level as well as local secular organizations across the country, in the same ways as they do with religious organizations, stated the Coalition.

By participating in this meeting, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships displayed that theyre open to embracing pluralism, diversity of thought, and the secular community.

As with the past few presidential administrations, Biden created the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships soon after taking office.

From COVID-19 to the economic crisis, were facing enormous challenges  and faith-based and community organizations are essential to addressing them, tweeted Biden at the time.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, which often pressures government agencies and school districts nationwide to end any conceived endorsement of religion, initially criticized Biden's decision to reinstate the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

FFRF claimed that the office is "unconstitutional" and has been "abused to reward churches that support political candidates, among other things." It called on Biden to "abolish" the office.

"Christian organizations have been given high preference under previous administrations," FFRF claimed in a February statement.

FFRF group filed a lawsuit against George W. Bush's version of the office, a case that went to the Supreme Court in 2007.
Top CBP official tells Congress fentanyl seizures at border up 308% in fiscal year 2021

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An official with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection told members of Congress Wednesday that fentanyl seizures at the United States-Mexico border have increased by 308% in the fiscal year 2021.

Troy Miller, the senior official performing the duties of commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, appeared before the House Appropriations Committees Homeland Security Subcommittee to discuss the continued surge in crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border and the resources that CBP needs to respond to the situation and carry out its duties effectively.

Members of the committee asked Miller questions about various topics, including the seizure of illegal drugs by CBP officials.

Our fentanyl seizures are up 308% in fiscal year 21, Miller said.

He also noted that heroin seizures have increased by 14%, cocaine seizures have increased by 100%, and methamphetamine seizures have increased by 20% in the same period.

Miller shared the statistics regarding drug seizures following a question from Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., about the huge gaping holes in our southern border where we dont know whats coming over.

According to Palazzo, The COVID pandemic obviously did not keep the cartels from working overtime.

He cited statistics finding that in the fiscal year 2020, CBP seized [58,000] pounds of Cocaine, 5,700 pounds of heroin, 177,000 pounds of methamphetamine and 4,700 pounds of fentanyl.

As Palazzo noted, the amount of fentanyl seized by CBP last year is enough to kill every American two times over.

The congressman also expressed concern that as our CBP agents and others are misdirected, criminals and hard narcotics have an easier time entering the country.

As the amount of drugs seized at the border continues to increase, the number of encounters between immigration officials and migrants continues to rise.

CBP Data shows that more than 178,000 migrants were apprehended at the southwest border in April, marking a 3% increase from March, when 173,348 people were apprehended.

So far, in the fiscal year 2021, which began last October, there have been 749,613 encounters at the southwest border. In all of the fiscal year 2020, there were just 458,088 such encounters. In all of the fiscal year 2019, there were over 977,000 encounters.

Critics of President Joe Biden attribute the surge in border crossings to actions taken by the new administration to reverse the Trump administrations immigration policies, including his rescission of the former presidents national emergency at the border, the reversal of a policy requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their claims are adjudicated and the suspension of construction of the border wall.

While Bidens critics have blamed the president for the surge in crossings at the border, some contend that the rise in border crossings is consistent with a pattern of seasonal changes combined with a backlog created by the border's closing during the pandemic.

Former President George W. Bush pointed the finger at Congress for the situation during a recent appearance on Fox News.

He alleged that the system is broken because Congress has failed to act.

California Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, who heads the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, argued in March that Biden's "words and actions" have given a haphazard and de facto green light to human traffickers around the world to apply their profane trade on the dreams of the most vulnerable.

The border surge led to overcrowding at shelters that hold unaccompanied minors who cross the border illegally.

The crowding at CBP facilities, including a facility in Donna, Texas, came as the U.S. continued to grapple with the coronavirus. While the pods in the Donna facility had capacities of 260 people, one pod held more than 400 unaccompanied children at one point during the border surge.

The overcrowding at the Donna facility and other similar locations raised concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, as migrants tested for the virus earlier this year had a higher positivity rate than the American public as a whole.

In Brownsville, Texas, migrant families tested had a 12% positivity rate. At the time, the positivity rate among the American public at large was 3.5%. A group of migrants who arrived at a shelter in Harlingen, Texas, in February reportedly had a 25% positivity rate.

The border crisis has seemingly reflected negatively on the Biden administration. A Real Clear Politics average of polls taken over the past month shows that most Americans (51%) express disapproval of the presidents handling of immigration policy.

At the same time, the Real Clear Politics average of polls shows that a majority of the American people (53%) approve of Bidens performance as president overall.
Pastor Artur Pawlowski says arsonists set his property on fire after viral confrontations with police Calgary Fire Department says cause of fire remains 'undetermined'

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A Canadian pastor who has repeatedly clashed with the local government officials over worship restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic is alleging that arsonists have targeted his home and set his garage ablaze.

Appearing on Rebel Media Sunday, Pastor Artur Pawlowski of Street Church in Calgary, Alberta, recalled how the garage at his private residence was set on fire late Saturday night.

About 11:30 p.m., my wife, she hears some commotions and firefighters, I mean, so many cars and police. And first, we thought  maybe theyre coming for me in the middle of the night. But no, they came to put the fire down.

After heading outside and initially believing that their neighbors house was on fire, the Pawlowskis figured out that it was their garage that was on fire. Pawlowski posted video footage of firefighters working to extinguish the fire on his YouTube channel.

Someone set our property on fire. Someone wants us dead, he said. And Im thinking, 'Why? Im feeding the poor. Im feeding Muslims. Im feeding homosexuals. Im feeding whites and Asians and blacks. Im feeding people and Im not hurting anyone, and they want me dead, and they want my children dead?'

Describing the fire as shocking, Pawlowski maintained that he "would never imagine that we would be living in a country that  our right to be different, our rights  to be able to express ourselves in a different way than others would be punishable by death.

A spokesperson for the Calgary Fire Department confirmed to The Christian Post that the fire department "attended the fire in question" but a cause has not yet been determined.

"The origin of the fire was an area on or adjacent to an external wall of the detached garage," the department said in a statement. "The cause of the fire is at present undetermined.

As Rebel News Adam Soos noted, Pawlowski has faced additional harassment since his encounters with local law enforcement have gone viral, including graffiti and dog feces and nails in the parking lot.

The pastor, born in Poland, told Rebel News that he shared his belief with Calgary Police that the fire in his garage constituted a hate crime, but they didnt say anything. According to Pawlowski, I dont know  where this is going to go with them.

While Pawlowski has had tense exchanges with members of the Calgary Police and other local law enforcement officials in recent weeks, he praised the police for acting very professionally." He added: They helped as much as they could. They even came with their trucks to bring the light so we could secure the place.

He also thanked the firefighters for doing an amazing job, contending that if not for those men that fought the fire, my house would go down in flames.

Pawlowski explained that the exact origin of the fire remains a mystery but concluded that someone put fire into a blue bin that was with cupboards and thats how the fire started.

He stated that they pushed the bin to the door  the wooden door of the garage  and the whole garage started to  burn.

They dont know who did it, of course. They dont know what caused [the fire]," the pastor added.

Pawlowski suggested that it could have been a lighter or someone holding the lighter and putting the bin on fire. He remarked that only God knows at this moment how the fire started.

He characterized the fire as another sad day for democracy and another sad day for humanity.

Pawlowski acknowledged the right to agree to disagree while lamenting that people want him and his children dead all in the name of tolerance.

The fire at Pawlowskis garage came a week after video footage documented the arrest of Pawlowski and his brother, Dawid, by Calgary Police for holding an illegal in-person worship service that did not comply with social distancing and mask requirements implemented to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Multiple officers carried the brothers away into custody as they knelt in the road, refusing to walk on their own after being handcuffed.

Following their release Monday night, Pawlowski compared the actions of the local government to communist China.

I just woke up in Hong Kong a few days ago, he asserted. I mean, I thought I emigrated to our beloved Canada, but I am in Hong Kong, full force.

Before his arrest, Pawlowski had two tense exchanges with local law enforcement, who confronted him at his church for failing to abide by coronavirus restrictions. As a public health officer, accompanied by local police, interrupted a Passover mass, the pastor sternly directed them to get out and compared them to the Gestapo, the Nazi police. The video of that encounter has received millions of views.

Three weeks later, Pawlowski received another visit from local authorities seeking to enforce coronavirus restrictions.

While they did not enter the church, Pawlowski accused the officials of entering his personal space and called them brown shirts and Nazi Gestapo communist fascists. After they left the property, the pastor alleged that the repeated targeting of churches was part of a broader agenda of medical tyranny that runs afoul of Canadas Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Pawlowski is among other Canadian pastors arrested for holding in-person worship services that do not conform to coronavirus restrictions. Pastors James Coates and Tim Stephens, also of Calgary, have also suffered legal consequences for holding in-person worship services.
Retired generals question Biden's fitness for office, warn US is in 'fight for our survival'

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A group of retired generals and admirals is calling into question President Joe Bidens mental health and fitness for office and warning that the United States is in the midst of a fight for our survival.

More than 150 retired military leaders have signed an open letter on behalf of the group Flag Officers 4 America. The group describes itself as retired military leaders who pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic that feels bound by that oath to do what we can, in our capacity today, to protect our nation from the threats to her freedom.

Notable signatories of the letter include Lt. Gen. William Boykin, executive vice president of the Family Research Council, and Don Bolduc, a candidate for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire. While the signers of the letter never identified their partisan affiliation, their concerns were reflective of adherence to a conservative worldview.

The mental and physical condition of the Commander in Chief cannot be ignored, they wrote in the letter, first published on May 10. He must be able to quickly make accurate national security decisions involving life and limb anywhere, day or night. Recent Democrat leaderships 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 Flag Officers began the letter by declaring: Our Nation is in deep peril as we are in a fight for our survival like no other since the time of our founding since 1776. The fight for survival, they assert, is part of a conflict between supporters of Socialism and Marxism vs. supporters of Constitutional freedom and liberty.

After referencing a previous warning from more than 300 retired military leaders that the 2020 presidential election was the most important election in American history because of the Democratic Partys embrace of Socialists and Marxists, the signatories contended that the 2020 election was not a fair and honest election that reflected the will of the people.

They also accused the FBI and the U.S. Supreme Court of ignoring the election irregularities that surfaced following the election and lamented efforts to label election integrity measures as racist.

Policies the retired military leaders expressed support for include the requirement that people show a photo ID when they vote and the use of strengthened signature verification for absentee ballots.

The current Administration has launched a full-blown assault on our Constitutional rights in a dictatorial manner, bypassing the Congress, with more than 50 Executive Orders quickly signed, many reversing the previous Administrations effective policies and regulations, they added. The retired military leaders characterized population control actions such as excessive lockdowns, school and business closures, and most alarming, censorship of verbal and written expression as direct assaults on our fundamental Rights.

Additionally, the signers of the letter expressed concern about the border crisis and the Biden administrations actions stopping the Keystone Pipeline and re-engaging in the flawed Iran Nuclear Deal. They also called for the imposition of sanctions and restrictions against China and the removal of section 230 protection from big tech companies that suppress the free flow of information by censoring speech and expression.

Under a Democrat Congress and the current Administration, our Country has taken a hard left turn toward Socialism and a Marxist form of tyrannical government which must be countered now by electing congressional and presidential candidates who will always act to defend our Constitutional Republic, they concluded. The survival of our Nation and its cherished freedoms, liberty, and historic values are at stake.

The letter from Flag Officers 4 America is not the first time a group of retired military officials has called into question a sitting presidents fitness for office. Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, more than 200 retired generals and admirals signed a letter endorsing Biden for president. The military leaders alleged that then-President Donald Trump has demonstrated that he is not equal to the enormous responsibilities of his office, adding, he cannot rise to meet challenges large or small.

According to Politico, the Flag Officers 4 America letter was spearheaded by retired Army Maj. Gen. Joe Arbuckle, who served in Vietnam and retired from active duty in 2000. Speaking to the political website, Arbuckle acknowledged that retired generals and admirals do not normally engage in political actions, but stressed that the dire situation the country currently finds itself in and the threats that it faces warranted an exception to that norm.

Aside from China, many of these threats flow directly from policy positions and actions of our own government, he said. It is critical that the threats to our national security be brought to the attention of the American people and that is the main purpose of the letter. To remain silent would be a dereliction of duty.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs fetal heartbeat bill banning abortion as early as 6 weeks Law allows women to sue abortionists for physical harm

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Texas has become the latest and largest state to enact a heartbeat bill that would ban abortion after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is usually at around six weeks gestation.

Our Creator endowed us with the right to life, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed as he signed Senate Bill 8 into law Wednesday. Yet, millions of children lose their right to life every year because of abortion. In Texas, we want to save those lives.

The heartbeat bill is now LAW in the Lone Star State.



This bill ensures the life of every unborn child with a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion.



Thank you @SenBryanHughes, @ShelbySlawson, & #txlege for fighting for the lives of the unborn in Texas. pic.twitter.com/aolhUKM9tv  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 19, 2021

Slated to go into effect on Sept. 1, Senate Bill 8 states that a physician may not knowingly perform or induce an abortion on a pregnant woman if the physician detected a fetal heartbeat for the unborn child. Physicians are also prohibited from performing an abortion if they failed to perform an ultrasound to detect a fetal heartbeat.

The bill also allows individuals to take civil action against an abortionist who performs or induces an abortion and any person who knowingly engages in conduct that aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion, including paying for or reimbursing the costs of abortion through insurance or otherwise.

At the signing ceremony, Abbott praised the Texas Legislature for crafting a bipartisan bill that ensures that the life of every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion. The governor also thanked the Legislature, singling out the bills authors, Sen. Bryan Hughes and Rep. Shelby Slawson. In addition, he expressed gratitude for the pro-life groups who worked tirelessly during the course of the session to make sure this bill got passed, thanking them for everything they do to cultivate a culture of life in Texas.

The crowd gathered around Abbott erupted into cheers and applause after he signed the bill. After he declared that the Texas heartbeat bill is now law in the Lone Star State, more cheers and applause broke out.

Senate Bill 8 passed the Texas House of Representatives on May 6 by a vote of 8364 and the Texas Senate approved the measure, with House amendments, on May 13 by a vote of 1813. In both chambers, one Democrat broke from his party to support the legislation, which no Republican opposed.

Pro-life groups quickly praised Abbott for signing Senate Bill 8, with Texas Right to Life predicting that the measure will save thousands of lives, characterizing it as a vital step in the road to abolishing all abortions in Texas. While praising the legislation as a landmark victory, the pro-life advocacy group urged the state Legislature to embrace additional pro-life measures before the legislative session concludes.

Meanwhile, pro-abortion groups slammed the measure and vowed to fight it. Alexis McGill Johnson, the president of Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S., described Senate Bill 8 as cruel and extreme.

Johnson expressed particular concern that the bill includes a dangerous provision that allows ANYONE from any state to sue an abortion provider and others who help someone get care. She cited the law as proof that access to abortion has never been more at risk, promising that were going to fight back like hell.

This is cruel and extreme. And they've included a dangerous provision that allows ANYONE from any state to sue an abortion provider and others who help someone get care?? Absolutely not.



Access to abortion has never been more at risk  and we're going to fight back like hell. https://t.co/BKaw49p0RI  Alexis McGill Johnson (@alexismcgill) May 19, 2021

Heartbeat bills have previously faced resistance from the judicial branch in several states, including Mississippi, Georgia and Missouri. Abbotts signing of Senate Bill 8 comes two days after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up a case involving Mississippis 15-week abortion ban. The case has major implications for the pro-life movement as the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide nears its 50th anniversary.

The passage of Senate Bill 8 comes as Texas House Republicans face criticism for failing to consider a bill that would ban sex changes for children younger than 18 years of age. With less than two weeks to go, the Texas Senate approved a similar measure that still awaits approval from the House. The push to pass such a bill comes as the states 87th Legislative Session is scheduled to come to an end in less than two weeks.

Senate Bill 8 is one of several pro-life state laws signed into law so far this year. Late last month, the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute released a report finding that more than 500 pro-life bills had been filed in the first four months of 2021, with 61 of those bills becoming law.

In addition to the legislative action taking place at the state level, individual communities in Texas have taken steps to protect the right to life. Two dozen Texas cities have declared themselves sanctuary cities for the unborn, completely outlawing abortion at the local level. Earlier this month, the city of Lubbock, Texas, became the largest sanctuary city for the unborn in the country. The city of more than 200,000 people faced a lawsuit shortly thereafter.
Evangelical ministry donates bomb shelters to Israeli communities near Gaza border

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As hostilities between Israel and armed groups in the Gaza Strip continue, the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem has donated nine portable bomb shelters to protect communities near the Gaza border.

Christians around the world want to do something positive to help Israel now, ICEJ Vice President David Parsons told The Jerusalem Post. They are praying and standing up for Israel in their own countries, but feel this is something that they can do to really make a contribution to security and peace in Israel.

The shelters seek to ensure fewer casualties, said Parsons, whose ministry was founded in 1980 to represent churches, denominations and Christians worldwide who share a love and concern for Israel and who seek to repair the historic breach between the Church and the Jewish people.

The shelters will likely be delivered in the next few days, according to the Sunday report. Another six shelters had been ordered and would soon be sent to communities located near the Lebanon border.

Hamas militants started launching rocket attacks on Israel last Monday as tensions brewed over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem.

Israeli police clashed with Palestinians near the citys Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islams third holiest site.

Gazas health ministry reported that since last Monday, at least 200 have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Meanwhile, over 1,200 have been injured.

According to Israeli officials, Hamas and other militant groups have launched over 2,900 rockets into Israel, which resulted in 10 people dying and hundreds injured. Rockets have reached as far as the outskirts of Jerusalem, Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv and its suburbs, according to the United Nations.

Despite Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, 450 rockets reportedly fell in built-up areas and many others landed short inside Gaza, which led to Palestinian casualties.

At least 42 Palestinians, including a 1-year-old baby and a 3-year-old toddler, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City early Sunday, according to a report by The Times of Israel.

Dozens remained trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings in Gaza Citys upscale al-Rimal neighborhood, the Palestinian Civil Defense organization was quoted as saying.

Were hearing screams under the rubble, a member of the Civil Defense told Al-Jazeera.

Many homes, community buildings and other public places do not have bomb shelters nearby, and area residents only have 10-20 seconds to find shelter when the red alert sounds of incoming rockets, ICEJ President Dr. Jurgen Buhler wrote in a blog post on his ministrys website.

My family and I found ourselves in our own shelter this week. From the shelter, we could hear the explosions of the four Hamas rockets falling close by our community just outside Jerusalem. So we know the frightful sounds of rocket explosions, and we also know these shelters literally save lives! he added.

The Israel Defense Forces have indicated Jerusalem may soon accept a ceasefire offer since it has achieved its goals in this round of fighting against the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups, The Times of Israel reported.

ICEJ says it has been donating portable shelters to communities at risk since 2008. With the support of Christians worldwide, 118 shelters have been donated to southern Israeli communities.

ICEJ partners with Operation Lifeshield to ensure the shelters are built to Israel Defense Forces standards.

Operation Lifeshield is an emergency campaign to save innocent lives by providing Israel's threatened communities with the protected air raid shelters.

On Saturday, President Joe Biden spoke with Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to urge de-escalation.

Biden also reaffirmed his support for Israels right to defend itself while expressing concern about the deaths of civilians and the safety of journalists.

Last Wednesday, 40 U.S. senators, led by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., signed a letter calling on Biden to support Israels right to retaliate and end sanction relief with Iran, which backs Hamas. Hamas is designated by the U.S. State Department as a foreign terrorist organization.
Rock Church suspends indoor services after staffers test positive for COVID-19

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A month after Rock Church in San Diego, California, held their first indoor worship service since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the church has suspended indoor worship at all campuses for May 23, except at the Point Loma and microsite locations, after multiple staffers tested positive for COVID-19.

We have recently learned that some of our Rock Church employees have tested positive for COVID-19. We are working with and helping these members of our Rock staff get the care and help they need. Some of our campuses and teams are directly affected by this and are self-quarantining. Out of an abundance of caution, our in person Sunday services will be limited to our Point Loma and Microsite locations only on May 23rd, the church said in a statement posted on their website.

Executive Pastor Lisa Penberthy told Fox 5 that 15 employees across the churchs five campuses had tested positive for COVID-19, but none have been hospitalized.

None of our staff have been hospitalized. They are about split of symptomatic and asymptomatic. They are quarantining and doing well, she said.

The church noted that as the staff members get the medical care they need to recover, they have also been working to do everything they can to prevent the spread of the virus at their campuses.

To help prevent the spread of COVID, our facilities undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection multiple times throughout the week, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Preventions Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations. We will continue our cleaning regimen in accordance with CDC recommendations, officials noted.

Speaking with The San Diego Union-Tribune after his churchs first indoor service since the start of the pandemic on April 18, Rock Church Pastor Miles McPherson, who did not move to hold indoor services until state officials lifted mandatory restrictions a week earlier, revealed how happy he was to reunite with his spiritual family.

It was so good to see our family back together, he said. It was like Thanksgiving or Christmas when you get to reunite with your family and reestablish your relationships.

More than 5,000 attended in-person services across four campuses, and 300,000 also watched Rock Church services online, the publication noted. But for those who attended in-person, the feeling was special.

Its my birthday today, and weve been gone for so long that it feels like a gift from God and Pastor Miles that we can all be together again, said Karla Ghancous, 27, who recalled the first time she walked through the doors of the Point Loma campus.

On April 12, California lifted capacity limits on houses of worship after a controversial year when several churches challenged the states ongoing pandemic restrictions in court.

In response to recent judicial rulings, effective immediately, location and capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended, an update posted on the states COVID-19 website reads.

In February, the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom was forced to revise guidelines for indoor worship services after the U.S. Supreme Court granted an emergency injunction blocking a complete public health ban on indoor worship services in some counties. But the court kept in place restrictions on singing, chanting and a 25% limit on crowd size.

The state completely lifted all mandatory restrictions after the Supreme Court ruled against the states limits on in-home Bible study and other forms of worship on April 9.
California to pay $1.35M to settle Harvest Rock Church lawsuit against gathering restrictions

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California will have to pay over $1 million in legal fees and attorney costs as part of a settlement reached with Harvest Rock Church over litigation surrounding the states lockdown rules.

Last year, Harvest Rock and other ministries sued Gov. Gavin Newsom over a coronavirus pandemic lockdown order limiting the size and scope of worship gatherings they argued violated their religious freedom.

U.S. District Court Judge Jesus G. Bernal issued an order last week requiring the state to pay the plaintiffs $1.35 million in attorneys fees and legal costs incurred in the case.

The order also prohibited unfair treatment of houses of worship in emergency orders, explaining that the state government could impose capacity or numerical restrictions on religious worship services and gatherings at places of worship that are either identical to, or at least as favorable as, the restrictions imposed on other similar gatherings of similar risk.

This Order does not prohibit the State from issuing recommendations, best practices, precautions, or other measures, as long as such promulgations make clear to the public that they are voluntary and not enforceable, continued the order.

Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver, whose legal nonprofit represented Harvest Rock, said in a statement released Monday that Newsom has now been permanently quarantined and may not violate the First Amendment rights of churches and places of worship again.

We are grateful for Pastor Che Ahn, Harvest Rock Church, and Harvest International Ministry. Pastor Ahns leadership and courage has toppled the tyranny and freed every pastor and church in California, he added.

Last July, Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry, which includes multiple member churches, filed legal challenges to California's gathering restrictions. A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled 2-1 against Harvest Rock last October, concluding that the limits were justified.

The Orders apply the same restrictions to worship services as they do to other indoor congregate events, such as lectures and movie theaters," the court majority argued. "Some congregate activities are completely prohibited in every county, such as attending concerts and spectating sporting events."

But in December, the U.S. Supreme Court granted injunctive relief for Harvest Rock, in light of the court's 5-4 ruling in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo.

In April, amid various legal challenges to the state restrictions, California lifted rules requiring houses of worship to adhere to capacity limits, changing the standards on places of worship from mandatory to strongly recommended.

In response to recent judicial rulings, effective immediately, location and capacity limits on places of worship are not mandatory but are strongly recommended, a government website explained. The linked guidance is in the process of being updated. All other restrictions in the guidance remain in place.
France bans 'gender-neutral' wording in schools, warns it's 'harmful' and confusing for children

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Frances ministry of education has prohibited the use of gender inclusive language, asserting that it harms the process of learning the French language.

The education ministry sent out a decree to schools across the Western European nation in an effort to end the use of midpoints, period-like dots that are placed in the middle of words, separating most of the word from its ending, which designates it as either masculine or feminine. The midpoints are used in place of both masculine and feminine endings of words. Academie Francaise, which is also known as the French Academy and is the institution entrusted with preserving the language, has stated that the gender-inclusive words are harmful" to the practice and understanding of the French language.

In the French language, masculine endings are usually more prevalent in nouns.

For example, a group of friends including five women and one man would be written as amis, but a midpoint would change the spelling of the word to ami.e.s." according to Newsweek.

The decree from the education ministry stated that the use of midpoints creates confusion while learning the language, especially for children.

The decree, translated by Google Translate, states: So-called 'inclusive' writing should be avoided, which notably uses the midpoint to simultaneously reveal the feminine and masculine forms of a word used in the masculine when it is used in one sense."

"In addition, this writing, which results in the fragmentation of words and agreements, constitutes an obstacle to reading and understanding the written word. The impossibility of verbally transcribing texts using this type of writing hampers reading aloud as well as pronunciation, and consequently learning, especially for the youngest."

In an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, France's Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said that using midpoints is a problem, particularly for students with learning disabilities. Putting dots in the middle of words presents a barrier when it comes to teaching the [French] language," he said. In response to the decree, the French teachers union, Solidaires Unitaires Democratiques Education Union accused Blanque of imposing his backwardness upon educators and urged schools to disregard the order.

Other education officials say the use of midpoints for the purposes of gender inclusivity signals a defeat of the French language and will discourage people from learning it altogether in light of the growing dominance of English globally.

With the spread of inclusive writing, the English language  already quasi-hegemonic across the world  would certainly and perhaps forever defeat the French language," said Nathalie Elimas, the state secretary for Priority Education, told the Daily Mail earlier this month.

Gender-inclusive language does not employ midpoints in English, as many nouns are not gendered. What has transpired in English-speaking countries is the adoption of transgender-friendly terms that obscure the sex of the body, such as saying "pregnant people" or "birthing bodies" to include women who identify as men.
Texas to lift mask mandate for public schools after reporting zero COVID deaths for first time in over a year

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Two months after President Joe Biden derided state officials like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as exhibiting Neanderthal thinking for lifting statewide mask mandates, the state celebrated zero covid deaths for the first time in over a year on Sunday.

Abbott signed an executive order Tuesday following the health update that bans city and county governments and public school districts from imposing mandatory mask mandates, starting June 5, and makes public officials subject to a $1,000 fine if they impose such mandates.

The Lone Star State continues to defeat COVID-19 through the use of widely-available vaccines, antibody therapeutic drugs, and safe practices utilized by Texans in our communities," Abbott said in a statement. "Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities," he continued. "We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans' liberty to choose whether or not they mask up."

On Sunday, Abbott tweeted that Texas had achieved zero COVID-19-related deaths for the first time since the data was first tracked in March 2020. The state has also seen the fewest number of infection cases in over 13 months, the lowest seven-day positivity rate, and the lowest number of COVID-related hospitalizations in 11 months.

Thanks, Texans! the governor tweeted in response to the states most promising COVID-19 numbers in over a year.

Today Texas reported:



* 0 Covid related deaths--the only time that's happened since data was tracked in March, 2020.



* the fewest Covid cases in over 13 months



* the lowest 7-day Covid positivity rate ever



* the lowest Covid hospitalizations in 11 months.



Thanks, Texans!  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 17, 2021

Texas has a population of nearly 30 million people and had close to 50,000 virus-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, according to Texas Health and Human Services.

The state is experiencing a steep decline in both new COVID-19 cases and deaths.

On Thursday morning, however, the state reported 58 deaths related to COVID-19 and 1,461 new infections. But the numbers continue to show a significant drop from peak infections on Jan. 9 that tallied at more than 3,800.

Over 41% of Texans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and over 32% of the population was fully vaccinated as of May 19, USA Facts reported.

When Abbott and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, both Republicans, ended statewide mask mandates and encouraged business to open fully in early March, Biden accused them of Neanderthal thinking to believe that "in the meantime, everything is fine, take off your masks," CBS News reported.

"I think it's a big mistake," the president told reporters regarding the lifting of the mask mandates. "Look, I hope everybody's realized by now, these masks make a difference. We are on the cusp of being able to fundamentally change the nature of this disease because of the way with which we're able to get vaccines in people's arms. We've been able to move that all the way up to the end of May to have enough for every American, to get every adult American to get a shot.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki defended Bidens comments, saying the president wasn't comparing red-state governors to Neanderthals but meant to compare their actions to the behavior of a Neanderthal, just to be very clear. The behavior of.

Psaki said Biden's remarks were a reflection of [his] frustration and exasperation, Fox News reported.

Abbott pushed back against Bidens comments at the time, asserting that Texans don't need government mandates to know best practices.

Reeves also pushed back in a post on Twitter: President Biden said allowing Mississippians to decide how to protect themselves is neanderthal thinking. Mississippians dont need handlers. As numbers drop, they can assess their choices and listen to experts. I guess I just think we should trust Americans, not insult them, he added in the post back in March.

Former Democratic Senate candidate Beto ORourke, who lost to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, likened Abbotts lifting of the mask mandate to a death warrant for the Lone Star State.

A death warrant for Texans, ORourke tweeted on March 2. Add them to the 44,000+ killed as he failed to confront the pandemic & botched the vaccine rollout. And those who froze to death because he cares more about energy companies profits than keeping Texans alive. Abbott is killing the people of Texas.

A death warrant for Texans.



Add them to the 44,000+ killed as he failed to confront the pandemic & botched the vaccine rollout.



And those who froze to death because he cares more about energy companies profits than keeping Texans alive.



Abbott is killing the people of Texas. https://t.co/2idUcqSjJT  Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) March 2, 2021

Governor of California Gavin Newsom also tweeted on March 2 that Abbotts lifting of the mask mandate was absolutely reckless.

CNN and other corporate media outlets slammed Abbotts decision to end the mask mandate as "appalling" and a head-scratching, anti-science decision.

The Texas Rangers also announced that the franchise will no longer require fans to wear masks inside its new ballpark following changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

The CDC reports that as of Tuesday, over 60% of American adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Over 125 million Americans are fully vaccinated, which is over 37% of the population.

Last week it released new guidelines allowing fully vaccinated people to resume pre-pandemic activities without wearing a mask or social distancing while adhering to federal, state and local guidance.
American Christians help fund thousands of bomb shelters to protect Israelis from Hamas attacks

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As Israel has been bombarded with thousands of missiles fired by Hamas over the past two weeks, American Christians have provided aid from afar by helping fund mobile bomb shelters that will protect Israeli civilians from the attacks.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews [The Fellowship] placed 13 mobile bomb shelters in the heavily bombarded city of Ashkelon last Wednesday, along with several other mobile shelters throughout the week, to protect from Hamas terrorist missile fire.

The Fellowship also provided security staff in Ashkelon, a coastal southern Israel city, with 25 protective vests.

The Fellowship, a leading nonprofit founded in 1983 that bridges the gap between American evangelicals and Jews by providing humanitarian aid to Israel and Jewish people, has placed nearly 3,000 bomb shelters in Israel to date.

The support of American Christians who desire to see Israel protected has allowed thousands of permanent or mobile bomb shelters to truly provide security and safety from these rocket attacks to the people of Israel.

Its mostly on behalf of Christians in America who want to provide that shelter and protection just as the Bible says to be the watchmen on the walls [of Jerusalem], The Fellowship CEO Yael Eckstein, whose father founded the organization, told The Christian Post.

Despite the pandemic and subdued terror activity during 2020, The Fellowship continued to prepare for future conflicts in Israel and successfully placed 59 permanent and mobile bomb shelters and 1,000 protective vests in the past 18 months.

Factories can produce a mobile bomb shelter in six days, she said. And in times of conflict, these shelters can be purchased and placed in key, strategic, vulnerable locations [under rocket fire].

Especially in the last week, Israel is aware of the constant threat of attack from enemies surrounding the small Middle Eastern country of about 9 million people.

Every night before we go to sleep and say the bedtime prayers to ask God to watch over us, were giving our plans for if theres a [bomb] siren  who is going to grab who to go down to the shelters, the mother of four shared.

Things have definitely changed, and its a constant balance between making sure our children are aware and that youre honest with them and that theyre aware of the threats and aware of where the closest bomb shelter is.

She said it is challenging to find the balance of not being afraid and trusting in Gods protection while knowing individuals who have been killed in war and terror in Israel.

Whats really unique and unprecedented about this situation now is that were not even technically in a situation of war and [there have] been more rockets over Tel Aviv, Jerusalem than ever before in the history of Israel, Eckstein detailed.

And so, I guess what makes this unique is just the range that Hamas terrorists are able to [reach]. The amount of people who are in their bomb shelters who have never [had] to get in their bomb shelters before and the ongoing barrages that are targeting civilians and not specifically military or IDF bases.

The Fellowship has operated on the Gaza Strip for 15 years to prepare for emergencies through building bomb shelters, providing secure trauma centers and protective vests. But the attacks of the past couple of weeks have affected more Israeli civilians than ever before, according to Eckstein.

She said seeing the support millions of Christians have shown for Israel, despite the medias often misleading narrative, is encouraging.

Whats inspiring to me personally is to see the millions of Christians who, despite the media totally misportraying what is happening, they see through it and continue to stand with Israel and be Israels most vocal supporters, Eckstein said.

And for Christians, obviously, who stand for life, who stand against killing, who have these very, very strong values of freedom, to see how they recognize theres one side defending themselves and one side waging war and targeting civilians, for me is just the most encouraging thing. ...

She said millions of Christians are going against the "mainstream opinion" because they understand that "Israel stands for freedom."

Eckstein explained how Israel is surrounded by enemies that seek its destruction though it is peace-seeking and has never provoked a war in its history since 1948.

Israel yearns for peace," she stated. "Israel does not want war. Israel doesnt want to kill anyone. Israel wants to make sure that its citizens are safe. "

Eckstein stated that while Israel is building bomb shelters to protect its civilians, the designated terrorist group Hamas uses women and children for shields and will build its weapons factories under schools and hospitals.

In reference to former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meirs quote, Eckstein said, the day that our enemies love their children more than they hate us is the day there will be peace.

[Israel] is really this beacon of light and Judeo-Christian values, just like America stands for with the same democratic process, same value for life and freedom," she said. "And one of the hardest things is being surrounded by terrorists  who have no value for life."

If the Arabs would put down their arms, there would be no more war," she continued. "If Israel would put down their arms, there would be no more Israel.

Eckstein explained how the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps and that God has allowed them to create the Iron Dome, a missile defense system that intercepts missiles fired at Israel in mid-air.

I think that were seeing miracles in our lifetime, and I think that were seeing blessings as well that with over 2,000 rockets being launched at Israel and miraculously theyre falling in open areas , she shared.

I really believe prayer is Israels greatest weapon, and the fact that we have millions of Christians praying for us and standing with us is just, I believe, a huge component of whats giving us this strength."
Planned Parenthood sues Texas city for becoming largest sanctuary city for the unborn

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A Planned Parenthood abortion clinic has filed a lawsuit against a city in Texas over its recent vote to approve an ordinance that bans abortions from being performed in their jurisdiction.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Surgical Health Services filed the suit in federal court on Monday against the city of Lubbock, which recently became known as a Sanctuary City for the Unborn.

The complaint claims that the ordinance is unconstitutional since it imposes substantial liability on anyone who procures, performs, aids, or abets an abortion in Lubbock, be it a doctor, nurse, relative, friend, or stranger.

The Ordinance will prevent Plaintiffs from providing abortions in Lubbock and will seriously impede access to abortion. Consequently, the Ordinance plainly violates the constitutional right to abortion, the suit argues.

Plaintiffs (Planned Parenthood) bring this lawsuit to safeguard their patients constitutional right to abortion, to prevent the harm that the Ordinance will cause their patients health and well-being, and to preserve their own ability to fulfill their mission to provide comprehensive reproductive health care.

Lubbock officials released a statement in response to the suit, vowing to vigorously defend this ordinance in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division.

The city is being represented by Heather Hacker and Andrew Stephens of Hacker Stephens LLP of Austin, and Fernando Bustos of the Bustos Law Firm, P.C., of Lubbock, according to the statement.

In recent years, several small towns, mostly in Texas, have passed ordinances stating that abortions will not be allowed within their city limits, despite current laws.

Lubbock became the largest city in the United States to identify as a Sanctuary City for the Unborn after the ordinance was approved via referendum with 62% of the vote on May 1.

In an earlier interview with The Christian Post, Mark Lee Dickson, the founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn movement, called the referendum a landslide victory.

I think it says a lot because Lubbock is the 11th-most populated city in the state of Texas and the 83rd most populated city in the United States of America, Dickson said.

All cities at this point, with the exception of Lubbock, have outlawed abortion through their mayor and city council  I think this is the appropriate way it needs to be done  through the mayor and the council the people have elected.
Supreme Court to determine if states can ban abortions before viability; pro-lifers hail landmark opportunity

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The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments in the case of a Mississippi law banning abortion in most circumstances before an unborn baby is viable. One pro-life group has hailed the court's decision to hear the case as a "landmark opportunity."

In an order released Monday morning, the Supreme Court granted certiorari, or agreed to review a lower court decision, in the case of Thomas Dobbs, et. al. v. Jackson Womens Health Organization.

The case centers on a Mississippi law passed in 2018 that banned most abortions after 15 weeks gestation or several weeks before a baby can survive outside the womb.

The Supreme Court explained in their brief order that the arguments will focus on the question of the litigation of whether bans on pre-viability abortions are constitutional.

In March 2018, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 1510 into law, which changed state law from banning most abortions after 20 weeks' gestation to 15 weeks' gestation.

Any doctor who performed an abortion after 15 weeks for reasons other than severe fetal deformity or to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency could face up to 10 years in prison.

"These human beings in the womb deserve the right to life, which is supported by this law," the Jackson-based organization Pro-Life Mississippi said back in 2018. "We appreciate Governor Bryant and our legislators who have supported bills like this one that are grounded in science and protect human life."

Soon after HB 1510 was signed, Mississippis lone abortion clinic, the Jackson Women's Health Organization, filed a lawsuit against the state over the new law.

Nancy Northup, head of the Center for Reproductive Rights, a pro-abortion group that represented the clinic, expressed confidence that the legislation would be declared unconstitutional.

"Mississippi politicians have shown once again that they will stop at nothing to deny women this fundamental right, targeting the state's last remaining clinic in defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court and decades of settled precedent," Northup said at the time.

"Politicians are not above the rule of law, and we are confident this dangerous bill will be struck down like every similar attempt before it."

In December 2019, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled against the law, unanimously upholding a lower court decision.

Circuit Judge Patrick Higginbotham, author of the panel's opinion, argued that the abortion law ran contrary to a womans right to choose an abortion before viability.

States may regulate abortion procedures prior to viability so long as they do not impose an undue burden on the womans right, but they may not ban abortions, wrote Higginbotham. The law at issue is a ban. Thus, we affirm the district courts invalidation of the law, as well as its discovery rulings and its award of permanent injunctive relief.

The pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List hailed the Supreme Court's decision to review the case as a "landmark opportunity."

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the SBA List, said in a statement to The Christian Post: This is a landmark opportunity for the Supreme Court to recognize the right of states to protect unborn children from the horrors of painful late-term abortions.Across the nation, state lawmakers acting on the will of the people have introduced 536 pro-life bills aimed at humanizing our laws and challenging the radical status quo imposed by Roe. It is time for the Supreme Court to catch up to scientific reality and the resulting consensus of the American people as expressed in elections and policy.

Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, noted in a statement shared with CP: "March for Life works for the day when abortion is unthinkable, but currently the United States is one of only seven countries  including China and North Korea  that allows abortions through all nine months of pregnancy. An overwhelming majority of Americans agree that this goes way too far, in fact 70% think abortion should be limited to  at most  the first three months of pregnancy.

"States should be allowed to craft laws that are in line with both public opinion on this issue as well as basic human compassion, instead of the extreme policy that Roe imposed," Mancini added.
Army urged to protect religious freedom of chaplain punished for supporting transgender military ban

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An advocacy group comprised of military chaplains has called on the United States Army to intervene on behalf of a chaplain who was punished for sharing his views on transgender ideology on Facebook.

U.S. Army leadership reprimanded Chaplain Major Andrew Calvert for criticizing possible changes to the Department of Defenses policies on transgender service.

The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty released a statement Monday calling on senior Army leadership to dismiss charges of wrongdoing against Calvert for the social media post.

Calvert was expressing views that were consistent with U.S. Defense Department policy at the time, argued the Alliance, and was also expressing his sincerely held religious beliefs on the matter.

The right to freedom of conscience' is the most sacred belief held by all Americans and proponents of a free society, and that is why it is our first constitutional right, said Alliance Executive Director Derek Jones, in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

Chaplain Calverts sincerely held beliefs are protected by the First Amendment and our federal courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of First Amendment protection for religious expression such as Chaplain Calverts.

In January, Calvert commented on a news article about President Joe Biden's plans to overturn a ban on trans-identified men and women serving in the Armed Forces, expressing his support for the ban that allows men who identify as women to enter female-only spaces.

How is rejecting reality [biology] not evidence that a person is mentally unfit [ill], and thus making that person unqualified to serve, Calvert posted on Facebook.

An unknown party took screenshots of Calverts comments and sent them to the Third Forces Assistance Brigade, leading to the chaplain being issued a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand on April 22.

Earlier this month, Calvert filed an appeal to the reprimand, with the chaplain being represented by the conservative law firm the First Liberty Institute.

Chaplain Calvert is a decorated soldier with an exemplary record. He faces having his career ruined simply because he expressed his religious views on his personal Facebook page, said Mike Berry, general counsel at First Liberty Institute, in a press release.

Throughout Chaplain Calverts military career, he has personified selfless service and sacrifice, and a desire to provide for the spiritual needs of those under his care. Punishing a chaplain because of their expressed religious belief is illegal and wrong.

Colonel Myles B. Caggins III, spokesperson for the III U.S. Army Corps, defended the proceedings against Calvert in an emailed statement to The Army Times.

Calvert was provided full due process and given the opportunity to submit matters to the Investigating Officer, said Caggins, as quoted by The Army Times. Calverts command, after carefully considered the findings of the investigation and all matters submitted by [Calvert], took appropriate administrative action.
Zachery Tims' ex-wife Riva weds best friend and heart-centered financier

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More than a decade after divorcing her late troubled celebrity pastor husband Zachery Tims in 2009, whose affair with drugs and sex ultimately ended his life two years later, Riva Tims announced Sunday that she has found love again and is now remarried.

Introducing Mr. Robert and Mrs Riva Watkins. I married my best friend and love of my life. Robert found a REAL GOOD THING!!!! wrote the new Mrs. Watkins who leads the thriving Majestic Life Church in Florida on Instagram.

Her new husband, Robert J. Watkins, who is a 20-year entrepreneur, bestselling author and the leader of Conquer Worldwide also shared the news of his nuptials in a similar fashion to his fans on social media where he declared: Just married my best friend and the love of my life... Pastor Riva Tims.

Watkins describes himself on his website as a heart-centered financier completely focused on his God-given mission  to educate, empower and equip people around the globe to build empires that transfer wealth through generations.

Through his company, Watkins wants to create 20 million jobs by resourcing 2 million new entrepreneurs in 200 cities.

In her 2017 book, When It All Comes Together, the former Mrs. Tims shared her painful process of recovery from the relationship with her ex-husband and the challenges of life as a single mother with four children, including a son with cerebral palsy.

She also talked about the pain of losing the once popular and now Paula White-led New Destiny Christian Center, which she co-founded with her ex-husband, and how God used those events to birth Majestic Life Church.

"This book came about after seven years of really excruciatingly horrible trials," Watkins told The Christian Post at the time.

The book was a sequel to one she wrote in 2012 titled, When It All Falls Apart, which details the circumstances that led to the accidental death of her ex-husband from "acute intoxication by the combined effects of cocaine and heroin" in a New York City hotel and the media circus that followed.

"Nothing  and I mean nothing  in my life turned out the way I thought it would. I was supposed to be a hospital administrator happily married to my accountant husband, Zachery Tims. I never thought Zachery and I would become pastors, but God sent us to begin a church in Orlando," she wrote in her 2017 book.

"So weren't we supposed to be married still, building the third phase of the City of Destiny, the cathedral? Weren't we supposed to be leading 'a family church meeting family needs'? Weren't we supposed to be there for each milestone in our children's lives and grow old together? My life was nothing like what I expected. But as Paul did, I chose to press forward and do all I knew to do despite what the situation looked like, she added.
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On Monday, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health. At least four justices needed to agree to accept the case and it is likely that they would not have done so if they did not believe they could get one or more of the remaining justices to join them in a decision.

Generally, the Court likes wiggle-room, but this case does not give them much room. The Court specifically agreed to address the question of whether states can protect the life of the unborn child prior to viability. No more slowly chipping away at Roe v. Wade (1973).

But amid my excitement at the Courts announcement, I was hit with a feeling of dread. I have been here before. I had the same initial sense of hope when the Court agreed to hear Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). Abortion cases seemed to be moving in the right direction. But the Casey result was deeply disappointing. It altered the Roe framework a bit, but continued to prohibit states from protecting unborn children in the vast majority of cases.

There are many reasons to celebrate the potential reversal of Roe and Casey. God created humans in His image (Gen. 1:26-27). He forms them in their mothers wombs; they are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps. 139:3). God calls on the Hebrew people to choose life. (Deut.30:19). Moreover, Roe and Casey are contrary to American law  they violate the Amendment to the Constitution on which they are based.

Below, I point to some of the troubling language in Roe and Casey.

The Courts standard for meaningful life



Roe held unconstitutional all laws prohibiting abortion prior to viability  the time when the child is able to live outside of the mothers womb. The Court stated:

With respect to the States important and legitimate interest in potential life, the compelling point is at viability. This is so because the fetus presumably has the capability of meaningful life outside the mothers womb. State regulation protective of fetal life after viability thus has both logical and biological justification. (410 U.S. 163, emphases added).

The Courts reasoning appears to be:

Only those who are capable of meaningful life are protected by the Constitution. Prior to viability, the child is not capable of meaningful life. Therefore, the unborn child is not entitled to state protection.

Under this reasoning, one who is dependent on other people is not entitled to the laws protection. I love independence, but it should not be the defining characteristic of meaningful human life. Everyone goes through periods of dependence  for most people, childhood, illness, and old age. An automobile accident can leave us dependent on others for life. Roe suggests that during periods of dependence, we have no legal right to protection. This is exactly the opposite of the Jewish and Christian teaching that those who are dependent (the widow, the orphan, the outsider) are entitled to care. All human life, even dependent human life, is meaningful.

A blow to democracy



In 1965 abortion was illegal in every state in America unless the mother's life was at risk. By 1973, the year Roe was decided, some states had broadened the circumstances under which abortion was permitted. The important issues raised by abortion  when does life begin? Should the law regulate this area? How should the interests of the mother and child be balanced?  were subjects of public moral discourse. But Roe removed them from the democratic process. The Court seized an issue over which they have no expertise and no authority. Roe and Casey have distorted both our constitutional jurisprudence and our political processes for almost 50 years.

If the abortion issue involved a complicated legal issue, that might provide one argument for judges, rather than ordinary people, to resolve it. But legal training does not give judges any special ability to determine when life begins, whether it has value, or how the interests of mothers and unborn children should be balanced. The Court withdrew this issue from the political arena, where citizens could thrash through the issues and resolve them.

The Courts abortion jurisprudence has troubling implications for democracy and the rule of law. As Mary Ann Glendon has said:

"[When judges remove decisions from the democratic arena, they undercut] the normal processes through which citizens build coalitions, develop consensus, hammer out compromises, try out new ideas, learn from mistakes, and try again* * * Political skills atrophy. Men and women cease to take citizenship seriously. Citizens with diverse points of view lose the habit of cooperating to set conditions under which all can flourish. Tolerance suffers as communication declines."

When judges openly seize power on a questionable legal basis, the rule of law and respect for law is weakened. When judges become a law unto themselves, we should not be surprised when citizens also ignore the law.

'Substantive due process'

Moreover, the Court removed the issue of abortion from the democratic process through deceptive, demeaning, elitist means. Roe and Casey held that states may not prohibit abortion based on the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment which prohibits states from depriving citizens of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. By its terms, this clause only protects the citizens right to due process (i.e., procedures like notice of charges and trial by an impartial decision-maker). Casey identified no procedural irregularity in the states prohibition of abortion, but holds that the right to abortion is a matter of substantive due process. This is doublespeak. The Court uses a provision requiring procedural protections to give itself unlimited powers to regulate substance.

At one point, the Casey court condescendingly claims that some of the Constitutions language is hard to fathom . . . . But the language of the Constitution is not the problem. It does not take a linguistic expert to see that talk of substantive due process is just a cover for the Courts seizure of power never granted to it by the Constitution.

The Courts view of pro-life advocacy

The Court calls efforts to overturn Roe mere unprincipled emotional reactions and claims for the Court the authority to . . . speak before all others for [the peoples] constitutional ideal. It calls on the contending sides to accept its mandate. (505 U.S. 866-67) But the Constitution does not give the Supreme Court the authority to issue any mandate it chooses. In Roe and Casey, the Court ignores the rule of law and asserts its right to rule.

'The mystery of human life'

In the course of the Casey opinion the Court revealed its underlying philosophy: At the heart of liberty is the right to define ones own concept of existence, of the meaning of the universe, and of the mystery of human life. (505 U.S. at 851) If the Court took seriously the mystery of human life passage, if everyone has a right to define his or her own existence, it would impose a lawless regime on the United States. It would remove any basis for law or social responsibility.

In the mystery passage, the Casey opinion imposes on the American people a religious view of life. Many, if not most, Americans believe that God reveals to us the meaning of life  we discover it, we do not create it. The Court puts the human in the place of God, and abortion is a striking example of where humans can go when they see themselves as gods.

Under Casey, defining ones own concept of the mystery of human life includes the right to take another human life. The Courts doctrine of self-creation is not only troubling, it contrasts dramatically with Americas founding traditions. The Declaration of Independence claims for us a right to liberty, but we were endowed by [our] creator with liberty. We do not create it. Liberty is part of the givenness to life, part of an objective moral order. We have rights because they were given to us; we dont just make them up. And liberty is not the only God-given right.

Among the God-given rights celebrated in the Declaration is the right to life. The rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness should not trump the right to life, which rightly comes first in the Declaration. One should not be able to define ones own concept of existence (in Caseys words) at the expense of the life of another human being.

Precedent

We will hear a lot about precedent in the coming months (from a lot of people who dont generally care much about precedent). The Court does not like to reverse itself. There is value in law being consistent. People can rely on it and plan their lives around it. But the Court has been clear throughout its history that it will reject precedent when it has made a serious error. As Justice OConnor said:

Although we must be mindful of the "desirability of continuity of decision in constitutional questions. . . . when convinced of former error, this Court has never felt constrained to follow precedent. In constitutional questions, when correction depends on amendment and not upon legislative action this Court throughout its history has freely exercised its power to reexamine the basis of its constitutional decisions."

Casey itself overruled the trimester precedent of Roe and set up its own framework for a right to abortion.

Conclusion: An important precedent for reversing precedent

The importance of reversal of precedent is illustrated by a case that was decided, as I write, exactly 125 years ago, Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). In Plessy, the Court held that the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment permitted racial segregation so long as facilities are equal. The only redeeming fact of the case is that it was the occasion for what many believe to be the best Supreme Court opinion in history  the dissent of Justice John Marshall Harlan.

Justice Harlan and his opinion are celebrated as I write in a wonderful article in The New York Times. The Times fails to note that Justice Harlan was an evangelical Christian. He taught an adult Bible class for 15 years at his Presbyterian Church. His fellow evangelical and fellow Justice David Josiah Brewer said of Harlan that he goes to bed every night with one hand on the Constitution and the other hand on the Bible.

Both the Constitution and the Bible pointed Harlan in the same direction. In his Plessy dissent, Harlan wrote: Our constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law. The humblest is the peer of the most powerful.

Thankfully, 60 years later in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Supreme Court followed Justice Harlan and reversed the well-established Plessy precedent. The Court exercised a bit of humility  a rare commodity in legal circles  and admitted that it had been wrong. It held that black students have a right to attend the same schools as white students. Hopefully, the current Supreme Court will be willing to admit that it erred 50 years ago and that states can protect the life of unborn children. My hope and prayer is that Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health will be the Brown v. Board of Education of this century.
Scottish law student faces disciplinary action after saying women have vaginas, men are stronger

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A law student at Abertay University in Scotland is being investigated after making comments during lectures asserting that only women have vaginas and that men are the physically stronger sex.

The British daily newspaper The Times reported Saturday that Lisa Keogh is now facing disciplinary actions after her classmates reported her for saying that women were born with female genitals and that the difference in physical strength of men versus women is a fact.'"

The 29-year old law student, who is in her final year, is now afraid that any sanction from the school might hurt her aspiration to become a human rights attorney. Keogh reportedly made remarks about biological sex during seminars on gender feminism and the law.

According to Keogh, she was muted by her lecturer during a video seminar when she raised concerns about trans-identified males being able to take part in mixed martial arts matches. She said she made a point that a trans-identified male "had testosterone in her body for 32 years and, as such, would be genetically stronger than your average woman."

I thought it was a joke, Keogh said about receiving an email that accused her of making bigoted comments.

I thought there was no way that the university would pursue me for utilizing my legal right to freedom of speech.

Her classmates that reported her, who are reportedly younger than she is, said she referred to women as the "weaker sex."

Keough is accused of calling classmates man-hating feminists when one classmate suggested that all men were rapists and pose a threat to women.

I didnt deny saying these things and told the university exactly why I did so, Keogh told the newspaper.

I didnt intend to be offensive but I did take part in a debate and outlined my sincerely held views. I was abused and called names by the other students, who told me I was a typical white, cis girl. You have got to be able to freely exchange differing opinions. Otherwise, its not a debate.

She further reiterated that she was not trying to be unkind but stating basic biology. She said that she was previously employed as a mechanic, and her male colleagues could lift heavy things she could not in the workshop.

Abertay University, a public university in Dundee, has a misconduct policy that forbids the use of "offensive language" or discriminating against transgender identity.

The schools bullying and harassment guidelines prohibit actions that are reasonably considered by that person to have the effect of violating their dignity or of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them, even if this effect was not intended by the person responsible for the conduct.

Scottish Parliament member Joanna Cherry supports Keogh, arguing that the student is unfairly subjected to a disciplinary procedure that could result in expulsion for merely stating an opinion rooted in biology.

Cherry, a member of the Scottish National Party who represents Edinburgh South West and is the deputy chairwoman of the Lords and Commons joint committee on human rights, has described Keogh's ordeal as farcical. She wrote the university to inquire what it would do to protect student rights outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

The university reportedly said it did not comment on disciplinary matters, according to The Times.

Other students in the United Kingdom have faced punishment for expressing their beliefs on controversial issues. One example is Felix Ngole, a Christian student expelled from his social work masters program at the University of Sheffield for posting about his religious beliefs on sexuality on Facebook.

In 2019, the Court of Appeal overturned a previous court ruling against Ngole.

Repercussions on similarly-phrased speech have not been limited to higher education settings.

Social media giant Twitter updated its terms of service forbidding "misgendering" in 2018 around the time it permanently booted Canadian feminist journalist Meghan Murphy from the platform after she wrote that "men aren't women" and referred to a transgender-identifying male as "him."

Last week, the social media platform blocked the account of Francisco Jose Contreras, the deputy of Spain's Vox Party, for 12 hours after tweeting that "a man cannot get pregnant" because "they have no uterus or eggs."
Surely you place Michael Burry as the eccentric investor played by Christian Bale in the movie 'The Big Short' (2015). He predicted the 2008 mortgage crisis and is now so sure of Tesla's falling stock that he made a bearish bet against Elon Musk's company .

A report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday shows that Scion Asset Management , the investment management company run by Burry, held put options for 800,100 Tesla shares, worth $ 534 million last year. March 31st.

Put options , also known as a ' put option' , give their owner the right to sell an asset at a predetermined price. This allows you to generate profits in case of a fall of said asset in the market below the price determined by the option.

The report does not specify when Michael Burry acquired the options, but in December 2020 he admitted that he bet against Tesla and advised Musk to issue more shares, as in his opinion the price was "ridiculous ."

Image: Michael Burry via Twitter.

Additionally, Burry left hints of his pessimism about Tesla last February.

My last big bet is getting bigger and bigger. Only today Tesla increased its capitalization by 60,000 million dollars, which is equivalent to one GM, two Hershey's, three Etsy, four Domino's, 10 Vornadoes. Enjoy it while it lasts , Burry warned on Twitter that month.

However, in mid-March the famous investor decided to delete his Twitter account after being investigated.

Tweeting and being in the news lately has apparently made the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) visit us , and he finished off the message with the hashtag #nomoretwitts, meaning 'no more tweets'.

Is Michael Burry's Tesla Prediction Coming True?

In 2020, the price of Tesla shares It skyrocketed more than eight times, hitting an all-time high of $ 883 on January 26, 2021. Since then, the electric car company's shares have been falling.

This Wednesday, May 19, Tesla shares are trading at $ 563 per unit, which represents an approximate 36% drop in their price in less than 4 months.

Image via Yahoo Finance.

To date, Elon Musk's company reports a market capitalization of $ 542.798 million , according to data from Yahoo Finance . Meanwhile, the founding mogul of SpaceX and Starlink stopped being the second richest person in the world and fell to third place on the Bloomberg Millionaires Index , surpassed by Bernard Arnault , president of LVMH.

Tesla's downward streak could be a sign that Burry once again anticipated the behavior of the stock market and made the right bet again.

Who is and what did Michael Burry do?

A neurologist by profession and founder of the Scion Capital fund, Burry rose to fame for predicting the bursting of the 2008 housing bubble, which caused a severe financial crisis from 2007 to 2010.

But they well say that 'a troubled river, fishermen gain'. During the subprime crisis, the investor personally made about $ 100 million and generated more than $ 700 million in profits for his clients.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Workers say that McDonalds made $5 billion last year, and they deserve more of a cut. The motto of the strike was 15 for 15, with workers exiting the Golden Arches in 15 cities  Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Chicago, Detroit, Flint, Kansas City, St Louis, Raleigh-Durham, Charleston, Houston, and Milwaukee.

The idea of raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour has been gaining traction. In April, President Biden signed an executive order raising the minimum wages of government contractors to $15 per hour. That same month, Amazon announced it was raising wages by another $3 per hour. Amazon has been paying $15 per hour since 2018. Florida approved an amendment to raise its minimum wage incrementally to reach $15 per hour by 2026.

The McDonalds strike has sparked some interesting things. On the tail of McDonalds workers announcing the strike, Chipotle disclosed that it would be raising its minimum wage to $15 by June. The timing may be coincidental since Chipotle has been discussing this issue for a few years, but it was noteworthy, with political figures like Bernie Sanders joining the strike.

Emotions on this issue run high. As a franchisor, Id like to take a step back and parse out some of the nuanced pieces of this issue.

Company-owned or franchisee-owned?

Last Thursday McDonalds announced a 10% salary increase for US workers, raising the wages for staff, bringing their hourly rate range to $11$17 per hour, and for supervisors, $15$20 per hour. However, the pay increase only applies to McDonalds company-owned restaurants. The majority  93%  of McDonalds are owned by individual franchisees. Its worth noting that Chipotle, which is raising its minimum wage, is completely company-owned.

Most people don't realize that those who own McDonald's are primarily small business owners. They do well in sales, but they're not the ones who made the $5 billion profit. They made a small portion of that money. Theres an important distinction between a franchisor and a franchisee. The franchisor is the corporation making the huge profits.

The average McDonalds franchisee earns about $150,000 in profit annually on the total sales average of $2.6 million. This may sound like a lot of money, but after deducting staff wages, food, supplies and other expenses, this number only represents 4% to 6% of the franchisees total sales. Its difficult to increase a pay raise across the board for all McDonalds employees because those operating fees are going to be variable depending on where the restaurant is located. A franchisee in downtown San Francisco is going to be paying a lot more for everything compared to a counterpart in Scranton, Pa.  not to mention that the McDonalds corporation cannot get involved with staffing or compensation in franchised locations.

Related: McDonald's Apologizes for Understaffing: 'Nobody Wants to Work Anymore'

Who pays for a wage increase?

I understand both sides of this situation. McDonalds employees dont have a union, so there is no one to speak up for them. And particularly in this pandemic, the hourly staff pool has nearly dried up so they are overworked. But the problem of the $15-per-hour minimum wage is twofold  who is going to pay for it?

There is no company or corporation that will increase wages and pocket the loss. The employee wage increase will be passed along to the consumer. Suddenly, that $1 burger will cost $2, and some people will be willing to pay it for the sake of equity all around. But people who are buying the $1 burger may not be able to afford a $2 burger, or see $2 worth of value in the product. Or, the restaurant could start implementing more automation and removing employees altogether, bringing down costs but eliminating the human element, which is important in the food and beverage industry.

Related: 5 Things You Should Know Before You Buy a McDonald's Franchise

A failure to communicate

If you have so many employees across the US ready to strike, they obviously are not being heard. Again, McDonalds is not monolithic  the business, as the average consumer knows it, is made up of thousands of individual owners. Right now, some of these owners are offering $500 sign-on bonuses. Others are offering $50 bonuses just for prospective employees to show up for an interview.

Some say the pandemic stimulus checks are creating an unfortunate situation: People who could be making $10 working in a fast-food restaurant are not doing so because they are receiving a higher compensation from the stimulus payments and unemployment checks. In turn, individual franchise owners cannot compete.

There also is a communication breakdown between the brand and the franchisees. The McDonalds brand dominates, and it's likely that even employees of individual franchises think they are working for the McDonalds Corporation and not the franchise.

Both employees and consumers need to be better educated on what a franchise is and what the corporation is, as well as a clearer distinction of which units are franchises and which are company owned  the line is often very blurry, if not entirely obscured. It is not uncommon for a franchisor to field direct questions from consumers about individual franchises or products and services offered by franchisees, but they have little authority over the way franchisees operate their business. The franchisee is an independent business owner who is responsible for hiring, promoting, firing people and setting their compensation levels. The buck stops with them, so the communication should begin with them as well. It needs to be a two-way street.

Related: Why Franchising Is the Future of the Healthy-Fast-Food Movement

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
As if billionaires taking over Earth wasnt enough, the race continues to successfully colonize the cosmos.

The Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin aerospace manufacturer is auctioning off tickets to be one of six passengers on the companys New Shepard rocket ship in the first flight that will launch with a full crew.

The ship itself has had 15 successful consecutive missions without a crew, according to the company, as well as succeeded in escape and evacuation tests.

Related: Elon Musk's SpaceX signs alliance with Google Cloud to offer satellite internet with Starlink

The 11-minute trip will launch into suborbital space on July 20 from Launch Site One, located in the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas.

As of May 20, the current highest bid for the spot was a cool $2.8 million.

The ship, named after famed American astronaut Alan Shepard, will launch on a historic day for space exploration. On this day 60 years ago, Alan Shepard made history by becoming the first American to fly to space, the company said. In the decades since, fewer than 600 astronauts have been to space above the Karman Line to see the borderless Earth and the thin limb of our atmosphere.

Related: Blue Origin Is Challenging SpaceX's Artemis Lander Contract From NASA

New Shepard, which is classified as a reusable suborbital rocket system, will have no pilots, as it will fly in automatic.

Online bidding for the coveted inaugural spot aboard will continue until June 19, when it will shift to a live online auction. Its time for astronauts to climb onboard, Blue Origin added in it statement. This seat will change how you see the world.

Blue Origins hope to get a full crew successfully into space and back comes on the heels of competitor Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic two successfully crewed trips, one in December 2018 and one in December 2019.

Another top competitor, Elon Musks SpaceX, also successfully launched a crewed vehicle Dragon into space after it sent two astronauts to the International Space Station in May 2020, marking SpaceX as the first privately held company to do so.

Interested New Shepard passengers can bid for a seat through Blue Origin's website.

Related: Following the Successful Takeoff and Landing of the New Shepard Rocket, Jeff Bezos Is Hot on Elon Musk's Heels

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Xcel Energy wants customers to prepare for electricity outages amid storm season.

The company suggests having an evacuation plan for the family in the event of long-term outages, stockpiling perishable food items and bottled water and checking flashlight batteries.

We continue to strengthen the power grid that serves our area to make it more resilient in the face of high winds and lightning, but outages do happen, said Brad Baldridge, director of customer and community relations for Xcel Energy in Texas and New Mexico. Now is a good time for customers to think about how they will manage if a storm disrupts their power service.

The company has several ways to communicate when outages are restored. Customers can find this information at xcelenergy.com or on their Xcel Energy smart device app.

Customers can report outages by phone by calling 1(800)895-1999.

The company also noted things to watch out for in the event of an outage or storm-caused damages:
Click here to read the full article.

Texas is now home to one of the countrys most restrictive abortion laws. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill banning abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, before many know they are pregnant. The law also only allows exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for rape or incest.

The law, which will go into effect on September 1st, is different from other anti-abortion legislation. Instead of having state officials enforce the ban, it will allow private citizens, even people who dont live in Texas, to file civil lawsuits against medical providers who perform an abortion after the six-week limit.

That means that in addition to suing doctors, anyone could sue a person for aiding and abetting an abortion after six weeks. That includes anyone who drove a pregnant person to the clinic, who helped pay for the procedure or who provided emotional support. Those who sue can ask for a maximum of $10,000 in damages per defendant.

It is unclear whether the law will stand, as previous abortion restrictions have been overturned in court. Advocates for reproductive rights oppose the bill, but as Austin NPR affiliate KUT reported, it may be more difficult to fight this law in court because it does not come with any criminal penalties, just the ability to sue. This is a new tactic to circumvent the judiciary, basically, Dyana Limon-Mercado, executive director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, told KUT. It is untested.

Although supporters of the bill are calling it a heartbeat law, there is no such thing as a fetal heartbeat at such an early stage in pregnancy, as the embryo does not yet have a heart. Instead, the embryo has a detectable electric signal coming from specialized cardiac cells. Limon-Mercado said abortion opponents are trying this new tactic because other similar heartbeat laws have been blocked in federal court.

Reproductive rights groups have already said they plan to oppose the law in court. Texas has now joined the new wave of extreme abortion bans passed this year across the U.S., Nancy Northrup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement. 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.

The Texas law comes at a time when conservatives are trying to overturn or weaken Roe v. Wade. They sense their odds are now better with Trump appointee Justice Amy Comey Barrett on the Supreme Court following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, an abortion defender. The Supreme Court announced Tuesday it will hear arguments in Mississippis 15-week abortion ban, which the ACLU described as the moment anti-abortion politicians have been waiting for. Other states are also attempting to attack abortion rights as well. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, state legislatures have introduced 549 new abortion restrictions so far in 2021.
Update: This story has been updated with comment from CVS Health.

Mom-and-pop pharmacies across the Hudson Valley and beyond say they are hanging on as best they can while navigating not just the pandemic, but another threat they see to their future: pharmacy benefit managers, which pharmacist Dr. Neal Smoller of Woodstocks Village Apothecary describes as the the biggest threat to quality care in communities.

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, are third-party companies that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers and, ultimately, millions of Americans. The intended role of PBMs  who sit at the center of health insurers, drug manufacturers and pharmacies  is to advocate for lower drug costs for health plans and the consumers who use them, and to determine which drugs will be covered by plans. They are a critical player in the payment chain for prescriptions medications.

The industry is fairly concentrated, with three of the largest PBMs in the U.S.  CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRX  collectively handling about 75 percent of all prescription claims in this country.

The big issue, small pharmacies and critics say, is the power PBMs have over the pharmaceutical industry and market, and a lack of transparency regarding drug pricing. PBMs require pharmacies to pay upfront for the scripts that they fill. Pharmacies then have to wait for prescription benefit reimbursements, which can be a hard financial burden for independent pharmacies to bear and sometimes isnt reimbursed at the full amount. Health insurance company Anthem sued Express Scripts five years ago, saying it was overpaying for pharmaceuticals, and local pharmacies in the Hudson Valley say they, too, feel like they are overpaying.

New York state senators James Skoufis and Mike Martucci are introducing measures to protect independent pharmacies, timing that is especially important with only a few remaining weeks left in the legislative session in Albany.

In January 2019, Skoufis launched an investigation into the PBM industry, calling for policy changes for better transparency. In a statement justifying the investigation, Skoufis claimed that PBMs generate revenue through spread pricing, whereby PBMs charge health plans more for generic drugs than the PBMs actually pay the pharmacies for those medications, in turn keeping that pricing spread as a profit. Skoufis has said that a lack of oversight of PBMs allows pricing practices that come at the detriment of consumers.

That 2019 bill was vetoed by Gov Andrew M. Cuomo  which Skoufis called beyond disappointing in a statement at the time.

Taking on the pharmaceutical industry is an uphill battle, but I wont stop until we get this right, Skoufis said in a recent press release on May 7. When theres a family facing a health crisis, its not CVS or PBM companies that are out delivering medications or opening the shop after hours to lend a hand.

The current legislative package, proposed by New York State Sen. Neil Breslin, would level the playing field and allow our local pharmacies to fairly compete in the marketplace, said Martucci in the same May 7 press release. The proposed bill would provide an appeals process to investigate disputes regarding multi-source generic drug pricing in a push for transparency. Additionally, the bill would require PBMs to disclose to the plans with whom they contract any other possible revenue streams.

Spokesman Phil Blando of CVS Health, which has vaccinated thousands of New Yorkers in the pandemic and delivers medications to consumers just as independent pharmacies do, cautions that the proposed legislation would increase prescription costs and result in higher premiums for employers. CVS Health urges legislators to stand with New York families and reject these harmful proposals, Blando said in a statement to Times Union: Hudson Valley.

Smoller, meanwhile, isnt optimistic that the drug pricing system will change.

There is no solution, said Smoller, who hosts his own pharmacy-related Hudson Valley-based podcast and was the owner of former Village Apothecary in Saugerties. He decided to sell that pharmacy five years ago when he said his margins were too tight to continue because of a steady pattern of partial reimbursements from PBMs that made it difficult to remain financially competitive.

At Village Apothecary, he has a large focus on vitamins and wellness rather than just prescriptions  the only reason that business can stay open.

If all of the consumers realized how bad this was and spoke up loudly and clearly say, Pharmacists are valuable, lower the costs of drugs, and pay our providers, thats what would change it, said Smoller. We need legislators to [take] the money interest out and put consumers first.

A three-fold issue

Dr. Jared Nekos of New Paltzs Dedricks Pharmacy, which has been in business for over 50 years, said the issues are three-fold and relate to: reimbursement for prescriptions, fees from Medicare called direct and indirect remuneration (DIR fees), and mandatory mail-in orders.

Insurance companies keep slashing our reimbursements, said Nekos. A third of my scripts, I lose money on. If I do a three-month supply of a diabetes medication, Im almost guaranteed to lose somewhere between $20 and $150.

At Village Apothecary, during the pandemic dozens of dozens of people transferred to the pharmacy daily, said Smoller, which actually accelerated the pharmacys losses for the year.

A lot of them were patients where the total reimbursement [from insurance providers] for the patient was negative, said Smoller. If someone transfers four prescriptions to us, we lose $80 total because the reimbursement that the insurance sets is below our costs.

Because there are a number of variables when it comes to costs, like insurance plans, benefits and providers, it isnt always uniform between what the true drug cost is, what the markup is, and what amount the pharmacy would get reimbursed. The drug could cost anywhere between hundreds or thousands of dollars, which might only be partially reimbursed, and then the pharmacy could also be hit with a DIR fee months later.

DIR fees are essentially the funds that Medicare may collect to offset member costs. Nekos said that at his pharmacy, the plans are taxed between three and five percent of the sale price, in a market that already has razor thin margins. He said DIR fees can amount to tens of thousands of dollars each year depending on volume, essentially erasing some pharmacies profits.

Yet another challenge that independent pharmacies face is mandatory mail orders. Most people dont have flexibility in their healthcare  if youre a teacher, you use the teachers union [health plan]. If you work for Bank of America, whatever Bank of America offers is what you get, said Nekos.

In Dutchess County, for example, the Dutchess Educational Health Insurance Consortium provides healthcare for participating school districts, and the plan includes a mandatory mail order. That order means some customers would have to change how they receive their prescriptions and who fills them.

In other words, a customer who had been going to Dedricks Pharmacy for years would then be told that now all of their prescriptions will be mailed to them instead.

I cant think of anything more un-American or unfair than saying you cant choose who to patronize, where to get healthcare and where to spend your hard-earned money, said Nekos.

How small pharmacies weathered the pandemic

Since the start of the pandemic, Smoller said the workload at his pharmacy, like any other, has increased tremendously, due to the implementation of curbside and delivery pickup, which requires more help per transaction from each employee. While prescription volume was initially down at the start of the pandemic, it normalized pretty quickly.

Throughout the pandemic, and especially more recently, local pharmacies have also stepped up their services to meet growing need for information and vaccinations. Village Apothecary is responsible for 23 percent of the COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Ulster County. In Dutchess County, Village Apothecary has administered 6,000 doses. To date, Village Apothecary has vaccinated around a total of 38,000 people across the two counties, for which they get varying reimbursements, depending on the persons insurance plan.

Aside from the vaccination roll-out, all year long Smoller has also been disseminating information online and via digital webinars about the risks of transmitting the virus, in an effort to support his community customer base. If he had sold Village Apothecary as he had the Saugerties pharmacy, he would not have been able to provide such public health benefits, he said.

Whats next?

For now, Smoller said he will keep reinventing his pharmacy and educating his customers to support legislative change while fearing the possibility that independent pharmacies may die out. A pharmacy is pandemic-proof and recession-proof, but we are constantly under attack, said Smoller. Were at a point where its make or break in New York.

In Nekos opinion, the reason PBMs keep making things harder for independent pharmacies is because they know mom-and-pop pharmacies can offer something that they arent able to. When you go to other independent pharmacies, the level of service and care you get is second to none  its a completely different experience and it should be the norm when dealing with health, said Nekos.

The fight for mom-and-pop pharmacies doesnt end with PBM requirements. There is other legislation on the table in New York for this session, introduced by Skoufis, that adjusts mail-order prescription requirements, calls for the ending of unjustifiable drug price markups, and the protection of patient access to essential pharmacy care and services.

The key here is it has to be actionable legislation and a difference maker, said Nekos. There is a need for politicians, legislators and lawmakers to talk to the real people. If theyre going to act, make a difference.
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)  Relatives of two people killed after shooters opened fire on a party bus driving on a San Francisco Bay Area freeway have identified them as two teenagers who were celebrating a friend's 21st birthday.

Alayasia Thurston, a 19, of Oakland, and Zoey Hughes, 16, of Modesto, died after at least two shooters opened fire on the bus around 12:20 a.m. Tuesday on Interstate 580 as it was returning to Oakland from San Francisco. Another five women were wounded.

Thurston had a daughter who is about to turn 3 years old, a relative who did not wish to be identified told the East Bay Times.

Hughes' mother, Christina Hughes, relatives and friends held a vigil in her memory Tuesday, KCRA-TV reported.

I did everything with Zoey, she said through tears. Zoey was the sweetest. Had the best heart. Her smile. When she walked into a room, you fell in love with Zoey.

At least two shooters in another vehicle began firing at the bus, then followed it off the freeway and continued shooting at it on city streets, authorities said. About 70 rounds were fired at the party bus.

She was a minor, 16 years old, added Zoeys stepfather, Thomas Augustine. Theres no point in chasing people down, gunning them down.

Alameda County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said the coroner had identified the two victims but that it would be up to the California Highway Patrol, which is conducting the investigation, to release their names.

A CHP spokesperson did not immediately return an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

___

This story corrects the first name of Zoey Hughes.
IRONDALE, Ala. (AP)  Two workers were found dead Wednesday inside of a storage room at an Alabama car dealership, according to authorities.

The discovery was made at around 1:30 p.m. at the automotive store in Irondale, city police Sgt. Michael Mangina said. Investigators did not find any obvious signs of foul play, he added.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Stormy weather that has pounded Louisiana this week is now blamed for five deaths, with four of the fatalities involving motor vehicles and floodwaters, the state health department said Thursday.

One death involved a power outage that caused a failure of oxygen equipment for a 76-year-old man in East Baton Rouge Parish, the department said in an email. The other deaths were a 33-year-old man found dead in a flooded vehicle in East Baton Rouge Parish; a man, 44, whose car ran into a flooded canal in West Baton Rouge Parish; a man, 61, found in a submerged car in Calcasieu Parish; and a 46-year-old man whose vehicle crashed while traveling through floodwaters.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The editor of a conservative media outlet has filed an ethics complaint against New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams reelection campaign, claiming she improperly used campaign funds at her daughters beauty business.

In October last year, the governors reelection campaign made a payment of $1,040 to Beauty By Erin Grisham for media preparation, the Albuquerque Journal reported Tuesday.

John Block, a conservative activist and editor of online publication Pinon Post, said in his complaint filed last Thursday that the payment to Erin Grishams business was not a permitted campaign expense because he said it was for cosmetology, not media preparation.

According to Beauty By Erin Grishams website, the business is a freelance hair and makeup artist service.

Block cited a state campaign finance guide published in 2019 that listed hair, nail and makeup services as personal  and not campaign  expenses.

No public servant in New Mexico should be above the law regardless of what office they may occupy, Block said in the complaint.

A Lujan Grisham campaign spokesperson said that the media preparation spending was justified and related to her appearances before the Democratic National Convention last year.

These routine political expenses were for the governors speech and 14 other events she addressed for the Democratic National Convention in August 2020, said Jared Leopold. This type of event preparation expense is a common and necessary political expenditure for politicians of both parties.

Leopold said that Lujan Grishams predecessor, Republican Susana Martinez, reported a similar campaign expenditure for styling in 2010. He called the ethics complaint frivolous and sexist.

Regulations issued by the New Mexico Secretary of States Office allow campaign funds to be spent for purposes reasonably attributable to the candidates campaign but not for personal or living expenses.

A spokesman for the Secretary of States office, which shares jurisdiction with the State Ethics Commission over campaign rules and complaints, said he couldnt comment until theres a ruling, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
BEIRUT (AP)  As the Gaza fighting wound down and expectations of a truce rose, a senior Hamas official said in an interview Thursday that the Palestinian militant group has no shortage of missiles and could continue bombarding Israel for months if it chose to do so.

Osama Hamdan spoke to the Associated Press hours before Israel announced a cease-fire in the bruising 11-day war against Hamas militants. The announcement late Thursday said an Egyptian proposal was accepted, though the sides were still determining exactly when the truce would take effect.

Hamdan said that Mohammed Deif, an elusive Hamas commander who has been hunted by Israel for decades, is alive and remains in charge of Gaza military operations.

Deif, also known as Abu Khaled, is by far Israels most wanted target in Gaza. He has survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts, and is rarely seen in public. Israeli media have said there were two more failed attempts during the current Israel-Hamas war, the fourth in just over a decade.

Hamdan told the AP that Deif is still heading the operation and directing the joint operations" of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, and other factions. He provided no evidence for that statement.

Since the conflict began, Israel has leveled a number of Gaza Citys tallest office and residential buildings, alleging they house elements of the Hamas military infrastructure.

On Saturday, an Israeli strike destroyed the 12-story al-Jalaa Building, an office and residential tower where the offices of the AP and the TV network Al-Jazeera were located. The military gave a warning ahead of the strike and occupants evacuated safely.

The AP has called for an independent investigation. AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt has said in statement that the AP had no indication of a Hamas presence in the building. This is something we actively check to the best of our ability, he said.

Hamdan denied there was any military presence belonging to Hamas or any other armed group in the building.

In the interview, Hamdan said his group could continue bombarding Isra el for months if it chose to do so.

I can assure that what we saw during the first days in terms of bombarding Tel Aviv and some areas in Jerusalem, can continue not only for days or weeks but for months, said Hamdan. But he added that he believed a cease-fire announcement is near.

Hamdan, who is based in Beirut, is a member of Hamas' powerful decision-making political bureau.

Hamas is a militant off-shoot of the pan-Arab Muslim Brotherhood and has sworn to pursue Israel's destruction. It has been branded a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S., the European Union and other Western allies.

Founded in 1987, Hamas consists of a secretive military wing and an above-ground political organization. Its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, runs Hamas from exile in Qatar. The group's power center remains Gaza, the small territory it seized from internationally-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' forces in 2007.

Also Thursday, Haniyeh in a letter to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asked for a wide mobilization of Arab, Islamic and international support to stop Israeli airstrikes, the official IRNA news agency reported. It said this was Haniyeh's second note to Khamenei since the latest war between Israel and Hamas erupted.

The war broke out on May 10, after Hamas fired long-range rockets at Jerusalem following weeks of clashes in the holy city between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police. The protests were focused on the heavy-handed policing of a flashpoint sacred site during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers.

During 11 days of fighting, the Israeli military launched hundreds of airstrikes it says targeted Hamas militant infrastructure. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israeli cities and towns.

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, have been killed.

Hamdan said Egypt and Qatar have been involved in cease-fire negotiations and suggested that progress was being made. This is the tentative vision that I believe that within 24 hours will lead to an understanding or an agreement, he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced a cease-fire after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet on Thursday. A Hamas official, Ali Barakeh, told AP that the militants will remain on alert until they hear from the Egyptian mediators.

Hamdan said that as part of the talks, Hamas and a smaller militant group, Islamic Jihad, demand that Israeli police agree not to enter Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islams third holiest site. During the Jerusalem tensions that preceded the current war, Israeli riot police firing tear guns, stun grenades and rubber bullets clashed with Palestinian stone throwers in the compound. Israel is bound to reject any Hamas demands linked to Jerusalem.

During the 11-day fighting, Hamas missiles have hit deeper inside Israel and with greater accuracy than ever before, including several barrages on Tel Aviv.

Hamdan said the arsenal was far from being depleted. There is no shortage of missiles, he said, without elaborating.

On Thursday, Hamas received verbal support from ally Iran, which has armed militant groups through the region.

Gen. Esmail Ghaani, who heads Irans expeditionary Quds Force, sent letters to Deif and a commander of the Iran-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, praising their resistance against Israel, according to state media in Tehran.

We will stand by you, Ghaani said in the letters to the Palestinian commanders.

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Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Thursday signed legislation to curtail a dramatic rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and expressed pride that lawmakers who seem to agree on little else came together against hate and racism.

Biden lavished praise on Democrats and Republicans for approving the bill by lopsided margins and sending it to the White House for his signature. Several dozen lawmakers attended the bill signing ceremony, one of the largest groups to visit the Biden White House during the pandemic.

The House approved the bill 364-62 this week, following the Senate's 94-1 vote in April.

Biden, who stressed his wish to help unite the country as he campaigned for office, said during the East Room event that fighting hate and racism should bring people together.

I'm proud today of the United States, he said.

The new law will expedite Justice Department reviews of hate crimes by putting an official in charge of the effort. Federal grants will be available to help local law enforcement agencies improve their investigation, identification and reporting of bias-driven incidents, which often go underreported.

Some activists opposed the legislation's reliance on law enforcement.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is Black and Indian, discussed reports of stabbings, shootings and other attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals and their businesses since the start of the pandemic a little over a year ago.

Harris said such incidents had increased six-fold during that time.

She said that while the new law brings the U.S. closer to stopping hate, the work to address injustice, wherever it exists, remains the work ahead.

The AAPI Victory Alliance, a policy and advocacy organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, complimented Biden for quickly signing the bill. But executive director Varun Nikore said the law is only one piece in the long fight for equity and opportunity for communities of color.

Nikore said Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will use the electoral prowess they demonstrated last year to elect leaders who will advocate for their community.

Ending Asian hate should never be a partisan issue, he said.

The bill-signing scene at the White House was reminiscent of pre-pandemic times, and the bill itself marked a fleeting moment of bipartisanship in a Congress that has struggled all year to overcome partisan gridlock over issues ranging from COVID-19 aid to the definition of infrastructure.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and more than 60 guests from Congress, the Justice Department, and advocacy groups, along with White House aides, mingled freely and barefaced due to new public health guidance that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can stop wearing face masks while indoors with other fully vaccinated people.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins was the only Republican lawmaker seen in the audience.

At the end of the program, Harris and lawmakers who led the effort to get the bill passed surrounded Biden as he sat at a desk and signed it into law.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP)  Oklahoma wildlife officials say they shot and killed a black bear that wandered into the backyard of a Norman family's home after efforts to tranquilize the animal failed.

The bear was discovered late Wednesday in a tree in the backyard of a home in the central part of Norman, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Oklahoma City.

Officers with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation shot the bear with several doses of tranquilizers until it finally fell from the tree, the agency said in a statement. Officials hoped to collect the bear and remove it to its more natural habitat, but the bear never became totally sedated and began scrambling around the yard, prompting officers to shoot and kill the animal.

Thats not the outcome we wanted. Thats not the outcome that anybody wanted," said wildlife department spokesman Micah Holmes. But our No. 1 job is to protect public safety and thats what we did in this situation."

Black bears are typically found in southeast Oklahoma, but authorities say sightings in central and southern Oklahoma are becoming more common as the population grows. The wildlife agency says it's not uncommon for black bears to be pushed out of their natural habitat in the spring by more dominant males, but that they were surprised to find one in a populated metropolitan area.

Oklahoma has an estimated population of about 2,500 and established a black bear hunting season about a decade ago. Last year, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt shot and killed a black bear while bowhunting in southeast Oklahoma on the first day of bear season.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  Rhode Island officials on Thursday announced plans to start ramping down operations at some of the state's mass vaccination sites in favor of smaller clinics - a day before most remaining coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

Operations at the Middletown site will start winding down this weekend, while operations at the Woonsocket site will start getting reduced the following weekend, Tom McCarthy, head of the state's COVID-19 response said at a news conference.

The people who work at those sites will be redeployed to other places as the state continues its vaccination efforts.

Gov. Daniel McKee struck an optimistic tone with the state ready to allow most businesses to operate at 100% capacity, including nightclubs, casinos and standing bar areas.

Restrictions are also being lifted at houses of worship, funeral homes and offices.

There will also be no limits on social gatherings.

So I think tomorrow is the tomorrow that many many people across our state have been waiting for since the pandemic began," the Democratic governor said. Tomorrow, Rhode Island, with few exceptions, will be reopened. The plexiglass is coming down, and most establishments will be at full capacity.

Regulations are being relaxed because more than 70% of the state's adults over the age of 18 have now received at least one dose of a vaccine, he said. The state is still pressing people who have not been vaccinated to get a shot, McKee said.

Those fully vaccinated will not have to wear a mask in most public places, except in educational, health care and mass transportation settings.

State Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott recommended that even people who have been vaccinated continue to carry a mask with them in case they find themselves in a situation where one is required.

McCarthy also recommended people carry their vaccinations cards, or a copy or digital image, as some businesses may still require proof of vaccination.

However, the state will not be issuing so-called vaccine passports, McKee said.

The Department of Health on Thursday reported fewer than 100 new confirmed cases and no new deaths. The daily positivity rate was less than 1%.

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BROWN-EMPLOYEE VACCINATIONS

Brown University is joining a growing number of colleges nationwide that will require employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations, the Ivy League school announced Thursday.

Brown, which previously announced that students will need to be fully vaccinated to participate in on-campus activities this fall, said all faculty and staff will be required to be fully vaccinated by July 1.

In addition, students participating in on-campus summer programs will be required to be fully vaccinated by that date.

Evidence shows that coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective, President Christina Paxson said.

Based on discussions with Browns public health and medical experts, it is clear that our priority should be to achieve near-universal levels of vaccination  90% or greater  in the Brown community, Paxson said in a letter to the campus community.

She added: The sooner we can achieve near-universal vaccination, the sooner well be able to lift public health restrictions on campus and return to a more normal environment for teaching and research, with full confidence that the health of the community is being protected.

Medical and religious exemptions will be granted.
BEIJING (AP)  China postponed a supply mission to its new space station on Thursday for unspecified technical reasons, while photos sent back from Mars by its newly arrived rover earned plaudits from NASA despite only sporadic contacts between the Chinese and American space programs.

The Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft was to have been launched early Thursday morning. China Manned Space announced the delay on its website but didn't say when the rescheduled launch would occur.

It would be the first mission to the main Tianhe space station module that was launched on April 29. A total of 11 launches are planned by the end of next year to deliver the stations other two modules, various components and supplies and a three-person crew.

The launch of Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, was considered a success although China was criticized for allowing the uncontrolled reentry to Earth of part of the rocket that carried it into space. Usually, discarded rocket stages reenter the atmosphere soon after liftoff, normally over water, and dont go into orbit.

NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson said at the time that China had failed to meet responsible standards regarding space debris.

China's space program has suffered relatively few setbacks since it first put an astronaut into orbit in 2003, although the space station launch was delayed by the failure of an earlier version of the massive Long March 5B rocket.

Earlier this month, China also landed a probe, Tianwen-1, and its accompanying rover, Zhurong, on Mars and has begun sending back pictures from the surface of the red planet.

In a message posted to the NASA website on Wednesday, Nelson congratulated the China National Space Administration on receiving those first images.

As the international scientific community of robotic explorers on Mars grows, the United States and the world look forward to the discoveries Zhurong will make to advance humanitys knowledge of the Red Planet. I look forward to future international discoveries, which will help inform and develop the capabilities needed to land human boots on Mars, Nelson said.

The pictures were taken by Zhurong from atop its landing platform. Since setting down on Saturday, the rover has been conducting diagnostic tests and will shortly descend its ramp to begin a search for signs of frozen water.

The United States is the only other country to have successfully landed and operated a spacecraft on Mars  nine times, beginning with the twin Vikings in 1976 and, most recently, with the Perseverance rover in February.

China also recently brought back lunar samples, the first by any countrys space program since the 1970s, and also landed a probe and rover on the moons less explored far side.

China earlier launched two smaller experimental space stations. It has been excluded from the International Space Station largely at the insistence of the United States, which is wary of the secrecy surrounding the Chinese space program and its close military links. Congressional approval is also required for any cooperation between NASA and the CNSA.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP)  The city said Thursday it has paid about $90,000 to defend a police officer convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a suicidal man who was holding a gun to his own head three years ago.

News outlets reported that officials confirmed the payment amid continuing questions about the city's handling of the case against officer William Darby, 28, who was convicted May 7 in the killing of Jeffrey Parker.

Darby remains a police officer, but the city said it is beginning a disciplinary process that could result in his firing. Initially placed on paid leave following the conviction, a statement by the city said Darby was now off on accrued leave with pay.

A personnel hearing set for May 24 was delayed, the statement said, but no new date was set. Darby is free on bond.

Activists have called for the resignations of Mayor Tommy Battle and the police chief since they criticized a jurys decision convicting Darby in the shooting of Parker. A city board cleared Darby of wrongdoing, a decision that allowed him to remain with the force, but a county grand jury later indicted him on the murder charge.

City officials agreed to spend as much as $125,000 on Darby's defense, and it was unclear whether taxpayers who've already paid $89,132 to assist will have to pay more.

Evidence showed that two officers responded to Parker's home after he called 911 saying he was suicidal and had a gun. One of the officers told jurors she was talking to Parker, who wasn't acting in a threatening manner, when Darby entered the room, ordered Parker to drop his weapon and shot within seconds.

Jurors rejected defense claims that the killing was justified.
DENVER (AP)  Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would convene a study of law enforcement response and training on protecting First Amendment rights and ensuring peaceful demonstrations.

The measure comes after outrage by activists on Denver and local police department's response to last summer's racial justice protests for the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Elijah McClain in suburban Denver.

The largely peaceful demonstrations in late May and early June in Denver and its suburbs were met with tear gas and hundreds of arrests. The American Civil Liberties Union filed lawsuits against the city on behalf of Black Lives Matter 5280 and several demonstrators who were allegedly injured by police.

An amendment offered by one of the bills sponsors, Democratic Sen. Jeff Bridges at the Senate Judiciary's committee hearing Thursday, changed the bill which would have originally prohibited officials from deeming protests unlawful unless a significant number of protestors posed imminent threats to property or personal injuries.

The bill now calls for a study group lead by Colorado State Patrol to evaluate law enforcement response during protests, improve communication between organizers and authorities and look at the costs and insurance for property damages and personal injuries.

The research would also aim to "identify methods to differentiate between lawful demonstrators and outside agitators engaging in unlawful actions and damage, according to the amendment.

What we were seeing across cities in Colorado, was basically ad hoc and in an arbitrary fashion, law enforcement deeming something to be an unlawful assembly. And there wasnt any consistency to that notion," said Denise Mayes, public policy director for the Colorado branch of the ACLU.

Colorado statute has a definition for what is deemed a riot, but does not define lawful or unlawful assembly, which is why the ACLU supports creating a study group to look at these issues, Mayes said.

The group would also evaluate and strengthen law enforcement training requirements for first amendment rights, crowd control, stress management and other skills to ensure peaceful demonstrations. The bill would require the group to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature on or before Jan. 1, 2022.

Steve Garcia, a major with Colorado State Patrol, said the agency would engage law enforcement, district attorneys and protest and community leaders in the discussions.

Democratic Sen. Julie Gonzales, vice chairwoman of the committee, questioned why State Patrol should lead the study since the bill and amendment was introduced in response to people who had critiques of law enforcement.

In response, Garcia said the study would assess topics that help bring "procedural justice" which includes voice, respect, trustworthiness and neutrality. By allowing law enforcement to lead the conversation, Garcia said it would help repair police legitimacy by allowing more direct community engagement.

Gonzales also pushed back on the content of the study, noting that there have been conversations about the role of law enforcement in community, extremism and the role of the First Amendment  but none have been inward looking on those topics.

Where is the place to have the conversation around extremism within law enforcement? she said. I raise the question because last summer, community members were coming to me having the conversations around Three Percenters who were within the National Guard, Three Percenters who where in law enforcement agencies.

The Three Percenters are an anti-government militia group who were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Stephen Schulz, president of the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police, said he did not know whether extremism within law enforcement would be included in the State Patrol-led study.

Gonzales also asked the witnesses if it was an issue worth talking about.

If theres any bad actors in law enforcement ... if its brought forward, those are investigated by the agencies and matters are handled the way that they should be appropriately, Schulz said. As far as extremism in law enforcement, I dont have an answer for that.

The Senate Judiciary Committee laid over the bill Thursday and it will be voted on in a future meeting.

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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.
PARIS (AP)  A French appeals court ruled Thursday that around 2,700 victims of a breast implant scandal are entitled to compensation. The court said that German company TUV Rheinland committed negligence by certifying them as safe.

The ruling, which might not be final and could go to another higher court, was announced by France-based association PIPA, which represents victims. The amount of compensation is still to be determined, PIPA said.

The scandal first emerged in 2010 after doctors noticed abnormally high rupture rates in women with implants produced by the French company Poly Implant Prothese, or PIP. Its implants were used in hundreds of thousands of women worldwide.

Its clearly a historical day for PIP breast implant victims all over the world and for womens rights, Olivier Aumaitre, the lawyer representing the 2,700 women who brought this current case, said during a news conference.

The ruling, Aumaitre hopes, might have implications for the many other victims, although he conceded he was not aware of other compensation wins in other countries.

Christine, a victim, who did not want to give her surname, said that it is a relief today, as we can acknowledge our status as victims. Almost all of us have lasting effects. I still have silicone in my organs.

PIP was liquidated in 2010. Its founder, Jean-Claude Mas, was later given a four-year prison sentence. The implants, it was discovered, were filled with cheap, industrial-grade silicone which was not suitable for use in humans. Mas died in 2019.

TUV Lawyer Christelle Coslin told The Associated Press that TUV Rheinland denies all responsibility. The missing link here is the actual liable party, which is not solvent.
State police troopers spent several hours searching the home of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren on Wednesday, saying it was part of a criminal investigation but disclosing no details.

Troopers closed off the block around Warren's home with police tape and could be seen taking items from the residence, according to video recordings by journalists at the scene.

State Police Maj. Barry Chase said he could release no additional information about the presence of law enforcement at the home. Police arrived at the residence around 4:30 p.m. ET.

Its an ongoing investigation. Well have more for you as soon as we can, Chase said.

A press release issued by the State Police said troopers were executing a search warrant. It did not say for whom the warrant was intended. Warren's husband also lives in the home.

Warren was indicted in a campaign finance fraud case in October, but a representative for the Monroe County District Attorney said Wednesday's police activity at her home was not connected to that case.

A spokesperson for Warren also said he couldn't immediately say more about the investigation.

The mayor is just learning about the events that unfolded this afternoon and has no more information than the rest of the community, Justin Roj said in a statement. She hopes to learn more details this evening and will have a statement tomorrow.

Warren, a Democrat, is in the middle of a re-election campaign with a critical party primary coming up just next month.

She has spent the past year in crisis. She was indicted in October on charges she broke campaign finance rules during her last reelection campaign, four years ago. The treasurers of her campaign and political action committees were also charged.

Over the summer, she faced calls to resign over her handling of the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who stopped breathing after police placed him in a mesh hood and pressed him to the pavement. Police and city officials said almost nothing publicly about the death for months until Prude's family obtained and released body camera video showing the death.

In March, a probe into the official response to Prudes death, commissioned by Rochesters city council, said Warren lied to the public about what she knew and when she knew it. A special counsel to the city administration disputed those claims.

In April, a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed naming Warren and other city officials, accusing them of allowing a culture of police brutality against racial minorities.

Warren is seeking a third term in office. She acknowledged making errors in the handling and reporting of campaign contributions but said they were honest mistakes, not crimes.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  The federal agency that oversees offshore safety is investigating the weekend death of a contractor off of Louisiana.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said on Thursday that it is forming a committee of experts to look into the death on a platform about 125 miles southwest of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico.
BOSTON (AP)  Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was aware of decades-old domestic violence allegations against the city's now embattled top cop before picking him to lead the department, the police commissioner's predecessor told a court this week.

The statement came in a case brought by Dennis White, who is urging a court to block the city from firing him as police commissioner after placing him on leave in February. A judge heard arguments in the case on Thursday but didnt immediately issue a ruling.

Walsh, now secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, denies having any knowledge of the allegations before picking White for the top job in January. Walsh said in an emailed statement this week that neither the allegations nor White's internal affairs files were shared with him in 2014 when White was being considered for promotion to the police force's command staff, or at any other time.

Had I known, I would not have chosen him for police commissioner or any other role, Walsh said.

White filed a motion seeking to block the city from firing him on Friday after he says acting Mayor Kim Janey informed him that morning that she intends to remove him.

White's lawyer told the judge on Thursday that the city has no cause to terminate him. The lawyer called the city's release of an outside investigative report detailing the allegations both inappropriate and ruinous to White's reputation.

"Mayor Walsh appointed him with knowledge of these two incidents and decided they were not reason not to appoint Dennis White as commissioner," White's attorney, Nick Carter, said during the hearing held via videoconference. "The city cannot hire him knowing something and then fire him for things they knew about him," Carter said.

A lawyer for the city urged the judge to deny White's bid, saying this is not a difficult case.

The people of Boston and the Boston Police Department deserve leadership that shares our goal of safety, healing, and justice. We look forward to the courts ruling, Janey said in an emailed statement after the hearing.

Former Police Commissioner William Gross, who became the citys first Black top cop in 2018, said in an affidavit filed with the court that the mayor must approve any candidate to the force's command staff. Gross said that the 2014 candidates for promotion  including White  were presented to Walsh, and he was briefed on each candidate and their internal affairs history.

There is no way anyone is brought onto the Command Staff without such a briefing to the Mayor and approval by the Mayor. The city, including Mayor Walsh, was aware no later than January 2014 of White's (internal affairs) record," Gross wrote in the filing.

White was placed on leave in February after The Boston Globe raised questions about allegations found in court documents that White pushed and threatened to shoot his then wife, a fellow police officer.

A judge issued a restraining order against White in 1999, ordering him to stay away from his wife and children and surrender his service weapon, the newspaper reported.

The report released by the city said witnesses alleged that White's ex-wife was subjected to physical and mental abuse." Among the allegations included in the report is that White burned her hair, put her face to a stove and threw a television at her.

The report said White was also involved in what he described as a heated fisticuffs with a young woman in 1993. White admitted striking her with a full swing of his arm and open hand, but says he was acting in self-defense, the report said.

White denies abusing his ex-wife or ever threatening to shoot her. In an affidavit filed in court this week, White alleges that she was looking for a financial advantage in the divorce and she got it.

I believe I am entitled to a hearing before this Court where I can present evidence, including witnesses, and can confront and cross-examine any witnesses against me in order to challenge my termination and to restore my reputation, White wrote. "Unless I am allowed such a hearing, my reputation and ability to work in my profession will be irreparably destroyed."
Kiichiro Sato/AP

BEIJING (AP)  The founder of TikToks Chinese owner said Thursday he will give up his job as CEO to focus on longer-term initiatives, a step that comes amid uncertainty over whether the Biden administration will force the sale of the popular short video services U.S. arm.

Zhang Yiming said Liang Rubo, a co-founder, will succeed him as ByteDance Ltd. CEO. Zhang said leaving day-to-day management will enable me to have greater impact on longer-term initiatives, but gave no details of his next role.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)  Firefighters from around the country were among thousands of people who paid tribute Thursday to New Haven firefighter Ricardo Rico Torres Jr., who died earlier this month when he became trapped in a burning house.

A procession that included police motorcycles, a pipe and drum band and fire trucks including one carrying Torres' body made its way through city streets to St. Mary Church, where family and fellow firefighters called him a hero.

Rico was one of those high-strung firefighters who wanted to get in there and he wanted to save as many lives as possible," New Haven fire Capt. Kendall Richardson, Torres' commanding officer at Engine Co. 6, said during the service.

Richardson said Torres was part of crews that saved at least 10 people during his nearly two years with the department. He said Torres earned the nickname Tornado because of his high energy.

Torres, 30, died May 12 and another firefighter, Lt. Samod Rankins, was seriously injured when they became trapped in the burning house and fell unconscious. Rankins is recovering in a hospital burn unit. Two other firefighters suffered less serious injuries. Fire crews rescued an 84-year-old woman and a man from the home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have said they were trying to determine whether hoarding played a role in the fire or Torres and Rankins becoming trapped.

Torres was married to Erica Martinez, who is expecting their second son, Crew, in August. Their son Oliver turns 1-year-old next week.

I'm incredibly heartbroken, Martinez said in a tearful speech at the service. I've lost my frickin' husband. You're Ricardo frickin' Torres, and anyone who knows you understands that your absence is absolutely deafening.

I feel privileged to be Erica Martinez, wife of Ricardo Torres Jr., loving and absolute best father to Oliver and Crew Torres, New Haven firefighter, hero," she said.

A second procession escorted Torres to Hartford for burial in the historic Cedar Hill Cemetery, the final resting place of notable Connecticut residents including actress Katharine Hepburn, financier John Pierpont Morgan and gunmaker Samuel Colt.

Fire trucks, many hoisting American flags, were parked on highway overpasses from New Haven to Hartford in honor of Torres.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire Thursday, halting a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, brought life in much of Israel to a standstill and left more than 200 people dead.

At 2 a.m. local time, just as the cease-fire took effect, life returned to the streets of Gaza. People went out of their homes, some shouting Allahu Akbar" or whistling from balconies. Many fired in the air, celebrating the truce.

Like the three previous wars between the bitter enemies, the latest round of fighting ended inconclusively. Israel claimed to inflict heavy damage on Hamas but once again was unable to halt the Islamic militant group's nonstop rocket barrages. Almost immediately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced angry accusations from his hard-line, right-wing base that he stopped the operation too soon.

Hamas, the Islamic militant group sworn to Israels destruction, also claimed victory. But it now faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding in a territory already suffering from poverty, widespread unemployment and a raging coronavirus outbreak.

Netanyahus office said his Security Cabinet had unanimously accepted an Egyptian cease-fire proposal after recommendations from Israels military chief and other top security officials. A statement boasted of significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented.

It also included a veiled threat against Hamas. The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign, the statement said.

The fighting erupted on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound, built on a site holy to Muslims and Jews, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinians by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

The competing claims to Jerusalem lie at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have repeatedly triggered bouts of violence in the past.

Hamas and other militant groups fired over 4,000 rockets into Israel throughout the fighting, launching the projectiles from civilian areas at Israeli cities. Dozens of projectiles flew as far north as Tel Aviv, the country's bustling commercial and cultural capital.

Thousands gathered Friday morning in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis outside the family house of Mohammed Dief, the shadowy Hamas commander who had ordered the rocket attacks. Supporters shouted victory and waved green Hamas flags.

Israel, meanwhile, carried out hundreds of airstrikes targeting what it said was Hamas military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.

At least 230 Palestinians were killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl, were killed.

The United States, Israel's closest and most important ally, initially backed what it said was Israel's right to self-defense against indiscriminate rocket fire. But as the fighting dragged on and the death toll mounted, the Americans increasingly pressured Israel to stop the offensive.

In a rare public rift, Netanyahu on Wednesday briefly rebuffed a public call from President Joe Biden to wind things down, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.

But late Thursday, Netanyahu's office announced the cease-fire agreement. Hamas quickly followed suit. Militants continued to launch sporadic rocket at Israel early Friday, before the 2 a.m. cease-fire took effect.

In Washington, Biden hailed the cease-fire. I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress, and Im committed to working for it, he said.

Biden said the U.S. was committed to helping Israel replenish its supply of interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome rocket-defense system and to working with the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority  not Hamas  to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Netanyahu quickly came under heavy criticism from members of his hawkish, nationalist base. Gideon Saar, a former ally who now leads a small party opposed to the prime minister, called the cease-fire embarrassing.

In a potentially damaging development for the Israeli leader, the Palestinian militants claimed Netanyahu had agreed to halt further Israeli actions at the Al Aqsa Mosque and to call off the planned evictions of Palestinians in the nearby Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

An Egyptian official said only that tensions in Jerusalem will be addressed. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing behind-the-scenes negotiations and provided no details.

Itamar Ben Gvir, head of the far-right Jewish Power party, tweeted that the cease-fire was a grave surrender to terrorism and the dictates of Hamas.

The cease-fire comes at a sensitive time for Netanyahu. In the wake of an inconclusive election in March, Netanyahu failed to form a majority coalition in parliament. His opponents now have until June 2 to form an alternative government of their own.

The war greatly complicated the efforts of his opponents, who include both Jewish and Arab parties and were forced to suspend their negotiations in such a fraught environment. But the inconclusive outcome of the war could give them renewed momentum to restart those talks.

Meanwhile in Gaza, a Hamas spokesman, Abdelatif al-Qanou, said Israel's announcement was a declaration of defeat. Nonetheless, the group said it would honor the deal, which was to officially go into effect at 2 a.m.

Ali Barakeh, an official with Islamic Jihad, a smaller group that fought alongside Hamas, said Israels declaration of a truce was a defeat for Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

Despite the claims, both groups appeared to have suffered significant losses in the fighting. Hamas and Islamic Jihad said at least 20 of their fighters were killed, while Israel said the number was at least 130 and probably higher.

Some 58,000 Palestinians fled their homes, many of them seeking shelter in crowded United Nations schools at a time of a coronavirus outbreak.

Since the fighting began, Gazas infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated.

Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power from the Palestinian Authority in 2007. Since then, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has governed autonomous areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and has limited influence in Gaza.

Israeli attacks have also damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.

Israeli bombing has damaged over 50 schools across the territory, according to advocacy group Save the Children, destroying at least six. While repairs are done, education will be disrupted for nearly 42,000 children.

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Akram reported from Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Zeke Miller in Washington and Iris Samuels in Helena, Montana, contributed reporting.
CHICAGO (AP)  A man caught in the crossfire when shots were fired inside a Chicago store was killed along with a 16-year-old boy who had fired into the business, police said.

Chicago police said the teen fired shots into Big Salems Food Mart on the city's South Side about 9 p.m. Wednesday while apparently targeting two males inside the business.
CHICAGO (AP)  A man brandishing a rifle was taken into custody Thursday by Chicago police in the citys Loop business district after striking a woman with the weapon and attempting to carjack a second woman.

No shots were fired when the man, who hasnt been identified, was arrested, said Chicago police spokesman Officer Anthony Spicuzza, who noted the man pointed his rifle at officers before he tried to flee.
BOSTON (AP)  Massachusetts is tightening up access to jobless benefits as the state emerges more fully from the pandemic.

Work search requirements will be reinstated for all those seeking regular unemployment insurance benefits beginning the week of June 15, the Baker administration announced Thursday.

The requirement applies to those receiving Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and those on extended benefits. Massachusetts suspended work-search requirements in March 2020, following updated federal guidance at the outset of the pandemic.

The change comes after Gov. Charlie Baker announced the state is set to lift all COVID-19 restrictions and complete the states reopening process on May 29. Baker also said that the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency will end on June 15.

The reinstatement of the work search requirement means that beginning the week of June 13, those seeking unemployment benefits must attest each week that they are making at least three work-search activities per week and provide proof of work search activity to the Department of Unemployment Assistance if requested.

Work search activities include completing a job application in person or online; registering for work services with a local career center; or using other job search activities like reviewing job listings on the internet or newspapers and networking with colleagues or friends, the administration said.

Most claimants will be entitled to continue receiving partial or reduced UI benefits  and the full amount of the special COVID-related $300 weekly stipend offered through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program  even as they return to employment, officials said.

Those who report wages from a new job will have their regular weekly unemployment weekly benefit reduced to offset new wages, but in most circumstances will remain eligible for the $300 weekly stipend until their regular wages exceed 133% of their regular weekly benefit amount. The stipend ends the first week of September.

Under the work search requirements, those seeking benefits will need to keep a detailed written log of their work search activities and may also be required to attend a career center related activity.

Administration officials said in press release Thursday that there were nearly 200,000 job-postings across Massachusetts.

Beginning June 15, those seeking regular unemployment insurance benefits wont be able to cite COVID-related reasons to waive work search requirements and must accept suitable employment if offered.

Refusing work because an individual would rather collect more money in unemployment benefits is considered fraud.

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VIRUS BY THE NUMBERS

The number of new daily cases of COVID-19 increased by more than 500 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 17,442 since the start of the pandemic, while its confirmed caseload rose to more than 658,000.

The true number of cases is likely higher because studies suggest some people can be infected and not feel sick.

There were fewer than 330 people reported hospitalized Thursday because of confirmed cases of COVID-19, with about 90 in intensive care units.

The average age of those hospitalized was 59. There were an estimated 11,500 people with current active cases of COVID-19 in the state.

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IMMUNIZATIONS

More than 7.3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Massachusetts as of Thursday.

That includes more than 4 million first doses and more than 3 million second doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

There have been more than 236,000 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered.

More than 3.3 million people have been fully immunized.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A California judge has dismissed a murder case against a woman who delivered a stillbirth after consuming methamphetamine, saying prosecutors failed to provide evidence that she took drugs knowing that it could kill her baby.

Kings County Superior Court Judge Robert Shane Burns delivered his decision in court Thursday, said Dana Sussman, deputy executive director for the National Advocates for Pregnant Women, which is providing legal counsel for the woman, Chelsea Becker.

The dismissal, however, falls short of what Becker's advocates had wanted from the court: A clear ruling that that California's homicide law does not apply to pregnant women. Californias former top prosecutor, Xavier Becerra, backed that position.

"We are disappointed that a dismissal on these grounds does not foreclose the possibility that a misguided prosecutor may attempt a similar prosecution in the future, said Jacqueline Goodman, trial counsel for Becker. As a result, we are left to play a sort of whack-a-mole, ever vigilant that we find and prevent any similar efforts to charge a woman with murder for the outcome of her pregnancy.

Phil Esbenshade, the top assistant district attorney in Kings County in California's Central Valley, said his office believes there is enough evidence to go to trial.

The Judge who presided over that preliminary examination, upon hearing that evidence and considering arguments from both sides, did find such sufficient evidence existed," he said in an email. Judge Burns apparently disagrees with that finding."

He has said the case against Becker was not about reproductive rights but about stopping a woman who repeatedly abused narcotics while pregnant. Becker gave birth to two other babies who tested positive for meth.

Becker's attorneys say it's a travesty she had to stay in jail for more than a year, unable to post $2 million bail, until she was transferred to a drug treatment facility earlier this year.

There is no evidence that drug use results in stillbirths, her attorneys say, and allowing murder charges would have a chilling effect: preventing women from seeking needed prenatal care. Numerous medical and public health groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, oppose punishment for drug use while pregnant.

Becerra, who is now U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a friend of the court brief stating that the law was never meant to apply to pregnant women and urging that charges against Becker be dropped. The judge in the case declined and two higher courts said it was too early in the legal process for them to intervene.

In September 2019, Becker gave birth to a stillborn child she had named Zachariah Joseph Campos. The coroners report listed toxic levels of meth as the cause of death, but an attorney for Becker said the pathologist never reviewed her medical record, which included three infections that could have caused the stillbirth.

In California, lawmakers amended the states murder statute to include a fetus after the California Supreme Court in 1970 overturned the conviction of a man who had beaten a pregnant woman, causing her to lose the baby. Attempts in California in the 1990s to use the law to prosecute pregnant women failed.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a measure into law Wednesday that gives tenants facing financial struggles during the coronavirus pandemic more time to pay their past-due rent.

People now have until Feb. 28, 2022, to pay back rent, instead of facing a July deadline.

Everyone deserves a warm, safe, dry place to call home  and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been particularly critical that Oregonians be able to stay in their homes, Brown said.

Senate Bill 282 also protects renters from the long-term effects of not making payments on time by barring reporting to consumer credit agencies and removing back rents from consideration when submitting future rental applications. The law also bars landlords from denying applicants based on pandemic-era evictions and allows such evictions to be kept secret.

The new law also relaxes occupancy limits, with lawmakers saying some residents have needed to stay with friends and family because of financial or health issues during the pandemic. However, it does not extend Oregon's eviction moratorium past June 30 or forgive back rent.

The pandemic has exacerbated the states housing crisis.

In March, more than 17% of Oregon renters  or nearly 158,000  said they were not caught up on their rent payments, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus most recent Household Pulse Survey.

Of Oregon renters who answered the survey, 11% said they had no confidence they would be able to pay the next month's rent.

Senate Bill 282 gives the Oregonians hardest hit by economic impacts during the pandemic more time to recover and, thanks to a historic amount of rent assistance in Oregon, we have the resources to help those families get back on stable financial footing," Brown said.

Lawmakers also passed legislation Wednesday to reinstate a moratorium on foreclosures. The measure, which now heads to the governor, would allow homeowners to pause or reduce their mortgage payments at least through June 30. The previous state moratorium expired at the end of 2020, but many homeowners continued to struggle to catch up on mortgage payments.

The bill could be extended until the end of the year if Brown lengthens her emergency declaration over COVID-19.

State lawmakers have pushed the housing crisis to the forefront during the legislative session.

In March, lawmakers presented 17 housing-focused bills, which included $535 million for increasing affordable housing, addressing homelessness and supporting homeownership.

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Cline 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.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A New Orleans police officer has been arrested after a woman accused him of rape.

Officer Gerry Paul was arrested Wednesday and faces a charge of second-degree rape, punishable by five to 40 years in prison if convicted. It was unknown if Paul has secured an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  North Dakotas attorney general is continuing to pursue a 17-year-old bankruptcy court battle with the owner of a Fargo-based horse betting business despite a federal judges blistering rebuke of the states actions, one of which might have been illegal.

Iowa-based federal bankruptcy judge Thad Collins last month ruled against state claims in the complicated legal odyssey that began in 2004, writing enough is enough and calling the ongoing litigation a runaway process that must stop.

The state, however, on May 6 filed a notice of appeal. The formal appeal is due next month.

Republican Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and spokeswoman Liz Brocker did not return messages Thursday to discuss the case.

Susan Bala, owner and former president of Racing Services Inc., which handled off-track betting for horse racing, told The Associated Press that the judges order speaks for itself and litigation should have ended years ago.

Its time for (the state) to say its time to move on, she said.

Bala, 66, was convicted by a jury in 2005 of 12 felonies involving charges of running an illegal gambling business in what prosecutors said was the states largest illegal gambling case. She and RSI were ordered to forfeit more than $99 million. The forfeiture was reversed and a federal appeals court overturned the verdict. Bala was released from custody after serving about 17 months.

Prosecutors said Bala broke state law by failing to give money to a charity from October 2002 to April 2003. The appeals court said the state Racing Commissions rules were not clear on how the charities were to be paid.

Stenehjem also had charged Bala and Racing Services with illegal gambling, but the federal court verdict came before the states case could be resolved.

Bala believes the state is likely acting out of vindictiveness because the original case against her did not stick.

In 2017, and more than a decade after Balas conviction was overturned, Collins, the federal bankruptcy judge, ruled the state must refund Balas business the money it collected for taxes.

State lawyers approved the settlement at the time and the Legislature allocated $15.8 million to be paid to Bala. The money has been held in a bankruptcy trust estate.

Part of the agreement approved by the court required the state to waive any further claims.

In 2018, a Las Vegas man, Peter Wagner, identified in court papers as a gambler" successfully filed a $2.2 million claim against the estate for unpaid winnings. He later claimed an additional $10.8 million for so-called gambling rebates that are paid to gamblers based on the volume of their wagers. The additional claim was later denied.

The state attorney generals office in 2018 filed a new claim, arguing the money in the original settlement should go only to charities, as required by state law.

Court documents said that it was not until a hearing in the case that the state and Wagner had agreed to split any recovery of the money, which the bankruptcy judge called puzzling and perhaps illegal.

It remains entirely unexplained why the State would agree to split any amount of net proceeds it recovered ...with (Wagners company)  an entity that is not a charity, the judge wrote.

Nevertheless, the States new claim essentially states that under the North Dakota Constitution and the North Dakota statutes, the net proceeds of gambling must go to a charity  not back to Susan Bala or any other party, Collins wrote.

Under the States own argument (the agreement with the gamblers company) seems to violate North Dakota law or is invalid on its face, the judge wrote.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  Roadside bombings in southern and central Afghanistan killed 13 people, including nine members of one family, officials said Thursday. Meanwhile, militants stopped a bus in western Afghanistan, ordered three men to get out and shot and killed them.

No one has claimed responsibility for the latest attacks. The three men on the bus were ethnic Hazaras. The government blamed the Taliban, who denied responsibility. Previous attacks on Hazaras, who are mostly Shiite Muslims, have been claimed by the Islamic State group.

Large swaths of war-ravaged Afghanistan have been littered with bombs and land mines. Many have been planted by insurgents to target military convoys but often kill civilians instead.

One of the two bombs struck a car carrying a family of 12 in southern Helmand province late on Wednesday, said provincial police spokesman Zaman Hamdarad. Several of the nine family members who died were children, he said.

The vehicle was travelling to the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah when it struck the bomb. The Nad Ali district where the explosion occurred is under Taliban control and Hamdarad said it is difficult to get information. Three wounded children were taken to the provincial hospital in Lashkar Gah, he said.

A second roadside bombing, in central Ghor province, destroyed a motorcycle carrying a family of four, all of whom were killed, said the province's governor, Abdul Zahir Faizzada.

Meanwhile, the Taliban earlier this week said Afghan fighter jets bombed a health clinic in area the insurgents control in northern Baghlan province. A video circulated by the Taliban showed a partially damaged mud and brick building, typical of rural Afghanistan. The Taliban said one patient was killed and 18 other people were hurt, including two doctors.

The government said it was targeting insurgents and claimed to have destroyed Taliban compounds.

The United Nations has repeatedly demanded both sides take more precautions to protect civilians. In the first three months of this year, the U.N. mission in Afghanistan said 1,783 civilians had been killed or wounded in Afghanistan, up 29% over the same period last year.
EMMITSBURG, Md. (AP)  Prosecutors in Maryland have found that a sheriffs deputy and Pennsylvania state trooper mistook a 15-year-old bystander for an attempted murder suspect they were chasing last year and fired shots in the teens direction eight times. The teen was not struck.

But The Frederick News-Post reports that in a report released Wednesday, prosecutors investigating the October 2020 incident found the use of deadly force was not objectively unreasonable." The Frederick County States Attorneys Office wont pursue criminal charges against the unidentified county deputy or trooper.
JASPER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP)  A single-engine plane that crashed and caught fire in a mid-Michigan field may have struck a radio antenna tower or the guy wires supporting it, a sheriff said Thursday.

Two debris fields from the Monday crash included one near the tower, Midland County Sheriff Myron Greene said. The other was in a Jasper County field a short distance away where the fuselage came to rest.
CEUTA, Spain (AP)  Thousands of migrants who have become pawns in a diplomatic spat between Morocco and Spain awoke to an uncertain future on Wednesday, after sleeping where they could find shelter following their massive border breach to reach the European countrys north African enclave of Ceuta.

Social services for the small city perched on an outcropping in the Mediterranean buckled under the strain after more than 8,000 people crossed into Spanish territory during the previous two days.

Exhausted by either scaling a double-wide border fence or risking their lives by swimming around a breakwater to reach a beach on the European side, many migrants spent the night in overcrowded warehouses under the gaze of Spanish police.

We have never seen such an arrival of this magnitude, Red Cross spokeswoman Isabel Brasero told the AP. The city has the means to take care of all the people that arrive to its shores, but you never imagine that you will face this type of situation.

Spains Interior Ministry said that it had returned more than half of the migrants. Those included some teenagers who appeared to be under 18 and whom Associated Press journalists saw Spanish police usher back across the border.

Paloma Favieres, spokeswoman for Spain's CEAR, a non-profit organization that receives government and private funding to care for asylum-seekers and refugees, said that these forced returns are not legal.

It seems that among the 4,000 sent back (on Tuesday) there were underage children ... Children should be immediately put in custody of the citys child welfare providers," she told the AP.

Spains Interior Ministry said authorities on the ground are using all the established legal procedures legally corresponding to each case.

While Morocco tightened its frontier controls, some people kept coming, forcing Spanish authorities to increase their criticism of counterparts in Rabat.

This is an act of defiance, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told Spains Parliament, a day after he visited Ceuta. The lack of border control by Morocco is not a show of disrespect of Spain, but rather for the European Union.

Over the decades, Spain has built a close relationship with Morocco to crack down on illegal border crossings, but also to increase economic ties and fight extremism.

But on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said for the first time in public that Spain believes Morocco loosened its border control to retaliate for Spain having given medical assistance to the head of the liberation movement for Western Sahara, a disputed territory to Moroccos south.

It tears our hearts out to see our neighbors sending children, even babies (because) they reject a humanitarian gesture on our part, Gonzalez Laya told Spanish public radio.

Moroccos loosened border watch came after Spain decided to grant entry for medical treatment to the chief of a militant group that fights Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara. Morocco annexed the sprawling region on the west coast of Africa in 1975.

Moroccos Foreign Ministry had said Madrids move to assist Brahim Ghali, head of the Polisario Front, was inconsistent with the spirit of partnership and good neighborliness and vowed there would be consequences.

In the first public comments on the situation in Ceuta by a Moroccan official, Mostapha Ramid, minister for human rights, said in a Facebook post Tuesday night that Spains move to receive the Polisario leader was reckless, irresponsible and totally unacceptable.

What was Spain expecting from Morocco when it hosted an official from a group that is carrying arms against the kingdom? he asked.

Ramid told the AP on Wednesday that he posted the comments as a Moroccan citizen and senior official upset by Spains decision to host Ghali, but not on behalf of the Moroccan government.

But Moroccan lawmaker Youssef Gharbi, who serves on the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, told the AP on Wednesday that the decision to allow Ghali to receive medical treatment: was the drop that made the cup spill over."

We cannot cooperate in various fields such as security and trade and at the same time accept a stab in the back, the lawmaker said. In the past, Morocco stated clearly that it was against the independence of Catalonia. ... We expect Spain to behave in a positive way.

It was unclear if Ghali, who is reportedly in a hospital in northern Spain recovering from COVID-19, will appear before a judge in Madrid on June 1 to testify on a 2019 lawsuit accusing him of tortures and an old genocide probe reopened this week at the request of an association of Saharawi campaigners against the Polisario Front.

European officials supported Spain with a harsh message for Morocco in a crisis that had echoes of the dispute the EU had with Turkey over the Syrian refuge crisis five years ago.

Nobody can blackmail the European Union, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas told Spanish National Radio.

Many of those who decided to leave their homes have been left without work since the border was closed because of the pandemic, hurting the local economy that depends on the flow of goods, often carried by hand, from one side to the other.

The surge had become a trickle after Moroccan border guards enforced the frontier divided by the double-wide, 10-meter (32-feet) fence. Still, hundreds were still trying to find their way across the frontier. Spanish officers fired tear gas into the buffer zone between the countries to dissuade more crossings. Some people rowed small wooden boats to reach the beach where officers waited.

At least 5,600 Moroccans adults were returned to Morocco, in line with a decades-old agreement between the two countries to expel all those who swim across the border.

We went to Ceuta twice and they sent us back. We are looking for solutions with all these young people have suffered too much said 32-year-old Abdelmouniim El Ouali, who had been pushed back across the border after he traveled three days from Taounate  about 300 kilometers (185 miles) away.

We want to return to Ceuta he said, adding that while in the enclave the security forces shot rubber balls at those who crossed.

Hundreds spent Tuesday night in the streets, parks or on the hills bordering the city. Around 2,000 minors were sent to warehouses run by charity groups. AP journalists saw unaccompanied children sleeping on the floor of a warehouse, as well as in tent beds set up by the Red Cross.

Many shops were closed in Ceuta, a city with a population of 85,000 and an area of 20 square kilometers (7.7 square miles). City head Juan Jesus Vivas said that school attendance dropped by 60% on Tuesday with families concerned for what Vivas called an invasion.

Among the arrivals were sub-Saharan Africans, who often migrate to flee poverty or violence at home and saw the suddenly porous border as a chance to avoid an even more deadly sea journey to the Spanish mainland.

Aisha Diakate, 25, fled conflict in Mali between 2018 after rebels killed her parents. She ended up in Morocco where she struggled to find work and had to beg to survive.

She walked from Tangiers and then swam across the border with her small child in arms. Now, after sleeping outside a warehouse, she was crushed to hear that she could be deported.

I swam here with my child, why are they now asking me to go? Thats not right, Diakate said.

We have nothing. If we return to Morocco, it is just suffering.

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Houda Benalla reported from Fnideq, Morocco and Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain. Tarik El Barakah and Hassan Alaoui in Rabat, Morocco, Mosaab Elshamy in Fnideq, Morocco, Aritz Parra in Madrid, and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.

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Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

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A previous version of this story has been corrected to show that the spelling of the Moroccan official's last name is Ramid, not Hamid.
Drum roll please! We now bring you the list of winners from this year's 2021 Texas Auto Roundup, held by the Texas Auto Writers Association. The event returned this year with health protocols in place after being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Forty TAWA members evaluated 35 vehicles at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on April 19-20, 2021. They evaluated vehicles based on their interior, exterior, value, performance and personal appeal. The winners were announced May 18 in partnership with the Houston Summer Auto Show that kicked off today and runs through Sunday May 23.

This year the main award categories were: Family Vehicle of Texas, Performance Vehicle of Texas, Luxury Performance Vehicle of Texas and a newly elevated category of Green Vehicle of Texas. An additional nine category awards, two feature awards and four merit awards were also awarded.

"The Texas Auto Writers Association congratulates all of the title and category winners, and thanks all of our automotive members and partners for joining us at the 2021 Auto Roundup," said TAWA President Kristin Shaw. "Everyone in attendance was happy to have the opportunity to drive and network at the Texas Motor Speedway."

Family Vehicle of Texas

The Chrysler Pacifica was named the Family Vehicle of Texas, its fifth consecutive win since the nameplate was reintroduced in 2016 as a 2017 model. The Auto Roundup was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Performance and Luxury Performance Vehicles of Texas

Both Toyota and Lexus took home an overall award. The Toyota Supra was named Performance Vehicle of Texas and the Lexus LC 500 took the Performance Luxury Vehicle of Texas crown.

"A commitment to excellence in engineering, design and performance is something that both Toyota and Lexus takes to heart, and we are proud of these two vehicles for leading the pack and competition," said Greg Thome, Senior Manager, TMNA Corporate Communications. "We are especially honored to receive this recognition here in our home state of Texas."

Green Vehicle of Texas

TAWA elevated the former Green Vehicle category to major award status, given the growth in electrified vehicles. The Green Vehicle of Texas award went to a newcomer, the new all-electric Volkswagen ID.4.

"It's a great honor that ID.4 has been named the first ever Green Vehicle of Texas," said Matthew Renna, vice president E-mobility and innovation, Volkswagen of America. "Having organizations like Texas Auto Writers Association educate the public on our brand's electric future  and EVs in general  is valuable to the transition to electrification."

OVERALL AWARDS



FAMILY VEHICLE OF TEXAS: Chrysler Pacifica



PERFORMANCE VEHICLE OF TEXAS: Toyota Supra



LUXURY PERFORMANCE VEHICLE OF TEXAS: Lexus LC 500



GREEN VEHICLE OF TEXAS: Volkswagen ID.4



CATEGORY AWARDS



BEST MINIVAN: Chrysler Pacifica



PERFORMANCE SEDAN: Dodge Charger



LUXURY CAR ($40,000-$65,000) Genesis G80



LUXURY CAR ($65,000-$100,000): Lexus LC 500



PERFORMANCE COUPE: Toyota Supra



MIDSIZE CAR: Volkswagen Arteon



COMPACT VEHICLE: Mazda3 Hatchback Turbo



MIDSIZE CUV: Nissan Rogue



LUXURY CUV: Genesis GV80



FEATURE AWARDS



BEST NEW FEATURE: Chrysler FamCam



BEST NEW INTERIOR: Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle



MERIT AWARDS (based on calculated points)



BEST VALUE: TIE





Dodge Challenger





Lexus IS 350





BEST INTERIOR: Lexus LC 500



BEST INTERIOR: Lexus LC 500



BEST INTERIOR: Lexus LC 500



Copyright 2021 CarProUsa.comThis article originally appeared on CarProUSA
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  A senior adviser to Donald Trump took to Twitter on Thursday to stress that the former president has made no endorsement of anyone to become governor of Pennsylvania.

The statement by the adviser, Jason Miller, comes a day after a Republican state senator who has talked of possibly running for governor in 2022 said that Trump had asked him to run and promised to campaign for him.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukraine's leader voiced fear Thursday that the U.S. could strike a deal with Russia behind his country's back, and rebuked France and Germany for a perceived softening of their stance in talks with Moscow.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy specifically warned Washington that its failure to block the construction of a Russian-built natural gas pipeline to Germany would be a grave political error.

It would be a loss for the United States, and I believe it would be President Biden's personal loss, Zelenskyy said at a news conference. It would mark a serious geopolitical victory for the Russian Federation and a new redistribution of spheres of influence."

Zelenskyy's undiplomatic comments reflected Ukrainian concern that the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline bypassing its territory would deprive it of transit fees for pumping the Russian gas to Europe, erode its strategic importance and weaken it politically.

The U.S. has strongly opposed the construction of the new Russian pipeline, but the Biden administration opted Wednesday not to punish the German company overseeing the project while announcing the new sanctions against Russian companies and ships. The Kremlin hailed it as a positive signal before a possible Biden's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a tense tug-of-war ever since Moscow annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 following the ouster of the countrys former Kremlin-friendly president and threw its weight behind separatist rebels in Ukraines east.

Zelenskyy said that even though U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured him during a visit earlier this month that Washington would first consult Kyiv on any Ukraine-related issues before it discusses them with Russia, he is still deeply worried.

Are there risks that some issues will be raised despite our agreements? he said. Yes, I'm sure that there such risks. Ill be frank with you, Im scared by this situation.

More than 14,000 people have died in seven years of fighting in Ukraines eastern industrial heartland called Donbas.

A 2015 peace deal brokered by France and Germany helped end large-scale battles, but regular skirmishes have continued along the tense line of contact in the east and political settlement efforts have stalled.

Last month, increasing violations of a cease-fire in the east and a major Russian troop buildup near Ukraine stoked Ukrainian and Western fears of renewed hostilities. Moscow says it has withdrawn its forces after sweeping maneuvers, but Zelenskyy said Thursday that many Russian troops have remained near Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president also said that France and Germany recently have been too soft on Russia.

I feel their support, but I believe that it should be stronger, he said. They are aware of my thoughts, I have been very frank with them. I believe that they have recently weakened their positions a bit.

The 2015 peace deal signed in Minsk, Belarus, obliged Ukraine to offer broad autonomy to the separatist regions and a sweeping amnesty for the rebels. It also stipulated that Ukraine would regain full control of its border with Russia in the rebel-held territories only after the election of local leaders and legislatures  provisions resented by many Ukrainians as a betrayal of national interests.

Ukraine has pushed for modifying the Minsk agreement to make reclaiming control of the border with Russia in the rebel-controlled regions precede the local elections there, but Russia has firmly rejected Kyiv's demands.

Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of backing the separatist rebels in the east with troops and weapons, claims Moscow has denied.

Moscow has strongly warned Kyiv that it could intervene to protect civilians in the region if Ukraine tries to solve the conflict by force. Russia has granted citizenship to more than 600,000 people in the rebel-controlled regions.

Zelenskyy warned Thursday that Moscow's efforts to offer Russian passports to local residents represents a serious challenge.

He said his office has engaged in contacts with the Kremlin on preparing his meeting with Putin.

A conversation between the Ukrainian presidential office and the Russian Federation has started to organize the talks, Zelenskyy said, adding that he could meet with the Russian president in a third country.

The Ukrainian leader has previously suggested that he and Putin meet in eastern Ukraine, and Putin invited Zelenskyy to come to Moscow.

In Moscow, Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed in Thursday's call with reporters that Russian and Ukrainian officials have had some preliminary discussions about a possible meeting, but added they have remained sketchy.

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Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
GENEVA (AP)  The U.N. refugee agency made an unusual plea Thursday for the Biden administration to lift pandemic-related restrictions on people seeking asylum in the United States.

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi asked for an end to so-called Title 42 authority, named for a section of an obscure 1944 U.S. public health law that former President Donald Trump used in March 2020 to effectively end asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. President Joe Biden has kept the policy in place, though he has exempted children who are traveling alone.

Under the practice, people from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are quickly expelled from the U.S. to Mexico without a chance to seek humanitarian protection.

In a sharply worded statement, Grandi said denying rights to seek asylum and pushing people out of the country violates core precepts of the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention and that the expulsions have had serious humanitarian consequences in northern Mexico.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testified in Congress last week that Title 42 is not a tool of immigration, it is a tool of public health authorized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His message is being met with growing skepticism as the U.S. slowly returns to normal.

Grandi said protecting public health and the right to seek asylum are fully compatible.

At the height of the public health emergency, many countries put in place protocols such as health screening, testing and quarantine measures, to simultaneously protect both public health and the right to seek asylum, he said.

More than 60% of U.S. Customs and Border Protections nearly 179,000 encounters with migrants on the Mexican border in April resulted in expulsions under Title 42, making it a cornerstone piece of the U.S. immigration system.

The Homeland Security Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United States said Wednesday it opposes a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers, reiterating that it could interfere with the Biden administrations efforts to end the hostilities.

France drafted the resolution after the U.S. blocked at least four attempts to have the council issue a press statement calling for an end to the violence, giving the same reason. Diplomats said all other council members supported the statement.

A press statement requires agreement by all 15 council members, but a resolution requires only at least nine yes votes and no veto by the United States or any of the four other permanent members.

A French government spokesman had said very intense discussions were taking place with the United States on Wednesday about the proposed resolution, which U.N. diplomats said calls for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

But a spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations said later in the day: Weve been clear and consistent that we are focused on intensive diplomatic efforts under way to bring an end to the violence and that we will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate.

The spokesperson commented on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of discussions.

The White House said that in a Wednesday phone call President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire. But Netanyahu said later he was determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.

It was not clear if, or when, France would circulate the draft resolution to all council members or call for a vote, which would likely lead to a U.S. veto.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi held talks in Paris earlier this week and they had a meeting Tuesday with Jordans King Abdullah II via video conference on the Gaza conflict. In a joint statement, France, Egypt and Jordan said they called on the parties to immediately agree on a ceasefire and would work with the U.N. and other partners to ensure humanitarian help for the population of Gaza.

The 193-member General Assembly scheduled an open meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Thursday and about a dozen ministers were expected to attend in person.

Assembly spokesman Brenden Varma said Wednesday that dozens of countries were expected to speak during the day-long session, but no statement or resolution was expected.

The ambassadors of Niger, which chairs the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Algeria, the current chair of the U.N.s Arab Group, requested Thursdays meeting.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  A Virginia prison inmate has pleaded guilty to mailing threats to an assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted him.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Rondale Latte Claud on Wednesday admitted that while he was an inmate at the Augusta Correctional Center on March 2, 2020, he wrote a letter to the prosecutor accusing him of turning his son and his family against him. He closed the letter by writing that if things get hard: "I will just go out the easy way which is killing myself ... and you," the statement of facts filed in court said.
A black bear was killed after it wandered into an Oklahoma family's back yard late Wednesday night and officials said their attempts to tranquilize the bear failed.

According to the Department of Wildlife, the bear was seen in the back yard of a home in Norman before it climbed on a tree.

Wildlife officials said they spent hours trying to trap the bear. Their first priority is the safety of everyone involved. They tried to use tranquilizer darts on the bear. Eventually, the bear fell down and it was slow to get up.

After that, wildlife officials said the bear started moving, and they had to shoot and kill it before it could get close to anyone. Officials said they ran out of tranquilizers and that was their last option.

"So he fell here, like, literally right here and then went around the side of the house and then he had more energy, and I think it was scary for those who were dealing with him. It just didn't end well," homeowner Meredith Dunn said.

Officials said the bear will be taken to the Department of Wildlife's field office near Lake Arcadia, where they'll examine its body. They said there's no reason to be concerned and that this is likely an isolated incident. But if you do happen to see a bear, call the Department of Wildlife.


MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A man who fell into depression and attempted suicide after he was gored by a bull can't sue an insurance company for deciding to stop covering his medication, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

According to court documents, Francis Graef was gored while working at a Bonduel livestock yard in 2012. The attack triggered a bout with depression and a doctor prescribed medication for him. The livestock yard's worker's compensation insurance carrier, Continental Indemnity Co., initially covered the cost of the medicine.
Customs and Border Protection isnt returning or detaining illegal migrant crossers, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement isnt removing aliens from the interior, including convicted, released criminals.

The inevitable result: a huge U.S. population surge that will help create a chaotic society which will struggle to keep up with deteriorating conditions. From the sudden, unanticipated population growth, there will be maximum strain on K-12 education, health care, public safety and other social services which can barely provide for existing residents.

Under the Biden administration, which comically ordered CBP and ICE to stop using the terms illegal alien and assimilation in favor of more inclusive language like non-citizen and civic integration, border agents tasks consist mostly of turning over unaccompanied minors to Health and Human Services, or catching but then releasing adults into the interior. Should released aliens run afoul of the law once in the U.S. interior, the Biden administration has ordered ICE to turn a blind eye.

Privately, ICE officials told Washington Post reporter Nick Miroff that their jobs have essentially been abolished because the administration severely limited their ability to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. In April, ICE deported 2,962 people, a 20% decline from March, and the first time since the agency began keeping records that the monthly total dropped below 3,000.

In the administrations most defiant federal law violation, Biden mandated that ICE detainers only be issued to incarcerated aliens that he as president thinks should be deported. Bidens order disregards the removal grounds that the law lists, except possibly for suspected terrorists or others who may pose a public security threat. Florida, Texas and Louisiana filed suits against the Biden administration for its illegal enforcement restrictions that endanger the public at large. Released criminals can imperil society. The Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that the recidivism rates for state prisoners are 68% within three years, 79% within six years, and 83% within nine years.

Alleging that the White House is responsible for putting the public at risk, the Florida suit argues that the Biden administration does not believe that being in the U.S. in violation of the immigration laws and committing serious crimes is sufficient reason to remove someone from the country. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody charged the Biden administration with thumbing its nose at its legal obligation to deport criminal aliens. Instead, Moore continued, the administrations ICE retainer cancellation policy has put convicted sex offenders, heroin traffickers and home invaders back on the street, and among unsuspecting Floridians.

In his opinion column published in The Hill, Nolan Rappaport, a former House Judiciary Committee executive branch immigration law specialist and one-time Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims immigration counsel, expressed concern about Bidens rejection of the Immigration and Nationality Acts removal grounds. Rappaport wrote that Biden has completely replaced existing removal laws with priority categories, a violation of the Constitutions separation of powers principle. Congress, Rappaport correctly concluded, writes the nations laws  not the president.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration cannot keep track of the unaccompanied migrants that have successfully entered mainstream America. Weeks ago, about 150 young migrants ages 7-12 arrived in Erie, Pennsylvania, about 1,800 miles from McAllen, Texas, a focal point of the border crisis. Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, whose district includes Erie, went to investigate the young migrants housing facility, and found that 28 children had COVID-19. The following day, the site was abandoned; the children and the staff were gone. Kelly tried to get more information from the Department of Health and Human Services, but couldnt get answers.

Biden and his immigration advisors refer to their border magnanimity as humane. But Kelly said that, referring to the Erie facilitys abrupt shut down, Bidens approach is aimless. And because residents have been unwittingly exposed to COVID-19, the health of Kellys 16th Congressional districts 705,687 constituents is jeopardized.

The administration shows no sign of making meaningful improvements to address the border chaos or its dangerous revisions regarding retainers. The administration remains indifferent. So far, the best indication that the administration may be vaguely aware of the border crisis is a virtual meeting that Vice President Kamala Harris held with Mexicos President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. But they avoided tough talk, and only discussed nebulous ideas like the need to create a sense of home in Northern Triangle countries.

Former Acting CBP commissioner Mark Morgan estimates that between 3,000 and 3,500 illegal aliens enter the U.S. daily. Given those totals, much more than a vapid Harris phone call is needed to stem the illegal migrant surge.

Joe Guzzardi is a Progressives for Immigration Reform analyst who has written about immigration for more than 30 years. Contact him at jguzzardi@pfirdc.org.
Things are already heating up between Ken Paxton and George P. Bush over the potential Texas Attorney General GOP primary challenge.

Bush, Texas Land Commissioner, hasn't even officially announced what office he'll be running for in 2022, but he's sending strong signals he's planning to challenge Paxton. On Tuesday, he told Texas Tribune podcaster Evan Smith he's planning to announce his intentions in June.

In the podcast, Bush said there are some small things he would tweak about the office of the attorney general, but the problem is not with the message Paxton delivers, "it's the messenger." He pointed to Paxton's indictment on securities fraud, saying "I don't care what party you're in, that's just disgraceful."

Paxton is also currently under investigation from the FBI for alleged bribery and abuse of office and faces a retaliation lawsuit filed by several former employees based on these accusations.

READ ALSO: Does Phil Collins have a massive collection of fake Alamo artifiacts?

Paxton took an opportunity to talk about his potential opponent during his radio interview on "The Mark Davis Show" on Tuesday. In short, he's not impressed or nervous.

"He's kind of got this mentality that he's going to be president someday and he's got to get started," Paxton said of Bush. "I know for a fact that he's told people that he was either going to run for governor, lieutenant governor or against me."

Paxton said that Bush "hates being land commissioner" and won't challenge Patrick or Abbott because they have too much cash to support their campaign. Paxton speculated Bush is "settling" for the AG run because he doesn't have as much money.

"He's not going to run against me on the issues because he's not competent to do the job," Paxton said. "I think he just got his law license back and he has really no experience in practicing law. He has experience as a land commissioner and that hasn't gone so well ... he hasn't even proved himself in that, let alone a job like this that takes a lot of legal ability, which he has none of."

ANALYSIS: Greg Abbott wants Texas to be normal again

Paxton also confirmed he is definitely running for reelection, his second bid since he was indicted in 2015. Paxton then lashed out, both at Bush and the felony fraud charges against him, which will turn 6 years old in July.

"This idea of a speedy trial you're supposed to have under the Constitution, it's not happening because, I mean, they don't have a case. If they had a case, it wouldn't take six years. So this is all political. George P. is political," Paxton said.

Meanwhile, on the other side, democrat Joe Jaworski, a former Galveston mayor, said he plans on running for attorney general, according to Corpus Christi Caller-Times.

The election isn't until Nov. 8, 2022, and it looks like it's going to be a long fight to the finish line.
Commentary: Hasty U.S. withdrawal to create security black hole in Afghanistan

Xinhua) 17:17, May 19, 2021

Photo taken on May 4, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

At the moment, a sudden U.S. withdrawal would only exacerbate the country's ongoing security crisis, as it would be a chance for terrorist groups and various political forces to fill the vacuum and stoke more unrest.

KABUL, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to bring home all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, as an attempt to irresponsibly pull the United States out of the quagmire of war, will create a security black hole and aggravate the already heavy scourge suffered by the country.

The abrupt announcement by the United States of a complete troop exit has deteriorated the security situation in the conflict-battered country, causing mounting militant attacks and ensuing civilian casualties.

Since the start of the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces on May 1, the Taliban militants have stepped up activities. Moreover last week, three consecutive explosions outside a secondary school for girls in western Kabul killed at least 50 people and injured over 100 others.

It was during the Cold War that the U.S. helped sow the seeds of unrest in the country by funding and arming militants to fight the then Soviet Union. Over the following decades, Afghanistan has developed a malignant tumor of terrorism, and gradually descended into a hotbed of international terrorism and extremism.

An Afghan man works inside a mosque in Qala-e-Murad Baig area of Shakar Dara district of Kabul province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2021.(Photo by Rahmatullah Alizadah/Xinhua)

After the U.S.-led War on Terror in 2001, Afghanistan has experienced a rise in terrorist acts instead of a decline.

It is a fact that U.S. military actions have caused heavy civilian casualties since then, yet brutal fighting and bloody attacks continue.

At the moment, a sudden U.S. withdrawal would only exacerbate the country's ongoing security crisis, as it would be a chance for terrorist groups and various political forces to fill the vacuum and stoke more unrest.

A hasty departure of U.S. troops would also swiftly change the existing balance of power between the Afghan government forces and other armed factions, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Biden's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan is "a major mistake" with significant risks, according to a recent article published by U.S. think tank the Brookings Institution.

It pointed out that the most likely outcome of any quick troop exit this year is "very ugly, including ethnic cleansing, mass slaughter, and the ultimate dismemberment of the country."

In retrospect, the current tumult facing Afghanistan is yet another chill reminder of the consequence of overuse of U.S. military power. No wonder the past two decades of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan has been described by many global observers as a failure.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Hongyu)
We all remember the Alamo, right?

The aging Texas landmark has been the subject of a revitalization project for years, and some pieces might be falling into place. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick vowed to raise up to $300 million for the project, part of which would go toward housing the collection of British rock star Phil Collins.

Yes, you read that right. The rock star of Genesis and "Tarzan" soundtrack fame, Collins has reputedly one of the most extensive collections of Alamo artifacts in the world. But a new book casts doubt on the validity of several of Collins' most noteworthy pieces.

MCGOVERNHEY?: Matthew McConaughey continues with this 'running for governor' nonsense

In their upcoming book "Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth," authors Chris Tomlinson, Jason Stanford and Bryan Burrough chronicle the strange and storied tale of Collins' collection and its central role in revitalizing the Alamo.

An excerpt from the book published in Texas Monthly's forthcoming June edition lays out some of the contested artifacts, which include a knife supposedly owned by Jim Bowie that was authenticated by a psychic. Other items include horseshoes, belt buckles and buttons dug up from under a shop near the mission. A sword belt purported to have belonged to Colonel William Barret Travis is also listed among Collins' haul. The collection undoubtedly holds many authentic items, but some have a much murkier history.

A fellow Alamo enthusiast, Patrick has vowed to find the remaining $200-$300 million needed for the site's revitalization at the unveiling of a temporary exhibit in the Alamo's plaza last month, according to San Antonio Express-News' Scott Huddleston. The proposed project includes building a four-story museum to house Alamo artifacts, including the Phil Collins Texana Collection.

But that $300 million price tagwhich could come at the expense of Texas taxpayerscould be better spent elsewhere, some pointed out on Twitter.

WILD HOUSTON: Mattress Mack's wife helped rescue Houston's missing tiger, India

Adding to the drama is the long-running feud between Patrick and Texas land commissioner George P. Bush over the Alamo project.

This saga, almost as dramatic as the battle itself, shows no sign of slowing or ending any time soon. Adding Phil Collins to the mix only adds weirdness to the fire.
An evening of peaceful protesting for a free Palestine ended with the Maghrib prayer outside the Israeli consulate Tuesday in southwest Houston.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets during the protest before the daily prayer  despite Houston police's best efforts to keep them contained.

ABBOTT UNLEASHED: Masks no longer required at schools, government buildings

The march started as a rally outside the Israeli consulate in Greenway Plaza, organized by the Houston chapters of the Palestinian American Culture Center and Palestinian Youth Movement. Protesters wanted to make their position known, saying that the United States backs a genocidal state by giving billions of dollars in aid to Israel.

Deadly violence has reopened a decades-old wound in Palestine as Israel continues to elevate attacks against Hamas and Palestinians, many of whom have lived in the land for generations.

Escalated attacks have killed 200 people in Gaza in recent weeks, some of whom were children, according to Al Jazeera staff.

Supporters of Israel say the country acts only in self-defense.

The recent rise in violence started when Israelis attempted to evict Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank, which sparked protests and a violent response from the Israeli police.

The violence shows no sign of stopping, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaiming Israel's bombardment will "take time."

Jay R. Jordan / Chron staff

However, a cease-fire was issued early Friday.

The conflict has brought pain and suffering not only to those whose life and limb were taken in Palestine, but their loved ones nearby and abroad. That includes many who attended the march in Houston.

"I'm here to support my people back home," Lin Abdrabu said.

Abdrabu has family in Palestine and is fearful for their safety.

"We just want to live in peace without being scared of being evicted from our homes and from the occupation," Abdrabu said.

Demonstrators gathered around 6 p.m. on Weslayan Street at the Southwest Freeway frontage road, where Israel houses its consulate inside 24 Greenway Plaza.

At first, hundreds showed up in droves and lined the sidewalk and grass between the street and the building. As the protest progressed, Houston police set up temporary fencing around the protesters to keep them from entering traffic.

Jay R. Jordan / Chron staff

But by 7:30 p.m., at least a thousand marchers maneuvered around the fence and onto the frontage road. They shouted for a free Palestine and condemned the treatment of native Palestinians by Israel, which has the financial and moral backing from the U.S. and President Joe Biden.

The U.S. has given Israel billions of dollars in aid each year, most recently handing over $3.3 billion in 2019 for "conflict, peace and security" purposes. Marchers expressed disapproval of continued U.S. aid for Israel.

While celebrating their identity as Palestinians, several of those who marched were Muslim  and didn't take a break from performing salah when the time came at sundown.

By that time, marchers had made it around Greenway Plaza and onto the steps of the building that houses the Israeli consulate. Shouts, chants and a pair of drums echoed off the building for blocks.

But when the sun began to set, quiet fell over the crowd as hundreds performed the Maghrib prayerone of five prayers Muslims observe each day.

Jay R. Jordan / Chron staff

Ahsan Patoli, whose family moved from Pakistan to the United States in 2000, participated in the prayer.

"Regardless of the situation that's going on with our brothers and sisters in the world that are being oppressed, we still make time to pray," Patoli said. "We're united not just by countries or races, but by religion as well. We're going to stand with [the Palestinians]."

After the prayer, people began filtering out. A mere three hours after the rally started, Greenway Plaza was back to business as usual.

But the message left behind, one that a healthy number of Americans stand hand-in-hand with Palestine, is lasting.

Here are more photos from the rally.
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A. Transportation. There's a strong need for a long-term mobility plan, especially on U.S. 19 and State Road 44.

B. Resiliency. Crystal River needs blueprints for the future, especially focusing on sea level rise and health of bay waters.

C. Downtown. Areas within the city's CRA need more projects like the Town Square.

D. Revitalization. Abandoned shopping centers and older structures like the mall need a makeover.

E. Residential neighborhoods. Interconnecting communities and maximizing the potential in Crystal River neighborhoods is the key to happy living.

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Canadian Immigration: A Preview of the Rest of 2021 ANALYSIS: Canadian immigration will be guided by Canada's ability to defeat COVID-19 and whether a federal election is called.

Canadian Immigration: A Preview of the Rest of 2021 ANALYSIS: Canadian immigration will be guided by Canada's ability to defeat COVID-19 and whether a federal election is called.

Canadian Immigration: A Preview of the Rest of 2021 ANALYSIS: Canadian immigration will be guided by Canada's ability to defeat COVID-19 and whether a federal election is called. Kareem El-Assal Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Two major issues will shape the trajectory of Canadian immigration for the remainder of this year.

They are Canadas ability to contain and ultimately defeat the coronavirus pandemic and secondly, whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decides to call an election by the fall. The following is a preview of what we can expect.

COVID-19 in Canada

Canadian immigration policy has been disrupted by COVID-19 since March 2020. Every single policy decision that is being made is influenced by the immigration departments ability to navigate COVID-related disruptions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a dizzying number of policy changes and new programs as it aims to achieve the countrys immigration goals to the best of its ability amid the pandemic.

The past few months saw a worrisome increase in COVID-19 cases across Canada. The third wave of the virus has resulted in new lockdowns in Canadas two largest provinces, Ontario and Quebec, and the fourth largest province, Alberta.

Fortunately, things have improved in recent weeks. New COVID-19 cases are now trending downward nationally after Canada hit over 10,000 daily cases during some parts of April. This is a function of stricter public health measures and Canadas vaccination campaign beginning to hit stride.

Canada has now received over 20 million vaccine doses.

Over 40 per cent of the eligible Canadian population has received at least one shot which means Canada ranks among the top five OECD countries in this metric alongside Israel, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Chile.

Canada expects to receive over 20 million more doses by the end of June, and numerous federal and provincial political leaders have stated they hope the country will be able to return to some form of normalcy this summer.

The ability for Canada to return to more normalcy would significantly change the Canadian governments immigration calculus. Namely, the public health and safety arms of the federal government and IRCC could then give stronger consideration to welcoming more foreign nationals from overseas.

Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Will Trudeau Call a Federal Election?

Press reports are indicating that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is considering calling a federal election in the second half of 2021. The rumors suggest this will be tied to the point above. That is, if the vaccine campaign is executed successfully and Canada defeats the pandemic, Trudeau may end up with stronger public support which will propel him to a third mandate. Trudeau won a majority government in 2015 but only obtained a minority in 2019 as his public support fell. However polls indicate he remains the most popular leader among Canadas main federal political parties and is in position to get a majority.

The last two elections were called late in the summer and were held in October. Cabinets were then announced in November or December and the new government really began to govern in January. Election campaigns in Canada are rarely held leading up to Christmas due to the importance of the winter holidays in the country. Hence, we should gain a sense of whether Trudeau will call an election by September at the latest.

The call of an election would have some impact on Canadian immigration. Big picture items such as the countrys immigration levels plan, Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and other broad policy items would remain unaffected. However, the implementation of new policies and programs, as well as the governments responsiveness to emerging issues would be limited until the election results have been determined.

What next?

Canadas ability to alleviate travel restrictions and allow more Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) holders will depend on the success of its vaccine campaign in the coming months. IRCC has said little on COPRs  these are individuals overseas who have received permanent residence approval, but who are unable to enter Canada for now unless they fall under an exemption  other than it will not require them to restart their application process and that it looks forward to welcoming them into Canada when the pandemic situation improves.

The first major sign of Canadas willingness to lift restrictions will be what it and the U.S. choose to do with respect to their own border restrictions. The U.S. is ahead of Canada in its reopening but if Canada is able to soon catch up, it is possible more travel between the two countries will be allowed by the summer according to recent reporting. Should this happen, Canada would then turn its sights to lifting restrictions for travellers coming from other countries.

The COVID-19 situation in Canada will also impact which candidates are considered for Express Entry draws. At the start of the pandemic, Canada only considered Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. It then considered all candidates in the second half of 2020 which included Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates.

Since the start of this year, it has only considered CEC and PNP candidates again. IRCCs rationale is it wants to prioritize transitioning those in Canada to permanent residence since they are less affected by COVID-related interruptions. However, IRCC will be able to consider FSWP and FSTP candidates once the virus is contained, and given that the containment of the virus is appearing increasingly likely, we should expect a return to all-program Express Entry draws sometime in the second half of 2021.

IRCCs aforementioned rationale is also why it has introduced a temporary public policy with six new immigration programs for essential workers and international graduates. The anglophone International Graduate stream hit its cap of 40,000 applications in a little over one day. The uptake for the essential worker and francophone streams has been unsurprisingly lower, however we can expect an uptick in those streams in the months to come.

In the meantime, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has openly said IRCC is willing to consider lifting the caps for these streams, which would benefit anglophone international graduates the most. The minister said this will depend on a number of factors, including total volume of applications and the quality of the applications. Undoubtedly, this decision will also be related to Canadas ability to eventually lift travel restrictions on COPRs. The longer the restrictions are in place, the more likely IRCC will consider increasing the caps for these six new programs.

Other things to look out for are the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP), the waiving of fees for Canadian citizenship applications, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2021, and the Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024.

Mendicinos mandate letter calls for the launch of the MNP and making citizenship applications free, but these initiatives have been delayed by the pandemic. IRCC is also due to announce details on the PGP 2021 opening and it has indicated the program will have the same format as the PGP 2020 (an expression of interest window, followed by a lottery). Finally, the next levels plan announcement should be fairly standard. Canada will very likely stick to the plan to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants per year.

Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Canada's newest Canadian Experience Class draw has the second-lowest score requirement of 2021 so far.

Express Entry: CRS drops to 397 in surprise draw Canada's newest Canadian Experience Class draw has the second-lowest score requirement of 2021 so far.

Express Entry: CRS drops to 397 in surprise draw Canada's newest Canadian Experience Class draw has the second-lowest score requirement of 2021 so far.

On May 20, Canada held an unusual Express Entry draw. Not only did it come out of the blue, eligible candidates only needed a score of 397.

We have not seen an Express Entry draw with a score requirement this low since the historic February 13 draw where the cutoff score was just 75.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 1,842 candidates who may be eligible for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

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 397 were only invited if they submitted their Express Entry profile before April 24, 2021 at 12:09:24 UTC.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

Overview of Express Entry in 2021

There have been 68,317 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, sometimes up to 6,000. Plus, 0n February 13, IRCC invited every single CEC candidate to apply for permanent residence.

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 401.

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.

Kahlil is 36, has a bachelors degree, and has been working in Canada as a database analyst for just over one year. Prior to coming to Canada, he worked for 6 years in his field. Kahlil has an advanced English language proficiency. Kahlils CRS score of 456 would have been high enough to get an ITA in 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.
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Intapp has announced signing for the acquisition of Repstor, the creator of Microsoft 365-based enterprise content management and team collaboration tools.

FREMONT, CA: Intapp, the largest provider of industry-specific, cloud-based software solutions that connect professional and financial services organizations, announces its signing for the acquisition of Repstor, the creator of Microsoft 365-based enterprise content management and team collaboration tools. The process is subject to the standard and customary closing conditions and is scheduled to close within the next 30 days.

Repstor, headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, specializes in purpose-built cloud solutions that improve Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook. Repstor solutions assist professional and financial services organizations in making the most of their Microsoft 365 investments. The software enhances information governance and security while increasing productivity by providing industry-specific templates that span firms' deal, matter, and engagement lifecycles. Repstor solutions are used by over 285 organizations worldwide to manage critical information and assist professionals in engaging with extended partners.

"Repstor powers connected firms, breaking down silos with context-aware collaboration that puts all of a firm's content and insights in a single, secure place," said Mark Holman, Chief Strategy Officer at Intapp. "We're seeing continuing expansion in firms' use of Microsoft 365  and specifically Microsoft Teamsfor enhanced collaboration and document management. Adding Repstor capabilities to our OnePlace and DealCloud solutions will allow firms using our solutions to better collaborate and access content to boost productivity and improve outcomes across the deal making and engagement lifecycle, from strategy through origination and execution."

In addition to facilitating firm-wide collaboration and document lifecycle management, the solution will utilize Intapp ethical walls abilities to enable rights management, allowing secure workflows with internal and external collaborators.

"Intapp is a leading provider of cloud-based software designed for the unique needs of partner-led firms, and we're incredibly excited to be part of this team," said Alan McMillen, CEO of Repstor. "Our two companies share a vision for a future where truly connected firms  including people, processes, and datacan drive better outcomes for their clients. Together, we want to be the partner for firms looking to empower their team members and gain a competitive advantage through technology."

Christian Rast, Global Head of Technology and Knowledge at KPMG international, a mutual client of Intapp and Repstor, said: "KPMG International is pleased to see these two great companies and their technologies growing together. All of their solutions are purpose built for the professional services market; by enhancing Microsoft's cloud platform with Intapp solutions, they'll help users excel at digital transformation. Our member firms look forward to leveraging the combined technology power of Repstor and Intapp to accelerate the success of our work and our clients in the professional services industry."
33650

The field of quantum technology promises dramatic applications like creating new materials, advanced metrology, secure communication, and many more.

FREMONT, CA: Despite years of research, the quantum landscape remains enigmatic and far away from the human imagination. Quantum technology is an emerging field of physics and engineering, depending on the principles of quantum physics. The technology has been accepted immensely from the influx of new concepts from quantum information processing, especially quantum computing. When it comes to technology, innovations in both business and technological applications have progressed hand in hand. The field of quantum technology has been around here for decades and promises dramatic applications. Many firms realize the benefits of quantum technologies to society, industry, and academia. Here is more to know.

Quantum technology experts noted that with the latest feats of engineering leveraging more of the potential of quantum mechanics, quantum technology is getting new hype  50 years later, it became a part of human lives through nuclear power. The world is now starting to control quantum entanglement and quantum superposition. That means quantum technology promises enhancements to a broad range of everyday gadgets, including more reliable navigation and timing systems, more secure communications; more accurate healthcare imaging; and more potent computing.

Along with private firms capital investments, the government's help of quantum technologies has created an optimistic environment for the future of this technology. Various governments have invested around 400 million in the UK National Quantum Technologies Program to develop strong research potentials in quantum technologies. The program is a collaborative initiative to innovate technology and offer long-term benefits to society. Within the program, four quantum technology hubs were created, each with a specific focus.

Some countries recently demonstrated secure quantum communication links between terrestrial stations and satellites. A team of scientists reported new progress of successfully testing the transmission of a secret key for encrypting and decrypting information between a satellite and two ground stations located roughly 700 miles apart. The method enlisted quantum technology, an idea of modern physics that seems ridiculously at odds with common sense.
The top two contenders in the Democratic New York City mayoral primary, Andrew Yang and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, have evolved on a host of issues, but Adams has a much longer history of ideological inconsistency.

He has led an unusually peripatetic political life. He was a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s, though he claims he never voted for Republicans who were on the ballot at the time, such as then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Twenty-five years ago he briefly switched parties because he was furious with Democratic politicians who did nothing to lower crime in lower-income communities of color while they passed racist laws like the crime bill and the Rockefeller drug laws, which did far more to harm people of color than help, a campaign spokesman told Politico in May.

According to reports at the time, Adams, then a police captain, was indeed furious that Democrats were not doing enough to lower crime in working-class neighborhoods. He did care about police reform.

Yet in a 1999 Daily News interview, Adams was willing to say that the citys first and only Black mayor, David Dinkins, was soft on crime. He praised Giuliani, the Republican who defeated him, for his aggressive approach to policing. Look, Giuliani deserves tremendous credit for the falling crime rate. Dinkins was way too soft on crime, Adams said. And what Giuliani has done, was done despite serious critics who said it couldnt be done. But he had the will to do it, so it was done.

In that same year, in the Times, Adams was referring to himself as a conservative Republican. Several years earlier, he had appeared at a fundraiser for one of the most right-wing Republicans in the State Senate at the time, Brooklyns Robert DiCarlo. He told the Daily News he believed Democrats had failed the Black community and there are a large number of closet black Republicans in the city, and if you take a close look at some of the concepts of the Republican Party, youll see that many of them are our values.

Not long before, Adams had taken other incendiary positions, including those that would have been condemned by his conservative allies. He backed the anti-Semitic leader Louis Farrakhan, going as far to attack the member of Congress he failed to unseat in a 1994 Democratic primary, Major Owens, for denouncing Farrakhan. According to New York magazine at the time, Adams, who it described as a radical, enjoyed the Nation of Islams support in that primary.

In 1993, he lashed out at a prominent Puerto Rican politician, Herman Badillo, for not marrying a Hispanic woman. It's insulting to the Hispanic community that he can go to the Hispanic community for support, but he can't go to the Hispanic community when he's picking a wife, Adams said.

Since the 2000s, Adams has been a more conventional Democrat, even when propping up an ally, state Sen. Jesse Hamilton, who joined the Republican-supporting Independent Democratic Conference in 2016 after succeeding Adams in the state Senate. As borough president, Adams has raised money from real estate developers whose projects he supports and drawn scrutiny over a nonprofit he controls, much like what New York has seen in this City Hall under Bill de Blasio.

On individual issues, though, Adams has occasionally shifted dramatically. In 2018, he physically appeared with de Blasio to back his push to eliminate the controversial admissions exams for specialized high schools, which critics say cause Black and Latino students to be dramatically under-represented at those schools. Days later, after leaders in the Chinese American community expressed anger at him, Adams quickly reversed course, becoming a backer of the exam, known as the SHSAT.

Adams recently denounced a rival in the primary, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, after a former campaign volunteer accused Stringer of sexual assault that allegedly occurred 20 years ago. These are deeply troubling allegations of assault and I take them seriously We must ensure that anyone who believes they were harassed, assaulted or treated in an unacceptable manner can come forward safely and be heard, Adams said in a statement in April.

When a political ally years earlier faced a far more credible allegation of assault, though, Adams took a very different approach. As a state senator, he vigorously defended his colleague, Hiram Monserrate, after he was arrested for slashing his girlfriend in the forehead with a drinking glass.

As a former NYPD Captain, I have some serious concerns regarding the unusual handling of the case against Councilman Monserrate It is well known that Councilman Monserrate has been an outspoken advocate for police reform, Adams said in a statement at the time. I believe his role as an agent for change caused him to be denied his rights and a thorough investigation, he added.

When the Senate in 2010 voted to successfully expel Monserrate from the body, Adams was one of just eight to vote against the expulsion. In 2018, Adams attended a birthday party for the disgraced pol.

Yangs much shorter political career has seen its share of shifts, though theyve been of a less extreme variety. The candidate went from saying in January hed possibly defund the NYPD by $1 billion to emerging, shortly after, as one of the fiercer critics of the defund movement. He has flip-flopped on a busway for Flushing, changed his position on casino gaming, and even altered his views on circumcision to appease Orthodox Jews in New York.

But Yang, a former presidential candidate who has never held office in New York or anywhere, has not produced the kind of decades-long record that can be easily analyzed for inconsistencies. Though he occasionally violates progressive orthodoxies, his brand as a center-left Democrat has remained, for the most part, consistent since he entered public life. After dropping out of the 2020 presidential primaries, he became a CNN pundit, endorsed Joe Biden for president, and campaigned for the Senate Democrats in Georgia.

If either Adams or Yang wins, it will show that voters care little about consistency. And if Adams wins, it would be a true triumph for political reinvention.
NEW DELHI (AP)  Indian navy ships recovered 22 bodies of people who were aboard a barge that sank off Mumbai as a cyclone blew ashore this week, officials said Wednesday.

The search is continuing for 55 more missing people, navy spokesman Mehul Karnik said.

He said the three ships and helicopters involved in the search had rescued 184 people in rough seas with waves of up to seven meters (25 feet).

Cyclone Tauktae, the most powerful storm to hit the region in more than two decades, packed sustained winds of up to 210 kilometers (130 miles) per hour when it came ashore in Gujarat state late Monday. The storm left more than 50 dead in Gujarat and Maharashtra states.

The weather has since improved and the search operation for the missing people has been intensified, navy Cdr. Alok Anand said.

A survivor told the New Delhi Television news channel that he jumped into the sea with his life jacket and was later picked up by the navy.

In another operation, a navy helicopter rescued 35 crewmembers of another barge, GAL Constructor, which ran aground north of Mumbai, a government statement said.

Both barges were working for Oil and Natural Gas Corp., the largest crude oil and natural gas company in India.

The company said the barges were carrying personnel deployed for offshore drilling and their anchors gave away during the storm. Indias biggest offshore oil rigs are located off Mumbai.

The Hindu newspaper reported that more than 16,000 houses were damaged by the cyclone in Gujarat state.

The storm has weakened into a depression centered over the south of Rajasthan state and adjoining Gujarat region, the Indian Meteorological Department said Wednesday.

In neighboring Nepal, authorities asked mountaineers to descend from high altitudes because the storm might bring severe weather.

Hundreds of climbers, guides and staff are attempting to climb various mountains in Nepal this month, when weather is usually the most favorable in the high altitudes. Nepal has eight of the worlds 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest.

Nepals Department of Tourism on Tuesday asked climbers and outfitting agencies to monitor the weather and stay safe.

In 2014, snowstorms and avalanches triggered by a cyclone in India killed 43 people in Nepals mountains in the worst hiking disaster in the Himalayan nation.

The snowstorms were believed to be whipped by the tail end of a cyclone that hit the Indian coast a few days earlier.

The blizzards swept through the popular Annapurna trekking route and hikers were caught off-guard when the weather changed quickly.

Associated Press writer Binaj Gurubacharya in Kathmandu, Nepal, contributed to this report.

About the photo: A man waves as people rescued by the Indian navy from a barge that sank in the Arabian sea walk out from Indian naval ship INS Kochi in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. The barge carrying personnel deployed for offshore drilling sank off Mumbai as a deadly cyclone blew ashore this week. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
CorVel Appoints Area VP for Calif.

CorVel Corp. appointed Joseph Rupp as area vice president for California.

He will supervise product and employee performance with a focus on meeting and exceeding market profit and revenue goals, the Irvine, Calif.-based claims management company said in a press release.

From 2008 to 2020, Rupp was Western region vice president for MetLife, where he was in charge of personal, commercial and life products in 20 states, according to his Linkedin page. Before then he worked for 17 years at Safeco Insurance, where he was an assistant vice president from 2002 to 2008.

Rupp has a masters degree in business administration from the University of Southern California, according to Linkedin.

Crawford & Co. Appoints Non-Executive Chair

Crawford & Co. has appointed board member Michelle Jarrad as non-executive chair of its board of directors, effective May 14.

Jarrard was elected to the board in August 2018. Chief Executive Officer Rohit Verma said she has brought a unique perspective and depth and strength to the board since then. He said the Crawford board is the most diverse in our sector.

Jarrard is a former senior partner of McKinsey & Co., where she held several leadership roles during a 25-year career. Most recently she was global chief of human resources from 2007 until her retirement in January 2016.

Jarrard has a masters degree in business administration from from Harvard Business School and a bachelors degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She and her husband Jimmy currently live in Atlanta and have two grown children.

Testan Law Founder Dies

Steven Carl Testan, founder of workers compensation defense firm Testan Law in Westlake Village, Calif., died May 11 after a battle with cancer.

Celebrated as a brilliant attorney by peers and colleagues, Mr. Testan proved a mighty force to be reckoned with both in and out of the courtroom, his law firm said in a press release. Throughout his career, he mentored many attorneys, including several who continue to serve on the firms executive member committee.

Testan founded the law firm that bears his name in 1996. The firm now has 23 offices in California and dozens of other offices in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Testan was born in 1955, according to the firm. During his career, he was appointed as judge pro tem for the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Workers Compensation Appeals Board, and was a guest faculty member at the Harvard School of Public Health. In 2011, Testan was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Testan is survived by his wife, Lesley, and two sons who are also attorneys.

The firm will continue to operate as Testan Law.
Mitchell Adding QANI to Portfolio

Mitchell | Genex | Coventry has agreed to buy QualCare Alliance Networks, a managed-care organization serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

San Diego-based Mitchell said in a press release that the purchase will strengthen its position as a market leader in provider network access, care management and workers compensation services. QANI will become part of the Coventry organization, a workers compensation managed care provider.

Both Coventry and QANI have proud traditions of maintaining excellent provider networks, stated Coventry President Art Lynch. Our long-standing relationship over the past decade confirms why QANI is a good fit for Coventry both from a geographic and talent acquisition perspective.

Headquartered in Piscataway and Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, QANI, owned by Cigna Corp., contracts with more than 100 acute, specialty and rehabilitation hospitals, as well as 40,000 professional providers, Mitchell said. QANI also provides clinical management services that will complement similar programs offered by Coventry and Genex, the company said.

Alice Herron Lihou, president of QANI, will continue in her role and report to Lynch. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

Concentrix Sells TPA Operations

Concentrix, a customer experience technology provider based in Fremont, Calif., has signed an agreement to sell its third-party administration services and software platform to Arby Partners and Hoplon Capital.

Arby is a Boston-based investment house and Hoplon is a London-based asset management provider. The two purchased Concentrixs Insurance Services division as partners.

The agreement will create a new company that will act as a standalone business focusing on the insurance space, Concentrix said in a press release. Concentrix will continue to provide customer experience technology to its customers.

This new investment falls directly within our strategy of partnering with high caliber management teams in the insurance services sector and we are thrilled to support this corporate carveout as we begin the process of positioning CIS as an independent company, Arby Partners Partner Brent Stone said in a press release.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of May, Concentrix said.

Davies Acquires Grovelands

Davies announced that it has acquired Grovelands, a consulting firm headquartered in Brighton, United Kingdom that specializes in fraud, financial crime, remediation and regulatory transformation projects.

Davies said Grovelands will be incorporated into Davies Resourcing as part of its consulting and technology business run by Chief Executive Officer Mark Grocott.

Ben Wilson, Grovelands CEO and founders Mark Davies and David Leen will continue to lead the day-to-day operations and the wider team will remain in their roles within Davies.

In March, Davies announced that new shareholder, BC Partners, signed an agreement to take a majority stake in the business. Davies employs 4,300 people inBermuda, Canada, Ireland, the UK and US.
ADDISON, Texas (AP)  A pilots failure to control a small airplane when it lost thrust in one of two engines seconds after takeoff in suburban Dallas led to a 2019 crash that killed all 10 people aboard, federal officials said in a report Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board said the King Air 350 crashed into an aircraft hangar 17 seconds after lifting off from a runway at Addison Airport on June 30, 2019.

The pilot, Howard Cassady, 71, and co-pilot, Matthew Palmer, 28, and all eight passengers were killed. The privately owned airplane was headed to St. Petersburg, Florida.

NTSB investigators used sound captured by the cockpit voice recorder to determine that the left engine lost thrust shortly after takeoff.

The NTSB said the uneven force from the propellers wasnt enough, however, to cause the plane to tilt as far as it did. Armed with data from the propeller and plane manufacturers, the investigators believe the pilot should have been able to control the plane by maneuvering the rudder, but he turned the rudder the wrong direction, perhaps because he was startled by a stall warning. By the time he corrected the rudder setting, it was too late.

The NTSB investigators found that if the pilot had initially applied the correct rudder input, the plane would have been controllable.

Also, according to the NTSB, the cockpit audio recording did not capture pilots conducting a pre-flight checklist, which is considered an essential safety step. The NTSB said Cassady had a history of not using checklists.

The NTSB said failing to do a checklist might have caused the pilots to miss an improper setting of devices called power lever friction locks, which could cause the throttle to move and lead to an accidental loss of engine thrust.

Damage from the impact and heavy fire that followed prevented investigators from determining exactly why the left engine lost thrust, but they said they didnt find anything that would have prevented it from operating normally.

The passengers included a family of four and two couples. Brian Ellard, 52, and his wife, Ornella Ellard, 45, were killed, along with her two children, 15-year-old Alice Maritato and 13-year-old Dylan Maritato. Also killed were: Stephen Thelan, 58, and Gina Thelen, 57; and John Titus, 61, and Mary Titus, 60.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina is particularly susceptible to energy interruptions because gasoline and natural gas supplies originate mainly from two pipeline systems, energy industry experts told a state Senate committee Tuesday.

Representatives of utility giants Duke Energy and Dominion Energy were among those who addressed the chambers energy panel in light of this months ransomware cyberattack upon the Colonial Pipeline. North Carolina motorists were hit particularly hard _ 43% of the states gas stations remained out of fuel Tuesday afternoon, according to GasBuddy.

Up to 75% of each days supply of refined petroleum products in North Carolina run through the Colonial Pipeline, said David McGowan, executive director of the North Carolina Petroleum Council. And the Transco pipeline is currently the lone interstate natural gas transmission line for North Carolina. Both lines move products south to north.

Natural gas increasingly fuels electric generation. A lack of diverse distribution and redundancy in distribution networks make widespread outages for electricity and natural gas hard to overcome quickly, whether from natural disasters or cyberattacks, said Ed Finley, the former chairman of the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

When it goes out, peoples lives are disrupted, Finley said, adding that the inability for consumers and businesses to turn on electricity and natural gas would be crippling to the states economy. Finley said hardening the electrical grid against physical damage and cyber attacks should be considered.

Duke Energy, which uses natural gas to generate 30% of its electricity during the coldest weather, has backup fuels at most of these plants, said Nelson Peeler, a company senior vice president. But the diesel fuel immediately available only would last a couple of days, he said.

Efforts to diversify natural gas supplies in North Carolina, particularly by moving the fuel from deposits in the north, have stalled in recent years.

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline, proposed by Dominion Energy and Duke, was canceled last summer after legal challenges, construction delays and ballooning costs. And a proposed extension of the Mountain Valley Pipeline from Virginia into North Carolina is in jeopardy after the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality denied a water quality certification.

Rusty Harris, a Dominion Energy vice president, said that without expanding natural gas being piped into North Carolina, the utility may have to look to creating more storage facilities to plan for an interruption. Harris and Peeler said separately that alternative forms of energy, such as solar, wind or a greener form of natural gas, can diversify fuel sources. But they cautioned the technology or economics dont yet make them a reasonable or reliable substitute.

Sen. Paul Newton, a Cabarrus County Republican, retired Duke Energy executive and committee member, said during the meeting he was concerned that natural gas production limitations in North Carolina could stunt the states economic growth.

The message from todays hearing couldnt be clearer: North Carolinas reliance on a single pipeline is a critical vulnerability, Newton said in a news release after the meeting.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Californias top energy regulators on Tuesday said the state is better prepared to avoid last summers rotating blackouts, but they cautioned the power grid of the nations most populous state is still vulnerable to extreme heat waves that could force more outages later this year.

State officials say they have acquired an additional 3,500 megawatts of capacity ahead of a likely scorching summer that threatens to increase demand beyond what the grid can handle. That includes an additional 2,000 megawatts of batteries designed to store energy generated from renewable sources  like solar  that stop working when it gets dark.

In general, one megawatt of energy is enough to power hundreds of homes, depending on how it is generated.

Does that mean we are in the clear? Not necessarily, Elliot Mainzer, president and CEO of the California Independent Systems Operator, told state lawmakers during an oversight hearing Tuesday. The most significant risk factor for grid reliability remains extreme heat, particularly heat that spreads across the wider western United States. And it continues to get hotter every year.

More than an inconvenience, power outages during a major heat wave can also be deadly for vulnerable people while causing a host of other problems in a digital age that relies on electricity for everything from business transactions to Facebook posts.

Blackouts have become more common in California as utility companies will often intentionally turn off the power when it gets too windy in the dry summer months to prevent toppled powerlines from starting wildfires  like the one that killed 85 people and mostly destroyed the town of Paradise in 2018.

But the blackouts in August were the first in nearly 20 years because of an energy shortage, putting Californias quest to have 100% of its energy come from renewable sources under more scrutiny.

This summer will be an important test for the state, said Assemblyman Chris Holden, a Democrat from Pasadena and chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. California is at the vanguard of renewable energy policy. The nation and the world are watching to see how we integrate renewables but also that we can ensure reliability while doing so.

Californias plan to survive the summer includes buying power from places that are not clean resources, Marybel Batjer, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, told lawmakers on Tuesday. She did not say what those sources were, but she said regulators chose to buy them because they wanted to do everything they could to prevent blackouts this summer out of health and safety concerns.

I want to be clear that our planning and implementation of our clean energy future progresses forward and will only accelerate in the months and years to come, Batjer said.

Another round of blackouts could pose political concerns for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will likely face a recall election later this year. In 2003, former Democratic Gov. Gary Davis was removed from office in a recall election largely driven by his handling of rolling blackouts, which were prompted by the deregulation of the energy sector and market manipulation by Enron and other companies.

Newsoms recall election is driven largely by anger over his handling of the pandemic. But rolling blackouts, however brief, could hurt him as he seeks to inspire confidence in voters that he deserves to keep his job.

Energy demand typically peaks in the late afternoon as air conditioners work to cool homes during the hottest part of the day. Demand usually subsides at night as temperatures cool. But that didnt happen in August, when temperatures were up to 20 degrees above normal for much of the western United States.

Demand was so high the weekend of Aug. 14 and 15 that state regulators ordered utility companies to intentionally turn off the power for some people to prevent more widespread outages across the grid, with outages lasting between 8 minutes and two-and-a-half hours.

Newsom declared a state emergency as state officials took drastic actions to find more power. That included David Hochschild, chair of the California Energy Commission, asking the U.S. Navy to use their diesel engines to power their ships instead of relying from on-shore power.

There was a lot of things we had to do that none of us wants to do again, Batjer said.

About the photo: In this Aug. 15, 2020, file photo, high voltage signs are posted on the Department of Water and Power Sub Station E in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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On May 3, well-known philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates announced they were ending their marriage after 27 years. Within her petition for divorce, Melinda Gates cited that the parties do not have a prenuptial agreement, but are asking the court to divide their assets pursuant to the terms of a mutually agreed upon separation agreement.

Presently, the terms of the separation agreement are unknown and are the cause of much speculation with media analysts. As a divorce attorney, my first thought went to the separation agreement, but then my focus shifted to the future of the Gates Foundation. More specifically, given their long history of charitable action through their foundation, I was concerned their divorce would put an end to their philanthropic efforts.

Bill and Melinda Gates created the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. The foundation contributes money and support to fight a multitude of problems such as climate change, poverty, gender inequality and, most recently, COVID-19. It is estimated since 2000 the foundation has spent over $53 billion to combat, poverty, disease and inequity around the world, according to its website. In 2020, the foundation donated over $1 billion to fight the spread of COVID-19. Money from the foundation went to assist with COVID-19 testing along with development and distribution of vaccines to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to candid.org, the Gates Foundation is the largest private charitable organization (i.e. a charitable entity that does not accept funds from the public) in the United States. The foundation, however, has locations not only in the United States, but also in India, China, Europe and Africa. According to the foundations website, the foundation has funded grantees in 48 states and the District of Columbia, and funded work in 135 countries in 2019 alone. More impressive, the foundation has already funded over 230 grantees in 2021. In addition, it is estimated that the foundation holds over $40 billion in assets.

At present, the Gates are indicating that both parties will remain co-chairs and trustees of the foundation despite the ending of their marriage. As a divorce attorney who works with divorcing or divorced individuals on a daily basis, I can say the Gates decision to continue to work together is extremely rare. For one, it is difficult for some divorced individuals to put aside feelings that potentially contributed to the divorce in the first place.

As a result, negativity can bleed into daily dealings and poison even the most benign conversations. In addition, divorced couples continuing to have close financial ties with each other following the termination of the marriage is uncommon. Many Ohio courts prefer couples make a complete financial break. The reason being, is a clean break prevents the divorcees from hovering over one anothers future financial decisions.

At this time, the Gateses do not appear to be concerned about making financial decisions for the foundation together as they have chosen to maintain their longstanding roles within the foundation.

Hopefully, in maintaining these current roles they will continue to work toward helping people live healthy, productive lives.

Andrew Zashin writes about law for the Cleveland Jewish News. He is a co-managing partner with Zashin & Rich, with offices in Cleveland and Columbus.
Roy Lichtenstein was one of the most influential and innovative American painters of the second-half of the 20th century, gaining prominence alongside fellow pop artists Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and James Rosenquist. His most popular paintings were based on imagery from comic strips and advertisements and rendered in a signature style mimicking the crude printing processes of newspaper reproduction.

One of these works, Masterpiece, sold for $165 million in 2017.

This was a far cry from the early 1950s, when the young artist  the grandson of German-Jewish immigrants  was struggling to find acceptance as a painter in Cleveland, which he called home for six years after earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from The Ohio State University in Columbus.

The television documentary, Isabel & Roy  which was written and edited by ideastream senior arts reporter David C. Barnett and senior producer Mary Fecteau, respectively  focuses on those Cleveland years. And as the billing in the title suggests, significantly more time and attention is devoted to the artists first wife, Isabel Lichtenstein, than the artist.

Though Roys art and the New York City art scene in which he journeyed during in the 1960s and 1970s are arguably more intriguing subject matter, this documentary makes it clear that Roy himself was not. He is described as reserved, quiet and working relatively uninteresting jobs  giving art lessons, serving as an engineering draftsman for Republic Steel, and designing store windows for the Halle Brothers department store at Shaker Square in Cleveland  prior to fame. Isabel, a prominent interior decorator who rose from the small town of Haviland, Ohio, is described as flamboyant, entrepreneurial and rebellious. And her life ended early and tragically.

As a news release promoting the documentary suggests, Roy Lichtensteins impact on the art world is well documented, but the story of  the woman who supported him as he developed his signature style, is largely unknown. Fair enough.

But there is just not much of a story here, unlike the one found in the life of Camille Monet, the wife of 19th-century impressionist Claude Monet. She and the wives of Paul Cezanne and Auguste Rodin are explored in Ruth Butlers 2006 book, Hidden in the Shadow of the Master because they were muses and mysterious models frozen in time in the masterworks of these brilliant artists. There is something to be said about coaxing these women out of obscurity and exploring the life behind the impression they have made in those paintings. Isabel Lichtenstein seems a less significant subject.

Regarding the Cleveland connection that drives this documentary, it is certainly enticing. But the moral of the tale being told in this program is that Roy had to leave the city, and his wife, in order to develop into a famous artist. Not much of a home town takeaway.

The documentary is beautifully put together. It makes ample use of rarely seen archival photos as well as interviews with the Lichtensteins clients and family, including oldest son, Mitchell. But with so little to say and no other sources to help say it  no diary, no letters, no on-camera interviews with Roy or Isabel to dissect  Barnett and Fecteau rely too often on precision editing and continuous underscoring to keep things interesting. They routinely zoom in on lingering photos, which helps animate the storytelling but does not contribute to the story.

It is always great to see original, Cleveland-centric programming coming out of ideastreams creative team. But Isabel and Roy is a bit of a stretch.

Bob Abelman covers professional theater and cultural arts for the Cleveland Jewish News. Follow Bob at Facebook.com/BobAbelman3. or visit cjn.org/Abelman.
Donald L. Kaufman, 90, died peacefully with family members by his side on June 10, 2021, in Akron. Born in Erie, Pa., he moved to Akron at the age 9, where he maintained his primary residence throughout his life. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, graduating with a busi
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  Davao-based business tycoon Dennis Uy further cemented his status in the Philippine market, with a majority stake in the Malampaya gas facility now under his belt.

Shell Petroleum N.V., in a statement on Thursday, said it has signed a sale-purchase agreement with Uy's Malampaya Energy for the sale of its 100% shareholding in Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. or SPEX.

SPEX has a 45% operating interest in the Malampaya gas field.

The deal means the Davao businessman won over the bid of tycoon Manny Pangilinan. San Miguel Corporation and Petron president Ramon Ang had also previously shown interest in pursuing the project.

"We are tremendously proud of Malampaya Energy for acquiring one of Shell's most successful natural gas assets in Asia, which of course includes the world-class SPEX team currently operating Malampaya," Uy was quoted as saying in a separate statement issued Thursday.

The base consideration for the acquisition is set at $380 million, Shell Petroleum said, noting that Malampaya Energy may have to shell out an additional $80 million "between 2022 and 2024 contingent on asset performance and commodity prices."

The transaction is being eyed for completion by end-2021.

Following the agreement, Uy now owns 90% of the gas field in offshore Palawan. Last year, the tycoon also bought the 45% stake of Chevron.

The government's Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC EC) is left with the remaining 10%.

"Since it began commercial operations in 2002, Malampaya has supplied a significant portion of the Philippines' energy demand and it will continue powering the country with indigenous gas following a safe transition of the asset and its experienced workforce," said Wael Sawan, Shell's Upstream Director.

The gas project has contributed more than $10 billion in revenues to the Philippine government to date.

Dennis Uy's business empire

Uy, reportedly a good friend of President Rodrigo Duterte and a supporter of his 2016 election campaign, has been building his empire for the past years reaching the industries of oil, shipping and logistics, real estate and property development, education, tourism, and infrastructure.

READ: Davao City business magnates top donors in Duterte campaign

His latest venture is the country's new major telco player DITO Telecommunityenvisioned to be the tough challenger to the duopoly of Globe Telecom and PLDTwith an investment of over 257 billion for five years.

DITO Telecommunity, which Uy leads as chairman and CEO, has strong backing from Udenna Corporation and state-run China Telecommunications.

It is now up and running in select areas across the Philippines, hoping to provide a head-to-head battle against the dominant players, and eventually corner a significant portion of the telco industry.

RELATED: DITO Telecommunity boasts 500,000 subscribers after March launch

Just this Tuesday, the President signed into law the bill granting DITO Telecommunity a fresh 25-year franchise.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19) President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the two countries' ties during a phone call on Wednesday  where the two leaders discussed a range of topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic and maritime issues.

In a statement, Malacanang said Duterte had an "engaging and productive" 20-minute telephone conversation with Suga. The President thanked the Prime Minister for Japan's assistance amid the global health crisis.

"The President thanked Japan for its generous COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines," the Palace said. "Prime Minister Suga, for his part, recognized and expressed support for the Philippine government's efforts to address the pandemic."

The two leaders also discussed the 2016 Hague ruling that recognized the Philippines' rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone  a landmark ruling that Beijing has repeatedly refused to acknowledge.

Suga had "expressed concern over developments in the East and South China Seas," according to the Palace statement.

"Both leaders agreed to work closely to ensure security and stability in the region under the rule of law," it added.

Duterte and Suga also expressed intent to ramp up cooperation in the Sulu and Celebes Seas "to secure the area against piracy, terrorism, and other transnational crimes."

Other matter the two leaders discussed were the Bangsamoro region's transition process, the Philippine government's Build, Build, Build program, and developments in neighboring nation Myanmar.

"Both leaders expressed concern over developments in Myanmar and agreed to work closely together to support efforts to improve the situation in the country," the Palace said.

Suga originally planned to visit the Philippines in April, but he called off the trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19)  A lawmaker on Wednesday said he doesnt believe its appropriate for the Senate to discuss proposals to increase authorized campaign expenses when the country is still battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

I dont think I can vote for this right now, principally because the timing I think is not proper, because there is a pandemic going on, said Senator Richard Gordon, who also chairs the Philippine Red Cross. People are not too happy about the government, and if we raise it, they're going to say you're not solving the problem."

Senate Bill 810 introduced by Senator Imee Marcos proposes that presidential and vice-presidential candidates be allowed to spend up to 20 per voter, replacing the current 10 cap. She also recommends upping the limit for other national and local candidates, which is currently set at 3 per voter, except for those without any political party who may be allowed to spend 5 per voter.

With the 2022 elections approaching, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri argued the need to revise the law, agreeing with Senator Franklin Drilon's statement that virtually all candidates have not been reporting their real expenditures. This, Zubiri said, is because the current limits are too low.

"I'd say it's ridiculous to leave it at 3," he said. "Id say everyone is in violation of that, lets not be hypocritical about this. So, if we know there is a mistake, lets adjust the law to at least be able to come cleaner to the real amount."

Senate President Tito Sotto III, meanwhile, acknowledged Gordons concern, admitting that passing the measure at a time of nationwide crisis may send the wrong message to the public.

The Senate suspended the plenary for a caucus and eventually postponed consideration of the bill due to time constraints, as a number of other measures were also up for amendments and interpellation.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20) The Philippines on Thursday received another batch of 500,000 doses of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine.

This was confirmed by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian in a social media post.

The newly arrived Sinovac doses were purchased by the national government.

The newly procured vaccines bring the total number of vaccines supplied by China to the Philippines to 5.5 million, with more vaccines expected to arrive in the coming months, the envoy said in a statement.

Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana earlier said the newly-delivered vaccines will be the last tranche of Sinovac doses that will arrive this May.

The government needs to inoculate at least 70 million Filipinos to achieve herd immunity. Officials earlier said the government targets to administer enough shots to achieve this in Metro Manila and eight other areas by November.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  The Australian government is a "strong supporter" of the Philippines' 2016 arbitral victory over the West Philippine Sea, its envoy reiterated Thursday.

In an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source, Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson stressed that all countries must adhere to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea governing international waterways.

"We are strong supporters of the arbitral award. And of course, we hold with the Philippines' position as outlined at the UN," Robinsons said.

He added that while China's unilateral imposition of a fishing ban in the South China Sea is a matter involving the Philippines, "rules and norms must be followed" regarding the international use of waterways which ensures access and unimpeded trade among all parties.

Robinson said 65% of Australia's international trade passes through the South China Sea.

The Philippines recently filed a diplomatic protest against China's fishing moratorium, noting that the contested waters include areas "over which the Philippines exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction."

Manila said Beijing also violated Article 56 of the UNCLOS in imposing the fishing ban. The provision guarantees a state's sovereign rights over living resources of its exclusive economic zone.

READ: PH files diplomatic protest over China's fishing ban in South China Sea

Robinson backed President Rodrigo Duterte's previous statement at the United Nations General Assembly, where he affirmed the Philippines' arbitral win against China. The envoy said Duterte's statement was "remarkably clear" in asserting the Philippines' sovereign rights.

READ: Duterte affirms 2016 arbitral win by PH vs. China before UN

Australia also continues to support the Philippines through the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which provides a framework for defense cooperation and a strategic partnership between the two countries since its ratification in 2012, Robinson added.

For the past three months, the Department of Foreign Affairs has filed numerous diplomatic protests against China due to the presence of Chinese militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine military previously assured that it is ready to assist the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources who are mainly exercising their police authority over foreign vessels spotted within the country's exclusive economic zone.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  The OCTA Research group has not yet seen a community transmission in the Philippines brought by the COVID-19 variant first detected in India.

"We know that it has been detected in a few cases in travelers who landed in the Philippines but right now we are not seeing a community transmission yet on the India variant based on the numbers," OCTA Research Fellow Guido David told CNN Philippines' New Day on Thursday.

David noted that it is still too early to assess the transmission, at least in Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, and Rizal.

However, they will be on the lookout for the situation on areas from other regions that have recently shown a spike in COVID-19 cases.

"We don't think it's spreading in the NCR Plus," he said, "but we can't say for sure if it's spreading in certain regions where we are seeing a spike in cases."

OCTA reported "significant increases" in Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Iloilo City over the past week. The highest number of new cases outside Metro Manila was also seen in Zamboanga City.

The Department of Tourism previously said relaxed rules will encourage domestic travel and help the industry recover amid the pandemic. But OCTA warned that this could pave the way for increased transmission.

"It's always good to have some measures in place for border controls," David said.

He also urged the government to intensify contact tracing and testing efforts, especially in areas with high positivity rate. Isolation facilities could also be scaled up, in coordination with local government units, he added.

The Department of Health last reported that the country has at least 12 cases of the B.1.617.2 variant first detected in India.

On Wednesday, the country's COVID-19 case tally rose to 1,159,071 with 4,700 new infections, 19,507 total deaths, and a total of 1,089,613 people who recovered from the disease.
Pastor Artur Pawlowski reported that earlier in the week, arsonists attempted to set fire to his garage in Alberta, Canada.

In April, Pawlowski made news when he drove mask-enforcing inspectors and police officers out of his church, characterizing them as "Gestapo Nazi communist fascists."

Pawlowski and his brother were jailed earlier this month for hosting a church service defying the country's COVID-related ban on such gatherings. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, religious meetings in Alberta are presently limited to 15 people.

So, what's the scoop?

In an interview released on Monday by Rebel News, Pawlowski recounted a strange fire that flared out on his property barely a week after his arrest.

Pawlowski recalls going outdoors with his wife in the middle of the night on Saturday after hearing noise and bustle. They got the shock of their lives when they learned that firefighters were on the way to their house to put out a fire that had started in their garage.

According to the pastor, the fire was sparked by cardboard placed inside a blue bin pushed up against the garage's wooden door.

"Someone set our property on fire, someone wants us dead," he told local media, "And I'm thinking, 'Why?' I'm feeding the poor, I'm feeding Muslims, I'm feeding homosexuals. I'm feeding whites, and Asians, and blacks. I'm feeding people and I'm not hurting anyone and they want me dead and they want my children dead."

He went on to say that it was unthinkable in today's society for people to wish to kill one other for their differences.

The outspoken preacher said, "This is shocking. I would never imagine that we would be living in a country that the differences - you know, our rights to be different, our rights to be able to express ourselves in a different way than others - would be punishable by death by some of those people."

A case of growing intolerance in a free land?

Pawlowski also claimed that he is the victim of a hate crime.

"I don't know what can be done," he said. "If someone wants to hurt you, I guess they've got all kinds of ways. If they want to hurt you, they can hurt you."

Pawlowski said: "You don't have to like me, but my God, you want me dead? And my children? Why? All in the name of tolerance?"

Calgary police have yet to name any suspects in the strange incident, according to the report.

Besieged on all sides

According to Rebel News, Pawlowski will be the recipient of a "Save Artur" legal action fund.

"Lockdown lovers, public health officials, mainstream media, and even neighbors have cast stones (and sometimes dog feces and nails) at Pastor Artur's decision to defy the government's encroachment onto our most basic civil liberty: the freedom to worship God," according to the pro-religious freedom news source.

"Our crowdfunding efforts have provided Pastor Artur with top-notch lawyers since his first lockdown ticket last year to his arrest and bail last week." they added.
(CNN)  Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are plunging as anxiety spreads through the market  this time, after China took more steps to crack down on the digital coins.

The world's most heavily traded cryptocurrency plunged as low as $30,202 per coin early Wednesday after starting the day around the $40,000 mark, according to data from Coindesk.

Bitcoin then recovered slightly but was still down more than 10% at around $38,700 per coin around the time of the New York stock market close.

Alongside bitcoin's fall Wednesday, several other major cryptos also were down. Ethereum plummeted below $2,000 per unit after trading above $3,000 on Tuesday, before reclaiming some of its lost ground. Ether was down around 22% at nearly $2,600 Wednesday afternoon. The meme-turned-cryptocurrency dogecoin lost more than 24% of its value.

Cyrpto trading platforms Coinbase and Coindesk experienced outages as a result of the selloff.

Bitcoin was already dropping this month after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he was wary of its environmental impact. But a new announcement from a trio of Chinese finance and banking watchdogs appears to have shocked cryptocurrency markets even more.

The agencies said Tuesday that financial institutions and payment companies should not participate in any transactions related to cryptocurrency, nor should they provide crypto-related services to their clients.

"Prices of cryptocurrency have skyrocketed and plummeted recently, and speculative trading has bounced back. This seriously harms the safety of people's property and disturbs normal economic and financial orders," said the statement from regulators supervised by the People's Bank of China and the China Insurance and Banking Commission.

China's chilly stance toward cryptocurrency goes back years. While the country doesn't completely ban cryptos, regulators in 2013 declared that bitcoin was not a real currency and forbade financial and payment institutions from transacting with it. At the time, they cited the risk that bitcoin could be used for money laundering, as well as the need to "maintain financial stability" and "protect the yuan's status as a fiat currency."

Members of the public can hold or trade cryptocurrencies, but major exchanges in mainland China have been shut down. Authorities in 2017 also banned initial coin offerings, a way for tech startups to raise money by issuing crypto tokens to the public.

The growing crackdown may also be in part to boost China's state-backed digital yuan initiative, which authorities are working to implement so it can keep money flows under its strict oversight.

While the 2013 notice mentioned only bitcoin by name, some observers have taken it to apply to all cryptos given Beijing's distaste for the currencies. The state-owned China Times on Wednesday described the latest announcement as a "risk warning in nature." While not a national law or regulation, it represents an "industry standard to some extent," the outlet wrote, citing Zhu Youping, an official from the State Information Center, a policymaking think tank.

Still, it shows that China isn't changing its tack on crypto anytime soon  and that seemed to be enough to worry traders.

"The Chinese position on cryptocurrencies is clear from the beginning: trading and usage of cryptocurrencies are simply forbidden," wrote Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, in a Wednesday research note. "Therefore, the news is nothing 'new', but given that crypto traders are too sensitive to negative news nowadays, it adds to the downside pressure on cryptocurrencies."

Even before the latest announcement from China, Tesla's Musk had already sent crypto markets on a wild ride.

He flip-flopped last week on a plan to allow his electric carmaker to start accepting bitcoin as payment for its cars, by suspending the program and citing sustainability concerns around the mining of bitcoin. The cryptocurrency then fell 12%. It kept dropping into the start of this week after Musk appeared to suggest that his automaker may have dumped its holdings of the digital currency, though he later clarified that it hadn't.

Dogecoin, meanwhile, tumbled earlier this month after Musk  the coin's most prominent supporter  joked about it on "Saturday Night Live."

Even so, the two cryptos are still astronomically higher than they were a year ago. Bitcoin is up more than 30% in the year to date, according to Coindesk, while Ethereum and Dogecoin have rallied more than 255% and more than 7,500%, respectively.

Anneken Tappe contributed to this report.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Bitcoin plunges below $40,000 as China widens its crypto crackdown."
The Coastal Point is a local newspaper published each Friday and distributed in the Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville, Dagsboro, Frankford, Selbyville, Millsboro, Long Neck and Georgetown, Delaware areas.
Centre County announced its unofficial primary election results prior to certification for the mayoral, borough council and school board positions in State College as of Thursday morning.

Democratic mayoral candidate Ezra Nanes claimed victory Wednesday night over his opponent, Democrat Jim Leous, who conceded the race to Nanes that evening.

Nanes said in a statement he was deeply honored to have won the support of State College community members and thanked Leous, saying he served [the] community honorably. Nanes said he looks forward to working with the members of borough council on various initiatives.

With no current Republican opponent for the general election race in November, Nanes will likely succeed current interim mayor Ron Filippelli, a candidate for borough council.

The current vote count for the Democratic mayoral primary is:

Ezra Nanes with 1,690 votes

Jim Leous with 851 votes

The race for borough council is somewhat tighter, though three candidates have remained at the top for the three available seats throughout the vote counting process. Gopal Balachandran, Richard Biever and Divine Lipscomb ran on progressive agendas with the support of PA United, a progressive advocacy group based in Pennsylvania.

Lagging behind are Catherine Dauler, who is running for her fifth term on the council, and Filippelli. The two ran a joint campaign. Katherine Yeaple, the only incumbent on the council, has remained in a consistent fourth place, though she currently sits less than 100 votes away from Biever.

Only one Republican, Jim Werner, is running in the Republican primary for the borough council. He currently has 480 votes, with 255 Republican voters choosing to write-in so far.

The current vote count for the Democratic borough primary is:

Gopal Balachandran with 1,663 votes

Richard Biever with 1,191 votes

Catherine Dauler with 843 votes

Ronald Filippelli with 933 votes

Divine Lipscomb with 1,434 votes

Katherine Yeaple with 1,123 votes

Write-ins with 13 votes

Seven men and women are also vying for the four available seats on the State College Area School Board.

The current vote count for both primaries are:

Democratic candidates

Peter Buck with 5,891 votes

Carline Crevecoeur with 5,175 votes

Deborah Anderson with 4,844 votes

Jackie Huff with 4,058 votes

David Hutchinson with 3,589 votes

Dawn Lorenz with 2,606 votes

Michelle Glenn Young with 2,404 votes

Republican candidates

Michelle Glenn Young with 3,051 votes

David Hutchinson with 2,465 votes

Deborah Anderson with 2,310 votes

Peter Buck with 1,705 votes

Dawn Lorenz with 1,426 votes

Jackie Huff with 1,355 votes

Carline Crevecoeur with 979 votes

MORE BOROUGH COVERAGE
Like superintendents across the country, the leader of Iowas largest school system has faced plenty of criticism as he attempted to educate children in the past year while also keeping them safe during the coronavirus pandemic
A China Communist Party-linked Chinese professor was reported to have proudly claimed that China "defeated" the United States in a biological war in 2020, showing a possible admission that the COVID-19 pandemic was deliberate.

According to WND, China Institute of Fudan University Senior Researcher Chen Ping admitted in a video that was translated by New-York based blogger Jennifer Zeng that the CCP has won "the biology revolution.

Ping, who authored 51 Publications and is a recipient of 812 citations, currently chairs the Academic Committee of the same university's Center for New Political Economy. He said in the 82-second video that the "maritime civilization" is doomed along with the "America-worshipping cult."

"In 2020, China won the trade war, science and technology war, and especially the biological war. The achievement is unprecedented. This is an epoch-making historical record. So for the liberal, America-worshiping cult within China, their worship of the U.S. is actually unfounded. After this trade war and biological warfare, the U.S. was beaten back to its original shape," Ping proclaimed.

"The Western model has failed, the 500-year maritime civilization is doomed, the CCP has won and 'will lead the way of the modernization in the new era after the biology revolution' after the 2020 CCP Virus (COVID-19) pandemic," he said.

Ping also focused on former President Donald Trump's loss in the 2020 US election and called it as a "failure" of "personal campaign" and a "failure of neo-liberalism-led globalization" of the United States and the United Kingdom, which makes them "not worthy of China's imitation and repetition".

WND said Ping's statements are "an incredible,""brazen," and "bold" admission of causing the pandemic since during which their economy expanded in the first quarter of 2021 by 18.3% compared to a year earlier. WND pointed out that China actually had the biggest increase in quarterly records since 1992 because of the pandemic.

Zang, who tweeted about the video on Wednesday, said that Ping "admitted" the CCP "won" the war in trade, science and technology, and the biological war in 2020. Ping's video has garnered 72.6K views as of this article's writing.

Admitted! Chen Ping, Senior Researcher at #FudanUniversity, professor at #PekingUniversity, says the #CCP won the trade war, science & technology war, and especially the biological war in 2020. "The achievement is unprecedented. This is an epoch-making historical record." pic.twitter.com/syKaA65zvo  Jennifer Zeng  (@jenniferatntd) May 18, 2021

Zang wrote the transcript of Ping's message in the 82-second video in Chinese and in English versions in her blog "Jennifer's World." She did not, however, say where she got the video. Zang later on tweeted a "longer version" of Ping's speech out of "fairness" but didn't update her blog on it.

"A longer version of Chen Ping's speech. To be fair, he didn't say China launched a bio war. This is his original words when he mentioned bio war for the first time: "China has won an unprecedented people's war against biological warfare amid the attack of the COVID pandemic," she said.

Zang's expose comes in the midst of U.S. legislators investigating the real source of the COVID-19 virus, especially after the U.S. State Department said in January that evidence show the virus came from the Wuhan Laboratory and that the CCP only prevented transparency on it. This is alongside scientists calling out to the World Health Organization to conduct a similar study for transparency purposes owed to the public.

Summit News said America is now at the mercy of the CCP considering President Joe Biden has "a long track record of selling out American industry to Chinese investors."
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Google's Android 12 software has technically been around for a while  since February, in fact, when its first developer preview release plopped out into this musty virtual world. This week, though, we're getting our clearest look yet at what Google's next great Android version is actually all about.

At a jam-packed online I/O convention, Google officially pulled back the curtain on Android 12 with the launch of its first public beta offering. And goodness gracious, is there a lot to digest about what's changing with this saucy little operating system of ours.

For the first time in quite a few years, the biggest evolution of all for Android is right on the surface: Android 12 introduces a sweeping reimagining of the entire system interface, with a whole new design language and a wildly different look and feel for the platform. It feels like the most significant shake-up to Android's appearance since the launch of Android 5.0, Lollipop, way back in 2014  and it's no wonder: That was the first Android version to feature Google's Material Design standard, and this release is the first to use an updated take on that visual language called Material You.

To say that Material You is a fresh coat of paint would be one heck of an understatement. This is Android, all right, but it's kind of like Android on some super-mellow mood enhancers. Everything feels lighter, fluffier, rounder, and more fluid. Colors work in different ways. You notice the effect of light and shadows in ways that were never apparent before. (All right, so maybe it's something a teensy bit stronger than a mere mood enhancer. But you get the idea.)

And here's the kicker to it all: The dramatic new design and all the improvements around it  including a clever theming system that pulls complementary colors from your wallpaper and then creates a custom system-wide palette that stretches across the entire Android experience  won't be available on just any phone running the Android operating system. Nope: It'll be available in its entirety only on Google's own self-made Pixel devices.

[Got a Pixel? Check out my free Pixel Academy e-course to discover all sorts of advanced Googley intelligence lurking within your phone!]

The idea of Android features revolving around Pixels is nothing new, of course. Some of the most inventive and impressive Assistant-related advancements of recent years, like Google's automated call-screening system and call-holding genie, launched as Pixel-only affairs and remain that way today. Other features, like the more capable new version of Assistant introduced in 2019, were initially described as coming to Pixel phones "first"  but, well, nearly two years later, they're still mostly just on Pixel phones. And more and more software-driven camera improvements and Photos capabilities are coming out only for Pixel owners, too, at least to start.

This, though  this feels different. As opposed to the typical tacked-on features or relatively minor visual choices we've seen get limited to Pixels in the past, this current Pixel exclusive is essentially the core interface of Android. It's the software's very identity and how you see and interact it. As Google itself put it on its official @Android and @Google Twitter accounts, it's a rethinking of the "entire experience" of what Android's like to use.

And the implications actually stretch even further than just your phone: Google says your custom design choices on Android will at some point travel with your account across every app and type of device you use  eventually applying to Google apps on the web as well as to Chromebooks, Smart Displays, and Wear-based wearables. This is a Google ecosystem move. And the Pixel, it seems, could be the sole smartphone product to tie into that new cross-platform thread.

Maybe it makes sense to make the limited availability of Android's core design a Pixel feature instead of a Google liability

In a way, it feels like an overdue recognition of the fact that device-makers like Samsung are gonna muck things up on Android with all sorts of change for the sake of change, anyway  so why bother pretending that isn't the case? Outside of an increasingly small handful of niche-level devices, Google's own Android software design has largely been a Pixel-specific entity for a while now. Even long-time Android One partner Nokia seems to be inching away from that program's promises and its commitment to the standard Android interface. So in a weird way, maybe it makes sense to go ahead and say that out loud and make the limited availability of Android's core design a Pixel feature instead of a Google liability.

What's especially interesting is that even within Android, the effects of this will stretch beyond the actual system interface and apply even to the experience of using apps  Google's apps, to start, and eventually any others that decide to support the new standard. The Android 12 theming system will change the way those apps look, and signs suggest at least some core Google tools, such as Gboard, are also being prepped for Pixel-specific foundational redesigns to match the new Android 12 aesthetic. That essentially means Google is specializing the Android experience even further and on a deeper level for Pixel users, while everyone else will be on a separate path.

To be fair, we don't know for sure at this point what, exactly, Android 12 will end up looking like on non-Pixel phones. Other device-makers could conceivably choose to emulate some of the same concepts, and Google could ultimately decide to offer at least some of them up in other environments. (I reached out to ask Google explicitly how this might play out, and thus far, I haven't gotten an answer.) In an officially provided "first look" at the software over at The Verge, however, it's unambiguously noted that "the new elements in Android 12 are Googles specific implementations of those principles on Pixel phones" and that "other phones might implement those principles differently or maybe even not at all."

So for now, at least, it sure seems like the software's primary purpose is to provide an exceptional and exceptionally distinctive user experience specifically for Google's Pixel phones. One could say the same about other recent Android releases, of course, but none has been anywhere near as transformative or as deep-reaching as what we're seeing with Android 12.

Now more than ever, there's the Android experience  and then there's the Android Pixel experience. And that, my friend, is one hell of a philosophical and practical shift in what Android actually is and what the operating system represents.

Don't let yourself miss an ounce of Pixel magic. Sign up for my new Pixel Academy e-course to discover tons of hidden features and time-saving tricks for your favorite Pixel phone.
Fearmongering, politically motivated: Indian diaspora in Singapore condemns Kejriwals tweet about new COVID strain

Members of the Indian diaspora living in Singapore have come out strongly against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals tweet calling for halting flights between India and Singapore, citing a new COVID-19 virus variant in the latter country which is considered to be dangerous for children.

Kejriwals comments were met with strong criticism by both the Indian and Singapore governments. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@ArvindKejriwal

The prevailing reaction among members of the Indian community in Singapore who Connected to India spoke to was overwhelmingly against the Delhi CM, with some calling his actions as opportunistic, childish and politically motivated. Some even stated that they didnt wish to dignify Kejriwals tweet with a response.

Ravi Velloor, Associate Editor with the Straits Times, told Connected to India that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief has introduced a nasty element into an uncertain situation because Indians in Singapore are already feeling uncomfortable after all the talk about an Indian variant and Singapore having to go into another semi-lockdown.

His actions have diminished the reputation of the institutions he has studied at, including the IIT which is held in high respect in Singapore, as well as the office he holds. As a politician, he has come out looking unfit for his position as Chief Minister of the nations capital. It doesn't look good for Indias image abroad, Velloor said.

Ravi Velloor, Associate Editor, Straits Times. Photo courtesy: Flickr

Kejriwals comments were met with strong criticism by both the Indian and Singapore governments, with the Singapore Ministry of Health today directing social media giants Twitter and Facebook to issue corrections to the statement, citing the Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act (POFMA).

"Existence & spread of the B.1.617.2 variant within India predates detection of the variant in Singapore, and this has been publicly known and reported by various media sources from as early as May 5, 2021," the statement read.

This comes after Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs tweeted asking politicians to stick to facts and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankars tweet that stated that Kejriwal did not speak for India.

Politicians should stick to facts!

There is no Singapore variant. https://t.co/SNJaF7wkwC https://t.co/pNgw4bkV4H  Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) May 19, 2021

Singapore and India have been solid partners in the fight against Covid-19.



Appreciate Singapore's role as a logistics hub and oxygen supplier. Their gesture of deploying military aircraft to help us speaks of our exceptional relationship. @VivianBala https://t.co/x7jcmoyQ5a  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021

However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships.



So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021

Indian expats praised the Singapore governments handling of the situation as well as the strong condemnation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Anuraag Saxena, India Pride Project founder. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@anuraag_saxena

I am glad Ministers Vivian Balakrishnan and S Jaishankar immediately put the theatrics to rest by reinforcing their resolve for each other. Sadly, India has always had opportunistic politics, even in times of crisis. It is important that needless sensationalism was put to rest, both diplomatically and publicly, Anuraag Saxena, founder of the India Pride Project, told Connected to India.

He had earlier tweeted, The point of going to an IIT sir... is that you prefer science over sensationalism. Sad!!! replying to Kejriwals statement on social media.

The point of going to an IIT sir... is that you prefer science over sensationalism.

Sad!!!  Anuraag Saxena (@anuraag_saxena) May 19, 2021

Prantik Mazumdar, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and angel investor in Singapore, said that Kejriwal's comments were inconsequential given the larger problems to tackle on the ground but he was glad that EAM Jaishankar and the Indian High Commission clarified that his remarks did not represent India's official position on this matter.

Prantik Mazumdar, an Indian-origin entrepreneur in Singapore. Photo courtesy: Happy Marketer

"Really unfortunate that an educated minister like him could make such statements that are not only false but can have reputational issues and can potentially hamper our long standing relationship with Singapore, especially given how the island state has helped India out in the recent weeks, he told Connected to India.

Velloor also added that it was evident from Singapores official response that they didnt wish to escalate the conflict.

The Singapore government never used any harsh words in their statement despite the bad situation that Kejriwal has created. After all the efforts that Singapore has made in providing COVID relief to India, it is just sad for someone to turn around and attack them like this, Velloor said.
05/20/2021

Photo (c) imaginima - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 33,029,091 (32,999,741)

Total U.S. deaths: 587,930 (587,245)

Total global cases: 165,015,132 (164,348,314)

Total global deaths: 3,420,173 (3,407,240)

Health officials considering the need for booster shots

Are you fully vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19)? Thats great, but now you need to start thinking about getting a booster shot next winter.

Thats the advice being given by health officials in the U.S. and the European Union, who are increasingly concerned that the virus could turn into a seasonal malady, one that needs annual protections -- just like the flu.

Most scientists are still on the fence about the necessity of that but say they are keeping close tabs on the virus and how it mutates. Of special concern are the variants that might resist some of the immunity from the initial shots.

Layoffs continue to fall

Despite the fact that Aprils job creation was much less than desired, there continues to be evidence that the job market is mending. The Labor Department reports that initial claims for unemployment benefits totaled 444,000 last week, 34,000 fewer than the previous week and the smallest number since the pandemic began.

One reason for the falling numbers is the labor crunch that restaurants and bars are facing as they begin to resume full operations. Many are reporting difficulty in filling open positions.

Kroger takes off the mask

Its been a week since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took nearly everyone by surprise and changed its guidance, saying fully vaccinated people didnt need to wear masks in most settings.

Some chain stores responded immediately, dropping their mask guidance. Kroger joined that group today when it issued an update saying fully vaccinated customers and associates would not be required to wear a mask while in the store.

We have received feedback from and heard the valued opinions of thousands of associates regarding the CDCs announcement, the company said. Based on the CDCs science-based guidance and the input of our associates, we are updating our mask policy in a way that balances our values of safety and respect.

New rapid test detects the virus in 10 minutes

Despite progress in vaccinating the general population, health officials say there will continue to be a need for COVID-19 testing. Researchers at the University of Helsinki report that their newly developed test can detect the virus in as little as 10 minutes.

The test is based on a phenomenon known as time-resolved Forster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET). This occurs when energy travels between two light-sensitive molecules when they are close enough to each other. It makes it possible to measure viral particles or the body's own proteins.

"We demonstrated in our study that a technique based on the TR-FRET phenomenon can be used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infections in clinical specimens, said Jussi Hepojoki, one of the researchers. She noted that the antigen test detected almost all specimens containing the virus.

Salma Hayeks close call

A number of celebrities have battled COVID-19 over the last year, and a small number have died. Actress Salma Hayek reports that she came close to falling into that category.

In an interview with Variety, Hayek said she was diagnosed with the virus during the early days of the pandemic and became very ill. My doctor begged me to go to the hospital because it was so bad, she said.

But rather than seek hospital treatment, Hayek said she isolated herself at home for another seven weeks. At one point, she said she was on oxygen to assist with her breathing.

Around the nation
A team of scientists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were reported to have called for a new investigation into COVID-19's origins in China.

According to CBN News, the team of scientists have questioned the World Health Organization conclusions reached early this year on the cause of the viral outbreak in Wuhan, China. CBN quoted the WHO team in saying that animal to human infection was "very likely" and cleared the Wuhan laboratory in creating the virus by saying "a laboratory origin of the pandemic was very unlikely".

The scientists came out with a letter that was published in the journal Science where they weighed various theories on the virus' origins. The scientists argued that "theories of accidental release from a lab and zoonotic spillover both remain viable" and stressed that the WHO report tackled the particular issue in only four pages despite being 313-page long.

The letter, entitled "Investigate The Origins Of COVID-19," was published by the Science journal on May 14. The 18 scientists who wrote the letter were led by Jesse D. Bloom from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. The other scientists came from various universities from the United States and Canada and one from the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease in the UK.

"As scientists with relevant expertise, we agree with the WHO director-general, the United States and 13 other countries, and the European Union that greater clarity about the origins of this pandemic is necessary and feasible to achieve. We must take hypotheses about both natural and laboratory spillovers seriously until we have sufficient data," the scientists said.

"A proper investigation should be transparent, objective, data-driven, inclusive of broad expertise, subject to independent oversight, and responsibly managed to minimize the impact of conflicts of interest," they added.

"Public health agencies and research laboratories alike need to open their records to the public. Investigators should document the veracity and provenance of data from which analyses are conducted and conclusions drawn, so that analyses are reproducible by independent experts."

Last week, information revealed during the Senate hearing showed that the WHO report on the sources of the virus could very well be incorrect. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul accused National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Anthony Fauci of being "culpable" to the pandemic since documents show that his office funded the "gain-of-function" research done on it by the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Rand's revelations during the Senate hearing echo the findings of an individual investigation conducted by former political adviser Steve Hilton with Fox News' The Next Revolution. The said individual investigation revealed that the experiments were linked to Fauci.

"In 2014 Dr. Fauci commissioned work that led to that kind of manipulation in the lab that is so close to what we saw with this pandemic," Hilton said prior to recommending an investigation on Fauci on the matter.

CBN News said that although Fauci denied such allegations, California Representative Devin Nunes pointed out that NIH documents showed the U.S. gave millions to EcoHealth Alliance which in turn gave a portion of it to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. While NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins said they have no way of preventing anyone who has the intention of deceiving the United States on "how they've used the funds" given to EcoHealth Alliance.
Yes, to an area over 100 miles away.

Yes, to an area within 100 miles of home

Yes, but it may be more of a staycation than anything else

No

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The Hamas militant group in Palestine continues to attack Israel, pushing Christian leaders all over the world to pray for peace.

For 10 days now, the Israel-Palestine conflict has raged on, killing people on both sides and causing millions worth of property. What began with Palestininan air strikes on Monday last week escalated into ground and air attacks by the Israeli Defense Forces, who successfully eliminated several Hamas militant leaders. Throughout the 10-day conflict, many Christian and world leaders have called for peace in Israel.

One of them is Franklin Graham, evangelist and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Yesterday, he took to Facebook to share a short yet succinct message: "The Bible tells us to-'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...' (Psalm 122:6)."

The 68-year-old Samaritan's Purse CEO also shared a report from Times of Israel, which detailed the current situation on the ground in the Middle Eastern country.

According to the report, an array of rockets were once again fired by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza into Israel, where an Israeli soldier and civilian were injured. About 230 rockets and mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Wednesday, the IDF said.

About 30 missiles failed to reach Israel and instead had detonated inside the Gaza territory. Up to 90% of the incoming Palestinian projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Other Palestinian rockets landed on open areas.

Mortar shells were also fired into the Kerem Shalom border crossing for the second time in two days. This border crossing was recently reopened to allow the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza by Israel's military liaison to the Palestinians called the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). The shipments were ceased due to the attacks.

"The terrorist activities of Hamas, which conducted launches, again and again, at shipments carrying civilian aid and medical equipment to the Strip first and foremost harms the residents of the enclave," COGAT announced. The Hamas military claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying it was "in response for [Israel's] targeting of civilians and their homes."

For 10 straight days, the Hamas militant group relentlessly attacked and continued to attack Israel. Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry has recently updated their death toll to 217, including over 60 minors. IDF claims that more than 120 of their dead were in fact members of Hamas, while 25 were members of the the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

However, not all of these deaths fall in the hands of the IDF. According to the Associated Press (via Breitbart), the Israeli military officials has identified a "mysterious explosion" that killed a Palestinian family of eight on the first day of the attacks on the Gaza Strip was in fact "caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket, not an Israeli airstrike."

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said that the rocket was launched inside Gaza and landed in Gaza, killing "almost an entire family." He said, "this wasn't an Israeli attack."

What you're seeing:

Yet another rocket launched by terrorists that misfired & fell back into Gaza tonight.



Why it matters:

The people of Gaza are endangered every time it happens. pic.twitter.com/rOhSal7nZH  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 20, 2021

Breitbart reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "determined to continue this operation until its aim is met," despite U.S. President Joe Biden's urge to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the support of the U.S. but is committed to "[returning] the calm and security to [the] citizens of Israel."
As Israel has been bombarded with thousands of missiles fired by Hamas over the past two weeks, American Christians have provided aid from afar by helping fund mobile bomb shelters that will protect Israeli civilians from the attacks.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews [The Fellowship] placed 13 mobile bomb shelters in the heavily bombarded city of Ashkelon last Wednesday, along with several other mobile shelters throughout the week, to protect from Hamas terrorist missile fire.

The Fellowship also provided security staff in Ashkelon, a coastal southern Israel city, with 25 protective vests.

The Fellowship, a leading nonprofit founded in 1983 that bridges the gap between American evangelicals and Jews by providing humanitarian aid to Israel and Jewish people, has placed nearly 3,000 bomb shelters in Israel to date.

Source:The Christian Post
Mental health struggles exacerbated by the isolation brought on by lockdowns in response to COVID-19 led to a massive spike in the number of people seeking help for eating disorders, according to Christie Bettwy, executive director of Rock Recovery.

Isolation is a huge piece of what allows mental health conditions to really thrive, Bettwy said in an interview with The Christian Post. Breaking isolation is a huge part of recovery, so thats one thing weve seen is a lot more people reaching out for help because of the isolation and the tough environments.

Rock Recovery, a Christian nonprofit based in Arlington, Virginia, provides recovery programs and bridges gaps for those struggling with eating disorders. Bettwy said they saw a 400% increase in people reaching out for help when COVID-19 first began.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness' message for Mental Health Awareness Month is You Are Not Alone. The slogan emphasizes the healing that comes from making connections with others.

Source:The Christian Post
Grammy-winning vocalist Kevin Max, a member of the popular Christian band DC Talk who has released music in multiple genres, revealed over the weekend that he considers himself to be an exvangelical.

Hello, my name is Kevin Max & Im an #exvangelical, he tweeted Saturday, sparking a large response from many of his Christian followers.

Some praised the musicians post claiming they were also exvangelicals, a term that has been used commonly in recent years to describe individuals who no longer identify as evangelicals.

Others on social media stated they had never heard the term, which has been associated with progressive Christians who have left evangelical Christianity due to theological or political reasons in recent years.

Source:The Christian Post
Russell Moore, the prominent Southern Baptist leader known for his criticism of former President Donald Trump, is leaving his post as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission to join Christianity Today.

According to an entry on his website posted Tuesday, Moore explained that he accepted an invitation by Christianity Today to serve as a public theologian at the evangelical news publication as the director of its Public Theology Project. His term as the commission's president will come to an end on June 1.

Ive struggled with this decision, because my gratitude for the honor of serving the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is so deep, wrote Moore.

As I conclude my time serving Southern Baptists as ERLC president, I am filled with gratitude as well as excitement for the future.

Source:The Christian Post
Catholic bishops across the United States have announced that the special dispensations that excused the faithful from attending mass due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being lifted.

Many regional bodies of the Roman Catholic Church recently declared that the official obligation of Catholics to attend mass, suspended last year because of the virus, was being reinstated.

Last week, the Catholic Conference of Ohio released an announcement that the obligation for Catholics to regularly attend mass would be reinstated, effective June 5-6.

The bishops noted in the statement that there would still be exemptions for those who have a serious reason to be absent, such as illness or caregivers of immuno-compromised people.

Source:The Christian Post
Crossville, TN (38555)

Today

A few showers this morning with numerous thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. High 76F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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Scattered thunderstorms this evening with some fog possible late. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
China marks International Museum Day with multiple exhibitions, activities

People's Daily Online) 17:19, May 19, 2021

Museums across China have launched multiple exhibitions and activities to mark International Museum Day (IMD), which fell on May 18, bringing audiences a cultural feast.

Photo shows a terracotta warrior. (People's Daily Online/Wei Yanxing)

Under the theme of this year's IMD, "The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine, the Capital Museum of China in Beijing, the main venue for the country's celebrations, held a special exhibition on China's achievements in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

The exhibition brought together more than 50 cultural relics, including terracotta warriors, from 23 cultural heritage institutions and museums nationwide to showcase China's latest practices and progress in cultural heritage protection and restoration. The exhibition also introduced the latest preservation methods and technologies.

The exhibition adopted augmented reality technology to produce a combination of virtual scenes and real cultural relics, said Luo Jing, deputy director of the department of museum development under the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

A visitor views a woodcarving work of the People's Liberation Army crossing the Yangtze River in 1949 at a museum in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province. (People's Daily Online/Ma Xiaonan)

In addition to the main venue events, other museums and art institutions also rolled out a series of creative activities to enrich public interaction and allow visitors to reimagine their museum experience.

The Quanzhou Maritime Museum in Quanzhou city, southeast Chinas Fujian province, held a series of fun activities, including whisking tea, a popular method of tea preparation in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), bringing the audience back to the era and impressing them with the elegance and beauty of Chinese culture from 900 years ago.

To attract more visitors, some museums also held exhibitions outside their exhibition halls. The Archaeological Site Museum of Nanyue Palace in Guangzhou, south Chinas Guangdong province, launched an exhibition at the Yuexiu Park station of Guangzhou Metro Line 2 on May 15.

Visitors browse an exhibition organized by the Archaeological Site Museum of Nanyue Palace in Guangzhou, south Chinas Guangdong province, at a subway station in the city. (People's Daily Online/Ma Xiaonan)

When I heard about it, I visited the exhibition at the subway station at the first opportunity, said a college student in the city surnamed Tang, who loves to visit historical and cultural sites, as well as museums.

He told Peoples Daily Online that exhibitions of fans and decorative porcelains were previously held at the Yuexiu Park station. The exhibition mode is quite good, as it allows people to learn about the long-standing history and culture of Guangzhou during our commutes, he added.

Meanwhile, many museums, including about 10 in Beijing, extended their business hours and launched a diverse range of nighttime exhibitions and cultural activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural relics. The Capital Museum of China held an interactive nighttime event showcasing cultural relics on May 18.

Some museums also adopted new exhibition modes to improve the interactive experience. On the same day, the Henan Museum in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province, staged ancient Chinese music concerts while showcasing the restoration of ancient music relics, music scores, and costumes.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji)
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday issued an executive order that prohibits any government entity in the state from requiring its citizens to wear a face mask. Government entities and local officials who are caught imposing mask mandates will be fined up to $1,000. The executive order will go into effect on Friday.

"Anybody can wear a mask if they want to. It's just that it's a decision to be made by Texans, not to be forced by [the] government," Gov. Abbott, a 63 year old Republican governor who was first elected in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018, told CNBC.

However, the governor has different guidelines for schools. The executive order says that public schools in Texas may uphold their mask mandates until June 4. Afterwards, teachers, school staff, students, and visitors are no longer required to abide by mask mandates. This is in line with the state's decision to eliminate its mask mandates and lift restrictions on businesses in March.

Gov. Abbott reiterated in a tweet that "Texans, not government, should decide their best practices," meaning that it is up to an individual whether or not he or she would continue to wear a mask. Government entities and local officials under the new executive order must not impose any mask mandates on its citizens.

The new order comes after Gov. Abbott announced a new 13-month low in the number of COVID-19 cases, a new all-time low for the seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate, which is now at 3.74%, and a new 11-month low in COVID-19 hospitalizations, which he announced via Twitter on Monday. The state also reported no deaths from COVID-19 in the last two months.

"The Lone Star State continues to defeat COVID-19 through the use of widely-available vaccines, antibody therapeutic drugs, and safe practices utilized by Texans in our communities," Gov. Abbott said in the executive order. Last week, Texas reported that 20 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the state, with over 50% of eligible Texans 50% of eligible Texans. Texans aged 12 to 15 are also now eligible to get the vaccine.

Texas' success rate in combating COVID-19 has also caused the governor to announce that the state is opting out of federal unemployment benefits provided as part of the pandemic relief. Gov. Abbott announced Wednesday that "There are nearly 60% more jobs open in TX today than there [were] in February 2020, making these unemployment benefits no longer necessary."

On May 16, the CDC updated its mask mandates, saying that those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may "resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic." It loosened its restrictions on wearing a mask and social distancing, saying those who are fully vaccinated may relax with such mandates.

But according to Forbes, top infectious diseases authority Dr. Anthony Fauci believes many Americans are "misinterpreting" the new CDC guidelines, thinking that everyone is allowed to stop wearing face masks. Dr. Fauci, who has a history of flip-flopping with regards to mask use and has threatened to continue pushing for mask mandates well after COVID even if it is not backed by science or even goes against scientific proof, cautioned, "It did not explicitly say that unvaccinated people should abandon their masks."
Where is the Tower of Babel? In Genesis 11 we are introduced to the tower of Babel. At the time it was going to be an engineering marvel; however, it represented more than that. You may wonder where was the tower of Babel and more importantly what was its significance? I want to take you into Genesis 11 to read this whole story and then come back and pull some truth from it.

"Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, Come, lets make bricks and bake them thoroughly. They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.' But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.' So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babelbecause there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth."  Genesis 11:1-9

Where Is the Tower of Babel?

Where is the Tower of Babel located? The tower of Babel was built in the plain in Shinar. Shinar is the Hebrew name for Babylonia. This location of Shinar is first mentioned in Genesis 10 in relationship to Nimrod and the building of his kingdom. If you want a modern-day reference, Shinar is located in what we now know as Iraq.

"Cush was the father of Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; that is why it is said, Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord. The first centers of his kingdom were Babylon, Uruk, Akkad and Kalneh, in Shinar."  Genesis 10:8-11

What Was the Significance of the Tower of Babel?

Lets take a closer look at each part of the story and then define the significance both then and the significance now.

There was one language  "Now the whole world had one language and a common speech."  Genesis 11:1

Significance then: During this time there was only one language that was spoken which made communication easy. With everyone speaking the same language they were able to accomplish great things. In fact, God said this same thing.

"The Lord said, If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them."  Genesis 11:6

Their common language meant they could set up and achieve common goals. In essence, they were all pulling in the same direction. The only problem was the direction they were going was not toward God but away from him.

Significance now: This tower of Babel story is a wake-up call for the body of Christ for the same reason God mentions in verse six. If the church as one people can start speaking the same language, nothing will be impossible. This is a reminder of how important unity is in the church. One of the problems plaguing the modern church, especially here in America is we are not united. We have allowed other languages and other voices to come in and rob us of the common language we should be speaking. Sadly, we are not most divided over spiritual things we are most divided over political and social things. We carry these divides into public spaces like social media and the whole world watches them play out. Is there any wonder we have no effectiveness in preaching the gospel? Before Jesus left he prayed this prayer.

"That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."  John 17:21

Please pay attention to what happens when the body of Christ is one. The world believes that Jesus is who he said he is. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true. If we are not one, then the world does not believe in the Jesus who we profess. Honestly, why should they? If the people who proclaim they believe in him cant get their act together then why should the world even pay attention? The significance of the tower of Babel reminds us that if the church can get on one accord, we can truly shine light and make a difference in this world.

They sought their own glory  "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'  Genesis 11:4

Significance then: The builders of this tower of Babel had no desire or interest in Gods glory, they were only interested in their own. Their name mattered. Their fame mattered. Their concern was making something that would cause people to remember who they were. If there ever was a prideful motivation to do something, this was it. We should not be surprised that Gods response to pride then is similar to his response to it now. He resists it. The Bible reminds us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6). Their pride led to their downfall because it caused God to stand against them.

Significance now: We deal with the same issue of pride today both in the world and in the church. Whenever pride is present God will always stand against it. In the verse in James, that word means to set yourself up against. This means when you become prideful God is against you. This is a reminder of two things.

Dont think of yourself more highly than you ought.  Romans 12:3

Do everything for the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31

When your motivation becomes the glory of God and the benefit of other people you position yourself to be effective and used by God in all situations.

God always has the last word  "'Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.' So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babelbecause there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth."  Genesis 11:7-9

Significance then: The fascinating this is these people thought they could do whatever they wanted with no recourse for their actions. They were going to build a tower and make their names great and there wasnt a thing anyone could do about it. Or so they thought. Notice what the Psalmist said.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain."  Psalm 127:1

There could not be a more perfect description of what the people of Shinar experienced with the tower of Babel. They labored and toiled yet their efforts came to nothing because as much as you plan it is God who brings it to pass.

Significance now: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."  Proverbs 16:9

This proverb is a humble reminder that no matter what you plan or think you are going to accomplish, God always has the last word. We are also reminded of this in James.

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lords will, we will live and do this or that.'"  James 4:13-15

If there is any significance that can come from the tower of Babel it is to lay everything at Gods feet. It is ok to plan, but you must recognize that plans only come to be as God wills them. The people who attempted to build the tower of Babel forgot this. Lets not make the same mistake.

When you look at the significance of the tower of Babel you will discover that the root issue was pride. Pride to think you could build something to puff yourself up. Pride to think you could make it reach the heavens. Pride to think that there is nothing anyone could do about it. What was true then is true now, pride is destructive. If we want to be one body and unite then the wall that must fall is pride or it will never happen. God knows this and for this reason, I want to leave you with this one last verse.

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."  Proverbs 16:18

Photo credit: GettyImages/ICHIRO

Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, teacher, author, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose. If you have ever struggled to try to find Gods will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.

This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.

What Do Christians Believe?

How Old Is the Earth?

Who Is My Neighbor in the Bible?

What Does God Look Like?

Are Guardian Angels Real?

What Does it Mean to Be Zealous for God?
Hutchinson, MN (55350)

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Windy with thunderstorms, some locally heavy this morning, then cloudy this afternoon. High around 85F. WSW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Yes, I am sure my money is invested in companies I trust.

I'd like to invest in more ethical companies but I don't know how.

I'd like to invest more in ethical companies but I don't think the returns are as good.

I don't know where my money is invested.

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An accountant for pizza restaurants  accused of knowing the owner was paying some employees in cash and not properly reporting income to the IRS  will spend three years on probation for his role in the scheme, federal prosecutors said.

Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport on Wednesday sentenced James G. Guerra, 59, of Dix Hills, N.Y., to three years of probation, the first two months of which Guerra must spend in home confinement.

Bolden also ordered Guerra to perform 100 hours of community service.

The sentence was handed down nearly two weeks after the owner of the pizzerias, Bruno DiFabio, was sentenced to 30 days in prison in connection with the scheme.

Court documents indicated that Guerra was working as an accountant for DiFabio, a Ridgefield resident who owned pizza restaurants in Connecticut and New York.

In the scheme, authorities said, cash was taken from the register and not deposited into the restaurants operating bank accounts. Prosecutors said Guerra knew DiFabio was paying employees in cash and knew he was failing to collect required withholding taxes from his workers  and therefore not paying the IRS.

Guerra pleaded guilty on Jan. 25 to assisting the willful failure to collect and pay over withholding taxes.

DiFabio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file false income tax returns and payroll tax returns on Oct. 25, 2018. In addition to his 30-day prison term, the judge also ordered DiFabio to pay $816,954 in restitution.

DiFabios accolades included being named world pizza champion six times, and he has owned and operated more than 30 restaurants, including one in London, over the course of 25 years, according to his attorney.\

His businesses include Pinocchio Pizza in New Canaan, Wilton and Pound Ridge, N.Y.; Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford; ReNapoli Pizza in Old Greenwich; and Amore Pizza in Scarsdale, N.Y.

Steven Cioffi, DiFabios business partner at some of the restaurants, pleaded guilty on Sept. 24, 2018, to aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $122,177.59.

Idalecia Lopes Santos, the businesses bookkeeper, pleaded guilty to tax evasion on June 4, 2019. She was sentenced to three years probation on March 30.
BRIDGEPORT  One man was shot Thursday morning at Arctic and East Main streets, police said.

Officers received a report just before 11 a.m. that shots had been fired in the area and a person was on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound.

Police said when they arrived, they reported finding a victim. The man was put in a private vehicle, which was escorted to Bridgeport Hospital by police.

The 29-year-old victim, who was shot multiple times, was in stable condition Thursday evening, according to information from police sent by Scott Appleby, the citys director of emergency communications and emergency management.

The shooting remains under investigation.
Texas Governor Gregg Abbott signed on Wednesday the Heartbeat Bill that bans all abortions from six weeks onward in the state.

Reuters reported that the bill bans abortion for pregnancies in their six weeks where a "fetal heartbeat" has been identified by doctors and grants that doctors in violation of the bill to be sued in court. Reuters added that Abbott's signing of the bill is part of a string of abortion bans by Republican-led states.

Abbott announced the signing of the bill in his Twitter account saying, "In Texas, we will always lead the way to protect the unborn."

His tweet included a photo of an infant's feet enclosed in the heart-shaped fingers of a mother and the link to the Facebook Live stream of the bill's actual signing.

In Texas, we will always lead the way to protect the unborn. #ProLifehttps://t.co/Nkcs92fjk9 pic.twitter.com/K51BAgpDnJ  Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) May 19, 2021

"Millions of children lose their right to life every year. Texas is working to save those lives. That's exactly why the Texas legislature is in this session," Abbott announced in Facebook while the entire members of the Texas legislation stood behind him.

"This massive bill that I'm about to sign will ensure that the life of every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion," he added before signing the bill.

Abbott thanked all the members of the Texas legislation, the bill's sponsors, and the pro-life groups who supported the bill before actually signing it into law that was met by the applause of every one present.

According to the state website, the bill is officially called Senate Bill 8 or the Texas Heartbeat Act and will be in effect come September 1. The bill is a companion legislation of House Bill 1515 and was primarily authored by Representative Shelby Slawson. The bill passed the House of Representatives on May 14 with a 6-4 vote and the Senate with a 7-2 vote on the same day.

The law requires the physician to detect the fetal heartbeat of the unborn child prior to conducting the abortion. The physician is held not liable to the said law if there was no heartbeat detected for pregnancies of six weeks and beyond.

"Except as provided by Section 171.205, a physician may not knowingly perform or induce an

abortion on a pregnant woman if the physician detected a fetal heartbeat for the unborn child as required by Section 171.203 or failed to perform a test to detect a fetal heartbeat," the law stipulated.

"A physician does not violate this section if the physician performed a test for a fetal heartbeat as required by Section 171.203 and did not detect a fetal heartbeat," it added.

However, the law clearly stipulated that given the conditions required of the physician, not detecting the heartbeat still does not constitute the right to abortion. Both physician and mother who violates the provisions of the law shall be subject to being sued in court.

Reuters said the bill could still be stopped in court by pro-choice groups to be in effect, citing the Center for Reproductive Rights stating that it will "pursue all legal options" to do so. The CRR released a statement that called the attention of the state to prevent the 200 physicians from Texas to be exposed to "frivolous law suits that threaten" their ability "to provide healthcare."

In addition, Reuters said Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Alexis McGill Johnson claimed that Abbott's signing the bill is "in defiance of public opinion" since the "state politicians remain committed to controlling" their bodies.
BANGKOK (AP)  Police in Thailand said Thursday they are pursuing more suspects in the kidnapping of a Taiwanese businessman for which an American entrepreneur with a criminal past and two other men have already been arrested.

The case involves a business dispute over the purchase of nitrile gloves, critical personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.

Louis William Ziskin, the CEO of a Los Angeles-based tech company, and Jeremy Hughes Manchester, identified as a former U.S. Marine, were arrested on Saturday along with a Thai man. The five additional suspects are from the U.S. and Israel, said police Col. Netiwit Thanasithnitikul of Thailands Crime Suppression Division.

Ziskin and Manchester have denied the charges, which include kidnapping, attempted murder, assault and being part of a criminal gang. Both are free on bail but must wear tracking devices at all times and not leave Thailand.

Ziskin replied to an email query from The Associated Press, and in a series of exchanges indicated the accounts given by Thai police were misleading and that he has evidence that will exonerate him of wrongdoing.

Netiwit said the case resulted from a business deal gone sour between Ziskin and the company for which the Taiwanese man worked. Ziskin accused the company of cheating by selling him substandard nitrile gloves for almost $3 million.

Netiwit said Ziskin allegedly hired a group of Americans and Israeli private detectives based in Thailand to help recover the money he paid the Taiwanese company for the gloves.

This crime has two complicated aspects. One is a kidnap attempt and other is the medical supply deal gone bad during COVID time, Netiwit said.

He said Thailand is a major glove supplier, and we hear so many stories of fraudulent deals by people who claimed to represent a legitimate glove company when they dont really have any connection.

He said the police Economic Crime Division is investigating the glove deal.

According to a police statement after Saturdays arrests, the representative of the Taiwanese company, Wen Yu Chung, was lured to a meeting in March on the pretext of discussing the possible purchase of rubber gloves.

The group allegedly hired by Ziskin, including Manchester, seized Wen in full view of customers, restaurant staff and a CCTV camera, dragging him outside after a brief struggle and bundling him into a waiting vehicle, which took him to a rented room nearby, the statement said.

Wen was allegedly threatened with physical harm, and the men holding him are accused of using his phone to call his company to demand $2 million, and his family to demand $1 million, police said. The company refused and contacted the authorities.

Wen was then taken to another restaurant where Ziskin insisted he wanted the Taiwanese company to return his payment for the gloves, according to police.

That same night, they brought Wen to a police station where they wanted him to sign a statement that he would not press charges against them, the statement said. He refused, after which he was released, and he returned later to the police station to file a complaint, it said.

Ziskin was arrested in 2000 and convicted of being part of a drug ring that smuggled large amounts of ecstasy to southern California from Europe, according to U.S. court documents. He was released from prison in 2011 and then remodeled himself as an entrepreneur whose main business, DropIn Inc., uses drones to help insurance companies evaluate risks and verify claims.

He also is an active motivational speaker, presenting himself in personal appearances, interviews and podcasts as an example of how a convicted criminal can clean up his act and prosper in legitimate business.

-

This story has been corrected to say that Ziskin replied to a request for comment. His initial emailed reply to the AP was overlooked.

___

Associated Press writer Grant Peck contributed to this report.
BANGKOK (AP)  Chinese citizens living in Thailand began being vaccinated on Thursday as part of China's global campaign to inoculate its nationals living and working abroad.

China recently donated 500,000 vaccine doses, and Thailand agreed in turn to inoculate Chinese nationals as it slowly rolls out shots for its own citizens to contain a coronavirus surge that has sickened tens of thousands in the past two months.

Yang Xin, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, said Beijing's Spring Sprout program would benefit tens of thousands of Chinese in the country. An estimated 150,000 Chinese citizens live in Thailand.

China has so far supplied 6 million vaccine doses to the country, most of which Thailand purchased.

The Thai government has said it will vaccinate Thais before inoculating most other foreigners, regardless of risk factors or age.

Just over 2% of Thailand's 70 million people have received a first vaccine dose and about 1% have received a second. The government hopes to inoculate 70% of its people by the end of the year, but has been criticized for taking too long to start vaccinating.

Chinas official Peoples Daily newspaper says more than 500,000 Chinese citizens in more than 120 countries have benefited from the Spring Sprout vaccine program since it was launched in March.

In downtown Bangkok, a Chinese volunteer with a white mask, transparent shield and blue gloves stood in front of a red banner reading Spring Sprout Action flanked by the flags of China and Thailand at a vaccination center.

A dozen people waited to get a cursory medical check as nurses, accompanied by a translator, gave Chinese-made Sinovac shots in another room.

I am happy and proud to be able to get a vaccine on day 1 organized by my government, said Zhang Xiaohong, 40, who runs a logistics company in Thailand. He said he believes the Chinese government cares about its people.

Qin Qing, a 39-year-old real estate broker in Bangkok, said she was a bit nervous before getting the shot and felt slightly dizzy afterward.

I am grateful for my country and the embassy, and people who help to make it happen, from airline staff who fly the vaccines here to Thai medical workers," she said.

Thailand had largely contained coronavirus cases last year by closing its borders, enforcing mandatory quarantines and actively tracing contacts of those found to be infected. The measures devastated its lucrative tourism industry but kept the pandemic at bay, for the most part, until early April.

Then a surge that began in high-end nightspots in central Bangkok spread rapidly as people were allowed to travel during a mid-April national holiday.

On Thursday, health authorities reported 2,636 new cases and 25 deaths for a total of 119,585 infections and 703 deaths since the pandemic began. Of that number, 90,722 confirmed cases and 609 deaths have been recorded since April 1.

A partial lockdown in recent weeks has made limited headway in containing outbreaks, especially in Bangkok and in prisons.

The capital has been hit especially hard, with thousands of cases surfacing in slums, crowded low-income housing and camps housing construction workers.

Thailand has a population of about 70 million. More than 2.5 million are from neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Many are employed on construction sites and in factories.

Chinese nationals are the most numerous foreigners living in Thailand who are not from neighboring countries. They are the only foreigners being vaccinated under the Spring Sprout" campaign.

Natapanu Nopakun, deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Thursday there are around 1.3 million legal migrant workers in Bangkok and its vicinity and more than 1 million illegal ones across the country. The Labor Ministry intends to inoculate them as well because their high mobility is a risk factor in curbing infections.

Another 200,000 foreigners  from Australia, Japan, Europe, the United States and elsewhere  are mostly professionals and retirees. For now, they can only obtain COVID-19 shots by traveling overseas and would face lengthy, expensive quarantines on their return.

Groups representing Americans living in Thailand sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week asking the government to supply some of the millions of unused vaccine doses available in the U.S. to inoculate American citizens in Thailand.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia and Russia launched joint military exercises near Serbia's capital Thursday as U.S.-led forces held massive drills in neighboring Balkan states in what appeared to be Moscows resolve to maintain influence in the European region torn by wars during the 1990s.

The Serbian and Russian defense ministries said the joint training of some 200 special troops will include the destruction of an illegal military formation, live ammunition shooting and anti-terrorist action. The drills will last through May 25, the ministries said.
Cullman, AL (35055)

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Scattered thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
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Some Catholic bishops will reportedly require the Catholic faithful to attend Mass in person as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted.

The Christian Post reported that the Archdioceses of Atlanta and Dubuque along with the Diocese of Albany and the Catholic Conference of Ohio have lifted the general dispensation given to the Catholic faithful due to the pandemic last year.

The Archdiocese of Dubuque, the Catholic Conference of Ohio, and the Diocese of Albany, which is under the Archdiocese of New York, have announced that the reinstatement of the obligation to attend Mass begins June 5, 2021. While the Archdiocese of Atlanta's will be implemented on May 22, which is in time for Pentecost.

"Last year, we took the extraordinary step of limiting access to our churches in order to protect our vulnerable brothers and sisters from the COVID-19 virus. Now that vaccines are available to any Georgian older than 16, I believe it is time to begin to bring more people physically back to church," Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv said in a pastoral letter released last April 29.

"On May 22, prior to the celebration of the Vigil of Pentecost, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will expire in the Archdiocese of Atlanta," he added. "Your pastor and I are very excited to welcome you back. I hope you know how much you have been missed at your parish. While the general dispensation will lift, I am putting into place some exceptions for certain circumstances."

According to Hartmayer, Atlantans would still be required to wear masks and practice social distancing when attending Mass in their parishes come the fourth Saturday of May. Parishes were also given the leeway to have "outdoor Masses to accommodate more people."

However, Hartmayer said the dispensation is still in effect for persons who are sick, pregnant, are aged 65 years or older, who fear getting sick when coming to Mass, or exhibit flu-like symptoms, among others. Such persons, he added, are still to join the Mass through a live broadcast or spend time in prayer or read the Scripture.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio, comprised of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Dioceses of Columbus, Cleveland, Youngstown, Toledo, and Steubenville; provided the same exemptions for persons who are still dispensed to attend Holy Mass.

"As we move beyond the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and access to the COVID-19 vaccine has become more widespread, the time has arrived for the good of all the faithful when the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is no longer necessary," the bishops from the Catholic Conference of Ohio said in a statement dated May 13.

"Together, the Bishops of Ohio have decided that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Saturday/Vigil Mass) is to be reinstated (CIC, can. 1247). This will take effect in each of the Dioceses of Ohio the weekend of June 5-6, 2021," they announced.

The letter, spearheaded by Archbishop Denniss Schnurr, reminded Catholics from Ohio that attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is an obligation not out of God's need "to be worshipped" but for their own "spiritual well-being, eternal salvation," and in the formation of one's relationship with God and others.

"The Eucharist is the greatest gift Christ left to the Church-the gift of Himself. There is no substitute for Mass celebrated in person," the bishops stressed.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have not released a statement for the lifting of the dispensation across the country. The USCCB is composed of 194 archdioceses and dioceses that are divided into 15 regions, which include the Eastern Catholic Church, an Archdiocese for the Military Services, and a Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.
Weather Alert

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT TODAY THROUGH THIS EVENING... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * Portions of northeast North Carolina and Virginia, including the following areas, in northeast North Carolina, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Eastern Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans and Western Currituck. In Virginia, Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesapeake, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights), Eastern Henrico, Greensville, Hampton/Poquoson, Isle of Wight, James City, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Southampton, Suffolk, Surry, Sussex, Virginia Beach, Western Chesterfield, Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond) and York. * From Noon EDT today through this evening. * Additional heavy rainfall is possible this afternoon into this evening as a frontal boundary becomes nearly stationary across the region. Up to 2 to 4 inches of rainfall may fall in a short period of time in the heavier thunderstorms, leading to the potential for flash flooding. * Low lying areas near creeks, streams, and rivers and locations with poor drainage could become inundated with floodwater and inaccessible. Flooding of roadways and road closures are also possible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. &&
Kelly Fitzpatrick is the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.
COVID-19 limitations on churches and houses of worship in California have been formally halted by a California district court.

The permanent injunction states:

"It is hereby ORDERED that Defendant, Gavin Newsom, in his official capacity as Governor of the State of California, all State officers, agents, employees, and all other persons in active concert or participation with him, are hereby permanently enjoined state-wide from issuing or enforcing regulations issued in connection with the COVID-19 State of Emergency declared on March 4, 2020."

According to Newsmax, Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena and Harvest International Ministry are also involved in the litigation. It happened after the state banned indoor religious services, as well as other indoor activities like as eating and going to the movies, in its "Tier 1" zones, which included the majority of the state, last year.

California government will also be responsible for $1.3 million in legal expenses as part of the settlement.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's prohibition on indoor church services, which included in-home Bible study groups, was contested in court by the churches.

California pastors voiced their dissatisfaction, questioning why small Bible study sessions are not permitted while all other minor events, marketplaces, and businesses are allowed.

Newsom's restriction on indoor church services was deemed unlawful by Harvest Rock Church and its members.

The congregants had asked the court to impose an injunctive relief, allowing them to gather in person without fear of state repercussions.

"While the Governor has unilaterally and significantly restricted the number of individuals permitted to 'gather' in Plaintiffs' churches, he has imposed no similar restrictions on the untold thousands of protesters who have gathered all over throughout California cities with no threat of criminal sanction, and no social distancing or restrictions whatsoever," the original complaint filed last year stated. And, the Governor explicitly encouraged such large gatherings of protesters while condemning churches for [singing] hymns in their churches."

Newsom said in July 2020 that houses of worship might resume indoor services with a restricted capacity of 25%. To assist reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets that might carry coronavirus, he issued an order forbidding singing.

He indicated that those counties suffering a spike in coronavirus infections should discontinue gathering within two weeks after allowing indoor worship to resume.

According to Pasadena Now, Newsom loosened limitations on churches last month.

A encouraging development given that the Pasadena prosecutor went so far as to threaten the church and Pastor Che Ahn with "daily criminal charges and fines to the pastor, the church, staff and parishioners, saying each criminal charge would be punishable by up to one year in prison." in September last year.

In its legal battle, Harvest Rock Church was defended by Liberty Counsel, a legal advocacy firm for religious liberty, Liberty Counsel.

Liberty Counsel noted that before filing the lawsuit, they addressed a letter to Gov. Newsom and his attorney general requesting that the discriminatory rulings against churches be rescinded and that the Constitution be followed.

But Newsom took the difficult route. Instead of shifting direction after each Supreme Court win, he stubbornly refused to heed the appeal.

LC filed substantial filings in the trial court, argued twice, additional volumes in the Court of Appeals, argued twice, three emergency moves and three emergency petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court.

They "lost" at first, at nearly every step, but prevailed at the Supreme Court.

"This is a momentous day for churches in America," Pastor Che Ahn remarked in a statement. After nearly a yearlong battle defending our religious freedoms, our lawsuit has reached a permanent settlement in our favor.

"I am thrilled to see the complete reversal of the last discriminatory restrictions against churches in California, knowing this case will act as a precedent, not only in our state, but also in our nation. We are incredibly grateful to our attorney Mat Staver and to Liberty Counsel for their relentless support and fierce determination. Most of all, we give all the glory to God for moving mightily in this historic season."
KINGSTON

Deadline looms for education plans

Kingston school district deadline looms for plans to use pandemic funds

School district has until the end of June to develop plans to use pandemic federal funds
Since 1990, Patricia R. Doxsey has been a reporter for the Freeman, covering politics, crime, and government affairs.
Diane Pineiro-Zucker has been a reporter at the Daily Freeman since April 2013. Pineiro-Zucker worked as a reporter in the Freemans Rhinebeck bureau in the early 1980s, left to become executive editor at Taconic Newspapers in Dutchess County.
Paul Kirby is a reporter for the Freeman, covering Kingston politics. He has been at the Freeman since August 1996.
In this May 12, 2021 photo, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies before the Senate Appropriations committee hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Biden administration will stop using immigration detention facilities in Massachusetts and Georgia that are the subject of abuse allegations. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday announced that federal authorities will no longer use the jail facilities in Bristol County, Massachusetts and the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia.
Ashland, KY (41101)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. High around 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early with fog developing overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
The American Worldview Inventory 2021, the most recent research from Arizona Christian University (ACU), demonstrates that significant spiritual views differ significantly throughout contemporary generations.

The American Worldview Inventory 2021, a study of American adults' philosophy of life, evaluated the worldviews of four generations: millennials (born 1984-2002), Gen X (1965-1983), baby boomers (1946-1964), and builders (born 1946-1964). (1927-1945).

Per Christian Post's report, researchers found that millennials have gone farther than previous generations in severing links with conventional Christian beliefs and biblical teaching.

For example, over half of all baby boomers say that they will go to Heaven exclusively because they confessed their sins and accepted Jesus as their Savior, whereas only 26% of Gen X and 16% of millennials believe this.

Builders think that they should treat people the way they want to be treated, whereas just around half of millennials agree.

In addition, millennials are more likely than boomers to say they do not know, do not care, or do not think God exists, with 43 percent saying so. In addition, 44 percent of millennials think Satan is real and influential, compared to 64 percent of boomers.

Younger Americans are also substantially more inclined than earlier generations to believe horoscopes as a guide and Karma as a life philosophy, to consider "getting even" with others as justifiable, to believe evolution over creation, and to consider owning property as supporting economic inequality.

Younger Americans are significantly more prone than older Americans to doubt the Bible and feel God is completely disinterested in people's lives.

Surprisingly, the majority of Americans, ranging from 57% of millennials to 83 % of builders identify as Christians. (It's worth noting that many who call themselves "Christians" do not necessarily believe what the Bible says. These people, according to a previous poll, believe in "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism," or simply "watered-down, feel-good, fake Christianity.")

Researchers feel that the views and practices of younger Americans, particularly millennials, "threaten to reshape the nation's religious parameters beyond recognition."

They added, "In fact, this radical spiritual revolution has created a generation seeking a reimagined world without God, the Bible, or churches."

According to the report, Gen X and millennials have "solidified dramatic changes in the nation's central beliefs and lifestyles," adding, "The result is a culture in which core institutions, including churches, and basic ways of life are continually being radically redefined."

The American World Inventory backs up a previous Barna poll that indicated that two-thirds of teenagers and young adults (65 %) believed that "many religions can lead to eternal life," up to 58 % in 2018.

Furthermore, compared to only 25% in 2018, 31% of teenagers and young adults "strongly agree" that what is "morally right and wrong changes over time based on society."

Gallup recently revealed that one in every six Gen Z adults identifies as LGBT, the greatest rate of any generation in history, and that figure is expected to rise.

Despite the issues confronting today's youth, Jacob Bland, the new president and CEO of Youth for Christ, told The Christian Post that he is optimistic about the future.

"Teens today are facing crises like never before, but it's often in the darkness that light shines the brightest," he remarked. "To enter into a disciple-making relationship where you're introducing a kid to an unconditional love that maybe they've never even considered, showing them the goodness and love modeled in Jesus - there's a lot of hope in that."

"Jesus has a way of being new and fresh for the circumstances of today, and He is certainly doing that," Bland concluded.

Furthermore, the research suggests that there is one generation in particular that the church should focus its missionary efforts on.

As mentioned in CBN News report in January, evangelist and Pulse ministry founder Nick Hall believes it all boils down to equipping more Christians to share the promise of Christ with a new generation. Pulse was able to reach more than 100 million people with the gospel last year, even while the COVID-19 epidemic raged over the globe.

Young folks are seekers, says Hall to CBN's The Prayer Link.

He stated, "What I am hearing from young believers is really a desire to come together around the need to share Jesus, to share the Gospel. There's all sorts of opinions about all sorts of things, all sorts of ideas and yet there is one thing that changes everything, and so I am seeing people praying, fasting, and really believing that man, no matter what happens, we know that God is in control and we need to trust Him now more than ever."
Madison, SD (57042)

Today

Windy early...isolated thunderstorms this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. High 81F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 56F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.
@ChescoCourtNews on Twitter

Michael P. Rellahan has been a staff reporter and editor at the Daily Local News since 1982. He has covered all kinds of news over the years but is now assigned to report on court and legal news, as well as Chester County government news and politics.
Enter the Fat Controller! No, dont panic, John Prescotts not making a comeback.

Im referring to Grant Shapps, tombstone-toothed Transport Secretary and self-appointed chef de mission of our creaking rail system.

Mr Shapps came to the Commons yesterday to announce the Governments major overhaul of track and trains.

A White Paper has set out plans to place the entire network under the control of a new public body, Great British Railways. Isnt that a Michael Portillo programme?

Apologies, the Fat Controller jibe was a bit unfair.

Unlike the roly-poly Thomas the Tank Engine character, Von Schnapps  as colleagues call him  is no porker.

Pictured is Grant Shapps, tombstone-toothed Transport Secretary and self-appointed chef de mission of our creaking rail system

He bounces around the despatch box, practically doing a little pas de chat between sentences.

Nor is he inflated with pomposity. In fact hes a polite fellow.

Cool under pressure too. The mercury rarely goes above 37.5 degrees when hes on his feet.

More importantly, he seems blessed with that quality all too rare in ministers: competence. Which is more than we could say about his bungling predecessor Chris Grayling.

Mr Shapps promised the House a rail revolution. Thered be comfier trains, better service, flexible season tickets.

GBR would be a single, simplified organisation that could cut through the completely bonkers blame game which currently occurs between operators.

We heard how Network Rail currently has 400 attribution officers who do nothing but adjudicate on the causes of train delays.

I think I also heard a pledge to improve on-board catering. Remember those sandwiches British Rail used to serve? They still give me nightmares.

Answering for the opposition was Oldham Wests Jim McMahon, a tightly bearded creature who has a habit of speaking through gritted teeth. He was a bit nervy.

Mr Shapps took pity on him, acknowledging he hadnt much time to sift through the 114-page document.

What puzzled Shapps though was why his opponent had released critical comments to the media on Wednesday  before the White Paper had even been published.

North of the border, Gavin Newlands (SNP, Paisley) described the proposals as a missed opportunity.

This is a classic holding position opposition MPs take when theyre still working out a response. Claiming reforms dont go far enough is another.

Unlike the roly-poly Thomas the Tank Engine character, Von Schnapps  as colleagues call him  is no porker

Newlands complained the Scottish government hadnt been properly consulted over the shake-up.

On the contrary, Shapps informed him, theyd been consulted rather a lot.

Its just they obviously hadnt bothered to keep Gav in the loop.

Former business minister Greg Clark urged Shapps to install contactless payment systems all around the country. That would be very welcome.

Ive lost count of the paper tickets Ive dropped down the years.

Yvette Cooper (Lab, Pontefract) asked for more direct trains to London from her constituency. More like pleaded.

Yvette could badly use a juicy bone to toss the good folk of Pontefract. Her majority is awfully skinny.

Some Labour MPs such as Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) took the default loony-Left position and claimed the reforms were just a ruse to cut jobs.

Others, such as Derek Twigg (Halton), were broadly welcoming. There were even supportive noises from Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish), whos no friend of the Government.

Incidentally, Mr Gwynne, dialling in from home, had placed a cartoon picture of Manchesters on-manoeuvres mayor, Andy Burnham, in a prominent position behind him. Read into that what you will.

The final question came from Chris Loder (Con, West Dorset).

From the way he spoke, you could tell broad-chested Mr Loder was a man who knew his rapid-transit trains from his long-distance locomotives.

For a moment I wondered if he was one of those anoraked enthusiasts who spend their Saturday mornings outside the local station with Thermos flasks and egg sandwiches, spying on the arrivals and departures through binoculars.

Turns out he was once a big wheel at South Western Railway. A proper Fat Controller, in other words.
Of all the damning conclusions reached in the wake of the publication of the report of the Dyson Investigation, none can be so devastating as that reached by Dianas brother Charles Spencer.

In his appearance on the BBCs Panorama special last night, he drew a straight line between the lies and deception Martin Bashir told Princess Diana in the early autumn of 1995 to inveigle his way into an interview with her and her tragic death in a Paris road tunnel car crash two years later. And hes right.

I have believed that connection ever since this newspaper and its Sunday sister exposed the lengths Bashir went to deceive and con his way into her good books  and have said so publicly several times. Now that Ive read Lord Dysons report on the whole sorry saga Im more convinced than ever.

Charles Spencer concluded Bashir was a liar and/or a fantasist and had no more to do with him. Pictured, Diana, Princess of Wales, during her interview with Martin Bashir for the BBC

Much has been made of the bank statements Bashir forged to make out those close to her and her family were selling her secrets to the Press. But these fakes were to sucker her brother into facilitating a meeting for Bashir with Diana. Of course, it worked.

Within weeks of Bashir presenting Charles Spencer with the forgeries, the three of them were together in a flat in London.

But far more important to Diana than any bank statements were what Bashir told her at that first meeting. As recorded in her brothers contemporaneous notes of the encounter, Bashir said that her car was being constantly tracked, her phones tapped and senior figures in the royal court were determined to do her down. Even her bodyguards were plotting against her.

Charles Spencer concluded Bashir was a liar and/or a fantasist and had no more to do with him.

But Diana was taken in. Bashir had played on her growing paranoia that somehow the British Establishment was out to get her, at worst plotting her death and at best arranging enforced exile in America. And here was a reporter from the BBCs flagship Panorama programme telling her it was all true.

She concluded that to survive she had no alternative but to cut off as much contact with the royal apparatus as she could, including the security and protection it offered senior royals.

Now spool on to 1997  her explosive interview with Bashir for the BBC fading somewhat from memory, divorced from Prince Charles, her HRH royal title taken from her. Diana, in public at least, cut a somewhat forlorn, lonely figure. Cue Dodi Fayed, son of the fabulously wealthy owner of Harrods, Mohamed Al-Fayed.

Dodi was a charming, polite if somewhat vacuous young man who didnt do very much and lived in his fathers shadow. But his family could provide all the trappings and riches of royalty  private jets, massive yachts, huge houses, the worlds best hotel suites  and, very important, expensive security.

On the face of it, the security was particularly impressive. I saw a fair bit of Mohamed in the mid-1990s. He once told me he had more than 40 bodyguards working in shifts 24/7. When we travelled the short trip from his flat on Park Lane to Harrods, we sat in a reinforced Mercedes while security details in Range Rovers accompanied us front and back.

When Diana began an affair with Dodi in the summer of 1997, this all became hers to use. The Al-Fayed security cocoon must have seemed at least as good as anything the British state could offer. But it wasnt.

On that fateful August night in 1997 in Mohameds Paris Ritz Hotel, the paparazzi and public milling around outside, Dodi said they could sneak out the back door and dash to the privacy of his apartment. But the security detail was not keen. They insisted on consulting his father, their real boss.

Tragic result: The wreckage of Princess Dianas car is recovered from the Paris tunnel after the fatal crash on August 31, 1997

Mohamed told me only a few days after that terrible car crash that he had initially sided with his security.

But Dodi talked him into allowing them to make a break for it. With tears in his eyes, he told me it was his worst decision ever, one he would regret for the rest of his life.

The world knows the fatal, terrible consequences that followed. But if Diana had still been under the protection of official British security, her death would most likely never have happened.

Her close-protection officers would either have refused to sanction the Dodi dash (they would have had the authority to do that). Or they would have reluctantly agreed  but with a proper driver who was not dangerously intoxicated. Either way, Diana would have lived.

And thats what I mean by the straight line between Bashirs deception and Dianas death. It is possible she might have spurned her security even without Bashirs lies as she became ever more distant from the Royal Family. But in my view Bashirs self-serving lies are what really propelled her down that fatal road.

Theres more. The BBC had plenty of chances to set the record straight quite soon after Bashirs interview. It was always a mystery to us in the BBC current affairs department (where I worked at the time) how this relatively obscure journalist had pulled off the interview of the century.

Distinguished reporters at Panorama, only a month after the interview in December 1995, began to suspect he only landed it because of various sleights of hand and deceptions, all against BBC journalistic guidelines.

But the then editor of Panorama, the late Steve Hewlett, sent them away with a flea in their ear, saying it was none of their business. Thus was the first chance to reveal the truth about Bashir aborted.

Newspapers, including this one, began publishing investigative pieces revealing Bashirs underhand techniques. But instead of taking them seriously, the BBC dismissed them out of hand.

The official line was its not interesting and not newsworthy. Word went out that programme editors should not publicise the newspaper reports or follow them up. Another lost opportunity to establish the truth about Bashir.

Then, in the spring of 1996, there were two internal BBC inquiries into Bashir, the more important one involving Tony Hall, then head of news and current affairs who went on to become director-general. Both gave Bashir a clean bill of health.

The Hall inquiry concluded their reporter was an honest and honourable man, even though it was known Bashir had lied three times to the BBC and had no credible explanation for why he had forged the bank statements. No wonder the Dyson Report dismisses it as woefully ineffective. And yet another failure to get to the truth in time.

Of course, the institutional force inside the BBC not to reveal the murky truth was huge. The interview had been a global scoop, winning a huge domestic audience, shown on every major network across the world and showered with awards. There was no incentive inside the BBC to rubbish one of its greatest journalistic coups.

But the cost of this cover up has been incalculable. If, as could easily have happened, it had been revealed within months of the interview that everything Bashir had told Diana was nothing but lies, fake news and forgery, then she might have realised the Establishment was not out to get her and that there was no need to cut herself off entirely from it.

But such a revelation never came in time. The BBC stood by its story and reporter for more than two decades, repelling and dismissing any who dared to challenge. It scaled the moral high ground during the great Fleet Street phone hacking scandal. All the while drawing a veil over its own cesspit. While the people lost their Princess.
California preacher Mario Murillo explains why being both "woke" and "Christian" at the same time is contradictory.

"Wokeness," according to Murillo, starts with cliches about race, justice, and equality. In addition, he described the "woke" crowd as having the habit of avoiding hard facts, equity, and a well-thought-out plan of action.

"The sure sign that you are a leftist is that you confuse feeling with thinking," the California preacher wrote on Tuesday.

He highlighted a two-step shift from ranting to incoherence, which he claims socialist Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) exemplifies perfectly.

AOC, he said, began with anti-evil tirades before becoming illogical when she equated Global Warming to World War II.

"Doesn't everyone immediately think, 'Hey, let's do to global warming what we did to the Nazis?' comments Murillo.

He went on to say that the same mental drain happens when you question the "Woke Christian." They start by depicting the Left more as Jesus' incarnate message because they "care for the poor and fight for justice for the disenfranchised."

"Ask them this: 'Do you believe the Bible is the complete and inerrant Word of God?' Watch closely what happens next. They either do not know what the Bible says, or they do know, but do not believe it to be God-breathed," argued Murillo.

If they face the subject of the Bible's supernatural authorship, Murillo believes that Woke Christians would reply by deflecting. They do this by citing passages from the Bible that have been taken out of context.

As for those suggesting that one can be a Christian but not believe the Bible, Murillo calls it "madness" since it takes the primary authority away from God and His message and places it in the hands of subjective, human emotion.

Murillo contends that the transgender movement is based on the credo, "I self-identify." He then cited Jeremiah 17:9 as an answer to this deception:

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it? (NKJV)

He then listed the ways in which "wokeness" contradicts the Bible on issues such as marital definition, abortion, racism, Christ as the only path to God, and putting family first:

"Biblical marriage can only be between a man and a woman, because the Bible recognizes only male and female genders (Genesis 5:2)."

"The Bible states that human life begins in the womb, thus making abortion murder (Luke 1:15)."

"The Bible's definition of love makes it racism to hate, censor, or refuse education, or employment to anyone because of their color, and that includes white people (Galatians 3:28)."

"The Bible says Christ is the only way to salvation, so you cannot mix Christ and Islam (John 14:6)."

"The Bible says that if you do not take care of your own family first, you are worse than an infidel and have denied the faith. Open borders does not help those coming to this country illegally. On the contrary, it has sent children into sexual slavery."

On this issue, the preacher said that the opening of borders has the following effect on families: it allows illegal criminals to wander the neighborhoods, perhaps infecting many with a new strain of COVID. This action, Murillo says, "is not only irresponsible-but according to the Bible-a sin against your own family (1 Timothy 5:8)."

"The Bible instructs us to meet together and to resist government lockdowns based on our faith (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 4:19)."

Quoting 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 about Christians not being unequally yoked with unbelievers, the pastor went on to say that the "Woke Christian" is supporting anti-Bible policies and is siding with those who despise the Bible and are at odds with the Church.
Lockdown has been a time of great reflection, says Naomi Campbell, which until five minutes ago I would have interpreted as I looked in mirrors a lot.

But no. Lockdown has been so much more for Naomi, who has become a first-time mother at the age of 50.

A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother, she blathered on Instagram. So honoured to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you, my angel. There is no greater love.

In 2017 the supermodel told a magazine: I think about having children all the time. But now with the way science is I think I can do it when I want

There was a picture of the babys feet instead of the babys face, which is what celebrities do to prove that their babies are celebrities, too. Presumably to avoid them being recognised in the Num Nums queue down at the Happy Nappy Night Club.

All babies look the same so it seems like a complete waste of time, not to mention a howling affectation, but I digress.

Some have criticised Naomi for having a designer baby at this late stage in her fabulous life, for finally ordering up a child to complement the handbag and the shoes and the velvet rope of exclusivity that has encircled her fashion existence.

But is that fair? We certainly should not be surprised. In 2017 the supermodel told a magazine: I think about having children all the time. But now with the way science is I think I can do it when I want.

If you were down on Naomi you might have interpreted that as when I want to or when I am bored. But I am not down on Naomi, I am down with Naomi. Because what I am thinking now is, yes girlfriend, why the hell not?

Youth or riches, husband or single, age or poverty, gay or straight  in the end what does it matter? The old rules about parenthood are now just Pooh sticks on the tide of time. What bearing does any of it really have on the ultimate goal  which is surely to raise a child to become a healthy, happy, well-adjusted adult; someone who will contribute to society and be a boon and not a blight on this planet?

There are no guarantees for parents and no gilt-edged assurances for children that life or any of its attending mischiefs will turn out for the best. So you might as well just go for it, babyhood or bust.

I didnt always feel this way. In the past, my belief was that elective single motherhood was not only selfish but also potentially damaging, involving the wilful denial of a father or father figure in that childs life.

Late onset elective single motherhood, such as Naomis might be, was even worse. Not only no father, but how long was Mum going to hang around to look after ickle wickle baby? In 2017, at the terrifying age of 64 and after retiring as a director of the Serpentine Gallery in London, Julia Peyton-Jones went to California and came back with a baby daughter, Pia, origins unknown. Back then, I was appalled at her determination to have a baby no matter what, to mother a child who seems destined, at the very least, to lose that mother at a young age.

Picture posted on Instagram, with Naomumi writing: 'A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother, So honoured to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you my angel. There is no greater love'

Naomi has talked before of the importance of a father figure in a childs life and there are suggestions that she and this babys father are in a relationship. If so, wonderful.

If not, so what? At the very least Julia and Naomi and other rich, older women like them will surely provide a no-expenses-spared launch pad; a gateway to a wonderful existence for the luckiest of children. There are many, many worse starts in life.

In the past decade more than 17,000 newborn babies have been taken into care in England alone.

Meanwhile, one in every 85 children born in Scotland is taken into care at some point during their first year with most of these figures driven by poverty or family collapse. The advent of IVF and the increasing popularity of surrogacy means that these luckless children are less likely to be adopted or fostered, but that is another argument for another day. For we all know, that compassion in action is quite the thing with wealthy, self-styled philanthropists, but only if it fits in with their luxury lifestyles and their needs first.

Yet science has provided previously unthinkable opportunities for wealthy post-menopausal women and single-sex couples to become genetic parents. Why deny them such happiness, or try to halt the march of progress?

You might still cavil about the selfishness in some cases and you might even have a point, but at least such children are to be the product of foresight and planning, of yearning and love. These parents have overcome barriers with energy and application to start a family of their own; their children are wanted and desired. Already, this makes them blessed.

Yes, the ideal might still be the mothership and the fathership anchored in the dock of your bay, but the world is an increasingly fragmented place, and even when its right it can go wrong.

Look at Elisabeth Murdoch and Matthew Freud, a pair of millionaires who once upon a time got married and had a daughter, Charlotte. You might think that the omens for billionaire Rupert Murdochs granddaughter were good, but she spent much of her teenage years in a wasteland of ketamine addiction and bulimia because she felt ashamed of having one of the most privileged upbringings in the world.

Now 21 and sober for seven months, she is trying to launch herself as a pop star. When he was the same age, Douglas Stuart (now 44) had somehow survived the poverty and chaos of his Glasgow childhood, including the death of his alcoholic single mother. He managed to put himself through a textiles course at a local college.

Today he is a successful New York-based designer and also a Booker Prize winning author. His autobiographical novel, Shuggie Bain, is now being made into a television series.

All this proves nothing, except that many children will do what they want to do, regardless of circumstances, nurturing or lack thereof. Parents pour in gallons of love and kindness and respect, but do so in the knowledge that their investment might not be returned. They all deserve medals, whatever their situation.

We dont know yet what alchemy (or surrogacy) was involved in the creation of the new Naomumi and her beautiful little blessing, but here she is, a parent at the very last gasp. Anyone brave enough to plan it, to orchestrate it, to go it alone, to know all the pitfalls but do it anyway has my belated respect. And support.

Angela Rayner prides herself on Tory bashing. But you cant exist in Opposition by simply being opposed to something

Angela Rayner. Her again! Like a workaholic genie, Ange is forever burnishing her own lamp. She likes to boast that: Everyone knows I am a robust talker and everyone acknowledges my talents are taking it to the Tories and being me.

Do they really? She certainly took it to the Tories in the House of Commons this week. Only to have Penny Mordaunt hand it back to her on a plate, minced. Rayners wild claims of Covid cronyism during the pandemic turned to dust when Mordaunt pointed out that the Tameside MP had taken more in political donations that all the Tory MPs she had accused of sleaze put together.

She should thank her lucky stars that we dont play the same games that she does, sighed the redoubtable MP for Portsmouth North.

Angela Rayner prides herself on Tory bashing. But you cant exist in Opposition by simply being opposed to something. You have to offer an alternative. Or even the hope of one.

Oh honey, bees are giving Angie a buzz

Ange didnt wash for three days and had all visible orifices plugged so that nothing crawled into them

What is darling Angelina Jolie up to these days? Ah, I see. Ange is campaigning for World Bee Day by climbing into a giant lampshade and letting a swarm roam all over her porcelain body in the name of art, in the name of feminist bees  and in the name of God, what does she look like?

Angelina has been designatefd the godmother of Women for Bees, a programme launched by Unesco to train and support female beekeeper-entrepreneurs around the world.

It was so funny to be in hair and make-up and wiping yourself with pheromone, the Maleficent actress said. Ill bet!

Ange didnt wash for three days and had all visible orifices plugged so that nothing crawled into them.

I remember something similar happening on a Bananarama photoshoot way back in the 1980s.

It is all for a good cause, but do you know what I think? That somewhere in a Montecito hive, a queen bee of our acquaintance is buzzing mad that she did not get this honey of a gig.

Never mind the actors, it's Friends that has aged the most

Jen remains amazing, Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe) has barely aged a day and Courteney Cox (Monica) is still a fox. Time has taken a heavier toll on the men, particularly Matthew Perry (Chandler), whose troubles with drug dependency have clearly left their mark

Are we quite ready for the Friends television reunion? Those on the sensible side of any divide are fundamentally reunion averse.

For a start, why revisit the sins of the past when you can plough on and make fresh ones?

Yet despite all misgivings the original cast are reuniting for the first time since the show ended 17 years ago.

It had all begun ten years earlier in 1994, the same year the Channel Tunnel opened and Jeff Bezos started a little company called Amazon. What a mind bend of a time warp. When Friends was first screened, I was almost a contemporary of Jennifer Aniston (Rachel). Now I could be her mother, or perhaps even her cleaning lady, tutting at all those expensive, museum quality artworks to dust.

Speaking of museums, it is remarkable how age has not withered the Friends women. Jen remains amazing, Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe) has barely aged a day and Courteney Cox (Monica) is still a fox. Time has taken a heavier toll on the men, particularly Matthew Perry (Chandler), whose troubles with drug dependency have clearly left their mark.

However, it is the show itself which has aged the most. With an all-white cast, running gags about Monicas weight, general merriment about personal trauma and repeated trivialisation of mental health issues, it would never get made today. Never!

All the cast went on to have successful independent careers, with Aniston at one point being the highest paid actress in Hollywood. In real life, happiness has been more elusive.

Of the original sextet, only Lisa Kudrow remains happily married. Aniston divorced twice, Cox divorced once, as did David Schwimmer (Ross) and Matt LeBlanc (Joey). Perry never married, but recently became engaged to a literary manager.

But at least the Friends are still friends, which counts for a lot.

One thing. In a 2010 television interview with ghoulish Oprah Winfrey, Naomi Campbell wept when she said she felt abandoned by her mother, who worked as a dancer when she was a child.

Subsequently her mother Valerie Morris-Campbell apologised to her daughter, saying: I just wanted to give her the best life. I wanted the best for her as she is my princess. I do feel that I abandoned her.

Eh? The person who really did abandon Naomi was the father she never met, the man who scarpered when Valerie was four months pregnant. The poor woman had little choice except to go out and work to put food on the table. Why cant Naomi see that?
Three cheers for Oriel College, which after years of dither and delay, has finally come to the only possible decision about its little statue of Cecil Rhodes.

Nobody thinks Rhodes was a saint. Entrepreneurs and empire-builders rarely are. But as prime minister of the Cape Colony, founder of the De Beers diamond empire and the father of Rhodesia, he was a titanic figure in British and African history.

A vicars son from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, Rhodes became one of the richest men in the world, set up Oxfords Rhodes Scholarships and paid for Oriel Colleges grand Rhodes Building which stands on Oxfords High Street.

Protesters demand the statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes be removed from Oriel College, Oxford

And there, if you flatten yourself against the far wall and look very hard, you might spot the surprisingly small figure of Rhodes himself  the statue at the centre of this ridiculous fuss.

For Oriels governing body, the whole business has been a nightmare. After being harangued for months by mobs of Left- wing activists, the college launched a consultation about the statues future  which many people saw as the first step to bringing it down.

To anybody who has followed similar cases in the last few years, the pattern was very familiar. First, a handful of students, activists and celebrities would sob and scream. Then, provided they had screamed long and loudly enough, the authorities would limply give in, choosing to appease the mob rather than to stand up for their own institutions.

But in Oriels case, the college authorities had reckoned without their alumni  the real heroes of the story. Almost overnight, charitable donations collapsed as outraged ex-Oriel students cancelled bequests or disinherited the college from their wills.

Its hard to believe many of the alumni are active Cecil Rhodes fans. But they clearly believed a great Oxford college, with a history dating back to 1326, should have the guts to stand up for itself instead of weakly appeasing a mob of smug, strident, self-righteous brats.

So now, at last, the college has seen sense. Its independent commission has recommended new scholarships for African students, fellowships in areas related to Rhodess legacy, an annual lecture and other initiatives  which seems reasonable enough to me.

But with rare and commendable courage, Oriels Provost, the former businessman Lord Mendoza, has ruled out removing the statue, blaming the regulatory and financial challenges that an inevitable court case would bring.

Its far better, he argues, to focus on improving life for todays students, especially in Africa, than to spend any more time squabbling about a statue of a man who died in 1902.

So Rhodes wont fall, after all. And quite right, too.

For far too long, university leaders have grovelled before tiny mobs of self-appointed woke activists, who are often far more interested in showing off to their peers than in the past, present and future of the institutions they attack.

Its hard to believe many of the alumni are active Cecil Rhodes fans. But they clearly believed a great Oxford college, with a history dating back to 1326, should have the guts to stand up for itself

Only a fanatic believes that the way to build a better society lies in tearing down statues. Only an idiot thinks todays youngsters have a monopoly on moral purity. And nobody who loves history would ever be in the business of vandalising old buildings.

The irony, of course, is that if Oriel had given in to the mob, the backlash among their alumni would have been disastrous for their finances. So if Rhodes had fallen, they might have found it impossible to offer any scholarships at all.

But alls well that ends well. The statue stays. The college has found a sensible compromise. And at long last, somebody has had the courage to stand up to the cranks and extremists of the woke movement. So good for Lord Mendoza. And good for Oriel.
From the outside, it looks like any other pizza shop - but diners are blown away when they find a door that leads them to a secret bar hiding behind black curtains.

Pizza Pizza Pizza been described as one of Melbourne's 'best kept secrets' for offering a hidden cocktail bar at the back - all while serving customers takeaway slices of New York-style pizzas at the front of the joint.

Tucked behind the laneway pizza joint, patrons can wine and dine at the bar, which serves 18-inch pizzas, fancy beverages and upbeat retro classics.

Foodie Jheffy - who blogs under What's on Melbourne - shared a now-viral TikTok video about his experience after discovering the secret bar.

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Pizza Pizza Pizza (pictured) been described as one of Melbourne's 'best kept secrets'

Tucked behind the laneway pizza joint, patrons can wine and dine at the fancy cocktail bar, which serves retro classics, 18-inch pizzas and fancy beverages

'This is not just a pizza shop... If you're in Melbourne, you have to visit Pizza Pizza Pizza because behind these black curtains is a hidden bar,' Jheffy said.

'The vibe inside is so chill, they play some funky music and they have amazing cocktails. Go, you have to go.'

His video has since been viewed more than 220,000 times, with many Melbourne diners revealing they had no idea their favourite pizza joint featured a secret bar.

'I literally eat takeaway pizza by the slice here so many times before I knew there was a hidden part. And I'd do it again - great pizzas,' one wrote.

Another said: 'Wait, I eat here all the time but had no idea there was a bar until I watched this video,' while one woman added: 'Same, awesome pizza but yes, I had no idea about the bar.

One woman agreed, saying: 'I was there the other day just for pizza, didn't even know there was a bar there,' while another added: 'Wtf I have been there so many times for pizzas and I never knew there was a bar.'

Diners are blown away when they find a door that leads them to a secret bar behind curtains

Tucked behind the laneway pizza joint, patrons can wine and dine at the bar, which serves 18-inch pizzas, fancy beverages and upbeat retro classics

Pizza Pizza Pizza offers a hidden cocktail bar at the back - all while serving customers takeaway slices of New York-style pizzas at the front of the joint

The takeaway pizza joint sells slices of New York-style pizzas - while customers can get 18-inch pizzas at the secret cocktail bar that's hiding at the back of the store

The pizza shop and secret bar has received near-perfect reviews on Google, with many describing it as one of the most 'coolest' places to visit.

'Never Judge a book by its cover. This place has something secret and magical to it I just don't know what it is. The pizzas are massive and amazing,' one diner wrote.

Another said: 'It's one of those "if you know you know" kind of places and it makes it very special. It can be tricky to get a seat in busy times, but if you can wait, it's absolutely worth it. Amazing pizzas and well priced for the sizes. Such a gem.'

A pizza connoisseur wrote: 'Elite tier pizzas. I've been to New York and I'm a pizzaiolo and their cheese slice ranks very highly on my all-time list.'

Another diner said: 'A nice little unassuming bar in the back of a "pizza joint" serving great cocktails, great pizza and killer fries. A good place for friends or a date.'

And one added: 'What a find! This is a fantastic bar hidden behind a pizza takeaway place. You walk through a side door that looks like a staff entrance to find a fantastic bar with great cocktails.'
The heirs to the throne in both Denmark and the UK have revealed they received their first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine on the same day.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, 52, got the jab on Tuesday and shared a snap on the royal court's official Instagram page, to drive vaccination efforts.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge, 38, this morning revealed that he also received his first dose on the same day at the Science Museum in London.

Frederick, who is the heir to the Danish throne, and lives at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen with his wife Princess Mary, 49, and their four children, thanked health staff for their efforts.

Frederik joined the 2.7 million people in Denmark who have received the jab. Currently, 17 per cent of the country's 5.8 million population has been fully vaccinated.

A picture of the moment shared on Tuesday showed the prince donning a face covering, while a nurse pressed a needle into his arm.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, 52, got the sting and shared a snap on the royal court's official Instagram page, to drive vaccination efforts, pictured

'Today I got my first jab. Thank you to all of you who help us on our way to a normal everyday life again,' Frederik wrote in a post accompanying the picture.

In the picture, Prince Frederik, wearing an olive green t-shirt, looked straight into the camera with confidence as his nurse administered the jab.

While 2.7 million doses have been administered in total, 1.04 million have been fully vaccinated.

On Tuesday, Prince William, 38, received his first dose of the coronavirus in London, pictured, as more royals move to get the jabs

The Scandinavian country averages 918 new coronavirus cases per day, and in total, it was estimated there were currently 13,066 active cases around Denmark yesterday.

There are plans in place to offer a vaccination passport to its citizens who have been fully vaccinated for socialising.

On May 6, indoor gyms were allowed to reopen on the condition that attendees had a 'coronapas.'

The Danish royal, pictured in 2019 in Paris with his wife Princess Mary, 49, thanked healthcare staff for their hard work

While crucial to make sure no positive case goes undetected in the early stages of the Scandinavian nation reopening, the passport will be phased out by late June, when the country expects to have completely gone back to normal.

Currently, about half a million Danes get tested each day, with all tests being free, and the country should reopen almost completely on Friday, according to the Financial Times.

Workplaces, the public service, universities, sport and music clubs, zoos, theme parks and sauna are all set to welcome visitors again, with only clubs remaining closed for now.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge caused a stir with a snap showing his first jab.

It was captioned: 'On Tuesday I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. To all those working on the vaccine rollout - thank you for everything youve done and continue to do.'

As William rolled up his sleeves to have the jab, many people took to social media to praise the father-of-three for setting a good example.

He was photographed being injected by NHS staff at London's Science Museum, where Health Secretary Matt Hancock was also inoculated.

The image, showing a masked William and two healthcare workers, was shared to the @KensingtonRoyal Twitter and Instagram accounts this morning.

But royal fans couldn't resist admiring his bulging biceps, with one tweeting: 'Check out those guns!'

Another remarked: 'Duke working out! Nice!' while one commented: 'Ha ha, I was just thinking hes looking pretty fit.'
Travellers are capturing colourful photos at a countryside field where sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see.

The scene is part of Glenbernie Family Farms, a sustainable veal and flower producer in Kurmond, a village of 852 just over one hour's drive west from Sydney CBD.

Many have showcased the spectacular sight in videos which have gone viral on social media, but you'd better be quick if you want to see it in person.

A post on the farm's Instagram page earlier this week revealed there's only a few weeks left before the end of the NSW sunflower season, which typically wraps around late May.

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Travellers are capturing colourful photos at a countryside field in New South Wales (pictured) where sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see

The scene is part of sustainable veal and flower producer, Glenbernie Family Farms (pictured)

Glenbernie Family Farms in Kurmond, a village of 852 just over one hour's drive west from Sydney CBD

How to keep sunflowers fresh at home * Strip off most of the leaves * Cut stems on a 45 degree angle * Feed your flowers with a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in water * Change water every second day * Keep your flowers in a cool spot away from drafts and heaters Source: Glenbernie Family Farms Advertisement

Entry is free and visitors can pick sunflowers for $2.50 a stem, along with a selection of other flowers such as dahlias, cosmos and zinnias.

Australians have been visiting the field to quench their thirst for unique experiences while the country's international borders remain closed, with any reopening beyond New Zealand's trans-Tasman and other 'safe' travel bubbles unlikely until mid-2022.

Dozens have raved about the farm online, with one woman calling it her 'new favourite place in NSW'.

'Lovely little farm. Beautiful flowers and friendly staff,' said wrote.

Another added: 'Such a good location for a photoshoot!'

Attractions like Glenbernie Farm are welcoming record numbers of visitors as Australians continue to seek out domestic distraction until overseas travel resumes.

Across the country in WA, tourists are floating on the surface of a 'secret' swimming pool in the Outback, which many have hailed the 'best experience' of their lives.

Entry is free and visitors can pick sunflowers for $2.50 a stem

Many have showcased the spectacular sight (pictured) in videos which have gone viral on social media, but you'd better be quick if you want to see it in person

Australians have been visiting the field (pictured) to quench their thirst for unique experiences while the country's international borders remain closed

The pool is a man-made gypsum pond built at Wave Rock, a towering granite cliff over 2,700 million years in the making that stands 15 metres high in Hyden, four hours' drive east of Perth, WA.

Created by local hero Denis Collins, the free-of-charge pool is six metres deep but thanks to its high salt content, swimmers feel totally weightless and never sink.

It is said to have therapeutic properties greater than the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth where humans can float thanks to the high concentration of dissolved mineral salts.

At its surface, the Dead Sea, which borders Jordan to the east and Israel to the west, is five to nine times more saline than seawater.

The deeper you go, the saltier it becomes.

Australians who have floated on the surface of this 'secret' swimming pool in the desert are calling it the 'best experience' of their lives

The free-of-charge pool (pictured) is six metres deep but thanks to its high salt content, swimmers feel totally weightless and never sink

The Australia pool (pictured) is said to have therapeutic properties greater than Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth where humans can float thanks to the high concentration of dissolved mineral salts

Visitors enthralled by the experience at Wave Rock have raved about it on Instagram, with one woman describing it as 'the most insane feeling'.

'You are so buoyant here, there is no need to tread water or swim and instead you can just roll around and relax on the surface completely weightless!' she wrote.

'It's free to visit and is the most insane feeling!'

A second who is travelling the coast of Australia called it the 'best experience' on her trip so far.

'Swimming in this salt spa is the coolest thing weve done! We felt like astronauts as we rolled around on top of the water,' she added.

A man who visited in December urged others to go 'sooner rather than later' before it becomes a mainstream attraction.
A mum has sparked a debate on social media after sharing an image of the packed lunchbox she prepares for her three-year-old before he heads to daycare.

The lunchbox was full of healthy food and snacks, but some questioned whether there was too much for a toddler to eat.

Katie, from Queensland, Australia, said her son is at daycare from 7:30am to 5:30pm so she makes sure he has enough to eat during the day.

The lunchbox was full of healthy food and snacks, but some questioned whether there was too much for a toddler to eat (pictured)

Poll Do you think the mum packed too much food? Yes No Do you think the mum packed too much food? Yes 1070 votes

No 1183 votes Now share your opinion





The photo shared to a parenting Facebook group shows exactly what Katie packed for her son to enjoy.

She prepared a cream cheese, spinach and boiled egg wrap, crackers with cheese, sliced apples, strawberries, yoghurt, corn, peas and carrot.

'I use pink lady apples - which I find don't discolour as long as they are sealed in an air-tight container,' she wrote.

'Next to the crackers in the front are salmon and potato patties.'

In a separate container she packed popcorn and a chocolate treat.

LUNCHBOX TIPS: It is important to keep offering healthy lunch box choices in a variety of ways, as children learn to eat what is familiar to them Foods to pack in lunchboxes: Fresh fruit

Crunchy vegetables

A meat or protein food such as slices of lean meat or hardboiled egg

Dairy food such as a cheese stick or slice, grated cheese, milk or yoghurt

Starchy food such as bread, a roll, pita or flat bread, fruit bread or crackers

Water Source: Better Health Advertisement

While many parents online agreed the lunch is healthy, some asked whether she prepared too much food.

Others said they 'wished' their children would eat that much food every day.

'Wow that's a lot, your child won't starve!' one mum wrote.

'It would take me an hour to eat that much. My kid takes a sandwich and doesn't eat it all,' another said.

A third added: 'Looks great! Lunchbox envy at daycare I'm sure.'

Katie said he son 'eats and eats' then grazes on food for the next few days, then returns to 'eating like there's no tomorrow'.
Australians are being treated to an incredible month-long pie festival in June.

The Pie Time festival takes foodies on a trip through the Southern Highlands which is two hours south of Sydney and has been aptly nicknamed the Southern Pie-Lands for the festival.

Participants are invited to follow the pie trail on their own, tasting the best pies each restaurant, cafe or bakery has to offer.

Pastry lovers are being treated to a month-long pie festival near Sydney in June - pictured here are pies from Gumnut Patisserie, one of the bakeries participating

There are 40 pie shops participating in the event which is being held throughout the Southern Highlands

Sweet pies will also be on offer like this 'hero' dish from the Whey Cafe

Or they can take part in one of the special activities on offer at select venues.

This includes a 'pies and pinot' tasting, where the pastries are paired with a popular local wine.

There are also pie-cycle tours where riders follow a shorter route through the 'pie-lands' tasting a selection of the pastry-covered offerings.

There will also be pie-based high teas, nicknamed pie-teas, and a sweety-pie and bubbles offering where dessert pies are paired with sparkling wines.

Other pie events throughout the month include a 'Feast of the Beast' which is described as 'an epic forest feast that embraces pies and pinots'.

Some of the bakeries on the pie trail will also be showing off their 'hero pies' for the whole month - to celebrate the festival.

The Robertson Pie Shop is participating too - here they are making a 'bangers and mash' special

The pie festival is celebrating the popular food's perfect coupling with winter - as well as local bakers

This chicken and Camembert pie appeared to go down a treat

The famous Gumnut Patisserie has a Massaman curry beef pie available, whilst other highlights include The Robertson Pie Shop's lemon pepper chicken pie and Samuel Gee Pies and Pastries' yabby and white wine pie.

The Whey Cafe will be offering Beccas apple pie with spiced cinnamon and Wensleydale cheese for their hero choice.

The pie trail starts in Mittagong's tourist centre where a giant pie has been erected for the month-long celebration.

There are four pie shops to visit on the trail in Mittagong before the trail moves to Bowral, where there are five stores offering their baked goods.

The district has been nicknamed 'The Southern PIE-Lands' for the special event

There are 40 pie shops participating in different events throughout the festival

The Baked in Berrima pie shop are ready for visitors and excited about the festival

The trail then winds through the highlands to Moss Vale where two bakeries will be waiting with their offerings.

The trail also visits Sutton Forest and Robertson, participants are warned at this point that the two towns are in opposite directions and they may have to choose between them.

The festival runs from June one to June 30, and is an initiative by Destination Southern Highlands.
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A 1930s hydroelectricity pumphouse nestled in a remote bay of a World Heritage listed national park is being hailed as the 'ultimate escape' from everyday life by holiday-starved Aussies who are unable to travel overseas.

Pumphouse Point, which is situated on Lake St Clair, at the far southern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park just two hours drive from Hobart in Tasmania, perfectly blends old and new and rustic and luxury - with its old-fashioned, distressed exterior and cosy, luxurious interiors.

The hotel has frequently been named as one of the best and most unique in Australia, thanks to its honesty bar system where you can just grab whatever you want from the hotel's extensive selection, and the Pumphouse's incredible other-worldly setting.

A 1930s hydroelectricity pumphouse nestled in a remote bay of a World Heritage listed national park is being hailed as the 'ultimate escape' from everyday life by holiday-starved Aussies (Pumphouse Point pictured)

Pumphouse Point, which is situated on Lake St Clair, at the far southern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania, perfectly blends old and new and rustic and luxury (communal interior area pictured)

Every communal area is filled with books, roaring fireplaces and board games guests may like to play (communal area pictured)

There are just 19 rooms split across the hydroelectric Pumphouse on the water, the main Shorehouse building and one exclusive 'Retreat' on the water's edge

There are just 19 rooms split across the hydroelectric Pumphouse on the water, the main Shorehouse building and one exclusive 'Retreat' on the water's edge.

Prices start from $650 per night and are all inclusive of delicious seasonally-prepared meals, larder, e-bikes and rowboats.

The hotel is situated at the end of the gruelling Overland Track walk, which is one of Australia's most prolific hiking routes.

Highlights of a stay at Pumphouse Point include the rowboats you can take out on the lake, roaring fireplaces in every room and the three-course shared platter dinners served up by the staff.

Each night, guests gather to enjoy hearty, home-cooked and chef-prepared meals accompanied by local Tasmanian wines in front of a giant fireplace.

Saturday nights are particularly special, where local meats are seared over flames on two enormous grills, before being served with antipasti, chargrilled vegetables, indulgent puddings and mulled wine.

There are also tiny libraries scattered throughout the communal areas, as well as an array of board games, luxurious bathrooms and cosy bedrooms.

The hotel is situated at the very end of the gruelling Overland Track walk, which is one of Australia's most prolific hiking routes (the surrounding national park pictured)

Many of the bedrooms in the original Pumphouse are situated right on the water's edge (pictured)

Highlights of a stay at Pumphouse Point include the rowboats you can take out on the lake (pictured), roaring fireplaces in every room and the three-course shared platter dinners served up by the staff

The hotel has frequently been named as one of the best and most unique in Australia, thanks to its honesty bar system where you can just grab whatever you want from the hotel's extensive selection (honesty bar pictured)

Those who have been lucky enough to stay at Pumphouse Point have left glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, where the hotel boasts more than 600 five-star ratings.

'This is a sublime location and an absolute bucket-worthy experience,' one reviewer posted.

Another added: 'I can't recommend Pumphouse Point highly enough. This is an amazing place. The whole experience has been beautifully designed to fit in with its surroundings.'

Pumphouse Point has been named one of the top 50 hotels in Australia in Gourmet Traveller's Australian Guide, as well as the Best of State Award for Commercial Design at the Australian Interior Design Awards.

Those who have been lucky enough to stay at Pumphouse Point have left glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, where the hotel boasts more than 600 five-star ratings (communal area pictured)

The hotel is situated at the very end of the gruelling Overland Track walk, which is one of Australia's most prolific hiking routes, and there are large bathtubs for weary hikers (pictured)

The origins of Pumphouse Point began in the 1930s, when Tasmania's Hydro Electricity Scheme set out to build a five-storey pumphouse, 900 feet on Lake St Clair, to house water turbines for their hydropower system (the Pumphouse pictured)

It wasn't until 2004 when developer Simon Currant was successful in securing the lease and began his journey towards bringing Pumphouse Point back to life, and today much of the buildings remain the same from the outside (pictured)

The origins of Pumphouse Point began in the 1930s, when Tasmania's Hydro Electricity Scheme set out to build a five-storey pumphouse, 900 feet out onto Lake St Clair, to house enormous water turbines for their hydropower system.

The state-of-the-art facility was designed to pump water from Lake St Clair into the nearby St Clair Lagoon, where it was to be stored and fed to the nearby Tarraleah Power Station as required.

However, when the need to use this facility failed to arise, the site was eventually de-commissioned in the 1990s, before it was recognised for its significant industrial heritage and placed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

It wasn't until 2004 when developer Simon Currant was successful in securing the lease and began his journey towards bringing Pumphouse Point back to life.

After a decade of hard work, Pumphouse Point opened its doors on January 1 2015 as a hotel.

To this day, the buildings still stand in all their weathered glory as they have for over 70 years.

For more information about Pumphouse Point, please visit the website here. You can also follow the hotel on Instagram here.
Royal fans were left swooning over Prince William's 'guns' this morning as he shared a photo of himself receiving his first Covid-19 vaccination.

The Duke of Cambridge, 38, has been waiting his turn to get the jab, though it's unknown whether he was administered a dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

He was photographed being injected by NHS staff at London's Science Museum, where Health Secretary Matt Hancock was also inoculated.

The image, showing a masked William and two healthcare workers, was shared to the @KensingtonRoyal Twitter and Instagram accounts this morning.

Royal fans were left swooning over Prince William's 'guns' this morning as he shared a photo of himself receiving his first Covid-19 vaccination

It was captioned: 'On Tuesday I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. To all those working on the vaccine rollout - thank you for everything youve done and continue to do.'

As William rolled up his sleeves to have the jab, many people took to social media to praise the father-of-three for setting a good example.

But several couldn't resist admiring his bulging biceps, with one tweeting: 'Check out those guns!'

Another remarked: 'Duke working out! Nice!' while one commented: 'Ha ha, I was just thinking hes looking pretty fit.'

As William rolled up his sleeves to have the jab, many people took to social media to praise the father-of-three for setting a good example - and swooned over his biceps

And one tweeted: 'Gosh his gorgeous... so glad he found a beautiful, caring wife and has a gorgeous family [sic].'

Another branded Wills 'Prince Hottie' while one admitted: 'Sorry but NICE GUNS is all I see here,' followed by a kissing emoji. Meanwhile some took to sharing memes poking fun at the Duke's bulging biceps.

Personal trainer and CROCKFIT app founder Alex Crockford told FEMAIL: 'Prince William has always been incredibly active in athletics and sports, in addition to his heavily active public and service duties - that's a significant amount of cardio and fat burning for energy.

HOW TO GET BICEPS LIKE PRINCE WILLIAM Here Alex shares a work-out routine to help you achieve the Prince's guns: Time: 15 minute Equipment: Dumbbells 10-12kg weight Routine: Bicep curl - 3 rounds of x15 reps

Tricep dip (on a chair) - 3 rounds of x15 reps

Shoulder press - 3 rounds of x15 reps

Lateral raise - 3 rounds of x15 reps

Overhead tricep extension - 3 rounds of x15 reps Rest: 30 seconds between each set. Advertisement

'As someone who's constantly on the go, this has given him a lean and muscular physique. It's great to see the future King of England with his pump on - his biceps are looking strong!

'It's clear that in addition to all of the cardio from his active lifestyle, he's balancing it all out with time in the gym, I'd say two to three times a week, regularly lifting weights that generates that lean muscle growth and overall strength.'

Duncan Leighton, Head Trainer at Apex Rides (www.apexrides.com) told FEMAIL there are a few routes the prince could have taken to achieve his 'injection flex'.

'I'd imagine the Palace gym is pretty well stocked with equipment so he can target his rear delts [the muscles on the near side of your shoulders] and biceps with some underhand cable pull-downs,' he said.

'If you're not blessed with machinery at home, the same effect can be achieved with underhand pull-ups on a doorframe, starting with just three or four.

'The bicep peak will have been helped with some isolated bicep curls with a dumbbell or E-Z bar, using a wall behind to minimise any arm swing and focusing on pure elbow flexion.

'Realistically, with three young children of ever-increasing size, Prince William is going to be whacking out bicep curls every time he lifts Prince Louis, and he'll be getting some good heavy strength reps in with Prince George and Princess Charlotte too!

'Anyone who has manoeuvred a pram up a set of steps will attest to the absolute shoulder work out it provides - I'm sure Kate would agree. As a key supporter of mental health wellbeing, the royals are clearly taking time out to enjoy exercise and the benefits it provides, and long may it continue!'

The prince shared the news of his vaccine as it was revealed people aged 34 and over will be invited to book their Covid-19 jab from this morning.

More than one million people aged 34 and 35 will get a text message on Thursday or Friday asking them to come forward, NHS England said.

It added that the vaccination programme is expected to extend to people in their early thirties 'over the next few days and weeks'.

Personal trainer and CROCKFIT app founder Alex Crockford (left) told FEMAIL that Prince William's physique comes from him always been incredibly active in athletics and sports, while Duncan Leighton, head trainer at Apex Rides (right) said there are a few routes the prince could have taken to achieve his 'injection flex'

The duke is the latest member of the royal family to make public their decision to have the vaccine and he follows in the footsteps of the Queen and Prince of Wales.

The prince is left-handed and was photographed receiving his vaccine in his right arm.

In the past he has spoken out in favour of the vaccine, hailing the 'monumental' success of the major jab programme and expressing his desire to have his first dose.

It's not known whether the Duchess of Cambridge, 39, has received her vaccination yet.
A father has claimed that an NHS surgeon refused to operate on a huge facial birthmark that covers half his newborn daughter's forehead as she 'won't be bullied until secondary school'.

Daniel Brookshaw, 26, and his partner Celine Casey, 24, from York, welcomed daughter Vienna on 6th April, who was born with a large congenital melanocytic nevus.

This is a rare type of mole that sees a large build-up of benign pigment cells causing the black growth across her forehead.

The couple were referred to Leeds St James's University Hospital with their baby where they say surgeons made the dismissive comment.

A father has claimed that an NHS surgeon refused to operate on a huge facial birthmark that covers half his newborn daughter's forehead as she 'won't be bullied until secondary school'

Daniel claims they feel let down by the decision and worries little Vienna's mental wellbeing will be affected when she starts nursery as 'kids don't have a filter'.

Celine fears their daughter will one day ask 'why didn't you do something' if she faces bullies throughout childhood - and there is even an increased risk of cancer from such a large mass on the forehead, which is expected to grow further.

Daniel said: 'We only saw [the birthmark] when she was born, which was a massive shock for us, and the midwives didn't know what it was either. We were in a panic.

'They sent us to Leeds St James's University Hospital to see a paediatric surgeon there and he's basically said he would never consider operating on it until she was old enough to have her own say, i.e. a teenager.

Daniel Brookshaw, 26, and his partner Celine Casey, 24, from York, North Yorkshire, welcomed daughter Vienna on April 6, who was born with a large congenital melanocytic nevus

'We spoke to a dermatologist at the same time and he said [in] his own opinion, he wouldn't touch it at all and leave it completely.

'[Their reasons were] because it doesn't affect her health and it's not cancerous at the moment, but it could possibly turn into cancer.'

The father-of-two said the psychological effects on his daughter would be 'huge', which is the family's main concern, and feels her mental wellbeing hasn't been taken into consideration.

Celine fears their daughter will one day ask 'why didn't you do something' if she faces cruel bullies throughout childhood

They claim they were not told about the benign, tumour-like growth by sonographers during any of their scans, though believe they can see it themselves in their picture of the ultrasound

He added: 'Vienna's a bubbly, happy little one-month-old. She's absolutely gorgeous. She got her own personality now.

'When she gets older and starts to understand things, aged three, four or five, she'll start to realise she's not the same as other kids appearance-wise.

'Nowadays kids don't have a filter as such and we don't want that to impact on her mental health, which it will do.

'They've pretty much said she might be able to deal with it so it might be alright.

The 'black, thick' mole is expected to grow as Vienna grows, so her parents are in a race against time to arrange her treatment to potentially have it removed

'They said she'll be able to make her own decision [when older] and she won't be bullied until she's in secondary school.'

Vienna's parents claim they were not told about the benign, tumour-like growth by sonographers during any of their scans, though believe they can see it themselves in their picture of the ultrasound.

WHAT IS A GIANT CONGENITAL MELANOCYTIC NEVUS? A giant congenital melanocytic nevus is a birthmark that covers more than two per cent, or 20cm, of a sufferer's body and requires more than one incision to remove. The head, legs and arms are normally affected. Treatment can involve birthmark removal, however, scarring is likely. Laser therapy can reduce skin pigmentation, however, in some cases the colour returns. Source: Nevus Outreach Advertisement

The 'black, thick' mole is expected to grow as Vienna grows, so her parents are in a race against time to arrange her treatment.

Daniel said: 'It's five-by-three centimetres so it's classed as large. You wouldn't really call it a small mole, or a medium.

'There's no chance of it shrinking, which is what we were hoping for. We hoped over time it might disappear, but it's not going to.

'We want to go to the best people because it's her face. They'll hopefully start the first treatment around the age of 10 months.

'Vienna will have three surgeries around six months after each other.

'They'll remove part of it, stretch the skin, then remove another part of it. That's why they've got to leave six months in between.

'It's called a serial incision and she's got to go under general anaesthetic.

'That's only if the MRI and everything underneath the mole is alright. If it's connected to stuff, it'll be a different scenario. It's a very small chance it'll affect anything else.'

The couple, who also have son Lukas together, say they've been left with 'no other choice but to try this route'.

They are hoping Vienna will be treated by specialist Dr David Dunaway at Portland Hospital, but for an initial MRI, three operations and other related treatment they face a 14,632 bill.

Aside from running a 6K obstacle race to raise money, they have also now launched a GoFundMe page for the tot, raising more than two-thirds of their goal in two days.

They are hoping Vienna will be treated by specialist Dr David Dunaway at Portland Hospital, but for an initial MRI, three operations and other related treatment they face a 14,632 bill

Daniel said: 'We've got to pay 3,300 for the MRI then we're trying to fundraise over 11,000.

'Me, Celine and a couple of friends are doing the Total Warrior. It's a 6K run, including obstacles with mud, ice and fire, to try and raise money as well. The hope is to get started in the next eight months.

'We're massively surprised by how much we've raised. If people were in my position, they'd want this doing. It's hard to put it any other way.'

Vienna's mum Celine has now spoken of her hopes that the little girl will have a normal first day at nursery when her birthmark has been removed.

The father-of-two said the psychological effects on his daughter would be 'huge', which is the family's main concern, and feels her mental wellbeing hasn't been taken into consideration

Celine said: 'As a mother, I want her first day at nursery to be like any other child. I want her to be happy and no one commenting on her face.

'Mental health is a big thing right now, especially with what's just happened with lockdown. Young kids at primary school get bullied even if they don't have a disability.'

A spokesperson for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: 'It is the policy of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust not to comment on individual cases.

'Removal of a large melanocytic naevi causes scarring which can be significant. It is common practice to wait until a child is old enough to understand the implications of this surgery before proceeding.

'In cases where our team of specialists identify no clinically urgent reason to perform surgery our recommendation is for the case to be reviewed again in 12 months.'
Two months after suffering from a catastrophic brain blood clot following her Johnson & Johnson vaccination against COVID, an 18-year-old woman from Nevada is making progress toward recovery, and her parents believe it is a God-given miracle.

According to CBN News, Emma Burkey, a Las Vegas resident, got vaccinated on March 20 and became seriously ill soon after.

Burkey was treated at a local hospital until her health deteriorated, at which point she was transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California for specialist treatment.

According to the family's GoFundMe, the young lady had seizures, was placed into an induced coma, and had many brain operations due to clotting in the brain.

Russ and Kathy, her parents, send out updates on their daughter's improvement along with a Bible scripture on a regular basis.

"On Easter weekend, we came so very close to losing Emma. Since that time, our journey has been nothing short of a miracle from God," Kathy wrote on the post.

"Yes, there are many days that we have cried with and for Emma, but we never stopped seeking God and believing in the miracles that he would work in and through my precious girl."

"Her accomplishments and healing is nothing short of a miracle, a miracle made possible by the Almighty God and each one of you who have supported us throughout this journey with your prayers."

Russ just expressed gratitude to everyone who has been praying for them throughout their tough times.

"Prayer warriors," Russ stated, "(there) is still so much that has to come together for Jesus' plan of healing for her... please keep praying for her."

He added, "we love it when you send us the prayers that were sent to you for Emma. It gives us a glimpse into how big our Jesus is..."

According to KVVU -TV in Las Vegas, the family's pastor, Heiden Ratner of The Walk Church, said that the community has joined together to pray for Burkey's recovery.

"There's been a whole lot of unknowns throughout this journey. But it's led and moved us to a deeper sense of prayer, a deeper sense of faith. And really, it's united us in a way to stand together with the Burkey family and pray them through even in the challenging days," said the pastor.

Last weekend, Burkey was able to use a wheelchair and had begun physical therapy.

After learning that their daughter would need a motorized wheelchair, a standing bed, and a vehicle capable of transporting the wheelchair, the GoFundMe organizer set a goal of reaching $100,000. A total of $56,429 has been raised as of writing.

Emma Burkey, according to KVVU-TV, was one of six women throughout the United States who had a significant clotting reaction after getting the one-shot immunization.

The J&J vaccination has been halted while federal health regulators examine if the vaccination is to blame for the women's blood clots, and if doctors should be aware of any pre-existing conditions or drugs that might cause issues.

According to a CDC panel, Burkey and other women complained of headaches and back discomfort before blood clots were discovered.

The panel claims that Burkey was given Heparin, a blood thinner which they and Dr. Anthony Fauci noted could potentially make the situation worse.
The Duchess of Cambridge mixed high street and designer brands when she stepped out at the V&A museum in London yesterday.

Kate, 39, was the picture of elegance in a 1,565 pleated midi dress by favourite designer Alessandra Rich, which she wore with 550 Jennifer Chamandi suede pumps and her trusty Mulberry Bayswater Clutch.

She chose a selection of typically understated jewellery, including a pair of 10 earrings from ASOS.

High and low: The Duchess of Cambridge mixed high street and designer brands when she stepped out at the V&A museum in London yesterday

Bargain buy: Kate chose a selection of typically understated jewellery, including a pair of 10 earrings from ASOS (pictured)

New dress: Kate, 39, was the picture of elegance in a 1,565 pleated midi dress by favourite designer Alessandra Rich, which she wore with 550 Jennifer Chamandi suede pumps and her trusty Mulberry Bayswater Clutch

The 14k gold plated twist hoop earrings, which are currently sold out, could be glimpsed when the Duchess swept her brunette locks over her shoulder.

Kate also sported two gold necklaces. The 85 double strand gold necklace from Welsh-based brand Spells Of Love was added to Kate's jewellery collection last year and catapulted the designer into the global spotlight.

It was worn with an Asprey gold charm necklace with pendants from the Woodland collection worth a total of 16,650.

The mushroom, acorn and oak leaf pendants are all studded with diamonds.

Delicate: Kate also sported two gold necklaces. The 85 double strand gold necklace from Welsh-based brand Spells Of Love was added to Kate's jewellery collection last year and catapulted the designer into the global spotlight (pictured on model)

All that glitters: It was worn with an Asprey charm necklace with pendants from the Woodland collection worth a total of 16,650. Pictured, the 6,500 mushroom and 3,200 acorn charms

Touch of nature: The 6,950 single oak leaf pendant from the Asprey Woodland Collection

The Duchess who, studied art history at university and is royal patron of the V&A, viewed two new exhibitions as the London museum opened its doors to the public for the first since December.

Her first stop was the museums Raphael Court, home to the Raphael Cartoons, which reopened today following a nine-month refurbishment to mark the 500th anniversary of the artists death.

A set of seven full-scale designs for tapestry painted by Raphael, the Cartoons were commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vaticans Sistine Chapel and are considered to be one of the greatest treasures of the Renaissance.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness heard more about how the refreshed gallery and its new interpretive approach will transform the way visitors experience the Raphael Cartoons.

Personal tour: The royal was joined by V&A director Tristram Hunt, a former Labour MP

Passion for art: The Duchess firstly visited the museums Raphael Court, home to the Raphael Cartoons, which reopened today following a nine-month refurbishment to mark the 500th anniversary of the artists death

The Cartoons have been lent to the V&A from the Royal Collection by Her Majesty The Queen.

The highlight of her visit, however was the V&A's landmark 2021 exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, which finally opens this weekend after being postponed from last year.

Featuring over 300 objects spanning film, performance, fashion, art, music and photography, the exhibition will allow visitors to delve into the origins, adaptations and reinventions of Alice in Wonderland over 158 years.

The immersive exhibition makes the V&A the first museum to fully explore the cultural impact of the book and its ongoing inspiration for leading creatives, from Salvador Dali and Yayoi Kusama to The Beatles and Vivienne Westwood.
While many are preparing for a summer of freedom after more than a year of lockdown, Aldi have revealed their Christmas range will be available next month so those who missed out on December celebrations can enjoy some festive food.

The supermarket will bring back mince pies, pigs in blankets and turkey burgers next month to all their UK stores as people are set to celebrate 'Junemas' when restrictions ease for summer.

Their Christmas-inspired line-up includes a seasonal twist on a festive favourite - the Giant Pigs in Blanket Kebab, as well as their Specially Selected Mini Mince Pies, and turkey burgers in a summer take on the classic centrepiece.

Aldi have revealed their Christmas range will be available next month so those who missed out on December celebrations can enjoy some festive food. Pictured their loaded pigs in blankets

To satisfy its customers' appetites, Aldi today revealed to FEMAIL a whole range returning to its shelves to mark the summer Santa season.

The range includes Giant Pigs in Blanket Kebabs at 2.49, as well as its popular Loaded Pig In Blankets for 2.99, which flew off the shelves in December last year.

While many will be keen to head to a German market in December, Aldi is offering a taste of it with the Frankfurter Sausage Wrapped in Bacon & Mustard, also for 2.99.

The supermarket is also catering for customers looking to fire up the barbecue Santa style, by launching new Turkey Burgers at 2.49, as well as a range of other turkey alternatives for a more adventurous Christmas spread.

While many will be keen to head to a German market in December, Aldi is offering a taste of it with the Frankfurter Sausage Wrapped in Bacon & Mustard, also for 2.99.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi, told FEMAIL: 'As we gear up to celebrate Junemas, we want to make sure our customers have everything they need to make this day truly special.

'So we are delighted to have put the decision into our customers' hands, asking them to cast their vote on their Aldi festive favourites, which they can enjoy alongside some new exciting treats when they reunite with friends and family next month.'

The range of festive products will appear in stores on Monday 21st June, but as with any Specialbuy, shoppers better be quick as once they're gone, they're gone.

To satisfy its customers' appetites, Aldi today revealed to FEMAIL a whole range returning to its shelves to mark the summer Santa season. The supermarket is also catering for customers looking to fire up the barbecue Santa style, by launching new Turkey Burgers (right) at 2.49, as well as a range of other turkey alternatives for a more adventurous Christmas spread.

ALDI say that 47 per cent of Brits will be marking Christmas on 25th June this year, after so many were unable to celebrate on the big day.

Conducting a poll via its Twitter feed, Aldi asked customers to vote for the festive product they would most like to see back in stores.

The supermarket's Pigs in Blankets came in as a clear winner, receiving a whopping 73.8 per cent of the votes.
Despite being arguably the most reviled figures of the 20th century, Karl Hollander still keeps his swastika badges and continues to honour Adolf Hitler.

Even now, the elderly former SS lieutenant who fought for the Third Reich believes the idea to drive the Jewish population out of their homeland was the 'correct idea'.

Though he doesn't feel they should have been murdered; instead, 'they should have been driven out to another country where they could rule themselves'. He adds: 'This would have saved a great deal of grief.'

Hollander is just one of the unrepentant survivors of the Nazi regime to feature in a chilling new documentary by British director Luke Holland, entitled Final Account.

The film - Holland's last before he died of cancer in June last year, not long after its completion - features testimonies of ordinary German and Austrian citizens and soldiers who sided with Hitler during the Second World War. While some signed up out of a strong conviction, others say they were complacent, or simply scared.

Despite his ideologies being responsible for the death of millions of Jews during the Second World War, Karl Hollander still keeps his swastika badges and continues to honour Adolf Hitler

Holland spoke with nearly 300 people over the course of a decade who were just children when Hitler was rising to power in the 1930s, collecting hundreds of hours of footage which is now stored in various archives.

In the documentary, many of its elderly subjects - deemed 'functionaries' as opposed to war criminals by the German government - express remorse for the part they played in one of the world's worst atrocities and discuss their burden of guilt, but some downplay or dismiss their role - and others show little to no shame at all.

Ex-SS member Kurt Sametreiter even goes so far as to suggest the killing of six million Jews during the Holocaust 'didn't happen', arguing: 'That's a joke. I dont believe it. I will not believe it. It can't be.

'Today they say. Excuse me, but it's the Jew who puts it like that. The scale that is claimed today, I deny that, too. I deny it. It didn't happen.'

He added: 'The Waffen-SS [the military branch of the SS] had nothing to do with the terrible and brutal treatment of Jews and dissidents and the concentration camp. We were front-line soldiers I have no regrets, and I will never regret being with that unit. Truly not.

Ex-SS member Kurt Sametreiter even goes so far as to suggest the killing of six million Jews during the Holocaust 'didn't happen', arguing: 'That's a joke. I dont believe it. I will not believe it. It can't be'

In the documentary, many of its elderly subjects - deemed 'functionaries' as opposed to war criminals by the German government - express remorse for the part they played in one of the world's worst atrocities and discuss their burden of guilt, but some downplay or dismiss their role - and others show little to no shame at all

'A camaraderie like that You could rely on every man 100 per cent. There was nothing that could go wrong. That was the beauty of it.'

While not all of Holland's subjects are quite so shockingly unapologetic in the film, some attempt to justify their role.

Some argue the concentration camps was a boost for the local economy, helping local traders, butchers, bakers, grocers - just not the people trapped within them.

Others plead ignorance; Heinrich Schulze, who lived near the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Lower Saxony, Germany as a child, remembered guards arriving to recapture a group of starving escaped prisoners from a hayloft on his family farm where they'd taken shelter.

The film was British director Luke Holland's last before he died of cancer in June last year, not long after its completion

Some former Nazis look back on their childhood with apparent fondness; one reveals he pestered his parents for months to buy him the brown shirt and black trousers that made up the Hitler Youth uniform

He told how they'd begged him for food, and acknowledged it was 'very sad' when the guards came to take them away - before revealing, with a shrug, that it was he who called them. He then laughed when asked what became of them, scoffing: 'Nobody knows that!'

Klaus Kleinau, one of the remorseful ex-members of the Waffen-SS, spoke of the widespread denial and delusion among those involved.

'The majority of those under Naziism said after the war, again and again, firstly "I didn't know," secondly "I didn't take part," and thirdly, "If I had known, I would have acted differently".

'Everybody tries to distance themselves from the massacres committed under Naziism, especially those of the final years. And that's why so many said, "I wasn't a Nazi".'

Klaus Kleinau, one of the remorseful ex-members of the Waffen-SS, spoke of the widespread denial and delusion among those involved

Regine Bernwadine is among those who has taken responsibility for her actions during WWII. 'I've always said we didn't know... but in the end we are perpetrators too. We let it happen,' she says

Hans Werk, who went on to join the Waffen-SS, is among those who express deep regret for the part he played in the conflict

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NAZIS AFTER WWII Following the fall of the Third Reich, a process called 'Denazification' to remove Nazis and Nazism from public life in Germany and across Europe took place. Germany was split into four zones of Allied occupation: North East Germany (controlled by the Soviet Union), South East Germany (controlled by the United States), South West Germany (controlled by France) and North West Germany (controlled by Great Britain). Each zone carried out the denazification process differently. To be dealt punishment for their war crimes, Nazis were split into five categories in October 1946. Major offenders would be sentenced to life imprisonment or death, activists, militarists and profiteers would receive up to ten years imprisonment, lesser offenders received probation for up to three years and Nazi followers and supporters were put under surveillance or fined. Exonerated individuals received no punishment. In the summer of 1945, legal representatives from the four Allied nations met in London to establish a charter for an International Military Tribunal. This oversaw the prosecuting the major Nazi war criminals for their crimes throughout WWII, including the Holocaust. The Tribunal decided on four charges: conspiracy against peace, crimes against humanity (which included the crimes of the Holocaust), war crimes and the waging of aggressive war. The first trial took place between October and November 1946 in the German city of Nuremberg. Ultimately, many of those involved in Nazi activities were not punished and retained their personal and professional positions. Thousands of high ranking Nazis fled to South America, mostly Argentina - dubbed the war criminals' Cape of Last Hope - along so-called 'ratlines' with forged documents to start a new life. Many who fled Europe are thought to have travelled across the Alps to Italy and often hid out in monasteries, saving money to journey overseas. High ranking figures that escaped Germany include Holocaust organiser Adolf Eichmann, who took on a new identity as an electrician in Argentina in 1950 and was later joined by his family. He stayed there for a decade until he was kidnapped by Mossad, Israel's secret service, in 1960 and executed two days later. Sadistic Auschwitz doctor Josef Mengele fled to South Tyrol in 1949 and was given a new passport by supporters. He went by the name Helmut Gregor and lived in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil until he suffered a stroke while swimming and drowned in 1979. Klaus Barbie, aka the Butcher of Lyon, also relocated to South America but was extradited to France in 1983 and received a life sentence for his war crimes. While efforts were made to bring these high ranking Nazi officials to justice, thousands of lower rank members of the fascist organisation were simply left to carry on with their lives. Advertisement

Many of Holland's subjects began their Nazi education when they entered the Jungvolk, a compulsory programme for boys aged 10-14. They then progressed to Hitler Youth - or, if you were female, the League of German Girls.

Some former Nazis look back on their childhood with apparent fondness; one reveals he pestered his parents for months to buy him the brown shirt and black trousers that made up the Hitler Youth uniform.

Others recall summers spent singing upbeat songs about killing Jews - with the words still fresh in their minds as they sing them on camera - and reading extracts of Mein Kampf, Hitler's 1925 autobiographical manifesto.

In one scene, a group of women wax lyrical about their time in the League of German Girls, discussing how they enjoyed the physical activities, singing, marching and feeling like part of a team.

One pensioner giggles when asked if her husband was an SS soldier and reveals she had to hide him for months when the war ended because he would have been killed.

'I can't speak for the others, I knew nothing,' exclaims one, referring to the concentration camps. He friend contradicts her: 'Everyone knew, but no one said anything!'

Regine Bernwadine is among those who has taken responsibility for her actions during WWII. 'I've always said we didn't know... but in the end we are perpetrators too. We let it happen,' she says.

Hans Werk, who went on to join the Waffen-SS and is among those who express deep regret for the part he played in the conflict, still keeps his Hitler Youth membership card, admitting he 'couldn't wait' to sign up when he was 10.

He speaks frankly in the documentary about belonging to a 'murderous organisation' and is seen close to tears while giving a lecture to history students in 2011 about the dangers of xenophobia.

Hans insists everyone knew what the concentration camps were for, arguing you could 'smell' the bodies burning from over a mile away. In one of the film's more shocking moments, a pixelated young student is seen berating Hans for being ashamed of his past, arguing he should be more concerned about an Albanian immigrant mugging him.

Visibly distraught, Hans replies: 'I ask only this of you. Do not let yourself be blinded.'

Final Account is out in cinemas in the US tomorrow.
A woman was stunned to wake up from a drunken night out to find she had a stranger's dog in her bed.

Mia Flynn, 28, from Rhyl, Wales, woke up on May 17 after a night at a friend's house and was 'petrified' to find a husky-type dog 'staring at her'.

Hilarious footage shows Mia whispering to the camera: 'I'm too scared to move in my own bed' as she films herself and then pans over to reveal the huge animal relaxing next to her.

The learning support worker soon pieced together her steps from the previous evening through her Snapchat videos, in which she recorded the dog following her down the street and into her home.

Mia Flynn, 28, was stunned to wake up from a drunken night out to find she had a stranger's dog in her bed

Mia from Rhyl, Wales, woke up on May 17 after a night out enjoying wines at a friends house and was left 'petrified' that a giant husky-type dog was 'staring at her'

Explaining how it all unfolded, Mia said: 'I went to my friend's help to her do a bit of DIY and painting... then we decided that three bottles of wine was a good idea.

'I was a little shocked when I woke up hungover, to a dog staring at me.

'I was petrified he was going to attack me. I find dogs cute but they're also a bit scary. Especially a bloody big one like that.'

She continued: 'I documented the whole thing on my Snapchat, and that's how I pieced together the story the next morning.

'So I was walking home from her house after midnight, when the dog started following me. He was just wandering the street - [I later found out] it was the street he lived on, so I assume he'd just gotten out.

'My mum was fuming. She was in bed when I apparently came in at 2:30am and told her "I've got a new mate".

The learning support worker soon pieced together her steps from the previous evening through her Snapchat videos

Despite being drunk, Mia had recorded her encounter with the dog, which she had named Toby, and how it had followed her home

'She wasn't pleased, even though she was fine the next morning.

This definitely isn't out of character for me - everyone knows I go a bit mad after a drink. But I've never brought an animal home.'

Once Mia figured out what had happened by retracing her steps through her Snapchat story, she shared a snap of the dog on her Facebook.

Mia said: 'I knew everyone would find it funny as I had so many messages on Snapchat when I woke up that morning.

Hilarious footage shows Mia whispering to the camera: 'I'm too scared to move in my own bed' as she films herself and then pans over to reveal the huge animal relaxing next to her

'But I put it on Facebook to try and find the owner. The poor dog in a stranger's house probably just wanted to go home.'

Thankfully someone got in touch with the owner, who even saw the funny side and added Mia on Snapchat to watch the video.

She added: 'The owner said all the tears over losing him were worth it, when she added me on Snapchat to see my story. She found it hilarious. She was grateful he had a sleepover at my house.'

Her one night of dog ownership has not done much to sway her on getting a pet pooch in the future.

Mia said: 'I still don't want a dog. It was fun whilst it lasted, I guess. He bloody looks like a wolf, but he was a lovely dog to be fair.

'I called him Toby while I had him - it was the first name that came to my head while I was drunk. I'm glad he's home safe and sound.'
Brigitte Macron cut a stylish figure as she opened an exhibition for the first time in more than a year last night.

With France lifting its heaviest Covid-19 regulations yesterday, including its 7pm curfew, restaurants, shops, and theaters reopened with a bang last night.

Among those eager to enjoy their newfound freedom was President Emmanuel Macron's wife, 68, who donned a vibrant red suit to open the Francois Pinault Collection at the Bourse de Commerce de Paris - the city's former stock exchange turned art gallery.

Sporting a healthy tan and a bouncy blowdry, Brigitte was all smiles as she enjoyed an evening of fine art.

Among the French eager to enjoy their newfound freedom was President Emmanuel Macron's wife, 68, who donned a vibrant red suit to open the Francois Pinault Collection at the Bourse de Commerce de Paris - the city's fomer stock exchange turned art gallery

The French first lady looked fresh in a vibrant red suit, paired with a crisp white blouse at yesterday's event

For her first official outing in months, the French First Lady donned a vibrant double breasted blazer with matching trousers, and a crisp white blouse with a pussybow detail at the collar.

She paired the trouser suit with discreet jewellery and black stiletto heels.

Meanwhile she could be seen carrying a black, bedazzled face mask.

Sporting a healthy tan, the First Lady had put on a natural makeup, with just a dash of bronzer complimenting her glow and some mascara and eye-shadow circling her blue gaze.

Brigitte attended the event with the collection's owner, French billionaire Francois Pinaut, centre, and his wife, second right

The Francois Pinault collection, which belongs to the French billionaire, 84, who owns Gucci and St Laurent, has invested the empty rooms of the Bourse de Commerce which used to be France's busiest stock exchange during the 19th and 20th century.

The billionaire himself and his wife Maryvonne Pinault were in attendance last night, walking Brigitte through the exhibition, which will open to the public on Saturday May 22.

Pinault bought the building from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo for 15 million euros in order to set up his collection.

Brigitte, left and Francois Pinault, right, both donned masks and they readied to see the exhibition for the first time

Deputy Managing Director of the "Bourse de Commerce" Martin Bethenod, left, talked Brigitte through the exhibition

The French First Lady opted for a red suit and white blouse for her first evening of culture in months

Pinault, who is as well-known in the art world as he is in business, has gathered 10,000 works by nearly 400 in his collection.

Pimault as an estimated networth of $53.6 billion, and has been one of the investors of the auction house Christie's since 1988.

Refurbished with the help of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the insides of the grand historic building have been stripped down to a minimalist art gallery in order to display the work of arts from the collection, acquired by the Pinault family.

It took more than three years and cost 160 million euros ($194 million) to renovate the building and host the collection.

The Bourse de Commerce will have Pinault's collection as a permanent fixture, as well as temporary exhibitions and shows.
Queen Maxima of The Netherlands looked typically stunning in a flowing purple dress as she unveiled an interactive musical play set at a school for her More Music in the Classroom campaign.

The Dutch royal, 50, sported the long-sleeved frock as she visited the AS Talma school in Rotterdam, looking in great spirits as she beamed for the camera while cutting a ribbon at the nearby Music Playground.

The mother-of-three paired the sleek aubergine number with some brown court heels and a matching suede purse.

Queen Maxima of The Netherlands looked typically stunning in a flowing purple dress as she unveiled an interactive musical play set for her More Music in the Classroom campaign

The Dutch royal, 50, sported the long-sleeved frock as she visited the AS Talma school in Rotterdam on Thursday

She accessorised with a pair of statement silver earrings which featured a large purple stone in the centre which complimented her dress.

Maxima added an eye-catching purple ring with a large gem, but neglected to wear a necklace so no attention was taken away from her stunning ensemble.

The Argentinian-born royal, who is mother to daughters Amalia, 17, Alexia, 15, and Ariane, 14, wore her golden tresses in a chic swept over style.

She added a touch of make-up to her look, including a grey smokey eye and a slick of purple-hued lipstick.

She appeared to be in great spirits as she beamed for the camera while cutting a ribbon at the nearby Music Playground

She was met by two students wearing colourful T-shirts who watched eagerly as she unveiled the newest installment to the play area.

The wife of King Willem-Alexander, 54, showcased her playful side as she struck a pose for a socially-distanced photo opportunity.

Her visit was part of the More Music in the Classroom campaign which aims to provide structural music education for all primary school children in the Netherlands.

The royal has shown repeated commitment to the campaign, of which Maxima is the honourary chairwoman, even at the height of the coronavirus pandemic last year.

The wife of King Willem-Alexander, 54, showcased her playful side as she struck a pose for a socially-distanced photo opportunity

She accessorised with a pair of statement silver earrings which featured a large purple stone in the centre which complimented her dress

The aim of the campaign is for music lessons to be a standard part of the curriculum at every primary school in the Netherlands.

Trainee primary teachers will need to gain enough confidence to make music and learn the technical skills to teach the subject.

The new grant scheme will give schools an incentive to provide high-quality music education for their students.

An important condition is that they work together with colleges of music.

Applications for projects under the grant scheme must show how the school intends to make high-quality music education a permanent fixture in teacher training.

Maxima added an eye-catching purple ring with a large gem, but neglected to wear a necklace so no attention was taken away from her stunning ensemble

She added a touch of make-up to her look, including a grey smokey eye and a slick of purple-hued lipstick

On Monday, the monarch celebrated her 50th birthday, and a collection of stamps were released to mark the occasion.

The biggest stamp, Koningin Maxima, features an unseen retro black and white close-up snap from the monarch's private collection, showing Maxima in New York in 1999.

It shows a profile of the then 22-year-old with freckles on her cheeks, and strands of blond hair falling down to her shoulders,.

Four other pictures in colour honour King Willem-Alexander's wife royal duties and engagements, including her commitment to the More Music in the Classroom campaign.

The mother-of-three paired the sleek aubergine number with some brown court heels and a matching suede purse

A beautiful black and white portrait of Queen Maxima of the Netherlands taken in New York in 1999 has been released as a stamp to mark her 50th birthday

Willem-Alexander and Maxima got engaged in March 2001 and tied the knot in a grandiose ceremony in February 2002.

At the time, the fact that Maxima, who was a 28-year-old economist, was the daughter of Jorge Zorreguieta, who served as Secretary of Agriculture under General Jorge Rafael Videla, during Argentina's military dictatorship raised eyebrows.

Hello Magazine reported in 2016 that Willem-Alexander put his foot down and was so set on marrying Maxima he was ready to renounce the throne to be her husband.

Maxima, who was born in Buenos Aires endeared herself to the Dutch people thanks to her warm personality and the nuptials went ahead on February 2 2002 at Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam church.

Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands in April 2013 following the abdication of his mother Queen Beatrix.
A new BBC documentary has revealed how hundreds of black children were wrongly sent to schools for the 'emotionally subnormal' in the 1960s and 70s because of 'rampant racism'.

Subnormal: A British Scandal, which airs tonight on BBC2 at 9pm, explores how students who were incorrectly deemed to have a limited intellectual ability where sent to ESN schools, which categorised them as having moderate to severe learning disabilities or being 'un-teachable'.

Black children were labelled 'thick and unintelligent' because they 'couldn't speak the Queen's English', and were prevented from pursuing any further education after leaving the ESN schools.

Many report that there was no real effort to educate them and that they were allowed to play non-educational games, not taught basic literacy and numeracy, and left school with no prospects.

Noel Gordon, from Tottenham, was sent to an ESN and labelled a 'dunce' in the 1970s after a health condition was wrongly diagnosed as learning difficulties, while Maisie Barrett, from Leeds was sent aged seven after a teacher branded her 'backwards'.

Activist and academic Gus John says black children were 'written off', and that attending an ENS could be 'paralysing' in terms of academic progression and self-confidence.

A new BBC documentary has revealed how hundreds of black children were wrongly sent to schools for the 'emotionally subnormal' in the 1960s and 70s. Pictured, Noel Gordon, from Tottenham, who was sent to an ESN and labelled a 'dunce' in the 1970s

Activist and academic Gus John says black children were 'written off', and that attending an ENS could be 'paralysing' in terms of academic progression and self-confidence

'The education system fuelled and legitimised the idea that black Caribbean children were less intelligent than other children,' said John. 'This was why so many of them ended up at ESN schools. It was rampant racism.'

Children who grew up in a Jamaican household, for instance, would use Jamaican English - patois or creole - and this was interpreted as an inability to speak 'properly'.

John added: 'They thought their inability to speak the "Queen's English", as they used to call it, was because they were thick and unintelligent, as distinct from the fact they were speaking a different language.'

Noel spent ten-years at an ENS boarding school 15 miles from his home after being sent there at the age of six, having recently moving from Jamaica to England - and described the institution as 'hell'.

Maisie Barrett, from Leeds was sent aged seven after a teacher branded her 'backwards' and left school with no qualifications

He was recommended for the institution around a year after anaesthetic given to him during a trip to the dentist triggered a serious reaction, leading to longer term health complications.

The reaction was caused by undiagnosed sickle cell anaemia, an inherited red blood disorder which can cause painful episodes and an increased risk of serious infections.

What was an educationally subnormal school (ESN) and why were so many black children sent there? Hundreds of children were taken out of mainstream education and placed in Educationally Subnormal (ESN) schools in the 19760s and the 1970s. ESN schools did not stick to a curriculum and would have children between the ages of four and 16 in the same class, while children with mild learning difficulties were in a class alongside those with severe needs. The term 'educationally subnormal' derived from the 1944 Education Act and teachers were often able to send students to ESN schools without a strong reason. But why did so many black immigrant children end up being referred - with ESN schools having more than double the proportion of black students than mainstream schools? Figures show that in the 60s and 70s, black children did not perform as well academically as their white counerparts, fuelling a belief that they were intellectually inferior. A leaked 1969 local authority report by head teacher Alfred Doulton, claimed that children from the West Indies had lower IQs, based on the results of IQ tests taken by primary school students. However, children who were not taught to speak English in the UK typically struggled with the IQ tests because of the use of different words and terminology to those spoken in their home country. There was also widespread belief in the theories of high-profile professors such as Hans Eysenck of Kings College London and Alfred Doulton who claimed that intelligence is inherently linked to genetics, and that white people are superior. However a study from Philip Ewart Vernon showed that once immigrant children had the chance to become acclimatised to the UK, their IQ results matched those of white students. After white parent protests in 1965, guidance was issued by the government stating that immigrant children should be limited to around 30 per cent of a school's population. This practice was abolished in 1980. A governmental enquiry partly blamed institutional racism in the underachievement of West Indian children. In 1981 the term 'educationally subnormal' was abolished as a defining category in the Education Act. Advertisement

The painful episode, caused by his sickle cell anaemia, resulted in longer lasting health issues - which his teachers confused with a learning disability, prompting the idea that he should go to 'special' school.

Noel's family was told that the boarding school would take care of his 'medical needs', but also dubbed the young boy 'stupid'. Neither Noel or his parents were ever shown any evidence of a learning disability before he was admitted to the school.

The school did not stick to a mainstream curriculum, didn't include basic literacy or numeracy and Noel recalled the majority of his time would be spent playing non-educational games.

He remembred crying for his mother during his first night at the boarding school, after being racially abused by another student on his very first day.

Noel struggled to adjust to life at the school, and said racial abuse wasn't taken seriously by teachers, one of whom told an offending pupil just to 'sit down' after using racist language.

Noel's parents weren't made aware of the type of school their son was being sent to until their son was seven and a 15-year-old boy punched him in the face during a visit.

They were devastated, having had high expectations for their son's education after arriving in the UK - but felt powerless to change the situation.

By the age of 12, Noel had been accepted into a local secondary school on a part-time basis, spending the rest of the week at the ESN school.

Noel kept attending the ESN school until the age of 16 and left without any academic qualifications.

He said his time at the boarding school has left him with lasting psychological problems.

'Leaving school without any qualifications is one thing, but leaving school thinking you're stupid is a different ball game altogether. It knocks your confidence', he said.

Despite not being able to 'spell or fill out a job application' after his time at the school and still struggling with his literacy, Noel has earned a degree in computing.

Mother-of-two Maisie was sent to an ESN school in the 1960s after a teacher said she 'couldn't learn' and recommended it to her mother.

Like Noel, her mother had no idea of what an ESN school would entail, revealing: 'When my mother was told that I'd been recommended for a special school, I remember her smiling. She thought that a special school meant a better school'.

Maisie wasn't taught a curriculum - instead playing games and having 'discos'. Despite having undiagnosed dyslexia, Maisie was branded 'stupid' by teachers, adding that the school itself was a 'racist institution'.

At 13 Maisie was enrolled in a mainstream secondary school after her mother put her in touch with a black social worker who, after assessing her, saw she was intelligent and said she was placed in the ESN school due to racism

However with her dyslexia remaining undetected, she struggled with literacy and left her secondary school without any academic qualifications.

Maisie's dyslexia wasn't diagnosed until the age of 30 and admits that being dismissed as unintelligent in her early years 'messed up her confidence'.

Since leaving education, Maisie has written two books and earned two degrees - but said that she still struggles to find work and is currently unemployed after being made redundant from her job as a dyslexic support worker two years ago.

'The ESN label crippled my confidence,' said Maisie. 'I could have been anybody - but I was never given the tools to be the person I was born to be.'

Grenadian writer and teacher Bernard Coard penned How the West Indian Child is Made Educationally Subnormal in the British School System in 1971

Education campaigner John came to the UK from Grenada in 1964 as a student, quickly noticing the disproportionate number of black children in ESN schools.

He believes that tests used to assess the intelligence of children were culturally biased, including phrases and vocabulary newly-arrived Caribbean speaking Jamaican English would not know.

Former Educational Psychologist, Waveney Bushell, who performed IQ tests in the 1960s and 70s, said that she noticed first hand how difficult the test was for children who weren't taught English in the UK.

She recalled testing a group of student, some of whom did not know the British word for 'tap', because it's known as a 'pipe' in certain parts of the Caribbean.

'When I used to test children. One found that children didnt understand the words that were asked of them', she said. For example when children were asked: Whats a tap? They couldnt describe it, they couldnt define it.

'I felt, you must be able to say this, to say what this is. Its something used in the West Indies it must have a name. Fortunately there was a tap in the very room in which I was testing and I walked across the room and said Well, whats this? And the child said A pipe.

'The child knew what the pipe was, which was the same concept. That meant on tests, they were made to feel inferior when they realised that many of the items that were asked of them, they could not clearly define.'

Former Educational Psychologist, Waveney Bushell, who performed IQ tests in the 1960s and 70s, said that she noticed first hand how difficult the test was for children who weren't taught English in the UK

A turning point came when Grenadian writer and teacher Bernard Coard penned How the West Indian Child is Made Educationally Subnormal in the British School System in 1971.

Coard taught in an ESN school after he and parents had noticed a disproportionate number of Caribbean children, wrote the book dubbing ESNs a 'dumping ground' for black children.

'When I was told that there were schools for the 'educationally subnormal called ESN schools my immediate reaction was What, what are you talking about?" Id never heard about this before', he said.

'I noted that the ESN schools had a higher percentage of black kids than Id consider normal, given the demographics of the boroughs from which they came. Also I saw too many kids there that were clearly above average intelligence or even above average.'

Using information from a leaked council report, Coard leaked the statistics showing: 'A black kid is four times more likely to be wrongly placed in an ESN school than a white kid.

'In other words there were four times as many black children in ESN schools, who should not have been there, as there were white working class kids, whorls should not have been there. The ratio was four to one.

'It took six months, and at the end of six months, they said: Its all true. I think we should use it in teachers colleges as recommended reading and in schools of education.'

His work led to recognition of the Black Supplementary Movement (BSSM) which helped children whose needs were not being served by the national education system.

In several cities such as London, Birmingham and Huddersfield, black teachers organised schools run by volunteer teachers, community activists and parents, usually taking place in the evenings or on a Saturday.

Subnormal: A British Scandal airs Thursday 20th May on BBC One and iPlayer
Testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies is not sufficient replacement for receiving the vaccine, according to a briefing released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday.

The tests can determine whether or not an individual has had the virus in the past by looking for signs of the immune response.

At least 33 million Americans have been infected with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and some have argued that have already had the illness should be counted toward America's progress to herd immunity.

While antibodies can give some immune protection to a person, the FDA urges Americans to still receive the COVID-19 vaccine despite the antibodies in order to fully protect themselves from the effects of the virus.

And the type of antibodies that vaccines trigger are not detectable by tests designed to tell who has already infected, so the blood test likely won't confirm that someone has been vaccinated (functioning like a pseudo-immunity passport).

So far, 60 percent of U.S. adults have had at least one dose of Covid vaccines and nearly 38 percent of people aged 18 or older have been fully vaccinated.

The FDA encourages Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, even if they have tested positive for antibodies that combat the virus. It is estimated that around a fifth of unvaccinated Americans have COVID-19 antibodies

'Antibody tests can play an important role in identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and may have developed an adaptive immune response. However, antibody tests should not be used at this time to determine immunity or protection against COVID-19 at any time, and especially after a person has received a COVID-19 vaccination,' the FDA said in a statement.

'The FDA will continue to monitor the use of authorized SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests for purposes other than identifying people with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 from a recent or prior infection.'

The FDA said that antibodies provided by the vaccines are different than those a person will form by just contracting COVID-19, and will give needed protection that the regular antibodies do not.

But the tests also aren't all designed to detect the exact type of antibodies that vaccines trigger, so they won't function as proof of vaccination either.

The FDA said that people who have been vaccinated after recovering from COVID-19 will test negative for antibodies if the test isn't designed to detect the specific vaccines triggered by the shot.

Data collected by the American Red Cross through blood donations suggests that a fifth of unvaccinated Americans have COVID-19 antibodies.

Vaccine progress in the United States has slowed down despite children aged 12 to 15 recently becoming eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Nearly half of Americans have received at least one shot of the vaccine

The briefing comes as the United States' vaccine rollout progress has slowed down in recent weeks, and some who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 or the antibodies do not believe getting vaccinated is necessary.

The FDA is saying otherwise and encouraging all Americans to get vaccinated if they are able to do so.

Daily vaccine distribution in the country slowly increased from December to mid-April.

The trend came to a halt in the latter half of April, though, and has since reversed with a less-and-less vaccines being administered across the nation every day.

The reversal has posed a challenge to health officials as they attempt to combat vaccine skepticism and spread more information on the safety of the approved vaccines.

More Americans are eligible for the vaccine than ever before as well, with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine being approved for emergency use for children aged 12 to 15 last week.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed yesterday that over 600,000 children between 12 and 15 have received the vaccine since it became eligible to them last week.

Almost half of Americans have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Wednesday afternoon.

More than a third of Americans are considered fully vaccinated from the virus.

Experts estimate that 60 percent or more Americans will need to be vaccinated in order to reach nationwide 'herd immunity'.
People who have received both doses of the COVID-19 may soon need a third dose in order to remain immune from the virus.

Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, predicts that a third shot of his companies vaccine may be required 8 to 12 months after receiving the second dose

Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, said in an interview with Axios on Wednesday that a booster shot of the vaccine may be necessary sometime between eight to twelve months after getting a second dose.

For those who got their first shot in the first weeks of the rollout in December, that would mean a third may be necessary as soon as September.

'Right now we are in the middle of the trials [of booster doses], and the data is coming as we speak,' Bourla said.

'I did say publicly, and the data that I see coming is supporting, the notion that likely there will be a need for a booster somewhere between eight and 12 months.

'I believe in one, two months we will have enough data to speak about it with much higher scientific certainty.

'It comes sooner rather than later. I believe from September to October, but this is something that the data needs to confirm.' he continued.

Fortunately, the firm is on track to make billions of doses in the coming months: three billion in total this year, with its production topping out at six billion over the next 18 months, Bourla said.

Half of Americans have yet to receive a single shot of any COVID-19 vaccine yet with vaccination rates across the country plummeting in recent weeks - and already Bourla says the first people vaccinated could need a third shot by September

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first to receive Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December.

The first Americans to receive the vaccine did so on December 14.

Pfizer's two vaccine doses are given three weeks apart meaning that the earliest Americans to receive the second dose did so in early January.

If a booster shot is needed eight months after second dose, than the first Americans to have received the vaccine will need their third shot in September to remain vaccinated for COVID-19.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease expert, said during the same Axios conference that he also believes a third shot will 'almost certainly' be required within a year.

Pfizer is currently trialing two different booster shot regimens.

In early data released in May, both a third dose of the same vaccine formula and a third dose with an updated version - designed specifically to 'neutralize' the more infectious, vaccine-weakening variant that emerged in South Africa - showed promising results.

Both regimens triggered much higher levels of antibodies that neutralize the virus in their recipients, with the modified booster sending levels even higher.

'Within one to two months we should have enough data to speak about it with higher scientific certainty,' Bourla said of more conclusive trial findings.

Pfizer is also developing and testing a version of its vaccine that could be safely stored for up to six months in a 'normal refrigerator,' as Bourla described it.

He hinted that the early data suggests the shot could even be kept for up to a month at those temperatures, instead of the ultra-cold conditions that are currently required and make the shot difficult to transport.

Bourla said the easier to store version could be ready 'pretty soon.'

The Moderna vaccine, the second to receive FDA EUA, may also require a third dose in the coming months as it uses similar mRNA proteins to combat the virus as the Pfizer one does.

A third vaccine to receive approval, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, only requires one shot and does not use mRNA as the other two do.

Nearly half of Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Wednesday afternoon, with over a third being fully vaccinated.

Public health officials have had trouble convincing much of the remaining half of unvaccinated Americans to receive the vaccine, as vaccination rates have slowly declined across the country since April.

Convincing Americans to receive a third dose of the vaccine could prove to be a challenge down the line, as millions of Americans have already been reported to have skipped their second dose of a two-shot vaccine.
Hospitalizations of children for COVID-19 are likely be overcounted by as much as 45 percent, a new study suggests.

Out of 117 children who tested positive were treated as inpatients in Stanford University's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, 53 were likely not sick enough from the virus itself to need inpatient treatment.

Children younger than 18 make up only 12.4 percent of U.S. COVID-19 cases, and less than a fraction of a percent of the total number of deaths from the virus, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show.

An estimated one to three percent of Covid hospitalizations for Covid are among children - but the new Stanford study suggests the real figure may be even lower.

It comes as parents weight whether to vaccinated children as young as 12, who are newly eligible to get Covid shots.

While some are eager to protect their children against any possibility of infection with the virus, others are skeptical whether it's worth it to give kids a brand new vaccine for a disease that rarely makes them very sick.

Out of 117 children who tested positive were treated as inpatients in Stanford University's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, 53 were likely not sick enough from the virus itself to need inpatient treatment. About 45% had only mild or moderate symptoms and likely didn't need to be hospitalized because of Covid, and just happened to be positive while getting other treatment

The new study, published Wednesday in the journal Hospital Pediatrics, took a closer look at data on 117 children who were either hospitalized for a Covid-linked syndrome - MIS-C, which occurs after kids are infected with coronavirus - or who tested positive after arriving at the hospital.

The children were hospitalized between May 10, 2020 nd February 10, 2021.

About 40 percent of those children were completely asymptomatic for COVID-19.

Another 28 percent displayed only symptoms of mild-to-moderate coronavirus infections.

Nine kids became severely ill from COVID-19, including three who probably were not hospitalized because of the infection, but became seriously sick with Covid during their stay, their medical charts suggest.

Only 15 out of the 117 children were determined to be critically ill (about 13 percent). Fourteen of them were likely brought to hospitals specifically because of their COVID-19 symptoms.

One child was admitted to the hospital to undergo surgery for a congenital heart problem. They had no symptoms when they arrived at the hospital, but later tested positive and fell critically ill, likely due to the combination of COVID-19 and their heart condition.

Fourteen children were diagnosed with MIS-C - multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children - which has been linked to COVID-19. These children may not have gotten severely ill during the acute phase of infection with coronavirus, but it set off a chain of immune responses that brought on the potentially life-threatening inflammation.

All-in-all, only a little over half of the kids who were logged as hospitalized for COVID-19 were actually sick enough from the virus itself to need inpatient treatment for it.

The other 45 percent were likely hospitalized for something else and just happened to test positive for COVID-19.

Kids (dark blue) account for a growing share of new Covid cases - 24% as of May 13 - but the 16,000-some hospitalizations may be an overcount, new research suggests

According to the latest report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, just over 16,000 kids had been hospitalized for coronavirus as of May 13.

Although it's based on a small sample of of children, the Stanford study's results suggest the real figure of kids who needed treatment for COVID-19 was closer to 9,000.

'Our goal is to make sure we have accurate data on how sick children are getting,' study co-author and Stanford pediatrician Dr Alan Schroeder told USA Today.

'If we rely on hospitals' positive SARS-CoV-2 test results, we are inflating by about twofold the actual risk of hospitalization from the disease in kids.'
Russell Moore is leaving his post at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) to join Christianity Today (CT).

Moore, president of SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), revealed his transfer to the publication on his website Tuesday.

"I am excited today to accept the invitation from Christianity Today to join their team as public theologian and as director of a new venture, the Christianity Today Public Theology Project, which is devoted to cultivating a forward-looking, joyful, consistent gospel witness," he said.

The theologian stated that he struggled with his decision because of his deep gratitude for serving the commission but is filled with "excitement for the future."

That same day, CT announced the hiring of Moore in an article.

Timothy Dalrymple, the publication's president and CEO, welcomed him in a statement.

"We could not be more pleased with the addition of Russell Moore in this role. Russell has established himself as one of the most significant evangelical voices of our time. He illuminates the relevance of the gospel to the whole of life, from everyday matters of faith to the great debates in our society and culture. Importantly, he does all of this in a voice that demonstrates what we at Christianity Today call beautiful orthodoxy, weaving together a deep commitment to the historic integrity of the church with a generous, charitable, and humble spirit," Dalrymple said.

According to The Christian Post (CP), ERLC Executive Vice President Daniel Patterson will serve as acting president and the commission will start searching for its new president.

CP said that while serving as president, Moore became controversial for criticizing Donald Trump and supporting Muslims' religious rights.

In 2016, he denounced Trump after the latter's inappropriate comments on women surfaced online. He then called for the former president to resign.

Further, he supported the Muslims' proposal of building a mosque in New Jersey, stating that "the government should not penalize law-abiding people" for "holding their religious convictions."

Moore joined the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001 as professor of Theology and ethics. He became dean after three years. He was also a pastor at Highview Baptist Church during those times. Prior to his appointment as ERLC president in June 2013, he was the senior vice president for academic administration and dean of the School of Theology at the seminary.

In addition, he served as executive director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement from 2001 to 2009.

Moore also wrote some books, including "The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear without Losing Your Soul" and "The Kingdom of Christ: The New Evangelical Perspective."

CT was founded in 1956 by Billy Graham, a publication which aims to serve the church "with news, commentary, and resources."

On the other hand, the publication said that the Public Theology Project "will extend and build" its tradition, strengthening the "public theology for our day." It added that the project will feature Moore's writings and his podcast, Signposts.

The theologian is set to start working with CT this summer.
The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for up to a month, U.S. regulators announced Wednesday, in a change expected to help distribution of the shot.

The US Food and Drug Administration said it had made the decision 'based on a review of recent data submitted by Pfizer,' and will allow vials of the vaccine to be stored at refrigerator temperatures of between two and eight degrees Celsius (35-46 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to one month.

The vials were previously only allowed to be kept at such temperatures for five days.

'This change should make this vaccine more widely available to the American public by facilitating the ability of vaccine providers, such as community doctors' offices, to receive, store and administer the vaccine,' said Dr Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Vials of the Pfizer shot can now be stored at refrigerator temperatures of 2-8 degrees Celsius for up to one month in the US, the FDA said Wednesday. Regulators only allowed them to be above 'ultra-cold' temperatures for five days previously (file)

Up until the final month before they're administered, Pfizer's shots need to be at ultra cold temperatures which can be maintained using dry ice in their shipping containers for 15 days

Pfizer's vaccine was the first authorized in the U.S., on December 7 2020.

The authorization was a triumph for the fight against COVID-19 and gave Americans a reason to breathe a sigh of relief - but brought steep challenges to actually getting shots in arms.

The mRNA shot had to be kept at temperatures colder than Antarctica, which could be reached using dry ice in Pfizer's specially designed shipping boxes, but the ice had to be replaced every five days. The shots were only supposed to stay in these boxes for 15 days before being used or transferred to permanent ultra-cold storage.

Pfizer's boxes would ideally be opened no more than twice a day, for no more than a minute at a time.

And once vaccine vials are thawed, the shots could, at first, only be kept in refrigerators for five days.

After it was diluted, the clock started running: clinics had just six hours to get the shot into someone's arm.

The vaccine was well worth the trouble, but its complicated cold-chain meant it was hard to transport to and keep at rural locations, and next to impossible to use in poorer countries where refrigeration - let alone ultra-cold storage - is not widespread.

Moderna's vaccine still required storage at freezing temperatures, but its timelines are less stringent, and there's no need to recreate the South Pole to safely store it.

Cold-chain requirements have been at least partially responsible for hundreds of thousands of doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines being thrown out.

Nonetheless, more than 149 million doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the U.S.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said during a Wednesday Axios event that the firm expects to produce six billion more doses of its vaccine over the next 18 months.

And the eased cold-chain requirements will hopefully make the vaccine more accessible to more people across the globe.

The FDA had already relaxed conditions for the vaccine's storage in February, allowing it to be kept 'at conventional temperatures commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers for a period of up to two weeks' rather than ultra-low freezer temperature of -80 to -60 degrees Celsius.

The also announced in February that trial data showed its shot could be stored for up to a month at refrigerator temperatures, and applied to label it accordingly.

On Wednesday, the FDA authorized the longer fridge storage time, and Bourla said the shot can likely be kept at those temperatures for longer than that - but is continuing to study that question.

The European Medicines Agency On Monday also approved the storage of the Pfizer vaccine in fridges for up to a month.
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At least half of adults are fully vaccinated in 19 states - an encouraging sign as mask mandates are lifted and businesses reopen.

But rates are much lower for Black Americans and other minority groups, according to CDC data released by Kaiser Health News.

Vaccination rates have picked up for these groups recently - half of the shots administered in the last two weeks went to people of color - but equity hasn't been achieved yet.

Clear communication, easy access, and incentives tied to vaccination may help bridge the vaccine gaps in the Black population, rural communities, and others.

Despite the encouraging upticks in vaccination rates among people of color, only 22 percent of black Americans have had at least their first dose.

Meanwhile, almost half of U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated against COVID, and about 60 percent have received at least one dose. While 19 states are at or above this national rate, others are falling behind.

The states with at least half their populations fully vaccinated are: Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Maine and Connecticut have more than 60 percent of adults fully vaccinated, while other states lag behind

Washington D.C., Guam, and the Republic of Palau have also met this benchmark.

Maine and Connecticut have the best vaccination rates: about 61 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated in both states, as of May 19.

Connecticut took a unique, age-based approach to vaccine eligibility, opening up vaccinations to adults in 10-year increments.

Vermont, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts also have high vaccination rates: about 59 percent of the adults in these states are fully vaccinated.

At the other end of the spectrum are some states in the South where less than 40 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

Mississippi and Alabama have the lowest rates, at 34 percent and 36 percent respectively. Other states with rates below 40 percent include: Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Wyoming. The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico also fall into this category.

Even in the states with higher overall vaccination rates, some minority communities are falling behind.

The U.S. is vaccinating between 1.5 and two million people a day

In many states, white residents have been vaccinated at twice the rate of black residents

Only 22 percent of Black Americans have been vaccinated - and that this group is getting vaccinated at lower rates than the white population in almost every state, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis released Thursday.

KHN's analysis is based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after the news outlet asked for the information via a public records request.

Nationwide, the analysis shows, 22 percent of Black Americans have received at least one dose - compared with 29 percent of Hispanic/Latino Americans, 33 percent of white Americans, and 41 percent of Asian Americans.

In some states, white residents have been vaccinated at almost twice the rate of Black residents.

Iowa has the highest disparity: 37 percent of the state's white population has had at least one dose, while only 15 percent of the state's Black population has.

In Florida, 26 percent of the white population has been vaccinated, compared with 14 percent of the Black population.

New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, New York, and Hawaii all have similarly high disparities.

KHN's analysis also notes that the vaccination rate for Hispanic/Latino Americans is lagging nationwide - but in eight states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, Hispanic/Latino residents are vaccinated at higher rates than white residents.

Unlike other minority groups, the Native American population has seen success in vaccination. Nationwide, 45 percent of Native Americans and Alaska Native residents are vaccinated - compared with 33 percent of the white population. Native vaccination rates are higher than white rates in 28 states.

Many Native tribes prioritized vaccination, especially for elders, after COVID decimated communities in 2020. Indigenous Americans have died at three times the rate of white Americans, according to APM Research Lab.

As concerning as these low vaccination rates for Black Americans appear, the true disparities may be starker. KHN's reporters note that even the CDC is missing a lot of data on who's getting vaccinated.

In total, race or ethnicity information is missing for about 69 million vaccinated people - or 44 percent of those vaccinated, KHN reports.

'Eight states - Alabama, California, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming - either refuse to provide race and ethnicity details to the CDC or are missing that information for more than 60% of people vaccinated,' reporters Hannah Recht, Rachana Pradhan, and Lauren Weber write.

These eight states are excluded from KHN's analysis.

The U.S. is now seeing close to 30,000 COVID cases a day

COVID death numbers are falling thanks to vaccination

While overall vaccination rates for many minority communities remain low, the numbers have begun picking up in recent weeks.

Half of the Americans who got vaccinated in the past two weeks are people of color, White House COVID Response Team advisor Dr Marcella Nunez-Smith announced at a briefing on Tuesday.

Some Southern states in particular are closing vaccination gaps. According to KHN's analysis, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana - three states with low vaccination rates overall - have actually vaccinated higher shares of their Black populations than their white populations.

In order to continue vaccinating minority communities - and reach people who may be hesitant - Dr Nunez-Smith said that the federal government will prioritize 'meeting people where they are.'

Vaccinations at community health centers and mobile clinics can help those who may not be able to go to a mass vaccination site for their shots.

Incentives like Ohio's one million dollar vaccine lottery can help, too. The state saw a significant jump in vaccinations for almost all age groups after the lottery was announced, according to ABC News.

The U.S. will need all incentives in its arsenal to reach President Biden's goal: 70 percent of adults vaccinated with at least one dose before July 4.
BIOGRAPHY

DISNEY'S BRITISH GENTLEMAN: THE LIFE AND CAREER OF DAVID TOMLINSON

by Nathan Morley (History Press 20, 255 pp)

Where this country excels is in its reliable character actors  Ian Carmichael, John Le Mesurier, Richard Wattis, Robert Morley and, among others, David Tomlinson, whom Noel Coward unforgettably described as looking like a very old baby.

Tomlinson, born in 1917, was always cast in West End farces or black and white comedy films as a harassed, flustered, nervy, happy-go-lucky, upper-class twit.

Nathan Morley has penned a new biography about English actor David Tomlinson. Pictured: David Tomlinson with his co-stars in Mary Poppins

However, where everyone else more or less remained in England, churning out forgotten pictures for Rank or the Boulting Brothers, Tomlinson, in 1963, went to Hollywood and made Mary Poppins for Walt Disney.

Finally my long-awaited Disney ship came in, David joked at the time. I couldnt believe it. I clutched the script to my bosom.

He found being in Hollywood an exhilarating, joyful experience.

Biographer Nathan Morley says Disney knew from the start that only David Tomlinson could plumb and dissect the complexities of George Banks.

Tomlinson brought to the role of Mr Banks a lightness, solid comic timing, a bit of bluster and a deft spoken musicality.

The song Lets Go Fly A Kite remains a classic. Tomlinson also provided voices for the films cartoon penguin and turtle, as well as Marys parrot-handled brolly.

Disney believed that Poppins would be the greatest movie ever made.

But despite having just taken part in a cinematic masterpiece, David often dined out on the story of seeing a rough-cut while sitting with Walt Disney in a screening room: I thought it was the worst film I had ever seen, the most sentimental rubbish. And I practically said to dear darling Walt: Well, you cant win them all, Walt, can you? Im not always right!

The film went on to sell more character merchandise, books and records than any other live-action feature Disney had ever made.

Before staring in Disney films, David (pictured) had always been cast in West End farces or black and white comedy films as a happy-go-lucky, upper class twit

On his death in June 2000, having retired 20 years previously, Tomlinson left 2,595,981, though Morley doesnt mention this. How may it be explained?

Tomlinson was not a first-rank star. His main achievements after Mary Poppins and Bedknobs And Broomsticks were cameos in a Womble film and an episode of Hawaii Five-O. He did not achieve TV sitcom fame, as Le Mesurier did as Sergeant Wilson.

Yet he lived grandly. I was really rather lucky, he said. I didnt struggle very much.

Perhaps it was family loot  Morley alludes to a substantial portfolio of shares.

Tomlinsons father, Clarence, was a solicitor who lived a double life. Instead of staying during the week, as he claimed, at London club the Junior Carlton, he was in Chiswick with a secret second family, including seven children.

The deception was discovered when Davids brother, Peter, was on the top deck of a bus in Chiswick and, from the window, saw his father sitting up in bed in a strange house, drinking tea.

The deceit lasted decades, and Clarence is described in this book as emotionally unavailable and occasionally spiteful.

Tomlinsons mother, Florence, a young beauty of Scottish descent, ran the official family home in Folkestone. The Tomlinsons gave every appearance of being the model of successful and upstanding Edwardian citizens.

David (pictured) met his first wife Mary Lindsay Hiddingh, after being sent by the RAF on a goodwill tour of Canada

David was sent to typically horrible schools, where pupils were subjected to gratuitous torment, and did a stint in the Grenadier Guards. The chief legacy of military service was that they taught me how to polish shoes  I am an expert at it.

Tomlinson also toiled as a vacuum cleaner salesman in Edinburgh and was a clerk for Shell and British Petroleum, where he was renowned for his incompetence and incapability.

He took flying lessons and, during World War II, served in a radar station and as an instructor, training sergeant-pilots.

Sent by the RAF on a goodwill tour of Canada, Tomlinson met Mary Lindsay Hiddingh, a 34-year-old widow who worked at the British Ministry of War Transport in New York. She had two children, aged eight and six.

We became completely in love and taken with each other, Tomlinson later said. They were married in September 1943. He was soon recalled to England, to teach troops about gliders for the Arnhem landings. There were 17,000 casualties, but worse was in store for Tomlinson personally.

DISNEY'S BRITISH GENTLEMAN: THE LIFE AND CAREER OF DAVID TOMLINSON by Nathan Morley (History Press 20, 255 pp)

Mary was meant to follow him to England once we had overcome the red tape, but the latter proved intractable. On December 1, she checked into a hotel on West 57th Street, went to the 15th floor, unlatched the window and plunged to her death, taking the children with her.

Tomlinson completely concealed his emotions and never referred to the incident.

His children by a second marriage (to Audrey Freeman in 1953) only found out about it years later by chance, when they saw on their parents marriage certificate that their father was described as a widower. But thats the quintessential English way.

The war over, Tomlinson returned to Folkestone and appeared with the Arthur Brough Players at Leas Pavilion. He was soon touring in rep, but wasnt interested in the classics. I went for the money, he confessed, which meant films.

One way Tomlinson saved money was by being his own agent. Even landing the plum role of Mr Banks was all achieved without an agent in sight! Morley observes. If he didnt get the fee he asked for, he wouldnt do it.

He once had a meeting with top agent Michael Whitehall, expecting to be represented for free, for the prestige of having me on your books. Such behaviour did not make Tomlinson universally liked. Even his own children say he could be needlessly combative and capable of picking a fight.

More or less his last words were: I really think my own knighthood is greatly overdue.

As a man who had a high opinion of himself, this would not wholly have been said in jest.
BOOK OF THE WEEK

TAKING ON GRAVITY

by Richard Browning (Bantam 20, 256pp)

Richard Browning found himself standing in a Wiltshire farmyard in 2016 with jet engines the size of hairdryers attached to his arms and legs by flexible poles taken from a pop-up tent.

The engines were controlled with a trigger taken from an old electric drill, linked to some electronics housed in a Tupperware box taped to Brownings back. The technology was intended to help him fulfil his dream  to fly.

The plan was for the engines force to push against the ground and lift Browning into the air. The turbines were powerful  in fact they were too powerful.

The ones on his legs expelled air at such speed that they chipped the concrete beneath him, shooting fragments up into the engines themselves and shutting them down.

Starting in 2016 with hairdryers, Tupperware and sticky tape, Richard Browning, the British inventor of a 'jet suit', was determined to reach for the stars

Even when the system did work, its thrust was too much for Browning to control and he ended up flat on his face.

Two years later, though, after spending every spare minute working on the project, Browning was indeed as free as a bird. His suit  which has more power than a Formula 1 car  can lift him 25ft into the air, where he flies along at 50mph.

The motion is so exhilarating, he writes, that if Ive been flying throughout the day, when I eventually unclip the suit and walk around like everybody else, my movements seem limited, as if Ive been shackled to some unseen object at the ankles.

His young son christened the suit Daedalus, after the father of Icarus. They were the pair in Greek mythology who flew with wings made from feathers and wax. Icarus died when he ventured too close to the Sun and his wings melted.

Its a mistake Browning wouldnt make  as this engaging book shows, hes far too careful.

The suits progression proves the old saying about genius being an infinite capacity for taking pains. Step by step, Browning tweaked things until his goal was achieved.

The problem of the leg engines was solved by swapping them for one larger engine on his lower back. This makes the power more controllable and avoids the turbines burning the soles of Brownings feet. At one point, his wife stuffed a hosepipe down his boots to keep him cool.

Interspersed throughout the book are lessons you can learn from Brownings success. Everybody offers such tips these days, from astronauts to TV chefs.

Two years later, though, crashes and burns, his suit - which has more power than a Formula 1 car - can lift him 25ft into the air, where he flies along at 50mph

But unlike many books of the genre, this one is engaging because Brownings advice is so measured. Instead of extreme, Be whoever you want, nothing can hold you back! cliches, he explores the fascinating grey area where dreams meet reality.

For example, he recommends being the penguin on the outside. Browning himself has always been a bit of a loner, but not completely without friends. This puts him on the edge of any social group, like a penguin huddling against the outside of a massive colony.

He recommends mimicking the position if you want to be innovative: Do just enough to stay warm, but dont move so deep into the colony that you cant pick up on new ideas from elsewhere.

Another tip is to think like a child: When it comes to expanding the mind, try not to grow up. Browning cites the Marshmallow Challenge, an experiment thats been repeated all over the world. Teams of architects, business people, military leaders and so on compete against each other  and against a team of children.

Each group is given sticky tape, skewers, Blu Tack and the like, and told to build a structure that supports a single marshmallow as far above the table as possible. The adults spend most of their time talking, drawing up plans and debating amongst themselves. The kids just start playing with the materials  and almost always win.

Browning has even harnessed a real childs thinking. Demonstrating his suit at a school, he was asked by a pupil: Could you do back-flips? The thought had never occurred to him, but he loved it. Two members of his team are working on it right now.

He once helped his own children build a home-made furnace, in which they melted aluminium and copper. Far from being dangerous, he sees supervised activities like this as the best way for kids to learn about risk.

Cocooned by a perpetual safety blanket, they can become careless and blind to potential dangers.

Brownings own father, Michael, was an aeronautical engineer. He and the young Richard used to build massive fireworks from several smaller ones. You can see how Browning Senior inspired his sons later activities. But theres one crucial difference, which gives the book a tragic power.

Michael Browning was always trying to raise funding to develop a new type of bicycle hed invented.

It was hard going, and eventually, when the money ran out and his business dreams came to an end, he sank into despair and took his own life. Richard was 15.

The book is dedicated to Michael. In a way Richards whole life has been a tribute to him.

You can only imagine how his father would have felt seeing Richards business (Gravity Industries) secure funding from a Californian billionaire. The deal was signed on a $100 note.

In the meantime, things are on the up, literally and metaphorically. The military are interested in Brownings invention, hes planning a series of races (pilots flying against each other around obstacle courses on lakes), and you can even buy one of the suits for yourself. Assuming you have $440,000, and can show Browning that youll fly it safely.

The only people bringing him back to Earth are the Swiss airport staff who refused to let his suit onto a flight. Which seems rather ironic.
As lockdown measures eased this week and Britons can return to places of work, plan staycations and visit friends and family indoors for the first time in 2021, drivers are being met by 20-month-high fuel prices as the cost of petrol continues to surge.

Analysis by the AA reveals that unleaded jumped by more than 2p-a-litre - the equivalent of 1 a tank - in the last month, taking the average price for the UK to 128.43p-a-litre for the first time since 10 September 2019.

And motorists who fill up on the motorway are being stung by some retailers with astronomical charges at the pumps. Some profiteering service station retailers on busy routes have pushed petrol prices above 1.50-a-litre, figures provided to This is Money reveal.

Drivers paying the price for their freedom: Petrol prices have hit a 20-month high this month - and some motorway service filling stations are charging over 1.50-a-litre for unleaded

The AA's latest report shows that the fuel prices have gained monthly for more than half a year.

It comes almost a year to the day that Morrisons, Asda and Tesco cut the price of petrol to less than 1-a-litre at hundreds of UK forecourts as oil crashed on the back of increased tensions between producers in Saudi Arabia and Russia and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on demand.

The cost of diesel is also up, the AA reports, to an average of 130.81p per litre, which is the highest it's been since 4 February 2020.

That's despite diesel wholesale costs being lower than petrol since the last week of March into the first week of May - a trend that isn't being reflected at filling stations.

Instead, retailers have 'grudgingly' closed the petrol-diesel price gap from 2.8p to 2.4p between mid-April and mid-May.

Supermarket petrol is between 4p and 7p per litre cheaper than it is at other retailers, with Asda the most affordable at 123.05-a-litre on average this week.

The AA says national prices have jumped in the last two weeks as oil producers have increased exports as nations around the world ease their Covid restrictions.

'Oils return to $70 a barrel, last seen in May 2019, has propelled UK pump prices upward once more,' explains Luke Bosdet, the AA's fuel spokesman.

'They had stabilised for a fortnight in late April, but OPECs oil exports have jumped by one million barrels per day so far in May.

'Meanwhile, investment banks and other speculators are talking up the price, one predicting the biggest jump in oil demand in history.'

Analysis by the AA reveals that unleaded jumped by more than 2p-a-litre - the equivalent of 1 a tank - in the last month, taking the average price for the UK to 128.43p-a-litre for the first time since 10 September 2019

It means those who have scaled back their driving in lockdown are in for a nasty surprise when heading to filling stations for the first time in months this week.

Prices are 14p-a-litre - or 7.70 a tank - more expensive than they were when the first national lockdown was lifted last summer, the AA's database shows.

Families making the most of the newly eased restrictions by booking staycations outside of England will likely see the cost of petrol and diesel fall when they cross borders.

The AA says it has seen online interest in AA-rated accommodation in Wales and Scotland rise by 80 per cent in the last fortnight - as opposed to 40 per cent for other parts of the UK - as many look to book holiday to escape their homes for the first time in months.

For those travellers driving from London and the South East, they can enjoy pump prices averaging between 2p and 2.5p-a-litre less than what they'd pay closer to home.

Some profiteering service station retailers are charging 22p more than the national average for a litre of petrol, the AA told This is Money

Petrol prices at motorway services hit 1.50-a-litre

Out on the motorways, pump prices this week vary between the relatively cheap and the astronomically expensive, the AA's analysis reveals.

For instance, drivers using the M4 are currently seeing a huge difference in petrol prices. They can range from 130.9p and 148.9p-a-litre for unleaded, while diesel varies between 134.9p and 151.9p depending on where motorists fill up.

Heading into the South West, the southern end of the M5 has two service areas offering petrol at 134.9p-a-litre and diesel at 138.9p. But at other motorway forecourts along that route, petrol costs 148.9p and diesel 151.9p.

Moto is also advertising a trial of cheap motorway fuel at Lancaster on the M6 (petrol 127.9p, diesel 132.9p) and at Frankley on the M5 (petrol 130.9p, diesel 132.9p).

However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, the M25 - as usual - stands out as consistently the most expensive for motorway fuel.

A review of motorway service station fuel prices by the AA found that Clacket Lane services on the M25 is charging 150.9p for a litre of petrol, making it more than 11 more expensive to fill up than the average price in London

South Mimms services, also on the M25, is charging sky-high prices, with unleaded at 149.9p-a-litre. It is also among the most expensive places to fill up with diesel, costing drivers a staggering 152.9p per litre

Petrol is being sold for as much as 150.9p-a-litre and diesel as high as 152.9p-a-litre at Clacket Lane and South Mimms service stations respectively.

It means petrol on the M25 can be almost 22.5p per litre more expensive than the national average (12.38 more to fill a 55-litre fuel tank) - and 21p more than the London average (11.55 pricier per tank).

'If holiday car travellers think that pump prices near home are high, wait until they take to the motorways,' Bosdet told This is Money.

'However, there are some excellent fuel prices to be found on major routes  the problem is knowing where they are.

'And seeing as the default setting for most car owners is to avoid fuel prices on motorways unless desperate, the bad reputation plays against competitive forecourts that are breaking the mould.

'The AA says to drivers: there are oases of cheap motorway fuel. Keep an eye out for them.'
Most car buyers are aware that they need to take fuel efficiency figures with a pinch of salt, but by how much are the latest models missing their quoted miles-per-gallon?

Despite manufacturers in recent years having to adhere to more accurate fuel economy tests, a new report by What Car? says motorists should still expect to see the newest machines miss mpg efficiency claims by an average of 6.3 per cent.

Having tested almost 100 cars in the last year, the motoring consumer champion found that a BMW 4 Series diesel missed its quoted mpg figured by the most.

The real-world measurements show it is more than a quarter less economical than buyers are being led to believe and could cost them over 380 annually in unexpected fuel bills.

Fuel economy fails: We reveal the 10 new motors that missed their 'official' miles per gallon figures by the most in real-world driving conditons

What Car? measured the fuel efficiency of 96 of the latest petrol, diesel and hybrid models to hit the market in the last 12 months,

Its 'True MPG' test, which is conducted in a lab like the official cycle (called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, or WLTP for short), is said to be repeatable within one per cent and provides more realistic mpg figures than those that car manufacturers are obliged to quote.

This is mainly down to the driving technique during the independent measurements, which is described as 'gentle' and 'within speed limits', but unlike the official test includes relatively quick acceleration.

'The True MPG tests are carried out under tightly controlled conditions: climate control is always set to 21 degrees and cars due to be tested are stored overnight at a set 23 degrees so they all start with exactly the same engine temperature and in the same ambient air temperature,' What Car? states in its explanation of the results.

The results of the last year of testing varied dramatically between models.

These are the 10 new models What Car? tested in the last year and found to miss their official WLTP fuel efficiency figures by the largest amount

BMW's 420d should achieve 57.6mpg on paper, but returned just 42.4mpg in the test. That difference is the equivalent of 388 in additional annual fuel bills for owners, based on a driver covering 10,000 miles in a year and diesel's current average UK price

The recently-launched Suzuki Swace estate car - which costs from just under 25,000 with this hybrid engine - was 21.6% down on the official fuel economy being advertised

Ford's Fiesta - Britain's most-bought car for 12 years running - also made the list, with the 155hp 1.0-litre version in a high specification found to miss its claimed mpg by almost 20%

BMW's 47,895 420d M Sport Pro Edition - powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine - achieved 26.4 per cent lower fuel economy than its WLTP test figure, claiming the unwanted crown of the motor that missed its mpg claims by the most.

The German brand says driver should expect to achieve 57.6mpg on average when driving on a combination of roads, from motorways to driving in the city.

However, What Car? found the most realistic figure to be just 42.4mpg.

That difference is the equivalent of 388 in additional annual fuel bills for owners, based on a driver covering 10,000 miles in a year and diesel's current average UK price at 130p-a-litre.

It was followed by the 24,499 Suzuki Swace 1.8 Hybrid, which was 21.6 per cent short of claims, missing its 64.2mpg claim with a 50.3mpg real-world measurement.

With petrol currently at 128p per litre, that's the equivalent of buyers having to spend 255 more on fuel a year than they would have expected.

Britain's best-selling car for 12 years running also made the list, with the Ford Fiesta with the 1.0-litre petrol engine in ST-Line X Edition trim (which costs 22,960 in dealers) was third in the rankings, down a fifth on what the claimed mpg suggests.

Cars more efficient than claimed Ford's Ranger Thunder diesel isn't what you'd call economical but in What Car?s True MPG test was found to be 18.9% more fuel efficient than what official numbers suggest At the other end of the spectrum, the Ford Ranger 2.0-litre diesel Thunder, achieved 18.9 per cent better fuel economy than its official figure - rising from 30.7mpg in the WLTP test to 36.5mpg in What Car?'s assessment, reducing an average annual fuel bill from 1,906 to 1,642, based on our 10,000 miles per year example. The Honda CR-V Hybrid 2.0 i-MMD was the second improved performer in the list, being 12.3 per cent more economical when driven under real-world conditions. There were 10 examples of cars from the 96-strong list that turned out to be more economical under real-world driving conditions than their official mpg figures

Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: 'From SUVs to small hatchbacks, our True MPG test results show there are still significant differences between the claimed and actual fuel economy figures of many models.

'So it's important for buyers to do their research before they buy.

'Our True MPG tool is unique to the industry and gives new car buyers an accurate idea of their vehicle's real world fuel economy.'
The surprisingly good festive film, Christmas Chronicles, revolves around the idea of true believers, as Santa Claus-obsessed 11-year-old Kate and her doubting cynical older brother Teddy get involved in an adventure to save Christmas.

Its not about the presents, or the sleigh or the reindeer, its about Christmas spirit and making people believe, says Kurt Russell as Santa Claus.

Speak to a dedicated cryptocurrency investor and the subject may be different but the sentiment is similar, so much so that the term true believers is often bandied about in bitcoin and crypto world.

For the true believers, its not about cashing in your gains when the price is rising, or panicking and selling up as it crashes, its about bitcoin being the future and that whatever happens you believe and hodl (hold on for dear life, as the original joke on a mis-type of hold was later translated into).

Kurt Russell in the Christmas Chronicles says 'it's about making people believe' - a sentiment it seems is shared by many bitcoin true believers on a very different subject

Bitcoin true believers' faith has been tested again as the price has fallen 40% from its peak

Bitcoin and crypto true believers faith is being tested again: at the time of writing, the bitcoin price was down 40 per cent from its mid-April high at $37,600 (although who knows where it could be when you read this).

Importantly for the trading world, bitcoins price fell below its 200 day moving average  a key indicator used by traders to decide whether to be in or out.

That came as big falls in recent days saw a chunk of the hot money in bitcoin hammered, with the greatest impact felt by those who have taken leveraged trading positions that were automatically closed at a loss by providers after they fell too far.

Why has bitcoin tumbled?

There are various theories, ranging from blaming Elon Musk for his tweets about bitcoins environmental cost, to the mounting concerns about ransomware and the digital currency's part in criminals demanding payments, and China introducing fresh cryptocurrency curbs.

Alternatively, it might just be that things go down as well as up  especially things like bitcoin that saw their price rise almost 500 per cent in six months.

Yet for the true believers, the bitcoin price falls dont matter  nor are they particularly concerned about the known knowns of Elon, the environment or disapproving regulators  they are thinking way into the future and believe that bitcoin and crypto is that future.

For all the mockery of cryptoland, it has shaken up the world of investing, where on there are a lot of professional investors watching on the sidelines with great interest and a dollop of envy over the profits reaped.

The announcement by Tesla founder Elon Musk last week that it would not accept bitcoin as payment for cars - only months after saying it would - coincided with it plunging

Similarly, another source of big gains in recent years has also been turning the investing world on its head: moonshot investing.

This is a strategy that involves backing disruptive companies, which, if they get it right, will succeed spectacularly and deliver outsized gains.

The star names need no introduction, think Amazon, Facebook, Google, Tesla, Tencent, Alibaba and friends.

The best-performing 4% of companies explain the net gain for the entire U.S. stock market since 1926

The work of a US academic at Arizona State University, Hendrik Bessembinder, underpins the argument for this style of investing, in 2017 he published a paper Do Stocks Outperform Treasury Bills? that showed over 100 years most shares didnt make money.

Instead, the gains came from a small proportion of winners. The study said: The best-performing four per cent of listed companies explain the net gain for the entire U.S. stock market since 1926.

This sentiment was echoed last week by the most famous UK investor who can be shoehorned into the moonshot investing bracket, Baillie Giffords James Anderson.

As one of the managers of Scottish Mortgage investment trust, Anderson has been responsible for backing disruptive companies that scored great success. He is leaving the trust next year and in a forthright fund managers note in Scottish Mortgage's annual results, fired a shot at the investment world.

Ill admit its not as entertaining as watching Kurt Russell get into scrapes as Santa Claus, but for investors it is well worth a read whether you agree with his thoughts or not.

Outgoing Scottish Mortgage manager James Anderson urged the trust to be eccentric and radical and investors to back extraordinary disruptive companies.

Anderson argues that old-fashioned Warren Buffett and Ben Graham-style value investing has had its day and instead urges investors to embrace radical change and extraordinary companies, with the characteristics that might enable extreme and compounding success that is central to investing.

He adds: But distraction through seeking minor opportunities in banal companies over short periods is the perennial temptation. It must be resisted. This requires conviction. The share price drawdowns will be regular and severe. 40 per cent is common.

'The stock charts that look like remorseless bottom left to top right graphs are never as smooth and easy as they subsequently appear*.

There is a Venn diagram overlap between the bitcoin and crypto true believers and moonshot investing, but they should not be confused with each other

That asterisk references another paper by Bessembinder, Extreme Stock Market Performers, which highlights how even the best long-term investments suffer deep short-term pain.

It looked at each of the seven decades since 1950 and said: 'Even within the highly successful decade, shareholders experienced draw-downs that lasted an average of 10 months and involved an average loss of 32.5 per cent. During the immediately preceding decade, draw-downs for these highly successful stocks lasted an average of 22 months and involved an average cumulative loss of 51.6 per cent.'

Scottish Mortgage, Ark Invest and their disruptive growth investing ilk are willing to take those heavy hits in the quest for long-term gains.

There may be a Venn diagram overlap between the bitcoin and crypto true believers and moonshot investing, but they should not be confused with each other.

The former have a narrow and very high risk commitment to just one asset, while the latter involves a diversified portfolio approach that includes committing to high risk investments.

What they share is a willingness to tolerate high volatility and rollercoaster double-digit share price falls along the way to eventual success.

Cryptocurrencies and moonshot investing  with their tolerance for 40 per cent price drops  have delivered the most high profile gains of recent years and crucially shaped the outlook of a new cohort of investors.

The question now is will their impact change the psychology of investing for years to come?
Former FBI director Louis Freeh gave $100,000 to a private trust for Joe Biden's grandchildren and met with the then-Vice President in 2016 'to explore with him some future work options', emails reveal.

Freeh also spoke with then-Vice President Biden in 2016 'to explore with him some future work options', according to the bombshell communications

The emails suggest Freeh was trying to establish a future business relationship with Biden  and the White House has failed to disclose to DailyMail.com whether Joe Biden discussed private business with Freeh while in office.

According to the messages, obtained by DailyMail.com from Hunter Bidens abandoned laptop, the former FBI director was working for three foreign businessmen and officials at the time, who were all later convicted of various corruption charges, including a multi-billion-dollar ransacking of a Malaysian wealth fund.

Freeh himself was not implicated in those charges

The 71-year-old, who served as FBI director under Bill Clinton and George Bush, ran a consultancy firm with highly controversial clients including a now-jailed Malaysian prime minister who stole billions of dollars from his country, a Romanian real estate tycoon convicted of bribery, and a French-Israeli diamond magnate later convicted of bribery and a $145 million property graft.

Freeh, a former judge, emailed Joe's son Hunter Biden in 2016, revealing he had spoken with the Vice President and proposed that they work together on private ventures once Biden left office.

DailyMail.com can reveal former FBI director Louis Freeh (left) gave $100,000 to a private trust for Joe Biden's grandchildren and discussed 'future work options' with Hunter while Biden served as VP

Joe Biden with his family.(from left): Son-in-law Howard, granddaughters Natalie and Maisy, daughter Ashley, wife Jill, granddaughters Finnegan and Naomi, grandson Hunter

In July that year, in an email marked 'confidential and privileged', Freeh wrote to Hunter that he 'would be delighted to do future work with you.'

'I also spoke to Dad a few weeks ago and would like to explore with him some future work options,' Freeh said. 'I believe that working together on these (and other legal) matters would be of value, fun and rewarding.'

The emails, obtained by DailyMail.com from Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop, show Freeh making overtures to the Bidens for business deals

Freeh brought up the idea again a month later  and mentioned that he was working for the then-Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, who was in the midst of a scandal over one of the world's biggest financial frauds, and was later sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2020.

'I would like to talk with you and Dad about working together next year,' Freeh wrote to Hunter.

'No doubt both he and you have many options and probably some which are more attractive than my small shop.

'As you know, we have both a law firm and 'solutions/investigations' group with a very good brand, DC and DEL (and NYC) offices, and a profitable and interesting global practice (eg., I'm currently representing the Malaysian PM and his family).

'So if it's something which interests you both, let's talk about it at some point. I'm very flexible and we could set it up as an equity-share or whatever works best. It would certainly be an honor to work with you both.'

The emails, obtained by DailyMail.com from Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop, show that around the same time Freeh was making overtures to the Bidens for business deals, he also gave $100,000 to a trust for Joe Biden's grandchildren.

The 'donation' was made to a trust for the children of Hallie Biden, the widow of Joe's late son Beau who later became Hunter's lover.

'As you know, our family foundation made a $100K contribution to Hallie's children's trust last year,' Freeh wrote in an April 2017 email. 'My accountants (PWC) now advise that since the grant did not go to a 501(c) organization [a charity], it was not a proper foundation gift.

Freeh asked Hunter for Joe's contact details to discuss 'profitable matters', and Hunter obliged. 'I say [saw] Dad in St Joe's and the 900a today and he said hi walking back from communion--I didn't get the chance to return greetings,' Freeh wrote on March 12 2017

In July that year, in an email marked 'confidential and privileged', Freeh wrote to Hunter that he 'would be delighted to do future work with you'

The email shows the gift was not made to a registered charity, but instead to a private trust.

'As you know, our family foundation made a $100K contribution to Hallie's children's trust last year,' Freeh wrote in an April 2017 email.

'My accountants (PWC) now advise that since the grant did not go to a 501(c) organization [a charity], it was not a proper foundation gift.

'So we've been in touch with the IRS and PWC and want to correct the situation as follows: I'll make a new $100k gift to Haley's trust, and Hallie's trust will reimburse the foundation by paying it $100k.

'Sorry for the extra burden. Best regards and warm regards to Hallie, Dad and Mom.'

Hunter replied: 'Thanks so much and of course no burden at all. Speak to you soon. Hunter.'

A month earlier Freeh had asked Hunter for Joe's contact details to discuss 'profitable matters', and Hunter obliged.

'I say [saw] Dad in St Joe's and the 900a today and he said hi walking back from communion--I didn't get the chance to return greetings,' Freeh wrote on March 12 2017.

Freeh met with the then-Vice President in 2016 'to explore with him some future work options', emails from Hunter's laptop reveal. This photo of Joe was obtained on Hunter's laptop

In August 2016, Freeh emailed Hunter saying, 'I would like to talk with you and Dad about working together next year' once he's out of office as the vice president. 'As you know, we have both a law firm and 'solutions/investigations' group with a very good brand, DC and DEL (and NYC) offices, and a profitable and interesting global practice (eg., I'm currently representing the Malaysian PM and his family),' he wrote

One of Freeh's controversial clients, Beny Steinmetz, has been convicted in corruption cases in both Romania and Switzerland. In a 2016 email, Freeh spoke of his relationship with Steinmetz

'If you have his cell and a personal email, I'd like to have his contacts (will protect). I would still like to persuade him to associate with me and FSS [Freeh's firm Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan LLP] ---as we have some very good and profitable matters which he could enhance with minimal time.'

Hunter replied with Joe's personal cell, and an email address for Kathy Chung, a staffer from Biden's vice presidential office who he kept on after leaving the White House.

'He rarely ever uses email. [Chung's email address] is also the best way to make sure he gets the message. That's Kathy whom you have met,' Hunter wrote.

Neither Freeh, Hunter Biden nor the White House responded to DailyMail.com's requests for comment.

Freeh was already close to the Biden family, after serving on the Beau Biden foundation, a charity formed in honor of the president's late son to help prevent child abuse.

In a 2014 press release, Freeh described Joe Biden and his son Beau as dear friends, and in a May 2010 email to a colleague Hunter said he was a close friend.'

Hunter hooked up the former FBI director with a consultancy job representing Romanian real estate tycoon Gabriel Popoviciu, who was convicted in his home country in 2016 of bribing a university official to buy a 550-acre plot of government-owned land for a drastically reduced price.

Freeh, who served as FBI director under Bill Clinton and George Bush, ran a consultancy firm with highly controversial clients. Pictured with Clinton in 1993

Freeh worked for the then-Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak (left), who was in the midst of a scandal over one of the world's biggest financial frauds, and was arrested in 2018 was later sentenced to 12 years in prison and Beny Steinmetz (right) who was convicted of corruption in two cases in 2020 and 2021

Popoviciu hired Hunter in 2016, and later Freeh, as part of a campaign to persuade anti-corruption prosecutors to cut him a deal or drop the case.

After the tycoon was sentenced, Freeh issued a press release claiming the verdict was not supported by either the facts or the law and that there were numerous factual and legal deficiencies in the case against Mr. Popoviciu.

In a bizarre twist, Freeh then enlisted the help of Donald Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani  who had been criticizing Hunter for his dealings with allegedly corrupt Eastern Europeans.

After his commission Giuliani wrote a letter to then-Romanian president Klaus Iohannis criticizing the anticorruption prosecutions and calling for an amnesty for recent convicts  including Popoviciu.

Another of Freeh's controversial clients, Beny Steinmetz, has been convicted in corruption cases in both Romania and Switzerland.

In December last year the French-Israeli billionaire was sentenced by a Romanian court to five years jail in absentia over 'the creation of an organized criminal group' and the bribing of government officials from 2006 to 2008.

In January, Steinmetz, a diamond mining magnate, was also found guilty in a Swiss prosecution of paying $10 million in bribes and forging documents to cover up the payments from 2006, in a successful bid to get iron ore mining licenses in Guinea, Africa.

His defense lawyer, Marc Bonnant, told the New York Times Steinmetz would be appealing the charges.

Freeh's consultancy firm, Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan, boasts a stable of high-ranking former US government officials.

According to the firms website, its partners include retired federal judge Eugene Sullivan, former New York federal prosecutor Benito Romano, former Director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Gregory Paw and Ronald Noble, an ex-Treasury and Justice Department official and former 14-year secretary-general of the International Criminal Police Organization.

Former FBI Assistant Director Lewis Schiliro, and Robert O'Neill, a former Navy SEAL Team 6 member who claimed to have killed Bin Laden, were both also listed as partners on the site earlier this year, but their names have since been removed.

DailyMail.com obtained a copy of Hunter's laptop hard drive from former Steve Bannon podcast co-host Jack Maxey.

John Paul Mac Isaac, the owner of the computer store where Hunter abandoned his laptop, gave a copy of its hard drive to Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani in September last year.

Giuliani reportedly leaked documents and photos from the drive to the New York Post, and also gave a whole copy of the drive to Trump's former advisor Bannon and his podcast co-host Maxey.

DailyMail.com commissioned cyber forensics experts Maryman & Associates to authenticate the data on the hard drive.

In a report compiled for DailyMail.com, the experts concluded the drive 'appear to be authentic', and that after an extensive search of its contents for any tell-tale signs of tampering, they found 'no evidence' of fabrication.
The whole nation is feeling stressed according to new research* and nearly half of people say they have become more conscious about their mental wellbeing as a result of the pandemic.**

One of the main factors leading to this increased anxiety has been the pressure to 'return to normal' quicker than people are comfortable with.

A third of people said this pressure to get back to pre-covid times has been coming from work, with nearly half aged between 35 to 44 (47%) stating that as the reason they were feeling more anxious.

The uncertainty and changes caused by the pandemic has led to the whole nation feeling more stressed

While for over 65s, the pressure to return to normal is most likely to come from their families.

This increased stress has had a real impact on the nation's well being, with half of people saying it has impacted their sleep, and a third that it has made them short tempered while others say it has affected their focus and has made them eat more than usual.

The pandemic has even had a negative affect on the nations love life, with a quarter say their intimacy with their spouse has taken a blow.

Fortunately, there are many ways we can look after our mental health. The research shows 35% of us have turned to exercise and 22% eat more healthily.

Aidan Goggins, expert nutritionist and member of nutritional supplement company FutureYou Cambridge's advisory board, says we should be doing more to look after our mental wellbeing: 'Stress is an inescapable reality of everyday life. However, the increased and persistent levels the pandemic has brought about not only affects how we feel but greatly contributes to our risk of reduced physical and mental health.'

Sleeping well makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically. The NHS 'Every Mind Matters' recommendations also suggest spending time with loved ones (when permitted), being active and 'taking the time to do something for ourself, a hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax.'

The NHS also advises that we actively try to 'be in the present' and be mindful of what we are thinking, reframing unhelpful thoughts and try to slow down, breath slowly or practise meditation.

A growing number of people are discovering a little known type of herb called ashwagandha otherwise known as Indian ginseng

Many people have discovered the benefits of spending time in nature to support their mental health and reduce stress levels. According to mental health charity Mind, nature has many benefits and can contribute to reducing feelings of stress, anger or anxiety. Even bringing nature into your home (caring for a plant, growing flowers or vegetables) can have calming, positive effects.

Nature can also help in other ways to help restore feelings of wellbeing. A growing number of people are discovering a little known type of herb called ashwagandha otherwise known as Indian ginseng. Although similar sounding, it's entirely different to the herb more commonly known as Korean ginseng.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that has been used for general health in traditional Indian cultures for centuries. Adaptogens are a range of herbs which promote homeostasis - the optimal internal state of a healthy body in which physical and chemical conditions are balanced.

Adaptogens support your body's ability to cope with various kinds of environmental stresses by normalising physiological processes and helping the body to adapt to changes, in a similar way that exercise trains your physical performance.

When developing an advanced solution to support mental wellbeing, the experts at nutritional supplement company, FutureYou Cambridge turned to ashwagandha; the 'Prince of Herbs'.

Dr. Miriam Ferrer PhD, Head of Product Development FutureYou Cambridge

Aidan continues: 'Several scientific studies have been undertaken with ashwagandha and stressed healthy adults. Ashwagandha supplementation was shown to support general wellbeing by aiding stress management and supporting sleep quality. The maximum benefit was achieved in individuals taking doses of 600mg a day.'

Dr Miriam Ferrer, PhD and Head of Product Development at FutureYou Cambridge says: 'Our Ashwagandha+ provides 600mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha full-spectrum (meaning it maintains the balance of the various constituents of the original herb) root extract. It's the most researched ashwagandha on the market with 22 'Gold Standard' human studies.

'This formulation helps support relaxation, mental and physical wellbeing and contributes to emotional balance and general wellbeing during periods of anxiety and emotional stress*.'

Laura Harkins, 38, living in Fife, Scotland is delighted to have discovered Ashwagandha+. Laura recently returned to work in hospitality, a sector she loves:

Laura Harkins, 38, from Fife in Scotland

'I'm constantly on the go and quite a highly strung person. I came across FutureYou Cambridge's Ashwagandha+ online and read about the benefits. It ticked all the boxes for me.

'I really liked the fact the Cambridge-based company has such strong scientific associations. I decided to try it and after just a few days I noticed the changes. I feel so much more mellow and less anxious now. It's been a real saviour. My friends have also noticed the difference and have asked what I'm taking. I highly recommend Ashwagandha+ to all of them.'

Dr Miriam Ferrer continues, 'Our vegan-friendly supplement also contains vitamin C, which contributes to psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and a highly absorbable form of zinc, which contributes to normal cognitive function.

'It's very interesting to learn from this study, that while only 1 in 10 had used a supplement to help their stress levels, two thirds of people would be open to the idea.

'This indicates a general lack of awareness of the benefits of using science-backed supplements such as ashwagandha, which can contribute to optimal wellbeing.

'We shouldn't be ashamed of seeking help to deal with stress. Feelings of stress and anxiety come and go and are a part of day to day life, but for some it can be much more severe. It's important that if this is the case, people know where to get help such as your GP, helplines, charities or counselling services.' concludes Ferrer.

How to claim your FREE trial pack To claim your free 28-day trial pack of Ashwagandha+, visit futureyouhealth.com/awa22 and simply pay 1.50 postage when you sign up to a flexible monthly delivery service. Alternatively, please call us on freephone 0800 808 5740 quoting the code AWA22. After your free trial pack, subsequent packs containing 28 days supply will cost 16.80 (inc. postage) and will be delivered every 28 days. If you dont wish to continue after your trial, simply visit futureyouhealth.com to easily cancel your subscription or call us on freephone 0800 808 5740, without obligation. Our Customer Care Team is available from 9.00am to 5.00pm, seven days a week. Offer valid until 31st August 2021. One use per customer. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers / discounts or used against existing subscriptions. Full terms and conditions available here futureyouhealth.com/awa22

Ashwagandha+ contains ashwagandha which contributes to optimal relaxation; helps to support relaxation, mental and physical wellbeing; contributes to emotional balance and general wellbeing. Ashwagandha+ also contains vitamin C which contributes to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

*An online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 2,008 respondents from the UK. The research fieldwork took place on 30th April  5th May 2021. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides by MRS code.

** FMCG Gurus

#https://www.nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/news/article_page/Greater_demand_than_ever_for_cognitive_health_products/176012/cn213814
Gable Tostee has lashed out a Pilates studio owner who allegedly messaged him on Facebook telling him to 'get off Bumble and Tinder you f**k'.

The dating app lothario who now goes by the name Eric Thomas, was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter after his Tinder date Warriena Wright plummeted to her death from his 14th-storey Gold Coast apartment in 2014 when he was 28.

The well-known playboy posted screenshots of the messages to his army of social media followers, who soon bombarded the fitness instructor's business with bad reviews, the Courier Mail reported.

Gable Tostee (pictured) lashed out a Pilates studio owner who allegedly messaged him on Facebook and told him to 'get off Bumble and Tinder you f**k'

The dating app lothario who now goes by the name Eric Thomas, was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter after his Tinder date Warriena Wright (pictured together) plummeted to her death from his 14th-storey Gold Coast apartment in 2014

'Pro tip: if you're going to send someone deranged abuse because of some delusion in your mind, don't make your business name and details public for everyone to see,' Thomas posted.

'Now I absolutely don't condone any form of harassment, but it would be unfortunate for her if her business  got bad reviews because of her conduct.'

Shortly after Thomas and his supporters flooded the business with negative comments and accused the woman of 'having online anger issues'.

'Extremely unprofessional, I'd stay well away and avoid doing business with her,' Tostee wrote in a review.

The owner of the Pilates studio, who has since deleted the comments, said in response she 'doesn't really care' about the backlash.

'He would have to do a whole lot more to bring me down,' the woman said.

Thomas, in January last year, vowed to continue his search for love on the dating app Tinder despite another high-profile controversy.

A date of his frantically called the police fearing for her safety at a home in Logan, south-east Queensland, on New Year's Eve after the 28-year-old woman he met on Tinder found out he had previously been acquitted of murder.

Gable Tostee reacts as he leaves the Supreme Court in Brisbane, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016

Thomas (pictured), in January, vowed to continue his search for love on the dating app Tinder despite another high-profile controversy

Mr Thomas said he remains determined to remain in the dating game.

'If you're involved in a serious car accident does that mean you never drive again?' he told 9News.

'The police themselves said "you're not in trouble - you haven't committed anything''.

'I just think it's bizarre. Nobody has acted that way before.'

Mr Thomas said the conversation about his past had come up earlier in the evening, but while the woman was surprised they had then fallen asleep together.

He described the incident as a 'bizarre' misunderstanding.
Shepherd's Men to Run, Ruck and Swim in Four States, Seven Cities Over Seven Days to Honor Post-9/11 Veterans

Annual run raises funds and awareness for PTSD and TBI Treatment at Atlanta-based Shepherd Center



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Shepherd's Men

May 19, 2021



ATLANTA, May 19, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Shepherd's Men, a 10-member team of active duty, medically retired and honorably discharged servicemen and civilian patriots dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Atlanta-based Shepherd Center's SHARE Military Initiative, will kick off their seventh annual Shepherd's Men Run in Arlington, Va. at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) on May 24. The seven days, May 24-31will be filled with running, rucking and swimming in Baltimore, Maryland; Arlington and Lynchburg, Virginia; Mt. Juliet and Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Athens and Atlanta, Georgia.



The Shepherd's Men Run is a seven-day, seven-city physical challenge during which each member of the Shepherd's Men team will run, ruck and swim every day, totaling over 1,000 miles collectively, while wearing 22-pound flak vests with armor plates to honor the lives of the 22 veterans who commit suicide in the United States each day. The gear simulates what U.S. military troops wear during battle and represents the physical, mental and emotional burden veterans cope with while readjusting to civilian life. During the Mt. Juliet, TN movement, the team will carry 83 pounds in a rucksack, and march 15.3 miles, to honor the life of Country Music Icon and longtime Shepherd's Men supporter, Charlie Daniels.





Shepherd's Men run through Johnson City, TN Cemetery on a 22km run to honor veterans, wearing 22-lb weights to represent 22 U.S. veterans' deaths by suicides every day. Left to right: 1st Sgt Walt Marques, USMC Ret, James Peterson (US Army and SHARE Alum) and Co-founder of Shepherd's Men Travis Ellis



"We run for our brothers and sisters who lost their lives, for our brothers and sisters who are still fighting long after leaving the battlefield and for our brothers and sisters who have not yet returned home," says Travis Ellis, Shepherd's Men co-founder. "We will not rest until the number of lives lost every day to suicide goes from 22 to 0. Our veterans deserve to live meaningful, gratifying lives with their families after their courageous service to our country."



The 2021 Shepherd's Men Run route is as follows:

May 23  Baltimore, Md. (5k only)

May 24  Arlington, Va.

May 25, 26  Lynchburg, Va.

May 27  Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

May 28, 29  Chattanooga, Tenn.

May 30, 31  Athens, Ga.

May 31  Atlanta, Ga.

*Detailed run routes for each city are available upon request.



The annual run is the Shepherd's Men's primary fundraising effort for the SHARE Military Initiative at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta. SHARE is a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The team's 2021 goal is to raise $1.2 million by hosting fundraisers during their journey and, in turn, fully fund one year's operating budget for SHARE.



"It is our desire to shine light on the condition of those struggling in our veteran communitymany of whom suffer in silence, isolating themselves from family, friends and the community," said Ellis. "For many of our veterans, their struggles, without proper care, often lead to broken families, addiction and unfortunately loss of life. That's why we are committed to raising awareness and funds to provide life-saving resources to sustain the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center."



About Shepherd's Men

Shepherd's Men is an organization comprised of dedicated patriots committed to creating advocacy and opportunity for our nation's heroes who have been affected by the hidden injuries of war. They serve our noble warriors by means of outreach, empowerment and the funding of treatment. It is their belief that victory in combat is achieved on two fronts  on the field and in the mind. Shepherd's Men is raising funds and awareness for the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. This comprehensive rehabilitation program focuses on assessment and treatment for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who suffer from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorders. For more information, please visit www.shepherdsmen.com. For more information on the SHARE Military Initiative, click here. #SHARETheBurden22



About the Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. In its more than four decades, Shepherd Center has grown from a six-bed rehabilitation unit to a world-renowned, 152-bed hospital that treats more than 935 inpatients, 541 day program patients and more than 7,300 outpatients each year. For more information, visit Shepherd Center online at www.shepherdcenter.org.



SOURCE Shepherd's Men



CONTACT: Sheryl R. Sellaway, 404-695-5564, Sheryl@righteouspragency.com


Principal says area was temporarily taken away to teach the girls about respect

Year nine students from a Catholic girls' school were furious after being banned from gathering around their favourite fig tree at lunchtime - but the school says the rule was necessary to teach the girls about 'respect'.

The students from St Rita's College in Clayfield, in Brisbane's inner north, arrived at their regular lunch spot on Tuesday to find the entire area taped off until until further notice.

Daily Mail Australia was told up to 180 year nine students regularly sit around the tree before school and during lunch - and they were 'extremely upset' by the school's decision.

A group of year nine students have been left outraged after they were told they could no longer sit at a group of benches under a beloved tree

School Principal Dale Morrow (pictured) said the area was temporarily confiscated to teach the girls a lesson of respect

Poll Was the Principal right to tape off the tree? YES NO Was the Principal right to tape off the tree? YES 1340 votes

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The school says it started the ban to teach the students about respect because they were leaving too much rubbish at the spot, which attracted ants.

'The girls have left their rubbish there despite being told to pick it up, and that's just not acceptable,' school principal Dale Morrow said.

'This is the consequence of them not being able to pick up after themselves, it's about teaching the girls to take pride in their school, community and each other.'

The school removed the tape on Thursday.

School principal Dale Morrow said the spot was taped off because students kept leaving their rubbish behind
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The EU's travel plan Anyone who has received their final dose of an EU-approved vaccine at least two weeks beforehand can travel. This includes all of the vaccines approved in the US.

Children who have not yet had a vaccine can enter with their parents if they provide a negative test.

EU expected to produce a 'green list' of countries from which holiday travel is allowed with a negative test or vaccine passport.

A low risk country will be defined as one with an infection rate of less than 75 cases per 100,000 people.

The US, with 35 cases per 100,000 and the UK, with 44 per 100,000, both fall into this category.

People from low risk countries who have not received a vaccine will be able to travel if they provide a negative test.

Until there is a uniform EU digital passport set up, countries should be able to 'accept certificates from non-EU countries based on national law.' In the case of the UK, the NHS app is anticipated to be able to provide the requisite level of proof. Advertisement

The European Union has approved the beginnings of a vaccine passport system that will allow tourists to visit without needing to test or quarantine.

The move allows unrestricted entry for arrivals who have had their final dose of an EU-approved vaccine at least two weeks beforehand.

It will allow fully vaccinated American tourists to enter the EU for the first time since the pandemic began, when all but essential travel from the US was banned.

Until a uniform EU digital passport has been set up then countries should be able to 'accept certificates from non-EU countries based on national law.'

Ambassadors signed off on holiday travel from low risk countries which have an infection rate of less than 75 Covid cases per 100,000 people.

The Commission had proposed raising the threshold for the green list from 25 to 100 cases per 100,000 people but the EU ambassadors today opted for 75.

The US, with 35 cases per 100,000 and the UK, with 44 per 100,000, both fall into this category.

People from low risk countries who have not yet had a vaccine will be able to travel to the EU for holiday as long as they provide a negative test.

The Continent will only accept those who have received an EU-approved vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

All three vaccines used in the US - Pfizer,, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson - would be covered by the proposal.

It also covers the UK which uses Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

The ambassadors today ruled out extending this to any vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation - as was previously mooted.

People from green listed countries who have not yet had a vaccine, including children and adults, will be able to travel to the EU on holiday as long as they provide a negative test.

The rules are specifically for holiday travel and do not have any impact on the bloc's current guidelines on essential travel and EU citizens.

The plan covers all EU countries except for Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

They also set out that member states will have an 'emergency brake' to block travel from countries where 'variants of concern' are spreading - even if they fall below the 100 cases per 100,000 people threshold.

Brussels has been working on a passport which relies on a QR code - a smartphone and machine readable code of black and white squares - that will contain people's personal vaccine information.

It is working with the World Health Organisation to make sure that the system can be used outside of the EU.

Germany is planning to open up its vaccine drive to everyone over the age of 18 in the coming weeks as it attempts to catch up with the UK, which has vaccinated the fastest in Europe

The European Union has approved the beginnings of a vaccine passport system that will allow tourists to visit without needing to test or quarantine. Pictured: People sit at the terrace of Paris' landmark Les Deux Magots cafe on May 19, 2021

A number of countries have already rolled out their own vaccine passport phone apps, including Denmark and Israel. These allow residents to visit bars, restaurants and museums.

Meanwhile the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has launched its own app, the IATA Travel Pass, which airlines including including Emirates, Etihad and Qantas, are trialling.

For travelers from the UK, it is expected that member states will be recommended to prepare digital portals that will allow Britons to use the country's health service app as a vaccine passport, the Daily Telegraph reported.

But the US has no such nation-wide app, and so vaccinated US travelers will likely be asked to input information from their vaccines cards before travel, although exactly how this would work in practice is currently unclear.

Last month, the head of the EU's executive body told the New York Times that all American tourists who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with jabs approved by the bloc's Medicine's Agency would be allowed entry.

At the time, it was reported that talks between authorities in the US and the EU to make vaccine certificates acceptable as proof of immunity for visitors were in an advanced stage.

'The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines,' Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, told The Times in April.

'This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union.'

'Because one thing is clear: All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by E.M.A.,' she added.

As of May 18, 158.37 million people, or 47.35 percent of the US population, had been given at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in the United States, with 124.5 million - or 37.21 percent being fully vaccinated.

These 124.5 million people will be allowed to travel to countries within the European Union without the need to quarantine.

In the EU, meanwhile, at least 200 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been given as of Tuesday, according to AFP data tallying up official figures given by member states' health services.

The milestone indicates that the EU should be on track to meet its goal of fully vaccinating 70 percent of adults - meaning roughly 255 million people out of its total 448 million population - by late July.

Of the big EU countries, Germany has 11.8 percent fully vaccinated, France has 13.5 percent, Italy has 15 percent and Spain has 15.6 percent.

By way of comparison with other wealthy territories, Israel has 59 percent of its population inoculated with two doses, and Britain has over 30 percent done.

According to The Times, diplomats from Europe's tourism destinations - many of which have economies that greatly benefit from tourism - have been arguing for weeks that the EU's criteria for determining whether a country is a 'safe' origin purely based on low cases of coronavirus are becoming irrelevant due to vaccines.

Technical discussions have also been on-going for several weeks between the EU and the US over the viability of making vaccine certificates from different origins readable so that people can travel without restrictions.

It is hoped that government-issued vaccine cards issued by foreign governments will become acceptable and readable in the EU and the US.

The shift in attitude towards American tourists provides a stark contrast to a year age when, as the pandemic surged across the United States amid the world's worst outbreak, they were largely unwelcome in Europe.

Now, Americans are set to be some of the first travelers to be allowed back from outside the continent, as the average number of new daily coronavirus cases in the US sits at its lowest point since mid-September last year.

May 17 saw the US record 53,497 new coronavirus cases, although this was higher than the new daily infections over the last week.

By contrast, at the height of the pandemic in January, over 300,000 cases were recorded in a single day.

However, while Americans will be able to enjoy travel to Europe this summer, Europeans are not afforded the same opportunities as they are still banned from entering the US.

Since March 2020, entry to America from the UK and the 26 countries in the Schengen Area - including popular holiday destinations Spain, Portugal, Greece and France - has been banned.

Under presidential proclamations, non US citizens are banned from entering the US if they have been in any of those countries in the last 14 days.

The ban was first introduced by Donald Trump last March, and reinstated by Joe Biden when he took office in January.

With Europe easing its restrictions on American travelers and vaccinations increasing on both sides of the pond, pressure is building on the Biden administration to lift the US ban so that international tourism can get back to life in time for the busy summer season.

Airline bosses in both the US and the UK are demanding the two nations reach some agreement after talks of an air bridge rumbled on for months and failed to materialise.

US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said he hoped the EU's move would spur the US to lift its own ban.

'The European Union's risk-based, science-driven plan to reopen international travel will hopefully spur the US to heed the many calls for a plan and timetable to safely reopen our borders,' he said Wednesday.

'The right conditions are in place: vaccinations are increasing, infections are decreasing, all inbound visitors get tested or have to prove they've recovered, and it's possible to determine vaccine status.

'Vaccinated Americans can travel to other countries because EU governments know they're essential tourism spenders and will safely support economic recovery. The US is being left off the UK and EU safe list because we aren't yet moving forward to let international visitors back in.'

Dow said the US was trailing behind other countries when it comes to international travel and warned reopening borders is essential to giving both the industry and wider economy a boost.

'The US has been a leader in many aspects of managing the pandemic, but is behind our global competitors in pursuing an international economic reopening,' he said.

'The millions of travel-related US jobs that were lost to the pandemic won't come back on the strength of domestic travel alone, so identifying the path to restarting international visitation is essential to an overall economic recovery.'

Last week, Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNN research shows the risk of getting COVID on a transatlantic flight for a person who is vaccinated is 1 in 5 million - sparking more questions around why the US ban remains in place.

Meanwhile, the acceptance of US tourists into Europe also highlights growing global vaccine inequality, with richer nations with access to millions of vaccines allowed to travel long before other less wealthy nationals, some of which are yet to even start vaccinating their citizens.

Parisians having breakfast on the terrace of Le Sancerre Cafe on the Rue des Abbesses in the touristic Montmartre district of Paris as Cafes and Restaurants across France re-open for the first time in over six months

Currently, the British Government rates all European countries as 'amber'  requiring quarantine and two PCR tests  except for Portugal and Gibraltar which are on the green list.

Boris Johnson's Cabinet were yesterday accused of sowing 'mass confusion' as one minister suggested that journeys to amber list countries were OK, only for the PM to later overrule him and warn that such travel was unacceptable.

The British Government's contradictory messages have left travel bosses desperately seeking clarity as they've already taken five million bookings for summer holidays to amber list countries.

It comes amid a grand reopening in France today as cafe and restaurant terraces welcomed diners for the first time in six months.

Like in Britain, the French government is gradually easing restrictions to stave off a resurgence of Covid-19 while allowing people to enjoy some 'joie de vivre.'

As part of this first stage, the 7pm nightly curfew was pushed back to 9pm and museums, theatres and cinemas reopened along with outdoor cafe terraces.

President Emmanuel Macron, among the first to take a seat at a cafe terrace, was seen chatting with Prime Minister Jean Castex, who was attending a movie later in the day.

Actress Emmanuel Beart went to a movie theatre opening in the center of Paris where her latest film 'L'Etreinte' ('The Embrace') was showing - among the scores of movies produced during the shutdown.

France is not the first European country to start getting back a semblance of social and cultural life.

Italy, Belgium, Hungary and other nations already have started allowing outdoor dining, while drinking and eating indoors began Monday in Britain's pubs.
A 21-year-old man died at a hospital in Brazil after a police officer struck him with an object and caused him to crash his motorcycle.

The shocking incident took place in the Sao Paulo city of Jardim Irene on Sunday night after the cop and his partner were alerted on radio to be on the lookout for two male suspects riding a motorcycle without helmets.

According to the Military Police, emergency dispatchers had received reports of robberies in the area.

A surveillance video obtained by Brazilian online news portal G1 shows the moment the Military Police agents were standing next to their patrol vehicle at a gas station.

One of the cops took off running from the passenger side of the cruiser and threw the unknown object at Vitor Gomes.

Vitor Gomes was riding a motorcycle and reportedly refused to stop when cops in Sao Paulo, Brazil, ordered him to do so Sunday night before one of the agents struck him on the head with an object and forced him to lose control of his motorcycle and crash before he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cop who was seen on video throwing the object and his partner were suspended and are being investigated for manslaughter

A police officers (left) stands on the middle of a street in Sao Paulo, Brazil, after he struck a man with an object after he refused to stop his motorcycle for inspection following reports of a robbery committed by two males on a bike without helmets

Still image from a surveillance video camera captures the moment a police officer is about to hurl an object Vitor Gomes after he refused to stop his motorcycle

The impact of the blow appeared to distract Gomes, who immediately lost control of the motorcycle and crashed on the sidewalk.

Gomes, who was known among his friends as Tikao, was rushed to a nearby hospital and died from the injuries that he sustained in the accident.

A teenage boy who was riding with Gomes also suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The Military Police reported that the agents had ordered Gomes to stop as he neared the checkpoint and refused the orders.

The Military Police reported that the two two law enforcement agents had ordered Vitor Gomes to stop as he neared the checkpoint, but refused the orders

Vitor Gomes performs a stunt on his motorcycle in Brazil

The Public Security Secretariat announced that the incident was recorded as manslaughter.

The Military Polices Internal Affairs department said it would review the police officers actions and the video.

On Tuesday night, Residents took to the streets of Jardim Irene to protest Gomes death and torched a public transportation bus at 6:35pm local time.

Demonstrators and cops clashed, but no arrests or injuries were reported.
Three Black centenarians who survived one of the deadliest US race massacres appealed to Congress for justice Wednesday after a lifetime of pain triggered by a 100-year-old tragedy only now coming to light for many Americans.

In gripping testimony, 107-year-old Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa, Oklahoma massacre of 1921, recalled the horrors of the attack -- and how she and others were left behind by a nation she accused of burying the past.

'No one cared about us for almost 100 years. We and our history have been forgotten, washed away,' she told a rapt House Judiciary Committee hearing.

Fletcher, wearing wire-rimmed glasses, pearl earrings and with her white hair cropped short, said it was her first-ever trip to the US capital.

Viola Fletcher, at 107 the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, appealed for 'justice' in gripping testimony to the US Congress 100 years after the tragedy

Fletcher, who dropped out of elementary school and suffered decades of poverty working mostly as a housekeeper for white families, said she has 'lived through the massacre every day' for the past century

'No one cared about us for almost 100 years. We and our history have been forgotten, washed away,' she told a rapt House Judiciary Committee hearing

'I'm here asking my country to acknowledge what happened in Tulsa in 1921,' she said.

Fletcher, who dropped out of elementary school and suffered decades of poverty working mostly as a housekeeper for white families, said she has 'lived through the massacre every day' for the past century.

The Tulsa carnage, in which up to 300 African Americans were killed on May 31 and June 1, 1921 when white mobs torched the Black neighborhood of Greenwood, remains a sensitive issue.

As one of America's most successful Black enclaves, Greenwood was known at the time as Black Wall Street.

Much of it was burned to the ground in an unprecedented convulsion of racial violence that left thousands homeless.

'I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street.... I still see Black businesses being burned. I still hear the screams,' Fletcher testified.

'Our country may forget this history but I can not. I will not, and other survivors do not, and our descendants do not.'

Reparations were never paid to the families who lost their homes or businesses, and perpetrators of the violence were never charged.

Hughes Van Ellis (left), a Tulsa Race Massacre survivor and World War II veteran and Fletcher recount the horrors of the race riot to Congress

An African-American man with a camera looking at the skeletons of iron beds which rise above the ashes of a burned-out block after the Tulsa Massacre in 1921

People searching through rubble after the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921

THE 1921 TULSA RACE RIOT: AN ATTACK ON GREENWOOD After World War I, Tulsa was recognized for its affluent African-American community known as the Greenwood District. The community was often referred to as the 'Black Wall Street' because of its thriving businesses and residential area, but in June 1921, the community was nearly destroyed during the Tulsa Race Riot. The events leading up to the riot began on May 30, 1921, when a young black man named Dick Rowland was riding in the elevator with a woman named Sarah Page. The details of what followed vary from person to person and it's unclear what actually happened, but Rowland was arrested the next day by Tulsa police, with reports suggesting Rowland assaulted Page. During the Tulsa Riot, 35 city blocks were completely destroyed and more than 800 people were treated for injuries. Historians believe as many as 300 people may have died in the riot Subsequently, a report in the Tulsa Tribune dated May 31, 1921 was published that night with an accompanying editorial stating that a lynching was planned for that night. This started a confrontation between black and white armed men at the courthouse, with the white men demanding that Rowland be lynched while the black men tried to protect him. During a struggle between two men in the mobs over a gun, shots were fired and a white man was shot, causing the the African-American group to retreat to the Greenwood District. In the early morning hours of June 1, 1921, Greenwood was looted and burned by an estimated 10,000 white rioters, who flooded into the streets shooting residents. Planes also reportedly dropped incendiary bombs on the area. Many of the white mob had recently returned from World War I and trained in the use of firearms, are are said to have shot Black Americans on sight. Pictured: Part of Greenwood District burning during the Race Riots, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, June 1921. More than 1,400 homes and businesses were destroyed. The picture caption above says 'Burning of Church Where Ammunition was Stored-During Tulsa Race Riot-6-1-21' In addition, more than 1,400 homes and businesses were destroyed, and nearly 10,000 people were left homeless. The riots lasted for two days, and Governor Robertson declared martial law, and National Guard troops were called in to Tulsa. During the riot, 35 city blocks were completely destroyed. Historians believe as many as 300 people may have died in the riot - mostly Black Americans -and more than 800 people were treated for injuries. Bodies were buried in mass graves while families of those who were killed in the riots were held in prison under martial law according to Scott Ellsworth, a University of Michigan historian, in December. The families of the deceased were never told whether their loved ones died in the massacre, or where they were buried, and no funerals were held. Until the 1990s, the massacre was rarely mentioned in history books, and in 2001, the Race Riot Commission was organized to review the details of the deadly riot. Source: Tulsa History.org Advertisement

One hundred years later, the city of 400,000 -- which is about 15 percent Black -- is still divided.

Last year, then-president Donald Trump enflamed tensions when he held a campaign rally in Tulsa on Juneteenth, the unofficial holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.

Trump made no mention of Juneteenth or the massacre.

- 'White men with guns' -

Fletcher's 100-year-old brother Hughes Van Ellis, who was an infant when the burning and killing occurred, testified that surviving Black families were left with nothing, cast out as refugees in their own country.

'We are asking for justice for a lifetime of ongoing harm,' said Van Ellis, a US Army veteran who fought in World War II.

'Give us a chance to be made whole,' he added. 'Please do not let me leave this Earth without justice.'

In 2001 a commission created to study the tragedy concluded that Tulsa authorities themselves had armed some of the white rioters.

The commission recommended that Greenwood residents and their descendants be compensated, but the effort failed.

Damario Solomon-Simmons, executive director of the Justice For Greenwood Foundation, told Congress that Tulsa and Oklahoma authorities have treated the tragedy as 'nothing more than a shameful secret that the city fathers hoped would fade with time.'

But it has not been forgotten, and the long fight for justice is 'ongoing,' he said.

With the 100th anniversary of the massacre now days away, some House Democrats are reviving calls for reparations.

Congressman Hank Johnson announced he was introducing legislation creating a federal system of action for claims related to the Tulsa massacre.

'If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it,' the House panel's chairman Steve Cohen said, adding that many Americans today 'sadly' are unaware that the massacre occurred.

Lessie Benningfield Randle, 106, said she recalls how 'white men with guns came and destroyed my community' of Greenwood a century ago.

She quickly pivoted to the present, saying in an emotional plea to lawmakers that 'I have waited so long for justice.'

'We are tired,' Randle said. 'I am asking you today to give us some peace.'
A judge in New Jersey has ruled that a 'friend with benefits' has the same rights inside their partner's home as a boyfriend or girlfriend - to not be searched without a warrant.

Judge Susan D. Wigenton made her ruling on May 13, in the case of a man charged with dealing heroin and weapons charges, who was arrested at the home of his 'friend with benefits' - who he had only slept with once before.

Lawyers for Najee Brantley, now 28, had questioned the legality of his July 2018 arrest, when a Gucci fanny pack containing 109 vials of heroin and a semi-automatic handgun were seized.

Paterson police had a warrant for Brantley's arrest, but not a warrant to search his home. In this case, his 'home' extended to his 'friend with benefits'.

Prosecutors had argued that because Brantley was at the home of a 'friend with benefits', Bahjane Reels, he was not entitled to Fourth Amendment protections - which guard against searches of personal goods inside a person's home without a warrant.

But Wigenton ruled that Brantley's lawyers did indeed have grounds to challenge the seizure, if the warrant was not broad enough.

Susan D. Wigenton ruled May 13 that being 'friends with benefits' did provide legal protection

'This court accepts that the defendant was more than a short-term guest at Ms Reel's apartment and thus had standing to challenge any subsequent warrantless search of his belongings,' Wigenton said.

'To the extent that the Government suggests that the defendant's 'friends with benefits' relationship categorically fails to merit the protection of an 'overnight guest', this court disagrees.'

Brantley and Reels were both arrested on July 26, 2018.

He was charged with narcotics and firearms offenses, for which he had several outstanding warrants. He had previously been arrested for selling heroin near a school, in 2015, and had felony convictions.

She was arrested on 'hindering apprehension charges'.

Both Brantley and Reels told investigators that their relationship was casual.

He said it was the second time he had stayed over, and she was not his girlfriend.

She said, according to court transcripts obtained by DailyMail.com: 'Me and him haven't been talking and he hit me up saying that, um, he needed somewhere to stay.

'And me being the person that I am, I told him come on.'

Wigenton's ruling was noticed and tweeted by Orin Kerr, a Berkeley law professor

Brantley arrived at around 4-5am on that July 2018 morning, the court heard on April 13.

Reels' home is in a district of Paterson long troubled by drug dealing and gang violence.

In November 2017, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office had said that the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Putnam Street - four blocks from her home - was one of four where the Korner Boyz, or 4KBloods, ran a major heroin operation.

Two girls, aged 12 and 14, died after they were caught in gangland crossfire that summer and fall.

At the time, authorities announced almost 50 arrests and the seizure of about $90,000 in drugs, $20,000 in cash and three guns, NorthJersey.com reported.

When police arrived at Reels' apartment at about 10am, 10-15 minutes after they received an anonymous tip-off that Brantley was there, she opened the door to the officers and then went into the bedroom.

Brantley was later found hiding under the bed, wearing just his boxer shorts.

Police handcuffed him and asked him if he had clothes to put on.

When he gestured to his black sweatpants and t-shirt in a corner, an officer lifted them up and found the Gucci fanny pack containing the drugs and the gun.

Brantley has been in jail ever since.

His trial was set for April 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic.
Millions of Australians shivered through the longest May cold streak in half a century with temperatures plunging to single digits overnight in major cities.

Sydney dropped to 8.6C at 7am on Thursday morning which marked the end of a five-day stretch of mornings below 9C.

'It will be the city's coldest run of May nights in 54 years, and the coldest run of nights this early in the year in 66 years,' a Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said.

The mercury dropped to 7.8C in a two-day streak in 2020, closely followed by a four-day spate of temperatures under 8C a decade ago in 2011.

Pictured: Women from Bondi braving the cold in alpine regions of NSW. Sydneysiders have shivered through the week, with temperatures below 9C

Sydneysiders have had an early start to winter with a five-day stretch of mornings below 9C. Pictured: Pedestrians in Sydney

The chilly weather is set to ease in the city over the weekend with the lowest temperatures hitting 12C with sunshine. Pictured: The national radar

The chilly weather is set to ease in the city over the weekend with the lowest temperatures hitting 12C, with sunshine.

Weatherzone meteorologist Tom Hough told Daily Mail Australia the mercury in Melbourne hit 12C this week, which is actually 4C above average.

'Melbourne could see a few showers in the early afternoon on Thursday, but otherwise largely sunny with a high pressure system dominating,' he said.

'It will cool down to 7C on Friday, which is only just below average.'

The temperature in Sydney is set to rise over the weekend, with sunny days forecast (pictured: people in Sydney)

Meteorologist Tom Hough said if there is any snow, it will be in Tasmania. Pictured: A man standing in the snow in Tasmania

The high pressure system will keep storms at bay right across the nation's east coast over the next five days.

Queensland's south-east and northern parts of NSW will see some rain which could stretch up to the tropical north.

A cold front will also cross through Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, bringing a series of dry and chilly days.

'If there is any snow, it'll be in Tasmania over Cradle Mountain and the western highlands, and on the Victorian alps,' Mr Hough said.

South Australians in Adelaide woke up on Thursday to temperatures of 14C, which is a few degrees higher than average, with lows of about 12C forecast for the rest of the week.

A cold front will also cross through Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, bringing a series of dry and chilly days. Pictured: Australians frolicking in the snow

Canberra will be plunged into freezing temperatures with lows of 0C and highs of 18 on Tuesday. Pictured: An Australian in the snow

It will be cloudy for the remainder of Thursday with sunshine predicted for Friday.

Canberra will be plunged into freezing temperatures with lows of 0C and highs of 18 on Tuesday.

Perth will see chilly evenings with lows of about 10C, but it will warm throughout the day and reach tops of about 23 on Friday.

People in the Northern Territory can expect dry and sunny conditions for the remainder of the week.
A cafe owner has been found guilty of selling marijuana-packed brownies to a family-of-four during a brunch trip that finished in hospital.

Nathan Sharp mistakenly sold two of the chocolate baked sweets to Michael Maxwell, Sharon Hoysted and kids Emily, 5, and Thomas, 3, as they dined at his Bada Bing Cafe in Woodlands, Perth, in March 2019.

Ms Hoysted and the children ate the treat and upon returning home, Emily began to feel ill, The West Australian reported.

The family visited the hospital and the three who nibbled on the brownies were later found to have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their systems.

THC is the psychoactive substance that produces the 'high' feeling associated with smoking marijuana and can also lead to central nervous system depression.

A cafe owner has been found guilty of selling drug-packed brownies to a family-of-four during a brunch trip that finished in hospital (stock image)

Nathan Sharp (pictured) sold two of the chocolate baked sweets to Michael Maxwell, Sharon Hoysted and kids Emily, 5, and Thomas, 3

The Perth Magistrate's Court was told that Emily complained her 'eyes weren't right' as her vision was jumping and changing colour and she continued to 'demonstrate unusual behaviour'.

On the way to the hospital, the five-year-old was 'screaming' and her worried mum was unable to track her pulse as it was 'too fast'.

While at Perth Children's Hospital, three-year-old Thomas also began to feel unwell, was pale in appearance and slept for an unusual three hours.

Ms Hoysted sought treatment herself once she began to hallucinate and went to hospital.

The trio were found to have THC in their systems following urinalysis and blood tests but a urine test on Mr Maxwell found that he was negative for THC.

Mr Maxwell did not eat the brownies.

He went back to the cafe the following day and purchased another brownie. Testing showed it was positive for THC.

The family were dining at Sharp's Bada Bing Cafe in Woodlands, Perth, in March 2019

Sharp said it was his sister's job to bake the brownies at the cafe. He earlier pleaded not guilty to two charges of selling unsuitable food.

The cafe owner allegedly told a police officer the marijuana-laced brownies must have gotten mixed up with the ones for sale at the cafe after he baked some with 'mull butter' - cannabis-infused butter - he received from a friend.

Sharp denied this in his testimony and said he actually took the brownies on a family trip to Rottnest Island, before eventually throwing them out.

Magistrate Lynette Dias said Sharp's story was 'far-fetched and fanciful and I do not believe or accept it'.

Sharp was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $25,000 in costs following his conviction.

He spoke outside court and revealed he attended to appeal the decision.
Drug importers are using a secret stamping system to identify which Australian cartel gets what cut of imported drugs.

The intricate system was exposed after a 514kg haul of cocaine was allegedly intercepted by Border Folice.

NRL player Jamil Hopoate, 26, is accused of being part of a trio now charged over the massive haul of cocaine allegedly imported from the UK.

The off-contract star and son of rugby league bad boy John Hopoate was on Wednesday denied bail charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine and trying to escape police.

He was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly being caught accessing a truck linked to a haul of cocaine at Port Botany and then leading police on a foot pursuit through the streets of Sydney's south.

Police allege they found 514kg of cocaine hidden in a shipment of toolboxes at Sydney Airport on Saturday - some of which bore stamps including 'CK' or 'T3J'.

Jamil Hopoate - the second son of ex-NRL bad boy John - has been charged after allegedly supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of nearly $155million

Other labels on the cocaine bricks allegedly discovered by police were 'Bugatti' and four leaf clovers, while some had the recipient scrawled across the front in black text.

Multiple cartels would have been involved in a shipment of that size and its discovery would have angered drug suppliers across the country, a senior police source told The Daily Telegraph.

Hopoate's NRL star brother Will offered a $50,000 bond in an attempt to have his sibling released from custody on Wednesday.

A magistrate though denied the 26-year-old bail over concerns he would fail to appear for his next court date.

The court heard the accused NRL player panicked and told his friend, 33, to 'drive, drive drive!' when police approached them about 10.50am on Tuesday.

Police allege Hopoate had just left the truck in Botany with a backpack containing fake cocaine officers had earlier swapped for the real drug.

A 514kg haul of cocaine allegedly intercepted by police has an estimated potential street value of $154.2million. The haul is tagged with the identified recipient - with markers including 'CK' and 'T3J'

Police allege Australian Border Force officers found 514kg of cocaine hidden in a consignment of toolboxes which arrived in Sydney on Saturday. This particular haul allegedly discovered by police is marked with the tag 'Bugatti'

He was caught by police shortly after throwing the bag over a fence, the court heard.

The 33-year-old Northern Beaches woman was arrested before officers retrieved the backpack.

The woman was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with commercial drug supply and using an offensive weapon in company to prevent detention.

Strike Force detectives arrested two men - aged 26 and 28 - and a 33-year-old woman on Tuesday. Jamil Hopoate is pictured after allegedly trying to run from police on Tuesday

Jamil Hopoate was denied bail at Sydney's Central Local Court on Wednesday. He is pictured in May 2020

Hopoate, from Dee Why, was taken to hospital for treatment to a minor leg injury, before being charged at Mascot Police Station with supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine.

Detectives later arrested a 28-year-old Minto man and charged him with supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine.

Police will allege in court the man collected the consignment from Matraville and delivered it to Pagewood, before leaving the area.

Hopoate played 12 NRL matches in Brisbane's nightmare 2020 season and is now without a contract.
The owner of an expensive 4WD has been mercilessly mocked for a 'terrible' double park.

The white Land Rover Discovery was parked on the bottom level of the Chatswood Chase car park in northern Sydney.

The $140,000 family SUV was 'inconsiderately' parked across two spaces meaning no-one could fit either side.

The double parked Land Rover Discovery was inconsiderately parked across two spaces in the Chatswood Chase car park

A furious motorist posted the picture to a Sydney Reddit group where members have lambasted the owner for their horrible parking.

The photo received more than 100 comments with people blasting the 'selfish' parking.

'Hopefully they discover a parking ticket or something,' one wrote.

'What a f***wit,' another commented.

'Premium/luxury cars, and 4WDs, always have terrible drivers. Put them together and they have the worst drivers ever,' added a third.

Members of the Sydney Reddit forum launched a spectacular attack on the owner of the luxury SUV

Poll WOULD YOU EVER PARK LIKE THIS? Yes - I need space to load shopping No - it's selfish WOULD YOU EVER PARK LIKE THIS? Yes - I need space to load shopping 13 votes

No - it's selfish 221 votes Now share your opinion





One angry motorist launched a spectacular attack on the owner calling for violent punishment.

'It's people like this who wonder why they are victims of road rage incidents,' they wrote.

'In my opinion, it is people like this who deserve that smack in the head through the car window.

'Only then will people like this consider what they have done, and not do it again.'

Some people suggested how to stop the owner repeating the 'ridiculous' park.

In 2018 Chatswood was revealed to receive the most disable parking fines in Sydney

'Just leave a note saying "sorry for scratching your car!" Don't scratch it, just the note. How long will they spend looking,' suggested one.

'I keep a permanent marker in my pocket just for people like this, and people who park in bike lanes,' another wrote.

However some were more forgiving to the owner offering reasons for the park.

'They do it on purpose so others wont park near them, someone will hit/key them eventually,' one proposed.

'Theres hardly anyone parked down there during the day at the chase... The guy is parked like an a***hole, but Im sure it didnt really inconvenience anyone,' another wrote.

The incident was not the first time a Chatswood driver's parking has been thrown into the spotlight, in 2018 Chatswood was revealed as the suburb that received the most fines for parking in disabled spots in Sydney.
He also stated borders will need to remain shut for 'decades' to eradicate Covid

Leading doctors have warned Australians are 'sitting ducks' for a Covid outbreak due to vaccine complacency and say the country would need to close international borders for 'decades' if it tried to eradicate the virus.

Doctor Omar Khorshid, the president of the Australian Medical Association, stated vaccinating the entire population was the only way for the nation to 'survive' long term.

His AMA colleague and vice-president Chris Moy went a step further, saying the complacent attitude to the virus and vaccinations put the country at severe risk despite its current very low infection rates.

'The level of politicisation and negative media about the vaccination program has led to a situation where many people are wondering why they would have the vaccine,' he said.

Doctor Omar Khorshid, the president of the Australian Medical Association, believes vaccinating the entire population was the only way for the nation to 'survive' long term (pictured a technician preparing a Pfizer vaccine)

Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Omar Khorshid (pictured) believes Australia will have to close its international border for 'decades' to completely eradicate the threat of Covid-19

Dr Khorshid also urged Scott Morrison to set a concrete date on when the borders will be re-open in 2022 - the medical expert is adamant vaccination numbers (pictured) will then increase as citizens have a target to work towards

'We are sitting ducks as a country and as individuals until we get a significant portion of the population vaccinated, particularly those aged over 50.'

In last week's Budget, the government forecast that normal international travel would not resume until the latter half of 2022 as the government shifts from the stated early policy of 'flattening the curve' and dealing with infection numbers to seemingly trying to stamp it out altogether.

Dr Khorshid said an eradication strategy was doomed to fail and we should instead vaccinate the vulnerable and let the health system deal with treating outbreaks.

'For Australia to stay free of Covid, we have to keep our borders shut for decades,' Dr Khorshid said, according to The Australian.

'I don't think any Australian (citizen) thinks that is a reasonable thing to do, particularly when we have a pathway out of this through vaccination.'

Dr Khorshid went on to state his belief that the nation 'would not be free from Covid forever', and once the vulnerable are vaccinated the health system could deal with viral outbreaks.

Despite the urgings of the nation's peak medical body to change course from a futile eradication strategy to virus management, Mr Morrison has claimed 'health advice' is that it is not safe to open the borders.

A survey released this week showed 29 per cent of Australians were not prepared to get the vaccine, citing concerns over side-effects and the lack of incentive in a low-Covid environment and the banning of travel even for those who have had the jab.

Karen Andrews, the Home Affairs Minister, said she understood people's concerns about the vaccines, but stressed getting the jab would help 'protect Australia.'

'It is time for you to go out and get vaccinated, do that as soon as you possibly can,' she said.

'We want to make it as effective and efficient as possible.'

On Tuesday, the Morrison government conceded its needs to step up its efforts to vaccinate people living in disability, after it was revealed that just four per cent of people in cared facilities had so far received a jab.

Dr Khorshid said it was time for the prime minister to put a definite date on reopening international borders rather than continued ad-hoc delays, and to accept the fact the health system could deal with people catching any variants once those at risk of serious illness are protected by vaccines.

'Give people a date, so that way they also go out and get vaccinated,' he told The Guardian.

'There's an awful lot of people who don't feel threatened by the virus who don't see any direct benefit from a vaccine. So they ask 'why should I get it done?'

'People need to see the benefits, and weigh them up against the risks. It's why setting a return date for travel is important.'
University of St. Thomas Announces a New Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing "We'll teach students how to pass through humble details into grand questions, how to poeticize dirt into stardust  how to see the unseen in the seen."  Joshua Hren







NEWS PROVIDED BY

University of St. Thomas-Houston

May 19, 2021



HOUSTON, May 19, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- University of St. Thomas announces its newest program, the first of its kind and one that seeks to transform the life and spirit of contemporary literature. With the founding of its Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, UST proposes nothing less than a revival of the literary arts in our day, one that will recommit them to the serious achievement of craft and scope of spiritual and intellectual depth worthy of the tradition we inherit and the readers attention for which we call.



Online Program Founded by Renowned Catholic Literary Writers



This complete 30-hour online program with two optional, low residency opportunities including a summer writing institute, was founded by renowned Catholic literary writers James Matthew Wilson (poetry) and Joshua Hren (fiction.) They bring to the MFA classroom extensive experience both as prolific authors and as important publishers of contemporary literature. During the short, intensive winter or summer residencies and summer writing institute, participants will meet scholars and noted guest authors. They will receive writing guidance and be published.



"We shall complement their offerings with an extensive number of distinguished visiting faculty and lecturers who are among the great writers and scholars of our time," Wilson said.



Our visiting faculty and lecturers include such accomplished writers and scholars as Sarah Cortez, Dana Gioia, Jessica Hooten Wilson, Robert Royal, Ryan Wilson, Adam Kirsch, Kevin Hart, Abigail Rine Favale, Randy Boyagoda, Catharine Savage Brosman, Glenn Arbery, Christopher Beha, A.M. Juster, Rod Dreher, Sohrab Ahmari, Frederick Turner, Ron Hansen, and David O'Connor, with many more still to come. To learn more about the program or apply, go to www.stthom.edu/MFACreativeWriting.



Affordable Program Begins in fall 2021



The MFA in Creative Writing begins fall 2021, can be completed in as little as two years, and is currently the most affordable such program in the country. To apply go to www.stthomedu/mfa.



Taking Virgil, Dante and Flannery O'Connor for Guides



There are more than 200 MFA programs in the United States. The MFA at the University of St. Thomas is the only one committed expressly to a renewal of the craft of literature within the cosmic scope, long memory and expansive vision of the Catholic literary and intellectual tradition. With Virgil, Dante and Flannery O'Connor as guides, we aim to enter into that tradition and to shape its future.



"Too often, devotion to art and commitment to the faith is kept separate, compartmentalized. This severance has immense consequences for both culture and religion; it forestalls the fullest expression of the mysteries and meanings that riddle our lives, reducing our apprehension of reality to the shallowness of the secular," Wilson said.



Program Open to Every Faith & Background, Those Who Care About the Power & Beauty of Literature



The Catholic literary tradition is rooted in the heart of the Church but genuinely universal in its achievement and its appeal. It is literature that serves and speaks to everyone and serves as a leaven for culture and society as a whole. In that very spirit, our program welcomes applications from anyone and everyone, of every faith and background.



Wilson said, "We welcome students who wish to master the craft of writing; to apprentice themselves to the art; and to restore to contemporary literature those spiritual and intellectual dimensions that have made the art valuable in every age, and which give it the power to change the lives of readersall such people will find a home, a refuge, a symposium and a training ground in our company."



Apply Now



To learn more about the program or apply, go to www.stthom.edu/MFACreativeWriting



Background on James Matthew Wilson & Joshua Hren



James Matthew Wilson has published ten books, among them four collections of poems, including "The Strangeness of the Good." His poems, essays, and reviews appear regularly in a wide range of magazines and journals. The winner of the 2017 Hiett Prize from the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture, Wilson also serves as Poet-in-Residence of the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship, the poetry editor of "Modern Age" magazine, and series editor of Colosseum Books, a new imprint that publishes the best contemporary poetry and literary criticism of serious craft and spiritual depth.



Joshua Hren is the founder and publisher of Wiseblood Books, perhaps the most distinguished and ambitious small literary press of our day. He has published two collections of short stories, "This Our Exile" and "In the Wine Press," as well as "Middle-earth and the Return of the Common Good: J.R.R. Tolkien and Political Philosophy." His first novel, "Infinite Regress," is forthcoming from Angelico Press, his introduction to Catholic letters, "How to Read (and Write) like a Catholic" will appear shortly from TAN Books.



CONTACT: Sandy Soliz, Director, Communications, 713-906-7912, solizs@stthom.edu



Related Links



www.stthom.edu



www.stthom.edu/MFACreativeWriting



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A wary homeowner has shared a video of a huge huntsman spider which was found hidden in the folds of a bedroom curtain.

The homeowner posted the unnerving clip to TikTok with the tag 'only in Australia'.

Folding and unfolding the curtain failed to shake the spider loose, and only succeeded in the arachnid scuttling up the curtain in the search for another hiding place.

Commenters on the clip were horrified by the creepy-crawly and questioned why anyone would ever want to live in Australia, where discoveries of huge huntsmen and more dangerous spiders inside homes is common.

'And that ladies and gentleman is why I will never visited Australia,' one person wrote.

Others said: 'This makes me scared to live' and 'I would just move out'.

Although there is an arachnid called the curtain spider, that name refers to its style of web and not their fondness for bedroom curtains.

The homeowner tries to fold and unfold the curtain to shake the eight-legged creature loose, but the monster spider seems to have settled in to its cosy new perch and appears unfazed by the man's efforts.

In this case, the animal caught on film is actually a non-venomous huntsman - cold comfort for some.

'It's a huntsman, they're harmless, terrifying but still harmless,' one person commented.

Another said: 'I cry if there's a one millimeter spider on my desk.'

'How calm is he? I'd burn the curtain down and run,' another commenter wrote.
A frustrated Annastacia Palaszczuk has hit out at Scott Morrison for repeatedly turning down calls to build a regional quarantine centre in her state.

The Queensland premier and the millionaire Wagner family want to build a Covid-19 quarantine facility that would host up to 1,000 travellers and 300 staff at Wellcamp near Toowoomba in south-east Queensland.

She claims the state's hotel quarantine system is ill-equipped for dealing with outbreaks of the virus and the rise of mutant strains of Covid-19 globally, and that inner-city quarantine leaves the public exposed.

The federal government has said the plan lacks crucial detail such as who will run the health operations and how much it would cost.

Mr Morrison though is considering a 'comprehensive proposal' from Victoria to build a similar facility - prompting Ms Palaszczuk to accuse him of giving the state preferential treatment.

Passengers wearing face masks waiting to check in to a flight at Sydney Airport on January 19, 2021. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken aim at Scott Morrison over his refusal to endorse a regional quarantine facility in the state

'I don't know what he's got against Queensland but he seems to be supporting Victoria,' she told the Today show on Thursday.

'I'm just asking him to sit down with his department and get thoroughly briefed - very simple.'

The prime minister earlier this week told Ms Palaszczuk to 'do the homework' and come up with a more detailed plan for a regional quarantine facility.

Ms Palaszczuk said she wouldn't put a price tag on the complex but insisted the prime minister has all the information required.

Ms Palaszczuk on Thursday accused Scott Morrison of giving Victoria preferential treatment over plans to build a regional quarantine facility

'All of the information has been forwarded to the departments, and I sat down with my department officials yesterday, and there have been so many conversations going back and forth,' she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said regional quarantine will keep potential Covid-19 cases out of major cities and allow freedom of movement along Australia's east coast.

The federal government was both failing to take over national quarantine and blocking Queensland from setting up a safer system, she said.

'If you want to keep Queenslanders and Australians safe why would you not explore every single option,' the premier told ABC TV.

'Why would you put all of your cards on the table and think: "What more can I do to keep Australians safe?" It's pretty basic.'

Ms Palaszczuk cast doubt on the idea of a 'vaccination passport' that would allow vaccinated Australians to avoid lockdowns and border closures.

She also questioned whether that had been looked at in detail by the prime minister.

'Perhaps it needs to go to the prime minister's federal cabinet first for them to have a discussion to see what they think of the idea,' she said

There are growing calls to develop more quarantine camps similar to Howard Springs in the Northern Territory (pictured)

Meanwhile, the premier confirmed Queensland would not have mass vaccination centres set up until October at the earliest, and potentially later.

Hubs are already operating in Sydney and Melbourne, but Ms Palaszczuk said it's easier for those states because they're more centralised.

'We've actually got a very decentralised state here so it's a lot easier to do it in Melbourne and Sydney,' she told Seven Network.

Scott Morrison is considering a 'comprehensive proposal' from Victoria to build a similiar quarantine facility, but told Queensland to 'do their homework' and come up with a better plan

'But we're going to be ready right across the state and I think we're going to see a lot of take up, especially when that Pfizer and Moderna (vaccination option) comes online, during that last quarter of the year.'

Queensland has also launched a campaign to encourage more people to move to the state to work in the tourism industry.

People will be offered a $1,500 cash incentive to relocate for employment in the tourism industry, and a $250 travel bonus.

Ms Palaszczuk said the program was needed because the state's tourism marketing campaign had been so successful in wooing holidaymakers from interstate.
A spine-tinging spider with a scorpion tail has been pictured in Western Australia.

The creature was found by Sheila Murray who took the pictures on the south coast of Western Australia when it landed on her hat before rearing her tail and running away.

The species is called Arachnura higginsi, a largely harmless scorpion-tailed spider commonly found across Australia.

A woman has set social media alight posting images of a terrifying spider/scorpion hybrid she found while walking on the south coast of Western Australia

The arachnid, known commonly as the tailed spider or scorpion orb weaver, has no sting in its tail despite the terrifying appearance.

Male arachnura higginsis only grow to 2mm, while females can be as long as 16mm.

'This scorpion tailed spider landed on my hat yesterday, and kept curling and uncurling her tail, raising it above her head, before running away,' Ms Murray posted to the Australian Spider Identification Facebook group.

'I think it's all show - I don't think she has venom at both ends - I think that there is no sting in her tail, and probably her front fangs can't inflict too much damage on a human either!'

The post drew a lot of attention with spider lovers saying 'they'd never seen anything like it'.

'Yes lovely harmless specimen..Ive handled them regularly here in Denmark,' one person commented, referring to the coastal down in far south-west WA.

The spiders, which weave webs close to the ground, are commonly coloured red, yellow, brown or black.

The species is called Arachnura higginsi, a largely harmless scorpion-tailed spider commonly found across Australia

Similar species of the scorpion-tailed spiders have been found preserved in amber dating back more than 100million years.

The creepy crawlies scurried around the undergrowth of the rainforests of Burma during the age of the dinosaurs.

Their tails were longer that their bodies and were used as a sensory device to seek out prey or escape predators.

Researchers say it's possible that descendants of the creatures might still be alive today in the rainforests of southeast Asia.

A spine-tingling spider with a scorpion-like tail has been found in amber dating back 100 million years. The primitive creature has been named after a monster from Greek mythology that was made of the parts of more than one animal

The finding was made by an international team, including the University of Kansas and colleagues from China, Germany, Virginia and the United Kingdom.

The newly discovered species also had fangs, just like today's arachnids, through which it would inject venom into insects it trapped in pincer like claws.

Four fossils were so perfectly preserved scientists could also identify specialised male sexual organs called pedipalps.

It lived on the islands of Myanmar, formerly Burma, during the mid-Cretaceous when T Rex ruled the planet.

It's the latest in a series of Cretaceous-period fossils from the amber deposits in northern Myanmar's Hukawng Valley.
Pictured: Jo Murray, before she was diagnosed with throat cancer

A mother-of-five has opened up about how a common sexually transmitted infection turned into stage three throat cancer.

Jo Murray, 46, from The Oaks in Sydney's south-west, thought she was suffering from a simple sore throat at the end of 2019, until she noticed a lump.

The first doctor dismissed her concerns, but she had a 'gut feeling' something wasn't right and pushed for tests with her regular GP when she got back from holidays in January last year.

Results revealed the mum had cancer in her tonsils, the base of her tongue and her left lymph node, which was caused by HPV - the human papillomavirus.

On Thursday, Ms Murray said the shame associated with talking about cancer-causing STIs is potentially fatal.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection which usually shows no symptoms and goes away by itself, but is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancers and 60 per cent of throat cancers.

Pictured: Jo Murray, a mother-of-five, in hospital after being diagnosed with throat cancer caused by the human papillomavirus

'I read about [HPV] afterwards and I found out that people don't talk about it because it is passed on sexually,' she told the Camden Advertiser.

'Sex is not something we should be ashamed to talk about.'

When the first doctor told her she was just 'fighting off an infection', Ms Murray felt enraged.

'I was really angry and unsure why - I just knew that it wasn't an infection, and I knew something wasn't right.'

He handed her a script, but she knew she wouldn't fill it out and threw it straight in the bin.

Overcome with fear, the mum went for more tests until she received her devastating diagnosis.

'At that exact moment the only word that came into my head was 'death' because I had lost relatives to cancer,' she said.

'Then I just felt numb - I was absolutely numb to it all.'

When Ms Murray (pictured with her mother) received her diagnosis, she was overcome with fear and thought she would die

She had never heard of HPV and did not get regular pap smears, but conceded the cancer might have shown up earlier if she did.

Ms Murray, who was given the all-clear in August 2020, said there is a lot of awareness around AIDS and herpes, but not HPV.

'It's so important to not be embarrassed about talking about HPV  sex is human, and we need more people to be aware that it can lead to head and neck cancers,' she said.

She is hosting her first Australia's Biggest Morning Tea on Saturday to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Council.

The mother encouraged others to get a second or third opinion where possible, and to 'listen to your body'.
Trump Organization CFO is reportedly under a criminal tax probe by the New York's Attorney-General's office.

The New York State Attorney-General's office has opened a criminal investigation into a key lieutenant of Donald Trump, according to reports.

Allen Weisselberg, the longtime CFO of the Trump Organization, is under investigation in a tax criminal probe by the state attorney-general's office, sources told CNN.

It comes less than 24 hours after the New York A-G Letitia James' office announced that it was joining the Manhattan district attorney's office in a criminal investigation of the Organization.

James' office had been investigating whether Trump's company falsely reported property values to secure loans and obtain economic and tax benefits.

She joined an ongoing probe by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.

The former president railed against the probe, saying on Wednesday it was another example of a Democrat witch hunt against him. His comments came as former Trump attorney Michael Cohen said he expects Trump to flip on his own family.

Last week, it was revealed prosecutors in New York were trying to get Weisselberg to flip by investigating whether they had evaded tax by paying his grandkids' private school fees'.

Sources said Vance Jr.'s office subpoenaed Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School over more than $500,000 in tuition fees.

The fees were allegedly paid by Trump and Weisselberg for Weisselberg's grandchildren who attended the $50,000 a term school in the Upper West Side.

Prosecutors are thought to be looking into the tuition fee payments, made between 2012 and 2019, to determine if tax laws were broken.

Former President Donald Trump's legal woes have intensified in recent days, after the State Attorney-General said on Tuesday it was joining a criminal probe into his Trump Organization

The former president and his son Don Jr, with Allen Weisselberg behind them, at a press conference in January 2017. The New York A-G has also launched a criminal probe into Weisselberg, the CFO of the Trump Org

Donald Trump, wife Melania, with the Barry and Jennifer Weisselberg, the son and daughter n law of Trump Org CFO Allen Weisselberg. Jennifer has been assisting the criminal probe into the Trump Org for months

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 Weisselberg, who was married to Allen's son Barry from 2004 to 2018 and is mom of the two children at the school, has already turned witness.

Prosecutors could use any allegations of wrongdoing against Allen 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.

Trump denies any wrongdoing but the escalated investigation increases chances he and possibly members of his family could face criminal charges.

The former president tore into the criminal probe on Wednesday and attacked New York Attorney Letitia James for her 'witch hunt' that he claims has been going on for years, claiming it was another example of a Democrat witch hunt against him and said the way he is being treated wouldn't be tolerated in a third world country.

In a lengthy statement released after James' office said they were working alongside the Manhattan district attorney in an ongoing criminal fraud investigation into the Trump Organization, the former president told prosecutors to instead focus on 'real crimes' and pointed out soaring rates of violence in New York City.

James' office has been investigating whether Trump's company falsely reported property values to secure loans and obtain economic and tax benefits.

Trump denies any wrongdoing but the escalated investigation increases chances he and possibly members of his family could face criminal charges.

Crime rates in New York have continued to climb this year, with more murders on the subway in the first three months of 2021 than at any point in 2019, with a 27 percent rise in murders throughout the city since 2020.

The building where the chief financial officer of The Trump Organization Allen Weisselberg owns an apartment is seen on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Wednesday, May 19, 2021

In the first week of May, there were nine murders compared to just two in the same week in 2020 - a rise of 350 percent. Felonies have also been increasing steadily with assaults up by 31 percent since 2019.

The former president said the probe was another example of a Democrat witch hunt against him and said the way he is being treated wouldn't be tolerated in a third world country.

'There is nothing more corrupt than an investigation that is in desperate search of a crime. But, make no mistake, that is exactly what is happening here,' he wrote.

'The Attorney General of New York literally campaigned on prosecuting Donald Trump even before she knew anything about me.

'She said that if elected, she would use her office to look into "every aspect" of my real estate dealings. She swore that she would "definitely sue" me. She boasted on video that she would be, and I quote, "a real pain in the ass."

Trump unleashed his fury at the prosecutor.

'She declared, "just wait until I'm in the Attorney General's office," and, "I've got my eyes on Trump Tower.' She also promised that, if elected, she would "join with law enforcement and other Attorney Generals across this nation in removing this President from office," and, "It's important that everyone understand that the days of Donald Trump are coming to an end.'

'The Attorney General made each of these statements, not after having had an opportunity to actually look at the facts, but BEFORE she was even elected, BEFORE she had seen even a shred of evidence. This is something that happens in failed third world countries, not the United States.'

He continued: 'These Democrat offices are consumed with this political and partisan Witch Hunt at a time when crime is up big in New York City, shootings are up 97 percent, murders are up 45 percent, a rate not seen in 40 years, drugs and criminals are pouring into our Country in record numbers from our now unprotected Southern Border, and people are fleeing New York for other much safer locations to live.'

While the murder rate rose by 47 percent last year, there was a drop in felony crimes. Trump also said that drugs and criminals are 'pouring into our Country', alongside the surge in crime

'Don't take me, take Melania!': Trump will TURN on his own family claims disgraced Michael Cohen Michael Cohen said on Wednesday he expects former President Donald Trump to flip on his own family, as the Trump Organization faces a criminal probe and its CFO Allen Weisselberg is being investigated for tax fraud. 'I think Donald Trump is going to flip on all of them,' he told Joy Reid. 'What do you think about that? Including his children.' He explained: 'I really believe that Donald Trump cares for only himself, and he realizes that his goose is cooked,' so when he will be asked about the Trump Organization's finances he will blame everyone else. Scroll down for video In an interview with The ReidOut host Joy Reid on Wednesday former Trump Organization Vice President Michael Cohen, right, said that he believes former President Donald Trump would turn on his family in the criminal investigations into the organization, visibly surprising Reid 'I think Donald Trump is going to flip on all of them,' he told Joy Reid. 'What do you think about that? Including his children' The Trump Organization is run by Trump's adult children, Eric (left), and Don Jr. (right) 'Its never Donald,' Cohen, the former vice president of the Trump Organization, said. 'See, this is the problem. Its never, ever Donald Trump. Its always somebody else.' 'It wasnt Donald Trump who had the affair,' he continued. 'It wasnt Donald Trump who directed me to make the payments to Stormy Daniels. It wasnt Donald Trump who got the benefit of the relationship and the actions. It was Michael Cohen. And Im the bad guy into it. Why? Because I didnt take the fall.' So, he said, when 'all of a sudden they turn around and start asking him about his tax returns or about the devaluation of the assets or the way that he took deductions,' he will say, I dont do my taxes. Its my accountant. 'Hes going to turn on his accountant and point the finger,' Cohen said, visibly surprising The ReidOut host. 'Hes going to say Don Jr. handled that, Ivanka handled that. Melania. Dont take me. Take Melania! 'Hes going to tell them to take everyone except for himself.' Advertisement

New York has seen a spike in gun violence as restrictions ease from the coronavirus pandemic.

NYPD data shows that for the week of May 5 to May 9, there have been nine murders in New York City  compare to two in 2020, marking a 350% increase year-over-year.

Meanwhile, the New York Attorney General's office, led by James since she won the 2018 election, had been investigating the Trump Organization for civil tax offenses since early 2019. But the probe has now escalated.

'We have informed the Trump Organization that our investigation into the Organization is no longer purely civil in nature,' said Fabien Levy, a spokesman for the office.

'We are now actively investigating the Trump Organization in a criminal capacity, along with the Manhattan DA.'

January: Murders in New York spiked 125% in the first 10 days of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020

The district attorney's office, led by Cyrus Vance, has been investigating possible criminal tax fraud since 2018.

Trump is also being investigated in two other matters: by Justice Department officials for his role in the January 6th MAGA riot on Capitol Hill and in Georgia, where state prosecutors are looking into Trump's efforts to manipulate the state's 2020 election results.

Vance's investigation initially focused on hush payments made to two women who allege they had affairs with Trump, but has expanded to allegations of tax evasion, and insurance and bank fraud.

Vance also acquired eight years of Trump's tax returns in February after a years-long legal battle that went to the Supreme Court.

The issue took on a renewed sense of urgency when Vance said last month that he will retire at the end of 2021 and there is speculation his office will issue any indictments before that.

Vance's investigation into the Trump Organization also intensified last month, when prosecutors interviewed several employees of Trump's lender, Deutsche Bank, and his insurance brokerage, Aon.

New subpoenas were issued and some witnesses were interviewed before a grand jury.

A person familiar with the investigation told CNN that several investigators with the James's office, who are considered experts on the Trump Organization, have joined Vance's team.

The notice from James's office was sent in late April to attorneys for the Trump Organization, The Washington Post said.

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance is probing the former president's business practices in his own investigation of Trump

It suggested that criminality could apply to actions by current and former company executives and employees if the investigation finds wrongdoing, a source told the paper.

It was not immediately clear why the two law enforcement agencies are now collaborating years into their previously separate investigations.

Partnerships between the two New York law enforcement offices are rare.

Trump has previously called the New York attorney general's investigation politically motivated, and Eric Trump - who has spoken to James's team - responded to The Washington Post's request for comment with a video montage of James criticizing his father.

Trump was in New York City on Monday and Tuesday, having left Florida for the summer.

Much of the attention at the moment from Vance appears focused on the chief financial officer for the Trump Organization, Allen Weisselberg, and attempts to encourage him to 'flip' on his longtime boss.

Sources told the Wall Street Journal last week that Vance's office has issued a subpoena against Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School over $500,000 in fee payments made for Weisselberg's grandchildren.

Those payments were made between 2012 and 2019 using checks signed by both 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.

Pomerantz, a 'mob-busting' prosecutor, has been brought in by Vance to investigate Trump

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.

Another key figure in Vance's investigation is Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, who has met with Vance and his team at least nine times.

Cohen, 54, began working for the Trump Organization in 2006, and in 2018 was sentenced to three years for his role assisting tax evasion and campaign finance fraud. Cohen was released in April 2020.

In a recent interview with Cohen, investigators asked questions about Trump's Seven Springs estate as part of an inquiry into whether the value of the 213-acre Westchester County property was improperly inflated to reduce his taxes.

The Associated Press reported that investigators asked Cohen about individuals involved in the appraisal of the estate and benefits derived from its valuation, including a $21 million income tax deduction.

Cohen was released to home confinement last year amid coronavirus fears, and his recent meetings have been conducted via video conference.

In a recent interview with Cohen, investigators asked questions about Trump's Seven Springs estate as part of an inquiry into whether the value of the 213-acre Westchester County property was improperly inflated to reduce his taxes.

Vance recently hired former mafia prosecutor Mark Pomerantz - who, as a federal prosecutor, oversaw the prosecution of Gambino crime boss John Gotti - as a special assistant district attorney to assist in the wide-ranging probe of Trump's finances.

The inquiry, according to court filings, includes an examination of whether Trump or his businesses lied about the value of assets to gain favorable loan terms and tax benefits.

The district attorney also is scrutinizing hush-money payments paid to women on Trump's behalf.

After a lengthy legal battle, his office is now in possession of eight years of Trump's tax records, including final and draft versions of tax returns, source documents containing raw financial data and other financial records held by his accounting firm.

The Supreme Court on February 22 ruled that Vance's team should have access to the documents.

Vance's focus on Seven Springs involves an environmental conservation arrangement Trump made in return for a tax deduction at the end of 2015, following failed attempts to turn the property into a golf course and luxury homes.

Trump granted an easement to a conservation land trust to preserve 158 acres and received a $21 million income tax deduction, equal to the value of the conserved land, according to records.

The amount was based on a professional appraisal that valued the full Seven Springs property at $56.5 million as of December 1, 2015.

That was a much higher amount than the evaluation by local government assessors, who said the entire estate was worth $20 million.

Trump bought the property, including a palatial Georgian-style mansion that once belonged to the family of newspaper publisher Katharine Graham, for $7.5 million in 1995.

Vance announced in April that he would leave office at the end of the year and not seek reelection, but in a memo to staff, he stressed that the investigation would not stop.

'The work continues,' Vance wrote, echoing his short statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that he could have Trump's tax records.


The Home Office will still deport two over-staying Indian migrants despite them being released from a Home Office van in Glasgow during a protest last week.

Lakhvir Singh, 34, and his friend Sumit Sehdevi - both Sikhs originally from India -were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences in Edinburgh, having lived in the UK without leave to remain for ten years.

After news of their arrests got out, around 200 people flooded into a street Pollokshields to surround the Immigration Enforcement van holding the men to block it from leaving last Thursday.

Following an eight-hour standoff - which even saw a protester lying underneath the vehicle's axles - officials released the men on public safety grounds.

But sources in the Home Office have insisted the demonstration only pushed back the inevitable deportation of mechanic Mr Singh and chef Mr Sehdevi.

Lakhvir Singh, (left) 34, and his friend Sumit Sehdevi (right) - both Sikhs originally from India -were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences in Edinburgh, having lived in the UK without leave to remain for ten years

After news of their arrests got out, hundreds of people flooded into a street Pollokshields to surround the van holding the men to block it from leaving last week. Following an eight-hour standoff - which even saw a protester lying underneath the vehicle's axles - officials released the men on public safety grounds (pictured)

One insider told The Times: 'They will still be detained and deported at a later date.

'We will continue to tackle illegal immigration and the harm it causes.'

Both men were popular members of the local Sikh Gurdwara temple where the friends also worked feeding the homeless.

The Home Office had earlier called on local group Sikhs in Scotland to assist with their deportation attempt.

But the group said no, claiming there is a 'heavy-handed and targeted approach' to forced removals of Sikh community members.

Meanwhile, members of Britain's Indian community are concerned that the Migration and Mobility Partnership - signed by the UK and India - could increase the number of deportations.

The deal saw India agree to the forced removal of thousands of illegal immigrants from Britain, with the UK offering more student and skilled worker visas in exchange.

Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has blamed the Home Office for its 'reckless action', while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attacked its 'appalling asylum and immigration policy'.

Last week, a migrant charity threatened legal action against the Home Office.

Jelina Berlow Rahman, a lawyer instructed to represent Mr Singh, said he has been in the country since 2008 and 'has a right to a private life, a family life'. Pictured: The men are escorted away from the crowds by officers

Mr Singh and Mr Sehdev have lived in the UK for several years and are 'part of a community', said refugee and migrant charity Positive Action in Housing.

The charity's director Robina Qureshi said: 'The Home Office have referred to these men as illegal.

'Well they are wrong, and we are now investigating legal action against the Home Office for casting such aspersions.

'The term illegal in this context is part of the hostile environment. It's not appropriate to use it for people who have lived in the UK for several years and are part of a community.

'The men now have legal representation and are in the process of trying to regularise their status.

'The fact that they had no active legal representation before means they were left vulnerable.'

Jelina Berlow Rahman, a lawyer instructed to represent Mr Singh, said he has been in the country since 2008 and 'has a right to a private life, a family life'.

She added: 'It was evident the number of people who came together, that was his community, that was neighbours, that was his friends - the majority of people knew him.'

Mr Singh (centre in white) and Mr Sehdev (behind him waving) both raised their arms as they are released following a huge stand-off with protesters in Glasgow

Ms Qureshi added: 'Dawn raid vans have no place going into communities dragging innocent people from their homes. They are not, categorically not, criminals.'

Last Thursday, a spokeswoman 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.'

At around 5pm on May 13, officials relented and released the two suspects to cheers from the crowd.

Thanking their supporters, Mr Singh - speaking through a translator - told ITN: 'I was taken unannounced from my flat, they barged in and took me into the van.

Sources in the Home Office have insisted the demonstration only pushed back the inevitable deportation of mechanic Mr Singh and chef Mr Sehdevi. Pictured: Home Secretary Priti Patel

'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 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 of acting 'like the mafia' and treating the two men like rapists or murderers.

A person places themselves underneath the Immigration Enforcement van which was stopped by protesters in Glasgow

Protestors surrounded 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 eight hours

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.

Mr 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 on Thursday, 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 to be kicked out of the UK.

Howard Beckett (centre) is running to succeed Len McCluskey as general secretary of Unite, but has been suspended by Labour

The tweet 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'.

Sky News reports that he has been reported to the police for a hate crime.

This is the moment both men were freed from Home Office immigration van after mass protests in Glasgow last Thursday

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.'

Neither of the men involved in the situation in Glasgow are Muslim.

The 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 Glagow last week

A huge ring of police officers surrounded the two men as they were released and walked away from the immigration van

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 per cent backs the frontline in removing those with no right to be here.'

Police Scotland's Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland said at the time of the incident: 'Around 9.55 am this morning, Thursday, 13 May, 2021, police were called to an address in Kenmure Street, Pollokshields, following a protest by a large group of people.

'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.'

Dozens of police officers surround the two men as they were released from custody following a huge stand-off in Glasgow

Demonstrators sat in front of police by an immigration van in Glasgow last Thursday
It's a tale that Beatrix Potter would have struggled to illustrate.

Grey squirrels face being given contraceptive pills  covered in hazelnut paste  to keep their numbers down.

And to add insult to injury, the Government plans to reintroduce the near-extinct pine marten  their natural predator  as an even harsher method of population control.

Grey squirrels are considered a pest as they cause millions of pounds of damage to forests, and spread squirrel pox to the native red squirrel  of which Squirrel Nutkin in Miss Potters story was a much-loved example.

The details were released in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Trees Action Plan 2021-2024  part of a raft of measures launched this week by Environment Secretary George Eustice.

Grey squirrels, such as the one above, could face being given contraceptive pills as part of a new environmental plan backed by the Government

It states: Grey squirrels are estimated to cost the economy 37million per year in negative impacts to our trees and woodland, limiting the ability of some woodland owners to grow good quality native trees, whilst impacting our red squirrel populations.

Pine martens offer hope alongside research into immune contraception research in managing grey squirrels.

Hunting and loss of woodlands over the last two centuries had resulted in near extinction of the pine marten in England, but in 2020, the animals were reintroduced to the Forest of Dean, in Gloucestershire.

Environment Secretary George Eustice (pictured) announced a raft of new measures that could affect the UK's grey squirrel population in his department's Trees Action Plan 2021-2024

The UK Squirrel Accord has said that its five-year research project on squirrel contraception will end in September 2023 'and hopes are high that this innovative work will provide an effective, less labour intensive, non-lethal method for managing grey squirrels'.

UKSA said it had tested a hazelnut paste bait for the pills, and dispensers which kept out all but the biggest red squirrels.

Research by Queens University Belfast in a separate study has found that pine martens, created a 'landscape of fear' for grey squirrels, driving them away from territory where the pine martens live.
Jane Austen's brother Henry was publicly involved in anti-slavery activism despite their own father's role in the dehumanising trade as a plantation trustee, academics discover.

The author's 'silence' on the slave trade that her father George Austen is believed to have played a part in has long been a topic of debate among literary scholars.

Now records unearthed by Devoney Looser, Regents Professor of English at Arizona State University, show that Austen's own brother Henry had been an outspoken abolitionist.

Henry, a militia officer, clergyman and banker had made his views known by acting as a delegate at the World Anti-Slavery Convention of 1840 in London, as one of two people representing Colchester, Essex.

Ms Looser writes in The Times: 'Henry became a next-generation Austen publicly supporting a political commitment to abolish slavery across the globe.

Jane Austen's 'silence' on the slave trade that her father George Austen is believed to have played a part in has long been a topic of debate among literary scholars. Pictured: Jane Austen

'With this new information, it is now possible to under- stand that Austen's beloved brother Henry  'Oh, what a Henry!', Jane once said of him  did not, in the end, sit idly by in the face of racial injustice.'

Conclusions on Austen's personal opinions on slavery were until now largely drawn from subtle hints embedded within her works - for example comments made by the character Jane Fairfax in Emma, who brands slavery 'the sale of human flesh'.

Some claim Austen, who most famously penned Pride and Prejudice, was absorbed in 'Regency era colonialism' and failed to make a stand against slavery. Others viewed her as a notable abolitionist of the time.

In another notable dialogue in her work Mansfield park Austen wrote of several characters falling into a 'dead silence' after the topic of slavery was raised, this was enough for some scholars to assume Austen had herself been tight-lipped on the issue.

Henry, a militia officer, clergyman and banker had made his views known by acting as a delegate at the World Anti-Slavery Convention of 1840 in London

Austen's father George's link to the Antiguan sugar plantation could be more complicated that first thought, Ms Looser said

It was also known that her brother Francis, a Royal Navy officer, had written in his diary in 1807 that slavery was 'much to be regretted', The Times reports.

Around 50 years ago it was reported that Austen had links to the slave trade through her father George, the rector for a Hampshire parish who was at one point thought to have been a trustee for an Antigua sugar plantation.

However based on her research Ms Looser told the publication that Austen's father George's link to the Antiguan sugar plantation was more complicated that first reported.

Ms Looser believes George agreed to take care of his friend's assets when he died by becoming a 'co-trustee in a marriage settlement that involved the dispersal of the plantation and its profits.'

The professor suggests that George may have signed the document for his friend James Langford Nibbs.

The new information on Henry has come just a month after a museum devoted to Jane Austen - housed at her former cottage in the Hampshire village of Chawton - announced its plans to subject the author to a 'historical interrogation' over her alleged links to the slave trade.

Austen left her home in Southampton for the more settled life of Chawton, Hampshire (pictured, her cottage) in 1809, Austen suffered from ill health and eventually moved to Winchester in 1817 where she died a few months later

The museum said it would look for potential connections to slavery through her behaviour such as the use of sugar in tea and wearing of cotton clothing - which experts say are all 'products of empire' brought back to Britain from colonies in Africa.

Lizzie Dunford, the museum's director says these links will be highlighted with future display boards to be installed at the property.

She says this will be part of a 'steady and considered process' of 'interrogation' into her life and how slavery-linked aspects can be better displayed.

But critics have slammed the plans as 'madness', saying the museum had fall victim to 'wokeism'.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce believes Australia's international border will open in December even though the government says it will stay closed until mid-2022.

Last week's federal budget papers assume the vaccine rollout will be complete by the end of the year and the borders will open in the middle of next year.

But Qantas has only pushed back its international flight schedule from October to December, assuming that international travel can ramp up by Christmas.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce has urged Scott Morrison to open the international borders in December once every Aussie has been offered a Covid-19 vaccine

'We've adjusted our expectations for when international borders will start opening based on the government's new timeline, but our fundamental assumption remains the same  that once the national vaccine rollout is effectively complete, Australia can and should open up,' Mr Joyce said in a trading update on Thursday.

'That's why we have aligned the date for international flights restarting in earnest with a successful vaccination program.'

Mr Joyce warned that Australia would be 'left behind' if it refused to open up to the world as three in four Aussies support keeping the borders closed.

'No one wants to lose the tremendous success we've had at managing Covid but rolling out the vaccine totally changes the equation. The risk then flips to Australia being left behind when countries like the US and UK are getting back to normal,' he said.

'Australia has to put the same intensity into the vaccine rollout as we've put on lockdowns and restrictions, because only then will we have the confidence to open up.'

Government backbenchers are supporting Virgin boss Jane Hrdlicka's calls for the nation to open its borders before mid-2022. Pictured: Travellers in Brisbane

The airline, which has been smashed by Covid lockdowns and border closures, expects a $2billion loss this financial year.

Several hundred international cabin crew are expected to take voluntary redundancy packages.

The company is also instituting a two-year wage freeze to the next round of enterprise agreements across the group, with two per cent annual increases after that compared with three per cent pre-Covid.

Management will be subject to the same wage conditions.

Ninety per cent of redundancies associated with some 8,500 job losses already announced are complete, with the remainder to be finalised by the end of June.

The airline forecasts a total pandemic-related revenue loss of $16 billion by the end of fiscal 2021.

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka

But Mr Joyce said he was hopeful the airline has turned a corner as it starts to reduce its debt, which peaked at $6.4billion in February.

'We have a long way still to go in this recovery, but it does feel like we're slowly starting to turn the corner,' Mr Joyce said.

'The fact we're making inroads to the debt we needed to get through this crisis shows the business is now on a more sustainable footing.'

On Monday Virgin boss Jane Hrdlicka also said the borders should open once most Australians, including the most vulnerable, are vaccinated and said we must learn to live with the virus like flu.

'Some people may die, but it will be way smaller than with the flu,' she said.

Nationals Senator for Queensland Matt Canavan said the CEO had 'put it starkly' but agreed with her position, saying it was 'about time' the nation talked about opening the borders again.

'Eventually when we open up, eventually when we ease some restrictions, there will be the unfortunate situation that some people, even with the vaccine, may get sick and ultimately die just like they do with the flu and other diseases,' he told Sky News.

Borrowing a phrase Prime Minister Scott Morrison used to announced the easing of lockdown in May 2020, he added: 'We can't stay under the doona forever.'

Senator Canavan is among a group of backbenchers, including Jason Falinkski, the member for Mackellar in Sydney's northern beaches, who support a faster re-opening.

But government ministers are being cautious as three in four Australians support keeping the borders closed.

'We will listen to the advice of our health experts not business CEOs,' Agriculture Minister David Littleproud told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has refused to reveal the benchmark for reopening the international border. Pictured: Travellers arriving at Sydney Airport

Mr Morrison has refused to reveal the benchmark for reopening the international border, saying only that restrictions will remain in place until it is safe to do anything different.

'It's not safe to take those next steps right now, it's not. But we'll keep working on what the next steps are,' the Prime Minister said on Monday.

He condemned Ms Hrdlicka's comments on Tuesday, saying: 'I regret that those comments were somewhat insensitive.

'And so, no, I find it very difficult to have any part of what was said there.'

Business leaders also want the borders to reopen, concerned about the economic consequences of keeping them sealed for another year.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet agrees, and has warned against letting populism determine public policy.

'It's the role of political leaders not to be following the polling or looking at what focus groups are saying,' Mr Perrottet told Sky News.

'The job is to lead and communicate and bring Australian people with us.'

Poll Should Australia's border open once everyone has been offered the vaccine? Yes No Undecided Should Australia's border open once everyone has been offered the vaccine? Yes 459 votes

No 241 votes

Undecided 34 votes Now share your opinion





Former deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth said Australians must learn to live with coronavirus and be prepared for the disease to spread in the community when international borders reopen.

Dr Coatsworth said reaching zero cases of coronavirus in Australia was 'perhaps unattainable' and suggested vaccination rates of 90 per cent may be needed to control coronavirus within the community.

According to a Newspoll on Monday, only 21 per cent of voters believe the country should open up when everyone has been offered a vaccination, a view supported by several health experts including former deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth.

Speaking on the Today show on Monday morning, Dr Coatsworth said Australians will have to get used to the virus circulating in the community next year.

'I think it's completely reasonable for three-quarters of Aussies to not want the borders open right now.

'What we have to start a conversation with the community about is, what do we do in 2022,' he said.

'What do we do when the majority of Australians are vaccinated and immune, safe from hospitalisation, safe from death from Covid-19 but there's still critical events going on that people want to attend around the world.

'Do we still put them in hotel quarantine in 2022 at their own expense?

'This is a conversation we need to get the community involved in. There will be Covid-19 circulating within the community in the future.'

Dr Coatsworth made similar comments in a speech at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons on Sunday in which he called eradication of the disease a 'false idol'.

'It is clear we will not have our borders closed indefinitely,' he said.

'We will not have quarantine stations in perpetuity while we aim for the false idol of eradication.'

'At a point in the future when a significant majority of our community is vaccinated, there will be pressure to open our borders. We must not resist that. In fact, when the time is right, we should be leading the calls for it.'
Cops have seized luxury vehicles worth more than $500,000 and charged four men with fraud after dismantling an alleged criminal syndicate.

The gang is alleged to have fraudulently purchased six luxury vehicles across Sydney, each valued at more than $80,000.

Detectives, who established Strike Force Celti as part of their investigations, were also alerted to information the group allegedly fraudulently acquired personal loans and mobile phones.

Officers executed eight search warrants at properties across the Harbour City at about 6am on Wednesday.

The gang is alleged to have fraudulently purchased six luxury vehicles across Sydney, each valued at more than $80,000

Officers allegedly seized Lexus vehicles, about 50,000 illicit cigarettes, mobile phones, small quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis, more than $27,000 cash and documentation during the searches

This included at Elizabeth Hills, Guildford and Old Guildford in the city's west, Enfield and Five Dock, in the inner west, as well as Prestons and Liverpool, to the south-west.

Officers allegedly seized Lexus vehicles, about 50,000 illicit cigarettes, mobile phones, small quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis, more than $27,000 cash and documentation during the searches.

Four men  aged 32, 36, 48 and 62  were arrested and taken to their local police stations, where they were charged.

The 32-year-old Guilford man was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and possess identity info to commit indictable offence.

He has been refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.

Four men  aged 32, 36, 48 and 62  have been arrested and charged after cops dismantled an alleged criminal syndicate

The 36-year-old Elizabeth Hills man was charged with dishonestly obtain property by deception, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence, knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.

He has been granted strict conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday June 9.

The 48-year-old Enfield man was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence, dishonestly obtain property by deception and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The 62-year-old Five Dock man was charged with deal with identity info to commit indictable offence, dishonestly obtain property by deception, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, possess prohibited drug and possess/attempt to prescribed restricted substance.

The 48-year-old and 62-year-old were both granted strict conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday June 8.
Second campaign to follow in footsteps of revolutionary martyrs kicks off in China's Hainan

People's Daily Online) 17:57, May 19, 2021

Photographers in the media group pose for a group photo at the former site of the reorganization of the Qiongya Red Army in Yunlong town, Qiongshan district, Haikou of south China's Hainan province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Wuping)

The second campaign to follow in the footsteps of revolutionary martyrs (Hainan) kicked off in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan province on May 17.

The theme of the campaign is Remembering the achievements of revolutionary martyrs and carrying forward their spirit.

During the campaign, a media group consisting of more than 20 journalists from mainstream media and influencers hit the road to visit several revolutionary sites in the city.

At the former site of the reorganization of the Qiongya Red Army led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Yunlong town, Qiongshan district of Haikou, where the army was reorganized into the Qiongya Anti-Japanese Independent Column on Dec. 5, 1938, with Feng Baiju as the commander, his descendant Feng Erdong told stories of his ancestors' fight against the Japanese invading troops.

With his bullets all gone, Feng Baijus young brother rushed the enemy with hand grenades and perished together with them in a bitter battle, Feng said emotionally.

Members of the media group also listened to stories of how the island was united in resistance against Japanese aggression, local residents' war of resistance against Japanese aggression under arduous conditions, and the miserable past of Japan's wartime forced labor.

"The arduous struggle of revolutionary martyrs inspires Chinese people today to forge ahead," said a member of the media group.

The team visited an exhibition on Chinese Communists family traditions at the Hainan Provincial Archives, where 88-year-old Wang Ting, the eldest daughter-in-law of Zhang Yunyi, who was named one of the 10 senior generals in 1955, shared stories about the late general, passing on the revolutionarys fine family tradition.

They also visited a special exhibition on the history of Hainan, learning about the fine revolutionary traditions in the island province.

The group paid tribute to revolutionary martyrs at the Hainan island liberation campaign martyrs' cemetery. The cemetery accommodates 18,861 martyrs who died during the liberation of Hainan.

The media group will visit more revolutionary sites in cities and counties in the island province, including Ding'an, Qionghai, Wuzhishan, Wanning, and Sanya over the next few days.

The second short video contest for the campaign organized by People's Daily Online also kicked off to review the remarkable journey taken by the CPC throughout its 100-year history, tell touching stories of revolutionary martyrs, and inspire the Chinese people today to honor all the fallen heroes and strive to build China into a modern socialist country.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji)
For 14-year-old Joseph travelling with his father to Ireland and seeing the appalling effects of the Great Famine, where at least one million poor people starved to death, was to have a real impact on his life. From 1836 to 1850 the potato crop which would normally feed about 60% of the population failed. Lack of any real government intervention or constructive action caused widespread death and it was estimated that some 500,000 left the country during this time and over a million died.

This experience in Ireland would shape Rowntrees political and business ideas later in life. Josephs family owned a grocery shop in York, England. Joseph was the second son and worked alongside his father.

Rowntree took over his familys business after his father died 1859. In 1869, he left the family owned grocery store and joined his younger brother Henry to run a cocoa, chocolate and chicory factory. However, their growth as a company competing in the cocoa and chocolate market was heavily restricted by the successful marketing of the Cadbury organisation.

In 1879 Claude Gaget, a French confectioner, was employed to develop a new line of product which at this stage was mainly produced in France. This included fruit pastilles and gums which were an instant success and caused the business to flourish.

In 1883 there were signs of a trade recession and in the same year Henry Rowntree only 45 years of age, died leaving a wife and three children. This left Joseph solely in charge of the business. It was very important to Joseph Rowntree that his factory produced top quality products, but that his employees also had improved quality of life. Some of the original products which have since been taken over by other companies, include Smarties, Kit Kat and Dairy Box, now Dairy Milk Chocolate.

A lifelong Quaker, Joseph seldom spoke about his religious beliefs, but they informed his home life, his commitment to social reform and his business practice.

Rowntree belonged to the Quaker faith. This is a religion that believes all people are equal and mostly good. They are a very peaceful and anti-violence group. They believe that God is love, the light of God is in every single person, a person who lets their life be guided by that light will achieve a full relationship with God. Everyone can have a direct, personal relationship with God without involving a priest or minister. Redemption and the Kingdom of Heaven are to be experienced now, in this world.

Joseph Rowntrees Christian teachings embraced the idea to improve the world and make it a better place. They are very concerned with human rights, environmental issues, social justice, living as a community and peace. Knowing this, it is easy to see how his faith influenced his life. He left a positive mark on the work and his legacy continues today.

During his life, Rowntree pushed for social reform, and provided adult literacy programs and medical services for his employees. In 1904 he founded trusts that still operate today including: Joseph Rowntree Village Trust (JRVT) , Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) and the Joseph Rowntree Social Services Trust (JRSST).

Philosophical and political views: Joseph Rowntree was a supporter of liberal values and was anxious to improve the quality of life of his employees. He provided them with a library, free education, a works magazine, a social welfare officer, a doctor, a dentist and a pension fund.

But his life was not spared from tragedy. Josephs first wife Julie Eliza Seebohm who he married in 1862 died a year later. His second marriage to Emma Antoinette Seebohm, a cousin of his first wife, took place in 1867 and they had six children.

Rowntree died on 24 February 1925 aged 89. He is buried with a simple headstone in the Quaker cemetery in York, England. The city of York mourned his passing.

What are the lessons we can take away from Joseph Rowntrees life? How often does our faith affect how we treat people? Or our environment? Do we seek justice for all? Or abandon people who are in the too hard basket? Joseph Rowntrees life is faith in action. He did not need to advertise what he believed because he lived it every day, at work and at home.

Written by Chanell Diaz for Did You Know Education
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One construction worker was killed and another was critically injured after a freight elevator plunged four stories while they were loading it.

The two men, whose names were not revealed, were loading the the elevator on the top floor of a charter school that is under construction in the Bronx borough of New York City around 8.15am on Wednesday when it dropped to the ground floor.

Workers told the New York Daily News that they do not know know what caused the elevator to drop. The NYC Department of Buildings is investigating the accident and has ordered the construction work to stop.

The man who died was reportedly a supervisor helping load construction debris. His colleague, 29, was rushed to Lincoln Hospital in critical condition.

The Medical Examiner's office was seen removing a body from the building after the accident.

The Medical Examiner loads a deceased construction worker after the elevator he was on fell four stories

A close-up shows the elevator that fell four stories killing one and critically injuring another

A person is seen with a gurney at the building were a man died after an elevator accident

Father Oswald Denis leads construction workers in prayer after one person was killed and another critically injured when a freight elevator collapsed and fell several stories in the Bronx

Two people are seen mourning the accident at the building in the Bronx

Construction worker Santiago Veles, 33, told the outlet that he was working on the first floor with another colleague when he heard the crash.

'We saw the dust from the fall. It was dust all around,' Veles said.

Another worker, 25-year-old Flor Tenesaca, said that 'there were always safety measures in place.'

'It was a one-time mistake, I don't know,' Tenesaca said.

She said as she wiped away tears that the workers did not know much about the supervisor - describing him as tight-lipped about his personal life.

'He was a typical boss. We spoke mostly about work,' she said.

A woman is pictured speaking with NYPD Community Affairs officers on the scene

A close-up shows the elevator that fell four stories killing one and critically injuring another

A close-up shows the elevator that fell four stories killing one and critically injuring another

NYPD Community Affairs officers investigate the elevator, pictured, which fell four stories

John Ferrington, who delivers to the site, called the accident a 'terrible thing' in an interview with WABC.

'Your heart goes out to whoever's family this is. It's a terrible thing to find on a job site and makes you think about your family, of course. I'm going to call my wife,' Ferrington said.

Father Oswald Denis led construction workers in prayer after the tragic accident.

A sign shows that work on the building was expected to be completed in 2018

Construction workers wait for word on their fellow workers as one person was killed and another critically injured when a freight elevator collapsed and fell several stories

The building, at 20 Bruckner Boulevard, was the scene for another fatal construction accident in December 2019

Buildings Department spokesman Andrew Rudansky told the New York Daily News that 'every worker who leaves for the job site in the morning deserves to come home safely at night.'

'We are committed to finding out how this tragic incident occurred, and if we find that safety rules were ignored, we will hold those responsible to account,' he said.

He said that a 'thorough investigation of the events that led up to this incident' will be conducted with the help of the NYPD.

Among other alterations, the construction crew had a permit to work on the elevator, a spokesperson for the FDNY told the outlet.

The building, at 20 Bruckner Boulevard, was the scene for another fatal construction accident in December 2019 when a worker fell through an opening on the second floor and fell 20 feet, according to the Buildings Department.

Rules for elevator safety Look down and make sure the elevator is level with the floor while entering and exiting.

Do not exit the elevator if it stops more than 9 inches from the landing.

Press the door open button to hold closing elevator doors instead of using any part of your body.

Never lean on elevator doors.

Keep clothing items like ties and scarves clear of closing elevator doors.

Be patient and dont crowd the elevator. Too many people crowded into elevators can cause it to get stuck.

Avoid jumping which can make an elevator uneven with the floor. You can also get stuck. Source: NYC Department of Buildings Advertisement

The Bronx building previously was the home for a long-vacant ice factory called the Ruppert Ice House.

It was often referred to by its nickname as the 'History Channel Building' because the network had a massive sign on the roof that has since been replaced with an iHeartRadio billboard.

Construction crews are working to convert the space into a campus for the K-12 Dream Charter School, and it become the school's main campus, WABC reported.

According to a 2013 report from the Center for Construction Research and Training, elevators are responsible for about 27 deaths and 10,000 injuries per year in the United States.

Data compiled by the center in 2018 showed that 'elevator-related fatalities in construction fluctuated year-to-year but generally increased over time' from 2003 to 2016.

The majority of elevator-related fatalities in construction, about 54%, were due to falls to a lower level like that on Wednesday in New York.

However, unlike fatalities, 'elevator-related nonfatal injuries in construction generally declined from 2003 to 2016,' according to the report.

The last elevator-related death to have happened in the Big Apple appears to have occurred on August 22, 2019 when a man was crushed to death while trying to exit the elevator car.

Samuel Waisbren, 30, died when the elevator suddenly dropped with five other people still inside who were later rescued by firefighters.

Seemingly the last elevator death nationwide happened September 14, 2020. Carrie O'Connor, 38, was crushed to death when she was caught in the doorway when the elevator suddenly dropped at an apartment building.

There are more than 70,000 elevators and escalators in New York City, according to the Buildings Department. Elevators have been operational in the city since 1857.
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Britain's coronavirus outbreak is still flat despite the rapid spread of the Indian variant and a SAGE adviser warning the third wave may have already begun, official figures revealed today.

Public Health England bosses hailed 'hugely encouraging' data that showed cases remained 'stable' nationally at around 12,000 last week, and dropped in all age groups except 5 to 9-year-olds.

Hospitalisations with the virus also fell across the country, while infection rates dipped in every region except the North West, which is struggling against an outbreak of the Indian strain.

Some 95 out of 149 local authorities  or 64 per cent saw their Covid cases dip last week. For comparison, there were 66 that recorded a drop over the previous seven-day spell.

But Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE's medical director, said the agency was concerned about the Indian variant and was 'constantly monitoring the situation'. She added: 'Until we know more it's vital we don't let our guard down too soon and remain cautious. We do not want to undo the huge progress we've made so far.'

Separate figures from the PHE's weekly surveillance report showed the ten areas with the biggest Covid outbreaks were all hotspots for the Indian variant. And the NHS trust in Bolton  one of the hotspots for the mutant strain  has had to open another ward for Covid patients after a small rise in admissions, it was claimed today.

It came as SAGE adviser and University College London epidemiologist Professor Andrew Hayward today claimed the UK was at the beginning of another wave because of the rapid spread of the mutant strain.

'Although it was originally imported through travel to India it spread fairly effectively first of all within households after that and now more broadly within communities,' he told BBC Breakfast. 'So I don't really see why it wouldn't continue to spread in other parts of the country.'

He added: 'Obviously we are doing everything we can to contain that, but it is likely more generalised measures may start to be needed to control it.'

But Professor Hayward's comments come amid growing optimism from Number 10 that the Indian variant won't jeopardise plans to ease all lockdown restrictions on June 21, despite fears the highly-transmissible strain could scupper 'freedom day'.

Boris Johnson last night told the powerful 1922 committee of Tory MPs he was 'even more cautiously optimistic' the next stage of relaxation can go ahead. He said: 'I know there are anxieties about new variants but we can see nothing to suggest that we have to deviate from the road map.'

And more promising figures from King's College London's symptom-tracking app also predicted Covid cases are not rising nationally, despite surging infections in hotspots. Experts estimated around 2,750 people are falling ill with the coronavirus every day across the UK, with the figure having barely changed in a week.

Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the app, said B.1.617.2 'hasn't altered numbers significantly' and outbreaks remain focused in hotspots, such as Bolton. 'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown,' he said.

Britain today also recorded just seven Covid deaths as the fatality toll continues to drop. Meanwhile, infections are flat with another 2,874 positive tests recorded. For comparison, 11 deaths and 2,657 cases were posted this time last week.

SAGE scientists have always warned there would be a third wave of the pandemic once restrictions were eased and more people were allowed to mix.

But questions remain over how big the outbreak will be because vaccines will stop many people from catching the disease and being hospitalised. Government advisers don't believe the resurgence will be anywhere near as bad as January's crisis because of jabs and warmer weather.

Almost 3,000 cases of the Indian variant have been detected in the UK, with the figure having quadrupled in a fortnight. Surge testing has been deployed in Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester and North Tyneside to root out cases of the strain.

It comes as ministers accelerate the vaccination roll-out with plans to reach all over-18s within a month, with over-30s set to be offered their first dose by the end of May. More than 36.9million Britons  or seven in ten adults  have already had at least a jab. England's roll-out was expanded to 34 and 35-year-olds today.

Public Health England figures show 95 out of 149 local authorities  or 64 per cent saw their Covid cases dip last week. For comparison, there were 66 that recorded a drop over the previous seven-day spell

Public Health England data showed Covid cases remained flat last week despite surging infections with the Indian variant

They found weekly hospitalisations due to the virus also fell again and those due to influenza remained flat

Covid cases dropped in every age group except 5 to 9-year-olds last week, Public Health England data showed

And Covid cases dipped in every region except the North West which is battling a large outbreak of the Indian strain

ZOE and King's College London's symptom tracking app estimated there were 2,750 new cases of the virus every day, the equivalent of one in 1,796 Britons suffering symptomatic Covid in the week to May 15. They said this was not a significant change from last week. Professor Tim Spector said the Indian variant 'hasn't altered the numbers significantly

Professor Andrew Hayward (left), an epidemiologist at University College London and SAGE adviser, warned today Britain's third wave had already begun. But his comments came just hours before separate data from King's College London estimated Covid cases are still flat despite surging infections with the variant. Professor Tim Spector (right) said data showed outbreaks of the variant remained localised and there was no sign at present that it would overwhelm the NHS

Boris Johnson told the powerful 1922 committee of Tory MPs last night 'we can see nothing to suggest that we have to deviate from the road map'. He added he was 'increasingly optimistic' that the current crop of vaccines could still beat the strain. Officials suggest the roadmap won't be delayed. The Prime Minister is pictured today outside Downing Street

Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are up to 90 per cent effective against symptomatic Covid Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are up to 90 per cent effective against symptomatic Covid, according to official estimates. Public Health England found it was just as effective as Pfizer's jab. Britain has relied on both jabs for its vaccines roll-out since December, which has covered more than 37million people, or 70 per cent of adults. The medical regulator says 23.9million first doses and 9million second doses of the AstraZeneca jab had been dished out by May 12. A further 11.7million first and 9.9million second shots of the Pfizer jab had also been administered by this time. Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi hailed the data as highlighting the 'incredible impact' both doses had. PHE warned their figures were primarily based on older adults, who were first in line to get both doses because they are most at risk of hospitalisation and death if they catch the virus. It gave no figures for how effective the AstraZeneca jab was at preventing hospitalisation and death sparked by the virus after two doses. But in clinical trials involving almost 25,000 people the shot was found to be 100 per cent effective at stopping these from happening. Pfizer's vaccine was 90 to 95 per cent effective at stopping Covid hospitalisations and 95 to 99 per cent effective at stopping death in the community, PHE said. Their scientists also found there was a small reduction in vaccine effectiveness 10 weeks after the second jab for Pfizer recipients. But there was no change for those who got AstraZeneca's jab. Advertisement

Whitehall insiders say the 'mood music has definitely improved' in the face of fresh evidence which suggests the current crop of vaccines work against the mutant strain.

SAGE advisers also believe it may now be just 30 per cent more contagious than the Kent variant which triggered the UK's devastating second wave, which started in the South East before rapidly spreading across the country.

One senior official told Sky News the updated transmissibility estimate would allow the unlocking to go ahead. Matt Hancock said last night no decision on relaxing the final set of restrictions will be made until June 14.

But the plans could still be diluted  which could see the end of social distancing, mask wearing and working from home guidance pushed back to a later date. Ministers are also considering asking high-risk venues such as nightclubs to ensure people are either vaccinated or tested before they enter.

Flat hospital and death rates in Bolton are first sign jabs work well and NHS won't be overwhelmed by Indian variant, experts say The Covid outbreak in Bolton may be the first sign that the NHS won't be overwhelmed by the Indian variant, scientists say. The mutant B.1.617.2 strain is dominant in the Greater Manchester borough, and is behind a huge spike in cases that has made it the UK's Covid capital. Infections have almost soared to levels seen during January's second wave, with around 150 positive tests now being reported every day compared to fewer than 20 in April. The town's infection rate has doubled to 283 per 100,000 people in a week - but a huge testing drive means far more people are being regular checked for the disease. The surge in cases has yet to translate into an uptick in Covid hospitalisations, with just one person on average being admitted each day. Deaths also remain flat with just two fatalities recorded in May. Infections in Bolton have almost soared to levels seen during January's second wave, with around 150 positive tests now being reported every day compared to fewer than 20 in April The surge in cases has yet to translate into an uptick in Covid hospitalisations, with just one person on average being admitted each day Deaths also remain flat with just two fatalities recorded in May Dr Simon Clarke, a molecular biologist from Reading University, said this was confirmation that the jabs protect well against the strain. An upbeat Matt Hancock led a Downing Street press conference last night where he claimed the Government had 'increasing confidence' the vaccines were highly effective against the Indian variant. He had echoed comments made by Boris Johnson earlier in the House of Commons, who said he'd been presented promising data highlighting the strength of the jabs. Dr Clarke told MailOnline: 'They [the Government] will be looking at these hospital rates in Bolton and they seem to be very comfortable about them. 'So I don't think it [the variant] is going to be the disaster some people thought at first.' He urged people to continue taking precautions and not get too lax with the rules. 'Just because the vaccines work against the strain, I think we always knew that was going to be the case. 'What we don't really know is whether the jabs will be just as effective against the Indian variant as they are the Kent one. 'So I think focusing n the top efficacy numbers can sometimes give people false confidence.' Bolton's outbreak is mainly being driven by younger people, who face only a tiny risk of dying or falling severely ill with Covid. Government scientists have said the spread appears to be predominantly happening within South Asian communities in the town, who are more likely to live in multigenerational households and in high density housing. The fact infection rates remain low in elderly age groups may be further proof that the vaccines are preventing younger people passing it on to senior relatives, Dr Clarke said. However there has been a recent uptick in case rates in people in over 60, with about 43 cases per 100,000 people according to the most recent count. For comparison, the rate is believed to be about 300 for teenagers aged 15 to 19. As it stands, a total of 156,927 people have been vaccinated in Bolton, of which 89,137 have been fully immunised Ministers will be keeping a close eye on whether the rate in the over-60s rises rapidly or begin to translate into hospitalisations. It can take several weeks for people to fall severely ill with the disease after catching it. As it stands, a total of 156,927 people have been vaccinated in Bolton, of which 89,137 have been fully immunised. Latest NHS England figures suggest 81 per cent of over-40s in Bolton have accepted their jab, which is on par with the national average. Ministers yesterday offered hope that England's June 21 lockdown-easing plans were still able to go ahead because of fresh evidence that vaccines work against B.1.617.2. No10's official spokesperson said the optimism was based on daily figures, such as hospital admissions and testing rates. But they warned it could take time before the Government was confident that 'freedom day' can still go ahead as planned. Advertisement

In other Covid developments today:

Prince William, 38, rolled up his sleeves (and flashes a ripped bicep) to receive his first dose of the jab;

Home Secretary Priti Patel unveiled plans for up to 10,00 quarantine checks on holidaymakers every day to make sure Brits are self-isolating;

Figures suggested up to 270,000 Britons are set to fly to amber list country in five days despite ministers saying people should only travel to medium risk countries in 'extreme circumstances';

A Government adviser said Britain could hit herd immunity through its vaccination drive alone and will not need to jab children;

India's Covid variant has already spread to 48 countries and is in every continent except Antarctica;

Health chiefs gear up for autumn Covid vaccine booster drive as No10 launches trial testing seven different jabs as top-up shots.

PHE publishes a weekly surveillance report tracking the spread of the virus across the country.

They found the infection rate had fallen in almost every age group. It was highest among 10 to 19-year-olds (43.9 cases per 100,000 people) and lowest among the over-70s (4.1) who have each been offered at least one dose of the Covid vaccine.

Hospitalisations with the virus also dipped nationally from 1.02 to 0.73 per 100,000 people.

Bolton  which is struggling against the country's largest outbreak of the Indian variant  has the highest Covid case rate in England (328.3).

Its neighbour Blackburn with Darwen has the second highest rate (159.7), followed by Bedford (124.65).

Kirklees had the fourth highest infection rate (73.4) after cases rose by 30 per cent in a week. The council has been identified as an 'area of concern' by public health authorities after cases of the Indian variant were identified there. Surge testing was launched in the area yesterday.

It was followed by Leicester (50), Hounslow (48.9), Manchester (44.1), Bury (42.9), North Tyneside (42.3) and Luton (42.2) which all have outbreaks of the Indian variant.

SAGE scientists have already warned there will be a third wave of the virus in the country, which was expected to hit as more restrictions were eased.

Professor Hayward said: 'While I think we've always thought we would have another wave of Covid, the size of that wave is going to very much depend on how transmissible the variant that causes it is and what proportion of the population have been vaccinated when it hits.'

He added surge testing had been launched in hotspots in an attempt to halt the spread of the variant.

But that spiralling cases suggested it would become the main variant across the country  and displace the currently dominant Kent variant.

'But the scale of this is different (to other variants) and the number of places affected is different and the number of cases is different and the speed of increase is different,' he said.

'So my hunch is that this is going to become the dominant strain across the country, maybe even across the world, and that you know that really brings it back down to this race against the vaccine and the virus except the virus just got faster.'

The Indian variant has already spread to at least 48 countries, figures show, and has been spotted on every continent except Antarctica.

It is now behind one in five infections in the UK and has spread to 40 per cent of local authorities in England.

But King's College London experts say cases nationwide are still flat, and that outbreaks remain localised in areas such as Bolton and Blackburn.

Professor Spector said: 'There has been no significant change in rates of Covid from last week according to ZOE Covid Study data.

'The number of daily new cases is around 2,750, which remains fairly low and virtually unchanged from last week. This shows that the Indian variant hasnt altered the numbers significantly

'Were monitoring the Indian variant closely and so far we see only localised outbreaks, or hotspots.

'Not only in Bedford and Bolton, which we saw a week ago, but our data shows Newport in Wales, Glasgow and neighbouring areas like East Dunbartonshire or Lanarkshire in Scotland, Aberdeen, Leeds and neighbouring authorities like Kirklees and Wakefield.

'We noticed the same trend previously with outbreaks of the South African and Brazilian variants, but these remained local and didn't translate into wider cases countrywide.'

He added: 'Theres no clear evidence yet that the new Indian variant is significantly worse than the old Kent one.

'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown.

'So no need to panic, but do stay vigilant and keep logging with the ZOE Covid Study app to stay ahead of the curve and help us monitor outbreaks like these.'

However, the Kent variant  which triggered Britain's second wave  began in the South East before it rapidly spiralled out of control and hit every part of the country.

The King's College London estimates rely on daily reports from more than 700,000 Britons on whether they are feeling unwell, what symptoms they have and if they have tested positive for Covid.

But it is only able to pick up infections which trigger symptoms and misses asymptomatic cases  those which spark no tell tale signs of the virus  which officials estimate could be behind a third of all cases.

The app updated how its estimates are calculated last week because a large proportion of participants had already been vaccinated against the virus.

The Prime Minister told the 1922 committee last night, reports The Times, that he was confident the planned June 21 easing could still go ahead.

'I know there are anxieties about new variants,' he said. 'But we can see nothing to suggest that we have to deviate from the roadmap.'

He added earlier in the day that there was 'increasing confidence' jabs are highly effective against all variants, including B.1.617.2. His comments are bolstered by the fact the emergence of the strain has not yet led to an uptick in hospital admissions or deaths.

Scientists say the Indian variant may not be as transmissible as first feared because official data is beginning to hint the rise in cases of the mutant strain is slowing.

They say the spike could be down to the virus spreading in multi-generational households, and people rushing home from India after the country was placed on the 'red list'.

Professor Carl Heneghan, the director of the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine at Oxford University, told the Telegraph: 'How can it be the case that it is 40 per cent more transmissible when the numbers are falling off at the speed they are in India?

'We could be looking at a founder effect (when a strain is repeatedly imported from another outbreak area) and where you've got a small number of people having a bigger impact.

'India is actually looking more like the natural curve which happens in winter and has a high drop-off as opposed to flattening the curve.'

India's cases have dropped by 27 per cent in a week. They recorded 267,334 on Tuesday, down from 348,421 cases at the same time last week.

England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Van-Tam said last night: 'We have a credible range that goes from a few percent more transmissible through to... 50 per cent more transmissible. I think most people feel it is going to be somewhere in the middle, rather than at the extremes of that band.'

Top scientists handed information to ministers last night which put the situation 'looking in better shape', a senior Government official told Politico, although they were 'obviously still waiting for more data'.

A health official added: 'We are learning more about the variant almost every hour and the mood music has definitely improved'.

SAGE models warn Covid hospitalisations could spiral to more than 20,000 a day if the June easings went ahead and the strain was found to be 50 per cent more transmissible. Government advisers also warned a variant that is 30 per cent more transmissible than the Kent variant could pile more pressure on the NHS than it suffered during the first wave last spring.

ZOE Covid Symptom Study map shows the spread of the virus across the country

The Prime Minister told MPs in the Commons yesterday that the jabs were also still fighting off the mutant strain, saying he had 'increasing confidence that vaccines are effective against all variants, including the Indian variant'.

One senior minister told Sky News that Mr Johnson would 'move heaven and earth' in order to stick to the June 21 unlocking moment.

Another added it would be politically 'very bad' to miss the deadline. 'We told people in December the vaccine would be our way out of this and this would be our final heave,' they said. 'To go back on that would be very difficult.'

While cases of the new strain have quadrupled in the last fortnight in Britain, hospitalisations of people with Covid have remained 'fairly flat' compared to previous spikes. Covid deaths are now averaging around eight a day.

Top experts say this is a key signal that the vaccines are working. Clinical studies showed they were up to 100 per cent effective at preventing hospitalisations and deaths with the virus.

Nearly 90% of 7,000 neighbourhoods in England and Wales saw NO Covid deaths in April England and Wales' rapidly shrinking Covid outbreaks were today laid bare by an interactive map that showed nearly 90 per cent of more than 7,000 neighbourhoods saw no deaths from the virus last month. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveal April was the first month since August 2020 where the number of deaths was below the five-year average, with fewer than 1,000 virus-linked fatalities. The overall death rate in England  851.2 per 100,000 people  was the lowest rate for April since the ONS started recording mortality rates in 2001. MailOnline analysis shows the proportion of English and Welsh neighbourhoods with zero deaths increased from 57.9 per cent in March to 87.6 per cent last month  some 6,301 areas. Just ten areas saw three deaths each, which was the highest amount for any postcode. They were: Hounslow West in London, Summerfield in Birmingham, Woodthorpe and Arno Vale in Gedling, Great Sankey in Warrington, Birley in Sheffield, Stornton and Sixfields in Northampton, Grimsargh and Goosnargh in Preston, Rusper, Faygate and Leechpool in Horsham, Bridlington West in East Riding and Canvey Island South West in Castle Point. The ONS data also revealed that Covid was just the ninth leading cause of death in England last month  its lowest ranking since September 2020. Heart disease and dementia were the leading killers. A total of 941 deaths were due to coronavirus in April, the equivalent of 2.4 per cent of all deaths registered in England. Another 35 were recorded in Wales. Deaths have plunged over the past few months because of both strict lockdown restrictions and the mammoth vaccination drive, which has seen almost 37million adults jabbed. Advertisement

Official data shows cases of the strain are also concentrated in younger age groups, which have yet to be offered the Covid vaccine.

In hotspot for the Indian strain Bolton, the vast majority of patients in hospital suffering from the virus did not get their Covid vaccines despite being eligible.

But the Independent today claimed that the local trust has had not open extra Covid ward because of a small rise in admissions. The news site claimed 30 beds are now being taken up by the infected, up from 25 yesterday. The most recent data from NHS England shows the figure stood at just 18 on May 11.

It can take patients a week or longer to fall severely ill enough to need hospital treatment.

The Health Secretary urged Britons to keep coming forward for their jabs yesterday, saying it was the best way to get out of the pandemic.

He said: 'This is on all of us, we are masters of our own fate. We are seeing the vast majority of cases, both of the existing variant and of the B.1.617.2 variant, amongst younger groups and unvaccinated people.

He added: 'On the one hand hand that is actually a good sign as it implies the vaccine is working effectively, but obviously we don't want to see a huge increase in the number of cases everywhere.'

Vaccines are turning the tide against this pandemic and I'm incredibly proud the UK has one of the highest uptake rates in the world, with 90 per cent of people saying that they have had or will have the jab.

'Strong evidence shows the vaccines protect you and your loved ones from serious illness, and they also reduce transmission, which is why we've introduced additional surge measures in the areas with rising cases of the variant first identified in India,' Mr Hancock said.

He added: 'Thank you to everybody who has come forward so far  we can beat this virus together if we all play our part and get the jab as soon as we're eligible.'

Professor Ferguson said yesterday the spike in cases in the North West may be down to infections spreading rapidly in large, multi-generational households in densely populated areas.

'There's a glimmer of hope from the recent data that while the virus does appear to have a significant growth advantage, the magnitude of that advantage seems to have dropped a lot.'

His comments were echoed by deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, who described Britain's situation as a 'straight race' between the vaccination programme and the new strain.

He added: 'The NHS is doing everything it can to turbo-boost that, and that is the challenge that's ahead of us in the next two to three to four weeks, to make sure that we outrun the virus through really vigorous pull-through on vaccine delivery.'

A Warwick University model of a more infectious variant after lockdown is completely lifted on June 21 suggests that any more than a 30 per cent increase in transmissibility compared to the Kent variant could lead to an August peak of daily hospital admissions that is higher than either the first or second wave. In a worst-case scenario with a variant 50 per cent more transmissible, hospital admissions could surge to 10,000 per day or even double that (Thick lines indicate the central estimate while the thin lines are possible upper limits known as confidence intervals)

Officials say the Indian variant of Covid may have spread rapidly in the UK because it got into multi-generational households, and there were a large number of imports as people rushed home after India was added to the 'red list'

The above graph is based on Sanger Institute data on cases identified in the community. It shows that while the Kent variant (B.1.1.7) remains dominant in the country, infections with the Indian variant (B.1.617.2) are rising rapidly. In the week to April 24 it made up barely three per cent of all infections spotted, but by May 8 it was behind 27 per cent

Britain can reach herd immunity against Covid and may not need to vaccinate children, top adviser says Britain can reach herd immunity against coronavirus through vaccines and may not need to jab children, a top vaccinologist says. Professor Adam Finn, who sits on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said current plans excluded children because they very rarely got seriously ill if they caught the virus. The Bristol University expert added it may be possible to reach herd immunity - when the virus stops spreading in the population because enough people have antibodies to fight it off - by only inoculating adults. Experts have suggested around 65 to 75 per cent of people in Britain - or 43 to 49million people - will need to have protection to reach this state. The Pfizer vaccine is currently being tested in children. There is no evidence that it would cause any serious side-effects in the age group. But scientists are concerned over ethical considerations, as children would be jabbed for the benefit of others because they are at very low risk from the virus. Professor Finn told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it was still 'undecided' whether children would also be asked to be vaccinated. 'I dont think its been ruled out, but I do think that were clear that the main priority at the moment is to try and immunise as many people as possible who are at risk of getting really sick with this virus, because thats the one thing we want to avoid is another big surge of hospitalisations and deaths,' he said. 'That isnt going to happen in children because fortunately one of the few good things about this pandemic is children are very rarely seriously affected by this infection.' Asked about children spreading the virus, he said: 'Well actually the evidence weve got with children, particularly young children, is that they are not very infectious to each other or to adults around them, and that the majority of the transmission of the infection is in the adult population in fact. 'Because weve immunised so many older adults, thats now tending to be in younger adults, and there is a certain amount of transmission going on in secondary school so in teenagers, but in fact weve been surprised about how little transmission weve picked up in schools and of course this time around, theres been a lot more testing and awareness of whats going on in schools.' On the ethics of vaccinating young people in the UK when adults are dying abroad, Professor Finn said: 'Well there is the global perspective but even if we just look at it as a domestic issue, I think in normal times, just as in pandemic times, we simply wouldnt want to immunise anybody without needing to. 'Its an invasive thing to do, it costs money and it causes a certain amount of discomfort, and vaccines have side-effects, so if we can control this virus without immunising children we shouldnt immunise children as a matter of principle.' He said he was 'optimistic that we are, in particularly in the UK with the high coverage were achieving, and the extremely effective vaccines weve got, that we can achieve population immunity, and Im afraid its an open question as to whether we need to immunise any children at all. And if we do, how many children we need to immunise.' Advertisement

Trials of Covid booster shots were also announced at last night's press briefing, as ministers gear up to offer third doses to all over-50s this autumn.

Southampton University scientists will recruit thousands of fully-vaccinated Britons to the study, which will test seven Covid vaccines as part of the world's first clinical trial into booster shots.

Mr Hancock said he was 'delighted' and that the tests will 'shape the plans for our booster programme later this year', adding: 'We will do everything we can to future-proof this country from pandemics.'

Professor Van-Tam advised people in Covid hotspots to 'think carefully' about using the new freedoms they have this week.

When asked if he would advise people in areas such as Bolton with high coronavirus rates against taking advantage of new freedoms, he said: 'I would advise the residents in those areas to think very carefully about the freedoms they have, weigh up the risks and be very cautious.

'It is possible to do something outside, better to do it outside. If it is possible to do something with smaller numbers, with people you know rather than multiple new contacts, it's better to do that. Take it steady.

'The Government has given people freedoms to start to make these judgements for themselves and I understand that we can't live for years and years on end with rules, people will have to learn to manage these risks from Covid for themselves because this is not going to go away in the short term, medium term and probably the long term.'

Mr Hancock told the press conference: 'Overall hospitalisations and deaths remain very low, meaning we have been able to carefully take away more restrictions this week as we've taken step three of the road map.

'But we must proceed with vigilance and with everyone taking personal responsibility.

'We've always known that one of the things that has the potential to knock us off track would be a new variant.

'That's why we made the presence of a new variant that could do that one of our four tests when we set out the road map, which is the tests we must pass for going down each step of the road map.

'The early evidence suggests that the B1617.2 new variant, first discovered in India, passes on more easily from person to person than the B11.7 variant that was first discovered in Kent.

'But as the Prime Minister said at lunch time, we have increasing confidence that the vaccines are effective against it.

'That means that our strategy is the right one  to carefully replace restrictions on freedom with the protection from the vaccine.'

Mr Hancock revealed that the case rate in Indian variant hotspot Bolton was 283 per 100,000, after doubling in a week. He said 25 people were currently in Bolton's hospitals with the strain, of which the 'majority' were unvaccinated.

Among those that had been jabbed, 90 per cent had not been given both. Mr Hancock said: 'This shows the importance of getting vaccinated - not once, but twice.'

The latest figures came as the Government under fresh criticism for taking too long to ban travel from India, as Labour yesterday claimed the border had been 'like a sieve' throughout the pandemic.

Despite the threat of the Indian variant to the UK only being made public last week, reports yesterday said the Government was warned about the danger it posed to the UK four weeks ago.

At that time, the strain was already decimating hospitals in India's major cities and yet thousands of travellers were still flying into Britain from the country every week.

Ministers met for crisis talks two weeks later to thrash out plans to deal with the strain, with some advisors warning against going ahead with stage three of the roadmap, Sky News reports.

The Indian variant has already spread to at least four in 10 areas of England and accounts for one in five new infections since being imported to the UK in late March.

Positive test figures from the Wellcome Sanger Institute  which cover only lab-analysed cases in the two weeks between April 25 and May 8  reveal the mutant Indian strain made up 50 per cent or more of all samples in 23 parts of the country by last week. Bolton and Blackburn in the North West remain the worst-hit areas with almost 600 cases between them and the variant making up 81 per cent of infections

Green light for the amber list in a FORTNIGHT? Grant Shapps says list of restriction-free holidays to places like France, Spain, Italy and Greece could expand as early as June Grant Shapps today hinted that the 'green list' could be expanded within weeks amid mounting pressure for France, Spain, Italy and Greece to be added. The Transport Secretary delivered an optimistic message about the prospects for summer travel as he defended the government's traffic light system - despite fury that it has caused confusion and chaos. He urged people to be 'patient' rather than booking trips to 'amber' rated destinations - suggesting the roster of places classed as safe to visit is on track to get longer when it is reviewed at the start of next month. The positive signs came amid calls for countries such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece to be added to the 'green list', with warnings that the UK travel industry is being left behind as Europe reopens. Despite a series of ministers warning that people should not be going to amber-rated countries for holidays yet, hundreds of thousands of people have been braving quarantine and testing requirements to go anyway. And millions more are believed to have gambled by booking trips to popular locations later in the summer. EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren complained today that the government has been using polls and focus groups to make decisions rather than following the evidence, arguing that more mainstream holiday hotspots should be on the green list along with Portugal. 'We have looked at the data that is available and the scientific evidence shows that you have a number of countries in Europe that are now on the amber list that should go into the green list,' he said. 'You can see that that is happening in Europe as we speak. European travel is opening up at large scale.' However, despite the hopeful words from Mr Shapps it is unclear the basis on which the EU will be willing to receive UK tourists. The bloc's ambassadors agreed yesterday that people who have received both vaccine jabs should be allowed without quarantine or testing restrictions, but there are doubts over whether that will apply to non-vaccinated Brits. Advertisement

Mr Johnson tried to strike a positive tone at PMQs yesterday, saying he had looked at the data again this morning and there was 'increasing confidence' that vaccines work against 'all variants, including the Indian variant'.

Asked by Labour leader Keir Starmer whether mutant strains was the biggest risk for the loosening, Mr Johnson said: 'I certainly think that is one of the issues that we must face.'

He added: 'We've looked at the data again this morning and I can tell the House we have increasing confidence that vaccines are effective against all variants, including the Indian variant.'

Asked about what data the PM has seen to make his 'increasing confidence' comment, a No10 spokesperson said: 'We have regular data that is published daily that tracks through right down to a very granular level on things like case rates.

'That is the information that the Prime Minister is seeing.

'Currently in that data we are not seeing any sharp increases or significant areas of concern.

'Clearly it is important to stress that we want to give more time to get more data in so we can make decisions on our approach on the next step.'

They added data includes hospitalisation rates, case rates, positivity rates 'and a number of studies published here and around the world which continue to show high levels of efficacy against variants'.

Pressed during an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme for his 'hunch' about whether the next stage of the roadmap would go ahead on schedule, Prof Ferguson said: 'I think that is being actively considered.

'It is very much in the balance. The data collected in the next two-three weeks will determine that.'

He said it was not yet clear how much more transmissible the Indian variant is, but added: 'Certainly, it is much easier to deal with 20 per cent, even 30 per cent (more transmissibility) than it would be 50 per cent or more.'

During a round of interviews this morning, Professor Ferguson said data had suggested the current jabs were less effective at stopping people from catching the mutant virus.

He claimed the Government's scientists were 'slightly concerned' this could give the surging strain more opportunity to spread to vulnerable and unvaccinated groups.

But Professor Ferguson insisted there was a 'good deal of confidence' among SAGE that the vaccines will protect against severe disease and death, which would be crucial in protecting the NHS in the event of a third wave.

Asked about the Indian variant's effect on vaccines, Professor Ferguson told the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme: 'It is something which is being studied very carefully.

'There's a good deal of confidence, and the data is being gathered, that the vaccines will protect against severe disease.

'The effect of the Indian variant on the vaccines will be fairly marginal in terms of the protection against severe disease, so the vaccines protect individuals.

'The thing we're slightly concerned about is whether there's an impact on the ability of vaccines to prevent infection or mild disease and, therefore, prevent transmission in the community.

'There are some hints, and it's not vaccine-specific at the moment, in the data of reduced vaccine efficacy against infection and transmission, but we really have to wait as more data is gathered to be definitive about that.

'But of course it's a concern because, if we don't have the same action of vaccine at blocking transmission, it's another way for the virus to amplify itself in the community.'

Even though the vaccines seem likely to prevent severe illness, there are fears that the new variant could spill into the 30million Britons who have still to get their jab.

There are also a very small number of people for whom the vaccines will not work, because the person is very frail or has a weakened immune system.

Professor Ferguson revealed that, since SAGE's warning about the Indian variant last week, there was new data which suggested the strain could be less infectious than first feared.

He said the data was still uncertain because scientists are trying to disentangle whether the virus is extremely transmissible or whether there are behavioral and social factors at play.

Professor Ferguson added: 'To explain to people why this is difficult [to work out exactly how infectious it is]... It's because of how it was introduced into the country, it was introduced from overseas, principally into people with Indian ethnicity - who are at a higher chance of living in multi-generational households and often in quite deprived areas in high density housing.

'So we're trying to work out whether the rapid growth we've seen in Bolton is going to be typical of what we can expect elsewhere.

The growing red sections on graphs represent Indian variant cases surging in local authorities where it could be taking off. In these places it can already be seen edging out the Kent strain (orange) and scientists fear this suggests it is more infectious and could take over as the number one type of the virus in the UK. Note: Some areas, such as Stevenage, Broxbourne and Oadby are recording very few cases of the virus so changes may not constitute a trend

The Indian variant also appears to be edging out the Kent strain in various parts of London, where it already accounts for half of cases or more, but low numbers of infections mean this may an effect caused by small clusters of cases

'There's a little bit of what I would say is a glimmer of hope, from the recent data, that while this virus does still appear to have a significant growth advantage, the magnitude of that advantage seems to have dropped a little bit with the most recent data, so the curves are flattening a little.

'But it will take more time for us to be definitive about that.'

He said even if the strain was found to be 20 per cent more infectious than the Kent one, this would be 'much easier to deal with' than if the figure was 50 per cent.

Ministers think clearer data on the Indian variant will come in next week, in the form of hospital pressures. It can take up to a week for infected people to fall ill enough to need to be admitted to the NHS for treatment.

Given that the virus has only began to spread rapidly over the past fortnight, hospital figures remain low.

Experts hope the vaccines have broken the link between cases and hospitalisations or death but can't be sure until they see real-world statistics from hotspots such as Bolton and Blackburn.

Whitehall insiders told The Times that sewage is also being monitored to find other flare-ups of the variant across the country.

If the spread of the variant does translate into increased pressure on the NHS, then England's June 21 'freedom day' plans could be disrupted.

Professor Ferguson said it could be two or three weeks before data provided firm conclusions about the variant and what impact it will have on the lockdown easing roadmap.

And fellow Government adviser Dr Mike Tildesley, from the University of Warwick, said 'we'll get much more evidence' over the next fortnight.

This is despite Boris Johnson suggesting yesterday that the picture would become clearer in 'days'.
An escapee eel was on the loose after it reportedly broke free from a tank in a nearby restaurant.

The eel was filmed in the gutter on Mill Street near Chinatown, in Adelaide on Monday morning after it seemingly got loose from a restaurant on Gouger Street.

The slithering eel is a Longfin Eel and is often kept alive in tanks in restaurants before they are served either smoked or cooked.

The eel had seemingly escaped from a tank in a restaurant from the nearby Gouger Street

Do you think eel get away? Seems a Gouger Street restaurant has had an eel breakout and this slippery little sucker was spotted making a getaway in Mill St this morning. Thanks to Bory Thon for catching the fugitive in the act.  MORE: https://bit.ly/33Tbpcr Posted by The Advertiser on Monday, May 17, 2021

It is not known which restaurant the eel came from.

Nic Bishop, Adelaide Zoo's animal behaviour and creative program manager, told ABC Radio Adelaide the eel was still breathing despite being out of the water in the gutter.

'This character sliding down on the street, I noticed from the vision that there was a bit of water and I think the thing about the eel is that it can breathe, they can travel over land,' he said.

'If there's an overflow of water, eels can travel breathing oxygen from their surroundings... to get to the next body of water.

'They are fantastically tough.'

The video left the public worried for the stranded animal.

'Poor thing,' one wrote.

'This is so sad on so many levels,' another commented.

The eel had reportedly escaped from a restaurant in Adelaide's Chinatown (pictured)

Unfortunately the eel was found dead in the gutter the next morning after being unable to survive without water

While some began to imagine where the runaway eel came from and whether it was still edible.

'Slid straight out of BBQ City!,' suggested one.

'EEL escaped from Parramatta, seeking a contract else where,' another wrote.

'That's alright It'll be back on the plate before you know it,' commented a third.

'Definitely Dumpling King,' proposed fourth.

The eel was found dead in the gutter by a local at 7:30am the next morning.
There are new reports of mice sightings in Sydney's west, with homes damaged

armers and rural residents have been battling deadly mouse plague for months

Firefighters from New South Wales have been left shocked after discovering a rat's nest in the engine of a car that caught fire, as experts warn the mouse plague will soon hit Sydney.

Fire and Rescue crews rushed to Argyle street in Moss Vale in NSW's Southern Highlands on Wednesday afternoon after receiving reports of a car fire.

After controlling the blaze, firefighters found what appeared to be the remains of a rat's nest in the burnt engine.

Moss Vale firefighters discovered remains of what appeared to be a mouse or rat's nest in the burnt engine of the Peugeot

The Moss Vale fire station posted photos of the wreckage on Facebook as a reminder to residents to keep an eye out for the unwanted guests.

'During the colder months, rodents seek shelter, store food and quite often take up residence under the bonnets of cars', the post read.

'Unfortunately rats also find the wiring systems in cars and other vehicles perfect for nibbling and chewing on in to keep their teeth sharp.'

A spokesperson from NSW Fire and Rescue told Daily Mail Australia the Captain of the crew could not be 100 per cent sure if it was a rat or mouse nest.

NSW Fire and Rescue said it was common for rodents to seek shelter, store food and take up residence under the bonnets of cars in cooler months

They confirmed that no animal remains had been found in the engine, and said the car had been garaged for over six weeks and had not been driven in that time.

The spokesperson said that while the car fire wasn't directly linked to the mouse plague, checking vehicles for traces of rodents or their nests should be a safety consideration every winter.

The discovery of the nest comes as a vicious mouse plague continues to ravage large swathes of inland parts of NSW, with fears the hoards will soon reach Sydney.

Farmers and country residents have been fighting the scourge for months, as the mice continue to decimate crops and contaminate water supplies.

Although NSW's Central West has been hardest hit by the plague, the Mouse Alert map, which is based on reported sightings, shows outbreaks in scores of towns across Australia's east coast from Melbourne to Brisbane.

New sightings of the rodents were recorded this week in the Western suburbs, where houses were damaged in Erskine Park and Parramatta.

Videos posted on social media show the pests in rural NSW pouring out of crevices of freight bound for Sydney, while mice have also been reported rummaging through a charity's scrap food stocks in Newtown, in the city's inner west.

Top scientists have said it is unlikely the infestations will settle over winter - instead ramping up - as mice flock into homes seeking shelter and warmth.

ABC Pest Control's Bree Daniels said Sydneysiders who have never had a mice infestation could experience a 'home invasion' over winter months as rodents flock to warm roofs.

However, University of Sydney expert Associate Professor Matthew Crowther said the city is unlikely to attract millions of mice because there are no food crops like rural areas.

Country Women's Association of NSW chief executive Danica Leys said the deadly mouse plague is taking a mental toll on rural residents.

The mouse plague (pictured) ravaging inland parts of NSW is set to hit Sydney by August, a pest expert has warned

She said people have been getting sick from drinking contaminated water, are being bitten, and mice are chewing electrical wires, feasting on white goods in kitchen pantries, and excreting all over linen.

A farmer in Dubbo earlier told Daily Mail Australia that she and her husband were struggling to sleep due to the sound of constant scampering of mice in their walls.

'People out here are struggling badly with them in our houses,' she said.

'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.

'The smell of dead mice is overwhelming, it's everywhere.'
A grieving family is demanding answers after their beloved father and husband died in hospital following a 26 hour wait in emergency where he suffered several heart attacks.

Neville Clayton, 67, died in Ipswich Hospital, west of Brisbane, in March after a delay in treatment that his son and registered nurse Anthony, described as 'disgusting.'

'As a nurse, I'm not confident in the health system in Queensland  it's failing people left, right and centre,' he told news.com.au.

'The system is failing. They don't provide the care that is needed.'

Anthony Clayton, (pictured) a registered nurse in Queensland, believes the health system in Queensland is failing people

Anthony's father Neville Clayton died at Ipswich Hospital (pictured) in March following a 26 hour wait in emergency where he suffered several heart attacks

Family members called an ambulance for Mr Clayton when he first suffered the heart attack, and after waiting for its arrival they were told he would have to be driven more than an hour to Toowoomba as the Ipswich Hospital was full.

After the family protested, he was taken to Ipswich where Anthony said his dad waited for an hour in the emergency department in 'excruciating pain' before a doctor finally admitted him.

A bed shortage in the coronary care section meant Mr Clayton suffer several smaller heart attacks while awaiting specialist care.

Five days after first arriving in hospital, Neville rang his wife in unbearable pain, stating it 'felt like a horse was laying on my chest'.

She rushed to be by her husband's side, but he died 30 minutes later.

The Clayton's then were close to losing a second family member in the same Ipswich hospital weeks later when Mark Chapman - Anthony's brother - battled a severe bout of pneumonia.

He was discharged after three days but developed breathing difficulties and an elevated heart rate and had to be re-admitted.

While sympathetic to the family, Ipswich Hospital's management firm West Moreton Health was adamant Mr Neville received 'appropriate clinical care' while waiting in the emergency department.

'The Ipswich Hospital emergency department is equipped with critical care monitoring and staffed by specialists, meaning patients continue to receive quality care within the ED while awaiting transfer to the ward,' a spokesperson said.

'If anyone has concerns, complaints or questions about their healthcare, including treatment options and outcomes, we want to hear from them. We improve how we deliver care through the ongoing review of our practices and procedures.'
With the end of the financial year on the horizon and at a time when Australians start considering their tax returns, the tax office is warning it will be taking particular note of work-related expenses.

Around 8.5 million people claimed nearly $19.4 billion in work-related expenses in their 2020 tax returns.

Australian Taxation Office assistant commissioner Tim Loh says the COVID-19 pandemic has changed people's work habits, so he expects their work-related expenses will reflect this.

The tax office is monitoring work from home claims closely this financial year, as well as expenses relating to travel (Stock)

Tax office red flags Exorbitant working from home claims Travel between worksites, uniform laundry and business trip expenses Car, travel and clothing costs Advertisement

'We know many people started working from home during COVID-19, so a jump in these claims is expected,' Mr Loh said.

'But, if you are working at home, we would not expect to see claims for travelling between worksites, laundering uniforms or business trips.'

The ATO's data analytics will be on the lookout for unusually high claims, particularly where someone's deductions are much higher than others with a similar job and income.

'We will also look closely at anyone with significant working from home expenses, that maintains or increases their claims for things like car, travel or clothing expenses,' Mr Loh said.

'You can't simply copy and paste the previous year's claims without evidence.'

A 'temporary shortcut method' for working from home expenses is available for the full 2020/21 financial year.

This allows an all-inclusive rate of 80 cents per hour for every hour people work from home, rather than needing to separately calculate costs for specific expenses.

The ATO have warned people with 'significant' work from home expenses will be at risk of an audit

'All you need to do is multiply the hours worked at home by 80 cents, keeping a record such as a timesheet, roster or diary entry that shows the hours your worked,' the ATO says.

However, this is only a temporary measure, and for those wanting to claim part of an expense over $300 - such as a desk or computer - in future years, they will need to keep a copy of their receipt.
It may be tempting to assume that someone who bluffs their way through life does so through lack of intelligence.

But people who are able to bluster their way around tricky questions are actually very smart, researchers have found.

Bluffing should instead be regarded as an evolved skill which allows people to navigate complex social environments, they said.

And as well as a sign of intelligence, it may even help impress others.

Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada gave hundreds of students a list of words or phrases, some of which were completely made up.

These trick concepts included 'subjunctive scaling' and 'declarative fraction', which do not actually exist.

Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada have found that those who are good at bluffing also performed well on intelligence tests suggesting two skills are linked (file photo)

The students were asked to provide a definition for all the concepts, whether they had heard of them or not, which was then judged by a separate group of students to evaluate how convincing they were.

The most persuasive answers came from students who had scored best on intelligence tests, the researchers found.

The study, published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, says that the ability to bluff 'is associated with an individual's intelligence'.

It reads: 'We interpret these results as adding evidence for intelligence being geared towards the navigation of social systems.

Study found bluffing should be regarded as an evolved skill which indicates intelligence and allows people to navigate complex social environments such as a job interview (file photo)

'The ability to produce satisfying bulls*** may serve to assist individuals in negotiating their social world, both as an energetically efficient strategy for impressing others and as an honest signal of intelligence.'

The researchers said if our brains have evolved to manipulate information about social relationships, then it is plausible that intelligent people will produce bluffs of a higher quality as a means of navigating their social surroundings.

They also found those who were better at bluffing were judged by others to be more intelligent.

'From the perspective of navigating social systems, being perceived as intelligent may be just as valuable...as actually being intelligent,' the study said.

'This perception may afford one opportunities to obtain status and form relationships as well as have greater trust placed in their competence.'

The researchers concluded that bluffing can be used as a strategy to reach a certain goal 'at a much smaller cost' than the long and tricky process of actually learning a skill.
A Tesla Model 3 reportedly belonging to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been spotted parked illegally outside a Whole Foods in Washington D.C.

The $35,000 Tesla with New York plates and a Congressional parking pass was pictured in a no-parking zone near AOC's luxury DC apartment on May 14, the Washington Free Beacon reported.

Sources told the Free Beacon that AOC had been seen driving a white Tesla in the neighborhood.

AOC's press rep did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com for requests for comment.

In October 2020, the NYC Congresswoman revealed she had bought an electric vehicle to avoid having to take public transport to commute from New York City to DC during the COVID pandemic.

The story prompted surprised reactions online that AOC might have purchased a Tesla, as the socialist firebrand has pledged to rail against the billions of dollars in low-interest loans and tax breaks that had helped the company become the leading electric vehicle company in the world.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Tesla Model 3 has reportedly been spotted parked illegally outside an Whole Foods in DC

The $35,000 Tesla with New York plates and a Congressional parking pass was pictured in a no-parking zone near AOC's luxury DC apartment on May 14

In October 2020, the NYC Congresswoman revealed she had bought an electric vehicle to avoid having to take public transport to commute from New York City to DC during the COVID pandemic

'If AOC paid the same tax rates as I do.. that would eat up about 43% of her after tax income (assuming thats the low end Model 3: MSRP $39,490) Congress makes $174,000/yr. pretax.' former Fox News host Eric Bolling said.

AOC has also described billionaires as a 'policy failure'.

Even after a recent slump in Tesla's share price, Musk, 49, is worth an estimated $160 billion.

Others pointed out the irony of her car being spotted outside a Whole Foods, after AOC famously thwarted its parent company Amazon's attempts to build an enormous new corporate campus in NYC.

One Twitter user wrote: 'Why is @AOC even shopping at @Wholefoods when it's owned by @JeffBezos? She made such a stink abt Amazon in NYC, was that for the publicity? I am so tired of these hypocrites. If you're gonna talk the talk, you better walk the walk. spare me with your whole foods & Tesla.'

CEO Jeff Bezos, 57, is the wealthiest man in the world with an estimated personal fortune of $200 billion.

Elon Musk, 49, has been a frequent target of socialist firebrand AOC, as has Jeff Bezos, 57, is the CEO of Amazon, which owns Whole Foods. AOC thwarted the building of a new Amazon corporate HQ in her district of Queens in 2019

In October 2020, AOC revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that she had purchased a new electric car.

'I'm really lucky that I have not gotten a parking ticket,' she said.

AOC explained her reasons for buying a vehicle during an Instagram Live stream.

'I usually travel by train, but due to COVID I now drive by car, I travel by car,' Ocasio-Cortez said.

'Not a combustion engine vehicle, but I travel by car between New York and D.C.'

AOC had previously gone on the offensive against Tesla over the millions it received in subsidies.

'When we as a public choose to invest in new technologies, we deserve a return on that investment,' Ocasio-Cortez said in December 2018.

'For far too long, we gave money to Tesla, we gave money to a ton of people and we got no return on our investment that the public made in creating technologies, and it's about time we get our due because it's the public that funded and financed a lot of innovative technologies,' Ocasio Cortez continued.

Twitter users were quick to highlight AOC's apparent u-turn from her December 2018 stance.

'During one the cheapest Tesla's there no coming back from this, she's supporting Elon Musk...lmao', one wrote.

Others mocked AOC's attempts to present herself as an average American, writing: 'AOC drives an expensive Tesla and shops at an expensive gourmet food market. Yup, she's sooooo in touch with the average American, ain't she?

'Remember this the next tme she talks about how she was a bartender and one of the little people. She ain't. Not even close'.

The Tesla Model 3, above, can travel the 228 mile distance from AOC's home in New York to Washington DC on a single charge

The $59,000 Tesla with New York plates and a Congressional parking pass was pictured in a no-parking zone near AOC's luxury DC apartment on May 14, the Washington Free Beacon reported.

AOC was also a thorn in the side of Amazon, thwarting CEO Jeff Bezos' push to build a second headquarters in Long Island City adjacent to her Congressional district in Queens in 2019.

Facing backlash from Ocasio-Cortez and other New York Democrats over $3 billion in tax incentives to open an office employing 25,000, Amazon abruptly cancelled the HQ2 plan in February.

The proposed HQ2 also received backlash from residents who feared the project would lead to overcrowded subways and soaring rents, but homeowners and local businesses were generally in favor of the development.

Ocasio-Cortez was one of the most vocal opponents of the Long Island City HQ2, pitting her against fellow Democrats Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo, the architects of the deal.

It was a major blow to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had both lobbied intensely to land the campus within city limits.

The Mayor responded to the news by criticizing Amazon in a series of tweets, saying the company 'threw away' an opportunity and failed to work with the community.

'You have to be tough to make it in New York City. We gave Amazon the opportunity to be a good neighbor and do business in the greatest city in the world. Instead of working with the community, Amazon threw away that opportunity,' de Blasio said.

Then a newly-elected Congresswoman, Ocasio-Cortez was among the more high-profile critics of the deal from the Democratic Party's leftward flank.

AOC earns a salary of $174,000 as a sophomore Member of Congress.
A grieving mom died after swerving her speeding motorbike to avoid a horse during a commemorative ride for her son who died in a separate crash last month, it was claimed.

Diane Everett, 51, of Milliken, lost control of the Honda CRB motorcycle on a left-hand curve and crashed into a ditch near Loveland in Colorado on Saturday, The Fort Collins Coloradoan reported.

The motorcycle - which belonged to Everett's late son Micheal - struck a drainage pipe before the mom, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the vehicle.

Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to the state patrol. Stepdaughter Amanda Everett said Everett had swerved to avoid a horse in the road, although investigators have yet to confirm this.

Diane Everett, 51 (left), of Milliken, lost control of her motorcycle on a left-hand curve and crashed into a ditch near Loveland on Saturday. Her son, Micheal, right, died in a separate motorcycle crash last month

Pictured: Michael Everett Jr. on his motorcycle in a Facebook picture from 2017

Colorado State Patrol received a call about the crash around 12:30pm in the afternoon.

The crash left Everett in critical condition. She was rushed to the UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, where she was later pronounced dead.

'I think she was fighting at the scene to stay alive, but at the same time I don't think she wanted to come back but instead felt my little brother's spirit and chose to be with him,' said Joshua Everett, Diane Everett's stepson.

The motorcycle Diane was riding struck a drainage pipe before Everett, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the vehicle

Micheal Everett Jr. died April 5. The weekend's memorial ride was meant to commemorate him

Joshua added, 'Our mother was hurting after Micheal died, and we knew she was hurting but she was so courageous that she didnt let on she was hurting. I know my mom is happy and in a better place, no longer in pain.'

He and his sister, Amanda, were taking part in the memorial ride with more than 80 other bikers when they came upon the crash.

'As we were getting closer, I could see bike parts, and I think we both knew what happened,' Joshua Everett said. 'All I could think of was, 'Not again. I can't lose two of them.'

Friends of the Everett siblings warned them not to get too close to the scene.

Amanda stated that she saw a horse jump out at the motorcyclists, which may have caused Diane to swerve and crash.

According to KDVR, Diane's husband also corroborated the story about the horse jumping out and spooking his wife.

The group was headed to Carter Lake, then to Horsetooth Reservoir for a memorial gathering at 23-year-old Micheal Everett Jr.'s favorite spot. They were then going to ride to nearby Berthoud, where he died April 5.

Diane Everett was riding one of Micheal Everett Jr.'s motorcycles, a 2012 Honda CBR, when she crashed.

Speed is believed to have played a role in Diane's (left) crash. Micheal Everett Jr. pictured right

A GoFundMe to raise money for Diane's memorial expenses has raised over $12,000

'Our mother was one hell of a mother who wore her emotions on her sleeve,' Joshua stated. 'Right now we are trying to be strong for my dad, who is hurting. We are trying to be as strong as I know our mother would be.'

Diane's daughter-in-law, Jessica, started a GoFundMe to raise money for memorial expenses. As of Thursday morning, she has raised over $12,000.

'While I am happy they are together again, we are left picking up the pieces,' Jessica said of Micheal and Diane's deaths. 'Words cannot describe what we are going through.'

Diane's crash was the second fatal motorcycle accident in Larimer County in 2021.
Wallabies legend George Gregan has been accused of using 'racist' language in a text message exchange - as he allegedly schemed to overthrow a Jewish businessman from a fitness company.

The ex-Australian captain and former NSW Waratahs player Matthew Dixon allegedly planned to force Alexander Goldberg out from his own business, PTP Fitness, which he founded in 2010.

In text and WhatsApp messages that were tendered to court and obtained by Sky News journalist Caroline Marcus, Gregan allegedly sent an image of a Nazi warplanes to his partner Dixon and repeatedly called Mr Goldberg a 'cockroach'.

Mr Goldberg's barrister Robert Stitt QC tendered the online conversations to the Federal Court ahead of next month's trial.

Wallabies legend George Gregan (pictured with his former wife Erica) has been accused of using 'racist' language in a text message exchange tendered to court

The ex-Australian captain allegedly schemed to overthrow a Jewish businessman from a fitness company

According to the court documents, a photo of a Nazi warplane was allegedly sent to Dixon on May 3, 2019, along with a URL defining 'blitzkrieg', which is a coordinated surprise military effort.

'When we strike it's going to be an avalanche... aka Blitzkrieg!' Gregan allegedly wrote, in documents tendered to court.

In another text tendered to court, Gregan allegedly said: 'We will drop the guillotine and hammer very soon to rid ourselves of this parasite.'

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, Australia's leading civil rights organisation, said there is never any justification for using Nazi imagery.

'It is unacceptable, it is not who we are as a nation, and it should be condemned,' he said.

Dr Abramovich said Hitler called Jews parasites in his book Mein Kampf and Nazi propaganda often referred to them as parasites that 'had to be destroyed'.

'Since then, this ugly term has become a favourite among antisemites and white supremacists who see the Jews as malevolent parasites, and these descriptions often appear in their writings and speeches,' he said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.

'The Nazis, who did not consider the Jews as human and worthy of life and dignity, dehumanised their victims by labelling them cockroaches and rats.

According to the court documents, a photo of a Nazi warplane was allegedly sent to Dixon on May 3, 2019, along with a URL defining 'blitzkrieg', which is a coordinated surprise military effort

In another text tendered to court, Gregan allegedly said: 'We will drop the guillotine and hammer very soon to rid ourselves of this parasite'

Gregan allegedly sent an image of a Nazi warplanes to his partner Dixon and repeatedly called Mr Goldberg a 'cockroach'

'These terms are racist, they are hateful and un-Australian, and should be rejected outright.'

When Mr Stitt presented the alleged exchanges to court during a pre-trial hearing, he reportedly declared they were malicious and highly personal.

PTP Fitness was launched over a decade ago by Mr Goldberg.

Gregan was brought into the business initially as an ambassador by his friend Dixon, who is the brother-in-law of Mr Goldberg.

'Shortly after its inception, in 2010, George Gregan, World Champion, World Record Holder and former Australian Wallabies Captain, joined forces, bringing his valuable long-time fitness experience and passion,' the website reads.

'Having pursued a successful international career as a rugby athlete in Australia, France and Japan, George contributed to develop the highest quality products that would make state of the art training accessible to all, via easy-to-follow workout programmes and instructional advice.

Gregan is pictured in Sydney in 2017 for the Public Memorial for former Australian Rugby Union player Dan Vickerman

In text and WhatsApp messages that were tendered to court and obtained by Sky News journalist Caroline Marcus, Gregan allegedly sent an image of a Nazi warplanes to his partner Dixon and repeatedly called Mr Goldberg a 'cockroach'

'From that point on, the brand continued to innovate and gained popularity for its great attention to design, functionality and accessible educational content.'

The business's products are stocked in Rebel Sport and on The Iconic.

Gregan became a director in 2019, which was the same year Mr Goldberg's employment was terminated.

He claims it was wrongful termination as he was on leave following his partner giving birth.

Gregan and Dixon, who deny the allegations against them, have launched their own cross-claim, which alleges Mr Goldberg breached his duties as a director.

The case will return to court on June 15.
The COVID-19 virus could potentially have escaped from a laboratory, one of the most senior health officials in the U.S. conceded on Wednesday, as House Republicans published their own report claiming there is 'circumstantial evidence' that the virus originated in a Wuhan facility.

The U.S. government has been at pains to downplay speculation that the virus was the result of an accident in China - although they are calling on Beijing to be more transparent about their role. They insist that it is far more likely that COVID-19 originated with animals, and spread naturally to humans.

Critics of the Biden administration have accused the government of not telling the whole truth, and not pushing hard enough, in a bid to avoid angering China.

Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) appeared before Congress on Wednesday for a hearing on their budget for the next fiscal year, starting on October 1.

Dr Rochelle Walensky testified before Congress on Wednesday about the CDC budget

John Kennedy, a senator for Louisiana, questioned Walensky about the origins of the virus

She was asked by Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, a Republican, how she believed the pandemic begun.

'I don't believe I've seen enough data, individual data for me to be able to comment on that,' Walensky said.

Asked what the possibilities are, Walensky said, 'Certainly the possibilities of, that most coronaviruses that we know of are of origin from, that have infected the population  SARS CoV-1, MERS  generally come from an animal origin.'

Kennedy responded: 'Are there any other possibilities?'

'Certainly a lab-based origin is one possibility,' Walensky said.

She was also asked whether the United States was funding any 'gain of function' research - a risky and controversial technique, which plays around with a virus' features such as transmissibility and lethality.

Walensky replied: 'Not that I know of.'

She spoke as House Republicans on the Intelligence Committee published their own report into the virus.

A virologist is seen in February 2017 inside the P4 laboratory in Wuhan, China

The Wuhan laboratory has raised suspicion with its range of experiments

Researchers work in a lab of Wuhan Institute of Virology in China

They concluded that there is 'significant circumstantial evidence' that the COVID-19 outbreak stemmed from a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

'International efforts to discover the true source of the virus, however, have been stymied by a lack of cooperation from the People's Republic of China,' Republicans wrote.

'Nevertheless, significant circumstantial evidence raises serious concerns that the COVID-19 outbreak may have been a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.'

'By contrast, little circumstantial evidence has emerged to support the PRC's claim that COVID-19 was a natural occurrence, having jumped from some other species to human,' they wrote, saying Chinese authorities 'have failed to identify the original species that allegedly spread the virus to humans, which is critical to their zoonotic transfer theory.'

In the report, obtained by Fox News, they urged the federal government to put 'more pressure on China' to allow for a 'full, credible investigation' into the source of the global pandemic.

Devin Nunes, a Republican representing California and the ranking member of the committee, said it was 'crucial for health experts and the U.S. government to understand how the COVID-19 virus originated' to prevent 'or quickly mitigate future pandemics.'

Republicans said that China had a 'history of research lab leaks resulting in infections.'

They emphasized warnings from U.S. diplomats in China as early as 2017 that the Wuhan lab was conducting 'dangerous research' on coronaviruses without following 'necessary safety protocols, risking the accidental outbreak of a pandemic.'

Republicans also pointed to public reports that 'several researchers in the Wuhan lab were sickened with COVID-19-like symptoms' in Fall 2019, and the Chinese military's 'involvement in the Wuhan Lab.'

Nunes, a Republican representing California, is ranking member of the House Intel Committee

Nunes and other committee members have written to Joe Biden and Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, to demand more information into the origins of the virus,

The letters set a deadline of May 31 for their response.

The White House last month said it believes that China has 'not been transparent' in releasing its findings on the origins of COVID-19, as part of a report it wrote in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

The report dismissed claims that COVID-19 had escaped from a lab in Wuhan and instead said it was 'likely to very likely' that the virus came from animals.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, last month called on China and the WHO to allow international experts 'unfettered access' to data and to allow them to ask questions of people on the ground at the time of the outbreak.

Psaki said that U.S. medical experts are still reviewing the report, but the White House has lots of unanswered questions.
Malcolm Turnbull has been urged to resign from the Liberal Party after he donated $3,000 to an independent candidate fighting the government in Saturday's Upper Hunter by-election.

New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro has called the former prime minister 'treacherous' and a 'disgrace' after he threw his support behind anti-coal farmer Kirsty O'Connell in the seat held by the National Party.

Mr Turnbull owns two huge farms in the region and wants to stop the local Mount Pleasant coalmine from being expanded because he claims it would ruin his air quality and views.

Malcolm Turnbull has thrown his support behind anti-coal farmer Kirsty O'Connell (pictured together) in the seat held by the National Party

Mr Barilaro slammed the former prime minister and said he should no longer be a member of the Liberals.

'On the eve of this election... he continues to show this level of treachery,' he told 2GB Radio on Thursday.

Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy attend the Australian premiere of Hamilton in March

'He's just showing his treacherous colours once again.'

Mr Barilaro accused Mr Turnbull of wanting 'to see the coalition government go into minority'.

'This is his track record. He's a destroyer not a builder,' he said.

Since he was booted out of office in August 2018, Mr Turnbull has become a vigorous climate change campaigner, regularly attacking the federal government over its energy and emissions policies.

He has backed Ms O'Connell with the maximum allowable donation because she is opposed to the expansion of mines in the coal-rich region four hours north-west of Sydney.

Last month Mr Turnbull wrote to the NSW government to slam a proposal to keep the Mount Pleasant coalmine open until 2048.

Mr Turnbull said he wrote the letter as a concerned private citizen with a house in the area.

'For nearly forty ears we have owned East Rossgole a 2,700 acre grazing property which sits on and below the Rossgole Plateau directly to the north of the Mount Pleasant mine and which is adjacent to the proposed expansion of that mine,' the letter said.

Malcolm Turnbull owns Scotts Creek (pictured), a 5,000-acre farm, which he tried to sell for $6.5million in 2019 before rejecting the highest bid of $6million

'The existing mine, and others in the area, have already done considerable damage to the local environment with worsening air quality, depleting groundwater and rendering much of the beautiful Upper Hunter pastures a blasted lunar landscape.'

Mr Turnbull inherited the sprawling property, which contains 21 paddocks, stables and cattle yards, from his father Bruce in 1987.

He also owns Scotts Creek, a 5,000-acre farm about an hour north, which he tried to sell for $6.5million in 2019 before rejecting the highest bid of $6million.

The property listing said the farm usually carried about 600 cows and contained a three-bedroom house for the manager.

The property listing said the farm usually carried about 600 cows and contained a three-bedroom house for the manager. Pictured: Scotts Creek

Mr Turnbull (pictured) hit back, saying he was loyal to the Liberals not the Nationals and that Ms O'Connell and Ms Berejiklian would work well together in parliament

When Mr Turnbull announced his support for Ms O'Connell earlier this month, Mr Barilaro was enraged.

'The arrogance of Malcolm Turnbull knows no bounds,' he said.

'It is one thing to lecture regional communities from the comforts of his Point Piper mansion, but to parade himself across the Upper Hunter and actively campaign against the livelihoods of thousands of people... He is an absolute disgrace.'

Mr Turnbull hit back, saying he was loyal to the Liberals not the Nationals and that Ms O'Connell and Ms Berejiklian would work well together in parliament.

'For Barilaro to talk about loyalty is laughable... he opposed the Liberal candidate in [the federal by-election in] Eden Monaro, he called on me to resign as prime minister in 2017, he's threatened to blow up the Berejiklian government on numerous occasions.

'There is no individual in New South Wales who has done more to destablise the Berjiklian government than John Barilaro,' he said.

The Upper Hunter by-election was sparked by Nationals MP Michael Johnsen's resignation in March after he was accused of raping a sex worker in 2019.

Mr Johnsen denies the allegations and has not been charged.

Mr Barilaro is urging Nationals' voters to vote one on Saturday only 'to make sure that your preferences aren't being skewed to a candidate that you don't have any idea of or any will to support'.

Polling suggests the result in the previously blue ribbon Nationals seat in the coal mining community will be decided on preferences with a razor thin margin between the leading candidates.

New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro (pictured) has called former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull 'treacherous' and a 'disgrace'

Mr Barilaro said he had tried and failed to get Ms O'Connell to preference the Nationals and now fears 'the ugly web of preferences' could see her supporters' preferences go to Labor.

'She asked for a moratorium on coal... she's anti-mining and anti gas... and that was the end of that conversation,' he said.

The YouGov poll last week found 25 per cent of voters support Nationals candidate Dave Layzell while Labor's Jeff Drayton is sitting on 23 per cent.

Support for Ms O'Connell is just six per cent and she has declined to preference the major parties.

However, Labor is hoping to pick up her preferences with brochures saying: 'Voting Kirsty O'Connell? Vote 2 Jeff Drayton'.

Last week a fourth government MP was forced to move to the crossbench, leaving the Berejiklian government in minority.
A new Melbourne CBD injecting room will allow addicts to shoot up a range of drugs including methamphetamine as city businesses and workers fear the facility will turn the area into a crime-riddled no-go zone.

While the new city location has yet to be announced, the government has reportedly earmarked a building directly opposite Flinders Street station and just around the corner from the city's famed cafe-lined laneways.

It would be in addition to the existing North Richmond facility which permits any injectable drug to be used and Victoria's health department confirming the new site will follow the same rules, The Herald Sun reported.

A group of people are seen shooting up (pictured) while sitting at Lennox and Butler Reserve, a small park just off the popular shopping strip of Victoria Street in North Melbourne in August 2020

A new drug injecting room is being considered for the Melbourne CBD opposite Flinders Street Station (pictured)

North Richmond locals have claimed authorities steamrolled ahead with the facility in their neighbourhood, failing to properly consult residents or ensure the impact was minimised, and have complained about soaring levels of street crime and anti-social behaviour.

'The government demonstrated an inability to run the first one safely. It's like the Wild West ... rules the rest of society abide by are forgone and forgiven to allow this facility to attempt to function,' father of two Neil Mallett told The Herald Sun.

Another resident, Colin Watson, said a replication of the North Richmond facility in central Melbourne would ruin the city, and suggested facilities should be attached to hospitals or located in industrial areas, away from the public.

Jo Murphy, whose 11-year-old son Cade attends school next to the injecting facility, said the city should brace for a volatile mix of people attending the area.

'That is the scary part. They are highly unpredictable and highly volatile. The ice is the worst part,' she said.

Residents near to an existing centre in North Richmond say the site is a danger to the community (pictured: a needle discarded in a laneway in North Richmond)

While 96 per cent of the drug used at the facility is heroin and derivatives, about 2.5 per cent is methamphetamine or 'ice'.

Advocates for the centres say safe injecting centres save lives and are most beneficial when put in areas known as drug hotspots and convenient to access.

North Richmond and the CBD are widely known as locations where drug users congregate - with the current facility safely responding to more than 4,000 overdoses since its doors were opened in 2019.

Tony Doherty, the owner of Doherty's Gym on Flinders Street, slammed the potential location of the new development.

'It's a terrible place for it ... I can't think of a worse spot,' he said.

MP Fiona Patten (pictured) has advocated safe injecting rooms for St Kilda, Footscray and Dandenong, as well as the CBD site and the north Richmond location

State opposition leader Michael O'Brien said it would be 'madness' to set up an injecting room in the CBD when the current centre in North Richmond is not operating properly.

'Why would you take that same flawed model to Melbourne CBD? The heart of Melbourne is struggling enough as it is,' he said, referring to the loss of trade due to Covid lockdowns and the trend toward work-from-home.

Last week, Victorian crossbench MP Fiona Patten advocated safe injecting rooms for other known drug hotspots like St Kilda, Footscray and Dandenong, as well as the proposed site and the current location.

But Acting Premier James Merlino said the government did not support expanding the program beyond a second site.
A three-metre-long snake that weighs 8 kilograms and has a hundred teeth has been found in the kitchen roof of a suburban home.

Residents living in The Gap, north west of Brisbane realised they were living with the coastal carpet python when they heard a noise while watching television.

Snake catcher Steve Brown, 38, used a piece of plastic and a hairdryer to catch the giant serpent.

This three-metre-long coastal carpet python weights 8kg and has a hundred teeth

Coastal carpet pythons are non-aggressive and non-venomous but can eat dogs and cats

'The owners were watching TV [and] heard a noise, and when they went to inspect [the noise they] came across the big guy,' said Mr Brown from Brisbane North Snake Catchers and Relocation.

He said it took him an hour and a half and 'a lot of patience' to capture the serpent, which was released into bushland away from roads and houses.

'[I got him out by] poking and prodding him with a piece of long plastic, and a hairdryer which heats up the area causing him to move and escape,' Mr Brown said.

He said the species is non-venomous and non-aggressive but warned it would defend itself if it felt threatened.

'Even though it's non-venomous, a bite from one of these guys this size can do some damage as they have almost 100 teeth,' said the snake handler.

Snake was found in the second storey floor of a house, directly above the kitchen (pictured)

The snake catcher poked the snake with plastic and used a hairdryer to force it out

The species are found around the greater Brisbane area, where they often live in roofs to feed on mice and rats.

Larger ones can grow to four metres in length and can eat dogs, cats and birds.

Mr Brown advised people the reptiles were looking for warmer places to rest as the weather gets colder.

He said residents should ensure there are no gaps leading to outside, and windows and doors are sealed.

Correction: This story previously incorrectly stated the snake weighed 80kgs.
A hoarder lived alongside the corpse of a drug addict he shot for 15 years, an inquest has found.

Shane John Snellman, 39, broke into the home of Bruce Roberts, then 46, in October 2002 in Greenwich in Sydney's north shore, it was heard at the NSW Coroner's Court on Thursday.

Deputy state coroner Derek Lee said the most likely scenario was Mr Snellman had died of a gunshot wound to his clavicle after breaking into Mr Roberts' home.

However his mummified body, which had been rolled up in a rug, wasn't found until May 2018 by cleaners - a year after Mr Roberts died from an apparent heart attack.

As many as 70 bottles of air freshener had been left to cover the stench of the rotting body which was kept slumped up against a wall in a bedroom at the home.

Shane John Snellman, 39, (pictured) died in October, 2002 after he broke into the home of Bruce Roberts, then 46, in Greenwich in Sydney's north shore

When police later searched the house, among the huge piles of debris and rubbish hoarded over the years Mr Roberts lived there, they found illegal firearms and piles of ammunition.

Mr Snellman and Mr Roberts were described as 'strangers' but family members denied this during the inquest on Thursday.

'He never broke into that house. He already knew him (Roberts),' a sister of Mr Snellman shouted out, news.com.au reported.

Another niece of Mr Snellman said she believed both men knew each other while his nephew added there would never be any 'closure'.

Meanwhile, a cousin of Mr Roberts described him as a bit of a 'loner', 'strange' and a 'recluse'.

Mr Snellman's sister, Tracy Trudgitt, had earlier said she 'fell to the floor' when she heard her long-lost big brother had died.

'I'm still in shock. I can't believe this has happened,' Ms Trudgitt told The Australian.

She had last seen her brother on a visit to jail ten years earlier.

Mr Snellman's father John described his son as a 'good boy' with a rebellious streak which often led to trouble with the police.

'He would work at different stages and we had him with us for a while but then he would get the wanders and away he would go,' Mr Snellman said.

About 15 years ago Mr Snellman searched jails for his son after he went missing but was unable to find him.

Police are seen searching the house after the body of Mr Snellman was found in 2018

Furniture is seen strewn across the backyard of the Greenwich home Mr Roberts lived in

Cleaners said the house was full of rubbish from floor to ceiling

Mr Snellman had turned to a life of drugs at the age of 15 having been acquitted of the murder of a homeless man.

He'd spent time moving around boys' homes as a child and spent a year behind bars between 2001 and 2002 for drug supply charges.

Mr Snellman had also served custodial sentences for property and theft crimes.

He had been estranged from his family in the years before his death but they said he had 'never been forgotten'.

At the time of his death amphetamines, buprenorphine and methamphetamine were found in his system.

Mr Snellman had just 66 cents in his bank account at the time he was shot, the court heard.

Mr Roberts was found dead slumped over a heater in 2017 at the age of 60 after neighbours called police when they realised they hadn't' seen him in weeks.

His body was severely damaged because the heater was still on at the time he was found.

The home in which both men were found dead was sold in 2018 for $2million after it was demolished.

Multiple air fresheners had been left around the body which was kept in a bedroom at the home which was littered with rubbish

The home in which both men were found dead was sold in 2018 for $2million after it was demolished

When police later searched the house, among the huge piles of debris and rubbish hoarded over the years Mr Roberts lived there, they found illegal firearms and piles of ammunition

The 617sqm house was fully redeveloped when it hit the market for $2.25million.

Listing agent Karl Ferguson from McGrath earlier told Daily Mail Australia the hoarding damage had been so severe the house 'could not be salvaged'.

Mr Ferguson said local residents were happy to be rid of the hoarder house.

He explained: 'We had a lot of neighbours who were excited to see the home demolished.

'We had dozens of calls asking what was going on, because there's still a lot of interest around that block and the history with it.'

Mr Ferguson said he felt confident its grim past would not hinder the property from being purchased.

'The fact that this property had some history behind it has certainly meant that there's a lot of extra interest,' he said.

A specialist team were called in to remove the rubbish from the home that filled each room from floor to ceiling.

Workers estimated the cleaning effort took three weeks and cleared '30 to 40 truckloads' worth of rubbish.
Jewish community members have expressed outrage at the use of a swastika imposed on an Israel flag during a pro-Palestine protest.

It was displayed during a march in Sydney on Sunday as participants protested Israel's actions during the current conflict with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The flag put the swastika in place of the Star of David on an Israel flag to draw parallels between the Jewish state and the Nazi regime that led Germany during World War Two.

The use of a swastika was a particularly infuriating for Jews, who were targeted by the Nazi regime and placed in concentration camps and death camps where they died in their millions.

While provocative, such displays of the swastika are not illegal in Australia.

Jewish community members are outraged after a pro-Palestinian protester marched through the streets of Sydney with an Israeli flag donning a swastika

Protesters attend a demonstration against Israel at the Town Hall in Sydney

Thousands turned out in Sydney (pictured) and Melbourne to protest the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Territories on the Gaza Strip

'I was walking with my grandma who is a Holocaust survivor when we saw this - (it was) so horrible for her,' the man who took the photo told 7NEWS.

'The government should be banning things like this and arresting this man.'

Dr Dvir Abramovich, who is Jewish and the chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, has been spearheading a campaign to ban public displays of the swastika.

Poll Should Nazi swastika's be outlawed in Australia Yes No Should Nazi swastika's be outlawed in Australia Yes 79 votes

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He told Daily Mail Australia he was alarmed at the scenes emanating from these demonstrations.

'As Israel defends her citizens from Hamas missiles, Australian Jews are paying the price by being attacked with hateful speech and symbols,' he said.

'What is going on in our country, when individuals with pure hatred in their heart, feel emboldened to proudly display a symbol that represents the death squads and gas chambers of Hitler's regime.'

'The use of the Nazi swastika - the ultimate emblem of evil that led to the extermination of six million Jews and millions of others - is an outrage and cannot stand.'

He said the swastika is not only a 'disgusting' show of antisemitism but a repudiation of the Australian diggers who fought to defeat Germany during the Second World War.

'It is also a kick in the stomach of the survivors living amongst us,' he said.

Passionate protestors (pictured) taking part in a protest rally in Melbourne on May 15, 2021, calling for an end to the escalating violence between Israel and the Palestinian Territories

A youngster carrying a sign saying 'Stop Killing Our Kids' at the protest in Melbourne

A child attends a demonstration against Israel at the Town Hall in Sydney on Saturday, May 15

Last week, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne urged an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip.

Since the conflict erupted on May 9, the death toll has risen to 227 in Gaza and 12 in Israel.

'We've unequivocally called on all leaders to take immediate steps to halt violence, to maintain restraint, and to restore calm,' she said at a press briefing in Washington.

It follows Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week restating the government's policy of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, describing Australia as an agent for peace.

He urged Australians with ties to the conflict to act with tolerance and respect.

'By all means, people can have concerns and views, and there is a tolerance for that, but at the same time we do not want to import the troubles of other parts of the world into this country,' Mr Morrison said.

Protestors (pictured) in Sydney making their voices heard on Saturday - no arrests were made, with the protests passionate and peaceful
A federal court judge has been slammed by her professional colleagues for taking seven years to determine a child custody case.

The family law case, which came after the mother won $1.2 million on the lottery, was heard by federal circuit judge Anne Demack in September 2013 to decide on custody of the children and division of assets.

The verdict was only handed down in September 2020 - and at some point the file of documents was lost, with key evidence not recovered before the ruling was made, according to The Guardian.

The father sought leave to appeal against the judgment, and Justice Steven Strickland of the Family Court granted it, saying the seven-year wait for a ruling was not only 'gross and deplorable' but was 'rendered palpably worse' by Justice Demack not giving any explanation or justification for the ruling.

Justice Stewart Austin, another Family Court judge, revealed the case file went missing in 2019 - and there was no evidence to suggest or confirm it was recovered before the judgement was made.

A father, who can't be named, has successfully appealed the decision of a federal circuit judge on the basis a ruling from 2013 involving a child custody case wasn't properly 'explained' or 'justified'

In the successful appeal, it also emerged the ruling took seven years to determine (pictured The Family Court of Australia in Sydney's CBD)

The legal proceedings were made more complex after the mother won almost $1.2 million from the lotto shortly before separating from the father in April of 2012.

In her ruling back in 2013, Judge Demack decided on joint custody for the children aged 12 and 11.

Both have special needs, with the 12-year-old diagnosed with autism and the 11-year-old with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Judge Demack also ordered the children to live with their mother apart from alternate weeks between Wednesday afternoon and Monday morning.

Justice Strickland said that ruling 'overlook(ed), to put it as generously as I can, many aspects of the evidence'.

'Her honour was required to carry out a more detailed consideration of the evidence, as well as analysis of the respective cases of the parties than would normally be required,' he said.

'The purpose of doing so would be to demonstrate to all concerned that the (seven-year) delay had not affected the decision. That did not occur.'

Judge Austin also felt Demack's final ruling was inadequate.

He pointed to key material evidence not being taken into account, such as her finding that the father was unwilling to find work, despite the fact he was already gainfully employed.

Judge Austin also expressed his frustration that the family will now be faced with further court hearings before a final determination is made.

The higher court judges also said it was likely that many of the documents that were part of the lost files would never have been taken into account because copies of only some were sought and there was no list of what was originally included.

'The only reasonable inference to draw is that Her Honour, when determining the disputes, was deprived of and therefore did not take into account material evidence,' Justice Austin said.
Quintin Jones was executed in Texas by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville

A Texas man convicted of fatally beating his 83-year-old great aunt when she refused to lend him money was executed on Wednesday evening - ending a ten-month pause in executions.

Quintin Jones, 41, received the lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the September 1999 killing of Berthena Bryant.

Texas's last execution saw Billy Joe Wardlow put to death in July 2020, with death sentences subsequently suspended over safety fears triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jones beat Bryant with a bat in her home in Fort Worth before snatching $30 from her purse to buy drugs, prosecutors said.

He is the first inmate in the Lone Star State to be put to death since Billy Joe Wardlow was executed by lethal injection on July 8, 2020 for a robbery and murder in East Texas in 1993.

Jones was given the lethal dose of pentobarbital at about 6.28pm and was pronounced dead 12 minutes later.

He took four or five deep breaths followed by 'a long deep snore,' an official said.

Jones became the 571st inmate to receive lethal injection in Texas since the state resumed carrying out capital punishment in 1982.

There were four other executions scheduled for earlier this year but those executions were delayed or rescheduled.

Quintin Jones, right, is pictured in prison with another of his great-aunts, Mattie Long, who is the sister of his victim

Reporters had to rely on accounts about the execution from prison officials and transcripts of video from the execution chambers to report on Jones' execution.

His execution was the first without a media witness since 1982 after reporters were mistakenly not told that the execution was happening.

The Associated Press indicated that glitch may have been a violation of state law or Texas Department of Criminal Justice policy.

Reporters from The Associated Press and local newspaper The Huntsville Item were scheduled as media witnesses but were not escorted by corrections agency officials from an office across the street from the prison.

'The Texas Department of Criminal Justice can only apologize for this error and nothing like this will ever happen again,' state prison agency spokesman Jeremy Desel said later.

Desel said he didn't immediately know if the glitch was a violation of state law or a violation of agency policy.

Jones made a brief statement thanking his supporters and expressing love for them.

'I was so glad to leave this world a better, more positive place,' he said, according to a prison transcript of his remarks. 'It's not an easy life with all of the negativity.

'I hope I left everyone a plate of food full of happy memories, happiness and no sadness.'

Jones himself made an emotional video appeal published by The New York Times two weeks before his death begging for clemency

Some of Bryant's family members, including her sister Mattie Long, had said they did not want Jones to be executed.

Long wrote in a letter that was part of Jones's clemency petition with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles that Bryant's death devastated her but pleaded for officials to spare his life.

'Because I was so close to Bert, her death hurt me a lot. Even so, God is merciful. Quintin can't bring her back. I can't bring her back. I am writing this to ask you to please spare Quintin's life,'

In the letter, Long also claimed she and Bryant were the reason the convicted killer was still alive.

'Quintin's mother did not want him when he was born. Quintin did not have a good mother to raise him up,' she wrote.

'Quintin's mother warned Quintin that she was going to get a gun and shoot him. My sister, Bert, and I are the reason that Quintin is alive today.'

The board denied Jones's clemency petition on Tuesday.

Texas governor Greg Abbott and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to delay the execution.

Calls for clemency from campaigners including the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) were also unsuccessful.

Jones himself made an emotional video appeal published by The New York Times two weeks before his death begging for clemency.

'Dear Gov. Abbott, this is Quintin Jones, Texas death row inmate that's been incarcerated for 20 years. I know you don't know me. I'm writing this letter to ask you if you could find it in your heart to grand me clemency, so I don't be executed on May 19,' he said while choking back tears.

He said that that he was a different person than he was 20 years ago because he had become 'more thoughtful' and he loved himself more.

'It took me years to forgive myself. Another thing that helped me out was my great-aunt, Aunt Mattie,' he said. 'It was her sister, so by her loving me enough to forgive me, it gave me the strength to try to do better and want to do better.'

Mandy Patinkin, the Tony- and Emmy-award-winning actor, also recorded a video letter asking for a stay in the execution on behalf of Jones

ANOTHER BLACK MAN WILL LOSE HIS LIFE in just a few hours because of the inconsistencies in our system. @GovAbbott we are demanding a 30 day reprieve of execution for #QuintinJones.



We can't undo a wrong decision!



A life is worth 30 days. Humanity deserves due process!  NAACP (@NAACP) May 19, 2021

Mandy Patinkin, the Tony- and Emmy-award-winning actor, also recorded a video letter asking for a stay in the execution on behalf of Jones.

'We are not asking for Jones' freedom or forgiveness. He has not forgiven him for the murder of his great aunt, Berthena Bryant, when he was a drug-addicted and angry 20-year-old man,' the actor said.

'Instead, we ask you to see that in his time on death row, Jones has transformed himself into a kind and thoughtful man. We ask that you allow him to spend the rest of his natural life in prison.'

On Wednesday, Jones's lawyer filed a civil rights complaint against the board, alleging race played 'an impermissible role' in its denial of Jones's petition.

A U.S. District Judge dismissed the complaint, writing that Jones did not present direct evidence of that allegation.

Helena Faulkner, a Tarrant County assistant criminal district attorney whose office prosecuted Jones, said not all of Bryant's family members had opposed the execution.

In his final appeals, Jones attorney, Michael Mowla, argued that Jones was intellectually disabled and that his death sentence was based on since discredited testimony that wrongly labeled him as a psychopath and a future danger.

Mowla also said Jones history of drug and alcohol abuse that started at age 12 and physical and sexual abuse he suffered were never considered at his trial.

The Huntsville Item reported that John Hummel is the next prisoner scheduled to be executed on June 30. He was convicted for the murder of three people in their Kennedale home.
Michael Cohen said on Wednesday he expects former President Donald Trump to flip on his own family, as the Trump Organization faces a criminal probe and its CFO Allen Weisselberg is being investigated for tax fraud.

'I think Donald Trump is going to flip on all of them,' he told Joy Reid. 'What do you think about that? Including his children.'

He explained: 'I really believe that Donald Trump cares for only himself, and he realizes that his goose is cooked,' so when he will be asked about the Trump Organization's finances he will blame everyone else.

Scroll down for video

In an interview with The ReidOut host Joy Reid on Wednesday former Trump Organization Vice President Michael Cohen, right, said that he believes former President Donald Trump would turn on his family in the criminal investigations into the organization, visibly surprising Reid

'I think Donald Trump is going to flip on all of them,' he told Joy Reid. 'What do you think about that? Including his children'

The Trump Organization is run by Trump's adult children, Eric (left), and Don Jr. (right)

'Its never Donald,' Cohen, the former vice president of the Trump Organization, said. 'See, this is the problem. Its never, ever Donald Trump. Its always somebody else.'

'It wasnt Donald Trump who had the affair,' he continued. 'It wasnt Donald Trump who directed me to make the payments to Stormy Daniels. It wasnt Donald Trump who got the benefit of the relationship and the actions. It was Michael Cohen. And Im the bad guy into it. Why? Because I didnt take the fall.'

So, he said, when 'all of a sudden they turn around and start asking him about his tax returns or about the devaluation of the assets or the way that he took deductions,' he will say, I dont do my taxes. Its my accountant.

'Hes going to turn on his accountant and point the finger,' Cohen said, visibly surprising The ReidOut host. 'Hes going to say "Don Jr. handled that, Ivanka handled that. Melania. Dont take me. Take Melania!"

'Hes going to tell them to take everyone except for himself.'

Trump's organization is facing criminal investigations from both state and New York City prosecutors.

The building where the chief financial officer of The Trump Organization Allen Weisselberg owns an apartment is seen on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The State Attorney General's Office is also investigating Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg and his personal finances

THE INVESTIGATIONS INTO TRUMP ORGANIZATION New York State AG Civil - 2019 NY State AG Letitia James launched a civil probe into the Trump Organization in 2019, after Michael Cohen - Trump's former attorney - testified at Congress. At first, the focus was whether or not the charity inflated the value of its assets while seeking loans and insurance coverage. James campaigned on the promise that she would investigate Trump and his family, which some experts say may impact how credible any charges may be because it undermines her impartiality. Manhattan DA criminal - 2018 Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance launched his investigation in 2018. He wanted specifically to focus on hush money payments given to Stormy Daniels by Michael Cohen during the 2016 election. In court filings, his office has indicated he has widened the scope of his investigation to also include tax evasion and fraud. NY State AG Criminal - 2020 It's unclear what James' office will focus their investigation on but they say they're joining Vance's. The NYAG has a more limited remit when it comes to what she can bring charges for. 'Although NYAG is best known for its civil enforcement work, it also has criminal enforcement authority in a number of areas, including securities fraud and tax fraud, ' former prosecutor Harry Sandick explained to The Washington Post. 'In addition, they should be able to prosecute those who make false statements in the course of their investigations.' Some have suggested that the announcement may just be a tactic to get others who are on the cusp of cooperating to agree to. 'The timing of the announcement may serve to heighten the pressure on persons who may be on the cusp of cooperating, and who now see more clearly that a unified demonstration of coordination, pooling of resources and resolve by the two prosecutor offices intensifies the criminal probe.' Advertisement

The State Attorney General's Office is looking into Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg's personal finances, while prosecutors in the district attorney's office are investigating Weisselberg's role at the Trump Organization, his personal finances, and benefits he gave to his son Barry, a long-time employee at the Trump Organization.

Prosecutors are hoping to find leverage that could sway Weisselberg into cooperating with authorities, according to CNN, potentially raising the legal stakes for Trump and his family.

He has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but on Tuesday, the state district attorney's office's announced that it was joining the Manhattan DA's criminal investigation into the Trump Organization and has informed the company that its investigation is no longer solely civil in nature.

The Attorney General's Office, led by Cyrus Vance, has been investigating possible criminal tax fraud since 2018.

The organization is run by Weisselberg and two of Trump's adult children, Donald Jr. and Eric.
Joe Biden lifted a line from a famous Ronald Reagan speech during his address to Coast Guard graduates, but appeared to flub the joke and got angry when nobody laughed.

Addressing the Coast Guard in his first commencement speech as president, Biden attempted to make a joke about the Navy on Wednesday.

'I can only assume that you'll enjoy educating your family about how the Coastguard is, quote, the hard nucleus around the Navy forms in times of war.'

Biden seemed to trip over his words and the attempt at humor failed to raise a laugh.

The response upset Biden, who told the graduates: 'You are a really dull class.'

Keen observers on social media pointed out that Biden had lifted a line that Ronald Reagan made in 1988 at the Coast Guard commencement speech that year.

Joe Biden lifted a line from a famous Ronald Reagan speech during a speech to Coast Guard graduates, but appeared to flub the joke and got angry when nobody laughed. Reagan delivering to Coast Guard graduates in 1988, left, and Biden delivering his less successful version, right, on Wednesday

Reagan said: 'My coastguard aides have been excellent. One of them taught me that that the Coastguard is that hard nucleus about which the navy forms in time of war.'

The joke was a hit with the class of '88, prompting a huge cheer and ripples of laughter.

Biden's four-decade career in politics has been plagued by plagiarism.

He was famously forced to quit his first run for president in August 1987 after he was caught copying a speech from former British Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

The scandal prompted investigative journalists to uncover that Biden had used elements of other politicians' speeches without credit.

President Joe Biden spoke to Coast Guard Academy graduates, and appeared to steal a famous line delivered by Ronald Reagan in 1988

In 1987, as a 44-year-old Biden was among the frontrunners for the Democratic nomination to replace Reagan as President.

He delivered a speech in which he stated: 'Why is it that Joe Biden is the first in his family ever to go to a university? Why is it that my wife who is sitting out there in the audience is the first in her family to ever go to college? Is it because our fathers and mothers were not bright? Is it because I'm the first Biden in a thousand generations to get a college and a graduate degree that I was smarter than the rest?'

Who told it better? Ronald Reagan is considered one of the greatest orators among modern Presidents In 1988, Ronald Reagan said: 'My Coast Guard aides have been excellent. One of them taught me that that the Coast Guard is that hard nucleus about which the Navy forms in time of war,' to which the crowd cheered. In 2021 Biden said: 'I can only assume that you'll enjoy educating your family about how the Coastguard is quote the hard nucleus around the Navy forms in times of war.' When nobody laughed, Biden said: 'You are a really dull class.' Advertisement

Listeners immediately drew comparisons to a speech delivered by British Labour Party leader, Neil Kinnock, just months earlier.

'Why am I the first Kinnock in a thousand generations to be able to get to university? Why is (his wife) Glenys the first woman in her family in a thousand generations to be able to get to university? Was it because all our predecessors were thick?' Kinnock famously asked.

Biden gave no credit to Kinnock during his speech.

Other examples of Biden lifting speeches without credit soon came to light.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, in a speech Biden made earlier in 1987 he had pulled lines from a speech given by Robert F. Kennedy two decades earlier.

The paper also reported that in 1986 Biden used - without credit - a passage from a 1976 speech by former vice president Hubert Humphrey Jr.

At his Democratic National Convention speech last year, Biden was again accused of appropriating another person's words.

Canadians claimed that some of his lines sounded suspiciously similar to those penned by politician, Jack Layton.

Layton served as the leader of the left-wing New Democratic Party from 2003 until his death in 2011. Prior to his passing, at the age of 61, Layton penned a letter, which read in part: 'Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair.'

During Biden's speech on Thursday night, he stated: 'Love is more powerful than hate. Hope is more powerful than fear. Light is more powerful than dark.'

While the words are not identical, a number of Canadians took to Twitter claiming that Biden may have mimicked Layton.

One stated: 'With respect, Joe, if you're going to quote the late Canadian NDP leader Jack Layton, at least give him credit.'

In 2019, his campaign installed a $4,200 anti-plagiarism software program, according to The New York Post.

Biden tried to crack a joke about the Coast Guard being the 'the hard nucleus around the Navy forms in times of war' and then slammed the class as 'dull' for not getting his joke

Biden addressed the new Coast Guard cadets who graduated in front of their parents

Cadets throw their caps in the air during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement ceremony in New London, Connecticut

Speaking to the Coast Guard graduates on Wednesday, Biden said he had been a prankster in college and told them they were 'a really dull class' when they didn't get a joke about the Navy during his first commencement speech as president.

'As your commander in chief I've been looking forward to being able to do this for a long time. I want to keep the longstanding tradition: I hereby absolve all those serving restrictions [for] minor infractions  absolved' that might otherwise mar the records of graduating cadets, he told them.

'You have no idea how much I wish youd have been able to do that in my graduation,' he joked. 'You all think I'm kidding. I'm not. Minor infractions like using a fire extinguisher to hose down a room assistant, but other than that ...' he said, alluding to a prank he carried out on his dorm advisor at the University of Delaware.

Biden made the quip on a trip to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, where he spoke to cadets from the Bears stadium located on the Thames river.

Biden also delivered words honoring the vital service provided by the Coast Guard, while sprinkling in warnings for adversaries.

He brought up the 30 named storms that ravaged the country, and raised the threat of climate change.

'And the Coast Guard was always there to respond. Even at the height of the pandemic,' he said. He acknowledged the new class for choosing the 'difficult path.'

He also delivered a message to Russia and China, with whom he said he had 'direct discussion,' about freedom of navigation. He called freedom of navigation the 'bedrock' of the global economy.

'I would think you'd have an opportunity when I say that about the Navy to clap,' he said. Then he got a laugh and the round of applause he was looking for

Biden congratulates Cadet Daisy Anne Atayan, one of the two first female Philippine Coast Guard-sponsored cadets

A history of Joe Biden's plagiarism accusations 1965: During his first year at law school, Biden received an F in one class because he allegedly drew "chunks of heavy legal prose directly from" an article that he only cited once. Biden later said he did not know how to do proper citation, and he did not deliberately copy without giving recognition 1986: According to The San Jose Mercury News, Biden used - without credit - a passage from a 1976 speech by former vice president Hubert Humphrey Jr. 1987: Biden used lines from a speech by British politician Neil Kinnock without credit. The issue generated widespread controversy and forced him to withdraw from the Democratic Presidential primaries Back in 1987, during his first bid for President, Biden faced accusations of plagiarism that ultimately forced him to drop out of the race. He is pictured on the campaign trail that year 1987: The San Jose Mercury News claimed Biden pulled lines from a 1967 speech given by Robert F. Kennedy without credit. Biden's consultant takes the blame, saying he never informed him of the source material 2019: Biden is accused of not accurately crediting sources he included in his Climate Change Plan 2020: Biden mimics Ronald Reagan during commencement speech to Coast Guard Advertisement

'When nations try to game the system or tilt the rules in their favor, it throws everything off balance,' he said.

He said he was 'adamant' that the parts fo the world that are 'arteries of trade and shipping remain peaceful, whether that's the South China Sea, the Arabian Gulf, and increasingly the Arctic.

'It's of vital interest to America's foreign policy secure unimpeded flow of global commerce.'

He called for shipping to 'remain peaceful' in the South China Sea, the Arabian Gulf, and 'increasingly the Arctic.'

He also sprinkled other light moments in his remarks, including after he brought up the Navy. 'Come on, man, is the sun getting to you?' he asked, after the crowd didn't seize the opportunity to clap. Graduates then joined in a round of applause.

Biden handed diplomas to graduating cadets, who became ensigns and were having their assignments announced as they walked across a stage.

He posed with each, elbow bumping some.

Biden handed diplomas to graduating cadets, who became ensigns and were having their assignments announced as they walked across a stage

Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, second from right, watch on during the singing of the National Anthem

Biden referenced a college prank where he sprayed a resident associate in his dorm with a fire extinguisher

Cadets listen during the commencement for the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Biden delivered his first graduation speech as president

President Joe Biden greets a cadet during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement ceremony in New London, Connecticut, U.S., May 19, 2021

When he was done, he was presented with a ceremonial sword. 'I won't be needing this any time soon,' he joked.

Biden delivered his first commencement as president Wednesday.

He spoke to cadets after the White House told reporters traveling aboard Air Force One that he had phoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to press a 'significant deescalation' in Israel's war with Hamas.

'The president conveyed to the prime minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,' White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told DailyMail.com and a group of reporters traveling with the president.

Earlier, Rear Admiral William G. Kelly, superintendent of the academy, urged graduates 'fair winds and great success.' He also acknowledged 2020 graduates, who he said 'missed out' on the pomp and circumstance last year amid the spreading pandemic.

Biden flies to New London, Connecticut to deliver the speech Wednesday morning. Presidents deliver graduation to the service academies on a rotating basis.

Early indications were that the president would speak about the role of the Coast Guard in safeguarding the nation's security, although presidents sometimes use spring graduation ceremonies to touch on more sweeping themes.

In Biden's case, the speech comes as the administration was set to formally announce 60 per cent of Americans had received at least one coronavirus shot. It also comes a day after fighting between Israel and Hamas intruded on his trip to Michigan.

Biden spoke for several minutes on the tarmac in Michigan with Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who according to her office pressed him on what she called unconditional support for Israel.
Tucker Carlson on Wednesday night described the mayor of Chicago as a Nazi and 'a monster' for decreeing that she would only give interviews to journalists of color.

Lightfoot, who assumed office in May 2019, announced on Tuesday she would only grant one-on-one interviews to 'black and brown' reporters to mark her two-year anniversary in the role.

Her announcement about the temporary policy sparked anger from reporters of all colors, but Lightfoot on Wednesday doubled down on her decision, insisting it was part of her lifelong battle for diversity and inclusion.

'I have been struck since my first day on the campaign trail back in 2018 by the overwhelming whiteness and maleness of Chicago media outlets, editorial boards, the political press corps, and yes, the City Hall press corps specifically,' she wrote in an open letter.

Yet Carlson told his Fox News audience that the 58-year-old was evil.

'To Lori Lightfoot, all that matters is the fact they're white because white people are the same. They are entirely defined by the color of their skin.

'She knows who hate, just by looking at them,' he said.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is facing backlash over a decision to only grant one-on-one interviews to black and brown reporters to mark her two-year anniversary in the role

Tucker Carlson on Wednesday night described the mayor of Chicago as a Nazi and a monster

'If some day the Chicago police round up the entire population of the city, Lori Lightfoot will have no trouble pulling the right ones out of line for punishment.

'By the way, in case you are wondering, yes, that was a Nazi reference. It was deserved.

'Lori Lightfoot is a monster. Any society that allows politicians to talk like this has a very ugly future ahead. Very ugly.'

Leo Terrell, a civil rights attorney and Fox News contributor, later told Sean Hannity that he thought Lightfoot was racist.

'Lori Lightfoot is a racist - not a covert racist, an overt racist,' he said.

'The reason why she gets away with it is because she is black and she got that 'D' in front of her name.

'You want to know what systemic discrimination is, systemic racism? When the mayor of a city institutes a policy - this is systemic racism, but she gets away with it.'

He said journalists in the city should sue her for discrimination.

Lightfoot, who is the city's first female black mayor, was forced to address her decision on Wednesday after a number of local reporters started tweeting a day earlier about how white journalists wouldn't be allowed to interview her one-on-one.

Gregory Pratt, a Chicago Tribune reporter who is Latino, revealed he was among those who had been granted an interview but the newspaper decided to cancel it when Lightfoot refused to lift her ban on other reporters.

Leo Terrell told Hannity that journalist should sue for discrimination, calling the mayor racist

Gregory Pratt, a Chicago Tribune reporter who is Latino, said he was among those who been granted an interview but the newspaper decided to cancel it when Lightfoot refused to lift her ban on other reporters

'I am a Latino reporter @chicagotribune whose interview request was granted for today. However, I asked the mayor's office to lift its condition on others and when they said no, we respectfully canceled,' Pratt tweeted.

'Politicians don't get to choose who covers them.'

Lightfoot on Wednesday wrote a two-page letter to media outlets explaining her rationale.

'In looking at the absence of diversity across the City Hall press corps and other newsrooms, sadly it does not appear that many of the media institutions in Chicago have caught on and truly have not embraced this moment,' she wrote.

'I have been struck since my first day on the campaign trail back in 2018 by the overwhelming whiteness and maleness of Chicago media outlets, editorial boards, the political press corps, and yes, the City Hall press corps specifically.'

She called it 'unacceptable' that reporters covering City Hall were mostly white.

'Many of them are smart and hard-working, savvy and skilled. But mostly white, nonetheless,' she wrote.

She lectured the Chicago media leadership to evolve and diversify, for fear that 'this arm of our democratic system is on life support.'

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a Pulitzer Prize finalist who is a contributing writer for the New Yorker magazine and the New York Times, suggested the move was simply a way to draw attention from the mayor's failures.

'Such astonishing mastery of deflection and distraction ... always hiding from her disastrous record of boldly upholding the status quo in Chicago,' Taylor, who also is a professor at Princeton University, tweeted.

Chicago has long dealt with spiraling crime rates: Five people were killed and 48 people were shot over the past weekend - including two police officers and six children, according to ABC7.

The mayor claimed to be forming a summer crime-fighting plan.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, she confirmed in a series of tweets that she was intentionally 'prioritizing media requests from POC reporters' and that it was a 'shame' the journalists assigned to cover Chicago's City Hall in 2021 were overwhelmingly white.

'I ran to break up the status quo that was failing so many. That isn't just in City Hall. It's a shame that in 2021, the City Hall press corps is overwhelmingly white in a city where more than half of the city identifies as black, Latino, AAPI or Native American,' she tweeted.

The news first emerged on Tuesday when NBC Chicago's political reporter Mary Ann Ahern, who is white, tweeted that only black and brown reporters would be given one-on-one interviews

'Diversity and inclusion is imperative across all institutions including media. In order to progress we must change.

'This is exactly why I'm being intentional about prioritizing media requests from POC reporters on the occasion of the two-year anniversary of my inauguration as mayor of this great city.

'This is an imbalance that needs to change. Chicago is a world-class city. Our local media should reflect the multiple cultures that comprise it. We must be intentional about doing better. I believed that when running for office. I stand on this belief now. It's time for the newsrooms to do better and build teams that reflect the make-up of our city.'

The news first emerged on Tuesday when NBC Chicago's political reporter Mary Ann Ahern, who is white, tweeted: 'As @ChicagoMayor reaches her two year midway point as mayor, her spokeswoman says Lightfoot is granting 1 on 1 interviews - only to black or brown journalists.'

A number of other local TV reporters, including WTTW's Heather Cherone and Paris Schutz quickly tweeted that they had been told the same thing.

Steve Cortes of Newsmax tweeted: 'Never mind the thousands of young black men dead in my city while Lori Lightfoot presides over systemic failure  she's facilitating 'healing' by discriminating against white reporters.'

One local reporter, Kelly Garcia, said that maybe Lightfoot's office would now finally respond to her series of FOIA requests

One local reporter, Kelly Garcia, said that maybe Lightfoot's office would now finally respond to her series of Freedom of Information Act requests.

'Does this mean the Mayor's Office will actually respond to my FOIA requests,' she tweeted. '@chicagosmayor please start by getting my requests fulfilled lol.'

Following Lightfoot's statement, local journalist Taylor Moore said the backlash and reaction to the Mayor's decision was 'fascinating'.

'The response to this is so fascinating. White journalists are aggrieved and journalists of color are like 'lmaooooooo ok??',' she tweeted.

WGN News anchor and political reporter Tahman Bradley said: 'Lightfoot has feuded with certain reporters recently but her office says she wants to shine a spotlight on the lack of diversity in the City Hall briefing room'.

Becky Vevea, a political reporter with WBEZ radio, tweeted: 'Let's root for and support our colleagues who get one-on-ones with @chicagosmayor. It's not a competition. Our city needs all the watchdogging it can get.'
Tristan Sailor is pictured outside Downing Centre on Thursday

A footy legend's son will stand trial for sexual assault of a woman he met on a night out.

Ex-St George Illawarra player Tristan Sailor, 22, was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault inflicting actual bodily harm in October last year.

Sailor, who is the son of former Wallabies and Kangaroos star Wendell Sailor, was stood down from the NRL under their no-fault policy, before his contract with the Dragons officially ended on October 31.

The pair met earlier that evening at Bondi's Beach Road Hotel.

She allegedly did not remember the events of the night beyond arriving at the home with Sailor and a friend.

The court heard at Sailor's bail application last year that the alleged victim texted him the day later to ask what happened.

Sailor (pictured) is the son of former Wallabies and Kangaroos star Wendell Sailor

He allegedly replied: 'We were playing drinking games and yes we did have sex. I asked you and (your friend) so everything was sweet'.

Tristan was pictured outside Downing Centre on Thursday as he attended court for a mention.

According to court documents, Sailor been committed to stand trial in the NSW District Court.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on June 18, where he is also expected to enter his pleas, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Sailor was released by the Dragons in September last year - before the alleged incident took place.

He then tried to compete in the Illawarra District Rugby competition by training with the Wollongong Vikings in the pre-season - but he was blocked by Rugby Australia due to the active criminal proceedings.

'Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly reported Mr Sailor was to stand trial for sexual assault after he allegedly drugged a woman before raping her. We wish to clarify that Mr Sailor's charges are two counts of aggravated sexual assault  inflict actual bodily harm on victim'

Sailor, who is the son of former Wallabies and Kangaroos star Wendell Sailor, was stood down from the NRL under their no-fault policy, before his contract with the Dragons officially ended on October 31
Governor Andrew Cuomo's daughter received priority COVID testing in April, just days after the governor came under fire for arranging them for his family a year earlier.

Mariah Kennedy Cuomo and her boyfriend Tellef Lundevall submitted priority COVID tests to a state run site in Albay on April 3, according to The New York Times.

The tests  referred to as 'specials' in the New York State Health Department were rushed to the state's premier lab, Wadsworth Center, and processed within just a few hours.

Health officials at the site called the move frustrating, considering testing was readily available statewide at the time.

Governor Andrew Cuomo's daughter, Mariah Kennedy Cuomo, right, received a priority COVID test before visiting her father for Easter, the New York Times reports

Special tests are supposed to be used for urgent cases, including ones linked to a outbreak, to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Times reported.

State officials said they were necessary for Mariah and her boyfriend because they were going to see the governor for the Easter weekend and there was no one available to do on-site testing, according to the New York Post.

They said the governor's visitors are 'routinely' tested on a portable rapid test machine at the State Capitol or at the Governor's Mansion, but nobody was around to operate it because it was a holiday weekend.

Elkan Abramowitz, a private lawyer representing Cuomo, told the Times that it was the 'proper protocol.'

'They were going to come in contact with the governor,' he said. 'It would be a proper exercise of discretion to give priority testing to anybody who came in contact with the governor.'

The governor had come under fire just days before his daughter and her boyfriend received the priority tests for providing these tests to other family members, including his brother, Chris (right and mother, Matilda, (center)

Testing on Cuomo's family members came at the height of the pandemic when ordinary New Yorkers struggled to get access to screenings. Cuomo and his daughters visited Matilda for Mother's Day this year

But the governor had come under fire just days before his daughter and her boyfriend received the priority tests for providing these tests to other family members, including his brother, Chris, and mother, Matilda, as well as those with connections to his administration in the early days of the pandemic.

The medical officials enlisted to do the testing - often done at private residences - included Dr Eleanor Adams, a Harvard Medical School graduate who has since become a special adviser to Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, The Albany Times Union reported.

Testing on Cuomo's family members came at the height of the pandemic when ordinary New Yorkers struggled to get access to screenings.

Gov. Cuomo's brother Chris announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 on March 31. Health officials reportedly traveled to his Long Island home to carry out testing, although it is not clear exactly when. Chris, who the host of Cuomo Prime Time, already had access to testing through his work at CNN, along with the rest of the network's employees.

The report by Albany Times Union also stated that Gov. Cuomo's mother, Matilda Cuomo, and one of his three sisters also received test early in the pandemic.

The Times reports that Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa secured a priority COVID test for her father whom she was living with at the time

'If their job was to go test an old lady down in New Rochelle, that's one thing  that's actually good,' a source familiar with the matter said. 'This was not that.'

Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Patrick J. Foye, head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, were both given priority testing. Both of their wives were also given priority testing, along with members of the media, state legislators and their staff.

An official in Cuomo's office said of the priority testing: 'It's being a little bit distorted with like a devious intent. ... We made sure to test people they believed were exposed. All of this was being done in good faith in an effort to trace the virus.'

Richard Azzopardi, a senior adviser to the governor, said that to suggest that there was preferential treatment an 'insincere effort to rewrite the past.'

Another source said that the 'critical samples' - what Cuomo's family and close ties were referred as - had their samples moved to the top of the line at the Wadsworth Center laboratory in Albany, New York.

Staff members at Wadsworth were told to stay at the laboratory until the results could be processed  sometimes into the early hours of the morning.

Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, receives a nasal swab Covid-19 test during a news conference in the Red Room of the New York State Capitol Building in Albany, New York, U.S., on Sunday, May 17, 2020

A prominent New York lobbyist, and father of Cuomo's senior aide Melissa DeRosa, also received one of these priority tests in March 2020, the Times revealed.

State officials told the paper that Melissa had contacted the State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker about her father, Giorgio, after she learned that he had met with a client who, days after their meeting, was hospitalized with COVID.

She had been staying with her father at the time, officials said, and Zucker decided Giorgio should be tested as a priority because of his daughter's close and regular contact with the governor and others involved in the state's pandemic response.

He got an appointment at a temporary testing tent at the Albany Medical Center in the third week of March 2020, and his test was rushed to Wadsworth where it was processed within a matter of hours.

The testing site was open to the public, but appointments were difficult to come by.

Azzopardi insisted, however, 'the virus had nothing to do with occupation.'

'It's all about documented exposure and the capability to spread it more,' he said.

State Attorney General Letitia James has previously called on the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics to investigate whether Cuomo abused testing protocols in getting his family and friends priority tests, and federal prosecutors have since started an investigation into the priority tests.
A man has been rushed to hospital with life-threatening blood costs weeks after receiving the controversial AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.

The 53-year-old received the jab on May 4 and was taken to Flinders Medical Centre in a serious condition on Wednesday night with thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

Chief Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier confirmed the state's first case of thrombosis in a press conference on Thursday afternoon, reiterating clots 'can occur from four days to 28 days after the vaccine'.

There is also a second 'probable' case in an 87-year-old woman also from South Australia.

The elderly woman received her vaccine on April 28 and admitted to hospital last week with similar symptoms.

There are 24 confirmed cases of blood clots linked to the vaccine in Australia.

A man has been rushed to hospital with life-threatening blood costs weeks after receiving the controversial AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

Professor Spurrier stressed that while cases of blood clotting have been confirmed, they only occur about one in every 100,000 doses.

'They are looking at all the evidence, coming in from overseas as well as what is happening here in Australia,' she told reporters Thursday.

She urged people under 50 to sign up for and receive their Pfizer vaccines, which are starting to be rolled out across the country.

'We still have lots of bookings available for anybody who is less than 50 who fit into certain groups including allied health workers, we have availability in our clinics' she said.

Chief Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier confirmed the state's first case of thrombosis after a South Australian man was taken to hospital weeks after receiving the AZ vaccine

Post-vaccination blood clots - warning signs If you have these symptoms, urgently seek help: A severe headache that won't go away with Panadol OR Breathing difficulties and abdominal pains If you have these symptoms, call 000 central or crushing chest pain lasting more than 10 minutes

unconsciousness or a seizure (fit)

severe difficulty breathing or turning blue

severe bleeding or inability to control bleeding with pressure

sudden inability to move or speak, or sudden facial drooping Allergic reactions These occur quickly - usually within 15 minutes of a jab These are common symptoms - and not urgent: Weariness/fatigue

A mild fever

A moderate headache that responds to your usual painkillers Sources: Burnet Institute/Health.gov.au Advertisement

The AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended in Australia for people over 50, and 20million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been ordered as the preferred alternative, due to the rare blood clots, which occur roughly six times per million doses.

There have been 2million doses of AstraZeneca administered in Australia as of May 1.

Federal Acting Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd addressed concerns surrounding the vaccine saying while it can cause blood clotting in people with low platelet counts he stressed that the chances of it happening are 'very small'.

He confirmed the symptoms people receiving the vaccine should be on alert for however, particularly after the AstraZeneca jab.

'People should be particularly alert to severe persistent headaches occurring four to 20 days after vaccination and which are different to the usual pattern of headaches and do not settle with over-the-counter painkillers,' he said.

'If you received the AstraZeneca vaccine and experience symptoms of persistent headaches or other worrying symptoms four to 20 days after the vaccine, you should seek medical advice.

'The serious risk disease and death from COVID-19, if we experience another severe outbreak,  is far greater than the very small potential risk of a very rare clotting disorder associated with the vaccine.

'Cerebral venous thrombosis is a very rare disorder that has previously not been known to be associated with vaccination, however it has been noted as a complication of people who have contracted COVID-19,' Professor Kidd said.

'No cases of central venous sinus thrombosis have been reported in Australia to date, in the time period of concern following vaccination, which is within four to 20 days.
Police have been told they are no longer welcome to march in uniform at this weekend's Midsumma Pride March in Melbourne because other gay and lesbian attendees said it made them 'feel unsafe'.

The Victorian Pride Lobby penned an open letter calling on organisers of the two-week LGBTIQA+ arts festival to prevent law enforcement officers from taking part as an organised part of the march.

The activist group said individual officers are welcome to take part as individuals on Sunday but should leave their uniform at home.

Victorian police officers have officially taken part in the Midsumma Pride March for the past two decades and say banning them 'doesn't feel like inclusivity'.

The Victorian Pride Lobby penned an open letter calling on organisers of the two-week LGBTIQA+ arts festival to prevent law enforcement officers from taking part. Pictured: Midsumma Pride March

Organizers justified the decision based on a survey of 1500 LGBTIQA+ community members about attitudes towards police.

The group claims the results overwhelmingly supported that participants are against uniformed police marching in at the event.

'Pride March should be a safe space for all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, but sadly, due to a long history police violence, harassment and discrimination, this isn't the case,' the letter said.

'Particularly for the most marginalised in our community, who are disproportionately targeted.'

Victorian Pride Lobby co-convenor Nevena Spirovska said it's time Midsumma listened to the community's concerns.

'The LGBTIQA+ community has a fraught history with the police and that's why the Victorian Pride Lobby does not support police officers and corrections officers marching at Pride in uniform,' she said.

'It is important to note that no individual, no matter their occupation or background, is being excluded from participating in Pride March and that people have the opportunity to join other community floats that are involved.'

Last year a survey of 1500 community members was conducted by the Victorian Pride Lobby, asking about attitudes towards police

But Neil Paterson, the Assistant Commissioner of the Victorian Police and who is also gay, said the lobby's viewpoint does not match his experience marching at the rally.

'As a gay man I'm very, very well connected in the broader LGBTI community,' he told told 3AW radio.

'I'm very aware of their opinions and overwhelmingly the vast majority of the LGBTI community absolutely love having police there.'

Mr Paterson said the lobby's stance goes against everything the parade stands for and that he 'absolutely' plans to march on the weekend.

'One of the hallmarks of pride is inclusivity  and it doesn't feel inclusive,' he said.

In December last year, a similar bid was launched to ban police and prison officer floats from the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney.

Organisers at the annual general meeting held a vote on the issue but it was voted down with motion only gaining 44 per cent of the vote.
Renowned scientist Mary White, 92, was frail, non-verbal when she died in 2018

A woman who killed her elderly mother at a NSW nursing home is relieved and grateful to have avoided jail.

Barbara Eckersley was handed a two-year community corrections order at the NSW Supreme Court in Goulburn on Thursday.

While outlining his reasons for not handing down a prison sentence, Justice Robert Beech-Jones said Eckersley had been haunted by her involvement in her mother's death.

The 69-year-old has also been ordered to seek mental health treatment.

The renowned scientist Betty E. White, 92, (pictured) was paralysed down the right-hand side of her body and had severe dementia when she died in 2018

A jury last month found Eckersley killed Mary White, her non-verbal, frail mother by lacing her food with a drug known as 'green dream'.

She was found guilty of manslaughter, not murder, over the 2018 death.

Eckersley's family and friends shed tears of relief inside the courtroom after learning she would avoid jail.

Barbara Eckersley (pictured) was found guilty of manslaughter over the 2018 death

She and husband Richard stood beside defence lawyer Adrian McKenna as he read a statement on her behalf.

'To say it has been a trying and tumultuous almost three years for Barbara would be quite the understatement,' Mr McKenna told reporters outside court.

'She is completely relieved and very grateful to be walking out today and finally finishing this court process.'

Prosecutors rejected Eckersley's multiple plea offers for a manslaughter charge before going to trial.

Justice Beech-Jones said Eckersley intended to end her mother's life, but she was affected by depression caused from the stress of caring for the elderly woman.

Ms White, 92, an acclaimed environmental scientist, had severe dementia and other health conditions, having suffered a stroke in 2016.

She died two days before she was due to move out of the nursing home in Bundanoon in the NSW Southern Highlands to another facility in Coffs Harbour, closer to other family.

Eckersley (second left) has been sentenced to a two-year community corrections order which requires her to undergo treatment for mental health issues

Eckersley visited on August 5, placing a small amount of a drug in Ms White's soup.

The 'green dream' was left over from Eckersley's work as a wildlife carer in Canberra about two decades earlier.

It was used to euthanise native animals.

Eckersley's actions were done out of love, despair and desperation, Justice Beech-Jones said.

He said it was hardly surprising the jury had not attached the label of murderer to her.

Justice Beech-Jones decided on a community corrections order based on a range of factors, including that Eckersley was unlikely to reoffend and was not a danger to society.

Ms White, 92, moved to the aged care home (pictured) in Bundanoon from a granny flat in her daughter's backyard after suffering a severe stroke in 2016

But he said the killing of a vulnerable person by someone in a trusted position was serious.

In 2018, after telling detectives she had put drugs in her mother's meal, Eckersley was charged with murder.

At trial, her lawyer argued the drugs were not a significant cause of death, pointing to Ms White's heart condition, thrombosis and other health issues.

But multiple experts agreed she had lethal levels of 'green dream', known as pentobarbital, in her system.

At the time of her death the former scientist was paralysed on the right side of her body and needed full-time care.
A whole Queensland town that includes a 'BYO pub' is up for sale for the price of a one-bedroom unit in Sydney or Melbourne.

The historic town of Lappa two hours drive west of Cairns in Far North Queensland had been put on the market for $340,000 by owner Tim Prater.

In a Facebook post, Mr Prater cites family and health concerns as his reason for selling.

Three historic buildings comprise Lappa, once a key town in the Chillagoe mining area

The Lappa railway station had been restored and is a stop on the Savannahlander's route

The 'museum' and 'BYO bar' contain artifacts from the area collected by Mr Prater

The former mining town comprises three 120-year-old buildings - a house (that used to be a church), the recently restored railway station and The Espanol Hotel, which is now a museum and 'BYO' bar.

'This sale is not for everyone,' writes Mr Prater. 'There is still work to be done to restore Lappa.

'The reward on completion is a perfectly placed stop for visitors to the Chillagoe Caves as well as a potential Lions Den of the Western Tablelands connected to Cairns via bitumen highway.

'Lappa's charms include pristine seasonal creek and waterfall and rock pools an easy 10-minute walk away.'

The town is powered by off-grid solar but also has mains power available, and relies on two 5000-litre tanks for water, Mr Prater said satellite NBN internet is also connected.

Tim Prater, also known as 'the Yappa from Lappa', is selling the town for family reasons

'The museum provides additional income,' said Mr Prater, who has collected local artifacts in the building.

Lappa Junction was established in 1900, its water sources used by the camel trains and the other animals transporting goods and supplies to the mining camps and settlements of the Chillagoe area.

These days the station is a curiosity for travellers on the Savannahlander train trip from Cairns to Chillagoe.

The Savannahlander travels the Tablelands route from Cairns to Chillagoe via Lappa

Mr Prater, also known as 'Yappa from Lappa', had been connected to the town for 30 years. He is known for inviting tourists to bring beers to the unlicensed Espanol Hotel when they visit.

'This is a BYO pub here,' Mr Prater told the ABC in a 2010 interview. 'What happens is people bring a carton and I help them drink it.

'The bar's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.'
A school bus driver in Colorado has been fired after he slapped a 10-year-old girl for refusing to wear a face mask.

Bertram Jaquez was driving children on April 12 in Fremont County, Colorado, when a young girl refused to wear a face mask.

A handwritten statement from the girl claimed that she told her classmates that she was not going to wear a face mask because it makes her sick.

She started going 'back and forth' with her classmates when the bus driver walked over to see what was going on.

Jaquez, in a green t-shirt, can be seen leaning over the girl in her pink top and jeans

The girl said in her note that people kept telling her to put her mask on, and that she 'yelled at them and said you shut up your [sic] not involved in this.'

Video of the scene shows the bus driver then slapping her across the face.

Jaquez, in a written statement obtained by KKTV, said that he was trying to explain to the child why she needed to wear a mask 'and she just would not listen, yelling at me and the other girls.'

He wrote that 'out of reaction' he slapped the child once.

The girl put her mask on and 'ran out of' the bus once it reached its stop.

Jaquez was fired two days later, on April 14.

The 10-year-old girl provided a handwritten account of what happened on April 12

Jaquez, in his handwritten statement, admitted that 'out of reaction' he slapped the girl

A school district spokesperson said an internal investigation found that his actions 'justified termination of employment.'

The spokesperson said: 'Our school community is experiencing a very unfortunate situation.

'We have had a bus driver strike a child over the child not wearing a mask on the bus. We believe it is never okay to lay a hand on a child.

'We are very saddened by this incident. Our goal everyday is to transport students safely to school and back home, but that can only happen when everyone, including students and staff, follow the rules.

'We are currently working to identify next steps to help our drivers with strategies designed to support a safe ride to and from school.'

Face masks in schools have become a flashpoint for communities across the country - in addition to the broader issue of home schooling.

Face masks in schools have become a flashpoint for communities across the country - in addition to the broader issue of home schooling. Parents in Tampa, Florida, protest against face masks in school on Tuesday

People protest against the school mask mandate in Tampa on Tuesday

Almost all students have had remote learning at some point over the past year, but different states have taken dramatically different approaches to reopening classrooms.

Parents have been frequently begging schools to reopen, given the challenges of juggling work with home schooling, and the mental health impact for their children of being isolated.

On Monday the governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, announced that New Jersey schools will be required to reopen this fall on a full-time in-person basis - without remote learning as an option.

Some other states are considering whether to continue to offer remote learning, a spokesperson at the National Association of State Boards of Education said.

In Connecticut, the state has informed school districts that they won't be required to offer remote learning, but didn't bar them from offering it.

Many school districts are currently bouncing between remote and in-person, owing to COVID outbreaks closing classrooms.

In the past week alone, parents from Alabama to Iowa and Wisconsin have staged protests, calling for the repeal of mask mandates.
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren's home was raided and her husband was taken into custody by state troopers Wednesday.

New York State Police said the raid on the Democrat's home was in relation to an 'ongoing criminal investigation', and held Timothy Granison in custody Wednesday night.

Warren, 43, is facing campaign finance charges relating to her 2017 run for a second term in office.

She has also been accused of lying to the public about the death of Daniel Prude, who was suffocated by police in 2020.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren's home was raided and her husband (pictured together) was taken into custody by state troopers Wednesday

Timothy Granison is seen being escorted from the State Police barracks

On Wednesday afternoon, a large police presence blocked off a section of Woodman Park in the Upstate New York town. Police were seen carrying bags away from the house, which records show is owned by Warren

New York State Police said the raid on the Democrat's Rochester home (pictured) was in relation to an 'ongoing criminal investigation', and held Timothy Granison in custody Wednesday night

On Wednesday afternoon, a large police presence blocked off a section of Woodman Park in the Upstate New York town.

Police were seen carrying bags away from the house, which records show is owned by Warren.

Her husband Granison, who shares the address, pleaded guilty to robbery in 1997 aged 18, when he was the getaway driver in a jewelry store robbery and was sentenced to five years probation, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported.

Rochester's City Communications Director Justin Roj said in a statement the Mayor did not know what the raid was in relation to.

'The Mayor is just learning about the events that unfolded this afternoon and has no more information than the rest of the community,' he said.

'She hopes to learn more details this evening and will have a statement tomorrow.'

Warren was the first female elected Mayor of Rochester, and the youngest in modern times.

She and Granison have a 10-year-old daughter Taylor together.

In October, Warren was indicted by a grand jury for campaign finance violations after a years long investigation into the mayors 2017 re-election campaign.

Warren and Granison have a 10-year-old daughter Taylor together

Warren was the first female elected Mayor of Rochester, and the youngest in modern times

She is also accused of keeping critical details of Daniel Prude's death by suffocation in police custody secret from the public.

Prude died in March 2020 after officers covered his head with a hood, a cop pushed his face to the ground, and another placed a knee on his back.

His death caused a wave of protests in Rochester after family released the shocking bodycam footage of the arrest in September.

Video showed Prude handcuffed and naked with a spit hood over his head as an officer pushes his face against the ground, while another officer presses a knee to his back.

The officers held him down for about two minutes until he stopped breathing. He was taken off life support a week later.

Warren claimed only to have learned that Prude was hooded in August.

But a report commissioned by the city lawmakers found she knew months earlier that Prude, who suffered mental health issues, had died while his head was covered by a hood.

Authorities carry bags out of the home. This is as close as I can get - focus is in the middle of this video. @News_8 https://t.co/xeMpXJvddo pic.twitter.com/rw94AnVGJs  Jack Watson (@JackWatsonTV) May 19, 2021
A federal government minister has warned cryptocurrency investors to beware of the risks after billionaire Elon Musk and China sparked a Bitcoin sell off.

Financial Services Minister Jane Hume sounded a note of caution as the Bitcoin freefall continued on Thursday.

'They are volatile and high risk assets and investors must be aware of these risks,' Senator Hume told the Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers Association Conference in Sydney.

Since May 12, Bitcoin has lost a third of its value, plunging from $73,500 to $51,100 as of Thursday.

A federal government minister has warned cryptocurrency investors to be aware of the risks after billionaire Elon Musk and China sparked a Bitcoin sell off. Financial Services Minister Jane Hume (pictured) sounded a note of caution as the Bitcoin freefall continued on Thursday

Musk last week sparked a 16 per cent one-day plummet after he declared he would no longer be accepting Bitcoin as payment for his electric vehicles.

He argued cryptocurrencies were being 'mined' using high-powered computers requiring fossil fuel energy to continuously solve computational math puzzles.

Bitcoin plunged by another 19 per cent on Wednesday after China's Communist Party government announced it would ban cryptocurrency transactions.

Musk in March bought $US1.5billion of the world's most valuable cryptocurrency, sending its price to a record $US60,000 or $A80,000.

This saw Bitcoin post 500 per cent annual growth.

Despite cryptocurrencies being unregulated, Senator Hume said digital currency transactions were subject to Australian law, hinting the government was alert about tax evasion possibilities.

'We take no issue with consumers investing in cryptocurrencies,' she said.

Billionaire Elon Musk last week sparked a 16 per cent one-day plummet after he declared he would no longer be accepting Bitcoin as payment for his Tesla electric vehicles

'But like investment in any asset class, they are subject to Australian law, including our market conduct, know-your-client and tax laws. It is not a free pass.'

Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, the chairman of a parliamentary inquiry into financial technology, last month admitted lawmakers didn't know how to regulate cryptocurrencies.

'A driver of the problem is that blockchain is a new form of property right,' he said.

'It is not, of itself, a security, a share, a bond, personal property, or a contract.'

Senator Hume said the government accepted cryptocurrencies were here to stay with 4,000 different ones in existence including Dogecoin, created as a protest, and Ethereum, a unit favoured by business.

'Cryptocurrency is not a fad. It is an asset class that will grow in importance,' she said.
The military could fast-track civilians into a secretive group that manages joint ventures between the British Army, RAF and Royal Navy.

Ministers are considering letting people go straight into Strategic Command so they do not have to enlist in one of the three armed forces first.

Minister for defence personnel and veterans Leo Docherty said Britain needed to evolve quickly to catch up with foreign nations.

The 44-year-old, who got the role last month, said there could be scope for civilians to apply for cyber, space and military intelligence without having served.

The move would mean applicants do not have to pass the rigorous fitness tests the Armed Forces require or learn to fight on a battlefield.

Minister for defence personnel and veterans Leo Docherty (pictured) said Britain needed to evolve quickly to catch up with foreign nations

Mr Docherty, who served with the Scots Guards in Iraq and Afghanistan, also said recruits could be older than 55 when they apply.

They could also enlist as senior officers without putting in the yards lower down the ranks.

He told the Times: 'While we've been caught up in counter-insurgency operations for the last 20 years, the rest of the world's militaries have evolved at a blistering pace.

'We are catching up on that. We need to be creative in terms of our workforce solutions.'

The move would mean applicants do not have to pass the rigorous fitness tests the Armed Forces require or learn to fight on a battlefield (file photo)

He added: 'What we are looking at is lateral entry. So, for example, with the cyberforce, we need to quickly populate what is a very bespoke, high-tech, highly skilled capability.

'Should we look at giving people an incentive to come in from the civilian world in a lateral sense so they can be fast-tracked to achieve higher rank and higher pay, I'm very sympathetic to that. We've got to be agile and totally open minded.'

General Sir Patrick Sanders called Strategic Command a 'more discreet organisation' that is central to the modernising of the forces.

General Sir Patrick Sanders (right) called Strategic Command a 'more discreet organisation' that is central to the modernising of the forces

He said it would be key in the 'grey zone' when enemy countries fight in different ways to traditional warfare.

Currently the RAF accepts medical officers up to the age of 55, with the Army letting in specialists of the same age and the Navy restricting recruits to 54.

Mr Docherty replaced Johnny Mercer after the former soldier quit last month over the government's duty to military veterans.

Mr Mercer has been quick to slam ministers over the protecting of troops facing prosecution over the Northern Ireland conflict.
The governing body of an Oxford University college has today rejected calls from an inquiry to tear down a statue of Cecil Rhodes.

Oriel College's said they had decided not to remove the monument due to 'considerable obstacles', including financial costs and 'complex' planning processes

It comes after a long-running campaign demanding the removal of the British imperialist's monument.

An independent inquiry to examine Rhodes' legacy was set up in June in the wake of BLM protests after the governing body 'expressed their wish' to remove the statue from outside the college.

A majority of members on the Commission supported the college's original wish to remove the Rhodes' statue.

But Oriel College said today: 'In light of the considerable obstacles to removal, Oriel's governing body has decided not to begin the legal process for relocation of the memorials.'

The Rhodes Must Fall campaign today accused Oriel College of 'institutional racism'

The campaigners - which staged protests last summer over the statue of the British imperialist - are urging the college 'to reconsider their position immediately' as they pledged to continue their fight.

The monument, which was the target of BLM protests last year, needs to be taken down along with a plaque to the colonialist in the city, the commission claimed

The college said in a statement: 'The Commission backed the College's original wish (made in June 2020 and reaffirmed again by the College yesterday), to remove the statue, whilst acknowledging the complex challenges and costs presented by its removal in terms of heritage and planning consent.

'The governing body has carefully considered the regulatory and financial challenges, including the expected time frame for removal, which could run into years with no certainty of outcome, together with the total cost of removal.'

The College said it will instead focus its time and resources on 'improving educational equality, diversity and inclusion amongst its student cohort and academic community'.

Lord Mendoza, provost of Oriel College, said: 'It has been a careful, finely balanced debate and we are fully aware of the impact our decision is likely to have in the UK and further afield.

The inquiry said Oriel College could fund two fellowships in subjects related to Rhodes' legacy, create scholarships for students from Africa and hold an annual lecture on him

'We understand this nuanced conclusion will be disappointing to some, but we are now focused on the delivery of practical actions aimed at improving outreach and the day-to-day experience of BME students.

'We are looking forward to working with Oxford City Council on a range of options for contextualisation.'

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson tweeted: 'Sensible & balanced decision not to remove the Rhodes statue from Oriel College, Oxford - because we should learn from our past, rather than censoring history, and continue focussing on reducing inequality.'

Meanwhile, Dr Samir Shah, vice-chair of think tank Policy Exchange's History Matters Project, said: 'Oriel has rightly decided not to spend time on a fruitless effort to change the past, but to plough resources into trying to change the future, especially for ethnic minority young people.'

A statement from the Rhodes Must Fall campaign said: 'No matter how Oriel College might try to justify their decision, allowing the statue to remain is an act of institutional racism.

'The morality of the decision of whether to remove the statue above High Street has been subsumed into a cost-benefit analysis, one that does not take into account the human cost of letting the statue remain.

'Pretending that this is a choice made due to financial costs is a slap in the face with the hand of white supremacy, fed by the value system of profit before humanity, the same value system that justified enslavement.'

The campaigners added: 'We are disappointed at the refusal to listen to not only the voices of the people who have called for the removal of the statue of Rhodes for many years, but their own governing body and the recommendations of the independent commission.

'We will continue to fight for the fall of this statue and everything it represents.'

Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: 'I am personally deeply disappointed that Oriel College have chosen today to backtrack on their previous decision to remove the Rhodes statue and ignore the views of the commission on this crucial part of their work.

'For people in our city this was the most important action that Oriel College could have taken to show an acknowledgement of the discrimination of the past and they have failed to act.

The inquiry was launched by Oriel last June as the Black Lives Matter movement picked up steam.

Its findings were expected in January but have faced delays due to the Covid pandemic and the huge number of submissions to the commission.

The Guardian reported earlier the inquiry has said the statue should be ripped from the wall and a King Edward Street plaque should be taken away.

It wanted Oriel's governing body to issue a statement sharing the college's view on its relationship with Rhodes.

The newspaper reported college material should be rewritten to match its thoughts towards the mining magnate.

Robert Poll from Save Our Statues said: 'I am saddened but not surprised to hear the verdict of the Commission, which was a foregone conclusion from the start,' Pictured: A protest in Oxford last June

Rhodes Must Fall: A timeline of events March 2015: Students at University of Cape Town begin protest to remove statue. April 2015: After a vote by the university's council, the statue is removed May 2015: A vote is held at Rhodes University, South Africa, to change the name of the university. The vote is defeated. January 2016: Vote held by Oxford students in Oxford Union, not affiliate to Oxford University, vote to remove the statue. January 2016: Leaked report reveals the university faces huge funding loss if it removes the statue. June 2020: The Rhodes Must Fall campaign is thrown into the spotlight among growing anti-racism protests by the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of American George Floyd. It gains particular attention following the toppling of a statue to slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol. Advertisement

A further recommendation by the commission was for Oriel to fund two fellowships in courses on Rhodes' legacy.

And it wanted the college to open scholarships for people from southern Africa and bring in an annual warts and all lecture on Rhodes.

Robert Poll from Save Our Statues told MailOnline: 'I welcome the decision by Oriel College not to remove the statue of Rhodes.

'It recognises two important facts: that our heritage is protected by planning law, and that the people do not want to see it destroyed.

'Over a thousand people wrote to the commission and the majority were in favour of keeping the statue.

'We must stop sitting in judgement of history and trying to assert moral authority over the past.

'Calls to remove statues only inflame tensions and sow division. Let this be the last call for a statue to fall.'

General Secretary of the Free Speech Union Toby Young added: 'This is a victory for common sense over the woke Taliban.

'We cannot cleanse our past of historical figures whose views we now find distasteful and the attempt to do so, by pulling down statues and renaming buildings, is a hallmark of a totalitarian society.

'The Rhodes Must Fall movement has caricatured Rhodes as an evil racist, determined to oppress black and brown people, but that is over simplistic.

'He was a member of the Liberal Party, he funded the newspaper in South Africa that became the mouthpiece of Nelson Mandela's ANC and he created a scholarship programme that was open to all, regardless of ethnicity, saying 'no student shall be qualified or disqualified for election to a Scholarship on grounds of his race'. By the standards of his time, he was actually pretty woke.

'I hope this sensible decision encourages other institutions to stop self-flagellating themselves about their own links with 'problematic' historical figure and instead treat their statues and busts as an opportunity to learn more about the past.

'Cancelling the dead in a frenzy of moral indignation is not the best way to understand our rich and complex history.'


A Thai mistress who terrorised a married Australian father she met on a dating website through a sick campaign of abuse after he failed to get a divorce has been jailed for five years.

Thanyaras Siriphanuruk, 41, met her Perth online lover on the website Thai Cupid in 2016 but waged a campaign of threats and extortion against him when his divorce still wasn't finalised two years later.

She sent pictures of his 12-year-old daughter's face edited onto pornographic images to her school and sent emails threatening sexual violence.

The sinister emails took such a heavy toll on his wife and daughter that they fled to Italy when the barrage of abuse was at its worst, The West Australian reported.

Thanyaras Siriphanuruk, 41, (pictured) committed a litany of bizarre offences against her lover, his ex-wife and their child after meeting the Australian man on a dating site

Siriphanuruk also also told the man from Padbury in Perth's north he would have to pay $10,000 to stop her from sending more doctored images of his daughter to her school.

When he travelled to the UK, the woman broke into his home and stayed there for multiple days.

Judge John Staude said Siriphanuruk - who police found had enlisted another man to set up a fake phone number - showed little sign of remorse.

'Your denial, lack of remorse and conduct after your arrest does give the court cause for concern,' he said.

'It is difficult to imagine a more vicious attempt to harm [this] family.'

The woman - also known as Ming - was jailed for five years on Thursday but will be eligible for parole in March 2022.

During the trial it was revealed the wave of emails were sent by Siriphanuruk using a series of fake email addresses impersonating another of the man's previous girlfriends - Lori the Filipino prostitute.

Siriphanuruk (pictured) had been under the impression her online fling would soon result in happiness - believing he would finalise his divorce and make a fresh start with her

The stalker even continued the ruse by offering to help the man stop the flood of threats levelled at his family.

Siriphanuruk claimed to know a powerful contact within the Thai military that might be able to track down where the emails were coming from.

Shortly after the dad received texts from a person identifying themselves as a member of the Thai Defence Force called 'Angus C'.

The court heard this was actually Siriphanuruk continuing to toy with him.

The Thai woman was jailed for five years on Thursday but will be eligible for parole in March 2022

Around September 2018, a text from 'Angus C' said that Lori had been arrested and then the abusive messages stopped.

The man then ended the affair with Siriphanuruk and told her he would no longer facilitate a partner visa for her.

Soon after, his young daughter became the target - with images showing her face edited onto pornographic photographs sent to the her school, its principal and even the canteen.

Siriphanuruk's lawyer Jonathan Davies had argued his client's computer was hacked and that the emails could have been sent anyone.
A 31 billion mega-merger between Virgin Media and O2 has been given the green light by regulators.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) waved through the deal following an in-depth investigation, concluding that concerns customers to see price hikes from the telecoms deal were unfounded.

Officials had provisionally cleared the deal last month and on Thursday confirmed the tie-up, which was first announced a year ago.

At the time the deal was announced, the companies said it would create a 'full converged platform' for customers, and will mean an investment of 10 billion in the UK over the next five years.

Virgin Media and O2's 31 billion merger has been given the green light to be completed by the Competition and Markets Authority after a lengthy investigation

A Phase 2 investigation found that the deal was unlikely to lead to any substantial lessening of competition for a number of reasons, it said.

Investigators concluded that the costs of leased lines are only a relatively small element of rival mobile companies' overall costs, so it is unlikely that Virgin would be able to raise leased-line costs in a way that would lead to higher charges for consumers.

They added that competitors in the market offering the same leased-line services, including larger rival BT Openreach, would keep competition healthy.

And the report found that O2 would need to remain competitive with its wholesale rivals due to strong competition.

The CMA observed there are a number of businesses alongside O2 that provide mobile networks for telecoms groups, meaning the Slough-based group will need to maintain competitiveness with its wholesale challengers in order not to lose trade

O2 is the UK's biggest mobile phone operator with around 36.6 million customers across its networks, which also include giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lycamobile.

Virgin Media has around 5.3 million customers.

Martin Coleman, the chairman of the CMA inquiry, said: 'O2 and Virgin are important suppliers of services to other companies who serve millions of consumers.

'It was important to make sure that this merger would not leave these people worse off. That's why we conducted an in-depth investigation.

'After looking closely at the deal, we are reassured that competition amongst mobile communications providers will remain strong and it is therefore unlikely that the merger would lead to higher prices or lower quality services.'

The CMA said at the outset of the investigation that it was not concerned about overlapping retail services such as mobile, due to the small size of Virgin Mobile, but instead focused on potential wholesale services concerns.

The UK competition watchdog was only granted permission to investigate the deal after the European Commission handed over the case in November.

O2 had previously sought to merge with mobile network provider Three, but was blocked in 2016 on the grounds that choice in the UK mobile phone market would be severely affected

Under European law, the biggest mergers are generally dealt with by the commission's regulators in Brussels.

But the CMA asked Brussels regulators to hand the case back because it primarily only affected UK customers and that any findings would come after the Brexit transition period had ended.

Mike Fries, chief executive of Virgin owner Liberty Global, and Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, boss of O2 owner Telefonica, said: 'This is a watershed moment in the history of telecommunications in the UK as we are now cleared to bring real choice where it hasn't existed before, while investing in fibre and 5G that the UK needs to thrive.'
A push to legalise cannabis for recreational use is gaining ground in Victoria after a prominent health union joined other submissions to an inquiry in calling on the state government to start permitting and taxing the drug.

The Health and Community Services Union argue the huge profits made by criminals could instead go to the Victorian government if they pass legislation to legalise, tax and license marijuana.

The union filed a submission to an inquiry examining the use of cannabis in society.

A push to legalise cannabis for recreational use is gaining ground in Victoria after a prominent health union called on the state government to start growing the product

The Health and Community Services Union argue the huge profits made by criminals could instead go to the Victorian government if they pass legislation to legalise, tax and license marijuana. Pictured: A medical cannabis farm in Victoria

HACSU Secretary Paul Healey told the Herald Sun re-evaluating cannabis laws for personal use could make 'profound changes' to society and help keep low-level offenders out of prison.

Medical cannabis is a budding new industry worldwide that's helping thousands of Australians with conditions like cancer, epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and severe pain.

But cannabis for recreational use still appears a long way off in Australia, despite several other nations including the Canada, Portugal, Israel and several states in the US decriminalising the drug.

'Many other places have legalised the drug and the world hasn't ended,' he said.

Mr Healey said the potential billions that would be raised by taxing cannabis could be used to fund more mental health services, drug and alcohol support, Indigenous health and housing.

Mr Healey wants the state government to use the potential billions in cannabis tax revenue to fund more mental health services, drug and alcohol support, Indigenous health and housing. Pictured: A large cannabis crop is busted by Victorian police

Cannabis for recreational use still appears a long way off in Australia, despite other nation's making the change. Pictured: A medical cannabis crop in Victoria

'The government would grow its own cannabis, collect that money and turn it into funding for areas that desperately need it. It will make a seismic change on how our state operates as a whole,' he said.

'The inaction in the addiction space is having a terrible impact on an already buckling mental health workforce.'

The powerful union that represents over 10,000 mental health, disability, and drugs and alcohol services workers also suggest the legalisation of cannabis would allow police to focus on more harmful drugs like heroin and ice.

The Inquiry into the Use of Cannabis will make a final report in August this year.
Queensland will not set up a mass vaccination hub to administer the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to over 50s, the state government has announced.

Instead the state will wait until more Pfizer doses are delivered towards the end of the year before considering hubs similar to those in New South Wales and Victoria.

AstraZeneca doses are still being administered in Queensland via GPs to people over 50.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said planning was under way for a mass hub towards the end of the year.

'Queensland is a big state, it is so decentralised, that so much planning is happening at the moment for that final quarter of the year, when we have more supply in Pfizer, Moderna it is going to ramp up,' she said.

'And I know that Queenslanders are going to go out there in droves when we have all that supply ready.'

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) said planning was under way for a mass hub towards the end of the year

It comes as Australian regulators uncover six more cases of rare blood clots linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine, but say they are not unexpected as the rollout expands.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration said four cases were confirmed and the other two were deemed probable.

The new cases include a 57-year-old woman from Victoria, a 53-year-old South Australian man and an 18-year-old woman in Queensland.

The teenager received the vaccine before health advice was changed to say Australians under-50 should get the Pfizer option.

An earlier case of a 79-year-old Victorian man has also been confirmed, while authorities are seeking more information on probable cases in two women aged 71 and 87.

People wait in line to be vaccinated for COVID-19 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, a mass hub in Victoria

The latest cases take the Australian total to 24 out of the 2.1 million doses of AstraZeneca administered in Australia.

'Overall, 21 of these cases are considered confirmed and three are considered probable,' the TGA said on Thursday.

'Three of the four cases reported as probable in last week's report have since been confirmed as TTS (rare blood clots). The other case remains under investigation.'

The 53-year-old SA man is in a serious condition in intensive care in Adelaide.

It is believed to be the state's first confirmed case of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome.

Post-vaccination blood clots - warning signs If you have these symptoms, urgently seek help: A severe headache that won't go away with Panadol OR Breathing difficulties and abdominal pains If you have these symptoms, call 000 central or crushing chest pain lasting more than 10 minutes

unconsciousness or a seizure (fit)

severe difficulty breathing or turning blue

severe bleeding or inability to control bleeding with pressure

sudden inability to move or speak, or sudden facial drooping Allergic reactions These occur quickly - usually within 15 minutes of a jab These are common symptoms - and not urgent: Weariness/fatigue

A mild fever

A moderate headache that responds to your usual painkillers Sources: Burnet Institute/Health.gov.au Advertisement

SA Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said the man had his first dose of the vaccine on May 4 and was admitted to hospital on May 18 with severe abdominal pain.

'It is a rare occurrence but because of the number of vaccines that we're giving across our whole community it was not unexpected for this to occur.'

Professor Spurrier said given about 150,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines had been administered in SA so far, the one confirmed case of blood clots was within the expected range of about one in 100,000.

So far, regulators have found only 6.4 adverse reactions per 1,000 doses delivered across the nation.

The most common problems following an AstraZeneca jab are headache, fever, muscle pain, fatigue and nausea.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday stood by the AstraZeneca vaccine, saying all those over the age of 50 should get the jab, which was authorised and approved by the TGA.

'My mum's had AstraZeneca, (wife) Jenny's had AstraZeneca, my mother-in-law's had AstraZeneca, (health minister) Greg Hunt's had AstraZeneca, and so have so many across the country,' he said.

Mr Hunt on Wednesday suggested if people did not want the AstraZeneca shot they could always wait for the broader rollout of Pfizer and Moderna later in the year.

Labor deputy leader Richard Marles said the government should not be encouraging people to wait.

'It's really important that people over the age of 50 get vaccinated with AstraZeneca right now and I would have thought that that's an unequivocal message.'

The AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended in Australia for people over 50, and 20million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been ordered as the preferred alternative, due to the rare blood clots.

Federal Acting Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd addressed concerns surrounding the vaccine saying while it can cause blood clotting in people with low platelet counts he stressed that the chances of it happening are 'very small'.

He confirmed the symptoms people receiving the vaccine should be on alert for however, particularly after the AstraZeneca jab.

'People should be particularly alert to severe persistent headaches occurring four to 20 days after vaccination and which are different to the usual pattern of headaches and do not settle with over-the-counter painkillers,' he said.

'If you received the AstraZeneca vaccine and experience symptoms of persistent headaches or other worrying symptoms four to 20 days after the vaccine, you should seek medical advice.

'The serious risk disease and death from COVID-19, if we experience another severe outbreak is far greater than the very small potential risk of a very rare clotting disorder associated with the vaccine.

'Cerebral venous thrombosis is a very rare disorder that has previously not been known to be associated with vaccination, however it has been noted as a complication of people who have contracted COVID-19,' Professor Kidd said.

'No cases of central venous sinus thrombosis have been reported in Australia to date, in the time period of concern following vaccination, which is within four to 20 days.
The US and China have engaged in a war of words over the South China Sea after an American warship sailed close to a disputed set of islands.

The row was sparked after the USS Curtis Wilbur, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, sailed past the Paracel Islands on Thursday.

China accused the warship of 'illegally' entering its territory and said the vessel was 'expelled' by its naval and air forces.

But the Navy's 7th Fleet hit back, saying the ship was not 'expelled' and that China does not control those waters - which are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

The USS Curtis Wilbur sailed close to the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea today, kicking off a war of words between Beijing and Washington (file image)

China claims exclusive rights over almost the entire South China Sea, a strategic body of water through which trillons of dollars of global shipping pass each year.

However, the US - backed by an independent ruling from a UN-backed tribunal - disputes this, and says the waters are international.

To hammer home the point, the US conducts what it calls 'freedom of navigation operations' in the sea by sailing through waters claimed by China, but which should remain open to all vessels based on UN charters.

Such operations enrage Beijing, which called Thursday's incursion 'unprofessional and irresponsible,' saying it increases the risk of 'misunderstandings, misjudgments, and accidents at sea.'

'It severely violated China's sovereignty and security and severely undermined the peace and stability of the South China Sea,' a spokesman added.

But the US called this statement 'false', adding: 'USS Curtis Wilbur was not 'expelled' from any nation's territory.

'[It] conducted this freedom of navigation operation in accordance with international law and then continued on to conduct normal operations in international waters.

'[China's] statement is the latest in a long string of actions to misrepresent lawful US maritime operations and assert its excessive and illegitimate maritime claims at the expense [its] neighbors in the South China Sea.'

Thursday's mission came just a day after the same ship sailed through the Strait of Taiwan, another routine US exercise that angers Beijing.

China claims rights over almost all of the South China Sea including around the Paracel Islands but the US - backed by a UN tribunal - disputes this, saying the waters are international

'The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,' the US Navy said at the time.

'The United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.'

A spokesman for China's Eastern Theatre Command expressed strong opposition and condemned the move, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two powers.

'The U.S. actions sends the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, deliberately disrupting the regional situation and endangering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,' he said.

Chinese forces tracked and monitored the ship throughout its voyage, he added.

China believes Taiwan's democratically elected government is bent on a formal declaration of independence for the island, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says they are already an independent state called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said the U.S. ship had sailed in a southerly direction through the strait and the 'situation was as normal'.

The U.S. Navy has been conducting such operations every month or so.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms.

Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan's air defence zone.

Some of those activities can involve multiple fighters and bombers.

China has said its activities around Taiwan are aimed at protecting China's sovereignty. Taiwan's government has denounced it as attempts at intimidation.
At least seven inmates have been killed, most of them beheaded in clashes between rival gangs at a prison in western Guatemala.

Hundreds of police and the army were deployed to restore order at the Cantel prison, which houses inmates from both the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13) and their sworn enemies, The 18th Street Gang (Barrio 18).

'Preliminarily, the death of seven inmates is known,' the Ministry of the Interior said in a statement, describing the situation as a 'riot'.

The figure was confirmed by the Prosecutor's Office, whose staff managed to gain access to the prison, located 205 kilometres (125 miles) west of the capital in Quetzaltenango state.

At least seven inmates have been killed, most of them beheaded in clashes between rival gangs at a prison in western Guatemala. Pictured: Officers transport the corpse of an inmate out of the prison on Wednesday

The Cantel prison houses inmates from both the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13) and their sworn enemies, The 18th Street Gang (Barrio 18). Pictured: Body bags containing the remains of slain gang members

Video footage showed trails of blood on the ground leading out from the prison as police taped the scene off

A spokesman for the National Civil Police (PNC), Jorge Aguilar, earlier told AFP news agency that the violence was caused by a confrontation between two gangs, and that at least six prisoners had been beheaded.

Local media reported that one of the inmates ordered the attack in retaliation for the murder of his wife, who was shot dead by two men on motorbikes hours earlier.

Police said the riot broke out at around 16:00 local time.

Authorities suspect one of the gangs attacked the other in retaliation for an incident that took place several days ago. Pictured: Bodies are removed from the prison following the riot

A spokesman for the National Civil Police (PNC), Jorge Aguilar, earlier told AFP news agency that the violence was caused by a confrontation between two gangs, and that at least six prisoners had been beheaded. Pictured: Bodies are removed from the prison following the riot

Both MS-13 and Barrio 18 have their origins in Los Angeles but many members were deported to Central America following the end of the Salvadorean Civil War or after arrest. Pictured: Bodies are removed from the prison following the riot

The Interior Ministry said it 'regretted' the incident and that it would coordinate with the police and the prosecutor's office to enter the prison and investigate.

Video footage showed trails of blood on the ground leading out from the prison as police taped the scene off.

Gang violence and riots are common at the Cantel prison, which has been condemned by human rights groups for its grim conditions.

Reportan un motin violento en la Granja Penal de Cantel, en Quetzaltenango. Al menos, cinco fallecidos. | @soy_502 pic.twitter.com/tkh3iXDwja  Jessica Gramajo (@JGramajo_Soy502) May 19, 2021

The Interior Ministry said it 'regretted' the incident and that it would coordinate with the police and the prosecutor's office to enter the prison and investigate. Pictured: Police enter the prison on Wednesday

Built to house five hundred inmates, the Cantel prison is currently home to over four times that number, police said. Pictured: Blood on the body bag of one of the inmates killed in the riot

Gang violence and riots are common at the Cantel prison, which has been condemned by human rights groups for its grim conditions. Pictured: Police officers load body bags into a vehicle after the riot

Built to house five hundred inmates, it is currently home to over four times that number, police said.

Guatemala's feared and violent gangs are known for their extortion rackets, in which they force businesspeople and bus operators to pay them protection money or face execution.

Gangs are responsible for nearly half of the 3,500 violent deaths a year in Guatemala, authorities have said - one of the highest death rates on earth.

Both MS-13 and Barrio 18 have their origins in Los Angeles but many members were deported to Central America following the end of the Salvadorean Civil War or after arrest.

In Central America, their influence and brutality has escalated dramatically, driving huge numbers of people to flee their communities, many of whom attempt to make the journey to the United States.

Hundreds of police and the army were deployed to restore order following the riot, which began at 16:00. Pictured: Soldiers arrive at Cantel prison

Gangs are responsible for nearly half of the 3,500 violent deaths a year in Guatemala, authorities have said - one of the highest death rates on earth. Pictured: Authorities outside Cantel prison

Guatemala's feared and violent gangs are known for their extortion rackets, in which they force businesspeople and bus operators to pay them protection money or face execution. Pictured: Bodies are removed from the prison following the riot

Barrio 18 began in the 1960s as an offshoot of Clanton 14, one of the oldest Hispanic criminal organisations in Los Angeles.

It expanded by accepting members from different races and ethnicities and is now thought to have between 30,000 to 50,000 members throughout the US, Mexico and Central America.

MS-13 was originally founded to protect Salvadoreans from other Latino gangs. It is thought to have between 50,000 and 70,000 members globally and is known for its violence.

Members of both gangs can be identified by distinctive tattoos.
The Chinese TikTok founder has announced he will be leaving the role as he lacks managerial skills and prefers 'reading and daydreaming' to running the tech giant.

Zhang Yiming, co-founder of the video-sharing site's parent company Bytedance, said on Thursday that he will step down as CEO and transition to a new role by the end of the year.

His new position will focus on 'long-term strategy' while Liang Rubo, with whom he set up the firm, will replace him in his current role.

Beijing has tightened the rules on China's technology sector, levying fines, including on Bytedance last month, for allegedly flouting monopoly fines, and issuing stark warnings to billionaire digital bosses about their responsibilities to society.

Zhang Yiming (pictured in April 2018), co-founder of TikTok's parent company Bytedance, announced on Thursday that he will step down as CEO and transition to a new role

Zhang's decision to step down comes just seven months after Alibaba founder Jack Ma disappeared from the limelight, after speculation that brash comments by him to regulators brought the hammer down on his firm.

In an unusually candid open memo by one of Asia's new tech-rich, Zhang, 38, announced that he lacked some of the skills that make an 'ideal manager'.

He continued: 'The truth is, I lack some of the skills that make an ideal manager.

'I'm more interested in analysing organisational and market principles... than actually managing people.'

Zhang added that he is also 'not very social, preferring solitary activities like being online, reading, listening to music, and daydreaming about what may be possible'.

News of his stepping down from ByteDance comes as Beijing clamps down on the unprecedented influence of some of China's biggest technology firms.

Zhang has been under pressure to convince the world TikTok will not hand data to China's Communist Party, while also appearing not to give in to demands from the West (file image)

E-commerce giant Alibaba was fined 18.2 billion yuan ($2.78 billion) last month, after an anti-monopoly probe found the e-commerce giant had abused its dominant market position for several years.

The Alibaba business empire has come under intense scrutiny in China since billionaire founder Jack Ma's stinging public criticism of the country's regulatory system in October.

Jack Ma, who lost his title as China's richest man in March, has been unusually absent from the spotlight after it was thought that his comments brought the hammer down on his firm.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced its antitrust probe into Alibaba in December.

While the fine brings Alibaba closer to resolving its antitrust woes, Ant Group, Alibaba's internet finance arm, still needs to agree to a regulatory-driven revamp that is expected to cut its valuations and rein in some of its freewheeling businesses.

Bytedance was among 34 tech companies summoned by regulators in April that were told to undergo 'complete rectification' and 'heed the warning' of Alibaba.

TikTok is believed to have around one billion users worldwide including more than 100million in the United States.

Last year, as TikTok erupted in the US amid a spike in social media usage thanks to the pandemic, concerns grew that ByteDance was using it to gather intelligence on American consumers.

Since, Zhang has been under pressure to convince the world that TikTok will not hand data over to China's Communist Party, while protecting his image at home by not appearing to give in to demands from the West.

The tech giant has insisted it would never provide user data to the Chinese government.

While he was US president, Donald Trump made a series of demands on the Chinese company over security concerns, including calls for the US operations of TikTok be sold to an American company or it would be shut down.

Oracle, which is owned by Trump mega-donor Larry Ellison, stepped forward to buy it and Walmart joined in later. The Trump administration said it would endorse the deal.

Zhang's decision to step down comes just seven months after Alibaba founder Jack Ma (above) disappeared from the limelight, after his criticism of the country's regulatory system

ByteDance fought it and filed court papers contesting the executive order. Three federal judges sided with them but before Trump left office, his administration appealed those decisions.

However, current president Joe Biden was reported in February to have stopped the landmark action put in place by his predecessor.

The Wall Street Journal cited anonymous sources saying the deal had been put on hold while Biden's administration reviewed the national security information that went behind it.

Sources did not indicate whether Biden's team plans to reverse the executive order. He may instead impose limits on how to restrict the collection or storage of user data.

Neither Walmart nor Oracle commented on the Wall Street Journal report at the time and both companies had been quiet on the details of the forced sale for months.

ByteDance now has more than 60,000 staff in 30 countries and last year, Zhang announced that the firm was looking to recruit around 40,000 more.

The company also runs popular products including Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, news aggregation app Jinri Toutiao and productivity app Lark, which features cloud storage, chat and calendar functions.
A killer truckie was intercepted driving with a self-proclaimed 'good witch' the day before he took the lives of four police officers on a Melbourne freeway.

The details come as the truck driver's boss, Connect Logistics manager Simiona Tuteru, faces 82 charges including manslaughter over the Eastern Freeway fatality.

Employee Mohinder Singh had been using and dealing ice, speaking about seeing ghosts and witches, and thought he was getting fired before he veered into the officers on April 22, 2020.

Mohinder Singh (pictured) crashed a 19-tonne delivery truck on the Eastern Freeway on April 22 last year

The crash in April last year killed four police officers in Kew in Melbourne (pictured)

Self-described 'good witch' Glenys Nannup (pictured) was with Singh when he was pulled over by police the day before the accident

Early the previous day, he was pulled over by police on his way to a Cranbourne McDonald's with self-described 'good witch' Glenys Nannup.

Singh handed over his details and was allowed to keep driving.

Ms Nannup told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday the pair had used ice beforehand as she accompanied Singh on deliveries.

'He started to freak me out. Not freak me out, but don't go there with me. I am very spiritual,' she said in court documents.

'(Singh) started talking about seeing shadows. It was during that conversation I told him I was a good witch. I thought he was trying to "cook me", messing with my head.

Left to right: Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and Constable Joshua Prestney all died in the crash

Mohinder Singh (pictured) said his boss 'cleaned his spirit' and removed curse before the fatal crash

'I said "don't mess with me or I will mess with your head".

'It was after we had injected that his driving turned to s***. He was swerving, shutting his eyes, as in falling asleep. He couldn't concentrate.'

Tuteru is accused of directing or requiring Singh to work while he was fatigued, and multiple breaches of heavy vehicle regulations.

He's also charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception for time sheets allegedly submitted in a false name to hide the real number of hours worked.

Ms Nannup (pictured) told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday the pair had used ice beforehand as she accompanied Singh on deliveries

Singh (pictured, right) was earlier this year jailed for up to 22 years after admitting to four counts of culpable driving causing death, as well as drug trafficking and possession charges

Singh was in April jailed for up to 22 years after admitting culpable driving causing the deaths of Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, and constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney.

The court was earlier told Singh insisted on delivering a 'very important load' that day.

'He said that his boss and him prayed together and that his boss had 'cleaned his spirit' and got rid of the curse,' fellow truck driver Michael Horrocks said.

He also told the court Singh spoke about being possessed by a witch, but said he was feeling better after the prayer. He planned to 'deliver this one load and go home and rest'.

Tuteru's committal hearing is due to continue on Friday.
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The Indian Covid variant has spread to 48 countries and every continent except Antarctica despite travel restrictions being in place, it has been revealed.

The 'variant of concern' - B.1.617.2, which is believed to be more infectious than previous strains, has been 'confirmed' in 44 countries and 'detected' in four more, UK heath security chief Dr Jenny Harries said Tuesday.

Data from genetic sequencing libraries show the variant is now widespread across Europe and is spreading in North America as well as parts of east Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Some 2,915 cases of the variant have now been identified in the UK  up from the 2,323 declared on Monday - which is the highest figure in the world, including India.

However, that is almost certainly because the UK carries out far more tests for the variant that India does, and is second-only to the US in terms of total variant tests carried out to date.

The Indian Covid variant is spreading across the world and has now reached at least 44 countries. The UK has confirmed the most cases, but only because it does far more tests to detect the variant than other countries - second-only to the US

There have only been 776 cases of the B.1.617.2 strain sequenced in India itself, although the actual number is likely to be far higher.

It has also spread to the US, where 557 cases have been recorded, and to every continent except Antarctica.

Germany, Japan and Singapore have emerged as other hot spots for the variant, while Australia has seen the next highest case number (74), despite the country's international borders being shut.

Fears around the strain's spread are delaying the European Union's decision on whether to give Britons easier access to enter member states, according to The Times.

The strain has already been recorded in 16 EU countries, including Ireland (59), Belgium (52), Italy (48), Spain (29) and France (28).

It comes after Professor Jonathan Van-Tam last night said the rate of transmissibility of the variant was the 'million-dollar question' but expressed cautious optimism that it was more likely to be 20-30 per cent higher than the Kent variant.

Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock said they were increasingly confident that the jabs were effective against all variants  including the new Indian strain.

Vaccinated tourists have been given the green light to visit resorts in the EU as long as there is not a danger they bring in new variants.

Ambassadors yesterday agreed to white list non-European countries for non-essential travel.

The UK was expected to be added to the list on Friday but the surge of Indian variant cases in the country has delayed officials' decision.

The above graph is based on Sanger Institute data on cases identified in the community. It shows that while the Kent variant (B.1.1.7) remains dominant in the country, infections with the Indian variant (B.1.617.2) are rising rapidly. In the week to April 24 it made up barely three per cent of all infections spotted, but by May 8 it was behind 27 per cent

A diplomat said: 'The Indian variant surge in Britain and the warnings from Downing Street are giving member states cause for a pause at the moment.'

Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock yesterday sought to clarify confusion over the 'amber list' of countries, including most European destinations, to which travel is allowed but not encouraged.

The Prime Minister insisted the position was 'very clear' and people should only travel to an amber list country 'for some extreme circumstance, such as the serious illness of a family member'.

'You should not be going to an amber list country on holiday,' the Prime Minister told MPs.

Health Secretary Mr Hancock told a Downing Street press conference: 'We have been absolutely crystal clear that you should not go to an amber or red list country on holiday, you should only go in exceptional circumstances.'

But Mr Hancock added 'you don't necessarily have to ban everything' even if the Government advised against it.

This week Environment Secretary George Eustice said people could go to amber-listed countries to visit family or friends as long as they observed quarantine rules on their return, while Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said 'some people might think a holiday is essential' and therefore a valid reason to travel.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The Government has lost control of the messaging.'

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said 'most of the UK population doesn't understand' the rules on travelling to amber-listed destinations, with people 'booking in their droves' to take holidays in places not on the green list this summer.

The airline chief executive told ITV's Peston: 'People are ignoring the short-term restrictions and working out that they'll be safe to fly in late June, July, August when the school holidays come around, and they're booking in their literally hundreds of thousands on a daily basis.'

The Government has been under pressure over its travel policy following the introduction of the traffic light system in England on Monday, with Scotland and Wales also implementing similar approaches.

Passengers arriving from amber list countries are required to self-isolate for 10 days and take two tests.

Mr Hancock said 30,000 home visits have been carried out in the last week to ensure people are quarantining.

In Brussels, EU ambassadors backed plans to allow vaccinated holidaymakers to visit the bloc this summer.

But Portugal is the only major EU destination currently on the Government's 'green list' for holidays.

Mr Hancock said 'it's a matter for the EU what their international travel rules are' but 'right now, with our levels of vaccination really good but not yet there, I think we are wise to take a cautious approach to international travel'.

England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said vaccines were not 100% effective and the first elements of protection to fail were the jab's ability to prevent infection and reduce transmission.

'That's a tricky nuance in terms of the argument that 'just because you've had vaccines it's entirely safe to go abroad',' he said.

Prof Van-Tam also pointed out that some parts of Europe had 'quite high levels of disease activity' compared to the UK and it was a question of 'jumping into a pond with one shark in it or jumping into a pond with 100 sharks in it  it changes the likelihood that you're going to get bitten.'

The EU move was a 'fair ambition' and a 'good aspiration' but 'we have to move very cautiously', he said.
A devastated mother-of-three whose 'fit and healthy' policeman son was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer despite never smoking has been viciously trolled online.

Janelle Wilson's world was torn apart last month when doctors delivered the heartbreaking news: Her son Darian Convery's cancer is 'unsurvivable'.

Just two weeks earlier the 24-year-old had seemed a picture of health - running 10km a week, swimming and going to the gym, as he served as a police officer in Wagga Wagga, on the NSW border with Victoria.

But after visiting the doctor for persistent headaches, tests discovered a primary tumour in his lungs and 15 tumours in his brain.

Darian Convery, 24, a NSW Police officer based in Wagga Wagga, started experiencing a nagging headache in March. He is pictured far right with friends in Mudgee a week before he was diagnosed

His mother rushed from the Central Coast to be by his side in hospital, where he has been placed on a series of medications, including an immunotherapy drug which costs $12,500 a month.

Determined to get her son the help he needs, a GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for the expensive treatment which the family are unable to afford.

The family had no intention of making the page public knowledge, but when faced with the daunting medical bill, Ms Wilson took up an offer for her employer Doggy Daycare Farm Trips to share the fundraiser with their 260,000 Facebook followers.

That is when the onslaught of cruel messages started blowing up her phone.

She said they included comments such as: 'how dare you ask for money', 'you greedy b***', and 'if God wants him to die, he'll die'.

'As if I wasn't devastated enough to have people turn around and say that to me was really it took my breath away. I couldn't believe that people could be so vicious,' Ms Wilson told 9Honey.

'I just took a deep breath and thought you cannot be serious, put yourself in my shoes. A month ago I had a healthy 24-year-old who loved his job, loved working with the police force.

Darian pictured with his grandfather when he graduated from the NSW Police Force academy in 2018

'And now my life has been completely torn to shreds.'

Ms Wilson said she was shocked by the vindictiveness and believes those responsible are people who have nothing better to do with their time than go trawling for ways to put others down.

Darian had been suffering from headaches for a few weeks, but became concerned when they started to intensify.

He decided to see a doctor, who thought it was most likely sinusitis but booked a CAT-scan to be safe.

But his headache worsened and he developed blurry vision while on duty, and his scan was brought forward by three days to Friday, April 21. Doctors ordered him straight to hospital, where he was taken straight to emergency for further testing.

'He called me extremely distressed and said the doctors had told him he was no longer allowed to drive,' Ms Wilson previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'I left work on the Central Coast in what I had on and raced to Wagga Wagga to be by his side.'

Darian's mother Janelle Wilson (pictured together) said she has been trolled online after trying to raise funds for her terminally ill son's cancer treatment

After she made the five and a half hour journey through the night, Janelle arrived at Darian's bedside and they nervously awaited the results of blood tests and more scans.

By midday, doctors came back into his room to deliver devastating news - the apparently fit life-long non-smoker had terminal lung cancer.

'I felt like I had been winded, I couldn't speak. We sat there in utter disbelief,' Janelle said.

'He is fit, he runs 10km a week, swims, goes to the gym.

'Apart from the headache, he had no other symptoms.'

A later PET scan showed Darian's tumour in his left lung had spread into his lymph nodes and brain, explaining the headaches and affected vision.

He was diagnosed with stage four non-small cell adenocarcinoma, an aggressive type of lung cancer that develops slowly and typically shows no symptoms until advanced stages.

When symptoms do occur, they include often-dismissed: a persistent cough, pain in the chest, and shortness of breath.

Darian (far right) has never smoked and maintained a healthy lifestyle, running 10kms a week, and regularly swimming and going to the gym

Doctors have told him the cancer is terminal and he will require drugs for the rest of his life. Pictured: colleagues visiting the constable in hospital

Doctors told Darian the cause of his troubled vision was one of the 15 tumours they had found in his brain - and the cancer was so advanced it was 'not survivable'.

'It killed me,' Janelle said.

'He has never smoked, never drunk, or touched drugs. He has lived the perfect life of a 24 year old.

'To have to face your own mortality at 24 is gut wrenching.'

He has been placed on several medications, including an immunotherapy drug, which will suppress the growth of his tumours and prevent them from spreading, buying him precious time with family.

The GoFundMe page has so far reached $180,000 for the pricey drug, which Darian will need for the rest of his life.

Seasoned oncologists have been left baffled by the young cop's case as he did not suffer shortness of breath and had no family history of cancer.

Darian spent two years in West Wyalong after graduating before transferring to Wagga Wagga last year

'What he has is extraordinarily rare. They have not seen it in anyone so young, and have never seen it spread so far in such a short amount of time,' Janelle said.

His devastated friends and colleagues have rallied to support the constable, who has spent the past three years serving as a police officer.

After graduating in 2018, he spent two years in West Wyalong, a rural town in the state's south west, before transferring to Wagga Wagga in November last year.

The family's lives have been turned inside out as they deal with the shock while also working to pack up Darian's life in Wagga Wagga and bring him back home to the family base in Newcastle.

Although he is still struggling to come to terms with his devastating diagnosis, Janelle said Darian has been very brave and reminds her they need to take things 'one step-at-a-time' rather than think about the worst.

'Our whole lives have been ripped apart,' she said.

'We have been plunged into the complex world, of diagnosis, prognosis, and everything that I never thought I would have to experience as a parent.

'You see these people who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day and live to be 90, and live a completely normal life.

'It is just so unfair.'
A man suspected of hacking to death an 102-year-old grandfather with a machete has been arraigned on murder charges.

Adam Dimmerman, 47, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 19.

The victim, Youssef Mahboubian, was found dead in his garage in Encino, LA on March 18. He had emigrated to the US from Iran more than 30 years ago.

Adam Dimmerman, the man suspected of hacking to death an 102-year-old grandfather with a machete has appeared in an LA court for arraignment on murder charges

The 47-year-old Dimmerman appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 19. The victim, Youssef Mahboubian, was found dead in his garage in Encino, L.A. on March 18

Dimmerman was arraigned on murder charges in the case involving Mahboubian, he is also facing assault charges over an incident hours before the grandfather was found dead

Police quickly arrested Dimmerman on suspicion of the murder. He had also been charged in a separate attack nearby, in which the victim was assaulted but not killed.

Multiple people reported seeing Dimmerman walking around the neighborhood with a dog and a hatchet.

He was already in custody for the assault when Mahboubian's body was found at 12.50pm.

It's unclear if Dimmerman had ever met Mahboubian before, or what his motive was.

Police arrested Dimmerman before Mahboubian's body was found at 12:50pm on March 18 (Pictured, with his wife of 65 years. It's unclear when the photo was taken)

It's unclear if Dimmerman had ever met Mahboubian (pictured here with his wife of 65 years) before, or what his motive was

Jason Shakib, the victim's grandson, said he was 'horrified' by the incident

The victim's family say it was a random attack by a 'psychopath.'

'My wife is horrified to hear he was murdered by some axe-wielding psychopath. He must have been deranged, or on drugs or something.

'I thought he fell. I had no idea. They told me he fell in the garage and my cousin came home and found him.

'I had no idea there was a guy with a machete running around killing people,' Mahboubian's grandson Jason told ABC 7 at the time.

He said Mahboubian was a hard-working family man who was dedicated to his wife of 65 years.

'He came to this country from Iran decades and decades ago, and they've been living peacefully on Alonzo Place for 30 years. This is heartbreaking,' he said.

It is so far unclear if Dimmerman has any kind of criminal record. He is being held in custody before facing trial.

The neighborhood where the attacks took place is affluent; the Mahboubian's home is now worth $1.8million.
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The head of Iran's Quds force has praised Hamas attacks on Israel and vowed 'never to abandon Palestinians' in a letter to the head of the group's military wing - even as talk of a ceasefire between the two sides intensifies.

It comes after Israel ignored Biden's calls for a cease fire within 24 hours yesterday, and the IDF continued to pound targets in Gaza while Hamas launched several rockets into Israel, although sources on both sides claimed a halt to fighting could come tomorrow.

Head of the Quds force Esmail Ghaani, who took the role after predecessor Qassem Soleimani was assassinated in a US airstrike, wrote to Mohammed Deif - leader of Hamas's Qassem Brigades - praising him for his 'great battle' against Israel.

He said the latest round of fighting - which has killed 239 people, 227 of them Palestinian - 'a new era in the conflict with the Zionist enemy' that has 'once again proved [their] weakness.'

'We will not leave Palestine alone, regardless of the pressures and siege,' he added, writing: 'I kiss the hands that are carrying the weapons of Jihad to defend Jerusalem and its holy sites.

'We will never be satisfied until [Israel] is removed from the blessed land of Palestine and the liberation of every grain of its soil.'

Iran's Quds force is heavily involved in funding and arming both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a terrorist organisation which operates in Gaza.

The contents of Ghaani's letter were revealed by Palestinian news agencies on Thursday as fighting between the two sides continued, flying in the face of reports suggesting an end-of-week ceasefire.

IDF jets carried out another night of raids aimed at destroying Hamas tunnel networks and continued bombing targets in Gaza throughout the day, though at a lessened pace from previous days, JPost reported.

The skies over Israel remained free of Hamas early Thursday morning but intensified in the afternoon, with mortars and missiles fired at targets across the border.

A boy holds flowers among rubbles after Palestinian Al Deyri family's home demolished by Israeli army's airstrikes in Gaza City

Relatives of 11-year-old Deema Asaliyeh, who was killed on Israeli attacks, mourn over her body during funeral ceremony at Jabalia refugee camp in Beit Lahia, Gaza, on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 227 Palestinians on Thursday, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 wounded

Children mourn the death of 11-year-old Deema Asaliyeh, on Thursday after she was killed in an Israeli bombardment of Jabalia refugee camp in Beit Lahia, Gaza

Relatives of 11-year-old Deema Asaliyeh, who was killed on Israeli attacks, mourn during her funeral ceremony at Jabalia refugee camp in Beit Lahia, Gaza

An Israeli missile crashed into a house in Khan Yunis on the Gaza Strip and landed on double bed. But it failed to explode, forcing Palestinian workers to delicately remove it by crane

An Israeli man examines his damaged home in the southern town of Sderot on Thursday after it was hit by rocket fire from Gaza. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted or landing in open areas. Twelve people in Israel, including a five-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

A Palestinian man pushes a trolley past a pile of rubble in Gaza City on Thursday as Israeli bombardments continue despite Washington's intervention

Esmail Ghaani, the head of Iran's Quds force, has praised Hamas attacks on Israel and vowed never to abandon Palestinians

Central to Israel's strategy is knocking out Hamas's underground network of tunnels which allows them to funnel weapons and rockets underneath densely populated civilian areas, below schools and hospitals. Hamas has invested around $250 million in the vast infrastructure, which they first began using to hide from the IDF. Today, the tunnels are up to 90ft deep, stand 6ft tall by 6ft wide, and contain kitchens as well as living quarters and meeting rooms. Not only do the jihadists use them to hide and transport weapons, but also for training new militants and storing armaments.

Israeli soldiers fire artillery shells towards the Gaza Strip from their position along the border with the Palestinian enclave on Thursday

After a visit to military headquarters yesterday, Netanyahu said he appreciated 'the support of the American president,' but he said Israel would push ahead to return 'calm and security' to Israeli citizens.

Mourners carry the body of 32-year-old Huda Khazandar, killed in an Israeli airstrike that also wounded her husband and neighbours, in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday

Palestinian sisters sit on an unexploded missile fired by Israeli warplanes following bombardments over Gaza City on Wednesday

Hamas explosive experts remove an unexploded Israeli missile from a house in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday

Palestinians pray over the body of 32-year-old Huda Khazandar, killed in an Israeli airstrike that also wounded her husband and neighbours, in Khan Yunis

One anti-tank missile destroyed an IDF bus that had been transporting paratroopers but was empty when it was blown up. One soldier standing nearby was lightly injured with shrapnel. Rockets also landed in Ashkelon and Ashdod, leaving one man injured.

The death toll from 10 days of fighting now stands at 239 - 227 Palestinians, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 wounded.

Twelve people in Israel, including a five-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

Officials involved in peace talks told The Wall Street Journal that Egyptian mediators had made ground in their talks with Hamas and that Israel had 'privately conceded' that the aims of its operation were almost complete.

Chief of the Hamas political wing Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook said last night that he believed a truce could be arrived at by Thursday evening or Friday night but warned: 'The equation is clear - if they escalate we escalate.'

Central to Israel's strategy is knocking out Hamas's underground network of tunnels which allows them to funnel weapons and rockets underneath densely populated civilian areas, below schools and hospitals.

Hamas has invested around $250 million in the vast infrastructure, which they first began using to hide from the IDF.

Today, the tunnels are up to 90ft deep, stand 6ft tall by 6ft wide, and contain kitchens as well as living quarters and meeting rooms.

Not only do the jihadists use them to hide and transport weapons, but also for training new militants and storing armaments.

Explosions rocked Gaza City again through the early hours of Thursday, with orange flares flashing across the night sky and air strikes also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis.

As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis. There were also heavy air strikes on al-Saftawi Street, a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi (centre) and his German counterpart Heiko Maas (right) visit a building on Thursday that was hit during Israeli-Palestinian fighting in Petah Tikva, Israel

Palestinians inspect their destroyed house after Israeli air strikes in Jabaliya refugee camp northern Gaza Strip

Palestinian firefighters battle flames following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Thursday

Relatives of a woman who was killed in Gaza last night mourn during her funeral in Khan Younis

Relatives of 11-year-old Deema Asaliyeh, who was killed on Israeli attacks, mourn over her body during funeral ceremony at Jabalia refugee camp in Beit Lahia, Gaza

Palestinians scour the rubble this morning in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip

Palestinians sit amidst the damage in the aftermath of Israeli air strikes, amid Israeli-Palestinian fighting, in Gaza on Thursday

A Palestinian woman works in a kitchen inside a house damaged in an Israeli air strike in Gaza on Thursday

Palestinians gather at the site if a burst pipe after it was strike by Israeli aircraft in Gaza on Thursday

A dusty-faced cat walks in front of its owners house after it was bombed by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on Thursday

Rubble is piled in a street in Gaza City on Thursday as Israeli bombardments of the Strip continue despite US pressure

The Israeli military said it struck at least four homes of Hamas commanders, targeting 'military infrastructure', as well as a weapons storage unit at the home of a Hamas fighter in Gaza City.

An Israeli air strike smashed into the Khawaldi family's two-storey house in Khan Younis, destroying it. The 11 residents, who were sleeping in a separate area out of fear, were all wounded and taken to hospital, said neighbour Shaker al-Khozondar.

Shrapnel hit his family home next door, killing his aunt and wounding her daughter and two cousins, he said. Weam Fares, a spokesman for a nearby hospital, confirmed her death and said at least 10 people were wounded in strikes overnight.

Mr Netanyahu has pushed back against calls from the Biden administration to wrap up the operation that has left hundreds dead.

It marks the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began last week and could complicate international efforts to reach a ceasefire. His pushback also poses a difficult early test of the US-Israel relationship.

After visiting military headquarters, Mr Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he appreciated 'the support of the American president', but that Israel would push ahead to return 'calm and security' to its citizens.

He said he was 'determined to continue this operation until its aim is met'.

Israelis inspect the damage of their houses at the site where rockets launched from Gaza fell in the Israeli city of Petah Tikva

Smoke rises after Israeli army carried out airstrikes over Rafah. The pattern of the explosion suggests use of a bunker busting missile targeting underground Hamas infrastructure

An Israeli military official speaks to Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek and Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok as they visit the site of a building damaged by a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip last week, in Petah Tikva, Israel

A fire ball erupts from a building following an Israeli bombardment over Rafah

Hamas explosive experts remove an unexploded Israeli missile from a house in Khan Yunis on Thursday

Smoke rises after Israeli army carried out airstrikes over Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, on Wednesday

US President Joe Biden had earlier told Mr Netanyahu that he expected 'a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire', the White House said.

Mr Biden had previously avoided pressing Israel more directly and publicly for a ceasefire with Hamas. But pressure has been building for Mr Biden to intervene more forcefully as other diplomatic efforts gather strength.

Egyptian negotiators have also been working to halt the fighting, and an Egyptian diplomat said top officials were waiting for Israel's response to a ceasefire offer.

Moussa Abu Marzouk, a top Hamas official, told the Lebanese Mayadeen TV that he expected a ceasefire in a day or two.

The current round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began on May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims.

Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network it refers to as the 'Metro'.
Chinese investment in Australian property deals collapsed in 2020 while tensions between the two governments grew.

Sino investment in Australian commercial projects worth $10million-plus plunged to $920million in 2020 - down $400million from the year before - Real Capital Analytics told Daily Mail Australia.

The drop isn't over yet either with Chinese state-owned and private investment in the same sector at a paltry $29million for the first three months of 2021.

While Canberra and Beijing engaged in a war of words, Chinese investment in Australian commercial property has fallen off a cliff

The $700million-plus luxury W Hotel at Darling Harbour is managed by Marriott and owned by the Chinese-backed Greaton Group

Australia's relations with China tanked when Canberra criticised Beijing's handling of the pandemic, which was first detected in Wuhan.

Since Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison called for an inquiry into coronavirus in April 2020, China has banned several Australian exports including coal, seafood, beef and barley, and has turned its attention to ditching Australian iron-ore.

In the last two weeks China threatened to bring 'economic carnage' upon Australia in response to big defence spending announced in last week's federal budget.

Since Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison called for an inquiry into coronavirus in April 2020, China has banned several Australian exports

The purchase of Sydney landmark Grosvenor Place by the China Investment Corporation has not yet been approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board

Benjamin Martin-Henry, Asia-Pacific head of analytics for Real Capital Analytics, said Chinese investment in Australian commercial property was started by a Beijing decree that began to dramatically wind back offshore investment back in 2015.

The peak for Chinese investment here was 2016 when it hit $5.4billion.

That means current investment in Australia's commercial property sector by China has dropped $4billion in just four years.

The data collected focused on income-producing real estate such as offices, industrial and retail blocks, hotels, rental apartments and development sites for commercial projects worth at least $12.9million.

'It's hard to ascertain whether the current trade war is having an impact on volumes because they have been declining for the past six years,' Mr Martin-Henry said.

'But this current political environment is not good news for investment. Tensions create a lot of uncertainty for investors.'

Frosty government relations could also be affecting deals that are still in play. One of the biggest is the $1.2billion 225 George Street in Sydney, also known as Grosvenor Place.

Sydney's Barangaroo district is a commercial precinct built with major investment from China

China Investment Corporation bought the Sydney landmark for an estimated $1.2billion in 2020 - but the deal has yet to be approved by Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board.

These figures do not include individual residential investments - which have also been heavily invested in by Chinese private and government enterprises, especially in Australia's major capital cities.

Chinese investment in Australia's real estate is said to have peaked at over $31billion in 2015 slumping to $6.1billion in 2019.

The Chinese government has also vowed to hasten development of iron ore mines at home and abroad so its companies are less reliant on Australian exports.

China has been importing record amounts of iron ore, the key mineral used to make steel, as its economy grows after the coronavirus pandemic - and about 60 per cent of its supply comes from Australia.
Watkins claims Chansley's mind was 'slipping away from him' and he said he has concerns for his mental health and well-being

In interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo, Watkins claimed his client's 'vulnerable' mind was poisoned by Donald Trump's tweets and his 'incessant drivel'

acob Chansley, 33, is among those awaiting potential prison sentences after being charged over the US Capitol riots on January 6

A lawyer for the so-called 'QAnon Shaman' who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 has defended calling other pro-Donald Trump rioters 'f**king retards.'

Attorney Albert Watkins attempted to justify the slur while discussing his client Jacob Chansley's case on Chris Cuomo's CNN show Wednesday.

He said the insult was part of his plan following 'long standing pleas for compassion and understanding of those involved in the events of January 6 with mental health issues and disabilities have to date fallen on deaf ears'.

Watkins added: 'For five months I acted professionally. I talked to the people that needed to know. I made sure that the Department of Justice had the opportunity firsthand to meet with my client.

'Not once, not twice but multiple times. I got nowhere. All I had to do was get vulgar. Get vulgar in a short soundbite-driven quote that permitted this very issue to come to the fore.'

Watkins claimed Chansley's 'vulnerable' mind was poisoned by Trump's tweets and 'incessant drivel' claiming Joe Biden had stolen the 2020 election result from him.

Chansley shot to fame after he was pictured inside the US Capitol shirtless, wearing a horned hat and with red and blue body paint smeared over his face. He was arrested shortly after, and remains in custody on six riot-related charges.

Watkins said Chansley's mind was 'slipping away from him' and claimed that his client's military records 'reflect, indicate and demonstrate concern for the mental health and well-being' of Chansley.

He also claimed Chansley was actually helping police on the day he stormed the Capitol building by collecting items 'that had been stolen from them' as well as allegedly stopping a theft.

Jacob Chansley's attorney Albert Watkins (right) defended calling the rioters 'on the goddamn spectrum' in an interview with CNN's Cuomo (left) on Wednesday while claiming his 33-year-old client's 'vulnerable' mind was poisoned by Trump's tweets and his 'incessant drivel'

Jacob Chansley, the self-described QAnon Shaman who was pictured inside the US Capitol wearing a horned hat, is among those awaiting potential prison sentences after being charged over the January 6 riots

The lawyer has been embroiled in controversy after he had described those who attended the siege as 'people with brain damage'.

Watkins had previously noted that his client, who remains jailed on charges of civil disorder and five other counts, has Asperger's syndrome.

In an expletive-laden interview with Talking Points Memo, released on Tuesday, Watkins said: 'A lot of these defendants - and I'm going to use this colloquial term, perhaps disrespectfully - but they're all f***ing short-bus people.

'These are people with brain damage, they're f***ing retarded, they're on the goddamn spectrum. F**k, they were subjected to four-plus years of goddamn propaganda the likes of which the world has not seen since f***ing Hitler.'

Watkins has argued that the comments were part of a 'calibrated move' following 'long standing pleas for compassion and understanding of those involved in the events of January 6 with mental health issues and disabilities have to date fallen on deaf ears'. Self proclaimed QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley is pictured on January 6

Watkins, during that CNN interview, also accused Cuomo of calling his client 'crazy'.

But in a fiery interview with Cuomo later on Wednesday, Cuomo said he had never made the comments and a transcript would prove it.

Watkins then tripled down on his earlier comments where he had called the MAGA mob 'f***ing retarded', saying he was just taking a cue from Cuomo.

Watkins told Cuomo: 'I should have taken your tack early on. I should have been completely devoid of compassion and patience for our countrymen, those who truly were vulnerable.

'By pointing that out, by trying to respectfully address the reality that we have people that are vulnerable, mentally infirm, they do have issues.'

Watkins also claimed Chansley's mental state is poor and he has concerns.

He said: 'I think his mind is slipping away right now,' adding: 'I've acquired, from the the government, the military records that correspond to my client, which reflect, indicate and demonstrate concern for the mental health and well-being of my client.'

Watkins noted that his client, who remains jailed on charges of civil disorder and five other counts, has Asperger's syndrome

The attorney had previously tried to argue that Trump was to blame for Chansley's actions because he'd dragged him into a web of lies. Trump is pictured at the Save America Rally before rioters stormed the Capitol

Watkins also insisted that we must look at the reality of the Capitol Hill riots - which is, he argues, that the rioters were 'vulnerable' and therefore 'susceptible' to the words of Trump.

He said: 'What we all have to look at and the reality is these people, not all of them, a great number of them who walked down Pennsylvania avenue had a vulnerability.

'And that vulnerability put them in a position of being susceptible. Susceptible to the words, to the actions and this incessant drivel that was being poured upon them out of tweets, out of the White House, out of the mouth of our former president and all of the social media that went with it.'

Watkins then went on to claim that Chansley, instead of being destructive or violent during the riots, had in fact helped police.

'In the case of Jacob Chansley, he was helping law enforcement garner items that had been stolen from them. Stopping a theft that was going on.'

'He entered the Capitol,' interrupted Cuomo. 'He was flying in there with his spear. He was saying obnoxious things.'

'No, no,' replied Watkins. 'That's a mischaracterization.'

The attorney had previously tried to argue that Trump was to blame for Chansley's actions the day he stormed the Capitol carrying a spear draped with an American flag.

He told the judge during a pre-trial hearing in March that Chansley had gone to the Capitol 'like Forrest Gump' at Trump's invitation.

'We're not dealing with a man of violence,' Watkins said.

'They genuinely believed in the truth of what was being asserted by the highest hired hand in the land, the president.'

He had claimed that Trump had drawn Chansley into a web of lies.

Watkins had argued that Chansley believed police were allowing him and other protesters to enter the Capitol building, which his client later repeated in an interview with 60 Minutes from jail.

The judge later branded Chansley a liar after footage submitted by the prosecution showed him standing atop scaffolding while rioters clashed with police officers below.

He was later filmed walking through a doorway into the Capitol after rioters broke windows.

'The government's video shows that defendant blatantly lied during his interview with 60 Minutes+ when he said that police officers waved him into the building,' the judge wrote.

'Further, this video confirms that defendant did not, as defense counsel claims, enter the building' contemporaneously with the exiting by Capitol Police.' [] Nor did he enter, as defense counsel represents, in the 'third wave' of the breach. To the contrary, he quite literally spearheaded it.'

Christopher Kuehne, left, has asked a judge to sever his case from his co-defendants after their lawyer Albert Watkins, right, called the MAGA mob 'f***ing retarded'

Christopher Kuehne (camouflage helmet with orange tape in black) pictured with other Proud Boys storming the Capitol on January 6

Yesterday, Christopher Kuehne, 47, who is charged over the Capitol right has asked a judge to sever his case from his co-defendants after their laywer Watkins made the controversial comments.

Kuehne was indicted alongside William Chrestman, Louis Enrique Colon and siblings Felicia and Cory Konold in February.

Now Kuehne, a Marine, has called comments by Watkins 'highly inappropriate and prejudicial', Law & Crime reports.

Kuehne's lawyer, Marina Medvin, argues his 'trial rights are prejudiced by the joinder of his case with codefendants who are represented by a counselor who has made highly inappropriate and prejudicial statements'.

Kuehne's lawyer, Marina Medvin, argues his 'trial rights are prejudiced by the joinder of his case with codefendants who are represented by a counselor who has made highly inappropriate and prejudicial statements'

Christopher Kuehne (camouflage helmet with orange tape in black) pictured with other Proud Boys storming the Capitol on January 6. Kuehne's motion argues: 'Unlike his co-defendants, Mr. Kuehnes defense strategy does not include self-degradation, nor an insanity plea'

Those comments 'directly impact and prejudice Mr. Kuehnes right to a fair trial', Medvin claims, adding: 'Therefore, Mr. Kuehne invokes his right for relief, seeking severance.'

Kuehne's motion argues: 'Unlike his co-defendants, Mr. Kuehnes defense strategy does not include self-degradation, nor an insanity plea.

'A joint trial also poses a serious risk that the jury will be compromised in making a reliable judgment about the guilt or innocence of Mr. Kuehne after co-defendants counsel has demeaned his mental abilities publicly and has previewed how he plans to present his clients defense moving forward. A joint jury trial under such conditions for Mr. Kuehne is inherently unfair.

'Unlike his co-defendants, Mr. Kuehne is not willing to throw in the towel, nor to throw an entire political party under the bus through cheap Nazi comparisons.'

Kuehne faces charges including conspiracy and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon.
Elon Musk has sparked hopes he is planning to build a major Tesla 'gigafactory' in the UK in what would be a major industry boost for post-Brexit Britain.

Ministers have been sounding out development agencies to locate sites for a major production plant after the world's third-richest man made a secret trip to England last week.

Mr Musk flew into Luton on his private jet amid problems with a factory he is building in Germany.

The $4.9billion Gruenheide gigafactory site 24 miles east of Berlin was scheduled to open on July 1, but the launch was last month delayed until later in the year.

It is facing huge construction delays due to government red tape, environmental activists and unexploded Second World War bombs, meaning its first cars might not be produced until next year.

Tesla's $4.9billion Gruenheide gigafactory site 24 miles east of Berlin, visited by Mr Musk on Monday (pictured) was scheduled to open on July 1, but the launch was last month delayed until later in the year

It is facing huge construction delays due to government red tape, environmental activists and unexploded WW2 bombs, meaning its first cars might not be produced until next year.

Ministers have been sounding out development agencies to locate sites for a major production plant after the world's third-richest man made a secret trip to England last week.

Musk visited the plant on Monday after a short stop off in London on his 50million private jet, and tweeted on Tuesday: 'Giga Berlin suppliers please accelerate!'

But he arrived in Germany after spending several days in the UK, promoting hopes that he is planning a similar development in Britain.

The Office for Investment has put out an appeal for sites in he West Midlands and Teesside suitable for a 250 hectare factory, the Daily Telegraph reported.

If proved true the factory would cap a remarkable turnaround in opinion by Mr Musk. He chose to build a factory in Germany in 2019, saying uncertainty caused by Brexit made it 'too risky' to build the factory in the UK.

The German plant is Tesla's fourth gigafactory, adding to its existing sites in Nevada, New York and Shanghai. One is also being constructed in Texas.

Tesla is estimated to have some 30 per cent of the European market for battery-powered cars.

Mr Musk unveiled the Model Y all-electric SUV in California earlier this year and has promised to build the car at the German plant along with batteries and powertrains.
An Indian man was forced to carry his dying father to hospital on a wooden handcart because he couldn't get an ambulance as the country battles a third Covid-19 wave.

Heartbreaking video footage taken on Wednesday in the Siwan district of Bihar, east India, shows the man pushing his father on the cart. It is not known whether the father was suffering from Covid-19.

Meanwhile, an Indian professor died of Covid soon after taking to social media to beg for an ICU bed, as the country's death toll climbed with another 3,874 fatalities in 24 hours.

And a woman, 45, with coronavirus died on Wednesday, while her daughter claimed she was gang raped by three employees of Paras HMRI Hospital in Patna. The hospital has denied the rape allegation.

India has been fighting a serious third wave of coronavirus for the past month, which saw hospitals in Delhi forced to turn away patients last month as they had no more beds left.

An Indian man was forced to carry his dying father to hospital on a wooden handcart (pictured) because he couldn't get an ambulance as the country battles a third Covid-19 wave

Now, a video shows an unidentified man pushing his father, who is lying on a large cloth on top of a wooden handcart, down a quiet street in the Siwan district of Bihar.

The father is not seen moving as his son pushes him while onlookers watch. It is not known whether the father was suffering from Covid-19 or another ailment.

The man claimed that he took matters into his own hands and decided to carry his father using a handcart because he was unable to find an ambulance in the area.

He allegedly waited for an ambulance to arrive but began transporting his father himself because he feared he would die if he didn't.

Amid India's Covid crisis, the country reported 276,110 new coronavirus infections on Thursday over the previous 24 hours, while the daily death toll rose by another 3,874.

Although the number of cases and deaths are starting to decline, there is speculation the death doll could be an under-representation, due to most deaths in rural areas of India going unrecorded.

Questions about the Delhi's official Covid statistics have been raised after a private testing company found that 63 per cent of the people it tested had coronavirus antibodies, meaning they have been infected by the virus and recovered.

In another fatality from the virus, Nabila Sadiq, a professor at Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University, died on Monday night after taking to Twitter on May 4 to beg for an ICU bed amid her Covid battle.

Heartbreaking video footage (above) taken on Wednesday in the Siwan district of Bihar, east India, shows the man pushing his father on the cart. It is not known if the father had Covid-19

Meanwhile, Nabila Sadiq (pictured), a professor at Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University, died on Monday night after taking to Twitter on May 4 to beg for an ICU bed amid her Covid battle

Meanwhile, the South Asian nation's infection tally stands at 25.77 million, with a death toll of 287,122, health ministry data showed.

University professor Nabila Sadiq died on Monday evening after recording her battle with Covid on Twitter, including putting out an SOS call for an ICU bed on May 4, according to NDTV.

Her Twitter feed tragically recorded her last few days before her death, where she asked people to 'pray' for herself and her parents and expressed her fear that 'no one will stay alive in Delhi'.

In April, she shared a flood of social media posts expressing her desperation at the Covid crisis in India, writing on April 24: 'Too young and known people dying due to lack of oxygen.

'Every day I wake up to a death news. Too much for the mental state. When will this end.'

Nabila, 38, also documented her own battle with the deadly virus, taking to Twitter on April 26 to 'pray' that her health would improve after her fever had reduced.

On May 1, she penned: 'Pray for me and parents please. We sail through.'

The next day, Nabila then tweeted: 'At this rate no one will stay alive in Delhi at least.'

She then begged people to help her find a bed in an intensive care unit, soon after Indian hospitals were forced to turn patients away amid a spike in Covid cases.

She wrote on May 4: 'Any ICU bed leads? For myself.'

Her last tweet, posted on the same day, simply read: 'Got it.'

Despite securing herself a hospital bed, after being turned away by three hospitals, Nabila's lungs were already too damaged and she died on Monday night, NDTV reported.

While she was in Fortis Hospital in Faridabad, Nabila was also allegedly not told when her mother Nuzhat, who was also battling coronavirus, had died on May 7.

Nabila, 38, (pictured) documented her own battle with the deadly virus, taking to Twitter on April 26 to 'pray' that her health would improve after her fever had reduced

Despite securing herself a hospital bed, after being turned away by three hospitals, Nabila's lungs were already too damaged and she died on Monday night

Her father Mohammad Sadiq, 86, said he is a 'walking corpse' after tragically losing both his wife and his daughter, who died within just 10 days of one another.

The former Jamia professor continued: 'When my wife died I thought I have my daughter. Now all I have are memories.'

Her student Wagar, who was with the family throughout, said they called every hospital in Delhi NCR to get Nabila an oxygen bed before her friends helped them secure one at Fortis Hospital.

But Nabila's oxygen levels had reportedly already dropped to 32 per cent by the time they got her a hospital bed, and she was put on a ventilator on Saturday before she tragically died on Monday.

Wagar added: 'It feels like we lost our mother. She helped so many people during the pandemic.'

Meanwhile, a Covid-infected woman, 45, died on Wednesday, while her daughter alleged that she was gang raped by three employees at a private Patna hospital.

The deceased woman's daughter has claimed that her mother was admitted to Paras HMRI Hospital in Patna on May 15 with symptoms of coronavirus, National Herald India reported.

She claimed that her mother was sexually assaulted by three members of staff in the hospital's ICU on May 16. The hospital denied the rape allegation in a written statement on Wednesday.

The daughter said: 'My mother was sexually assaulted by three persons inside the hospital ICU on May 16.

'She had informed me about the incident. Since then her health condition deteriorated. I spoke to my relatives and the women's wing of the Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) about the incident.'

She added that hospital administration put her mother on a ventilator because it would be 'life-threatening' not to after her health had deteriorated.

The daughter continued: 'I suspect that the doctors in the hospital intubated her in the neck, so that she couldn't give her statement to the police. Now they have declared her dead.'

M.L. Khan, the Duty Magistrate of Patna, said: 'We have received a complaint from the deceased's person's daughter against the hospital administration. The names of the accused are not mentioned in her complaint.

'We have sent the body for post-mortem to ascertain if there was sexual assault. The hospital administration has cited corona infection as the cause of her death. Further investigation is on.'

The hospital management team also released a written statement on Wednesday, which denied the rape charge and claimed 'such an incident did not happen' in the hospital, the National Herald India reported.

India reported 276,110 new coronavirus infections on Thursday over the previous 24 hours, while the daily death toll rose by another 3,874

The statement read: 'The patient was admitted to the Covid ICU of our hospital on May 15, with symptoms of Covid. On May 16 evening, the patient had become restless and was not maintaining proper saturation on high flow oxygen.

'The doctors decided to put her on CPAP support. The patient was very restless and was still not maintaining proper saturation, thus a group of clinicians decided to put her on mechanical invasive ventilation.

'The patient after being put on ventilation did not show signs of recovery and her vitals and other parameters kept deteriorating. The poor prognosis of the patient was explained to the next of kin on several occasions. Unfortunately, the patient lost her battle with Covid on the morning of May 19.'

It added: 'The patient's daughter has alleged that the patient had been molested by three personnel, whom she was unable to identify between 6 pm of May 16 and 11 am of May 17. This matter was taken up by the hospital management and an internal enquiry was done based on the same.

'After the investigation, the hospital management had shared its conclusion with the appropriate authorities that such an incident did not happen in the premises of the hospital.'

It concluded: 'We are committed to providing the best care to our patients and we will support and extend our cooperation in all investigations and related matters of this case.'

MailOnline has contacted Paras HMRI Hospital for comment.

Elsewhere, it was reported on Wednesday that hundreds of decomposing bodies of coronavirus victims were continuing to wash up in the Ganges across India.

Local residents from towns on the banks of the 1,560-mile long river said dozens of new corpses appear everyday, and claimed the events expose India's official death toll of 287,122 as a sham.

Questions about the Delhi's official Covid statistics have also been raised after a private testing company found that 63% of the people it tested had coronavirus antibodies, meaning they have been infected by the virus and recovered.

Locals in Uttar Pradesh say they are being forced to wade through corpses while bathing in the river as feral dogs and birds feast on the bodies. The grim scenes on the Ganges started last week when 71 bodies washed up on the bank in Chausa village.

The following day, in Gahmar, six miles away, dozens more decomposing corpses were spotted by villagers, while in the neighbouring Ballia district, bathers found 62 rotting bodies floating in the river.

All along the Ganges, in villages including Kanpur, Kannauj, Unnao and Prayagraj, shallow graves and human mounds line the embankment, while in Mahadevi ghat, more than 50 bodies were found.

It was reported on Wednesday that hundreds of decomposing bodies of Covid victims were washing up in the Ganges. Pictured: Funeral pyres are seen in a cremation ground in Garhmukteshwar

Locals in Uttar Pradesh say they are being forced to wade through corpses as dogs and birds feast on the bodies. Pictured: Covid victim is burned on a funeral pyre on banks of the Ganges

A journalist in Kanpur told the BBC that poorer people cannot afford cremations, so wrap bodies in muslin and push them into the river.

This practice happens in non-pandemic times but villagers have never seen so many bodies wash up in such a short space of time.

In Kanpur, officially 196 people died from Covid between April 16 and May 5, but the data shows around 8,000 cremations took place, which were often held by family members rather than official crematoriums.

Crematoriums only accepted bodies that had come from a hospital with a Covid certificate but many people were dying at home having not received a test.

A source said: 'Their families took the bodies to the outskirts of the city or to neighbouring districts like Unnao. When they couldn't find wood or a cremation spot, they just buried them on the river bed.'

There are fears that the new, highly infectious variant is out of control and that many cases are going unreported because of lack of testing, particularly in the vast countryside.

Data from Thyrocare, a chain of private laboratories, appeared to back up those fears, showing that 63.5 per cent of people tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies on average over the last seven days, up from 45 per cent a month ago.

The data from 25 states included individuals who were infected in the past, vaccinated, uninfected and those who had not been vaccinated, the company's Chief Executive Arokiaswamy Velumani said on Twitter.

Daily testing hit a record 2 million on Tuesday, figures from the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research showed.

But that still falls short of India's claimed daily testing capacity of 3.3million, said Rijo M John, a professor at the Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in the southern city of Kochi.

India performed 224 tests for every 1,000 of its population in a single day this month, according to estimates by research firm GlobalData. This compared with 1,307 tests per 1,000 of population in the United States on the same day, the firm said.
A six-month-old baby boy has died after drowning at a home in Sydney's south-west.

Emergency services were called out to a home in Seaborn Avenue, Oran Park, at about 4.40pm on Thursday after reports were made about a 'concern for welfare'.

Initial reports suggested the young boy suffered a 'near-drowning' incident but this was later changed when he became unresponsive and went into cardiac arrest.

Paramedics gave him CPR at the house before he was rushed to Campbelltown Hospital in a critical condition.

Sadly he could not be revived.

Emergency services were called about 4.40pm on Thursday to reports of a concern for welfare at a house in Seaborn Avenue, Oran Park (pictured)

A six-month-old baby boy was rushed to hospital but died at the scene. Pictured: a man and woman embracing at the scene

It is not yet known how or where the child drowned.

A woman was arrested at the scene and taken to Camden Police Station where she is currently assisting with inquiries.

NSW police told Daily Mail Australia that the homicide squad were 'alerted' to the incident, which is protocol for any 'unexplained deaths'.

One neighbour on Seaborn Avenue watched the scene unfold and comforted the grandparents of the child outside the house, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'(The family) had just moved in last week, they seemed so lovely, two small kids  they were such a cute family, the grandparents were so nice,' the neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, told the publication.

'We spoke a few times, said hi, then (on Thursday) I came out and found police everywhere  I held (the grandparents), comforted them as they took the baby away.'

The neighbour, who had only just moved into the suburb, said he had chosen the street to set up his own family home.

'The kids from the home are so young, I just feel for the family,' he said.

Police have set up a crime scene.

Investigations into the incident continue.
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Grant Shapps today hinted that the 'green list' could be expanded within weeks amid mounting pressure for France, Spain, Italy and Greece to be added.

The Transport Secretary delivered an optimistic message about the prospects for summer travel as he defended the government's traffic light system - despite fury that it has caused confusion and chaos.

He urged people to be 'patient' rather than booking trips to 'amber' rated destinations - suggesting the roster of places classed as safe to visit is on track to get longer when it is reviewed at the start of next month.

The positive signs came amid calls for countries such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece to be added to the 'green list', with warnings that the UK travel industry is being left behind as Europe reopens.

Despite a series of ministers warning that people should not be going to amber-rated countries for holidays yet, hundreds of thousands of people have been braving quarantine and testing requirements to go anyway.

And millions more are believed to have gambled by booking trips to popular locations later in the summer.

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren complained today that the government has been using polls and focus groups to make decisions rather than following the evidence, arguing that more mainstream holiday hotspots should be on the green list along with Portugal.

'We have looked at the data that is available and the scientific evidence shows that you have a number of countries in Europe that are now on the amber list that should go into the green list,' he said.

'You can see that that is happening in Europe as we speak. European travel is opening up at large scale.'

However, despite the hopeful words from Mr Shapps it is unclear the basis on which the EU will be willing to receive UK tourists.

The bloc's ambassadors agreed yesterday that people who have received both vaccine jabs should be allowed without quarantine or testing restrictions, but there are doubts over whether that will apply to non-vaccinated Brits.

Portugal is currently the only major tourist destination on the 'green list'. Pictured, Albufeira

Grant Shapps today held out the prospect of expending the 'green list' within weeks amid calls for France, Spain, Italy and Greece to be added

Backlash at quarantine checks Ministers faced a backlash last night over plans to check up on people returning from amber list countries who are supposed to be self-isolating at home. A Home Office source said Test and Trace officials carried out 7,000 home visits on Tuesday alone. People found to be out face fines of up to 10,000. Home Secretary Priti Patel said people returning from abroad should expect a 'knock on the door'. But former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, said: 'It does sound heavy-handed... If you've had the vaccine, why do you need to be careful? You are so unlikely to get the virus or transmit it.' Covid expert Professor Neil Ferguson said the effectiveness of home quarantine was 'much lower than we might have hoped' and hotel quarantine was the only reliable method. Advertisement

In a round of interviews, Mr Shapps urged the public to have 'a little more patience as the world catches up with our vaccine programme'.

Travellers returning to Britain from an amber location must quarantine at home for 10 days and take a pre-departure test and two post-arrival tests.

'There's a heck of a lot of hassle involved,' Mr Shapps told Sky News.

'It's expensive. We're not at the stage of saying to people, go to those places on holiday, in fact, please don't.'

Portugal is currently the only major tourist destination on the 'green list'.

But Mr Shapps said he wanted to see more countries added.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'The amber list and the red list are not for holidaymakers, that's not the purpose of those lists at this time.

'We just think that after a year of lockdowns in this country, of people coming forward in record numbers to get their vaccines, we do not want to be in a position of taking risks at this stage about our unlock.'

Asked if he was pushing for the green list to be extended he said: 'Of course. The reason for that is we have ended up getting way ahead in terms of our vaccination programme in this country and we are just having to wait for other countries to catch up with us.

'That's going to gradually happen, obviously, you can see it's happening, so that list should expand.'

Mr Shapps added: 'We are reviewing this all the time, every three weeks, the next review is in the first week of June and we'll have to see what happens.

Mr Shapps added: 'Our message is very straightforward, which is 'just a little bit of patience, everyone'.

'I know it's been an incredibly tough year and there are extreme circumstance where people will feel that it is the right thing to do  perhaps because they have a sick family member and some extreme situations where they'll travel in the orange category.

'But by and large we are just asking people to be a little bit patient as other countries catch up with our world-leading vaccination programme and then people will be able to, I hope, travel.

'We are returning to a world which looks more normal, I hope.'

Mr Shapps defended the continued availability of direct flights from countries such as India on the coronavirus red list.

The seven-day infection rates per million people have been coming down in France, Greece, Spain and Italy

It is not the first time that the variant has been detected in Germany, but it does come amid increased fears about the virus after it began spreading rapidly in the UK (pictured, areas where the variant is now the dominant strain)

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren suggested the government was using polls and focus groups to make decisions rather than following the evidence

Millions are taking a punt and have booked holidays to Amber List nations, especially in Europe, despite warnings not to fly out

EasyJet calls for bigger green list after unveiling 700m loss in six months EasyJet has revealed widened half-year losses and expects to fly only around 15 per cent of its pre-pandemic flight programme until the end of June despite international leisure travel restarting this week. The low-cost airline reported underlying losses of 701million for the six months to March 31 against 193million a year ago. It added that while capacity will still be only around 15% of 2019 levels in its third quarter, it expects to ramp up its programme from June onwards to meet 'pent-up demand'. The Luton-based carrier has added more than 105,000 seats on flights when the Government announced the so-called green list countries  from which UK travellers will not need to quarantine on return. Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: 'We are ready to significantly ramp up our flying for the summer with a view to maximising the opportunities we see in Europe. 'We have the ability to flex up quickly to operate 90% of our current fleet over the peak summer period to match demand.' 'We know there is pent-up demand, we saw this again when green list countries were released and added more than 105,000 seats, and so we look forward to being able to help many more people to travel this summer,' he added. Advertisement

In an interview on Sky News, he said: 'You cannot prevent British citizens from returning home, no country can ban its own citizens.'

The Cabinet minister told BBC Breakfast that he wanted passengers arriving from amber and red list countries to be segregated in airports 'as much as is practically possible'.

He added that Heathrow, which is currently only using two of its four terminals, is examining using a 'spare terminal to bring in perhaps the red flights separately'.

Downing Street denied today that the government's message was effectively that people should not go on holiday at all this year.

There are fears that unvaccinated Britons could miss out on holidays to the EU as Brussels ponders whether to leave the UK off a 'white list' of low infection countries over rising cases of the Indian Covid variant.

Under new plans approved by EU ambassadors yesterday, non-essential travel into the bloc will be permitted for all fully vaccinated travellers regardless of their country of origin.

A 'white list' of countries will also be drawn up, allowing even unvaccinated travellers in - provided they have a negative test or evidence of a previous Covid infection.

The UK was expected to make the 'white list' since it has just 44 cases of Covid per 100,000 people, with the maximum threshold being 75.

But that is now in doubt, with ambassadors due to consider the situation tomorrow.

Spanish minister Arancha Gonzalez told BBC's Newscast podcast that the Indian variant had complicated the situation.

'There are countries who are concerned about the potential of the Indian variant to be more present in the UK and therefore to run the risk, if the EU opens towards the UK, to import the Indian variant into the European Union,' she said.

'There are countries who are saying that.

'This is why this discussion is not yet over, but I do hope that in the next hours there will be clarity on this point.'

Ms Gonzalez said Spain felt 'more confident' about letting vaccinated citizens into the country rather than applying a blanket approval for all people in the UK, but that any decision would wait until 'EU regulation has been adopted'.

She said a decision from Brussels was 'very close to getting done', adding: 'If that is the case, then yes as soon as this is done, hopefully towards the end of this week, vaccinated British citizens would be allowed in.'

Italy is one of the countries airlines say should be on the green list. Pictured, Monterosso al Mare in 2019

No 10 said it was 'still too early' to determine whether the Indian variant could delay lifting all coronavirus restrictions on June 21 but that there had 'not been any significant changes' in the past 24 hours.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: 'At the moment we are keeping a very close eye on the data.

'There is still, similar to yesterday, not been any significant changes that currently suggest we need to change our course of action.

'We are monitoring that very carefully but it is still too early to make a definitive judgment.

'We will monitor the data, crucially both on hospitalisation rates in these outbreak areas and the ongoing work on the transmissibility  both that work is ongoing, so we will aim to update next week.'

The spokesman said there was no new data expected to be published on Thursday regarding the Indian variant's transmissibility or its impact on vaccines being rolled out in the UK.
The England-wide teaching ban will be up for a review on May, 12, 2024

Fellow peers in Manchester praised her 'humility and strength of moral purpose'

A colleague saw the alcohol bottle after 'accidentally knocking' her bag over

Jane Woolfenden smuggled vodka in her handbag from her car boot in July 2018

Mrs Woolfenden cannot teach for at least three years after admitting smuggling vodka onto school premises and drinking it with orange juice during a lunch break

A primary school headteacher has been struck off for drinking vodka with orange juice during her lunch break.

Jane Woolfenden, 55, admitted smuggling a bottle of vodka in her handbag from her car boot and bringing it inside Lyndhurst Community Primary School in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, in July 2018.

A colleague said they saw the bottle of alcohol after accidentally knocking her bag over.

At a recent conduct hearing, Mrs Woolfenden, who was well-respected among her peers for her 'humility and honesty', was banned from teaching at all schools, sixth form colleges, youth accommodation and children's homes in England.

A Teaching Regulation Agency panel which met on April 29 heard how the former headteacher was seen walking to her car during a lunch break on July 10, 2018, before returning to the school premises with vodka in her handbag.

An anonymous whistleblower said they mistakenly knocked over Mrs Woolfenden's bag and saw what 'looked like a vodka bottle'.

Mrs Woolfenden admitted to drinking the alcohol to two members of staff the next day, reported Manchester Evening News.

At a disciplinary hearing alongside her trade union representative on July 20, she revealed she had bought the alcohol on the way home from work on July 9.

The former principal admitted that on July 10, she left the vodka in the car boot while attending a conference before retrieving it again at lunchtime and drinking it with orange juice.

The panel ruled that Mrs Woolfenden 'failed to maintain high standards of behaviour'.

A report published following the hearing said: 'The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mrs Woolfenden amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.

'The panel considered that, as a teacher and headteacher of the school, Mrs Woolfenden had a responsibility to safeguard the pupils at the school and her actions and decisions could be impacted by her consumption of alcohol.

'The allegations as proven had the potential to tarnish both Mrs Woolfenden's reputation and the school's reputation.'

A whistleblower also alleged smelling alcohol on the former headteacher's breath on July 11 of the same year.

They claimed she poured 'a glass of fizzy orange juice down the sink in the toilets' and appeared 'bubbly' and 'bright glassy eyed'.

However no alcohol was found on the premises that day and therefore that allegation was not proven.

A panel ruled Mrs Woolfenden showed a 'lack of insight or remorse' for drinking alcohol during her lunch break and feared she could 'repeat this behaviour', leading to a three-year teaching ban

Mrs Woolfenden is banned from all education centres in England after alcohol on the premises of Lyndhurst Community Primary School in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester

Mrs Woolfenden 'did have a previously good history', the panel found, after being sent several glowing testimonials.

One headteacher praised her 'honesty, humanity, humility and strength of moral purpose for the school and the community she serves'.

Sarah Buxcey, who made the ruling on behalf of the Secretary of State, said Mrs Woolfenden showed a lack of 'insight or remorse', creating 'some risk of repetition of this behaviour'.

She added: 'In my view, it is necessary to impose a prohibition order in order to maintain public confidence in the profession.'

Mrs Woolfenden can seek a review of the ban from May 12, 2024.

Lyndhurst Community Primary School declined to comment.
An innocent law student was 'in the wrong place at the wrong time' when she was shot dead in the street after getting caught in a crossfire between rival tyre firm owners, a court has heard.

'Unlucky' passer-by Aya Hachem, 19, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Blackburn, Lancashire, on the afternoon of May 17 last year.

The incident was the culmination of a long-running dispute between Feroz Suleman, the owner of RI Tyres, and Pachah Khan, the proprietor of Quickshine Tyres, a jury at Preston Crown Court was told today.

The court heard the shooting was the culmination of 'bad blood' and a 'petty' war between the pair.

Aya Hachem was shot in the chest and killed in a shocking incident in Blackburn last May

Aya Hachem (left), who was a trustee with the Children's Society, had been just 100 yards from her home when she was shot and killed on King Street (right, Ms Hachem, wearing a white top, stands a few yards from the Toyota which slowed beside her before several shots were fired)

Armed officers, along with as many as seven squad cars and a helicopter, attended the scene and the victim was rushed to hospital

Opening the case on Thursday, prosecutor Nicholas Johnson QC said: 'The bad blood between the men had been building over a period of time and it got to the extent that a plan was hatched to kill Mr Khan and/or someone else at Quickshine Tyres.

'What happened was planned in detail and involved many people. The prosecution alleges that each of the eight people in the dock played their part.

'At 3pm on Sunday May 17 Aya Hachem was shot dead whilst walking along King Street in Blackburn.

'She was shot by Zamir Raja who was sitting in the back of a Toyota Avensis being driven by Anthony Ennis.

'Raja was a hitman brought in from south Manchester to do a job. He fired two shots from the car which was being driven past Quickshine Tyres.

'Raja's intended target, or one of his intended targets, was Pachah Khan.

Lancashire Police officers in forensic suits at the scene of the shooting in Blackburn on May 18

Pictured: The Toyota Avensis police believe was involved in the shooting of Ms Hachem

'Zamir Raja's first shot hit one of the windows of Quickshine, the second hit Aya Hachem.

'Aya had no connection to either Mr Khan, his business, Zamir Raja, or anyone else in this case. She was simply unlucky. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.'

Suleman, 40, of, Blackburn; Raja, 33, of Stretford, Greater Manchester; Ennis, 31, of Partington, Greater Manchester, Kashif Manzoor, 26, of, Blackburn; Ayaz Hussain, 35, of Blackburn; Abubakr Satia, 32, of Blackburn, his brother Uthman Satia, 29, of Great Harwood, and Judy Chapman, 26, of Great Harwood, all deny murder.

All eight have also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Mr Khan.

The trial is estimated to last up to 10 weeks.

Mr Johnson said the feud started in early 2019 when Quickshine began selling tyres next door to RI after previously restricting itself to washing cars.

He said: 'Initially, incidents between the businesses that came to the notice of the police were relatively petty. They amounted to little more than arguments between the staff of the competing businesses and attempts to tout or steal customers from each other by sometimes offering cheaper prices literally over the wall.'

Matters deteriorated on December 3 of that year when someone set fire to RI Tyres in King Street in the early hours of the morning, said the prosecutor.

Forensic officers comb the scene following the drive-by shooting in broad daylight last year

On May 1 last year, said the prosecutor, Suleman called the police and reported Pachah Khan had prevented workmen from entering Quickshine's yard to finish putting up a new sign for RI Tyres.

It was reported that Mr Khan had threatened to fetch a machete from his car if the workmen came on to his premises, the court heard.

Mr Johnson said Suleman was the 'organiser of the whole thing' and that Abubakr Satia sourced the Avensis used in the shooting and 'made sure all the key players were in the right place at the right time'.

Both Uthman Satia and his girlfriend, Chapman, acted as getaway drivers for Raja and Ennis, say the Crown, while Manzoor ensured the Avensis was running properly on the day.

The prosecutor said the Crown alleges Hussain acted as the link between Suleman and gunman Raja.

The trial continues.
Six pubs have closed every week during the three Covid-19 lockdowns with premises demolished or converted into housing or shops.

Figures released today showed 384 pubs have closed permanently during the national and tiered local restrictions over the past 14 months.

The number of locals is down by one per cent from 40,886 to 40,502, according to research by consultants Altus Group.

Robert Hayton, of Altus, said: 'Pubs have endured a torrid time during the pandemic but have proved remarkably resilient aided by government furloughs, grants, rates relief and cheap loans helping to keep the 'pilot light' on for their reopening.'

Last week, the owner of The Smiths Arms in Castle Dene, County Durham, was refused permission to convert the pub into a residential dwelling because its use 'provides a much valued facility to the local community'.

West Northamptonshire Council granted permission to turn The Romany (pictured above) in Kingsley, Northampton, into 11 flats after its closure during the first lockdown

The Crobar (above) in Soho said it would be unable to reopen after struggling to pay rent, but is now planning to resume business at a new venue after fundraising over 100,000

Planners explained the reasoning behind the decision last Monday, reports The Northern Echo, saying: 'The pub use provides a much valued facility to the local community.

'Its loss would have a negative impact upon the quality of life, particularly in the social sense, of the local community which has not been adequately justified by the viability, marketing and supporting information submitted with the application.'

Meanwhile, West Northamptonshire Council granted permission to turn The Romany in Kingsley, Northampton, into 11 flats after its closure during the first lockdown last year.

And The Majors Arms in Widnes, Cheshire, was sold last October, with its new owners requesting permission from Halton Council to turn it into a shop.

The Crobar in Soho, central London, previously said it would be unable to reopen after struggling to pay rent during the pandemic, but is now planning to resume business at a new venue after fundraising over 100,000.

Additionally, three pubs in Sheffield - the Devonshire Cat, the Royal Oak and the Yorkshireman Rock Bar - have announced they are closing for good.

Last week, the owner of The Smiths Arms (pictured) in Castle Dene, County Durham, was refused permission to convert the pub into a residential dwelling

The Majors Arms in Widnes, Cheshire, was sold in October last year, with its new owners requesting permission from Halton Council to turn it into a shop

Abbeydale Brewery confirmed the Devonshire Cat's closure in June last year, saying the pandemic had a 'devastating effect on the viability of the business'

Abbeydale Brewery confirmed the Devonshire Cat's closure in June last year, saying the pandemic had a 'devastating effect on the viability of the business'.

The Royal Oak was demolished earlier this month after it was unable to reopen last October due to a chemical spillage in its car park, reports Yorkshire Live.

And the Yorkshireman Rock Bar said it would be closing in January this year and looking for a new venue due to building work next door affecting the 'structural integrity' of the venue.

The latest study found more pubs were lost in the South East than other parts of the UK, with 62 demolished or converted for alternative use during the pandemic.

The West Midlands, Wales, North West and East of England each saw more than 40 pubs closed during the same 14-month spell.

The Royal Oak was demolished earlier this month after it was unable to reopen last October due to a chemical spillage in its car park (the pub pictured while it was being torn down)

The Yorkshireman Rock Bar said it would be closing in January this year and looking for a new venue due to building work next door affecting the 'structural integrity' of the venue

Pubs that disappeared have either been demolished or converted into other uses such as homes or offices, said Altus.

A spokesperson for the British Beer & Pub Association spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Whilst it is too early to truly know just how many pubs have closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, we do know that the last year has been devastating for Britain's pubs and brewers.

'Many pubs still face being lost for good and it is vital they are allowed to fully reopen without any restrictions at all as soon as it is safe to do so. Only then can the recovery truly begin for our sector.'

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has tried to stem the tide of pub closures and conversions by including a 150million fund to help communities revive their local pub.

The four-year scheme, opening this summer, will allow communities to ask the government to double fund what they have raised to purchase a local asset, such as a pub, up to the value of 250,000.
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A jaw-dropping list of smears and lies allegedly peddled by Martin Bashir to clinch his sensational Princess Diana scoop was recorded by her brother - including the Queen 'eating for comfort' and Charles being in love with the family nanny.

Earl Spencer kept meticulous notes of a meeting held on September 19, 1995, when he introduced the BBC man to his sister at her Knightsbridge flat.

His devastating dossier was handed to Lord Dyson for his inquiry into the case, which is set to report at 2pm today. It includes preposterous falsehoods about the royals and senior courtiers that he is said to have used to help land the interview.

Earl Spencer's records show that Bashir allegedly claimed that Diana's private letters were being opened, her car tracked and phoned tapped with her bodyguard plotting against her, and close friends were betraying her.

Earl Spencer's handwritten log of the meeting with Bashir at his sister's flat in Knightsbridge also includes a note saying: 'Camilla: depressed, but quiet for time being'.

In an execrable reference to Prince Edward, Spencer recorded Bashir as saying that the Queen's youngest son was receiving treatment for Aids at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. Even the Queen was mentioned. Spencer noted Bashir as saying she was 'very ill with heart problems' and that she was a 'comfort eater'.

Earl Spencer (left) kept detailed notes when he met Martin Bashir (seen right holding a Bafta award for his Diana interview) when he met the BBC journalist with Diana at his sister's flat

Bashir is accused of effectively grooming the vulnerable princess by playing to her worst fears. Pictured is a still from the 1995 interview

Earl Spencer, whose notes helped sink Martin Bashir, today tweeted a photo of him with his older sister Diana in a poignant tribute ahead of a damning report into the BBC Panorama scandal

From officials bugging Diana's car to warnings her reputation would be 'destroyed': Earl Spencer's handwritten scraps that could shred Bashir's career

1: Diana's 'scum' former bodyguard

Bashir's opening gambit that three MI6 agents had told him Prince Charles's private secretary Richard Aylard was 'orchestrating' things surrounding Diana. This involved Ken Wharfe, Diana's former bodyguard, described as 'scum'.

Diana was already paranoid her staff and friends were betraying her and, at the meeting, the broadcaster allegedly brandished bank statements purportedly showing her closest aides were selling her secrets.

2: Charles' secretary 'paid by Jonathan Dimbleby'

Aylard, it was claimed, had been paid by the broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby. A decision to reinvent the prince had been taken by aides two years earlier. A year later this allegedly included attacking both Diana and the Spencer family.

3: Charles 'discussing ''end game'''

The notes, handed to Lord Dyson, include allegations MI6 had recorded Prince Charles and his private secretary planning the 'end game' - an extraordinary and false hint the heir to the throne was plotting to 'destroy' the Spencers and force them to flee to the US.

Charles Spencer's detailed notes, from one to five. The manila file contains notes of every meeting he had with Bashir, the logs of phone calls the BBC man made along with the faxes, the letters and even the gushing thank you cards that the reporter sent him

4: Spencers' reputation 'would be destroyed'

Spencers' reputation to be destroyed. In another remark recorded by Earl Spencer, Bashir claimed Prince Charles wanted Spencer's then wife, Victoria, dead. Diana meanwhile would be forced to move to America  possibly with her brother.

5: Will Carling affair claim

his relates to the stories during 1995 of the close friendship between Diana and the married England rugby captain Will Carling. Spencer notes Bashir's assertion that the newspaper stories had been 'fed' by Carling's wife Julia.

9: Diana's car 'bugged'

This note describes Bashir's alleged claim that Diana had been bugged by officials

The claim that Diana's cars and phone lines being bugged and her post intercepted would have increased her worries she was being spied on.

Bashir told Lord Dyson he would not have made these claims at a first meeting, the Telegraph reported.

17: Camilla 'depressed'

Camilla was allegedly described by Bashir as 'depressed, but quiet for the time being'. The second line refers to William and Harry's nanny, Tiggy Legge-Bourke

In the interview, Diana made her feelings clear on Camilla, famously saying, 'There are three of us in this marriage.'

Mentioning her could have been an attempt by Bashir to prompt her to speak out.

'Tiggy' is a reference to Tiggy Legge-Bourke, William and Harry's nanny who Charles was accused of having an affair with in claims that were subsequently dismissed.

17b: Philip's 'v unpleasant correspondence'

Earl Spencer recorded Bashir as describing 'very unpleasant correspondence' allegedly sent by Prince Philip to Diana and Sarah Ferguson

This claims Diana had received 'v unpleasant correspondence' from Philip and suggests he was annoyed at her 'hero status'.

It also references Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who was known to have had affairs.

19: Fergie's business deals in the US

Another reference to Sarah Ferguson, this time describing her trips to the US to try and forge a business career

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996. This note refers to her numerous trips to the US to forge a business career.

It adds that Andrew still 'look[ed] after her' following their divorce by supporting her financially.

20: 'Queen eats for comfort'

This note suggests the Queen was unwell, stating 'Queen ill: heart' and adds she 'eats for comfort'.

BBC's day of shame: Charles Spencer shares poignant childhood Diana picture before bombshell probe exposes depths of Martin Bashir's deception to secure Panorama interview - and how ex-corporation chief Lord Hall 'led cover-up'

By Martin Robinson for MailOnline

Earl Spencer today spoke of the 'bond' with his older sister and shared a favourite photo of them together as children on a day of shame for the BBC where they will be lambasted for allowing Martin Bashir to 'con' Princess Diana into her bombshell Panorama interview with former director-general Lord Hall accused of 'leading the cover-up'.

Lord Dyson, the former master of the rolls and head of civil justice, was appointed to look into the circumstances surrounding the explosive 1995 sit-down, which famously featured Diana saying: 'Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.'

Bashir, who was the BBC News religion editor and announced last week he was leaving on health grounds, is accused of mocking up bank statements allegedly used to gain access to her brother and Diana, and then spinning a slew of lies to hoodwink her into the interview that would hasten the end of her marriage and the removal of her HRH status. One of Diana's friends claimed today she believes she would still be alive if she hadn't spoken to Bashir.

Earl Spencer, who has long campaigned for justice for his older sibling, has shared an image of himself and his sister Diana, Princess of Wales as children ahead of the publication of Lord Dyson's report.

He posted the black and white archive image on Twitter, alongside the poignant words: 'Some bonds go back a very long way.' The photograph shows the siblings sat side by side in the summer sun, with a young Charles Spencer wearing trunks and Diana appearing to be in a swimsuit.

A report on the six-month inquiry will be published at 2pm and is expected to reveal that Mr Bashir breached the BBC's editorial rules and Lord Hall is alleged to have run an internal inquiry later branded a 'whitewash' by insiders.

The findings could now pave the way for huge damages claims from BBC and royal staff who lost their positions as a result of the explosive interview, it is claimed, with one source calling the case the corporation's 'phone hacking moment'. Lord Hall is said to have been given advanced warning he will be criticised, and is said to be worried he could lose his current job as chairman of the National Gallery in London.

Handwritten notes taken by the Princess of Wales' brother Earl Spencer during a 90-minute secret meeting with him, Bashir and his sister at a flat in Knightsbridge in 1995 blew open the case. The eight pages from a lined notepad revealed that the BBC reporter made a series of false claims that helped him land the interview of the century where the Princess of Wales opened up on her broken marriage with Charles.

Earl Spencer's records show that Bashir allegedly claimed that Diana's private letters were being opened, her car tracked and phoned tapped with her bodyguard plotting against her, and close friends were betraying her.

The notes, handed to Lord Dyson, also contained allegations MI6 had recorded Prince Charles and his private secretary planning the 'end game' - an extraordinary and false hint the heir to the throne was plotting to 'destroy' the Spencers and force them to flee to the US.

Earl Spencer says that there were 32 jaw-dropping smears peddled by Martin Bashir , but the journalist, who quit the BBC last week, is understood to have denied this to inquiry chief Lord Dyson, and may have argued that some of these claims came from Diana's mouth.

As Bashir is accused of breaching the BBC's editorial guidelines at the time, it also emerged:

Prince William may comment on report's findings when he has had a chance to read it after its release this afternoon. He previously welcomed the probe;

A Panorama show initially postponed by Director-General Tim Davie for 'duty of care' reasons, will finally air tonight on BBC One at 7pm.

One of Diana's closest friends claims she would still be alive today if she had not been 'conned' into speaking to Martin Bashir. Simone Simmons says Diana became so paranoid they were on their hands and knees looking for phone tapping devices;

Judge's damning verdict 'will be a true eye-opener. This could be the BBC's phone hacking moment', says one source;

Lord Hall facing questions amid claims he helped cover up the scandal, having led previous internal inquiry that found Bashir was a 'honest man';

The BBC's former director-general, Lord Hall of Birkenhead (left), 70, has been accused of protecting Martin Bashir (right) following his famous 1995 interview

Lord Hall of Birkenhead, 70, was identified in 60 pages of previously secret documents as being a 'key figure' who helped protect the BBC journalist following his explosive 1995 interview with the royal.

It came after concerns were raised by three Panorama journalists about Mr Bashir at the time, with friends claiming that the rogue reporter 'destroyed her psychologically and made her paranoid'.

Simone Simmons , 61, who also gave evidence during the inquiry and was at one meeting, said today: 'The interview led to her divorce and losing her HRH titles. He destroyed her psychologically and made her paranoid  saying the royals wanted to bump her off and distrust her loyal staff and friends'.

The latest accusation comes as a report, which will be published this afternoon, is understood to have found that Mr Bashir, 58, 'employed deceitful methods' and 'breached' guidelines to secure his famous interview with the royal.

A year after the interview, an internal inquiry led by Lord Hall found that Mr Bashir was an 'honest man' and there was 'no question of Mr Bashir trying to mislead or do anything improper'.

Documents seen by Lord Dyson of minutes taken from meetings of the BBC news and current affairs board after the controversial interview showed three Panorama journalists, who later left the show, raised concerns about Mr Bashir's conduct.

Lord Hall is also accused of telling graphic designer Matthew Weissler, who helped Mr Bashir create the mocked-up bank statements, that he 'will not work for the BBC again'.

A BBC source told The Times: 'What happened at Panorama with Bashir set the culture of the BBC where staff were afraid to raise concerns about wrongdoing.

'It also set the format for how far you can push it and then cover up to get a scoop.

'It is not acceptable for a licence fee- funded organisation. The whistleblowers were axed and those who covered up were promoted.'

The six-month inquiry, which was conducted by former judge Lord Dyson, is expected to reveal that Mr Bashir mocked up bank statements that were shown to Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, in order to win the trust of the royal.

The independent report is also expected to condemn senior BBC executives who worked at the corporation at the time over allegations of a cover-up, The Telegraph reports.

Lord Dyson was commissioned last year to examine whether Princess Diana would have given the historic 1995 interview, in which she famously declared 'there were three of us in this marriage', had it not been for Mr Bashir's underhand tactics.

He will this afternoon publish his report into the scandal after broadening his inquiry amid concerns about the journalist's wider practices.

Then a long-awaited Panorama documentary investigating how Mr Bashir allegedly lied and cheated to land his Diana exclusive will be broadcast this evening.

A source told The Telegraph: 'It will be a true eye opener. This could be the BBC's phone hacking moment.'

During the inquiry, notes given to the judge by Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, which were seen by The Telegraph, detailed a conversation between Mr Bashir and Princess Diana prior to the famous interview.

It included a list of allegations made by Mr Bashir that Princess Diana's phones had been bugged and that she was being followed.

The BBC's controller of editorial policy in 1995, Richard Ayre, told The Telegraph: 'The use of deceit in making factual programmes would have been permissible only in the case of investigating serious crime... and where prima facie evidence of the guilt of that person being investigated had already been obtained.

'Those circumstances clearly don't apply to an interview with the Princess of Wales.'

Lord Dyson warned he would follow the evidence  even if that meant straying from his brief, it can be revealed. A document seen by the Daily Mail shows he refused to be restricted to a 'narrow' investigation.

A second source suggested the eminent former Master of the Rolls had taken an interest in Mr Bashir's wider career.

After allegedly using dirty tricks to convince Diana to be interviewed for Panorama, the reporter went on to other high-profile scoops including a controversial documentary on Michael Jackson.

The disgraced pop singer later complained he felt tricked by Mr Bashir.

The reporter was accused of telling shocking lies to relatives of those murdered by GP Harold Shipman and peddling damaging 'untruths' to Scotland Yard about the Soho bombings case, it was claimed.

Last November the BBC commissioned former Supreme Court judge Lord Dyson (pictured) to probe allegations that the corporation covered up the trail of deceit by its reporter

Mr Bashir is accused of using the fake bank statements to gain Earl Spencer's trust

It is not known whether Lord Dyson has addressed these claims in the report, or drawn any broader conclusions about Mr Bashir's modus operandi.

Timeline of the Diana-Panorama scandal 1986: Martin Bashir joins BBC as news correspondent and works on programmes including Songs of Praise, Public Eye and Panorama. November 1995: The famous interview with Princess Diana turns Mr Bashir into TV's hottest property. 1996: The Mail on Sunday reveals claims that Mr Bashir used faked bank documents to persuade Diana to talk. The BBC holds internal inquiry dismissed as a 'whitewash'. 1999: Moves to ITV's Tonight with Trevor McDonald. His scoops include interview with Stephen Lawrence suspects and documentary on Michael Jackson. May 2004: Quits to host ABC's Nightline in US. Suspended in 2008 after making 'Asian babes' remark at Asian American Journalists convention. 2010: Joins NBC News as an MSNBC anchor. He resigns in 2013 after controversial remarks about vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. 2016: BBC re-hires Mr Bashir as religious affairs correspondent. He is later promoted to religion editor. October 2020: Channel 4 documentary alleges there was 'elaborate plot' by Mr Bashir to trick Diana into talking. November 7: The Daily Mail reveals a shocking dossier held by Diana's brother Earl Spencer revealing alleged royal smears, lies and tricks that Mr Bashir used to land his interview. November 18: BBC orders six-month inquiry by former judge Lord Dyson. May 14, 2021: The BBC announces Mr Bashir has handed in his notice on health grounds. Advertisement

But after the BBC commissioned him to probe the circumstances of the Diana interview, the judge vowed not to be constrained by that one episode.

A source close to the inquiry said Lord Dyson had pledged to 'conduct a fearless investigation' and was 'determined to get to the truth'.

They added that he would not adopt a 'narrow interpretation' of his terms of reference, which he regarded as just a 'framework'. Lord Dyson would also pursue evidence 'covering a wider timeframe' if he wanted to.

Lord Dyson was commissioned six months ago to examine whether Diana would have given the historic 1995 interview  in which she declared 'there were three of us in this marriage', hastening the royal divorce  had it not been for Mr Bashir's underhand tactics.

Mr Bashir is still the BBC's religion editor, although he handed in his notice last month after a series of health scares.

The Mail revealed last November how he spun an extraordinary web of deceit to clinch his interview.

He allegedly told a string of lies to gain Diana's trust, including cruelly playing to her paranoia by pretending he had evidence that her staff were spying on her for newspapers and MI5.

It is claimed the lurid smears included an allegation that Prince Edward was being treated for Aids at a London hospital, that the Queen was a 'comfort eater' with 'heart problems', and that Prince Charles was 'in love' with his children's nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke and went on a secret holiday with her.

It comes as Princess Diana's friend Simone Simmons , 61, who also gave evidence during the inquiry, claimed Mr Bashir 'conned' the royal into giving the interview.

Ms Simmons told The Sun: 'Diana was conned into doing the programme, and it wasn't just forged bank documents.'

She added: 'He was an out and out b*****d. He destroyed her psychologically and made her paranoid  saying the royals wanted to bump her off and distrust her loyal staff and friends.

'We nicknamed Martin Bashir the Poison Dwarf. The interview led to her divorce and losing her HRH titles.

'There is no doubt in my mind that Diana would still be alive today if she hadn't spoken to Bashir.

'I hope they throw the book at him. Justice should be done.'

The BBC was last night wracked in turmoil over the Panorama special into Mr Bashir's Diana interview slated for tonight.

It had 'bravely' commissioned veteran investigative reporter John Ware six months ago to probe the scandal  in effect, Panorama investigating itself.

The investigation will tell the 'inside story' of how Mr Bashir got his interview.

Titled Princess Diana, Martin Bashir and the BBC, it will look at the BBC's response after it learned he had faked bank statements and features 'exclusive interviews and revelations from internal BBC documents'.

Director-general Tim Davie had shelved the programme last Friday, leading to a chorus of condemnation.

Earlier this week, sources then said the programme would be aired the same day as the Dyson report was published.

Yesterday there were frantic meetings involving BBC lawyers. Last night the corporation put out a revision to its schedules, with The One Show taken off air at 7pm to make way for the documentary.

One of Diana's closest friends Simone Simmons insists she would still be alive today if she hadn't been 'conned' by Martin Bashir into doing bombshell Panorama interview

Diana's friend Simone Simmons, pictured about to give evidence at the inquest into the deaths of the Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed in 2004, says Martin Bashir conned her into doing the interview and made her 'paranoid'

Princess Diana would still be alive today if she hadn't been 'conned' by 'poison dwarf' Martin Bashir into doing her life-changing BBC interview, her spiritual healer has claimed.

Simone Simmons, 61, insists Mr Bashir is 'an out and out b*****d' and gave evidence to the BBC's independent inquiry that is expected to damn him and his bosses for breaching editorial guidelines.

She said: 'There is no doubt in my mind that Diana would still be alive today if she hadn't spoken to Bashir. I hope they throw the book at him. Justice should be done'.

Ms Simmons says she was with Diana the first time she met the Panorama reporter at Kensington Palace in 1995, and claims his deceit went much further than faking two bank statements to gain her trust.

She claims that Bashir charmed her with a promise the interview was about her charities, but they later called him 'The Poison Dwarf' after he asked her about her marriage to Charles.

She told The Sun: 'I was there the first time Martin Bashir was at Kensington Palace. She had a lot of information on the table about her charities because she was led to believe Martin Bashir was doing an interview about them.

'She came in very excited and said "Simone, he is going to do a programme about my charities, isn't that wonderful". I thought it was brilliant.

'But as time went on nothing transpired and we all know what happened. He lied to her. He said her home was bugged and phones were tapped.

'He was an out and out b*****d. He destroyed her psychologically and made her paranoid  saying the royals wanted to bump her off and distrust her loyal staff and friends.

'We nicknamed Martin Bashir the Poison Dwarf. The interview led to her divorce and losing her HRH titles'.

Simone claimed that Diana was initially 'in thrall' of Bashir, asking him if he could help save her relationship with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.

But after he allegedly warned her that she was being watched 24/7, followed in her car and had her phones and rooms bugged, she became paranoid.

Ms Simmons said at one point she and Diana were crawling around her flat looking for bugs, and that the Princess of Wales would later speak to BT about checking her phone lines.
A defeat at the Batley and Spen by-election will mean it is 'curtains' for Sir Keir Starmer and his leadership of the Labour Party, Diane Abbott has claimed.

The former shadow home secretary said that if the party holds the constituency then Sir Keir may be able to 'hang on as leader'.

But she said a loss should spell the end of his time in the top job as she tipped Andy Burnham, the recently re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, as a potential successor.

The comments made by Ms Abbott, a leading ally of former party leader Jeremy Corbyn and a key figure on the Labour left, prompted an immediate backlash amid an ongoing civil war.

One shadow cabinet source accused Ms Abbott of 'rank hypocrisy' as they said she had 'never once called for Corbyn to resign after his various by-election defeats'.

Diane Abbott, the former shadow home secretary, has claimed a Labour defeat in the Batley and Spen by-election will mean it is 'curtains' for Sir Keir Starmer

Sir Keir is trying to stabilise his leadership of the party amid a raging civil war after Labour lost the Hartlepool by-election

A by-election is due to take place in the constituency of Batley and Spen after Labour incumbent Tracy Brabin quit Westminster after she was elected as the Mayor of West Yorkshire.

Labour has held the seat since 1997 and will be defending a majority of just over 3,500 votes.

The contest will take place in the wake of Labour's defeat in the Hartlepool by-election at the start of May.

That loss, along with a difficult set of council and mayoral results for the party on 'Super Thursday', piled the pressure on Sir Keir as his critics questioned whether he can lead Labour back to power at the 2024 general election.

Many in the party are already looking to the future and potential replacements for Sir Keir, with Mr Burnham and London Mayor Sadiq Khan viewed as the frontrunners.

Ms Abbott told The Guardian that a defeat in the forthcoming by-election should force Sir Keir to quit.

She said: 'Support from the large minority ethnic electorate may enable the party to hold the seat and Starmer to hang on as Labour leader.

'But if Labour loses again, it must surely be curtains for him. And then, it may be that Andy Burnham's time will have come.'

Ms Abbott said a tilt at the leadership by Mr Burnham is 'gaining traction' after he was re-elected as mayor.

A shadow Cabinet source hit back at Ms Abbott, telling Politico: 'Rank hypocrisy from someone who never once called for Corbyn to resign after his various by-election defeats.

'Members will conclude that certain sections of the Labour Party actively want us to lose.'

Ms Abbott's backing for Mr Burnham will likely be seen as a sign that the left of the party does not believe it has a sufficiently popular candidate to put forward to challenge Sir Keir.

Mr Burnham has run for the party leadership twice before but lost out to Ed Miliband in 2010 and Jeremy Corbyn in 2015.

But he is being increasingly tipped for another attempt, with a new column in the London-based Evening Standard newspaper viewed as a signal of his intentions.

Meanwhile, many in the party believe Mr Khan is laying the groundwork for his own future leadership bid.

The London Mayor visited North Yorkshire yesterday and writing in the Yorkshire Post he said he wanted to 'build bridges' between the capital and the rest of the UK.
This is the moment a student who thought he was meeting 14-year-old girl for sex breaks down and pleads to be freed after being snared by paedophile hunters.

Minesh Patel was confronted by undercover group Guardians of the North before he offered to work for them in a bizarre bid to persuade them to let him go.

The 27-year-old had been engaging in sexual chat on WhatsApp with whom he believed to be a child.

Unbeknown to him, the youngster did not exist and he was actually in communication with paedophile hunters, who had disguised themselves as the underage girl.

Patel, of Harrow, London, was arrested shortly afterwards and appeared at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to cause or incite a child into sexual activity and one count of attempted grooming.

Patel was sentenced to 28 months imprisonment, made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and must sign the sex offender's list.

Minesh Patel, 27, was confronted by undercover group Guardians of the North after arriving at Gateshead Metro Station believing he was meeting a teenage girl. He began pleading to be let go after he was confronted

However Patel, a student, was arrested by police and was jailed for 28 months

Patel had been on his way to meet someone he thought was the child at Gateshead Metro Station but was confronted en route at the nearby interchange.

The group filmed Patel's reaction as he repeatedly says 'please sir', tells them he has a 'good past' in his native India and that he is 'new' to this country as a student.

But one hunter replies: 'Your studies are at end now, you will not be allowed to study criminology. Your studies will be terminated.'

Appearing to be at his wits' end, Patel pleads: 'I can work for you for free.'

The group member replies: 'No, you cannot work for us for free. Not at all.'

Another one adds: 'I can't believe you just said that.'

The 27-year-old had been engaging in sexual chat on WhatsApp with whom he believed to be a child

Prosecutor Tom Mitchell said: 'Kay Bell is a member of that group and set up a decoy profile in the name Laurie purporting to be a 14-year-old girl.

'On the 4th of February 2020 she was contacted by the defendant with the username rahulpatel 26 on the Meet 4 U internet site.

'Shortly thereafter at three minutes past seven pm he sent her a WhatsApp message followed immediately by a message asking for photos.

'At 21 minutes past seven he was talking about kissing and within two minutes was talking about sex. He said that he was in Middlesbrough and sent a general location indicator to that effect.

'On the 9th of February he asked to meet the girl and if she liked sex, saying that it was good for the health.'

Mr Mitchell added that Patel went on to ask about her clothing and underwear, and was persistent in asking for pictures which were refused.

Patel pleaded guilty to attempting to cause or incite a child into sexual activity and one count of attempted grooming

He also asked for money to be able to take a bus to her address in Chester-le-Street, County Durham but was told she had none because she was 14.

Mr Mitchell added: 'Eventually they made an 'agreement' to meet at Gateshead Metro station on the 19th of February last year.

'He arrived by bus and was recognised by the Guardians of the North members from the photo he had sent to the decoy.'

The court heard Patel initially denied meeting an underage girl for sex but then did make admissions, and said: 'I'm sorry, I will not do it again let me go.'

Tony Cornberg, defending, suggested to the court that the best course of action would be to suspend any custodial sentence, or issue a community order to offer the best chance of rehabilitation, and that the offending was born out of Patel being isolated.

Mr Cornberg said: 'Mr Patel is clearly someone of ability and someone who is well aware that he may have spoiled his chances of a career in this country.

'He is supported by three family members in court. They appear to strike a balance between being supportive but clearly not condoning in any way what he did.'

However, Judge Robert Adams sentenced Patel to 28 months imprisonment.

The Judge told him: 'You are clearly intelligent and of some ability and in the UK on a student visa doing a postgraduate programme.

'You have family in this country and your remorse is also in connection to the effect upon them.

'You believed the sites were for adults and didn't expect children to come across on them.

'But you were told by the decoy Laurie that you were communicating with a 14-year-old.'

The judge told him that the sentence passed was too long to suspend and only immediate custody was appropriate.

Patel has also been made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and must sign the sex offender's list.
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A pink seaside cottage with stunning water-front views for less than 187,000 sounds like any house hunter's dream - but there's a catch.

The pretty but rundown pink cottage in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, in Wales, isn't ready to be lived in just yet.

The DIY dream house has been put on the market mid-way through a complete renovation.

However those willing to roll-up their sleeves could nab a bargain sea-front property - which comes with its own chapel and boat-house.

A pink seaside cottage (pictured) with stunning water-front views for less than 187,000 sounds like any house hunter's dream - but there's a catch

The catch is that the pretty pink cottage in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, in Wales, isn't ready to be lived in just yet. Pictured: The property is midway through a renovation

The DIY dream house has been put on the market mid-way through a complete renovation. Pictured: The property is under renovation

However those willing to roll-up their sleeves could nab a bargain sea-front property - which comes with its own chapel and boat-house (pictured: The property is located right on the waterfront)

Plans were previously approved to turn it into a four bedroom home - with the master suite boasting a private dressing room and en suite.

The plans include a ground floor games room, a hobby room, a home office and an open-plan kitchen diner.

New first floor joists, floors and concrete lintels to the windows and doors have already been installed.

But those behind the current renovations have decided to call it quits and sell the property on.

Plans were previously approved to turn it into a four bedroom home (pictured) - with the master suite boasting a private dressing room and en suite

The plans for the property (pictured) include a ground floor games room, a hobby room, a home office and an open-plan kitchen diner

New first floor joists, floors and concrete lintels to the windows and doors have already been installed. But those behind the current renovations have decided to call it quits and sell the property on. Pictured: The property is right on the water front

The cottage, called Pill View cottage, can be found next to the water in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, at the original entrance to the dockyard

The cottage, called Pill View cottage, can be found next to the water in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, at the original entrance to the dockyard.

It dates back to 1860 and was originally designed as a manse. The price tag also includes a seaman's chapel and a two-storey boathouse.

The cottage is on the market with no chain but due to its mid-renovation condition is available to cash buyers only.

It dates back to 1860 and was originally designed as a manse. The price tag also includes a seaman's chapel and a two-storey boathouse. Pictured: The bathrooms are midway through renovation

The cottage is on the market with no chain but due to its mid-renovation condition is available to cash buyers only

Estate agents FBM said: 'This property is set in a superb location next to woodland and opening straight onto the water.'

Developers have gained planning permission to renovate the property with plans to create four bedrooms and a complete overhaul of the ground floor. Pictured: The first floor plans

Estate agents FBM said: 'It is in an ideal location for walking, sailing, exploring the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and enjoying wonderful bird life down on your very own foreshore.' Pictured: The second floor plans

Estate agents FBM said: 'This property is set in a superb location next to woodland and opening straight onto the water.

'An ideal location for walking, sailing, exploring the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and enjoying wonderful bird life down on your very own foreshore.'
Stephen King has claimed J.K. Rowling 'cancelled him' after the U.S. horror author said 'trans women are women'.

The Harry Potter author, 55, deleted a tweet declaring her love for King in June last year and blocked him after he voiced his support for transgender women.

Now King, 73, has claimed the pair fell out after Rowling 'cancelled him' and said he believes her views on trans people is 'wrong'.

Rowling fell victim to 'cancel culture' when a literary festival in New Zealand scrapped plans for Harry Potter-themed events over her comments on gender issues.

But now King has claimed Jo was not 'cancelled' for expressing her views on whether men who identify as women are the same as biological females. Instead, he said she is the one who cancelled him.

Stephen King (left) has claimed J.K. Rowling (right) 'cancelled him' after the U.S. author said 'trans women are women'

'Jo cancelled me,' King told the Daily Beast. 'She sorta blocked me and all that.'

King then went on to say that while Rowling has a 'right to her opinion', her belief is 'wrong'.

'Here's the thing: She is welcome to her opinion,' he said. 'That's the way the world works.

'If she thinks that trans women are dangerous, or that trans women are somehow not women, or whatever problem she has with it  the idea that someone "masquerading" as a woman is going to assault a "real" woman in the toilet if she believes all those things, she has a right to her opinion.'

Rowling deleted a tweet declaring her love for King in June last year after he had voiced support for transgender women.

Rowling shared a quote from the late feminist and author Andrea Dworkin amid a much longer thread concerning recent comments made by British Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle.

The Harry Potter author, 55, deleted a tweet declaring her love for King in June last year and blocked him after he voiced his support for transgender women

King was then asked for clarification on his views by a fan, who said: 'You should address the TERF tweet. By telling us constant readers if you believe trans women are women.' He replied: 'Yes. Trans women are women'

Russell-Moyle claimed the author was 'using her own sexual assault' to justify her controversial views on transgender issues in an article for left-wing magazine Tribune. He has since apologized for the remarks.

Toward the end of a lengthy Twitter thread concerning Russell-Moyle's apology, Rowling shared the quote about how men often 'react to women's words - speaking and writing - as if they were acts of violence.'

King then shared the quote with his 5.9 million followers, and Rowling then tweeted that her love for the author had reached 'new heights.'

She added: 'I've always revered Stephen King, but today my love reached - maybe not Annie Wilkes levels - but new heights.

'It's so much easier for men to ignore women's concerns, or to belittle them, but I won't ever forget the men who stood up when they didn't need to. Thank you, Stephen.'

King was then asked for clarification on his views by a fan, who said: 'You should address the TERF tweet. By telling us constant readers if you believe trans women are women.'

He replied: 'Yes. Trans women are women.'

Following his comment, Rowling deleted her post praising the author.

Now King, 73, has claimed the pair fell out after Rowling 'cancelled him' by blocking him and believes her views on trans people is 'wrong'

King told the news site: 'And that's what she got angry about - my opinion. 'It's like the old saying: "I don't agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".'

King continued: 'So nobody has "cancelled" J.K. Rowling. She's doing fine. I just felt that her belief was, in my opinion, wrong.

'We have differing opinions, but that's life.'

He added: 'But keep in mind too that Jos opinion on trans women is an outlier in her entire political spectrum.

'She was very much anti-Brexit and very much anti-Trump. Shes on the side of the angels in most respects, but she does have this one thing that shes very vehement about. No doubt.'

Rowling has faced ongoing accusations of transphobia after publishing a blog post in which she argued that biological sex is real.

She also took issue with an article referring to people who menstruate and posted the tweet: Im sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?

Her comments sparked fury on social media, with users demanding her books be boycotted.

Stung by criticism, the writer  whose Harry Potter books have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide  sought to justify her decision to speak out in a deeply personal essay.

Recalling how the trauma of 'a serious sexual assault I suffered in my twenties' had informed her thinking about the trans issue and women's rights, Rowling explained: 'Like every other domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor I know, I feel nothing but empathy and solidarity with trans women who've been abused by men.'

Shockingly, a hashtag calling for the author's death was the number one trending tag on Twitter in October last year.
A popular Sydney shopping centre that was the scene of a child sex crime that shocked the nation has reinstated the security company responsible for hiring the man who committed the vile attack.

Security guard Mohammad Hassan Al Bayati, an Iraqi-born refugee, led an unattended three-year-old girl away from the DFO Homebush play area in December 2016 and into a stairwell - away from surveillance cameras.

During the 11 horrifying minutes they were alone he touched the young girl's underwear and exposed his penis before taking her back to the playground.

Al Bayati was jailed in 2019 for a minimum of two and a half years, with the shopping centre hiring a new security team to take over in the wake of the incident.

During the 11 horrifying minutes they were alone he touched the young girl's underwear and exposed his penis before taking her back to the playground

But retail workers say they feel 'sick to their stomach' after the previous security company he worked for, SecureCorp, was recently brought back to guard the outlet mall, in the city's inner west.

'I don't know what they are thinking. Retailers and shoppers still talk about that incident and now to have to relive that by having the same company back is unforgivable,' the DFO staffer told news.com.au.

'I would hate to think what the parents of the young girl must be thinking.'

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of losing her job, described the move as 'inconsiderate, disrespectful and lacking compassion'.

Vicinity, the centre's owner, said they were still 'saddened' by the incident, but decided to reappoint SecureCorp after 'reviewing security providers' across the state.

However the property management company said they will be 'closely monitoring' SecureCorp's performance throughout their contract.

'After our initial response to the incident in co-operation with NSW Police, we took action to replace the security contractor and undertook a significant review of security at the centre and in our wider portfolio,' a spokesperson said.

DFO at Homebush is a popular shopping centre for those who want to save major money on popular retail brands

'After engaging with the relevant authorities, we implemented a number of additional control measures to protect our community including multi-team member response when dealing with minors, and mandatory centre-team engagement in issues relating to minors.

'Following a recent review of security providers in NSW and after in-depth due diligence, we have reappointed SecureCorp, mandating the adoption of our new control measures to ensure the safety of our community.'

Securecorp said they have made changes to their hiring process since the 2016 incident, and Al Bayati was fired as soon as they learnt about the assault.

'A full review of hiring policy and procedure was undertaken and has since been revisited under new management,' a spokesperson said.

'All staff undergo vigorous vetting to ensure that they are suitable to work in a retail environment.'

The security company added that they worked closely with NSW Police to support their investigations.

Al Bayati was jailed in 2019 for a minimum of two and a half years, with the shopping centre hiring a new security team to take over in the wake of the incident

Their recruitment process includes full background checks, to ensure that their credentials, experience, and history are verified, and certification, to ensure all selected and deployed personnel are appropriately licensed, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Al Bayati, who was in Australia on a permanent visa after seeking asylum in 2011, will be eligible for parole in July this year.

He is facing deportation back to Iraq once he is released from prison.

The horrifying ordeal unfolded a week before Christmas when Al Bayati received a report the girl was unattended and distressed at the centre.

Disturbing CCTV footage shows Al Bayati taking her by the hand to the fire exit stairwell to an unmonitored area.

After receiving sexual gratification, he walked her back to the playground where her seven-year-old sister was crying because she couldn't find her younger sibling.

The mother, having returned from shopping, was also waiting there and was quickly berated by Al Bayati, who lectured her about the 'dangers and risks' of leaving a child unattended.

Police became involved after the girl told her father later that day Al Bayati showed her his 'needle' and 'tried to kiss my bum bum'.

While sentencing Al Bayati in 2019 to a maximum of four-and-a-half years behind bars, NSW District Court Judge John Pickering scolded the refugee for his audacity to preach to the child's mother about safety.

Meanwhile, Al Bayati, who was in Australia on a permanent visa after seeking asylum in 2011, will be eligible for parole in July this year

'The gall of the offender to lecture the mother about the dangers and risks of leaving her in the play area when he ended up being the greatest risk is one of the most curious parts in this matter,' Judge Pickering said.

'Any mother should be entitled to leave their children in a busy shopping centre and not have any belief or expectation that someone who is actually there to look after the interests of people shopping in the centre will then create harm in themselves.'

Judge Pickering commended the young girl, who he said showed 'remarkable resilience through her courage' to describe the incident to her parents, police and the court.

The family told the court of mental health issues stemming from the incident, and said the mother undoubtedly regrets leaving the girl and her older sister in the playground to do her Christmas shopping.

In a victim impact statement the girl's mother said: 'Our peaceful family life was destroyed and will never be the same again.

'We are so proud she was able to tell the police, however it was a dramatic event for her.'

Her mother said the girl, now at primary school, had received counselling and her recovery would most likely take years, her mother said.

Among his explanations for taking the girl was the belief her mum was in the toy shop and taking a route via the fire exit was the shortest path there.

Judge Pickering said that claim was 'unusual in the extreme' but warned it was pointless trying to think logically about why someone would take a happy child down a fire exit away from public view.

The crime sparked widespread outrage across Australia with Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowing to have Al Bayati deported upon his release.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Vicinity and SecureCorp for further comment.
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Thousands of 'elated' British women who were victims of one of the worst breast implant scandals in recent history could receive compensation after a court ruling today.

A judge in Paris this morning ruled in the favour of 540 women from the UK - and another 2,000 from across the world - who were impacted by the shocking Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) scandal.

The scandal involved the now out-of-business French firm PIP using industrial-grade silicon intended for mattresses in their breast implants.

They had double the rupture rate of other implants and caused extreme pain and long-term health effects to those who used them.

One woman told MailOnline she was left with a 'horrible burning sensation' in her chest after her PIP implants ruptured.

Janey Byrne, from Lincolnshire, said: 'It felt like someone was stabbing me in the chest with something hot. I had trouble sleeping at the time. And some of the silicone is still there in my chest - it's a worry.'

Mrs Byrne said she had the implants removed shortly after hearing about the scandal. But she has since had eight operations to have parts of the leaked silicone taken out - at the personal cost of around 20,000.

Receptionist Mrs Bryne said she had not yet pursued legal action, but is now considering it. And she said she is 'relieved' by the outcome of today's case.

Another victim, Gail Coxon, also revealed the 'terrifying' experience she suffered with PIP implants, which she had in 2006 - four years before the extent of the scandal was revealed.

Ms Coxon told the BBC: 'I had gone from being bright and vibrant and bubbly and full of energy to feeling like I was an old woman, and it was just horrendous and got progressively worse over the years until I had them removed.

'I honestly thought I was going to die at the time, it was really terrifying to go through.'

She said she felt a 'huge sense of relief' after hearing of the court's decision. Ms Coxon added: 'I can't explain it, I have burst into tears I don't know how many times this morning. You finally feel that we have been listened to and that's the biggest thing.'

Another victim, Jan Spivey, was given PIP implants after she had a mastectomy due to breast cancer. She told the BBC she was 'elated and exhausted' following today's court ruling.

Jane Byrne from Lincolnshire told MailOnline she was left with a 'horrible burning sensation' in her chest after her PIP implants ruptured.

PIP implant scandal victim Gail Coxon (pictured left) spoke to the BBC about her experience. One victim of the PIP scandal, Jan Spivey (pictured right), was given PIP implants after she had a mastectomy due to breast cancer

What is the PIP scandal? French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), which is now out of business, was found to have made silicon breast implants using silicon intended for mattresses, not for medical use. PIP implants were withdrawn from use in the UK in 2010, but by it is estimated 47,000 woman had the implants before this happened. 20,000 women sued the company responsible for testing the implants  TUV Rheinland  and were awarded 2,600 each. PIP implants are not though to pose any serious health risk, but are two to six times more likely to rupture. If they rupture they should be removed because they can become misshapen and cause pain, swelling and enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit. The NHS does not recommend women having PIP implants removed unless they are problematic  women can discuss the implants with their surgeon if they are concerned. Most PIP implants were used in private clinics and hospitals, but a small number were given in NHS operations for women who had breast cancer surgery. Source: NHS Advertisement

Ms Spivey, the co-founder of PIP Action Campaign, said: 'It's been a very long journey. We've been in and out of court, and that's been really difficult for women.

'We've got health issues and we've got lots of other responsibilities too - PIP has had an impact on the whole of our lives.'

Another, Nicola Mason said the decision was 'great news'.

Speaking to BBC News on Thursday, Ms Mason, who has been left with a lump of silicone under her arm after her implant ruptured, added: 'We have been waiting a long time for this.

'Whilst it will never compensate us for the potential long-term health issues that we have, at least it might go some way to paying us back the money we have had to pay out to repair the damage they have left us with.'

The scandal involved French firm PIP, whose founder, Jean-Claude Mas, who was sentenced to four years in prison for fraud in 2013, and died in April 2019, aged 79.

The French firm went out of businesses in 2010 following the scandal.

But today's ruling involves the German company TUV Rheinland, which originally awarded European safety certificates for the faulty implants and were sued for negligence.

The company has maintained it was diligent and said that at no time was the company aware that breast implants manufactured by PIP were not compliant.

But the court today upheld an earlier judgement which found the firm had been negligent.

The scandal affected some 300,000 women in as many as 65 countries across the world.

The Paris Appeal Court today ruled that more than 2,500 women, who brought a case against TUV, are entitled to pay-outs.

And experts believe the ruling could have a knock-on for 20,000 other victims - around half of who are British - who are taking separate legal action.

The amount of compensation due for the 2,500 women involved in today's court ruling has not yet been decided.

But the PIP Implant World Victims Association (PIPA) says it is seeking 'tens of thousands of euros' in damages for each victim.

Paris barrister Olivier Aumaitre, who represents the women in today's hearing, said: 'We are delighted with this outcome which definitively puts an end to the doubts about TUV's responsibility.

The founder of PIP, Jean-Claude Mas (pictured in 2013) was sentenced to four years in prison for fraud in 2013. He died in 2019 aged 79

'After 10 years of waiting and fierce combat, the German certifier will have to fully compensate the victims.'

TUV was ordered by a French court in 2017 to pay 52million (60million) to 20,000 women who received the implants.

The firm was found liable over the global 2010 scandal when it emerged that PIP had made implants with substandard silicone.

But TUV appealed, and victims awarded compensation were issued with legal papers warning them they may have to pay back some 2,500 each.

Campaigner Ms Spivey said at the time: 'The idea women may have to pay back money intended to help them is morally bankrupt.

'That TUV are trying to attack the integrity of the victims' claims is scandalous.

'My PIP implants from 20 years ago are still impacting on my life and my health and my wellbeing, even today' said Ms Spivey.

'I think I've been angry every single day for the 20 years I've been affected by PIP.'

TUV has maintained that it was not responsible for what the implants were made of, only the way they were produced.

Mr Aumaitre said today's judgement was hugely important for thousands of other victims.

'We will probably reach a turning point,' said Mr Aumaitre.

Were you impacted by the PIP scandal? Tell us about your experience by contacting: james.robinson@mailonline.co.uk. Advertisement

'A positive decision will probably put an end to the long period of doubt we've been going through during so many years.'

As reported last year by MailOnline, TUV launched an appeal against a court's 2017 decision to award compensation to PIP's victims.

Some 13,000 victims awarded compensation were then issued with legal papers warning them they may have to pay back the money if they are successful in court.

TUV Rheinland said at the time they had been forced to send papers directly to victims' homes as the legal team representing the women had failed to register with the court, in compliance with French law.

The firm warned earlier that year: 'As the claimants should have been advised by their lawyers, they will have to reimburse the provisional amounts paid to them if TUV Rheinland wins on appeal.'

Sarah Higginson, from Andover in Hampshire, was awarded an payout of 3,000 in 2017 for implants she had in 2008, leaving her with 2,085.48 after legal fees.

The 39-year-old told the BBC in 2019 that the visit by bailiffs left her suffering with anxiety and panic attacks and she feared if the appeal was successful money would have to be paid back.

Victims who were sent legal letters in 2019 included Stephanie Lee (left) and Amanda Carter (right)

She said: 'We had to wait years for the small amount of compensation we did get and that didn't even cover the cost of the surgery and now we're getting this treatment with people turning up with papers left, right and centre.

'It is causing long term mental damage. It's all of that on top of that worry about what's inside you.'

Amanda Carter, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, had PIP implants in 2002. Speaking about the legal letters in 2019, she said: 'It's been hugely concerning.

'A lot of women are concerned that a bailiff at their door means that they can come in and take their possessions and a lot of people have presumed they are there to collect.'

Stephanie Lee from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, had the implants in 2008.

She said after receiving the papers in 2019: 'It's terrifying. It's like having a court summons. You think, is a bailiff suddenly going to turn up at the house and take stuff away?'

A spokesman for TUV Rheinland declined to comment on today's judgement, saying the company wanted first to study a translated version first.

The first ruling on compensation is expected in September.
Failures in the Government's 37billion Test and Trace programme helped fuel the spread of the Indian Covid variant in Blackburn with Darwen, a report has claimed.

The centralised system failed to notify contact tracers in the Lancashire authority of 164 positive cases in late April and early May.

At that point the mutant B.1.617.2 strain was just gaining a foothold in Blackburn and the town has since become a hotbed for the highly infectious variant.

It meant there were delays in reaching contacts and telling them to self-isolate at a crucial time when there were still only small numbers of the strain.

In total 734 positive tests were not passed on to tracers in eight English authorities between April 21 and May 11. The error is believed to have been caused by a technical glitch within the Test and Trace programme.

A report by officials at one of the affected councils affected said positive patients were notified and told to isolate, but their information was not sent to local teams to track down their close contacts.

The blunder was blamed for proliferating the spread of the Indian variant nationally.

The report, seen by the BBC, said: 'The rapid spread of Indian variant cases... may be partially or largely attributable to risks in the international travel control system.

'These were exacerbated by the sporadic failure of the national Test and Trace system.'

The Indian strain has gone on to spread to at least 40 per cent of the country and has overtaken the Kent variant in at least 23 areas.

One SAGE adviser warned today that surging case numbers signalled the UK was on the cusp of a third wave of the epidemic.

The other areas impacted by the error were Blackpool, York, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

Labour said the errors were like 'deja vu' after a series of failings and IT errors last year which saw thousands of cases wiped from databases.

Failures in the Government's Test and Trace programme helped fuel the spread of the Indian Covid variant in Blackburn with Darwen, a damning report has claimed

While the Indian variant is spreading rapidly in pockets of the country, 60 per cent of local authorities in England have yet to record a case (shown in grey). But it is likely the variant has spread even further than the map suggests because the data is 10 days out of date. Experts have said they expect it to overtake the Kent strain and become dominant in the coming weeks and months

Positive test figures from the Wellcome Sanger Institute  which cover only lab-analysed cases in the two weeks between April 25 and May 8  reveal the mutant Indian strain made up 50 per cent or more of all samples in 23 parts of the country by last week. Bolton and Blackburn in the North West remain the worst-hit areas with almost 600 cases between them and the variant making up 81 per cent of infections

Officials say the Indian variant of Covid may have spread rapidly in the UK because it got into multi-generational households, and there were a large number of imports as people rushed home after India was added to the 'red list'

The Government said that a 'small number' of close contacts had 'experienced a temporary delay in getting a message from NHS Test and Trace'.

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour's Shadow Health Secretary, said: 'This is deja vu and echoes the mistakes made last year with Boris Johnson's 'whack-a-mole' approach.

'It beggars belief that yet again local health experts on ground have been left in the dark for two weeks when we know acting with speed is vital to containing an outbreak.

SAGE adviser warns UK's third wave has already started because of Indian Covid variant Britain's third wave of Covid may have already begun because of the rapid spread of the Indian variant, a SAGE adviser warned today  despite data showing cases nationally are still flat and one top expert saying the mutant strain shouldn't overwhelm the NHS. University College London epidemiologist Professor Andrew Hayward made the claim when asked whether the UK was at the beginning of another wave. 'I think so,' he told BBC Breakfast. 'What we can see is that this strain can circulate very effectively. 'Although it was originally imported through travel to India it spread fairly effectively first of all within households after that and now more broadly within communities. So I don't really see why it wouldn't continue to spread in other parts of the country. He added: 'Obviously we are doing everything we can to contain that, but it is likely more generalised measures may start to be needed to control it.' However, Professor Hayward's comments come amid growing optimism from No10 that the Indian variant won't jeopardise plans to ease all lockdown restrictions on June 21, despite fears the highly-transmissible strain could scupper 'freedom day'. Boris Johnson last night told the powerful 1922 committee of Tory MPs he was 'even more cautiously optimistic' the next stage of relaxation can go ahead. He said: 'I know there are anxieties about new variants but we can see nothing to suggest that we have to deviate from the road map.' And Professor Hayward's claim came just hours before a King's College London's symptom-tracking app predicted Covid cases are not rising nationally, despite surging infections with the Indian variant. Experts estimated around 2,750 people are falling ill with the coronavirus every day across the UK, with the figure having barely changed in a week. Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the app, said B.1.617.2 'hasn't altered numbers significantly' and outbreaks remain focused in hotspots, such as Bolton. 'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown,' he said. SAGE scientists had predicted there would be a third wave of the pandemic as restrictions were eased and more people were allowed to mix. But questions remain over how big the outbreak will be because vaccines will stop many people from catching the disease and being hospitalised. Government advisers don't believe the resurgence will be anywhere near as bad as January's crisis because of jabs and warmer weather. Whitehall insiders say the 'mood music has definitely improved' in the face of fresh evidence which suggests the current crop of vaccines work against the mutant strain. SAGE advisers also believe it may now be just 30 per cent more contagious than the Kent variant which triggered the UK's devastating second wave. Advertisement

'Ministers need to explain what's gone wrong and provide local health directors with all the resources they need to push infections down.'

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters today: 'In this specific instance, all positive cases were contacted and told to self-isolate for 10 days.

'As you know, there was a short delay when asking some of those positive cases to provide details of individuals they had contacted since contracting Covid.

'This issue was across a small number of local authority areas and was quickly resolved.'

Last year a technical glitch saw nearly 16,000 Covid-19 cases go unreported in England.

The error was caused by Microsoft Excel data files exceeding the maximum size after being sent from NHS Test and Trace to Public Health England.

It resulted in 15,841 positive tests between September and October being left out of the daily figures.

In March, the former head of the Government's Treasury branded NHS Test and Trace the 'most wasteful and inept public spending programme of all time'.

The comments came after the Commons Public Accounts Committee said there was no evidence the tracing scheme had made a dent in Covid transmission, despite its 'unimaginable' 22billion budget for 2020. It was given another 15billion for 2021.

Meanwhile, almost 3,000 cases of the Indian variant have been detected in the UK, with the figure having quadrupled in a fortnight.

SAGE adviser Professor Andrew Hayward today said the rapid spread of the Indian variant signalled Britain's third wave of Covid may have already begun.

Despite the threat of the Indian variant to the UK only being made public last week, reports suggest the Government was warned about the danger it posed to the UK four weeks ago.

At that time, the strain was already decimating hospitals in India's major cities and yet thousands of travellers were still flying into Britain from the country every week.

Travel from India was banned on April 23  two days after the problems with Test and Trace started.

The Department of Health told Blackburn with Darwen Council that there were 164 cases it had been unaware of, although the patients were eventually traced.

Despite fears of the variant and a third wave, a King's College London's symptom-tracking app today found Covid cases are not rising nationally.

Experts estimated around 2,750 people are falling ill with the coronavirus every day across the UK, with the figure having barely changed in a week.

Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the app, said B.1.617.2 'hasn't altered numbers significantly' and outbreaks remain focused in hotspots, such as Bolton.

'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown,' he said.

SAGE scientists had predicted there would be a third wave of the pandemic as restrictions were eased and more people were allowed to mix.

But questions remain over how big the outbreak will be because vaccines will stop many people from catching the disease and being hospitalised. Government advisers don't believe the resurgence will be anywhere near as bad as January's crisis because of jabs and warmer weather.

Whitehall insiders say the 'mood music has definitely improved' in the face of fresh evidence which suggests the current crop of vaccines work against the mutant strain. SAGE advisers also believe it may now be just 30 per cent more contagious than the Kent variant which triggered the UK's devastating second wave.

One senior official told Sky News the updated transmissibility estimate would allow the unlocking to go ahead. Matt Hancock said last night no decision on relaxing the final set of restrictions will be made until June 14.

But the plans could still be diluted  which could see the end of social distancing, mask wearing and working from home guidance pushed back to a later date.

Ministers are also considering asking high-risk venues such as nightclubs to ensure people are either vaccinated or tested before they enter.

A total of 2,967 cases of Covid with the B1617.2 variant have now been identified and surge testing has been deployed in Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester and North Tyneside to root out cases of the strain.
A German officer who allegedly plotted to assassinate cabinet ministers while posing as a Syrian refugee has appeared in court on the first day of his trial.

Franco Albrecht, 32, a lieutenant who was once entertained as a guest of the British Army at Sandhurst, lived a double life for more than a year while posing as an asylum seeker.

He applied dark make-up and wore a beard as he travelled hundreds of miles each week between his Bundeswehr base and the asylum centre where he was known as David Benjamin, a Christian fruit seller from Syria.

Prosecutors allege that Albrecht was stealing munitions and explosives from the barracks while plotting to kill politicians including then justice minister Heiko Maas.

It is claimed that Albrecht wanted to stir up unrest by carrying out the attack disguised as a refugee to foment a civil war against Angela Merkel's government.

Albrecht denies the terror charges and claims he was conducting private research to expose flaws in the asylum system and the ease with which it could be exploited.

Franco Albrecht, 32, takes off his coat as he arrives on the first day of his trial at the Higher Regional Court for the start of his trial in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany

Albrecht was once entertained as a guest of the British Army at Sandhurst in 2014

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Set to last until August, the trial's opening has already been delayed several times by questions over which court was competent to hear the case.

The son of a German mother and an estranged Italian immigrant father, the lieutenant made no secret of his far-right views.

According to a court ruling from 2019, investigations showed he owned a copy of Adolf Hitler's book 'Mein Kampf' and believed immigration to be a form of genocide.

In an attempt to expose a system he saw as compromising national security, he posed as a refugee to apply for asylum in his own country.

Albrecht waits at the Higher Regional Court for the start of his trial in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on Thursday

Using make-up to darken his face and pretending to be a Christian fruit seller from Damascus, he was registered by authorities under the name 'David Benjamin', despite speaking no Arabic.

He obtained a space in a shelter and monthly benefits of 409 euros ($485), before later returning to his barracks in Illkirch on the French border.

His double identity was only uncovered in 2017 after he was arrested while trying to retrieve a Nazi-era pistol he had hidden at Vienna's international airport.

Police found his fingerprints produced two separate matches.

The fraud laid bare the struggles of Germany's immigration system to cope with the influx of more than one million asylum seekers - many of them Syrian - during the refugee crisis of 2015 and 2016.

'I tried to be prepared the best I could,' Albrecht said of his scheme in an interview with the New York Times published in December. 'But in the end, it was not necessary at all.'

In a recent interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, he said that he knew what he was doing was against the law.

Yet he denied that he had been planning an attack, claiming that he had acted 'to protect his family in case of an emergency'.

Prosecutors, however, claim that he planned to use both the pistol and other weapons and explosives in order to carry out an attack under his false refugee identity.

They believe that the targets were Maas, the then justice minister, deputy speaker of parliament Claudia Roth or a human rights activist.

The revelations strained the relationship between the armed forces and then Defence Minister Ursula Von Der Leyen, who is now president of the European Commission.

It also raised questions about the army's seriousness about combating right-wing extremism within its ranks.

Von der Leyen's successor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer ordered the partial dissolution of the KSK commando force last year after revelations that some of its members harboured neo-Nazi sympathies.

Following a string of far-right terrorist attacks over the last two years, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer has declared right-wing extremism the 'biggest security threat facing Germany'.

He has promised tougher security measures, including a crackdown on online hate speech.
An overseas hardware chain that shocked Australians for its striking resemblance to Bunnings Warehouse has made a radical new change to its controversial logo.

The company Builders Warehouse has a number of stores in the Philippines that share the same dark green and red colour scheme and similar font to Bunnings Warehouse in Australia.

The identical branding of the Filipino hardware store changed on May 19 after swapping out the Bunnings-style hammer logo and colours for a yellow hard hat and red logo.

Overseas warehouse chain Builders Warehouse (pictured) looks similar to Australian chain Bunnings

The Australian Bunnings Warehouse stores (pictured) feature a green and red logo

The Builders Warehouse has changed its branding to a new yellow and red logo (pictured)

Despite the changes to their social media pages the same distinct green and red colouring inspired by Bunnings Australia is still present on their website.

Bunnings is not believed to have any connection with the international business, which is reported to have first opened in 2018.

The Filipino 'knock-off' stores first caused outrage online after social media users connected the seemingly identical store layout and staff uniforms to the Australian tradie haven.

Builders Warehouse customers are able to buy traditional hardware store stock such as tools, indoor and outdoor appliances, paint, furniture and tiles inside a large shed.

The Filipino chain has stores in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, Malolos and Bulacan in the Philippines

Bunnings Warehouse and Builders Warehouse (pictured) are not believed to be affiliated

Builders Warehouse (left) has a shockingly similar logo to Bunnings Warehouse (right)

The chain has stores in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, Malolos and Bulacan in the Philippines.

'Builders Warehouse is anchored in delivering first-class construction materials to everyone who needs a hand in home building from the groundwork, furnishing up to the final modifications of any structural development,' their website reads.

The Asian hardware chain said they are an 'entirely goal and service orientated corporation'.

'Builders Warehouse extends its reach to a wider range of consumers in the succeeding years of its foundation.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bunnings Warehouse, which is not believed to be associated with the Filipino chain.
Arlene Foster urged Boris Johnson to 'act' soon on the Northern Ireland protocol as they held talks in Downing Street today.

The outgoing First Minister said the post-Brexit arrangements were doing 'real damage' to links with mainland Britain and must be 'dealt with'.

And she warned that it 'may well be the case' that the PM needs to suspend the rules if the EU does not agree a settlement that meets unionist concerns.

The arrangements agreed by Mr Johnson have stoked sectarian tensions, with anger that trade with mainland Britain has been hit.

Brexit minister Lord Frost has been scrambling to negotiate changes with the EU to ease the situation, warning that checks could be unilaterally axed to ensure 'peace and prosperity'.

But the risks were laud bare yesterday when loyalists told a hearing with MPs that violent action was not completely 'off the table' to secure change.

Arlene Foster urged Boris Johnson to 'act' soon on the Northern Ireland protocol as they held talks in Downing Street today

The Northern ireland protocol has stoked sectarian tensions, with anger that trade with mainland Britain has been hit. Pictured, loyalist protests in Belfast last month

Speaking to reporters outside No10, Arlene Foster said it 'may well be the case' that Article 16 of the Brexit Treaty has to be activated to put the protocol on ice.

She said: 'We've said all along, when the European Commission tried to invoke Article 16 at the end of January, that the Europeans were quite happy to do it in terms of vaccines and making sure that they had enough vaccines.

'This is doing real damage to Northern Ireland in terms of our trade, but also in terms of the union and therefore the Prime Minister needs to act and I hope that Lord Frost will bring forward proposals very very soon.'

Mrs Foster, who was recently ousted as DUP leader and was meeting the PM for the last time as First Minister, said: 'I think the Prime Minister and Lord Forst have been listening, they have been putting out some very good statements in relation to dealing with the protocol.

'But now we need to see action, and we need to see action quite soon, because every day the protocol remains the way it is, there's more damage done to Northern Ireland.'

Brexit minister Lord Frost has been scrambling to negotiate changes with the EU to ease the situation

Asked whether she felt Mr Johnson had betrayed her over the border issues, Mrs Foster said: 'Well, look, I got into politics to make Northern Ireland a better place, to move Northern Ireland forward.

'I believe if we are to do that and continue to do that, then I think we need to deal with the protocol in a very proactive way and I hope that when I speak to the Prime Minister this morning we'll hear more about that.'

She also insisted that the Northern Ireland protocol must be seen separately to Brexit.

'The protocol is doing the damage to Northern Ireland,' she said,

'Of course I believe in Brexit because I believe that we needed to leave the European Union and all of the stringent rules that were there, to allow us to be more flexible, to allow us to have a place in the world.

'But if the United Kingdom is to have a new place in the world, Northern Ireland must be part of that and at present, because of the protocol, we're not.'
The leader of Nigerian militant group Boko Haram has been seriously injured after trying to kill himself to avoid capture by rival jihadists, two intelligence sources said.

Abubakar Shekau was fighting ISIS-aligned militants from the Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) in northern Nigeria when he was injured on Wednesday, the sources told AFP news agency today.

The fighting occurred in Borno state, where ISWAP has become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than a decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Shekau, who made international headlines when his men kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014, has been reported dead several times since Boko Haram first launched its insurrection in 2009.

The intelligence sources offered differing reports on how he became injured.

The leader of Nigerian militant group Boko Haram has been seriously injured after trying to kill himself to avoid capture by rival jihadists, two intelligence sources said

Abubakar Shekau was fighting ISIS-aligned militants from the Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) in northern Nigeria when he was injured on Wednesday, the sources told AFP news agency today

One said that, after a series of clashes, he and some of his fighters were surrounded by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender.

'To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder,' the source said, adding: 'He was badly injured.'

Some of his men managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added.

The second intelligence source told AFP that Shekau, 48, was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men.

'We are investigating,' Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports.

Shekau's critical injury or death would be a blow to his Boko Haram faction which has already been weakened by military air strikes on its bases and defections among his men.

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past.

Shekau, who made international headlines when his men kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014, has been reported dead several times since Boko Haram first launched its insurrection in 2009

ISWAP has emerged as the stronger force, carrying out complex attacks on the military and overrunning army bases.

Shekau took over Boko Haram, formally known as the Jama'tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, after its founder Muhammad Yusuf was killed by police in 2009.

Under Shekau's leadership, Boko Haram turned large swathes of the northeast into a no-go territory, proclaiming a 'caliphate' in the Borno town of Gwoza in 2014.

An offensive since 2015 by Nigerian troops backed by soldiers from Cameroon, Chad and Niger drove jihadists from most of the area that they had once controlled.

Angered by Shekau's indiscriminate targeting of civilians and use of women and children suicide bombers, a rival faction broke away in 2016 to become ISWAP with the backing of the Islamic State group.
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Wally the Walrus is back in British waters after being spotted off the coast of Cornwall.

The Arctic mammal was pictured by photographer and safari guide Nathaniel Barry on Wednesday.

Wally was last seen on the Welsh coast before irresponsible tourists tried to approach him using jet-skis and drones, causing him to vanish.

'Something I thought I'd never get the pleasure to see, a Walrus in Cornwall!' Mr Barry said.

'This beauty was spotted today on one of the trips I went out on with Padstow Sealife Safaris.

'We saw her and believed it was a big seal until later when she came closer and we got a shot of those tusks!

'It's been crazy the past few hours, emotions high and an absolute pleasure seeing.

'It's more than likely just passing and I won't be giving out any full locations as at Padstow Sealife Safaris we never want to cause disturbance to wildlife.

'I think I was more shocked than the passengers and kind of just got emotional because yeah, never expected it to ever happen.'

Wally the Walrus pictured in Cornwall after careless tourists scared him away from the Welsh coast with jet-skis, paddleboarding and drones

Wally the Walrus has travelled further south, from Wales to Cornwall, and remains thousands of miles away from his native home in the Arctic

Photographer Nathaniel Barry first thought Wally was a seal before seeing his unmistakable tusks while off the coast of Cornwall

The fresh sighting of Wally means he has moved even further south since the last sighting in Tenby, Wales.

He was first spotted on rocks in County Kerry in Ireland on March 15.

Experts believe the animal may have initially dozed off on a block of ice and drifted across the ocean.

Six days after appearing in Ireland, the RSPCA were called out to check on the creature - which was 'underweight' - at the bottom of a cliff near Broad Haven South beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

But after becoming a known figure in the area, animal welfare groups believe he left after becoming 'obviously disturbed' by day-trippers getting too close.

Irresponsible tourists tried to approach him using jet-skis, paddleboards and drones as he rested on a RNLI slipway in the town's harbour.

Terry Leadbetter, of Welsh Marine Life Rescue said: 'It was an absolute nightmare trying to keep people away.

'There were even people flying drones trying to get close. People were getting within a couple of metres of the walrus.

Wally is believed to have drifted on ice from Greenland to County Kerry, Ireland before making his way to Tenby in Wales, where he became a local attraction and household name before being 'scared off' by tourists attempting to get too close

A volunteer tries to move Wally off a boathouse slipway in Tenby, Wales, where the arctic beast was last seen by Britons

Local businesses were quick to cash in on the popularity of the walrus, creating Wally 'merch', including cuddly toys and postcards carrying the animal's likeness

Shops sold cushions and pillows featuring Wally, with one store donating proceeds to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RLNI), which had seen its activity halted by the 600kg animal, which enjoyed snoozing on its slipway in Tenby

'Wally was aware that people were there and was obviously disturbed.

'Walruses have been known to attack boats and they've been known to kill people so like any other wild animal you don't want to get too close just in case.

'These people are just going up to it and taking their chances.

'They are unpredictable, and you don't know if they are likely to turn around and attack someone or not. Someone who is acting irresponsibly could get injured.'

Welsh Marine Life Rescue added: 'We believe that people have been breaking Covid restrictions by crossing the border from England to see the animal.

'There was one report that someone even travelled from as far as Essex and many people weren't sticking to social distancing.'

RSPCA animal rescue officer Ellie West described Wally's plight as 'sad' during Radio 4's Today programme back in March.

She said at the time: 'Whilst it is a very unusual sight [...] it is quite a sad occurrence because we have to remember that this walrus is a very, very long way from where he should be.

'We're talking about a wild animal that's still very mobile. He's very big, we're talking about much bigger than our normal seals. This one, although he's of a large size he is a bit underweight.'
It comes after a series of attacks on the New York City subway system

Both victims were taken to Bellevue hospital and are in a stable condition

The man was slashed in the neck with a pocket knife and blood was seen on floor

Another victim was attacked on the L line platform in the station on Tuesday

Woman was slashed across her left shoulder, collarbone, and upper chest

The victim, 54, was attacked in Union Square station on Wednesday at 10:10pm

A woman, 54, was slashed in Union Square station on Wednesday night, the second stabbing in the subway stop in two days.

The victim was attacked by 22-year-old Joshua Nazario who slashed her across her left shoulder, collarbone, and upper chest, while she was waiting at the southbound N, Q, R platform for the train around 10:10pm.

A nearby witness managed to stop the attack, restrain the assailant, and call police to the scene.

The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to be charged today. Investigators said it was an unprovoked attack.

The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital where she is in a stable, non-life threatening condition, the New York Post reported.

A commuter was slashed in the neck with a pocket knife on the platform of Manhattan's Union Square station, in the latest subway attack in New York City. Pictured: police officers set up tape to stop the public from entering the platform

It is the second stabbing in the station in two days after a commuter was slashed in the neck with a pocket knife on a platform.

The 45-year-old man was stabbed following an argument with another man on the L line platform at around 4pm on Tuesday, police said.

The victim was slashed in the neck by the suspect, who was wearing black pants, a neon shirt, a black hat, reports NY Daily News.

Blood was seen on the floor of the station platform and the victim was taken to Bellevue hospital where he is now 'conscious and alert'.

The stabbing comes just days after last Friday's subway slashing spree which left five people injured. Four teenagers, aged 17 to 19, were arrested.

Blood was seen on the floor of the station platform and the victim was taken to Bellevue hospital where he is now 'conscious and alert'

The 45-year-old man was attacked after an argument broke out between him and and another man on the L line platform at around 4pm on Tuesday. Pictured: Investigators speak to witnesses at the station

Statistics show that there have been 119 felony assaults on New York City's subway system since January - the highest number for the first three months of the year since 1998.

Eyewitness Maria Paz Alegre said that police swarmed the station after Tuesday's stabbing.

'The platform was way more crowded than usual,' she said. 'A bunch of police officers started storming in.

'One of them knelt down, my view was blocked by benches and people, so I didnt see why he bent down. When his head popped up he yelled, "Everyone out! Get out!"'

The victim was slashed in the neck by the suspect, who was wearing black pants, a neon shirt, a black hat. Pictured: Police inside the subway station, which was blocked off from the public

Blood can be seen on the floor and on the wall where the victim was slashed in the neck

Last weekend, five people - including two police officers- were violently attacked on the New York City subway in just a four-hour period on Sunday May 16.

From 5:30 am to 9:30 am a 41-year-old man was attacked and robbed of his cellphone by three men and two police officers were injured chasing fare dodgers, ABC 7 News reported.

While on Friday four people were randomly stabbed and a fifth sucker punched in the subway slashing spree.

The suspect was caught with a bloodied knife and a victim's backpack prosecutors say.

Joseph Foster, 18, was charged Sunday with first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree robbery and criminal possession of a weapon over his alleged role in the shocking attacks which left one victim blind in one eye.

Surveillance footage shows another victim trying to escape from a train before Foster allegedly dragged him back inside, according to Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Katherine Byrns, who suggested the attacks were part of a gang 'initiation'.

The backpack which Foster was holding belonged to the blinded victim and had a bloodied kitchen knife inside, it is claimed.

Foster has a three-year-old daughter and was previously arrested on January 13 on first-degree robbery charges for an alleged knifepoint mugging and stabbing of a cyclist. He was released without bail, the New York Post reported.

Joseph Foster, 18, was charged Sunday with first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree robbery and criminal possession of a weapon over his alleged role in the shocking attacks which left one victim blind in one eye. Pictured are cop cars responding to the incident

Two other suspects have been charged over the incident: a 16-year-old minor and Taquarious Soto-Burgos.

NYPD has released a surveillance camera image of a fourth suspect they are hunting; they have not released images of the suspects who were apprehended.

Prosecutors say Foster and his co-conspirators 'embarked on a violent robbery spree' just after 4 a.m. Friday that began with several thefts at 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue before continuing south.

The first attack took place at around 4:20am, when a 44-year-old man on the southbound 4-train was slashed in the left side of his cheek, police said.

He got off at the 14th Street/Union Square station, but the suspects stayed on the train beat two sleeping men about five minutes later.

One man, 41, was woken up with sucker punch to the face, and the second man, 40, was slashed across the face, police said. They got off the train at Astor Place in Manhattan.

The suspects continued to wreak havoc on the train by slashing a fourth man, 44, across the face while he boarded the train from the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station at 4:30am and threw his phone on the tracks, police said.

About 30 minutes later, a fifth victim, 48, told police in the area of Yankee stadium that he had been stabbed in the eye, slashed in the back and left side of his neck, and robbed of his backpack in the area of 79th Street-Broadway subway station.

Three men have now been charged and police are hunting a fourth suspect (pictured in a surveillance camera image)

The brazen acts of violence were the latest of 15 assaults on the subway system last week alone, according to Transit Worker Union boss Tony Utano, and appear to part of the epidemic of violence that has gripped New York City's underground rail lines.

Friday's attack happened two days after four commuters were beaten over the course of three hours in unprovoked subway attacks, including a victim who was spat on and slashed in the face.

The unnamed victim was seated on a bench at the Times Square station on the southbound platform for the No. 1, 2 and 3 lines when he was approached by an unidentified man Wednesday morning.

He told police the assailant began talking to him, at which point he removed his headphones and asked: 'Are you talking to me?'

Statistics show murders and serious crimes are rocketing on the NYC subway, with figures revealing that 119 felony assaults have taken place so far this year - the highest number for the first three months of the year since 1998.

Last year saw 106 felony assaults recorded over the same period, with 91 reported in 2019.

New York City crime statistics show that violent crimes, including felonies and felony assaults, have risen dramatically in the first few months of 2021. Murders on the subway system have been up 25% since 2019 and are on track to beat 2020 numbers

In an effort to combat the rise in violence, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to deploy 250 additional police officers to the subway. A cop is pictured at 34th Street Station

Murders doubled between 2019 and 2020 - from three, to six, with the 2021 figure now on track to eclipse the previous two years.

Meanwhile, felonies - serious crimes including murders, rapes and assaults - saw a steep 53.7 per cent increase over the last two years.

For every million riders in the first three months of this year there were a reported 1.63 felonies. That was up from 1.06 reported felonies per million riders in 2019 - a 53.7 per cent increase.

The numbers for the early part of 2021 are also up on the 1.48 reported felonies per million riders for the same period in 2020 - an increase of 10.1 per cent in just a year, according to The New York Times.

There have also been seven racist attacks on Asian-Americans so-far in 2021, compared to none recorded over the same period the previous year.

The total number of major felonies has dropped overall - with 335 reported this year so far, versus 697 for the same period in 2020, and 559 for the same period in 2019.

But safety advocates say the overall number of riders was far greater for the same period last year and the year before, pre-COVID shutdowns, and that the felonies per million riders offer a more useful snapshot of rising crime figures.

As violent crimes, including felonies, see a dramatic uptick on the subway, more NYPD officers (pictured at Times Square Station) have been deployed to protect straphangers

'I think we have been under policed for quite some time,' Governor Andrew Cuomo said in regards to the Subway. He says he would not let his three daughters ride the system

Around 2.1 million people a day now ride the subway system, well down on the 5.4 million average weekday riders, before COVID-19 saw people switch to working from home, and limited socializing opportunities.

Anecdotally, there has also been an uptick in people being shoved onto the subway tracks.

NYPD Data shows that since Christmas Eve 2020, six people have been pushed onto the subway track by someone with mental health issues, the New York Daily News reported.

In an effort to combat the rise in violence, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to deploy 250 additional police officers to the subway, bringing the number up to over 3,000 cops, the largest force the subway system has seen in 25 year, NYT reported.

De Blasio has insisted that the subway is relatively safe. But state Governor Andrew Cuomo - who is in charge of the MTA - said he would not let his daughters ride the subway due to safety concerns.

'I think we have been underpoliced for quite some time,' the governor told reporters on Monday.

The mayor and the governor, who frequently clash over big issues, are not the only two city officials in disagreement over subway safety.

State Governor Andrew Cuomo - who is in charge of the MTA - said he would not let his daughters ride the subway due to safety concerns

Kathryn Wylde, the president and chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, an influential business group, said that subway safety is the biggest obstacle in getting New Yorkers back into the office full-time.

'I don't think there's any question that fear of crime is way up,' she told the NYT. 'You can't reopen offices if people aren't comfortable taking mass transit.'

While Kathleen O'Reilly, the Police Department's transit bureau chief, has slammed the 'continued fearmongering' surrounding the subway.

'It's a disservice to New Yorkers to advance a narrative that crime is soaring in the subways when it's simply not the case,' the NYT reported she told transit officials at an agency board meeting in April.

Many officials say crime rates should drop as vaccinated people return to work and the subways become busier, meaning there is 'safety in numbers' from potential attacks.
Britain can achieve herd immunity against coronavirus  and may be able to get there without vaccinating children, one of the Government's scientific adviser said today.

Professor Adam Finn, who sits on No10's Covid vaccine advisory body, said uptake among adults was so high that the panel was 'optimistic' that the UK can stop the spread of the virus through jabs.

He said it was 'an open question' as to whether children will need to be inoculated.

On top of young children being very unlikely to fall ill with Covid, he claimed data had shown 'they are not very infectious to each other or adults around them'.

No10 has reportedly already drawn up plans to vaccinate secondary school-aged children with Pfizer's two-dose jab from September. Last week, regulators in the US green-lit plans for youngsters over 12 to be given the American-made jab, laying the groundwork for the plans to be approved here.

But critics say the strategy is ethically dubious because pre-teens are at such a low risk of the virus and the jabs can cause uncomfortable side effects.

There are growing calls for the plan to be ditched and for doses to be shipped to poorer nations where elderly and vulnerable people are yet to be jabbed.

Professor Finn, an expert in children's health at Bristol University, revealed he was opposed to vaccinating children if it was possible to control the virus without giving them 'invasive' jabs.

Britain can achieve herd immunity against coronavirus without having to vaccinate children, according to Professor Finn, an expert in children's health at Bristol University who advises the Government on its Covid vaccination programme

WHAT IS 'HERD IMMUNITY'? Herd immunity is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. Effectively, it means that once people have some form of immunity, it reduces the ability of a disease to spread among the population. Therefore, someone who has antibodies either through previous infection or vaccines, acts as a 'barrier' to the virus. If you have enough 'barriers' then the disease cannot effectively spread through a population. But in the case of a new virus, such as with Covid-19, the virus can spread essentially without any barriers - which can lead to a pandemic. The World Health Organisation says it supports achieving herd immunity through vaccination, not by allowing a disease to spread through any segment of the population. But one expert told MailOnline that Covid-19 is here to stay and that the key is reaching a 'herd immunity threshold'. This keeps the virus at what is known as an endemic level - where a disease is regularly found among the population but is not harmful enough to impact on society. Keeping Covid-19 within the herd immunity threshold, which can vary particularly in winter when diseases such as flu and coronavirus spread quickly, will mean it is kept at a 'manageable level', the expert added. Research shows the current crop of Covid vaccines help by increasing the antibody response to the virus - therefore heavily reducing the risk that someone can be made seriously ill. But data is not yet available about how effective the vaccinations are at preventing transmission. Advertisement

He added on BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's an invasive thing to do, it costs money and it causes a certain amount of discomfort, and vaccines have side-effects.

'So if we can control this virus without immunising children we shouldn't immunise children as a matter of principle.'

He hinted it was possible the UK may get to herd immunity  when so many people are protected against a virus, either through vaccination or previous illness, that it peters out  without giving children the vaccines.

'I do think we're clear that the main priority at the moment is to try and immunise as many people as possible who are at risk of getting really sick with this virus, because that's the one thing we want to avoid is another big surge of hospitalisations and deaths,' he added.

'That isn't going to happen in children because fortunately one of the few good things about this pandemic is children are very rarely seriously affected by this infection.'

Asked about children spreading the virus, he said: 'Well actually the evidence we've got with children, particularly young children, is that they are not very infectious to each other or to adults around them, and that the majority of the transmission of the infection is in the adult population in fact.

'Because we've immunised so many older adults, that's now tending to be in younger adults, and there is a certain amount of transmission going on in secondary school so in teenagers.

'But, in fact, we've been surprised about how little transmission we've picked up in schools and, of course, this time around, there's been a lot more testing and awareness of what's going on in schools.'

On the ethics of vaccinating young people in the UK when adults are dying abroad, Professor Finn said: 'Well there is the global perspective but even if we just look at it as a domestic issue, I think in normal times, just as in pandemic times, we simply wouldn't want to immunise anybody without needing to.

'It's an invasive thing to do, it costs money and it causes a certain amount of discomfort, and vaccines have side-effects.

'So if we can control this virus without immunising children we shouldn't immunise children as a matter of principle.'

He said he was 'optimistic that the UK can achieve herd immunity because of the 'high coverage we're achieving and the extremely effective vaccines we've got'.

But Professor Finn added: 'I'm afraid it's an open question as to whether we need to immunise any children at all. And if we do, how many children we need to immunise.'

Herd immunity is when an infectious disease stops naturally spreading in a population because enough people are protected against the disease.

Scientists disagree on what the exact herd immunity threshold is but top US medical official Dr Anthony Fauci has previously suggested it could be as high as 90 per cent.

The UK governments Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance quoted a figure of 60 per cent back in March 2020 but scientists now believe it is much higher than that because the virus is more transmissible than previously thought.
Tinder and other dating apps could be used to boost Covid vaccine uptake among younger generations, it was claimed today.

Ministers are hoping to expand the inoculation drive to invite under-30s for vaccines within the next fortnight.

Around 95 per cent of over-60s have come forward already. But health bosses fear younger adults  who face a much lower risk of falling seriously ill from Covid  will be more hesitant.

In an attempt to encourage younger adults to get vaccinated, officials are said to be considering using dating apps.

Ministers are discussing plans giving vaccinated users 'blue ticks' or banners to show fellow love-seekers they are inoculated. They are also considering taking out adverts to promote the vaccine and its benefits.



Dating apps could be used to promote Covid vaccine uptake in younger generations by allowing people to see if someone has been jabbed

UK can achieve herd immunity against Covid and may not have to vaccinate children to get there, expert says Britain can achieve herd immunity against coronavirus  and may be able to get there without vaccinating children, one of the Government's scientific adviser said today. Professor Adam Finn, who sits on No10's Covid vaccine advisory body, said uptake among adults was so high that the panel was 'optimistic' that the UK can stop the spread of the virus through jabs. He said it was 'an open question' as to whether children will need to be inoculated. On top of young children being very unlikely to fall ill with Covid, he claimed data had shown 'they are not very infectious to each other or adults around them'. No10 has reportedly already drawn up plans to vaccinate secondary school-aged children with Pfizer's two-dose jab from September. Last week, regulators in the US green-lit plans for youngsters over 12 to be given the American-made jab, laying the groundwork for the plans to be approved here. But critics say the strategy is ethically dubious because pre-teens are at such a low risk of the virus and the jabs can cause uncomfortable side effects. There are growing calls for the plan to be ditched and for doses to be shipped to poorer nations where elderly and vulnerable people are yet to be jabbed. Professor Finn, an expert in children's health at Bristol University, revealed he was opposed to vaccinating children if it was possible to control the virus without giving them 'invasive' jabs. Advertisement

A Government source told the Telegraph: 'As we get to younger people, Tinder and all those apps will be approached to flag the importance of getting vaccinated.

'It might also give more people impetus to meet up and find love.

'This is being properly looked at. There are ongoing conversations. It would be a decision for platforms to be involved.'

Tinder, Hinge and Bumble declined to comment on whether plans to introduce the features were already under discussion, when asked by the newspaper.

It comes as ministers accelerate the vaccination roll-out with plans to reach all over-18s within a month.

Over-30s could be offered at least one dose by the end of May, with those in their early 20s jabbed in the first two weeks of June. The Telegraph reported.

England's roll-out was expanded to 34 and 35-year-olds today, with one million adults expected to get a text inviting them to come forward either today or tomorrow.

Health officials have sped up the timetable to offer second jabs in a bid to ensure that those at highest risk are protected from the variant of the virus first identified in India.

At the same time, the programmes are extending to younger age groups to try and mitigate risk.

Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS in England, said: 'The success of the NHS Covid vaccination programme, the biggest in history, is not by accident but down to careful planning and precision by NHS staff who have now delivered 48.5million doses across England in less than six months.

'Getting the jab is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against Covid.

'So when you're called forward, book your appointment and join the tens of millions who have already been jabbed.'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'Our vaccination programme  the fastest and most successful in NHS history  moves forward at pace with 34 and 35-year-olds now being invited for the jab.

'This is incredible news and means we remain on track to hit our target of offering a vaccine to all adults by the end of July.

'The vaccine is our way out of the pandemic and the key to getting back to normal.

Prince William tweeted this picture today as he revealed he had received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday

'I'm delighted 70 per cent of adults across the country have already been vaccinated with their first dose, and 40 per cent with their second.

'We have one of the highest uptake rates in the world but we'll continue to do everything we can to make sure no one is left behind. Please come forward for the jab once you get the offer  it could save your life and protect your loved ones.'

Vaccination experts have previously advised that people under the age of 40 should receive an alternative vaccine to the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab due to the link between the jab and extremely rare cases of blood clots.

This means under 40s will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care today show UK health services have administered 57.8million vaccines, including 36.9million people with their first dose  or 70.2 per cent of the adult population.

Meanwhile, 20.8m people  almost two-fifths (39.6 per cent) of the adult population  had received both doses.

It comes as Prince William revealed today that he has received his first dose of the coronavirus jab from NHS medical staff at the Science Museum vaccination centre in London.

The Duke of Cambridge tweeted this morning: 'On Tuesday I received my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. To all those working on the vaccine rollout - thank you for everything you've done and continue to do.'

The 38-year-old royal posted a picture of himself wearing a mask with his sleeve rolled up and a needle in his arm as he received the jab at the museum in Kensington, near where he lives with wife Kate and their three children.
Nicholas Firkus, 38, was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of murdering his 25-year-old wife Heidi in their in St. Paul, Minnesota home more than a decade ago

A husband has been arrested for the murder of his wife 11 years after he told police an intruder broke into their home, grabbed his shotgun and shot her dead during a struggle.

Nicholas Firkus, 38, was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of murdering his 25-year-old wife Heidi in their St. Paul, Minnesota home more than a decade ago.

Police have not released details on what led to Firkus' arrest in the cold case and his criminal complaint won't be unsealed until later on Thursday.

Jail records show Firkus, of Mounds View, which is about 15 minutes from St. Paul, was booked for second-degree intentional murder.

No one has ever been arrested over Heidi's death but police insist they never stopped investigating.

Heidi was shot dead early April 25, 2010, in the St. Paul home she shared with her then 27-year-old husband.

Police had received two 911 calls reporting that someone was trying to break into the home.

No one has ever been arrested over Heidi's death but police insist they never stopped investigating after she was shot dead in the early hours of April 25, 2010, in the St. Paul home she shared with her then 27-year-old husband

Heidi was shot dead early April 25, 2010, in the St. Paul home (above) she shared with her then 27-year-old husband. Police had received two 911 calls reporting that someone was trying to break into the home

At the time, Firkus told police the intruder had grabbed his shotgun after breaking in.

After Heidi was killed, her family said they found out the couple were supposed to be evicted from their home the day after the shooting

Firkus said he briefly struggled with the intruder but the gun went off and a bullet struck Heidi in the back.

He told investigators that the gun fired a second time and he suffered gunshot wounds to his thigh and groin.

Firkus said he was treated in the hospital for his injuries.

After Heidi was killed, her family said they found out the couple were supposed to be evicted from their home due to foreclosure the day after the fatal shooting, the Pioneer Press reports.

Nothing had been packed up in the home, according to police.

Heidi's parents said Firkus told them his wife knew about the eviction but they claimed she would have told them if she had known.

Homicide detectives revealed a year after the slaying that Firkus had not been eliminated as a suspect in his wife's murder.

Heidi's family issued a statement via police following news of the arrest, saying they were grateful for the development in their daughter's case. Pictured above is Heidi's father John Erickson

Firkus told police at the time an intruder had broken in and grabbed his shotgun. He said he briefly struggled with the intruder but the gun went off and a bullet struck Heidi in the back

His attorney Joe Friedberg said at the time that Firkus was a victim and not the perpetrator.

Friedberg, who is still representing Firkus, had no comment following his client's arrest because he hadn't yet seen the allegations against him.

Heidi's family issued a statement via police following news of the arrest, saying they were happy about the development in their daughter's case.

'We're extremely grateful for all those who have worked so hard and long to get the case to this point. And also for everyone who has prayed and stood beside us all these years,' the family said.

'We are hopeful that these charges will finally bring out the truth and result in justice for Heidi. Even though we know we can't have her back, we believe Heidi would want us to have the truth.

'God is honored by truth. Heidi's life and memory is further honored by truth.'

Firkus is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday.
Mark Drakeford today warned that Welsh farmers 'cannot compete' with unrestricted Australian imports amid a Cabinet standoff over a planned trade deal.

The Welsh First Minister made clear his concerns as the government pushes for a landmark post-Brexit agreement within weeks.

Boris Johnson chaired a meeting with senior ministers this morning, with Trade Secretary Liz Truss at loggerheads with Environment Secretary George Eustice and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove.

The PM has hinted at support for Ms Truss, who wants producers from Australia tariff-free access to UK markets within a decade, saying it will lower costs for consumers.

But Mr Eustice and Mr Gove fear the move on beef and lamb will undercut British farmers.

Downing Street said the meeting was 'positive', but played down the suggestion that there is a 'hard deadline' after Ms Truss insisted she wanted an agreement by the G7 summit next month.

Trade Secretary Liz Truss (right) is believed to be at loggerheads with Environment Secretary George Eustice and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove (left) over the planned trade deal with Australia

Boris Johnson chaired a meeting with senior ministers this morning to discuss the planned trade package

Mr Eustice (left) and Mr Drakeford (right) fear the move on beef and lamb will undercut British farmers

Mr Drakeford said he spoke to Mr Gove about the issues yesterday and set out 'very strongly' his concerns, along with ministers from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

'We have very real concerns about what a quota free, tariff free deal would mean for our sheep and our dairy industry,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'We want a level playing field. That's what we want. How can our hill farmers compete with Australian climate?

'How can our farmers compete with the space that is available for the huge farms they have in Australia? How can we compete when our standards of animal welfare and environmental standards are different and higher than they are in Australia?

'If we're to have a level playing field you have to take all those things into account and then you set your tariffs and your quotas to reflect those intrinsic and inherent difference.'

Mr Drakeford said there were also potential problems with allowing access to countries with 'lower standards'.

A Downing Street spokesman said today: 'There are a regular series of meetings on not just this trade deal but the deals we have been working on throughout.

'The Prime Minister met with the ministers involved, like Liz Truss obviously, as part of the regular process.

'The Prime Minister, as he has said before, he wants to maximise the massive opportunities presented by post-Brexit trade deals and he has talked about that in Parliament.'

The spokesman added: 'Any agreement would include protections for our agriculture industry and won't undercut UK farmers.

'We want a deal that is good for the British public and any agreement would have protection for the agriculture industry.'

But the spokesman refused to be drawn on what the measures to protect farmers would be, insisting he would not comment on the ongoing negotiations.'

UK farmers fear they would not be able to compete with large-scale Australian cattle ranches.

Brexit minister Lord Frost is believed to be behind Ms Truss over the push for a deep trade deal with Australia

Speaking to MPs on the Commons International Trade Committee yesterday, Ms Truss said: 'I have had discussions with the National Farmers' Union, I've been very clear with them that of course, I'm always looking to make sure  as I have committed to  that British farmers will not be undercut by unfair practices from elsewhere.

'And we will make sure in all the deals we do that British farming thrives and I'm absolutely confident that will be achieved through the Australia deal.'

She said negotiators were 'currently in a sprint with a view to getting to agreement in principle by early June' on a trade deal with Australia which she said would have 'benefits for all nations and regions of the United Kingdom, and all industries, including the agriculture industry'.

Mr Johnson hinted at his support for a deep tariff-free deal at PMQs yesterday,

Challenged by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford that he was throwing farmers 'under the Brexit bus', the premier said: 'I don't think that he does justice to crofters, to farmers across the country and in Scotland as well because I think he grossly underestimates their ability to do great things with our free-trade deals, to export Scottish beef around the world.

'Why doesn't he believe in what the people of Scotland can do?

'Why is he so frightened of free trade?

'I think there's a massive opportunity for Scotland and for the whole of the UK and he should seize it and be proud of it.'
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The world's most famous locomotive the Flying Scotsman made its first mainline journey with passengers in two years today as Britons paid up to 275 to experience a taste of the golden age of steam.

Passengers, some of whom enjoyed a Pullman-style dining experience, were taken on a round-trip from London Victoria station lasting around three hours as they journeyed through the capital and the Surrey hills.

Leaving at 10.46am, they passed the Chelsea and Albert Bridges with views of Battersea Power Station, before heading out into the suburbs and then Surrey where they made a steep climb to the summit at Abinger Hammer.

The train then descended through the Vale of Holmesdale, at the foot of the ridge of the North Downs, before passing through Dorking and Reigate and heading back to the capital where it was due to arrive at 1.43pm.

The excursion, organised The Steam Dreams Rail Company using the National Railway Museum's locomotive, will set out on a second identical trip from Victoria this evening at 6.19pm before arriving back at 9.42am.

Both journeys sold out, with tickets for the first trip costing 109 for 'premium standard', 209 for 'premier dining' and 275 for 'Pullman-style dining'. Prices for the second trip were slightly less at 99, 189 and 249.

The morning service left London Victoria before travelling through Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Town, Putney, Barnes, Barnes Bridge, Chiswick, Kew Bridge, Brentford, Syon Lane, Isleworth and Hounslow.

Heading out of London into Surrey, the service then passed through Feltham, Ashford, Staines, Egham, Virginia Water, Chertsey, Woking, Guildford, Shalford, Chilworth, Gomshall, Dorking West, Dorking, Reigate and Redhill.

Old meets new as the Flying Scotsman steam locomotive approaches Clapham Junction station after leaving London Victoria this morning, passing a London Overground train to the left and a South Western Railway service to the right

The Flying Scotsman is pictured travelling through the Surrey Hills today on its first passenger journey in two years

A passenger wearing a face mask looks at the menu as the Flying Scotsman prepares to leave London Victoria station today

The world-famous Flying Scotsman steam locomotive bellows smoke and steam as it prepares to leave London Victoria today

The Flying Scotsman then headed back to Victoria through the capital via South Croydon, Selhurst and Herne Hill.

Those in the dining carriages were both served a two-course meal during the journey. Passengers on the later service will have a three course evening meal, while Pullman-style passengers will also receive canapes and wine.

Built in 1923 in the South Yorkshire market town of Doncaster, the 60103 Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive in the UK to officially reach 100mph and hauled the first regular non-stop London to Edinburgh service.

2,500,000 miles covered including 422 in one go: Ten facts about the world-famous Flying Scotsman The Flying Scotsman, an A3 Pacific class locomotive, was originally built in 1923 for the London and North East Railway It was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and has been in the public eye since it first went into service, having been on display at the British Empire Exhibition the following year The Flying Scotsman took eight hours to complete the trip between London and Edinburgh and in 1934 was officially credited with becoming the first steam locomotive to be clocked at 100 miles an hour It holds a second record for the longest non-stop run of 422 miles when it was in Australia The locomotive weighs about 100 tons The Flying Scotsman has covered around 2,500,000 miles in its long career It had five numbers, 1472, 4472, 502, 103 and 60103 Doncaster railway works is where the engine was built The Flying Scotsman took eight hours to cover the 392 miles between London and Edinburgh At one stage it had a tender with a corridor to enable crew changes during the Edinburgh trip Advertisement

The Pullman-style dining cars are vintage carriages with wood panelled walls, table lamps and curtains, while those travelling in premium standard were invited to bring their own picnics whilst seated in 1960s open carriages with large picture windows.

David Buck, owner of Steam Dreams Rail Company, said today: 'We are delighted to be back out on the tracks again bringing the magic of steam train travel back to those who have missed it so much over the last year.

'What better way to re-start our steam train programme than with the most famous locomotive of them all. We are very grateful to Riley & Son (E) and the National Railway Museum for helping make it happen.'

The Flying Scotsman was built for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) in 1923 to a design of Sir Nigel Gresley, and employed on long-distance express trains on the LNER and its successors, British Railways Eastern and North-Eastern Regions.

The following year, the Flying Scotsman was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, and had been renumbered 4472  and given the name 'Flying Scotsman' after the London to Edinburgh rail service which started daily at 10am in 1862.

The locomotive, initially numbered 1472, set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated at reaching 100mph (160.9 kmh) on November 30, 1934.

It then set a record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles (679km) on August 8, 1989 while in Australia.

The Flying Scotland - which was also the first steam locomotive to undertake a non-stop run between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley - was eventually retired from regular service in 1963 after covering 2,076,000 miles.

The locomotive then gained further fame in preservation under the ownership of Alan Pegler, William McAlpine, Tony Marchington and finally the National Railway Museum which owns it today.

The Flying Scotsman now runs special journeys in the UK for rail enthusiasts, but also toured extensively in the US and Canada from 1969 to 1973 and later Australia from 1988 to 1989.

The Flying Scotsman passes over a level crossing in Chiswick, West London, today on a mainline trip with passengers

The train driver gives a thumbs up shortly before Flying Scotsman steam locomotive leaves London Victoria station today

The Flying Scotsman passes over a level crossing in Chiswick, West London, on a Steam Dreams Rail Company tour today

The next trip for the Flying Scotsman after today will be on June 6, from London Paddington to Southampton via Winchester, which is fully booked. The train will leave London at 9.45am and tickets cost 119, 219 and 289.

After that, it will go from London King's Cross to Cambridge on June 17 for 109 to 275, and travel around Fife from Edinburgh Waverley on June 25 from 89.

Mr Buck added: 'We have a fabulous season ahead of us with lots of varied itineraries including more Flying Scotsman trips and the long-awaited return of our very popular Royal Windsor Steam Express and Sunset Steam Express trains which will be running out of London Victoria every Tuesday from June 1 to September 14.

'In addition, we will also be running our regular tours to Cathedral Cities, beach side resorts and special events such as Goodwood Revival to name but a few.'
A young mother has revealed that she was beaten with a crowbar and smashed over the head with a Hooch bottle during an 'unprovoked' attack.

Lauren Garrison, 28, was taunted by youths outside a pub in Worthing, West Sussex, on Monday.

The mother-of-one, who feared she was going to be killed, was then subject to an attack by a gang of ten boys and three girls which left her unconscious.

She is now worried she may be left with permanent damage after bursting a blood vessel in her eye.

Ms Garrison, who is attracted to both women and men, believes it could have been a homophobic attack.

Lauren Garrison, 28, was taunted by youths outside a pub in Worthing, West Sussex, on Monday. The mother-of-one, who feared she was going to be killed, was then subject to an attack by a gang of ten boys and three girls which left her unconscious

Ms Garrison had been enjoying a night out with her friends after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

They had decided to stop off at the pub after a meal before she was confronted by the gang who called her a 'dirty dyke' and a 'tranny'.

The group who then attacked her with a crowbar and a bottle which left her unconscious.

The mother-of-one suffered a concussion and fears she may be left with permanent damage after bursting a blood vessel in her eye.

Ms Garrison claims she was bombarded by slurs during the attack, including claims that trans people 'should be shot'.

She has since said she feared that her son would be left without his mother.

Ms Garrison, who is attracted to both women and men, believes it could have been a homophobic attack

Sussex Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward following the attack in Chapel Road, Worthing, (pictured) around 10.15pm on Monday

'They were being verbally abusive to me and making homophobic comments. They called me a tranny and said "oh look there is another dirty dyke".

'They then said they should be shot,' Ms Garrison said.

'As soon as I walked out that pub, I was knocked out. They hit me with a crowbar and Hooch bottle - I was hit twice.

'The first one I sort of remember, which was with the bottle that rolled down and didn't smash.

'The second time was straight in front of me, a crowbar to my eye and I passed out.

She said she is now worried she may be left with permanent damage after bursting a blood vessel in her eye

'I vaguely remember pushing myself up against the window and struggling into the pub. That is when someone went "oh my god, has anyone seen her eye?"

'Even talking about it makes me emotional. My son could have been on his own.'

She added: 'I am in shock of it all. I am just trying to carry on - that is all you can do. It has really affected me.

'I used to love to just going to the pub for a drink or getting some food with my little boy after he finished nursery but it has completely thrown me now.

'I am now always questioning myself 'what if I see them again?' It is all a bit scary'.

Lauren said the attack, at about 10.15pm, was completely unprovoked.

Sussex Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesman said: 'Police are investigating a report of a 28-year-old woman being assaulted by a group of youths in Chapel Road, Worthing, around 10.15pm on Monday.

'The suspects are understood to have made homophobic comments to the victim during the assault.

'The victim suffered a minor facial injury.

'Enquiries are underway to trace those responsible, and officers are keen to speak with anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation.'

Anyone with information or who witnessed what happened is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting 1593 of 17/05.
The 65-year-old Filipina woman who was knocked to the ground in a horrifying racist attack in New York City earlier this year has spoken out to say she forgives her attacker and 'prays' for him.

Vilma Kari was walking to church in midtown Manhattan on March 29 when Brandon Elliot, 38, approached her, knocked her to the ground and kicked her repeatedly.

She was left with head injuries and a broken pelvis. He yelled anti-Asian racist slurs at her before fleeing.

The attack was caught on surveillance cameras, as was the reaction of doormen who watched without helping and shut the doors on Vilma as she crawled along the ground.

Elliot was out on parole at the time. In 2002, he was convicted of murdering his own mother in front of his then five-year-old sister. He is now in custody.

Vilma Kari, 65, told Good Morning America on Thursday that she prays for her attacker because it's the only thing she can do

The video shows Vilma Kari, 65, pushed to the ground and kicked in the head

The suspect, identified as Brandon Elliot, stands over Vilma Kari

Surveillance camera footage caught the attack on March 29. It happened right outside this Manhattan building where three doormen watched it unfold without helping

In an interview with Good Morning America on Thursday morning, Kari said she is healing well but still needs a walker.

Attacker Brandon Elliot was out on parole for murdering his own mother when he attacked Kari

She said she would like to thank all of the people who have shown her support since the attack.

'I would like to thank all of them - thank you from my heart. It has helped me and it is still helping me in my recovery.

'Physically I am healing well but mentally, emotionally, I'm not there yet,' she said. She added: 'My attacker - I pray for him because I felt he needed prayers.

't's the only thing I could do for him in the hope that someday he'll reform or he'll find the right medicine, whatever he needed.'

Kari's daughter Elizabeth revealed earlier this month that her mother has barely left her home since the attack.

Vilma said that she hopes she and others can be a 'voice' for victims who have not been heard from.

Elliot has pleaded not guilty to assault. He remains in custody on a $500,000 bond.

Vilma is still using her walker. She said she is healing well physically but mentally still struggles

Elizabeth (right) helping her mom, Vilma, get into a car to go to NYU Langone outpatient facility

The doormen who were seen appearing to ignore the incident have since claimed through a union representative that they didn't, and that a longer video proves it.

Her daughter said she watched in horror the video of her mother being beaten.

'I remember just screaming that's my mom, that's my mom. I had to get up from the sofa, I felt like I couldn't breathe.'

The incident was one of many this year in a spike of violence against the American Asian community who were unfairly blamed by bigots for the COVID-19 pandemic, because it was first found in Wuhan, China.

After the attack, Kari's daughter launched an initiative called AAP I Belong to encourage people to share their stories.
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Tennessee lawmakers have accused President Joe Biden's administration of secretly flying migrant children into their state without consulting them  as Kamala Harris faces growing pressure to visit the southern border to address the crisis.

Several videos obtained by WRCB-TV Channel 3 show a handful of planes carrying minor migrants arriving at Chattanooga's Wilson Air Center during overnight hours.

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn said in a statement the transportation of migrants there is taking place in 'the dead of night without the knowledge or permission of the communities involved.'

A source with direct knowledge of the operation revealed somewhere up to 50 minors are transported at a time  some to reunite with family members in other states and others to be relocated to group homes.

The individual revealed that while the operation started in Dallas, it moved to small airports recently to avoid attention.

Customs and Border Protection encountered 178,000 migrants in April, a 90 per cent increase from April 2020 and slight uptick from March 2021 - when border guards encountered the most unaccompanied children in history.

Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa introduced the 'See the Crisis' Act on Thursday before the House breaks for recess.

The bill proposes banning Harris from taxpayer-funded travel as she still refuses to visit the border to address the growing issues. It has been nine weeks since the Biden administration named her border 'czar' and the White House has insisted her priority is to deal with the 'root causes' of migration.

Tennessee lawmakers claim the Biden administration is now 'secretly' sending migrants who were in Southeastern holding facilities to other U.S. states 'in the dead of night'. Several videos show a handful of planes carrying minor migrants arriving at Chattanooga's Wilson Air Center during overnight hours

Vice President Kamala Harris was named 'border czar' in March, but since then has not visited the border. She has, however, traveled across the country to promote Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and upcoming $4 trillion in infrastructure proposals

Harris has come under fire for traveling the country but not making a stop at the border. Here a Texas state trooper talks to Venezuelan migrants who crossed into the U.S. illegally on May 19

Refugees are also filing into shelters in Mexico near the border waiting for the outcome of their applications to enter the US

'We have an absolute crisis at the border, and Vice President Harris was appointed to lead the administration's efforts on the border crisis, but it's been 56 days, and in that time she hasn't been to the border once,' Hinson told Fox News on Wednesday.

'She hasn't held a news conference on the administration's efforts for a plan, and I think it's time she does that.'

The latest increase in pressure on the Biden administration to address the border problem came as former president George W. Bush claimed the immigration system is 'broken' and slammed Congress for doing nothing to fix it.

In an interview with Fox News on Thursday he said: 'Youre not going to solve this if there is politics.

'If you think about where we are right now, youve got people on one side of the aisle blaming the former president, and people on the other side of the aisle blaming the current president.

'And, the truth of the matter is, the system is broken because Congress has failed to act.'

Bush also said the real blame for the humanitarian crisis at the border is the smugglers who have no intention of getting these families into the US and are simply trying to make money.

'Im sure theyre telling them falsehoods  "follow me, Ill get you in"  and these poor people have no way of checking that out and are finding themselves stuck at the border,' he added.

In March, Biden named Harris 'border czar' as the administration faced a mounting crisis with mass migration from the south, causing an overwhelmed immigration system and overcrowded border facilities.

Since taking on the role, Harris has drawn criticism for not visiting the border.

The White House, however, has insisted since then that Harris' position is to address 'root causes' in Central America and Mexico that lead to people fleeing their home countries for the U.S.

Representative Ashley Hinson is proposing a new bill Thursday that would ban any taxpayer-funded travel for Harris until she visits the border and submits a report on the trip to Congress

Customs and Border Protection encountered 178,000 migrants in April, a 90 per cent increase from April 2020 and slight uptick from March 2021 - when border guards encountered the most unaccompanied children in history

Hinson's proposal would stop Harris' vice presidential travel, including her security detail for out-of-country travel and the use of Air Force Two, until she issues a report to Congress on how to solve the crisis after finally visiting the southern border.

The Iowa Republican says the report would need to include briefs on any meetings she held with agencies at the border and plans on addressing the crisis. She also is interested in the amount of foreign aid the administration plans to give to Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

In early June, Harris plans to travel to Guatemala and Mexico to talk with leaders there about the crisis.

'I'm thinking of corruption, violence and poverty, the lack of economic opportunity, the lack of climate adaptation and climate resilience, the lack of good governance,' Harris said earlier in May when listing root causes of the mass migration.

The immigrants were told by agents to remove their shoe laces before they are taken into custody and transported to border facilities

Mountains of trash are seen on the Mexican side of the border wall in Ciudad Juarez on Wednesday

The vice president says she doesn't plan to stop at the border during her trip south of the border next month.

In recent months, there has been a historic number of migrants illegally crossing the border.

To deal with the issues with overcrowding of facilities in border states, the White House has started transporting migrants into an airport in Chattanooga, Tennessee from Southeast cities.

But lawmakers in the state claim they are not being informed or consulted on the movement of migrants to their communities.

'I have warned for months that President Biden's failure at the border would result in a systematic resettling of migrants in our communities, burdening our schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, and bringing an increase in drug trafficking and human smuggling,' Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty told Fox.

'A new reality is happening in our countryevery town is now a border town.'

A Venezuelan mother kisses her 4-year-old son after they make it over the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum in the U.S. on Wednesday

Venezuelan migrants stand with a Texas state trooper after crossing illegally into Del Rio on Wednesday, May 19

Estimates show approximately 200,000 migrants have crossed into the U.S. along the southern border since February 2021. A Texas state trooper watches as Venezuelan immigrants wait to be taken into custody after crossing the border

Two migrants help each other up a bank after crossing the Rio Grande into the United States

Despite deflection of duties to address the border crisis, Republicans claim in order to deal with root causes, it is still important Harris visit the border.

Rather than going to the border, Harris has jetted around the U.S. the past few months to promote the $1.9 trillion American Rescue plan, which was signed by President Joe Biden in March.

She has also traveled to preview and garner support for the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan, which when combined have a price tag of $4 trillion.

Part of her travels included a stop at a bakery in Chicago and a bookstore in Rhode Island, which the GOP immediately pounced on.

'She's putting yarn shops and bakeries before the border,' Hinson said of Harris.

'She's Zoomed with the Mexican president, but I think that sends the absolute wrong message to the men and women that are putting their lives on the line every day, not to mention the men and women and families that live in these communities along the border and the communities of Iowa -- every state is a border state,' she added.

These refugees go about daily life in the centers on Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Refugees go on with daily life in shelters on May 19,2021 in Ciudad Juarez Mexico while waiting for their applications to be processed

In April alone, 178,000 migrants were encountered by immigration agencies.

The administration has been scrambling in particular to deal with the large numbers of children migrants arriving without an adult. There are tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors in federal custody after Biden promised he would not turn these crossers away.

Harris has already met virtually with the leaders of Mexico and Guatemala ahead of her upcoming trip.

Nearly two dozen Republican governors sent a letter to Biden earlier this month calling for action at the border.

In the letter led by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, they claim the immigration crisis was spilling over into many U.S. states.

'The crisis at our border is too big to ignore, and it's spilling into ALL of our states,' Lee wrote in a Twitter statement May 11 regarding the letter.

Mexican military soldiers patrol the Mexican side of the Rio Grande on May 18, 2021 as seen from across the river in Del Rio, Texas

Parents of migrant girls abandoned on Texas farm claim they were kidnapped in Mexico moments after the children were ferried to the US

The parents of four of the five migrant girls who were found abandoned on a farm in Texas claim they were kidnapped in Mexico moments after the children were ferried to the United States in a raft.

Guatemalan national Daisy Sanchez, her boyfriend Ashley Padilla, of Honduras, and the latter's brother-in-law, Gabriel Castillo, made the claim in an interview with Univision on Wednesday.

They added that they have spent nine days trekking through a mountain region in Mexico in the hope of crossing into the US to reunite with them.

Sanchez and Padilla are the parents of 11-moth-old Valeria Padilla. Sanchez's daughter, Asheli, 5, is from a previous relationship. Castillo is the father of Nashly, 7, and Cristal, 4. His wife, Sandra Padilla, is still in Mexico, and it's unknown why she did not join them on the trip.

In the interview, the three parents recalled the harrowing encounter with a group of armed men as they waited to cross the Rio Grande on a raft and join their children.

They claim that moments after the girls were ferried across the waterway, a gang suddenly held them up at gunpoint.

'Let's say (there is a feeling of) helplessness because you want to do something but you can't anymore when they are pointing a gun at you and your life is between your back and the wall, and the lives of the girls are on the other side,' Castillo said. 'You feel powerless.'

Five girls from Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico were found May 9 by Texas onion and watermelon farmer Jimmy Hobbs and his wife on their 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

Daisy Sanchez (left), the Guatemalan mother of two of the five girls who were found abandoned on a farm in Quemado, Texas, near a river across the border with Mexico, said in an interview aired by Univision on Wednesday that she has been trekking through a mountain area in Mexico over the last nine days and seeks to reach the United States so that she and her boyfriend, Ashley Padilla (right), can be reunited with their daughters. The couple is also joined by Gabriel Castillo, Padilla's brother-in-law and whose two daughters are also in the U.S. at a migrant shelter in Brownsville, Texas

Gabriel Castillo said that an armed gang held the three parents at gunpoint and kidnapped them moments after the children had been crossed on a raft from Mexico to Quemado, Texas

According to Sanchez, they were taken to a stash house where other migrant families were being held, but managed to escape their captors through a broken window.

Ever since then, the three adults have been hiking through the mountain region with minimal food and water.

Sanchez explained that they plan to meet their families in the United States and petition the government to place the children in their custody.

'It's very difficult because the baby is very little at 11 months. She's baby,' Sanchez said. 'The other is five. It's very difficult to leave them there.'

Daisy Sanchez looks at a video for the first time that shows the moment a couple found her two daughters on their farm in Quemado, Texas, on May 9 after the children and three other girls, including her boyfriend's two nieces, were ferried on a raft across the Mexico-United States border
A six-month-old baby boy has died after drowning at a home in a new housing estate in Sydney's south-west.

Emergency services were called out to a home in Seaborn Avenue, Oran Park, at about 4.40pm on Thursday after reports were made about a 'concern for welfare'.

Paramedics arrived to find the baby in cardiac arrest and performed CPR before he was rushed to Campbelltown Hospital in a critical condition.

Sadly he could not be revived.

Emergency services were called about 4.40pm on Thursday to reports of a concern for welfare at a house in Seaborn Avenue, Oran Park (pictured)

A six-month-old baby boy was rushed to hospital but died at the scene. Pictured: a man and woman embracing at the scene

A crime scene has been set up as investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident

It is not yet known how or where the child drowned.

The baby's mother was arrested at the scene and taken to Camden Police Station where she is currently assisting with inquiries.

NSW police told Daily Mail Australia that the homicide squad were 'alerted' to the incident, which is protocol for any 'unexplained deaths'.

One neighbour on Seaborn Avenue watched the scene unfold and comforted the grandparents of the child outside the house, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'(The family) had just moved in last week, they seemed so lovely, two small kids  they were such a cute family, the grandparents were so nice,' the neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, told the publication.

'We spoke a few times, said hi, then (on Thursday) I came out and found police everywhere  I held (the grandparents), comforted them as they took the baby away.'

A neighbour said the family had only moved into the street (pictured) last week

The neighbour, who had only just moved into the suburb himself, said he had chosen the street to set up his own family home.

'The kids from the home are so young, I just feel for the family,' he said.

Police have set up a crime scene.

Investigations into the incident continue.

Oran Park, formerly home to one of Australia's major raceways, has become a booming residential area popular with young families.

Over the past decade, the suburb has expanded rapidly as housing developments have been erected on the grounds of the old circuit.

Oran Park, in South West Sydney, has become a booming residential area for young families
A law student has slammed her university for launching disciplinary action against her 'for pointing out that women are born with reproductive organs'.

Lisa Keogh, 29, was reported to chiefs at University of Abertay by her classmates following a seminar in which she 'women have vaginas' and are 'not as strong as men'.

During a seminar on gender, feminism, Ms Keogh said women are born with female genitals and transwomen should not be able to compete against women in mixed martial arts because of their superior strength.

Following the debate, in which Ms Keogh claims she was muted by her lecturer, the mature student said she was met with a flurry of abuse from her classmates.

The fourth-year student and mother-of-two has been under investigation since April 16 for misconduct but could now be reprimanded or expelled after the Student Disciplinary Panel referred her case to the Student Disciplinary Board.

Lisa Keogh (pictured), 29, who studies law at Abertay University in Dundee was reported to university chiefs after she said women were not as physically strong as men

Ms Keogh, a member of the Free Speech Union, said she was 'frustrated and disappointed' that she would have to face a formal disciplinary hearing.

'This has been hanging over me for over a month and it's been extremely stressful, particularly as it's coincided with my final law exams.

'My comments in class weren't intended to offend or discriminate against anyone  I was just expressing what I thought of as a mainstream point of view and ultimately my opinion.

'Abertay says it believes in free speech and defends the right of students to express their views on a range of controversial issues without being penalised. Why, then, have I been put through this ordeal simply for stating my opinion?

'Pointing out that women are born with reproductive organs is now something you cannot say because it's thought to be discriminatory against men who identify as women.

'I understand that Abertay felt it had no choice but to investigate these complaints, but I thought the university would exercise a bit of common sense and conclude there was no case to answer. Instead, it has decided to extend the investigation.'

The mature student was reported to university chiefs by her classmates after she said that women were not as physically strong as men

The University of Abertay disputes Ms Keogh's claim that it is a matter of freedom of speech, but would not comment on what the reason for the disciplinary action was.

MailOnline understands however that the case may refer to other 'behavioural' aspects of the Code of Student Discipline which covers everything from minor anti-social behaviour to harassment of other university members.

Ms Keogh added: 'Even if I'm exonerated, that won't mean free speech is alive and well at Abertay. What people who haven't been through one of these investigations don't understand is that the process is the punishment.'

'I'm hopeful that I will be awarded the law degree that I've worked so hard for at the end of this ordeal, but the fact that it's been allowed to drag on for such a long time sends a chilling message to other women who don't go along with the prevailing campus orthodoxy.

'If you think transwomen shouldn't be allowed to compete against biological women because of their superior physical strength, or that transwomen shouldn't be able to share women's safe areas, you better keep your opinion to yourself. Saying that in class  even a class on gender, feminism and the law  may land you in hot water.'

Ms Keogh has been backed by Joanna Cherry QC, the SNP MP for Edinburgh South West and Deputy Chairwoman of the Lords and Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights, who described the investigation as farcical.

A spokesperson for Abertay University said: 'Under normal circumstances, the University does not comment on student disciplinary cases, however it has become necessary to correct inaccurate claims and reporting.

'To be clear, all Abertay students are free to express their views on campus, as long as this is not done in an intolerant or abusive way which would breach our Code of Student Discipline.

'Press reporting and social media commentary around this case has centred around gender issues and statements such as "women have vaginas" and "men have penises", which are lawful statements and would categorically not lead to any University misconduct investigation, if expressed on campus in a reasonable manner.

'Our Code of Student Discipline does not police freedom of speech or the nature of views put forward during classroom discussion or debate.

'It exists to provide a framework within which disruptive, aggressive or abusive behaviour that makes fair and robust debate or classroom learning impossible can be identified and stopped.

'We believe that all universities should uphold freedom of speech within the law and we are proud that Abertay is a place where difficult and controversial debate can take place within an academic environment.

'Scottish universities are required by law to investigate all complaints, whether by students, staff or members of the public.

'We are deeply saddened by the online abuse that has been aimed at our students and staff members as a direct result of the misreporting of this case in some sections of the press and conjecture on social media.'
A teenager had his Nike sneakers yanked off his feet in a daytime attack on a busy Manhattan street, while homeless men brawled with a sword in the latest shocking crimes to grip New York City.

The sneaker mugging saw the diabetic 17 year-old being hurled to the ground while walking through Chelsea on May 17. His attackers - two men dressed in dark clothes - then dragged, kicked and punched him, before pulling his Nike Air Force 1's off his feet.

A standard pair of the sneakers retails for around $90, and it is unclear if the victim was wearing a limited edition set that may have been more desirable to the muggers.

Meanwhile, two homeless men brawled over territory with a sword, ninja stars, knife and broom handle at a Harlem subway station in the early hours of Wednesday - a day after figures revealed New York City's subway system had seen 17 reported assaults in just a fortnight.

That fight erupted over a territory dispute at the 110th St/Cathedral Parkway Subway station in Harlem, the NYPD said.

A source likened the clash to a 'homeless royal rumble,' according to CBSNY, and said it kicked off after insults were hurled.

The NYPD named the man involved Lafayette Harrell, 26, who was listed as living in the Bronx, and Gilbert Frett, 46, of no fixed address. Both now face assault and criminal possession of a weapon charges.

Video showed a 17-yeard old boy beaten in Chelsea for his sneakers on May 14. The attack came as violent crimes have increased in the city in recent months.

Two teenagers were arrested the next day in the violent robbery, police reported

The fight came as Tamara Carrington, the victim of a near-fatal stabbing at the Pennsylvania Avenue subway on May 12, told the Daily News that she was lucky to be alive.

Speaking from Brookdale hospital on Monday, Carrington, 60, said her stabbing at around 10:30 a.m. that morning appeared to come at random, and that she would have likely died if not for a bystander who came to her rescue.

'Im standing on the platform waiting for the train and I notice he went by me,' she said. 'I dont know if I bumped him or if he bumped me. I said sorry and he walked back. All I felt was the knife in my back. I fell on the ground and he stood over me. He grabbed my feet, I guess he was trying to throw me onto the tracks.'

The bystander, who declined to be identified because the the attacker remains at large, said she saw him on top of Carrington, stabbing her, before she ran up and shouted at him to get away.

By the time he ran off Carrington had suffered a punctured left lung, two stab wounds to her back and several to her arms and right shoulder.

By Thursday, she was home recuperating, The Daily News reported.

The violent incidents came as crime rates have increased in the city over the past two years.

Crime statistics show that violent crimes, including felonies and felony assaults, have risen dramatically in the first few months of 2021. Murders on the subway system have been up 25 percent since 2019 - from three to four and are on track to beat the six murders recorded on the network for the whole of 2020.

New York City crime statistics show that violent crimes, including felonies and felony assaults, have risen dramatically in the first few months of 2021. Murders on the subway system have been up 25 percent since 2019 and are on track to beat 2020 numbers

In the May 14 sneakers mugging, a UPS driver came to the boy's rescue, walking up to the attackers as they began to flee.

Video showed the driver, Christopher McCall, then kneeling over the boy, who he said was losing consciousness.

'He said, "I cant breathe," and I said, "Cant breathe?" And he said, "Im a diabetic,"' McCall told CBS 2 New York.

McCall can be seen propping up the teenager's head with a package before other New Yorkers stepped in to help.

UPS driver Christopher McCall stepped in to help the boy, walking up to him as his attackers fled. McCall watched over him as another bystander called 911

One handed him a banana in the hopes of raising his blood sugar and another, Lyndsay Patwich, called an ambulance.

'I called 911. It was amazing to see New Yorkers come together rather than just walk by  He was very heroic,' Patwich said of the driver. 'He jumped in and handled it like it was his own kid.'

Police reported that they had arrested both of the suspects - a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy the next day - and charged them with robbery and possession of stolen property.

Neither have been named because of their ages.

The reports were part of slew of violent incidents in recent weeks, which reflect a larger trend in the city.

On Wednesday night a woman, 54, was slashed in Union Square station.

It was the second stabbing in the subway stop in just two days.

The incidents come amid a slew of violence in the city. A commuter was slashed in the neck Tuesday with a pocket knife on the platform of Manhattan's Union Square station, in one of the latest subway attacks in New York City. Pictured: police officers set up tape to stop the public from entering the platform

Blood was seen on the floor of the station platform and the victim was taken to Bellevue hospital where he is now 'conscious and alert'

The victim was allegedly attacked by 22-year-old Joshua Nazario who slashed her across her left shoulder, collarbone, and upper chest, while she was waiting at the southbound N, Q, R platform for the train around 10:10 p.m.

A nearby witness managed to stop the attack, restrain the assailant, and call police to the scene.

The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to be charged today. Investigators said it was an unprovoked attack.

The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital where she is in a stable, non-life threatening condition, the New York Post reported.

It is the second stabbing in the station in two days after a commuter was slashed in the neck with a pocket knife on a platform.

The 45-year-old man was stabbed following an argument with another man on the L line platform at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, police said.

The victim was slashed in the neck by the suspect, who was wearing black pants, a neon shirt, a black hat, reports NY Daily News.

Blood was seen on the floor of the station platform and the victim was taken to Bellevue hospital where he is now 'conscious and alert'.

The stabbing comes just days after last Friday's subway slashing spree which left five people injured. Four teenagers, aged 17 to 19, were arrested.

Statistics show that there have been 119 felony assaults on New York City's subway system since January - the highest number for the first three months of the year since 1998.

Meanwhile, felonies - serious crimes including murders, rapes and assaults - saw a steep 53.7 per cent increase over the last two years.

For every million riders in the first three months of this year there were a reported 1.63 felonies.

Attacks against Asian people are up too. On Tuesday morning an attacker was captured on security footage walking away from the crime scene with a red sweatshirt in hand, donning black sneakers and shirtless. He is suspected of biting of a 48-year-old Asian man's finger

That was up from 1.06 reported felonies per million riders in 2019 - a 53.7 per cent increase.

The numbers for the early part of 2021 are also upon the 1.48 reported felonies per million riders for the same period in 2020 - an increase of 10.1 per cent in just a year, according to The New York Times.

There have also been eight racist attacks on Asian-Americans so-far on the network in 2021, compared to none recorded over the same period the previous year.

On Tuesday morning an Asian man became the latest victim of a hate crime in the city after he was had the tip of his finger bitten off by an attacker who told him to 'go back to your country.'

The 48-year-old Asian man was brutally attacked and punched by a shirtless perpetrator on in the Hells Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.

The victim is a driver from Long Island who was in the area to pick up a customer, his family told ABC 7 News.

The assailant allegedly approached the 48-year-old and randomly punched him in the face 'without provocation,' NYPD said in a statement.

He then began raining punches on him before telling him 'go back to your country.'

The man then bit the victim on his left hand, severing his middle finger, before fleeing the scene.

The attacker, described by police as dark-skinned and in his 40s, was captured on security footage walking away from the crime scene shirtless, with a red sweatshirt in hand and wearing black sneakers.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for injuries to his face, arm and hand.

His family says they are sick and tired of the rise in anti-Asian attacks and that these crimes have made them more aware of their surroundings, ABC 7 News reported.

The incident occurred in the same neighborhood a 31-year-old Asian woman was attacked with a hammer by a woman who ordered her to take her mask off earlier this month.

The woman suffered a cut to her head and was hospitalized and the attack was investigated by the NYPD as a potential hate crime.

The incident also took place just two blocks from where a 65-year-old Asian woman was kicked and stomped by a 38-year-old man while she was on her way to church in late March.

In the subways the total number of major felonies has dropped overall - with 335 reported this year so far, versus 697 for the same period in 2020, and 559 for the same period in 2019.

State Governor Andrew Cuomo - who is in charge of the MTA - said he would not let his daughters ride the subway due to safety concerns

But safety advocates say the overall number of riders was far greater for the same period last year and the year before, pre-Covid shutdowns, and that the felonies per million riders offer a more useful snapshot of rising crime figures.

Around 2.1 million people a day now ride the subway system, well down on the 5.4 million average weekday riders, before COVID-19 saw people switch to working from home, and limited socializing opportunities.

In an effort to combat the rise in violence, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to deploy 250 additional police officers to the subway, bringing the number up to over 3,000 cops, the largest force the subway system has seen in 25 year, NYT reported.

De Blasio has insisted that the subway is relatively safe. But state Governor Andrew Cuomo - who is in charge of the MTA - said he would not let his daughters ride the subway due to safety concerns.

'I think we have been underpoliced for quite some time,' the governor told reporters on Monday.

The mayor and the governor, who frequently clash over big issues, are not the only two city officials in disagreement over subway safety.

Kathryn Wylde, the president and chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, an influential business group, said that subway safety is the biggest obstacle in getting New Yorkers back into the office full-time.

'I don't think there's any question that fear of crime is way up,' she told the NYT. 'You can't reopen offices if people aren't comfortable taking mass transit.'

While Kathleen O'Reilly, the Police Department's transit bureau chief, has slammed the 'continued fearmongering' surrounding the subway.

'It's a disservice to New Yorkers to advance a narrative that crime is soaring in the subways when it's simply not the case,' the NYT reported she told transit officials at an agency board meeting in April.

Many officials say crime rates should drop as vaccinated people return to work and the subways become busier, meaning there is 'safety in numbers' from potential attacks.
Aid organization Mercy Corps has issued an apology for 'extensive failures' after its co-founder's daughter accused her father and other men of horrific abuse.

Tania Culver Humphrey, now 50, said she was taken overseas to be abused by former president Ellsworth Culver and other men as a child.

She told investigators one girl aged around nine years old died at the hands of her abusers in Thailand after 'severe sexual and physical abuse', according to the report.

Culver Humphrey is said to have first reported her abuse in the early 1990s. She said her father - and other men - first started to abuse her in the 1970s.

But Mercy Corps, who was started in 1979 and is based in Portland, Oregon, failed to act, instead taking a 'redemptive approach' and demoting Culver.

It also is said to have told Culver of the allegations leveled at him, against his daughter's wishes. Culver died in 2005.

On Wednesday, following the release of an independent report into the allegations, Mercy Corps acknowledged Culver Humphrey is a survivor.

The aid charity in a statement to The New York Times: 'We feel deep regret that Mercy Corps failed in its responsibility in 1992 and 1993 to understand the extent of the abuse, assist in pursuing justice, and potentially prevent further harm.'

It's chief executive, Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, said: 'We unreservedly believe Ms. Culver Humphrey.

'We acknowledge this ugly piece of our history, but this will not be our legacy. This has profoundly changed Mercy Corps.'

Tania Culver Humphrey, now 50, said she was taken overseas to be abused by former president Ellsworth Culver, pictured, and other men as a child

Culver Humphrey, now 50, pictured, told investigators one girl aged around nine-years-old died at the hands of her abusers in Thailand after 'severe sexual and physical abuse'

The charity says it 'deeply regrets' failing to act on her allegations sooner.

After Culver said his daughter had reported false memories, they failed to fully investigate. He resigned as president in 1994 but remained vice president.

One former board member wrote in 2018: 'I saved his job and career when he was accused by his daughter.'

Culver Humphrey said: 'It's been extremely hard and painful, but there was definitely this genuine effort to figure out how to be transparent with something so awful  and take accountability for it.

'I want it to be a new standard for other organizations.'

In late 2018, Humphrey had asked Mercy Corps to re-examine how it handled her original allegations.

After being told she had 'insufficient evidence' The Oregonian then published the findings of a 10-month investigation into her claims in October 2019.

That showed executives had allowed co-founder Ellsworth Culver to remain in a top position after his daughter, Tania Culver Humphrey, had gone to them in the early 1990s with credible sexual abuse allegations against her father.

Mercy Corps, which operates in 40 countries with half a billion dollars in revenue and donations, had in 2019 removed tributes to Culver from its website and took down photos of him at their headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

Culver Humphrey is said to have first reported her abuse in the early 1990s. But Mercy Corps failed to act, instead taking a 'redemptive approach'

Now, an independent report corroborates Culver Humphrey's accusations with travel records. Friend statements also support her story.

The report - released Wednesday - states that Culver Humphrey spoke with investigators for more than 100 hours.

It acknowledges: 'Ms. Culver Humphrey came forward twice to Mercy Corps with allegations of abuse by Mr. Culver, once in 1992 and again in 2018.

'During interviews, Ms. Culver Humphrey provided numerous details of her childhood and abuse, including trips she took, people she associated with, places she and Mr. Culver visited, 9 dates, and geographic locations.

'The abuse by her father started as far back as she can remember and lasted until approximately 1987.'

Discussing the allegations that one victim died as a result of her abuse, the report adds: 'Although we are limited in our ability to corroborate the abuse, the investigative team reviewed documents and Survivor statements which confirmed the timing and location of this trip as well as the relationship between both perpetrators.'

Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, pictured, said: 'We unreservedly believe Ms. Culver Humphrey'

Mercy Corps, which operates in 40 countries with half a billion dollars in revenue and donations, had in 2019 removed tributes to Culver from its website and took down photos of him at their headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Picture: KOIN.com

Regarding Culver's defense it said: 'The investigation found that Mr. Culver gave several inconsistent explanations for the allegations such as recovered false memory, third party abuse, and mental health issues.

'Mr. Culver allegedly took a polygraph, but no records of a polygraph were found.

'The investigative team found no record or documentation disclosing the polygrapher's identity or credentials, test venue, questions asked, or results to assess the validity of the test.'

In their 10-month investigation, The Oregonian reviewed Humphrey's medical and mental health records from her teen years, as well as two child abuse reports to the state and hundreds of pages of Humphrey's personal records.

All of those documents are replete with references to Culver's sexual abuse of his daughter. The newspaper also identified eight friends from her childhood and teen years who confirmed that Humphrey told them about the abuse at the time.
The head of the Arizona Republican Party said state officials who don't comply with the GOP-mandated audit of election results in Maricopa County should be arrested.

Appearing on One America News, the far-right news network whose anchors helped raise money to pay for the audit, Kelli Ward suggested the arrest if officials don't comply.

'There have to be consequences,' Ward, the chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party, said. 'There could be arrests of people who are refusing to comply.'

It's the latest drama to encompass the audit of the 2.1 million ballots in the state's largest county, which has featured false allegations votes were destroyed and conspiracy theories alleging the ballots were shredded and eaten by chickens, who were then killed to cover up the evidence.

Ward's comments came after the Republican-controlled Board of Supervisors for Maricopa County refused to attend a meeting Tuesday with GOP senators who had demanded the audit. The board called the audit was a 'sham' run by 'grifters' that cast doubts upon the democratic process.

And it wasn't the first time an arrest has been suggested.

In February, when the county was arguing against the audit in court, most Arizona Republican senators supported a resolution to hold the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in contempt and arrest supervisors for failing to turn over access to voting records. The resolution failed to pass but showed the mindset of those elected officials who demanded the audit.

Kelli Ward, the chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party, suggested officials who don't comply with the GOP-ordered audit of presidential ballots should be arrested

At Tuesday's meeting, one of the firms hired to run the audit changed his tune and said no data or ballots were destroyed after originally claiming local officials eliminated evidence.

The contractor admitted they had been looking in the wrong place for the voter data, a reversal that could prove an embarrassment to the Republican state senators who ordered the audit.

Donald Trump had picked up the false claim and amplified it, leading Maricopa County officials to write, in a scathing letter to state Senate president Karen Fann, that the auditors couldn't find the data because they didn't know where to look.

The GOP senators met with auditors Tuesday night to get an update on their work, particularly the allegation of destroyed data.

But Ben Cotton, founder of a computer forensics firm CyFIR LLC and one of the contractors working on the audit, told them he now has all the voter information regarding the 2.1 million votes cast in 2020 presidential race.

'All of this may be a moot point because subsequently, I have been able to recover all of those deleted files and I have access to that data,' he said. 'I have the information I need from the county.'

The data had been found on a set of four computer drives.

'Well that's good news,' said State Senator Warren Petersen, the Republican chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, one of the two GOP lawmakers doing the questioning during the hour-long meeting.

Ben Cotton, founder of a computer forensics firm CyFIR LLC and one of the contractors working on the audit, admitted Tuesday he had all the voter data from Maricopa county after originally claiming databases were destroyed

Arizona's GOP-controlled state Senate ordered the audit and held a meeting on it Tuesday to get an update on how it's going but kept out Democrats and the media

Arizona state Senate President Karen Fann, a Republican, and State Senator Warren Petersen, the Republican chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, were the only two lawmakers in the meeting and asked friendly questions to the auditors

Maricopa County's Republican-controlled Board of Supervisors, who have blasted the audit as a 'sham' run by 'grifters', snapped back at the admissions.

'Just want to underscore that AZ Senate's @ArizonaAudit account accused Maricopa County of deleting files - which would be a crime - then a day after our technical letter explained they were just looking in the wrong place - all of a sudden 'auditors' have recovered the files,' the board said on its official Twitter account.

Members of the county board boycotted Tuesday's meeting as part of their objections to the recount, which they said is unnecessary and undermining public confidence in elections.

The meeting was broadcast online but was not open to the press or public. It was attended by Fann and Peterson, the two Republican state senators, who asked friendly questions of the three witnesses: Cotton, Cyber Ninjas founder Doug Logan and Ken Bennett, a former Republican secretary of state serving as the Senate's audit liaison.

Because it was a meeting and not a hearing, Fann and Petersen were able to keep out Democratic lawmakers, who likely would have asked tougher questions.

State Senate Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, a Democrat of Phoenix, told local reporters she tried to attend but Fann wouldn't let her.

'This is still a one-sided, partisan witch hunt that has no basis in reality,' she said of the audit.

The state Senate hired Cyber Ninjas, a Florida-based firm, to run the audit. But questions have been raised about the procedures its using to examine the ballots and about Logan, who has expressed statements of support to Trump's false claim the election was stolen from him.

It's also unclear how much the audit will cost or who is paying for all of it. The Arizona Senate agreed to pay Cyber Ninjas $150,000 from tax payer funds, but Logan has said that's not enough to cover the costs.

He hasn't said where the rest of the money is coming from.

At least two fundraisers, one organized by a One American News, a pro-Trump cable network, and the other by a prominent Trump donor, claimed to have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for it.

Concerns about the allegedly missing ballots went viral when the Twitter account for the Senate's audit wrote: 'Maricopa County deleted a directory full of election databases from the 2020 election cycle days before the election equipment was delivered to the audit. This is spoliation of evidence!'

Trump ran with the claim, saying in a statement on Saturday: 'The entire Database of Maricopa County in Arizona has been DELETED! This is illegal and the Arizona State Senate, who is leading the Forensic Audit, is up in arms.'

The allegation appears to have been a breaking point for the Republican-controlled Board of Supervisors in Maricopa County, which has publicly and vehemently blasted the audit.

The board learned about the claim when it went viral on Twitter.

In at letter sent to Fann on Monday, they said it was false and demanded a retraction.

'We demand that you immediately rescind your false and malicious tweet asserting that Maricopa County 'spoiled evidence' in the days before we provided the server to the Senate,' they wrote.

Fann, meanwhile, said she's not looking to overturn the election results but wants to improve future procedures.

That has caused concern about Democrats, who worry the Republicans will try to pass laws that make voting more difficult, as other states have done.

'I have said from the get go I am relatively sure weren't going to find anything of any magnitude that would imply that any intentional wrongdoing was going on,' Fann said at Tuesday's hearing. 'I believe that we were going to find what we've known all along and some of the things is we could do a better job.'

The Republican-controlled Maricopa County Board of Supervisors slammed the 'sham' recount of the 2020 presidential results - above a contractor for Cyber Ninjas examines a ballot with a UV light as they look for evidence of bamboo to see if China conspired in the election

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a GOP official, blasted a conspiracy theory that officials shredded ballots, fed them to chickens, and killed chickens to cover up evidence as 'pretty top of the charts'

Tuesday's meeting was held after the Republican-controlled Maricopa County Board of Supervisors slammed the 'sham' recount of the 2020 presidential results, calling it 'political theater' backed by 'grifters and con-artists.'

The members of the board didn't hold back when it came to expressing their disgust for the audit.

It has become subject to numerous conspiracy theories including one that state elections officials shredded ballots, fed them to chickens, and then had the chickens incinerated to cover up the evidence.

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a GOP official who is in charge of maintaining files on the country's 2.6 million registered voters, blasted that claim.

'I mean, that chickens one is probably pretty top of the charts,' he told CNN.

In a public meeting on Monday night and in their letter to Fann, the Maricopa county board criticized the audit as a 'spectacle' that is causing Arizona to be a 'laughing stock' and encouraging people to distrust elections.

The county board of supervisors called out 'the big lie,' referring to the false claim the election was stolen from Trump. There has been no evidence of wide spread voter fraud in the presidential contest and multiple recount have confirmed Biden's victory.

'It is time to make a choice to defend the Constitution and the Republic,' they wrote in the letter obtained by The Washington Post. 'We stand united together to defend the Constitution and the Republic in our opposition to the Big Lie. We ask everyone to join us in standing for the truth.'

'You have rented out the once good name of the Arizona State Senate to grifters and con-artists,' they claimed.

In a show of unity Richer also signed on to the letter, as did the county's Democratic sheriff.

'We express our united view that your 'audit', no matter what your intentions were in the beginning, has become a spectacle that is harming all of us. Our state has become a laughingstock. Worse, this 'audit' is encouraging our citizens to distrust elections, which weakens our democratic republic,' they wrote.

Richer told CNN the officials sent the letter to Fann because they're exhausted.

'It is exhausting having to respond to every insinuation when we're trying to do the normal work of the county. I have no idea how long this will go on for. It will possibly go into 2022,' he said.

'Just stop indulging this. Stop giving space for lies,' he noted.

Trump has touted the audit repeatedly and his allies are pouring money into the state but the Justice Department warned it could be in violation of federal voting and civil rights laws.

Multiple Republicans in the Arizona have criticized the audit, saying the election was fairly conducted and the results - Joe Biden beat Trump by 10,457 votes, or 0.3 percent of the nearly 3.4 million ballots cast - are accurate.

Two previous recounts of the ballots in Maricopa County, where Biden won by more than two points, found the results had been accurate.

The audit has no formal authority and will not change the election results in Arizona.

The board of supervisors, made up of four Republicans and one Democrat, declined to meet with Fann about issues she claimed the Cyber Ninjas found with the ballots.

'I will not be responding to any more requests from this sham process. Finish your audit and be ready to defend what you're finding in a court of law,' Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, a Republican, said at Monday's public meeting.

'This board is done explaining anything,' he noted. 'People's ballots and money are not make-believe. It's time to be done with this craziness, and get on with this county's critical business.'

Contractors for Cyber Ninjas have counted about 500,000 out of 2.1 million ballots in Maricopa county, the largest county in Arizona

The ballots were put in storage this week as high school graduation ceremonies take place in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum where the recount was taking place; the audit begins again next week

Cyber Ninjas has been conducting a slow hand recount of the ballots on the floor of the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. They've also been examining them, with a microscope and UV light. One contractor said the workers are conducting a 'forensic' analysis of the ballots to determine if the paper is made of bamboo as part of their look into whether or not China interfered with the election.

The board of supervisors have decried their methods.

'You have rented out the once good name of the Arizona State Senate to grifters and con-artists, who are fundraising hard-earned money from our fellow citizens even as your contractors parade around the Coliseum, hunting for bamboo,' the officials wrote in their letter.

County officials, Richter said, have reached their limits.

'It was one thing with the audit when they were looking at UV lights and looking for bamboo fibers in the paper,' he told CNN. 'But when they just accused us too many times of breaking the law, they defamed our good employees too many times, they've defamed the hard-working people here. We're all humans, and we have our limits!'

The contractors have counted about 500,000 ballots so far. They were forced to pause while high school graduation ceremonies took place in the coliseum. The ballots were packed up and placed in storage. Counting is expected to resume next week.
Las Vegas biology teacher Lawrence Artl III, 37, has been charged with employee engaging in a sexual relationship with a student over the age of 16 and preventing a person from testifying

A Las Vegas high school biology teacher has been accused of having sex with a female student, and then boosting her quiz grade from an F to an A.

Lawrence Artl III, 37, has been charged with one count of an employee engaging in a sexual relationship with a student over the age of 16 and two counts of preventing or dissuading a person from testifying.

Artl turned himself in to police on May 12 over the alleged sexual encounter at the girl's house, but has since been released from jail.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Artl has taught biology at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts since 2007. Data posted on the website Transparent Nevada shows that he earned a salary of more than $83,500 in 2019.

The Clark County School District stated in a press release that an investigation in Artl was launched on February 2020 and culminated with the CCSD police obtaining a warrant for his arrest last week, reported Las Vegas Review-Journal.

According to court documents, the alleged victim told investigators that Artl went to her house on two separate occasions, and during his second visit she and the teacher had sex together.

Artl, who has taught at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts since 2007, is accused of having sex with a female student, and then changing her grade on a quiz from 4 to 8

There were also other encounters, during which the student said she kissed Artl in his car, as 8NewsNow first reported.

In Nevada, the legal age of consent in 16, but if the minor is a student and the sexual partner is a teacher or a figure of authority, the age of consent is 18.

Investigators alleged that Artl and the female student initially exchanged messages via school email but later switched to Snapchat as their preferred mode of communication.

After the investigation into his conduct got under way last year, Artl allegedly instructed the girl to block him on Snapchat and 'delete everything. Around the same time, the student earned a 4 out of 8 on a quiz, but Artl allegedly changed her grade to 8.

It is unclear how the alleged relationship came to light.

During a hearing last week, Artl's attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. A judge ordered the teacher, who was not present in court, to have no contact with minors who are not related to him.

Artl is due in court for a preliminary hearing on September 23.
A 75-year-old Chicago man convicted in two killings in the 1970s was captured on camera running away from cops and being taken into custody by a SWAT team after being accused of another murder.

Bernard Barry, 75, has been charged with the murder of 42-year-old Tyran Evans, who was fatally shot outside a senior citizen home on Monday.

Footage of Barry's dramatic arrest shows the frail 75-year-old running away from police before being detained by SWAT team members.

Barry is also seen at one point slowly going down the front steps of his home while dragging his oxygen tank tubing behind him.

Bernard Barry, 75, (pictured) is facing a murder charge for the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tyran Evans outside a senior citizens home on Monday

Before his arrest, Barry was seen slowly going down the front steps of his home while dragging his oxygen tank tubing behind him

Footage of Barry's dramatic arrest shows the frail 75-year-old running away from police

Barry attempts to flee police before he is detained by SWAT team members on the front steps of his Chicago home

This is not Barry's first brush with the law, the senior was charged with murder for the 1969 death of Chicago Police Department Officer Erwin Jackson.

The officer was accidentally shot by his partner during a tussle with Barry while they were trying to disarm him, The Chicago Sun Times reported.

The charge against Barry was dropped to aggravated assault and he served eight years in prison, CBS 2 Chicago reported.

In 1975 Barry was convicted of murder and sentenced to 90 years but paroled in 2005, the same year he was convicted for aggravated discharge of a firearm, WGN9.com reported.

Barry is now accused of shooting 42-year-old Evans, who prosecutors say rode up to Barry on a bike while the 75-year-old was sitting in a car with another man outside a senior citizen home in East Garfield Park and demanded they step outside the vehicle.

Evans swung at Barry which led to him shooting the 42-year-old in the arm, prosecutors said.

The bullet passed through Evan's arm and hit his side, causing him to collapse.

Prosecutors say that once Evans fell to the ground, Barry got out of the car and moved Evan's bike to the rear of the car and drove away, stopping to let the passenger out of the car, the Chicago Sun Times reported.

An employee at the senior home heard the shot and called 911, prosecutors said.

He saw Barry in his car and recognized him as a former resident of the home.

Evans died at a nearby hospital, the Chicago Sun Times reported.

Barry is accused of fatally shooting 42-year-old Tyran Evans (pictured left) who allegedly told him to step out of his car while he was parked outside a nursing home. Barry is pictured right in 1970s

Barry allegedly shot and killed Evans outside a senior citizen home in East Garfield Park (pictured) where he used to be a resident

Barry allegedly got rid of the murder weapon and police recovered three spent cartilage casings from his car.

Barry has given conflicting accounts of what went down but has indicated that Evans was trying to carjack him, prosecutors said.

A judge said he would take the possible self-defense argument into account, but pointed out that Barry fled the scene and never called police.

'Had he done so, this court would be thinking completely differently,' the judge said before ordering Barry held without bail, the Chicago Sun Times reported.

At 75, if convicted of murder, Barry is looking at a natural life sentence.

Barry reportedly has chronic health issues, including asthma, high blood pressure, COPD, hypertension, emphysema, severe arthritis and glaucoma.

He also has severe mobility issues, WGN9.com reported.
Britain is a 'divided kingdom' and London and the North are as different as West Germany and Communist East Germany, Andy Burnham claimed today.

The Greater Manchester mayor lashed out at the disparity between the public transport systems in his city and the capital as he launched a charm offensive that many will see as another step towards becoming Labour leader.

He used his first column in the London Evening Standard to declare his 'love' for the city, having moved there in the 1990s, saying he would spend visits home 'fiercely defending London and Londoners from the usual snipes and stereotypes'.

But he highlighted differences between the capital and his home in the North West, urging the two areas to unite politically to become 'a powerful force for any government to reckon with'.

'For those who go home, as I have done, you cant help but become more frustrated about those disparities and this is nowhere more evident than on the transport system,' he said.

'If you compare transport in the North and in London, you may as well think two different countries  ie East and West Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Greater Manchester mayor lashed out at the disparity between the transport systems in his city and the capital as he launched a charm offensive that many will see as another step towards becoming Labour leader.

He also singled out for praise a potential rival, London mayor Sadiq Khan, saying he should be given additional powers to put him on a par with his counterparts in New York and Paris.

At the weekend Mr Burnham confirmed he would run for the Labour leadership again after the next election if he had enough support - a potential blow for Keir Starmer

Labour civil war rages as Diane Abbott says losing Batley and Spen by-election would be 'curtains' for Starmer A defeat at the Batley and Spen by-election will mean it is 'curtains' for Sir Keir Starmer and his leadership of the Labour Party, Diane Abbott has claimed. The former shadow home secretary said that if the party holds the constituency then Sir Keir may be able to 'hang on as leader'. But she said a loss should spell the end of his time in the top job as she tipped Andy Burnham, the recently re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, as a potential successor. The comments made by Ms Abbott, a leading ally of former party leader Jeremy Corbyn and a key figure on the Labour left, prompted an immediate backlash amid an ongoing civil war. One shadow cabinet source accused Ms Abbott of 'rank hypocrisy' as they said she had 'never once called for Corbyn to resign after his various by-election defeats'. A by-election is due to take place in the constituency of Batley and Spen after Labour incumbent Tracy Brabin quit Westminster after she was elected as the Mayor of West Yorkshire. Labour has held the seat since 1997 and will be defending a majority of just over 3,500 votes. The contest will take place in the wake of Labour's defeat in the Hartlepool by-election at the start of May. That loss, along with a difficult set of council and mayoral results for the party on 'Super Thursday', piled the pressure on Sir Keir as his critics questioned whether he can lead Labour back to power at the 2024 general election. Many in the party are already looking to the future and potential replacements for Sir Keir, with Mr Burnham and London Mayor Sadiq Khan viewed as the frontrunners. Advertisement

'Like many things wrong with this country, our problems today can be traced back to the Eighties. Back then, Margaret Thatcher decided to break up municipal bus companies everywhere across England, except London.

'We have had 35 years of rising fares, routes being cut and passenger numbers falling. We have barely any night buses, no Oyster system and no daily cap.

'I mention it to help people understand why the North feels the way it does and, hopefully, win some support for our calls. A single bus journey in Harpurhey, Greater Manchester, should cost the same as one in Haringey, London  ie 1.55, not 4 plus. Is that so unreasonable? I dont think so. Levelling up should mean London-style transport for all English city regions.

'If London got behind that, it would reflect well on it and reduce anti-London feeling.'

Mr Burnham's acceptance of a column in a newspaper whose readership is 200 miles from his political base in the North West comes as he admits he would like to lead Labour after Keir Starmer.

But he also singled out for praise a potential rival, London mayor Sadiq Khan, saying he should be given additional powers to put him on a par with his counterparts in New York and Paris.

Mr Khan himself raised eyebrows yesterday when he visited a factory in Yorkshire.

The Mayor of London visited an electric bus factory in North Yorkshire, which manufactures state-of-the-art vehicles for London's 500-strong zero-emission fleet.

At the weekend Mr Burnham claimed Labour would have held on to more northern seats at the 2019 election if he had been party leader instead of Jeremy Corbyn.

The Greater Manchester mayor made the claim as he revealed he would run for the leadership again after the next election if he had enough support.

Mr Burnham, a former health secretary under Gordon Brown, came a distant second to hard Left icon Mr Corbyn in the 2015 Labour leadership election, polling just 19 per cent of votes.

He served as a shadow minister before quitting national politics to become mayor of Manchester before Labour's catastrophic display at the 2019 election, its worst since the 1930s.

But buoyed by an increased majority in Manchester in the election last week, and Keir Starmer's increasing difficulty over Labour's wider results, Mr Burnham has learned towards a new run at the party leadership.

Speaking to the Observer he was deeply critical of modern Labour's failure to take a stronger stance on major policy issues, particularly social care reform, and said the party lacked the boldness to attempt any move on the scale of its greatest achievement - creating the NHS in 1948.

Mr Burnham said had he beaten Mr Corbyn to the leadership six years ago he would have been more successful in stopping the Conservatives from breaking the so-called 'red wall' - including the many northern heartland seats lost in the 2019 general election, and the crushing defeat endured in this month's Hartlepool by-election.

'I still think life would have been different if I had won,' said Mr Burnham, who romped to victory in his mayoral election on May 6, taking all 215 wards in Greater Manchester.

'I think we would be stronger in taking on the Government. I don't think we'd have lost as many northern seats had I won.'

An Opinium poll published in the paper shows Mr Burnham - who also failed in a 2010 leadership bid - is widely seen as the most likely and able successor to current leader Sir Keir Starmer, with 47 per cent ranking him on top, ahead of 35 per cent for London mayor Sadiq Khan and 29 per cent for Leeds Central MP and former Labour frontbencher Hilary Benn.
The brother of a Queensland woman who was missing, presumed murdered, before being found hiding 18 years ago has been jailed for a series of assaults on his partner and their child.

Jason Ryan, 24, pleaded guilty in the Bundaberg District Court to 14 domestic violence charges, relating to incidents in which he choked his pregnant partner and threw her to the ground, cut her with keys and also punched and kicked her.

He also covered his crying child's mouth and nose with such force the child suffered a ruptured eardrum.

Jason Ryan has been jailed for a series of 'disgraceful' against his partner and child between 2017 and 2020. His sister infamously disappeared in 1998 and was bizarrely found alive five years later hiding in her boyfriend's cupboard

Crown prosecutor Erin Kelly told the court Ryan committed physical, verbal and emotional abuse against the victim between 2017 and 2020.

Natasha Ryan, who went missing and was presumed murdered in 1998 - when she was found hiding in her milkman boyfriend's cupboard. She is pictured here in 2003

Judge Michael Rackemann described Ryan's offending as 'disgraceful' and 'rightly to be abhorred'.

Ryan's lawyer Nick Larter told the court his client had suffered family traumas and never received counselling to deal with them, the Courier Mail reported.

Those included the disappearance of his sister Natasha Ryan when he was a toddler and her bizarre reappearance when he was six.

In what has become a notorious case, she was thought to have been murdered by serial killer Leonard James Fraser when she was 14, in 1998.

After her disappearance, the Ryans' parents split.

During Fraser's trial for Natasha Ryan's murder five years later she was sensationally discovered hiding in her milkman boyfriend's house in a cupboard.

She later married the boyfriend, Scott Black, and reportedly charged Woman's Day $200,000 for exclusive rights to the wedding photos.

It was also reported the search for Natasha Ryan cost $160,000 - which she never repaid.

Mr Larter told the court his client did not cope with the public attention surrounding his sister's re-emergence.

Jason Ryan was a toddler when his sister disappeared in 1998 and only six when she re-appeared. At 24 he has been jailed for a series of 'disgraceful' assaults

The court also heard his brother died in a crash.

Judge Rackemann said he took into account Ryan's early guilty plea and sentenced him to four years imprisonment.

Ryan had already spent 207 days in pre-sentence custody and would be eligible for parole in April 2022.
An 11-year-old girl who fought off a knife-wielding man trying to abduct her at a Florida bus stop covered him in blue slime to help police track him down - an idea she got from watching Law & Order.

Alyssa Bonal was playing with the slime while waiting for her school bus in Pensacola on Tuesday morning when she spotted a man - later identified as 30-year-old Jared Paul Stanga - running towards her with a knife.

Surveillance video of the terrifying ordeal showed Alyssa fighting off her attacker after he jumped out of a white vehicle and put her in a headlock. They both fell to the ground as Stanga tried to drag Alyssa towards his van. Alyssa eventually managed to break free and her attacker fled the scene.

When police eventually tracked him down after a day-long manhunt, Stanga's arms were covered in blue dye from the slime Alyssa was playing with.

Alyssa and her mother Amber Bonal have since revealed that the young girl intentionally tried to cover him in the slime - something they say she learned from watching Law & Order SVU episodes.

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Alyssa Bonal, the 11-year-old girl who fought off a knife-wielding man trying to abduct her in Pensacola, Florida, managed to cover him in the blue slime she was playing with at the time to help police track him down

Jared Paul Stanga, 30, was arrested hours after he tried to kidnap the 11-year-old. When police eventually tracked him down, Stanga's arms were covered in blue dye from the slime Alyssa was playing with

'Her first words were, 'Somebody tried to kidnap me. He grabbed me by my throat and he had a knife.' She said she was able to kick and she tripped him and freed herself,' the girl's mother told the Pensacola News Journal.

'She said, 'Mom, I had to leave some sort of evidence behind like on Law & Order SVU.' We've watched probably every episode on Hulu.

'She's a smart cookie, she thinks on her toes. She got that slime everywhere.'

After details emerged of the girl's escape, Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay said she was honored to be part of her story and that she was now Alyssa's number one fan.

Alyssa and her mother Amber Bonal (above with the blue dye) have since revealed that the young girl intentionally tried to cover him in the slime - something they say she learned from watching Law & Order SUV episodes

'Alyssa, first and most important, I am so relieved and grateful to know that you are safe. And I am so honored to be part of your incredible story,' the actor wrote on Instagram.

'You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman. I think the SVU squad might have to add slime to their crimefighting gear! Take good care of yourself and each other. With all my love, your number one fan, Mariska.'

Speaking to ClickOrlando about the moment she was grabbed, Alyssa recalled thinking: 'What is he going to do with me? Where is he going to? Where am I going to be at?

'He had a knife in his hand. I tried running off, but then he got me... He took me with his arm and I was able to get him down to the ground and I was able to get away.'

When Alyssa ran back inside her home moments after the attack, her mother said her hair was disheveled and she was covered in slime.

Bonal immediately thought her daughter had been hit by a car.

'Her hair was all messed up, she had slime everywhere and I asked her what was going on. I thought maybe she had been hit by a car, but I never would have thought somebody would have tried to take her,' Bonal said.

She said her daughter was traumatized by the ordeal.

'If she would have been taken... If she would have been taken, I could have lost her forever,' she said.

Surveillance video of the terrifying ordeal showed Stanga running towards Alyssa with a knife as she played near her bus stop on Tuesday morning

They both fell to the ground as Stanga tried to drag Alyssa towards his van. Alyssa eventually managed to break free and her attacker fled the scene

After details emerged of the girl's escape, Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay said she was honored to be part of her story and that she was now Alyssa's number one fan

Police said Stanga had also tried to approach Alyssa two weeks earlier.

Her mother said she had been walking her daughter to the bus stop every morning since.

Stanga was charged with attempted kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated assault and battery

On the day of the attempted kidnapping, however, Bonal said she had to quickly change her 18-month-old son's diaper.

'We were running late. She usually leaves for the bus stop at 6:50, and it was 6:52,' she said.

'I told her to go ahead and I would be out there in a minute, I start changing the baby's diaper. I hadn't even finished changing the diaper before she ran back in the house.'

Bonal called 911 and a neighbor immediately set off in his car to scour the area fro the white van.

Dozens of investigators and deputies scoured the area in the hours that followed.

Escambia Sheriff Chip Simmons said deputies found video of Stanga at nearby convenience stores wearing the same dark blue shirt as the attacker and got his license plate number.

When deputies went to his house, they found that Stanga had just painted his silver car bumper black in a bid to disguise it.

Speaking to ClickOrlando about the moment she was grabbed, Alyssa recalled thinking: 'What is he going to do with me? Where is he going to? Where am I going to be at?'

When Alyssa ran back inside her home moments after the attack, her mother said her hair was disheveled and she was covered in slime. Bonal immediately thought her daughter had been hit by a car

They said his arms and clothes were still marked by the blue slime.

He was charged with attempted kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated assault and battery.

Stanga faced court on Wednesday and his bail was set at $1.5 million.

The sheriff said Stanga has an 'extensive' criminal past that includes child sex abuse charges.

Simmons hailed Alyssa's bravery when he revealed at a press conference that Stanga had been arrested.

'She fought and she fought and she fought, until finally she was able to break free from her would-be captor,' Simmons said. 'My message to her is that is my hero, she did not give up.

'I cannot help to think that this could have ended very different had this 11-year-old victim not thought to fight, and to fight, and to just never give up. This could have ended terribly.

'Why else do you think that this man stopped his van and tried to pick her up and take her into that van? It doesn't take a genius to figure out what his intentions were, they were not good.

'He will never be free to do this again... Our concern was this wasn't his first try.'
A British mother who sheltered 21 child refugees fleeing from the war in Bosnia after answering a newspaper advert has reconnected with some of them after nearly 30 years.

Clare Findlay, 79, who was then living in the Scottish Highlands, answered the plea for help in 1992, when refugees were fleeing war-torn Bosnia.

She had initially only agreed to care for two children but was then told a plane carrying 21 youngsters and four mothers needed to give an address to be allowed to leave Bosnia.

Incredibly, she therefore agreed to take all of the refugees in until permanent foster homes could be found for them.

The story took a further twist when a Serbo-Croat-speaking school pupil enlisted to communicate with the children discovered that the ones who did not have their mothers with them were not orphans, as had previously been believed.

Instead, their mothers were stuck in a refugee camp. Ms Findlay therefore insisted that they be flown to the UK to be reunited with their children.

Speaking in tonight's episode of BBC documentary series Saved by a Stranger, Ms Findlay said: 'As far as I was concerned the children weren't going to move from our house until they had their actual mothers with them.'

The programme shows the incredibly moving moment that she is reunited with some families, as well as the student who offered her translation services.

Scroll down for videos.

A British mother who sheltered 21 child refugees fleeing from the war in Bosnia after answering a newspaper advert has reconnected with some of them after nearly 30 years. Pictured: Clare Findlay, 79, (centre) with some of the children and their families

Clare Findlay, who was then living in the Scottish Highlands, answered the plea for help in 1992, when refugees were fleeing war-torn Bosnia. She had initially only agreed to care for two children but was then told a plane carrying 21 youngsters and four mothers needed to give an address to be allowed to leave Bosnia. Pictured: Ms Findlay with the children in 1992

Ms Findlay had responded to an advert placed in the newspapers by charity BP Health Care Foundation.

The mother said in the BBC show: 'We always watched the six o'clock news. I remember people being turfed out of their homes.

'There were tiny children being carried. There was an advertisement in a Sunday newspaper which said they would like to have some foster parents who would volunteer to have one child from the warzone for three months.

'And I said, 'why not it would be lovely to have a child, or two perhaps, a brother and sister'.

But she said the charity then called her to say that there was a 'bit of a hiccup'.

A plane carrying the children she had agreed to take in, along with 19 other youngsters and four mothers, was unable to take off 'until they had an address to go to'.

Ms Findlay said: 'My brain went into overdrive because it was a very emergency situation. Well alright, I said, ok.'

The Balkans conflict led to the eventual break-up of the former Yugoslavia. It ended in 1995 with 100,000 people dead and two million displaced. Pictured: Bosnian Croat soldiers during the war

Ms Findlay had responded to an advert placed in the newspapers by charity BP Health Care Foundation. Pictured: Mothers and children flee a the town of Jajce in what is now the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

She said her husband Andrew, who has since passed away, said to 'let them come.'

When the refugees arrived, Ms Findlay believed that 13 of them were orphans, whilst the four mothers had eight children between them.

She was flooded with donations from her community to help care for the children. The local baker said extra bread could be had for free. The butcher offered the same for meat.

Ms Findlay said she put 'a bit of fruit, some sweets and a cuddly toy' on the children's pillows.

At this point, the plan was to place the orphans into foster homes. But first they needed to be able to communicate with them and the mothers.

Ms Findlay said the nearby prestigious private school, Gordonstoun, then rang up to say that one of their pupils, named Petra, 16, could speak the language.

Ms Findlay is also seen reuniting with Petra Lovrekovic, who was the first person to properly speak to the children and their mothers. She was recruited after her school, Gordonstoun, informed Ms Findlay that the then 16-year-old was a Serbo-Croat speaker. Ms Findlay had not had any contact with her until the BBC tracked her down

The mothers then told the teenager they had been forced to quit their jobs in the run-up to the Bosnian War.

They also described how Serbian forces would 'pick a house in the Muslim end of town' and then barricade the residents inside before setting fire to it.

The Balkans conflict led to the eventual break-up of the former Yugoslavia. It ended in 1995 with 100,000 people dead and two million displaced.

Amazingly, Petra also discovered that none of the children were orphans.

Ms Findlay said: 'I was euphoric.

'To have a moment like that in your life. Just one moment where somehow, God knows how, you've sort of vaguely done the right thing, and its worked.

'Petra deserves to know she has saved those children from never seeing their parents again.'

The programme, presented by Anita Rani, then tracked down Petra with the help of staff at Gordonstoun.

Ms Findlay said she was 'euphoric' when she found out that the children were not orphans

The children are seen above with Ms Findlay in 1992, after she agreed to temporarily care for them

They contacted her after discovering her full name: Petra Lovrekovic. She now works as an artist.

The show shows the moment that both she and Ms Findlay break down in tears when they see each other for the first time since 1992.

Petra said: 'It was the natural thing to do. It wasn't about me it was about them. I was just translating and giving them voice.

'From those few hours, it went from laughter to tears to hugs to silence. It was very emotional.'

She and Petra are then seen reuniting with some of the children. Most of them still live in Scotland, while others live in Dewsbery, West Yorkshire.
The killer who slit the throat of seven-year-old Emily Jones in a broad daylight Mother's Day attack was awarded nearly 70,000 in taxpayer-funded legal aid.

Eltiona Skana, 31, was jailed for life with a minimum of eight years in December after pleading guilty to Emily's manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Paranoid schizophrenic Skana grabbed the child as she was riding her scooter through Queen's Park in Bolton last March, then slashed her throat in front of her horrified parents.

She was sentenced under the Mental Health Act and will need to be medically assessed before she could ever be considered for release.

It has now emerged following a Freedom of Information request that Skana was awarded a total of 66,564.48 in legal aid by the Government.

The Ministry of Justice's The Legal Aid Agency says these cheques covered the cost of her criminal defence representation.

A spokesperson said: 'Eltiona Skana did not receive a penny - it went to lawyers so she could face justice and ultimately be imprisoned.'

Eltiona Skana (above), 31, was jailed for life with a minimum of eight years in December after pleading guilty to Emily's manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility

Paranoid schizophrenic Skana grabbed Emily (above) as she was riding her scooter through Queen's Park in Bolton last March, then slashed her throat in front of her horrified parents

But the Centre for Crime Prevention think tank has questioned the vast sum of taxpayer's money she was awarded to cover her legal costs.

Research director David Spencer said: 'The horrific crime committed by Eltiona Skana shocked the whole country.

'It was an open and shut case and there was never any question of Skana's guilt.

'Questions therefore have to be asked about whether it is a sensible use of taxpayers money for her to receive such a vast sum of legal aid.

'It epitomises everything that is wrong with the legal aid system and why it is so badly in need of reform.'

Skana was handed a hybrid sentence in December, so will only be sent to prison if her treatment allows it.

If she is never fit to be released from jail she will remain in hospital indefinitely.

At the time of Emily's death, Skana was being cared for by the Bolton North Community Mental Health Team. Pictured: Emily

It has emerged following a Freedom of Information request that Skana was awarded a total of 66,564.48 in legal aid by the Government. Pictured: Emily

Emily was killed by Skana in an unprovoked attack on March 22 last year while riding her scooter through Queen's Park in Bolton.

Skana was known to pose a threat to youngsters by medical staff, but staff monitoring the Albanian in the community had no idea of the danger.

She entered the UK illegally in 2014 and applied for asylum, claiming she was a victim of trafficking. She was cared for by the Bolton North Community Mental Health Team.

The Home Office initially rejected her claim but, after an appeal, reversed its decision and later granted her leave to remain until December 2024. It is not known why.

Last December, Emily's father Mark shared his daughter's final moments after revealing they had gone to the park to see Emily's mother, Sarah, go out for a jog.

'I can remember saying to Emily 'Go on, you can do your fastest lap' because I used to time her from one end to another,' Mark said in an interview with The Mail on Sunday.

'And then I said, 'Right, we are going to see mummy and then once we've seen mummy we will go for an ice cream.' And she was like, 'Yes, brilliant.' And that was it.'

What happened next transformed the quiet Victorian park into a scene of almost unimaginable horror and shattered Mark and his family's lives forever.

Emily spotted Sarah running along the bottom of the hill and excitedly said: 'Daddy, daddy. I want to go to Mum.' Mark replied 'Of course' and she shot off down a path that snakes its way down the hill.

Skana was known to pose a threat to youngsters by medical staff, but staff monitoring the Albanian in the community had no idea of the danger

Last December, Emily's father Mark shared his daughter's final moments after revealing they had gone to the park to see Emily's mother, Sarah, go out for a jog. Pictured: Emily

But as Emily sped towards Sarah  calling out 'Mummy, Mummy, Mummy!' to attract her attention  a lone figure sitting on a bench jumped up and grabbed her, put her in a headlock and cut her throat with a craft knife.

Sarah, who was wearing headphones, had not seen or heard Emily and kept running, oblivious to the appalling scene happening nearby.

Mark, who was 200 yards away, initially thought his daughter had fallen off her scooter and that the figure holding Emily was helping pick her up, until a woman nearby shouted: 'She's been stabbed.'

Emily was flown by air ambulance to Salford Royal Hospital but she died half an hour after her arrival.

Police (pictured at the scene) were called to Queen's Park in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on March 22 following reports that a child had been stabbed

Anyone facing charges in the Crown Court could be eligible for Legal Aid, subject to a strict means test.

The MoJ states: 'Applicants for criminal legal aid can be required to pay contributions up to the entire cost of their defence.

It adds: 'The above costs include VAT and Disbursements. Disbursements are expenses incurred which although paid by the LAA directly to the providers, are then paid to other parties involved in the case.'

Criminals and defendants do not receive the payments, which are instead sent directly to solicitors and barristers who represent them to ensure a fair trial.

Without legal representation criminals could argue their trial was unfair and convictions could be quashed.

Last August, the Government promised an extra 51 million in funding for criminal legal aid lawyers in the first legal aid free increase in 25 years.

The Law Society of England and Wales said it was a 'small step in the right direction for beleaguered defence practitioners whose profession is under threat'.

They warned: 'A giant leap in investment is urgently required if criminal legal aid firms are to survive'.
The family of a Florida mom left in a coma following routine surgery are suing the hospital for millions of dollars in damages, alleging employees 'failed to monitor her breathing and wake her after the operation'.

Toshuua Hughes, 46, underwent an outpatient hysterectomy at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach in June 2017, and has been non-responsive ever since.

Hughes - who is a mother-of-five - now resides in a facility for residents with traumatic brain injuries and has already accrued more than $4 million of medical bills.

Her husband of 23 years has now been tasked with taking care of their five children.

'Toshuua will never be able to take care of herself' her family's attorney, David Carter, told TCPalm on Thursday.

'She will always be dependent on others for every need, from feeding, to turning, to every aspect of care in her life.'

Carter believes a jury could award the family more than $100 million in compensation.

Toshuua Hughes, 46, underwent an outpatient hysterectomy at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach back in June 2017, and has been in a state of non-responsive wakefulness ever since

Hughes is pictured prior to the 'routine outpatient surgery' which she had in June 2017

Hughes' husband of 23 years has now been tasked with taking care of their five children. The couple are pictured with two of their sons in happier times

Carter claims medical negligence caused Hughes to sustain permanent brain damage. He also alleges employees tried to cover up mistakes made following the mom's procedure.

Hughes' anesthesiologist, Dr. Donnie J. Konovsky, is named in the lawsuit filed against the hospital.

'Konovsky gave too much sedating medication during the operation and not enough reversal agent, which caused her to not fully emerge from anesthesia in the typical timeframe,' Carter alleges.

Hughes - who is a mother-of-five - now resides in facility for residents with traumatic brain injuries and has already accrued more than $4 million of medical bills. Her husband of 23 years has now been tasked with taking care of their five children

Hughes and her husband are seen with two of their sons and a family friend

Two nurses, who have not been publicly named, are also accused of failing to respond in an appropriate manner when it became obvious that Hughes was not waking up.

'We know that for approximately six minutes after she arrived in the recovery room, based on hard data from the monitoring equipment, Toshuua Hughes was not breathing,' Carter told TCPalm.

'No interventions were done; no CPR was initiated until about six minutes after she arrived.'

The Indian River Medical Center was taken over in 2019 by the Cleveland Clinic. The facility is now known as Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital (pictured)

The lawsuit sensationally alleges that medical records were also 'altered to minimize or shield the negligent care she received'.

Carter told the TCPalm that Konovsky, or someone who was using his credentials, accessed Hughes' medical records the day after her surgery and removed evidence which showed she had 'zero breaths per minute in the operating room record'.

'By hiring a computer forensic expert, we were able to go into the hospital's underlying computer data and we were able to show exactly what changes were made and when,' he posited.

Konovsky no longer works as an anesthesiologist in the state of Florida. His lawyer refused to comment.

The Indian River Medical Center was taken over in 2019 by the Cleveland Clinic. The facility is now known as Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

'This case was brought prior to Indian River Medical Center joining the Cleveland Clinic health system,' a hospital spokesman said in a statement to TCPalm.

'Because there is currently litigation, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital cannot comment on specifics related to the case.'

A trial is set to commence in October.

In the meantime, Hughes' husband, Rodrick Phinizee, is tasked with taking sole care of their five children.

In a Facebook post on Mother's Day he heartbreakingly wrote: 'I've been a Mom and a Dad ever since the Devil tried to take out my wife'.

He added in a separate post: 'I cried A LOT in the beginning. I started talking to GOD and I got stronger as the days went by knowing I had her and the kids to care of! Thank YOU GOD for everything that you are doing!!'
The parents of four of the five migrant girls who were found abandoned on a farm in Texas claim they were kidnapped in Mexico moments after the children were ferried to the United States in a raft.

Guatemalan national Daisy Sanchez, her boyfriend Ashley Padilla, of Honduras, and the latter's brother-in-law, Gabriel Castillo, made the claim in an interview with Univision on Wednesday.

They added that they have spent nine days trekking through a mountain region in Mexico in the hope of crossing into the US to reunite with them.

Sanchez and Padilla are the parents of 11-moth-old Valeria Padilla. Sanchez's daughter, Asheli, 5, is from a previous relationship. Castillo is the father of Nashly, 7, and Cristal, 4. His wife, Sandra Padilla, is still in Mexico, and it's unknown why she did not join them on the trip.

In the interview, the three parents recalled the harrowing encounter with a group of armed men as they waited to cross the Rio Grande on a raft and join their children.

They claim that moments after the girls were ferried across the waterway, a gang suddenly held them up at gunpoint.

'Let's say (there is a feeling of) helplessness because you want to do something but you can't anymore when they are pointing a gun at you and your life is between your back and the wall, and the lives of the girls are on the other side,' Castillo said. 'You feel powerless.'

Five girls from Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico were found May 9 by Texas onion and watermelon farmer Jimmy Hobbs and his wife on their 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

Daisy Sanchez (left), the Guatemalan mother of two of the five girls who were found abandoned on a farm in Quemado, Texas, near a river across the border with Mexico, said in an interview aired by Univision on Wednesday that she has been trekking through a mountain area in Mexico over the last nine days and seeks to reach the United States so that she and her boyfriend, Ashley Padilla (right), can be reunited with their daughters. The couple is also joined by Gabriel Castillo, Padilla's brother-in-law and whose two daughters are also in the U.S. at a migrant shelter in Brownsville, Texas

Gabriel Castillo said that an armed gang held the three parents at gunpoint and kidnapped them moments after the children had been crossed on a raft from Mexico to Quemado, Texas

According to Sanchez, they were taken to a stash house where other migrant families were being held, but managed to escape their captors through a broken window.

Ever since then, the three adults have been hiking through the mountain region with minimal food and water.

Sanchez explained that they plan to meet their families in the United States and petition the government to place the children in their custody.

'It's very difficult because the baby is very little at 11 months. She's baby,' Sanchez said. 'The other is five. It's very difficult to leave them there.'

Daisy Sanchez looks at a video for the first time that shows the moment a couple found her two daughters on their farm in Quemado, Texas, on May 9 after the children and three other girls, including her boyfriend's two nieces, were ferried on a raft across the Mexico-United States border

Valeria Padilla, an 11-month-old girl born in Mexico, was found May 9 on a farm in Quemado, Texas farm, with her sister, two cousins and another girl after they had been smuggled across the United States-Mexico border

Guatemalan national Daisy Sanchez and her two daughters, Ashlei (top right) and Valeria (bottom right)

Sanchez, Padilla and Castillo each broke down in tears as they watched a video for the very first time in which their children are lying on the dirt and being tended to by Jimmy Hobbs and Katie Hobbs, owners of a farm near the Rio Grande,

Sanchez's baby girl appears in the video being fed a bottle by a farm worker's wife.

The parents learned through Univision that their children are being held at Casa El President, a shelter for migrant in Brownsville, Texas.

Sources told Univision that Sanchez was deported from the United States on three occasions under Title 42.

Castillo's wife, Sandra Padilla, told Telemundo this week that she is requesting help from U.S. authorities to reunite with her daughters. Her mother, who lives in Texas, has been in contact with her and is looking to seek a humanitarian visa.

'I never wanted to leave them there, God knows I always asked him to take care of them,' she said.

She revealed she spent at least seven days walking through the desert area after she avoided being captured by border patrol agents and returned to Mexico.

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

Sandra Padilla, the mother of Nashley (front left) and Cristal (front right), is still in Mexico and is requesting help from U.S. authorities to reunite with her daughters. It's unknown why she is not traveling with the three parents, including her brother Ashley Padilla

The Title 42 policy was put into place March 21, 2020 by the administration of former President Donald Trump, which allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to immediately expel migrants intercepted at the southwestern border due to the COVID-19 pandemic without the possibility of requesting asylum.

Under the Trump administration, adults would be sent back to Mexico and the children would be placed in hotels and then sent back to their home countries.

CBP continues to expel most of the migrant families and single adults under President Joe Biden's administration, but unaccompanied children are permitted to remain in the United States.

Neither President Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris have visited the border area.

Harris was handpicked by Biden to lead the administration's efforts in tackling the crisis at the border, where apprehensions of migrants seeking asylum gradually increased during the last nine months of Trump in office and continued to spiral out of control with the new administration in place.

Vice President Harris met with eight lawmakers of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Monday for a virtual discussion on the migration crisis.

Harris is slated to visit Mexico and Guatemala in June.

Border agents encountered fewer minor migrants along the United States border with Mexico in April although overall apprehensions reached a 15-year high last month, according to a report released last Tuesday by CBP.

Data showed that the border patrol agency encountered 178,622 undocumented immigrants seeking to enter the United States in April, surpassing March's total by 5,274. Apprehensions along the 1,954 mile border in April were more than 10 times that of April 2020, when 17,106 individuals were stopped by border patrol agents.

Meanwhile, 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.
Bodycam footage has emerged of Matt Gaetz's old wingman, Joel Greenberg, being quizzed by cops at his in-laws' home in Jupiter, Florida, after his terrified mother-in-law called 911 because he'd shown up after driving 170 miles to find his wife while he was on parole for sex trafficking a minor.

Greenberg has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a minor as part of a deal with prosecutors that he agreed to in exchange for testifying against Gaetz.

Greenberg has told police and prosecutors that he, along with other adult men, drugged and sexually trafficked a 17-year-old girl across state lines.

Gaetz, the Republican Congressman for Florida's 1st district, has not been arrested or charged with any crime. He denies ever sex trafficking anyone.

Greenberg, a disgraced tax collector, was arrested last June on 33 counts including sex trafficking a minor.

When he was arrested, he told prosecutors that it was Gaetz who he'd trafficked the girl with, in the hope of getting a lighter sentence.

His wife Abby left him to go and stay with her mother in Jupiter, Florida. He was meant to stay in Mary County, in Orlando, as per the terms of his bail.

But on February 28, he drove 170 miles to Abby's mother's apartment, hoping to see her.

The mother - Ashleigh Dunn - was so afraid that she hid in a bedroom and called 911.

Cops arrived but he was not arrested because they couldn't get a hold of his probation officer.

Joel Greenberg is shown in police bodycam footage after driving 170 miles to his mother-in-law's apartment on February 28, looking for his wife. He was on bail for sex trafficking a minor at the time and shouldn't have left the county where he lives in Orlando

Greenberg, holding a mug, is shown outside the apartment. His wife's mother called 911 and hid in a bedroom. They all said they were afraid of him because at the time, he had nothing to lose. He'd just been charged with 33 counts and was trying to negotiate with prosecutors

Greenberg, a former tax collector in Florida, with his wife Abby and their two kids

One of Abby's friends was also in the home and Joel mistook her for his wife.

Greenberg in his mugshot from June 2020

In the bodycam footage, he told police: 'I went upstairs and said, 'hey sweetheart.'...she turns over and it's not her! I'm like, 'where's my wife?!'

Abby is also heard telling police that she is afraid of her husband and she is only staying with him because his parents bought her a home.

'The only reason I live with him is that his parents have literally purchased me a new home.

'I just haven't moved in because I am really afraid...you know what happens when a person has nothing to lose?' she said.

Greenberg had been facing 33 counts with a maximum of life behind bars but his plea deal, filed last week, reveals he has reached a deal to plead guilty to just six of those charges; sex trafficking a child, using a fake ID, identity theft, wire fraud, stalking and conspiring to commit a crime against the US.

The plea deal doesn't specify what he'll be sentenced to but it does confirm he will cooperate with the ongoing investigation into Gaetz, and testify at court if necessary.

Greenberg's wife Abby had gone to Jupiter to stay with her mother. She said at the time she was afraid of her husband

Gaetz (pictured in DC today) is under investigation for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old girl and trafficking her across state lines. Gaetz has denied the allegations and has not been charged with any crime

The most severe charge he will plead to is paying a 17-year-old girl for sex, trafficking her across state lines and giving her drugs with other men - which is what might implicate Gaetz.

The sex trafficking charge has a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.

The charges that have been dropped include four domestic violence charges, one sex trafficking charge, nine fraud charges, bribing a public official, and a range of lesser identity theft and fraud charges.

Prosecutors say depending on how much he assists them going forward, they'll recommend various levels of leniency when it comes to Greenberg's sentencing.

Greenberg, a disgraced tax collector, also has to forfeit $650,000. He was arrested last year and immediately started telling the feds about Gaetz and how they 'sex trafficked' together to get himself a deal.

In March, it was revealed that Gaetz is under investigation for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old girl and trafficking her across state lines. Investigators are also looking into allegations he paid women for ecstasy-fueled sex at Florida hotels after being introduced to them by Greenberg.

Gaetz has repeatedly denied having sex with a 17-year-old and said he has never paid for sex. He has not been charged with any crime.

For prosecutors to agree to reduce the charges from a staggering 33 to just six indicates that Greenberg has handed over information that is of significant value, legal experts told Business Insider on Thursday.

Sherine Ebadi, a former FBI agent who worked on the case against the former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, said she expects Gaetz will be 'concerned' about Greenberg's plans.

'What Gaetz would be concerned about is if there's a cooperation agreement in this matter that involves the defendant flipping on him,' she said.

'That gets scary for coconspirators because they know someone who's either aware of their crimes or someone they coconspired with is now working with the government.'

Greenberg was first arrested on charges of identity theft and stalking a political opponent last June.

An indictment alleged he mailed fake letters to his opponent's school claiming sexual misconduct.

Roger Stone, Matt Gaetz and Joel Greenberg pictured in a selfie together in 2017. Matt Gaetz 's alleged wingman Joel Greenberg has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to six felony counts
Good Morning Britain host Adil Ray today faced a blacklash over an 'ignorant' tweet slamming Priti Patel for joining a police raid of people-smuggling suspects.

The broadcaster wrote that the Home Secretary was the daughter of migrants and criticised her for 'posing for a photo opp' while out on an operation with the National Crime Agency (NCA) in east London yesterday.

Officers arrested two men accused of using minicab and lorry drivers to move migrants between France and the UK.

The suspects, aged 52 and 28, were held on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration during the swoop in Woodford Green and Bushwood.

Ms Patel was invited to oversee the raid, but social media users were left confused by Mr Ray's criticism.

Good Morning Britain host Adil Ray today faced a blacklash over an 'ignorant' tweet slamming Priti Patel for joining a police raid of people-smuggling suspects

The broadcaster (pictured earlier this week) wrote that the Home Secretary was the daughter of migrants and criticised her for 'posing for a photo opp' while out on an operation with the National Crime Agency (NCA) in east London yesterday

Home Secretary Priti Patel joined a police raid as officers arrested people-smuggling suspects accused of minicab and lorry drivers to move migrants between France and the UK

He tweeted: 'Priti Patel's parents & mine were told to leave Uganda & Kenya, in some cases to save their lives.

'After much protest (at one point they wanted to dump them on the Falklands) UK let them in.

'To think years later a daughter of that generation would pose for a photo opp like this.'

One follower replied: 'This is the arrest of a people smuggling gang I believe. Do you condone people trafficking and slavery? Or are you also disgusted by it?'

Fellow journalist Wyre Davies added: 'This is a pic from an anti-people smuggling op, I believe, not an immigration 'raid'?'

A third wrote: 'It's a raid of suspected people smugglers, the very people who take advantage of vulnerable people. At best it's ignorance, at worst an outright lie, but either way you should delete this.'

Yesterday's operation came after the Home Secretary announced plans to crack down on people smuggling with maximum life sentences for those involved in the crime, and moves to deny asylum to migrants who have travelled through a 'safe' country such as France to reach the UK.

Another five people who are all licensed minicab drivers were also arrested for allegedly moving migrants to and from lorry drop-off or pick-up points.

The men, aged 52 and 28, were held on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration during a National Crime Agency (NCA) swoop in Woodford Green and Bushwood, east London, today

In March Ms Patel announced plans to crack down on people smuggling with maximum life sentences for those involved in the crime, and moves to deny asylum to migrants who have travelled through a 'safe' country such as France to reach the UK

Five lorry drivers have already been convicted in relation to the investigation, after migrants were found hidden in the back of their trucks

More than 100 migrants have been intercepted during the operation, including three wanted criminals who were trying to flee the UK, the NCA said

The operation involved more than 130 officers and follows an investigation, codenamed Operation Symbolry, into an organised crime group using a network of predominantly Romanian lorries to smuggle people between France and the UK.

Five lorry drivers have already been convicted in relation to the investigation, after migrants were found hidden in the back of their trucks.

More than 100 migrants have been intercepted during the operation, including three wanted criminals who were trying to flee the UK, the NCA said.

In a Home Office video promoting the raid, Ms Patel says: 'I'm here this morning because we've just seen a significant arrest as part of a very very extensive law enforcement operation against a criminal gang involved in facilitating people smuggling.

'It's vital that we smash up these criminal gangs and inaction is simply not an option.'

The NCA has around 50 ongoing investigations into people trafficking and organised immigration crime.

NCA deputy director of investigations Chris Farrimond said: 'People smugglers are ruthless, treating migrants as a commodity, and they do not care about the safety of those they transport. We have seen this, tragically, in recent and historical mass fatalities.'
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren's husband has been charged as part of a seven-month narcotics ring investigation after police seized $60,000 worth of cocaine, $100,000 in cash, three unregistered handguns and a semi-automatic rifle in raids on the mayor's home and six other properties.

Timothy Granison, 42, was pulled over by police in his car Wednesday as part of the drugs trafficking probe and was found to be in possession of a large quantity of cocaine, authorities said.

Investigators then carried out a raid on the home he shares with the mayor and seized two firearms - a semi-automatic rifle and a loaded handgun. The couple's 10-year-old daughter Taylor was home alone at the time.

The bust was part of a raid on seven homes over the last 24 hours to take out a mid-level drugs gang that has been 'infecting the streets of Rochester', Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said at a press conference Thursday morning.

Seven people including Granison were arrested and charged in connection to the raids. They are: 39-year-old Dkeidron Dublin, 44-year-old Jason Siplin, 27-year-old Jason Siplin, Jr., 30-year-old Namon Brown, 19-year-old Ernest S. Gamble and 32-year-old Lytrice Jackson.

Doorley said she expects more charges will be brought and more people will be arrested as part of the investigation.

When asked if Warren, 43, is 'in trouble' and part of the investigation, the DA refused to rule it out.

'At this point I will say we're not done with the investigation. It is still ongoing so I'm not going to comment at this time,' she said.

She would also not comment on whether or not there is any connection between the case and the campaign finance charges brought against the mayor in the fall.

New York State Police Major Barry Chase said he wanted to speak to the mayor as part of the criminal investigation. His department has reached out to the mayor through her lawyers but is yet to hear back from her, he said.

As well as her husband, Warren is thought to also have connections to Siplin and Siplin Jr. but authorities did not provide any further details.

'I do know that there is perhaps a relationship with the Siplin family but I'm not sure of the exact nature of the relationship,' said Doorley of the mayor.

Timothy Granison hides his face under a shirt as he leaves jail Thursday following his first court appearance on criminal drugs and firearms charges

The husband of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren (pictured together) has been charged as part of a seven-month narcotics ring investigation involving six others

Granison was charged with three felonies - illegal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell.

He appeared via video in Rochester City Court from the Monroe County jail Thursday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

He was released without bail pending his next court appearance on June 21 - one day before Rochester's mayoral primary where Warren is seeking reelection.

He was later spotted leaving the jail hiding his face under a shirt.

Granison had spent the night behind bars following his arrest the day before.

Authorities on Thursday released new details of his arrest and the months-long operation that led up to it.

Granison was stopped in his vehicle by members of the State Police violent gangs and narcotics enforcement team and uniformed troopers around 3:30 pm Wednesday outside a property on Birch Crescent, Major Chase said at the press conference.

Dkeidron Dublin was also in the vehicle at the time.

The two men were pulled over as part of a wire-tapping investigation by the DA's office that began seven months ago.

The probe didn't originally target Granison but he then appeared on the radar of investigators around three months ago.

The DA said they learned he was a 'player' in the drugs gang and 'followed the evidence.'

At this stage, the DA's office brought in the state police to prevent any issues around conflict of interest as she insisted the probe is 'not politically motivated.'

'Once we learned that he was becoming a potential target, I determined, along with my staff, that in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, that we bring in the New York State Police,' said Doorley.

The DA would also not confirm whether or not Warren was recorded as part of the wire tapping.

Granison appeared via video (above) in Rochester City Court from the Monroe County jail, where he spent the night following his arrest the day before

He pleaded not guilty and was released without bail ahead of his next court appearance June 21 - one day before Rochester's mayoral primary where Warren is seeking reelection

When Granison was stopped Wednesday, he had a large quantity of cocaine in the car.

He allegedly had 31 grams of cocaine in his possession, according to court documents.

Granison was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with an intent to sell.

Police then executed a search warrant on the home he shares with the mayor in Woodman Park and discovered an unregistered handgun in the bedroom, a semi-automatic rifle and a loaded magazine.

Granison was slapped with one count of possession of a firearm for the handgun.

Investigators are working to determine if the rifle was illegally owned and whether any charges will be brought in connection to that firearm.

Taylor, 10, was the only person home at the time, authorities confirmed.

It is not clear if child endangerment charges could also be brought as she was left alone with guns inside the property.

Raids were also carried out at six other properties Wednesday night and Thursday morning, culminating in the arrests of the six other individuals in connection to the drugs bust.

Officials seized more than two kilograms of powder and crack cocaine, with a street value of around $60,000.

Around 1.4 kilograms of this was found in the possession of Siplin, officials said.

Around $100,000 in cash, three firearms and one semi-automatic rifle were also seized.

State police conduct a search and carry items out of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren's home Wednesday

Officials have now revealed the raid on the mayor's home was one of seven raids on homes that day as part of a drugs bust

Two firearms were seized from the home of the mayor with Granison charged with the illegal possession of a firearm over one of them

Doorley called the drugs bust 'significant' and said it was the result of a long-term drugs probe.

'If you look at the amount of cocaine seized, the amount of money seized, we believe this was a mid-level drugs organization that was infecting the city of Rochester,' she said.

Dublin was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 4th degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree.

He will be arraigned this afternoon.

Siplin was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 1st degree and three counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree.

Siplin Jr. was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 1st degree and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree.

Brown was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

Gamble with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree; Jackson with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell and counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree.

Doorley added that other charges and arrests could follow.

'There have been seven arrests so far but we anticipate there may be additional charges and additional people will be arrested,' said Doorley.

Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said at a press conference Thursday morning she expects more charges will be brought and more people will be arrested as part of the investigation

New York State Police Major Barry Chase said he wanted to speak to the mayor as part of the criminal investigation. His department has reached out to the mayor through her lawyers but is yet to hear back from her, he said

Attorney John DeMarco, in entering not guilty pleas for Granison, asked that the charges be dismissed, saying they were not sufficiently presented, local media reported from the courtroom.

Judge Jacqueline Sisson, who came from nearby Canandaigua City Court to preside over the hearing, denied the request but said it could be resubmitted in writing.

State police troopers spent several hours searching the home Granison shares with the mayor on Wednesday, saying it was part of a criminal investigation but disclosing no details at that time.

Troopers closed off the block around Warren's home with police tape and could be seen taking items from the residence, according to videos from the scene.

Rochester's City Communications Director Justin Roj said in a statement Wednesday the mayor did not know what the raid was in relation to.

'The mayor is just learning about the events that unfolded this afternoon and has no more information than the rest of the community,' he said.

'She hopes to learn more details this evening and will have a statement tomorrow.'

Granison has been embroiled in the criminal justice system before.

He was put on probation for five years after being arrested for his involvement in a jewelry store robbery that took place in March 1997 when he was 17 years old.

Timothy Granison is seen being escorted from the State Police barracks Wednesday

On Wednesday afternoon, a large police presence blocked off a section of Woodman Park in the Upstate New York town. Police were seen carrying bags away from the house, which records show is owned by Warren

Two other men were sentenced to prison terms for their roles in that robbery.

His role in the robbery came to public attention just before Warren's first inauguration.

In a statement at the time, she said Granison was judged as a youthful offender and his file sealed, and that he did not have a criminal record.

She pointed to him as an example of someone who had turned his life around and said he had learned from the experience.

Warren has also faced brushes with the law as she was indicted in a campaign finance fraud case in October.

Warren, a Democrat, is in the middle of a reelection campaign for a third term with a critical party primary coming up just next month.

The Democrat's Rochester home (pictured) was raided Wednesday. The couple's 10-year-old daughter was home alone at the time

Warren and Granison with their daughter. Authorities would not rule out the possibility that Warren is 'in trouble'

Mayor Lovely Warren was indicted in October on charges she broke campaign finance rules during her last reelection campaign

She has spent the past year between crises. She was indicted in October on charges she broke campaign finance rules during her last reelection campaign, four years ago.

The treasurers of her campaign and political action committees were also charged.

She has acknowledged making errors in the handling and reporting of campaign contributions but said they were honest mistakes, not crimes.

Over the summer, she then faced calls to resign over her handling of the death of Daniel Prude, a black man who stopped breathing after police placed him in a mesh hood and pressed him to the pavement.

Police and city officials said almost nothing publicly about the death for months until Prude's family obtained and released body camera video showing his death.

In March, a probe into the official response to Prude's death, commissioned by Rochester's city council, said Warren lied to the public about what she knew and when she knew it. A special counsel to the city administration disputed those claims.

In April, a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed naming Warren and other city officials, accusing them of allowing a culture of police brutality against racial minorities.
Bernie Sanders launched an effort Thursday to block the sale of $735 million in precision-guided weapons to Israel as President Joe Biden comes under increasing pressure from the left to stand up for Palestinian human rights.

Sanders announced his move, joining a similar effort by the so-called Squad of progressive Democrats, as Israeli airstrikes again pounded Gaza and Hamas rockets targeted Israeli towns.

'At a moment when U.S.-made bombs are devastating Gaza, and killing women and children, we cannot simply let another huge arms sale go through without even a Congressional debate,' said Sanders, an independent who votes with Democrats.

Bernie Sanders said it was time to examine whether the sale of weapons to Israel was helping peace or fueling conflict

A boy holds flowers among rubbles after Palestinian Al Deyri family's home demolished by Israeli army's airstrikes in Gaza City

Relatives of 11-year-old Deema Asaliyeh, who was killed on Israeli attacks, mourn over her body during funeral ceremony at Jabalia refugee camp in Beit Lahia, Gaza, on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 227 Palestinians on Thursday, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 wounded

A fire ball erupts from a building following an Israeli bombardment over Rafah

He introduced a resolution Thursday to halt the Biden administration's planned sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Small Diameter Bombs.

'I believe that the United States must help lead the way to a peaceful and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians,' said the senator, who is Jewish.

'We need to take a hard look at whether the sale of these weapons is actually helping do that, or whether it is simply fueling conflict.'

Biden's administration approved the sale and has sent it to Congress for review.

The deal has become a flashpoint for progressives seeking to alter the long-standing U.S. position of offering financial and military support to Israel.

Sanders' intervention comes a day after Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan, and Rashida Tlaib introduced a similar resolution.

Israel resume its strikes on targets in Gaza on Thursday, hitting a building in Rafah in the southern part of the strip

Rep. Rashida Tlaib urged President Biden to rethink his position on Israel when he visited Michigan this week, demanding that he do more to protect Palestinian lives

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, along with Tlaib and Rep. Mark Pocan, introduced a similar resolution seeking to halt the sale on Wednesday

Tlaib confronted Biden when he visited Michigan on Tuesday.

'Congresswoman Tlaib reiterated that the status quo is enabling more killing, that the current U.S. approach of unconditional support for the Israeli government is not working, and that the White House must do far more to protect Palestinian lives, dignity, and human rights,' an aide told NPR later.

Biden had repeatedly defended Israel's right to protect itself from rockets fired by Hamas.

But with pressure growing from the left, Biden shifted stance on Wednesday to demand that Israel immediately de-escalate its offensive amid diplomatic moves to secure a ceasefire.

The result was business as usual as the strike against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip continued through Wednesday night.

The Israeli Defence Forces released a map of the Hamas 'Metro' as their bombing campaign continued - revealing that they have destroyed 60 miles of the vast tunnel network since last Monday.

Central to Israel's strategy is knocking out Hamas's underground network of tunnels which allows them to funnel weapons and rockets underneath densely populated civilian areas, below schools and hospitals. Hamas has invested around $250 million in the vast infrastructure, which they first began using to hide from the IDF. Today, the tunnels are up to 90ft deep, stand 6ft tall by 6ft wide, and contain kitchens as well as living quarters and meeting rooms. Not only do the jihadists use them to hide and transport weapons, but also for training new militants and storing armaments.

People inspect the rubble of destroyed residential building which was hit by Israeli airstrikes, in Beit Lahiya, Gaza Strip

Israeli soldiers fire artillery shells towards the Gaza Strip from their position along the border with the Palestinian enclave on Thursday

It comes despite Biden's stern intervention on Wednesday, warning Benjamin Netanyahu that he expected 'a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire.'

After a visit to military headquarters, Netanyahu said he appreciated 'the support of the American president,' but he said Israel would push ahead to return 'calm and security' to Israeli citizens.

Israel unleashed a fresh bombardment of the Strip this morning, killing at least one and wounding several others, as the death toll climbed to 227 Palestinians, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 wounded.

Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted or landing in the open.

Twelve people in Israel, including a five-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

Amid a lull in Hamas rocket fire through the early hours of this morning, reports in the US said that ceasefire terms could be agreed by Friday.

Officials involved in peace talks told The Wall Street Journal that Egyptian mediators had made ground in their talks with Hamas and that Israel had 'privately conceded' that the aims of its operation were almost complete.

Chief of the Hamas political wing Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook said last night that he believed a truce could be arrived at by Thursday evening or Friday night but warned: 'The equation is clear - if they escalate we escalate.'

Central to Israel's strategy is knocking out Hamas's underground network of tunnels which allows them to funnel weapons and rockets underneath densely populated civilian areas, below schools and hospitals.

Hamas has invested around $250 million in the vast infrastructure, which they first began using to hide from the IDF.

Today, the tunnels are up to 90ft deep, stand 6ft tall by 6ft wide, and contain kitchens as well as living quarters and meeting rooms.

Not only do the jihadists use them to hide and transport weapons, but also for training new militants and storing armaments.

Explosions rocked Gaza City again through the early hours of Thursday, with orange flares flashing across the night sky and air strikes also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis.

As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis. There were also heavy air strikes on al-Saftawi Street, a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.
Princess Diana's brother shared a picture of the pair of them as children hours before a report was published on Martin Bashir's Panorama interview.

Earl Spencer posted the black and white archive image on Twitter, alongside the words: 'Some bonds go back a very long way.'

The photograph shows the siblings sat side by side in the summer sun, with a young Charles Spencer wearing trunks and Diana in a swimsuit.

His post came just hours before the official inquiry into Bashir's behaviour was published on Thursday afternoon.

It concluded he used 'deceitful behaviour' and was in 'serious breach' of the BBC's producer guidelines to secure his interview with the Princess of Wales.

Earl Spencer posted the black and white archive image on Twitter, alongside the words: 'Some bonds go back a very long way'

The photograph shows the siblings sat side by side in the summer sun, with a young Charles Spencer (left at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018) wearing trunks and Diana appearing to be in a swimsuit. Right is disgraced BBC journalist Martin Bashir

The BBC 'fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark' in a subsequent investigation, according to the report by Lord Dyson.

The former master of the rolls and head of civil justice was appointed to look into the circumstances surrounding the explosive 1995 interview, which famously featured Diana saying: 'Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.'

Bashir breached BBC rules by mocking up fake bank statements and showing them to Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, to gain access to the princess, the report said.

In response to Lord Dyson's findings, Bashir apologised, saying the faking of bank statements was 'an action I deeply regret' but added he felt it had 'no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview'.

Senior BBC executives were criticised over a 1996 internal investigation which examined the mocked-up documents relating to the earl's former employee, as it tried to determine whether or not the princess had been misled, with a key piece of evidence, a note from Diana, suggesting she had not.

The report said: 'Without justification, the BBC fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark by covering up in its press logs such facts as it had been able to establish about how Mr Bashir secured the interview and failing to mention Mr Bashir's activities or the BBC investigations of them on any news programme.'

Mr Bashir is accused of using the fake bank statements to gain Earl Spencer's trust

Lord Dyson was commissioned six months ago to examine whether Princess Diana would have given the historic 1995 interview had it not been for Mr Bashir's underhand tactics

Last November the BBC commissioned former Supreme Court judge Lord Dyson (pictured) to probe allegations that the corporation covered up the trail of deceit by its reporter

On just one sheet, toxic accusations that made Diana's suspect her own team Pictured, Spencer kept detailed notes 1) Bashir's opening gambit that three members of MI6 had told him Prince Charles's private secretary Richard Aylard was 'orchestrating' things surrounding Diana. This involved Ken Wharfe, Diana's former bodyguard, described as 'scum'. 2) Aylard, it was claimed, had been paid by the broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby. A decision to reinvent the prince had been taken by aides two years earlier. A year later this allegedly included attacking both Diana and the Spencer family. 3) MI6 agents had recordings of Prince Charles and Aylard talking in which the phrase 'the end game' was uttered, thought to refer to a divorce between the prince and princess. Diana also said she would not agree to a divorce. 4) Spencers' reputation to be destroyed. In another remark recorded by Lord Spencer, Bashir claimed Prince Charles wanted Spencer's then wife, Victoria, dead. Diana meanwhile would be forced to move to America  possibly with her brother. 5) This relates to the stories during 1995 of the close friendship between Diana and the married England rugby captain Will Carling. Spencer notes Bashir's assertion that the newspaper stories had been 'fed' by Carling's wife Julia. Earl Spencer's devastating dossier, which was handed to Lord Dyson, included preposterous falsehoods about the royals and senior courtiers. Lord Spencer's handwritten log of the meeting includes a note saying: 'Camilla: depressed, but quiet for time being.' There was also some 'v. unpleasant correspondence' involving Prince Philip and the suggestion that Diana had been 'followed twice' in her car. Bashir is accused of effectively grooming the vulnerable princess by playing to her worst fears. At the meeting, Bashir allegedly brandished bank statements purportedly showing that Diana's closest aides were selling her secrets. The Spencer files detail how Bashir allegedly told her that her car was tracked, her phone bugged and MI6 had overheard Prince Charles and his private secretary plotting 'the end game'. Other hurtful smears included that Charles and nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke went on a secret holiday together, he was 'in love' with Miss Legge-Bourke, and Prince Edward was having treatment for Aids at Royal Marsden Hospital. Earl Spencer concluded Bashir was a fantasist and apologised to his sister after the meeting for wasting her time. Advertisement

Responding to the report, Bashir said: 'This is the second time that I have willingly fully co-operated with an investigation into events more than 25 years ago. I apologised then, and I do so again now, over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up. It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret. But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently.'

Bashir, who was the BBC News religion editor, announced last week he was quitting the BBC on health grounds as he has been seriously unwell with Covid-19 related complications.

His statement further added: 'I also reiterate that the bank statements had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview. Evidence handed to the inquiry in her own handwriting (and published alongside the report today) unequivocally confirms this, and other compelling evidence presented to Lord Dyson reinforces it. In fact, despite his other findings, Lord Dyson himself in any event accepts that the Princess would probably have agreed to be interviewed without what he describes as my 'intervention'.

'It is saddening that this single issue has been allowed to overshadow the Princess' brave decision to tell her story, to courageously talk through the difficulties she faced, and, to help address the silence and stigma that surrounded mental health issues all those years ago. She led the way in addressing so many of these issues and that's why I will always remain immensely proud of that interview.'

Former director-general Lord Tony Hall, who was director of BBC news and current affairs when the Diana interview was screened, apologised that the inquiry 'fell well short of what was required'.

He said: 'I have read Lord Dyson's report, and I accept that our investigation 25 years ago into how Panorama secured the interview with Princess Diana fell well short of what was required.

'In hindsight, there were further steps we could and should have taken following complaints about Martin Bashir's conduct.

'I was wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt, basing that judgment as I did on what appeared to be deep remorse on his part.

'Throughout my 35-year career at the BBC, I have always acted in ways I believe were fair, impartial and with the public interest front and centre.

'While Lord Dyson does not criticise my integrity, I am sorry that our investigation failed to meet the standards that were required.'

Diana's Panorama interview in 1995 sent shockwaves through the monarchy with details about the state of her marriage to the Prince of Wales.

Earl Spencer claimed in the weeks before the programme Bashir showed him forged bank statements that related to alleged payments made to his sister's former private secretary Patrick Jephson and another former royal household member by the security services.

The documents falsely suggested the individuals were being paid for keeping the princess under surveillance.

He also showed him mocked-up documents, relating to a former employee of the earl, Bashir also used as he tried to gain access to the princess.

'Queen eats for comfort, Edward has AIDS, Camilla is depressed, Charles is in love with the Nanny': How Earl Spencer's scribbled notes from first meeting between Princess Diana and Martin Bashir became key evidence in Panorama probe

A jaw-dropping list of smears and lies allegedly peddled by Martin Bashir to clinch his sensational Princess Diana scoop was recorded by her brother - including the Queen 'eating for comfort' and Charles being in love with the family nanny.

Earl Spencer kept meticulous notes of a meeting held on September 19, 1995, when he introduced the BBC man to his sister at her Knightsbridge flat.

His devastating dossier was handed to Lord Dyson for his inquiry into the case, which is set to report at 2pm today. It includes preposterous falsehoods about the royals and senior courtiers that he is said to have used to help land the interview.

Earl Spencer's records show that Bashir allegedly claimed that Diana's private letters were being opened, her car tracked and phoned tapped with her bodyguard plotting against her, and close friends were betraying her.

Earl Spencer's handwritten log of the meeting with Bashir at his sister's flat in Knightsbridge also includes a note saying: 'Camilla: depressed, but quiet for time being'.

In an execrable reference to Prince Edward, Spencer recorded Bashir as saying that the Queen's youngest son was receiving treatment for Aids at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. Even the Queen was mentioned. Spencer noted Bashir as saying she was 'very ill with heart problems' and that she was a 'comfort eater'.

Earl Spencer (left) kept detailed notes when he met Martin Bashir (seen right holding a Bafta award for his Diana interview) when he met the BBC journalist with Diana at his sister's flat

Bashir is accused of effectively grooming the vulnerable princess by playing to her worst fears. Pictured is a still from the 1995 interview

From officials bugging Diana's car to warnings her reputation would be 'destroyed': Earl Spencer's handwritten scraps that could shred Bashir's career

1: Diana's 'scum' former bodyguard

Bashir's opening gambit that three MI6 agents had told him Prince Charles's private secretary Richard Aylard was 'orchestrating' things surrounding Diana. This involved Ken Wharfe, Diana's former bodyguard, described as 'scum'.

Diana was already paranoid her staff and friends were betraying her and, at the meeting, the broadcaster allegedly brandished bank statements purportedly showing her closest aides were selling her secrets.

2: Charles' secretary 'paid by Jonathan Dimbleby'

Aylard, it was claimed, had been paid by the broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby. A decision to reinvent the prince had been taken by aides two years earlier. A year later this allegedly included attacking both Diana and the Spencer family.

3: Charles 'discussing ''end game'''

The notes, handed to Lord Dyson, include allegations MI6 had recorded Prince Charles and his private secretary planning the 'end game' - an extraordinary and false hint the heir to the throne was plotting to 'destroy' the Spencers and force them to flee to the US.

Charles Spencer's detailed notes, from one to five. The manila file contains notes of every meeting he had with Bashir, the logs of phone calls the BBC man made along with the faxes, the letters and even the gushing thank you cards that the reporter sent him

4: Spencers' reputation 'would be destroyed'

Spencers' reputation to be destroyed. In another remark recorded by Earl Spencer, Bashir claimed Prince Charles wanted Spencer's then wife, Victoria, dead. Diana meanwhile would be forced to move to America  possibly with her brother.

5: Will Carling affair claim

his relates to the stories during 1995 of the close friendship between Diana and the married England rugby captain Will Carling. Spencer notes Bashir's assertion that the newspaper stories had been 'fed' by Carling's wife Julia.

9: Diana's car 'bugged'

This note describes Bashir's alleged claim that Diana had been bugged by officials

The claim that Diana's cars and phone lines being bugged and her post intercepted would have increased her worries she was being spied on.

Bashir told Lord Dyson he would not have made these claims at a first meeting, the Telegraph reported.

17: Camilla 'depressed'

Camilla was allegedly described by Bashir as 'depressed, but quiet for the time being'. The second line refers to William and Harry's nanny, Tiggy Legge-Bourke

In the interview, Diana made her feelings clear on Camilla, famously saying, 'There are three of us in this marriage.'

Mentioning her could have been an attempt by Bashir to prompt her to speak out.

'Tiggy' is a reference to Tiggy Legge-Bourke, William and Harry's nanny who Charles was accused of having an affair with in claims that were subsequently dismissed.

17b: Philip's 'v unpleasant correspondence'

Earl Spencer recorded Bashir as describing 'very unpleasant correspondence' allegedly sent by Prince Philip to Diana and Sarah Ferguson

This claims Diana had received 'v unpleasant correspondence' from Philip and suggests he was annoyed at her 'hero status'.

It also references Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who was known to have had affairs.

19: Fergie's business deals in the US

Another reference to Sarah Ferguson, this time describing her trips to the US to try and forge a business career

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996. This note refers to her numerous trips to the US to forge a business career.

It adds that Andrew still 'look[ed] after her' following their divorce by supporting her financially.

20: 'Queen eats for comfort'

This note suggests the Queen was unwell, stating 'Queen ill: heart' and adds she 'eats for comfort'.
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A weeping migrant boy used plastic bottles to stay afloat during a desperate bid to reach a Spanish enclave.

Footage captured on Wednesday shows the youngster crying as he paddled towards the shore and clung to a buoy, surrounded by floating soda bottles attached to his waist.

The boy was one of thousands of people who attempted to make the crossing from Morocco into the Spanish city of Ceuta this week - after the African deliberately removed border guards and allowed the stampede to make a political point.

Cueta is on the African mainland and a short swim around a promontory from Morocco, and the move by Rabat sparked accusations of 'aggression' and 'blackmail' from Madrid.

As he left the water yesterday, the boy darted across the beach past Spanish soldiers and attempted to scale a wall barefoot before being detained.

Since Monday, a record 8,000 migrants have crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, prompting chaotic scenes as authorities struggled to manage the unprecedented influx.

The mass movement comes amid a diplomatic row between the two countries over Spain's decision to provide medical treatment to a militant leader who has been fighting Morocco for decades.

A migrant boy used plastic bottles to stay afloat during his desperate bid to reach a Spanish enclave

The boy is one of thousands of people to make the crossing from Morocco into the Spanish city of Ceuta this week, prompting Madrid to accuse Rabat of 'aggression' and 'blackmail'

Footage shows the child paddling towards the shore, surrounded by floating soda bottles attached to his waist

After he left the water, the boy darted across the beach past Spanish soldiers and attempted to scale a wall barefoot before he was detained

On Thursday, Spain accused Morocco of 'blackmail' for allowing the migrants to reach Ceuta.

Spanish authorities were caught by surprise on Monday when thousands of mostly young people began swimming or using inflatable rubber rings and dinghies to cross the border, with Moroccan forces appearing to look the other way.

Madrid moved quickly to return most of the migrants and calm has largely returned to the beach of El Tarajal in Ceuta, where hundreds of soldiers in armoured vehicles have been deployed.

The outskirts of Fnideq, a Moroccan border town, were deserted on Thursday under a heavy security presence following scuffles on Wednesday night.

Hundreds of Moroccan youths threw stones at Moroccan forces guarding the border, forcing them to retreat, an AFP correspondent at the scene reported.

A motorcycle was also set alight by the young people.

The enormous influx of people into Ceuta comes amid strained relations between Madrid and Rabat over the former's decision to provide medical treatment for Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front, who has Covid-19.

The armed group has fought for the independence of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony mainly under Moroccan control, for decades.

Since Monday, a record 8,000 migrants have crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, prompting scenes of panic and distress as authorities struggled to manage the unprecedented influx. Pictured: Arrivals gathered outside a warehouse as they wait to be tested for coronavirus at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Wednesday

A view of the Albergue de Piniers where around 800 unaccompanied migrant children are being housed after arriving in Spain

Madrid moved quickly to return most of the migrants and calm has largely returned to the beach of El Tarajal (pictured Thursday) in Ceuta, where hundreds of soldiers in armoured vehicles have been deployed

Hundreds of people gathered on the Moroccan side of the border on Wednesday as they tried to cross into Spain, but found themselves blocked after border guards stepped in

Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Morocco's actions were 'an aggression of Spanish borders and of the borders of the European Union'.

'We are not talking about youths aged 16, 17, children as young as seven or eight were allowed through according to NGOs... ignoring international law,' she said in an interview with Spanish public radio on Thursday.

'Call it what you want but I call it blackmail,' she said, adding 'it is not acceptable to put the lives of minors or of people of one's own country, at risk.'

Spain's government said that around 5,600 of the 8,000 migrants had already been sent back to Morocco, and there were no new entries on Wednesday as anyone who reached Ceuta's beach was immediately returned.

Some of the returned migrants said they hoped to try cross over into Ceuta again if border controls were eased once more.

'I have no future here, I want to work to help my family,' 17-year-old Mohamed told AFP in Fnideq after being returned from Ceuta.

He left his studies and his family in Morocco to try to enter Spain in search of a better life.

Hassan, 17, said 'one day I will try my luck again and I will make it,' adding he 'dreams of living in Europe'.

Migrants clashed with Moroccan riot police in the northern town of Fnideq, close to the border between Morocco and Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, on Wednesday night

A group of migrants burned a skip during clashes with Moroccan riot police in the northern town of Fnideq, close to the border between Morocco and Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, on Wednesday night

Migrants have been swimming around the border separating the Moroccan town of Fnideq from the Spanish town of Ceuta, while others have tried to run across the land border between fences

One man throws a rock onto a burning motorbike during clashes with Moroccan riot police in the northern town of Fnideq on Wednesday night

Moroccan riot police retreat after being pelted with stones by youths on Wednesday night during a clash at the border with Spain

Youth unemployment is a chronic issue in Morocco, where 80 percent of unemployed people are aged between 15 and 34, according to US government figures.

Barefoot or in sandals, the mostly young people have tried to cross into Ceuta, a small enclave of 84,000 inhabitants which is connected to mainland Spain by ferry services across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar.

Ceuta, along with Spain's other North African enclave Melilla, have the European Union's only land border with Africa and have long been a magnet for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Earlier this week Spanish soldiers fired tear gas to prevent the migrants from nearing the border fence.

Several people were injured according to Moroccan media, but Rabat has not offered an official figure.

Spain has received the support of top European officials, with European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas warning that Europe 'won't let itself be intimidated by anyone on the issue of migration' in a veiled allusion to Morocco.

Rabat responded in the form of a flurry of angry dispatches published by the official MAP news agency saying that 'Morocco is a sovereign country' and 'is not the police of Europe'.

Several NGOs have expressed concern over the huge number of minors who have crossed over into Ceuta from Morocco - and the fact that Madrid is sending them back.

'Asylum seekers and migrants are being used as pawns in a political game between Morocco and Spain,' Amnesty International said in a statement.

It estimated that 'around 2,000 unaccompanied children' had entered Ceuta this week from Morocco.

Pictured: Unaccompanied Moroccan minors at Albergue de Piniers shelter on Thursday

Pictured: Unaccompanied Moroccan minors at Albergue de Piniers shelter on Thursday
This is the heartbreaking moment a man cradles a child on the driveway of a Sydney home that's now a crime scene after a four-month-old baby boy drowned inside.

Footage taken at the property on Seaborn Avenue at Oran Park, in Sydney's southwest on Thursday afternoon captured the aftermath of the tragedy that ended in the arrest of a mother-of-two.

The devastated man dressed in a grey sweatshirt and blue jeans sits on the ground rocking a young child in his arms as emergency services swarm around him.

A medic walks over to the hoodie-wearing man and offers him a bottle of water before removing the lid so the man doesn't have to let go of the child.

A man cradled a young child in his lap outside a home in Oran Park, in Sydney's southwest, where a four-month-old baby drowned on Thursday afternoon

Emergency services were called about 4.40pm on Thursday to reports of a concern for welfare at a house in Seaborn Avenue (pictured)

Emergency services were called to the property at about 4.40pm on Thursday after reports were made about a 'concern for welfare'.

Paramedics arrived to find the baby in cardiac arrest and performed CPR before he was rushed to Campbelltown Hospital in a critical condition.

Sadly, he could not be revived, with his death leaving residents of the new housing estate shattered.

Police arrested the baby's mother at the scene and took her to the Camden Station where she is currently assisting with inquiries.

Investigators last night said it was too early to say how or where exactly the child drowned.

Shocked neighbours gathered outside their homes as emergency response vehicles lined the street and police officers cordoned off the scene.

Another man could be seen comforting a woman as they leaned against a car in the street.

The child's mother has been arrested and is helping police with inquiries and a crime scene has been set up at the home

A man was seen comforting a woman as they leant on the back of a car in the residential street

NSW police told Daily Mail Australia that the homicide squad were 'alerted' to the incident which is protocol for any 'unexplained deaths'.

One neighbour on Seaborn Avenue watched the scene unfold and comforted the grandparents of the child outside the house, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'(The family) had just moved in last week, they seemed so lovely, two small kids  they were such a cute family, the grandparents were so nice,' the neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, told the publication.

'We spoke a few times, said hi, then (on Thursday) I came out and found police everywhere  I held (the grandparents), comforted them as they took the baby away.'

The neighbour, who has only just moved into the suburb himself, said he had chosen the street to set up his own family home.

'The kids from the home are so young, I just feel for the family,' he said.

A neighbour said the family had only moved into the street (pictured) last week

Oran Park, in southwest Sydney, has become a booming residential area for young families

Oran Park, formerly home to one of Australia's major raceways, has become a booming residential area popular with young families as more Sydneysiders move west for affordable properties.

Over the past decade, the suburb has expanded rapidly as housing developments have been pitched on the grounds of the old circuit.

Seaborn Avenue is a part of a new estate called Ascot Grove, which is touted by construction company Edgewater Homes as an 'expertly designed and built community'.

Boasting around 250 homes, which come in similar variations of brick, and dark grey and white rendering, Ascot Grove is located close to schools and is designed to be family-oriented.

'With a large central park and playground for the kids, you will feel a sense of community from the moment you arrive,' Edgewater Homes states on their website.
Two doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine are up to 90 per cent effective at stopping symptoms of the disease, according to official estimates.

Public Health England's analysis of real-world data found the British-made jab was just as effective as a double-dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

No10's vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi hailed the data, saying it highlighted the 'incredible' importance of getting both doses of the jab.

He added: 'There is no better weapon to send this virus into retreat than our life-saving vaccines.

'A second dose is vital to ensure you have the strongest possible protection so we can return to normality and get back to the things we love.'

Independent experts also praised the findings, describing the AstraZeneca vaccine as a 'key weapon' in the global fight against the pandemic.

Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, said: 'It is reassuring to see the data from both the Pfizer and Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines.

'They are essentially comparable in terms of effectiveness against symptomatic disease, which is very high after two doses.

'Oxford AstraZeneca really is an excellent vaccine. It will be a key weapon in the global rollout, and a key tool for use in lower income countries.'

It came as Britain's medical regulator today approved plans to allow Pfizer's vaccine to be stored in a normal fridge for 31 days before being administerd.

The rollout of the American vaccine was previously hindered by stringent rules which meant it had to be kept at ultra-cold temperatures and used within five days of being thawed.

Dr June Raine, head of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said it would give 'patients greater access' to the life-saving jab.

The UK will rely more heavily on the Pfizer vaccine now the rollout has moved to under-40s, who are being advised not to get the AstraZeneca jab due to a tiny risk of rare blood clots in younger people.

Two doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine are up to 90 per cent effective at stopping symptoms of the disease, according to official estimates

Public Health England's analysis of real-world data found the British-made jab was just as effective as a double-dose of the Pfizer vaccine. No10's vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi hailed the data, saying it highlighted the 'incredible' importance of getting both doses of the jab

Britain has relied on both the AZ and Pfizer jabs for its vaccines roll-out since December, which has covered more than 37million people, or 70 per cent of adults

Until now, PHE only had trial data on the efficacy of AstraZeneca's vaccine after two doses.

Rigorous studies of the jab to get it approved showed it was 76 per cent effective at blocking symptomatic Covid.

The new study confirms the efficacy in the real-world, where jabs are normally slightly less effective than in carefully controlled studies.

UK records seven daily Covid deaths after falling a third in a week as cases stay flat at 2,874 and more than 600,000 vaccine doses are dished out The UK's daily Covid deaths have fallen by more than a third in a week as seven more victims and 2,874 positive tests were recorded. Today's infections are up slightly on the 2,657 last Thursday, a rise of about 8 per cent, but the national case rate has remained stable since April. Meanwhile, latest data shows another 635,000 Covid vaccine doses were administered yesterday, with 265,000 Britons coming forward for their first appointment and 370,000 for their second. It means 37.2million people have received one injection  the equivalent of more than 70 per cent of all adults  and 21.2m are fully inoculated. The figures came as separate official statistics showed the nation's Covid outbreak is still flat, despite the rapid spread of the Indian variant. Public Health England's weekly surveillance report found cases remained 'stable' nationally at around 12,000 last week, and dropped in all age groups except five to nine-year-olds. Hospitalisations with the virus also fell across the country, while infection rates dipped in every region except the North West, which is struggling against an outbreak of the Indian strain. Advertisement

PHE warned their figures were primarily based on older adults, who were first in line to get both doses because they are most at risk of hospitalisation and death if they catch the virus.

It gave no figures for how well it prevented hospitalisation or death  but academic trials showed two doses had an efficacy rate of up to 100 per cent.

Data will come through within weeks about how well both doses prevent serious illness in the real world.

Currently the evidence around this has been scarce because the UK pursued a 12-week dosing strategy instead of the three-week regimen in the trials.

It was also approved and rolled out in Britain later than the Pfizer jab. Real-world data showed two doses of Pfizer's vaccine  which was approved for use in December  cuts the risk of dying of Covid by about 97 per cent.

Their scientists also found there was a small reduction in vaccine effectiveness 10 weeks after the second jab for Pfizer recipients. But there was no change for those who got AstraZeneca's jab.

PHE officials calculated the jab is between 55 and 70 per cent effective at stopping symptomatic Covid after one dose. A single dose of Pfizer's vaccine is thought to be just as good.

PHE estimates that 13,000 deaths have now been prevented in people aged 60 years or older in England up to May 9 thanks to both vaccines.

Estimates also indicate that the vaccination programme has prevented around 39,100 hospitalisations in those aged 65 years and over in England.

The vaccines are believed to prevent about 60 per cent of transmission after one dose, rising to above 70 per cent after full vaccination.

Britain has relied on both jabs for its vaccine roll out since December, which has covered more than 37million people, or 70 per cent of adults.

Data shows 23.9million first doses and 9.9m second doses of AstraZeneca jab were dished out by May 12. And 11.7m first and 9m second shots of the Pfizer jab had also been administered.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'This new data shows the vaccine saves lives and protects you from ending up in hospital with Covid-19.

'The 13,000 deaths and the 39,100 hospitalisations that have been prevented are not just numbers. They are our family, our friends, our loved ones and a poignant reminder of the impact the vaccine is having.

'With the threat of new variants, it's never been more important to get the vaccine. We have now extended the call to 34 and 35 year olds, so when you get the offer, please get the jab.'

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, added: 'As this data highlights, getting your vaccine is one of the most important ways to beat the spread of this terrible disease, protecting you and those around you. The vaccines are very safe and very effective.

'Each vaccine dose delivered helps us prevent lives being lost and people becoming seriously ill, therefore protecting our hospitals. That's why it's so important that you get both doses of your vaccine as soon as they are offered to you.'
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A long-lost letter that Princess Diana sent to BBC journalist Martin Bashir saying she had 'no regrets' and wasn't 'pressured' into her bombshell Panorama interview was sensationally revealed today for the first time.

The note, which was written on official Kensington Palace stationery and signed by Diana in December 1995, was included as evidence in the official inquiry into the conduct of the reporter in securing the interview.

Lord Dyson's report released today also revealed that solicitors representing Princes William and Harry had said the 'handwriting, notepaper and signature would appear to indicate that the author was Princess Diana'.

The letter, which was in an envelope marked 'Martin', said: 'December 22, 1995. Martin Bashir did not show me any documents, nor give me any information that I was not previously aware of. I consented to the interview on Panorama without any undue pressure and have no regrets concerning the matter. Diana.'

The word 'no' was underlined, as was her name. The report also revealed how an anonymous man was asked in early 1996 by a member of BBC management to 'guard it with his life' and took the note home for safekeeping.

It was kept filed in a study, and taken to his new house when he moved. Then in November 2020, the man became aware of the news story that the note was missing - and found it along with other BBC papers he kept.

The long-lost letter that Princess Diana sent to BBC journalist Martin Bashir saying she had 'no regrets' and wasn't 'pressured'

The letter on Kensington Palace paper was in an envelope marked 'Martin', dated December 22, 1995 and signed by Diana

The person then told the BBC's legal department on November 10 last year. Someone from the corporation went to his house and collected the Diana note along with the other BBC documents, according to the report.

Lord Dyson said BBC management 'believed that this note put an end to any concerns about the methods deployed, in particular by Mr Bashir, in securing the interview'.

Key findings from Lord Dyson's report into the Panorama interview Martin Bashir breached BBC rules by mocking up fake bank statements and showing them to Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, to gain access to the princess.

The documents falsely suggested individuals were being paid for keeping the princess under surveillance.

He acted to deceive Earl Spencer and encourage him to arrange for Bashir to meet Diana. - Bashir was therefore able to persuade her to agree to give the interview.

During a meeting on August 31 1995 Bashir told Earl Spencer he was a target of the tabloids and that his household contained informants who were selling private information about him to that end of the media.

Lord Dyson said Bashir had engaged in 'deceitful behaviour' in a 'serious breach' of the BBC's producer guidelines.

A letter, which was included as evidence in the report, written on official Kensington Palace stationery and signed by Diana says she consented to the interview 'without any undue pressure and have no regrets concerning the matter'.

The BBC subsequently 'fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark' in its internal investigation in 1996.

Lord Tony Hall, who was director of BBC news and current affairs when the Diana interview was screened, has apologised, saying it 'fell well short of what was required'.

Steve Hewlett, who edited the Panorama interview, reassured Earl Spencer at the time of the interview that 'Martin is one of my very best'.

However, Hewlett's widow Rachel Crellin offered Lord Dyson's inquiry 'a detailed and strong response' to accusations that he was aware or involved in Bashir's behaviour. Advertisement

He added that suspicions had been raised that it was a forgery, but he was 'satisfied that it is a genuine document'.

Lord Dyson wrote in his report: 'Harbottle & Lewis, solicitors representing the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex, have told me that the handwriting, notepaper and signature would appear to indicate that the author was Princess Diana.

'Moreover, an account has been provided to me on condition of confidentiality of what became of the document between, probably, early in 1996 and November 2020. The person concerned was asked early in 1996 by someone in BBC Management to 'guard it with his life' (or words to that effect).

'At some point, he took it home for safekeeping and filed it in his study. When he moved house, he took it (and other documents relating to the Diana interview) to his new house. In about early November 2020, he became aware of the news story that the Diana note was missing. He searched for it and found it together with the other BBC documents that he had kept.

'On November 10, 2020, he informed the BBC's Legal Department. On the same day, someone from the BBC went to his house and collected the Diana note and the other BBC documents. I see no reason not to accept the truth of the whole of this account.'

Last November, the BBC announced it had 'recovered' the long-lost note handwritten by Diana - supposedly the corporation's 'get out of jail free' card for the Bashir scandal.

Until then, the corporation had unable to locate the Princess's crucial letter, which it had previously used to exonerate itself over claims of Bashir's underhand tactics.

A BBC spokesman said last November: 'The BBC has now recovered the Princess's original handwritten note which is referred to in our records from the time. We will pass it on to the independent investigation.

'As there has been a lot of commentary about this note and journalists have asked about it, we thought it appropriate to put on record that we've now recovered it.'

At the time, former head of royal protection Dai Davies said: 'It all sounds very convenient to me, suddenly finding crucial evidence. This is no way to hold an inquiry, with key participants just coming up with useful evidence.

'This should all be being handled by the police, not the BBC press office. If this was any other organisation, they would be getting a heavy knock on the door from police officers.'

The exact wording of the letter by Diana, who died in Paris in August 1997, had never been seen publicly until today.

It was supposedly couriered from Kensington Palace in 1996 to satisfy BBC top brass that she was happy with her interview, following revelations that Bashir had used forged bank statements to trick her into granting it.

The letter was written by Princess Diana to journalist Martin Bashir and related to her bombshell 1995 Panorama interview

The exact wording of the Diana letter had never been seen publicly until today as the report into the interview was released

A history of the flagship programme records that Panorama editor Steve Hewlett, who died in 2017, said he would provide proof there was nothing wrong with the interview.

Full statements given by key figures in response to Lord Dyson's report Martin Bashir, who interviewed Princess Diana 'This is the second time that I have willingly fully co-operated with an investigation into events more than 25 years ago. I apologised then, and I do so again now, over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up. It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret. But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently. I also reiterate that the bank statements had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview. Evidence handed to the inquiry in her own handwriting (and published alongside the report today) unequivocally confirms this, and other compelling evidence presented to Lord Dyson reinforces it. In fact, despite his other findings, Lord Dyson himself in any event accepts that the princess would probably have agreed to be interviewed without what he describes as my 'intervention'. It is saddening that this single issue has been allowed to overshadow the princess' brave decision to tell her story, to courageously talk through the difficulties she faced and to help address the silence and stigma that surrounded mental health issues all those years ago. She led the way in addressing so many of these issues and that's why I will always remain immensely proud of that interview.' Lord Tony Hall, former BBC director-general, who was director of news and current affairs when the Diana interview was screened 'I have read Lord Dyson's report, and I accept that our investigation 25 years ago into how Panorama secured the interview with Princess Diana fell well short of what was required. In hindsight, there were further steps we could and should have taken following complaints about Martin Bashir's conduct. I was wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt, basing that judgement as I did on what appeared to be deep remorse on his part. Throughout my 35-year career at the BBC, I have always acted in ways I believe were fair, impartial and with the public interest front and centre. While Lord Dyson does not criticise my integrity, I am sorry that our investigation failed to meet the standards that were required.' Mark Killick, a senior producer on Panorama 'Lord Dyson's report shows that what Martin Bashir did was disgraceful and what the BBC management did was little better. When I first found out what had happened, I consulted a BBC lawyer, then talked to Bashir and senior colleagues before using the editorial referral route. I knew when I did it that the BBC might react badly, but I had no idea just how far they would go to try and discredit me. Whilst this happened some time ago, the BBC should give a commitment to its staff that they can safely raise the sort of matter that I was faced with without losing their job or having the BBC's vast publicity machine unleashed against them.' Lord Birt, director-general of the BBC at the time of the interview 'We now know that the BBC harboured a rogue reporter on Panorama who fabricated an elaborate, detailed but wholly false account of his dealings with Earl Spencer and Princess Diana. This is a shocking blot on the BBC's enduring commitment to honest journalism, and it is a matter of the greatest regret that it has taken 25 years for the full truth to emerge. As the director-general at the time, I offer my deep apologies to Earl Spencer and to all others affected.' Advertisement

Soon afterwards, the handwritten note arrived, apparently to confirm Diana had given the interview freely, and her decision to do so was not influenced by any documents.

Insiders assume it was Bashir who procured the note, but its exact provenance had never been confirmed. After its arrival, senior manager Tim Suter was quoted as saying: 'We could relax.'

But incredibly, the note then went missing. Before it was discovered last November, Lord Grade said: 'We don't know if that letter was just another forgery. We don't know, because it's disappeared, conveniently.'

It comes as the official inquiry concluded that Bashir used 'deceitful behaviour' and was in 'serious breach' of the BBC's producer guidelines to secure his interview with Diana.

The BBC 'fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark' in a subsequent investigation, according to the report by Lord Dyson.

The former master of the rolls and head of civil justice was appointed to look into the circumstances surrounding the explosive 1995 interview, which famously featured Diana saying: 'Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.'

Bashir breached BBC rules by mocking up fake bank statements and showing them to Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, to gain access to the princess, the report said.

In response to Lord Dyson's findings, Bashir apologised, saying the faking of bank statements was 'an action I deeply regret' but added he felt it had 'no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview'.

Senior BBC executives were criticised over a 1996 internal investigation which examined the mocked-up documents relating to the earl's former employee, as it tried to determine whether or not the princess had been misled, with a key piece of evidence, a note from Diana, suggesting she had not.

The report said: 'Without justification, the BBC fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark by covering up in its press logs such facts as it had been able to establish about how Mr Bashir secured the interview and failing to mention Mr Bashir's activities or the BBC investigations of them on any news programme.'

Responding to the report, Bashir said: 'This is the second time that I have willingly fully co-operated with an investigation into events more than 25 years ago. I apologised then, and I do so again now, over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up. It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret. But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently.'

Bashir, who was the BBC News religion editor, announced last week he was quitting the BBC on health grounds as he has been seriously unwell with Covid-19 related complications.

His statement further added: 'I also reiterate that the bank statements had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview. Evidence handed to the inquiry in her own handwriting (and published alongside the report today) unequivocally confirms this, and other compelling evidence presented to Lord Dyson reinforces it. In fact, despite his other findings, Lord Dyson himself in any event accepts that the Princess would probably have agreed to be interviewed without what he describes as my 'intervention'.

'It is saddening that this single issue has been allowed to overshadow the Princess' brave decision to tell her story, to courageously talk through the difficulties she faced, and, to help address the silence and stigma that surrounded mental health issues all those years ago. She led the way in addressing so many of these issues and that's why I will always remain immensely proud of that interview.'

Former director-general Lord Tony Hall, who was director of BBC news and current affairs when the Diana interview was screened, has apologised that the inquiry 'fell well short of what was required'.

Diana, Princess of Wales with Prince William and Prince Harry in September 1995. She died in Paris in August 1997

Lord Dyson carried out the report into how former BBC News religion editor Martin Bashir landed the Panorama interview

He said: 'I have read Lord Dyson's report, and I accept that our investigation 25 years ago into how Panorama secured the interview with Princess Diana fell well short of what was required. In hindsight, there were further steps we could and should have taken following complaints about Martin Bashir's conduct.

'I was wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt, basing that judgment as I did on what appeared to be deep remorse on his part. Throughout my 35-year career at the BBC, I have always acted in ways I believe were fair, impartial and with the public interest front and centre.

'While Lord Dyson does not criticise my integrity, I am sorry that our investigation failed to meet the standards that were required.'

Diana's Panorama interview in 1995 sent shockwaves through the monarchy with details about the state of her marriage to the Prince of Wales.

Earl Spencer claimed that in the weeks before the programme, Bashir showed him forged bank statements that related to alleged payments made to his sister's former private secretary Patrick Jephson and another former royal household member by the security services.

The documents falsely suggested the individuals were being paid for keeping the princess under surveillance.

He also showed him mocked-up documents, relating to a former employee of the earl, that Bashir also used as he tried to gain access to the princess.
Xi, Putin witness launch of joint nuclear energy project, high-quality China-Russia cooperation boosted

Xinhua) 08:10, May 20, 2021

-- Xi put forward a three-point proposal at the ceremony. First, he called on both sides to adhere to the principle of safety first and set a model for global nuclear energy cooperation.

-- Second, Xi suggested the two countries deepen scientific and technological cooperation on nuclear energy by sticking to the driving force of innovation.

--Third, he called for adherence to strategic collaboration to promote the coordinated development of the governance system of the global energy industry.

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project, Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link.

Xi arrived at the main venue of the Great Hall of the People at around 5:00 p.m. Beijing time and waved to Putin, who had joined in from the main venue of the Kremlin.

He Lifeng, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission, co-chaired the ceremony with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

Heads of relevant departments, local officials and constructor representatives of China and Russia attended the ceremony from the sub-venue of Tianwan nuclear power plant in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province, sub-venue of Xudapu nuclear power plant in Huludao City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, and two Russian sub-venues. The heads of the companies of both countries reported on the progress of the project to the two heads of state.

Workers attend the launch ceremony for the construction of Unit 3 of the Xudapu nuclear power plant in Huludao City of northeast China's Liaoning Province, on May 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

Xi and Putin delivered their speeches respectively.

Speaking at the ceremony, Xi extended congratulations on the launch of the China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation project and paid high respect to the constructors from the two countries.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, Xi said that he and President Putin have agreed to advance the development of bilateral relations to a higher level and expand the ties to broader fields.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic unseen in a century, China and Russia have firmly supported each other and cooperated closely and effectively, which is a vivid demonstration of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, he said.

Xi stressed that energy cooperation has always been the most important area of practical cooperation which generates the largest achievement and covers the widest scope between the two countries.

Noting that nuclear energy is the strategic priority for bilateral cooperation and a series of major projects have been completed and put into operation, Xi said the four nuclear power units that kicked off construction on Wednesday mark another major landmark in China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation.

Aerial photo taken on May 17, 2021 shows an overview of the Tianwan nuclear power plant in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua)

Xi put forward a three-point proposal at the ceremony. First, he called on both sides to adhere to the principle of safety first and set a model for global nuclear energy cooperation.

It is necessary to construct and operate the four units with high quality and high standards, create a global benchmark in nuclear safety, give full play to complementary advantages, expand and deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on nuclear energy, and contribute more to the development of the global nuclear energy industry, he said.

Second, Xi suggested the two countries deepen scientific and technological cooperation on nuclear energy by sticking to the driving force of innovation.

He urged deepened cooperation on the basic research, key technology research and development, and transformation of innovative achievements in the field of nuclear energy, such as nuclear environmental protection, nuclear medicine, nuclear fuel and advanced nuclear power technology, so as to promote the deep integration of the nuclear energy industry and the new generation of digital technology, and contribute more wisdom to the innovative development of nuclear energy globally.

Third, he called for adherence to strategic collaboration to promote the coordinated development of the governance system of the global energy industry. He said that it is necessary to promote the building of a global energy governance system featuring justice, equity, balance, inclusiveness, openness and shared benefits, and contribute more solutions to global energy governance.

"Responding to climate change is a common task for all countries," Xi said, adding that China and Russia should promote more low-carbon cooperation projects and play a constructive role in achieving global sustainable development goals.

Photo taken on May 18, 2021 shows a construction site where Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant are about to be built, in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua)

For his part, Putin expressed warm congratulations on the start of the construction of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and the Xudapu nuclear power plant. He said that Russia has the confidence to work with China to smoothly and safely advance the project's construction.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries, Putin said Russia-China relations reached their best level in history. He added that the consensus reached between President Xi and himself has been well implemented with increasingly broader cooperation areas.

He said cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy marks a significant part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two countries, and it is believed that the start of the four nuclear power units will not only inject new vitality into the further development of Russia-China relations but also help achieve the goals to peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

It will also contribute to coping with global climate change and realizing the sustainable development of humanity, Putin added.

Photo taken on May 19, 2021 shows the launch ceremony for the construction of Unit 3 of the Xudapu nuclear power plant in Huludao City of northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

The Chinese representatives at the sub-venue of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and the sub-venue of the Xudapu nuclear power plant then reported to the two heads of state that preparations for the start of construction are completed.

President Xi issued the instruction "Start!"

After the Russian representatives reported to the two heads of state that the equipment is ready to be installed, President Putin issued the instruction "Start!"

The project was officially launched as the first tank of cement was poured at the construction site of the power plants.

Yang Jiechi and Wang Yi attended the ceremony.

Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and units 3 and 4 of the Xudapu nuclear power plant are significant projects in a package cooperation deal on nuclear energy. It was signed with a witness by the two heads of state in June 2018. When completed and put into operation, the annual power generation will reach 37.6 billion kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30.68 million tonnes per year.

Nuclear energy cooperation is a traditional priority cooperation area for China and Russia. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the project is the biggest China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation project to date. Zhao said it represents a high level of practical cooperation between the two countries, adding that the successful beginning of the construction of the four units demonstrates the constructive cooperation outcomes in high-end equipment manufacturing and science and technology innovation between the two countries.

Gavrilin Alexander, a Russian engineer, said he has been working on the Tianwan nuclear power plant since 2003 and highly anticipates that the construction of units 7 and 8 could be completed and put into operation at an early date. He said the new units are "much more powerful, advanced, and safer."

The construction of nuclear power plants is technology-intensive, which requires both sides to mutually cooperate with sincerity and solidarity. "It reflects the deep friendship and mutual trust between the two countries," Gavrilin Alexander said, adding that he believed China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation will achieve win-win results.

A Chinese worker and a Russian worker communicate with each other as they walk in a construction site where Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant are about to be built, in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 18, 2021. (Xinhua/Lu Huadong)

Deng Hao, secretary general of the China Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies, said with an increase in complementary trade between the two countries, the nuclear energy projects will further consolidate the material foundation of bilateral cooperation and enhance the trade and economic exchanges between China and Russia.

The event on Wednesday is also the first online bilateral exchange at the head-of-state level between the two sides since the beginning of this year. It is of great significance in guiding the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to maintain high-level development, spokesperson Zhao said.

In recent years, the world has slowed down the pace of building new nuclear power plants. Experts believed that China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation will become a highlight in the global nuclear power industry and help boost worldwide confidence in this energy development.

Besides, since nuclear energy is clean and efficient, the four units will effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Deng Hao said this cooperation project demonstrates that China and Russia take the same stand on combating global climate change and realizing green development.

"It also shows China's firm determination to peak its carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, and its commitment as a responsible major nation," he added.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
A pregnant mother was shot and killed while she sat in her car close to an eight-woman brawl that erupted in gunfire.

The deadly confrontation took place just before 6pm Tuesday in the 1200 block of Valencia Avenue in Hemet, which is located 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

Family members identified the 27-year-old who had been shot in the head and died after being flown to a county trauma center as Tamika Haynes.

Haynes, who was known to her loved ones as 'Millie,' had an eight-year-old son and was three months pregnant with her second child.

Tamika Haynes, 27, was fatally shot in the head while sitting in a car in Hemet, California, on Tuesday evening. She had an eight-year-old son and was three months pregnant

A fight between as many as eight women broke out in the 1200 block of Valencia Avenue in Hemet, 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles, on Tuesday

According to relatives, Haynes was sitting in a car and was an innocent bystander.

'She has a lot of family, shes very loved, and we dont understand the details or anything,' Stevlyn Sandridge told KTLA. 'We dont know anything about why she was killed and why was they shooting into a crowd of innocent people.'

Haynes' family revealed that her senseless killing comes just one week after the victim's 13-year-old sister suddenly collapsed and died.

Dispatchers in Hemet began receiving calls at 5.58pm on Tuesday about a group of women fighting and then calls reporting gunfire. The number of people involved was estimated at six to eight.

Officers found three adults with gunshot wounds at the scene and a Hemet hospital reported two more gunshot victims had made their way there.

Video from the scene shows paramedics removing a wounded woman from a BMW and placing her on a stretcher. It remains unclear if that woman was Haynes.

Footage from the scene shows paramedics removing a wounded woman from this silver BMW that was parked near the scene of the shooting

It is unclear if the woman shown being carried by paramedics was Haynes

Besides Haynes, two men were found suffering from gunshot wounds at the scene, and two others had made their way to the hospital on their own

Paramedics are seen treating a male gunshot victim on the sidewalk following the deadly shooting. Witnesses reported hearing a dozen shots

A male victim found at the scene with serious gunshot wounds to a leg and his back was taken to the same trauma center as Haynes. The third victim at the scene was taken to the Hemet hospital for treatment of a wound to his arm.

There were no further details about the other two victims, but they were expected to survive.

Police described the incident as multiple shootings that 'took place at basically the same time,' but it is unknown how many guns were used. Witnesses reported hearing a dozen gunshots.

As of Thursday, no arrests have been made and the motive remained unknown, according to police. Investigators said there was no immediate evidence that the shooting was gang-related.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Haynes' family with her funeral expenses. The fundraiser's description stated that the mother as 'loving, encouraging, forgiving.'

Carl Smith, the organizer of the campaign, wrote: 'If you knew Millie, you knew love. She was vibrant, had no judgement and took everyone in as family. She lifted everyone around her with generosity and a pure heart.'

Haynes' relatives said she was an innocent bystander and had nothing to do with the melee. The killing comes just one week after Haynes' 13-year-old sister collapsed and died

The mass shooting in Hemet is the latest in a wave of incidents involving gun violence that have swept across the US.

Major American cities experienced a 33 per cent increase in homicides last year amid the coronavirus pandemic, a financial crisis and nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism, according to a recent report produced by the Major Cities Chiefs Association and reported on by CNN in April.

The nation's three largest cities - New York, Los Angeles and Chicago - continued seeing high rates of violent crime in the first three months of 2021.
A pensioner tried to frame his former landlord as an associate of Westminster Bridge terrorist Khalid Masood with forged letters - over a grudge over plumbing work when he was his tenant.

Gerald Banyard, 65, was jailed for more than three years today after he faked correspondence from Ian Anderson-Boles to Khalid Masood.

The mocked-up missives falsely gave the impression the entirely innocent Mr Anderson-Boles was a friend and supporter of the 52-year-old jihadi.

One of the shocking forgeries said 'Khalid, stick a cop for the old days, stick a cop'.

Masood's car and knife rampage near the Houses of Parliament in March 2017 left five people dead, including hero PC Keith Palmer, and injured more than 50 innocent bystanders.

Banyard was convicted of two charges of doing acts intending to pervert the course of justice after a trial at Southwark Crown Court last week.

He was also slapped with a restraining order prohibiting contact with Mr Anderson-Boles, his partner Deborah Morley, or the two investigating police officers, who received 'emails' during the investigation.

The Met's Terrorist Command were forced to divert 260 man hours away from investigating Masood's attack, the court heard.

Gerald Banyard, 65, was jailed for more than three years today over letters to the police

Mr Anderson-Boles wrote in a victim statement that 'all this has left me physically and mentally exhausted' and has affected his conscience.

'This was a panned and sophisticated attempt to implicate an innocent man in one of the worst attacks in recent years,' said Judge Christopher Hehir.

'While his conduct was unacceptable it can't be said that what you did was an impulsive act.

'The conduct you engaged in strikes at the very heart of the administration of justice.

'It's difficult to imagine a more vile imputation than that.

'You wanted revenge and you were quite determined to serve it cold.'

The judge added the sentence needed to deter others from 'pursuing petty vendettas' in the same way.

He was handed a three year sentence with two months consecutive for failing to return to court on the day he was convicted last week.

One note written by Gerald Banyard which was in a package he sent to Brighton police station

Banyard sent two handwritten notes to police days after the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack which suggested that there may have been a second person involved in its planning

Path to terror: How Kent schoolboy Adrian Elms became extremist Khalid Masood 1964 - Born Adrian Elms on Christmas Day in Dartford, Kent. 1966 - His single mother, Janet Elms, later marries in Crawley, West Sussex and they later move to Tunbridge Wells, Kent and Rye, East Sussex. 1975 - 1981: He attends Huntleys Secondary School in Tunbridge Wells Kent 1983 - In November that year, he picks up his first conviction, for criminal damage. 2000 - Jailed for two years for grievous bodily harm. When he is released, he moves to the East Sussex village of Northiam. 2003 - Aged 39 and running an aerial installation firm, he is jailed for six months for possession of a knife. 2004 - After being freed from prison, he marries Muslim Farzana Malik in Medway, Kent. It is unclear for how long they were married but they are now believed to be divorced. 2005 - Believed to have taught in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. 2006 - Said to have lived in Crawley and to received visits from police. 2008-2009 - According to his CV, he returned to teach in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 2009-2012 - He is believed to have lived in Luton having changed his name to Khalid Masood. His CV claims he worked at a language school. 2012 - Set up his own teaching firm in Birmingham. Advertisement

Banyard pretended he had fallen over on the Tube - but he was arrested in a Glasgow hotel two days later with moret than 50,000 cash on him.

He then claimed he had fallen asleep on a train to Manchester and woken up in Scotland.

Banyard then threatened to kill himself if he was remanded into custody, the court heard.

Judge Hehir added: 'Your conduct last week illustrates how completely unrepentant you are.

'I am persuaded that this was a sophisticated and well resourced attempt by you to evade justice.

'You are a truly devious and manipulative man.'

Steven Cookes, prosecuting, said Banyard had pretended one of the letters forwarded to Brighton police was found by an American tourist in a hotel just days after the atrocity.

Mr Cookes said: 'Brighton police station received this package. In the bag, there was a letter, and an electronic fob.

'The letter said: I'm an American tourist in the UK, I didn't realise what I found in a Brighton hotel.'

'The letter said: 'Khalid, stick a cop for the old days, stick a cop'.

'What was written on the second package was 'For Anti-Terrorist Information, London, very very urgent. It had a note inside: 'Khalid, must meet, A Boles'

'There was a slip of paper with a header for Eastbourne borough council on it as well.'

Mr Cookes said the documents contained personal details - including Mr Anderson-Boles' and his partner's phone numbers.

The electronic key fob was identical to the one used to enter the flat Banyard had rented from Mr Anderson-Boles in Eastbourne.

'Mr Banyard was a former tenant of Mr Anderson-Boles, he had a grudge and links with the Leeds area.

'They had fallen out quite badly, as tenants and landlords tend to do.

'Mr Banyard reacted badly to text messages. One night, after having too much to drink, Mr Anderson-Boles went to the flat of Mr Banyard and kicked the door in.'

Masood's car and knife rampage at Westminster killed five people including a policeman

Jurors were shown a photo of adhesive tape taken from the first package.

'That tape was analysed for DNA, a low-level mixed sample was found, and experts formed the view that there is strong evidence this is the DNA of Mr Banyard,' said Mr Cookes.

'During police interviews, Mr Banyard denies writing the letters, but was still extremely keen to imply Mr Anderson-Boles was up to something, and that Mr Anderson-Boles was involved with Mr Masood.'

Mr Anderson-Boles told the court he had rented out a flat to Banyard in Eastbourne in 2016, and had arranged for a plumber to replace the boiler.

He wrote a text to the plumber saying 'Better get this done quick to avoid any flare-ups from him', but accidentally sent it to Banyard, causing a feud.

Mr Anderson-Boles told the court: 'I didn't have any association with Khalid Masood, I have never met the man.

'Only after these events when I was spoken to by counter-terrorism forces did I recall having a conversation with Mr Banyard and saying apparently he went to the same school I went to, but I didn't know him.'

'I left school at 13, he was a few years younger than me.

'Obviously, it was quite shocking. It was only when I saw one of the letters contained my other half's phone number could I believe it was someone we knew, because nobody would have her phone number, not even one of my friends.'

Ms Spenwyn asked Mr Anderson-Boles: 'You were shown these documents at the police station, when you became aware that Mr Banyard was in the frame, you decided to produce the passport photos and the other documents and tried to make the handwriting look the same as the writing in the letters, didn't you?

Mr Anderson-Boles replied: 'A pack of lies!'

Jurors also heard police experts matched the handwriting from the forged letters with extracts from documents found in Mr Banyard's home.

Banyard, of The Cloisters, Whalley, Clitheroe, Lancashire, denied but was convicted of two counts of doing acts intending to pervert the course of justice and received a three year sentence.

He received two months consecutive for failing to answer bail.
President Donald Trump decided against firing the FBI director he appointed, Christopher Wray, after Attorney General Bill Barr threatened to quit.

Politico was out with new details about the incident Thursday, reporting that in April 2020 Trump came the closest to ousting Wray, who he felt was weak.

Wray frustrated Trump whenever he defended the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which the ex-president felt enabled 'spying' on his 2016 campaign.

Trump would also get angry with Wray whenever he gave testimony about Russia and when he talked about election security.

Now former Attorney General Bill Barr threatened to resign over a plot of President Donald Trump's to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray in April 2020

FBI Director Christopher Wray's (left) job was endangered, according to Politico, because President Donald Trump (right) thought he was weak, and didn't like him defending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allowed for 'spying' on Trump's campaign, he believed

Trump wished to replace Wray with counterintelligence head William Evanina, Politico said.

In a more controversial posting, Trump wanted Evanina's deputy to be Kash Patel, a former aide of Rep. Devin Nunes, one of the president's top Congressional allies.

Patel was known for being a critic of both the intelligence community and the law enforcement community - and their treatment of Trump.

Politico reported that Trump wanted Evanina and Patel in the top FBI jobs because he considered them 'trusted people.'

Trump, himself, had hired Wray, after the abrupt firing of FBI Director James Comey in May 2017, which led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to take over the agency's ongoing Russia probe into the 2016 campaign.

The day Trump got the closest to axing Wray, Barr arrived at the White House for a meeting with Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and was put in the Roosevelt Room.

Barr found it odd, as the room was empty when he entered.

He was then joined by John McEntee, head of the presidential personnel office - who had been tasked to ensure those in government were Trump loyalists - as well as Evanina, Politico said.

'What's this all about?' Barr asked McEntee, according to a source. McEntee didn't give Barr a direct answer and checked his phone, waiting for others to arrive.

At that point a fuming Barr left the Roosevelt Room and headed to Meadows' West Wing office instead.

'What the f*** is going on?' Barr asked Trump's chief of staff.

Meadows replied to the attorney general that he didn't know they were going to put him in the Roosevelt Room and told him not to worry about it, Politico said.

Later in the day, however, in a meeting with Meadows and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, Barr demanded to know what was happening.

William Evanina (left) Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center was President Donald Trump's pick for FBI Director post-Christopher Wray, with former Devin Nunes aide Kash Patel (right) as Evanina's deputy

The attorney general then learned of Trump's plans to replace Wray with Evanina and Patel.

At that, Barr told Meadows and Cipollone he would have to quit if the plan was enacted.

Politico also noted that Cipollone agreed with Barr, only having learned of the scheme earlier that day.

With that, the White House ultimately kept Wray in place, where he remains today.

'They were hoping it would be a fait accompli,' one Trump source told Politico, with Barr just allowing the changes to happen.

Trump, known for lashing out as his hires, reportedly brought up firing Wray several more times over the course of his final nine months in office, but the closest to it actually happening was that April day.

'When you thought it had finally quieted down, the next thing you know, he would want to do it again,' a Trump official told Politico.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to 'knock the teeth out' of foreign enemies who try to bite off pieces of the country's vast territory after Washington and Moscow clashed at the Arctic Summit on Thursday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that the North Pole must remain 'free of conflict' at the tense summit.

Blinken stressed the importance of upholding 'effective governance and the rule of law' to ensure that the 'Arctic remains a region free of conflict where countries act responsibly.'

Lavrov hit back saying Moscow saw 'no grounds' for conflict in the Arctic but warned the West about militarising on Russia's doorstep.

The two sides have recently increased their military posturing, with the United States sending bombers to Norway and Russia conducting large maritime and air exercises.

Several other foreign ministers, including those from Canada, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden, echoed Blinken's call to keep the Arctic peaceful and free of conflict under the authority of international, rather than that of individual countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to 'knock the teeth out' of foreign enemies who try to bite off pieces of the country's vast territory after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and Moscow's counterpart Sergey Lavrov (right) clashed at the Arctic Summit on Thursday

Blinken stressed the importance of upholding 'effective governance and the rule of law' to ensure that the 'Arctic remains a region free of conflict where countries act responsibly'. Lavrov hit back saying Moscow saw 'no grounds' for conflict in the Arctic but warned the West about militarising on Russia's doorstep

Several other foreign ministers, including those from Canada, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden, echoed Blinken's call to keep the Arctic peaceful and free of conflict under the authority of international, rather than that of individual countries

Putin warned the West over 'biting off' areas Moscow deems Russian territory in a meeting with officials on Thursday. It comes after it was revealed earlier this week Russia has bolstered its military at a remote Arctic airbase in the Franz Josef Land archipelago

'We have highlighted at the meeting that we see no grounds for conflict here. Even more so for any development of military programmes of some blocks here,' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters at the close of an Arctic Council meeting in Iceland today.



'And we are satisfied to note that our partners agree with us on this,' he said, as Moscow took over the two-year rotating chairmanship of the forum that also includes the United States and six other countries bordering the Arctic.

Blinken echoed Lavrov's statements, but repeatedly stressed the importance of 'peaceful cooperation' in the Arctic region.

He said: 'The Arctic is a region for strategic competition that has seized the world's attention,

'But the Arctic is more than a strategically or economically significant region. It's home to our people, its hallmark has been and must remain peaceful cooperation. It's our responsibility to protect that peaceful cooperation and to build on it.'

Despite largely consensual remarks from the foreign ministers at the meeting and pledges of US-Russian 'cooperation' in the region, Lavrov drew some clear lines, reflecting the mounting geopolitical stakes in the vast territory.

He said he would discuss directly Thursday with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide Oslo's moves to 'reinforce [its] military presence close to our borders'.

Lavrov accused NATO of putting US troops on 'constant rotation' in Europe to avoid 'permanent' deployments, barred under agreements governing relations between NATO and the West.

During their first meeting under the new US administration, Lavrov on Wednesday warned US Secretary of State Antony Blinken against any deployment of additional forces in Poland, noting that doing so would violate the 1997 treaty on relations between Russia and NATO.

'We are going to undertake necessary measures in order to ensure our security,' Lavrov stressed Thursday.

Clearly keen to maintain a tone of cooperation and appeasement, he swiftly added: 'But our priority and our preference really is dialogue. And that is exactly what we discussed yesterday with Antony Blinken.'

Putin warned the West over 'biting off' areas Moscow deems Russian territory in a meeting with officials on Thursday.

He said: 'Everyone wants to bite us or bite something off us, but those who would like to do so should know that we would knock their teeth out so that they couldn't bite... The development of our military is the guarantee of that.'

The Kremlin has made the modernisation of the country's armed forces a top priority amid tensions in relations with the US and its allies.

Putin said that Western sanctions against Russia are continuing a longtime historic trend of containing a powerful rival, citing Russian Czar Alexander III who charged that 'everyone is afraid of our vastness.'

'Even after we lost one-third of our potential' when former Soviet republics became independent after the 1991 collapse of Soviet collapse, 'Russia is still too big for some,' Putin said.

A Russian soldier walks at a radar facility on the Alexandra Land island near Nagurskoye on Monday as the Kremlin seeks to assert dominance in the region

An officer stands near a landed Il-76 military cargo plane on an extended runway on the island which can accommodate all types of aircraft

A Russian soldier stands guard as the Bastion anti-ship missile systems take positions on the northern outpost

It was revealed earlier this week Russia has bolstered its military at a remote Arctic airbase, priming it with missiles, radar, and a runway, as the Kremlin seeks to assert its dominance in the disputed oil-rich area which it declared this week is 'our land'.

The Nagurskoye airbase in the Franz Josef Land archipelago was built in the 1950s as a weather station and communications outpost between the Eurasian mainland and the North Pole.

It was previously a home for polar bears with temperatures plunging to minus 42 Celsius in winter, and snow only disappearing from August to mid-September.

Now, Russia's northernmost military base is bristling with activity and its extended runway can handle all types of aircraft, including nuclear-capable strategic bombers.

The site projects Moscow's power and influence across the Arctic amid intensifying international competition for the region's vast resources, as the country's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov declared this week: 'We hear whining about Russia expanding its military activities in the Arctic.

'But everyone knows that it's our territory, our land. We bear responsibility for the Arctic coast to be safe, and everything our country does there is fully legitimate.'

The shamrock-shaped facility on the 3,470-mile Northern Sea Route along Russia's Arctic Coast consists of three large pods extending from a central atrium called the Arctic Trefoil (pictured)

The base is located between the Russian mainland and the North Pole and is the county's northernmost military base

The shamrock-shaped facility on the 3,470-mile Northern Sea Route along Russia's Arctic Coast consists of three large pods extending from a central atrium called the Arctic Trefoil and it is painted in the white-red-and-blue of the national flag.

Other buildings on the Island, which is called Alexandra Land, are used for radar and communications, a weather station, oil storage, hangars and construction facilities.

Russia has sought to assert its influence over wide areas of the Arctic in competition with the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway as shrinking polar ice from the warming planet offers new opportunities for resources and shipping routes.

China also has shown an increasing interest in the region, believed to hold up to one-fourth of the Earth's undiscovered oil and gas.

A Russian military cargo plane Il-76 crew member, foreground, works during a flight to the Alexandra Land island of the Franz Josef Land archipelago

An officer speaks on walkie-talkie as the Bastion anti-ship missile systems take positions on the Nagurskoye airbase

The site projects Moscow's power and influence across the Arctic amid intensifying international competition for the region's vast resources

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited estimates that put the value of Arctic mineral riches at $30 trillion.

The base, which sits about 600 miles south of the geographic North Pole, was built using new construction technologies as part of Kremlin efforts to bolster the military amid spiralling tensions with the West following Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

The following year, Russia submitted a revised bid for vast territories in the Arctic to the United Nations, claiming nearly 500,000 square miles of Arctic sea shelf, extending more than 350 nautical miles from shore.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited estimates that put the value of Arctic mineral riches at $30trillion

Russia's northernmost military base is bristling with activity and its extended runway can handle all types of aircraft, including nuclear-capable strategic bombers. Pictured: Bastion anti-ship missile systems

The base, which sits about 600 miles south of the geographic North Pole, was built using new construction technologies as part of Kremlin efforts to bolster the military

Tensions between Russia and the West will likely loom large over Thursday's meeting of the Arctic nations' foreign ministers in Reykjavik, Iceland

While the UN pondered that claim and those from other nations, Russia has said it sees the Northern Sea Route as its 'historically developed national transport corridor,' requiring authorisation from Moscow for foreign vessels to navigate along it.

The US has dismissed Russia's claims of jurisdiction on parts of the route as illegitimate.

Moscow has declared its intention to introduce procedures for foreign ships and assign Russian pilots for guidance along the route, which runs from Norway to Alaska.

As part of that effort, Russia has rebuilt and expanded facilities across the polar region, deploying surveillance and defensive assets.

A base in the similar trefoil shape and patriotic colours to the one in Nagurskoye is on Kotelny Island, between the Laptev Sea and the East Siberian Sea on eastern end of the shipping route, also with missiles and radar.

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, chief of Russia's Northern Fleet, said last week that Moscow has the right to set navigation rules along the shipping lane.

Moscow has declared its intention to introduce procedures for foreign ships and assign Russian pilots for guidance along the route, which runs from Norway to Alaska

An Icebreaker makes the path for a cargo ship with an iceberg in the background near a port on the Alexandra Land island

NATO is increasingly worried about the growing Russian military footprint in the Arctic, and Washington sent B-1 bombers to Norway this year

'Practically the entire Northern Sea Route goes through Russia's territorial waters or the country's economic zone,' Moiseyev told reporters aboard the Peter the Great missile cruiser. 'The complex ice conditions make it necessary to organise safe shipping, so Russia insists on a special regime of its use.'

NATO is increasingly worried about the growing Russian military footprint in the Arctic, and Washington sent B-1 bombers to Norway this year.

'Increased Russian presence, more Russian bases in the High North, has also triggered the need for more NATO presence, and we have increased our presence there with more naval capabilities, presence in the air, and not least, the importance of protecting transatlantic undersea cables transmitting a lot of data,' NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

Moiseyev fretted about the US military assets in Norway, saying it has led to an 'increase of the conflict potential in the Arctic.'

The Russian Foreign Ministry last week fumed at a US nuclear submarine calling at a Norwegian port, saying it reflected what it described as 'Oslo's course for the militarization of the Arctic'

A Russian military cargo plane Il-76 crew member puts on headphones during a flight to the Alexandra Land island of the Franz Josef Land archipelago

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited estimates that put the value of Arctic mineral riches at $30trillion

The Russian Foreign Ministry last week fumed at a US nuclear submarine calling at a Norwegian port, saying it reflected what it described as 'Oslo's course for the militarisation of the Arctic.'

Blinken has pointed out that with the Arctic warming at twice the rate of the rest of the global average, Russia has moved to increase its presence in the region.

'Russia is exploiting this change to try to exert control over new spaces,' he said last month. 'It is modernising its bases in the Arctic and building new ones.'

Since Putin visited the Nagurskoye base in 2017, it has been strengthened and expanded. It now houses a dedicated tactical group that operates electronic surveillance, air defence assets and a battery of Bastion anti-ship missile systems.

A runway has been extended to accommodate all types of aircraft, including Tu-95 nuclear-capable strategic bombers, said Major-General Igor Churkin, who oversees air force operations at the base.

'The modernisation of Arctic airfields significantly increases the potential of the Northern Fleet's aviation to control the airspace in the area of the Northern Sea Route and allows to ensure its security,' he said.

In March, the Russian military conducted drills at Nagurskoye with ground troops and a pair of MiG-31 fighters flying over the North Pole.

The exercise also saw three nuclear submarines smash through the Arctic ice next to one another in a carefully planned show of force.

In March, the Russian military conducted drills at Nagurskoye with ground troops and a pair of MiG-31 fighters flying over the North Pole

On Monday, Lavrov rebuffed Western criticism of Russia's Arctic expansion and bristled at what he described as Norway's push for a stronger NATO presence there

A runway has been extended to accommodate all types of aircraft, including Tu-95 nuclear-capable strategic bombers
Colin Brooks was head at The Grove School in Surrey when he violated a teenage girl

A headteacher at a top private school whose patron is the Queen has been jailed after sexually abusing a teenage girl for four years.

Colin Brooks was head at The Grove School in Surrey when he violated a teenage girl at least seven times over a four-year period.

The now 77-year-old child molester started abusing his victim in 1982, when she was just 13, and continued doing so until she was 17.

During this time, Brook became headteacher at the all girls school, which has since been renamed The Royal Naval School and subsequently The Royal School.

The Queen is patron of the day and boarding school where fees are up to 40,000 a year and Princess Anne is president.

Now, 37 years later, Brooks is finally paying for his crimes and will spend the next two years and four months behind bars.

He was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court earlier this week after pleading guilty to seven counts of indecent assault on a child at an earlier hearing.

The victim was not a pupil at the school.

The now 77-year-old child molester started abusing his victim in 1982, when she was just 13, and continued doing so until she was 17. Pictured: The Royal School, Surrey

Around one in 20 children aged between 11 and 17 in the UK are said to have been sexually abused, although true numbers are not known.

Police say the case shows people who have been sexually abused in the past can still seek justice, no matter how much time has passed.

Detective Constable Rachel Moss said: 'Brooks committed the offences while he was in a position of trust and his behaviour is simply reprehensible.

'I hope that this case demonstrates to people who have been sexually abused, no matter how long ago the abuse took place, that your allegation will always be taken seriously, we will always conduct a full and thorough investigation and that you will be given the appropriate support.'
John Anthony Clohosey, 72, claims he had consensual sexual relations with the alleged victim but did not have full intercourse

A Roman Catholic priest accused of raping a woman 35 years ago was told 'may God forgive you, you are a liar and a rapist' by the woman in court.

Retired John Anthony Clohosey, 72, who presided over churches across North East England, denies rape but said he did ask the alleged victim for sex when he visited her home in 1986.

The North Yorkshire man, from Filey, told detectives they kissed and cuddled in her bedroom but did not have intercourse because he was unable to perform.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the complainant, who cannot be identified, asked the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle for help to pay a legal bill and grew angry when she was turned down, and said in an email she had been abused by a serving priest decades earlier.

The jury were shown a video of her interview with police in which she claimed Mr Clohosey visited her home in Tyneside in 1986 and after an awkward conversation asked her to have sex with him, before raping her when she refused.

Robin Patton, defending, suggested the sexual encounter had been consensual, and that the priest visited her again a few weeks later.

She replied: 'That is a lie, that simply didn't happen.'

Addressing the defendant, she became upset as she said: 'May God forgive you, you are a liar as well as a rapist.

'If you can stand there with a Bible in your hands, the book you are supposed to live your life by, to save your skin, may God forgive you.'

The alleged victim said she approached the diocese for a loan to help her with a financial problem.

She told the court: 'There was nothing sordid or underhand about it, I asked and they said no.'

It was then that she said in an email to her priest - not the defendant - that she had been abused, and was later to tell the diocese safeguarding team and the police more details about what allegedly happened, the court heard.

She explained to the jury how she named Mr Clohosey having not mentioned it to anyone for more than 30 years.

She had been reluctant to report the complaint which she had shut in a box in her mind, but once she came forward, she could 'barely think of anything else', the court heard.

She told the jury: 'The lid would not go back on the box, as much as I tried.'

She denied she was being 'dishonest' in making the allegation, saying: 'I have nothing to gain and nothing to lose, for me standing here, telling my story, my journey.

Mr Clohosey, of St Mary's Priory (pictured), denies having raped a woman in her home in 1986

'There are no winners, just two losers.'

The woman told police and the court that Clohosey wrote to her in 1986, after he moved parishes, asking to visit her.

Describing him arriving at her home, she said: 'Immediately I was uneasy about the situation.'

She claimed that 'out of the blue' he said: 'I wonder if you could help me out - will you have sex with me?'

The woman claimed she repeatedly told the priest 'no' but he 'pushed me on the shoulder and caught me off guard immediately'.

It was then, she claimed to the jury, that Father Clohosey raped her in a bedroom.

She said when he left 'he was quite calm, he wasn't flustered, he wasn't panicked' and reportedly told her 'Goodnight, God bless'.

Mr Clohosey denies the rape charge.

The trial continues.
An American Airlines flight attendant has accused British celebrity chef Mark Sargeant of sexually assaulting her during a work trip - and is suing her employer for allegedly covering up her claims.

Kimberly Goesling, 52, of Fort Worth, Texas, says she was assaulted by the TV star after he forced his way into her hotel room during the visit to Germany in 2018.

Goesling, who has worked for the airline for 30 years, filed her suit in January 2020 against Sargeant and her bosses. She went public with her allegations this week.

The airline has said they severed ties with the Michelin-starred chef following the allegations but the suit claims they 'discouraged [Goesling] from further reporting the incident'.

Goesling told NBC: 'They've deposed my best friends. They reached out and deposed my ex-boyfriend. I want an apology. I'd like to sit down and talk to our leaders to find out what happened. What went wrong?'

Goesling's attorney Rob Miller said: 'American's literature says, "You see something, report it. We'll protect you. We'll take care of you. We don't tolerate bad behavior." Well, that's what they say but they did exactly the opposite in this case.'

Sargeant, who has worked alongside Gordon Ramsay, is said to have knocked on Goesling's hotel room door in the early hours after sending inappropriate text messages. He then sexually assaulted her, Goesling claims.

DailyMail.com has contacted Sargeants company and American Airlines for comment.

Kimberly Goesling, 52, pictured, of Fort Worth, Texas, says she was assaulted by the British TV star Mark Sargeant after he forced her way into her hotel room during work trip in 2018

Sargeant, right, who has worked alongside Gordon Ramsay, left, is said to have knocked on her hotel room door in the early hours after sending inappropriate text messages

The suit says he had been drinking with American Airlines' managers prior to the incident.

It claims the airline knew of his alleged alcohol abuse and inappropriate sexual relationships and a representative first asked her 'What were you wearing?' during a conversation about the alleged attack.

Goesling, who had been in Germany helping the airline pick a new menu for international flights told NBC: 'It wasn't like a light knocking. It was (like) something was wrong, somebody needed something.

'I remember going to the door and thinking, 'Wow, it's him!'

'That's when he forced his way into my room.'

Goesling, who has worked for the airline for 30 years, filed her suit in January 2020 against Sargeant and her bosses. She went public with her allegations this week

Goesling said her attempts to report the crime to Fort Worth police were also unsuccessful as the alleged incident occurred in a foreign country

Attorney Miller added: 'American is responsible because it hired the predator, it provided the alcohol he drank and then its managers encouraged him to go to Kimberlys room.

'In fact, well be able to show that this predator only had Kimberlys hotel room number because a member of Americans management team gave it to him.'

Sargeant was not criminally charged, Dallas News reports.

Goesling said her attempts to report the crime to Fort Worth police were also unsuccessful as the alleged incident occurred in a foreign country.

Sargeant was not criminally charged. He is pictured right with Gordon Ramsay, left

After filing her complaint anonymously Goesling has since decided to go public with her allegations.

She told former Fox host Gretchen Carlson: 'At the end of the day, I'm not Jane Doe. I'm Kimberly Goesling.

'I am done. I am no longer going to hide from what happened because I'm not the bad guy and I have nothing to hide from. If anyone should be hiding, it's American and not me.'

American Airlines said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'American has an unwavering commitment to its team members. Immediately after the incident was reported, we conducted an investigation and severed our business relationship with the accused individual.

'Ms. Goesling remains a valued member of our team.'

A trial on the matter is scheduled for July; American have asked for a delay.
A judge has issued an international arrest warrant for a children's author accused of sexually assaulting two boys in the UK between 1973 and 1982.

The warrant, issued by Judge Ian Lawrie QC at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday, is for the arrest of 70-year-old Patrick Dorian Cowland, also known as Patrick Joseph Cormack.

His last known address is in Ballagh - a village in County Wexford, Ireland. Cowland failed to attend the court in December last year and has not appeared since.

The warrant, issued by Judge Ian Lawrie QC at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday, is for the arrest of 70-year-old Patrick Dorian Cowland (pictured above, file photo), also known as Patrick Joseph Cormack

Applying for the warrant yesterday, prosecutor James Tucker said Cowland was working as a photographer when he met and befriended one of his two alleged victims in Oxford in the 1970s.

The eight charges against Cowland allege indecent assault and gross indecency offences against two boys.

One offence is said to have taken place between 1973 and 1975 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with another between 1979 and 1982 and other locations in England and Wales.

In November 2017, Cowland was jailed for six months after failing to sign on the sex offenders register and notify gardai of his past convictions.

Cowland failed to attend Gloucester Crown Court (pictured above, file photo) in December last year and has not appeared since

And in 2012, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison for possessing and distributing indecent photographs of children.

In 1988 he was jailed for four years over the indecent assault of a male under the age of 14, alongside five years for two counts of buggery, reports Independent.ie.

Cowland is a successful childrens author who has had numerous literary works published. He has also worked as an accountant.
A mother who smothered her three children aged three, seven and nine has been cleared of murder on the grounds of insanity.

Deirdre Morley, 44, was accused of murdering sons Conor McGinley, nine, and Darragh McGinley, seven, and daughter Carla McGinley, three, by smothering them on at their home on January 24 last year.

The bodies were discovered by their father Andrew McGinley at their home in Parson's Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin.

Morley, who worked as a nurse, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity during her trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, Ireland - a view supported by two consultant psychiatrists, one for the defence and one for the prosecution.

She was returned to the Central Mental Hospital, where she has been receiving treatment before she returns to court at the end of the month where trial judge Mr Justice Paul Coffey will formalise the hospital order.

Deirdre Morley, 44, was accused of murdering sons Conor McGinley, nine, and Darragh McGinley, seven, and daughter Carla McGinley, three, by smothering them on at their home on January 24 last year

The children's bodies were discovered by their father Andrew McGinley at their home in Parson's Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin

The court heard how Ms Morley had a severe psychotic depressive illness. She was suffering bipolar affective disorder type two, a recognised mental disorder.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey said there was no contest about the verdict and previously told the jury: 'The doctors are unanimous in their opinions that the accused was legally insane when she killed her three children.'

The jury of ten men and two women were told they must be satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that Ms Morley was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killings.

The jury found her not guilty on all three charges on the grounds of insanity.

The tragic triple murder took place on January 24 last year in Dublin, Ireland, after thecourt heard that by January 2020 Morley had slipped into a state of delusion and psychosis.

She smothered her three children and Mr McGinley discovered their bodies at the family home.

Giving a eulogy at his children's funeral earlier this year, Mr McGinley said his children had been fans of Lego, the Foo Fighters and the Disney film Frozen (pictured, Mr McGinley and his three children)

Andrew McGinley looks to the skies during the funeral of his children

Their mother Morley, who worked as a nurse at a hospital in Dublin, was found by police 'wandering the streets' in a 'disoriented state' shortly before the bodies were found.

She was taken to Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin where she later told medics she 'wished she had a time machine', the court heard.

The children's father Mr McGinley has been left devastated by the tragedy.

Shortly after Connor, Darragha and Carla were found dead, he told parents to 'cuddle your children whenever you can' and admitted 'every breath is a struggle'.

Giving a eulogy at his children's funeral earlier this year, Mr McGinley also said his children had been fans of Lego, the Foo Fighters and the Disney film Frozen.

He went on: 'We often misuse words. When Ireland would lose a match, I used to say I was heartbroken. I now know what that really means.

'We, as a family, are heartbroken.'

He added: 'Conor, Darragh and Carla. I love you, I love you, I love you.'
Police have quizzed a man after an Israel flag featuring the Nazi swastika was put up at Royal Holloway, University of London.

There are 'a number of reports of hate crime' at the university being investigated, said Surrey Police. In one instance, a poster with a swastika in place of the Star of David on the flag of Israel was displayed outside the premise's library.

A 24-year-old man from Englefield Green has been interviewed in relation to the poster and an investigation is ongoing, a Surrey Police spokesperson confirmed.

In relation to other hate crime offences - not including the poster - a 21-year-old man from Egham and a woman, 19, from Englefield Green have also been arrested.

Both have been released on bail while an investigation continues.

Posting to a Facebook group for Royal Holloway students, a woman who came across one of the posters branded the images 'disgusting'.

In one instance, a poster with a swastika in place of the Star of David on the flag of Israel (pictured above) was displayed outside the premise's library

She said: 'Whichever n***e thought it was okay to put the Nazi swastika on our library terrace, f*** you.

'I've taken your sh***y little sign down that was very neatly taped. You have no place at this university and I hope you get kicked out.'

A spokesperson for the university branded the behaviour 'unacceptable' and said it 'will not hesitate to use the full range of sanctions available' in disciplinary procedures.

The university's Jewish society said the incident 'cannot be tolerated' and urged the institution to 'take a stand against such vicious prejudice.

They added in a statement posted on Instagram: 'Opposition to the Israeli government's actions does not justify these acts of bigotry, just as Islamist violence does not justify Islamophobic bigotry.

'Royal Holloway has garnered a reputation of being a liberal, diverse and welcoming university, yet these images and experiences make Jewish students feel more and more as if that doesn't apply to them.'

It follows a swastika imposed on an Israel flag being displayed during a march in Sydney, Australia, last weekend as participants protested Israel's actions during the current conflict with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The man who took a photo of the symbol told 7NEWS: 'I was walking with my grandma who is a Holocaust survivor when we saw this - (it was) so horrible for her.

The university's Jewish society said the incident 'cannot be tolerated' and urged the institution to 'take a stand against such vicious prejudice (file photo of Royal Holloway and Bedford New College)

'The government should be banning things like this and arresting this man.'

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: 'A 21-year-old man from Egham and a 19-year-old woman from Englefield Green were arrested last night on suspicion of offences contrary to section 18 of the Public Order Act.

'They were both issued with police bail earlier this evening (19 May) while our investigation continues.

'This relates to a number of reports of hate crime at Royal Holloway University. We are working closely with the university as our investigation progresses.'

One student tweeted: 'This was undeniably done by a student, as non-students don't have access to the library. This is who we share a campus with'

Jon Howden-Evans, Director of Student and Support Services at Royal Holloway, said: 'Within our community at Royal Holloway, we seek to uphold principles of respect for individuals.

'Our university has an abhorrence of violence, discrimination and harassment and we believe that we all have a role to play in maintaining a peaceful, respectful, inclusive and welcoming community, on and off-campus.

'We witnessed unacceptable behaviour on our campus and online last weekend which we reported to the Police who have now taken action and arrests have been made.

'We are also following our own disciplinary procedures and will not hesitate to use the full range of sanctions available to us.

'We have encouraged any member of our community who feels concerned about their wellbeing, or are concerned for someone else, to contact our student or staff welfare teams via supportingyou@rhul.ac.uk.'
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The UK's daily Covid deaths have fallen by more than a third in a week as seven more victims and 2,874 positive tests were recorded.

Today's infections are up slightly on the 2,657 last Thursday, a rise of about 8 per cent, but the national case rate has remained stable since April.

Meanwhile, latest data shows another 635,000 Covid vaccine doses were administered yesterday, with 265,000 Britons coming forward for their first appointment and 370,000 for their second. It means 37.2million people have received one injection  the equivalent of more than 70 per cent of all adults  and 21.2m are fully inoculated.

The figures came as separate official statistics showed the nation's Covid outbreak is still flat, despite the rapid spread of the Indian variant.

Public Health England's weekly surveillance report found cases remained 'stable' nationally at around 12,000 last week, and dropped in all age groups except five to nine-year-olds. Hospitalisations with the virus also fell across the country, while infection rates dipped in every region except the North West, which is struggling against an outbreak of the Indian strain.

Some 95 out of 149 local authorities  or 64 per cent  saw their Covid cases dip last week. In contrast, there were 66 that recorded a drop over the previous seven-day spell.

But Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE's medical director, said the agency was concerned about the Indian variant and was 'constantly monitoring the situation'. She added: 'Until we know more it's vital we don't let our guard down too soon and remain cautious. We do not want to undo the huge progress we've made so far.'

Other figures from the PHE's weekly surveillance report showed the ten areas with the biggest Covid outbreaks were all hotspots for the Indian variant.

Cases of a coronavirus variant first detected in India are rising in the UK, potentially threatening the lockdown-easing roadmap.

SAGE adviser warns UK's third wave has already started because of Indian Covid variant - despite data showing number of Brits falling ill is FLAT Britain's third wave of Covid may have already begun because of the rapid spread of the Indian variant, a SAGE adviser warned today  despite data showing cases nationally are still flat and one top expert saying the mutant strain shouldn't overwhelm the NHS. University College London epidemiologist Professor Andrew Hayward made the claim when asked whether the UK was at the beginning of another wave. 'I think so,' he told BBC Breakfast. 'What we can see is that this strain can circulate very effectively. 'Although it was originally imported through travel to India it spread fairly effectively first of all within households after that and now more broadly within communities. So I don't really see why it wouldn't continue to spread in other parts of the country. He added: 'Obviously we are doing everything we can to contain that, but it is likely more generalised measures may start to be needed to control it.' However, his comments came just hours before a King's College London's symptom-tracking app predicted Covid cases are not rising nationally, despite surging infections with the Indian variant. Academics estimated around 2,750 people are falling ill with the coronavirus every day across the UK, with the figure having barely changed in a week. Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the app, said B.1.617.2 'hasn't altered numbers significantly' and outbreaks remain focused in hotspots, such as Bolton and Blackburn. 'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown,' he said. SAGE scientists had predicted there would be a third wave of the pandemic as restrictions were eased and more people were allowed to mix. But questions remain over how big the outbreak will be because vaccines will stop many people from catching the disease and being hospitalised with the infection. Whitehall insiders say the 'mood music has definitely improved' after fears were raised that the rapid spread of the Indian variant could derail No10's plan to drop all lockdown restrictions on June 21. Advertisement

It came as SAGE adviser and University College London epidemiologist Professor Andrew Hayward today claimed the UK was at the beginning of another wave because of the rapid spread of the mutant strain.

'Although it was originally imported through travel to India it spread fairly effectively first of all within households after that and now more broadly within communities,' he told BBC Breakfast. 'So I don't really see why it wouldn't continue to spread in other parts of the country.'

He added: 'Obviously we are doing everything we can to contain that, but it is likely more generalised measures may start to be needed to control it.'

But Professor Hayward's comments come amid growing optimism from Number 10 that the Indian variant won't jeopardise plans to ease all lockdown restrictions on June 21, despite fears the highly-transmissible strain could scupper 'freedom day'.

Boris Johnson last night told the powerful 1922 committee of Tory MPs he was 'even more cautiously optimistic' the next stage of relaxation can go ahead. He said: 'I know there are anxieties about new variants but we can see nothing to suggest that we have to deviate from the road map.'

And more promising figures from King's College London's symptom-tracking app also predicted Covid cases are not rising nationally, despite surging infections in hotspots. Experts estimated around 2,750 people are falling ill with the coronavirus every day across the UK, with the figure having barely changed in a week.

Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the app, said B.1.617.2 'hasn't altered numbers significantly' and outbreaks remain focused in hotspots, such as Bolton. 'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown,' he said.

SAGE scientists had predicted there would be a third wave of the pandemic as restrictions were eased and more people were allowed to mix.

But questions remain over how big the outbreak will be because vaccines will stop many people from catching the disease and being hospitalised. Government advisers don't believe the resurgence will be anywhere near as bad as January's crisis because of jabs and warmer weather.

Almost 3,000 cases of the Indian variant have been detected in the UK, with the figure having quadrupled in a fortnight. Surge testing has been deployed in Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester and North Tyneside to root out cases of the strain.

It comes as ministers accelerate the vaccination roll-out with plans to reach all over-18s within a month, with over-30s set to be offered their first dose by the end of May. More than 36.9million Britons  or seven in ten adults  have already had at least a jab. England's roll-out was expanded to 34 and 35-year-olds today.

PHE publishes a weekly surveillance report tracking the spread of the virus across the country.

They found the infection rate had fallen in almost every age group. It was highest among 10 to 19-year-olds (43.9 cases per 100,000 people) and lowest among the over-70s (4.1) who have each been offered at least one dose of the Covid vaccine.

Hospitalisations with the virus also dipped nationally from 1.02 to 0.73 per 100,000 people.

Bolton  which is struggling against the country's largest outbreak of the Indian variant  has the highest Covid case rate in England (328.3).

Its neighbour Blackburn with Darwen has the second highest rate (159.7), followed by Bedford (124.65).

Public Health England data showed Covid cases remained flat last week despite surging infections with the Indian variant

They found weekly hospitalisations due to the virus also fell again and those due to influenza remained flat

Covid cases dropped in every age group except 5 to 9-year-olds last week, Public Health England data showed

And Covid cases dipped in every region except the North West which is battling a large outbreak of the Indian strain

ZOE and King's College London's symptom tracking app estimated there were 2,750 new cases of the virus every day, the equivalent of one in 1,796 Britons suffering symptomatic Covid in the week to May 15. They said this was not a significant change from last week. Professor Tim Spector said the Indian variant 'hasn't altered the numbers significantly

Flat hospital and death rates in Bolton may be first sign jabs are working against Indian variant, experts say The Covid outbreak in Bolton may be the first sign that the NHS won't be overwhelmed by the Indian variant, scientists say. The mutant B.1.617.2 strain is dominant in the Greater Manchester borough, and is behind a huge spike in cases that has made it the UK's Covid capital. Infections have almost soared to levels seen during January's second wave, with around 150 positive tests now being reported every day compared to fewer than 20 in April. The town's infection rate has doubled to 283 per 100,000 people in a week - but a huge testing drive means far more people are being regularly checked for the disease. The surge in cases has yet to translate into an uptick in Covid hospitalisations, with just one person on average being admitted each day. Deaths also remain flat with just two fatalities recorded in May. Infections in Bolton have almost soared to levels seen during January's second wave, with around 150 positive tests now being reported every day compared to fewer than 20 in April The surge in cases has yet to translate into an uptick in Covid hospitalisations, with just one person on average being admitted each day Deaths also remain flat with just two fatalities recorded in May Dr Simon Clarke, a molecular biologist from Reading University, said this was confirmation that the jabs protect well against the strain. An upbeat Matt Hancock led a Downing Street press conference last night where he claimed the Government had 'increasing confidence' the vaccines were highly effective against the Indian variant. He had echoed comments made by Boris Johnson earlier in the House of Commons, who said he'd been presented promising data highlighting the strength of the jabs. Dr Clarke told MailOnline: 'They [the Government] will be looking at these hospital rates in Bolton and they seem to be very comfortable about them. 'So I don't think it [the variant] is going to be the disaster some people thought at first.' He urged people to continue taking precautions and not get too lax with the rules. 'Just because the vaccines work against the strain, I think we always knew that was going to be the case. 'What we don't really know is whether the jabs will be just as effective against the Indian variant as they are the Kent one. 'So I think focusing n the top efficacy numbers can sometimes give people false confidence.' Bolton's outbreak is mainly being driven by younger people, who face only a tiny risk of dying or falling severely ill with Covid. Government scientists have said the spread appears to be predominantly happening within South Asian communities in the town, who are more likely to live in multigenerational households and in high density housing. The fact infection rates remain low in elderly age groups may be further proof that the vaccines are preventing younger people passing it on to senior relatives, Dr Clarke said. However there has been a recent uptick in case rates in people in over 60, with about 43 cases per 100,000 people according to the most recent count. For comparison, the rate is believed to be about 300 for teenagers aged 15 to 19. As it stands, a total of 156,927 people have been vaccinated in Bolton, of which 89,137 have been fully immunised Ministers will be keeping a close eye on whether the rate in the over-60s rises rapidly or begin to translate into hospitalisations. It can take several weeks for people to fall severely ill with the disease after catching it. As it stands, a total of 156,927 people have been vaccinated in Bolton, of which 89,137 have been fully immunised. Latest NHS England figures suggest 81 per cent of over-40s in Bolton have accepted their jab, which is on par with the national average. Ministers yesterday offered hope that England's June 21 lockdown-easing plans were still able to go ahead because of fresh evidence that vaccines work against B.1.617.2. No10's official spokesperson said the optimism was based on daily figures, such as hospital admissions and testing rates. But they warned it could take time before the Government was confident that 'freedom day' can still go ahead as planned. Advertisement

Kirklees had the fourth highest infection rate (73.4) after cases rose by 30 per cent in a week. The council has been identified as an 'area of concern' by public health authorities after cases of the Indian variant were identified there. Surge testing was launched in the area yesterday.

It was followed by Leicester (50), Hounslow (48.9), Manchester (44.1), Bury (42.9), North Tyneside (42.3) and Luton (42.2) which all have outbreaks of the Indian variant.

SAGE scientists have already warned there will be a third wave of the virus in the country, which was expected to hit as more restrictions were eased.

Professor Hayward said: 'While I think we've always thought we would have another wave of Covid, the size of that wave is going to very much depend on how transmissible the variant that causes it is and what proportion of the population have been vaccinated when it hits.'

He added surge testing had been launched in hotspots in an attempt to halt the spread of the variant.

But that spiralling cases suggested it would become the main variant across the country  and displace the currently dominant Kent variant.

'But the scale of this is different (to other variants) and the number of places affected is different and the number of cases is different and the speed of increase is different,' he said.

'So my hunch is that this is going to become the dominant strain across the country, maybe even across the world, and that you know that really brings it back down to this race against the vaccine and the virus except the virus just got faster.'

The Indian variant has already spread to at least 48 countries, figures show, and has been spotted on every continent except Antarctica.

It is now behind one in five infections in the UK and has spread to 40 per cent of local authorities in England.

But King's College London experts say cases nationwide are still flat, and that outbreaks remain localised in areas such as Bolton and Blackburn.

Professor Spector said: 'There has been no significant change in rates of Covid from last week according to ZOE Covid Study data.

'The number of daily new cases is around 2,750, which remains fairly low and virtually unchanged from last week. This shows that the Indian variant hasnt altered the numbers significantly

'Were monitoring the Indian variant closely and so far we see only localised outbreaks, or hotspots.

'Not only in Bedford and Bolton, which we saw a week ago, but our data shows Newport in Wales, Glasgow and neighbouring areas like East Dunbartonshire or Lanarkshire in Scotland, Aberdeen, Leeds and neighbouring authorities like Kirklees and Wakefield.

'We noticed the same trend previously with outbreaks of the South African and Brazilian variants, but these remained local and didn't translate into wider cases countrywide.'

He added: 'Theres no clear evidence yet that the new Indian variant is significantly worse than the old Kent one.

'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown.

'So no need to panic, but do stay vigilant and keep logging with the ZOE Covid Study app to stay ahead of the curve and help us monitor outbreaks like these.'

However, the Kent variant  which triggered Britain's second wave  began in the South East before it rapidly spiralled out of control and hit every part of the country.

The King's College London estimates rely on daily reports from more than 700,000 Britons on whether they are feeling unwell, what symptoms they have and if they have tested positive for Covid.

But it is only able to pick up infections which trigger symptoms and misses asymptomatic cases  those which spark no tell tale signs of the virus  which officials estimate could be behind a third of all cases.

The app updated how its estimates are calculated last week because a large proportion of participants had already been vaccinated against the virus.

The Prime Minister told the 1922 committee last night, reports The Times, that he was confident the planned June 21 easing could still go ahead.

'I know there are anxieties about new variants,' he said. 'But we can see nothing to suggest that we have to deviate from the roadmap.'

He added earlier in the day that there was 'increasing confidence' jabs are highly effective against all variants, including B.1.617.2. His comments are bolstered by the fact the emergence of the strain has not yet led to an uptick in hospital admissions or deaths.

Scientists say the Indian variant may not be as transmissible as first feared because official data is beginning to hint the rise in cases of the mutant strain is slowing.

They say the spike could be down to the virus spreading in multi-generational households, and people rushing home from India after the country was placed on the 'red list'.

Professor Carl Heneghan, the director of the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine at Oxford University, told the Telegraph: 'How can it be the case that it is 40 per cent more transmissible when the numbers are falling off at the speed they are in India?

'We could be looking at a founder effect (when a strain is repeatedly imported from another outbreak area) and where you've got a small number of people having a bigger impact.

'India is actually looking more like the natural curve which happens in winter and has a high drop-off as opposed to flattening the curve.'

India's cases have dropped by 27 per cent in a week. They recorded 267,334 on Tuesday, down from 348,421 cases at the same time last week.

England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Van-Tam said last night: 'We have a credible range that goes from a few percent more transmissible through to... 50 per cent more transmissible. I think most people feel it is going to be somewhere in the middle, rather than at the extremes of that band.'

Top scientists handed information to ministers last night which put the situation 'looking in better shape', a senior Government official told Politico, although they were 'obviously still waiting for more data'.

A health official added: 'We are learning more about the variant almost every hour and the mood music has definitely improved'.

SAGE models warn Covid hospitalisations could spiral to more than 20,000 a day if the June easings went ahead and the strain was found to be 50 per cent more transmissible. Government advisers also warned a variant that is 30 per cent more transmissible than the Kent variant could pile more pressure on the NHS than it suffered during the first wave last spring.

The Prime Minister told MPs in the Commons yesterday that the jabs were also still fighting off the mutant strain, saying he had 'increasing confidence that vaccines are effective against all variants, including the Indian variant'.

One senior minister told Sky News that Mr Johnson would 'move heaven and earth' in order to stick to the June 21 unlocking moment.

Positive test figures from the Wellcome Sanger Institute  which cover only lab-analysed cases in the two weeks between April 25 and May 8  reveal the mutant Indian strain made up 50 per cent or more of all samples in 23 parts of the country by last week. Bolton and Blackburn in the North West remain the worst-hit areas with almost 600 cases between them and the variant making up 81 per cent of infections

While the Indian variant is spreading rapidly in pockets of the country, 60 per cent of local authorities in England have yet to record a case (shown in grey). But it is likely the variant has spread even further than the map suggests because the data is 10 days out of date. Experts have said they expect it to overtake the Kent strain and become dominant in the coming weeks and months

The above graph is based on Sanger Institute data on cases identified in the community. It shows that while the Kent variant (B.1.1.7) remains dominant in the country, infections with the Indian variant (B.1.617.2) are rising rapidly. In the week to April 24 it made up barely three per cent of all infections spotted, but by May 8 it was behind 27 per cent

Officials say the Indian variant of Covid may have spread rapidly in the UK because it got into multi-generational households, and there were a large number of imports as people rushed home after India was added to the 'red list'

Nearly 90% of 7,000 neighbourhoods in England and Wales saw NO Covid deaths in April England and Wales' rapidly shrinking Covid outbreaks were today laid bare by an interactive map that showed nearly 90 per cent of more than 7,000 neighbourhoods saw no deaths from the virus last month. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveal April was the first month since August 2020 where the number of deaths was below the five-year average, with fewer than 1,000 virus-linked fatalities. The overall death rate in England  851.2 per 100,000 people  was the lowest rate for April since the ONS started recording mortality rates in 2001. MailOnline analysis shows the proportion of English and Welsh neighbourhoods with zero deaths increased from 57.9 per cent in March to 87.6 per cent last month  some 6,301 areas. Just ten areas saw three deaths each, which was the highest amount for any postcode. They were: Hounslow West in London, Summerfield in Birmingham, Woodthorpe and Arno Vale in Gedling, Great Sankey in Warrington, Birley in Sheffield, Stornton and Sixfields in Northampton, Grimsargh and Goosnargh in Preston, Rusper, Faygate and Leechpool in Horsham, Bridlington West in East Riding and Canvey Island South West in Castle Point. The ONS data also revealed that Covid was just the ninth leading cause of death in England last month  its lowest ranking since September 2020. Heart disease and dementia were the leading killers. A total of 941 deaths were due to coronavirus in April, the equivalent of 2.4 per cent of all deaths registered in England. Another 35 were recorded in Wales. Deaths have plunged over the past few months because of both strict lockdown restrictions and the mammoth vaccination drive, which has seen almost 37million adults jabbed. Advertisement

Another added it would be politically 'very bad' to miss the deadline. 'We told people in December the vaccine would be our way out of this and this would be our final heave,' they said. 'To go back on that would be very difficult.'

While cases of the new strain have quadrupled in the last fortnight in Britain, hospitalisations of people with Covid have remained 'fairly flat' compared to previous spikes. Covid deaths are now averaging around eight a day.

Top experts say this is a key signal that the vaccines are working. Clinical studies showed they were up to 100 per cent effective at preventing hospitalisations and deaths with the virus.

Official data shows cases of the strain are also concentrated in younger age groups, which have yet to be offered the Covid vaccine.

In hotspot for the Indian strain Bolton, the vast majority of patients in hospital suffering from the virus did not get their Covid vaccines despite being eligible.

The Health Secretary urged Britons to keep coming forward for their jabs yesterday, saying it was the best way to get out of the pandemic.

He said: 'This is on all of us, we are masters of our own fate. We are seeing the vast majority of cases, both of the existing variant and of the B.1.617.2 variant, amongst younger groups and unvaccinated people.

He added: 'On the one hand hand that is actually a good sign as it implies the vaccine is working effectively, but obviously we don't want to see a huge increase in the number of cases everywhere.'

Vaccines are turning the tide against this pandemic and I'm incredibly proud the UK has one of the highest uptake rates in the world, with 90 per cent of people saying that they have had or will have the jab.

'Strong evidence shows the vaccines protect you and your loved ones from serious illness, and they also reduce transmission, which is why we've introduced additional surge measures in the areas with rising cases of the variant first identified in India,' Mr Hancock said.

He added: 'Thank you to everybody who has come forward so far  we can beat this virus together if we all play our part and get the jab as soon as we're eligible.'

Professor Ferguson said yesterday the spike in cases in the North West may be down to infections spreading rapidly in large, multi-generational households in densely populated areas.

'There's a glimmer of hope from the recent data that while the virus does appear to have a significant growth advantage, the magnitude of that advantage seems to have dropped a lot.'

His comments were echoed by deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, who described Britain's situation as a 'straight race' between the vaccination programme and the new strain. He added: 'The NHS is doing everything it can to turbo-boost that, and that is the challenge that's ahead of us in the next two to three to four weeks, to make sure that we outrun the virus through really vigorous pull-through on vaccine delivery.'
A woman's badly-decomposed body was found wrapped in a sheet under the bed of her ex-boyfriend who loved-ones claim was abusive to her.

Robin Elizabeth Allmon, 42, was found dead in the house in Hughes, Arkansas, on Monday. She was reported missing six days previously, with investigators forced to use her tattoos to positively identify her remains.

A family member was also drafted in to help.

Ex-boyfriend Maurice Winda, 44, is a person of interest in Allmon's death, and is being sought by St Francis County Sheriff's Office as a person of interest in her death.

St Francis County Sheriff Bobby May told DailyMail.com his deputies are waiting for a cause of death to be confirmed by a medical examiner before deciding whether to launch a murder investigation.

Police discovered the decomposing body of Robin Elizabeth Allmon, 42, on Monday in the house of her ex-boyfriend, Maurice Winda, right, 44

Allmon was believed to have been missing for six days. Police had to use tattoos to identify her after she was found wrapped in a blanket under a mattress inside Winda's home (above)

She was initially reported missing last week, police said, and they had searched the Winda's home at the request of Allmon's family.

Her daughter, Nancy Allmon, said there had been a history of violence between Winda and her mother.

'The last known person for her to be with was her ex-boyfriend, and he had been abusing her and assaulting her,' she told Fox 8, noting that he was known to have beaten her on several occasions.

'He blacked her eye. Her eye was black, like over, she ended up going to the hospital. She had a fractured eye socket,' the daughter said.

She believes her mother was made to go to Winda's house against her will.

Allmon's daughter, Nancy, said Winda had a history of abuse against her mother

Authorities said there had been reports of abuse.

'In my eyes, in my heart, nothing will make me believe my mom was willingly going in that house on her own. I believe he got my mom. He forced my mom,' Allman said.

He reportedly works as for the Hughes' Sanitation Department, but did not show up to work after Allmon's body was discovered.

On Tuesday, investigators were seen on horseback looking for Winda, but were unsuccessful.

Neighbors recalled their interactions with the two, with Leon Collins, who lives a few houses down from Winda's said he saw him go in and out of the home last week.

'I just seen him come home. He'd go in for a little while, then the person that dropped him off with the sanitation truck would pick him back up,' Collins told WMC 5.

He knew both of them, he said.

'The girl, she's pretty straight. You know she had friends around the corner,' Collins said of Allmon.

Of Winda, he said, 'I talked to him all the time. He seemed straight. He's like, "hey Leon, what's up?"'
One person is dead and 10 people were pulled from rough waters during a rescue mission involving a suspected smuggling boat in La Jolla Beach - the third such rescue in San Diego waters this month alone.

On Thursday, Customs and Border protection officials said a border patrol agent spotted a panga boat off the coast of Point Loma traveling north with several passengers, 10news.com reported.

Lifeguards responded to the waters off of Marine Beach where several people who jumped off the panga were spotted in the water.

A few minutes later San Diego lifeguards and border patrol agents were called further up north to the waters near the La Jolla's children pool where a boat was dispatched and rescued 10 people, some whom were wearing life jackets, from the rough waters, FOX 5 reported.

A handful of people were rescued (pictured) from the waters of La Jolla beach after getting dropped off by a suspected human smuggling vessel on Thursday

The panga boat (pictured) continued north and crashed into Wipeout Beach where first responders found someone submerged into the water

Lifeguards dispatched a boat (pictured) and rescued 10 people from the rough waters of La Jolla

San Diego Lifeguard Chief James Gartland said 15 to 18 people were on the panga boat that continued north and crashed into Wipeout Beach and where first responders found someone submerged into the water.

That person was brought to shore but first responders could not save them, Fox 5 reported.

The boat then headed towards the shore where the panga would later capsize, Chief Gartland told reporters.

Of the 10 people rescued, eight were taken to local hospitals.

15 people have been taken into custody, U.S Customs and Border Protection of San Diego confirmed.

San Diego Lifeguard Chief James Gartland (pictured) said 15-18 people were on the panga boat that continued north and crashed into Wipeout Beach

Of the 10 people rescued from the rough La Jolla waters, eight were taken to local hospitals

This is the third boat accident involving a suspected human smuggling vessel in San Diego this month.

Just last Monday, the U.S Coast Guard pulled 23 people from a panga boat off the coast of Point Loma after the boat got stuck in the surf line, ABC 7 San Diego reported.

The USCG was able to pull 23 people off the boat safely.

All 23 people on board were immigrants in the U.S illegally, ABC 7 reported.

A few weeks earlier on May 2, three people died and 24 people were rescued from the waters off Point Loma after a packed boat suspected of being used in a human smuggling operation capsized and broke apart due to rugged waters.

The USCG was able to account for 32 people- 29 were found alive and three were declared dead at the scene or at local hospitals, ABC 7 reported.
The gallantry medal awarded to a heroic army soldier who was wrongly accused of war crimes during the battle of Danny Boy in the Iraq War has sold for 55,000.

Corporal Mark Byles received the Military Cross for taking an enemy trench during a life-or-death full frontal assault in which he killed several insurgents.

He later had to deny claims by the disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner that he and his colleagues tortured and murdered prisoners.

Their plight has recently been told in the new BBC drama 'Danny Boy', in which Shiner is played by Toby Jones.

In 2013, Corporal Byles gave evidence at the Al-Sweady Inquiry, named after a 19-year-old Iraqi killed in the battle, to clear his name, refuting allegations he had personally killed up to 20 insurgents.

The five-year public inquiry, which cost 25million, concluded that allegations of torture and murder were 'wholly without foundation and entirely the product of deliberate lies, reckless speculation and ingrained hostility'.

The gallantry medal awarded to a heroic army soldier who was wrongly accused of war crimes during the battle of Danny Boy in the Iraq War has sold for 55,000. Corporal Mark Byles received the Military Cross for taking an enemy trench during a life-or-death full frontal assault in which he killed several insurgents

The action took place in Al Amara on May 14, 2004 during Operation Telic.

Corporal Byles, of 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, led his team into close quarters combat armed with grenades and bayonets.

They faced a barrage of machine-gun fire as they crossed open ground before diving into the heavily guarded 65ft trench.

Once inside, Corporal Byles 'slashed and rifle butted' numerous Mahdi Army insurgents, killing three of them and capturing four others.

They were then fired on from a second position and fierce fighting ensued in which 30 of the enemy were killed.

It was the first time the British had fought with bayonets since the Falklands War.

Corporal Byles later recounted: 'It was either me or them. It felt like I was in a dream. It didn't seem real. Anybody can pull a trigger from a distance, but I got up close and personal.

'I got back to camp after six hours on the ground, covered in blood from head to toe.'

Corporall Byles was a comrade of Victoria Cross recipient Colour Sergeant Johnson Beharry and mentioned at length in his memoir 'Barefoot Soldier'.

His medals were sold by a private collector with London-based auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, fetching a hammer price which tripled the 18,000 estimate.

Corporal Byles medal group consists of the Military Cross (left); General Service 1962-2007; Iraq 2003-11 and the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994

The buyer was a UK medals collector.

Christopher Mellor-Hill, Head of Client Liaison at Dix Noonan Webb, said: 'We are delighted to see such an amazing price reflecting the bravery of one of the soldiers who was involved in the 'Danny Boy' incident in Iraq and now portrayed on TV in a new series.

'This Military Cross is a testament to what these soldiers had to contend with under fire and its record price is a compliment to this soldier's story..'

Cpl Byles, from Portsmouth, Hants, was deployed with an advance party of his unit to Iraq in April 2004.

His battalion's seven month tour contained a number of high profile battles including 'Danny Boy' and the 'Siege of CIMIC House'.

They faced the most action of any British Army unit since the Korean War, with almost 900 skirmishes in the Maysan Province.

His Military Cross recommendation, from his commanding officer Lieutenant Benjamin Plenge, states: 'Approximately 10 metres from the position, the order, 'Pairs assault' was given by Corporal Byles.

Corporal Byles had to deny claims by the disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner (pictured) that he and his colleagues tortured and murdered prisoners

Their plight has recently been told in the new BBC drama 'Danny Boy', in which Shiner is played by Toby Jones (above)

'At this point the section split with Lance-Corporal Wood assaulting one half and Corporal Byles the other.

'Bayonets were fixed and grenades and automatic fire was used to clear the 20m long trench position.

'... Throughout the whole contact Corporal Byles showed immense professionalism under pressure.

'He showed bravery in the face of the enemy and strong leadership qualities in leading a dangerous assault against a larger enemy position.'

Corporal Byles was the subject of a failed assassination plot by British market stall holder Abu Mansha who was jailed for six years for it in 2006.

He left the army in 2008 while suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Corporal Byles medal group consists of the Military Cross; General Service 1962-2007; Iraq 2003-11 and the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994.
Former President Donald Trump condemned 35 Republicans who voted to set up a 9/11-style commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as 'wayward' and blasted his party for not sticking together.

Most House Republicans opposed the idea of setting up a 10-member commission.

But 35 moderates, including 10 who supported impeaching Trump, voted with Democrats on Wednesday evening to investigate the deadly riot by the former president's supporters.

'See, 35 wayward Republicansthey just cant help themselves,' said Trump Thursday.

'We have much better policy and are much better for the country, but the Democrats stick together, the Republicans dont.'

The bill passed the House on a 252-175 vote, helped by backing from GOP rebels including Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger and the eight other GOP members who voted to impeach Trump.

But the proposal faces an uncertain future in the Senate where it could need to flip 10 Republicans to pass the necessary 60-vote hurdle.

Meanwhile, the House narrowly approved spending $1.9 billion to toughen security at the complex, setting up a quick-reaction force and installing retractable fencing as Congress and the country continues to deal with fall-out.

Former President Donald Trump blasted Republicans who voted with Democrats on Wednesday to set up a 9/11 commission to investigate the Jan.9 attack on the Capitol

Democrats want a commission to investigate the violent mob of Trump supporters that attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6

REPUBLICANS WHO VOTED FOR THE COMMISSION Don Bacon Cliff Bentz Tom Rice (also voted to impeach Trump) Dan Newhouse (also voted to impeach Trump) Fred Upton (also voted to impeach Trump) Tom Reed Peter Meijer Adam Kinzinger (also voted to impeach Trump) John Katko (also voted to impeach Trump) Dusty Johnson Brian Fitzpatrick Anthony Gonzalez (also voted to impeach Trump) Jaime Herrera Beutler (also voted to impeach Trump) Chris Jacobs Steve Womack Stephanie Bice Andrew Garbarino Liz Cheney (also voted to impeach Trump) David Valadao (also voted to impeach Trump) Chris Smith Mariannette Miller-Meeks Rodney Davis Van Taylor Tony Gonzalez (also voted to impeach Trump) Mike Simpson Maria Salazar John Curtis Michael Guest French Hill David Joyce David McKinley Gwen Moore Trey Hollingsworth Jeff Fortenberry Carlos Gimenez Advertisement

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said investigating the attack was not a partisan question.

'This is a question of how we secure our democracy and the rule of law, so it's incredibly disappointing to see how many representatives have opted to turn this into a political issue instead of doing what's right for our country and our constitution,' she said.

While Trump criticized the rebel Republicans, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applauded the 35.

During her weekly press briefing, she saluted the 'courage' of Republicans who had withstood attacks on democracy to declare last year's election legitimate.

And she praised the 35 who voted with Democrats in supporting a 10-member commission to investigate the insurrection.

'I'm very proud of them and it was a recognition that this was a bipartisan project negotiated in good faith,' she said.

Pelosi said her aim was a bipartisan commission and she believed that Republicans would be willing to find a compromise.

'I would like to have trust that the Senate wants to find the truth as well,' she said.

A sticking point has been that the Republicans believe that the commission's chairman would have sole power to hire staff.

But Pelosi said that was not the case and Republicans would be able to appoint staff.

'Of course they can hire staff,' she said. 'That's never even been a question.'

She spoke just before the House approved by sweeping plans to toughen security.

The bill includes money for fencing, which it specifies must not be permanent but should be retractable so as to preserve access to the public.

Other measures include new cameras, and more secure windows and doors.

The bill squeaked through on a vote of 213 to 212 as Congress continues to deal with the repercussions of Jan. 6.

Democrats' hopes lie with a commission set up along the lines of the panel that investigated the 9/11 attacks.

But Trump allies see it as an attempt to smear the former president and his supporters.

QAnon sympathizer Marjorie Taylor Greene was among those who voted against the proposal.

'The January 6th Commission will be used to smear President Trump and his supporters for the next few years and cover up the real damage to the American people: Democrat policies,' she tweeted.

'I am OPPOSED.'

In the run-up to Wednesday's vote, a handful of Republicans came to the floor and pleaded with their colleagues to vote for the bill.

Capitol Police Officers and the family of Howard Liebengood, the officer who killed himself three days after the riot, also called on the GOP to approve the legislation.

'I beg you to pass this bill,' said Rep. John Katko, the New York Republican who negotiated with Democrats to get the bill finished.

'My friends on both sides of the aisle. I welcome honest, vigorous and civil debate. At the end of the day I strongly believe this is a fair and necessary legislation.'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was proud of 35 Republican rebels who voted in favor of setting up a 9/11-style commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol Security Bill, which includes $1.9 billion of spending, passes on a vote of 213-212

The House voted narrowly in favor of security improvements that would replace fencing installed after the riot with some form of retractable barriers

He received applause on the House floor after naming the police officers who died on January 6 and in the immediate aftermath, and other officers who've publicly recounted what they experienced.

'I want these officers and their families to know that we are doing it not for us. And not for politics. We are doing it for them,' Katko said.

'We are doing it for them.'

Katko's work had been blown up when McCarthy announced on Tuesday he would not support the legislation - and GOP Whip Steve Scalise told Republican lawmakers not to vote for it.

Earlier Wednesday, McConnell also said he was against the bill.

'After careful consideration, Ive made the decision to oppose the House Democrats slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January the 6th,' McConnell said.
Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump is questioning whether a 16-year-old black girl allegedly found hanging from a tree in Massachusetts was lynched.

The body of Mikayla Miller, 16, was found by a jogger in woods about a mile from her home in Hopkinton on April 17.

On Tuesday, a medical examiner ruled Miller's death a suicide - but her family refuse to believe she took her own life.

In a press conference Wednesday, Crump called the death 'suspicious' and revealed he is now representing Miller's family.

Crump is famous for representing the family of George Floyd, but he has also worked with relatives of Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin.

'What the family of Mikayla Miller want to know is, was she lynched?' he stated.

'And if she was, why aren't we saying that? They do not believe she committed suicide, as has been quickly determined by the local officials. And so that's why we have a national community of people who care about the life and the dignity of black people starting to look into this matter.'

Police said Miller was hanging from a tree. However, Crump claims her body was 'upright'. He says the suicide theory 'defies common sense'.

The body of Mikayla Miller, 16, was found by a jogger in woods about a mile from her home in Hopkinton on April 17. On Tuesday, a medical examiner ruled Miller's death a suicide - but her family refuse to believe she took her own life

Prominent civil right attorney Ben Crump is questioning whether a 16-year-old black girl Mikayla Miller was lynched

Miller was found hanging from a tree in woods close to her home in Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Miller's mother, Calvina Strothers, says her family has faced 'disrespect, slammed doors, misdirection, glaring inconsistencies, extreme confusion, and ultimately, silence' from authorities.

'The only thing these authorities have proved since April 17th is that they are completely incapable of properly investigating this case,' she stated.

Strothers has drawn attention to an alleged attack on her daughter the evening before her body was found. She said Miller was confronted by five white teens hours before her presumed death.

According to an account from the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Miller was involved in an altercation with two teens at a residential building in Hopkinton the evening of her death.

Two other teens were also in the room, and another was in a car outside. After the fight, police were called to Miller's home and found she had been punched in the face. Officers went to the homes of the two others involved in the fight and took statements.

However, a preliminary investigation found that all five of the teens involved were elsewhere later in the evening, according to Ryans office.

Investigators used cell phone data and witness accounts to confirm the teens' whereabouts.

Miller was reportedly found with a thin black belt around her neck. Her family say she owned no such item.

Miller's mother, Calvina Strothers, says her family has faced 'disrespect, slammed doors, misdirection, glaring inconsistencies, extreme confusion, and ultimately, silence.' She is pictured at left

'The only thing these authorities have proved since April 17th is that they are completely incapable of properly investigating this case,'Calvina Strothers stated

They are now calling for an independent investigation led by the FBI.

Activists have suggested that the death could be a hate crime. Miller was both black and a member of the LGBT community

But authorities have said there is no evidence so far that the death was the result of a hate crime.

Meanwhile, Crump says Miller's family will continue to push for justice.

'We are not just going to let this be swept under the rug,' he stated on Wednesday

'We are going to fight for truth and transparency for her daughter. We intend to continue to keep the pressure on to get to the truth.'
Guards at the border between Spain and Portugal are not carrying out Covid checks on travellers and have revealed that no rules are in place to stop British holidaymakers from crossing over.

It means a 'back door' into Europe has been left wide open, allowing sun-seeking Britons to skirt 'amber' travel restrictions in place across much of Europe by flying to 'green list' Portugal and then simply driving across the border.

Under current UK regulations, most of Europe is on the amber list, which requires British travellers to take two Covid tests once they arrive back and self-isolate at home for ten days, although that time can be reduced with an additional test.

But Portugal, which shares Europe's longest land border with Spain, is on the green list - meaning Brits travelling there do not need to self-isolate and only have to undergo one Covid test two days after returning home.

And guards at the Guadiana International Bridge, one of the main crossing points between the two countries located in the southern Algarve, told MailOnline that they have no plans to stop Brits making the crossing.

Portugal is just one of three European countries on Britain's travel green list, and the only one where unrestricted land travel into mainland Europe is possible

Guards at the border between Portugal and Spain say they have no plans to stop Britons crossing, leaving a back door to quarantine-free holidays in Europe wide open

Inspector Rui Pereira of Portugal's GNR paramilitary police said: 'British tourists are free to travel into Spain. We are not carrying out any checks and have not been given any special guidance on how to deal with them.

'The border is fully open. There is nothing stopping a British tourist from flying into Portugal, hiring a car and crossing over into Spain.

'This is an internal border, and we will not be carrying out any specific Coronavirus checks, just routine ones if we suspect that a traveller is breaking the law.'

The border post is run jointly by Portuguese and Spanish police and immigration officials and is only a two-hour drive from the beaches of southern Spain, popular with many Brits.

Inspector Pereira's counterpart from the Spanish national police, who did not want to give his name, added: 'We know that British tourists love coming to Spain and we are expecting a lot of them to use this loophole of flying into Portugal and visiting our country.

'There are no security checks at the border, people are free to cross it as much as they like. To be honest, we are not checking for any particular nationalities because this is an internal border and is not subject to the same checks that you get at ports and airports.'

Non-essential travel to Portugal resumed earlier this week and there is expected to be a huge influx of British tourists over the coming weeks.

Traffic was light at the Guadiana International Bridge when MailOnline visited, with just a handful of cars crossing between Portugal and Spain without any checks taking place.

But Inspector Pereira admitted: 'We're expecting it to be a lot busier very soon as more tourists arrive from Britain and other parts of Northern Europe.

'You could say that it's crazy that we are not carrying out any checks. But those are the rules that we have been given.

'If a British tourist wants to go over into Spain but it breaches their government's Covid rules, then it's up to them. It's got nothing to do with us.'

Spain and Portugal reopened their land border in early May, allowing non-essential travel between the two countries for the first time since January.

Prior to the reopening, drivers had to show paperwork proving a 'compelling reason' to cross the border, but from May 1 that requirement was dropped.

All other arrivals in Spain, even from EU countries, have to present a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure and fill out a health certificate with their contact information in case they are needed by track and trace.

Spain and Portugal reopened their land border on May 1, allowing non-essential travel to resume - and guards say they have not been told to check for tourists in the traffic

Spanish and Portuguese border guards both confirmed to MailOnline that there are no plans to stop tourists from crossing the land border

Non-essential travel from countries outside the EU is currently banned, though the EU has put forward recommendations for reopening borders.

Under the EU's plans, vaccinated travellers would be allowed into the bloc no matter their country of origin provided they have been full vaccinated against Covid and received their last dose at least two weeks before their flight.

Unvaccinated travellers from a 'white list' of countries with low infections would also be allowed in, provided they can provide a negative test result or evidence of a previous infection.

Diplomats revealed on Wednesday that countries will be considered 'low infection' if they have a case rate below 75 per 100,000 - with Britain currently on 44.

The list is due to be published this week, but negotiators in Brussels have warned the UK could be left off it for now amid fears over the Indian variant.

However, the plan is merely a 'recommendation' and as such is not legally binding, meaning member states could choose to ignore it and implement their own rules.

Several countries have already taken that step, with Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Croatia and Turkey welcoming foreign arrivals.
President George W. Bush blames Congress for the 'broken' immigration system and believes Biden's withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan will create a dangerous 'vacuum'

Former President George W. Bush said it's Congress' fault - not Presidents Donald Trump or Joe Biden's - that the US has a broken immigration system.

'You're not going to solve this if there is politics,' the Republican former president told Fox News. 'If you think about where we are right now, you've got people on one side of the aisle blaming the former president, and people on the other side of the aisle blaming the current president.'

'And, the truth of the matter is, the system is broken because Congress has failed to act,' Bush continued.

Additionally, in the same interview, Bush said he believed President Joe Biden's planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan wasn't 'necessary.'

He told Fox he was 'deeply concerned' that a 'vacuum' would be created without American boots on the ground and could be taken advantage of by the Taliban.

Bush is back in the public eye as he promotes his new books of paintings 'Out of Many, One: Portraits of Americas Immigrants.'

Beyond pointing a finger at Congress, he also outlined a more sinister culprit in the current immigration crisis.

The 'people who are guilty, really guilty, are the people who exploit human misery, and charge money to desperate people, and bring them to the border with no plan to get them into the country,' Bush said.

Bush said the border crisis won't be solved if there is 'politics'. Migrants from Romania are seen boarding a bus in La Joya, Texas, after crossing the Rio Grande

'I'm sure theyre telling them falsehoods  "follow me, Ill get you in"  and these poor people have no way of checking that out and are finding themselves stuck at the border,' he continued.

Bush said Congress would most likely need to take a 'piecemeal approach' to fix the country's immigration system, as a big bill is likely out of reach.

'I don't think Congress is going to be able to get it all done with one comprehensive bill. I think there needs to be a piecemeal approach so that people can gain confidence in the ability to work with the other side,' he said.

Among the things Bush thought possible - a bill like the Dream Act, which would allow the so-called 'Dreamers,' immigrants brought to the U.S. as kids, a legal way to stay in the country.

When Biden came into office earlier this year, he shored up DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program put in place during the Obama era, that President Donald Trump's administration challenged in court.

Bush also said the country needed to bolster its guest worker program, which could help the situation at the border, which has been unprecedented crossings due to tumult in Northern Triangle countries, pandemic refugees and the traditional seasonal spike.

Bush also believes the decision to pull troops from Afghanistan is not 'necessary' and fears the Taliban will take advantage. US soldiers are seen handing over a base to Afghan security forces in Helmand Province

'What youre seeing is a border that reflects a broken system, and there needs to be changes,' Bush said. 'There need to be changes in work visas, so people dont have to sneak in to do work that needs to be done in America; there need to be changes in the asylum system to be able to adjudicate cases quickly.'

'And what people have got to understand is that a broken system makes it harder to enforce the border. A reformed system will make it easier to enforce the border, and so that is what has to happen,' the ex-president continued.

Bush has expressed disappointment in the political rhetoric on immigration - a jab at Trump, who was disliked by the Bush clan after a bruising 2016 primary battle against Jeb Bush, the president's brother.

Bush told Fox that changing the rhetoric 'starts with this premise that we're all God's children, and every life matters.'

'Well, if that becomes the basis of which to solve a problem, it changes the tone of the rhetoric, and the rhetoric is less alienating, and more welcoming,' he said. 'And I think you can be both welcoming, and insistent on border enforcement.'

'And that's really the purpose of the book,' he added.
A newborn baby boy was recovered dead from a canal after being spotted by a shocked passer-by.

The body was found at around 1pm on Thursday, May 20 after police and paramedics were alerted by a member of the public.

A cordon was placed around Bentley Wharf Bridge in Rough Wood Country Park, Willenhall.

Police and paramedics recovered the newborn baby from the water at Rough Wood Country Park, Hunts Lane, Willenhall

An investigation has been launched to understand exactly what has happened and also to find the whereabouts of the mother

Police have confirmed that a baby boy, believed to be a newborn, is sadly dead.

An investigation has been launched to understand exactly what has happened and also to find the whereabouts of the mother, who police are concerned about.

West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Wes Martin said: 'This is a tragic investigation and our priority is to now find the baby boy's mum to make sure she is ok.

'She may be in need of urgent medical attention and she is our absolute priority at the moment.

'We have been speaking to members of the public and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.'

A nearby school, the Willenhall E-ACT Academy, sent out an alert to parents ahead of the school-run to warn of the incident.

Students were also unable to access the canal area.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called by police at 1.14pm to Rough Wood Country Park, Willenhall.

'We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care paramedic to the scene.'

Police are seeking potential witnesses and urge anyone to come forward with any information as soon as possible.

But members of the public have been asked 'not to speculate' on the incident.

If you have information please contact the police on their website or call 101, quoting log number 1963 of 20 May.

It comes after a baby boy was found abandoned in a park in Kings Norton, Birmingham, and a newborn was found dead in a Morrisons car park in Bilston, Wolverhampton, last month.

Only last week a newborn baby was found dead in a canal in north-west London.

The baby girl was discovered by a paddleboarder in the Grand Union Canal near to Old Oak Lane on May 9.
A drunken easyJet passenger who caused mayhem on a flight from Cyprus to Bristol has been jailed.

Alexandros Christou assaulted his girlfriend, a passenger and a flight crew member after getting drunk on whisky bought at the airport in September 2020.

Bristol Crown Court heard witnesses described him as being '11 out of ten angry' as he hurled vile abuse and tried to open a door on the aircraft.

The captain of the jet was so concerned that he sped up the journey and alerted Bristol air traffic control, enabling police to be scrambled to the gate.

Pictured: Alexandros Christou has been jailed after causing mayhem on a flight to Bristol

Christou, 21, of Rhydynos Street in Pontypool, pleaded guilty to battery, two common assaults, a public order offence, criminal damage, being drunk on an aircraft and reckless behaviour likely to endanger an aircraft.

Jailing Christou for 11 months, Judge James Patrick told him: 'This was a petrifying incident for those who were involved.

'Those who offend in this way must expect to receive a custodial sentence.'

Catherine Flint, prosecuting, said Christou and his girlfriend Sinead were returning from Cyprus to Bristol and Christou bought a bottle of whisky at the airport.

After boarding the aircraft the couple argued and he hit Sinead in her face prompting her to request a move.

Miss Flint said: 'Mr Christou was moved to the back of the plane and it was explained to him why.

Christou was described as '11 out of ten angry' when he attacked his girlfriend on an easyJet flight from Cyprus to Bristol before turning on the cabin crew and attempting to open a door

'He became very abusive and was abusive to his girlfriend in English and Greek.

'He was absolutely enraged and was described as being 11 out of ten angry.'

The court heard Christou ignored the 'wear seatbelt' sign, threatened to bite a woman's finger off and swung a bag at a cabin crew member, which missed.

He then tried to open the back door of the aircraft, uttered vile abuse including a homophobic slur in Greek, spat at a passenger, and threw soap and tissue at his girlfriend, the court heard.

Miss Flint said: 'The captain was kept informed. He sped up the flight and communicated with air traffic control. The flight landed at Bristol and was met by police.'

The court heard Christou was arrested and tried to chew his way through handcuffs, injuring his mouth.

A judge jailed Christou for 11 months at Bristol Crown Court (pictured) after he admitted offences including being drunk on aircraft and reckless behaviour likely to endanger aircraft

He then spat blood in the police vehicle, which had to be deep cleaned at a cost of 107.

Edmund Wylde, defending, stressed that his client entered an early guilty plea to a single episode of drunken activity on the aircraft.

He told the court Christou, a capable chef, was returning to the UK after visiting his estranged father.

Arresting officer PC Adrian Chilcott said: 'We will not tolerate abusive and aggressive behaviour onboard any aircraft and will always work with the airport and airlines to take appropriate action against disruptive passengers.'
Jill Biden called Dr. Anthony Fauci 'our American hero' during a visit to Children's National Hospital on Thursday where the two urged teenagers to get vaccinated.

Fauci also clarified confusion on the face mask issue, saying it was unfortunate that some people interpreted the new guidelines to mean face coverings could be completely ditched.

'Unfortunately some people interpreted that as everyone can get rid of their mask, which is not the case,' he said.

He expressed confidence the confusion would be cleared up soon.

'We're clarifying that now and I think we're getting on the right track,' he added.

New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that people who are fully vaccinated for COVID can go mask free both outdoors and indoors, excluding crowded spaces like airports and hospitals.

Jill Biden, who holds a doctorate, praised the doctor multiple times during the visit, putting her arm around him when she described him as 'our American hero.'

She later asked the people in the clinic: 'Who doesn't love Dr. Fauci?'

The group of people, which were teenagers who had been vaccinated or were waiting to be, along with their parents, applauded Fauci, the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical advisor to the president.

Jill Biden called Dr. Anthony Fauci 'our American hero' during a visit to Children's National Hospital

Dr. Anthony Fauci flushes as Dr. Jill Biden praised him multiple times during their visit

Dr. Anthony Fauci, with first lady Jill Biden, also clarified confusion on the face mask issue, saying it was unfortunate that some people interpreted the new guidelines to mean face coverings could be completely ditched

The two, joined by White House COVID response coordinator Jeff Zients, watched a teenage girl get her first shot of the Pfizer vaccine.

'Ready to get yours? Ive already gotten mine,' the first lady, wearing a red pants suit by Theory with a pale pink face mask.

Children age 12 to 16 are now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses for full inoculation. 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.

About 1.7 million kids between the age of 12 to 18 have been fully vaccinated, according to CDC data.

Thursday's visit to Washington D.C.'s premier children's hospital marks Biden and Fauci's second event together. The duo, in February, co-hosted a virtual town hall for military families to address their concerns about COVID.

Both wore a face masks, which the CDC still requires in hospitals.

Jill Biden said, however, she feels safe enough to eat out in a restaurant although she didn't know when that would happen given President Joe Biden's hectic schedule.

'I don't know. Joe's so busy,' she said. 'As soon as he gets a little time.'

The Biden administration is encouraging children to get vaccinated as they try to raise immunity levels in the country.

President Biden last week called it 'as one more giant step in our fight against the pandemic,' and he called on parents to get their children inoculated.

'The bottom line is this: A vaccine for kids between the ages of 12 and 15  [is] safe, effective, easy, fast and free,' he said. 'So my hope is that parents will take advantage of the vaccine and get their kids vaccinated.'

First lady Jill Biden, right, offers to holds hands with Skylah Jackson, left, as the girl gets her first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination

Jill Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci speak with Skylah Jackson's family before her first Covid-19 vaccination

Fauci said during the visit the goal is to get 70% of the country inoculated by July 4th.

He said he expected more children to soon be eligible for the shot.

'We're going to be doing age de escalation studies. We'll go from 12 to nine, nine to six, then six to two, and then six months to two years. By the end of this calendar year, it's likely that we'll have enough information to vaccinate children of any age,' he said.

Last Thursday, the same day the CDC changed their guidelines on mask wearing, Jill Biden was also promoting vaccines for children.

She was one of the first high-profile figures to appear in public without a face mask when she visited a vaccine clinic at a West Virginia high school with actress Jennifer Garner.

'We feel naked,' the first lady said about not wearing one. Then she paused. 'I didn't mean it that way!'

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

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

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 were about to be vaccinated.

'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.'

Biden and Garner went to Capital High in Charleston, W.Va., to visit a vaccination clinic for students age 12 - 15.

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.
One of two men wanted for the murder of a London-based law graduate in Pakistan has been arrested.

Saad Ameer Butt, 29, was detained by police in Lahore and is currently being questioned over the killing of Mayra Zulfiqar, 24, who was shot dead in an upmarket district of the city.

Police are still searching for another man, Zahir Jadoon, who is believed to have been in a relationship with Ms Zulfiqar and had rented the house in the Defence area, where her body was discovered so that they could spend time there away from her family.

Police sources have told MailOnline that Butt allegedly threatened Ms Zulfiqar and was pursuing her 'romantically' even though he knew that she was involved with Jadoon.

They also claim that they are due to question Jadoon over the coming days.

Mayra Zulfiquar, 24 a law graduate, was shot dead in Pakistan on May 3

It is thought Ms Zulfiquar (left) got involved in a love triangle with Jadoon (pictured together left) and his friend Saad Butt (right) who turned himself over to officers

Police have still not been able to establish if the two men acted alone or together as they try to solve the murder.

A police source said: 'Despite questioning Butt for several hours we have still not been able to establish the exact reasons for the killing.

'But has admitted to knowing Mayra but denied that he killed her and claimed that he hadn't seen her for quite a while.'

Mayra Zulfiqar's father Mohammad Zulfiqar is seen breaking down in footage broadcast on local TV in Pakistan and pleading for justice

'The investigation is continuing, and we are confident that we will catch the killer very soon.'

According to a statement from Ms Zulfiqar's uncle, Muhammad Nazir, she had complained about being harassed by Butt and Jadoon after rejecting marriage proposals from both of them.

Superintendent Sayyed Ali of Punjab police admitted to MailOnline that they had had dealings with Butt in the past although would not reveal any more details.

He added: 'It is a mystery to us why Zahir has also absconded and we are also looking for him because he will be able to provide us with a lot of information as to what actually happened.'

A post-mortem report revealed that Ms Zulfiqar bled to death in her bedroom after being shot in the neck and arm in the early hours of 3 May.

Ms Zulfiqar, originally from Feltham in south west London, also had bruising on her right hand and left foot, according to the report.

She graduated in law from the University of West London and had gone to Pakistan with her mother Tabasaam to attend a cousin's wedding but decided to stay in the country after it was placed on the coronavirus red list.

Ms Zulfiqar (pictured) is understood to have gone to Pakistan around two months ago to attend a cousin's wedding, but chose to stay in the country afterwards

After rushing to Pakistan to arrange her funeral, Ms Zulfiqar's father Mohammad Zulfiqar appealed to Imran Khan, the country's prime minister for help in catching the killers.

He said: 'She was passionate to do something for Pakistan. I want justice, PM Imran Khan she was your daughter too.'

Her brother Moiz Muhammad said: 'It's a nightmare we are going through, and I still can't believe she is not with us. She was always caring and keen to step up for the poor people. All we want is justice.'
An Austrian hospital has admitted to amputating the wrong leg of one of its elderly patients during what should have been a routine procedure.

The Freistadt Clinic, in a small town of the same name near the Czech border, said it was 'deeply shocked' and described the incident as a 'tragic mistake'.

The elderly patient, 82, required surgery to remove his left leg owing to previous illnesses, but surgeons marked up the wrong limb before heading into the operating theatre.

But it was two days later, during a routine bandage change, when horrified nurses found the hospital had made a serious error during the operation.

A full investigation as well as a standards review has been promised by the clinic in the wake of the news.

The Freistadt Clinic (above) in north Austria admitted to amputating the wrong leg of one of its elderly patients earlier this week

In a statement released today, the clinic said: 'We are deeply shocked that on Tuesday, despite quality assurance standards, the wrong leg of an 82-year old man... was amputated'.

Previous sicknesses had affected the the elderly patient's limbs, to the point that his left leg required amputation.

But according to the clinic, doctors marked up his right leg for the chop by mistake shortly before his operation.

The Austrian clinic says it will review its standards after surgeons marked up the wrong leg for amputation, before the mistake was realised two days later (File picture)

'Unfortunately the mistake, in which the right leg was removed instead of the left, occurred as a result of a sequence of unfortunate circumstances,' the clinic said, adding that it was investigating what happened and would review its standards.

The patient has been offered psychological assistance and must still undergo another operation to remove his left leg from mid-thigh.

'The operation is planned shortly,' the clinic said.
Shocking video shows pro-Palestinian protesters brawling with LA restaurant diners after allegedly asking if any of them were Jewish.

The footage, recorded on Tuesday night, showed kicks and punches exchanged, as well as bottles being thrown and a velvet rope being swung outside Sushi Fumi in Beverly Grove.

Onlookers said the violence erupted after the Palestine supporters asked if any of the diners were Jews, with some responding that they were.

The Los Angeles Police Department said on Wednesday that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

It comes amid escalating protests across the US amid clashes between Israeli and Palestine forces in the Gaza Strip.

A car convoy flying Palestinian flags is pictured rolling through the Beverly Grove section of LA on Tuesday. Witnesses said members of the caravan yelled 'death to Jews' and 'free Palestine'

A wild brawl broke out outside Sushi Fumi after pro-Palestinian activists were said to have asked diners: 'who's Jewish?'

The attackers were observed throwing glasses and yelling anti-Semitic slurs

The Los Angeles Times said a witness, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said some people from the caravan threw bottles and chanted 'death to Jews' and 'free Palestine.'

'Somebody in one of the cars driving by started throwing glass bottles or glass cups at the tables and they shattered everywhere,' a woman diner, who didnt want to be identified, told KCBS-TV.

Several cars stopped and men got out, began running toward the tables and began asking 'Whos Jewish?' the woman said.

KTLA-TV reported that a witness, who was not identified, said fighting broke out when two men replied they were Jewish.

Video showed a man being punched on a sidewalk.

The man, who wished to be identified only as M, told KABC-TV that he was helping plan an upcoming wedding with four Jewish friends when the car caravan rolled up.

Video showed some men dressed in black getting out of a car and pushing Ms friend to the ground. M, who described himself in a separate interview with NBC Los Angeles as an ethnic Armenian who grew up in Lebanon and spoke Arabic, said he grabbed a metal stanchion. Video showed him swinging it at attackers.

M said he grabbed the heavy metal pole to scare the men after his initial efforts to 'make peace' failed.

'There were many girls behind us. I was scared that they would attack everybody,' he said.

Five people were injured in the melee, including an Arabic-speaking ethnic Armenian who came to the defense of his Jewish friends

Police are looking for three suspects and a Jeep in connection to the attack

M was followed to his car, punched, had his finger sliced with a knife and pepper sprayed, and was treated at a hospital for multiple injuries, he said.

Restaurant staff rushed patrons inside, locked the doors and called police, who arrived and restored order. The melee was said to have lasted about 15 minutes.

No arrests were immediately made. At least three suspects were being sought.

Police said five victims were punched or hurt by broken glass, but nobody was seriously injured.

LA City Councilman Paul Koretz, who is Jewish, called the attack 'absolutely outrageous.'

After touring the scene of the melee on Wednesday, Koretz told reporters: 'Were not going to bring the conflict from the Middle East here and allow people to be attacked on our streets because of what they look like and what they appear ethnically.'

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, in tweets posted Wednesday afternoon, said the LAPD is looking into the assault as a hate crime and condemned what he called an 'organized, anti-Semitic attack.'

On Monday night, a Jewish Orthodox man was chased by a pro-Palestinian convoy as he walked to a synagogue (pictured)

The victim, who was not hurt, said his pursuers were yelling 'Allahu Akbar' at him

'Jewish Angelenos, like all residents, should always feel safe in our city,' he posted. 'L.A. is a city of belonging, not of hate.'

'There is simply no place for anti-Semitism, discrimination, or prejudice of any kind in Los Angeles. And we will never tolerate bigotry and violence in our communities.'

A day earlier, a Jewish Orthodox man was walking to his synagogue when he said he was chased and nearly run over by members of a pro-Palestinian convoy in LA's Fairfax District.

The incident took place in the parking lot of a Bank of America near Rosewood Avenue and La Brea Boulevard, and was captured on video, which shows the unnamed Jewish man running for his life from a vehicle flying a Palestinian flag.

'All along they were screaming, "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,"' the victim told KABC.

The man said he managed to reach the synagogue safely and lock the door behind him.

A weekend protest in West Los Angeles in support of Palestinians drew thousands of peaceful protesters. An earlier Tuesday demonstration outside the Israeli consulate also was peaceful and an organizer, Amani Barakat, told KCBS-TV that he wouldnt condone violence.

A pro-Palestine protestor fought with a pro-Israel protestor outside of the 17th Police Precinct in Manhattan on Tuesday

Multiple arrest and fights break out at a Palestinian March in New York City on Tuesday

Nearly 300 protestors of all ages stood on the sidewalk across from the Israeli embassy in Atlanta on Tuesday evening to call for an end to Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip

'Weve organized many protests, Saturdays protest we had more than 20,000 people that showed up and not one single incident,' Barakat said.

In New York, violence broke out on Tuesday during a 'Free Palestine' protest outside the Israeli consulate in Midtown Manhattan, resulting in more than a dozen arrests.

There were also protests in Atlanta, Washington D.C., Boston and Dearborn, Michigan, where President Joe Biden was visiting.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations for Greater Los Angeles condemned the attack in LA on Tuesday night.

'As a civil rights and advocacy organization, we support everyones right to free speech, the right to assemble and rally in support of their respective political views, Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said in a statement. 'However, despite heightened tensions in Palestine and Israel, it is never acceptable for that conflict to spill over into our streets and cities. Violence and intimidation should be condemned, investigated, and if warranted, prosecuted.'
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Brown Jackson is considered by some to be next in line for a Supreme Court nod

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has served on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since 2013. Prior to joining the federal bench, Judge Jackson served as a Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission beginning in 2010.

Judge Jackson began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Patti Saris on the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts from 1996 to 1997 and then for Judge Bruce Selya on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 1997 to 1998. She was an associate at Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin LLP from 1998 to 1999. She clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1999 to 2000. Judge Jackson was an associate at Goodwin Proctor LLP in Boston, Massachusetts from 2000 to 2002 and an associate at Feinberg Rozen, LLP (formerly The Feinberg Group, LLP) in Washington, D.C. from 2002 to 2003.

From 2003 to 2005, Judge Jackson served as an Assistant Special Counsel for the United States Sentencing Commission, and from 2005 to 2007, Judge Jackson served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Washington, D.C. From 2007 to 2010, Judge Jackson was of counsel at Morrison & Foerster LLP where her practice focused on criminal and civil appellate litigation in both state and federal courts, as well as cases in the Supreme Court.

Judge Jackson received her J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1996. She received an A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1992.

Tiffany Cunningham: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Tiffany P. Cunningham has been a partner at Perkins Coie LLP in Chicago, Illinois since 2014. She has been nominated for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Tiffany P. Cunningham has been a partner at Perkins Coie LLP in Chicago, Illinois since 2014. She is a member of the Patent Litigation practice and serves on the 17-member Executive Committee of the firm. Ms. Cunningham serves as trial and appellate counsel for large multinational companies, as well as small enterprises, and individuals in complex patent and trade secret disputes.

Ms. Cunningham is a registered patent attorney before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. From 2002 to 2014, she worked in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP as an associate until she was elevated to partner in 2007. Ms. Cunningham began her legal career as a law clerk to Judge Timothy B. Dyk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 2001 to 2002. Ms. Cunningham received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2001 and her S.B. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1998.

Candace Jackson-Akiwumi: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Candace Jackson-Akiwumi is a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder, LLP in Washington, D.C., where she focuses on complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense

Candace Jackson-Akiwumi is a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder, LLP in Washington, D.C., where she focuses on complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense, and investigations. From 2010 to 2020, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi worked as a staff attorney at the Federal Defender Program in the Northern District of Illinois. Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi represented more than 400 indigent clients accused of federal crimes at every stage of the process, from investigation to trial, sentencing, and appeal.

Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi began her legal career as a law clerk to Judge David H. Coar on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2005 to 2006, and then for Judge Roger Gregory on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi was a litigation associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Chicago, Illinois from 2007 to 2010.

Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi received her A.B., with honors, from Princeton University in 2000, and her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2005.

Judge Deborah Boardman: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Deborah Boardman is a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, a position she was appointed to in 2019.

From 2008 to 2019, Judge Boardman served at the Federal Public Defenders Office for the District of Maryland, including four years as the First Assistant Federal Public Defender. From 2001 to 2008, Judge Boardman worked as an associate at Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells) in Washington, D.C., where she was selected to serve as the senior associate in the firms pro bono department. Judge Boardman began her career as a law clerk for Judge James C. Cacheris of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2000 to 2001.

Judge Boardman, who was born and raised in Maryland, received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2000. After graduating with her B.A., summa cum laude from Villanova University in 1996, Judge Boardman was a Fulbright Scholar in Amman, Jordan.

Judge Lydia Griggsby: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Judge Lydia Griggsby is Biden's nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Judge Lydia Griggsby has served as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims since 2014. Prior to her appointment, Judge Griggsby was Chief Counsel for Privacy and Information Policy and Privacy Counsel for Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, from 2005 to 2014. Prior to that, she was a counsel on the Senate Select Committee on Ethics from 2004 to 2005.

Judge Griggsby served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, practicing in the Civil Division, for the U.S. Attorneys Office in the District of Columbia from 1998 to 2004. She was a trial attorney in the Commercial Litigation Branch in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1995 to 1998. Judge Griggsby began her legal career as an associate with DLA Piper in Baltimore, Maryland from 1993 to 1995.

Judge Griggsby received her J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1993 and her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. She was born in Baltimore and lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Julien Neals: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

Julien Neals is County Counsel and Acting County Administrator for Bergen County, New Jersey. He became county counsel in January 2015 and has served as Acting County Administrator since June 2016. Mr. Neals served in various positions in the Newark, New Jersey city government between 2006 and 2014, including as Business Administrator from 2010 to 2014, Corporation Counsel from 2008 to 2010, and Chief Judge of the Municipal Court from 2006 to 2008. He was a partner at the Secaucus, New Jersey, law firm of Chasan Leyner & Lamparello from 1992 to 2006 and from 2014 to 2015. Mr. Neals began his legal career as a clerk for Judge Seymour Margulies on the New Jersey Superior Court.

A native of Newark, Mr. Neals received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1991 and his B.A. from Morehouse College in 1986.

Judge Florence Y. Pan: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Judge Florence Pan (pictured right with her husband Max Stier) would be the first Asian-American judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Judge Florence Y. Pan has served as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court for the District of Columbia since 2009. Prior to joining the court, from 1999 to 2009, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, where she also served as Deputy Chief of the Appellate Division from 2007 to 2009. From 1998 to 1999, she worked at the United States Department of Treasury, first as a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets in 1998 and then as a Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Finance in 1999.

Judge Pan worked for the U.S. Department of Justice from 1995 to 1998, during which time she was a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General from 1995 to 1996 and an attorney in the Appellate Section of the Criminal Division from 1996 to 1998. From 1994 to 1995, she served as a law clerk for Judge Ralph K. Winter, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Judge Pan began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Michael B. Mukasey of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 1993 to 1994. She received her J.D. with distinction from Stanford Law School in 1993 and her B.A. and B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988.

Judge Zahid N. Quraishi: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

Zahid Quraishi is a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, a position he was appointed to in 2019.He would be the first Muslim district judge if appointed

Zahid Quraishi is a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, a position he was appointed to in 2019.

Prior to his appointment, Judge Quraishi was a partner at Riker Danzig where he chaired the firms White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations Group and served as his firms first Chief Diversity Officer. Before joining Riker Danzig, Judge Quraishi served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey from 2008 to 2013. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorneys office, Judge Quraishi served as an assistant chief counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He also served as a military prosecutor and achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps, deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2006. Earlier in his career, Judge Quraishi worked in private practice and clerked for Judge Edwin H. Stern, of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, from 2000 to 2001.

Judge Quraishi received his J.D. in 2000 from Rutgers Law School  Newark and his B.A. in 1997 from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Regina Rodriguez: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Colorado

Regina Rodriguez has been a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in Denver, Colorado since 2019. She is the Co-Chair of the Trial Practice and handles cases involving complex litigation and government investigations. From 2016 to 2019, she was a partner in the Denver, Colorado office of Hogan Lovells US LLP. From 2002 to 2016, Ms. Rodriguez worked in the Denver office of Faegre & Benson LLP (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP) as a special counsel until she was elevated to partner in 2005.

She served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado from 1995 to 2002, during which time she served as the Deputy Chief of the Civil Division from 1998 to 1999 and as Chief of the Civil Division from 1999 to 2002. In addition, from 1997 to 1998, Ms. Rodriguez served a four-month detail as Deputy Senior Counsel for Alternative Dispute Resolution in the U.S. Department of Justice. She began her legal career as an associate in the Denver law firm of Cooper & Kelly, P.C. (now defunct) from 1988 to 1995. Ms. Rodriguez received her J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1988 and her B.S., with honors, from the University of Iowa in 1985.

Margaret Strickland: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

Margaret Strickland has been a named partner at McGraw & Strickland LLC in Las Cruces, New Mexico since 2011. She represents clients in both civil rights cases and criminal cases in both state and federal courts in New Mexico. She has represented clients in more than 70 criminal jury trials, and she has also argued before the New Mexico Supreme Court and the New Mexico Court of Appeals. From 2017 to 2019, she served as President of the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Ms. Strickland started her career at the Law Offices of the Public Defender for the State of New Mexico from 2006 to 2011. She received her J.D. from New York University School of Law in 2006 and her B.A. from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2003.

Judge Rupa Ranga Puttagunta: Nominee for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Judge Rupa Ranga Puttagunta currently serves as an Administrative Judge for the D.C. Rental Housing Commission.

Prior to joining the Commission in 2019, Judge Puttagunta was a solo practitioner from 2013 to 2019, representing indigent criminal defendants in trial and on appeal. Before opening her own practice, Judge Puttagunta practiced family and appellate law at Delaney McKinney, LLP from 2012 to 2013.

While working on domestic relations matters in private practice, Judge Puttagunta also provided hundreds of hours of pro bono legal services by volunteering at D.C. Superior Courts Family Court Self-Help Center and Attorney Negotiator Program and representing victims of domestic violence in D.C. Superior Court. Judge Puttagunta began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge William M. Jackson of the D.C. Superior Court from 2008 to 2010, as well as the Senior Judges of the D.C. Court of Appeals from 2010 to 2011. Judge Puttagunta received her J.D. from Ohio State Moritz College of Law in 2007 and her B.A. from Vassar College in 2002.

(source: White House)
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Just three of the 15 Indian variant hotspots in the UK are seeing clear rises in infection rates, surge testing data has revealed.

Almost 3,500 cases of the Indian Covid variant have now been spotted across the UK, with the number of people testing positive for the strain having more than doubled in a week.

But the latest data has suggested that scientists' fears about the Indian strain being more transmissible than the already highly virulent Kent variant may be unfounded.

In the over-60s, cases are not rising in any of the hotspots outside of Bolton - meaning vaccines are likely working to protect the elderly from the disease, The Times reports.

Full figures on the results of the surge testing - which is being carried out in areas including Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow and Kirklees - will be released next week, as current data is only preliminary.

Public Health England's weekly update said the B.1.617.2 variant had been detected 3,424 times by May 19, up from 1,313 a week ago.

The bulk of the cases have been in the North West of England  mostly in Bolton and Blackburn  and in London but PHE said clusters were cropping up across the country.

In England, 3,245 cases have now been confirmed, with another 136 in Scotland, 28 in Wales and 15 in Northern Ireland.

Matt Hancock told a Downing St press conference last night that there had been about 2,900 cases of the Indian variant. It does not mean another 500 cases were spotted overnight.

Ministers and the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) have said they expect the strain to quickly become the dominant virus in the UK.

PHE also revealed that it had detected another mutant Covid variant in Yorkshire and the Humber which it has assigned as a 'Variant Under Investigation'.

The strain  temporarily named AV.1  has been spotted 49 times so far and there is currently no evidence that it causes more severe disease or renders vaccines less effective. Its effect on transmission is not yet understood.

Positive test figures from the Wellcome Sanger Institute  which cover only lab-analysed cases in the two weeks between April 25 and May 8  reveal the mutant Indian strain made up 50 per cent or more of all samples in 23 parts of the country by last week. Bolton and Blackburn in the North West remain the worst-hit areas with almost 600 cases between them and the variant making up 81 per cent of infections

While the Indian variant is spreading rapidly in pockets of the country, 60 per cent of local authorities in England have yet to record a case (shown in grey). But it is likely the variant has spread even further than the map suggests because the data only goes up to May 8. Experts have said they expect it to overtake the Kent strain and become dominant in the coming weeks and months

Dr Meera Chand, Covid incident director at PHE, said: 'We are very grateful to those who have turned out in their thousands in Bolton to be vaccinated.

'As per advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunization (JCVI), we particularly urge anyone who is yet to have their second dose to make sure they come forward and take up the offer as soon as it is due.

'This is vitally important in the light of our current assessment that VOC-21APR-02 (the Indian variant) has grown rapidly in England and may be highly transmissible.

'PHE will continue to monitor all variants closely, paying particular attention to the impact on hospitalisations and deaths which will help us to understand the protective effects of the vaccine.'

Flat hospital and death rates in Bolton are first sign jabs work well and NHS won't be overwhelmed by Indian variant, experts say The Covid outbreak in Bolton may be the first sign that the NHS won't be overwhelmed by the Indian variant, scientists say. The mutant B.1.617.2 strain is dominant in the Greater Manchester borough, and is behind a huge spike in cases that has made it the UK's Covid capital. Infections have almost soared to levels seen during January's second wave, with around 150 positive tests now being reported every day compared to fewer than 20 in April. The town's infection rate has doubled to 283 per 100,000 people in a week - but a huge testing drive means far more people are being regular checked for the disease. The surge in cases has yet to translate into an uptick in Covid hospitalisations, with just one person on average being admitted each day. Deaths also remain flat with just two fatalities recorded in May. Infections in Bolton have almost soared to levels seen during January's second wave, with around 150 positive tests now being reported every day compared to fewer than 20 in April The surge in cases has yet to translate into an uptick in Covid hospitalisations, with just one person on average being admitted each day Deaths also remain flat with just two fatalities recorded in May Dr Simon Clarke, a molecular biologist from Reading University, said this was confirmation that the jabs protect well against the strain. An upbeat Matt Hancock led a Downing Street press conference last night where he claimed the Government had 'increasing confidence' the vaccines were highly effective against the Indian variant. He had echoed comments made by Boris Johnson earlier in the House of Commons, who said he'd been presented promising data highlighting the strength of the jabs. Dr Clarke told MailOnline: 'They [the Government] will be looking at these hospital rates in Bolton and they seem to be very comfortable about them. 'So I don't think it [the variant] is going to be the disaster some people thought at first.' He urged people to continue taking precautions and not get too lax with the rules. 'Just because the vaccines work against the strain, I think we always knew that was going to be the case. 'What we don't really know is whether the jabs will be just as effective against the Indian variant as they are the Kent one. 'So I think focusing n the top efficacy numbers can sometimes give people false confidence.' Bolton's outbreak is mainly being driven by younger people, who face only a tiny risk of dying or falling severely ill with Covid. Government scientists have said the spread appears to be predominantly happening within South Asian communities in the town, who are more likely to live in multigenerational households and in high density housing. The fact infection rates remain low in elderly age groups may be further proof that the vaccines are preventing younger people passing it on to senior relatives, Dr Clarke said. However there has been a recent uptick in case rates in people in over 60, with about 43 cases per 100,000 people according to the most recent count. For comparison, the rate is believed to be about 300 for teenagers aged 15 to 19. As it stands, a total of 156,927 people have been vaccinated in Bolton, of which 89,137 have been fully immunised Ministers will be keeping a close eye on whether the rate in the over-60s rises rapidly or begin to translate into hospitalisations. It can take several weeks for people to fall severely ill with the disease after catching it. As it stands, a total of 156,927 people have been vaccinated in Bolton, of which 89,137 have been fully immunised. Latest NHS England figures suggest 81 per cent of over-40s in Bolton have accepted their jab, which is on par with the national average. Ministers yesterday offered hope that England's June 21 lockdown-easing plans were still able to go ahead because of fresh evidence that vaccines work against B.1.617.2. No10's official spokesperson said the optimism was based on daily figures, such as hospital admissions and testing rates. But they warned it could take time before the Government was confident that 'freedom day' can still go ahead as planned. Advertisement

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, added: 'As cases of VOC-21APR-02 continue to rise, it is absolutely vital that people living in areas where prevalence is high come forward to get the vaccine. It is the best defence we have against the spread of this disease.

'As we start to get back to normal life, it is very important that we do not become complacent. All of us need to remain responsible and vigilant. Get tested regularly, get the vaccine when offered it, and practice 'hands, face, space, fresh air'. It will save lives.'

In Bolton, more than 33,000 DIY test kits have already been given out to curb the Indian variant's spread and mobile testing units have been set up in the Greater Manchester town for walk-in PCR swabs.

Health officials visited more than 9,000 properties during door-to-door visits over the weekend, giving out over 3,400 test kits, PHE said.

Surge testing is being deployed in Blackburn, Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester, North Tyneside, Glasgow and Moray in an attempt to stomp out the mutation.

The Government is also monitoring waste water in large swathes of the country to detect early signs of the strain spreading in more areas.

It comes after official statistics showed the nation's Covid outbreak is still flat, despite the rapid spread of the Indian variant.

Public Health England's weekly surveillance report found cases remained 'stable' nationally at around 12,000 last week, and dropped in all age groups except five to nine-year-olds. Hospitalisations with the virus also fell across the country, while infection rates dipped in every region except the North West, which is struggling against an outbreak of the Indian strain.

Some 95 out of 149 local authorities  or 64 per cent  saw their Covid cases dip last week. In contrast, there were 66 that recorded a drop over the previous seven-day spell.

But Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE's medical director, said the agency was concerned about the Indian variant and was 'constantly monitoring the situation'. She added: 'Until we know more it's vital we don't let our guard down too soon and remain cautious. We do not want to undo the huge progress we've made so far.'

Other figures from the PHE's weekly surveillance report showed the ten areas with the biggest Covid outbreaks were all hotspots for the Indian variant.

But SAGE adviser and University College London epidemiologist Professor Andrew Hayward today claimed the UK was at the beginning of another wave because of the rapid spread of the mutant strain, with infections expected to rise nationally in the coming weeks.

'Although it was originally imported through travel to India it spread fairly effectively first of all within households after that and now more broadly within communities,' he told BBC Breakfast. 'So I don't really see why it wouldn't continue to spread in other parts of the country.'

He added: 'Obviously we are doing everything we can to contain that, but it is likely more generalised measures may start to be needed to control it.'

But Professor Hayward's comments come amid growing optimism from Number 10 that the Indian variant won't jeopardise plans to ease all lockdown restrictions on June 21, despite fears the highly-transmissible strain could scupper 'freedom day'.

Boris Johnson last night told the powerful 1922 committee of Tory MPs he was 'even more cautiously optimistic' the next stage of relaxation can go ahead. He said: 'I know there are anxieties about new variants but we can see nothing to suggest that we have to deviate from the road map.'

And more promising figures from King's College London's symptom-tracking app also predicted Covid cases are not rising nationally, despite surging infections in hotspots. Experts estimated around 2,750 people are falling ill with the coronavirus every day across the UK, with the figure having barely changed in a week.

Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the app, said B.1.617.2 'hasn't altered numbers significantly' and outbreaks remain focused in hotspots, such as Bolton. 'While the outbreaks remain localised and UK numbers are steady and most cases appear mild, its highly unlikely to cause the NHS to be overrun or stop us coming out of lockdown,' he said.

SAGE scientists had predicted there would be a third wave of the pandemic as restrictions were eased and more people were allowed to mix.

But questions remain over how big the outbreak will be because vaccines will stop many people from catching the disease and being hospitalised. Government advisers don't believe the resurgence will be anywhere near as bad as January's crisis because of jabs and warmer weather.

Almost 3,000 cases of the Indian variant have been detected in the UK, with the figure having quadrupled in a fortnight. Surge testing has been deployed in Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester and North Tyneside to root out cases of the strain.

It comes as ministers accelerate the vaccination roll-out with plans to reach all over-18s within a month, with over-30s set to be offered their first dose by the end of May. More than 36.9million Britons  or seven in ten adults  have already had at least a jab. England's roll-out was expanded to 34 and 35-year-olds today.

PHE publishes a weekly surveillance report tracking the spread of the virus across the country.

They found the infection rate had fallen in almost every age group. It was highest among 10 to 19-year-olds (43.9 cases per 100,000 people) and lowest among the over-70s (4.1) who have each been offered at least one dose of the Covid vaccine.

Hospitalisations with the virus also dipped nationally from 1.02 to 0.73 per 100,000 people.

Bolton  which is struggling against the country's largest outbreak of the Indian variant  has the highest Covid case rate in England (328.3).

Its neighbour Blackburn with Darwen has the second highest rate (159.7), followed by Bedford (124.65).

Kirklees had the fourth highest infection rate (73.4) after cases rose by 30 per cent in a week. The council has been identified as an 'area of concern' by public health authorities after cases of the Indian variant were identified there. Surge testing was launched in the area yesterday.

It was followed by Leicester (50), Hounslow (48.9), Manchester (44.1), Bury (42.9), North Tyneside (42.3) and Luton (42.2) which all have outbreaks of the Indian variant.

SAGE scientists have already warned there will be a third wave of the virus in the country, which was expected to hit as more restrictions were eased.

Professor Hayward said: 'While I think we've always thought we would have another wave of Covid, the size of that wave is going to very much depend on how transmissible the variant that causes it is and what proportion of the population have been vaccinated when it hits.'

He added surge testing had been launched in hotspots in an attempt to halt the spread of the variant.

But that spiralling cases suggested it would become the main variant across the country  and displace the currently dominant Kent variant.

'But the scale of this is different (to other variants) and the number of places affected is different and the number of cases is different and the speed of increase is different,' he said.

'So my hunch is that this is going to become the dominant strain across the country, maybe even across the world, and that you know that really brings it back down to this race against the vaccine and the virus except the virus just got faster.'

The Indian variant has already spread to at least 48 countries, figures show, and has been spotted on every continent except Antarctica.
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President Joe Biden slammed the 'ugly poison' of racism that's 'plagued' the United States and then signed the anti-Asian hate crime bill at the White House Thursday.

He called the bipartisan passage of the legislation 'maybe the first break, the first significant break, in a moment in our history that has to be turned around.'

And looked delighted when he first approached the podium with Vice President Kamala Harris to see a mask-less, not socially distant crowd, adhering to the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advice that allows vaccinated people to gather mask-less indoors.

Before Biden and Harris arrived, audience members were seen mingling, shaking hands and squeezing together for group photos.

The White House invited 68 people to the ceremony, including one Republican lawmaker, Sen. Susan Collins, as well as family members of Heather Heyer, the young activist run over by a white supremacist in Charlottesville, and Khalid Jabara, a Lebanese immigrant who was shot by his neighbor.

President Joe Biden signs the COVID-19 Hate Crims Act into law surrounded by members of Congress who, for the first time in his administration, were allowed into the White House in a mask-less large group

President Joe Biden speaks before signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law Thursday at the White House

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi takes a photo with other signing ceremony attendees at the White House's first indoor, mask-less event - marking the passage of an anti-Asian hate crimes bill

President Joe Biden addresses a mostly mask-less crowd at the White House Thursday - a first for his administration

Sen. Mazie Hirono (center) hugs President Joe Biden (right) at a signing ceremony for the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

A mask-less House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right) arrives at the White House's East Room ceremony where the president will sign an anti-Asian hate crimes bill into law that passed the House earlier this week

Attorney General Merrick Garland (right) chats with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (left) before the president and vice president delivered remarks Thursday. The event was the White House's first indoor ceremony sans masks

Sen. Susan Collins (right), the only Republican invited to the event, chats with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (right)

Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat from Georgia, arrives at the White House for a signing ceremony Thursday. The newly elected senator met with the president and vice president after a trio of Atlanta shootings targeted Asian-owned businesses and Asian women

'I believe with every fiber in my being that there are simple, core values and beliefs that should bring us together as Americans. One of them is standing together against hate. Against racism. The ugly poison that has long haunted and plagued our nation,' Biden told the crowd. 'You've taken that first step. It's an important step.'

The bill, formally known as the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act emboldens the Department of Justice to go after perpetrators of hate crimes.

In her opening remarks, Harris said the running total of hate crimes against Asians in the U.S. was 6,600 - and that's likely an under-reporting.

'I'm talking about a 61-year-old man getting kicked in the head, two elderly women being stabbed while waiting for the bus. Eight people in Atlanta getting shot on a Tuesday night,' Harris said.

Biden and Harris had traveled to Atlanta together in the aftermath of the shootings - where Asian women made up the bulk of the victims - meeting with Asian-American leaders on the ground.

'We heard about too many Asian-Americans have been waking up each morning this past year to genuinely, genuinely fearing for their safety,' Biden said was his take-away from the meeting.

'Moms and dads when they let their kids out the door to go to school were attacked, blamed, scapegoated, harassed during this pandemic,' Biden continued. 'Grandparents afraid to leave their homes even to get vaccinated for fear of being attacked. Small business owners targeted and gunned down. Students worried about two things: COVID-19 and being bullied.'

Biden also pointed out a discouraging statistic - that Asian women were twice as likely to be victims as Asian men.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Attorney General Merrick Garland are seen sitting front row at the White House Thursday for a signing ceremony with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

President Joe Biden smiles as he walks into the East Room for his first event after masking and social distancing guidelines were relaxed

An amendment folded into the bill was named for Jabara and Heyer.

Biden briefly asked their family members to stand, noting that the two were murdered on the same day, one year apart.

'Instead of sharing the dreams they had for their children, both families share profound grief and have shown incredible courage to turn their pain into purpose,' Biden said of the family members attending the East Room ceremony.

Family members of Heather Heyer (pictured) attended the East Room ceremony Thursday. Heyer was killed in August 2017 after a white supremacist drove his car through a Charlottesville crowd of counter-protesters including Heyer

Heyer was run over by James Alex Fields Jr. (pictured), who associates said was a neo-Nazi and white supremacist

He said it took 'enormous courage' for them to come to the White House.

'When you have to show up at something memorializing your family, it's like you got the news 10 seconds ago,' Biden said, adding that he was pulling from his own experiences with grief.

'I really mean it when I say thank you, thank you for being here, it takes a lot of courage,' Biden said.

Biden said, 'Grief is universal.'

'But so is hope, so is love. It sounds corny but it really is, it really is. And hope and love can be contagious,' he said.

'We're the United States of America. We're a good and decent people. We're unique among all nations, that we are uniquely a product of a document - not an ethnicity, not a religion, not a geography, a document. Think about this, I'm being literal.'

'Every time we're silent. Every time we let hate flourish, we make a lie of who we are as a nation,' Biden said, his voice growing louder. 'I mean it literally. We cannot let the very foundation of this country be eaten away like it has been, in other moments of our history and happening again.'

Unlike other times Biden has brought up the uptick in hate crimes, he didn't take aim at former President Donald Trump.

Instead he cheered that the legislation had been bipartisan.

'I also want to thank the leader from the state of Kentucky for letting it go forward, it's important,' Biden said in reference to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who didn't filibuster the bill. McConnell also voted for it.

Earlier this week, the House passed the anti-discrimination bill with a bipartisan vote of 364 for the bill and 62 against.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it a 'momentous day,' as her Democratic caucus voted for the legislation en masse. The votes against the bill came from 62 House Republicans.

The House followed the Senate's passage, which only attracted one no vote, from Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, who became a household name after objecting to Electoral College results on the day of the January 6 MAGA riot.

More than just a statement against anti-Asian hate, the bill directs the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to issue new guidance on the rise in violence against Asians amid the coronavirus pandemic.

House Speaker wore a facemask that read #StopAsianHate to a press conference in advance of passage of the bill Tuesday afternoon

The House passed the anti-Asian hate crime bill with a bipartisan vote of 364-62 Tuesday afternoon

Sen. Josh Hawley was the only no vote when the Senate passed the bill. On Tuesday, he was joined by 62 House Republicans

The bill expedites the DOJ's review of anti-Asian hate crimes. It also assigns an official to be in charge of the task.

The House's vote is the latest move the federal government has made to reverse what President Joe Biden considers to be the misdeeds of the last administration, placing some blame on former President Donald Trump for labeling COVID-19 the 'China virus' and 'Kung flu.'

'It's the coronavirus. Full stop,' Biden said last month when giving a speech in Atlanta after meeting with Asian-American community leaders in the wake of the series of spa shootings where Asian women were predominantly targeted.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki has also pointed a finger at the former occupant.

'I think there's no question that some of the damaging rhetoric that we saw during the prior administration blaming - calling COVID the Wuhan virus or other things, led to perceptions of the Asian-American community that are inaccurate, unfair, have raised threatening, has elevated threats against Asian-Americans and we're seeing that around the country,' Psaki said in a March briefing.

Trump has continued to use the term 'China virus' in statements since leaving office.

Biden made moves just days after his sweaing-in to stop usage of those terms by signing an executive order titled 'Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States' on day No. 6 of his presidency.

'The Federal Government must recognize that it has played a role in furthering these xenophobic sentiments through the actions of political leaders, including references to the COVID-19 pandemic by the geographic location of its origin,' the order said.

'Such statements have stoked unfounded fears and perpetuated stigma about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and have contributed to increasing rates of bullying, harassment, and hate crimes against AAPI persons,' it continued.

In late March, Attorney General Merrick Garland ordered a review of how the Justice Department can best deploy its resources to combat hate crimes against Asian-Americans.

At the same time, the Biden administration said $49.5 million from COVID-19 relief funds would go toward community programs to help victims.

Last month, Japanse Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made the surge of hate crimes in the U.S. an international concern, telling reporters that he had brought up the issue with Biden during their in-person bilateral meeting.

'President Biden's comment [that] discriminations or violences cannot [be] allowed and that he firmly opposes was extremely encouraging for me and I have renewed my confidence in American democracy once again,' the Japanese leader added, through his English translator.

The group Stop AAPI Hate - the acronym that stand for Asian-American and Pacific Islander - released a report in March that said there were 3,795 incidents reported to the group between March 19, 2020 and the end of February 2021.

One concern is that hate crimes are actually underreported.

A piece of the bill is that the DOJ will coordinate with local law enforcement and community groups and share information about hate crime reporting.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador revealed Thursday that the governor of the border state of Tamaulipas is being investigated by the FBI for allegedly laundering money.

Lopez Obrador's shocking announcement came a day after a federal prison judge signed off on an arrest warrant Governor Francisco Garcia, who is being charged with money laundering and organized crime.

Garcia is the governor of Tamaulipas, a border town in Mexico south of Texas.

The president showed a letter from an FBI representative that said Governor Garcia, of the opposition center-right National Action Party (PAN), was among several people believed to be involved in concealing money in bank accounts.

'It's a question that the (attorney general's office) is dealing with, which is autonomous. I'm not giving instructions, revenge is not my strong suit,' Lopez Obrador said at a regular news conference, adding that he hoped the United States would send Mexico official documents if Garcia were arrested in U.S. territory.

Francisco Garcia (pictured), the governor of the northeast Mexico state of Tamaulipas, is being investigated by the FBI for money laundering, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced Thursday during a press conference. This comes a day after a federal prison judge signed off on an arrest warrant for Garcia, who is accused in Mexico of money laundering and organized crime

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the FBI is also looking into the financial dealing's of Tamaulipas Governor Francisco Garcia's wife, Mariana Gomez; his brothers, Ismael y Jose Manuel Garcia; and his mother, Maria de Lourdes Cabeza de Vaca. His father-in-law, Jose Ramon Gomez , and cousin, Jose Ramon Cabeza de Vaca, are also part of the probe

Lopez Obrador added the FBI is also looking into the financial dealing's of Garcia's wife, Mariana Gomez; his brothers, Ismael and Jose Manuel Garcia; and his mother, Maria de Lourdes Cabeza de Vaca. His father-in-law, Jose Ramon Gomez , and cousin, Jose Ramon Cabeza de Vaca, are also part of the probe.

The bombshell allegations from the U.S. government comes less than three weeks before pivotal midterm elections.

In Tamaulipas, just south of Texas, the state government did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

The U.S Department of Justice and the FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Garcia, however, blasted the accusations through a letter that he published on his Twitter and Facebook accounts, and said they were baseless and politically motivated ahead of a June 6 legislative election in which Lopez Obrador's ruling Morena party seeks to maintain or expand its control of the lower house of Congress, which is up for grabs.

Francisco Garcia (right) the governor of the northeast Mexico state of Tamaulipas, made a public appearance Wednesday morning in the municipality of San Fernando, according to a post on his Facebook account. 'We supervised the paving of streets in the Loma Alta and Paseo Real neighborhoods,' he wrote. 'I also was present for the expansion of four lanes and the southern access bikeway to the city center.'

The governor of the northeast Mexican state of Tamaulipas, Francisco Garcia (left) and his wife Mariana Gomez. The FBI is seeking information the financial dealings of her and four other family members

The governor labeled the arrest warrant an 'evident violation of the presumption of innocence and the guarantees of due process.'

'They have not let me defend myself. Now they violate the decision of a sovereign Congress and yet they still ignore a judicial decision from the highest court in the country,' Garcia wrote.

'The political motives are obvious. Justice is used to prosecute and amend opponents and citizens critical of the government and its party, especially when the electoral preference of citizens is in sharp decline,' Garcia explained.' It is no coincidence that the existence of the arrest warrant was first reported by members of the ruling party. This only means that the decision to proceed against me was made in the National Palace.'

Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) on Wednesday ordered Garcia's bank accounts frozen over accusations of organized crime and activities with 'resources of illicit origin.'

Lopez Obrador said the FBI had also requested information into 18 companies that have been involved in international money laundering activities.

A Mexican federal government source with knowledge of the case told Reuters the attorney general also ordered the governor's arrest. On Twitter, two lawmakers said there was an arrest warrant out for him.

Late last month, the lower house voted to withdraw Garcia's protection from possible arrest after the attorney general's office said there were indications he may have ties to organized crime.

The Tamaulipas state legislature, however, later voted to maintain his protection, meaning he cannot be arrested within its borders. Mexico's Supreme Court declined to get involved in the matter.

Garcia made a public appearance Wednesday morning in the municipality of San Fernando, according to a post on his Facebook account.

'We supervised the paving of streets in the Loma Alta and Paseo Real neighborhoods,' he wrote. 'I also was present for the expansion of four lanes and the southern access bikeway to the city center.'
Andrew Cuomo has labeled a question on whether he 'profited off the backs of dead New Yorkers' with his $5.1 million book deal as 'stupid and offensive'.

The governor was asked about American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic during his Thursday press conference.

After a reporter asked if he had profited on the 'backs of dead New Yorkers', Cuomo replied: 'Thats stupid. Next question.' When probed further on what he meant Cuomo replied: 'I thought your question was stupid and offensive.'

He added: 'I wrote a book saying this is what we should learn from what has happened so far in COVID because we're not done and it's going to continue.

'And if we don't learn the lessons we are going to continue to make the same mistakes. That's why I wrote the book. And by the way, that's what happened.

'This country made tremendous mistakes when it came to COVID. We politicized a public health emergency.'

Earlier this week it emerged that Cuomo was given $3.1million from Crown publishers for the book, with an agreement of an additional $2million over the next two years.

After tax, he took $1.5 million - a third of which he donated to a COVID relief fund. He left the rest for his three daughters who he said worked 'tirelessly' through the pandemic.

The book was released in October, just before New York's COVID-19 numbers spiked again and Cuomo sent the state back into lockdown. At least 52,987 people have died of COVID-19 in New York, according to data.

He refused to say at the time how much of an advance he'd been given but on Monday, his office confirmed it after he filed his taxes.

Andrew Cuomo on Thursday refused to answer a question on whether he 'profited off the backs of dead New Yorkers' with his $5.1 million book deal

Drone pictures show bodies being buried on New York's Hart Island in April last year

Cuomo was slammed for the book which was released in the midst of the pandemic and despite him being blamed for thousands of COVID deaths in nursing homes.

His book publisher, Crown - a division of Penguin Random House - stopped promoting it after the nursing home scandal, and as a number of women publicly accused him of sexual misconduct this year.

In 2020, he was paid $3.12million for it the book.

He'll get another $2million in the next two years. Last year, after taxes, he got a net payment of $1.5million. Cuomo gave a third of that money to charity and left two thirds for his three daughters, giving them around $300,000 each.

Cuomo's controversial book American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic, was released in October

Cuomo's three daughters are from his marriage to Kerry Kennedy, who is one of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel's children.

Michaela is 23 and Cara and Mariah are 26-year-old twins. He says it's because they worked for him in the pandemic, producing 'tireless and effective work for all New Yorkers'.

Cuomo's spokesman Rich Azzopardi said: 'The contract calls for payment of $3,120,000 in the last taxable year and an additional $2million over the following 2 years. Net income from the $3,120,000 less expenses and taxes is $1,537,508.

'From that net income, the Governor donated a third to the United Way of New York State for state-wide COVID-relief and vaccination effort and is giving the remainder in a trust for his three daughters equally who worked with the Governor during this pandemic and did what he calls 'tireless and effective work for all New Yorkers' and have him the 'strength and love to make it through the crisis every day'.

The daughters moved in with their father at the Albany mansion last year.

Mariah and her boyfriend Tellef Lundevall also received priority COVID testing in April, just days after the governor came under fire for arranging them for his family a year earlier.

Testing on Cuomo's family members came at the height of the pandemic when ordinary New Yorkers struggled to get access to screenings.

Cuomos's daughters Michaela, 23, and 26-year-old twins Mariah and Cara. He gave them each more than $300,000 for their 'tireless' pandemic work. Michaela, left, graduated from Brown this year. Mariah (far right) is a social media strategist at Teneo and Cara, center, works at Sahar Global Summits, a 'minority owned small business that organizes and hosts invitation only summits focused on alternative investments'

The governor was asked about American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic during his Thursday press conference. After a reporter asked if he had profited on the 'backs of dead New Yorkers', Cuomo replied: 'Thats stupid. Next question.' When asked what he meant Cuomo replied: 'I thought your question was stupid and offensive'

Cuomo's daughters took turns appearing at press conferences and joined him one day on the NYSE to ring the opening bell. Mariah also helped with the state's 'mask up' campaign.

The book is available on Amazon for $6.82 but when dividing what he was paid by how many have actually sold, it puts the price at $100 per copy.

Cuomo is being investigated by the New York Attorney General's office who wants to know if he used state money to put the book together.

Junior staffers reported that their tasks included editing early drafts, sitting in on pitch meetings, and even printing and delivering manuscript pages of the book to his mansion.

Cuomo told The New York Times that any staffers who worked on the book did so voluntarily and that there may have been some 'minor' work on it done incidentally.

But New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio slammed the book as 'state-sponsored literature'.

'This guy clearly depended upon public employees to do a lot of the work, and that's not acceptable,' he said, 'you don't need a lot of ethics training to figure out that's not acceptable.'

Cuomo and his daughters at the Albany Governors' Mansion during COVID-19. They moved in with him

His spokesman told the Times in April: 'We have officially jumped the shark  the idea there was criminality involved here is patently absurd on its face and is just the furthering of a political pile-on.'

Cuomo's first book was also a flop. He was paid $783,000 by Harper Collins but only 3,200 copies of it sold.

Crown released the Cuomo book but stopped promoting it when Cuomo was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple former staffers and women.

Because of the way the state health department counted numbers, it looked as though 8,700 people had died from COVID in nursing homes when in fact the true number was 15,000.

The AG is investigating that discrepancy, as well as claims by several women that Cuomo was sexually inappropriate towards them. He has denied all wrongdoing.

It happened after Cuomo signed a directive that forced nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients back in, even if they were still testing positive, to free up hospital beds.
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Police preparing for the mass protests expected to disrupt the G7 Summit in Cornwall next month were today practicing the removal of protestors who have glued themselves to plastic or steel and need to be cut free.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall police are expecting up to 30 activist groups to attend, with two sites set up for 'official' protest in Truro and Falmouth, as world leaders meet to discuss how to reduce carbon emissions for the three-day event beginning June 11.

The force is expecting protests, demonstrations and marches to to spill over from the designated sites, as many protestors will be looking to cause delays and disruption at the venue in Carbis Bay by chaining and sometimes glueing themselves to immovable objects.

Nathan Johnson, an inspector with Devon and Cornwall police, told The Guardian that the force was not expecting disorder and that protestors would have their right to protest 'facilitated'.

However he added that they had seen 'more and more non-violent direct action' such as protestors locking themselves to onto buildings and fences to make a statement.

Johnson told The Guardian that the police would balance the protestors rights with the right of the community to go about their everyday business without disruption.

He said: 'We're just saying that by locking yourself on to a road and blocking it for six hours, the balance is wrong. You can go to a protest site or protest pretty much everywhere in Devon and Cornwall, but you can't block the M5.'

The police force's tactics are likely to face scrutiny following the recent criticism Avon Police attracted during the 'Kill The Bill' riots in Bristol.

Members of Devon and Cornwall Police Protestor Removal Team and Police Liaison Officers respond to a 'lock-on' training scenario by sawing off a pipe at the force headquarters in Exeter, where they are preparing for the forthcoming G7 Summit in Cornwall. The 'lock-on' tube, often made of plastic, steel and concrete, are used by protestors to lock arms together while causing obstructions or blocking roads and have to be carefully cut free by police after appealing to the protesters to relent their protest

Today officers at Devon and Cornwall police force's Exeter headquarters trialled techniques to remove some of the protestors makeshift 'lock-on' devices, commonly made from bike locks and bits of pipe, plastic and steel. Pictured: Adrian Waldron of the protester removal team of the Devon & Cornwall Police with a typical example of modern demonstrator equipment during the training day set-up by the police to showcase protester removal techniques they may be called upon to use at the G7 Summit in Cornwall in June

Police staff members demonstrate the use of a lock on device to showcase protest and public order police activities for the upcoming in person G7 Summit at the Police headquarters in Exeter, southwest England

Today officers at the force's Exeter headquarters practised techniques to remove some of the protestors makeshift 'lock-on' devices, commonly made from bike locks and bits of pipe, plastic and steel.

Inspector Johnson told The Guardian that he believes that world leaders could be targeted by protestors as they enter into the West of Cornwall with their convoys on the 'vulnerable' A30 - which is often gridlocked with tourist traffic.

Devon and Cornwall police have drafted in reinforcements to bolster officer numbers, 6,500 police will be on patrol with 100 police dogs in Cornwall when the world leaders gather.

Around 5,000 police on duty will be on what is called 'mutual aid', meaning officers from other forces will be drafted in to work under the command of the Devon and Cornwall force for the summit at Carbis Bay, near St Ives.

Senior officers say the G7 will be the biggest policing and security event in England this year.

A website has launched, for how the G7 will be policed, and another Facebook live event has been held with updates from officials.

Superintendent Jo Hall, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said 'We will be policing air, sea and land, it's quite a complex environment.

Demonstration of a protester removal exercise by team members of the Devon & Cornwall Police. The 'protestor' is given safety glasses before being prized free

Police officers demonstrate how to extract a person's arm from a lock on device during the showcase on protest and public order police activities

The regions' public health officials say they are used to dealing with large numbers of visitors in Cornwall and their main priority is to protect the health and safety of residents. Pictured: Demonstration of a protester removal exercise

'Protestors' are seen in one 'lock-on' scenario which officers tackled during the police showcase today

'You are likely to see high numbers of officers and staff, you are also likely to see fencing around the main areas, but that is nothing to be alarmed by, this is to ensure we can keep the event safe and secure, and keep communities safe.

'Part of that planning is to deliver 16,000 meals a day. We have secured over 100 accommodation sites in Cornwall, we have secured extra kennelling for our dogs that are coming down to support us.

'It is a really big logistical challenge, but we have planned for events like this before, we're used to planning big events and our plans are agile and scale-able.'

The regions' public health officials say they are used to dealing with large numbers of visitors in Cornwall and their main priority is to protect the health and safety of residents.

Police say anyone who doesn't need to be in the locations of key events should think about avoiding those areas.

Superintendent Hall said 'Summer is always busy for Cornwall. and you can expect restrictions around the key areas and in the run-up to and over the event, that's only natural with an event of this size.

'So if you don't need to be around those areas over the event, then you may want to think about coming another time or visiting one of the other beautiful beaches in Cornwall.'

It has also been announced that no trains will be running on the St Ives branch line from the 7th to 14th June, with replacement buses running instead.

Protester removal team members of the Devon & Cornwall Police with typical examples of modern demonstrator equipment during the training day set-up by the police to showcase protester removal techniques. The special teams will focus their operations on maintaining a balance between respecting peoples' right to protest and the need to maintain order so that the residents and businesses in the county can continue to carry on with their lives with as little disturbance as possible

Protester removal team members of the Devon & Cornwall Police with typical examples of modern demonstrator equipment

Adrian Waldron of the protester removal team of the Devon & Cornwall Police with several lock-on devices that could be used

A close up of a typical example of modern demonstrator equipment during the training day set-up by the Devon & Cornwall Police. The pipe is studded with bolts and wire

Inspector Nathan Johnson of the Devon & Cornwall Police Special Operations team during the training day

Members of Devon and Cornwall Police Protestor Removal Team handle a 'lock-on' device at the force headquarters in Exeter

Protester removal team members of the Devon & Cornwall Police with typical examples of modern demonstrator equipment

A close up look at the lock-in devices which are modelled on ones used by protestors to secure themselves at a location

Police have already been slammed for hiring a luxury cruise liner for off-duty officers guarding the G7 climate change summit in Cornwall, as well as 200 hotels.

While world leaders discuss how to cut carbon emissions, around 1,000 officers from police forces across Britain will spend their off-duty time on the MS Silja Europa moored in Falmouth harbour.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the cruise liner has been hired for 10 days and used by officers for accommodation, catering and 'other essential facilities'.

Whoever gets one of the executive suites will even have their own sauna.

Disgruntled local resident Freda Harris said on social media 'Devon and Cornwall Constabulary chartering MS Silja Europa for what will be little more than an ego trip for BoJo where Devon and Cornwall council tax payers will ultimately foot the bill.'

Police dog Tag in action during the Devon and Cornwall Police skills during a demonstration day on May 18, 2021 in Exeter, England, as the Devon and Cornwall police preparing their teams for a wide variety of potential incidents from demonstrator control to the possibility of sea-based events as the G7 Summit takes place on the Cornish coast in mid June

Police dog Rudi in action during the Devon and Cornwall Police skills demonstration day on May 18, 2021 in Exeter, England

It will be the largest policing event to have ever taken place in Cornwall and officers and specialist teams will be drafted in from various UK police regions

ItsMagicGirl said: 'As long as you don't give care about the environmental impact or financial cost, sending a luxury cruise ship from the Baltic is a rational, efficient and safe way to house 4,000 Police at Carbis Bay. Nothing to see here!'

Padraig said: 'So, whilst the 'main event' will be in Carbis Bay the ship will be moored in Falmouth, presumably because of the deeper water and amenities.

'So apart from the trips to Falmouth by the dignitaries, 6,500 police officers will traipse the 45km to Carbis in an endless convoy of police vehicles?'

The Silja Europa, which is used for Baltic cruises, has seven restaurants and coffee shops, a nightclub, live music venue and full spa and beauty salon.

But police insist most facilities will be closed, with only the restaurants available to officers, and the showtime theatre may be used but only for 'daily police briefings'.

Police go through the process of searching a car during the Devon and Cornwall Police skills demonstration day on May 18, 2021 in Exeter

A police officer takes part in a search routine during an open day to showcase policing activities for the upcoming in-person G7 Summit, at the Police headquarters in Exeter

Built in Germany in 1993, at 202 metres long the ship is one of the biggest cruise-ferries in the world and is owned by Estonian shipping cmpany Tallink.

She can carry more than 3,000 passengers with hundreds of cocktail-tray waiters, maids and other crew to look after their every need. There are around 1,150 passenger cabins.

Cruise liners have come under fire from Greta Thunberg and climate change activists for their role in polluting the world and causing carbon emission damage on a grand scale - precisely the issues the G7 leaders will be grappling with.

Devon and Cornwall Police said 'We will be deploying over 6,500 officers and staff to this event and we are supporting a vast range of local businesses and suppliers as part of our extensive logistical arrangements.

'This includes using over 4,000 rooms at almost 200 venues across Devon and Cornwall which will support local communities and accommodate police officers and staff deployed from across the UK.

'In order to secure further essential capacity, we reviewed a number of options and recently agreed to hire the Silja Europa, operated by Tallink, taking into account impacts to the environment, community, the operational needs, and those of our officers and staff.

'The vessel will remain static, moored in Falmouth, used for a 10 day period, with only the accommodation, catering and other essential facilities in use.

The Silja Europa, which is used for Baltic cruises, has seven restaurants and coffee shops, a nightclub, live music venue and full spa and beauty salon. Devon and Cornwall Police said the cruise liner has been hired for 10 days for accommodation

'We are working closely with the vessel owners, ports authorities and health partners to ensure the safe use of this accommodation.

'Those staying onboard will strictly follow all the applicable COVID safety guidelines, enhanced by daily testing - consistent with staff staying at all other accommodation sites across the force area.'

The fear of mass protests in the area has led the headteacher of St Ives School to announce it will be closed during the event, as many world leaders will likely be staying at the nearby Tregenna Castle Hotel, in St Ives.

Headmaster James Butterworth sent a letter to parents saying that due to 'the unpredictable nature' of the summit, a risk assessment has been carried out and the school, a secondary academy with more than 400 pupils aged 11 to 16, would close for three days.

It's feared protestors will descend en masse to heckle the planet's leaders including President Putin, Joe Biden and Boris Johnson.

Mr Butterworth said the assessment revealed 'a number of significant safety concerns'.

The area around the hotel would be swarming with security guards - who are likely to be armed.

Surveillance cameras and even checkpoints to screen people will probably be set up, and school buses are likely to be caught up as traffic congestion hits the town.

He said that as a result the school will close for three days while the summit takes place and learning will take place remotely.
The White House renewed its call Thursday for an independent and 'transparent' investigation into the origins of the COVID that includes cooperation from China  after Republicans said there is 'circumstantial evidence' the virus leaked from a Wuhan lab.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki called for exploring the 'root causes' of the pandemic after Republicans on the panel, Rep. Devin Nunes of California, issued an interim report saying there was 'significant circumstantial evidence' that the virus emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

'I would caution you against disproving a negative there which is never the responsible approach in our view when it comes to getting to the bottom of the root causes of a pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of people in the United States,' she said in response to a question about the report.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki called for a transparent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus

'Our view continues to be that there needs to be an independent, transparent investigation,' she said.

She said the investigation required the 'cooperation and data provided from the Chinese government'  which has denied administration requests to fully share it.

'We don't have enough info at this point to make an assessment,' she continued.

Asked when Biden would call Chinese President Xi Jinping, Psaki responded that 'We have made that call publicly many times' and 'conveyed that privately. And we have certainly communicated that they were not transparent from the beginning.'

The Republicans on the panel made their claim after infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci clashed with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) over his claims about a Chinese lab leak  and statements about a conspiracy theory that U.S. backing was involved.

Many top scientists, while not ruling out the possibility of a human-caused event, point to the likelihood of the virus mutating and jumping form animals to humans, as has happened with numerous previous coronaviruses.

The report says U.S. agencies and academic institutions 'may have funded or collaborated in' gain of function research  after Fauci specifically denied government backing.

'Based on publicly available information, the possibility that the outbreak originated from an accidental exposure at the WIV has not been disproven,' it says.

It cites competing theories  including the virus originating from a Chinese wet market, jumping over from human contact with a bat or other species, or even through handling of imported frozen food  but then says it focuses on just one.

'While Committee Republicans acknowledge there are differing theories on the origins of COVID-19, this review focuses on the WIV as a possible origin source,' it says, referencing the Wuhan lab.

The report was released publicly Wednesday after first being obtained by Fox News.

Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli (L) is seen inside the P4 laboratory in Wuhan, capital of China's Hubei province on February 23, 2017. Two Chinese labs are located close by a wet market in Wuhan that scientists believe allowed covid-19 to proliferate

The report, though cites 'significant circumstantial evidence raises serious concerns that the COVID-19 outbreak may have been a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology,' without providing any direct evidence that it did.

It says China has a 'history of research lab leaks resulting in infections' and says the lab conducts 'dangerous research,' which risks the 'accidental outbreak of a pandemic.'

The report follows repeated attacks by President Donald Trump on China after the virus outbreak. He frequently called covid-19 the 'China virus' in the run-up to the election and called it the 'kung flu.'

It cites public reporting that Chinese researchers were sickened in the fall of 2019 with 'COVID-10-like symptoms.'

'By contrast, little circumstantial evidence has emerged to support the PRC's claim that COVID-19 was a natural occurrence, having jumped from some other species to human' according to the report, although it is not just the Chinese Communist Party making the claim.

Earlier this month, Paul and Fauci got in a tense exchange during a Senate hearing, where Paul accused the U.S. of potentially funding 'gain-of-function' research bats that could have gone awry.

'This gain-of-function research has been funded by the NIH.  Dr. Fauci, do you still support funding of the NIH funding of the lab in Wuhan?'

'Senator Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect that the NIH has not never and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology,' shot back Fauci.

'Could you rule out a laboratory escape? The answer in this case is probably not. Will you in front of this group categorically say that the COVID-19 could not have occurred through serial passage in a laboratory,' Paul asked Fauci.

'I do not have any accounting of what the Chinese may have done and I'm fully in favor of any further investigation of what went on in China,' Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, responded.

'However I will repeat again, the NIH and NIAD categorically has not funded gain of function research to be conducted in the Wuhan Institute.'

Fauci also told him: 'I fully agree that you should investigate where the virus came from. But again, we have not funded gain of function research on this virus in the Wuhan Institute of Virology. No matter how many times you say it, it didn't happen.'

A report by the World Health Organization with the collaboration from China called a 'zoonotic transmission' from animals to humans 'likely to very likely' as the cause, although the administration has faulted the report as incomplete.
Explosive experts delicately removed an Israeli missile from a home today after the device crashed into a property in Gaza and landed unexploded on a double bed.

Teams from the Palestinian Interior Ministry carefully used a crane to remove the rocket after it crashed into the house in Khan Yunis, which lies in the southern Gaza Strip.

Shocking images showed rock and debris strewn across the bedroom of the house as experts tried to neutralise the device.

The scenes came as Israel unleashed another wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip and Hamas fired more rockets as violent clashes continued.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against calls from the US to wind down the Gaza offensive, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas.

But officials close to the negotiations say they expect a truce to be announced in the next 24 hours.

An explosive experts attempts to neutralise the Israeli missile after it crashed into a house in Khan Yunis, which lies in the southern Gaza Strip

The team of experts carefully used a crane to remove the rocket after it crashed into the house in Khan Yunis

An expert examines the Israeli missile after it landed unexploded into a house in the Gaza strip

Teams from the Palestinian Interior Ministry arrived to the property in Gaza after the rocket landed unexploded on a double bed

In another possible sign of progress, Mr Netanyahu scheduled a meeting later on Thursday with his Security Cabinet, where the issue of a ceasefire is likely to be debated.

Today explosions shook Gaza City and orange flares lit up the pre-dawn sky, with bombing raids also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Yunis.

As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Yunis. There were also heavy air strikes on a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it struck at least three homes of Hamas commanders in Khan Yunis and another in Rafah, targeting 'military infrastructure' as well as a weapons storage unit at a home in Gaza City.

With hundreds already killed in the worst fighting since Israel and Hamas' 2014 war, US President Joe Biden told Israel that he expected 'a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire'  but Mr Netanyahu pushed back, saying he was 'determined to continue this operation until its aim is met'.

It marked the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began and poses a difficult test of the US-Israel relationship early in Mr Biden's presidency.

Still, an Egyptian intelligence official said a ceasefire is likely late on Thursday or early Friday, after the US appeal bolstered Cairo's own efforts to halt the fighting.

The unexploded Israeli missile crashed into the house as violent clashes between the two nations continued

Rock and debris were left strewn across the bedroom of the house as experts tried to neutralise the device

A crane is used to carefully remove the unexploded missile from the home in Gaza

The scenes came as explosions shook Gaza City and orange flares lit up the pre-dawn sky, with bombing raids also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah

Khalid Okasha, director of the Egyptian Centre for Strategic Studies, which has close ties to the government, also said a ceasefire was likely in that timeframe, as did Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official.

Visiting the region, German foreign minister Heiko Maas said Israel has 'the right to defend itself against such unacceptable attacks'. But he also expressed concern about the rising number of civilian victims and voiced support for truce efforts.

United Nations Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland was also in the Gulf state of Qatar to help press forward with efforts to restore calm, a diplomatic official said.

Yesterday, Israeli strikes on Gaza killed seven people including a disabled man, his pregnant wife and their three-year-old child, the health ministry said.

Another person died of wounds sustained the day before, the ministry in Gaza told AFP.

In New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for an immediate ceasefire, speaking at the start of a UN General Assembly emergency meeting.

A Palestinian man walks through the rubble after buildings were damaged during Israeli strikes

Plumes of smoke rise into the air following Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City on May 20

He called on Israel and Hamas 'to allow for mediation efforts to intensify in order to bring the fighting to an end'.

The current round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began on May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, and Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired more than 3,700 rockets at Israeli cities.

At least 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.
The FBI seized 18 electronic devices when they raided Rudy Giuliani's New York City home and office last month, a newly unsealed court document reveals.

The devices that were seized from his Upper East Side home belonged to both Giuliani and those who worked for him, according to Manhattan Federal Court filing made public on Thursday.

It is not clear how many employees had devices seized.

Details about the number of devices seized were previously redacted in a letter dated April 29 that was sent by prosecutors to US District Judge Paul Oetken.

Prosecutors had written to the judge asking for a special master - an independent person - to be appointed to determine whether any materials found on the devices may be subject to attorney-client privilege.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are currently investigating the former New York City mayor's dealings with Ukrainian oligarchs while working for then-President Trump.

The FBI seized 18 electronic devices when they raided Rudy Giuliani's New York City home and office last month, a newly unsealed court document revealed on Thursday

UNREDACTED: The devices that were seized from his Upper East Side home belonged to both Giuliani and those who worked for him, according to an unsealed in a Manhattan Federal Court filing made public on Thursday

PREVIOUS REDACTION: The number of devices that were seized were previously blacked out

The unredacted version of the filing sheds new light on the FBI's investigative steps.

It detailed how agents had already obtained a secret search warrant back in 2019 for Giuliani's iCloud account.

Given that warrant, agents had already viewed some emails and text messages recovered from Giuliani's devices prior to the raid, according to the filing.

Agents seized both cell phones and computers during the April 28 early morning raid as part of an investigation into whether Giuliani's interactions with Ukraine violated US laws on lobbying for foreign powers.

Giuliani has already said that the FBI and federal prosecutors are treating him more like a drug kingpin or terrorist rather than President Trump's personal lawyer.

His lawyers had previously argued that the secret search of Giuliani's cloud data files was an intrusion on private communications he had with then President Trump.

Giuliani has said the seized materials are protected by attorney-client privilege and that his 'conduct as a lawyer and a citizen was absolutely legal and ethical'.

Federal prosecutors are examining Giuliani's interactions with Ukrainian figures and whether he violated a federal law that governs lobbying on behalf of foreign countries or entities without registering with the US government.

Agents seized both cell phones and computers during the April 28 early morning raid as part of an investigation into whether Giuliani's interactions with Ukraine violated US laws on lobbying for foreign powers

The unredacted version of the filing on Thursday sheds new light on the FBI's investigative steps into the raid on Giuliani's home and office

Giuliani, a Republican and former NYC mayor who represented Trump in the special counsel's Russia investigation, has not been charged with a crime.

He has said his activities in Ukraine were conducted on behalf of Trump.

At the time, Giuliani was leading a campaign to press Ukraine for an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter before being elected president.

Some Ukrainians who dealt with Giuliani as he campaigned against the Bidens were also looking for his help with matters of their own, including arranging meetings with US officials or pressuring the Trump administration to oust the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.

Giuliani's lawyers have argued that the early morning April raids on his home and office were not necessary because he had made clear in 2019 that he would answer any questions without restrictions, except for privileged matters, as long as his lawyers knew what subjects would be discussed.

They said prosecutors instead 'simply chose to treat a distinguished lawyer as if he was the head of a drug cartel or a terrorist, in order to create maximum prejudicial coverage of both Giuliani, and his most well known client - the former President of the United States'.
The California judge dismissed the murder case against Chelsea Becker, 26, on Thursday. Becker was charged after delivering a stillborn baby who tested positive for methamphetamine in September, 2019

A judge cleared a drug addict mom of murdering her unborn baby with crystal meth after saying prosecutors failed to provide evidence that she knew the drug would kill the fetus.

Chelsea Becker, 26, of Hanford, was cleared at a court hearing Thursday. She had been in custody since November, 2019, unable to post her $2 million bail after delivering the stillbirth in September of that year. A medical examiner ruled her son, called Zachariah, had been killed by toxic levels of meth taken by his mom.

Kings County Superior Court Judge Robert Shane Burns delivered the decision, according to Dana Sussman, deputy executive director for the National Advocates for Pregnant Women, which provided legal counsel to Becker in the case.

Sussman and other women's groups had campaigned for Becker to be freed, but were still angered by Thursday's decision. They sought clear ruling that that California's homicide law does not apply to pregnant women. California's former top prosecutor, Xavier Becerra - now serving as Joe Biden's secretary of Health and Human Services - backed that position.

'We are disappointed that a dismissal on these grounds does not foreclose the possibility that a misguided prosecutor may attempt a similar prosecution in the future,' said Jacqueline Goodman, trial counsel for Becker. 'As a result, we are left to play a sort of whack-a-mole, ever vigilant that we find and prevent any similar efforts to charge a woman with murder for the outcome of her pregnancy.'

Phil Esbenshade, the top assistant district attorney in Kings County in Californias Central Valley, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. He has said the case against Becker was not about reproductive rights but about stopping a woman who repeatedly abused narcotics while pregnant. Becker gave birth to two other babies who tested positive for meth.

Beckers attorneys said its a travesty she had to stay in jail for more than a year, until she was transferred to a drug treatment facility earlier this year. She has not commented on Thursday's court ruling.

There is no evidence that drug use results in stillbirths, her attorneys say, and allowing murder charges would have a chilling effect: preventing women from seeking needed prenatal care. Numerous medical and public health groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, oppose punishment for drug use while pregnant.

Former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, filed a motion in support of Becker in August, 2020. Becerra currently serves as the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services

In September 2019, Becker gave birth to a stillborn child she had named Zachariah Joseph Campos. The coroners report listed toxic levels of meth as the cause of death, but an attorney for Becker said the pathologist never reviewed her medical record, which included three infections that could have caused the stillbirth.

In August, 2020 Becerra filed an amicus brief offering friendly expert information inn support of Becker's release.

'We believe the law was misapplied and misinterpreted,' he said.

'Section 187 of the California Penal Code was intended to protect pregnant women from harm, not charge them with murder.'

'Our laws in California do not convict women who suffer the loss of their pregnancy, and in our filing today we are making clear that this law has been misused to the detriment of women, children, and families.

'We will work to end the prosecution and imprisonment of Ms. Becker so we can focus on applying this law to those who put the lives of pregnant women in danger.'

Becker has a history of battling drug abuse, and had been in custody since her November, 2019 arrest, unable to post $2 million bail

Becker's baby was delivered stillborn at a hospital, but the infant's death was deemed suspicious.

Police said Becker has had multiple children removed from her custody due to her substance abuse.

Hanford police said that Becker admitted to officers that she used meth while she was pregnant, even using the drug three days before she gave birth.

In California, lawmakers amended the states murder statute to include a fetus after the California Supreme Court in 1970 overturned the conviction of a man who had beaten a pregnant woman, causing her to lose the baby. Attempts in California in the 1990s to use the law to prosecute pregnant women failed.

Policymakers have debated the intersection of substance use and pregnancy since the late 1980s, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that works to advance sexual and reproductive rights. The highest courts in Alabama and South Carolina have upheld convictions ruling that substance use while pregnant constitutes criminal child abuse, according to the institute.

But numerous medical and public health groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, oppose punishment for drug use while pregnant. There is no evidence that meth use is 'uniquely and fatally dangerous' to the fetus, said two doctors in a letter submitted by Becker's lawyers.

In California, lawmakers amended the state's murder statute to include a fetus after the California Supreme Court in 1970 overturned the conviction of a man who had beaten a pregnant woman, causing her to lose the baby. Attempts in California in the 1990s to use the law to prosecute pregnant women failed.
The sister of a black woman shot dead inside her home by a white cop now accused of her murder has filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against him.

Ashley Carr's lawsuit seeks over $10 million damages from alleged murderer Aaron Dean, 36, and others over 28 year-old Atatiana Jefferson's killing in Fort Worth, Texas, in October 2019.

Her suit, filed on behalf of Jefferson's late mom Yolanda Carr, also names the city of Fort Worth, retired police Chief Ed Kraus, and Mayor Betsy Price as defendants.

Carr, who acts as administrator for her sister's estate following Yolanda's death last year, claims that Fort Worth did not properly train officers, nor did they properly discipline them over past rule-breaking.

She alleges that Forth Worth PD failed to screen Dean before hiring him in 2017. Her suit cited a 2004 assault citation he received for touching a woman's breast. It also highlighted claims Dean suffered from 'tunnel vision and hearing' that saw him unable to respond to colleagues while on duty.

The sister of Atatiana Jefferson (left) has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Aaron Dean (right), the former Fort Worth police officer who fatally shot her last year

Released body camera footage showed Dean walking through Jefferson's backyard before opening fire into a window (pictured)

It claims Kraus and Price 'knew of the failures of the Fort Worth Police Department ... but failed to take the necessary steps to rectify the failures and adequately protect the constitutional rights of the people of Fort Worth.'

Fort Worth PD insists it took Dean's misdemeanor assault charge into account during the hiring process, with his training records showing he performed well overall.

The lawsuit also brings up the results of an expert panel formed after Jefferson's death, which stated that 'officers are not consistently adhering to policies to avoid force during encounters with community members and these policies are not enforced by the department,' according to NBC DFW.

The lawsuit alleges that the police department's 'failures resulted in Defendant Dean failing to properly respond to the open door call and instead sneak around the house with a gun drawn ready to shoot at the first figure that appeared in a window.'

On October 12, 2019, Jefferson was reportedly babysitting and playing video games with her eight-year-old nephew inside her home.

A neighbor called a non-emergency line requesting a welfare check because the front door to Jefferson's home had been left open late into the night.

Footage from the Fort Worth Police Department released from Dean's body camera that night shows Dean walking up to the open front door, where lights were on and toys were scattered on the ground. He does not knock to alert Jefferson of his presence.

On October 12, 2019, Jefferson, pictured, was reportedly babysitting and playing video games with her eight-year-old nephew inside her home

Pictured: Atatiana Jefferson, left, and her sister and Ashley Carr together (Facebook)

Instead, Dean walked through the garage to her backyard while shining a flashlight into windows and darkened areas.

Dean then glanced into a window before he shouted 'put your hands up, show me your hands' and shot into the window.

He was not heard identifying himself as an officer during the footage. Jefferson is believed to have picked her gun up to defend herself shortly before she was killed.

Police and city leaders have since said doing so had no bearing on Jefferson's death.

Pictured: Ashley Carr (center) and Atatiana Jefferson (right), with another family member

Dean resigned from the department shortly after Jefferson's death and was indicted on a murder charge in Tarrant County.

He is currently out on a $200,000 bond and expected to start trial in August 2021.

In a separate federal lawsuit filed in November, Jefferson's biological dad, aunt and another relative accused Dean of violating her constitutional rights, assault and battery, as well as willful and wanton conduct.

According to that suit, Dean failed to identify himself as law enforcement before creeping into her backyard and opening fire through a window.

In doing so, the lawsuit said, Dean not only caused the 28-year-old's untimely death, but 'demonstrated a deliberate indifference and disregard' to her Fourth Amendment rights' to be safe and secure in her own home.

'Defendant...intentionally and with conscious, callous, deliberate and unreasonably indifference deprived Atatiana Carr a/k/a Atatiana Jefferson of her constitutional rights,' the lawsuit, obtained by DailyMail.com, read.

Civil rights activist Pastor Kyev Tatum (L) arrives at the funeral service for Atatiana Jefferson on October 24, 2019, at Concord Church in Dallas, Texas

That lawsuit also listed the City of Fort Worth, including the Fort Worth Police Department, as defendants.

'Defendant the City of Fort Worth Police Department adopted, implemented, supplemented, reinforced, and promulgated policies, customs, and practices, as set forth above, all of which were a proximate cause and a moving force in the death of Atatiana Carr a/k/a Atatiana Jefferson,' the lawsuit read.

The lawsuit described Dean's conduct as 'unreasonable,' saying Forth Worth officials knew or should have known Dean 'exhibited a pattern of escalating encounters with the public in violation of well-established police practices.'

'...Dean acted contrary to law, and intentionally, willfully, wantonly, and unreasonably deprived Atatiana Carr a/k/a Atatiana Jefferson of her rights, privileges, and immunities secured by the U.S. Constitution,' per the lawsuit.

Jefferson's relatives requested compensatory and punitive damages.

Hundreds of mourners attended Jefferson's November funeral, including Fort Worth's mayor and the interim police chief in Dallas

There was a dispute prior to Jefferson's funeral when her father, Marquis Jefferson, obtained a restraining order to prevent a funeral scheduled for the next day.

At a later hearing, Atatiana's mother and three siblings intervened, asking Probate Court Judge Brenda Hull Thompson to dismiss the father's complaint.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that after Thompson issued a gag order, all sides negotiated for seven hours before reaching an agreement.

Marquis sought the temporary restraining order to gain control over the funeral arrangements of his daughter from her aunt, Bonita Body.

Marquis argued that he had been denied any involvement in the funeral planning. He said that as his daughter's sole legal heir, the duty of arranging the funeral is his.
Jill Biden didn't deny on Thursday that she told supporters that Kamala Harris could 'go f**k' herself after the June 2019 Democratic primary debate where the then-candidate attacked Joe Biden for supporting racist bus policies.

'That was two years ago. We've moved on from that,' Biden said in response to a question from Dailymail.com. 'We are here to do vaccinations.'

The first lady, along with Dr. Anthony Fauci, was visiting a vaccination clinic at Children's National Hospital where the two urged teenagers to get vaccinated.

She brushed off reports of her vulgarity to focus on the visit.

Jill Biden didn't deny she told supporters that Kamala Harris could 'go f**k' herself after attacking her husband during Democratic primary

But, before Joe Biden selected Harris to run on his ticket as vice president, the first couple had a visceral reaction to her comments during the debate in Miami, Florida two summers ago, according to excerpt published in Politico from journalist Edward-Isaac Dovere's upcoming book on the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

And Jill Biden made her feelings very clear about Harris' attack on Biden's position on a controversial busing program in the 1970s.

'With what he cares about, what he fights for, what he's committed to, you get up there and call him a racist without basis?' Jill said on a phone call with close supporters a week after the debate, according to multiple people on the call.

'Go f**k yourself.'

Spokesperson for the first lady Michael LaRosa told Politico of the excerpt: 'Many books will be written on the 2020 campaign, with countless retellings of events  some accurate, some inaccurate.'

'The First Lady and her team do not plan to comment on any of them,' he added.

The first lady, along with Dr. Anthony Fauci , was visiting a vaccination clinic at Children's National Hospital where the two urged teenagers to get vaccinated

During the heated exchange in Miami in June 2019, Kamala Harris said she didn't think Joe Biden was 'racist', but suggested he supported racist policies. She also reminded the stage that she benefited from busing as a child

During the debate in 2019, during the height of the Democratic presidential primary, Biden was blindsided by Harris' attacks, which claimed he did not support desegregation of schools by way of busing in the 1970s.

Harris, a half-Indian half-Jamaican daughter of immigrants, reminded Biden at the time that she is a beneficiary of the busing system.

'That little girl was me,' she told him. Her attack raised her national profile, her fundraising and her position in the polls.

After the tense back-and-forth  one of the most memorable interactions on the 2020 campaign trail  moderators stopped for a commercial break.

'Well, that was some f***ing bulls**t,' Biden said to Pete Buttigieg on stage during it, multiple people said was relayed to them afterward.

Biden barely knew Buttigieg, a fellow Democratic candidate at the time and now the president's transportation secretary, but wanted to share in the moment with someone on stage.

During the debate, Harris said: 'As the only black person on this stage, I would like to speak, on the issue of race.'

Harris confronted Biden about his stance in the '70s against encouraging racial integration in schools. During that decade, then-Senator Biden worked with the two segregationists to try to prevent federal imposition of the policy.

She told him, 'I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you, when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground.'

'But I also believe  and it's personal, and I was actually very  it was hurtful, to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country,' she said.

'And it was not only that, but you also worked with them to oppose busing,' she continued. 'And, you know, there was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day.'

'And that little girl was me. So I will tell you that on this subject, it cannot be an intellectual debate among Democrats. We have to take it seriously. We have to act swiftly. As Attorney General of California, I was very proud to put in place a requirement that all my special agents would wear body cameras and keep those cameras on,' she asserted.

Biden's ultimate response was to stop talking and more-or-less take the attack from Harris.

The book forthcoming details that Harris' team had to convince her to go after Biden in that way at the debate.

She eventually came around thinking 'it was a fair hit.'

The Bidens brushed off the attack once Harris was added to the presidential ticket, saying everyone had moved on.

'Battle for the Soul: Inside the Democrats' Campaigns to Defeat Trump' will hit bookshelves on May 25.
The Biden administration has reinstalled the scientist responsible for publishing the government's most important reports on climate change after he was dismissed during the final days of the Trump administration.

The White House said Dr. Michael Kuperberg, an environmental scientist, was returning as the executive director of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a post he had held for six years.

His removal came after he oversaw production of the fourth edition of the National Climate Assessment.

It warned of dire consequences for the U.S. if it failed to cut emissions or prepare for a warmer planet.

Dr. Michael Kuperberg has been reinstalled in one of the Biden administration's top climate change roles after being dismissed in November by the Trump administration

Kuperberg oversaw preparation of the Fourth National Climate Assessment in 2018, which offered a bleak outlook if the U.S. and the world did not move quickly to address global warming, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and introducing adaptation measures

The fourth National Climate Assessment forecast that temperatures could rise by as much as 8F in some parts of the U.S. if global warming increased unchecked, at a price of hundreds of billions of dollars to the national economy

And it said unchecked warming could trigger losses of hundreds of billions of -dollars a year, including crop damage, lost labor, and extreme weather damages.

'With continued growth in emissions at historic rates, annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century - more than the current gross domestic product (GDP) of many U.S. states,' it reported.

The stark conclusions were reported to have angered the White House and he was ousted despite being midway through producing the fifth edition, due next year.

His replacement, Davd Legates, was best known for playing down the severity of climate change and the human causes of warming.

Kuperberg said he was looking forward to continuing his work on climate change.

'As a scientist, it's been my honor to serve the American people under Democratic and Republican administrations to help deliver science to inform solutions,' he said.

Joe Biden has prioritized combating climate change, rejoining the Paris Accord on day one.

Trump promoted the use of fossil fuels and his political appointees tried to tone down the most worrying climate change forecasts

'And as a public servant, it's been my privilege to work with the nation's best scientists and policymakers, both inside and outside of government.'

His return was announced a day before Biden signed an executive order directing the federal government to develop strategies to reduce the risk of climate change on public and private financial assets.

Gina McCarthy, White House climate advisers, said: 'It means that Americans should be able to know the real risks that extreme weather and rising seas pose to the homes that they have invested in, or the small businesses that have been built up.

'It means that their hard earned retirement shouldn't be wiped out by the impacts of climate change or irresponsible investors.'

Kuperberg's removal in November came as the Trump administration tried to undermine the federal government's definitive climate assessment.

His replacement, Legates, triggered accusations that the administration was trying to shape its conclusions by installing loyalists.

Within weeks, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy was forced to distance itself from climate change documents he published under its name.

They addressed 'media misinformation,' doubts about computer modeling and claimed higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere had increased farming yields.

Legates and a colleague were dismissed soon afterwards.

Jane Lubchenco, the top climate official at OSTP, welcomed Kuperberg's return.

'There is no doubt that the climate crisis is accelerating  and if we're serious about tackling this crisis, we need proven scientific leadership that transcends politics,'she said.

Trump frequently questioned the scientific consensus that humans were responsible for a changing climate.

Instead he suggested that it was a Chinese hoax and set about promoting the use of fossil fuels.

Even when he conceded climate change was real, he suggested the Earth would cool down by itself.

President Biden has promised to put climate change considerations at the heart of his administration.

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency admitted that humans were to blame for climate change as it released a report that had been blocked by Trump.

The report showed that 2016 was the warmest year on record and 2020 was the second warmest.

And the White House has set up a Scientific Integrity Task Force, which officials say will review lapses of scientific integrity and ways to remedy them.
Mandy Davis, 33, a former teacher's aide in an Ohio middle school, is accused of having sex with a 12-year-old student

An Ohio teacher's aide, 33, is accused of having sex with a 12-year-old middle school student over two weeks.

Mandy Davis, who worked at Teays Valley West Middle School, had a sexual relationship with the student between April 26 and May 11 in her Bloomfield, Ohio home, according to the criminal complaint, which was obtained by DailyMail.com.

Because the victim is a minor, there's no other information available.

A concerned employee noticed an 'odd relationship' between Davis and the victim and reported it to school administrators, who launched an investigation into Davis, Pickaway County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Investigators in the sheriff's office executed a search warrant for her home, secured evidence and arrested Davis on Wednesday, the sheriff's office said.

Davis was fired as a teacher's aide by the Teavys Valley Local School District. The alleged sexual relationship did not happen in the school, according to the criminal complaint

Davis was arraigned herein Circleville, Ohio court Thursday on three felony charges

Because the victim is a minor, there's no other information available, including what was collected at her home.

Davis was charged with first-degree rape, third-degree gross sexual imposition and fourth-degree unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, all felonies, and arraigned Circleville, Ohio court on Thursday.

The Teays Valley Local School District said Davis was fired.

'We take these allegations very seriously and are committed to the safety and well-being of our students as our first priority,' the district said in a statement.
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Wild celebrations broke out on the streets of Gaza overnight after Israel and Hamas declared a ceasefire - bringing to an end 11 days of fighting that left 244 people dead.

The ceasefire came into effect at 2am with both sides claiming victory. Benjamin Netanyahu boasted of 'significant achievements' in destroying Hamas tunnels and rocket batteries, while mosque loudspeakers in Gaza hailed 'the victory of the resistance achieved over the occupation [Israel] during the battle of the Sword of Jerusalem'.

Both sides issued threats to resume hostilities if the situation changes - with Hamas saying 'our finger is on the trigger' and Israel warning 'the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign'. But as dawn broke on Friday the truce held, with no rocket fire or airstrikes reported in the early hours.

World leaders - who have been pushing for days for an end to the fighting - were quick to hail the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire, with US President Joe Biden speaking of a 'genuine opportunity to make progress' and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging leaders to 'work to find a durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.'

But in Israel, Netanyahu face angry accusations from his own supporters that the operation had stopped too soon, with the IDF failing to take out any of Hamas's top leaders. The military did manage to kill Hussam Abu Harbid - one of the leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a terror group which operates in Gaza.

Fighting - the fiercest between the two sides since the 2014 war - broke out on May 10 after days of skirmishes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in Jerusalem, centered around the Al-Aqsa mosque.

After a day of particularly fierce clashes Hamas had ordered Israeli police to move away from the mosque, then opened fire with rockets. Israel responded with artillery fire and airstrikes, with the two sides exchanging fire around the clock for almost two weeks.

As the dust settles both sides will now count the cost. In total, 232 Palestinians were killed including 65 children and 35 women, while 12 people including two children died in Israel.

Israel said its airstrikes destroyed more than 60 miles of Hamas tunnels, along with rocket batteries and a 'suicide submarine'. It also shot down drones and its Iron Dome defences destroyed thousands of Hamas missiles.

Hamas attacks largely destroyed civilian targets, including homes and a factory.

Palestinians celebrated on the streets of Gaza overnight after Hamas and Israel declared a ceasefire starting from 2am, bringing to an end 11 days of fighting that killed 244 people

Gaza has been pounded by nightly airstrikes since May 10 that have largely kept Palestinians inside their homes, but thousands flooded the streets to celebrate in the early hours of Friday as fighting stopped

People fired guns into the air and shouted 'Allahu Akbar' as mosque loudspeakers proclaimed 'victory over the occupation [Israel]' amid jubilant scenes in Gaza overnight

Palestinians gather for a celebration after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect at 2am Friday

Palestinians celebrate on the streets of Rafah, Gaza Strip, after a ceasefire with Israel came into effect - allowing them to safely leave their homes for the first time in 11 days

Crowds gather on the streets of Rafah to celebrate after a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel took effect

A Palestinian man drives through the streets of Gaza, brandishing a machine-gun out of his car window as his children make V for victory signs while poking their heads out of the sunroof

Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire, in the southern Gaza Strip

Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire, in the southern Gaza Strip

Palestinians take the streets after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect

Palestinians gather for a celebration after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect

People take to the streets to celebrate following a ceasefire brokered by Egypt between Israel and the ruling Islamist movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip

Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire, in the southern Gaza Strip

Palestinians celebrate the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas on May 21, 2021 in Gaza City

The decision came after heavy US pressure to halt the offensive.

President Joe Biden on Thursday hailed the impending cease-fire in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, saying he sees a 'genuine opportunity' toward the larger goal of building a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Biden credited the Egyptian government with playing a crucial role in brokering the cease-fire and said he and top White House aides were intensely involved in an 'hour by hour' effort to stop the bloodletting.

'I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy,' Biden said. 'My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that.'

Britain welcomed a ceasefire announced by Israel and Hamas and called on all sides to work to make it durable and 'end the unacceptable cycle of violence' in the region.

'All sides must work to make the ceasefire durable and end the unacceptable cycle of violence and loss of civilian life,' UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Twitter, adding that Britain supports 'efforts to bring about peace'.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in a tweet early on Friday thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for his role in making the Egyptian initiative for a ceasefire in Gaza succeed.

Sisi said he and President Biden both saw the urgency of managing the conflict between all parties with diplomacy.

Egyptian efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinians went into effect early on Friday.

Israel had launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.

Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.

Rocket attacks by Hamas and allied Islamic Jihad had resumed after an eight-hour pause on Thursday, as Israel continued shelling that it said aimed to destroy the factions' military capabilities and deter them from future confrontation after the current conflict.

Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire, in the southern Gaza Strip on May 21

Palestinians celebrate the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas on May 21, in Gaza City

Both Israel and Hamas warned that they could quickly revert to hostilities if the situation changes, but the ceasefire held into Friday morning with no rocket fire or bombing reported

Palestinians celebrate the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas on May 21 in Gaza City

Palestinians celebrate in front of a destroyed building in Gaza City early on May 21

Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire in Gaza City, May 21, following 11 days of conflict in the region

Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire brokered by Egypt between Israel and the ruling Islamist movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on May 21

Palestinians celebrate the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas on May 21

The 11-day conflict marks the worst period of fighting between the two sides since a 2014 war that left more than 2,000 dead

People gesture near the rubble of a damaged building as Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a ceasefire, in Gaza City May 21, 2021

Palestinians take the streets after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect

Palestinians gather for a celebration after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect

Palestinians gather for a celebration after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas

In a statement, Netanyahu's office said the Security Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal after recommendations from the military chief of staff and other top defense officials. The statement boasted of 'significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented' and included a veiled threat against Hamas.

PRESIDENT BIDEN WELCOMES CEASE-FIRE IN ISRAEL President Joe Biden on Thursday hailed the impending cease-fire in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, saying he sees a 'genuine opportunity' toward the larger goal of building a lasting peace in the Middle East. Biden credited the Egyptian government with playing a crucial role in brokering the cease-fire and said he and top White House aides were intensely involved in an 'hour by hour' effort to stop the bloodletting. 'I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy,' Biden said. 'My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that.' The president spoke soon after Israel and Hamas announced a cease-fire would go into effect at 2 a.m. Friday, ending an 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a halt. The fighting killed at least 227 in Gaza and 12 in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel accepted the Egyptian proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the deal. Biden, who spoke to Netanyahu six times in the last 11 days, said Thursday the prime minister credited the Iron Dome missile defense system with limiting the death toll inside Israel. The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells. Biden said he assured Netanyahu that his administration would work to quickly restock the missile defense system. Biden credited the Egyptian government with playing a crucial role in brokering the cease-fire and said he and top White House aides were intensely involved in an 'hour by hour' effort to stop the bloodletting The cease-fire was announced one day after Biden told Netanyahu in a telephone call that he expected 'significant de-escalation' of the fighting by day's end, according to the White House. But the prime minister came right back with a public declaration that he was 'determined to continue' the Gaza operation 'until its objective is achieved.' Hours before the cease-fire agreement was reached, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Israelis had 'achieved significant military objectives' in their strikes intended to degrade Hamas military capabilities and reiterated that Biden expected the Israelis to start 'winding down' their operations. 'We believe the Israelis have achieved significant military objectives that they laid out to achieve in relation to protecting their people and to responding to the thousands of rocket attacks from Hamas,' Psaki said. Biden, who studiously avoided extensive public comment about the Israeli military strikes through the 11-day conflict, was facing mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment. Throughout the crisis, Biden, in carefully-worded statements and brief exchanges with reporters, underscored Israel's right to defend itself. But as the death toll and suffering of innocent bystanders in Gaza spread, the position was becoming more difficult to sustain with his Democratic caucus and the international community. On Tuesday, while in Michigan to visit a Ford facility, Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib confronted Biden on the Detroit airport tarmac and called on him to speak out forcefully against the Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York introduced resolutions to block the sale of $735 million in military weaponry to Israel that's already been approved by the Biden administration. As the outside calls for Biden to speak more forcefully grew, Biden and top aides privately made the case to Israeli officials that time wasn't on their side in the court of public opinion. Administration officials pointed to Hezbollah's stature rising in the region after their 34-day war with Israel in 2006 to make the case for limiting the time of the military action. Israeli officials pushed back that a slightly prolonged campaign to degrade Hamas' military capabilities was necessary and in their interest, according a person familiar with the talks who was not authorized to discuss them publicly. Hamas had sought to portray their rocket barrages as a defense of Jerusalem. Israeli officials made the case to the White House that Hamas' message lost resonance as mob violence against Arabs in mixed Israeli cities, including Lod, was tamped down. Biden, in his remarks Thursday, reiterated that United States continues to 'fully support Israel's right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks' by Hamas and other Gaza-based militants. Biden also offered condolences for Palestinian lives lost during the conflict and vowed humanitarian aid would quickly flow through the Palestinian Authority, which is in control of the West Bank but not Gaza. 'We will do this in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas ... and in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal,' Biden said. Advertisement

'The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign,' the statement said.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. 'The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed,' he said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday he would be prepared to travel to the Middle East, as he headed home from an Arctic tour overshadowed by Israeli-Palestinian fighting.

'I am prepared at any time to go to Israel, to the Middle East, if that would serve the purpose of moving beyond the violence and helping to work on improving lives for Israelis and Palestinians alike,' Blinken said at a press conference in Greenland.

He said that he had pushed for a 'de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire' in a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict had topped journalists' questions at Blinken's public appearances in Denmark and at the Arctic Council in Iceland, where he also met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

He spoke to leaders on both sides, as well as from Arab nations with influence over Hamas, from hotel rooms and the aeroplane in the scramble for a ceasefire.

Now 'if there's a good time' to travel to the Middle East 'that's certainly something I intend to do,' Blinken said without naming a date

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said reports of a move toward a ceasefire were 'clearly encouraging'.

She said the US was trying 'to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict'.

Earlier, Israel had unleashed a new wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip as Hamas fired more rockets into Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi by phone on Thursday during a visit to Greenland, and reiterated the message that the United States expects to see a 'de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire' between Israel and the Palestinians.

Blinken said there was a deep and shared concern around the world for the deaths of Palestinians and Israelis and Washington's goal remains to end the violence.

The public broadcaster Kan said the fighting was to halt immediately, while other TV channels said it would go into effect at 2am.

There was no immediate reaction from Hamas.

It comes after Israel had unleashed a new wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday and Hamas fired more rockets into Israel, despite growing signs that the sides were close to a cease-fire that would end 11 days of heavy fighting.

In an apparent sign of progress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of his Security Cabinet, where the issue of a cease-fire was expected to be debated.

An Egyptian official said Israel has informed his government, which is mediating a truce, that it intends to end its military operations in Gaza. Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing behind-the-scenes diplomacy, he said an announcement was expected following the Security Cabinet meeting.

The official spoke shortly after Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi talked by phone with President Joe Biden. The two leaders discussed ways to stop violence in the Palestinian Territories, el-Sissi's office said.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said reports of a move toward a ceasefire were 'clearly encouraging.' She said the U.S. was trying 'to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict.'

With U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging an immediate cease-fire, a U.N. Mideast envoy was in the Gulf state of Qatar to help with efforts to restore calm, a diplomatic official said.

Energy-rich Qatar often helps mediate between Israel and Hamas and has donated hundreds of millions of dollars for development and humanitarian projects in Gaza in recent years.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas official based in Lebanon, also said he expected a cease-fire within the coming day.

Biden on Wednesday publicly pressed Netanyahu to wind down the operation. The Israeli leader initially pushed back, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.

But by Thursday evening, Israeli media were reporting that a cease-fire agreement was expected to take effect by early Friday, perhaps sooner.

Despite the signs of progress, fighting continued into the evening, with Israeli airstrikes on targets in Gaza and Palestinian militants firing rockets toward Israeli cities. In past rounds of violence, fighting has picked up in the final hours, with each side trying to eke out a final achievement before a cease-fire went into effect.

Earlier Thursday, explosions shook Gaza City and orange flares lit up the pre-dawn sky, with bombing raids also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis.

As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis. Heavy airstrikes also hit a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it struck at least three homes of Hamas commanders in Khan Younis and another in Rafah, targeting 'military infrastructure,' as well as a weapons storage unit at a home in Gaza City.

On Wednesday, Biden told Israel on Wednesday that he expected 'a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire' - but Netanyahu pushed back, saying he was 'determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.'

Palestinians carry a model of the Dome of the Rock, Judaism's holiest site, which sits opposite the Al-Aqsa mosque on Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where the latest round of fighting started

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip lined the streets in celebration following as the ceasefire came into effect, with many holding up their phones with the torch feature activated

People take to the streets to celebrate following a ceasefire brokered by Egypt between Israel and the ruling Islamist movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip

People wave the Palestinian flag as they celebrate in front of a destroyed building in Gaza City

Palestinians gather for a celebration after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas

A family drives in their car as they celebrate following a ceasefire brokered by Egypt between Israel and Hamas

Palestinians gather for a celebration after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect at 2am Friday

Palestinians take the streets after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect

Palestinians gather for a celebration after 'mutual and simultaneous' cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect

It marked the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began and posed a difficult test of the U.S.-Israel relationship early in Biden's presidency.

Visiting the region, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Israel has 'the right to defend itself against such unacceptable attacks.' But he also expressed concern about the rising number of civilian victims and voiced support for truce efforts.

Even as the diplomatic efforts appeared to gather strength, an Israeli airstrike smashed into the Khawaldi family's two-story house in Khan Younis, destroying it.

The 11 residents, who were sleeping outside the home out of fear, were all hospitalized, said Shaker al-Khozondar, a neighbor.

Shrapnel also hit his own home, killing his aunt and wounding her daughter and two other relatives, he said. Al-Khozondar spoke from the bedroom where his aunt Hoda died. The windows were shattered and the bed pillows and rubble stained with blood.

Weam Fares, a spokesman for a nearby hospital, confirmed the death and said at least 10 people were wounded in strikes overnight.

Heavy airstrikes also pummeled a street in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, destroying ramshackle homes with corrugated metal roofs nearby. The military said it struck two underground launchers in the camp used to fire rockets at Tel Aviv.

The current round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims.

Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.

Fighting broke out on May 10 after days of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces around the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, which prompted Hamas to fire a rocket salvo at Israel (pictured)

Israel responded with airstrikes and artillery fire, with nightly raids in and around Gaza targeting networks of Hamas tunnels

Israel said its strikes targeted Hamas fighting tunnels, rocket batteries, and offices - though at least 65 children and 35 women were killed in the fighting

An Israeli artillery gun fires towards targets inside Gaza during fighting earlier this week, which left 244 people dead

Israel said it had destroyed more than 60 miles of Hamas tunnels inside Gaza, which are used by militants to hide from airstrikes and to launch surprise attacks on Israeli troops in the event of a ground invasion

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

Hamas and militant group Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

The military said an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza hit an empty bus near the frontier on Thursday, lightly wounding an Israeli soldier.

Since the fighting began, Gaza's infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated.

Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power in 2007.

Israeli bombing has damaged over 50 schools across the territory, according to advocacy group Save the Children, completely destroying at least six. While repairs are done, education will be disrupted for nearly 42,000 children.

Israeli attacks have also damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.
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New Yorkers who retreated to the Hamptons amid the pandemic are now panicking about being forced to return to the city as offices start reopening - with some saying it has thrown their summer plans into disarray and others claiming they just 'won't show up'.

Hordes of wealthy residents fled New York City last March when lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions first came into effect and sought shelter in places like the Hamptons.

Now after more than a year, Wall Street and other companies are telling employees they need to make moves to return to their office as the push to return to post-pandemic life gains speed.

Even though the city has now lifted COVID-19 restrictions, those in the Hamptons - like those who planned on permanently remaining beachside through the summer - have told Vanity Fair they are now panicking about returning at such 'short notice'.

New Yorkers who retreated to the Hamptons (above) amid the pandemic are now panicking about being forced to return to the city as offices start reopening

An advertising executive who has been living at her Hamptons home during the pandemic is now worried her office will reopen next month despite initially being slated for a September return.

She said she has already spent $600 on beach passes and her family is coming out to visit.

Prior to the pandemic, she said she would rent out her home for the month of July for $30,000 a month - but she would not be able to do that at short notice if she had to return to the city next month.

'I missed the opportunity... That had to be done in February,' she said. 'I wouldn't have spent $600 on two monthly beach passes had I had a bit of knowledge.'

The number of luxury homes that sold in the Hamptons was up 30 percent in the last quarter of 2020, according to a Douglas Elliman report.

The average price of an upmarket Hamptons home was at $6 million last quarter.

The number of luxury homes that sold in the Hamptons was up 30 percent in the last quarter of 2020, according to a Douglas Elliman report. The average price of an upmarket Hamptons home was at $6 million last quarter

The average prices for family homes and condos surged 54 percent in the last quarter. The average sales price was close to $2 million

The summer rental market has already seen a 37 percent price hike as families lock in for the whole season.

Prices are up as much as $30,000 in some places.

The advertising executive added that her company, which she didn't name, is currently asking employees how often they would like to be in the office when it reopens.

'People in small apartments in Brooklyn want back in two or three days a week, right away. People with homes elsewhere are saying zero.'

She said the uncertainty said higher level employees who have an 'escape house' are now digging in their heels and refusing to move back last minute.

'My ultimate preference would be to be in the office. I like human contact and live meetings. But they can't do this last minute,' she said.

Another unnamed woman, who has been living at her house in Amagansett, claims she will refuse to return if called back to the office.

JPMorgan Chase required workers to be back from Monday at least for a few days each week. The bank's goal is for nearly all employees to return to working in the office on a rotational basis by July

She said she had already spent $500 on her beach parking sticker and $150 on a new cooking pan.

'If my company says, 'return to the office,' I simply won't show up,' she said. 'Last summer I was all stressed out because of COVID. I want to enjoy my summer this year.'

In the last few weeks, a number of high profile companies have told employees when they need to return to the office.

JPMorgan Chase required workers to be back from Monday at least for a few days each week. The bank's goal is for nearly all employees to return to working in the office on a rotational basis by July.

Fellow Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs informed employees they are expected to return to its New York City offices by June.

The investment bank sent a memo to staff telling them they should be prepared to return to the offices, which are located in Manhattan's Financial District, by June 14.
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered the closure of two migrant detention centers over disturbing abuse and misconduct allegations.

The Biden administration said it would no longer use the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, following claims staff performed unwanted hysterectomies on female detainees in unsanitary conditions.

The C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center in Bristol County, Massachusetts, was also shut down, after authorities launched an investigation into guards using pepper balls and flash-bangs on migrants during a dispute over COVID testing and isolation.

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has ordered the closure of two migrant detention centers over disturbing abuse and misconduct allegations

It was being run through an Immigration and Customs Enforcement contract with the Bristol County Sheriffs in the state.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas ordered ICE to immediately end the contracts with the Massachusetts site and move the detainees elsewhere, according to documents provided to The Washington Post.

The Irwin facility, run by a private contractor, will be closed as soon as possible. The ICE Inspector General is investigating the claims of unwanted medical procedures - but the doctor has denied wrongdoing.

Mayorkas said the move is an 'important first step' in an investigation into immigration jails that house migrants who have crossed the border or those who have been arrested and are awaiting deportation.

A DHS official told the Post the facilities were 'no longer operationally necessary, with Bristol holding just seven detainees in a 200-bed facility, and Irwin holding 114 with capacity for 1,000.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson hit back in a blistering statement where he attacked Mayorkas personally and called the closure a 'political hit job.'

'Shame on Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas for putting his left-wing political agenda above public safety by ending the Bristol County Sheriffs Office contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement," he said, Fox news reported.

'This is nothing but a political hit job orchestrated by Sec. Mayorkas, the Biden administration and other anti-law enforcement groups to punish outspoken critics and advance their partisan agenda to score political points,' he said.

It also comes amid mounting pressure on Kamala Harris to visit the border and follows the release of migrant children being flown into Tennessee on overnight flights and taken to cities across the south east where they are either reunited with families or placed in homes.

Several videos obtained by WRCB-TV Channel 3 show a handful of planes carrying minor migrants arriving at Chattanooga's Wilson Air Center during overnight hours.

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn said in a statement the transportation of migrants there is taking place in 'the dead of night without the knowledge or permission of the communities involved.'

A source with direct knowledge of the operation revealed somewhere up to 50 minors are transported at a time  some to reunite with family members in other states and others to be relocated to group homes.

The individual revealed that while the operation started in Dallas, it moved to small airports recently to avoid attention.

Customs and Border Protection encountered 178,000 migrants in April, a 90 per cent increase from April 2020 and slight uptick from March 2021 - when border guards encountered the most unaccompanied children in history.

Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa introduced the 'See the Crisis' Act on Thursday before the House breaks for recess.

The bill proposes banning Harris from taxpayer-funded travel as she still refuses to visit the border to address the growing issues. It has been nine weeks since the Biden administration named her border 'czar' and the White House has insisted her priority is to deal with the 'root causes' of migration.

Tennessee lawmakers claim the Biden administration is now 'secretly' sending migrants who were in Southeastern holding facilities to other U.S. states 'in the dead of night'. Several videos show a handful of planes carrying minor migrants arriving at Chattanooga's Wilson Air Center during overnight hours

Vice President Kamala Harris was named 'border czar' in March, but since then has not visited the border. She has, however, traveled across the country to promote Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and upcoming $4 trillion in infrastructure proposals

Harris has come under fire for traveling the country but not making a stop at the border. Here a Texas state trooper talks to Venezuelan migrants who crossed into the U.S. illegally on May 19

Refugees are also filing into shelters in Mexico near the border waiting for the outcome of their applications to enter the US

'We have an absolute crisis at the border, and Vice President Harris was appointed to lead the administration's efforts on the border crisis, but it's been 56 days, and in that time she hasn't been to the border once,' Hinson told Fox News on Wednesday.

'She hasn't held a news conference on the administration's efforts for a plan, and I think it's time she does that.'

The latest increase in pressure on the Biden administration to address the border problem came as former president George W. Bush claimed the immigration system is 'broken' and slammed Congress for doing nothing to fix it.

In an interview with Fox News on Thursday he said: 'Youre not going to solve this if there is politics.

'If you think about where we are right now, youve got people on one side of the aisle blaming the former president, and people on the other side of the aisle blaming the current president.

'And, the truth of the matter is, the system is broken because Congress has failed to act.'

Bush also said the real blame for the humanitarian crisis at the border is the smugglers who have no intention of getting these families into the US and are simply trying to make money.

'Im sure theyre telling them falsehoods  "follow me, Ill get you in"  and these poor people have no way of checking that out and are finding themselves stuck at the border,' he added.

In March, Biden named Harris 'border czar' as the administration faced a mounting crisis with mass migration from the south, causing an overwhelmed immigration system and overcrowded border facilities.

Since taking on the role, Harris has drawn criticism for not visiting the border.

The White House, however, has insisted since then that Harris' position is to address 'root causes' in Central America and Mexico that lead to people fleeing their home countries for the U.S.

Representative Ashley Hinson is proposing a new bill Thursday that would ban any taxpayer-funded travel for Harris until she visits the border and submits a report on the trip to Congress

Customs and Border Protection encountered 178,000 migrants in April, a 90 per cent increase from April 2020 and slight uptick from March 2021 - when border guards encountered the most unaccompanied children in history

Hinson's proposal would stop Harris' vice presidential travel, including her security detail for out-of-country travel and the use of Air Force Two, until she issues a report to Congress on how to solve the crisis after finally visiting the southern border.

The Iowa Republican says the report would need to include briefs on any meetings she held with agencies at the border and plans on addressing the crisis. She also is interested in the amount of foreign aid the administration plans to give to Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

In early June, Harris plans to travel to Guatemala and Mexico to talk with leaders there about the crisis.

'I'm thinking of corruption, violence and poverty, the lack of economic opportunity, the lack of climate adaptation and climate resilience, the lack of good governance,' Harris said earlier in May when listing root causes of the mass migration.

The immigrants were told by agents to remove their shoe laces before they are taken into custody and transported to border facilities

Mountains of trash are seen on the Mexican side of the border wall in Ciudad Juarez on Wednesday

The vice president says she doesn't plan to stop at the border during her trip south of the border next month.

In recent months, there has been a historic number of migrants illegally crossing the border.

To deal with the issues with overcrowding of facilities in border states, the White House has started transporting migrants into an airport in Chattanooga, Tennessee from Southeast cities.

But lawmakers in the state claim they are not being informed or consulted on the movement of migrants to their communities.

'I have warned for months that President Biden's failure at the border would result in a systematic resettling of migrants in our communities, burdening our schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, and bringing an increase in drug trafficking and human smuggling,' Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty told Fox.

'A new reality is happening in our countryevery town is now a border town.'

A Venezuelan mother kisses her 4-year-old son after they make it over the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum in the U.S. on Wednesday

Venezuelan migrants stand with a Texas state trooper after crossing illegally into Del Rio on Wednesday, May 19

Estimates show approximately 200,000 migrants have crossed into the U.S. along the southern border since February 2021. A Texas state trooper watches as Venezuelan immigrants wait to be taken into custody after crossing the border

Two migrants help each other up a bank after crossing the Rio Grande into the United States

Despite deflection of duties to address the border crisis, Republicans claim in order to deal with root causes, it is still important Harris visit the border.

Rather than going to the border, Harris has jetted around the U.S. the past few months to promote the $1.9 trillion American Rescue plan, which was signed by President Joe Biden in March.

She has also traveled to preview and garner support for the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan, which when combined have a price tag of $4 trillion.

Part of her travels included a stop at a bakery in Chicago and a bookstore in Rhode Island, which the GOP immediately pounced on.

'She's putting yarn shops and bakeries before the border,' Hinson said of Harris.

'She's Zoomed with the Mexican president, but I think that sends the absolute wrong message to the men and women that are putting their lives on the line every day, not to mention the men and women and families that live in these communities along the border and the communities of Iowa -- every state is a border state,' she added.

These refugees go about daily life in the centers on Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Refugees go on with daily life in shelters on May 19,2021 in Ciudad Juarez Mexico while waiting for their applications to be processed

In April alone, 178,000 migrants were encountered by immigration agencies.

The administration has been scrambling in particular to deal with the large numbers of children migrants arriving without an adult. There are tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors in federal custody after Biden promised he would not turn these crossers away.

Harris has already met virtually with the leaders of Mexico and Guatemala ahead of her upcoming trip.

Nearly two dozen Republican governors sent a letter to Biden earlier this month calling for action at the border.

In the letter led by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, they claim the immigration crisis was spilling over into many U.S. states.

'The crisis at our border is too big to ignore, and it's spilling into ALL of our states,' Lee wrote in a Twitter statement May 11 regarding the letter.

Mexican military soldiers patrol the Mexican side of the Rio Grande on May 18, 2021 as seen from across the river in Del Rio, Texas

Parents of migrant girls abandoned on Texas farm claim they were kidnapped in Mexico moments after the children were ferried to the US

The parents of four of the five migrant girls who were found abandoned on a farm in Texas claim they were kidnapped in Mexico moments after the children were ferried to the United States in a raft.

Guatemalan national Daisy Sanchez, her boyfriend Ashley Padilla, of Honduras, and the latter's brother-in-law, Gabriel Castillo, made the claim in an interview with Univision on Wednesday.

They added that they have spent nine days trekking through a mountain region in Mexico in the hope of crossing into the US to reunite with them.

Sanchez and Padilla are the parents of 11-moth-old Valeria Padilla. Sanchez's daughter, Asheli, 5, is from a previous relationship. Castillo is the father of Nashly, 7, and Cristal, 4. His wife, Sandra Padilla, is still in Mexico, and it's unknown why she did not join them on the trip.

In the interview, the three parents recalled the harrowing encounter with a group of armed men as they waited to cross the Rio Grande on a raft and join their children.

They claim that moments after the girls were ferried across the waterway, a gang suddenly held them up at gunpoint.

'Let's say (there is a feeling of) helplessness because you want to do something but you can't anymore when they are pointing a gun at you and your life is between your back and the wall, and the lives of the girls are on the other side,' Castillo said. 'You feel powerless.'

Five girls from Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico were found May 9 by Texas onion and watermelon farmer Jimmy Hobbs and his wife on their 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

Daisy Sanchez (left), the Guatemalan mother of two of the five girls who were found abandoned on a farm in Quemado, Texas, near a river across the border with Mexico, said in an interview aired by Univision on Wednesday that she has been trekking through a mountain area in Mexico over the last nine days and seeks to reach the United States so that she and her boyfriend, Ashley Padilla (right), can be reunited with their daughters. The couple is also joined by Gabriel Castillo, Padilla's brother-in-law and whose two daughters are also in the U.S. at a migrant shelter in Brownsville, Texas

Gabriel Castillo said that an armed gang held the three parents at gunpoint and kidnapped them moments after the children had been crossed on a raft from Mexico to Quemado, Texas

According to Sanchez, they were taken to a stash house where other migrant families were being held, but managed to escape their captors through a broken window.

Ever since then, the three adults have been hiking through the mountain region with minimal food and water.

Sanchez explained that they plan to meet their families in the United States and petition the government to place the children in their custody.

'It's very difficult because the baby is very little at 11 months. She's baby,' Sanchez said. 'The other is five. It's very difficult to leave them there.'

Daisy Sanchez looks at a video for the first time that shows the moment a couple found her two daughters on their farm in Quemado, Texas, on May 9 after the children and three other girls, including her boyfriend's two nieces, were ferried on a raft across the Mexico-United States border
A cop accused of abducting and murdering his ex's new boyfriend in his police cruiser while on duty has been indicted for first-degree murder.

A grand jury issued the indictments to Patric Ferguson, 29, for his alleged role in the January killing of Robert Howard, 30, of Memphis, on Thursday.

Indicted alongside him was Joshua Rogers, 28, on counts of accessory after the fact, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence for his alleged role as Ferguson's accomplice.

The indictments were announced in a press release from the office of Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich.

Ferguson also faces counts of evidence tampering, abuse of a corpse, official misconduct and official oppression in connection to the killing.

Memphis Police Department officer Patric Ferguson (left) was indicted for first-degree murder and kidnapping of Memphis man Robert Howard in January while he was on duty. Joshua Rogers (right) was also indicted as an accomplice for allegedly helping Ferguson hide Howard's body

Officials have not released a motive in the killing, but Rogers' family told CBS News 3 that he had been dating Ferguson's ex-girlfriend around the time of his death.

She reported Howard missing on Jan. 6, Memphis police said in a statement on Twitter.

Police said that the woman tracked Howards cell phone to the intersection of Lamar Avenue and Shelby Drive, where she found the phone, but not her boyfriend, leading to a City Watch Alert being issued for Howard on Jan. 8.

Weirich's office said that after an investigation, Ferguson became a suspect in Howard's disappearance, and eventually told investigators that he had gone to Howard's home, abducted him at gunpoint and killed him in the back of his patrol car.

Further information on how Ferguson was able to get Howard into his cruiser have not been revealed.

Speaking after Howard was found dead in January, his younger brother Kortez Howard said: 'I would never think a police officer would kill my brother over something. Over just a little thing, a female.'

Officials have not released a motive for the killing, but family members of Howard (above) said he had been dating Ferguson's ex girlfriend

Paying tribute to his late brother, Kortez added: 'Never had a bad spirit. He never hung around no drama. No nothing.'

He also told of his shock at claims Howard's killer was an on-duty cop.

Addressing Memphis PD, Kortez said: 'Better your staff. Better the people that you hire. Every good person that you hire aint out here to serve and protect us man. You dont know what vengeance they have against us

The district attorney said Ferguson had enlisted Rogers' help in hiding Howard's body.

He is free on a $25,000 bond.

Police said that Fergusons cell phone search history had included multiple queries regarding crime scene cleanup and how to destroy DNA evidence, WMC Action News 5 reported.

Additional evidence police found included Ferguson buying cinderblocks, chains and padlocks at a local hardware store, and surveillance video capturing the actual shooting.

While executing search warrants, police said they found bloody towels in Ferguson's car that had been used to clean up the crime scene and also found the gun used in the slaying at a home.

Rogers allegedly admitted to police that he helped Ferguson move Howard's body to Rogers' home.

Ferguson was fired following his arrest, police said, according to Fox 13.
A 35-year-old Argentine national was among two men executed by narco gang assassins who shot up the vehicle in Mexico.

Eugenio Senese and his friend, Victor - a Mexican national - were traveling in a white Mercedes Benz in the tourist hotspot city of Tulum last Friday when the suspects drove up in a Chevrolet Suburban and opened fire before speeding away.

The car Senese was in subsequently crashed into another vehicle outside a hotel.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

'Those are things that always happen there. It was the settling of scores between people are involved with drugs,' an Argentine ex-pat in Tulum said according to channel Todo Noticias.

'Poor thing got caught in the middle. He had nothing to do with drugs.'

Eugenio Senese, a native of Argentina, was executed by narco gang assassins on a road in Tulum, Mexico, last Friday. The 35-year-old had been living in Mexico since 2014 and worked at a beachfront property in Tulum. He was in a white Mercedes Benz with his friend Victor, a Mexican national, when their vehicle was fired on. They subsequently crashed into another car and were later declared dead by paramedics

Pictured is the white Mercedes Benz that Argentine national Eugenio Senese was riding in last Friday when assassins opened fired, killing him and a friend, in Tulum, Mexico

The Quintana Roo Attorney General's Office announced it was investigating the double homicide. No arrests had been reported as of Thursday.

Senese, a native of the resort Argentine city of Mar de Plata, studied architecture and moved to Mexico in 2014 as he searched for a new life experience.

He was warned about the dangers that came with living in the Yucatan Peninsula region and was told to 'avoid nightlife and drug problems.'

Eugenio Senes with his girlfriend Jackeline Becerra, a Mexican national he met after moving to Mexico from Argentina in 2014

Eugenio Senese met his girlfriend, Jackeline Becerra, upon arriving in Mexico in May 2014.

Senese met his girlfriend, Jackeline Becerra, upon arriving in Mexico in May 2014.

He immediately found work in Playa del Carmen and later settled down in Tulum, where he held a job at a beachfront property.

Since Senese's family is in Argentina, Becerra was tasked with identifying his body at the local morgue.

On Friday evening, hours after Senese's execution, Becerra uploaded an old photo of the couple at a beach in Mexico.

'Friends for the rest of life,' she wrote.
A New York City man has been accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death inside her Harlem apartment on Wednesday night, just 30 minutes after she called the police to report that he had violated a restraining order.

Fernando Munera, 26, was charged with murder, burglary and criminal contempt on Thursday in connection with the brutal killing of 27-year-old Alayna Hardy.

Munera remained hospitalized in critical condition after suffering knife wounds to his chest and neck at the hands of his victim, who police say had desperately fought for her life.

Fernando Munera, 26 (pictured left), has been charged with murder, burglary and criminal contempt for the stabbing death of his ex-girlfriend, Alayna Hardy, 27 (left and right)

Police said Hardy fought back and managed to stab her ex-boyfriend in his chest and neck, leading to his hospitalization in critical condition

According to the NYPD, Hardy called 911 at around 8.15pm to report that her ex-boyfriend was on her fire escape on East 115th Street in violation of a restraining order, which has been in effect since February following a domestic incident involving the former couple, reported New York Daily News.

By the time police officers responded to the scene, Munera had left.

At around 8.45pm, Munera allegedly returned to Hardys apartment and repeatedly stabbed her in the body and neck during a fight, which also left the suspected attacker badly injured.

A neighbor told the New York Post he heard a woman crying out, followed by silence.

Hardy was rushed to Metropolitan Hospital, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries a short time later.

Hardy had a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend stemming from a domestic incident that took place in February. About 30 minutes before the stabbing, she called 911 to report that Munera was on her fire escape in violation of the order of protection

Earlier that same day, another neighbor spotted Munera pacing up and down First Avenue with his fists clenched and muttering, 'f*** this b****' and 'f*** this c***.'

The neighbor, Noel Enrique Bermudez, told the Daily News that Munera had 'hatred in his eyes.'

His eyes told me he was going to do something stupid, something dumb, someone was going to get hurt, the witness recalled.

Hardy was a native of Arizona but lived in New York City for several years. It is unclear how long she and Munera had been together, but a photo posted on her Facebook page in December showed the woman embracing her boyfriend.

During the February incident, Munera allegedly restrained Hardy in a bedroom, took away her phone and then vandalized her apartment. Munera (right) was set to appear in court in the restraint case on the morning of the stabbing

On February 13, Munera was charged with unlawful imprisonment, harassment and property damage stemming from a domestic incident involving Hardy.

Prosecutors said during his arraignment that Munera restrained Hardy, took away her phone and prevented her from leaving a bedroom.

After she managed to escape, Munera allegedly vandalized her apartment.

A judge issued a temporary order of protection against Munera, prohibiting him from contacting Hardy - even as he continued living in the same building as his ex-girlfriend.

Munera was scheduled to appear before a judge in connection with the February case on Thursday morning, just hours before Hardy's killing.
The mother of a four-month-old boy who drowned inside a Sydney home has been arrested and taken for a mental health assessment, after a heartbroken man cradled a child on the driveway.

The little boy was found unresponsive in water at the suburban property Seaborn Avenue at Oran Park, in Sydney's south-west, at about 4.40pm on Thursday.

Paramedics performed CPR before he was rushed to Campbelltown Hospital in a critical condition, but he could not be revived.

Police arrested the boy's 32-year-old mother and took her to Narellan Station on Thursday evening, but on Friday morning police told Daily Mail Australia she was then taken to Liverpool Hospital.

No one has been charged over the infant's death, with investigators and specialist forensic officers saying it was too early to say how or where exactly the child drowned.

Harrowing footage captured a devastated man, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and blue jeans, sitting on the ground rocking a young child in his arms as emergency services swarmed around him. The child is believed to be a sibling of the deceased boy.

A man cradled a young child in his lap outside a home in Oran Park, in Sydney's southwest, where a four-month-old baby drowned on Thursday afternoon

Pictured: A man in a grey hoodie, who was cradling the child's body, can be seen walking among police tape on Thursday afternoon

A medic walked over to the hoodie-wearing man and offers him a bottle of water before removing the lid so the man didn't have to let go of the child.

A neighbour revealed the 'cute family' had only moved in a week before the tragedy.

'They had just moved in last week, they seemed so lovely, two small kid... they were such a cute family, the grandparents were so nice,' they told the Daily Telegraph.

'We spoke a few times, said hi, then (on Thursday) I came out and found police everywhere  I held (the grandparents), comforted them as they took the baby away.'

The neighbour, who has only just moved into the suburb himself, said he had chosen the street to set up his own family home.

'The kids from the home are so young, I just feel for the family,' he said.

A man was seen comforting a woman as they leant on the back of a car in the residential street

Shocked neighbours gathered outside their homes as emergency response vehicles lined the street and police officers cordoned off the scene.

Another man could be seen comforting a woman as they leaned against a car in the street.

NSW police told Daily Mail Australia that the homicide squad were 'alerted' to the incident which is protocol for any 'unexplained deaths'.

Oran Park, formerly home to one of Australia's major raceways, has become a booming residential area popular with young families as more Sydneysiders move west for affordable properties.

The child's mother, 32, has been arrested and is helping police with inquiries and a crime scene has been set up at the home

Emergency services were called about 4.40pm on Thursday to reports of a concern for welfare at a house in Seaborn Avenue (pictured)

Oran Park, in southwest Sydney, has become a booming residential area for young families

A neighbour said the family had only moved into the street (pictured) last week

Over the past decade, the suburb has expanded rapidly as housing developments have been pitched on the grounds of the old circuit.

Seaborn Avenue is a part of a new estate called Ascot Grove, which is touted by construction company Edgewater Homes as an 'expertly designed and built community'.

Boasting around 250 homes, which come in similar variations of brick, and dark grey and white rendering, Ascot Grove is located close to schools and is designed to be family-oriented.

'With a large central park and playground for the kids, you will feel a sense of community from the moment you arrive,' Edgewater Homes states on their website.
A 58-year-old hiker has been found alive and well five days after he went missing in a rugged national park.

George David Null set out Saturday morning for a hike in the Angeles National Forest - a 700,000 acre area located in the San Gabriel Mountains, northeast of Los Angeles.

Crews commenced a search for Null when he failed to return home that evening, with his vehicle discovered in one of the forest's carparks the following day.

George David Null, 58, has been found alive and well five days after he went missing in a rugged national park

Volunteers distributed flyers, while local police pleaded with the public for any information as to Null's whereabouts.

Search and rescue helicopters also canvassed the remote landscape of the Angeles Forest in a bid for any sign of the hiker.

However, as the days passed, fears grew for Null's safety.

But on Wednesday, aerial crews happened to spot him waving his bright blue plaid shirt in the air as he stood by a creek in a remote part of the park.

Video shared to social media shows Null being winched to safety in the helicopter.

The 58-year-old looked overjoyed - and a little dirty - as he posed for a selfie with the rescue pilot after reaching safety.

Volunteers distributed flyers, while local police pleaded with the public for any information as to Null's whereabouts

His sister, Rebecca Latta, told one local news station that she was 'so relieved'.

'We didn't know for days. Not knowing is so hard,' she stated.

Null has not spoken publicly about his ordeal, and it is unclear how he managed to survive in the harsh environment.

'I think he's so exhausted that he really doesn't have a lot of words right now, and he's maybe a little bit delirious after five days of wandering around in the forest,' Latta stated.
Earl Spencers invitation for me to meet him last November came almost 25 years to the day after his sister had opened the doors at Kensington Palace to admit BBC reporter Martin Bashir and the Panorama camera crew.

There, in Princess Dianas first floor sitting room, they had set up their equipment to record what the corporation would later boast was the interview of the decade or of the generation.

So the timing of my visit to Althorp, the Spencer family home, that warm autumn day was highly significant.

And when, some five hours later, I left the magnificent house in the Northamptonshire countryside where Spencer and Diana grew up, I had the most extraordinary first-hand account of the falsehoods, trickery and outright lies Bashir had employed to entrap the princess into giving that interview.

In its way it was every bit as devastating as her appearance on Panorama all those years ago.

Earl Spencers (pictured) invitation for me to meet him last November came almost 25 years to the day after his sister had opened the doors at Kensington Palace to admit BBC reporter Martin Bashir and the Panorama camera crew

Some five hours later, I left the magnificent house in the Northamptonshire countryside, I had the most extraordinary first-hand account of the falsehoods, trickery and outright lies Bashir had employed to entrap the princess into giving that interview

In the still of the ground floor saloon, hung with the rich tapestries and portraits of his ancestors, Charles Spencer sat on a silken sofa alongside his wife Karen. In front of them rested a bulging file.

Inside were 37 pages of notes, letters, and memorandums that Spencer, a meticulous reporter and historian himself, had carefully assembled.

Dusty and fading they may have been, but the words were as clear that day as they had been when they were written more than a quarter of a century earlier.

These then were the Althorp Papers, the documents that would seal Martin Bashirs fate and cast a long shadow over the journalistic reputation of the BBC.

November 3, 2020: As the 25th anniversary of Princess Dianas watershed Panorama interview approaches, Earl Spencer, Dianas brother, accuses Martin Bashir of yellow journalism. He reveals the presenter used faked bank statements to help secure the interview

Their publication in the Daily Mail three days later was to be the trigger that forced the BBC to examine not only Bashir but its own conduct. Until then the corporation had resisted all calls to re-examine the Panorama saga.

The dossier we presented has meant the BBC facing up to the biggest scandal in its 99-year history.

The details collated by Spencer from his encounters with Bashir were incredible: from outlandish gossip about members of the Royal Family to outrageous claims that bordered on allegations of criminality by courtiers.

And through it all was one common thread that fed Dianas suspicions that she could trust no one  staff, servants, even friends, all were all betraying her.

Everywhere she went, Bashir told her, she was being followed; her telephones were bugged, so too was her car and her conversations were being eavesdropped on.

It was as mendacious a trap as it was sophisticated  and Diana fell into it completely.

When the Mail reported Spencers explosive claims on November 7 last year  backed by a forensic investigation  the BBCs trenchant and long-standing defence of Bashir and the tactics he employed to secure his royal interview began to unravel.

November 4, 2020: The story gathers pace as the BBC is forced into confirming it will hold a fresh inquiry into Earl Spencers claims about the forged bank statements. There was an internal investigation in 1996 but it failed to ask the earl for his input

Unable to any longer fend off claims that Bashir had not used underhand tactics, just 11 days later the BBCs director-general Tim Davie called in the distinguished judge, Lord Dyson, a former Master of the Rolls, to investigate.

Senior BBC figures last night conceded that it was this newspapers expose that had been the trigger.

As a close friend of Dianas Id had a privileged ringside seat from the moment of her separation in 1992 until her death in Paris almost five years later. We had become friends thanks to the many years I have spent as this papers royal writer.

Even so, the interview for Panorama that she secretly recorded with Bashir in which she told him there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded, a reference to her estranged husbands affair with Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles, was jaw-dropping.

Other phrases she uttered that night watched by 23million viewers are equally unforgettable.

Her wish to be a queen of peoples hearts, the admission of adultery with Cavalry officer James Hewitt  Yes, I adored him. Yes, I was in love with him  and her veiled third-person warning about her own future: She wont go quietly.

November 7, 2020: The Mails Richard Kay reveals the 32 jaw-dropping smears peddled by Bashir to clinch his sensational Diana scoop. His preposterous lies included lurid claims about the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Edward, and senior royal courtiers

No public figure in living memory has enthralled the nation as much as Princess Diana.

But her decision to conceal her collaboration with Bashir  news of the programme was released nine days after it had been recorded  was met with almost universal criticism. She was accused of being underhand.

Yet what Charles Spencer set out for me that day at Althorp shows that for all the accusations of deception levelled at Diana, she was just as much a victim of Bashirs deceit.

His decision to go public after a quarter of century was part frustration at the BBCs refusal to engage with the evidence he had amassed about Bashirs journalism and part fury at the mealy-mouthed apology hed received in October 2020 from Tim Davie over Bashirs use of fake bank statements in obtaining the interview.

This was something the BBC had denied for close on a quarter of century  until a Freedom of Information request proved otherwise.

Despite this, it seemed clear to Spencer that the BBC management was doggedly sticking to its old script; Bashir was, in the view of Davies predecessor Lord Hall, an honest and honourable man.

November 9, 2020: Royal aides and others smeared by Bashir to get his Diana scoop may sue for serious damages, it emerges. Legal experts say the BBC could even face a Scotland Yard inquiry over the forgeries and lies used by the Panorama reporter

It was Tony Hall  then head of news and current affairs  who oversaw the 1996 internal investigation after allegations of the reporters methods first emerged.

His report concluded there had been no question of Bashir trying to mislead or do anything improper with the document  a reference to the faked statements drawn up by a graphic designer on Bashirs instructions.

Spencer calls Halls report a whitewash and says he never asked to hear his side of the story, even though the Earls role was pivotal in the whole saga.

Without Spencer facilitating the introduction to his sister, Martin Bashir would have been just another of the hundreds, possibly thousands, of journalists longing to interview the most famous woman on the planet.

We sat in the library, the same room where Bashir had first come to Spencer in August 1995 claiming that he was looking into press behaviour and wanted to share some information with him.

November 19, 2020: William dramatically intervenes, hailing Lord Dysons appointment to lead a BBC inquiry into the affair as a step in the right direction. He says: It should help establish the truth behind the actions that led to the Panorama interview

A former journalist and a meticulous note-taker, Spencer has kept a bulky manila file of every contact he had with Bashir, from notes taken by his secretary of telephone calls from the reporter to faxes, letters and even a thank you card he had sent.

But most important were the eight pages torn from a spiral-bound notebook on which Spencer had written Martin: 19/9/95. At Samanthas flat.

This was the date on which the earl had arranged to introduce Bashir to his sister. The three met at the flat of a friend of Spencers in Knightsbridge.

By then Bashir had already seen Spencer on two previous occasions and it was at the last of these that he had shown him what appeared to be a bank statement.

This statement was crucial in persuading Spencer that Bashir and Diana should meet.

It purported to show that two senior royal aides, Patrick Jephson, the princesss private secretary, and Commander Richard Aylard, who held the same position in Prince Charless office, had a Channel Islands bank account in to which they had received money, apparently from the security services.

March 29, 2021: The Mail reveals Diana was allegedly tricked into the interview after Bashir showed her a fake abortion receipt for nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke. Diana was said to be obsessed with a bizarre idea that Charles wanted her killed so he could marry Tiggy

He recalled how Bashir held this document tightly and waved it around. He told me that it struck him as odd that Bashir never gave him a clear look at it. The awkwardness of how he was holding it stuck in my mind, Spencer said.

That and other claims Spencer said Bashir made were astonishing and he showed me the contemporaneous note in which the most explosive of allegations were bandied about; from the fantastically bizarre (that the then 15-year-old Prince William had been given a watch with a listening device so his mother could be secretly recorded) to the tasteless (about Prince Edward being treated for Aids).

All of these were a tissue of lies. Lord Dysons report concludes that Bashir used deceitful behaviour to secure his Panorama interview and that he had deceived and induced Lord Spencer to make contact with his sister.

For the BBC, the findings are damning over its failure to properly question Bashir when doubts first emerged  and for Charles Spencer, a vindication of what he has described as the sheer dishonesty of the BBC for failing to seek the truth from me.

In finally uncovering that truth, I am proud to have played my part.
The Treasury Department said it proposed a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15% during international tax negotiations on Thursday, backing down from its earlier call for a 21% minimum rate.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen first proposed a 21 percent global corporate minimum tax in April as part of President Joe Biden's $2.2 trillion infrastructure spending proposal.

Biden wants to pay for the American Jobs Plan by increasing the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from the current 21 percent.

The average corporate tax around the world is 23.9. Most corporate tax rates in nations across the world, including all of the G7 and China, have a higher rate than 15 percent.

Many with rates as low as 0 include tax havens such as Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, which the Biden administration has targeted in his tax enforcement plans.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in the White House briefing room on May 7. The Treasury Department announced Thursday it was seeking a 15% minimum corporate tax rate

THE CORPORATE TAX RATES AROUND THE WORLD Source: Investopedia Countries with 0% corporate tax Anguilla Bahamas Bahrain Bermuda Cayman Islands Guernsey Isle of Man Jersey Turks and Caicos Islands Vanuatu Nations below 15% corporate tax Hungary 9% Montenegro 9% Andorra 10% Bosnia and Herzegovina 10% Bulgaria 10% Gibraltar 10% Macedonia 10% Moldova 12% Cyprus 12.5% Ireland 12.5% Liechtenstein 12.5% Albania 15% Countries with high corporate tax include the United Arab Emirates (55%), Brazil (34%), Venezuela (34%), France (32%), and Japan (30.62%) All of the G7 countries have a far higher rate than 15% France 32% Canada 26.5% United States of America 21% Germany 30% Japan 30.86% Italy 24% United Kingdom 19% Advertisement

The Treasury Department said the proposal was made during a Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development tax steering group meeting on base erosion and profit shifting.

'Treasury proposed to the steering group that the global minimum tax rate should be at least 15 percent,' the department said in a statement. 'Treasury underscored that 15 percent is a floor and that discussions should continue to be ambitious and push that rate higher.'

Some countries, notably France and Germany, backed the U.S. proposal for a minimum rate as high as 21 percent but other countries viewed that level as too high.

Previous OECD minimum tax discussions had centered around 12.5 percent - the same rate charged by Ireland.

The Treasury Department said officials from its Office of Tax Policy were 'heartened by the positive reception to its proposals and the unprecedented progress being made towards establishing a global minimum tax.'

It proposed the global minimum tax as a way to minimize the impact of a higher U.S. tax rate on the competitiveness of American companies and deter them from shifting operations or profits to lower-tax jurisdictions.

Yellen had said she wanted to stop a '30-year race to the bottom on corporate tax rates' at a time when governments have spent trillions of dollars on COVID-19 relief measures.

The Treasury Department said it made clear at the OECD meeting that a global minimum tax rate 'would ensure the global economy thrives based on a more level playing field.'

On Wednesday, business leaders turned on Yellen for telling corporations to pay their fair share to help fund Biden's spending plans.

GOP leaders have bashed the plan for spending outside of 'traditional' infrastructure, with funds going to broadband and other programs.

The Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event, pushed back, with President and CEO Suzanne Clark casting the proposed hike as inhibiting a fragile recovery.

She took over as CEO of the Chamber in March, succeeding longtime head Tom Donoghue.

'Now is certainly not the time to erect new barriers to economic recovery. The administration is right to champion infrastructure, and we want to be there with them to do that, but there are other ways to finance it,' she said.

The Chamber has gotten behind past infrastructure proposals. In this year's talks, some Republicans have floated user fees, which Democrats are ruling out as regressive or not forcing companies to pay their 'fair share.'

She said the hike would 'greatly disadvantage' the U.S. in the global marketplace.

Yellen said the plan would be an economic win, on a day President Biden test drove a new electric Ford F-150 truck. 'The transition to a greener economy will provide a multi-decade boost to the economy, creating jobs along the way as the private sector participates in the development of new technologies, new investments, and the new products that will drive the global economic transformation,' she said.
Lord Dyson's devastating report yesterday revealed the BBC had mounted a cover-up to keep the scandal under wraps.

The long-awaited report into the events surrounding the 1995 interview with Princess Diana condemned the BBC bosses as gullible, preferring to swallow Bashir's lies rather than diligently investigate.

When the scandal came to light  as the Mail on Sunday pursued the story four months after the interview screened  the corporation then went to extreme lengths.

Graphic artist Matt Wiessler blew the whistle after watching the interview and realising why Bashir had asked him to mock up two bank statements in a late-night visit to his home in north London.

After Mr Wiessler confided in them, senior journalists raised the alarm with the show's editor Steve Hewlett.

But it quickly descended into a 'brief and unpleasant' meeting with raised voices.

Pictured: Lord Dyson, whose report into how former BBC News religion editor Martin Bashir landed the Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales was published on Thursday

Two of them, in testimony to Lord Dyson, said they had asked him to approach Earl Spencer about the allegations.

Mr Hewlett defended the veracity of the information in the fake bank statements to one of them.

He accused another of the whistleblowers of being 'jealous' of Bashir's success.

But a probe by more senior bosses, head of weekly programmes Tim Gardam and managing editor Tim Suter, began after Mr Wiessler discovered the computer disks with the fake statements on had been stolen.

Lord Dyson said he considered that the two bosses 'too readily accepted that Bashir was telling the truth' about the fake documents, especially when he admitted his excuse 'made no sense'.

He said Mr Gardam should have 'pressed him further' and insisted on an explanation' but admitted this 'task' had 'defeated' other bosses Tim Suter, Lord Hall and Anne Sloman.

Graphic artist Matt Wiessler (pictured) blew the whistle after watching the interview and realising why Bashir had asked him to mock up bank statements in a late-night visit to his home

Mr Gardam told Lord Dyson that when Bashir, having previously told him the fake statements had not been shown to anyone, finally changed his story and confessed he had shown the documents to Earl Spencer, it was a moment 'where you just go cold'.

The ex-BBC boss said he had been 'staggered' one of his journalists would behave like that and made clear to Lord Dyson he had been 'deceived'.

Lord Dyson described the lying as 'reprehensible'. There was also criticism for managing director of news and current affairs Tim Suter.

The fact that he was aware Bashir had lied 'more than once' should have led Mr Suter to be sceptical about the 'credibility' of his account.

Mr Suter, after consultation with Lord Hall, drew up a letter of reprimand to Bashir. But Lord Dyson said it was probably never sent. The report said there was 'no indication' in Bashir's employment records that he was reprimanded.

The draft  which accepted that Bashir had broken rules  also revealed the BBC's desire to keep the serious situation under wraps.

It said: 'We believe there is no purpose served by making this a matter of public record.'

Lord Dyson said he did not consider the suggestion by Lord Hall and Mr Suter that Bashir had been 'straight and fair' was justified, relying in 'large part' on 'uncorroborated assertions' from Bashir. Knowing he had already lied 'should have set alarm bells ringing in their ears'.

The BBC's former director general Tony Hall (pictured), head of news at the time, is among those receiving the harshest criticism from Lord Dyson's devastating report for his actions

When Anne Sloman replaced Tim Gardam in the role, according to witness Harry Dean, deputy editor of Panorama at the time, Miss Sloman had said she 'totally supported' the show's editor Mr Hewlett, who died in 2017.

It was also claimed she thought that 'nobody cared about the story' and had warned Mr Dean to be 'careful of the company he kept'. She has denied saying these things, but Lord Dyson said he believed Mr Dean.

The affair gained legs with the Mail on Sunday exposing in April 1996 how Bashir had used the fake bank statements to secure an introduction to Diana, and it was at this point Lord Hall and Anne Sloman started their investigation.

But despite the raised stakes and growing press clamour, Lord Dyson discovered that BBC bosses were once again found massively wanting in their rigour and enthusiasm to get to the truth.

The judge's report found that their internal investigation was 'woefully ineffective' as it had failed to interview Earl Spencer, which Lord Dyson branded a 'big mistake'.

The pair had not probed Bashir's lies with the 'necessary degree of scepticism and caution', given that they knew he had already lied three times when he previously said he had not shown the fake documents to Diana's brother.

According to a witness, Ann Slowman (pictured left), then-acting head of weekly and special programmes had said she 'totally supported' the show's editor Steve Hewlett (pictured right)

Lord Dyson was also mystified about why  in the absence of 'a credible explanation' of what Bashir had done,  Lord Hall had concluded Bashir was 'an honest and honourable man'.

He said Lord Hall's statement to a board of management meeting  bringing a close to the affair without sanction  had indicated that 'probably unconsciously' the BBC boss did not have an 'entirely open mind' when 'embarking' on his investigation.

Lord Dyson said the failure to interview Earl Spencer was 'a most serious flaw' in their investigation, putting their probe at a 'grave disadvantage'.

The judge said he was not willing to say that Miss Sloman and Lord Hall 'consciously decided' not to speak to Earl Spencer 'for fear of what he might say'.

Perhaps, though, a key clue comes in a note Miss Sloman wrote after the affair: 'The Diana story is probably now dead, unless Spencer talks. There's no indication that he will.'

And he did not  until 25 years later, when he spoke to the Daily Mail.

Lord Dyson's inquiry into how Martin Bashir secured his interview with Diana in 1995 (pictured) found that the subsequent investigation into the circumstances was 'woefully ineffective'

Another one of the shocking findings in yesterday's report was Lord Dyson's verdict that the BBC had 'covered up' in its press logs the facts that it really knew about how Bashir had secured the interview.

The press logs are used to brief journalists from outside the BBC when they ring in with inquiries, and there were five newspapers chasing the story.

Lord Hall in his evidence admitted that statements given to the press that the false bank statements had 'never in any way' been connected to the Panorama on Diana were 'far too strong'.

This was at a time when the BBC had already uncovered the truth after Bashir's eventual admission.

Lord Dyson said 'the BBC should have answered these questions at the very latest once it had completed its investigation in April 1996'.

The report also revealed the way a publicity officer for Panorama had been instructed by an unidentified boss to brief the press that the BBC suspected that stories about the false bank statements were 'being leaked by jealous colleagues'.

Among the most damaging findings by Lord Dyson was that the BBC's own news outlets had 'without justification' not covered the story 'on any news programme' about Bashir's use of fake bank statements, when it was in the national headlines.

Lord Dyson said that 'by failing to do so' the BBC 'fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark'.

He 'did not believe as a matter of editorial judgment' that all BBC news editors individually decided 'not to run the story' because they did not deem it 'sufficiently newsworthy'.

He said he believed claims 'it had not been left to individual editors to exercise their individual judgments' as to whether to cover the story.

Perhaps, though, it was hardly surprising. The day after the Mail on Sunday's revelations, the editors of Radio 4's daily sequence programmes  Today, The World at One, PM and The World Tonight  found an email message on their computer screens from a senior BBC news and current affairs executive.

It read: 'If anyone asks about Bashir, the official line is, 'It's not interesting'.'
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has hit out at the 'highly suspicious' timing of her husband's arrest on drugs and firearms charges as she insisted the couple have been separated for 'many years'.

Warren, 43, gave a powerful five minute speech outside her City Hall office Thursday afternoon where she insisted she has 'done nothing wrong' and claimed 'some people would do anything to try and break me.'

Warren's husband Timothy Granison, 42, was arrested Wednesday and charged with three felonies - illegal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell.

Officials said the charges were the outcome of a seven-month narcotics ring investigation involving a 'mid-level drugs gang' that has been 'infecting the streets of Rochester.'

A total of $60,000 worth of cocaine, $100,000 in cash, three unregistered handguns and a semi-automatic rifle in raids on seven homes - one of which was the home the mayor shares with Granison and their 10-year-old daughter.

Police were seen raiding the home Wednesday and revealed Thursday they had seized two firearms - a semi-automatic rifle and a loaded handgun - from the property.

Seven people including Granison were arrested and charged in connection to the raids. They are: 39-year-old Dkeidron Dublin, 44-year-old Jason Siplin, 27-year-old Jason Siplin, Jr., 30-year-old Namon Brown, 19-year-old Ernest S. Gamble and 32-year-old Lytrice Jackson.

At a press conference Thursday morning, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley would not rule out the possibility that Warren was 'in trouble' and said she expected more arrests and charges in connection to the investigation.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has hit out at the 'highly suspicious' timing of her husband's arrest on drugs and firearms charges

Warren, 43, insisted she has 'done nothing wrong' and said the couple have been separated for 'many years'. Warren with daughter Taylor and husband Tim Granison in a photo posted on the Mayor's office Facebook page in October 2020

Warren told reporters she felt 'confusion, anger, betrayal and hurt' following the events of the last 24 hours.

She said she woke up Thursday to news of her husband's arrest and "to the fact that some people would do anything to try and break me."

'Many emotions have gone through my head starting with confusion, anger betrayal and hurt,' she said.

Warren insisted her innocence: 'There's nothing implicating me in these charges announced today because I've done nothing wrong.'

She spoke out about her home situation, explaining that she and Granison have been legally separated for several years but had agreed to live in the same house to co-parent their daughter and 'provide her the love and the support that she deserves.'

'I woke up with my daughter in my arms. She looked up at me and said, 'Mommy, this is not your fault, Don't give up,'' she said.

'I woke up to the fact that the man who I signed a separation agreement with many years ago and both of us making a conscious decision in the interests of our child to co-parent together is accused of committing a crime.'

Warren insisted she had not spoken to Granison since his arrest as she doubled down that they have not been in a relationship for a long time.

'I haven't spoken to Tim since his arrest and I'm not standing here to defend him,' she said.

The mayor went on to suggest Doorley had been politically motivated in her pursuit of the case as she pointed out the timing of the raid and Granison's arrest.

Warren is seeking reelection as Rochester mayor for a third term, with voting opening next month.

The mayoral primary is on June 22 - one day after the date set for Granison's next court appearance.

'Let's ask ourselves why - I find the timing of yesterday's events three weeks before early voting starts to be highly suspicious,' she said.

'We need to ask ourselves, if this is not about politics why is Tim's next court date June 21, the day before primary day?

'Now that is quite the coincidence.'

She accused Doorley of being 'eager and angry' with her for 'supporting an opponent' while she argued she was 'going to be found innocent in my election fraud case because I have done nothing wrong.'

Warren was indicted on campaign fraud charges in the fall over her 2017 reelection bid.

The mayor said the last year had thrown 'insurmountable odds' at her including losing her mother and her mentor and father-figure former New York Assemblyman David Gantt.

'This past year I have faced insurmountable odds. I lost my mom, my mentor and father figure, I faced COVID and civil unrest,' she said.

'It knocked me down but not out.'

Timothy Granison hides his face under a shirt as he leaves jail Thursday following his first court appearance on criminal drugs and firearms charges

The husband of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren (pictured together) has been charged as part of a seven-month narcotics ring investigation involving six others

Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley and New York State Police Major Barry Chase held a press conference Thursday morning where they wouldn't rule out the mayor being connected to the drugs trafficking probe.

The bust was part of a raid on seven homes over the last 24 hours to take out a mid-level drugs gang that has been 'infecting the streets of Rochester', said Doorley.

Doorley said she expects more charges will be brought and more people will be arrested as part of the investigation.

When asked if Warren, 43, is 'in trouble' and part of the investigation, the DA refused to rule it out.

'At this point I will say we're not done with the investigation. It is still ongoing so I'm not going to comment at this time,' she said.

She would also not comment on whether or not there is any connection between the case and the campaign finance charges brought against the mayor in the fall.

As well as her husband, Warren is thought to also have connections to Siplin and Siplin Jr. but authorities did not provide any further details.

'I do know that there is perhaps a relationship with the Siplin family but I'm not sure of the exact nature of the relationship,' said Doorley of the mayor.

Chase said he wanted to speak to the mayor as part of the criminal investigation.

His department has reached out to the mayor through her lawyers but is yet to hear back from her, he said.

Granison appeared via video in Rochester City Court from the Monroe County jail Thursday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

He was released without bail pending his next court appearance on June 21.

He was later spotted leaving the jail hiding his face under a shirt.

Granison had spent the night behind bars following his arrest the day before.

Granison was pulled over by police in his car by members of the State Police violent gangs and narcotics enforcement team and uniformed troopers around 3:30 pm Wednesday outside a property on Birch Crescent.

Dkeidron Dublin was also in the vehicle at the time.

The two men were pulled over as part of a wire-tapping investigation by the DA's office that began seven months ago.

The probe didn't originally target Granison but he then appeared on the radar of investigators around three months ago.

The DA said they learned he was a 'player' in the drugs gang and 'followed the evidence.'

At this stage, the DA's office brought in the state police to prevent any issues around conflict of interest as she insisted the probe is 'not politically motivated.'

'Once we learned that he was becoming a potential target, I determined, along with my staff, that in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, that we bring in the New York State Police,' said Doorley.

The DA would also not confirm whether or not Warren was recorded as part of the wire tapping.

Granison appeared via video (above) in Rochester City Court from the Monroe County jail, where he spent the night following his arrest the day before

He pleaded not guilty and was released without bail ahead of his next court appearance June 21 - one day before Rochester's mayoral primary where Warren is seeking reelection

When Granison was stopped Wednesday, he had a large quantity of cocaine in the car.

He allegedly had 31 grams of cocaine in his possession, according to court documents.

Granison was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with an intent to sell.

Police then executed a search warrant on the home he shares with the mayor in Woodman Park and discovered an unregistered handgun in the bedroom, a semi-automatic rifle and a loaded magazine.

The couple's 10-year-old daughter Taylor was home alone at the time.

Granison was slapped with one count of possession of a firearm for the handgun.

Investigators are working to determine if the rifle was illegally owned and whether any charges will be brought in connection to that firearm.

Taylor, 10, was the only person home at the time, authorities confirmed.

It is not clear if child endangerment charges could also be brought as she was left alone with guns inside the property.

Raids were also carried out at six other properties Wednesday night and Thursday morning, culminating in the arrests of the six other individuals in connection to the drugs bust.

Officials seized more than two kilograms of powder and crack cocaine, with a street value of around $60,000.

Around 1.4 kilograms of this was found in the possession of Siplin, officials said.

Around $100,000 in cash, three firearms and one semi-automatic rifle were also seized.

State police conduct a search and carry items out of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren's home Wednesday

Officials have now revealed the raid on the mayor's home was one of seven raids on homes that day as part of a drugs bust

Two firearms were seized from the home of the mayor with Granison charged with the illegal possession of a firearm over one of them

Doorley called the drugs bust 'significant' and said it was the result of a long-term drugs probe.

'If you look at the amount of cocaine seized, the amount of money seized, we believe this was a mid-level drugs organization that was infecting the city of Rochester,' she said.

Dublin was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 4th degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree.

He will be arraigned this afternoon.

Siplin was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 1st degree and three counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree.

Siplin Jr. was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 1st degree and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree.

Brown was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

Gamble with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree; Jackson with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree with intent to sell and counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree.

Doorley added that other charges and arrests could follow.

'There have been seven arrests so far but we anticipate there may be additional charges and additional people will be arrested,' said Doorley.

Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said at a press conference Thursday morning she expects more charges will be brought and more people will be arrested as part of the investigation

New York State Police Major Barry Chase said he wanted to speak to the mayor as part of the criminal investigation. His department has reached out to the mayor through her lawyers but is yet to hear back from her, he said

Attorney John DeMarco, in entering not guilty pleas for Granison, asked that the charges be dismissed, saying they were not sufficiently presented, local media reported from the courtroom.

Judge Jacqueline Sisson, who came from nearby Canandaigua City Court to preside over the hearing, denied the request but said it could be resubmitted in writing.

State police troopers spent several hours searching the home Granison shares with the mayor on Wednesday, saying it was part of a criminal investigation but disclosing no details at that time.

Troopers closed off the block around Warren's home with police tape and could be seen taking items from the residence, according to videos from the scene.

Rochester's City Communications Director Justin Roj said in a statement Wednesday the mayor did not know what the raid was in relation to.

'The mayor is just learning about the events that unfolded this afternoon and has no more information than the rest of the community,' he said.

'She hopes to learn more details this evening and will have a statement tomorrow.'

Granison has been embroiled in the criminal justice system before.

He was put on probation for five years after being arrested for his involvement in a jewelry store robbery that took place in March 1997 when he was 17 years old.

Timothy Granison is seen being escorted from the State Police barracks Wednesday

On Wednesday afternoon, a large police presence blocked off a section of Woodman Park in the Upstate New York town. Police were seen carrying bags away from the house, which records show is owned by Warren

Two other men were sentenced to prison terms for their roles in that robbery.

His role in the robbery came to public attention just before Warren's first inauguration.

In a statement at the time, she said Granison was judged as a youthful offender and his file sealed, and that he did not have a criminal record.

She pointed to him as an example of someone who had turned his life around and said he had learned from the experience.

Warren has also faced brushes with the law as she was indicted in a campaign finance fraud case in October.

Warren, a Democrat, is in the middle of a reelection campaign for a third term with a critical party primary coming up just next month.

The Democrat's Rochester home (pictured) was raided Wednesday. The couple's 10-year-old daughter was home alone at the time

She has spent the past year between crises. She was indicted in October on charges she broke campaign finance rules during her last reelection campaign, four years ago.

The treasurers of her campaign and political action committees were also charged.

She has acknowledged making errors in the handling and reporting of campaign contributions but said they were honest mistakes, not crimes.

Over the summer, she then faced calls to resign over her handling of the death of Daniel Prude, a black man who stopped breathing after police placed him in a mesh hood and pressed him to the pavement.

Police and city officials said almost nothing publicly about the death for months until Prude's family obtained and released body camera video showing his death.

In March, a probe into the official response to Prude's death, commissioned by Rochester's city council, said Warren lied to the public about what she knew and when she knew it. A special counsel to the city administration disputed those claims.

In April, a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed naming Warren and other city officials, accusing them of allowing a culture of police brutality against racial minorities.
A 33-year-old woman has died after she was found unconscious in a burning home south of Sydney.

Emergency crews were called to the home in Fairy Meadow, Wollongong, at about 2am on Wednesday, as flames engulfed the property.

A grandmother and three children fled the home uninjured but the 33-year-old woman failed to escape.

Emergency crews were called to the home in Fairy Meadow, Wollongong, at about 2am on Wednesday, as flames engulfed the property

Firefighters found the woman in the bedroom. She was treated by paramedics before being taken to Wollongong Hospital in a critical condition.

NSW Police on Friday morning confirmed the woman had died.

'Officers from Wollongong Police District were advised last night that she had died,' the statement read.

'Inquiries are continuing into the cause of the blaze.'
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called members of Congress who have not gotten the coronavirus vaccine selfish and claimed they are a danger to their colleagues.

The House Speaker said she will keep the mask mandate on the floor in place until all members have gotten the shot - even though restrictions have been lifted in the White House and most of the rest of the country.

'We have to wait for them to be vaccinated. Because they are selfishly an endangerment to other people, including staff people here,' she said at a Capitol press conference.

'We have a responsibility to make sure the House of Representatives' chamber is not a petri dish,' she added.

'It is unfortunate that a large number of people in the Congress have refused to be vaccinated... Until they are vaccinated, we cannot have meetings without masks.

'What is this the honor system? The honor system as to whether somebody's been vaccinanted? Do you want them breathing in your face on the strength of their honor?'

Pelosi has said that around 75 percent of members of the House have been vaccinated. It's not known who has decided against it. But there isn't a central list, unless lawmakers released a public statement or tweeted out a picture.

A tally by CNN reveals stark partisan differences. All 219 Democrats have been vaccinated, but just 97 out of 211 Republicans.

During a pre-pandemic standard 15-minute vote, all 435 lawmakers would make their way into the chamber and linger along with floor staff, specially credentialed aides, and dozens of reporters camped outside.

Pelosi is relying in part on the Capitol physician Brian Monahan, who warned in a letter this week about the potential risks of unvaccinated people mingling in the Capitol.

A Biden event in the East Room Thursday had signs of a return to normalcy, with unmasked guests spaced apart

'Extra precautions are necessary given the substantial number of partially vaccinated, unvaccinated, and vaccine-indeterminate individuals," according to the physician's letter. "These measure allow for all participants to be treated in the same fashion without displaying any unique identification feature that would separate individuals based on their vaccination or health status."

Pelosi has shunned the idea of an honor system and has instead kept the strict measures in place, despite opposition from Republican lawmakers, some of whom joined in public protest and faced potential fines.

Her comments came on the same day President Joe Biden signed the Anti-Asian hate crime bill in front of an audience that was maskless and wasn't required to socially distance.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (center) tweeted a photo from the House floor of the GOP lawmakers without face masks; from left Reps. Mary Miller, Ralph Norman and Thomas Massie

Lawmakers, members of Biden's cabinet and others among the 68 people in the crowd shook hands, mingled took photos and even hugged in a a sign that the White House is returning to normal.

'I mean does anybody feel like wearing a mask? No no, we all want to get through this,' Pelosi said.

It was not immediately clear what protocols were in place for the Biden event, but the White House staff and cabinet members have been vaccinated.

For months there have been strict measures in place for all events, indoors and out.

Some Republicans have been heavily critical of the mask mandates and have even flaunted the rules, despite facing a $500 fine.

'Best $500 I ever spent,' Republican Rep. Brian Mast told NBC News. He refused to put his mask on even after a member of the House Sergeant at Arms' office approached him on the chamber floor Tuesday evening, in full view of C-SPAN's camera, and asked him to wear one.

The limits are still in place even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said most vaccinated people do not have to wear face coverings while indoors.

Capitol Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan also said on Wednesday that the mask rules should stay in place until every member is vaccinated.

Conservative Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and three other Republican lawmakers took a selfie of themselves standing in the well of the House, bare faced, and tagging it with the hashtag #freeyourface

'Proud to join these Patriots for a peaceful protest on the House floor against mask mandates!,' Greene tweeted with the pic.

'Enough is enough! #FreeYourFace,' wrote Republican Rep. Mary Miller, who was in the selfie, on Twitter.

'5 Republican women and 5 Republican men are now maskless on the floor,' tweeted GOP Rep. Tom Massie on Tuesday night. He was also in Greene's selfie and organized Tuesday night's protest.

'We've had enough. We are refusing to wear our masks on the floor during this vote in spite of Pelosi's threat to take $500 from each of us. Her rule is not based on science,' Massie also tweeted.

After their anti-mask crusade, the Republican lawmakers gathered outside on the steps of the Capitol to celebrate their rebellion. None of them would tell NBC News if they had been vaccinated or not.

Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes and Mast then got into an exchange about masks while out there.

President Joe Biden signs the COVID-19 Hate Crims Act into law surrounded by members of Congress who, for the first time in his administration, were allowed into the White House in a mask-less large group

'If you choose not to wear a mask, if you choose to disrespect the floor staff, if you choose to give them a hard time, that's on you,' Hayes told Mast, according to a reporter from The Hill who witnessed the exchange.

'It's definitely on us if we choose not to wear a mask. I'm glad we agree,' Mast replied.

Three GOP lawmakers were slapped with a $500 fine after ignoring previous warnings about masks: Mast, Beth Van Duyne and Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

'I have been fined $500 by @SpeakerPelosi for following CDC guidance. This was never about science. It has always been about power,' Mast tweeted.

'The CDC scientists have made it CLEAR if you are fully vaccinated you no longer have to wear a mask,' he noted.

Seven other Republicans were issued formal warnings and will face $500 fines if they refuse to wear masks again: Greene, Massie, Miller, Lauren Boebert, Chip Roy Bob Good, and Louie Gohmert.

Any subsequent offenses would result in fines of $2,500 each.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi takes a photo with other signing ceremony attendees at the White House's first indoor, mask-less event - marking the passage of an anti-Asian hate crimes bill
President Joe Biden took credit for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and promised to 'replenish' Israel's Iron Dome defense system to help ensure 'security in the future.'

Biden thanked his Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor and other members of the team for their 'incredible efforts to bring this outcome we're about to see.'

'We've held intensive, high-level discussions, hour-by-hour, literally,' he said in brief remarks Thursday evening from the White House's Cross Hall. 'With the aim of avoiding the sort of prolonged conflict we've seen in previous years when hostilities have broken out.'

President Joe Biden spoke briefly from the Cross Hall about the ceasefire set to begin between Israel and Hamas

Biden said he vowed to help Israel replenish the Iron Dome defense system, which would help ensure 'security in the future'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet approved a unilateral ceasefire to halt an 11-day Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in eastern Gaza on Thursday before a ceasefire started in the early hours of Friday

Biden said he had just spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And said he had spoken to Netanyahu six times overall during the conflict.

'I commended him for the decision to bring the current hostilities to a close within less than 11 days,' Biden said. 'I also emphasized what I've said throughout this conflict, the United States fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks from Hamas and other Gaza-based terrorist groups that have taken the lives of innocent civilians in Israel.'

Biden said Netanyahu shared his appreciation for Israel's Iron Dome defense system.

'Which our nations developed together and which has saved lives of countless Israeli citizen of Arab and Jew,' Biden said.

'I assured him my full support to replenish Israel's Iron Dome system to ensure its defenses and security in the future,' the president added.

Biden also pledged that the U.S. would work with the United Nations and other international stakeholders to repair the damage to Gaza.

He said the U.S. would be dealing with the Palestinian Authority and not Hamas, responsible for launching the recent attacks.

'I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and security and enjoy equal meaures of freedom, prosperity and democracy,' Biden said. 'My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that end.'

'I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I'm committed to working for it,' he added.

Biden also took a brief moment to talk about the dead and wounded.

Rockets are launched towards Israel from Gaza City, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, on May 18, 2021

'These hostilities have resulted in the tragic deaths of so many civilians, including children. I send my sincere condolences to all the families, Israeli and Palestinian, who have lost loved ones,' he said. 'My hope for a full recovery for the wounded.'

Biden didn't answer questions from reporters when he walked out of the Cross Hall and into the Blue Room.

Earlier, a statement from Netanyahu's office said his Security Cabinet unilaterally approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal.

Biden said the Egyptians played a 'critical role' in the ceasefire.

The two sides were still negotiating exactly when it would take effect.

Multiple reports said the truce was to go into effect at 2am local time, just over three hours after the cabinet's decision.

'The political leaders emphasised that the reality on the ground will be that which determines the future of the campaign,' the statement said.

A Hamas official said the ceasefire would be 'mutual and simultaneous'.

The decision came after heavy US pressure to halt the offensive.

Since the fighting began on May 10, health officials in Gaza say 232 Palestinians, including 65 children and 39 women, have been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments.

Israel says it has killed at least 160 combatants in Gaza.

Authorities put the death toll in Israel at 12, with hundreds of people treated for injuries in rocket attacks that have caused panic and sent people rushing into shelters.

A fire ball erupts from a building following an Israeli bombardment over Rafah

Plumes of smoke rise into the air following Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City on May 20

Israel had launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.

Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.

TIMELINE - Hamas and Israel: a history of confrontation 1987 - Hamas is created at the start of the first Palestinian Intifada, or uprising, against Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Two years later, Hamas carries out its first attacks on Israeli military targets, including the kidnap and murder of two Israeli soldiers. 1993 - After years of violence, the first Oslo Accord, aimed at establishing peace between Israel and the Palestinians, is signed. Hamas opposes the peace process, and seeks to derail it with bus bombings and gun attacks in Israel. 2000 - Israel and the Palestinians fail to reach a final agreement in the peace process at a summit in the United States in July 2000. Two months later, Palestinian protests over a visit by Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon to Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem - known to Jews as Temple Mount, because it was the site of ancient Jewish temples, and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary - develop into a Second Intifada. 2001-02 - Hamas carries out a series of suicide bombings in Israel, including killing 21 Israelis outside a Tel Aviv disco in June 2001, and 30 Jewish celebrants at a Passover seder dinner in Netanya in March 2022. Four months later, Hamasas military commander Salah Shehadeh is killed in an Israeli air strike, and Israel starts a siege of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah. March-April 2004 - Israeli air strikes kill Hamas co-founder and spiritual leader, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and co-founder and political leader Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi, in Gaza within a month of each other. The Hamas leadership goes into hiding and the identity of Rantissias successor is kept secret. Aug. 15, 2005 - Israeli forces start a unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, captured from Egypt in the 1967 Middle East war, abandoning settlements and leaving the densely populated enclave under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Jan. 25, 2006 - Hamas wins a majority of seats in a Palestinian legislative election. Israel and United States cut off aid to Palestinians because Hamas refuses to renounce violence and recognise Israel. June 25, 2006 - Hamas militants capture Israeli conscript Gilad Shalit in a cross-border raid, prompting Israeli air strikes and incursions. Shalit is finally freed over five years later in a prisoner exchange. June 14, 2007 - Hamas takes over Gaza in a brief civil war, ousting Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is based in the West Bank. Dec 27, 2008 - Israel launches a 22-day military offensive in Gaza after Palestinians fire rockets at the southern Israeli town of Sderot. About 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis are reported killed before a ceasefire is agreed. Nov 14, 2012 - Israel kills Hamas's military chief of staff, Ahmad Jabari, and eight days of Palestinian militant rocket fire and Israeli air strikes follow. July-August 2014 - The kidnap and killing of three Israeli teenagers by Hamas leads to a seven-week war in which more than 2,100 Palestinians are reported killed in Gaza and 73 Israelis are reported killed, 67 of them military. March 2018 - Palestinian protests begin at Gaza's border with Israel against its blockade of the enclave. Israeli troops open fire to keep them back. More than 170 Palestinians are reported killed in several months of protests, which also prompt fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces. May 7, 2021 - After weeks of tension during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, Israeli police clash with Palestinian protesters near Al-Aqsa Mosque over a legal case in which eight Palestinian families face losing their East Jerusalem homes to Jewish settlers. May 10 - After a weekend of sporadic violence, hundreds of Palestinians are hurt in clashes with Israeli security forces at Al-Aqsa compound, Islam's third holiest site. After demanding Israel withdraw its security forces from the compound, Hamas fires a barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel. Israel hits back with air strikes on Gaza. May 11 - The death toll mounts as the aerial bombardments continue. A 13-story residential building in Gaza collapses after being hit during an Israeli air strike. Palestinian militants launch rockets deep into Israel. May 12 - The United States announces it will send an envoy to the region. Israel's military kills a senior Hamas commander in Gaza during more hostilities. May 13 - Israeli air strikes and militant rocket fire continue, and violence worsens in mixed communities of Jews and Arabs in Israel. Synagogues are attacked and clashes break out in some towns. May 14 - Israel uses warplanes, tanks and artillery against a network of Palestinian militant tunnels under Gaza in an operation that is followed by more Palestinian rocket salvoes. May 15 - An Israeli air strike destroys a 12-storey tower block that housed international news media organisations, while Palestinian militants fire rocket salvoes at Tel Aviv. May 16 - Several homes are destroyed by an Israeli air strike on the densely populated enclave that Palestinian officials said killed 42 people, including 10 children, as rocket attacks on Israeli towns persist. May 17 - Israeli missile attacks kill top Islamic Jihad commander Hussam Abu Harbeed and hit a seven-storey office building that the military said was used by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas. Rockets fired by the militants hit a synagogue in the Israeli town of Ashkelon and an apartment block in Ashdod. May 18 - The United Nations humanitarian agency says nearly 450 buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or badly damaged, including six hospitals and nine primary-care health centres. Around 52,000 have fled their homes, with most sheltering in U.N.-run schools. May 19 - Israel says around 4,000 rockets have been launched at it from Gaza, most intercepted by missile defences and some 600 falling within the enclave. U.S. President Joe Biden urges both sides to de-escalate the violence. May 20 - Both sides resume their attacks but ceasefire talks intensify. Israeli authorities say 12 people have been killed so far in Israel and that it has killed around 160 militants. Health officials in Gaza say 232 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children, and more than 1,900 wounded. May 20 - Hamas and the Israeli cabinet issue statements saying a truce has been agreed. 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Rocket attacks by Hamas and allied Islamic Jihad had resumed after an eight-hour pause on Thursday, as Israel continued shelling that it said aimed to destroy the factions' military capabilities and deter them from future confrontation after the current conflict.

In a statement, Netanyahu's office said the Security Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal after recommendations from the military chief of staff and other top defense officials. The statement boasted of 'significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented' and included a veiled threat against Hamas.

'The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign,' the statement said.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. 'The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed,' he said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday he would be prepared to travel to the Middle East, as he headed home from an Arctic tour overshadowed by Israeli-Palestinian fighting.

'I am prepared at any time to go to Israel, to the Middle East, if that would serve the purpose of moving beyond the violence and helping to work on improving lives for Israelis and Palestinians alike,' Blinken said at a press conference in Greenland.

He said that he had pushed for a 'de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire' in a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict had topped journalists' questions at Blinken's public appearances in Denmark and at the Arctic Council in Iceland, where he also met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

He spoke to leaders on both sides, as well as from Arab nations with influence over Hamas, from hotel rooms and the aeroplane in the scramble for a ceasefire.

Now 'if there's a good time' to travel to the Middle East 'that's certainly something I intend to do,' Blinken said without naming a date

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said reports of a move toward a ceasefire were 'clearly encouraging'.

She said the US was trying 'to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict'.

Earlier, Israel had unleashed a new wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip as Hamas fired more rockets into Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi by phone on Thursday during a visit to Greenland, and reiterated the message that the United States expects to see a 'de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire' between Israel and the Palestinians.

Blinken said there was a deep and shared concern around the world for the deaths of Palestinians and Israelis and Washington's goal remains to end the violence.

The public broadcaster Kan said the fighting was to halt immediately, while other TV channels said it would go into effect at 2am.

There was no immediate reaction from Hamas.

It comes after Israel had unleashed a new wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday and Hamas fired more rockets into Israel, despite growing signs that the sides were close to a cease-fire that would end 11 days of heavy fighting.

In an apparent sign of progress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of his Security Cabinet, where the issue of a cease-fire was expected to be debated.

An Egyptian official said Israel has informed his government, which is mediating a truce, that it intends to end its military operations in Gaza. Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing behind-the-scenes diplomacy, he said an announcement was expected following the Security Cabinet meeting.

The official spoke shortly after Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi talked by phone with President Joe Biden. The two leaders discussed ways to stop violence in the Palestinian Territories, el-Sissi's office said.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said reports of a move toward a ceasefire were 'clearly encouraging.' She said the U.S. was trying 'to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict.'

With U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging an immediate cease-fire, a U.N. Mideast envoy was in the Gulf state of Qatar to help with efforts to restore calm, a diplomatic official said.

Energy-rich Qatar often helps mediate between Israel and Hamas and has donated hundreds of millions of dollars for development and humanitarian projects in Gaza in recent years.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas official based in Lebanon, also said he expected a cease-fire within the coming day.

Biden on Wednesday publicly pressed Netanyahu to wind down the operation. The Israeli leader initially pushed back, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.

But by Thursday evening, Israeli media were reporting that a cease-fire agreement was expected to take effect by early Friday, perhaps sooner.

Despite the signs of progress, fighting continued into the evening, with Israeli airstrikes on targets in Gaza and Palestinian militants firing rockets toward Israeli cities. In past rounds of violence, fighting has picked up in the final hours, with each side trying to eke out a final achievement before a cease-fire went into effect.

Earlier Thursday, explosions shook Gaza City and orange flares lit up the pre-dawn sky, with bombing raids also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis.

As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis. Heavy airstrikes also hit a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it struck at least three homes of Hamas commanders in Khan Younis and another in Rafah, targeting 'military infrastructure,' as well as a weapons storage unit at a home in Gaza City.

On Wednesday, Biden told Israel on Wednesday that he expected 'a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire' - but Netanyahu pushed back, saying he was 'determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.'

It marked the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began and posed a difficult test of the U.S.-Israel relationship early in Biden's presidency.

Visiting the region, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Israel has 'the right to defend itself against such unacceptable attacks.' But he also expressed concern about the rising number of civilian victims and voiced support for truce efforts.

Even as the diplomatic efforts appeared to gather strength, an Israeli airstrike smashed into the Khawaldi family's two-story house in Khan Younis, destroying it.

Pictured: Gaza after Israeli war planes bombed the area, May 18, 2021

Rockets are launched from Gaza City, towards Israel early on May 19, 2021

People burn an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 19 May

The 11 residents, who were sleeping outside the home out of fear, were all hospitalized, said Shaker al-Khozondar, a neighbor.

Shrapnel also hit his own home, killing his aunt and wounding her daughter and two other relatives, he said. Al-Khozondar spoke from the bedroom where his aunt Hoda died. The windows were shattered and the bed pillows and rubble stained with blood.

Weam Fares, a spokesman for a nearby hospital, confirmed the death and said at least 10 people were wounded in strikes overnight.

Heavy airstrikes also pummeled a street in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, destroying ramshackle homes with corrugated metal roofs nearby. The military said it struck two underground launchers in the camp used to fire rockets at Tel Aviv.

The current round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims.

Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.

Israeli soldiers operate an artillery unit as it fires near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip on May 18, 2021 in Sderot, Israel

A crane is used to carefully remove the unexploded missile from the home in Gaza

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

Hamas and militant group Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

The military said an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza hit an empty bus near the frontier on Thursday, lightly wounding an Israeli soldier.

Since the fighting began, Gaza's infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated.

Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power in 2007.

Israeli bombing has damaged over 50 schools across the territory, according to advocacy group Save the Children, completely destroying at least six. While repairs are done, education will be disrupted for nearly 42,000 children.

Israeli attacks have also damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.
Dorset's famous Durdle Door beach appeared eerily quiet yesterday - just a year after thousands of sun-seekers flouted social distancing guidelines to flock to the iconic beauty spot.

A few stragglers were spotted braving the elements as they descended upon the windswept beach to take in the sea air as temperatures plummeted to 10C and forecasters predicted 'more gales and periods of heavy rain'.

Scenes of the deserted beach come just a year after thousands of sunbathers defied the Government's lockdown rules and packed onto the beach as temperatures soared past 77F.

Despite the easing of lockdown rules, gusts of 60mph and rain appeared to keep tourists away from the once packed beach that became a magnet for sun-seekers during last year's pandemic.

 Slide me  Durdle Door in Dorset appeared deserted yesterday - exactly a year after thousands of sun-seekers flouted social distancing guidelines to flock to the spot

 Slide me  The car park at the iconic beauty spot appeared eerily quiet yesterday but only last year it was flooded by thousands of tourists

A few stragglers were spotted braving the elements as they sat on the now deserted beach

With forecasters predicting more lightening, downpours and gales, business owners in the area are 'gutted' about the weather predicted for the weekend.

A jet stream of fast-flowing air is to blame for the gusts of 60mph winds sweeping the country.

Graham Madge, a Met Office spokesman, said: 'The jet stream governs so much of the weather in the UK throughout the year.

'We've been experiencing a high-altitude rhythm air, with warm air in the south and cold to the north. The low pressure accounts for the wind coming over the next couple of days.

'We would expect the jet stream to be going up to Norway but it is dipping down south so we are getting the low-pressure streams rather than them being in Iceland.

'Over the next two to three days there will be more gales and periods of heavy rain. There's weather warnings for the South West and parts of Wales.

'Although there is some respite predicted for Saturday - it is not certain that we will have nice weather next week.'

In May last year, air ambulances descended onto Durdle Door after four people injured themselves jumping off cliffs into the sea.

The four unidentified jumpers vaulted from the top of the ancient limestone arch, which reaches 200ft at its highest point, and were rushed to hospital in a critical condition, according to Dorset Police.

As the scenes unfolded, people packed the beach, despite police chiefs threatening to impose fines on those meeting in groups of more than two and flouting social distancing rules.

 Slide me  Last year, as temperatures continues to soar, tourists flouted social distancing rules to flock to the beach but this year, few were spotted walking in the area

 Slide me  A walking trail near the beach appeared deserted yesterday but only last year the path was flooded by tourists arriving to the beauty spot

 Slide me  The beach in Dorset appeared almost deserted yesterday - just a year after thousands of sunbathers flocked to the iconic spot to take in the sun

A few stragglers wore their coats and hats as they descended upon the windswept beach

Scenes of the deserted beauty spot come just a year after the beach drew thousands of sun-seekers to its beach

Chief Inspector Claire Phillips, of Dorset Police, said at the time: 'We have had to close the beach at Durdle Door to allow air ambulances to land. As a result, we are evacuating the beach and the surrounding cliff area.

'I am urging people to leave the area to enable emergency services to treat the injured people.'

Meanwhile in August last year, one family were left fuming after they drove six hours from Birmingham to Durdle Door only to be turned away due to it being closed.

Dorset Traffic Cops, the official Facebook page for Dorset Police Traffic Unit, had posted there were road closures to restrict access to the packed seafront amid the pandemic.

The statement revealed there were some 'very unhappy people' who had 'travelled from significant distances' as the temperature rocketed to 86F (30C) in the West Country.

The man and his four children had made the 200-mile trip from Birmingham only to be stopped at a road closure at Lulworth.

Dorset Traffic Cops said: 'A colleague just stopped a gent who travelled from Birmingham with his four children to see Durdle Door.

'They set off at 8am and at 2.30pm they finally reached the road closure at Lulworth only to be turned around after 6.5 hours in the car.'

Despite the easing of lockdown rules, wind and rain appeared to keep tourists away fromt he once packed beach

Thousands of sun-seekers rushed to the beach year despite social distancing guidelines still being in place

As temperatures continues to soar last May, thousands flocked to the coastal beauty spot

In May last year, air ambulances landed at Durdle Door after three people were seriously injured jumping off cliffs into the sea

With restaurants only being allowed to open up inside from Monday, many pubs, restaurants and cafes in nearby Bournemouth have also been hit hard following a tough year due to the pandemic by this washout month.

Peter Collett, manager of Bournemouth Pier, said: 'It's been absolutely awful for business, especially when outdoor dining was only allowed. I am gutted about the weather.

'The weather is really hitting us hard at the moment, but you have got to be British about it and just get on with it.

'I am still feeling hopeful and optimistic about the rest of the summer.'
Oliver Dowden last night threatened the BBC with drastic reforms to its structure in response to 'damning failings' exposed by the Bashir report.

The Culture Secretary said he would consider whether governance reforms are needed before the corporation's charter is renewed.

It came as MPs said the inquiry's findings into Martin Bashir's deception of Princess Diana eroded trust in the BBC and could call the licence fee into question.

In a tweet posted last night, Mr Dowden said: 'Lord Dyson's report reveals damning failings at the heart of the BBC.

'We will now reflect on Lord Dyson's thorough report and consider whether further governance reforms at the BBC are needed in the mid-term Charter review.'

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden, Conservative Party MP for Hertsmere, arrives on Downing Street in London, England, on April 28, 2021

The broadcaster is in talks with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport over the next licence fee settlement, which would begin in 2027.

The inquiry found that the BBC fell short of 'high standards of integrity and transparency' over Bashir's 1995 interview with Diana.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'The way the BBC now reacts to this will help people decide whether or not it has learned its lessons and whether as a publicly funded organisation it stands for the highest standards in journalism.

'At the moment it is in the dock for the lowest standards. If they try to brush this under the carpet it will enrage people. This was a terrible deception and it has taken 26 years to get to the bottom of it. The BBC must be very clear about what it does next.' Former Brexit minister Steve Baker said: 'I hope this disgraceful, trust-shattering affair  which went all the way to the very top, to a future director general  is firmly in the past.

The inquiry found that the BBC fell short of 'high standards of integrity and transparency' over Bashir's 1995 interview with Diana (pictured)

'If this sort of thing was still being done by the BBC very serious questions would have to be asked about its existence in its current form.'

Fellow Conservative backbencher Andrew Bridgen warned of 'a further erosion of trust between the BBC and its increasingly dissatisfied licence fee payers'. He said the BBC 'has power and authority but no proper accountability to anyone.

'The BBC needs to go subscription and move into a proper management structure where they are accountable to their customers.'

Julian Knight, chairman of the culture committee, said: 'This forensic report by Lord Dyson finally gets to the truth of the events behind the BBC Panorama interview.

'It raises a number of unacceptable failings by the BBC in its internal investigation of the events behind the interview.'

In a tweet posted last night, Mr Dowden said: 'Lord Dyson's report reveals damning failings at the heart of the BBC

The comments came as a report from MPs found the BBC is 'complacent' in the face of declining audiences, with 200,000 people per year cancelling their licence fee.

The public accounts committee accused it of having 'ducked the hard choices' on cuts to frontline staff and said it was 'unambitious' about reform.

Meg Hillier, chairman of the cross-party committee, said: 'Moving bits of this titanic organisation around the country, reorganising the deck chairs, just won't cut it in the face of intense and rapidly changing global competition.'

The BBC said in a statement: 'We do not feel that this report reflects the evidence or the facts provided to the committee. Our commitment to reform is beyond question.'
The BBC could face millions of pounds in compensation claims from people who were smeared by Martin Bashir or lost their jobs as the result of his deceit.

Royal aides, servants and friends of Princess Diana who found themselves tarnished by Bashir are considering suing the BBC.

It comes after the official inquiry found that the BBC reporter used deceitful behaviour to secure his landmark Panorama interview in 1995.

Bashir produced fake bank statements, which he showed to Dianas brother, Earl Spencer, to gain access to the princess, Lord Dyson, a former judge, reported.

Bashir produced fake bank statements, which he showed to Dianas brother, Earl Spencer, to gain access to the princess

Mr Jephson (pictured) left his job after the affair, and told Panorama last night that it had been devastating, and life-changing

They purported to show payments into the bank accounts of Alan Waller, a former employee of Earl Spencer, Commander Patrick Jephson, Dianas private secretary, and Commander Richard Aylard, private secretary to the Prince of Wales.

Mr Jephson left his job after the affair, and told Panorama last night that it had been devastating, and life-changing.

Meanwhile, royal nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke was subject to preposterous slurs, including that she had a secret holiday with Prince Charles.

Last night media law expert Mark Stephens said the BBC could face payouts of up to 5million.

Royal and BBC staff who lost their jobs could sue for loss of earnings while those whose names were tarnished could sue for libel.

Mr Stephens, of Howard Kennedy solicitors, said: So youve got defamation for virtually everybody because they were wrongly accused by Bashir and the BBC is liable as his employer for his wrongful acts including libel.

He added that in the event of civil claims the BBC would be forced to disclose relevant documents and offer up BBC chiefs as witnesses.
Barnaby Joyce has sparked fury by saying he doesn't care about the Israel-Palestine conflict and comparing it to 'someone else's turd in my toilet'.

The former deputy prime minister, now a backbench Nationals MP, said neither side 'give a flying toss about what Australia thinks' so there was no point getting involved.

Arabs and Jews have been fighting in the region for decades and hostilities have escalated since May 10, killing 12 Israelis and 232 Palestinians including 65 children.

Mr Joyce's comments sparked a divided response from viewers

Poll Do you agree that foreign conflicts should not be played out in Australia? Yes No Undecided Do you agree that foreign conflicts should not be played out in Australia? Yes 275 votes

No 22 votes

Undecided 3 votes Now share your opinion





Speaking on Q&A on Thursday night, Mr Joyce said he didn't have time to worry about the conflict which reached a ceasefire on Friday morning.

'I don't want their problems in our streets, whether it is Catholic-Protestants, a Yugoslav issue or Sudan issue, that's on the other side of the world. We have enough problems closer to home,' he said.

'We have problems in West Papua and Bougainville. I don't think anything is worth a drop of human blood. When people fire the first shot, they lose the argument,' he said referring to rocket strikes from Gaza into Israel.

'And what do we say? If I get engrossed in Palestinian-Israeli politics, and I take my mind off here profanely, but you say things with resonance to remember them. I don't care. I don't want to see someone else's turd in my toilet. And if you come to our country, flush it.'

Host Hamish McDonald asked Mr Joyce if that view was 'disrespectful'.

'There are people dying in Gaza, in Israel, right now. You're a serving member of our parliament,' he said.

Mr Joyce replied: 'What do I do? What exactly do I do? Do we go over there and say to [Israeli PM] Benjamin Netanyahu ''Stop''?

'Everybody is saying that. Do we go to Hamas and try to explain to people that they've got to stop sending missiles randomly into people's neighbourhoods to kill them? What is exactly my role?'

He said neither Hamas, the Arab group that runs Gaza, or the Israeli government 'give a flying toss about what Australia thinks'.

Palestinians children light candles to mourn the dead in the Gaza strip on May 20

Smoke rises after Israeli army carried out airstrikes over Gaza City, Gaza on May 20, 2021

Other viewers criticised Mr Joyce and said Labor MP Tony Burke was on the money

'Our role in this is to say the bleeding obvious. I don't think that one person is endorsing - not one drop of blood, not one person should be killed. Everybody is saying that,' Mr Joyce said.

'The trouble is, Hamish, they just don't listen. This is a conflict that's been going for as long as you and I, probably back 1,000 years, probably past.

'It has to be that they have the epiphany that they have to stop killing each other.

'The only thing I can do as a member of parliament is to say, ''Your problem. You should fix it up. You shouldn't kill anybody. But don't ever make it our problem''.'

Mr Joyce's comments sparked a divided response from viewers. Some said he was 'not fit for office' while others said he was blunt but correct.

Labor MP Tony Burke said he had a 'different approach' and insisted that Australia should stand with allies and have a voice on the conflict.

'When a natural disaster happens around the world, we grieve with those countries.

'When there's a bombing somewhere in the world, we mourn with those people and show the solidarity people show each other. I don't agree that Australia should in any way be silent,' he said.

Mr Burke said Hamas alone was not responsible for the recent fighting, saying: 'I think we also can't pretend that the first recent shot was the beginning of the escalation.

'And when people say ''we just want it to return to normal'', I don't think we want the sort of normal that was there a few months ago either,' the frontbencher said.

Barnaby Joyce (pictured) has sparked fury by saying he doesn't care about the Israel-Palestine conflict and comparing it to 'someone else's turd in my toilet'

One viewer said Mr Joyce was right and described Tony Burke as 'clueless'

'It's not normal if you're living your life in fear of bombs. It's not normal in Israel. It shouldn't be normal in Palestine.'

McDonald asked Mr Burke what Australia can do to help and he replied: 'Something like this is where you show your humanity and you show the solidarity between nations.'

'You don't say, ''Not my problem. Other side of the world. Not going to have much to say''.'

Since the fighting began on May 10, health officials in Gaza said 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, had been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments. Israel said it had killed at least 160 combatants in Gaza.

Authorities put the death toll in Israel at 12, with hundreds of people treated for injuries in rocket attacks that caused panic and sent people rushing into shelters.

The violence was triggered by Palestinian anger at what they viewed as Israeli curbs on their rights in Jerusalem, including during police confrontations with protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque.

Hamas is deemed a terrorist group in the West and by Israel, which it refuses to recognise.

Palestinians inspect damage to buildings in Gaza City on May 20
Peter Dutton has blamed Labor for undermining confidence in vaccines - singling out Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for not taking the AstraZeneca jab.

The Minister for Defence exchanged strong words with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Richard Marles on the Today Show on Friday morning over who is to blame for Australia's slow rates of vaccine delivery.

The fierce confrontation came after Ms Palaszczuk revealed she and her health boss Jeannette Young had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus.

'I really don't understand the Premier's position. In a position of leadership it is important, particularly now, to demonstrate that leadership and to make sure that you lead by example,' Mr Dutton said.

'And the Premier and the Chief Medical Officer in Queensland have let Queenslanders down.

Peter Dutton blamed Labor for Australia's lack of confidence in the Covid vaccine, claiming they have 'undermined' the government

'They need to go out today, roll their sleeve up and make a very public statement about the fact that they have got the vaccine and encourage other people to do it.'

The Queensland Premier said she and her colleague had not yet taken the Covid vaccine because they were waiting to get their flu jab first.

Her delay in taking the vaccine came after a survey showed almost 30 per cent of Australians were not planning to get a vaccine, with some fearful of side effects such as blood clots, and others seeing no incentive as the government continues to ban international travel even for those who have been vaccinated.

Many over-50s were also spurning the Astra-Zeneca product and wanted to wait until they were permitted to use the Pfizer or Moderna jabs.

That reluctance was behind the slow uptake of vaccines, which was now emerging as the main cause of Australia's low numbers of recipients rather than lack of availability.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Friday that thousands of AstraZeneca doses were going to wasted in government-run clinics, with one hub in south-west Sydney failing struggling to get even 50 appointments a day while holding thousands of doses.

Hesitancy about getting a Covid jab is likely to increase with regulators on Thursday uncovering six more cases of rare blood clots linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Mr Marles also suggested the federal government's health advice had not been clear during the vaccination rollout.

He referred to Health Minister Greg Hunt on Thursday encouraging people over 50 to get the AstraZeneca jab - but also giving them the option to wait until the end of the year for the Moderna vaccine.

'It is deeply confusing. The truth of the matter is we need to get vaccinated as swiftly as possible,' Mr Marles said.

'We don't get back to normal, we don't get back to the other side of Covid until we have vaccinated.'

Dutton fired back, claiming the vaccination advice was clear - but being undermined by the opposition.

The Defence Minister went head to head with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Richard Marles (pictured) on Today on Friday morning over the government's bungled vaccination program

The fierce confrontation came after Ms Palaszczuk revealed she and her health boss Jeannette Young had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus

'If you are over 50, get vaccinated. Go and see your GP. Have the discussion if you have a hesitation.

'Then Greg's saying, yes, we have secured other doses and they will be rolled out between now and the end of the year.

'It couldn't get any clearer than that and that is exactly what he has done.

'Richard comes out negative again this morning on the vaccine rollout. Labor has undermined this program from day one.'

Mr Marles disagreed, saying 'Greg Hunt is doing that enough himself.'

Mr Dutton said political arguments over the vaccine delivery were contributing to a lack of public faith in the jabs.

'You and Anthony Albanese coming out and bagging this every day has contributed to an undermining of the confidence, particularly for over 50s,' Mr Dutton said.

Mr Marles said both he and Mr Albanese have received the AstraZeneca vaccine.

He said he takes issue with the government's inability to roll out the program in an 'effective' way and their lacklustre messaging.

Australian swimmer Cate Campbell receives her Covid jab in Brisbane on May 10

The debate comes as the government prepares a fresh campaign to urge older Australians to get vaccinated against Covid.

The federal government is under fire for the slowness of the vaccine rollout, with a concerning degree of hesitancy in the community.

Medical organisations are worried about the lack of urgency and fear the government's messaging is falling flat.

The Australian Medical Association wants a more effective national strategy to motivate people who are in no rush to get their shots.

The prime minister said $40 million was being spent on advertising, focusing on those happy to get the jab.

'We'll continue to have the conversation with the rest of the population about their concerns they may have and the best place to have that discussion is with your GP,' Scott Morrison told reporters in Melbourne.

'There is more communications going into the elderly population and you'll see that roll out in the weeks ahead.'

Mr Morrison zeroed in on concerns about the AstraZeneca jab, saying it had been safely administered to his wife, mother, mother-in-law, the health minister and department secretary.

'This is a safe vaccine.'

Polling suggests one in three Australian adults are unlikely to seek out a vaccine.
A search is underway for a woman and her one-year-old daughter who vanished from a suburban home.

Brooke Patterson-Buckton and the little girl were last seen on Wandilla Drive in Helensvale on Queensland's Gold Coast at about 4pm on Thursday.

Police said the 36-year-old has not been in contact with her family, who are deeply concerned for her safety.

Brooke Patterson-Buckton (pictured left) went missing on Thursday with her one-year-old daughter (pictured right)

Ms Patterson-Buckton is described as Caucasian, about 172cm tall with dark brown hair and hazel eyes.

Her daughter is Caucasian with blue eyes.

Anyone who has any information has been urged to contact police immediately.
Fraud Detection And Prevention Market Growth & Trends

The global fraud detection and prevention market size is expected to reach USD 62.70 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 15.4% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rise in incidences of mobile payment frauds, phishing, and card frauds, and their subsequent impact on businesses and resultant financial losses are anticipated to drive market growth over the forecast period. Digital transformation is the new buzzword, as businesses transform the way they interact with their customers. However, increased digitization has also exposed businesses to online frauds and scams.

Thus, to mitigate these frauds, while securing customer as well as business data, the demand for fraud detection and prevention (FDP) solutions is anticipated to witness an upsurge over the forecast period. Digital platforms and online banking applications, wherein consumers directly interact with businesses, are complex. These applications require several risk-based security solutions to detect fraud at individual layers. Without implementing solutions and vulnerability testing, hacktivists and fraudsters can easily exploit gaps across these channels.

Incumbents from the banking, telecom, and retail & e-commerce industries are popular targets of such fraud threats. Thus, a need for continuous monitoring and detection of vulnerabilities across layers is required to strengthen fraud defense among organizations. Despite rising digital fraud cases, organizations continue to offer services digitally to consumers as it is a cost-effective approach. Deploying or reliance on a single solution or tool as a defensive tactic increases the risks of fraud attempts. Educating enterprises and consumers related to fraudsters' modus operandi is a significant step towards defending against fraud.

Several government agencies, such as the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council of the U.S. and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office of India, provided guidelines, programs, and standards to promote fraud defense among organizations and consumers. In addition, deploying advanced technology adaptable to existing cybercriminal operational strategy is crucial. Thus, the need to curb fraudster activities, secure personal information, and strengthen the security framework is expected to drive the adoption of fraud detection and prevention solutions among enterprises.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Fraud Detection And Prevention Market Report

Fraud Detection And Prevention Market Report Highlights

An increase in the number of fraudulent activities reported worldwide and increased reliance on online transactions will create opportunities for market growth

The solution segment is expected to register a CAGR exceeding 10.0% from 2021 to 2028. The need to identify behavior or patterns associated with fraudulent activities among enterprises is a key factor expected to favor the segment growth. The proliferation of analytic tools to detect threats or anomalies in organization data is expected to favor fraud analytical solutions growth

Consistent internet access has paved way for digital transactions. However, cyber frauds becoming rampant at an alarming rate has led to the increased demand for fraud detection solutions to curb payment fraud incidences

Larger enterprises have the spending capacity to secure customer as well as business data, and this has resulted in the segment capturing the highest market share in 2020. However, with fraud activities occurring at an alarming frequency, small- & medium-sized enterprises are also expected to increase spending on security solutions over the forecast period

North America has always been at the forefront of technology developments and digitization of processes. Therefore, the region captured the highest market share in 2020, with increased demand from several tech companies in the region

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-fraud-detection-prevention-market

Fraud Detection And Prevention Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global fraud detection and prevention market on the basis of component, solutions, services, application, organization, vertical, and region:

Fraud Detection & Prevention Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Solutions

Services

Fraud Detection & Prevention Solutions Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Fraud Analytics

Authentication

Governance, Risk, and Compliance

Fraud Detection & Prevention Services Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Professional Services

Managed Services

Fraud Detection & Prevention Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Identity Theft

Money Laundering

Payment Fraud

Others

Fraud Detection & Prevention Organization Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

SMEs

Large Enterprises

Fraud Detection & Prevention Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

BFSI

Government & Defense

Healthcare

IT & Telecom

Industrial & Manufacturing

Retail & E-commerce

Others

Fraud Detection & Prevention Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America US. Canada

Europe UK. Germany

Asia Pacific China India Japan

Latin America Brazil Mexico

Middle East & Africa

List of Key Players of Fraud Detection And Prevention (FDP) Market

Total System Services, Inc.

Software AG

SAS Institute, Inc.

SAP SE

Oracle

IBM

Fiserv, Inc.

Experian plc

Equifax, Inc.

BAE Systems

ACI Worldwide, Inc.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
Scotland Yard faced pressure to investigate Martin Bashir yesterday after the BBCs former editorial policy chief suggested he had committed a crime.

Last night detectives were assessing Lord Dysons report on Bashirs interview with Diana to consider if there is any significant new evidence that would merit an investigation.

The move comes amid growing calls for the force to reverse its controversial decision not to investigate Bashir.

Critics said the Dyson report had provided clear and unequivocal evidence that must be pursued.

Yesterday it emerged that Richard Ayre, the BBCs controller of editorial policy in 1995, believed Bashir, the BBCs former religion editor, may have committed a crime when he used fake bank statements to secure his interview with Diana.

In evidence to Lord Dyson, Mr Ayre said: I have no doubt that if he did what is, as I understand it, alleged, that of course would have been unacceptable.

Richard Ayre, then BBC controller of editorial policy, believed Bashir may have committed a crime when he used fake bank slips to secure his 1995 interview with Princess Diana

He suggested it would be a criminal offence to approach anyone with a forged document that defamed people. Of course it would have been indefensible, he added.

A lawyer for Earl Spencers former head of security, Alan Waller, made an official complaint to Scotland Yard Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick in January alleging potential fraud.

He accused Bashir of dishonest conduct and said the BBC had benefited while being aware that his actions were unlawful.

But after spending three months assessing the claims, police announced they would be taking no further action.

That decision was described as a farce yesterday by a former head of royal protection, who said many questions had been left unanswered.

Ex-chief superintendent Dai Davies, who once led the Metropolitan Police royal protection unit, said: It seems to me there is clear and unequivocal evidence that the Met Police should be at the very least investigating these allegations.

Richard Ayre, then BBC controller of editorial policy, believed Bashir may have committed a crime when he used fake bank slips to secure his 1995 interview with Princess Diana (above)

'I simply cannot understand why they wont investigate given what I understand from the testimony may be a crime.

It seems theres one rule for the BBC and one rule for the rest of us. Normally there would be a criminal inquiry before a civil inquiry.

Im absolutely flabbergasted that there was not enough basic evidence of forgery and fraud here. It beggars belief.

Ex-chief superintendent Dai Davies said: It seems to me that there is clear and unequivocal evidence that the Met Police should be at the very least investigating these allegations'

Mr Davies added: What is it the Met dont understand about the word dishonest?

'My concern is that others may have covered this up and if it was a crime, they may have conspired to conceal forged documents and that concealment could amount to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Metropolitan Police Commander Alex Murray, who leads the force on specialist crime, announced in March that legal advice had been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service and independent lawyers before it was decided not to launch a probe.

The commander has previously come under fire for not pursuing another alleged scandal in 2019, after Virginia Roberts alleged she was trafficked to Britain by paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Prince Andrew, who denies the claim.

Yesterday, a Met spokesman said: In March 2021, the [force] determined it was not appropriate to begin a criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful activity in connection with a documentary broadcast in 1995 but should any significant new evidence emerge it would be assessed.

Following the publication of Lord Dysons report, we will assess its contents to ensure there is no significant new evidence.
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Rioters have set vehicles alight and attacked police during a night of violence in Swansea - with officers threatening 'robust' action to bring the situation under control.

A vigil for a recently-deceased local resident escalated into 'violence, criminal damage and a wanton disregard for public safety' in the Mayhill area on Thursday, police said.

The trouble is 'ongoing' and South Wales Police are urging residents to stay indoors while officers try to safely deal with the situation.

Shocking pictures taken at the scene showed flames billowing from a torched car as onlookers gathered to watch. Locals said the car belonged to a man who tried to stop the violence.

Witnesses claimed a woman in her 90s living nearby had her 'windows put through' by the group - as did two other neighbours.

And disturbing video footage shows the group rolling a car down a hill - towards the burning vehicle - before it crashes into the wall.

Rioters have set vehicles alight and attacked police during a night of violence in Swansea - with officers threatening 'robust' action to bring the situation under control

A vigil for a recently-deceased local resident escalated into 'violence, criminal damage and a wanton disregard for public safety' in the Mayhill area, police said. Pictured: A group at the scene

Shocking pictures taken at the scene showed flames billowing from a torched car as onlookers gathered to watch (pictured)

And disturbing video footage shows the group rolling a car down a hill (pictured) - towards the burning vehicle - before it crashes into the wall

Smoke is seen billowing from a burnt-out car in Swansea as a vigil for a local boy who died this month got out of hand

Local Welsh Parliament member Tom Giffard called the scenes - which also saw rioters lob objects at police vehicles - 'disturbing'.

South Wales Police Superintendent Tim Morgan said: 'We have a number of officers at the scene working to de-escalate the situation as quickly as possible and allow other emergency service colleagues to attend to calls in the area.

'The incident is still on-going and we urge anyone involved to leave the scene immediately.

The gang stood dangerously close to the car as flames billowed from it. Many can be seen with camera phones filming the chaos

Absolute mad scenes in Mayhill, Swansea right now  pic.twitter.com/XpOLcx79bi  Courtney (@courtneynathxo) May 20, 2021

Pictures taken after violence saw the burnt-out shell of a white car on the street in Swansea. Debris can be seen surrounding it

Two cars are seen with severe fire damage on the street. The tarmac has also been damaged with the heat of the blaze

Local Welsh Parliament member Tom Giffard called the scenes on Thursday (the fire pictured) 'disturbing'

The trouble (a group gathered, pictured) is 'ongoing' and South Wales Police are urging residents to stay indoors while officers try to safely deal with the situation

Locals rushed to Twitter to blast the group for gathering (the aftermath, pictured) during what was meant to be a 'nice send off' and balloon release for 19-year-old local Ethan Powell who died this month. His cause of death is not publicly known.

Sylvie Bennett wrote on Facebook: 'I am shocked at the disrespect shown to Ethan Powell tonight. I never knew the lad but read how many people respect him.' Pictured: The aftermath

Tegan Davies added: 'The start was brilliant but this has gone way out of hand! I know Ethan loved an argument with the police but this has gone next level, kids and people living by are absolutely petrified!' Pictured: The burnt-out cars

'Those involved can expect to face robust action.

'Post-incident investigations will also aim to identify all those concerned.

'In the meantime, we urge local residents to stay indoors while the matter is brought to a safe conclusion.'

Locals rushed to Twitter to blast the group for gathering during what was meant to be a 'nice send off' and balloon release for 19-year-old local Ethan Powell who died this month.

His cause of death is not publicly known.

Flames were seen billowing from the car in Swansea after it was set alight in the street on Thursday

Sylvie Bennett wrote on Facebook: 'I am shocked at the disrespect shown to Ethan Powell tonight.

'I never knew the lad but read how many people respect him.

'I bet he is looking down on you all with disgust. He wouldn't want this and neither do his family want this.

'So know that Swansea is not proud of you as you are all a disgrace. You have not done him proud you have dishonoured him. You're the scum of the earth.'

Tegan Davies added: 'The start was brilliant but this has gone way out of hand!

'I know Ethan loved an argument with the police but this has gone next level, kids and people living by are absolutely petrified!

'The videos Ive been sent are disgusting, I know Ethan would never have taken it this far.

'Bikes and balloons we said, not a f***ing riot!'
A dolphin with dazzling white skin left whale watchers stunned when it made a rare appearance off the Southern California coast.

The creature was spotted among a pod of 40 Risso's dolphins by the crew of a wildlife-watching vessel.

It remains unclear whether the dolphin is a true albino or whether it has leucism  a catch-all term for a variety of conditions which cause animals to lose colour.

Scroll down for video

A dolphin with dazzling white skin left whale watchers stunned when it made a rare appearance off the coast of Southern California

Jessica Roame, education manager at Newport Coastal Adventure, which operates the vessel, said: 'Crew members made an incredible and rare sighting.

'Their boat discovered a pod of 40 Risso's dolphins just three miles off Laguna Beach. Among this group of dolphins was a stunning white adult.'

She continued: 'Risso's dolphins are born dark grey and tend to lighten up as they age.

The creature was spotted among a pod of 40 Risso's dolphins by the crew of a wildlife-watching vessel

'This is due, in part, to the many scratches they receive from the teeth of other Risso's dolphins  which is typical social behaviour.

'It's also do to with with the scarring from the beaks and tentacles of squid, which is their main food source.

'However our white Risso's dolphin was completely unique in colour!'

In photos and videos of the sighting, the dolphin is seen as a ghostly white presence among its darker peers.

Its colour evokes the deathly white sperm whale of literary legend, Moby Dick.

Sperm whales and Risso's dolphins are closely related, both being cetaceans.

In photos of the sighting, the dolphin is seen as a ghostly white presence among its darker peers

It remains unclear whether the dolphin is a true albino or whether it has leucism  a catch-all term for a variety of conditions which cause animals to lose colour

However its unclear whether the dolphin is a true albino like Moby Dick, or whether it has leucism  a catch-all term for a variety of conditions which cause animals to lose colour.

'While it's unknown if the dolphin is a true albino or if it may be leucistic, it certainly stands out from the other normally-coloured Risso's dolphins, and is easily spotted on the water,' said Jessica.

Risso's dolphins can grow up to 13 feet long and typically travel in groups of up to 50, though sometimes 'super-pods' can form incorporating thousands of individuals

The crew said they had only encountered the dolphin twice before, once last summer and once in 2017.

Risso's dolphins can grow up to 13 feet long and typically travel in groups of up to 50, though sometimes 'super-pods' can form incorporating thousands of individuals.

They have an estimated lifespan of at least 35 years.

Newport Coastal Adventure runs daily whale and wildlife watching tours of the Southern California coast all year round.
Facebook has blamed a 'technical issue' for a drop in the amount of child abuse images and videos it has blocked on the site over the last six months.

According to its Community Standards Enforcement Report, the company had a problem with its 'media-matching' technology, which identifies illegal uploads.

From January to March 2021, Facebook removed five million pieces of child abuse content  down from 5.4 million from October to December 2020.

But both these quarters marked a massive slump in removals from the previous quarter  12.4 million between July and September 2020.

Between July and September 2020, Facebook removed 12.4 million pieces of child abuse content, but this figure slumped to 5.4 million for October to December 2020, and further to 5 million in January to March 2021

Facebook explained the huge difference in removals between Q3 and Q4 last year, which means it failed to stop potentially millions of child abuse images and videos from appearing on its website.

'In Q4, content actioned decreased due to a technical issue with our media-matching technology,' Facebook said in the report.

'We resolved that issue, but from mid-Q1 we encountered a separate technical issue.

'We are in the process of addressing this and working to catch any content we may have missed.'

Graph from the social network's Community Standards Enforcement Report, published Wednesday, visualises the slump caused by the 'technical issue'

Facebook tests tools to combat content showing child abuse on its site Facebook is making an effort to end child exploitation on its platform with new tools for detecting and removing such photos and videos. The features include a pop-up message that appears when users search terms associated with child exploitation and suggestions for people to seek help to change the behaviour. Another tool is aimed at stopping the spread of such content by informing users that attempting to share abusive content may disable their account. Facebook said it teamed up with NCMEC to investigate how and why people share child exploitative contact on its main platform and Instagram. Read more: Facebook tests new tools to detect and remove content showing child sexual abuse Advertisement

The 'media-matching' tool that Facebook said was to blame refers to its artificial intelligence-powered detection technology.

It's believed to work by matching new uploads with a database of child abuse content that has already been taken down.

But the tardiness of Facebook's announcement caused consternation with one child protection expert.

Andy Burrows, Head of Child Safety Online Policy at the NSPCC, said to the Telegraph: 'For the last two consecutive quarters, Facebook has taken down fewer than half of the child abuse content compared to the three months prior to that.

'This is a significant reduction due to two separate technical issues which have not been explained and it's the first we have heard about them.'

The Community Standards Enforcement Report, published on Wednesday, also revealed that in the first three months of 2021, Facebook took down 8.8 million pieces of bullying and harassment content, up from 6.3 million in the final quarter of last year.

Some 9.8 million pieces of organised hate content were also removed, up from 6.4 million in late 2020.

Meanwhile, 25.2 million pieces of hate speech were removed, down on the 26.9 million pieces removed in the last three months of 2020.

On Instagram (which Facebook owns), it took down 5.5 million pieces of bullying content  up from five million at the end of last year  as well as 324,500 pieces of organised hate content, up slightly on the previous quarter.

However, the amount of hate speech content removed from Instagram was also down slightly to 6.3 million compared with 6.6 million in the last quarter of 2020.

Facebook says: 'We do not allow content that sexually exploits or endangers children on Facebook and Instagram'

The social media giant has previously admitted that its content review team's ability to moderate content had been affected by the pandemic and that would continue to be the case globally until vaccines were more widely available.

Specifically on misinformation around Covid-19, Facebook said it had removed more than 18 million pieces of content from Facebook and Instagram for violating its policies on coronavirus misinformation and harm.

Facebook, along with wider social media, has come under increased scrutiny during the pandemic over its approach to keeping users safe online and amid high-profile cases of online abuse, harassment, misinformation and hate speech.

The government is set to introduce its Online Safety Bill later this year, which will enforce stricter regulation around protecting young people online and harsh punishments for platforms found to be failing to meet a duty of care.

The government recently published a draft of the upcoming Bill, which will enforce regulation around Facebook and other online platforms for the first time.

However, experts criticised the draft for a loophole that would potentially expose children to pornography websites, due to a lack of age verification checks.

The Bill, which was published as a draft on May 12, only applies to sites or services that allow 'user interactivity'  in other words, sites allowing interactions between users or allowing users to upload content, like Facebook.

Commercial pornography sites, such as Pornhub and YouPorn, could therefore 'put themselves outside of the scope of the Bill' by removing all user-generated content.

The Bill will require social media and other platforms to remove and limit harmful content, with large fines for failing to protect users, enforced by regular Ofcom.

But the problem with the Bill is it focuses on the issue of kids 'stumbling' across pornography on social media  not children who start to look for it on dedicated porn sites.
A single fingerprint could be used to determine whether someone has touched or ingested class A drugs, a new study reveals.

Researchers at the University of Surrey say mass spectrometry can be used to detect benzoylecgonine in a print that's been left behind at a crime scene.

Benzoylecgonine is a molecule produced in the body and excreted in fingerprints when cocaine is ingested but not touched.

It is therefore essential in distinguishing those who have consumed the Class A drug from those who have handled it.

Police need experts to distinguish between people who have handled cocaine from those who have ingested it, because the legal ramifications are different  for example, drug driving.

Cocaine is taken by 70 per cent of all UK drug users, according to drug charity We Are With You, and investigating the role it may have played in a criminal setting is vital.

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A single fingerprint at a crime scene detects class A drug usage, thanks to benzoylecgonine, a molecule produced in the body when cocaine is ingested, researchers at the University of Surrey reveal (stock image)

WHAT IS MASS SPECTROMETRY? Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical detection technique used to determine information about individual chemical molecules. MS is based on ionisation and fragmentation of molecules in the gas phase. Since molecules fragment in a unique manner, the resulting ion fragmentation pattern can be used to obtain structural information for a given molecule. In forensic science, MS has become the technique of choice for the definitive identification of a wide variety of evidence. Advertisement

The study has been conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in southwest London and Southampton-based technology manufacturer Ionoptika Ltd.

The experts used three mass spectrometry imaging approaches  which measures the characteristics of individual chemical molecules  to analyse fingerprints.

'In forensic science being able to understand more about the circumstances under which a fingerprint was deposited at a crime scene is important,' said Dr Melanie Bailey at the University of Surrey.

'The new research demonstrates that this is possible for the first time using high resolution mass spectrometry techniques.

'These new findings will inform forensics further when it comes to determining the use of class A drugs.'

The new study, which been published in the journal Analyst, is an advance on previous research published by the team in February last year.

At the time, researchers revealed they were able to determine the difference between touching and ingesting cocaine on fingerprints  but only if someone had washed their hands prior to giving a fingerprint sample.

Three mass spectrometry imaging approaches were used to distinguish between cocaine use and contact. Pictured, a new mass spectrometry imaging system from Ionoptika used to make some of the measurements

'If hands are not washed, we can see benzoylecgonine in both drug users and people who have touched the drug,' said Dr Bailey.

'This is because benzoylecgonine is an impurity in street cocaine.

'When hands are washed, the benzoylecgonine from contact washes off. In contrast, someone who has consumed the drug continues to excrete benzoylecgonine from their fingertips.'

Cocaine is taken by 70 per cent of all UK drug users, according to drug charity We Are With You

If someone has taken cocaine, benzoylecgonine correlates with other compounds produced in the body, all excreted along the fingerprint ridges.

In contrast, if someone has touched the drug, cocaine and benzoylecgonine 'hotspots' do not match the location of the fingerprint ridges.

If a suspect is in custody, authorities can simply tell them to wash their hands and give a fingerprint sample, to find if they took or handled the drug.

But it's a different story when fingerprints are left at a crime scene, and authorities don't necessarily know anything about the circumstances under which the prints were deposited.

And when someone unwillingly leaves fingerprints at a crime scene  whether they're a victim or a criminal  they're unlikely to have washed their hands just prior to doing so.

This had meant the distinction between whether cocaine had been ingested or handled by people who left fingerprints at the scene couldn't be made.

'The new research gets us further along the road to reconstructing the events that took place at a crime scene,' Dr Bailey explained to MailOnline.

'Now we think it is possible to tell, from a fingerprint left behind at a crime scene, whether or not someone has touched or ingested cocaine. We couldnt do this before.'

A criminal who is forensically aware may wash their hands, but they may also wear gloves to avoid leaving fingermarks in the first place, Dr Bailey pointed out.

'Despite this, fingermarks are still the most commonly used piece of physical evidence left at a crime scene in forensic case work,' she said.
Watching a lot of television in middle age can cause your brain to shrink and lead to a decline in your ability to think properly, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Columbia University in New York examined self-reported television viewing habits and related brain size and health of groups of volunteers aged in their 50s and 70s.

Exercise and physical activity has been shown to benefit brain health, but the researchers wanted to find out the impact of sedentary behaviour on the brain.

They found that spending a lot of time glued to the television during midlife led to greater levels of cognitive decline and a drop in brain size later in life.

Those who viewed a lot of television in midlife had a 6.9 per cent decline in cognitive function by the time they were in their 70s and a 0.5 per cent reduction in grey matter compared to those who watched little television.

Engaging in healthy behaviours between 45 and 64, including limiting TV time, 'may be important factors to support a healthy brain later in life,' the team said.

Watching a lot of television in middle age can cause your brain to shrink and lead to a decline in your ability to think properly, according to a new study. Stock image

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE KILLER DISEASE THAT ROBS SUFFERERS OF THEIR MEMORIES A GLOBAL CONCERN Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) which impact memory, thinking and behaviour. There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimers disease is the most common. Some people may have a combination of types of dementia. Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way. Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED? The Alzheimers Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer's. It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million. In the US, it's estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer's sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years. As a persons age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia. Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed. IS THERE A CURE? Currently there is no cure for dementia. But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are. Source: Alzheimers Society Advertisement

Cognition includes one's abilities to remember, think, reason, communicate and solve problems, the researchers said, and with an increase in life expectancy, there is also an increase in cognitive impairment and dementia.

An ageing population with multiple factors that do not support a healthy brain may lead to an increased number of people with dementia, the team said.

Worldwide, more than seven million new dementia cases are diagnosed annually and by 2050 the prevalence of the disease will increase by up to 264 per cent.

While there is no cure for dementia, a recent report showed that nearly 40 per cent of worldwide diagnoses may be prevented or delayed.

This can be done by modifying twelve risk factors including exercise, according to one of the study authors Priya Palta from Columbia University..

To better understand the effects of sedentary behaviour during midlife on brain health, the teams looked at television viewing information collected during midlife - 45 to 64 - from participants in a wider US neurocognitive study.

Participants were asked how much they watched television in leisure time, with self-reported responses not based on specific hours but a general timeframe.

They were asked whether they never or seldom watched TV (low), sometimes watched TV (medium/moderate) or often/very often watched TV (high).

Palta's study focused on cognitive decline and risk of dementia, while a linked study by Kelley Pettee Gabriel of the University of Alabama focused on structural brain markers from brain imaging scans.

In the study by Palta there were 10,700 adult participants with an average age of 59 and mostly female who provided self-reported assessments of their TV habits.

There were completed during three visits between 1987 and 1995, with 6,463 reporting that their viewing habits hadn't changed over the eight years.

They received additional cognitive tests of working memory, language and executive function/processing speed in 1998 and again in 2013.

In this study, the researchers found that compared to people with low viewing habits, those with moderate or high viewing had a 6.9 per cent decline in cognitive function over the 15 years from first visit to final tests.

High amounts of television viewing were not notably associated with a higher dementia risk, just a decline in general cognitive function.

Participants' reported physical activity and exercise habits did not appear to alter the relationship between time spent watching television during midlife and changes in cognitive function and risk of dementia, the authors discovered.

Gabriel's study included 1,601 adults with an average age of 76 from the same group of participants but who also underwent an MRI scan of their brain in 2013.

Gabriel's study included 1,601 adults with an average age of 76 from the same group of participants but who also underwent an MRI scan of their brain in 2013. Stock image

WHEN DO HUMAN BRAINS BECOME 'OLD'? The human brain becomes 'old' at just 25, research suggested in February 2017. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is found in the brain and spinal cord, changes its speed of movement in people older than their mid-20s, a Lancaster University study found. These movements are linked to breathing and heart rates, with CSF changes previously being associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and high blood pressure. It is unclear if these CSF changes are associated with brain disorders that typically affect the elderly, such as dementia. Previous research suggests the volume and weight of the brain begins to decline by around five per cent per decade when a person reaches 40 years old. On the back of these findings, study author Professor Aneta Stefanovska added further research 'may open up new frontiers in the understanding and diagnosis of various neurodegenerative and ageing-related diseases to improve diagnostic procedures and patient prognosis.' The discovery came to light during the development of a new method of investigating brain function, which has revealed the stage in life when the brain starts to deteriorate. Previous research carried out by Imperial College London suggests brains' grey matter, which enables the organ to function, shrinks during middle age and is related to cell death. White matter, which enables communication between nerve clusters, also appears to decline at around 40. This is also when the deterioration of myelin sheath occurs. Myelin sheath is a fatty substances that surrounds nerve cells and ensures proper function of the nervous system. These changes are thought to occur due to a reduction in the hormones dopamine and serotonin. Advertisement

Of this group, 971 people reported persistent levels of television viewing over the eight years the surveys were conducted.

Using the brain MRI scans, researchers looked at several structural brain markers, including deep grey matter volume in the brain of each participant.

Grey matter is the darker tissue of the brain and spinal cord and it is involved in muscle control, seeing and hearing, decision-making and other brain functions.

The higher a person's volume of brain grey matter, the better cognitive skills they typically have, according to the study authors.

In this study, researchers found that when compared to participants who said they rarely wathc TV, those who watched a lot had lower volumes of grey matter.

This indicates greater brain atrophy or deterioration, according to Gabriel.

The association with the level of TV watching to brain grey matter was greater with persistent television viewing throughout midlife, he said.

Specifically, compared to people who said they never or seldom watched TV, people who reported they sometimes or often/very often watched TV had lower volumes of deep grey matter in late life.

The participants' self-reported physical activity and exercise habits did not change the associations between the level of television viewing during midlife with brain structure measures of grey matter.

'Our findings suggest that the amount of television viewing, a type of sedentary behaviour, may be related to cognitive decline and imaging markers of brain health,' explained Palta, talking of the combined studies.

'Therefore, reducing sedentary behaviours, such as television viewing, may be an important lifestyle modification target to support optimal brain health,' Palta said.

'In the context of cognitive and brain health, not all sedentary behaviours are equal,' added another study author Ryan Dougherty of Johns Hopkins University.

'Non-stimulating sedentary activities such as television viewing are linked to greater risk of developing cognitive impairment, whereas cognitively stimulating sedentary activities [such as reading, computer and board games] are associated with maintained cognition and reduced likelihood of dementia,' he explained.

'Considering the contextual differences in varying sedentary behaviours is critical when investigating cognitive and brain health.'

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Columbia University in New York examined self-reported television viewing habits and related brain size and health of groups of volunteers aged in their 50s and 70s. Stock image

IS THERE A PILL FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE? A breakthrough Alzheimer's drug edges scientists one step closer to a cure, new research suggested in November 2017. Taken twice a day, a tablet, known as LMTX, significantly improves dementia sufferers' brain injuries to the extent their MRI scans resemble those of healthy people after just nine months, a study found. Lead author Professor Gordon Wilcock from the University of Oxford told MailOnline: 'I haven't seen such brain injury recovery before after a drug treatment.' LMTX, which is under investigation, also significantly improves patients' abilities to carry out everyday tasks such as bathing and dressing themselves, while also boosting their capabilities to correctly name objects and remember the date, the research adds. The drug contains a chemical that dissolves protein 'tangles' in the brain that clump together to form plaques in the region associated with memory, according to its manufacturer TauRx Pharmaceuticals. Dissolving these tangles and preventing the formation of new plaques may slow or even halt memory loss in dementia sufferers, the pharma company adds. The researchers, from the universities of Oxford and Aberdeen, analysed 800 Alzheimer's patients across 12 countries. The study's participants received either 100mg or 4mg LMTX tablets twice a day for 18 months. They were tested on their ability to name objects, follow commands such as 'make a fist', recall items from a list of 10 and identify their name, the time and date. Their ability to eat without help, use a telephone, wash and dress themselves, and control their bowel and bladder was also assessed. MRI scans monitored the participants' brain injury. Advertisement

Dougherty's study explored the risk of heart attack in young adults, also found a link between TV viewing and the volume of grey matter in the brain.

The data came from the same dataset as the previous two studies but focused on 599 participants with an average age of 30 when they were quizzed about viewing habits and 50 when they underwent follow up examinations.

During the 20-year period, from 1990 to 2011, volunteers had follow up visits every five years on how many hours they watched TV per day in the previous year.

Twenty years into the study MRI scans were taken to assess structural measures of grey matter in the brain and they found that greater television in mid-adulthood also resulted in lower levels of grey matter volume by midlife.

Considering the effect estimates, a one-hour greater mean television time was associated with approximately a 0.5 per cent reduction in grey matter volume.

As with Gabriel's study, the participants' physical activity and exercise habits did not impact the association between the level of television viewing during midlife with brain structure measures of grey matter.

'In our findings, television viewing remained associated with cognitive function and grey matter volume after accounting for physical activity, suggesting that this sedentary behaviour may impart a unique risk with respect to brain and cognitive health,' Dougherty said.

'This is an important finding since it is now well accepted that the neurobiology of dementia including brain atrophy begins during midlife.

'That's a period were modifiable behaviours such as excessive television viewing can be targeted and reduced to promote healthy brain ageing.'

The three researchers agreed there is a need to identify modifiable behaviours, such as excessive television viewing, that may be targeted prior to the development of cognitive impairment to offset the risk of dementia.

Promoting healthy brain ageing is important, they said, particularly given current trends in television viewing and binge-watching behaviours.

Limitations of these studies are that television viewing was based on participant reporting, which may not be accurate.

Television viewing is only one type of sedentary behaviour and provides an incomplete picture of total sedentary time.

Engaging in healthy behaviours between 45 and 64, including limiting TV time, 'may be important factors to support a healthy brain later in life,' the team said

'This research is very timely and important in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic because we know people are spending more time engaging in sedentary behaviours, said American Heart Association president Mitchell SV Elkind.

'These are interesting correlations among television viewing, cognitive decline and brain structure. Television viewing is just one type of sedentary behaviour yet it's easy to modify and could make a big difference in maintaining brain health.'

The three studies are being presented at the American Heart Association Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference.
Fitbit is the worst smartphone app to use if you've got a low battery, a new report suggests.

Switzerland-based cloud storage company pCloud analysed 100 of the most popular apps and the demands they make on your device.

The worst apps for draining battery were found to be Fitbit and Verizon, which were at the top of the pile with a score of 92 out of 100, followed by Uber and Skype.

In joint fifth place was Facebook, Airbnb and live streaming platform BIGO LIVE  all with a score of 82 out of 100.

Also in the top 10 were Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp and Amazon, as well as dating apps Tinder, Bumble and Grindr.

The top five worst apps for draining your phone battery were found to be Fitbit at the top of the pile, followed by Verizon, Uber, Skype and, in fifth place, Facebook. Social media apps seem to be the best type of app for draining batteries. Interestingly, Twitter was outside the top 20

'With 93 per cent of smartphone users admitting to using apps daily, our phone batteries are starting to suffer, leaving us phoneless by the end of the day,' said pCloud in a blog post.

'We wanted to find out the apps that are the most demanding on our phone, so conducted a study to discover which apps are the secret phone killers.'

pCloud analysed three factors  the applications each app uses, such as location or camera, the battery these applications use, and whether dark mode is available.

The report from pCloud suggests you'd be better off deleting Fitbit if your phone battery doesn't last a day

Dark mode gives users the option to turn the background of their app interface from white to black to make it easier on the eye and save up to 30 per cent more battery power on a phone.

The top two offenders  Fitbit and Verizon  were found to permit 14 out of the 16 available features to run in the background, including the four most demanding (camera, location, microphone and Wi-Fi connection).

Six out of the top 20 battery drainers were social media platforms  Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, WhatsApp and LinkedIn.

Twitter, one of the social media giants, was notably absent from the top 20, coming in at number 25.

pCloud also looked at the apps taking up the most memory, based on the average phone holding up to 64GB of inbuilt storage, and the operating system roughly taking up to 10GB.

United Airlines was found to be the worst in this category, followed by ridesharing services Lyft and Uber.

Fitbit and Facebook were also in the top five for this category.

Users of the United Airlines app should delete it from their device if they don't have any upcoming flights for a while, according to pCloud.

Meanwhile, food delivery apps Uber Eats, My Mcdonalds and Yelp Food all made it in the top 30.

United Airlines is the app that takes up the most memory, followed by Lyft, Uber, Fitbit and Facebook

pCloud said a good tip is to just stick to one food delivery app, considering they contain the same or similar restaurants.

It also said people who use video conferencing on their phone should opt for Zoom and Skype, and not Microsoft Teams, if they want to save battery.

Microsoft Teams was the eight-worst app for taking up memory, while Zoom and Skype didn't make the top 30.

'Overall, the study clearly indicates that social media apps are still one of the biggest phone killers when it comes to draining your battery,' pCloud said.

'However, it also highlights that apps such as fitness or travel  which require multiple applications to run in the background  are even more demanding on our phones battery and storage systems.'
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is going to attempt a sixth flight on Mars next week, reaching speeds of up to nine miles per hour and flying for over two minutes.

This will be the first flight as part of the 'operations demonstration phase' that includes helping the Perseverance rover in its mission to find ancient signs of life.

Ingenuity will scout multiple surface features from the air during its short flight, before landing in a different airfield to the one it takes off from for the first time.

It will head up 33 feet into the Martian sky and then fly 492ft southwest at about nine miles per hour, taking photographs of rocks and dunes on the ground.

In this new phase, data and images from the flight will be returned to Earth in the days following the flight, rather than in the following hours as with earlier trips.

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is going to attempt a sixth flight on Mars next week, reaching speeds of up to nine miles per hour and flying for over two minutes

This will be the first flight as part of the 'operations demonstration phase' that includes helping the Perseverance rover in its mission to find ancient signs of life

INGENUITY: THE SMALL ROTORCRAFT THAT TOOK TO THE MARTIAN SKY Ingenuity was designed as a technology demonstrator rather than carrying any of its own science experiments or equipment. It rode to Mars attached to the belly of the SUV-size Perseverance rover. The helicopter took off from the 'Wright Brothers Field' on Monday April 19, making history as the first powered flight on another world. For the first flight, the helicopter took off, climbed to about 10ft above the ground, hovered in the air briefly, completed a turn, and then landed. It is built to be light and strong to survive the harsh Martian environment. It weighs just under 4lb and is only 19 inches tall as it has to fly in the much thinner atmosphere - about 1% that of the atmosphere found on Earth. It can fly up to 980ft, go up to 15ft in the sky and can spend about 90 seconds in the air before landing. The rotors are 4ft in diameter and the craft includes solar panels that charge lithium-ion batteries. It has a 30 day lifespan, with a total of five flights expected in that time. Advertisement

The Perseverance rover will not record images of the helicopter in flight, as it is preparing to start hunting for evidence of long-gone life in Martian rocks.

Ingenuity was originally launched as a technology demonstration, but it performed so well during its five test flights that it is being used as a scout for Perseverance.

The flight plan begins with the helicopter going up to 33 feet (10 meters) above the surface of Mars, then heading southwest for about 492 feet (150 meters).

When it achieves that distance, the rotorcraft will begin taking full colour images of an area the Perseverance team are interested in exploring in more detail.

This area is about 50-66 feet (15-20 meters) to the south of the hover point.

Stereo imagery of the sand ripples and outcrops of bright rocks at the site will help demonstrate the value of an aerial perspective for future missions.

After completing its image collection, Ingenuity will fly about 164 feet (50 meters) northeast where it will touch down at its new base of operations.

It will take off from an airfield it scouted out during its last flight and land in a new, currently unnamed airfield known as 'Field C' by NASA.

The first time Ingenuity took to the Martian skies it took off from what has now been dubbed the Wright Brothers Field after the famed aircraft inventors.

Ingenuity is planning to continue to expand its performance envelope during Flight Six, with faster speeds, longer flights and travelling greater distances.

The top groundspeed Ingenuity is expected to achieve on this flight is 9 mph (4 meters per second) and the time aloft will be around 140 seconds.

It is also the first time the helicopter will land at an airfield which it did not survey from the air during a previous mission.

Instead, the Ingenuity team is relying on imagery collected by the HiRISE camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in space above Mars.

The images suggest this new base of operations is relatively flat and has few surface obstructions so should be a safe landing site.

It's operations during this and future flights will demonstrate the benefits of a flying vehicle to planetary science missions, and help Perseverance search for sites.

NASA's Perseverance rover has switched from photographing the Ingenuity helicopter's test flights, to searching for signs of long gone Martian life.

Ingenuity was set to soar up to 16 feet above the Martian airfield, head south over rocks, sand ripples and impact craters for 276 feet and used its navigation camera to collect images of the surface every four feet

NASA's Perseverance Mars rover took a selfie with the Ingenuity helicopter, seen here about 13 feet (3.9 meters) from the rover. This image was taken by the WATSON camera on the rover's robotic arm on April 6, 2021

Ingenuity will scout multiple surface features from the air during its short flight, before landing in a different airfield to the one it takes off from for the first time

INGENUITY: FIRST FIVE FLIGHTS ON MARS Flight one: April 19, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 9.8ft, stationary hover and a landing Flight two: April 22, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 16ft, hover, then shift westward for 14ft before returning and landing Flight three: April 25, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 16ft, hover, shift northwards for 328ft at an airspeed of 2 m/s before returning to land Flight four: April 30, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 16ft, hover, shift southwards 873ft at 3.5m/s before returning to land Flight five: May 7, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 33ft, hover, shift southwards 423ft at 3.5 m/s before landing at that new location Advertisement

The US space agency confirmed that the SUV-sized rover has started to test the ancient lakebed in the Jezero crater by focusing its science instruments on rocks.

A camera called WATSON on the end of the rover's robotic arm has taken detailed shots of the rocks, with extra data coming from a pair of zoomable cameras.

The Perseverance team tweeted: 'The time has come: I'm switching from on-scene photographer to science investigator. Did this ancient lakebed ever have life? The tools I brought will help begin the hunt. I'm a bot on a mission.'

The rover arrived on Mars on February 18 and since landing has focused on testing its instruments, as well as recording and relaying data on Ingenuity flights.

'From millions of miles away, Ingenuity checked all the technical boxes we had at NASA about the possibility of powered, controlled flight at the Red Planet,' said Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division.

'Future Mars exploration missions can now confidently consider the added capability an aerial exploration may bring to a science mission.'

The Ingenuity team had three objectives to accomplish to declare the technology demo a complete success.

They completed the first objective about six years ago when the team demonstrated in the 25-foot-diameter space simulator chamber of JPL that powered, controlled flight in the thin atmosphere of Mars was more than a theoretical exercise.

This black-and-white image was taken by the navigation camera aboard NASA's Ingenuity helicopter during its third flight

In this new phase, data and images from the flight will be returned to Earth in the days following the flight, rather than in the following hours as with earlier trips.

The second objective  to fly on Mars  was met when Ingenuity flew for the first time on April 19.

The team surpassed the last major objective with the third flight, when Ingenuity rose 16 feet, flying downrange 164 feet and back at a top speed of 6.6 feet per second - even snapping a photo of Perseverance along the way.

All future flights are a 'bonus' according to NASA, who say they will add extra value and insight to the Perseverance science mission and help the team learn more about the benefits of having an aerial component for planetary missions.
NASA's new James Webb Space Telescope may be able to detect evidence of artificial light on the nearby exoplanet Proxima b, astronomers predict.

The study, by a team including controversial Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, suggests that the optical telescope can be configured to spot evidence of LED light on the planet Proxima b, orbiting Proxima Centauri 4.2 light years from the Earth.

Proxima b was discovered in 2016 and is thought to be a rocky terrestrial planet slightly larger than the Earth, that some scientists predict could contain liquid water.

It orbits very close to its small red dwarf star, so is likely to be tidally locked with a permanent night side, and Loeb suggests a civilisation may deploy powerful mirrors or require very bright LED-style lights to illuminate their cities.

They suggest that using the near infrared instrument on the James Webb telescope and looking for the telltale signs of LED light waves in the light from the planet and its host star, they will be able to detect this artificial light if it exists.

Artist's rendering of Proxima Centauri system. Portrayed on the right, Proxima c orbits in about 5.2 years around its host star. The system also comprises the smaller Proxima b, on the left, discovered in 2016 that orbits in the 'habitable zone' closer than Mercury is to the Sun

WHAT IS THE JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE? NASA and partners plan to launch their next major space telescope later this year and it will serve as the natural successor to Hubble. Primarily an infrared telescope, it will have a wider spectrum view than Hubble and operate further out from the Earth, in a solar orbit, rather than an Earth orbit. The James Webb Telescope and most of its instruments have an operating temperature of roughly 40 Kelvin. This is about minus 387 Fahrenheit (minus 233 Celsius). When it is launched in 2021, it will be the world's biggest and most powerful telescope, capable of peering back 200 million years after the Big Bang. James Webb is designed to last for five years but NASA hopes it will operate for a decade or more. The telescope is set to launch on a European workhorse Ariane-5 rocket at the end of October 2021, with the first observations expected in 2022. Advertisement

Professor Loeb has spent more than a decade prediction the existence of aliens and suggesting ways they may be discovered.

He is involved in the Breakthrough Starshot project to send laser-boosted light sails on a trip to Proxima Centauri at high speeds, reaching the star in decades.

The astronomer also wrote a paper claiming the interstellar asteroid 'Oumuamua was 'humanity's first contact with an artefact of extraterrestrial intelligence.'

He is now turning his attention to Proxima b, which for many alien hunters is a prime candidate in the hunt for signs of intelligence alien life outside the Solar System.

The planet is 1.27 times the size of Earth, sits within the habitable zone of its star so may have liquid water on the surface, and is just 4.2 light years away, which in interstellar terms that is practically on our doorstep.

However, as the star is relatively small this habitable zone is close to the star, meaning the planet is tidally locked, with one side always facing the star.

There is also speculation that it is very unlikely life could develop on the dayside due to a constant steam of intense radiation from its host star.

Proxima b orbiting just 4.5 million miles out, or about a tenth the distance Mercury is from the Sun at its closest point.

Radio signals have already been detected from the area around Proxima b, however radio astronomers believe this was likely just interference from natural sources.

NASA's new James Webb Space Telescope may be able to detect evidence of artificial light on the nearby exoplanet Proxima b, astronomers predict

It is the tidal locking that prompted Professor Loeb to consider the possibility that LED lights may be detectable from Earth with the powerful James Webb telescope.

Due to launch later this year, the James Webb Space Telescope will have a wider spectrum view than its predecessor Hubble and operate further out from the Earth, in a solar orbit 930,000 miles from the Earth.

The team investigated whether artificial lights could be detected on the dark side of Proxima b by computing light curves from the planet and its host star.

'The two different scenarios we consider are artificial illumination with the same spectrum as commonly used LEDs on Earth, and a narrower spectrum which leads to the same proportion of light as the total artificial illumination on Earth,' they said.

'We find that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be able to detect LED type artificial lights making up 5 per cent of stellar power.'

'Our predictions require optimal performance from the Near InfraRed Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument, and even if not possible with JWST, future observatories like LUVOIR might be able to detect this artificial illumination,' they explained.

LUVOIR, or the Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor is a concept design for a major new multi-wavelength space observatory being considered by NASA.

In this image from the Hubble Space Telescope is our relative neighbour Proxima Centauri, a low mass star in the triple-star Alpha Centauri system. Proxima Centauri is not visible to the naked eye due to its small size - eight times smaller than the Sun

Pictured, a not-to-scale representation of how far away Proxima B is from Earth compared to Voyager 1, the farthest man-made object which was launched in 1977

Alien hunters are investigating a mysterious radio signal from our Proxima b A mysterious radio signal from our nearest stellar neighbour, Proxima Centauri, is being 'carefully investigated'. Researchers from the Breakthrough Listen Project have been studying the radio waves since April 2019. The signal was spotted by the Parkes radio telescope in Australia in April or May 2020 and, unlike previous radio bursts, hasn't been attributed to any Earth-based or near-Earth human-created source. It is likely that this signal has a natural explanation, but that hasn't stopped alien-hunting astronomers from listening more closely. Advertisement

If James Webb is able to detect the narrowband light that is reminiscent of LED bulbs, it will be because it will be able to characterise the atmosphere of the planet.

Doing so will allow researchers to use instruments on the observatory to detect how much energy transport occurs on the planet and then perform calculations of light curves to determine whether they match those of an LED light source.

To come to the conclusion that it may be able to detect artificial light, Loeb and colleagues used the JWST Exposure Time Calculator.

This tool allows astronomers to predict what can be detected in any given time period based on pre-defined settings, before the observatory launches.

It allowed them to determine likelihood of detecting different flux values and detecting those with a wavelength that matches artificial light levels that should be expected from a civilisation living in permanent darkness.

'Proxima b is tidally locked and if it has a permanent day and nightside, the civilization might illuminate the nightside using mirrors launched into orbit or placed at strategic points,' the authors wrote.

'In that case, the lights shining onto the permanent nightside should be extremely powerful, and thus more likely to be detected with JWST.'

'We have found that JWST will be able to show the existence of artificial illumination for standard LEDs 500 times more powerful than those currently found on Earths, and for artificial illumination of similar magnitude to Earths.'

Proxima b was discovered in 2016 and is thought to be a rocky terrestrial planet slightly larger than the Earth, that some scientists predict could contain liquid water

An unrelated study, also exploring the potential uses of the James Webb space telescope, suggested it could spot signs of alien life as soon as 2026.

It has the ability to detect signatures made by living creatures and Ohio State researchers say it could find 'life' on another planet in under 60 hours.

Graduate student Caprice Phillips said the results of her study show that we may 'realistically find signs of life in the next 5 to 10 years.'

Phillips calculated that when the James Webb Space Telescope launches in October, it could feasibly detect ammonia around gas dwarf planets after just a few orbits.

The study has been published on the preprint server arXiv.org.
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These jaw-dropping images drive home what a beautiful, brutal and bizarre world we live in.

They are all winning and commended shots in the German Association for Nature Photography (GDT) Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 competition, which saw more than 3,000 entries flood in from 13 countries.

Photography duo Karsten Mosebach and Bernhard Volmer, from Germany, were voted as the overall winners thanks to a stunning long exposure shot of a barn swallow in flight. The image, which the judges said 'was not an easy task' to capture, also took the gold medal in the Birds category.

Last year's winner, Peter Lindel, also from Germany, was crowned winner in the Mammals category with his photograph of a lion cub bounding along next to its dad.

The other categories in the contest were Other Animals, Plants and Fungi, Landscapes, Nature's Studio and We Are Family. And other pictures that caught the judges' eyes included one of an airborne mudskipper, a startling image of a wasp taking a paralysed spider back to its nest as food for larvae and an astonishing photo of a lightning storm illuminating mountains in Italy.

Scroll down to see MailOnline Travel's pick of the winners and shortlisted entries - and immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world.

Celia Kujala from the U.S was awarded third place in the Mammals category with this photo of a playful seal titled The Magician, which she snapped while diving around the Coronado Islands, off the coast of Mexico

Corinna Leonbacher came out on top in the Landscapes category with this image of lightning crackling over a mountain in the Italian Dolomites. She titled the image Volcano?, the question mark placed deliberately as at a glance, the peak looks distinctly volcanic, as if the bolts are erupting

Australian photographer Scott Portelli's joyous image of an airborne mudskipper came first in the Other Animals category

Lars von Ritter Zahony, from Germany, took this incredible shot of a Bryde's whale gliding through the water off the coast of South Africa. The judges were impressed enough to award it silver in the Mammals category

German photographer Christian Engel came 10th in the We Are Family category with 'Meal in the Ice', a candid shot of a female polar bear with her cub

Bernhard Schubert from Austria took this beautifully lit image of a cat gecko looking over the edge of a leaf while in Borneo. It was awarded second place in the Other Animals category

Sarah Boehm took this striking shot of a duck, titled Conductor, and was rewarded with sixth place in the Birds category

Radomir Jakubowski from Germany took this shot of Ibex huddled together on a verdant hillside in the Alps and took home the accolade of ninth place in the We Are Family category

This rather macabre photo, taken by German photographer Dr Ferry Bohme, claimed fourth place in the Mammals category. Dr Bohme simply titled it Huge Breakfast

Photography duo Karsten Mosebach and Bernhard Volmer from Germany were voted as the overall winners with their stunning long exposure shot of a barn swallow in flight. The image, which the judges said 'was not an easy task' to capture, also came first in the Birds category

This shot, called Battle of the Giants, by Thomas Hinsche from Germany, came fourth in the Other Animals category. The image shows a wasp taking a spider it has paralysed back to its nest as food for its larvae

What's In There? is the name of this cute image by German photographer Karsten Mosebach. It came seventh in the We Are Family category

This candid capture of a raccoon family landed German photographer Dominik Janoschka third prize in the We Are Family category

This beautiful shot of a golden-hued forest, titled Autumn Is Coming, came third in the Landscapes category. It was taken by Alexandra Wunsch from Germany

Last year's winner, Peter Lindel from Germany, was crowned winner in the Mammals category with this photograph of a lion cub bounding along next to its dad

This striking black-and-white shot, titled Sibling Love, taken by Klaus Tamm from Germany, was awarded fourth in the We Are Family category

This captivating image put Robert Marc Lehmann from Germany on the silver-medal podium position in the We Are Family category. He took the shot while visiting an orangutan orphanage in Borneo - and called it School Bus

Fourth prize in the Birds category went to Alexandra Wunsch for this ethereal photo of a blackbird in a light-filled wood

Jenny Loreen Zierold from Germany took this photo of a baby caiman with its limbs stretched wide in Brazil and titled it Airplane. The snap came eighth in the Other Animals category
Market Reports on Saudi Arabia Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Skin Care in Saudi Arabia under Saudi Arabia Consumer Goods Market category. The Skin Care Market in Saudi Arabia is projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports.

Retail current value sales of skin rose at their fastest rate in five years during 2020, due to a sharp acceleration in the rate of unit price growth. This was the result of a hike in the rate of VAT levied on these products from 5% to 15% that was imposed in July. Unit sales of skin care had been in decline for most of the review period, and the pandemic did not alter this trend. Accelerated growth in unit price led to more intense price competition.

Skin Care in Saudi Arabia report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data 2016-2020, allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. Forecasts to 2025 illustrate how the market is set to change.

Product coverage: Body Care, Facial Care, Hand Care, Skin Care Sets/Kits.

Request a free sample copy of Saudi Arabia Skin Care Market Report @

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Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

Why buy this report?

* Get a detailed picture of the Skin Care market;

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Table Of Contents

List OF CONTENTS AND TABLES

SKIN CARE IN SAUDI ARABIA

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2020 IMPACT

VAT hike drives increase in retail current value sales

Slew of new product launches helps Nivea maintain its lead

Pandemic proves to be transformational for e-commerce

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Saudisation will weigh on retail volume sales but help to boost retail current value sales

Supermarket pharmacies will help to boost retail value sales of dermocosmetic skin care brands

Increased investment will support e-commerce growth

CATEGORY DATA

Table 1 Sales of Skin Care by Category: Value 2015-2020

Table 2 Sales of Skin Care by Category: % Value Growth 2015-2020

Table 3 NBO Company Shares of Skin Care: % Value 2016-2020

Table 4 LBN Brand Shares of Skin Care: % Value 2017-2020

Table 5 LBN Brand Shares of Basic Moisturisers: % Value 2017-2020

Table 6 LBN Brand Shares of Anti-agers: % Value 2017-2020

Table 7 LBN Brand Shares of Firming/Anti-cellulite Body Care: % Value 2017-2020

Table 8 LBN Brand Shares of General Purpose Body Care: % Value 2017-2020

Table 9 LBN Brand Shares of Premium Skin Care: % Value 2017-2020

Table 10 Forecast Sales of Skin Care by Category: Value 2020-2025

Table 11 Forecast Sales of Skin Care by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025

BEAUTY AND PERSONAL CARE IN SAUDI ARABIA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

COVID-19 impact on beauty and personal care

COVID-19 country impact

Company response

Retailing shift

What next for beauty and personal care?

CHART 1 Beauty and Personal Care Value Sales Growth Scenarios: 2018-2025

CHART 2 Beauty and Personal Care Impact of Soft Drivers on Value Sales: 2017-2025

MARKET DATA

Table 12 Sales of Beauty and Personal Care by Category: Value 2015-2020

Table 13 Sales of Beauty and Personal Care by Category: % Value Growth 2015-2020

Table 14 GBO Company Shares of Beauty and Personal Care: % Value 2016-2020

Table 15 NBO Company Shares of Beauty and Personal Care: % Value 2016-2020

Table 16 LBN Brand Shares of Beauty and Personal Care: % Value 2017-2020

Table 17 Distribution of Beauty and Personal Care by Format: % Value 2015-2020

Table 18 Distribution of Beauty and Personal Care by Format and Category: % Value 2020

Table 19 Forecast Sales of Beauty and Personal Care by Category: Value 2020-2025

Table 20 Forecast Sales of Beauty and Personal Care by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025

GLOBAL MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

GLOBAL INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT

DISCLAIMER

SOURCES

Summary 1 Research Sources

Browse our full report with Table of Contents: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/skin-care-in-saudi-arabia/150221

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British Airways is pulling out a few extra stops to give its top-tier passengers a dreamy start to their trip.

It has unveiled a new 'Forty Winks' nap lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 that features power nap 'sleep pods'.

The pods are available in British Airways' Galleries First Lounge, which is currently open to all lounge-eligible customers, including those travelling in Club World (business class).

British Airways' new 'Forty Winks' Heathrow nap lounge and its sleep pods

The airline will then be adding the pods to its Concorde Room at Terminal 5, which is only accessible to first-class ticket holders, and New York's JFK Terminal 7 when global travel restrictions ease and these lounges reopen.

Introduced in partnership with Restworks, British Airways says the 'Forty Winks' lounge 'allows customers in need of some pre-flight shuteye the chance to power nap in a dedicated EnergyPod'.

British Airways says that the 'Forty Winks' lounge is complimentary and operates on a self-service basis, so customers do not need to pre-book.

There are seven pods available and the airline explains that customers can use the 'Your Menu' lounge app to check if a pod is available in real-time. This information will also be available on a screen outside the Forty Winks entrance.

As part of its 'ongoing commitment to keep customers and colleagues safe', British Airways says Dettol hand sanitiser stations will be positioned in the nap lounges and Dettol antibacterial wipes will be used to keep the pod surfaces clean after each use.'

To use the pods, passengers can set the timer on the EnergyPod to the desired duration or use the one-touch start button for a pre-programmed 20-minute nap.

The pods are available in British Airways' Galleries First Lounge, pictured, which is currently open to all lounge-eligible customers

British Airways explains: 'The EnergyPod reclines to elevate the feet and promote relaxation.

'The adjustable privacy visor can be swivelled into place to block out distractions.

'Complimentary audio content for use while in the lounge and travelling can be downloaded via the Restworks Mobile app.'

The airline adds: 'The EnergyPod is the world's first chair designed exclusively for power napping. With its unique combination of gravity-neutral positioning and privacy visor, the EnergyPod is the premiere nap pod for short rest in the workplace.

'By providing nap pods for rest in its First and Concorde lounges, British Airways is supporting customer wellbeing and helping beat jetlag while on the move.'

When open, Concorde Room customers will be able to book an EnergyPod via dedicated hosts, request a time they would like to be woken and choose a hot beverage to enjoy after their rest. Water and hot towels will be provided to add to the 'refreshing awakening experience'.

The pods will be added to the Concorde Room at London Heathrow Terminal 5, pictured, when it reopens

Tom Stevens, British Airways director of brand and customer experience, said: 'We can't wait to welcome our customers back after a very difficult year, and we're always looking for new ideas to support our customers' health and wellbeing pre-flight.

'In late 2019, we carried out a survey of over 100,000 lounge guests asking what they would like to see featured in our lounges. Sleep pods were right at the top of their list.

'Our Forty Winks nap lounges will offer a dedicated rejuvenation space for customers as they return to the skies, all self-serviced via the "Your Menu" lounge app. Beating jetlag and catching a snooze on the go has never been easier!'

Christopher Lindholst, Restworks' global managing director, said: 'Being able to rest while travelling is an important way to stay healthy and energised, and what better way to use your dwell time than to catch up on some sleep.

'We are excited British Airways is making this important investment in customer wellbeing.'
Rachel Lindsay opened up about diversity aspects on The Bachelor franchise in a candid interview Monday, saying the show has a 'casting issue.'

The 36-year-old lawyer and reality star spoke on Ziwe Fumudoh's new Showtime series about things she experienced as the first Black lead on The Bachelorette four years ago.

'I learned as I was going through my season that several of the Black men on my season didn't date Black women,' the Dallas-born beauty said, adding that she had been 'getting upset at the selection of men of color' in her season.

The latest: Rachel Lindsay, 36, opened up about diversity aspects on The Bachelor franchise in a candid interview Monday, saying the show has a 'casting issue.' She was snapped in LA on Sunday

She said that 'the show found it interesting' to cast Black men who 'never dated a Black woman before.'

Lindsay said she told producers, 'You think that's interesting? That's my life. I live that.'

Lindsay said that changes need to be made on both sides of the camera to achieve an element of diversity that's been lacking since the series first hit the air in 2002.

'That's why I'm speaking out that you don't need to diversify just your cast and your leads - you need to diversify the people behind the camera,' she said.

Ziwe Fumudoh welcomed the lawyer and reality star on her new Showtime series. Ziwe was seen earlier this month chatting with Seth Meyers

Point of view: Lindsay said that changes need to be made on both sides of the camera to achieve an element of diversity that's been lacking since the series first hit the air in 2002

Lindsay made history on the show as the first Black lead on The Bachelorette four years ago

Fumudoh noted to Lindsay, 'All three of the Black Bachelors and Bachelorettes have ended up with partners who are not of color,' a group that includes Lindsay's now husband Bryan Abasolo, who is of Colombian descent.

Lindsay said the aspect was something she 'was worried about before' going on the reality romance.

'I think I got a little bit more grace because I was the first,' she said, 'and people were just excited that a person of color was in this role.'

She said in the chat, 'I learned as I was going through my season that several of the Black men on my season didn't date Black women'

She said that aspects like that reflected 'how unfairly people of color are held to certain standards that their white counterparts aren't.'

'I think when the next person chose someone that wasn't Black, and then by the time we got to the third one, it was like, "You know what they're just not going to choose anybody that's Black.'''

Lindsay spoke out about the issues surrounding the show earlier this year amid the row involving Chris Harrison's defense of contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who had been seen in resurfaced social media shots of her attending an 2018 antebellum party while in college.

Harrison told Lindsay on Extra that Kirkconnell was entitled to 'a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion' amid the situation. The situation led to Harrison issuing an apology and saying he was stepping back from the series.
Perfect Match co-host Debbie Newsome was one of the most famous faces on Aussie TV in the 1980s.

But these days, the 60-year-old has a new role she's eager to perfect: Super-Nan!

On Thursday, Debbi gushed over being a first time grandmother, after her Bachelor star daughter Tara Pavlovic welcomed a child last month.

Call me Nanna! She's the former Perfect Match host who was one of the most famous faces on Aussie TV in the 1980s. But these days, Debbie Newsome is focused on a different role: Super-Nan!

Speaking to Woman's Day, she revealed that she's yet to meet her grandson, Paddy George Shepherdson.

'I'm really looking forward to meeting him, but Tara keeps sending beautiful photos,' said.

'Tara will be the best mum ever, and I'm going to be a good nanny!'

The former TV presenter revealed she prefers to be called 'Nanna' because 'grandma sounds too old.'

Here we go again! On Thursday, Debbi (left) gushed over being a first time grandmother, after her Bachelor star daughter Tara Pavlovic (right) welcomed a child last month

Pictured, Tara and her son Paddy George Shepherdson, whom she shares with her husband, Nick Shepherdson

Tara and her husband Nick Shepherdson welcomed Paddy just a few days after Debbie celebrated her 60th Birthday

'I embrace my age but I certainly don't feel 60 or like a grandmother. To be honest I can't believe I made it to 60!' she told the publication.

On Sunday May 2, Tara announced her son's arrival on Instagram, sharing a sweet photo of her newborn.

'Welcome to the world Paddy George Shepherdson,' she wrote in the caption.

Not wasting any time! Tara revealed she was expecting her first child in October, just one month after she married Nick (left)

'Words can't describe how beyond in love we are with you. We are so grateful that you arrived happy and healthy and we will love and protect you forever.'

In the image, little Paddy laid alongside an ornate plaque that revealed he was born on April 30, at 2.26pm, weighing at 3.505 kilos and 52cm long.

Tara revealed she was expecting her first child in October, just one month after she married Nick.

She rose to fame on Matty 'J' Johnson's season of The Bachelor in 2017.

Tara wrote the caption: 'Welcome to the world Paddy George Shepherdson. Words can't describe how beyond in love we are with you. We are so grateful that you arrived happy and healthy and we will love and protect you forever'
He may be one of Australia's most successful actors.

But Chris Hemsworth proved he's a man of the people on Wednesday as he took the time to pose with fans in Sydney's eastern suburb of Maroubra.

Locals were left star-struck after spotting the Thor hunk, 37, enjoying a low-key stroll by the beach, and couldn't help but ask him for a selfie.

Star-struck! Chris Hemsworth (right) proved he's a man of the people on Wednesday as he took the time to pose with fans (left and centre) in Sydney's eastern suburb of Maroubra

One photo from the encounter has since gone viral after being uploaded to the Maroubra Community Facebook page.

Chris looked typically handsome in the picture, sporting a khaki cap, tight white T-shirt and a pair of reflective sunglasses.

Despite living in Byron Bay, Chris has been spending plenty of time in Sydney of late as he finishes filming Thor: Love and Thunder.

Coming soon: Despite living in Byron Bay, Chris has been spending plenty of time in Sydney of late as he finishes filming Thor: Love and Thunder. Pictured with Thor director Taika Waititi

He is also preparing to shoot the upcoming Mad Max sequel, Furiosa.

Directed by George Miller and produced by Doug Mitchell, Furiosa will be the largest movie ever filmed in Australia, adding 850 local jobs and injecting at least $350million into the local economy.

The film is slated for release in 2023, and will star Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role.

Busy man! He is also preparing to shoot the upcoming Mad Max sequel, Furiosa

This comes after Chris recently reflected upon how far his career has come over the past decade.

Posting to Instagram last week, the father-of-three uploaded throwback photo of himself and his Thor co-star Tom Hiddleston on Instagram, showing them reading their scripts for the first Thor film, which was released in 2011.

'This year marks the 10th anniversary of Thor when two unknown lads were given the keys to the kingdom,' Chris wrote in the caption.

'It's been a hell of a ride': Chris recently reflected on how far his career has come over the past decade. He posted a throwback photo of himself and co-star Tom Hiddleston on Instagram, showing them reading their scripts for the first Thor film, which was released in 2011

'It's been a hell of a ride and we clearly haven't aged a day,' he joked, making sure to tag Tom's account.

The former Home And Away star also shared a Vulture article written in 2009 that referred to himself Tom as 'no name actors'.

These 'virtual unknowns' would go on to become two of Hollywood's most highly-paid actors.

Thor: Love and Thunder is currently scheduled for release on May 6, 2022.
They wed in a lavish ceremony in Sydney back in May 2008.

And Guy Sebastian's wife Jules Sebastian (nee Egan) took a trip down memory lane on Monday to celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary.

The fashion stylist, 41, opened up their wedding album for fans on Instagram, showing photos from the ceremony in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, followed by the reception at The Crystal Palace Room at Luna Park.

'I'm glad you're mine': Guy Sebastian's wife Jules Sebastian (nee Egan) took a trip down memory lane on Monday, as she opened up their wedding album on their 13th anniversary

Inspired by 1940s glamour, Jules stunned in a silk taffeta gown with a bodice, Swarovski crystals and peach ostrich feathers.

Guy, 39, looked every inch the dapper groom in a velvet suit jacket with a white shirt, a red patterned vest and a silk pearl tie.

Jules flicked through photos from their first dance, the vows, the cutting of the cake, and Guy posing with his equally dapper groomsmen.

Blushing bride: In her Instagram post, fashion stylist Jules, 41, stunned in a silk taffeta gown with a bodice, Swarovski crystals and peach ostrich feathers

Venue: The ceremony took place in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches in May 2008, followed by the reception at The Crystal Palace Room at Luna Park

Their wedding invitations featured a drawn image of the couple as husband and wife on the cover, with a collage of black and white photos of the pair on the inside.

Jules captioned the anniversary post: '13 years strong with the love of my life! There is no one like you and I'm so glad you're mine. Happy Anniversary!'

The couple have been together for over 20 years, and are proud parents to sons Hudson, nine, and Archer, seven.

Memories: Jules flicked through photos from their first dance, the vows, the cutting of the cake, and Guy posing with his equally dapper groomsmen

Suave: Guy, 39, looked every inch the dapper groom in a velvet suit jacket with a white shirt, a red patterned vest and a silk pearl tie

All the details: Jules previously shared to Instagram their wedding invitations, with a drawn image of the couple as husband and wife on the cover

Guy, who has been busy filming the 2021 season of The Voice Australia, previously described Jules as his 'anchor' in an interview with Who magazine.

'My wife has known me since I was 12 years old. She knows my family. She knows my background. So, she's always brought me back down to earth,' he said.

'I see myself when I look at her. Not that she purposefully holds a mirror up to me, but I've never had a persona like [Beyonces] Sasha Fierce.

'I've just navigated through this [fame] with the objective of making the most of the opportunity.'
Hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes has added another property to his growing portfolio.

According to Commercial Real Estate, the billionaire publican has purchased the Lorne Hotel through his Merivale empire for $38million.

The oceanfront Lorne Hotel is 145 years old and is one of the best known regional pubs in the state of Victoria.

New venue: Hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes (pictured) has purchased the Lorne Hotel through his Merivale empire for $38million

'The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location,' Hemmes said.

'It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know John and Paul Upham,' he added of the former owners.

'We feel honoured to continue their legacy and help usher the pub into the next phase of its incredible 145-year history.'

Just last week, the Daily Telegraph reported that Hemmes had purchased Norton's Irish Pub and will take over the venue next month.

Iconic: The oceanfront Lorne Hotel is 145 years old and is one of the best known regional pubs in the state of Victoria

'It is such a privilege to be part of Sydney's vibrant inner west,' Hemmes told the newspaper.

'We're excited to not only expand our inner west pub portfolio, but reopen doors to the 3 Weeds, a beautiful and much-loved local institution, this spring,' he added.

It comes after The Herald Sun reported that he made his first moves in Byron Bay by 'finalising' a $50million deal to take over the Mercato Precinct and adjoining development site.

He is said to be planning a $20million redevelopment of the Mercato to create a 'mega venue' similar to his Ivy and Coogee Pavilion venues in Sydney.

'The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location,' Hemmes said

The vacant land spans 4,128sqm and has a flexible B2 Local Centre zoning, allowing for a wide range of mixed-use development including retail, residential and hotels.

His new holding is located directly opposite rival pub The Northern - one of just three major pubs operating in Byron Bay.

However, there has also been a local rebellion, with Byron locals refusing to sell to cashed-up investors, despite big offers.

Nice digs: Just last week, Hemmes purchased Norton's Irish Pub (pictured) and will take over the venue next month

In March, neither Justin nor his pub baron rival Stu Laundy could offer enough money to secure the Bangalow Hotel, which is 14km inland from Byron Bay.

The rivals became locked in a bidding war for the 60-year-old pub, which is owned by NRL star Tom Mooney and wife Cathryn.

The top bid reached a staggering $50million.

Buying up: It comes after Hemmes reportedly made his first moves in Byron Bay by 'finalising' a $50million deal to take over the Mercato Precinct and adjoining development site
Joel Edgerton has welcomed his first child with his long-term partner, Vogue fashion director Christine Centenera.

The actor and filmmaker, 46, shared the news in an interview with Oprah Winfrey on Wednesday, saying Christine, 39, had given birth a few days ago in Sydney.

'I just ran away from the hospital for a moment. I can't even put it into words. I'm in love,' he said.

Congratulations! Joel Edgerton has welcomed his first child with his long-term partner, Vogue fashion director Christine Centenera. Pictured together on February 18, 2019, in London

The Boy Erased star revealed he was worried about missing the birth, as he was filming a project interstate.

'I was very nervous because I was working in Queensland and there are some border issues with Sydney and Queensland that pop up,' he said.

'I was getting very nervous that I'd get stuck.'

Fortunately, Joel was able to leave the set and return to Sydney in time for his child's arrival.

Calm before the storm: Christine had been pictured arriving at a North Sydney hospital last Monday as she prepared to give birth

Support: She was joined by her mother as she checked into hospital

Low-key: Christine hasn't said anything publicly about her pregnancy

'I was working with some wonderful people who said, "We will move heaven and earth to make sure you don't miss something this important,"' he added.

Christine had been pictured arriving at a North Sydney hospital last Monday as she prepared to give birth.

Looking calm and collected, she and her mother were seen carrying large suitcases from a taxi.

Helping hand: Looking calm and collected, Christine and her mother were seen carrying large suitcases from a taxi

Checking in: They scanned a QR code before making their way into the hospital reception

Fashionista: The heavily pregnant journalist covered her baby bump in black activewear and a plaid coat

Chic: She completed her look with white sneakers, a baseball cap and a black top-handle bag

Planning to do work? She carried a laptop and charger as she made her way into the hospital

The heavily pregnant journalist covered her baby bump in black activewear and a plaid coat.

She completed her look with white sneakers, a baseball cap and a black top-handle bag.

Christine works as the fashion director for Vogue Australia and is also the designer of her own line, Wardrobe NYC.

Prepared: The stunner also clutched a stack of documents

Notoriously private: Christine and Joel never officially confirmed they were expecting a child, even after photos surfaced of her with a visible bump in January

The couple never officially confirmed they were expecting a child, even after photos surfaced of Christine with a visible bump in January.

In February, the Daily Telegraph reported that Joel was 'thrilled' to become a father.

Joel and Christine debuted their relationship at GQ Australia's Men of the Year Awards in Sydney in November 2018.

Milestone: In February, the Daily Telegraph reported that Joel was 'thrilled' to become a father
Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy have announced they are expecting their first child together.

The couple, who both starred on Hollyoaks, confirmed the exciting news with a series of snaps of their sonogram and Daisy's growing baby bump on Wednesday.

The actress, 30, who played Kim Butterfield on the soap from 2014 to 2018, revealed she is 19 weeks pregnant and the couple's baby is due in October.

Congratulations: Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy have announced they are expecting their first child together

She wrote: 'We have been keeping the biggest (smallest) secret of our lives!

'We couldn't let Covid get in the way of any more of our plans so instead of saying 'I do' this year, we've been growing and preparing for our precious baby son or daughter (still can't believe those words are coming out of my mouth!)'

'Cannot wait to tell you all more about our journey so far #19weekspregnant #nearlyhalfwaythere #dueoct2021'.

Luke, 31, who played Jesse Donovan on the show from 2016 to 2020, shared the same snaps and wrote: 'Just call us Mum and Dad'.

Heartwarming: The couple, who both starred on Hollyoaks, confirmed the exciting news with a series of snaps of their sonogram and Daisy's growing baby bump

Exciting: The actress, who played Kim Butterfield on the soap from 2014 to 2018, revealed she is 19 weeks pregnant and the couple's baby is due in October

The couple were inundated with congratulations from friends and some of their former co-stars.

Hollyoaks' Chelsee Healey who plays Goldie McQueen wrote: 'yeasssa' along with love emojis.

Mandip Gill, who starred as Phoebe McQueen, wrote: 'Oh my gawddddd. Congratulations to you both !!! This is just beautiful. Im so happy for you.'

Blue's Duncan James, who played Ryan Knight wrote: 'Amazing news guys! Massive congrats'.

She wrote: 'We've been growing and preparing for our precious baby son or daughter (still can't believe those words are coming out of my mouth!)'

Father-to-be : Luke, 31, who played Jesse Donovan on the show from 2016 to 2020, shared the same snaps and wrote: 'Just call us Mum and Dad'

Reaction: The couple were inundated with congratulations from friends and some of their former co-stars

Luke and Daisy got engaged in August 2019 when he popped the question to his former co-star during a holiday in Greece - after he got down on one knee with a ring he designed himself.

He penned: 'She said yes @daisy_wood_davis is going to be my wife. I'll take that.'

Daisy shared the same pictures and added: 'On Thursday evening @lukejerdy asked me to marry him by the beach in front of my family.

'I've never felt a happiness like this. It's so surreal but nothing has ever felt more natural. I can't wait to marry my best friend and celebrate how lucky we are to have found what we have.'

Betrothed: Luke and Daisy got engaged in August 2019 when he popped the question to his former co-star during a holiday in Greece

The cute couple met on the Hollyoaks set and quickly became inseparable.

Daisy starred Kim on the Channel 4 soap, playing a feisty nurse, but left in 2018 when her character went on the run after taking the blame for Glenns murder.

Luke joined the show in 2016 playing Jesse, the half-brother of Grace Black.

Daisy gushed: 'I've never felt a happiness like this. It's so surreal but nothing has ever felt more natural. I can't wait to marry my best friend and celebrate how lucky we are'

Daisy previously admitted she wasn't a big fan of sharing scenes with her significant other.

She told OK! magazine: 'We've only had one or two scenes together, I get nervous. I don't like it.

'I'm not used to behaving myself around him or being serious. He was at my [character's] wedding to Esther.'
He enjoyed a relaxing stay in The Hamptons last week, where he and wife Deborra-Lee Furness own an incredible holiday home.

But it was back to reality for Hugh Jackman on Wednesday as he returned to New York City following his mini break.

The Wolverine actor, 52, cut a casual figure as he took his dogs for a walk around the Big Apple.

Out and about: Hugh Jackman cut a casual figure as he took his dogs for a walk in New York after returning home from The Hamptons on Wednesday

Hugh dressed comfortably for the outing in black track pants, a T-shirt and matching coloured jumper.

He completed the ensemble with a pair of sneakers and kept a low profile by wearing sunglasses.

Hugh held his French bulldog Dali and poodle-terrier breed Allegra on a leash as he enjoyed a sunny stroll.

Casual: The Wolverine actor, 52, cut a casual figure as he took his pet dogs for a walk around the city

Comfort: Hugh dressed comfortably for the outing in black track pants, a T-shirt and matching coloured jumper

The outing comes days after the Hollywood actor was spotted enjoying a solo swim in The Hamptons on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Hugh is currently preparing for the release of the upcoming sci-fi thriller film, Reminiscence, which was written and directed by Lisa Joy.

The actor will portray Nick Bannister, a veteran living in a decaying future version of Miami, who becomes involved in a criminal conspiracy centred around his memory-reliving service.

Low profile: He teamed the ensemble with a pair of sneakers and kept a low profile by wearing sunglasses

Stroll: Hugh held his French bulldog Dali and poodle-terrier breed Allegra on a leash as he enjoyed a sunny stroll

Also set to appear in the forthcoming feature are Rebecca Ferguson, Daniel Wu and Cliff Curtis, among others.

It was originally supposed to be released on April 16th, although it was ultimately delayed, and its date was taken over by Mortal Kombat.

Reminiscence is currently set to make its debut on August 20th.
Paul Hogan has received backlash from Aussies for his callous attitude towards the homeless population that surrounds his AUD$4.5million Los Angeles mansion.

On Sunday, he was pictured leaving a note on his garage door aimed at the less fortunate, which read: 'THIS IS MY HOUSE NOT YOURS.'

In comments posted on Facebook, hundreds of Australians blasted the 81-year-old Crocodile Dundee star's lack of compassion.

Backlash: Paul Hogan has received backlash from Aussies for his callous attitude towards the homeless population that surrounds his AUD$4.5million home in Venice, Los Angeles

'I think Paul Hogan has forgotten his roots,' one critic wrote. 'A painter on the Sydney Harbour Bridge was a genuine true blue Australian. How very sad.'

Another remarked: 'He forgets that he started with nothing. So much for empathy.'

'The price of his house could build somewhere for the homeless!' a third added, while a fourth wrote: 'Feed them you gronk!'

One commenter even suggested that many of the homeless people may have been fans of Hogan's at one time.

The way he was: Hogan worked as a Sydney Harbour Bridge painter before his entertainment career took off, but it seems his days as a working-class hero are long gone

Slammed: In comments posted on Facebook, hundreds of Australians blasted the 81-year-old Crocodile Dundee star's lack of compassion

Disappointing: 'I think Paul Hogan has forgotten his roots,' one critic wrote. 'A painter on the Sydney Harbour Bridge was a genuine true blue Australian. How very sad'

Good idea! One fan suggested that Hogan build somewhere for the homeless to live

'Who put you were you are?' they asked. 'A lot of homeless people probably paid to see your crazy films.'

'So this is how so-called stars react to homeless people? I think if he had any fans left he may have just lost them,' wrote another.

The reclusive actor lives in the once-desirable beachside suburb of Venice, where crime and homelessness have spiked in recent months during the Covid pandemic.

He sent a stern warning to the less fortunate on Sunday as he was pictured pinning a note to his front door that said: 'THIS IS MY HOUSE NOT YOURS.'

Sending a message: On Sunday, he was spotted leaving a note on his garage door aimed at the less fortunate, which read: 'THIS IS MY HOUSE NOT YOURS'

Hogan, who said earlier this month he was 'desperately homesick' and wanted to return to Australia, attached the note to his door before making his way back inside.

Los Angeles has been ravaged by its homeless crisis, with the number of homeless people rising steadily from around 40,000 in 2011, to around 66,000 at the latest count in January 2020.

Residents around the famed Venice boardwalk are demanding action from the authorities saying it has been turned into a large, 'dangerous' homeless encampment and has been hit by a spate of violent incidents.

Last week, a glum-looking Hogan revealed on Sunrise that he was 'desperate' to return to Australia and leave his life in America behind.

Tent city: The world-famous beach community, 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles, has traditionally been a major tourism drawcard for the Californian city. However, now the palm trees and promenade are blighted by hundreds of tents

'I am desperately homesick,' he told hosts David 'Kochie' Koch and Natalie Barr during a video chat from his home.

When asked how he was coping with Los Angeles' recent crime wave, Paul simply said he 'doesn't go anywhere'.

'[I'm] bored in lockdown, and the minute I can get on the plane without being locked in a hotel for two weeks, I'm back,' he said.

Homesick: During an interview with Sunrise last week, a glum-looking Hogan spoke about his miserable life in crime-ravaged LA during the coronavirus pandemic

The movie star went on to explain he 'wouldn't survive' Australia's mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.

'My son [Chance] would have to be with me... we'd strangle each other,' he said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Paul said he was sick of anti-vaxxers in America, calling them 'brainless cowards'.

'They don't care about anyone else. [They say], "I'm brave, I like freedom." What about your grandma? You killed her. All of that gets on top of you, and I want to escape it for a while,' he said.
Market Overview

Anticholinergic drugs are mostly used to treat chronic diseases and nervous system disorders. Many companies are coming up with new products in the market with higher efficiency due to the life science advantage. The anticholinergic drugs market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.50% during the forecast period. The prevalence of disorders like muscle, heart, peripheral nervous system, and central is increasing rapidly that is expected to have a very positive effect in the anticholinergic drugs market.

also read @ https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/06/06/1865415/0/en/Anticholinergic-Drugs-Market-to-Grow-at-CAGR-of-4-50-to-Reach-USD-7-149-90-Million-till-2024-Global-Study-by-Market-Research-Future.html

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing investments and funding in the field of life science research has led to the growth of the global anticholinergic drugs market in recent years. Moreover, the aging population is expected to fuel market growth. However, side-effects of anticholinergic drugs and stringent regulations are projected to hamper the growth of the market during the assessment period.

Anticholinergic Drugs Market Highlights

The Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.50% during the forecast period with a market value of USD 7,149.90 million till 2024. Anticholinergics drugs are a broad class of drugs that block acetylcholine-mediated neurotransmission in the smooth muscle, heart, central, and peripheral nervous systems. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, or a chemical messenger released by nerve cells to send signals to other cells.

Competitive Landscape

New companies are entering the global anticholinergic drugs market and introducing new technologies and innovations to drive growth. Some of the key players in the anticholinergic drugs market are Astellas Pharma Inc., Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, and Mylan N.V.

Anticholinergic Drugs Market- Segment Analysis

The anticholinergic drugs market, based on product type, has been segmented into synthetic compounds, natural, semi-synthetic compounds. The anticholinergic drugs market, based on application, has been segmented into the overactive bladder, Parkinsons disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle spasms, irritable bowel syndrome. On the basis of route of administration, the market is segmented into oral, parenteral, topical. On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals and pharmacies.

Regional Analysis

The Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market, based on region, is divided into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

The Americas is expected to hold the largest share of the global anticholinergic drugs market. This owes to the rising geriatric population along with the high prevalence of CNS diseases and demand for effective therapies. The Europe market demonstrated substantial growth in the market due to the rising prevalence of bladder overactivity, increasing geriatric population, and rising healthcare expenditure. Germany held a share of 25.8% in the Western Europe anticholinergic drugs market in 2018. Asia-Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing region in the global market due to the presence of a large number of research organizations and development of new infrastructure to support the healthcare industry. Also, the Middle East and Africa region is expected to show the least growth owing to low per capita income and lack of adequate healthcare spending.

Key Findings of the Study

The Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market is projected to reach USD 7,149.90 Million by 2024 at a CAGR of 4.50% during the review period from 2019 to 2024 .

Americas accounted for the largest share of the global market due to the high prevalence of CNS diseases and demand for effective therapies.

The overactive bladder application segment accounted for the largest market share of 4% in 2018.

Access Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/anticholinergic-drugs-market-7895

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Global Blood Plasma Derivatives Market Research Report- Forecast To 2027

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Byron Bay's most famous resident Chris Hemsworth has faced scrutiny after he publicly opposed a resort and tourism development at Seven Mile Beach.

Some Aussies argue the Hollywood actor, 37, has no grounds to complain, given that he recently developed his own $30million mansion overlooking the very same beach he now doesn't want developers to touch.

Hemsworth condemned the Seven Mile Beach proposal on Wednesday, throwing his support behind traditional custodians who want to stop the plans because the land is sacred to Indigenous people.

Byron Bay's most famous resident Chris Hemsworth has faced scrutiny after he publicly opposed a resort and tourism development at Seven Mile Beach - despite building his $30million mansion nearby

The Thor: Ragnarok star, whose LA-style mansion has been dubbed 'Fort Hemsworth', has since been criticised on social media.

Daily Mail Australia cannot repeat the commentary for legal reasons, but in summary some Aussies took a cynical view of his motives.

However, Hemsworth has made it clear he opposes the development on environmental grounds and because of his support for the Indigenous custodians.

Hemsworth had condemned the Seven Mile Beach proposal on Wednesday, throwing his support behind traditional custodians who want to stop the plans because the land is sacred to Indigenous people

Some Aussies argue the Hollywood actor, 37, has no grounds to complain, given that he recently developed his own $30million mansion (pictured) overlooking the very same beach he now doesn't want developers to touch

There is no reason to doubt this, as Hemsworth is a committed environmentalist who has expressed support for First Nations causes in the past, and even decorated his home with an enormous Aboriginal mural.

Daily Mail Australia is also not suggesting Hemsworth built his mansion on land that is sacred to Indigenous people.

Seven Mile Beach is located south of Broken Head towards Lennox Head, and there is a development application to build 27 new eco-tourist cabins on the land and a wellness facility at Linnaeus Estate.

Seven Mile Beach is located south of Broken Head towards Lennox Head, and there is a development application to build 27 new eco-tourist cabins on the land and a wellness facility at Linnaeus Estate (pictured)

Hemsworth and his family began building their mansion, which is on Broken Head Road and overlooks Seven Mile Beach, in late 2017.

A development application approved by Byron Shire Council estimated the cost of construction to be $18million.

The home is now worth an estimated $30million, according to various reports.

The property has been dubbed 'Fort Hemsworth' due to its monolithic aesthetic, and the development faced some resistance from locals, who compared it to a multi-storey car park or Westfield shopping centre.

On Wednesday, Hemsworth uploaded a video to Instagram of himself declaring his allegiance to Friends of Seven Mile - an environmental group urging people to 'take action' against the proposed development

Lois Cook (pictured), a traditional custodian of Ngangbul Country in the Bundjalung Nation of eastern Australia, said: 'We were promised this site would be used for educational purpose only... I do not endorse the development of this site'

On Wednesday, Hemsworth uploaded a video to Instagram of himself declaring his allegiance to Friends of Seven Mile - an environmental group urging people to 'take action' against the proposed development.

'I stand shoulder to shoulder, in solidarity with Aunty Lois Cook in opposition to the tourism development at Seven Mile Beach,' he said.

'I fully support traditional custodians to be able to comfortably tell their people's stories, to preserve and protect their homelands.

'This proposed development would have a direct impact on these sacred and significant Indigenous sites.'

He also shared a video of activist Lois Cook, a traditional custodian of Ngangbul Country in the Bundjalung Nation of eastern Australia who is backing the Friends of Seven Mile cause.

'I am shocked to hear the zoning had changed without consulting the community nor the Indigenous community,' Ms Cook said.

'We were promised this site would be used for educational purpose only... I do not endorse the development of this site.'

Calling for change: Hemsworth marched alongside his daughter, India Rose, in a climate strike at Byron Bay in 2019, calling for action on the issue

Hemsworth marched alongside his daughter, India Rose, in a climate strike at Byron Bay in 2019, calling for action on the issue.

He shouted in the crowd: 'What do we want? Climate action. When do we want it? Now!'

The star also wrote in a lengthy caption that we must 'move away from the burning of fossil fuels, no more new oil, gas, coal projects'.
Sylvia Jeffreys and her husband, Sky News anchor Peter Stefanovic, welcomed their second son, Henry, last month.

And the Channel Nine presenter, 35, revealed on Thursday she was adjusting to the 'highs and lows' of being a mother of two.

The newsreader shared a relatable post on Instagram about her newborn interrupting her usual sleeping pattern.

Adorable: New mum Sylvia Jeffreys spoke of the 'highs and lows' of parenting as she shared this sweet photo of her newborn son Henry on Thursday

'Keeps me up all night. Cranks up the cute factor in the morning. The highs and lows,' she captioned a sweet photo of the little boy.

Sylvia and Peter announced the arrival of their second child on April 7.

At the time, she shared photos of the baby on Instagram, and wrote: 'Our gorgeous, healthy little boy makes us a family of four.

'His proud parents couldn't be happier. His big brother is learning to be gentle. Big love all around.'

Proud parents: Sylvia and her husband, Sky News anchor Peter Stefanovic (left), announced the arrival of their second child on April 7

Peter also shared the news on his social media, writing: 'The newest littlest member of our squad of four, led by my hero - @sylviajeffreys.'

The couple began dating in 2013 after meeting at Nine and were engaged in 2016 while on holiday in France.

They tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley on April 1, 2017.

Love story: The couple began dating in 2013 after meeting at Nine and were engaged in 2016 while on holiday in France. They tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley in 2017

Last year, Sylvia and Peter welcomed their first son, Oscar Hamilton, who turned one in February.

Just eight months later, the Today Extra host revealed she was pregnant with her second child, another son.

Sylvia conceived her first son, Oscar, via IVF, but said her second pregnancy was 'spontaneous'.

Cute: Last year, Sylvia and Peter welcomed their first son, Oscar, who turned one in February

'We hadn't planned to go down that path so soon, but having had not an entirely easy path the first time around you can't be anything but thankful and grateful to have fallen pregnant this way,' she told The Australian Women's Weekly.

She said many people had advised her against having boys 15 months apart, but she insisted they wouldn't have it any other way.

'I know it will be a lot to keep up with two turbo little boys, but for now I'm just embracing the beautiful chaos,' Sylvia added.
Chris Rock advised fellow SNL veteran John Mulaney to hire his ex-wife Malaak Compton's attorney upon hearing he was divorcing his wife of six years, Annamarie Tendler.

56-year-old Chris heard 38-year-old John's new divorce material while opening for him at his sold-out five-day From Scratch residency at Manhattan's City Winery from May 10 to May 14.

'The other night I saw Mulaney. Mulaney's working on new stuff, Mulaney's getting divorced,' Rock confirmed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday.

Man-to-man discussion: Chris Rock (L) advised fellow SNL veteran John Mulaney (M) to hire his ex-wife Malaak Compton's attorney upon hearing he was divorcing his wife of six years, Annamarie Tendler (R)

'Mulaney's working on new stuff, Mulaney's getting divorced': 56-year-old Chris heard 38-year-old John's new divorce material while opening for him at his sold-out five-day From Scratch residency at Manhattan's City Winery from May 10 to May 14

'This is how much money I lost in my divorce - I recommended my ex-wife's divorce lawyer. I was like "You should get this guy, he'll get you your money." This guy is good, because I walked out with nothing. I couldn't even afford the tickets tonight! You think I'm joking, but I really did.'

The four-time Emmy winner's 51-year-old ex-wife did indeed receive a hefty portion of his $70M fortune following the end of their 18-year marriage in 2016.

And while it's unclear who the former publicist hired to represent her, Chris clearly doesn't think much of his own divorce attorney Robert S. Cohen.

In 2017, Rock admitted to having cheated on Malaak with three different women ('one famous, one semifamous, and one a member of the retail class.')

Rock said on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday: 'This is how much money I lost in my divorce - I recommended my ex-wife's divorce lawyer. I was like "You should get this guy, he'll get you your money"'

The four-time Emmy winner continued: 'This guy is good, because I walked out with nothing. I couldn't even afford the tickets tonight! You think I'm joking, but I really did'

Didn't think much of his own divorce attorney Robert S. Cohen! Chris' 51-year-old ex-wife (L, pictured in 2020) did indeed receive a hefty portion of his $70M fortune following the end of their 18-year marriage in 2016

'Nothing makes me happier than my girls': Rock is grateful to have their daughter Zahra Savannah (M, pictured in 2020) - turning 17 this Saturday - and 18-year-old daughter Lola Simone (R) in his life

The South Carolina-born, Brooklyn-raised funnyman told Rolling Stone: 'Would I ever get married again? Not if it would cure AIDS.'

However, Chris is grateful to have their daughter Zahra Savannah - turning 17 this Saturday - and 18-year-old daughter Lola Simone in his life.

Meanwhile, Mulaney asked his 'heartbroken' 35-year-old wife for a divorce in February - a month after ending his 60-day stint at a Pennsylvania rehab to battle his cocaine and alcohol addiction.

It's unclear which one will retain primary custody of their beloved eight-year-old French Bulldog Petunia Tendler-Mulaney.

Mulaney (R, pictured in 2019) asked his 'heartbroken' 35-year-old wife (L) for a divorce in February - a month after ending his 60-day stint at a Pennsylvania rehab to battle his cocaine and alcohol addiction

Fur baby: It's unclear which one will retain primary custody of their beloved eight-year-old French Bulldog Petunia Tendler-Mulaney (pictured in 2019)

Rumored new girlfriend: People reported last Thursday that the two-time Emmy winner is now dating Love Wedding Repeat actress Olivia Munn (pictured May 2) after reconnecting 'at church in Los Angeles'

People reported last Thursday that the two-time Emmy winner is now dating Love Wedding Repeat actress Olivia Munn after reconnecting 'at church in Los Angeles.'

Rock was promoting his role as Detective Ezekiel 'Zeke' Banks in Darren Lynn Bousman's horror flick Spiral, which has already amassed $13.4M since opening last Friday.

The dismally-reviewed but audience-loved ninth installment of the Saw film series also features Max Minghella, Samuel L. Jackson, and Marisol Nichols.
Pierce Brosnan celebrated his 68th birthday with his friend Danny DeVito and family.

The James Bond actor on Wednesday posted a shot to Instagram of himself blowing out the candles on his cake dining a grey turtleneck sweater as DeVito, 76, was seen from behind in the shot.

'A happy birthday it was, thank you dear friends and family, near and afar,' the Ireland-born screen star wrote. 'And yes, thats the back of Mr Danny [DeVito's] handsome cranium.

The Mamma Mia! star and DeVito both appeared in the 1996 Tim Burton movie Mars Attacks!, which featured an ensemble cast including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Martin Short, Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael J. Fox.

The Hollywood veteran was greeted with many happy birthday wishes from stars including Goldie Hawn, who wrote, 'Happy Happy birthday sweetest!!!!!'

On Sunday, Brosnan's wife Keely Shaye Smith shared a kind message for her spouse on the social media site.

She wrote, 'Happy Birthday my love @piercebrosnanofficia ... May all your dreams come true. May all your generosity come back to you. Thank you for sharing your life with me.'

Returns: The Hollywood veteran was greeted with many happy birthday wishes from stars including Goldie Hawn, who wrote, 'Happy Happy birthday sweetest!!!!!'

Following his birthday, Brosnan was seen out with his son, model Dylan, 24, at Malibu Nobu on Monday.

Brosnan told People earlier this year about his passion for painting, which occurred around the time his late wife Cassandra Harris battled cancer. (She died in 1991.)

'It really came to light out of a very hard time in my life,' he said. 'I turned to the world of painting and that gave me a great sense of comfort. Since then it's matured. I go to the studio each day even if it's just to clean the brushes or move the paints around.'

Brosnan and DeVito both appeared in the 1996 Tim Burton movie Mars Attacks!, which featured an ensemble cast
Maya Hawke and Sadie Sink are starring in Netflix's upcoming trilogy of horror films, based on R.L. Stine's Fear Street book series, which were first released back in 1989.

The streaming giant dropped the first teaser on Wednesday, which showed Stranger Things' Maya Hawke getting dragged away by a skeleton-faced perpetrator inside a bookstore after picking up a landline with just heavy breathing on the other end.

Despite desperately screaming for help, her fate looks grim as a group of teenagers connect a number of terrifying events in their haunted town with a sinister history.

Creepy: Maya Hawke and Sadie Sink are starring in Netflix's upcoming trilogy of horror films, based on R.L. Stine's Fear Street book series, which were first released back in 1989

At the beginning of the trailer, the actors discuss the 'curse' on their neighborhood of Shadyside, due to a witch who is 'possessing people and turning them into killers to take revenge on the town.'

'Your best chance is to run from this place,' one girl suggests, while another reflects on the 'bad things' that happen in Shadyside.

While Fear Street: Part One takes place in 1994 starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman's 22-year-old daughter, Sadie Sink is at the helm of Fear Street: Part Two  1978, set at a summer camp.

Ominous: The streaming giant dropped the first teaser on Wednesday, which showed Stranger Things' Maya Hawke getting dragged away by a skeleton-faced perpetrator inside a bookstore after picking up a landline with just heavy breathing on the other end

Yikes: Despite desperately screaming for help, her fate looks grim as a group of teenagers connect a number of terrifying events in their haunted town with a sinister history

Supernatural: At the beginning of the trailer, the actors can discuss the longtime 'curse' on their neighborhood of Shadyside, due to a witch who is 'possessing people and turning them into killers to take revenge on the town'

The Stranger Things' star, 19, gets stalked by a masked assailant with an axe.

Meanwhile, Fear Street: Part Three  1666, which also features Sink, features another terrifying predator, who stands at a podium in a rural village.

Part one will premiere over three consecutive weeks on July 2, July 9 and, finally, July 16.

'Your best chance is to run from this place,' suggests, while another reflects on the 'bad things' that happen in Shadyside

Trilogy: While Fear Street: Part One takes place in 1994 starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman's 22-year-old daughter, Sadie Sink is at the helm of Fear Street: Part Two  1978, set at a summer camp

Back to back: Part one will premiere over three consecutive weeks on July 2, July 9 and, finally, July 16

Gillian Jacobs, Benjamin Flores Jr., Darrell Britt-Gibson and Jordana Spiro will also appear in the films.

'We filmed all three Fear Street movies over one crazy, bloody summer,' the film's director Leigh Janiak told Variety. 'It's a dream that audiences now get to experience the story in the same way  back to back to back, with only a week of waiting in between. I can't wait to welcome everyone into the world of Fear Street in 1994, 1978 and 1666!'

Stine, best known for writing the children's horror novels Goosebumps, warned that while 'the book series is rated PG,' the films 'are rated R' to include 'a lot more terror.'

Star-studded cast: Gillian Jacobs, Benjamin Flores Jr., Darrell Britt-Gibson and Jordana Spiro will also appear in the films
Outside of the Big Brother house, she is an antique jewellery dealer based in Sydney's inner west.

And on Tuesday, Sarah Jane 'SJ' Adams shared details about her unusual life and the items that make up her home.

The 66-year-old told the Courier Mail on Thursday she lives 'simply and frugally'.

'I live in a very old-fashioned way': Big Brother's Sarah Jane Adams, 66, told the Courier Mail on Thursday she lives a 'simple and frugal' life in Sydney's inner west

'I live in a very old-fashioned way  very simply and frugally. I am at a stage in my life where I am getting rid of stuff, and that in itself is empowering,' she said.

The Instagram star - who boasts a following of more than 198,000 - also discussed her treasured knick-knacks that she keeps at home.

Among the items she owns is an opium pipe that dates back to the 19th century, which she bought from London's Bermondsey Market.

Odd: The Instagram star also revealed she owns an opium pipe from the 19th century. 'I believe it to be from "The Golden Triangle", where most of the world's heroin was produced,' she said

'I had no idea what this incredible thing was. I believe it to be from "The Golden Triangle", where most of the world's heroin was produced,' she explained.

SJ then revealed the bedside items she brought with her into the Big Brother house.

She brought along a cow ornament representing her husband, David, and his hobby of photographing cows.

Mementos from home: SJ also revealed the bedside items she brought with her into the Big Brother house, including a cow ornament that represents her husband, David

The fashionista also brought finger puppets of Shiva, the Hindu god of transformation, and Ganesh, who is revered as the remover of obstacles.

Sarah Jane recently set the record straight on her connection to Big Brother host Sonia Kruger from before entering the house.

Earlier this month, the BB contestant hit back at talk the two women were pals before she appeared on the show, giving her an unfair advantage in the competition.

Truth: Earlier this month, SJ hit back at talk that she and BB host Sonia Kruger were pals before she appeared on the show, giving SJ an unfair advantage in the competition

Truth: SJ insisted they had only met one time previously, on Channel Nine's Today Extra with David Campbell (left)

The style guru insisted they had only met one time previously, on Channel Nine's Today Extra with David Campbell.

'I met Sonia Kruger once, in 2017, when she interviewed me for a segment about my style, shortly after I was "discovered" by [a] U.S. style blogger, ' Sarah Jane wrote.

'Since then I have had no contact with Sonia until I met her on entering the house.'
Peter and Karl Stefanovic are two of Australia's most famous broadcast journalists.

But there's also a third Stefanovic brother named Tom who prefers to lead a life outside of the spotlight.

The 36-year-old is married to former fashion publicist Jenna Dinicola and together the pair run the Mandole Orchard almond farm in Griffith.

Family: Peter (right) and Karl Stefanovic (left) are two of Australia's most famous TV hosts - but there's also a third Stefanovic brother named Tom (centre) who lives a quieter life

'I used to be a cameraman and now I milk almond nipples for a living,' Tom told The Daily Telegraph.

Since Tom doesn't live in the same city as Karl and Peter, they don't get to catch up all the time, but when they do it's usually for a fun-filled family dinner.

'We have two journalists in the family. Needless to say, there is more talking at one end of the table than the other,' Tom said.

Relationship: The 36-year-old is married to former fashion publicist Jenna Dinicola and together the pair run the Mandole Orchard almond farm in Griffith

'On these occasions my sister Elisa and I use the opportunity to pick out the best cuts of meat and the crispiest potatoes of which we then have to guard intensely for the remainder of the meal.'

Tom also said he's been able to get big brother Karl to make the switch from dairy milk to almond milk.

In September, Tom and wife Jenna made a surprise appearance on Channel Seven's The Morning Show to promote their almond farm.

Good times: Since Tom doesn't live in the same city as Karl and Peter, they don't get to catch up all the time, but when they do it's usually for a fun-filled family dinner

'When you look around, it isn't hard to see why we moved back to the country,' Jenna said.

'But more importantly we're really passionate about educating people about the health benefits of Australian almonds.'

Tom added: 'They're a super food, or a super nut if you'd like. They're packed with all the essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants... all the good things in it.'
Australia's new Bachelorette Brooke Blurton said two years ago she would never appear on reality TV again.

She posted a video to Instagram in 2019 in which she vowed to steer clear of television dating shows after watching her last episode of Bachelor in Paradise.

'I am here to say that I am really happy and I've met a new love, her name is Shiraz,' the 26-year-old joked at the time.

Spoke too soon! Australia's new Bachelorette Brooke Blurton said two years ago she would never appear on reality TV again. She posted a video to Instagram in 2019 in which she vowed to steer clear of television dating shows after watching her last episode of Bachelor in Paradise

'No I'm extremely happy and thank you so much for following my Paradise journey. It was fun, it was emotional,' she added.

She went on to say that perhaps two stints on reality TV was enough and she was no longer interested in finding love on a national stage.

'But do you know what... I don't think I'll be going on a reality show ever again - and I say that for the second time,' she said.

'I promise you I am so happy on the outside, I don't need to go on the show.'

Famous last words? Brooke said at the time that perhaps two stints on reality TV was enough and she was no longer interested in finding love on a national stage

Just bluffing! Brooke clearly had a change of heart after recording that video, as she was announced on Thursday as Australia's first openly bisexual Bachelorette

Brooke, who made her franchise debut on Nick Cummins' season of The Bachelor in 2018, clearly had a change of heart after recording that video.

She was announced on Thursday as Australia's first openly bisexual Bachelorette.

The forthcoming series will mark the first time any season of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette has featured a mixed-gender cast vying for the lead star's affections.

Breaking barriers: The forthcoming series will mark the first time any season of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette has featured a mixed-gender cast vying for the lead star's affections

Brooke told The Daily Telegraph she was 'ready' to smash reality TV conventions.

When asked how she felt audiences would take the change, the youth worker said: 'I am not too sure if Australia is ready for it. I certainly am.

'If it makes people feel uncomfortable in any way, I really challenge them to think about why it does.'

Bisexual: The youth worker has dated men and women in the past

The youth worker has dated men and women in the past.

She addressed her sexuality on The Bachelor in 2018, telling leading man Nick Cummins: 'I've had four relationships... one with a guy but I've also had two relationships with women.

'When I was in those relationships, I looked beyond what they were as female and I really loved [them] for who they were as people.'
The Vampire Diaries alum Nina Dobrev discussed the secrets to her eight-year friendship with Emmy-winning choreographer Julianne Hough on Wednesday.

'I think energy attracts energy and we have very like-minded energy,' 32-year-old Nina explained on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Dobrev (born Nikolina Dobreva) revealed that it was Nine Zero One co-owner Riawna Capri who first introduced her to 32-year-old Jules back in 2013.

'Nina has definitely been that rock for me': The Vampire Diaries alum Nina Dobrev (L) and Emmy-winning choreographer Julianne Hough (R) discussed the secrets to their eight-year friendship on Wednesday

32-year-old Nina (M) explained on The Drew Barrymore Show: 'I think energy attracts energy and we have very like-minded energy'

'Julianne and I were both going through a life crisis at the time and we were using that mutual friend as a free therapist,' the Bulgarian-born, Toronto-raised beauty recalled.

'It got to a degree where [Riawna] was so sick of hearing about our problems that were very similar that she was like, "Okay, I'm going to put you guys together and then you can use each other for therapy and I can remove myself. I feel like you will be best friends." She just knew and she was right.'

Hough chimed in: 'And we are still in therapy until this day we continue to lean on each other. In fact, we had a slumber party last night knowing we were coming here this morning and sitting on my floor and drinking our wine and just having our good ol' girl chat. It's the best...Nina has definitely been that rock for me.'

Matchmaker: Dobrev revealed that it was Nine Zero One co-owner Riawna Capri (L, pictured March 15) who first introduced her to 32-year-old Jules back in 2013

The Bulgarian-born, Toronto-raised beauty (L) recalled: '[Riawna] was so sick of hearing about our problems that were very similar that she was like, "Okay, I'm going to put you guys together and then you can use each other for therapy and I can remove myself. I feel like you will be best friends." She just knew and she was right'

Hough chimed in: 'And we are still in therapy until this day we continue to lean on each other. In fact, we had a slumber party last night knowing we were coming here this morning and sitting on my floor and drinking our wine and just having our good ol' girl chat. It's the best'

Dobrev's friendship with the Utah native quickly led to a fall 2013 fling with her big brother Derek Hough, which 'played itself out' six weeks later - according to Us Weekly.

Nina and Julianne's friendship also led to co-founding their own 'guilt-free low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie' wine company - Fresh Vine Wine - produced and bottled in Napa, CA.

'Let's just say there's been years and years of market research that we've been doing together and separately, but mainly together,' The Lucky Day actress wisecracked.

All in the family: Dobrev's friendship with the Utah native quickly led to a fall 2013 fling with her big brother Derek Hough (R), which 'played itself out' six weeks later

Nina and Julianne's friendship also led to co-founding their own 'guilt-free low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie' wine company - Fresh Vine Wine - produced and bottled in Napa, CA

The Lucky Day actress (L) wisecracked: 'Let's just say there's been years and years of market research that we've been doing together and separately, but mainly together. That connection that we talked about? It's always been with a glass of wine in hand'

'That connection that we talked about? It's always been with a glass of wine in hand.'

Hough said she hopes Fresh Vine Wine offers an alternative to other 'healthy wines' on the market, which usually 'taste bad.'

Their company - which launched March 22 and ships to 48 states - features a California cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, California rose wine, and a limited reserve Napa cabernet.

Holistic approach: Hough said she hopes Fresh Vine Wine offers an alternative to other 'healthy wines' on the market, which usually 'taste bad'
Naomi Campbell paid tribute to her pal Grace Jones on the model's 73rd birthday on Instagram on Thursday, two days after announcing she had become a mother a 50.

The model shared throwback snaps of the pair alongside a poignant message where she referenced how 'maternal' Grace is, especially when Naomi was a teenager trying to navigate the modelling world.

It comes after Naomi announced she had become a mother to a baby girl on Tuesday, saying she was 'honoured and humbled', amid claims she's set to raise her daughter with her 'secret American boyfriend'.

Happy Birthday! Naomi Campbell paid tribute to her pal Grace Jones on the model's 73rd birthday on Instagram on Thursday, two days after announcing she had become a mother a 50

In the sweet post, Naomi wrote: 'Happy Birthday to my Jamaican Sister the legendary the one and only Grace Jones @gracejonesofficial, blessings to you on this special day, I cherish our decades of kinship and shared bdays .

'What people dont know about you, is how big your heart is and how maternal you are. I will be forever grateful to you, looking out for me as teenager all over the world !! You exude an inner strength and have always been authentic and unapologetic in all you do An icon of our time. Ladies and Gentleman Ms Grace Jones.'

The catwalk queen uploaded a glamorous snap of the pair recently alongside several throwback photos of herself and Grace partying at Grace's 42nd birthday in 1990 in New York.

Role model: The model shared throwback snaps of the pair alongside a poignant message where she referenced how 'maternal' Grace is

Joyous: Naomi announced her baby news on Instagram on Tuesday as she wrote: 'A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother'

Decades of friendship: Naomi wrote: 'Happy Birthday to my Jamaican Sister the legendary the one and only Grace Jones @gracejonesofficial, blessings to you on this special day

'An icon of our time': The catwalk queen uploaded a glamorous snap of the pair recently alongside several throwback photos of herself and Grace partying when they were younger

Having a blast: Naomi shared a series of snaps from Grace's 42nd birthday bash in 1990 at Stringfellow's Nightclub in New York

It comes as Naomi, who will turn 51 on Saturday, appeared to hint that she was going to become a mother when she spoke of a 'great year' with 'bumps' ahead in an unearthed interview.

In an interview with i-D earlier this year, Naomi cryptically said she felt she would be in for an 'amazing' year.

She said: '2021 is going to be a great year, weve just got a few more bumps to get through first.

Ace: She also shared this photo of the pair from when they attended Wimbledon in 2013

Cryptic: It comes as Naomi, who will turn 51 on Saturday, appeared to hint that she was going to become a mother when she spoke of a 'great year' with 'bumps' ahead earlier this year

Humbled: Shortly after sharing a picture of her baby's feet, the 50-year-old supermodel said she was 'honoured and humbled' since welcoming a girl

'I believe that this is going to be an amazing year. Actually, I dont just believe it will be - I feel it will be.

The model is said to have welcomed her baby via a surrogate, with unearthed pictures of the star taken three weeks before her baby's arrival showing her out in New York City - where she now lives.

Naomi spoke about motherhood as she interviewed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, 74, on her YouTube show No Filter with Naomi.

Interacting with fans as her YouTube recording aired, Naomi wrote on the live stream chat: 'Hello my darlings, thank you so much for the pre birthday wishes... and for my new chapter as a mother. I'm honoured and humbled.'

The fashion icon was inundated with well wishes from fans in the comment section of the video, which she also shared on Instagram.

Speaking out: Naomi spoke with fans about motherhood as she interviewed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, 74, on her YouTube show No Filter with Naomi

In the interview itself, Naomi told how she used lockdown as a period of 'reflection' and agreed with close friend Diane when she said the pandemic had given us the opportunity to 'think about what matters most.'

The British supermodel is living in New York and is understood to have a new boyfriend with whom she will raise the child.

Friends told Daily Mail that they believe Naomi  who never knew her father and was raised largely by her grandmother  used a surrogate.

Sources close to the model added to The Sun that Naomi is in a 'wonderful place' and how it finally felt like the 'perfect time' to become a parent.

The insider said: 'Naomi has really mellowed in the past year and is in a wonderful place in life.

Congratulations! Naomi's mother shared that she was 'beyond thrilled' to become a grandmother after the model welcomed her first child

'She has been living in America with her boyfriend and is really happy. It finally felt like the perfect time to become a mother and she is over the moon.

'The first lockdown allowed her to stop and take stock of the important things and she decided now was the time to properly look into starting a family.'

Naomi reportedly recently told her team that she wants to quit working over weekends, just weeks before making her baby announcement.

Naomi kept her baby news a secret from the public, but a handful of friends, family and fashion insiders were in the know.

Celebrity fans: Although fans were left reeling, Naomis celebrity pals were quick to congratulate her on the happy news

The Vogue cover girl was pictured going about her daily business in New York while clad in a tracksuit on April 22 - her last official sighting before announcing she had become a mother.

Just two days prior, the model had made headlines when she walked in the Michael Kors runway show for Fashion Week, with audience members none the wiser that she was set to become a parent just weeks later.

Naomi announced the news on Instagram as she shared a picture of her newborn's feet alongside the caption: 'A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother.

Feeling good: The Vogue cover girl was pictured going about her daily business in New York while clad in a tracksuit on April 22 - her last official sighting before becoming a mother

'So honoured to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you, my angel. There is no greater love.'

Congratulations poured in from friends including British Vogue editor Edward Enninful and fashion designer Marc Jacobs, who wrote: 'How lucky she is and how lucky you are! What a wonderful mother you will be.'

Naomi's best model pal Kate Moss also shared her well wishes, posting: 'Congratulations mama @naomi'.

Naomi's mother, Valerie Morris-Campbell, who was 19 when she gave birth to the model, wrote: 'Congratulations to my daughter Naomi on the birth of her daughter, I'm beyond thrilled as I've waited a long time to be grandmother.'

The model has more than a dozen godchildren, to whom she is close.
According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Ophthalmic Devices: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020, the global ophthalmic devices market was valued at USD 29,171.5 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 42,685.1 million in 2020.

Globally, the ophthalmic devices market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing prevalence of eye disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. In addition, growing global aging population, increasing government initiatives towards healthcare infrastructure in developing countries, and increasing incidence of lifestyle-associated diseases are also driving the growth of the market.

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Some of the major players in the global ophthalmic devices market:

Johnson & Johnson.

Essilor International.

Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.

Novartis AG.

HOYA CORPORATION.

Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

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However, lack of awareness among people about eye disorders, poor primary healthcare infrastructure, and lack of insurance in developing countries hamper growth of the global ophthalmic devices market. In addition, eye diseases in children are also increasing due to the general lack of awareness.

The global ophthalmic devices market is anticipated to grow from an estimated USD 29,171.5 million in 2014 to USD 42,685.1 million in 2020 at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

Age-related eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, are the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness in North America. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 22 million Americans aged 40 and above were affected by cataract and 2.3 million Americans were affected by glaucoma in 2011.

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In Europe, increasing prevalence of chronic eye diseases among the rising aging population is becoming a challenge for the European healthcare system. In France, the number of age-related macular degeneration cases was 0.3 million in 2000 and it is anticipated to increase by 0.5 million in 2020.

However, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy are the major causes of blindness in Asia. Cataract can be held responsible for 50% to 80% of all cases of blindness in Southeast Asia. The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration is also increasing in Asia due to increase in life expectancy and rising incidence of diabetes among the younger population. As per the Centre for Eye Research Australia, prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among people ranged between 17% and 22% in India and 43.1% in rural China in 2012.

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Former Home and Away star Lincoln Lewis has spoken of his parents' high-profile split during an appearance on The Anj, Rob & Robbo Show on Thursday.

It was revealed in February that Lincoln's father, rugby league legend and Channel Nine commentator Wally Lewis, had quietly split from Jacqui, his wife of 36 years, last year.

Wally is now understood to be in a relationship with Townsville mum and writer Lynda Adams.

Asked by host Rob McKnight how his mother has been coping amid the marriage breakdown, Lincoln, 33, initially struggled to find his words before explaining how it has 'been hard' on the entire family, particularly 'going through things' publicly.

Tell-all: Former Home and Away star Lincoln Lewis (right) has spoken of his parents' high-profile split during an appearance on The Anj, Rob & Robbo Show on Thursday. Pictured with host Rob McKnight (left)

'It's been hard on everyone obviously, and anyone who goes through stuff... it's obviously going to be hard,' a casually dressed Lincoln told Robert McKnight.

'You're going through things in the public eye and that comes with the territory.'

When pressed for comment as to how his mother Jacqui has been coping, Lincoln said she's 'surrounded by good people who love and care about her'.

Over: It was revealed in February that Lincoln's father, rugby league legend and Channel Nine commentator Wally Lewis, had quietly split from Jacqui, his wife of 36 years, last year

'We've all banded together, we're a tight family unit. She's got some amazing friends around her. That's the thing that gets anyone through (difficult times).'

Lincoln went on to speak about mental health in general and the importance of having a support system around you.

'At the end of the day, to have good people around you that love, care and support you, is the main thing.

Speaking out: Asked how his mother has been coping amid the marriage breakdown, Lincoln, 33, initially struggled to find his words before explaining how it has 'been hard' on the entire family

'So obviously she's got that around her. We have our up days and our down days, but she's surrounded by good people,' he continued.

It was announced in February that Lincoln's father Wally had split from wife Jacqui.

The Queensland icon, 61, who owned the State of Origin arena in the 1980s and early 90s, revealed he quietly split with wife Jacqui last year.

Moving on: Wally is now understood to be in a relationship with Townsville mum and writer Lynda Adams

'This is a deeply personal matter that we do not want to discuss publicly,' he said at the time.

'I want to acknowledge the pain and upset my family has gone through since Jacqui and I separated last year. I hope over time we can rebuild our ties and move on with life.

'I will confirm I am now in another relationship and only ask for the media to respect our privacy.'

High-profile split: It was announced in February that Lincoln's father Wally had split from wife Jacqui. The Queensland icon, 61, who owned the State of Origin arena in the 1980s and early 90s, revealed he quietly split with wife Jacqui last year. Pictured together in 2016

He admitted it had been a 'difficult time for everyone in the family' and said the pair were still working through the details of the separation.

Wally's reported new girlfriend, Lynda Adams, is a volunteer at Sands Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Newborn Death Support Group in Townsville.

She had five miscarriages before giving birth to a daughter through IVF, who is now 15.

Family: Wally is pictured with his family, including Lincoln (left) and water polo star Jamie-Lee Lewis (also left)

Lynda also recently split from her husband, property developer husband Mark Adams.

The shock announcement came just weeks after the NRL Immortal revealed how his battle with depression almost saw him take his own life.

Wally, who had brain surgery in 2007 to combat daily seizures he had kept a secret since 1980, said he considered killing himself at his home in Brisbane when his then-wife Jacqui was running errands.

At the time, Wally revealed he had since moved on with another woman, but kept her identity anonymous

'I had suicidal thoughts (after brain surgery) and found myself crying uncontrollably, for no reason,' he wrote in his recently released autobiography My Life, according to the Courier Mail.

'I needed someone with me at all times.'

Another time Wally walked past the pontoon on the canal at the back of his house and considered jumping in.

Rugby league great: Wally owned the State of Origin arena in the 1980s and early 90s (pictured in action playing for the Kangaroos in 1988)

Thankfully, his thoughts quickly turned to his wife and three children and the chilling moment passed.

Wally burst onto the scene as a teenager with Valley in 1978, quickly establishing himself as one of the premier players in the Queensland Rugby League competition before defecting to Wynnum Manly in 1984.

When the Brisbane Broncos were invited to participate in the Australian Rugby League (ARL) competition in 1988, he was the team's pin-up boy.

He finished his club career with the Gold Coast Seagulls a few years later.

After retiring in 1992, Wally made a successful transition into the media as a commentator with Channel Nine. He was named an Immortal in 1999.

'It's been hard on everyone obviously, and anyone who goes through stuff... it's obviously going to be hard,' a casually dressed Lincoln told Robert McKnight
The Secret Life of Us was a favourite with Australian audiences when it first aired in the early noughties, and now a whole new generation will get to discover it.

The beloved Aussie drama is set to drop on Netflix next month, with the entire series available to watch on the streaming giant from June 7.

The show, which followed a group of twenty-somethings living in Melbourne's St Kilda neighbourhood, first premiered in July 2001 and ran until December 2005.

The way they were: The Secret Life of Us was a favourite with Australian audiences when it first aired in the early noughties, and now a whole new generation will get to discover it

It helped launch the careers of many of its stars, including Joel Edgerton, Claudia Karvan, Deborah Mailman and Samuel Johnson.

In an interview with TV WEEK in October 2019, Joel, 46, spoke about his experience on the series before being catapulted to Hollywood stardom.

'Secret Life of Us was one of my greatest memories as an actor,' he said at the time.

Launchpad: In an interview with TV WEEK in October 2019, Joel Edgerton (centre), spoke about his experience on the series before being catapulted to Hollywood stardom

'And one of my greatest risks was leaving that show, because I was having such a great time, but I saw that I wanted to do other things.'

The Boy Erased actor left the hit series after season two to pursue an acting career in Hollywood.

'I wasn't leaving because I was not happy, I was leaving, I think, because I was ambitious,' he continued.

Making a comeback? In a joint interview with The Daily Telegraph's Stellar Magazine in September 2019, Deborah Mailman (left) and Claudia Karvan (second right) spoke about whether they'd ever appear in a Secret Life of Us reboot

He added: 'But I really love my memories of that show and I had such a f**king great time doing it.'

In a joint interview with The Daily Telegraph's Stellar Magazine in September 2019, Deborah and Claudia, 49, spoke about whether they'd ever appear in a Secret Life of Us reboot.

'I'd just want it to be a very good show,' said Deborah, 48, while Claudia joked, 'A whole lot of old people sharing a flat in St Kilda? Ah, change the channel.'
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His character Chandler Bing famously admitted that he was unable to cry, leaving wife Monica Geller on a mission to bring on the tears.

Yet actor Matthew Perry, 51, proved he wasn't as restrained in real life as he broke down while filming the hotly-anticipated Friends reunion, which was shot in April and will air on May 27 via HBO and HBO Max

A teaser from the one-off episode showed Perry being comforted by co-star Jennifer Aniston, 52, as he welled up, before later cutting to scenes of the actor reminiscing about his time on the show.

However, fans were concerned by his apparent slurred speech and Perry has previously admitted that he 'doesn't remember' filming parts of the show due to his well documented battle with drink and drugs.

The One Where Rachel Comforts Chandler: Matthew Perry, 51, broke down while filming the hotly-anticipated Friends reunion, with co-star Jennifer Aniston, 52, comforting him

In the clip, Perry's on-screen wife Courteney Cox, 56, states: 'It was an incredible time. We became best friends', to which Perry confesses: 'Yep, I'm going to cry now'.

Dropping his head down and wrapping his arms around his body, Perry looks solemn as Jennifer leans over to comfort him.

Season six, episode 14 of Friends was entitled The One Where Chandler Can't Cry and aired back in February 2000.

After admitting he hasn't cried since childhood Monica, Phoebe [Lisa Kudrow], and Joey [Matt LeBlanc] do everything in their power to make him do so, including sitting him down to watch Bambi and Monica asking him to imagine her death.

After the gang determine Chandler must be 'dead inside' he surprises everyone by bursting into tears after witnessing an encounter between Ross [David Schwimmer] and Rachel [Aniston] as he questioned why they couldn't work things out romantically.

So many memories: Perry's co-star Courtney Cox was also seen wiping away tears while chatting with her co-stars during the emotional reunion

Season six episode 14: Perry's character Chandler Bing famously admitted that he was unable to cry in an episode of Friends, leaving wife Monica Geller on a mission to bring on the tears

The Friends teaser was a homecoming for the actors, who shot the special at Stage 24 at Warner Bros. Studios in LA, where the series filmed it's entire 10-season run.

The opening scene was certainly familiar as Aniston joined Cox and LeBlanc on their old couch for an updated trivia game with Schwimmer, Kudrow and Perry, where they put their own spin on the game played during The One with the Embryos.

In the original episode (season 4, episode 12) Chandler and Joey challenged Monica and Rachel to a quiz on who knows each other better, the boys or the girls.

Iconic: Although the reunion is a talk show, and not a scripted episode, show stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry did pay tribute to some of the series most iconic moments

Like the old days: The Friends: The Reunion official trailer showed the unbreakable bond between the cast as they reminisced on the iconic show ahead of HBO Max special

With Ross acting as quiz master, the teams competed with the stakes eventually being upped to the point where the girls had to forfeit their apartment as a result of losing the game.

In the reunion trailer, the team were seen recreating the episode with their own questions, with Schwimmer resuming his role as quiz master and asking the group: 'Rachel wrote Ross a letter and demanded he read it before they got back together. How many pages was that letter?'

As LeBlanc screamed '18 pages', Aniston jumped in to correct: 'front and back!' while Cox wailed, 'Wait, wait do it one more time!'

Quiz time: Schwimmer resumed his role as quiz master and asked the group, 'Rachel wrote Ross a letter and demanded he read it before they got back together. How many pages was that letter?'

There was also a table read, where the six actors went over their favourite episodes, including The One Where Everyone Finds Out, in which Phoebe discovers that Monica and Chandler are secretly dating.

Recreating the moment, Kudrow left her former cast mates in hysterics as she screamed 'My eyes! My eyes!', before getting back into character once more by reuniting with her acoustic guitar.

The group were also asked to answer the age old question: where Ross and Rachel really on a break when he slept with Chloe, 'the hot girl from the Xerox place' in season three?

Seeing double: The cast loved being back on set and recreated some of the moments, with Lisa Kudrow who played Phoebe Buffay getting back into character once more by reuniting with her acoustic guitar

In The One With The Morning After, Ross and Rachel have an almighty fallout when she learns of her boyfriend's infidelity, though he insists this isn't the case, because they were 'on a break' and therefore temporarily single.

As host James Corden asked the cast if the pair really 'were on a break', Aniston admitted that she wasn't on Rachel's side, joining Cox to scream 'yes!'

Surprisingly, LeBlanc didn't side with Joey the lothario, muttering under his breath 'bulls**t'.

Another surprise moment came as Aniston confessed that she was told not to take the role on Friends, as no one believed it would be a hit.

Together again: Lisa Kudrow was overwhelmed upon walking onto set at the Warner Bros. lot as Matt enthusiastically said: 'Here we go!'

Hilarious: There was also a table read, where the six actors went over their favourite episodes, including The One Where Everyone Finds Out, in which Phoebe discovers that Monica and Chandler are secretly dating

The actress had a role on CBS sitcom Muddling Through when she landed her gig on Friends, and confessed on the reunion: 'I remember I went to the producer of the show that I was on and he said, "That show's not going to make you a star'".

Elsewhere in the trailer, the group were seen touring the set after returning to Stage 24 at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angles, where the series filmed it's entire 10-season run.

Kudrow was overwhelmed upon walking onto set at the Warner Bros. lot as LeBlanc enthusiastically said: 'Here we go!' later adding 'Does Courteney still have her lines written on the table?' as he toured the old apartment set.

'We have such a bond from this show,' Kudrow explained while sitting on the iconic orange couch from the show's intro, admitting the first table read was the 'first time I laid eyes on any of you' while Schwimmer noted everyone was 'so perfectly cast.'

Make em laugh: Matt picked up his cup of coffee and muttered 'bulls***' under his breath when asked if Rachel and Ross really were 'on a break'

Chatty: Lisa admitted the first table read was the 'first time I laid eyes on any of you' while Schwimmer noted everyone was 'so perfectly cast'

Speaking out: 'Does Courteney still have her lines written on the table?' Matt asked as he toured the old apartment set

Classic: Joey Tribbiani and Chandler Bing were roommates for years before he moved out to pursue a relationship with Monica

I'll be there for you: A host of celebrities are set to join the cast in some capacity with guest stars including: Tom Selleck (pictured) Justin Bieber, Cindy Crawford, Lady Gaga and David Beckham

Oh. My. God: Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice Litman-Goralnik, Chandler's on-and-off longtime girlfriend laughed while on set

Friends ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, and was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, who executive produced the series with Kevin Bright through Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

It was reported in April that the reunion special was filmed over three days, with a live audience participating in the reunion.

A host of celebrities are set to join the cast in some capacity with guest stars including: Justin Bieber, Cindy Crawford, Lady Gaga and David Beckham.

Cara Delevingne, Tom Selleck, BTS, Kit Harington, Mindy Kaling and Malala Yousafzai are also slated to appear on the reunion.

The special is hosted by James Corden, a move that has not gone down well with fans, who questioned why the British comedian - who has no links to the series - was chosen.

The Friends reunion will air on May 27 via HBO and HBO Max in the States. It has not yet been revealed how to watch the special in the UK. Sky is reportedly the frontrunner to pick up broadcasting rights, and if successful it should air on the network the following evening (May 28).

Friends forever: The iconic show first debuted in September 1994 and followed a group of friends living in New York City

'Is Matthew Perry ok?': Friends fans share concerns after troubled star slurs his words in new promotion for highly-anticipated reunion

Though fans were left delighted by the teaser, there were also concerns after Perry appeared to slur his speech in a promo for the upcoming reunion special.

The actor stammered and stared in the clip, even slurring together his words at one point.

When asked if he ever took anything from set as a souvenir, he admitted: 'I stole the cookie jar that had the clock on it' with a heavy 'sh' sound at the start of 'stole.'

Though his speech was stilted, Perry's physical appearance was on the healthier side.

His castmates were able to hide any of their concerns, as David and Matt giggled and smiled at the TV star, who played Chandler Bing on the NBC hit.

Worrisome: Though fans were left delighted by the teaser, there were also concerns after Perry appeared to slur his speech in a promo for the upcoming reunion special

They'll be there for you: Perry sparked concern with his slurring but seemed in good spirits as he filmed the reunion alongside his longtime friends and former castmates

But fans were quick to voice their worries.

'Just saw People interview and can't believe how Matthew Perry looks like seriously it breaks my heart,' one fan wrote on Twitter.

'It pains me to see Matthew Perry like this, he just seems off, gazing at the void, speaking slowly,' wrote another.

'Hate to say it, but I'm sad and scared like hell for Matthew Perry,' a third added. 'Damn, Matthew Perry in those PEOPLE Friends interviews.'

Upbeat: His castmates were able to hide any of their concerns, as David and Matt giggled and smiled at the TV star, who played Chandler Bing on the NBC hit

Another tweeted: 'Just watched @people exclusive interview clip of Friends casts and the time hasn't been kind. I hope Matthew Perry is okay. Damn how much I love them.'

One wrote: 'Lets not use the friends reunion to make fun of the way matthew perry looks these days. people age, funnily enough.

'Matthew has been through A LOT since friends wrapped up in 2004. be respectful instead of judgmental. hard block me rn if you think making fun of him is funny.'

Heartbreaking: 'Just saw People interview and can't believe how Matthew Perry looks like seriously it breaks my heart,' one fan wrote on Twitter

Perry has been open about his past struggles with addiction, previously telling People things got 'out of control and very unhealthy' after a 1997 jet-ski accident left him addicted to the painkiller Vicodin.

Addiction left Matthew in a tough state, as he admitted to BBC Radio 2 in 2016.

'I dont remember three years of [the show],' he said. 'Somewhere between Seasons 3 and 6  I was a little out of it.'

He told People in 2013: 'I couldn't stop. Eventually things got so bad that I couldn't hide it, and then everybody knew.'

Keeping a low-profile: Matthew has stayed under the radar in recent years. He caused concern in 2019 when he looked dishevelled in his first sighting for almost two years

The actor, who checked himself into rehab during his time on Friends once in 1997 and again in 2001, told the Hollywood Reporter in 2015: 'I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life. I learned a lot from my failures.

'But the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic comes up to me and says, "Will you help me stop drinking?" I will say, "Yes, I know how to do that."'

Perry's addiction came about after he got hooked on prescription pills following a jet ski accident.

He did his third stint in rehab in May 2011, when a representative for the star said it was to prevent a relapse.

Under the radar: Prior to his shock reemergence in 2019 he had been pictured in Beverly Hills in 2017 (left) and in 2016 (right)

The Massachusetts born actor last starred in a movie in 2009's 17 Again opposite Zac Efron.

Following that he appeared in several TV series including Mr. Sunshine, Go On and The Good Wife.

After a break of several years, he will next be seen in the comedy Don't Look Up, which follows the tale of two astronomers, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, discover that a giant asteroid that could destroy all life on Earth is cruising toward the planet.

The film boasts an absolutely stacked cast including Cate Blanchett, Timothee Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi, Tyler Perry, Melanie Lynskey and Chris Evans, among others, and is expected to be released later this year.

It comes after Perry was embarrassed after a match from the dating app Raya leaked a video message sent by the star.

The Friends actor allegedly asked the 19-year-old girl, 'Am I as old as your dad?' during a flirty exchange that was leaked earlier this month.

Perry, who is currently engaged to fiancee Molly Hurwitz, 29, can be seen in a video posted on Thursday flirting with TikTok user @kittynichole - real name Kate Haralson - who claims they matched on the membership-only dating service in May last year.

Haralson, now 20, shared the footage of herself with the caption: 'When you match w Matthew Perry as a joke on a dating app and he facetimes you and plays 20 questions with you.'

Could this BE more embarrassing? The engaged Friends star was outed for sending a girl, 19, cringe-worthy messages after matching on celeb dating app Raya

In the 16-second video, Perry is seen smiling as he asks his potential date, 'Do you always play with your hair this much?' to which she responds, giggling: 'I guess so.'

Haralson, a personal assistant who says she was 19 when Perry first contacted her, told PageSix on Thursday that she wanted to show how older men in Hollywood are 'taking advantage' of younger women on dating apps.

'A lot of people were saying I'm a bully and mean for posting this, and it made me feel kind of bad, but at the same time, I feel like a lot of guys in Hollywood are talking to all these young girls and it's something that I think a lot of people should be aware of,' she told the outlet.

Now THIS is a match: Perry, 51, got engaged to fiancee Molly Hurwitz in November last year having started dating in 2018 (though the pair were reportedly 'on a break' in May last year)

Haralson claims the FaceTime exchange happened in May last year, which is when Perry is said to have briefly split with his current fiancee Hurwitz, who he had been dating since 2018.

The LA-based PA said she had matched with other celebrities before but wouldn't 'ever talk to older guys' though she thought talking to the Friends actor 'would be funny.'

The exchange was believed to have been filmed six months before he announced his engagement to literary manager Hurwitz.

'I decided to get engaged,' the TV icon announced in People magazine on Thanksgiving after proposing. 'Luckily, I happened to be dating the greatest woman on the face of the planet at this time.'

Chandler's crush: In 1996 Matthew briefly dated Baywatch beauty and Chandler's famous crush Yasmine Bleeth, although the romance only lasted a few months

Former flame: Perry dated Oscar winner Julia Roberts from 1995 to 1996 (pictured on the set of Friends)

This will mark the first marriage for Perry, who is famous for playing loveable and sarcastic Chandler Bing in Friends. However, he has had several highly publicized romances with notable names.

Perry briefly dated Baywatch star Yasmine Bleeth in 1995 and then moved on to Oscar winner Julia Roberts from 1995 to 1996. He has also dated Neve Campbell, Heather Graham and Maeve Quinlan.

His longest relationship was with actress Lizzy Caplan from 2006-2012.

Perry was also engaged to Kayti Edwards, who previously claimed he had her score drugs for him while she was pregnant - during their brief romantic relationship in the early Noughties.

Exes; Matthew and Scream star Neve Campbell struck up a romance on the Three To Tango set in 1998 (pictured left that year) while Matthew and former fashion student Rachel Dunn had a 14 year age gap but dated for two years from 2003-2005 (pictured right 2004)

In December last year, Kayti alleged in The Sun that when he was in the depths of his addiction he would take 80 Vicodin in one day.

She claimed that in 2011 when their relationship was platonic and she was five months pregnant he would pay her thousands of dollars to procure drugs for him.

Kayti alleged that he would 'guilt trip' her into going on the drug runs by offering to 'go there myself and walk downtown,' prompting her to pick up the slack instead in order to prevent him 'driving' or 'wandering around the streets.'

However she also praised him as 'funny' and 'easy-going,' expressing her joy that he has gone on the wagon and settled down with Molly.

Friends fans react in fury as James Corden is revealed to be host of the reunion special Friends fans reacted in fury on Wednesday as the trailer for the hotly-anticipated reunion special finally revealed that its celebrity host will be British star James Corden. As seen in the teaser, Corden, 42, has landed the plum role of talking to the series legendary stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer as they reunite. 'The Friends reunion is not a musical. Yet James Corden's in it. Why? And when will this man be stopped?' one fan tweeted, while another said: 'How did James Corden worm his way into the Friends reunion, does America know that he doesn't have to be in everything?' Wrong choice? Friends fans reacted in fury as James Corden is revealed to be host of the reunion special... and question what the British star has to do with the iconic show (pictured in 2018) Other fans of the show questioned why stars of the show like Paul Rudd or Maggie Wheeler (who played Janice) could not have been put on hosting shows, as they have strong links to the classic series. In 2014, late night host Jimmy Kimmel put together a mini Friends reunion with Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox, and others suggested he would have been a better fit. 'It should have been Paul Rudd and Christina Applegate on the guest starring Friends reunion but we got Bieber & James Corden,' another said. Getting stuck in: James Corden is seen hosting the all-important reunion interview with stars Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc Outcry: Fans of Friends were less than impressed when the celebrity host was revealed to be James Corden Last week it was revealed that Friends: The Reunion would include a slew of special guest stars including Justin Bieber, BTS, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga and returning cast members. Many fans had already reacted negatively to those stars, once again questioning what they have to do with the show - and appeared to be pining from other guests stars who would have been better choices. Corden, who reached superstardom with his BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, went on to crack the US when he landed a role hosting The Late Late Show, and is loved by A-List stars. Could they BE anymore disappointed? Fans were quick to crank out the memes on Twitter in reaction to the news Mean tweets: Sadly it was not a good day for Corden on Twitter Why the random stars? It's not just Corden, the reunion show also features Justin Bieber Advertisement
Bella Hadid cut a typically trendy figure when she stepped out in New York on Wednesday.

Flashing her toned abs in a midriff-baring T-shirt teamed with white tracksuit bottoms, the supermodel, 24, looked radiant as she went about her day.

With her glossy brunette hair swept up into a bun, Bella kept the sunshine at bay with a pair of black sunglasses and wore a white face mask in keeping with pandemic protocol.

Toned: Bella Hadid, 24, cut a typically trendy figure when she stepped out in New York on Wednesday, flashing her toned abs in a midriff-baring t-shirt

Bella slipped into a pair of crisp white trainers and carried her belongings on her back in a black rucksack.

The brunette beauty accessorised with a trio of necklaces and wore a stack of beaded bracelets on her right wrist.

She carried her phone in her right hand as she strolled in the sunshine.

It comes after Bella shared a sobbing selfie saying she felt a 'deep sense of pain,' for the people of Palestine as she continued to take sides  despite many calling her previous social media posts 'mis-informed.'

Trendy: Bella teamed her top with white tracksuit bottoms and the supermodel looked radiant as she went about her day

The Palestinian-Dutch supermodel has been very vocal about her opinions on the ongoing geopolitical conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Pro-Palestinian protests took place in New York City over the weekend.

Bella shared a series of clips and photos of herself marching through the Big Apple's streets, writing: 'The way my heart feels.. To be around this many beautiful, smart, respectful, loving , kind and generous Palestinians all in one place... it feels whole ! We are a rare breed!!'

All in the detail: The brunette beauty accessorised with a trio of necklaces and wore a stack of beaded bracelets on her right wrist

Taking to the streets: Pro-Palestinian protests took place in New York City over the weekend, with crowds of people attending including Bella and friends

Photos: Bella shared a series of clips and photos of herself marching through the Big Apple's streets

Bella wrote: 'The way my heart feels.. To be around this many beautiful, smart, respectful, loving , kind and generous Palestinians all in one place'

Days earlier ago the daughter of multi-millionaire Mohamed Hadid (a Palestinian real estate developer) was slammed for sharing a graphic that said Israel was not a country, for which she was accused of anti-semitism.

Bella posted a closeup shot of her face with tears streaming down her cheeks as she continued to speak on the situation.

'I feel a deep sense of pain for Palestine and for my Palestinian brothers and sisters today and everyday. watching these videos physically breaks my heart into 100 different pieces.

'You cannot allow yourself to be desensitized to watching human life being taken. You just can't. Palestinian lives are the lives that will help change the world. And they are being taken from us by the second. #FreePalestine'

Days ago the Malibu-raised socialite found herself in hot water after she shared a graphic with anti-semitic rhetoric  the multi-slide post reading (among other things) that Israel was not a country and was a land settled by colonizers.

Sobbing selfie: Bella posted a sobbing selfie and talked about 'deep sense of pain' she feels for Palestine as she continued to takes sides on the geopolitical conflict

Her post about the nation state  which was established in 1948 was said to have inflamed the very fraught situation and contributed to rising anti-semitism on a global scale.

Numbers wise Bella boasts 41.7M Instagram followers  three times the number of Jews in the world.

'There is NO place for this!!! Especially in 2021!!!! it has always been #freepalestine. ALWAYS. I have a lot to say about this but for now, please read and educate yourself. This is not about religion. This is not about spewing hate on one or the other. This is about Israeli colonization, ethnic cleansing, military occupation and apartheid over the Palestinian people that has been going on for YEARS,' she captioned the now-deleted post.

'Israel colonization': The supermodel shared a 10 slide graphic which said Israel was responsible for 'ethnic cleansing' and was not a country but a land settled by colonizers

Public stance: 'I stand with my Palestinian brothers and sisters, I will protect and support you as best as I can,' she said in her post
She's currently in a relationship with Dutch girlfriend, Marthe Woertman.

And on Thursday, Teen Wolf star Adelaide Kane packed on the PDA with her girlfriend while the pair swam in a hotel pool.

The 30-year-old star shared the throwback Instagram snap of the two women who were unable to keep their hands off each other.

Turning up the heat! Aussie actress Adelaide Kane, 30, and Dutch girlfriend Marthe Woertman passionately kissed in a hotel pool in a racy throwback she shared on Thursday

'I would like to be warm again plz @marthwatermelon,' she captioned the photo.

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.

Raunchy: The two women are certainly not scared of flaunting their love story with Adelaide posting a number of racy private photos

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.

She's taken! In late April, Adelaide confirmed her relationship with model Marthe

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.
She won the Miss Universe Australia pageant in 2008, before going on to place in the top ten in the worldwide format of the beauty contest.

And Laura Dundovic flaunted the physique that made her one of the world's most beautiful women in a stunning beachside photo shoot on Thursday.

The 33-year-old blonde bombshell dropped jaws in a very revealing pair of bikini bottoms as she posed against the red cliffs of Cape Peron North in Western Australia.

Working it: Laura Dundovic flaunted the physique that made her one of the world's most beautiful women in a stunning beachside photo shoot on Thursday

Dundovic was modelling Ark swimwear's latest range in the picturesque outdoors photo shoot.

The statuesque actress had legs for days as she stood in the shallows of the Indian Ocean.

At one point she walked along the beach's golden sands with her arm draped around the neck of fellow catwalk stunner Phoebe O'Hanlon.

Barely there: The 33-year-old blonde bombshell dropped jaws in a very revealing pair of bikini bottoms for the shoot at the red cliffs of Cape Peron North in Western Australia

Cover girl: Dundovic was modelling Ark swimwear's latest range in the picturesque outdoors photo shoot

Both ladies showcased their pert derriere in their high cut swimwear.

The sunset photo shoot comes just two days after Laura posed with her fellow catwalk queens in matching orange bikinis.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, she shared behind-the-scenes pictures from a beachside photo shoot for Ark Swimwear at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Beauty squared: At one point she walked along the beach's golden sands with her arm draped around the neck of fellow catwalk stunner Phoebe O'Hanlon [R]

Tangerine dream! Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Dundovic shared behind-the-scenes pictures from a beachside photo shoot for Ark Swimwear at Ningaloo Reef in WA

In her first image, the makeup-free beauty revealed her slender figure and pert derriere as she glanced back at the camera.

She also shared photos of herself outside her trailer and on the sand dunes, wearing a neon orange bikini that drew attention to her ample assets and washboard abs.

Laura was joined on the shoot by her friends and fellow models Phoebe O'Hanlon, Dominique Elissa and Natalie Roser.

The former Miss Universe Australia wrote in the caption: 'Back on the west coast. Every time I come to this beautiful place I'm scared it could be my last time here because it's quite a mission to get to.'

'Feeling so blessed to be back in one of my favourite places in the world, with a team I love,' she added.

She's got it! She shared photos of herself outside her trailer and on the sand dunes, wearing a neon orange bikini that drew attention to her ample assets and washboard abs

On set: Laura was joined on the shoot by her friends and fellow models Phoebe O'Hanlon, Dominique Elissa and Natalie Roser

Bikini babes: Laura beamed for a photo with fellow model Dominique Elissa (left)

It comes after Laura revealed her favourite 'go-to' workout for when she's travelling and doesn't have access to a gym.

In a video shared to Instagram in January, she completed multiple exercises for her followers, including crab walks, banded squats and 'clamshells' with her feet raised.

'MY GO-TO. Here is my fav workout when I'm travelling and don't have access to a gym...' she captioned her post.

Sharing her secrets! It comes after Laura revealed her favourite 'go-to' workout for when she's travelling and doesn't have access to a gym. In a video, she completed multiple exercises for her followers, including crab walks, banded squats and 'clamshells' with her feet raised

Laura started off by completing 20 crab walks, before moving on to 20 banded squats with her heels raised and 20 clamshells with her feet raised on each side.

She then did 20 dead bug movements each side, before moving on to side planks, a 20-second plank hold and 20 ab curls with her feet raised.

Laura told her followers to complete this routine three to five times, depending on their level of fitness.
Katie Price has taken a swipe at The Sex Pistols' frontman John Lydon, 17 years after their fiery appearance on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

The former glamour model, 42, who was branded 'f*****g talentless' by the punk star, 65, during their appearance on the show in 2004, took to Instagram to claim that John was 'a nasty piece of work.'

It comes after John was branded 'difficult' to work with by The Sex Pistols' former muse after he slammed a TV series about the iconic band as 'disrespectful s**t.'

Savage: Katie Price has taken a swipe at The Sex Pistols' frontman John Lydon, 17 years after their fiery appearance on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (pictured on May 4)

Following media reports about the upcoming Sex Pistols mini-series, Katie took to Instagram to share her views on John over a decade after they headed to the Australian jungle together.

The star wrote: 'He is a nasty piece of work, I witnessed it in the jungle.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for John Lydon for comment.

Katie and John famously butted heads in the jungle when he criticised her for washing her hair with drinking water, with the hitmaker launching into a foul-mouthed rant against the model in the Bush Telegraph.

Hitting out: The former glamour model who was branded 'f*****g talentless' by the punk star (pictured) on the show in 2004, claimed that John was 'a nasty piece of work'

Spat: Katie and John famously butted heads in the jungle when he criticised her for washing her hair with drinking water

He furiously said: 'The woman's f***ing talentless. P*** off it doesn't do anything. And when it does it nags all the way through it. Come on.

'Kick her a*** out of here. It ain't funny anymore. It don't contribute. It's a parasite. You won't push much more that on me. I won't take that. I won't. You make a change with that attitude or I'll do something serious.'

Clearly taking pleasure in winding up Katie, John later launched into another angry outburst, saying: 'I'm getting really fed up with it. I'm kind of the spokesperson I suppose, because I'm outspoken.

'It occupies the centre of attention, but it isn't happy even with that. The smoke annoys her. It's the camp fire, b***h. Live with it or swap.'

'I'm not here to support a Page 3 f****g blow up balloon. Right? I f*****g ain't. No f***ing more. B****s to you. I've had enough of this s**t.'

Furious: The hitmaker, who quit the show after 11 days, launched into a foul-mouthed rant against the model in the Bush Telegraph

John eventually quit I'm A Celebrity after 11 days in the jungle, while Katie, who met her ex-husband Peter Andre on the show, finished in fourth place.

It comes after it was claimed the former punk star was snubbed from being involved in the Sex Pistols drama as he was 'too difficult to work with,' according to the band's former muse Jordan Mooney.

The series, which is currently in production, is directed by Danny Boyle and stars Anson Boon as the band's frontman Johnny Rotten, alongside Louis Partridge as the tragic Sid Vicious.

Since the series began filming, Johnny himself has openly shared his dislike, branding it 'the most disrespectful s*** he's ever had to endure' and claiming he never consented to having the band's history recreated on screen.

No thanks! It comes after it was claimed the former punk star was snubbed from being involved in the Sex Pistols drama as he was 'too difficult to work with

In a new interview with The Sun, Jordan said that it's likely better for the series' producers that Johnny has not been involved.

She said: 'He would just be a saboteur and he wouldn't bring much to the table. John argues for the sake of arguing. He's a difficult person and I can't say that part of him has changed at all.

'As he's got older, he's only got more difficult  he's contrary... John has got a few issues about his importance in the world so him not being involved is the best thing that can happen.'

Blast from the past: In a new interview, the band's must Jordan Mooney (pictured in 2018) said that it's better for the series' producers that Johnny is not involved

Jordan, whose real name Pamela Rooke, became an icon in punk music thanks to her revealing outfits and colourful hairstyle, and she is set to be portrayed by Maisie Williams in the Pistols series.

Last month John himself threatened legal action against producers for his depiction in the series, which is based on the Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones' 2018 memoir.

He told The Sunday Times: 'I think that's the most disrespectful s**t I've ever had to endure.

'I mean, they went to the point to hire an actor to play me but what's the actor working on? Certainly not my character. It can't go anywhere else [but court].'

Legend: The former muse, whose real name Pamela Rooke, became an icon in punk music thanks to her revealing outfits and colourful hairstyle

John also claimed that producers never sought his consent to make the series, while Jones and drummer Paul Cook are acting as consultants.

He added: 'Sorry, you think you can do this, like walk all over me - it isn't going to happen. Not without a huge, enormous f***ing fight.'

A spokesperson for Pistol later told the publication that director Danny reched out to John through his management, but any contact was declined.

The Danny Boyle directed Pistols is based on the legendary punk band - consisting of John Lydon, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, Paul Cook and Sid Vicious - and their rise to fame in the 1970s.

Hitting back! Last month John threatened legal action against producers for his depiction in the series, which is based on guitarist Steve Jones' 2018 memoir (band pictured in 1978)

Louis Partridge will portray bassist Sid Vicious, Jacob Slater will star as drummer Paul, Christian has stepped into the role of the band's first bass guitarist Glen and Toby will play guitarist Steve.

The six-episode series began principal photography in March, with Danny Boyle serving as director and executive producer.

Based on Jones' 2018 memoir Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol, the supporting cast also includes Sydney Chandler as Chrissie Hynde and Emma Appleton as Nancy Spungen.

Anchored by Steve's memoir, Pistol moves from West London's council estates, to Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's notorious Kings Road SEX shop, to the international controversy that came with the release of Pistols album Never Mind the B******s.

Their single God Save the Queen was banned by the BBC and reached Number 1 on the UK's NME chart, but appeared at Number 2 on the Official UK Singles chart, leading to accusations that the song was purposely kept off the top spot.

Pistols will be released on FX and Hulu in 2022.
He is a proud father-of-three.

And Chris Hemsworth showed off his paternal side as he carried his friend's baby while heading to lunch at the Chiswick restaurant in Sydney's upmarket suburb of Woollahra.

The actor, 37, took time off filming Thor: Love and Thunder as he joined Rita Ora, director Taika Waititi, his best mate Aaron Grist and Matt Damon's wife Luciana Barroso.

Sweet: Chris Hemsworth showed off his paternal side as he carried his friend's baby while heading to lunch at the Chiswick restaurant in Sydney's upmarket suburb of Woollahra

Lunch: The actor, 37, took time off filming Thor: Love and Thunder as he joined Rita Ora, director Taika Waititi, his best mate Aaron Grist and Matt Damon's wife Luciana Barroso

Chris arrived at the restaurant carrying Aaron's baby daughter Chloe in his arms.

The Australian heartthrob showed off his bulging biceps in a long-sleeve off-white top, which he paired with jeans and boots.

He was perhaps trying to go incognito as he also wore a beige cap and sunglasses.

Once inside the restaurant, Chris engaged in conversation with Luciana, who was earlier spotted making a fashionable arrival.

There she is: A crop-top clad Rita Ora and her boyfriend Taika Waititi looked loved-up as they went to join Chris at lunch at the restaurant

Cute: Chris arrived at the restaurant carrying Aaron's baby daughter Chloe in his arms

The 45-year-old opted for a grey sleeveless top, high-waisted black shorts, sheer black stockings and ankle boots.

She added a tailored white blazer, a black chained shoulder bag and oversized sunglasses to her look.

At the weekend Chris shared a cheeky selfie from the makeup chair on set, alongside his friend and Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika, 45.

Casually-clad: The Australian heartthrob showed off his bulging biceps in a long-sleeve off-white top, which he paired with jeans and boots

Low-key: He was perhaps trying to go incognito, as he also wore a beige cap and sunglasses

Getting comfy: Once inside the upscale eatery, owned by celebrity chef Matt Moran, Rita removed her suit jacket to reveal her lean arms

Time off from filming duties: Once inside the restaurant, Chris engaged in conversation with the group

Fashionable arrival: Luciana opted for a grey sleeveless top, black high-waisted shorts, sheer black stockings and ankle boots

In the photo, Chris pulled a serious expression while posing in a Thor branded cap and a long blond wig.

It comes after Chris recently reflected upon how far his career has come over the past decade.

The actor joked in the caption: 'They really squeezed the budget for the official Thor Love & Thunder poster but the message is clear, plenty of love and plenty of thunder.'

Latest project: Thor: Love and Thunder is currently scheduled for release on May 6, 2022 and Chris has been busy filming in recent weeks

Having fun: The group appeared to be having a good time as they enjoyed a fancy lunch at the upmarket restaurant

'They really squeezed the budget for the official poster': On Saturday, Chris posted a selfie wearing a long blond wig and a Marvel cap on set with director Taika Waititi

Earlier this week, he posted an throwback photo of himself and co-star Tom Hiddleston on Instagram, showing them reading their scripts for the first Thor film, which was released in 2011.

'This year marks the 10th anniversary of Thor when two unknown lads were given the keys to the kingdom,' Chris wrote in the caption.

'It's been a hell of a ride and we clearly haven't aged a day,' he joked, making sure to tag Tom's account.

Thor: Love and Thunder is currently scheduled for release on May 6, 2022.
Reynold Poernomo has shuttered his Koi dessert bar in Chippendale.

The MasterChef star, 27, made the announcement via an Instagram post on Thursday night.

'We're closing our doors to our flagship Chippendale venue,' wrote the chef via the establishment's official profile, while promising 'this is not goodbye'.

'Not goodbye': Reynold Poernomo has shuttered his Koi dessert bar in Chippendale. [L-R] Reynold, Arnold and Ronald

Reynold's post on his personal account read, 'We started this journey in our 20s, young and ambitious over 5 years ago.'

'A lot of memories were made, tears were shed and lessons learnt.'

'Most of all seeing YOU all of you beautiful people supporting our business, our story and our passion for beautiful desserts. You made this all posssible [sic].'

'Thank you. Were not gone forever. Follow @koidb for all the updates. See you all again soon,' concluded the celebrity chef.

Back soon? 'We're closing our doors to our flagship Chippendale venue,' wrote the chef via the establishment's official profile

KOI, which stands for 'Kids of Ike', was operated by brothers Ronald, Arnold and Reynold Poernomo.

Reynold recently revealed that KOI was also looking to expand into Australia's culture capital, Melbourne, soon.

The restaurant's website seemed to hint at this change of direction in a statement saying that the brothers had decided to 'finally turn a page and build our new dream venue.'

The site's Q&A section predicted the new venue would be open 'late August/early September'.

A new city: Reynold recently revealed that KOI was also looking to expand into Australia's culture capital, Melbourne, soon

The change of venue comes after Poernomo revealed he was suffering from creative burnout after he starred on the series.

The dessert king revealed to Newscorp the intensity of the competition drained his creative juices following the intense season.

'Since MasterChef last year I've been pretty burnt out creatively,' he told the publication.

Burnt out: The MasterChef star has revealed he was 'burnt out creatively' after the last season of the series while speaking to Newscorp on Wednesday

'You were literally chucked in there to create new dishes every time you came in to the kitchen, so that was kind of draining.'

Reynold was without a doubt the breakout star on the MasterChef: Back to Win, in which he finished third.

However, he was hit by scandal in May last year.

Hard work: 'You were literally chucked in there to create new dishes every time you came in to the kitchen, so that was kind of draining,' he said of the show

Dig in: Reynold was without a doubt the breakout star on the MasterChef: Back to Win. However, he was hit by scandal in May last year

It was revealed that Reynold - using the profile name 'reyreyy' - had posted a shocking comment in a bodybuilding.com thread from 2014.

The comments were made on a thread titled 'First gay couple featured on the Disney Channel. Do you agree with them?'

The then 20-year-old wrote: 'I wish the world made a united decision where they will capture all gay people and put them on a remote island full of gays, that way straight [people] will be happy and the freaks can go on and f**k themselves.'

Shocking: In May, it was revealed that Reynold shared a comment in a bodybuilding.com thread from 2014 titled 'First gay couple featured on the Disney Channel. Do you agree with them?' He said called gay people 'freaks' and said they should all be put on a 'remote island'

That comment was followed by another on a thread titled: 'Is homosexuality a mental illness?'

'Yes end of thread,' Reynold responded.

Reynold apologised for the comments. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, he said he was 'deeply ashamed' of his remarks at the time.

Apology: Reynold apologised for the comments. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, he said he was 'deeply ashamed' of his remarks

'I would like to offer my sincere and deepest apologies for the comments that I made in 2014. I am ashamed of these comments and I regret them immensely,' he said.

'At the time these comments were made, I was a very immature, close-minded and insular 20-year-old. I have grown and matured a lot in the last six years. I am not the person I was back then.

'I have many friends and colleagues that are part of the LGBTIQ+ community. I wholeheartedly support them and care deeply for them. I am truly sorry and apologise for any offence or hurt I caused.'
Kate Garraway revealed on Thursday's Good Morning Britain that an eye infection forced her to 'bail' on co-star Ranvir Singh and transfer money to the wrong account.

The two presenters, aged 54 and 43, teased that they were due to take part in a little 'special project' earlier this week which will be explained later in the year.

Talking at the start of the ITV chatshow, Kate admitted that she was forced to 'bail' on Ranvir due to her eye infection after it left her unable to 'see anything'.

Oops! Kate Garraway revealed on Thursday's Good Morning Britain that an eye infection forced her to 'bail' on co-star Ranvir Singh and transfer money to the wrong account

The presenter said: 'I did bail because I couldn't see. I know it's always one of my excuses, I can barely read the autocue at the best of times, but I had an eye infection Friday.

'Do you remember it was watering a bit when I was on the show, and then it spread to the other eye. So I couldn't put my contacts in, I couldn't see anything!'

Kate added that things got worse as she started sending random texts to people and even transferred money to the wrong account, leaving Ranvir in hysterics.

Funny: The two presenters, aged 54 and 43, teased that they were due to take part in a little 'special project' earlier this week which will be explained later in the year

'Bail': Talking at the start of the ITV chatshow, Kate admitted that she was forced to 'bail' on Ranvir due to her eye infection after it left her unable to 'see anything'

The ITV star continued: 'I actually was sending random texts to people with the wrong thing, really confusing me. I transferred money into the wrong account and had to ask for it back.

'It was mortifying! And then I had an ear infection. Nothing serious, just frustrating and annoying!'

To which Ranvir quipped: 'The thing is, you've had a quiet year' as she pointed out Kate's turbulent past few months, which saw her husband Derek Draper battle coronavirus and return to the family home after a year in hospital.

It comes after Kate's new emotional memoir about her husband Derek's, 53, battle with Covid jumped to the top of the book charts in its first week of sales.

Oh no! Kate added that things got worse as she started sending random texts to people and even transferred money to the wrong account, leaving Ranvir in hysterics

Difficult time: To which Ranvir quipped: 'The thing is, you've had a quiet year' as she pointed out Kate's turbulent past few months, which saw her husband Derek Draper battle coronavirus and return to the family home after a year in hospital (Kate and Derek pictured in 2019)

Chic: Kate looked effortlessly chic in a patterned blouse and a white pencil skirt with silver heels

The Good Morning Britain presenter's book The Power Of Hope tells in raw detail about Derek's ordeal was released on Thursday 29 April.

Kate's new memoir also pays tribute to 'the brilliant team of doctors and specialists' who have looked after Derek and how what they have learnt has helped the treatment of others.

As well as topping the UK Official Top 50 book chart, it has also leapt straight into Amazon's Most Sold: Non-Fiction chart - knocking Maggie OFarrells Hamnet off the top spot and leapfrogging Charlie Mackesys The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.

In the emotional memoir, Kate describes how the toughest experience of her life began in March last year when Derek was taken to hospital with very low oxygen levels.

Stepping out: Later on Thursday, Kate was seen arriving for her Smooth Radio shift outside the Global studios in London

Stylish: The presenter looked stylish in a pair of blue skinny jeans and a striped jumper

Keeping warm: Kate kept warm in a blue coat with gold buttons and opted for comfy silver trainers

His condition worsened and he became one of the most stricken patients, remaining in intensive care for a year.

Despite returning home recently, Derek remains seriously ill and doctors say he was the most seriously sick patient to have survived the virus.

As well as recounting how the illness took hold of their lives, she writes about how she is coping with the uncertainty of their future and how she is supporting their two children - Darcey, 15, and Billy, 11 - through this traumatic time.

Discussing her path to releasing the book, Kate previously attributed her notes to Piers Morgan saying: 'It was actually Piers Morgan who very early on said "you've got to write this down..."

'And I didn't, really, because there didn't seem time to write things down. But he said to just write words that you'll remember because he said you won't remember some of these things.'
RTHK: Japan must 'radically' speed defence build-up

Tokyo must boost its military at a "radically different pace" than in the past to counter Beijing's growing capacity, Japan's defence minister said in an interview published on Thursday.

Nobuo Kishi warned the gap between Japan and China's military was "growing by the year," in an interview with the Nikkei newspaper.

"We must increase our defence capabilities at a radically different pace than in the past," he said, citing China's military spending as well as new areas of warfare including space, cyber and electromagnetics.

Japan's defence spending has tended to hover at around one percent of GDP, but Kishi said that spending would be guided by needs rather than caps.

"The security environment surrounding Japan is changing rapidly with heightened uncertainty," the Nikkei quoted him as saying.

"We will properly allocate the funding we need to protect our nation."

Japan's post-war constitution limits the scope of its military to defensive power, and efforts to boost capacity have sometimes been controversial domestically.

Kishi's comments come with Japan increasingly concerned about the regional security environment and particularly China's growing assertiveness.

The military balance between Japan and China has "leaned heavily toward China in recent years, and the gap has been growing by the year," he told the paper.

Kishi also said Japan considers issues related to Taiwan "as our own problem", as China increases pressure on the self-ruled island territory, which Beijing sees as a rebel province.

Japan has been more vocal in recent months about Chinese moves in regional waters, and particularly the presence of coastguard ships around disputed islands in the East China Sea.

In talks last month, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden discussed concerns over Beijing's maritime moves, as well as clampdowns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and growing tension over Taiwan.

The United States has long pressed Japan and its allies to increase their military capacity. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
"Chinese debt trap" rhetoric an attempt to mislead world through kindergarten mathematics

Xinhua) 08:46, May 20, 2021

-- Disregarding the true figures that reflect the benefits brought by China-Africa cooperation, Blinken's debt trap rhetoric is brimming with logical fallacy and naive calculation.

-- The Debt Management Office (DMO) of Nigeria has ruled out any form of concerns over Nigeria's indebtedness to China, deeming Chinese loans not only project-tied but also concessional.

-- With China's help, over 6,000 km of railways, 6,000 km of roads, nearly 20 ports and over 80 large power plants have been built in Africa. China's direct investment in Africa in 2019 had grown by 100-fold compared with 20 years ago, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

NAIROBI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent virtual travel to Africa has turned out to be a fresh political maneuver to smear China and undermine burgeoning China-Africa cooperation.

Using the same ploy inherited from his predecessors, Blinken has touted the old cliche of "Chinese debt trap," attempting to mislead the world through kindergarten mathematics, which has been refuted by African officials and scholars.

KINDERGARTEN MATHEMATICS

"If someone is coming along and saying I'm going to invest a lot of money in your country, but it's a loan, so, that means you have a debt and you're going to have to pay it back someday and if that is too great and you can't pay it back, then I'm going to own the asset in question," Blinken told the Alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative in a virtual discussion in late April, hinting at China's loans and investment across the continent.

Disregarding the true figures that reflect the benefits brought by China-Africa cooperation, Blinken's debt trap rhetoric is brimming with logical fallacy and naive calculation.

"If we break down African countries' foreign debt, multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors hold more than three-quarters of the total, and so bear a greater responsibility for debt relief," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a regular press conference in late February.

File photo taken on May 10, 2018 shows the aerial view of the Chinese-built Maputo Bridge in Maputo, Mozambique. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

"Not a single African country had debt difficulties due to its cooperation with China," Wang said.

"When African countries have economic problems, China is always ready to find proper solutions through friendly consultation. We never press countries having difficulties on debt repayment, not to mention asking them to sign any imparity clauses," he said.

"In the meantime, China attaches high importance to debt suspension and alleviation in Africa ... We have signed debt relief agreements or reached debt relief consensus with 16 African countries," Wang said.

"The Chinese 'debt trap' is a false allegation, but it is true that some people are sowing discord between China and Africa with ill intentions. Anyone with an objective mind will come to a fair conclusion on that," he added.

Blinken's unfounded accusation against China has drawn criticism from African experts.

"One thing that is very particular about Chinese loans is sustainability. This whole thing about taking over assets just doesn't make sense," said Charles Onanaiju, director of Nigeria's Center for China Studies, describing Chinese loans as neither toxic nor threatening.

"The issue of the 'Chinese debt trap' cannot arise here because we have not seen it," said Zambian economist Kelvin Chisanga.

MYTHICAL DEBT TRAP

"Let me correct the impression that the debts are only owed to China. We have debts to a number of bilateral and multilateral partners and we treat them equally," Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury Ukur Yatani told media.

Some 30 percent of Kenya's external debt comes from commercial banks, 30 percent from bilateral lenders and the remaining 40 percent from multilateral financiers, said Beatrice Matiri-Maisori, a senior economics lecturer at the Riara University of Kenya.

"We have quite an array of financial lenders in the country. So, I wouldn't say in any way that China is actually getting Kenya or any other African country into a debt trap," Matiri-Maisori told Xinhua.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) of Nigeria has ruled out any form of concerns over Nigeria's indebtedness to China, deeming Chinese loans not only project-tied but also concessional.

Photo taken on April 24, 2021 shows the Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yan)

"Those are all concessional loans. No reason to be worried about them. They are all project-tied, which Nigerians should be happy about," DMO Director-General Patience Oniha told the local ARISE NEWS Channel.

A recent research from a China-Africa workshop in Johns Hopkins University found that Chinese banks are willing to restructure the terms of existing loans and have never actually seized an asset from any country.

The researchers have documented 16 cases of debt restructuring worth 7.5 billion U.S. dollars in 10 African countries between 2000 and 2019, and found that China wrote off the accumulated arrears of at least 94 interest-free loans amounting to over 3.4 billion dollars.

China has played a significant role in helping African countries manage their debts, according to the research.

TANGIBLE FRUITS FOR AFRICA

Flagship projects constructed with China's support have promoted Africa's prosperity and development by creating numerous jobs for local people and guaranteeing their access to basic services such as water, electricity, transport and skill learning.

"The financing provided by China is mainly used for development projects such as transportation infrastructure, power transmission lines and river dams, which are in line with Kenya's national development agenda, and aimed at promoting its national economic development and improving the people's livelihood," said Cavince Adhere, an international relations expert in Kenya.

With China's help, over 6,000 km of railways, 6,000 km of roads, nearly 20 ports and over 80 large power plants have been built in Africa. China's direct investment in Africa in 2019 had grown by 100-fold compared with 20 years ago, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

File photo taken Oct. 3, 2016 shows a train running on the Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway during an operational test near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

As the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the worst economic crisis worldwide in decades, Chinese projects and investment have been helping African countries weather the storm.

As the pandemic restricts people's movements, the Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Kenya's port city Mombasa to the capital Nairobi continues to support the flow of goods critical to the economy.

Data from Kenya's statistical authority KNBS showed that cargo moved via the SGR amounted to 4.42 million tons in 2020, up from 4.16 million tons in 2019 despite the pandemic.

In neighboring Ethiopia, Dejen Gezu is among 34 new graduate drivers who are excited about their new careers on the Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway. After a Chinese-sponsored railway technology training program that lasted for more than two years, Gezu and his fellows are ready to embark on the promising journey.

During a graduation ceremony held on May 4, Ethiopia's Transport Minister Dagmawit Moges said the young graduates will be able to serve the country with the knowledge and skills they have learned from the Chinese, voicing hope that Ethiopia will eventually have locals fully manage and operate the country's railway system.

There is still broad scope for China-Africa cooperation to grow.

"For the first time in the history of Africa, we have a partner that is both willing and able. What is needed is to meet the Chinese in the middle so that both of us can walk the long walk," said Onanaiju.

"China itself has been a great recipient of international financial flow, which it has used very efficiently and effectively in modernizing its economy. We can engage (with) their experience to develop our own framework for sustainable modernization," Onanaiju added.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
As of May 8, Hartford has seen 49 shooting incidents, an 11.4% increase from this time last year. And since Saturday, at least 12 more victims can be added to that number.
Hayley Tamaddon rushed her son Jasper to hospital on Wednesday, days after revealing she was taking a social media break as her little lad 'was really poorly'.

Taking to Instagram, Hayley, 44, shared a photo of Jasper sleeping, telling fans: 'Ended up in hospital again today with a very poorly boy. He got better only to get worse again.'

On Saturday, the former Emmerdale actress posted a black-and-white photo of herself carrying Jasper on her back, explaining she had been absent from social media as 'Jasper was really poorly'.

Poorly boy: Hayley Tamaddon, 44, rushed her son Jasper to hospital on Wednesday, days after revealing she was taking a social media break as her little lad 'was really poorly'

Little lad: Taking to Instagram, Hayley shared a photo of Jasper sleeping, telling fans: 'Ended up in hospital again today with a very poorly boy. He got better only to get worse again'

As she shared the news on Wednesday, Hayley also thanked NHS staff, adding: 'Thank you to the amazing staff at Salford Royal NHS. We are so lucky to have the NHS.'

The soap star did not specify what was wrong with her son.

However, days earlier she explained Jasper was on antibiotics and was not eating.

'[He] didn't want the boob,' she wrote, continuing: 'Since he's got better he just wants to bite it! And my poor nips just can't take it anymore. I swear he's so close to ripping one off!'

Rough couple of weeks: Days earlier she explained Jasper was on antibiotics and was not eating.

Hayley's full message, penned over the weekend, read: 'Hi! Hope everyone's ok. I've taken a break from social media for a while for a few personal reasons.. one of those being that jasper was really poorly.

'He's on the mend now thank god but for 2 weeks he's not been well at all, bless him, and We ended up in hospital one night. He's on antibiotics now and is much better.

'During that time he wouldn't eat anything, and didn't want the boob.. since he's got better he just wants to bite it! And my poor nips just can't take it anymore. I swear he's so close to ripping one off!

'So.. I feel like it's time for the end of our breastfeeding journey. Considering I was only going to do if for the first 6 weeks.

'I'm so proud of myself for managing 18 months. It's been a beautiful journey, and I'm really sad, but it's time to smother my nips in coconut butter and let them heal.

'Can I ask if anyone's had to stop suddenly.. and how does it feel? Coz I'm dreading the pain!'

Hayley gave birth to Jasper in October 2019.

She announced the birth of her son with fiance Adrian on Twitter, writing: 'He's here. He's incredible. And we are besotted.'

The ex Dancing On ice champion also shared a beautiful black and white snap of her newborn's tiny hand clutching hers, as she enjoyed some skin-to-skin time with her son.

New mum: Hayley gave birth to Jasper in October 2019. She announced the birth of her son with fiance Adrian on Twitter, writing: He's here. He's incredible. And we are besotted'
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Bridgerton showrunners have reportedly been stopped from building a set at Sunninghill Park for the Netflix hit's third and fourth seasons after locals objected to the plans.

According to reports on Wednesday, producers were hoping to use land at Prince Andrew's former Berkshire home to stand in for Georgian London, and had already made plans for how the set would be built.

It was claimed production firm Shondaland wanted to build two fictional mansions on the five-acre estate, and they were hoping to also make a shopping arcade, tea house and back alley.

Rejection: Bridgerton showrunners 'have to find a new location for seasons three and four after locals stopped them from building set at Sunninghill Park', it was reported on Wednesday (pictured: Phoebe Dynevor and Rege-Jean Page)

Plans According to reports, producers were hoping to use land at Prince Andrew's former Berkshire home to stand in for Georgian London in the Netflix show (pictured in 1990)

Reports also claimed the set was going to be used for five years to film society scenes for the hugely-popular show, but after complaints from locals producers were forced back to the drawing board.

Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed: 'This is a headache for the producers because finding the perfect spot to film isn't always easy and they had drawn up extensive plans to build on the site.

'The idea was to create sets for grand houses and halls that feature in Bridgerton, which takes place in early-1800s London.

'Fortunately, with series two now well under way, this would have been a location for series three and four, so they still have some breathing space.'

Plans: It was claimed production firm Shondaland wanted to build two mansions, as well as a shopping arcade, tea house and back alley (pictured: Jonathan Bailey and Rege-Jean)

Unfortunate: A source claimed: 'Finding the perfect spot to film isn't always easy and they had drawn up extensive plans to build on the site' (the estate pictured in 1996)

MailOnline has contacted Netflix spokespeople for further comment.

The 15million mansion had been handed to Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson by the Queen as a wedding gift.

The Queen had the original house built for them as a present for their 1986 wedding and it was nicknamed SouthYork because it resembled Southfork, the ranch-house in TVs Dallas, when it was completed in 1990.

Prince Andrew moved out of the 12-bedroom property after their 1996 divorce but Fergie, Beatrice and Eugenie stayed at the house close to Windsor Castle for another decade.

Home: The 15million mansion had been handed to Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson by the Queen as a wedding gift (pictured with daughters Beatrice and Eugenie on his 43rd birthday)

House: The Queen had the original house built for them as a present for their 1986 wedding and it was nicknamed SouthYork because it resembled Southfork, the ranch-house in TVs Dallas, when it was completed in 1990 (pictured)

Kazakh businessman Timur Kulibayev then paid Andrew 3million over his 12million asking price in 2007 despite the grand home being on the market for five years.

Mr Kulibayev, a billionaire oil magnate and the son-in-law of the Kazakh President, left Sunninghill Park untouched and decrepit until 2015 when he demolished it.

In 2018 it was reported the businessman had started to create his own 'manor house' over a third larger than the original, and in August last year The Mail On Sunday claimed the property was near completion.

Property: Prince Andrew (pictured in 2012) moved out of the 12-bedroom property after their 1996 divorce but Fergie, Beatrice and Eugenie stayed for another decade, it was sold in 2007

Sold! Kazakh businessman Timur Kulibayev paid Andrew 3million over his 12million asking price in 2007 despite the grand home being on the market for five years, and demolished it in 2015 (right)

Bridgerton has been renewed for a second, third and fourth season with Netflix, and the next season is based on Julia Quinn's second Bridgerton novel The Viscount Who Loved Me.

The book sees Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) go on the hunt for a suitable bride when he meets Kate and Edwina Sheffield, renamed Sharma for the show.

While he tries to pursue Edwina he finds himself becoming attracted to Kate instead, despite the fact they are often at odds with each other.

Simone Ashley was announced to be playing Kate, and her character's surname has been altered to reflect Simone's South-Asian background.

The show has been praised for mixing up tired casting, and featuring BAME cast members in prominent societal roles such as Rege-Jean as the Duke of Hastings, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury.

Fans were left shocked recently when breakout star Page, 31, revealed he wouldn't be reprising his role as the Duke of Hastings in the groundbreaking period drama.

Exciting: Bridgerton has been renewed for a second, third and fourth season with Netflix, and the next season tells the story of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan, pictured)
Earlier in the day he was spotted strolling Bondi Beach with his wife, Sibi Blazic, and their two children, Emmaline and Joseph.

But by Wednesday evening, Christian Bale and his family retired to their upmarket digs at a Sydney CBD hotel.

The Oscar winning actor kept things casual in navy pants and a matching jumper, which he teamed with black sneakers.

Exhausted: Christian Bale and his family retired to their upmarket digs at a Sydney CBD hotel on Wednesday night

Sibi was spotted carrying a bunch of cables and a jacket for the family's stay.

Gone were Bale's usual brunette tresses, shorn off for his role as the villainous Gorr the God Butcher in the forthcoming Thor sequel.

The Batman star quietly touched down in Australia in October ahead of filming the upcoming Marvel sequel Thor: Love and Thunder.

The fourth film in the Thor franchise has been shooting at a number of locations around Sydney, including Centennial Park.

Low-key look: The Oscar winning actor kept things casual in navy pants and a matching jumper, which he teamed with black sneakers

Christian will play the villain in the Taika Waititi-directed movie, which is scheduled for release on February 11, 2022.

Tessa Thompson, who plays Valkyrie in Thor: Love and Thunder, said last year Christian had been cast as a particularly malevolent character.

She told ET in October: 'Christian Bale is going to play our villain, which is going to be fantastic.

Different look: Gone were Bale's usual brunette tresses, shorn off for his role as the villainous Gorr the God Butcher in the forthcoming Thor sequel

'I've read the script. I can't tell you much. Lots of exciting text messages exchanged between Natalie [Portman] and I.'

Tessa added of working with Taika Waititi, who previously directed Thor: Ragnarok: 'We're going to have fun.

'Taika is writing [and] directing. Some familiar faces. 'Some new people coming into the mix.'
James Corden's production company is behind Friends: The Reunion, it has been revealed, as irate fans continue to question his involvement in the TV special.

The British TV personality was unveiled as the presenter of the highly anticipated TV special this week, and will be seen holding court as Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc get back together onscreen.

And it has now been revealed that the HBO one-off has been directed and executive produced by Ben Winston, who also serves as co-executive producer of The Late Late Show With James Corden.

Privileged: James Corden has revealed he feels 'privileged' to have hosted the retrospective Friends: The Reunion, which is set to hit screens next week

Winston produced the show through Fulwell 73, which Corden, 42, joined in 2017, making him the fifth full-time partner of the TV, film and music production firm.

Headquartered in London, where it was founded, the company boasts a sizeable outpost in Los Angeles, where Corden currently resides.

The revelation comes as Corden revealed he feels 'privileged' to host the retrospective, which is set to hit screens next week.

However, his involvement in the one-off project has ignited fury among a number of dedicated fans of the classic sitcom, who questioned why he was selected.

Back together: He will be seen holding court as Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer get back together onscreen

Appearing on This Morning on Thursday as he promoted his movie Peter Rabbit 2, Corden told Alison Hammond: 'I cant tell you much, Im afraid

'Its peppered with lots of different people popping in and out, but really it's a celebration of the unbelievable chemistry between that cast.

'Its a big nostalgic look back at this group of characters that mean so much to so many people but I cant tell you much more than that, only that I was privileged to be asked to be part of it, you know.'

As seen in the teaser, Corden has landed the plum role of talking to the series' legendary stars as they reunite.

Interview: The British TV presenter was interviewed by Alison Hammond for ITV's This Morning

Rabbiting on: During their chat, they joked about carrots, as Corden promoted Peter Rabbit 2

'The Friends reunion is not a musical. Yet James Corden's in it. Why? And when will this man be stopped?' one fan tweeted.

Another said: 'How did James Corden worm his way into the Friends reunion, does America know that he doesn't have to be in everything?'

Other fans of the show questioned why stars of the show like Paul Rudd or Maggie Wheeler (who played Janice) could not have been put on hosting shows, as they have strong links to the classic series.

In 2014, late night host Jimmy Kimmel put together a mini Friends reunion with Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox, and others suggested he would have been a better fit.

Wrong choice? Friends fans react in fury as Corden is revealed to be host of the reunion special... and question what the British star has to do with the iconic show (pictured in 2018)

Outcry: Fans of Friends were less than impressed when the celebrity host was revealed to be James Corden

'It should have been Paul Rudd and Christina Applegate on the guest starring Friends reunion but we got Bieber & James Corden,' another said.

Last week it was revealed that Friends: The Reunion would include a slew of special guest stars including Justin Bieber, BTS, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga and returning cast members.

Many fans had already reacted negatively to those stars, once again questioning what they have to do with the show - and appeared to be pining from other guests stars who would have been better choices.

Corden, who reached superstardom with his BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, went on to crack the US when he landed a role hosting The Late Late Show, and is loved by A-List stars.

Getting stuck in: Corden is seen hosting the all-important reunion interview with stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc

Could they BE anymore disappointed? Fans were quick to crank out the memes on Twitter in reaction to the news

The Friends: The Reunion official trailer showed the unbreakable bond between the cast as they reminisced on the iconic show ahead of HBO Max special, when it was released on Wednesday.

The opening scene was certainly familiar as Jennifer Aniston joined Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc on their old couch for an updated trivia game with David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry.

Recreating a memorable moment from the show, David's character, Ross Geller, stood at the trivia board.

'Rachel wrote Ross a letter and demanded he read it before they got back together. How many pages was that letter?' he asked the group.

Mean tweets: Sadly it was not a good day for Corden on Twitter

Why the random stars? It's not just Corden, the reunion show also features Justin Bieber

Matt, who played Joey Tribbiani, screamed '18 pages' only for Aniston to correct him: 'front and back!'

Courteney screamed back, 'Wait, wait do it one more time!' Lisa Kudrow was overwhelmed upon walking onto set at the Warner Bros. lot as Matt enthusiastically said: 'Here we go!'

Jennifer, who played Rachel Green, proved to be already emotional as she asked: 'Where's the tissue box?'

'Does Courteney still have her lines written on the table?' Matt asked as he toured the old apartment set.

'We have such a bond from this show,' Lisa explained while sitting on the iconic orange couch from the show's intro.

Like the old days: And the Friends: The Reunion official trailer showed the unbreakable bond between the cast as they reminisced on the iconic show ahead of HBO Max special

Memories: The opening scene was certainly familiar as Jennifer Aniston joined Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc on their old couch for an updated trivia game with David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry

'Were Ross and Rachel on a break?' host James Corden asked the group, to which Jennifer and Courteney yelled 'yes!'

Matt picked up his cup of coffee and muttered 'bulls***' under his breath while David laughed and pointed.

Lisa admitted the first table read was the 'first time I laid eyes on any of you' while Schwimmer noted everyone was 'so perfectly cast.'

'I remember I went to the producer of the show that I was on and he said, "That show's not going to make you a star,'" Jennifer recalled.

'Rachel wrote Ross a letter and demanded he read it before they got back together. How many pages was that letter?' he asked the group

Matt, who played Joey Tribbiani, screamed '18 pages' only for Aniston to correct him: 'front and back!' Courteney screamed back, 'Wait, wait do it one more time!'

Make em laugh: Matt picked up his cup of coffee and muttered 'bulls***' under his breath while David laughed and pointed when asked if Ross and Rachel were actually on a break

In one of many touching moments, Jennifer leaned down to comfort Perry as he stuttered through his words and said: 'I'm going to cry now.'

Friends ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, and was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, who executive produced the series with Kevin Bright through Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

The Friends reunion will air on May 27 via HBO and HBO Max in the States. It has not yet been revealed how to watch the special in the UK.

Sky is reportedly the frontrunner to pick up broadcasting rights, and if successful it should air on the network the following evening (May 28).
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Harry Styles offered a glimpse of his shirtless physique as he battled the freezing temperatures to film his latest scenes for the drama My Policeman in Brighton on Thursday.

The former One Direction star, 27, who plays a closeted gay man married to a woman due to societal expectations in the 1950s, covered up his collection of tattoos with makeup as he plunged into the chilly water for a 15-minute swim.

Despite the chilly climes, Harry appeared to be in high spirits as he was helped in and out of the water by crew members, ready to resume work on the film on the English coast.

A bit cold? Harry Styles offered a glimpse of his shirtless physique as he battled the freezing temperatures to film his latest scenes for the drama My Policeman in Brighton on Thursday

Harry displayed his toned physique by going shirtless as he was taken into the sea by a speed boat to film the scenes, before jumping into the chilly water.

The Watermelon Sugar hitmaker needed the help of crew members to stay afloat in the freezing water, having hidden his collection of body inkings under heavy makeup.

However it seemed Harry's attempts to complete cover his inkings didn't wholly work out, as the makeup could be seen running down his front as he walked out of the sea with the help of the crew.

Feeling the chill? The former One Direction star covered up his collection of 60 tattoos with makeup as he plunged into the chilly water for a 15-minute swim (pictured right with his tattoos in 2013)

Latest role: Harry displayed his toned physique by going shirtless as he was taken into the sea by a speed boat to film the scenes, before jumping into the chilly water

Jumping in! The star slowly submerged himself in the water with the help of the Marine Department as he filmed more pensive scenes for his upcoming film

Struggling? After the cold swim it appeared that Harry required the help of crew members as he slowly walked back out of the sea onto the English coast

Heartthrob: Harry has been hard at work filming his scenes for My Policeman, which sees him play a younger incarnation of a closeted gay man attempting to hide his sexuality in the 1950s

Harry was then seen wrapping up in plenty of coats of towels as he attempted to warm up and dry off following the cold scenes.

Also spotted on the set was Linus Roache, who plays an older incarnation of Harry's character Tom in the film.

It appears the two stars were recreating the same moment in the water, as the Homeland star was also seen emerging from the water wrapped in a heavy coat.

Eye-catching: The BRIT Award winner donned blue swimming shorts as he attempted to step into the sea to film the swimming scenes on the windy coastline

Slowly and surely: Harry was brought into the water by crew members on a speed boat as he prepared to film his latest part for the drama film

Still happy? Despite the chilly climes, Harry appeared to be in high spirits as he was helped in and out of the water by crew members, ready to resume work on the film on the English coast

Standing out: Also spotted on the set was Linus Roache, who plays an older incarnation of Harry's character Tom in the film

Jump in! Ever the daredevil, Linus fearlessly launched himself into the water for the scenes, while Harry slowly pushed himself into the chilly tide

Must be a bit chilly? The Homeland star was helped to stay afloat during filming for the 15-minute swimming scenes

Must be freezing! Both Linus (centre) and Harry (left and right) were wrapped in huge heavy coats and towels after coming out of the water following the scenes, with both actors appearing to film similar moments as they played the same character

Despite the cold weather, Linus also seemed to be in good spirits as he got to work on his latest scenes for the upcoming film.

My Policeman is set in Brighton in the 1950s, and based on Bethan Roberts' novel, and it focuses on police officer Tom, who is gay, but married to Marion (played by The Crown's Emma Corrin) due to societal expectations.

The film follows him as he goes on to have a decades-long affair with museum curator Patrick Hazlewood (played by David Dawson)

Coming soon: My Policeman is set in Brighton in the 1950s, and based on Bethan Roberts' novel, and it focuses on police officer Tom, who is gay, but married to Marion (played by The Crown's Emma Corrin) due to societal expectations

Lengthy: The film follows him as he goes on to have a decades-long affair with museum curator Patrick Hazlewood (played by David Dawson and later Rupert Everett)

In the works: Production on the film kicked off in Brighton last month, and it is currently unclear when the film will be released

Racy: Harry will reportedly film sex scenes with co-star David, who plays his on-screen lover, in the upcoming romantic drama

Production on the film kicked off in Brighton last month, and it is currently unclear when the film will be released.

Harry will reportedly film sex scenes with co-star David, who plays his on-screen lover, in the upcoming romantic drama.

An insider said: 'Harry will be having sex on screen and they want it to look as real as possible. The plan is to shoot two romps between Harry and David, then another scene where Harry is naked on his own.'

The 2012 novel explores the sexual mores of the 1950s and the criminalisation of homosexuality, which wasn't legalised until 1967.

Rumours: An insider said: 'Harry will be having sex on screen and they want it to look as real as possible. The plan is to shoot two romps between Harry and David, then another scene where Harry is naked on his own.'

Impact: The 2012 novel explores the sexual mores of the 1950s and the criminalisation of homosexuality, which wasn't legalised until 1967

In production: The Amazon Studios production is being directed by Michael Grandage, and has been shooting since April 12 on locations in London and the South-East coast, while the more intimate moments will be filmed at one of the big film studios

The Amazon Studios production is being directed by Michael Grandage, and has been shooting since April 12 on locations in London and the South-East coast, while the more intimate moments will be filmed at one of the big film studios.

The film will be adapted by Oscar-nominee Ron Nyswaner, and Amazon will be working with Berlanti Schechter Productions.

It comes after Harry made his cinematic debut in the 2017 film Dunkirk, and he is also set to star in the psychological film Don't Worry Darling opposite Florence Pugh.

So much water! The film will be adapted by Oscar-nominee Ron Nyswaner, and Amazon will be working with Berlanti Schechter Productions
She's onto a new romance after ending her engagement just weeks ago.

But Jennifer Lopez seemed to be holding on to a bit of the past as she flashed her massive diamond ring from Alex Rodriguez in a new ad for her JLo Beauty brand.

The 51-year-old actress rekindled her relationship with Ben Affleck recently but sources told US Weekly that the new couple doesn't want to 'jinx anything by attaching labels.'

Bling: Jennifer Lopez seemed to be holding on to a bit of the past as she flashed her massive diamond ring from Alex Rodriguez in a new ad for her JLo Beauty brand

'Your beauty has no expiration date,' she said in the new clip. 'You don't have to let go of feeling and looking beautiful because of how old you are.'

Jennifer looked polished wearing a cashmere sweater with her hair tied back to show off her flawless complexion.

She used her hands to emphasize her words and flashed the $1.8million 15-carat emerald-cut diamond given to her when ARod proposed in 2019.

'Your beauty has no expiration date,' she said in the new clip. 'You don't have to let go of feeling and looking beautiful because of how old you are'

'Your beauty has no expiration date,' she said in the new clip. 'You don't have to let go of feeling and looking beautiful because of how old you are'

Despite flashing the bauble, Lopez has moved on and back into the arms of a former flame after she whisked away to Montana with ex Ben Affleck.

'Right now they're going with the flow and making plans to meet up as often as possible, but there's still some discussing to do before they officially go public,' the insider shared.

'It was Ben's idea to go to Montana, a place he absolutely loves, and they had a wonderful time there just snuggling up and being together without any pressure.'

Done: Jennifer and Alex confirmed the end of their relationship last month after dating for four years and being engaged for two years; seen in 2019

'Right now they're going with the flow and making plans to meet up as often as possible, but there's still some discussing to do before they officially go public,' the insider shared; seen in 2003

Eyewitnesses told the publication that the pair 'looked very happy together' at one of Ben's favorite mountaintop escapes.

Ben and Jen first started dating in 2002 after meeting on set of Gigli. They soon became engaged and were set to wed in September 2003, but postponed their wedding and eventually broke up in January 2004.

'It's very clear they've fallen for each other again in a very intense way, but they don't want to jinx anything by attaching labels or putting themselves under too much pressure,' the source added.

'When the time is right and assuming things continue to evolve romantically between them, likely a month or two, they'll probably go Instagram official or step out hand in hand at a restaurant somewhere.
Chrishell Stause flashed a big grin and a lot of leg while enjoying a night out at the Highlight Room in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Selling Sunset star was in a camo dress that was very short, adding high sling-back heels and a matching purse.

This comes after the 39-year-old said she was 'unbothered' by news her ex-husband Justin Hartley, 44, had 'recently' tied the knot with Sofia Pernas, 31, after he finalized his divorce from Chrishell in February.

Stepping out: Chrishell Stause, 39, flashes a big grin and a lot of leg as she steps out in Los Angeles after saying she's 'unbothered,' by ex Justin Hartley's surprise marriage to Sofia Pernas

The Kentucky born beauty stepped out in a camouflage mini dress as she filmed season four of the hit Netflix show with castmates at the Highlight Room.

And the always put together reality star accessorized with a black statement belt that drew attention to her small waistline.

Chrishelle toted along a black purse and a face mask as she exited the Hollywood-based venue with her caramel locks styled in a fresh blow out.

She looked camera ready with a face of makeup and strutted her stuff with a big smile plastered across her face.

Dressed to impress: The Kentucky born beauty stepped out in a camouflage mini dress as she filmed season four of the hit Netflix show with castmates at the Highlight Room

'Unbothered': The former Dancing With The Star competitor recently issued a statement about her ex Hartley's surprise marriage to Pernas

Just days ago it was claimed by People that Hartley and Pernas had tied the knot after sparking dating rumors in June 2020.

He filed for divorce from Stause in November 2019 and the split was finalized in February  just two months after he and Pernas went Instagram official.

The pair flashed their wedding rings for the first time at the MTV Movie & TV Awards over the weekend, with Chrishell gracing the red carpet at the two night event just a day later.

After reports surfaced that Chrishell was said to be 'a little surprised,' by the nuptials, she took to Instagram to set the record straight.

Just married! The This Is Us star flashed his wedding ring with new bride Pernas on the red carpet at the MTV Movie & Tv Awards over the weekend, with a source confirming they had 'recently' tied the knot; pictured May 16

Next day: Chrishell graced the red carpet at the two night event just a day later

Not a care: After reports surfaced that Chrishell was said to be 'a little surprised,' by the nuptials, she took to Instagram to set the record straight

'If I have something to say I will say it here,' she said of her Instagram platform. 'If it's not on my page, it didn't come from me,' she added, using the hashtag '#bookedandunbothered.'

Since she and Hartley split she moved on to find love with Dancing With The Stars pro Keo Motsepe, 31, following reports she and partner Gleb Savchenko were romantically involved.

Both Gleb and Chrishell shut down rumors anything romantic had transpired between them, saying they were 'just friends,' but the chatter preceded his public split from then-wife of 14 years Elena Samodanova.

Chrishell's relationship with Motsepe was confirmed to be romantic in the fall, but the pair split at the end of February  less than three months after going public with the relationship.

Former flame: The dissolution of she and Hartley's relationship was captured on her hit Netflix show Selling Sunset where she was left blindsided when he filed for divorce; picture July 2019

A source said at the time he 'really wanted to make things with Chrishell last,' but things became difficult after he lost his mom in January.

Motsepe recently opened up about the passing of his mother in conversation with ET, adding that he's just trying to 'focus on the things that matter most,' like 'nurturing family, friendships and [himself] more.'

'Everything that happens in life ... people deal with things differently, and I deal with things differently. So I think for me personally, with everything in my life, I [turn to] music or dance, it just depends on the feeling at the moment,' he said.

Motsepe added that the loss is 'still rough,' so he's just trying to focus on himself. 'I'm just doing me, whatever that means,' he said when asked if he was ready to date again.

'I don't know what God's plan is for me. Everything, it's up to him. I just work hard and do my thing and when life presents itself, I go. When it doesn't work, great. If it works, great, awesome. So I leave it to the universe.'
He'll be front and center when Top Dog: Maverick comes out later this year.

But Miles Teller looked like he was enjoying his downtime during a romantic vacation to Maui, Hawaii with wife Keleigh Sperry Teller.

The Whiplash actor, 34, smiled while soaking in the sun in Maui with his model wife, 28 in a collection of Instagram snapshots.

Happy: Miles Teller and wife Keleigh just enjoyed a romantic vacation to Maui, Hawaii and shared snapshots of their trip online this week

The couple, who wed in Maui in 2019, looked sweet as Keleigh put her hand on his shoulder and smiled at the camera. Both got into the tropical mood, donning floral patterns.

The beauty was captured taking in the sunset later that evening in the same ruched blue and white sundress.

She snapped a photo of her love during their dinner at the upscale Merriman's in Kapalua, which serves a $95 a person prix-fixe menu.

He looked handsome while gazing off into the distance with a cocktail in the foreground and palm trees behind him.

Dinner date: Keliegh snapped a photo of her love during their dinner at the upscale Merriman's in Kapalua

Sweet: The beauty was captured taking in the sunset later that evening in the same ruched blue and white sundress

Whoops! But it appeared like the couple had a bit too much fun, as Keleigh shared another video where she drunkenly slid down a hill

But it appeared like the couple had a bit too much fun, as Keleigh shared another video where she drunkenly slid down a hill.

'After,' the simple caption read.

In another shot they enjoyed a pool day, seen lounging in the sun under a straw umbrella.

While Miles hung out to the side with his headphones on Kelly showed off her model model in a colorful swimsuit.

She also caught him in casual duds, donning a Phillies tank top and shorts in a candid shot.

Pool day: In a pool shot Keleigh showed off her fabulous figure while Miles relaxed besides her

Dude: Miles dressed down during their tropical trip

Teller is currently prepping for the release of several projects.

The performer is set to appear in the highly-anticipated action-drama feature Top Gun: Maverick, where he will star alongside Tom Cruise and Jon Hamm.

The Joseph Kosinski-directed movie will serve as a sequel to the original 1986 film, which the Mission: Impossible franchise lead also spearheaded.

Although principal photography on the upcoming feature was completed in April of 2019, its release date was pushed back multiple times for a variety of reasons.

Top Gun: Maverick is currently set to be released on November 10th.
He's known for his love of the beauty industry, and has almost certainly dabbled in Botox over the years.

And former Married At First Sight star Nasser Sultan cut a noticeably youthful figure as he attended the launch of luxe eco-brand Nontre on Thursday.

Nasser, 53, barely had a line on his face as he posed in front of the media wall alongside his pal Ivan Sarakula.

Glowing: Married At First Sight's Nasser Sultan cut a noticeably youthful figure as he attended the launch of luxe eco-brand Nontre on Thursday (left). Right: Nasser on MAFS in 2018

The Sydney-based star looked radiant and sprightly as he worked his best angles.

Nasser also had perfect eyebrows and dewy skin.

It comes after Nasser opened up about his infamous trolling of his MAFS co-stars.

Turning back the clock! Nasser barely had a line on his face as he posed in front of the media wall alongside his pal Ivan Sarakula (left)

Lively: The Sydney-based star looked radiant and sprightly as he worked his best angles

Nasser said in February he'd been 'playing the character' of a 'deluded reality star' for three years, ever since his debut on MAFS in 2018.

However, in his defence he admitted it had been difficult to return to real life after becoming obsessed with fame.

'It's not easy, it's not like switching a light off. I am obsessed with it - why am I caring about these people?' he told Not Another Reality TV Podcast.

Regrets: It comes after Nasser opened up about his infamous trolling of his MAFS co-stars

The candid remarks followed his return to the Nine reality show for the reunion special that same month.

During the TV special, he refused to apologise for making a string of hurtful comments online about his castmates.

While he did say sorry on the podcast for some of his more 'personal' insults, Nasser blamed his behaviour on a 'split personality'.

Drama: Nasser said in February he'd been 'playing the character' of a 'deluded reality star' for three years, ever since his debut on MAFS in 2018

'I wanted to continue to be noticed and recognised,' he said. 'I never wanted it to end  I wanted my name to be known by everyone across Australia.

'It all went wrong because I started to embed myself in the lives of everybody else. I am obsessed.'

He went on to say he'd played the character of a villain 'very well', but he couldn't continue to do it forever.

'There has to be a limit where [I say], "Enough now, I have to change direction,"' he said.
Victoria Beckham looked right at home behind her desk on Thursday in a playful post uploaded to Instagram.

The fashion designer, 47, kicked back at the office, her killer orange heels on display as she rested her legs on the desk.

VB wore a backless black top, teamed with a taupe skirt.

Running her empire! Victoria Beckham looked right at home behind her desk on Thursday in a playful post uploaded to Instagram

She displayed her usual flawless application of natural make-up - no doubt from her own Victoria Beckham Beauty line - and wore her chocolate tresses loosely around her shoulders.

She gave the camera one of her famous Spice Girls-esque peace signs as she reclined in the office chair.

'Hard day at the office!' she captioned the snap, tagging husband David, adding the hashtag #9to5.

In another snap she was seen taking part in a live chat with the Financial Times as part of their Luxury Summit campaign.

Summit: In another snap she was seen taking part in a live chat with the Financial Times as part of their Luxury Summit campaign

'9 To 5!' She gave the camera one of her famous Spice Girls-esque peace signs as she reclined in the office chair

In a clip shared by the publication, Victoria - who is prominent across social media - was seen explaining why she uses platforms such as Instagram.

'It gives my customer the chance to get to know me,' she told menswear critic Alexander Fury.

This follows the announcement that Victoria is offering a concierge service to prospective customers of her clothing line, which features dresses for 1,700 and jackets for 1,800.

She is stepping up customer service at her label and is giving fans the chance to try on her clothing at home with no obligation to buy.

Prospective buyers can pay 15 for a concierge service and get some of her designer wears sent straight to their house.

Chat: In a clip shared by the publication, Victoria - who is prominent across social media - was seen explaining why she uses platforms such as Instagram. 'It gives my customer the chance to get to know me,' she told menswear critic Alexander Fury

Service: Victoria is offering a concierge service to prospective customers of her clothing line

A 'Style Concierge' will also arrive to guide punters through the designs or they can wait outside while customers try on the designs at their own pace.

To make sure the service is environmentally friendly, Victoria promises that for every delivery that is booked, a tree will be planted.

The former pop starlet announced the service on her website: 'Created with ease and comfort in mind, you can now try the latest Victoria Beckham pieces at home, before you purchase.

'The service brings the in-store shopping experience to you.

Concierge: The fashion designer is stepping up customer service at her label and is giving fans the chance to try on her clothing at home with no obligation to buy

'Order multiple sizes, styles or take the opportunity to try something a little out of your comfort zone. We'll then return the pieces you don't want, and swiftly complete the payment for the pieces you do, all from the comfort of your own home.

'Simply select the pieces you want to try and they'll be delivered to via the Concierge Style team in a dedicated van. The service is carbon neutral too and for every appointment booked a tree is planted.

'On the day of your appointment, your pieces will arrive with a Style Concierge, via a dedicated van. Each piece will be steamed, hung in a garment bag and transported on a rail.

How it works: A 'Style Concierge' employee will also arrive to guide punters through the designs or they can wait outside while customers try on the designs at their own pace

Charge: Prospective buyers can pay 15 for a concierge service and get some of her designer wears sent straight to their house

'Your Style Concierge can be on-hand for advice and alterations or wait outside for you to try the pieces at your leisure.

'Pay for the pieces you'd like to purchase via card reader or a private SMS link and simply hand back any pieces you don't want to your Style Concierge, who will return them for you.'

The service is only available to Londoners where the brand's flagship store is based.
Car thieves have unwittingly stolen cars with children in them twice before this month. On May 2, a thief pulled away from a convenience store in Wolcott with two children in the back seat. One of the children, an 11-year-old boy, jumped out of the car; his 5-year-old sister was later found sleeping in the abandoned car, uninjured.
Gigi Hadid shared a heartwarming Instagram snap this Thursday of herself lovingly cradling her daughter Khai, eight months.

The 26-year-old supermodel included that picture in a long social media album she labeled her 'taurus szn photo dump.'

In her collection of images she could also be glimpsed in a blurry snap passionately kissing her beau Zayn Malik who is the father of her baby.

Baby mine: Gigi Hadid shared a heartwarming Instagram snap this Thursday of herself lovingly cradling her daughter Khai, eight months

Gigi's new snaps showed her at both work and play, including one photo of her clinking cocktails with her boyfriend.

The cover girl, whose little sister Bella has followed her into the modeling profession, also posted a picture of herself on the job.

She could be seen modeling a khaki ensemble that emphasized her enviably svelte figure as she stretched herself over a chair for the shutterbugs.

Gigi included several pictures of herself in a country setting, possibly her mother Yolanda Hadid's family farm in Pennsylvania.

So romantic: In her album she could also be glimpsed in a blurry snap passionately kissing her beau Zayn Malik who is the father of her baby

Gorgeous: The 26-year-old supermodel included that picture in a long social media album she labeled her 'taurus szn photo dump'

Some of her pictures also offered a glimpse at her 26th birthday celebrations which would have occurred late last month.

A sumptuous charcuterie display had been arranged for her alongside a huge block of cheese on a board that had a happy birthday message scrawled on it.

Gigi shares her little girl with her on-again boyfriend Zayn who shot to fame as part of the UK boy band One Direction.

They waited months after Khai was born before announcing her name and they have still not shown her face on social media.

Cheers: Gigi's new snaps showed her at both work and play, including one photo of her clinking cocktails with her boyfriend

Looking fab: The smoldering sensation, whose little sister Bella has followed her into the modeling profession, also posted a picture of herself on the job

A source dished to TMZ in January that Khai was named in honor of Gigi's paternal grandmother Khairiah who died in 2008.

She and Bella, whose father Mohamed is a Palestinian born in Nazareth, have controversially waded into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Bella was accused of antisemitism after posting cartoons denouncing Israel, which she has since deleted from her Instagram.

The post, which Gigi liked, argued that Israel was 'not a country' and accused the Jewish State of 'ethnic cleansing, military occupation and apartheid.'

Terrific: Some of her pictures also offered a glimpse at her 26th birthday celebrations which would have occurred late last month

Making it happen: A sumptuous charcuterie display had been arranged for her alongside a huge block of cheese on a board that had a happy birthday message scrawled on it

Bella preempted allegations of bigotry by posting a clip of Bernie Sanders arguing: 'It is not anti-Semitic to be critical of a right-wing government in Israel.'

'Hate from either side is not okay - I do not condone it!!' wrote Bella. 'I will not stand to hear people talk badly about Jewish people through all of this.'

Gigi also wrote on her Instagram: 'One cannot advocate for racial equality, LGBT & women's rights, condemn corrupt and abusive regimes and other injustices yet choose to ignore the Palestinian oppression. It does not add up. You cannot pick and choose whose human rights matter more.'

Out and about: Gigi included several pictures of herself in a country setting, possibly her mother Yolanda Hadid's family farm in Pennsylvania

On the go: She included multiple outdoor snaps including a figurine of a horse placed to appear as if it were munching leaves off a tree

Bella also found herself in hot water when she went Live on Instagram from a pro-Palestinian protest in New York City.

She filmed herself chanting the popular Palestinian slogan: 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!' along with other protestors.

The State Of Israel directly condemned her on its official Twitter account writing: 'When celebrities like @BellaHadid advocate for throwing Jews into the sea, they are advocating for the elimination of the Jewish State.'
Love Island star Amber Gill has insisted she 'isn't looking' for love weeks after it was revealed she'd dumped her secret boyfriend.

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline to celebrate the launch of her collection with Public Desire, the reality star, 23, said she's not 'closed off' from finding a new man but is happy being single to focus on her work.

Amber went onto add that she 'doesn't blame' the slew of stars who jetted to Portugal mere hours after the international travel ban was lifted, saying she's 'so ready' for a holiday after weeks in lockdown.

EXCLUSIVE: Love Island star Amber Gill, 23, has insisted she 'isn't looking' for love weeks after it was revealed she'd dumped her secret boyfriend

When asked about her current love life, Amber said: 'I think because I'm working so much and I'm enjoying what I'm doing and it's been such a long time since I've been able to go out and do photo shoots and see my friends, I'm just happy with everything the way it is now.

'I think if lockdown has taught us anything it's just be grateful for everything! I'm not looking, I'm not closed off for it but I'm not looking.

'I think that's what I heard anyway, that's when you meet the best people is when you're not looking for it, they just fall into your lap and hopefully that'll happen.'

Ready to mingle! In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, the reality star said she's not 'closed off' from finding a new man but is happy being single to focus on her work

Jaw-dropping: Amber's chat with MailOnline also came as she unveiled her collaboration with Manchester-based brand Public Desire

Open: Speaking about her love life Amber said: ''I think if lockdown has taught us anything it's just be grateful for everything! I'm not looking, I'm not closed off for it but I'm not looking'

In February, MailOnline exclusively revealed Amber dumped her secret boyfriend after discovering he's a thug who was found guilty of a brutal nightclub attack in Leeds that left the victim brain damaged.

She ended the relationship with Rory Colhoun after being told by MailOnline that he was jailed for four years in 2017 for beating up two doormen, leaving one in hospital.

A friend of Amber's told MailOnline how the pair were in the early stages of a relationship but she's now split with Rory after hearing about his convictions.

Exes: In February MailOnline revealed Amber dumped her secret boyfriend after discovering he's a thug who was found guilty of a brutal nightclub attack (pictured January 2020)

Gorgeous: It comes as Amber unveiled her newest collaboration with Public Desire, joining forces with the Manchester-based fashion brand to design a 33-piece collection

Amber also chatted to MailOnline about her upcoming plans following the Covid lockdown, admitting she is yet to book any trips abroad, despite many stars flocking to Portugal on bargain breaks.

She said: 'I've been doing nice dinners and nice drinks and I'm happy with that, I'm not looking too far forward just in case it repeats itself.

'We're all ready for it, I don't blame them anyone we're so ready for it!'

It comes as Amber unveiled her newest collaboration with Public Desire, joining forces with the Manchester-based fashion brand to design a 33-piece collection.

Amazing: The star posed for a jaw-dropping shoot in the collection, with consisted of a range of items including trainers, boots, hoodies, shorts, dresses, bodysuits and blazers

The star posed for a jaw-dropping shoot in the collection, with consists of a range of items including trainers, boots, hoodies, shorts, dresses, bodysuits and blazers.

Amber gushed it was 'amazing' to create the collection inspired by her favourite colour - bright orange - and explained she took most of her inspiration from weeks of lounging at home in lockdown.

'I take sort of a little bit from fashion trends, but just what I like because what I like is comfy, streetwear and I normally am on trend and just lead by what I wear,' Amber told MailOnline.

'There's this trend where you can wear exposed underwear but you've got joggers on, so you can see your underwear underneath and I think that's a really cool look.

'So we made it so that it was all attached together that's one of my favourite pairs of joggers, because it's sort of lounge but a little bit sexy at the same time?'

Transformed: During her chat with MailOnline Amber also candidly revealed that she fell into a 'bad headspace' during the first Covid lockdown

Slimmed down: She admitted she spent months comfort eating before embracing her new exercise regime, and eventually lost a stone in six weeks

During her chat with MailOnline Amber also candidly revealed that she fell into a 'bad headspace' during the first Covid lockdown, and spent months comfort eating before embracing her new exercise regime.

'It's harder now that restaurants had opened because you haven't seen your friends in such a long time, you want to see them and you want to eat quite a lot, and that's how I got myself where I was in the first place, in a bad headspace where I put on weight.

'I think now with Amber Flex, I've got the tools to make sure I maintain keeping healthy, I can do my workouts in the morning they're only 20 minutes long, get it out the way so I can go out with my friends go to a restaurant and roder what I want, I'm not conscious of calories or anything like that.

'So it's finding that balance and I just think that Amber Flex is a really good thing just keeping on track, as it's hard.'

Transformed: She added: 'I think now with Amber Flex, I've got the tools to make sure I maintain keeping healthy'

Good news: Amber also revealed that after learning one of her raunchy videos had been banned from the social media TikTok, the decision had been overturned

Amber also revealed that after learning one of her raunchy videos had been banned from the social media TikTok, the decision had been overturned, meaning her video would be re-uploaded to the platform.

She explained: 'TikTok just hates me at the minute at the minute it just hates me, they allow the craziest things to go on the app and as soon as I post anything that gets taken down.

'It was just a fun video I made one of my friends dress up in one of my outfits, it's a bit disappointing, but I think I found out it's not actually violating one of the rules so it'll get put back on eventually when they go through it all.'

The AMBER collection launches on Monday 24th May on the Public Desire app, and on Tuesday 25th May on publicdesire.com.
Leslie Odom Jr. has revealed that he contracted H1N1, AKA swine flu, during a different pandemic which began to hit the United States in 2009.

The 39-year-old actor recalled the experience from 2010 in the latest episode of podcast Hypochondriactor which is hosted by Sean Hayes and Dr. Priyanka Wali.

The Hamilton star said it was a 'very strange' experience and that it felt partially 'like the regular flu, which I've had many times.'

Tough times: Leslie Odom Jr. (seen at The Oscars in LA last month) has revealed he contracted H1N1, AKA swine flu, during a different pandemic which began to hit the United States in 2009

However there were elements that were entirely different as he explained: 'There was a weird component. Whatever was going on inside me did not feel natural. It felt synthetic.'

Will & Grace star Hayes, 50, compared the experience to an iconic movie role as he replied: 'Sigourney Weaver in Alien.'

Odom Jr. clarified that he did have all the usual flu symptoms including coughing and fever but also experienced intense dizziness that lasted well into his road to recovery as he explained: 'The dizziness was like nothing I'd ever experienced.

'Very strange': The 39-year-old actor recalled the experience from 2010 in the latest episode of podcast Hypochondriactor which is hosted by Sean Hayes and Dr. Priyanka Wali

However there were elements that were entirely different as Odom Jr. (seen in NBC series Smash in 2012) explained: 'There was a weird component. Whatever was going on inside me did not feel natural. It felt synthetic'

'There was this time, I was finally doing my laundry, this was when the laundry was downstairs, and I made a left turn and then I made another left turn, just in my building, and I went down. Making a left turn I got so dizzy that I just fell.'

If there was one silver lining at the time it was that Odom Jr. was in between jobs when he had H1N1 as he was too sick to even leave his bed and felt the effects of it even two months after first contracting it.

Odom Jr. believes that due to that experience and how it affected him emotionally, he could identify with what some people have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Talk less, smile more: Odom Jr. is best known for his work as Aaron Burr in Broadway smash hit Hamilton, as he is seen in February 2016

The talented actor said: 'I think, when your body houses a foreign host, I think something happens psychologically.

'You really realize how vulnerable you are, and how I could go from a  veritably healthy guy in my mid-twenties and that I could get this illness that, in some ways, was debilitating, just really affected my trust in the world. Thank god... it was super minor.'

Things have been going swimmingly for the actor as of late as he has landed his next gig - a mystery role in Rian Johnson's sequel Knives Out 2 according to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday.

It is going to be quite the star-studded cast as Dave Bautista, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson, and Edward Norton have all been attached to the film.
Lisa Rinna has officially met her teenage daughter Amelia's boyfriend Scott Disick.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star revealed she and husband Harry Hamlin finally had the pleasure of meeting the Keeping Up With The Kardashian's star, who has been seeing their youngest since last Halloween.

Lisa dished during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen with her castmates, telling the host she 'just met' the reality star and was fairly charmed.

Meet and greet: Lisa Rinna revealed she met her daughter Amelia's much older boyfriend Scott Disick during a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live

Going strong: Scott, 37, and Amelia, 19, have been seeing each other since last October

Andy asked the former daytime TV actress about her initial reaction to the relationship, to which she laughed and replied: 'Uh, yeah.'

Cohen wondered if Rinna had reached out to Kris Jenner about Scott, seeing as he shares three kids with her daughter Kourtney, 42.

'I have notI have met him now,' she divulged. 'I just met him.'

Asked for her first impression, Lisa told Andy: 'Well, very similar to what you thought when you met him.'

'He's more handsome in person. And he was very nice. We had a very nice time. He met Harry, and there you go. There it is.'

News! Lisa dished during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen with her castmates, telling the host she 'just met' the reality star

Charmer: 'He's more handsome in person. And he was very nice. We had a very nice time. He met Harry, and there you go. There it is'

No comment! Pressed on how she feels about her daughter's age gap relationship, she said: 'It is what it is, guys! It is what it is'

Pressed on how she feels about her daughter's age gap relationship, she said: 'It is what it is, guys! It is what it is.'

Lisa first addressed the May/December romance in a RHOBH trailer last month.

In a teaser for season 11, Lisa is seen taking a FaceTime call from Amelia who tells her she is spending time with her 'friend' Scott.

'He's too damn old... and he's got three kids!' bellows pal Kyle Richards, as mother Lisa shouts back in agreement with her: 'I know!'

It looks as though Lisa is concerned about the relationship, as she leans on her Housewives co-stars to talk about the romance in an upcoming scene from the show.

Say what now? Lisa first addressed the May/December romance in a RHOBH trailer last month, calling him 'too damn old' while FaceTiming her daughter

Every mother's worst nightmare? Lisa has a strong reaction to the news about Scott

Scott and Amelia were first linked last October when they were seen together at Kendall Jenner's Halloween party.

They went Instagram official around Valentine's Day this year, and Amelia called Scott her 'dream man' later the same month.

Amelia previously dated Mercer Wiederhorn, and Scott's past relationship with Kourtney is still a storyline on Keeping Up With The Kardashians as he co-parents his three children with the reality star.

The former couple dated for nearly 10 years before calling it quits on their relationship in 2015, after having their three children together.

Scott was most recently linked to Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia Richie, 22.
Chris Taylor has admitted he preferred ex-girlfriend Maura Higgins when she was 'less glam' in an awkwardly timed new interview.

The Love Island stars, who confirmed their romance in November, announced they had split up earlier this month and said they will 'remain friends'.

However, the exes appeared on the latest episode of Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow which was filmed prior to their breakup where Chris, 30, discussed how he liked his then girlfriend, 30, to look.

Honest: Chris Taylor has admitted he preferred ex-girlfriend Maura Higgins when she was 'less glam' in an awkwardly timed new interview

Host Alan said: 'Now Maura is looking gorgeous tonight, but you like her when she's a bit less glam?

Chris replied: 'I do yeah, I like her when she's in baggy clothes, cleaning a little bit I don't know why.'

'You like her cleaning?' Alan asked to which Maura jokingly added: 'With my rubber gloves on'.

Chris agreed, saying: 'It's just kind of my thing.'

Breakup: The Love Island stars, who confirmed their romance in November, announced they had split up earlier this month and said they will 'remain friends' (pictured with Alan Carr)

Alan joked: 'So why's that? You're a bit lazy and pervy?'

'A perfect balance of the two I think, yeah' Chris answered as Maura laughed.

The awkwardly timed interview comes just weeks after the pair announced they have gone their separate ways.

Maura and Chris met on the 2019 series of Love Island but did not get together in the villa and only began dating after the show.

Appearance: The exes appeared on the latest episode of Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow which was filmed prior to their breakup

The duo, who went public with their romance in November after months of secrecy, took to Instagram to reveal they had split.

The Irish beauty penned: 'It breaks my heart to even type this but I wanted to let everyone know that myself and Chris have made the joint decision to end our relationship...

'There is no wrongdoing on either side... we still love, care and respect each other deeply.

Ex files: The pair announced earlier this month that they had decided to go their separate ways

'From the minute we met each other we've been very close friends and that will never change. There is no regret, life is about taking chances.

'We wanted to make this work but we have realised we work better being friends. Whilst I appreciate people may speculate or create false stories this is the truth.

'I wish Chris nothing but the best and I will always be one of his biggest supporters. Thank you for all the love and support'.

Meanwhile, the statement released by Chris read: 'Hey guys, after some very heartfelt conversations over the past few days, myself & Maura are very sad to announce that we have decided to part ways.

Impassioned: The Irish beauty penned: 'It breaks my heart to even type this but I wanted to let everyone know that myself and Chris have made the joint decision to end our relationship'

Matching: Chris also released a statement in which he hit out at trolls once more

'We are both still on very good terms and this was a mutual decision where nobody had done anything wrong. We will remain friends, as we have been since day one and I will always be in Maura's corner and have her back...

'We are both going through a very tough time with this atm, so please take any speculation with a metric tonne of salt, p.s this is the only truth (and as always trolls can kindly f*** off)...

'Thank you for all the love and support you've given us, it's truly been appreciated'.

Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow airs Saturday at 7:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
Kendall Jenner has now been accused of ripping off an Austin-based tequila company that shares a similar brand name, design and logo with her new 818 product, which is even made at the same Mexican distillery.

The accusation comes amid growing backlash faced by the Keeping Up with the Kardashian star over cultural appropriation claims, for naming her tequila label after her Calabasas area code 818, overlooking the spirit's deep-rooted Mexican legacy.

818 Tequila by Kendall, 25, is marketed as being a twice-distilled blanco that retails at $44.99, while Austin's Tequila 512 - that launched in 2012 - is a triple-distilled blanco and is priced lower at $26.99.

The alcoholic beverage company called out Kendall directly on Wednesday, when they posted about the supposed similarities to their product on their official Instagram page.

They claimed that while their product is distilled three times, Kendall's is only distilled twice, yet she is charging twice the price of their bottles, both made in Jalisco, Mexico.

Not much to cheers about: Kendall Jenner has now been accused of ripping off Austin-based tequila brand 512 with her similar looking 818 product, made at the same Mexican distillery

'You may have seen that @kendalljenner released a "new" tequila today,' the post began. 'Note the similarities, including the color, the name and it is made at the same distillery in Tequila Mexico as ours.'

The statement went on: 'Their batches are being distilled twice. Ours three times. Yet she is charging twice as much per bottle. And here we are getting messages like the one in this post image. Doesn't seem very cool. What do you think?'

The image on Instagram compared the two bottles, which someone had sent to them asking the question, 'Is that you or did someone copy you?'

Called out: The alcoholic beverage company Tequila 512 called Kendall directly on Wednesday, when they posted about the striking similarities to their product

Tequila 512 CEO Nick Matzorkis told KXAN that his company does not share any ownership ties with Kendall's brand, and that the products are completely separate.

'To be clear the post does not accuse them of "stealing our idea," but does point out obvious undeniable similarities that in their entirety makes a worthy point on the face of it,' Matzorkis told the outlet.

Tequila 512 has been around in liquor stories since 2012, and has won industry awards for its taste.

However, with just 27.5k following on Instagram, it certainly doesn't have the same influence as megastar Kendall, who has a staggering 164m followers.

Backlash: Kendall has also faced cultural appropriation claims, for naming her tequila label after her Calabasas area code 818, overlooking the spirit's deep-rooted Mexican legacy

Kendall launched the alcoholic beverage in Los Angeles this week, making a series of promotional appearances around town, wearing her 818 branding.

But the Keeping Up with the Kardashian star caught backlash for naming her spirit after the Calabasas area code and appearing to overlook tequila's deep-rooted Mexican legacy.

Though many have pointed out that there have been male celebrities - including George Clooney and Rande Gerber - who have done the same without getting criticism.

Cheers: Kendall Jenner roamed through fields of agave on horseback to announce the launch of her 818 tequila brand in California with moody visuals shared to Instagram on Monday

Authentic? Kendall's new line includes an Anejo, Blanco and Reposado from agave plants grown in Jalisco, Mexico

Kendall's new line includes an Anejo, Blanco and Reposado from agave plants grown in Jalisco, Mexico.

One Twitter user went so far as to say: 'Kendall Jenner coming out with her "own" tequila is ultimate modern day colonizer vibes.'

Earlier this week, Kendall made sure to turn off comments to her 164million followers on Instagram after facing cultural appropriation backlash for having no real affiliation to Mexico, having grown up in her affluent community just outside of LA.

Angry: Social media users hit out this week in response to the campaign

In hiding: Kendall made sure to turn off comments to her 164million followers after facing cultural appropriation backlash for having no real affiliation to Mexico

In the promotional video, Kendall presented herself as the perfect ranch hand as she walked side-by-side a horse while touring the grounds of her agave fields.

'What an incredible experience I have had thus far, learning about this beautiful place, it's beautiful culture, and the beautiful people,' she captioned the series.

'@818tequila has launched in California... we will be rolling out to the rest of the US all summer long, keep a look out!!!'

Campaign: Kendall presented herself as the perfect ranch hand as she walked side-by-side a horse while touring the grounds of her agave fields, in the promo

But fans have been less than impressed on social media, after some Twitter users questioned why she has started her own tequila brand.

It has also been questioned how involved the reality star really is in the brand, as 818 comes from a distillery called NOM 1137 that is said to be used by various tequila brands.

Lucas Assis, an L.A.-based tequila expert, told InStyle this week: 'Basically they just make barrels and barrels and barrels of tequila, and celebrities come in and literally pick a barrel. So there might be a little bit of a difference [between brands], like this one is aged in French oak and this one is aged in American oak.'

Assis added: 'But essentially, it's exactly the same bottle, and the celebrity just buys that, and then they just use their marketing and their branding to sell it to you. What you're paying for is the celebrity affiliation, and not the quality of tequila.'
She has amassed over half a million Instagram followers thanks to her sultry yet fashionable uploads.

And Ed Westwicks Girlfriend Tamara Francesconi turned up the heat once more on Thursday as she modelled outfits from her new fashion line with PrettyLittleThing.

In exclusive pictures obtained by MailOnline, the model, 24, posed up a storm in the sun-soaked city of Palma ahead of the launch of her new collection on Wednesday.

Senorita: Ed Westwicks Girlfriend Tamara Francesconi turned up the heat on Thursday as she modelled outfits from her new fashion line with PrettyLittleThing

Tamara flashed her toned midriff in a white cut-out dress as she reclined on derelict stairs.

She then changed into an orange patterned bandeau top and matching skirt which cinched beneath a brown buckle, creating a V-waistline which highlighted her slender curves.

The London-based influencer tucked her sleek brunette tresses beneath a complementing headscarf and accessorised with stylish gold jewellery.

Tamara also switched into a cut-out swimsuit of the same fabric as she was seen emerging from water on the Spanish island.

Countdown: In exclusive pictures obtained by MailOnline, the model, 24, posed up a storm in the sun-soaked city of Palma ahead of the launch of her new collection on Wednesday

Splash of colour: Tamara wore an orange patterned bandeau top and matching skirt which cinched beneath a brown buckle, creating a V-waistline which highlighted her slender curves

Her water-drenched tresses tumbled down her back as she elegantly climbed up a ladder.

Switching into another item from her forthcoming collection, she wore an abstract patterned bikini in a muted pink hue.

Tamara rocked a matching headscarf once more and semi-sheer skirt as the crew adjusted her garment.

Speaking about her new line with the online fashion brand, she said: 'Its one thing to be on a billboard but to see my name on a billboard is just too crazy.

Touch of glamour: The London-based influencer tucked her sleek brunette tresses beneath a complementing headscarf and accessorised with stylish gold jewellery

Stunning: Tamara also switched into a cut-out swimsuit of the same fabric as she was seen emerging from water on the Spanish island

Picture perfect: Her water-drenched tresses tumbled down her back as she elegantly climbed up a ladder

'PrettyLittleThing x Tamara Francesconi is coming! Its so dreamy and shot in the most beautiful location! 26.05.21 save the date!'

Earlier this month, Tamara 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.

Tamara looked sensational in a white crop top and matching trousers, also from PrettyLittleThing, while she wrapped up in a knitted jumper.

Set sail: Switching into another item from her forthcoming collection, she wore an abstract patterned bikini in a muted pink hue

Photoshoot ready: Tamara rocked a matching headscarf once more and semi-sheer skirt as the crew adjusted her garment

Accomplishement: Speaking about her new line with the online fashion brand, she said: 'Its one thing to be on a billboard but to see my name on a billboard is just too crazy'

The model captioned the post: 'Escape to the countryside,' and she documented some of their excursion on social media, sharing snaps from the room they were 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.

The couple recently revealed they had taken their relationship to the next level by getting a puppy together with Tamara sharing a clip of the dog on social media.

Proud moment: She added: 'PrettyLittleThing x Tamara Francesconi is coming! Its so dreamy and shot in the most beautiful location! 26.05.21 save the date!'

Photogenic: Tamara showed off her pert posterior as she worked her best angles

Preened to perfection: A make-up artist buffed product into her skin, enhancing her sun-kissed glow

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'.

The happy couple, who have been dating since October 2019, first got together after Ed slid into Tamara's DMs on Instagram.

Loved-up: Tamara recently enjoyed a romantic few days with her boyfriend Ed, 33, at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds
Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant co-starred in the romantic comedy Music & Lyrics in 2007.

And on Thursday the longtime friends caught up during her talk show while revealing some unknown details of their friendship.

In the wide-ranging interview Hugh, 60, shared that Drew, 46, sent him a supportive letter after his shocking Divine Brown scandal in 1995 while Drew admitted that one drunken night in New York City she saw Hugh at a restaurant and 'made out with him for 10 minutes' in front of stunned studio executives.

Pals: Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant caught up during her talk show while revealing some unknown details of their friendship

Their hit film: The actors co-starred in the romantic comedy Music & Lyrics in 2007

Also in the chat, Grant dished on Elizabeth Hurley's Versace dress, what it was like making Four Weddings And a Funeral on a tiny budget and how he enjoys raising five kids with his wife whom he described as being more of a man than he.

She began the kiss story: 'One of the moments that I had the most moxie, and I dont think weve ever talked about this, I walked into I think it was like The Waverly Inn, this was years ago, and I had a few drinks.

'And I walked in and I ran into you and instead of saying hello I grabbed you by the collar and I fully started kissing you.

Hugh said, 'Yes, I remember that.'

Drew added that he looked at her like 'youve never greeted me that way before,' and then had a second thought like, You know Im not hating this.

The kiss! In the wide-ranging interview Drew admitted that one drunken night in New York City she saw Hugh at a restaurant and 'made out with him for 10 minutes' in front of stunned studio executives

She added: 'And then we flirted and then it was like, "Okay, bye. See you soon."'

Hugh shared: 'It was really bizarre. I was very drunk as well and I was with some very nice but not drunk studio executives from LA, and they were very surprised.

'Someone said, "Oh there is Drew Barrymore," I get up to say hi and then we make out for 10 minutes and then I sit down, and we go on talking about the script.'

Hugh also relayed that he loved Drew for reaching out to him in 1995 after he was caught with sex worker Divine Brown.

She began the kiss story: 'One of the moments that I had the most moxie, and I dont think weve ever talked about this, I walked into I think it was like The Waverly Inn, this was years ago, and I had a few drinks. And I walked in and I ran into you and instead of saying hello I grabbed you by the collar and I fully started kissing you'

He liked it: Hugh said, 'Yes, I remember that.' Drew added that he looked at her like 'youve never greeted me that way before,' and then had a second thought like, You know Im not hating this'

'You were so nice. It was during the dark days of my Divine Brown scandal, I was just an idiot. I was a grown-up idiot who got caught by the police,' he said.

'I was back in England with 5,000 members of the press around the borders of my farm and I opened a letter from you that was very supportive and nice, and it was very cheering up and I thought, "I love Drew Barrymore." Words of support from an actress I didnt know in Hollywood was lovely so you will always have a place in my heart.'

Drew said she 'loved' him so much and felt the incident related to her own life. Barrymore had her share of scandals after going to rehab at a young age.

Thank you: Hugh also relayed that he loved Drew for reaching out to him in 1995 after he was caught with sex worker Divine Brown

'I think that whether its an actor or politician or anything in between we expect people to be infallible, perfect, never flawed and God forbid we do anything in our personal lives that we would like to remain personal but we dont have that privilege at a certain point because the cat gets let out of the bag and I just had to reach out to you. I just appreciated you and you were just the most charming human,' she shard.

Now Grant has five children: He welcomed his first child, a daughter named Tabitha, in September 2011 with his ex Tinglan Hong. He then welcomed his second child with now wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein in September 2012. Grant reunited with Hong and welcomed a third child in December 2012. He back together with Eberstein and they had two daughters: One in March 2015 and another in December 2018.

'Yeah, I hate responsibility. I dont want this. I am looking after five children and an elderly father and I dont like it. I keep looking around for someone more grown up to come and do it for me.

Too much pressure on stars: Drew said, ''I think that whether its an actor or politician or anything in between we expect people to be infallible, perfect, never flawed and God forbid we do anything in our personal lives that we would like to remain personal but we dont have that privilege at a certain point because the cat gets let out of the bag'

But he said he is 'clearly the happiest Ive ever been' even though he is simultaneously utterly exhausted and miserable.

'Its so nice, all those cliches are true, all that love is just so nice. Not just the children but the wife as well. I have a top wife, you must meet her shes terrifyingMuch more manly than me but really cool and Im happy,' he noted.

He also dished on his film with Julia Roberts, Notting Hill: 'Remember the scene with the brownies, we are all sitting around having dinner and its about whose going to eat the last brownie. Hugh Bonneville, who Americans think is a classy actor, he got up during that scene deliberately putting brownies on my chair so I would sit on them in my white trousers. They could all laugh at my bum between takes.'

Stressful: Four Weddings and a Funeral was 'made for miniscule amount of money in 36 days.' For one scene they had only five minutes to shoot it so they stood in a line and they had one camera on them. 'And there is a scene in the film like that. It took seven minutes to shoot,' he said

Four Weddings and a Funeral was 'made for miniscule amount of money in 36 days.' For one scene they had only five minutes to shoot it so they stood in a line and they had one camera on them. 'And there is a scene in the film like that. It took seven minutes to shoot,' he said.

And he talked Renee Zellweger's accent in Drew: Bridget Jones Diary.

'I do remember she went through some interesting phases on the way to getting that British accent. During rehearsals she came in for the first read through and she sounded liked Princess Margaret, very, very posh and grand.

'And the next time she came in someone told her obviously bring it down a bit but then she sounded like she had a stroke. And then she absolutely nailed it. Its an absolute triumph.She never reverted until the wrap party and that was the first time I ever heard her speak with her Texan accent and I quite honestly found it unconvincing.

Lucky dress: Hugh also dished on his former girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley's Versace safety pin dress she wore in 1994. 'It was pure fluke. We were unsuccessful actors, well we werent that unsuccessful, but we werent known in any way. Suddenly this big premiere comes along for this film, and she has nothing to wear, and I said, I think you can borrow stuff. I think thats what people do. The big designers will send you something'

Hugh also dished on his former girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley's Versace safety pin dress she wore in 1994.

'It was pure fluke. We were unsuccessful actors, well we werent that unsuccessful, but we werent known in any way. Suddenly this big premiere comes along for this film, and she has nothing to wear, and I said, I think you can borrow stuff. I think thats what people do. The big designers will send you something.

'So we rang around, we didnt have an assistant or publicist or anything like that, they all said, "No, who are you?" and Versace said, "Yes, we got something but only one thing."

'And they sent it round and this was the one dress that arrived, and she put it on, and I remember being slightly startled by it. Hot. And the rest is history.'
Matthew Perry appears to be brushing off fan concern over his apparent slurred speech in a promo for the upcoming Friends reunion special.

The 51-year-old star went full Chandler Bing on social media in a limited edition hoodie emblazoned with the words 'Could I BE More ME?' - a play on his characters famous catch phrase - in a post on Thursday.

On Instagram, Perry directed his fans to check out his new Friends merch store, which will be available for a short while to celebrate the HBO Max special which stars Matthew alongside Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc.

Miss Chanandler Bong: Matthew Perry went full Chandler Bing on social media in a limited edition hoodie emblazoned with the words 'Could I BE More ME?' - a play on his characters famous catch phrase - in a post on Thursday after sparking fan concern over his 'slurred speech'

'Could I BE More ME? I'm releasing a new limited edition merchandise collection only available for three weeks. Get yours in the link in my bio so people will know just how 'you' you are. Only available at represent.com/mattherperry,' read the caption to the post.

In the snap, Matthew is seated on a chair giving the camera a very Chandler Bing expression.

He is dressed in a white hoodie with the words 'Could I BE More ME' written across the front in the instantly recognizable Friends font.

The hoodie retails for $44.99 and, along with other items, will be available for purchase for the next handful of weeks.

Get them while they're hot: The items will be available for three weeks and include a baby onesie, T-shirts and sweatshirts with the phrase 'Could I have had a longer day?' and a topical shirt with the words 'Could I be anymore vaccinated'

Other items include a baby onesie, T-shirts and sweatshirts with the phrase 'Could I have had a longer day?' and a topical shirt with the words 'Could I be anymore vaccinated'.

Whomever penned the words missed a typo in the link to the online merchandise store. The correct link is represent.com/matthewperry.

Just yesterday, Friends fans expressed their concern for the actor after Perry appeared to slur his speech in a promo for the upcoming reunion special.

Seated with his co-stars, the former sitcom star stammered and stared in the clip, even slurring together his words at one point.

Worrisome: Matthew Perry raised concerns on Wednesday after appearing to slur his speech in a teaser for the upcoming Friends reunion, which airs later this month

When asked if he ever took anything from set as a souvenir, he admitted: 'I stole the cookie jar that had the clock on it' with a heavy 'sh' sound at the start of 'stole.'

Though his speech was stilted, Matthew's physical appearance was on the healthier side.

His castmates were able to hide any of their concerns, as David and Matt giggled and smiled at the TV star, who played Chandler Bing on the NBC hit. But fans were quick to voice their worries.

'Just saw People interview and can't believe how Matthew Perry looks like seriously it breaks my heart,' one fan wrote on Twitter.

Off kilter: The 51-year-old actor stammered and stared while with co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc, even slurring together his words at one point

'It pains me to see Matthew Perry like this, he just seems off, gazing at the void, speaking slowly,' wrote another.

'Hate to say it, but I'm sad and scared like hell for Matthew Perry,' a third added. 'Damn, Matthew Perry in those PEOPLE Friends interviews.'

Perry has been open about his past struggles with addiction, previously telling People things got 'out of control and very unhealthy' after a 1997 jet-ski accident left him addicted to the painkiller Vicodin. Addiction left Matthew in a tough state, as he admitted to BBC Radio 2 in 2016.

'I dont remember three years of [the show],' he said. 'Somewhere between Seasons 3 and 6  I was a little out of it.'

Upbeat: His castmates were able to hide any of their concerns, as David and Matt giggled and smiled at the TV star, who played Chandler Bing on the NBC hit

He told People in 2013: 'I couldn't stop. Eventually things got so bad that I couldn't hide it, and then everybody knew.'

The actor, who checked himself into rehab during his time on Friends once in 1997 and again in 2001, told the Hollywood Reporter in 2015: 'I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life. I learned a lot from my failures.

'But the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic comes up to me and says, "Will you help me stop drinking?" I will say, "Yes, I know how to do that."'

Heartbreaking: 'Just saw People interview and can't believe how Matthew Perry looks like seriously it breaks my heart,' one fan wrote on Twitter

Perry will join his Friends co-stars for the highly anticipated HBO Max reunion which finally airs next week after being delayed several times due to the pandemic.

It's quite the homecoming for the actors, which shot the special at Stage 24 at Warner Bros. Studios in LA, where the series shots it's entire 10-season run.

The opening scene was certainly familiar as Aniston joined Cox and LeBlanc on their old couch for an updated trivia game with Schwimmer, Kudrow and Perry.

Recreating a memorable moment from the show, David's character, Ross Geller, stood at the trivia board.

Like the old days: Perry will join his Friends co-stars for the highly anticipated HBO Max reunion which finally airs next week after being delayed several times due to the pandemic

'Rachel wrote Ross a letter and demanded he read it before they got back together. How many pages was that letter?' he asked the group.

Matt, who played Joey Tribbiani, screamed '18 pages' only for Aniston to correct him: 'front and back!'

Lisa Kudrow was overwhelmed upon walking onto set at the Warner Bros. lot as Matt enthusiastically said: 'Here we go!' Jennifer proved to be already emotional as she asked: 'Where's the tissue box?'

'Does Courteney still have her lines written on the table?' Matt asked as he toured the old apartment set.

Old stomping ground: It's quite the homecoming for the actors, which shot the special at Stage 24 at Warner Bros. Studios in LA, where the series shots it's entire 10-season run

'We have such a bond from this show,' Lisa explained while sitting on the iconic orange couch from the show's intro.

The event will be hosted by James Corden - much to the apparent dismay of Friends fans who expressed their ire over the Brit being chosen to moderate the conversation.

'The Friends reunion is not a musical. Yet James Corden's in it. Why? And when will this man be stopped?' one fan tweeted, while another said: 'How did James Corden worm his way into the Friends reunion, does America know that he doesn't have to be in everything?'

Friends ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, and was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, who executive produced the series with Kevin Bright through Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Fury: The event will be hosted by James Corden - much to the apparent dismay of Friends fans who expressed their ire over the Brit being chosen to moderate the conversation

It was reported in April that the reunion special was filmed over three days, with a live audience participating in the reunion.

A host of celebrities are set to join the cast in some capacity with guest stars including: Justin Bieber, Cindy Crawford, Lady Gaga and David Beckham.

Cara Delevingne, Tom Selleck, BTS, Kit Harington, Mindy Kaling and Malala Yousafzai are also slated to appear on the reunion.

The special is hosted by James Corden, a move that has not gone down well with fans, who questioned why the British comedian - who has no links to the series - was chosen.

The Friends reunion will air on May 27 via HBO and HBO Max in the States. It has not yet been revealed how to watch the special in the UK.

Sky is reportedly the frontrunner to pick up the UK broadcasting rights, and if successful it should air on the network the following evening (May 28).
I was going through my phone trying to pull up my maps app so I could figure out how to get home when he suddenly beeped his horn. I looked up and he smiled at me and got out of his car. He comes in front of my car, opens my door and tells me to get out, I do, and we share our first kiss, she said. The rest is history. And I would like to clarify that Ricardo was barely 5-foot-7 and definitely not a chef.
Candice Swanepoel showed off her impressively sculpted physique in a trio of snaps that were shared on Instagram this week.

The 32-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel was seen relaxing in various tropical settings while modeling several items from her clothing brand, Tropic of C.

The supermodel seems to be looking forward to a newfound freedom as COVID-19 cases fall in the US: 'The summer we've been waiting for is nearly here!' she wrote in a caption.

Hot stuff! Candice Swanepoel was seen placing her impressively toned body on display in a series of photos that were shared to Instagram over the last few days

In her picture that was posted on Tuesday, Swanepoel was dressed in an eye-catching blue-and-white tie-dye string bikini top that wrapped around her midsection and placed much of her torso on display.

Although she wore a matching lower piece, the South African covered it up with a contrasting red Praia bottom. She added a wide-brimmed sun hat.

In a separate photo, the fashion industry icon wore a Scorpio top in hot pink that was paired with a matching high curve bottom that placed an emphasis on her toned thighs and beautifully tanned legs.

The runway regular's final shot showed her contrasting a vibrant green background with a burnt orange bikini top and a matching bottom.

There it is: The Victoria's Secret Angel's beautifully tanned body was contrasted by the bright tones of her clothing items

Showing it off: All of the swimwear items that were featured in the shots came from her clothing brand Tropic of C

Swanepoel's gorgeous blonde hair was prominently displayed in all of her shots, and she accessorized with a gold armband in two photos.

All of the supermodel's clothing items were from Tropic of C, which she initially launched in 2018.

The fashion industry figure has made a point of attempting to make as little of an impact as possible with regard to the production of her wares.

Much of the fabric that is used in the construction of her items come from recycled materials that are pulled out from various landfills and oceans.

Making a difference: Swanepoel has made a point of ensuring that most to all of the fabrics that are used in the construction of Tropic of C's clothing come from recycled materials

As opposed to screen printing, Tropic of C's textiles are digitally printed, and the decision to do so was made in an effort to reduce water waste.

The company's vision for eco-friendly business practices also extends to its packaging, as much of its materials are either recyclable or compostable.

Swanepoel spoke about how she was fully invested in all aspects of her business during an interview with Fashionista, where she noted that she was especially fond of modeling her own products.

All angles: The supermodel's vision for eco-friendly business practices extends to Tropic of C's packaging, which is mostly made from either recyclable or compostable materials

'I love the creative aspect, the art direction, dreaming up the shoots  the story of the girl, the coloring, the editing, the whole photography side,' she said.

The runway fixture also remarked that her experience working for several different companies had prepared her for running her own brand.

'As a model, you have to be a chameleon, and it's nice to be in control of the art direction and involved in every aspect of the business,' she stated.

Swanepoel concluded by expressing that she would not design or release products that she did not personally find visually appealing or comfortable.

Branching out: The fashion industry figure spoke about her business during an interview with Fashionista and noted that she has learned how to be involved in several aspects of her company

She said, 'It's all stuff that I want to wear. I tend to stick to a certain aesthetic that I like and that I think looks good on the body.'

Apart from her work as a designer, the model has appeared in campaigns for several brands, including Givenchy, Versace and Guess, among several others.

Although she is best known for her work with Victoria's Secret, the fashion industry icon has walked the runway for numerous fashion houses over the length of her career.
Paul Hogan has denied writing a sign warning homeless people to stay away from his $3.5million mansion in crime-ravaged Venice, Los Angeles.

This is despite the Crocodile Dundee star, 81, being pictured on Sunday holding a red marker near the note which read: 'THIS IS MY HOUSE NOT YOURS'.

Hogan insisted on Wednesday it wasn't him who wrote the sign, and went on to say he empathises with people living on the streets.

The reclusive Australian actor, who has lived in the U.S. for the past 16 years, even described the homelessness crisis in LA as 'awful' and 'embarrassing'.

'It wasn't me': Paul Hogan has denied writing a sign warning homeless people to stay away from his $3.5million mansion in crime-ravaged Venice, Los Angeles

'It wasn't me who put [the sign] up,' Hogan told TMZ as he was interviewed walking through a parking lot near his home.

He said he 'doesn't know why' somebody put the sign up.

'I took it down and it's not my house anyway,' he said, referring to the fact he is just renting the property.

'It wasn't me': This is despite the Crocodile Dundee star, 81, being pictured on Sunday holding a red marker near the note which read: 'THIS IS MY HOUSE NOT YOURS'

Hogan went on to discuss the homeless situation in LA, saying: 'I just find it sad.'

'California has the fifth biggest economy in the world and we've got more homeless people than Bangladesh. I find it awful and embarrassing. I wish I could do something about it,' he added.

The Flipper star said he understands why so many homeless people camp in Venice rather than other cities in America.

'I tell you what, if I was homeless and lived in New York, I couldn't wait to get to Venice Beach... can't blame them for that,' he remarked.

When asked if his family was doing well, Hogan bizarrely said: 'No problem. I'm happy in my mega-mansion.'

Stern warning: Hogan insisted on Wednesday it wasn't him who wrote the sign (pictured), and went on to say he empathises with people living on the streets

A masked Hogan had sent a stern warning to the less fortunate on Sunday as he was pictured pinning a note to his front door that said: 'THIS IS MY HOUSE NOT YOURS.'

He lives in the once-desirable beachside suburb of Venice, where crime and homelessness have spiked in recent months during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hogan, who said earlier this month he was 'desperately homesick' and wanted to return to Australia, attached the note to his door before making his way back inside.

Later that day, he left the residence - which locals have described as a 'fortress' - to pick up his 22-year-old son, Chance, who also lives with him.

Crisis: The actor lives in the once-elite beachside suburb of Venice, where a sudden increase in homelessness has resulted in a terrifying crime wave

The world-famous beach community of Venice, 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles, has traditionally been a major tourism drawcard for the Californian city; however, now the palm trees and promenade are blighted by hundreds of tents.

Hogan and Chance have been stuck inside the mansion for months amid the recent wave of crime and homelessness in the area.

Los Angeles has been ravaged by its homeless crisis, with the number of homeless people rising steadily from around 40,000 in 2011, to around 66,000 at the latest count in January 2020.

Residents around the famed Venice boardwalk are demanding action from the authorities saying it has been turned into a large, 'dangerous' homeless encampment and has been hit by a spate of violent incidents.

On April 28, a man survived a shooting and recently there was a fire inside one of the encampments dotting Ocean Front Walk.

Local residents have been upset over the recent incidents, which have happened amid the expansion of local encampments.

Concerns: Residents around the famed Venice boardwalk are demanding action from the authorities saying it has been turned into a large, 'dangerous' homeless encampment and has been hit by a spate of violent incidents

'Where Paul lives in hell on earth,' Hogan's neighbour Tyler Proctor, a local politician, recently told Woman's Day magazine.

'His house is like a fortress and it needs to be. I can see why [he] wants to move out,' Mr Proctor added.

Local Kevin Buttress, 32, who owns the Xquisite Barber Lounge in LA, told Fox News he was attacked in November by a pit bull owned by a homeless person and was knocked out with a skateboard.

'I've given a lot of myself to the community of Venice Beach,' said Buttress. 'And to see everything just fall to pieces, it's messed up.'

During the Covid-19 pandemic, around 200 tents have been erected on the boardwalk according to local residents.

'Venice's world famous beach and boardwalk are crippled,' hundreds of locals said in a letter pleading for help from city and county officials.

'Local children are refusing to come to the beach because they're frightened by what they've witnessed. Seniors who live on or near the boardwalk are terrified of walking in their own neighborhoods.'

Homesick: Hogan moved to the United States permanently in 2005, after growing up in Granville in Sydney's western suburbs. He wants to return to Australia to escape Los Angeles, but has said he couldn't possibly survive two weeks of hotel quarantine

Hogan moved to the United States permanently in 2005, after growing up in Granville in Sydney's western suburbs.

He wants to return to Australia to escape Los Angeles, but has said he couldn't possibly survive two weeks of hotel quarantine.

'I can't wait for this stupid disease to go away so I can get out,' Hogan revealed on the News Corp podcast Evenin' Viewers in October.

'I'm like a kangaroo in a Russian zoo - I don't belong here.'

'Desperate': During an interview with Sunrise last week, a glum-looking Paul spoke about his miserable life in crime-ravaged LA during the coronavirus pandemic

During an interview with Sunrise last week, a glum-looking Hogan spoke about his miserable life in crime-ravaged LA during the coronavirus pandemic.

He revealed he was 'desperate' to return to Australia and leave his life in America behind.

'I am desperately homesick,' he said during a video chat from his home.

According to figures from the Los Angeles Police Department provided to the Venice Neighbourhood Council, the violent robberies in the neighbourhood are up 177 per cent from last year.

The same period has also seen a 162 per cent increase in cases of assault with a deadly weapon involving a homeless person.

When asked how he was coping with Los Angeles' recent crime wave, Hogan simply said he 'doesn't go anywhere'.

'[I'm] bored in lockdown, and the minute I can get on the plane without being locked in a hotel for two weeks, I'm back,' he said.

However, he failed to win any sympathy from Australians when he told Sunrise hosts David 'Kochie' Koch and Natalie Barr he 'wouldn't survive' hotel quarantine.

'My son [Chance] would have to be with me... we'd strangle each other,' he said.
Matthew McConaughey shared a throwback photo from his time as an exchange student in Australia.

The 51-year-old actor went shirtless in the snap, which was taken in 1988 when he flew halfway around the world and stayed for several months in New South Wales as a 19-year-old.

The performer also elaborated on his time in the country in his memoir, Greenlights, and added the book's title as a hashtag in the post's caption.

Back in the day: Matthew McConaughey shared an image that was taken in 1988 during his time as a foreign exchange student in Australia to his Instagram account on Thursday

In the photo, the teenaged McConaughey sat on a beer cooler bearing the name of his host country.

Though the Dazed And Confused actor was shirtless, he did don a pair of form-fitting blue jeans and a set of light brown cowboy boots.

Matthew's iconic long and messy hair was nowhere to be seen in the throwback snap, where he wrote his tresses high and tight.

The Academy Award-winning actor's time in Australia was arranged after he was initially rejected as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in his early adulthood.

Not giving up: Although the Dazed And Confused actor was initially rejected from an exchange program, he later met an Australian that helped him with the process

Formative stay: The actor was eventually accepted as a student and spent just under a year in New South Wales

McConaughey eventually met a native from Down Under who was able to place him in contact with an individual that secured him a place in the program.

The actor went on to spend just under a year in Australia and lived on a horse ranch for a portion of his stay.

The performer went on to return to the country during the promotion for his film How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, where he wished the families that took care of him during his stay well.

He later returned and lived in the country for several months during the shooting of the 2008 action comedy feature, Fool's Gold.

McConaughey touched on his Australian experience in his memoir, Greenlights, which was released in October of last year.

Looking back: McConaughey reflected on his experience as an exchange student in his book Greenlights, which was released in October of last year

Hard at work: The actor wrote the book in a period of just over 50 days while staying in a remote location that had no electricity

The actor notably sequestered himself in a remote location for just over 50 days while working on his project, during which he had no electricity.

During a sit-down with Rolling Stone, McConaughey spoke about the definitions of success that he discussed in Greenlights, and noted that part of the book's function was to show his fans a more grounded side of his personality.

'The world is already coming in with an idea of me. Its why I went away to Peru or Mali. I want to go someplace where, when I leave, the hugs goodbye are all based on the man they met when I showed up,' he expressed.

He also spoke about a period of time in his career where he began to move away from romantic comedies, during which his persona as an actor changed completely.

The actor recalled, 'It was like, "Where'd McConaughey go?" Then all of a sudden, I become a new, bright idea. "Hey, you know who'd be interesting casting?"'
NBC announced that the eighth and final season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine will premiere on August 12, right after the Summer Olympics.

The long running comedy about a group of whacky cops in a fictional NYC precinct has been led by Andy Samberg and Terry Crews since 2013 and was a Fox mainstay before it was cancelled and picked up by NBC.

Last summer Samberg and Crews revealed that amid the fraught situation surrounding corrupt police officers and the Black Lives Matter movement, the show was trying to navigate how to move forward.

Coming to a close: NBC announced the eighth and final season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine would premiere on August 12

Rocky road: The long running comedy about a group of whacky cops has been led by Andy Samberg and Terry Crews since 2013 but the show switched networks from Fox to NBC

The show ran for five seasons on Fox before it was cancelled, but it was picked up for a sixth season by NBC which aired in 2019.

The seventh season aired last spring amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which halted production on an eighth season.

News that the show would be coming to an end after the eighth season came in February of this year, with a premiere date being announced by way of social media on Thursday, May 20.

'8 years, 32 sex tape titles, 4,279 cools and 1 EPIC final season! #Brooklyn99 returns August 12 on NBC,' the Twitter post read.

Air date announcement: News that the show would be coming to an end after the eighth season came in February of this year, with a premiere date being announced by way of social media on May 20

'Challenge': Crews, Samberg, and Braugher had all acknowledged that amid the tension surrounding police reform/abolishment and the Black Lives Matter movement, the show was carefully evaluating how to move forward for the new season

It was accompanied by snippets of the cast talking about the journey over the last eight years. 'A lot has happened in eight years,' said Joe Lo Truglio who plays Charles Boyle.

'That's quite a lot,' SNL funnyman Samberg said of his lengthy run as Det. Jake Peralta. And Crews (Lieutenant Terry Jeffords) chimed in 'We had so much fun,' while Andre Braugher (Police Captain Raymond Holt) exclaimed: 'It's been an incredible ride.'

Crews, Samberg, and Braugher had all acknowledged that amid the tension surrounding police reform/abolishment and the Black Lives Matter movement, the show was carefully evaluating how to move forward for the new season.

'We're taking a step back, and the writers are all rethinking how we're going to move forward, as well as the cast,' Samberg said in a July 2020 interview with People.

Back to the drawing board: 'We're taking a step back, and the writers are all rethinking how we're going to move forward, as well as the cast,' Samberg said in a July 2020 interview with People

'We're all in touch and kind of discussing how you make a comedy show about police right now, and if we can find a way of doing that that we all feel morally okay about.' I know that we'll figure it out, but it's definitely a challenge, so we'll see how it goes,' he said.

And Crews remarked in conversation with Access Online last June that the writers had to 'start over,' and dumped four episodes worth of material amid the ongoing situation.

'We've had a lot of somber talks about it and deep conversations and we hope through this we're going to make something that will be truly groundbreaking this year. We have an opportunity and we plan to use it in the best way possible,' Crews shared.

The eighth season will premiere the first two of 10 episodes, back to back on Thursday August 12.
She's not happy with her ex-husband's new relationship.

And Shanna Moakler admitted that Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian's hot and heavy fling is 'putting a wedge' in her relationship with her children.

The 46-year-old model decried her exes very public new romance and told Us Weekly that it's negatively affecting the bond she has with her two kids.

Talk about it: Shanna Moakler admitted that Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian's hot and heavy fling is 'putting a wedge' in her relationship with her children

'The Kardashians are buying my kids Prada every other day,' the former Miss USA told the publication.

'They're going on lavish trips. They're doing all these things, which is fine. I think it's nice that they're being kind to my kids. I want that for my children.'

She noted that there's 'severe distancing' between her and Alabama, 15, and Landon, 17, and noted: 'I don't think it's great when they put a wedge in between their biological mother.'

Heating up: The 46-year-old model decried her exes very public new romance and told Us Weekly that it's negatively affecting the bond she has with her two kids; seen in April

'The Kardashians are buying my kids Prada every other day,' the former Miss USA told the publication. Travis and Shanna share Landon, 17, and Alabama, 15, in addition to her daughter, Atiana, from her relationship with Oscar de la Hoya

Kourtney went public with her new romance at the beginning of the year, and has Reign, six, Penelope, eight, and Mason, 11, from her previous relationship to Scott Disick

Shanna also recently told US Weekly that his infidelity with Kim Kardashian was the catalyst to finally end their relationship.

'I divorced my ex because, I saw them  I caught them having an affair,' she said.

Shanna added that she 'saw text messages' between the pair and alleged the 'affair' took place before Keeping Up With The Kardashians premiered in 2007.

'They're going on lavish trips. They're doing all these things, which is fine. I think it's nice that they're being kind to my kids. I want that for my children' (Travis and Kourtney brought the kids to Disneyland on Wednesday)

In the past: Travis famously filed for divorce from Shanna in 2006, after just two years of marriage, after claiming that she had been unfaithful; seen in 2005

Travis famously filed for divorce from Shanna in 2006, after just two years of marriage, after claiming that she had been unfaithful.

Shanna claimed mutual friends of the trio told her of the alleged affair, stating 'they sent me all their [text] conversations and I'm also close friends with people who were there, while things were happening.'

According to Shanna's timeline, Kim was still working alongside Paris Hilton as her 'closet organizer' when she first came in contact with Travis.

Alabama took to social media recently and claimed her mom wasn't as involved as it appears, writing: 'My mom has never completely been in my life. Can you guys stop painting her out to be an amazing mom?'

Message: He debuted a new tattoo (and possible subtle shade to his ex) with 'don't trust anyone' scrawled across his neck

She said: '[Travis] had already had an affair with Paris Hilton. And at the time Kim was Paris' closet organizer, they were best friends. And he started using [Kim] as a model for [his clothing company], Famous Stars and Straps.'

She added that she had asked her former husband to 'not to use' Kim as a model due to her direct ties to Paris, and that she and Travis had been 'working on our marriage and trying to heal through that affair', that but he continued to work with Kim despite her wishes.

Shanna continued: 'Then I received all the text messages and the other third parties kind of let me know. It's something I was well aware of.'
Elsa Pataky sent temperatures soaring as she stripped down for a raunchy cover shoot with Elle Spain.

The 44-year-old actress, who hails from Madrid, posed topless in nothing but a pair of bikini bottoms as she graced the cover of the fashion magazine.

The glamorous wife of Chris Hemsworth had her long brunette locks tied back as she smiled for the camera.

Temperatures soaring! Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky, 44, set pulses racing as she posed topless in a raunchy cover shoot for Spanish Elle magazine

In another photo, Elsa showed off her incredible figure in a strapless brown swimsuit as she leaned against a tree.

She then changed into a stylish white one-piece and a brown coat for a third image.

Elsa and her Thor star husband, 37, swapped the bright lights of Hollywood for a more relaxed life in Australia seven years ago.

The Hollywood couple, who have been married for ten years, have called Byron Bay home since 2014.

Glamorous: In another photo, Elsa showed off her incredible figure in a strapless brown swimsuit as she leaned against a tree

They own a $30 million mega-mansion in Broken Head.

Elsa, who previously lived in Los Angeles with Chris and their three children, said she enjoys the more laid-back lifestyle Down Under.

'We did the move three years ago and I'm so happy with it,' she revealed to Women's Health magazine in April 2017.

In August, she revealed the secret behind her successful marriage to Chris.

Strike a pose: She changed into a stylish white one-piece and a brown coat for a third image

'It's funny that people think of us as a perfect couple. No way,' she told body+soul.

'It's been ups and downs, and we still keep working at the relationship,' she added.

Elsa admitted that after nearly a decade of marriage to the Avengers star things aren't always 'easy', but the secret to their long-lasting love is 'work'.

'I think a relationship is constant work. It's not easy,' she said.
They secretly tied the knot in a small ceremony before Christmas.

And Oliver Proudlock and his wife Emma Louise Connolly looked every inch the happy couple as they attended the launch of Emilia's member's lounge and bar at The Ned in London on Thursday.

The couple put on a loved-up display as they wrapped their arms around each other while posing for a snap at the club which features an Italian-inspired menu and live entertainment.

Couple: Oliver Proudlock and his wife Emma Louise Connolly attended the launch of Emilia's member's lounge and bar at The Ned in London on Thursday

Former Made In Chelsea star Oliver, 32, sported a dark green cardigan which he wore over a cream shirt and a tan scarf.

The reality star added to his outfit with a pair of blue ripped jeans and brown boots.

Emma opted for a laid back look with a black leather jacket with matching trousers and a red scarf.

Styling her locks into an updo, the beauty added height to her frame with a pair of black boots.

Event: The couple put on a loved-up display as they wrapped their arms around each other while posing for a snap

Also in attendance at the event was Lady Amelia Windsor who cut a stylish figure in a black sleeveless top and dark green trousers.

Oliver and Emma got married on December 15 after he rearranged their wedding to ensure they could tie the knot before lockdown weddings were banned.

Last month, the TV star revealed he finally met wife Emma face-to-face after they spent four years messaging each other.

Speaking to Tom Green on the Dangerous Dinners Podcast, Oliver admitted he cried 'tears of joy' as gushed about their 'crazy emotional' wedding day.

Dapper: Former Made In Chelsea star Oliver, 32, sported a dark green cardigan which he wore over a cream shirt and a tan scarf

He explained that he had been in Scotland for five days to do Personal Appearances and go partying, back in his Made In Chelsea days.

He said: 'I hadn't seen any culture and I became good mates with these guys there and they said look 'you should go and check out this art gallery called Kelvingrove.

'So I was like "ok cool", so I went down there and I was on the ground floor and I came into the central room and there was this long catwalk.

'It was this graduate fashion show, and so I'm standing there at the front and this model walks down and it's Emma. And I'm like "oh my gosh, this chick is out of control." And we catch eyes and then after she's doing her show, doing her thing.

Outfit: Emma opted for a laid back look with a black leather jacket with matching trousers and a red scarf

Looking good: Also in attendance at the event was Lady Amelia Windsor who cut a stylish figure in a black sleeveless top and dark green trousers

Stylish: British DJ Arielle Free was another guest at the event where she donned a black leather jacket with sequined trousers

'I went back to my buddies and I said "guys, I saw this girl, described what she looked like, she was just insane!

'And they were like "sounds like this girl Emma Louise." So I was like "show me". So they showed me a picture and I was like "oh my god that's her." I was probably just like 'I'll probably never see her again.'

The star admitted: 'Had I not decided to go to this particular place on that day I don't think we'd be together now and I always look back on that moment.'

But, a few weeks later, when Oliver returned to Edinburgh for another PA, he saw a photograph of Emma modelling jewellery and ended up adding her on Facebook.

Pals: Models Paul Sculfor and Betty Bachz showed off their skills as they posed for the camera

Radiant: The BBC's Stephanie Prentice looked sensational in a black midi dress while radio presenter Rio Fredrika opted for a casual look for the evening

Glamorous: Betty donned a black midi dress with a sweetheart neckline and cream flats as she posed alongside Lady Amelia

Dapper: Brett and Scott Staniland were among the guests who enjoyed the launch

Proudlock sent a friend request, which spurred Emma to drop him a message, and their communication began.

He explained: 'We ended up talking on Facebook for, I don't know, two or three months maybe and then she was in Glasgow this time.

'I was down in London and then about a year in she moved down to London with modelling, we got each other's number.

Forever: Oliver and Emma announced their engagement in August 2018 after Oliver got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden

After messaging for years without ever having met, Oliver decided to go to the commonwealth games in Glasgow, after hearing that Emma would be there and knowing that they were both single.'

The couple ended up finally meeting on a train journey from Glasgow to London, which lead to a date the next evening.

Four years later, they announced their engagement in August 2018 after Oliver got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden.
After setting new records on Covid cases with every passing day, India has finally registered a marginal dip in cases on Thursday. The daily deaths stood at 3,874, as compared to Wednesday which saw the highest daily death toll with 4,529 fatalities. 2,76,110 new cases were reported in 24 hours ending this morning. Tamil Nadu alone takes the glory of being responsible for 12.63 per cent of the new cases.

As cases soar, the laboratories are stretched beyond capacity and facing the heat. The country has been testing samples in the range of 16-19 lakhs a day to detect Covid cases. In fact, yesterday, India tested more than 20 lakh samples.

To offer some respite to the labs, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved a self-testing Covid-19 kit. Any person can use this kit to test their Covid positivity at home. There is no requirement to visit an earmarked pathological laboratory to get one's sample tested. You can read this 10-point guide to how you can test yourself at home.

With the pandemic raging, the government is doing everything it can to control the spread. From vaccinations to awareness drives to issuing guidelines. The latest in that list has come from the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Centre. This one is now nipping the bud at the early stage. While the usual parameters of masks, social distancing and sanitisation are there, this new set highlights the importance of ventilation to Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic.

It says that well-ventilated spaces dilute the viral load of infected air (as compared to closed and poorly ventilated spaces), vastly reducing the risk of transmission.

Now, the space, like an office complex or a shopping mall, can be vast. But with centralised air conditioning, it does not qualify as a well-ventilated space. In such cases, the government recommends improving the central air filtration / increased filtration efficiency, using gable fan systems and roof ventilators. Simple strategic placement of fans, open windows and doors to let in the outdoor air and improve the air quality inside, cross ventilation and exhaust fans can go a long way in curtailing the spread, says the advisory.

Now, ventilation is not too much of an ask, especially when we are cooped up within four walls. Open those windows and doors and let some fresh air in. The government emphasises ventilation as a community defence and urges improving ventilation on urgent priority.

Credits: PSA Advisory to Prevent Transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

All this talk of ventilation, but what exactly is it? Our Word Of The Day is defined by the Oxford dictionary as allowing fresh air to enter and move around a room, building, etc. It derives its roots from the Latin noun ventulus that translates to slight wind and in the verb form ventilo it means toss, swing or brandish in the air or expose to a draught.

Need a guide to improving air circulation and ventilation in your home or office? We have your back.

Now to vaccination. The drive has been going on at a relatively slower pace than anticipated. Shortage of vaccines and the tussle between the states and the centre over who gets how many vaccines have left the masses in a mess. While you could consider travelling to Russia for a vacation and Sputnik V jabs if you have the kind of money, most Indians travelling abroad have no choice but to go for Covishield shots as it is the only vaccine recognised by most nations.

Going abroad? Get the Covishield jab. (Photo: Reuters)

To add to the quandary, the government panel has predicted that the present Covid second wave is likely to end in July and a third wave will hit after 6 months. And now there are experts raising concerns that the third wave might hit children the most. As seen in some countries, more infections are being observed in children this year compared to last year as more transmissible variants emerge.

The US, Canada, Singapore and the UAE have already approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use in the 12-15 age group. Not to be left behind, the European Medical Agency is also in the process of reviewing the use of the Pfizer vaccine in kids. In India, the Drugs Controller General of India gave permission for conducting Phase II/III trials of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin in the 2-18 age group. Trials are expected to begin in the next 10-12 days.

Covid has its own carnage, as do cyclones. Even after Cyclone Tauktae passed, the wreckage it has left behind remains. 261 crew members were on board Barge P305 near Mumbai (where it was stationed) when it went adrift and sunk due to the impact of Tauktae. Of these, 188 survivors were rescued. 37 bodies have been recovered so far. and 38 other members of the barge crew remain missing.

From western India to the other end - the east. In Bengal, the Narada case hearing saga seems to be surpassing Ekta Kapoors serials. We mean in terms of the time dragging on. The Calcutta High Court was to hear the case today, but that got cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances, as per the notice issued by the High Court this morning. The next hearing is tomorrow. Meanwhile, Firhad Hakim, Sovan Chatterjee, Subrata Mukherjee and Madan Mitra are currently in judicial custody.

Down South, meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has granted a 30-day ordinary leave to AG Perarivalan. Perarivalan the convict, who has been serving a life sentence in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case for 30 years now. A Tamil Nadu government recommendation for his release under Article 161 is still pending before the state governor. Incidentally, tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of the assassination. Now, why has Perarivalan been granted leave? At the request of the convict's mother, Arputhammal, who requested leave for her son on medical grounds amid the ongoing second Covid wave.

AG Perarivalan was convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. (File photo: PTI)

Lets take a break from the news buzz and bring you the day dedicated to natures buzzers  the honey bees. Today is World Bee Day. It is interesting how this day came about. Today, in 1734, Anton Jansa, the Slovenian pioneer of beekeeping, was born. Beekeeping is serious business in Slovenia. So much so, that the Slovenestake pride that their country  the wealthiest Slavic nation in the world  takes its work ethic from the honey bee.

We say bees and the image conjured in your mind is of that vat of honey. And honey comes from flowers. Did you know that a honeybee has five eyes, yet is blind to the colour red? And this is the predominant colour in flowers! While they cant see red (pun unintended), but they can see in the ultraviolet spectrum (which we cannot). Bees can use odour cues to hone in on a flower, but that only works when theyre already pretty close. Vision is essential to help the bees find flowers at a distance.

Honeybees have five eyes, but can't see the colour red. (Photo: Getty Images)

So how do they find flowers? Well, they dont. Flowers over the millennia have evolved to attract bees (their primary pollinators). Many flowers have evolved distinctive ultraviolet colour patterns  invisible to the human eye, but are incredibly eye-catching to bees.

The tragedy is that the worlds largest pollinators are at risk of being wiped out. We recommend you watch the documentary Who Killed The Honeybees to understand why they are being wiped out and how can you do your bit.

With that, we say bye for now. We will be back tomorrow with more.

Now get the all-new DailyOh in your mailbox. Click here to subscribe.

Also Read | Covid 2.0: When will it end?
Pan was identified first as a person of interest in the days after the incident but vanished, prompting officials to bring in the U.S. Marshals Service to search for him across the country. Several weeks later, New Haven police announced they had secured an arrest warrant to charge Pan with murder but it would take another two months to locate him.
Rod Stewart is currently slated to be the first concert at the DTE Energy Music Theatre, on July 23 (Photo by Ken Settle)
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Owners of the Woodpile BBQ, 630 E. 11 Mile Road in Madison Heights, say they took advantage of a reduced-cost liquor license program through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that brought them more dine-in and carryout business. Madison Heights is making other existing and potential downtown businesses aware of the program as part of the DDA's downtown revitalization efforts.
Neel Bhatt, a UW assistant professor of otolaryngology, specializes in treating patients with voice problems. Through his work, he began to realize people did not like the sound of their own voices. With the transition to school over Zoom, many students can relate to the discomfort of hearin
We cant let something like that just go without her being held accountable, so Im really grateful for the people who came. It feels weird to be on this side of it, said Prescott, who is usually the activist advocating on behalf of other victims. I have two Black daughters and a Black son. Im glad that they can see this, Im glad that they are able to see that if you stand up for yourself, the people will stand with you.
Dancehall star Konshens, appears not to be impressed with the Governments recent announcement that it would be spending $300 million on the first phase of its Paint the City, Paint the Town project.

In responding to the news, Konshens did his calculations and implied that the funds could be better spent elsewhere, particularly to buy food, for needy members of the population.

Thats 20k worth of food to 15000 households. Mmm nuttn like fresh paint in covid lockdown yummy, he wrote sarcastically on Sleek Jamaicas IG page, which had noted in its captioned post about the matter that the project would be generating employment through beautification, mural painting, street-sign installation and the improvement of selected markets.

However, Konshens idea might not find favor with members of the Jamaican Cabinet, as according to Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, the project represents the effort of the Government to put people into productive work.

McKenzie had made the announcement during his contribution to the 2021/2022 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, according to the Gleaner.

The Minister had said the programme will generate employment through beautification, mural painting, street-sign installation and the improvement of selected markets beginning in Kingston and St. Andrew, May Pen in Clarendon and Buff Bay and Port Antonio in Portland in its first phase.

McKenzie had also indicated that the project would also provide 2,000 jobs for community members, and would, in some cases, become permanent employment for the maintenance of the facilities.

However, Konshens was not the only Dancehall star in disagreement as Stacious responded with a: Kmt at the announcement.

In the meantime Konshens, whose given name is Garfield Spence appeared on Audiomacks Fine Tuned two days ago, for an acoustic performance of his hit singles Bubble, Bruk Off Yuh Back, and his new track Cant Stay Sober, backed by guitarist Elijah Rawk, to much approval from his Jamaican compatriots.

A few days ago Konshens, also appeared in an feature article with High Times cannabis magazine, to discuss music and marijuana. He told the publication that although for most of his career, he turned to alcohol to relax and calm his inhibitions, but that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has relied more on ganja to put in the right frame of mind, while simultaneously easing his dependence on alcohol.

My aim is to start smoking more and drinking less, then eventually it becomes not drinking at all Ganja is definitely a healthier option, he told High Times.

It just gets me mellow. And Im not living inside of my head as much. In this time, where we are at home alone, and we have so much time, we start to live in our head and overthink things. Smoking helps me think about what I want to think about, and not get onto negative thoughts. Its helped me focus on what I need to focus on, he added.

The 36-year-old also told the cannabis publication that he was not attracted to weed vibes until maybe about 12 years ago and that he still cant roll a proper spliff, relying instead on a pre-roll cone.

I dont like alcohol, which is crazy to say because I always drink. I dont like what alcohol does to me. Im socially awkward, I hate the camera and I hate being in everybodys eye. So being slightly lit [from drinking] helped me with that. It helped take the edge off. Weed has helped me find the right pace in life. The weed keeps me mellow, he told the publication.

Konshens, who is known for ganja songs such as Real Herbalist and So High also affirmed that ganja plays a major role in his writing and recording process noting that: Before and during, I have a spliff to get me in a zone.

I still wouldnt call myself a ganja man. I like to sing hit songs and about what I know. Early in my career, when I did weed songs it was because I was connected even though I was not a hardcore smoker. And now I can speak on it differently, he said.
Trojan Jamaica/BMG has announced the upcoming release of U-Roys final full-length album, titled Solid Gold U-Roy. The album was originally set to come out in 2020 with plans for a worldwide tour in support, but unfortunately, the pandemic delayed its release.

Now, with the heartbreaking loss of U-Roy on February 17, Solid Gold U-Roy has become a celebration of one of the most profoundly influential Reggae stars of his generation. U-Roy was an originator of the chatty rhythmic vocal style known as toasting; a key foundational element in the development of dancehall and rap in their early stages in the 1970s.

Guest appearances on his new album include Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Mick Jones of The Clash, Santigold, Sly & Robbie, David Hinds of Steel Pulse, Big Youth, Tarrus Riley, Rygin King, Jesse Royal, Richie Spice, and Scientist.

Solid Gold U-Roy will be released on July 16, 2021, and is available for pre-order now.

The albums announcement today, is accompanied by the release of the single Man Next Door featuring American singer and songwriter Santigold.

According to a statement, Man Next Door is a beloved reggae standard written by John Holt and released in 1968 by his group The Paragons. U-Roy sampled the song in 1982 for Peace and Love in the Ghetto on his Original DJ album.

Man Next Doors official music video, which was released today on YouTube, features U-Roy in 2018 at the Trojan Jamaica studios in one of his last sessions ever. Santigold was filmed at Sunset Sound later that year. The video was directed by Nick Franco/1185 Films. in collaboration with Trojan Jamaica co-founders Zak Starkey and Sharna Sshh Liguz.

It was such an honor to get to work on this project with U-Roy, a true creator, Santigold said in the statement.

He was a major pioneer in a genre that influenced me so deeply. And it just so happened that the song I was asked to sing, Man Next Door, has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. It felt so special to get to sing that song in particular  I knew the harmonies in my body without having to think for a second  and to hear his voice cutting through, driving the rhythm, drawing us all into his world. What a gift that I got a chance to sing on this track with him. He was one of the greats.

Man Next Door is the second song to be released from SOLID GOLD U-ROY. In early 2020, to support a tour of Brazil, U-Roy and Trojan Jamaica put out the iconic Wake The Town.

Originally released in 1970, it became a #1 Jamaican pop chart phenomenon and went on to establish the legendary toaster as an international dancehall star.

Trojans Zak and Sshh met U-Roy in 2018 and their friendship quickly developed beyond merely being his label presidents. They feel privileged to have signed him, were devastated by the surprise news of his death, and are deeply committed to honoring his legacy.

We met U-Roy through our friend, Wayne Jobson, who took us to meet him in Kingston in early 2018, Sshh said. We ate lunch and got on great, and talked about re-recording his greatest hits, with him joined by special guest artists. He was easy to talk to, very dignified and confident, but very approachable. Cool looking and unassuming, but then he would open his mouth, and out would come a big, booming statement.

Zak added, Three weeks after our meeting, we started recording in Trojan Jamaica Sounds studio in Ocho Rios.

U-Roy would toast his songs live and Sshh would sing the songs that were to be sung later by the guests. Sshh and U-Roy bonded quickly doing this and had a lot of fun doing it. The band was Sly & Robbie, Tony Chin, Robbie Lyn and me. We had to work quickly (four days), as U-Roy was leaving for a six-week European tour right after recording his parts. After he split to go on tour, we spent a couple of months overdubbing and adding the guest artists. Most artists came to our studio in JA and some recorded at their own studios.

An honor, a pleasure, and a musical education from the Originator, Daddy U-Roy. We loved touring with him and I worked out some good riffs to bounce off his signature style. Sshh and U-Roy had particularly good chemistry on stage  the whole Brazilian tour was so much fun and so rewarding because of the fantastic songs that we got to play and sing with him. We played gigs for 150,000 people and many of them were waving his vinyl records and hailing him as The Originator.

They continued, We had always loved U-Roy because of the power of his voice, and his lyrics, with their humor and seriousness, continued Sshh. We made the Solid Gold album because we wanted everyone to know that U-Roy helped invent rap.

One of our favorite memories is of him explaining to us why Bob Marley and others cut dubplates especially for him because I was it, man, I was it!.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A man who fired shots at police in South Carolina during a chase Monday is a suspect in three killings in two states and has stolen clothes and a gun as he eluded police for three days, authorities said.

About 100 officers have been looking for Tyler Terry, 27, since he ran from the wrecked car he was a passenger in late Monday night in Chester County.

While officers, dogs, helicopters and drones have searched for Terry in woods, neighborhoods and industrial areas, investigators working outside the search area have linked him to a May 2 killing in South Carolina, two killings outside of St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday and two additional shootings in recent weeks.

The woman driving Terry, Adrienne Simpson, 34 was taken into custody after crashing following the 30-mile (48-kilometer) chase that reached speeds of 100 mph (160 kph).

The story took another twist after Simpson's husband, Eugene, was found dead Wednesday in a ditch, Chester County Coroner Terry Tinker said. He had been missing since at least May 2. Tinker ruled the death a homicide but was awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

Police linked Terry and Simpson to the Missouri killings through a stolen license plate, other surveillance camera footage and testimony from people who sold the pair drugs while they were in the area, said Joseph Spiess Jr., chief of the Brentwood, Missouri, police department.

Investigators are heading to South Carolina before they formally charge Terry and Simpson. Police haven't determined why they were in St. Louis, Spiess said.

The way this appears is a modern day version of Bonnie and Clyde do several violent crimes in South Carolina and traveled across the country. What they did between South Carolina and Missouri, we don't know yet, Spiess said at a news conference Thursday.

While Simpson was behind bars, Terry was still being sought. He was seen under an Interstate 77 bridge 12 miles (19 kilometers) away from crash in York County on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

Terry was back in Chester County about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the crash site Thursday, where he was seen on surveillance video stealing a gun, shirt and shoes from an unlocked work truck, investigators said.

Schools have been placed on lockdown and officers have urged people in the area to stay inside and lock their doors in an area with a lot of places to search and perhaps have a dangerous encounter with officers or the public.

Its got everything  wooded areas, creeks, roads, schools, lots of abandoned buildings, sheds  lots of places he could hide. Thats why we have so many people here," York County Sheriff's Office spokesman Trent Faris told reporters Wednesday.

Terry was initially charged with two counts of attempted murder for shooting at Chester County deputies during the late Monday night chase. One bullet lodged in the windshield of a deputy's cruiser just above the steering wheel. She was not hurt and kept chasing, Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey said.

Since then, authorities issued a murder warrant against Terry for the killing of a person found inside a York home and five attempted murder warrants for two separate shootings in Chester County all on May 2. Investigators did not immediately release details on those incidents or how they were linked to Terry.

In Missouri, Terry and Simpson are believed to have shot Dr. Sergei Zacharev during a Saturday night robbery in a restaurant parking lot, and then shot Barbara Goodkin about 45 minutes later as she sat in her car, using the same weapon in each shooting, Spiess said.

The pair were in the same car with the same stolen plate when the deputy pulled up to them Monday night in South Carolina, authorities said.

Simpson was arrested after the chase in South Carolina and initially charged with failure to stop for a blue light. Police have since added a charge of accessory after the fact against Simpson for the killing in York. Jail records did not indicate if she had a lawyer who could comment on her behalf.

Seven detectives from Missouri were flying to South Carolina to question her Thursday about the other killings.

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Follow Jeffrey Collins on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JSCollinsAP and Meg Kinnard at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
BANGKOK (AP)  Creditors of Thai Airways International holding 91.56% of the airlines debt have approved a business reorganization plan, the company announced Wednesday in a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The plan, including three amendments added in consultation with the creditors, now needs final approval by Thailands Central Bankruptcy Court on May 28.

The carrier has generated losses for several consecutive years. It ran up 2.11 billion baht ($67.2 million) in losses in 2017, 11.6 billion baht ($369.5 million) in 2018, and 12 billion baht ($382.2 million) in losses in 2019.

Losses skyrocketed to 141.1 billion baht ($4.5 billion) in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the airline cease virtually all operations for an extended period.

The restructuring plan pegs the companys total debt at 410 billion baht ($13.4 billion). According to the approved plan, it will apply for a new long-term loan or revolving loan worth 50 billion baht ($1.6 billion).

The airline initially sought a 54 billion baht ($1.7 billion) bailout loan from Thailands government after the onset of last years crisis, but was refused.

The Cabinet in May last year approved a reduction in the governments stake in the airline to below 50% as part of the reorganization plan, shrinking the Finance Ministrys stake from 51% to 47.86%

With the government reducing its stake, the airline lost its status as a state enterprise. The action also meant that the airlines state enterprise union was automatically dissolved.

The airline has already downsized by cutting 8,700 positions, of both full-time and contracted employees. It currently has around 21,000 employees, with plans to reduce the total to 13,000 to 15,000 by early next year.

The statement to the stock exchange said five people have been appointed to administer the plan.

Two are the airline's acting Chief Executive Officer Chansin Treenuchagron and its former CEO Piyasvasti Amranand. The others are Finance Ministry official Pornchai Thiravet, former Energy Minister Siri Jirapongphan, and Executive Vice President and Manager of Bangkok Banks Legal Department Kraisorn Barameeauychai.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  A Polish journalist who described a U.S. conservative activist as part of a global war against democracy by right-wing actors with indirect ties to Russia has won a years-long legal battle with the American.

Matthew Tyrmand, an American with Polish roots, has written for Breitbart and is a board member of the organization Project Veritas, which carries out undercover stings against media organizations seeking to expose what it believes is left-wing bias.

Tyrmand sued Polish journalist Tomasz Piatek and Agora, publisher of the liberal newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, over a 2016 article that described Tyrmand as part of the global war by the right wing against democracy and as a supporter of Donald Trump, who was not yet the U.S. president.

Tyrmand objected to several points in the article, including the description of him as Trumps man and an allegation that he had an indirect link to Russia due to Trump's sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also objected to Piatek writing that Project Veritas wages informational warfare.

Tyrmand maintained that the 2016 article was defamatory and sued Piatek, losing an initial case and also on appeal.

The judge in the lower court argued that it was not defamatory to describe Tyrmand as part of Trumps circle when he has written for Breitbart and been associated with other pro-Trump political actors. A panel of three judges at the appellate court upheld that ruling, though one of the three dissented.

The appellate court's judgment became final earlier this week after a deadline passed by which Tyrmand would have had to appeal higher to the countrys Supreme Court.

Tyrmand told The Associated Press that he decided to end his legal battle because he had little faith in getting a fair hearing if he continued, alleging that Polish courts are politicized.

I have decided not to appeal to the Supreme Court because frankly after reading the ridiculousness of the appellate court ruling, my faith in the judiciary acting apolitically stands somewhere between low and none, Tyrmand said in message sent Wednesday.

Piatek, who has written books that explore alleged links between people in the world of politics, business and the media with pro-Kremlin groups, welcomed the ruling.

"It's a victory of truth, he told the AP on Thursday from Warsaw.

The Tyrmand name is known in Poland because the activist's father is the late Leopold Tyrmand, a prominent Polish-Jewish communist-era dissident and writer who survived the Holocaust and emigrated to the United States in the 1960s.

During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign Tyrmand distributed the film Clinton Cash  which portrayed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as captive to wealthy foreign interests  in Poland.

Around that time he was also writing articles for Breitbart News, led by Steve Bannon, who later became Trump's chief strategist. Tyrmand also had friendly ties to some members of Poland's conservative government.

Piatek and editors at Gazeta Wyborcza believed that Tyrmand's case against them was part of a broader effort by the government and people friendly to it to have a chilling effect on its journalists.

Tyrmand has denied that and said he was fighting to defend his reputation.

During the initial trial, Tyrmand argued that the article connected him in this tenuous guilt-by-association to Vladimir Putin. He called it the biggest slander and slur possible in a part of Europe that had achieved independence from the Soviet tyranny.

Tyrmand also argued that it was unfair to call him a supporter of Trump, arguing that at the time that the article was published he still backed Republican challenger Ted Cruz.
KATHMANDU, Nepal  A repatriation flight is rescuing dozens of Spanish nationals who have been stranded in Nepal since a lockdown was imposed in the Himalayan nation to curb the spiking COVID-19 cases.

The charted flight arranged by the Spanish government was taking back 96 Spanish mountaineers, trekkers and tourists who arrived in Nepal to climb the mountain peaks or hike the trails before the country went on lockdown on April 29.

The plane arrived in Nepal on Thursday bringing in health aid materials given by the Spanish government. The shipment included respirators, 10 concentrators, face masks and antigen test kits.

Nepal has been recording its highest daily new cases and daily deaths this month, while struggling with shortages of hospital beds, medication and oxygen. The country so far has recorded 488,645 COVID-19 confirmed cases while 5,847 people have died.

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THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

 Big gaps in US vaccine rates among Northeast, Southern states

 European Union signs Pfizer vaccine contract for 1.8 billion doses

 When to wear a mask depends mostly on whether or not vaccinated

 Teen baker sweetens lives making desserts for those in need

 Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

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HERE'S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Two Republican lawmakers in the Nevada statehouse were punished on Thursday for not complying with restrictions in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Assemblywomen Annie Black and Jill Dickman went mask-less on the Assembly floor but refused to make known whether or not they had received vaccines.

Dickman was escorted out of the Assembly floor after staff told her that she would have to prove that she had been vaccinated. She refused.

In a party-line vote, Black was stripped of her right to vote on measures and address the chamber until she apologized. She remained on the Assembly floor.

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HONOLULU  Hawaiis governor says the state will once again require people receiving unemployment insurance benefits to search for work as a coronavirus testing program for travelers and growing vaccinations fuel a recovery of the tourism industry.

Anyone filing for unemployment will need to report at least three steps they took to look for work from May 30 through June 5 when they submit their weekly claim on June 6.

These steps can include filling out job applications, interviewing for jobs and registering at the jobs website HireNetHawaii.com.

The governor says Hawaii will maintain other pandemic-era unemployment insurance benefits, including a weekly $300 supplement to weekly benefits.

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HOUSTON -- About 60% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses that have spoiled since Texas vaccination program began in December were wasted in the past two weeks, according to an analysis of state data.

According to a Houston Chronicle analysis of the roughly 60,000 vaccine doses spoiled since December, about 36,000 were lost in the past two weeks, indicating plummeting demand for the vaccine in Texas.

The number of wasted doses through spoilage of the highly perishable vaccine was still a minute fraction of the states vaccine allotment. The state is currently administering an average of about 144,000 vaccinations daily. Even so, that was less than half of the 290,000-vaccination-a-day peak last month.

Just one in three Texans were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday, mostly with the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, while 42% have received at least one dose.

More than 51,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Texas during the 15-month pandemic out of the more than 3.2 million positive test results reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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RENO, Nev. -- Nevada health officials admit the states goal of vaccinating 75% of the eligible population may not be realistic.

But they say progress toward that goal is continuing to pay dividends with the average number of new cases being reported statewide dropping to its lowest level since June 2020.

The states positivity also rate fell to 4.8% on Wednesday. Thats higher than an all-time low of 4.2% reached March 28, but down from 5.7% April 21 and far below the peak high of 21.3% in mid-January.

Of all Nevadans age 12 and older, 46% have had their first shot and 37% are now fully vaccinated.

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BATON ROUGE, La.  Louisianas state epidemiologist and her 12-year-old daughter were among those stressing the need for COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday at the state Capitol.

Theresa Sokol and her daughter Elise joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and health officials at a news conference.

Elise spoke about being part of a clinical trial for the Moderna vaccine. She said shes grateful to be part of the effort to get more people vaccinated. State officials are now promoting vaccinations for children as young as 12.

Edwards, meanwhile, says the states vaccination rate remains too low. A little over 35% of the states eligible population have had a first shot; 30% have completed their vaccination dosages. Thats not where we want it to be, quite frankly, Edwards said. Im very disappointed in those numbers. We have to do better.

Edwards said he is looking at possible incentive programs to encourage people to get vaccinated. He would not give details.

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SEATTLE - Despite recent guidance from federal and state officials, the top health official in Washingtons most populous county urged people Thursday to keep wearing face masks in public, indoor settings.

King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin issued a directive strongly recommending that residents age 5 and up wear face coverings whether or not they are vaccinated until 70% or more of the countys residents 16 and older are fully inoculated. The agency projects the county will reach the threshold in late June.

Some 57% of those residents in King County  home to Seattle  were fully vaccinated on Thursday, according to the directive. The county is home to about 2.26 million people.

The directive applies to public indoor spaces including grocery and retail stores, government buildings and anywhere else members of the public can enter freely  unless a state-approved method of checking vaccination status is implemented. It does not apply to outdoor places.

Last week, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginias governor debuted a new portal Thursday for vaccinated residents aged 16 to 35 to receive a $100 incentive.

Those in the age group who received all required doses of the vaccine can register at governor.wv.gov to get their prize of a $100 U.S. Treasury bond or a gift card of the same value. Gov. Jim Justice announced plans for the incentive program last month, and it will apply retroactively to people who already received the vaccine.

The state is aiming to boost its sluggish vaccination campaign with the prize and has also expanded clinics at schools and businesses. Justice has a goal of vaccinating at least 65% of residents aged 12 and over by June 20, when his statewide mask mandate will be fully lifted. A month out, 55% of those residents have received at least one dose.

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NEW YORK  People who get vaccinated at select state-run vaccination sites in New York next week will receive a lottery scratch ticket as the state tries to boost slowing vaccination rates.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the pilot program at 10 state-run sites will offer prizes from $20 up to $5 million and run from Monday to May 28.

The governor says theres a one in nine chance of winning a scratch ticket prize in New York, which is joining states like Ohio that have similar lottery incentives. About 43% of New York state residents are fully vaccinated.

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HARRISBURG, Pa.  Pennsylvania marked a milestone on Thursday, with 50% of adults statewide now considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf says it will lift an order requiring unvaccinated people to wear masks in public once 70% of Pennsylvanians aged 18 and older are fully vaccinated, meaning at least two weeks beyond the last required dose.

The pace of vaccinations has been slowing for weeks, with most people eager to get the shot already having done so. Health Department data indicates Pennsylvania ordered only about a quarter of the vaccine doses it was entitled to last week.

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TULSA, Okla.  The Tulsa Health Department is contacting 1,150 people who received improperly stored doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine so they can get another shot.

The vaccine was kept in cold storage for up to two weeks longer than the recommended maximum of 14 days, Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart said Wednesday.

The improper storage doesnt present a health risk, according to Dr. Gitanjali Pai, Chief Medical Officer at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

However, past this 14-day mark, the vaccine may not be as effective at protecting you from COVID-19, Pai said. For this reason, we are asking these individuals to receive another dose of the vaccine.

The doses were administered May 3-17 at four health centers in Tulsa County, the local health department says.

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ANKARA, Turkey  German pharmaceutical company BioNTechs CEO Ugur Sahin says Turkey will receive a total of 120 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by September.

Sahin participated in a meeting of Turkeys health advisory council via teleconference from Germany. Ozlem Tureci, BioNTech co-founder and Sahins wife, also joined the meeting. Both Sahin and Tureci were born to Turkish immigrant parents.

Pfizer-BioNTech agreed in December to provide 30 million doses of its mRNA-based vaccines to Turkey. Under a new agreement that was finalized on Thursday, Turkey will buy 60 million more doses, with an option for an additional 30 million doses.

The Health Ministry posted 9,385 new cases and 207 deaths in the past 24 hours on Thursday. Turkey has registered more than 5.1 million cases and 45,626, confirmed deaths since the start of the pandemic.

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass.  A distinct geographic pattern has emerged in the U.S. drive to vanquish the coronavirus - the highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest are mostly in the South.

Experts say the gap reflects a multitude of factors, including political leanings, religious beliefs, and education and income levels. Close to 160 million Americans  48% of the population  have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 million are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Vermont is No. 1, with nearly 64% of its population receiving at least one dose. Mississippi is last at 32%.

Following Vermont at 54% or higher are Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.

Eight Southern states are in the bottom 10, all under 40%. Mississippi was followed by Louisiana, Alabama, Wyoming, Idaho, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia and South Carolina.

Low vaccination rates will leave room for the virus to circulate, re-emerge and possibly form new variants, said Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. High vaccination rates are critical to keeping the disease under control, especially when we get back to the fall and winter.

Closing the state gaps is vital to controlling the virus that has killed 588,000 Americans, health experts say.

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TOKYO  A Japanese health ministry drug safety panel has given preliminary approval to coronavirus vaccines developed by Moderna and AstraZeneca.

That comes ahead of an expansion next week of the countrys slow-paced immunization program before the Tokyo Olympics.

The only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for emergency use in Japan is developed by Pfizer. Formal approval of the two additional vaccines is expected Friday by a broader vaccine policy panel.

As the government pushes to host the Olympics in about two months, accelerating vaccinations is key to warding off mounting public concern about the safety of the event. Recent polls indicate more than 80% of Japanese oppose hosting the Olympics this summer.

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BRUSSELS  The head of the World Trade Organization says its paramount to diversify vaccine manufacturing and develop production in Africa and Latin America to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

On the eve of a global health summit in Rome, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told European Union legislators on Thursday that normal market forces for exports and imports cant apply when it comes to the life-or-death issue of COVID-19 vaccines. Many of the worlds wealthiest nations were hoarding the shots for their own population.

She says the world has the capacity to manufacture 5 billion vaccine doses overall but as the virus has spread we require twice and three times that. So the capacity was not there.

A main challenge is diversifying vaccine production, which is now 80% concentrated in 10 European, North American and South Asian nations. She says Africa, with 1.3 billion people, has 0.17 % of the manufacturing capacity of the world, and Latin America has about 2% of global production capacity. This has to change.
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Obviously, this is from a very low month in April of 2020 because of the pandemic, but adding that many jobs in just one year is an enormous and successful feat that would be difficult under any circumstances, Flaherty said.
A doctor checks a man who recovered from COVID-19 and now infected with black fungus at the Mucormycosis ward of a government hospital in Hyderabad, India, Thursday, May 20, 2021. (AP)

HYDERABAD: As many as 150 persons have been admitted with black fungus infection or mucormycosis at the Government ENT Hospital here in the last three days. The maximum of these patients were from different districts of Telangana state who came in once the facility was declared the nodal centre for treatment.

Doctors say they have only 50 unoccupied beds and the hospital is now full with in-patients of black fungus infection. Severe cases have been admitted where the infection is in the nose and space behind the eyes. Mild cases of sinus are being treated at out-patient level and oral medicines prescribed.

The out-patient ENT department is also seeing a huge rush of patients as Covid-recovered patients are coming to the hospital for check-ups. Panic about the disease is also causing many to get themselves checked.

Doctors have advised the recovered patients to wear masks at home, which will help in prevention. From the admitted patients, it was found that only 30 per cent of them had uncontrolled sugar levels while the others were found to have side-effects of steroids and lowered cell-immunity due to the virus.

Mucormycosis in maximum patients has affected the eyes and this will require ear, nose, throat and eye doctors to step in with help in the treatment process.

A doctor at the hospital says, "There are a few patients whose both eyes have turned black. These will require aggressive treatment. The challenge is to save lives and also save vision in at least one eye. These patients will be attended to on a priority basis."

Stocks of amphotericin B are sufficient, stated doctors, adding, they are being directly supplied by the Telangana state medical devices and infrastructure development corporation.

The cases in ENT Hospital indicate more men than females suffering from the disease. The ratio is 9 males per one female for every 10 cases. The cases among the age group of 30-50 years are high. Those who were under home treatment and did not take steroids have also reported severe infections of black fungus.

Dr Manish Gupta, senior ENT surgeon at the hospital, explained: "The Covid19 virus reduces cell immunity, making the human body susceptible to fungus in the air. Improving cell immunity in recovery is important."

With the anti-fungal medicines available, doctors are confident that after surgical intervention in the treatment will be effective as the medicine removes the fungus completely from the body.

Private hospitals have sent in their demands for medicines, as high as 500 requisitions, in the last two days. These will be scrutinized and directly supplied by the stockists and pharmacies to hospital.

These steps are being taken to control black marketing of medicines that is rampant in the second wave. Drug control officers have warned main stockists and pharmacies that batches of all medicines will be strictly monitored to ensure there is no scope for black marketing.
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has every reason to smile after the regular budget for 2021-2022 was presented in the Assembly on Thursday.

It will ensure successful implementation of cash transfer schemes that had built an emotional connect between him and the beneficiaries as reflected in the ruling party wiping the principal Opposition Telugu Desam out in the local bodies.

Proving wrong the doomsday prophecies on welfare schemes, the Chief Minister could roll out all the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes in the last fiscal despite the worst pandemic impacting the economy. Some capital expenditure or asset building in simplistic form, might suffer but the electorates choice of cash transfers over it will keep the bondage intact.

As such, the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state government did well in asset creation in the crucial education and health sectors, both tangible in the form of buildings and equipment and intangible by way of incentivising mothers to send their children to school. On top of it, the availability of cash, thanks to DBT, came in handy for the poor in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

With revenue growth projections being close to reality for the current fiscal, excluding the exponential growth projected in states own tax revenue, the Chief Minister seems to be confident about cash transfers this year too. He went on to announce an additional scheme for the economically backward classes women.

The state might have witnessed a huge gap between the budget outlay and actuals for 2020-21, Rs.1.85 lakh crore being realised out of the Rs.2.24 lakh crore outlay, but it has become a regular feature for successive governments ever since Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, then Chief Minister of combined Andhra Pradesh, came up with a Rs.1 lakh crore budget some two decades ago. The outlay for this year will be Rs.2.29 lakh crore.

If the dream versus reality is left to the Opposition of the day to criticise the government, a close look at the Revised Estimates for 2020-2021 reveals that the finance department could manage the heavy load of DBTs with the revenue receipts, which grew at a very low rate due to the lockdowns, standing at Rs.1.85 lakh crore. The unforeseen expenditure due to Covid-19 management had to be factored in while the huge pendency of payments which will be carried forward to the current fiscal, again a regular feature, was discounted.

The seven per cent overall expenditure growth from Rs.1.73 lakh crore in 2019-2020 to Rs.1.85 lakh crore in 2020-21 was manageable for DBTs with six per cent growth in revenue from Rs.1.74 lakh crore to Rs.1.85 lakh crore for the corresponding period. The revenue expenditure growth was close to 11 per cent.

This year, the state will borrow Rs.6,000 crore less than last years Rs.50,000 crore from the open market. The borrowing from the Centre was also slashed to Rs.2,000 crore from Rs.5,000 crore. It showed a meagre Rs.2,000 crore hike in the share of Central taxes from Rs.24,441 crore, all coming close to the reality.

This was possible partly due to the government offloading some of its loan burden to power utilities and other corporations. For instance, of the total power subsidy of Rs.8,000 crore, the government agreed to pay only Rs.6,000 crore.

However, the exceptions to realistic projections are grant in aid from the Centre and states own tax and non-tax revenues. The state fell Rs.21,000 crore short of the projected grant-in-aid from the Centre last year but it continued to project Rs.25,000 crore excess this year. Similarly, the state projected Rs.85,000 crore from state tax revenues against Rs.57,000 crore realised last year and Rs.7,000 crore from non-tax revenue against Rs.3,300 crore.

The GST growth in worst conditions was 18 per cent and we are expecting the growth to be higher this year once normalcy is restored. We lost heavily on tax on petrol and diesel because of low consumption and this will definitely improve. Non-tax revenue will also go up through auction of prime government land, explained a senior finance official. Even after all positive factors contributing to revenue receipts, there will still be shortfall in achieving budget outlay. This means no deviation from the regular phenomenon witnessed year after year and enough ammo for the Opposition, he quipped.
The court also asked as to when the proposed oxygen plants would be set up and counsel replied that it would take three months time.  DC Image

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has asked the Centre as to how it allotted more quantum of medical oxygen to the states having less number of Coronavirus cases and less to the states having more cases.

The court on Wednesday held a hearing on Covid19 management and efforts of the state government to handle it.

State government counsel submitted to the court that the quantum of medical oxygen allotted to the state was inadequate given the rise in the number of Coronavirus cases in the state. Telangana was getting allocation of 600tonnes of medical oxygen per day from the Centre despite it having relatively less number of cases while AP got an allotment of only 580 tonnes despite it having more cases.

The court asked counsel representing the Centre to explain why so. In response, counsel submitted to the court that the Centre will ensure supply of medical oxygen to states based on requirement.

The court also asked as to when the proposed oxygen plants would be set up and counsel replied that it would take three months time. This, the court felt, was too long a period, and suggested that the works be speeded up.
Hyderabad: Government hospitals have begun attracting unusual attention all of a sudden, thanks to Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao's visit to Gandhi Hospital on Wednesday.

A day after the CM's visit, several ministers made a beeline to government hospitals in their respective districts to interact with doctors, staff and Covid patients, so as to instill confidence among them and ensure better treatment facilities on par with private hospitals for free.

As the CM's Gandhi Hospital visit evoked a good response from various quarters, he wants to continue his 'government hospitals yatra' along with finance minister T. Harish Rao. The two would visit government hospitals in district headquarters starting with Warangal MGM Hospital on Friday.

Energy minister G. Jagadish Reddy visited the government hospitals in Nalgonda district on Thursday. Roads and buildings minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy visited hospitals in Nizamabad district. Endowments minister A. Indrakaran Reddy went to hospitals in Adilabad district, Panchayat Raj minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao and women and child welfare minister Sathyavathi Rathod did so in Warangal, transport minister Puvvada Ajay in Khammam and agriculture minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy in Mahbubnagar district.

Government hospitals and the public health sector are getting more prominence after the Chief Minister took over the health portfolio from Etala Rajendar on May 2.

He has roped in two key ministers  K.T. Rama Rama Rao and Harish Rao -- to handle crucial issues of Covid vaccination, injections and recruitment of health staff in government hospitals etc. Rama Rao was appointed as chairman of the state task force on procurement of vaccines and medicines. He is working on getting increased supplies of vaccines from the Centre and is also engaged in discussions with vaccine manufacturers. Harish Rao is dealing with the day-to-day administration of the health department on behalf of the CM.

The CM has decided to set up 48 oxygen production plants in major government hospitals in all districts besides opening six new medical colleges in the government sector, mostly in interior and backward districts.

The medical fraternity in government sector is upbeat over the visits by the CM and the ministers to government hospitals and they are hoping this will boost the image of hospitals as well help

spruce up the infrastructure.
Nellore: Even as the district administration issued orders against preparation and distribution of Ayurveda medicines for Covid at Krishnapatnam, till they are certified and permitted by any government agency, legislator Kakani Govardhan Reddy was defiant and declared that the distribution would nevertheless commence on Friday.

Krishnapatnam is located in Sarvepalli assembly constituency represented by Govardhan Reddy and the lawmakers move to overlook the orders of authorities shocked official circles here on Thursday.

A team of Ayush doctors had examined the medicines prepared by Bonigi Anandaiah, without any qualification, and sent samples to a lab in Vijayawada. Though they felt the medicine was harmless, they reported to the Collector that the formulation is not a standards recipe and the method of preparation and dosages is sub-standard. They opined that the ingredients used in the eye drops may harm eyesight in long run. The officials issued the restraining orders in view of the heavy flow of patients to Krishnapatnam. They feared it would turn another super spreader event like Markaz in New Delhi last year.

However, Govardhan Reddy said he would oversee the distribution of medicine in the interest of public health as the Covid virus was spreading like wildfire and thousands were thronging Krishnapatnam, reposing full faith in the free medicine.

The MLA said they would ensure proper Covid safety protocols such as physical distance, wearing of face masks in Krishnapatnam. He questioned the rationale behind stopping the distribution even after the Ayush doctors declared that there was no harm in consuming the medicine consisting of general herbs.
The AAP said Wednesday that the BJP and its government were more concerned about their image abroad than about children in India after the saffron party accused Mr Kejriwal of a serious violation of constitutional propriety.  PTI

New Delhi: Singapore on Wednesday summoned Indias high commissioner there and lodged a strong protest against a recent tweet by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal that claimed there was a Singapore variant of the coronavirus that was harmful for children, after which the high commissioner promptly told the Singapore authorities that the Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy.

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar also swiftly clarified that the Delhi CM does not speak for India. Lauding Singapores sending of military aircraft with oxygen supplies recently to help India battle the second Covid wave, Mr Jaishankar, in a thinly veiled barb at Mr Kejriwal, lamented that irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who had lambasted Mr Kejriwal and asked him to stick to the facts, thanked Mr Jaishankar for the clarification.

Mr Kejriwals tweet earlier Tuesday, when he called for a ban on flights from Singapore to India, had led to a furore in the city state, which is a key member of Asean and an important partner of India in the region with close ties to New Delhi.

Setting the record straight, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted: Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CMs tweet on Singapore variant. High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy.

In response to Mr Jaishankars statement that the Delhi CM does not speak for India, Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan tweeted: Thanks @DrSJaishankar lets focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe. Mr Balakrishnan earlier attacked Mr Kejriwal, saying: Politicians should stick to facts! There is no Singapore variant.

The Singapore foreign ministry said in a statement: MFA (Singapores ministry of foreign affairs) regrets the unfounded assertions made on Facebook and Twitter by Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal that a variant of Covid-19 found in Singapore was particularly harmful to children and could cause a third wave of infections in India There is no Singapore variant. The strain prevalent in many Covid-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which was first detected in India.

This came after media reports said Singapore would close schools from Wednesday as the authorities there warned of new coronavirus strains like the one first detected in India that were affecting more children in the city state.

The AAP said Wednesday that the BJP and its government were more concerned about their image abroad than about children in India after the saffron party accused Mr Kejriwal of a serious violation of constitutional propriety. In a controversial tweet, Mr Kejriwal had on Tuesday urged cancelling all flights from Singapore with immediate effect, saying a new strain of coronavirus found there could reach Delhi and was very dangerous for children. BJP spokesman Gaurav Bhatia said: Meddling in foreign policy matters, which as per the Constitution is not a state subject, amounts to a serious violation of constitutional propriety. Kejriwal has presented his toolkit of spreading confusion and anarchy and seems to be competing with the Congress in propagating lies and destabilising the country.

The Aam Aadmi Party fielded deputy CM Manish Sisodia and health minister Satyendar Jain to defend Mr Kejriwal. Vaccines would be available for adults as well as children in the country had our foreign ministry shown the same swiftness in procuring vaccines from other countries with which it reacted to Mr Kejriwals statement, Mr Sisodia said. He said the BJP government needs to prioritise children, instead of playing politics and fixing its image abroad.

Mr Jain too said there was a different strain of coronavirus spreading in Singapore. There are many strains of coronavirus in India at present. Their presence is ascertained through genome sequencing. It is a different strain (in Singapore) indeed. Whether it is from Singapore, Delhi, America or London, whats important is that the strains are different, he told reporters.

Mr Sisodia said: Mr Kejriwal talked about the Singapore strain and children. The issue is not Singapore but the safety of our children.
Former Red Lion Hotel in downtown Hartford sells for $22 million. See what plans the new owners have for the building.

Former hotel overlooking Dunkin' Donuts Park get new owners.
The second wave of the epidemic has caught Indias creaking health infrastructure on the wrong foot again. (PTI /Kamal Kishore)

The devastating Covid crisis has renewed demand for the creation of an Indian Medical Service along the lines of the all-India services such as IAS and IPS etc., at the earliest. The second wave of the epidemic has caught Indias creaking health infrastructure on the wrong foot again. It has blown the lid off the system, exposing the shortage of critical beds, oxygen, equipment and doctors and other medical staff.

Sources say that this demand has been raised on several occasions by several medical organisations including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) and the doctors association of the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Those in the know say that recently FORDA has renewed the demand and written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to expedite the creation of a national medical service. Interestingly, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare had also suggested that the government explore the possibility of setting up an exclusive service as part of the much-needed changes that have now become necessary to revamp the healthcare system. Will Mr Modi oblige?

Chhattisgarh whistleblower fights lone battle

A district women and child development officer in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh is on a crusade against departmental corruption. He has gone on a hunger strike for the governments inaction in a Rs 30 lakh corruption case related to various state government schemes. Though the amounts appear small, it is the principle that matters for this champion of honesty in administration.

Sudhakar Bodele is demanding action against the departmental officers who were involved in the embezzlement of funds of Rs 30 lakh in two schemes of the WCD department in Mahasamund district.

Mr Bodele has alleged that substandard material worth Rs 20 lakhs was purchased between March 20-21 under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana (CMKVY). He has also alleged irregularities of Rs 10 lakhs under the Ready to Eat (RTE) scheme. Despite complaints, no action was taken against the guilty staff, the WCD officer complained.

Earlier the officer brought the matter to the knowledge of the district collector. Despite promises when no action occurred, then he asked for permission and a place to go for a hunger strike. When the officer was not granted permission, he sat on a hunger strike at home.

All eyes are on how the government responds to Mr Bodeles tactics. Watch this space for updates.

Retired babu is indispensable for MVA govt

It is common practice with state governments, but when the Maharashtra government decided to reappoint IAS officer V.K. Gautam, who retired last month as additional chief secretary in charge of irrigation as an officer on special duty (OSD) in the same department, it has not gone down well with other officers, serving as well as retired.

The rationale offered by the MVA government is that Mr Gautam had shown able leadership in the post and the government would continue to benefit from his experience and ability to handle large projects.

Sources say that the MVA government was actually keen on retaining Mr Gautams services on a three-year contract as irrigation secretary. However, it could not do so since the post of secretary is a cadre post and cannot be made contractual to retain an IAS officer. So, it made him an OSD instead.

Mr Gautams retention on a contractual basis seems to have upset quite a few senior IAS officers, who see this as a wrong trend. It is also pointed out that Mr Gautam has an inquiry pending against him for alleged violation of rules as a member of the Commonwealth Games managing committee more than a decade ago.

But Mr Gautam is not the only senior official to have benefited. Chief secretary Ajoy Mehta after retirement has been hired as principal advisor to the Chief Ministers Office (CMO). Similarly, R Mopalwar who retired in 2018 is overlooking major road projects in the state and R.A. Rajeev is still heading MMRDA although he retired in February.

So, while retaining retired babus may be bad in principle, it is a widely prevalent practice and not just in Maharashtra.

Share a babu experience! Follow dilipthecherian@Twitter.com. Lets multiply the effect.
It is perhaps necessary to start with a description of the trigger which led to the escalation resulting in the current run of cross-border strikes in the Israeli-Palestinian standoff. This is important although we have seen much of the same in the past. What is also important is to get the bigger picture right. But first, we need to outrightly condemn the sheer lack of concern for the loss of civilian lives by both sides in the senseless conflict which has been in perpetuity in the Middle East. It is one of those conflicts in which one starts tracing history to lay blame but in reality can take no sides. Hamas is an organisation sworn to the use of unbridled violence and is never concerned about the misery it brings to its own people without even a positive hope in return. Israel justifies its use of overkill of counter violence because of its isolation in a sea of adversaries, where any evidence of its softness is perceived to play against it. Its a dilemma for us in India too as our interests lie with both sides and with peace.

The cause of the trigger reportedly was an attempt to evict a few Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah area in East Jerusalem where some Israeli settlers were to be housed; an old legal case was coming to judgment. This is not something unusual. However, it came in sync with another event involving sentiment and that was the imposition of the limit of 10,000 attendees at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, the third of the holy sites of Islam. The Israeli police attempt to implement this rather harshly in the period of Ramzan led to violence and frayed tempers. That spiralled more violence, which in turn led to the firing of missiles by Hamas from Gaza on Jerusalem and other Israeli cities, and a very strong response from Israel with threats of ground operations as well. It was the first time that this was happening after 2014, and many television serials such as Fauda have been made in the interim period through which the dynamics of this unfortunate conflict get to be better known. The seriousness can be gauged from the fact that ordinary Israeli Arabs and Jews have been making attempts at lynching each other in some cities.

In this decade so far, its clear that the Palestinians have never been so alone, and Hamas ruling over their destiny has given them little hope of peace and stability. Fatahs moderation does not really count, and most Arab governments have been busy with Abraham Accords, virtually signing off on the Palestinian cause. The Trump administrations peace formula favoured Israel and Palestinian voices were never heard through the so-called deal of the century, anchored by Jared Kushner, Donald Trumps son-in-law. Even the Palestinian capital offered in the accord is not East Jerusalem; its a territory offset from it with the Shuafat refugee camp within. Building a capital is never a problem, but its the angle of fairness and perception which Mr Kushner and Mr Trump had no time for. There were no responses from Palestinians then, possibly because of the known stance the Trump administration would take. The sentiments have all been there, the eviction of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah and the police action at Al Aqsa mosque are just events which triggered emotions. Events in conflicts many times bring to a head some issues that then spiral out of control and that is exactly what is happening here.

Pent-up fury among Palestinians against Mr Kushners peace formula probably erupted but could have been aided by external backing  the usual finger-pointing is towards Iran. Tehran actually has little to gain from this turbulence because its in negotiations on the JCPOA with the United States in Vienna and needs no demonstration of its capability to play proxy games anywhere in the Middle East. The one trend to which all fingers appear to point as having a connection with the trigger is the political instability within Israel keeping Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on tenterhooks due to the political minority status of his government and the personal corruption charges which he is attempting to overcome through shenanigans such as appointing a loyalist as justice minister. These events have come to his rescue and the robust Israeli response and the casualties suffered by Israel have helped bolster a nationalistic fervour which Mr Netanyahu hopes will enable his Likud Party to retain power.

How does the conflict affect the international geopolitical environment? First, both Iran and Turkey, having already established a moral ascendancy over the Arabs by being critical of the Abraham Accords, chose to strongly condemn Israels resort to violence against civilian targets. Its the Arab nations for whom a major dilemma has been created, particularly those which have signed accords with the US and Israel  UAE, Sudan, Morocco and Bahrain being the four which did so; while the Saudis have a virtual accord without a paper to back it. Media analyses within the Arab world justified the stance as the creation of a road towards eventual peace with Israel, halting further annexation of Palestinian territory. The consternation created in the Islamic world by recent events will probably harden the internal conflict to the advantage of Iran and Turkey; Pakistan too has shown inclination towards them despite recent attempts at rapprochement with the Saudis through visits to Riyadh by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.

So just as the world was thinking the Middle East had been quieted by US diplomacy and one of the core causes for discord between the Islamic and Western worlds had been set aside, we find an escalation that bears potential for serious rekindling of conflicts. It brings to light the fact that a conflict which has occupied the worlds centre space for seven decades cant be artificially resolved without having on board all the stakeholders. President Joe Bidens administration seems to have been taken by surprise; perhaps enough analysis of the half-baked deal of the century was not done and the presumed stabilisation of the Middle East was taken at face value. Its not just physical conflicts but far more importantly its the civilisational discord all over the world which bears potential for rekindling which could have serious consequences, including upon Americas ambition of a reset in geopolitical priorities in the post-pandemic era.
The family of a 24-year-old Donegal musician who took his own life in 2016 had the terms of settlement of an action against the Republic's Health Service Executive (HSE) approved by the High Court yesterday.

The action was settled without an admission of liability from the HSE.

Sean and Loren Rea had taken a case against the HSE alleging negligence in the way Alec had been treated by the HSE. Alec suffered with depression from the age of 16 until his death.

In the autumn of 2015, Alec and his father attended a song-writing festival on the Aran Islands. Alec like his father, was an especially talented songwriter and musician. While there, he met with a leading music producer who invited him to record in Los Angeles, with a view to signing a record deal. Alec was understandably ecstatic.

However, upon his return home to Donegal, Alec developed a deep depression. He suddenly lost all interest in music and spent most of his days sleeping and isolating from his family.

Mrs Rea became so worried she sought an appointment for Alec to attend with a Consultant Psychiatrist. After an assessment, Alec was given new medication.

Mrs Rea saw an immediate negative effect from Alec taking this new medication. His personality became very dark and he refused to talk to anybody. He stopped playing music altogether. He openly admitted being afraid that he would commit suicide.

Mr and Mrs Rea sought an emergency appointment for Alec on January 5, 2016.

A doctor told them that he thought it would be best for Alec to be admitted to the Mental Health Unit in Letterkenny University Hospital for a full psychiatric assessment and treatment. They were happy to hear this.

When a senior doctor arrived to the consultation to approve the admission, Alec was asked if he was suicidal or if he was currently drinking or taking drugs.

However, the senior doctor overruled the decision to admit Alec and instead recommended that he attend WorkLink, a training and employment scheme for people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Following this meeting, Alecs mental health continued to decline rapidly. On one occasion at 4 am in mid-January, Mr and Mrs Rea found Alec on the floor of their bedroom with crippling anxiety. He felt extremely unwell and was desperate for help.

The next morning, on January 19, 2016, Mrs Rea telephoned the doctor who had turned down the admission and begged that Alec be admitted as she was afraid he could commit suicide.

Mrs Rea was told that a Community Mental Health Nurse would call to their residence to assess Alec in the coming days. However, no member of the Mental Health Team called out to carry out the assessment.

Mrs Rea continued to telephone the Mental Health Service on an almost daily basis requesting urgent help for Alec. On each occasion, she reiterated the familys grave concern that Alec would commit suicide if he was not assessed and treated soon.

An outpatient appointment was arranged for February 2, 2016 but on the morning of the appointment, it was cancelled. No alternative date was provided.

On February 3, 2016 Alec was found by his brother in a collapsed state. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful.

Alec was pronounced dead at 4.34pm on February 3, 2016. The rearranged appointment date of February 9, 2016 arrived in the post a few days after Alecs death.

An Inquest was held into Alecs death and evidence was given that on January 22, 2016 a HSE employee made a handwritten note of a conversation with Mrs Rea, where it was reported that Alec was suicidal.

The note read Alex (sic) suicidal and was jotted down on an A4 sheet.

The Consultant stated at the inquest, that they were not notified of this phone call at the time and the note went unseen. The Consultant stated at the inquest that the Mental Health Service has since put in place, procedures to ensure that this does not happen again.

In a statement issued through the familys solicitor, Johan Verbruggen of Callan Tansey Solicitors, Galway said: Alec was an exceptionally talented young musician who had been offered a record deal with a famous American producer. Despite all of the adventure and excitement such a deal promised, Alec struggled with his mental health and his pleas for help went unanswered.

"Today's settlement gives Alecs family recognition of what happened, but they want the message to go out: those with mental health difficulties should urgently get the help and support they need, families should be listened to, and safeguards ought to be put in place to ensure adequate follow up."

Anyone with any concerns about themselves or a loved one can contact the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.
Salman Khan's Radhe  Your Most Wanted Bhai Becomes Bollywood's First Ever Offering On Apple TV

Salman Khan's much awaited Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai opened to a whopping over 4.2 million views on its very first day in India. It wasn't just a victory for its makers but a reason to celebrate for the entire film industry. Another feather in its glorious hat is the fact that it became the first ever Bollywood Film to be live on Apple TV (iTunes) across continents like Africa, Asia & Europe in over 65 countries including Belgium, Denmark, Canada, Fiji, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Mauritius.

Not just that, makers will drive the film in additional territories in days to come, covering more than 100 countries over all on various platforms like Google Play, Singtel in Singapore, MyMovies in Africa. Apart from Apple TV, Radhe is also currently live on platforms like Bell Fibe TV & Optik TV in Canada, Box-office DStv in Africa and Flow On Demand in Caribbean along with Zee5 on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD). This is the first time in the history of Indian cinema that a film has made its way to the audience in such a unique format.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan)

Salman Khan Films and Zee Studios strategic approach with the release of Radhe-Your Most Wanted Bhai, The Hindi film industry has finally found a successful solution to release their films while the pandemic continues. With the love and praise showered by the audiences across the globe, the film is all set to create history with a humongous response.

Overseas, Radhe has been performing exceptionally well in theatres keeping in mind the safety regulations. In UAE, the film ranked no. 1 during the opening weekend and opened bigger than Godzilla Vs Kong and Bad Boys For Life in the number of admissions.

Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai released on May 13, 2021 on the occasion of Eid & on May 17 in UK.
The Family Man 2 & Samantha Akkineni Receive Flak For Projecting Tamilians As Extremists After Trailer Release

The highly anticipated trailer of Raj & DKs The Family Man 2 released on Wednesday. Largely being loved for Manoj Bajpayees return as Srikant Tiwari and Samnatha Akkinenis role as an antagonist in this digital debut, the series trailer also seems to have offended a few.

According to the trailer, most of this new seasons action takes place in Chennai where intelligence officer Srikant Tiwari is likely to face off a group of rebels in the state and Samnathas character Rajji is a part of this extremist operation. She is also seen wearing a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) uniform in the trailer.

Well, showing Tamils as terrorists didnt sit quite well with people who tweeted against Samantha and the showing saying that Family Man 2 is against Tamilians. The Telugu actress who is making her debut on digital media with the show is reportedly playing a suicide bomber who hails from Tamil Nadu.

Speaking in Jaffna dialect Samantha is shown as having come to carry out an armed attack in Chennai. Coming in between the LTTE Tigers' uniforms!#FamilyMan2_against_Tamilspic.twitter.com/DDqz8JwHmj    2.0 (@tamilansathya01) May 19, 2021

 Tamils were denied of their basic life rights in SL.



 LTTE had the great dream of an Eelam Nation.



 Indirect references to demean the sacrifices of Eelam Tamils is not tolerable.



 We condemn your act. #FamilyMan2_against_Tamilspic.twitter.com/U7hVnWZAe5   (@nikaran_ntk) May 19, 2021

This Family Man 2 storyline depicting the presence of ISIS in Tamil Nadu and the LTTE as terrorists is portrayed as happening in Chennai !!



#FamilyMan2_against_Tamils@PrimeVideoIN@Samanthaprabhu2@BajpayeeManojpic.twitter.com/UGtw6NQ6YZ     (@athiyankarthi) May 19, 2021

#FamilyMan2_against_Tamils

All start dislike the family man2 trailer and show our opposition against the trailer pic.twitter.com/KrW9qDVcfA  Mahesh Pwan (@MaheshPwan) May 19, 2021

Will North Indians allow a movie or a tv series where we portray Marathi Shivaji as a man who terrorised and raided towns under British rule. Would you keep your mouth shut if we projected the independence movement as a terrorist movement.?#FamilyMan2_against_Tamils  Mr. (@mrpaluvets) May 19, 2021

If the series has anything that hurts the Tamils and Eelam Tigers, It should and it will be banned for hurting Tamils. Don't talk about anything if you don't know about our History. Puligal ungalai vettaiyadi vidum.#FamilyMan2_against_Tamilspic.twitter.com/WJHSjHS6PE  Swaminathan VeeraTamilar (@SVeeratamilar) May 19, 2021

After a major controversy followed Amazon Prime Video post Saif Ali Khans Tandav earlier this year for hurting religious sentiments, the platform pushed the release of The Family Man 2 from February to June and reportedly all the new offerings from streaming giant were fine combed for potentially offensive content.
Cetran has been a member of the department for 47 years, the last 18 as chief. Baird said Tuesday that her client rescinding his decision to retire was based on misrepresentations and information withheld by Evans, and that Cetran believed that Evans had no plans to let him continue to lead the department or participate in the hiring of a successor.
Samsung is quickly transitioning its mid-range portfolio to 5G and the latest to join the club is the Samsung Galaxy F52 5G. Just as other 5G capable mid-range Galaxy phones that have surfaced in the last few weeks, this one is also powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 750G.

Samsung Galaxy F52 specifications

The Galaxy F52 isnt all that similar to the Galaxy F62 that launched in India in February - in terms of both design and specifications. The fingerprint sensor is still side-mounted, but we have a slimmer body, a different camera module, and more sober gradients for the back. The phone further retains the 3.5mm audio jack.

Keeping up with the current trends, Galaxy F52 5G also brandishes a 120Hz high refresh rate but on a TFT LCD display. The 6.6-inch panel has a circular cutout for the front camera aligned to the right corner.

The Snapdragon 750G octa-core SoC powering the phone is paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. There is also the option to add up to 1TB of microSD storage. The software is the latest Android 11-based OneUI 3.1

There are four cameras on the rear - a 64MP primary camera, 8MP ultrawide shooter, 2MP depth sensor, and 2MP macro camera. The 4500mAh battery within supports 25W fast charging.

Samsung Galaxy F52 price and availability

The Galaxy F52 is currently available in China in Dusky Black and Magic White colour options. It has been priced at CNY1,999 in China, which roughly converts to INR 22,703 or $310. There is no official word on global availability just yet.
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Grand day for the French: Cafe and bistro terraces reopen

The government is lifting restrictions incrementally to stave off a resurgence of COVID-19 and to give citizens back some of their world famous lifestyle.



By ELAINE GANLEY and THOMAS ADAMSON

Associated Press

PARIS  It's a grand day for the French. Cafe and restaurant terraces reopened Wednesday after a six-month coronavirus shutdown deprived residents of the essence of French joie de vivre  sipping coffee and red wine with friends. The French government is lifting restrictions incrementally to stave off a resurgence of COVID-19 and to give citizens back some of their world famous lifestyle. As part of the plan's first stage, France's 7 p.m. nightly curfew was pushed back to 9 p.m. and museums, theaters and cinemas reopened along with outdoor cafe terraces.



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Every man has dreamed about driving a tank at least once in their life. Tanks are indescribably cool, in the same way dinosaurs and rocket ships are.

But few men ever get the chance to actually drive, let alone own a tank. For example, even if you go to the palaver of joining the Australian Army and make it through basic training as well as the Armoured Crewman Common Course, you might not even get assigned to a tank. You might end up driving an armoured personnel carrier or combat reconnaissance vehicle  cool, but not quite the same as a tank. Plus, you dont even get to own the vehicle you drive.

Fortunately, you dont need to join the armed forces to have your very own tank, thanks to this crazy yet entrepreneuring Queenslander.

Tambourine man Tim Wood, former Australian BMX champ and founder of tourism company Tank Ride  which, as the name implies, is in the business of letting people ride tanks  is selling off a few of his multi-tracked marvels to anyone whos got the need for speed all-terrain domination.

Three tanks are up for sale, all Centurions: a British design thats seen service with a variety of militaries around the world 1946 to even today. Centurions were the main battle tank for the Royal Australian Armoured Corps from the Korean War to the Vietnam War, but were phased out in favour of the German Leopard 1 (which itself was replaced with the American M1 Abrams, the armys current tank).

One is a Mk3 Centurion thats seen a partial restoration, and the other two are Mk5s that have both seen action in Vietnam. One has been converted to a trainer after its turret was blown off: one of only three Centurions constructed by the Australian Army and the only one that still runs, Woods says.

RELATED: Australias Cheapest Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Now Up For Sale In Perth But Theres A Catch

Each weighs around 52 tonnes, has a top speed of 35km per hour and guzzles two litres of petrol every 100 metres  so just the trip back from Tambourine to Brisbane would cost around $2,500, The Daily Mail relates. And before you ask, yes, its legal to own a gun tank in Australia, as long as the gun isnt functional. Good luck taking it on public roads, too.

On top of that, Woods is asking around $85,000-$120,000 for each, although hes eager to negotiate. I wouldnt lowball someone with a bunch of tanks, though

If you dont have the room in the garage for a tank  or think $85,000 is a bit pricey  a more affordable way of getting in on the military vehicle fun might be to buy a Land Rover Perentie, which you could even convert to a ute if you were so inclined.

But if were being honest with ourselves, as cool as Perenties are, theyve got nothing on a tank.

Get in touch with Tim on Facebook if youre a serious buyer and want to bite the bullet. Pun entirely intended.

Read Next
Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for all coasts today.

Gales could reach storm force 10 on some coasts today, Thursday.

Heavy rain fall is also due to take place in Louth with the risk of localised flooding in areas.
Tesco is calling on shoppers across Louth to support this years Great Irish Bake fundraiser to raise much kneaded dough for the little heroes in CHI at Temple Street.

Customers visiting Tesco stores between Monday, 17th May and Sunday, 23rd May can support the annual fundraising initiative by donating 1 at the till or at the checkout online, with 100% of the funds raised going to Childrens Health Foundation Temple Street.

Throughout the Great Irish Bake week, Tesco has set an ambitious fundraising target of 150,000.

Over the past six years, Tesco stores across Louth have hosted the Great Irish Bake fundraising events and raised 50,551.38 all of which has gone to purchasing life-saving equipment to support sick children from all across Ireland who visit CHI at Temple Street.

Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland said: The Great Irish Bake for Childrens Health foundation Temple Street is a fundraiser that we continue to be hugely passionate about which is why at Tesco, we have made it easier than ever for our colleagues and customers to get involved and support it in any way they can.

"While we cannot host the Great Irish Bake sale in our stores at the moment, colleagues and customers can still donate 1 at the till or online checkout to raise vital funds to support CHI at Temple Street.

Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Children's Health Foundation said: Funds raised from the Great Irish Bake provide a vital lifeline to so many critically ill children in our hospitals, and this year we need those funds more than ever.

"Your bakes and donations will fund essential equipment in CHI at Temple Street - equipment that makes an enormous difference for the diagnosis and treatment of children, like ultrasound machines, pumps, patient monitors and so much more. Thanks to Tesco for everything they do and have done throughout our partnership  now, lets have a Great Irish Bake!

Since the partnership began in 2014, Tesco colleagues and customers across Ireland have helped to raise over 6million through various fundraisers, helping to purchase much-needed equipment for the hospitals theatres, wards, laboratories and intensive care units.

There are other ways that customers can support Childrens Health Foundation Temple Street throughout the year. From this week (Wednesday, 12th) shoppers in select* Tesco stores can purchase a pack of adult or childrens F&F face coverings. This year, Tesco has pledged to donate all profits from F&F branded face coverings to Childrens Health Foundation Temple Street, with over 94,000 donated since August 2020.

Each year CHI at Temple Street treats over 147,000 children from across the country. For thousands of children, CHI at Temple Street is the only hospital in Ireland they can be treated in. Through the charity partner programme, Tesco colleagues and customers can help sick kids from all over Ireland get better and be real-life heroes to children attending the hospital.
When Hopp has Garner pushed against the hood of his car, she tried to turn around and repeated that she was trying to go home. He then pushed her back against the car and moved her bent left arm up near her head, holding it, saying, Are you finished? Are you finished? We dont play this game.




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Methuen - Michael V. Finn, a longtime resident of Lawrence, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on May 25, 2021, at the age of 72 while doing something that he loved, playing golf. Known to many as "Mickey", he was born in Lawrence on April 20, 1949 to James L. and Margaret (Bateman) Fin
For many workers in Connecticut, their job is not a source of stability, but of uncertainty, of not knowing when they will be called next. Latinx and Black workers, especially women, bear the brunt of on-call scheduling, and with each shift change, each scramble to find transportation to work, they see their path to opportunity made narrower, the climb more steep, Lopez said.
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A Brand's Guide to Digital Shelf Analytics | eBook

What can you do to improve your digital commerce game? The first rule of the digital shelf is to make sure your products can be found. Some might say its mission impossible. Unless, of course, you use digital shelf analytics (DSA). Get the eBook Today!

Important as it is to continually acquire new customers, it's every bit as vital for businesses to nurture existing clientele.

The E-Commerce Times talked with several experts in customer engagement to get their thoughts about why it's critical to cultivate current customers -- and how to encourage them to stick around.

"Assuming that a firm has a recurring revenue model -- SaaS, maintenance, retainers, or repeat sales -- then customer retention is just as important as new customer acquisition," Candyce Edelen, CEO and founder of PropelGrowth, told the E-Commerce Times.

"In fact, the cost of customer retention is a small fraction of the cost of customer acquisition. This is particularly true for any model where the CAC isn't recovered in the first couple months of the customer lifecycle," she offered.

Worth the Cost

Not focusing on customer engagement and retention can ultimately end up unraveling all the work that goes into acquiring those customers in the first place.

"Businesses that don't focus on customer retention and nurturing those relationships are really shooting themselves in the foot," explained Edelen. "Nurturing existing customers can have a huge payoff in reducing churn, improving lifetime customer value, and encouraging referrals, references and positive word-of-mouth."

Given the costs associated with acquiring customers, it just makes sense to try to keep them.

"The cost to acquire a transaction on platforms such as Amazon continues to go up," Kunal Chopra, CEO of Kaspien, told the E-Commerce Times.

"In addition, freight costs have been increasing substantially globally. This has put pressure on profit margins for marketplace businesses, so gaining loyal, repeat customers is a great way to increase a customer's lifetime value relative to the cost to acquire a new customer," he added.

The pandemic, as well, has made nurturing existing customers more of a priority than ever.

"Covid has pushed more brands to sell online, which has increased competition for sellers," said Chopra. "In addition, Amazon itself has over 5 million sellers, so it's vital for sellers to retain loyal customers and market share."

Trust and Rewards

Establishing a sense of trust is one of the key components of successful customer engagement.

"Eroding trust through a poor customer experience is one of the most surefire ways to lose out on a repeat customer," explained Chopra. "For example, if a customer receives the wrong item after ordering on Amazon and reaches out to you for a solution, be sure to provide them with one.

"Depending on the Amazon fulfillment method, they may need to contact Amazon for a solution, but if they have reached out to you as the seller, do all you can to help them. Avoid just deferring them to Amazon because it's 'Amazon's fault they received the wrong item.'

"They're still your customer, so treat them as such and you may just gain a loyal customer by providing them with an excellent experience. The same goes for any online marketplace."

It's also important for businesses to remember to give some attention not just to new customers, but to existing ones.

"I'm always shocked when companies offer discounts or rewards only for new customers," explained Edelen. "They're basically telling existing customers, 'We don't care about you.'

"Customer support sometimes falls short when the firm doesn't hire the right talent or give them sufficient training. Outsourcing support is often a customer relationship killer. To change this, make customer retention just as high a priority as customer acquisition. Train teams to be effective in this area; set goals and KPIs, and reward success just like you track and reward sales."

Building Community

Ultimately, one of the best methods of engaging and retaining existing customers is to create a sense of community that extends beyond products and services.

"Brands and businesses should be aiming to build a tribe-like community, which is something I personally cherish when supporting or consuming a brand and its products," Matthew Hayes, managing director of Champions (UK), told the E-Commerce Times.

"As much as it's about a brand's product or service, it is just as much about the experience of the entire process, personalization and a human-to-human approach. Whilst we're living in an era of immense digitalization, brands shouldn't forget that they are targeting people, not robots, and to bear this in mind when communicating with consumers," he advised.

That community, in turn, helps to create repeat customers -- since the customers' identities are woven in with the brand itself -- and it also helps businesses to understand what kinds of rewards and incentives might work best for particular customers.

"Knowing how much and how often a customer spends with a brand provides them with the opportunity to offer rewards, discounts, and other incentives, which will also lead to repurchases," said Hayes.

"As well as this," he continued, "sending a valued customer a handwritten note or message can also go a long way -- whether it's a simple 'thank you', giving them early access to a new launch, or offering them a referral incentive."

Beyond the Sale

Customer engagement involves thinking beyond the initial sale and into the future relationship with each customer.

"Brands need to understand that the sale is only halfway through the customer experience, and that they must spend the same amount of effort and attention to the after sales experience as they do to new customer acquisition," stressed Hayes. "This will drive repeat orders and brand advocacy."

"It is clear that the future of customer engagement and retention will take place online and in a variety of digital forms," he added. "The future is just that -- digital."

A large part of the success of digital engagement is the degree of personalization it allows and facilitates.

"The number-one thing is personalization," according to Hayes.

"In an increasingly complex and socially distant world, humans need more personalized communication from their digital product providers, not less. It is about using automation, digitalization and data insights to deliver a personalized and tailored service to customers, anticipating and meeting their needs instantaneously and in ways that feel unique to them.

"One thing that I urge brands and business to focus on is the needs of consumers. If you constantly provide a product or service that meets the ever-changing needs of consumers, you can't go too far wrong," he concluded.

Vivian Wagner has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2008. Her main areas of focus are technology, business, CRM, e-commerce, privacy, security, arts, culture and diversity. She has extensive experience reporting on business and technology for a variety of outlets, including The Atlantic, The Establishment and O, The Oprah Magazine. She holds a PhD in English with a specialty in modern American literature and culture. She received a first-place feature reporting award from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, and is the author of Women in Tech: 20 Trailblazers Share Their Journeys, published by ECT News Network in May 2020. Email Vivian.




A Brand's Guide to Digital Shelf Analytics | eBook

What can you do to improve your digital commerce game? The first rule of the digital shelf is to make sure your products can be found. Some might say its mission impossible. Unless, of course, you use digital shelf analytics (DSA). Get the eBook Today!

The software industry fueled jobs and GDP growth in the United States in 2020, according to a report released Tuesday by an international software research organization.

The report by Software.org: the BSA Foundation found the software industry supported more than 15.8 million jobs in 2020, a 5.9 percent jump from 2018; and supported $US1.9 billion in total value-added GDP, a 17.1 percent increase over the previous two-year period.

More than 12.5 million of those jobs were outside the tech sector, added the report, which measures software's impact on the U.S. economy with data and analysis from The Economist Intelligence Unit.

It also noted that the industry directly contributed $933 billion to the U.S. economy in 2020, a 15.1 percent over 2018.

"Software played an instrumental role throughout the pandemic -- easing many Americans' transition to remote work, empowering manufacturers to rapidly shift to producing medical and personal protective equipment, and helping small businesses connect with customers online," Victoria Espinel, president of the Software.org: the BSA Foundation, said in a statement.

"The pandemic has made tech more dominant and present than ever before," added Bob O'Donnell, founder and chief analyst at Technalysis Research, a technology market research and consulting firm in Foster City, Calif.

"As a result, it's resetting the whole economy," he told TechNewsWorld. "Tech as a whole is going to take up a bigger percentage of the total job market."

Expanding Geography

While the largest concentrations of software jobs remain in traditional technology hubs, such as Washington and California, the report noted that other states have experienced greater job growth.

Jobs are surging in New Mexico (direct jobs up 18.7 percent), New York (12.9 percent), Texas (10.9 percent) and Florida (10.1 percent), the report revealed.

Looking ahead, it added, given the trajectory of software's spread through the overall economy and the pandemic-inspired spread of remote work, software jobs are poised for continued strong growth all across the country.

"We're excited to see that software is growing most quickly in places you wouldn't expect," said Software.org: the BSA Foundation Executive Director Chris Hopfensperger.

"We expect the new era of remote work to help geographically diversify the tech work force," he told TechNewsWorld. "As long as you have the right tools and skills, you can do a lot of software jobs from almost anywhere."

"Geographic diversity is also going to lead to more diversity in the software workforce," he added.

In addition, as software is applied to local problems, he said, it will create new lines of software business.

Outside Tech Users

Broad use of software outside the tech sector is also contributing to geographic diversity, the report found.

It noted that businesses outside the tech sector are increasingly leveraging the benefits of data and software to grow jobs and business.

The report cited manufacturers as an example. They are coding new solutions to optimize production, speed time-to-market, and deliver innovative products and services.

Farmers, it continued, are using software to maximize outputs and better manage their herds, transforming agriculture.

In healthcare, electronic records and other innovations are improving medical administration and helping deliver a higher level of patient care, it added.

Those sectors -- and the software workers who support them -- are necessarily spread all across the United States.

In light of the expansion of a wide range of new software jobs, the report called on businesses and policymakers to consider the newly discovered possibilities of remote work.

The ability of traditional coders to take their skillsets out of high-cost tech hubs and work from far-flung home offices will dramatically alter the spread of the software workforce all across the country, a trend that will only increase as the pandemic recedes, it predicted.

Tech Talent in Short Supply

As tech jobs increase, the sad reality is that very few people feel required to work in tech because it requires specialized degrees and certifications. O'Donnell, though, said some businesses are making an effort to address that problem.

"There are quite a few companies now who are creating training programs, even for software developers, for people who have nothing more than a high school degree," he noted.

"There are aggressive efforts by a number of the biggest players -- Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Cisco -- to get people who would have never considered being part of tech into tech," he observed.

Developer shortages have been a problem in the software industry for years, added Ross Rubin, the principal analyst with Reticle Research, a consumer technology advisory firm in New York City.

"Companies have tried to tap into talent from around the world to help fulfill the demand for software maintenance, upgrades and new products," he told TechNewsWorld. "It's been a sore point in the immigration discussions of the last few years."

He added that the shortage has given rise to the "citizen developer" -- someone in an organization, who is not a professional programmer, but can use tools to create simple apps. "There's a whole category of low-code or no-code development environments that allow people to create point solutions to make their work lives better," he said.

"Software drives the world so it's not surprising that we need more software engineers, but the effect they have on the overall economy is massive, observed Jack E. Gold, founder and principal analyst with J.Gold Associates, an IT advisory company in Northborough, Mass.

"The shortage has gotten worse in the U.S. because of the limitations the government has put on importing engineers from other countries," he told TechNewsWorld. "I don't see the shortage going away any time soon."

Unabated Growth

Software industry growth will continue in 2021 and 2022, according to a report by Forrester Research analyst Andrew Bartels.

He predicted software will lead the tech market with 10 to 12 percent growth.

Licensed software sales bore the brunt of the 2020 software slowdown, but most cloud vendors experienced a couple of quarters where quarter-to-quarter revenue slowed to rates of one to two percent as new sales dried up, he wrote.

However, cloud software revenue growth recovered by Q4 2020 and will continue to expand, Bartels continued.

Sales of licensed software will recover as well, he added. As a result, total software spending will grow by around 10 percent in 2021 and even faster in 2022.

As rosy as the future looks for software, manpower issues could create a speed bump for the industry. "The shortage of skilled workers is a big thing," Hopfensperger acknowledged. "We need more workers getting more skilled sets and staying ahead of technology so we can stay on top of the digital economy."

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.


Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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256 dead, including 69 children, in Mideast hostilities: UN

Xinhua) 09:13, May 20, 2021

A Palestinian boy takes part in a protest against the continued Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, in front of the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, May 18, 2021. (Photo by Luay Sababa/Xinhua)

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children.

UNITED NATIONS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' casualty count from hostilities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel on Wednesday showed 256 people dead - including 69 children and an Israeli soldier - and thousands of people injured.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children. Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier. Thousands of people are injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza.

The hostilities shuttered six hospitals and nine primary healthcare centers in Gaza. Damage from a nearby airstrike halted COVID-19 testing at the Gaza Central Laboratory, the UN humanitarians reported. A non-governmental organization hospital stopped functioning because of fuel shortages.

Electric power in Gaza dropped, on average, to just three to four hours a day due to feeder line damage, OCHA said.

The World Food Programme reported giving out electronic vouchers to 74,000 people in Gaza as of Monday. Humanitarian partners were assessing the damage to homes and prioritizing repair support.

The UN refugee agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, said it provides for the displaced in designated areas water, sanitation, hygiene services for the displaced and electric generators.

On Tuesday, the Israelis allowed several fuel trucks crossing through the Kerem Shalom to power electrical generators but held back additional humanitarian vehicles for security reasons.

On Wednesday, OCHA said the barred trucks carried cargo that included COVID-19 vaccines, first aid kits, medical disposables and drugs, including emergency medicines, fire extinguishers and fuel.

Given the high number of vulnerable people, there is great concern about the spread of COVID-19.

The world organization said Gaza crossings should be open for essential and humanitarian supplies, including fuel for basic services, supplies to curb the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that those who need life-saving treatment can access such relief.

The humanitarian fund for the occupied Palestinian territories expects to soon release 14 million U.S. dollars toward a response appeal to be announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Undersecretary-General Mark Lowcock, the UN chief's relief coordinator.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Maryland and New Jersey are among the states that have stationed American Sign Language interpreters at their largest vaccination sites to make the process smoother for deaf patients. The city of Philadelphia has done the same, and New Hampshire had interpreters at a one-day vaccination clinic it held specifically for deaf residents.
ELKHART  Trying to adjust after voters rejected a request for additional funding in May, the Elkhart School Board is approving up to $2.2 million in transportation cuts.
Athens, AL (35611)

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Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours. High 84F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Republicans are standing, ready and able to come to the table, but we do draw the line with any tax increases. Its not necessary, said House Republican leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford. The Republicans can sustain a veto in the House, and this governor has been holding the line on income tax increases. The Democrats are very clear that thats the direction they want to go, so I think it would behoove the governor to bring us in the room. Weve shown in the past what weve done with a bipartisan budget.
China's space agency has released the first photos taken by the Zhurong rover on Mars, showing parts of its lander and the red planet itself. The Tianwen-1 mission arrived at its destination on May 15th, making China the second nation to successfully soft-land on Mars after the US. One of the photos is a colored image (above) taken by the navigation camera mounted at the rear of the rover. It features Zhurong's solar panels and unfolded antennae, along with a view of the planet's red soil and rocks.

The other photo (below) is a black-and-white image taken by an obstacle avoidance camera installed in front of the rover. It was captured using a wide-angle lens, so it not only shows a ramp from the lander extending to the surface of the planet, but also the Martian horizon. In addition to the two images, the mission probe sent back a video that shows how the lander and the rover separated from the orbiter during landing.

China National Space Administration

NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson congratulated China's space agency in a statement:

"Congratulations to the China National Space Administration on receiving the first images from the Zhurong Mars rover! As the international scientific community of robotic explorers on Mars grows, the United States and the world look forward to the discoveries Zhurong will make to advance humanitys knowledge of the Red Planet. I look forward to future international discoveries, which will help inform and develop the capabilities needed to land human boots on Mars."

On May 21st or the 22nd, Zhurong will make its way down the ramps you see in the black-and-white photo to join NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance on the surface. It will explore a part of the planet called Utopia Planitia, using its six instruments to study the region's geology and climate.
Eight years after the untimely demise of Google Reader, Google is embracing RSS again. The company is testing a "Follow" button for Chrome that lets you keep up with your favorite sites on the web browser. In the coming weeks, users of the Chrome Canary channel for developers should start seeing the new feature on Android. Google's Adrienne Porter Felt tweeted that the follow feed is based on RSS and that the company is building it to address a "user need."

 we're testing out a way to follow websites directly in Chrome. if you follow a site, content shows up on the new tab page as it's published.  I've been using it myself the last few weeks and am so excited to share publicly! https://t.co/KL3YELDHbl pic.twitter.com/3f4jXkKRdA  Adrienne Porter Felt (@__apf__) May 19, 2021

Alas, the announcement was met with pushback and sarcasm from those still pining over Google Reader. In a curt reply, one Twitter user said: "so, its google reader, but shittier." Another blamed Google for trying "to kill rss hype 15 years back, but when it couldn't, it reused it!" While news aggregator Feedly shared a tongue-in-cheek response, tweeting: "great news, were excited!" Others, however, welcomed the news by sharing constructive feedback and requesting an iOS version.

great news, were excited!  Feedly (@feedly) May 20, 2021

For now, the follow button is firmly in the experimental stage. Felt added that the feature primarily relies on RSS to pull content from sites, but can also grab additional info using the crawler. Ruling out email newsletters, Felt said places like Substack that include a web version of the newsletter should work. Google is recommending sites keep their RSS feed up-to-date so that Chrome can grab the latest content. It's also asking for input from publishers, bloggers, creators and netizens.

News of the feature arrives on the heels of Google's I/O 2021 conference, where it revealed a torrent of new products including the next versions of Android and Wear OS, along with updates for Photos, Maps and Search.
It won't be much longer until we get a sequel to cult classic Hocus Pocus. Disney will release Hocus Pocus 2 on its streaming platform in the fall of 2022. What's more, Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker will reprise their roles as the Sanderson Sisters. In the new film, three young women accidentally bring back the witches to the site of modern-day Salem, Massachusetts. Why do we get the sense that Disney is setting the stage for additional sequels?

A new Hocus Pocus movie is something Disney had been working on since before you could even subscribe to Disney+. According to the company, production on the new film will start this fall, with Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses, The Proposal) taking over directing duties from Adam Shankman (The Wedding Planner, A Walk to Remember) due to scheduling conflicts. The latter will oversee the production alongside producers Lynn Harris and executive producers Ralph Winter and David Kirschner.

Hocus Pocus 2 is the kind of thing you can easily see becoming a massive hit for Disney+. The original was neither a commercial nor financial hit when it first came out back in 1993. But thanks to annual Halloween airings on the Disney Channel, the film became a cult classic. In an era of constant reboots, it doesn't get much better than an early 90s favorite.
Enid, OK (73701)

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Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 99F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

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Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 70F. E winds shifting to N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Enid, OK (73701)

Today

Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 99F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low around 70F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Ellen DeGeneres cannot hide the truth anymore as another insider revealed the real reason behind her decision to leave the talk show.

After a tumultuous year of dealing with damaging claims, DeGeneres decided to end her beloved talk show next year. However, she noted that the show became unchallenging that she wanted to end it already.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she noted that she planned to walk away next year.

"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," she reasoned out.

But her departure was caused by another reason, an insider claimed.

Ellen DeGeneres' Real Reason Why She Wants to End the Show

A week after DeGeneres' announcement, a source revealed to People that the comedian's decision was final after facing the "last straw."

According to the source, the toxic workplace allegations caused her to finally let go.

"It's sad that the show ends like this, but Ellen seems confident that she made the right decision," the insider revealed. "After the toxic workplace allegations, the question was more when will [the show] end and not if it will end."

It started in July 2020 when BuzzFeed News posted an article about the experiences of the former and current staff of the show.

The employers accused DeGeneres and the show's executive producers of creating a toxic work environment based on fear and bullying.

READ ALSO: Ellen DeGeneres Sustains Humiliation at 'MTV Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted' For Talk Show's 'Reign of Terror'

Ed Glavin (executive producer), Jonathan Norman (co-executive producer), and Kevin Leman (head writer) left the show after multiple allegations thrown against them.

Glavin received the most wrath. Meanwhile, Leman was accused by multiple employees of sexual harassment. Amid such accusations, he defended himself and denied any improper behavior.

Following their exit, the executives sent a statement and expressed their heartbreak over the development.

"We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience," the joint statement read. "It's not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us."

Meanwhile, DeGeneres has required the show to give the staff five paid days off which they can use anytime. Still, it was not enough to make it up for them.

READ MORE: Ellen DeGeneres Calls Herself 'Kind Person' Despite Toxic Workplace Allegations [VIDEO]

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Tony award-winning actor Billy Porter speaks his truth and opens up about his HIV status that he's been hiding publicly for more than a decade.

The "POSE" actor reveals that he's been living with HIV for the past 14 years.

In an as-told-to story by Hollywood Life he told his coming out story and the inspiration for him to tell the truth.

It all started in 2007 which Porter described as "the worst year of his life", he was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes February that year, he then signed his bankruptcy papers by March, then June came when he was diagnosed as HIV-positive.

The actor said that he had been getting tested every six months before the positive diagnosis.

He described that he's ashamed to speak his truth and his diagnosis silenced him because he grew up in a very religious family "The shame of that time compounded with the shame that had already [accumulated] in my life silenced me, and I have lived with that shame in silence for 14 years. HIV-positive, where I come from, growing up in the Pentecostal church with a very religious family, is God's punishment." the actor stated.

READ NOW: Demi Lovato Comes Out as Non-Binary After 'A Lot Of Healing And Self-Reflection'

Although the actor didn't publicly reveal his status until today, he said that during the time he was diagnosed "everybody who needed to know, knew" except his mother but he then got the courage to tell his mom the truth.

The "Kinky Boots" actor originally planned to publicly reveal his diagnosis when his mother passes away but he managed to finally tell his mom when he called after the last day of shooting of "POSE" which his mother responded "Don't ever do this again. I'm your mother, I love you no matter what."

He then also told his "POSE" co-actors and crew because "the truth is the responsible road. The truth is the healing" he said.

The actor then concluded his interview by stating "This is for me. I'm doing this for me. I have too much sh*t to do, and I don't have any fear about it anymore. I told my mother - that was the hurdle for me. I don't care what anyone has to say. You're either with me or simply move out of the way."

Porter is popularly known for his role in the broadway musical "Kinky Boots" where he won a Tony award for best lead actor. He is also known by his character named Pray Tell in the FX series "POSE"

"POSE" is a TV series that is set in the 80s-90s and focuses on the underground ballroom scene when the world was against the queer community, it also shines a light on the daily struggles of queer, trans, and people of color.

His character Pray Tell is also diagnosed as HIV-positive on the show which he said he's been using as his proxy and to say everything that he wanted through a "surrogate".

READ ALSO: Justin And Hailey Bieber Are Not In The Rush To Have Kids, A Source Revealed

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
"The Talk" is ready to break records as it plans to replace Sharon Osbourne.

Following Osbourne's bombshell exit, "The Talk" finally reach final negotiations with an unexpected replacement.

Who Will Replace Sharon Osbourne?

In a new exclusive report by The Sun, the news outlet revealed that Jerry O'Connell became the show's to pick. However, it also noted that some hosts do not want to work with him.

In the past few weeks, O'Connell has been working with Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots, and Elaine Welteroth for "The Talk" Men of May segment.

While it seems like a guest-hosting gig only, the news outlet revealed that the 47-year-old is set to be a permanent host.

However, the staff of the show believes that hiring a white male host would only invite more backlash.

"Some staff wanted Sharon replaced by a female Latina star like Eva Longoria, Gina Rodriguez or Gloria Estefan. That door should be opened. It's time for a Latina voice to have a platform," the insider said.

Meanwhile, Welteroth already suggested for a Latina woman to replace Osbourne instead and join the show permanently.

She reportedly recommended several stars and friends, including Julissa Bermudez.

As of the writing, CBS has not commented on the rumor yet.

Hosts Have Serious Concern About O'Connell

While on-air, the co-hosts seem to be okay with O'Connell. But another source revealed that assigning him as the front runner did not impress Underwood and Welteroth.

"On camera everyone is lovey-dovey and laughing together, but off camera Sheryl and Elaine have raised some serious concerns," the insider said.

Underwood reportedly said that they feel okay with O'Connell's works on Men of May month. However, if he goes beyond that, the host reportedly feels like they would be telling the audience that women cannot behave themselves.

READ ALSO: Ellen DeGeneres' REAL Reason For Ending Talk Show Revealed- It's Not What She Wanted Us to Believe [Report]

The source went on to explain that O'Connell's permanent addition would only bring further damage to the show's public perception.

On Welteroth's part, she reportedly wants to have deeper and meaningful conversations. It was also noted that no one can ever replace Osbourne as the show's "centerpiece."

"The truth is that no one can replace Mrs. O. Sharon was the centerpiece of the show," one source said before the second one added, "The hosts are enjoying 'The Talk's Men of May' with Jerry and the fun and entertaining discussions they've been having on the show."

READ MORE: Colt Brennan's Cause of Death Seems 'Darker' Than Previously Thought as New Details of QB's Last Days Emerged

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Johnny Depp is desperate to clear his name despite multiple failed attempts since last year.

Johnny Depp will not allow Amber Heard to win another case again as he immediately found a counterattack against her.

Following the multiple court embarrassments, Depp prepared himself to fight again in pursuit of revealing the truth.

This week, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor sued the ACLU to reveal whether Heard truly donated the $7 million to the hospital or not. As part of the lawsuit, Depp aims to obtain the organization's financial documents to see whether his ex-wife cheated on him financially this time.

For what it's worth, Depp agreed to pay the $7 million separation fee since the "Aquaman" actress agreed to donate half of the amount.

In 2016, the ACLU released a statement thanking Heard for choosing the organization as the recipient of the $3.5 million.

A few months after, the organization announced that they already received $350,000 directly from Heard. However, Depp believes it was Elon Musk who made the donation and all the other transactions under her name.

Depp Defends His Court Statements

In the same filing, Depp explained that the judge looked at Heard's charitable deeds as a positive one. In the end, it caused him to lose the legal battle during the final ruling.

Because of this, he became more desperate in finding the truth about where the money actually meant. If he wins this one, it could help him win the second defamation case in the US.

Furthermore, the actor believes Heard only donated around $450,000 from her total pocket.

As of the writing, Heard has not commented yet.

READ ALSO: 'The Talk' Finds Perfect Sharon Osbourne Replacement But Hosts Raise Serious Concerns [REPORT]

Musk's involvement is no longer new, though, as the tech mogul reportedly had an intimate relationship with Heard while the actress was still married to Depp.

It is worth noting that Depp repeatedly mentioned his name during the defamation suit against The Sun's publisher, News Group Newspapers, and its executive editor, Dan Wootton. Depp filed the lawsuit after The Sun published a damaging article claiming that he's a wife-beater.

Depp and his team even believed that Heard had a three-way affair with Musk and Cara Delevingne.

In response to this, Musk jokingly asked Depp for a cage fight. Through The New York Times, the billionaire debunked the statements against him on the legal battle.

"If Johnny wants a cage fight, just let me know," Musk told The New York Times. "We did not have the threesome, you know. So I think people think these things are generally more salacious than they are."

READ MORE: Ellen DeGeneres' REAL Reason For Ending Talk Show Revealed- It's Not What She Wanted Us to Believe [Report]

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Last week, Mounds and McCaw helped broker a deal between the nursing home operators and SEIU 1199, which also represents the nursing home workers. The agreement, which boosts the hourly wages of most long-term care workers to a minimum of $20 and also adding money for insurance, pensions, training and wellness programs, came last Thursday, hours before a strike was set to begin at dozens of nursing homes across the state.
Bill Gates has recently been spotted speaking with the US Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday - but no matter how important he talks about his foundation's causes, people can't seem to pry about his personal life.

For instance, though the 65-year-old is headed for a divorce from his wife, Melinda French Gates, he still hasn't taken off his wedding ring.

The Microsoft founder was making remarks on camera and lifted his hands, showing off the gold band on his left hand.

He also didn't seem to try and hit it despite his ring getting a lot of attention during the video conference.

Since the philanthropist is still technically married, he may just be waiting until their divorce is finalized to take that big step and finally take it off.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's two-day Global Forum on Economic Recovery concluded today with an Armchair Conversation with Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) talked about America's Role in the World. pic.twitter.com/gTTJ754SN9  Elmhurst Chamber (@elmhurstchamber) May 19, 2021



Bill's newest appearance is one of the first he's seen since announcing their divorce from Melinda, whom he has been married to for 27 years.

It also comes as a bit of a surprise seeing him still wearing his wedding ring considering the shocking headlines making their way on the internet.

A couple of days after the announcement of their divorce, rumors started circulating about Bill Gates cheating on his wife.

The Wall Street Journal even reported that the Microsoft board of directors decided to remove him from his position in the board last year after an investigation into having a relationship with an employee.

The fourth richest person in the world also admitted to cheating on Melinda French Gates.

Though in the end, Bill Gates resigned from the Microsoft board of directors in Mar. 2020, he insisted that his resignation didn't have anything to do with the alleged relationship.

In a statement to the WSJ, his spokesperson said, "There was an affair almost 20 years ago which ended amicably. Bill's decision to transition off the board was in no way related to this matter."

"In fact, he had expressed an interest in spending more time on his philanthropy starting several years earlier."

READ ALSO: Bill Gates Courted Jeffrey Epstein for His Biggest 'Obsession' [REPORT]

Melinda French Gates' New Net Worth 2021

Bill Gates must have found out in advance that his dirty laundry will be aired out once his and Melinda French Gates' plans to divorce were announced.

Which is why he has been transferring more stocks to his soon-to-be ex-wife after making her a billionaire on the day of their divorce announcement.

Recently, Bill Gates' investment firm, Cascade Investment, transferred $851 million worth of Deere & Co shares to Melinda.

He already transferred $2.4 billion worth of stocks to four companies in the first week of May.

Now, Forbes estimates that Melinda French Gates has a net worth of $3.3 billion.

With that being said, Bill Gates now has a new net worth as well with $126.1 billion after the latest stock transfer.

As of writing, it is unknown how much of the fortune Melinda will be getting following their divorce.

READ MORE: Bill Gates Cheated on Melinda: 'Mistress' Speaks Out, Possible Causes of Divorce Revealed [Report]

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Kentaro Miura, the creator of Berserk, has passed away at the age of 54.

According to Comic Book, the author died on May 6. The cause of death was acute aortic dissection as revealed by a statement on the official Twitter account of Berserk publisher Hakusensha.

Miura's most famous work, Berserk, began serialization back in 1989. It is a comic series set in a brutal medieval-inspired universe, and this gives Berserk's impact in multiple pieces of fiction. Video games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Final Fantasy alongside manga and anime such as Demon Slayer, Castlevania, and Vagabond all bear the mark of Miura's influence.

Who is Kentaro Miura?

Kentaro Miura was a Japanese Manga artist. He was best known for illustrating the famous dark fantasy manga Berserk, which began publishing in October 1989. His influence was seen in video games such as Dark Souls and Final Fantasy.

Miura's work also includes Gigantomakhia and Duranki. Thanks to his stellar work, Berserk, Miura influenced many manga and comic book artists/writers into tackling dark fantasy or adding a little bit of darkness & detail in their stories and art. It's safe to say that he was the pioneer of the dark fantasy genre as a whole.

As reported by Kotaku, Miura, a native of Chiba, first started drawing manga as a boy with his debut work printed in a school publication. Miura would later cite Disney, Paul Verhoeven, the first Hellraiser, and artists ranging from Bosch to M.C. Escher. He was an award-winning manga creator, and while Berserk was his most famous and successful work, he worked on various manga projects over the years.

"The news of Miura's sudden passing has blanketed the Young Animal editorial department in deep sadness," the publication wrote in its official statement. The statement recalled how when Miura would meet with those in the editorial department and speak happily about anime and movies he loved with a smile on his face.

READ ALSO: Comedian Paul Mooney Dead: Tragic Cause Of Death Revealed By Family

Fans Paid Huge Respect on the Death of Kentaro Miura, Creator of Berserk

According to The Sun UK, many fans paid their respects online following his death to the artist. Some fans said, "Miura left behind one of the greatest written works put to paper. One I will cherish forever. God bless the man and may he forever rest in peace." A lot of Comic book houses have tweeted their messages as well, sharing their thoughts as a support for the author.

Kentaro Miura passed away on May 6, 2021 from acute aortic dissection. He was 54. Miura-sensei was a master artist and storyteller and we had the great privilege of publishing several of his finest works, including his masterpiece, Berserk. 1/  Dark Horse Comics (@DarkHorseComics) May 20, 2021

Another posted: "Miura left behind one of the greatest written works put to paper. One I will cherish forever. God bless the man and may he forever rest in peace."

May his sould rest in peace, long live Berserk.

READ MORE: Lloyd Price Dead: How Did The Singer Die? Wife Details Tragic Cause Of Death

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
2021-05-19

Maeci

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, held a meeting on 19 May, at the Foreign Ministry, with the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. The talks focused on an exchange of views on bilateral relations between Italy and Azerbaijan and on Italy's desire to contribute to the reconstruction for stability and development in the South Caucasus region.
Well-developed early childhood development (ECD) interventions often have substantial positive impacts on children's physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, in a Policy Forum, David Evans and colleagues argue that most evaluations of ECD interventions focus only on estimating program impacts on young children rather than their indirect yet significant impacts on mothers and other caregivers. "Even if the primary objective of an ECD intervention is to improve outcomes for children, failing to measure the impact of women's time and other maternal outcomes implicitly sets that value at zero," write Evans et al. According to the authors, most ECD interventions have clear implications for the welfare of mothers and other household caregivers. For example, daycare and preschool provision free up women's time for other opportunities, whereas parenting education and home visiting program interventions can greatly impose upon it, and targeted cash transfer programs for families with small children may, by extension, facilitate better health and economic outcomes for the whole household. However, while the potential effects of interventions on mothers and other household caregivers are generally acknowledged, few studies explicitly recognize or quantify these outcomes. Evans et al. examined more than 3,716 studies on ECD intervention that cover medical, psychological, economic, and other social science research and found that only 25% measure any caregiver-specific outcomes. Those that do often report substantial impacts, particularly on woman's labor supply and maternal mental health. The authors suggest that studies that overlook these important effects may lead policymakers to overinvest in programs that impose substantial costs on women and underinvest in those that improve caregivers' wellbeing, exacerbating current inequalities. "Ultimately, the evidence from those few studies that do measure impacts of ECD interventions on women suggest that many programs that are good for children also yield benefits for woman's financial wellbeing, mental health and overall empowerment," write Evans et al. "More of this measurement may shift emphasis from ECD interventions that are best for children to those that are best for children and their caregivers."

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DALLAS, May 20, 2021 -- Notable for high levels of stress and anger, the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and election may have increased the risk of potentially life-threatening heart rhythms and worsened high blood pressure in people with underlying cardiovascular disease who already had a history of these conditions, according to a new study published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association and in a separate preliminary study to be presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021. The meeting is virtual, May 20-21, and offers the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle.

A peer-reviewed study published today in JAHA, (Arrhythmia Risk During the 2016 United States Presidential Election: The Cost of Stressful Politics - Lindsey Rosman et al.), is the first to investigate whether a stressful election can trigger potentially life-threatening heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias) in people with implanted cardiac devices who have a higher risk of these events.

Researchers examined the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias during the 2016 U.S. presidential election cycle on the heart rhythms in 2,436 adults (average age of 70.8 years, 74.5% white adults, 59.4% male) with implanted defibrillators or pacemakers that were capable of remote monitoring. Patients all resided in North Carolina, a key battleground state subject to a high volume of negative political advertisements and commentary during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Researchers compared data from implanted cardiac devices during a six-week span from two weeks before and four weeks after the 2016 U.S. presidential election (late October through early December) with a control period from June to July of 2016, prior to both political parties' presidential nominating conventions.

Compared with the control period there was:

a significant increase in arrhythmias during the 2016 U.S. presidential election: there were 2,592 arrhythmic events during the election period compared to 1,533 events during the control period.

a 77% increased risk in the overall incidence of arrhythmias (periods in which the heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly);

an 82% increased risk in the incidence of atrial arrhythmias (an abnormal heart rhythm that begins in the heart's upper chambers); and

a 60% increased risk in the rate of potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (an abnormal heart rhythm involving the heart's lower chambers), which can lead to cardiac arrest.

Results were similar when compared to the exact same period one year prior to the presidential election.

"We also found a higher burden of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular and often rapid heart rate, meaning patients spent more time per day in AFib during the election," said Lindsey A. Rosman, Ph.D., lead author of the study and assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. "This is important because it can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and other heart-related complications."

The increase in arrhythmias surrounding the presidential election was not associated with people's age, sex, race/ethnicity, the type of cardiac device, or the presence of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or heart failure.

Researchers also linked data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections to their database to determine if political party affiliation and community election results were associated with more heart events during the 2016 election.

"We were surprised that we did not observe a higher incidence of arrhythmia among individuals who voted for the losing candidate, who was a Democrats in the 2016 presidential election. Nor did we see more arrythmia among those who may have felt socially or ideologically disconnected from their community, such as a Democrat living in a county that voted for the Republican candidate who won the election, or a Republican in a county that voted for the Democratic candidate who lost the election," Rosman said.

Unlike natural disasters or terrorist attacks, which are also highly stressful and linked to a rise in cardiac events, the fact that political elections are regularly scheduled offers health care professionals the opportunity to anticipate and assist patients in effectively managing stress.

"Attention to mental health issues including stress is an important part of routine clinical care for patients with heart disease and for the general population," said Rosman. "Being more aware of the potential stress of a presidential election could be helpful for many people."

This is a retrospective observational study, therefore, the results cannot demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship between election stress and arrhythmias. Researchers also did not have information on the actual votes of people in the study. However, they note that in North Carolina, 92% of registered Republicans and 94% of registered Democrats voted with their party in the 2016 presidential election.

The investigators are currently conducting a similar study about stress and cardiac events surrounding the 2020 U.S. presidential election, this time with data from a national sample of adults rather than from adults only in one state.

In a separate study, being presented by a different research group at the American Heart Association's EPI conference, (Presentation #063-Racial/Ethnic Differences In Blood Pressure Around The Time Of The 2016 United States General Election - Andrew Hwang et al.) researchers analyzed blood pressure readings collected from nationwide samples of U.S. adults by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Blood pressure measures in the six months prior to the 2016 U.S. presidential election (May 2016 to October 2016) were compared with blood pressure measures of a separate randomly selected group of participants about a year into the new presidency (November 2017 to April 2018). Blood pressure readings among non-Hispanic white adults (1,060 people in the pre-election period and 676 post-election), non-Hispanic Black adults (720 pre-election and 564 post-election) and Mexican American adults (223 pre-election and 468 post-election) were examined separately.

Among their findings:

Systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure measurement) rose significantly among Mexican American participants (average of 118.0 mm Hg pre-election vs. 121.7 mm Hg post-election).

Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure measure) increased significantly among Mexican American participants (average of 69.5 mm Hg pre-election vs. 72.6 mm Hg post-election) and non-Hispanic Black Americans (average of 72.2 mm Hg pre-election vs. 74.9 mm Hg post-election).

No other population groups had significant changes in blood pressure measures.

No significant increases in blood pressure were observed in any racial or ethnic group that did not have previously existing hypertension.

"We were surprised to find that blood pressure significantly increased among non-Hispanic Black adults and Mexican American adults who already had recorded high blood pressures, while no significant increases were observed in any group that did not have hypertension before the study period," said lead author of the study Andrew Y. Hwang, Pharm.D., assistant professor of clinical science in the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. "We had expected to see some changes among those who did not have high blood pressure before the election. However, it appears that existing hypertension may have a large influence on blood pressure fluctuations related to stress."

Hwang noted that if confirmed, the results suggest that patients with hypertension may be at higher risk for blood pressure elevations related to election stress.

"Close monitoring and follow-up with a primary care professional may be necessary to ensure blood pressure is managed during the election season," he said.

The study has several limitations, including that it is based on samples of people at two different time periods, not on measurements taken before and after the election on the same people. In addition, the designated pre-election control period for this analysis (standard months for NHANES examinations) included most of the contentious period in the months prior to the 2016 presidential election, so stress-related blood pressure increases might have already occurred in those closely following the campaign. The researchers also did not have information about the political party affiliation of study participants.

"Additional research is needed to confirm these findings in larger studies. And future studies should investigate patient-specific factors that may aggravate or protect individuals from adverse health outcomes related to stress," Hwang said.

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Dr. Rosman's co-authors are Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher, M.D., Ph.D.; Rafat Mahmood, M.D.; Hannan Yang, B.S.; Quefeng Li, Ph.D.; Anthony J. Mazzella, M.D.; Jeffrey Lawrence Klein, M.D.; Joseph Bumgarner, M.D.; and Anil Gehi, M.D. Author disclosures are listed in the manuscript. Rosman et al.'s study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute.

Dr. Hwang's co-authors are Michelle I. Cardel, Ph.D., R.D., and Steven M. Smith, Pharm.D., M.P.H. Author disclosures are listed in the abstract. Hwang et al.'s study received no funding.

Additional Resources:

Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings 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.

The American Heart Association's EPI/LIFESTYLE 2021 Scientific Sessions is the world's premier meeting dedicated to the latest advances in population-based science. The virtual meeting will be held Thursday and Friday, May 20-21, 2021. The meeting is focused on the development and application of translational and population science to prevent heart disease and stroke and foster cardiovascular health. The sessions focus on risk factors, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, genetics, metabolism, biomarkers, subclinical disease, clinical disease, healthy populations, global health, and prevention-oriented clinical trials. The Councils on Epidemiology and Prevention and Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health (Lifestyle) jointly planned the EPI/Lifestyle 2021 Scientific Sessions. Follow the conference on Twitter at #EPILifestyle21.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
DALLAS, May 20, 2021  Transgender adolescents are more likely to have at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor compared to cisgender (same gender as at birth) adolescents, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Associations Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021 . The meeting is virtual, May 20-21 and offers the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle.

The United States has a growing population of transgender adolescents ages 12-21 who seek medical transition gender-affirming hormone therapy. Gender-affirming hormone therapy involves taking estrogen or testosterone for transgender females or males, respectively. Previous research of cisgender adults indicates estrogen has cardioprotective effects, and an estimated 37% of healthy-weight cisgender adolescents have at least one atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factor.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy is an option for transgender individuals, and yet very little research currently focuses on the transgender adolescent community, said first author Ambur Staab, M.D.-candidate at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States, and we understand, to some degree from previous research, that estrogen and testosterone can impact risk factors for heart disease. We have yet to fully study how these hormones affect heart disease risk specifically in the transgender adolescent/young adult population, and we sought to get a better understanding through this study.

Researchers at the University of Utah conducted a retrospective analysis of 300 adolescent transgender patients who received gender-affirming hormone therapy at the Adolescent Medicine Clinic at Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City, between January 2015 and December 2020. Among the 300 transgender adolescents, 50 transgender male and 50 transgender female patients were randomly selected for analysis of ASCVD risk factors when gender-affirming hormone therapy began and after one year of treatment.

Researchers found that among the 100 transgender patients analyzed:

At baseline, 50% of transgender females and 66% of transgender males had at least one ASCVD risk factor;

After one year of gender-affirming hormone therapy, 30% of transgender females and 70% of transgender males had at least one ASCVD risk factor; and

While there was no significant change in ASCVD risk factors for transgender females, transgender males experienced a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol levels and significant increase in BMI for after one year of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy appears to have greater benefits than risks for transgender adolescents and young adults, said Nicole L. Mihalopoulos, M.D., M.P.H, chief of the division of adolescent medicine at the University of Utah and principal investigator of the study. For some people, these findings influence their decision to not to start gender-affirming hormones during adolescence. However, without gender-affirming hormone therapy, transgender individuals may experience worse gender dysphoria, depression, anxiety and possibly increased suicidal ideations.

These findings indicate that gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender males may have a negative impact on some ASCVD risk parameters; however, the researchers note that baseline lab testing can help physicians counsel and educate patients about the benefits and risks of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Additionally, adverse health effects should be addressed with healthy lifestyle behavior changes first, as is standard care for any other adolescent and young adult who may have modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Some limitations of the study include a small sample size and that most patients identified as non-Hispanic white individuals; therefore, the results are not generalizable to transgender individuals from diverse racial or ethnic groups. In addition, follow-up data was only collected for one year. While researchers note the strengths in their preliminary findings, it is not possible to establish a causal relationship between gender-affirming hormone therapy and ASCVD risks factors without a larger study that includes more follow-up data and for a longer time period after treatment.

###

Co-authors include Amy M. Cizik, Ph.D., M.P.H. Author disclosures are in the abstract. The study was funded by the Medical Student Research Program at the University of Utah School of Medicine via an NIH training grant and University of Utah Institutional support.

Additional Resources:

Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Associations scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Associations 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 Associations overall financial information is available here.

The American Heart Associations EPI | LIFESTYLE 2021 Scientific Sessions is the worlds premier meeting dedicated to the latest advances in population-based science. The virtual meeting will be held Thursday and Friday, May 2021, 2021. The primary goal of the meeting is to promote the development and application of translational and population science to prevent heart disease and stroke and to foster cardiovascular health. The sessions focus on risk factors, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, genetics, metabolism, biomarkers, subclinical disease, clinical disease, healthy populations, global health and prevention-oriented clinical trials. The Councils on Epidemiology and Prevention and Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health (Lifestyle) jointly planned the EPI/Lifestyle 2021 Scientific Sessions. Follow the conference on Twitter at #EPILifestyle21.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the publics health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
DALLAS, May 20, 2021  Taking more steps per day, either all at once or in shorter spurts, may help you live longer, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Associations Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021. The meeting is virtual, May 20-21, and offers the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle.

Walking is one of the safest and easiest ways to improve fitness and health including heart health. The American Heart Associations fitness guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both. Popular fitness apps and step counters make it easy to count steps, so researchers used a wearable step counting device to compare the effects of uninterrupted bouts of steps (10 minutes or longer) to occasional short spurts, such as climbing the stairs and general daily activities throughout the day.

Technological advances made in recent decades have allowed researchers to measure short spurts of activity. Whereas, in the past we were limited to only measuring activities people could recall on a questionnaire, said lead study author Christopher C. Moore, M.S., a Ph.D. student in epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With the help of wearable devices, more research is indicating that any type of movement is better than remaining sedentary.

From 2011-2015, 16,732 women wore a waist step counter that measured their daily steps and walking patterns for four to seven days. The women were all over age 60 (average age of 72; mostly non-Hispanic white women) and were participants in the Womens Health Study, a large, national study of heart disease, cancer and other long-term disease prevention.

The researchers divided the total number of steps for each study participant into two groups: 1) 10 minutes or longer bouts of walking with few interruptions; and 2) short spurts of walking during regular daily activities such as housework, taking the stairs, or walking to or from a car. In follow-up, they tracked deaths from any cause for an average of six years, through December 31, 2019.

Researchers found:

Overall, 804 deaths occurred during the entire study period of 2011-2019.

Study participants who took more steps in short spurts lived longer, regardless of how many steps they had in longer, uninterrupted bouts. The benefits leveled off at about 4,500 steps per day in short spurts.

Compared to no daily steps, each initial increase of 1,000 steps per day was associated with a 28% decrease in death during the follow-up period.

A 32% decrease in death was noted in participants who took more than 2,000 steps daily in uninterrupted bouts.

A prior analysis of the same women reported that those who took 4,500 steps per day had a significantly lower risk of death compared to the least active women. Our current results indicate that this finding holds even for women who did not engage in any uninterrupted bouts of walking. Taking 2,000 or more additional steps during bouts was associated with further benefits for longevity, Moore said.

Older adults face many barriers to participating in structured exercise programs, so some may find it more convenient and enjoyable to increase everyday walking behaviors, like parking slightly further from their destination or doing some extra housework or yardwork, Moore said.

Since all study participants were older and mostly non-Hispanic white women, more research is needed to determine if the results apply to men, younger women and people from diverse racial and ethnic groups.

###

Co-authors are Kelly R. Evenson, Ph.D.; Eric J. Shiroma Jr., Ph.D.; Annie G. Howard, Ph.D.; Carmen C. Cuthbertson, Ph.D.; Julie E. Buring, Sc.D.; and I-Min Lee, Sc.D. The authors disclosures are listed in the abstract.

The Womens Health Study is funded by Brigham and Womens Hospital, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. The lead author is funded by a grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Additional Resources:

Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Associations scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Associations 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 Associations overall financial information is available here.

The American Heart Associations EPI | LIFESTYLE 2021 Scientific Sessions is the worlds premier meeting dedicated to the latest advances in population-based science. The virtual meeting will be held Thursday and Friday, May 2021, 2021. The primary goal of the meeting is to promote the development and application of translational and population science to prevent heart disease and stroke and foster cardiovascular health. The sessions focus on risk factors, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, genetics, metabolism, biomarkers, subclinical disease, clinical disease, healthy populations, global health, and prevention-oriented clinical trials. The Councils on Epidemiology and Prevention and Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health (Lifestyle) jointly planned the EPI/Lifestyle 2021 Scientific Sessions. Follow the conference on Twitter at #EPILifestyle21.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the publics health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
CABI scientists have conducted the first comprehensive study on the economic impact of a range of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on Africa's agricultural sector, which they estimated to be USD $3.6 trillion a year.

CABI scientists have conducted the first comprehensive study on the economic impact of a range of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on Africa's agricultural sector, which they estimated to be USD $3.6 trillion a year.

This is equivalent to 1.5 times the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of all African countries combined - or similar to that of Germany.

The average annual cost of IAS per country was USD $76.32 billion. Full details of the cost for individual countries are outlined in the paper published in the journal CABI Agriculture and Bioscience.

The team, comprising scientists from CABI centres in Africa and Europe, conducted a thorough literature review and online survey of 110 respondents - largely working in government or research - and established that Tuta (Phthorimaea) absoluta caused the highest annual yield losses at USD $11.45 billion, followed by the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) at USD $9.4 billion.

The research took account of yield losses of major crops including maize, tomato, cassava, mango and banana (USD $82.2 billion), as well as labour costs - through weeding (USD $3.63 trillion) - and loss of income derived from livestock (USD $173 million).

The annual impact of IAS - that also included Prostephanus truncatus, Bactrocera dorsalis and Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) - was highest on cassava (USD $21.8 billion), followed by citrus fruits (USD $14.6 billion), tomato (USD $10.1 billion), maize (USD $9.8 billion) and banana (USD $7.1 billion).

Lead author Dr Rene Eschen said, "This study reveals the extent and scale of the economic impacts of Invasive Alien Species in the agricultural sector in one of the least studied continents.

"The results highlight the need for measures that prevent new species from arriving and established species from spreading, and that reduce management costs for widely present and impactful species through methods such as biocontrol. This will potentially reduce future production costs, lower yield losses and improve the livelihoods of farmers and other affected land users."

Co-author, Dr Bryony Taylor, said, "We have added to the knowledge base of the costs of Invasive Alien Species to Africa's agricultural sector by including all countries within the continent where previous research only included a few.

"We also include the cost of reduced livestock-derived income and research and labour costs, which are generally not included in estimates of the costs of Invasive Alien Species.

"The results of this study provide policy makers with the evidence needed to enable prioritisation of management measures for IAS, thereby reducing costs in the long term."

Fernadis Makale, another co-author on the paper, said, "The large estimate for the weeding costs may come as a surprise but this work, often carried out by women and children, is never measured as part of the African economy.

"Moreover, it should not be concluded that people are being paid that amount as salaries. Rather, the estimate represents an opportunity cost, meaning that if people didn't need to weed IAS could do something else, such as going to school or undertaking an income generating economic activity.

"In addition, our study provides evidence of the need for country and regional quarantine and phytosanitary measures to prevent the entry and spread of new IAS, preventing additional, potentially huge costs as new IAS spread across the continent."

The study comes after a policy summit on Invasive Species held in 2019, where 70 delegates, representing policymakers, research, the private sector and civil society from across Africa, resolved to develop a strategy and action plan to fight against Invasive Alien Species.

In response to the findings, Dr Dennis Rangi, Director General, Development, CABI, said, "An estimated USD $3.6 trillion a year impact of Invasive Alien Species on Africa's agricultural sector is a tremendous loss where over 80% of people living in rural areas rely on the crops they grow for food and income.

"The long term effects are exacerbated by COVID-19 which continues to apply intense pressure on an already fragile agricultural sector and food supply chain. Notably, Governments across the continent put in place mitigation measures to manage the pandemic and its impact. Kenya for example proposed a USD $503 million economic stimulus package in 2020 to cushion its citizens.

"This is the same resolve, urgency and investment our Governments need to channel towards managing the Invasive Alien Species problem.

"Under the African Union's stewardship, countries now have a Strategy for Managing Invasive Species in Africa. The 2021-2030 strategy provides a framework for all relevant stakeholders at the Continental, Regional and National level can use to sustainably prevent and eradicate invasive species in Africa."

H.E Ambassador Madam Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission, said, "From this research, it is clear that Invasive Alien Species pose a devastating impact on Africa's agricultural sector with a direct consequence on the achievement of the four commitments listed in the Malabo declaration. We cannot transform African agriculture if we do not pay special attention to the management and control of Invasive Alien Species. It's time to act and walk the talk.

"The AU Commission (AUC) is providing a coordination mechanism for the implementation of the strategy for managing Invasive Alien Species at the continental level. This also includes providing strategic guidance, facilitating domestication and implementation of the strategy, plus seeking support from partners across the continent.

"Managing Invasive Alien Species is an absolute imperative if Africa's agriculture is to meet its full potential and feed its growing population - which is expected to double to 2.5 bn people by 2050 - and contribute towards global food security," added Madam Sacko.

Currently in its first year of implementation, the Invasive Alien Species strategy outlines six key areas of focus under its 2021-2025 action plan. One of the priority areas is the establishment in 2022 of continental, regional and national emergency funding mechanisms for rapid action against Invasive Alien Species.

###

Notes to editors

Full paper reference

Rene; Eschen, Tim Beale, J. Miguel Bonnin, Kate L. Constantine, Solomon Duah, Elizabeth A. Finch, Fernadis Makale, Winnie Nunda, Adewale Ogunmodede, Corin F. Pratt, Emma Thompson, Frances Williams, Arne Witt, Bryony Taylor, 'Towards estimating the economic cost of invasive alien species to African crop and livestock production,' CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 20 May 2021, DOI: 10.1186/s43170-021-00038-7

This paper is available to view open access from 01:00HRS UK time, 20 May 2021 here: https:/ / cabiagbio. biomedcentral. com/ articles/ 10. 1186/ s43170-021-00038-7

Funding acknowledgement

The research was financially supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK, and the Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS), Netherlands, through CABI's Action on Invasives programme. CABI is an international intergovernmental organisation, and we gratefully acknowledge the core financial support from our member countries (and lead agencies) including the United Kingdom (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), China (Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Australia (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research), Canada (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Netherlands (Directorate-General for International Cooperation), and Switzerland (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation). See https:/ / www. cabi. org/ about-cabi/ who-we-work-with/ key-donors/ for full details.

Media enquiries

Dr Rene Eschen, Senior Scientist, Ecosystems Management, and Risk Analysis and Invasion Ecology, email: r.eschen@cabi.org

Dr Bryony Taylor, Senior Project Scientist and Project Manager, email: b.taylor@cabi.org

David Onyango, Communication Specialist (Kenya based), email: d.onyango@cabi.org +254 (0)20 2271000/20

Wayne Coles, Communications Manager (UK based), email: w.coles@cabi.org

Press conference via Zoom

Dr Dr Rene Eschen, Dr Bryony Taylor and Dr Winnie Nunda will be on a panel for a press conference via Zoom at 1pm UK time on Tuesday 18 May 2021. The researchers will outline the findings, methods and recommendations before answering questions via the chat function.

You can attend the press conference via this link: https:/ / cabi. zoom. us/ j/ 92805654358?pwd= Nnp0Z0g0Sitjb3QvdUFKekFkYS8xdz09

Meeting ID: 928 0565 4358 Passcode: 876876

Photos of fall armyworm and Tuta (Phthorimaea) absoluta -credit CABI) are available on request.

About CABI

CABI is an international not-for-profit organization that improves people's lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment.

Through knowledge sharing and science, CABI helps address issues of global concern such as improving global food security and safeguarding the environment. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting biodiversity from invasive species, and improving access to agricultural and environmental scientific knowledge. Our 50 member countries guide and influence our core areas of work, which include development and research projects, scientific publishing and microbial services.

We gratefully acknowledge the core financial support from our member countries (and lead agencies) including the United Kingdom (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), China (Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Australia (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research), Canada (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Netherlands (Directorate-General for International Cooperation, and Switzerland (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation). Other sources of funding include programme/project funding from development agencies, the fees paid by our member countries and profits from our publishing activities which enable CABI to support rural development and scientific research around the world.
Using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), a research team led by Prof. HAN Jinlin from National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) has discovered 201 pulsars, including many very faint pulsars, 40 millisecond pulsars (MSPs), and 16 pulsars in binaries.

These discoveries were published in Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Pulsars are compact remnants of the death of bright, massive stars. They have the strongest magnetic field, highest density and fastest rotation of any celestial body in the Universe, and show significant relativistic effects in systems of binary compact stars.

Since the first pulsars were discovered in 1968, about 3,000 pulsars have been found in total. Among them, about 400 have a period less than 30 milliseconds and are very stable in rotation.

Prof. HAN and his team designed a snapshot survey strategy so that a small patch of sky can be stared for five minutes by FAST and can be fully covered in 21 minutes. This survey is known as the Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot (GPPS). The entire visible sky near the Milky Way will be completely hunted for pulsars in the next five years.

This is the first sensitive search for weak pulsars down to the microJy level and has been selected as one of FAST's five key science projects. Such a survey can detect pulsars with a flux density down to 5 microJy, about a magnitude weaker than previous surveys by other radio telescopes over the world.

Up to now, GPPS has searched about 5% of the planed sky and has discovered 201 pulsars. "At this early stage of the project, this is an impressive total," said Prof. R.N. Manchester of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Australia.

Among the newly discovered pulsars, some have strange pulse dispersion properties. Dispersion is the measure of total electron density along the path from a pulsar to Earth and is a good indicator of pulsar distance. The higher the dispersion measure, the greater the distance. GPPS has uncovered pulsars with very high dispersion measures that challenge the best current models of electron density distribution in the Milky Way.

According to the best information on electron distribution in the Milky Way, these pulsars ought to be located outside the Milky Way. However, it is more likely that these pulsars are located inside the Milky Way. The electron density in the Milky Way, especially in the direction of its spiral arms, is probably underestimated. In other words, the newly discovered pulsars reveal more electrons in the Milky Way's spiral arms than had ever been known. The new measurements effectively improve the knowledge of the Milky Way electron distribution.

About 40 pulsars found in the survey have a period less than 30 milliseconds, making them newly discovered MSPs. "The GPPS survey has already increased the number of known MSPs by nearly 10 percent, a remarkable achievement," said Prof. Manchester. Among them, 14 have a companion around, so do the two long-period pulsars. "No doubt some of these will turn out to be excellent probes of gravitational theories," he added.

In addition, GPPS has discovered many pulsars with special features. For example, some produce emissions that switch on and off or emit just a few pulses over many minutes. In addition, for many previously known pulsars, the FAST survey has obtained data with extremely high signal-to-noise ratio, which has improved the parameters for 64 pulsars.

"FAST has the promise for the study of compact objects in the universe, and helps us learn more about the fundamental physics and astrophysics," said Prof. Jim Cordes from Cornell University, a reviewer of the study.

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This project is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
That is not deceptive,' Fiorello said. Its a choice that the market creates. ... This is not consumer protection. This is intimidation of people who are faith-based and whose activities are based and driven by religion, and it is extremely helpful to women. There has been so much testimony from women who have been helped. Why are we not listening to their testimony? It is just as valid as women who have been helped by Planned Parenthood and other abortion groups.'
By meta-analysis, experimentally determined COVID-19 virus T cell epitopes were compared with sequences of common cold coronaviruses (CCCoVs). Only one CCCoV-matching epitope was repeatedly identified as highly immunogenic, namely the CD8+ T cell epitope VYIGDPAQL ("VYI" peptide) if presented by the MHC class I allele HLA-A*24:02. Approximately 60% of Japanese individuals carry this allele, which in combination with previous CCCoV infections might help explain the surprisingly low prevalence of COVID-19 in Japan.

Protective immune memory--through B cells, which make antibodies, and/or T cells, which in the case of CD8+ T cells can kill virus-infected cells--can be induced by identical but also by related viruses. Related to the COVID-19 virus SARS-CoV-2, there are four common cold coronaviruses (CCCoVs) that together cause ~20% of common cold infections: OC43, HKU1, 229E, and NL63. Most adults have been infected with CCCoVs multiple times in their lives. Whether or not meaningful CCCoV-induced anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies exist remains a matter of debate. Meanwhile, the generation of T cell memory should depend on the genetic make-up of the infected individual. Namely, immune recognition by T cells depends on the presentation of peptides ("epitopes") by polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and different MHC alleles (variants between individuals) present different peptides from the same pathogen.

In their recent publication in F1000Research [1], Dijkstra, Frenette, and Dixon provided the first systematic search for SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitope sequences that were experimentally determined in one or more of >15 studies and are identical to at least one of the four CCCoVs. They found that such epitopes are rare. The only such epitope that was repeatedly identified as immunogenic by independent research groups was the peptide VYIGDPAQL, which is also named "VYI" after its first three amino acids. This peptide is a fragment of the virus helicase and identical between SARS-CoV-2 and the CCCoVs OC43 and HKU1. The VYI peptide was found to bind MHC class I allele HLA-A*24:02 and to efficiently stimulate CD8+ T cells from at least some--and sometimes the majority--of investigated HLA-A*24:02+ COVID-19 (convalescent) patients in each study that addressed this matter. This finding was confirmed in two recent studies that were not part of the Dijkstra et al. analysis [1]: Saini et al. 2021 (https:/ / immunology. sciencemag. org/ content/ 6/ 58/ eabf7550. long ) and Francis et al. 2021 (https:/ / www. biorxiv. org/ content/ 10. 1101/ 2021. 04. 29. 441258v1 ).

For explaining these findings, Dijkstra et al. [1] conservatively assumed that infections with OC43 or HKU1 had primed the anti-VYI T cells, which then were restimulated upon infection with SARS-CoV-2. The authors also speculated that the surprisingly low prevalence of COVID-19 in Japan may in part be explained by such anti-VYI T cell immune memory, since in this country ~60% of the individuals carry the allele HLA-A*24:02 and in recent years there were OC43 outbreaks. However, it is important to realize that, for now, this remains speculation only, since (i) experimental evidence for CCCoV-induced anti-VYI memory still needs to be provided, and (ii) immune memory does not necessarily mean immune protection. Nevertheless, currently, the VYI/HLA-A*24:02/Japan hypothesis put forward by the authors is one of the most plausible models for genetically explaining differences in resistance against COVID-19 between populations. Dijkstra et al. described how even a small impact on virus replication levels may have a significant impact on the spread of the virus through a population. Their article is also an interesting read on the COVID-19 situation in Japan.

Furthermore, Dijkstra et al. [1] pointed out that the similarity between the spike (S) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and CCCoVs is low, which suggests that the sequence conservation of this protein is relaxed. Accordingly, the authors subscribe to the fear as expressed by others that SARS-CoV-2 may mutate its S protein to escape the immune protection that is induced by the current generation of S-only vaccines. The inclusion in future vaccines of parts of the virus that are more highly conserved between SARS-CoV-2 and CCCoVs may reduce the risk of such escape. For populations in which HLA-A*24:02 is prevalent, like in Japan, the VYI peptide is a prime candidate for such inclusion.

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About the authors

Associate professor Dr. Johannes M. Dijkstra is a university research administrator at Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan. He has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of virology and immunology. Professor Dr. Brian Dixon is a career-long colleague of Dr. Dijkstra and leads a research group at the University of Waterloo (Dept. of Biology), Canada, where Dr. Aaron P. Frenette is a postdoc. Prof. Dixon received a large grant from Canada's COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF) for looking at SARS-CoV-2 transmission and immunity. More recently, Prof. Dixon, with Dr. Dijkstra as a partner, was awarded an additional grant from the University of Waterloo for a project titled "Assessing protective immunity to COVID19 provided by prior seasonal coronavirus infection," which will experimentally address the hypotheses made in the current Dijkstra et al. article [1].

Reference
Chemical reactions, such as those that occur when charging and discharging a battery, take place primarily on surfaces and at interfaces. While it is very easy to study the macroscopic products of a reaction, it has so far been difficult to gain a more accurate picture of the course of chemical reactions at the atomic level. This requires measurement methods that allow observations to be made on the extremely short time scales on which chemical reactions take place.

In principle, spectroscopic methods with very short laser pulses for temporal resolution are suitable for this. At the same time, the laser light must be of a very short wavelength, as physicist Tobias Helk of Friedrich Schiller University Jena explains: "To be able to specifically investigate individual elements using core electron resonance, laser light with a wavelength of a few nanometres is required - i.e., radiation in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) or X-ray range of the spectrum."

To observe chemical processes, it is also important to be able to study the interfaces between media and material surfaces where chemical reactions take place, adds Helk. In addition to short wavelengths and short durations, the laser pulses must also have an extremely high intensity to be able to cause non-linear effects, as they are called, which allow the measurement signal to be traced back to the interface.

So far, however, there are very few methods for generating such intense laser radiation in the XUV and X-ray range. "Until now, this has only been possible at large-scale research facilities such as the FLASH free-electron laser at DESY," says Prof. Christian Spielmann of the Institute of Optics and Quantum Electronics at the University of Jena. However, he and his team, together with researchers from the USA and France, have now found a way to make such investigations possible in a standard laser laboratory.

Non-linear frequency doubling on a titanium surface

To this end, a soft X-ray laser from the Laboratoire d'Optique Appliquee in Palaisseau (France) was used as the light source. "In our experiment, we set up a special focusing geometry, consisting of a elliptically shaped mirror that enables us to concentrate the laser radiation onto a very small area," says doctoral candidate Helk, lead author of the study. The radiation with a wavelength of 32.8 nanometres was focused on an ultra-thin titanium foil and its non-linear interaction with the matter particles was analysed.

"As is already known from studies with radiation in the visible and infrared range, light with new properties can be generated through the interaction of light particles and matter particles," explains Helk. In a process known as non-linear frequency doubling (or second harmonic generation), for example, two photons of the irradiated light are absorbed by the material and a photon with twice the frequency (twice the energy) is emitted.

And it is precisely this effect that the researchers were able to demonstrate. With a spectrometer, they separated the radiation resulting from the interaction with the titanium foil and recorded it using a camera. By comparing simulations with the measurement results, they were also able to show that the resulting radiation originates on the surface of the titanium foil and not within the material.

"Being able to perform this form of surface spectroscopy in the XUV range on a laboratory scale opens up completely new perspectives. For example, chemical processes on surfaces or at hidden interfaces can now be studied from the perspective of a single atom in otherwise complex chemical environments," says Prof. Michael Zurch of the University of California, describing the significance of the result. Furthermore, the short duration of the pulses used enables the investigation of dynamic processes at interfaces, such as those that occur during the charging and discharging of batteries.

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Original publication:

T. Helk, E. Berger, S. Jamnuch, L. Hoffmann, A. Kabacinski, J. Gautier, F. Tissandier, J. P. Goddet, H.-T. Chang, J. Oh, C. D. Pemmaraju, T. A. Pascal, S. Sebban, C. Spielmann, and M. Zuerch. Table-top Extreme Ultraviolet Second Harmonic Generation, Science Advances 7, eabe2265 (2021), DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe2265

Contact:

Prof. Christian Spielmann

Institute of Optics and Quantum Electronics of Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany

Tel.: +49 (0)3641 / 947230

E-mail: christian.spielmann@uni-jena.de
Our reliance on fossil fuels as a primary energy source has pushed air pollution to an all-time high, resulting in several environmental and health concerns. Among the major pollutants, nitrogen oxide (NO x ) accumulation can cause severe respiratory diseases and imbalance in the Earth's nitrogen cycle. Reducing NO x accumulation is, therefore, an issue of utmost importance.

Recently, the conversion of NO x into harmless or even useful nitrogen products has emerged as a promising strategy. Particularly appealing to scientists is the reduction of NO x to hydroxylamine (NH 2 OH), which can be utilized as a renewable source of energy.

The "make-or-break" step that determines the formation of hydroxylamine is the catalytic electrochemical reduction of nitric oxide (NO), which can either yield hydroxylamine or nitrous oxide (N 2 O), depending on the electrolyte pH and electrode potential. Studies show that for hydroxylamine formation to dominate over N 2 O formation, very acidic electrolytes with a pH less than 0 are required. However, such a harshly acidic environment rapidly degrades the catalyst, limiting the reaction. "The development of a new catalyst with high activity, selectivity, and stability is the next challenge," says Prof. Chang Hyuck Choi from the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Korea where he works on the catalysis of electrochemical reactions.

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, Prof. Choi and his colleagues from Korea and France investigated NO reduction in the presence of a new iron-nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe-N-C) catalyst made of isolated FeN xC y moieties bonded to a carbonaceous substrate. The catalyst was chosen for its high selectivity for the NH 2 OH pathway as well as its resistance to extremely acidic conditions.

The team performed in operando (i.e., during the reaction) spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis of the catalyst to determine its catalytic site and the pH dependence of NH 2 OH production.

They identified the active site of the catalyst as the ferrous moieties bonded to the carbon substrate where the rate of NH 2 OH formation showed a peculiar increase with decreasing pH. The team attributed this peculiarity to an uncertain oxidation state of NO. Finally, they achieved efficient (71%) NH 2 OH production in a prototypical NO-H 2 fuel cell, establishing the catalyst's practical utility. Moreover, they found that the catalyst exhibited long-term stability, showing no signs of deactivation even after operating for over 50 hours!

The approach not only reduces harmful air pollutants, but also provides a useful byproduct that may find use in ushering in a renewable energy society. "Apart from the applications of hydroxylamine in the nylon industry, it can also be used as an alternative hydrogen carrier. Thus, the new catalyst will not only help reduce the amount of NO x pollutants in our atmosphere but also lead us to a renewable energy future," Prof. Choi explains.

We can breathe easy knowing that the team's findings take us a few steps closer to a pollution-free renewable energy society.

###

Reference

Title of original paper: Selective electrochemical reduction of nitric oxide to hydroxylamine by atomically dispersed iron catalyst

Journal: Nature Communications

DOI: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1038/ s41467-021-22147-7

About Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is a research-oriented university situated in Gwangju, South Korea. One of the most prestigious schools in South Korea, it was founded in 1993. The university aims to create a strong research environment to spur advancements in science and technology and to promote collaboration between foreign and domestic research programs. With its motto, "A Proud Creator of Future Science and Technology," the university has consistently received one of the highest university rankings in Korea.

Website: http://www. gist. ac. kr/

About the author

Prof. Chang Hyuck Choi is an Associate Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Korea. He received his B.S. (2007) and Ph.D. (2012) degrees from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Korea. He was a postdoctoral fellow at KAIST from 2012 to 2014. From 2014 to 2016, he worked as a Humboldt Research Fellow at the Max-Planck-Institut fur Eisenforschung (MPIE) in Germany. His research interests mainly focus on the fundamental principles of electrocatalysis for energy conversions.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt and the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration use data which produced the first image of a black hole to constrain its fundamental properties

FRANKFURT. As first pointed out by the German astronomer Karl Schwarzschild, black holes bend space-time to an extreme degree due to their extraordinary concentration of mass, and heat up the matter in their vicinity so that it begins to glow. New Zealand physicist Roy Kerr showed rotation can change the black hole's size and the geometry of its surroundings. The "edge" of a black hole is known as the event horizon, the boundary around the concentration of mass beyond which light and matter cannot escape and which makes the black hole "black". Black holes, theory predicts, can be described by a handful of properties: mass, spin, and a variety of possible charges.

In addition to black holes predicted from Einstein's theory of general relativity, one can consider those from models inspired by string theories, which describe matter and all particles as modes of tiny vibrating strings. String-inspired theories of black holes predict the existence of an additional field in the description of fundamental physics, which leads to observable modifications in the sizes of black holes as well as in the curvature in their vicinity.

Physicists Dr Prashant Kocherlakota and Professor Luciano Rezzolla from the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt, have now investigated for the first time how the different theories fit with the observational data of the black hole M87* at the centre of the galaxy Messier 87. The image of M87*, taken in 2019 by the international Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, was the first experimental proof of the actual existence of black holes after the measurement of gravitational waves in 2015.

The result of these investigations: The data from M87* are in excellent agreement with the Einstein-based theories and to a certain extent with the string-based theories. Dr Prashant Kocherlakota explains: "With the data recorded by the EHT collaboration, we can now test different theories of physics with black hole images. Currently, we cannot reject these theories when describing the shadow size of M87*, but our calculations constrain the range of validity of these black hole models."

Professor Luciano Rezzolla says: "The idea of black holes for us theoretical physicists is at the same time a source of concern and of inspiration. While we still struggle with some of the consequences of black holes - such as the event horizon or the singularity - we seem always keen to find new black hole solutions also in other theories. It is therefore very important to obtain results like ours, which determine what is plausible and what is not. This was an important first step and our constraints will be improved as new observations are made".

In the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, telescopes from around the globe are interconnected to form a virtual giant telescope with a dish as big as the Earth itself. With the precision of this telescope, a newspaper in New York could be read from a street cafe in Berlin.

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Video: Testing different theories of gravity with the data obtained

https:/ / youtu. be/ Xf8He6Z1eQU

The EHT collaboration involves more than 300 researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. The international collaboration is working to capture the most detailed black hole images ever obtained by creating a virtual Earth-sized telescope. Supported by considerable international investment, the EHT links existing telescopes using novel systems -- creating a fundamentally new instrument with the highest angular resolving power that has yet been achieved.

The individual telescopes involved are: ALMA, APEX, the IRAM 30-meter Telescope, the IRAM NOEMA Observatory, the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT), the Submillimeter Array (SMA), the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT), the South Pole Telescope (SPT), the Kitt Peak Telescope, and the Greenland Telescope (GLT).

The EHT consortium consists of 13 stakeholder institutes: The Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the University of Arizona, the University of Chicago, the East Asian Observatory, Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt, Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique, Large Millimeter Telescope, Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, MIT Haystack Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Radboud University and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
When the United States issued national stay-at-home guidelines in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mobility across the country dropped significantly. New research from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) demonstrates that people may be inclined to change their behavior in response to national guidelines, more than state and local policies.

"When the next pandemic hits, we need to know what kind of policies are going to have the biggest impact on human behavior and health," said Marianna Linz, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering and of Earth and Planetary Sciences at SEAS and senior author of the paper. "While specific, local policies based on community spread may make the most sense, we found that people seem to change their behavior more in response to national guidelines. This suggests that clear national guidelines, at least in the beginning, are going to have the biggest impact on public health."

The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The researchers used cell phone mobility data collected by Google and Unacast, a location data company, to study how far people traveled and how many people they encountered between February 24 to May 22 and June 1 to August 28.

The researchers found that in most states, grocery store and pharmacy visits peaked within a few days of March 13, the day the White House declared a state of emergency and banned travel from 26 European countries. The following weekend, after the release of national stay at home guidelines and school closures, people across the country started to stay put although most states then had only a few hundred known COVID-19 cases.

"Although many states delayed implementing stay-at-home orders, there was near uniformity in behavior at the beginning of quarantine across states," said Yihan Wu '22, an undergraduate researcher in Linz's Lab and first author of the paper. "It was really striking to see just how consistent behavior was at that time."

Similarly, when the national stay-at-home advisory ended on May 1st, there was a uniform rise in mobility across the country, even though locally many schools and offices remained closed.

"Despite different local stay-at-home orders and state reopening timelines, we see encounters increasing in a coherent way nationwide when the national guidelines expired," said Todd Mooring, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard and co-author of the study.

The researchers also looked at how weather impacted mobility and encounters during the quarantine period. Despite news stories featuring crowded beaches and packed pool parties, the data did not show systematic increases in close encounters on nice days.

"We found that while visits to parks increased on nice days during the shutdown, most people were still being cautious and avoiding encounters with other people during the national stay-at-home period," said Wu.

"While the response to COVID-19 became increasingly politicized over time, that wasn't the case in the beginning," said Linz. "Our results suggest that coherent national guidance could help contain virus transmission in the future. COVID-19 may be too politicized now, but this result will be useful to future pandemic planning."

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A new study published in the journal Science, highlights the opportunity to complement current climate mitigation scenarios with scenarios that capture the interdependence among investors' perception of future climate risk, the credibility of climate policies, and the allocation of investments across low- and high-carbon assets in the economy.

Climate mitigation scenarios are key to understanding the transition to a low-carbon economy and inform climate policies. These scenarios are also important for financial investors to assess the risk of missing out on the transition or making the transition happen too late and in a disorderly fashion. In this respect, the scenarios developed by the platform of financial authorities known as the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) - a platform of over 80 financial authorities around the globe who take an active interest in advancing the transition toward a sustainable world economy - have been a major step to provide investors with forward-looking views on how economic activities, both low- and high-carbon, could evolve in the next decades. However, currently, these scenarios do not account for the role that the financial system (i.e., financial firms, markets, and instruments) could play in such a transition.

"The financial system can play an enabling or hampering role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, depending on expectations, in other words, their perception of risks and returns. If investors delay revising their expectations, but then their expectations change suddenly, this can lead to financial instability, making the transition more costly for society," explains lead author Stefano Battiston from the University of Zurich, Switzerland and Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Italy. "However, if investors adjust expectations in a timely fashion and reallocate capital into low-carbon investments early and gradually, they enable the transition, leading to smoother adjustments of the economy and of prices."

"Current mitigation scenarios implicitly assume that financing is provided by investors without assessment of risk, resulting in high financing costs and possible limits on funding, in particular for low-carbon firms. This is because the Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) used in studies on the subject do not include actors such as banks that can decide to grant loans to firms, or actors like insurance firms and pension funds that can decide to invest (or not) in stock market shares of firms. As a result, in the NGFS scenarios, the orderly versus disorderly character of scenarios is assumed exogenously, independently of the role of the financial system," adds coauthor and IIASA Sustainable Service Systems Research Group Leader, Bas van Ruijven, who is also co-developer of the NGFS Climate Scenarios.

Why does this matter? Not modeling the feedback loop between the financial system and mitigation pathways limits our understanding of the dynamics and the feasibility of the low-carbon transition, and the ability to inform policy and investment decisions. This could also lead to an underestimation of risk across mitigation scenarios and trajectories of orderly and disorderly transitions.

"While climate mitigation scenarios describe what the world might look like in the next decades, they also have the power to shift markets' expectations today. This is because they are endorsed by many influential central banks and financial authorities in the world, as well as by large investors. It is therefore critical to understand if these scenarios for potential tomorrows could lead, unintentionally, to insufficient investments today. This presents an opportunity to interface IAMs with models that allow investors to carry out climate-financial risk assessments (CFRs)," says coauthor and IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program Director, Keywan Riahi.

To this end, the authors have developed a framework to connect climate mitigation scenarios and financial risk assessment in a circular way, demonstrating the interplay between the role of the financial system and the timing of the climate policy introduction. IAMs generate sets of climate mitigation scenarios, which are then used by the CFR to model how investors assess the financial risk of high- and low-carbon firms along the IAM's trajectories. The resulting trajectories of financing cost across low- and high-carbon firms are fed back to the IAMs to update the respective mitigation scenarios, closing the loop between the IAM and the CFR.

By conditioning the investment decisions to the credibility of climate policy scenarios, the study considers how the role of the financial system as enabling or hampering can reverse the ordering of costs and benefits of climate mitigation policies, which are currently distorted by not considering the financial system.

With regard to the implementation of fiscal policies such as carbon pricing and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, or the introduction of funding for renewable energy projects, neglecting the role of finance implies that a projected carbon price schedule could miss the emissions target because the mitigation scenario does not necessarily imply a risk perception by the financial system that leads to the investment reallocation assumed by the scenario. Thus, the framework could help the IPCC community to revise their carbon price projections obtained from climate mitigation models to make them more consistent with the role that the financial system plays.

"Our framework could support financial authorities in encouraging investors' assessment of climate-related financial risk. The new IAM-CFR scenarios would limit the underestimation of financial risk in climate stress-test exercises. Accounting for the role of the financial system also has implications for criteria used by central banks to identify eligible assets in their collateral frameworks and purchasing programs," concludes Irene Monasterolo from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and visiting scholar in the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program. "Furthermore, our results shed light on the importance for financial authorities to monitor and tame the possible moral hazard of the financial system in the dynamics of the low-carbon transition."

The team authors comprises Stefano Battiston (Univ. of Zurich, Dept. Banking and Finance and Univ. Ca Foscari of Venice) who is also Lead Author in the Chapter 15 "Finance and Investments" of the Assessment Report 6 of the IPCC, to be released in 2022. Keywan Riahi (IIASA) is also Coordinating Lead Author in the Chapter 3 "Mitigation Pathways" of the same IPCC report. Bas van Rujiven (IIASA) is a member of the scientific consortium supporting the NGFS with climate scenarios. Prof. Irene Monasterolo (Vienna Univ. of Economics and Business and Boston Univ.) has been working on climate scenarios with central banks and development banks.

###

Reference

Battiston, S., Monasterolo, I., Riahi, K., van Ruijven, B. (2021). Accounting for finance is key for climate mitigation pathways. Science DOI: 10.1126/science.abf3877

Contacts:

Researcher contact

Bas van Ruijven

Research Group Leader

Sustainable Service Systems Research Group

Energy, Climate, and Environment Program

Tel: +43 2236 807 288

vruijven@iiasa.ac.at

Keywan Riahi

Program Director

Energy, Climate, and Environment Program

Tel: +43 2236 807 491

riahi@iiasa.ac.at

Press Officer

Ansa Heyl

IIASA Press Office

Tel: +43 2236 807 574

Mob: +43 676 83 807 574

heyl@iiasa.ac.at

About IIASA:
Self-organizing heart organoids developed at IMBA - Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences - are also effective injury- and in vitro congenital disease models. These "cardioids" may revolutionize research into cardiovascular disorders and malformations of the heart. The results are published in the journal Cell.

About 18 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, making them the leading cause of fatalities globally. Moreover, the most prevalent birth defects in children pertain to the heart. Currently, a major bottleneck in understanding human heart malformations and developing regenerative therapies are missing human physiological models of the heart.

The research group of Sasha Mendjan established cardioids at IMBA - human self-organizing cardiac organoids that recapitulate the lineage architecture of a heart chamber. Mendjan explains: "Cardioids are a major milestone. Our guiding principle is that for an in vitro tissue to be fully physiological, it also needs to undergo organogenesis. We were able to achieve this, using the developmental principles of self-organization - which makes it such an exciting discovery".

During development, a heart chamber emerges from the mesoderm germ layer. The researchers thus established in vivo-like mesodermal signaling conditions guiding pluripotent stem cells. "Amazingly, this led to self-organization of a heart chamber-like structure that was beating. For the first time, we could observe something like this in a dish. It is a simple, robust and scalable model, and does not require addition of exogenous extracellular matrix like many other organoid models," explains Sasha Mendjan. Besides a beating myocardial layer, a functional heart also contains an inner endothelial lining that later contributes to heart vasculature, and an outer epicardial layer that directs heart growth and regeneration. Cardioids recapitulate this three layered structure, shaping a heart chamber-like structure.

The scientists determined how signaling and transcription factors control cardioid chamber formation. For instance, the team was able to phenocopy the dramatic chamber cavity loss observed in children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in cardioids by disrupting a transcription factor linked to this defect. The researchers also assessed the effects of cryoinjury (injury by freezing), a technique mimicking myocardial infarction, on cardioids. For the first time in a dish, the team found that this injury triggers an in vivo-like accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in cardioids, an early hallmark of both regeneration and fibrotic heart disease.

The self-organizing organoid field has revolutionized biomedical research over the past decade. However, the heart was the last major inner organ missing such a physiological model capable of recapitulating developmental and injury response processes. "Cardioids bear incredible potential to unravel human congenital heart defects. As the system is physiological and scalable, this opens up huge possibilities for drug discovery and regenerative medicine," says Sasha Mendjan.

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This technology developed at IMBA has led to the creation of HeartBeat.bio, a new IMBA spin-off focused on the development of a high-throughput 3D screening platform for heart failure and cardiomyopathies. To the HeartBeat.bio website: https:/ / heartbeat. bio/ .

Original publication: Hofbauer P, Jahnel SM, Papai N, et al., "Cardioids reveal self-organizing principles of human cardiogenesis", Cell, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.04.034 https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)00537-7

About IMBA

IMBA - Institute of Molecular Biotechnology - is one of the leading biomedical research institutes in Europe focusing on cutting-edge stem cell technologies, functional genomics, and RNA biology. IMBA is located at the Vienna BioCenter, the vibrant cluster of universities, research institutes and biotech companies in Austria. IMBA is a subsidiary of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the leading national sponsor of non-university academic research. The stem cell and organoid research at IMBA is being funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and the City of Vienna.
Nearly everything in our daily lives -- from the electronic gizmos we all use, to the coffee we drink and the bananas we eat -- relies on shipping. Ships worldwide transport roughly 11 billion tons of goods annually, which works out to about 1.5 tons for every person on the planet.

But how do those ships navigate safely on the open ocean or in the crowded quarters of shipping lanes?

The answers to those questions and more can be found in the second edition of a popular textbook that addresses guidance, navigation and control of marine craft. The publisher John Wiley & Sons Ltd. has just released the Handbook of Marine Craft Hydrodynamics and Motion Control, authored by Professor Thor I Fossen, from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

"The new edition includes autonomous vehicles such as unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in addition to ships and semisubmersibles," Fossen said.

The second version of the book also includes new results on intelligent navigation systems and models of autonomous vehicles operating under water and on the surface. It comes with popular software called the Marine Systems Simulator, which is a GitHub repository used around the globe.

Fossen is a cyberneticist, which means he studies all kinds of feedback mechanisms used in the communication and control of ships, airplanes, autonomous robots and drones.

"I got interested in the subject as a PhD candidate. I wrote my PhD thesis on autonomous underwater vehicles in 1991," he said. "Autonomous vehicles are hot nowadays, so you may say that I was early."

He is a professor of Guidance, Navigation, and Control at NTNU and is deputy head of NTNU AMOS, the Centre for Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems. He is also in the top tier internationally as a highly cited professor, with more than 32,000 citations to date.

One of the emerging issues facing cybernetics and autonomous marine craft is cybersecurity, Fossen said.

"We are very much concerned with cybersecurity since autonomous vehicles can be hijacked and even used as weapons. Hence, we encrypt all sensor and control signals in the feedback control loops," he said. "This requires new type of encryption methods since there are large data streams that need to be encrypted in real time."

Fossen received his MSc in Naval Architecture and his PhD in Engineering and Cybernetics from the Norwegian Institute of Technology, one of NTNU's predecessors.

Fossen was elected to the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences in 1998 and became an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow in 2016.

"Hardly anyone has left such a huge academic footprint and in marine craft guidance, navigation and control systems and set such standards for vessel management as Thor," said Asgeir Srensen, who works closely with Fossen and is head of NTNU AMOS.

The publishers say the handbook offers the latest tools for analysis and design of advanced GNC (Guidance Navigation and Control) systems, and is an extensive study of the latest research in hydrodynamics, guidance, navigation, and control systems for marine craft.

"The text establishes how the implementation of mathematical models and modern control theory can be used for simulation and verification of control systems, decision-support systems, and situational awareness systems. Coverage includes hydrodynamic models for marine craft, models for wind, waves and ocean currents, dynamics and stability of marine craft, advanced guidance principles, sensor fusion, and inertial navigation," according to a summary on the publisher's website.

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The African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation will be open access; immediately available to all to build on knowledge

Springer Nature has announced that theMajor Reference Work African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, the most comprehensive publication on climate change adaptation in Africa ever produced, will now be available open access (OA). As the largest publisher of academic books, Springer Nature has brought together over 100 contributions from across Africa with papers prepared by scholars, representatives from social movements, practitioners and members of governmental agencies, undertaking climate change projects in Africa, and working with communities across the African continent.

Initially compiled as a 'Living Reference', the new comprehensive handbook discusses in three volumes current thinking and presents the main issues and challenges associated with climate change in Africa. By being free to read and use for all globally it will enable researchers and policymakers to build on this knowledge straightaway.

Anil Chandy, Vice President, Humanities, Social Sciences Books & Focus Projects at Springer Nature, said: "At Springer Nature, we want to accelerate solutions to the world's societal challenges. This is why we are delighted to support research on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals with this new publication. Thanks to its scope, its wide range of themes and contributors, and the fact that it is now available OA, we believe this book will be a seminal publication on the topic of climate change adaptation and inspire further scientific advancements".

Walter Leal Filho, Editor-in-Chief, said: "Climate change is a major global challenge. However, some geographical regions are more severely affected than others. One of these regions is the African continent. Due to a combination of unfavourable socio-economic and meteorological conditions, African countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change and its impacts." Prof Leal Filho holds the Chair of Climate Change Management at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and the Chair of Environment and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, in the United Kingdom.

The African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation joins the more than 300,000 articles and book chapters Springer Nature has published on the 17 identified global challenges since the SDGs were launched in 2015 with this research having been downloaded more than 750 million times. Springer Nature has also been leading the way in open access (OA) publishing and is driving a small but growing OA book market. Its OA book portfolio now includes over 1,400 titles spanning all academic disciplines, with more than 170 million chapter downloads worldwide.

The three volumes of the handbook are available electronically for free on Springer Nature's platform SpringerLink and further widens the scope of research relevant to the SDGs and supports Springer Nature's mission of not just adding scientific knowledge to the research community but of helping to advance society as a whole by advancing discovery and science.

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About the book and its editors

Walter Leal Filho

Nicholas Otienoh Oguge

Desalegn Ayal

Lydia Adeleke

Izael da Silva

African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation

2021, 2897 pp with 537 illustrations in colour

Open Access Book

eBook ISBN 978-3-030-45106-6

Print ISBN 978-3-030-45105-9

More information on Springer Nature Major Reference Works

Springer Nature's Major Reference Works are online-first dynamic publishing content that entail up-to-date information of peer-reviewed content that grows as new references are published and previously published works are updated. They are published online both as eReferences and so-called 'Living References'.

Furthermore, each reference entry's content is enriched by high-quality images and illustrations, has its own DOI and is fully citable. Each reference entry links to primary and secondary sources enabling researchers and individuals to follow the information trail and continue to develop their understanding with up-to-date content.

About Springer Nature

For over 175 years Springer Nature has been advancing discovery by providing the best possible service to the whole research community. We help researchers uncover new ideas, make sure all the research we publish is significant, robust and stands up to objective scrutiny, that it reaches all relevant audiences in the best possible format, and can be discovered, accessed, used, re-used and shared. We support librarians and institutions with innovations in technology and data; and provide quality publishing support to societies.

As a research publisher, Springer Nature is home to trusted brands including Springer, Nature Research, BMC, Palgrave Macmillan and Scientific American. For more information, please visit springernature.com and @SpringerNature
When scientists hunt for life, they often look for biosignatures, chemicals or phenomena that indicate the existence of present or past life. Yet it isn't necessarily the case that the signs of life on Earth are signs of life in other planetary environments. How do we find life in systems that do not resemble ours?

In groundbreaking new work, a team* led by Santa Fe Institute Professor Chris Kempes has developed a new ecological biosignature that could help scientists detect life in vastly different environments. Their work appears as part of a special issue of theBulletin of Mathematical Biology collected in honor of renowned mathematical biologist James D. Murray.

The new research takes its starting point from the idea that stoichiometry, or chemical ratios, can serve as biosignatures. Since "living systems display strikingly consistent ratios in their chemical make-up," Kempes explains, "we can use stoichiometry to help us detect life." Yet, as SFI Science Board member and contributor, Simon Levin, explains, "the particular elemental ratios we see on Earth are the result of the particular conditions here, and a particular set of macromolecules like proteins and ribosomes, which have their own stoichiometry." How can these elemental ratios be generalized beyond the life that we observe on our own planet?

The group solved this problem by building on two lawlike patterns, two scaling laws, that are entangled in elemental ratios we have observed on Earth. The first of these is that in individual cells, stoichiometry varies with cell size. In bacteria, for example, as cell size increases, protein concentrations decrease, and RNA concentrations increase. The second is that the abundance of cells in a given environment follows a power-law distribution. The third, which follows from integrating the first and second into a simple ecological model, is that the elemental abundance of particles to the elemental abundance in the environmental fluid is a function of particle size.

While the first of these (that elemental ratios shift with particle size) makes for a chemical biosignature, it is the third finding that makes for the new ecological biosignature. If we think of biosignatures not simply in terms of single chemicals or particles, and instead take account of the fluids in which particles appear, we see that the chemical abundances of living systems manifest themselves in mathematical ratios between the particle and environment. These general mathematical patterns may show up in coupled systems that differ significantly from Earth.

Ultimately, the theoretical framework is designed for application in future planetary missions. "If we go to an ocean world and look at particles in context with their fluid, we can start to ask whether these particles are exhibiting a power-law that tells us that there is an intentional process, like life, making them," explains Heather Graham, Deputy Principal Investigator at NASA's Lab for Agnostic Biosignatures, of which she and Kempes are a part. To take this applied step, however, we need technology to size-sort particles, which, at the moment, we don't have for spaceflight. Yet the theory is ready, and when the technology lands on Earth, we can send it to icy oceans beyond our solar system with a promising new biosignature in hand.

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Read the paper, *Christopher Kempes (Santa Fe Institute), Michael Follows (MIT), Hillary Smith (Pennsylvania State University), Heather Graham (NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center), Christopher House (Pennsylvania State University), and Simon Levin (Princeton University, Santa Fe Institute) are co-authors on the paper "Generalized Stoichiometry and Biogeochemistry for Astrobiological Applications," in the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology.
The people that are not paying never intended to pay so there is no reason for them to apply for the funds, these tenants are most of the 19,000 that try to live for free annually in CT,' the press release stated in comments attributed to Souza.
Today, doctors and scientists across America at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers and other organizations issued a joint statement urging the nation's health care systems, physicians, parents and children, and young adults to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination back on track.

Dramatic drops in annual well visits and immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a significant vaccination gap and lag in vital preventive services among U.S. children and adolescents--especially for the HPV vaccine. The pandemic also has exacerbated health disparities, leaving Black, Indigenous and other people of color; rural; and sexual minority adolescents at even greater risk for missed doses of this cancer prevention vaccine.

Nearly 80 million Americans - 1 out of every 4 people - are infected with HPV, a virus that causes six types of cancers. Of those millions, nearly 36,000 will be diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer this year. Despite those staggering figures and the availability of a vaccine to prevent HPV infections, HPV vaccination rates remain significantly lower than other recommended adolescent vaccines in the U.S. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, HPV vaccination rates lagged far behind other routinely recommended vaccines and other countries' HPV vaccination rates. According to 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just more than half (54%) of adolescents were up to date on the HPV vaccine.

Those numbers have declined dangerously since the pandemic.

Early in the pandemic, HPV vaccination rates among adolescents fell by 75%, resulting in a large cohort of unvaccinated children.

Since March 2020, an estimated one million doses of HPV vaccine have been missed by adolescents with public insurance--a decline of 21% over pre-pandemic levels.

Adolescents with private insurance may be missing hundreds of thousands of doses of HPV vaccine.

The U.S. has recommended routine HPV vaccination for females since 2006, and for males since 2011. Current recommendations are for routine vaccination at ages 11 or 12 or starting at age 9. Catch-up HPV vaccination is recommended through age 26. Adults aged 27 through 45 should talk with their health care providers about HPV vaccination because some people who have not been vaccinated might benefit. The HPV vaccine series is two doses for children who get the first dose at ages 9 through 14 and three doses for those who get the first dose at ages 15 and older and for immunocompromised people.

NCI cancer centers strongly encourage parents to vaccinate their adolescents as soon as possible. The CDC recently authorized COVID-19 vaccination for 12-15-year-old children allowing for missed doses of routinely recommended vaccines, including HPV, to be administered at the same time. NCI cancer centers strongly urge action by health care systems and providers to identify and contact adolescents due for vaccinations and to use every opportunity to encourage and complete vaccination.

More information on HPV is available from the CDC and National HPV Vaccination Roundtable. This is the fourth time that all NCI-designated cancer centers have come together to issue a national call to action. All 71 cancer centers unanimously share the goal of sending a powerful message to health care systems, physicians, parents and children, and young adults about the importance of HPV vaccination for the elimination of HPV-related cancers. Organizations endorsing this statement include the Association of American Cancer Institutes; American Association for Cancer Research; American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology; American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology; American Society of Preventive Oncology; and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

STATEMENT

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers Call for Urgent Action to Get HPV Vaccination Back on Track

Cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) are a significant public health problem in the United States (U.S.). But these cancers are preventable with HPV vaccination. The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers fully endorse the goal of eliminating cancers caused by HPV through gender-neutral HPV vaccination and evidence-based cancer screening. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly interrupted delivery of key preventive services, resulting in many U.S. adolescents missing routine HPV vaccine doses. Even before the pandemic, HPV vaccination uptake in the U.S. lagged far behind several high-income countries and remains well below the Healthy People 2030 goal of vaccinating 80% of boys and girls aged 13-15. To protect adolescents from cancers caused by HPV, it is urgent to act now to get HPV vaccination back on track.

NCI Cancer Centers strongly encourage parents to vaccinate their adolescents as soon as possible. The COVID-19 vaccination presents an opportunity for parents to protect their children by catching up on missed or due routinely recommended vaccines. The U.S. has recommended routine HPV vaccination for females since 2006 and for males since 2011. Current recommendations are for routine vaccination at ages 11 or 12 or starting at age 9. Catch-up HPV vaccination is recommended through age 26. The guidelines recommend that adults ages 27 to 45 talk with a health care provider because some people who have not been vaccinated might benefit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54% of boys and girls ages 13-17 completed the HPV vaccination series in 2019, compared to 42% in 2015, with variability by geographic region. The COVID-19 pandemic has jeopardized these modest but positive gains. In spite of more than 15 years of safety and monitoring data and strong evidence showing reduction of HPV vaccine-type infection and cancers, HPV vaccination uptake still isn't meeting our national goal.

The U.S. is facing a significant vaccination gap, especially for adolescents, due to the pandemic. Well-child visits are down. Usual "back to school" vaccination activity for adolescents has been limited by virtual and hybrid learning. Early in the pandemic, HPV vaccination rates among adolescents fell by 75%, resulting in large numbers of unvaccinated children. It is crucial that the nation gets back on track with adolescent vaccination to ensure protected children and safer communities.

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has endorsed the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and its use in 12-15-year-old adolescents. CDC recommends that this vaccine be used among this population, and health care providers may begin vaccinating them right away. In addition, COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be administered at the same visit. Protecting your child from COVID-19 by getting them vaccinated is an easy opportunity to catch up on other vaccines like the HPV vaccine.

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. Now is the time to catch up on missed doses of HPV vaccine to prevent future cancers. Contact your local health department or health care provider to schedule an appointment for missed vaccinations today.

More information on HPV is available from the CDC and National HPV Vaccination Roundtable.

This statement is supported by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO), Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), and American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO).

FULL LIST OF SIGNATURES

Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania

Albert Einstein Cancer Center

Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

City of Hope

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Cancer Center

Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine

Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center

Dartmouth and Dartmouth-Hitchock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center

Duke Cancer Institute

Fox Chase Cancer Center, a part of the Temple University Health System

Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT

Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center

Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone

Purdue University Center for Cancer Research

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Salk Institute Cancer Center

Sanford Burnham Prebys Cancer Center

Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center - Jefferson Health

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center

Stanford Cancer Institute

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai

The University of Kansas Cancer Center

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The Wistar Institute Cancer Center

UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Arizona Caner Center

University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Colorado Cancer Center

University of Hawaii Cancer Center

University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Kentucky, Markey Cancer Center

University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

University of Virginia (UVA) Cancer Center

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

VCU Massey Cancer Center

Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Yale Cancer Center

American Association for Cancer Research

American Cancer Society

American Society of Clinical Oncology

American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

American Society of Preventive Oncology

Association of American Cancer Institutes

Prevent Cancer Foundation

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During the pandemic, the old waiting room phrase "the doctor will see you now" has taken on a new meaning. So has the waiting room. Our kitchen table or living room couch is where many people do work lately, and that includes visits to the doctor. New research from Syracuse University's Falk College indicates this method of health care will continue even after COVID numbers are (hopefully) reduced.

"I was surprised by the results," said the study's lead author Bhavneet Walia, assistant professor of public health at Syracuse University. "I initially thought that, because of the challenges of telehealth, physicians would not be in favor of continuing post-pandemic. It turns out they do. But make no mistake, there are challenges." Among them is the technology itself. Internet connectivity along with software and hardware require money and training. And this is just on the side of the physician (a future study will probe patient relationships with telehealth). "We saw training went up for physicians during our survey period," which Walia said was from July to September of 2020. Findings of the study can be found in JMIR Human Factors.

In order to develop the survey, Walia collaborated with two physicians from the Syracuse Veterans Administration hospital. Between them they created a series of questions that could provide in depth answers, all while being mindful of a physician's limited time. 148 physicians responded from around the United States and according to Walia many were in favor of continuing with telehealth. "In the U.S. we talk about this iron triangle of healthcare which is quality, access and cost. The results of this survey show that physicians who practice internal medicine are in favor, more than 40%, say they would continue with telehealth. This is great in terms of achieving the iron triangle."

But there are concerns, mostly centered around the technology itself. Not only among physicians who must purchase and use the software. Public health officials are worried about the possibility of market concentration involving the companies that produce the technology.

Market concentration is an outcome in which a market is dominated by a small number of companies.

"As consumers we want competition which reduces the price and increases the quality," said Walia. "On one hand, from this survey I believe telehealth can increase access. On the other hand as a health economist I worry that market concentration will reduce access. As a researcher my goal is to understand the problem and anticipate future problems. This could be one. The goal of advancing telehealth is to increase access, and market concentration can make things work backwards. We cannot ignore this, if this is going to be the next big thing. Let's make sure, as policy makers, that we don't allow market concentration to happen."

So it appears the 21st century version of the house call, talking to your family doctor from the comforts of home, will continue. Professor Walia wants to be certain it continues with the healthcare consumer in mind.

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Leave voters in Cornwall wanted to exit the EU to "take back control" and express concern about immigration - even though most said the movement of people across the continent had not caused issues for them, a new survey suggests.

A total of 56.5 per cent of people in Cornwall voted to Leave the EU in 2016, yet the area has received some of the highest levels of EU structural funding in England.

There have long been campaigns for Cornwall to have more political autonomy, but hardly anyone who took part in the research said they voted to Leave said they do so to get more power for politicians in the county.

The most frequent reason given, found in 79 responses to the survey, was the UK had lost control to the EU, and there was need to regain it.

Immigration was mentioned 77 times, very often paired with concerns about pressure on public services and loss of control over law-making. Comments included "uncontrolled immigration, loss of sovereignty" or 'being told by the EU how to run our country", "the costs of being part of the EU - could be better used in this country, immigration". People mentioned wanting a "strong" Britain, 16 of the 21 people that raised the issue of public services, also mentioned immigration, or a need to control borders.

However only six people said immigration was a problem in Cornwall, and only five said the issue was important to themselves and their families. These numbers doubled when people were asked about the impact on the UK, and 41 people gave it as a reason why they voted to Leave the EU.

The research was carried out as part of an Economic and Social Research Council Impact Accelerator project to understand why regions with high levels of European Union Structural Funding support voted disproportionately to Leave.

Dr Joanie Willett, from the University of Exeter carried out carried out three focus groups with 15 participants, as well as nine one-to-one interviews, and a questionnaire seven to ten months after the referendum, to understand the key factors behind the result. All participants had voted Leave.

The qualitative survey, which had largely open questions, was shared on social media, and email lists of business, local government, and cultural organisations. It was open for a 4-week period, and received 186 responses from Leave voters.

Dr Willett said: "Our research indicates people voted to Leave the EU because they felt like they were supporting their nation, and that would protect them, rather than a desire for stronger say in what happens in their communities. People didn't ask for political decision making to be more decentralised, but this could be a useful response to the concerns people had about having more control."

Only three survey responses mentioned voting Leave because it would allow more local control over decision-making.

Democracy was mentioned in 44 responses, membership of the EU being a waste of money in 43, wanting to create a strong Britain in 35, sovereignty in 18, the economy in 13, fishing and farming in 10, and freedom/independence/autonomy in 8. The European Court of Justice received six mentions, two people made reference to Germany and World War Two.

A total of 47 people used highly emotive language, for example: "sovereignty - not to be elected by an unelected foreign elite", but most people described their decision to vote Leave in more restrained terms. This included comments such as "Europe had too much hold on legislation"

Dr Willett said: "Many people who took part in the study wanted a strong affective economy, good public services and accessible jobs. They seem to have linked a Leave vote with expressing concerns about the association between immigration and the economy. These issues don't appear to be grounded in people's daily experiences."

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Archivists assess, collect and preserve various artifacts and archive them to better understand their origin and cultural heritage.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Passports are a tangible way of showing where one has traveled, as the stamps provide a chronological order that traces an individual's journey across international borders. When an object's origins are not readily apparent, a variety of sources can be relied upon to learn more, which might include labels, sales receipts, foreign translations, oral histories, GPS coordinates and itemized personal possessions.

That documentation is an example of provenance, or the origins of an object and where it has traveled throughout history. Sarah Buchanan, an assistant professor in the University of Missouri's College of Education, is an archivist, a professional who assesses, collects and preserves various artifacts and archives them to better understand their origin and cultural heritage.

With a three-year grant, Buchanan is investigating ways to conduct provenance research more efficiently, inclusively and transparently, both on MU's campus and abroad. In a recently published study, Buchanan collaborated with Sara Mohr, a doctoral student at Brown University who reads and translates Assyrian, to create an online bibliography and corresponding map of ancient tablets located in universities throughout the United States, including six tablets inside MU's Ellis Library.

The tablets were written in cuneiform, the first writing system ever used by humans. It was first developed by the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia around 3,200 B.C.E in modern-day Iraq. Written on clay tablets, the writing system was used to document things like trade, business and religious activities at ancient temples.

"We identified cuneiform tablets at Brown University that complement the six we have here at Mizzou, and when we look at all of them together, we have a fuller, more compelling story about the societal context of their creation," Buchanan said. "If we only look at ours, it is like reading a page of a book that is half cut out. Their combination shows how powerful digitizing these artifacts can be, as it allows us to analyze two tablets side by side online that are otherwise thousands of miles apart."

The importance of provenance extends well beyond cuneiform tablets. Buchanan's research also includes studying rare books and manuscripts, audio recordings, Native American and indigenous collections, artwork, photos, and videos.

"Provenance shapes the stories that are told about objects and their owners," Buchanan said. "Artifacts and archives are a form of our history. They shed light on our cultural heritage that roots us as humans in where we have been and where we are going."

Museums can use provenance to assess the authenticity of collections on display. In Washington, D.C., officials from the Museum of the Bible accepted donated antiquities, including alleged fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls-- ancient Jewish manuscripts with significant religious ties to the Hebrew Bible and Judaism-- that turned out to be fake.

After suspicions that the fragments were created recently, an investigation by independent researchers, which was funded by the museum itself, confirmed in November 2019 that all of the displayed fragments were modern forgeries.

"Unfortunate situations like this show why provenance research is so important, as there is a real accountability issue when artifacts, photographs or artwork are found to be doctored or forged," Buchanan said. "This work will help give a wider range of artifacts a clearer provenance so that we can be sure when pieces are exhibited in museums, that they truly are what we say they are and can be attributed back to a specific time and place."

Provenance can also help play a role in repatriation, or the return of a valued item to its place of origin. In 2018, Bowling Green State University announced that ancient mosaics housed in the university's Wolfe Center for the Arts purchased in good faith with the belief that they were excavated from ancient Antioch had actually been looted in the 1960s from Zeugma and later sold on the black market.

After years of talks between the university and the Turkish government, the 12 mosaics were returned to Turkey, where they are now on display at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest mosaic museum in the world.

"As archivists, we are tasked with determining how, where and when these historic objects traveled across land and time," Buchanan said. "Traditionally, institutions tend to display only items that have clear provenance. As we refine our methods of researching provenance, we will be able to narrate a greater number and variety of previously unstudied artifacts and share them with new audiences."

Because America's history is closely intertwined with immigration and the oppression of minority groups, provenance research can help archivists tell more complete stories -- the good, the bad and the ugly -- surrounding artifacts with murky history.

"Provenance can help us confront our history when it comes to topics like war, colonialism and land acknowledgments," Buchanan said. "By uncovering a greater number of artifacts, we can properly tell more stories so that more cultures are represented, particularly the cultures of traditionally marginalized groups like Native Americans."

Through conversations with Native American tribes, Buchanan has learned the power of collaboration and civil discourse in facilitating more inclusive storytelling.

"There is always the potential for repatriation," Buchanan said. "However, we have also learned that several Native American tribes are open to particular artifacts remaining here at Mizzou's Museum of Anthropology, where climate controls and procedures are in place to properly care for the artifacts."

As a professor in the College of Education's School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, Buchanan teaches graduate students in the archival studies emphasis of MU's Master of Library and Information Science program.

In 2018, she supervised graduate students in the program as they inventoried and digitized audio recordings with KOPN, a community radio station in Columbia, Missouri. The recordings cover interviews with political figures such as Angela Davis, and social topics such as the feminist movement in the 1970s. The collection of recordings was recently featured by GBH, the NPR radio affiliate in Boston, and the Library of Congress in March for Women's History Month.

"This grant will help us get tools into the hands of archivists so we can be more responsive to our communities and make our collections meaningful to their work." Buchanan said.

As technology has advanced, the value of provenance in documenting ownership of rare items has transferred to the digital world online. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have become increasingly popular and raised more than a few eyebrows in mainstream media. They are digital tokens attached to online items such as videos, photos or artwork that document their authenticity and original ownership, a clear way to show that they have not been altered or faked.

"I am passionate about teaching the next generation of archivists," Buchanan said. "Studying cuneiform in America is just the tip of the iceberg. The more we learn going forward, the better we can tell stories about a wide variety of items' origin in a clear and compelling way."

Editor's note: "A Bibliography of Cuneiform Tablet Editions in United States Colleges and Universities through 2020" was recently published in the Journal of Open Humanities Data. Funding for the study and Buchanan's Early Career Development grant was provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The cuneiform tablets located in Ellis Library can be viewed and read further here.

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LOWELL, Mass. - A group of Massachusetts research institutions and organizations led by UMass Lowell has received a $3.3 million federal grant to continue its efforts to ensure the Commonwealth is prepared to face the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, future pandemics and other public health crises.

Through UMass Lowell, the project has been awarded a $3.3 million CARES Act grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). The funding will go to continue the production of personal protective equipment (PPE), expand into other medical supplies, devices and equipment, and to develop related training and curriculum with the goal of creating new jobs and economic opportunities following the pandemic.

The group's work builds on the work of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (MERT), an effort launched in 2020 to help Massachusetts manufacturers pivot to produce critical items for the fight against COVID-19. Since March 2020, MERT-assisted companies produced over 15 million pieces of PPE, ventilators and other critical items.

This latest effort, MERT 2.0, will create a sustainable network to support the Massachusetts and regional manufacturing ecosystem, building on the work conducted by the first MERT, made up of universities, industry and government. MERT 2.0 will help address continued demand for new medical protection and testing supplies, with masks and testing becoming essential to reopening workplaces, and will also help fill gaps and strengthen connections critical to supporting future domestic production and supply chain capacity.

"This EDA grant will help bring together the combined assets of our Massachusetts ecosystem - great research universities, state and nonprofit economic development drivers and federal partners - to support the growth of the startups and small and medium manufacturers who make up our domestic supply chain," said Julie Chen, UMass Lowell's vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development. "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we all learned how important this supply chain is to our community. By establishing a network to assist these companies in connecting to prototyping and small-lot manufacturing, technical experts, business and market analysis experts, workforce development, and other suppliers and customers, we will create a foundation for an agile and resilient technology-and manufacturing-based economy."

UMass Lowell's strategic partners in MERT 2.0 are the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), FORGE, MassRobotics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA).

"The impacts and lessons of the last year are still fresh in our minds, including the challenges around PPE supply," said Carolyn Kirk, executive director of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, a state economic development agency. "This new federal award will help us to build on those lessons, developing new programs to strengthen our supply chains and to help prepare Massachusetts manufacturers to respond to future needs of our health care system. UMass Lowell, with its deep engineering and manufacturing expertise, is a perfect home for this new program."

MERT 2.0's work will include addressing recovery and resiliency by strengthening the domestic supply chain in Massachusetts and the Northeast region for manufacturing personal protective equipment, medical devices such as ventilators, and medical test kits. MERT 2.0 will also support workforce development and manufacturing through development of training and curriculum related to this supply chain. MERT 2.0 also includes critical infrastructure in the form of testing and prototyping facilities.

"The MERT effort emerged during the Commonwealth's initial COVID-19 response from the existing trust and organizational infrastructure of the advanced manufacturing community in Massachusetts, which stepped up in a big way. This EDA grant enables the continuation and expansion of this work to continue to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem in a very community-connected way," said Ben Linville-Engler, industry and certificate director for MIT's System Design and Management program.

"COVID-19 forced all of us to rethink what we do, the services we provide and our ability to respond in a time of great need," said Sara Saberi, WPI assistant professor of industrial engineering. "We have identified new opportunities that will allow us to become more agile, efficient and better prepared. There is more work to be done and WPI is proud to be part of the team identifying these critical capabilities for the future."

"We are excited to be contributing to this important initiative; this grant will enable AFFOA to continue assisting regional manufacturers in producing critical PPE products, further strengthening our domestic supply chain resiliency and US manufacturing," said Alexander M. Stolyarov, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA).

"MassRobotics is excited to continue work with the region's small and mid-sized manufacturers," said Tom Ryden, MassRobotics executive director. "Through our programming and events, we help bring together innovative startups and existing technology organizations to nurture the next generation of talent and promote economic growth in Massachusetts. We believe robotic automation is capable of having a direct impact on business needs, and we're fortunate to help spur that innovation with grants like this."

"MERT 2.0 is comprised of organizations that collectively became a machine pivoting Massachusetts manufacturers to produce much needed PPE for Massachusetts health care and emergency response workers," said John Killam, MassMEP president. "In the following 12 months, Massachusetts produced greater than 15 million pieces of PPE and is on track to produce 110 million pieces built a year. MassMEP provided the key connections and led deployment of resources to the manufacturers pivoting. Participating in the planning and execution of MERT turned into a very rewarding experience for MassMEP. I am very thankful for the MassMEP team who made this their top priority."

"FORGE is grateful to the advocacy and efforts of regional leaders including Rep. Tom Golden and UMass Lowell Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development Julie Chen. The important work to respond to the pandemic, including that of the Massachusetts Emergency Response Team (MERT), has underscored how crucial thriving manufacturing and innovation are to our ability to come through black swan events like the COVID-19. These ecosystems are now more collaborative than ever here in the Commonwealth and FORGE is proud to be a part of the MERT 2.0 project which will ensure we continue to leverage lessons learned to strengthen innovative manufacturing and agile production in the state," said Laura Teicher, executive director of FORGE. "In line with our mission of helping innovators navigate the journey from physical prototype through to commercialization and impact at scale, FORGE will build regional engagement through events and provide concierge support for engaging startups and innovators, providing guidance to them to right-fit resources, expertise, and testing, prototyping and manufacturing services."

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An informational meeting for how small and medium manufacturers can apply for access to resources such as expert consultants, prototyping and testing, and workforce development will be held in the summer. More information will be posted at http://www. uml. edu/ research/ fdc/ .
The new best practice for Aussie kids in OSCH

Thousands of Adelaide school children will participate in a world-first initiative to increase physical activity and cut screen time in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) centres across the country.

The biggest of its kind anywhere in the world, the University of South Australia study will address growing concerns about children's sedentary behaviour marked by an increase in regular screen time.

Awarded about $1.5 million through the NHMRC's Medical Research Future Fund (MRRF) the researchers will work with 162 Australian OSHC centres to implement and evaluate newly established best practice guidelines for children's physical activity and use of screens.

With more than half a million Australian children attending Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and research showing that 31-79 per cent of OSHC sessions are sedentary, it is an important and timely move.

In Australia, less than one in four children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day. On average, primary school-aged children (aged 5-14) spend more than two hours each day sitting or lying down for screen-based activities.

With about 10 per cent of Australian primary school children attending OSHC every week, the guidelines have the potential to affect many children on a regular basis.

Lead researcher, UniSA's Professor Carol Maher, says the initiative could be a game-changer for OSHC centres, helping them better support the health and wellbeing of Australian children in their care.

"For a long time OSHC centres have been concerned about getting the right balance of physical activity and screen time for children in after school care," Prof Maher says.

"Currently, physical activity and screen time practices in Australian OSHC centres are not guided by policy. As a result, practice varies enormously.

"We know that children's activity patterns, including their physical activity and screen time behaviours, have wide-ranging impacts on their physical and psychological health, school performance and wellbeing, so it's really important to get this right."

"For the past five years, we've been working with more than 500 OSHC directors to develop the first national guidelines for children's physical activity and screen time in OSHC. And now, we're at the point of helping OSHC centres implement and embed these into daily practice."

The new guidelines* encourage free outdoor play which is consistent with research that shows that more than half of children's physical exercise is accumulated through this type of physical activity.

OSHC centres will be recruited from greater Adelaide, greater Perth, and the Hunter New England region of NSW, with the first cohort expected to begin early next year.

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Notes to Editors:

* This research is supported by the NHMRC's MRFF 2020 Maternal Health and First 2000 Days, Early Childhood, and Exercise and Nutrition Grant,

* New National Guidelines being implemented in OSHC centres

Media contact: Annabel Mansfield T: +61 8 8302 0351 M: +61 417 717 504

E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

Researcher: Prof Carol Maher T: +61 8 8302 2315 E: Carol.Maher@unisa.edu.au
A new study provides public health planning authorities with a method of calculating the number of COVID-19 isolation beds they would need for people experiencing homelessness based on level of infection in the city. The research holds promise for controlling spread of the virus - or future infectious diseases - in a population that is highly vulnerable and less likely than many others to access health care services.

The report, developed to support public health decision-making in Austin, Texas, was recently published by PLOS ONE. The paper's first author is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, Tanvi Ingle, who harnessed her days in the pandemic lockdown to work with researchers in The University of Texas at Austin COVID-19 Modeling Consortium.

"Our model can help Austin and other cities ensure they have sufficient resources to protect populations experiencing homelessness during future disease outbreaks," said Lauren Ancel Meyers, director of the UT Austin COVID-19 Modeling Consortium and a professor of integrative biology. "Our calculations indicated how many hotel rooms would be needed to isolate individuals when they developed symptoms or were exposed to the virus. Given that this community generally has high contact rates, poor health care and lack of privacy, these isolation facilities were critical to preventing transmission and protecting this vulnerable population."

Projections based on the model were provided to the City of Austin during the beginning of the pandemic and helped the city finalize lease agreements for isolation facilities.

"The projections from the UT COVID-19 Modeling Consortium were invaluable to us in determining the potential impact and magnitude of support needed to prevent a catastrophic impact on people experiencing homelessness in Austin," said Dr. Mark Escott, the City of Austin's chief medical officer. "As a result, multiple area hotels were used as protective lodges to provide non-congregate sheltering to the most vulnerable members of our community."

Before the lockdown, the undergraduate first author, Ingle, served as a clinical volunteer with Dell Medical School at the C.D. Doyle Clinic, a student-run free clinic that provides care to people experiencing homelessness. When the lockdown hit, she responded to a campus-wide call for help from the newly formed UT COVID-19 Modeling Consortium. Ingle volunteered to lead a research project that could help the homeless population navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

"From my clinical experiences, I knew that the pandemic would be especially hard for people who experience homelessness since they face unique challenges in social distancing and accessing health care. Eager to help improve the situation, I collaborated with the consortium and the City of Austin to determine how many isolation rooms we should provide to help protect our unhoused neighbors from COVID-19," Ingle said.

Using the mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission developed by the consortium, the City of Austin could determine what proportion of people experiencing homelessness would need to be tested and how many of those individuals would test positive. With these parameters, they were then able to estimate the total number of individuals who would need an isolation room at any given time.

"This project was a way for me to see firsthand how clinical experiences inform scientific research that impacts public health outcomes," Ingle said. "Cities around the world will be able to adapt our framework to help shape public policies in the early stages of any pandemic."

"UT undergraduates have stepped up as researchers and leaders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," Meyers said. "Tanvi is an inspiring example. Her calculations helped the City of Austin to protect some of its most vulnerable populations."

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Contributors to the report in addition to Ingle and Meyers were former UT Austin undergraduate Maike Morrison (now at Stanford University); Austin's Xutong Wang, Timothy Mercer and Spencer Fox; and Vella Karman of Austin Public Health.

This study was supported by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. Tito's Handmade Vodka provided support for the staff. The Texas Advanced Computing Center at The University of Texas at Austin provided resources that contributed to the research results. Meyers holds the Denton A. Cooley Centennial Professorship and also an appointment in the Department of Statistics and Data Sciences.
UVA Children's is one of 20 leading autism care centers joining the national Autism Care Network, created by Autism Speaks - a leading autism research and advocacy group - to deliver the best care to families sooner.

The network's goal is to better serve patients and their families by more quickly applying the latest research and best practices for autism care. UVA Children's and other network sites will test treatments and gather data from patient visits, using that information to continually improve care.

"I am excited to be joining with other great children's hospitals and clinics in the U.S. and Canada to work together on behalf of children with autism," said Richard Stevenson, MD, the principal investigator for the network at UVA. "The process that we are implementing as a network is state of the art and will push us to improve our care. An essential element of this process is the inclusion of families and individuals with autism on the quality-improvement team."

Initially, Stevenson said, the network will focus on helping children with autism and their families manage three common symptoms: hyperactivity, irritability and anxiety.

"First and foremost, we will work with other hospitals in the network to create a process that helps our own clinicians focus on these symptoms at each visit," said Stevenson, who is working closely at UVA with clinical leads Katheryn Frazier, MD, and Elizabeth White, MD, along with site coordinator Jodi Darring. "At the same time, we will be collecting data about these behaviors as well as treatment outcomes that we will share with the network and contribute to the quality-improvement process and learning how to best care for children with autism and their families."

Joining the Autism Care Network is the latest step across the university and UVA's Brain Institute to better understand autism-spectrum disorder and learn the best ways to provide care. For example, UVA School of Medicine autism expert Kevin Pelphrey, PhD, the Harrison-Wood Jefferson Scholars Foundation Professor at UVA, recently published new research describing how autism develops differently in boys than in girls.

More information about the network is available at http://www. autismspeaks. org/ autism-care-network . Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

The Autism Care Network is supported by Autism Speaks, the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health, the J. Donald and Laurelle Lee Family Foundation and the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet).

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MADISON - A global survey of fossil pollen has discovered that the planet's vegetation is changing at least as quickly today as it did when the last ice sheets retreated around 10,000 years ago. Beginning some 3,000-to-4,000 years ago, Earth's plant communities began changing at an accelerating pace. Today, this pace rivals or exceeds the rapid turnover that took place as plants raced to colonize formerly frozen landscapes and adapt to a global climate that warmed by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

The research, published May 20 in Science, suggests that humanity's dominant influence on ecosystems that is so visible today has its origin in the earliest civilizations and the rise of agriculture, deforestation and other ways our species has influenced the landscape.

This work also suggests ecosystem rates of change will continue to accelerate over the coming decades, as modern climate change further adds to this long history of flux. And by showing that recent biodiversity trends are the start of a longer-term acceleration in ecosystem transformations, the new study provides context for other recent reports that global biodiversity changes have accelerated over the last century.

An international collaboration of scientists led the new analysis, which was powered by an innovative database for paleoecological data. The Neotoma Paleoecology Database is an open-access tool that gathers and curates data on past ecosystems from hundreds of scientists. Neotoma is chaired by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of geography Jack Williams, who helped lead the new research.

The study authors analyzed more than 1,100 fossil pollen records from Neotoma, spanning all continents except Antarctica, to understand how plant ecosystems have changed since the end of the last ice age about 18,000 years ago, and how quickly this change occurred.

"At the end of the ice age, we had complete, biome-scale ecosystem conversions," says Williams, who also curates Neotoma's North American pollen database. "And over the past few thousand years, we're at that scale again. It has changed that much. And these changes began earlier than we might have thought before."

Fossil pollen provides an extremely sensitive measure of past plant communities. As pollen from surrounding plants falls into lakes, it settles in layers from oldest at the bottom to newest at the top. Scientists can extract sediment cores and conduct the painstaking work of identifying pollen and reconstructing plant ecosystems over thousands of years.

Yet each sediment core only provides information about one place on Earth, so true global-scale analyses of past vegetation change require the amassing and curating of many such records. Neotoma has gathered thousands of such datapoints to help scientists uncover global trends. Researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway, UW-Madison, and Neotoma data stewards from around the world collaborated to perform the new analysis.

Using these pollen records, the team applied new statistical methods to better analyze how quickly plant communities have changed in the last 18,000 years.

They discovered that the rate of change initially peaked between 8,000 and 16,000 years ago, depending on the continent. These continental differences are likely caused by different timing and patterns of climate change linked to retreating glaciers, rising carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, changes in Earth's orbit, and changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation.

Ecosystems then stabilized until about 4,000 years ago. Then, the rate of change began a meteoric rise that continues today, when most plant ecosystems are changing at least as fast as they did at the peak of ice-age-induced flux.

"That was a surprising finding, because over the last few thousand years, not a whole lot was happening climatically, but the rates of ecosystem change were as big or bigger than anything we've seen from the last ice age to the present," says Williams.

Although this analysis of pollen records was focused on detecting ecosystem changes, rather than formally determining causes, these recent ecosystem changes correlate with the beginning of intensive agriculture and the earliest cities and civilizations around the world.

Williams says that one intriguing feature of these analyses is that the early rise is so early worldwide, even though each continent had different trajectories of land use, agricultural development and urbanization.

Scientists have coined the term the Anthropocene to describe the modern geological period, when humans are the dominant influence on the world. "And one of the questions has been, when did the Anthropocene begin?" says Williams. "This work suggests that 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, humans were already having an enormous impact on the world (and) that continues today."

A sobering implication from this work, say the scientists, is that in the past, the periods of ecosystem transformations driven by climate change and those driven by land use were largely separate. But now, intensified land use continues, and the world is warming at an increasing rate due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. As plant communities respond to the combination of direct human impacts and human-induced climate change, future rates of ecosystem transformation may break new records yet again.

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This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation (grants 1550707, 1550805, and 1948926).

--Eric Hamilton, (608) 263-1986, eshamilton@wisc.edu
Scientists from the Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Research Group and the Neuropharmacology-Neurophar Laboratory have developed a peptide which is an ideal candidate for reducing the cognitive side effects of pain treatment with cannabis derivatives.

An international team, led by researchers from Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona, Spain, David Andreu and Rafael Maldonado, has developed a peptides family that allows delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main component of Cannabis sativa, to fight pain in mice without side effects. The study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, was carried out together with researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, ??the University of Barcelona, and the University of Lisbon.

At present, there are two main types of pain relievers prescribed based on the severity of the pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol) are often used to treat mild pain, while opioids are used for severe pain. These, although effective, have significant addictive potential. A therapeutic window is not covered between these extremes, as there is a lack of safe and effective drugs to treat moderate chronic or neuropathic pain (such as that caused by nerve damage for people with diabetes or herpes). In this scenario, cannabis-derived drugs have an excellent opportunity to provide relief, but their therapeutic use is limited by their side effects, including problems with memory and other cognitive functions.

THC produces analgesia by binding to cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. However, these receptors interact with the serotonin receptor 5HT2A, and this interaction causes memory loss when THC is present. To address this problem, the interaction between the two receptors must be avoided. That is why scientists from the Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Research Group and the Neuropharmacology-Neurophar Laboratory have designed and produced peptides that interrupt the interaction between the two receptors, so the THC can ease pain without activating the serotonin receptor.

In a previous study, when researchers injected a peptide into the brains of mice, the memory problems caused by THC decreased. Based on molecular dynamics simulations and current pharmaceutical chemistry strategies, the researchers have optimized the original prototype by developing a smaller peptide with high stability, allowing oral administration while increasing its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to access and act on brain cells.

After administering mice with the peptide orally, along with an injection of THC, they assessed pain threshold and memory capacity. Mice treated with both THC and the optimized peptide obtained the benefits of THC in relieving pain and also showed better memory compared to those treated with THC alone. "Our results suggest that the optimized peptide is an ideal candidate for reducing the cognitive side effects of pain treatment with cannabis derivatives," says Rafael Maldonado, Professor of Pharmacology in the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences (DCEXS) at UPF.

"Given the results obtained so far, the team is motivated to advance in the development of this promising candidate discovered," explains David Andreu, UPF Professor of Chemistry.

"The INNOValora programme will allow us to partially cover the proof-of-concept experiment in chronic pain that we need to ensure investors' participation in the project," says Maria Gallo, a PhD student from the Proteomics and Protein Chemistry group at the DCEXS-UPF, whose doctoral thesis recapitulates much of the project's experimental work.

"We envision the use of the peptide in combination with THC as the first drug approved by the EMA / FDA for the treatment of chronic pain," concludes Rafael Maldonado.

These results have been the basis for an international patent application that is expected to be transferred to the pharmaceutical sector once the preclinical and clinical validation experiments required by drug regulations are completed.

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Funding

The work has been supported by the Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange Programme, the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the La Caixa Foundation and, now, the UPF INNOValora programme.

Reference article

Gallo M et al. Orally Active Peptide Vector Allows Using Cannabis to Fight Pain While Avoiding Side Effects. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00484.
I have always been her advocate, Hinesley wrote in a recent statement to the court posted on the Justice for Thae Ohu website run by her family. From the very beginning I pleaded to her Commanding Officer for Thaes care and I tried to help him understand that this was not her fault and she is a victim too that needs intervention, not jail time.  Corporal Ohu deserves grace, compassion and understanding NOT conviction. ... Corporal Ohu is a good Marine but an injured one.
The chemical bisphenol F (found in plastics) can induce changes in a gene that is vital for neurological development. This discovery was made by researchers at the universities of Uppsala and Karlstad, Sweden. The mechanism could explain why exposure to this chemical during the fetal stage may be connected with a lower IQ at seven years of age - an association previously seen by the same research group. The study is published in the scientific journal Environment International.

"We've previously shown that bisphenol F (BPF for short) may be connected with children's cognitive development. However, with this study, we can now begin to understand which biological mechanisms may explain such a link, which is unique for an epidemiological study." The speaker is Carl Gustaf Bornehag, Professor and head of Public Health Sciences at Karlstad University. He is the project manager of the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and Child, Asthma and Allergy (SELMA) study, from which the data were taken.

External factors can cause changes in gene activity through an "epigenetic" mechanism. This means that individual genes are modified by means of "methylation". Increased methylation in a DNA segment makes it more difficult for the cellular machinery to read that specific part. As a result, expression of methylated genes is often impaired.

The scientists measured BPF levels in urine from pregnant women in the first trimester and subsequently monitored their children after birth. DNA methylation was measured in the children at age seven, and their cognitive ability was investigated. Since the fetus comes into contact with the mother's blood via the placenta, it is also exposed to substances in the mother's body.

The analyses demonstrated that in fetuses exposed to higher levels of BPF, methylation increases in a specific part of the GRIN2B gene, which has a key neurological role. Further, higher methylation was associated with lower IQ in the children. However, the study also found that there appears to be a sex difference in these children's susceptibility to BPF. The epigenetic link between BPF and cognition was observed only in boys.

"The fact that we've been able to identify DNA methylation as a potential mechanism behind BPF's effect on IQ adds an important piece of evidence in work to understand how environmental chemicals affect us on a molecular level," says Elin Engdahl, a researcher in environmental toxicology at Uppsala University and the article's lead author.

In the research group's previous study, they saw that the 25% of seven-year-olds who, during week 10 of the pregnancy, were exposed to the highest maternal levels of bisphenol F had a 2-point decline in full scale IQ compared to the 25% of children exposed to the lowest levels. This is a small difference that is inconspicuous in an individual child but, on the other hand, becomes clear on a population level.

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E. Engdahl, K. Svensson, P. D. Lin, A. Alavian-Ghavaninic, C. Lindh, J. Ruegg, C-G. Bornehag (2021), DNA Methylation at GRIN2B partially mediates the association between prenatal bisphenol F exposure and cognitive functions in 7-year-old children in the SELMA study, Environment International. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106617

https:/ / www. sciencedirect. com/ science/ article/ pii/ S0160412021002427?via%3Dihub

Facts about the SELMA study

The SELMA study (Swedish: http://www. selmastudien. se/ ) has collected and analysed environmental chemicals in the urine and blood of pregnant women and then followed their children's development to find out how chemicals affect their growth and health.

Facts about bisphenol

Bisphenols are a group of chemical substances with similar molecular structures, used in manufacturing certain plastics. Most famous is bisphenol A (BPA), which is one of the world's most common substances. We mainly ingest BPA through food and beverages that have been in contact with the chemical. BPA has been known since the 1930s to have endocrine-disrupting properties, and there are now countless studies showing that BPA can adversely affect human and animal health. The EU has therefore imposed a ban on BPA in various products, including baby bottles and food jars. BPA is now being used less and replaced by structural analogues like BPF. How BPF affects humans has not been well investigated, but experimental studies (e.g. Rochester, Bolden 2015) indicate that it too has endocrine-disrupting properties.
Prior to joining Netflix, he was with Uber and has also worked for Google and Infosys

Streaming giant Netflix has announced the appointment of Nanjappa Palekanda as Vice President, Experience and Operations.

With 18 years of experience, Nanjappa has worked with big names, including Infosys, Uber and Google. His expertise lies in HR Service Delivery, M&A, Risk & Compliance and Portfolio Management for the People function.

On his appointment, he wrote, I am grateful for the incredible professionals and amazing well-wishers I have come across throughout my career - Infosys, Google and Uber. I now head into an exciting new adventure at Netflix, with the same drive to work with amazing people. During this special personal moment, I would like to urge all my well-wishers to spare a positive thought/action in support of all those in India (or those who have loved ones in India), who are braving the heart-breaking situation brought upon by the pandemic. There's loss and suffering for sure, but there are also numerous everyday heroes, going out of their way to support others, many of whom they have never met before.

Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
The Pound Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate has weakened this morning as concerns over the Indian variant of the coronavirus in the UK grow.

The GBP/EUR pairing are currently trading around the 1.1581 as the EU formalise plans to reopen their borders to fully vaccinated individuals.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rate Weakens on Indian Variant Virus Concerns

The Pound has found itself weakening against the Euro this morning following concerns over the Indian variant of the coronavirus found in the UK.

The UK has now recorder almost 3000 cases of the Indian variant as some scientists believe the prevalence of the variant could trigger a third wave of the virus.

Prof Andrew Hayward, an infectious disease expert at University College London spoke to UK television this morning regarding the variant:

Obviously were doing everything we can to contain the spread of that but its likely that more generalised measures may start to be needed to control it.

Those in hotspots for the Indian variant of the virus are being urged to go and get their coronavirus vaccine when eligible.

Euro (EUR) Exchange Rate Supported by EU Border Reopening

The Euro is being supported against the Pound this morning following news from the European Union (EU) that member states will reopen their borders to fully vaccinated individuals.

Cases of the Indian variant of the virus found in the UK would need to be taken into account when welcoming vaccinated Britains to the EU, individual EU countries are thought to be setting their own policies regarding the variant.

The EUs swift vaccine rollout is further supporting the single currency today, with all adults in the bloc expected to be offered a dose of the virus by the end of July.

More so, a mixed US Dollar has seen the Euro head higher against many of its major rivals today as investors await the latest initial US jobless claims this afternoon.

GBP to EUR Exchange Rate Outlook: UK Retail Sales in Focus

Tomorrow, Pound investors will be keeping an eye on the release of the latest retail sales figures from the UK for April.

The figures are forecast to show a surge of 37% annually as the high street reopened during April as coronavirus restrictions were softened.

For Euro traders, tomorrow will see the latest flash PMI data from the Eurozone which is expected to show continued growth in the services sector as the bloc recovers from coronavirus restrictions.
T his week, the CDC issued new guidelines for mask wearing, given that more people are vaccinated against COVID-19 and infection/hospitalization rates are down significantly.

This sounds like a good thing. Clarifying when masks are and are not needed should be helpful to all of us. Except in this case, many people are more confused than ever.

The CDC says masks are no longer required indoors and outdoors if you're vaccinated. Except in some situations where an individual is high risk. And people who aren't vaccinated must still wear masks.

How will businesses know whether or not someone is vaccinated? There is no "vaccine passport" available. In some places, public health officials are requiring businesses to check vaccinations. In other locations, government is forbidding anyone to ask about an individual's personal vaccination status.

Some businesses are removing mask requirements totally. Others are relying on the public to be honest about their status and wear masks if they're not vaccinated. Some organizations, like colleges are also requiring everyone on their campus to be vaccinated, while some stores are requiring everyone present to wear masks.

So are we all clear on what we should do? What if you have children too young to be vaccinated, but about to go back to in-person school? What if you interact with someone who is immunocompromised? What if....

I have no doubt the CDC intended this directive to be helpful. But, as often happens with government mandates, sometimes trying too hard to get to a solution just makes things more complicated.

How often does this happen in your business? The law of unintended consequences says solving one problem without considering the consequences can create or exacerbate another. What are you doing to think through potential solutions to ensure you've considered what unexpected results they might trigger?

Clearly, this is something we need to do more often.

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If USAA ads  the ones with its name shouted as a jingle in military cadence  seem ubiquitous on television airwaves, theres a reason.

USAAs spending on advertising has soared dramatically.

The San Antonio companys property and casualty insurance businesses collectively plowed $501.3 million into advertising last year, a 38 percent jump from the $363.8 million spent in 2019, figures from S&P Global Market Intelligence and public filings show.

The percentage increase significantly outpaced the property and casualty insurance industry as a whole. Industry spending rose almost 9 percent last year; excluding USAA, the increase was 7.6 percent, S&P Global found.

Last year marked the first time those USAA insurers cracked the half-billion-dollar mark promoting their products and services. It also was more than double what the companies spent on advertising in 2018 and more than triple their 2016 expense. (The figures dont include USAAs life insurance business and noninsurance subsidiaries.)

Our ad spend has increased as competition in the marketplace has heated up, said Tony Wells, USAAs chief brand officer.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio insurer USAA prospers during the pandemic as net worth soars $5 billion

USAA has upped its advertising dollars on its latest brand campaign and the introduction of new products. It also got the message out to members during the early months of the pandemic that it was there to support them, he said.

Its all part of an effort to build USAAs presence in the market, which includes established players that spend hundreds of millions more on advertising than USAA and upstarts that didnt exist five or 10 years ago.

This is a very, very aggressive category, Wells said. Overall, marketing is much more difficult because of the continuing fragmentation of the media. We also know that its harder to reach interested consumers. Thats not lost on us. Theres a lot of spend.

USAAs niche is offering insurance and financial products to military personnel, veterans and their families.

Membership gains shrink

Its difficult to gauge what affect the advertising is having on driving USAAs membership. The company used to disclose a rounded-off figure for its total membership. It even published the figure in the highlights of its annual report to members, but it has stopped the practice.

USAAs management made the call to no longer release a more exact figure, Wells said.

Now, the company vaguely puts membership at more than 13 million  the same language it used at the end of 2019.

Membership increased 2.5 percent last year, he said, without offering a number.

USAA lost some members with last years sale of its investment services business to Charles Schwab Corp. and the 2019 sale of its asset management business to Victory Capital Holdings Inc. Those members who departed didnt have any other business with USAA.

USAA disclosed that 95 percent of its members chose to stay with the association last year. Thats among the highest retention rates in the industry, but its down from 98 percent in recent years. And while 3 percentage points may not seem like a lot, thats roughly an additional 400,000 members who didnt stick around last year.

If weve experienced a decline there, its probably with our younger membership base who are confronted and presented with many more choices in the financial services category than maybe ever before, Wells said. Were still industry-best. Were happy with how weve really focused on building loyalty among our members and serving them.

Last years 2.5 percent membership gain was the smallest since at least 2008  excluding 2019 because Wells wouldnt say how much membership changed that year.

From 2008 to 2018, USAAs annual membership gains ranged from a 2018 low of 400,000, or 3.2 percent, to a high of 800,000, or 10 percent, in 2011.

USAA registered its largest membership gains  1.4 million customers  over any two-year period in 2010-2011 and again in 2011-2012.

Those increases followed USAA easing its membership rules in 2009. It simplified its guidelines by telling officers and enlisted personnel that no matter when they served or how long theyd been out of the military, they could join USAA as long as they were honorably discharged.

USAA has no affiliation with the U.S. military.

Pool of potential customers

The relaxed membership rules opened the pool of potential customers from about 25.5 million to nearly 61 million active, retired and honorably discharged military personnel, their spouses and former spouses (if they havent remarried), adult children, widows, widowers and students in training for an officers commission.

This is pretty monumental for USAA, then-CEO and President Joe Robles said at the time. This is by far our biggest add-on since we started.

More than a decade later, the pool of potential USAA customers remains around 61 million, Wells said.

On ExpressNews.com: USAAs annual employee bonus shrinks amid pandemic

Nevertheless, that means only about 1 in 5 or 6 Americans is eligible to join USAA.

Just from a marketing perspective, acquisition and engaging those is sometimes more challenging because its a very targeted effort for us, Wells said. But I also think that helps us because, unlike some brands, were very, very specific in who we want to attract and who we can serve. And so that also serves us in making efficient use of our media dollars.

When someone with the moniker 6temper recently took to an online community forum hosted by USAA to complain about the extraordinary amount its spending on television advertising, a company representative replied that its research showed that just under one half of eligible veterans are even aware of USAA.

If you havent reached the half of the veterans who dont know about USAA by now, with all of the advertising that youve been doing, then you never will, BrownieBug chimed in. Stop wasting our money. 50 year member.

Monte Bach

Hard to miss

Total advertising spending by property and casualty insurance companies reached $8.7 billion last year, up from $8 billion in 2019, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. USAA accounted for about 6 percent of last years spending.

I tell people its hard to watch a half-hour of television or even YouTube these days without seeing a personal insurance ad, said Sean Kevelighan, CEO of the industry group Insurance Information Institute.

USAA ranks as the fifth-biggest property and casualty insurer for advertising spending, though it significantly trails the industrys top two spenders.

Geico spent an estimated $2.2 billion on advertising last year, while Progressive spent $1.95 billion, said Tim Zawacki, S&P Globals lead insurance analyst.

USAAs increase in ad spending reflects that its playing catch-up to the bigger spenders.

Their ad spend was lower on a relative basis than their competitors, Zawacki said. When you look at their ad spend relative to their premium writings, prior to 2019, they were pretty consistently below 1 percent of their total premiums.

Companies like Allstate, Geico and Progressive, they are all well in excess of 2 percent of their premiums, he added. Two cents of every premium dollar they collect goes into advertising. That would suggest that USAA was a bit underrepresented from an ad-spend standpoint.

Massive market

Its easy to understand why insurers are going all out to woo customers.

About $250 billion in private-passenger auto insurance premiums are up for grabs every year in the U.S., according to Robert Hartwig, a finance professor at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

Auto insurance accounts for more than a third of the premium revenue for the property and casualty insurance industry, which includes everything from workers compensation insurance to commercial property insurance to aircraft insurance.

Its the largest of all markets, so large-scale advertising shouldnt be that surprising given that were talking about hundreds of millions of vehicles. And personal auto insurance is required by law in all 50 states, Hartwig said. So thats part of the reason for the advertising, and the increase in the advertising.

The markets size typically increases 3 to 5 percent a year, he said, so the success of an auto insurer in gaining customers often comes at the expense of another insurer.

You cant look at the advertising just in terms of increasing market share. You have to look at it also as a form of preserving market share, said Hartwig, a former chief economist with the Insurance Information Institute. If they were, say, not to advertise, where would their market share be? It could be flat or even declining. So advertising, in the world of auto insurance, is kind of two parts offense and one part defense.

Hartwig remembers not long ago when USAA advertised very little, at least in the mainstream media.

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USAA captured the highest satisfaction scores among auto insurers in rankings last year by J.D. Power. It also was one of four auto insurers  among the 10 largest  to increase market share last year, data from SNL Financial/S&P Global show.

Competition among insurers is only going to get more intense as the U.S. emerges from the pandemic, and thats going to mean even more advertising spending, Hartwig predicted.

The market for both homes and vehicles is growing at a very rapid pace  in this post-pandemic environment, he said. Theres going to be very strong demand not only from existing customers but from new customers.

This is good news for all auto and home insurers, Hartwig added.

pdanner@express-news.net
Cerveceria Chapultepec kicked the hornets nest when it opened under Interstate 35 near the Pearl last summer.

In the middle of the pandemic, masked swarms pulsed outside, waiting for a table at the first U.S. outpost of a chain that started in Guadalajara in 2015 and grew to more than 100 locations in Mexico and Central and South America in just five years.

In a San Antonio market saturated with Mexican restaurants, Chapultepec baits the masses with an irresistible hook: Everything costs $3.

What do you do when everything on the menu costs $3? You start asking questions.

Everything? Yes, everything. Tacos, tequila shots, steak skewers, frozen margaritas, bottles of beer, cheeseburgers, Makers Mark, quesadillas, a Coke. Everything.

Is it worth it? Yes and no. But mostly no. Its a false economy. By the time the giddy thrill of your third $3 frozen daiquiri wears off, youve ordered six plates of below-average food and spent $27, as much as you might have paid for something better somewhere else.

On ExpressNews.com: Review: Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin is making some of the San Antonio area's best barbecue

Then theres the question of whether everythings real: Real steak? Real fish? Real Jose Cuervo in that shot glass?

Its real beef and chicken and shrimp, for sure. We know what they look and taste like, the same as we can spot mint leaves floating in a mojito or watch the bartender pull the beer tap for a michelada.

My only clear break from reality at Chapultepec came when they gave me half a shot of the Espolon Reposado tequila I ordered, saying something about a glass bottle shortage at the factory. Except the stuff in the glass was clear, not the amber color of my favorite mid-level reposado. What that says for the long list of liquors by the shot, I dont know. The mezcal was mezcal. The brandy was brandy. Lets leave it at that.

But real isnt really the question. Its quality. Youre not getting sushi-grade tuna at $3, and so the tuna tostada was drenched in soy to cover for the tired fish as it struggled to show some blush. Steak skewers, steak tacos and steak burritos all shared the same dry, tough, hard-cooked fate.

Ceviches another tough sell at this price point. Shy of fish in the first place, the ceviches citrus base sizzled what little fish there was into a slush, a consistency made worse by the mayo base on a ceviche tostada. The same acidic malaise swamped the shrimp aguachile, leaving behind mealy meat and a taste like biting into a lime, peel and all.

Mike Sutter /Staff

Why youd order burgers at resort-style Mexican bar is an open question, but the answer is dont. Theyre undressed, unseasoned and dense as a wad of wet white bread. Tortilla soup should be a safe choice, and Im sure theres soup somewhere in that bowl. Its just buried under a battlement of cheese and fried tortillas.

The hardest misses at Chapultepec can be softened by buzz logic, the kind you get from the guilty pleasure of the Tulum cocktail, a frozen mango base with swirls of strawberry that looked like a bird of paradise suspended in a rum-soaked sunset. From the long list of beer-based michelada and tomato-charged Clamato beer cocktails on the list, the best was La Chamochela, a michelada energized with sour-spice blast of chamoy and a tangy shot of Clamato. From the Clamato roster, Vuelve a la Vida shone the brightest thanks to a shot of spicy shrimp soup that introduced salt and heat to beer and ice.

The cocktail list leans too hard on a generic spread of frozen margaritas and daiquiris with interchangeable flavors of mango, lime and the enigmatic red berries. I made better margaritas than these back in the sloppy experimental blender nights of college life.

On ExpressNews.com: Review: Brasserie Mon Chou Chou at the Pearl rates a near-perfect French restaurant experience

Cerveceria Chapultepec ** 906 E. Elmira St., no phone number, Facebook: @CerveceriaChapultepecSanAntonio; also at 8403 Texas 151, Suite 101 Quick bite: Mexican bar and grill chain where everything costs $3 Hit: Baja fish taco, cochinita pibil sub, La Chamochela michelada Miss: Ceviche tostada, cheeseburger, margarita Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday Price range: Everything, including drinks, costs $3 Alcohol: Beer, cocktails and liquor ***** Excellent, an almost perfect experience **** Good, among the best in the city *** Average, with a few standouts ** Poor, with a redeeming factor or two * Bad, nothing to recommend Express-News dining critics pay for all meals. See More Collapse

There are reasons to like Chapultepec, reasons that have nothing to do with alcohol. The Baja fish taco is fried crunchy with a sweet coleslaw, and a cochinita pibil sub sandwich came drenched in chipotle sauce like a proper torta ahogada. Dessert included fun little fried churros like flavored cigars, and fried plantains soaked in cream were amplified by a pour-over of vanilla-scented Licor 43, a $3 boost to a $3 dessert that rose above the math.

And I loved the atmosphere, the energy and the spirit of Chapultepec. The party spills out of a building that once housed a gas station, reborn with street art and a dizzying mosaic of Mexican tile that bounces Latin pop music at club levels. Even if the foods like eating from the speed rack of a shot bar, the service is on par with nicer places, from a staff that has to contend with party people whose volume knob goes up as fast as the $3 drinks go down.

Chapultepec is hardly alone in being judged by whether you get what you pay for. But they build their whole identity on $3 math. Set your bar higher. Spend more, get more. You deserve it.

msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  The defense ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt said Wednesday that emerging regional threats and challenges necessitate even closer cooperation and will seek to invite more countries to take part in joint military drills that aim to sharpen their preparedness levels.

Cyprus Defense Minister Charalambos Petrides hosted his Greek and Egyptian counterparts, Nikos Panagiotopoulos and Gen. Mohamed Zaki, in the Cypriot capital as part of a series of three-way meetings aimed at boosting defense cooperation between the three countries.

We also agreed to further develop our now firmly established cooperation and thus sending clear and strong messages, as well as looking into the possibility of expanding it ... through the inclusion of other countries with which we share the same values and objectives for the future of our wider region, Panagiotopoulos said.

Earlier this year, France and the United Arab Emirates took part for the first time in joint maneuvers with the three countries.

Zaki said the three ministers discussed better coordinating actions to counter threats that emanate from the wider region such as terrorism, illegal migration and illegal trafficking.

Referring to the war between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza as well as tensions in Libya, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, Petrides said the three ministers agreed on the need for political solutions.

The latest in a string of such meetings between the three defense ministers is an extension of close links that the leaderships of the three countries have forged in the last few years, based on shared interests regarding potential hydrocarbon deposits in the eastern Mediterranean.

Egypt shares maritime borders with both Greek and Cyprus. The Cypriot government has licensed energy companies Total of France, Italys Eni and ExxonMobil to search for gas deposits in waters where it has exclusive economic rights.

That search has stoked tensions with neighboring Turkey which doesnt recognize Cyprus as a state and disputes those rights. It also claims much of Cyprus exclusive economic zone and says it will defend its rights and those of Turkish Cypriots in the breakaway north of the ethnically split island nation to the regions energy deposits.

Turkey had sent warship-escorted drill ships and research vessels to look for hydrocarbons inside waters where Cyprus and Greece claim exclusive rights.

Both Panagotopoulos and Petrides rejected what they called Turkeys illegal, provocative and unilateral actions inside Greek and Cypriot waters that contravene international law and undermine regional stability.

In a joint statement, the ministers condemned actions that violate the sovereign rights, territorial integrity and unity of any country and to respect international law.
Larry W. Smith/Getty Images

A San Antonio man is accused of providing fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of an individual, the Department of Justice said.

A federal grand jury indicted Patrick James Hall, 27, with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Its not just the adults that are looking at whats happening in our city, its the children, said board member Richard Mason during the input session. If we want to plan ahead and create that city of brotherhood that was spoken about earlier, we have to look at the legacy that is left behind.
WASHINGTON  New York nursing homes had more long-duration coronavirus outbreaks than nursing homes in most other states, according to a new study of over 13,000 Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes conducted by federal government watchdogs.

A report released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office also found that most nursing homes had multiple COVID-19 outbreaks, and about 85 percent of the nursing homes it examined had COVID-19 outbreaks lasting five weeks or more; 40 percent of nursing homes had outbreaks lasting longer than 10 weeks. Nursing homes' inability to quickly control the spread of the virus meant more cases and more deaths in these facilities.

Most COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes started with a staff member, the report also found.

The GAO studied data reported by nursing homes to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from May 2020 to January 2021. The report does not study the time period when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's controversial nursing home directive was effective, a policy that some officials have alleged contributed to the high numbers of nursing home deaths in New York.

The state health department reported Tuesday that 13,911 nursing home residents died due to COVID-19 in New York.

The health department said late Tuesday they are reviewing the report.

"Nursing homes are microcosms of the community, and when the virus is in a community it finds its way into facilities - often unknowingly via asymptomatic spread from staff members," said spokesman Jonah Bruno. "To protect vulnerable nursing homes residents, we have conducted more than 3700 onsite Focus Infection Control Survey inspections at nursing homes and adult care facilities since March 1, 2020, implemented aggressive testing protocols for visitors, residents and staff, instituted visitation restrictions that were only recently relaxed when community infection rates dramatically improved, and have prioritized vaccines for this community since the start of the vaccine rollout.

The office found in most states over three-quarters of nursing homes had long-duration outbreaks. New York ranked number 15 when the office compared which states had the most long-duration coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes. Alabama, North Dakota, Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina comprised the top five states where the most long-duration outbreaks occurred. Vermont, Hawaii, Maine, Alaska and Oregon had the fewest.

Larger nursing homes were more likely than smaller ones to have large outbreaks.

The GAO did not study the number of nursing home resident deaths caused by the pandemic in each state.

Asked about the report, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said New York's nursing bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, which was the epicenter of the virus in the U.S.

Sen. Schumer fought to invest billions to provide life-saving PPE for workers, comprehensive testing, better safety protocols, and prioritized vaccine access, which delivered shots to over 80 percent of residents," spokeswoman Allison Biasotti said. "He also passed legislation with $250 million for skilled nursing facilities strike teams to help long-term care facilities experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, like those that plagued New York. Also, via the Nursing Home Quality Incentive Program, New York entities received millions to improve safety for residents and workers while we also invested over $100 million for nursing home inspections, which focused on states like New York with high COVID rates.

The FBI and the U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn launched an investigation in February that is examining, at least in part, the actions of Cuomo's coronavirus task force in its handling of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities during the pandemic. The FBI recently interviewed the chairman of the state Senate's health committee regarding nursing homes and the production of Cuomo's pandemic memoir, the New York Post reported.

In March 2020, the state health department issued an order advising nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that they must accept residents who were being discharged from hospitals even if they were still testing positive for the infectious disease, as long as the facilities were able to care for them properly.

That directive, which was rescinded less than two months later, has been the focus of a firestorm of criticism directed at Cuomo's administration, including allegations that the order  which the governor said was based on federal guidance  had contributed to the high number of fatalities of nursing home residents in New York. That assertion was largely dismissed in a report by the Department of Health that was released in July, but failed to include the number of nursing home residents who died after being transferred to hospitals.

In January, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a searing report that found the state Department of Health underreported the deaths of nursing home residents related to the coronavirus by as much as 50 percent. Cuomo and the agency disputed those findings.

Beyond the health department's undercounting of deaths, James's investigation also found nursing homes' lack of compliance with infection-control protocols put residents at risk, and facilities that had lower pre-pandemic staffing had higher COVID-19 fatality rates.

A spokeswoman for the attorney general's office confirmed Wednesday that its investigation into nursing homes is continuing.

In Congress, Republicans have pushed for congressional investigations into nursing home resident deaths in New York and Cuomo's actions. Democrats, who control both chambers, have declined to initiate hearings or investigations on the topic.

The Democratic chairs of four House committees issued a joint statement Wednesday blaming the long, uncontrolled spread of coronavirus in nursing homes on the administration of President Donald Trump.

"Todays report further demonstrates that the Trump administrations inadequate response to the coronavirus pandemic placed our nations nursing home residents in grave danger and exacerbated the pandemic," they said. "Poor infection control protections, limited supplies of personal protective equipment, and staffing shortages allowed the coronavirus to rage and cost lives in nursing homes across the country."
Seventeen San Antonio teachers have been recognized with the 2021 Trinity University Prize in Education for outstanding performance amid a year of uncertainty.

The teachers, all from different school districts, received the award during a limited-attendance ceremony on May 7. They were nominated by their districts and chosen by the university for their classroom work, leadership, and service.

To be honored and nominated for an award like this, especially given the circumstances and the difficulty, was really humbling, said Caitlin McCloskey, a teacher at IDEA South Flores College Preparatory. It came amid a very difficult year for our community, for my students and for the teaching profession in general.

McCloskey, 32, has been in education for 10 years, the past eight of them as a teacher. She currently teaches theory of knowledge as part of the International Baccalaureate program and was recognized as teacher of the year at the campus and regional level.

Im beyond blessed to be considered for this opportunity, honestly, said Juan Dominguez, a Somerset Elementary School teacher, who noted that his parents were immigrants. I feel like this is the American Dream, quite honestly. I think this is what most of our parents shoot for.

Dominguez, 33, has been teaching for seven years and has been in education for nine. He is a fourth-grade bilingual teacher focusing on English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts and Social Studies.

For the last year  through the pandemic  we recognize and honor all educators who, in the face of challenge, rose up and responded to the call for our profession to step up in even more integral, responsive, inventive, and needed ways, said Angela Breidenstein, who chairs Trinitys Department of Education, in a news release.

Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox

McCloskey and Dominguez said the last school year has been all about learning to adapt. Both said theyve been impressed with their fellow educators but even more by their students, especially their ability to take on the years many changes and challenges.

Seeing the kids performance was encouraging, Dominguez said. They truly are the heroes here, not us.

During the ceremony, each awardee was presented with a crystal apple engraved with their name, and a City of San Antonio proclamation signed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg.

TheWhataburger Foundation, which sponsored the event, awarded cash prices to the honorees. Each received $500 to help offset personal classroom expenses, a $150 Amazon gift card for classroom supplies and a $250 cash award for a student organization or effort of their choice.

Its no surprise that both McCloskey and Dominguez,immediately knew where they could steer the funds.

Dominguez plans to back up a prize he promised to the student who reads the most books this school year - the top competitor is currently at 12 books. And McCloskey hopes to partially fund a trip to Washington, D.C., for her Model United Nations Club students, to make up for the experiences they lost during the pandemic.

I could never have been as successful without the leadership of my students and without the support of my colleagues, McCloskey said.

For the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.trinity.edu/news.

danya.perez@express-news.net | @DanyaPH
Several Texas colleges are rescinding mask mandates on campuses following CDC guidance and Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order issued Tuesday.

Abbott banned all mask requirements at government entities, including public schools and universities.

The University of Houston and Texas A&M removed mask requirements Tuesday following the order. According to an A&M release, the no-mask mandate also applies to remaining commencement ceremonies, as well as indoor and outdoor facilities and venues.

A&M officials said signage on campus will be replaced with new guidance, but both colleges still encourage students and employees who have not been vaccinated to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Texas Faculty Association President Pat Heintzelman urged the governor to reconsider his order in a written statement, reasoning that many Texans are still not vaccinated.

We urge him to allow colleges and universities to continue requiring masks, at least until a larger number of Texans are vaccinated against the coronavirus, Heintzelman wrote.

The uncertainty on whether students, faculty and staff have been vaccinated is at the heart of the associations concerns.

University faculty and employees have no way of knowing who is and who isnt vaccinated on their campuses and in their classrooms. Our health and safety and the health and safety of our families are extremely important to us, and that must be a top priority for the governor, Heintzelman wrote. We must remain careful as this pandemic continues to run its course.

Baylor and Rice universities announced Monday they will no longer require fully vaccinated members of their community to wear masks indoors, mirroring the CDCs guidance. Those who are not fully vaccinated, however, must still wear masks indoors at both colleges.

The University of St. Thomas in Houston announced Wednesday in an email to the community that fully vaccinated students and employees no longer have to wear masks and temperature checks are no longer required on campus. Classes, however, will still maintain six feet of social distancing, wrote H. E. Jenkins, St. Thomas chief of police.

Kevin Kirby, Rices chair of the crisis management advisory committee, said in an email to the university community that 80 percent of its 11,000 students, faculty and staff have said theyve received one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

While we need to do even better, this high vaccination rate allows us to continue relaxing some of the COVID-19 policies that have been in place for a long time, Kirby wrote.

He also said the campus will open some indoor dining and events at a reduced capacity in its pavilion and faculty club and that Rices graduate student pub Valhalla is also scheduled to open later this month.

Testing will continue on campus but on a smaller scale, and only those who have not completed the universitys vaccine survey or have not been vaccinated must schedule weekly tests if coming to campus regularly.

brittany.britto@chron.com
In the latest sign that the coronavirus pandemic is waning, new cases and hospitalizations in San Antonio have continued to decline, reaching their lowest levels in months, officials reported Thursday.

The Metropolitan Health District reported 118 confirmed new cases of COVID-19, down from 148 on Wednesday, and one new death.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases now stands at 138 per day, compared with 205 two weeks ago. The average is now at its lowest level since mid-October.

On ExpressNews.com: State of the pandemic in San Antonio, in Texas and across the U.S.

Area hospitals were treating 154 patients with COVID-19 on Thursday, down from 164 on Wednesday despite 17 new admissions in the past 24 hours. The last time there were fewer than 160 people with COVID-19 in local hospitals was June 13, when there were 148 and the summer surge was just beginning.

All very good numbers continuing to be reported out from our hospitals, and that tells you that we are continuing to bring this virus and the pandemic under control in Bexar County, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said at Thursdays city-county coronavirus briefing.

Forty-eight patients who tested positive for the coronavirus were in intensive care units on Thursday  four fewer than on Wednesday  and 28 were breathing with the support of a ventilator, three more than on Wednesday.

In January, when the pandemic was its height in Bexar County, hospitals here were treating more than 1,100 patients with COVID-19 each day, and hundreds of patients required intensive care.

On ExpressNews.com: A guide to getting vaccinated in San Antonio

Since the coronavirus arrived in the region more than a year ago, 221,603 Bexar County residents have tested positive and 3,439 have died of COVID-19.

Local officials have continued to urge residents to become vaccinated against the virus, which is considered the best way to protect yourself and others against serious illness and death. Getting the shot means you can stop wearing a mask in most settings, according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Go get those vaccines. Its extremely important, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Kemp of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church said during the briefing. We need to do this to protect ourselves, to protect our families and to protect our communities.

To date, more than 995,040 Bexar County residents have gotten a first dose of vaccine. Thats 60 percent of the eligible population. About 741,240 residents, or 45 percent of those eligible, are fully vaccinated.

Still, officials say thats not enough to reach herd immunity  the point at which enough people in the community are immune to COVID-19 to prevent outbreaks. With a surplus of doses and demand for vaccines waning, officials have reminded residents that getting vaccinated is easier than ever.

We are getting folks vaccinated but the virus is still being transmitted, Nirenberg said. Please continue to do your part. The best thing you can do is if youre not vaccinated, go get one.

Many of San Antonios vaccination sites, including the Alamodome and the Wonderland of the Americas mall, are offering shots on a walk-in basis  no appointment necessary. The shots are free, even without health insurance.

For detailed information  updated daily  on vaccination locations, vaccine supplies and how to make appointments, check out the Express-News vaccine FAQ.

andy.picon@hearst.com | Twitter: @andpicon
Texas will ask U.S. health officials to extend for the next 10 years a federal health care funding agreement, worth billions of dollars annually and set to expire next year, that the state uses to help pay for health care for uninsured Texans, state officials said Wednesday.

The states application for extending the 1115 funding waiver will include three chances for the public to comment on the extension application in the coming weeks and will ask for the same deal given to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in the waning days of the Trump administration, according to a statement by the commission.

Last month, federal health officials rescinded the Trump-era extension to the 1115 waiver agreement  which Texas has had with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services since 2011 and is up for review every few years  and ordered Texas to collect public input, as the agreement requires, while it renegotiates the new extension beyond its current October 2022 expiration date.

The decision did not stop funding for the current waiver, which will continue to provide $3.87 billion in annual funding for 2021 and 2022 to partly offset free care provided by Texas hospitals to the uninsured, and to pay for innovative health care projects that serve low-income Texans, often for mental health services.

The extension granted in the final days of Trumps administration would have continued hospital reimbursements until September 2030 but allowed the innovation fund to expire.

The 1115 waiver was meant to be temporary while Texas transitioned to an expanded Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, but that never happened because the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that states couldnt be forced to expand Medicaid. Since then, the state has relied on the waiver for various programs to care for Texas uninsured.

Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over the decision to rescind the extension, alleging that President Joe Biden was using it as a political weapon to push Texas toward expanding its Medicaid program to include more working adults.

Proponents of Medicaid expansion counter that Texas did not meet public notice requirements and that the 1115 waiver and extension have been used to bat away increasing pressure on conservative state leaders to allow Texans who cant afford private insurance to become eligible for the government program.

Two public hearings are scheduled on June 2 and June 15. The public may join virtually or in person. The state will also invite virtual public testimony during a medical advisory committee hearing June 10.

Texas, which has the nations highest rate of residents without health insurance, is one of only 12 states that have refused to expand Medicaid eligibility to those earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, as allowed by the ACA.

Thats about $1,500 per month for an individual, or $3,000 a month for a family of four. Currently the threshold in states that have not expanded Medicaid is about $200 per month for a family of two, or about $300 per month for a family of four.

Some 4.2 million people are on Medicaid in Texas  including more than 3 million children. The rest of the recipients are people with disabilities, pregnant women and parents living below 14% of the federal poverty level.

Adults with no disabilities or dependent children dont qualify for Medicaid, and the vast majority of children on Medicaid have parents who do not qualify. An estimated 1.4 million more Texans who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to pay for private insurance would be eligible if Texas were to expand its program.

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans - and engages with them- about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Adan Hernandez hung up the first time he got a call from the now-shuttered Dagenbela Gallery about two Hollywood guys wanting to see him.

The artist with a perpetual scowl on his face was upset about being dropped from an upcoming show.

His wife answered the next call and urged Hernandez to take it because Hollywood was indeed calling.

The struggling artists life was about to change with 30 paintings hed produce for the Taylor Hackford movie, Blood In, Blood Out.

Hernandez, who was 69 when he died Saturday, would say the call made all his dreams come true in an avalanche.

Tributes began arriving shortly after his death  from across the street and across town and from Hollywood and beyond.

If youve not seen the film, put it on your must-see list.

Earlier this year, Democratic U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro asked the Library of Congress to add Blood In, Blood Out to its film registry along with 24 other films, including The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez and Walkout.

If youve been lucky enough to see Blood In, Blood Out with a group of die-hard fans, youd know how much the movie is revered, its dialogue memorized.

Actor Jesse Borrego, who played artist Cruzito in the film, has been amazed how it has transcended its Chicano roots.

For some, its an immigration story, he said. With others, its a story of the underdogs.

Borrego was especially moved by seeing two Muslim women perform scenes from the film, reciting words from its fictional gang, Vatos Locos.

Thats why the film is a cult classic, he said. Its understood internationally.

At home, it wasnt as appreciated by non-Mexican American movie-goers, much like Hernandezs depictions of pachucos and rucas didnt make their way into museums, though the Metropolitan Museum of Art did acquire his work.

Hed say they werent safe enough for such venues.

When museums invited him to speak, hed ask how many works of Chicano art they had in their permanent collections.

The answer was usually none.

Hed tell them to circle back once they acquired some. He told them he didnt want to be a token.

He was righteous and unapologetic.

He was also private. Many of his friends didnt know he was fast deteriorating.

They may not have known he was born in Childress before his family moved to Robstown, said his brother Armando Hernandez, and that his birth name was Juanito.

The family moved to San Antonio, where Hernandez attended Edgewood High School and recalled the 1968 student walkouts that challenged the lack of equal educational opportunity and the severe punishment for speaking Spanish.

He went to San Antonio College on an art scholarship but didnt finish, frustrated by its approach to art education.

His fans may not know how he changed his name to Adan, Spanish for Adam, after becoming serious about art and producing an ink drawing on poster of Adam and Eve.

Hernandez considered himself self-taught. His work was described as neo-expressionism with Chicano noir.

His father told Hernandez, No one will want a pachuco over his couch.

His work depicted images of Chicano characters, proud and beautiful but also raw and dark.

In 2017, during a Blood In, Blood Out 25th reunion, cast members praised fellow actors. (Hernandez had a bit part as Cruzitos friend Gilbert because every Chicano family has a Gilbert.)

At the reunion, Hernandez remembered the guy who discovered him at a Market Square gallery and bought a low-rider painting, the late Bruno Rubeo, the movies production designer.

Hackford wrote to the family and recalled that moment.

Bruno had passed several years before, and somehow in all the excitement of that evening, none of us had mentioned his great contribution, Hackford wrote.

That generosity of spirit of one artist to another was what made Adan such a mensch.

Hernandez reportedly called 911 in respiratory distress last Saturday.

EMS arrived at his house, where Hackford underwrote the construction of a large studio behind Hernandezs home. Its where he produced the art that would serve as the films backdrop.

Hernandez left some tasks undone there, never mailing a print to a fan in Australia.

He once said when he could no longer paint, hed die.

His brother said last week, Adan Hernandez, a painter of his people, of pachucos, was too weak to pick up a brush.

eayala@express-news.net
Have you ever been in an active shooter drill at an elementary school? I have.

I am a retired teacher and school district administrator. In normal times, I mentor first and second graders at an elementary school near me. A couple of years ago, my 90-year-old friend Bettie and I were mentoring two children when we heard a schoolwide announcement that an active shooter drill had started.

The regular librarian was absent, but a few weeks earlier I had read the posted instructions about various drills. As per the instructions, I told Bettie, the substitute librarian and our two children to get in a closet where the media equipment was stored.

The closet was away from the library entrance and had no windows. I grabbed a couple of books as we went to hide. We were sheltered in the closet for a while, so the children gathered around while I read the books by the light of my cellphone.

I also briefly explained it was a drill and what to expect. Eventually, the school announced the drill was over. It was disturbing to participate, though I wasnt scared. However, Bettie later told me she was scared and has reminded me other times since that day.

Like many school libraries, the one at that school is directly across from the front entrance  so a real active shooter would probably go to the library just after entering the campus.

Commentary: U.S. gun culture is killing us

Thankfully, in 2018 Northside ISD spent $30 million on security updates at this school and others, including installing bulletproof windows in lobbies. Theoretically, no one can enter the school building unless someone lets them through.

Why is it OK to spend millions of dollars  and possibly billions  across the country on security features at schools like bulletproof glass instead of books, instructional materials and teachers  but it is not OK to have a few more limits on purchasing guns?

Imagine your child, grandchild, sister, mother, brother or friend having to experience active shooter drills throughout the school year.

I am not against guns. My dad was in the Navy and a hunter. My husband was in the Air Force and knows how to use guns.

We need sensible solutions to save our children and ourselves from these senseless shootings. Please support legislation, laws and solutions for gun and firearm purchases, so we can try to stop shootings and spending so much money on reinforcing schools and other public places to prevent tragedy.

Nancy Jones, of San Antonio, retired after 30 years of teaching at public schools. She has a doctorate in educational administration and leadership.
Texas legislators recently advanced two bills that restrict or ban the use of critical race theory in public schools. Much like bills in other states during the past few months, the Texas bills restrain classroom discussions about race and racism.

Ironically, critical race theory is founded on the principle that no race is inherently superior to another as outlined in the Texas bills. It also recognizes that racism is not driven by individual racist acts. It seems, then, that the proposed bills are not designed to promote a spirit of equality, as professed by their proponents, but instead to protect white people from critical conversations about race.

Fear is a powerful motivator. At issue seems to be the fear that white people are and will be victims in the dredging up of an unjust past.

This rhetoric of fear was on display when Idaho legislators described critical race theory as indoctrination, poison and garbage. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell argued against historical narratives that highlight systemic racism, saying, Americans never decided our children should be taught that our country is inherently evil. Max Eden, research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, called it morally abhorrent and demonizing of white people. These arguments intentionally center the fears of white people while neglecting the realities of Americans who are not white.

Critical race theory is designed to focus attention on the realities of people of color by illuminating the pervasive elements of racism that permeate societal systems and structures in the U.S. today. It should not be surprising that historical events and institutions as damaging and dehumanizing as the genocide of First Americans and the slave trade in the U.S. from 1619 to 1865 have had far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on our society.

What critical race theory asks is that we consider these impacts. That we look for remnants of the norms that were established when only white men were granted citizenship and the right to vote and own property. That we evaluate how those norms still disadvantage people of color today.

To be sure, these atrocities took place centuries ago and most Americans view them as abhorrent. Many even argue that since the days of colonization and slavery, our country has fought for and achieved racial equality. But a wealth of data contradicts this conclusion. Considering these disparities in the context of our history, is it too much to ask white people to critically reflect on the past?

The history and current structures of racial oppression must be included in the narratives that students learn about in schools. Voices and experiences of people of color throughout U.S. history must be amplified.

By broadening understanding of race, critical race theory introduces new perspectives that encourage students to be critical thinkers who can dissect information and form new ideas. These pedagogical values are a hallmark of educational excellence, but they are being challenged specifically as applied to issues of race. White parents and educators must ask themselves why.

We can all agree that each student shouldnt feel psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex in their classrooms. But white children can learn about the sins of their fathers, and about present-day racism, without concluding they are inherently evil. To suggest otherwise underestimates the cognitive abilities of children.

And what about the psychological well-being of Black, Indigenous and other children of color? Traditional curricula do not validate the historical and present-day realities they know to be true for people of color in the U.S. In fact, children  regardless of their race  are arguably better equipped to learn about and discuss racism than adults, who, having been socialized to a culture of silence on the topic of race, often feel that psychological distress.

As professors committed to educational excellence for all students, we reject the misinformation and propaganda that capitalizes on the fear that white students will be demonized in discussions about racial injustice. We reject the neoliberal premise that teaching children to be kind, accepting and colorblind, while ignoring race and racism, fosters equity and equality. We call for critical race theory in our classrooms.

Esther Calzada is associate dean for equity and inclusion, and Cossy Hough is assistant dean for undergraduate programs in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.
We are witnessing the last vestiges of what has been known as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Jared Kushner crowed in The Wall Street Journal two months ago.

He was surveying the results of the Abraham Accords, the ersatz Middle East peace plan he helped negotiate under Donald Trump. At the heart of his supreme self-assurance, and of the accords themselves, was the deadly fiction that the Palestinians were so abject and defeated that Israel could simply ignore their demands.

One of the reasons the Arab-Israeli conflict persisted for so long was the myth that it could be solved only after Israel and the Palestinians resolved their differences, wrote Kushner. That was never true. The Abraham Accords exposed the conflict as nothing more than a real-estate dispute between Israelis and Palestinians that need not hold up Israels relations with the broader Arab world.

To circumvent that dispute, the United States set about bribing other Arab and Muslim countries to normalize relations with Israel. The United Arab Emirates got an enormous arms deal. Morocco got Trump to support its annexation of the Western Sahara. Sudan got taken off Americas list of state sponsors of terrorism.

But the explosion of fighting in Israel and Palestine in recent days makes clear something that never should have been in doubt: justice for the Palestinians is a precondition for peace. And one reason there has been so little justice for the Palestinians is because of the foreign policy of the United States.

I dont think that theres any way that this occupation and creeping annexation process could have gotten where it is today if the United States had said no, said Jeremy Ben-Ami, the president of the liberal Zionist group J-Street.

One can condemn Hamas and its rockets and still recognize that this current conflagration began with Israeli overreach born of a sense of impunity. A major flashpoint was the campaign led by Israeli settlers to evict Palestinian families from their homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. There was also an Israeli police raid on the Al Aqsa Mosque on the first night of Ramadan, not to prevent violence, but to cut off its loudspeakers lest prayers drown out a speech by Israels president.

Palestinians fear, not without reason, that Israel is trying to push them out of Jerusalem altogether. That, in turn, has let Hamas position itself as Jerusalems protector. And Israel seems to consider its right to defend itself from Hamas justification for causing obscene numbers of civilian casualties. So much horror has been born of the delusion, on both the Israeli and American right, that when it comes to the Palestinians, the status quo is sustainable.

To be fair, this is not something that began with Trump: America has been enabling Israels occupation and settlement project for decades. Tareq Baconi, a Ramallah-based senior analyst for the International Crisis Group, argued that in some ways the Trump administration was simply more honest than its predecessors about its disregard for the Palestinians. All the same, he said, Trumps foreign policy allowed the Israeli right-wing to understand that they can get away with their most extreme policies.

Before Trump, it was common to say that the occupation would eventually force Israel to choose between being a Jewish state and a democratic one. During the Trump years, Israels choice became undeniable.

Israels 2018 nation-state law enshrined Jewish settlement as a national value and undermined the legal equality of Israels Arab citizens. As settlements expanded, a two-state solution turned from a distant dream into a fantasy.

The death of a two-state framework, Baconi said, has strengthened a sense of common destiny between Palestinians in the occupied territories and Arab-Israelis, or, as many refer to themselves, Palestinian citizens of Israel.

A unique and harrowing aspect of the violence now shaking the region has been the intercommunal clashes between Jews and Palestinians within Israel proper. In Lod, at least four synagogues and a religious school were burned. Jewish mobs were seen roaming the streets of Tiberias and Haifa looking for Arabs to assault, reported The Times of Israel.

Ive lived here for a long time; Ive never seen it this bad, Diana Buttu, a former lawyer for the Palestine Liberation Organization, told me by phone from Haifa.

All this mayhem is overdetermined; nearly every iniquity in the region has an impossibly complicated prehistory. But the United States has underwritten both Palestinian subjugation and the growing power of Jewish ethnonationalism. Its not enough for Joe Biden to be a little bit better than Trump or to try to restart a spectral peace process. If Israel can no longer afford to ignore the demands of the Palestinians, neither can we.
Demonstrators had gathered to protest a prosecutors decision that sheriffs deputies were justified in fatally shooting Brown in April because the Black man struck a deputy with his car and nearly ran him over while ignoring commands to show his hands and get out of the vehicle.
In the field of 12 candidates who hoped to succeed outgoing District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, the two making it to the runoff are the ones whose names already are familiar to South Side voters.

Phyllis Viagran, the incumbents sister, earned 22 percent of the vote in the May 1 general election. Meanwhile, Tomas Uresti, brother of Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti and former state Sen. Carlos Uresti, received 15 percent.

We recommend Phyllis Viagran as the best choice to represent the Southeast Side district.

Uresti, a former multiterm Harlandale school board trustee and one-term state legislator, has become a serial candidate in search of an office he can win. Viagran had never run for office, but she was her sisters closest adviser before and during her eight years in office.

She would bring to the council an interesting blend of fresh perspective and familiarity of City Hall and city issues.

Viagrans priorities of narrowing the digital divide, addressing domestic violence, caring for seniors, and creating jobs and better public transportation reflect her community involvement and recent work history.

For seven years, she worked with victims of family violence as a civilian in the San Antonio Police Departments domestic violence unit. Following that, she worked for Visit San Antonio, the public-private nonprofit that promotes the city as a tourist and convention destination. She now works for Older Adults Technology Services, or OATS, as a community outreach coordinator and trainer, teaching senior citizens how to use technology. She also serves on the board of the charitable arm of the Brooks Development Authority.

Early voting begins Monday for the June 5 runoff. This race shouldnt be seen through the lens of competing political dynasties but should focus, instead, on which of these two candidates has the vision and energy to best represent District 3.

We believe the choice is clear and that the best candidate is Viagran.

The choice is less clear in the runoff for the seat in District 5, which is open because the incumbent, Shirley Gonzales, is terming out after eight years on the council.

In the general election, educator Teri Castillo received 31 percent of the vote to the 15 percent received by retired city employee Rudy Lopez. In this race, we give a slight edge to Lopez.

West of downtown, District 5 includes San Antonios original 36 miles and some of the citys most historic neighborhoods. Its also the poorest of the council districts with a per capita income, according to SA2020, of less than $14,000.

Castillo and Lopez both have deep roots in the district and share a solid understanding of its needs for more education, jobs and affordable housing; and of satisfying those needs while balancing the competing interests of attracting greater investments in the district while preserving its rich, cultural history.

Both have taken positions we disagree with. Castillo opposed workforce development, and Lopez was against Proposition B, which would have done away with collective bargaining for San Antonio police in an effort to bring about reform. But they are good and qualified candidates with an earnest desire to serve the public, and we think both would represent their community well.

We recommend Lopez because of his neighborhood association experience, signaling an ability to work with others and promote compromise. Such an attitude would benefit District 5, as well as the rest of the city. But we also think Castillo would be a powerful voice for the people. This is as close as we can get to a draw, but we recognize voters have to make a choice, so Lopez gets the nod.
Abbott due an apology

On March 2, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that businesses in Texas could reopen at 100 percent capacity after he lifted the statewide mask mandate. (Local businesses were, of course, allowed to require their customers to wear masks inside their shops.)

The very next day, President Joe Biden called this decision by Abbott a big mistake. He opined: We are on the cusp of being able to fundamentally change the nature of this disease.  The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking.

On the day of Abbotts announcement, daily new COVID-19 cases had already declined to a seven-day moving average value of just over 4,500. For comparison, they had been as high as 19,000 in mid-January. Since the governors announcement, daily new cases have continued to decline. A week ago, the moving average daily new case number stood at 1,600.

Neanderthal thinking or ahead of the curve? Perhaps Abbott is owed an apology.

Dennis Jansen

Dont judge coverings

With rapidly changing standards regarding masks, it seems that people who wear one are being treated like COVID-19 is the only contagious disease.

Before you judge me for wearing a mask, please remember that some of us folks who are significantly immunocompromised by cancer or other illnesses could be wearing those masks or practicing social distancing for reasons that have nothing to do with COVID-19 standards.

William C. Kirk

Keep using caution

If you are vaccinated, you supposedly can go without a mask in many public gathering places, both indoors and outdoors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, no one has to prove they are vaccinated. Many anti-vaccine folks are running around in public  and they will be not wearing masks. Many of them have made public spectacles of themselves regarding previous mask requirements.

The vaccines only prevent hospitalization, but they dont guarantee you cant get infected, especially with new variants on the rise such as those from the U.K. and India.

For public gatherings in close quarters, wearing a mask still makes sense. It would be even better to avoid public gatherings and only gather with relatives and friends who you know are vaccinated.

Thats what I will do.

Chuck Mire
Both the Texas House and Senate have agreed in large part to the concept of so-called constitutional carry legislation to allow most Texans to carry a handgun without a permit.

But there has been a split in the two chambers over amendments added into the bill by the Senate to ease opposition from law enforcement groups and win more support from lawmakers.

We are so close to getting this done, said Andi Turner, legislative director for the Texas State Rifle Association.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas Legislature passes bill to protect religious displays in yards

While the differences have yet to be settled, Turner said his group is fully behind the legislation and is encouraging its members to talk to lawmakers to get the bill to the finish line.

None of the changes has diminished the fierce opposition to House Bill 1927 from most Democrats and gun control advocacy groups who have been largely powerless in stopping the bill so far. Many in law enforcement also continue to oppose the bill.

The Texas Police Chiefs Association remains strongly opposed to the unlicensed carry of handguns, a letter from the group to lawmakers stated.

But which of the Senate amendments are causing the most trouble in GOP circles is largely a mystery given the debate over it in conference committee is happening in closed-door sessions away from public view.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

At any time, the conference committee could declare a deal has been struck on the measure. Or the legislation could die, along with hundreds of other bills that will be shelved over the next two weeks.

Here is a closer look are the key amendments added to House Bill 1927 by the Senate that resulted in the House rejecting the Senates version, and the ongoing negotiations.

Amendment 1

One of the most important amendments to the Senate bill was heavily pushed for by law enforcement groups and involves disarming people.

The House version prohibited police from taking a gun from a person who enters a police station unless the department has a gun locker to store the weapon. The Senate, noting some police facilities do not have a locker area for visitors to store arms, added a phrase that says police have to secure it in a gun locker or other secure area.

GOP LAWMAKERS CLASH: Texas House rejects Senates amended version of constitutional carry bill

The Sheriffs Association of Texas has argued its members must have the ability to disarm people whether there is a gun locker or not.

The ability for law enforcement to temporarily disarm a person lawfully detained, with any kind of weapon, was imperative, says a letter sent to state Sen. Charles Schwertner by the group. Schwertner, R-Georgetown, is the lead sponsor in the Senate of the bill. He added the amendment to the bill as well as other provisions that are also under debate.

Amendment 8

Another substantive problem for critics in the House has been Senate Amendment 8, which ups the penalties for felons and domestic violence offenders carrying a gun illegally. More specifically, the punishment for a felon caught carrying a gun illegally would go from two to 10 years of incarceration to a five- to 20-year sentence.

For people who have previously been convicted of domestic violence or have a protective order against them, illegally carrying a gun would jump from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

Those increased penalties were a must for some members of the Senate like Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, who in floor debates expressed concern about the safety of domestic violence victims. Nelson was the author of legislation years ago that allowed judges to disqualify domestic violence offenders  or those with protective orders against them  from obtaining a handgun license.

One of my biggest struggles has been with the issue of domestic violence victims, Nelson said.

To secure her vote and others, Schwertner upped the penalties  a move also pushed by law enforcement groups.

But some gun rights organizations say theyve gone too far.

We think it unreasonably harsh to give a possible 20-year jail sentence to someone for mere possession of a neutral object , the Texas chapter of Gun Owners of America said in a statement to its members opposing the amendment before Schwertner first offered it back on May 5.

The Senate has since tried to soften that amendment by targeting felons with violent crimes in their backgrounds.

Amendment 14

Adding to the debate over the bill is Senate Amendment 14, added by Schwertner. It requires that the Texas Department of Public Safety develop and post on the departments website a course on firearm safety and handling that is free to the public.

As innocuous as that seems, it has put the bill in jeopardy in the House, which has strict rules to prevent lawmakers from incorporating a wide array of changes into a single bill. When Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, brought the bill up for a vote in the House with the Senate amendments, Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat from Grand Prairie, was quick to issue a point of order arguing that Amendment 14 was not germane to the rest of the bill.

Turner lost that initial fight, but Schaefer ultimately refused to accept the Senate amendments and sent the whole bill to the conference committee.

Amendment 7

Another key difference between the bills is how to address people who are carrying guns while intoxicated.

Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, was able to add Senate Amendment 7 that would make it a crime to carry a handgun while intoxicated, but made clear it only applies when a person is not on his or her property or on someone elses private property with consent.

The Texas Gun Owners America has opposed the intoxication provision, saying it was too broadly written and should only apply to public locations.

The House version has no such provision barring intoxicated people from carrying guns in public.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
BEIJING (AP)  China on Thursday issued its second protest in as many days over United States naval activity in the region, drawing an unusually sharp response from the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet, which accused Beijing of attempting to assert illegitimate maritime rights at the expense of its neighbors.

A statement from the Chinese Peoples Liberation Armys Southern Theater Command said the guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur illegally intruded into its territorial waters surrounding the Paracel island group in the South China Sea on Thursday. It said Chinese forces mobilized to track and monitor the ship and warned and expelled it.

The Paracels are also claimed by Vietnam.

China accused the U.S. of increasing regional security risks, "misunderstandings, misjudgments, and accidents at sea." It called the ship's maneuvers unprofessional and irresponsible," saying Chinese forces were determined to defend the country's sovereign claims while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The U.S. refuses to recognize Chinas claim to virtually the entire South China Sea and regularly conducts what it calls freedom of navigation operations to assert its right to sail in international waters.

In its lengthy response, the 7th fleet said the operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging the unlawful restrictions on innocent passage."

The PLAs statement about this mission is false. USS Curtis Wilbur was not expelled' from any nations territory," the statement said. USS Curtis Wilbur conducted this FONOP (freedom of navigation operation) in accordance with international law and then continued on to conduct normal operations in international waters."

It said that China's statement asserts its excessive and illegitimate maritime claims at the expense of the Southeast Asian neighbors in the South China Sea."

China on Wednesday issued a complaint over the Wilburs passage through the Taiwan Strait, also calling it a provocation that undermined peace and stability in the region.

While the strait is in international waters, China claims self-governing Taiwan as its own territory and regards the U.S. Navy's presence near the island as providing support for its independence-leaning democratically elected government.

Along with building the world's largest navy and coast guard by numbers of vessels, China has fortified its island holdings in the strategically vital South China Sea and created new island outposts by piling sand cement on coral reefs and topping them with airstrips and other infrastructure.

It has ignored rival territorial claims by its smaller neighbors, including the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as an international arbitral ruling that declared most of China's claims in the South China Sea invalid.

An emboldened China faced with the scaling up of U.S. military operations in the area has increasingly raised concerns about a possible clash or confrontation, whether intended or not.
As Connecticuts one-day positivity rate dropped below 1 percent for the first time in months, the state Department of Education announced Thursday that students and staff can take off their masks outside.

The news comes a day after the state dropped almost all of its remaining COVID-19 restrictions, including the requirement that fully-vaccinated people wear a mask indoors.

Everything is open in total except for if you havent been vaccinated, you still have to wear the mask indoors. Otherwise, were open. Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday during his COVID-19 briefing.

He noted that when the states reopening began a year ago, the positivity rate was about 9 percent, though at the time, the state was only testing those who showed symptoms.

As of Thursday, the positivity rate stood at just over 0.9 percent  the lowest since October  with 206 new cases found out of 22,265 new tests. Hospitalizations for the virus declined by a net four patients, bringing the statewide census to 141. Four more deaths were reported, increasing the states official death toll to 8,208.

Josh Geballe, Lamonts chief operating officer, said the deaths are a lagging metric and may include ones that occurred days or even weeks ago. The common denominator has been people who were not vaccinated, he said.

Its just another important reminder for everybody whos not been vaccinated to go get vaccinated, Geballe said.

The governor also hinted for the first time at an end to his regular twice-weekly COVID-19 press briefings.

Maybe a little less COVID and a little more getting our economy moving again and getting a budget signed, Lamont said, when asked about the future of the briefings. Just for probably another couple of weeks if I had to guess.

As Lamont pushes for a return to normalcy, the state Department of Education has released new guidance, saying students and school staff do not have to wear masks outside, but should still do so when students will be stationary or sitting together in large groups.

Where students are actively moving around during recess or physical education activities, masks can be removed, the updated guidance reads.

Students and school staff should wear a mask while stationary outdoors, such as sitting together in a group, according to the guidance. Masks should also be worn when students are leaving or entering the building for recess, the guidance says.

Good hand hygiene should be emphasized before and after outdoor activities, the guidance said.

The guidelines also serves to reaffirm that students and staff will be required to wear masks for the remaining weeks of the school year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends schools keep masking and physical distancing rules in place through the 2020-21 school year, despite saying last week that fully-vaccinated people can safely go without a mask both indoors and outside in most social settings.

The agency points out that not all children will be vaccinated by the end of the year since those under 12 are still not eligible for the vaccine.

Because children age 12 to 15 only became eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine last week, students in this age group will not be fully vaccinated before the end of current school year, the CDC guidance said.

The state Department of Education reiterated that in its latest update.

We will continue to monitor updated guidance from the CDC to inform planning for the summer and next year, the notice reads.

While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines is approved for use with children age 12 and older, the two other vaccines from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are limited to people 18 and older under their emergency use authorizations from the Food & Drug Administration.

The CDC also notes schools will need time to make adjustments to their policies.

But some school systems are forging ahead regardless, with districts across the country dropping mask mandates, the Associated Press reported.

In Darien, officials announced town employees will no longer have to wear a mask indoors, social distance or quarantine or test negative for COVID-19 after travel if theyve been fully vaccinated. The new town rules went into effect on Wednesday.

People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second shot of the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

More than 1.7 million of Connecticut residents have been fully vaccinated, according to CDC data released Wednesday. The figure represents about 49.3 percent of the states population of around 3.6 million, putting Connecticut behind only Massachusetts for percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated.

The state Department of Public Health released new mask guidance Wednesday that those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors in most places. Outside, both those vaccinated and unvaccinated can go without masks, the guidance said.

But the guidance says masks will still be necessary for everyone in certain public settings, including inside Pre-K-12 school buildings or at child care facilities, regardless of whether someone has been vaccinated.
Nearly 1,500 Products Competed for Top Specialty Food Association Awards

BIGFORK, Mont. and POLSON, Mont., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tabletree Cherry Juice has won the silver award in the Juices and Beverages category as part of the Specialty Food Association's (SFA) 2021 sofi Awards, a top honor in the $158 billion specialty food industry.

TABLETREE CHERRY JUICE was one of 130 winners selected from nearly 1,500 entries across 49 product categories. Products are judged in an anonymous sampling for taste - including flavor, appearance, texture and aroma - ingredient quality, and innovation. The sofi judging was held at the prestigious Rutgers Food Innovation Center in April following strict safety guidelines.

"We are so excited that Tabletree Cherry Juice has won this award. Winning a sofi award and being recognized by the industry for our commitment to quality and flavor is a huge honor. The sofi Award is the ultimate stamp of approval and we are so proud to claim the silver this year."

The sofi Awards competition is open annually to members of the Specialty Food Association. The Awards have been given each year since 1972. They recognize extraordinary specialty food and beverage products and the people who create them.

About Tabletree Montana:

Tabletree was founded in 2010 in Canada by Gary and Susan Snow who moved from Canada back home to the shores of Flathead Lake Montana in 2015 at the invitation of the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Association and founded Tabletree Montana. Tabletree also won "Best in Show" at the Made in Montana show in 2020, "Best Pure Juice" at the World Juice Conference in Barcelona, Spain in 2012 and "Best New Juice or Nectar" for their apple juice in 2013 in Cologne, Germany . Tabletree has also won innovation awards for their equipment and product recognition awards in British Columbia, Canada. We are located in Bigfork/Polson, Montana and the company's philosophy is "it isn't just about us." We strive to do what will benefit not only us, but our consumers, our growers and our employees as well. Using Flathead Lake cherries, a touch of honey and a dash of cinnamon as the natural preservatives, Tabletree uses their proprietary equipment that they developed to bring their quality products to consumers. The company strives to make healthy nutritious products. Tabletree has new products coming out this year made from their award-winning juice that promises to be as delightful as their cherry juice. More information can be found at www.tabletreejuice.com

About the Specialty Food Association:

The Specialty Food Association (SFA), is the leading trade association and source of information about the $158.4 billion specialty food industry. Founded in 1952 in New York City, the SFA represents makers, importers, retailers, distributors, and others in the trade. The SFA is known for its Fancy Food Shows; the sofi Awards, which honor excellence in specialty food and beverage; Trendspotter Panel Show reports and annual predictions; the State of the Specialty Food Industry Report; the Product Marketplace database, featuring specialty foods and beverages in 161 categories and sub-categories; Infinite Aisle, a new ecommerce marketplace that enables SFA Members to make buyer-maker connections and sales year-round; and Specialty Food LIVE!, a digital marketplace experience.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tabletree-montana-wins-silver-in-sofi-awards-301295320.html

SOURCE Tabletree Montana
Saleen Martin Staff writer

Saleen Martin, a Norfolk native, is a reporter on The Virginian-Pilots features team. She joined The Pilot in 2018 after getting her master's degree from the University of Georgia. She also has a bachelor's degree from Virginia Wesleyan University. She has a weakness for horror movies, witchy Netflix shows, reality TV, and sushi.
Bloomsburg University, a public university in Pennsylvania, announced on May 13 that it is terminating its relationship with all fraternities and sororities formerly associated with the school.

The announcement came days after sophomore Leah Burke reportedly died after an incident outside a fraternity house. A spokesman told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the universitys decision was unrelated to Burkes death, which the county coroner said is not considered suspicious nor was it trauma related, and nothing nefarious was involved.

Although Burkes death was not blamed on the fraternity, it was not the first fatal incident in which a Bloomsburg fraternity was involved. In 2019, a freshman named Justin King was found dead after consuming large amounts of alcohol in an alleged hazing incident. Kings family sued the fraternity and sorority allegedly involved, claiming that the accused students negligently and/or recklessly coerced, encouraged or otherwise caused unauthorized Bloomsburg University pledges, including freshman Justin King, to consume life-threatening amounts of alcohol.

The university was not a subject of the litigation and implemented a zero-tolerance policy for misbehavior in Greek organizations in December 2019.

In January 2021, university president Bashar Hanna sent a letter to Bloomsburgs Greek-involved students, warning that any future significant violation of Greek specific rules or Code of Conduct violations will result in the cancelation of the entire FSL community at Bloomsburg University.

In response to the January letter, Zach Greenberg of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) claimed that Hannas warning threatened students First Amendment rights.

If Bloomsburg truly wants to better its Greek life system, it may want to consider punishing the students and groups that have actually broken university rules, Greenberg wrote. For whatever ails its fraternities and sororities, punishing the innocent cannot be the cure.

Greenberg sees the Universitys May 13 decision to disaffiliate from all Greek organizations, regardless of conduct, as another assault on students associational freedoms.

Bloomsburgs decision derecognizes over a dozen groups with hundreds of student members, limiting their expressive and associational rights, and hindering their ability to meaningfully engage with the university community. Without university recognition, these groups lose access to university resources and the various benefits reserved for recognized student groups, he told RealClearEducation.

Bloomsburgs decision also disappointed representatives of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), a trade association of 58 national and international fraternities affiliated with two Bloomsburg fraternities. NIC sent RealClearEducation a statement expressing its frustration with the universitys decision.

We are disappointed by the Universitys decision to end support of fraternity and sorority life without meaningful dialogue or collaboration. We believe students are best served and held accountable through collaboration between host institutions, inter/national fraternities and advisors, the group said.

Its not clear how and why Bloomsburgs decision to disassociate from all Greek organizations regardless of group conduct was made. Asked about the process by which the school reached its decision, spokesman Thomas McGuire told RealClearEducation that it was a University administrative decision and declined to comment further.

Greenberg argued that the public universitys decision to disaffiliate from all Greek-life organizations violated the spirit of the First Amendment.

Bloomsburg University appears to have terminated its Greek life program based on allegations of misconduct against individual students or specific groups. If so, the universitys guilt-by-association approach is antithetical to the First Amendment and fundamental fairness, he said.

Greek-involved students across the country regularly report being subject to guilt-by-association, according to RealClearEducations Survey of Greek-Letter Organizations. Sixty-eight percent of the more than 4,500 Greek-involved students surveyed said that they sometimes or very often felt as though entire student groups were punished for the misdeeds of one student or a small group of students.

To Greenberg, guilt-by-association is not only an immoral principle but an impractical one.

Rather than punishing innocent students by banning an entire category of student groups, he said, Bloomsburg should only discipline those found responsible for violating university rules.
Any UK and Australia trade deal must include safeguards - tariff or non-tariff - or risk flooding supermarkets with cheap low welfare imports, the RSPCA has warned.

The government has been urged by the charity not to betray its commitments by 'sacrificing' farm animal welfare standards for a 'quick' trade deal with Australia.

It warned that Australia had lower legal animal welfare standards than in the UK, including barren battery cages for hens and chlorinated chicken.

Australia also used growth hormone treatment for beef, the RSPCA noted, and livestock journey times of up to 48 hours without rest.

The UK government is currently looking to stop live exports and significantly reduce journey times.

In addition, because production methods in Australia can be cheaper, flooding UK supermarkets with cheap Australian imports would 'put UK farmers livelihoods at risk'.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: Just days ago the government vowed to be a global leader for animal welfare, with Defra publishing a wide-ranging and comprehensive strategy.

"Now the Department for International Trade is looking to sign a quick trade deal with a country still using worse systems which could undermine that pledge.

"Wed urge the prime minister not to betray the public, farmers and animals."

He added that trade deals must include safeguards - tariff or non-tariff - to ensure only those products produced to higher animal welfare standards could enter the UK.

The UK public had also 'made it clear' that they did not want lower welfare imports like eggs from hens reared in battery cages, Mr Sherwood said.

To reach the goal of being a world leader for animal welfare the government needs to back British farmers and provide the support they need to continuously improve welfare standards.

"The reports that the door will be opened to lower welfare imports are very concerning to us, and we hope the government will swiftly provide assurance that this will not happen.

Without protection built into Free Trade Agreements, we risk setting back animal welfare by decades and betraying British farmers," he said.

It comes as Wales' farming minister Lesley Griffiths warned the government this week that any UK trade deal with Australia must not disadvantage farmers in Wales.

"No trade agreement should ever undermine that or our domestic legislation and the Welsh government has consistently made this point to the UK government," she said.

"We are proud of the high food safety standards we have here in Wales, including standards around animal health and welfare, traceability, environment and food safety."

The UK Farming Roundtable, consisting of 19 farming industry bodies, also issued a statement urging government to uphold British farmers' high standards.
A farming union has raised 'grave concerns' regarding the impacts of a 'disadvantageous trade deal' with Australia in a meeting with a UK trade minister.

The Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) met with Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands to highlight 'significant differences' in the UK and Australia's farming standards.

The union warned that a deal that liberalised access to the UK market for Australian beef and lamb would equate to a lowering of standards and have adverse consequences for UK farmers.

Speaking after the meeting on Wednesday, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: "We made our concerns regarding the adverse impacts of a liberal deal with Australia very clear.

While this may not be an immediate concern given current exports to the UK, we have to look at what might happen in the future.

"If Australia didnt believe they would increase food exports to the UK significantly at some point, they wouldnt be fighting so hard to ensure it is in a trade agreement.

Mr Roberts said that the union had also highlighted the gulf between the standards required of farmers in Wales and the UK, and the far lower standards required in Australia.

It comes as the recent Queens speech reiterated UK government plans to tighten up animal movement rules, and Wales looks set to follow suit.

Mr Roberts noted that the UK's current maximum animal journey time was already eight hours, but in Australia it was 48 hours - six times higher.

"Other concerns include the significant differences between animal traceability requirements, given that what is allowed in Australia would be completely illegal here.

He added: The political pressure on the government to announce a trade deal should not override the UK governments duty to negotiate a deal that upholds its own promises."
Scotland's farming minister Fergus Ewing has stepped down from Scottish government, with Mairi Gougeon replacing him in the role.

The Scottish government has announced that one of its longest serving ministers  Fergus Ewing  is stepping down after 14 years.

The development comes as the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appointed her new Cabinet this week following the recent elections.

Mr Ewing, Scottish government's Rural Economy Secretary since 2016, will be replaced by Mairi Gougeon, who used to be Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment.

NFU Scotland welcomed the new cabinet team, urging them to 'drive forward' a profitable future for Scottish farming.

The union described Mr Ewing as a 'hard-working' cabinet minister, who was 'always very supportive' of Scottish food and farming.

Nicola Sturgeon issued a statement thanking him for his work: Fergus has also been part of the ministerial team since 2007, and has brought diligence and endeavour to all of the jobs he has held.

"In particular, he has worked tirelessly with and on behalf of Scotlands rural sector over the past five years since the Brexit vote, fighting their corner at every turn.

Fergus has been a champion for Scotlands farmers and crofters during one of the most difficult, challenging and uncertain periods our agricultural sector has ever faced."

Mairi Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, has been a member of the Scottish Parliament since 2016.

Its such an incredible honour to be appointed Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Islands & to be part of this amazing team. I follow the inimitable @FergusEwingSNP and know first hand how hard he worked on behalf of Scotlands farmers and fishers. pic.twitter.com/frpd6owEFV  Mairi Gougeon (@MairiGougeon) May 19, 2021

In 2018, she was appointed as Minister for Rural Affairs, before being promoted to Minister for Public Health and Sport in 2020.

Ms Gougeon's new post will include responsibility for Scottish agricultural and rural policy.
An increase in flooding incidents as a result of climate change means it has never been more important for landowners to protect their land and the interests of those around them, according to Jonathan Stork, partner and agriculture specialist at law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

However, there is often uncertainty around when a landowner is responsible for flood defence provision, or when this falls to local or public authorities.

In recent years, a perfect storm of climate change challenges, increasing the risk of flooding, and a lack of resources for maintaining flood defence and drainage systems, has caused legal issues linked to flooding to come into the spotlight.

So, what are landowners obligations when it comes to flood defence provision, and what are their rights if they experience flood damage?

A recent study by Greenpeace has identified that there are widespread problems across the national flood defence network.

It highlighted that across the country in 2019/20, as many as 3,460 high consequence assets  for example, sluice gates and drains  were rated as being in a poor or very poor condition.

This represents 6 percent of the UKs total flood defence infrastructure and marks a deterioration compared to previous years.

At the same time, the chief executive of the Environment Agency has described recent weather and flooding incidents as meeting forecasted reasonable worst-case scenarios, with an expectation that the conditions causing flooding will get worse in the years to come.

High-profile flooding incidents affecting many thousands of hectares of farmland, such as those at the Somerset Levels in 2013-14 and the floods in Eastern Lincolnshire in summer 2018, are also contributing to concerns about whether watercourses are being maintained effectively.

Limited resources are becoming ever-more stretched and the powers that public authorities wield to address flood risk are balanced in favour of protection of homes rather than farm land.

In the future, much-needed additional housebuilding will increasingly be sited on areas more prone to flooding, and flood attenuation is often a key condition for the granting of planning permission.

However, the enforcement of such conditions usually involves weighing up available resources against the perceived benefits of putting in place flood defence measures.

As such, it is not unheard of for a local authority to refuse the enforcement of its own flood attenuation planning conditions, on the basis of a lack of resources.

Having a clear understanding of their rights and obligations when it comes to flood provisions can enable landowners to take practical steps to mitigate the risk of flooding on their land, while protecting the interests of their neighbours.

Individual landowners have duties  known as riparian duties regarding the maintenance and upkeep of watercourses forming the boundary to their property or running through their land.

For this reason, landowners can be found liable for flooding incidents on neighbouring land if they are in breach of normal riparian duties regarding the upkeep and maintenance of watercourses on their own property.

Beyond this, the common law recognises natural flooding as a common enemy. This means that taking action to protect land has generally been considered to be legitimate.

However, it is important for landowners to bear in mind that this is a qualified right and does not allow the unreasonable diversion of flooding onto neighbouring land.

Similarly, there has been a movement in the courts towards landowners being required to do what is reasonable when it comes to mitigating natural water flow onto nearby land.

Landowners have a measured duty to protect those surrounding them, which will depend on numerous and potentially interweaving factors.

These include the topography and use of their land, the extent of the flooding risk to any neighbouring land and the foreseeability of any damage and the nature of any development of their land.

Other factors that may need to be considered include whether water is stored or is free-draining, and the effects of any manmade structures, such as drains or culverts.

The responsibility for maintaining and managing watercourses can also fall to the Environment Agency, which is principally responsible for main rivers and national flood risk management, local authorities and internal drainage boards. Local authorities are usually responsible for maintaining ordinary watercourses which are not privately owned.

The EA has powers to prevent flooding incidents, rather than obligations. This usually involves the EA balancing the cost of any flood defence work against the perceived benefits, which currently focuses on prioritising homes and property over farmland.

As a result, it has historically proven difficult for landowners to take legal action against public authorities where their inaction, for example, in failing to maintain watercourses or flood defences, has led to flooding.

There is no clear legal position when relevant authorities are the actual owner of a watercourse, and may therefore be considered to have ordinary riparian duties.

Nevertheless, public authorities may be found liable for flooding where their actions have caused or exacerbated flooding risk, for example, where works intended to protect one area of land have caused additional flooding risk in another area.

They may also be liable to pay compensation where their exercise of flood defence or drainage powers have caused flooding damage, for example where flood alleviation action, such as pumping, causes damage to neighbouring land.

Ultimately, if landowners have significant concerns around flood alleviation works or the maintenance of watercourses, it is important to raise them with the relevant public body at the earliest possible opportunity.

There are examples of local landowners working together to share the time and resources involved in performing flood mitigation works.

Seeking support from agricultural law specialists when undertaking such activities or speaking to public authorities can help landowners to reduce flooding risk while staying on the right side of the law.

Flooding is a threat that landowners will need to contend with for years to come, so they must understand their rights and obligations regarding water management affecting their land.

Knowing their options in the event that they wish to take legal action for flooding damage can also provide them with valuable peace of mind, should the worst come to pass.

This article was written by Jonathan Stork, partner and agriculture specialist at law firm, Shakespeare Martineau.
Wildcats and golden eagles could be reintroduced in England as part of government biodiversity targets to reverse the decline of wildlife.

A new taskforce has been set up by the government to look at the reintroduction of species which have been lost in the country.

Defra Secretary George Eustice said the government wanted to see a 'nature-rich Britain' with further action to bend the curve of species loss.

But farming groups hold fears over the potential impact of apex predators on their businesses.

"We will recover threatened species and provide opportunities for reintroduction through a range of projects," Mr Eustice said.

The taskforce will also introduce declining species, such as beavers, into new areas of England to help populations recover.

Mr Eustice added: After a successful release in Devon, we are now looking positively towards the reintroduction of beavers and the further releases of this iconic species in England.

We will particularly consider reintroductions where the benefits are clear, there are strong partnerships and agreement from stakeholders.

"Our approach will acknowledge the potential of beavers as a keystone species, while working closely with local communities.

The government said it would publish a consultation this summer on its approach to this and the management of beavers in the wild.

The taskforce will bring together experts, including farmers and landowners, to share knowledge and assess species for reintroduction.

It comes as farming groups have repeatedly expressed concern over the reintroduction of any apex predator species in the UK.

Natural England was recently criticised for approving the release of 60 white-tailed eagles in an area of Norfolk known for its pig and poultry production.

The National Pig Association (NPA) highlighted that pig producers were 'rightly worried' about the impact of the birds on their businesses.

We are disappointed that Natural England has given the project the green light without addressing the concerns of NPA members," senior policy adviser Charlie Dewhirst said.

"East Anglia is home to a significant proportion of the UKs outdoor pig herd and farmers are rightly worried by the potential impact of introducing these large apex predators."

Natural England responded by saying it 'understood' farmers' concerns about the potential impact that the white-tailed eagles would have on livestock businesses.

However, the agency added: "Having examined evidence from elsewhere in Europe we have concluded that the risks are low and are manageable."
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Administrative and academic activities of all those varsities have been badly affected in the last two years. (DC image)

Hyderabad: After establishing a full-fledged TS Public Service Commission (TSPSC) on Wednesday, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has now shifted his focus to state universities which were functioning without Vice-Chancellors for almost two years now.

He has cleared names of VCs for 10 universities and referred them to Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, the Chancellor of Universities, for approval, according to official sources. The universities include Osmania, Kakatiya, Telangana, Satavahana, Palamuru, Mahatma Gandhi, JNTU-Hyderabad, Telugu University, Ambedkar Open University and JNAFAU-Hyderabad.

Following the Governor's nod, the government will issue orders appointing VCs in a day or two.

Administrative and academic activities of all those varsities have been badly affected in the last two years. They could not fill teaching and non-teaching vacancies in the absence of regular VCs. A majority of the posts continue to remain vacant.

When the VCs of these 10 universities retired in July 2019, the state government appointed IAS officers as in-charge VCs, a decision that drew sharp criticism from academicians, teaching community, student unions and opposition parties. At one stage, even the Governor expressed displeasure over the inordinate delay and urged the government to expedite the process.

In the meanwhile, some petitions were filed in the High Court over the government's failure in appointing VCs. The court also rapped the government for the delay on various occasions.

The pace at which Chandrasekhar Rao is filling up vacancies and nominated posts in the government has raised hopes of disgruntled TRS leaders, who are eyeing them. TRS leaders, who failed to secure party tickets to contest Assembly and Lok Sabha polls and those who lost elections, are lobbying for a nominated posts in corporations.

Though Rao had promised to fill the vacancies several times earlier, it did not materialise due to successive elections since 2018 and subsequently the corona pandemic.
Cranbrook, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 19, 2021) - DLP Resources Inc. (TSXV: DLP) ("DLP" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release dated May 18, 2021, the Company intends to make its previously announced non-brokered private placement of up to 6,666,667 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.30 per Unit (the "Private Placement") available to existing shareholders of the Company who, as of the close of business on May 18, 2021, held common shares of the Company (and who continue to hold such common shares as of the closing date), pursuant to the prospectus exemption set out in BC Instrument 45-534 - Exemption From Prospectus Requirement for Certain Trades to Existing Security Holders (the "Existing Shareholder Exemption"). The Existing Shareholder Exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of CAD$15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and, if the shareholder is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction. If the Company receives subscriptions from investors relying on the Existing Shareholder Exemption exceeding the maximum amount of the Private Placement, the Company intends to adjust the subscriptions received on a pro-rata basis.

Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Share") of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share of the Company at a price of $0.40 per Share for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of closing. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause in the event the trading price of the Shares equals or exceeds $0.50 per Share for a period of ten (10) consecutive days.

The Company intends to pay finder's fees in connection with the Private Placement to certain eligible finders in the form of: (i) a cash commission of 7.0% of the gross proceeds raised under the Private Placement from investors introduced to the Company by the finder; and (ii) the issuance of such number of non-transferable common share purchase warrants of the Company (the "Finder's Warrants") equal to 7.0% of the Units issued under the Private Placement from investors introduced to the Company by the finder.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement to fund cash payments and exploration costs related to its planned acquisition of the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Aurora porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit pursuant to a letter of intent with SMRL Parobamba II. For further information, see the Company's news release dated May 18, 2021.

The Company intends to spend the funds available to it as stated in this news release. There may be circumstances, however, where, for sound business reasons, a reallocation of funds may be necessary.

The Private Placement is subject to all necessary regulatory approvals including acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: DLP Resources Inc.

Ian Gendall, President

Jim Stypula, Chief Executive Officer

Robin Sudo, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

Telephone: 250-426-7808

Email: iangendall@dlpresourcesinc.com

Email: jimstypula@dlpresourcesinc.com

Email: robinsudo@dlpresourcesinc.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the anticipated proceeds to be raised under the Private Placement; the use of any proceeds raised under the Private Placement; and finder's fees to be paid in connection with the Private Placement.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required regulatory approvals for the Private Placement; market uncertainty; and the inability of the Company to raise the anticipated proceeds under the Private Placement.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the Company will obtain the required regulatory approvals for the Private Placement; the Company will be able to raise the anticipated proceeds under the Private Placement; and the Company will use the proceeds of the Private Placement as currently anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward looking information, 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 and forward looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84607
MELBOURNE, Australia, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PeopleStrong , Asia's leading Enterprise HR Technology company expands to Australia and New Zealand markets with SaaS based, AI enabled HR solutions that range from applicant tracking & recruitment technology to talent management. The move comes as part of PeopleStrong's continuing efforts to grow aggressively beyond the Asian markets.

Pankaj Bansal (Group CEO, PeopleStrong) says, "Australia & New Zealand are critical markets for us as we enter a hyper growth phase in our journey. The HR technology market has matured considerably with many organizations realizing the true potential of HR and work tech in transforming employee experience and enabling the workforce in the new normal."

To give direction & purpose to this strategic initiative, PeopleStrong has appointed Philippa Youngman (previously CEO Pivot Software Limited) as their Principal advisor for the region, who will drive the growth strategy in the region. On the expansion, she says "The HR Tech market in New Zealand and Australia is quite fragmented & has a huge potential for us as an integrated workforce & employee experience platform. Many of the currently available offerings are a conglomeration of point solutions that fail to deliver a successful user experience. I am excited to be back in the industry with an offering that is fresh and has a clear point of difference. A truly integrated solution when working together but can also operate as individual process solutions if required."

There is an accelerated need for organizations to get back on a growth track and the biggest enabler is talent. Talent touchpoints such as hiring, learning, performance, career and succession planning are however disconnected, and there is very little prescience available for business leaders and employees to take informed decisions.

At a time when technology is touching every aspect of life and work, organizations are revisiting how they identify, hire & retain the right talent using the right set of tools.

Commenting on the strategy, Pankaj Bansal (Group CEO, PeopleStrong) said, "Employees are our chief customers and our HR and work Tech makes it simple, intuitive and fun for employees to work every day! We are fortunate to have earned the trust of over a million employees and some of the largest Asian enterprises. We're looking forward to bringing the New Code of Work to Australia and New Zealand."

About PeopleStrong

PeopleStrong is Asia's leading SaaS based HR Technology company. PeopleStrong's mobile-first, SaaS suite includes robust solutions for Human Capital Management, Talent Management, Collaboration and Payroll. The company today works with over 350 large enterprises across Asia, with over a million users on the platform. Their clients span 14 industry segments and include the likes of the Tata Group, Future Group, Minor International, True Corporation, Singlife Inspiro and many more across Asia.

PeopleStrong is rated among the Top 3 (Asia Pacific) & within Top 5 (globally) rankings on Gartner's Peer Insights standing for 1000+ employee enterprises based on customer reviews.

Contact: Philippa Youngman (philippa.youngman@peoplestrong.com, +64 27 2249763)

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/946957/PeopleStrong_Logo.jpg
LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the China Offshore Summit 2021 in Beijing this week, the Head of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit, Ambassador Emmanuel Nanthan, invited investors and their families in China to become citizens of Dominica. China Offshore is a media company that provides financial news and information to business and investment leaders in the region. During his speech, Ambassador Nanthan introduced his nation and explained the benefits of Dominica's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme for Chinese applicants.

Dominica's CBI programme has been in operation since 1993, making it one of the world's oldest and successful economic citizenship programmes in the industry. Since then, investors from China and around the world seeking better life quality, wide-ranging travel rights, and a plan B in uncertain times have obtained citizenship of Dominica.

"Our Chinese investors can come to Dominica, they can visit, they can stay, they can buy property, and they can operate. In fact, our programme has a very strong Chinese base from the very beginning, so we are developing a very healthy Chinese community in Dominica. A number of Chinese investors are involved in business in Dominica, be it in construction, be it in sales, be it in manufacturing," said Ambassador Nanthan.

Individuals applying through the programme's government fund option must contribute $100,000 or $175,000 for a family of up to four. If investors chose the real estate option, they could own a part of a luxury eco-tourism property on the island for $200,000. Dominica's family focus also allows parents, grandparents, and siblings to be included in an application.

Once all vetting processes are passed, and the applicant is successful, they can enjoy visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 destinations worldwide. A Dominican citizenship also means opening the door to international business opportunities and access to top-quality healthcare and education for yourself and your family.

"An investment in our programme is an investment for you. It's an investment for your children and an investment for your future generations," said the Ambassador.

Dominica's CBI Programme has been ranked the best globally by the CBI Index published by the Financial Times for four consecutive years. Its quick yet thorough processing timeline, its minimum investment outlay and abundance of travel mobility have led to acclaims by its new citizens, news media, and thought leaders internationally.

Contact: pr@csglobalpartners.com, www.csglobalpartners.com
Italian flair meets Hollywood exclusivity with a skilled international team for discerning clients.

DUBAI, UAE, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Where do you go if your usual stylist in London, Paris or New York is hard to reach because of pandemic-related travel issues? Luca Comella, stylist to the stars, has the answer.

Comella has created SFeRA - a hair styling destination at Bulgari Hotel Dubai for A-listers and anyone serious about their hair. The salon brings Comella's star power and decades of styling experience together with Italian flair and international know-how, elevating hair styling and colouring to an art form.

With its Italian inspiration and a global team of styling and colouring experts, SFeRA has become the new destination of choice for jet-setting clients who would in the past board a plane for London and Paris to get their hair done.

"At, SFeRA our goal is to be the go-to destination for people who want something special in terms of experience and expertise. Yet, unlike many A-List stylists, we don't impose our vision on you. We listen, we smile, we start a conversation, and make you feel right at home. Your hair and your style is integral to who you are - we're here to listen and make it happen. Dubai's creme de la creme tends to fly to fashion capitals for their hair styling needs. Our message is that there's no need to, because we're bringing Rome, Milan, Paris and Berlin to you in Dubai," says Comella.

Luca Comella is an award-winning stylist known for his expertise and unique approach to styling. Tonsorial skill runs in the family, and Comella picked up his skills at the family-owned barbershop in Palermo, Sicily before moving to the UK and becoming a rising star with Toni & Guy.

Since, the star stylist has gone on to work with celebrities and A-listers including Princess Rania of Jordan, Eva Longoria, Alessandra Ambrosio, Catherine Deneuve, Serena Autieri and Paris Hilton.

Comella takes a very hands-on approach to SFeRA, looking after the tiniest details to ensure a perfect experience. "We have the world's best team of stylists, merging Italian hospitality with technical precision that our clients demand. It's service with a smile, at a very high level. SFeRA is a port of call for people who would otherwise need to fly all over the world to visit their favourite stylists because of the experience. Now, we're creating that inclusive, incredible experience right here in Dubai, the innovative hub where people from around the world gather," he says.

Comella's team has Italians along with a host of other members. "Everyone brings their inspiration to the table. But at the end of the day, it's the SFeRA experience that clients come for - and we spend a lot of time merging each stylist's personal inspiration with my vision of expertise and client service," Comella notes.

With SFeRA, Comella skilfully merges traditional Italian luxury with a contemporary approach, creating harmony between technical expertise, artistry, and inspiration. SFeRA values intuition and artistry combined with technical excellence, while always putting the client first. "We're creating an exclusive, inspirational, energetic and luxurious styling experience where the client is always the centre of our universe," he explains.

SFeRA is accepting clients by appointment only. Clients are invited to book sferasalon.com or by calling +971 4 777 5629

CONTACT: Luca Comella +971 4 7775629

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1514361/SF_RA_image.jpg
Hexagon Purus has signed a global supply agreement with Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health. The agreement covers the supply of Type 4 hydrogen cylinders to the Group and their affiliates around the world. The cylinders will be used for transport of hydrogen for industry and mobility.

The global agreement designates Hexagon Purus as a long-term partner. Hexagon Purus plans to pursue further opportunities within the Group, and in conjunction has already entered its first local supply agreement with an Air Liquide affiliate in a key region that is adopting hydrogen as a major part of its energy transition.





Driving energy transformation

With the recent surge in activity around hydrogen driven by policies and projects around the world there is growing interest in cost-effective solutions to transport the gas. Hexagon Purus' lightweight Type 4 composite cylinders are among the most efficient hydrogen gas transport cylinders available worldwide. The cylinders allow for very high payloads which reduces the environmental footprint of gas transport - and reduces the total cost of ownership for gas suppliers.

"Hydrogen has a crucial role to play in reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and combating global warming. To realize the full potential of hydrogen in the energy transition, we need to scale up the hydrogen ecosystem globally," says Michael Kleschinski, EVP Light Duty, Distribution & Cylinders, Hexagon Purus. "We are proud to be selected as a partner by Air Liquide, a global leader in this arena, to support the delivery of hydrogen for customers and projects around the world."





For more information, please contact:

Salman Alam, Vice President Corporate Development, Hexagon Purus ASA

Telephone: +47 476 12 713 | salman.alam@hexagonpurus.com

Karen Romer, SVP Communications, Hexagon Composites ASA

Telephone: +47 950 74 950 | karen.romer@hexagongroup.com



About Hexagon Purus ASA:

Hexagon Purus, a Hexagon Composites company, is a world leading provider of hydrogen Type 4 high-pressure cylinders, battery packs and vehicle systems integration for fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles. Hexagon Purus enables zero emission solutions for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, ground storage, distribution, maritime, rail and aerospace applications.

Learn more at www.hexagonpurus.com and follow @HexagonPurus on Twitter and LinkedIn.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
Acquisition expands Anaqua's offerings with easy-to-use platform, supported by exceptional customer service, to help IP practitioners streamline their global filings process

BOSTON, May 20, 2021, the leading innovation and intellectual propertyfrom Acapo AS. The transaction further strengthens Anaqua's strategic line of IP management solutions, offering corporations and law firms an intuitive, transparent, and efficient experience in managing the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) National Phase and European Patent (EP) Validation filing processes.



Anaqua will continue to enhance Actio IP's tech-enabled foreign filing services platform, ACTIO Portal, while significantly investing in the integration of the services with Anaqua's IP management software and payment services. Actio IP, which also offers IP renewals, will add incremental volume to Anaqua's existing payments business.

"Both companies share a deep commitment to leveraging technology to optimize the IP workflow process," said Christine Jennings, President of Anaqua Services, who will lead the new business unit. "We believe this combination will enhance the customer experience by pairing our existing payments business with another high-quality service that can be seamlessly-integrated with our software platforms and other offerings."

All Actio IP employees will join Anaqua as part of the acquisition, as the business expands its current operations in Bergen, Norway under the management of Actio IP executives Spencer Vold-Burgess and Anders Osa-Svanberg, who will both report to Christine Jennings.

"The combination of the two companies will serve to address the growing demand for increased efficiency in global filings," said Spencer Vold-Burgess, who will join Anaqua as Director, Client Services. "Since our initial interactions with Anaqua, it has been clear that we share the same goals in providing unparalleled IP solutions and customer service to help our clients streamline IP management processes. Our team has been impressed with Anaqua's global scale and client base, and look forward to joining the Anaqua team and innovating to better serve this evolving industry."

"Anaqua will be a great partner for Actio IP going forward," said Hilde Vold-Burgess, Managing Partner of Acapo. "This acquisition will strengthen Actio IP's capacity to pursue strategic growth initiatives and continue delivering innovative solutions to the IP industry. We wish Actio IP and the team all the best under the Anaqua umbrella, and look forward to continuing using their services as they enter this next phase of scaling."

Latham & Watkins LLP and Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS served as legal counsel to Anaqua.

About Anaqua

Anaqua, Inc. is a premium provider of integrated intellectual property, or on LinkedIn.

About Actio IP

Actio IP AS was founded in 2009 with the goal of developing Intellectual Property, or on LinkedIn.

About Acapo

Acapo is one of the leading Intellectual Property consultancy firms in Norway with offices in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Fredrikstad. The firm's services include advisory services within all fields of IPR. Filing and prosecution of applications for European and Norwegian patents is within Acacpo's core field of business and their lawyers attend to litigation of cases pertaining to i.e. patents, trademarks and marketing law. The highly skilled staff of Acapo also handle filing of applications for Norwegian and European trademark and design registrations. As a full-service IPR-firm, Acapo also attend to maintenance of patents, and design and trademark registrations. For more information, visit acapo.no, or on LinkedIn.
Production of first 1,000 AptameX test kits is concluded in Singapore (initial capacity to test 10,000 patients per day).

AptameX delivers sensitivity of 77% (95% CI: 75.94 - 79.24) at a high industry CT score of 28.3, which is comparable to current lateral flow rapid tests.

Moving to complete product registration in Indonesia and progressing to securing a CE mark in Europe with a view to approvals and sales in Q3 2021.

ZURICH, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Achiko AG (SWX:ACHI, ISIN CH0522213468) completed production of the first 1,000 AptameX test kits and has commenced shipment to Indonesia. The Company also announces favourable preliminary Covid-19 diagnostic testing results at a high CT score; even at low viral loads, AptameX proves to be highly sensitive.

Against the background of the expansion of its production capacities in Singapore, Spain, Taiwan and Indonesia, the distribution of the test kits represents an important milestone for the Company, made possible after AptameX recently received a distribution certificate via Achiko's joint venture partner PT Indonesia Farma Medis ("IFM") in Indonesia. The Company is progressing forward with product registration and final validation trials, ensuring full test kit availability in early Q3 2021. Achiko's and IFM's joint venture company PT Achiko Medis Indonesia will undertake the initial rollout of AptameX and the mobile app Teman Sehat in Indonesia. Achiko earns a profit share relative to its 50% holding and a 10% licensing fee from gross sales.

"In geographies with little vaccination coverage, an ultra low cost, accurate testing service is crucial to both ensure safety and restore confidence in workplaces and public spaces amongst consumers, tourists and within manufacturing," said Steven Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Achiko. "We believe that working together with our partners, reaching just 2% of Indonesia's population of 270 million may be possible later this year. At 3-5 tests per person per month, that potentially equates to 15-25 million tests per month in Indonesia alone, producing an initial revenue stream of USD 30 - USD 50 million a month."

In addition, Achiko reports that the testing of AptameX achieved 77% sensitivity (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 75.94 - 79.24) at a favourable CT score of 28.3, from both in-vitro tests in Spain and the subsequent Indonesian field testing of proprietory AptameX chemistry. These tests were conducted in a 96-well plate format and run against RT-PCR.

Scientifically, a CT value signals the number of cycles for a sample to go through to amplify and bring up the viral DNA to a traceable level. Consequently, the higher the CT score, the lower the viral load that can be detected. Currently, used CT score categories are low (<18.5), meaning the viral load in a sample is high, normal (18.5-25) and high (>25), meaning the viral load in a sample is low. It is encouraging that Achiko's result of 77% sensitivity at a CT score of 28.3 is comparable to all lateral flow testing kits already in the market. The Company expects to announce further improvement on these numbers by a factor of at least 10% and at much higher CT scores.[i]

This breakthrough now sees Achiko undertaking selectivity and stability studies in Europe as a precursor to seeking full CE mark registration in Q3 2021. Following the CE mark registration, Achiko will respond to commercialisation interest across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

These achievements for Achiko underscore the Company's commitment to developing a rapid, accurate and cost-effective solution to diagnose those with Covid-19. The investments Achiko has made in transitioning from a fintech to a healthtech diagnostic company are beginning to show promise; the technologies of AptameX and Teman Sehat offer an extraordinary solution to managing further outbreaks of Covid-19 and other diseases in the future. Achiko can respond and act swiftly to global public health crises, not least in developing countries.

"I'm confident Achiko will shortly achieve its goal to deliver a diagnostic test that is available to the entire global population," stated Mr Goh. "The road of transforming the Company to a healthtech entity has not been without its challenges, however, we are now encouraged and excited by the results and our recent pace of execution."

Achiko has now shipped the product, and is in the process of obtaining regulatory approval in its initial target market of Indonesia and subject to that approval, the Company will be releasing it to market in Q3 2021. Achiko has invested millions in developing technologies for an accurate diagnostic that will dramatically shorten the time it takes to test and detect Covid-19, and not least at a fraction of the price of current solutions. The Company remains absolutely committed to delivering a product that stands up to the rigours of scrutiny and WHO standards.

Achiko will reinvest revenues in technologies developed as complements that enhance and expedite the safe and effective diagnosis of Covid-19, whilst working hand in hand with vaccine production and roll out. At the current rate of production, vaccination coverage extends to approximately 7% of the globe; which is significantly short of herd immunity.

"Our team has been working around the clock to produce a reliable diagnostic test that helps contain the spread of Covid-19, on order that we help improve the livelihood and socio-economic impact of populations severely hit by this dangerous disease," said Dr Morris S. Berrie, President of Achiko. "Overcoming some early misinterpretations, we have now further elucidated those data results, and we are nothing short of exhilerated about the impact we can have, not least in those parts of the world that are most in need. Achiko is far from a one-trick pony; and we will be enhancing our current technology and putting out a broader range of related diagnostics as the year progresses."

"Biomedtech/biopharmaceutical companies are working in close collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders in the quest to beat Covid-19,", Dr Berrie added. "Everyone has a unique role to play in combatting this pandemic and we are confident that diagnostics have a critical part to play, and that in accordance with the 'Covid-19 Swiss Cheese model'[ii], it is a combination of technologies, particularly together with vaccination, that will succeed in overcoming the virus."

About Achiko AG

Achiko creates and develops new innovations in healthcare technology through its biotechnology division, AptameX, and its sister digital mobile health technology division, Teman Sehat. The Company has created a unique telehealth capability that provides user-friendly diagnostic testing integrated with a digital passport solution for the management of Covid-19.

AptameX comprises of DNA aptamer-based technology that is cost-effective, chemically synthesised and widely applicable to the evolving diagnostic field of healthcare. Together with the digital mobile health app Teman Sehat, Achiko is developing potential technologies that seek to deliver rapid, affordable diagnostic testing for a range of pathogenic diseases and therapeutic indications. The AptameX technology is licensed from Regenacellx.sl and Achiko has exclusive commercialisation rights.

Headquartered in Zurich, Achiko has offices in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul and Singapore.

Further information can be found at www.achiko.com.

If you have any questions regarding the Company, please contact us.

Media contacts:



ACHIKO AG

Investor Relations

E: ir@achiko.com

Switzerland

Marcus Balogh

Farner Consulting Ltd.

E: achiko@farner.ch

T: +41 44 266 67 67



Germany and Austria

Axel Muhlhaus / Dr Sonke Knop

edicto GmbH

E: achiko@edicto.de

T: +49 69 90 55 05-51

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Achiko AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Achiko AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Achiko AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

[i] Guglielmi, G: Rapid Coronavirus tests: a guide for the perplexed, 202-205 Nature, Vol 590, 11 February, 2021

Boum, Y et al: Performance and operational feasibility of antigen and antibody rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Cameroon: a clinical, prospective, diagnostic accuracy study, Lancet Infect Dis 2021 online, March 25, 2021

Mak, G et al: Evaluation of rapid antigen detection kit from the WHO Emergency Use List for detecting SARS-CoV-2, J. of Clin. Virology, 134 (2021) 104712

Mak, G et al: Analytical sensitivity and clinical sensitivity of the three rapid antigen detection kits for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus, J. of Clin. Virology, 133 (2020) 104684

[ii] Mackay, Ian M. (2020): The Swiss Cheese Respiratory Virus Defence

SOURCE: Achiko AG

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648326/Achiko-AG-Achiko-Completes-Initial-Shipment-of-Aptamex-Its-Progressive-Covid-19-Diagnostic-Test-To-Indonesia-Delivering-77-Sensitivity-at-Low-Viral-Loads
HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seadrill Limited ("Seadrill" or "the Company") (OSE: SDRL) (OTCPK: SDRLF), a world leader in offshore drilling, provides an update for the first quarter of 2021.

We continue to sign high-quality and high-value contracts, reflecting depth of customer relationships. The quarter update includes:

West Tellus - contract for two wells and additional intervention work plus two optional wells with Shell Brazil in direct continuation to the Petrobras contract, backlog contribution of $23m .

- contract for two wells and additional intervention work plus two optional wells with Shell Brazil in direct continuation to the Petrobras contract, backlog contribution of . West Hercules - options were exercised by Equinor in Norway , backlog contribution of $34m .

Post quarter end updates include backlog additions of $374m:

West Saturn - four-year firm contract, with four one year options, with Equinor Brasil Energia. The contract is expected to commence in April 2022 , backlog contribution of $354m .

- four-year firm contract, with four one year options, with Equinor Brasil Energia. The contract is expected to commence in , backlog contribution of . West Neptune - contract signed with Talos, for one well firm with one well option which commenced in May 2021 , and a further contract was signed with Kosmos for one well firm commencing in direct continuation of the Talos contract.

- contract signed with Talos, for one well firm with one well option which commenced in , and a further contract was signed with Kosmos for one well firm commencing in direct continuation of the Talos contract. West Tellus - Petrobras has provided notice that the rig will conclude operations in September 2021 earlier than was originally expected in December 2021. The rig is anticipated to work in direct continuation with Shell Brazil.

Total backlog of $2.1bn as of 20 May 2021, which is one of the highest across our peers. Seadrill is contracted to work across all major oil and gas basins in the world: 13 rigs in operation globally, including in the Arabian Gulf, the Americas, and Norway. This lays the foundation for Seadrill to continue in a strong position as the market recovers this year and beyond.

Seadrill's financial restructuring continues to make good progress through productive discussions with all parties involved. It is likely that the comprehensive restructuring plan will require a substantial impairment and losses for current shareholders. As a result, the Company currently expects that shareholders are likely to receive minimal recovery for their existing shares.

The fleet status report can be viewed at: https://www.seadrill.com/fleet/

About Seadrill

Seadrill is a leading offshore drilling contractor utilizing advanced technology to unlock oil and gas resources for clients across harsh and benign locations across the globe. Seadrill's high quality, technologically advanced fleet spans all asset classes allowing its experienced crews to conduct its operations from shallow to ultra-deep-water environments. The company operates 43 rigs, which includes drillships, jack-ups and semi-submersibles.

Seadrill is listed on the Oslo Brs and OTC Pink markets. For more information, visit https://www.seadrill.com/

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes forward looking statements. Such statements are generally not historical in nature, and specifically include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in its business, the markets in which it operates and its restructuring efforts. These statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company's regulatory filings and periodical reporting. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward looking statement.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

CONTACT:

seadrill@hawthornadvisors.com

020 3745 4960

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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- The prestigious title awarded towards UST's commitment towards Transforming Lives in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has announced that Amar Chhajer, UST Malaysia Country Head, is awarded the 'Pingat Jasa Kebaktian' (PJK) title by The Government of Malaysia. This title honors Amar's contribution to creating a knowledge economy and technology jobs across the nation.

'Pingat Jasa Kebaktian' (PJK) is amongst the national titles given by the Malaysian Government and is presented by the Governor on his birthday to people contributing to the community. Amar is the Deputy Chairman for the Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group of Penang, Malaysia. He is also an appointed member of the evaluation committee for the Penang i4.0 Seed Fund by the Chief Minister.

UST has significantly contributed to Malaysia's digital growth and has built new functions, delivery centers, and continued to scale the economy. In 2020, UST inaugurated its first Infinity Lab in South East Asia, increasing its presence with two offices in Malaysia. UST, one of the world's fastest-growing IT and Engineering Services providers, takes pride in delivering cutting-edge technology for some of the largest corporations across the globe. With a mission of transforming lives, the company has continually differentiated itself by the quality of its customer services. It has created a global platform to bring together diverse people and improve their lives through technology.

Speaking on this prestigious occasion, Amar Chhajer, Country Head, UST Malaysia, and Director Semiconductor Business, UST, said, "It is an honor to be selected for the 'Pingat Jasa Kebaktian' title. At UST, we thrive at creating meaningful opportunities, giving our employees the right platform to bring their dreams to life with innovative technology and solutions. This title recognizes thousands of great employees working at our Malaysia offices as they have helped deliver value to our global clients while continuing to scale our business in Malaysia."

"Congratulations to Amar and his entire team in Malaysia. They have always proven themselves to be the change-makers and visionaries at UST. We feel humbled and grateful for this recognition as UST has always strived for excellence in everything we do. It is gratifying to work alongside people who bring the highest level of commitment and passion to their work," said Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST.

About UST

For more than 20 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations-delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 26,000 employees in 25 countries, we build for boundless impact-touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at ust.com

Media Contacts, UST:

Tinu Cherian Abraham

+1 (949) 415-9857



Neha Misri

+91-9972631264

media.relations@ust.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg
Pengmen International recently announced that the "Super NMN" anti-aging product, led by You Quanbing and his team, will soon be officially launched on the market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210519006048/en/

"Super NMN" Officially Launched Under The Investment Of You Quanbing and His Team (Photo: Business Wire)

As the population ages with each passing day, the number of senior citizens above 60 in China will reach 300 million in 2019, accounting for nearly 20% of the total population. And in a dozen years, China's elderly population will occupy 23% of the total population. In some countries, the aging of the population has been lasting for a long time. In Japan, the population aged 60 or above has accounted for 33% of the total population, in Italy, 29%, and in Portugal, Bulgaria and Finland accounted for 28% respectively. All of them are among the countries with the most severe population aging problem in the world. As a result, there emerged a growing number of scientific laboratories aiming to prolong life, combat aging and enable today's elderly to live as active a life as their younger counterparts.

In 2013, a research team from a leading US university found a substance called "-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)", which claimed can effectively extend the life span of mice. And the food products containing NMN are selling well on both domestic and overseas, and have repeatedly been endorsed by giant companies.

Elysium Health, which also specializes in anti-aging drugs, even recruited eight Nobel laureates to its advisory board. However, the cost of this method is huge. The quotation of German pharmaceutical giant Merck is more than 20,000 yuan per gram. According to the minimum effective dose, the annual cost of each person is more than 1.5 million yuan, so it is not suitable for the general public.

You Quanbing, deputy-secretary general of the US Fuse Digital Asset Foundation and a leading researcher on human health, noticed the phenomenon. Over the years, he has been focusing on the development and research in the field of international health. Imbued with the enthusiasm and pursuit of health, You Quanbing began his exploration of the anti-aging road to aim at making health care more accessible to everyone.

You Quanbing has been devoted to research for many years. Finally, at the end of 2020, he discovered the patent "Nutritional Drug Combination for Activating Silencing Regulator Proteins with Anti-aging/Reversing Aging Effect" from Switzerland published in August 2020. This patent has multiple applications of -nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) whose effect is better than the already known products of the same category on the market. Through constant communication and exchanges, a product called "Super NMN" was officially launched on the market under the investment of You Quanbing and his team.

Compared with similar products in the market, "Super NMN" is different from general NMN products in terms of product technologies. Targeted at human immune genes, "Super NMN" adopts a compound formula with an absorption rate of up to 98%. It can refill the human body with NAD+ factors at lightning speed to repair the damaged cell genes and activate the immune system. From the aspect of product safety, "Super NMN", whose ingredient content is strictly in accordance with the label, has obtained the United States FDA certification and GMP certification. By following the label, its products are safer and healthier.

Li Rui, the domestic health industry senior observer, told the reporters: "With the improvement of people's health awareness throughout the country, NMN and other health products that can improve human immunity have gradually become a hot topic of the public." The sensational news was sent from abroad to domestic, such as NMN can cure COVID-related severe diseases; NMN's flash-boosting immunity function has been verified in Australia, NMN can restrain nerve diseases and so on, which instantly triggered a tense concern from domestic consumption groups. At the same time, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, China infection epidemiology Li Lanjuan and Zhang Hongwen all showed that the immune system is the most powerful weapon against COVID-19. Besides, global experts also recommended that supplementary NMN can improve human immunity, pushing NMN again to the altar.

Through years of professional knowledge and practice in the field of health, You Quanbing has kept his finger on the pulse of the health field, and the advent of "Super NMN" has also attracted widespread attention in the international community. "Investing in health and human health is the cause I will never regret in my life!"

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210519006048/en/

Contacts:

Company: Guangdong Zhenghui Pin New Retail Technology Co., Ltd

Contact: Ma Li

Email: pengmen_helen@163.com

Web: https://www.pengmenguoji.com/
Chinese envoy calls for redoubling efforts to advance Iran nuke talks

Xinhua) 09:35, May 20, 2021

Wang Qun (2nd L, Front), Chinese envoy to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, attends a meeting of the Joint Commission on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna, Austria, on May 19, 2021. Wang Qun on Wednesday urged all parties concerned to redouble their efforts to advance the process of negotiations on bringing the United States and Iran to resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. (EU Delegation Vienna/Handout via Xinhua)

VIENNA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged all parties concerned to redouble their efforts to advance the process of negotiations on bringing the United States and Iran to resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Wang Qun, Chinese envoy to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, made the remarks after attending Wednesday's meeting of the Joint Commission on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal.

The meeting was chaired by Enrique Mora, the deputy secretary-general and political director of the European External Action Service and attended by representatives from China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran.

The current negotiations are generally progressing, but there is still some distance away from the goal of reaching an agreement, Wang said, noting that all parties involved should redouble their efforts to further translate the good will of reaching an agreement into concrete actions.

The envoy said all parties concerned should uphold a rational and pragmatic attitude and put forward realistic and feasible proposals regarding the lifting of sanctions, measures in the nuclear field and the sequence in which the United States and Iran return to compliance with the nuclear deal, in order to promote the formation of a comprehensive and effective plan.

Wang said China also hopes that Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency will reach a timely arrangement on the extension of the "temporary bilateral technical understanding," which was agreed between the two sides in February.

The Chinese envoy stressed that China has always held an impartial position on the Iranian nuclear issue and will continue to work with all parties to actively promote the negotiation process. At the same time, China will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests regarding the lifting of sanctions and other aspects, he said.

Wednesday's meeting marked the end of the fourth round of negotiations of the Joint Commission and the participants agreed to reconvene next week.

Mora told journalists after the meeting that the fourth round of talks over the past ten days has been "the longest" and "the most productive."

"We have made substantial progress. There are still things to be worked out," he said.

The European Union official noted that the spirit of compromise is high and all delegations are very committed. "I think we are on the right track and we will get an agreement," Mora said.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, also tweeted that the participants at Wednesday's meeting noted that "good" or "significant" progress was made and that an agreement is "within reach."

The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response to the U.S. moves, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its JCPOA commitments from May 2019.

The JCPOA Joint Commission began to meet in offline format on April 6 in Vienna to continue previous discussions in view of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and on how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with the state and district officials across the country and warned of new mutations developing in the second wave of the novel coronavirus infection. He also cautioned the officials on wastage of vaccine doses and said that even a single dose going waste denies someone protection shield.

Vaccine wastage is also a major issue. We must stop it at all costs. A single wastage means not providing security to an individual. Work out on your strategy on rural-urban specific way, he told the officials.

He also said that pandemics in the past have taught us that our practices need a constant change, innovation, and upgradation. This virus is expert in mutating and thus, our strategies should be dynamic in fighting it, he added.

He added that the active cases in the country are reducing everyday, but cautioned that people still needed to put on masks and use hand sanitizers as a precaution. Testing and distancing must be focused upon and it is the administration's responsibility to ensure this. COVID appropriate behaviour shouldn't be dropped, he added.

The prime ministers interaction with the officials comes on a day when India reported over 2.7 lakh cases, with the daily deaths recorded below 4,000. The countrys Covid numbers now stand at 2,57,72,440, with the death toll at 2,87,122.

PM Modi also added that the Centre is collating all suggestions from states for vaccination strategies and taking them forward. In this regard, the Health Ministry is providing the next 15-day vaccine dosage information to states, he told.

Also addressing the issue of vaccine shortage, the prime minister said, Supply of vaccines will smoothen in the near future which will help streamline the entire process of vaccination.

He also added that the needy people needed to be given proper food. We must stop people from hoarding essentials and provide the poor and needy with foodgrains, he added.


LONDON (dpa-AFX) - FirstGroup plc (FGROY.PK, FGROF.PK, FGP.L) said that it has signed new National Rail Contracts with the U.K.'s Department for Transport or 'DfT' for its South Western Railway or 'SWR' and TransPennine Express or 'TPE' train operating companies.



The new contracts will commence on 30 May 2021, when the current Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements come to an end.



The contracts replace the previous revenue risk-based franchising system. The contracts have a primary two-year term to the end of May 2023 for both SWR and TPE, and both have an option to be extended by up to two further years at the DfT's discretion.



As per the contracts, the DfT will retain all revenue risk and substantially all cost risk. For the Group's 70% share of the First MTR joint venture for SWR the fixed management fee is 3.3 million pounds per annum and there is the opportunity to earn an additional fee of up to 9.9 million pounds which is the maximum attainable performance fee.



For TPE the fixed management fee is 2.3 million pounds per annum and there is the opportunity to earn an additional fee of up to 5.2 million pounds which is the maximum attainable performance fee.



Both train operating companies will work collaboratively with industry partners and stakeholders to build back patronage, while delivering plans to upgrade service offering.



The plans include the introduction of flexible commuter tickets and continuing to facilitate a move towards electronic and mobile ticketing, smartcards and improved apps for both companies.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

FIRSTGROUP-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Latest Device Enables Entranceway Health Screening and Advanced User Intelligence Capture via Dynamic Forms

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Tevano Systems Holdings Inc. (CSE: TEVO) (FSE: 7RB) ("Tevano", or the "Company"), announced today the launch of Health Shield 2.0, a next generation health scanning device with an advanced feature set that includes, 'Dynamic Forms.'

After an extensive research and development process, Tevano's first generation Health Shield device, which provides split second visitor temperature sensing and mask detection at entranceways, will now include interactive functionality that dramatically expands its utility for business users across industry sectors.

A new Dynamic Forms feature will enable businesses, via the Health Shield cloud app, to create bespoke dynamic forms for their devices which users will be prompted to fill out and/or interact with after they have been scanned for fever and face mask compliance. Popular forms may include Covid Screening questions, surveys or requests for customer feedback and can be either filled out directly via the device's touchscreen or on a user's own mobile device by scanning a displayed QR code. Each form can be designed to deny access - or trigger an email or SMS alert to the device manager - based on the user's answers provided, which they can then take action on.

Interacting with customers, patrons and/or employees and gaining real-time data, feedback and insight as they enter a place of business can be immensely valuable, not only for track and trace capabilities but also to build strong channels for customer and employee engagement and intelligence.

"Our Health Shield 2.0 has been designed to move the value of our devices way beyond solely screening health and maintaining safe workplaces and ensure they provide utility long after the pandemic subsides," said David Bajwa, CEO at Tevano. "Having now deployed Health Shields across multiple industry sectors and spoken with many business leaders about their immediate and their future needs, we feel confident that our latest 2.0 iteration meets a broader and long term need within organizations, adding additional value to their operations. An ability to consistently inform, interact with and gain insight from customers and team members via real-time engagement with curated forms on the device has the ability to provide high value data which can ultimately be used to inform critical business decisions."

About Tevano

Tevano is the developer of cutting-edge electronics products that provide innovative solutions to business and consumer challenges.

It is the creator of Health Shield, an innovative AI-driven electronic device that provides instant body temperature scanning and notifies users if they need to wear a face mask. Health Shield devices can be placed at all entrances that patrons and/or employees use to gain access to buildings. The Health Shield device is supported by a cloud software solution that can be used to manage multiple devices and provide detailed reporting and analysis. A Dynamic Forms feature enables businesses, via the Health Shield cloud app, to create bespoke dynamic forms for their devices which users will be prompted to fill out and/or interact with after they have been scanned for fever and face mask compliance.

Tevano benefits from an equity-based relationship with kiosk and screen-based technology leader, Nevatronix. Management believes the relationship provides Tevano with access to highly robust supply chains and gives the company a unique capacity to react to and service evolving commercial markets for innovative screen-based technologies.

For more information, please visit www.tevano.com

For media requests, please contact josh@sjspr.co or call 416-628-7441

TEVANO SYSTEMS HOLDINGS INC

David Bajwa, Chief Executive Officer

davidb@tevano.com

778 388 4806

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise further capital and the Company's ability to obtain regulatory and exchange approvals. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada 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/84581
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Ready Set Gold Corp. (CSE: RDY) (FSE: 0MZ) (OTC Pink: RDYFF) ("Ready Set Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a summary of the full thirteen-hole, Phase 1 drill program which was completed in March 2021 on Ready Set Gold's 100% owned Northshore Gold Project ("Northshore") located in the western section of the Schreiber-Hemlo Greenstone Belt in Ontario, Canada.

"All thirteen holes drilled in our Phase 1 drill program at Northshore have intersected gold mineralization. The broad nature of these intersections along with the evidence of higher-grade structures contained within is a very encouraging sign for a large gold system. These initial results not only confirm historical exploration, they also identify new areas of higher-grade mineralization and confirm our new geological model, which opens up the discovery and growth potential at Northshore," stated Brad Lazich VP Exploration of Ready Set Gold.

The primary objectives of the Phase 1 drilling program at Northshore were to test a new geological model, to better understand lithological and structural controls on gold mineralization, and to confirm the grades of mineralization reported by previous owners/operators of the project. These objectives were achieved.

The new hypothesis/model of generally NW-SE parallel and sub-parallel broad gold zones with higher-grade veining within appears to have been confirmed. The Phase 1 program drilled areas which had limited or no historical drilling in a near perpendicular nature to cross the modeled zones to better understand the geological constraints of the deposit. The Company was extremely encouraged that gold mineralization was intersected in all thirteen holes drilled. The significance of this confirmation is the Company can now better predict and project extensions for drill testing moving forward. The Ready Set Gold model forecasts that the zones could run up to 1km along strike, in both directions, from the already identified areas of gold mineralization and remain unexplored below 250m depth.

Hole ID From To Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone RSG-21-059 189.65 283.90 94.25 1.00 B including 228.75 283.90 55.15 1.30

and including 232.30 254.00 21.70 1.88

and including 228.75 233.60 4.85 4.90

and including 250.00 255.65 5.65 3.01

and including 281.00 283.90 2.90 8.36

and including 281.00 281.40 0.40 55.17













RSG-21-067 65.20 144.95 79.75 0.92 A including 65.20 112.00 46.80 1.19

and including 65.20 94.55 29.35 1.54

and including 65.20 76.50 11.30 1.99

and including 65.20 68.00 2.80 4.88

and including 92.00 94.55 2.55 4.10













RSG-21-068 24.00 104.00 80.00 1.08 A including 24.00 32.00 8.00 2.66

and including 61.50 104.00 42.50 1.21

and including 92.85 104.00 11.15 3.54

and including 92.85 97.85 5.00 7.25













RSG-21-069 115.50 202.00 86.50 0.89 A including 115.50 158.00 42.50 1.19

and including 115.50 126.00 10.50 3.02

and including 120.00 126.00 6.00 4.71

and including 189.00 202.00 13.00 1.39













RSG-21-070 54.00 57.00 3.00 1.19 A and 130.00 132.00 2.00 27.32













RSG-21-072 82.00 86.00 4.00 0.88 C and 96.00 96.60 0.60 7.31

and 109.70 110.00 0.30 15.81



Table 1: Phase 1 drill highlights.





Figure 1 - Sample E00121136 from RSG-21-070 (Zone A). Fine grained specs of visible gold hosted in quartz veining - 0.34m @ 150 g/t Au.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7393/84627_62ec0a3104564900_002full.jpg





Figure 2 - Brittle-Ductile shearing in Zone A hosting quartz-carbonate (chlorite) veining. Section of core from RSG-21-068 that grades 5.00m @ 7.25 g/t Au (92.85 - 97.85m).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7393/84627_62ec0a3104564900_003full.jpg

Geological Model

As a result of Ready Set Gold's new geological model/interpretation for Northshore, the Afric Zone has now been divided into Zones A, B and C. This interpretation better fits the modelled lithological and structural controls on the gold mineralization. Therefore, moving forward, we will refer to Zones A, B, C, Gino and Main Vein as the gold bearing zones at Northshore. It is the Company's belief, based on continued geological modeling, that the historical resource estimate was not effectively geologically or structurally constrained, which offers Ready Set Gold an opportunity to properly pit constrain the near-surface gold mineralization and domain-out and grow higher-grade gold mineralization at depth with continued drilling.

"A" Zone - hosts a wide, potentially open pit target, with pervasive gold mineralization over significant widths with multiple higher grade-lenses. The zone is characterized by brittle-ductile shearing hosting pervasive quartz-carbonate veining with sulphide mineralization in stock-work veins, disseminated in host lithologies, and in shear-extensional and extensional quartz veins. The A Zone has only previously been explored to approximately 200-250m depth and is also believed to be open along strike for more than 1km in both directions.

"B" Zone - a newly modelled zone that is geologically similar to Zone A (wide, lower-grade gold zones hosting higher grade lenses within the broader envelope). The B Zone is 150m north of the A Zone and is interpreted as a parallel structure with a generally east-west strike. The zone is characterized by areas of intense alteration and brittle-ductile shearing defined by pervasive quartz-carbonate veining which hosts sulphide mineralization disseminated in host lithologies and in shear-extensional and extensional quartz veins. The zone remains underexplored and is believed to remain open along strike for more than 1km in both directions.

Additional Zones to be Explored: At least three gold bearing zones to the north of the A and B Zones remain underexplored. The C, Gino and Main Zones are modelled to be sub-parallel to the A and B Zones and have the potential to significantly increase the scope of the Northshore project.





Figure 3 - Old Model vs. New Model - New interpretation displays more shear-type structural control on gold mineralization opening significant strike and dip potential for growth and discovery.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7393/84627_62ec0a3104564900_004full.jpg





Figure 4 - Overview of Ready Set Gold's initial geological model at Northshore (plan view). The historic Afric Zone has now been interpreted to be divided into 3 zones (A, B and C) who's overall geometry is controlled by generally NW-SE striking packages of porphyritic felsic intrusives and felsic volcanics. Within each zone are a series of shear-hosted (generally E-W trending shear-zones) and brittle shear-extensional and extensional quartz veins. The broad, lower-grade mineral envelopes are interpreted to be controlled by the porphyritic felsic intrusives and higher-grade is controlled by shearing and quartz veining within.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7393/84627_readysetgoldgr_fig3.jpg

Underexplored / Expansion Upside

The Northshore Project remains underexplored with approximately only 5% of the area systematically evaluated to date. Additionally, the depth potential of the gold mineralized zones remains untested with the deepest drill intercepts at 250m vertical depth. The company believes that the Northshore Project shows excellent potential to depth including potential higher-grade gold zones.





Figure 5: Plan Map of Northshore property showing unexplored (generally NW-SE) gold zones and regional, unexplored potential to the west. The project area is unexplored along strike and at depths below 250m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7393/84627_62ec0a3104564900_020full.jpg

Moving Forward Plans

Christian Scovenna, CEO & Director comments: "The near-term plans for Company will see a surface exploration program at Northshore to continue to better understand both the controls on higher-grade gold mineralization as well as exploration potential outside of known gold mineralization. This program can include lithological and structural mapping (surface and downhole), sampling, trenching and an IP geophysical survey. The program will help in designing a Phase 2 drill program, which is planned to commence immediately after this confirmation exploration work is complete. The Phase 2 drill program will be focused on growing the known zones of gold mineralization on strike and at depth, as well as discovering new areas regionally. The near-term exploration work will also continue to help better understand the historical resource estimate at Northshore".

Qualified Person and NI-43-101 Disclosure

Brad Lazich, P.Geo. (ON), VP Exploration of Ready Set Gold Corp, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has verified the disclosed data and has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

About Ready Set Gold Corporation

Ready Set Gold Corp. is a precious metals exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under symbol RDY and the Boerse Frankfurt Exchange as 0MZ. The Company has consolidated and now owns a 100% interest in the Northshore Gold Project, located in the Schreiber-Hemlo Greenstone Belt near Thunder Bay, Ontario which is prospective for gold and silver mineralization. The Company also owns a 100% interest in two separate claim blocks totaling 4,453 hectares known as the Hemlo Eastern Flanks Project. The Company also holds an option to acquire a 100% undivided interest in a continuous claim block totaling 1,634 hectares comprising the Emmons Peak Project located 50 km south of Dryden, Ontario that is near the Treasury Metals Goliath and Goldlund advanced gold development projects.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

READY SET GOLD Corporation

"Christian Scovenna"

Chief Executive Officer & Director

Email: info@readysetgoldcorp.com

CEO Direct Line: +1 (416) 453-4708

For further information please contact:

Investor Relations

Sean Kingsley - Vice President, Corporate Communications

Email: skingsley@readysetgoldcorp.com

Tel: +1 (604) 440-8474

www.readysetgoldcorp.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian Securities laws, including that statements related to exploration potential and timing for the remaining assay results. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Ready Set Gold's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analyses made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release including that the Company will complete the drilling program and, on the timeline, as anticipated by management and that information will allow Ready Set Gold to gain more confidence in its geological model and to design additional drill programs. Although Ready Set Gold believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the Covid-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Ready Set Gold to implement its business strategies; competition; the Company will not complete the remainder of the Phase 1 drilling program on the timeline as anticipated by management or at all and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, 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 and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that is incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84627
DGAP-News: CatalYm GmbH / Key word(s): Conference

CatalYm to Present Initial Data of First-in-Human Trial of GDF-15 neutralizing antibody CTL-002 at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting



20.05.2021 / 09:30

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





CatalYm to Present Initial Data of First-in-Human Trial of GDF-15 neutralizing antibody CTL-002 at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting

Munich/Germany, May 20th, 2021- CatalYm GmbH, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel cancer immunotherapies, today announced that their abstract with first interim data from the phase I clinical trial investigation CTL-002 as monotherapy and in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor (the "GDFATHER-Trial") has been selected by ASCO for a poster presentation. The 2021 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology will be held virtually from June 4 to 8.

The poster "A phase I, first-in-human clinical trial of the GDF-15 neutralizing antibody CTL-002 in subjects with advanced-stage solid tumors (ACRONYM: GDFATHER)", Abstract TPS2658, will present CatalYm's first-in-human, two-part, open-label phase 1 clinical trial of CTL-002, a neutralizing antibody targeting GDF-15. GDF-15 is a factor that is secreted by several major tumor entities and interferes with effector T cell recruitment. In the GDFATHER-trial, patients with advanced-stage, solid tumors who have not responded or stopped responding to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy are treated with CTL-002 as monotherapy and followed by combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody. The first patient was enrolled in December 2020.

The poster presentation with initial interim data will be available from 3:00 pm CEST (9:00 am EDT) on June 4th; Track: Developmental Therapeutics - Immunotherapy.

"It is an exciting opportunity to present our trial at ASCO," noted Prof. Dr. Eugen Leo, Chief Medical Officer of CatalYm. "Our tailored 'mono-followed-by-combination' trial design allows all participating patients to access a promising, novel antibody combination therapy from the very start of the clinical trial, resulting in great patient and Investigator interest in trial participation."

Dr. Christine Schuberth-Wagner, Chief Scientific Officer of CatalYm, added, "With recent external confirmation of GDF-15 being a key player in the I/O-space by third parties, we are delighted to see our data receiving the appropriate attention bringing GDF-15 in the spotlight of the I/O world. This validates our concept that blocking GDF-15 can make anti-PD1 therapy more effective."

Dr. Phil L'Huillier, Chief Executive Officer of CatalYm, concluded: "We strongly believe that neutralizing GDF-15 is one of the key immune restorative mechanisms in a broad range of tumors and could substantially improve the efficacy of anti-PD1/-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors and other immune agonists. Our phase 1 trial is well underway with the third cohort ongoing as planned. We are very excited about the rapid overall progress of our program and are eager to see the definitive biomarker and clinical results of this promising clinical trial unfolding."

An additional abstract on GDF-15 preclinical data will appear in the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings, a Journal of Clinical Oncology supplement. The abstract "Tumor-derived GDF-15 to suppress t-lymphocyte recruitment to the tumor microenvironment resulting in resistance to ANTI-PD-1 treatment", Abstract e14532, is also available on the ASCO meeting website.

It describes in vitro and in vivo as well as translational data showing that elevated GDF-15 levels block T cells from infiltrating tumor tissues and are predictive for shorter OS of patients. CTL-002, which neutralizes GDF-15, can restore the ability of T cells to enter the tumor and may thus improve responses to anti-PD1 therapy in patients with high GDF-15 levels.

About CTL-002

CTL-002 is a humanized, monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize the tumor-produced Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15). High concentrations of GDF-15 in the serum and tumor-microenvironment help the tumor evade the immune system and are associated with resistance to current therapies. [i]

CTL-002 addresses three of the tumor's immune suppressive mechanisms all involving the inhibitory effect of GDF-15 on the immunostimulatory LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction. By neutralizing GDF-15, CTL-002 is expected to enhance infiltration of immune cells into the tumor, improve priming of T cells by dendritic cells and improve tumor killing by T cells and NK cells.

About GDFATHER

The GDFATHER trial (GDF-15 Antibody-mediaTed Effector cell Relocation) is a Phase I, first-in-human, multicenter, two-part (part A: dose escalation and part B: cohort expansion) clinical trial of intravenous (IV) administration of CTL-002 as monotherapy and in combination with an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced-stage solid tumors, that relapsed post or were refractory to a prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. The primary objectives of the study are to characterize the safety and tolerability of CTL-002 and to explore the preliminary anti-tumor activity of CTL-002 in the expansion cohorts. More information on trial can be found at https://clinicaltrials.gov.

About CatalYm

CatalYm is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel cancer immunotherapies targeting Growth-and-Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15). Apart from its established role in cachexia, GDF-15 has been associated with immunosuppression in tissues and tumors and a rapidly growing body of literature supports the concept that GDF-15 is a major T cell repellent. CatalYm aims to neutralize GDF-15 to turn "cold" tumors "hot" and thereby substantially improving the efficacy of established immunotherapy such as anti-PD1/-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. The company's lead product candidate CTL-002, a neutralizing GDF-15 antibody, is currently under clinical evaluation in a two-part, open-label, multicenter, Phase I clinical trial (GDFATHER trial).

The company was founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the Julius-Maximilians-University of Wurzburg based on the innovative research work of Prof. Dr. Joerg Wischhusen. CatalYm is led by a seasoned senior executive team with substantial IO drug development as well as deal making experience and backed by international venture capital investors, e.g. Forbion and BioGeneration Ventures, Vesalius Biocapital III, Novartis Venture Fund, Wachstumsfonds Bayern and coparion. CatalYm received financial support from the EIF via the EIB-EIF Co-investment Facility, backed by the European Union through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).

Contact

CatalYm GmbH

Dr. Phil L'Huilier, CEO

Am Klopferspitz 19

82152 Martinsried, Planegg

Germany

info@catalym.com Media Inquiries

MC Services AG

Katja Arnold, Julia von Hummel, Shaun Brown

T: +49(0)89 21022880

catalym@mc-services.eu

[i]Front. Immunol. 11:951. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00951
Rapid 25-minute point-of-care COVID-19 PCR test available for purchase in Germany commencing May 25, 2021

Volume based pricing competitive with other COVID-19 PCR test products on the market

Initial manufacturing capacity secured, additional capacity to increase based on demand

VANCOUVER, BC and MEMMINGEN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE:XPHY)(OTC:XPHYF)(FSE:4XT) ("XPhyto" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its distribution, storage and logistics partner, Max Pharma GmbH ("Max Pharma"), will launch the sale of its 25-minute SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RT-PCR test system ("Covid-ID Lab") in Germany next week. Covid-ID Lab is registered within the European Union as a commercial in vitro diagnostic (CE-IVD) test.

Covid-ID Lab is a rapid RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 based on the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Covid-ID Lab requires only a 20-minute PCR run time without prior RNA extraction. Following the RT-PCR process, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is detected on a test chip and the results can be read visually within 5 minutes, combining the speed of an antigen test with the accuracy of a PCR test.

"Covid-ID Lab provides diagnostic level accuracy in minutes at the point-of-care. It is a specialized product that is designed to fill the market gap between disposable antigen tests and centralized automated PCR systems," says Wolfgang Probst, COO and director of XPhyto. "Examples of target customers are airports, cruise lines, pharmacies, medical clinics, and any industrial or education site that requires rapid, definitive results."

Covid-ID Lab will be available for purchase and delivery in Germany from Max Pharma commencing May 25, 2021, at volume dependent pricing within the range of commonly available COVID-19 PCR test products currently on the market. Initial German manufacturing capacity has been secured with additional manufacturing capacity available based on demand.

Max Pharma is a full-range German pharmaceutical wholesaler in accordance with Section 52a of the German Medicines Act (AMG). Max Pharma supplies pharmacies and clinics throughout Germany with pharmaceuticals, narcotics, and medical products. As announced April 21, 2021, Max Pharma is a licensed distribution, storage and delivery provider for Covid-ID Lab in Germany in addition to fulfilling certain regulatory reporting, notification and logistics obligations.

Parties interested in procuring Covid-ID Lab in Germany or Europe please contact:

Max Pharma GmbH

T: +49 9281 840 160

E: info@max-pharma.de

The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

About XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.

XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. is a bioscience accelerator focused on next-generation drug delivery, diagnostic, and new active pharmaceutical ingredient investment opportunities, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, low-cost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications, including psychedelic compounds and cannabinoids. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets.

XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.

Hugh Rogers, CEO and Director

Investor Inquiries:

Mr. Knox Henderson

T: 604-551-2360

E: info@xphyto.com

Media Inquiries:

MC Services AG

Julia Hofmann, Andreas Jungfer

T: +49 89 210 228 0

E: xphyto@mc-services.com

Forward looking statements

This news release includes statements containing forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "develop", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "propose" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and in this release include the statement regarding the Company's goal of building a successful diagnostic, drug delivery, and medical cannabis company. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including: that the Company may not succeed in developing a commercial product; that the sale of products may not be a viable business; that the Company may be unable to scale its business; product liability risks; product regulatory risk; general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; currency risks; competition; international risks; and other risks beyond the Company's control. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. 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 news release.

SOURCE: XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648320/XPhyto-Rapid-Point-of-Care-COVID-19-PCR-Test-Offered-for-Sale-in-Germany
The "Home Care in Germany" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Home care was one of the markets to benefit from the COVID-19 outbreak in Germany in 2020, as consumers placed a greater focus on stringent cleaning routines in the home amidst the preventative health trend. Hygiene has always been an important consideration amongst German consumers even prior to 2020, but during the pandemic, this trend was strengthened.

The Home Care in Germany market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (historic date range), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth.

It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2025 illustrate how the market is set to change.

Product coverage: Air Care, Bleach, Dishwashing, Home Insecticides, Laundry Care, Polishes, Surface Care, Toilet Care.

Data coverage: Market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

Why buy this report?

Get a detailed picture of the Home Care market;

Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;

Understand the competitive environment, the market's major players and leading brands;

Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.

Key Topics Covered:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

COVID-19 impact on home care

COVID-19 country impact

Company response

Retailing shift

What next for home care?

2020 IMPACT

Sanitising and disinfection aspects become key within laundry care in 2020

Consumers' increasing health concerns drive growth of laundry sanitiser

COVID-19 intensifies the sustainability dilemma within laundry care

Home seclusion trend propels dishwashing's stronger performance in 2020

Local start-up Everdrop launches in Germany with D2C products

Convenience and sustainability remain relevant within dishwashing

Demand for surface care soars due to the pandemic

From home care disinfectants to impregnated wet wipes, consumers focus on stringent cleaning routines

Grocery retailers and e-commerce benefit

Bleach continues to suffer from competition from other products

Product availability remains limited given its niche purpose in Germany

Health and environmental concerns continue to be obstacles

Despite lockdown demand for polishes continues to decline

Surface care continues to cannibalise sales of polishes

Athleisure trend and more casual workplace environment work against shoe polishes

Home seclusion supports stable demand for toilet care in 2020

ITBs increasing in popularity while toilet liquids/foam remains popular due to greater affordability

Sustainability less relevant during COVID-19 for toilet care purposes

Marginal benefit of home seclusion trend on air care sales in 2020

Big brands strengthen hold during pandemic

Car air fresheners experienced further declines in 2020

Social distancing lowers demand for home insecticides

Natural ingredients on the rise

Aeroxon strengthens lead in consolidated environment

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Value growth prospects to remain limited due to price erosion

Fiercer competition among top brands expected over the coming years

Can green brands and sustainability regain momentum?

Further flexible working could contribute to ongoing growth for dishwashing

Green launches could partially offset declining unit price trend

E-commerce to increase share in dishwashing

Hygiene and home health will support further growth in surface care

Shift in consumer behaviour expected even beyond the pandemic

Falling prices inevitable

No stopping the decline for bleach

Product availability and innovation to wane further

Stronger competition from surface care expected

Further time spent at home will ensure sustained growth for toilet care

Rim blocks an area for further innovation

Sustainability will be back on manufacturers' agendas

Declines for polishes to continue

No further innovation from manufacturers expected

Convenient substitutes will limit need for floor polish

Clean air at home will become increasingly relevant over forecast period

Clean air at home can open room for collaboration with appliance manufacturers

Premiumisation will drive growth in upcoming years

Home insecticides will continue to be a concentrated category

Availability of green home insecticides expected to increase

Weather will remain important in determining demand

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kzwaz5

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005411/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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 The European Insolvency Practitioners Association (EIP) shares the keys that Member States need to follow to alleviate the economic impact from the pandemic.

BRUSSELS, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The health crisis caused by COVID-19 has also brought about an economic crisis particularly concentrated around the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.

Despite the economic measures taken by institutions in Europe more specific measures regarding insolvency should be taken in the region. Although the European Commission, proposed on a first stage the Solvency Support Instrument - a mechanism with the aim of supporting otherwise viable companies in the Union that face solvency difficulties because of the coronavirus crisis.

Thus, the European Insolvency Practitioners Association has published a position paper about the state of insolvency in Europe. This document analyses the current context and also proposes some measures to alleviate the situation of the European Fabric.

1. Towards harmonisation in the insolvency sector in Europe

The great consensus and similarity among legislation in European countries will help make processes faster and more agile when acting in companies that have solvency issues, fundamentally for cross-border procedures.

2. Strengthening the transposition of the European Directive

For this purpose, the European Directive was approved on preventive restructuring and second chance frameworks, to level up the legislation in all countries of the European Union. We are calling on all European countries to push this transposition through as quickly as possible to help companies that currently need it.

3. Implementation of similar mechanisms to the Solvency Support Instrument

The European Council negotiations emptied the Solvency Support Instrument (SSI), and it seems destined to be wiped out. Consequently, the EIP is urging to set up a similar specific fund to act as an initial safety net for viable companies that are currently experiencing a transitory insolvency situation.

4. Creation of an Insolvency Practitioner licence in the EU

The Association proposes to create a certificate that proves skills training and application of a code of Good Practice for the "insolvency practitioner" to ensure their work, uniformly, throughout Europe.

5. Evaluation of reports on the operating account and the financial structure of the companies in pre-insolvency proceedings

EIP proposes an assessment by "insolvency practitioners", in greater depth than the economic reports and the financial structure of companies that are in insolvency proceedings, to determine the financial feasibility of these companies.
Former Google Benelux Country Director Marc Duijndam Joins As Co-Owner, Helps Initiate Renewed Focus On Growth And Innovation

HILVERSUM, Netherlands, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Swydo, a global leader for digital marketing dashboards, reports and visualizations announced today the buyback of the company from DialogTech, based in Chicago, Illinois, US.

A unique opportunity arose for Swydo co-founder and managing director Jeroen Maljers to reacquire the business sold three years earlier. The vision behind the acquisition is to further grow the company while maintaining continuity in terms of product offering, customer relationships and company culture. Jeroen will be joined by new co-owner Marc Duijndam, former Managing Director of Google Benelux, in the daily management of the firm.

Swydo was launched as a standalone reporting platform in 2011, quickly attracting business from digital agencies, brands and franchisors throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific region.

"We are very excited to fully focus on developing our platform, expanding our partnerships, leveraging our team's skills and growing the business," said Maljers. "Marc's extensive experience strengthens our management team and will help Swydo expand the business and achieve new growth and innovation goals."

Swydo's pre-built integrations makes retrieving data easy from third party sources like Google Ads, Facebook, LinkedIn Ads, Google Analytics, and Twitter.

"Swydo has ambitious plans to drive growth and support for our customers," said Duijndam. "Our goal is to provide a marketing hub to centralize and manage reports and dashboards for martech channels, helping our customers to make smarter data-driven business decisions every day."

About Swydo

Focused on business technology that helps digital marketers, Swydo's global reporting and monitoring platform retrieves data from multiple sources and creates professional, customizable marketing reports and dashboards. Known for its ease of use, reliability and affordability, the Netherlands based company has thousands of customers in over 80 countries around the globe. More information at swydo.com .



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MUNICH, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nagarro, a global leader in digital engineering, today announced that it has successfully crossed the 10,000-employee milestone. In line with its 'CARING' philosophy that extends to the environment and society, the company will mark this achievement by planting 10,000 trees. Nagarro continues to hire talent aggressively across the world, and especially in Austria, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Romania, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the United States.

Nagarro has been aggressively recruiting talent in the last few months to meet the increased demand from clients seeking to create new digital products and services. By becoming more visible in the job markets and ramping up its hiring operations, Nagarro was able to add over 1,000 professionals in the first quarter of 2021, net of attrition. While a portion of these are fresh graduates to be trained further, these volumes reflect both on the company's improved hiring operations and its confidence in the demand outlook.

"We dream of one day being one of the largest and most prominent companies in our space, so that we can truly fulfil our mission of making distance irrelevant between intelligent people everywhere," said Manmohan Gupta, a co-founder of Nagarro who is deeply involved with the hiring and training of recent college graduates.

Cultivating diversity and equity

Nagarro constantly rolls out new ways to attract strong talent. One of these recruiting initiatives is a women's hiring drive across India, as part of which more than 6,000 fresh graduates were interviewed and evaluated over the last months. In April, 100 new women employees were welcomed at the company in a single day and 50 more are still to join on July 1st. With over a dozen nationalities represented in senior management, cultivating diversity and equity are key themes on the company's agenda.

Giving back to nature to mark special milestone

Nagarro has historically pursued sustainability aspects with the same entrepreneurial passion as it brings to its business. "Besides trying to be the best workplace for software engineers, we strongly focus on being a responsible company that takes great care of nature and society. It is only fitting, therefore, that we have come up with something very special to mark this achievement," said Jon-Erik Trften, co-founder and Nagarrian resident of nature-loving Norway. "To celebrate the company's special milestone, Nagarro will plant 10,000 trees around the world to individually honor each of the 10,000 Nagarrians and to underline our commitment to a healthier planet."

For more information, visit www.nagarro.com

For inquiries, please contact press@nagarro.com

About Nagarro

Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, helps clients become innovative, digital-first companies and thus, win in their markets. The company is distinguished by its entrepreneurial, agile, and global character, its CARING mindset, and its approach of "Thinking Breakthroughs". Nagarro employs over 10,000 people in 26 countries. For more information, visit www.nagarro.com.

(FRA: NA9) (ISIN: DE000A3H2200) (WKN A3H220)

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Westpay AB, a leading fintech company, has signed an agreement with Open to provide a payment solution for alternative payment methods (APM), including Swish. Open (formerly OpenSolution) is a leading provider of point of sales solutions for the Nordic region's restaurant and service industries.



- Influenced by the pandemic situation, the demand increases for contactless payments in general and alternative payment methods in particular. We are well-positioned to generate revenues from processing these alternative payments thanks to our role in the payment ecosystem. Together with our longtime partner, Open, and as a first step, we will bring Swish payments to restaurants and their guests in Sweden. This is a game-changer for us at Westpay as it will making transaction revenues an integral part of our business model, says Sten Karlsson, CEO at Westpay AB.

- Westpay is a trusted technology partner to Open and has been so for many years. With their innovative Swipe2pay solution, we can keep adding new payment methods over timewhich enables us to scale. It is also vital for us to be able to consolidate transaction data for our customers. Together with Westpay we can do just that, says Claes Tolleback, COO at OpenPos AB.

This agreement is part of the existing business cooperation between the companies. It is estimated that transaction revenues from Swish processing under this agreement will commence during the third quarter of 2021.

For additional information, please contact:

Sten Karlsson, CEO Westpay AB

Mobile: +46 70-555 6065

Email: sten.karlsson@westpay.se

Hans Edin, CCO Westpay AB

Mobile: +46 70-688 02 05

Email: hans.edin@westpay.se

Certified Adviser is Redeye AB,

Phone: +46 8 121 576 90, email: certifiedadviser@redeye.se

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Citizens wait in a queue to receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at ESIS Hospital in Navi Mumbai. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: The prestigious Rockefeller Foundation on Thursday recommended a strategic roadmap to not only control COVID-19 in India, but also to manage future waves of the deadly pandemic which has killed over 2,80,000 people in the country.

The Rockefeller report, The Road Ahead for Smart COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in India, prepared in collaboration with experts and other prominent organisations outlines how India can strengthen its testing and tracing capacity to adapt to this moment, break the surge, and control future outbreaks, focusing on five critical opportunities for devising an equitable, cost-effective, and scalable COVID-19 response.

To effectively protect the population from COVID-19, it said testing and tracing strategies should be further strengthened and contextualised through a cafeteria-style approach to testing (enabling the availability of a diverse portfolio of tests with clear guidance); undertaking well-designed sero-surveys; setting regulatory pathways and quality checks on new testing technologies; ensuring equitable access to testing; and scaling genome sequencing efforts.

The report said that testing capacity, availability, and accessibility must be improved through using pooled procurement through a consortium facilitated by the Centre to reduce testing costs by a third, incentivise domestic production of testing kits and components, and control testing prices.

It seeks to enhance the demand forecast of testing for equilibrium. Doing so will ensure that testing and tracing systems are proactive and testing suppliers are response-ready, it said.

Recommending collaboration and communication for uniform and lucid information dissemination, the report says building collaboration and trust with the public must be prioritised through implementing a transparent data collection and sharing policy for researchers and citizens.

It also recommends to scale crucial components of tracing systems. Tracking and tracing require human and technological resources to effectively curb virus outbreaks and provide dignified, destigmatised support to those that test COVID-19 positive.

This focused report, with actionable recommendations, can serve as a resource in informing us specifically in areas of testing and tracing, said Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, constant testing and tracing has benefited us significantly. This was possible due to the speedy advancement through science, technology, and innovation, he said.

Quick recalibration of priorities and impact-driven public-private partnerships have steered us to achieve better capacity in testing, diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, Raghavan said.

Rajiv Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation said that the recommendations in the report make a case for reinforced testing and tracing measures to limit the ongoing pandemic and avert impending ones.

Overcoming the challenges posed by COVID-19 requires continuous learning and application of insights to improve public health outcomes, he said.

This is why we are proud to work with an incredible roster of experts and the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to support the development of more inclusive testing and tracing strategies for India, Shah said.

In its report, the Rockefeller Foundation says that it is essential to create an enabling environment where independent researchers can quickly access authentic data and analyse it to offer valuable insights for policymakers. Communication channels should be strengthened to bust rampant misinformation and allay fears of people.

Building a detailed tracing protocol that combines the best of manual and digital practices and a pool of trained healthcare workers is needed. Tracing and tracking as strategies should also be perfected, and practiced in times when infections are low, so that they can be ramped up, if next waves of the pandemic hit, or other infectious outbreaks strike in future.

The intensity of contact-tracing should be calibrated as per data from gene-sequencing, test positivity, gradient of caseload, and guidance of sero-surveys, it said.

The report notes that it is important to include backward or retrospective tracing as an important aspect of contact-tracing programmes especially since COVID-19 transmission has this typical attribute where few cases cause many and many cases do not cause any transmission.

To attain a three-fold reduction in cost of COVID-19 testing, states should procure kits and consumables through a consortium facilitated by the Centre rather than independently.

Variable cost caps across states without accounting for the diverse cost components will make it unviable for the private sector to sustain testing operations and shift the burden to the public sector, the report says.

Also, scientific demand projection undertaken quarterly can pre-empt both kit shortages as well as losses incurred by test makers due to idle capacity, it said.

Given that close to a billion people are likely to remain unvaccinated at most points in time over next 8 to 12 months, and the prospect of more infective and deadly mutations emerging, testing and tracing should continue to be an integrated part of systemic pandemic response and calibrated to complement the vaccination programme, the Rockefeller Foundation said.

With 2,76,110 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.
The M6 Foundation and the French Directory of Penitentiary Administration started building three experimental prison facilities focused on inmate reintegration through professional development and high-value job opportunities

Prisons often deal with a high recidivism rate primarily due to inadequate rehabilitation paths. Although there is interest from companies in several sectors, bureaucratic and logistical aspects and corporate image concerns often limit employment potential for those in detention.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005384/en/

Management and technology consultancy BearingPoint shows in its recent client story how it supported the M6 Foundation and the French Directorate of Penitentiary Administration (DPA) in framing a project for experimental penitentiaries that focus on reintegrating inmates through professional development and high-value job opportunities.

BearingPoint assessed the existing challenges penitentiaries face when offering employment to inmates during and after detention. Following several workshops involving the DPA and companies interested in hiring, a target operating model was created for labor and training development. The recommendations covered what jobs can be performed inside prisons, the recruitment process, and the qualification criteria. An evaluation method was also defined for inmates at the beginning, during, and after completing their development program.

Clarisse Lemouton, Partner at BearingPoint: "The InSERRE project embodies a double tipping point for the French Ministry of Justice in the design of prisons: building around the rehabilitation objective before the security one, and including external partners (civil society, companies, etc.) all along the process."

Based on BearingPoint's designed project frame, the French DPA is currently engaged in constructing three experimental prisons that will focus on inmate reintegration through professional development.

In addition to the Ministry of Justice funds, the project was awarded 35 million from a major public fund dedicated to public modernization. The funds will fully support a multi-year commitment and radically change the detainees' rehabilitation. These experimental jails enable a new rehabilitation approach that aims to make detention useful.

Albin Heuman, Director, agency for community service and professional integration of people in conflict with the law: "BearingPoint's contribution was decisive in the definition of the project and in the decision of the Keeper of the Seals to validate it. The BearingPoint teams, extremely involved and capable of integrating the issues and the operational reality of a department as particular as the prison administration, have, in fact, within an extremely tight deadline, provided a methodology and a broader vision contributing to consolidate the political project. In close collaboration with the M6 Foundation, this contribution from BearingPoint has undoubtedly saved time in the development of the InSERRE model."

About the M6 Foundation

The M6 Foundation, part of the French media holding company M6 Group, is dedicated to rehabilitating detainees and preventing recidivism. The foundation supports inmates returning to employment, fights against illiteracy, helps with more access to education, and leverages culture as a vehicle for social integration.

About the agency for community service and professional integration

The agency for community service and professional integration is part of the French Ministry of Justice. It develops community service as an alternative to incarceration and professional activities for inmates through employment and vocational training. In close collaboration with its partners, it contributes to rehabilitating convicted people and the security of all.

About BearingPoint

BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. The company operates in three business units. The first unit covers the advisory business with a clear focus on five key areas to drive growth across all regions. The second unit provides IP-driven managed services beyond SaaS and offers business-critical services to its clients, supporting their business success. The third unit provides the software for successful digital transformation. It is also designed to explore innovative business models with clients and partners by driving the financing and development of start-ups and leveraging ecosystems.

BearingPoint's clients include many of the world's leading companies and organizations. The firm has a global consulting network with more than 10,000 people and supports clients in over 70 countries, engaging with them to achieve measurable and sustainable success.

For more information, please visit:

Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint

Twitter: @BearingPoint

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005384/en/

Contacts:

Press contact

Alexander Bock

Global Manager Communications

Telephone: +49 89 540338029

E-Mail: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com
Global Fund for Children recognizes two organizations empowering incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth, as well as a third organization that cannot be named publicly.

WASHINGTON, DC and LONDON, May 20, 2021announces the winners of the 2021 Juliette Gimon Courage Awardstoday, recognizing the perseverance of three organizations working to advance the rights of children and young people living in difficult circumstances.

This year's winners include Youth Safety Awareness Initiativein Nairobi and Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshopin Washington, DC, which are being honored for their work providing opportunities for youth who have been incarcerated and keeping young people out of jail.

For the first time, the Courage Award Selection Committee has also chosen a third winner, granting a monetary prize to an organization that cannot be named publicly due to repression against civil society groups in its home country. This organization has worked fearlessly to prevent violence against children and to promote their health and rights.

Although they work in different regions of the world, the two publicly named winners have both championed the arts and education as tools to empower young people in conflict with the law. They have also advocated for criminal justice reforms and supported young people who are directly impacted by incarceration as they lead efforts for change.

Youth Safety Awareness Initiative, popularly known by its original Swahili name, Crime Si Poa, was founded by Peter Ouko while he was on death row for a crime he did not commit. In 2014, Ouko became the first inmate in Kenya to earn a diploma in common law. After he was pardoned and released in 2016, he used his experience to support incarcerated young people and to help youth living in difficult circumstances build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

In Kenya, where at least 70% of prison inmates are young people below the age of 30, according to Youth Safety Awareness Initiative, the organization advocates for legal reforms and works to reduce recidivism. It runs social enterprises and personal development sessions inside prisons, helping inmates improve their self-esteem and prepare for life after release. Through a youth-led program in low-income neighborhoods, Youth Safety Awareness Initiative also empowers young people to play a central role in community safety, and uses sports, the arts, and small business enterprises to steer youth away from crime.

"This award honors and validates Youth Safety Awareness Initiative's courage in boldly undertaking a paradigm shift on community leadership narratives," said Ouko, the organization's Executive Director. "We have borrowed the Global Fund for Children model of trust in localized solutions, and so by equipping and empowering children and youth - irrespective of their backgrounds - through education, access to justice, and social enterprise, we envision realizing a safe and crime-free society for all."

Free Minds was founded by Tara Libert and Kelli Taylor in memory Glen McGinnis, a young man on death row in Texas whom they met while working as journalists. McGinnis was passionate about books and writing. After he was executed in 2000, Libert and Taylor honored his wish to help other young people experience freedom through literature by providing books to young men incarcerated in the adult criminal legal system.

Since 2002, Free Minds has served over 1,500 young people through book clubs, creative writing workshops, and community support. The organization also provides workforce development, peer support, trauma healing, and violence prevention programs to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth and adults achieve their career and life goals and become community change-makers.

"We are incredibly honored and uplifted by the Juliette Gimon Courage Award," said Libert, the Executive Director of Free Minds. "This recognition sheds light on the extreme racial inequities of the US criminal legal system that punishes children as adults and banishes them to the margins of society. This award supports our members' work to heal the trauma inflicted by the prison system, and amplify the voices of the courageous young people who are leading the way in the struggle to build a better, more equitable future."

Global Fund for Children gives the annual Courage Awards through the Juliette Gimon Fund for Courageous Leadership- a more than $1 million endowment made possible by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and other donors - in honor of Juliette Gimon, who passed away in 2018. A former GFC Board Chair, Gimon helped shape GFC through her wisdom, insights, and profound concern for children, changing hundreds of thousands of young lives across the globe.

"We're pleased to recognize Youth Safety Awareness Initiative and Free Minds for their incredible work ensuring that children and youth impacted by incarceration have the tools they need to achieve their goals and create change in their communities," said John Hecklinger, President and CEO of Global Fund for Children. "These organizations share the brave and passionate spirit that made Juliette such an extraordinary advocate for children around the world."

"We're saddened that we can't publicly recognize the third winner because doing so could put the organization in danger," he added. "Unfortunately, closing civic spaces have negatively impacted the work of many grassroots organizations serving children and youth around the world."

The 2021 Courage Award winners were selected from 17 finalists that have empowered children and youth to overcome tremendous obstacles, including homelessness, poverty, and a lack of access to quality education.



ABOUT GLOBAL FUND FOR CHILDREN



Global Fund for Children partners to build a world where all children and youth enjoy equal resources and opportunities in society and live free from violence, discrimination, and exploitation. To that end, GFC invests in innovative local organizations, helping them deepen their impact and build their capacity for social change. Together, GFC and its partners advance the rights of children and youth facing poverty and injustice and equip them with the tools and skills to reach their full potential. Since 1997, Global Fund for Children has invested $46 million in more than 725 organizations, reaching more than 11 million children and youth worldwide. For more information, visit www.globalfundforchildren.org.

ABOUT THE JULIETTE GIMON COURAGE AWARDS

Juliette Gimon, a former Board Chair of Global Fund for Children, passed away on February 24, 2018. GFC established the Juliette Gimon Fund for Courageous Leadership, a more than $1 million endowment made possible by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and other generous donors. Annual awards from the fund - the Juliette Gimon Courage Awards - recognize innovative grassroots organizations around the world that are positively impacting children in especially challenging circumstances. Some recipients have overcome considerable obstacles to pioneer an innovation that transforms circumstances for children and youth. Others demonstrate the courage of resilience, thriving amid unusual contextual challenges; still others have leaders who have navigated personal hardship and channeled adversity into their organization's cause. For more information, visit www.globalfundforchildren.org/courage-awards.

ABOUT YOUTH SAFETY AWARENESS INITIATIVE

Nairobi, Kenya

Dedicated to reducing rates of incarceration and recidivism among Kenyan youth, Youth Safety Awareness Initiative works directly in prisons to develop young people's leadership and livelihood skills. The organization also works in areas with high crime rates to empower young people and keep them from coming into conflict with the law. Through a youth-led program, Youth Safety Awareness Initiative uses sports, the arts, and small business enterprises to steer youth away from crime. In addition, the organization advocates for legal reforms, rehabilitation, and open dialogue with law enforcement and others involved in the criminal justice system. For more information, visit www.crimesipoa.org.

ABOUT FREE MINDS BOOK CLUB & WRITING WORKSHOP

Washington, DC, United States

Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop uses books and creative writing to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth and adults realize their full potential and build connections with the community. The organization also provides workforce development, peer support, and violence prevention programs. Since 2002, Free Minds has served over 1,500 young people. The organization also raises awareness about incarceration and criminal justice issues through media outreach and advocacy. For more information, visit freemindsbookclub.org.

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NANJING, China, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "Low-carbon development is related to the future of mankind" has become a global consensus. To achieve the goal of carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality, the most important task is to realize the low-carbon transformation of the energy system. In May 2021, State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Company and Xinhua News Agency jointly launched a news operation, driving live broadcast car and new energy vehicles along the Huainan-Nanjing-Shanghai UHV project line, an important energy transmission channel in China. They visited the new power system with new energy as the main body, to tell the story of the practice of green and low-carbon development in the Yangtze River Delta and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, according to the State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Company.

All along the way, the news action showed the changes in energy production and use. In Huainan, Anhui, the action interprets China's UHV development process and unveils the mystery of the pillar of the great power; In Jinhu, Huai'an, Jiangsu, the new photovoltaic power generation model of "Fishery -- solar complementation" has greatly improved the utilization rate of resources and effectively improved the local ecological environment; in Rudong, Nantong, China's first world-class offshore wind power port, a group of ocean giants is rising on the coastline, providing clean power for millions of families and businesses; in Chongming, Shanghai, a future world-class ecological island of carbon neutrality, green buses cover the entire island, and all the branches of the China Flower Expo use PV power generation. The island's power and cultural ecosystem makes the green "scenery" solidify the original ecological flavor; the Tongli ancient town of Suzhou has turned into the model of new energy town, "buildings with renewable energies", "roads with battery storages" and "wind-solar-battery multi-energy complementation", where the ancient and the future meet magically.

Regional pilot projects are an important action for achieving China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality. While continuing to serve as the engine of China's economic growth, the regional integration strategy will also lead the country's zero-carbon transition and become a model for national green development.

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Caption: Discover the development of the new power system in the Yangtze River Delta, explore China's actions in green and carbon reduction

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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.
STOCKHOLM, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International SaaS company Netigate has recruited Henrik Ceder as the new Chief Product Officer. Henrik has experience working globally, having spent many years in China and leading teams across Asia, the US, and Europe.

Since beginning his career at telecoms giant Nokia in 1999, Henrik Ceder has gone on to gain extensive experience in delivering customer value through leading product teams in tech. He has a strong growth and innovation background from previous roles at Tobii, Camfil and HBK, and has been a board member of SaaS companies across Sweden and China.

"I am delighted to join Netigate. I'm impressed by Netigate's recent recruitment efforts, as well as the new strategic direction. I'm passionate about products in general, and I am on a mission to make Netigate the best feedback solution on the market. I'm very curious about how customers perceive Netigate and how we can support them to integrate Netigate into their feedback processes. My first task is to ensure there is a clear and aligned customer journey and that we have the products necessary to support our customers in achieving success. I want to help companies make better, data-driven decisions based on feedback from their customers and employees," says Henrik Ceder, newly appointed CPO at Netigate.

"Good leaders understand the value of employee engagement and strive to build strong teams and high-performing organizations. After 20 years in various leadership positions myself, it's great to join a company developing solutions to help others succeed. Netigate wants to enable other businesses to reach their full potential with the help of feedback. My ambition in this new role is to facilitate a modern, digital experience, making employee and customer feedback easily actionable."

"Henrik's recruitment is a highly strategic move for us at Netigate. He will complement the management team and take our product to the next level. We are now transforming our offering, and the changes we our doing now will build a solid foundation for global acceleration," says Netigate's CEO, Mikkel Drucker.Henrik will start his new role at Netigate on the 17th of May 2021.

Press contact:

Sophie Hedestad

Chief Marketing Officer

sophie.hedestad@netigate.se

+46 732 012 498

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/netigate-ab/r/henrik-ceder-appointed-as-new-chief-product-officer-at-netigate,c3350583

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SUZHOU, China, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen years ago, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, a partnership between the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom and Xi'an Jiaotong University in China, started with one building and 164 students.

Today, at 18,000 students from around the globe, XJTLU is the largest joint-venture university in China. It boasts approximately 900 staff from 50 countries and regions. The University's alumni study at global top universities and work at world-leading companies.

Key to its success is its unique blend of educational styles, enabling students to become internationally minded global citizens.

As an institution constantly looking forward, it's fitting that XJLTU is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the launch of new academies and plans to expand outside its home province.

On Saturday, 22 May, the University will launch its Academy of Future Education, encompassing research and education activities, training for educators in and outside of the University, support for students' educational growth, and a platform for online and onsite lifelong learning around the globe. "The future of education is not focused on teachers imparting knowledge to students, but instead on how educational institutions will support lifelong learning," says Dr Xiaojun Zhang , Executive Dean of the Academy.

, Executive Dean of the Academy. To provide tools for all learners, XJTLU and the Academy of Future Education will open the XJTLU Learning Mall to the public on Saturday, one year after its launch to University staff and students. Available offerings at www.learningmall.cn continue to grow, with partners including Adobe, Microsoft, McGraw-Hill Group, Alibaba Cloud and Digital China providing educational content, training and online certification tests.

continue to grow, with partners including Adobe, Microsoft, McGraw-Hill Group, and Digital China providing educational content, training and online certification tests. XJTLU's Academy of Film and Creative Technology also will launch Saturday. "Partnering with media and creative industries will enable us to meet industry needs and train students and professionals to be cultural and creative industry leaders," says Professor Stuart Perrin , Associate Principal of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang).

, Associate Principal of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang). XJTLU's plans include additional exploration of online-onsite educational models and expansion to other sites like China's Greater Bay Area ( Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macau ), where the University plans to establish the XIPU Innovation and Education College (GBA).

Learn more at www.xjtlu.edu.cn

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NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and BioNTech SE (BNTX) announced Thursday the BioNTech Europe GmbH has entered into an agreement with Turkey's Ministry of Health to supply 60 million additional doses of the companies' COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, with an option for an additional 30 million doses. In December last year, the two companies announced an initial agreement to provide 30 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to Turkey. With the latest deal, the total number of doses to be supplied to Turkey will be up to 120 million, all of which will be delivered in 2021. Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech, said, 'Our goal is to deliver as many doses of our COVID-19 vaccine as possible to people around the world to help end this pandemic, reduce COVID-19-related hospitalisations and return to a normal life.' The vaccine, which is based on BioNTech's proprietary mRNA technology, was developed by both BioNTech and Pfizer. BioNTech is the Marketing Authorization Holder in the European Union. 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.
Argenta Limited ("Argenta"), the only global contract research organization (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in animal health, and NovaQuest Capital Management ("NovaQuest") announced today a $30 million product financing agreement for the development of several innovative veterinary pharmaceuticals.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005132/en/

The collaboration leverages NovaQuest's capital and expertise, and Argenta's knowledge and know-how in research and development activities that advance animal health.

"The capital investment from NovaQuest accelerates Argenta's strategy of providing innovative solutions and Molecule to Market services through global partnerships. We are delighted by the collaboration with NovaQuest and we look forward to strengthening our partnership through additional programs in the future," said Ben Russell, CEO of Argenta.

Argenta will conduct the R&D activities from its locations in the United States and New Zealand and will use proprietary drug delivery technologies to develop what are expected to be the next generation of veterinary pharmaceutical products. Argenta and NovaQuest will look for commercialization partners as the project progresses.

"This is an historic milestone for Argenta and instrumental in advancing our commitment to deliver innovation to the animal health industry. I am excited to leverage our product development expertise, IP and technology to accelerate some of the many options available," commented Edward McGruder, Global head of Research, Development and Innovation at Argenta.

For NovaQuest, a premier biopharma and life sciences investment firm with extensive experience in human health product financing, this represents their first expansion into a collaboration of this nature within the animal health industry.

"We are excited to enter into this collaboration with Argenta, a trusted global leader in the animal health industry. With this investment we expand NovaQuest's commitment to funding innovation in animal health across a wide range of companies and products," said Jonathan Tunnicliffe, Chief Investment Officer of NovaQuest.

"NovaQuest's commitment to bringing innovation to the animal health industry, combined with Argenta's unparalleled end-to-end development capabilities and expertise make this a truly exciting collaboration," said Brian Axe, Managing Director at NovaQuest

Both companies are eager to start this product development journey to help accelerate innovation in the animal health industry.

Wyrick Robbins Yates Ponton LLP acted as legal counsel to NovaQuest.

About NovaQuest

Founded by a team of accomplished industry professionals who began working together in 2000, NovaQuest Capital Management is a premier biopharma and life sciences investment firm. NovaQuest pioneered a Product Finance solution for the industry, providing at-risk, nondilutive funding that enables partner companies to advance pivotal clinical trials, launch new brands, license products, and acquire accretive products or companies. NovaQuest has invested in scores of biopharmaceutical assets across therapeutic areas with a clinical success rate higher than the industry average. Currently managing more than $2.2 billion in capital, NovaQuest is actively investing from the $1.2 billion Pharma Opportunities Fund V, evaluating global opportunities with financing needs that range from $30-100 million. Leveraging the core platform, NovaQuest is expanding its strategy to bring much needed capital to the animal health industry. NovaQuest is actively evaluating and investing in opportunities across animal segments and geographies. For more information, please visit www.novaquest.com

About Argenta

Argenta is the only combined global contract research organization (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) dedicated to animal health. Founded in 2006 in New Zealand, Argenta's talented, diverse and committed employees work on a daily basis to deliver excellence in animal health to customers around the world. With research and GMP manufacturing operations in New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom, Argenta operates 'from Molecule to Market' in partnership with its customers to support their R&D, regulatory, clinical research and manufacturing needs along the veterinary product development journey. For more information about Argenta, please visit www.argentaglobal.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005132/en/

Contacts:

For NovaQuest:

Philip Nunes

BackBay Communications

+1 617-391-0792

Phil.nunes@backbaycommunications.com

For Argenta:

Annemieke de Keijzer

+1 732-439-3446

globalcommunications@argentaglobal.com
MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / MONARCH MINING CORPORATION ("Monarch" or the "Corporation") (TSX:GBAR)(OTCQX:GBARF) is pleased to announce that the Corporation has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Monarch upgraded to the OTCQX market from the Pink market.

Monarch begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "GBARF". US investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their US investors. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

"We are very pleased to be trading on the OTCQX," said Jean-Marc Lacoste, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monarch. "This is an important milestone for Monarch, which will facilitate trading in our stock for US investors as we are aiming to expand our shareholder base to a larger pool of retail and institutional investors."

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

About Monarch

Monarch Mining Corporation (TSX: GBAR; OTCQX: GBARF) 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jean-Marc Lacoste 1-888-994-4465

President and Chief Executive Officer jm.lacoste@monarchmining.com

Mathieu Seguin 1-888-994-4465

Vice President, Corporate Development m.seguin@monarchmining.com

Elisabeth Tremblay 1-888-994-4465

Senior Geologist - Communications Specialist e.tremblay@monarchmining.com

www.monarchmining.com

SOURCE: Monarch Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648265/Monarch-Mining-Commences-Trading-on-the-OTCQX-Market
Vijayawada: Minister for Agriculture K. Kannababu presented the budget for agriculture and allied sectors with an outlay of Rs.31,256.36 crore for the year 202122 with emphasis on the welfare of farmers in the Assembly on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister expressed gratitude to the farming community for working hard, braving the Corona pandemic, to feed the people. He thanked Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for being partial towards the farmers by paying utmost care for their welfare since assuming office. He said the state government had spent in the last 23 months an amount of nearly Rs. 68,000 core for implementing various schemes with a major allocation of Rs. 17,430 crore for providing free power to the farmers.

Being critical of the previous Telugu Desam government for failing to clear dues, he said that their government had cleared pending dues worth Rs. 2,771 crore. He thanked the CM for giving him the opportunity to present the agriculture budget for the third consecutive year. He said the CM believed that if the farmer was happy the whole state would prosper, and, accordingly, he turned farmerbiased and so did the entire government machinery.

Detailing allocation of funds for various schemes, the minister informed that Rythu Bharosa Kendralu (RBKs) were providing a series of services ranging from providing seeds to procurement of crops and said that they were working on four pillars of supply of quality inputs, training and agriculture extension, procurement and sale and integrated agriculture advisory centres. He described them as Farmers Modern Temples, and said that an amount of Rs. 128 crore was proposed to strengthen the RBKs further in the budget.

For the implementation of YSR Rythu BharosaPK Kisan scheme, an amount of Rs. 6,876.50 crore was proposed in the budget, he said. For distribution of seed on subsidy basis at RBK level, an amount of Rs. 100 crore was allocated. The Minister informed that 6.99 lakh quintals of subsidy seed was distributed to 13.96 lakh farmers for Kharif 2020, and 2.20 lakh quintals supplied to Rs. 3.04 lakh farmers for Rabi through the RBKs.

Proposed allocation of funds under several schemes in the budget include: Dr YSR Free Crop Insurance  Rs. 1,802.82 crore; YSR Sunna Vaddi Patna Runalu  Rs.500 crore; for Dr YSR Polambai, an amount of Rs.61.91 crore was proposed from the Centrally sponsored schemes; Organic Farming Policy  Rs.311.62 crore under APCNF from the Centrally Sponsored Schemes; Dr YSR Agriculture Testing Labs  Rs.88.57 crore; Natural Calamity Relief Fund  Rs.2,000 crore; Ex Gratia to farmers families  Rs.20 crore. In total, agriculture department has got a total allocation of Rs.14,049.29 crore in the budget.

An amount of Rs.610.8 crore has been proposed for allocation towards marketing department with specific allocation for price stabilisation fund to the tune of Rs.500 crore. Proposed allocation of funds for various departments include: Department of Cooperation  Rs.303.04 crore; food processingRs.186.91 crore; horticulture  Rs.537.03 crore; sericulture  Rs.97.36 crore; animal husbandry  Rs.1,026.37 crore; fisheries  Rs.329.48 crore; agriculture power subsidy to farmers  Rs.5,000 crore; MGNREGS works  Rs.8,116.16 crore and YSR Jala Kala  Rs.200 crore. For developmental works and research aspects, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University got an allocation of Rs.359.76 crore and Dr YSR Horticulturural University Rs.69.91 crore in the budget.
Syngenta Group announced today that Daniel Vennard, former Global Director at the World Resources Institute, will join as Chief Sustainability Officer on July 26, 2021. He will be based in Basel, Switzerland, reporting to CEO Erik Fyrwald.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005404/en/

Daniel Vennard (Photo: Business Wire)

As Chief Sustainability Officer, Vennard will help Syngenta Group continue strengthening its ability to help farmers practice regenerative agriculture. He will be responsible for developing and implementing Syngenta Group's sustainability and net-zero goals. He will also work with the business units to fully integrate sustainability into the Syngenta Group's business strategy. Daniel and his team will build on the company's Good Growth Plan, which is a bold set of commitments that provides a pathway towards regenerative agriculture to better enable food systems to work in harmony with nature.

"Sustainability is at the heart of the Syngenta Group. We believe agricultural innovations can contribute to the most pressing challenges facing the planet, including climate change, soil health, loss of biodiversity and food security." said Erik Fyrwald, CEO of Syngenta Group. "Daniel's creativity and remarkable expertise in sustainability will help us further advance regenerative farming practices and help mitigate the harmful effects of global warming. I'm looking forward to Daniel helping us achieve our ambitious goals. I also thank Petra Laux for her great work as acting Chief Sustainability Officer."

Daniel brings extensive experience developing sustainability strategies and launching global sustainability programs that deliver growth and impact. In his most recent position as Global Director at the World Resources Institute, he founded the Better Buying Lab and brought together a team of scientists who developed, tested and scaled innovations that helped consumers choose sustainable plant-based food. He also launched the Cool Food Pledge, which helped more than forty organizations reduce their food-related emissions.

Prior to joining the World Resources Institute Daniel worked for fifteen years at Mars Incorporated and Procter and Gamble in corporate strategy, sustainability and marketing. (He holds a Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences from Sheffield University, UK.)

"I am honored to join the Syngenta team and further build on their sustainability work," said Vennard. "This is a pivotal moment in agriculture. By establishing more productive and climate- friendly agricultural products and services, we have an immense opportunity to create a more sustainable future for generations to come."

Petra Laux, who served as acting Chief Sustainability Officer and Head Business Sustainability EAME, will take on the role of Head of Business Sustainability for Syngenta Crop Protection. In her new role, Petra will be responsible for integrating sustainability into all aspects of Syngenta's Crop Protection strategy as well as crop protection regulatory affairs, product stewardship and implementation of public and government affairs globally. Petra will report to Jon Parr, President of Syngenta Crop Protection.

About Syngenta Group

Syngenta Group is one of the world's leading agricultural technology and innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Its 49,000 people across more than 100 countries strive to transform agriculture through breakthrough products and technologies that play a vital role in enabling the food chain to feed the world safely, sustainably and with respect for our planet. Swiss-based and Chinese-owned, the group draws strength from its four business units Syngenta Crop Protection headquartered in Switzerland, Syngenta Seeds headquartered in the United States, ADAMA headquartered in Israel, and Syngenta Group China that provide industry-leading ways to serve customers everywhere.

Data protection is important to us. You are receiving this publication on the legal basis of Article 6 para 1 lit. f GDPR ("legitimate interest"). However, if you do not wish to receive further information about Syngenta Group, just send us a brief informal message and we will no longer process your details for this purpose. You can also find further details in our privacy statement.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as "expect," "would," "will," "potential," "plans," "prospects," "estimated," "aiming," "on track" and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta Group, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta Group assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005404/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations

media@syngentagroup.com
First 100pure-electric BYD Tang SUVs head to Norway with plans to deliver 1500 cars in 2021

BYD is today celebrating a significant production milestone by becoming one of the first new energy vehicle manufacturers globally to produce one million electric passenger cars. The one-millionth car, the Han EV, rolled off the production line today at BYD's headquarters and manufacturing facility in Shenzhen.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005558/en/

VIPs from government departments, industry associations, BYD's partners and suppliers (Photo: Business Wire)

At a special ceremony this morning, VIPs from government departments, industry associations, BYD's partners and suppliers, more than 400 media guests, and about 100 BYD vehicle owners, gathered to mark the occasion.

The landmark moment in BYD's history coincides with the announcement that the first batch of 100 pure-electric BYD Tang SUVs are now ready for delivery to Norway with the Scandinavian country selected as the platform for BYD's ambitious plans in the European passenger car market. BYD also announced that a total of 1500 Tang SUVs will be delivered to Norway before the end of the year as the company commits to accelerating its European and global strategies. The initial 100 cars are scheduled for delivery to Norwegian customers in the third quarter of this year.

BYD's one-millionth new energy passenger car rolls off the production line

BYD's pioneering work in the development of battery technology and new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing has led the new energy revolution in the global automotive industry since the company's emergence in 2003 spearheaded by innovative technologies and a well-calibrated global business strategy. In 2004, BYD unveiled its all-electric concept car, the ET, at the Beijing Auto Show, marking the premiere debut of an NEV model. This was followed in 2008 when the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid NEV the F3DM was officially unveiled. Then, in 2020, the BYD Han was launched with performance specs setting twelve records globally and nine in China. The BYD Han continues to be a top-selling model in the mid-to-large luxury sedan sector, and with the credentials to rival models from the three German luxury car giants.

"BYD shoulders the responsibility and mission of upward development for China's new energy vehicle brands," said Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Co., Ltd. "From zero to one million vehicles, this is BYD's response to the call for global auto industry transformation. It also sets a benchmark in the journey of the new energy vehicle industry in China starting from nothing, alongside the greater national journey for a country dominated by traditional automobiles to one that is a leader in the field of sustainability."

Customers first and foremost

"The journey to one million vehicles would not be possible without the support of car owners every step of the way," he added, "and BYD recognises that the 'green dream' can only be achieved hand-in-hand with all our customers."

With this close relationship with customers in mind, BYD has invited ten of its NEV customers to attend the ceremony, including the owners of the 100,000th and the one-millionth vehicles to join BYD as it celebrates its work in helping move towards a better, more sustainable future.

In the central square of BYD's global headquarters, another eighty BYD car owners assembled their vehicles in a specially choreographed display forming the number '1,000,000' to help celebrate the milestone.

First 100 BYD Tang SUVs head for Norway with 1500 units scheduled in 2021

Alongside news of the production of its one-millionth passenger car line, BYD has also confirmed its entry into the European market with the first 100 pure-electric BYD Tang SUVs on their way to Norway. The northern European country has been selected to kick off BYD's journey towards a successful presence in the burgeoning NEVs market in Europe.

With Rolf Petter Almklov, Commercial Counsellor, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, alongside Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD, the first batch of 100 Tang SUVs will be shipped at the end of May and delivered to local customers in Norway during the third quarter of this year. Also before the end of 2021, BYD plans to deliver a total of 1500 Tang SUVs to Norway, underlining a significant commitment from BYD to its new Scandinavian market and its European neighbours.

With decarbonisation high on the political agenda in Europe, BYD's entry into the passenger car market comes at an important time. The BYD Tang EV provides serious competition for the more established European brands, with its stylish design and new technologies providing a compelling proposition for new car buyers. Central to its technology credentials is the new ultra-safe, space-saving Blade Battery, with performance figures including a class-leading range of up to 505km (NEDC) and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6-seconds from its 86.4 kWh capacity.

BYD describes its new business in Norway as the 'start of the European dream' with respect to its passenger car ambitions. A key differentiator for BYD is its commitment to bringing only pure-electric, 100% emissions-free cars to market a strategy supported by BYD's electric bus product range and its leading position in eBus markets right across Europe.

Working side-by-side with leading supply-chain partners to forge the way

The key to realising BYD's dreams has been the support of leading supply-chain partners. At today's ceremony, Wang Chuanfu made special reference to ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Fuyao, Valeo and others, while stating BYD's intention to join hands with even more partners in a joint endeavour to lead the transformation of the global automotive industry and to forge the way ahead for electrification.

The replacement of the internal combustion engine with new energy vehicles and specifically battery electric vehicles is crucial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, ensuring national energy security, and further achieving the goal of 'peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060'. As a principal participant and major force in the new energy automotive industry, BYD will continue to work with partners, suppliers and customers, to push ahead and realise the dream of green travel.

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China's largest privately-owned enterprises. Since its inception in 1995, the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became a relentless advocate of sustainable development, successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions. Its creation of a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem comprising affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, and cutting-edge electrified transportation has made it an industry leader in the energy and transportation sectors. BYD is listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. More information on the company can be found at http://www.byd.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005558/en/

Contacts:

Asia-Pacific: Mia Gu

mia.gu@byd.com; tel: +86-755-8988-8888-69666

North America: Frank Girardot

frank.girardot@byd.com; tel: +1 213 245 6503

Latin America: Mariana Osorio

mariana.osorio@byd.com; tel: +56 9 8588 0333

Brazil: Adalberto Maluf

adalberto.maluf@byd.com; tel: +19 3514 2554

Europe: Penny Peng

penny.peng@byd.com; tel: +31-102070888
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) -Ethos Gold Corp. (TSXV: ECC) (OTCQB: ETHOF) (FSE: 1ET) ("Ethos" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Heath, CFA, to the position of President and CEO and as a director of the Company. Craig Roberts, P.Eng. has stepped down as CEO and been appointed as Chairman of the Board.

Craig Roberts, P.Eng., Chairman of Ethos stated: "We are delighted that Alex has accepted the position of CEO of Ethos. Alex has over 15 years of accounting, corporate finance, investment banking and capital markets experience focused on the mining industry. He has worked on numerous public and private equity offerings, valuations, fairness opinions, and M&A transactions. He graduated with a B.Com. (Honours) specializing in Finance and Marketing from the Sauder School of Business at UBC and is a CFA charter holder. Since joining the Company as President in November of last year, the board has been been impressed with his strong work ethic, strategic focus, and communication and leadership abilities. His skills and background complement and add to the strong technical leadership team Ethos has now built. As Chairman, I intend to stay engaged in the executive management of Ethos and look forward to working with Alex in executing on a sequence of drill programs designed to maximize the potential for a significant discovery."

Alex Heath, CFA., President and CEO, added, "I am excited to lead an extremely talented technical team and am confident that we have the key elements in place to unlock significant value for shareholders as we set to begin our inaugural drill program at our fully-permitted Perk-Rocky copper-gold porphyry project in June, while at the same time advancing work on multiple projects from our portfolio with the intention of developing a sequence of drill programs through 2021."

Granting of Options

Ethos announces the grant of a total of 3,760,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, and consultants of the Company, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. Each option is exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company for five years at a price of C$0.225 per common share in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan.

About Ethos Gold Corp.

Ethos Gold, a Discovery Group company, has accumulated a portfolio of district scale projects in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland that we believe have large scale discovery potential. The Company has a strong technical team led by Dr. Rob Carpenter, formerly the CEO of Kaminak Gold Corporation. Rob led the Kaminak team from initial listing in 2005 through acquisition and discovery of the multiple-million-ounce Coffee Gold Project. In Ethos, he has assembled a senior geologic team with a strong record of discovery success including Dr. Robert Brozdowski, P.Geo., Dan MacNeil, M.Sc., P. Geo, Dr. Alan Wainwright, P.Geo, and Dr. Quinton Hennigh, an economic geologist with 25 years of exploration experience formerly with Homestake Mining Company, Newcrest Mining and Newmont Mining Corp. With working capital of approximately C$10 million, the Company is well funded to advance its projects.

Ethos Gold Corp.

Per: "Alex Heath"

Alex Heath, CFA, President and CEO

For further information about Ethos Gold Corp. or this news release, please visit our website at ethosgold.com or contact Alex Heath at 604-354-2491 or by email at alexh@ethosgold.com.

Ethos Gold Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions:

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Private Placements, and other project opportunities. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances, necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, risks and uncertainties related to the Company's ability to complete the Private Placements and the size of the Private Placements, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84629
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Global Battery Metals Ltd. (TSXV: GBML) (OTCQB: REZZF) (FSE: REZ) (the "Company" or "GBML") is pleased to announce that the Company has now mobilized its drilling contractor, Priority Drilling Limited ("Priority") to drill six proposed holes at its North-West Leinster Lithium Project ("NW Leinster Project"), in Ireland.

Highlights of Drill Program:

Drills mobilized to commence fully funded drill program at NW Leinster Lithium Project, Ireland

Program consists of six holes totalling 900m

Targeting visible spodumene in several areas

Prospect lies 20km to the NE of the Avalonia Project - the joint venture between Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. and International Lithium Corporation

Drilling expected to be completed within two weeks

"We are pleased to have mobilized our drilling contractor to begin our fully funded drill program at the NW Leinster Project in Ireland," stated Michael Murphy, President and CEO of GBML. "Drilling will test both the best prospecting samples as well as the highest values for lithium reported in the base overburden grid, as is expected to be completed within two weeks."

About North-West Leinster Lithium Project

The NW Leinster Project is focused on the exploration for lithium bearing (spodumene) pegmatites in the northern part of the Leinster Massif in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland. The project area covers fifteen (15) government issued prospecting licences and are collectively termed the North West Leinster Block (NWLB). The Block covers a total area of 477.39 km2 and is located predominantly within the Wicklow Mountains, which forms a large belt of continuous upland area trending in a NE-SW direction, to the south and south-west of Dublin.

Six holes for a total of 900m are targeted on the granite contact zone with the Maulin Formation. The first three holes intend to test both the best prospecting samples located at this prospect as well as the highest values for lithium reported in the base overburden grid survey. The remaining three holes will be collared further to the NE along the same contact zone and will be sited based on the information gained from the initial fence.

All necessary government drilling permits have been received from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, along with an annual renewable licence from the landowner Coillte, who are the Irish state-owned commercial body which manages all forestry and on whose lands the NW Leinster Lithium Project is located.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements and has been reviewed and approved by Vaughan Williams, P. Geo., principal geologist at Aurum Exploration Services Limited and Director of LRH Resources Ltd., and a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

About Global Battery Metals Ltd.

GBML is a mineral exploration company with a focus on metals that make up and support the rapid evolution to battery power. GBML's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Frankfurt Stock Exchange and quoted on the OTCQB. GBML currently has three projects: (1) an option to acquire up to a 90% in the North-West Leinster lithium property in Ireland, (2) a 100% interest in the Lithium King property in Utah, and (3) a 55% stake in Peru-based Lara copper property, which has over 10,000 metres of drilling. As previously disclosed, Minsur S.A., a Peruvian mining company, entered into an option agreement with GBML and Lara Exploration Ltd. to acquire the Lara copper property for staged payments of USD$5.75 million. GBML will retain a 0.75% net smelter royalty.

Global Battery Metals Ltd.

Michael Murphy BA, MBA, MSc., ICD

President & CEO

T: 604-649-2350

E: MM@gbml.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to a drill program to be conducted on the Company's North-West Leinster lithium property in Ireland. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84555
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has formed a strategic alliance with Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SIC) (OTCQB: SICNF) ("Sokoman") with the goal of exploring prospective greenfields for gold in Newfoundland. The two companies have staked a new property named the Golden Hope Joint Venture (the "Property" or the "Golden Hope JV") consisting of 3,146 claims covering 786 km2 (78,650 hectares) on two major gold-bearing structures in south-central Newfoundland. The alliance will also include a 50-50 Joint Venture on Benton's recently acquired Kepenkeck Gold Property (see Company news release dated May 6, 2021).

The Golden Hope JV lies at the north-western edge of the Hermitage Flexure, the predominant geological feature of the south Newfoundland Appalachians. The western Hermitage Flexure is a structurally complex region with a diverse mineral endowment. The most prominent structures on the Property, and the focus of imminent exploration, are a linked system of west-verging thrust faults (Bay D'Est Fault Zone) and a transverse, wrench fault system (Gunflap Hills Fault Zone). These types of fault zones can be gold-bearing, and the same rocks elsewhere in Newfoundland are a prime focus of ongoing gold exploration and the site of major gold discoveries (e.g. Central Newfoundland Gold Belt). Historical exploration by major companies in the western Hermitage Flexure region led to the major gold discoveries at Hope Brook and Cape Ray, and spurred the first systematic gold exploration in northern and central Newfoundland. However, outside of these discoveries, the remainder of the west-central Hermitage Flexure remains underexplored, despite known occurrences of gold, the presence of unsourced till, soil and stream sediment geochemical anomalies, and the first-order commonalities and linkages between southern and central Newfoundland. The Golden Hope JV is transected by the paved Burgeo highway and major power transmission line. Additional details will follow after the compilation of the previous work has been completed.

On the recently optioned Kepenkeck Project, consisting of 595 claim units over 15,625 hectares located near the NE extension of the Hermitage Flexure and along trend from Canstar Resources' Golden Baie Project, Benton and Sokoman will share the cost of option payments and exploration cost (50-50) and initial exploration will commence shortly. Benton and Sokoman are excited to have acquired the project which has new road access, little historical work, and favourable geology located on a major structure. The work will begin imminently. Recent prospecting completed by the vendor (the Keats) identified up to 2.45 g/t gold in grab samples, and visible gold has been panned from till in two locations on the property.

The new alliance with Sokoman provides Benton's shareholders with an excellent opportunity to reduce exploration risk and employ the technical expertise of Sokoman while retaining a large percentage of the projects in a flourishing gold mining district. The companies will apply for work permits immediately.

WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT

Benton Resources Inc. and Sokoman Minerals Corp. will host a joint webinar next Thursday, May 27 at 2 pm EST to go over the details of the new strategic alliance. Investors can sign up using the following registration link: https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=DE93F551-FCF4-4FB3-9102-6B8791B1FBC1

QP

Nathan Sims (P.Geo., PEGNL Member 09409), Senior Exploration Manager for Benton Resources Inc., the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources is a well-funded Canadian-based project generator with a diversified property portfolio in Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. Benton holds multiple high-grade projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's website. Most projects have an up-to-date 43-101 Report available.

Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Stares, President & CEO

Phone: 807-475-7474

Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

Phone: 416-868-1079 x251

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Website: www.bentonresources.ca

Twitter: @BentonResources

Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84620
Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Minera Alamos Inc. (TSXV: MAI) (the "Company" or "Minera Alamos") is pleased to announce that this week, the Company successfully executed the first planned production blasts at the Nicho Norte pit at the Santana gold mine in Sonora, Mexico. With this inaugural blast successfully completed drilling has already begun on subsequent blasting as the Nicho Norte pit is opened up.







Photo 1 - Inaugural mining blast at the Nicho Norte zone - Bench 905

To view an enhanced version of Photo 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4183/84622_ba3164ddd49bfbaa_002full.jpg

The initial blasting at Nicho Norte provided excellent fragmentation and further optimization is planned as blasting operations continue. Stockpiling of the mineralized material is ongoing in advance of the initiation of screening and crushing activities. This first material will be used to test the leaching circuit and commission the carbon plant prior to continuous loading of the heap leach pad as the Company takes a prudent approach to ramping up operations at Santana throughout the remainder of 2021 ahead of more steady state operation in 2022 and beyond.

"The Company is tremendously proud of the efforts of our Mexican operations group and their success in moving a new gold project through construction and into operations during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. It has required major perseverance and significant skill and creativity," stated Darren Koningen, CEO of Minera Alamos. "The start-up of operations allows us to efficiently perform our final optimizations at a production scale while moving towards commercial production. It is an exciting time for everyone in the Company and our investors as we make the final transition to a gold producer."







Photo 2 - Stockpiling of mineralized material in preparation for screening and crushing

To view an enhanced version of Photo 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4183/84622_ba3164ddd49bfbaa_003full.jpg

Fortuna Royalty Option Extension

The Company and Osisko Gold Royalties ("Osisko") have mutually agreed to extend the option period of the La Fortuna royalty agreement until May 15th 2022. The extension provides additional time for the Company to evaluate project development sequencing following the start up of operations at the Santana gold mine and to maintain financing flexibility for the construction capital required for the building of a gold operation at the La Fortuna project.

Cautionary Statement

The Company does not have a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability for the Santana project, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations.

Mr. Darren Koningen, P. Eng., Minera Alamos' CEO, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release under National Instrument 43-101.

For Further Information Please Contact:

Minera Alamos Inc.

Doug Ramshaw, President

Tel: 604-600-4423

Email: dramshaw@mineraalamos.com

Website: www.mineraalamos.com

Victoria Vargas de Szarzynski, VP Investor Relations

Tel: 289-242-3599

Email: vvargas@mineraalamos.com

About Minera Alamos Inc.

Minera Alamos is a gold development company poised to join the ranks of gold producers in 2021. The Company has a portfolio of high-quality Mexican assets, including the 100%-owned Santana open-pit, heap-leach development project in Sonora that is currently under construction, and which is expected to have its first gold production approximately mid-2021. The newly acquired 100%-owned Cerro de Oro oxide gold project in northern Zacatecas that has considerable past drilling and metallurgical work completed and could enter the permitting process rapidly. The La Fortuna open pit gold project in Durango (100%-owned) has an extremely robust and positive preliminary economic assessment (PEA) completed and the main Federal permits in hand. Minera Alamos is built around its operating team that together brought 3 mines into production in Mexico over the last 13 years.

The Company's strategy is to develop very low capex assets while expanding the projects' resources and continuing to pursue complementary strategic acquisitions.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking information and Minera Alamos cautions readers that forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations of Minera Alamos included in this news release. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements", which often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". These statements are based on information currently available to Minera Alamos and Minera Alamos provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements with respect to Minera Alamos' future plans with respect to the Projects, objectives or goals, to the effect that Minera Alamos or management expects a stated condition or result to occur and the expected timing for release of a resource and reserve estimate on the projects. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, the economics of processing methods, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Minera Alamos' mineral properties, the ability to complete a preliminary economic assessment which supports the technical and economic viability of mineral production could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons. Minera Alamos' financial condition and prospects could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: an inability to finance and/or complete an updated resource and reserve estimate and a preliminary economic assessment which supports the technical and economic viability of mineral production; changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Minera Alamos' activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Minera Alamos' forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on Minera Alamos' forward-looking statements. Minera Alamos does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by Minera Alamos or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84622
Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 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 comment on the announcement that the President of the United States, Joe Biden, has signed an executive order on May 12, 2021 to strengthen the country's cybersecurity defenses.

The executive order was created to help U.S. federal government organizations enhance their cybersecurity in confronting malicious cyberattacks that have increased in recent months. The implementation of a zero-trust architecture and the deployment of multi-factor authentication ("MFA") were highlighted among other steps and protocols in the executive order as important measures for federal agencies to utilize in improving their security models. As a leading cybersecurity solutions provider, the Plurilock product suite is directly relevant to the matters of concern.

In recent months, cyberattacks targeting private enterprises and government agencies in the United States have increased at an alarming rate. Most notably, Colonial Pipeline, one of the largest U.S. pipeline operators for refined oil had to cease operations due to a ransomware attack, which disabled delivery systems of gas to many U.S. states1. Other prominent incidents such as the Oldsmar's water treatment hack in Tampa, Florida and the SolarWinds hack have caused a nationwide cybersecurity crisis2.

Prior to the announcement of the executive order, President Biden released a fiscal 2022 budget blueprint for which he intends to allocate US$2.1 billion for the country's federal cybersecurity agency. In addition, Biden signed the American Rescue Plan in March, 2021 to provide an additional US$1.65 billion in advancing cyber defense initiatives3.

"Following the latest sophisticated cyberattacks on U.S. private companies and federal government networks, the executive order is an important step for the U.S. Federal Government to take a more aggressive approach in preventing data breaches, most notably through the adoption of a zero-trust policy and MFA solutions," said Ian L. Paterson, CEO of Plurilock. "Plurilock's team is focused on securing new contracts, and government organizations are a key vertical in our strategy. The distribution channels from our recent acquisition of Aurora position us well to deliver solutions to government customers, and grow our client base within the public sector."

A recent fact sheet published by the White House stated, "Cybersecurity is one of the preeminent challenges of our time, which is why President Biden has made strengthening U.S. cybersecurity capabilities a top priority and has already taken action to advance it, including with last week's Executive Order4."

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.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/18/colonial-pipeline-hackers-darkside-received-90-million-in-bitcoin.html https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/10/us/florida-water-poison-cyber/index.html

https://www.businessinsider.com/solarwinds-hack-explained-government-agencies-cyber-security-2020-12 https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/biden-proposes-billions-for-cybersecurity-after-wave-of-attacks-1.1605138 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/05/18/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan-will-bolster-cybersecurity/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84626
Additional strategic investments will fuel data center and new market expansion

BOSTON, MA, May 20, 2021, the hot cloud storage company, today announced $25 million in additional funding led by Prosperity7 Ventures, the diversified growth fund of Aramco Ventures. Western Digital Capital, the investment arm of storage device manufacturer Western Digital, also participated in the round. This round is an extension of Wasabi's Series C financingannounced in April, expanding the total funding raised for the round to $137 million and the company's total equity financing to $244 million.

This latest round of funding comes as Wasabi reported 3x year-over-year growth, reaching 23,000 customers worldwide and over 5,000 Channel Partners and 350 Technology Alliance Partners. The additional capital will be used to further accelerate Wasabi's worldwide roll-out of data centers and to grow the company's distribution channels and partner network while continuing to build a team to support this rapid expansion.

"I am delighted to have these two new strategic investors," said Wasabi CEO & Co-Founder, David Friend. "We have been using Western Digital disk drives since the founding of the company. Their investment in Wasabi reflects the fact that data storage in the cloud is accelerating and that there is a growing interdependence between our companies. As for Aramco, we see the energy sector as a huge potential market for cloud storage and to have the VC Fund of the world's largest energy company invest in Wasabi couldn't be timelier. We are also interested in the Middle East as a potential market in general."

Wasabi's low-cost, high-performance cloud storage is enabling companies to cut their data storage costs by 75% or more. Data-intensive industries, such as energy and exploration, are making extensive use of AI to extract value from their data. But the cost of storing large amounts can make some of these AI-based applications difficult to justify. Reducing the cost of cloud data storage by 75% or more changes the equation and facilitates more rapid development of data-rich AI applications.



"Companies like Aramco are sitting on mountains of exploration and operational data. Energy, medical imaging and diagnostics, genomics, surveillance and finance are among many industries that are profiting from the use of AI. The thing to remember, however, is that the value of AI is completely dependent on having a rich source of data. That's why a company like Wasabi is a natural fit with a company like Aramco," continued Friend.

"Wasabi changes the economics of data storage," said Aysar Tayeb, Executive Managing Director of Prosperity7 Ventures. "There is undisputed massive growth of data generated from almost everything we do, and this will intensify with more 5G, smart cities, IoT, and many other applications. Bringing a solution to the market that offers a significantly lower-cost storage option, at scale, is a timely necessity. We are excited about the value proposition of Wasabi and are pleased to support its vision to store as much of the world's data as possible".

"IDC forecasts that the public cloud IaaS market will grow more than 30% annually in 2021, as enterprises move toward post-pandemic recovery and operation; while also prioritizing strategic goals around digital transformation and IT modernization," said Andrew Smith, Research Manager, Cloud Infrastructure Services for IDC. "This growth of the cloud infrastructure market is pervasive across all geographies, including EMEA, where we forecast the market will expand at a 28% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next four years."

"In the future, most of the world's data will live in the cloud," said Daniel Flynn, President and Treasurer, Western Digital Capital. "We've partnered and invested with Wasabi because its mission - to store data in the cloud - aligns with our strategy to partner with cloud customers to provide the foundational technologies underpinning the global data infrastructure. We are excited to help fuel continued growth and global data center build-out as Wasabi revolutionizes the cloud market."

Wasabi's storage is 1/5th the cost and faster than the competition with no fees for egress or API requests. For those currently using a private cloud, the availability of a public cloud through Wasabi extends data resources for greater overall capacity without the hefty price tag. For more information on Wasabi's hot cloud storage, please visit Wasabi.com.

About Wasabi

Wasabi provides simple, predictable and affordable hot cloud storage for businesses all over the world. It enables organizations to store and instantly access an infinite amount of data at 1/5th the price of the competition with no complex tiers or unpredictable egress fees. Trusted by tens of thousands of customers worldwide, Wasabi has been recognized as one of technology's fastest-growing and most visionary companies. Created by Carbonite co-founders and cloud storage pioneers David Friend and Jeff Flowers, Wasabi has secured nearly $275 million in funding to date and is a privately held company based in Boston.

Follow and connect with Wasabi onTwitter,Facebook,Instagramand ourblog.

About Prosperity7 Ventures



Prosperity7 Ventures is the diversified growth fund of Aramco Ventures, a subsidiary of Aramco, the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals company. The fund's name derives from 'Prosperity Well', the 7th oil well drilled in Saudi Arabia and the first to strike oil. Taking forward this pioneering history, we invest globally, with a long term-view, in breakthrough technologies and transformational business models that will bring prosperity and positive impact on a vast scale.

www.P7VC.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Viva Gold Corp. (TSXV:VAU) (the "Company" or "Viva") announces that it has received a new requisition (the "Requisition") from a dissident shareholder group led by Humewood Ventures Corp. and 868854 BC Ltd. (the "Requisitioning Shareholders"), both controlled by Robert Baker, and holding 6.12% of the Company's outstanding voting shares, for a meeting of its shareholders pursuant to section 167 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Act"). The Requisition calls for a meeting of Viva's shareholders to consider a special resolution pursuant to s. 128(3) of the Act to remove Christopher Herald, James Hesketh, Edward Mahoney and David Whittle as directors of the Company; and to consider the approval of an ordinary resolution to reduce the Company's Board of Directors to four members, and to appoint Geoff Goodall, Gordon Keevil and Jim Mustard, all of Vancouver, BC, to the Board. Coincident with this new requisition, legal counsel to the requisitioning shareholders notified the Company that a prior meeting requisition reported in the Company's May 9, 2021 press release is revoked.

In a game of musical chairs, Humewood Ventures Corp. has acquired a block of Company shares previously registered in the name of "Humewood Ventures Ltd." to enable the Requisitionists to meet the required 5% shareholder threshold required to continue their assault on the Company's Board without the participation of Kathrine (Kelly) MacDonald's Dumont Capital Corp. The Requisition confirms the intention to include Gary MacDonald, brother to Kathrine MacDonald, on the reconstituted dissident shareholder Board slate. Pursuant to this new Requisition, Viva is required to issue a notice of a shareholder meeting by June 8 to be held within the next four months. A special majority of 66 2/3rds percent of votes cast at the meeting will be required to remove the current directors.

The Requisitioning Shareholders have followed up the Requisition with an unfounded attack on the conduct of Viva's management and Board, including the actions taken regarding the proposed plan of arrangement with Golden Predator Mining Corp. ("GPY"). As detailed in the Company's March 25, 2021 information circular, the Company's Board followed all appropriate governance processes and practices for an arrangement transaction. Ultimately, the arrangement transaction received the support of four of five Viva directors, including the three truly independent directors, and a majority of its shareholders who recognized that it represented a favorable value proposition. But for the concerted opposition of the Requisitioning Shareholders and their associates, the GPY transaction would have received the special majority required to proceed.

The claim that the current brokered financing as discussed in the Company's May 6 and May 7, 2021 press releases (the "Financing") is a self-serving tactic by Viva management is without foundation. Instead, the Viva corporate record clearly evidences that the Financing is part of a process that commenced in late 2020 with the unanimous consent of the Board, including dissident director Gary MacDonald. However, due to management's assessment of the market at the time, the Company decided to postpone settling final pricing and terms with the agent. Subsequently, when the Company became engaged in business combination discussions with GPY, a transaction that would have provided the Company with access to sufficient working capital, the Financing was further postponed. However, management made it clear to the Board that if the GPY arrangement did not proceed, then the Company would have an immediate need to raise new financing.

As the Company has reported to the TSX Venture Exchange in its Financing submissions, the need for the proceeds to fund near and medium-term drilling, metallurgy, environmental studies and engineering on the Company's Tonopah Gold Project, and to address both a current working capital deficit and working capital requirements going forward, is well founded.

The Company's principal focus continues to be the development of the Tonopah Gold Project. To that end, the Company directly contacted the dissident shareholders, encouraging them to participate in the Financing. However, while other shareholders, several of whom are known to the Company to have voted against the GPY arrangement, are participating in the Financing, there has been no uptake by the current dissident group. Instead, they are continuing their current self-serving efforts, including issuing the Requisition and criticizing the Financing, to block any transaction that will diminish their ability to inappropriately meddle in the Board's responsibilities to manage the Company's business for the benefit of all shareholders.

About Viva Gold

Viva Gold is a gold exploration and project development company with a focus on Nevada. Viva holds 100% of the advanced Tonopah Gold Project, a large land position of approximately 8,800 acres with demonstrated high-grade measured, indicated and inferred gold resources, located on the prolific Walker Lane gold trend in Nevada, about 30 kilometers south-east of the Round Mountain mine of Kinross Gold and 20 kilometers north from the Town of Tonopah. Viva's management team has extensive experience in mining exploration, development and production and are supported by a Board of Directors and advisors who are proven mine finders, deal makers and financiers. Viva trades on the TSX-V as "VAU", on the OTCQB in the US as "VAUCF" and on the Frankfurt exchange under "7PB". For additional information on Viva Gold and the Tonopah Gold Project, please visit our website: www.vivagoldcorp.com.

For further information please contact:

James Hesketh, President & CEO

(720) 291-1775

jhesketh@vivagoldcorp.com

Valerie Kimball, Director Investor Relations

(720) 933-1150

vkimball@vivagoldcorp.com

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions:

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to, among other things the intended use of the proceeds of the Financing and the Company's future exploration and development plans for its Tonopah Project. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable based on current circumstances, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the risks that the Company will not be able to secure sufficient future financing necessary to fund all of its proposed exploration and development of its Tonopah Project; future exploration, assaying, analysis and engineering results will be unfavourable and will not support the proposed exploration and development plans or justify further exploration efforts; equipment failures, accidents, or external problems (e.g. civil unrest, public health emergencies) may materially increase the Company's business expenses or delay (or prevent altogether) the execution of the Company's business plans; and unanticipated changes in the legal, regulatory and permitting requirements for the Company's mineral exploration programs and development plans for its projects, at present, all of which are located in the State of Nevada, USA, may prevent the Company from carrying out some or all of its business plans.

This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Regulation S"), except pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

SOURCE: Viva Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648301/Viva-Gold-Corp-Responds-to-Shareholder-Meeting-Requisition
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSXV: CDB) (OTCQB: CDBMF) (otherwise "Cordoba" or the "Company") announces that Cordoba intends on completing a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 4,086,728 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $1.10 per Common Share, for gross proceeds of up to $4.5 million (approximately US$3.7 million).

The Company's majority shareholder, Ivanhoe Electric Inc. ("Ivanhoe Electric"; previously High Power Exploration Inc.1) has agreed to subscribe for approximately 1,823,685 common shares (for gross proceeds of approximately $2.0 million) of the Offering (the "Lead Order").

Net proceeds from the Offering will be used to continue the advancement of fieldwork supporting the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study work at the Company's 100%-owned Alacran Copper-Gold-Silver Project in Colombia ( refer to Cordoba's news releases dated March 31, 2021 and May 13, 2021) and for general corporate purposes.

"We appreciate the ongoing support of our majority shareholder, which enables us to advance the important and ongoing work on the Alacran Pre-Feasibility Study," commented Ms. Armstrong-Montoya.

Closing of the Offering is expected to be completed in tranches and is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. The Company may pay eligible finders assisting in the Offering a fee in cash and/or securities equal to up to 6% of the gross proceeds raised by such finders.

The Common Shares will be offered pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements and will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date and TSX Venture Exchange hold period, as applicable.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

The Lead Order constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as Ivanhoe Electric is a related party of Cordoba given its greater than 10% beneficial shareholding. Pursuant to Section 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, the Company is exempt from obtaining a formal valuation and minority approval of the Company's shareholders in respect of the Offering due to the fair market value of the Lead Order being below 25% of the Company's market capitalization for purposes of MI 61-101. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the Offering. However, the material change report will be filed less than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering, which is consistent with market practice and the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances.

About Cordoba

Cordoba Minerals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration, development and acquisition of copper and gold projects. Cordoba is developing its 100%-owned San Matias Copper-Gold-Silver Project, which includes the Alacran Deposit and satellite deposits at Montiel East, Montiel West and Costa Azul, located in the Department of Cordoba, Colombia. Cordoba also holds a 25% interest in the Perseverance Copper Project in Arizona, USA, which it is exploring through a Joint Venture and Earn-In Agreement. For further information, please visit www.cordobaminerals.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, President and Chief Executive Officer

Information Contact

Investor Relations +1-604-689-8765

info@cordobamineralscorp.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Offering; the Pre-Feasibility Study work ongoing at Alacran; completion of a pre-feasibility study; and use of proceeds. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: the status of community relations and the security situation on site; general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; relationships with strategic partners; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company's mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; currency fluctuations; and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include a deterioration of security on site or actions by the local community that inhibits access and/or the ability to productively work on site, actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, unknown impact related to potential business disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, or another infectious illness, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

[1] On April 30, 2021, High Power Exploration Inc. ("HPX"), the Company's privately owned parent, transferred its rights and assets, including its majority interest in Cordoba, to its affiliate company, Ivanhoe Electric Inc. ("Ivanhoe Electric") under a contribution agreement. Accordingly, Ivanhoe Electric is now the directly registered majority shareholder of Cordoba, and continues to hold 58.9% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares previously directly held by HPX.



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84608
The state government also claimed that the state has improved its position in the sustainable development goals.  Twitter

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh has done far better than the nation as a whole in achieving growth rate in the gross state domestic product (GSDP), according to the Socio-Economic Survey 2020-21 which was released by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the CM camp office at Tadepalli on Wednesday. The survey would be presented in the Assembly on Thursday during the budget session.

According to the revised estimates for the year 2020-21, the GSDP growth of AP at current prices is 1.58 per cent as against nations growth of -3.8 per cent, which has shown a downtrend trend due to Coronavirus pandemic.

The per capita income has gone up to Rs 1,70,215 in 2020-21 from Rs 1,68,480 in 2019-20. This is in comparison with all-India per capita income for 2019-20 which stands at Rs 1,34,186.

Meanwhile, the Budget session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature will be held on Thursday with the customary address of the Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan who will address it virtually in view of the pandemic.

Initially, the government decided to conduct the budget session for one day only. Opposition Telugu Desam decided to boycott the budget session.

The Cabinet meeting would be held at 8 am and the Governor would address virtually at 9 am. According to the sources, the BAC meeting would be held and it would decide about the extension of the Assembly session according to the need. The government initiated measures for the smooth functioning of the Assembly following Corona protocol.

The state government also claimed that the state has improved its position in the sustainable development goals from the fourth rank in 2018 to the third rank in 2019. In the latest (2019) rankings given by NITI Aayog, the secured the first rank in 2 SDGs  Goal-6 (Clean water and Sanitation) and Goal-16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

The state secured the second rank in 4 SDGs: Goal- 3 (Good Health); Goal- 8(Decent economic growth); Goal-13(Climate change); and Goal-14 (Life below water). It got the third rank in Goal-1 (No Poverty).

In respect of literacy, AP still fares below the national literacy rate. Its literacy rate stands at 67.35% as against the national average of 72.98%.

The survey revealed that Andhra Pradesh stands top in the country in horticulture crops, ranks first in productivity of oil palm, papaya, lime, cocoa and tomato.

The survey explained the priorities of the government under the Navaratnalu to education and health, social safety nets and welfare of women, poor and marginalised, farmers welfare, industry and infrastructure economic growth and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

It explained the various schemes being implemented by the Jagan government in the education sector, such as Jagananna Amma Vodi, Jagananna Vidya Kanuka, Jagananna Gorumudda, encouragement of English medium education, Naad-Nedu, Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Jagananna Vasathi Deevena.

On the Corona crisis, the survey stated that the government is taking all measures for the control of Covid-19. During the lockdown and the curfew times, the government is helping the poor. Around 1,80,49,054 samples were tested in which 14,54,052 tested positive. The tests done per million in AP is 3.3 lakhs against Indias average of 2.2 lakhs. The government is procuring cryogenic tankers from overseas. AP is allotted 590 MT oxygen per day. The state is utilising 100% allotted quantity and the government requested the Centre to allot 900 MT oxygen.

The first dose of vaccine was administered to 53.28 lakh persons, and the second dose was given to 21.64 lakh persons, covering health workers, frontline workers and persons aged more than 45 years. By utilising the state funds, the corona vaccines had been purchased for the 45+ age groups, added the document.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX:SKE)(OTCQX:SKREF) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to report diamond drill core results from the 2021 Phase 3 infill and exploration drilling program at the Snip gold project ("Snip" or the "Project") located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. The Phase 3 program is designed to upgrade areas of existing Inferred resources from the Company's 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), to the Measured and Indicated categories. Reference images are presented at the end of this release as well as on the Company's website.

Snip 2021 Phase 3 Drilling Highlights:

155.76 g/t Au over 3.22 m (S21-076)

140.50 g/t Au over 0.50 m (S21-078)

8.40 g/t Au over 3.00 m (S21-080)

61.30 g/t Au over 0.50 m (S21-083)

True widths range from 60-90% of reported core lengths. Length weighted Au composites are constrained by geological considerations. Grade-capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au assays informing the length-weighted Au composites. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero.

New High-Grade Mineralization Intersected Below Twin Zone

Situated in the footwall sediments below the Twin Zone, occurrences of high tenor, vein-hosted mineralization have been intersected grading 155.76 g/t Au over 3.22 m including 376.00 g/t Au over 0.89 m and 194.00 g/t Au over 0.83 m (S21-076), and 140.50 g/t Au over 0.50 m (S21-078). These surface-based drill holes were targeting Inferred resources hosted by footwall veins that were previously only populated by widely spaced, selectively sampled historical drill holes in this area of the deposit. The new high-grade mineralization, defined by S21-076, occurs hanging-wall to the known footwall veins.

Additional footwall vein-hosted mineralization was also encountered by surface drill hole S21-080 which intersected 8.40 g/t Au over 3.00 m including 12.20 g/t Au over 1.50 m. This drill hole intersection occurs 100 m northwest S21-076 and correlates spatially with the modelled resources.

2021 Phase 3 Program Description

The 2021 drilling program at Snip is designed to convert Inferred resources from the Company's 2020 MRE to higher confidence categories (Measured and Indicated) through surface and underground drilling. Dedicated geotechnical drilling is also being completed at the Project. Approximately 3,100 m of surface-based drilling and 8,000 m of underground drilling remain to be completed in 2021. The Company is currently operating two underground rigs at Snip and additional surface rigs will be added once permits are received.

About Skeena

Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration company focused on revitalizing the past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a robust Preliminary Economic Assessment in late 2019 and is currently focused on infill and exploration drilling to advance Eskay Creek to full Feasibility by Q1 2022. Additionally, Skeena continues exploration programs at the past-producing Snip gold mine.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited,

Walter Coles Jr.

President & CEO

Contact Information

Investor Inquiries: info@skeenaresources.com

Office Phone: +1 (604) 684-8725

Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com

Qualified Persons

Exploration activities at the Snip Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Managers, Raegan Markel, P.Geo. and John Tyler. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo. Vice President Exploration and Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting the exploration activities on its projects.

Quality Assurance - Quality Control

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is subsequently securely stored on site. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Lynda Bloom, P.Geo. of Analytical Solutions Ltd., and is overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Paul Geddes, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and Resource Development.

Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed and 1 kg is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 50 g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.01 ppm and upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 100 ppm are re-analyzed using a 50 g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish. Analysis for silver is by 50 g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish with a lower limit of 5ppm and upper limit of 10,000 ppm. Samples with silver assays greater than 10,000 ppm are re-analyzed using a gravimetric silver concentrate method. A selected number of samples are also analyzed using a 48 multi-element geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and also for mercury using an aqua regia digest with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish. Samples with sulfur reporting greater than 10% from the multi-element analysis are re-analyzed for total sulfur by Leco furnace and infrared spectroscopy.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward looking information" and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Table 1: Snip Project Phase II 2021 Length-Weighted Drill Hole Gold Composites:

Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) Au (g/t) S21-059 ABANDONED S21-060 93.19 93.96 0.77 3.15 S21-062 79.21 79.70 0.49 3.68 S21-063 68.93 70.00 1.07 3.55 S21-063 124.75 125.27 0.52 5.46 S21-066 11.40 13.75 2.35 4.42 S21-067 14.00 15.36 1.36 4.59 S21-068 9.57 10.19 0.62 9.86 S21-068 11.50 12.55 1.05 7.32 S21-071 ABANDONED S21-072 ASSAYS PENDING S21-073 65.50 66.99 1.49 2.09 S21-073 89.28 89.84 0.56 3.05 S21-074 77.50 78.45 0.95 4.06 S21-075 76.50 78.00 1.50 2.95 S21-075 83.25 84.45 1.20 3.62 S21-075 105.95 106.65 0.70 5.53 S21-075 111.00 112.00 1.00 13.35 S21-076 86.28 89.50 3.22 155.76 INCLUDING 86.28 87.17 0.89 376.00 AND 87.17 88.00 0.83 194.00 S21-077 ASSAYS PENDING S21-078 51.56 52.80 1.24 2.97 S21-078 93.15 93.65 0.50 140.50 S21-080 13.00 13.85 0.85 3.27 S21-080 82.00 85.00 3.00 8.40 INCLUDING 83.50 85.00 1.50 12.20 S21-081 52.50 54.00 1.50 3.24 S21-083 37.00 41.00 4.00 2.75 S21-083 43.30 43.80 0.50 61.30 S21-083 74.00 79.00 5.00 4.82 S21-084 54.00 55.30 1.30 7.97 INCLUDING 54.72 55.30 0.58 15.05 S21-084 64.25 64.75 0.50 6.16 S21-085 11.00 11.75 0.75 2.09 S21-085 18.05 18.75 0.70 2.62 S21-086 ASSAYS PENDING S21-087 22.69 24.16 1.47 2.71 S21-087 35.00 36.50 1.50 2.78 S21-087 40.65 41.48 0.83 11.20 S21-055 NSA S21-056 NSA S21-057 NSA S21-058 NSA S21-061 NSA S21-064 NSA S21-065 NSA S21-069 NSA S21-070 NSA S21-079 NSA S21-082 NSA

True widths range from 60-90% of reported core lengths. Length weighted Au composites are constrained by geological considerations. Grade-capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au assays informing the length-weighted Au composites. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero. NSA - No Significant Assays.

Table 2: Mine Grid Drill Hole Locations and Orientations:

Hole-ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Length (m) Azimuth () Dip () S21-055 4272.7 1706.7 293.2 279.6 345.8 -65.1 S21-056 4273.9 1708.0 293.2 243.0 349.1 -53.0 S21-057 4273.6 1707.6 293.2 241.0 0.3 -50.1 S21-058 4273.8 1707.2 293.2 252.6 358.2 -56.1 S21-059 4273.6 1705.7 293.2 33.5 0.1 -65.0 S21-060 4141.1 1834.0 239.4 106.2 359.0 -65.9 S21-061 4053.8 1818.8 190.0 81.1 0.3 -50.1 S21-062 4053.8 1819.3 190.0 88.3 0.4 -68.3 S21-063 4084.6 1847.1 214.7 139.0 328.0 -76.9 S21-064 4085.0 1847.9 214.7 103.0 345.0 -56.9 S21-065 4049.3 1869.1 189.9 41.4 9.2 -51.1 S21-066 4076.7 1890.0 197.6 65.4 1.2 -55.1 S21-067 4067.9 1897.9 198.4 22.6 360.0 -51.2 S21-068 4094.5 1900.6 209.0 28.0 357.0 -51.0 S21-069 4115.4 1906.5 217.2 64.7 10.9 -45.1 S21-070 4272.8 1707.9 293.2 252.0 0.0 -64.8 S21-071 4064.9 1897.4 198.4 10.6 360.0 -51.0 S21-072 4273.8 2057.1 332.4 132.9 353.1 -64.1 S21-073 4275.4 2058.1 332.4 124.8 8.0 -52.2 S21-074 4275.5 2058.0 332.4 133.2 15.0 -60.1 S21-075 4284.8 2066.5 337.6 146.1 33.9 -53.1 S21-076 4304.4 2041.7 330.7 139.8 30.2 -50.1 S21-077 4315.4 2085.2 349.3 99.2 30.2 -56.1 S21-078 4316.5 2083.8 349.3 116.1 30.9 -70.0 S21-079 4360.7 2116.8 371.7 88.5 10.0 -45.0 S21-080 4377.4 2114.1 367.8 110.0 19.0 -58.0 S21-081 4377.7 2113.9 367.8 116.0 30.9 -50.0 S21-082 4378.1 2114.0 367.8 101.7 55.9 -57.1 S21-083 4406.8 2136.9 381.7 92.0 36.0 -59.1 S21-084 4237.1 2116.8 306.4 82.0 25.0 -57.0 S21-085 4208.0 2131.9 277.5 120.5 22.0 -53.1 S21-086 4207.8 2132.7 277.5 43.5 355.0 -47.0 S21-087 4207.1 2130.1 277.5 58.2 347.0 -66.0

SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648273/Skeena-Intersects-15576-gt-Au-Over-322-Metres-at-Snip-Gold-Project
VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) is pleased to announce a further update from the exploration program underway at the Asanko Gold Mine ("AGM"), located in Ghana, West Africa. The AGM is a 50:50 joint venture ("JV") with Gold Fields Ltd (JSE,NYSE: GFI), with the JV managed and operated by Galiano.

Figure 1 Base map showing Miradani North, three stages of drill holes, and more recent results highlighted. Intersected granite is shown in pink and is surrounded by steeply dipping, northeast striking, interlayered sandstone, siltstone, and phyllite. Callout boxes highlight the recent intersections discussed above. Sections are at 40m intervals looking NE and commencing from southwest to northeast (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

Figure 2. Section 691771 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Of note, mineralization in this section attains noteworthy widths and remains open at depth. (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

Figure 3. Section 691830 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Of note, gold grades continue at depth with noteworthy width and are open at depth. (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

Figure 4. Section 691860 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. This section illustrates a broad, coherent zone within the deposit and open at depth. (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

Figure 5. Section 691890. (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Mineralization is open at depth. (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

Figure 6. Section 691919. (also see Figure 1). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. This section contains some noteworthy intersections and shows that results indicate that grades improve with depth and down plunge. (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

Figure 7. Section 691949. (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

Figure 8. Long section through Miradani North. Illustrates indicated steep northeast plunge to high grade (+100 GM) that is open at depth. (CNW Group/Galiano Gold Inc.)

The Miradani North target is located on the Datano Mining Lease, approximately 10 kilometres south of the Asanko Gold Mine's processing plant. Previous drill results were reported in news releases dated April 30, 2019, November 30, 2020, February 1, 2020, and February 25, 2021. To-date, over 17,300m of drilling have been completed in 59 holes over three phases of drilling from Q1 2019 to May 2021. Assays have been received for all drill holes that are expected to be included in the planned maiden Resource estimate for Miradani North, expected in Q3 2021, with highlights from the recent results shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Select intervals from drilling at Miradani North not previously released1

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Grade

(g/t Au) Intercept

(m @ g/t Au) TTDD21-080 353 393 40 2.8 40m @ 2.8 g/t TTDD21-077 261.9 282 20.1 4.8 20.1m @4.8 g/t TTDD21-062 161 215 54 1.7 54m @ 1.7 g/t TTDD21-076 295.6 318 22.4 3.4 22.4m @ 3.4g/t TTDD21-060 142 178 36 1.6 36m @ 1.6 g/t TTDD21-064 197 211 14 4.4 14m @4.1 g/t TTDD21-064 115 148.9 33.6 1.6 33.9m @ 1.6 g/t

"The latest set of results from Miradani North continue to indicate that a mineralized system is present at depth," said Greg McCunn, Chief Executive Officer. "Our drilling results indicate that mineralization extends to 300m vertical depth and beyond, with a +100 gram-meter shoot plunging steeply to the northeast, remaining open at depth (see Figure 8 below). Mineral Resource drilling of the deposit has been completed, and we are on track to deliver a maiden resource estimate by Q3 2021. Step-out drilling along the +5-km greater Miradani trend is underway with one rig with a second rig expected to be deployed to accelerate this drilling program."

About Miradani North - Geological Setting

The Miradani North target is situated along the Fromenda shear zone, a laterally extensive structure recognized from airborne VTEM and magnetic surveys and extensively mapped on the ground. The Fromenda shear zone forms part of the prominent northeast striking Asankrangwa gold belt which hosts all nine of AGM's gold deposits. Numerous historical geochemical anomalies and artisanal workings are associated with this feature, making it an attractive exploration target.

Mineralization at Miradani North is spatially associated with several narrow, sub-vertical granite bodies that have preferentially intruded along a northeast trending corridor. Mineralization occurs in the granite and in the surrounding deformed sandstone, siltstone and phyllite rock package. Stratigraphy and structure are both steeply dipping to the northwest as they do for most of the Asankrangwa Belt gold deposits. Gold mineralization at Miradani North occurs in quartz veins and in association with silica flooding, pyrite, arsenopyrite, and traces of base metal sulfides, within a broader envelope of quartz-sericite-pyrite and carbonate alteration.

Qualified Person and QA/QC

Greg Collins, MAusIMM CP (Geo) and SEG Fellow, Vice President Exploration of Galiano Gold Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian NI 43-101 and has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Collins is responsible for all aspects of the work including the Data Verification and Quality Control/Quality Assurance programs and has verified the data disclosed. Mr. Collins is not independent of Galiano Gold Inc.

Certified Reference Materials and Blanks are inserted by Galiano Gold into the sample stream at the rate of 1:14 samples. Field duplicates are collected at the rate of 1:30 samples. All samples have been analysed by Intertek Minerals Ltd. in Tarkwa, Ghana with standard preparation methods and 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish. Intertek Minerals Ltd. does their own introduction of QA/QC samples into the sample stream and reports them to Galiano for double checking. Higher grade samples are re-analysed from pulp or reject material or both. Intertek is an international company operating in 100 countries and is independent of Galiano. It provides testing for a wide range of industries including the mining, metals, and oil sectors.

Figure 1. Base map showing Miradani North, three stages of drill holes, and more recent results highlighted. Intersected granite is shown in pink and is surrounded by steeply dipping, northeast striking, interlayered sandstone, siltstone, and phyllite. Callout boxes highlight the recent intersections discussed above. Sections are at 40m intervals looking NE and commencing from southwest to northeast.

Figure 2. Section 691771 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Of note, mineralization in this section attains noteworthy widths and remains open at depth.

Figure 3. Section 691830 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Of note, gold grades continue at depth with noteworthy width and are open at depth.

Figure 4. Section 691860 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. This section illustrates a broad, coherent zone within the deposit and open at depth.

Figure 5. Section 691890. (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Mineralization is open at depth.

Figure 6. Section 691919. (also see Figure 1). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. This section contains some noteworthy intersections and shows that results indicate that grades improve with depth and down plunge.

Figure 7. Section 691949. (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development.

Figure 8. Long section through Miradani North. Illustrates indicated steep northeast plunge to high grade (+100 GM) that is open at depth.

Table 2. Intercepts for Miradani North drilling1,2

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Grade

(g/t) Intercept Year Drilled TTPC19-001 87 89 2 3.2 2m @ 3.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 128 141 13 2.6 13m @ 2.6 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 152 154 2 1 2m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 162 172 10 1.1 10m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 197 206 9 0.7 9m @ 0.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 68 85 17 1.1 17m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 91 107 16 1.7 16m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 114 116 2 1.8 2m @ 1.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 120 122 2 1.2 2m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 149 152 3 25.5 3m @ 25.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 156 178 22 1.2 22m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 189 228 39 1.8 39m @ 1.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 32 38 6 0.6 6m @ 0.6 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 84 88 4 1 4m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 105 107 2 1.9 2m @ 1.9 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 150 152 2 1.1 2m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 160 174 14 0.8 14m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 182 189 7 1.5 7m @ 1.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 199 211 12 1.4 12m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005 229 231 2 1 2m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 294 296.5 2.5 1 2.5m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 307 309.3 2.3 0.8 2.3m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 312.73 321 8.27 1.1 8.27m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 342 353 11 1.2 11m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 357 377.75 20.75 1.4 20.75m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 389.5 399 9.5 0.7 9.5m @ 0.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 402.7 416.9 14.2 0.5 14.2m @ 0.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 17 19 2 0.6 2m @ 0.6 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 36 39 3 1.7 3m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 182 193.8 11.8 1.7 11.8m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 201 203 2 0.8 2m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 242 264.9 22.9 1.5 22.9m @ 1.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 270.6 275 4.4 9.2 4.4m @ 9.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 280.6 297 16.4 2.4 16.4m @ 2.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 305.1 309.3 4.2 1.7 4.2m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 315 319.1 4.1 2.2 4.1m @ 2.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 90 94.8 4.8 1.4 4.8m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 98.17 108 9.83 2.3 9.83m @ 2.3 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 113.55 122 8.45 1.8 8.45m @ 1.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 187 198 11 2.1 11m @ 2.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 202 244.6 42.6 2.2 42.6m @ 2.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 248.7 259 10.3 2.2 10.3m @ 2.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 270.9 273 2.1 1.3 2.1m @ 1.3 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 80 84.3 4.3 2.3 4.3m @ 2.3 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 99 155 56 3 56m @ 3.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 166 173 7 0.8 7m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 192 200.53 8.53 1.2 8.53m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 204.46 223.2 18.74 1.1 18.74m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 234 239 5 0.4 5m @ 0.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 145 151 6 1 6m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 175.5 181 5.5 0.8 5.5m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 192.4 229 36.6 2 36.6m @ 2.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 244.8 251 6.2 0.8 6.2m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 257.7 264 6.3 0.5 6.3m @ 0.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 268 270.3 2.3 0.8 2.3m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 288.8 295.2 6.4 1.4 6.4m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTDD20-019 263 265.75 2.75 0.3 2.75m @ 0.3 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-019 301 303 2 1.5 2m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-022 288 290 2 2 2m @ 2.0 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-022 301.3 304.5 3.2 1.7 3.2m @ 1.7 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-022 382 389 7 1.5 7m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-026 19 28 9 2.5 9m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 0 2.3 2.3 0.6 2.3m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 5.5 11.4 5.9 0.7 5.9m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 177.37 181.75 4.38 0.6 4.38m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 302.1 305 2.9 5 2.9m @ 5.0 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-029 183 192 9 1.6 9m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-029 241 250 9 0.5 9m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-029 257.67 261.89 4.22 0.5 4.22m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-029 272 285 13 1.6 13m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 0 8.1 8.1 0.6 8.1m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 188.16 201.4 13.24 1.7 13.24m @ 1.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 232.85 240.14 7.29 4.5 7.29m @ 4.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 244 253 9 0.8 9m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 266 272 6 2.3 6m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 301.09 309 7.91 1.6 7.91m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 325 337 12 0.6 12m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 342 358.7 16.7 6.3 16.7m @ 6.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 86 126 40 2.1 40m @ 2.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 134 146.6 12.6 2.4 12.6m @ 2.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 153.2 155.44 2.24 0.6 2.24m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 167 176 9 1.8 9m @ 1.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 181 189.09 8.09 0.9 8.09m @ 0.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 193 195 2 5.1 2m @ 5.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 210.5 227 16.5 1.1 16.5m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-025 165 172.16 7.16 0.8 7.16m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-028 232 241 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-028 287 306 19 2.2 19m @ 2.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 238.67 256 17.33 2 17.33m @ 2.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 274 283 9 3.8 9m @ 3.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 291 294 3 2.3 3m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 299 308 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 56 60 4 1.1 4m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 66 84 18 1 18m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 249.46 252.15 2.69 2.4 2.69m @ 2.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 268.8 286.1 17.3 1.2 17.3m @ 1.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 298.35 300.61 2.26 1.3 2.26m @ 1.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 334.44 347 12.56 0.7 12.56m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 362.9 365.5 2.6 2.5 2.6m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 104 112 8 2.5 8m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 148 154 6 1 6m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 175.1 191.4 16.3 3 16.3m @ 3.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 200.2 202.7 2.5 0.6 2.5m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 73 76 3 3.9 3m @ 3.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 90 97 7 0.6 7m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 106 119 13 1.4 13m @ 1.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 125 134 9 1.1 9m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 142.68 147.11 4.43 0.8 4.43m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 150.27 158.48 8.21 0.7 8.21m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 165 173.94 8.94 2.7 8.94m @ 2.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-036 215 217.4 2.4 0.8 2.4m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-036 242.2 267 24.8 1.5 24.8m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 41 50 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 70 75 5 0.7 5m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 85 120 35 2.1 35m @ 2.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 129.4 140 10.6 3.3 10.6m @ 3.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 146.86 150.5 3.64 1.3 3.64m @ 1.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 155 161.32 6.32 0.5 6.32m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 169.18 173.25 4.07 2.9 4.07m @ 2.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 0 4 4 1.1 4m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 130.2 132.8 2.6 1.1 2.6m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 142.7 153.3 10.6 1.6 10.6m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 156.6 159.7 3.1 0.4 3.1m @ 0.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 170.8 188 17.2 1.3 17.2m @ 1.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-041 71 107 36 1.9 36m @ 1.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-041 113 115 2 10.7 2m @ 10.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-044 181 186.7 5.7 1.6 5.7m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-044 189.8 202.3 12.5 3.2 12.5m @ 3.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-044 207 228.6 21.6 2.3 21.6m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 123 125.37 2.37 1 2.37m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 136 156 20 1.5 20m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 171.85 182.44 10.59 3.2 10.59m @ 3.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 191 195.23 4.23 4.4 4.23m @ 4.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-047 30 34 4 0.6 4m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 1.2 8.2 7 0.7 7m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 189 200 11 1.4 11m @ 1.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 205 210.4 5.4 2.3 5.4m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 225.18 248.5 23.32 1.8 23.32m @ 1.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 259 280.9 21.9 2.7 21.9m @ 2.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 286 314.4 28.4 1.5 28.4m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 318.4 322.3 3.9 3.1 3.9m @ 3.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-050 163.5 173.6 10.1 6 10.1m @ 6.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTRC20-051 0 2 2 8.4 2m @ 8.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTRC20-051 58 62 4 0.5 4m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTRC20-051 69 74 5 0.7 5m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 94.7 97 2.3 1.2 2.3m @ 1.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 117 139 22 1.4 22m @ 1.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 146 174.1 28.1 2 28.1m @ 2.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 182 198 16 1 16m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 203 251 48 2.3 48m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 272 275.28 3.28 0.7 3.28m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-054 231 233.2 2.2 2.5 2.2m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-054 240.4 249 8.6 0.8 8.6m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-054 269 272 3 0.6 3m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 1.4 8 6.6 0.7 6.6m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 196 202 6 1.1 6m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 268 277 9 0.9 9m @ 0.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 307.5 315 7.5 0.6 7.5m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 319 323 4 0.7 4m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD21-059 79.8 84.2 4.4 0.7 4.4m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD21-059 164 170 6 0.7 6m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 35 40.4 5.4 1.3 5.4m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 46.4 60 13.6 1 13.6m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 67.4 70 2.6 1.1 2.6m @ 1.1 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 128 133 5 0.4 5m @ 0.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 142 178 36 1.6 36m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-061 276 282 6 5.9 6m @ 5.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 49 51 2 1.7 2m @ 1.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 70 77 7 2.3 7m @ 2.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 84.8 91 6.2 0.9 6.2m @ 0.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 110 113 3 2.3 3m @ 2.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 124 133 9 0.8 9m @ 0.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 145 153 8 1.9 8m @ 1.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 161 215 54 1.7 54m @ 1.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 219 221 2 1.2 2m @ 1.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 109.2 112.6 3.4 1.5 3.4m @ 1.5 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 120 132 12 1.8 12m @ 1.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 148.9 155 6.1 1 6.1m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 180 203 23 1.7 23m @ 1.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 229.5 243 13.5 1.3 13.5m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 24 26 2 10.2 2m @ 10.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 46.4 50 3.6 0.5 3.6m @ 0.5 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 56 61 5 1.3 5m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 78.9 80.9 2 1.8 2m @ 1.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 93 105.2 12.2 0.8 12.2m @ 0.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 115 148.9 33.9 1.6 33.9m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 152.1 158 5.9 1.6 5.9m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 168.85 189 20.15 1.3 20.15m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 197 211 14 4.1 14m @ 4.1 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 217 225 8 1.2 8m @ 1.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 6 10.4 4.4 1 4.4m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 196 209 13 0.9 13m @ 0.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 263 268 5 0.6 5m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 273.7 276.6 2.9 1.6 2.9m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 297 303 6 1.4 6m @ 1.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 306.5 320.8 14.3 1.2 14.3m @ 1.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-067 121 126 5 0.7 5m @ 0.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-067 137.1 146.1 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTRC21-071 128 132 4 1.9 4m @ 1.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTRC21-072 120 125 5 0.4 5m @ 0.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-076 295.6 318 22.4 3.4 22.4m @ 3.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-076 321.2 327 5.8 1.4 5.8m @ 1.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 190.4 192.4 2 0.9 2m @ 0.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 196 198.4 2.4 4.2 2.4m @ 4.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 205.8 213 7.2 0.6 7.2m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 243 257.7 14.7 1.6 14.7m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 261.9 282 20.1 4.8 20.1m @ 4.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 288 294.6 6.6 0.8 6.6m @ 0.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 303 323 20 1.1 20m @ 1.1 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 328 336.3 8.3 0.6 8.3m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 270.8 282 11.2 2.7 11.2m @ 2.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 285.3 305.6 20.3 1 20.3m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 328.4 343 14.6 1.5 14.6m @ 1.5 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 353 393 40 2.8 40m @ 2.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3



Notes:



1 Intervals indicated are not true widths as there is insufficient information to calculate true widths. However, drill holes have been drilled to cross interpreted mineralized zones as close to perpendicular as possible.



2 Intervals shaded grey were not reported previously.

About Galiano Gold Inc.

Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of long-term value creation for its stakeholders through exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The company currently operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine, located in Ghana, West Africa which is jointly owned with Gold Fields Ltd. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information contained in this news 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 we refer to collectively as "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 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 "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to statements regarding: the Company's planned resource estimate at Miridani North, including the scope and timing thereof; the expected area of mineralization at Miradani North; and the Company's planned exploration programs, including the timing and results thereof;. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the preparation of the Company's planned resource estimate at Miridani North proceeding as currently anticipated; the Company's planned resource estimate conforming to the current scope expected by the Company; the Company's planned exploration programs proceeding as anticipated;that labour disputes or disruptions, flooding, ground instability, geotechnical failure, fire, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate are as anticipated and other risks of the mining industry will not be encountered; and that contracted parties provide goods or services in a timely manner.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include, but are not limited to: the risk that the Company's planned resource estimate at Miridani North is not completed on the timeline currently anticipated, or at all, and/or that the scope of the planned resource estimate is different than currently anticipated; that the Company may not undertake planned future mining or exploration; the Company's and/or the AGM's operations may be curtailed or halted entirely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether as a result of governmental or regulatory law or pronouncement, or otherwise; andrisks related to the Company's use of contractors; the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold;.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding Mineral Reporting Standards:

As a British Columbia corporation and a "reporting issuer" under Canadian securities laws, the Company is required to provide disclosure regarding its mineral properties, including the AGM, in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. In accordance with NI 43-101, the Company uses the terms mineral reserves and resources as they are defined in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards on mineral reserves and resources (the "CIM Definition Standards") adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. In particular, the terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used in this press release are Canadian mining terms defined in accordance with CIM Definition Standards. These definitions differ from the definitions in the disclosure requirements promulgated by the SEC. Accordingly, information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies reporting pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements.

United States investors are also cautioned that while the SEC will now recognize "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources", investors should not assume that any part or all of the mineralization in these categories will ever be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to assume that any "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources", or "inferred mineral resources" that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable.

Further, "inferred resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the inferred resources exist. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101.

Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc.

Related Links

https://www.galianogold.com/home/default.aspx


ITM AG, a leading radiopharmaceutical company, today announced that it will host a virtual symposium titled, "New Approaches for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy in Precision Oncology" as an ancillary event in parallel to the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The symposium will feature renowned key opinion leaders in the field and will be held on Friday, June 4th, 2021 from 9.30 am 11.00 am ET 3.30 pm 5.00 pm CEST.

The interactive live-session will explore the latest science and clinical practices driving Targeted Radionuclide Therapy to the forefront of the precision oncology field. Participating experts will lead critical examinations and discussions surrounding topics including the current and future potential of Targeted Radionuclide Therapy in cancer therapy and diagnostics, its application in hard-to-treat indications such as gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and novel developments in the field, including ITM's proprietary precision oncology pipeline.

The full scientific program and registration form are available on ITM's website.

Scientific Program and Participating Experts:

Welcome introduction

Richard L Wahl, MD , Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, U.S.

, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, U.S. The potential for state-of-the-art Targeted Radionuclide Therapy diagnostics and future applications

Richard L Wahl, MD, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, U.S. (15 min)

Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, U.S. (15 min) The clinical management of NETs a multi-disciplinary team approach

Jennifer A Chan, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S. (15 min)

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S. (15 min) Leveraging the latest developments in somatostatin receptor-positive tumors to generate novel therapeutic opportunities

Thorvardur R Halfdanarson, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S. (15 min)

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S. (15 min) ITM's precision oncology pipeline

Mona M Wahba, MD, MSM, ITM, Munich, Germany (15 min)

MSM, ITM, Munich, Germany (15 min) Discussion closing remarks

Speakers will be available for a Q&A session at the end of the event.

The symposium will be available via a live webcast. A replay of the event will also be available on ITM's website.

The symposium is not sponsored, endorsed, or accredited by ASCO, CancerLinQ, or Conquer Cancer the ASCO Foundation.

End

About ITM Isotopen Technologien Munchen

ITM, a privately held radiopharmaceutical biotech company founded in 2004, is dedicated to providing the most precise cancer radiotherapeutics and diagnostics to meet the needs of patients, clinicians and our partners through excellence in development, production and global supply. With patient benefit as the driving principle for all we do, ITM is advancing a broad pipeline combining its superior radioisotopes with targeting molecules to create precision oncology treatments. ITM is leveraging its leadership and nearly two decades of radioisotope expertise combined with its worldwide network to enable nuclear medicine to reach its full potential for helping patients live longer and better. For more information, please visit www.itm.ag.

ITM Isotopen Technologien Munchen AG Supervisory Board: Udo J Vetter (Chairman) Executive Board: Steffen Schuster (Chairman), Thomas Durre Registered Office: Garching/Munich District Court of Munich Commercial Register 154 944 Phone: +49 (0)89 329 8986 600 Fax: +49 (0)89 329 8986 650 Email: info@itm.ag Tax Number: 143/100/82466 VAT Number: DE813228901 Deutsche Bank Freiburg IBAN: DE52680700300022816300 BIC: DEUTDE6F

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005058/en/

Contacts:

ITM Corporate Contact

Nicola Scharrer

Head of Marketing Communications

Phone: +49 89 3298986-151

Email: Nicola.Scharrer@itm.ag



ITM Media Requests

Trophic Communications

Stephanie May or Valeria Fisher

Phone: +49 171 185 56 82

Email: itm@trophic.eu
IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, supports Societe Generale to bring to market its latest eco-friendly card range, which was launched May 3rd under the Visa banner.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005556/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

In a market increasingly dominated by environmental issues, Societe Generale pledges to offer customers sustainable and secure payment cards. Teaming up with IDEMIA, Augmented Identity world leader, the bank has launched its first ever recycled plastic card range.

Societe Generale chose IDEMIA thanks to its world-class innovation and leadership in environmentally-friendly payment cards. IDEMIA's GREENPAY cards are made from recycled PVC plastic derived from production scrap, thereby minimizing natural resource consumption with no decrease to quality or security.

This latest payment card family will feature the Smurfs because of the values they epitomize like friendship and living in harmony with nature. The UN* have chosen the Smurfs as ambassadors for their 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

*United Nations

Amanda Gourbault, IDEMIA Executive VP Financial Institutions, said:

"We are immensely proud of our long term partnership with Societe Generale, and to have the opportunity to go with them on their CSR journey, supporting them in the launch of their first green cards made from recycled plastic. We are thrilled to pursue our longstanding alliance, focused on innovation, services and protecting the environment. With the introduction of GREENPAY, our eco-friendly offer for financial institutions, IDEMIA is determined to make an impact, significantly decreasing plastic waste and our CO2 emissions, two of the biggest challenges facing our planet today."

Philippe Marquetty, Societe Generale VP Retail Banking, said: "IDEMIA's GREENPAY card means we can deliver on our CSR pledges and involve our customers in doing so. By opting for a Planet Smurf card manufactured out of recycled PVC, our customers select a green product without giving up any ground on security or reliability".

About IDEMIA

IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity, provides a trusted environment enabling citizens and consumers alike to perform their daily critical activities (such as pay, connect and travel), in the physical as well as digital space.

Securing our identity has become mission critical in the world we live in today. By standing for Augmented Identity, an identity that ensures privacy and trust and guarantees secure, authenticated and verifiable transactions, we reinvent the way we think, produce, use and protect one of our greatest assets our identity whether for individuals or for objects, whenever and wherever security matters. We provide Augmented Identity for international clients from Financial, Telecom, Identity, Public Security and IoT sectors. With close to 15,000 employees around the world, IDEMIA serves clients in 180 countries.

For more information, visit www.idemia.com Follow @IdemiaGroup on Twitter

About Societe Generale

Societe Generale is one of the leading European financial services groups. Based on a diversified and integrated banking model, the Group combines financial strength and proven expertise in innovation with a strategy of sustainable growth. Committed to the positive transformations of the world's societies and economies, Societe Generale and its teams seek to build, day after day, together with its clients, a better and sustainable future through responsible and innovative financial solutions.

Active in the real economy for over 150 years, with a solid position in Europe and connected to the rest of the world, Societe Generale has over 133,000 members of staff in 61 countries and supports on a daily basis 30 million individual clients, businesses and institutional investors around the world by offering a wide range of advisory services and tailored financial solutions. The Group is built on three complementary core businesses:

French Retail Banking which encompasses the Societe Generale, Credit du Nord and Boursorama brands. Each offers a full range of financial services with omnichannel products at the cutting edge of digital innovation;

which encompasses the Societe Generale, Credit du Nord and Boursorama brands. Each offers a full range of financial services with omnichannel products at the cutting edge of digital innovation; International Retail Banking, Insurance and Financial Services to Corporates , with networks in Africa, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and specialised businesses that are leaders in their markets;

, with networks in Africa, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and specialised businesses that are leaders in their markets; Global Banking and Investor Solutions, which offers recognised expertise, key international locations and integrated solutions.

Societe Generale is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (World and Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of Societe Generale's newsroom page where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document's legitimacy directly on the web page.

For more information, you can follow us on Twitter @societegenerale or visit our website www.societegenerale.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005556/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Hanna Sebbah idemia@havas.com +33 (0)6 63 73 30 30
AMSTERDAM, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Effectory reveals the three highest scoring World-class Workplaces of 2021.

GLOBAL: Icelandair Group

NETHERLANDS : a.s.r.

: GERMANY : Gerresheimer

Organizations that shows excellent employership by scoring above their country's benchmark or the global benchmark on employership and employee Net Promotor Score (eNPS) can become a World-class Workplace.

Icelandair Group, a.s.r. and Gerresheimer were the best-performing workplaces and prove they're great employers with an extremely satisfied and engaged workforce.

Icelandair Group shares their experience at the World-class Workplace event

At Effectory's virtual event to celebrate great employership , keynote speakers such as HR guru Dave Ulrichshared their knowledge on engagement, employee experience and organizational success.

HR director Sveina Berglind Jonsdottir from Icelandair Group, explained what this award meant to her organization: "We are very proud of this label, especially after last year, which was very challenging for our business as for other airlines. It's truly rewarding and encouraging."

She also gave some expert advice for those aspiring to be a World-class Workplace-winner: "Each company has different strengths to build on and different topics that need improvement. I think it is important to use measures like employee surveys and help each team create action-plans based on the results of such a survey. For the management team communication is very important: keep employees informed, be as honest and transparent as possible, and give employees the chance to have a voice."

The most objective quality mark for top employers

The World-class Workplace scan is a free, highlyregarded scan and is 100% based on employees' opinions. Being available to all and having a strong scientific foundation by comparing scores to set pre-defined benchmarks, is the most objective quality mark for employership on the market.

What makes an organization a World-class Workplace?

Over 1 million employees shared their feedback about their employers through World-class Workplace surveys in 2020. Their insights showed us that World-class Workplaces excel in making their employees feel valued and instilling a sense of pride and trust.

When working for one of these best employers, employees experience good opportunities to grow, are proud to work for the organization and feel enabled and encouraged to contribute to organization-wide success and ideas. Top employers also put significantly more effort into enabling their workforce to work autonomously versus those whose employees aren't as satisfied.

Being a great employer pre- and post-COVID

The results showcase employees feel more appreciated and acknowledged by their organization post-COVID than pre-COVID. Also, organizations offered employees more autonomy post-COVID, which plays a key role in whether employees are satisfied.

Free World-class Workplace scans are available to all organizations

Organizations that want to become a World-class Workplace and get indispensable insights into employee engagement can run Effectory's free scan. When scoring above the benchmark, organizations receive the World-class Workplace quality label.

Effectory offers employee listening solutions so organizations can improve performance based on feedback.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Silver Elephant Mining Corp. ("Silver Elephant" or "the Company") (TSX:ELEF)(OTCQX:SILEF)(Frankfurt:1P2N) announces that based on Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical survey results, the Company has identified a large linear anomaly measuring over 1,400 meters in length, up to 250 meters wide, starting at a depth of approximately 250 meters from surface at its Pulacayo silver project in Potosi department, Bolivia.

The entire length of the anomaly has never been drilled and shows very high and consistent chargeability and low resistivity and runs parallel to the main 3 km east-west trending Tajo vein system (TVS) that is just 300 meters to the south.

Reviewing the size, the location and geological setting, the Company believes one possibility explaining the anomaly may be that it is an off-shoot vein originating from a much deeper level, that forks off the main Tajo vein.

According to historic mine records, portions (averaging 500+ g/t silver and 10%+ lead and zinc) of the Tajo vein have been mined to a depth of 1,000 meters between 1800's and 1952. Mining by Hochschild Group yielded historic production of 670 million silver oz's according to detailed mine records, which have been digitized and analyzed by the Company.

Joaquin Merino, VP South America Operation comments: "We were very surprised by how large and how close the anomaly is to the Tajo vein. The Hochschild mine records indicate that their miners were focusing only on lateral and vertical development of the Tajo vein. It was a very successful endeavor until the mine was stopped at its deepest level by Bolivian National Revolution in 1952. Silver Elephant will drill and test the IP anomaly which may represent a parallel or conjugate system to the Tajo vein."

In October 2020, the Company announced a mineral resource estimate on the project of a combined 107 million oz's of silver in the indicated category all within the upper portion of the Pulacayo TVS and Paca deposits according to the Mercator Geological Services technical report dated October 13th, 2020, now available at sedar.com. This estimate is based on over 100,000 meters of drilling. None of this drilling has reached beyond 500 meters vertical depth from surface.

The IP survey program is being conducted by Matrix Geotechnologies Ltd. of Canada and overseen by Danniel Oosterman and Joaquin Merino, both Qualified Persons according to NI 43-101 (refer to news release dated January 27, 2021). The program consists 110 line-kilometers which overlay the Pulacayo, Pacamayo, El Abra, Pero, and Paca areas at 100-meter line spacing. The Company is receiving survey raw data which it is compiling and interpreting continually. The geophysical technical ground crew is scheduled to complete IP survey in July, while the drill crew is mobilizing and expected to commence drilling in July.

Visit www.silverelef.com for IP survey grid map and preliminary IP survey results from Pulacayo, Pacamayo, El Abra, and Pero areas.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of Danniel Oosterman, VP Exploration. Mr. Oosterman is not independent of the Company in that he is employed by it. Mr. Oosterman is a qualified person ("QP") as defined by the guidelines in NI 43-101.

About Silver Elephant

Silver Elephant Mining Corp. is a premier silver mining and exploration company.

Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com.

SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"John Lee"

Executive Chairman

For more information about Silver Elephant, please contact Investor Relations:

+1.604.569.3661 ext. 101

ir@silverelef.com www.silverelef.com

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.

SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648235/Silver-Elephant-Finds-Large-Geophysical-Anomaly-300-Meters-North-of-Tajo-Vein-at-Pulacayo-Silver-Project-Drilling-to-Commence-in-July
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Probax, a market leader in cloud data protection solutions focused exclusively on the Managed Service Provider (MSP) channel, today announced that International Capital Markets Group (Houston, Texas), Unbundled Capital (Austin, Texas) and Hawk Invest (Oslo, Norway), join Probax as investors in the Company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Probax was founded in Australia in 2005 and expanded into the North American market in 2018. The Company offers a unique next-gen management portal with intelligent site discovery and automation technologies - empowering its MSP customers to deliver scalable "out-of-the-box ready" data protection solutions that offer substantial benefits to their own MSP business, while delivering real value to the clients they service.

"International Capital Markets Group, Unbundled Capital and Hawk Invest collectively provide our company with industry wisdom, strategic guidance and access to capital to enable Probax to execute on its aggressive growth strategy. We see both organic and inorganic opportunities and this investment puts all options on the table for us." said Tim Smith, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Probax.

Randolph Read, President of International Capital Markets Group (ICMG) commented, "We believe Probax has developed innovative and differentiated data protection IP that can be extremely helpful in enabling MSPs to do their job more efficiently - and by extension potentially become more profitable. Moreover, Probax's Hive and Scout technologies, can enable its customers to have access to market leading, third party technologies in a vendor agnostic platform. ICMG is excited to be a part of helping to further develop Probax."

About Probax (www.probax.io)

Probax is an award-winning provider of data protection solutions and services including data backup and retention, disaster recovery and business continuity. With unmatched partner enablement and support, together with continued innovation and integration with leading technology vendors including Veeam, StorageCraft, Dropbox and Microsoft; Probax empowers businesses to protect their most valuable asset, their data.

CONTACT:

Sam Meegahage

COO & Company Secretary

sam.meegahage@probax.io

+1 8888-776229

SOURCE: Probax

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648309/Probax-Announces-New-Investors-To-Support-Its-Continuing-Growth-Trajectory
INDIANAPOLIS (dpa-AFX) - Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) Thursday said its diabetes drug candidate tirzepatide met all primary and key secondary study outcomes in Surpass-4 trial. Results from the Surpass-4 study showed that treatment with tirzepatide provided superior A1C reductions as well as weight loss compared to insulin glargine in adults with type 2 diabetes who have increased cardiovascular risk. All three doses, 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg of tirzepatide reduced A1C and body weight, with the highest dose of tirzepatide reducing A1C by 2.58 percent and body weight by 11.7 kg, Lilly said. The most commonly reported adverse events during the study were mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects. Tirzepatide is a novel investigational once-weekly dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist that integrates the actions of the GIP and GLP-1 incretins into a single molecule, representing a new class of medicines being studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Lilly plans to submit the registration package to regulatory authorities by the end of 2021. 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.
CHARLOTTE (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission said it has fined Nomura, UBS and UniCredit a total of 371 million euros for participating in a European Governments bonds trading cartel. NatWest, previously known as Royal Bank of Scotland Group, was not fined as it revealed the cartel to the Commission. Bank of America and Natixis are not fined either because their infringement falls outside the limitation period for imposition of fines. Portigon, the legal and economic successor of WestLB, received a zero fine as it did not generate any net turnover in the last business year which served as a cap to the fine. The Commission alleged that the seven investment banks participated in a cartel through a group of traders working on their European Governments bonds desks and operating in a closed circle of trust. The traders exchanged commercially sensitive information. They informed and updated each other on their prices and volumes offered in the run up to the auctions and the prices shown to their customers or to the market in general. The conduct partially took place during the financial crisis and more specifically between 2007 and 2011, and affected the entire European Economic Area. The competition watchdog noted that the behavior of the seven banks violates EU rules that prohibit anticompetitive business practices such as collusion on prices. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
HOUSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pharm-Olam, a global, midsized CRO offering full-service clinical development solutions for infectious diseases, vaccines, rare diseases, and oncology, is now enrolling UK volunteers into a pivotal Phase III COVID-19 vaccine study. Visit ukcovid19study.com for more information about participation.

The Phase III "Cov-Compare" trial (VLA2001-301) will compare Valneva's SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, VLA2001, against AstraZeneca's conditionally approved vaccine, Vaxzevria [1], in a comparative immunogenicity trial. There will be roughly 4,000 participants.

Pharm-Olam is the full-service provider for this study. It has a strong history of drug development related to medical countermeasures. Pharm-Olam holds memberships in the Medical CBRN Defense Consortium and has augmented the infectious disease prevention and therapeutic efforts of several governmental entities, including BARDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense.

Kelly Garner, Senior Project Manager said: "It is an incredible opportunity and privilege to have a leading role with Pharm-Olam, supporting Valneva with their VLA2001 COVID-19 vaccine candidate, of which the UK Government have secured 100 million doses. We have been able to successfully achieve the study milestones for Phase 1/2 and 3 of the VLA2001 program. It gives me a great sense of pride to be successfully contributing towards overcoming the global pandemic on behalf of Pharm-Olam, in strong collaboration with Valneva."

Maria-Cruz Morillo, Director, Project Management said: "In my role of oversight of the Valneva program, I am proud to be part of a team working together to meet extremely tight timelines with a high level of quality and commitment to deliver quality results."

Dr. Robert J. Davie, Chief Executive Officer said: "Pharm-Olam is delighted to partner with Valneva in their on-going clinical development programme for the tremendously important SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, VLA2001. Our Clinical Team, together with our investigative sites throughout the UK, are fully committed to the delivery of the Cov-Compare trial and we look forward to having played our part in overcoming COVID-19 and the challenges it has caused around the world."

[1] Approved by MHRA under reg. 174 and by the European Commission as conditional approval

ABOUT PHARM-OLAM LLC

Pharm-Olam is a global clinical research organization that delivers right-sized trial services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, government, and public health organizations around the world. They specialize in small molecule therapies and biologics in infectious disease, and vaccines oncology-hematology, rare disease, allergy, autoimmune, infectious disease, and vaccines. Founded in 1994, with operations in 60 countries, this CRO goes the distance to create a healthier world through agile, innovative, and customized CRO solutions for Phase I-IV research. Learn how Pharm-Olam helps studies succeed at www.pharm-olam.com.

ABOUT VALNEVA

Valneva is a specialty vaccine company focused on the development and commercialization of prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases with significant unmet medical need. The Company has leveraged its expertise and capabilities both to successfully commercialize two vaccines and to rapidly advance a broad range of vaccine candidates into and through the clinic, including candidates against Lyme disease, the chikungunya virus and COVID-19.

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Ahmedabad/Mumbai: In Gujarat, as many as 46 people have been killed due to Cyclone Tauktae across 12 districts, and in Maharashtra at least 26 personnel on board accommodation barge P305 that went adrift in the cyclone fury before sinking in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai coast are dead and 49 still missing, officials said Wednesday.

To assess the damage and destruction wrecked by Cyclone Tauktae, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected in Gujarat and adjoining Union Territory of Diu and announced an assistance of  1,000 crore for immediate relief work in Gujarat.

"Undertook an aerial survey over parts of Gujarat and Diu to assess the situation in the wake of Cyclone Tauktae. Central government is working closely with all the states affected by the cyclone, Mr Modi tweeted afterwards.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) questioned why the Prime Minister did not visit cyclone-hit areas in Maharashtra.

Navy warship INS Kochi reached Mumbai on Wednesday carrying 22 bodies and 125 of the 186 rescues from P305.

"Today PM Modiji is taking an ariel survey of #CycloneTauktae affected areas of Daman, Diu and Gujarat. Why not the same of the areas affected in #Maharashtra? Is this not clear cut discrimination?" Maharashtra minister and NCP's national spokesperson Nawab Malik asked in a Twitter post.

In Gujarat, 24 deaths were reported due to wall collapses during the cyclone, while six died after trees fell on them. Five each died because of house collapse and electrocution, four due to roof collapse and rest died due to a tower collapse, an official said.

As many as 30,000 structures including 28,430 kachcha houses, 74,493 electricity poles and 674 roads were damaged, 68,753 trees uprooted and power supply snapped in over 9,000 Gujarat villages.

From Amreli district in Gujarats Saurashtra region, the worst affected in the cyclone that crossed the state coast as an extremely severe cyclonic storm on Monday night and completed landfall around 1.30 am Tuesday, 15 deaths were reported from.

In Maharashtra, a Navy spokesperson said the bodies were brought to Mumbai along with 125 of the barge P305 survivors. Forty-nine people who were on barge P305 which sank on Monday are still missing.

Calling the victims Brave Nature's Victims (BNV), he said Navy personnel, battling extreme weather, have so far rescued 186 of the 261 people who were onboard barge P305 and also two from tugboat Varaprada. "Search and rescue operations are still on and we haven't lost hopes of bringing them ashore," he said. However, the chance of finding survivors is getting bleaker as the hours pass by, he added.

Warships INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Beas, INS Betwa, INS Teg, P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, Chetak, ALH & Seaking helicopters are involved in the SAR operations.

PM Modi, after conducting an aerial survey of affected areas in Gujarat and Diu, held a meeting with the states top officials to review the situation. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, state Chief Secretary Anil Mukim and additional chief secretary (Revenue) Pankaj Kumar were among those who attended the meeting held at GUJSAIL Complex at Ahmedabad Airport, officials said.

The Prime Minister landed at Bhavnagar from Delhi around noon and boarded a helicopter for a survey of cyclone- affected areas in Gir-Somnath, Bhavnagar and Amreli districts of Gujarat along with Diu. He was accompanied by chief minister Rupani.

The cyclone made landfall between Diu and Una town of Gir-Somnath district in Gujarat on Monday night. Before making landfall in Gujarat, Cyclone Tauktae had claimed seven lives and caused damages in parts of Maharashtra, particularly in its coastal areas.

The cyclone, categorised as an extremely severe cyclonic storm on Monday, has now weakened into a depression and lay centred over south Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat region on Wednesday morning, the India Meteorological Department said.  Agencies
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - TrustBIX Inc. (TSXV: TBIX) ("TrustBIX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of the FLS HUB solution for feedlot operations management. Sold through its ViewTrak subsidiary, FLS Hub represents the culmination of investment and re-positioning of its older Feedlot Solutions brand and is positioned to meet the needs of the under-serviced smaller feedlot market (less than 2,500 head) in North America. In the US alone, roughly 97% of the 25,776 feedlots in operation as of the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture were in this market segment.

FLS HUB is designed to be a centralized software solution that addresses all feedlot operations such as inventory management, cattle performance analysis, invoicing and accounts receivable. It includes enhanced reporting capability and integrates well with other typical feedlot herd health or feed bunk software solutions.

FLS Hub will be sold as on-premises software that the client installs on-site with an ongoing subscription required for maintenance, third-party integrations, and support.

"This investment in our Feedlot Solutions software positions us with a platform to continue developing new and innovative features, while opening the door to integration and partnerships with other software providers," said Lee Irvine, General Manager, ViewTrak. "Our market is expanded by focusing on smaller operations with FLS Hub, where clients prefer to buy an on-premises software solution."

About TrustBIX (TSXV: TBIX)

As an innovative leader, TrustBIX provides agri-food traceability. By addressing consumer and agri-food business demands, the Company has a goal to become the most trusted and largest source of third-party food traceability and sustainability information globally - Gate to Plate. TrustBIX Inc.'s focus is to create a world where we trust more, waste less and reward sustainable behaviour. The Company's proprietary platform, BIX (Business infoXchange System), is designed to create trust without compromising privacy through innovative use of data and technology. Extensive R&D has allowed TrustBIX to create a new blockchain-derived technology to complement its mature and proven traceability systems. By leveraging BIX and its unique use of incentive solutions, the Company can deliver independent validation of food provenance and sustainable production practices within the supply chain. ViewTrak Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides a suite of hardware and software solutions to the livestock industry in Canada, United States, Mexico and China, such as Auction Master Pro, Market Master, Feedlot Solutions and pork grading probes. For more information, visit www.trustbix.com, or follow us on Twitter twitter.com/@TrustBIX_Inc, Facebook at www.facebook.com/BIXSco, or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bixsco-inc-/.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and reflects the Company's present assumptions regarding future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance, and/or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "propose", "anticipate", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions used by any of the Company's management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's internal projections, expectations, future growth, performance and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to the Company. Since they relate to the Company's current views with respect to future events, they are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments except as required by applicable securities legislation, regulations or policies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Hubert Lau

President and CEO

Telephone: (780) 456-2207

Email: info@trustbix.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84619
Port St. Joe-Wewahitchka, Florida and Panama City, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - UAV Corp's (OTC Pink: UMAV) Skyborne Technology (STI) and Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) have executed a binding MOU to secure 3rd Party contracts to add government agencies and commercial companies to advance the technology of the DATT tether-airship utilizing a wireless Broadband communications network for its UAS Systems for 1st responders after a disaster.

The new PHASE II agreement with GCSC is unique to allow government and commercial entities to participate in sponsorship programs to test and evaluate advanced technologies in Realtime on board the tether-airship. Specifically, multiple drones will be in flight and communicating through the mothership (also remotely piloted) to send data to first responders in case of disaster like hurricane Michael. "Our goal is to be testing 5G capabilities with a national carrier late summer followed by flight readiness in case of a disaster or other national needs, stated Michael Lawson CEO of STI."

The DATT SA 70-12 tether-airship is under final construction with an advanced modular semi-rigid design. Currently, the hard structures for engine decks, fuel decks, drone decks are made of aircraft aluminum and can be converted into composite structures. The hard structures are scheduled to be ready for integration onto the airship in June 2021. The inner envelope (helium structure) is scheduled for leak testing late May/June 2021. The flight tests are currently scheduled to start late summer 2021 and set up into three Phases. Phase 1 is to test the DATT airship with manned operations. Phase 2 operations is to test a new Detachable Airship Tether System (DATT) in which the airship can remotely disconnect from the tether in case of tether failure or become mission oriented for remotely piloted operations followed by PHASE 3 remote pilot operations with two UAS (drone) systems on board the mothership.

"The strong relationship between Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) and Skyborne Technology, Inc. (STI) continues to develop and expand in exciting new ways, much the way STI's lighter-than-air UAV technology continues to push beyond existing boundaries and innovate in ways previously unimagined. This next phase of project development throws open the doors for public-private partnerships that will be truly transformational in the industry," stated Dr. John Holdnak, President of Gulf Coast State College.

"We couldn't be more pleased with our growing relationship with Gulf Coast State College and Dr. Holdnak. Our growing public-private partnership has already accelerated our company's growth and provided us with unique revenue and sponsorship opportunities that both the Skyborne Technology and Gulf Coast State College plan to develop in the future. The continued support we have received from the College and Gulf County are helping UAV Corp and Skyborne Technology become a leading Tether-Airship and Drone technology company," Stated Billy Robinson, Chairman of UAV Corp.

Gulf Coast State College

Mission: Gulf Coast State College holds students and community of central importance. The College provides many opportunities for learning and offers a range of programs and services to help students become well educated, productive citizens. The College is equally dedicated to collaborating with the community to help create or improve economic well-being and to offer the space of the College for social dialog, events of art and culture, and other moments that enhance our quality of life.

About UAV Corp

UAV Corp (UMAV) is a Research and Development holding company with a focus on Communication Aerospace and Environmental Solutions. Researchers at UAV Corp are actively engaged in solving transformative problems for the government and commercial clients. We are working on a wide range of topics including but not limited to advanced communication, Airship and Drone Technology and low altitude analysis of carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion, new energy processes, biomass conversion, energy efficiency crop and mining management.

About Skyborne Technology, Inc.

Skyborne Technology, Inc. has significant investments in research & development of Intellectual Property and proprietary designs in areas covering semi-rigid and rigid airship design, reverse-ballonet technology, mooring and hybrid propulsion that have competitive advantages for both its Spherical and Cylinder Class tether/airship designs. Skyborne Technology has a manufacturing facility in Wewahitchka, Florida and owns the airport in Port St. Joe, Florida for manned and unmanned operations.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable US securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals, where applicable and the state of the capital markets. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The 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 law.

Contact:

UAV Corp

OTC Pink: UMAV

Billy Robinson, Chairman

504-722-7402

brobinson@uavcorp.net

www.uavcorp.net

Deborah Cheek, Communications Director

850-588-1747

dcheek@uavcorp.net

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84640
Recent Harris Poll reveals that 77% of U.S. energy leaders believe innovative technology is an immediate solution to transform industry and is crucial to meet urgent carbon net-zero goals.

U.S. energy leaders believe companies are not taking the steps necessary to back up sustainability initiatives and cite transformative technology as a key accelerator to help meet urgent carbon net-zero goals, according to a new State of the U.S. Energy Industry Report conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll. The report, released today, includes data and insights from U.S. energy decision-makers on sustainability and technology across the industry.

Key findings on the current state of the industry:

68% of energy leaders say their companies are not taking the proper steps to back up sustainability initiatives.

85% of energy leaders agree that industry needs to be more transparent about what challenges are being faced and what resources are needed to develop sustainable solutions.

77% of energy leaders say transformative technology including integrated data on emission reduction is an immediate way to become more sustainable.

61% say technology is the most promising area of investment.

"We recognize that digitalization and transformative technology will be the key to meeting climate goals," said Laurent David, Director Product Development, Aker BioMarine. "We believe that operations efficiency leads to sustainability. In fact, we have initiatives in place in our Houston plant that will enable us to significantly reduce the CO2 intensity in our production, while also increasing our production capacity."

Report reveals technology and data provide real solutions to address sustainability:

Manual data collection continues to be a top challenge, along with data quality and reporting frequency.

Two-thirds (64%) say that having perfectly integrated data could help their company better measure and understand how to reduce emissions.

Respondents say the biggest benefits of using data to address sustainability in operations include: making information actionable, real-time decision making, contextualization, and breaking out of legacy systems.

"Sustainability starts as a data problem," said Dr. Francois Laborie, Cognite President, North America. "To be able to address carbon footprints, companies must liberate and contextualize data from legacy systems to make actionable decisions and ultimately streamline operations to address both sustainability and profitability. By harnessing the full insights of data and optimization technology, we can move toward a more sustainable future as an industry together."

The State of the U.S. Energy Industry Report was sponsored by Cognite and was conducted in partnership with Axios Studio.

To download the full report: https://content.cognite.com/sustainability-report-download

About Cognite

Cognite is a global industrial software-as-a-service (SaaS) company supporting the full-scale digital data-driven transformation of asset-intensive industries around the world. Our core product, Cognite Data Fusion (CDF), is an industrial data operations and contextualization platform, putting raw data into real-world industrial context, enabling rapid application solution creation at scale. CDF powers companies with contextualized OT/IT/ET data to develop solutions that increase safety, sustainability, efficiency and drive revenue. Visit us at www.cognite.com and follow us on Twitter @CogniteData or at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognitedata

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005620/en/

Contacts:

Michelle Holford

Global PR Lead, Cognite

+1 (512) 744-3420 (US)

+47 482 90 454 (Norway)

michelle.holford@cognite.com
LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global vaccines vials market in terms of revenue was worth of USD 459.6 Million in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 901.3 Million in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2021 to 2027. The global vaccines vials market is expected to grow at a significant growth rate due to several driving factors.

The study provides a crucial view of the global vaccines vials market by segmenting the market based on dose, material, technology, applications, capacity and region & country level. Based upon the dose, global vaccines vials market is segmented into single dose and multi dose. Based upon material, the global vaccines vials market is classified into glass and polymer in which glass is sub divided into medium borosilicate glass vials, low borosilicate glass vials, and soda lime glass vials. Based upon technology, the market is segmented into molded vials, tubular vials and others. Based upon applications, the global vaccines vials market is categorized into preventive vaccine and therapeutic vaccine. Based upon capacity, the global vaccines vials market is categorized into 2ml, 3ml, 5ml, 10ml, 20ml, and others.

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A vial is plastic or glass vessel or bottle, that is a small in size and used to store medication as powders, liquids, or capsules. Vials are also known as a phials or flacons. They can also be used as scientific samples or experimental vessels. There are various types of vials including single-dose vial and multi-dose vials which are used for medications. The single-dose vials are only used once while multi-dose vials can be used more than once. The vaccine vials are used to store vaccines to the temperature. Vaccine vials are used in medicine and in chemical laboratories. A vial has a bottle-like shape with a neck, or it can be tubular. The modern vials are habitually made from plastic or glass and used as storage for small quantities of liquid utilized in molecular biology applications or medical. A vial is a small-sized bottle that typically retains liquids. Modern vials are usually made with glass, polypropylene and other materials.

Prominent key Player Continues working on vaccines vials & have a Great Growth : Anhui Huaxin Medicinal Glass Products Co., Ltd., Berlin Packaging LLC, Corning Inc., Cardinal Health, DWK Life Sciences GmbH, Gerresheimer AG, Jinan Youlyy industrial Co., Ltd, JOTOP Glass, Nipro Corporation, Origin Pharma Packaging, Pacific Vial Manufacturing Inc, Qorpak , Inc., Richland Glass Company, Inc, SCHOTT AG, Shadong Pharmaceutical Glass Co., Ltd, SiO2 Medical Products , Stevanato Group, Thermofisher Scientific, Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co.KG.

Reginal Analysis:

Geographically, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth in vaccines vials market during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the high prevalence of infectious diseases increasing throughout the Asia Pacific. For instance; according to the World Health Organization April 2021, in China, there are around 572,257 total specimens processed of Influenza A and B, in Cambodia, there are around 1,116 and in Singapore, there are 2,578 total number specimens processed of Influenza A and B. Also, according to The Print in June 2020, India informed the highest number of 24.04 lakh tuberculosis cases as against an expected 26.9 lakh cases by WHO. The rapidly increasing infectious diseases in the Asia Pacific is the reason for the death of people while being vaccinated is the safest way to avoid affecting infectious diseases. The demand for vaccines and ultimately vaccine vials is enhancing in the Asia Pacific.

The various factors contributing to the growth of the global vaccines vials market are increasing production of vaccines, growing number of initiatives to promote immunization, rising awareness among the people regarding endemic diseases, and increasing incidence of Covid-19 cases all around the world. Currently, the vaccine industry is comprised of companies that are engaged in the research, development, production, and distribution of several vaccines. The increasing production of vaccines is one of the major factors fostering the growth of the vaccines vials market. For instance; according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine 2018, China classifies as the world's biggest vaccine spending and manufacturing country with a projected output of one billion doses per annum. Brazil has four significant vaccine production companies. The overall infectious disease vaccine sales were more than $35 billion by 2020.

The components of the vaccine industry were found in 50 countries worldwide. For improving protection against several diseases, vaccines are manufactured all around the world. In addition, the growing incidence of Covid-19 cases all over the world is one of the major factors driving the growth of the market for vaccines vials. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease influenced by a newly found coronavirus. For example; according to the World Health Organization on May 16th, 2021, there have been 162,177,376 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 3,364,178 deaths globally. To avoid the deaths of the people, the uptake of vaccines is most essential. As of May 11th, 2021, an aggregate of 1,264,164,553 vaccine doses has been administered throughout the world. As the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing, the need for vaccines is also increasing. Consequently, the production of vaccine vails is increasing all over the globe.

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Major Trends of Global Vaccine Vials Market

Vaccines vials are widely used in pharmaceutical packaging. The vaccines vial is a small container, cylindrical in shape can be used in such industries as the pharmaceutical, medical, environmental, and lab testing fields. It is used specifically to store medication as liquids, powders or capsules form. There are various types of vaccines vials available such as a single dose vial and multi-dose vials. Like as, the single dose vial is only used for once whereas a multi-dose vial can be used more than once respectively. The increasing investment in the glass vaccine vials, specifically in the pharmaceutical industry, growing production of vaccines and rising initiatives by government in biochemical industry are key impacting factors expected to drive the growth of vaccines vials market. Today, glass vials is creatively used for flexible aseptic filling throughout the medical, chemical, biological, and related fields for the containment of substances. Also, glass vials used for package pharmaceutical preparations that containing significant amounts of boric oxide, aluminium oxide, and alkali and/or alkaline earth oxides, benefits from high hydrolytic and thermal shock resistance.

Some of the major trends of vaccines vials market on the basis of product are as follows:

Borosilicate Glass Vials: It is mostly used for pharmaceutical packaging. It is made of borosilicate glass that composed of silica (80 percent) and boric oxide (10 percent), with a small amount of sodium oxide and aluminium oxide. Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that is very popular because is reasonably resistant to temperature changes, chemically inert and highly resistant to enzymes. Also, borosilicate glass vials has certain limitations such as it is relatively heavy, vulnerable to breakages and can delaminate, specially during thermal cycles such as those used in heat sterilization. All these properties enable borosilicate vials to store drugs safely and prevent contamination. For example, Schott is one of the world's leading producers of pharmaceutical containers made from borosilicate glass. This is the most widely available material used to store and deliver vaccines and other sensitive medications. It is used by pharmaceutical companies with a unique combination of attributes to package biologic drugs while supporting today's quality requirements of filling lines. It is recently used for doses of COVID-19 vaccines through 2021.

Sterile Gx RTF Glass Vials: It is an injection vials that made out of type I borosilicate glass. It is a perfect container with a high process capability for critical features and improved delamination resistance. It is a product innovation that beats all known market requirements for a Type I borosilicate injection vial. It is available as bulk (non-sterile) or as ready to fill-version (sterile). This tubular glass meets all current requirements of the applicable ISO standards and pharmacopeias (USP and Ph.Eur.). Basically, it is ready to fill-injection vials which are produced according to cGMP, washed in a cleanroom, packed in tray or nest and tub and sterilized, ready to fill.

Valor Glass: Valor glass is one example of a current innovations in pharmaceutical glassware. It is as aluminosilicate glass, the boric oxide of borosilicate glass is replaced with aluminium oxide that is designed to be stronger and more resistant to breakages than its predecessor. In addition, borosilicate glass breaks less than 20kg of force whereas valor glass is 50 times stronger, withstanding over 450kg before breaking. For example, In June 2020, Corning established a USD 204 million grant from the US government to expand manufacturing of its Valor vials for used in COVID-19 vaccines under the Operation Warp Speed initiative.

Moulded Glass Vials: The molded glass vials are obtained by pouring molten glass into molds. This offers better thermal stability for the purpose of sterilization, enhanced transparency, superior impermeability, excellent barrier properties and chemical resistance, improved regulatory acceptance and lower environmental impact.

SG EZ-fill Vial: SG EZ-fill is the widest range of clean, sterile, dehydrogenated and ready to fill glass containers used in pharmaceutical industry. It allows the adoption of a unique fill & finish equipment for different packaging. SG EZ-fill Vial is a container which provide the highest level of quality, safety, and technology for the most demanding drugs.

Hybrid vials: A new hybrid vial by coating the inside of a medical grade plastic container with a nano-layer of pure silicon dioxide (SiO2). COVID-19 Vaccine For example, In 2020, The company launched a USD 163 million expansion project at its Auburn facility to increase the level production of its vaccine vial to supply the federal government with vials to support the COVID-19 vaccine effort. Also, In June, SiO2 Materials Science presented a grant by the US Government worth USD143 million, to allow them to manufacture their hybrid vials for use in COVID-19 vaccines. And, On September 22nd, 2020; SiO2, an advanced materials science company, and the government of Canada entered into a supply agreement for hybrid vials and syringes. The hybrid vials and syringes are a fusion of a plastic polymer exterior shell with a glass-like barrier coating on the inside. Both vials and syringes have been tested in cold temperature storage situations and are compatible down to -80 degrees Celsius. The vials and syringes will be filled in Canada and have been selected due to the flexibility and performance across a wide degree of thermal and supply chain situations.

Tubular Injectable Glass Vials: The tubular injectable glass vials are obtained by using glass tube by hot edges for filling antibiotics vaccine. Tubular glass vials are hot-formed from a continuous length of Type I glass tubing. It is used as automatic inspection system to control appearance and tolerance. It is made of borosilicate glass with high-quality glass tubing with crimp neck finish. The main application of these vials is for the packaging of penicillin, vaccine, injection powders, and lyophilized powder. It is available with rubber stoppers, aluminum caps.

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Injection Vials of Low Borosilicate Glass Tubing: This Vials has stable physical and chemical properties, good compatibility with the contained drugs, strong thermal shock resistance, cold resistance, acid and alkali resistance. It is used for directly filling injection and sterile powder for injection.

EVERIC Pure: It provides drug stability in particular for sensitive drugs and drugs with low-filling volumes. An EVERIC Pure vial allows drug stability by using FIOLAX CHR (controlled hydrolytic resistance) glass tubing, which has a higher chemical stability than standard borosilicate glass without any change in composition. EVERIC pure is a new borosilicate glass vials ensure drug stability by using an improved borosilicate glass tubing a new generation of ultra-pure pharmaceutical vials to meet the exacting drug stability needs of low-fill drugs. It is used for sensitive drugs and drugs with low filling volumes. It is ISO certified and available in 2 ml -20 ml size capacity.

Siliconized Vials: This vial presenting the chemical stability of the medical blended silicone oil makes the glass bottle hydrophobic that can help to reduce the residual on the wall of the glass bottle and avoid the waste of the medicine. It is suitable for specific pharmaceuticals such as suspensions, protein absorption drug injections. By using a special process on vials to form a layer of ultra-thin and dense uniform film on the inner wall of the glass container to seal and shield.

Some of major trends of global vaccine vials market on the basis of raw materials:

Borosilicate glass is basic raw material which utilized to make vaccine vials for COVID-19 vaccine. It is a type of glass that contains boron trioxide which allows for a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. Means that it will not break under extreme temperature changes as compare to regular glass. This glass is also well-known for its extremely high chemical resistance. This glass is invented in 1897 by Schott AG.

Some of major trends of global vaccine vials market on the basis of technology:

Nowadays, moulded glass vials is more in trends for manufacturing of vaccine vials. Moulded glass technology has been applied in the pharmaceutical industry mainly to reduce the cost and time of manufacturing of medical products. Also, it is used to improve the performance of drug devices. The molded glass vials are obtained by pouring molten glass into molds.

Key Benefits for Global Vaccine Vials Market Report-

Global Vaccine Vials market report covers in-depth historical and forecast analysis.

Global Vaccine Vials market research report provides detail information about Market Introduction, Market Summary, Global market Revenue (Revenue USD), Market Drivers, Market Restraints, Market Opportunities, Competitive Analysis, Regional and Country Level.

Global Vaccine Vials market report helps to identify opportunities in marketplace.

Global Vaccine Vials market report covers extensive analysis of emerging trends and competitive landscape.

Vaccine Vials Market Segmentation Analysis:

By Dose:

Single Dose

Multi Dose

By Material

Glass

Medium Borosilicate Glass Vials



Low Borosilicate Glass Vials



Soda Lime Glass Vials

Polymer

By Technology:

Molded Vials

Tubular Vials

Others

By Application:

Preventive Vaccine

Therapeutic Vaccine

By Capacity:

2ml.

3ml.

5ml.

10ml.

20ml.

Others

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AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / SmallCapVoice.com Inc. ("SCV") announces the availability of a new interview with Troy Grogan, CEO of USA Equities Corp. (OTCQB:USAQ), to discuss the Company's digital medicine and virtual care platform designed to make healthcare encounters more efficient, cost-effective and comfortable for both the physician and patient.

Speaking with SCV's Stuart Smith, Grogan outlined the five focal points that drive USAQ's business model and growth trajectory. This structure generates recurring revenue for both USAQ and its physician clients, while the Company's remote-patient monitoring technology meets greater demand for virtual care in post-pandemic healthcare.

The full interview can be heard at: https://www.smallcapvoice.com/interview-usa-equities-corp-usaq/.

"Only 15 or so months ago, we wouldn't have thought virtual care technologies and digital medicine would come to the forefront  but they are here and they're here to stay," Grogan explained. "A lot of patients have really felt the benefit of not having to go into a doctor's office and sit in a waiting room to get good, quality care. We're a part of that new ecosystem."

Healthcare providers also benefit from efficient digital care. USAQ's target market is a growing field of solo, independent practices looking for ways to generate revenue and become more efficient with their services. The Company's reimbursable Software-as-a-Service (Saas) technology enables these small businesses to achieve recurring revenue at high gross margins while addressing the preventative care of multiple chronic conditions, said Grogan.

As a public company, USAQ has the obvious advantage of access to capital markets, but it's the individual healthcare professional and retail investor that the Company seeks to obtain as key stakeholders.

"Instead of going to [venture capitalists] and institutional investors, we've gone to our clients and let them have an opportunity to invest in the future of medicine and join us alongside in the future upside that we have," Grogan stated. "We're a publicly traded company as opposed to being privately held to give retail investors to have a piece of the future of medicine."

Grogan's diverse experience in healthcare in the U.S. and abroad has given him a well-rounded perspective of the healthcare industry. This insight is the foundation of the tactical manner used to assemble the Company's management and advisory board.

"Along this journey of 10 years, I've built a very solid team around me of medical educators, doctors, business development experts in network development for physicians and growing physician networks," he said. "As an early-stage company, you can't just gain authority and credibility overnight. Often, you have to bring a team around you that brings credibility to the forefront."

In 2020, USAQ leveraged this expertise to launch two apps and present at the University of Miami Allergy Diagnostics and Allergen Immunotherapy Virtual CME Event, a continuing education course for over 100 doctors to demonstrate that the future of medicine is headed toward physician-directed digital medicine and preventative health technologies that streamline the care process.

Next month, USAQ will participate in a second workshop at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine to further educate medical practitioners on the Company's solutions and to continue to build its client base.

"This is a key point," said Grogan. "This is the type of doctor that we're getting as a client. Their behavior is that they want to be educated in these new areas, they want to do things that are slightly out of the scope of their practice but want to make sure they have the right credentials to do it, and they're looking to make more revenue."

Moving into the second half of 2021, Grogan said the Company will add more products to its customer base, more efficiently amortizing its sales and marketing. He concluded the interview with a recap in USAQ's recent financial performance and its ability to double revenues sequentially from one quarter to the next.

The full interview can be heard at: https://www.smallcapvoice.com/interview-usa-equities-corp-usaq/.

About USA Equities Corp.

USA Equities Corp. (OTCQB:USAQ) is focused on providing value-based healthcare solutions, clinical informatics and algorithmic personalized medicine including digital therapeutics, behavior-based remote patient monitoring, chronic care and preventive medicine. The Company's products are intended to allow general practice physicians to increase their revenues by cost effectively diagnosing and treating chronic diseases that are generally referred to specialists. The Company's products and information service portfolio are directed toward prevention, early detection, management and reversal of cardio-metabolic and other chronic diseases. Our principal objectives are to develop proprietary software tools, devices and approaches, providing more granular, timely and specific clinical decision-making information for practicing physicians and other health care providers to address today's obese, diabetic and cardiovascular disease population.

For additional information, visit the Company's website at www.USAQCorp.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release are 'forward-looking statements' intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, the Company's statements regarding trends in the marketplace, future revenues, future products and potential future results and acquisitions, are examples of such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as 'may', 'could', 'believes', 'estimates', 'targets', 'expects', or 'intends' and other similar words that express risks and uncertainties. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the timing of the introduction of new products, the inherent discrepancy in actual results from estimates, projections and forecasts made by management, regulatory delays, changes in government funding and budgets, and other factors, including general economic conditions, not within the Company's control. The factors discussed herein and expressed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

About SmallCapVoice.com

SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. is a recognized corporate investor relations firm, with clients nationwide, known for its ability to help emerging growth companies, small cap and micro-cap stocks build a following among retail and institutional investors. SmallCapVoice.com utilizes its stock newsletter to feature its daily stock picks, podcasts, as well as its clients' financial news releases. SmallCapVoice.com also offers individual investors all the tools they need to make informed decisions about the stocks in which they are interested. Tools like stock charts, stock alerts, and Company Information Sheets can assist with investing in stocks that are traded on the OTCMarkets. To learn more about SmallCapVoice.com and its services, please visit https://www.smallcapvoice.com/small-cap-stock-otc-investor-relations-financial-public-relations/.

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CONTACT:

Investor & Media Contact

Olivia Giamanco

USA Equities Corp.

(929) 379-6503

IR@USAQCorp.com

SmallCapVoice.com

Stuart T. Smith

512-267-2430

Info@SmallCapVoice.com

SOURCE: SmallCapVoice.com

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648246/USA-Equities-Corp-OTCQBUSAQ-Discusses-its-Digital-Medicine-as-the-Future-of-Healthcare-in-Audio-Interview-with-SmallCapVoicecom
Denver, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - CBD of Denver, Inc. (OTC Pink: CBDD), a full-line CBD and hemp oil company and a producer and distributor of cannabis and CBD products in Switzerland, Europe, and the US, is pleased to announce the availability of a new Investors Area on its corporate website.

"Providing information to the shareholders and responding to our shareholders concerns and questions is very important for the Company. We are happy to provide our shareholders and investors with regular, detailed information and documents on CBDD through the new Investors Area," states CEO Marcel Gamma.

The Company has addressed the most commonly asked questions received and will continuously increase the content and information provided in this section as the Company receives correspondence from its shareholders to provide transparency. If there are investor questions that require more clarity, please forward them to investors@cbdofdenver.com and we will post it into the Investors Area on our website for all valued shareholders.

For further information or to register please visit the Investors Areas on the company website under https://www.cbdofdenver.com/investors-area.

Follow CBDD on Instagram: @CBDofDenver_Inc @Rockflowr @RockflowrRetail

CBD of Denver, Inc., Rockflowr GmbH and Swiss Industry Ventures AG are now also on LinkedIn.

About CBD of Denver, Inc.

CBD of Denver, Inc. (OTC Pink: CBDD) a full-line CBD and Hemp oil company ("CBDD") and a producer and distributor of Cannabis and CBD products in Switzerland, Europe and the US. CBDD is focused on using equity to acquire profitable Swiss assets at attractive valuations to create value for all our shareholders driven by a passion to improve lives and strengthen communities by unleashing the full potential of cannabis.

Through our brand Rockflowr and BlackPearlCBD we reach our consumers and have built up a strong customer base by focusing on top quality products and meaningful customer relationships.

Black Pearl CBD has 0% THC but is not an Isolate where the THC is stripped from the product rendering it ineffective. We use a proprietary technique adding terpenes as the activation ingredient, resulting in a product that is the finest in the industry and only available at www.cbdofdenver.com

Information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or future financial performance, involving known and unknown risks and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events. We assume no obligation publicly about update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

investors@cbdofdenver.com

Marcel Gamma

marcel@cbdofdenver.com

Todd McKnight

RedChip Companies

1-800-733-2447

todd@redchip.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84649
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR2) ("Fremont" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received the first set of assay and geochemical results from the recent reverse circulation drill program at the North Carlin gold project ("North Carlin" or the "Project"). The Project is located at the northern end of Nevada's prolific Carlin Trend, one of the most prolific gold mining districts in the world.

Highlights:

Results were returned on two reconnaissance reverse circulation drill holes drilled within the Coyote claim block which is located 6 km north of and along-strike of Nevada Gold Mines/Premier Gold Mines' South Arturo mine and 12 km northwest of Nevada Gold Mines' Goldstrike mine, which hosts 11.1 million ounces gold in the measured and indicated category

Anomalous levels of gold, silver, arsenic, antimony, copper, tungsten, cobalt, mercury and other pathfinder elements for Carlin-type gold deposits were detected in both holes indicating the possible proximity to a Carlin-type deposit

Results are still pending on one hole drilled within the Alkali claim block which is 6 km north of Coyote at the intersection of a Carlin Trend fault and a northeast-trending structural corridor that hosts Hecla's Hollister gold deposit 6km to the southwest

Dennis Moore, President & Interim CEO stated, "the initial results from the two reconnaissance holes at Coyote are highly encouraging and the presence of anomalous gold and pathfinder elements indicate that we could be close to identifying a concealed Carlin-type gold deposit. We look forward to the results from the Alkali project as we continue to search for a concealed Carlin-type gold deposit on the northern extension of the Carlin trend".

Overview of North Carlin Gold Project

100% owned by Fremont, North Carlin is over 42 km2 in size and is comprised of three claim groups (Alkali, Coyote, and Rossi) located at the northern end of Nevada's prolific Carlin Trend (Figure 1)

The Carlin Trend is one of the richest gold mining districts in the world having produced over 84 million ounces of gold since the early 1960s2; Nevada Gold Mines' Carlin Complex hosts 30 million ounces of gold in the measured and indicated category3

North Carlin is approximately 6 km north of and on-strike of Nevada Gold Mines/Premier Gold Mines' South Arturo mine, where recent drilling intersected 39.6 metres of 17.11 g/t gold4, and 12 km northwest of Nevada Gold Mines' Goldstrike mine, which hosts 11.1 million ounces gold in the measured and indicated category3. The western edge of the Project is approximately 6 km east of Hecla Mining Company's Hollister mine

Fremont has identified a probable continuation of the structures hosting gold mineralization in the Bootstrap District northward into the North Carlin project area and drilled these structures with two reverse circulation drill holes (see Figure 2). The analytical results to date from the Coyote property have returned anomalous gold and pathfinder trace elements which indicate that a Carlin-style deposit may occur nearby or at depth.





Figure 1: Satellite image showing the Carlin Trend and the major gold mines within the trend

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/84639_1f6d01f2442b3b3b_002full.jpg

Fremont completed three holes, totaling 1,910 metres, testing several high-priority drill targets based on soil geochemistry, gravity and magnetic surveys, as well as the projection of key faults that control gold mineralization in the Carlin Trend. The Carlin Trend is marked by a gravity high that trends NW-SE from the Carlin-Rodeo Creek mine areas northwest through the Goldstrike mine complex. This gravity high and mineral-controlling faults continue north past the Dee and Arturuo mines, and into Fremont's North Carlin project area (see Figure 2 below).





Figure 2: Horst and trend of gravity high from Bootstrap to North Carlin shown in black hatch

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/84639_1f6d01f2442b3b3b_003full.jpg

Coyote Drill Results

Fremont completed two holes at Coyote, located at the intersection of projected Carlin Trend faults and the Coyote NE Fault. Surface geology is upper-plate Ordovician Vinini Formation, which is likely underlain by the Roberts Mountain thrust and lower plate Paleozoic carbonate rocks - common hosts of Carlin-type deposits.

The stratigraphic units encountered in the holes were siliceous or argillaceous mudstones and cherts of the Ordovician Vinini Formation in the upper 1300-1500 feet (400-450 m) and then variably colored cherts and siliceous or argillaceous pyritic mudstones of the Devonian Slaven Chert to the bottom of each hole. The cherts commonly were riddled with a stockwork of hairline dark gray fractures. There were several strongly clay-altered and silicified brecciated intervals interpreted as fault zones. Also of importance is that argillically-altered dikes were observed in the fault zones, another common feature of Carlin-type gold deposits.

Due the length of these holes, 5-foot sample intervals were composited into 25-foot assay lengths. Several zones in the drill columns of both holes were identified as containing anomalous values of gold, silver, arsenic, antimony, copper, thallium, tellurium, bismuth, mercury and vanadium, as well as zones with highly anomalous tungsten and cobalt values with coincident weakly anomalous gold values. These latter elements are pathfinders for Carlin-type gold deposits and may be associated with altered dikes. In hole NR-2 this interval was the bottom of the hole where drilling was stopped. This hole was left open and can be re-entered.

Individual samples making up composites that were anomalous in gold are currently being analyzed for gold by fire assay with ICP finish by ALS in Reno, Nevada with results expected within the next few weeks.

Alkali Drill Program

Fremont completed one hole at Alkali, located at the intersection of projected Carlin Trend faults and the Alkali NE Fault, a northeast-trending structural corridor that hosts Hollister to the southwest and the Tuscarora and Jarbidge gold prospects to the northeast. The Alkali NE fault cuts through a 1,500 metre by 2,000 metre magnetic high and coincident gold and mercury soil anomalies that occur on the eastern flank of the magnetic high and was tested with a reverse circulation drill hole to 402m depth. The stratigraphy encountered was mixed mudstone, chert and red tuff for the top 255 feet (78 m), then variably argillically-altered tuff to 635 feet (194 m) and then siliceous and carbonaceous Vinini mudstones and cherts to the end of the hole at 1,320 feet (402 m). The samples from this hole have not yet been analyzed, but selected samples are being submitted.

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.

1 Theodore, T.G., Moring, B.C., Chadwick, T., Dobak, P.J., Cluer, J,K, and Fleck, R.J., 2006, Geologic Map of the Santa Renia Fields Quadrangle, Elko and Eureka Counties, Nevada, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Map 155

2 Muntean, J.L. 2016. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Special Publication MI-2014

3 Carlin Complex Technical Report (March 2020)

4 Premier Gold Mines Limited news release dated September 21, 2020

Qualified person

The content of this news release was reviewed and approved by M. Claiborne Newton, PhD, CPG, Fremont's Vice President of Exploration and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Dennis Moore"

Dennis Moore

President and CEO

Fremont Gold Ltd.

For further information, contact:

Corporate Information

Fremont Gold Ltd.

Dennis Moore, President and CEO

Telephone: +351 9250 62196

www.fremontgold.net

Investor Inquiries

G2 Consultants Corp.

Telephone: +1 778-678-9050

Email: ir@fremontgold.net

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 "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", "hope", "will be", "expected" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this and other press releases include but are not limited to the discovery of a major gold deposit at North Carlin. 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.

Notes

Drill samples were taken continuously over 5 foot (1.5 m) intervals by Boart-Longyear personnel and prepared and composited from five samples every 25 feet (7.6 m) at ALS USA laboratory in Elko, Nevada. The composites were analyzed for trace elements by ALS' ME-MS61m ICP-MS package in Vancouver, Canada and for gold by ALS' 30-gram charge fire assay Au-ICP21 procedure in Reno, Nevada.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84639
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - NervGen Pharma Corp. (TSXV: NGEN) (OTCQX: NGENF) ("NervGen" or the "Company"), a clinical stage biotech company dedicated to developing innovative solutions for the treatment of nervous system injuries, today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

"We achieved several key milestones in the first quarter of 2021 including receiving clearance from the FDA to proceed with our Phase 1 clinical trial for our lead compound, NVG-291, which has now commenced in Australia," stated Paul Brennan, NervGen's President & CEO. "In addition, we established an Alzheimer's Disease Scientific Advisory Board comprised of world-class scientists and clinical researchers in Alzheimer's disease and have decided to initiate a multi-dose Alzheimer's disease patient cohort as a Phase 1b addition to our clinical program. We also received Orphan Designation for NVG-291 from the European Medicines Agency which provides multiple incentives that will assist us in our development program. We look forward to starting the multiple ascending dose portion of our Phase 1 trial in post-menopausal females later this year and then initiating Phase 2 trials in spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis which are planned to start in 2022. We continue to generate encouraging preclinical data to support our programs to bring life-changing hope to many people suffering from nerve damage as a result of injury or neurodegenerative diseases."

Operational Highlights for Q1 2021 and Subsequent

In January, we announced the establishment of an Alzheimer's Disease Scientific Advisory Board comprised of four world-class scientists and clinical researchers who will work closely with us as we plan our upcoming preclinical studies and clinical trials and analyze the results from these studies. We also announced that we plan to add an Alzheimer's disease patient cohort to our Phase 1 clinical trial program for NVG-291 starting in 2022 and that we engaged Encode Ideas, L.P. to provide capital markets consulting.

In March, we provided an update regarding our NVG-291 IND submission, announcing that we have been cleared by the U.S. FDA to proceed with the single ascending dose portion of our Phase 1 clinical trial in females, and the multiple ascending dose portion of the trial in post-menopausal females.

Also in March, we announced that the European Medicines Agency granted Orphan Designation for the treatment of spinal cord injury to NVG-291, which provides NervGen with multiple incentives, including improved access to scientific advice, fee reductions, and 10 years of protection from market competition in Europe from similar medicines with similar indications following the date that the drug candidate receives marketing authorization.

Subsequent to the quarter end, in April, we announced that the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia had approved the design of our Phase 1 clinical trial for NVG-291 and on May 6, 2021, we announced that we dosed the first subject in our Phase 1 clinical trial for NVG-291 in healthy volunteers. Also in April, we announced that we hired Daniel Mikol, MD, PhD as our Chief Medical Officer, effective May 5, 2021. Dr. Mikol is a Board Certified Neurologist and will oversee our medical and clinical activities, with a primary focus on NVG-291.

Subsequent to the quarter end, on May 12, 2021, we completed an Overnight Marketed Equity offering in which we issued 3,250,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $1.55 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $5.04 million. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $2.10 per Warrant Share until May 12, 2023.

Financial Highlights

Cash and Investments: NervGen had cash and investments of $5.0 million as of March 31, 2021, compared to $5.6 million as of December 31, 2020. The net cash burn for Q1 2021 from operating activities was approximately $1.3 million. This was partially offset by approximately $0.7 million in net proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants during the quarter.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $1.1 million in the same period in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to lower employee compensation costs, due to the departure of our VP, Clinical Operations during the quarter and our Chief Operating Officer in Q4 2020 and the related non-cash stock-based compensation pertaining to the forfeiture of employee stock options on departure. These costs were partially offset by higher chemistry, manufacturing and control costs relating to placebo formulation development required for the Phase 1 clinical trial and clinical costs related to retaining a clinical research organization to conduct and manage our Phase 1 clinical trial.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $1.2 million in the same period in 2020. The increase was primarily due to non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to option grants to employees and consultants, and the timing of the related vesting.

Net Loss: For the three months ended March 31, 2021, net loss, which included $0.8 million of non-cash expenses, was $2.2 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted Common Share. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, net loss, which included $0.6 million of non-cash expenses, was $1.9 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted Common Share.

About NVG-291

NVG-291 is an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma, a promising target for reducing the clinical effects of nerve damage, either as a result of trauma, such as in the case of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury or stroke, or neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. NervGen believes that inhibiting the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma has the potential to promote nerve repair mechanisms such as nerve regeneration, remyelination and plasticity; promote autophagy, a cellular self-cleaning mechanism; and to promote a non-inflammatory phenotype in microglia cells, the innate immune cells of the brain.

About NervGen

NervGen is restoring life's potential by developing innovative solutions for the treatment of nervous system injuries. The Company is developing drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and Alzheimer's disease. NervGen's platform technology targets protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma , a neural receptor that impedes nerve repair. Inhibition of the protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma receptor has been shown to promote regeneration and remyelination of damaged nerves, as well as improvement of nerve function in animal models for various medical conditions.

For further information, please contact:

Huitt Tracey, Corporate Communications

htracey@nervgen.com

604.362.6209

Nancy Thompson, Vorticom Public Relations

nancyt@vorticom.com

212.532.2208

Follow NervGen on Twitter (@NervgenP), LinkedIn (NervGen Pharma Corp.) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/nervgen) for the latest news on the Company.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include, but are not limited to, the Company's current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements, or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements, and the words "may", "will", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "trend", "indication", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "likely" or "potential", or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: the timing of the clinical development of NVG-291; the objectives and study design of the Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers; our belief that we will evaluate the therapeutic potential of NVG-291 in Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury patients upon successful completion of the Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers; that receiving Orphan Designation from the European Medicines Agency will provide multiple incentives that will assist in the development program for NVG-291; our belief that inhibiting the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma is a promising target for reducing the clinical effects of nervous system injuries through multiple mechanisms; our belief that NVG-291 has the potential to redefine how nervous system injuries are treated across multiple indications; steps taken to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations; and the creation of innovative treatments for nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company in light of management's 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. In making forward-looking statements, the Company has relied on various assumptions, including, but not limited to: the Company's ability to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the accuracy of the Company's financial projections; the Company obtaining positive results in its clinical and other trials; the Company obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; and general business, market and economic conditions.

Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, a lack of revenue, insufficient funding, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reliance upon key personnel, the uncertainty of the clinical development process, competition, and other factors set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Information Form, Prospectus Supplement, financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis which can be found on SEDAR.com. All clinical development plans are subject to additional funding.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made in this news release. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and we have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84646
De Baecker will lead the company's European market expansion to help brands unlock advanced mobile marketing and engagement opportunities

Vibes, the technology leader powering the direct-to-consumer mobile engagement revolution, today announced the appointment of Thibault de Baecker as the company's vice president of sales for the EMEA region. In this role, de Baecker will be focused on expanding the company's global footprint in the retail, quick service restaurants (QSR), financial services, hospitality, and automotive industries. With the Vibes' platform, de Baecker will transform mobile marketing engagement programs and build loyalty for more European brands through advanced, timely and relevant mobile messaging strategies.

"I am excited to join Vibes at a time when the company continues to evolve its intelligent mobile engagement platform to deliver the most advanced solutions in the market," said de Baecker. "Today's European brands need proven yet innovative ways of engaging with their consumers in this evolving market. Vibes answers this need, providing a platform for marketing, servicing and loyalty that has continuously delivered results and innovation during the last two decades. Through my experience leading high growth European expansion, perhaps the most impactful component I've seen is the quality of the leadership team. I am impressed and honored to be joining such a powerful group of leaders here at Vibes."

De Baecker will also be responsible for growing the company's European employee base over the immediate future across the full customer lifecycle, with the company planning to hire a comprehensive team in France, the United Kingdom and Germany in order to drive and support Vibes' continued growth. Currently, Vibes serves key customers in the EMEA region including LEGO, Pandora, Ralph Lauren and Schuh among others.

This past year has highlighted the need for European businesses to connect with their customers via personalized and engaging digital channels, like mobile, as social distancing measures continue to restrict face-to-face interaction. Brands of all industries are finding value in advanced mobile engagement strategies through Vibes' unique combination of native omnichannel mobile messaging, intelligent experience automation, rich audience and performance insights and analytics, embedded compliance governance and unrivaled global messaging performance.

De Baecker brings over 20 years of experience in business development in the data analytics and performance space. Prior to joining Vibes, he served as regional vice president of Southern Europe at Databricks, where he successfully built out his region in less than two years to create a sustainable team that achieved over 300% in revenue growth. Before that, he massively grew Talend's French revenue and team to over 30 employees as the sales director. He has also served as a business development leader for IENA Consulting, a business analytics and optimization consulting firm, and founded and directed SARL DALI, a consulting firm focused on data migration.

"The key to any successful European build out starts with a product that's proven and ready for scale across the globe," said Richard Rivera, Chief Revenue Officer, Vibes. "That strong foundation is already in place at Vibes, from our software platform to the high velocity global network we operate that delivers mobile messaging internationally for large enterprises at high volume with strong security controls that ensure consumer privacy. Thibault brings the other critical component, a proven sales playbook as a leader who has successfully executed in hypergrowth environments multiple times. His depth and breadth of business development across European markets and his deep technology background in enterprise SaaS and data analytics gives us the horsepower we need in Europe. Moreover, Thibault brings a high level of intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence, which makes him the right leader to serve our customers and develop our European team. We are thrilled to have Thibault join the Vibes leadership team."

About Vibes

Vibes helps brands like Ralph Lauren, Dollar General, Dick's Sporting Goods, Redbox, Chipotle, Sephora, and LEGO to grow, activate, and optimize consumer relationships with timely, relevant, high volume mobile messaging at a high-volume, global scale. The company's intelligent mobile engagement platform enables marketers and consumer loyalty professionals to connect with consumers using a unified native platform of SMS, MMS, dynamic wallet, app push notifications, app inbox and performance analytics, to become the backbone for these brands' overall digital engagement strategies. Gartner recognized Vibes as a Leader in its 2019 and 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Mobile Marketing Platforms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005087/en/

Contacts:

Stacy Tung

Ketner Group Communications (for Vibes)

(512) 794-8876

stacy@ketnergroup.com
In what was, so far, the best baseball game of the week, the Jaguars pulled their 33rd win out of the fire and salvaged a gem of a start from their star pitcher.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Bayhorse Silver Inc. (TSXV: BHS) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") is pleased to report pleasing exploration results from preliminary drilling and sampling at the Bayhorse Silver Mine, Oregon, USA.

Extension of the main silver zone to the south has been accomplished from a new drift with a drill station located on the south side of the main haulage way, This development drift, 3 x 3 x 12 meters has been completed to date in well mineralized rhyolite host rock throughout the entire length of the new drift. The new zone is open to the south, as well as along strike to the east and west.

Each 3 m x 3 m x 2 m blast round creates 70 tons of mineralized muck for sorting and processing. Samples were taken along the face of each blast round and from the corresponding muck. All samples have been submitted for assay, with results pending.

Drill Hole Sample ID Sample Type From (m) To (m) Length (m) Length (Ft) Au -Oz/t Ag-Oz/t Ag ppm Cu ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm

























21-LH-001 21LH-01 S1 Cuttings 0.00 2.44 2.44 8.0 <0.002 <0.100 0 158 59.4 451 21-LH-001 21LH-01 S2 Cuttings 2.44 3.66 1.22 4.0 <0.002 <0.100 0 97.6 43.9 513 21-LH-001 21LH-01 S3 Cuttings 3.66 4.88 1.22 4.0 <0.002 <0.100 0 60.7 34.9 737 21-LH-001 21LH-01 S4 Cuttings 4.88 6.10 1.22 4.0 <0.002 <0.100 0 80.9 55.9 1130 21-LH-001 21LH-01 S5 Cuttings 6.10 7.32 1.22 4.0 <0.002 12.4 385.60 20700 11100 15600 21-LH-001 21LH-01 S6 Cuttings 7.32 7.92 0.61 2.0 <0.002 4.69 145.87 8510 4550 8350 21BHDD001 32751 Whole Core 0.00 0.91 0.91 3.5 <0.002 2.96 92.06 5120 1960 6710 21BHDD001 32752 Whole Core 0.91 2.19 1.28 4.2 <0.002 7.10 220.83 12800 6150 17100 21BHDD001 32753 Whole Core 2.19 3.11 0.91 3.0 <0.002 0.914 28.00 7090 3840 7510 21BHDD001 32754 Whole Core 3.11 3.38 0.27 1.0 <0.002 0.690 21.46 1280 704 6240 21BHDD001 32755 Whole Core 3.38 4.51 1.13 3.7 <0.002 3.22 100.15 7340 4290 12700 21BHDD001 32756 Whole Core 4.51 5.52 1.01 3.3 <0.002 <0.100 0.00 234 126 1930 21BHDD001 32757 Whole Core 5.52 6.34 0.82 2.9 <0.002 <0.100 0.00 71.2 45 1500 21BHDD001 32758 Whole Core 6.34 7.10 0.76 1.7 <0.002 0.564 17.40 1970 1130 6890 21BHDD001 32759 Whole Core 7.10 7.62 0.52 1.5 <0.002 0.334 10.38 701 380 6890 Rock Sample Location Sample Type













































21RH-001 Right Rib Chip 0.00 1.00 1 3.28 0.003 1.13 35.15 73.8 49.8 3480 21RH-002 Left Rib Chip 0.00 1.00 1 3.28 <0.002 7.27 226.12 298 200 8620 21RH-003 Left Rib/Back Chip 0.00 1.00 1 3.28 <0.002 8.21 255.36 15000 8820 14100 21RH-004 Muck pile Muck N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.002 61.2 1903.53 37100 21800 18300 21RH-005 Left Rib Chip 0.00 1.00 1 3.28 <0.002 7.69 239.19 13800 8370 12800

When opening the historically mined upper stopes, a significant amount of historic mineralized muck was discovered. This mineralized material, along with that from the new drill station drift, is being sorted and processed through the flotation facility.







Encouragingly, the ore-sorter is currently segregating one in seven tons of this material as mineralized, indicating that the new material is significantly more mineralized than what has been sorted to date.



To view an enhanced version of this image, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/84580_Picture4.jpg

Bayhorse CEO Graeme O'Neill comments, "While we anticipated that mineralization would extend to the South, it is very encouraging that this is confirmed by drifting into it as our drilling program progresses. I am also pleased to see increased ore-sorter recovery due to more intense mineralization in the mined material. I am further gratified that not only does the price of silver remain elevated, boding well for the future prospects, but prices are also rising for both Copper ($4.65/lb) and Antimony, ($3.65/lb) that constitute 20% - 25% of our resultant concentrate."

While some logistics delays have been created by reduction of activity due to Covid-19 constraints, including assay results, in general the Company has fortunately been able to move forward through the care taken by staff.

The Company is not basing any decision to produce on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and advises there is an increased uncertainty and specific economic and technical risk of failure with any production decision. These risks include, but are not limited to, (i) a drop in price of commodities produced, namely silver, copper, lead and zinc, from the pricing used to make a production decision; (ii) failure of grades of the produced material to fall within the parameters used to make the production decision; (iii) an increase in mining costs due to changes within the mine during development and mining procedures; and (iv) metallurgical recovery changes that cannot be anticipated at the time of production.

This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Dr. Stewart Jackson, P.Geo., a Qualified Person and Consultant to the Company has prepared, supervised the preparation of, and approved the technical content of this press release.

On Behalf of the Board,

Graeme O'Neill, CEO

company@bayhorsesilver.com

1-866-399-6539

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.

About Bayhorse Silver Inc.

Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA, and an option to acquire an 80% interest on the Brandywine, precious metals rich, volcanogenic massive sulphide property, located in B.C., Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise surrounding exploration and building mines.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84580
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXV: APN) (WKN: A2JNFG) ("Altiplano" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the advancement of the Hugo Decline to the 368 m development level has been completed at the Farellon Copper-Gold (Cu-Au) mine located near La Serena, Chile. Activity now focuses on extracting mineralized copper gold material along the 368 m level to the NE and SW directions.

To date, the total advance along the NE and SW drifts totals 6.8 metres and 4.2 metres, respectively. Mining of copper-gold mineralized material is also being conducted on 376 m and the 389 m levels in the SW direction. Bench mining has also begun to remove mineralized material between the roofs/floors of the 389/382 m and 376 m levels to the NE. With the continuing focus on development, the Hugo Decline has begun a new advance to the 360 m level. The decline expansion is expected to be 82 m in length and will reach the targeted access point at the 360 m level in July.

CEO Alastair McIntyre commented, "The Development work underground at Farellon remains a priority to ensure that we can optimize output. This work opens access points on new headings and provides opportunity to extract mineralized material between the existing headings. Operationally, this is very good for maximizing productivity."





Figure 1. Illustration of Underground Operations at Farellon

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1 please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/84631_7f010e1404e7081b_001full.jpg

* The decision to commence production on the Farellon deposit 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 the production decision.

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

Jeremy Yaseniuk, Director

jeremyy@apnmetals.com

Tel: (604) 773-1467

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. The Farellon mine was previously in production dating back to the 1970's with a reported historical production (to a depth of 70 m) yielding approximately 300,000 tonnes at an average grade of 2.5% copper and 0.5g/t gold. This material was processed locally and sold to ENAMI. Altiplano is relying upon past production records, underground sampling and related activities and current diamond drilling to estimate grade and widths of the mineralization to reactivate production. The decision to commence production on the Farellon deposit 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/84631
TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Automaker Toyota announced Thursday the roll out of the new Clean Assist program that will help reduce carbon footprint in a easier or less expensive way. The program will allow carbon free charging for Toyota plug in owners in California through the Toyota App. Clean Assist will allow eligible owners of the Prius Prime or RAV4 Prime in California to offset their vehicle charging with 100% renewable energy no matter where the vehicles are plugged in. And there's no cost to participate in program. The Toyota App tracks the amount of electricity used during charging and sees the amount of CO2 they have avoided. It then generates, or buys, an equivalent amount of California-sourced Renewable Energy Certificates. All Toyota PHEV charging activity is matched with zero-carbon electricity. Owners can opt out of the program at any time and for any reason through the app. 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.
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Gold Terra Resource Corp. (OTCQX: YGTFF) (TSXV: YGT) ("the Company"), a company that controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. President and CEO of the Company, David Suda, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by asking about the Company's resource estimate, as well as the progress of their Yellowknife City Gold Project. "We told our shareholders that we were going to put out an initial resource in 2019, and we did. We said that we would then build on that, and we did," shared Suda. "In 16 months, we went from approximately 75,000 ounces of inferred gold to 1.207 million ounces," he continued. "That is a big jump and it comes from putting our nose to the grindstone and making sure that we systematically drill our targets, which is what we did in 2020."

"We are doing it again now and that is how we are going to add to our next resource update," continued Suda. "We're actually doing it on a very exciting target called the Campbell Shear, which is on the doorstep of the Con Mine," said Suda. "We are pretty excited to be where we are."

Jolly then asked about a recent press release detailing the Company's 43-101 report results. "In addition to the underground mineral resource, we've gone out and we've defined an open pit area on and under the ground whereby an outside party has been able to confirm that our drilling delineates 875,000 ounces," said Suda. "We're still at the point where we want to continue to double those numbers," he added. "The best way of looking at it is that, at our current valuation and share price, the value we are getting for those ounces in the ground is about $28."

"Where are we at with the Phase I drilling program?" asked Jolly. "We just completed drilling almost 10,000 meters on this exciting new target on the structural extension of the Con Mine," said Suda. "It is a target which we happened to have actually partnered with Newmont," he added. "We're taking a little break. However, some of the results of that program have been out and they've been very strong," said Suda. "For the balance of that program, I think that will take us through the end of May and into June. After that, we hit the ground running again with another 10,000 meters of fully funded drilling that begins in July."

"Could you tell us about the Phase II program and the objectives you would like to accomplish?" asked Jolly. "We just want to keep making what we've already found bigger," said Suda. "We want to continue to do what we've done in the past, which is to underpin the valuation of our company by putting gold ounces on the table, as well as continuously updating our resources," continued Suda. "You've just got to keep drilling, and Phase II is all about taking the information and building on the wins of Phase I."

"You mentioned earlier that the Newmont Corporation is a part of this project with you, correct?" asked Jolly. "Yes, we're partnered on these claims that we are currently drilling," said Suda. "We entered into an agreement with them to drill on these claims south of the Con Mine, which they are the owners of, and we've had an excellent experience working with Newmont and we hope to continue to build on that relationship as we continue to move forward."

"What are your thoughts on the gold market going forward?" asked Jolly. "I think the backdrop for a rise in gold is incredible; we haven't seen a backdrop like this. I would say this is unprecedented," shared Suda. "If you believe in the gold price, then you have to be invested in this sector, because it is so undervalued and we're just on the cusp of it."

To close the interview, Suda encouraged listeners to consider the Company's potential, as well as the market's reaction to their latest resource update. "I think there is an excellent opportunity here and we have lots of news flow coming," said Suda. "We're funded for another 10,000 meters that starts in July, so we've got lots to continue to give as this bull market takes off."

To hear David Suda's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7870358-gold-terra-resource-corp-discusses-updated-resource-assessment-and-phase-ii-drilling-program-wit

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/

About Gold Terra's Yellowknife City Gold Project

The YCG project encompasses 800 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometres of the City of Yellowknife, the YCG is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power, and skilled tradespeople.

The YCG lies on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometres of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that host the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company's exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com.

For more information, please contact:

David Suda, President and CEO

Phone: 604-928-3101 | Toll-Free: 1-855-737-2684

dsuda@goldterracorp.com

Mara Strazdins, Manager of Investor Relations

Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 604-689-1749 ext 102

Strazdins@goldterracorp.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotations thereof.

All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear on the Newmont Option potentially adding high grade ounces to the Company's current YCG mineral resource, future planned drilling on the Newmont Option area and the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would 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. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. 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. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

(602) 821-1102

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84654
Atlanta GA Roofing Contractor, Braswell Construction Group, offers $500 OFF or a FREE architectural shingle upgrade to all Georgia residences impacted by recent severe storms.

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Major recent storms in Atlanta GA are requiring the skill and expertise only Elite Premier Status Contractors, like Braswell Construction Group, Inc. (BCG) can offer. When asked what makes them unique, owner Chris Braswell states "We have just won the Owens Corning Roofing 2021 Product and Service Excellence Awards for the 3rd consecutive year and are recognized with the elite status of Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors. We are one of few Preferred Contractors in Georgia that is given this recognition by meeting the highest standards of qualifications to be considered the best of the best in the roofing industry. We are also an Insurance claim specialist and work closely with homeowners and Insurance companies to guarantee our clients get what they deserve should they have storm, water, or fire damage. We are also certified by the IICRC for water damage and applied structural dry-outs."

BCG explains the following ways a severe storm can negatively impact the health of a roof. Based on the storm and wind intensity, it's very common for asphalt, wood shingles, or tiling to crack. It can be due to the water exposure and a lack of maintenance. Additionally, heat exposure can be very problematic. Not only does it lead to a breakdown of the protective roof sealant, but it can also make it easy for storms to damage your roof beyond repair. In that case, you may have to replace those shingles, a process that can be rather expensive. If the winds from a storm are very violent, damaged gutters, fascia, heaped debris all over the roof, roof nails coming loose, missing shingles and other issues may result. Water can easily get into the tiniest spots, and in time it can lead to fungus/moss accumulation on the roof which will damage the structural integrity of the roof. In time, it will bring in water leaks, not to mention the roof will need serious repairs, if not a complete replacement.

BCG emphasizes the importance of taking the necessary maintenance steps to protect a roof to avoid any issues and recommends the homeowner talk with a roofing expert and repair any type of roof damage as fast as possible, especially if storms are predicted in the near future to prevent further damage. To keep a roof healthy and prepared for storms, monitor the roof regularly and look out for leaks. Cut tree branches near the roof, or roof line. Clean the gutters to prevent any moisture damage and moss accumulation. Insulate the attic which will make it easier to keep shingles working properly, but it will also lower the energy bills. If a roof isn't insulated properly, any heat emanating from below will damage the roof and shorten its lifespan.

A homeowner's insurance policy should cover the roof replacement as a natural disaster for both wind and hail, meaning that premiums should remain the same once the claim is made. Braswell Construction Group offers free next-day inspections to assist in beginning this process. A trained expert team member will inspect the roof and determine the extent of the storm damage.

BCG is unique in that they provide a premium service as being the liaison between the homeowner and the insurance provider at no extra cost. They do everything from reviewing the estimate, which guarantees that all required repairs are included in the scope of work, to speaking with the Insurance provider over the telephone to ensure that all paperwork necessary to secure your claim is promptly turned in. Braswell Construction Group has extensive knowledge of the claim procedure with most insurance companies.

Unlike other Contractors that only help with a single trade like replacing the roof, Braswell Construction Group, handles the restoration or remodel project from start to finish, which in the end saves the customer time, money, and headaches.

Their mission is to earn trust by providing timely and quality services. Since exterior property damage may essentially cause further exterior damage, interior damage, or environmental health hazards, Braswell Construction Group encourages customers impacted by Atlanta GA storms to take advantage of the free inspection and estimate offer, plus either $500 off the project or a free upgrade to an architectural shingle roof.

About Braswell Construction Group

BCG has been locally owned and operated since 2002, and prides itself on its high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service, and professional acumen. They have a reputation for always completing its roofing and restoration projects on time and on budget while providing customized service, top-notch customer service, and unparalleled workmanship.

Multi-Award-Winning, Braswell Construction Group, recently received the Owens Corning 2020 Product Excellence Award and also is recognized as a DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor by DaVinci Roofscape and is the Davinci Project of the Year Award current recipient. The program, sponsored by DaVinci RoofScapes, was established to facilitate relations with select DaVinci Roofers in recognition of their expertise and experience in installing and maintaining DaVinci synthetic slate and shake roofing systems. To gain acceptance into the program, contractors must be nominated or approved by their respective territory manufacturer's representative.

Brava Roofer, Braswell Construction Group, is also recognized in Georgia as the top roofing specialist for real cedar shake, real slate and synthetic shake/slate roofing, and prides itself on its high-quality service. One attribute that separates BCG from other Atlanta roofing contractors is that they are one of very few installers of Brava Roof Tile that is certified. Additionally, BCG has recently been awarded 'Brava Preferred Contractor' making this the first roofing company recognized for this honor in the state of Georgia. Once named as a 'Brava Preferred Contractor', the provider is considered among the best in the industry known for their experience and commitment to quality roofing.

Braswell Construction Group operates from four Georgia locations to service homeowners with all their roofing and restoration needs in Atlanta, Covington/Conyers, Stone Mountain, Greensboro/Lake Oconee, and their respective surrounding areas.

For more information contact Braswell Construction Group at their website given below or by calling 678-283-2551.

Contact Info:

Name: Michelle Bird

Email: info@braswellconstructiongroup.com

Organization: Braswell Construction Group, Inc. Roofing & Restoration

Address: 3060 Pharr Ct N Northwest #32, Atlanta, GA 30305

Phone: (678) 283-2551

Website: https://www.braswellconstructiongroup.com

SOURCE: Braswell Construction Group

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648355/Best-Roofer-Atlanta-GA-Braswell-Construction-Group-Discusses-How-Storms-Affect-a-Roof
SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Dakshidin Corp (OTC PINK:DKSC) CEO Chris Haigh and Giles Tilley, Managing Director of GenBio Inc. an early-stage Biotechnology Company joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly for an interview.

"How did you get involved with GenBio?", Jolly asked Haigh. "It was prior to the epidemic to start with," explained Haigh. "I was introduced to Giles by a mutual acquaintance who thought that there was a synergy between us," he continued, noting that Dakshidin is in the process of being renamed 'Whitechapel Holdings'. "Whitechapel is very involved, and has been for a long time, in the health and wellness space, but completely organic and natural," said Haigh.

"We've looked at a number of different approaches to what we felt, based upon market research, were the significant issues and complaints where products should be designed and aimed at," continued Haigh. "Giles is an absolute authority on natural products, the science behind them, and how to be able to refine the extracts from those products," he shared. "When Giles and I first met it became obvious to both of us that there was a tremendous synergy there."

"Who is GenBio and what is your mission?", Jolly asked Tilley. "We are primarily a US-based biotech research company and our mission is to develop the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs," said Tilley. "In Australia, there are natural extracts that demonstrate outstanding potential in the medical and health field," he added, noting that GenBio has studied around 300 extracts over the last five years. "We have whittled it down to about five, which we believe merits research," continued Tilley. "Out of those five, probably two or three are undergoing research in the USA," he shared. "We have identified new mechanisms of action, which gives us leverage in the marketplace."

Tilley then shared that these extracts also have the potential to be added to CBD formulations.

"What is your company's unique selling point?", asked Jolly. "The unique selling point of our company is that we currently have a research program with an entirely new mechanism of action, an entirely new platform, and a more powerful anti-inflammatory drug program with, we believe, lower toxicity than existing pharmaceutical drugs," shared Tilley. "That is about to enter an Investigational New Drug program in the United States, as we speak."

Jolly then asked about the potential of the synergy between these two companies. "The health and wellness space, following the pandemic, is now a much larger space where customers are much more interested in their personal health, as well as the education behind that," said Haigh. "Having the science supplied by GenBio and having unique products that are aimed specifically at these viral issues, we believe, will give us the edge in that market."

"You believe this is going to dovetail into your company's sales and operations, and will hit your bottom line in the next two to four quarters?", asked Jolly. "Significantly," responded Haigh.

To close the interview, Tilley and Haigh expressed confidence in the potential of their partnership to develop the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs as the health and wellness industry continues to transform. "What we hope for is a line of absolutely organic and natural products that are effective and will truly help with health issues without the use of pharmaceuticals," closed Haigh.

To hear the entire interview with Giles Tilley and Chris Haigh, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7866978-genbio-inc-discusses-entering-the-191-billion-dollar-anti-inflammatory-market-potential-of-the.

GenBio Inc. is an early-stage Biotechnology Company with unrivaled (and possibly unique) research expertise based on an unexpected yet vitally important medical research breakthrough - described by the US scientific team as "never seen before".

Company Contact Information

IR: + 1 949 716-6030

General inquiries: genbioinc@gmail.com

Investor Inquiries: trilogyir@gmail.com

Company Website, Social Media Outlets, and Crowdfunding Opportunity

GenBio Inc., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

GenBio Opportunity

https://us.trucrowd.com/equity/offer-summary/GenBio

About Dakshidin Corporation (DKSC) and Whitechapel Holdings

DKSC has positioned itself as an innovator and industry leader in the quickly emerging organic health and wellness industry.

Dakshidin Corporation - Investor Relations

Toll free: 1-800-986-6418

Email: dksc.corp@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/whitechapelusa

Forward looking statements

The information in this press release includes certain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provisions of Federal Securities Laws. Investors are cautioned that such statements are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the future financial performance of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances after the date of this release except as required by law.

SOURCE: Dakshidin Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648211/Dakshidin-CEO-Joins-GenBio-CEO-on-Podcast-to-Discuss-Entering-191-Billion-Dollar-Anti-Inflammatory-Market-Their-Strategic-Partnership-and-Research-Potential
HALIFAX, NS / ACCESWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("Namibia Critical Metals" or the "Company" or "NMI") (TSXV:NMI) is pleased to announce an updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate for the Lofdal Heavy Rare Earths Project ("Lofdal") in northwestern Namibia.

Highlights of the mineral resource update include:

1454% increase in total Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource tonnage from 2.88 Mt at 0.32% TREO to 44.76 million tonnes at 0.17% TREO for combined Area 4 (including the first Measured Resource for Lofdal) and Area 2B based on the same cut-off of 0.1 % TREO as in the previous PEA filed on October 1, 2014;

Term 1 objectives with JV partner JOGMEC of doubling the mineral resource far exceeded;

164% increase in total Inferred Mineral Resource tonnage to 8.67 million tonnes at a grade of 0.17% TREO for combined Area 4 and Area 2B based on 0.1 % TREO cut-off;

6 times increase in contained TREO in Measured & Indicated categories to 76,950 tonnes;

Compared to previous mineral resource estimate, contained dysprosium oxide (4,060 tonnes) and terbium oxide (620 tonnes) in the Measured and Indicated categories increased 6.1 times and 6.7 times, respectively;

Dysprosium oxide price in the "moderate down case scenario" for 2021 at 420 USD per kilogram and terbium oxide price at 1,125 USD per kilogram (Adamas Intelligence, 2021)

Darrin Campbell, President of NMI stated "We are extremely pleased to see this significant increase to the size and potential of our Lofdal Project. Our first year in partnership with JOGMEC has been a great success in advancing Lofdal forward to being one of the premier heavy rare earth projects in the world. It is a great pleasure to see that our geological team has cracked the code of the deposit to establish a first significant mineral resource outside Area 4 at Area 2B with several tens of kilometers of additional strike length of potentially mineralised structural zones to be drilled in Area 2 and Area 5 that could result in additional mineral resources. The main value drivers of the Lofdal deposit are dysprosium and terbium which are critical components to produce high-strength permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. The permanent magnet sector is expected to be the fastest-growing end-use category of rare earths for the next decade."

Background and summary

The Lofdal deposit is being developed by a joint venture of Namibia Critical Metals and the Japanese Oil, Gas and Metals Corporation (JOGMEC). The joint venture aimed at doubling the Mineral Resource of 2.88 Mt at a grade of 0.32% TREO in the Indicated category and 3.28 Mt at a grade of 0.27% TREO in the Inferred category (as reported in the PEA 2014[1]) with its 9 months drilling campaign in 2020.



Figure 1 - Structural zones of the central Lofdal deposit with the first two areas with resource drilling: Area 2B and Area 4 (drill collars as green triangles).

As a result, drilling in 2020 increased the mineral resources of the project to 44.76 Mt at a grade of 0.17% TREO Measured and Indicated categories and 8.67 Mt at a grade of 0.17% TREO in Inferred category in combined Area 4 and Area 2B (see Figure 1), applying the same cut-off of 0.1% total rare earth oxides (TREO) as in the previous PEA of 2014.

[1] Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Lofdal Rare Earths Project Namibia dated October 1, 2014 authored by David S. Dodd, B. Sc (Hon) FSAIMM - The MDM Group, South Africa, Patrick J.F. Hannon, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. and William Douglas Roy, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. - MineTech International Limited, Canada, Peter Roy Siegfried, MAusIMM (CP Geology) and Michael R. Hall, B.Sc (Hons), MBA, MAusIMM, Pr.Sci.Nat, MGSSA - The MSA Group, South Africa. The PEA should not be considered to be a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, as the economics and technical viability of the Project has not been demonstrated at this time. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. Furthermore, there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.

On April 1, 2021 the Company announced that JOGMEC had officially elected to move to Term 2 of the JV Agreement and provide additional funding of $2,063,000 for further exploration and development programs at Lofdal through to July 31, 2021.

The terms of the JOGMEC JV Agreement contemplate that JOGMEC provides $3,000,000 in Term 1 and $7,000,000 in Term 2 to earn a 40% interest in the Lofdal project. Term 3 calls for a further $10,000,000 of expenditures to earn an additional 10% interest. The total approved expenditures to date for Terms 1 and 2 are $6,163,000. The JV Agreement is structured such that no NMI equity will be issued and it is totally non-dilutive to NMI shareholders.

Mineral Resource Estimates

The in-situ Mineral Resource estimate was independently prepared by The MSA Group of South Africa ("MSA") and was based on geochemical analyses and density measurements of core samples obtained by diamond drilling undertaken by Namibia Critical Metals from 2010 to 2012, 2015 and more recently in 2020.

A total of 172 drill holes have been drilled at Area 4, of which 13 were collared outside the defined Mineral Resource. In Area 2B, 46 drill holes were used to estimate the Mineral Resource. Extensive trenching and trench sampling were conducted in the earlier years of exploration, which was useful in defining the extents of the mineralisation but was excluded from the grade estimates due to potential biases from sampling in the near surface environment.

From the assumed parameters a 0.1% TREO cut-off grade was calculated, which together with the Whittle optimised pit shell demonstrates reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction (RPEEE) for the Mineral Resource. The Mineral Resource is classified into the Measured, Indicated and Inferred categories and is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.1% TREO (TREO and *TREO in tables below refers to Total Rare Earth Oxides including Y2O3).

The mineral resource was estimated by MSA as follows:

Table 1: Area 4 Mineral Resources Estimate for 0.1% TREO cut-off

Notes:

All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, have no demonstrated economic viability. *TREO = Total Rare Earth Oxides and includes Y2O3 **HREO = Total Heavy Rare Earth Oxides and includes Y2O3 ***LREO = Total Light Rare Earth Oxides

Table 2: Area 2B Mineral Resources Estimate for 0.1% TREO cut-off

Table 3: Area 4 Grade and Tonnages in Measured and Indicated categories

Cut-off TREO % Tonnes (Mt) TREO* HREO** LREO** Dy2O3 ppm TREO % % % (kt) 0.10 42.57 0.17 0.09 0.08 90 72.7 0.15 17.50 0.24 0.15 0.09 141 42.1 0.20 7.63 0.33 0.23 0.10 216 25.2 0.25 4.05 0.43 0.33 0.10 305 17.3 0.30 2.67 0.51 0.40 0.10 371 13.5 0.35 1.93 0.58 0.47 0.11 428 11.2 0.40 1.46 0.64 0.53 0.11 484 9.3

Table 4: Area 4 Grade and Tonnages in Inferred category

Cut-off TREO % Tonnes (Mt) TREO* HREO** LREO** Dy2O3 ppm TREO % % % (kt) 0.10 6.09 0.17 0.07 0.09 72 10.1 0.15 2.97 0.21 0.10 0.12 94 6.3 0.20 1.35 0.26 0.13 0.13 123 3.5 0.25 0.59 0.31 0.21 0.10 198 1.9 0.30 0.22 0.36 0.27 0.09 252 0.8 0.35 0.09 0.42 0.33 0.09 305 0.4 0.40 0.05 0.45 0.37 0.08 345 0.2

Table 5: Area 2B Grade and Tonnages in Indicated category

Cut-off TREO % Tonnes (Mt) TREO* HREO** LREO** Dy2O3 ppm TREO % % % (kt) 0.10 2.20 0.19 0.10 0.09 104 4.3 0.15 1.24 0.25 0.12 0.13 125 3.1 0.20 0.76 0.30 0.14 0.16 143 2.3 0.25 0.47 0.35 0.15 0.20 158 1.6 0.30 0.29 0.39 0.16 0.23 172 1.1 0.35 0.18 0.43 0.18 0.26 189 0.8 0.40 0.11 0.47 0.19 0.28 205 0.5

Notes:

All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, have no demonstrated economic viability. *TREO = Total Rare Earth Oxides and includes Y2O3 **HREO = Total Heavy Rare Earth Oxides and includes Y2O3 ***LREO = Total Light Rare Earth Oxides

Table 6: Area 2B Grade and Tonnages in Inferred category

Cut-off TREO % Tonnes (Mt) TREO* HREO** LREO** Dy2O3 ppm TREO % % % (kt) 0.10 2.58 0.19 0.09 0.09 92 4.8 0.15 1.37 0.24 0.13 0.11 123 3.3 0.20 0.67 0.31 0.17 0.14 168 2.1 0.25 0.45 0.36 0.20 0.16 196 1.6 0.30 0.31 0.39 0.23 0.16 226 1.2 0.35 0.20 0.43 0.29 0.14 274 0.9 0.40 0.11 0.47 0.34 0.13 324 0.5

Table 7: Area 4 Mineral Resources estimate by individual REO - Grades at a cut-off of 0.1% TREO

Class Tonnes TREO* La2O3 Ce2O3 Pr2O3 Nd2O3 Sm2O3 Eu2O3 Gd2O3 Tb2O3 Dy2O3 Ho2O3 Er2O3 Tm2O3 Yb2O3 Lu2O3 Y2O3 Mt % ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm Measured 5.93 0.21 177 320 34 127 44 19 85 20 138 30 86 13 78 11 960 Indicated 36.63 0.16 208 371 39 139 40 15 62 13 82 17 49 7 44 6 546 M&I 42.57 0.17 204 364 38 137 41 16 65 14 90 19 54 8 48 7 603 Inferred 6.09 0.17 247 436 45 158 41 14 54 11 72 15 45 7 41 6 470

Table 8: Area 4 Mineral Resources estimate by individual REO - Tonnes at a cut-off of 0.1% TREO

Class Tonnes TREO* La2O3 Ce2O3 Pr2O3 Nd2O3 Sm2O3 Eu2O3 Gd2O3 Tb2O3 Dy2O3 Ho2O3 Er2O3 Tm2O3 Yb2O3 Lu2O3 Y2O3 Mt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt Measured 5.93 12.71 1.05 1.90 0.20 0.75 0.26 0.11 0.51 0.12 0.82 0.18 0.51 0.08 0.46 0.07 5.69 Indicated 36.63 59.97 7.62 13.58 1.42 5.09 1.48 0.56 2.26 0.46 3.01 0.62 1.78 0.26 1.60 0.23 19.99 M&I 42.57 72.68 8.67 15.48 1.62 5.84 1.74 0.67 2.76 0.58 3.83 0.80 2.30 0.34 2.06 0.30 25.68 Inferred 6.09 10.12 1.50 2.65 0.28 0.96 0.25 0.08 0.33 0.07 0.44 0.09 0.27 0.04 0.25 0.04 2.86

Table 9: Area 2B Mineral Resource estimate by individual REO - Grades at a cut-off of 0.1% TREO

Class Tonnes TREO* La2O3 Ce2O3 Pr2O3 Nd2O3 Sm2O3 Eu2O3 Gd2O3 Tb2O3 Dy2O3 Ho2O3 Er2O3 Tm2O3 Yb2O3 Lu2O3 Y2O3 Mt % ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm Indicated 2.20 0.19 255 398 41 161 64 25 87 17 104 20 58 8 54 8 638 Inferred 2.58 0.19 243 385 41 178 85 29 94 16 92 17 49 7 45 7 575

Table 10: Area 2B Mineral Resource estimate by individual REO - Tonnes at a cut-off of 0.1% TREO

Class Tonnes TREO* La2O3 Ce2O3 Pr2O3 Nd2O3 Sm2O3 Eu2O3 Gd2O3 Tb2O3 Dy2O3 Ho2O3 Er2O3 Tm2O3 Yb2O3 Lu2O3 Y2O3 Mt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt kt Indicated 2.20 4.27 0.56 0.88 0.09 0.35 0.14 0.05 0.19 0.04 0.23 0.04 0.13 0.02 0.12 0.02 1.41 Inferred 2.58 4.80 0.63 0.99 0.11 0.46 0.22 0.08 0.24 0.04 0.24 0.04 0.13 0.02 0.12 0.02 1.48

Notes:

All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, have no demonstrated economic viability. *TREO = Total Rare Earth Oxides and includes Y2O3

Interpretation of the Mineral Resource estimates

The Mineral Resource at Area 4 was increased more than 7 fold using a cut-off of 0.1% TREO as in the maiden resource of 2012. In addition to Area 4, drilling in 2020 also demonstrated the potential of other mineralised structures to form part of the Lofdal deposit. Mineral resources at Area 2B amount to 2.2 Mt in the Indicated category and 2.58 Mt in the Inferred category at a cut-off of 0.1% TREO, or 1.24 Mt and 1.37 Mt, respectively, at a cut-off of 0.15% TREO. The exploration target for Area 2B was originally estimated at 1.5-2.5 Mt, and thus, was significantly exceeded.

Table 11: Comparison of Lofdal Mineral Resource Estimates of 2012 and 2021

Year of Mineral Resource Estimate 2012 2012 2021 2021 Cut-off grade 0.1% TREO 0.1% TREO 0.1% TREO 0.1% TREO Million tonnes (Mt) Grade %TREO Million tonnes (Mt) Grade %TREO Measured Resource Area 4 0 - 5.93 0.21 Indicated Resource Area 4 2.88 0.32 36.63 0.16 Indicated Resource Area 2B 0 - 2.20 0.19 Total Measured & Indicated Resources 2.88 0.32 44.76 0.17 Inferred Resource Area 4 3.28 0.27 6.09 0.17 Inferred Resource Area 2B 0 - 2.58 0.19 Total Inferred Resources 3.28 0.27 8.67 0.17

The Mineral Resource estimates underline the potential of the Lofdal deposit to be developed in large-scale. Initial XRT and XRF sorting test work demonstrated an increase in the grade of the run of mine material by a factor of 1.5 to 3.0 (press release December 3rd, 2020) without any optimization. The Company plans substantial additional test work on sorting technologies to allow for a low cut-off grade in the range of 0.1% TREO.

Compared to the previous Mineral Resource estimate, the contained dysprosium oxide (4,060 tonnes) and terbium oxide (620 tonnes) in the Measured and Indicated categories increased 6.1 times and 6.7 times, respectively (table 12).

Table 12: Comparison of contained dysprosium oxide and terbium oxide in Mineral Resources of 2012 and 2021

Geological background

The rare earth element ("REE") mineralisation at Lofdal comprises multiple zones of hydrothermal alteration, predominantly albitization and carbonatization, associated with narrow carbonatite dykes of variable thickness. Multiple zones of REE mineralisation occur at Lofdal, with the two locations that have been evaluated by recent drilling being known as Area 4 and Area 2B.

At Area 4, the zone of alteration has been traced for over more than 1,100 m at surface (figure 1), where it is characterised by an intensely altered zone of 15 m to 30 m thickness with a less altered halo of 50 m to 60 m that can extend up to 100 m in thickness (figure 2).



Figure 2: Section through block model of central part of Area 4displaying HREO block grades

The alteration zone at Area 2B has been traced along a strike length of 600 m and its thickness ranges from 20 m to 35 m, thinning to less than 10 m in the central part of the deposit (figure 3). Regional sampling and mapping suggest that the mineralisation for both deposits may extend for several kilometers along strike.



Figure 3: Section through block model of western part of Area 2B displaying TREO block grades

Sampling and Mineral Resource estimation techniques

The Mineral Resource estimate was based on geochemical analyses and density measurements of core samples obtained by diamond drilling undertaken by Namibia Rare Earths from 2010 to 2012, 2015 and more recently by Namibia Critical Metals from 2020 to 2021.

A total of 172 drill holes have been drilled at Area 4, of which 13 were collared outside the defined Mineral Resource. In Area 2B, 46 drill holes were used to estimate the Mineral Resource.

Half core samples of one meter lengths intervals were taken for analysis. The bagged core samples were given a unique sample reference number and dispatched for preparation at Activation Labs (Actlabs) sample preparation facility in Windhoek. The core samples were crushed to 2 mm, split using a riffle splitter and pulverised to 105 microns. Pulverised sub-samples were homogenised in a stainless-steel riffle splitter and a 15 g sample and duplicate were drawn for analysis. The pulverised sample aliquots were shipped to the ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Actlabs analytical facility in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. The REE's were assayed using lithium metaborate-tetraborate fusion and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

The samples were subjected to a quality assurance and control (QAQC) program consisting of the insertion of blank samples and certified reference materials at Lofdal and the preparation of a laboratory duplicate at the sample preparation facility in Windhoek. The primary laboratory assay values were confirmed by duplicate samples assayed by a second laboratory (ALS, North Vancouver, Canada). The Qualified Person is satisfied that the assay results are of sufficient accuracy and precision for use in Mineral Resource estimation.

A three-dimensional geological model of the REE mineralisation and weathering surface was constructed using the drill hole and trench data. A mineralised envelope was defined using a 10 ppm Dy2O3 threshold for Area 4 and 12 ppm Dy2O3 for Area 2B. The grades of the individual light rare earth oxides (LREO) and individual heavy rare earth oxides (HREO) were estimated using ordinary kriging into a block model for each deposit. Density was estimated using inverse distance weighting.

Filing of Report

The NI 43-101 compliant technical report ("Report") will be filed on SEDAR within the next 45 days.

The Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource estimate is Mr. Jeremy C. Witley (BSc Hons, MSc (Eng.)) who is a geologist with more than 30 years' experience in base and precious metals exploration and mining as well as in Mineral Resource evaluation and reporting. He is a Principal Resource Consultant for The MSA Group (an independent consulting company), is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA). Mr. Witley has the appropriate relevant qualifications and experience to be considered a "Qualified Person" for the style and type of mineralization and activity being undertaken as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects.

Geological services were provided by Gecko Exploration (Pty) Ltd. under the supervision of Dr Rainer Ellmies, VP Exploration for Namibia Critical Metals. Drilling services were provided by Gunzel Drilling, a Namibian contract drilling company, and downhole geophysical measurements were carried out by Gregory Symons Geophysics of Windhoek. Sample preparation and analytical services were provided by Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Windhoek, Namibia and Ancaster, Ontario) as the primary laboratory employing ICP-MS techniques suitable for rare earth element analyses and following strict internal QAQC procedures inserting blanks, standards and duplicates. Check analyses were carried out by ALS Minerals (North Vancouver) as the umpire laboratory on approximately 5% of the resource database.

Neither Mr. Witley nor any associates employed in the preparation of the Mineral Resource report ("Consultants") have any beneficial interest in Namibia Critical Metals. These Consultants are not insiders, associates, or affiliates of Namibia Critical Metals. The results of the report are not dependent upon any prior agreements concerning the conclusions to be reached, nor are there any undisclosed understandings concerning any future business dealings between Namibia Critical Metals and the Consultants. The Consultants are to be paid a fee for their work in accordance with normal professional consulting practices.

About Namibia Critical Metals Inc.

Namibia Critical Metals Inc. holds a diversified portfolio of exploration and advanced stage projects in the country of Namibia focused on the development of sustainable and ethical sources of metals for the battery, electric vehicle and associated industries. The two advanced stage projects in the portfolio are Lofdal and Epembe. The Company also holds significant land positions in areas favourable for gold mineralization.

Heavy Rare Earths: The Lofdal Project is the Company's most advanced project having completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment in 2014 and full Environmental Clearance for a first mining area in 2016. The Company has received Notice of Preparedness to Grant the Mining Licence for Lofdal from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The Company has lodged its acceptance of the mining licence and awaits finalization of the process from the Ministry. The project is developed in joint venture with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") who are funding the current CD$10,000,000 drilling and metallurgical program with the objective of doubling the resource size and optimization of the process flow sheet.

Gold: The Company's Exclusive Prospecting Licenses ("EPLs") prospective for gold are located in the Central Namibian Gold Belt which hosts a number of significant orogenic gold deposits including the Navachab Gold Mine, the Otjikoto Gold Mine and more recently the discovery of the Twin Hills deposit. At the Erongo Gold Project, stratigraphic equivalents to the meta-sediments hosting the Osino's gold discovery at Twin Hills have been identified and soil surveys are progressing over this highly prospective area.

The Grootfontein Base Metal and Gold Project has potential for magmatic copper-nickel mineralization, Mississippi Valley-type zinc-lead-vanadium mineralization and orogenic gold mineralization. Detailed interpretation of geophysical data and regional geochemical soil sampling have identified first gold targets. A regional helicopter-borne SkyTEM EM and magnetic survey is planned for May 2021.



Figure 4: Project areas of Namibia Critical Metals in Namibia

Tantalum-Niobium: The Epembe Tantalum-Niobium-Uranium Project is at an advanced stage with a well-defined, 10 km long carbonatite dyke that has been delineated by detailed mapping and radiometric surveys with over 11,000 meters of drilling. Preliminary mineralogical and metallurgical studies including sorting tests (XRT), indicate the potential for significant physical upgrading. Further work will be undertaken to advance the project to a preliminary economic assessment stage.

Copper-Cobalt: The Kunene Copper-Cobalt Project comprises a very large area of favorable stratigraphy along strike of the Opuwo cobalt-copper-zinc deposit. Secondary copper mineralization over a wide area points to preliminary evidence of a regional-scale hydrothermal system. Exploration targets on EPLs held in the Kunene project comprise direct extensions of the cobalt-copper mineralization to the west, sediment-hosted copper, orogenic copper, and stratabound manganese and zinc-lead mineralization.

The common shares of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NMI".

Mr. Jeremy C. Witley, Pr. Sci Nat., is the Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release. The information in this press release that relates to the estimate of Mineral Resources for the Lofdal Project is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr. Witley.

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.

For more information please contact -

Namibia Critical Metals Inc.

Darrin Campbell, President

Tel: +01 (902) 835-8760

Fax: +01 (902) 835-8761

Email: Info@NamibiaCMI.com

Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking information relating to the future performance of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. forward-looking information, specifically, that concerning future performance, is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions.

SOURCE: Namibia Critical Metals Inc.

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Acquisition to enhance Mindtree's cloud-based IoT and AI capabilities for Industry 4.0

WARREN, N.J. and BANGALORE, India, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindtree, a leading digital transformation and technology services company, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire the NxT Digital Business, the cloud based IoT and AI platform for Industry 4.0 of L&T Group.

The NxT Digital Business, was founded as a startup with broad digital capabilities within L&T. It has played an instrumental role in extensive applications of IoT technology and digitalization of many aspects of L&T's operations where numerous assets were connected and factories were digitalized to make the company's operations data driven for objective decision making. NxT Digital Business leverages the Group's deep industry domain expertise with emerging technologies like industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, machine learning and augmented and virtual reality, geospatial and cybersecurity applications to deliver disruptive business outcomes for its global customers.

Mindtree and NxT Digital Business' combined offerings will bring scale and market agility to meet the growing end-to-end digital transformation demands of customers. That will help accelerate the journey to Industry 4.0, which involves smart automation of industry and manufacturing to gain agility and customer-centricity. Mindtree will leverage NxT Digital Business' capabilities across several industry segments in integrating sensors and telemetry data with its advanced data analytics and insights leadership to drive digitization across the manufacturing and engineering value chain, deliver tangible operational efficiencies and a differentiated customer experience.

"There is a huge opportunity ahead as global manufacturers and industrial companies are increasingly adopting Industry 4.0 focused smart solutions, systems, and processes, but are struggling to leverage data and analytics to drive efficiency and competitive advantage," said Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro Limited. "NxT Digital Business experience, talent, expertise and credentials, coupled with Mindtree's global scale, technology leadership, and deep understanding of domain and delivery, are a powerful combination of focus and capabilities to meet clients' requirements."

"Industrial and manufacturing companies are starting to adopt digital technologies across the value chain, but need a partner with expertise to strategically connect the dots and generate business value from their data," said Mr. Debashis Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mindtree Limited. "The acquisition will complement our significant strengths in reimagining consumer experience, positioning us as one of the leading partners for leveraging data and analytics to drive insights and deliver transformational services to our clients."

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

About Mindtree

Mindtree (NSE: MINDTREE) is a global technology consulting and services company, helping enterprises marry scale with agility to achieve competitive advantage. "Born digital," in 1999 and now a Larsen & Toubro Group Company, Mindtree applies its deep domain knowledge to 270 enterprise client engagements to break down silos, make sense of digital complexity and bring new initiatives to market faster. We enable IT to move at the speed of business, leveraging emerging technologies and the efficiencies of Continuous Delivery to spur business innovation. Operating in 24 countries across the world, we're consistently regarded as one of the best places to work, embodied every day by our winning culture made up of over 23,800 entrepreneurial, collaborative and dedicated "Mindtree Minds."

To learn more about us, visit www.mindtree.com or follow us @Mindtree_Ltd

For more information, contact: media@mindtree.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1004066/Mindtree_Logo.jpg


NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - Mindtree, a digital transformation and technology services company, said that it has signed an agreement to acquire the NxT Digital Business, the cloud based IoT and AI platform for Industry 4.0 of L&T Group. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.



Mindtree noted that the NxT Digital Business was founded as a startup with broad digital capabilities within L&T. It has played an instrumental role in extensive applications of IoT technology and digitalization of many aspects of L&T's operations where numerous assets were connected and factories were digitalized to make the company's operations data driven for objective decision making.



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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The United States reported 28541 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking the national total to 33,802,324, as per the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. This is lower than the seven-day average of 30206.



With 636 deaths in the same period, the total number of COVID fatalities rose to 601,949. The 7-day average is 613.



Forida reported the most number of cases (2811), while Texas led in COVID fatalities - 58.



A total of 27,299,180 people have so far recovered from coronavirus infection in the country.



Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that almost half of the US population have received at least one vaccine dose against coronavirus, and 38 percent of them were administered the second dose of anti-corona vaccine.



Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill that prevents mask mandates in K-12 schools and stops cities and counties from making it mandatory to wear masks in businesses.



A study led by an international team of scientists shows the pandemic likely contributed to an additional 979,000 deaths in 2020 across 29 high-income countries. Nearly half of these excess deaths occurred in the U.S., according to the study published in the British Medical Journal.



The European Union has agreed to allow vaccinated travelers from countries with low infection rates to enter the 27-nation bloc.



India reported 276,110 new Covid-19 cases and 3,874 virus-related deaths on Wednesday. The country has been consistently reporting more than 3,000 COVID-fatalities since April 28.



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LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- My Personal Therapeutics Ltd. (trading as Vivan Therapeutics), a global leader in personalised cancer therapeutics and in-vivo high throughput drug screening, is pleased to announce the addition of Lilly Wollman to its distinguished board of directors.

Lilly Wollman is a seasoned team-builder and entrepreneurial leader with a 20-year track record in finance and investing. Currently, she is pursuing an MPhil in Computational Biology from the University of Cambridge and is dedicated to a second career solving complex problems in human health through the application of data science and machine intelligence. She is currently a research intern in the CRUK Early Detection Programme, and at the Milner Therapeutics Institute.

Previously, she was in a leadership position at the foremost sustainability investment firm as partner and co-head of the Growth Equity platform for Generation Investment Management, the $25 billion investment firm founded by Al Gore and David Blood. She was responsible for the firm's investments in early-stage technology companies driving a transition to a sustainable economy, and led a team of 20 individuals across the London and San Francisco offices. Lilly served as a member of the Board of Directors of Labstep, Sophia Genetics, Andela and Cibo Technologies.

Before Generation, Lilly held investment roles at The Baupost Group, and Fortress Investment Group, where she worked in the special opportunities fund. Lilly started her career at Goldman Sachs in the Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities Division.

Lilly graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in Classics. She received her MBA from INSEAD and her MSc in Finance from London Business School.

Vivan Therapeutics' platform technology, the Personal Discovery Process was developed at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, N.Y., and is now being used to provide treatment insights to patients and their clinicians. The Personal Discovery Process is a unique platform that enables screening of a vast array of molecules and combinations in disease-relevant patient models. Its growing data enables efficacy studies, evaluation of combinations, competitive profiling and rapid virtual clinical studies across numerous disease-relevant in-vivo models or custom designed models.

"I'm grateful for Lilly's contributions to Vivan's strategic growth to date and welcome Lilly's vast industry experience and leadership in helping us plot the course of our future development," said Laura Towart, CEO of Vivan Therapeutics.

Lilly Wollman commented, "I am delighted to join the board of Vivan Therapeutics. Vivan is the only in-vivo cancer treatment modeling platform, uniquely capable of delivering high-throughput, personalised and combination therapy insights to medical practitioners, biopharma, and to aid drug discovery. With its focus on integrating machine learning and predictive toxicological screening, Vivan has the opportunity to dramatically reduce the time and cost of treatment and discovery for the benefit of patients and the life sciences ecosystem."

About Vivan Therapeutics Ltd.

Vivan Therapeutics offers personalised cancer therapeutics utilising technology developed at and in partnership with Mount Sinai Medical Center. We identify personalised cancer treatments for patients based on their tumour genetics. For each patient, we build a genetically matched fruit fly model of the tumour, which is used for large-scale drug screening to find novel and effective drug combinations. This platform can treat even difficult cancers with combinations of approved drugs. Nearly all combinations incorporate non-cancer drugs, making them less toxic and more affordable. Using our proprietary screening data, we are building a powerful AI-driven digital health tool, which can predict effective treatment options rapidly. Our in-vivo, high throughput drug screening platform is also used to power biopharma discovery and development.

For more information please contact:

Laura Towart / Founder & CEO laura@vivantx.com

Related Images

lilly-wollman.jpeg

Lilly Wollman

Lilly joins the board of directors of Vivan Therapeutics

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HANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 19th International Council of Museums - Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC) Triennial Conference is being held virtually this year from May 17-21 in Beijing. In line with this year's theme of "Transcending Boundaries: Integrated Approaches to Conservation," Dr. Zhao Feng, Director of the China National Silk Museum, gave a keynote speech to share with scholars and institutions around the world the conservation cycle of historical textiles based on the realistic best practices of the China National Silk Museum during the last 30 years.

"I am in total awe of the craftskills shown through this presentation and I bow before the Chinese cultural heritage", "Very impressive work, congratulations. This research also inspires designers and can add to current fashion", said the participants.

The conservation cycle concept proposed by Dr. Zhao Feng revolves around textile cultural heritages, including emergency conservation measures at the archaeological site, scientific knowledge in the laboratory, restoration and conservation in the museum, preventive conservation for display and storage, digital conservation in the warehouse, the restoration and reproduction of cultural heritage, and the inheritance of the wisdom of ancient dyeing and weaving. All the dots can be joined through collective expertise in each of these areas.

On this most important of international academic and technical communication platforms for conservators, scholars and institutions, the China National Silk Museum participated extensively in the Conference. Two research scientists, Jia Liling and Zheng Hailing, presented innovation in advanced chemical methods to restore fragile textiles. Ms. Wang Shujuan, a senior conservator, contributed her presentation on the application of a new method of repairing archaeological textiles, which can dramatically improve the physical and mechanical properties of those fragile objects.

Additionally, Prof. Zhou Yang, Head of the Department of Technology curated the exhibition entitled, "Pursuing Eternity: Conservation of Museum Collections in China" to review the achievement of cultural heritage conservation in China over the past 100 years as well as introducing the scientific methods and techniques used for archaeological textile conservation.

Since the 1990s, the China National Silk Museum has been focusing on textile preservation, especially the development of novel methods to restore ancient textiles from archaeological sites. In 2012, the Museum designed and built a textile conservation gallery alongside the permanent exhibition area and laboratory.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515272/Textile_Conservation_Gallery_of_China_National_Silk_Museum.jpg
DBS, SGX, Standard Chartered and Temasek to develop a carbon exchange and marketplace, Climate Impact X; providing organisations with high-quality carbon credits to address hard-to-abate emissions

Climate Impact X will use satellite monitoring, machine learning and blockchain technology to enhance transparency, integrity and quality of carbon credits

Forged as a result of Singapore's Emerging Stronger Taskforce, Sustainability Alliance for Action (AfA), Climate Impact X will leverage Singapore's position as a leading international financial, legal and commodities hub

SINGAPORE, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DBS Bank (DBS), Singapore Exchange (SGX), Standard Chartered and Temasek today announced their intention to join forces to take climate action. Through a joint venture to be established by the four parties, Climate Impact X (CIX) aims to be a global exchange and marketplace for high-quality carbon credits.

CIX will leverage satellite monitoring, machine learning and blockchain technology to enhance the transparency, integrity and quality of carbon credits that deliver tangible and lasting environmental impact.

Global efforts to address climate change have been driving demand for solutions to help corporates effectively reduce their carbon emissions. However, today's low-carbon technologies including current renewable energy solutions are unlikely to be enough in the near term.

Certain research shows that such technologies may only reduce two-thirds of global emissions[1], which may not be sufficient to achieve the goal under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to limit global warming preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius[2]. High-quality carbon credits can provide a practical solution to bridge this gap, especially in the near term, and will play an important role in a holistic climate mitigation strategy.

Mikkel Larsen, Interim CEO of Climate Impact X and Chief Sustainability Officer at DBS, said: "Climate Impact X will provide a solution for corporates to address unavoidable carbon emissions in the near term and propel the development of new carbon credit projects worldwide. With an initial focus on Natural Climate Solutions, the carbon credits will also create impetus to address another grave risk of biodiversity loss and help serve local communities. CIX will build on collective action by global governments, corporates and individuals to achieve a net-zero economy."

Driven by corporate climate commitments, global demand for high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market is estimated to increase at least fifteenfold by 2030, up to 1.5 to 2 gigatons of carbon dioxide (GtCO2) annually[3]. Despite this forecast, there are still challenges to address in today's market. For example, trust among investors and buyers may still be limited by a lack of transparency over the risks and effectiveness of carbon projects. As a result, suppliers may face challenges in developing new carbon reduction projects, resulting in liquidity issues.

Larsen added: "By facilitating a well-functioning marketplace with strong impact and risk data, CIX will enable efficient price discovery and catalyse the development of new projects."

CIX Exchange and Project Marketplace to be focused initially on Natural Climate Solutions (NCS); to be launched by end 2021

CIX will offer distinct platforms and products that cater to the needs of different buyers and sellers of carbon credits. These include the Exchange and the Project Marketplace, which are expected to be launched by end 2021. The Exchange will facilitate the sale of large-scale high-quality carbon credits through standardised contracts - catering primarily to multinational corporations (MNCs) and institutional investors.

In addition, the Project Marketplace will cater to a broader spectrum of corporates seeking to participate in the voluntary carbon market, offering them a curated selection of NCS projects that can help meet their sustainability objectives. Each project on the Project Marketplace will be supported by transparent environmental impact, risk and pricing data.

To start with, CIX will focus on helping to catalyse the market for NCS, which involve protection and restoration of natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and mangroves. NCS are cost effective and provide significant benefits by supporting biodiversity and generating income for local communities. Asia houses a third of the global supply potential and is therefore one of the largest suppliers of NCS globally[4]. CIX will feature carbon credits from various high-quality NCS projects around the globe on its platforms. It is also in conversations with global rating agencies to provide independent ratings to these projects.

In addition, CIX will be guided by an International Advisory Council - an independent expert body comprising non-governmental organisations, leading corporates and project developers, and academics and thought leaders. CIX will also work with an ecosystem of global partners and international working groups, including the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) and the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance, to align on leading standards for quality and integrity.

The joint operation of CIX by DBS, SGX, Standard Chartered and Temasek will be subject to all required regulatory approvals/consents to be obtained[5].

Piyush Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, DBS, said: "It is becoming increasingly apparent that the world requires a carbon market of the highest international standards. As a leading global financial and trading hub, supported by strong regulatory frameworks, Singapore is well placed to lead such sustainability efforts. To catalyse the development of new carbon credit projects, there is a need for more high-quality carbon credits and the active cross border trading of such credits to drive global price transparency. We look forward to galvanising change by gathering like-minded industry leaders to a centralised world-class platform, scaling the global voluntary carbon market and expediting the transition to a low-carbon economy."

Loh Boon Chye, Chief Executive Officer, SGX, said: "SGX serves the ecosystem as a leading sustainable and transition financing and trading hub. Climate action is a key priority for us and we support internationally accepted carbon mitigation hierarchies. From avoiding and reducing emissions within companies' operations and value chains, to using renewable energy sources wherever possible and finally neutralising and compensating for hard-to-abate emissions, we will work with our ecosystem throughout this journey. Climate Impact X will be an integral part of this vision, backed by SGX's track record as a major price discovery venue for global commodities and Singapore's strong and trusted financial infrastructure."

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered, said: "Standard Chartered operates in many of the world's fastest-growing economies across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, which are home to a high proportion of the world's natural climate solutions. To meet our shared climate objectives, we need to see a significant capital shift to these markets to protect nature and enable a sustainable low-carbon transition. Voluntary carbon markets are necessary to accomplish this transfer efficiently and, as set out in the work of the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets, we must agree to a consistently high standard of carbon credits for this market to be credible and effective. This is the decade for action, and we are confident that Climate Impact X will play a critical role in aligning the planet's emissions profile to a net-zero future."

Rohit Sipahimalani, Chief Investment Strategist, Temasek, said: "Temasek is committed to generating positive impact on people and the planet through our global investments. We provide capital to catalyse new ideas and solutions. Climate Impact X aligns with our commitment to invest in businesses that will yield positive climate benefits as well as developments in their broader ecosystems for the long term. We are pleased that the platform will help organisations to address their carbon footprints through both market and natural climate solutions."

Leveraging Singapore's world-class infrastructure to scale global voluntary carbon markets

CIX will be headquartered in Singapore and will leverage the country's internationally-recognised financial, legal and commodities hub infrastructures. These infrastructures are foundational to nurturing a trusted ecosystem of partners required to scale the global voluntary market. In addition, Singapore has been supportive of initiatives that strengthen the trust and verifiability of carbon credits, as part of the nation's ambition to become a global carbon services and trading hub.

CIX is an initiative born out of Singapore's Emerging Stronger Taskforce's Alliance for Action (AfA) on Sustainability[6]. The AfA on Sustainability aims to position Singapore as a hub for carbon-related services and nature-based solutions, transforming the country into a "Bright Green Spark".

-END-

About Climate Impact X

Climate Impact X (CIX) will be a Singapore-based global carbon exchange and marketplace that aims to scale the voluntary carbon market. CIX will connect an ecosystem of partners, leveraging satellite monitoring, machine learning and blockchain to enhance transparency, integrity and quality of carbon credits. This will empower corporations to take effective action and complement carbon reduction efforts as part of a holistic climate mitigation strategy. CIX will offer distinct platforms and products that will cater to the needs of different carbon credit buyers and sellers. The Exchange will facilitate the sale of large-scale high-quality carbon credits through standardised contracts - catering primarily to MNCs and institutional investors. The Project Marketplace will offer a curated selection of NCS projects that can meet corporate sustainability objectives. Each project on the Project Marketplace will be supported by transparent impact, risk and pricing data.

For more information, please visit www.climateimpactx.com

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named "World's Best Bank" by Euromoney, "Global Bank of the Year" by The Banker and "Best Bank in the World" by Global Finance. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named "World's Best Digital Bank" by Euromoney. In addition, DBS has been accorded the "Safest Bank in Asia" award by Global Finance for 12 consecutive years from 2009 to 2020.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities.

For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About Singapore Exchange

Singapore Exchange is Asia's leading and trusted securities and derivatives market infrastructure, operating equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets to the highest regulatory standards. It also operates a multi-asset sustainability platform, SGX FIRST or Future in Reshaping Sustainability Together (sgx.com/first).

SGX is committed to facilitating economic growth in a sustainable manner leveraging its roles as a key player in the ecosystem, a business, regulator and listed company. With climate action as a key priority, SGX aims to be a leading sustainable and transition financing and trading hub offering trusted, quality, end-to-end products and solutions.

As Asia's most international, multi-asset exchange, SGX provides listing, trading, clearing, settlement, depository and data services, with about 40% of listed companies and over 80% of listed bonds originating outside of Singapore. SGX is the world's most liquid international market for the benchmark equity indices of China, India, Japan and ASEAN. Headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, SGX is globally recognised for its risk management and clearing capabilities.

For more information, please visit www.sgx.com.

About Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 59 of the world's most dynamic markets, and serving clients in a further 85. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, Here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

About Temasek

Temasek is an investment company with a net portfolio value of S$306 billion (US$214 billion) as at 31 March 2020. Its three roles as an Investor, Institution and Steward, as defined in the Temasek Charter, shape Temasek's ethos to do well, do right and do good. Temasek actively seeks sustainable solutions to address present and future challenges, through investment and other opportunities that help to bring about a better, smarter and more sustainable world. For more information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg.

ANNEX

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1514979/Climate_Impact_X_Annex.pdf

[1] "The Next Generation of Climate Innovation", BCG, published 22 March, 2021, https://www.bcg.com/en-sea/publications/2021/next-generation-climate-innovation [2] "The Paris Agreement", United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, retrieved 17 May, 2021, https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement [3] "A blueprint for scaling voluntary carbon markets to meet the climate challenge", McKinsey & Company, published 29 January, 2021, https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/a-blueprint-for-scaling-voluntary-carbon-markets-to-meet-the-climate-challenge [4] "Consultation: Nature and Net Zero", World Economic Forum, published 25 January, 2021, https://www.weforum.org/reports/consultation-nature-and-net-zero [5] The contributions by the parties into CIX will include cash, technical expertise, networks, thought leadership, IT architecture, and other intangibles. [6] The Emerging Stronger Taskforce (EST) was formed under the Future Economy Council (FEC) in May 2020 to review how Singapore can stay economically resilient, and build new sources of dynamism to emerge stronger from COVID-19. The Alliances for Action formed are in the areas of AgriTech, Digitalising Built Environment, EduTech, Enabling Safe and Innovative Visitor Experiences, Facilitating Smart Commerce, MedTech, Robotics, Supply Chain Digitalisation, and Sustainability.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515331/DBS_SGX_Standard_Chartered_Temasek.jpg

PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515332/Climate_Impact_X_Annex.pdf
- Emergence of electronic accounting that enables preserving tax module of financial data expands vistas in property tax services market.

- Adoption of property tax services in different business sectors substantiates growth at ~7% CAGR from 2021- 2031

ALBANY, N.Y., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Property Tax Services Market - Overview

According to records, property tax is in fact the oldest tax levied that has merged with the modern system of public finance. And, because of this, it is associated with both pre-modern and modern tax philosophies. Howbeit, the modern property tax mostly has a legal side, wherein a very different tax that is behind is concealed. Meanwhile, at the same time, due to decentralized administration and informal and illegal assessment procedures, the de facto property tax is carried forward into modern times with much of the elements from its pre-modern form.

In its modern form, property tax is the annual amount paid by a land owner to the local government or to the municipal corporation of the area for all tangible real estate, house, office building, and other properties that are rented. Therefore, for both individuals and business enterprises who own multiple properties, property taxes can be complicated, costly, and time-consuming. This requires professional services to approach property taxes in a more streamlined, seamless, and tax-efficient manner.

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Serving these needs, property tax services has evolved to be a multi-million dollar business sector that assists clients with multiple aspects of property tax. Property tax consultancy services helps companies with a deep understanding of complexities of real and personal property tax and help them to control this expense. This substantiates a whopping valuation of the property tax services market at US$ 3 Bn in 2020, with further projections of notable worth at US$ 5.8 Bn by 2031.

Property Tax Services Market - Key Findings of the Report

Improvements in Tax Administration System in Kampala Opens Lucrative Opportunities

Recent improvements in tax administration system in Kampala, which earlier reported low tax compliance has helped to expand the property tax network and have raised revenues. To capitalize on this, companies in the property tax services are creating solutions for compliance challenges and expand services for better compliance in Kampala. To serve this, robust software solutions with built-in data management tools, personalized tax calendars, and flexible customization are slowly finding use in the tax administration system in Kampala. This amounts to substantial growth in the overall property tax services market.

Explore 239 pages of superlative research, current market scenario, and extensive geographical projections. Gain insights into the Property Tax Services Market (Service Type: Property Tax Advisory Services, Property Tax Compliance & Co-Sourcing Services, Property Tax Exemption & Abatement Services, Property Tax Due Diligence Services, Litigation Support Services, and Others; and Application: Personal Property and Real Property) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2021-2031 at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/property-tax-services-market.html

Prospect of Collaborative Audit Support, Co-sourcing Services to Ensure Successful Value Negotiations

Independent, result-oriented, and innovative property tax services are what customers seek from providers of property tax services. Clients seek appropriate market values and collaborative audit support services from providers of property tax services. To serve this, property tax consultancies are ensuring timely and accurate submission of renditions and payment of tax liabilities owed for portfolios of their clients. Furthermore, large companies in the property tax services market are expanding their services for fixed asset review categorization needs and identification of properties that are exempt from taxes.

Analyze global Property Tax Services Market growth in 30+ countries including US, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Russia, Poland, Benelux, Nordic, China, Japan, India, and South Korea. Request a sample of the study

Pollution Control Analysis for Property Tax Exemption Manifests Growth

Besides advisory and compliance, property tax exemption and abatement services is the focus of companies in the property tax services market to expand their credibility. For such pursuits, companies are training teams to maximize all available statutory property tax exemptions and abatements in the value negotiation cycles.

Innovative services for property tax exemption include pollution control analysis and special tax rebates that are helping to bolster the credibility credentials of service providers. Alternative energy exemption services and Freeport exemption efforts are being preferred by clients for property tax calculation.

Property Tax Services Market -Growth Drivers

Emergence of electronic accounting that most large, small, and medium enterprises are using to preserve tax modules of financial data in a secure environment, and allows real-time access to authorized users creates massive opportunities in property tax services market.

Increasing practices of large companies to outsource property tax services in developing countries of Asia Pacific , which involves collaborations with local consulting firms and advisory firms opens vistas in property tax services market.

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Property Tax Services Market - Key Players

Advantax LLC

Argil Property Tax Services

CBIZ Inc.

Colliers Inrernational Group Inc.

Cushman & Wakefield Inc.

DuCharme

Duff & Phelps LLC

Hilco Global

Group Holdings Limited

PropertyTaxAdvisers.co.uk

Ryan LLC

Altus Group Limited

Bryden Johnson

Cherry Bekaert LLP

CORELOGIC Inc.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

McMillen & Associates Inc.

Global Tax Management Inc.

Moss Adams LLP

RSM International

UK Property Accountants Ltd

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BANGALORE, India, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Polyolefins Market is segmented by Type (Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polystyrene) and Application (Film & Sheet, Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Profile Extrusion, and Others). This report is published on Valuates Reports in the Plastics & Polymers Category.

The Polyolefins Market was valued at USD 133.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 444.2 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2021 to 2028.

Major factors driving the growth of the Polyolefins Market are:

Development of the solar power industry and increase in demand from packaging industry from developed countries

An upsurge in demand for polyolefins in the renewable energy sector is propelling the polyolefins market growth.

The rapid expansion of the consumer base, such as aerospace and automobiles, in developing countries such as India and China .

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF POLYOLEFINS MARKET

The rapid increase in demand from the packaging industry is expected to drive the growth of polyolefins market size. The polyolefin's high tensile strength and impact resistance have led to its demand in the film, sheet, and packaging industries. Polyethylene can be heated to its melting point, cooled, and heated again as required without significant strength or consistency degradation. This enables it to be used in a variety of applications, including geomembranes, plastic films, and bags.



An increase in demand from the automotive and construction sector is further fuelling the polyolefins market size. Thermoplastic olefins offer an appropriate amount of stiffness and impact resistance and are widely used in the automotive sector. In the construction sector, it is used for its application as roof membranes.



Furthermore, polyolefins offer properties such as high processability, superior chemical stability, and prolonged durability. Such properties allow it to be utilized in various end-user industries, which is fuelling the polyolefins market.

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POLYOLEFINS MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

Based on type, the polyethylene segment garnered a 65.6% share in terms of revenue in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period. This is due to its widespread use in a variety of applications, including extrusion packaging, extrusion non packaging, injection molding, and blow molding.



Based on application, the film & sheet segment garnered a 31.0% share in 2020. This is due to the increased use of films in manufacturing, automobiles, solar energy, and food and non-food packaging.



Based on region, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% in terms of revenue during the forecast period. The presence of emerging economies such as India , China , Japan , and South Korea is to blame for this. Packaging, automotive, and construction are three industries with increasingly increasing customer bases in these emerging economies. Because of its large customer base and involvement of key players in the polyolefins industry, China is one of the major contributors to the market.

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KEY MARKET SEGMENTS

By Type

Polyethylene (PE)

Polypropylene (PP)

Polystyrene

By Application

Film & Sheet

Injection Molding

Blow Molding

Profile Extrusion

Others

By Region

North America

U.S.



Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany



UK



France



Italy



Spain



Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

China



Japan



India



Australia



South Korea



Rest of Asia-Pacific

LAMEA

Brazil



UAE



South Africa



Rest of LAMEA

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SIMILAR REPORTS :

- The global Bio Based Polyolefins market size is projected to reach USD 56 million by 2026, from USD 39 million in 2019, at a CAGR of 5.2% during 2021-2026. In 2013, packaging became the most popular application due to a shift in demand from synthetic polymers to bio-based polyolefins. Due to the rising use of bio-based polyolefins in the manufacturing of automotive parts, automotives; transportation is the second largest market for bio-based polyolefins. Furthermore, the bio based polyolefins market in building & construction is predicted to rise rapidly throughout the projected period, owing to increased construction projects in rising nations such as India, China, and Brazil.

- The global Functional Polyolefins market is segmented by company, region (country), by Type, and by Application. Players, stakeholders, and other participants in the global Functional Polyolefins market will be able to gain the upper hand as they use the report as a powerful resource. The strategies mainly include new product Developments, research, and Developments, and also provides revenue shares, company overview, and recent company Developments to remain competitive in the market.

- The global Catalysts for Polyolefins market is segmented by company, region (country), by Type, and by Application. Players, stakeholders, and other participants in the global Catalysts for Polyolefins market will be able to gain the upper hand as they use the report as a powerful resource. The segmental analysis focuses on revenue and forecast by region (country), by Type, and by Application for the period 2016-2027.The major regions covered in the report are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa, etc.

- Amorphous Polyolefins Market by Product-Type: Propylene Homopolymer, Copolymer of Propylene and Ethylene, Propylene Homopolymer and Ethylene Copolymer, Others, Application: Hot Melt Adhesive and Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, Bitumen Modification, Polymer Modification, Others, Region: The leading producers in the industry are Evonik, Eastman and REXtac, accounting for 41.28%, 28.53% and 23.73% of revenues respectively in 2019.

- From a global perspective this report represents overall Nonchlorinated Polyolefins market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. It is segmented by Product-Type: Nonchlorinated Polyethylene, Nonchlorinated Polypropylene, Nonchlorinated Polystyrene, Others, Application: Adhesives, Plastic, Paints & Coatings, Rubber, Others, Regions.

- Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) market offers detailed analysis supported by reliable statistics on revenue global and regional level by players for the period . The report offers comprehensive analysis and accurate statistics on revenue by the player for the period . Length: 146 pages, Tables & Figures: 163, Product: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Product-Type: Polethylene, Polypropylene, Functional Polyolefins, Application: Consumer goods, Structural plastics, Food packaging, Industrial products, Others, Regions.

- The global Polyurethane market size is projected to reach USD 90,980 Million by 2026, from USD 71,320 Million in 2019, at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2021-2026.

Click Here To See Related Reports On Polyolefins

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Regulatory News:

The Combined General Meeting of Sopra Steria Group (Paris:SOP) shareholders, to be held in closed session on Wednesday, 26 May 2021, will take place at Studio Vendome, Paris (France) and will be live streamed online.

Pierre Pasquier, Chairman of the Board of Directors, making use of the authority delegated to him by the Board of Directors, decided to change the location of the Combined General Meeting of Wednesday, 26 May 2021 to facilitate the meeting's live stream online. It will be held in closed session at Studio Vendome, 10-12 place Vendome, 75001 Paris (France), without shareholders being physically present.

The video live stream of the General Meeting will be available on the Company's website at the following address: https://www.soprasteria.com/investors, unless technical issues prevent or seriously disrupt the live stream.

Shareholders will be able to take part in discussions and ask questions during the General Meeting, provided that they have registered in advance by following the procedure described in the meeting brochure (see page 7, 7 "How to take part in discussions and ask questions during the General Meeting").

All the information related to this General Meeting is available on the following page of the Sopra Steria Group's website: Combined General Meeting 26 May 2021

The recorded video of the General Meeting will remain available on the Company's website (https://www.soprasteria.com/investors) for the period required by regulations in force.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005483/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Sopra Steria Group

Olivier Psaume

investors@soprasteria.com

+33.1.40.67.68.16

Press Relations

Image Sept

Caroline Simon-Phelip

caroline.simon@image7.fr

+33.1.53.70.74.65
Regulatory News:

The Combined Shareholder's General Meeting of SEB S.A. (Paris:SK) was held on May, 20th 2021, without the physical presence of shareholders, at the Company's headquarters in Ecully, under the chairmanship of Mr. Thierry DE LA TOUR D'ARTAISE, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

OGM EGM Quantity of shares with voting rights 55 309 441 55 309 441 Quantity of voting rights 81 460 879 81 460 879 Quantity of shareholders represented or having voted remotely 4 324 4 313 Quantity of shares represented or having voted remotely 45 492 473 45 434 620 Quorum 82,25% 82,14% Quantity of votes represented or having voted remotely 70 576 360 70 478 542 % of voting rights 86,63% 86,51%

% FOR % AGAINST Votes

"FOR" Voting rights "AGAINST" Abstention Ordinary General Meeting 1 Approval of the separate financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 Adopted 100% 0,0% 70 566 181 3 392 6 787 2 Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 Adopted 100% 0,0% 70 568 528 913 6 919 3 Allocation of the result for the yeard ended 31 December 2020 and setting of the dividend Adopted 99,8% 0,2% 70 444 619 131 611 130 4 Reappointment of Yseulys Costes as a director Adopted 92,1% 7,9% 64 810 068 5 529 620 236 672 5 Reappointment of PEUGEOT INVEST ASSETS as a director Adopted 93,9% 6,1% 66 067 274 4 274 888 234 198 6 Reappointment of Brigitte Forestier as a director representing employee shareholders Adopted 97,5% 2,5% 68 681 314 1 786 247 108 799 7 Approval of the appointment of the DELOITTE Associes and KPMG as the company's statutory auditors for a six-year term Adopted 100% 0,0% 70 542 229 32 396 1 735 8 Approval of the remuneration policy for corporate executive officers Adopted 93,3% 6,7% 65 606 740 4 730 245 239 375 9 Approval of the remuneration policy for directors. Adopted 100% 0,0% 70 439 126 22 909 114 325 10 Approval of all components of remuneration referred to in Article L. 22-10-9 of the French Commercial Code concerning all executive officers for the 2020 financial year. Adopted 97,4% 2,6% 68 503 712 1 849 100 223 548 11 Approval of fixed, variable and exceptional components of the total remuneration and benefits of all kinds, paid or allocated for the 2020 financial year to the Chairman and CEO Adopted 80,6% 19,4% 56 705 103 13 665 484 205 773 12 Approval of fixed, variable and exceptional components of the total remuneration and benefits of all kinds paid or allocated for the 2020 financial year to the Chief Operating Officer. Adopted 81,9% 18,1% 57 655 638 12 714 866 205 856 13 Authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors for the company to buy back its own shares. Adopted 79,1% 20,9% 55 764 477 14 713 947 97 936

% For % Against Votes

"FOR" Votes "AGAINST Abstention Extraordinary General Meeting 14 Authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors enabling the company to cancel its own shares Adopted 100% 0,0% 70 464 956 13 095 491 15 Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors to increase the share capital by issuing ordinary shares and/or share equivalents and/or debt securities, with pre-emption rights. Adopted 80,2% 19,8% 56 556 802 13 921 349 391 16 Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors to issue ordinary shares and/or share equivalents and/or debt securities, with waiving of pre-emption rights in the course of a public offering. Adopted 80,1% 19,9% 56 460 627 14 002 646 15 269 17 Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors to issue ordinary shares and/or share equivalents and/or debt securities, with waiving of pre-emption rights as part of an offering governed by Article L. 411-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code. Adopted 79,9% 20,1% 56 324 487 14 138 789 15 266 18 Blanket ceiling on financial authorizations. Adopted 99,5% 0,5% 70 003 927 362 283 112 332 19 Delegation of authority to be granted to the Board of Directors to increase the share capital by capitalizing retained earnings, profit, premiums or other items that may be capitalized. Adopted 98,2% 1,8% 69 129 592 1 237 157 111 793 20 Authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors to grant performance shares. Adopted 83,0% 17,0% 58 307 057 11 923 762 247 723 21 Authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors to carry out share capital increases restricted to members of a company or Group Savings Scheme and/or sales of reserved shares with waiving of pre-emption rights. Adopted 99,2% 0,8% 69 940 926 536 968 648 22 Amendment of Article 8 of the Company's bylaws relating to the lowering of the threshold for ownership interests, the crossing of which must be reported to the company. Adopted 78,5% 21,5% 55 307 879 15 170 379 284 23 Compliance of the bylaws with the new Articles of the French Commercial Code arising from Order no. 2020-1142 dated 16 September 2020. Adopted 99,9% 0,1% 70 406 201 72 119 222 24 Powers to carry out formalities. Adopted 100% 0,0% 70 477 238 1 117 187

Next key dates 2021 July 23 before market opens H1 2021 sales and results October 26 after market closes 9-month 2021 sales and financial data

Find us on www.groupeseb.com

World reference in small domestic equipment, Groupe SEB operates with a unique portfolio of 31 top brands including Tefal, Seb, Rowenta, Moulinex, Krups, Lagostina, All-Clad, WMF, Emsa, Supor, marketed through multi-format retailing. Selling more than 360 million products a year, it deploys a long-term strategy focused on innovation, international development, competitiveness and client service. Present in over 150 countries, Groupe SEB generated sales of 6.9 billion in 2020 and has more than 33,000 employees worldwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005751/en/

Contacts:

Investor/Analyst Relations

Groupe SEB

Financial Communication and IR Dept

Isabelle Posth

Raphael Hoffstetter

comfin@groupeseb.com

Tel: 33 (0) 4 72 18 16 04

Media Relations

Groupe SEB

Corporate Communication Dept

Cathy Pianon

Anissa Djaadi

com@groupeseb.com

Tel. 33 (0) 6 33 13 02 00

Tel. 33 (0) 6 88 20 90 88

Image Sept

Caroline Simon

Claire Doligez

Isabelle Dunoyer de Segonzac

caroline.simon@image7.fr

cdoligez@image7.fr

isegonzac@image7.fr

Phone: 33 (0) 1 53 70 74 70
Media Relations:

Florence Lievre

Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 54 50 71

florence.lievre@capgemini.com

Investor Relations:

Vincent Biraud

Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 54 50 87

vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

Shareholders' Meeting of May 20, 2021

Paris, May 20, 2021 - The Shareholders' Meeting of Capgemini SE, held today behind closed doors, adopted all of the resolutions put to the vote.

In accordance with the emergency measures adopted by the French Government to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Company's Annual General Meeting was held today behind closed doors, without the physical presence of shareholders, with a live webcast on the Company's website. An opportunity for live discussion with the shareholders made it possible to answer questions posed prior to the Meeting as well as those submitted directly during the Meeting via the webcast interface. The entire vote took place by mail and the shareholders adopted all the resolutions presented with a quorum of 76%.

At the Shareholders' Meeting, shareholders approved the distribution of a dividend of 1.95 euro per share in respect of the 2020 financial year, to be paid from June 4, 2021, with a coupon detachment date of June 2, 2021.

The Shareholders' Meeting approved the resolutions concerning the composition of the Board of Directors:

Tanja Rueckert 1 , President of the Board of Management of Bosch Building Technologies, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for a four-year term. Tanja Rueckert, a German national, brings to the Board solid experience in the software sector as an executive leading business units of international groups and expertise in several fields including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The Board has indicated that it considers Tanja Rueckert to be an independent director in accordance with the criteria of the AFEP-MEDEF Code to which the Company refers;

, President of the Board of Management of Bosch Building Technologies, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for a four-year term. Tanja Rueckert, a German national, brings to the Board solid experience in the software sector as an executive leading business units of international groups and expertise in several fields including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The Board has indicated that it considers Tanja Rueckert to be an independent director in accordance with the criteria of the AFEP-MEDEF Code to which the Company refers; Kurt Sievers 2 , President & Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NXP Semiconductors N.V., has been appointed to the Board of Directors for a four-year term. Kurt Sievers, a German national, brings to the Board management experience in a leading international group in the semiconductor sector, at the heart of the Intelligent Industry's development, his expertise in the automobile sector, technology and artificial intelligence, and his knowledge of North America and American corporate governance. The Board has indicated that it considers Kurt Sievers to be an independent director in accordance with the criteria of the AFEP-MEDEF Code to which the Company refers;

, President & Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NXP Semiconductors N.V., has been appointed to the Board of Directors for a four-year term. Kurt Sievers, a German national, brings to the Board management experience in a leading international group in the semiconductor sector, at the heart of the Intelligent Industry's development, his expertise in the automobile sector, technology and artificial intelligence, and his knowledge of North America and American corporate governance. The Board has indicated that it considers Kurt Sievers to be an independent director in accordance with the criteria of the AFEP-MEDEF Code to which the Company refers; Patrick Pouyanne, an independent director, was also renewed for a four-year term.





At the end of this Shareholders' Meeting, the Board of Directors of Capgemini SE now has 14 directors, including two directors representing employees3. Of its members, 82% are independent directors4, 43% are international directors and 45% are women5. This composition reflects the Board's renewed ambition to pursue its internationalization, to deepen its sectoral expertise and to enrich the diversity of its profiles.

The Board of Directors warmly thanked Mrs. Anne Bouverot, Mr. Daniel Bernard and Mr. Pierre Pringuet for their contributions to the work of the Board and its committees during their term of office, and praised in particular the role played by the Vice-Chairman and the Lead Independent Director in the preparation of the managerial succession that took place in May 2020.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors meeting at the end of the Shareholders' Meeting decided to appoint Mr. Frederic Oudea as Lead Independent Director and President of the Ethics & Governance Committee to replace Mr. Pierre Pringuet, whose term of office expired at the close of the Shareholders' Meeting. Mr. Frederic Oudea was also appointed Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors to replace Mr. Daniel Bernard, whose term of office expired at the close of the Shareholders' Meeting.

The Shareholders' Meeting approved 2020 compensation components and benefits paid or granted to Paul Hermelin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, then Chairman of the Board, as well as to Aiman Ezzat, Chief Operating Officer, then Chief Executive Officer. The report on the compensation of corporate officers and the various 2021 compensation policies for executive corporate officers and directors were also approved.

Finally, the Shareholders' Meeting approved all the financial delegations granted to the Board of Directors.

A detailed breakdown of voting results as well as full webcast of the General Meeting can be found on the Capgemini website:

https://investors.capgemini.com/en/event/2021-shareholders-meeting/

About Capgemini

Capgemini is a global leader in partnering with companies to transform and manage their business by harnessing the power of technology. The Group is guided everyday by its purpose of unleashing human energy through technology for an inclusive and sustainable future. It is a responsible and diverse organization of 270,000 team members in nearly 50 countries. With its strong 50 year heritage and deep industry expertise, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to address the entire breadth of their business needs, from strategy and design to operations, fueled by the fast evolving and innovative world of cloud, data, AI, connectivity, software, digital engineering and platforms. The Group reported in 2020 global revenues of 16 billion.

Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

DISCLAIMER

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements may include projections, estimates, assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and/or expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations and services and product development, as well as statements, regarding future performance or events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "may", "would", "should" or the negatives of these terms and similar expressions. Although Capgemini's management currently believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including without limitation risks identified in Capgemini's Universal Registration Document available on Capgemini's website), because they relate to future events and depend on future circumstances that may or may not occur and may be different from those anticipated, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Capgemini. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those expressed in, implied by or projected by forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not intended to and do not give any assurances or comfort as to future events or results. Other than as required by applicable law, Capgemini does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

This press release does not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in securities in France, the United States or any other jurisdiction.

APPENDIX

Composition of the Capgemini SE Board of Directors and of its committees following the Shareholders' Meeting of May 20, 2021

Composition of the Board of Directors:

Paul Hermelin - Chairman

Frederic Oudea - Lead Independent Director andVice-Chairman

Xiaoqun Clever

Laurence Dors

Aiman Ezzat - CEO

Sian Herbert-Jones

Herve Jeannin - Director representing employees

Kevin Masters - Director representing employees

Belen Moscoso del Prado

Xavier Musca

Patrick Pouyanne

Tanja Rueckert

Kurt Sievers

Lucia Sinapi Thomas - Director representing employee shareholders

The Board of Directors meeting on May 20, 2021 at the end of the Shareholders' Meeting modified the composition of its committees as follows:

Audit & Risk Committee: Xavier Musca (President), Xiaoqun Clever, Laurence Dors, Sian Herbert Jones.

Compensation Committee: Laurence Dors (President), Kevin Masters, Belen Moscoso del Prado, Kurt Sievers, Lucia Sinapi-Thomas.

Ethics & Governance Committee: Frederic Oudea (President), Laurence Dors, Xavier Musca, Patrick Pouyanne.

Strategy & CSR Committee: Paul Hermelin (President), Aiman Ezzat, Herve Jeannin, Patrick Pouyanne, Tanja Rueckert, Kurt Sievers.

1 A biography of the new director, Ms. Tanja Rueckert, is presented in Capgemini press release from March18th, 2021

2 A biography of the new director, Mr. Kurt Sievers, is presented in Capgemini press release from March 18th, 2021

3 Composition of the Capgemini SE Board of Directors in the appendix.

4 The directors representing employees and employee shareholders are not taken into account in calculating this percentage, in accordance with the provisions of the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

5 The directors representing employees and employee shareholders are not taken into account in calculating this percentage, in accordance with the provisions of the French Commercial Code currently in force.

Attachment
Group AuM of 29.4bn at 31 March 2021, up 15.5% yoy

Tikehau Capital prepares its next growth chapter with a simplified organisation, an improved financial profile and a revised dividend policy

Regulatory News:

Tikehau Capital (Paris:TKO), the global alternative asset management group, releases today its assets under management at 31 March 2021, which amounted to 29.4bn, up 15.5% or 3.9bn year over year. The firm also announces its plan to simplify its organisation, which shall result in a materially improved financial profile, allowing for a revised dividend policy to increase shareholder value. Through this operational reorganisation, Tikehau Capital will meet the highest standards of the global listed alternative asset management industry, on top of a second-to-none alignment of interest in the sector. The main benefits of the planned reorganisation are the following:

Central corporate functions and related expertise to be regrouped under the listed company;

under the listed company; More than 40m annual post-tax cash flow improvement for Tikehau Capital from 1 January 2021 onwards thanks to its simplified organisation;

for Tikehau Capital from 1 January 2021 onwards thanks to its simplified organisation; Operating costs reduction through the replacement of a 2% management fee of Tikehau Capital's consolidated equity by (i) an annual fixed compensation of 2.5m and (ii) the corporate functions' costs to be transferred to Tikehau Capital (c.20m);

of a 2% management fee of Tikehau Capital's consolidated equity by (i) an annual fixed compensation of 2.5m and (ii) the corporate functions' costs to be transferred to Tikehau Capital (c.20m); A significant reduction in the preferred dividend to the General Partner from 12.5% to 1% of Tikehau Capital's statutory net result;

in the preferred dividend to the General Partner from 12.5% to 1% of Tikehau Capital's statutory net result; A c.39m new Tikehau Capital shares issuance for the benefit of Tikehau Capital Advisors, in exchange for its contributions as part of the proposed reorganisation, raising founders and management ownership from 44% 1 to 56%;

A high-single digit accretion estimated on 2021 adjusted earnings per share 2

estimated on 2021 adjusted earnings per share A revised and improved dividend policy with a minimum of 80% of FRE and PRE 3 to be distributed through ordinary dividend (with a floor at 0.50 per share for 2021);

to be distributed through ordinary dividend (with a floor at 0.50 per share for 2021); The planned reorganisation has already received support from shareholders representing 85% of Tikehau Capital's share capital , and will be submitted to an Extraordinary General Meeting to take place on 15 July 2021;

, and will be submitted to an Extraordinary General Meeting to take place on 15 July 2021; Tikehau Capital confirms its 2022 targets of reaching over 35bn of assets under management and generating over 100m in fee-related earnings (FRE).

Tikehau Capital is organising a conference call today at 6.15 p.m. (CEST)

accessible on its website at www.tikehaucapital.com

Antoine Flamarion and Mathieu Chabran, co-founders of Tikehau Capital, said:

"Since its inception in 2004, Tikehau Capital has transformed from a founder-operated investment company to a global alternative asset manager with close to 30bn of AuM. This tremendous growth trajectory is first and foremost the result of an entrepreneurial journey, driven by a strong corporate culture and the commitment of our teams. As we continue to build momentum across our businesses, simplifying our organisation is the natural next step to establish a stronger foundation for future earnings growth. These changes not only make Tikehau Capital simpler to understand but also strengthen its financial profile and create an even more compelling investment proposition for shareholders: it reinforces financial performance, streamlines shareholders' alignment and makes Tikehau Capital's equity profile more appealing. As the firm continues to evolve, we look forward to unlocking more value and generating long-term returns for our shareholders."

1. A NEW CHAPTER FOR TIKEHAU CAPITAL

Since its inception in 2004, Tikehau Capital's entrepreneurial journey has relied on a strong corporate culture and a differentiated growth model. From an externally managed, founder-operated private investment company, Tikehau Capital has transformed into an integrated, listed and diversified global alternative asset manager, supported by a strong balance sheet.

Over the last 17 years, Tikehau Capital's organisation and corporate structure have provided strong foundations on which it has pursued its development and achieved strong results. In particular, Tikehau Capital's assets under management have grown on average by +30% per year since IPO in early 2017. At the same time, the average management fee rate has moved up from 0.71% to 0.92% and asset management revenues and Fee-Related Earnings (FRE) have grown on average by +51% and +126% respectively between 2016 and 2020.

Looking ahead, given Tikehau Capital's size, scale, and favourable outlook, the time is now right to simplify the Group's organisation in order to put Tikehau Capital on the strongest footing to drive growth in the years to come, while keeping its strong entrepreneurial DNA.

This planned reorganisation has already gathered the support from Tikehau Capital shareholders owning a total of 85% of the firm's share capital.

2. A SIMPLER ORGANISATION, A STRONGER FINANCIAL PROFILE

The planned reorganisation announced today aims at implementing a simpler structure, as well as resetting financial flows between Tikehau Capital and its related parties.

(i) First, the planned reorganisation aims at transferring the Group's central corporate functions and related expertise (i.e. in particular General Management, Finance, Legal, IT, Communication, Human Resources), into the listed entity, Tikehau Capital. The corporate functions were until now gathered into Tikehau Capital Advisors (the Group's largest shareholder). This would materially streamline the Group's organisation as well as significantly reduce its operating cost base. In that respect, the cost incurred historically by Tikehau Capital, which was an annual charge equivalent to 2% of the Group's consolidated shareholders' equity, would be replaced by a total annual compensation, in absolute amount, of 2.5m from 2021 onwards. In addition, the Group's corporate function costs would be transferred to Tikehau Capital, representing a cost of around 20m from 2021 onwards. As an illustration, the 2% management fee represented a 70.6m4 cost for Tikehau Capital. Pro forma the new organisation, the cost in 2020 would be reduced to 20.8m, therefore generating substantial savings.

(ii) Second, the preferred dividend due to the General Partner would be drastically reduced, moving down from 12.5% to 1% of Tikehau Capital's statutory net income.

Such changes in the economics between Tikehau Capital and its related parties would reflect very positively on the Group's financials by generating:

More than 40m annual post-tax cash-flow improvement for Tikehau Capital 5 from 2021 onwards;

annual post-tax cash-flow improvement for Tikehau Capital from 2021 onwards; More than 140bps enhancement of Tikehau Capital's return on equity6 from 2021 onwards.

(iii) As a consequence of the planned reorganisation, and in exchange of its contributions to Tikehau Capital, Tikehau Capital Advisors would receivec.39 million newly issued Tikehau Capital shares. This share issuance reflects a valuation of Tikehau Capital Advisors' contributions of 1,150.5m and a valuation of Tikehau Capital of 29.5 per share. In connection with this transaction, Tikehau Capital's Supervisory Board appointed an ad hoc committee comprising three independent members and which has supervised the work of an independent expert (Finexsi) to submit a fairness opinion on the terms of the transaction.

Following this planned share issuance:

The management ownership in Tikehau Capital 7 would increase from 44% to 56%, therefore strengthening the alignment of interests between management and shareholders.

would increase therefore strengthening the alignment of interests between management and shareholders. Given the strong positive impact of the reorganisation on Tikehau Capital's financials, the overall transaction would generate a high single-digit accretion on the 2021 adjusted earnings per share8

3. A REVISED DIVIDEND POLICY

Conscious that the predictability of the distribution is key for shareholders and building on the strong momentum of its asset management profitability, Tikehau Capital plans to revise its dividend policy by indexing it on the performance of this fast-growing and increasingly profitable business. Starting 2021, Tikehau Capital shall aim to distribute more than 80% of the net operating profit from the asset management activity (defined as the sum of Fee-Related Earnings and Performance-Related Earnings). In addition, for the fiscal year 2021, the ordinary dividend shall not be lower than 0.50 per share.

4. DETAILS OF THE PLANNED REORGANISATION

The main steps of the planned reorganisation, which is a global transaction, are detailed below:

Step 1 Appointment of a new General Partner (associe commandite) and two new managers (gerants) of Tikehau Capital:

Tikehau Capital Commandite ("TCC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tikehau Capital Advisors ("TCA"), would be appointed as General Partner of Tikehau Capital with effect after satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the Merger (as such term is defined hereafter) and immediately prior to the completion of the Merger.

Two companies, respectively wholly-owned by AF&Co and MCH, the two holding companies of the founders of Tikehau Capital, would be appointed as managers of Tikehau Capital with effect after satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the Merger and immediately prior to the completion of the Merger. The total fixed annual compensation of these two Managers would amount to 2.5m per year.

Step 2 Merger: Tikehau Capital would merge with Tikehau Capital General Partner (" TCGP "), Tikehau Capital current General Partner (the " Merger "). TCA would receive, in consideration of its shares in TCGP, new shares in Tikehau Capital according to an exchange ratio determined on the basis of the fair values of the two companies. The Merger would be placed under a tax neutrality regime. The General Partner's rights held by TCGP and transferred to Tikehau Capital as a result of the Merger would be cancelled upon completion of the Merger. Upon completion of the Merger, TCC would be the sole General Partner of Tikehau Capital, benefitting from a preferred dividend of 1% of Tikehau Capital's statutory net income.

Tikehau Capital would merge with Tikehau Capital General Partner (" "), Tikehau Capital current General Partner (the " "). TCA would receive, in consideration of its shares in TCGP, new shares in Tikehau Capital according to an exchange ratio determined on the basis of the fair values of the two companies. The Merger would be placed under a tax neutrality regime. The General Partner's rights held by TCGP and transferred to Tikehau Capital as a result of the Merger would be cancelled upon completion of the Merger. Upon completion of the Merger, TCC would be the sole General Partner of Tikehau Capital, benefitting from a preferred dividend of 1% of Tikehau Capital's statutory net income. Step 3 Contribution: TCA would contribute the assets and liabilities relating to Tikehau Capital's central corporatefunctions housed within TCA (including employment contracts, leasehold rights and physical assets) (the "Contribution") in consideration for new shares in Tikehau Capital according to an exchange ratio determined on the basis of the fair values of the two companies. As a result of the Contribution, the service agreement between TCGP and TCA would be extinguished. The Contribution would be placed under a tax neutrality regime.

As a consequence of Steps 2 and 3 above, around 39 million new Tikehau Capital shares would be issued for the benefit of TCA.

Finexsi has been appointed by the Supervisory Board of Tikehau Capital as independent expert to issue a fairness opinion on the terms of the transaction. Ms. Sonia Bonnet-Bernard and Mr. Alain Abergel have been appointed by the President of the Commercial Court of Paris (Tribunal de Commerce de Paris) as external statutory appraisers with regard to the terms of the Merger and the Contribution (commissaires la fusion et la scission). The reports of the independent expert and the external statutory appraisers will be made public in the document to be published for a prospectus exemption that will be made available to the market mid-June 2021.

In connection with the proposed reorganisation, TCA's holding in Tikehau Capital would increase by more than 1% over a 12-month period. As a result, TCA and the persons acting in concert with TCA would have an obligation to file a mandatory tender offer. TCA will request from the Autorite des marches financiers an exemption to file such mandatory tender offer pursuant to article 234-9, 3 of the General Regulations of the Autorite des marches financiers. The proposed reorganisation is subject to this exemption.

If approved by the Extraordinary General Meeting to take place on 15 July 2021, the transaction will be effective retroactively as of 1 January 2021.

Tikehau Capital will keep the market informed of the next steps and terms of this transaction.

5. +15.5% GROWTH IN GROUP AUM AT END-MARCH 2021

At end-March 2021, Group Assets under management (AuM) reached 29.4bn9, representing a 3.9bn or 15.5% increase yoy. They are split between 27.7bn for the asset management business and 1.7bn for the direct investment business. During the first quarter of 2021, the change was a 2.9% increase, with positive net new money for the Group of +973 million, distributions of -257 million (primarily within private debt strategies) and positive market effects of 108 million.

AuM for the asset management business amounted to 27.7bn at end-March, up 18.1% over the last twelve months and 1.2% compared to 31 December 2020. Fundraising for the asset management business amounted to 484m in the first quarter of 2021, which is in line with the amount raised during the first quarters of 2019 and 2020 and with the Group's fundraising seasonality. Over the last twelve months, the asset management business raised 4.2bn of net new money, a significant amount reflecting the solid sales momentum for Group's strategies. Fundraising in Q1 2021 was primarily driven by private equity (with the final closing of the energy transition fund as well as further fundraising for the special opportunities strategy), and real assets, with Sofidy in particular. Fundraising for private debt reflects calendar effects, and significant progress on this asset class are expected in the coming quarters in particular as the fundraising for the 5th vintage of the Group's direct lending flagship strategy ramps up. Net new money for the capital markets strategies was neutral in the quarter, with solid inflows in fixed income strategies offset by outflows in the flexible and equity funds.

Over the first quarter of 2021, Tikehau Capital has also been active in deploying capital from its funds, with 67 companies or assets financed across its strategies in the quarter, which is more than twice what had been achieved during the same period last year. As a consequence, the Group deployed a total of 0.8bn in the first quarter (vs 0.5bn during Q1 2020). At end-March 2021, Tikehau Capital had dry powder of 5.9bn within the funds it manages, enabling them to take advantage of investment opportunities. This amount compares to 6.2bn at the end of December 2020, the change during the first quarter being linked to the sustained pace of capital deployment over the period.

AuM for the investment activity amounted to 1.7bn at end-March 2021. The 483m increase during the first quarter was primarily due to the success of the Group's inaugural sustainable bond issuance for a total amount of 500 million maturing in March 2029. This issue of senior unsecured sustainable bond is associated with a fixed annual coupon of 1.625%, the lowest ever achieved by the Group, and is the first ever public sustainable benchmark bond issued by an alternative asset manager in euros.

Since the beginning of second quarter of 2021, Tikehau Capital remained active and launched promising new initiatives:

First, leveraging on the successful fundraising for its private equity fund dedicated to energy transition, Tikehau Capital announced the launch of a North American private equity strategy dedicated to transitioning to a low-carbon economy , with $300 million of capital already committed;

, with $300 million of capital already committed; The Group also announced the sequential launch of two innovative strategies designed for retail investors through unit-linked products , one in private debt with MACSF Group, the leading insurer for health professionals, and the other in private equity with CNP Assurances, leading player in the French personal insurance market. These initiatives demonstrate Tikehau Capital's strong positioning in tackling the increasing demand from retail clients to access alternative asset classes;

, one in private debt with MACSF Group, the leading insurer for health professionals, and the other in private equity with CNP Assurances, leading player in the French personal insurance market. These initiatives demonstrate Tikehau Capital's strong positioning in tackling the increasing demand from retail clients to access alternative asset classes; In addition, IREIT Global announced the acquisition of a high-quality 27-property portfolio from Decathlon, the world's largest sporting goods retailer;

announced the acquisition of a high-quality 27-property portfolio from Decathlon, the world's largest sporting goods retailer; Tikehau Capital's first SPAC 10 (Pegasus Europe), which was launched back in February alongside co-sponsors Financiere Agache, Jean-Pierre Mustier and Diego De Giorgi, announced on April 29 th that it had successfully raised 500 million in a private placement. Tikehau Capital has invested 25 million from its balance sheet into the private placement and agreed on a 50 million Forward Purchase Agreement that may be called at the time of a business combination;

(Pegasus Europe), which was launched back in February alongside co-sponsors Financiere Agache, Jean-Pierre Mustier and Diego De Giorgi, announced on April 29 that it had successfully raised 500 million in a private placement. Tikehau Capital has invested 25 million from its balance sheet into the private placement and agreed on a 50 million Forward Purchase Agreement that may be called at the time of a business combination; Finally, on May 12th, as part of the strategic alliance between Tikehau Capital and DWS, both groups announced a growth initiative to implement an investment strategy for small to medium-sized defined benefit pension schemes in the United Kingdom. The launch of this new strategy meets the objective of both groups to align their respective expertise in alternative investing and offer bespoke financing solutions to companies.

6. CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS

Through the planned reorganisation, which has already gathered the support from shareholders owning a total of 85% of its share capital, Tikehau Capital is opening a new growth chapter by simplifying its organisation, improving its financial profile, and implementing a revised dividend policy.

Tikehau Capital also confirms its 2022 objectives of reaching over 35bn of assets under management and generating over 100m in fee-related earnings (FRE)11

Tentative timetable of the planned reorganisation

20 May 2021 Announcement of the reorganisation Mid-June 2021 Publication of documentation relating to the transaction, including reports from independent expert and external appraisers (commissaires la fusion et la scission) 15 July 2021 Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the reorganisation

Tikehau Capital's financial calendar

29 July 2021 Assets under management at 30 June 2021 (after market close) 15 September 2021 2021 First half results (after market close) 9 November 2021 Assets under management at 30 September 2021 (after market close)

APPENDIX CHANGE IN AUM DETAILS

AuM at 31-Mar-2021 YoY change QoQ change In m Amount (m) Weight (%) In % In m In % In m Private debt 9,292 32% +11.9% +989 (0.5)% (50) Real assets 10,470 36% +9.8% +937 +1.3% +137 Capital markets strategies 4,239 14% +20.6% +725 +1.3% +55 Private equity 3,691 13% +76.6% +1,601 +5.7% +200 Asset Management 27,692 94% +18.1% +4,252 +1.2% +341 Direct investment 1,662 6% (16.1)% (319) +40.9% +483 Total AuM 29,354 100% +15.5% +3,933 +2.9% +824

LTM evolution (in m) AuM at

31-03-2020 Net new money Distri- butions Market

effects Change in scope AuM at

31-03-2021 Change Change (m) Private debt 8,303 1,518 (681) 152 9,292 +11.9% +989 Real assets 9,533 644 (250) 4 539 10,470 +9.8% +937 Capital markets strategies 3,514 342 (12) 396 4,239 +20.6% +725 Private equity 2,089 1,658 (154) 97 3,691 +76.6% +1,601 Total Asset Management 24,440 4,162 (1,098) 649 539 27,692 +18.1% +4,252

Q1 2021 (in m) AuM at

31-12-2020 Net new money Distri- butions Market

effects Change in scope AuM at

31-03-2021 Change Change (m) Private debt 9,342 120 (171) 1 9,292 (0.5)% (50) Real assets 10,334 178 (73) 32 10,470 +1.3% +137 Capital markets strategies 4,184 6 (2) 51 4,239 +1.3% +55 Private equity 3,491 181 (12) 31 3,691 +5.7% +200 Total Asset Management 27,351 484 (257) 114 27,692 +1.2% +341

ABOUT TIKEHAU CAPITAL

Tikehau Capital is a global alternative asset management group with 29.4 billion of assets under management (at 31 March 2021).

Tikehau Capital has developed a wide range of expertise across four asset classes (private debt, real assets, private equity and capital markets strategies) as well as multi-asset and special opportunities strategies.

Tikehau Capital is a founder-led team with a differentiated business model, a strong balance sheet, proprietary global deal flow and a track record of backing high quality companies and executives.

Deeply rooted in the real economy, Tikehau Capital provides bespoke and innovative alternative financing solutions to companies it invests in and seeks to create long-term value for its investors. Leveraging its strong equity base (2.8 billion of shareholders' equity at 31 December 2020), the firm invests its own capital alongside its investor-clients within each of its strategies.

Controlled by its managers alongside leading institutional partners, Tikehau Capital is guided by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and DNA, shared by its 607 employees (at 31 March 2021) across its 12 offices in Europe, Asia and North America.

Tikehau Capital is listed in compartment A of the regulated Euronext Paris market (ISIN code: FR0013230612; Ticker: TKO.FP).

For more information, please visit: www.tikehaucapital.com

DISCLAIMER:

This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or investment advisory services. It contains general information only and is not intended to provide general or specific investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future earnings and profit, and targets are not guaranteed.

Certain statements and forecasted data are based on current forecasts, prevailing market and economic conditions, estimates, projections and opinions of Tikehau Capital and/or its affiliates. Due to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected or expected in such forward-looking statements or in any of the case studies or forecasts. All references to Tikehau Capital's advisory activities in the US or with respect to US persons relate to Tikehau Capital North America.

1 Defined as the combined ownership of Tikehau Capital Advisors and Fakarava Capital

2 Calculated as net result less preferred dividend, based on sell-side analysts' forecasts for 2021, updated post FY20 results release. Excluding any one-off and non-cash potential accounting impact of the reorganisation (accounting treatment being finalised)

3 Fee-Related Earnings (FRE) of the asset management business are defined as management fees minus operating costs. Performance-Related Earnings (PRE) are defined as the sum of performance fees and carried interest. The sum of FRE and PRE can be elsewhere defined as NOPAM (Net Operating Profit from Asset Management).

4 Including VAT

5 Illustrative amount based on sell-side analysts' forecasts for 2021, updated post FY20 results release

6 Calculated as Adjusted net income (i.e less preferred dividend) divided by consolidated Shareholders' Equity, based on 31 December 2020 Consolidated Shareholders' Equity. Excluding any one-off and non-cash potential accounting impact of the reorganisation (accounting treatment being finalised)

7 Defined as the cumulated ownership of Tikehau Capital Advisors and Fakarava Capital

8 Calculated as net result less preferred dividend, based on sell-side analysts' forecasts for 2021, updated post FY20 results release. Excluding any one-off and non-cash potential accounting impact of the reorganisation (accounting treatment being finalised)

9 Figures have been rounded for presentation purposes, which in some cases may result in rounding differences.

10 Special Purpose Acquisition Company

11 Fee-Related Earnings (FRE) correspond to net operating profit from asset management less performance fees and carried interest.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005861/en/

Contacts:

PRESS CONTACTS:

Tikehau Capital: Valerie Sueur +33 1 40 06 39 30

UK Prosek Partners: Henrietta Dehn +44 7717 281 665

USA Prosek Partners: Trevor Gibbons +1 646 818 9238

press@tikehaucapital.com

SHAREHOLDER AND INVESTOR CONTACT:

Louis Igonet +33 1 40 06 11 11

shareholders@tikehaucapital.com
LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- myGwork, the global business community for LGBTQ+ professionals, will bring back its hugely successful WorkPride for a second year. WorkPride is a five-day series of events bringing together LGBTQ+ professionals, inclusive employers and those committed to workplace equality, to network, share best practices and learn strategies to help create workspaces inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

In June 2020, WorkPride attracted 18,000 attendees over five days. The conference, convened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic offered moments for networking and discussion, centring the ongoing necessity of workplace equality and inclusion even as the world adapted to working from home.

For 2021, WorkPride expands its offering to 50 events across five days, and will bring together LGBTQ+ professionals, diversity and inclusion specialists and inclusive employers for panels, training, digital-social events and more. With LGBTQ+ professionals and inclusion specialists from around the world, WorkPride 2021 will offer comprehensive insights into what businesses and professionals have learned over the past year, as well as looking ahead at how they're preparing to enter physical offices and workplaces again.

EY, the global professional services provider, has joined as Headline Sponsor of WorkPride for a second year.

Adrien Gaubert, CMO and co-founder of myGwork, says: "The world has continued to change in ways we couldn't have imagined, and our job at myGwork is to ensure LGBTQ+ professionals have the skills, resources and networks they need to keep working and keep effecting change. As LGBTQ+ professionals and inclusive employers navigate the reopening of the world, WorkPride will in many ways prepare us all to enter back into workplaces committed to inclusion and diversity."

Pierre Gaubert, CEO and co-founder of myGwork, says: "WorkPride is a vital resource for LGBTQ+ communities and inclusive employers and we feel encouraged by last year's attendance and the subsequent feedback. If LGBTQ+ professionals are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, then our communities need more and more dedicated resources and support. WorkPride is a brilliant opportunity for inclusive employers to acknowledge the tremendous role LGBTQ+ professionals play in all industries and we look forward to another successful year."

EY's Global Unity Leader Moriaki Kida, says: "EY's LGBT+ community is a strong and vibrant part of our diverse global organisation, and a beacon for D&I teams overall. We are committed to fostering an environment where all are valued for their uniqueness and where everyone feels a sense of belonging at EY. This is why I'm delighted that EY Unity UK&I is once again sponsoring WorkPride to promote workplace equality and inclusion."

As can be expected from myGwork, sessions include expansive and nuanced conversations about inclusion, mental and emotional health, and allyship in the workplace, as well as sessions on upskilling and what it means to be an LGBTQ+ person in business in 2021 amid a fast-changing world and workplace.



WorkPride 2021 Programme



Monday, June 14 - Inclusiveness

Tuesday, June 15 - LGBTQ+ Networks and ERGs

Wednesday, June 16 - Skill Sets

Thursday, June 17 - LGBTQ+ in Business

Friday, June 18 - Mental Health and Well-being

If you wish to take part in WorkPride, please contact myGwork.



About myGwork

myGwork is the global business community for LGBTQ+ professionals, graduates, inclusive employers and advocates for workplace equality. Since 2014, myGwork has empowered over 380,000 LGBTQ+ professionals and students from around the world, by offering a safe space for individuals to network with members of the LGBTQ+ community, connect with inclusive employers, find job opportunities, gain access to industry mentors and role models, attend professional events and more.

About WorkPride



WorkPride is a five-day series of events for professionals, graduates, inclusive employers and anyone who believes in workplace equality. Each year, WorkPride welcomes thousands of virtual attendees from around the globe to network, share best practices and learn strategies to help create workspaces inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.



mygwork.com



https://www.mygwork.com/en/work-pride-2021

Contact:



workpride@mygwork.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515323/WorkPride_myGwork.jpg
A limited number of seats are still available; click on the link in the article below to attend.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Kaya Holdings, Inc., ("KAYS" or the "Company") (OTCQB:KAYS):

"Cannabis Investment: How Greece is Embracing the Opportunity and Leading the EU Market" to be co-hosted by Duane Morris's Cannabis Group, the Consulate General of Greece's New York Trade Office and Enterprise Greece.

RSVP to attend the webinar here:

https://sites-duanemorris.vuturevx.com/164/2422/landing-pages/rsvp-self-register.asp'sid=39e7415e-aa5c-4c3a-9b54-6f578874895b

"We are delighted to participate in this webinar and share with participants the distinctive advantages that led us to commit to developing a cannabis cultivation and processing facility in Greece. Both I and our Greek Partner Panos Kininis are looking forward to sharing our experiences and promoting Greece as the prospective cannabis production center of the EU," commented KAYS CEO Craig Frank.

Subject to receipt of financing and final licensing, the Kaya Kannabis Greece Facility will be configured to produce more than 85 tonnes of GMP Certified, Premium, Medical-Grade Cannabis annually for potential export to the European Union and elsewhere.

About Duane Morris' LLP Cannabis Industry Group

Duane Morris attorneys in offices throughout the U.S. and internationally have extensive experience with the wide array of issues attendant to legal cannabis business activities, including licensing for cultivation, processing and dispensing; litigation; banking and finance; raising and deploying capital; mergers and acquisitions; protecting intellectual property; real estate development; public company representation and SEC filings; land use and zoning; healthcare and research; taxation; and cross-border transactions. In addition to advising participants in the medical and adult-use cannabis and hemp/CBD industries, as the industry has grown, Duane Morris attorneys experienced in cannabis-related issues frequently advise clients in other sectors whose businesses intersect with the expanding regulated cannabis sector.

About Kaya Holdings, Inc.

Kaya Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:KAYS) is an industry veteran, touch-the-plant, vertically integrated legal cannabis company operating a number of majority-owned subsidiaries that retail, cultivate, produce and distribute premium medical and recreational cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, oils and extracts, cannabis-infused foods and beverages, topicals and cannaceuticals. KAYS is a fully reporting, US-based publicly traded company, listed for trading on the OTCQB Tier of the over-the-counter market under the symbol OTCQB:KAYS.

Summary of Operations

KAYS corporate structure includes the following three majority-owned subsidiaries, each responding to various demands and opportunities in the cannabis industry:

Marijuana Holdings Americas, Inc. owns the Kaya Shack brand of licensed medical and recreational marijuana stores (www.kayashack.com) and the Kaya Farms brand of cannabis production and processing operations that operate in the United States.

Kaya Brands USA, Inc. owns a wide range of proprietary brands of cannabis extracts, oils, pre-rolls, topicals, food and beverages, cannaceuticals and related accessories.

Kaya Brands International, Inc., was founded to serve as the vehicle for the Company's non-U.S. operations including retail franchising in Canada and cultivation activities in Greece and Israel.

Marijuana Holdings Americas, Inc.- U.S. Cannabis Operations

Kaya Shack Retail Cannabis Stores

In 2014, KAYS became the first United States publicly-traded company to own and operate a Medical Marijuana Dispensary. KAYS presently operates two Kaya Shack OLCC licensed marijuana retail stores to service the legal medical and recreational marijuana market in Oregon and is in the process of relocating a third retail cannabis license to serve as a delivery hub for the Eugene and Southern Oregon Cannabis Market.

Kaya Farms

Eugene, Oregon Indoor Grow, Processing & Cannaceutical Facility: The Company owns a 12,000 square foot Kaya Farms indoor grow and manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon, which serves as the Company's center for cultivation trials, method experiments, genetic research and cannabis infused product development. The Company is presently conducting limited operations at this location under a Management Agreement with Sunstone Farms, the current licensee. Pending the successful acquisition and transfer of other existing OLCC Marijuana Production and Processing licenses, KAYS intends to build out the facility and ramp up to full production.

Lebanon, Oregon Farm & Greenhouse Facility: KAYS owns a 26-acre parcel in Lebanon, Linn County, Oregon which it intends to construct an 85,000-square-foot Kaya Farms greenhouse cultivation and production facility. To date KAYS has received Linn County Zoning approvals and upon issuance of OLCC Licensing it will begin construction. The farm is intended for immediate development and provides the Company with a potential additional capacity of more than 100,000 pounds annually, to be expanded once export from Oregon to other U.S. States and foreign countries where cannabis use is legal is permitted. Kaya Farms operates in accordance with a Grow Operations manual, as well as manuals for compliance, employment matters and safety.

Kaya Brands USA, Inc. - Brand and Product Development

The Company maintains a genetics library of over 30 strains of cannabis and owns a number of proprietary brands in traditional and innovative cannabis categories including Kaya Buddies pre-rolls, Really Happy Glass cannabis accessories, and Kaya Gear, company-related and cannabis-centric fashion. These brands are currently available at Kaya Shack stores.

The Company has made advances in the development of its Kumba Extracts, Syzygy Extracts, Pakalolo Juice Company Soothe Topicals, Tony Giggles Pleasure Foods (frozen infused Italian entrees), Uptown Shaman (cannaceuticals), and Kaya Yums (chocolates, gummies, power bars) brands. Pending approval of our production and processing license, KAYS intends to begin a multi-state rollout planned in 2020 to the extent permitted by U.S. legal infrastructure. These brands are intended for all Kaya Shack stores, both corporate-owned and franchised.

Kaya Brands International, Inc.- Foreign Cannabis Operations

After over six years of conducting "touch the plant" U.S. cannabis operations inside the strict regulatory confines of a public company, KAYS has formed a subsidiary, Kaya Brands International, Inc. ("KBI") to leverage its experience and expand into worldwide cannabis markets. KBI's current operations and initiatives include:

Kaya Kannabis- Kaya Farms Greece S.A. ("Kaya Farms Greece," a Greek Corporation) is a majority owned subsidiary of KBI. earlier this year the Company acquired a 50% interest in Greekkannabis, PC, an Athens, Greece based cannabis company which has received its license for the construction of a facility encompassing approximately 500,000 square feet of buildings on 15 acres of land outside of Athens, Greece to grow, process and export medical grade cannabis from Greece to the European Union and elsewhere.

Kaya Farms Israel- Kaya Shalvah LTD ("Kaya Farms Israel," an Israeli Corporation) is a majority owned subsidiary of KBI. Kaya Farms Israel is in the process of applying to various Israeli Government Agencies for a license to grow, process and export medical grade cannabis from Israel. Upon submission of the initial application to the Israeli Cannabis Authority, Kaya Shalvah intends to submit a bid to acquire 100 Dunams (approximately 25 acres) of land in Israel that is part of Greenegev, an Israeli Government backed Cannabinoid Ecosystem in Yerucham, Israel that is envisioned to become the Silicon Valley of Medical Cannabis Production and Research.

These two facilities, as currently envisioned (and after obtaining successful financing, completing construction and obtaining final requisite licensing), are configured to produce approximately 600,000 pounds of GMP Certified, Premium Medical Grade, Cannabis annually for potential export to the European Union and elsewhere.

Canadian Franchising: KAYS has targeted Canada (the only G7 country that has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis production, sale and use on a national level) for its first international sale and operation of Kaya Shack cannabis store franchises, with a goal of 75-100 Kaya Shack Cannabis Retail locations throughout Canada through a multi-year structured rollout, subject to licensing and market conditions. KAYS has retained Toronto, Canada based law firm of Garfinkle Biderman, LLP to prepare the Franchise Disclosure Documents and related items for the sale of Kaya Shack cannabis store franchises in Canada. KAYS plans to ultimately expand its franchise operations to the U.S., as regulations and laws permit.

Important Disclosure

KAYS is planning execution of its stated business objectives in accordance with current understanding of state and local laws and federal enforcement policies and priorities as it relates to marijuana. Potential investors and shareholders are cautioned that KAYS and MJAI will obtain advice of counsel prior to actualizing any portion of their business plan (including but not limited to license applications for the cultivation, distribution or sale of marijuana products, engaging in said activities or acquiring existing cannabis production/sales operations). Advice of counsel with regard to specific activities of KAYS, federal, state or local legal action or changes in federal government policy and/or state and local laws may adversely affect business operations and shareholder value.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, acceptance of the Company's current and future products and services in the marketplace, the ability of the Company to develop effective new products and receive regulatory approvals of such products, competitive factors, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

For more information, contact Investor Relations: info@kayaholdings.com or 561-210-7664.

SOURCE: Kaya Holdings

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648404/OTCQBKAYS-Duane-Morris-Co-Sponsored-Webinar-on-Cannabis-in-Greece-Featuring-Kaya-Holdings-Along-With-Other-Industry-Experts-Starts-Shortly
Regulatory News:

The General Meeting of Shareholders for SEB S.A. (Paris:SK) took place on May 20, 2021 and was chaired by Thierry de La Tour d'Artaise, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In the context of current circumstances, the Meeting was held behind closed doors at the company's headquarters in Ecully and was broadcast live on the Group's website www.groupeseb.com.

Under these circumstances, all votes were cast remotely, prior to the Meeting. Moreover, in compliance with regulations, votes were collected until May 19 at 03:00 pm (French/Paris time). The number of shareholders who voted totaled 4,324 at the Ordinary Annual General Meeting (OAGM) and 4,313 at the Extraordinary Annual General Meeting (EAGM). This represented 45,492,473 shares at the OAGM and 45,434,620 at the EAGM. Proportional to the total number of voting shares, 55,309,441 shares, this represented 82.25% of these shares at the OAGM and 82.14% of these shares at the EAGM. It constitutes outstanding participation.

Thierry de La Tour d'Artaise chaired the Meeting as Chairman of the Board of Directors, in a small committee along with Stanislas de Gramont, Chief Operating Officer, Nathalie Lomon, Senior Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Philippe Sumeire, Executive Vice-President, Legal, General Secretary of the Board of Directors. The scrutineers VENELLE INVESTISSEMENT and GENERACTION, appointed by the Board of Directors, as well as the directors, usually present at the meeting, were connected remotely.

The Meeting was organized around a presentation of Groupe SEB's 2020 and first-quarter 2021 financial results in addition to assumptions for the current year. The Group followed with a review of the composition and main work of the Board of Directors and its Committees in 2020 as well as of executive officer remuneration. Speakers at the Meeting then answered questions that shareholders had sent to the company in writing, followed by a live Q&A session using a dedicated platform.

With regard to votes, the General Meeting approved all submitted resolutions and particularly the statutory and consolidated financial statements for the 2020 financial year. It also approved the payment of a dividend of 2.14 in respect of the 2020 financial year. The dividend remains increased by a supplement of 10% for shareholders registered for more than two years (not exceeding 0.5% of the share capital). The ex-dividend date will be May 25 and the dividend will be paid on May 27, 2021.

The General Meeting also largely approved all of the resolutions that had been proposed, in particular:

the reappointment of Yseulys Costes, Peugeot Invest Assets (formerly FFP Invest), as a director, and Brigitte Forestier as a director representing employee shareholders;

a new Board authorization to allow the company to buy back treasury shares;

approval of the remuneration policy for all corporate officers;

the standard financial authorizations for issuing securities, stocks and bonds;

the lowering of the threshold for ownership interests, the crossing of which must be reported to the company.

Click hereto watch the full replay of the Annual General Meeting.

Next key dates 2021 July 23 before market opens H1 2021 sales and results October 26 after market closes 9-month 2021 sales and financial data

Find us on www.groupeseb.com

World reference in small domestic equipment, Groupe SEB operates with a unique portfolio of 31 top brands including Tefal, Seb, Rowenta, Moulinex, Krups, Lagostina, All-Clad, WMF, Emsa, Supor, marketed through multi-format retailing. Selling more than 360 million products a year, it deploys a long-term strategy focused on innovation, international development, competitiveness and client service. Present in over 150 countries, Groupe SEB generated sales of 6.9 billion in 2020 and has more than 33,000 employees worldwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005887/en/

Contacts:

Investor/Analyst Relations

Groupe SEB

Financial Communication and IR Dept

Isabelle Posth

Raphael Hoffstetter

comfin@groupeseb.com

Tel: 33 (0) 4 72 18 16 04

Media Relations

Groupe SEB

Corporate Communication Dept

Cathy Pianon

Anissa Djaadi

com@groupeseb.com

Tel. 33 (0) 6 33 13 02 00

Tel. 33 (0) 6 88 20 90 88

Image Sept

Caroline Simon

Claire Doligez

Isabelle Dunoyer de Segonzac

caroline.simon@image7.fr

cdoligez@image7.fr

isegonzac@image7.fr

Phone: 33 (0) 1 53 70 74 70
NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 14 June 2021 at 11:00 AM at Vaduzer-Saal, Giessenstrasse 7, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein. Shareholders may exercise their voting rights through the independent proxy. Please refer to the invitation under item 7 for information on how to authorize and instruct the independent proxy.

The Annual General Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

AGENDA

1) Election of Hans Messmer as Chairman Representative

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the Chairman of the Board, Olga Melnikova, might not be able to participate in the Annual General Meeting of the Company. It is proposed to elect Hans Messmer, member of the Board of Directors of the Company, as her representative for the meeting.

2) Election of Sele Frommelt & Partner Rechtsanwalte as Independent Representative

The Board of Directors proposes Sele Frommelt & Partner Rechtsanwalte, as independent representative for this year's Annual General Meeting.

3) Approval of the results for the year ended 31 December 2020

The Board of Directors proposes to approve the annual report, the annual financial statements of EPH European Property Holdings Ltd. and the consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2020.

The annual business report and the auditor's report are available for examination by shareholders (i) at the Company's head office at: EPH European Property Holdings Ltd., c/o Hauteville Trust (BVI) Ltd. P.O. Box 3483, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; (ii) at the office of the representative of the Manager, Valartis International Ltd: Valartis Advisory Services SA, St. Annagasse 18, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland and (iii) on the Company website: https://europeanpropertyholdings.com/ .

4) The Board of Directors proposes to decide not to pay a dividend from the 2020 results

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain impact on the economy, the Board of Directors proposes not to pay a dividend for the year 2020.

5) Re-Election of Deloitte AG as Auditor for a period of one year

The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of Deloitte AG, Zurich, Switzerland as the auditors of the Company for a period of one year and to authorise the Board of Directors of the Company to fix their remuneration.

6) Change of the par value of the Company's shares to USD 1 per share

The Board of Directors is currently considering a potential re-domiciliation of the Company from BVI to Cyprus. In order to enable a potential re-domiciliation the Company's shares shall be amended from no par value to having a par value of 1 USD each.

Consequently, the Company's authorized share capital shall be 22,000,000.00 USD (twenty-two million United States dollars), divided into 21,000,000 Ordinary Shares of a par value of 1 USD each and 1,000,000 Series A Shares, of a par value of 1 USD each.

7) Miscellaneous

Other business which may properly be brought before the meeting.

In order to attend and exercise their voting rights, shareholders must be entered into the shareholders register as of the close of business on the Record Date of 28 May 2021. The shareholder register is maintained and administered by Computershare Schweiz AG, Baslerstrasse 90, CH-4600 Olten, Switzerland.

A shareholder may either represent his shares in person or be represented by a proxy who may speak and vote on behalf of the shareholder. Shareholders who wish to exercise their voting rights by a proxy must first contact Computershare Schweiz AG, General Meetings Team, P +41 62 205 77 50, Baslerstrasse 90, Postfach, 4601 Olten, Schweiz; generalversammlung@computershare.ch in order to obtain a proxy (the "Proxy").

The Proxy must be signed and send to the attention of Sele Frommelt & Partner Rechtsanwalte in its capacity as independent representative (the "Independent Representative"), at the following address: Sele Frommelt & Partner Rechtsanwalte AG, Postfach 1617, Meierhofstrasse 5, FL-9490 Vaduz, Furstentum Liechtenstein, Tel.: +423-237 11 55, Fax: +423-232 00 06. The Proxy must be received by the Independent Representative no later than Friday, 11th June 2021. By returning the signed proxy directly to the Independent Representative, the shareholders authorize the Independent Representative to vote in favour of the proposals of the Board of Directors unless otherwise specified in written instructions in the "Instructions to the independent proxy".

Entry to the meeting will be by entry card. Registered shareholders as of the Record Date can request an entry card by contacting:

General Meetings Team

Computershare Schweiz AG

P +41 62 205 77 50

Baslerstrasse 90, Postfach, 4601 Olten, Schweiz

generalversammlung@computershare.ch

The Board of Directors of EPH European Property Holdings Limited

20 May 2021

Attachment
CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / TruCrowd Funding, Inc. ("TCF" or the "Company"), an international business platform for crowdfunding and other financial services, has officially been launched to take advantage of the growing global demand for crowdfunding, 'Secondary Markets' in the U.S. and an array of business and financial services.

Founded by Vincent Petrescu, the CEO of the top-rated, FINRA regulated, equity crowdfunding portal, TruCrowd, Inc., TCF will leverage the experience and expertise that Mr. Petrescu has gained in the U.S. equity crowdfunding space. TruCrowd Funding will look to establish itself as a global business services platform with a focus on international crowdfunding.

Over the past eight years, Mr. Petrescu has carefully curated the growth and popularity of TruCrowd, Inc., the owner-operator of TruCrowd.com and several niche platforms like cannabis focused Fundanna.com. Used by the major crowdfunding brand StartEngine to list its offerings, TruCrowd, Inc. ranked 5th in 2018 for 'average capital raised per campaign', according to Venture Beat-topping the best 10 portals in 2020 for investor's 'average check size' (Crowdwise).

Mr. Vincent Petrescu, CEO of TruCrowd Funding, Inc. said, "My goal as a business leader in this space, has always been to offer entrepreneurs and investors fair and equitable opportunities. I believe that establishing an international presence, will ultimately help us in continuing to build the TruCrowd brand and remain extremely competitive within the crowdfunding arena here in the U.S. and abroad. I look forward to announcing our first international venture, upcoming mergers/acquisitions, and laying out our plan to achieve sustainable and repeatable growth in the U.S. financial services marketplace."

Mr. Petrescu will not be pursing this endeavor alone. His co-founders in this venture include Claudia Ecobici, CEO of TruCrowd Services, LLC (operator of the RegABoost brand), the public accelerator-incubator firm, Digital Asset Monetary Network, Inc. (DigitalAMN), and other participants (lawyers, software designers, etc.) who are long-time collaborators of Mr. Petrescu. While this joint effort is anticipated to expand the reach and visibility of co-founders like DigitalAMN, the primary intent is to grow the TruCrowd brand into a globally recognized funding portal operator, secondary markets participant and financial services platform.

Mr. Petrescu concluded, "This is one of the most exciting ventures I've embarked upon since launching our U.S.-based funding portals. I am eager to bring the TruCrowd brand to the world, helping entrepreneurs around the globe in achieving their business goals."

ABOUT TruCrowd Funding, Inc.

TruCrowd Funding, Inc. is an international business services platform focused on crowdfunding and participation in the secondary markets, both in the U.S. and abroad. The business was founded by Vincent Petrescu, CEO of the top-ten rated, FINRA regulated, equity crowdfunding portal owner-operator, TruCrowd, Inc.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/v_petrescu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpetrescu/

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of our future revenues, stock price, or results of operations.

CONTACT:

Vincent Petrescu

vp@TruCrowd.com

SOURCE: TruCrowd Funding, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648378/TruCrowd-Funding-To-Operate-As-An-International-Business-Platform-for-Crowdfunding-Other-Financial-Services
Ideematec, the leading global supplier of solar tracking systems, today announced that John Susa has joined the company in the role of Chief Sales Officer. Susa will be reporting into CEO and Co-founder Mario Eckl and will be responsible for driving global sales expansion.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005914/en/

John Susa, Chief Sales Officer, Ideematec (Photo: Business Wire)

"We're delighted that John has joined our team," said Mario Eckl, "he has a proven track record of building solid relationships and driving strong revenue growth through identifying, developing, and realising new business opportunities. His wealth of experience in the PV industry is indispensable."

John has spent over thirteen years working in the Solar Industry, most recently he was based in Germany, managing SMA Solar's Global Sales and Service over the past two and a half years. During this time, SMA consolidated its customer base in Europe and North America in particular, and achieved enviable revenue growth.

Prior to that, John was responsible for establishing and growing SMA sales in both the Asia Pacific and North American regions. He is credited with successfully restructuring and leading business improvement at SMA North America. He also established SMA subsidiaries in China and Brazil, while growing business in Australia and Japan.

He moved to SMA from Trina Solar, where he spent over six years establishing a string foothold for the business in Australia and New Zealand.

"I'm thrilled to have joined the Ideematec team," said John. "The product portfolio is remarkable, in particular the new Horizon L-Tec solar trackers. The company also has a number of impressive flagship reference projects. I'm really looking forward to applying my experience and leveraging my industry contacts to support a shared vision of even stronger business growth and expansion." His start date with Ideematec was Monday, May 10th.

About Ideematec

Ideematec is a trusted global supplier of solar tracking systems, headquartered in Germany. Established in 2003, the company is a tracker provider for the utility-scale sector. Ideematec pioneered the 2P high-span safeTrack Horizon tracker, powered by a patented decoupled drive technology. Since 2017, the company has successfully delivered some of the biggest solar facilities on three continents, including Australia (350 MW), Jordan (250 MW) and Spain (200 MW). And is actually delivering its trackers for the largest solar project in Qatar (800MW).

For more information please visit: https://www.ideematec.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005914/en/

Contacts:

Evelyn Kroi

pr@ideematec.de
PanzerGlass in collaboration with LA-based artist and philanthropist Mikael B and non-profit organization, The Perfect World Foundation, pledges to plant a tree for each unit sold.

DUBAI, UAE, May 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PanzerGlass, one of the leading screen protection brands in the world, announces the launch of its Limited Artist Edition ClearCase as part of its sustainability initiatives.

The company has partnered with Los Angeles-based artist and philanthropist Mikael Brandrup (a.k.a. Mikael B), an ambassador for the Perfect World Foundation, a non-profit organisation that raises awareness and supports efforts to prevent the global ecological crisis.

"We are thrilled to partner with Mikael B. for our first-ever limited artist edition ClearCase. For each unit sold, we will plant a tree in the Sir David Attenborough Forest. This collaboration bridges smartphone protection, abstract street style art, and forest restoration to create small changes for a better world," announces Head of Global Marketing Michael Broend.

The Limited Artist Edition ClearCase available for iPhone 11 and 12 models features Mikael B's original artwork and has a signature antibacterial coating proven to kill up to 99.99% of most common surface bacteria, a 100% recycled TPU frame, and an extra-strong honeycomb pattern to enhance shock absorption providing 25% improved scratch resistance.

Mikael B is an urban contemporary artist who always had a desire to make a difference with his art. He founded the Mikael B Foundation in 2017, where all his charity initiatives came together - including projects for a school in Cambodia, saving the world seas, and planting trees to reduce CO2 in collaboration with The Perfect World Foundation.

On this initiative, Mikael B commented: "The collaboration has been built on a shared passion for changing the world for the better. To kick off the project, I created a mural called "Moment of Clarity" in Los Angeles. I used the composition of the mural to design a ClearCase to protect your phone that bridges the PanzerGlass heritage and my art style."

"As a global business, we believe we have a responsibility to find sustainable solutions in everything we do. Our journey for a greener planet started years ago. Let's continue this journey and take responsibility together," adds Michael Broend.

The Limited Artist Edition ClearCase will be made available for purchase at the leading Smartphone Electronics Accessories Retailers.

For more information about PanzerGlass, visit https://panzerglass.com/.

About PanzerGlass

In 2013, the Danish start-up launched its new and exclusive line of products for mobile devices. Today, a leader in its category, PanzerGlass, has 130 employees, is present in 70 different countries.

PanzerGlass is part of the Juhl Bach Holding Group, one of Denmark's largest family-owned holding companies. JB Holding specializes in venture operations and has an impressive portfolio of companies ranging from start-ups to mature companies.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515478/PanzerGlass_Ltd_Artist_Edition_Clearcase_designed_by_Mikael_B.jpg
Fredericton, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV: TRU) (OTCQB: TRUIF) (FSE: 706) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to undertake a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $3,500,000 (the "Offering"), subject to TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") approval. The Offering shall consist of up to 12,962,963 flow-through units (the "FT Units") at a price of $0.27 per FT Unit. TRU has been informed that Eric Sprott or a related entity intends to purchase approximately $2,000,000 of the FT Units immediately following closing of the Offering.

Joel Freudman, Co-Founder & CEO of TRU, commented: "We are excited to see strong institutional interest in financing TRU so quickly after our resumption of trading, and look forward to advancing the Offering to closing as expeditiously as possible."

Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share of TRU that qualifies as a "flow-through share" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (a "FT Share") and one non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall be exercisable into one common share of TRU at a price of $0.35 per common share for a period of 36 months from the date of closing of the Offering, currently anticipated to occur next week. The completion of the Offering is subject to completion of necessary documentation and is conditional upon receipt of the approval of the Exchange.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company to fund exploration programs on the Company's mineral properties in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt and other "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures", as those terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), including: (i) a comprehensive two-phase exploration program at the Golden Rose Project; and (ii) a limited phase one drilling program at the Twilite Gold Project.

The FT Shares and Warrants, and any common shares of TRU issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. Finder's fees may be payable in connection with certain of the subscriptions to the Offering. No finder's fees will be paid to non-arm's length parties.

Other than the Offering, there is no new material information about the affairs of the Company.

About TRU Precious Metals Corp.

TRU has assembled a portfolio of 5 gold exploration properties in the highly prospective Central Newfoundland Gold Belt. The Company has an option with a subsidiary of TSX-listed Altius Minerals Corporation to purchase 100% of the Golden Rose Project, located along the deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone. TRU also owns 100% of the Twilite Gold Project, located along the same Shear Zone, and 3 under-explored properties including its Rolling Pond Property (under option) bordering New Found Gold Corp.'s high-grade Queensway Project. TRU's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "TRU"; on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "TRUIF"; and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "706".

TRU is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. ("Resurgent"), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization Canadian companies. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent's LinkedIn profile at https://ca.linkedin.com/company/resurgent-capital-corp.

For further information about TRU, please contact:

Joel Freudman

Co-Founder, President & CEO

TRU Precious Metals Corp.

Phone: (647) 880-6414

Email: info@trupreciousmetals.com

Website: www.trupreciousmetals.com

To connect with TRU via social media, below are links:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

Cautionary 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 press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to the Offering and the anticipated closing date and use of proceeds thereof, the renunciation to the purchasers of the FT Units and timing thereof, the tax treatment of the FT Units and the Company's plans regarding exploring its mineral exploration properties. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Offering that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: risks related to the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions of the Offering and to close the Offering; the ability of the Company to accomplish its plans and objectives with respect to its exploration projects, within the expected timing or at all; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; volatility in financial markets, economic conditions, and precious metals prices; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84704
Leader in Warehouse Robotics recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies headquartered in Massachusetts

WILMINGTON, Mass., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Locus Robotics (www.locusrobotics.com), the industry leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfillment warehouses, today announced its inclusion in Boston Business Journal's 2021 Fast 50, representing the 50 fastest-growing private companies based in Massachusetts. Locus's inclusion in the BBJ Fast 50 follows their recent Series E funding in February, and coincides with the company's attaining an industry-first, 400M "picks" milestone this month.

Locus was announced as the #1-ranked company at a private, virtual event held on Wednesday, May 19, clarifying the positions of honorees that were announced earlier this month. For the complete list of 2021 Fast 50 companies, visit the BBJ's website here.

"Locus is honored to be recognized by Boston Business Journal. This recognition reflects the impact robotics is having on the industry as e-commerce increases demand for warehouse digitalization worldwide," said Rick Faulk, CEO, Locus Robotics. "We are proud of our entire global team and their dedication to providing a critical product and service to our customers, despite the challenges we've all faced over the past year."

During the rankings announcement ceremony, Faulk also participated in a panel discussion composed of awards honorees from different industries.

The 2021 BBJ Fast 50 honorees were selected and ranked based on overall revenue growth from 2017 to 2020, analyzed by the Boston Business Journal's research department. Companies on the Fast 50 must have their headquarters in Massachusetts and must have reported revenue of at least $500,000 in 2017 and $1 million in 2020 to be considered.

About Locus Robotics

Locus Robotics' revolutionary, multi-bot solution incorporates powerful and intelligent autonomous mobile robots that operate collaboratively with human workers to dramatically improve piece-handling productivity 2X-3X, with less labor than traditional picking systems. This award-winning solution helps retailers, 3PLs, and specialty warehouses efficiently meet and exceed the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of fulfillment environments. Locus robots may be integrated as easily into existing warehouse infrastructures as into new warehouses without disrupting workflows, instantly transforming productivity without transforming the warehouse. For more information, visit www.locusrobotics.com .

MEDIA CONTACTS





North America UK/EU Zoe Weisberg Coady Duncan Tift BRANDSTYLE COMMUNICATIONS ADFIELD zoe@brandstylecommunications.com duncan@adfield.co.uk +1 917-476-8422 +44 (0) 1952 752511

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440363/Locus_Robotics_Logo.jpg
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Cobalt Blockchain Inc. (TSXV: COBC) (OTC Pink: COBCF) (OTCQB: COBCF) ("COBC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that effective today, May 20, 2021, it has graduated from the OTC Pink Sheets, and its shares will now trade on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace ("OTCQB") under the symbol "COBCF".

Peter Copetti, Executive Chairman and CEO of COBC, commented: "I am pleased that COBC will be graduating to the OTCQB Venture Marketplace, as this will increase awareness, visibility and potentially expand the Company's U.S. shareholder base, allowing a broader range of U.S. investors to invest in the Company."

The OTCQB Venture Market is the premiere marketplace for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. Participating companies must be current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find real-time quote and market information at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/COBCF/overview.

About Cobalt Blockchain Inc.

Cobalt Blockchain Inc. (TSXV: COBC) (OTCQB: COBCF) is a Canadian resource company expanding its exploration and development business to include cobalt assets in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Company believes that it is the first mining and mineral trade company set up specifically to procure cobalt in compliance with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") due diligence framework. COBC has developed and is implementing a blockchain-based reporting platform to provide greater certainty of provenance and further assurance that all minerals procured are ethically-sourced.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's filings at www.sedar.com.

For additional information, please contact:

Peter Copetti, Executive Chairman and CEO

Cobalt Blockchain Inc.

Telephone: +1-416-519-4009

Email: info@cobc.co

Website: www.cobc.co

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84703
NORWALK, Conn., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LBB Specialties (LBBS), a leader in North American specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution, announced it has entered into an agreement with Caltron Clays , a global supplier of natural cosmetic & health ingredients. The agreement is another step toward rounding out LBBS' business portfolio, and it provides a vehicle for Caltron to accelerate its own company growth strategy.

"We are pleased to announce our agreement with Caltron Clays," says Darren J. Birkelbach, CEO of LBB Specialties. "Demand for authentic, high-quality ingredients is growing at an unprecedented rate, and Personal Care products are an important part of our business portfolio. Caltron has an excellent track record of providing quality ingredients essential to the industry, and we know they will deliver on quality and reliability for LBBS customers."

As demand for Vegan and naturally-derived products increases, ingredients provided by Caltron are important for LBBS' dominance in the Personal Care industry. Ingredients like Kaolin, Diatomaceous earth, and Bentonite clay provide alternatives to Talc in Personal Care products.

Caltron's ingredients will drive growth in LBBS' largest subvertical, Skin Care, with the intention of offering a fully comprehensive portfolio of core chemical functionalities for Personal Care formulations, including toiletries, soaps, lotions, face masks, sun care, and oral care. Caltron also will provide ingredients such as algae-derived calcium carbonates (AlgacalTM) as well as oyster shell-derived calcium carbonates (Marincal) for the Food & Nutrition category of LBB Specialties' business.

"Since its founding in 2000, Caltron has been committed to providing the highest quality products to our customers," says Mr. S.N. JAIN, Chairman and Managing Director of Caltron Group. "LBB Specialties has a robust network, professionally managed workforce, and rich experience in the field of food, nutritional, and personal care ingredients. This association will help us establish a strong foothold in the USA as part of our strategic growth vision."

Equally important is the exhaustive list of quality certifications earned by Caltron, including ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22716, HACCP, HALAL, KOSHER, VEGAN, ECOCERT ORGANIC, COSMOS, SMETA 4 pillar, WHO-GMP compliant, and DUNS verified company. Says Birkelbach: "Caltron provides a workhorse multi-category product that is high-quality, reliable, and continues to move LBB Specialties toward more sustainable sources."

About LBB Specialties

LBB Specialties is a leader in the North American specialty chemical and ingredients distribution industry. It represents a diversified, national supplier serving end-markets including personal care, food & nutrition, advanced materials, and life science. LBB Specialties generates over $300 million of revenue and employs more than 70 commercial team members. www.LBBspecialties.com.

About Caltron Clays

With a strong international presence and global operations, Caltron has been catering to the increasing worldwide demand for high quality nutritional ingredients while proudly boasting an exhaustive list of quality certifications. The company has earned recognition for being a world class manufacturer of marine sources of calcium, chelated minerals, and natural cosmetic ingredients. Caltron has an international branch office in Wyoming, USA, corporate offices in Mumbai, and 2 manufacturing sites in India. www.caltronclays.com www.caltronoverseas.com

Media contacts:

LBB Specialties

media@lbbspecialties.com

Caltron Clays

info@caltronclays.com

Sanskar SS. Jain

T: +919833662229

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1458234/LBB_Specialties_Logo.jpg
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - LevelJump Healthcare Corp. (TSXV: JUMP) (OTCQB: JMPHF) (FSE: 75J) ("LevelJump" or the "Company"), a Canadian leader in B2B telehealth solutions, is pleased to announce that it has engaged Independent Trading Group, Inc. ("ITG") to provide market making services to the Company.

The contract with ITG is for a minimum period of 3 months at a rate of $5,000 per month.

Additionally, the Company has hired 2267013 Ontario Inc. for investor relations services for a period of 4 months. The contract calls for total payments of $45,000+hst and 200,000 fully vested options on common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 and with an expiry of 1 year.

About LevelJump Healthcare

LevelJump Healthcare Corp., (TSXV: JUMP) is building a national medical diagnostic imaging company and brand, primarily by providing teleradiology (remote radiology) services to its client hospitals and imaging centers. Additionally, JUMP plans to expand through the acquisition of independent healthcare facilities focused on diagnostic imaging as well as acquiring new disruptive imaging technologies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

LEVELJUMP HEALTHCARE CORP.

Mitchell Geisler, Chief Executive Officer

info@leveljumphealthcare.com

(833) 840-2020

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc., their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

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.

The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84713
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil prices fell sharply on Thursday, extending losses to a third straight day, as signs of progress in Iran nuclear talks raised expectations that global crude supply will see a surge in the near term. Worries about outlook for energy demand due to the surge in coronavirus cases in Asian countries and possible stricter restrictions on movements in several places in Asia weighed on oil prices. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for June ended down by $1.31 or about 2.1% at $62.05 a barrel on the expiration day. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for July settled at $61.94 a barrel, losing $1.41 or about 2.2%. Brent crude futures settled at $65.11 a barrel today, down $1.55 or 2.3% from the previous close. Iran's president Hassan Rouhani said the broad outline of a deal to end sanctions on its oil had been reached. According to the Iranian Fars News Agency, Rouhani said that all parties to the talks have agreed to lift all major sanctions on oil, petrochemicals, shipping, insurance, the central bank and so on. Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stressed that some key issues still have not been decided. 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.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Aspen Island Therapeutics Inc. DBA The Newly Institute ("The Newly Institute" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Accreditation Canada to commence the accreditation process for The Newly Institute's psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy clinics across Canada.

Accreditation Canada delivers a wide range of high-impact assessment programs for health and social services, including mental health, which is powered by the Health Standards Organization (HSO). For more than 60 years, Accreditation Canada has been working with health, social, and community service organizations to advance quality and safety.

Jointly, the HSO and Accreditation Canada work with governments, regional health authorities, hospitals, and community-based programmes and services in both the private and public sector. Over the past decade, the Canadian Forces Health Services went through several iterations of the accreditation process. They were accredited for governance, as well as, their primary care model.

In addition, the Canadian Forces Health Services were the very first health delivery entity to receive one of the highest standards for primary care delivery in Canada. During this accreditation work up period, Colonel (retired) Richard F. Pucci, Chief Operating Officer for The Newly Institute, had the opportunity to sit on the Board of Directors of Accreditation Canada.

Accreditation Canada and HSO are independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations that meet extensive third-party accreditation requirements from the Standards Council of Canada, the International Society for quality in health care (ISQua) and the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC).

The Accreditation Canada process is focused on health outcomes from independent assessments against global standards. This process would define the strategic intent of The Newly Institute by placing an emphasis on quality and safety standards that help save and improve lives. It would give The Newly Institute's medical team the tools and processes that encourage everyone to work together. As well, it would identify programs that enables ongoing assessment and constant improvement.

About The Newly Institute

The Newly Institute believes that mental health treatment is in drastic need of a paradigm shift and our practice was founded to provide long-lasting change within this industry, our community, and with our clients. By fusing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment model with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, patients can overcome deeply embedded traumas that prevent them from living fully in their everyday lives. Our programs are based on evidence and data, but our approach is personal because we know it is vital that people feel safe to be vulnerable during this process.

With locations opening in Calgary, AB, Fredericton, NB, Edmonton, AB, as well as several more Canadian cities, The Newly Institute's goal is to become Canada's largest and premier operator of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy clinics.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding the opening of psychotherapy clinics in Canada, are "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, timing to complete renovations, hire staff and open psychotherapy clinics in Canada; the Company's limited operating history and lack of historical profits; reliance on management; the Company's requirements for additional financing, and the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability, including closing of future financings. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those 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 forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

SOURCE: The Newly Institute

For further information: Investor, Media, and General Inquiries: ir@thenewly.ca

Related Links:

www.thenewly.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84508
Regulatory News:

TechnipFMC plc (the "Company") (NYSE: FTI) (PARIS: FTI) (ISIN: GB00BDSFG982) announces that, on 20 May 2021, it filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission its Current Report on Form 8-K announcing the voting results of the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on Thursday, May 20, 2021at Pitreavie Business Park, Queensferry Road, Dunfermline KY11 8UD, United Kingdom. A vote was held for each proposal.

The following are the final voting results of the Annual General Meeting.

Proposal 1(a)-1(i) Election of Directors Elect each of the following director nominees for a term expiring at the Company's 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders or until his or her earlier death, retirement, resignation, or removal pursuant to the Company's articles of association:



The voting results were as follows: a. Election of director: Douglas J. Pferdehirt FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 283,981,098 95.3% 14,127,973 4.7% 298,109,071 66.1% 2,557,449 25,310,065 b. Election of director: Eleazar de Carvalho Filho FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 226,355,090 75.4% 73,853,967 24.6% 300,209,057 66.6% 457,463 25,310,065 c. Election of director: Claire S. Farley FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 296,145,922 98.6% 4,053,902 1.4% 300,199,824 66.6% 466,696 25,310,065 d. Election of director: Peter Mellbye FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 292,360,563 97.4% 7,813,771 2.6% 300,174,334 66.6% 492,186 25,310,065 e. Election of director: John O'Leary FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 295,687,832 98.5% 4,500,946 1.5% 300,188,778 66.6% 477,742 25,310,065 f. Election of director: Margareth vrum FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 295,599,217 98.5% 4,617,141 1.5% 300,216,358 66.6% 450,162 25,310,065 g. Election of director: Kay G. Priestly FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 297,310,497 99.0% 2,906,409 1.0% 300,216,906 66.6% 449,614 25,310,065 h. Election of director: John Yearwood FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 286,436,401 95.4% 13,744,821 4.6% 300,181,222 66.6% 485,298 25,310,065

i. Election of director: Sophie Zurquiyah FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 204,343,735 68.1% 95,895,955 31.9% 300,239,690 66.6% 426,830 25,310,065 Proposal 2 2020 U.S. Say-on-Pay for Named Executive Officers Approve, on an advisory basis, the Company's named executive officer compensation for the year ended December 31, 2020.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 254,224,952 84.6% 46,104,904 15.4% 300,329,856 66.6% 336,664 25,310,065 Proposal 3 2020 Directors' Remuneration Report Approve, on an advisory basis, the Company's directors' remuneration report for the year ended December 31, 2020.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 257,019,146 85.6% 43,292,002 14.4% 300,311,148 66.6% 355,372 25,310,065 Proposal 4 Prospective Directors' Remuneration Policy Approve the Company's prospective directors' remuneration policy for the three years ending December 2024.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 209,610,314 69.8% 90,631,167 30.2% 300,241,481 66.6% 425,039 25,310,065 Proposal 5 Receipt of U.K. Annual Report and Accounts Receipt of the Company's audited U.K. accounts for the year ended December 31, 2020, including the reports of the directors and the auditor thereon.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 324,598,985 99.9% 436,391 0.1% 325,035,376 72.1% 941,209 N/A Proposal 6 Ratification of U.S. Auditor Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") as the Company's U.S. independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 323,714,163 99.4% 1,870,373 0.6% 325,584,536 72.2% 392,049 N/A Proposal 7 Re-appointment of U.K. Statutory Auditor Reappoint PwC as the Company's U.K. statutory auditor under the U.K. Companies Act 2006, to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders at which accounts are laid.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 323,661,766 99.4% 1,905,402 0.6% 325,567,168 72.2% 409,417 N/A Proposal 8 Approval of U.K. Statutory Auditor Fees Authorize the Board of Directors and/or the Audit Committee to determine the remuneration of PwC, in its capacity as the Company's U.K. statutory auditor for the year ending December 31, 2021.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 322,592,812 99.1% 2,968,403 0.9% 325,561,215 72.2% 415,370 N/A Proposal 9 Approval of Share Repurchase Contracts and Counterparties Approve the forms of share repurchase contracts and repurchase counterparties in accordance with specific procedures for "off-market purchases" of ordinary shares through the NYSE or Euronext Paris.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 318,029,478 98.2% 5,789,362 1.8% 323,818,840 71.9% 2,157,745 N/A Proposal 10 Authority to Allot Equity Securities Authorize the Board to allot equity securities in the Company.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 247,902,244 82.5% 52,436,708 17.5% 300,338,952 66.6% 327,568 25,310,065 Proposal 11 Authority to Allot Equity Securities without Pre-emptive Rights Pursuant to the authority contemplated by the resolution in Proposal 10, authorize the Board to allot equity securities without pre-emptive rights.



The voting results were as follows: FOR (Number of votes) PERCENT FOR (%) AGAINST (Number of votes) PERCENT AGAINST (%) TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST TOTAL VOTES VALIDLY CAST AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHARES IN ISSUE (%) ABSTENTIONS (Number of votes) BROKER NON-VOTES (Number of votes) 296,174,405 98.6% 4,155,166 1.4% 300,329,571 66.6% 336,949 25,310,065

A copy of the Current Report on Form 8-K can be found on the SEC website (www.sec.gov) and on the TechnipFMC website (investors.technipfmc.com).

About TechnipFMC

TechnipFMC is a leading technology provider to the traditional and new energy industries, delivering fully integrated projects, products, and services.

With our proprietary technologies and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients' project economics, helping them unlock new possibilities to develop energy resources while reducing carbon intensity and supporting their energy transition ambitions.

Organized in two business segments Subsea and Surface Technologies we will continue to advance the industry with our pioneering integrated ecosystems (such as iEPCI, iFEED and iComplete), technology leadership and digital innovation.

Each of our approximately 20,000 employees is driven by a commitment to our clients' success, and a culture of strong execution, purposeful innovation, and challenging industry conventions.

TechnipFMC utilizes its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. To learn more about how we are driving change in the industry, go to www.TechnipFMC.com and follow us on Twitter @TechnipFMC.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520006052/en/

Contacts:

Investor relations



Matt Seinsheimer

Vice President Investor Relations

Tel: +1 281 260 3665

Email: Matt Seinsheimer



James Davis

Senior Manager Investor Relations

Tel: +1 281 260 3665

Email: James Davis

Media relations



Nicola Cameron

Vice President Corporate Communications

Tel: +44 1383 742297

Email: Nicola Cameron



Brooke Robertson

Public Relations Director

Tel: +1 281 591 4108

Email: Brooke Robertson
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Tsodilo Resources Limited ("Tsodilo" or the "Company") (TSXV:TSD)(OTCQB:TSDRF)(FSE:TZO) is pleased to announce that at its Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders held on May 20, 2021, the following directors were elected: James M. Bruchs, Thomas S. Bruington, Jonathan R. Kelafant, Blackie Marole and Mark Scowcroft.

The shareholders also approved the appointment of Crowe MacKay LLP, Vancouver, Canada, as auditors of the Company and voted to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Company's Stock Option Plan to 9,830,420 to reflect an amount equal to 20% of the outstanding common shares issued as at the date of Shareholder approval,

Grant of Stock Options

Under the terms of its Stock Option Plan, Tsodilo granted option to directors, employees and consultants to purchase an aggregate of 650,000 common shares of Tsodilo exercisable at CDN$ 0.75. These options vest as to 25% effective May 21, 2021, and 25% on each of the sixth, twelfth and eighteenth month anniversaries of the date of the grant. The options are valid for five years.

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

Dr. Alistair Jeffcoate

Head Office

Website Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Project Manager and Chief Geologist

Telephone +1 416 572 2033

http://www.TsodiloResources.com JBruchs@TsodiloResources.com

Alistair.Jeffcoate@tsodiloresources.com

Facsimile + 1 416 987 4369

SOURCE: Tsodilo Resources Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648478/Tsodilo-Resources-Limited-Annual-and-Special-Meeting-Results
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / AMPD Ventures Inc. ("AMPD" or the "Company") (CSE:AMPD)(FRA:2Q0) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release of Dec 3, 2019, it has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Cloud-A Computing Inc. ("Cloud-A") and its shareholders to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Cloud-A (the "Acquisition").

Cloud-A is an established self-service cloud computing infrastructure company, with points of presence in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia. The Acquisition is expected to expand AMPD's footprint across Canada, add over 250 customers to AMPD's roster, and accelerate AMPD's technology development roadmap. Cloud-A's senior management and technology team will continue to work with AMPD after the Acquisition.

As part of AMPD's mission to migrate client companies from commodity 'one size fits all' cloud to AMPD's purpose-built high-performance computing solutions, the Cloud-A acquisition will bring exclusive technology and tools that streamline the process.

"In Cloud-A we identified an experienced team with a robust software stack that will accelerate AMPD's go-to-market plans. We have been working with Cloud-A since we signed the letter of intent, and this acquisition continues to make a huge amount of sense for us," said Anthony Brown, CEO at AMPD. "The fact that Cloud-A brings additional revenue, a national presence, and strong customer base really sealed the deal," says Brown. "On their side, becoming part of AMPD brings their team access to our high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, access to the public markets, and the ability to finance growth going forward. It's a win/win deal."

Founded in 2012 by Jacob Godin, Adam Thurlow, and Brandon Kolybaba, Cloud-A's custom software, built on OpenStack, will allow AMPD to give customers flexibility and performance when decoupling themselves from other services. Hosted across multiple data centres, the Cloud-A system is PIPEDA compliant, resident on Canadian soil, and a compliment to AMPD's HPC infrastructure.

"Since we started Cloud-A, we have been committed to developing a meaningful Canadian cloud solution as an alternative to the hyper-scalers." says Godin. "This new chapter for us with the team at AMPD will enable us to develop this ethos further in the realm of high-performance architecture for an even broader range of exciting customers and applications."

The purchase price for the Acquisition is CAD $751,246.66 (the "Purchase Consideration"). The Purchase Consideration will be satisfied through the issuance of 1,760,000 common shares in the capital of AMPD to be issued at a deemed price of $0.25 per share (the "Purchase Shares"), and the payment of a cash consideration of CAD $311,246.66. The Purchase Shares will be subject to statutory resale restrictions of four months and a day, and, in addition, will be subject to contractual resale restrictions for two years from the date of issuance, and will be released in four equal instalments every six months following the closing of the Acquisition. An application to list such common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") upon closing of the Acquisition has been filed with the CSE.

The completion of the Acquisition is subject to, among other things, the successful completion of the AMPD's due diligence review of Cloud-A, the approval of the CSE of the Acquisition and the listing of the common shares forming part of the Purchase Consideration. The completion of the Acquisition is currently expected to occur on June 1st, 2021.

About AMPD Ventures Inc.

AMPD specializes in providing high-performance and computing solutions for low-latency applications, including video games and eSports, digital animation and visual effects, and big data collection, analysis and visualization. Additional information about us is available on SEDAR and our website at http://ampd.tech.

For further information please contact AMPD Investor Relations:

Tel: 604-332-3329 ext. 3

ir@ampd.tech

http://www.ampd.tech

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

/s/ "Anthony Brown"

Anthony Brown

CEO & Director

AMPD Ventures Inc.

Tel: 604-332-3329

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements and information that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is based on the rea-sonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of our management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Forward looking information in this news release includes statements about our plans to complete our due diligence on Cloud-A and satisfy the other conditions necessary to close the Acquisition, our plans to continue working with the Cloud-A management and technical team after completion of the Acquisition, the expected synergies from the Acquisition and the benefits to our technology that we expect from the addition of Cloud-A technology, and any other statements that are not statements of historical fact.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of AMPD to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical, technological and social uncertainties; uncertainties in regard to the development and direction of cloud computing solutions; uncertain capital markets; delay or failure to receive board or shareholder approvals; a party's inability to satisfy a condition precedent to the closing of the Acquisition, and other risks related to the completion of the Acquisition and the inability of a party to perform its obligations under the share purchase agreement.

Although the forward-looking information is based on our management's reasonable assumptions at the date such statements are made, there can be no assurance that the Acquisition will complete, or that, if it does complete, that it will be completed on the terms described above, or that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. AMPD does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking in-formation, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All forward looking information contained in this news release is qualified by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE: AMPD Ventures Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648466/AMPD-Signs-Share-Purchase-Agreement-to-Acquire-100-of-Canadian-Cloud-Provider-Cloud-A-Computing-Inc
Berwyn, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 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 CEO Maria L. Maccecchini , Ph.D., will participate in the Alzheimer Disease Panel, presented by Maxim Group LLC and hosted by M-Vest, on Wednesday May 26th, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. ET.

The panel discussion, led by Dr. Jason McCarthy, Maxim's Senior Managing Director of Biotechnology Equity Research, and including other voices in the healthcare industry, will cover exciting topics in AD drug development.

To access the panel discussion, please RSVP .

Webinar Details:

Panel Session Title: Alzheimer Disease Panel

Date and Time: Wednesday May 26th, 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (8:00 a.m. Pacific time)

Wednesday May 26th, 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (8:00 a.m. Pacific time) Presented by: Maxim Group LLC | Hosted by: M-Vest

Maxim Group LLC | M-Vest Moderated by: Dr. Jason McCarthy

Click Here to reserve your seat

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 (AD-DS). We believe that we are the only company developing a drug for AD, PD and AD-DS 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 AD-DS, 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/84719
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2021) - Chesapeake Gold Corp. (TSXV: CKG) (OTCQX: CHPGF) ("Chesapeake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that at the 2021 Annual General Meeting ("AGM") held on May 18, 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Chesapeake's shareholders voted in favour of all items of business. All seven director nominees were elected.

A total of 40,289,078 common shares were represented at the AGM, being 59.81% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. The following is a tabulation of the votes submitted by proxy:

Director Nominees Votes For % of Votes Randy Buffington 32,947,939 99.15% Christian Falck 32,801,057 98.71% Doug Flegg 32,948,124 99.15% Lian Li 33,105,752 99.63% Alan Pangbourne 33,169,164 99.82% John Perston 33,074,657 99.53% P. Randy Reifel 31,989,650 96.27%

To re-appoint Saturna Group Chartered Professional Accounts LLP as auditor of the Company. 39,918,151 99.75%

To adopt the Company's proposed "rolling 10%" stock option plan. 32,540,269 97.92%

A recording of the AGM webcast is available on Chesapeake's website at https://www.chesapeakegold.com/annual/.

Following the AGM, Chesapeake re-appointed Randy Reifel as Chairman of the Board, Christian Falck as Audit Committee Chair and Lead Independent Director, and Lian Li as Compensation and Governance Committee Chair.

About Chesapeake

Chesapeake Gold Corp. is focused on the discovery, acquisition and development of major gold-silver deposits in North and South America. Chesapeake's flagship asset is the Metates project ("Metates") located in Durango State, Mexico. Metates hosts one of the largest undeveloped gold-silver-zinc deposits in the Americas with over 18 million ounces of gold and over 500 million ounces of silver.

Chesapeake also has developed an organic pipeline of satellite exploration properties strategically located near Metates. In addition, the Company owns 74% of Gunpoint Exploration Ltd. ("Gunpoint") which owns the Talapoosa Gold Project in Nevada.

For Further Information:

For more information on Chesapeake and its Metates Project, please visit our website at www.chesapeakegold.com or contact Randy Reifel or Alan Pangbourne at invest@chesapeakegold.com.

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 news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84735
FILE - In this May 3, 2020 file photo, Veneuzuelan security forces guard the shore and a boat in which authorities claim a group of armed men landed in the port city of La Guaira, Venezuela, calling it an armed maritime incursion from neighboring Colombia. A judge in Colombia has sentenced three Venezuelan men on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, to six years in prison for helping organize the ill-conceived plot to remove President Nicolas Maduro involving former American Green Berets.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2021 / Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXV:CCE)(FSE:D7H0) (the "Company" or "Commerce") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), as described in its News Release dated April 21, 2021, pursuant to which it has issued an aggregate of 7,836,657 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.33 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,586,097. The Offering was oversubscribed by $586,097. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one additional Share at a price of $0.44 per Share for a period of five years from the closing date.

The Company paid cash finder's fees of $85,661.40 and issued 255,920 finder's warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant") to certain finders in connection with the Offering. The Finder's Warrants have the same terms and conditions as the Warrants.

The aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of the Offering will be used to advance the developments of the Ashram REE/ Fluorspar Deposit and for general working capital.

The securities issued under the Offering, and the shares that may be issuable on exercise of the Warrants and the Finder's Warrants, are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of closing.

None of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news 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 any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Commerce Resources Corp.

Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (>45% REO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (>70%) in line with active global producers. In addition to being one of the largest rare earth deposits globally, Ashram is also one of the largest fluorspar deposits globally and has the potential to be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets. Commerce Resources also owns the Blue River Tantalum & Niobium project in British Columbia, with the Upper Fir Deposit, which has a significant defined resource and a positive PEA released in 2011. For more information, please visit: https://www.commerceresources.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

COMMERCE RESOURCES CORP.

"Chris Grove"

Chris Grove

President and Director

Tel: 604.484.2700

Email: cgrove@commerceresources.com

Web: http://www.commerceresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Commerce Resources Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/648488/Commerce-Resources-Corp-Announces-Closing-of-Private-Placement
Frontline Ltd.'s preliminary first quarter 2021 results will be released on Thursday May 27 2021, and a webcast and conference call will be held at 3:00 p.m. CET (9:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time). The results presentation will be available for download from the Investor Relations section at www.frontline.bm ahead of the conference call.

In order to attend the conference call you may do one of the following:

a. Webcast

Go to the Investor Relations section at www.frontline.bm and follow the "Webcast" link.

b. Conference Call

Participant dial-in telephone numbers:

Norway +47 2103 3922 Norway toll free 800 10393 UK +44 (0) 203 009 5709 UK Toll Free 0 800 694 1461 USA +1 646 787 1226 USA Toll Free 866 280 1157 Conference ID 2758611

Participants will be asked for their full name & Conference ID.

A Q&A session will be held after the teleconference/webcast. Information on how to submit questions will be given at the beginning of the session.

The presentation material which will be used in the teleconference/webcast can be downloaded from www.frontline.bm.

Replay details (available for 7 days)

UK LocalCall 0 844 571 8951 UK FreeCall 0 808 238 0667 Std International +44 (0) 333 300 9785 Norway 21 03 42 35 USA +1 (917) 677-7532 USA Toll Free +1 (866) 331-1332 Conference ID 2758611

Participant information required: Full name & company

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Perhaps youre just starting out in business and looking to make the most of your limited funds; perhaps youve been operating for a lengthy period of time already, and have undertaken bookkeeping duties yourself. If youre wondering what the reasons are for hiring a bookkeeper, chances are you definitely need one.

A bookkeeper can help make the process of documenting and reporting financial activity go smoother than you ever thought possible. Hire great local bookkeeping services and hand your finances off to a professional, secure in the knowledge that youve made the right choice for your business.

Keep your focus where it matters

Bookkeeping is one of the most vital roles in any company, but focusing on this often takes personnel away from other important work. Hiring a dedicated bookkeeper allows you to keep your focus where it should be. Hiring personnel for their highly specialised skills in marketing, development, or strategy, and then also making them responsible for the task of bookkeeping, is madness!

Even very small companies could benefit from bookkeeping services, whether thats a part-time position or a specialist coming in a few days a month. The key thing is to allow yourself to focus on what you do best.

By delegating this task, business owners and employees at small to medium-sized firms are able to spend their days working on giving their customers excellent services or improving their products.

Handing over the reins to a professional bookkeeper will also help most small business owners to get their work-life balance right. Instead of spending nights poring over the books, you can kick back over a family meal.

Keep financial information correct

A bookkeepers job is to take information from source documents  and that could be anything, from receipts to company credit card statements to invoices and credit notes  and record it in the appropriate place.

Bookkeeping is all about recording and creating these documents that show what a businesss financial year looks like. They are important for tax and legal purposes, but they are also vital as tools to show you in real-time where you could be making improvements or what youre doing well.

To make sure that you have an accurate idea of what money is coming into and going out of your business, financial reporting is non-negotiable. How it is presented is, by and large, up to your own preference.

Many bookkeepers still use sturdy classics, like Excel. In fact, some still use ledger books and handwritten records! This is less advisable in the twenty-first century, though, when fast, efficient, safe software such as Quickbooks is available. Your bookkeeping service may have a preferred software, or they may work with you on whichever one you choose. Make sure to enquire when discussing your needs.

Source documents and reports should also be stored in a way that they can be accessed if and when theyre needed. There are all sorts of situations in which you may need to pull up an invoice from four months ago, and knowing how to locate it and which filing system is in place is invaluable.

Even a sporadic bookkeeping service will be able to put a system in place that makes sense to you and your business, and to the way you want to work.

Get another perspective

It can be extremely beneficial to have an outsiders point of view when it comes to analysing your business activity. This is doubly true if the person in question has an accurate understanding of your financial health.

Bookkeepers differ from accountants in that they are not expected to have an in-depth understanding of financial legalities and forecasting, but they still work with numbers all day every day. They can be excellent resources when it comes to checking the financial reality of your company.

Your bookkeeping service will be able to tell if you have priced your services or goods at the rate of their worth, and if you are paying too much for overheads. They might be able to make sensible recommendations for ways to increase your businesss profit margins, or ways to build towards a more profitable future.

Another benefit is that a bookkeeper may be able to weigh in on any disputes between business partners or management. Sometimes, having an outside eye really is the best way to handle a potential conflict.

Conclusion

Businesses arent legally required to have a bookkeeper on staff, but its a smart choice anyway. Taking on a professional and giving them the responsibility of managing your financial records and reporting frees up time for more important things. They can be a voice of reason, giving you another perspective on your companys activities, and they are responsible for keeping source documents organised, too.

Hire a bookkeeping service in your area, hand over the financial reporting, and spend more time on the things you love.
Heru Inc., a Miami FL-based company developer of wearable AI-powered vision diagnostics and augmentation software, raised $30m in Series A funding.

The round was led by D1 Capital Partners with participation from SoftBank Ventures Opportunity Fund, Maurice R. Ferre, M.D., Frederic H. Moll, M.D., Krillion Ventures, and a consortium of investors.

The company intends to use the funds to advance the development of its eye diagnostic and vision correction (augmentation) technology platform.

Led by founder and CEO Mohamed Abou Shousha, M.D., Ph.D., Heru has developed patented autonomous AI-powered vision diagnostics and augmentation software for use on commercially available AR/VR devices. This technology can autonomously diagnose vision defects and customize individual vision augmentation based on the users unique vision defects.

Originated as a spinout from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Heru holds 24 patents on vision augmentation and wearable diagnostics to date. The patented diagnostics software is registered with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class I exempt device. It is compatible with off-the-shelf AR/VR headsets, including Microsoft and Magic Leap devices.

The company is also developing vision augmentation software that is designed to correct the users vision defects in real time using AI.

FinSMEs

20/05/2021
IBM (NYSE: IBM) is to acquire Waeg, a Salesforce Consulting Partner in Europe.

The amount of the deal  subject to customary closing conditions and expected to close this quarter  was not disclosed.

With the acquisition, IBM is deepening its investments in hybrid cloud and AI to manage complex integrations and unify people, process and technology. Over the last several months, the company has made a series of acquisitions to boost its hybrid cloud and AI technology skills to expand its offerings, including Nordcloud, 7Summits, Taos, Expertus and Truqua.

Founded in 2014 by Chris Timmerman, Managing Partner, Waeg provides a full spectrum of Salesforce consulting services, from digital strategy advisory, business-to-business commerce, marketing automation and customer experience design to implementation and managed services.

With over 400 Salesforce certifications, Waeg holds expert distinctions in Salesforces Navigator program in Manufacturing, Pardot, Salesforce B2B Commerce and is a specialist across all clouds and the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry.

The company, which has offices in Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland and Portugal, works with global brands across industries, with deep expertise in manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences.

FinSMEs

20/05/2021
iVvy, an Australian provider of a cloud-based event and venue management platform, raised $5.4M in pre-IPO funding.

The round was led by Thorney Investment Group and Gandel Invest.

The company intends to use the funds to further accelerate the growth of its sales and catering software, particularly in the U.S. and European markets.

Led by Founder and CEO Lauren Hall, iVvy provides a cloud-based event and venue management platform that allows venues to display real-time rates and inventory for their accommodation and meeting space online to facilitate bookings. It offers meeting planners the ability to search, compare, book and pay for function space, catering and group accommodations online, 24/7. Once a booking is confirmed, iVvy provides all the tools to manage the operational processes, including diagramming, invoicing and payments, the creation of banquet and event orders, catering and more.

The Queensland-based company, which has already amassed more than 25,000 users across 14 countries, plans to list on the Australian Securities Exchange within the next 12 months.

FinSMEs

20/05/2021
RenBio, a New York-based preclinical biotechnology company, raised $24m Series A funding.

The round was led by Taiwan-based Ruentex Group.

The company intends to use the funds to complete IND-enabling preclinical studies and initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of RB-100 in 2021 and continue the development of its proprietary, DNA-based MYO (Make Your Own) Technology antibody delivery platform, with the goal of advancing a lead candidate into the clinic within two years.

Co-founded by HIV expert, David D. Ho, M.D., founding scientific director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Yaoxing Huang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and led by Neal N. Padte, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer, and Rachel A. Liberatore, Ph.D., Director of Research and Development, RenBio is a preclinical biotechnology company developing novel antiviral antibody therapeutics and a next-generation antibody delivery platform. The companys lead compound, RB-100, is a SARS-CoV-2 bispecific antibody in-licensed from Columbia University, that, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated robust antiviral activity against emerging and evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.

RenBio is also developing a next-generation nucleic acid-based antibody delivery platform  MYO (Make Your Own) Technology  designed to overcome the manufacturing and delivery challenges of standard protein therapies by providing patients (via a modified intramuscular injection) with a DNA bioblueprint, enabling muscle cells (myocytes) to produce the desired therapeutic antibodies within the patients own body, thereby acting as in vivo bioreactors.

The company has also signed a license agreement with Columbia University, obtaining the exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights to a novel bispecific antibody (RB-100) for COVID-19 that was developed in the lab of David D. Ho, M.D. of Columbia University and targets two distinct sites on the spike of SARS-CoV-2. In preclinical studies, RB-100 demonstrated robust antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants that have recently emerged from the U.K. (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1), California (B.1.427 and B.1.429), and New York City (B.1.526).

Under the license agreement, Columbia University received an equity stake in RenBio, which was co-founded by Dr. Ho and Dr. Yaoxing Huang. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel to RenBio. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

FinSMEs

20/05/2021
Sunbits founding team (from l to r): Arad Levertov, Co-founder and CEO; Tal Riesenfeld, Co-founder and Head of Sales; Ornit Maizel, Co-founder and CTO; and Tamir Hazan, Ph.D., Co-founder and Head of AI.

Sunbit, a Los Angeles CA-based provider of buy now, pay later (BNPL) technology solutions, raised $130m in Series D funding.

The round was led by returning investor Group 11, with participation from returning investor Zeev Ventures, and new investors Migdal Insurance, Harel Group, AltaIR Capital, and More Investment House. Guy Fischer, Chief Investment Officer for Migdal Insurance, joined the companys board as an observer. The series D capital raise values Sunbit at $1.1 billion.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its merchant presence to reach more retailers and service providers, online and offline and to develop additional products.

Sunbit is a buy now, pay later technology player which offers access to payment options to people everywhere. The technology is offered in-store and online at 7,300 locations, including 1 in 4 auto dealership service centers, optical practices, dentist offices and specialty healthcare services. All loans are made by Transportation Alliance Bank, Inc., dba TAB Bank, which determines qualifications for and terms of credit.

FinSMEs

20/05/2021
Workrise Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Mike Witte (L) and Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Xuan Yong (R)

Workrise, an Austin, Texas-based workforce management platform for the skilled trades, raised $300m in Series E funding.

The round was led by Baillie Gifford, with participation from new investor Franklin Templeton and existing investors Founders Fund, Bedrock Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Moore Strategic Ventures, 137 Ventures, and Brookfield Growth Partners.

The company intends to use the funds to continue to expand into new markets served by its platform.

Founded in 2014, Workrise provides an online management platform that connects skilled laborers with infrastructure and energy companies looking to staff and manage projects efficiently. The companys online platform matches workers with more than 500 companies in its network, manages payroll and benefits, and provides access to training.

Workrise now serves more than 70 metro areas in the U.S., including Atlanta and Broomfield, CO where the company trains and matches workers to jobs across the U.S. wind industry.

Last year, the company placed more than 4,500 workers, or nearly a third of all its workers placed in 2020, in renewable-energy jobs.

FinSMEs

20/05/2021
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Xi shines light on key events in Party's revolutionary history

Xinhua) 09:45, May 20, 2021

Photo taken on Sept. 24, 2020 shows a "flower basket" at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the centennial of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The first 28 years of the Party's history, before the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, are known as the revolutionary period, marking its journey from birth to power.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has said the revolutionary history is the best textbook for Chinese Communists.

The following are some of the key events in the Party's history that Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has spoken of during his visits to various revolutionary sites.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng pay a visit to a boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, where the first CPC National Congress was held in 1921, on Oct. 31, 2017. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

THE RED BOAT

"Never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your mission," Xi told the Party while addressing the 19th CPC National Congress in 2017.

A week after the national congress, Xi led the top CPC leadership to the sites where the first CPC national congress was held in Shanghai and Jiaxing, revisiting the Party's founding history.

In July 1921, about a dozen young people started the first congress in a brick-and-wood building in the French concession area of Shanghai.

"Comrade Mao Zedong compared this site to the cradle of the CPC. It is a vivid metaphor. I see the site as an anchor of the souls of Chinese Communists," Xi said.

After being harassed, the delegates moved to a boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, to continue their meeting. There, they discussed and passed the Party's first program and resolution.

In the documents, the CPC committed itself to upholding Marxism-Leninism, which laid the direction and cornerstone of the Party, Xi said.

The Nanhu boat is now known as the Red Boat, which "sparked the flame of the Chinese revolution and started the century-spanning voyage of the Party," Xi said.

After 100 years, the CPC has grown from a small party to the world's largest Marxist ruling party with over 91 million members.

THE LONG MARCH

An iconic event in the CPC revolutionary history is the epic Long March.

From October 1934 to October 1936, the Red Army trekked 12,500 km across the country, repelling more than 1 million enemy troops bent on pursuing it and eventually establishing a revolutionary base in northwest China.

From there, China's revolution has been on the path to victory.

Xi, who described the Long March as an enormously significant event in the Party's history, has visited many sites along the Long March routes.

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 hall marking the departure of the Long March by the Central Red Army in Yudu County, Ganzhou City, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

In May 2019, during a visit to Yudu County in east China's Jiangxi Province, Xi paid tribute to a monument marking the departure of the Central Red Army on the Long March.

Relying on firm faith and strong will, the Party and the Red Army emerged from one impossible situation after another, and secured the final victory, Xi said.

In April 2021, he visited a memorial park in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, commemorating the Battle of the Xiangjiang River during the Long March, which Xi described as a "life-or-death event" for the revolution.

"Revolutionary ideals rise above all else. That is why the Red Army can conquer all enemies and also the secret to the success of the Chinese revolution," Xi said.

In the Long March, the Red Army engaged the enemy more than 600 times, crossed almost 100 rivers, scaled more than 40 peaks -- including more than 20 snow-capped mountains with elevations above 4,000 meters, and traversed vast marshlands and grasslands known as "death traps."

"Every generation has its own long march, and every generation must see that march through," Xi said. "The long march of our generation is to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation."

Aerial photo taken on June 20, 2019 shows a view of Xibaipo Village of Pingshan County, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong)

THE EXAM

Xibaipo, a township about 350 km from Beijing, is an old revolutionary base, where the CPC leadership stationed from May 1948 to early 1949 to draw the blueprint of a new country and prepare for the CPC's new role as the ruling party.

In March 1949, the CPC leadership decided to leave Xibaipo for Beijing. Mao Zedong compared the trek to "going for a big exam in the capital city."

Mao called on the whole Party to remain modest, prudent and free from arrogance and rashness in their style of work, and preserve the style of plain living and hard struggle.

Xi said he had been to Xibaipo many times. "Each time, I came with a lot of respect and left with many thoughts," said Xi while inspecting the township in 2013. During the visit, Xi also urged the whole Party to draw positive energy from the history and stand the tests of the people.

In September 2019, a few days ahead of the 70th founding anniversary of the PRC, Xi visited a revolutionary memorial site in suburban Beijing, where the CPC briefly settled down after leaving Xibaipo.

He again mentioned the relevance of the "big exam" 70 years ago.

The CPC members should always maintain their enterprising spirit, ensure the Party's purity and advanced nature, and pass the test of the new era, Xi stressed.

"Looking ahead, China has very bright prospects for development," Xi said.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
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GROVE HILL, Ala. (WALA)  The reputed head of a large Gulf Coast drug ring briefly escaped form the Clarke County jail Tuesday before authorities took him back in to custody.

Federal authorities had detained Darrin Jamark Southall, 42, at the jail. He is one of 16 people indicted on drug conspiracy charges. Prosecutors allege that Southall oversaw an operation that sold crack and powder cocaine, as well as fentanyl, along the Gulf Coast.

Clarke County Sheriff Ray Norris told FOX10 News that Southall took advantage of a shift change and slipped away just before 6 p.m.

We had a corrections officer take his eyes off of him when he was taking him out to take out the trash, he said. It was 100 percent our fault and 100 percent human error.

Norris said Southall made it to a wooded area near the jail and then out an open door. But he said law enforcement authorities apprehended him a few hours later with the help for a helicopter from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and canines from the Department of Corrections in Atmore.

The U.S. Marshalls Service has transferred Southall to the Baldwin County Corrections Center in Bay Minette.

Norris said he will extend shift changes by another 10 minutes to ensure that inmates do not escape during the changeover.

Were changing a lot of our protocols and checks, he said.

Donald Briskman and Henry Dearman, lawyers who had been representing Southall, both asked to withdraw from the case over potential conflicts of interests. The lawyers wrote in a court filing that they previously represented co-defendants in the drug case. A judge has set a hearing on that issue for Friday.

The scale of the alleged drug enterprise is evident from the long list of assets prosecutors are asked to be forfeited by the defendants in the case. They include bank accounts totaling almost $2.3 million and assorted jewelry. Prosecutors also are seeking a court order to seize 10 vehicles:
Emporia, KS (66801)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms becoming likely this afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High around 90F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 68F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
In a bid to bolster former President Donald Trump's lies about widespread fraud in the 2020 election, Trump's Republican allies are now seeking Arizona-style audits in other swing states -- including Georgia, where the former President's false claims have set off an intraparty war. Trump is seen here in the White House on November 26, 2020 in Washington, DC.
Attorneys are still trying to reach the parents of 391 migrant children who had been separated at the US-Mexico border under the Trump administration. Bryan Chavez was separated from his mom Sandra Ortiz at the US-Mexico border when he was 15 years old. Now 18, Chavez is hugging his mom for the first time in more than three years.
With minutes to spare, a Hahnville High School teacher in Boutte, Louisiana, traded shoes with a senior so he could walk at his graduation after allegedly violating the dress code.
Emporia, KS (66801)

Today

Cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 92F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall may reach one inch..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 68F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.




Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-352-2250
William Weber West, 93 of Gainesville, Texas passed away on June 2, 2021. He was born on April 7, 1928 in Atchison, Kansas to Lee West and Elizabeth (Weber) West. He married Mary Ellen Peyrot on May 17, 1951 in Gainesville, Texas. William enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 5, 1951 in Gaine
Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High near 85F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds light and variable.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 87F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low near 80F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Deep Silver has reformed Free Radical Design with "key members" of the original team, including studio founders Steve Ellis and David Doak, to bring the TimeSplitters franchise back from the dead.

The rights to TimeSplitters were acquired by Deep Silver owner THQ Nordic back in 2018. A revival was teased at the time, and now Deep Silver has all the parts in place to push ahead with development.

"To finally be able to confirm that the studio has been formed and that we have a plan for the next TimeSplitters game is incredible," commented Steve Ellis, studio development director at Free Radical Design, in a press release. "While we cannot tell you anything more at the moment, we look forward to sharing information in the future."

The original iteration of Free Radical was based in Nottingham, UK, and oversaw the development of three TimeSplitters titles, the last of which was 2005 release TimeSplitters: Future Perfect.

The studio's final project was Haze, a Ubisoft-published first-person shooter for the PlayStation 3 that debuted in 2008 to mixed reviews. Following the launch of Haze, the company was purchased by Crytek and merged into Crytek UK.

THQ Nordic parent Embracer Group revealed the reformed studio will also be based in Nottingham, and is part of its broader plan to "further expand our creative engine through increased headcount" so it can revive dormant IPs.
About 250 people gathered on Alamitos Beach on Thursday, June 10, for the unveiling of the citys new Pride Lifeguard Tower, less than three months after the original tower burned down in what investigators say may have been an act of arson.
Bautista called working on the film the most fun hed ever had on any project, and he was equally impressed with how Snyder addressed some of the issues we face as a society.

The former WWE superstar never thought much about the zombie trope, until Snyder pointed out that they are people stripped of their humanity feeding off of other human beings. 

They just have no humanity left. And I thought, Man, thats really terrifying. But also, like, God, what a message. What a what a metaphor, Bautista said.

But these are not your father's zombie. They're faster, smarter, and organized, making the mission far more dangerous than what you might see on The Walking Dead.

The film also stars Theo Rossi, Huma Qureshi, and Nora Arnezeder. While the zombies clearly represent a segment of society devoid of humanity, it was the inclusive nature of the team that made the biggest impact for Bautista.

If you really read into it, youd see a bunch of people who are from all over the world of very different colors who are kind of banding together just to survive, Bautista said.

After being released in theaters last week, Army of the Dead will be available on Netflix this Friday.
Organizing Black Liberation webinar, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e9HTJfj4TymFJ6ZGOEiUOg. This webcast will feature a panel of students, faculty and alumni whose work and activism is geared towards the abolishment of barriers placed on Black lives. This webcast is moderated by Brandi Douglas. This webinar is part of the We Have Work to Do campaign and the Rest in Power event series. This event is sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity, the OSU Alumni Association, and the Division of Student Affairs.

Friday

FST Farm 2 Fork webinar, noon to 12:45 p.m., https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2EB8KY-oSTuDkBXOnXpZtA. Food Hubbing: Strengthening Connections for Oregons Regional Food and Beverage Brokers.

Tuesday

"Future Forests: Disruptive Forces and Creative Solutions in Natural Resources," 8 to 11 a.m., https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GvokvqdOT82Se7ZqJP8Dfw. Virtual seminar created by the forestry faculties of the University of Helsinki, University of British Columbia and Oregon State University to explore complex questions in a discussion with experts from four continents whose expertise spans technology, business, governance and conservation.
BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union and U.S. top trade officials on Thursday further cemented recent advances on some key differences that have soured trans-Atlantic relations over the past few years.

EU trade ministers used a virtual meeting with U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai to highlight the breakthroughs in the longstanding dispute over airplane production subsidies and a fight over steel tariffs.

We agreed that finding effective solutions together is essential to preserve our critical industries, EU Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said.

It is spring here in Brussels and there is a spirit of optimism," German Trade Minster Peter Altmaier said. It stood in sharp contrast with the four years of divisive relations under President Donald Trump.

U.S. President Joe Biden will visit the EU next month seeking to further increase cooperation on anything from battling the COVID-19 pandemic and confronting a surging China as a disruptive rival.

I stressed the importance of sticking together regarding what happens in China, Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sigrid Kaag said.
BEIJING (AP)  The founder of TikToks Chinese owner said Thursday he will give up his job as CEO to focus on longer-term initiatives, a step that comes amid uncertainty over whether the Biden administration will force the sale of the popular short video services U.S. arm.

Zhang Yiming said Liang Rubo, a co-founder, will succeed him as ByteDance Ltd. CEO. Zhang said leaving day-to-day management will enable me to have greater impact on longer-term initiatives, but gave no details of his next role.

ByteDance is waiting to find out whether the Biden administration will revive former President Donald Trumps efforts to force the sale of TikToks U.S. arm. Trump said the service was a security threat because it gathered too much personal information about millions of American users.

Regulators also are stepping up anti-monopoly enforcement against Chinese e-commerce giants and other internet companies, though there is no indication ByteDance has been targeted.

Zhang founded ByteDance in 2012. Its first short-video platform, Douyin, was launched in 2016. TikTok was launched outside China the following year. The company said last year that TikTok had 700 million users globally.
Last week, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced yet another round of indoor dining bans for several counties, including here in Linn County. This week, she said we can return to limited indoor dining starting May 7. The constant yo-yoing of closures and restrictions targeted at restaurants makes it impossible for my small business to plan during a time when were already struggling to survive.

I own and operate Albany restaurant, Gamberettis, where were passionate about our homemade pastas and sauces. But even before COVID-19, our margins were thin. Unfortunately, our outdoor dining options are limited meaning every time we ban indoor dining, I have to lay off employees and reduce orders from local farmers, impacting our local economy.

The Governor should stop blaming restaurants as the source of COVID-19 spikes. Restaurants are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. These closures harm local businesses. Instead, we should focus on what we know will work  vaccinating all Oregonians.
Live Nation, Red Rum Touring and George FM are proud to present Australian electronic powerhouse WHAT SO NOT touring New Zealand this July and August!
Gettysburg, PA (17325)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 67F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly this evening. Low 61F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Gillette, WY (82718)

Today

Sunny. Gusty winds diminishing during the afternoon. Much cooler. High 78F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph, becoming ENE and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A clear sky. Low 47F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Fort Hood, TX (76544)

Today

Morning clouds will give way to afternoon sunshine. Hot. High 92F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 72F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.
Cynthia Fisher, 68, a mother and grandmother, died Aug. 3, 2019, when her black Camry was struck by a white BMW. Shes one of at least five people in the Phoenix area killed in street racing accidents since 2019.
You asked. We listened. Your daily crossword, Sudoku and dozens of other puzzles are now available online. Play them or print them here.

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From left, with their Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce awards, are: Terry Gower and Joe McCavitt of Stop & Shop, Business of the Year; Lois Meissner, Friend of the Chamber; Chad Haviland of Wakarusa Pro Hardware, Business of the Year; and Hass Hakim of Seifert Drugs, Business of the Year.
TOPEKA [mdash] Lydia N. Hostetler, 89, of Topeka, died at 4:25 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8 at her residence. She was born on April 8, 1932, in LaGrange County, to Noah J. and Amanda Mae (Bontrager) Raber. On April 23, 1953, in Honeyville, she married Ervin D. Hostetler. He died June 3, 2017. Sur
Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one.
(TNS)  JANESVILLE  Rock County, Wis., will begin implementing an archiving system for text messages sent and received on county-issued cellphones, making such communication available as public records.The program is expected to be operational by Thursday, Rock County Administrator Josh Smith said. Once in place, the texts will be stored on a server and kept for about seven years.County IT staff have installed an app on each of the 573 county-issued cellphones to manage the archiving process. Much like emails sent to and from county email addresses, Smith said all text messages will be stored on a server.If an open records request is filed for text messages, IT staff will retrieve the messages and, along with department heads, supply substantive texts, Smith said.Because text messages are often used for quicker and more direct communication, many texts could include irrelevant or transient information. Smith said the county is focused on preserving all official communications regardless of medium.In recent years, Smith said the use of texting for official business has ballooned. He used the Human Services Department, where employees sometimes text supervisors from the field if they need more help, as an example.As technology continues to shape the way county employees communicate, Smith said officials wanted to keep in step with the states public records laws.We felt that it was our responsibility to be transparent, Smith said.Some county employees will be exempt from the archiving system. Nick Osborne, an assistant to the county administrator, wrote in an email tothat detectives in the Bureau of Investigation will not have their messages stored because they could include information about ongoing investigations.Osborne also wrote that investigators sometimes issue cellphones to anonymous informants. Those texts will also be exempt from the system.For years, county officials have been trying to develop a text message archive, but the technology wasnt available until late last year. The county began vetting services, and the Rock County Board approved a resolution in June authorizing Smarsh Cellular as the countys archiving provider.Rock County will be one of the first to adopt the system, Osborne wrote.In its June resolution, the county board approved $52,000 to install the system. Smith said that full amount will not be spent because the system will only be in place for part of this year.
Charles Leclerc has hit back at claims that Ferrari is patting itself on the back in 2021 for being "mediocre".

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher made the claim that, after the Maranello team's major performance slump of 2020, Ferrari is happy to have clawed itself back to the top of the midfield this season.

Schumacher said it was an example of being satisfied with "terrible mediocrity".

Top Ferrari driver Leclerc, however, hit back at that on Wednesday.

"I wouldn't describe this team as mediocre," he said in his native Monaco.

"It's a group of super-talented people who have already built some winning cars in 2017, 2018 and 2019. And in one year we have been able to catch up a lot - we have more than halved our deficit to Mercedes," Leclerc, 23, insisted.

"As a team, we can't expect to completely catch up a gap of 1.5 seconds from one year to the next and become title favourites. But we are not satisfied - we are self-critical and we want more.

"We just know that it takes time. We're working hard to get Ferrari back to where the team belongs - at the top. I see a positive trend and I think we are on the right track," Leclerc added.

Therefore, he said he is having no delusions of grandeur even though he is racing at home this weekend for the first time since 2019.

"Realistically, the goal here is to get to the top of the midfield like in Barcelona. We shouldn't dream too much about fighting Red Bull and Mercedes because we're not at that level yet," he said.

"We have to be realistic about that."

(GMM)
Russian parliament house endorses bill on quitting Open Skies Treaty

Xinhua) 10:07, May 20, 2021

MOSCOW, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Russian State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday on the country's withdrawal from the arms-control Treaty on Open Skies.

State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said that while the United States has pulled out of this key pact, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization members are still able to conduct reconnaissance flights under the treaty and pass data to Washington.

"The United States has exited the treaty, so how can they expect to continue to monitor Russia? We must exit ... and continue to build relations on an equal basis, not within the framework of double standards, as is currently the case," he said.

Volodin called the day historic and important for Russia's security.

The multilateral Treaty on Open Skies, which became effective in 2002, allows its states-parties to conduct short-notice, unarmed reconnaissance flights over the others' entire territories to collect data on military forces and activities.

After the U.S. withdrawal in November 2020, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced in January that the country had started domestic legal procedures for the official pullout from the treaty.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Pennington, a counterintelligence agent (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Mabanag (right), both with the 504th Expeditionary MI Bde., presents Gary Wilder, Penningtons former drill sergeant (center), with a gift in Lions Park in Temple on May 7. The gift is a picture of Penningtons basic training class from 2001.
The BMW Group is stepping up its activities in the field of sustainability, becoming the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to equip its cars with tires using certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon, a wood-based material used to strengthen the tires.

The company will source 22-inch tires in the first instance exclusively from Pirelli and, from August of this year, will use them in the BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-in-Hybrid. Certification of the rubber plantations and the complex supply chain for natural rubber and rayon takes place in accordance with the strict standards of the independent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Natural rubber is the basic material for many products used in daily life, such as boots and mattresses. About six million small farmers worldwide are responsible for more than 80% of the worlds natural rubber cultivation. In the rubber belt across the tropical regions, they run farms of between one and two hectares in size under a wide variety of different conditions. Agreeing on uniform social and environmental growing conditions with these millions of small individual farms is therefore a major challenge.

By far the largest share of natural rubber grown worldwide goes into tire production. Natural rubbers high elasticity and sturdiness currently make it irreplaceable for tire production.

As an independent organization, FSC has developed an internationally recognized and demanding certification standard in recent years that is used worldwide for environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the forests. The organization also applies this standard to products made of natural rubber.

The new 22-inch P ZERO  tire is the first tire to receive the FSC label. To earn this certification, Pirelli adapted its US plant in Rome, Georgia, to produce tires using FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon. From there, the tires are delivered to BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, around 370 km away, and mounted on the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid. The  in the name indicates that the new tire meets the BMW Groups strict performance requirements, including particularly low rolling resistance and noise level.





The use of the first tires containing certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon at the BMW Group is the result of the companys extensive commitment in this area. In 2019, the BMW Group joined forces with well-known tire manufacturers, NGOs, rubber producers and consumers to create the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR). Small farmers are also represented in this initiative.

The GPSNR is committed to improving social and environmental conditions for cultivation of natural rubber and pushing for more sustainability. It also implements measures to stop deforestation and make supply chains more transparent. The GPSNR currently has almost 100 members, who are responsible for about 50% of the global natural rubber market.

Through its activities in the GPSNR and close cooperation with its suppliers, the BMW Group is constantly working to further improve sustainability in the natural rubber supply chain. The BMW Group is stepping up these activities and plans to steadily expand its sourcing of tires made from sustainably grown natural rubber.

The BMW Group has been working with the FSC organisation for many years (Licence code FSC-N002012). The company decided to use FSC-certified wood in the BMW i3, which was first launched onto the market in 2013. The BMW iX for release later this year will also feature FSC-certified wood. In 2017, the BMW Group and FSC advocated for further development of FSC standards for cultivation of natural rubber in Thailand.
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An email from the states association of landlords went out Wednesday, intending to notify media of an event at the Capitol calling for an end to Connecticuts moratorium on tenant evictions. It did that, but also mistakenly included the statement that the governor needs his ass-kicked, calling for a cage match between Gov. Ned Lamont and Zherka.

By Thursday morning, the Connecticut Coalition of Property Owners had cancelled its press conference scheduled for the afternoon.

Ann Baldwin, who runs the public relations firm that organized the coalitions event, did not explain the reason for the cancellation. Her firm had sent out the original press release, attributing the mistaken statement to the coalitions president, John Souza.

The statement, dubbed real issues, included several bullet points, one of which said the governor needs his ass-kicked and we set up a celebratory cage fight between Lamont & Zherka to raise funds for orphaned children.

That could be Jon Zherka, a well-known gamer who is known for his live streamed videos on Twitch television network.

The statement also took aim at tenants, noting that before the pandemic, about 19,000 tenants in Connecticut were evicted annually for non-payment and nuisance.

These are the people that are benefiting from the moratorium, the statement says. Most everyone in CT has cash flow and in fact there is a shortage of jobs. Further down, the statement says, Tthese tenants are most of the 19,000 that try to live for free annually in CT.

Baldwin sent out a statement Wednesday evening apologizing for the statement and saying it was not said by Souza and did not represent the property owners views. Souza, through a separate spokesman Thursday, reiterated that the remark was inaccurately attributed to his name, and that the comments were someone elses and completely misrepresented his words and who CCOPO is as organization.

John has great respect for the governor and the work hes done for Connecticut, the spokesman, Dirk Perrefort, said by phone Thursday. He would love to continue working with the governor to ensure the needs of landlords are met while maintaining safe and quality housing stock for the residents of Connecticut.

Souza later issued a public apology. I cannot express enough the profound distress and utter disappointment for the mistaken statement, he said in a release issued by Perrefort. I would never condone violence against the Governor or anyone else, even in jest.

Max Reiss, the governors spokesman, said earlier Thursday that representatives from the coalition had reached out to the Lamont administration with regret over the gaffe,

Dozens of landlords had been expected at Thursdays event to express their concerns with the states current eviction ban and to address ways to expand both landlords and tenants participation in the states UniteCT program. The program was set up to dole out hundreds of millions of dollars in rental and utility payment assistance to qualified tenants and landlords affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the eviction moratorium.

Reiss said in an earlier statement that the Lamont administration firmly believes that providing relief to renters and the eviction moratorium are good policies which provide housing security to those who need it and protect public health for everyone in the state.

Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and Connecticuts congressional delegation, more than $400 million is on its way to help landlords and tenants get back on their feet, he said.

The state has acknowledged the slow rollout of the rental relief program, a problem not unique to Connecticut, which prompted the governor to extend the ban on evictions a little while longer.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
GREENWICH  Greenwich Public Schools has appointed an interim chief pupil personnel services officer to lead the special education administration across the entire district, Superintendent Toni Jones announced Thursday afternoon.

Stacey Heiligenthaler will take over the job effective July 1. She replaces Mary Forde, the current chief PPS officer, who announced her resignation from the school district in April.

Heiligenthaler will oversee a department that has been the target of regular scrutiny in recent years. Results from an audit of the districts special education services are expected in the coming months, and Heiligenthaler will play a crucial role in leading change within the department.

I am looking forward to working collaboratively with the students, staff, parents and community members of Greenwich to ensure quality special education programming for students with disabilities, Heiligenthaler said in a statement. I am eager to begin the work identified in the Special Education Review and look forward to the great work that our collective partnerships will produce.

Currently, Heiligenthaler serves as the director of pupil personnel services for Norwalk Public Schools.

We are very excited to welcome Dr. Heiligenthaler to our district. She is bringing to GPS a deep knowledge and understanding of special education and services for students, as well as a commitment to strong partnership with staff, parents and the community, Jones said.

I have been incredibly impressed by her ability to deliver solutions and execute on planning following Special Education Reviews at two of her previous districts in Connecticut, both Norwalk and Darien Public Schools, Jones said. Stacey played an instrumental role in executing on action plans, including: budget stabilization; reducing outplacements; utilizing funding to create programming, including launching a literacy program; improving assistive technology; and much more.

Im confident she will be a great leader in executing on the GPS Action Plan using the information, data and insights from the upcoming Special Education Review, Jones said.

In Norwalk, Heiligenthaler is responsible for supervision of Special Education Administrators and Department support staff; implementation and oversight of department budget; coordination of all professional development; and oversight of the hiring process.

Previously, she served in several other leadership roles for Norwalk Public Schools, including: assistant director of specialized learning and student services; and special education and student services administrator.

Heiligenthaler also served as Special Education and Student Services Facilitator for Darien Public Schools, where she provided support to teachers and administrators in implementing district policies, procedures and practices; she facilitated PPT meetings, reviewed IEP documentation, and consulted with general education and special education

Before coming to Connecticut, she worked on the West Coast in numerous roles for the ABC Unified, Anaheim Union, Pasadena Unified, San Marino Unified and Santa Barbara School Districts. She held roles in both special education leadership as well as direct classroom teaching, including as an elementary classroom teacher for comprehensive special education students.

Heiligenthaler holds a bachelor of science in intensive special needs and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Boston University; a masters in human development with an emphasis in elementary education with crosscultural language and academic development; a masters in legal studies from Santa Barbara College of Law; and a doctorate in organizational systems from Saybrook University.

She has also completed graduate coursework in finance, supervision and instructional leadership, data-driven decisions for school improvement, and curriculum from Grand Canyon University.

justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586
BRUSSELS (AP)  The sight of hundreds of migrants swimming or climbing fences separating the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from the rest of Africa this week is a stark reminder of just how dependent the European Union can be on the whims of countries it chooses to pay to enforce its migration policy.

Since well over 1 million migrants entered the EU in 2015, most of them refugees fleeing conflict in Syria, the worlds biggest trading bloc has spent vast sums trying to ensure that migrants no longer set out for Europe on arduous overland treks or dangerous sea journeys.

The EU granted billions of euros and other incentives to Turkey, for instance, to stop people leaving for Europe. Yet, just over a year ago, the government in Ankara waved thousands of people through the land border to Greece, sparking violence that almost erupted into open conflict.

That dispute was over Turkey's view that the EU had failed to amply support its invasion of northern Syria. Since then, the 27-nation bloc has quietly gone about reinvigorating the EU-Turkey deal, with an offer of yet more money and trade incentives.

Perhaps the authorities in Morocco are using the same playbook when an EU country takes action they, too, find unacceptable. Morocco is playing with peoples lives. They must not use people, among them its own citizens, as pawns in a political game, said Virginia Alvarez, Head of Internal Policy at Amnesty International Spain.

What is clear is that more than 8,000 people crossed into Spanish territory over two days this week. Many risked their lives by swimming around a breakwater to reach a beach on the European side.

Hanne Beirens, Director of the Migration Policy Institute, told The Associated Press that migration can feature very prominently at the negotiating table when the EU is drafting agreements with outside countries, whatever their nature.

Today, if as a third country you hold a migration card in your hand, youre a powerful player, Beirens said.

The migrant influx in 2015 was a turning point for Europe. Arrivals overwhelmed reception centers and laid waste to the EUs inadequate asylum policy. Nations bickered over who should take responsibility for people landing on Europes shore. Those disputes continue.

Entries these days are barely a trickle compared with 2015. In contrast, the load on small, poor Lebanon and Jordan, or Turkey, where around 3.7 million Syrian refugees are sheltering, is far greater.

But the inability of the EU, home to 27 of the richest countries in the world, to find a fair way to manage people seeking sanctuary or better lives is the source of one of its biggest political crises.

The EU bloc of 2021 is one that still shivers at the idea of new waves of migrants arriving and having to deal with questions such as who will take them on, who will send them back. So this is really a big issue, Beirens said.

Six years ago, the EU clinched the deal with Turkey that has been lauded for slowing migrant arrivals almost to a standstill. Its since used that as a model for similar arrangements with Morocco and Tunisia, where the EUs top migration official heads Thursday for more talks.

Hundreds of millions of euros have also been spent in lawless Libya, the departure point for many Europe-bound migrants.

Morocco is the second-largest beneficiary of migration aid in that region, receiving around 346 million euros ($422 million). But Rabat appears to have leveraged its control of the Ceuta border to punish Spain for permitting a militant group leader from Western Sahara, a region Morocco annexed in 1975, to receive medical treatment.

In the first public comments on the situation in Ceuta by a Moroccan official, Mostapha Hamid, minister for human rights, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that Spains decision to receive the Polisario Front leader was reckless, irresponsible and totally unacceptable.

What was Spain expecting from Morocco when it hosted an official from a group that is carrying arms against the kingdom? Hamid wondered.

Beirens claims no insight into Rabat's motives. But generally, she said, a tit-for-tat approach has become a kind of a model for third countries in securing, on the one hand greater support for migration, but also  and this far more important  on scoring deals on trade, on foreign affairs and other policy domains.

As events in Ceuta unfolded, Spain on Tuesday approved a 30-million-euro ($37 million) transfer to beef up Morocco's policing of irregular migration flows. Madrid said the economic package was already budgeted before the latest developments.

European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas told Spanish National Radio Wednesday that nobody can blackmail the European Union.

He may believe what he says, but no one doubts that Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Turkey all hold strong migration cards.

__

Aritz Parra in Madrid and Zeynep Bilginsoy in Istanbul, Turkey, contributed to this report.
BEIRUT (AP)  Groups of angry Lebanese on Thursday beat up Syrian expatriates and refugees heading to the Syrian Embassy in Beirut and pelted their cars and buses with stones and sticks, outraged over what they perceive as an organized vote for President Bashar Assad.

Meanwhile, some Syrian refugees reported being pressured to cast their ballot with threats of physical violence or confiscation of documentation that could lead to loss of refugee status, the U.N. refugee agency said.

Assad is running for a fourth seven-year term  facing symbolic competition from two other candidates  in a vote all but guarantees to bring him back as president. The Syrian opposition, as well as Western and some Arab countries see it as a sham designed to give Assad a new mandate with a veneer of legitimacy. It also comes in violation of U.N. resolutions that call for a new constitution before a presidential vote.

The in-country vote is expected next week.

In Lebanon, scattered mobs, mostly from the Christian right-wing Lebanese Forces group, intercepted cars and buses plastered with pictures of Assad and carrying Syrian voters at intersections in and around Beirut and in the eastern Bekaa region.

The attackers pelted them with rocks and smashed windows with sticks. On the highway north of Beirut, one attacker poked a wooden stick inside a car, while others smashed its windshield. In another attack, a Lebanese driver ran over a group of Syrians, hitting one man. There were no official reports on how many were injured.

If they want to vote, they can go home and vote there," said Fadi Nader, a Lebanese protester. Since they love Bashar Assad, why don't they go home?"

Lebanese soldiers stood guard as hundreds of Syrians queued outside their embassy in Yarze, east of Beirut, to cast their ballots. Some Syrians shouted slogans in support of Assad as they waited.

I came here to elect President Bashar Assad. This is a national duty," said Ramzi Ahmad, a native of the central Syrian province of Homs.

Lebanon is home to over 1 million Syrians, the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita. Their presence  nearly one Syrian for every four Lebanese  has weighed heavily on Lebanon's infrastructure and resources, particularly as the small country reels under an unprecedented economic crisis.

Calls for Syrians to go home have also been a widely politicized issue among Lebanese, deeply divided over the 10-year conflict in Syria, some supporting Assad and others backing his opposition.

The violence came a day after Samir Geagea, the head of the Lebanese Forces group, called for for those who vote for Assad to go back home since they are clearly not fearful of his government.

Even before the conflict, Syria's role in Lebanon was deeply divisive. Syrian troops  deployed in Lebanon in 1976, shortly after the civil war broke out  withdrew in 2005 following a U.N. resolution, after a 29-year domination of Lebanese politics.

It's a dilemma for Syrians living in Lebanon. Many say they are not ready to return home because of fear of prosecution in the absence of a peace deal. The U.N., the EU and the U.S. say conditions are not ripe for the return of millions of refugees.

Also on Thursday, UNHCR said it received reports of intimidation and pressure, according to Lisa Abou Khaled, a spokesperson for the agency, adding that the agency was looking into it to ensure that refugees are free to decide whether or not to vote.

Assad has been in power since 2000 when he took over from his father, Hafez, who ruled for 30 years. In the 10-year conflict, Assad has been supported by Iran and Russia.

While fighting has subsided in recent years, Syria remains torn. Thousands of foreign troops are based in different parts of the country. The elections are not taking place in at least four provinces under the control of the opposition or Syrian Kurdish forces, depriving nearly 8 million Syrians of a vote.

The Biden administration has said it will not recognize the result of Syrias presidential election.

France and Germany banned any voting at Syrian missions in their country, with a French Foreign Ministry official saying the elections are null and void and there is no point in holding them.

Syria has been engulfed in civil war since 2011, when Arab Spring-inspired protests against the Assad family rule turned into an armed insurgency in response to a brutal military crackdown. Around half a million people have been killed and half the countrys population has been displaced.
BSF cracks down on human hair smuggling through India-Bangladesh border

Kolkata/Krishna Nagar, May 14: In the Krishnagar situation, the number of incidents sent to Bangladeshi smugglers through the multiple points of the Indochina border in the Krishnagar area suddenly increased, causing serious problems from the BSF authorities. attention.

In the past few months, BSF South Bangladesh border has restored about 2.25 quintals of human hair worth about 1.35 million rupees. This is important for Bangladesh supply of China hair processing industry and at least 25 other industries. Huge demand. Countries where wigs and toy hair are made.

Cross-border smuggling is not a new phenomenon. However, the unusually increasing trend of smuggling into China through Bangladesh has made Myanmar a concern of the center because it affects the export of human hair.

When exporters wrote to DRI, they also attracted the attention of the center to crack down on smuggled human hair. Currently, the value of human hair is approximately Rs. It exports 1.5 billion rupees every year.

Since January this year, the center has cracked down on such so-called land smuggling activities nationwide. MHA issued warnings to border guard agencies such as BSF, Assam Rifles and other security agencies to prevent such smuggling bids.

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REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP)  Top diplomats from the United States and Russia sparred politely in Iceland during their first face-to-face encounter, which came as ties between the nations have deteriorated sharply in recent months.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russias longtime Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke frankly but calmly of their differences as they held talks on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting Wednesday in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, a city with deep history in U.S.-Russian relations.

We seek a predictable, stable relationship with Russia," Blinken told Lavrov, echoing comments made by President Joe Biden, who has proposed a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin next month. We think thats good for our people, good for Russian people and indeed good for the world.

Its also no secret that we have our differences and when it comes to those differences, as President Biden has also shared with President Putin, if Russia acts aggressively against us, our partners, and our allies, well respond  and President Biden has demonstrated that in both word and deed, not for purposes of escalation, not to seek out conflict, but to defend our interests," Blinken said.

The meeting took place just as the Biden administration notified Congress of new sanctions on Russia over a controversial European pipeline. The administration hit eight Russian companies and vessels with penalties for their involvement in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, while sparing two German entities from similar penalties, which would have a more significant effect on the project.

We have serious differences in the assessment of the international situation, we have serious differences in the approaches to the tasks which have to be solved for its normalization, Lavrov said. "Our position is very simple: We are ready to discuss all the issues without exception, but under perception that the discussion will be honest, with the facts on the table, and of course on the basis of mutual respect.

Even before Wednesday's talks the two diplomats had laid down near diametrically opposed positions for the meeting, previewing what was likely to be a difficult and contentious exchange over myriad issues including Ukraine, the Arctic, Russias treatment of opposition figure Alexey Navalny and accusations of cyber malfeasance, including claims that Russia-based hackers were responsible for a ransomware attack on a key U.S. pipeline.

The meeting also followed a spate of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions as U.S.-Russian relations threaten a return to Cold War lows.

After the meeting, which ran for a longer-than-expected hour and 45 minutes, the State Department said Blinken had called for Russia to release two Americans it holds, Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed. He also raised deep concerns about Russias military buildup on the Ukraine border and its actions against the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the department said.

Lavrov, meanwhile, told Russian reporters after the meeting that the talks had been constructive and that Russia has proposed starting a new and broad strategic dialogue. There is a lot of rubble, its not easy to rake it up, but I felt that Antony Blinken and his team were determined to do this. It will not be a matter for us, he said, according to the news agency Tass.

Neither side offered any update on progress toward a Biden-Putin summit, saying only that discussions about its logistics continue.

Blinken noted that despite the vitriol, the U.S. and Russia had agreed early in the Biden administration to a five-year extension of a key arms control pact that President Donald Trump had declined to renew before he left office. Trump left a decidedly mixed legacy on Russia that included a friendly personal relationship with Putin, while his administration still imposed sanctions and other punitive measures.

Another, more immediate area of disagreement in Reykjavik, the site of the famous 1986 summit between President Ronald Reagan and Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, is the Arctic, where Russia has been expanding its military presence and pursuing policies to expand its influence, to the alarm of the Americans.

Blinken noted that the U.S. and Russia have cooperated in the past on Arctic issues, although he glossed over deep American opposition to Russias increased military activity in the area and its proposal to renew a long-suspended military dialogue within the eight-nation Arctic Council.

Blinken rejected Russian calls to resume a military component of the Arctic Council and expressed concerns about Russias increasing military activity in the region known as the high North. On Wednesday, in successive meetings with foreign ministers from other Nordic Council members, Blinken repeatedly referred to the importance of continuing to maintain this region as one of peaceful cooperation.

We have concerns about some of the recent military activities in the Arctic, he said. That Increases the dangers of accidents and miscalculations and undermines the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region.

Blinken also took Russia to task for proposing new navigational regulations for the region and decried Lavrov for comments in which he dismissed such criticism because the Arctic is our territory, our land.

We have to proceed all of us, including Russia, based on the rules, based on norms, based on the commitments that weve each made and also avoid statements that undercut those, Blinken said.

Moscow and Washington are also in a bitter dispute over the status of their respective embassies and consulates after the diplomatic expulsions. Russia has given the U.S. until Aug. 1 to get rid of all non-American staff at its diplomatic missions, something the U.S. says will make it nearly impossible for its facilities to function.

___

Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov and Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this report.
Staycations in Connecticut were snapped up quickly for this summer, but one home recently put on the market is like a staycation in and of itself.

Sitting on Bantam Lake, Connecticut's largest natural lake, the a four bedroom, six and a half bathroom home on 10 Evans Passway in Morris was just listed for $4.995 million. Outside the home, there is a rooftop bar, according to the listing, as well as a full outdoor kitchen complete with a pizza oven, a lounge area with a TV, a Gunite infinity pool and spa, a fire pit and a dock with a beach area.

Within the home's 8,700 square feet and 16 rooms, are features that make it "the total party house," according to Brown Harris Stevens associate real estate broker Jill Sloane.

According to the listing, there are two master suites: one upstairs and one on the home's main level. The home also has a movie theater with a high-definition projector, a wine and cigar room and a recreation room with a pool table, the listing notes, as well as a spa with a steam shower, a sauna and an elevator.

For Sloane, the home's decor is also unique.

"One of the things that I think is an amazing feature besides being an adult's Disney World are the hand-painted murals throughout the house," she said. "Not the current owner, but the one prior had someone live at the house for six months to hand paint them."

Take a look inside the home.
Following Googles I/O Keynote on Tuesday, Google released the first Public Beta build for Android 12 and within it, 9to5Google found numerous mentions of four unreleased Pixel devices. Even these models codenames were also revealed within the code.

The following model numbers are specific to Japanese variants of the Pixel 6 and other phones."

G4S1M (Pixel 5a 5G) Barbet

GR1YH (Pixel 6 family) Oriole

GF5KQ (Pixel 6 family) Raven

GPQ72 (Pixel foldable) Passport

Its interesting to note that Google has been using fish species as codenames for all its Pixel devices and early Nexus devices as well. Given that three of the four codenames are now bird species, it may signify that Google is expecting a significant change with the new Pixels or maybe its running out of fish names.

As 9to5Google reports, the existence of a new foldable Pixel is purely speculation at this point. The report refers back to an unreleased version of the Pixel 4 with 5G connectivity codenamed Needlefish that was spotted as early as 2019 and even found in the recent build of Android 12 Beta, but this device never made it to production. While the mention of Passport is exciting, it does not necessarily guarantee that such a device would ever arrive to market.

Weve actually seen all four of these codenames all the way back in August 2020. An internal document that leaked mentioned these same four codenames which swirled up speculation that Google was working to release a foldable device. As revealed from a related report, one of these Pixel devices may have a 6.67-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate.

Source
Yesterday Samsung shared a demo video of its display advancementsand one of the concepts it showcased was a rollable unit. As we all know, concepts not always make it to the real-world, but a new trademark granted by EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office), Samsung might be taking this one very seriously.

The company trademarked the Z Roll name, signaling its commitment to the project. The document also suggests that the Z Roll will support S-Pen. Perhaps it's too optimistic to expect Samsung's rollable phone to come out this year but hopefully the next one. It will be interesting to see which company releases its version of a rollable phone first. Oppo and TCL have showed prototypes while LG was the closest, but its exit from the smartphone market meant that project was scrapped.

Source | Via (in Dutch)
Bradford, MN (55008)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 89F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, with mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 58F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.




Haiti - FLASH : Haiti accepts AstraZeneca vaccine proposed by WHO





Haiti, one of the 92 low-income countries to have FREE access to vaccines against Covid-19, has finally accepted the vaccine from the Anglo-Swedish laboratory AstraZeneca offered as a donation by the World Health Organization (WHO) via the Covax program, as confirmed by the co-president of the Multisectoral Commission for the management of Covid-19, Dr. Jean William Pape "Yes, Haiti has accepted" stressing that Haiti had never refused to use this vaccine but that the Ministry of Health preferred a single-dose injectable vaccine like that of the Johnson & Johnson laboratories https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33448-haiti-health-the-minister-of-health-wants-another-vaccine-than-astrazeneca.html . Note that Dr. Pape had declared himself in favor of this vaccine and wished that the Government reconsider its decision https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33702-haiti-covid-19-dr-pape-wants-the-government-to-reconsider-its-position-on-the-astrazeneca-vaccine.html



A confirmation that comes after Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced that President Jovenel Moise had informed the WHO that Haiti would accept this vaccine, the day after a statement from the Head of State, alarmed by a significant rebound of Covid-19 in the country (+454 new cases the first two weeks of May, with a more marked increase in the second week).



The Ministry of Public Health addressed a letter to GAVI, the Geneva-based public-private vaccine alliance that runs the COVAX program with WHO confirming that Haiti has agreed to receive the vaccine doses available for Haiti.



Recall that last April, Haiti had "refused" the offer of the WHO to provide an initial donation of 760,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33423-haiti-flash-haiti-refuses-a-donation-of-756-000-doses-of-the-who-astrazeneca-vaccine.html for fear that the population will reject it after the bad press orchestrated around this vaccine in Europe due to some rare case of atypical thrombosis which would be linked to this vaccine (which is not the only one concerned).



Find out more about COVAX :

Covax is an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) is the result of an extraordinary and unique global collaboration, with more than two-thirds of the world engaged (Governments, World Health Organizations, laboratories, scientists, the private sector, civil society and philanthropy), with the aim of providing innovative and equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines regardless of people's wealth.



COVAX has the largest and most diverse portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines in the world, and as such represents the world's best hope for an early end to this pandemic.



So far COVAX has shipped more than 36 million doses of vaccine to 86 countries as of April 5, according to the UN spokesperson.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33715-haiti-flash-the-brazilian-and-english-variants-detected-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33702-haiti-covid-19-dr-pape-wants-the-government-to-reconsider-its-position-on-the-astrazeneca-vaccine.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33656-haiti-covid-19-haiti-is-still-not-ready-to-receive-vaccines.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33473-haiti-covid-19there-is-no-crisis-between-the-who-and-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33495-haiti-covid-19-the-refusal-of-the-astrazeneca-vaccine-donation-could-cost-haiti-millions-of-dollars.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33448-haiti-health-the-minister-of-health-wants-another-vaccine-than-astrazeneca.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33423-haiti-flash-haiti-refuses-a-donation-of-756-000-doses-of-the-who-astrazeneca-vaccine.html



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : 2nd version of the preliminary draft of the new Constitution





The Independent Advisory Committee (CCI) for the development of the draft of the new Constitution has made available the second version of the text of the preliminary draft of the new constitution of Haiti.



Since January 29, 2021, date of the presentation of the first draft of the preliminary draft of the new constitution https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32926-haiti-flash-preliminary-draft-of-the-constitution-official-full-text.html , the CCI has embarked on the important work of collecting and analyzing the largest number of comments and proposals produced in relation to the draft constitutional text. For this, the Committee organized several citizen meetings which allowed more than 1,550 people to express themselves directly on the content of the first version of the preliminary draft of the new constitution.



For the development of this new version, the Committee analyzed the various comments and contributions produced by more than 150 community organizations, women, young people, students, traders, people with reduced mobility, among other actors of Haitian society who saw behind this process an opportunity to endow the country with a new constitution. In order to provide a second version of the document commensurate with the public debate, the members of the CCI also studied the various recommendations conveyed in the press and on social networks.



The revision of the text contains important modifications which, while proposing a new political system, strengthen the independence of the public authorities and the democratic achievements of the amended 1987 constitution. Indeed, the changes go in the direction of strengthening and independence of the judiciary which will have as a fundamental basis the recruitment of judges by public competition. Also, a redefinition of the composition of the Constitutional Court is now proposed, with the aim of being able to count with a body capable of resolving in a balanced way the conflicts linked to the interpretation of the fundamental law.



In the same spirit, a revision was carried out with regard to the immunity of elected officials a way, according to the text, to guarantee a balance between the functions and responsibilities of the latter, which, if necessary, will have to respond for their acts before the High Court of Justice.



Finally, the new text puts in place new guidelines aimed at protecting democracy, through a more independent Permanent Electoral Council (CEP) and an Electoral Tribunal capable of examining and resolve electoral challenges.



At the end of the many meetings held over the past three months, the CCI allows itself to congratulate all those who contribute, directly or indirectly, to this collective effort carried out in the best interests of all Haitians.



Aware of the scale of the challenge, the CCI remains open to comments and invites all Citizens to read this new version of the preliminary draft, to share it, and to produce recommendations on the text that will be proposed during of the referendum, scheduled for June 27.



Download the second version of the preliminary draft of the new constitution (Creole and French PDF) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/18052021_2AVANTPROJET.pdf



Download the first version of the preliminary draft of the new constitution (PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/CCI-CONSTITUTION_Projet-de-Constitution-2-fevrier-2021-20h00.pdf



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Agriculture : Minister Severe supports the private poultry sector





Wednesday 19 May 2021, in order to inquire about the problems faced by agricultural businesses, Patrix Severe the Minister of Agriculture, accompanied by Dr Haim Corvil Joseph Coordinator of the Health Protection Unit, Maxene Estime Advisor in animal production and several other officials of the ministry paid a visit to officials of Haiti Broilers in Lafiteau, a company that operates in poultry production.



The Minister spoke with Company Director Carl-Eric Staco about the challenges and opportunities related to this sub-sector. It was notably a question of the availability of raw materials for the production of feed for laying hens and broilers, agricultural credit, technical constraints related to poultry production in Haiti, the impact of the pandemic and the rate changes on production.



Carl-Eric Staco, pointed out several obstacles to the development of poultry production in the country, among others, the cost of raw materials which continues to rise on the international market, the instability of the exchange rate and access to credit with the Haitian banking system.



Showing himself very sensitive to what is happening in the agricultural sector, the Minister reassured the entrepreneur, affirming that it is possible to produce in the country, in particular at the level of the Plain of Les Cayes and in the department of the Artibonite the 20 tons of corn needed for food production and he promises to do everything to achieve it.



The Minister's idea is to achieve a kind of complicity between the State and production companies, stressing that the role of the State is to create the conditions to stimulate the development and growth of private companies with a view to an effective revival of the agricultural sector.



This meeting also aimed to encourage agricultural entrepreneurs to continue on this path with a view to achieving food sovereignty in Haiti. Stressing that poultry production is one of the main branches of activity in the agricultural sector, Minister Severe said he was determined to support poultry farmers, a sub-sector that provides jobs, which could contribute not only to the creation of wealth in the country, but also to the reduction of the deficit of the country's trade balance which continues to increase.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Korean Movie | 2021

 Action  Crime

Directed by Kim Sang-min ()

Written by Kim Sang-min ()

99min | Release date in South Korea: 2021/06/03

Synopsis

No one involved in this matter is forgiven!



Jeong-woo, who grew up with Han-na under their adoptive mother, goes abroad to contribute to a difficult family environment.



However, after hearing the news of the death of his adoptive mother in a hit-and-run traffic accident, he returns to Korea, and found out that Cheol-jin, a member of the local organization Taechangpa, and former classmate of Han-na was involved.



Meanwhile, Taechangpa joined hands with the Japanese yakuza organization to expand its power. They kidnapped Han-na to catch Jeong-woo, who was tightening them up. This makes Jeong-woo even angrier.



The anger of a man who lost everything explodes!
Published on 2021/05/19 | Source

tvN's "Mouse: The Last Mouse" has been scheduled.

tvN's Wednesday-Thursday drama "Mouse" said on the 19th, "To repay the viewers' enthusiastic support for the past three months, we decided to offer some kind of comfort for the end of the show".

Hosted by broadcaster Do Kyung-wan, "Mouse: The Last Mouse" features six main characters, including Lee Seung-gi, Lee Hee-jun, Park Ju-hyun, Kyung Soo-jin, Ahn Jae-wook and Jo Jae-yun, revealing their unpublished stories during filming and feelings for each other.

Above all, the actors said they made extraordinary efforts to play the mystery thriller "Mouse", which has a particularly complicated narrative and numerous clues.

In the recent recording, a warm-up game that requires individual actors' wit and speed, was followed by various quizzes and talk corners to gauge the actors' affection for their work, as well as the Hunter Awards, a very special award ceremony that can only be seen in "Mouse: The Last Mouse".

In addition, 60 minutes will be filled with fruitful and rich contents, including famous lines and favorite scenes chosen by the actors themselves and another extra ending of "Mouse".

The final episode of "Mouse" aired at 10:30PM on the 19th. "Mouse: The Last Mouse" will then air at 10:30PM on the 20th.
If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE access to our online edition. Thanks for reading the Wharton Journal Spectator.
A Senate panel voted Wednesday to give themselves and their colleagues a big increase in their allowance  and do it as soon as possible.

You voted:
Volunteers plant trees Wednesday in Optimist Park in celebration of Arbor Day and of Havre's 31st year as a Tree City USA. It was the second year in a row area second graders, who normally participate, were not able to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In recognition of Arbor Day and to celebrate Havre being a part of Tree City USA for 31 years, the City of Havre Parks and Recreation Department hosted its annual tree planting event Wednesday at Pepin Park.

Tree City USA is a program that was designed to teach communities how to plant trees and how to build their forests in their cities.

Havre Parks and Recreation Director Chris Inman said she thought the event was an overall success. However, due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the event took place without the participation of local second grade students for the second year in a row.

Inman told Havre Daily News at last year's event that, typically, the second graders would plant their trees in milk jugs, grow them, plant them and then it was their choice, once the trees got big enough, if they wanted to donate them back to the city.

"It's just unfortunate that we can't meet and greet the kids and, and give them a little education about trees and how to grow trees and how to water them and take care of them and how to replant them," Inman said today. "You know, because we want to eventually get all those trees back into our community, back into our forest. Trees are a huge part of our world, obviously, and we'd like to educate those young kids on trees and how to take care of them."

Student participation was removed from the event in order to limit the number of people gathered, keeping in line with COVID-19 precautions.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson

"We had to social distance and do all that. We just felt that we didn't have the capabilities of doing that again, as well, because it's not only the second graders from our town, but you know, Rocky Boy comes in and Box Elder and the Hi-Line, all the surrounding schools come in with a huge event at Pepin Park that we do every year," Inman said.

In light of not having this element of this event, an alternative plan was made.

"We had members from the Coca-Cola company show up and the Turf Committee, and our parks department was there, and we planted the tree and everybody gave a helping hand, and it was great," Inman said
Press release

Independence Bank has announced the promotion of Elizabeth Chellis to assistant operations and Bank Security Act - BSA - officer.

Chellis joined the Independence Bank team in 2019 as a new accounts representative.

In this position, she will assist management in all operational functions at Independence Bank. As part of her new role, she has completed the requirements to become a certified BSA/AML professional. This certification verifies her understanding of the requirements of each segment in the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money-laundering laws and also ensures that she possess the knowledge required to manage the BSA/AML function of the bank.

In addition, Chellis recently received her certification as a national check professional. This designation ensures an expert level of understanding in the current check payments landscape which will continue to provide lasting value for our customers and for our employees.

Both certifications recognize her commitment to the areas of payment operations and risk exposure for the bank.

"We are pleased to see Liz move into this new phase of her career with Independence Bank," said Vice President of Oeprations Joanna Skiff. "This is a good fit for Liz and for the bank, as she is able to combine her past banking experience and her desire for on-going professional growth, to help the bank succeed in this rapidly changing environment."

Chellis hails from the Pacific Northwest and has worked in the financial industry since 2002, with experience in retail banking, operations and risk management as well as others.

Chellis said she relocated to Havre five years ago and enjoys filling her free time with books, family and exploring all that her new home has to offer.
Nancy Gierke poses in front of the Town Pump deli section. Gierke recently retired as manager of the deli after working for Town Pump for 35 years.

After 35 years of service to Town Pump and the community, the now-former Deli Manager Nancy Gierke has retired.

Gierke most recently worked at Town Pump's Havre location. She had been with the company since the mid-1980s, having worked at multiple locations over that course of time.

"My husband and I leased in Conrad and Missoula and Superior before actually going to work for the company. I went to work in 1986. My husband was a part of my journey in this and I've seen the old buildings torn down and the new ones come up. When we moved to Havre in 1990, they said that that store was the Cadillac store in the state," Gierke said.

She said the Havre Town Pump location was originally a small A-frame building and that employees didn't work in the building itself, which she was grateful for because she said it was claustrophobic.

Gierke said the location has undergone several changes since then and she has been glad to be a part of the company's growth over the years.

"It's amazing. I was working in the deli. Customers would ask me 'Do you have this or that?' And I wouldn't even know because it was so big. And I would have to find somebody to find out myself if we had this or that," Gierke said.

"It's been exciting to watch it. We've had our ups and downs as businesses do. COVID this last year was pretty darn scary. But, you know, we got through it and have seen some increase in business, which really kind of blows my mind because of the quarantines and all that. But, yeah, it's been exciting," she added.

Gierke said she stayed with the company for so long after meeting Town Pump's original owner, Tom Kenneally Sr. She cited his genuinely caring nature as the biggest factor.

"He was a real genuine person and would always shake the employees' hands and talk to each of them individually," she said. "You know, so I knew he cared about the people working for him. And that's mainly what has kept me there."

Gierke said since Kenneally died - he died of natural causes Aug. 16, 2013, at age 88 - that same caring nature extends to the rest of his family, the current owners.

"When I retired, I got several phone calls from our corporate office, including Jim Kenneally. They always asked about my husband, even though he no longer worked (for the company), he had been a manager for a while. So they were just a real carrying bunch of people to work for," Gierke said.

Bill McGladdery of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation called Gierke an "amazing woman." She was well known for being a part of the annual "Be A Friend in Deed, Help Those in Need" campaign to raise money for the Havre Food Bank.

Gierke said that had a special impact for her for the 10 years she was a story manager.

"And so I would hold the company implementer program when it came about, and how I had the pleasure, more than once of getting the check from the corporate office and presenting that to the bank," she said. "And what a good feeling that was, you know, to be able to help where it's needed."

Gierke also supported Special Olympics Montana every year through the sale of raffle tickets. Even though she is retired now, she still supports Special Olympics Montana by buying raffle tickets herself.

Gierke's final day on the job was May 6. She said her immediate plans include fishing, camping and helping her son with a project, but she is looking for more things to do.

"I'm going to miss my fellow employees and my customers. I already missed them. I think about them a lot. I'm going to have to find something else to keep me busy because I'm finding I'm not just a sit around type girl," she said.
Perry County Commonwealths Attorney Scott Blair recently announced the launch of a zero tolerance/anti-fentanyl campaign in response to a large increase in fentanyl-related deaths and overdoses in the area. This week, Blair and state Rep. Chris Fugate spoke about a bill to support the campaign and call for heavier convictions in fentanyl related cases.

Blair said he believes fentanyl has been here for a while, but has just started becoming a large problem recently.

Fentanyl has exploded here. It has gotten to the point now were losing, as of Tuesday (May 11), I talked to Chief Allen and they had four overdoses Tuesday, one of which was fatal, said Blair. In the community theres been an overwhelming number of fentanyl-related deaths and overdoses. We see different trends in drugs and none of them are good, but this one was something that just seemed pressing and seemed like it had the potential to really get out of control even more than what weve seen other stuff get out of control.

The drug, he said, is coming from north of Kentucky.

As far as here, I think there was a lot of this  basically I know there was a lot of issues up in Dayton and Cincinnati and some cities north of here that sort of started it. I really wasnt aware of how big it was until we had the case over in Gorman Hollow and that sort of opened my eyes, said Blair. It hadnt really been put front and center here until that happened, he said. The campaign, said Blair, is his response to the recent increase of fentanyl related overdoses and deaths that have continually followed that incident in Gorman Hollow in early March.

On March 4, the Hazard Police Department received a call in Gorman Hollow claiming that there were three suspected overdoses in one apartment with a fourth individual needing medical assistance. Upon arrival, said HPD officials, three individuals were deceased and the fourth individual was transported to ARH. In addition to those initial responses, HPD officials said they had at least eight or nine further calls within a 24-hour period regarding overdoses in Hazard that did not result in death. During one of those calls to respond to an overdose on Baker Avenue, two HPD officers  Jessica Cornett and Jimmy Perkins  became ill while processing the substances found at the overdose site and had to receive medical attention at ARH. Both officers were released several hours after being admitted to the emergency room.

Since then, said Blair, the fentanyl related overdoses and deaths have continued to grow in the area.

It seemed that once that happened it was  I know it was here before  but it just started getting here in a big way, said Blair. Theres more cases probably coming this week that will have it too.

Part of the problem, said Blair, is that fentanyl is being trafficked more, and is also being laced into other substances, so some users may potentially not be aware they are ingesting it until it is too late. The growing problem, he said, was weighing on his mind and kept him up at night, so he knew he had to think of a way to fight fentanyl use.

You feel helpless in a situation like this. I just think we stand to lose a whole lot more people than weve already lost and its scary, he said.

Because of this, said Blair, he wanted to start the zero tolerance/anti-fentanyl campaign to show people that the use of fentanyl will not be tolerated in Perry County.

One goal, which is to save lives. Under that there is zero tolerance then theres getting out the information to the people addicted to this stuff, said Blair. I want them to know when they buy drugs  even from marijuana not just heroin and the big drugs  its in that.

Fugate is in the process of drafting a bill that will support Blairs campaign.

The bill well draft is a bill that will require anybody thats convicted of trafficking in fentanyl, and not just fentanyl  marijuana laced with fentanyl, pills that have fentanyl pressed in them, anything that has a derivative of fentanyl in it  the bill will mandate that they serve 85 percent of the time rather than 50 percent of the time, said Fugate. We want the people who are trafficking and killing our people to be held accountable.

Blair said his office would not offer any plea deals in fentanyl related cases that do not include a substantial about of jail time to be served.

If you get caught trafficking fentanyl youre going to go to jail, thats all there is to it. Theres not going to be any plea offers made that dont include significant jail time, said Blair. I dont know how much it will contribute to the fight against drugs in general, but its something I just cant look at people in the eye and not know Ive done my best to try to save the people.

I appreciate our commonwealth attorneys really aggressiveness on this because if there is a zero tolerance for fentanyl then that puts a message out that our county, and really should be the state, were not going to tolerate fentanyl. If you bring fentanyl to Kentucky, especially our part in the mountains, youre going to serve some time for it, said Fugate.

Fentanyl, said Fugate, is a danger not only to the users, but also the first responders and local law enforcement agencies.

Really its not just a danger to those who are doing it; its a danger to our EMS workers, its a danger to our police officers and those that respond. Being a police officer back in the day wed get a call and wed rush in and take care of stuff, said Fugate, stating that when he served in the KSP there was not as much danger to exposure then. The fentanyl is different. You cant just rush in and start gathering stuff up, youve got to take all precautions, he said.

Through the campaign, Blair said he has been in contact with local schools, churches and all local law enforcement agencies so they can utilize a united front approach to promote education and other measures. 

Here were all like a family, said Blair. I like to touch base with the churches, the schools and find out whats going on. With all these other people together we are strong.

I just want to do everything I can to fight that. If we can put information out there that might help people make a decision that would save a life or keep this fentanyl out of here where people couldnt get it  if one person doesnt die from this its all worth it, Blair said. I feel it incumbent upon me for whatever influence I have in my little part of the world to make as much of a difference (as I can). Thats how we make a difference, we act locally.
Chief Justice Minton announced May 19 that the state court system is ending most COVID-19 related restrictions. The news comes in the wake of the Centers for Disease Controls latest guidance for fully vaccinated individuals.

After the most challenging year in the history of the modern court system, I am pleased to announce that the Supreme Court has lifted most of the COVID-19 restrictions for employees, elected officials and those entering court facilities across the commonwealth, Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. announced today in an internal communication to justices, judges, circuit court clerks and court personnel. I am grateful to all of you for the perseverance and commitment to safety that allows us to begin transitioning back to normal operations for the Kentucky Court of Justice.

On May 19, the Supreme Court entered two administrative orders that eliminate most of the health and safety requirements related to COVID-19 and further expand in-person court operations. Administrative Order 2021-16 replaces Administrative Order 2021-06 in its entirety and Administrative Order 2021-17 replaces Administrative Order 2021-07 in its entirety.

Administrative Order 2021-16, Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Health and Safety Requirements:

 Allows in-person access to court facilities for any individual with business before the courts, except those who have symptoms of, have tested positive for, or have been exposed to COVID-19.

 Eliminates the mask requirement for fully vaccinated members of the public entering court facilities and fully vaccinated KCOJ elected officials and employees.

 Strongly encourages continued use of masks by members of the public and KCOJ elected officials and employees who are not fully vaccinated.

 Permits judges to require individuals in their courtrooms to wear masks and gives appointing authorities the ability to require the employees they supervise to wear masks in a specific office, courtroom or department.

 Encourages the continued use of remote technology for court proceedings and allows any individual with a scheduled remote hearing to appear remotely.

 Allows judges to conduct in-person court proceedings.

 Allows filings and payments to be made in-person at the local Office of Circuit Court Clerk.

Supreme Court Order 2021-17, Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Court Proceedings:

 Lifts most restrictions on jury trials but requires continuances, postponements and recusals for attorneys, parties and jurors who are ill or at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

 Allows master commissioners to conduct judicial sales remotely or in person with no limitations.

 Retains the July 1, 2021, start date for show cause dockets for payments of fines and court costs.

 Suspends night traffic courts in Jefferson County until further notice.

Questions or concerns regarding these orders can be emailed to COVIDCourtConcerns@kycourts.net.
Elections board appeals after county blocks hazard pay

Elections Board Chair Charlie Medd gestures as he describes the boards attempt to get hazard pay for elections employees.

After Henderson County commissioners blocked $16,000 in hazard pay for elections board employees, Charles Charlie Medd declared that the Elections Board would appeal.



A retired Navy captain, Medd quoted John Paul Joness response to a British ship seeking his surrender in 1779: I have not yet begun to fight.

Medd broke the news of the decision by the commissioners at an Elections Board meeting two weeks ago. The disputed bonus money is part of a $5 million appropriation

of federal CARES Act money through the state Legislature to prevent,prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic during the 2020 federal election. County elections board were able to apply for hazard pay for elections board employees.

The Henderson County Elections Board submitted a request for $16,000, originally seeking $13,500 for six fulltime employees and $500 each for the five Elections Board members. (The request was subsequently reduced to $13,360 to account for withholding taxes.) The state Board of Elections granted the request and sent the money to Henderson County.

The state Board of Elections writes no checks other than the one check to the county for hazard pay, Medd said, meaning the Board of Commissioners had to agree to

give the money to the elections employees and board members. After discussing the request in a closed meeting on April 21, commissioners said no.

It is our position that these funds, if appropriated by the state, should be sent directly to the Elections Board and/or the staff, County Commission Chair Bill Lapsley wrote in a letter to Medd the next day. The Commission does not support any hazard pay compensation to one small group of County employees out of the total County staff.

Medd said he checked a second time with state Board of Elections and was told the board had no ability to send the money to the local Elections Board directly. At the May 4 meeting, Medd asked for and got the boards support to appeal the countys denial of the hazard pay request.

We need to answer this letter, he said. I don't want this item to go cold. I want to keep this on the front burner. The board divided up counties in Western North Carolina to see how they had handled the CARES Act request.

What were doing right now is we are phoning the other counties to find out, one, did they receive hazard pay. If they did, what were the steps that they used, thats where we are right now, Medd said in an interview Monday. Once they find out what other counties

have done, the board will draft a response and send it the county commissioners.

The new request wont include $500 apiece for board members.

We withdrew, Medd said. We said were not going to ask for hazard pay. We want the staff to get it. I thought if we got out of the fight it would be better for the staff to receive it.

The proposed bonuses included $4,175 for elections director Karen Hebb, $1,670 for two deputies and $1,252 for three employees, though the amounts would be slightly more when the amount originally set aside for the board was distributed instead to the staff.

During the May 4 meeting, Hebb noted that commissioners have been supportive of her department.

The Board of Commissioners has always been wonderful to our office, she said. If we've asked for anything, theyve made our life a lot easier. I don't want to cause

trouble."

She also said the elections process had been challenging last year.

"It was probably one of the hardest elections this county's ever had, to make it fair, honest, fraud proof, she said. We had no reports of anyone getting Covid, we didn't have poll workers get sick, no staffers got sick, none of the board got sick.

Lapsley and Vice Chair Rebecca McCall both said they opposed rewarding one department when many others  including first

responders, public health nurses and other county employees  faced risk doing their jobs during the pandemic. They also said that Medd had excluded them from his request to meet.

He specifically mentioned that he did not want to meet with myself or Bill Lapsley when he initially made that request, McCall said.

Medd described that as a misunderstanding.

I just picked three because that was the majority, he said. I asked if they would give me a call. I just picked those three. I dont know them (Lapsley and McCall). I have nothing against them. I just picked three people  eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

Medd said hes optimistic that commissioners will reconsider and grant the revised hazard pay request. He also wants a joint meeting with both boards to resolve the conflict.

We would like to, he said. Thats going to be in the letter.

I have good feelings, he said.

I think when the letter is finally put together, the commissioners will agree with us.  I think

that once they understand the picture I dont think there will be any problem.
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Huntington, WV (25701)

Today

Cloudy this morning with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early - fog may develop overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Huntington, WV (25701)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early - fog may develop overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Huntington, WV (25701)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early - fog may develop overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
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James Edward Wygal, 69, of Emory, passed away May 30, 2021, at home. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 8, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at his home, which was his sanctuary and his favorite place. Mr. Wygal was
When the snow finally melts in Michigan, we see what weve forgotten in the backyard  a rake leaning on last years pile of leaves, one of the dogs chew toys, and a Frisbee tossed and dropped on one of Novembers last warm days.
Uniontown, PA (15401)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the morning. High 73F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.
(JTA)  A detailed account of one of the earliest American diplomatic voyages to Palestine has surfaced as part of an upcoming auction in Jerusalem.

The account appears in a handwritten letter from one of the passengers of the USS Delaware, a U.S. Navy ship that visited the Mediterranean Sea in 1834 and made a stop at the port town of Jaffa, then under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

Sent from the Spanish island of Menorca and addressed to Circleville, Ohio, the four-page letter describes several historically significant moments in the sailing ships journey, including a stop in Palestine and a visit with the first American diplomat stationed in the region.

According to Kedem Auction House, the letters existence was entirely unknown to scholars who study the history of the Holy Land and U.S. diplomacy in Palestine. The anonymous collector who spotted the letter and realized its importance usually focuses on the history of the Israeli postal service. That person bought the item from another collector who had been holding it as an artifact of relevance for U.S. maritime and postal history.

This letter is of great importance to both the history of American Jewry as well as to the history of the State of Israel, Kedem Auction House CEO Meron Eren said in a statement. Its amazing to read, if only to learn about relations between the United States and Palestine at the time.

The passenger who authored the letter, Lewis Woofley, describes traversing much of the Mediterranean on an eastbound route along the coasts of France, Italy and Greece with stops at various islands. Eventually, the sailing ship reached the port of Alexandria in Egypt. Well-versed in the geography of antiquity, Woofley is thrilled at the sight of various ruins, noting locations mentioned in ancient folklore.

An extended stop in Egypt allowed Woofley and other passengers of the USS Delaware to venture inland where they had an encounter with the local ruler, Mohammad Ali. Known today as the founder of Egypt, Ali was busy fashioning a modern nation out of the ancient kingdom when this audience of Western visitors arrived.

We rowed once [sic] the bay to his palace, where we were received by him seated on his divan in one corner of the room, Woofley wrote. He did not rise to meet us, but kept his crossed-legged position reclining his head and motioning us to be seated. Coffee was handed us in fine china goblets resting on golden stands.

During the conversation, the good-natured Pasha, as Woofley refers to him, displayed a charisma that apparently won over his visitors.

The Pasha is one of the most interesting men, in many respects, of the age, Woofley writes. The changes that he has introduced among his subjects, the improvements that he has made and is still carrying on in Egypt are immense.

From Egypt, the ship sailed northeast along the coast until reaching the shores of the Holy Land. This is how excited Woofley was on the morning of arrival, according to the letter: The Holy Land! Palestine! The feelings, the reflections, the ecstasies, you may more readily imagine than I describe.

An American diplomat stationed in Palestine, David Darmon, boarded the ship and briefed the visitors on what conditions to expect when they disembark. Darmon was a French Jew who served as a consular agent, the first American representative in the area. Little is known about him, which makes the discovery of the letter significant.

Woofley was excited to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but Darmon delivered some news that seemed to quash that possibility. Palestine was in an unsettled state. Darmon shared news of bad roads, bandits, and a dangerous plague gripping the area.

What a pity! Woofley writes. After having come so far and being so near to it  Like Moses, we are only to be permitted to see the Promised Land but not to enter it.

Kedem Auction House expects the letter to fetch a price of between $2,000 and $4,000, with the proceeds going to an anonymous seller.
The application deadline for the 2021 Kobrin Family Scholarship has been extended to July 15, 2021.

This college scholarship is awarded to a qualified, full-time student in the Jewish communities of Orange, Osceola or Seminole County who will be attending the University of Central Florida. The scholarship is available in the amount of $2,500 per year for a maximum of four (4) years.

To learn more and apply, visit www.jfsorlando.org/kobrin-family-scholarship. Students should mail their completed applications to JFS Orlando (2100 Lee Road, Winter Park, FL 32789).

If you would like more inform...
WASHINGTON (JTA)  Saying that Israel has a right to defend itself, President Joe Biden has sent his top Israeli-Palestinian negotiator to the region in a bid to deescalate the deepening conflict there.

During a White House news conference Wednesday (May 12) afternoon, Biden said he had just spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and had an expectation and hope that the conflict would end soon.

My national security staff and Defense staff has been in constant contact with their counterparts in the Middle East  not just with the Israelis, but also with everyone fro...
(JNS)  U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, where he double-downed on his unwavering support for Israels security amid more than 1,300 rockets fired on the country from terrorist factions in the Gaza Strip.

According to a read out of the call from the White House, Biden condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Furthermore, it said that the president conveyed his unwavering support for Israels security and for Israels legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians.

It also noted that Biden encouraged a pathway towards restoring a sustainable calm.

He shared his conviction that Jerusalema city of such importance to people of faith from around the worldmust be a place of peace, in reference to the riots earlier this week on the Temple Mount.

Biden also updated Netanyahu on diplomatic efforts with regional partners, including Egypt, Jordan and Qatar, as well as with Palestinian officials.

Prior to the release of the readout, Biden spoke to reporters, stating he hopes that the conflict will end soon.

I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu not too long ago, said Biden. 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.

Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke with Netanyahu as well. He, too, stood by Israels right to protect itself from rocket fire and announced that the United States would be sending Deputy Secretary of State Hady Amr to the region to facilitate efforts to end the conflict.

Since hostilities began on Monday, the Biden administration has continued to back Israels right to self-defense. Nevertheless, some have been arguing that the administration needs to be engaged more in the region and criticized Bidens overtures towards Iran, a key sponsor of Palestinian terrorism.

Congress members, including leaders on both sides of the aisle, have also strongly backed Israels right to self-defense amid the rocket fire. Some progressives in the Democratic Party, however, have been strongly critical of Israels attacks on Gaza and in Jerusalem.
Citibank's logo is seen at Citibank Korea's head office in Seoul, on April 27, when the lender held its first board meeting to discuss an exit strategy to pull out of its retail banking business here. Yonhap



By Lee Min-hyung





Citibank Korea CEO Yoo Myung-soon
Flames rise after an Israeli airstrike on a site of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 11, 2021.

(JNS) - A heavy rocket barrage fired by Gazan terror factions at central Israel killed an Israeli woman in Rishon Letzion and injured more than 20 civilians in multiple locations.

In Holon, eight people were injured and taken to hospital, two in serious condition, said Israeli paramedics. Five civilians sustained light injures in Givatayim, east of Tel Aviv.

"United Hatzalah volunteers treated a bus driver who was seriously injured by a rocket that exploded near his bus in Holon, as well as six other people who suffered light injuries," United Hatzalah emergency service said in a statement....
(JTA)  On Tuesday, Israel found itself fighting what may be another war in Gaza. And American Jews are watching.

Israel and Hamas, the militant group that governs the Gaza Strip, have already traded hundreds of airstrikes and missiles since Monday. Dozens of Palestinians and two Israelis have lost their lives  a number that is likely to rise.

As the eyes of the world turn again to violence in Israel, Jews in the United States will be paying attention and speaking out. During past conflicts, American Jewish groups from across the political spectrum have claimed to represent America...
Heritage Florida Jewish News is accepting nominations for the 2021 Heritage Human Service Award, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando this summer.

For more than 30 years, individuals who have made major, voluntary contributions of their talent, time, energy and effort to the Central Florida community have been honored with the selection and presentation of this award, said Jeff Gaeser, editor and publisher of the Heritage. Last years recipient was Hank Katzen. Former recipients have included Sarah Stern (2017), Howard Lefkowitz (...
(JNS)  The Biden administration has come under withering criticism in the United States and Israel for its poor handling of the current situation in the Middle East. On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price failed to mention Hamas or Islamic Jihad as terrorist organizations targeting Israeli civilians in his statement to the press. Israel has the right to defend itself and to respond to rocket attacks, Price said in his daily briefing. The Palestinian people also have the right to safety and security just as Israelis do.

Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S. policy in the Middle East at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan, told JNS the response so far has been ridiculous.

The American response is the most ridiculous and counterproductive statement any American administration would make on violence initiated by two terror organizations supported by Iran against a U.S. ally, he said, noting the statement included not one word about Hamas or Islamic Jihad.

He continued, saying the Biden administration has missed the context by focusing on Sheikh Jarrah and not on Hamass effort to take over the West Bank, said Gilboa, referring to the neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem where Arab squatters may be forced by Israels Supreme Court to leave the homes they occupy, having been owned by Jews for decades.

This misplaced focus on side issues by the Biden administration encourages the terror organizations, he said. This is a complete repetition of the Obama administration policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as if the same people who served in his administration have never learned anything.

The statements strengthen Hamas and Islamic Jihad and weaken Israel, he stressed.

On a similar note, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed the Biden administration for its poor decision-making and for the continued rocket attacks on Israel.

Biden delayed his call with Israeli leadership and restarted funding to the Palestinian Authority through the U.N.  both signal to Hamas and terrorists in the West Bank that America places less value on our relationship with Israel, Pompeo tweeted on Wednesday.

Gilboa said the United States should encourage Israel to complete the job  not the other way around. This even-handedness is working in favor of the terrorists. The United States is intentionally undermining Israel.

He also noted that the whole Middle East is watching, including Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. This battle has to be won decisively by Israel.

Gilboa also criticized the Biden administrations lack of acknowledgment over Irans direct involvement in the current attacks on Israel. American silence on Irans involvement in Gaza is shocking, he said. They are so eager to sign another nuclear agreement that they dont want to antagonize Iran.

When they make these statements without making a distinction between a U.S. ally and a proxy of Iran, how will this be interpreted in the entire region? he asked.

The essence of the conflict, as Gilboa noted, is about Hamass need to exert itself as the leader of the Palestinians, as well as to remain a threat to the Palestinian Authority.

Were seeing a slow-motion Palestinian war

Speaking with JNS just before Hamas launched its opening salvo at Jerusalem on Monday, Jim Phillips, a senior research fellow for Middle Eastern affairs at the Heritage Foundation, said the Arab riots during Ramadan is Hamass grand strategy in the long run to destroy Israel, but also to undermine the Palestinian Authority by outflanking it.

The Palestinian Authority is a weak and corrupt force that is on its last legs,  he said. Nonetheless, its better to have them there than Hamas in the West Bank.

According to Phillips, Hamas is rejecting the state-based approach for the revolution-to-the-end approach.

He said he supports the security moves Israel has made and emphasized that Israel needs to protect itself first and foremost, and only secondarily focus on responding to the outside world.

Phillips said he believes that Hamas would be sending this message regardless of who is in the White House, but the Biden policy is encouraging these kinds of opportunities to embarrass Israel because Hamas and the Palestinians know there is a chance of driving a wedge between Israel and the United States.

Its going to get a lot messier, said Phillips. Were seeing a slow-motion Palestinian war that could accelerate in the near future.

You have to look at the bigger picture

Efraim Inbar, president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, seems satisfied so far with the Biden administrations response, saying, they support Israels right for self-defense and criticize Hamas launching missiles on civilian targets.

He added, however, that the question remains over how long will it take the progressives to affect the Biden administration.

That could further deteriorate the situation in the Middle East, especially if Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad remain encouraged and motivated by what they see and hear coming out of the White House and the State Department.

Referring to U.S. President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Gilboa said they seem not to understand, or if they do understand, they take the wrong actions and send the wrong messages, which are counterproductive.

You have to look at the bigger picture, he said. They dont see the big picture. They dont make a distinction between a pretext, a marginal issue and the big picture.

All the steps taken by the Biden administration, which include renewing aid to the Palestinian Authority, renewing aid to UNRWA and all of these statements, encourage Hamas and Islamic Jihad to continue terrorism and violence and prevent any prospects for peace, he said.

When it comes to Bidens handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Gilboa is sure of one thing: This is a major test, and he is failing.
WASHINGTON (JTA)  Last year, when AIPAC wanted a Democrat to sponsor the pro-Israel lobbys signature legislative effort, it turned to one of its most reliable partners in the Senate, Chris Coons of Delaware.

Coons contributed to a result the group wanted: having the $3.8 billion in U.S. defense assistance Israel gets each year codified into law.

Yet on Monday, as fighting between Israel and terrorist groups in Gaza escalated, Coons took to Twitter to commit what at an AIPAC conference would certainly elicit boos: He said in specific and hard-hitting language that both sides needed to deescalate the conflict.

Similar tweets by other lawmakers once closely aligned with the powerhouse pro-Israel lobby underscore the trend among Democrats away from uncritical support for Israel that for decades characterized the relationship.

Coons and his staffers, after all, like to call him among Israels strongest allies in the Senate, and in his 11 years in the body he has been a go-to for pro-Israel bills, letters and appearances. He has even pushed back against other Democrats who have asked him to soften his pro-Israel postures.

Thats why the language in his tweet thread stood out.

The barrage of rocket attacks into Israel is an unacceptable escalation that must cease immediately. Actions like this are not consistent with the cause of peace, Coons wrote. I also remain concerned about evictions in East Jerusalem, settlement expansion, and home demolitions, unilateral actions that place a two-state solution further out of reach.

The outbreak of fighting was preceded by violent clashes in Jerusalem between Palestinian and Israeli activists on both sides of Israeli plans to evict Palestinian families from a neighborhood adjacent to the Old City. There have also been violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters.

Coons was not the only Democrat once closely aligned with pro-Israel orthodoxies who was speaking out. In a statement, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York started out by condemning Hamas, as Coons had done. But then the Jewish lawmaker added: I remain deeply concerned by the violence in Jerusalem, including Israeli police violence, and I urge all parties to exercise restraints.

A White House statement delivered Tuesday by spokeswoman Jen Psaki was similarly frontloaded with support for Israels right to self-defense, but also urged Israel to roll back evictions.

U.S. officials in recent weeks have spoken candidly with Israeli officials about how evictions of Palestinian families who have lived for years, sometimes decades in their homes, and how demolitions of these homes work against our common interests in achieving a solution to the conflict, Psaki said.

Some other pro-Israel stalwarts among House Democrats, including Grace Meng of New York and Ted Deutch of Florida, were more muted, but still implied criticism of Israels actions, albeit in a passive voice.

Jerusalems historic importance to multiple faiths must always be respected, particularly amid heightened tensions as events this week hold significant importance to both Israelis and Palestinians, Deutch, who is Jewish, said on Twitter.

A number of Democrats, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada  both Jewish  unequivocally condemned Hamas and defended Israel, as did virtually every Republican who pronounced on the issue.

Its not the first sign of a drift toward Israel criticism in the center. Progressive Democrats who for years have been critical of Israel last week called on Israel to stop the evictions. Joining them was Chris Van Hollen, a relatively moderate senator from Maryland, a state with a substantial Jewish population.
(JNS)  The escalating conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians is one of the first major policy tests for the Biden administration.

Despite U.S. President Joe Bidens hope to shift foreign policy away from the Middle East to deal with threats from China and Russia, it is now being confronted with the difficult reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told JNS that the Biden administration is in a decidedly awkward position right now.

Amid nuclear negotiations that will soon yield the Islamic Republic a massive windfall, the Biden administration is on the cusp of indirectly providing Hamas with the cash it needs to replenish its rocket supplies, he said.

He added that Iran is Hamass key patron. This is not lost on Israel. Nor is it lost on the rest of the region.

Schanzer argued that whatever the Biden administration does next to address the situation will most likely ring hollow.

This does not mean that the administration should completely forego its efforts to minimize the conflict, he said. But it should not expect to be viewed as an impartial authority under the current circumstances.

The Biden administration has so far backed up Israels right to defend itself against as many as 1,300 rockets that have been fired on the Jewish state in recent days. Yet Biden has also attempted to take a different approach to the Middle East than his predecessor, Donald Trump. Bidens administration has focused heavily on re-entering the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and deprioritizing allies in the region like Israel and the Gulf Arab states, which Trump quickly embraced and with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, worked to forge normalization deals, which it did with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco in the form of the Abraham Accords.

Biden hasnt even named an ambassador to Israel yet.

A blow to Israeli and other moderate allies

In a national security brief released by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), the group argues that the Biden administration should continue to condemn rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and support Israels right to defend itself.

The terrorists indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel, including at civilian targets, is a war crime and unrelated to events in Jerusalem. No country in the world, and certainly not the United States, would accept such an intolerable situation, said JINSA President and CEO Michael Makovsky.

The Biden administration should acknowledge these facts and clearly state its support for Israels right to self-defense, he added. Any other U.S. position only incentivizes further terrorist violence, suggesting to Hamas that it can drive a wedge between Jerusalem and Washington, and offering a victory for radicals in the region, and a blow to our Israeli and other moderate allies, as well as the Palestinian people in Gaza, who suffer under Hamas rule.

JINSA said the Biden administration should support de-escalation by working with the Egyptians and Qataris to bring about a ceasefire.

It also urged the Biden administration to swiftly appoint an ambassador to Israel.

President Biden has not appointed an ambassador to Israel yet, which puts a strain on the relationship at a time when Israel needs close support from Washington to fend off international condemnation for its justified actions, said JINSA.

Irans malign behavior needs to be addressed

Indeed, Jason Brodsky, a senior Middle East analyst at Iran International, told JNS that while he thinks it has been important that the Biden administration has been engaging with Israeli leadership and supporting its right to defend itself, he is concerned that the lack of an ambassador to Israel is hampering efforts.

Having a person the president trusts in that position provides an essential link on the ground in these situations, he said.

Reports have indicated that the Biden administration is close to appointing one with former U.S. State Department official Thomas Nides or former congressman Robert Wexler as the frontrunners.

Nevertheless, Brodsky remains concerned about the role Iran is playing to enable the events over the past several days.

He pointed to Palestinian Islamic Jihads use of an Iranian Badr-3 missile: Just yesterday, a video surfaced of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad spokesman thanking the Axis of Resistance, headed by Iran, for the addition of the Badr-3.

Likewise, he said that the conflict once again highlights how Irans dangerous behavior in the Middle East cannot be overlooked.

These developments, which arent new, are nonetheless a reminder that despite the nuclear negotiations taking place in Vienna, Irans non-nuclear malign behavior needs to be addressed and not put on the back-burner in order to revive the nuclear deal, said Brodsky.

He added that it also demonstrates why relieving terrorism sanctions on Irans Central Bank in exchange for a mere re-entry into an old deal is a dangerous proposition.
UPDATE: Israels announcement of a ground operation in Gaza may have been intended to misdirect Hamas militants. While the Israeli army bombarded Gaza on Thursday, the army later clarified that troops did not enter the territory.

(JTA)  Israels army unleashed a wider military attack on Gaza Thursday night, inaugurating a new phase in a conflict that has claimed dozens of lives in the last several days.

The war has already reached several milestones in a region accustomed to conflict. Hamas, the terrorist group that controls Gaza, has sent more than 1,000 rockets into Israel, straini...
In the wake of a barrage of 250 missiles launched from Gaza into Israel, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin invited citizens from the Gaza envelope (periphery) area and greater southern Israel to his official Jerusalem residence, Beit Hanasi.

Dear families, groups of children and adults from the Gaza envelope and the areas under missile attack, you are invited to the Presidents House to enjoy the educational and experiential tours of the visitor center. The Presidents House will provide extra tours to help relieve your tension and give respite for residents of the south until li...
(JTA)  Among the findings of the Pew Research Centers new survey of American Jews is one that has become increasingly self-evident in recent years: Orthodox Jews in the U.S. overwhelmingly affiliate with the Republican Party.

According to the newest study, 75 percent of Orthodox Jews surveyed said they were Republicans or leaned Republican. In 2013, the last year in which Pew conducted a survey of American Jews, 57 percent of Orthodox Jews said they were Republicans or leaned Republican.

The Pew survey was conducted between Nov. 19, 2019 and June 3, 2020, a period of dramatic polariza...
(JNS)  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) rebuked U.S. President Joe Biden over his statement supporting Israels right to defend itself amid escalating violence with Hamas, accusing the president of siding with occupation.

Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, letting him know that Israel has the unwavering support of the United States to defend itself.

I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu not too long ago, said the president. My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later, but Israel has a...
A man enters the Morgan Stanley building in New York in this 2007 file photo. AP-Yonhap



By Park Jae-hyuk



Morgan Stanley's recent remarks on the lifting of the short-selling ban here is raising doubts about a possible "hidden intention," as its analysis, that could threaten those investing in the healthcare and software sectors, may bring some benefits to the U.S. investment bank itself.



In its report on the Korean market titled, "Climbing the Wall of Expectations," Morgan Stanley wrote in bold letters that healthcare and software, which were among the sub-sectors to "avoid," have been hit hard by the lifting of the ban on the investment method that bets on the falling price of a stock.



Although the financial firm added that the measure has not impacted the market at the "index level" and that the proportion of short-selling trading volume in the first two weeks after the lifting of the ban was lower than the historical average, the overall tone of the report was quite skeptical.



Projecting short-selling trading volume to rise gradually, Morgan Stanley noted foreign inflows look uncertain despite the lifting of the ban.



"Foreign investor inflows should be the difference-maker, but for the second half in 2021, we believe that macro and emerging market fund flow conditions may not be so conducive for foreign inflows to pick up," it said. "We believe it is highly unlikely for the National Pension Service to increase its allocation weighting on domestic equities when they formulate their five-year strategic asset allocation plan in May and in June."



The U.S. firm's outlook can be interpreted by retail investors here as an attempt to encourage more short-selling on the Seoul bourse, although foreign investment banks have denied any hidden intention behind their reports and emphasized that its research and sales arms are separate.



Considering the fact that Morgan Stanley has been one of the largest beneficiaries of the nation's short-selling system, however, it is difficult to just ignore such speculation.



According to data from the Financial Supervisory Service given to Rep. Park Yong-jin of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, Morgan Stanley's Seoul office ranked third in terms of short-selling commissions between 2014 and 2020.



It earned 56.8 billion won ($50 million), following Credit Suisse (86.7 billion won) and Merrill Lynch (59 billion won).



After the lifting of the short-selling ban, Morgan Stanley disclosed its "large short-selling balance" in 10 new companies on the Korean stock market between May 3 and 15, making the disclosure most frequently among foreign brokerages during the first two weeks after the lifting of the ban. The Korea Exchange requires financial institutions to make such disclosures, if they hold at least a 0.5 percent short-selling balance of a listed firm's total outstanding shares.


JFS Orlando's Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry began receiving food donations once again from Sprouts Farmers Market at Winter Park Corners.

For the majority of last year, all food donation pick-ups from grocery partners were suspended due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the absence of these grocer donations, JFS Orlando purchased additional food from Second Harvest Food Bank, https://www.restaurantji.com/fl/orlando/second-harvest-food-bank-of-central-florida-/ which allowed them to continue providing food assistance when the need was at its highest. In 2020, the Pantry saw an increase of nearly double the number of households it usually serves and provided food for approximately 189,000 meals to individuals and families across Central Florida.

"With food pick-ups from Sprouts starting up again, the Pantry will now be fully stocked with a wider variety of food, including more fresh produce, meats, and prepared meals," said Audrey Cohen, JFS Orlando program coordinator.

Food pick-ups from grocery partners, including Sprouts Farmers Market, is provided through Second Harvest Food Bank's Grocery Alliance program.

For more information on JFS Orlando and its other programs, visit http://www.JFSorlando.org or follow them on social media @JFSorlando.

If you would like more information about JFS Orlando's Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry, please contact Heather Petrusky, assistant director, at Heather.Petrusky@JFSorlando.org or 407-644-7593, ext. 287.
(JNS)  With Israel coming under the fire of more than 1,300 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, many U.S. lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have vocalized their support for Israel. As to be expected, some in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party harshly criticized Israels response.

Three Muslim lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives released a joint statement characterizing the violence Monday as attacks on Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

We are horrified by the violent assault by Israeli forces on the Al-Aqsa mosque and the continued violent...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and Defense Minister Benny Gantz at the weekly Cabinet meeting, at Jerusalem City Hall, May 9, 2021.

(JTA) - In the seven years since the last war in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have repeatedly come close to reigniting the conflict.

But the peace on the Gaza border has largely held - until this week. Since the end of Israel's last major offensive in the summer of 2014, there has been unrest in Jerusalem and elsewhere, terror attacks across Israel and protests on the Gaza border that turned deadly.

Many of the tensions that have bubbled up in recent weeks between Israelis and Palestinians are not new. They have surfaced time and again in recent years. But whenever Israel and Hamas, the milit...
The Guardian says supporting the pro-Zionist Balfour Declaration in 1917 was a mistake

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  In an article about its worst errors of judgment from its 200-year history, a Guardian writer implied that the storied British papers editorial support of the Balfour Declaration of 1917  the then-British foreign ministers approval of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine  was a mistake.

The Guardian of 1917 supported, celebrated and could even be said to have helped facilitate the Balfour declaration, editorial writer Randeep Ramesh wrote in the article published Friday.

Whatever else can be said, Israel today is not the country the Guardian foresaw or would have wanted, he added, arguing that the Guardians editor at the time, Charles Prestwich Scott, was ignorant about Palestinian rights.

Like many news organizations, the Guardian is reckoning with the ways its past coverage may have offended certain groups, and how some of it is now seen as on the wrong side of history. Other examples Ramesh mentions include the papers support of the Confederacy during the Civil War and its opinions on voting rights before women were allowed to vote.

The Balfour Declaration, in which the United Kingdom committed itself to creating a national home for Jews in lands it controlled and today comprise the territories of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, was an important milestone for the Zionist movement.

Pakistani movie star Veena Malik tweets Hitler quote about killing Jews in response to Israel-Gaza violence

By Gabe Friedman

(JTA)  Veena Malik, an actress who has starred in over a dozen Pakistani and Bollywood films and shows, tweeted a series of incendiary remarks about the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, including a quote by Adolf Hitler about killing Jews.

I would have killed all the Jews of the world  but I kept some to show the world why I killed them, Malik tweeted Tuesday.

She also tweeted #IronDome is doomed with a laughing emoji, referencing Israels missile defense system, which has been overwhelmed by rockets fired from Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

By Wednesday afternoon, all of the tweets were gone from her account. The only remaining one about the conflict was a retweet of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan urging the international community to take immediate action to protect the Palestinian people and their rights.

Malik, 37, a former comedian and sex symbol, has won honors from Pakistani awards shows for her acting performances over the past two decades.

Six Israelis and at least 53 Palestinians in Gaza have died from rockets fired by both sides. Hamas initiated the conflict in the wake of weeks of Palestinian protests across Israel during Ramadan.

Follow the latest on the violence here.

Senior Hamas official calls on Arabs of Jerusalem to cut off the heads of the Jews

(MEMRI via JNS)  Hours before clashes in Jerusalem that resulted in 17 injured police officers and more than 200 wounded rioters, a senior Hamas official made a public call for the Arab residents of Jerusalem to go out and murder Jews.

In a video aired on Hamass Al-Aqsa TV on May 7, Hamas Political Bureau member and former Hamas Interior Minister Fathi Hammad urged people to cut off the heads of the Jews, demonstrating with his hands how to begin by severing the artery.

Buy a knife, sharpen it, put it there, and just cut off [their heads]. It costs just five shekels. With those five shekels, you will humiliate the Jewish state, he said.

He went on to say that the Jews have spread corruption and acted with arrogance, and that their moment of reckoning had come.

The moment of their destruction by your hand has arrived, he said.

The U.S. State Department designated Hammad as a terrorist in 2016.

This article was first published by the Middle East Media Research Institute.

Biden sends letter to Abbas addressing current situation between Israelis, Palestinians

(JNS)  U.S. President Joe Biden sent a letter to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas about escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinians.

President Mahmoud Abbas received today a letter from U.S. President Joe Biden, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported. The letter dealt with the latest political developments, current situations and bilateral relations between the United States and the State of Palestine.

It reportedly came as a response to one that Abbas had sent Biden congratulating him on his election win earlier this year.

The letter was delivered by George Noll, chief of the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the U.S. embassy in Israel.

The correspondence between Biden and Abbas appears to be part of the Biden administrations efforts to restore ties with the P.A. Last month, the U.S. sent aid to the Palestinians to help with COVID-19 relief ad to UNRWA, the U.N. agency that works with Palestinian refugees. Biden has also pledged to reopen the PLO mission in Washington, D.C.

The outreach, however, comes at an uncertain time amid violence within the last month. Rioting in Jerusalem and in Arab neighbors inside of Israel, as well as hundreds of rockets being fired on the Jewish state Israel from the Gaza Strip, leaves the possibility of peace between the two sides as far apart as ever.

The United States has defended Israels right to self-defense and has condemned the loss of life on both sides, urging calm.

Democrats prompt Biden to reopen PLO office, consulate in eastern Jerusalem

(JNS)  A group of Senate Democrats is urging the Biden administration to follow through on its pledge to reopen the Palestinian Liberation Organizations office in Washington, in addition to the U.S. consulate in eastern Jerusalem.

The letter, organized by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), praises the Biden administration for its recent moves to repair U.S.-Palestinian relations and to restore vital economic and humanitarian assistance to the West Bank and Gaza Strip that had been cut under the Trump administration. This funding includes $75 million in bilateral aid, $150 million in funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and $15 million in coronavirus relief.

The Trump administration shuttered the PLO Mission in 2018 and the eastern Jerusalem consulate, which handled affairs with the Palestinian Authority, was merged into the U.S. embassy when it relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, also in 2018. For now, it operates as part of the Palestinian Affairs Unit.

According to the letter, reopening the PLO Mission and eastern Jerusalem consulate is a crucial step toward reversing the range of harmful actions by the previous administration that undermined the United States capacity as an effective and impartial broker for peace and exacerbated distrust between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Biden administration has pledged to reopen both diplomatic offices. However, the PLO Mission faces several legal hurdles that have so far prevented that, as the Palestinians would become liable for more than $650 in financial penalties in U.S. courts.

The letter has been circulating since mid-April and will close for signatures on May 14. To date, it has been signed by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), reported the Jewish Insider.

Omar accuses Israel of act of terrorism for Gaza strikes

By Aaron Bandler

(Jewish Journal via JNS)  Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has accused the Israeli government of committing an act of terrorism with its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday. The Israeli strikes were in response to Hamas bombarding Israel with rockets earlier in the day.

Omar was quote-tweeting the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU), which claimed that the Israeli strikes had resulted in the deaths of 20 Palestinians, including nine children.

Israeli airstrikes killing civilians in Gaza is an act of terrorism, she tweeted. Palestinians deserve protection. Unlike Israel, missile defense programs, such as Iron Dome, dont exist to protect Palestinian civilians. Its unconscionable to not condemn these attacks on the week of Eid.

Eid al-Fitr is the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

The nonprofit group StopAntisemitism.org took Omar to task for the remark, tweeting in response: Hamas, a U.S. designated terror group, is sending rockets to Israel. Israel, a key global ally to the U.S., defends herself by attacking Hamas. Ilhan Omar, a sitting U.S. Congresswoman, defends HAMAS! How dangerously low can Ilhan Omar go??!!

International human-rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky accused Omar of being a shill for Hamas, noting that she had said nothing about how it is Hamas and Palestinian terrorists in #Gaza that have fired over 100 rockets at #Israel tonight!

This article was first published by the Jewish Journal.

British neo-Nazi on trial says Jews a cancer, encouraged their extermination

(JNS)  An alleged neo-Nazi in the United Kingdom who is currently on trial is charged with 15 terrorism and public-order offenses, the BBC reported.

Andrew Dymock, 23, of Bath, is accused of being part of the now-banned extremist groups System Resistance Network and Sonnenkrieg Division.

He allegedly used the SRN website to publish an article that said Jewish people are a cancer. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward said one article written by Dymock, titled The Truth About the Holocaust, is clear in its encouragement of the eradication of Jewish people.

She added that such encouragement constitutes encouragement to commit acts of terrorism. The author calls for the destruction, the eradication, the extermination of an entire race of people.

Ledward said the defendant also wrote and published an article titled Hail Victory, in which he claimed that a racial holy war is inevitable, and that every stabbing, bombing, shooting further plays into our hands.

The court was also told that Dymock owned a neo-Nazi poster that encouraged the rape of female police officers and is responsible for spreading homophobic propaganda.

Dymock is charged with five counts of encouraging terrorism, four of distributing terrorist publications, two of terrorist fundraising, one of possessing material useful to a terrorist, one of owning racially inflammatory material, one of inciting racial hatred and one of inciting hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation, according to the BBC.

He denies all charges.

US sanctions seven people linked to Hezbollah financing

(JNS)  The United States sanctioned seven individuals involved in financing the terror group Hezbollah on Tuesday.

One of them is Ibrahim Ali Daher, who serves as director of Hezbollahs Central Finance Unit, announced the U.S. State Department in a statement.

The other designated individuals used personal accounts to avoid sanctions targeting Al-Qard al-Hassan, which serves as a front for monetarily supporting Hezbollah. About $500 million was transferred on behalf of the entity, according to the State Department.

From the highest levels of Hezbollahs financial apparatus to working level individuals, Hezbollah continues to abuse the Lebanese financial sector and drain Lebanons financial resources at an already dire time, said director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control Andrea Gacki, according to a separate statement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

As a result of todays action, all property and interests in property of these individuals named above, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by them, individually, or with other blocked persons, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked, it stated.

Israels presidential election set for June 2

By Danielle Roth-Avneri

(Israel Hayom via JNS)  Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin on Monday set June 2 as the date for Israels presidential election.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlins term expires in July, and by law, the vote must take place no later than one month prior to the end of his tenure.

The Israeli president is elected by the members of the Knesset for a single seven-year term. The vote is confidential.

Current hopefuls include former Knesset members Yehudah Glick, Michael Bar-Zohar and Shimon Sheetrit.

It is unclear at this time whether Jewish Agency chairman Isaac Herzog, the son of Israels sixth president, Chaim Herzog, will enter the race, although it is predicted he would be the leading candidate.

Refuting rumors, former Labor Party leader Amir Peretz made it clear last week that he would not make a bid for the role.

Other names that have been suggested as potential candidates include iconic Israeli performer and 2004 Israel Prize laureate Yehoram Gaon and Miriam Peretz, an Israeli educator and public speaker, the 2018 laureate of the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement.

Candidates must present the speaker with the signatures of at least 10 Knesset members supporting their presidential bid by May 19.

This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.

French-Israeli author wins Frances top literary prize

(JNS)  A French-Israeli author has been awarded Frances most prestigious literary honor, the Spring Goncourt Prize, reported Haaretz on Monday.

Shmuel T. Meyer, 64, won the prize for Et la guerre est finie  (And the War Is Over ) and will receive the award in a ceremony set to take place in June. He said about the honor: Its tremendously exciting, a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

The book, a trilogy of stories about three different people who live with emotional wounds related to war, won in the category of best novella.

The first story, Les Grands Express Europeens (The Great European Express), takes place in post-war France; the second story, Kibbutz, is tied to Israels War of Independence; and the third story The Great American Disaster, is set in New York with the protagonist a veteran of the Korean War.

Meyer found out about the win shortly after arriving in Israel to visit family, after being away for so long due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He was born in France in 1957 and raised in Switzerland. He told Haaretz, my culture is French, my heart is in Switzerland, where I grew up, and I miss the landscape there, but my soul is in Israel  I arrived in 1980 and lived there until 2008. My soul is there.

Israel prepares to vaccinate 12- to 15-year-olds following Pfizer FDA nod

By Nicky Blackburn

(Israel21c via JNS)  The Israeli Health Ministry has begun preparations to vaccinate adolescents aged 12 to 15 against the COVID-19 virus, after news this week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children in this age group.

Health Ministry Director-General Hezi Levi is holding meetings with representatives of Israels health management organizations, pediatric doctor associations and other relevant bodies in preparation for the expansion of the inoculation drive, the ministry announced in a statement.

It is also holding talks with Israels HMOs, which administer the bulk of vaccine shots, to ready the new campaign drive.

The move comes after the FDA declared on Monday that the Pfizer vaccine is safe for younger teens and offers strong protection against the coronavirus.

Pfizer tested the vaccine in the United States on more than 2,000 volunteers aged 12 to 15. The study found there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated teens, compared to 18 among kids given a placebo. Researchers also discovered that the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than found in earlier studies of young adults.

The children in the study received the same dosage of vaccine as adults and suffered the same mild side effects, including painful arms, fever, chills and aches.

On Tuesday, the Health Ministry announced that just 53 new COVID cases were detected on Monday, and the total number of active patients was 974.
(JTA)  A rocket from Gaza killed a 5-year-old child in the Israeli city of Sderot, bringing Israels death toll to seven in its exchanges of fire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

In Gaza, 83 people have died, including 14 children, according to Save the Children, an aid group with a Gaza office. In addition, four Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank this week.

Alongside the fighting between Israel and Hamas, several people have been wounded in clashes that have raged inside Israel between crowds of Arabs and Jews. The fighting appears to be the worst in...
I have been hosting a variety of briefings and doing media interviews this week, putting into perspective many of the complicated, frustrating, and scary things that Israel is undergoing and enduring this week.

Today I read a vile comment that Israels goal is dead Palestinians and bombed out buildings. There are abundant ways that this malice is not the case. If that were the case, rather than only 69 casualties (according to the terrorists in Gaza who typically like to inflate their suffering), there would be 6900, or 69,000 deaths. Israel has the fire power, but Israel tacti...
(Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies via JNS)  Rarely do politicians have the opportunity to test the implications of their policy within a day.

In Israel, the land of miracles, such an opportunity occurred on May 9-10, when the Israeli government and its more than willing officialdom decided on Jerusalem Day to follow in the footsteps of the 1930s British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain: total appeasement of an implacable enemy.

This began with the acquiescence of the judicial branch  one that famously doesnt bow to external pressure  to the Attorney Generals request...
(JNS)  Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority and Hamas have been inciting Arab Israelis in Jerusalem and throughout the country to attack Jews. And so it happened that at the outset of the month, Jews in Jerusalem, Jaffa and beyond found themselves beset by gangs of Arab thugs who beat them on the streets and light-rail cars just because they were Jews.

Last week, Hamass leaders announced their detailed plans to open a new campaign against Israel on May 9. May 9 was a conflation of three events: Jerusalem Day  Israels national holiday celebr...
(Jewish Journal via JNS)  Palestinian terror groups such as Hamas have a surefire strategy to win over the worlds sympathy: fire rockets into Israeli territory, trigger an Israeli response and wait for the global outrage against Israels response.

The strategy is effective because Israel is so darn good at protecting its citizens from missile attacks, thanks to ubiquitous bomb shelters and a sophisticated Iron Dome missile defense system. So, if the terror rockets dont kill any Jews, but the forced retaliations kill Palestinians, anyone biased against Israel will have a field day...
Stow - Passed away suddenly on Friday, June 4, 2021. Mary was the loving wife of Donald R. LeBlanc. Born in Haverhill, on May 3, 1942, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Levis) Bresnahan. Mary was raised and educated in Haverhill, graduating from Saint James High School, Cla
Chinese economy maintains stable growth in April

10:18, May 20, 2021 By Lu Ya'nan, Ding Yiting ( People's Daily

A 15-meter diameter super-large shield tunneling machine that can balance water and mud roll off the production line in east China's Zhejiang province, May 9, 2021. (People's Daily/Long Wei)

China's national economy maintained momentum for stable recovery in the past April, with the demand for production continuing to rise, employment and commodity price being stabilized, and new growth drivers being fostered.

According to statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on May 17, the value added of high-tech manufacturing grew 12.7 percent year on year, and the total retail sales of consumer goods increased 17.7 percent last month. Besides, the urban surveyed unemployment rate was 0.2 percentage points lower than that in March.

A few days ago, a 15-meter diameter super-large shield tunneling machine that can balance water and mud rolled off the production line in east China's Zhejiang province. Zhao Hua, general manager of China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd., the company that developed the machine, introduced that the diameter of the tunneling machine is equal to the height of a five-storey building. The 120-meter-long and 4,300-tonne giant will play an important role in Zhejiang's water pipeline projects and road reconstruction projects, Zhao added.

In April, the industrial enterprises above the designated size reported an average two-year growth of 6.8 percent, or 0.6 percentage points higher than that of March. The average two-year growth of the value added of equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing stood at 11.2 percent and 11.6 percent respectively. Green and low-carbon products also maintained rapid growth. Both the new energy vehicle and industrial robot sectors reported double-digit average two-year growth.

During this year's Tomb-sweeping Day holiday in early April, Chinese people made a total of 102 million visits, up 144.6 percent from a year ago. China UnionPay reported online transactions of 903.6 billion yuan ($140.38) in the three-day holiday, up by 3.6 percent from that in 2020. The consumption sector just displayed the vitality of the Chinese economy.

Domestic demand, including consumption, kept expanding, which was a major highlight of China's economic performance in April. Last month, the total retail sales of consumer goods reported an average two-year growth of 4.3 percent and continued rising. In the January-April period, the average two-year growth of online retail sales of physical goods reached 15.6 percent, 0.2 percentage points higher than that in the first quarter. In the first four months, the investment in fixed assets reported an average two-year growth of 3.9 percent, one percentage point higher than that in the January-March period.

Both the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) of the manufacturing sector and the business activity index of the service sector have been maintained above the critical point, which suggested improving vitality of enterprises.

China maintained general stable employment situation and saw steady decline of unemployment rate. On a job fair of flexible employment held by southeast China's Fujian province, 5,549 jobs were offered by 15 enterprises, including couriers and warehouse managers. Northwest China's Qinghai province has built a matchmaking platform for job seekers and enterprises, and central province of Hunan initiated a program that aims to offer vocational training for 360,000 people and issue entrepreneur loans of 12 billion yuan by the end of 2023. Hunan is striving to assist over 60,000 people in starting businesses.

As the results of epidemic control and economic and social development have been further consolidated, and employment services continuously improved, China's employment is generally stabilized. In the first four months, 4.37 million jobs were added in urban areas. In April, urban surveyed unemployment rate was 5.1 percent, down by 0.2 percentage points from that in March, and 0.9 percentage points from a year ago. The urban surveyed unemployment rate in 31 major cities was 5.2 percent, 0.1 percentage points lower than March. Specifically, the surveyed unemployment rate of the population aged from 25 to 59 were 4.6 percent, 0.2 percentage points lower from a month ago.

"In general, the Chinese economy maintained stable growth in April," said Fu Linghui, spokesperson of the NBS.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
By Jun Ji-hye



Allen Howden, general manager of JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, has led the luxury hotel since February last year when the COVID-19 outbreak began in full scale here.



While enduring difficult times caused by the public health crisis that has closed borders around the world, Howden has placed top priority on transparency so everyone could feel a sense of trust about safety.





Allen Howden, general manager of JW Marriott Hotel Seoul / Courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
Please be aware that Cache Valley Publishing does not endorse, and is not responsible for alleged employment offers in the comments.

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A group of Capitol Police officers wrote a letter expressing "profound disappointment" with House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy and Sen. Mitch McConnell's latest statements that there is "no need" for a commission. "The brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard were exposed to hours and hours of physical pain, resulting in months of emotional torment," they wrote in a letter shared by Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md, as per USA Today.

NEWS: MEMBERS of the U.S. Capitol Police have issued a statement to members of Congress expressing "profound disappointment" with McConnell and McCarthy's positions on the Jan. 6 commission, citing the "trauma" that officers endured that day. pic.twitter.com/CRweVhIAnD  Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) May 19, 2021

Letter of disappointment not official USCP statement

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) later clarified that the letter, which a group wrote of officers wrote, is "not an official USCP statement" and that the organization "does not take decisions on legislation."

USCP does NOT take positions on legislation. pic.twitter.com/LSu38jbIqd  U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) May 19, 2021

"It's just more partisan unfairness. If the killings, riots, and fire bombings in Portland, Minneapolis, Seattle, Chicago, and New York are not investigated, this debate should be stopped immediately," former president Donald Trump said in a statement released Tuesday night by his Save America PAC. Republicans must get much stronger and more intelligent, and they must avoid being exploited by far left.

However, the commission's chairs, former Indiana congressman Lee Jordan and former New Jersey GOP governor Tom Kean urged Congress to approve the measure.

McCarthy's handling of GOP internal tensions over a new commission to investigate the January 6 Capitol riot has exposed possible flaws in his leadership style and provided a glimpse into how the California Republican could rule the House in the future.

GOP tensions fire up over January 6 commission

McCarthy initially gave one of his supporters, New York's moderate Rep. John Katko, the authority to reach a bipartisan agreement with his Democratic counterpart on an independent commission to study the violent Capitol protests, similar to the 9/11 commission. However, when Katko and McCarthy eventually reached a compromise that contained the majority of McCarthy's requests, the GOP leader vetoed the proposal.

Per POLITICO, House Republicans then argued internally over whether or not to whip the measure officially. It would have been unusual for GOP leadership to vote against a bill negotiated by one of their own, so they opted against it.

McCarthy became concerned about the possibility of defections after it appeared that scores of Republicans would break ranks on the bill's vote later Wednesday, according to several GOP sources. He took further indirect action to create resistance to the bill.

Further complicating McCarthy's position, the House Freedom Caucus' conservative wing told him on Monday evening that they were adamantly opposed to the commission, and former President Donald Trump spoke out against it on Tuesday evening. Although an explosion of defections seems to be less likely now, McCarthy still finds himself in a challenging situation. He attempts to reconcile the different forces in his conference while still appeasing the former president in Mar-a-Lago. He will need help from all of those positions if the GOP retakes the House next year.

Read Also: House Passes Bill to Counter Asian Hate Crimes, Only Needs Joe Biden's Signature To Become Law

McConnell opposes January 6 Capitol commission

Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, declared Wednesday morning that he would oppose a bill that would establish a commission to investigate the events of January 6, changing his position from one day earlier when he told reporters he was unclear on the measure. The commission is set to be voted on in the House on Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reaffirmed his commitment to taking the commission to a vote on the Senate floor, requiring 60 votes to get through the divided chamber.

During his floor remarks, McConnell described the commission resolution as "slanted and unbalanced," although it received some bipartisan support after talks with rank-and-file Republicans, ABC News reported. McConnell has said it is unclear if a commission is needed because several Senate and police inquiries are still underway, echoing some Senate Republicans' claims.

Related Article: Joe Biden Says COVID-19 Infections Down in All States, Will Donate Vaccines To Other Countries

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On one occasion, Home Secretary Priti Patel had a chance to see the Police in action against notorious human smugglers. They have been operating for a while and earning a profit by taking illegals into the UK, bypassing immigration laws, reported Daily Mail.

Priti Patel joins Police who arrest human traffickers in one of the raids

According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), in a raid in Woodford Green and Bushwood in east London, the authorities were able to arrest several individuals who were helping enable this illicit trade. Two men, aged 52 and 28, were charged as human smugglers by the agency members, noted Evening Standard.

Patel remarked that these traffickers are profiting over the trade and treating lives cheaply as a commodity, with instances of deaths happening along the way.

In March, she revealed intentions to crack down on people smuggling, with maximum life imprisonment for those engaged and measures to deny asylum to migrants who came to the UK via a safe nation like France. These measures would hopefully lessen human trafficking significantly.

Five more people, all licensed minicab drivers, were detained for reportedly carrying migrants from and to lorry drop-off and pick-up places.

After migrants were found concealed in the backs of trucks, five lorry drivers have already been convicted in conjunction with the investigation.

Read also: Corpses of 39 Vietnamese Immigrants Found Inside Refrigerated Truck, Police Suspect Human Trafficking

The NCA moves against human smugglers

The operation, codenamed Operation Symbolry, prompted an investigation into an organized criminal gang that used a system of primarily Romanian transporters to carry individuals between France and the United Kingdom.

A total of 100 migrants and more were intercepted while the operation was in effect. Several unexpected arrests included three wanted criminals with outstanding warrants, who were desperate to leave the UK, said the NCA.

"Operation Symbolry is a major investigation into a large criminal network involved in people smuggling, transporting migrants illegally in both sides from across border between the UK and France," said NCA branch operations manager Chris Hill, as per MSN.

He added, "We believe that today's arrests, combined with the actions we've already taken, will bring an end to that criminal network's operation."

Organized crime groups frequently rely on facilitators to carry out their operations, such as collaborating with lorry drivers and minicab drivers, who are compensated for helping them.

"What I would advise those drivers is that if they are approached, they should expose it to us, either by calling 101 or anonymously contacting the organization Crimestoppers," said Hill, adding, "The sanctions for drivers caught smuggling migrants are severe, and I would recommend anyone contemplating it to think about the impact on their life and livelihoods."

NCA deputy director of investigations Chris Farrimond stated to Yahoo News, "People smugglers are merciless, treating migrants as commodity, and they are indifferent about their passengers' safety. Tragically, we have seen this in recent and past mass fatalities."

After joining the raids, Priti Patel saw the reality of human trafficking.

Related article: Four Men Caught in Human Trafficking of Vietnamese in the UK, Charged for Manslaughter

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Two former policemen from Colorado are under charges upon violently arresting a 73-year-old woman with dementia during summer. Both were laughing while watching grim body-cam footage of the incident at their police station.

Laughing Police Officers Who Broke Arm of Woman With Dementia

Ex-police officers Daria Jalali, 27, and Austin Hopp, 26, are facing charges of official misconduct and second-degree assault. Seventy-three-year-old Karen Garner stated she suffered a dislocated shoulder and a broken arm in the arrest.

Prosecutors with the Eighth Judicial District Attorney's Office issued the charges against Jalali and Hopp, who resigned from the previous month's Loveland Police Department. According to court records, Jalali is facing charges of not being able to report the use of force and not intervening. Hopp faces charges involving felony assault, causing severe bodily injury, and attempting to influence a public servant.

In a news conference, 8th Judicial District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin confirmed the charges at 1 PM on Wednesday. According to the CIRT, previously this May, they planned to finish their independent review, spearheaded by the Fort Collins Police Services, by mid-May, reported The Denver Channel.

Hopp pushed the 73-year-old with dementia to the ground, following her leaving a store without paying for items worth around $14. The arrest transpired in Loveland, a city around 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Denver, reported US News.

The former police officers have imposed misconduct charges. A surveillance footage video from the police department jailhouse displayed the two former policemen laughing and fist-bumping while watching body camera footage of the arrest.

Read Also: A Routine Search Warrant Execution in Alabama Ends With Suspect Dead, Officers Injured

"Ready for the pop?" Hopp said to Jalali and other police officers as they huddled to watch. Another officer asked what popped. Hopp responded, "I think it was her shoulder. I can't believe I threw a 73-year-old on the ground," reported Daily Beast.

Garner also allegedly removed a store worker's COVID-19 face mask amid an altercation. Warrants were issued for both former policemen, as shown by court records. Prison records did not display that either was jailed as of 1 PM on Wednesday.

The review was initiated on April 19, one week following a lawyer for Garner filing a federal lawsuit against the police department and officers alleging they used extreme force in arresting Garner. Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda and District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin discussed the probing and charges. However, according to McLaughlin, his office has had indications that the former cops were planning to turn themselves in.

According to a person who answered the phone at the law firm representing Hopp, the office does not comment on the case. Court records did not indicate a lawyer for Jalali. The phone number listed for her did not work.

The charges came after the 8th Judicial District Critical Response Team completed a review. This elicited national attention. McLaughlin is expected to hold a press conference regarding the results of the review.

Related Article: NYC Subway Slashing: Suspects in Custody After 4 People Hurt in Recent Separate Incidents

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In a significant response to the dispute between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas party, US House Democrats proposed a bill on Wednesday aiming to block a $735 million sale of precision-guided weapons to Israel. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan, and Rashida Tlaib were the bill's lead sponsors. It has at least six other cosponsors, including three of the House's most left-leaning Democrats.

House Democrats want Israel weapons sale blocked

They are among the lawmakers who have called for a more determined US attempt to end the conflict, which has included Israeli bombings that have killed hundreds of civilians, the majority of whom are Palestinians, in the besieged Gaza Strip. The administration of Democratic President Joe Biden approved a proposed sale of $735 million in weapons to Israel earlier this year and submitted it to Congress for formal consideration on May 5, granting lawmakers 15 days to object under international weapons sales laws.

"We should not be sending direct attack weapons to Prime Minister Netanyahu to escalate this bloodshed at a time when so many people, including President Biden, favor a ceasefire," Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement, as per Reuters. The resolution is unlikely to advance anywhere in the House, where Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office decides whatever bills are brought up for a vote.

The sale has the support of the chamber's leaders, with No. 2 Democrat Steny Hoyer telling reporters yesterday that he supports it. Before the launch of the region's fiercest hostilities in years earlier this month, the selling of Boeing Co's Direct Attack Munitions, or JDAMs, was considered routine.

In Congress, both Republicans and Democrats show strong support for Israel. Since World War II, Israel has been the largest provider of US international aid, with the US now supplying Israel with $3.8 billion in military aid each year.

Before violence erupted in the Gaza Strip at a pace not seen since 2014, the Biden administration approved an arms sale from Boeing, a US corporation, to Israel. Republicans and Democrats are fighting for resolutions in the Senate. On Wednesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. said he would try to block a Republican resolution in favor of Israel, which his office described as "destructive," and instead proposes a resolution calling for the Senate to support an immediate ceasefire.

As violence gripped the region earlier Wednesday, Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he predicted a "major de-escalation" on the way to a ceasefire. Per NBC News, the White House's expression in the declaration was some of the most forceful yet in calling for an end to the fight.

The call, which Biden made before leaving for a Coast Guard commencement ceremony, was the fourth between the two leaders since both Republicans and Democrats have been pressing him to help negotiate a ceasefire. For more than a week, Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group that controls Gaza, have launched airstrikes and missile attacks.

Read Also: Biden's New Arms Deal With Israel To Include Precision JDAMs, the Rockets That Hit the Gaza Tower

Democrats want Biden to delay Israel weapons sale

Three sources said to The Washington Post that House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) would send a letter to the Biden administration requesting a delay in the $735 million sales of precision-guided weapons to Israel. The letter came less than 24 hours after The Washington Post reported that the administration had approved a weapons sale to Israel, including Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMS). These kits transform so-called "dumb" bombs into precision-directed missiles and Guided Bomb Unit-39s (GBU-39). According to two individuals who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive information, both are used against Palestinians.

On May 5, Congress was formally informed of the proposed sale, about a week before hostilities in the Middle East escalated between Israel and Hamas. Tensions erupted among Democratic Foreign Affairs Committee members caught off guard by the sale over the weekend and chastised the committee for lack of transparency on weapons deals.

On Monday evening, the Biden administration called for a ceasefire despite failing to do so earlier in the day. It has stated that Israel has the right to protect itself from Hamas, which most Congress has historically adopted.

The Democratic Party's internal opposition to the proposed sale reflects the growing rift among Democrats over US policy against Israel. Throughout the day, Democrats on Capitol Hill pressed Biden to bring in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 212 Palestinians.

Related Article: Ceasefire, Greater US Effort Pleas Mount as Israel Launches New Heavy Airstrikes in Gaza

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One hundred seventeen-year-old Viola Fletcher was seven years old when she served as a witness to one of the most heinous acts of racial violence the United States has seen. A mad White mob ran amok in the Greenwood District of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Hundreds of Black people were reportedly killed, leaving her thriving neighborhood in ashes in 1921.

107-Year-Old Tulsa Massacre Survivor Gives Eyewitness Account

During an emotional testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, the witness recounted her memories of the two-day massacre that killed off hundreds of Black people.

According to Fletcher, "I will never forget the violence of the white mob when we left our home. I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street. I still smell smoke and see fire. I still see Black businesses being burned. I still hear airplanes flying overhead. I hear the screams. I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot," reported NPR.

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties heard testimonies from three centenarians on Wednesday regarding a violent mob's riot 100 years ago. This transpired through the thriving Tulsa neighborhood of Greenwood.

It was known at the time as "Black Wall Street." Despite the Oklahoma Bureau of Vital Statistics initially recording mere 36 fatalities after the incident, a 2001 state commission estimated the total to be from 75 to 300, reported CBS News.

Chairman of the panel Congressman Steve Cohen recognized restrictions and announced to those in the room to keep their face mask on at all times. Unless they are speaking or unless they are over a hundred years old, reported The Guardian.

Read Also: 2 Former Police Officers Charged in Violent Arrest of Woman With Dementia, Laughing and Breaking Her Arm

Lawmakers heard accounts from Tulsa race massacre survivors Viola Fletcher, Lessie Benningfield Randlem, Hughes Van Ellis, and massacre descendant and Oklahoma State Rep. Regina Goodwin.

The "proud, rich, black" 1921 community in Tulsa experienced the massacre. Up to 300 Black Tulsans were killed by white residents, with the thriving neighborhood of that Oklahoma city burning to the ground.

The purpose of the hearing was to navigate possible ways of compensation for the massacre's survivors and their families. Fletcher is currently the oldest known living massacre survivor.

Despite the extended period, city leaders in Tulsa indicate they are still searching for closure following the Tulsa Race Massacre. The 35-block radius in the segregated community was once active with hundreds of businesses.

Fletcher made her testimony before members of a House Judiciary subcommittee. She called for justice and the US to officially recognize the massacre ahead of the 100th anniversary on May 31. Historical photos displayed Black residents' bodies lying in the streets.

The United States is currently tackling systemic racism laid bare by the novel coronavirus pandemic and the deaths of George Floyd and other Black people in engagements with law enforcement.

The same committee that heard from the survivors has also been studying amends for the descendants of millions of enslaved Americans. They recently advanced a bill that would develop a commission to examine the lingering effects of slavery.

Related Article: Joe Biden Expresses Support for Cease-Fire Between Israel, Gaza, but Did Not Call for an Immediate End of Violence

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Gen. Paul LaCamera testifies at the Senate Armed Services Hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, May 18. UPI-Yonhap



Joint field exercises between South Korean and U.S. troops are extremely important to maintain their readiness, the nominee for commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Tuesday, adding he will work for the resumption of field exercises if confirmed.



Gen. Paul LaCamera insisted in-person training gives the combined forces an opportunity to work with each other and thus build their trust.



"They are extremely important to build readiness, but they are also extremely important to allow that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen get an opportunity to work with our ROK allies and see just how good they are," the Army general said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.



ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.



South Korea and the United States regularly hold joint military drills, but their exercises have largely been computer-simulated tabletop drills since the COVID-19 pandemic began early last year.



Also in 2018, the countries had postponed their joint military drills to support denuclearization dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang. The U.S. currently maintains some 28,500 troops on the Korean Peninsula.



"At the very low level, the tactical level, it's an opportunity for them to build that trust with each other," said LaCamera, currently the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, based in Hawaii. "At the senior level ... it's an opportunity for us to exercise and to learn and continue to build on lessons learned."



The four-star general also expressed his support for the "conditions-based" transition of the operational control (OPCON) of South Korean troops back to South Korea in the event of war. This comes amid Seoul's efforts to accelerate the long-delayed process before the Moon Jae-in administration's five-year term ends in May 2022.



"It's bilaterally agreed upon and I believe that it should remain as a conditions-based approach," LaCamera said when asked. "My assumption is that as they came to this bilateral agreement, they analyzed, identified the risk and this was the best way to reduce that risk, and I support it."



In a pre-submitted statement on policy questions, the general said the USFK expects it will take "several years" for South Korea to meet all the requirements laid out in their conditions-based OPCON transfer plan.



LaCamera also said he would advocate a greater role of USFK in regional contingencies facing U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).



"If confirmed, I will advocate for inclusion of USFK forces and capabilities in USINDOPACOM contingency and operational plans supporting U.S. interests and objectives in the region," he said in his written testimony.



South Korea has consistently opposed USFK's direct involvement in contingencies other that those originating or involving North Korea since such engagement may bring unnecessary conflict to the Korean Peninsula, putting its people in harm's way.



"Today, the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance is, and should remain, squarely focused on the immediate threat from North Korea," LaCamera wrote.



"The Alliance constantly updates its posture and plans as the security environment evolves. Given the global role of the U.S. military and, increasingly, the international reach of the South Korean military, opportunities are emerging for Alliance cooperation beyond the Korean Peninsula," he added.



If confirmed, LaCamera will replace Gen. Robert Abrams as USFK commander, and also the commander of the Combined Forces Command and the United Nations Command. (Yonhap)


According to her most recent financial statement, Vice President Kamala Harris may be breaking her finance ethics promise by keeping money concealed in a tax-protected trust.

To align themselves with President Donald Trump and his potentially complex finances, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris vowed to maximize transparency and narrow loopholes throughout the race.

Kamala Harris appears to hide her assets in a tax-protected trust

However, Vice President Kamala Harris revealed Monday that since 2017, she had been a trustee of the KDH/DCE family trust. The entry states, "Trust assets are not reportable," potentially hiding any of her wealth from public view, Daily Mail reported.

Even so, during the campaign, Harris vowed to put an end to this practice. The Biden Plan to Guarantee Government Works for the People spelled out the pledge.

It focused on removing conflicts of interest and closing a loophole that encouraged candidates and elected officers to move properties to trusts owned by relatives or associates and reveal their existence.

Estate planning and tax minimization are common uses for family trusts. The Vice President's office did not respond to a call for comment.

According to a senior Republican, it demonstrated that Democrats had one set of rules for the people and another set of rules for themselves. "If the Democrats didn't believe in hypocrisy, they wouldn't believe it at all," said conservative strategist John Feehery.

Kamala Harris's net worth was disclosed in tax returns released on Monday. According to the report, in 2020, she and her first gentleman, Doug Emhoff, grossed about $1.9 million. Even then, it was a far cry from the $3.3 million they raised a year ago when Harris began seriously campaigning.

Fox News was the first to report on the possible violation of her ethics pledge, as well as a search of public documents for properties retained by the trust. According to the document, Harris and Emhoff used the trust to buy a condo in Washington, D.C., in 2017 that is now for sale for close to $2 million.

The couple placed their Brentwood, California home into the trust when they married in 2014. Emhoff had paid $2.7 million for it two years prior.

Read Also: Capitol Police Officers Express 'Disappointment' at GOP Opposition to January 6 Commission; Citing McConnell, Mccarthy's Lack of Leadership

Biden, Harris release 2020 tax returns

Biden and Harris released their 2020 tax returns on Monday, reviving a White House tradition. According to IRS estimates, the president and first lady Jill Biden paid $607,336 in adjusted gross income, putting them in the top 1% of taxpayers.

Per CNBC, the Bidens paid income taxes totaling $157,414 at the cost of 25.9%. Harris and her second gentleman, attorney Doug Emhoff, posted a combined adjusted gross income of $1,695,225. They owe $621,893 in federal taxes or 36.7 percent of their income.

The President and the Vice President also shared financial disclosures for 2020. The Bidens had $90,289 in state and local taxes (SALT) but could not claim a deduction of over $10,000. The same $10,000 limit applied to Harris and Emhoff, who racked up a whopping $280,421 in state and local taxes.

Biden and Harris have shared their 2020 financial disclosures. The Bidens owed $90,289 in state and local taxes, but they were only allowed to deduct $10,000. Harris and Emhoff, who ran up a total of $280,421 in state and local taxes, were subject to the same $10,000 cap.

Former President Donald Trump's 2017 tax reform included a last-minute extension to the so-called $10,000 SALT deduction limit. Before the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, filers might subtract their entire SALT payment, which was a huge tax break for high-tax places.

Read Article: House Passes Bill to Counter Asian Hate Crimes, Only Needs Joe Biden's Signature To Become Law





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Karem Aircraft offers a transformable attack copter searching for the US Army's next attack helicopter in a significant contract.

Karem Aircraft Offers Transformable Attack Copter for the Army

To get the okay of those choosing the winner of the future lift vehicles, this AR-40 features a design with distinctive features, reported Vertical Mag.

This is not traditional but radically different because it can transform when hovering, but it shifts to an airplane-like configuration once it gains speed. Focusing on creating an "optimal-speed" tiltrotor technology, an improved rotor pitch/ angle for better efficiency while airborne.

Most of the development is done with Army projects, including the Joint Multirole Technology Demonstration, which is all part of the Future Vertical Lift umbrella (JMR-TD). Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program uses that optimal-speed technology in its entrant to the contract cited Defense News.

On the ongoing competition is a $738 million design development contract for the first FARA conceptual work. The firm is cooperating with Northrop Grumman and Raytheon to develop what is their prototype.

When the aerospace firm entered the competition, it was assumed the company might propose a tiltrotor. Still, the Army's requirement that the aircraft be only 40 feet by 40 feet made that configuration impractical, according to FARA program manager Thomas Berger.

The AR-40's tail rotor has a swivel; in hover mode, it orients the hub to one side, functioning as a conventional helicopter tail rotor. This tail rotor points aft and then becomes a pusher propeller whenever the aircraft converts to fast forward flight as Karem Aircraft offers a transformable attack copter compared to others.

Read also: Futuristic 'Defiant X' Flies to Be the Next Generation Long-Range Assault Helicopter of the US Army

With tilting wings to complement the 40-foot diameter main rotor, that is b the largest among FARA competitors. Rotors, like fixed wings, create higher lift the larger and longer they are, said the manager.

He added that having optimal-speed tilt rotors are the best options to accomplish VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing), including getting fast forward airspeed and efficiency. Mentioning that the very particular requirement that FARA fit into a 40-foot space is one more consideration to take into account, remarked Darpa.

Designers decided to fit their design based on what the US Army dictates. Instead of using two rotors at 20-feet long, it will be a 40-foot rotor rather. But a tiltrotor cannot fix a 40 feet box, not by a longshot.

No metal has been bent for the prototype yet, nor has it performed wind tunnel tests on a scale model, but he claims that it has completed an extensive digital simulation of its design. It's stockpiling the materials and parts, "predicting a positive downselect, and an expectation to match the government/Army timetable for the project," remarked the company.

Just one of five competitors for the FARA contract. The Sikorsky Raider X derived on the S-97 Raider coaxial-rotor prototype, the Bell Invictus tandem conventional helicopter, the AVX/L3 Compound Coaxial Helicopter (CCH), as well as a Boeing Phantom Works design that the firm refuses to disclose are the entrants.

By March 2020, the Army intends to choose two teams to develop prototypes in anticipation of a government-sponsored fly-off in 2023.

Related article: Bell V-280 Valor Reaches 200 Hours Flight Time After Years of Testing

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Many of the Titanic artifacts found in the unraveling shipwreck is "Like Opening a Treasure. After a century on the sea bottom, the ghostly ship will soon be history.

The shipwreck and its artifacts are part of an ancient treasure trove

According to Titanic experts, who said the disintegrating ship and its discovery is "like opening a treasure box," as it begins to unravel after more than one hundred years, reported Express UK.

Captain Edward Smith's British passenger ship sank following striking an iceberg just before midnight on April 14, 1912, in a devastating event that took the lives of more than 1,500 passengers.

A Franco-American joint mission financed by the US Navy located the wreck in 1985. This ship got cracked in two and now is gradually disintegrating in the seabed of the North Atlantic, stoking concerns amongst experts who want to recover the remains before it is lost forever to time.

Divers will be "returning for the ultimate expedition," mentioned Channel 4's forthcoming documentary "Titanic: Into the Heart of the Wreck."

The expedition will be funded by the American deep-sea explorer and submarine pilot Victor Vescovo. It will be to see how long the ship has left.

Furthermore, the mission will send scientists as deep as 3,800 meters to see how much time before the wreck will be gone, depending on the ship's superstructure.

One expert, the original discovery expedition, was co-directed by French oceanographer Jean-Louis Michel, who detailed his experience. He saw the Titanic artifact and what has become of the shipwreck.

Read also: Titanic Artefacts: 12 Most Shocking Things Discovered from the Wreck

He added that factors like inconstant water currents frequently fluctuated, with the state of the ship's rapid disintegration, including representations of the ship's environment in the seabed. Adding that explorers are very concerned about the boat.

Treasures from the deep

Objects taken from the wreck have been taken and displayed in major exhibitions in many museums, drawing many. Someone to credit for the artifacts is Paul-Henry Nargeolet, a former French Navy diver, mentioned New York Times Post.

He has overseen seven missions to the wreckage in the previous three decades and is hailed as "the savior of Titanic's treasures."

Patrick Lahey, who became the individual to observe the wreck, described it as "a dream."

He said cited News Chant, "Obviously, it's a seductive wreck. It's a story we've heard for decades, if not longer."

A new mission

In June 2021, another "Titanic Survey Expedition" will occur, with several diving teams comprised of researchers and explorers investigating the ship's debris.

The chosen group will have the chance to see some of the Titanic's 300 unique species of sea creatures, almost the majority of which are primarily microbial. An inclusion of skilled individuals can be part of the new expedition.

"You will have the opportunity to participate a series of week-long journeys to the Titanic wreck," states a tease on the OceanGate website.

Since the wreck is huge and the debris field, missions will be on for several years to document everything before the sea claims the wreck. It would be a chance for those interested to join a Titanic expedition.

One goal is to determine how long the ship will stay before it breaks apart and dissolve away.

Stockton Rush, the president of OceanGate Expeditions, said the bodies are gone, and so are the passengers' bones. The titanic artifacts need to be saved before the shipwreck is gone.

Related article: Alleged Lizard Captured by Curiosity Rover, Theorist Claims Its a Sign of Life on Mars

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A Wisconsin juvenile court judge accused of possessing and distributing child pornography was taken into federal custody after making his initial appearance in court
A quarantine official disinfects a vaccination center in Seoul, Wednesday, after reopening earlier in the day following a closure amid the supply shortage of vaccines. Yonhap



By Bahk Eun-ji



The government said Thursday that it will conduct a clinical test on mixing COVID-19 vaccine doses from different companies, following an overseas study that showed the vaccination technique was effective.



Under the supervision of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the National Institute of Health will conduct the test on the safety and efficacy of using different vaccines in the two-shot regimen. Results from the study are likely to determine whether the government will allow this method of vaccination that has been adopted by some European countries



The decision to run the clinical trial follows a study by Spain's state-run Carlos III Health Institute, which said earlier this week that those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine and then the Pfizer vaccine for their second shot had a higher anti-body response to the coronavirus than those getting only AstraZeneca doses.



"We'll conduct the test on people here who received the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, with Pfizer or other vaccines approved here," a senior health official said in a briefing.



About 400 to 500 people in different age groups and genders will be recruited for the test, the official said.



Although it is a principle to use the same vaccine for the first and second doses, studies on mixing have been conducted in Europe as many countries there are struggling with supply shortages, and safety issues with the AstraZeneca vaccine have continued.



In the Spanish study, mixing the vaccines provided greater protection against COVID-19, with those receiving a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine having a seven-fold increase in the number of neutralizing antibodies than those who received only AstraZeneca.



People receiving a second inoculation with the Pfizer vaccine also showed relatively mild side effects, such as headaches, chills and fever, and nobody required serious treatment.





Officials unload containers carrying Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines from a cargo plane that landed at Incheon International Airport, Wednesday. Yonhap
Alfie has gone on to the gilded cage in the sky, but helped Dr. Cheryl Taylor work with students on their emotional problems. Pet Supermarket awarded her for the innovative use of pets in schools.
In this May 4 photo, President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook attend an online event at Cheong Wa Dae to celebrate Children's Day, which falls on May 5. Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



First lady Kim Jung-sook did not accompany President Moon Jae-in on his visit to the U.S. for a summit with his counterpart Joe Biden, even though she joined him on three previous visits to Washington.



Kim received two AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine injections along with Moon and other presidential aides before the five-day trip, which began on Wednesday (KST). But she did not accompany the President, apparently because of the U.S. request to minimize the size of the Korean delegation due to COVID-19 concerns.



"The U.S. has suggested strict antivirus measures and requested us to limit the size of our delegation," a Cheong Wa Dae official said.



Similarly, Mariko Suga, the wife of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, did not accompany her husband on his visit to the White House in April.



The two governments are also said to have considered the situation of Kim's counterpart, Jill Biden, who is still holding her job as a professor. Jill Biden has said she would keep her job at Northern Virginia Community College while serving the role of the first lady, becoming the first wife of a sitting U.S. president to hold a paying job outside the White House.



"Jill Biden is already being described to be changing the conventional role of the first lady," a government source said. "Given she has yet to show active moves at diplomatic events, Kim's absence appears to be in consideration of this."



Instead of accompanying the President, Kim attended a meeting with online influencers who have promoted Korean culture and history, Thursday.


President Moon Jae-in places a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Thursday (local time), to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. This was the first stop on the itinerary for his five-day trip to the U.S. that will include a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, Friday. Yonhap



South Korean President Moon Jae-in visited Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, kicking off his official schedule in the United States.



Moon laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the cemetery in northern Virginia, just south of the U.S. capital. The monument is dedicated to fallen American service members whose remains have not been identified, including many killed in the 1950-53 Korean War.



The president paid his respects to all soldiers who dedicated themselves to the protection of freedom and peace in foreign countries, according to Cheong Wa Dae.



He then donated a plaque, reading "In Memory of the Unknown Soldiers and their Noble Sacrifices," to the Memorial Display Room, it said.






Anchor/Multimedia Journalist

Hello! I am the weekend anchor as well as a reporter for Your News Now! You can reach me with news tips (or just to say hello!) at khonigford@wlio.com.
Pipeline

20 May 2021

Danish management company Core Hospitality has signed an agreement with Marriott International to debut Fairfield by Marriott in Denmark. Expected to open in 2023, Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn will be located in the city's North Harbour district, just five kilometres from the city centre. Thoughtfully considered for the European market, the 222- guestroom hotel is set to offerthe brand's renowned warm service, along with amenities including 24/7 retail outlet, bar, gym and bike rental.

The hotel is expected to showcase Fairfield by Marriott's design ethos inspired by the beauty of simplicity. The effortlessly relaxed and efficient hotel design is fused with a modern, timeless and contemporary North European aesthetic and draws inspiration from the hotel's peaceful waterfront surroundings.

Further enhancing Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn's credentials, the hotel is expected to be built in compliance with the eco-certificate DGNB Gold and operated as a Green Key hotel, making it one of the most sustainable hotels in the area.

The hotel will be located just 500 metres from the nearest metro station, which will take guests straight into the city centre in under six minutes. The transformed North Harbour district, one of Europe's largest new urban development areas, includes several local offerings such as the Sandkaj harbour bath, Luder's recreational space, a cinema, supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes.

Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn will be part of the dual-branded complex, which also includes longer stay hotel Residence Inn Copenhagen Nordhavn, another Marriott International branded property.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during a briefing at the White House, May 20. AP-Yonhap



The United States welcomes the opportunity to discuss ways to help South Korea's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can work together to help the rest of the world, a White House spokesperson said Thursday.



Jen Psaki made the remarks one day before President Joe Biden was set to hold a bilateral summit with his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in.



"We certainly expect that the leaders will discuss ways the United States can support South Korea in its fight against COVID-19, as well as how we can work together to combat the pandemic around the world," the press secretary said in a daily press briefing.



"I don't expect that assessment to be made in advance of tomorrow, but certainly, we welcome the opportunity to discuss with them how we can work together to address the global pandemic," she added.



South Korea earlier proposed a vaccine swap arrangement with the United States to ease its temporary vaccine shortage.



The proposed arrangement asks the United States to provide COVID-19 vaccines to South Korea and get paid later in full in vaccine when South Korea's orders arrive later in the year.






Pipeline

20 May 2021

Marriott International today announced it has signed an agreement with RIMAP Hospitality to debut the company's playful and spirited Moxy Hotels brand to Montreal. Situated in downtown Montreal, the hotel will sit ideally north of Griffintown, an area that is home to The Bell Centre, Place Bonnaventure, the Montreal train station and the soon-to-be new National Bank headquarters. Construction on the Moxy Montreal Downtown is expected to begin this summer 2021, with the opening expected in 2024.

The Moxy Montreal will occupy floors 1-11 of a 63-story mixed-use tower, expected to be among the tallest buildings in the city. The hotel is slated to feature 216 small but smart, flexible bedrooms featuring modular furniture and stylish touches, embracing today's young-at-heart traveler. The design is set to include buzzing public spaces aimed to be the center of activity for guests featuring an industrial chic look, bold programming with local flavor, and communal tables offering plenty of opportunities to plug and play. Plans call for a vibrant B&F (Beverage & Food) program including its 24/7 grab-and-go offering and an amped up bar experience at Bar Moxy.

Moxy currently operates more than 80 experiential hotels open across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Appointment

20 May 2021

Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne has announced the appointment of Franck Rodriguez as General Manager of this brand-new, fully-integrated leisure destination that will mark the debut of the fun, family-centric Centara Mirage brand in Vietnam in the third quarter of 2021.

A French national with more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Mr. Rodriguez has worked for some of hospitality's biggest names, including Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now part of Marriott International). He is also no stranger to the Centara brand, having spent a formative part of his career as the Food & Beverage Manager of Centara Villas Samui.

More recently, Mr. Rodriguez was Group Director of Operations with The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts for almost five years, overseeing a portfolio of 27 upscale properties, before joining IHG, where he was responsible for the opening of several key hotels, including Holiday Inns in Bali and Thailand, Vietnam's inaugural Hotel Indigo in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Asia Pacific region's first-ever voco hotel in Danang.

With such extensive management expertise and a series of important pre-openings under his belt, Mr. Rodriguez is now spearheading the highly-anticipated launch of Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, which will become only the second Centara Mirage resort worldwide, following the popular Lost World-themed Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, Thailand. It will also mark the arrival of Centara Hotels & Resorts in Vietnam.

The team at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne can expect hands-on, people-focused leadership from Mr. Rodriguez. He strives to motivate his employees, boost theirconfidence and develop their personal and professional skills, enabling each person to achieve their full potential.
Event

The next edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITUR 2021, will be held from the 19 to 23 May next year as decided by IFEMA and the FITUR Organising Committee. This decision arrives following a meditated decision that, exceptionally, makes the event essential to the recovery of the tourism industry, at a time that will still preserve its high international impact as well as promote the professional reunion of companies, countries and destinations. It will also provide a much-needed boost to the worldwide tourism activity.

The exceptional change of dates aims to facilitate the participation of all the main players of the tourism industry, at a time when the trade fair plays a critical role in tourism recovery. The meeting of the FITUR Organising Committee, headed by IBERIAs President, Javier Sanchez Prieto, also featured speeches by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Fernando Valdes; UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili; the President of the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation, CEHAT, Jorge Marichal; the President of the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies, CEAV, Carlos Garrido, and the President of Mesa del Turismo, Juan Molas, among others.

FITUR 2021 is organized by IFEMA
Press Release

20 May 2021

Officials of She Has a Deal today announced the five finalist teams selected to advance to the final round of their annual hotel investment pitch competition to compete for the prize of $50,000 in hotel deal equity following the conclusion of a virtual, preliminary round of pitching. The goal of She Has a Deal is to increase the number of women hotel owners and developers, and the organization offers inspiration and education to channel the power of collaboration and mentorship. She Has a Deal creates new pathways to hotel ownership and development by exposing participants to the hard-to-find details needed to successfully source, analyze and close hotel real estate investment deals.

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During the preliminary judging round, seven teams comprised of 15 participants pitched their hotel investment acquisition or development plans live on Zoom to a judging panel of top-level hotel business executives, entrepreneurs and investors. The judges evaluated and selected the following five teams, listed in alphabetical order:

Celeste Companies: Emma Spring from Washington State University Eden Investment Management LLC: Angel Deng and Kayleen Fan from Cornell University Emerald Investments: Lexi Effron, Keslie Easton and Nikki Loseff from San Diego State University PAIZA GROUP LLC: Sana Mahmood from Zigurat Global Institute of Technology PEN Investment: Polina Shavrina, Nadia Cismesia and Emma Toppi from Michigan State University

The teams, who started the She Has a Deal process in December 2020, completed more than 12 hours of intensive hotel investment education to learn how to source, evaluate and raise capital for a real hotel deal.

I had the privilege of participating on one of the judging panels for this years competition, and I have to say the whole experience was really well done  well-organized, user-friendly for the judges, thorough for the candidates. It is an inspiring initiative  desperately needed and truly on point, said Sara Glenn, competition judge and senior vice president, operations, North & Central America, Accor.

Pitches included ground-up construction, adaptive reuse and conversions of hotels in markets ranging from Silicon Valley and Seattle to Miami and Chantilly, Va.

Judge and SHaD Alumni Nancy Guzman, director of development, HACC, said, I was impressed by the caliber of the presentations and the confidence these women exude. Im excited to see these changemakers enter the industry and shake things up. The future of hospitality is female!

I signed up for She Has a Deal to bridge the gap between where I currently stand in my career and my dream of becoming a developer. I knew that knowledge was the key to this success, but the right education in the development space was hard to find. I got everything I wanted from SHaD plus more. I know there is nothing I cant accomplish with the fearless SHaD squad on my side, said Sana Mahmood, finalist, who also is pursuing a Masters in Global BIM Management at Zigurat Global Institute of Technology.

Competing on the Emerald Investments team for SHaD has been nothing short of life-changing. Lexi Effron, Nikki Loseff and I didnt even know each other before becoming a pitch team, and weve grown so much together. We all had prior operations experience, but becoming hotel investors was nowhere on our radar. Its now a reality for us thanks to Tracy and the rest of the SHaD Squad! We cant wait for the next steps ahead of us, said Keslie Easton, finalist representing the Emerald Investments team from San Diego State University.

She Has a Deal founder, Tracy Prigmore of TLTsolutions, said about the virtual competition, I continue to be inspired and impressed by the quality of the pitches. I know how hard these women have worked on their projects, and to watch them put what they learned into action gives me confidence that our industry will see more women-led projects come to fruition in the future.

Tracy went on to say, Our founding sponsors, Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International, continue to demonstrate a deep commitment to diversifying the ownership of their brands. Their support, and the support of all our sponsors, make it clear that the hotel business is moving in the right direction. After a challenging year, it gives me hope that our industry has come together to become more diverse and inclusive on the investment side of the business, which is the mission of She Has a Deal.

The final pitch competition will take place at the Innovation Gallery at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner on June 5. The competition will be followed by an awards and networking luncheon where the participants will be celebrated, and they will be inspired by guest speaker President of Marriott Stephanie Linnartz. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.shehasadeal.com.

ABOUT TLTSOLUTIONS

TLTsolutions is a real estate investment firm that provides unparalleled insight and access to alternative investments. With the mission to empower people to create wealth, we open the doors of real estate investing and generational wealth to investors. TLTsolutions identifies income-producing real estate opportunities with compelling fundamentals and predictable cash flow, structuring investments so that aspiring individuals, families and entities can participate and create passive income.
Press Release

20 May 2021

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the worlds largest business travel association, has released the findings from its latest poll measuring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how GBTA buyer and procurement members are navigating the return to travel.

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The results from the 19thpoll in the series are the most positive yet, with increasing optimism, growing momentum for a return to business travel and an increase in bookings - largely due to the success of the vaccine roll-out and introduction of vaccine passports.

Its reassuring to see so much momentum for a return to business travel, with more optimism, willingness to travel and an increase in bookings. Government policies remain the greatest obstacle to opening travel, particularly in the UK, Europe and Canada. Our advocacy teams continue to lobby on behalf of members, in London, Brussels, Ottawa, Washington and around the world for the responsive and safe re-opening of international travel, said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA.

Three in four GBTA buyer and procurement respondents feel their employees are willing or very willing to travel for business in the current environment, continuing the month-on-month positive trend for a return to travel. Three out of four respondents also think issuing government-issued digital health verification (or digital green certificates and/or vaccination passports) is either very effective or effective in aiding the restart of business travel.

As business travel resumes and demand accelerates, its a job seekers market as the industry fights to retain talent and win back talent lost during the pandemic.

Optimism and Momentum For a Return to Travel

Three in four (74%) GBTA buyer and procurement respondents feel their employees are willing or very willing to travel for business in the current environment. The remaining buyer and/or procurement respondents feel their employees are not willing (10%) or neutral (11%) in terms of their employees willingness to travel for business. In addition, one in ten (6%) are unsure.

Three in four (78%) GBTA member and stakeholder respondents think issuing government-issued digital health verification (or digital green certificates and/or vaccination passports) is either very effective or effective in terms of resuming business travel. Only one in ten think it is ineffective (8%), very ineffective(8%) or are unsure (8%).

Respondents from Europe (86%), the UK (90%) and Canada (89%) are a bit more likely than respondents from the United States (73%) to say issuing digital health verification or vaccination passports is effective in terms of resuming business travel.

When asked to describe the single greatest barrier to business travel in the current environment, over half (55%) cite government policies that restrict travel or make it difficult (e.g. entry restrictions or mandatory quarantines), followed by company policies restricting employees from traveling (23%) and travel budget freeze/cost savings (11%). Few cite employee unwillingness to travel (7%), other reasons (4%) or are unsure (1%).

Respondents based in the UK (80%), Europe (70%) and Canada (77%) are much more likely to cite government policies as a key barrier to the resumption of business travel compared to those based in the United States (44%).

Optimism among suppliers and travel management company respondents concerning the financial prospects of companies in the business travel sector continues on a positive trajectory, as half report they are very optimistic (3%) or optimistic (47%) about the industrys financial prospects.

One in four (26%) report they are pessimistic or more pessimistic, and one in four (23%) are neither pessimistic nor optimistic. Only four percent report they are unsure about the financial prospects of companies in the business travel sector.

Among those who say their employees are unwilling to travel for business in the current environment (or are unsure or neutral), safety concerns (79%) and the lack of vaccinations (74%) are the primary reasons for their hesitancy. Other reasons include lack of interest (16%) and hesitancy to travel to unfamiliar locations (9%).

Over half (54%) of supplier respondents report an increase in bookings from corporate customers within the past week compared to just 40 percent in the April poll. Two in five (36%) report their bookings have increased from the previous week. Only one in ten report their bookings have decreased (10%).

Over half (52%) of supplier and travel management company respondents report that they feel more optimistic about the industrys path to recovery compared to a month ago. Two in five (41%) say they feel the same and only 7% say they feel more pessimistic about the industrys path to recovery compared to a month ago.

Managing the Return to Non-Essential Business Travel

Almost half (46%) of GBTA members and stakeholder respondents expect their company will resume non-essential travel for all employees equally, regardless of their vaccination status. However, one in four (38%) are unsure as to what their companys policy will allow concerning vaccination status and the resumption of non-essential business travel. Only one in six (16%) say their company will allow fully vaccinated employees to resume non-essential trips while continuing to limit travel for those who have not been vaccinated.

Eight in Ten (81%) GBTA member company respondents who reported canceling or suspending most or all trips to a specific region/country are considering resuming travel in the near future or are considering resuming travel but do not have definite plans. Less than one in ten do not have plans to resume business travel in the near future.

Photo: GBTA

Staffing Up to Meet Demand

Three in four (77%) suppliers and travel management respondents say their staff size is much less or less today compared to before the pandemic. Less than one in ten (6%) say their staff size is larger today and one in seven (15%) say their company is the same size today.

Almost half of supplier and travel management employee respondents agree their company will likely face difficulties hiring staff due to a shortage of qualified candidates (47%) or hesitancy among perspective employees to work in the travel industry (46%). Other anticipated obstacles of note include candidates wanting to work remotely (35%) or vaccination verification (15%).

Thinking ahead to the next six months, the majority of supplier and travel management respondents (62%) expect staffing at their company to increase moderately or significantly. One in four (27%) expect staffing to remain the same, while only 8% expect staffing to decrease.

Among suppliers and travel management respondents who expect their staff will increase in the next six months, approximately half (48%) are concerned it will be difficult to find qualified candidates as many have left the travel industry. In addition, more than half (54%) feel it will be difficult to hire qualified candidates due to competition with other companies who are also re-staffing.

Trend for Bleisure or Workcations - Not a Priority

Only one in five (19%) GBTA member and stakeholder respondents are much more likely or more likely to combine leisure travel in combination with business travel; equally, about one in six (17%) say they are either less likely or much less likely to do so. Almost three in five (56%) say that that the pandemic has not changed their plans to extend business trips to incorporate some leisure time. Only 8% are unsure whether they will combine business travel with leisure travel.

View the entire poll resultshere and key highlights here.
Press Release

20 May 2021

A national survey conducted by Morning Consult commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) found that only 29% of Americans would consider traveling to a city or urban destination this summer, further showing the economic devastation facing urban markets, which rely heavily on business from events and group meetings, underscoring the need for targeted relief from Congress.

Urban hotels ended January down 66% in room revenue compared to last year, which does not include the lost revenue from groups, meetings and food and beverage that is a main driver for business in these markets. For example, New York City has seen one-third of its hotel rooms (42,030 rooms) wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 200 hotels permanently closing in the city.

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Hotels are the only segment of the hospitality and leisure industry yet to receive direct aid despite being among the hardest hit. Thats why AHLA and UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality workers union in North America, joined forces to call on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act introduced by Senator Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.). This legislation provides a lifeline to hotel workers, providing the assistance they need to survive until travel returns to pre-pandemic levels.

The survey of 2,200 adults was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA. Key findings include:

Only 29% of respondents are likely to travel to a city or urban destination this summer, and 71% state they would not travel to an urban market.

of respondents are likely to travel to a city or urban destination this summer, and state they would not travel to an urban market. 75% are uninterested in traveling to a U.S. city or metropolitan area to avoid dealing with pre-travel or post-travel quarantine and testing guidelines.

are uninterested in traveling to a U.S. city or metropolitan area to avoid dealing with pre-travel or post-travel quarantine and testing guidelines. 73% are uninterested in traveling to a U.S. city or metropolitan area due to lack of interest in traveling generally.

are uninterested in traveling to a U.S. city or metropolitan area due to lack of interest in traveling generally. 72% are uninterested in a vacation or leisure trip to a U.S. city or metropolitan area despite lower prices due to fewer people traveling.

Hotels and hotel employees in urban markets are among those most impacted by the dramatic decline in travel over the last year, said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. COVID-19 has wiped out 10 years of hotel job growth. While many other hard-hit industries have received targeted federal relief, the hotel industry has not. We need Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act so hotels in the hardest hit regions can rebound when business and group travel begin to resume once again.

According to the same Morning Consult survey, more than seven in 10 Americans (71%) support the government providing targeted economic relief to the hotel industry as called for in the Save Hotel Jobs Act, with support being even higher among Democrats at 79%.

Hotels in urban markets have been disproportionally impacted by the pandemic. While leisure travel will start returning this year as more people are vaccinated, business and group travel, the industrys largest source of revenue, will take significantly longer to recover. Business travel remains nearly nonexistent and is not expected to return to 2019 levels until at least 2023 or 2024. Business travel is down 85% from pre-pandemic levels and not expected to begin to slowly return until a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available in the second half of the year. Major events, conventions and business meetings have also already been canceled or postponed until at least 2022.

Leisure and hospitality has lost 2.8 million jobs during the pandemic that have yet to return, and the unemployment rate in the accommodation sector remains 225% higher than the rest of the economy. Leisure and hospitality unemployment represents more than 25% of all unemployed persons in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Survey Methodology

This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA. The survey was conducted March 1-3, 2021 among a national sample of 2,200 adults. The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, gender, educational attainment, race, and region. Results have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.0 percentage points.
BP has started a recruitment campaign for the people who will drive its expanding clean energy ambitions.

The London-based oil and gas company is looking to fill 100 offshore-wind jobs in the U.K. and the U.S., a figure which could double by the end of the year. The recruitment drive comes even as thousands of other employees have left the company amid a wider restructuring.

This is the first step in terms of building our capability in this space, Mikel Jauregi, senior vice president of people and culture for BPs gas and low-carbon business said in an interview. We do have ambitions to grow our gigawatts in offshore wind, and so the increase in human resources associated to that ambition will increase.

BP wants to pump less oil, generate more clean energy and slash carbon emissions. Last year the company said it was targeting 50 gigawatts of renewables capacity by the end of the decade.

The firm made its first foray into offshore wind in October, spending $1.1 billion to buy a stake -- known in oil-industry parlance as a farm-in -- in a U.S. project operated by Norways Equinor ASA. That was followed by what was viewed by competitors and analysts as pricey entry into the U.K. renewables industry, where the company paid hefty premiums for the right to develop the next generation of English offshore wind farms.

Despite the criticism, the company says theres money to be made from their growing wind business. I cant even begin to tell you the number of people who have come to us to farm-in at a premium, BPs Executive Vice President of Gas and Low Carbon Energy Dev Sanyal said in an interview. At minimum, the company believes it can create an 8% to 10% return from its low-carbon business.

RELATED: Study: Oil companies can redeploy $838B to fund renewable projects

We were zero in offshore wind energy some six months ago, said Sanyal. We now have 7.4 gigawatts gross in the worlds fastest growing market -- the U.S. -- and in the worlds largest market -- the U.K. We continue to look at opportunities.

Daily Blackouts

Sanyal grew up in the Indian city of Darjeeling, where he experienced near-daily blackouts. He argued that BP can provide access to energy, not by becoming a pure-play renewable company, but by integrating different resources to serve a range of customers.

Not everyone is convinced. In its annual general meeting last week, 20% of BPs shareholders voted in favor of a resolution asking the company to set more stringent targets to limit greenhouse gas emissions. While the company says it will increase investments into cleaner sources of energy to $5 billion by 2030, critics note that the figure is still billions of dollars less than its annual spending on fossil fuels.

The recruitment drive has been BPs most successful LinkedIn campaign, with over 300,000 views so far, 80% of which came from its own employees network on the platform, Jauregi said. Around 3,000 people have applied for the roles externally, while 600 BP employees have registered an interest in an internal offshore-wind training program.

BP has no shortage of project managers, procurement specialists, engineers. What we lack is the offshore wind experience, says Jauregi.

The firm has seconded a number of employees from its core oil and gas business to the Equinor joint venture. Stacey Dillon-Nicholls, a 25-year veteran of the oil and gas business, Rob Jonkergouw, who most recently managed BPs liquefied natural gas venture in Angola, and Chris Daykin, a former manager in Iraq, have all moved into the wind business.
U.S. crude inventories increased by 1.3 million barrels last week, pushing oil prices down Wednesday. Oil prices fell more than 4 percent Wednesday morning, trading at about $62.98 around 9:35 a.m. Central.



The nations commercial crude inventories increased to 486 million barrels during the week ended May 14 from 484.7 million barrels the previous week, the Energy Department said Wednesday.

IEA: No more oil and gas wells if world is to reach climate target

Crude stockpiles are about 1 percent below the the five-year average for this time of year, the Energy Department said.



Gasoline inventories decreased by 2 million barrels last week and are about 2 percent below the five year average for this time of year. Jet fuel inventories rose by 2 million barrels last week as the airline industry continues to battle effects of the pandemic.



Refineries took in an average of 15.1 million barrels a day last week, some 96,000 barrels per day more than the previous period, the Energy Department said. Refineries operated at about 86.3 percent of capacity. Over the past four weeks, refineries have produced 8.9 million barrels a day of gasoline, about 33.9 percent more than during the same period last year, when much of the nation was shut down amid the pandemic.
WASHINGTON - In the years ahead, the natural gas sector is planning billions of dollars in construction projects to expand the network of pipelines that transport its product around the country and solidify natural gas role in the nations energy supply for decades to come.

But first they need to convince federal regulators to sign off as President Joe Biden sounds the alarm on climate change and the nations reliance on fossil fuels.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing whether to include contributions to climate change in the criteria for approving pipelines and other natural gas projects. The review is ongoing, with no timeline or a decision, but such a change stands to radically alter how the federal government decides whether to allow the construction of gas pipelines.

FERC almost never denies (pipeline) applications. As long as theres a contract in place they approve it, said Max Sarinsky, an attorney with New York Universitys Institute for Public Policy. They have an obligation to review the impacts of these pipelines, both beneficial and adverse, and thats not something theyve been doing with climate impacts.

That changed earlier this year when FERC, under new Chairman Richard Glick, a Democrat, considered the greenhouse gas implications of replacing an 87-mile-stretch of the Northern Natural pipeline, which runs from West Texas to Michigan. The commission approved the pipeline but the decision drew the angry dissent of Commissioner James Danly, Republican , who argued the commission was overstepping its authority in considering the projects emissions.

It appears to me that the (pipeline) industry and its customers are on the verge of experiencing some dramatic changes in the coming months and years, he said during a FERC meeting in February.

Pipeline companies now face the question of whether their projects will pass muster with a more environmentally conscious FERC.

More than a dozen natural gas projects are under review at FERC, including a major expansion of Kinder Morgans Tennessee Gas Pipeline and Southern Gas Pipeline, which connect Texas and Louisiana gas fields to the eastern United States. Also, the Canadian firm TransCanada has five gas projects awaiting approval at FERC, including the expansion of a pipeline in southern Louisiana to supply the Plaquemines LNG export terminal, which is being developed by the Virginia LNG firm Venture Global.

On HoustonChronicle.com: As pipeline projects cancel, future falls into question

In the meantime, Glick has signaled he is not going to tread as lightly around pollution from natural gas as his predecessors, recently ordering FERC staff to review whether the expansion of a gas compressor station in Massachusetts was in the public interest after a series of accidental leaks into the surrounding community.

A proposed pipelines contribution to climate change is one of its most consequential environmental impacts and we must consider all evidence in the record, Glick said in a statement earlier this year.

Pushback in Congress

That approach is drawing pushback in Congress. Earlier this month a group of 26 senators, including two Democrats, Sen. Joe Manchin, of West Virginia, and Kyrsten Sinema, of Arizona, wrote to FERC asking they move ahead on the pending projects without considering new standards on climate change.

Many of the proposed projects before the commission, some pending for more than a year, are critical to addressing supply issues and strengthening our energy infrastructure, read the letter, which was also signed by Texass Republican senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

Pipeline companies and their trade groups declined interview requests for this story, citing the ongoing debate within FERC. But behind the scenes, the prospect of the federal government digging into emissions data has widened an existing divide within the industry over climate change.

For some companies, its a reasonable request considering the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero over the next three decades. But for others its a non-starter, giving environmental attorneys even more ammunition with which to tie up their projects in court.

You have companies that want to be more proactive on methane and climate, but not everybodys there yet, said one energy attorney, who requested anonymity to discuss an active case before FERC.

The commissions consideration of climate change, she said, is not going to foreclose natural gas pipelines. That said its going to provide them with more cover and direction to consider climate impacts when they want to.

The uproar over FERCs certification process followed a recent trip by commissioner Danly to Houston, where he met with executives from natural gas and pipeline companies, said one executive, who declined to speak on record because his company has projects before FERC.

Danly  said all these orders are going to come out and you need to intervene, the executive recounted. The message was resonating all through the community.

Danly did not respond to requests for comment.

On HoustonChronicle.com: After long fight to thward climate rules, oil firms seek inroads with Biden

Some 3 million miles of natural gas pipelines crisscross the United States, supplying power plants, industrial facilities and homes with what remains one of the worlds cheapest sources of energy.

But with scientists warning that the world needs to cut emissions immediately, pressure is growing on national governments to stop the construction of fossil fuel pipelines and compressor stations that are designed to run for decades. This week, the International Energy Agency, which advises governments on energy supply, recommended that oil and gas development be halted if the world is to slow global warming and avoid environmental catastrophe.

Revolving door

Biden took office took office promising to address climate change, which has become one of the preeminent issues of his party. But standing in the way are Republicans and Democrats from energy producing states, such as Manchin, who are not ready to give up on a fossil fuel industry that employs millions of people around the country.

In recent years, pipeline companies have beefed up their presence on Capitol Hill, employing former top congressional and federal agency staff to lobby on pipeline issues. Kinder Morgan recently hired Manchins former chief of staff, Patrick Hayes, to lobby on their behalf. Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners has Adam Ingols, the former chief of staff at the Department of Energy during the George W. Bush administration, lobbying on, issues associated with the siting, permitting, and construction of liquid and gas pipeline infrastructure.

They likely have busy years ahead of them. Biden has put a temporary halt to oil and gas permitting on federal lands and committed the United States to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030, more doubled the reduction pledged by former president Barack Obama.

The Biden administration is taking climate very seriously, Sarinsky, the NYU attorney, said. Were seeing agencies across the government make use of tools to assess the impacts of climate change.

FERC, as an independent body, is not bound by the Biden administrations policy choices. But later next month, the president will have the opportunity to decide on a replacement for Commissioner Neil Chatterjee, a Republican and former chief of staff to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose five-year term is coming to an end.

That would give Democrats a 3-2 majority on the commission.

james.osborne@chron.com

Twitter.com/@osborneja
Artist Earnest Snell will have a one-man show of his clay works. Photo: Judy Adams / Contributor Photo: Judy Adams / Contributor

Earnest Snell, who lived on the streets of Houstons Third Ward for over 20 years, is a new man at the age of 70 who is about to have his first art exhibition. Born in Savannah, Ga., in 1951, his life story is a poignant tale of salvation through art.

Snell fondly remembers his childhood with his single mother and his older brother, Vernon, and the first stirrings of his artistic talents.

I realized when I was about 9 that people liked what I drew, Snell recalls. I even helped my seventh grade art teacher teach the other kids when she had to have a meeting with a parent.

But life got harder as he grew into his teen years.

I dropped out of school in the 11th grade, he said, and then I got my GED.

He enrolled in the Job Corps, a Department of Labor program that offers vocational training, and was sent to New Jersey to apprentice at a print shop.

When the Job Corps time ended, I joined the Army before they could draft me. This was during Vietnam. I was 17-and-a-half years old. Since I signed up, I was able choose to go to Germany instead of being sent to Nam, and I got extra assignments drawing maps with the tank locations.

Earnest Snell at 70: A Retrospective in Clay. When: Receptions 6-9 p.m. May 22; noon-4 p.m. May 23. Through June 12. Where: Foelber Gallery and Pottery Studios, 706 Richmond; foelberpottery.com

Snell could have reenlisted after his two-year commitment, but by 1970, most enlisted men were being sent to Vietnam, so he declined.

Following his honorable discharge, he again signed up with the Job Corps. This time, he was sent to Texas and another print shop. Then, in the early 1980s, the Texas economy collapsed. Things were dire for those without safety nets, and Snell ended up on the streets.

He got occasional gigs designing T-shirts and some small painting commissions. And there was a stint in prison for marijuana possession. Even there, he continued creating art. Inmates would pay him in commissary notes to draw on a handkerchief, a piece of paper, or whatever was available.

I had a prison guard commission me to create a drawing of his pit bull next to his truck, he said. He bought me a really nice canvas and a magnifying glass to see the photo better. I was really proud of the details I captured.

God has always been by my side and brought good people into my life, he said. I could tell you stories of Him saving me a few times when I almost died. I messed myself up by getting on crack. Different artists and galleries in the Houston area helped me out, and I helped them by drawing, painting and doing odd jobs. I never begged on the streets.

Two of the people who came into his life, Snell says, were Judy Adams and John Foelber, owners of Foelber Gallery and Pottery Studios on Richmond in Montrose.

They recognized a kindred spirit and fellow artist, Adams says, when they first met Snell in 2002 at the jazz services at St. James Episcopal Church in Third Ward. It was during an after-service dinner, offered to those in need, that they first noticed Snells talent.

Inherently shy, he was crouched in a corner drawing on his Styrofoam cup.

As they got to know him, Foelber and Adams invited him to their pottery studio to try working in clay.

Snell says a web of good Samaritans helped support him during his lean years. Capt. Paul J. Matthews, founder of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, is a strong supporter. Earl Nash, owner of Shines Shoe-Boot Polishing, became an ally, working with Snell on small art projects. Robbie Lee, owner of the Black Heritage Gallery, which has since closed, gave him a place to stay in exchange for doing odd jobs and art projects.

Darryl Harper advocated for Snell through a government bureaucratic maze, Adams says.

Program coordinator of the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program for Volunteers of America, Harper helped Snell get off crack and qualify to receive housing benefits, taking him to housing interviews until, in 2015, they found a good fit with the De George at Union Station in downtown Houston.

Today, Snell lives in veterans housing at the De George, where assistant manager Cassandra Johnson says she considers him a model tenant and a kind soul  and where he is still drawing, painting and creating in clay.

This isnt a fairy tale. It truly took a village of kind, compassionate and tenacious people and years of setbacks and slippery slopes, Adams says. Of course, the biggest piece to the story is Earnest. He had the willpower to survive decades of life on the streets. And through all of that, he kept his faith in God and in people.

To celebrate Snells 70th birthday and his hard-earned success, Foelber Gallery is hosting a retrospective of his clay work.

Even though he will have his first art exhibition, Snell is humble about his talents. I dont consider myself an artist, he says. My ability is Gods gift in me. He blessed me and I have to pass my blessing to others.




By Bahk Eun-ji







A man in his 80s has received a suspended jail term for illegally entering the rental property of a female tenant where he stole a number of pieces of her clothing including underwear.







The Seoul Western District Court said, Wednesday, that it sentenced the 86-year-old man, identified only by his surname, Hong, to a six-month prison term, suspended for one year, for burglary.







According to the court, Hong snuck into the living room of the house in Seodaemun District, Seoul, which the woman was renting from him, at 9:35 p.m. on June 4 last year, and stole several items of her clothing and underwear, including a brassiere, pantyhose and a slip.







He entered the house while the door was opened, as she was taking out household garbage.







The court did not accept the man's claims that he took the items because he thought she was going to throw them away.







"The woman has not psychologically recovered and wants the man to be punished to the full extent of the law. But we suspended the term considering his old age," the court said in the ruling.


WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday he hasn't yet seen any evidence supporting Israel's claim that Hamas operated in a Gaza building housing The Associated Press and other media outlets that was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. Blinken said he has pressed Israel for justification.

Blinken spoke at a news conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, a day after The Associated Press top editor called for an independent investigation into the Israeli airstrike over the weekend that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the AP, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media, saying the public deserves to know the facts.

Israel destroyed a building housing The Associated Press and Al Jazeera and claimed that Hamas used the building for a military intelligence office.

Separately, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders asked the International Criminal Court to investigate Israels bombing of a building housing the media organizations as a possible war crime.

Sally Buzbee, APs executive editor, said that the Israeli government has yet to provide clear evidence supporting its attack, which leveled the 12-story al-Jalaa tower.

The Israeli military, which gave AP journalists and other tenants about an hour to evacuate, claimed Hamas used the building for a military intelligence office and weapons development. Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said Israel was compiling evidence for the U.S. but declined to commit to providing it within the next two days.

Blinken said he personally has not seen any Israeli evidence of Hamas operating in the building and has asked Israel for justification for the strike.

Shortly after the strike we did request additional details regarding the justification for it, Blinken said from Copenhagen, Denmark. He declined to discuss specific intelligence, saying he will leave it to others to characterize if any information has been shared and our assessment that information.

But he said, I have not seen any information provided.

On Sunday, Conricus, the Israeli military spokesman said, "Were in the middle of fighting. Thats in process and Im sure in due time that information will be presented.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would share any evidence of Hamas presence in the targeted building through intelligence channels. But neither the White House nor the State Department would say if any American official had seen it.

Buzbee said the AP has had offices in al-Jalaa tower for 15 years and never was informed or had any indication that Hamas might be in the building. She said the facts must be laid out.

We are in a conflict situation, Buzbee said. We do not take sides in that conflict. We heard Israelis say they have evidence; we dont know what that evidence is.

We think its appropriate at this point for there to be an independent look at what happened yesterday  an independent investigation," she added.

In remarks Sunday, Netanyahu repeated Israels claim that the building housed an intelligence office of Hamas. Asked if he had relayed supporting evidence of that in a call with President Joe Biden on Saturday, Netanyahu said that we pass it through our intelligence people.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders, known by its French acronym RSF, said in a letter to the courts chief prosecutor that the offices of 23 international and local media organizations have been destroyed over the past six days.

RSF said it had strong reason to believe that the Israeli militarys intentional targeting of media organizations and intentional destruction of their equipment could violate one of the courts statutes. It said the attacks serve to reduce, if not neutralize, the medias capacity to inform the public.

RSF asked the international court, based in the Dutch city of The Hague, to include the recent attacks in a war crimes probe opened in March into Israels practices in Palestinian territories.

Buzbee said the AP journalists were rattled after the airstrike but are doing fine and reporting the news. She expressed concern about the impact on news coverage.

This does impact the worlds right to know what is happening on both sides of the conflict in real time, she said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone Saturday with APs president and CEO, Gary Pruitt. The State Department said Blinken offered his unwavering support for independent journalists and media organizations around the world and noted the indispensability of their reporting in conflict zones."

Buzbee and Conricus spoke on CNNs Reliable Sources and Netanyahu was on CBS Face the Nation.
President Joe Biden's efforts to persuade Benjamin Netanyahu to halt military strikes against Hamas in Gaza are plunging the two leaders into a difficult early test of the U.S.-Israeli relationship.

The two have had other moments of tension over the years, and their current differences over the war in Gaza create a challenge that Biden was trying mightily to avoid.

Biden told Netanyahu in a telephone call Wednesday that he expected significant de-escalation of the fighting by day's end, according to the White House. But the prime minister came right back with a public declaration that he was determined to continue" the Gaza operation until its objective is achieved.

Netanyahu did allow that he greatly appreciates the support of the American president, but said nonetheless that Israel would push ahead.

This is not where Biden had hoped to expend his time and energy.

Early in Bidens term, foreign policy has taken a back seat. The president has tried to avoid getting bogged down in an interminable effort to establish an elusive Mideast peace that many of his White House predecessors have dedicated precious time to without much success.

This is not the first time Biden and Netanyahu have been publicly at odds.

As vice president, Biden kept Netanyahu waiting for a dinner meeting after the Israeli leader embarrassed President Barack Obama by approving the construction of 1,600 new apartments in disputed east Jerusalem in the middle of Bidens 2010 visit to Israel.

Netanyahu sought to patch up hurt feelings at the dinner. But after the meal, Biden admonished the prime minister in a statement, saying the move undermined a U.S. effort to persuade the Palestinians to resume peace talks.

Later, Obama and Netanyahus relationship cratered as White House aides questioned the Israeli's willingness to find accommodations with Palestinians and Sunni Arab countries to build a lasting peace in the region. Netanyahu, for his part, was furious about White House efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran.

Amid the tension between Obama and Netanyahu, Biden went out of his way during a 2014 speech before the Jewish Federations of North America to say that he and Netanyahu were still buddies, albeit with a somewhat complicated relationship. Biden noted that he had once inscribed a photo for Netanyahu with Bibi I dont agree with a damn thing you say but I love you.

In late 2019, during a question and answer session with voters on the campaign trail, Biden called Netanyahu counterproductive and an extreme right leader. But he also accused Palestinian leaders of fomenting the conflict and baiting everyone who is Jewish. And he suggested that some on the U.S. political left give the Palestinian Authority a pass when criticizing Israeli leadership.

Netanyahu had a notably better relationship with President Donald Trump, whom he praised for moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv and brokering a normalization of relations between Israel and Gulf neighbors Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Morocco and Sudan.

Biden's call on Netanyahu to de-escalate the fighting came as political and international pressure mounted on the U.S. president to intervene more forcefully to push for an end to the hostilities. Biden, until Wednesday, had avoided pressing Israel more directly and publicly for a cease-fire, or conveying that level of urgency for ending Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas in the thickly populated Gaza Strip.

His administration has relied instead on what officials described as quiet, intensive diplomacy, including quashing a U.N. Security Council statement that would have addressed a cease-fire. The administrations handling opened a divide between Biden and some Democratic lawmakers, dozens of whom have called for a cease-fire.

Egypt and some others have worked without success to broker a halt to fighting, while Hamas officials indicated publicly they would keep up their rocket barrages into Israel as long as Israel continued airstrikes.

Netanyahu, in his statement, made clear he had no plans to immediately wind down Israeli strikes targeting Hamas leaders and supply tunnels in Gaza, a 25-mile by 6-mile strip of territory that is home to more than 2 million people.

With every passing day we are striking at more of the terrorist organizations capabilities, targeting more senior commanders, toppling more terrorist buildings and hitting more weaponry stockpiles, Netanyahu said.

The White House did not respond directly to Netanyahu's statement but said top Biden advisers continued to be in hour by hour contact with their Israeli counterparts.

The State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Wednesday with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and reinforced the message that the U.S. expects to see de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire.

Biden's relationship with Netanyahu could be further complicated for the president by a shifting tide on Israel among some congressional Democrats. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has called Israel an apartheid state, and Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has labeled Israeli airstrikes terrorism." Biden, during a visit to a Michigan on Tuesday, had an animated conversation about the ongoing fighting with Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank. Tlaib told Biden that his administration must do far more to protect Palestinian lives, according to a person familiar with their conversation,

Soon after Netanyahu announced he planned to continue operations, Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin introduced a resolution opposing the sale of $735 million in military weaponry to Israel that's already been approved by the Biden administration. Separately, 138 House Democrats on Wednesday signed a letter, organized by Rep. David Price of North Carolina, urging Biden and his administration to boldly lead and take decisive action to end the violence.

The fighting, the worst Israeli-Palestinian violence since 2014, has killed at least 219 Palestinians and 12 people in Israel.

Top Biden administration officials have stressed to the Israelis in recent days that time is not on their side as international objections mount to their operations and domestic pressure builds on Biden, according to a person familiar with the ongoing discussions,

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Associated Press writers Alexandra Jaffe in New London, Connecticut, and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.
DYER BROOK, Maine (AP)  A driver was killed when a flat tire caused his dump truck to leave Interstate 95 and crash into trees, Maine State Police said.

Michael Marshall, 68, of Houlton, was pronounced dead at the scene Wednesday after the crash in Dyer Brook, police said.
PARIS (AP)  Its a grand day for the French. Cafe and restaurant terraces reopened Wednesday after a six-month coronavirus shutdown deprived residents of the essence of French joie de vivre  sipping coffee and red wine with friends.

The French government is lifting restrictions incrementally to stave off a resurgence of COVID-19 and to give citizens back some of their world famous lifestyle. As part of the plan's first stage, France's 7 p.m. nightly curfew was pushed back to 9 p.m. and museums, theaters and cinemas reopened along with outdoor cafe terraces.

President Emmanuel Macron took a seat at a cafe terrace, chatting with customers. Prime Minister Jean Castex, who planned to attend a cinema later Wednesday, projected a mood of measured optimism.

Lets get used to try and live together," Macron told reporters. "If we manage to get well organized collectively and continue vaccinating, have a common discipline as citizens, theres no reason why we can't continue moving forward.

Actor Emmanuelle Beart went to a movie theater opening in Paris where her latest film L'Etreinte ("The Embrace") was showing. The appetite for seeing movies was such that many in Paris lined up at breakfast to see a movie instead of getting their morning croissant.

Moviegoer Michael Souhaite, who works in the industry, set his alarm clock to make sure he would make a 9 a.m. showing of Drunk.

I really need to go to the movies, he said. I go to movies maybe twice a week, minimum. So for me, it was really, really, really important... Today, its almost emotional to be here.

France is not the first European country to start getting back a semblance of social and cultural life. Italy, Belgium, Hungary and other nations already allow outdoor dining while drinking and eating indoors began Monday in Britain.

Eateries in France have been closed since the end of October, the longest time of any European country except Poland, where bars and restaurants reopened Saturday for outdoor service after being closed for seven months.

Still, the French government has put limits on how much fun can be had. Movie theaters can only seat 35% of capacity, while museums must restrict entries to allow space between visitors. Restaurants can fill only 50% of their outdoor seating and have no more than six people at a table.

Top figures in Frances restaurant industry were frustrated over the governments perceived failure to protect their prized gastronomy from the worst. Yet many, like Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, have chosen to hold their ire over the crippling six-month closures to imagine instead the future of buzzing dining areas and swilled bottles of wine.

Has (the government) done enough? The answer is No... (But) optimism is a decision. We have decided to be optimistic. French gastronomy will continue," he said.

Starting on June 9, the French government plans to move the curfew back to 11 p.m. and to permit indoor dining. Also on that date, France will begin to welcome tourists from non-EU destinations provided they have some sort of coronavirus passport or health pass. The final phase of the three-stage reopening plan is scheduled for June 30, when the curfew will end and all other restrictions will be lifted, if pandemic conditions allow.

Macron's plans to bring France out of the pandemic arent just about bringing long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums back to life, but also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term. Before next year's presidential election, Macron is focusing on saving jobs and reviving the pandemic-battered French economy.

France has recorded more than 108,000 deaths due to COVID-19, among the highest tolls in Europe. But virus deaths, admissions to critical care units and the coronavirus infection rate are now on the decline.

Dr. Michel Slama, chief of the intensive care unit at Amiens Hospital, said his stance, like Macron's, was optimistic but prudent.

We are attentive about the reopening but worried is not the word," he told The Associated Press. "There has been a significant drop in emergency hospital admissions for the virus in France. Thats good news. The high vaccine rate now, we hope, will help us avoid a new wave.

About 40% of France's adult population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose  but that rate is still well behind Britain's 70% and behind several other EU nations.

Tourists waited with excitement and palpable emotion as the cordon around the world's most visited museum and home of the Mona Lisa, the Louvre, was finally lifted.

I am extremely moved. In fact, just as I entered the Louvre, really just in the gallery, I immediately started crying. Real tears of joy, said Pauline Lacroix, a psychotherapist.

It means a lot, you know. It means COVID-19 is starting to finish, when it's the opening of all museums and public areas, said another visitor, Walid Hneini.

Paris resident Benoit Puez was more understated about the opening up, giving it a Gallic shrug.

Maybe I didnt really miss it, but we are happy its reopening. Its a stage, he said.

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Thomas Adamson reported from Leeds, England. Masha Macpherson, John Leicester and Jeffrey Schaeffer in Paris contributed.

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This version corrects the spelling of French actor Beart's first name to Emmanuelle, not Emmanuel.

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Follow APs pandemic coverage at:

https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic

https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  A northern Kentucky attorney is facing more human trafficking charges, authorities said.

Robert L. Poole was indicted in Boone County on four counts of human trafficking and one count of bribing a witness, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced Wednesday in a statement.

Poole was indicted in 2018 in nearby Kenton County on 15 charges, including human trafficking of a minor and third-degree rape. The trial in that case is set for September. Poole has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Erlanger Police investigated the case with assistance from the Attorney Generals Human Trafficking Investigation Unit after receiving information during an investigation of former Campbell County District Judge Tim Nolan.

Nolan was sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in prison for human trafficking.

These charges demonstrate the often complex and connected web that traffickers can weave when targeting victims, said Cameron.
BERLIN (AP)  Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Germany will discuss necessary common ground with the U.S. on relations with Russia after President Joe Biden opted not to punish the company overseeing a Russia-Germany pipeline project that Washington opposes.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been an irritant in relations between the U.S. and Germany for years. Washington, which has battled to block it, argues that the pipeline  now 95% complete  threatens European energy security, heightens Russias influence and poses risks to Ukraine and Poland in bypassing both countries.

On Wednesday, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian companies and ships for their work on the pipeline, but Biden angered many Democratic and Republican lawmakers by opting not to punish Nord Stream 2 AG, the company overseeing the project.

Waiving penalties regarding ally Germany was in line with our commitment to strengthen our Transatlantic relationships as a matter of national security, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Merkel said Thursday that President Biden has now taken a step toward us in connection with the Nord Stream 2 conflict, where we have different views but where we will now talk further about what the necessary common ground is in the relationship with Russia.

Speaking at an event organized by German broadcaster WDR in Berlin, she didn't elaborate on that common ground.

Asked what Biden will get from Germany or Europe for waiving sanctions, Merkel replied: Look, that's not how it works.

Merkel added that she and Biden will soon see each other at Group of Seven and NATO meetings. She noted that she and Armin Laschet, her party's candidate to succeed her after Germany's Sept. 26 election, advocate sticking to pledges to raise Germany's defense spending.

We will have to speak about Russia and Ukraine policy, and of course about China policy, she said. But this isn't measured in millimeters and grams  partnerships are based on trying to react to the other's thought processes and positions in order to find good compromises.

Nord Stream 2 is owned by Russian state company Gazprom, with investment from several European companies. Domestic critics in Germany  including Laschet's main opponent in the election, Green party candidate Annalena Baerbock  have argued that the pipeline should be abandoned for various reasons, including Russias treatment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, Weve continued to convey that we believe its a bad idea, a bad plan.

Our view is that its a Russian geopolitical project that threatens European energy security and that of Ukraine and the Eastern flank NATO allies and partners, Psaki said.

But, she added: In what way were we be going to be able to stop a project in another country thats been built 95%?

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Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
Jane Goodall, the conservationist renowned for her expertise on chimpanzees and her globe-spanning advocacy of environmental causes, was named Thursday as this years winner of the prestigious Templeton Prize, honoring individuals whose lifes work embodies a fusion of science and spirituality.

Goodall, born in London in 1934, traveled to Kenya in 1957 and met the famed anthropologist and paleontologist Louis Leakey. In 1960, at his invitation, she began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania.

Her field research revolutionized the field of primatology, helping transform how scientists and the public perceive the emotional and social complexity of animals. She was the first to observe that chimpanzees engage in activities previously believed to be exclusive to humans, such as creating tools, and she demonstrated that they have individual personalities.

Her discoveries have profoundly altered the worlds view of animal intelligence and enriched our understanding of humanity in a way that is both humbling and exalting, said Heather Templeton Dill, president of the John Templeton Foundation, which helps administers the prize.

Established in 1972 by the late philanthropist Sir John Templeton, the Templeton Prize is one of the worlds largest individual awards  currently valued at 1.1 million pounds, or $1.56 million. Past winners include Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.

Last years honoree was Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health in the United States and leader of the Human Genome Project.

Goodall, in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of the award's announcement, recalled how her work with the chimpanzees led to a broader appreciation for nature as she spent hours by herself in the forest.

Out there in nature by myself, when youre alone, you can become part of nature and your humanity doesnt get in the way, she said. Its almost like an out-of-body experience when suddenly you hear different sounds and you smell different smells and youre actually part of this amazing tapestry of life."

Every time a little species vanishes, it may not seem important, she added. But the thread is pulled from that tapestry and the picture gets weaker as more threads are pulled, until that tapestry, once so beautiful, is hanging in tatters.

As her fame grew, she expanded into a diverse range of activities, including humanitarian initiatives and advocacy for the ethical treatment of animals.

She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to sustain the study and protection of chimpanzees while also improving the welfare of scores of local communities. In 1991 she founded Roots & Shoots, an environmental and humanitarian program whose hands-on projects have benefited communities, animals and the environment in more than 65 countries.

Some people seem to believe that we can live separated from nature, but we cant, Goodall said.

Were animals, too, you know, by definition. ... We just happen to have (less) hair and have had an explosive development of our intellect. But we seem to fail when it comes to wisdom  the wisdom that says, The decision I make now, how will that affect future generations or the health of the planet?

In recent decades, Goodall has averaged more than 300 days of travel each year, educating audiences worldwide about nature, conservation and the potential for collective action to bring about change. The coronavirus pandemic halted those travels, she has continued to have a strong influence through virtual participation in events and lectures involving thousands of people in scores of countries.

She launched a podcast from her childhood home in England and, at age 87, is reaching millions of people through social media.

Raised as a Christian, Goodall said she developed her own sense of spirituality in the forests of Tanzania  in essence, believing that all living things and the natural world are connected through a divine force.

She recalled her mother saying to her, when she was a girl, You will be brought up in a Christian family, so you worship God. But you might have been born in Egypt and then you would worship Allah, or you might have been born in a Buddhist country or one with a Hindu religion."

And she said there can only be one God," Goodall said, "and so the name that we call him or her or, it really doesnt matter.

As much as she respects science, she prefers it to have some limits.

"The world is so full of magic and surprises, she said. I like to keep an open mind, and I like to think of magic. I dont want us to find out all the answers. ... One day we will learn the answers, but not on this planet.

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AP video journalist Emily Leshner contributed to this report.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
A man accused of shooting his wife to death Wednesday evening in northwest Houston has been charged with murder, authorities said.

Dakari Lenear, 45, shot Rhonda Lenear, 46, inside their home on the 9500 block of Walnut Glen Drive, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said early Thursday.
After being in and out of jail in recent years, Jaquaree Simmons planned to be home for his mothers birthday.

I love you, the 23-year-old texted Larhonda Biggles the day prior. Happy early birthday momma.

The next day he woke her up and reminded her he wanted to celebrate by taking her out. Those minutes on the morning of Feb. 10 were among the last Biggles shared with her son, who suffered from some mental health issues.

Seven days later, during the deep freeze in Texas, he died following an altercation with corrections officers at the Harris County Jail; police had arrested him on the morning of Biggles birthday on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a weapon.

Jail staff distributing lunch Feb. 17 found Simmons face down in his cell, where he was alone for COVID-19 quarantining. Staffers started life-saving measures, but a death report does not identify any symptoms or irregularities beyond Simmons being unresponsive. Eventually paramedics arrived and took Simmons to Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.

A doctor there pronounced him dead at 1:27 p.m.

Three months after authorities announced Simmons death, they have not said much else, to the public or Biggles. But six sheriffs employees have been put on administrative duty, records show the jail didnt document required observations, a spokesman says there is no video footage of the altercation and a report says Simmons death was caused by law enforcement/correctional personnel.

On Thursday, the sheriffs office announced it had concluded an internal probe into the death and any possible disciplinary actions were expected to be handed down in following days. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences confirmed the manner of Simmons death had been ruled a homicide, the term for a person causing the death of another person.

We want people to know that we lost somebody and we dont have no answers, Biggles said. Its like Ok, he died, hes buried  thats it. No. Were not going to let that be like that, you understand what Im saying. Somebody needs to be held accountable for what happened to my son.

Records raise questions as probe continues

A criminal investigation being conducted by the Houston Police Department remains active. The findings of the sheriffs inquiry have not been made public; they were presented to a committee May 13 that determines whether any staffers violated office policies. If any did, the committee recommends disciplinary actions for consideration.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reviewed the recommendations and any disciplinary actions are anticipated to be carried out in the coming days, according to the office. Investigators collected 73 statements from 37 employees and 20 jail detainees; identified footage that showed all staffers who entered Simmons cell block; and reviewed jail phone records and round sheets.

The circumstances surrounding Mr. Simmons death warranted a complete and thorough investigation, which I am confident our team has provided, Gonzalez said in a statement. We hold our duty to ensure the safety of all those entrusted into our care as sacred. Mr. Simmons family deserves a full, unvarnished explanation of his death, and our community has a right to full transparency. Anyone found to have violated our communitys trust will be held accountable.

The autopsy had not yet been released Thursday, but a medical examiner spokeswoman confirmed the manner of death was a homicide; the primary cause of death blunt force injuries of head with subdural hematoma.

Records show the jail did not properly document face-to-face observations for a period of more than four hours on the day of Simmons death.

Sheriffs spokesman Jason Spencer said he did not know if the officer who found Simmons unresponsive was the first to see him following the fracas, after which Simmons had been evaluated by jail medical staff before returning to his cell.

Records obtained by The Chronicle raise questions about how Simmons was checked on following the episode, which authorities previously said ended with him hitting the floor.

State code requires all jail facilities must have established procedure for documented, face-to-face observation of all inmates by jailers no less than once every 60 minutes. Observation shall be performed at least every 30 minutes in areas where inmates known to be assaultive, potentially suicidal, mentally ill, or who have demonstrated bizarre behavior are confined.

An inspector wrote in a report from the jail standards commission dated April 5 that such observations were not properly documented between 7:15 a.m. and 11:24 a.m., upon review of video and written documentation from the day of Simmons death. And it was not the first time the issue was flagged to the jail in recent months.

According to an inspection conducted by the commission between Nov. 30 and Dec. 4, 2020, the jail was found to be out of compliance on the issue. A re-inspection report dated April 9 showed both half-hour and hourly face-to-face observations were being conducted as required.

In response to numerous questions, including whether a medical doctor evaluated Simmons after the altercation and about the lapse in documenting observations, Spencer said he could not answer due to the ongoing investigation. He noted the jail is currently in compliance of jail standards.

The worst call

It wasnt the call that Biggles awaited.

She had not heard from Jaquaree, who usually called daily, in two days. She was without power and thought he might not be able to call due to the winter storm.

After charging her phone in her car, she just missed a call. There was a voice message from the chaplain at the jail. She called back and, confused, asked her daughter nearby to listen, too.

Im his mother, Biggles told the chaplain.

The voice on the other lined continued. There had been an accident involving Simmons and he was found unresponsive. After trying CPR, medics rushed him to the hospital.

 where unfortunately the voice said.

Biggles threw her phone and ran away.

Carmel, Simmons 21-year-old sister, picked up the phone.

The voice continued: Unfortunately, Simmons had been pronounced deceased.

Carmels screams stopped Biggles, who was about three steps down a set of stairs next to her apartment. She ran back.

I said, Mam please tell me what happened to my son. What happened? Biggles remembered. She said, Im sorry, I dont know. I just know that he was pronounced deceased. And yeah, that was the worst call we ever got in our lives.

Biggles still doesnt know exactly what happened.

I was getting through

At a court hearing in early March, Kevin Howard, a defense attorney, didnt know the whereabouts of his client.

After a few calls he learned.

What do you mean? Howard asked when Biggles said her son was dead following an incident with jail guards.

How? Howard wondered. Simmons was 5 foot 2, 120 pounds, according to court records.

I cant see him creating any kind of physical, strength-wise problem for strong jailers, Howard said. Because I knew him and because I knew how small he was, I  really could not understand how he got into some kind of, you know, kerfuffle with guards such that it would require a level of force such that he ultimately died from it.

When Howard was first appointed to represent Simmons, he said, he did something he tries to do with all his clients whove been arrested multiple times: Show them a picture of all their mugshots so they can see changes to their own face.

I showed him that as well to try to get him to see where his life was coming from and where it was going, Howard said. And I was getting through.

By the time Howard met Simmons, he had been arrested numerous times on charges of possessing drugs, theft and trespassing. Those who knew Simmons had also observed a change in the most recent months before his arrest in February, when he was out on bond from a felony case.

He remained careful of the curfew imposed by his release conditions. Hed spend more time at home and often talked about trying to find a way toward success, which included ensuring his mother and sisters were happy and buying his first vehicle, ideally a Tesla like the ones that always captured his attention.

At restaurants or stores, he would ask employees if the establishment had any openings, and if so for a job application.

It made us laugh because it was like OK, OK, Biggles said, hes really trying to change.

And he had his challenges, relatives and friends say, but hed been restless to advance his life in recent months, even as he dealt with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues.

One time while venting, he cried to his best friend.

Bro, whats wrong with me? he asked Joel Wilson. Is something wrong with me or something?

This is what Gods throwing at us right now, Wilson recalled advising his friend of about 10 years.

The dread and disappointment emerged again in February when Simmons called Wilson from jail. Why did he keep getting in trouble?

Wilson said his friends last days on this Earth were hell.

He always wanted to make it out of this life. Thats why it hurts me so much, Wilson said. Its not supposed to be over. He was 23 years old. He never got to get his first car.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com
After three tumultuous years of operating with an interim superintendent, Houston Independent School District trustees are set to vote Friday on finally naming a long-term leader for the states largest school district.

The boards nine members are scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. to formalize their decision on a lone finalist for the job, bringing their six-month search to a close. Trustees were scheduled to interview the final candidates, whose names have not been publicly released, and decide on a pick behind closed doors Thursday.

The selection could set HISD on a new course after years of upheaval and leadership uncertainty that has lingered since former Superintendent Richard Carranzas abrupt departure in March 2018.

MORE COVERAGE: Houston ISD set to name superintendent finalist Friday - if state allows it

Or the new superintendents tenure could be cut short.

HISD is fighting in court to stop Texas Education Commissioner Mike Moraths plans to replace the districts school board, a move resulting from years of low academic performance at Wheatley High School and a state investigation into allegations of trustee misconduct. If Morath prevails, he will choose new board members and pick a superintendent.

Texas legislators also are considering a bill that would, in part, hasten the boards ouster and bypass the courts.

Everyone is pretty much exhausted, from the teachers to the community leaders, about having to hear another HISD story that isnt what we want to hear, said Juan Antonio Sorto, chair of the Houston Super Neighborhood Alliance. Hopefully, this will be the start of the road ahead to healing.

The threat of severe state intervention has loomed over HISD since Carranza left to lead New York Citys public schools, slowing efforts to pick his replacement.

Board members were on the verge of naming a lone superintendent finalist in early 2019 after a months-long search, but a state-appointed conservator overseeing the district ordered trustees to stand down. The mandate coincided with the expansion of the state investigation into board members.

A judge in Travis County lifted that order in early 2020, though board members did not launch their current search for 10 more months amid uncertainty over the legal case.

Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan has led the district since Carranzas departure, but trustees never removed her temporary tag despite efforts by some trustees to retain her. Lathan plans to leave HISD in June to become superintendent of Springfield Public Schools in Missouri.

HISD made some strides during Lathans tenure, cutting its number of F-rated schools under Texas academic accountability system and boosting achievement at some of its longest-struggling campuses. At the same time, HISD grappled with high administrative turnover, a spate of embarrassing headlines and fractures among school board members over the past few years.

HISDs superintendent search firm, JG Consulting, held about 60 meetings and conducted online surveys to gather feedback about what kind of leader community members want. Top responses focused on finding a superintendent with executive-level leadership experience, strong communication skills and a track record of raising student achievement, among other traits.

Coraly Perez, the mother of a senior at Westbury High School, said she hopes HISDs next superintendent works to ensure staff connect better with families, with a particular focus on Spanish-speaking parents.

More from Jacob Carpenter: How should HISD spend $800M? The district wants to hear from you

I feel like they do listen a bit, but most of the parents work and its really hard for them to be involved in the schools, Perez said. If theres better management, I know the parents are willing to go and be more involved with everything going on with their kids.

As HISD trustees finished interviews and internal deliberations Thursday, state lawmakers continued to hammer out legislation that could impact the new superintendents tenure.

Legislators thought HISD triggered a new law that required sanctions, such as the boards ouster, when Wheatley High scored its seventh consecutive failing grade in 2019. However, the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals ruled that HISD had not triggered the law, largely because of a legal technicality.

The Texas Senate this month passed a bill that addressed the dispute, requiring the replacement of the school board in any district with a campus scoring five failing grades since the 2012-13 school year.

The proposal faces resistance in the Texas House, where lawmakers released a revised bill Thursday that did not include provisions to force the HISD boards ouster. The House version does set new parameters for state investigations into misconduct by public school officials, as well as require the Texas Education Agency to issue not rated accountability scores to low-performing schools and districts in 2022 amid fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Its made the current law as we know it much, much better, said state Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Kingwood, who led efforts to craft the House version.

House members were scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday, but the vote was postponed until at least Sunday amid unrelated tensions between the House and Senate. Several of the states largest education organizations, including the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards, voiced support for the House version Wednesday.

(The bill) strikes a balance between local control and state accountability, the organizations wrote in a joint statement to House members. The state takeover of a school or district should only occur in rare instances, and when it does occur, the rules should be very clear to all parties involved.

If the House version passes, the Senate would need to vote on the same language or the two chambers would need to send the bill to a conference committee as the regular session draws to a close at the end of the month.

Two state-appointed conservators overseeing special education issues in HISD still could order the districts board to halt its search, though that prospect appears increasingly unlikely. State law allows a conservator to direct an action to be taken by the board of trustees, superintendent or any campus principal.

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
People gather for a rally at Banpo Hangang Park in southern Seoul, May 16, calling on police to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of a medical student there late last month. Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye



Some YouTubers are facing criticism for exploiting the mysterious death of a medical college student and spreading unconfirmed information about the incident to boost the number of views for their videos.



These YouTubers are stoking public distrust in investigative agencies, while there are also concerns that videos containing unconfirmed claims and accusations are causing confusion in police efforts to uncover the facts behind the tragic incident.



Son Jeong-min, a 22-year-old medical student in Seoul, was found dead in the Han River, April 30, five days after he disappeared from a riverside park in southern Seoul. He disappeared allegedly after falling asleep after drinking with his friend in the park from 11 p.m., April 24, until after 2 a.m. the next morning.



A police investigation has revealed so far that the friend went home alone at around 4:30 a.m. on April 25 without knowing where Son had gone. The friend also said they both got very drunk and fell asleep in the park, and when he woke up, Son was not there.



Following an autopsy, the National Forensic Service concluded that Son drowned in the river. But some people have raised suspicions that his friend murdered him and are calling on police to arrest him at the earliest possible date.



Some YouTubers have been rushing to upload videos claiming that Son's death was a murder.



Some even interviewed shamans who offered their own takes, with one claiming that "the murderer may have had an accomplice," while another claimed that "Son and his friend may have gotten in a fight over a girl."



These YouTube videos have generated hundreds of thousands of views, but none of the claims have been verified by police.



Some YouTubers are also calling on viewers to offer donations of money to help solve the case, although Son's father, who has been very vocal about his view that his son's death was not accidental, has refused to be funded.



Some viewers have appeared sympathetic to these YouTubers' claims, leaving comments such as, "The truth of this incident will be uncovered by the public and not by the police," or "The wrongful death cannot be covered up by authorities."



But this phenomenon is raising concerns that the indiscriminate spread of false accusations and unconfirmed accounts would only stir up more suspicions and cause confusion in the ongoing police investigation.



Some internet users criticized such YouTubers of profiting off the misfortune of others.



Police also expressed concerns that unconfirmed rumors have been spread through social media as if they are facts, causing unnecessary confusion and difficulties in their investigation.



"We once again stress that we are doing our best to confirm where Son had been before he died and how he ended up in the water," a police official said. "We ask people to trust our investigation, rather than raising suspicions."


Rain fell hard and fast across the Houston region Tuesday night. Residents hunkered in homes, or maneuvered flooding roads, as the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings.

Many were tired of battling this scenario  but the pounding rain exemplified the sort of heavy precipitation that climate scientists expect will become more common as the globe warms.

The National Climate Assessment showed that heavy precipitation has already become more intense and frequent across much of the country, pointed out Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist for the Nature Conservancy and a professor at Texas Tech University.

Why? Simply put: Warmer air holds more water vapor, Hayhoe said. So as the globe warms, there is more vapor for storms to sweep up and drop on us.

Climate change then is loading the dice, so to speak. The intense storms that once felt like bad luck may now simply be more likely compared with how things otherwise would have been.

Now Playing: Video: NASA

We always get storm fronts sweeping across Texas from west to east in May and in June, Hayhoe said. Thats normal. We always get severe weather associated with those fronts. Thats normal too. But whats not normal is the sheer amount of precipitation thats falling, and that amount is what we can link to a warming world.

In the days before the Tuesday night storms, areas around Beaumont and Lake Charles received more than 10 inches of rain. A gauge in northeast Harris County on Monday recorded 4.32 inches of rain over an hour, said Jeff Lindner, meteorologist with the countys flood control district.

Other gauges Tuesday averaged between 1 and 2.5 inches, with most falling over 30 minutes, according to the district. One in Walker County recorded 1.8 inches in 15 minutes, Lindner said.

Courtesy: National Weather Service Houston / Courtesy: National Weather Service Houston

Figuring out how exactly climate change influences any one event is a growing field of science. Researchers, for example, calculated that human-induced climate change likely increased rainfall during Hurricane Harvey by a best estimate of 38 percent.

Still, Kelly Mahoney, a research meteorologist with NOAAs Physical Sciences Laboratory, said some of the science is clear: About four percent more rainfall is produced for every degree Fahrenheit of warming, for example. From that, one can generally expect increasing potential for extreme precipitation. (The last seven years were the hottest on record.)

There is no reason to think that it will decrease or even stay steady, Mahoney said. Because you are changing one ingredient systematically by warming the Earth.

But in Texas the observed increase is higher than that factor alone explains, said John Nielsen-Gammon, the state climatologist and a professor at Texas A&M. That suggests another factor is at play: Changes to the structure of the storms themselves, perhaps altering their frequency or intensity or path.

And then there is the natural randomness of where a storm happens to hit: Extreme rainfall we do expect to increase, but southeast Texas has been relatively unfortunate recently in that regard, Nielsen-Gammon said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: 2020 tied for hottest year on record, NASA finds

Living this has impacted those such as meteorologist Matt Lanza, who finds himself warning residents in the region repeatedly of severe weather on the often-turned-to blog, Space City Weather, that he co-writes.

When he saw Lake Charles and parts of East Texas flood yet again, a nagging thought returned: Society needs to figure out better how to live with these growing threats. (The start to hurricane season is less than two weeks away, while potential federal efforts to protect against significant flooding are in preliminary phases.)

It takes its toll on people, and it takes its toll on us too, Lanza said. Were tired of warning people about these things and seeing people go through this.

Lanza sees his role as not only predicting the weather but also empathizing with the trauma and facing reality head-on. So, without second thought, he typed:

Repetitive disasters have become a hallmark of Southeast Texas and Louisiana, and it requires folks like us continuing to call attention to it without sugar coating it as thats just what happens here, the linkages to climate change, and the reality that we need to continue to implement and expand mitigation measures. Or this will continue unabated.

emily.foxhall@chron.com
Eight days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially approved the use of Pfizers vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and 15, Texas has hit two major vaccination milestones: one-third of all Texans have now been fully vaccinated and 50 percent of all Texans 12 and older have had at least one dose of the vaccine, according to a Houston Chronicle data analysis.

This milestone coincides with a more sobering threshold, as the state recorded its 50,000th COVID-related death Thursday, the third-highest mark in the country.

On Sunday, Texas reported zero COVID-related deaths for the first time since March 2020, as the average number of daily deaths has fallen to about 40.

Following last weeks addition of children between the ages of 12 and 15 to the pool of Texans eligible to receive a vaccine, the rate of vaccinations has picked up after trending downward for weeks. Currently, the state reports that an average of 146,000 doses are administered per day.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas has wasted 60K COVID vaccine doses. Over half were thrown out in the last 2 weeks.

And adolescents are a big chunk of that: the 12- to 15-year-old group has received more than 12 percent of all doses administered since they were made eligible. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reported that on May 13, 35 percent of the first vaccine doses administered at NRG Park went to that age range.

Still, Texas lags behind much of the country with its vaccination efforts, ranking 37th out of all 50 states in terms of the percent of the total population vaccinated, according to data from the CDC.

For Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease epidemiologist with UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, reaching this milestone was encouraging but also showed there is still a lot of work left in the fight against COVID.

Thirty-three percent [of the population fully vaccinated] is better than 10 percent but we still have a long ways to go to protect the community. she said. Particularly to protect those who cant be vaccinated because of medical conditions or theyre under the age of 12.

Even with the lower vaccination rate, and the state far from herd immunity, the COVID situation has improved in the state.

Across Texas, the rate of hospitalizations and infections have both leveled off in recent weeks. Currently, the seven-day average of newly reported cases across the state is hovering slightly above 2,000  the lowest it's been since June 2020.

Additionally, the positive test rate is below 4 percent, the lowest its been since the state started keeping track, according to Department of State Health Services data.

COVID HELP DESK: The ultimate guide on vaccines and viruses

jordan.rubio@chron.com
Sheila Hemphill cant believe Texas has found itself in a situation where hospital inspection reports arent easily available to the public.

Im perplexed, said Hemphill, CEO of Texas Right to Know, at a meeting Wednesday of the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

Senators heard a measure in committee that would change that. The bill, H.B. 2052, would require the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to post more information related to investigations and violations at general hospitals and private psychiatric hospitals across the state. The bill touches on one of the many issues exposed in the Houston Chronicles investigation, In Crisis, which revealed that the states mental health system has suffered for years from underfunding and insufficient oversight.

Currently, the state only publicly posts enforcement actions from the previous year against these hospitals. The information posted includes the date of the action, the penalty and the state code the hospital allegedly violated.

That leaves Texans relying on Dr. Google and Yelp reviews to make a decision about their care, said Lee Spiller, executive director of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights in Texas.

More Information The Houston Chronicle spent a year investigating the state's mental health system. Read the "In Crisis" series at houstonchronicle.com/incrisis See More Collapse

Were making decisions blind, Spiller said. If we make these things public, people can make good choices about where they get healthcare.

The bill would require the state to post the number of investigations the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has conducted at the facility and the notice of the hospitals alleged violation including the code in question and a statement about what happened. The outcome of each investigation  including the adoption of a corrective action plan  would have to be posted in addition to the final decision, investigative report or order issued by the commission to address the alleged violation.

The information would have to remain on the commissions website for two years.

The House passed the measure 145-1-2 last month. The Senate committee did not vote on the bill Wednesday.

The Chronicles investigation found that the state doesnt have enough hospital beds to serve its growing population, with wait lists that stretch on for up to a year, and that its failing to track whether patients are getting the help they need. Many find themselves in jail over and over again.

As wait lists continue to grow for state psychiatric hospital beds, the Chronicle found that more and more Texans are seeking help from private psychiatric hospitals. But determining if these hospitals are safe is difficult because of how little information is posted online. The Chronicle had to file more than half a dozen records requests over the course of 16 months to determine how many state violations Texas private mental hospitals had faced in five years.

These records showed that hospitals failed to investigate patient-on-patient assaults; that patients werent appropriately monitored, ending in a patient killing himself while others watched; and that a staff member was allowed to continue working after his crisis training had expired, and a patient subsequently suffered a head injury.

Another bill filed shortly after the Chronicles investigation, S.B. 1346, has not received a hearing this session. The measure would create the Office of Forensic Services, tasked with collecting data on services provided to individuals with mental illnesses who have been accused of a crime  forensic patients.

Roughly 70 percent of the 2,300 beds in the 10 state-run mental hospitals are occupied by people who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial by a court or found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Advocates said the office would have helped the Health and Human Services Commission make more data-driven decisions that would identify needs of these patients and prevent them from slipping through the cracks.

Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, a Democrat from Austin, filed the measure. Billy Begala, spokesman for Eckhardts Office, said theyre unsure why the bill never received a hearing, even though it was referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services in March.

We certainly had high hopes for the bill when we filed it, Begala said. It would make a pretty big impact in the way we handle people who experience mental health crises when they get arrested.

Eckhardt is a freshman senator  she was just elected in 2020  and Begala thought that might have been the hold up. The inaction could also be attributed to the need for two additional employees for the office to operate, Begala said.

No one came to us with any problems, Begala said.

Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham, is chairwoman of that senate committee. She and her office did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Its not lost on this office that it can take multiple sessions to have something passed, Begala said. This is not an issue we are going to abandon. 

The legislative session ends May 31.

alex.stuckey@chron.com
Each week, Chronicle reporters field questions about COVID-19, safety precautions and other pandemic-related queries. In this weeks COVID Help Desk, we tackle questions about flying, smokings effect on COVID symptoms and how to plan your childs vaccine appointments.

Check with pharmacies near where your child will be for the second dose. Earlier this month, President Joe Biden ordered pharmacies to begin allowing walk-in appointments.

That means getting your child fully inoculated may be as simple as showing up to a local CVS or Walgreens, which can both provide a second shot regardless of where the first was administered.

And dont panic if your child misses their second appointment.

On HoustonChronicle.com: COVID variants pose sneaky and detrimental threats to kids, Houston doctors find

The first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are supposed to be administered after a gap of three and four weeks, respectively.

However, doses can still be effective up to six weeks after the initial inoculation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What effects has COVID-19 had on people who smoke or used to smoke?

Public health experts have warned since the beginning of the pandemic that tobacco users were at high risk of COVIDs worst effects.

Recent research from the University of Texas Medical Branch puts those concerns into perspective: Researchers analyzed more than 10,000 COVID cases and found smokers faced particularly high rates of hospitalization and death.

Former smokers fared the worst among any groups because they were more likely to be older and have developed more comorbidities, said Dr. Daniel Puebla Neira, a co-author of the study. Current smokers were typically younger and healthier, he said.

Neira urged those who smoke or who once smoked to get vaccinated.

You ought to do anything in your power to prevent catching COVID-19, he said. And if there are people who are hesitant, we would encourage them to give it a second thought.

On HoustonChronicle.com: More than a half-million Texans are overdue for their second COVID vaccine. Why?

What are the risks of flying?

For those who are vaccinated, the risks are low  but not altogether nonexistent.

It has to do with intensity and the duration of exposure, said Dr. Charles Lerner, an internal medicine specialist and member of the Texas Medical Associations COVID-19 task force. And if youre going to sit next to someone who is unvaccinated and sick, youre going to have a prolonged exposure.

Masks remain required on airplanes and on most other forms of public transportation.

The CDC also recommends those who are vaccinated self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms throughout their trip.

The unvaccinated, meanwhile, should get tested for COVID a few days before traveling. The CDC also recommends getting tested three to five days after traveling or self-quarantining for 10 days after.

The CDC recently issued new guidelines for masks. What activities are safe, according to the new recommendations?

According to the CDC, people who are fully vaccinated can resume virtually all indoor and outdoor activities without masks.

Masks are still required in some places however, including on public transport.

However, the new recommendations still urge caution among those who are not inoculated. For example: The CDCs guidelines say its OK for the unvaccinated to attend small, outdoor gatherings with those are fully vaccinated.

But it recommends against activities such as full-capacity worship services, indoor dining and movie theaters.

Lerner urged against complacency when it comes to safety precautions such as mask wearing and social distancing.

The CDCs recommendation is not, Take off your mask, Lerner said. Unvaccinated people are still at risk.

robert.downen@chron.com
Theres a reason President Donald Trump didnt tell the American people when he got vaccinated for COVID-19 in January.

By then, the nations fight against this deadly pandemic had become so politicized, in large part because of Trumps own downplaying of it, that even news of a sitting president receiving a life-saving vaccine that his administration helped expedite was bad optics.

That politicization, often accompanied by the ridicule of those urging pandemic precautions, is still endangering lives.

Thats what makes Gov. Greg Abbotts newest ban of mask requirements in schools and other public venues so concerning.

Instead of doing everything he can to urge Texans to get vaccinated, hes taking another opportunity to perpetuate Trumps dangerous narrative that local officials are overreaching and overreacting by merely requiring masks.

A New York Times examination of data last month for nearly every U.S. county found that those with lower vaccination rates largely voted for Trump in November. In the top 10 states where residents said they probably or definitely wouldnt get the COVID-19 vaccine, Trump won all but one, Georgia.

Only 40 percent of Texans have received their first COVID-19 vaccine, according to a Chronicle analysis, a smaller share than in New York, California, Florida or Pennsylvania, for instance. And while states such as Michigan have practically begged for more vaccine supplies, Texas is wasting vial after precious vial: 80 percent of the 60,000 shots Texas has wasted since December have been logged in the past two weeks, the Chronicle reported Wednesday.

Across rural Texas, where many believe the lies characterizing vaccines as more dangerous than a disease thats killed 3.4 million people worldwide, distribution locations are closing. Earlier this month, state health officials essentially sanctioned vaccine spoilage, telling providers they could open a new vial to vaccinate just one person rather than wait until theyve lined up takers for the whole vial.

It broke my heart the very first day we had to waste a dose, Steve Hoffart, owner of Magnolia Pharmacy in Magnolia, told the Chronicle.

It will break more than our hearts if Texas cant enlist the rest of the state to join the fight against COVID-19.

The governor might have thought this week a fitting time to swat down local mask rules. After all, Texas had just celebrated on Sunday our first day without recording a COVID-19 death in over a year. But the very next day, Texas reported 23 new deaths, the highest Monday count in nearly two months.

Abbott may have deemed the risk to schools acceptable because children are far less likely to experience severe symptoms and death but children exposed by maskless classmates can still infect family and teachers.

While the right wing is praising the Lord on Twitter that their noses and mouths are now free of the tyrannical feel of cotton, the governors ban of local mask rules is once again de-legitimizing serious, science-based policies of local officials trying to protect their communities.

Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

There was a strong economic case, at least, for Abbotts decision in March to reopen the state for business. But what purpose does it serve to tell a superintendent in Houston or Galena Park or Goose Creek that he or she cant require masks on campus during the last days of the school year?

What purpose does it serve to threaten local officials who disobey the governors edict with a $1,000 fine? None, except to pad Abbotts political prospects against his Republican primary opponents.

Not that his actions impressed them: Dont thank politicians for reinstating rights they never had the power to take away in the first place, opponent and former Texas Sen. Don Huffines tweeted.

The deprivation of liberty suffered by Texans forced to wear face-coverings is nothing compared with the deprivation of life suffered by those who were needlessly exposed to the novel coronavirus in public places.

Why do these freedom warriors say nothing of the prolonged loss of freedom we all continue to endure while anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers keep breathing life, literally, into this menacing virus?

We all want the nightmare to end: Mothers and fathers tired of juggling home school and full-time jobs. Shop owners tired of empty aisles. And more than anybody, hospital workers tired of watching patients suffer and die.

Mentally, were all done with it. But we cant be physically done with it until the virus stops spreading and mutating into new, deadlier and more contagious forms that our current vaccines cant thwart. And the spread wont stop until enough people are vaccinated.

Enough people wont be vaccinated until Republicans stop equating vaccination with partisan infidelity or some kind of gullible surrender to Marxist conspiracy. And skeptics on the left should reconsider their own hesitancy, too, despite the still haunting memories some communities carry of historical medical exploitation.

Those of us who are vaccinated and have done our part to combat COVID-19 need to ask: Where is our freedom from the tyranny of this pandemic? From those who refuse to do their part to fight it? And from politicians who only prolong it with their cynical games?
E pluribus unum

Regarding Kindness can help break down barriers, (A17, April 14): Belatedly I just read Korean American Susan Jhins recounting of an awful verbal attack at Thanksgiving last year, Go back to where you came from! carried out face mask to face mask by an unknowing but known acquaintance, who had worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Jhin on a charity fundraiser just months earlier.

Chances are that the verbal assailant was unaware of the motto on the coins she carried in her purse  all proclaiming, E pluribus unum, out of many one. This Latin phrase owes its American existence to the nations founders: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson  whose original intent was to demonstrate the unity of the 13 states breaking away from then the worlds global power Great Britain.

But now, almost 250 years later, that Roman phrase has come to mean out of many immigrants one nation. Over this span, the worlds melting pot has become the globes biggest success story, leading the planet in Nobel Prizes, new industries, and material comforts, and, until recently, advancement of democracy.

The xenophobic attack on Jhin was horrible and anti-American  and should concern us all  since it is being propagated by the nativist, populous, anti-democratic movement that came to power in 2016 and has corrupted an entire political party. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln weep.

John McCord Holzer, Houston

True history

Regarding The 1836 Project is an incomplete history, (A17, May 16): House Bill 3979 cannot be made into law. It perpetuates white supremacy and keeps the children of Texas blind to the true history of the United States. Our nation and our state were built through an economy that required slavery of Black people and Native Americans to exist. Black people, and all other people of color, continue to have to face the consequences of our countrys choices daily. All of our children deserve to hear the truth about how our country was founded, not just a white-washed, colonialist version that holds up the white man as the hero, saving savages from themselves. You cannot actually teach a diversity of perspectives if you prohibit information from entities like The 1619 Project. And Republicans are lying to themselves and to their constituents if they claim otherwise. The right choice for all Texans, and all Americans, would be to not let this piece of legislation progress any further.

Jessica Walcik, Friendswood

Humane conditions

Regarding Boils down to cruelty, (A11, May 18): The decision to air condition prisons seems pretty simple to me. We may not like what people in prison did, but they are still human beings and beloved children of God. By putting them in prison we are explicitly accepting responsibility for their welfare while they are there. If we dont want to spend the money to keep them in humane conditions, then we shouldnt put them in prison.

Alan Jackson, Houston

No more masks

Regarding Abbott bans mask rules, (A1, May 19): The great unmasking! Now that the CDC has unshackled the fully vaccinated from wearing masks and social distancing, its not going to be easy to get the sanctimonious to shed those sheets. These masks have become something much more than a buffer against a horrible disease. Theyve emerged as a badge of honor like solar panels, electric cars and composting. It rains on the parade of the priggish to be told with some authority that they can vacate their cloak. There will likely be an adjustment period where some fully vaccinated, masked devotees will cling to their facial coverings. Theyll want to persist in showcasing their nobility and political leanings. After a relatively brief period of time, these masked crusaders will start to understand the absurdity of wearing a mask, post-vaccination. They will then hail President Joe Biden for conquering the pandemic.

Scott Thompson, Bloomington, Ind.

Transgender children

Regarding Its a human thing, (A1, May 15): I want to congratulate Gabrielle Banks and the Houston Chronicle on an excellent article regarding families with transgender children. How awful that the Texas Legislature spends so much time making life harder for these beautiful children and their parents who love them. And lets not forget lawmakers passing blatant voter suppression laws. We need leaders who are real stateswomen and statesmen who help better the lives of all citizens.

Julie Platek, Missouri City
Opponents of abortion are trying to pass increasingly extreme measures to prevent Texans from accessing abortion care, seemingly emboldened by a more conservative Supreme Court. Just recently, Lubbock joined dozens of other cities in Texas that have passed local ordinances banning abortion and declaring their city to be a sanctuary for the unborn.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott just signed into law Senate Bill 8  one of dozens of anti-abortion bills filed this session. This particular bill enacts a six-week ban on abortion, before many people know they are pregnant, and is widely opposed by physicians. Both Lubbocks ordinance and SB8 also allow almost anyone to sue someone who performs an abortion or who aids and abets an abortion by driving someone to an appointment or helping cover costs.

Attempts to shut down abortion access will only further strain Texas already fragile reproductive health care system. We need to stop restricting access to health care and instead ask policymakers to focus on solutions that will improve health for all Texans.

It has taken almost 10 years to re-establish reproductive health care services in Texas after state politicians opposed to abortion decimated the network of family planning providers by cutting family planning funding in an effort to exclude Planned Parenthood and then passing a restrictive abortion law that closed half of the facilities providing abortion care in Texas.

At the Texas Policy Evaluation Project, we have found that many of these family planning and abortion policies have negatively affected peoples ability to get high quality comprehensive reproductive health care. For example, Lubbock residents needing abortion care have had to drive more than 200 miles one way to get to the nearest abortion facility. Many had to travel out of state for services.

Birth control services that help people prevent unplanned pregnancies also became difficult to access in many Texas communities because the remaining publicly funded providers did not have the capacity to serve clients. This unraveling of the reproductive health care safety net took place alongside a growing number of regional hospital closures, leaving a large uninsured population of Texans with few options for care.

Anti-abortion city ordinances and bills only serve to distract from these persistent health care challenges  challenges that disproportionately affect Black Texans and other communities of color, who have the poorest indicators of maternal health, and that have become even more acute during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Proponents of anti-abortion legislation claim that they reflect the communitys moral opposition to abortion and commitment to life, but this belief is out of step with the values of many Texans. Our teams research has found that two thirds of Texas voters do not want the government to prohibit abortion, even those who would not personally choose to have an abortion.

As long as Roe v. Wade protects the right to abortion, people will still be able to legally obtain abortion care in Texas, even in sanctuary cities. It is almost certain, as well, that these recent measures will face costly legal challenges. The time and financial resources needed to defend these laws in court could be better spent on creating more equitable health systems and coverage for Texans.

The legal precedent of Roe v. Wade is now under critical threat with the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a 15-week ban from Mississippi. If Roe v. Wade is substantially weakened and Texas can impose an abortion ban, this will not stop people from trying to end their pregnancies. They may delay care because they have to travel out-of-state for services, and some people unable to attain clinic-based care will try to end their pregnancy on their own. While some of these methods are safe, others may not be, and someones attempt to self-manage abortion could result in criminal prosecutions and imprisonment.

Others will be forced to continue their pregnancies. People who are denied abortions are more likely to stay in relationships with violent partners and have poorer economic outcomes  both for themselves and their children.

Anti-abortion ordinances and bills are not going to make Texas cities and towns sanctuaries for anyone. Only policies that support the health and economic well-being of families who live there will.

White is an associate professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and principal investigator with the Texas Policy Evaluation Project at The University of Texas at Austin. Vohra-Gupta is an assistant professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin.
When a once-in-a-century pandemic struck America, most public schools werent prepared. As many parents remember, most students were on their own at home as school districts frantically tried to build an online platform to continue the education of our children.

Fortunately, for parents who had already chosen online virtual schools for their children, it was school as usual. Our children continued to receive the high-quality education we expected from our virtual schools. This was also the experience for parents across Texas with children enrolled in a full-time virtual school. As their peers suffered through their districts failed attempt at emergency remote learning, virtual students didnt miss a beat in their education as their schools and curriculum were designed for this method of learning. Their teachers were also trained to effectively teach and engage students an online classroom environment. The vast difference between emergency remote learning districts scrambled to provide, and the platforms already built and in use at full-time, online schools is not in dispute. As the national chair of a parent organization dedicated to providing children various public options, including virtual learning, I can affirm parents in states across the country need choices to meet the unique needs of their individual children.

But it seems the education lobby, comprised of districts and special interests, including teachers unions, wants you to forget the benefits of virtuals  a little short-term memory loss. Theyre pushing to attack all full-time online schools through legislation in the State House, HB 1468. But, an amendment to this bill, called the Parent Empowerment Amendment, could fix this and put parents in the drivers seat of their childrens education.

In its current form, HB 1468 reads like a how-to book on eliminating the only schools that worked seamlessly during the pandemic. Theres no other way to explain it when legislation proposes to limit a familys virtual school options to their local district, even if that program may not be the best fit for their child. They also want to eliminate the virtual option for students in kindergarten through second grade, despite how good programs have shown to be helpful for students in these grades.

HB 1468 also would close Lonestar Online Academy, a K-5 school with a vigorous curriculum run by the Roscoe Independent School District. This school has worked for more than 1,500 students this year and has over 500 new students already enrolled for next fall. Why are we even entertaining the idea of closing a school like Lonestar, whose innovations have made it a perfect fit for many children?

Special interests want to tell parents whats best for their children. That isnt how it works, and it never has.

The education lobby is making a false attack that only neighborhood districts can ascertain the special education needs of children, but testimony by parents and students before state lawmakers demonstrated they received superior services from an online school. While parents waited months in traditional districts to receive an Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) assessment, which determines a students eligibility for special education, online providers evaluated their children quickly and produced plans with one-on-one instruction, as well as technology and small, regular classes for students with similar needs.

Special interests have countered that kids who fail in a virtual school become a traditional districts problem, but what we see more commonly are students thriving in a virtual school after years of being let down by their district. Theyre often behind, but when given enough time and individualized attention at a virtual school, they begin to thrive. The Senate Committee on Education heard testimony from Grace, a fifth grader from the Houston area and her mother on the great difficulty they had in getting her special education needs assessed at their local district school, as well as an individual plan to address those needs. Within weeks of enrolling in her online academy, Graces special needs were assessed and she was placed in a special program for dyslexic learners and now shes thriving.

As parents who believe in choosing the public school option thats best for our children, we also recognize that not every child benefits from full-time, online schools, but every child should have the option available to them. The pandemic has shown certain children, including those who have been bullied, have special needs or a health issue, can thrive in a virtual environment.

Lets stop placating the special interests. Texas is doing wonderful things for families in the area of school choice that let parents decide what is best for their children, not the education lobby. Education is first and foremost about the kids, not the adults who run the districts.

Lets put our kids first. Fix HB 1468 to work for Texas families. Its what parents want, and its whats best for students.

Weber is the board president of the National Coalition for Public School Options, a national alliance of parents that supports and defends parents rights to access the best public school options for their children.
Dozens of historians from across the country signed a letter Thursday condemning legislation that would restrict how race and racism are taught in Texas classrooms.

The letter, issued by a group of historians, defended teachers who have come under fire from conservatives for addressing topics such as systemic racism and other forms of discrimination throughout U.S. history.

Teachers that follow guidelines outlined by professional organizations and the Texas State Board of Education are being dangerously misrepresented as indoctrinating students, it said. These baseless accusations sow public distrust of our teachers and of public education more generally.

Students have a right to learn an accurate account of history, including the darkest parts of our history and the long efforts for freedom and social justice, it added. The remarks were signed by 134 people, including university professors, high school teachers, students and private citizens.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Versions of the legislation have already passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature, and the Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday moved the Houses version out of committee, meaning it now heads to the full floor for a vote. The Senate has stripped several required classroom texts that had been added by House Democrats, including certain historical works by women and people of color.

Both chambers versions also prohibit students from earning credit for service work on behalf of broadly defined advocacy groups, and from discussing topics such as inherent bias.

Republicans have framed the legislation as a referendum on partisan hate mongering, and an attempt to remove politics from school lessons.

Educators and Democrats have warned that the measures conflict with the states existing standards, further whitewash American history, and will disproportionately impact students from low-income families who may not have outside opportunities to practice civic engagement.

A separate letter signed Wednesday by the American Historical Association predicted that students would be less prepared for higher learning.

If enacted, this legislation is likely to prohibit professional teachers from including in their courses standard content required in Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment American history courses offered at the high school level, it noted.

Monica M. Martinez, associate professor of history at University of Texas at Austin, said she launched the letter campaign Tuesday evening after realizing the bill could have devastating consequences and a chilling effect on public education across the state.

She had been scheduled to testify on the measure Monday, along with high school students, other teachers and superintendents. But after the hearing was rescheduled by a Senate committee without notice, many, including Martinez, missed their chance.

My concern is not only the quality of history students will have access to, but that education in Texas is going to be stagnant and that its not going to be able to advance, Martinez said.

Emilio Zamora, a professor of history at UT-Austin who helped Martinez craft the letter, said the bill presupposes teachers are endorsing hate against white people.

Teachers have a responsibility to teach race in an impartial way that involves critical thinking so that students can make their own decisions, he said.

I think weve done a great injustice to American education (by teaching history) in a narrow manner, Zamora said. It deprives the students of the broad sense of the American experience, which involves race and the inclusion of the experiences and histories of underrepresented groups.

brittany.britto@chron.com

jeremy.blackman@chron.com
WASHINGTON  Sen. Ted Cruz criticized the U.S. military for being emasculated compared to the Russian military in a tweet on Thursday.

The senator retweeted a video with an apparent ad for the Russian military showing male soldiers training, suiting up, jumping out of an airplane and loading a gun.

The ad was followed by a cartoon ad for the U.S. military about Army Cpl. Emma Malonelord, who says in the video she was raised by two moms and marched for equality as a kid. Malonelord says in the video that she joined the Army to prove my inner strength.

Holy crap, Cruz wrote in the tweet. Perhaps a woke, emasculated military is not the best idea....

In another tweet, Cruz responded yep as John Noonan, a conservative national security commentator, wrote we are going to be the most tolerant military in history ever to lose a war.

The American ad is part of a recruiting campaign titled The Calling that the Army rolled out this month aimed at making the Army seem more relatable.

Research tells us that young people today see the Army as a distant star  a place requiring a nearly superhuman level of discipline with little relevance to their daily lives, Maj. Gen. Alex Fink, Chief of Army Enterprise Marketing, said in a statement about the campaign when it was announced. Similarly, youth dont necessarily connect with those who serve or see common ground in terms of interests, abilities, and goals. The Calling shatters these misperceptions by showing that soldiers are all of us: real people with hopes, dreams, fears, aspirations, families, friends, and obstacles to overcome.

PELOSIS PLAN: Texas Republicans oppose congressional probe of Capitol riot

Cruzs tweet sparked some outrage on Thursday.

Ted Cruz attacks a US Army soldier for telling her story, says he prefers Russians. Because Ted Cruz is a sedition-loving traitor, VoteVets, a progressive political group, tweeted.

The U.S. military is second to none. Please keep it out of your political theater, tweeted Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who was a key witness in former President Donald Trumps first impeachment inquiry. I hear there are actual problems Congress needs to address. BTW didnt you swear to support and defend the U.S. Constitution?

ben.wermund@chron.com
Jeju haenyeo, or female divers / Korea Times file



A ban on unlicensed harvesting of marine life at night has invited strong protest from a group of hobbyists who called the move "unconstitutional."



Dozens of hobbyists and leisure industry workers held a press conference on the island earlier this week to demand the provincial government of Jeju scrap the ban immediately.



The measure "seriously constrains the constitutional rights to pursuit of happiness of non-fishermen," they said.



Last month, the island banned unlicensed people from collecting a variety of mollusks and other sea life by hand at village fishing grounds in costal zones at night. Those who violate the ban could be fined up to 1 million won ($884).



The measure, which was the first of its kind in the country, was to accommodate growing complaints by villagers, including "haenyeo," or female divers who make a living by hand picking shellfish, such as abalone or sea urchins, at nearby oceans without using oxygen tanks. The culture of Jeju haenyeo was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2006.



The villagers have long argued that their livelihoods were seriously threatened as unlicensed hobby fishermen extensively collected fishing stocks and illegally sold their catch online.



While the protesters agreed that unlawful activities should be corrected, they said the restriction on leisurely activities went too far and was "against common sense." They also pointed out that it was unfair to allow night fishing while banning hand harvesting.



A petition posted on the Cheong Wa Dae website said, "A certain group tries to control public oceans as if they owned them."



"At a time when more than 95 percent of Jeju coastal areas were designated as village fishing grounds, where can all the people go to enjoy leisure activities?"



The petitioner also claimed that the hobbyists were wrongly blamed for decreasing fish stocks and other marine life and the real culprits were overfishing in the fishing industry and environmental issues, like global warming. They said the ban was "unlawful" because any measure that limits the people's rights should be issued through discussions at the National Assembly.



The petition, posted Friday, has garnered around 2,750 signatures as of Thursday morning. The government is obliged to give answers when more than 200,000 people support the petition.



The Jeju government, which has recently intensified monitoring of illegal harvesting activities, said that the ban was "unavoidable" as groups of people flew to Jeju to catch seafood "indiscriminately" and sell them online.



"Alongside the enhanced monitoring, we will craft a mutually acceptable compromise," an official from the provincial government said. (Yonhap)


Houston, MO (65483)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. Hot. High near 90F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Fishermen cast on the rocky shore at the Beavertail Lighthouse, the third-oldest lighthouse in America, at the tip of Beavertail State Park, on Narragansett Bay, in Jamestown, R.I. The federal government's General Services Administration announced the U.S. Coast Guard has decided it no longer needs four of the nation's most storied and picturesque lighthouses, including the Beavertail Lighthouse.
Assorted prescription drugs can be seen in a cardboard box at the Drug Strike Force office in St. Joseph. A prescription drug monitoring program has passed in Missouri, which officials hope will help prevent abuse of opioids through the healthcare system.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., speaks during a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill. Hawley said he agrees with the Senate minority leader, that proposed legislation creating a Capitol commission shouldnt pass without changes.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Plenty of sunshine. High around 85F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
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Weather Alert

...HEAT CONTINUES TODAY WITH HEAT INDICES OF 95 TO 100 DEGREES... The heat wave will linger this morning into the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the lower 90s again, with heat indices near 95 degrees. The most oppressive heat for active people will be in the late morning to early afternoon. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. People and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won of the main opposition People Power Party announces her bid to run for the party leadership during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



The race for the leadership of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is heating up, with 10 heavyweight and rookie politicians placing their bid for the party chairpersonship.



Na Kyung-won, former floor leader of the PPP's predecessor, the Liberty Korea Party, announced her bid to run for the leadership of the PPP on Thursday, pledging she will make the party a "melting pot" for all opposition presidential candidates and she will serve as "brushwood" for the fire.



"I will make the PPP into a melting pot, in which all differences between regions, generations and social strata can be melted and mixed," she said during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul. "When I become the chairwoman of the PPP, I will reach out to all figures who can be opposition presidential candidates, and I believe it is important to share ideas and build trust with them."



Na served as a lawmaker of the conservative party during the previous 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th Assemblies, but the streak was snapped after losing in last year's general election. Earlier this year, she ran for the PPP's primary for Seoul mayor candidate, but was defeated by Oh Se-hoon, who is now serving as Seoul mayor.



Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who is emerging as a leading opposition presidential hopeful, Na said, "Yoon has to join the PPP in order to become a presidential candidate and take office."



Yoon, who is yet to make any political movements, is being wooed by the PPP and other opposition parties, after being surveyed as the most preferred conservative presidential contender in several polls. During his tenure as prosecutor general, he has been at odds with the Moon Jae-in administration over investigating former justice ministers and prosecutorial reform.





Lee Jun-seok, former member of the People Power Party's Supreme Council, announces his bid to run for the leadership of the party at its headquarters on Yeouido in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
APRIL 18 - APRIL 28

RECENT POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

KREMLIN SIDES WITH BELARUSIAN LEADERSHIP TO EXPOSE AN ALLEGED COUP AGAINST LUKASHENKA

On April 17, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) conducted a joint operation with the Belarusian KGB in Moscow to detain the Belarusian political analyst Aliaksandr Fiaduta and the lawyer Yuras Zyankovich, a dual Belarus-U.S. citizen. According to the FSB, Aliaksandr Fiaduta and Yuras Zyankovich traveled to Moscow to meet with Belarus army generals willing to collaborate with the opposition and conduct a coup to overthrow and assassinate Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Aliaksandr Lukashenka claimed that the coup plan was approved by the U.S. special services. The alleged coup attempt was discussed among other issues in a call between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, although no further details of the call are available.

In the presidential address to the Federal Assembly on April 21, Vladimir Putin accused the West of ignoring the coup attempt against Lukashenka, along with "attempts to impose its will to other countries".

The news was perceived skeptically in Belarusian independent media, which rather interpreted the incident as an attempt to create a false threat to antagonize the West and to showcase Russo-Belarusian political unity. Some experts interpret the incident as the Kremlin's signal towards Lukashenka to force him into closer integration and to threaten his physical safety if he does not follow Moscow's interests. While there is no publicly available proof of the above mentioned version, it is safe to conclude that this precedent would prevent further attempts of the Belarusian opposition to establish contacts with the Kremlin, given the threat of their detention and deportation to Belarus. The incident would also allow the Kremlin to reject the suggestion of a Western-led facilitation of dialogue over Belarus, referring to the coup attempt as a malicious effort by the West to meddle in Belarus' internal affairs

PUTIN MEETS LUKASHENKA IN MOSCOW

On April 22, Vladimir Putin and Aliaksandr Lukashenka held a meeting at the Kremlin. The sides evaluated the pace of the Union State integration as satisfactory and agreed to conduct the Supreme State Council meeting in the Fall of 2021 to sign the integration roadmaps. Aliaksandr Lukashenka supported Russia's stance on the Donbas crisis.

The encounter seemed to be of symbolic meaning, aiming to demonstrate official unity between Minsk and Moscow following revelations about the alleged coup. The meeting caught significant attention in Belarus, leading experts to question whether the leaders would sign any major integration agreements or make any announcement that would affect Belarus' sovereignty. Belarusian opposition leader Pavel Latushka voiced concerns that the roadmaps were negotiated without public discussions and that Lukashenka might surrender Belarus' sovereignty. Such concerns have been raised by the Belarusian opposition since the integration talks began in 2019. The lack of publicly available information leaves room for speculation on the content of the roadmaps, ranging from the possibility of the harmonization of tax systems and the creation of a single emission center, to the creation of the supranational bodies and assigning Lukashenka an insignificant role in such institutions, taking away the powers to Moscow.

ENERGY AND ECONOMY

INTEGRATION

At a meeting with Alexander Lukashenko on Friday, April 16, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin invited Lukashenko to consider the prospects of integrating the tax systems of the two states. Lukashenko agreed.

Mikhail Mishustin also met with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko the same day. According to Golovchenko, Belarusian and Russian experts have developed proposals for deepening economic integration. This package is "formally ready", he claimed.

TURNOVER

In January-February 2021, merchandise exports to Russia increased by 105%, and Russian exports to Belarus by almost 125%.

According to the National Statistical Committee, the turnover of the Belarusian-Russian foreign trade in goods and services in January-February 2021 totaled $5.3 billion, 11.9% more than during the same period in 2020, and exports of goods and services to Russia totaled to $2.3 billion (an increase of 2%).

LOANS

More than $800 million was directed to the repayment and servicing of the external state debt of Belarus in the first quarter of 2021.

To service its debt, Belarus is working on the previously reached agreements with Russia on a loan from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD), and on a Russian credit line Belarus expects to receive the second tranche of the Russian loan  $500 million by the end of June.

An agreement on providing Belarus with a Russian loan of $1 billion was signed on December 21, 2020. The first tranche of the loan ($500 million) was received on December 30, 2020 .

"We are focused primarily on returning to the Russian market, and we are also working on the Asian one... Considering that a significant part of our obligations is in Russian rubles, we are interested in the Russian market, where we can borrow funds and use them to service and repay our obligations to the Russian Federation. Colleagues are ready to work with us", said Mr Seliverstov, Minister of Finance of Belarus in his interview to Belta on April 13, 2021.

FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Transfers to Belarus by phone call through the Rapid Payment System (RPS) developed by the Bank of Russia will be available to citizens of Belarus from mid-2022.

In addition to integrating the RPS, the regulator is working on the possibility of making card to card Russia-Belarus transfers.

LOGISTICS

When reorienting Belarusian cargo to Russian ports, Russian Railways is ready to cooperate jointly on the transportation not only of oil products, but also timber and fertilizers. This was stated by the deputy general director of the Russian Railways holding Alexey Shilo on April 9, 2021. This can be a sign of Russia's intention to control all Belarusian exports.

ENERGY

On April 19, 2021, the Ministry of Energy of Belarus reported that the nuclear fuel intended for the second power unit of the Belarusian NPP (BelNPP) had been delivered to the station.

In accordance with the technical regulations, BelNPP specialists, together with the general contractor, the Rosatom State Corporation Engineering Division, will ensure acceptance of nuclear fuel and carry out its incoming control.

On April 14, 2021, it became known that the State Atomic Inspection of Belarus (Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations) will build a storage facility for radioactive waste on the territory of Belarus, which is being completed by the Russian Atomstroyexport. The waste will be sealed in the pool for 10 years. After that, it will be sent to Russia for processing.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

DELEGATION OF OFFICIALS FROM THE GOMEL REGION VISITS BRYANSK REGION OF RUSSIA

On April 14, 2021, the delegation of the Gomel Region began its visit to the Bryansk Region of Russia. The agenda of the visit included discussion on the cooperation between the regions, in particular, in construction, the agro-industrial complex (AIC), mechanical engineering and other areas.

The Gomel delegation was headed by Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Gennady Solovey. They met with Governor of the Bryansk Region Alexander Bogomaz and discussed the prospects of interregional cooperation. Long-term successful cooperation between the border regions of Russia and Belarus was noted.

Regional officials of Russia and Belarus actively cooperate with each other. For Belarusian officials, visits to Russia are among the few trips abroad. As a result, the Russian experience is often perceived as positive and as "best practices" which should be taken into account in Belarus. In addition, during such visits, issues of economic cooperation are discussed, which in the long-term increases Belarus's economic dependence on Russia.

BELARUSIAN AND RUSSIAN MPS SUPPORT EACH OTHER AT INTERNATIONAL PLATFORMS

On April 15, 2021, an international parliamentary conference "Global challenges and threats under the pandemic COVID-19. Terrorism and violent extremism" was conducted online. The event was organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States together with the Parliamentary Assemblies of the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Mediterranean and the UN Counterterrorism Office. The conference was attended by the parliamentary delegation of Belarus, headed by Natalia Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic (Upper House of the Parliament). Among those speaking at the Conference was Director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, Alexander Bortnikov.

Natalia Kochanova in her speech mentioned challenges of the pandemic, the initiative of Belarus to launch a global dialogue on security, as well as changes in the Belarusian legislation on national security and public order protection. She expressed her gratitude to the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko and the IPA CIS Secretariat for organizing the international conference.

The Belarusian and Russian authorities support each other in using any international events and platforms at their disposal to promote their own agenda. The Belarusian authorities are trying to maintain the image of a "peacemaker" in the region and together with Russia they emphasize the "inadmissibility of Nazism glorification". Thus, both Russian and Belarusian authorities are seeking to promote the idea of the necessity to suppress opposition within their countries, framing this as "the fight against terrorism". Typically enough, representatives of the political elites (in this case, Matvienko and Kochanova) actively support each other in this rhetoric.

MILITARY AND LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

ARMY

One of the latest alarming developments with regards to Russia's attempts to increase its influence over the region has been its continued concentration of forces at the border territory with Ukraine, a security issue which has been repeatedly discussed between Ukrainian and European officials at the highest level. As a result, the US and NATO expressed their unilateral support for Ukraine.

Given Luksahenka's weak position within the country due to the continuing protest and general lack of legitimacy, the Ukrainian authorities have little trust in the autonomous position of the country as regards the Ukrainian crisis. In particular, they refused to continue the negotiations within the Minsk Dialogue format and raised concerns about the ongoing joint military exercises within the territory of Belarus. They believe that Belarus could allow Russian troops to attack from its territory and that Zapad-2021 exercises, taking place in September, could be directed against Ukraine. On the other hand, the Russian forces could also be used against Lukashenka or any other leader who could occupy the office in Belarus as a result of a coup. Although unlikely (given the current developments), it remains a possibility that Russian authorities keep a foot in both worlds and increase mass support ahead of the parliamentary elections, due to take place in September.

LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Another big news story is the cooperation between the FSB and KGB in the prevention of the alleged coup in Belarus. In particular, the FSB arrested political scientist Aliaksander Feduta and lawyer Yuri Zenkovich on the pretext of plotting a state coup in Belarus and escorted them to their home country. The Belarusian authorities also arrested the head of the Belarusian People Front Grigory Kostusev. This trio was allegedly preparing for the assassination of Lukashenka and his family.

According to the Belarusian incumbent, the Western security services (FBI or CIA) were behind the planned attack, while the plotters were instructed by US and Polish specialists. The press release, published by FSB, said the wrongdoers were determined to organise a military coup in Belarus, proceeding from the scenario of coloured revolutions and relying on the assistance of "local and Ukrainian nationalists". Zakharova, commenting on the recent falling-out with the Czech Republic (18 diplomats were expelled because of Russia's alleged involvement in the explosion at an arms depot in 2014) argued, that the whole story was fabricated to distract public attention from the developments in Belarus. This could mean that the Kremlin pushes Lukashenka into an open confrontation with Ukraine and the West, clearing the way for the potential invasion of the Belarusian territory and drawing the Belarusian president into further integration with Russia. Lukashenka's declaration that the normalization of the situation in Donbass depends only on Ukraine, could serve as an indication of Belarus losing its autonomy, as its political position on the most critical regional issue becomes a direct reflection of the Russian narrative.

HEALTHCARE

On April 14, 2021, the Sputnik V (Gam Covid Vac) vaccine, bottled at the Belmedpreparaty RUE, was approved by the Ministry of Health of Belarus. The semi-finished vaccine is produced by JSC Generium, which is part of the structure of Russian JSC Pharmstandard. An early Sputnik V vaccine produced at this Russian site has already been registered in Belarus and has been used to vaccinate medical workers.

Quality control, both an experimental-industrial series as well as industrial series, was carried out by the Rusian Center named after N.F. Gamalei together with the Belarusian company "Belmedpreparaty". It is expected that the volume of the vaccine produced at the Belarusian enterprise will reach 500,000 doses per month.

The Eurasian Economic Commission is developing an action plan to increase the provision of strategically important drugs and pharmaceutical substances for medical use for the members of the Eurasian Economic Union. The production of the Sputnik V vaccine has been launched in Belarus and Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Russian Direct Investment Fund. The involvement of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in the joint production of the vaccine is also being discussed.

Church

ARCHBISHOP OF THE BELARUSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MET WITH HEAD OF REGIONAL RUSSIAN CENTER OF SCIENCE AND CULTURE

On April 8, 2021, Archbishop Stephan of Gomel and Zhlobin met with the head of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Gomel, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Belarus Natalia Avraleva.

During the meeting they discussed a plan of joint activities in the near future. Natalia Avraleva informed the Archbishop Stefan about the implementation of the joint diocese-spiritual and educational project - the exhibition "Alexander Nevsky Historical memory of the people", which is now held in the Loevsk central district library.

The Belarusian Orthodox Church actively cooperates with Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) Russian Center of Science and Culture, which are both sponsored by the Russian Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs. This Center was opened in 2016 in the city of Homel' (Gomel), near the border with both Russia and Ukraine. The Center is one of the three existing Centers for Science and Culture opened with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo in Belarus. These organizations are evaluated by experts and journalists as platforms and instruments of Russian soft power in post-Soviet space and worldwide.

THE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE "ORTHODOXY IN THE HISTORICAL FATE OF THE SLAVIC PEOPLES" WAS HELD IN GORKI

On April 2-3, 2021, in the town of Horki, the International Academic Conference "Orthodoxy in historical destinies of the Slavic peoples" was held (online). The event was organized on the basis of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy (BSAA). The event was supported by the International Foundation of St. Sava of Serbia and St. Seraphim of Sarov (Serbia), the Russian Orthodox University, and the Center for Eurasian Studies, a branch of the Russian State Social University in Minsk.

The conference was attended by scholars from Belarus, Russia, Serbia, Poland and Greece, Orthodox priests, teachers of social sciences of universities and others. Deputy of the Mahileu (Mogilev) Regional Council of Deputies Natalia Glushakova moderated the event.

During the conference it was noted that the Orthodox Church is one of the most important social institutions, whose historical experience, spiritual potential and centuries-old cultural heritage have a great influence on the formation of the spiritual, cultural and national traditions of the Belarusian people.

The conference included presentations by Professor Zoran Milosevic from the Institute for Political Studies (Belgrade, Serbia); Professor Alexis Ponagopoulos from Belgrade State University, as well as other speakers.

Belarusian state-run universities often conduct pro-Russian events. The Conference in Horki was simultaneously supported by the Belarusian Orthodox Church (BOC), whose representatives engaged in it through various pro-Russian organizations, including a university and a think-tank from Serbia. Representatives of the regional (Mahileu) Council also participated in the event. Thus, the pro-Russian forum united representatives of the BOC, local authorities and Serbians loyal to Russian institutions and promoted ideas and narratives of 'Slavic unity and brotherhood.

INTERNET AND MEDIA INFLUENCE

Reporters Without Borders recognized Belarus as the most dangerous country for journalists in Europe (158th place out of 177 in the world), which is a reflection of the abysmal situation with the freedom of mass media in this country. Previously Belarus has adopted a law that restricts the freedom of mass media by facilitating the blocking of internet resources.

During the week the authorities demonstrated they are not going to backtrack, having recognized several more Telegram channels as extremist and delivering the warning to Intex-press for publishing the interview with Sviatlana Tiskhanouskaya. In addition, they banned Euronews podcasts, which is another blow independent journalism, and suggested introducing a China-like system of internet censorship. Although independent journalists had served a valuable role in debunking fake news published by pro-Russian outlets, as well as conducting investigations, Belarus is now becoming rather prone to the propaganda and disinformation disseminated by the Russian media.

CIVIL SOCIETY

BRSM DELEGATION PARTICIPATES IN THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL FORUM IN THE PSKOV REGION

On April 12-17, 2021, the delegation of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) took part in the regional stage of the All-Russian Youth Educational Forum "Territory of Senses" held in the Pskov Region.

The BRSM delegation consisted of youth leaders and representatives of the students' constructive brigades (studotryad) from different regions of Belarus. The educational program of the Forum included meetings with representatives of Russian business, Administration of the region, and an elaboration of the joint agenda for the young people of Pskov Oblast and Belarus. A meeting of the Belarusian delegation with the Pskov Oblast Administration has been held, where they discussed issues of international youth cooperation.

The event was organized by the Administration of the Pskov Region and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs of Russia.

The Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) is one of the biggest GoNGOs in Belarus which actively unites young people and is systematically used by the Belarusian authorities for its own authoritarian legitimacy support. As with other pro-governmental and state-sponsored organizations in Belarus, the BRSM supports close relations with Russian counterparts and in some cases with Russian governmental institutions. In this piece of news, we observe how the BRSM delegation participates in the Russian-sponsored event which provides the basis for people-to-people contacts, and future personal connections.

BELARUSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TALKS ABOUT "PRESSURE OF WESTERN COUNTRIES ON BELARUS"

Last week the Minister of Foreign Affairs Uladzimir Makey said that the increasing pressure from Western countries could lead to the "nullification" of Belarusian civil society. This announcement was followed by a set of tough measures, including the arrest of political scientist Aliaksander Feduta and lawyer Yuri Zenkovich, and led to the adoption of new repressive laws, which further undermine the position of civil society and mass media, and also permit employers to dismiss employees who served out administrative arrests or were calling for strikes.

Analysts stress that this set of measures echoes a strategy adopted in Russia, which could be neatly summarized in the proverb "cut off the nose to spite the face": in response to Western sanctions they introduced the anti-sanctions, which did more harm to the citizens than the initiators of the sanctions.

The Belarus Watch Briefing is a bi-weekly newsletter monitoring Russian activities and influence in Belarus. It was set up by the European Values Center for Security Policy (Prague) and Internews Ukraine (Kyiv)
LOREAUVILLE  When the bass fishing gets tough, the tough get going and pay the fi
China, Madagascar to enhance parliamentary cooperation

Xinhua) 10:34, May 20, 2021

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Madagascar parliament speaker Christine Razanamahasoa via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu held talks with Madagascar parliament speaker Christine Razanamahasoa Wednesday via video link. Both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and cooperation between their two legislative bodies.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Madagascar ties and is willing to work with Madagascar to dovetail China's Belt and Road Initiative with the Madagascar Revitalization Plan. China will also promote the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two countries to a higher level.

Li noted that next year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He said that China is willing to take this opportunity to improve bilateral ties development.

The two sides should enhance mutual political trust and firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, said Li.

The two sides should deepen pragmatic cooperation to benefit the two peoples, combine their respective advantages and development needs, and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure construction, he said.

The two sides should promote health cooperation, join hands to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, intensify cultural exchanges, and consolidate traditional friendship, Li added.

Li stressed that exchanges between the two legislative bodies are a significant part of their comprehensive cooperative partnership. The NPC is willing to maintain close communication with the Malagasy National Assembly (parliament) to approve, revise or issue legal documents conducive to bilateral ties in a timely manner, and strengthen communication, coordination, and mutual understanding on multilateral parliamentary occasions.

Speaker Razanamahasoa, in turn, thanked China for its support in promoting Madagascar's economic and social development and fight against the pandemic. She said that the Malagasy National Assembly is willing to make positive contributions to deepening the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two countries.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
By Kim Ae-ran





In celebration of the 55th World Communications Day (May 16), "Pauline" across the country organized a mission outreach to parishes. Due to the pandemic, the numbers of those who came to the churches decreased, but the enthusiasm of our sisters has been inspired.



At the same time, in collaboration with the Media subcommittee in the Association of Major Superiors of Women Religious in Korea and the Society of St. Paul, Pauline in Daehak-ro ("Hyehwanamu") prepared a special event for four days from May 12 to 15 for World Communications Day.



The theme of this day is "Come and see (John 1:46). Communicating by encountering people where and as they are." Pope Francis in the message suggests us to see people as they are and to communicate with them directly, not to spread unfounded information only, but to share and witness real life. What will be the true meaning of "come and see" in the non-face-to-face era? I think it is a matter of witness in life.



Experiences of faith lead us to be a witness of the truth before saying something. In the "Journalist's Decalogue," Manuel Lozano Garrido said: "Pay with the currency with frankness, work the bread of information clean with the salt of style and the yeast of eternity, and not to serve neither pastry nor spicy dishes, rather the good bite of a clean and hopeful life as well as inviting people to cut the hand that wants to smear, because the stains in the brains are like those wounds that never heal."



On May 12, there was a talk show, "The hidden dangers and opportunity of the internet," a live online YouTube broadcast in which Sr. Park Jeong-ah, FSP; Fr. Han Chang-hyun, SSP; and Jeong Hyun-jin, chief editor of "Catholic Here and Now" interpreted internet culture in a Christological way on the basis of the message of World Communications Day.



On May 13, Fr. Park Dong-ho explained the message in more detail. From 2 to 6 pm. on May 14 to 15, there was a special Bible reading relay with an epistle of Saint Paul that started with Bishop Benedictus Son Hee-song, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Seoul. In between, some moments to share experiences of faith from the Bible through stories, music, or illustrations were arranged.



At 7 pm. on May 15, Mass for World Communications Day was presided over by Bishop Simon Ok Hyun-jin of the Archdiocese of Gwangju, who is also the president of the Committee for Social Communications of the CBCK.



Those who participated in the lectures and talk shows were limited to 30 people and only 94 persons were allowed to join in the Bible reading relay. Nevertheless, the words of God will run beyond the frontiers of present reality.



In spite of the somewhat depressed reality of the pandemic, we can still find joy when our hearts are deeply rooted in the Bible. As an apostle of the media, Saint Paul used the form of letters to share the Gospels. Nowadays, thanks to the continuous evolution of modern technology, various forms of media transcend our imagination. Among them, the persona (self) will be the most powerful, effective, and basic means to witness and share the truth.





The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (fsp.pauline.or.kr)) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication


Big Y Adds Vice President of Distribution & Logistics

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.  The Board of Directors at Big Y Foods, Inc. appointed Stephen M. Creed to the new position of vice president of distribution and logistics.

Creed is responsible for leading Big Ys distribution teams at their newly expanded 430,000 square foot Fresh & Local Distribution Center in Springfield. In addition, he will serve as an advisor to the Board of Directors. He reports to Michael P. DAmour, executive vice president and COO.

Creed has over 40 years of experience in the distribution industry, mostly within the supermarket realm.

He began his career in 1979 with Stop & Shop, Inc. where he held various positions including produce and grocery receiving and operations. Throughout his career, hes held positions of increasing responsibility at companies such as Spartan Stores in Michigan where he was the assistant warehouse manager. At C & S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. in Massachusetts and Vermont, he started as facility manager and then became director of perishables distribution.

In 1997, Creed was appointed director of operations for Quality King Distributors, Inc., a Consumer Packaged Goods company in New York where he managed nationwide distribution from five separate warehouses consisting of food, pharmaceuticals, health and beauty care, fragrances and general merchandise. He later became director of distribution for Supervalu in Suffield, Conn. before being promoted to project director for corporate distribution at their headquarters in Minnesota and later promoted to general manager logistics services in their Midwest regional headquarters Distribution Center in Kenosha, Wis.

Returning to his roots in New England from 2005 to 2019, Creed joined Associated Grocers of New England in Pembroke, N.H. He started as vice president warehousing and transportation, became senior vice president warehousing and transportation until his most recent position there as senior vice president supply chain management. Last year, Creed joined Big Y as senior director of distribution and logistics.

Creed has served on the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association and The Ryder National Food & Beverage Advisory Board. His professional training includes the Cornell University Executive Food Management Program along with Dale Carnegie Executive Management and Zenger-Miller Quest Training.

A resident of Marshfield, he and his wife, Carol have three children.
Arrowhead Announces 2021 Season

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Berkshire County Historical Society (BCHS) at Herman Melvilles Arrowhead is now open for guided tours through October.

Throughout the summer special events and exhibitions will be presented in the newly renovated historic barn and on the grounds.

Tours are available Thursday through Monday beginning at 10 am, with the last tour beginning at 3 pm. Rates for guided tours of Melvilles house are: adults $16.00, seniors $14.00, students $10.00, children 12 and under, free. Members of the BCHS receive free admission. BCHS participates in the Card to Culture program extending free admission to EBT, WIC, and Connector Care health plan insurance cardholders. Visit mobydick.org for details.

BCHSs grounds and nature trails at Arrowhead are open year round free of charge during daylight hours. To protect and preserve this natural and historic habitat, dogs must be leashed at all times and owners must clean up after their pets. Motorized vehicles are not allowed except for in the driveway and parking lot. Metal detectors are prohibited.

Exhibitions

July 10October  "Lifting the Veil: Customs Surrounding Mourning in the Berkshires"

This exhibition examines mid-19th century rituals and objects related to death and dying in the Berkshires and beyond. Lifting the Veil looks at the historic practices surrounding death, burial, and those left behind. BCHS collections will be featured in this exhibit, including objects not regularly on view to the public.

Free with admission

August 1, 2021January 9, 2022 at The Berkshire Museum

"Muh-he-con-ne-ok: People of the Waters that are Never Still"

This exhibition showcases the past, present and future of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community by presenting historic and contemporary objects combined with oral and written histories. Muh-he-con-ne-ok: People of the Waters that are Never Still is presented at The Berkshire Museum in collaboration with the Berkshire County Historical Society, Bidwell House Museum, Stockbridge Library, Trustees of the Reservations, Housatonic Heritage, Williams College, and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans.

Admission: Adults $13, Children 417 $6

Special Events and Programs

Monday, June 7  Fundraiser Launch Party Moby-Dick Audio Book, 7pm

"During the pandemic I spent my time bringing as much great literature out on audio as possible" said award-winning audiobook producer Alison Larkin whose company Alison Larkin Presents is based in West Stockbridge. "I had a hunch it was time for a truly accessible recording of Moby Dick, so we hired the popular Berkshire actor Jonathan Epstein whose narration is truly mesmerizing."

Limited tickets are available for this special reading and Q&A with Epstein and the producers of this epic new recording of Moby Dick. To download and listen to the audiobook, visit alisonlarkinpresents.com.

$20 BCHS members, $25 non-members; tickets available at berkshire-county-historical-society.square.site

Thursday, June 17  Melville Biographical Research Lecture: Warren Broderick, 6:30 pm

Join Melville scholar and New York State retired archivist Warren Broderick as he presents newly discovered original source documents that will shed light on Melvilles life and work. Learn about previously unknown records that bear Hermans signature as well as the first published reference to a missing novel.

FREE for BCHS members, $10 non-members: tickets available online at mobydick.org or by phone at 413.442.1793

Sunday, June 27  Victorian Quadrille Orchestra, 7 pm

The Victorian Quadrille Orchestra presents dance music from the Civil War and Victorian era. The orchestra invites you back to a time before electronics and recorded music as they perform original music written in the 1800s using authentic instrumentation. Hear Quadrilles, Lancers, Polkas, Waltzes, Reels and more.

FREE event

Program sponsored by the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank

July 115  Mastheads Writers Residency

The Mastheads is a writers residency program that creates a dialogue about place through literature and architecture. Five original architectural spaces serve as studios for selected writers-in-residence to produce new work each summer. Each space is inspired by an American author who produced work in and around Pittsfield  Melville, Hawthorne, Thoreau, Longfellow, and Holmes Sr. The studios remind us of the past while providing a platform for new creativity. Visit themastheads.org for more information.

July 10  Mastheads Final Readings, 6 pm

The fifth-annual reading of new work by Mastheads authors in the historic Arrowhead barn.

Free event

Sunday, July 11  Book reading - Caroline Hellman: Children of the Raven and the Whale: Visions and Revisions in American Literature, 3 pm

Children of the Raven and the Whale: Visions and Revisions in American Literature (University of Virginia Press, 2019) looks at how contemporary United States writers have responded to texts that were historically central to the American literary canon - including Melville's Moby Dick. In their rewritings and layering of new stories over older ones, contemporary writers chronicle a spectrum of American experience, and appraise the project of the United States. This talk will explore Melville's influence on the work of author Ta-Nehisi Coates, in addition to discussing the larger landscape of American literature today.

$10 BCHS members, $15 non-members

July 24 & 25  Guild of Berkshire Artists Art Show, 10 am - 6 pm

Art@Arrowhead: A Whale of a Show! showcases the works of local and regional artists around the theme of Stories in Art. The show is a great opportunity to support local artists by purchasing their work.

July 31August 4: Moby-Dick Fifth Annual Read-A-Thon, 10am-5pm

"Call me Ishmael" and sign up to read part of Melvilles masterpiece on the site where it was written. Come on your own or bring a group to read with us until we finish the book.

$5 recommended donation

Sunday, August 1  Herman Melvilles Birthday and Monument Mountain Hike, 9 am

Celebrate the day (August 4, 1850) when Melville met Hawthorne on a hike up Monument Mountain. Read the poem they read together at the summit and share sparkling wine (they had champagne). Meet in the parking lot at Monument Mountain, off Route 7 in Great Barrington.

Free event

Thursday, August 5  Berkshire County Historical Society Fundraiser, 4 pm

Celebrate summer and local history with an evening by Morewood Lake at the Country Club of Pittsfield. The evening includes a short play reading remembering Sarah Morewood, the lady of Broad Hall, whose estate was sold to the clubs founders.

Tickets are available at mobydick.org and include heavy hors d'oeuvres; cash bar available.

August 1315  ReWritten, 7pm

ReWritten is an immersive performance that explores the often-silenced intimate relationship between authors Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. Moving between their lives, work, and remaining letters, ReWritten reimagines an intergenerational queer love story that helped shape American literature. Through dance, live music, visual art, projection, and text this performance questions what happens when we say no to dreams when we want to say yes. Co-created and performed by Tom Truss and Matthew Cumbie.

$10 for BHS members; $15 for non-members

Use your EBT card and get 50 percent off

Kids 12 and under free

Sunday, September 5  Lecture and Film Screening: Professor Michael Hoberman and the film "Call Us Ishmael," directed by Dr. David Shaerf, 3-6 pm

Michael Hoberman, an American literature professor at Fitchburg State University, will make his case that Melville is an ideal writer for people who describe themselves as skeptical romantics. His talk highlights his own path to Melville's writing, and it will also offer a brief discussion of how he teaches two lesser-known texts ("Benito Cereno" and "The Encantadas"). Call Us Ishmael chronicles filmmaker David Shaerf's journey into the world of Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Throughout his quest he encounters artists, musicians, professors and performers, all of whom are singularly seeking the white whale. Call Us Ishmael gives viewers an insight into a community devoted to this timeless text.

$15 BCHS members, $20 non-members

COVID-19 CODE OF COURTESY
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By Carl Bildt





STOCKHOLM  Gaza has long been one of those geopolitical problems that everyone wishes would just disappear. Israel, certainly, would prefer to seal off the Palestinian enclave  both from its own territory and from its collective mind.



And notwithstanding occasional utterances to the contrary, Egypt tends to feel the same way. Whenever there is renewed talk of pursuing peace in the region, Gaza is almost always the issue that is left on the back burner.



True, humanitarian and relief agencies regularly issue detailed reports about the dire conditions facing Gaza's two million inhabitants; they are trapped in one of the most densely populated, under-resourced places on Earth.



Still, the audience for this accounting of deprivation and despair tends to dwindle whenever some new humanitarian crisis emerges elsewhere and commands the world's attention. A lasting solution to Gaza's misery thus remains forever out of sight.



The current outbreak of violence is following a familiar pattern: Hamas and its allies are firing barrages of rockets into Israel, which is responding with waves of airstrikes. After each such conflict  the last major one was in 2014  the situation returns to the broken status quo.



The international community soon returns to business as usual, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates ever further, and the cycle eventually repeats.



When I visited Gaza in early 2009, one of these spasms of violence had just ended. Militant extremists and innocent civilians alike had been killed in Gaza, and innocent civilians had been under attack in Israel.



While there, I saw the devastation in the hardest-hit parts of the northern Gaza Strip and spoke with Palestinian business leaders who had been trying to offer Gazans hope by building bridges with their partners in Israel. The futility of these cyclical conflicts was as clear then as it is now.



My hope this time is that after the rockets and the airstrikes have ceased, there will be courageous peacemakers who do not shy away from taking the steps needed to break the pattern of hopelessness. That will require much more than another ceasefire. There needs to be a process for working toward peace and a viable political settlement.



Israel has imposed a tight land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza since 2007, with the goal of ending Hamas's rule there. The objective is laudable, but the methods have been counterproductive, and the policy overall has obviously failed.



Hamas still rules, and it has still managed to procure thousands of rockets. Gaza is now a breeding ground for terrorists, many of whom may see no other option.



Devising a viable solution will not be easy, of course; but I believe it is possible with a long-term process based on four principles. The aim should be an agreement that both stops the rocketing, bombing, tunneling, and killing and establishes a foundation for a more comprehensive peace agreement in the future.



To that end, the first principle is that the blockade must end. This policy has destroyed Gaza's economy. With foreign trade all but impossible, the territory has become dependent on smuggling, and those operations are naturally controlled by Hamas.



Smuggling has both filled Hamas's coffers and allowed it to obtain most of the items that Israel has been trying to block  not least rockets and components for building its own.



Second, Israel's legitimate security concerns must be addressed. After all, no country can tolerate being subjected to indiscriminate rocket attacks.



But Israel also must recognize that its policy of unyielding defense has failed. It will need to become more open to efforts by the international community  namely, the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States  to create a better arrangement for addressing its legitimate security interests.



Third, Gaza must become a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian administration. Any package of aid and reconstruction funds after the fighting is over must be made conditional on free and fair elections in Gaza and the West Bank.



Lastly, the viability of a long-term solution requires affirming the future state of Palestine's use of Gaza for access to the Mediterranean, which will be its primary gateway to the world. Accordingly, Gaza will need its own port and airport, as well as a connection to the West Bank (arranged in such a way as not to threaten Israeli security).



Much of the debate right now is focused on assigning blame for the latest wave of violence and suffering. A more constructive, albeit difficult, approach would be to acknowledge that both sides are right in important respects. That would allow everyone to start focusing on the goal of a long-term agreement based on the four principles outlined above.



With that, Gaza's latest unnecessary war could finally lead to a necessary peace. My hope is that I will return to Gaza one day and see entrepreneurs building businesses and bridges to the world economy, and bringing jobs to young people who might otherwise see no alternative to extremism. Palestinians  and Israelis  deserve no less.





Carl Bildt is a former prime minister and foreign minister of Sweden. His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


"We are not the things we say we will do," says American writer Amy Dickinson. "Instead, we are the things that we actually do, over and over again."

Routine is a foundation for long-term success. It creates structure and healthy habits, and will keep you going on days when you're feeling less motivated. What's more, a good routine is directly linked to higher output.

In other words, sticking to a routine equals more things getting done. This is why many high achievers are sticklers for scheduling every hour of the day. To discover how the very best in the world do it, OnDeck, the small-business loan provider, decided to investigate the habits and routines of the world's most successful business leaders.

Here's a look at how three billionaires plan their days.

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter

Jack Dorsey wakes up at 5 every morning. He dedicates the first few hours of his day to "personal care," which includes a 60-minute meditation, a 6-mile jog, and an ice bath to shock his system into action.

According to the OnDeck study, Dorsey believes his rigorous morning routine gives him the mental confidence to tackle any challenges that come up during the day. And there's some hard science to back up the theory. Research by Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal suggests that forcing ourselves to do uncomfortable things builds up neural pathways associated with mental resilience.

In other words, mental toughness is something we can learn and cultivate. We just need to put in the work and embrace the struggle. And Dorsey is no stranger to either concept. His intense mornings are just a warm-up for an 11-hour workday that doesn't end until after midnight.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors

Elon Musk struggles to find enough time for actual sleep. But, then again, he's reinventing the automobile industry, building high-speed underground transport networks across the U.S., and regularly sending rockets into orbit. So you won't be surprised to hear that Musk works 16 hours a day, including weekends.

OnDeck's analysis finds that Musk designs his daily routine with the kind of precision you'd expect from a bona fide rocket scientist. From 7 a.m. to 12 noon, Musk is busy with emails, phone calls, and strategy sessions with his management team. A working lunch is followed by a walk around the factory floor. The evening hours between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. are family time. Then it's more emails and meetings. Finally, Musk clocks off around 1 a.m., grabbing six hours of sleep before waking up and doing it all over again!

Mark Cuban, billionaire investor, Shark Tank star

Billionaire tech investor and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban is another highly successful business leader who believes that less is often more. OnDeck documents that Cuban spends just six hours a day managing his $4 billion fortune -- but it's an intense six hours.

Cuban rises around 5:30 a.m. and always hits the ground running. "Business is my morning meditation," says Cuban. "I get up and I work immediately. I love doing this." He doesn't stop until midday and always takes an hour in the evening to plan out his next set of goals. Because as far as Cuban is concerned, business is all about results. "Don't get caught up in how many hours you work," advises Cuban. "Judge success based on having goals and measuring your results. Hard work, and lots of it, is certainly needed, but focus on what you can actually get done."
If you live in a state where the governor hasn't lifted your state's mask policy, you can sit back and relax. It may frustrate or anger your employees, but you can sit back and say, "Masks are required at work! End of story!"

For the rest of you, what was once a pain to enforce has now become a mystery. You need a policy regarding masks--even if your state doesn't require them and you don't require employees to wear masks. Your policy can't simply be "no masks required!" Here's what you need to think through.

The CDC advises while the state and OSHA make rules.

The Centers for Disease Control said that fully vaccinated people (two weeks past the final immunization) do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors. Your employees may latch onto this, but even the CDC reminds you that they don't make the rules. They advise:

You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

This is where you need to be clear. If your state still has a mask mandate, or when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases new guidelines requiring masks at work or in certain situations, you need to follow those. (OSHA should be releasing new guidelines soon, and all signs point to its following the CDC guidelines.)

Oregon, for instance, just made their mask and social distancing rules "permanent." (To be clear, this is just a workaround because the laws don't allow them to extend temporary guidance. Oregon's OSHA expects to revise this "permanent" rule eventually.)

Check your own state and local guidelines before changing your policies.

You can treat vaccinated and unvaccinated employees differently.

As long as your state and local rules allow vaccinated employees to go mask-free, you can allow your employees to do the same while still requiring your non-vaccinated employees to wear masks. This is not a HIPAA violation, nor is it an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violation.

So, you can make a rule that says "If you are vaccinated against Covid-19, you do not have to wear a mask. If you are not, then you need to continue to wear a mask at work." This is true even if the employee has an ADA or a religious exemption. This is in line with several court decisions that have upheld required masking for employees who do not receive a flu shot.

Protect everyone from retaliation.

Your policy can be everyone wears a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Your policy (if state law and OSHA guidelines allow) can be nobody has to wear a mask. Your policy can be vaccinated without mask, unvaccinated with. Or vice versa, but that would be super weird.

One thing is for certain--no matter what you do, someone will not be happy with it. Whether it's an employee who complains that it's not safe to be without masks or a customer who complains about your masks-on rules, there will never be agreement.

Make sure your policy states that people who choose to wear a mask, even when not required, will not face discrimination or backlash. Your policy needs to continue to make the manager responsible for handling unruly or rebellious customers, whether they complain about masks or the lack thereof.

if you've decided to go with no masks and an employee chooses to wear a mask, do not embarrass, punish, or say, "Our customers won't like that!" That may have been a good argument in 2019, but it's not now.

Business needs vary, and that's OK.

Costco announced that vaccinated customers no longer had to wear masks, and it was just using the honor system. That decision may make sense for Costco. If your business caters to high-risk individuals, you may want to continue to require customers and staff to wear masks.

You may have heard that Texas banned masks altogether, but that's a bit of hyperbole. Governor Greg Abbott's executive order banned "counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities, or government officials" from requiring masks. You can still require your employees and customers to wear masks, even if you're in Texas. It's just government entities that cannot.

It's OK to sit down and think about what is best for your business under the current legal framework. It's also OK to re-evaluate it regularly to make sure you're doing the best thing for your business.

Remember to promote vaccines.
The long-awaited reunion of the 1990s American sitcom Friends is finally around the corner and the net worth of the entire cast including Jennifer Aniston, Mathew Perry, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer is now over $840m (594m).

Aniston is leading the pack with a net worth of $300m (290m), followed by Cox with a net worth of $150m (145m) and Perry, Schwimmer, Kudrow, and LeBlanc worth $120m (116m), $100m (96m), $90m (87m), and $80m (77m) respectively.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, each cast member will be paid between $2.5m (1.77m) and $3m (2.1m) for the hour-long special.

Furthermore, all actors earn two per cent of the shows syndication revenue, which means an annual income of $20m each  just from reruns.

According to MarketPlace, when Friends first aired each cast member was paid $22,500 (15,938) per episode.

However, by the third season, the six cast members were reportedly making $100,000 (70,836) per episode.

By season nine, the cast had negotiated a salary of $1m each per episode, a deal that was, at the time, the largest-ever for a 30-minute television show.

This week, HBO Max unveiled the official full trailer for the upcoming Friends reunion.

Friends: The Reunion | Official Trailer | HBO Max

All the beloved cast members are seen in the video returning to the sitcoms original set in Burbank, California.

Theyre likewise seen in the set of Monicas apartment playing a trivia game, with Schwimmer asking the questions.

The sequence is reminiscent of a season four sequence in which Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler faced off in a trivia contest to decide who would live in Monicas home.

While the actors arent in character for the reunion, they are seen in the trailer sitting down for a table read, revisiting some of their lines on the show.

Friends: The Reunion will air on 27 May on HBO Max.
Friends fans have been left feeling emotional over Matthew Perry crying in the trailer for the big reunion.

A full-length trailer for the Friends reunion episode, which will premiere in the US next Thursday (27 May), has been released, and it shows all six of the main cast members together for the first time since the show ended in 2004.

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Perry are shown reminiscing about the sitcom while wandering around the characters apartment sets and quizzing each other on plot lines.

It wasnt all laughs, though  at one point, Perry can be seen getting emotional and, choked up, says: Yep, Im gonna cry now.

Aniston can be seen placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

This moment had a strong effect on fans, leaving them feeling quite tearful themselves.

I was emotionally distraught when he said he was going to cry in the trailer, one person said, WITH ANOTHER fan adding: When Matthew Perry was like about to cry I was bawling. Hes been through so much.

Im already crying but I SWEAR if we see Matthew Perry cry IM GONNA LOSE IT AND JUST BREAK DOWN, one person wrote.

Meanwhile another stated: If Matthew Perry cries, then I will cry too!

Perry has been open about his struggles while making the show. After becoming a household name as Chandler Bing in 1994, he became addicted to alcohol and prescription drugs and, in 2016, said that he [cant] remember three years of the show as he was a little out of it.

The actor attended rehab twice during his run on Friends. He has since opened his own rehabilitation centre for alcoholics.

Find details on how to watch the Friends Reunion in the UK here.
It is urgent to narrow generational divide



Members of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are in a race to win over younger voters in their 20s and 30s, which has gained momentum since the party suffered a crushing defeat in the April 7 mayoral by-elections in Seoul and Busan. Yet it is still questionable whether the DPK will be able to win back support from the younger generation that voted for candidates from the conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP) in the polls.



It is natural for the DPK to pay more attention to younger voters, considering that the party has so far focused on wooing the elderly. In fact, the DPK and other progressive parties have believed that young adults tend to support them because of their liberal ideological inclinations. But they can no longer expect such automatic support from young voters who are increasingly disgruntled by the political establishment.



Some DPK presidential aspirants are coming up with a set of policy proposals to placate the younger generation. However, they are facing criticism for resorting to populism. They seem too engrossed in garnering votes in the next presidential election scheduled for March 2022. One of them is former DPK Chairman Lee Nak-yon, who has recently floated the idea of depositing 30 million won ($26,500) in the bank for each enlisted soldier upon their completion of mandatory military service.



Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung has also proposed the provision of 10 million won each to high school graduates, who fail to go to college, to finance overseas travel. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has suggested that a bank deposit of 100 million won be available for each youngster who starts their career after graduating from school.



The three politicians have gone too far. They have failed to provide details about how they will foot the bill for their envisioned cash provisions. Cash payments cannot be a fundamental solution to the problems faced by young adults. The presidential hopefuls and the DPK should make more efforts to figure out the structural problems in our society, and why more and more young people feel frustrated about their future.



The youth unemployment rate surged to 10 percent in April, up from 9.3 percent from a year ago. Young people find it increasingly difficult to buy their own homes amid runaway housing prices. Many of them have delayed marriage due to difficulties in finding jobs and soaring living costs. Under these circumstances, they cannot help but feel a sense of deprivation because the older generations have monopolized wealth and power.



Policymakers and politicians need to present new visions and hope for the next generation. To that end, they must come up with bolder measures to narrow the widening generational divide and ease social polarization. It is urgent to create more decent jobs and provide affordable housing for those in their 20s and 30s. More than anything else, the older generation should give up their vested interests and endeavor to create a fair and just society. What young people value most is fairness and justice.
Salma Hayek has revealed that she suffered a near-fatal bout of Covid-19 in the early days of the pandemic.

Speaking to Variety, the 54-year-old actor said that she had been put on oxygen and spent about seven weeks in isolation in her home.

My doctor begged me to go to the hospital because it was so bad, she said.

I said, No, thank you. I'd rather die at home.

Today, the actor is doing much better, though she says that she still has some long-term effects, including fatigue.

She also described a lack of energy when taking on her first post-Covid role in the forthcoming House Of Gucci with Adam Driver and Lady Gaga,.

It was not a lot of time, Hayek said of the shoot. I had started doing Zooms at one point, but I could only do so many because I would get so tired.

Hayek also opened up about writing her 2017 New York Times essay about being harassed by disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, who allegedly asked her for sexual favours, physically dragged her out of a party, and even threatened her life.

I will kill you, dont think I cant, Hayek recalled Weinstein saying to her when she refused one of his alleged demands.

Writing the essay was excruciating, she told Vanity Fair.

It was so hard because I chose not to be a victim even though I was a victim. I had to convince myself that Im a fighter and above all else, a survivor. When all this happened with the Harvey story, I didnt know that it happened to so many women. I went into such a depression for months. It really took an army of women to make me see I was true survivor, and a true fighter.

When I wrote it, I didnt even know if I was really going to show it to anyone, she continued. I kept saying, Who wants to hear my story? Why am I giving myself self-importance? They had been asking me for it from the beginning, but I put it down on paper just for me.
A senior police officer in India was charged with sexually assaulting a teenager, the daughter of a colleague, but transferred to a senior position at a district in northeastern Assam state.

Gaurav Upadhyay was charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act  a law enacted for the protection of minors  for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl after a complaint was registered at Guwahati city by the mother of the child, who is also a police officer in the same state, reported the Indian Express.

He was charged in March this year but the details were not available until now.

The charge sheet was filed after investigation and evidence revealed [Gaurav] Upadhyays involvement in the case. The allegations against him have been established, the Hindustan Times quoted criminal investigation department (CID) deputy superintendent, Pradip Kumar Das, as saying.

The case, registered in January 2020, was being probed by Assam Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the documents were submitted at a local court, according to the Express report.

The incident reportedly took place on 31 December 2020, at a New Years eve party at the residence of the Mr Upadhyay when he was a police superintendent at Karbi Anglong. The chargesheet says that the consequences of the assault on the minor had left her with severe psychological trauma.

Mr Upadhyay was later transferred to Chirang district as part of mass transfers of police officers after the new government took office this month, according to news reports, and has again been appointed a superintendent  a senior position  despite the charges.

Assam Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta was quoted by Indian media outlets as saying that the chargesheet is done, and that the matter was sub-judice.

If the court decides, he [the accused ] will be arrested as per law. Until the decision is given by the court, we have to use his services, Mr Mahanta said and added that the transfer order was issued by the state home department.
Elon Musks short tweet that Tesla will be holding its cryptocurrency has boosted the market - marginally - as it suffers a greater crash.

At 3.42pm UK time, Mr Musk tweeted that Tesla had diamond hands, using the emoji to signify when a cryptocurrency holder refuses to sell their digital coin.

Coindesk, a cryptocurrency price tracker, shows that bitcoin prices spiked slightly - from $34,923.80 to $37,172.91 in little over 15 minutes.

Ethereum also experienced a slight increase from $2,388 to $2,573 in the immediate aftermath of the post.

Mr Musks tweet comes as bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and more digital currencies have dramatically dropped in price following new regulation from China.

Follow the latest on the crypto market crash with our bitcoin live blog here

Bitcoin lost 25 per cent of its value, and other currencies including Ethereum, Cardano, Dogecoin, and more followed suit.

More than $250 billion of cryptocurrency has been traded over the last 24 hours, as users attempted to sell their holdings to alleviate prospective losses. Dogecoin had dropped 30 per cent, and Cardano fell more than 25 per cent.

Almost all altcoins, or bitcoin alternatives, suffered far more than bitcoin itself. Many were down more than a third, with smaller coins being hit harder than larger ones.

The crash stems from three Chinese state-backed organisations  including the China Banking Association  had issued a warning that digital currencies are not real, and that they should not and cannot be used as currency in the market.

The statement also said that the speculation activities that have surrounded virtual currencies were putting peoples property and the normal order of economy and finance at risk.

Binance and Coinbase, as well as exchanges Gemini and KuCoin, experienced crashes, as did trackers Coindesk and CoinMarketCap for a brief spell.

Mr Musk had recently caused a smaller cryptocurrency crash after he announced that his electric car companywould not be accepting payment in cryptocurrency, causing a smaller crash in the market.

The news came mere months after he had encouraged people to purchase vehicles with bitcoin, and said that he would launch a Doge-1 satellite to put the first crypto in space and the first meme in space.
Prince William has received his first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

The Duke of Cambridge received the jab from NHS staff at the Science Museum in Kensington.

Sharing a picture of the moment on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges official Twitter account, he said: On Tuesday I received my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

To all those working on the vaccine rollout - thank you for everything youve done and continue to do.

William, 38, joins his grandmother the Queen and his father Prince Charles as senior members of the royal family who have received the vaccine.

The Queen, 94, said in February that people who refuse the Covid vaccine ought to think about other people rather than themselves.

In the past, the duke has also spoken out in favour of the vaccine, hailing the monumental success of the mass rollout and expressing his desire to have his first dose.

William, who is left-handed, is pictured receiving his jab in his right arm after rolling up the sleeve of his top.

It is understood he received the vaccine that was available at the centre - it is not known which one he was given or if Kate, 39, has received her first vaccination.

According to reports, William had previously contracted Covid-19 around the same time as Charles in April 2020.

The Sun reported that he kept his diagnosis private to avoid alarming the nation and was treated by palace doctors while isolating at the family home in Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.

His vaccination comes ahead of William and Kates week-long tour of Scotland, which will begin on Friday, to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The duke will begin the tour in his role as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Kate will join him on Monday, said Kensington Palace.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: The duke is honoured to be fulfilling the role of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland this year.

Both he and the duchess are very much looking forward to spending time in Scotland, hearing from a wide range of people on the issues they care about, and celebrating individuals who have gone above and beyond to support their communities over the past year.
Queen Elizabeth II has long been said to adopt the mantra never complain, never explain in a bid to keep family matters behind closed doors; not become embroiled in media reports or speculation; and maintain the much-distinguished line between royalty and public. Largely this approach has worked, with the family circling the wagons at the hint of danger or scandal.

But on 20 November 1995, Princess Diana broke ranks. The then-35-year-old decided that instead of protecting her in-laws and husband, from whom she had separated, she wanted to tell her side of the story. She agreed to a BBC One Panorama interview with Martin Bashir.

Not only was the interview a sign that Diana was stepping away from the fold because she was candidly engaging with the media (she did not shy away from difficult questions), but because the contents of the interview felt like a soap opera in their own right: adultery, palace plotting, mental and physical illness, and the future of the monarchy as seen by an insider.

The TV interview was the first ever solo interview for the Princess of Wales, and happened just nine months before her divorce, and subsequent death in 1997, cementing its place in television history. Now, an independent inquiry - the Lord Dyson report - has found that the BBC covered up deceitful behaviour by Bashir to obtain it.

But what else about it was so controversial?

The contents of the interview

Not only had Princess Diana agreed to go on live television and be candidly interviewed - something that would not really be seen again until Prince Andrews Newsnight special in November 2019 - but she also did not shy away from difficult questions.

The Princess of Wales answered questions on everything from her self-harm, to suffering with bulimia, her own affair and unfaithfulness to Charles, his involvement with Camilla Parker-Bowles, the lack of support she felt from the royal family, and her doubts over the heir apparents future as King of England.

The level of detail divulged was summed up perfectly in Dianas now infamous phrase: Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.

The Queen was not happy

The Queen famously described 1992 as her annus horribilis or horrible year - the year that saw Charles and Diana separate, the Duke of York split from Sarah Ferguson, a fire at Windsor Castle, and the publication of Andrew Mortons explosive biography on Princess Diana.

In the interview Diana admitted she had allowed her friends to talk to Morton for his book, although said that she herself had not done so. I was at the end of my tether. I was desperate. I think I was so fed up with being seen as someone who was a basket-case, because I am a very strong person and I know that causes complications in the system that I live in.

But she admitted she knew it had badly affected the royals. I think they were shocked and horrified and very disappointed, she said.

Frightful thing to do, frightful thing that my daughter-in-law did

Sir Richard Eyre, ex director of the National Theatre, told a Channel 5 documentary, Diana: The Interview That Shocked The World in 2020, that he had lunch with the Queen in 1995 and she was upset by the interview.

He claimed: "I had lunch with the Queen not long after and she said to me unprompted, 'How are things at the BBC?' and I said, 'Oh well, fine'. And she said, 'Frightful thing to do, frightful thing that my daughter-in-law did'."

Richard Ayre, the BBC's controller of editor policy at the time, told Channel 5: "Right at the beginning we had agreed that the princess should be allowed to be the person who broke the news to the palace.

Seen as retaliation at Prince Charles

During the interview Bashir asked Diana if she was concerned that it would be portrayed as her retaliating at her husband. She denied the claim: I don't sit here with resentment: I sit here with sadness because a marriage hasn't worked. I sit here with hope because there's a future ahead, a future for my husband, a future for myself and a future for the monarchy.

Diana maintained that the reason for her speaking out was instead to clear the record. We will have been separated three years this December, and the perception that has been given of me for the last three years has been very confusing, turbulent, and in some areas I'm sure many, many people doubt me.

And I want to reassure all those people who have loved me and supported me throughout the last 15 years that I'd never let them down. That is a priority to me, along with my children.

Recommended Queen Elizabeth in visit with William

It instigated the royal divorce

When the interview broadcast the couple were officially still separated but had not legally been divorced. During the interview Diana said she was not actually pushing for that herself - she was the child of divorce and said she did not want to travel the same road. Nevertheless it proved to be the tipping point and less than a month later the inevitable happened.

On 20 December, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen had sent letters to the Prince and Princess of Wales, advising them to divorce. The Queen's move was backed by the Prime Minister and, according to the BBC, was decided after two weeks of talks. Charles formally agreed to the divorce in a written statement and it was finalised on 28 August 1996.

Diana had Her Royal Highness (HRH) title taken away - something which a young Prince William reportedly said he would give back once he succeeded the throne.

(Rex Features)

Questions over the origins of the interview

Even after the interview had aired it continued to generate headlines with reports claiming that journalist Martin Bashir had commissioned a graphic designer to make two fake bank statements, to get Diana on side.

In May 2021, an independent inquiry - the Lord Dyson report - found that the BBC covered up deceitful behaviour by Bashir to obtain the Panorama interview.

In a statement, Prince William said that he believed the interview had fed directly into the fear, paranoia and isolation his mother endured before her death in 1997.

The legacy of the interview

Even 25 years later, people are still talking about the interview - particularly given it happened less than a year before her death.

In 2020, the Duke of Cambridge shared his thoughts on it, suggesting he understood but was cautious about whether it was the right choice.

I can understand  having sometimes been in those situations, you feel incredibly desperate and it is very unfair that things are being said that are untrue, he said. The easiest thing to do is just to say or go to the media yourself. Open that door. [But] once youve opened it you can never close it again.
The government has been urged to fund an extra year of study for college students who need it in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

A cross-party group of MPs and peers have put forward suggestions to the education secretary on how to support colleges and its pupils affected by Covid-19.

In a letter to Gavin Williamson, the group  which includes Tory MP Peter Aldous and Labour peer Lord Blunkett  said experts told them lost learning will have affected every learner to some extent, despite the speed of colleges shift to online.

It comes after most pupils spent periods of time learning at home during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns, while self-isolation rules have also kept pupils at home.

A recent report by the Association of Colleges, cited in the MPs letter, said more than three quarters of 16- to 18-years olds were performing below normal expectations and estimated to be between one to four months behind.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Further Education and Lifelong Learning called for the government to fully fund an additional year of study for students leaving college who need it.

This would be through a simple, flexible fund, which allows colleges to design programmes lasting between six months to one year to meet needs and outcomes, with a bursary to support some of the most disadvantaged learners to participate, the group of five MPs and peers said.

We ask for this extra year of funded study to ensure that students who have been most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and its related issues, such as digital poverty or caring responsibilities, have the vital skills they need to progress into further education or the labour market.

It comes after a think-tank estimated the government needed to invest around 13.5bn to help reverse damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic on pupils.

Among other suggestions, the Education Policy Institute said the government should introduce a new right for pupils to repeat a year of education.

In their letter to Mr Williamson, the MPs and peers also urged for colleges to receive targeted support for the most disadvantaged pupils similar to the pupil premium grant for schools.

The Department for Education (DfE) has been approached for comment.
The number of patients in hospital with Coronavirus in Bolton has increased to 30, rising by 5 in 24 hours, The Independent has learned.

Bosses at the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust are opening an extra ward for Covid positive patients today, as a previous ward has become full.

Staff at the trust confirmed there were a total of 30 patients being treated in the hospital on Thursday, up from 25 on Wednesday after four new admissions and one patient already in hospital testing positive for Covid-19.

There are seven patients in intensive care or high dependency, with 27 patients on oxygen.

Typically, patients admitted now for Covid-19 were likely to be have been infected 2 to 3 weeks ago, suggesting numbers could rise further.

The number of Covid patients in the trust has risen steadily over the past three weeks, doubling in two weeks, from 15 on 6 May.

Almost 3,000 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in the UK  up from the 2,323 on Monday.

One clinician at the Bolton hospital told The Independent that despite a number of patients being discharged in recent days, the overall number in hospital was rising daily.

They said the additional escalation ward was being opened to relieve pressure in A&E. The trust was previously cohorting Covid patients together on one ward.

Another trust source said there were plans in place to seek help from neighbouring trust once the numbers in critical care approached 18.

Despite the increase the number of admissions are relatively small but are being closely watched by ministers and public health experts to see what level of protection vaccination rates provide.

Recent papers from the governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), warned there were still enough unvaccinated people in the country that if the Indian variant was able to spread widely, it could deliver a peak in hospital admissions that was equal to or even larger than those seen previously.

At a Downing Street press conference yesterday Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the UK was in a straight race between the Indian variant spread and efforts to vaccinate the population.

NHS England has opened up vaccinations to people aged 34 and 35 on Thursday with almost 37 million people now having had at least one dose of vaccine against Covid-19.

Yesterday, Public Health England said 158 local authorities were on its watchlist for cases of Coronavirus trending upwards between 6 and 12 May.

Prof Andrew Hayward, an expert in infectious disease at University College London and who advises the government, said he was very concerned about the spread of the B1.617.2 Indian variant.

Asked if the UK could be at the start of a third wave in infections due to the variant, which was first identified in India, he said: I think so.

Obviously were doing everything we can to contain the spread of that but its likely that more generalised measures may start to be needed to control it, Prof Hayward, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said.

The infectious disease expert said he believed that it would become more clear over the next week or two how much local outbreaks of the variant are spreading throughout the population.
The Duke of Cambridge has condemned the BBC for its failings over a Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, which he said had fuelled the fear, paranoia and isolation his mother suffered in the final years of her life.

Prince William said he felt indescribable sadness after an independent inquiry found that the corporation covered up deceitful behaviour by its journalist Martin Bashir to obtain the interview, while the Duke of Sussex said it was a culture of exploitation and unethical practices in the media which ultimately took her life.

Follow live: Prince William claims BBC fueled Dianas fears as Harry says exploitation took her life

Their comments came after Lord Dysons investigation concluded that Mr Bashir committed a serious breach of BBC rules by using fake bank statements to help gain the trust of Princess Dianas brother Earl Spencer and set up the explosive 1995 Panorama programme in which she complained there were three of us in her marriage to Prince of Wales.

In a furious rebuke issued in a video statement on Thursday night, William said: The interview was a major contribution to making my parents relationship worse and has since hurt countless others.

It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBCs failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her.

But what saddens me most, is that if the BBC had properly investigated the complaints and concerns first raised in 1995, my mother would have known that she had been deceived.

She was failed not just by a rogue reporter, but by leaders at the BBC who looked the other way rather than asking the tough questions.

Calling for the documentary never to be aired again, William said: In an era of fake news, public service broadcasting and a free press have never been more important. These failings, identified by investigative journalists, not only let my mother down, and my family down; they let the public down too.

In a separate statement, Harry praised his mother as resilient, brave, and unquestionably honest and said Lord Dysons inquiry was the first step towards justice and truth.

The ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life. To those who have taken some form of accountability, thank you for owning it, he added.

Yet what deeply concerns me is that practices like these, and even worse, are still widespread today.

"Then, and now, it's bigger than one outlet, one network, or one publication. Our mother lost her life because of this, and nothing has changed.

Prince William pictured with his mother at Wimbledon (REUTERS)

Lord Dyson was appointed last year by the BBC to look into the circumstances surrounding the Panorama interview, over the controversy of fake bank documents purporting to show payments in the accounts of a former employee and two ex-members of the royal household.

The inquiry found Mr Bashir commissioned the production of the documents in a deceit to gain Earl Spencers trust to persuade him to introduce him to his sister and land the exclusive interview.

The journalist  who left his position as the BBCs religious affairs correspondent last week after suffering ill-health due to Covid  said he apologised over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up. It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret.

But he insisted the statements had no bearing on Dianas decision to take part in the programme, of which he remained immensely proud.

A letter submitted as evidence in the Lord Dyson report, written on official Kensington Palace stationery and signed by Diana, said: Martin Bashir did not show me any documents, nor give me any information that I was not previously aware of.

I consented to the interview on Panorama without any undue pressure and have no regrets concerning the matter.

Lord Dysons report found that Diana would probably have agreed to be interviewed by any experienced and reputable reporter in whom she had confidence even without the intervention of Mr Bashir.

But William said he believed the deceitful way the interview was obtained substantially influenced what my mother said and had established a false narrative which, for over a quarter of a century, has been commercialised by the BBC and others.

It is my firm view that this Panorama programme holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again, he added, noting that Mr Bashir had lied and used fake documents to obtain the interview with my mother and made lurid and false claims about the Royal Family which played on her fears and fuelled paranoia.

The BBC has written to members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, Prince Charles, William, Harry and Earl Spencer, to apologise for the circumstances of the interview,

Princess Dianas former private secretary, Commander Patrick Jephson, said she had been cast adrift from the royal support structure that had guided and safeguarded her for so many years following the interview with Mr Bashir.

In an interview with a new Panorama programme aired by the BBC on Thursday night, he said this had inevitably made her vulnerable to people who were unable properly to look after her before her death in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

BBC director-general Tim Davie said: While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can make a full and unconditional apology. The BBC offers that today.

Chairman Richard Sharp said the broadcaster unreservedly accepts the reports findings, adding: There were unacceptable failures. We take no comfort from the fact that these are historic.

Former director-general Lord Hall accepted that the BBCs 1996 inquiry into how Panorama secured its interview fell well short of what was required and he was wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt.

The BBC has returned awards it won for the Bashir interview, which earned accolades including a Bafta.

"We do not believe it is acceptable to retain these awards because of how the interview was obtained, the corporation said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the influential House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Friday warned that the BBC had ducked the hard choices over budget cuts which it will be forced to make as it adjusts to a new world of streaming services and content on demand.

The committees chair Meg Hillier said that reorganising the deckchairs in this Titanic organisation was not enough at a time when people were watching less BBC content and 200,000 households a year were cancelling their licence fee and switching to online platforms like Netflix.

The double blow comes as the BBC is involved in difficult negotiations with the government over the licence fee settlement for the five years from 2022.
A senior counter-terror police officer wrongly thought probation officers knew that a released terrorist may be planning an attack, an inquest has heard.

Usman Khan, 28, murdered two people at a rehabilitation event at Fishmongers Hall in London in November 2019.

He launched the attack 11 months after being freed from prison, where he had served a sentence for attempting to set up a terrorist training camp in Pakistan.

Khan was being investigated by MI5, covertly monitored and overtly managed by police and probation officers.

Inquests into his victims deaths have heard that MI5 received intelligence shortly before he was freed from prison saying that Khan wanted to return to his old ways of terrorism and wanted to launch an attack on his release.

Officials who managed Khan after he was freed and participated in public protection meetings have said they did not know about the attack-planning intelligence.

Kenneth Skelton, Khans probation officer, previously told the inquests that if he had been told, the whole management process would have been altered, potentially including the decision to let Khan attend the event where he launched the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Ryan Chambers, of the West Midlands Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, said he had no reason to think that probation and other agencies did not know of Khans feared intentions.

DCI Chambers was the senior investigating officer for the covert investigation into Khan, which was conducted alongside MI5.

When asked if he thought public protection meetings were told of the attack planning intelligence, he replied: Absolutely, and very sadly its only now leading up to this process that its come to my attention that they did not know  my understanding was that probation would have had that intelligence.

The officer added: Everyone involved in this process needs to reflect on why it didnt happen.

 Usman Khan seen being chased out of Fishmongers' Hall during attack inquest

DCI Chambers said he did not believe it was his responsibility to check how the intelligence had been shared, because it had come in before his involvement with the case.

The officer said the information was highly relevant to decisions on what Khan could do and where he could go, including over the event held by Cambridge Universitys Learning Together programme at Fishmongers Hall.

DCI Chambers said that similar intelligence about attack planning exists in a number of cases over terror offenders being released from prison.

Its not uncommon, that strand of reporting is reminiscent in many investigations and part of that comes down to socialisation within prison establishments, he added.

The inquests have previously heard that Khan socialised with high-profile terrorists in jail, including Lee Rigbys killer and Abu Hamza, and was involved in extremist gangs and radicalisation.

DCI Chambers said that following Khans release from prison, there was no further intelligence that he was planning an attack or involved in other terrorist activity.

The inquests previously heard that MI5 and police monitoring missed Khans purchase of knives and equipment to construct a fake suicide vest days before the attack on 29 November 2019.

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)

He arrived at the Fishmongers Hall event with the vest concealed under his clothing, and carrying knives in a bag.

Khan used a break between sessions to make his final preparations in a toilet, revealing the fake suicide belt and taping two knives to his hands.

He murdered Learning Together course coordinator Jack Merritt, 25, and former volunteer Saskia Jones, 23, and stabbed three other people before being chased onto London Bridge and shot dead by police.

The inquests are establishing the circumstances of the victims deaths and whether they could have been prevented.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have taken over a drone factory in Leicester, which they claim produces a type of drone used by the Israeli military.

The demonstrators said they scaled the roof and chained the gates at the factory of UAV Tactical Systems, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems and French firm Thales, on Wednesday to disrupt production of arms and military technology.

Images showed protesters on the roof spraying flares and holding a banner with their group name Palestine Action.

Demonstrators vowed to take their occupation of the Leicester factory, which manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles, into the night.

The Independent understands they were still at the site on Thursday.

The action comes amid deadly violence between Israel and Hamas, which has seen Israeli launch hundreds of airstrikes.

More than 227 Palestinians - including 64 children - have been killed and more than 1,600 wounded, according to the Gaza health ministry. Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes amid the current fighting.

Hamas and other militant groups have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted or landing in open areas.

Twelve people in Israel - including two children - have been killed.

Palestine Action alleges the Leicester factory manufactures Hermes drones used by Israeli armed forces.

Leicestershire Police said they received a report in the early hours of Wednesday that a group had climbed onto the roof of a building.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the force said they were continuing to negotiate with people on the roof of the site at Meridian Business Park.

The Independent understands the situation remained the same on Monday morning.

The group said their occupation aimed to be as disruptive as possible.

A firefighters union said they were called to the scene of commercial premise understood to manufacture drones for the Israeli military to ensure the safety of protesters on the roof.

The Fire Brigades Union were made aware that the protesters were representing the Palestinian solidarity group Palestine Action, a statement said.

Union officials immediately reminded senior managers that as firefighters we are, and remain, a proud humanitarian service.

It added: Once the safety of those involved have been confirmed, Fire Brigades Union members withdrew from the incident.

Graham Vaux, Leicestershire brigade chair, said the union stands in support of Palestinian solidarity and the right to protest.

Police said specially-trained officers were engaging with an open dialgoue with protesters on the roof on Wednesday evening and officers also facilitated another groups right to peaceful protest on the ground at the site

The Independent has approached UAV, Elbit and Thales for comment.


SK, Ford agree to set up 'BlueOvalSK'



By Kim Bo-eun



LG and SK's corporate images / Korea Times file



SK Innovation (SKI) is seeking to challenge LG Energy Solution (LGES) in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) battery market by forging a partnership with Ford, the second-largest automaker there in terms of market share. LG is already in the process of building a battery production plant in a joint venture with the top-ranked GM.



Automobile manufacturers are currently rushing to build alliances with battery makers to secure a stable supply as the U.S. market for EVs is projected to grow exponentially.



SKI and Ford signed an agreement Thursday to set up BlueOvalSK, a joint venture that will construct an EV batteries plant at a cost of 6 trillion won. Once completed, the facility will be able to produce battery cells and modules with an annual aggregate output of 60 gigawatt-hours. The companies are aiming to launch operations at the factory by 2025.



"The joint venture will go beyond just collaboration between SK and Ford and play a key role in establishing and fostering the EV value chain that the U.S. government is pushing for," SKI CEO Kim Jun was cited as saying in a press release.






The UK failed to secure the Brexit agreement it wanted for Northern Ireland, its negotiator has admitted  despite Boris Johnson hailing it as a great deal at the time.

In extraordinary comments, David Frost conceded that hopes that the agreement would protect smooth trade had been dashed, blaming the pressure the government was under in late 2019.

We expected to be able to get some facilitations that we didnt get. We expected there would be a trusted trader scheme, for example, Lord Frost said.

We expected, like every other free trade agreement, thered be an equivalence mechanism in there. None of that weve got.

Yet, in November 2019  after the Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed  the prime minister celebrated it, saying: Northern Ireland has got a great deal.

You keep free movement, you keep access to the single market and, as it says in the deal, unfettered access to the UK.

Mr Johnson has since been repeatedly criticised for falsely claiming the agreement would not require costly and burdensome checks on trade across the Irish Sea.

In January, there were empty shelves in supermarkets and  although that crisis eased  the government shelved full inspections to avoid a repeat, triggering a legal action by the EU.

Loyalists have threatened violence unless the Protocol is ripped up and Lord Frost warned the height of the marching season, in July, is a deadline for avoiding further unrest.

In an interview for The Spectator magazine, Mr Johnsons handpicked negotiator blamed the duress of striking the deal while Parliament was gridlocked and MPs manoeuvred to block a no-deal Brexit.

We signed it in conditions, obviously, as you remember, where we had the Benn-Burt Act and the requirement to get a deal before we could deliver on the referendum result, he said.

The Protocol, and the wider withdrawal agreement, was also hailed as oven-ready by the prime minister  although it did nothing to settle the terms of future trade.

Naomi Smith, chief executive of the Best for Britain campaign group, said the comments showed the spin around Boris great deal has completely unraveled.

Ministers are so relaxed about admitting their deception, it tells us all we need to know about their disdain for the electorate, not to mention the small businesses suffering the consequences, she said.

In the interview, Lord Frost made clear the UK will not agree to align its food rules with the EU, suggested as the solution to removing the vast bulk of cross-sea checks.

He is instead seeking the equivalence agreement  where the two sides respect each others rules  but Brussels has suggested it will reject that.

In hardline comments, Lord Frost said: I dont understand why a third country would do a deal with a country that didnt control its own agri-food rules, since that is so central to whats important in trade deals nowadays.

And, revealing the poor state of the negotiations with the EU, he added: Theyve been so reluctant to have the discussion in the first place.
Downing Street has warned Britons to make sure their holidays are refundable before booking.

The warning came as the travel industry reported a surge in bookings for summer breaks in so-called amber list countries like France, Spain and Greece.

Travel to these countries is legal after the latest relaxation of lockdown rules on Monday, but anyone returning to England from an amber country is required to quarantine for 10 days at home.

After days of confusion over the status of amber-list countries, Boris Johnson said yesterday that visits should be made only in extreme circumstances, such as the illness of a family member, and not for holidays.

But thousands of people are believed to have made bookings in the hope that their destination will be moved from the amber to green list by the time they travel, removing the requirement to quarantine.

Mr Johnsons official spokesperson today confirmed that the next review of the traffic light system will come three weeks from the week commencing 17 May.

This suggests that any changes will be announced no earlier than 7 June - later than many in the travel industry were hoping.

Asked if people were wise to book holidays in the hope of their intended destination moving to the green list by the time they travel, the spokesperson said: We will update, as I said theres a three weekly review point and we will give people a weeks notice about those changes to the green list.

He added: What weve said from the start is weve encouraged people that do want to seek to book holidays further on in the year, given this global pandemic and the uncertainty around it, its wise to book holidays that you can get refundable or can be delayed and to speak to their travel operators when theyre doing so.

The development came as the authorities warned they are conducting around 10,000 home checks every day to catch holiday-makers flouting the home quarantine rule.

One calculation has found that up to 54,000 passengers a day will flock to sunspots such as Spain, Greece, Italy and France, with a total of 1,300 flights scheduled to fly to amber list countries by Sunday.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps refused four times during an interview today to say whether it was responsible or irresponsible to holiday in amber list countries.

Of major European holiday destinations, only Portugal is currently on the governments green list.

Asked if he was pushing for the green list to be extended, Mr Shapps replied: Yes of course.

Travel agents Tui told The Independent:We want to offer our customers flexibility and choice this summer, so where borders are open and FCDO (Foreign Office) advice allows travel, we will operate to those destinations.

We review our holiday cancellations in line with the government updates every three weeks, with the next update due in early June. We know some customers may be unsure about travelling this summer, so weve offered free changes 14 days before travel for anyone due to travel before the end of August.
Five women, current and former Amazon employees, separately sued the e-commerce giant on Wednesday, alleging race and gender discrimination, and accusing their managers of retaliation after they raised complaints.

One suit, filed by Diana Cuervo, former manager in delivery operations at an Amazon facility in Everett, Washington, alleges that her manager used racial epithets, once saying, Latins suck. Ms Cuervo claims the company fired her after she complained about discrimination and harassment.

In another suit, Emily Sousa, who works as a shift manager at an Amazon facility in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, alleged a manager compared her to an adult-film star, and accused her supervisor of asking her to spend time with him outside work. Ms Sousa claims she was demoted after rebuffing his advances.

Two of the fives suits were filed in a Seattle federal court, and the others were filed in Arizona, California and Delaware. The suits were all filed by Widgor LLP, the same New York law firm that represented Charlotte Newman, a senior manager at Amazon who sued the company in March over race and gender discrimination claims.

In a statement, Amazon spokeswoman Jaci Anderson disputed the claims in all five of the new lawsuits.

We are conducting thorough investigations for each of these unrelated cases, as we do with any reported incidents, and we have found no evidence to support the allegations, Ms Anderson said via email.

The company doesnt tolerate discrimination or harassment, and encourages employees to raise concerns to managers or anonymously without fear of retaliation, Ms Anderson said. (Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

In one of the suits, which were first reported by the technology news website Recode, Pearl Thomas, a black human resources employee in Washington state, alleges she was placed in performance improvement process program, a disciplinary action she claimed was taken for accusing her manager of using the n-word after he thought he had disconnected from a video call with her.

Another black human resources employee, Tiffany Gordwin, claimed she was unfairly bypassed for several promotions at Amazons Avondale, Arizona, facility. She alleged supervisors, who gave those jobs to white male peers, retaliated against her for complaining about racial bias by a white supervisor.

And Cindy Warner, a gay executive in the companys Amazon Web Services cloud-computing business, accused a manager of making homophobic comments, and alleged she was fired in retaliation, in part, for her decision to hire a lawyer to pursue legal claims.

The Washington Post
A Colorado bus driver has been let go after video footage emerged of him slapping a little girl who refused to wear a mask.

Bertram Jaquez drove a bus full of kids in Fremont County, where a 10-year old girl rejected requests to put a mask on., prompting an argument with other children on the bus. The incident was recorded on the bus security cameras.

In light of being let go after the incident, he confessed he had hit the child out of reaction.

The local school board released a statement about their decision to remove Mr Jaquez from his role.

The drivers action justified termination of employment, as it goes against District policy and our values. We are very saddened by this incident. Our goal every day is to transport students safely to school and back home, but that can only happen when everyone, including students and staff, follows the rules. We are currently working to identify next steps to help our drivers with strategies designed to support a safe ride to and from school, it read.

According to records obtained by 11 News, a handwritten note by the victim said she was feeling unwell so removed the part of her mask that covered her nose, upsetting the people around her and sparking a loud exchange of words.

The ruckus caused the driver to come to the back of the bus to see what was happening. According to the child, the driver put his hand on her face to put the mask back on correctly and then she said he hit her for not complying with rules.

The girl provided authorities with a written statement about how she told him no. I get sick from masks. She also said that after he slapped her, she said let me off the bus and is said to have run off at the next stop.

States such as Texas have dropped the need for masks to be worn in school settings. The same cannot be said for the state of Colorado, which is, on a district by district basis, allowing vaccinated teachers and pupils to forgo wearing masks in educational setting.

You can show your faces these last few weeks of school, Governor Jared Polis said at a news conference in light of the CDC suggesting that people who have been fully vaccinated can opt to not wear face coverings inside.
Two former US Marines have been arrested in Thailand over the alleged kidnapping of a businessman for ransom following a conflict between the men.

The American men were identified as Jeremy Hughes Manchester, 41, and Louis William Ziskin, 52, by Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police during a press conference on Saturday.

A third man, who is from Thailand, was also arrested alongside the Americans over the alleged kidnapping plot and identified as Ekbodin Prasitnarit.

The three men face numerous charges, including illegal assembly, attempted murder, extortion and abduction for ransom, said Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Phuridet, the deputy commissioner of CSD, on Saturday.

In 2020, Mr Ziskin appointed the Collection Company Limited to negotiate with Paddy The Room Trading Company Limited for the purchase of nearly $3 million-worth of nitrile gloves, according to the Bangkok Post. But the gloves were of poor quality, which ensued a business conflict between the two sides.

Mr Ziskin wanted Taiwanese businessman Wen Yu Chung, a representative of the Collection Company, to pay him back the lost money, but the man refused.

This was when Mr Ziskin sought the assistance of Israeli detective Michael Greenberg, who allegedly helped the former US Marine come up with a kidnapping and ransom plot to earn back his money.

Mr Chung was contacted to meet the men at a restaurant in Bangkok during the middle of the day on 28 March.

Surveillance footage then showed Mr Chung being grabbed and dragged out of the restaurant in broad daylight by multiple men as people in the establishment watched.

After abducting Mr Chung, the men involved made a call to his boss and demanded $2 million in exchange for the man. Mr Chungs relatives were also contacted and asked for $1 million for his safe return, the Bangkok Post reports.

Neither party yielded to the demands of the abductors and instead contacted the police.

Mr Chung was released at a hospital following the failed ransom attempt and later went to the police to file a formal complaint. The three men allegedly involved were arrested on 15 May.

Mr Ziskin and his accomplices paid nearly $10,000 in bail, but they have to wear ankle monitors and are currently not allowed to leave Thailand, MSN.com reports.

A reported eight people were involved in the kidnapping, Mr Chung said, but four of them still remain at large. Mr Greenberg was one of the people police have failed to locate.

The three men arrested by police have denied all charges and been turned over to the Thong Lor police for further legal proceedings.
Internet search results for fake Covid-19 vaccination cards have spiked after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that vaccinated individuals did not need to wear a mask, Forbes reports.

Based on Google Trends over the last 90 days, it looked as though unvaccinated Americans were considering avoiding a Covid-19 vaccine by potentially obtaining a fake vaccination card.

Search terms like fake covid card and fake covid vaccine card soared after the CDC released new guidance on 13 May for Americans fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The guidance allows for fully vaccinated individuals to forgo wearing a mask and adhering to social distancing in most situations.

The publication notes that the spike in searches surrounding a fake vaccination card have since dropped, but there was a sharp rise following the change to CDC guidance.

Interest in fake vaccination cards came as states and businesses were left grappling with how to move forward with their masking guidance following the CDC announcement.

Several states are pursuing legislation that would establish criminal penalties for producing, selling, and using a fake Covid-19 vaccination card.

Vaccination cards were the only way people could determine if someone was fully vaccinated or not, which leaves certain guidance up to the honour system.

Some restaurants and other institutions were still enforcing masking policies or asking that people provide proof of vaccination. All of which has influenced the rise in interest in fake vaccination cards.

Californias Attorney General Rob Bonta warned on Wednesday against residents seeking out a fake vaccination card amid the pandemic.

These counterfeit records undermine the health and safety of Californians and are also illegal, Mr Bonta said in a consumer alert warning. I advise you to get your Covid-19 vaccination and the authentic vaccination record that reflects you were vaccinated. Please do not purchase a fraudulent record, do not make your own, and do not fill in blank vaccination record cards with false information.

Several reports have already surfaced of people selling fake vaccination cards.

In Californias San Joaquin County, a bar owner was arrested after allegedly selling fake laminated vaccination cards for $20 apiece at his establishment.

A 21-year-old CVS employee in Levittown, New York, was also arrested for allegedly pilfering eight vaccination cards that were pre-filled with all information including the persons name, and 54 blank ones.

They were taken within the last couple of days, with the intent to share them with family members and friends, so that they could go into venues and possibly even use them at schools, said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

The employee has since been fired from CVS and the store said it was cooperating with the investigation.
CNN anchor Chris Cuomo took part in calls to discuss strategy as his brother, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, was inundated with allegations of sexual harassment.

The cable news host spoke to his brother and senior members of his staff as scandal engulfed the governor earlier this year, The Washington Post reported.

The multiple conference calls included the governors top staffer, his communications team, attorneys, and several outside advisors, according to anonymous sources who spoke to The Post.

The calls were prompted by the growing number of allegations from women who said the governor had made inappropriate comments or touched them without their consent.

Sources told the Post that Chris Cuomo encouraged his brother to take a defiant stance and not resign. He reportedly used the phrase cancel culture to justify holding on to the governors mansion.

Columbia Journalism School professor Nicholas Lemann told the paper: If you are actively advising a politician in trouble while being an on-air host on a news network, thats not okay.

While CNN told the Post that Chris Cuomo wont be disciplined, the network did say his participation in the conference calls was a mistake.

Chris has not been involved in CNNs extensive coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo  on-air or behind the scenes, the network told the paper in a statement. In part because, as he has said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because he often serves as a sounding board for his brother.

However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governors staff, which Chris acknowledges, the statement said. He will not participate in such conversations going forward.

The governors staffers say the cable news star was simply part of an informal effort to provide support to his brother.

Rich Azzopardi, a spokesman for the governor, told The Washington Post: There were a few phone conversations, with friends and advisers giving the governor advice.

One adviser said: The governor only trusts about five people. So thats why Chris is on these calls.

The paper previously reported that a top New York State Department of Health doctor was sent to the house of Chris Cuomo and his family in the Hamptons early on in the Covid-19 pandemic, providing special access to testing to the family members of the governor.

People who know the brothers say Chris Cuomo, who is 13 years younger than Andrew, is a key adviser and friend to his brother, regularly providing political guidance to the governor, who has been in office since January 2011.

Current and past members of the Cuomo administration say the CNN anchor was also a sounding board for the governor early on in the pandemic, providing suggestions on possible providers of protective equipment.

At least seven women have come forward with allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Andrew Cuomo and his conduct is being investigated by the states attorney general and the state assembly. While the governor has denied the allegations, he has apologised for unintentionally making anyone feel uncomfortable.

Chris Cuomo initially didnt mention the allegations on his 9pm CNN show. On March 1, when a third accuser made her allegations publicly, he said on his programme: Obviously, I am aware of what is going on with my brother. And obviously, I cannot cover it because he is my brother. Now, of course, CNN has to cover it. They have covered it extensively and they will continue to do so. I have always cared very deeply about these issues, and profoundly so. I just want to tell you that.

He had the opposite stance on covering the actions of his brother a year earlier when he regularly interviewed him on his show about how New York was handling the then-growing pandemic. The interviews were warm, heartfelt and the governor was allowed to lay out his case for how to deal with the crisis.

People with knowledge of the conference calls say Chris Cuomo didnt lead the conversations but mainly provided political advice, rather than offering opinions on the allegations and the women making them.

The governor heard a number of opinions on the conference calls, which were often prompted by news stories about to be published and which needed a response from the governors office.

While Chris Cuomo was initially prohibited from covering his brother when he joined CNN in 2013, the network made an exception when the pandemic started to take over American life.

In one of their six shared appearances, Mr Cuomo held up a giant nasal swab as they talked about the spread of Covid-19.

CNN host Chris Cuomo and New York governor Andrew Cuomo joke about the Covid-19 pandemic (CNN)

In June 2020, Mr Cuomo told the governor on-air: Im wowed by what you did, and more importantly, Im wowed by how you did it. This was very hard. I know its not over. But obviously I love you as a brother, obviously Ill never be objective, obviously I think youre the best politician in the country.

CNN explained the exception to allow the brothers to appear together on air by saying their interactions were of significant human interest.
The House on Wednesday rejected a move by Republicans to relax guidelines on the wearing of masks in the chamber, with Democrats arguing that if lawmakers want to be maskless they need to be vaccinated.

The vote played out largely along party lines, with 218 members voting to reject the measure and 210 voting to proceed.

Defying House rules, several GOP members were in the House chamber Tuesday night and Wednesday without masks - some posing for selfies - drawing fines for their actions in violation of rules established amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Several Republicans, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and members of the House GOP Doctors Caucus, had pushed for Wednesdays vote on a resolution urging Brian Monahan, the attending Capitol physician, to take timely action to provide updated mask-wearing guidance for vaccinated lawmakers and staffers in the House chamber and committee spaces.

The resolution states that the continued House mask mandate hinders the ability of the House to properly and effectively conduct the peoples business.

The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on Wednesday dismissed the resolution as a sad stunt to distract from the reality: that the House Republicans are descending into pure chaos. Ms Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill argued that Mr McCarthy is using the resolution in an effort to stave off internal mutiny over a separate matter, the formation of an independent commission to investigate the 6 January attack on the Capitol.

Far from inhibiting our work, the mask requirement ensures that the House can debate and pass legislation safely and effectively - with over 6,200 bills filed over the past year, nearly 12,000 proxy votes cast, hundreds of remote and hybrid hearings and mark-ups, and hundreds of thousands of member meetings held online, Mr Hammill said in a statement. If Minority Leader McCarthy wants to be maskless on the Floor of the House of Representatives, he should get to work vaccinating his Members.

According to a CNN survey last week, House and Senate Democrats have a 100 per cent vaccination rate against the coronavirus.

At least 92 per cent of Senate Republicans have been vaccinated, the survey found. But only 95 out of 212 House Republicans - or 44.8 per cent - said they have been vaccinated, according to CNN.

Ms Pelosis office also released a statement from Mr Monahan on the rules.

The Hall of the House is the only location where many of the entire Membership gathers periodically throughout the day in an interior space, Mr Monahan said in his offices latest Pandemic Social Distance Guidelines, issued Wednesday. Extra precautions are necessary given the substantial number of partially vaccinated, unvaccinated, and vaccine-indeterminate individuals. Additional medical safeguards are required to reduce the risk of coronavirus outbreak in this vital group.

Mr Monahan added that the mask requirement for the House chamber is entirely consistent with Centres for Disease Control prevailing mask guidance as reviewed and endorsed by an expert CDC panel.

Three lawmakers will face fines for not wearing a mask on the House floor, a Capitol official said Tuesday night.

The House members - Representatives Brian Mast, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Beth Van Duyne - will each have $500 (353) docked from their congressional salary for breaking the mask rule a second time, according to the official, who was not authorised to publicly discuss the matter.

A screenshot of C-SPANs footage of the House chamber appears to show the lawmakers smiling and waving toward the camera during a vote.

Some of the Republicans boasted about the fines on Tuesday. I have been fined $500 (353) by @SpeakerPelosi for following CDC guidance, Mr Mast later tweeted. This was never about science. It has always been about power.

Ms Van Duyne wrote, Worth it, along with a fire emoji.

The rebellion is the latest barrage of GOP criticism against the Houses mask mandate, which 34 GOP lawmakers urged Ms Pelosi to drop in a letter last week after the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said vaccinated Americans can mostly ditch their masks indoors.

Ms Pelosi, though, has said the mandate will not be relaxed while roughly 25 per cent of the House remains unvaccinated. Some Republicans, meanwhile, have argued they have antibodies after contracting the virus or have said they simply wont take the vaccines.

The House last year voted to impose fines on lawmakers who refuse to wear masks on the House floor amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the CDC recently relaxed its guidelines for masks as more Americans get vaccinated, the House still requires members to wear them in the chamber unless they are speaking.

Several other House Republicans - including Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Chip Roy of Texas, Bob Good of Virginia, Louie Gohmert of Texas and Mary Miller of Illinois - have received first-offense warnings for not following the House mask rule, the Capitol official said.

Lawmakers face fines of up to $2,500 (1,766) for repeated offenses.

The New York Times
The House of Representatives has backed an independent commission to investigate the deadly Capitol insurrection as a group of Republicans defied Donald Trumps objections.

A total of 35 GOP lawmakers broke with their party leadership and voted in favour of the commission, which will study the events leading up to and during the 6 January violence.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the former president had all publicly opposed it.

The final vote came in at 252-175 in favour of the commission and the legislation now moves on to the Senate where it faces an uncertain future.

Five people died as Mr Trumps supporters rioted and stormed the US Capitol to prevent the certification of Joe Bidens election victory over the defeated ex-president.

The violence came after months of Mr Trump denying his defeat and falsely claiming the election had been stolen from him.

GOP congressman Representative Adam Kinzinger  an outspoken opponent of Mr Trump  said he was pleased with the number of fellow Republicans who had voted for the commission, despite intense pressure being put on by party leaders.

It is an easy vote, we need answers and we need to take ownership on what was done, he told CNN.

I am pleased by the number of my colleagues who have voted for it. It is a positive number.

The bill will now require 10 Republicans in the Senate to join all 50 Democrats and vote for the commission to break the 60-vote filibuster threshold in order for it to pass.

If passed it would create a 10-person commission, with each party getting an equal number of members and subpoena power.

The committee would be similarly modelled to the congressional investigation after the 11 September terror attacks.

It would have subpoena authority and would study the events leading up to, during and after the deadly attack on the Capitol, as pro-Trump rioters sought to threaten lawmakers as GOP allies rejected election results.

Despite bipartisan makeup on the commission, and an opaque timeline and understanding of what the administration and law enforcement knew, four months later, Republican lawmakers have rejected the proposal, downplayed the events from that day and deflected to accusing Democrats of ignoring protest violence in US cities in 2020.

The measure also mirrors a similar proposal that had 130 Republican cosponsors.

Jim McGovern, chair of the House Rules Committee, suggested some Republicans now want to sweep this dark chapter under the rug.

This is how you respond responsibly to what happened here four months ago, he said.

Not with deflection or mistruths, but by taking action  We need to put the facts on record here. To tell the truth, and not spread lies, and the truth is that some on the other side are afraid to do anything around here because theyre afraid, afraid of the truth, afraid because their leadership doesnt want to offend the ex-president and his big lie.

US Rep John Katko, a Republican who worked alongside Democratic Rep Bennie Thompson as part of the bipartisan effort to craft the commission, said it was critical to move an investigation forward without partisan politics involved.

This is about facts, he said.

We would not have gotten to this point if it was about partisan politics.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy announced his opposition to the commission on Tuesday.

That night, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise said he would whip his GOP colleagues against it.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell  presiding over nearly half of the upper chamber, which could ultimately decided the commissions fate  announced he was undecided on a vote that night.

Then, the former president issued a statement raging against the commission proposal, pushing Republicans to get much tougher and echoing the deflection among GOP lawmakers to instead investigate murders, riots and fire bombings in cities run by Democrats.

Hopefully, Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy are listening! he said.

On Wednesday morning, Senator McConnell announced his opposition to what he called a slanted and unbalanced proposal from House Democrats.

Its not at all clear what new facts or additional investigation yet another commission could lay on top of the existing efforts by law enforcement and Congress, he said on the Senate floor.

What is clear is that House Democrats have handled this proposal in partisan bad faith going right back to the beginning, from initially offering a laughably partisan starting point to continuing to insist on various other features under the hood that are designed to centralise control over the commissions process and its conclusions in Democratic hands.

Following the former presidents second impeachment trial in February, Mr McConnell said there is no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the attack.

The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president, Mr McConnell said, despite voting to acquit Mr Trump.

The leader of the free world cannot spend weeks thundering that shadowy forces are stealing our country and then feign surprise when people believe him and do reckless things.

The commission would review the security of the Capitol complex as well as the influencing factors that fomented such an attack on American representative democracy while engaged in a constitutional process.

The legislation also proposes that the commission makes suggestions for actions to be taken.

During debate over the bill, Democrats and several Republicans who supported the bipartisan process spoke in plain, stark terms about what happened on 6 January while pointing out the fact that members of Congress are rejecting an inquiry into what happened to them.

A furious Tim Ryan, speaking directly to Republicans, invoked the Benghazi hearings, among several Republican-controlled partisan-driven House committees.

Benghazi  you guys chased the former secretary of state all over the country, spent millions of dollars, he said, referencing Hillary Clinton.

We had people scaling the Capitol, hitting Capitol Police with lead pipes across the head, and we cant get bipartisanship? What else has to happen in this country? Rep Ryan said.

We need two political parties in this country that are living in reality, and you aint one of em.
In a sprawling speech to Congress last month laying out dozens of proposals, President Joe Biden set one specific deadline for lawmakers: to deliver a long-discussed overhaul of police practices meant to stem the killings of black citizens at the hands of law enforcement officers.

Lets get it done next month, by the first anniversary of George Floyds death, he said on 28 April, one week after a jury convicted Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering Mr Floyd. The country supports this reform and Congress should act.

That deadline - 25 May - is now set to come and go without action. Although talks continue productively, according to participants, no deal is in immediate sight and the House is leaving Washington Friday for a three-week break.

Key lawmakers this week played down the passing milestone - The most important thing is that we have a bill that hits the presidents desk, not the date that it does, Representative Karen Bass, a lead negotiator, said Tuesday - but the lapse has left them in a precarious position.

On Capitol Hill, successful legislating tends to be deadline-driven - pushed along by the expiration of existing laws or mounting political pressure. And without a clear timeline, momentum could drain away from the talks, perhaps extending them into the midterm election season when lawmakers tend to become less amenable to compromise.

According to several lawmakers and aides familiar with the state of the talks, progress has been slow on the most sensitive matter: Whether to loosen or eliminate the doctrine of qualified immunity that shields police officers and departments from civil liability in cases of misconduct.

Democrats have made eliminating - or at least loosening - the doctrine a cornerstone of their reform efforts. Republicans by and large have resisted making any changes, fearful that exposing police officers to lawsuits could cause them to adopt less aggressive and less effective tactics.

Senator Tim Scot, the lead Republican negotiator, has worked with Democrats on a possible compromise that would maintain immunity for individual police officers but allow those alleging gross misconduct to sue police departments instead. But those familiar with the talks said it was not yet clear that there was a path to a deal.

Although members of both parties said this week that they expect other matters under discussion - including the banning of choke holds, the creation of a national database of suspect officers and the imposition of new training standards - to quickly fall into place if there is an accord on qualified immunity, it remains unclear whether such a deal can be reached.

Multiple Republican senators this week expressed deep skepticism about the prospect of rolling back the doctrine and exposing officers or the jurisdictions that hire them to new litigation. Many lawmakers met with police officials last week - the annual National Police Week, which typically attracts thousands of officers to Washington for a yearly memorial service.

I can tell you, a lot of law enforcement agencies are very concerned about it and what it would mean for their bottom line, said Senator Marco Rubio. What theyre saying is were now going to get sued every time we pull somebody over . . . Were just going to have hundreds and hundreds of lawsuits, and were going to hire an army of lawyers.

Senator John Neely Kennedy, said his strong bias was to leave the doctrine in place, while Senator John Cornyn, said he believed that the Chauvin conviction showed that avenues were already in place to deter bad cops.

I think there needs to be accountability, but as weve seen in the George Floyd killing, there is accountability, and its called criminal prosecution, Mr Cornyn said. I dont want to make it harder on line law enforcement officers to do their job worrying about their pension or their ability to provide for their family, and so Im very reluctant to open up a new avenue for suing for money damages.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, said earlier this month during an appearance in Scottsville, that continuing qualified immunity is essential.

I dont know how we get anybody to be a police officer without it, Mr McConnell said.

But advocates for eliminating qualified immunity say leaving it in place will leave victims of misconduct without a key method to seek accountability.

Qualified immunity isnt saying police officers wont get their day in court . . . but it will let black families that have their day in court, too, said Ben Crump, a lawyer for the families of several victims of police violence, after leaving a recent meeting with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. All we want is everybody to be able to have equal justice under the law.

There are some reasons for optimism. Several Republican senators said they would reserve judgment while the negotiations continued, and many of them - including Mr McConnell - have expressed confidence in Mr Scott to negotiate a workable deal.

Mr Scott on Tuesday acknowledged that changes to qualified immunity remained a work in progress and said he was open to changes in only the most egregious cases of misconduct.

The bottom line is a very simple one: In cases of serious bodily injury or death, there could be more exposure if your officers have done something that is in violation that has led to that death, he said. Certainly theyd be more exposed.

The national Fraternal Order of Police, meanwhile, has not rejected the Scott compromise outright, while remaining squarely against allowing suits against individual officers.

Were a union, and its our responsibility to ensure that to the fullest extent possible, that officers are indemnified for actions they take under the color of law, said Jim Pasco, the executive director of the national Fraternal Order of Police. I leave it to departments and municipalities to decide whether they want to shoulder the burden of any potential lawsuits.

Leading Democrats involved in the talks, including Ms Bass and Senator Cory Booker, have not publicly responded to Mr Scotts proposal and have sounded an upbeat note on the talks. They are also dealing with other pressures - from advocates and activist groups pushing for thorough changes not only to qualified immunity but also to federal civil rights laws to make it easier for the Justice Department to pursue prosecutions of officers.

Other pitfalls abound, including a backdrop of rising crime - particularly a spike in big-city homicides - that has driven rising anxiety about the wisdom of putting new fetters on police powers.

What people dont rely on enough around here is common sense, and the bottom line is, yes, if criminals know the police department cant chase them, cant be aggressive, were likely to see violent criminals become more emboldened, Mr Rubio said.

Senator Josh Hawley, said Wednesday that he would be inclined to support a policing overhaul only if it were accompanied by an infusion of federal funding for police - a proposal that could put Democrats in a difficult position if Republicans were to rally behind it. Although Democrats a generation ago supported federal spending to put more cops on the street, now many on the partys left wing have advocated for diverting funds away from police departments and toward social service and mental health agencies that they say are better equipped to deal with the root causes of crime.

We ought to do a lot on police, but I think we ought to increase their funding and put more cops on the street, Mr Hawley said. I imagine [Democrats] wouldnt support that. But I think thats the need of the hour.

The advocates involved in the talks, meanwhile, are keeping their powder dry and hoping for the best. NAACP President Derrick Johnson called for quick action after the Chauvin verdict, but a spokesman said he continues to support the talks.

While we hoped for the police reform bill to be signed into law by 25 May, President Johnson wants to see the right bill, not a rushed bill, said Jonah Bryson, a NAACP spokesman.

And the FOP, whose support will be crucial to winning broader support among lawmakers, remains engaged. Mr Pasco, who said he has been in daily contact with the principal negotiators, said he has been encouraged by the gradual progress toward legislation that will make this country safer and more inclusive for all citizens and for police officers.

Where were going to end up, I dont know, he said. But I will say this: As long as were still talking, theres still hope.

The Washington Post




Microsoft is pulling the plug on its once omnipresent browser, Internet Explorer, next year as it prepares to battle market leader Chrome with its slicker Edge browser.







Launched in 1995, Internet Explorer became the dominant browser for over a decade as it was bundled with Microsoft's Windows operating system that came pre-installed in billions of computers.







The browser, however, started losing out to Google's Chrome in the late 2000s and has become a subject of countless internet memes for its sluggishness in comparison to its rivals.







To compete better, Microsoft launched the Edge browser in 2015 that runs on the same technology as the Google browser.







As of April, Chrome has a 65 percent share of the global browser market, followed by Apple's Safari, with an 18 percent share, according to web analytics firm Statcounter. Microsoft Edge has a 3 percent share, while Internet Explorer has a miniscule share of the market it once dominated.







The Windows software maker said on Wednesday the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 was in its faster and more secure Microsoft Edge.







"Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10," the company said in a blog post.







The browser was at the heart of an antitrust case against Microsoft more than two decades ago, with a U.S. judge deciding that the software titan had broken the law after it combined Internet Explorer and the Windows operating system.







The most serious violations of the law were upheld on appeal, but the company continued to bundle its operating system and browser. (Reuters)


Gun control activist David Hogg  one of the survivors of the Parkland school shooting  has said that Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is unstable and should not have access to firearms.

Mr Hogg appeared on The Young Turks to discuss gun control in the US.

During his appearance, Mr Hogg said that he did not believe that "unstable" people should be able to access firearms like the AR-15 rifle. He included Ms Greene among them.

"I don't think somebody like Marjorie Taylor Green, who is clearly unstable, should have access to a weapon like an AR-15 - or any weapon," he said. "There's a long history of gun violence taking place on the House and Senate floor."

His comments come in the same week that Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another regular target of Ms Greene, called the Georgia Republican deeply unwell.

Mr Hogg has long been a target for harassment from conservative pundits and gun rights activists, but he has an especially strange history with Ms Greene.

Before becoming a congresswoman, Ms Greene showed support for conspiracy theories alleging that the Parkland shooting was a hoax meant to provide Democrats with an excuse for enacting strict gun control measures and firearms seizures.

There is zero evidence supporting the conspiracy theory and Democrats have never put forward legislation calling for a total seizure of firearms.

A recently resurfaced video also shows Ms Greene following Mr Hogg in Washington DC, where she harassed and berated him over his gun control activism.

For me at this point, its no longer surprising since its happened so much, Mr Hogg told The Daily Beast. Its just in that instance, she [Ms Greene] happened to get elected to Congress and be stupid enough, in my opinion, to post it on the internet, because trust me, there are easily 10 times more people like that that either recorded and never got elected to Congress or didnt record it at all and just followed me and harassed me, tried to run me off the road, etcetera, absolutely crazy stuff.

Prior to her election, Ms Greene showed support for the QAnon conspiracy theory alleging Democrats were cannibalistic paedophiles and that Donald Trump would eventually round them up and have them executed.

She also promoted a social media post calling for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to be assassinated, which  coupled with her other bizarre beliefs and behaviours prior to her election  resulted in her being stripped of her congressional committee assignments.

The congresswoman has also made Ms Ocasio-Cortez a target for her harassment.

A video Ms Greene posted to social media showed her taunting Ms Ocasio-Cortez and her staff through a mail slot in the congresswoman's office door.

More recently, she accosted Ms Ocasio-Cortez outside the House chambers, harassing her for not accepting Ms Greene's offer to debate the Green New Deal.

Ms Pelosi said the incident could be grounds for a review by the House ethics committee.

Ms Greene denied yelling at Ms Ocasio-Cortez and claimed that filing an ethic violation over the incident would be child-like.

"No, she doesn't need to file ethics violations or whatever she's doing. That's reacting like a child. Adults are able to debate policy," Ms Greene said.

When the video of Ms Greene shouting through the mail slot re-emerged this week, Ms Ocasio-Cortez said: This is a woman that's deeply unwell and clearly needs some help ... At this point, I think, the depth of that un-wellness has raised concerns for other members ... I'm concerned about her perceptions of reality."

Ms Greene also ran afoul of Democratic Congresswoman Cori Bush, who moved her office away from Ms Greene's after the pair had a heated exchange in January over mask wearing in the Capitol.
Republican Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has announced that he will oppose the bipartisan House bill to create a commission to investigate the 6 January Capitol riot.

The Kentucky senator indicated on Tuesday that he was still undecided on the issue, but came to a final decision on Wednesday, telling his party that the proposed independent commission as envisioned by the House was not to his liking.

The stance by the powerful Republican casts doubt on the bills ability to prevail and become law.

After careful consideration. Ive made the decision to oppose the House Democrats slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January 6, Mr McConnell said on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

Mr McConnell told reporters on Tuesday that he wanted to read the fine print before making a final decision. He shared his views on Wednesday morning at a Republican senators breakfast hosted by Missouri Senator Roy Blunt.

Mr Blunt is part of the Senate investigation into what took place on 6 January and has previously made his opposition to a commission clear, according to reporting by The Washington Post.

If its gonna go forward, it needs to be clearly balanced and not tilted one way or the other so we have an objective evaluation, Mr McConnell said on Tuesday, before calling the proposal slanted and unbalanced on Wednesday.

The bill is expected to pass the House later on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mr McConnell said the commission could impact the federal prosecutions of Capitol rioters already underway. Another objection to the proposal pushed by Mr McConnell was that it appeared to give the chairman, selected by Democrats, the authority to hire and fire commission staff.

On the Senate floor on Wednesday morning, Mr McConnell argued that the currently ongoing congressional investigations are enough.

Its not at all clear what new facts or additional investigation yet another commission could lay on top of the existing efforts by law enforcement and Congress, he said.

The facts have come out, theyll continue to come out. What is clear is that House Democrats have handled this proposal in partisan bad faith going right back to the beginning, from initially offering a laughably partisan starting point to continuing to insist on various other features under the hood that are designed to centralise control over the commissions process and its conclusions in Democratic hands, Mr McConnell added.

The bill now looks likely to fail in the Senate, as it seems increasingly unlikely to reach the 60-vote threshold to pass the filibuster.

The seven Republican senators who voted to convict during former President Donald Trumps second impeachment trial in February are thought to be likely to support the commission. But other Republicans are expected to line up behind party leadership and reject the legislation.

New York Republican Rep John Katko struck a deal with Democrats to create a commission with 10 members and equal representation for both parties. It would also have the power to issue subpoenas.

Several House Republicans have said that they may vote to support the creation of the commission.

The McConnell announcement comes after Republican House minority leader Kevin McCarthy said he was also opposed to the bill.

Given the political misdirections that have marred this process, given the now duplicative and potentially counterproductive nature of this effort, and given the Speakers shortsighted scope that does not examine interrelated forms of political violence in America, I cannot support this legislation, he said on Tuesday.

Democratic Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer of New York said on the chamber floor on Wednesday that what the Republicans are doing ... is beyond crazy to be so far under the thumb of Donald J Trump. Letting the most dishonest president in American history dictate the prerogatives of the Republican Party will be its demise.

Mr McConnell voted to acquit Mr Trump during his second impeachment trial following the 6 January insurrection. But he said afterwards that the former president was practically and morally responsible for the attack. While Mr McCarthy is still in touch with Mr Trump, Mr McConnell has no contact with him.

Slamming Mr Trump, Mr McConnell said in mid-February after the impeachment trial: Theres no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day. No question about it. The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president.

The leader of the free world cannot spend weeks thundering that shadowy forces are stealing our country and then feign surprise when people believe him and do reckless things, he added.

Explaining his vote to acquit, he said: We have no power to convict and disqualify a former officeholder who is now a private citizen.

The American people will see for themselves whether our Republican friends stand on the side of the truth or on the side of Donald Trumps big lie, Mr Schumer said on Wednesday. He was referring to Mr Trumps continued insistence that the 2020 election was stolen from him, despite a lack of evidence to back up his baseless claims.

The House bill wants the commission to not only review the security of the Capitol complex but also look at the influencing factors that fomented such attack on American representative democracy while engaged in a constitutional process. The legislation also proposes that the commission makes suggestions for actions to be taken.
Colombian lawmakers voted against a health system overhaul bill Wednesday, giving protesters another victory after 20 days of street demonstrations that have left dozens dead and forced the government to retreat on tax reform.

Health Minister Fernando Ruiz defended the proposal, saying it would give the health care system the tools needed to deal with emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 3 million people in the South American country and caused 82,000 deaths.

Critics of the bill said it could lead to health care monopolies by strengthening the role of private health promotion companies, which administer resources and contract services, and by allowing mergers in some cases of private health providers with public hospitals. It would have also increased focus on disease prevention.

The people's struggle in the streets against years and years of injustice has achieved the shelving of a reform that would have destroyed health as a right and commercialized it even more in favor of a few, leftist Sen. Alexander Lopez said on Twitter after the vote by Senate and House of Representatives committees.

The protests began with anger over a now-withdrawn tax restructuring that would have raised levies during the pandemic. Demonstrators later expanded their demands to include less inequality, an end to police violence and the withdrawal of the health measure.

Hundreds of people marched Wednesday in the capital, Bogota with protesters heading to the iconic Plaza Bolivia, where the country's Congress and the Palace of Justice are. For life and peace, stop the massacre, said one sign. Hundreds also demonstrated peacefully in the cities of Medellin Cali, Villavicencio, Bucaramanga and Cucuta.

Today the youth, the university students, all of us together, are in the streets demanding a change in the countrys model, which protects industry, so there is employment for the youth, said Hami Gomez, a student leader at National University of Colombia.

Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch say that the death toll since the protests began has risen to 55 and that in at least 15 cases the alleged aggressors were police. The Defense Ministry said Wednesday that 15 civilians had died amid the protests and 11 more cases were being verified.

Tensions rose Monday when President Ivan Duque deployed security forces to try to clear dozens of roads blocked by protesters. The blockades have prevented the transportation of medical supplies, food and gasoline and led to shortages in some areas.

The government and protest leaders grouped in the National Strike Committee have not formally sat down to negotiate after several initial meetings between the parties. The government is demanding the road blockades be lifted, while protesters are calling for the demilitarization of cities and guarantees of the right to protest.

Faced with growing international concern, Colombian prosecutor Francisco Barbosa met Wednesday with representatives of the United Nations, the Organization of American States and some European ambassadors to present a report on the progress of the investigations into killings by police.

Hector Schamis, a delegate of the general secretary of the OAS, said: "The secretary has stated that the (road) blockades cannot continue and any situation of police violence must be investigated. The prosecutor has informed us first-hand that said investigations are being carried out.
A country shaped and sculpted by the elements, Iceland deserves to be discovered on a road trip. With one main ring road looping the island, its easy to drive through the dramatic, other-worldly landscapes, detouring onto gravel roads to find hidden waterfalls and secret lagoons.

Given the green light for travel (though you can only enter freely if youve had both your vaccinations), the sparsely populated Nordic nation is now open for business, and the timing couldnt be better: highland roads are accessible, migratory flocks have landed, and the days are long enough to pack two holidays into one.

Dodge the crowds by following this route through the west and north, touring coastlines clustered with bird colonies and venturing inland for panoramic mountain views.

Lava tunnels and rock art

Leaving Reykjavik behind, head north along the ring road (or route 1), turning west onto route 54 at Borgarnes. A two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital, a backbone of snow-streaked peaks stretches along the Snaefellsnes peninsula, ending in the sugar-dusted dome of Snaefellsjokull, a dormant volcano and glacier.

Its tempting to start hiking, but beaches fringing the coastline demand exploration. Neighbouring black-pebbled beaches Dritvik and Djupalonssandur are strewn with pieces of rusted metal, the eerie remains of the Epine trawler, wrecked in 1948. Try lifting a collection of granite boulders, once hauled by hefty fishermen to measure their might.

Nearby, theres an opportunity to replicate Jules Vernes Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, by descending 200 metres into Vatnshellir cave, an 8000-year-old lava tunnel accessed by a spiral staircase (21; summitguides.is). Two coiling towers created by an expulsion of gas are highlights of the 45-minute tour.

Artist Liston in his studio (Renato Granieri/PA)

For a quirky dose of local culture, visit the studio of pagan artist Liston in Grundafjordur (Solvellir 6). Firmly believing every stone has a soul, his rocky works of art take shape according to their inner spirits. Afterwards, pop into nearby slow food restaurant Bjargarsteinn House Of Food (Solvellir 15; bjargarsteinn.is), where chef Gunnar Gardarsson and his wife transported a 110-year-old wooden house 140km on wheels.

Stay: Perched on the edge of the world, Hotel Budir frames the beach and coastline through its floor to ceiling windows (doubles from 223, room only; hotelbudir.is).

Hiking and hot pools

There are few forests in Iceland (Vikings plundered most of the trees), but clutches of wind-stunted, dwarfed birch woodlands cover Husafell, an outdoor playground of hiking, biking, horse-riding and running routes through canyons and crystal-clear rivers. The park lies inland; turn off from route 1 and take the 50 and 518.

Options for walking are plentiful. Self-guided trails  which all begin at the visitor centre  range from a quick 45-minute stroll through ancient settlements, to a more challenging seven-hour glacier ascent. Or take a trip to the Canyon Baths (56; husafell.com), where a guided two-hour stomp is rewarded with a dip in geothermal waters.

Constructed using flagstone from the canyon floor, the environmentally-sound site features three pools of varying temperature, all fed by hot springs. Hang your towel on a horseshoe hook recycled from a nearby farm, and savour superb views of mountains and glaciers.

Hraunfossar (Renato Granieri/PA)

While in the area, stop at Hraunfossar, a 1km wall of waterfalls, and Barnafoss, where ferocious flows have sculpted a slalom of twists and tunnels. Deildartunguhver, the most productive hot spring in Europe, is also close by, providing water to sleek spa Krauma (26 plus 5 towel hire; krauma.is), where there is also a restaurant for refuelling.

Stay: Harnessing the power of the surrounding glaciers and hot springs, modern eco-hotel Husafell is in the thick of the wild action (doubles from 110, room only; husafell.com).

Viking battles and wild waterfalls

Kolufoss waterfall (Renato Granieri/PA)

Far less touristy than the busy southern circuit, northern Iceland harbours a secret store of wild, untethered waterfalls and ancient paths few people tread. Diverting from route 1, head inland along gravel road 715 to find Kolufoss, a barrier-free waterfall cascading through a zig-zagging gorge, where its possible to sit right under the spray.

Further north along the Vatnsnes peninsula is the mysterious Borgarvirki; fortified by basalt walls, the hilltop construction could once have been a fortress. Its origins remain uncertain, but eye-stretching views of ochre valleys and inky lakes are guaranteed.

Borgarvirki (Renato Granieri/PA)

More insight into the past can be found at 1238 The Battle Of Iceland (20; 1238.is), an interactive museum in Saudarkrokur on the neighbouring fjord. Recounting one of the countrys bloodiest battles, it features a VR room for an alarmingly realistic taste of those violent times.

Stay: One of Icelands oldest wooden houses, Hotel Tindastoll has its own hot spring (doubles from 110, B&B; arctichotels.is).

Beer baths and whale flukes

A roller-coaster ride of precipitous clifftops and tunnels, this section of the Icelandic coastline is a thrill to drive. Taking the 76 towards Hofsos, head to Siglufjordur, once the centre of the countrys herring industry. The surprisingly excellent Herring Era Museum (10; sild.is/en) charts the history of the formerly thriving industry through an exhibition of artefacts, machinery and fishing boats displayed in a series of reclaimed wooden buildings. Touching details include the scrawls of frustrated herring ladies, scratched into the walls of their factory dorms.

If the smell of fish scales is overwhelming, wash away any unpleasant odours with a soak in the Bjorbodin Beer Spa (113 for a couple; bjorbodin.is) in Arskogssandur, a 45-minute drive south along the 76 and 82. Strip down and dip into a private tub of young beer, spring water, Vitamin B-rich brewers yeast and hops packed with antioxidants for 25 minutes of bevvie bliss. An unlimited supply of locally brewed Baldi beer is also available on tap.

Stopping for a few snaps at the two mighty horseshoe cataracts of Godafoss, the waterfall of the Gods, continue north on the 845 and 85 to Husavik. Sightings of humpbacks are highly likely in this whale watching capital, especially during the peak months of May to September. See them on a silent, carbon-neutral boat tour (61 for three hours; northsailing.is). Or watch them breach and fluke from the clifftop Geosea infinity pools (28; geosea.is), where seawater is heated by volcanic rocks.

Stay: Fosshotel Husavik might be part of a chain, but it still has character (doubles from 78, room only; islandshotel.is).
Rather too often when covering aviation, I find myself thinking, what were they smoking when they decided to put money into that?

During 2011, a trio of transatlantic business class-only start-ups  MaxJet, Eos and Silverjet  folded in quick succession. None could compete with the frequency and frequent-flyer plans of the incumbents, particularly British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

A more recent (but pre-pandemic example) was Air Frances weird venture in devising a sub-airline for millennials, named Joon.

Not even the crew operating its flights could comprehend how Joon could offer a flying experience thats both stylish and relaxed in a way that the mother brand, Air France, could not  unless it was those vitamin-filled smoothies made of 100 per cent fruit.

When the incoming boss of Air France, Ben Smith, killed off the airline billed as the new generation of travel, he was scathing: The brand was difficult to understand from the outset for customers, for employees, for markets and for investors.

But nothing in aviation compares with the appetite for launching airlines that compete for market share with the national carrier in a country of just 360,000 souls: Iceland.

The national airline, Icelandair, has been around for decades. Besides some tough times, it has endured an implausible number of competitors.

In 2018, Icelandic-owned Primera Air went bust, blaming late deliveries from Airbus of new A321 jets, and weak demand.

The following year, it was the turn of Wow Air to go spectacularly bust  after assuring passengers and the media that there was someone waiting with a big bag of cash to bail out the airline.

Said holder of money may be behind Play, or WAB as it was previously known  standing for We Are Back. It was founded in 2019 by two former Wow Air executives, and plans to start flying on 23 June from London Stansted to Keflavik, the international airport serving the capital, Reykjavik.

Even without Covid-19 draining demand for international travel, it looks an impossible task.

Since the failure of Wow, Wizz Air has moved in and is currently offering 90 return flights between Luton and Iceland in June, way below cost. Wizz can sustain those losses; Play cannot.

I always reserve the right to be wrong. Twenty-six years ago a fax arrived inviting me to the launch of a start-up that proposed to sell tickets from Luton to Glasgow for 29 one-way  at the time a ridiculously cheap price. It appears easyJet survived and thrived.

Equally, I may be misjudging Play. Only time will tell  and I dont believe we have long to wait.
Earlier this week, Tennessee became the first state requiring businesses to post a sign alerting customers if they allow transgender people to use public restrooms corresponding to their gender identity. This is the latest assault on LGBT+ rights here in the Volunteer State, which also this week became the second state to prohibit hormone treatment for transgender minors. And earlier this year, the legislature passed a law requiring schools to notify parents  who can then opt their kids out  of any curricula including LGBT+ people.

In many ways, it was a fitting end to this years legislative session, which wrapped up earlier this month. There isnt enough Tennessee whiskey to numb the pain inflicted by our Republican lawmakers. This session served as little more than an opportunity for the GOP to fight their Trumpian culture war on the backs of struggling Tennesseans.

Poverty, the quality of our childrens schools, the state of our roads and bridges  these are of no concern to Republicans. Looking back at this years legislative accomplishments reads like a nightmarish MAGA Christmas List. Republicans slashed in half the amount of time people can claim unemployment and announced plans to opt out of federal pandemic relief come July. They moved to ban critical race theory from schools, and tried to grant immunity to drivers who unintentionally injure or kill protestors.

Our Congressional delegation has been equally uninspiring. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn has spent more time posing for the cameras at the border than addressing the needs of her constituents, while Senator Bill Hagerty is going to Mexico and Guatemala rather than working on solutions to Tennessees problems. More interested in grandstanding on immigration than helping Tennesseans, both senators voted against pandemic relief and have opposed Joe Bidens American Jobs Plan.

Our state is facing serious challenges which require serious leaders. Unfortunately for us, Republicans there seem more content yapping away on Fox News than helping our people. Ignoring our rural health crisis, they refuse to expand Medicaid. Despite a rise in gun violence in cities such as Knoxville, they passed a law allowing people to carry guns without a permit. While our state records some of the worst vaccination rates in the country, they banned vaccine passports.

Meanwhile, Tennessee languishes. Its people suffer because Republicans are too busy discriminating against trans people and punishing the poor to do anything to help us. I love this state, but we have so many problems.

In our state, 13.9% of people live in poverty, including 22.6% of children. One in eight Tennesseans, and one in six of our children, dont have enough to eat. Gentrification in cities like Nashville is pushing low-income residents out of their homes and contributing to a housing crisis. Rural hospitals continue to close at a startling rate, leading to healthcare deserts in some of our poorest and most isolated communities  including in my own county. Our own state government acknowledges we are among the hardest hit states when it comes to the opioid epidemic, yet they have done little to combat it. Statistics show fatal overdoses drastically increasing over the past ten years, a decade in which our state legislature and governors mansion have both been controlled by Republicans.

Its enough to make me want to hurl myself off Rocky Top. Each of those statistics I mention, every last one of those problems, has a human face attached to it. I look around and see the poverty and the need for investment. The coal jobs have mostly gone, and East Tennessee  where my family has lived going back so many generations weve lost count  is left desolate and destitute.

Every time it storms, I fear my power will go out, because our electrical grid is so antiquated. Lord knows weve had plenty of both rain and wind here in Tennessee: 35 tornadoes hit us just last year. Its one of the countless problems crippling our state right now.

Rather than materially improving the lives of our Tennesseans, Tennessee Republicans have chosen to follow the Donald Trump playbook of scapegoating, fearmongering, and virtue(less) signaling. Its worse than craven, its downright cruel. People are hurting, and Tennessee Republicans dont give a damn.

This is not a serious party, but these are serious times. Whats happening in the Volunteer State should serve as a warning to the rest of the country. The Republican Party is out of ideas and is not fit for purpose, let alone for governing. The choice is clear: a pointless culture war with Republicans, or pragmatic problem-solving with Democrats.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
By Jessica Douglas.

Two years ago, on a February evening, Ellie Bundy attended a tribal working group in Arlee, Montana, on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Surrounded by local and tribal law enforcement, tribal members and families, Bundy listen...




Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation nickel mine located in Western Australia. POSCO acquired a 30-percent stake in Ravensthorpe for $240 million, Wednesday. / Courtesy of POSCO
His film might be getting bad reviews, but Salman Khan is busy doing philanthropic work, it seems. The Bhaijaan of Bollywood has collaborated with Congress MLA Baba Siddique and his son Zeeshan Siddique and arranged for 500 oxygen concentrators that will be given for free to patients who have emergency needs.

Twitter

Khan also mentioned an emergency number in the post that he reshared from Zeeshan Siddiqui, in which he mentioned that the concentrators may be returned once used.

Twitter

"Our first lot of 500 oxygen concentrators have reached Mumbai. Covid positive patients who need these oxygen concentrators for an emergency situation can call us on 8451869785. Or you can tag/DM me. We will be giving these concentrators for free, pls return them once done using," the post read.





Once again, he has won the hearts of his fans.

Instagram

Salman Khan had earlier distributed food packets with his own hands to the poor and needy.

He was seen tasting the packets before giving them out to ensure quality.
In yet another gruesome incident of sexual assault of a COVID patient, a daughter of a COVID patient took to social media after she passed away, and alleged that she was sexually assaulted while undergoing a treatment at the Paras-HMRI hospital in Patna.

The National Commission of Women (NCW) took cognizance of the alleged gangrape of a COVID positive woman in a hospital in Patna.

.@NCWIndia takes suo motu cognizance of alleged gangrape of a COVID positive woman in hospital in Patna.



National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma writes to Bihar Chief Secretary to give appropriate directions to District Police officials & hospital in the matter. pic.twitter.com/8oti3Yc4RE  Prasar Bharati News Services .... (@PBNS_India) May 18, 2021

NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma wrote to Bihar Chief Secretary to give appropriate directions to District Police officials & hospital in the matter.

Representational Image

Deceased patient claimed being sexually assaulted

The woman's daughter posted a statement on social media, in which the now deceased patient was alleging that she was sexually assaulted by three to four persons at the hospital.

The woman breathed her last on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital on May 15, after showing severe symptoms of COVID, and was taken to the ICU on May 16. Despite timely healthcare, the woman did not show signs of recovery and her health kept deteriorating.

Her daughter alleged that three persons misbehaved with her, and the matter was taken up by the hospital management.

Station house officer of Shastrinagar police station, Ramashankar Singh, said, "We are verifying the allegation. "



PTI

The hospital management has denied the claims made by the deceased woman.

PD Gupta, Paras hospital management said, "We will extend our cooperation in all investigations and related matters of this case."
Blue Origin, the rocket company owned by the worlds richest man, Jeff Bezos has revealed that people have offered to pay $2.4 million for a seat on its New Shepard spacecraft. according to a Reuters report.

Reuters

This pitch was in accordance with the first phase of the auction. The second phase is currently underway and is expected to go on till June 10. This process will be concluded after a final phase scheduled for June 12 as a part of a live online auction.



Also Read: Jeff Bezos Offering One Seat To Highest Bidder On Blue Origin's Space Trip In July

Blue Origin is expected to blast off its first suborbital sightseeing trip on its spacecraft on July 20 this year, which will be a historic moment to bring humanity to an era of private commercial space travel.

The New Shepard rocket and capsule combo are capable of carrying up to six passengers on a fully autonomous flight, around 100 kilometres above Earths surface into suborbital space.

During its initial phases, Blue Origin had planned on charging its passengers around $200,000 for a seat, based on the appraisal of rival plans from billionaire Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic. However, it seems like Blue Origin has a slight change in plans here.

Also Read: Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin Breaks SpaceX's Record For Most Reusable Rocket Flights

Reuters

The rocket company was also recently in the news after it formally challenged the $2.9 billion Moon lander contract that was awarded by NASA to rival private company SpaceX. The protest, according to Blue Origin, accused NASA of moving the goalposts for contract bidders at the very end.



Also Read: NASA Artemis: Musks SpaceX And Bezoss Blue Origin Compete To Take Humanity To The Moon

The statement read, "NASA has executed a flawed acquisition for the Human Landing System programme and moved the goalposts at the last minute. Their decision eliminates opportunities for competition, significantly narrows the supply base, and not only delays but also endangers America's return to the moon. Because of that, we've filed a protest with the GAO."

The awarded contract is aimed to build a spaceship that would take NASA astronauts to the Moon as soon as 2024. It chose SpaceX over Blue Origin and defence contractor Dynetics.
In a heart-stopping video recently shared by Escambia County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, a man gets off from a white Dodge Journey and makes a beeline for a young girl playing near a bus stop. He then tries to grab her and as the girl struggles in his arms, they both fall to the ground. After a quick look around he rushes back to his vehicle and flees the scene while the kid grabs her bag and rushes in the opposite direction.

The incident was reported from Pensacola, Florida, and took place around 7 am (local time) on Tuesday.





Also read: Man Discovers Cocaine Worth $1.5 Million Floating On The Water Off The Coast Of Florida

According to ABC News, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the man was armed with a knife the moment he jumped off his vehicle and ran towards the girl.

The suspect, currently in custody, has been identified as 30-year-old Jared Paul Stanga. He's been charged with 'attempted kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated assault and battery.' Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons told reporters, "We have caught the animal."

Facebook/Escambia County Sheriff's Office

Also read: Restaurant In Florida Goes Viral For 'Face Diapers Not Required' Mask Policy



The reports goes on to say that at least 50 deputies combed through the area in search of the suspect. They also went through the surveillance video, shared it online, spoke to possible witnesses before eventually tracking their suspect down.

"We understand that we only had a short period of time," Simmons said. "We wanted to make sure they didn't ditch this van, they didn't leave town."



Facebook/Escambia County Sheriff's Office

Also read: Handcuffed Boy Flees From Police Vehicle On Florida Beach, Crowd Cheers Him On



Stanga was finally caught at his home in reportedly the same clothes he'd worn during the incident. He had 'blue slime' all over his arms, something the girl was playing with at the time.

"We applaud the efforts and the resilience of an 11-year-old girl," Simmons said. "She did the right thing -- she fought and she fought and she fought and she never gave up. And then she went straight to her parents which she should have done, told her parents what was going on, who in turn contacted the Escambia County Sheriff's Office."


That's a total knockout! UFC heavyweight fighter Derrick Lewis made a thief regret his actions big time after reportedly catching and punching him in the parking lot.

Lewis found the would-be-thief attempting to break into his car and took matters into his own hands, knocking him out before calling Houston Police.

The MMA fighter took to Instagram to share a shot of the man being escorted away by police as well as a video in which he showed deep scratch marks on his car door before saying: "Mother f***** tried to break into my s***."

Lewis also shared a photo of his fist to his Instagram story, which had some minor knuckle bruising, and included the captions "Satisfaction" and "He's OK," referencing his response to catching the man attempting to break into his truck.



Lewis told ESPN reporter Ariel Helwani he had knocked the man out before police arrived.

Also read: This Former UFC Fighter Proved To Be A Hero When He Saved A Woman From A Brutal Attack Outside A Nightclub

Derrick Lewis tells me he noticed a man trying to break into his SUV this morning. He knocked the man out. The police then apprehended him.



I believe the correct thing to say here is, hes ok.https://t.co/3IVUFKlQBL  Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 18, 2021

Posting on Twitter Helwani said: "Derrick Lewis tells me he noticed a man trying to break into his SUV this morning.

"He knocked the man out. The police then apprehended him."



According to a police report, Lewis had been returning to his car after a workout when he spotted the alleged car robber attempting to break into his vehicle with a screwdriver.

Also read: Referee Astonishingly Doesnt Believe Fighter Is Unconscious, His Opponent Has To Prove It

UFC

Jodi Silva, a public information officer for the Houston Police Department, told MMA Fighting: "Mr. Lewis says he went over to the suspect, struck him, placed him onto the ground until the police arrived. That's the nicest way to put it."



The suspect was taken to hospital to get his medical done and was then booked in at the police station, where he faces a charge of criminal mischief.

Also read: The Broken Nose Of UFC Fighter Mike Perry Just Proves How Brutal Violent Sports Can Be For Athletes
Actor Gurmeet Choudhary listed the contact details of all the doctors who will be providing teleconsultation to Covid-19 patients on his Instagram page. (photo via IANS)
It is a story about a madhouse which has some weird secrets and trail of insanity which runs in the blood. Manavs innocent looking family has a secret habit of killing the over-aged lonely men who have nothing to look forward in life. One day, Manav gives his family the good news of his mar
Ekal organizations have gone on the offensive against the COVID-19 pandemic surge that has spread throughout India. Above, an Ekal clinic where rural people are being treated. In addition, Arun Gupta, Indian American chairman of Ekal-USA, said: Ekal has lost many volunteers to Covid, and so Ekal has created an endowment fund to the tune of $500,000 to $1 million as an assistance to their families. (photo provided)
An NJ Transit train seen through the wreckage after it crashed into the platform at the Hoboken Terminal September 29, 2016 in Hoboken, New Jersey. Two Indian Americans, Deepti Chanana Bhalla, of Hoboken, N.J., and Bagyalakshmi Subramaniam, of Bergenfield, N.J., were among those who were gravely injured in the crash. (Pancho Bernasconi/Getty Images)
Israeli soldiers work in an artillery unit as it fires near the border between Israel and the Gaza strip, on the Israeli side, May 19. Reuters-Yonhap



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Wednesday to press ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, pushing back against calls from the United States to wind down the operation that has left hundreds dead.



Netanyahu's tough comments marked the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began last week and could complicate international efforts to reach a cease-fire. His pushback also plunges the pair into a difficult early test of the U.S.-Israel relationship.



Israel continued to pound Hamas targets in Gaza with airstrikes, while Palestinian militants bombarded Israel with rocket fire throughout the day. In another sign of potential escalation, militants in Lebanon fired a rocket barrage into northern Israel.



After a visit to military headquarters, Netanyahu said he appreciated ''the support of the American president,'' but he said Israel would push ahead to return ''calm and security'' to Israeli citizens.



He said he was ''determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.''



He spoke shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden told Netanyahu that he expected ''a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire,'' the White House said.



Biden had previously avoided pressing Israel more directly and publicly for a cease-fire with Gaza's Hamas militant rulers. But pressure has been building for Biden to intervene more forcefully as other diplomatic efforts gather strength.



Egyptian negotiators have also been working to halt the fighting, and an Egyptian diplomat said top officials were waiting for Israel's response to a cease-fire offer. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.



Moussa Abu Marzouk, a top Hamas official, told the Lebanese station Mayadeen TV that he expected a cease-fire in a day or two.



Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he would fly to the region Thursday for talks with Israelis and Palestinians.



Israel's Foreign Ministry said the foreign ministers of Slovakia and the Czech Republic would join him after being invited ''to express their solidarity and support'' for Israel.



Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said it was widening its strikes on militant targets in southern Gaza to blunt continuing rocket fire from Hamas. At least nine people were killed Wednesday in the Gaza Strip.



The current round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.



Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, and Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired some 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted or landing in open areas.



At least 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.



Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.



The rockets fired by militants in Lebanon into northern Israel threatened to open up a new front in the fighting. The rocket attack, which drew Israeli artillery fire in response but did not cause any injuries, raised the possibility of dragging Israel into renewed conflict with the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to its north.



No one claimed responsibility for the attack, and Hezbollah, which fought a monthlong war against Israel in 2006, has stayed out of the fighting for now. The rockets were widely believed to be fired by Palestinian factions based in south Lebanon.



But they cannot operate without Hezbollah's tacit consent, and the barrage appears to be carefully calibrated to send a political message that the group, which has tens of thousands of missiles, could join the battle at any time. Israel considers Hezbollah to be its most formidable threat and has threatened widespread destruction in Lebanon if war were to erupt.





Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he shows a slideshow during a briefing to ambassadors to Israel at the Hakirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 19. AP-Yonhap
A doctor performs a diagnostic endoscopy on a patient to detect black fungus May 20 at the NSCB Medical College and Hospital in Jabalpur. Cases of black fungus have been reported in various parts of the country, including Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar. (ANI photo)
Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 71F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Rain. Low 63F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
Earlier this month, the Colorado Senate passed a bill prohibiting insurance companies from using any external consumer data and information source, algorithm or predictive model for insurance premium calculation found to be unfairly discriminatory.

Two weeks prior, on April 28, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler sent a letter to members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, urging them to bar insurers in their states from using credit-based insurance scores in insurance premium calculations. At the end of March, Kreidler signed an executive order introducing such a ban in Washington for auto, home and renters insurance. Other states, including Maryland, West Virginia, Illinois, Oklahoma and Louisiana, have all seen legislative activity around the same restrictions of credit-related information. As even more states continue this trend, its critically important to understand the issues and the arguments of both sides.

First, there is a difference between credit-based scoring and a credit score. Credit-based scoring differs in that it considers numerous factors beyond simply payment historyincluding outstanding debt, credit history length, pursuit of new credit and a credit mix that includes student loans, auto loans, mortgages and more.

Whereas the battle over use of credit-based scores has been raging for close to a quarter century, in recent months the intensity and emotions of the rhetoric have risen. Commissioner Kreidler has been pushing for a ban on use of credit-based insurance scoring since he took the post in 2000. Insurance trade associations have pushed back, maintaining that use of credit-based insurance scores is both fair and factual. Consumer groups who agree with Kriedler are demonizing the insurance industry with accusations of dirty tricks and exploitative practices. Opponents of credit-based scoring are also framing credit-based score use in the light of todays cry for social justice, characterizing it as a manifestation of systemic racism.

Examples of vitriol creeping into todays arguments include Commissioner Kreidler calling the insurance industrys argument personally insulting, and The Center for Economic Justice (CEJ) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) characterizing credit-based scores as obscene and insidious. To be sure, the CEJ has a long history of anti-insurance company sentiment. In a 2007 congressional hearing on credit-based insurance scores, CEJ Director Birny Birnbaum put down the actuarial profession with his rhetorical question, Who but an insurance company actuary would say that its fair to charge people who have been displaced from their homes higher auto and homeowner insurance rates because theyre under financial stress? I dont know of anyone.

However, insults and histrionics detract and discreditrather than supportdebate. Birnbaums unkind swipe at insurance actuaries is an ad hominem attack, a rhetorical fallacy in place of reasoned argumentation. As usual in politics: If you cannot defeat the argument, attack the person sharing it. So to better inform the debate, here are the facts:

There is voluminous literature on whether insurers use of credit-based insurance scores is a useful aid to underwriting tools and whether or not it is discriminatory. The most detailed and comprehensive study was the 240-page 2007 report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The report was the basis of multiple hearings before the House Financial Services Committees Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The FTC report concluded that, Credit-based insurance scores are effective predictors of risk under automobile policies. They are predictive of the number of claims consumers file and the total cost of those claims. The use of scores is therefore likely to make the price of insurance better match the risk of loss posed by the consumer. At the hearings, then-Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) cited a report by the Texas Department of Insurance finding that, These scores were not unfairly discriminatory or based on race or income.

A vast majority of personal automobile insurers use credit-based scoring because it is a valuable input to ratemaking. There is a correlation between scores and loss probabilityand insurance is all about accurately measuring risk and minimizing loss. Lower scores are correlated with more insurance losses. Statistically, individuals with lower scores have higher risk, which results in higher premiums. Discrimination for reasons outside of loss probability would be bad business and a more savvy insurance company would step into the breach and offer insurance to the neglected or discriminated against individual at a fair price.

While the reason for the correlation between credit-related insurance score and losses is not known definitively, there are a number of theories. Individuals with low credit scores often live in neighborhoods where there are higher rates of automobile theft, driving up automobile comprehensive cover losses, which in turn leads to higher premiums. Some maintain that individuals with low credit scores are under more pressure because of financial strains, and are therefore more prone to be involved in accidents as a result.

Those who argue for restricting insurers from using credit-based scores often have noble intentions. Some seek to help break groups of people out of a vicious cycle of poverty by making automobile insurance more affordable. Others point to people whose finances were so severely negatively impacted by the pandemic that their credit scores dropped for reasons unrelated to driving habits or propensity to get into a car accident. But painting an entire industry with the same brushmuch less an image not based in facts or figureswill not only lead to unintended consequences but likely conclude in stalemate and gridlock.

There are arguments to be made for and against use of credit-backed scores in insurance. In an era when facts too often are allowed to coexist with alternative facts and policy discourse is allowed to deteriorate into name-calling, it is important that cool heads prevail and that parties to the debates advance positions that are fair and factual.
A former gynecologist in Virginia who was convicted on fraud charges for performing unnecessary surgeries and procedures was sentenced Tuesday to 59 years in prison.

Dr. Javaid Perwaiz also was ordered to pay $18.5 million to insurance companies that covered the procedures, news outlets reported. The former Chesapeake doctor had faced a maximum possible sentence of 475 years for his offenses.

The 71-year-old former obstetrician-gynecologist was found guilty on 52 counts of fraud in November. Prosecutors argued during his trial that the longtime doctor performed unneeded medical procedures to earn more money for a lavish lifestyle, according to news outlets.

Authorities said Perwaiz billed private and governmental insurers millions of dollars for irreversible hysterectomies and other procedures that were not medically necessary. Perwaiz sometimes would falsely tell his patients they needed the surgeries to avoid cancer, they said. He also billed insurers hundreds of thousands of dollars for diagnostic procedures he never performed, they added.

More than 50 witnesses testified, including Perwaizs former employees and patients, The Virginian-Pilot reported. Several of the women who underwent procedures said they still suffer from complications. Many of them were low-income earners and on Medicaid, according to the newspaper.

You are showing no remorse at all, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith said during Tuesdays sentencing hearing, according to WVEC-TV. You acted and blamed everyone but yourself for this. It seems like it was for your financial gain and lavish lifestyle. You were a profession of trust. Greed cannot overcome your professional ethics.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Fraud Virginia
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is pushing the Group of Seven (G-7) economies to impose mandatory reporting of environmental risks on their big companies, people familiar with the matter said.

Under the proposals, the biggest companies would report annually on their exposure to risks and opportunities presented by climate change. It would follow guidelines set out in 2017 by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.

While a final communique has yet to be agreed on for the June 4-5 meeting, the people said climate disclosure is a priority being pushed by the UK presidency in the finance track of the G-7 talks this year. A senior UK official said the discussions are on a knife-edge and could yet go either way.

Read more: G20 Companies to Face Common Disclosure Requirements for Climate Risks

The drive comes as the UK seeks to burnish its post-Brexit credentials as a global leader on climate change. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already announced the most ambitious target to cut greenhouse gases among major developed countries, and its other aims during its G-7 presidency include persuading the other nations to phase out fossil-fuel subsidies.

Sunak spoke in the past week about the issue with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, according to the British official. The UK wants to make the proposal work and if it succeeds, it will mark a major step to getting markets to play their part in the transition to a net zero economy, the official said.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is expected on Thursday to order his administration to create a strategy to quantify risks for both public and private financial assets posed by climate change in yet another sign that the idea is gaining momentum.

The UK chancellor in November announced that the UK would mandate climate disclosures by large companies and financial institutions across our economy by 2025 in measures that go further than the TCFD proposals. He said the UK was the first G-20 nation to do so.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also championed transparency on corporate efforts to address climate change, saying in December that binding international agreement on the disclosures is needed. Italy also supports the efforts and is pushing the issue in its presidency of the G-20.

Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder and majority shareholder of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, is the chair of TCFD.

With assistance from Ania Nussbaum.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.
Smoke rise after an Israeli airstrike, in eastern Gaza, May 20. EPA-Yonhap



Israel and Hamas announced a cease-fire Thursday, ending a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill.



Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel accepted the Egyptian proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the deal.



Egypt's state-run MENA news agency said the truce would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement.



In a statement, Netanyahu's office said the Security Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal after recommendations from the military chief of staff and other top defense officials. The statement boasted of ''significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented'' and included a veiled threat against Hamas.



''The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign,'' the statement said.



Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. ''The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed,'' he said.



The agreement would close the heaviest round of fighting between the bitter enemies since a 50-day war in 2014, and once again there was no clear winner. Israel inflicted heavy damage on Hamas but was unable to prevent the rocket fire that has disrupted life for millions of Israelis for more than a decade.



The fighting began May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site that is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.



Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes during the operation, targeting what it said was Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.





Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld and a municipality security officer work near a collection of rocket remains fired from the Gaza Strip to Israel since the start of the recent Israeli-Palestinian cross-border fighting, at a police station in Ashdod, Israel, May 20. Reuters-Yonhap
Nebraska lawmakers have rejected state-mandated coronavirus protections for meatpacking workers, with opponents arguing that slaughterhouses have already taken precautions and that the pandemic is nearly over.

Lawmakers voted, 25-18, to sideline the measure for the rest of the year, even though supporters said it was necessary to ensure that all plants are keeping their employees safe.

Its not whether or not a plant cares about their employees, said Sen. Tony Vargas, of Omaha, who sponsored the bill. There is a need for consistency.

The bill faced an uphill battle because of opposition from Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, who said it wasnt needed. Lawmakers narrowly advanced the measure through an initial vote earlier this month, but supporters at the time fell three votes short of the 30 they would have needed to override a veto.

Nebraskas meatpacking companies complained that the bill imposes unrealistic mandates on the industry, including a requirement to maintain a 6-foot distance between employees in break and locker rooms.

Its just not workable, said Sen. Julie Slama, of Peru.

But Sen. Ray Aguilar, of Grand Island, said hes spoken with workers who are still fearful about working in plants and want protections in place for one more year, as the bill would have mandated.

Sen. Matt Hansen, of Lincoln, said its too early to celebrate the end of the pandemic and assume that the workers will be safe.

The place we are at is tenuous, he said.

An estimated 7,382 Nebraska meatpacking workers have tested positive since the pandemic began, 256 have been hospitalized and 28 have died. Early in the pandemic, several Nebraska meatpacking towns were considered coronavirus hotspots. Ricketts and other governors said cases were spiking because workers lived together in close quarters.

Sen. Steve Erdman, of Bayard, said meatpacking plants instituted pandemic safety protections voluntarily, including temperature checks, masks for employees and metal dividers between line workers.

We have missed the mark when we think government is the answer to everything, he said.

Lawmakers also gave initial approval to a bill that would allow immigrants who are legally authorized to work in the United States to collect pandemic unemployment benefits.

The measures sponsor, Sen. Mike McDonnell, of Omaha, said Nebraska was the last state in the nation to adopt the policy. The bill advanced, 26-9, through the first of three required votes with no debate.

This is about fairness, McDonnell said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Meat Processing Nebraska
Auto insurance comparison site Jerry has raised $28 million in new financing.

The startup, which operates as a licensed insurance broker, plans to use the money to scale its signature product and pursue hiring, so it can expand into additional market categories. The company utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning in its operations.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., Jerry also has offices in Toronto, and Lockport, N.Y., alhough it is hiring remote work employees.

Jerrys new financing is on top of $29 million raised in 2018 before a soft launch a year later. The company remained in stealth mode until the announcement of its latest funding round.

Jerry was co-founded by the team that built YourMechanic, which is billed as the largest nationwide on-demand car repair and maintenance service serving more than 2,000 U.S. cities. Those founders include Jerry CEO Art Agrawal; Lina Zhang, vice president of operations; and Musawir Shah, chief technology officer. Board members and investors Chi-Hua Chien, co-founder of Goodwater Capital, and Rafi Syed, general partner at Bow Capital, support the leadership team.

Were bringing the daily needs of car owners  insurance, loans, maintenance, repairs, warranties, parking, and more  in line with modern e-commerce expectations to create a frictionless cost-saving experience, Agrawal said.

Jerry bills itself as a mobile-first car ownership super app, which currently serves nearly 1 million customers in the U.S. It claims to provide customized quotes from more than 45 insurance carriers in 45 seconds, without the need for long forms and unwanted human interaction. It hunts for better rates, completes the transaction and can even cancel previous policies on customers behalf, the company said.

The Jerry app is available for free to customers in all 50 states, and the company asserts it can save customers $800 annually on car insurance.

Jerry is part of a market that includes The Zebra, an auto and home insurance comparison site that raised $150 million in April to expand . Theres also SelectQuote, a Kansas-based company that lets consumers compare insurance policies for life, auto and home insurance.

Source: Jerry

Topics Training Development Funding
A U.S. judge suggested on Wednesday that Bayer AG include a warning label on Roundup as part of a proposed $2 billion settlement to resolve future claims that the top-selling weedkiller causes cancer.

Bayer asked U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco to give preliminary approval for the settlement deal, which would create a framework to resolve future lawsuits over claims Roundup causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The company has said that decades of studies have shown Roundup and glyphosate, the main active ingredient, are safe for human use. A World Health Organization agency said in 2015 that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans.

For years Ive been wondering why Monsanto wouldnt do that voluntarily to protect itself, said Chhabria, of a warning label. He said a label would prevent further lawsuits and free up money to create a better offer for people already exposed.

He even suggested wording for a label and tweaked it as he got feedback from Bayers lawyer.

William Hoffman, a lawyer for Bayer, said he doubted the suggested label would protect against future lawsuits.

The settlement would cover two types of Roundup users. Those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma but who have not retained a lawyer were described by the judge as class one and likely to include lots of migrant farm laborers.

Class two covers healthy people who have been exposed to Roundup and become sick in the future.

A settlement of this type could potentially be reasonable for class one, said Chhabria, by informing class members of their rights and providing compensation of up to $200,000.

For class two, Chhabria spent hours debating his concerns about the plan, including the likelihood that currently healthy Roundup users would never read their class settlement notice or understand the settlement proposal.

The question is whether this is too confusing and is speaking of a problem that is too distant, he said.

The judge said it would be awhile before he rules on the request for preliminary approval, assuming you dont come back and say youre withdrawing it.

If the settlement gets preliminary approval, Roundup users could opt out in the coming months and retain their full legal rights. Those who become part of the class would be eligible for free medical exams and up to $200,000 if they develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma during the agreements four-year period.

We appreciate the courts direction, Bayer said in a statement on Thursday. It is common for courts to request some adjustments to class settlement agreements like this and we are confident that, working with class counsel, we will be able to address the matters raised by the Court. We remain committed to settling the Roundup litigation.

The agreement would pause all litigation for four years and prevent class members from seeking punitive damages if they refuse compensation and ultimately decide to sue.

The stakes are high. Bayer has said that more than half of its herbicide revenue, which totaled nearly 5 billion euros ($6 billion) in 2020, was related to glyphosate.

Bayer has already spent years and committed $9.6 billion to resolve existing lawsuits, which are separate from the future case settlement discussed in court on Wednesday. The company inherited Roundup in its $63 billion acquisition of Monsanto in 2018.

Critics of the settlement say the proposal would unfairly limit consumers legal rights.

Chhabria said the biggest risk facing Roundup users who opt out was a U.S. Supreme Court ruling adopting Bayers view that a federal pesticide law barred lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn users about glyphosate.

Bayer has said the law has been misapplied in the three cases that went to trial, each of which resulted in tens of millions of dollars for plaintiffs.

One of those trials, a $25 million federal jury verdict against Bayer, was upheld by an appeals court on Friday.

Bayer said it would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Additional reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Bill Berkrot, David Gregorio, Richard Chang and Susan Fenton)

Topics Legislation
A Louisiana bill that would make it easier for private flood insurance carriers to offer flood insurance in the state has been sent back to the House to contemplate amendments added by the Senate.

House Bill 577, by Rep. Scott McKnight, is backed by Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon; it would give consumers choices beyond the National Flood Insurance Program.

The legislative analysis of the bill states it would permit insurers to file flood rates and immediately begin using them. Insurers could subsequently adopt new rates provided they file change paperwork with the LDI within 30 days of use.

This file and use/use and file system for private flood coverage would stay in place until Jan. 1, 2027. After that the filing policy would revert to a prior approval system.

All rates would be subject to regulation by the LDI with the same rigor as with its prior approval analysis of other property and casualty rates. The bill is modeled on a similar Florida law that has increased the market share of private flood insurance in that state, the legislative digest states.

A couple of provisions that apply to insurance producers concern required written notices to residential private flood insurance applicants. One notice would require the producer to inform applicants that (a) Coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program is provided at a subsidized rate. (b) If the applicant discontinues coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, the full risk rate may apply to the property if the applicant later seeks coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Producers must also inform applicants that do not already have flood coverage that coverage is available from the NFIP.

Amendments added to the bill after its initial filing would require insurers to add policy language describing similarities and differences between the private flood insurance offering and coverage from the NFIP, such as whether the private offerings provide more or less coverage than NFIP policies do.

Top 20 Private Flood Insurers in Louisiana  2020

Company Direct Premium Written Market Share American Security Insurance Co. $3,115,939 16.39% Arch Specialty Insurance Co. $3,038,671 15.98% Westport Insurance Corp. $2,001,354 10.53% Agent Alliance Insurance Co. $1,210,065 6.36% Western World Insurance Co. $1,153,274 6.07% Zurich American Insurance Co. $1,120,789 5.90% Employers Insurance Co. of Wausau $918,312 4.83% Integon National Insurance Co. $811,988 4.27% Landmark American Insurance Co. $779,754 4.10% Lexington Insurance Co. $732,791 3.85% Xl Insurance America Inc. $708,402 3.73% Allianz Global Risks Us Insurance Co. $554,690 2.92% National Fire & Marine Insurance Co. $503,872 2.65% American Guarantee and Liability Insurance Co. $391,628 2.06% Aig Property Casualty Co. $299,567 1.58% Wright National Flood Insurance Co. $296,746 1.56% Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. $268,077 1.41% First Specialty Insurance Corp. $207,929 1.09% Steadfast Insurance Co. $153,928 0.81% General Star Indemnity Co. $131,466 0.69% Top 20 $18,399,242 96.78% Other $612,747 3.22% 53 Companies Source: LDI $19,011,989 100.00%

Topics Louisiana Flood Politics
Heavy rain kept pounding parts of Texas and Arkansas before moving over Louisiana on Wednesday, adding to the misery for people whose homes and cars were flooded by an earlier drenching.

The prospect of more rain wasnt welcome in southern Louisiana, where heavy downpours earlier this week swamped vehicles and closed a major interstate. Three people were killed and one was missing after driving into high water. Flood watches covered a large part of Texas and Arkansas and most of Louisiana on Wednesday. Parts of Oklahoma and Mississippi were also under flood watches.

Up to 4 more inches (10 centimeters) of rain was possible through late Thursday near the coast in the hard-hit Lake Charles, Louisiana, area, the National Weather Service said. Lake Charles is still recovering from back-to-back hurricanes last fall and a deep freeze in February. Twelve to 15 inches of rain fell in parts of Lake Charles in a 12-hour period Monday, the weather service said.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, piles of ruined furniture, carpet and clothing lined the street in a neighborhood where residents were beginning to clean up from the earlier storms, WBRZ-TV reported. One man, David Earl, told the station that so much water flowed into his home through cracks and a dog door that his furniture began to float.

Some schools in Louisiana were closed on Wednesday in anticipation of severe weather.

In Texas, strong thunderstorms rolled through the Houston metropolitan area early Wednesday. More showers and storms are possible in southeast Texas through Friday, the weather service said, and more flooding was possible as heavy rains fall on already-saturated ground.

In Houston, separate lightning strikes caused two apartment complexes to catch fire Tuesday night, but no one was hurt.

It is mind-boggling, said Patrick King of Lake Charles. He was at a car rental office Tuesday after his truck was flooded Monday. He still hadnt moved back into his house after it flooded during Octobers Hurricane Delta, but recently had new furniture delivered to the home. Now its been flooded again.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter estimated that 400 to 500 structures flooded during Mondays downpours. Hunter was mayor last year when the city was hit by Hurricane Laura on Aug. 27 and then six weeks later by Delta. Then in February, the deep freeze froze pipes and caused widespread drinking water problems.

The Louisiana Department of Health said Wednesday that three deaths have been confirmed to be storm-related. The Calcasieu Parish coroner said a 61-year-old man was found in a vehicle submerged under water. The body of 33-year-old Justin Blaine Thompson was found in a vehicle submerged in water under a Baton Rouge overpass, another coroners office said. And near Port Allen, 40-year-old Alvarado Morentes Hermelindo died and another person was missing after their car crashed into a canal Monday evening, Louisiana State Police said.

In central Arkansas, at least 15 people were rescued from flash flooding after heavy rainfall late Tuesday and early Wednesday, emergency officials said. There were no reports of injuries. Flood watches remained in effect for much of Arkansas on Wednesday and some areas could see another 1 to 2 inches of rain through Thursday, the weather service in Little Rock said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed medical marijuana legislation Monday as Republican opposition to the issue faded after decades of debate.

The program will allow people with a qualifying medical condition to purchase medical marijuana with the recommendation of a doctor. The approval came eight years after a medical marijuana bill in 2013 won that years so-called Shroud Award for the deadest bill of the year in the House of Representatives.

Ivey called signing the bill an important first step and thanked the sponsors of the bill for their work.

This is certainly a sensitive and emotional issue and something that is continually being studied. On the state level, we have had a study group that has looked closely at this issue, and I am interested in the potential good medical cannabis can have for those with chronic illnesses or what it can do to improve the quality of life of those in their final days, Ivey said.

The state Senate had already approved the bill last February by a 21-8 vote after just 15 minutes of debate. But the House of Representatives had traditionally been more skeptical of medical marijuana proposals and sent the bill through two committees before approving it 68-34.

More than a dozen conditions, including cancer, a terminal illness, depression, epilepsy, panic disorder and chronic pain would allow a person to qualify. The bill would allow the marijuana in forms such as pills, skin patches and creams but not in smoking or vaping products.

Representatives voted to name the bill after the son of a state Democratic representative, Laura Hall. She had first introduced a medical marijuana bill over a decade ago after her son Wesley `Ato Hall had died of AIDS.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Trends Cannabis Alabama
Environmental groups are seeking to force the federal government to address an underfunded program in West Virginia whose purpose is to help cover the costs of coal mine reclamation.

The lawsuit said the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement needs more stringent requirements for the states surface mining program to ensure coal companies fully fund reclamation bonds.

The Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and the Sierra Club filed the federal lawsuit, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported.

The same groups had sued the state Department of Environmental Protection last year, saying the DEP failed to notify the federal surface mining office if significant funding or budget changes were to affect the enforcement and administration of the special reclamation fund. The groups, who had called the fund dramatically underfunded, agreed to drop that lawsuit after such notification was made.

The latest lawsuit argues that the surface mining office should have strengthened requirements for the state program after receiving the notification.

An email left with the federal surface mining office seeking comment was not immediately returned Tuesday.

Sierra Club attorney Peter Morgan said the goal of the lawsuit filed Monday is to ensure the state acts on the special reclamation fund as coal mines continue to close.

Money from the fund is used to complete mine reclamation when the amount of bonds that are forfeited by companies are less than the actual cost of reclamation. Most of the funding for the special reclamation fund comes from a tax of 27.9 cents on each ton of clean coal mined in the state.

Theres an increasing worry that a lot of this bonding system is a house of cards, Morgan told the newspaper. When it collapses, the financial burden on the state of West Virginia is going to be really substantial.

The DEP last year sued a company that acquired more than 100 mining permits from Patriot Coal Corp.s 2015 bankruptcy. Most of the permits are in West Virginia and others are in Kentucky, Illinois and Tennessee. The DEP had said the company, ERP Environmental Fund Inc., laid off all of its employees, ceased operations and abandoned its mining sites

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Pollution Virginia Mining
Nearly a third of Californias restaurants permanently closed and two-thirds of workers at least temporarily lost their jobs as the pandemic set in more than a year ago and Gov. Gavin Newsom imposed the nations first statewide lockdown, a legislative committee reported.

Few business sectors were more battered than the dining industry, which before the pandemic included more than 76,000 eating and drinking establishments employing 1.8 million people, according to the California Restaurant Association.

But with the shutdown, as many as a million of those workers were quickly furloughed or laid off, the association told the state Senates Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response.

COVID-19 has upended all of our lives, but its impacts have been felt more acutely in the restaurant industry, said Democratic state Sen. Josh Newman, who heads the committee and led the hearing on the issue. It is clear that recovery will take time.

Restaurant employment is still down one-quarter from before the pandemic, according to the latest numbers from the state Employment Development Department.

Industry leaders said they fear a lack of labor may shutter more establishments as the economy reopens.

The state initially closed nonessential businesses, though it allowed food-serving establishments to continue offering takeout meals. Its color-coded tier system for reopening the economy later allowed restaurants to offer outdoor seating or indoor dining at various levels of capacity as coronavirus cases eased.

With infections dwindling, vaccinations increasing and a positivity rate below 1%, officials say California is on track to lift most remaining restrictions on June 15.

Yet many restaurants are struggling to serve the customers already allowed under current capacity limits because of a lack of staff, the committee said.

Potential employees may be able to make ends meet with unemployment and federal stimulus benefits instead of going back to work, it said in its report. Some may fear for their safety during the pandemic, while others may want more stable career paths after being repeatedly furloughed.

Right now were just at the beginning of feeling this crunch, said Matthew Sutton, California Restaurant Association senior vice president for government affairs and public policy.

Without providing specifics, he said lawmakers might want to use part of the states massive budget surplus to create an incentive program for employees to return to work. Other committee witnesses said theyre hoping for more direct aid either through stimulus or tax relief funding.

The industry is expected to eventually rebound, the restaurant association reported, creating another 160,000 jobs by 2029, for a total of nearly 2 million statewide.

This is a two- to three-year recovery, Kevin McCarney, founder and chief executive officer of Southern Californias Poquito Mas restaurant, told the committee. In the meantime, restauranteurs said they have to recover from the revenue they lost while their fixed costs like rent and insurance continued.

Its not a given that were going to survive, said Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and owner of two popular restaurants. Were all digging out from so much the past 15 months.

With a lack of specifics from the state on the June 15 reopening, she fears restaurants will be allowed to return to full capacity only with vaccinated customers, leaving their staff to become the new ID police expected to check vaccination cards  a role she and others said they cant handle.

Several witnesses expressed frustration with the states changing shutdown rules or lack of information on assistance programs, though Greg Dulan, owner of Dulans Soul Food Kitchen in Los Angeles County, said the state-funded Great Plates food delivery program saved his business during the pandemic.

Health officials abrupt shutdown orders gave restaurant owners no time to ramp down employment or distribute food, beverages and other supplies they had just acquired, witnesses said at the hearing.

In hindsight, the state lacked evidence to back up its decision to close outdoor dining and that rationale was not effectively communicated, said Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis, though he said the evidence of virus transmissions during indoor dining was much more clear.

With no time to collect data on the risk of transmissions from open air contact, health officials had to use their best judgment at the time but now understand that the risk of outdoor transmission is low, said Willis and California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health executive director Justin Malan.

We may not have had all the right answers  but remember, this was a novel coronavirus, said Malan. We didnt have a blueprint on how to respond to this.

Restaurants said they adapted to a new business model on the fly during the pandemic.

They could offer curbside deliveries or deliveries off-site, or expand into outdoor areas like patios, sidewalks, parking lots and closed-off streets with local approval _ innovations that may remain for some time.

Some adopted disposable menus or ones customers could view on their smartphones. And Sutton said improvements restaurants made to their indoor airflow and filtering will remain long-term.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California Restaurant
gettyimagesbank





This May 18 photo, provided by Allen Minish shows lacerations on Minish's head as he recuperates at a hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, following a mauling by a brown bear. AP-Yonhap
Burma Children Killed and Injured in Chin State Explosion

The child who died in explosion.

A nine-year-old child died and a six-year-old was injured in an explosion in Tedim, northern Chin State around 5pm on Wednesday.

We dont know what caused the explosion. The explosion occurred near the house of a ward administrator, a relative of the nine-year-old victim told The Irrawaddy.

Details of the incident are still unknown as the six-year-old is still receiving treatment. There have been frequent explosions in Tedim since the coup, and the town has also seen a number of its residents shot dead by junta forces.

In the most recent incident on May 16, a 30-year-old resident was fatally shot by junta troops on his way back home from a farm.

Chin State has seen daily shootouts between civilian resistance fighters and junta soldiers, with locals fighting regime forces with traditional firearms and rudimentary hunting rifles. Both sides have suffered casualties, according to Chin State-based media.



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Burma Kachin Farmers Occupy Land Seized by Myanmar Military-Linked Company

The Yuzana Company compound after being bulldozed by farmers on Wednesday. / CJ

Kachin State farmers are recapturing their land, confiscated under the previous military regime by the Yuzana Company in 2006, after the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked the companys compound last month, forcing the staff to leave.

According to residents, buildings inside the Yuzana compound in Kachins Hpakant Township were being bulldozed by the farmers on Wednesday.

Yuzana seized our land unlawfully. We have strongly opposed the company and tried to take back our land for years. All the land confiscated by Yuzana has been returned to the farmers, one of the leaders from the Hukawng farmers group told The Irrawaddy. He asked to be anonymous.

We are now planning to divide the land. We have formed a land management committee to ensure all farmers get at least five acres back, he said.

The Yuzana Co. was founded by Htay Myint, a businessman linked to the former junta that ruled Myanmar from 1992 to 2011. Yuzana has confiscated over 200,000 acres in the Hukawng Valley in Hpakant and Tanai townships for cassava cultivation since 2006. The valley is known as the worlds largest tiger reserve. The company has been embroiled in prolonged disputes with residents over the confiscations.

Kachin residents lost their ancestral land and efforts to challenge the seizures have been met with threats and beatings by Yuzana employees in collusion with the authorities over several years. Land confiscation has also affected hundreds of Kachin residents along the Ledo Road in Hpakant and Tanai townships with many forced into poverty.

In April, the KIA carried out an arson attack on a Yuzana plant and the factory caught fire, forcing the staff to flee the compound.

Ja Taung, a resident, told The Irrawaddy: We have suffered a lot because of the company. We lost everything. We dont feel guilty for taking back our land.

They always bullied us. We dont want to see Yuzana here again. People are demolishing everything inside the compound, she said.

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Burma Key Myanmar Pro-Democracy Parties Refuse to Meet With Regime's Election Body

An anti-regime protest in Yangon on Feb.14. / The Irrawaddy

While many of Myanmars key pro-democracy political parties have rejected an invitation from the regimes election body to a meeting on Friday, others have decided to attend it, risking public outrage.

Following the coup, the new, regime-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) met with representatives of political parties for the first time on Feb. 26. Out of a total of 91 parties, 53 pro-military parties attended the meeting. Almost all of them failed to win seats in the 2020 general election.

Following the meeting, the regimes election body announced that the results of the 2020 general electionwhich brought a landslide victory to the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) of Daw Aung San Suu Kyiwere invalid.

The invitation letter to the second meeting asked the parties to meet on May 21 in the capital Naypyitaw, with no stated agenda.

The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), a major ethnic Shan party which won the third-most seats nationwide in last years election, said it wouldnt attend the meeting, as the SNLDs political stance and objectives are totally at odds with the military councils actions. The party didnt attend the previous meeting, either.

Under the framework of establishing a federal democratic Union, we can continue to work as per the will of the people. But if it deviates from that, it is not convenient to work together with anyone, SNLD spokesperson U Sai Leik said.

The Arakan National Party (ANP), the largest ethnic Rakhine party, has also decided not to attend the meeting this time, according to U Tun Aung Kyaw, a member of the ANPs Political Steering Committee.

After working with the regime and taking a seat on the militarys governing council, party chairman U Tha Tun Hla recently told The Irrawaddy that the party no longer thinks cooperating with the council is in the Rakhine peoples interests, as the military regime had ignored ANP demands for a greater role in handling Rakhine affairs. Another Rakhine party, the Arakan League for Democracy, rejected the regime election bodys invitation the first time.

U Aung Moe Zaw, chairman of the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS), which boycotted the first meeting, said it would also skip the second in order to condemn the regimes brutality against civilians demanding democracy.

Youths are being arrested and killed day by day and protests continue to be brutally cracked down upon. In opposition to that, we wont accept any invitations, the chairman said during a video interview uploaded on the partys web page. The long-term democracy activist also called on other political parties to stand together with the people.

The Peoples Party, founded by a leader of the 1988 pro-democracy protests, accepted the invitation, however. The controversial decision was made public when some party members including those from the Central Executive Committee announced their resignations. Executive committee members of the party in some regions have also resigned. The members who resigned said they did so as they disagreed with the partys decision to accept the election bodys invitation.

The decision also drew widespread condemnation from democracy supporters including some who previously supported the party. U Ko Ko Gyi, chairman of the Peoples Party, defended the move, telling local media it would allow the party to officially present its political views to the election commission.

The party boycotted the first meeting, saying that as a pro-democracy party that respects the electorate, it wouldnt accept any invitations until election disputes were solved according to the law.

The Arakan Front Party (AFP) led by Rakhine politician Dr. Aye Maung, who was imprisoned under the NLD-led government and released by the regime a few days after the coup, will also attend the meeting.

Dr. Aye Maung said he had registered to attend the meeting personally on Friday.

As a registered party, we are invited by the UEC. If there is a reason to go, we will. And if there is any inconvenience, we wont attend. For us, we will attend as it is convenient for us. It doesnt matter if its the military council or the NLD. We are not taking sides, he said.

The regimes election body spokesman said at a recent press conference that it invited all registered parties including the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) and planned to discuss changing the countrys electoral system to a proportional representation system.

Since the coup, the regime has arrested not less than 200 members of the NLD including its chairwoman Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, vice chairs U Win Myint and Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, and other senior leaders, elected lawmakers and members in states and regional branches. They remain in detention.

The regime said it will hold a new election, claiming last years vote was marred by fraud.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Scraps Charges Against Pro-Military, Ultranationalist Party Bosses

Michael Kyaw Myint. / Michael Kyaw Myints Facebook Daw Moe Moe Khaing. / Daw Moe Moe Khaings Facebook

Myanmars State Administrative Council (SAC), the military regimes governing body, has released two pro-military ultranationalists who were arrested under the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) administration for sedition in late January, just before the coup.

Michael Kyaw Myint, the general secretary of the ultranationalist Yeomanry Development Party (YDP), and Daw Moe Moe Khaing, a central executive committee member of the YDP, said on Facebook that charges against them were withdrawn at the instruction of the SAC on Tuesday.

I am truly grateful to the SAC government. I wont forget that I owe gratitude. In this new year, new era and under the new government, lets all engage in unity based on nationalism in politics in which there will never be the NLD, Michael Kyaw Myint posted on Facebook.

Before his arrest in January, Michael Kyaw Myint was preparing to erect an obelisk in support of the Tatmadaw or Myanmars military while claiming the Nov. 8 general election, which brought a landslide victory for the NLD, was marred by fraud. He was charged for exciting disaffection with the government.

In October last year, he was charged with defamation under Article 505(b) of the Penal Code while campaigning in Sagaings Khin-U Township, for slamming State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

He was also charged in Yangon under Article 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law for staging an unauthorized protest. The ultranationalist has also served a one-year sentence for leading an anti-Muslim mob that harassed residents of Yangons South Dagon Township in May 2019.

Daw Moe Moe Khaing was also charged under Article 20 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law for staging a demonstration in Yangon in support of Myanmars military while calling for an investigation into alleged fraud in the November election. She was also charged under Article 33 of the Electronic Transactions Law for incitement on social media concerning the obelisk.

Daw Moe Moe Khaing said the Electronic Transaction Law charge has not been dropped.

Coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met 34 political parties in August ahead of the November election. Present at the meeting were the militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party, the Peoples Pioneer Party led by Daw Thet Thet Khaing, a former NLD lawmaker who is now social welfare minister in the military regime, and the National Democratic Force led by U Khin Maung Swe who is now on the SAC, and nationalist parties, including the National Unity Party and YDP.

At the meeting, Michael Kyaw Myint asked the military chief to intervene if the election was unfair. The military has justified its February coup by alleging massive voter fraud. However, the Asian Network for Free Elections said the outcome of the vote was by and large, representative of the will of the people of Myanmar.

At a press conference five days before the coup, military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun denied allegations that the military sponsored the obelisk by the YDP and said supporting the Tatmadaw is not a crime.



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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, arrives for the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday. Top diplomats from the United States and Russia sparred politely in Iceland during their first face-to-face encounter, which came as ties between the nations have deteriorated sharply in recent months. AP-Yonhap



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Iceland on Wednesday in the first high-level discussions between the nations under the Biden administration.



Speaking on the sidelines of the Arctic Council meetings, Blinken opened the meeting with Lavrov by reiterating that the United States would retaliate against Russian aggression, adding it is "no secret that we have our differences."



"When it comes to those differences, as President Biden has also shared with President Putin, if Russia acts aggressively against us, our partners, our allies, we'll respond," said Blinken. "And President Biden has demonstrated that in both word and deed  not for purposes of escalation, not to seek conflict, but to defend our interests."



Blinken noted, however, that there are many areas where U.S. and Russian interests "intersect and overlap" such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and nuclear programs in Iran, North Korea and Afghanistan.



"It's our view that if the leaders of Russia and the United States can work together cooperatively, our people, the world can be a safer and more secure place, and that's what we seek," he said.



Lavrov also stressed the importance of relations between the United States and Russia but made clear that the two nations "greatly diverge" in the assessment of international affairs and approaches to resolve them.



"Our position is clear," said Lavrov. "We are prepared to discuss all issues on the table with the understanding that our discussions will be honest, factual and with mutual respect."



In response to Blinken's comments about the United States responding to Russian aggression, Lavrov suggested Russia would also be prepared with its own response.



"Laws of diplomacy recommend mutuality, especially when it comes to response to any kind of hostile actions," he said.



U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said after the meeting that Blinken expressed the United States seeks "a more stable and predictable relationship" with Russia.



Price added that Blinken called on Russia to release ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who is being held in the country on espionage charges, and former Marine Trevor Reed, who was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison for assaulting a police officer.



Earlier this month, Biden said he plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Europe next month. The two are expected to address an extension of the New START nuclear arms treaty and Russia's increasing aggression in Ukraine. (UPI)


Burma Myanmar Junta Scraps Retirement Age for Its Leaders

Coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his deputy Vice Senior General Soe Win.

The military regimes Ministry of Defence has scrapped the retirement age of 65 for its leaders: commander-in-chief and his deputy.

Days after the military coup in February, the ministry scrapped the age limit for the two, enabling Sen Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who turned 65 in April  which was seen by some observers as a key factor behind the coup  to continue in his post.

The Feb. 4 instruction signed by Adjutant General Lieutenant General Myo Zaw Thein scrapped the age limit for the army chief and his deputy. However, it did not set a new age limit, meaning Min Aung Hlaing can remain in his post until he is toppled or he voluntarily steps down.

The instruction was also made public in the military regimes gazette on March 5.

Previously, army, naval and air force commanders were required to retire if they were not promoted after four years. Under the new instructions, they can retain those positions for two more years if necessary.

A defense council ruling in 1973 allowed officers to serve as long as the military needed them. However, the instruction was amended in 2014 during the democratic transition, setting age limits.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Troops running wild in Mandalay Region

Villagers flee Talokmyo. / CJ

Junta forces have been harassing and looting from locals in Talokmyo village-tract in Mandalay Regions Myingyan Township since they raided the area on May 11, according to local residents. Thousands of villagers have now fled Talokmyo.

Hundreds of junta soldiers raided the village-tract, which is seven miles from Myingyan, on May 11 and 12, and around 100 junta troops are still deployed in the area.

They took away anything from the village that they saw: sacks of rice, peas or whatever, they put it in their vehicles. They have been ransacking shops, a local told The Irrawaddy.

Regime soldiers have allowed only women and elderly persons to return to the village, with male residents required to report to the troops if they want to enter.

Of some 6,000 residents in Talokmyo, over 4,000 have now left, with most residents fleeing to distant villages, as junta forces are searching for them in the forest and nearby villages.

Women are allowed to return to the village, but they dare not as the junta troops are running wild. They are also forcing villagers to carry rice and pea sacks for them. So female residents dare not return to the village. Some of the junta soldiers are riding around the village on motorbikes they have stolen from villagers, said another resident.

Some villagers raise cattle, so they have had to return to their homes, said a resident. The villagers who have fled from Talokmyo are in need of basic foodstuffs and medicines, he added.

Junta troops also raided nearby villages in their attack on Talokmyo, but have not deployed in those villages and so their residents have been able to return to their homes.

Scores of people were arrested during the May 11 and 12 raid, including six university students from Myingyan who were helping the Talokmyo resistance movement against the junta. One of the six students, Ko Zin Ko Tun from Myingyan Technical College, was tortured to death in military custody.



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Burma Myanmar Regime Accuses KNU of Providing Military Training to Anti-Junta Protesters

Troops from the KNU's armed wing during a parade in 2018. / The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar regime has objected to the provision of military training by the countrys oldest ethnic armed group to protesters who have resolved to take up armed struggle to topple the junta.

Following the regimes deadly crackdowns on pro-democracy protests on the streets across the country in March and April, a number of anti-regime protesters fled to areas controlled by ethnic armed groups on the border. They have received military training there from some ethnic armed groups who are against military rule in the country.

As of Wednesday, more than 800 people had been killed by the regime since the Feb. 1 coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP), which has been monitoring civilian casualties caused by the junta.

The exact number of the trainees on the border is unknown. But according to some media estimates there may be at least several hundred, including doctors and other young professionals.

On Tuesday, the regimes governing body in Karen State in southern Myanmar sent a letter to the Karen National Union (KNU) and its armed wings liaison office.

The letter said the regime had learned that the KNUs Brigades 1, 6 and 7 have provided military training to some people affiliated with the shadow National Unity Government, its parliamentary committee and its defense force in their areas of control. The regime has branded those groups as terrorist organizations.

We object to the action as its found that the KNU is intentionally harming the government administrative machinery while breaching the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) [provisions on] regional stability and rule of law, it said.

So far, the KNU hasnt said it has been providing the training.

The KNU has been fighting for autonomy since Myanmars independence from the British in 1948. It signed the ceasefire agreement with the central government and the military in 2012.

Despite the agreement, one of its brigades has launched attacks against the regimes troops near the Thai border as it is not happy with the coup. In the countrys north, another major ethnic armed group, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), has been waging war against the regimes troops for a month as it opposes the coup and the regimes deadly crackdowns on protesters. The regime has retaliated against both armed groups with airstrikes, leaving many civilians displaced from their homes.

The juntas objection against the KNU follows last weeks arrest of 39 people who according to military-owned media are suspected of orchestrating explosions and arson attacks, as well as seeking military training with an ethnic minority rebel group. In the letter to the KNU, the regime said it had learned of the armed groups involvement while interrogating the detainees.

A number of police stations, government schools and local administrative offices have been set on fire or bombed across the country while some regime-appointed local officials have been killed by unknown attackers.

While no one has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, the junta said they were carried out by rioters, a military euphemism for anti-regime protesters.

The Irrawaddy has not been able to independently verify the regimes claim.



You may also like these stories:

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Myanmar Junta Scraps Charges Against Pro-Military, Ultranationalist Party Bosses
Burma Two More Myanmar Junta Local Officials Killed

Two local administrators who were killed (left) and injured (right) during the attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday. / Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Service

Two local administrators and two other people were killed by unknown assailants in Mandalay and Magwe regions and Karen State on Tuesday and Wednesday. They are the latest in a series of attacks on the regime-appointed administrative staff who run local government for the junta at the ward and village levels.

Military-controlled newspapers said that U Kyaw Zin Min, the administrator of No (4) ward of Payathonsu in Kyainseikgyi Township, Karen State, was shot dead in front of his house on Wednesday.

The house of U Soe Nyunt, an administrator in Myaing Township, Magwe Region, was also attacked by unknown men armed with handmade bombs and a knife. U Soe Nyunt and his daughter died on the spot, his grandson died on the way to hospital.

On Tuesday, six unknown attackers stabbed U Moe Zaw Myint, the administrator in Pan Chaing Village, Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Region.

The newspapers said that the injured local administrator had helped the regimes security forces with the reopening of schools. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

A local administrator in Yangons Lanmadaw Township also died on Tuesday when he was shot dead by an unknown attacker after a blast at the ward office.

The regime said that its security forces will investigate and arrest the assailants.

Regime attempts to reopen schools have largely been boycotted by teachers, education staff and students across the country. Thousands of teachers and academics at universities and colleges are refusing to work for the junta, despite the threat of lawsuits.

Since the juntas Feb. 1 coup, the military regime has been trying to resume local administrative functions by opening government offices.

But pro-democracy supporters have opposed the move, as they regard regime-appointed administrators as merely police informants who tip off authorities about anyone in their areas who is involved in anti-regime activism. The junta has also tried to reinstate the previously abolished overnight guest list registration system to monitor the arrival of strangers in villages and wards.

Under Myanmars administrative system, ward and village-level offices are the lowest rung of local government. They compile demographic data, as well as information on voters and criminalsamong othersin their areas.

At least seven local administrators have been killed in Yangon, Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions and Karen State since the coup.

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Military Launches Air Raid in Karen State

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Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Chin State Fighting
Getting emergency help would be a lot easier, thanks to enhancements pundits noticed in the Android 12 Beta 1 version.

As developers previewed the upcoming Android 12 at the Google I/O Developer Conference, the Emergency SOS feature is now much easier to access. In previous Android versions, reaching an emergency service would require holding the power button down then tap on the Call 911 button twice. As seen in the Android 12 Beta 1, rapidly pressing the power button five times would make you see a countdown notifying the user that an emergency call is about to be made, as Android Police showed.

The countdown will tell you to "stay calm" and give five seconds to cancel with a swipe.

Android 12 Emergency SOS Feature Can Accept Non-911 Numbers

By default, the Emergency SOS feature calls 911. Users, however, can preset it to call a different number. Take note that if that number is not an emergency service run by the government, the phone would need to be unlocked to place the call, as The Verge noted.

This Emergency SOS feature had been removed from the Settings menu in previous Android releases, but is now back in Android 12 Beta 1. Its settings and interface has a well-designed one-handed UI and enabled by default.

Just like previous iterations of the Emergency SOS, you can configure it on the "Safety and Emergency" section initially on Google's flagship Pixels phone. Here, you can set the number the phone would call and should a countdown alarm is triggered.

Its interface, as Android Police noted, is quite similar to the Developer 1 version, with the SOS screen mostly the same, having a big countdown and a swipe button to cancel the emergency call.

Android 12 Emergency SOS Resembles iOS Feature

The feature shows a resemblance to a feature on the Apple iOS that has the same name. In iOS, the Emergency SOS is triggered by a long press of the power button. IOS users can also configure their handsets to alert emergency contacts with text messages after the emergency call ends. The iPhone also sends the user's location to the contacts being reached.

Read Also: Android 12 Beta Download: How to Install New Google OS and Return to Android 11 if You Don't Like It

Having the additional text and location tracking features are yet to be revealed on the Android 12 version; however, Google's developers surely know how important these details are as well.

These forward-thinking Emergency SOS enhancements on the Android 12 are definitely well-received, as phones would surely become our only tools to seek help when a dangerous, life-threatening situation comes. As such, the option to discreetly reach 911 services is highly appreciated.

Android 12 Beta Download: How to Install New Update

Excited to try out Android 12? The Beta 1 update can be downloaded and installed on various phones, Business Insider said in a feature. Please remember that this is beta software and not recommended for daily use. Download this at your own risk. Backing up your data before installing this beta is highly recommended.

If you have a Pixel smartphone, the process is straightforward:

1. Visit the Android beta program page and sign in with your Google account.

2. Select the opt-in option

3. Accept the terms and conditions.

4. Choose Confirm and then Enroll.

After completing this part, you can go to the Settings app on the handset and go to System>Advanced>System Update. Choose "Check for Update."

Once you see the Android 12 update, install it like other updates you've encountered before. If you don't see any update, you can check back later after a few minutes.

If you don't have a Pixel smartphone, you need a supported device to try it out. These include the Asus Zenfone 8, OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro, RealMe GT 5G, Oppo Find X3 Pro, and the Vivo iQoo 7 Legend.

Specific steps can be followed on the Android Developers website.

Related Article: Android 12 Features: 3 Best Google OS Updates That You Should Be Excited About
Huntsville, TX (77320)

Today

Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny this afternoon. Hot and humid. High 93F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Ithaca, NY (14850)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional showers. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Akamais latest report reveals that significant cyberattacks increased from 2019 to 2020, and examines two phishing kits Kr3pto and Ex-Robotos and the potential harm they may cause.

Akamai Technologies publishes its State of the Internet / Security report: Phishing for Finance, a research that provides an analysis of both global and financial services-specific web application and credential stuffing attack traffic, revealing significant increases across the attack surfaces year over year from 2019 to 2020.

The report also highlights a collaboration between Akamai and WMC Global researchers that examined two specific phishing kits: Kr3pto and Ex-Robotos.

According to Akamai, Kr3pto has targeted customers of 11 UK banks, and Ex-Robotos has aimed its scams at corporate employees.

By the numbers

In 2020, Akamai saw 193 billion credential stuffing attacks globally, with 3.4 billion hitting financial services organisations specificallyan increase of more than 45% year-over-year in the sector.

Akamai observed nearly 6.3 billion web application attacks in 2020, with more than 736 million targeting financial services, representing an increase of 62% from 2019.

SQL Injection (SQLi) attacks remained in the top spot across all business types globally, accounting for 68% of all web application attacks in 2020, with Local File Inclusion (LFI) attacks coming at second at 22%. However, in the financial services industry, LFI attacks were the number one web application attack type in 2020 at 52%, with SQLi at 33% and Cross-Site Scripting at 9%.

Over the past three years (2018-2020), Akamai saw DDoS attacks against the financial services sector grow by 93%, indicating that systemic disruption remains an objective for criminals, who target services and applications required for daily business.

Threat Intelligence Collaboration

Akamai partnered with threat intelligence company WMC Global to produce its report.

Akamai says WMC Global researchers are experts at understanding SMS phishing (smishing) and the toolkits that criminals devise to make their attacks possible. This unique collaboration examined two specific phishing kits: Kr3pto and Ex-Robotos.

Steve Ragan, Akamai security research and the author of the study, warns that the significant growth of the attacks has a direct relationship to the state of phishing in the financial services industry.

Ragan also warns how scammers target their victims. Criminals use a variety of methods to augment their credential collections, and phishing is one of the key tools in their arsenal. By targeting banking customers and employees in the sector, criminals increase their pool of potential victims exponentially.

The Kr3pto phishing kit, which targets financial institutions and their customers via SMS, has been observed spoofing 11 brands in the UK, across more than 8,000 domains since May 2020. WMC Global tracked more than 4,000 campaigns linked to Kr3pto targeting victims via SMS messaging over 31 days in Q1 2021.

According to Akamai, Ex-Robotos is a phishing kit that essentially sets a benchmark when it comes to corporate credential phishing. Citing data from the Akamai Intelligent Edge Platform, there were more than 220,000 hits to the API IP address used for Ex-Robotos over a span for 43 days.

In fact, traffic to that address reached a peak of tens of thousands of hits per day on average between January 31 and February 5, 2021.

Jake Sloane, WMC Global senior threat hunter, says Kr3pto and Ex-Robotos are just two of the many kits targeting corporations and consumers today.

He says criminals will seize the chance to attack vulnerable users.

It's important to remember that employees are consumers too, and with the prevalence of work from home, as well as mobile device usage in corporate environments, criminals are not shy about attacking people no matter where they are, which explains the recent growth in SMS-based phishing attacks.

Ragan concludes: By partnering with WMC Global for this report, we were able to expand on our existing coverage of the financial sector and offer a wider range of details into the attacks that financial organisations face on a daily basis.
China's top political advisor stresses modernization of all ethnic groups

Xinhua) 10:37, May 20, 2021

YINCHUAN, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang has stressed the high-quality development of the work related to ethnic affairs and ensuring all ethnic groups achieve modernization together.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour to northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Wang underlined that development plans should be based on local characteristics and actual conditions to achieve high-quality development. No ethnic group should be left behind on the new journey to comprehensively building a modern socialist China.

During the trip from Monday to Wednesday, a research group led by Wang visited villages, communities, government units, schools, enterprises, and religious sites in places including Yinchuan and Wuzhong. The group talked with local government officials and residents of different ethnic groups.

Wang called for efforts to promote exchanges among different ethnic groups in the process of moving toward modernization.

He stressed that development is the foundation of national unity and harmony. He also highlighted the importance of sustainability and security in economic development in areas with large ethnic minority populations.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
U.S. President Joe Biden smiles after signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, in the East Room of the White House, May 20. AP-Yonhap



U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law an anti-Asian hate crimes act, enabling expedited federal government investigation into hate crimes targeting Asian and Pacific Islander communities.



The signing of the law came one day after the House of Representatives voted 364-62 to pass the bill. The Senate had voted 94-1 to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act on April 22.



"For centuries, Asian Americans, native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, diverse and vibrant communities have helped build this nation only to be often stepped over, forgotten or ignored," Biden said in a signing ceremony at the White House.



"Hate can be given no safe harbor in America."



Biden said America is unique among nations, one that is built on a document  the Constitution  instead of ethnicity, religion or geography.



"It says, 'We hold these truths to be self evident that all men and women are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,' " said the president, citing the Constitution.



"Every time we're silent, every time we let hate flourish, we make a lie of who we are as a nation. We cannot let the very foundation of this country continue to be eaten away, like it has been in other moments in our history and is happening again," he added.



The legislation allows the federal government to investigate hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.



More than 3,800 hate incidents targeting such minority groups had been reported in 2020 alone.



Vice President Kamala Harris earlier attributed the spiking numbers to former President Donald Trump, who had often referred to the new coronavirus as "China virus" or "kung flu." (Yonhap)


In a tight-knit competition among 300 Aussie creators, Ally Pacor emerges as the Clash of the Creator Champion 2021, winning $15,000 Creator Prize Pack, $5,000 cash, and a 12-month ambassadorship.

After a six-week national search conducted by Logitech and Blue Microphones, both companies now reveal their newest ambassador: content creator Ally Pacor (Always Ally).

Pacor bested 300 Aussie creators who campaigned hard on social media to amass votes and to secure the top 5 position, which will be judged by an expert panel. After the contest, she was named as Clash of the Creator Champion 2021.

Pacor is an Adelaide gamer (variety Twitch streamer) and body painter, whose unique interpretations of game titles, movies, and popular memes through bodypainting work over the past three years has attracted a dedicated and loyal online audience that pushed her right to the top of the competition.

Stephanie Hex Bendixsen, Australian media personality, gamer, and judge of the Clash of the Creator contest, describes Ally as wonderful, creative streamer, and praises her focus on inclusivity. She says her video submission was great to see.

The inaugural competition was launched by Logitech in response to the rapidly growing community of content creators in Australia and worldwide. Content creation is booming. Gamers, cooks, podcasters, musicians, and different talents have dipped their toes to create content for a niche audience. This was evident by the number of entrants in the first year of the competition.

Estelle Fry, Logitech Asia Pacific head of audio, streaming, and creating, says Logitech has seen such a rise in talent diversity, having worked with creators for years in Australia.

She enthuses: We were absolutely thrilled with the number of people who entered and are excited to welcome Ally to the Logitech family.

As the winner of Clash of the Creator, Ally bags a $15,000 Creator Prize Pack, including $5,000 cash, as well as a 12-month Logitech and Blue Microphones ambassadorship.

Others on the expert judging panel included the OG Instagram influencers, podcasters and designers, Lucy Kate Jackson and Nikki Westcott of We the Wild Ones, and partnered Twitch streamer and e-sports commentator, TheMasterBucks, aka Jake Buckley.
Evolving since 2003, OSF Digital promises next level digital transformation services and world-class B2C services, now adeptly force multiplied by the Adept Groups tech-leading B2B reach, accelerating the companys effort and mission to become the top global digital transformation partner to commerce brands worldwide.

With some of the worlds biggest brands already on its roster, digital commerce-focused system integrator OSF Digital is enhancing its B2C services in Australia and New Zealand through the acquisition of Adept Group, while also establishing what it says will be a leading position for its B2B commerce capabilities in the region.

The company offers ecommerce solutions and digital transformation services to B2B and B2C companies worldwide, and says its customers include some of the worlds biggest brands: L'Oreal USA, Burton, Ubisoft, Bouclair, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Geox, Kal Tire, Stonewall Kitchen, Lush Handmade Cosmetics, Domaine Chandon, Urban Barn and many more.

Clearly, the companys focus on showing its focus on becoming the go-to digital commerce transformation partner to brands globally has been an ever improving reality for some time, with the company growing to over 1000 employees and 40 offices worldwide.

With 2020 a year of accelerated digital transformation for OSF Digital as it was for virtually everyone, and the company announcing a $43 million war chest earlier this month for further expansion and the delivery of what the company says is it robust acquisition roadmap, which welcomes new companies in 2021 with strategic services and solutions valuable to customers," its future was looking good before the Adept Group acquisition, and even stronger afterwards.

A Salesforce partner for 10 years and recognised by Salesforce as a Navigator Expert for its expertise in both B2B and B2C Commerce the firm claims deep industry expertise enabling it to identify a clients unique requirements and launch innovative commerce solutions dedicated to specific markets and industry verticals.

OSF says this expertise was useful in 2020 when it launched 20+ out-of-the-box industry-specific solutions and commerce accelerators to help brands around the world begin selling online fast and overcome pandemic-related challenges - which OSF was itself selling online to empower a whole range of customers overcome their own pandemic-related challenges, through which OSF was obviously empowered to overcome its own.

So, why the Adept Group, and when did the two companies start working together?

Naturally, OSF says the acquisition of Adept establishes it as a tech-leading B2B partner in a fast-growing region while providing new opportunities for OSF to deliver its world-class B2C services.

With offices in Auckland and Wellington, Adept is billed as an independently and already recognised expert in B2B commerce whose customers include many of the areas top banking, retail, energy and FMCG companies.

However, in what is obviously very synergistic with OSFs own expertise, were told that Adept also has strong expertise in Core Salesforce clouds including Sales, Service, Community and Marketing Cloud as well as being a regional leader in CPQ which complements its B2B Commerce services.

Gerard (Gerry) Szatvanyi, Co-Founder, President and CEO of OSF Digital said: The relationship between OSF and Adept began in 2019, when Adept joined the OSF Global Partner Alliance. OSF leadership noticed the vision of the two companies was aligned on the goal of delivering both B2B and B2C commerce services.

As part of the companys effort and mission to become the top global digital transformation partner to commerce brands worldwide, OSF began looking at New Zealand and Australia as logical opportunities for expansion.

Adept was a terrific match based on the strength of its reputation, skill set and relationships with many of the leading brands in the region. This acquisition expands our presence in Australia, drawing on the coordination of our existing team in the Asia-Pacific region.

The move also strengthens our position as a leading digital transformation partner to B2B and B2C brands that want to start or enhance their digital strategies locally and expand globally, Szatvanyi continued.

Dominic Stow, CEO of Adept and now OSFs Regional VP for the A/NZ region said: There are few, if any, digital commerce services firms in the region with the skills or experience to help B2C companies develop and implement their digital strategies  and zero with the strength or capabilities that OSF has to offer.

By joining forces, we can continue meeting the needs of our core B2B customer base while creating an opportunity to engage a long list of B2C companies in the region that have been underserved from a digital commerce perspective.

In addition, we will be able to expand our ability to deliver on our customers digital transformation objectives by combining Commerce solutions with Salesforce Core Cloud solutionsa very compelling proposition to be able to provide this full customer 360 to our clients, Stow concluded.

OSF Digitals record of customer win-wins over the last few years and this year alone as chronicled at its newsroom is an impressive sign the company has reached the next level its own ability to continually improve through the constantly evolving digital transformation of its own operations alongside the worlds own constant technological achievements, upheavals and innovations, allowing it to offer an ever-more sophisticated, mature, thoroughly modern, and ever improving set of products, solutions on its ever evolving platform.

Of course, any company considering its services would naturally do their own due diligence on OSF, its products, services, customers, partners and the platforms uses and builds to deliver on its promises, but with so many businesses regionally and globally needing to thoroughly modernise and streamline their operations through cutting edge technologies built for the realities of 2021 and beyond, companies of the scale that OSF Digital serves are obviously taking a good, hard look at the companys solutions, and choosing OSF as their partner to do so.

Whatever happens, OSF now has a more powerful presence in the A/NZ markets with its investment, and thats always a good sign for continued competition and innovation, and as long as that keeps happening, customers will be the winners, and companies life ODF will be too.

One wonders what digital transformation will look like in 2030. Ultra-advanced programmable matter of the type seen in a short YouTube clip from the first episode of Season 3 of Star Trek: Discovery is extremely unlikely to be available that soon, even though there are people working on robotic programmable matter right now (see this November 2020 YouTube video) but to update the well known saying, the future is not only being re-invented by individuals and companies, and the technologies that win the fight are being distributed to ever more people at ever faster rates the world over

Although we rightly think all of our incredible technological advancements are amazing, by the lens of science fiction writers we can see that our current tech is still in the equivalent of the black and white TV era of technological innovation, so as long as we dont blow ourselves up in a financial, ecological, medical, nuclear or other catastrophe first, what we do have today really is amazing - and the best is still yet to come.
Puppet has entered into an agreement with Arrow Electronics to continue its investment in the Australia and New Zealand region through channel relationships.

Puppet has signed an Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) distribution agreement with Arrow Electronics, a valued-added distributor.

The infrastructure automation company helps enterprises modernise, manage, and bring into compliance hybrid infrastructure through continuous automation. Puppet has partnered with some of the largest organisations in Australia and New Zealand spanning verticals like financial services, education, government and telecommunications. Current customers include ANZ Bank and Monash University.

According to the updated Cyber Security Strategy 2020, businesses will be required to comply with new minimum standards of cybersecurity set by industry and potentially enforced by a regulator, under a Federal Government plan to strengthen the nation's defences against cybercrime.

The legislative and regulatory framework is expected to adopt and leverage recognised ISO and/ or IEC Standards as baseline requirements for organisations.

David Hayes, Puppet head of business development, APAC, says that the pressure to act fast while remaining secure and compliant at cost is a significant concern for organisations today, especially those who exist I highly regulated environments or are dealing with a complex set of compliance needs.

By prioritising information technology, we believe there is a real opportunity for more organisations in Australia and New Zealand to scale more efficiently, accelerate revenue growth, remain compliant to avoid fines, and mitigate security risk through their current workforce.

The company, Hayes says, is excited about the agreement with Arrow, which will maximise this opportunity and accelerate our growth across the region.

The relationship with Arrow is aligned with Puppets plan to bring on additional channel partners across ANZ and the rest of the APJ region, in addition to bolstering its channel team in the coming months.

Puppet says Arrows enterprise computing solutions business aggregates the worlds leading technologies and services to enable its global channel ecosystem.

Arrows cloud management platform, ArrowSphere, removes complexity in the IT buying process by connecting these technologies with thousands of channel partners and millions of end-users through an extensive cloud catalogue and consumption management capabilities.
VicTrack delegates Juniper Networks to upgrade its statewide network to provide safer and more efficient commuting experience in Victoria, one of the most populated states in Australia.

VicTrack, the state-owned enterprise that owns all railway and tram lines, networks and infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia, has commissioned Juniper Networks for the upgrade of its statewide network that supports mission-critical transport and government applications, Juniper Networks announced.

Junipers technological expertise will allow VicTrack to provide a safer and more efficient commuting experience in Victoria, as well as simultaneously bolstering its networking infrastructure to support its business expansion plans to offer communication solutions for the enterprise market.

As an integral part of the thriving transport system in a state with a population of nearly seven million people, VicTrack provides a full range of telecommunications solutions for the Victorian Government and its transport partners in support of operational systems and business communications. The company additionally operates and manages an extensive telecommunication network along the rail corridor that includes nearly 3,000km of fibre.

To keep pace with Victorias growing population and the increasing demands of its Transport and Government Secure Network (TGSN), were told that VicTrack has strengthened its partnership with Juniper to upgrade to a modern, agile, and automated network infrastructure.

By selectively replacing legacy components while maintaining the existing Juniper Networks MX and ACX platforms, VicTrack will be able to seamlessly and cost-effectively digitise to meet the needs of its business.

The network refresh, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year, will position VicTrack to support the delivery of better transport and telecommunications solutions far into the future, across both public and enterprise applications.

Bruce Moore, executive general manager, VicTrack is delighted to expand and continue its partnership with Juniper Networks.

The ongoing upgrades will lead to improved network reliability and scalability, as well as simplified network management and operations. Through this network refresh, we are confident in growing VicTracks position as a leader in the transport and telecommunications sector, crucial to helping us drive future growth, he affirms.

He adds: Alongside Juniper, we remain committed toward providing our customers with leading transportation and communication offerings, experiences and solutions for time to come.

Bruce Bennie, vice president and general manager, ANZ, Juniper Networks, is honoured that the company was chosen for this project.

Bennie concludes: With a seamless refresh of their networking infrastructure, we are confident we can help VicTrack offer a solution that is simpler, yet more flexible and powerful to its customers. Our work with VicTrack is testament to Junipers commitment toward building networks that are at the forefront of modern and future innovation, all while delivering on our vision of experience-first networking.
IoT provider Digi International is to relocate its Australian headquarters from Rocklea to Milton later this year.

Digi plans to move its HQ approximately 12km in September 2021. The newly renovated premises in Milton are much closer to the CBD than the current location, and the expectation is that this will strengthen Digis presence and increase visibility in the Australian market while providing a welcoming environment for staff returning to work.

We are looking forward to this move to strategically support our continued expansion, said Digi Australia managing director and vice president of engineering Matt Ramsay.

In the last year alone, we have achieved double-digit growth and significantly increased our presence in Brisbane. Thanks to our world-class team of innovators, no other network solutions provider in the area has the depth of engineering talent we possess.

The new site will accommodate the company's engineering and technology talent  including those from Digis Opengear subsidiary  in a modern, collaborative space.

This newly renovated office space will support our continued growth in the Australian market and beyond, said Opengear vice president of engineering Simon Pincus.

As the company continues to grow within Digi International, were excited to welcome the teams partial return to office, and further increasing our market reach  all under the same roof.

Digi Australias engineering team performs much of the company's early cellular prototyping, thermal testing and electrical engineering, using facilities including a next generation 5G call box to simulate 5G mobile network towers.

Image: Brisbane City Council via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Chipmaker Qualcomm Technologies has announced a new SoC, the 778G 5G, new reference designs to speed up 5G adoption across industry segments, and new features in its X65 5G Modem-RF systems that it claims will help expand 5G take-up across the globe.

The three announcements were made at the company's annual 5G summit, held online this year due to the ongoing pandemic.

The 778G is expected to be used in smartphones in the second quarter of 2021, the company said in a statement, adding that brands like Honor  Huawei's former budget smartphone division which it sold last year  iQoo, Motorola, OPPO, realme and Xiaomi would all be launching models based on the chip.

The 778G is expected to sit midway between the 888 SoC and the 765G, and will be built using 6nm technology. The SoC is claimed to be able to provide better mobile gaming and improved AI that will manifest itself in better photos and videos.

"Snapdragon 778G was developed to address the growing demand by global OEMs for more platform options in the high-tier, said Kedar Kondap, vice-president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies.

Snapdragon 778G brings many of the latest premium technologies and features into the high-tier to help make next generation experiences more broadly accessible.

The new SoC will include the integrated Snapdragon X53 5G Modem-RF System to help deliver mmWave and sub-6 5G capabilities.

The new reference designs are powered by the first 3GPP Release 16 5G modem-RF solutions - Snapdragon X65 and X62 5G Modem-RF Systems  and are claimed to support better spectrum aggregation, global 5G sub-6 and extended-range mmWave, and high power efficiency.

The company said these reference designs for a plug-and-play M.2 form factor would allow OEMs to reduce time to launch for high-performance 5G-enabled products.

Weve seen a dramatic growth in data consumption as a result of remote work and higher mobility. To help meet this data demand and create exciting new products and experiences, our new 5G M.2 Reference Designs tackle many 5G design complexities upfront so that OEMs dont have to, said Durga Malladi, senior vice-president and general manager, 4G/5G, Qualcomm Technologies.

Qualcomm Technologies is committed to leading the acceleration and expansion of 5G beyond smartphones. Weve built world-class engineering and customer service teams dedicated to 5G mobile broadband to equip customers with advanced reference designs.

"We are empowering the ecosystem to bring next generation Release 16 5G products as early as late 2021 and helping create new business opportunities across computing, CPEs, XR, gaming, industrial IoT and beyond.

The company also said it would be launching new, upgraded features and capabilities for the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, including improved power

efficiency and support for wider mmWave carriers  a key requirement ahead of the rollout of 5G mmWave networks in China.

The Snapdragon X65 is leading the way in the 10 Gigabit 5G era, and defining whats possible by expanding coverage and capacity, power efficiency and superior performance for the end user, said Malladi.

Qualcomm Technologies pioneered 5G with mmWave delivering extreme capacity, ultra-high throughput and low latency to reshape mobile experiences."
India has given WhatsApp, a company owned by Facebook, a week to drop its proposed new privacy policy or face punitive action. WhatsApp is not enforcing the new privacy policy in European Union countries.

The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology made its second request to WhatsApp about the matter, after the company responded to the first request by saying that it had deferred the adoption of the policy.

The changes would mean that communications with businesses by WhatsApp users  whether by email, phone or WhatsApp itself  will be visible to the application.

WhatsApp issued a notice earlier this month, saying that it would not delete users' accounts or make the app unusable as soon as the deadline passed.

But, as the Indian news magazine India Today,, the government has not been pleased with the WhatsApp response.

In a letter, the government said: "As you are doubtless aware, many Indian citizens depend on WhatsApp to communicate in everyday life.

"It is not just problematic, but also irresponsible, for WhatsApp to leverage this position to impose unfair terms and conditions on Indian users, particularly those that discriminate against Indian users vis-a-vis users in Europe.

The letter said the new privacy policy violated several provisions of Indian laws, adding that it would look at various options if WhatsApp did not back down.

India Today quoted a WhatsApp spokesperson as saying in response: "We continue to engage with the government and we reaffirm what we said before that this update does not impact the privacy of personal messages for anyone.

"Our goal is to provide information about new options we are building that people will have, to message a business on WhatsApp, in the future. While the majority of users who have received the new terms of service have accepted them, we appreciate some people haven't had the chance to do so yet.

"No accounts were deleted on 15 May because of this update and no one in India lost functionality of WhatsApp either. We will follow up with reminders to people over the next several weeks.

"We're grateful for the important role WhatsApp plays in people's lives and we'll take every opportunity to explain how we protect people's personal messages and private information."

This is not the first time that the Indian Government has confronted WhatsApp. In 2018, the company was issued a warning after several people were killed due to the circulation of incendiary messages on the platform.

Deaths were reported from many states such as Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tripura and West Bengal.
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Primatologist Jane Goodall was named, Thursday, as this year's winner of the prestigious Templeton Prize, honoring individuals whose life's work embodies a fusion of science and spirituality. AP-Yonhap



Jane Goodall, the conservationist renowned for her expertise on chimpanzees and her globe-spanning advocacy of environmental causes, was named Thursday as this year's winner of the prestigious Templeton Prize, honoring individuals whose life's work embodies a fusion of science and spirituality.



Goodall, born in London in 1934, traveled to Kenya in 1957 and met the famed anthropologist and paleontologist Louis Leakey. In 1960, at his invitation, she began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania.



Her field research revolutionized the field of primatology, helping transform how scientists and the public perceive the emotional and social complexity of animals. She was the first to observe that chimpanzees engage in activities previously believed to be exclusive to humans, such as creating tools, and she demonstrated that they have individual personalities.



"Her discoveries have profoundly altered the world's view of animal intelligence and enriched our understanding of humanity in a way that is both humbling and exalting,'' said Heather Templeton Dill, president of the John Templeton Foundation, which helps administers the prize.



Established in 1972 by the late philanthropist Sir John Templeton, the Templeton Prize is one of the world's largest individual awards  currently valued at 1.1 million pounds, or $1.56 million. Past winners include Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.



Last year's honoree was Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health in the United States and leader of the Human Genome Project.



Goodall, in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of the award's announcement, recalled how her work with the chimpanzees led to a broader appreciation for nature as she spent hours by herself in the forest.



"Out there in nature by myself, when you're alone, you can become part of nature and your humanity doesn't get in the way,'' she said. "It's almost like an out-of-body experience when suddenly you hear different sounds and you smell different smells and you're actually part of this amazing tapestry of life."



"Every time a little species vanishes, it may not seem important,'' she added. "But the thread is pulled from that tapestry and the picture gets weaker as more threads are pulled, until that tapestry, once so beautiful, is hanging in tatters.''



As her fame grew, she expanded into a diverse range of activities, including humanitarian initiatives and advocacy for the ethical treatment of animals.



She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to sustain the study and protection of chimpanzees while also improving the welfare of scores of local communities. In 1991 she founded Roots Shoots, an environmental and humanitarian program whose hands-on projects have benefited communities, animals and the environment in more than 65 countries.



"Some people seem to believe that we can live separated from nature, but we can't,'' Goodall said.



"We're animals, too, you know, by definition. ... We just happen to have (less) hair and have had an explosive development of our intellect. But we seem to fail when it comes to wisdom  the wisdom that says, 'The decision I make now, how will that affect future generations or the health of the planet?'''



In recent decades, Goodall has averaged more than 300 days of travel each year, educating audiences worldwide about nature, conservation and the potential for collective action to bring about change. The coronavirus pandemic halted those travels, she has continued to have a strong influence through virtual participation in events and lectures involving thousands of people in scores of countries.



She launched a podcast from her childhood home in England and, at age 87, is reaching millions of people through social media.



Raised as a Christian, Goodall said she developed her own sense of spirituality in the forests of Tanzania  in essence, believing that all living things and the natural world are connected through a divine force.



She recalled her mother saying to her, when she was a girl, "You will be brought up in a Christian family, so you worship God. But you might have been born in Egypt and then you would worship Allah, or you might have been born in a Buddhist country or one with a Hindu religion.''



"And she said there can only be one God," Goodall said, "and so the name that we call him or her or, it really doesn't matter.''



As much as she respects science, she prefers it to have some limits.



"The world is so full of magic and surprises,'' she said. "I like to keep an open mind, and I like to think of magic. I don't want us to find out all the answers. ... One day we will learn the answers, but not on this planet.'' (AP)


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MiMi-Sandra of Fort Worth, born 7 September 1945 in Jacksonville to Joe Selman Gore and Jeffie Gwendolyn (Lazenby) Gore. Preceded by her parents and five siblings. Survived by her husband, daughters, four siblings, nieces and nephews.




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Tennessee State Universitys Aristocrat of Bands drum line performs during the procession last week when the three constitutions were moved from the old state library west of the Tennessee Capitol to its new home on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
This Is Where South Carolinas Health Care System Ranks in the US
Joplin, MO (64801)

Today

Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.


PCC, a private, Winooski-based healthcare IT Benefit Corporation, seeks an Integration Developer to join our team. If you are interested in strengthening pediatric practices by connecting them to their care delivery partners throughout the healthcare ecosystem, we would love to hear from you. This is a versatile technical role with elements of software development (focused on API, web services, etc.), operations (deployment, monitoring, issue remediation), and project management (working with 3rd party technical teams to bring solutions from specification to production).



Applicants must have: Technical skills and experience with Unix/Linux environments, working on a technical team, using software development languages/frameworks, and using any modern RDBMS required.

Familiarity with web and application communication protocols and healthcare domain also required. See extended job description on our site for more details. Dont worry if you dont check all the boxes here; the most important factor is your ability to pick up new skills and seek out robust technical solutions for the challenges of healthcare interoperability. If this sounds like your realm, our team would love to meet you!



In order to keep our employees and families safe while we continue to develop our software and support our clients, PCCs employees have been working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect this policy to continue a little longer so there will be virtual interviews for this position. Once our office is fully open (expected about Fall 2021), we will be looking for employees to be onsite at our Winooski office in the Champlain Mill.



As a Benefit Corporation, we place high value on client, employee and community relationships. Our company offers a friendly, informal, and professional work environment. PCC offers competitive benefits as well as some uncommon perks.



To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by clicking APPLY NOW with "Integration Developer" in the subject line. Position open until filled.

No phone calls please.

AA/EOE

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Joplin, MO (64801)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.


Writer/Editor Salary: $44.71 - $67.09 Hourly

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time

Department: Seattle Information Technology

Job Number: 2021-00679

Closing: 6/8/2021 4:00 PM Pacific Position Description We are seeking a self-motivated talented writer to join the Seattle IT Communications Team! We are an inclusive team that strives to build thoughtful and impactful communication materials. Our team is responsible for multiple newsletters, social media accounts, and SharePoint sites designed to inform IT staff and client departments. We require someone with a passion for sharing the success stories of our IT colleagues with a gift of translating tech talk into engaging conversational content. Department Overview As a city, Seattle is known as a progressive leader in technology, innovation, and the environment. As an employer, the City of Seattle is leading local government in environmental stewardship and social justice amongst other things, making our City what it is today and shaping our exciting future. The organizations workforce plays a critical role in making this possible. Seattle IT is the technology backbone of the City of Seattles complex operations and its ability to deliver a wide array of services to the residents of Seattle. The 700+ strong professionals in Seattle IT are involved in the full spectrum of a modern IT enterprise offering many dynamic career opportunities. Our vision is simple: be a Best-in-Class digital services delivery team and set best practices for others to follow. Job Responsibilities Position Overview Communications is a strategic component in the framework of Seattle IT, keeping staff abreast of emerging issues and moving the department forward in its strategic vision. In this position, you will be responsible for producing high-quality content that engages clients and builds brand recognition. Your main duties will include creating informative content, articles, social media content, graphics and more while working on multiple projects with tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with strong project management and organizational skills. This position will report to the Communications Manager and be a member of the Seattle IT Communications Team. You will represent Seattle IT in client meetings depending on project assignments. You will be successful in this position if you possess: ability to craft narratives for IT clients;

ability to connect the diverse work of IT to build a storyboard;

ability to build RSJI component into all communications;

mastery in the use of collaboration tools including social media to deliver messaging;

ability to craft impactful content for a variety of uses including City Council, internal IT, clients, and Seattle residents;

ability to predict the communication needs of the department;

ability to maintain and update SharePoint sites; and

ability to create graphics for publications and social media. Key Responsibilities/Expectations: This position will be an active member of the Communications team, present in meetings with ideas, strategic thinking for projects and communications campaigns, and a willingness to jump in and work on a variety of projects including: Develop, write, and edit stories for newsletters, SharePoint sites, and social media.

Develop engaging graphics for use in newsletters, social media, and more.

Assist with building, updating, and maintaining SharePoint sites as it relates to communications stories including Seattle IT sites and the main City InWeb site.

Collaborate on problem-solving of key issues as they arise.

Serve as lead for or carry out special studies, projects, or reports; serve on special task forces and committees.

Manage communication projects, liaise with other Seattle IT teams as a Communications Team representative.

Assist with communication projects including event planning, event support, and various assignments commensurate with the Strategic Advisor 2 level. Qualifications NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education, experience and/or training will be considered for the recruitment qualifications. Bachelors degree in journalism, communications or public relations, or a closely related field.

Minimum four years professional experience in communications, project management, strategic planning, marketing, or public relations.

Experience communicating to internal/external audiences as an authoritative representative of the department.

Experience representing the priorities and interests of senior management on a variety of cross functional, departmental, or jurisdictional teams.

Demonstrated high level skills in public relations and communications.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service.

Ability to establish and maintain timelines.

Ability to exercise good judgment.

Ability to interact effectively with elected officials, executive management, and technology professionals.

Demonstrated leadership in a workplace that values diversity. NOTE: Submit cover letter and resume along with NeoGov application. NOTE: Employment contingent upon successful completion of comprehensive background investigation in compliance with Seattles Fair Change Employment Ordinance SMC 14.17. Background investigation may include CJIS certification conducted under the purview of Seattle Police Department. Desired Qualifications Experience in government environment.

Ability to work creatively and quickly within the structure of the public sector.

Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines, as well as successfully work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Organized, creative, efficient, flexible and a team player. Other Information Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Agency City of Seattle Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104 Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs

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Town Reporter

Olivia covers East Hartford & South Windsor. She joined the JI in March 2019. She graduated from the University of Kansas, and she enjoys running & hanging out with her Manchester terrier, Sophie. Olivia loves journalism because it can change the world.
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Congress was divided over creation of a bipartisan commission to investigate Januarys deadly US Capitol storming, with Republican opposition coalescing ahead of a House vote Wednesday on the truth-seeking panel.

One day after the top House Republican came out against the commission, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also expressed opposition, raising new hurdles to getting the fact-finding probe off the ground more than four months after the riot.

In January McConnell blamed then-president Donald Trump for inciting violence at the Capitol, which was overrun by Trump supporters seeking to block certification of the election won by Joe Biden.

This week McConnell said he remained open to supporting a commission if changes were made to its structure, but by Wednesday he hardened his opposition.

After careful consideration, Ive made a decision to oppose the House Democrats slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January the 6th, McConnell said.

He pointed to ongoing law enforcement investigations that have already resulted in hundreds of arrests, and said a new panel might cause unnecessary overlap.

The gridlock came hours before the House of Representatives was to vote on legislation that would create a commission evenly split between five members chosen by Democrats and five chosen by Republicans.

The measure is expected to pass the House with overwhelming support from Democrats and at least some Republicans.

But McConnells opposition, coming a day after Trump urged Republicans to oppose it, complicates passage in the Senate.

The chamber is divided 50-50, but at least 10 Republicans would have to join Democrats for the measure to become law.

It sounds like they are afraid of the truth, and thats most unfortunate, Pelosi told reporters, referring to Republicans.

While McCarthy had slammed Pelosis tactics for the panel, Pelosi herself said she yielded to several Republican demands including a 50-50 commission split, and equal subpoena power from the panels chair and vice chair.

John Katko, the Republican congressman who helped craft the bipartisan deal, told the House that the commission would would depoliticized entirely.

Other Republicans though say they would like broader scope to allow investigation into last years violence at Black Lives Matter protests, but Pelosi refused.

She said the panel would be similar to the high-profile 9/11 commission created in 2002.

That bodys two chairs, former New Jersey governor Tom Kean and ex-congressman Lee Hamilton, have endorsed a January 6 commission.

As we did in the wake of September 11, its time to set aside partisan politics and come together as Americans in common pursuit of truth and justice, the pair said in a statement Wednesday.
Germanys top diplomat Heiko Maas said he stood with Israel as he visited Thursday, and called for a ceasefire between the Jewish state and the Gaza Strips Islamist rulers Hamas.

I came here to express my solidarity Israel has the right to defend itself against this massive and unacceptable attack, Maas said at joint news conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv.

Maas is the most prominent diplomat to visit since fighting between Israel and Hamas broke out on May 10.

Gaza militants have fired more than 4,000 rockets towards Israel, killing 12 people, according to the Israeli authorities. Israel has responded with air strikes that have killed 230 people, according to Gaza health authorities.

Ashkenazi thanked Maas for his support.

No country in the world would accept acts of terrorism and aggression towards its citizens. Israel uses proportionate force while doing all it can to avoid harming civilians, he said.

The Israeli military says its bombing campaign is aimed at destroying a network of tunnels Hamas uses underneath residential neighbourhoods and other infrastructure.

The impact on civilians in the blockaded Palestinian enclave has been devastating, with tens of thousands of people taking cover in United Nations schools.

In Israel, the rockets have disrupted life and sent thousands of people ducking into bomb shelters.

Ashkenazi accused Hamas of a double war crime, saying they fire at Israeli citizens from within population centres in Gaza, using the entire population of Gaza as human shields.

Maas said the number of victims is rising every day and this greatly concerns us.

The German foreign minister had been in nearly constant contact with Ashkenazi during the past week, he said, as well as diplomats in Cairo, Doha, Amman and Washington.

I hope that the efforts to reach a ceasefire will also be successful, he said.

Maas underscored Germanys support for Israel.

Let me say it again very clearly: For us the security of Israel and the security of all Jews in Germany are non-negotiable and Israel can always rely on that, he said.

Maas later joined Ashkenazi for a visit to the central Israeli city of Petah Tikvah, where he was taken to a building that was hit by a rocket fired from Gaza.

The German diplomat is scheduled to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah. He has no plans to meet with Hamas, which the European Union considers a terrorist organisation.
The recent protests and violent crackdown in Colombia reveal why it is so important not only to defend the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement but also put into practice one of its most innovative elements: the inclusion of a restorative justice approach in the investigation of human rights violations. As a Colombian lawyer working on the protection of human rights, I have witnessed how human rights abuses in my country threaten to derail the peace process. Despite the criticism surrounding restorative sanctions, such measures could heal these societal wounds and bring about a sustainable peace.

In Colombia, the creation of several mechanisms with an underlying principle of restorative justice, most notably the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), opened up a real possibility for innovative criminal procedures to overcome many of the shortcomings of retributive justice and embrace an approach that truly puts victims at the centre. Effectively using the special restorative sanctions, or sanciones propias, would bring deeper meaning to victim participation and healing among communities. This moment is getting closer as on 30 April 2021, eight former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) commanders acknowledged their responsibility for the crime of taking hostages in the context of Case 01.

Victim-centred justice

Despite this accountability milestone for Colombian history, it is important to remember that a genuine restorative justice approach does not merely rely on sentencing, but also on all the previous steps taken within the investigation and prosecution of human rights violations. These steps include how victims are interviewed and treated in judicial proceedings, for what purposes they are called to intervene in court, how victims are repaired, among other key issues which must demonstrate that attention has truly shifted from focusing only on the criminal responsibility of perpetrators to victims demands.

To this end, the Colombian case has already set an important precedent in terms of its design by giving accountability a different purpose. The Peace Agreement established the JEP which is a judicial body that  in a unique way for a tribunal that is bound to apply international law  manages to combine a retributive and a restorative justice approach, as both are equally needed. It establishes that institutions need to place special emphasis on restorative and reparative measures and seek to achieve justice not only through retributive sanctions. Thus, from a retributive approach, the Agreement establishes an effective possibility of restriction of liberty. It allows for long periods of imprisonment in cases of non-compliance, which can go up to 20 years under ordinary prison conditions. On the other hand, from a restorative justice approach, the Colombian model introduced special restorative sanctions that can only be imposed if perpetrators acknowledge their responsibility and tell the truth.

Such stipulations allow the JEP to impose, on a case-by-case basis, penalties with a reparative effect on victims lives taking into account their demands and concerns. The JEP must ensure that sanctions benefit communities by redressing the social exclusion caused by the human rights violations that took place. The Agreement contains a list of penalties including sentencing perpetrators to rebuild schools, roads, health centres and other facilities that were destroyed by them during armed attacks.

Bolstering victim participation

The Agreement also substantively fosters victims participation, which is usually one of the main shortcomings of retributive approaches. Given that the goal of trials is to determine whether a person has committed a crime and to what extent they were implicated, very often victims are only called to testify to fit those purposes. However, the Colombian model  which under the Peace Agreement consists of the JEP, as well as the Truth Commission and the Missing Persons Unit  truly puts victims in the centre.It includes innovative ways of ensuring this restorative impact, for instance, by establishing mechanisms for consulting with victims on which restorative sanctions should be imposed, what they mean to them and how they should be applied.

Such consultations have already started, as victims can submit reports about the crimes suffered in writing and orally. This major accomplishment in itself has already demonstrated that, beyond the specific penalty imposed on perpetrators, empowering victims and giving them agency is a key step in terms of what a restorative process must be. For example, during many of the testimonies provided by victims within the JEPs Case 01 on hostage-taking, magistrates have asked victims about these sanctions and how, in their opinion and despite the terrible pain they suffered, those penalties should look like in practice. These types of consultations have had an unprecedented value for victims.

In the past, victims hadnt been the centre of the process. We hadnt felt that way. Thus, I have accepted to come forward before the JEP because I feel that the JEP puts victims in the centre and not perpetrators. Perpetrators cant be the main protagonists of a peace process, said Consuelo Gonzalez de Perdomo, a former congresswoman who was kidnapped by the FARC for almost seven years.

Weathering the criticism and rebuilding relationships

The restorative justice approach has faced criticism given that it has traditionally been used to address ordinary and minor crimes in societies. In many jurisdictions, for example, young people who were involved in minor first-time offences are made to do community service to repair the harm they have done. Thus, according to some, applying restorative justice to a context in which massive human rights violations have been committed could appear inadequate. In the eyes of the public, accountability is usually equivalent to punishment which is supposed to translate into long periods of imprisonment. The longer the time in jail, the more people feel that justice has been served.

What needs to be more clearly communicated is that one of the main objectives of restorative justice is to repair the broken relationships between victims and perpetrators. Thus, providing the offenders with the opportunity to repair the damage they have caused and promoting dialogue between perpetrators and victims is crucial. Due to the current stage of the JEPs proceedings, these types of encounters havent taken place within all cases. However, important steps have already been taken in this direction. So far, after the voluntary hearings, in which perpetrators are given the opportunity to confess their crimes and tell the truth, victims are requested to submit their questions and comments. This process allows victims to address questions to alleged perpetrators, for instance, regarding their cases, the place where their family members are buried, among other issues.

Unaddressed challenges

Although meetings between victims and perpetrators have started taking place, much more needs to be done. This requires a lot of preparation and outreach. Perpetrators need to truly understand the damage their crimes have caused and show sincere remorse. Otherwise, these meetings could be re-victimizing given that, for example, many perpetrators still try to justify, in one way or another, the crimes they committed. Such a process is key for both to start interacting and move towards reconciliation. A reconciliation which, evidently, cant be imposed on victims.

Additionally, from a restorative justice approach, judicial processes need to acknowledge that whenever wrongdoings take place, they cause harm not only to victims themselves but also to the relationships that bind them to their communities. This is still an issue that remains unexplored. For instance, within Case 01, many victims have stated how society has sometimes made their pain worse. Many of them have been judged, criticized and even blamed for being kidnapped. Also, due to lack of empathy from the media, their privacy has been constantly violated. This hostile and cruel reaction from society has caused us almost more pain than all the terrible suffering we went through during captivity, says Consuelo Gonzalez.

While many of the victims testimonies having been recorded and made available online at their request, most people dont know about these. More outreach is needed to ensure that victims are seen, heard and repaired. The different mechanisms created by the Peace Agreement must be more inclusive of society as a whole. Not only perpetrators but all of Colombian society must take steps towards peace and reconciliation. As a community we havent fully acknowledged victims and their suffering. The time has come for us to be brave enough to redress it.

All eyes are on the JEP. While it is too early to know if the implementation of the restorative sanctions will be successful, a fair evaluation of this experience must focus on the process itself. Despite how unconventional those penalties sound for many people, what truly matters is how victims and perpetrators get there and more importantly, how this would meet victims expectations. This process is particularly meaningful at a time when judicial actors nationally and internationally are struggling to develop comprehensive reparation measures that provide redress for individual victims, but also for the broader communities affected by mass atrocity crimes. There is a huge opportunity for the international community to learn from the pioneering approach Colombia has embarked on.
A growing campaign for justice for war victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused fresh tensions with neighbouring Rwanda and its leader Paul Kagame whose troops took part in two invasions in the 1990s.

In an interview with AFP, DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi threw his weight behind calls for accountability for the more than two decades of devastating violence in the east of the country that has left millions dead or missing.

But he said he did not wish to pick a dispute with Kagame.

Tshisekedi urged the international community to build on the findings of a landmark UN investigation in 2010, known as the Mapping Report, which concluded that atrocities had been committed in his vast, resource-rich country.

The Mapping (Report) was produced by the international community, they must continue it because we need justice to be delivered to our victims, Tshisekedi said in Paris on Wednesday after a summit on post-pandemic financing for Africa.

The report, carried out by international investigators for the UN Human Rights Commissioner, described 617 serious crimes between 1993-2003 that could amount to war crimes and possibly genocide.

The report recommended further investigation and the prosecution of the perpetrators by an international war crimes court.

Rwanda, whose troops were identified as being responsible for massacres during two invasions in 1996 and again in 1998, along with rebels they backed, has categorically rejected the report.

Tshisekedi said that if there were Rwandan war criminals its in the interest of President Kagame to deliver them to justice because it is a question of honour for his country too.

 Outrage in DR Congo 

Kagame caused anger this week in the DR Congo following an interview he gave on the sidelines of the same African financing conference attended by Tshisekedi.

Asked about the Mapping Report, he rejected it as extremely politicised and highly disputed by people.

There were no crimes, he told journalists from France 24 television and RFI radio.

In response, Congolese politicians and public figures have accused him of negationism and insulting the memory of the victims.

Paul Kagame has never gone so far in his taunting of Congolese people, Juvenal Munubo, a close ally of Tshisekedi and head of the parliamentary defence and security commission, told AFP.

Dignity, justice and reparations are the only appropriate responses faced with the negationism of Kagame, 60 Congolese public figures including artists and scientists wrote in a joint statement published this week.

The flare-up risks complicating efforts to patch up relations between DR Congo and Rwanda, which have been strained ever since the 1990s wars and by allegations that Rwanda backs militias in eastern DR Congo.

Tshisekedi has reached out to Kagame since coming to power in 2019.

In the same interview with France 24 and RFI, Kagame had hailed good discussions with his Congolese counterpart and the environment where we can talk to each other which was lacking before.

Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta attempted to clarify his comments on the Mapping Report on Wednesday, saying there was confusion and that the president had been interrupted.

 Nobel winner 

Civil society groups and Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a gynaecologist specialised in treating victims of sexual violence, have led calls for justice in the region.

Mukwege, who lives under UN protection at his hospital in Bukavu because of persistent death threats, has called for an international tribunal to try war criminals which could mean troops from Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, as well as regular Congolese troops and militia leaders, landing in the dock.

Kagame, whose government has been linked by rights campaigners to disappearances and assassinations of opposition figures, said Mukwege was told what to say and implied he was part of a conspiracy against Rwanda.

Tshisekedi rejected Kagames statements, saying that Mukwege was a figure of national pride as the countrys only Nobel laureate and that the 65-year-old had all of our support.

Kagame ordered troops into the DRC in 1996 to pursue ethnic Hutu militia who had fled there after taking part in the genocide against ethnic Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994.

As well as pursuing the militia, Rwandan troops backed a rebel group known as the AFDL which overthrew Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997 and seized power, with help from neighbouring Uganda and Burundi too.

Many Congolese and Hutu civilians were allegedly killed, along with Hutu militia members.

Rwandan troops invaded the DRC again in 1998, which resulted in the country splitting between rebel-controlled areas in the east and north and a government-controlled area in the west.

The vast central African country, one of the poorest in the world despite its immense mineral wealth, has been dogged by chronic instability, violence and insurgencies ever since, with militias that continue to kill, rape and extort people in the east.

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The United States has condemned in a strongly worded statement the nomination of notorious former Liberian warlord Prince Johnson to a top defence post and said it would not have any relationship with him in his new job.

Johnson, a brutal figure in Liberias first civil war from 1989-1997, was elected head of the Liberian Senate Committee on Defense and Intelligence on Tuesday.

A failed presidential candidate and a Senator, the 68-year-old sent shockwaves around the world for brutality after a video showed him calmly sipping beer while his men tortured former president Samuel Doe to death in 1990.

Johnson is accused of war crimes, mass killings and torture but has never been brought to justice.

The United States, a traditional ally of Liberia  Africas oldest republic founded by freed US slaves  published a trenchant statement on Wednesday evening slamming Johnsons appointment.

Senator Johnsons gross human rights violations during Liberias civil wars are well-documented; his continued efforts to protect himself from accountability, enrich his own coffers and sow division are also well known, the US embassy in Monrovia said in a statement.

That the Liberian Senate would see fit to elevate him to a leadership role  particularly in the area in which he has done this country the most harm  creates doubts as to the seriousness of the Senate as a steward of Liberias defense and security.

The embassy said Washingtons longstanding partnership with the Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia will continue  but we can have no relationship with Senator Johnson.
Charlotte Crosby attacked Vicky Pattison, saying that after she rejected Geordie Shores class reunion, no one cared her.

The 31-year-old reality TV star had a conversation with his companions Scotty T Talked with James Tinsdale about the possibility of reuniting with the original actor.

7 Charlotte Crosby says no one cares Vicky Pattison Credit: Getty

Charlotte Say Vicky -People who appeared together in the original series of the show-Think they are better than Jody ShoreWhile they are discussing who will come back.

Speak on her podcast Values ??and vibrators, She said: This really makes us hope more than ever that we can have a party show. Imagine it. It will be fun.

Then she asked how long they had been sitting in the same room together, and Scotty said it was reunion five years ago.

This is the fifth anniversary special program called Geordie Shore: Big Birthday Battle.

7 She talked with James Tinsdale and Scotty T on the podcast Credit: BackGrid

7 Vicky went on to win I am a celebrity and become a host Image source: Instagram

7 Charlotte and her boyfriend Liam Beaumont (Liam Beaumont) Image source: Instagram

When Scotty said that some people would not go to parties anymore, Charlotte said: For example, Vicky  Vicky would never do it again I dont think we really Who cares about this.

But like Gary [Gaz Beadle] No, that would be a shame. 

When James asked her if she wanted everyone to come back, she said, No! Im sorry to say that, because there are obviously many people I dont know, such as Bo and Besson.

To be honest, I dont mind being with Bethan. But my core characters are you, Scott, James, Aaron, Gary, I can return to or leave Kyle, Holly, Ricky, Jay like everyone else. Together.

7 Charlotte is one of the original Geordie Shore actors Image source: Planet Photos

We have all changed a lot, and this is my core staff.

I dont even mind that Vicky is back, but I know she will never be.

Scotty asked: Why? I dont know why some people protested back?

Charlotte added: I think they keep going, they think they are now taller than George Shore.

7 Charlotte and Vicky-pictured with Holly Hagan-are best friends on the show Credit: Getty

Scotty said: Its not about getting higher, but about being aware of what makes you a reality, because Geordie Shore is the foundation of everyone.

Vicky and Charlotte are in It has been six years since she withdrew from the show in 2014.

In November last year, Vicky told The Sun that her life was going in a different direction from other Geordie Shore stars.

She said: As long as people with a reality show background do well, I will wave the flag and play the role of a cheerleader, so I hope they all have a good time.

7 Vicky left the show in 2014

do not go! When Marcus and Mica revealed that they had filmed the last episode, Gogglebox fans were shocked exclusive heating Too Hot To To Handle is about to return-if the contestant can resist sex, they will receive a $100,000 bonus Hall wants more Who is the 2021 British gourmet menu finalist Roberta Hall-McCarron (Roberta Hall-McCarron)? how dare you? !  Chase fans are angry at the insulting mistakes made by the plank contestants Hopeful Milestone Louise Thompson revealed that she was pregnant a few months after the brutal miscarriage Star quality Can you tell who is the celebrity from this 2013 X Factor ad?

It cant be fair. Ive gotten rid of all of this. We havent kept in touch as we should.

Usually, when you leave your job, you cant always keep in touch with everyone. Your life is moving in a different direction. The Barry in the account seemed cool at the time, but five days later, you didnt always check in to Barry This is natural progress.

But fair play, I hope the actors are doing well, maybe I should keep in touch better, but Im moving in a different direction. I wish them all the best.

At the same time, Vicky and Gaz are two original works It will not be part of the 10th anniversary special commemorative event.

Stars appeared on MTV from the very beginning, but they missed the chance to join the two-person Gildy Shore: Toon Decade, as well as Charlotte Crosby, Nathan Henry, and James. Tyndale and Chloe Ferry.
Zhurong is expected to spend about three months on the earth to study its surface soil and atmosphere.

Solar panels set against the alien landscape, ramps and poles point to the horizon of Mars-on the weekend, after a historic landing in China, the Rover of Zhurong in China has sent back the first photo of the red planet.

On Saturday, this Mars rover was boarded on the unmanned spacecraft Astronomy 1 and flew to Mars. The first successful landing of a probe by any country after its first mission to the earth.

It will study the planets surface soil and atmosphere and look for signs of ancient life.

The China National Aeronautics and Space Administration released images taken by cameras installed on the rover on Wednesday, showing the obstacle avoidance equipment and solar panels on the vehicle, as well as the texture of the planets surface.

Images taken by Mars show the planetary surface of Chinese rover Zhu Rong [China National Space Administration via Reuters]

The space agency said in the social media that shared these images: Internet people, the image of Mars you have been longing for is here.

Zhu Rong, named after Chinas mythical god of fire, arrived a few months after the United States latest exploration of Mars-Perseverance, and has celebrated its milestone in China as a space superpower.

It is expected to spend about three months on the earth taking pictures and collecting geographic data.

China has come a long way in catching up with the United States and Russia. Astronauts and astronauts from the United States and Russia have decades of experience in space exploration.

It started successfully The first module of the new space station last month.

The news bulletin of the official CCTV media was played on the screen, showing the image of Mars taken by the Wanderer Zhu Rong. [Thomas Peter/Reuters]
The protesters took to the streets for the fourth week, demanding that the government take action on poverty, police violence and other issues.

In Colombia, anti-government demonstrations have continued until the fourth week. Student groups, unions and other organizations took to the streets again on Wednesday, demanding that the government continue negotiations with the strike leaders to demand social change.

The mayors office said that about 8,000 people participated in the protests in the capital Bogota.

68-year-old lawyer Roberto Hermida told Reuters: Even though we have been fighting for so long, we still accompany young people, children, grandchildren, but they still lack opportunities.

Ermida said he wanted to provide more educational opportunities and better health care.

protest activity begin Last month, after the government of the right-wing Colombian President Ivan Duque implemented a tax reform, critics said it would severely harm the working and middle classes that have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. .

Duque withdrew the proposal, but the demonstrations continued and the protesters expanded The list of their demands includes the cancellation of the proposed health care reform, ending widespread violence in the country, and steps to address economic inequality.

Demonstrators participated in a protest in Bogota on May 19, demanding that the government take action to address poverty, police violence and inequality in the healthcare and education systems [Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters]

The protest was characterized by violence, but the exact death toll is still unclear. The Attorney Generals Office has confirmed that 15 people have died from protest-related deaths, while a human rights organization said the total number has exceeded 40.

Duque blamed most of the violence on armed groups, but United Nations Some human rights organizations condemned the Colombian police for shooting at the demonstrators.

On Wednesday, former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos urged Duque to take responsibility for police abuse.

Santos told W Radio: We need more gestures, we need more empathy and humility, for the country to recognize:Look, we committed abuse.

The National Strike Committee composed of major trade unions, student groups and other organizations has held several discussions with government representatives on the protesters demands, but the two sides have not yet held formal talks.

They are expected to meet with the government again on Thursday morning.

At the same time, Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior Colombian analyst at the International Crisis Group, said that the rally showed severe social and economic inequality, a sense of frustration with police brutality, and general disagreement with the government. trust.

Pass through #Colombia Today, another day of mass mobilization is underway #ParoNacionalColombia Reflects severe social and economic inequality, frustration with police brutality, and general distrust of the government As we enter the 21st day of the protest, here are some emerging trends ? pic.twitter.com/DjAa1lAX5k -Elizabeth Dickinson (@dickinsonbeth) May 19, 2021

Dickinson said on Twitter that the needs of protesters fall into two categories: social justice and security. Although both of these problems are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, they are historical dissatisfaction.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the pandemic has killed more than 82,000 people, but it has also exacerbated long-standing economic inequality.

Protests are everywhere. The demonstrations reflect a deep national crisis that transcends geography. Although dissatisfaction differs in different regions, anger and frustration are shared. Dickinson wrote.

She said: The crisis is serious, far-reaching, and requires a compelling attraction that we havent seen yet.
A LAWYER alleged that Mollie Tibbetts boyfriend, Dalton Jack, cheated on her before her death in the Cristhian Bahena Rivera trial that began Wednesday.

Prosecutor Chad Frese asked Jack at the trial why he neglected to tell law enforcement that he had an affair with another woman and asked, Mollie was upset that you cheated on her, correct?

Previously, Jack told the defense lawyer that he didnt think those details were relevant to the case, adding that Tibbetts knew about his infidelity and they worked through it.

Opening statements began Wednesday in the trial of Rivera, who allegedly murdered Tibbetts, 20, and dumped her body in a field.

Rivera, a Mexican national who came illegally to the US as a teenager, is charged with first-degree murder for the 2018 slaying of the 20-year-old University of Iowa student.

The 26-year-old is participating in the trial through a Spanish-speaking interpreter.

Riveras arrest inflamed anger over illegal immigration, with then- President Donald Trump calling Rivera a killer who exploited lax immigration laws and Iowas governor calling him a predator.

The case deepened anxieties about random violence against women, since Tibbetts was attacked while out for exercise in her small town of Brooklyn, Iowa.

She never made it back to the house where she was dog sitting for her boyfriend and his brother.

The 20-year-old was studying to become a child psychologist.
The results of the American Powerball lottery have arrived, and it is time to see if anyone has won life-changing money.

Someone might have won $201 million in the draw tonight on May 19th.

1 piece Powerball numbers will be displayed every Wednesday and Saturday Credit: Getty Images-Getty

The winning number tonight is 11, 13, 55, 56, 69, 04 On the red powerball.

All players must match all five white balls and red Powerball To win the jackpot.

There is no guarantee that the first prize will be awarded for each drawing.

Other smaller cash prizes are also included.

Powerball tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In January 2016, it reached a record $1.586 billion prize, which was shared by the winners of California, Florida and Tennessee.

Killer condensation After the 4-year-old boy was kidnapped and brutally killed, the police arrested him Tears The funeral of the cheerleader was held after she was stabbed to death by a teenager He is angry The trial heard that the star of the 70s spit on the rape victim and called her trash Crawling killer Man breaks into the home and kills boys and women, and finds that he thinks he is a dog Heartbreaking discovery The police said the body found in the trailer park home was missing the child KIDNAP on CAM Two U.S. Marines were arrested after being filmed by Kidnapping a Bangkok businessman

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

This popular game was launched in 1992.

Keep up with the latest updates about Powerball Twitter.
Australias largest beef exporter stated that if the two countries reach a zero tariff and zero quota trade agreement, it plans to increase sales to the UK, and predicts that if an agreement is reached, Australias beef exports to the UK may increase tenfold.

As Boris Johnson prepared Meeting with the Cabinet Minister put out The bitter difference Regarding the disputed transaction, the Australian Agricultural Corporation (AACo) stated that the UK-Australian trade agreement will provide a huge opportunity for it and other producers to expand UK beef sales.

If the free trade agreement eliminates tariffs and quotas, we can see [Australian beef] Exports doubled or tripled. AACo CEO Hugh Killen (Hugh Killen) said. In fact, given the current export volume is so small, they may even increase tenfold. 

The National Farmers Federation warned that the zero tariff and zero quota agreement may put British farmers into trouble.

Scott Walker, chief executive officer of NFU Scotland, told the Financial Times that reports that Australian producers were snobbish about the prospect of duty-free access to the UK market, which intensified our concerns about planned transactions. Worry.

The UK imports only 1567 tons of beef from Australia each year, which is 0.5% of total imports, but Walker said a ten-fold increase may have a significant impact on high-end Scottish beef farmers who raise small herds instead of operating large-scale Australia There are many types of feed.

He said: The market here in the UK is a very balanced market, so it does not require much capital to enter the market to break the balance and affect prices.

This intensifies our worries about this trade agreement. We will see a large influx of additional products into the market. These products have a different production system from the UK. We are not competing on the same basis.

Australian negotiators insisted that Britain must provide zero tariffs and zero quota access to the British market in order to reach a trade agreement. International Trade Minister Liz Truss said that both parties reached an agreement in advance during the sprint. The G7 summit to be held in Cornwall next month has been invited by the Prime Minister of Australia.

Agriculture Secretary George Eustice and Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove strongly opposed the proposed deal, fearing that farmers and environmental organizations would cause political backlash in the country.

This transaction, which may cause the greatest loss to Scottish mountain farmers, may also intensify the debate on Scottish independence. Westminster Scottish National Party leader Ian Blackford warned in the Prime Ministers question on Wednesday that the zero-tariff agreement will the end. A way of life for generations-Johnson rejected this idea.

The Australian beef industry is urging Canberra to insist on abolishing all tariffs and quotas in the bilateral trade agreement so that it can regain a foothold in the UK market, which was overpriced when the UK joined the European Community in 1973.

The UK is a very high-quality market. This is a very good opportunity for our high-quality beef products. London, in particular, has great potential for expansion. Killen said.

AACo owns and operates 7 million hectares of farmland, feedlots and properties, which will cover nearly a quarter of the land in the UK. The sheer size of Australian beef producersAACo has 340,000 cattleis one of the reasons why British farmers are opposed to providing tariffs and quota-free access to the British market.

Under the current trade system, Australian beef exporters will levy a 12% tariff on beef products. According to the reduction, the surcharge per kilogram is between 1.40 and 2.50 pounds, and the annual quota is 3,761 tons.

British farmers also raised concerns about Australias agricultural standards, and about 40% of cattle use hormone growth promoters. These products are banned in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Keeling said that hormones will not cause problems because most Australian farmers do not use them for export, and neither does AACo. He added that Australias agricultural standards are high.

Australian Minister of Agriculture David Littleproud rejected the concerns of British farmers, calling it protectionism.

He said: Australias production system is different from that of the UK. Comparing animal welfare standards is like comparing apples to oranges. Considering the subsidies enjoyed by British farmers, this is not the basis of protectionism.

The Australian National Farmers Federation stated that beef farmers in the country did not pose a threat to the livelihoods of British farmers and pointed out that the current export volume is small.

The purpose of any free trade agreement is to provide options for both parties. Australian red meat producers want to choose to export to the UK when the UK needs it, said NFF Chairman Fiona Simson.
The United States has proliferated in racially motivated crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

US President Joe Biden signed anti-hate crime legislation on Thursday, instructing federal law enforcement agencies to respond to the increase in violent attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the coronavirus pandemic.

Simple core values ??and beliefs should unite us as Americans. Biden said at a White House ceremony attended by Democratic lawmakers and administrative officials that one of them is against hatred and against racism.

The new law aims to expedite the Ministry of Justices review of anti-Asian hate crimes and appoint an official from the Ministry of Justice to oversee this work. For the enforcement of anti-hate crime laws, it is important that it will make it easier to report victims of all types of hate crimes and provide training for local and state officials.

The measures are Passed both houses of Congress Passed by a majority vote. The Senate approved 94-1 and the House of Representatives approved 364-62. The new law directs the US Department of Justice to focus on prosecuting violent crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Biden praised the Democrats and Republicans in Congress for working together to make laws.

We havent seen this kind of bipartisan relationship in Washington for too long. You showed us that our democratic system can work and be realized for the American people, the president said.

In the past year, US police have witnessed a surge in racially motivated crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, including a shooting in Georgia in March that killed six Asian women.

Grace Meng, the representative of the main sponsor of the bill, said in a statement: For more than a year, Asian Americans across the United States have been crying for help.

Meng said: We all heard disgusting stories and saw shocking videos of Asian Americans being beaten, chopped and spitting.

Law enforcement and Asian American advocates have Hate crimes against Asians on the rise The political rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and other Republican politicians who blamed China for the pandemic.

The bill provides a hotline for local prosecutors to seek guidance in handling hate crime cases and training law enforcement.

Last year, incidents of hatred against Asian Americans surged. Its wrong, and its non-American. To all those who are hurt: we see you, we are committed to stopping hatred and prejudice. -President Biden (@POTUS) May 20, 2021

The legislation signed by Biden on Thursday also includes the Jabala Hayers Prohibition of Hate Act, which aims to improve enforcement reporting on hate crimes and expand community assistance and resources for victims of such crimes .

The bill is named after the Lebanese American Khalid Jabara (Khalid Jabara), Killed by a racist neighbor He died in 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Heather Heyer, who died in Vehicle attack This is a parade by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017. The two attacks were not initially classified as hate crimes, but they will be restricted by the new law.

The bill also requires the U.S. Attorney General and the Department of Health and Human Services to issue best practice guidelines on how to reduce the use of racially discriminatory language in a pandemic.
BRITS aged 18 and over could get a Covid vaccine in just ONE month as the race against the Indian variant shifts up a gear.

The Government is on track to meet its target of offering first doses to all adults by the end of July.

But according to reports from the Telegraph, NHS managers have begun plans to speed up the timetable amid concerns about the spread of the Indian variant among the younger cohorts.

Plans drawn up by NHS managers suggested vaccines could be offered to over 18s within the next five weeks.

Those aged 34 and over would be offered jabs from today, with texts inviting people to book a vaccination sent out today and tomorrow.

Younger folk in their thirties are expected to be invited within days.

Meanwhile, the nationss rollout is on course to defeat the feared Indian Covid variant and end lockdown on time.

In a huge boost to anxious Brits, scientists said hospital admissions in virus hotspot Bolton remain fairly flat despite the rise of the new strain.

Read our coronavirus live blog below for the latest news and updates
The June 21 poll was seen as a key test for democratic reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Ethiopias polling agency stated that it will now be held in two postponed national elections, which will be held on June 21, to introduce a new set of democratic reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The countdown starts a new countdown.

The second most populous country in Africa should first hold a poll in August last year, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials postponed it to June 5 this year.

Then, last weekend, the chairman of the election committee, Birtukan Mideksa, announced that a new delay was needed due to logistical issues related to tasks such as training electors, printing and distributing ballots.

After meeting with the Abi government, opposition parties and regional officials, the Election Commission spokesperson Solyana Shimeles announced the new date of June 21 at a press conference.

Solyana said that she does not expect any further delays because the upcoming rainy season will start in June and may cause serious damage to infrastructure.

We are working [hold] she says.

Staff shortage

Even with the delay, the logistics challenges will be daunting. Solyana estimated on Thursday that the board will need to hire more than 100,000 more employees and train them on voting day procedures and tabulation results.

She said that so far, the shortage of employees has been particularly pronounced in Afar and Somalia, where registration work started late.

After years of anti-government protests, Abiy came to power in 2018 and promised to partly break the Ethiopian dictatorship by holding the most democratic election in the countrys history.

His reform agenda won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, but his tenure has been compromised by security challenges, the most notable of which is the six-month war in the northern Tigri region, which will not participate in June Opinion poll on the 21st.

As of last weekend, about 36 million Ethiopians have registered to vote, despite the Racial violence, Including the most populous areas of the country, Oromia and Amhara.

Constituency affected by conflict

Solyana said it would be very difficult to include these conflict-hit constituencies on June 21.

But she said she hopes voters in these areas will be able to vote before a new parliamentary meeting is held in early October.

The election will select national and regional parliamentarians. The election of the prime minister, head of government and president by members of the national parliament is largely ceremonial.

Abbeys previous ruling coalition claimed a staggering majority in the first two elections. Observers say this is far from reaching international fairness standards.

In a more public game in 2005, the opposition gained a lot, but it led to a fatal suppression of protests with controversial results.

This year, some opposition parties, especially in Abis hometown of Oromia, chose to boycott, complaining that their candidates were arrested and their offices were destroyed.
Hundreds of police have been deployed to restore order in Cantel prison, where at least 7 prisoners have been killed.

Officials said at least seven prisoners were killed in clashes between rival gangs in prisons in western Guatemala, most of whom were beheaded.

Following Wednesdays violence, hundreds of police officers have been mobilized to restore order to the Cantel prison, which houses prisoners from the Mara Salvatrucha gang and its sworn enemy Barrio 18.

The Ministry of the Interior said in a statement: It is initially known that seven prisoners have died. It described the situation as riots.

Police enter the Kanter Mens Prison in Quetzaltenango Province. [Alexis Morales/AFP]

The prosecutors office confirmed this figure, and the staff of the prosecutors office managed to enter the prison, which is located 205 kilometers (125 miles) west of the capital.

The National Civil Police (PNC) spokesperson Jorge Aguilar told AFP earlier that the violence was caused by a confrontation between two gangs, and at least six prisoners were beheaded.

Aguilar added that the authorities suspected that one group had attacked another group in retaliation for an incident that happened a few days ago.

During the riots, the riot police responded to the Kantor Mens Prison, in which at least six prisoners were beheaded [Alexis Morales/AFP]

Gang violence and riots are common in Kanter Prison, and human rights organizations have condemned the organization for its harsh conditions.

The police said it was built to accommodate 500 prisoners, and it currently accommodates more than four times this number.

Guatemalan Fear and violence These groups are known for blackmailing rackets, in which they blackmail businessmen and bus operators to pay them protection money or face execution.

Out of 3,500 people, gangs accounted for nearly half Violent death Authorities say Guatemala has one of the highest violent death rates in the world over the past year.
In an investigation into how the BBC secured an interview with British Princess Diana in 1995, she disclosed the intimate details of the marriage failure and concluded on Thursday that the actions of the reporter involved were deceit. Sexual.

The BBC launched an investigation in November, led by former High Court Judge John Dyson, after Dianas brother Charles Spencer accused of using forged documents and other deceptions. Tempt him to introduce Diana to the journalist Martin Bashir.

Dysons report found that Bashir, a little-known reporter at the time, showed Spencer a false bank statement and tricked him into arranging a meeting with Diana.

The report said: Mr. Bashirs actions were improper and seriously violated the 1993 version of the Producers Guide.

He also concluded that the BBC did not meet high standards of integrity and transparency in responding to allegations of impropriety.

In an explosive interview, Diana accepted an extramarital affair and shared the details of her marriage to the heir to the throne Charles (Charles Prince), which shocked the entire United Kingdom, which was watched by 20 million viewers.

This is the lowest point of the royal family. This is the first time that Diana (Diana) died in a car accident in Paris in 1997. She publicly commented on her doomed marriage.

Bashir is no longer with the BBC

In her words: There are three of us in this marriage, so its a bit crowded. This is a reference to Charles rekindling of his relationship with his current second wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, and is particularly harmful to the Windsor couple.

Last week, the BBC announced that, due to poor health, Bashir would leave his current position to serve as the religious affairs editor for a publicly funded broadcaster.

Bashir apologized, but said he did not believe that false statements prompted Diana to be interviewed.

Spencer said that Bashir persuaded Diana (Diana) to be troubled by the security services and persuaded two senior assistants to provide information about her, thus persuading Bashir to allow his sister to agree to the interview.

Dianas two sons, William Prince and Harry Prince, both welcomed the investigation because it was an opportunity to learn the truth about what happened.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said in a statement: Although the BBC cannot turn the clock 25 years from now, we can make a full and unconditional apology. The BBC (BBC) offered this apology today.
Nael Mosallams family apartment shakes from incoming Israeli airstrikes and naval barrages around Gaza Citys Al Shati refugee camp on the Mediterranean coast. Hospitals are at a breaking point in the densely packed coastal enclave of Gaza, swamped with wounded of all ages, and water and power infrastructure, crippled by years of wars and blockade, is collapsing again.

Trapped at home with nowhere safe to go, Mosallam, 43, is worried about whats to come in the recent escalation of fighting between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza.

The translator and comedic actor endures airstrike after airstrike while watching news on his phone about the unrest on the streets of Israel, East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

In scenes unprecedented during past periods of escalating military conflict in Gaza, when civil unrest would have dissipated as fighting escalated, thousands of Palestinians are confronting Israeli soldiers at checkpoints in the occupied West Bank and protesting and rioting on the streets of Jewish-Arab Israeli cities and occupied East Jerusalem. On Tuesday, Palestinians held a general strike in parts of Israel and the occupied territories.

Israeli security members detain a Palestinian woman at Damascus Gate just outside Jerusalems Old City during a demonstration held by Palestinians to show solidarity amid Israel-Hamas fighting. (Ammar Awad/Reuters)

Outside Israel, Palestinians in Jordan and Lebanon living in refugee camps built for those who were forced or fled from their homes during and after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war have protested at Israels borders and rocketfire was exchanged Wednesday across the Israeli-Lebanese border.

I feel like we are all in the same situation, Mosallam said.

A rabbi inspects the damage inside a torched religious school in the central Israeli city of Lod last Tuesday following a night of violent confrontation between Arab and Jewish Israelis. Riots in several Israeli cities have left behind a trail of damaged schools, synagogues, cars and homes and instilled fear in residents. (Ahmad Gharbali/AFP/Getty Images)

Mosallam says he fears a repeat of the prolonged ferocity of the 2014 war, which also escalated from clashes between Palestinians and Jewish settlers in East Jerusalem but ended in a full-scale Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. That war claimed the lives of 2,251 Palestinians over seven weeks, according to the UN Human Rights Committee (Palestinian fighters have not officially claimed casualty numbers); 67 soldiers and five civilians in Israel were killed, according to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The recent conflict, which ignited over attempts by Jewish settlers to evict several Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, has so far killed at least 230 Palestinians in Gaza, including 65 children, and wounded 1,710, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. At least 12 civilians in Israel have been killed, including two children, and 300 wounded, according to Israeli emergency services.

Mosallam says he takes some solace in seeing Palestinians outside Gaza rise up in protest.

Ive stopped feeling alone, like its only Gaza, he said. It feels like the people are waking up.

WATCH | CBC speaks with residents of Israel and Gaza living through the conflict:

CBC News Networks Andrew Nichols speaks with Rima Aburahma a resident of Gaza City and Jeff Glickman, a Holon resident. 10:36

Amit Sherman and Hala Shoman live 38 kilometres apart, in Israel and Gaza respectively. They share what its been like to watch the escalating violence unfold where they are. 6:01

Those sentiments, however, last only as long as the lull between airstrikes. When a drone strike hit his neighbour last Thursday, he felt the oxygen sucked out of his apartment in the vacuum created by the nearby exploding shell.

There was no warning, he said on a video call with CBC, the scream of Hamas rockets being fired at Israel in the background. His mom and sister are dead.

The next day, an Israeli airstrike on a three-storey apartment building down the street killed 10 members of the same family, eight children and two women.

A Palestinian man inspects the damage of a six-storey building destroyed by an early-morning Israeli airstrike in Gaza City Tuesday. (Khalil Hamra/The Associated Press)

A unity of purpose

For Palestinian citizens of Israel and those in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, the misery Mosallam and other Gazans are enduring has pushed their own frustrations to the breaking point.

There is a unity of purpose, a unity of suffering everywhere, Husam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador to the U.K. and an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said from London.

The question is why do Palestinians have to come to the streets.

A protest against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza following Friday prayers at the Dome of the Rock Mosque in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem. An Israeli police raid on the compound is one of the events that precipitated the recent escalation. (Mahmoud Illean/The Associated Press)

Mariam Barghouti, 27, has been witnessing the protests and clashes from her home in Ramallah, the administrative capital in the West Bank, surrounded by Israeli settlements and a wall built in the early 2000s to cut it off from Jerusalem, 15 kilometres away.

We are doing what we can on the ground. What can change is for the rest of the world to also move, said the writer and researcher as West Bank protests, which have now killed at least 12, spread.

She and other advocates for Palestinian rights see anything short of sanctioning Israel as giving it tacit approval to continue the status quo. They want the U.S. and other allies to exert economic and diplomatic pressure on Israel and withhold military aid rather than issuing statements of support and condemnation such as the one Canada did this week.

A Palestinian woman throws a rock toward Israeli forces at the Hawara checkpoint, south of the West Bank city of Nablus, Tuesday. Protests and clashes in the occupied territory have spread and so far claimed at least 12 lives. (Majdi Mohammed/The Associated Press)

We have been hearing these statements for 25 years, and they dont do anything, she said. They alleviate governments from their actual responsibility.

Barghouti agrees with Zomlut that in this recent escalation, the differences between Palestinians living under Israeli military rule in the West Bank, those in blockaded Gaza and those living in Israel feel less stark than a shared experience of oppression. However, while agreeing with the message, she is no fan of the messenger.

Now, no one is talking about any Palestinian factional leadership,' she said, referring to the Fatah-dominated Palestine Liberation Organization and Hamas, the rival movements in power in the West Bank and Gaza, respectively.

Palestinians are saying, This hasnt worked. Maybe its time to listen to our actual voices.'

Palestinians clash with Israeli forces at the Hawara checkpoint. (Majdi Mohammed/The Associated Press)

Tired of waiting for diplomatic solution

Barghouti says young Palestinians no longer see the Palestinian leadership as representing their interests, in part because, after decades in power, they have failed to secure their freedom, and have also given up waiting on Arab states or the West to intervene on their behalf.

We dont have the chance to wait for any diplomatic solution, she said. Its a fight or flight moment, and Palestinians are choosing to fight.

While Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza have lived under Israeli military rule since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, military control over Palestinians who remained in what became Israel in 1948 ended in 1966. They make up 20 per cent of the population, enjoy voting and individual legal rights but have experienced some structural discrimination when it comes to things such as land rights or policing. The 2018 Israeli nation state law makes clear that only Jews have the right to national self-determination in Israel.

Rockets are launched from Gaza Strip toward Israel last Thursday. Hamas, which controls Gaza, and other Palestinian militants have launched more than 3,000 rockets at Israel in the recent round of fighting. (Hatem Moussa/The Associated Press)

Aida Touma-Suleiman, 56, a Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament from the left-wing Arab-Jewish unity party Hadash, said she was stunned by the violence that erupted on the streets of her hometown of Acre and other mixed Israeli cities, such as Haifa, Lod and Ramla, where Jewish nationalists and Arab citizens have clashed and riots have left behind a trail of damaged schools, synagogues, cars and homes and instilled fear in residents.

Its just young people who are going out and confronting, she said from Acre. They understand that the state is telling them that they are a second- or third-class citizen, an unwelcome resident.

Israeli forces detain a group of Arab Israelis in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod after they clashed with Israeli far-right extremists. (Ahmad/Gharbali/AFP/Getty Images)

Israelis stand outside a restaurant that was attacked the previous night in rioting in the Mediterranean city of Bat Yam last Thursday. (Gil-Cohen-Magen/AFP/Getty Images)

Communal violence spreads in mixed cities

Oren Ziv, a correspondent for the left-leaning +972 Magazine covering Israel and the Occupied Territories, was one of the first journalists on the ground in Lod as violence erupted in the wake of protests over the security crackdown at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, which was one of the events that kicked off the current round of fighting.

He watched the riots spread and escalate as far-right Jewish settlers who came to the city from the West Back clashed with Palestinian residents. Two Arab residents and one Jewish man were killed.

Family and friends in Moshav Hadid, Israel, mourn during the funeral Tuesday of Yigal Yehoshua, an Israeli man who died of wounds sustained during Arab-Jewish violence in the mixed city of Lod. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

What I am seeing is the most-severe wave of violence between civilians that we have seen since 1948, he said on the phone from Tel Aviv.

We never saw such a thing. We know there is anger, we know there is frustration, but it takes a certain combination of things. When I speak to [Palestinian youth in Lod], they talk about years of frustration.

Mourners at the funeral of Israeli Arab Khalil Awaad and his daughter Nadine, 16, in the village of Dahmash near the Israeli city of Lod. A rocket fired from Gaza Strip hit their house and killed both. (Heidi Levine/The Associated Press)

Prime Minister Benajmin Netanyahu has decried the violence.

What is happening in Israels cities over the past few days is unacceptable, he tweeted last week.

We have seen Arab rioters set fire to synagogues and vehicles and attack police officers. They are attacking peaceful and innocent citizens. This is something that we cannot accept; it is anarchy. nothing justifies the lynching of Jews by Arabs, and nothing justifies the lynching of Arabs by Jews.

Omar Shakir, the Israel-Palestine director of Human Rights Watch who authored a recent report, disputed by Israeli officials and others, that accused Israel of enforcing apartheid policies in the occupied territories and within Israel, sees the unprecedented unrest as the violent convulsions of an entrenched, unequal system.

Jacob Simona stands by his burning car, destroyed during clashes between Israeli Arabs and police in the city of Lod last Tuesday. (Heidi Levine/The Associated Press)

The most-terrifying aspect, outside of the bloodshed in Gaza and the rockets being fired by Hamas authorities, has been the communal violence that has broken out inside Israel, said Shakir, who was expelled from Israel in 2019 for allegedly violating a state boycott law.

[It] underscores the reality that Human Rights Watch documented of a government policy geared across all areas of Israeli control to ensure the well-being of one people at the expense of another.

The Israeli government, which called the reports claims preposterous and false, is adamant that Palestinian citizens of Israel enjoy equal individual rights. Netanyahu has said in the past that no one in Israel is a second-class citizen.

WATCH | Clashes and protests erupt in mixed Jewish-Arab cities in Israel:

Amid growing pressure for a ceasefire between Israel and Palistinian militants in Gaza grows, so does internal pressure on Israel as it deals with long-brewing anger and divisions within its own cities. 5:37

Politics at play on both sides

Yossi Mekelberg, an associate fellow with the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House based in Bristol, U.K., said hes relieved his own brother in Tel Aviv has so far remained safe amid the more than 3,000 rockets Palestinian militants have fired at Israel but doesnt mince words about what he fears is happening in his home country.

Under the surface, its bubbling to a boiling point for a while, he said. There are some that conveniently refuse to see that, and I think the biggest wake-up call is what is happening inside Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured in Lod last Thursday, has decried the violence between Jews and Arabs in mixed Israeli cities, saying nothing justifies the lynching of Jews by Arabs, and nothing justifies the lynching of Arabs by Jews. (Yuval Chen/Yediot Ahronot/The Associated Press)

He says Hamas feels it has achieved its political objectives of showing it can act on behalf of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, strike anywhere  and inflict suffering on Israelis. Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges while scrambling to form a governing coalition, will, Meckelberg says, likely continue to use the conflict with Hamas to hold on to power.

No one is better than Netanyahu in exploiting a situation like this, Mekelberg said.

The question is, can [Israeli society] become reflective and say, Is it the lack of solution that brings hate? They might reach the exactly opposite conclusion that the other side only understands force, and we just havent used enough force, which worries me, actually.

WATCH | Calls for ceasefire increase as toll from Israeli-Hamas violence mounts:

More bombs were dropped on Gaza and more rockets were sent into Israel as fighting between Palestinian militants and the Israeli army entered its second week. More than 200 people have been killed in the conflict, including a senior Islamic Jihad commander. 2:18

LISTEN | Analysts discuss the implications of the recent escalation of violence:
Panorama said that it has shown BBC confidential documents showing how BASHIR misled his boss

Panorama now says it has seen a confidential BBC internal management document written by the outgoing head of TV current affairs Tim Gardam, which shows that Bashir misled his boss.

According to Panorama, he denied that he had shown the fakes to anyone, and then admitted that he had passed the fakes to Earl Spencer to promote their relationship.

Instead, Lord Tony Hall drafted a statement for the governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in April 1996, in which the forgeries were described as graphics and Bashi Bashir has no explanation. Because the reason he created them is even if he makes mistakes, honesty is an honorable person.

Former BBC Governor Sir Richard Eyre said that if the board knew about Bashirs actions, they would insist on a full investigation.

He told the show: The fact that Bashir lied should have been shown to us, but in my memory, it has never been. Constitutionally speaking, we should at least provide an honest report on what happened to the governors. Now We can see that the false bank statement is a lever to open the door to Diana. If we knew it at the time, then there is no doubt that this will be investigated ruthlessly, because (the governor) feels very conceited about the organization. Its very very hot.
The Ontario High Court found that Irans shooting down of flight PS752 under the Criminal Code was intentional and a terrorist act.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight with two surface-to-air missiles shortly after taking off from Tehran on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 passengers on board, including 55 Canadian citizens And 30 permanent residents.

Judge Edward Belobaba wrote in the decision issued on Thursday: I discovered that the missile attack on Flight 752 was deliberate and directly caused the death of all personnel on board.

I further discovered that there was no armed conflict in the area at the time of the above-mentioned problems.

Belobaba said that according to the State Immunity Act, the Terrorism Victims Justice Act and the Criminal Law, the plaintiff determined that the downing of the aircraft constituted a terrorist activity. The judge said that the plaintiff has the right to be liable for breach of contract.

The lawyer behind the lawsuit said in a press release that there will be another court hearing to determine compensation.

I am very happy

Litigation lawyer Mark Arnold has always believed that the best way to obtain compensation for the bereavement of the victims relatives is to accuse the Iranian government of performing terrorist acts.

Arnold represents the plaintiff who lost children, nieces, spouses and nephews. Iran received the claim in the fall of 2020, but failed to defend itself and was defaulted on debts in December last year.

In a statement, Mark Arnold and attorney Jonah Arnold said: The decision of the Supreme Court of Canada is unprecedented. This will have an impact on immediate surviving family members who will seek survival. It is of great significance.

Habib Haghjoo lost his daughter Saharnaz Haghjoo and eight-year-old granddaughter Elsa Jadidi when PS752 was shot down.

Hacho said: I am very happy and believe this is a very important step.

Habib Haghjoos daughter Sahar Haghjoo and granddaughter Elsa Jadidi died on flight PS752. (Habib Haghjoo/Canada News Agency)

Canada is about to negotiate with Iran

Foreign Minister Marc Garneau told members of Congress last week that Canada will soon negotiate with Iran on compensation for victims families??. The associations representing these families have repeatedly stated that they hope to get answers and justice before any discussion about compensation begins.

Garno said Canada will seek total accountability in the talks and said the Iranian governments actions in the past 15 months are frankly unreasonable.

The victims family has been asking the government to list IRGC as a terrorist for a long time.

Gano said that Canada has identified a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force as a terrorist. However, the families of the victims said that this was not enough because the Quds Army was not the branch aerospace force responsible for shooting down the aircraft. The Quds Force is responsible for operations outside Iran.

In June 2018, the House of Commons passed a motion by an overwhelming majority calling on the federal government to make changes. Since that vote, IRGC has not been classified as a terrorist entity.

The lawyers involved in the private litigation will hold a press conference on Friday.

Gano said last week that Canada will conduct forensic inspections on the destruction of the aircraft in the next few weeks.




Prince William and Prince Harry condemned the BBC and media culture. Independent inquiry In summary on Thursday, former BBC reporter Martin Bashir (Martin Bashir) Used deceptive tactics to secure his explosive interview in 1995 With their late mother Princess Diana. In the same inquiry, it was also discovered that the BBC had covered up its deceptive practices, which did not meet its high standards of integrity and transparency, which included forging documents to imply that an assistant close to her was speaking to the press. In a video posted on social media, Prince William (also known as the Duke of Cambridge) stated that the BBC was acting out of mothers fear and and exacerbated [her] In their efforts to obtain an interview, Diana finally condemned the royal family. William said: I think the deceptive method of this interview greatly affected what my mother said. This interview was a major contribution to the deterioration of my parents relationship, and it hurt countless others since then. The prince said he was unspeakably sad because he knew that the failure of the BBC greatly increased her fear, paranoia and isolation. William said that he believed that the interview contained false narratives and should not be broadcast again.

In a separate statement, Prince Harry condemned what he called a culture of exploitation and immoral customs that led to the death of his mother-which he said is still common. Our mother is an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to service. She is tough, brave and unquestionably honest, Harry said in response to the survey results on Thursday. The chain reaction of the culture of exploitation and immoral behavior eventually took her life. He continued: For those who have adopted some form of accountability, thank you for having it. This is the first step towards justice and truth. However, what worries me deeply is that this practice-or even worse-is still common today. Then, until now, it is more than a branch, a network or a publication. Harry said: Our mother died because of this, and nothing has changed. By protecting her heritage, we have protected everyone and maintained her dignity throughout her life. Let us remember who she is and what she represents .

In his own explosion Interview Harry said when he was with Oprah Winfrey earlier this year that he was worried that the media would be held responsible for the death of his wife, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. suicide Being pregnant with their son Archie. He said: My biggest worry is that history repeats itself. Say. I have said this very publicly on many occasions. What I have seen is history repeating itself, but it is more, maybe, or definitely more dangerous, because after that you joined the race and you joined social media. . When I talk about history repeating itself, Im talking about my mother. British Broadcasting Corporation Reported On Thursday, its director-general Tim Davie sent a personal letter of apology to Harry, William, Prince Charles and Earl Spencer to cover up the deception behind the interview. According to a new inquiry, the results of the investigation were announced on Thursday. Bashir deceived Earl Spencer with false information in order to obtain an introduction to his royal sister, and then he used the introduction to get her to agree to an interview with her. Then, when this information was first exposed, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)  [Bashir] To ensure the appropriateness of the interview and the methods he used. 





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Last year, violent storms, continued conflicts and violent explosions forced 40.5 million people to be displaced within their own countries.

A new report shows that conflicts and natural disasters forced someone to flee their country for the second second last year, bringing the number of internally displaced persons to a record high.

Although strict movement restrictions have been imposed on a global scale to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this situation has emerged. Observers had expected that the operation would reduce the number of displaced persons last year.

However, according to a joint report issued by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council on Thursday, 2020 will also be a sign of severe storms, continued conflicts and violent explosions, forcing 40.5 million people to be internally displaced within their own countries. (NRC).

The report shows that this is the year with the largest number of newly displaced persons in the past decade, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons worldwide to a record 55 million.

Shocking: Our latest report shows that every second second last year, a person was forced to flee his home in his country. We desperately failed to protect the worlds most vulnerable people from conflicts and disasters. https://t.co/5PSFRA98ch pic.twitter.com/rQoeqVQqva -Jan Egeland (@NRC_Egeland) May 20, 2021

Today, the number of internally displaced persons is more than double the approximately 26 million who fled across refugees.

The head of the NRC, Jan Egeland, described the reported findings as shocking.

He said in a statement: We have failed to protect the worlds most vulnerable people from conflicts and disasters.

The report found that three-quarters of the people who fled internally last year were victims of natural disasters, especially those related to extreme weather.

The report pointed out that strong cyclones, monsoon rains and floods have hit highly exposed and densely populated areas in Asia and the Pacific, while the Atlantic hurricane season is the most active season on record.

The prolonged rainy season in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa has uprooted millions of people.

Experts say that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events.

The report says that in addition, nearly 10 million of the newly displaced people last year are fleeing conflict and violence.

Last year, of the nearly 10 million people displaced by the conflict, most were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [the Democratic Republic of the Congo], Syria and Ethiopia. Egeland said. Despite the lockdown and violent attacks on COVID, these people still risk their lives to flee. 

The report added that the escalation of violence and the expansion of armed groups in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Burkina Faso have exacerbated the worlds fastest-growing displacement crisis last year.

Protracted conflicts such as Syria, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to force many people to flee.

Unlike disaster-driven displacement, the latter is usually short-lived because once the storm has passed, people return to rebuild damaged or destroyed houses, but displacement caused by conflict can last for years.

The report said that at the end of last year, of the 55 million internally displaced persons, all but 7 million had fled the conflict.

It also warned that the fusion of conflicts and natural disasters made the problem worse, with 95% of displacements from new conflicts last year occurring in countries vulnerable to climate change.

Climate change and the overexploitation of natural resources may exacerbate instability and conflict, which in turn may trigger displacement.
Meteorological experts revealed on May 20 that the Atlantic hurricane season may not be as chaotic as 2020.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that there will be 13 to 20 named storms.

3 After Hurricane Sally struck, on September 16, 2020, flooding in Pensacola, Florida Credit: AP

What does NOAA think about the Atlantic hurricane season?

The agencys press release stated that NOAAs Climate Prediction Center is predicting that the Atlantic hurricane season will once again be above normal.

According to data released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NOAA), Forecasters predict that the probability of a higher than normal season is 60%, the probability of a close to normal season is 30%, and the probability of a lower than normal season is 10%. 

However, experts do not believe that storm activity in 2020 will reach historical levels.

According to government agency data, out of 13 to 20 named storms, 6 to 10 may become hurricanes with wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or higher.

Atlantic hurricane season It runs from June 1 to November 30.

3 Perdido Key, Florida, photographed the damage to the house caused by Hurricane Sally Credit: Reuters

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said: Its time for coastal and inland communities to prepare for the possible dangers of hurricanes.

NOAA experts are ready to provide communities with life-saving warnings and forecasts, which will also help minimize the economic impact of the storm.

There are 30 named storms in 2020. Meteorologists have exhausted all the names and have to use Greek letters to identify them.

Although NOAA scientists dont expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to destroy a community, said Ben Friedman, the acting NOAA administrator.

3 On November 8, 2020, a car drives on a highway with poor visibility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Credit: AP

The forecasters of the National Hurricane Center are fully prepared and have made major upgrades to our computer models, emerging observation technologies, and expertise, which can provide the lives we rely on in this hurricane season and every hurricane season. Forecast.

The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged Americans in hurricane-prone areas to prepare immediately.

Deanne Criswell (Deanne Criswell) said that this includes inland people, because storms have reduced rainfall, and climate change has caused flooding.

Chriswell said: The hurricane season that began on June 1, now is the time to prepare our communities and improve their resilience.

access Ready.gov with Listo.gov Learn and take steps to prepare yourself and your family.

Killer condensation After the 4-year-old boy was kidnapped and brutally killed, the police arrested him exclusive A mess TI and Tinys friends are paranoid, they will be involved in sexual assault scandals Tears The funeral of the cheerleader was held after she was stabbed to death by a teenager X list Meet celebrities who believe in Aliens, including Miley Cyrus and Shaquille ONeal Rescue attack Horror photos show how the flaming surveyor bit his head in the woods He is angry The trial heard the 1970s show spit on rape victims and called them trash

Download the FEMA app to register for various alerts and access preparation information.

Purchasing flood insurance can protect your biggest property, which is your house.

And, please encourage your neighbors, friends and colleagues to also prepare for the upcoming season.
A Shawnee man is in the hospital following a boating accident that killed two of his children and their mother.
The COVID pandemic has left a lasting financial impact on a lot of people. Thats one reason why Kansas Citys three utilities are teaming up for events bringing all them to one place where people can sign up for assistance.
(AP) -- A Kansas House member who was arrested after videos began circulating online of him arguing with teenage students and pushing one of them while he was working as a substitute teacher entered a not guilty plea Wednesday to three counts of misdemeanor battery.

Kansas lawmaker faces 3 battery charges over school incident A Kansas House member was charged Monday with three counts of misdemeanor battery over his behavior toward students while working as a substitute teacher.

Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, who is free on bond, also was given three weeks to undergo a mental health evaluation. The next hearing was set for July 12.

The charges against Samsel arose from a student reporting an April 28 incident involving Samsel in what videos showed to be a noisy classroom in his hometown of Wellsville, a town of about 1,700 people roughly 55 miles (89 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City. The brief videos, provided by a parent who said they were shot by students, also showed Samsel talking about suicide, God and sex.

One video showed Samsel grabbing a boy, pushing him against a wall and telling him, I could put the wrath of God on you right now, before the boy breaks free and runs away, yelling.

Substitute teacher, Kansas House Representative arrested on charges of misdemeanor battery A 36-year-old substitute teacher in the Wellsville School District has been arrested on charges of misdemeanor battery.

A criminal complaint accuses Samsel of having made physical contact with two 15- or 16-year-old students in a rude, insulting or angry manner. The third charge alleges that Samsel caused bodily harm to one of the students.

Samsel was banned for a year from Wellsville public school property and events. But theres no indication yet that he might face disciplinary action from the House, which can censure or expel members over their behavior.






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.


tvN's "Mouse" had finally closed its curtains with a satisfying ending and will surely be missed by the viewers.

Choi Young Shin was the Real Mastermind on Why Jung Ba Reum Became a Psychopath

Jung Ba Reum (Lee Seung Gi) knew that Choi Young Shin (Jung Ae R) was the mastermind behind all the sufferings he and Sung Yo Han (Kwon Hwa Woon) felt throughout their lives.

Because of her greed to pass the bill during her run in the election, Choi Young Shin collected all the names of the newborn babies years ago and used Daniel Lee (Jo Jae Yun) and Han Seo Joon (Ahn Jae Wook) to fulfill her goal of having psychopaths to prove the effectivity of the bill that she wanted to be legalized.

When Choi Young Shin was about to be killed by Jung Ba Reum, she didn't feel scared. She wanted him to kill her so that the world can know more about how psychopaths can be developed as early as they were just in their mother's womb.

Instead, Jung Ba Reum tied her up and let the police investigate the crimes she did.

Jung Ba Reum Surrendered Himself to the Police

Oh Bong Yi (Park Ju Hyun) confronted Jung Ba Reum and tried to kill him with her own hands, but she failed. The psychopath knelt in front of her and said that he will pay for all his sins by surrendering to the police, in which he did.

Everyone was shocked about the sudden revelation of Jung Ba Reum. Even his co-workers in the police station couldn't believe what they were seeing.

For one last time, Sung Ji Eun (Kim Jung Nan) went to visit her son inside the police headquarters. She also told Go Mu Chi (Lee Hee Joon) the truth behind Jung Ba Reum's brain surgery.

Detective Bok Ho Nam (Hyun Bong Sik) and Kang Ki Hyeok (Yoon Seo Hyun) wanted to issue an arrest warrant for Choi Young Shin but the officials rejected it because she has the power in the government.

Choi Hong Ju Teamed Up with Jung Ba Reum's Aunt and Unveiled the Truth Behind the Scheme

Jung Ba Reum was feeling anxious after not seeing his aunt during the press conference that they planned to do.

For one last time, he asked for Go Mu Chi's help to find her. The detective found her and brought to Choi Hong Ju's (Kyung Soo Jin) documentary show and began to drop all the evidence against Choi Young Shin as the leader of the OZ organization.

Mouse ended w/ excellence. 



They told the untold stories smoothly. They let us feel the pains of each character. They gave justice to the victims, that includes Ba Reum.



Seung Gi, Choi Ran & the whole Mouse team take a bow!#MouseFinale# #Mouse # #LeeSeungGi pic.twitter.com/BlPVoO8wGw  Bee GomezDL (@bee_gdl) May 19, 2021

Choi Hong Ju was able to reveal everything and successfully cleared Sung Yo Han's name in front of the public. The lady producer also surrendered herself to the police after she opens up that she was involved with Daniel Lee in taking revenge on Jung Ba Reum.

When the police arrived, she didn't expect that her own father Park Du Seok (Ahn Nae Sang) would be the one to arrest her. The two had a sad reunion after longing for each other for years.

Jung Ba Reum Killed His Own Father Han Seo Joon

After he was executed, Jung Ba Reum was put in prison where his father was. He began to put on another show in order to have an opportunity to see his father.

When his policeman friend Koo Dong Koo (Woo Ji Hyun) came to see him, he asked for his help to bring him to Han Seo Joon's cell.

Jung Ba Reum said to his friend that he needs to end everything that made him suffer for years. The psychopath stabbed his own father until he died and slowly became weak due to the effect of the brain surgery.

Jung Ba Reum Died in Pain and Agony

With all the things that he did before, Jung Ba Reum felt repentance and faced death as his punishment for taking innocent lives.

The drama ended inside the church where Jung Ba Reum reunited with his younger self and assured that the Almighty heard his prayer.

He was not a monster anymore because started to live with genuine emotions and repent for all the wrongdoings he did throughout his life.

god heard our prayers were no longer monsters



bye i need some tissue#MouseEp20 #MouseFinale pic.twitter.com/o0DZR6wV68  ai (@1301sg) May 19, 2021

What can you say about the "Mouse" finale? 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
WASHINGTON, D.C.  With precious little water available for farmers and other stakeholders in the Klamath Basin this year, two Congressmen who represent large areas of southern Oregon and northern California are pushing for millions of dollars in relief funding for the region.

U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz and Doug LaMalfa, of Oregon and California respectively, have put forward a $57 million proposal to assist the Klamath Basin. Much of the funding would take the form of monetary aid for farmers, with some elements going toward infrastructure, wildlife refuges, and Tribes.

The lawmakers pointed to a decision from the federal Bureau of Reclamation earlier this month to halt diversions of water from Upper Klamath Lake for irrigation, which leaves the majority of farmers without a water supply.

Last weeks decision by the Bureau of Reclamation to eliminate water deliveries to farmers and wildlife is absolutely crippling to the Klamath Basin," Rep. LaMalfa said. "The federal government has failed to properly manage the water in the Basin, and Congress must take action to help prevent further damage to the areas residents, crops, and wildlife. Congressman Bentz and I are committed to offer solutions and will work with any partner to help deliver needed aid and get the region through this crisis.

Particularly amid a severe drought year, the Bureau faces competing demands for the water stored in Upper Klamath Lake, governed by a complex web of laws and court rulings that stretch back years. Farmers in the Basin require diversion of the water for irrigation needs, Tribes along the Klamath River have fought for flows downstream to spare native salmon species from disease, and the Klamath Tribes want to preserve water stored in Upper Klamath Lake in an attempt to save the Lost River and Shortnose sucker species.

The severity of the 2021 drought is such that none of the major stakeholders are particularly pleased with the outcome. The Yurok Tribe reports that low spring flows have resulted in a die-off in young salmon due to rampant disease, and the Klamath Tribes worry that low water levels in Upper Klamath Lake will exacerbate the decline of sucker species even with irrigation curtailed.

The proposal introduced by Reps. Bentz and LaMalfa primarily seeks to get Basin farming communities through the crisis, signaling that the roughly $25 million in aid previously made available by the federal government will not be enough.

The catastrophic drought and historic zero water allocation by the Bureau of Reclamation have been absolutely crushing to irrigators, water users, and wildlife in the Klamath Basin," said Bentz. "I have already worked  and will continue working  with Oregons U.S. Senators to secure assistance for those in the Basin. However, our farmers simply cannot ride out this crisis or afford to rely on current measures to deal with this catastrophic drought. I appreciate the commitment by Congressman LaMalfa to lead with me in the House of Representatives on requesting enhanced, immediate relief for those in the Klamath. We are focused on elevating the needs of everyone in the community for further federal action.

The proposal allocates $40 million in aid for farmers through USDA programs, $2.5 million to wildlife refuges, $2.5 million for families with parched residential wells, $4 million to water districts for canal repair, $3 million for commercial fisherman impacted by the loss of salmon on the lower Klamath, and $5 million in food aid for Tribes.

Bentz and LaMalfa said that the proposal would also shield farmers from paying for Bureau of Reclamation operations in the Basin for the 2021 season, while defunding a planned $4.5 million Reclamation headquarters in Klamath Falls.
SALEM, Ore.  For one shining moment on Wednesday, Democratic and Republican state lawmakers were in agreement  the state's financial outlook is almost shockingly strong, according to the latest economists' report.

The May Economic and Revenue Forecast was delivered to members of two Senate and House committees on Tuesday, showing near-term economic growth that belied the preceding year of pandemic-related repression  thanks, in no small part, to gobs of federal aid funding.

This is unbelievable. In all my years at the Oregon Legislature, I have never seen a forecast like this," said Senate President Peter Courtney. "Oregon's economy is clearly one of the most stable in the country. We have what we need to deal with the damage caused by the great fire and the pandemic. If we join our hands and arms, we can really do something about the pain and suffering of Oregonians right now. If we don't, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Oregon's economists reported that household incomes are higher than before the pandemic despite losses in the labor market, and employment is expected to rebound by late 2022. Tax revenue is more uncertain, due to the late deadline this year, but the report noted that the tax season "is turning out to be a healthy one," with fewer refunds due to tax payers than last year.

While amazement appeared universal, Democratic and Republican lawmakers differed somewhat in their priorities for how the state's revenue would be best employed.

Money is coming out of our ears. This one-time dump of federal money needs to be used responsibly. We must first ensure taxpayers get their full Kicker. That money belongs to them, and there is no justification to take it from them, said Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod.

Sen. Girod estimated that the economic outlook could result in one of the largest kicker refunds in state history, at roughly $1.4 billion  enough, he said, to give every Oregonian $330.

Beyond the kicker, Senate Republicans proposed to "fully fund and fully reopen" Oregon schools, invest in workforce development and technical education programs at community colleges, and assist communities devastated by wildfires.

Governor Kate Brown said that the forecast would allow Oregon to fund agency base budgets, invest in recommendations from the Racial Justice Council, move forward with a $9.4 billion school budget, and ensure that no one is kicked off the Oregon Health Plan. Brown and a number of leading Democrats mentioned supporting racial equity by ensuring that marginalized communities hit hard by COVID-19 are not left behind.

"While Oregons economy is experiencing its strongest growth in decades, we must remember that too many Oregonians are struggling to pay rent or put food on the table," said House Speaker Tina Kotek. "The legislature must seize this opportunity to deliver bold action and immediate relief for Oregon families. This forecast means we can make critical investments to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance racial equity, and address our housing and behavioral health needs."
SALEM, Ore.  The Oregon House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday proposing that health care is a human right, sending the matter on to voters for final ratification.

Originally dubbed the "HOPE Amendment," Senate Joint Resolution 12 proposes to amend the Oregon constitution by declaring that every resident of the state has a right to affordable health care. Proposals to amend the Oregon constitution have to be ratified by voters in order to take effect, so the matter will appear on ballots in the 2022 general election.

We need to send this to the voters because of the unpredictability of the future of health care at the federal level, said Democratic Representative Andrea Salinas, who co-carried the bill on the House floor. The marketplace needs some stability and the state of Oregon needs a path forward. We dont need better insurance instruments, we need better access to health care.

SJR 12 passed the House in a 34-23 vote, and was previously approved by the Senate. Republican lawmakers have broadly opposed the resolution, saying that it comes without a clear system to deliver on its promise while promising "utopian" healthcare coverage.

The proposed amendment itself is relatively simple. It would change Article I of the Oregon constitution, adding a subsection that says the state is obligated to ensure that state residents have access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate, and affordable healthcare "as a fundamental right."

Pursuing satisfaction of that right must be balanced against the public interest for funding schools and other public services, the proposed amendment reads.

Burdensome medical bills, or medical conditions that go untreated because of a lack of financial resources, cause great strain to families and individuals all over this state, said Rep. Rob Nosse, the bills other co-carrier. They hold people back, causing them to forego starting a business, getting an education, buying a home, or having children. This amendment is a practical and sober statement of what the people of this state need.

Because the proposed amendment adds healthcare as a fundamental right but does not posit how best to achieve that end, it's unclear what the outcome would look like. It could take the form of greatly expanded eligibility for the Oregon Health Plan, the state's Medicaid program, but the resolution  if passed by voters  undoubtedly lays the groundwork for future political debate and legislation on the topic.
GRANTS PASS, Ore.  The sizable police presence on Rogue River Highway in Grants Pass on Tuesday evening arose from the attempt to apprehend two fugitives out of Washington state who barricaded themselves inside a home with a young child, according to the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety.

Police in Grants Pass were contacted on Tuesday afternoon by agents from the U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations, who were seeking two fugitives believed to be heading from Washington state to Grants Pass.

The suspects, according to GPDPS, were 36-year-old Guillermo B. Othon and 26-year-old Cierra B. Larsen. Both had felony arrest warrants out of Thurston County, and were wanted in connection with an armed home invasion robbery. They were believed to be "armed and dangerous," traveling with their 4-year-old daughter to a house in the 1800-block of Rogue River Highway.

Because of the nature of the crimes and the presence of a child, GPDPS said that it proceeded "with an abundance of caution"  bringing in the local SWAT team, Crisis Negotiations Team, patrol officers, detectives, community service officers, and a K9 unit. Agents from HSI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Marshals also responded, while marine deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff's Office covered the Rogue River side.

GPDPS said that Othon and Larsen arrived in Grants Pass around 6 p.m., and immediately barricaded themselves inside the house with their child when confronted by officers.

"They hid from view, but officers could hear pounding noises coming from inside," GPDPS said. "The occupants of several neighboring residences were evacuated for their safety."

Attempts to contact the two fugitives by phone and over a PA got no response, according to police. Eventually, officers used "diversionary devices," and Othon came out of the house around 7:30 p.m. He was arrested and lodged in the County jail.

GPDPS said that Larsen remained inside, refusing to respond over the course of several hours, aside from a single text shortly after 8:30 p.m. in which Larsen claimed that she was not at the house.

"Despite repeated pleas for Larsen to give up and to release her daughter, there was no other reply nor sound heard from the residence," the agency said.

Obtaining a search warrant for the house, GPDPS SWAT went inside and began a search. Larsen and her daughter were eventually found underneath a layer of insulation in the attic, with the child taken out just before 2 a.m. She was evaluated by medical personnel and then taken into protective custody.

Larsen was arrested and lodged at the Josephine County jail on the warrant pending local charges.

GPDPS said that this area of Rogue River Highway was closed for several hours. Two drivers went through police barricades during that time, and both drivers were arrested for DUII.

"Throughout this event, the number one priority for every agency involved was the health and safety of the four-year-old child," the agency concluded. "City, County, State and Federal agencies all worked together to coordinate a peaceful resolution. The professionalism of each individual involved resulted in the successful rescue of the child, who was found to be uninjured and in good spirits. We would also like to thank the public for their patience, particularly the neighbors who were disturbed by the events and evacuations."
TALENT, Ore. ---- Right now, state managed crews are working on the process of clearing out the ash and debris out of areas in the Almeda corridor.

These were properties that were burnt down during the Almeda fire more than seven months ago.

So, seeing it cleared, you know, seeing properties cleaned up and the potential for the rebuilding, that's going to happen over time. That means the world. It means a lot to the communities that we serve, and seeing just properties cleaned up. And we're really at a point now where we are in the final stages of cleanup, Kevin Alvarado, spokesman for the Oregon Debris Management Task Force said.

The task force is combined of groups from the Oregon Departments of Transportation, Environmental Quality and Emergency Management.

On Thursday, Alvarado said that they are about 77% percent through their part of the clean up process.

So, the state, will be sending property owners in the next coming days a letter that says that property, cleanup has been complete, that soil testing has been complete and, that they are ready to rebuild, Alvarado added.

Kevin added that once those letters are sent out it will be up to the individual property owners to work their local municipalities to get building permits to start building.

We're extremely proud of the work being done by our contractors, the pace of work that they've been able to achieve. This is something that we understand. There's no such thing as fast enough when it comes to getting people back into their homes. However, we constantly see glimmers of fantastic work coming throughout our, from our crews, Alvarado concluded.
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A webpage showing videos of ethnic Uyghurs responding to former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with subtitles which reads "I'm proud to be Chinese," "Pompeo, Our language and words have never been suppressed" is seen on a computer screen in Beijing on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. China has highlighted an unlikely series of videos this year in which Uyghur men and women deny U.S. charges that Beijing is committing human rights violations against their ethnic group. In fact, a text obtained by the AP shows that the videos are part of a government campaign that raises questions about the willingness of those filmed. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Travellers are directed to take a mandatory COVID-19 test after arriving on an international flight at Pearson International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Monday, February 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Buddhist Association of China observes Buddha's birth anniversary

Xinhua) 10:39, May 20, 2021

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Buddhist Association of China on Wednesday hosted a commemorative event to observe this year's birth anniversary of the Buddha at Guangji Temple in Beijing.

The participants at the event included representatives from China's major Buddhist communities, envoys to China from countries such as Cambodia, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as other guests and members of the public.

Inheriting the spiritual legacy of the Buddha, generations of Buddhists have contributed their efforts to the exchange and progress of human civilizations, said Master Yanjue, head of the Buddhist Association of China, in his speech.

Confronted with the global pandemic, Chinese and overseas Buddhist communities have helped and supported each other, while Buddhists from different countries and regions have joined together in the fight against the epidemic, Master Yanjue said.

It is the common duty of Buddhists in contemporary times to promote the well-being and alleviate the misery of humankind, advance the peaceful relationship and win-win cooperation among different countries across the world, and contribute to the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

During the event, Buddhist masters from different schools prayed together for the end of the pandemic, as well as for people's happiness and world peace.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)


Location: Milwaukee - Wisconsin

Location: United States of America (remote)

Job Description The Senior Financial Analyst II is responsible for a supporting various planning, forecasting, causaling and reporting processes and analyses in support of Rockwell's businesses and regions. The role reports to the Global Analytics and Insights organization, will work in partnership with the Global Sales & Marketing Finance and engages with other FP&A teams within the organization to develop financial plans, forecasts and analyze actual performance against those goals. The mission of the Global Analytics and Insights organization is to provide business and functional partners with information to manage performance and support decision making, while driving operational excellence in the process. This Senior Financial Analyst will own the standard reporting, analysis, and forecasting for the business/function and provide ad-hoc support as needed. The role utilizes global consolidation financial systems (HP,HFM, Oracle EPM Cloud) and SAP to provide performance reporting and insight on a variety of key financial metrics including orders, sales, backlog and other key financial matrix. The Senior Analyst also works to automate processes and support simplification and standardization efforts. Scope of duties may include: Develop commentary and additional analysis for the quarterly performance review presentations.

Develop financial plans utilizing business partner input and leveraging standard tools and processes to enable clear explanations for financial performance in a particular region, function or business, especially in sales and orders by Rockwell Automation Industry types.

Maintain and enhance standard orders, sales and backlog reporting including regional and business unit performance, daily trends, and key variances to plan, forecast and prior period.

Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting & causals for all key financial metrics for the group (specially by Industry).

Present and explain financial performance and key variances and changes vs. forecast, plan and prior year (for Industry).

Developing the key drivers of the supported organization's Annual Operating Plan (AOP) by working with other financial teams and business partners

Ensure the predictability of results by driving standard and effective quarterly forecasts for supported areas as well as future outlooks as required by Corporate Finance.

Assist in the transfer of workload between FP&A organizations within Rockwell to ensure continuity of business support and enabling use of standard tools and processes.

Developing and advocating for automation, simplification, and standardization in reporting.

Create ad hoc analyses and respond to business inquiries to understand material drivers of financial performance.

Closely align with the other teams in the Global Analytics and Insights organization to drive improved and standardized global processes.

Assist with team training efforts and help develop co-workers' FP&A skillsets and systems knowledge We're looking for someone with: Strong analytical skills, and an ability to understand the business drivers behind financial results

Customer-focused, with a strong interest in understanding the strategy and priorities of the business functions that they support

Solid understanding of key accounting and financial reporting concepts

Strong bias to get the job done, strategic outlook with the ability to operate as a "change agent" and to drive standardization. Willingness to challenge the status quo to enhance productivity, processes and procedures.

Effective interpersonal and communication skills capable of interacting with peers and senior leadership.

Self-starter with the ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

An impeccable sense of integrity and business ethics Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree

Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting (BS or BA), CPA or MBA desirable.

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of FP&A experience, as an asset in orders & sales area

Must have a working knowledge of MS Office, especially excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills

Working knowledge of SAP, Hyperion Financial Management and HP

Basic PBI knowledge would be an asset

Process improvement focus and proactive mindset with an eagerness to learn the business

Adept at leveraging financial systems and desktop apps to "drill down" to find answers

Demonstrated ability to interpret financial results and develop key takeaways and insights

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

Ability to work effectively across time zones, businesses, and functions to resolve issues

Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects with varying deadlines, result driven.

Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. ***For a candidate with the right experience, this position could be worked remotely from any U.S. location.*** #LI-MM1 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans. If you are an individual with a disability and you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our services team at +1 (see application details).


People enjoy the warm weather at the beach in Oka Provincial Park, Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Oka, Que. The park has limited access after crowds swarmed the beach in the past few days to escape the heat.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Kenosha Police and officials at two local public schools investigated reports of weapons violations after they confiscated BB guns from students at Wilson Elementary and Washington Middle School earlier this week.

On Tuesday officers responded to Wilson Elementary, 4520 33rd Ave., following the report of the incident sometime before 4 p.m., according to police radio traffic.

The incident at Washington Middle School, 811 Washington Road, occurred Monday.

Tanya Ruder, Kenosha Unified spokesperson, confirmed that the BB-guns had been brought into the schools. No one was hurt or threatened, she said.

Notification from Wilson and Washington principals Rhonda Lopez and Shane Gayle, respectively, went out to parents or guardians of students, noting that the weapons had been seized and school administration and the police department involved in the investigations. Both students are expected to face discipline.

We also want you to know that the individual responsible is known and disciplinary action will be implemented. Most importantly, the police do not believe that students and staff are in danger, according to the notifications.
According to the complaint, an agent went through Crocketts garbage outside the home in Racine, collecting things like drinking straws, water bottles and a disposable coffee cup and sending those to the Wisconsin Crime Lab in Milwaukee. Those tests showed a match to Crockett, according to the complaint.

In the first of the two assaults charged Thursday, a young adult woman said she was walking in the 2300 block of 61st Street in Kenosha on her way to a friends home on the afternoon of Nov. 10, 2014, when a man grabbed her and pulled her into a white vehicle and raped her. She indicated that she ultimately fought the male subject off of her and ran out of the vehicle, the complaint states.

In the second case, a middle-aged woman reported that she was walking home from the Kenosha County Job Center on Sheridan Road in April 2015 after going there to use a computer to look for work. According to the complaint she told an investigator she was walking looking at paperwork when a man grabbed her from behind and pulled her into a car and raped her. She said that after the assault she got out of the car and ran away.
Hopkinsville, KY (42240)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mostly cloudy during the afternoon with heavy thunderstorms becoming likely. High 86F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Senate approved a House bill that will make Indigenous People's Day an official state holiday.

Indigenous People's Day will be the second Monday of October, which renames Columbus Day, and legislators hope it will encourage Oregonians to learn about and celebrate the state's native communities.

They also say Columbus Day brings reminders of pain and suffering to native people.

According to data from the University of Oregon, nearly 140,000 Oregonians are indigenous people from Central America and Mexico.

The state is also home to nine confederated tribes.

The bill passed 22 to 7 in the Senate after passing the House 50 to 5, and now goes to the governor's desk for approval.
EUGENE, Ore.  The University of Oregon broadened language in its student conduct code that could give greater flexibility to discipline students who break COVID-19 safety measures while off-campus.

The UO Board of Trustees adopted the new language during a board meeting Thursday. The conduct code now applies to off-campus students whose behavior seriously threatens the health and safety of any person.

The old language still allowed the university to hold students responsible for off-campus behavior that had an adverse impact on the community, but made no mention of health. According to meeting materials, the changes were approved by the universitys general counsel prior to the board vote.

It remains unclear how the university will use the revised language to pursue hosts and attendees of large off-campus parties, like the one earlier this month that drew 500 people and was broken up by Eugene Police.

UOs Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is used to investigate large off-campus parties. School officials have said they meet with student leaders and local property managers to make the rules and resources even more clear.

The consequences of violating UOs Student Conduct Code may include educational sanctions, disciplinary probation or suspension.

Earlier this month Kay Jarvis, a spokesperson for the university, declined to say whether the university has disciplined any students for violating COVID-19 rules citing privacy laws.

On campus, students have mixed feelings about the university having jurisdiction over events that happen off-campus.

As somebody who lives off campus, [Im] not exactly a big fan of it, said Caleb Baker, a second-year student. You move off campus to get a little bit more of that freedom and finally start branching out and knowing how to control yourself.

But not everyone agrees. First-year student Loie Bonnet understands why the university would want control over the behavior of students off-campus.

They definitely do have some sort of jurisdiction, she said, pointing out that what happens off-campus eventually makes its way back to campus.

The board of trustees unanimously approved the amended conduct code language.
By Ruth Anderah

A Congolese national has been charged and sent on remand at Kitalya prison for allegedly sodomizing a 6-year-old boy.

Bahati Dedye aged 22years, a gatekeeper, and resident of Kulambiro-Kigoowa zone in Kampala District has appeared before a grade one magistrate at City Hall Valerian Tuhimbise who did not allow him to say anything on aggravated defilement charge which is a capital offense in nature and only triable by the High court.

He has now sent him on remand until June 7th, when he will reappear to know the stage of investigations in the case.

Prosecutions Viola Tusingwire insists that during the month of April and May 2021 at Kulambiro -Kigoowa 11 zone, Bahati performed a sexual act with a boy aged 6 years.
By Patience Ahimbisibwe

Kamuli District Woman Member of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, who has been Speaker of the dissolved 10th Parliament, yesterday said it is undemocratic for members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) top organ to predetermine the partys flag bearer for speakership.

Ms Kadaga was responding to journalists questions at the partys electoral commission at Plot 10, Kyadondo Road, an upscale neighbourhood of Kampala, after expressing her interest to the party to retain the speakership job in the 11th Parliament.

The journalists had asked Ms Kadaga to explain why she subjected herself to a party organ (the NRM Central Executive Committee) she had previously pigeon-holed as undemocratic.

In response, Ms Kadaga yesterday repeated the attacks on CEC and threw a dagger, questioning why President Museveni goes back to the party after every five years and asks them what they can do and wondered why the party now wants to ring-fence the position of speaker.

You dont listen, you dont listen. I said it would be undemocratic for CEC to sit five years early and say five years later so and so will be our speaker. Why dont you do that for the President? Every five years, he comes back and says elections are here, what do we do? she said.

We cannot sit here even in my constituency in Kamuli, you cannot say in five years you will be our MP. When five years come, you must go back and subject yourself to them. It will be undemocratic for them [CEC members] to say [that nobody should contest for the position [of the speaker] since CEC already selected a candidate. You have selected! Are you selecting your cattle?

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kadaga-tells-cec-to-back-off-speaker-race-3407214
By Ruth Anderah

Rhino Fund Uganda that was managing Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located in Nakasongola District has withdrawn its case of breach of contract case against the owners of the land where the facility is located.

The case was filed in April against the owners of the land Captain Charles Roy together with Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranches Limited for breach of contract and illegally cancellation of its licence that was pending hearing before High Court Justice Musa Ssekaana.

The licence in question was signed on August 20th 2002 to run for 30 years and it was cancelled in January after 18 years.

Accordingly, the court records indicate that Captain Roy on April 16th wrote to the Rhino Fund Uganda asking them to vacate his land on grounds that the organization no longer had businesses there since Uganda Wildlife Authority had revoked their license.

As such, Captain Roy gave the organization only seven days to vacate his place where they were managing 33 rhinos.

Later, Rhino Fund Uganda filed a case of breach of contract which it has withdrawn.

Uganda Wildlife Authority in April issued a statement closing the sanctuary from the public until further notice due to the conflicts between the organisation and the owners of the land which they realised could compromise the safety of rhinos.
SPOKANE, Wash. - After a hearing on Thursday, it was announced Fairchild Air Force Base will not get the next round of new KC-46A tankers. Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey was announced as the primary base in contention.


Engineering Product Owner Santa Clara Valley (Cupertino) , California , United States Software and Services Summary

Posted: May 18, 2021 Weekly Hours: 40 Role Number: 200246537 At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming excellent products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Are you ready to do your life's best work? Your real passion for product ownership and track record of product development will prove critical to your success on our team here at Claris. Claris International Inc. (an Apple subsidiary), the leading standalone desktop database company, is looking for a Software Engineer to design and implement major features for existing and new products. We have a well established product line, and a committed customer base that provides easy access to customized Claris FileMaker solutions from anywhere. Claris is continually improving its technologies to meet market needs and demands. Key Qualifications Excellent communication skills

Understanding of software product lifecycle

The ability to translate execute level strategy into into actionable stories for engineering teams

Experience working in an Agile development environment

Excellent presentation skills

Software engineering experience Description The Product Owner (PO) is a member of the Agile Team responsible for defining stories and prioritizing the Team Backlog to streamline the execution of program priorities while maintaining the conceptual and technical integrity of the features or components for the team. - Translate execute level strategy into into actionable stories for the engineering teams - Write detailed user stories - Creation of acceptance criteria - Orchestrate delivery of design artifacts - Backlog ownership and prioritization - Deliver internal demos - Collaborate with non engineering POs across org when needed - Understanding customer needs - Attend daily stand up meetings - Drive backlog grooming - Attend sprint planning - Participate in team demos and sprint retros - Maintain backlog for upcoming sprints Education & Experience BSCS (or equivalent technical degree)


A former security guard who was caught with thousands of images of children being sexually abused has been jailed for 18 months.

Owen Shannon (53) was found with nearly 3,500 images and videos on various devices in his home of children as young as five being sexually abused by adult men.

Shannon, of Carrick Hill Road, Portmarnock, Dublin, worked as a security guard for a number of years but has principally been a carer for his mother and, more recently, his elderly father for most of his life.

Last December he pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of possessing child pornography at his home on June 23, 2016. He has no previous convictions.

When evidence was first heard last December, Judge Melanie Greally said she was conscious of Shannon's role in respect of his father and asked if arrangements were in place for his father's care. She said her intention was to defer sentence until such time as Shannon's father is vaccinated against Covid-19.

Gerardine Small BL, defending, told the court that her client's father had gone into hospital but has since been discharged.

On Wednesday Judge Greally imposed a two and a half year sentence with the final 12 months suspended on conditions including that Shannon engage with the Probation Service for 12 months upon his release.

She ordered that he must be assessed for a sexual offenders treatment programme and if deemed suitable he should engage with the programme constructively and complete it.

Detective Garda Brian Pentony told the court at the hearing last December that following a tip-off from Russian authorities, gardai went to Shannon's home address.

Shannon opened the door and brought gardai to his bedroom and told them he had been accessing child sexual abuse material. He admitted to gardai that the material would show girls as young as five being sexually abused by adult men.

Due to delays in the system, the material was only analysed last year. Gardai found a total of 3,437 images and 56 movies on two laptops, one computer and a hard drive which had been seized.

Much of the material was at the most serious Category 1 level, which takes into account the level of distress experienced by the children, Elva Duffy BL, prosecuting, said. Some of the children depicted were as young as three, she said.

Shannon first accessed the material in 2007, but his viewing spiked in 2016, the court heard.

Ms Small said her client lives a solitary, isolated life. He has lived in the family home all his life.

The court heard Shannon started caring for his mother, who suffered ill health, from when he was an adolescent. He was very close to her and devastated when she died, Ms Small said.

He worked for a number of years as a security guard but gave it up to care full-time for his father, who is currently in his 80s.

Counsel handed up a letter from Shannon in which he said he deeply regrets his actions. He has remorse for his disgusting actions and he realises that every photo and video is of a victim who suffered terribly at the hands of people who are beyond evil, Ms Small said.

He is ashamed of himself. He will never have a good name again.

Ms Small said Shannon had gone to one therapy session and found it helpful but did not have the means to pay for further sessions.

His personal circumstances are quite sad. This man has experienced social isolation for a prolonged period of time. He has no interactions outside the home, she said.
A local councillor is highlighting water pressure deficiencies and lack of emergency storage in the pump station in the areas of Goresbridge, Paulstown and Gowran.

Cllr Denis Hynes said that the issues are ongoing for decades.

Its not good enough, not only are residents suffering but also lack of a proper water supply is preventing future developments in the area, he said and added that he has raised the matter with Minister Malcolm Noonan.

According to Cllr Hynes Gowran, Paulstown and Goresbridge, have endured decades of hardship due to water pressure deficiencies and lack of emergency storage in the pump station in the area. Cllr Hynes told the Kilkenny People that over 1400 families are affected by the poor standards of water supply by Irish Water and that nine estates with their own private wells.

"This has been ongoing now for decades. Its not good enough, not only are residents suffering but also lack of a proper water supply is preventing future developments in the area.

Cllr Hynes and representatives from the three local communities recently met with Minister Noonan and outlined our concerns. We are awaiting a response.

Local Paulstown Development Association representative Ms Linda Healy said, that the northwest of the county was suffering and while the new system is on the National Development Plan, there is no date for comment.

"The plan seems to have slipped onto the back burner and locals dont have the luxury of waiting until its too late," she said.
Arik Matson, the Waseca police officer who was shot in the line of duty, has been named the Police Officer of the Year by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association.

These awards call out some of the best, brightest and bravest men and women in Minnesota law enforcement, but police chiefs across our state also today want to recognize the great work that goes unnoticed from the vast majority of police officers in agencies of all sizes, urban and rural, said MCPA President Eric Werner, police chief in Maple Grove, MN.

Matson was shot and seriously injured after responding to a suspicious person complaint early in 2020.

Other members of the Waseca Police Department who were part of the incident on January 6 have also been recognized for their actions.

"Captain Kris Markeson, Sergeant Tim Schroeder, and Officer Andrew Harren have each been awarded the Medal of Honor and the Lifesaving Award. Matson was also awarded the Medal of Honor," a news release stated.

The man who critically injured Matson, Tyler Janovsky, pled guilty to two counts of attempted murder of a police officer.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - This weekend, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students will walk at commencement and receive their diplomas.

60 students will be graduating in Rochester, and 39 in Arizona. This is the Arizona campus's first graduating class.

Statues of the Mayo brothers, Dr. William J. Mayo and Dr. Charles H. Mayo sit on steps across the street from the Mayo Clinic Tuesday, July 2, 2019, in Rochester, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) Statues of the Mayo brothers, Dr. William J. Mayo and Dr. Charles H. Mayo sit on steps across the street from the Mayo Clinic Tuesday, July 2, 2019, in Rochester, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Jackie Zayas is one of the med students graduating in Rochester. She's entering the field of dermatology. Mayo med students' learning was impacted by COVID-19. Like many of us, they have to pivot to taking a different approach to their final year of education. After Zayas graduates this weekend and begins her post-degree career, she thinks the experiences she had as a medical student will shape how she interacts with her future patients.

"It provides kind of an instant connection with our patients, with this sort of shared trauma that we've all had with having to isolate and be away from our families and friends and change our whole routines and our whole lives and uproot everything that we were used to. I think there's going to be a shared connectiveness between caregivers and their patients," explains Zayas.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences students usually have a joint commencement. This year, due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the ceremonies will be separate. Biomedical Sciences graduates will have their ceremony in September. The plan is to resume joint commencement ceremonies in 2022.
MASON CITY, Iowa  A man accused of sexually abusing a child in Mason City has been arrested in Minnesota.

Police say there were called on May 5 to do a welfare check on a child at a North Madison Avenue home. The Iowa Department of Human Services was called in to assist and a criminal investigation was started. That led to an arrested warrant being issued on May 17 for Nathaniel Scott Pearce, 35 of Mason City, on two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child.

The Mason City Police Department says Pearce was arrested Thursday in Shakopee, MN, and is being extradited back to Cerro Gordo County. He's being held on $50,000 cash bond.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Investigator Terrance Prochaska at 641-421-3636.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Following the announcement from the CDC and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz that fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear a face mask, Rochester city leaders are leaving the decision up to individual business owners when it comes to enforcing it.

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President, Ryan Parsons, said the response from business owners in Rochester has been positive. He said lifting the mask mandate provides them with more flexibility, especially with how they operate and welcome customers. However, there's been an overall cautious approach to returning back to normal.

A lot of business owners are continuing with mask requirements for these next couple of weeks to see how the response is. "It's not so much a matter of okay, now we can go without masks, everybody lift them," explained Parsons. "There are a lot of businesses out there continuing to take a really patient approach to how they're going about this and I think that's really encouraging."

Parsons said it's also important to remember there could be some consequences if you don't comply with requirements. "That rule follows pretty close to the, 'no shoes, no shirt, no service,' type thing," he explained. "Once you're within a business' walls, it's kind of up to them what they want to put forth and how much they want to enforce it."

While a lot of small business owners still want masks to be worn, some major retailers, like Target, Hy-Vee and Walmart, lifted their mask mandates. Face coverings are still required on public transportation, planes and trains nationwide.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  Two accused copper thieves are pleading not guilty.

Ron Allen Degener, 55 of Rochester, and Chad Charles Westby, 43 of Rochester, are both charged with stealing copper wiring from the old AMPI plant.

The two were arrested on January 1 after someone called Rochester police about a suspicious vehicle in the AMPI parking lot. Officers arrived and notice the chain-link fence was cut and heard noises inside the plant. Police say Westby surrendered immediately but Degener led officers on a chase through the plant before being caught.

Police say tools, copper wire, copper fuses, pumps, and other parts were stolen and the same location had been burglarized twice in December 2020.

Both Degener and Westby have pleaded not guilty to third-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools. No trial date has been set for either man.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm this evening. Then partly cloudy. Low 63F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.


Media Streaming Engineer Santa Clara Valley (Cupertino) , California , United States Software and Services Summary

Posted: Nov 2, 2020 Weekly Hours: 40 Role Number: 200202814 Apple's Streaming Media Team, is looking for proactive and hardworking engineers to join our streaming media playback team. Our team works on technologies that power streaming media playback experiences on Apple platforms (e.g, iPhone, iPad, ATV, Mac and Apple Watch). We build frameworks that provide client app's the ability to stream highest-quality media available from your favorite video services (e.g. iTunes Movies, Netflix, HBO, Hulu, MLB, etc) without stalling by building on core technologies such as Core Media, AVFoundation. Key Qualifications Strong programming skills in C/C++

Excellent debugging and troubleshooting skills using network analysis

Good familiarity with code versioning tools

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work well with tight schedules and rapid development cycles Description As a media streaming engineer in this role, you will be responsible for developing features, contributing to overall media systems design, work in areas related to video streaming, web-based playback, performance analysis and optimization, network bandwidth estimation and media adaption algorithms, etc. Education & Experience BS or MS in CS/CE or equivalent Additional Requirements Nice to have but not required:

Knowledge of media streaming protocols (e.g., HTTP Live Streaming HLS, DASH), codecs (e.g., H.264, HEVC, AAC, AC3) and transports/container formats (e.g., MP4, MPEG-2 TS)

Experience in developing audio/video players.

Experience in working with content protection technologies for media streaming is desirable

Familiarity with CDN architectures (caches, origin servers, proxies, etc) is desirable.

Proficiency in multi-threaded development






KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  A southwestern Missouri pastor is pleading for money to help the owners of a former girls reform school who are facing dozens of criminal counts accusing them of abuse.

Missouri reform school owners charged with abusing residents The owners of a former reform school in southwest Missouri are facing more than 100 charges alleging they abused girls at the facility.

The Rev. Jerry Pyle, of Bible Baptist Church of Vernon County, sent a letter earlier this month to supporters of Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and its owners, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, asking for money to fund their legal defense, the Kansas City Star reported.

The Householders began attending Pyles church last year, before the ranch was shut down. Boyd Householder faces nearly 80 charges, including statutory rape. His wife has been charged with 22 counts, most involving child abuse or neglect. Both have pleaded not guilty and are expected to appear for a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

I believe it is our responsibility to do what we can to aid them in clearing their names of these false, demonic accusations," Pyle wrote in the May 7 letter.

Pyle did not respond to the Star's requests for comment.

Sixteen former residents of the reform school in Cedar County say Boyd and Stephanie Householder frequently restrained them with handcuffs, whipped them with belts, taped their mouths shut and struck or punched them for minor offenses such as drinking from a spring or singing. Boyd Householder also has been accused of sexually abusing girls in his care.
The police department said they've had numerous reports of thieves targeting the homes of Asian business owners.
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Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 68F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
China releases the first images taken by its Mars rover
A senior Hamas leader and Israel's Security Cabinet have confirmed that a mutual ceasefire deal has been agreed. Palestinians inspect damage to buildings in Al-Saftawi street northern Gaza City on May 20, 2021 in Gaza City, Gaza.
President Moon Jae-in listens as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 20. AP-Yonhap



South Korean President Moon Jae-in had discussions Thursday with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders on ways to promote "substantive" cooperation between the allies, Cheong Wa Dae said.



In the session held on Capitol Hill, they had "in-depth" consultations on bilateral relations, Korean Peninsula issues, COVID-19 vaccines and global supply chains of high-tech industries.



Moon pointed out that the Seoul-Washington alliance has played a pivotal role in regional peace and prosperity over the past seven decades.



Despite an unprecedented crisis stemming from COVID-19, the two sides have demonstrated the "genuine spirit of alliance," helping each other, according to Moon's office.



He said that it is an inevitable task to achieve the complete denuclearization of Korea and establish permanent peace for the sake of peace and stability in the region.



"South Korea and the U.S. will have to move together toward getting it realized," Moon was quoted as saying.



He also noted that the Joe Biden administration has mapped out a "practical and sophisticated" strategy on North Korea through close coordination with South Korea, Cheong Wa Dae said in a press release.



Moon pledged to provide support so that Washington's policy can be successful and emphasized the importance of resuming its dialogue with Pyongyang.





Moon, Biden set for talks on vaccine, economic ties and North Korea US welcomes chance to discuss vaccine cooperation with South Korea Moon visits US military cemetery in show of commitment to stronger alliance He requested continued support from U.S. Congress for peace and stability on the peninsula.



Regarding economic partnerships, the president cited South Korean companies' global competitiveness especially in the semiconductor and electric vehicle battery sectors.



He reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to close supply chain cooperation with the U.S. in those new industries. He asked U.S. Congress to back the proposed expansion of visa quotas for high-skilled workers.



Moon expressed hope that the two sides will cooperate more closely on the supply of coronavirus vaccines and health care policies. He cited South Korean firms' consignment production of vaccines.



On the Washington-Beijing relationship, he stressed the importance of its "stable" development. For South Korea, the U.S. is an ally that shares universal values and the alliance is the foundation for Seoul's diplomacy and security, he pointed out.



China is the largest trading partner of South Korea and an important partner in connection with the Korean Peninsula affairs, he added.



With regard to Japan, Moon said South Korea is determined to seek to develop bilateral ties in a "forward-looking" way as "very important" neighbors.



Seoul hopes for a dialogue-based resolution to disputes over shared history and will continue diplomatic efforts for cooperation on such issues as climate change and COVID-19, the president said.



He also took note of Biden's leadership in efforts to bolster international cooperation in addressing the climate issue, as shown in his fulfillment of a promise for the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Agreement. Biden hosted a virtual summit of global leaders on climate in April as well.



Moon mentioned the Atlanta shooting incident in March, in which several Asian women, including four of Korean descent, were killed, and voiced concern about an increase in such crimes against Asian people.




By Kim Sang-woo





As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, highly concerning variants have been identified in many countries, with scientists fearing that some of these new strains may be resistant to the recently produced vaccines.



In February, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced that 10 countries had administered 75 percent of the world's available COVID-19 vaccine supply. At that time, more than 130 countries, home to 2.5 billion people, had yet to receive a single dose of any vaccine, rendering their populations vulnerable to the new variants.



High-income countries hope to get close to herd immunity through vaccination in the coming months. But they will still be in danger of the variants evolving in non-vaccinated or inadequately vaccinated countries, which will then make their way across international borders.



Such mutations could pose a major health threat to all countries, as well as disrupt the inter-connected global supply chain, by damaging manufacturing and agriculture in regions still blighted by the virus.



A January study published by the International Chamber of Commerce claims that unequal access to vaccines could cost the global economy as much as $9.2 trillion, with around half of the total loss being in wealthy countries.



To overcome these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) set up COVAX, an initiative to coordinate vaccine research and license production in order to guarantee fair and equitable distribution worldwide. To date, however, this effort has fallen desperately short.



As the pandemic rages in the unvaccinated world, vaccine nationalism prevalent in wealthy democracies raises the risk of them losing the soft power race to China and Russia, which have shipped vaccines to over 50 countries, including most of Latin America.



The vaccine donations by Russia and China, in exchange for favorable foreign policy concessions, are strong indications that the vaccine "have-nots" are vulnerable to diplomatic coercion and enticement.



The Western countries, meanwhile, are focused on their own domestic vaccination programs  although the United States has recently declared its intention to offer vaccine aid to hard hit countries, especially India  amounting to a total of 60 million doses, in which 20 million will be provided for India.



Despite all the arguments over vaccines in Europe, the most important element has been missed. The shortage of vaccines is not primarily a procurement problem but a production one. And these difficulties arise from the problem of vaccine patents limiting supply. However, a solution is possible through a coordinated global effort.



In the first phase of the pandemic, the relationship between a nation's wealth and its effective response was indirect. While testing capacity has been a problem in many countries, the non-pharmaceutical methods that were key to flattening the curve of the epidemic  social distancing, mask-wearing, quarantines and contact tracing -- were often used effectively in poor and middle-income countries. Non-pharmaceutical solutions are less effective in the pandemic's new phase, which requires the entire world to be vaccinated urgently.



Governments have poured large amounts of public money into producing COVID-19 vaccines. The U.S. government alone, under "Operation Warp Speed," invested $8 billion. The Moderna vaccine has been almost entirely funded by U.S. taxpayers, but it is being sold at a fully commercial price for private profit.



Even though other companies, like AstraZeneca, are charging much less per dose, they still retain their patent rights over supply. Companies' profit-motivated practices mean that the full potential of global production is simply not being realized.



South Africa and India have proposed a temporary suspension of coronavirus patents. Implementing this suspension globally will allow manufacturers all over the world to join in the global effort. The WHO has backed this demand and established the "COVID-19 Technology Access Pool" to share knowledge and resources equitably, enabling a rapid exit from the pandemic.



In a revealing turn of events, it was established in March that the U.S. government has patent license claims over the Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, CureVac, and Pfizer/BioTech vaccines. So, private monopoly control has become less justifiable.



On May 5, the Biden administration announced support for India and South Africa's proposal to waive the intellectual property rules on the COVID-19 vaccines "until widespread vaccination is in place globally." "These extraordinary times and circumstances  call for extraordinary measures," said U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, pledging that the U.S. would support the waiver for COVID-19 vaccines in discussions at the World Trade Organization (WTO).



Unfortunately, the EU, with Germany in the forefront, has decided to oppose the waiver, arguing that the lack of vaccines is not a problem of patents, but is rather an issue of the ability to manufacture vaccines while maintaining a standard of high-quality, and if the intellectual property rights are lifted, that will have a detrimental effect on global vaccine production.



Since the waiver at the WTO requires a consensus, it is possible that it will either never be implemented, because others continue to object, or negotiations over the actual wording will take so long that it will be irrelevant by the time it's finished.



However, one thing is clear  neither the EU nor any other global power can defeat a pandemic by thinking in national terms. COVID-19 vaccines are now a central component of the national security of every country in the world  all the more reason for democracies to demonstrate moral leadership. They need to adopt measures that understand the scale of the global crisis and the courage to do what it takes to overcome the threat. For whom does the bell toll? It tolls for all of us.





Kim Sang-woo (swkim54@hotmail.com) is a former lawmaker and currently chairman of the East Asia Cultural Project. He is also a member of the board of directors at the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation.


Citizens must be able to trust the integrity of their government
"We are going to be running at just about full capacity again this year after the pandemic last year," said Director of Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation PJ Holm. Read more
Magnolia, AR (71754)

Today

Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. Hot and humid. High 93F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
RIVERTON, Wyo. - A group of Riverton business and community leaders are making Wyoming health care history with plans to build a new hospital in Riverton. A major step forward was taken Wednesday as the Riverton Medical District announced it has signed a Letter of Intent to pursue affiliation and clinical partnership with Billings Clinic.

As stated in a press release, the partnership with Riverton adds to Billings Clinics relationships in numerous Wyoming communities including Basin, Lovell, Powell, and two clinics in Cody.

Billings Clinic is an independent not for profit, physician-led and community governed organization that is affiliated with (not owned by) the Mayo Clinic as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

The Riverton facility would join 16 other health care facilities across Montana and Wyoming, in addition to the tertiary care center in Billings, as part of Billings Clinics growing health system.

This is not just a win, it is a mammoth victory to have signed a Letter of Intent with Billings Clinic to be our clinical and management partner. They are a nationally recognized health system with a laser focus on advancing care in local communities in Montana and Wyoming. They were our first choice as a partner, offering unique experience that will keep our hospital locally owned and governed, Corte McGuffey of the Riverton Medical District said. We reached out to other communities that work with Billings Clinic and received excellent feedback, including Beartooth Billings Clinic in Red Lodge.

In 2002, Beartooth Billings Clinic was looking for a partner who shared the same values as our Board and community. Lutheran Health Systems (now Banner Health) had exited our community in 1991 and we were leery of establishing another relationship. Billings Clinic not only shared our values, they guided our effort to achieve our ultimate goal  a new hospital. Today, ten years later, our organization is growing and thriving, Kelley Evans, CEO of Beartooth Billings Clinic, said.

We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the Riverton Medical District because their core values align with ours. The ability to connect Riverton with the other communities we serve will help increase clinical services and advance patient care in the community, Regional Chief Medical Officer of Billings Clinic Dr. Clint Seger said. Sustaining and growing health care services locally is a top priority for Billings Clinic.

The next step for moving this project forward is approval of a low-interest loan of more than $40 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Riverton Medical District has met with the USDA on several occasions and said the application process is fully underway.

Our community has been so supportive of our efforts, including our collaboration with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe to secure land, McGuffey said. We are grateful for this support and are excited to bring these plans to fruition.
Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m., there's a chance for you to learn more about Montana's weird weather patterns.

Montana Citizens Climate is hosting an online Zoom lecture.

One of the guests is Scott Denning, a Montfort professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University.

His talk will cover topics like how weather impacts our health and solutions for forest, lands and river conservation.

To lean more about the event, click here.
GREAT FALLS, Mont. - A man has been charged after pointing a realistic fake gun that was painted black at a victim.

Court documents say a Great Falls Police Officer has dispatched to the area of 1901 10th Ave. South Tuesday morning for a report of a man who pointed a gun at a passerby.

The man was described as having dark skin and wearing a green jacket and was last seen walking down 19th St. South.

After arriving on the scene, the officer noticed a man wearing a green sweatshirt in a group of people walking north near 19th Ave. South carrying something black in his hands.

Documents say the man entered an apartment on 9th Ave. South and was later detained after leaving the apartment.

The man identified himself as Audie Desjarlais and when the officer told him he was looking for a man who had a gun, Desjarlais reportedly immediately stated the actual guy with the gun had run off towards 9th Ave. South.

The officer asked dispatch to provide a description of the man again, and the officer was told the man was described as having dark skin, wearing a green sweatshirt and had a buzz cut, which documents say matched Desjarlais.

Desjarlais reportedly then described the man who he said ran off with the gun as being dark-skinned, like me, Native American wearing a nicer green sweatshirt and wearing shorts. The officer affidavit notes that Desjarlais described himself.

When the officer spoke with the victim over the phone, she stated she was leaving the drive-thru at Taco Bell on 10th Ave. South and noticed a man holding a gun who pointed it directly at her. The victim said she was in fear of her life that the man was going to shoot her.

Court documents say the victim described the gun as being black in color and similar in style to an AR-15, but smaller.

Another witness interviewed by the officer stated he saw Desjarlais walking around the front of the apartment complex with an SMG style toy gun that was painted black.

The witness said he did not see Desjarlais point it at anyone, however, they agreed that if the toy gun were pointed at someone, they would probably think it was real.

When the officer spoke with Desjarlais again, he admitted to having a fake gun on his person and described the gun as a water gun that was painted black.

Desjarlais reportedly denied pointing the gun at anyone and admitted that he went back to the apartment and throwing the gun in the closet.

Documents say the fake realistic gun was recovered, and that it was almost fully painted black and in the style of an AR-15 that was missing its stock.

Audie Lee Desjarlais has been charged with assault with a weapon.
Interview: Space cooperation creates bridges between Europe, China, says ESA expert

Xinhua) 11:05, May 20, 2021

File photo released on March 4, 2021 by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) shows a high-resolution image of Mars captured by the country's Tianwen-1 probe. (CNSA/Handout via Xinhua)

"The data that Zhurong (China's first Mars rover) will bring back to China would be of great interest to the scientific communities, be it in Europe, in China or anywhere," said an expert of the European Space Agency.

PARIS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Europe-China cooperation in outer space is of great importance and creates bridges between scientists of the two sides, a senior official and expert of the European Space Agency (ESA) has said, expecting more cooperation and exchanges in this field.

In an interview with Xinhua on Monday, Karl Bergquist, ESA's administrator of international relations, said the agency, which has been cooperating with Chinese scientists in space exploration over the past years, is closely following the development of China's Mars mission.

The Tianwen-1 probe carrying China's first Mars rover Zhurong, named after the god of fire in ancient Chinese mythology, successfully touched down on the Red Planet on Saturday morning. It is the first time China has landed a probe on a planet other than Earth.

Technical personnel work at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Bergquist called the landing "a fantastic achievement" because landing on Mars is a highly complex and difficult task and what China has done is something which has never been done before -- succeeding to land in the first attempt.

"We really would like to congratulate China on this great achievement," he said.

"The data that Zhurong will bring back to China would be of great interest to the scientific communities, be it in Europe, in China or anywhere," the ESA expert added.

The expert said the European agency had provided environmental data on Mars to the China National Space Administration in 2015. It has also offered telemetric and tracking support for the Mars exploration mission.

As to a future Mars mission, a sample return one, Bergquist believed it will come in several years because of its enormous complexity. He is looking forward to more cooperation between European and Chinese scientists in this domain.

Technical personnel celebrate at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

For decades, European and Chinese space scientists have been working together in various domains, the expert said, citing the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer, or SMILE, a joint mission between the ESA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences which aims to build a more complete understanding of the Sun-Earth connection by measuring the solar wind and its dynamic interaction with the magnetosphere.

"This is a very interesting mission. The purpose of such a mission is providing data to European and to Chinese researchers so that they can work together to understand and learn more about the universe," he said.

Bergquist also highlighted Europe-China cooperation in the field of earth sciences, introducing the "dragon" project that has been going on for over 10 years with about 700 scientists from the two sides working together on issues including oceans, atmosphere, chemistry, pollution and climate.

"These are really fields that we have global problems (with) and we try to see how we can work together to find a solution for us all," Bergquist said.

"This is fantastic. We are pushing science a little bit further each time through these cooperation projects," he added.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Larose, LA (70373)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 73F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
ROME, MAY 20 - European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has said it is crucial that Europe supports Italy in handling the arrival of asylum seekers. "It is fundamental that Italian receives European solidarity," Johansson, who is visiting Tunisia with Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese on Thursday, said in an interview with daily newspaper La Repubblica. "We have learned that voluntary redistribution is not enough. "So a reform of migration policy, with obligation relocations, is essential. ."I am contacting the governments of the Union to put together a provisional, voluntary redistribution system to help Italy face the summer. "We are talking to the Libyan authorities and with the interim government of Abdel Hamid Dbeibah. "There have been positive responses". (ANSA).
ROME, MAY 20 - Silvio Brusaferro, the head of Italy's Higher Health Institute (ISS), has said it is highly likely that people will have to have an extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine further down the line after completing the initial vaccination cycle. "There will probably be a booster, a third dose of the vaccines," Brusaferro said in an interview with Thursday's edition of Rome-based daily Il Messaggero. "The situation is constantly improving. "We must continue to be prudent, although three regions already have the figures of (low-risk) white zones and it is likely that more will join them in the coming weeks. "But we have to monitor the variants". On Wednesday Health Minister Roberto Speranza said that the European Medicines Agency is likely to authorize giving the Pfizer COVID vaccine to 12-15-year-olds soon. "This will enable us to make the middle and high schools safe," said Brusaferro. (ANSA).
ROME, MAY 20 - The GIMBE medical foundation said Thursday that the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital in Italy has fallen by 61% in six weeks in its latest coronavirus monitoring report.. It said COVID admissions to Italy's intensive-care units had fallen by 55% in this time frame in the report for the week of May 12-18. It said the improvement reflected the effects of he nation's vaccination campaign. (ANSA).
ROME, MAY 20 - It is time for a law change to let children choose their mother's surname instead of their father's, Equal Opportunities and Family Minister Elena Bonetti said Thursday. "It's is time to let women's names go down in history," she said. Bonetti was speaking at a conference marking the 60th anniversary of a high court ruling that opened up Italy's principal careers to women. Women in Italy generally keep their surnames but children are named after their fathers. (ANSA).
ROME, MAY 20 - The government's new 40 billion euro COVID package for Italian households and businesses looks to the future and leaves no one behind, Premier Mario Draghi said in presenting the "business, jobs, health and young people decree" that will help trigger an economic rebound on Thursday. "It is a decree partly different from the past because it looks to the future, it looks to the Country that is reopening, but at the same time it leaves no one behind. "It assists, it helps". The premier said the package was worth just over 40 billion euros, with 17 going to businesses and nine to credit assistance. Draghi went on: "I want to express my satisfaction for last Monday's decision on the gradual reopenings with a calculated risk, to proceed a little to the reopening of the Country and which is largely fruit of the vaccine campaign followed by the government." Draghi went on to say that he was "proud" of the fresh impetus lent to the vaccination rollout as regards the age brackets; stressed that the use of facemasks should not be abandoned; and said that the economy would rebound but in order to see real growth Italy will have to wait for th COVID Recovery Plan, the National Resilience and Recovery Plan (PNRR). Draghi said there was no delay to the PNRR, and "we are ready to start". He also said that 370,000 VAT holders more would be covered; that four billion would go to the labour market in a "complicated" phase; and that it would make it easier for young people to buy homes. Money would also go towards reversing Italy's brain drain, by boosting research projects in Italy and luring the best and brightest back to their homeland. "The aim is to make Italy a country for young people," said Draghi. If COVID data continue to improve, Draghi added, no more aid packages may be needed. He also said that Italy stood ready to welcome tourists form all over the world. Draghi added that there would be a tax reform which would be progressive and aimed at stoking growth. Next week, the premier added, a decree on governance and simplifications will be approved. Asked about Democratic Party (PD) leader Enrico Letta's proposal to help young people with money from a succession tax, Draghi said it was not time to take money away from people. League leader Matteo Salvini said he agreed with Draghi and Italy didn't need new taxes. On migrants, Draghi said he would reiterate Italy's request for a new deal on resettlement. Draghi also said it was not right to talk of a successor to President Sergio Mattarella - a job for which he has been mooted - while the current president was still serving. Mattarella has ruled out a second term when his current term ends in eight months. Among other things, the package also features 15.4 billion euros in grants that recipients will not have to repay. Italy's hard-hit tourism gets around 3.34 billion euros. Seasonal workers hit by the emergency are set to get up to 1,600 euros each. An extra 200 million euros will go towards pushing vaccine production. (ANSA).
International tax rules do not accurately reflect Big Techs global economic presence, a human rights group has concluded. A global minimum tax rate could help discourage tax dodging.

G20 countries are losing out on as much as $32 billion (26 billion) a year in tax revenue from the globes five biggest tech companies, according to a study released Thursday by the human rights group ActionAid. These funds would cover the costs of two full-dose vaccinations against COVID-19 for every human being on the planet, the nongovernmental organization says.

What is striking about the figures we are coming up with is just the scale of it; that they are so big and that we are looking, also now in times of COVID-19, at what that money could have done for public purposes around the world, ActionAids global tax policy and program manager, Anders Dahlbeck, told DW.

The international NGO analyzed available tax information on Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft  five of the worlds largest tech companies  to show potential revenue that could be generated by a tax regime which more accurately reflects these companies global economic presence.

At a time when governments are desperately looking for revenue to fund COVID-19 response expenses, not leveraging this potential tax resource is a missed opportunity, the authors of the report wrote.

An outdated system

The report highlights how the rise of the digital economy has complicated corporate taxation practices. Most existing global tax rules were designed before the advent of the internet, the report says. A key difficulty posed by the digital economy is establishing where geographically a companys profits should be taxed.

Big Tech companies like those examined in the report have users and customers all around the globe. But the structure of international corporate tax laws means that companies tend to pay taxes in the countries where they are headquartered. For most Big Tech companies, this means the global North, particularly in the United States.

Global tax frameworks have also spurred companies to seek out low-tax jurisdictions, such as Ireland or countries in the Caribbean. Tech companies often utilize legal loopholes that allow companies to book some of their profits there.

Despite the fact that a lot of economic activity takes place in [countries in the Global South], its very hard for those countries to actually get any tax revenue out of these companies, based on the way that tax rules currently look, said Dahlbeck.

Calls for reform

In a step toward finding a better solution, ActionAids report calls on governments to introduce a global minimum tax rate. The group proposes a corporate minimum tax rate of at least 25% that would apply equally to a companys domestic and overseas profits.

Countries would remain free to set their own domestic tax rates. But a global minimum rate would require companies paying a rate below 25% in a foreign jurisdiction to pay a top up in the country where they are headquartered in order to reach the global minimum rate. A company headquartered in the US might pay a rate lower than 25% on profits booked in Ireland, for example, but under the proposed rule would have to pay the difference in a top up tax charged at its home base.

It effectively takes away part of the incentive for companies to shift profits around because they would end up having to pay a top up tax anyway in their home jurisdiction, says Dahlbeck.

Just the beginning

The report cautions that a global minimum tax rate is not a silver bullet for addressing the challenge of taxing the digital economy and raising additional tax revenue in developing countries.

What it doesnt do is change the distribution tax rates  meaning it doesnt really change who has the right to tax a companys income, said Dahlbeck.

For this reason, ActionAid also calls for taxing rights to be based on where economic activity takes place, rather than where a company books their profits.

This could be achieved via a multilateral agreement, preferably negotiated via the United Nations, the group says. With a view to timeliness, however, ActionAid is calling on countries to introduce domestic tax measures to recoup funds needed to help with the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.

Developing countries in particular, but also richer countries, need to act swiftly to ensure that companies in the digital economy pay their fair share of taxes in their jurisdictions, the report says, particularly in the context of the economic crisis triggered by COVID-19.

Tax law and human rights

ActionAid, which works to improve human rights and especially womens rights, sees corporate tax law reform as a necessary step in creating a more equitable global society. Women rely more on a well-functioning public sector than men do, explained Dahlbeck. He pointed to the fact that, without an alternative public offering, women are often left caring for children, the elderly and the sick  work that is typically not paid.

We believe that a well-functioning public sector funded by tax revenue, rather than by increasing amounts of debt or reliance on foreign aid, is a sustainable way to guarantee womens rights and human rights, said Dahlbeck.

The report comes a day before G20 leaders meet in Rome for a health summit to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and future global health security.

Last week, a European Union court overturned a European Commission ruling that would have seen online retailer Amazon pay $300 million in back taxes. In April, the US called for a global minimum tax rate and proposed raising its own corporate tax rate to 28%, up from 21%.
City of Lake Ozark officials have a stern warning for businesses that sell alcohol within the city limits: Follow the rules or face possible suspension of your liquor license, or even worse your business license.

A local bar/restaurant recently violated city code when an employee allowed patrons to consume alcohol outside the boundaries of the premises three days in a row without the proper licensing. The business owner had acquired the proper state license but had failed to obtain a catering license from the City of Lake Ozark. Both licenses are required by law before alcohol can be consumed off premises  even then, the exact boundaries of the off-premises consumption must be outlined in the catering license application.

The issue arose when the bar/restaurant owner applied for a temporary catering license at the regular May 11 board of aldermen meeting for additional dates throughout the summer. The license was ultimately approved, but not before city staff and the Chief of Police scolded the bar/restaurant manager about the incident and warned him not to let it happen again.

It was made clear to that business that he had to have a local city permit, but still continued to serve alcohol in the parking lot in violation of Missouri law, Police Chief Gary Launderville said. I have a hard time with the board okaying anything for this business. The license clearly states that the business is subject to all ordinances of the City of Lake Ozark and that the owner and employees agree to that, yet he violated those rules Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday.

City Administrator Dave Van Dee reiterated that both state and city permits are required before alcohol can be served or consumed off the premises of a bar.

The chief wants to know that the board understands that if it happens again the Police Department will issue citations and will forward the information to the proper state agency, Van Dee said.

City Attorney Christopher Rohrer confirmed the violation. He witnessed the incident Saturday night of that recent weekend and alerted the chief of police.

Rohrer noted during the meeting that the police department is stretched well beyond its manpower with other issues and shouldnt have to deal with permit violations when the owners or managers knowingly break the rules.

The business manager, given an opportunity address the board, said it was a misunderstanding as to what constituted the bars premises. He assumed it included the tent outside the business.

The minute your patrons left your doorway and went to that tent, they crossed that line and put you and your license in jeopardy, Van Dee said.

The bar owner said there are posted signs that alert patrons about taking alcohol off the property.

I dont see any ambiguity in this, Mayor Dennis Newberry said. Its your job as business owner to know the rules and regulations.

Chief Launderville said he and his officers will be watching closely for any violations and will take appropriate action which could include a citation or shutting the business down.

From my perspective, we definitely want to support the businesses, but we also want to send a clear message that businesses must comply with our code, Van Dee said. We want to be user friendly and want businesses to be successful, but we have to have their cooperation and follow both state and local liquor laws. The responsibility is on the business owner, in my opinion.

The city administrator stressed that following the rules and regulations of both the city and state applies to all businesses, not just those that serve alcohol.
ELKHORN  The Walworth County Fair will give $5,000 to the child who enters the best jar of homemade pickles in the Franks Piggly Wiggly Perfect Pickle Pucker Bowl.

Children between ages 9 and 17 can enter the fairs new contest.

The money is not a scholarship, its a check with no restrictions on what it is used for, said Larry Gaffey, general manager of the Walworth County Fairgrounds.

A main reason the Walworth County Fair is the largest county fair in Wisconsin is because of its level of participation by kids in contests ranging from cows to quilts, Gaffey said.

Fair organizers were searching for new contests where child participation would increase, and the Pucker Bowl is the first of the new contests will happen during the 2021 Walworth County Fair.

The rules are simple, Gaffey said. The Pucker Bowl is designed to make it easy to enter, and the kids even get free admission to the Walworth County Fair with their entry.

Entry forms were released May 21. Contest rules are on the fair website, walworthcountyfair.com, or in person at the Fair Office in Elkhorn.
After earlier listing Harrys Cafe on the market, the family has announced that they have decided they are going to reopen the restaurant that has been in the family since 1923.

Members of the Chironis family plan to continue to operate Harrys Cafe & Place, 808 W. Main St., after recently listing the business for sale for $1.5 million.

The family has owned the restaurant for about 98 years and they are nowplanning on making it to 100. The restaurant also has been known as Chicago Cafe and Geneva Restaurant.

George Chironis announced that the family plans to continue to operate the restaurant during the city councils finance, licensing & regulation committee meeting, May 18, in which the family was seeking to renew the liquor licenses for the restaurant.

That was a very difficult decision to make, especially with 98 years, Chironis said of listing the business for sale. We delisted that listing, and were excited to fully open especially during the summer and continue to meet the needs of the community. Weve even talked to our real estate agent, and they said they will be the first ones in line to get breakfast and hopefully bloody Marys.
Pennsylvania has some of the oldest historical tourist sites in the United States. We are lucky in that way, but there are some beautiful and interesting places that are slightly off the beaten path that we dont hear much about.

I thought it would be fun to write about them for this weeks article. Of course, they all have an agriculture connection, and if you cant make a special trip, you may be in the area someday, as they say.

Harmony Historic District and the Harmony Barn

Harmony, in Butler County, was founded as a utopian settlement in 1804 by George Rapp. Residents were known as Harmonists.

By 1814, the town had approximately 150 structures, including homes and a variety of commercial buildings. Rapp sold the community assets to a group of Mennonites in 1815 and moved his followers to Indiana, only to return to Pennsylvania in 1825, settling in Economy, Beaver County.

Harmonys historic district contains old homes and a museum, with guided tours of several of the old buildings. You can schedule a time to see the 1805 Harmonists barn, the oldest barn in western Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit harmonymuseum.org.

The Harbison Dairy Milk Bottle in the Kensington section of Philadelphia

Harbisons Dairy started processing milk in 1865 and quickly became a household name. In 1914, the company erected a water tower shaped like a milk bottle on its roof, dubbed the Eiffel Tower of Kensington.

The factory closed in the 1960s, and in time the milk bottle began to deteriorate. A group of citizens repaired and repainted Kensingtons Eiffel Tower, which is now a designated landmark.

The bottle can be seen at 2041-55 Coral Street in Philadelphia and is easily visible from I-95 and the Market-Frankford Line of SEPTA.

Church Farm School, Exton

The Church Farm School was founded in 1918 as a boarding school for boys from families in need. The campus grew to 1,700 acres, housing large dairy and hog operations. Many crops were also produced. Boys who attended the school were required to work on the farm half of each school day.

Agricultural operations were sold in the 1970s, but the older buildings, including silos and dairy barns, remain as historical sites.

The school is located off Route 30. Its website is gocfs.net.

Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, Pottstown

Incorporated in 1888, Ryerss Farm was originally known as the Ryerss Infirmary for Dumb Animals, receiving its first animal in 1889.

Visitors are welcome to see the horses in residence, and you can even register your horse for future care. Some of the older buildings remain on the property, which is at 1710 Ridge Road.

Visit ryerrsfarm.org.

Bassetts Ice Cream, Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

Bassetts Ice Cream of Philadelphia began operations in 1861, in New Jersey, and is Americas oldest ice cream company.

When the Reading Terminal Market opened in 1892, Lewis Dubois Bassett, whose ice cream was already popular in Philly, opened a shop in the market. It still exists, old marble counters and all.

Go and try a taste of the pomegranate blueberry chocolate chunk, if you are so inclined.

And check it out online at bassettsicecream.com.

The Armsby Calorimeter, Penn State University

Even if you venture occasionally onto the Penn State campus, or visit State College for some other reason, you may have walked by the building housing the Armsby Calorimeter and not even known it.

The calorimeter, proposed in 1898 by Henry Armsby, and completed in 1902, is in a small building on Ag Hill that is still used as a teaching tool. It measures how much energy an animal derives from various feeds, and it helped form the basis of animal nutrition practices today.

You can arrange to see the calorimeter by calling 814-863-1383 or emailing pastoagmuseum@psu.edu.

And while you are there, stop by The Penn State Berkey Creamery for ice cream or smoked cheese curds.

These sites are just a small part of the beautiful historical agriculture landscape we are so fortunate to have. I hope you get to visit each of them at some point.

The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board is always available to respond to questions and concerns. I can be reached at 717-210-8244 and by email at chardbarge@pa.gov.
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Each week, the Lancaster Farming editorial department conducts a peer poll related to fun random topics that are in the news, often related to a pop culture or historical anniversary.

For example, this weeks poll question, prompted by the 52nd anniversary of a well-known British comedy troupes creation, is What is your favorite Monty Python movie?

The question goes out to our small department of 12 on Monday, and the results are revealed at Fridays staff meeting.

But one poll question has been lingering for two weeks: Whats your favorite meal?

My struggle with that seemingly simple question is that I have too many contenders. Do I go with my grandmothers spaghetti and meatballs, my dads Brunswick stew, my moms German potato salad or my uncles award-winning chili? The list of possibilities, and my dilemma, may have no end. In a world of weighty issues that affect our health, economy and planet, this is what occupies my mind.

I was contemplating my stepmothers carrot cake the other day while dining at a local restaurant when my server delivered a mouth-watering cheeseburger with a side of clarity.

Suddenly I realized that wherever my culinary desires may wander, they always return to the most American of comfort meals  the cheeseburger.

Top that sandwich with onions, pickles and mustard and complement it with some fresh cut fries and a chocolate milkshake, and Im ready to move on to the next staff poll question.

America's Love Affair with Burgers

I know that was a long drive to the store, but its Beef Month and I want to voice my support for the industrys biggest celebrity. And since Dairy Month follows Beef Month, why not top that lonely burger with a slice of cheese?

USDA says Americans consume an average of 2.4 burgers a day, or about 50 billion per year, so my affinity for ground chuck is not unique.

Consumer demand has been pretty steady over the past 20 years, which should be reassuring to beef farmers, but some feel threatened, or maybe annoyed, by the encroachment of plant-based burgers. So much so that some states are pushing labeling and naming rights legislation.

I understand the emotion behind the movement, but its a waste of time and money.

The market for plant burgers is here to stay, but not at the demise of the real deal. The keep it simple consumer trend of fewer ingredients that dont sound like they come from a chemistry lab is the best marketing strategy for beef.

Consider the 1974 McDonalds Big Mac jingle  two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.

That iconic sing-along commercial has stood the test of time, and it makes me hungry for a real burger.

And not even the best New York ad agency can harmonize the ingredient list of a no-beef Impossible Burger. Two water-soy-oil-modified food starch patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese... doesnt have the same ring, and it definitely doesnt make me hungry. In fact, it suggests that I might want to stay close to a bathroom after eating that impossibly long list of additives (I didnt include all of the ingredients in my commercial comparison).

People want real food made with simple natural ingredients that arent foreign to their vocabulary, and thats what beef farmers deliver.

Many of us remember the Wheres the beef? commercials that Clara Peller popularized in the 1980s. Her comical critique of fast food chains that sell more bun than burger is now part of the national lexicon.

Thirty-seven years later, Wheres the beef? has new meaning and new marketing potential. One ingredient vs. 20 should be an easy win for the beef industry.

Of course, that doesnt account for a pending cicada burger fad, but thankfully that food truck only comes to town once every 17 years.
Operating without the knowledge of the American people and even Congress, a report reveals that the Pentagon is running a 60,000 top-secret army composed of soldiers, contractors, and even civilians across the world, hiding in different companies and utilizing false identities.

Even with its size and budget, Congress has never held a hearing related to establishing an undercover army.

According to Newsweek, the report mentioned that the top-secret army which was created by the Pentagon over the past 10 years reached not less than $900 million in terms of its cost as it is only a part of a program called 'signature reduction.' Members of The top-secret army were assigned not only in the United States but also abroad while maintaining a low profile in carrying out their assignments.

Based on New York Post, the report shows that the secret army is 10 times higher compared to the size of the covert elements of the CIA. Members assigned to local operations in regions like Africa and the Middle East already reached around 130 private companies.

Half of the Secret Army is Comprised of Special Forces

Almost half of the secret army's population is composed of special forces. The majority of the program is comprised of highly-trained commandos pursuing terrorists across the world, including countries like Iran and North Korea. Military intelligence specialists ranked second in numbers.

But there is a new group established in the unit, and it is growing rapidly. They are reportedly composed of cyber-warriors who use false personas online and utilize misattribution or non-attribution techniques to disguise themselves in tracking high-value targets. Besides that, they also collect publicly accessible information and manipulate social media by engaging in influential campaigns.

ALSO READ: Pres. Joe Biden's Cease-Fire Call Goes Ignored as Israel-Hamas Violence Rises

In addition, administered by several shadowy government organizations, the 'signature reduction' programs have no unclassified definition. The report also mentioned that the programs act as a shield for operators from being identified by groups who are tracking them online while covering their cyber tracks to avoid any retaliation.

Meanwhile, a senior official who recently retired oversaw one of the programs shared that nobody is fully aware of their extent or their implications for military warfare. The retired officer mentioned in Newsweek that most people have not even heard of the term 'signature reduction.'

However, there have been instances where undercover agents for the programs have been caught. In May 2013, Moscow ordered that a 'third secretary' under the name of Ryan Fogle should leave their country for recruiting Russian agents to work with the CIA, The Sun reported.

Later on, the Russian Intelligence released photos of him wearing a blond wig and carrying four pairs of sunglasses, a Swiss Army knife, a compass, a street map, a flashlight, and a cellphone.

The expulsion of Fogle in Russia attracted the attention of the international news media. It also brought scorn from retired officials of the CIA due to the lacking tradecraft in Fogle's case. But later on, the mocked cellphone of Fogle was discovered that hid a more sophisticated device.

RELATED ARTICLE: San Diego Protesters, Palestinian Youth Movement Call on US Military to Defund Israel



WATCH: The Pentagon's Secret Army: Pentagon operates 60,000-strong secret force | Latest English News - WION
Bipartisan opposition in Congress and appeals from Eastern European governments were voiced out when U.S. President Joe Biden's administration had decided to waive sanctions on the Russian gas pipeline to Germany.

Republican lawmakers claimed that the Biden administration is handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a major political victory by doing so.

Meanwhile, Democrats had urged the White House to reconsider, with the Kremlin calling the news a positive one, according to an NBC News report.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had chosen to waive sanctions on the Russian gas pipeline, Nord Stream 2 AG pipeline, and its German CEO Matthias Warnig. He said he believes sanctions would negatively impact U.S. relations with Germany and other European allies.

Warnig is known to be a long-time ally of Putin and a former East German Stasi intelligence officer. He had also served on the supervisory boards of other Russian companies.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden's Cease-Fire Call Goes Ignored as Israel-Hamas Violence Rises

Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Sanctions Lifted

The move of waiving sanctions came in a report delivered to Congress by the Department of State.

The project is already more than 95 percent complete. It would take gas from the Russian Arctic under the Baltic Sea to Germany, according to a BBC News report.

The Department of State report stated that Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Warnig had engaged in sanctionable activity. However, it noted that it was in the U.S. national interest to lift the sanctions.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the two countries had a lot of differences but should work together to prevent their interests from colliding.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that there will probably be a chance for a gradual transition to the normalization of their bilateral ties.

Other German officials welcomed the sanction lifting and described it as a constructive step from the Biden administration.

Meanwhile, despite positive reactions from Russian officials, Biden had been put into a negative light by his own party, according to Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Menendez.

Republican lawmakers also doubted the move.

Top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, said that it was a gift to Putin that will weaken U.S.'s leverage.

Growing Pressure on Biden

The pressure was mounting on the president to prevent the completion of the Russian gas pipeline to Europe as many fear it will give Russia huge leverage over U.S. partners and allies.

However, Biden has made a point to restore good ties with Europe, and preventing the completion of the said pipeline could cause a rift in trans-Atlantic relations.

In April, U.S. lawmakers from both parties have demanded the White House to implement new sanctions, hoping to halt the project.

Biden earlier said he opposes the pipeline, which has investment from many European companies, according to an Associated Press report.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously decided last month on legislation that would require the administration to either impose sanctions on the companies involved in the funding of the pipeline or hand out an explanation why they deserve exemptions.

ALSO READ: Hate Crimes Bill Seeking to Cut Asian American Bias Crime, Reaches Pres. Joe Biden's Desk

WATCH: Biden Weighing New Sanctions to Block Russian Gas Pipeline - from Bloomberg Quicktake: Now




United States officials confirmed that the U.S. government was not the reason for the recent shutdown of the servers owned by Russian hackers DarkSide. The confirmation was made by four officials to The Washington Post, as the Colonial Pipeline recently experienced another network problem that concerns their communication, that prompted interruption in the shipper's system in requesting and planning shipments.

READ NEXT: White House Considers New Approach on Cybersecurity Following Undetected Hacks

U.S. Government Denies Responsibility on DarkSide Servers Shut Down

On Friday, London-based blockchain analytics firm Elliptic highlighted that they identified a bitcoin wallet the hacker used in collecting payments. The analytics firm confirmed on Tuesday that the Russian hackers gathered at least $90 million in bitcoin from their 47 victims. The Russian hackers announced last week that they had lost access to their servers, where they usually display the stolen data from victims and store ransoms from their victims.

CNBC highlighted that researcher Intel 471 obtained a note saying that DarkSide blamed the "pressure from the U.S." for their closing. However, officials in anonymity told The Washington Post that neither the military cyber operators nor any other agency from the United States took "such action."

"We don't talk on comment on cyber planning, intelligence, or operations as a matter of operational security," said Cyber Command spokeswoman Katrina Cheesman. Spokespeople from the Justice Department, FBI, National Security Council, and National Security Agency also declined to comment on the issue.

Meanwhile, Former White House Cyber Coordinator during the Obama administration, Michael Daniel, also agreed that the U.S. government was not behind the shut down of the servers owned by the Russian hackers. He underscored that the shutdown was too soon for the U.S. government to be behind it.

"From a technical standpoint, it takes time to figure out what your targets are going to be and what you want to do to them," said Daniel. Daniel furthered that the time frame provided was too limited in designing such a disruption.

Cyber experts also think that the disappearance of Russian hackers is a scam. Cyberthreat intelligence expert from Recorded Future, Dmitry Smilyanets, expressed his belief that the group will rebrand and "return with a new banner" due to the money that can be made.

Colonial Pipeline CEO Confirms Paying Russian Hackers DarkSide

But before the shut down of DarkSide's servers and the denial of the U.S. government on its accountability on the issue, Colonial Pipeline CEO Joseph Blount confirmed that their company paid at least $4.4 million to the hackers responsible for the ransomware attack on their system.

Despite the trouble Russian hackers DarkSide has caused to Colonial Pipeline and the U.S. government, The Verge noted that the hackers were oddly apologetic to the outcome they have caused. "Our goal is to make money and not creating problems for our society," said the group in a statement.

READ MORE: Gas Shortage 2021: President Joe Biden Signs E.O. Over Colonial Pipeline Hack as Panic Buying Continues

WATCH: Colonial Pipeline hackers reportedly got $90 million in bitcoin before shutting down - from CNBC Television
After chasing the wealth of Guatemalan oligarchs and the graft charge that he filed against a former president during his period, the former Tax Administration head is now in the hands of the Guatemalan government after being arrested for falsification of official documents on Wednesday.

The head of the Tax Administration Superintendency (SAT) from 2016 until 2018, Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa, built a reputation in the past after he brought cases against powerful families in Guatemala that hold the majority of business in the country.

Foppa also revealed and reported the corruption happening connected with SAT. He uncovered the defrauding, which helps businessmen in avoiding their supposed taxes.

Foppa was detained on Wednesday due to an accusation of falsification of official documents. According to Reuters, the ex-Tax head stated that the detention does not give him any shame. While showing his handcuffs to the media inside the court, he mentioned that this only shows that they are touching the powerful individuals in their country.

Meanwhile, before he joined SAT, Foppa was a team member of a group that made a revelation regarding the first case of corruption of former Guatemalan president Otto Perez Molina as he was a prosecutor at the time. Later on, he was brought down by a series of scandals and corruption.

After the series of revelations and scandals, Molina has been in prison since he lost his immunity after he resigned in 2015 and faced five separate charges. But on Wednesday, the first chamber of the Court for High-Risk Crimes stated that they have dropped one of those charges connected to money laundering and corruption.

In one of his social media accounts, Tiziano Breda, a Crisis Group analyst for Central America, shared was another setback in the fight against corruption and impunity in Guatemala. He made the comment after hearing that one of the charges was dropped that the move of the court.

ALSO READ: Chile Holds Vote on Body to Rewrite Dictatorship-Era Constitution

More Arrests

The Guatemalan police also arrested Anibal Arguello on Wednesday. Arguello was a lawyer for the CICIG or International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, which is a United Nations-backed anti-corruption group. Arguello stated that right now, the networks of power, which they have been questioning for years, are now retaliating, San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The arrest is part of the latest setbacks of the campaign of United States President Joe Biden by holding accountable individuals in Central America. The administration of Biden has targetted corruption in the so-called Northern Triangle, which consists of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. It is part of the $4 billion plan of the Biden Administration that addresses the root causes that drives migration in the region.

A day before the arrest, a U.S. State Department report on Central American officials "credibly alleged" to be corrupt was released. Based on a list released by the office of U.S. Representative Norma Torres on Tuesday, six sitting Honduran lawmakers and two Guatemalan legislators were included on the list, Al Jazeera reported.

The leader of the nongovernmental Unit for Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Jorge Santos, said that recently they have seen a clear attempt in blocking the opponents of ruling elites and even those who sit in the government.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 El Salvador President's Allies Listed Corrupt by the U.S. States Department

WATCH: US report Allies of El Salvador's president deemed corrupt FROM- Vanguard News
Last week, a short trailer video of the "Friends" reunion special was released, showing the six main cast members walking together through a set.

Recently, another trailer of "Friends: The Reunion" was released. This time, it's a full two-minute trailer showing some of the things fans can look forward to the Friends reunion special that will be shown on video streaming platform HBO Max, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

The "Friends" reunion special features all six of the original cast members: Jennifer Anniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.

The cast will be returning to the original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot for the unscripted feature of the well-known TV series.

RELATED ARTICLE: 'Friends' Reunion Unveils First Teaser Trailer and Premiere Date at HBO Max

'Friends: The Reunion' Full Trailer

The recently released two-minute trailer shows the six cast members recreating the famous "Friends" trivia game, an episode where Monica and Rachel bet their apartment against Bing and Tribbiani.

The cast also revisited some of the show's most memorable moments, including debating if Ross and Rachel were on a break. Ross was played by Schwimmer, while Rachel was Anniston's character, The Denver Channel reported.

The trailer also hinted that the cast would be reading some of the show's old scenes, including the episode where the entire group had discovered that Monica and Chandler are dating. Monica was played by Cox, while Chandler was Perry's character in the show.

The original casts were not the only characters fans should look forward to. Some of the recurring characters in the series will also be making an appearance, including Maggie Wheeler, who was Chandler's ex, Janice. Tom Selleck will also be in the special. Selleck played Richard, who was Monica's ex-boyfriend.

Celebrity guests will also be joining the "Friends" cast, including David Beckham, Cindy Crawford, and Game of Thrones star Kit Harington.

Some of the music industry's famous personalities will also be present in the Friends reunion special, such as Justin Bieber, Korean boy group BTS, and Lady Gaga, Cosmopolitan reported.

'Friends' Reunion Special Release Date

Fans can catch the Friends reunion special on May 27 on HBO Max's video streaming platform. According to a Warner Media press release, the video streaming platform will invite selected guests and super-fans for an exclusive screening to experience the Friends reunion special with their friends in real life.

Meanwhile, some of the casts had talked about the special. Cox appeared on "The Ellen Show" and said that she was happy to get the whole gang together. Cox noted that it was emotional and revealed that the special would be an unscripted reunion.

Schwimmer also had the same feelings during his appearance on "The Graham Norton Show" in April. He teased fans that the special will feature them not in character, adding that they will be themselves during the special.

"Friends: The Reunion" was directed by Ben Winston and was executive produced with "Friends" executive producers Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman, and David Crane.

The iconic "Friends" TV series started airing in 1994 and ran for 10 seasons on NBC.

READ MORE: Demi Lovato Reveals She Was Raped at 15 During Disney Days

WATCH: 'Friends' Reunion First Full Trailer Has Been Released - From THR News




The motive for killing the Texas boy found lying dead on a Dallas street on Saturday remained unknown even after the suspect for the heinous crime was already placed under the custody of authorities.

Authorities identified the 4-year-old boy as Cash Gernon, who was discovered by a passerby taking an early morning walk.

Since the beginning of the investigation, authorities already suspected a murder case due to the multiple stab wounds the Texas boy had sustained. Cash Gernon was pronounced dead on the scene by police.

READ NEXT: Maryland Mom Arrested After Stabbing Toddler Daughter in the Neck With Scissors

Suspect Arrested For Death of 4-Year-Old Texas Boy

Dallas Police Department identified the suspect as 18-year-old Darriynn Brown. People reported that the teenager was arrested by the authorities on Sunday and was charged with kidnapping and burglary.

Dallas investigators were also anticipating additional charges to be filed against Darriynn Brown.

"Even us as police officers, we are shocked," said police executive assistant chief Albert Martinez, who also expressed anger about the toddler's death at the hands of the suspect.

New York Daily News reported that surveillance footage inside a Dallas home revealed that Darriynn Brown picked up Gernon from his bed on Saturday morning and then carried the Texas boy away from the residence.

Cited an arrest affidavit, People reported that the teenager took Cash Gernon away from the residence while the Texas boy was sleeping.

About two hours later, Gernon was found dead on the street, just blocks from his home. Brown was caught in the video surveillance cameras inside the home that filmed the kidnapping.

The Dallas Police Department disclosed that Gernon and his twin brother live in the home of their biological father's girlfriend, Monica Sherrod.

"I'm confused," said Sherrod's son, Kamron Mori, 18. "Who does this to a 4-year-old kid?"

What is the Relationship Between Darriynn Brown and Kamron Mori?

It is still unclear what is the motive of Brown to the Texas boy that he allegedly kidnapped. However, reports revealed that Mori and Brown went to Duncanville Junior High and High School together, and they had once been friends.

"Friends are nothing," Mori told Dallas News. "Evil. No reason. Literally, no reason," he said about the killing of Gernon connected to his schoolmate.

Reports revealed that Gernon and his twin brother are staying with Sherrod because their biological father was missing since March, and she could not track him down.

On Monday, officers revealed that Melinda Seagroves, the biological mother of the Texas boy and his twin brother, was trying to locate her children and the father, who took the toddlers earlier this year. The Texas boy's twin brother has since been reunited with Seagroves.

Although the motive for killing the Texas boy is still unknown, Brown is held in Dallas County jail on a $750,000 bond. The suspect has yet to enter a plea.

READ MORE: Smugglers Drop Mom, 2 Kids From Atop 30-Foot Border Wall by Rope: Border Patrol

WATCH: Cops: 18-year-old Took Dallas 4-Year-Old From His Bed Hours Before His Death - From FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth
In the wake of reuniting migrant families separated under the Trump administration, lawyers working to reach the said families tracked the parents of at least 54 migrant children in the past month under the Biden administration.

A court filing revealed the number of tracked parents of migrant children on Wednesday, NBC News reported. The court filing comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the effort of the Biden administration in reuniting entire migrant families that the previous administration separated.

READ NEXT: Thousands of Families Hope for Reunion as Biden Administration Begins to Reverse Immigration Policies

More Migrant Families Need to be Reunited by Biden Administration

In addition to 54 migrant children's parents tracked down, the parents of the other 391 migrant kids have yet to be contacted. Forbes noted that in April, the total number of migrant children with untracked parents was 445.

Four migrant families separated at the Mexico border were also reunited earlier this month. It was announced on the same day that the DHS broadcasted the efforts of the Biden administration in reuniting entire families separated under Trump administration.

In February, Lee Gelernt, a lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), confirmed with Forbes that searching for the remaining families will be "extremely challenging" because many parents of the migrant kids are in foreign countries.

Another factor that will make the process challenging is that many children live with their relatives and foster families.

Lawyers from the ACLU and other groups, whom a federal judge commissioned to reach the migrant families separated by the Trump administration, reported that out of the 391 migrant kids, the parents of the 227 had been deported, while 100 are located somewhere inside the United States, and 14 have no contact information that the government has provided.

Authorities did not provide further details on the remaining 50.

"We are working steady progress finding families but there is still a long way to go," said Gelernt.

Gelernt hoped that they could find every last family "and that the pace will pick up," emphasizing that on-the-ground searches will now be possible due to the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.

How Many Families Were Separated Under the Trump Administration?

Between 2017 and 2018, at least 5,500 migrant families were separated after crossing the border. The task force set up by the Biden administration to reunite the migrant families noted that at least 1,000 migrant children remain separated from their families, including the 391 whose parents remain unidentified.

The said separation resulted from the zero-tolerance policy where the government tried to prosecute all adults who crossed the border illegally.

It can be remembered that the task force established by the Biden administration was working on a database and correcting the inaccuracies in the file concerning the issue provided to them.

Furthermore, the task force was also reported reviewing "additional trove documents" intended for family reunification in the coming months.

The Biden administration has pledged to reunite migrant families separated under the Trump administration, either in the United States or their home countries.

READ NEXT: Ecuador Children Dropped by Smugglers in the US Mexico Border Reunite With Parents

WATCH: ACLU Filing: Parents of 545 Separated Migrant Children Still Unable to be Reached - From CBS This Morning
Texas elementary school students and teachers had thrown a celebratory parade as a surprise after a cafeteria worker becomes a U.S. citizen.

The cafeteria worker came from Mexico to America 18 years ago. According to Fox News, Maria Ponce has been working at Oliver Elementary School in central Texas for the past five years.

Ponce finally became a naturalized U.S. citizen on May 3 after six years of trying to become one. Recorded footage shows students in the hallways with American flags to congratulate Ponce as she walks through the school.

Ponce said that it was a big surprise and a special day for her. The principal of the school, Kyle Chambers, said it was an incredible moment for Ponce and a learning opportunity for the kids. Chambers further noted that Ponce became close to students and staff, according to a Travels Guide report.

Ponce said she works within the elementary school with the young ones as they make her completely happy every day. She added that she really likes her job.

Ponce has worked at Oliver Elementary School for over five years. She has two children in the school district, according to a Big Country Homepage report.

READ NEXT: Pres. Joe Biden Plans to Demote the Second Top U.S. Customs and Border Protection Official: Report

U.S. Citizenship

The United States considers an individual as its citizen if they have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state; and have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. territory.

One can also be a citizen of the U.S. if they were born to at least one U.S. citizen parent and recorded their birth with the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country, according to a U.S.A. gov website.

One can apply to be a citizen of the United States through a naturalization process, wherein a non-U.S. citizen becomes a citizen.

Once they gained citizenship, they owe their allegiance to the United States; entitled to its protection; and should exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

To become one, an individual must have had a permanent resident (green) card for at least five years or three years if you're filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

Some of the requirements to become a citizen of the United States include being at least 18 years old when you apply; being able to read, write, and speak basic English; and have a good moral character.

U.S. Immigration Challenges

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently confirmed that it was taking steps to relax more than a year of asylum restrictions in the U.S. This has led border officials to immediately expel single adults and migrant families with older children.

Upon taking office, President Joe Biden has exempted unaccompanied children from the expulsion, Associated Press reported.

The Biden administration has agreed to eventually let in about 250 people daily through southern border crossings, seeking refuge in the U.S.

The DHS said it is fast-tracking a system for identifying and lawfully processing vulnerable individuals exempted for humanitarian reasons under Title 42 order.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Administration To Restart Border Wall Construction After Scrapping Former Pres. Donald Trump's Border Wall Plans

WATCH: Beloved Cafeteria Worker Becomes U.S. citizen, Stamford School Celebrates Her - From BigCountryHomepage




Social media giant Facebook closed a pro-Israel page after it allegedly became a target of hate speech, according to Fox News. The news outlet noted that the developer, identified as Mike Evans, was leading online prayers for Israel daily amid the ongoing war between their country and Palestine. It was not confirmed if the online prayer was held on the said page.

READ NEXT: 'COVID-19 Cure' Promotion Leads the Suspension of Venezuela President Page on Facebook

Why Did Facebook Shut Down Pro-Israel Page?

New York Post confirmed that the pro-Israel page allegedly targeted by hate speech had about 77 million followers online. Evans also claimed that he could not post to his personal Facebook page as well.

"We removed Jerusalem Prayer Team's Facebook page for violating our rules against spam and inauthentic behavior," said a Facebook spokesperson to New York Post.

CBN reported that the Jerusalem Prayer Team appealed to the social media giant. However, Facebook allegedly replied and said that the case was complete. The social media giant also reportedly said to the team "to consider this decision final," and that they cannot review appeals due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Developer Claims Cyberterrorism

In an interview with CBN, Mike Evans alleged that "there was an organized attempt by radical Islamic organizations" in achieving the objective of taking down their page. Evans also noted in the interview that there were people "who posted over one million comments" then contacted the social media giant and allegedly claimed that they did not write such comments.

Evans alleged that the activists flooded the page with vile, anti-Semitic comments, including Hitler's photos and quotes, for them to complain that the page violated Facebook policies.

During his interview with CBN, Evans described the "organized attempt" as "a complete scam and fraud."

"It was a very clever, deceptive plan by Islamic radicals," Evans told CBN.

The attack Evans was talking about was done in two ways. CBN noted that the first one was a direct campaign in taking the pro-Israel page down, just like videos and posts that allegedly directed people on how to report the page. CBN furthered that the second attack was made through a disinformation campaign that Facebook created the page and forced people to like it.

The attack Evans claimed comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Islamic groups in the Gaza Strip.

"This is a prime example of bias on steroids," said Evans, adding that the termination of the page is an example of cyber terrorism that is based on racism.

Meanwhile, the pro-Israel page that Facebook has shut down due to hate speech remains hopeful that the reply of the social media giant is not the official verdict on their page.

READ MORE: California Teacher Caught Berating Students on Zoom Over Their Parents' Push to Stop Distance Learning

WATCH: Facebook Under New Pressure To Remove False Information, Hate Speech - from Today
Texas authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the remains discovered at a mobile home trailer in San Antonio last month are those of missing toddler James Chairez.

The 18-month-old boy was last seen on January 4 with his mother, D'Lanny Chairez. The pair was reported missing in March, police said.

Officers later located the mother, and she was arrested on a charge of tampering with evidence about her son's disappearance, according to a WFTV report.

Police searching for the missing toddler reported that they had found his remains at a mobile home that D'Lanny Chairez and her son previously had.

In a statement released on Wednesday, authorities confirmed that the remains had been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office as the missing toddler. James Chairez's cause of death was not immediately known, and it was still unclear when James died.

READ NEXT: 11-Year-Old Boy Shot Dead by 9-Year-Old Who Found Gun in Car Outside Dallas Store

D'Lanny Chairez's Case

D'Lanny Chairez's bail was recently reduced from $250,000 to $150,000, and a trial date was set on June 16. However, Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales said that additional charges were possible.

Family members said that D'Lanny had been living with the child in the mobile home and was working as a waitress at the time of the toddler's disappearance, San Antonio Express-News reported.

D'Lanny's aunt Marisol Gomez said that the child would have been two years old in July. Gomez said that this was something she never thought she would have experienced in her life.

She said investigators told her that they had used a DNA sample provided by D'Lanny and found that it matched with the remains. Gomez said that detectives told her the autopsy would not be finished until July at the earliest.

D'Lanny was reported to have concealed her son from investigators with SAPD and Child Protective Services. According to court documents, she allegedly refused to answer questions about where her son was at that time or if he was fine.

D'Lanny had earlier told investigators that she wanted to give up the child for adoption since she was not ready to be a mother, and she struggled with her mental health. The 20-year-old was also reported to have been suffering from depression.

D'Lanny also said that James Chairez deserved a better life, and she wanted her son to be in a better place. Family members noted that they had not seen the child since Thanksgiving. They said it was the time when the toddler tried gravy for the first time.

Gomez said she wanted D'Lanny to explain what occurred instead of hearing the details in court. Gomez added that D'Lanny had written a letter to Gomez's brother-in-law in Spanish asking for money for bail. However, she advised not to do so as D'Lanny is not being cooperative in the case.

D'Lanny earlier told Gomez that James Chairez was with a family friend. Gomez then questioned her and noticed that D'Lanny's story changed several times about who was caring for her son, Kens5 reported.

Court documents revealed that investigators had found what appeared to be a crib sheet with blood on it at the suspect's home. There were also baby diapers, a stroller, a car seat, and toys. Police continue to investigate and have yet to announce what further charges D'Lanny might face.

READ MORE: Missing California Toddler's Remains May Have Been Found, Police Claim

WATCH: 'I'm so broken': Family of Baby James Chairez Devastated by Confirmation of His Death - From KSAT 12






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Saturday event aimed at deterring catalytic converter thieves

Contributed photo A catalytic converter before and after it has been striped with a high-temperature paint.

EAU CLAIRE  Thefts of catalytic converters in the Eau Claire area have skyrocketed since 2019. Eau Claire police and a local business are working collaboratively to try to curb such crimes.

The theft of catalytic converters is not a new crime, but the dramatic upward trend is very noticeable, Eau Claire Police Lt. Ryan Dahlgren said.

In 2019, seven catalytic converters were reported stolen in Eau Claire. That rose to 52 thefts in 2020 and stood at 42 thefts less than five months into 2021.

Dahlgren is not sure why there is such a rise in catalytic converter thefts.

It is a rather quick and easy process. Using a power saw, its an easy target, he said. Within minutes, you can cut that out.

Jeff Matt, owner of Victory Automotive Service at 3440 E. Hamilton Ave., thinks the state of the economy has something to do with increased catalytic converter thefts.

Its a quick grab, he said of the crime.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Victory Automotive Service, area residents can bring their vehicles to the business where technicians will stripe catalytic converters with a high-temperature paint. This is a free event.

Matt and Dahlgren hope the striping deters thieves from taking catalytic converters because salvage dealers will know that striped converters are stolen converters.

We hope this gets their attention, Matt said of thieves.

The process for Saturdays event is simple, Matt said.

Enter Victory Automotive Service from the west on Hamilton Avenue.

There will be two lanes for technicians to stripe the catalytic converters. Two technicians will work on each car. Drivers will be asked to turn off their vehicles while they are being painted. Vehicle occupants will not have to get out of the vehicle.

Some vehicles may have to be jacked up slightly to allow technicians to get underneath. The whole process should last five minutes or less. Then drivers will be on their way.

Victory Automotive has six locations in the Twin Cities and one location each in Eau Claire and Florida.

Matt said he got the idea for the Eau Claire event after St. Paul police held a similar event at the parking lot of Allianz Field.

They maxed out the whole day, he said. I thought it was a good idea. Weve got the staff and the know-how. I put feelers out and it just kind of went from there.

Matt doesnt know what to expect on Saturday.

We have never done this before, he said. Four hundred plus cars is what I am hoping for.

Dahlgren said there isnt much of a consistent pattern for catalytic converter thefts in Eau Claire. The thefts are usually done at night, he said.

Thats the main consistency, he said.

Drivers usually discover the theft the next time they start their vehicle.

Its very loud, Dahlgren said. It sounds like losing a muffler.

The repair bill for a stolen catalytic converter can range from $400 for older vehicles to more than $2,000 on newer vehicles, Matt said.

There have been vehicles where catalytic converters have been stolen more than once, he said.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals that carry some value. Thats why thieves are attracted to them, Dahlgren said.

And it is a quick crime, Matt said.

Using chain cutters or a reciprocating saw, they can literally have the converter off in less than 60 seconds, he said.

Common targets are hybrid vehicles, trucks, recreational vehicles and full-size vans, Matt said. Vehicles with a lot of clearance underneath are particularly attractive to thieves, he said.

The Toyota Prius seems to be a particularly targeted vehicle in the Eau Claire area, Dahlgren said.

The Eau Claire Police Department has been working with salvage and scrap yards to address the issue.

They are aware of the problem, Dahlgren said. And they want to be part of the solution.

Victory Automotive approached Eau Claire police about hosting Saturdays event, Dahlgren said.

They reached out to us, he said. It seemed like a great opportunity to collaborate with a business in the community.

Matt said it is a matter of giving back to the communities they do business in.

We can do it for as little cost as anybody, he said.

To deter catalytic converter thieves, Dahlgren suggests parking vehicles in a garage or a well-lit area.

If you see somebody crawling under a car at 1 a.m., give us a call, he said.
Portland, TN (37148)

Today

Mostly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 82F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable.
Portland, TN (37148)

Today

Cloudy this morning with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 83F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
While this marks the completion of our formal cost savings program, we will continue to drive ongoing improvement in terms of operational efficiency through optimizing our geographic footprint, modernizing back-office technologies, and further integrating our solutions to reduce cost and complexity, Jabbour said. Its important to note that the cost savings figure we just discussed is a net number, meaning that while we took a significant amount of costs out of the business, we also continue to invest a significant amount in the business, primarily by enhancing and expanding our data and technology assets.
Super junior Laois Offaly Minister of State Pippa Hackett has visited a bee laboratory for World Bee Day today Thursday May 20.

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Senator Hackett visited the department's Bee Health laboratory at the Backweston Campus in Kildare.

The Department provides a bee health service, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining healthy stock of bees in Ireland.

I am delighted to be here today for World Bee Day to see the important work that DAFM undertakes to support our bees and our beekeepers. DAFMs free bee health diagnostic service is an important part of the supports that are in place for bee health. This service works in conjunction with the Departments research programme into pathogens and pests that affect the health of Irelands honeybee population.

World Bee Day highlights the vital role that bees play in pollination and the hard work and dedication of Irelands beekeepers in maintaining bee health. Bees are also an essential component of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and it is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution they make, Green Party Senator Hackett said.

Laois Offaly Wildlife Trust suggests that we tune in to TG4 tonight for a bee documentary to celebrate World Bee Day.

Meanwhile the Irish Wildlife Trust invites people to try and spot a bee in their area today - if the rain stops - photograph it and use the hashtag #beethechange

According to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, one third of our 98 bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland.

6 species are critically endangered, 10 are endangered and 14 vulnerable. More than half of Irelands bee species have undergone substantial declines in their numbers since 1980. Two species have become extinct.

"Bees are declining because weve drastically reduced the areas where they can nest and the amount of food our

landscape provides for them. Weve also inadvertently introduced pests and diseases that negatively impact their health, and we subject them to levels of pesticides that make it difficult for them to complete their life cycles," the data centre states.

Anyone interested in beekeeping can contact either FIBKA at www.irishbeekeeping.ie or the IBA clg at www. irishbeekeppersassociation.com
A Laois councillor has hit out at 'negative' comments over the raising of the rainbow flag at Laois County Council.

Cllr Aisling Moran praised said the raising of the flag at County Hall in Portlaoise on International Day of Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, May 17.

However, she was disappointed in the reaction of some to the step by the Midlands LGBT+ Project when she raised the issue in her capacity as Chairperson of the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District meeting.

"Unfortunately, I noted there was some negative commentary on social media. While we in Ireland strive to be an inclusive society, there are many countries in the world where people are persecuted because of their sexual orientation.

"The raising of the flag over County Hall, shows our support for people in these minority groups living in our community. I would hope that going forward people would educate themselves and be more inclusive to all members of our community," said the Fine Gael councillor.

The Midlands LGBT+ Project raised the flag at County Council buildings in Laois, Offaly and Kildare for the day in solidarity with the LGBT+ community and to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The Project has recently expanded from its Laois roots to help people in neighbouring counties.
Gardai in Carbury and Portarlington are investigating two incidents that occurred on 18th May 2021 where a male called to two homes and attempted to steal money.

In one of the incidents he was successful in convincing the injured party to part with a sum of cash by saying the money was counterfeit.

One incident in North Kildare occurred at approximately 11.30am and one in Laois at 1pm on 18th May 2021.

If you were in either location at the time, particularly the Derrinturn/Carbury between 11am and 11.30am and the Emo/Portarlington Road area between 12.30pm and 1pm, gardai said they would like to speak to you.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai in Leixlip on 01 666 7800 or Gardai in Portlaoise at 057 867 4100

Garai added: "Unfortunately, everyone can receive visits form bogus callers and our vulnerable persons are sometimes targeted by criminals. Information on how to identify and protect yourself from these types of crime can be found on our website - https://www.garda.ie/en/crime- prevention/crime-prevention/

"Bogus callers will say anything to get into your home or onto your property including producing false identification claiming to be there in an official capacity.

"Theres been an accident, can I call an ambulance?

"Ive broken down, can I use your phone?

"Ive had a fall, could I have a glass of water

"Im from the council, theres a burst main, I need to turn off your supply

"In all cases you need to be wary of strangers calling to your home. They may be offering services such as power washing, painting, selling goods etc.

"Take precautions -

 Do not open the door to anyone before youve checked who it is and what they want. Use your door viewer and chain/limiter.

 Check identification, where appropriate.

 Do not leave strangers unattended at your doorstep.

 Ensure your back door is locked when you answer a call at the front door.

 Keep gates to yards closed.

"We advise and encourage people not to engage with such callers. Don't open your door to anyone before you have checked who it is and what they want. They can be intimidating and refuse to take no for an answer. Please pass this advice on to those in our community that may live alone or be susceptible to engaging with strangers.

REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT."
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Senator Pippa Hackett visited the department's Bee Health laboratory today at the Backweston Campus in county Kildare as part of the celebrations of World Bee Day today 20 May.

The department provides a bee health service, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining healthy stock of bees in Ireland.

I am delighted to be here today for World Bee Day to see the important work that DAFM undertakes to support our bees and our beekeepers. DAFMs free bee health diagnostic service is an important part of the supports that are in place for bee health. This service works in conjunction with the Departments research programme into pathogens and pests that affect the health of Irelands honeybee population," she said.

DAFMs Bee Health service also operates the Sentinel Apiary Programme along with volunteer beekeepers throughout Ireland. The aim of the programme is to ensure the early detection of three exotic pests, Small Hive beetle (SHB), Tropilaelaps spp. and the Asian Hornet.

World Bee Day highlights the vital role that bees play in pollination and the hard work and dedication of Irelands beekeepers in maintaining bee health. Bees are also an essential component of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and it is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution they make," added the Minister.

DAFMs Free Bee Health diagnostic service is in addition to other initiatives including annual grants to the Irish National Beekeepers Federations to help their associated members pursue the craft of beekeeping, to support the purchase of bees and to inform the general public about the environmental role that bees play in maintaining Irish biodiversity and crop production.
Information from a government agency in the United States led to a County Kildare man appearing in court on allegations of possessing child pornography.

The man, aged in his 20s, appeared before Naas District Court on May 19.

Det Gda Wayne Kelly said when charged the man replied that he didnt knowingly have in my possession child pornography.

He added that the case dates back to 2016 and it would also be alleged that the defendant had three videos in his possession.

Read more County Kildare news

He said the images portrayed boys and girls aged between four and 14 engaging in sexual activity, including penetrative sex with adults and children.

Det Gda Kelly said there are an alleged 272 pornographic images.

The court heard that the National Child Protection Agency in the US provided information relating to the case after an image was uploaded to an email account. The IP address was located in County Kildare.

Judge Desmond Zaidan adjourned the case to July 7 for the service of a book of evidence and at the request of defending solicitor Tim Kennelly, he imposed reporting restrictions.

The defendant was granted bail on condition that he sign on daily at a named garda station, surrender his passport and not apply for alternative travel documents.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) with the assistance of local Gardai conducted a search operation in Newbridge, Co Kildare and Tallaght, Dublin 24 this morning.

Four premises were searched including residential premises in Tallaght and Newbridge as well as two professional premises in Co Kildare.

The following items of note were seized -

 171 Nissan XTrail Jeep

 2,300 cash

 Financial documentation



 Designer handbags and accessories

The CAB investigation is focused on an individual who is believed to be involved in the commission of burglaries and thefts across Dublin and the wider Leinster area.
Gardai investigating the death of a man in Newbridge last month have gathered 500 hours of CCTV footage, Naas District Court was told by a garda sergeant

Danut Scurtu, 35, whose address was given as Rosebud Cottage, Old Connell, Newbridge, faces allegations of assault causing harm on Jan Prochazka and possession of a knife contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act at Patrick Street, Newbridge, on April 7.

He appeared at Naas District Court on May 12 via video link from Cloverhill Prison.

Read more County Kildare news

Sgt Jim Kelly sought another adjournment in the case and he recalled that the victim of the alleged assault subsequently died.

He told the court that the gardai have also gathered 200 statements and indicated that the file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions this week.

He said the gardai are seeking more time, adding well have a full file at the DPPs office in the middle of next week.

He added: Were spending as many hours as possible and Im seeking a 28 day adjournment.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennellyh told the court that the defendant has applied for bail in the High Court and is now in custody with consent to bail.

He said he is expecting that a more serious charge may arise down the line.

He said the terms of the bail were a surety of 15,000 of which 10,000 is in cash and the defendant must surrender his passport.

The proceedings were relayed to the defendant by a translator.

Judge Desmond Zaidan commented he was not surprised that the High Court had agreed to give him bail.

He adjourned the case to May 26 and again certified for a Romanian translator.
Lehigh Hanson respectfully disagrees with the FTCs allegations regarding our planned acquisition of the Keystone cement plant in Bath, Pennsylvania, the company said in a statement. We continue to believe that this acquisition would be an excellent strategic fit for Lehigh Hanson and this transaction would be beneficial to our customers, employees and stakeholders.
Paediatric nurse Deirdre Morley, who smothered her three young children at their family home, has been found not guilty of their murders by reason of insanity.

The 12 jurors accepted the evidence given by two psychiatrists that the accused, who specialised in renal care at Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin, was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the three killings and fulfilled the criteria for the special verdict.

The case, Ms Morley's defence counsel had told the jury, was a "tragedy of enormous proportions", with the "tragic irony" of the accused being someone who had committed her entire professional life to the care of children as a paediatric nurse.

The two consultant forensic psychiatrists called as expert witnesses were both in agreement that the accused was unable to appreciate what she had done was morally wrong and was unable to refrain from her actions.

In his closing speech, defence counsel Michael Bowman SC said the case was a "tragedy of enormous proportions" that had been visited upon parents who were "utterly committed" to the welfare of their children. He stressed that the tragic loss of three children was at the core of the case and their parents had been left in a set of circumstances where their offspring were no longer with them. It was clear, he said, that his client was labouring under a mental illness which was defined within the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006.

Mr Bowman suggested that one of "the tragic ironies" in the case was that the accused had committed her entire professional life to the care of children as a paediatric nurse and bore that responsibility heavily on her own shoulders but had suffered from depression and anxiety since the late 1990's. "Despite the best efforts of those around her and the level of support they offered, it was not enough to prevent her slipping into a state of delusion and psychosis from which she could not return," he remarked.

The three-day trial at the Central Criminal Court, which the State called "a desperately sad case", heard that Ms Morley had unsuccessfully attempted to drug her three children on the previous day, having formulated a plan to then suffocate them in their sleep.

On the evening of January 23 last year, Ms Morley crushed between six and eight morphine tablets to put in the boys cereal and put a Tylex tablet containing codeine in her daughter's drink. However, the accused "abandoned any further actions" to harm the children that evening as the two boys "spat out" their bedtime snack when they tasted it and her daughter did not consume much of the drink.

The 44-year-old highly trained clinical nurse, of Parson's Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin, had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of her sons Conor McGinley (9) and Darragh McGinley (7) and her daughter Carla McGinley (3). The children's bodies were discovered at the family home just before 8pm on January 24 last year.

The trial was told that Darragh was the first child to be killed and there had been a disagreement that morning over the amount of "screen time" he was watching on his iPad and the television. After midday, Ms Morley said she "just had to end" their suffering, looked at the clock and remembered thinking "I could smother him now. I could kill him now".

After killing Darragh the accused said she felt she "couldn't leave any of them behind". She also smothered her daughter Carla.

After collecting her eldest child Conor from school and bringing him to Tesco to buy a roll for lunch, she brought him home where they watched "Jurassic World" in the front room. She smothered him inside the children's play tent.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster found the children had died by asphyxia from compressions of the chest area and airways.

Ms Morley had made "crystal clear" to gardai in her interviews that she wanted to make sure that she "was gone" after she killed her children and before her husband arrived home that evening. She left her home after 4pm with a bottle of wine and a variety of medication, including Xanax, intending to jump off the bridge between Newcastle and Rathcoole before the N7 flyover. However, she crashed her car in a grassy area and lost consciousness. She left the house again on foot at 6.30pm but was found by a taxi driver, who gave her a lift back to the estate.

Evidence was given that the accused had done Google searches for a "noose", "how to make a noose" and "the N7 flyover" on January 22. She had also purchased a rope from a hardware shop the next day.

After returning from an overnight work trip in Cork, the accused's husband Andrew McGinley found his wife unconscious and being cared for by paramedics in the estate. He then discovered the bodies of his three children in the house. Darragh and Carla were found upstairs in the master bedroom and Conor was downstairs with his feet protruding from the play tent.

Two notes written by the accused had been left in the house, with one placed at the bottom of the stairs, to urge whoever came through the door of the family home not to go into the front room or upstairs and to phone 911 instead.

Dr Brenda Wright, called by the defence, gave a detailed description of the accused's mental state deteriorating in the weeks before the killing and said she was suffering with bipolar affective disorder at the time. The witness said the defendant believed it was morally right to smother her three children as she thought she had "irreparably damaged" them and "had to put an end to their suffering".

Dr Mary Davoren, for the prosecution, testified that the accused was suffering at a minimum from recurrent depressive disorder and experienced a severe depressive episode on the day.

Ms Morley told gardai that she was feeling "overwhelmed" at the time, her thoughts had been "getting darker" that week and she wanted to save her children from the pain and suffering she felt lay before them because of her shortcomings as a parent. She believed she had to take their lives as they were "more damaged" by her parenting skills and they "had to go together".

The defendant, the court heard, had previously found it difficult to cope with stress at work and had taken the loss of a child in her ward particularly badly.

In his charge to the jury, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said there was "no contest in this sad and tragic case" about what the correct verdict should be. He said the evidence was all one way and both the prosecution and defence agreed that the defence of insanity applied.

One hour and 28 minutes into their deliberations, the jury asked Mr Justice Coffey for clarity on the special verdict of insanity. He told them that the case is "unusually free from controversy of any kind" and was one in which it is agreed that the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity should be returned on all counts.

The jury of ten men and two women spent four hours and 23 minutes deliberating over two days before bringing in three verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity.

After they had delivered their verdict, Mr Justice Coffey thanked the jury for their service saying: "I'm aware this was a very disturbing case for everyone involved and it must have had a very great impact for everyone of you. I want to thank you on behalf of the people of Ireland."

The judge exempted them from jury service for the next 15 years.

He then made an order committing Ms Morley to go to the Central Mental Hospital today and for the matter to be brought back before the court on May 31.

In her opening address, prosecuting counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC said the jury's primary concern would be the accused's mental state on January 24 and there was no issue in the case as to what happened to the children and how they died.

The accused's mental health had deteriorated very significantly and she suffered a breakdown in July 2019. She was admitted to St Patrick's Hospital in Dublin as an inpatient for four weeks. Those closest to Ms Morley had sought to manage her problems as best they could but didn't realise the gravity of the situation. "In the days before the children's deaths, there was a belief that her mental health had improved significantly and psychiatrists will assist you in that was not the case," indicated Ms Lawlor.

The court heard that both Clondalkin Mental Health Services and the Swiftbrook Medical Centre had written to St Patrick's Hospital requesting that Ms Morley be readmitted due to concerns about her mental health.
Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for all coasts today.

Gales could reach storm force 10 on some coasts today, Thursday.

Heavy rain fall is also due to take place in Donegal with the risk of localised flooding in areas.
Community anti fracking group Love Leitrim has welcomed the publication of the government policy statement on the importation of fracked gas.

The policy statement had been committed to in last year's programme for government and was announced this week by Minister Eamon Ryan.

One part of the statement states "pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Irelands electricity and natural gas systems being carried out by DECC, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with".

Campaigners across Ireland and from further afield in places such as Pennsylvania have long advocated the need for Ireland to reject fracked gas imports based upon well documented negative impacts fracked gas can have on public health, climate, and biodiversity. Community campaigners have also made the case for a number of years that as Ireland itself banned fracking in 2017 it would be hypocritical to import it from another exploited area.

There was also broad welcome from the group for the commitment in the government policy statement "to work with international partners to promote the phasing out of fracking at an international level" stating that there was an opportunity to do this by supporting the call for Ireland to propose a global ban on fracking at the United Nations General Assembly.

Commenting on the news , Love Leitrim Chairperson Jamie Murphy said "This is a very welcome development and is testament to the hard work and efforts of campaigners in Ireland and from impacted communities abroad who have been calling for this for some time. This is very much a climate justice issue and we are glad to see that the government has acknowledged that it would be hypocritical to import fracked gas from another community considering we ourselves had banned it. However we need to go further.The government needs to immediately communicate this policy statement to An Bord Plenala so as to ensure that planning for fracked gas/LNG import terminals cannot proceed. This is extremely important as we are aware that new Fortress Energy is in a pre application process with An Bord Plenala and have stated their intention to apply for permission for the Shannon LNG fracked gas project.

"We welcome the policy statement but ultimately we need a legislative ban against fracked gas imports as a policy statement can only last as long as the government does. We note that the legal opinion of the Attorney General was that such a ban was not possible. We are calling for that legal opinion to be published as alternative legal opinion from the Irish Centre For Human Rights and the team of Dr Maeve O'Rourke stated a ban was possible within EU/WTO trade rules.

"We are also very glad to see the commitment to tackle fracking on an International level. There will be an opportunity for the government to do this by proposing a global ban on fracking at the United Nations General Assembly"

All of these issues will be discussed at an online event to mark the official launch of a report by the National University of Galway Human Rights Clinic on the human rights impacts of fracking, Monday, May 24 at 5pm. The event will have contributions from Dr Maeve O'Rourke, Lois Bower Bjournson (impacted resident of Pennsylvania), Professor Shane Darcy and Eddie Mitchell amongst others. The event is free and bookings can be made here.

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/human-rights-impacts-of-fracking-launch-of-nuig-hr-clinic-report-tickets-154392071843
VETERAN Fianna Fail councillor Kevin Sheahan has renewed his calls for a new sewerage treatment plant in the town of Askeaton.

The former mayor has accused successive governments of neglecting the town by not prioritising such a new system.

At the May meeting of Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District, he mooted the possibility of a "no sewage no vote" campaign in Askeaton ahead of the next general election.

And, he argues, the lack of a new treatment plant means any housing development will likely be vetoed as Irish Water will feel compelled to object.

I am a councillor since 1985, and I can safely say over 30 years, I have been campaigning vigorously for a much-needed sewerage plant in Askeaton. The original sewerage was installed sometime during the way in 1938 to 1939. It consisted of what was then common, pumping sewage into concrete open topped settlement beds. Sewage was allowed to dry out and the solids were removed and used as fertiliser, he said.

With the population of Askeaton doubling over the last 50 years, Cllr Sheahan says what is there is not fit for purpose.

There has been no upgrading by any government of the sewerage facility. It should consist of dual piping, one for sewage, one for waste water. It should consist of a treatment plant. That has never happened. It has been repeatedly promised that it was on a list to do. But I have found out that many of the lists to do were based on an assumption by civil servants that government policy was going to provide the resources to do this in many villages and towns across Ireland, he said.

Asked what the consequence to his town is, Cllr Sheahan added: Irish Water which now has responsibility are now at least admitting we do not have adequate storage facilities. They are objecting to even a one-bedroomed unit that did not heretofore have a sewage connection.

There is not even the capacity for that small amount.
RTE has this morning confirmed their line up for tomorrow night's Late Late Show. After nine years of playing professional rugby in Ireland, CJ Stander announced he was departing Irish shores with 51 Irish caps, including two wins against the All Blacks, a Grand Slam, a British and Irish Lions tour, as well as his star performances for Munster. Tomorrow evening, CJ joins Ryan to say goodbye.



Room to Improve architect Dermot Bannon joins Ryan to discuss his new upcoming series focussing on small homes. Housing is back in the headlines this month and Dermot will offer his solutions to correct the dysfunction.

Crona and Suzy Byrne will talk about what it was like to grow up as the daughters of Ireland's most famous broadcaster, Gay Byrne. They will reveal what their relationship with their dad was like and how they have all been coping since his death in November 2019.



Ryan will be joined by an inspiring couple, Jamie and Georgie Crawford, who have overcome adversity. At 32 years of age Dublin man Jamie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Five years later, his wife Georgie got the devastating diagnosis that she had breast cancer. Georgie is the woman behind the hugely successful 'Good Glow' podcast. They will talk about how the couple put their lives back together after each received a devastating diagnosis. They will tell Ryan how this changed them both while revealing their true meaning of what life is now all about.



With over a million views of his appearance on the Late Late Toy Show, Michael Moloney emerged as one of the Toy Show's brightest stars when he was surprised by global singing sensation Dermot Kennedy. Now, Michael hopes to follow in Kennedy's footsteps as he releases his first single, 'All That I Do'. The track is inspired by and dedicated to Michael's late father Emmett.

In a year when lockdown gave people a very small taste of what daily life is like for carers of vulnerable people, Ryan will talk with two mothers who care full-time for children with disabilities. Katie Healy-Nolan and Nina Fitzpatrick will discuss the reality of life for full-time carers in Ireland, the battles they have faced to give their children dignity and why children with disabilities have been forgotten in the last year.

Ahead of the summer release of his much-anticipated new album, James Vincent McMorrow will perform a world exclusive of his brand-new single 'Paradise'. - The Late Late Show, RTE One, Friday, May 21st at 9.35 pm
LIMERICK will not feature in the name of its newest university, it has been revealed.

In news announced earlier this month, the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) and Athlone Insitute of Technology are to merge to form a new technological university.

The newly created college, which will span across a number of counties, will have a new unique name.

It'll be known as the Technological University of the Shannon - Midlands and Mid-West. A formal announcement is expected this afternoon.

Expected to have a student population of up to 15,000  and 1,200 staff  it is due to open later this year, with two campuses in Limerick.

There will be one campus in each of Athlone, Clonmel, Ennis, and Thurles.

Its understood a decision on the name was arrived at following consultation with more than 3,500 people.

And the acronym Tus  meaning start in English  will be used with each campus being recognised.

Speaking on Live95 this lunchtime, the LIT president Dr Vincent Cunnane said: "We have a new name for a new beginning and a new institution. Tus: it's a new beginning. A new beginning for us all. A new beginning for our regions, our staff, our students and stakeholders," he added.
BINGO players looking forward to a drive-in event in Kilmallock on Sunday have seen number 13 come out of the barrel - "unlucky for some".

Kilmallock Community Council were due to host the bingo afternoon in the mart's giant car-park.

However, this Thursday they put up a post on their Facebook page which reads: "Due to a complaint from one member of the community we have been advised to cancel this Sundays bingo.

"We are very sorry to disappoint our loyal followers but this is outside our control. WE WILL BE BACK!!! such a pity."

Local councillors, PJ Carey and Mike Donegan both told the Leader of their "disappointment" at the news.

Cllr PJ Carey said bingo being back was "the talk of the town".

"For it to be cancelled due to one person is scandalous. It is a voluntary organisation and their drive-in bingo events are superbly organised. Everybody must stay in their cars and all the guidelines are obeyed.

"They were having an extra game for a very popular deceased member with proceeds going to Milford and cancer support in UHL. One killjoy has destroyed all that," said Cllr Carey.

Cllr Donegan, who is a former chairman of Kilmallock Community Council, said the bingo events were their main source of income currently. He pointed out that the community council still have many ongoing expenses like insurance which have to be paid for.

"They had great crowds when they were allowed run the drive-in bingo last year. They were very popular. The organisers always obeyed government Covid guidelines meticulously.

"I know many people in south Limerick and north Cork were very much looking forward to Sunday and playing bingo again. It's a shame," said Cllr Donegan.
A 31-year-old Limerick man has pleaded guilty to murdering his brother in what a barrister has described as a "tragic" case.

When arraigned at the Central Criminal Court this Thursday, Gerard Lynch, aged 31, who has an address at Main Street, Pallaskenry, admitted the murder of Willie Lynch at Main Street, Pallaskenry on December 30, 2017.

The 35-year-old victim, who was well known in Pallaskenry, was found dead at his home in the village having sustained stab wounds during what gardai believe was a violent altercation.

After the defendant, who wore a black t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms, pleaded guilty to the single charge, his barrister Mark Nicholas SC told Mr Justice Michael White it is a "tragic case" involving a family.

Although the mandatory penalty for murder is life imprisonment, Mr Nicholas said he would like to put certain matters before the court that might be used in a "different forum in the future".

A sentence hearing will take place on Monday, October 11.
The states goal is to have 70% of the adult population fully vaccinated before rescinding the masking order for unvaccinated people, but the number of shots administered per day continues to fall. The CDC announced that next weeks allocation of first doses will be the same as this week, 343,030, excluding those sent to Philadelphia. But less than half of this weeks allotment  127,850 doses  has been claimed by the states providers. Lehigh Valley Health Network, one of the regions largest health care providers, did not order any new vaccine this week, relying on its stockpile instead.
WLHS student graduates from the Citadel: Logan Scronce to be stationed on a nuclear submarine
America's top civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson has urged the Joe Biden administration to allocate 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to India, reported news agency PTI.

Jackson said he has taken up the issue with both Biden and vice president Kamala Harris.

He said the whole world today is praying for India and its people, exuding confidence that the country of Mahatma Gandhi will win the battle against this pandemic.

"The whole world today prays for India," he said on Wednesday.

Jackson was speaking at a conference, which was also addressed by several Indian-American community leaders. In his remarks, he called for raising more funds for the people of India and other countries being impacted by Covid-19.

"We should ask for more vaccination for the world. We need respirators, medicines and vaccines right now," he said.

Eminent Indian-American community leader Dr Bharat Barai thanked Rev Jackson for his initiative. "Vaccination is the right thing to do and is the most important thing to do. This will not only save lives but also prevent the economy from collapsing," he said.

Sunil Singh, chairman of the National Council of Asian Indian Associations, said India is in dire need of vaccines now. "We need vaccines now or never. India handled the first Covid attack last year very well. It has helped 80 countries across the world," he said.

"Now India is in need, and the entire world has come forward to help India. We need more vaccines, and we need them now. Please help us now," he said, adding that the community organizations in the Washington DC area have sent 130 oxygen concentrators.

Entrepreneur Ravi Pulli, the founder of US-India Solidarity Council, urged the Biden administration to provide more help to India as he appreciated the American support so far.

US aid

The statements came on the day the White House stated it has so far provided over $500 million in Covid-19 assistance to India, adding it would soon make a determination on distribution of the 80 million vaccines to other countries.

"To date, the United States has provided over $500 million in Covid relief to India, including contributions from the US federal and state governments, American companies and organizations and private citizens," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was quoted as saying.

With inputs from agencies.

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Hamas fired an antitank missile at an Israeli military bus near the border with Gaza early Thursday, with hostilities between the two sides remaining high as foreign diplomats pushed for a cease-fire that could come this week.

Israels military said the bus was empty and one soldier was lightly wounded in the attack, which came along with rocket fire after a lull of several hours.

The driver of the bus told Israeli broadcaster KANN, It was a miracle. About 30 soldiers got off a few seconds before and dispersed."

The U.S., along with Egypt, Qatar and several European nations, has been working to persuade both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders to end their military campaigns.

People involved in the discussions say the outlines of a cease-firewhich could come into effect as soon as Fridayare in place and negotiators are focused on timing.

In an interview with Israels Army Radio on Thursday, Orna Barbivai, the head of the Israeli parliaments Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said she doubted Israels ability to make further progress on its goal of deterring Hamas in continued fighting.

Hamas, by any parameter, is in a better place than it was at the end of Operation Protective Edge," she said, referring to the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas. The public has to know that even when the operation ends, the achievements will be very partial considering the objectives that were set. Under these circumstances, our ability to reach them is very partial."

The fighting has caused a rising number of civilian casualties.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says it has verified that 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, have been killed in Gaza since the start of the escalation on May 10. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency says tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes. Israeli officials say 12 people, including two children, have been killed in Israel since the start of the fighting.

Since last Monday, militants in Gaza have fired 4,070 rockets toward Israel, with about 610 of them falling inside Gaza. Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Hamas targets and says it has killed more than 130 militants.

Overnight Israel said it struck a weapons storage unit it said Hamas located in the former Ministry of Justice and struck residences of Hamas officials, as well as underground tunnels it says the group uses to operate.

One of those killed overnight was 11-year-old Dima Assalia, who was the victim of an Israeli airstrike on the town of Beit Lahiya, near Gazas northern border with Israel, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The girl was walking between her home and her uncles home around 8 p.m., having just retrieved an electric bread oven that Gazans are now relying on to make bread during the few hours that electricity is available throughout the Gaza Strip.

Her father, Saad Assalia, said he saw his daughters body in the street. I saw the electric oven first," Mr. Assalia said at the morgue, right before kissing his daughters forehead and bidding her farewell.

The current fighting between Israel and Hamasin its 11th dayis the most intense since the most recent of their three wars, in 2014.

The Biden administration anticipates that a cease-fire could come this week, barring any unforeseen clashes that might topple the fragile discussions, according to a U.S. official.

Egyptian officials have made headway in negotiations with Hamass leadership, and the Israeli military has privately conceded that it is nearing the completion of its objectives, U.S. and foreign officials said.

Egypt has proposed several options to Hamass political leader Ismail Haniyeh that could help stop the fighting, according to a senior Egyptian intelligence official. One option is for Hamas and Israel to agree to a cease-fire without conditions. Another is for the two sides to agree to a temporary halt in fighting as they negotiate a longer-term cease-fire, the Egyptian official said.

Meanwhile, humanitarian officials said border crossings with Gaza remained closed on Thursday. Little aid has been able to get in, after Israel halted deliveries after several incidents when it said Hamas fired mortar shells toward the crossings.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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The universe could be teaching itself how to evolve into a better, more stable, cosmos. That's the far-out idea proposed by a team of scientists who say they are reimagining the universe just as Darwin revamped our view of the natural world.

The controversial new idea attempts to explain why the laws of physics are as we see them using a mathematical framework to describe various proposed theories in physics, such as quantum field theories and quantum gravity. The result is a system similar to a machine-learning program.

Scientists have discovered numerous physical laws and quantities with fixed values to define the universe. From the mass of an electron, to the force of gravity , there are many specific constants in the universe that seem arbitrary to some, given their precise and seemingly patternless values.

Related: The 18 biggest unsolved mysteries in physics

"One of the goals in fundamental physics these days is to not just understand what the laws of physics are, but why they happen to be the way they are, why they take the forms that they do," said author William Cunningham, physicist and software lead at quantum computing start-up Agnostiq. "There's not really an obvious reason why one [set of laws] would be preferred over another."

A self-taught system

To answer this question the group wondered whether the way we see the universe today is just one way the universe has been? Perhaps the laws we see today are just one iteration of many. Perhaps the universe is evolving.

In order to have a universe that evolves, the researchers proposed an idea called the autodidactic universe  a universe that is self-learning. In this case, the learning would happen similar to how a machine-learning algorithm works, where feedback at one stage influences the next, with the goal of reaching a more stable energy state. .

Related: From Big Bang to present: Snapshots of our universe through time

Following this idea, the group developed a possible framework by which the universe could learn, drawing on matrix mathematics  a way of doing mathematics arranged in rows and columns  neural networks and other machine-learning principles. In short, they investigated whether the universe could be a learning computer.

"We're trying to change the conversation much the way that Darwin the biologist had to change the conversation to get a deeper understanding for the subject," said author Lee Smolin, a physicist at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, in Waterloo, Canada.

A Darwinian universe

Similar to how a moth can evolve to have better camouflage, an autodidactic universe could be evolving to a higher state  which in this case could mean one that is in a more stable energy state.According to the mathematical framework the researchers developed, this system could only move forward, with each iteration creating a better, or more stable universe than before. The physical constants we measure today are only valid now and may have been different values in the past.

The team found that certain quantum gravity and quantum field theories known as gauge theories  a class of theories that aim to form a bridge between Einstein's theory of special relativity and quantum mechanics to describe subatomic particles  could be mapped or translated in the language of matrix mathematics, creating a model of a machine-learning system. This connection showed that in each iteration or cycle of the machine-learning system, the outcome could be the physical laws of the universe.

"We're trying to change the conversation much the way that Darwin the biologist had to change the conversation to get a deeper understanding for the subject." Lee Smolin, Perimeter Institute

The learning framework, described in their paper posted to the preprint database arXiv , represents the first "baby steps" to the idea, according to the group. However, with more work, the team could create a full-fledged model of the universe that could open new doors to understanding our cosmos.

"One exciting prospect is that you could use one of these models and perhaps extract something new," Cunningham said. This could be discovering the physics for a new type of black hole , or a new law describing a physical system that hasn't yet been explained, such as dark energy.

However, not all researchers are as excited by the new idea. Tim Maudlin, a professor of philosophy at New York University, who was not involved in the new work, asserts there's no evidence for the concept and plenty against it, such as that certain laws of physics that have been measured are the same today as they were shortly after the Big Bang. Additionally, if the laws of the universe are evolving, Maudlin thinks there must be a larger immutable set of laws that governs that change, which negates the idea of a self-taught system.

"When we look at the fundamental laws  like Schrodinger's equation or general relativity  they don't look random at all," Maudlin told Live Science. "They can be written down mathematically in very tightly constrained ways with not a lot of adjustable parameters."

Peter W. Evans, a philosopher at the University of Queensland in Australia, who was not involved in the new study, was also not initially won over by the new work; but Evans agrees with taking the time for unorthodox approaches to radical questions like "Why is the universe the way it is?" Such approaches, even if not fruitful themselves, might lead to unexpected ideas, which could open new doors for learning about the universe, he told Live Science in an email.

The researchers behind the new study acknowledge that their work is only preliminary and not intended as a final theory, but rather a way to start thinking about things in a new way. Ultimately, while the paper doesn't come to any conclusions on exactly what kind of model could be used to describe our universe, it does pose the possibility that the universe could learn.

"I think at the end of this, we're left with a lot of open questions and certainly we were not able to prove anything," Cunningham told Live Science. "But what we were really aiming for is to start a discussion."

Originally published on Live Science.
Researchers discovered this image of Yolande of Anjou, the late wife of the Duke of Brittany. Yolande is shown kneeling and praying before the Virgin Mary. When the duke married Isabella Stewart, an image of Stewart was painted over that of Yolande.

A hidden image in an ornately illustrated 15th-century prayer book reveals that the duke of Brittany at the time painted over an image of his dead wife with his then-current wife, researchers have found. The story behind the medieval "wife swap" is somewhat tragic.

This particular "Book of Hours," as such Christian devotional books were called, was commissioned in 1431 by Yolande of Aragon (1381-1442), who was the duchess of Anjou, in France. She gave it to her daughter Yolande of Anjou (1412-1440) when the daughter married Duke Francis I of Brittany in 1431. The couple had a son who died in childhood, and Yolande herself died in 1440.

Related: Cracking codices: 10 of the most mysterious ancient manuscripts

A page in the book has an area that looks darker and scientists with the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge in the United Kingdom, which owns the manuscript, used near-infrared (NIR) imaging to image the dark spot. That imaging revealed that the book once included an image showing Yolande of Anjou kneeling in prayer before the Virgin Mary. However, that image had been painted over and replaced with one showing the duke's second wife, Isabella Stewart of Scotland (1427-1494), who is also shown kneeling in prayer before the Virgin Mary. An image of St. Catherine of Alexandria, a woman who was killed in the fourth century, is shown beside Isabella Stewart.

Isabella Stewart of Scotland kneelS and prayS before the Virgin Mary, as St. Catherine stands beside her. This page is part of a "Book of Hours," a prayer book popular in the middle ages. (Image credit: Fitzwilliam Museum)

"At the death of his first wife, Francis may have taken control of the prayer book and ordered it to be customized to best suit Isabella," said Suzanne Reynolds, the curator of manuscripts and printed books at the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge. "It is possible Isabella had some input. For example, the inclusion of St. Catherine who was not there before indicates that Isabella may have had a special devotion to this saint," Reynolds told Live Science. Isabella's coat of arms was also painted on many of the book's pages.

Such "Books of Hours" were popular during the middle ages, but this is the only example that Reynolds is aware of in which an image of a new wife was painted over a late wife. Reynolds said that we know little about the relationship between the duke and Yolande of Anjou.

"We have no information about this. Yolande died young," said Reynolds, who noted that they were not divorced. "Even though it is 'secondhand,' this is still a spectacular gift, one of the most richly decorated 'Books of Hours' of the middle ages," Reynolds said. "The alterations are to customize and personalize the book for Isabella and also acknowledge the important royal family of Scotland of which she was part, by adding her coat of arms over the original border decoration."

The book is now being displayed as part of the Fitzwilliam Museum's exhibition " The Human Touch ," which runs from May 18 to Aug. 1, 2021. Reynolds is co-curator of the exhibition.

Originally published on Live Science.
Something incredible is happening right now that takes place just once every 17 years: Brood X cicada nymphs are wriggling out of the soil to climb the nearest trees, where they will transform into red-eyed, black-bodied adult cicadas by the billions.

If you live in the eastern United States, you're in luck. Brood X (the "X" stands for the number 10, as this brood is one of 12 cicada populations that emerge in 17-year cycles) is also one of the most geographically widespread broods. The 2021 emergence, which begins mid-May and lasts into mid-June, spans the District of Columbia and 15 states: Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, according to the website Cicada Mania .

Brood X cicadas, which are also known as the Great Eastern Brood, can emerge in densities up to 1.5 million cicadas per acre, which means that the total number of insects in this brood may climb into the trillions, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported .

Related: What are Brood X cicadas?

Cicada emergence is happening a little later than usual this year because of the unusually cool spring weather, said Chris Simon, a periodical-cicada researcher and a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

In the second week of May, Simon recorded sightings of Brood X in North Carolina and northern Georgia, where cicadas "had been out for a week and starting to chorus in the treetops at lower elevations, but [are] not yet out in the higher mountains," she told Live Science in an email. "Because of cool rainy weather, the cicadas are coming out over a longer period and are not noticed in many places," she added.

The first signs of Brood X cicadas are holes in the ground near the bases of deciduous trees (those that shed their leaves annually) where the long-buried nymphs are preparing to emerge. They're waiting for the soil temperature to reach 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) to a depth of about 8 inches (20 centimeters) below the surface, according to Cicada Mania. Once the nymphs start to come out and transform into adults, you may also find trees that are littered with piles of discarded, hollow exoskeletons, which are left behind when the nymphs metamorphose into adults.

During metamorphosis, "basically the back of their skeleton splits down the middle and the adult crawls out," said George Hamilton, chair of the Department of Entomology and director of the graduate program in entomology at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Adult cicadas are pale and squishy when they emerge from their nymph shells, but after a couple of hours their wings expand, their bodies harden and turn black, "and when that happens they can fly into the trees and do their thing," Hamilton told Live Science.

Dense populations

While Brood X will appear in counties across more than a dozen states, they will be most numerous and emerge nearly statewide in Indiana and Maryland, said Gene Kritsky, periodical-cicada expert and dean at the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"Populations are likely to be densest in the D.C.-Baltimore area (but patchy)," Simon said in the email.

Western Ohio will also see dense swarms of Brood X, as will southeastern Pennsylvania, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Parts of New Jersey, Delaware and Kentucky can also expect to see plenty of cicadas, Kritsky told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Biologists predict where the biggest populations of Brood X will show up this year based on maps showing where the insects were densest when they last appeared 17 years ago  provided that the trees where the nymphs hatched and fed are still standing, Hamilton told Live Science.

Related: Why do cicadas sing?

For 17 years, periodical cicadas like those in Brood X live underground as nymphs, slurping up nutrients from tree roots. If the soil remains undisturbed and the trees aren't taken down, a brood can thrive in a cicada "hotspot" for generation after long-lived generation, Hamilton said.

"Historically  this brood and other broods  we probably had a larger distribution of them," Hamilton said. "But as we developed, we've taken their habitat away."

People who live in counties where Brood X cicadas are expected to appear should look for "the oldest forested areas, the biggest, oldest trees," said Elizabeth Barnes, an entomology educator at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. "State parks tend to also be great places to see the cicadas," and cicadas should be numerous in Indiana's Turkey Run State Park and McCormick's Creek State Park, Barnes told Live Science.

An adult 17-year periodical cicada (Magicicada septendecim) clings to a twig above its recently shed skin, or exuvia. (Image credit: Clarence Holmes Wildlife/Alamy Stock Photo)

"Like a really loud lawnmower"

Cicadas in a population "hotspot" don't all emerge at once, so Brood X emergence typically lasts for a couple of weeks, and then the adults stick around for another week or two to mate and lay eggs. In locations where cicadas appear in large numbers, the din of their mating calls can be quite overpowering  "like a really loud lawnmower right next to you," Barnes said.

"The good news is, they're not singing 24/7. They mostly like to sing during the warmer part of the day, around 10 [a.m.] to 5 [p.m.] is the peak of their singing," she explained.

Other than having overwhelmingly loud sex, cicadas are not harmful to people; they don't sting or produce toxins, and they don't have chewing mouthparts, so they can't bite. However, female periodical cicadas may damage young branch tips on trees when they lay their eggs through an organ called an ovipositor, Barnes said.

"Their ovipositors are like a large sewing needle; when they stick it into a small twig it cracks the bark," Barnes said. If enough cicadas lay eggs on a single branch, it can kill the tip. This won't hurt older, bigger trees but can harm young trees, Barnes said. Fruit trees may also be affected, as the tips of the branches are where they produce flowers and then fruit, Hamilton added. Homeowners in high-emergence areas may want to avoid planting new trees this spring, and should cover young trees with burlap until cicada season is over, Hamilton said.

"You can also use netting, but it has to be very small mesh so the females can't get the ovipositor through," he said.

If you're checking for Brood X populations near you, you'll find the most up-to-date map of Brood X on the University of Connecticut's cicada website. And when you do see Brood X cicadas, smartphone apps such as Cicada Safari and iNaturalist will enable you to report the location of your sighting so that entomologists can create even more detailed maps of Brood X populations for the next emergence 17 years from now, Barnes told Live Science.

"I've had people asking me, 'You said cicadas will be in central Indiana, but what about at my house?'" Barnes said. "I can't tell them where precisely the cicadas are, but maybe in the future I'll be able to do that."

Originally published on Live Science.
Legendary primatologist Jane Goodall says the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for humans to develop a new, more sustainable relationship with nature, according to news reports.

"We basically brought this [pandemic] on ourselves by our disrespect of the natural world, forcing animals closer to people, making it easier for a pathogen to jump from an animal to a person," Goodall said in an interview with AFP . "Hopefully this pandemic has woken people up. We must develop a new relationship with the natural world."

Though the exact origin of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has yet to be found, scientists know the virus originated in an animal before making its way into the human population.

Goodall made the comments Thursday (May 20) after winning the 2021 Templeton Prize, a $1.5 million award that honors people who "harness the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankind's place and purpose within it," according to the John Templeton Foundation , which grants the prize. Previous recipients of the award include the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa.

Goodall told The Guardian that she wants to draw attention to several major problems that the world faces today, including an unsustainable lifestyle in developed countries and harmful agricultural practices.

"We have this crazy notion that we can have unlimited economic development on a planet with finite natural resources and a growing population of humans and their livestock," Goodall told The Guardian. "We have to work out some kind of sustainable population, especially of livestock. Commercial agriculture is destroying immense areas of habitat to grow the grain to feed all these billions of animals  and a lot of fossil fuels are used in the process."

Goodall additionally told AFP, "We have to somehow create a more sustainable, greener economy. We have to have a new mindset for our survival," in light of crises posed by climate change and natural resource loss.

Goodall is best known for her work with wild chimpanzees that changed the way we see these animals and their relationship with humans.

She began her study of chimpanzees in the 1960s in the Gombe forest of Tanzania. She made several revolutionary discoveries while observing the animals, including that chimpanzees make and use tools  a trait that was previously thought to be uniquely human, Live Science reported .

In 1977, Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute, a conservation organization that supports the protection of chimpanzees and promotes sustainable living.

Originally published on Live Science.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his "I Have a Dream" speech to a huge crowd gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom (also called the Freedom March).

Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century and of the civil rights movement. Both men were leaders of their own separate movements, with King serving as the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Malcolm X as a minister and leading national spokesperson for the Nation of Islam (NOI). However, most people believe the two men had very different approaches to the challenge of achieving racial justice and equality in the U.S.

"The mythology around both men frames them as opposites," said Peniel Joseph, the Barbara Jordan chair in ethics and political values at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin. "It frames Malcolm as King's evil twin and King as this saint who would just give everybody a hug if he was alive right now. That really takes away from understanding the depth and breadth of their political power, their political radicalism and their evolution over time."

"I think they both needed each other," Joseph said. "They both had misapprehensions about each other, and they made mistakes about each other. When they started out, King thought Malcolm was this narrow, anti-white, Black nationalist. Malcolm thought King was this bourgeois, reform-minded, Uncle Tom. Neither of them were those things, so they both needed the other.

"King remains a major, global political mobilizer, and the way in which he framed this idea of racial justice globally is very important," Joseph added. "Malcolm X was the first modern activist who was really saying 'Black Lives Matter' in a really deep and definitive way and became the avatar of the Black Power movement."

Joseph believes that, while the differences between King and Malcolm X cannot be ignored, the two men were, in fact, much closer than commonly believed, though their upbringings could not have been more different. "Martin Luther King Jr. was raised in an upper-middle class, elite household in Atlanta, Georgia," Joseph explained. "His father was a preacher, his mother was present in his life and it was a very comfortable upbringing.

Related: Read a free issue of All About History magazine

Malcolm X pictured in front of the state capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut, June 4, 1963. (Image credit: Bettman/Getty)

"On the other hand, Malcolm X was raised in Omaha, [Nebraska], and in Lansing, Michigan, on farms, so he was a country boy, whose father was murdered by white supremacists when he was 6 years old," Joseph said. "[H]is mother was put in a psychiatric facility, so he was a foster child by the time he was in elementary school. He then became a hustler in Boston and Harlem as a teenager, and he was finally arrested for theft and spent seven years in prison.

"When Malcolm was in prison, King was attending Morehouse College, the most prestigious historically Black, all-men's college that you could go to then or now," Joseph added. "He received a theological degree at seminary school, Crozer Theological school in Chester, Pennsylvania, and then got a Ph.D. at Boston University."

King's strong religious upbringing had a massive influence on his life, and he became a preacher as well as a political activist, including his faith within his speeches. Meanwhile, Malcolm's tough upbringing and the tragedies he endured make a lot of sense when held against the righteous anger and pain he was able to express as a minister for the NOI.

It was during his time in prison that Malcolm was introduced to Islam by some of his siblings, and he formally joined the Nation of Islam. The NOI's leader, Elijah Muhammad, took a personal interest in Malcolm, before he was released in 1952. Malcolm abandoned what he called his "slave" name, Little, and became Malcolm X. As a minister in the NOI, he advocated for Black separatism (which was the policy of the organization), first in Chicago and later in Harlem, New York, which would become his base for years to come.

The formative years of Malcolm X's and King's lives are ultimately what frame them as polarized voices in a similar struggle.

"Malcolm X was really Black America's prosecuting attorney, and he was going to be charging white America with a series of crimes against Black humanity," Joseph said. "I argue in 'The Sword and the Shield' [that], in a way, his life's work boils down to radical Black dignity. And what he means by Black dignity is really Black people having the political self-determination to decide their own political futures and fates. They define racism, and they define anti-racism and what social justice looks like for themselves. It's connected to the United States, but globally, it's also connected to African decolonization, African independence, Third World independence, Middle East politics, all of it."

By contrast, "Martin Luther King Jr. was really the defense attorney; he defended Black lives to white people and white lives to Black people," Joseph said. "He was really advocating for radical Black citizenship, and his notion of citizenship became more expansive over time. iIt was going to be more than just voting rights and ending segregation. It would become about ending poverty, food justice, health care, a living wage, universal basic income for everyone."

Related: What was the Black Panther Party?

These two approaches  one that builds personal identity, and another that looks to express that identity and have it recognized by a system that is set up to ignore Black voices  seem more complementary than adversarial when observed objectively. "Their differences really become differences of tactics rather than goals," Joseph said. "They're both going to come to see that you need dignity and citizenship, and those goals are going to converge over time. But it's the tactics and how we get to those goals" that differ.

Famously, the pair did not always see eye to eye. On multiple occasions, Malcolm X took aim at King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, referring to him as an "Uncle Tom" (though he later drew back from using the term). For his part, King warned that "fiery, demagogic oratory in the Black ghettos, urging Negroes to arm themselves and prepare to engage in violence, as [Malcolm X] has done, can reap nothing but grief," according to The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University.

Despite the public animosity, Malcolm X attempted to reach out to King over the years, sending articles and NOI reading materials and even inviting him to speeches and meetings. On July 31, 1963, Malcolm X even publicly called for unity.

"If capitalistic Kennedy and communistic Khrushchev can find something in common on which to form a United Front despite their tremendous ideological differences, it is a disgrace for Negro leaders not to be able to submerge our 'minor' differences in order to seek a common solution to a common problem posed by a Common Enemy," he wrote, inviting civil rights leaders to join him in Harlem to speak at a rally. But they did not attend, perhaps because shortly thereafter, they would be attending the March on Washington, and they were deep in planning. The slight was taken, though, with Malcolm X dismissing the August 1963 event as the "Farce on Washington."

Joseph thinks that, despite the rhetoric, Malcolm X was still learning much from King's activities. "King was the person who helped mobilize Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963, and [he faced] German shepherds and fire hoses and was a big, global media spectacle," Joseph said. "King wrote his famous 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' during that period. Malcolm X was in Washington, D.C., for most of that spring as temporary head of Mosque No. 4, and he [was] really influenced by King's mobilizations  his ability to mobilize large numbers of people  even as he's critical of King because of the nonviolence and the fact that so many kids and women were being brutalized."

Related: Frederick Douglass: The slave who became a statesman

A major turning point for Malcolm X came the following year as he gradually broke away from the NOI and sought to define his own path. "By 1964, in 'The Ballot or the Bullet' speech (April 3, 1964), you see Malcolm X talking about voting rights as part of Black liberation and freedom. You see him in an interview with [writer] Robert Penn Warren, saying that he and King have the same goals, which is human dignity, but they have different ways of getting there," Joseph explained.

On March 26, 1964, King and Malcolm X crossed paths on Capitol Hill, during the debate over the Civil Rights Act as it was being filibustered on the Senate floor. "They were both talking to reporters and doing press conferences in support of the Civil Rights Act," Joseph recounted. "They were both coming there for the same reason. People were surprised that Malcolm was there and he was watching the Senate and he was doing his interviews.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X wait for a press conference on March 26, 1964. Photo was taken by Marion S. Trikoskor. (Image credit: Universal History Archive/Getty Images)

"[T]here was a point when Malcolm was in the same room as King and on the couch, while King was doing his press conference, and they met afterwards, exchanging pleasantries," Joseph continued. "It was a moment captured by only a couple of photos, in mid-conversation, with Malcolm recorded as saying, 'I'm throwing myself into the heart of the Civil Rights struggle.'"

This was the first and only time the two men met.

On Feb. 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated in Manhattan, while about to give a speech. The impact of his death would be felt throughout the civil rights movement, but no less so on King.

"One of the surprising things is that we don't discuss the way in which the person who is most radicalized by Malcolm's assassination is Martin Luther King Jr.," Joseph said. "On April 4, 1967, he breaks with President Lyndon Johnson with the Riverside Church speech in New York, where he says that the United States is the greatest purveyor of violence in the world. Malcolm had always talked about racial slavery and how racial slavery had shaped the present, and King talks about that much more after 1965."

It is perhaps because they evolved and were willing to learn from each other that each man has remained as relevant today as in the 1960s. "Even with George Floyd and Black Lives Matter and the global protests, the only way to understand these movements is to understand Malcolm and Martin," Joseph said. "[They] were talking about so much of these issues of police brutality and the criminal justice system, racial segregation and poverty and state-sanctioned violence."

Joseph's published books include "The Sword And the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr" (Basic Books, 2020) and "Waiting 'Til the Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America" (Griffin, 2007).

This interview originally appeared in All About History issue 96.
When a bizarre, white-polka-dotted blob the size of a person's palm washed ashore in North Carolina last December, rangers at Cape Lookout National Seashore weren't sure what to make of it.

So the rangers turned to the public for identification help, posting a photo of the semitranslucent blob tangled in seaweed on their Facebook page on May 18. "It might be something like the egg sacks of a squid (but we aren't sure)," Cape Lookout rangers wrote in the post.

Turns out, their guess was spot-on: The blob is likely made up of the eggs of the Atlantic brief squid (Lolliguncula brevis), two biologists told Live Science. This squid, which lives in inlets and estuaries along parts of the Atlantic coasts of North and South America , is so small, it's "not the target of commercial fisheries, but they are abundant and important in marine ecosystems," said Ian Bartol, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University in Virginia who was not involved with the blob's discovery.

Related: Under the sea: A squid album

The blob's odd shape is officially known as an egg mass, but it has so many egg-filled sacks, researchers sometimes call such masses "mops," said Michael Vecchione, an invertebrate zoologist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., who was not involved with the recently discovered blob.

After mating, female brief squid lay about 30 eggs in a clear, gelatinous finger-shaped sack, which is usually about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long, Vecchione said. Then, the female secures the egg-filled sack to the seafloor in shallow waters  for instance, to oyster shells or clam shells  and other females often follow suit, attaching their egg-filled capsules to the same base, forming a mop.

It's unclear why females attach their egg capsules together, but the strategy might be protective. "If one capsule is attached and it doesn't drift away, chances are, that's a good place to attach them," Vecchione told Live Science.

A squad of Atlantic brief squid (Lolliguncula brevis) swim together. (Image credit: Ian Bartol)

In the Chesapeake Bay, brief squid usually lay their eggs in September and October, Vecchione said. Farther south, the squid might lay their eggs later in the year, "so finding them in December in North Carolina doesn't really surprise me," he said.

It's possible that strong currents from a storm washed the egg mass ashore on Shackleford Banks, one of the barrier islands in Cape Lookout National Seashore, where they were found on Dec. 31, 2020, Karen Duggan, a park ranger at Cape Lookout National Seashore, told Live Science.

While getting washed ashore was definitely a game-ender for these eggs, there are surprisingly few predators that eat these mops in the ocean, Vecchione noted. For instance, some worms burrow into brief squid egg capsules, and in other squid species, crabs and fishes prey on egg masses, "but it's not very common," Vecchione said. "If they were easy to eat, then they would just be a smorgasbord for whoever comes along." It's possible that the gelatinous capsule has chemical defenses, and there's some evidence it has anti-microbial properties, he added.

After the squid babies hatch from their eggs, however, it's another story. "As soon as they start hatching, they're fair game for a lot of things," including fish and other marine animals that eat plankton-size prey, Vecchione said.

In adulthood, a brief squid's mantle (a measurement that doesn't include its head, eight arms or two tentacles) is usually no larger than 4.7 inches (12 cm) long, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources . The squid has a few claims to fame. For one, it can live in waters with low salinity  as low as half that of regular seawater  which is rare among cephalopods, a group that includes squids, octopuses and nautiluses, Vecchione said. The brief squid can also tolerate "a broad range of temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels, allowing it to venture into estuaries where other squids cannot," Bartol added.

Brief squid also have rotating jets, so they can easily "swim both forward (arms first) and backward (tail first), and they are extremely maneuverable, as the jet and fins can be employed in a coordinated fashion," Bartol said. They can also change color, achieving optimal camouflage, he said.

A DNA analysis would be needed to formally identify this egg mop, as it is "kind of beat up from being washed ashore," but based on its size and place of discovery, it most likely belongs to a brief squid, Vecchione said. Other guesses include the longfin inshore squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) and the slender inshore squid (Doryteuthis plei), which also live in the region, according to an update Thursday (May 20) on the ranger's Facebook post.

Originally published on Live Science.
Republicans selected McKelvey (493), Joseph Gnall (469), Audrey Frick (406) and Freas (405). Ziegler again came in fifth, and was behind by about 30 votes. Gnall and Frick are incumbents who voted against the school closure, and McKelvey and Freas were both motivated by the closure and ran alongside Gnall. McKelvey and Freas also ran for the two-year seats, and beat out a third candidate, incumbent David Hadinger, on both ballots.
The medieval sword and its accessories, including the metal remains of the belt and the two knives.

A man using a metal detector has unearthed a medieval sword that might have served as a weapon during the Battle of Grunwald in 1410.

Alexander Medvedev discovered the sword near Olsztyn, in northern Poland, alongside the metal remains of a scabbard, or sheath; a belt; and two knives that would have been attached to the belt, the local governmental Marshal's Office of Warmia and Masuria reported in a translated news release on April 22.

"Such a find is found once in decades," archaeologists said, according to the statement.

Related: Photos: Gilded Bronze Age weaponry from Scotland

Despite spending more than 600 years buried underground, the weapons are well preserved, said Medvedev, an archaeology enthusiast, who donated the findings to the Museum of the Battle of Grunwald in Olsztyn.

The person who carried the sword might have been one of roughly 66,000 people who clashed at the Battle of Grunwald on July 15, 1410, according to Encyclopedia Britannica . The battle, fought near the Polish villages of Stebark (also known as Tannenberg), Grunwald and Ludwigsdorf, ended with a Polish-Lithuanian victory over the Knights of the Teutonic Order, which was founded during the Crusades to the Holy Land and later came to rule over what was then Prussia.

The Knights of the Teutonic Order often waged battles against their non-Christian neighbors, including the Duchy of Lithuania. But then, Lithuania's pagan grand duke converted to Catholicism and married the Polish Queen Jadwiga; he became king when she died and took the name King Wadysaw II Jagieo. He later became known for uniting Poland and Lithuania during the region's Golden Age, and even has a statue honoring him in New York City's Central Park .

Image 1 of 3 The sword may have been worn by a warrior at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. (Image credit: Marshal Office of Warmia and Mazury) Image 2 of 3 Archaeologists plan to preserve and study the sword. (Image credit: Marshal Office of Warmia and Mazury) Image 3 of 3 Officials present the medieval sword. (Image credit: Marshal Office of Warmia and Mazury)

King Jagieo also converted Lithuania to Christianity. But the Knights of the Teutonic Order doubted the sincerity of the king's conversion, and in 1409, their Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen declared war on Poland and Lithuania, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. After a day of fighting, von Jungingen was killed when a lance pierced his throat and his troops withdrew. In all, of the 39,000 Polish-Lithuanian troops, about 5,000 died; of the roughly 27,000 Teutonic troops, 14,000 were captured and 8,000 died, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. After the defeat, the Teutonic Order's power declined.

Hundreds of years later, the Soviets retrospectively claimed the battle as a Russian victory, because some soldiers from Smolensk, a city in Russia, were present on the Polish-Lithuanian side. During World War I, the Germans won a battle against Russia near the medieval battle site. The Germans, who viewed the medieval knights as noble men who spread Christianity, named the new battle the Battle of Tannenberg so they could claim revenge for the knights who were defeated in the medieval battle, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

The newly discovered sword and its accessories are now undergoing conservation and analysis.

The team hopes to learn more about the "social status of a medieval sword owner, and we are curious to see what lies beneath the rust layer," Szymon Drej, director of the Museum of the Battle of Grunwald, said in the statement. "We will also examine the site of the excavation of the monument in more depth in order to get to know the situational context of its origin." After all, It's rare to find such valuable items from the Middle Ages buried underground, Drej said.

Originally published on Live Science.
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Its just the latest salvo in TVs never-ending morning-news wars: CBS Gayle King is about to stroll into territory long dominated by ABCs Robin Roberts.

Starting this fall, CBS This Morning will hold forth from a new studio in New Yorks Times Square. The facility is located in the corporate headquarters of CBS News corporate parent, ViacomCBS, and once hosted the long-running MTV program TRL. It can be seen from the windows of the New York set that houses ABC morning rival Good Morning America, which operates a few blocks away. The decision was unveiled Thursday afternoon to CBS affiliates by Neeraj Khemlani and Wendy McMahon, the two executives recently placed in charge of the companys news and stations units.

The studio will give the shows team new ways to tell stories and new room to display them to viewers, says Shawna Thomas, who came aboard as executive producer of CBS This Morning in January. This gives me more options for movement and more options to play, she says in an interview.

Plans for the new location have been under consideration for several months, but they still represent one of the first big moves by CBS News under new executive management: Khemlani, a former senior news executive at Hearst, and McMahon, who was recently head of ABCs owned and operated stations. CBS News tested the Times Square studio last year during Election Night, giving space to a broader array of anchors and technologies.

The shift is not without logistical and financial challenges, but an increase in viewership among TVs A.M. programs can bring millions of dollars in advertising revenue. Both GMA and NBCs Today make ready use of their New York City surroundings. Today anchors like Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker regularly go out to a plaza at NBCs Rockefeller Center facilities in New York to talk with crowds gathered around the programs longtime home, Studio 1A. GMA anchors regularly step out of their large production facility into the heart of Times Square.

CBS This Morning has long stood apart from its rivals at NBC and ABC by eschewing some of the frillier elements of morning TV  no cooking segments, no Halloween costumes. The program raised some eyebrows recently by tapping celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Nate Burleson to fill in for co-anchor Tony Dokoupil in the 8 a.m. hour while he is on leave after having a new baby. The shuffle to Times Square, says Thomas, does not indicate that the CBS program is getting soft.

We have longer, more in-depth pieces than others, she says. I am unwilling to sacrifice that kind of storytelling, because it is still our differentiator. This isnt a knock on cooking segments by any means. They have their place. Its just not necessarily us.

King, Dokoupil and Anthony Mason will still face each other in the new environs, while seated at a round table  a signature stylistic element of the program. But Thomas envisions new areas for conversation between anchors and on-air guests. A couch setting is possible, and there will likely be new walls and screens that can help the show do explainers, and call up footage and pictures that help boost a story to viewers at home. Augmented reality graphics may also be on tap, but Thomas intends to use them judiciously, not to show off gee-whiz screen gimmicks to viewers.

Going outside into the New York neighborhood that is known as the Crossroads of the World is also on a menu of potential options. If I think it can add to the show in a way that is interesting and informative to the audience, then I will take advantage of the fact that we are in the most central location in New York, the executive producer says. But Im not going to follow or copy the other two shows. If we can do something interesting with it, then I will put them outside, she says of the anchors.

CBS This Morning has long run third to its broadcast morning rivals, but all three programs are losing key viewers. Season to date as of May 16, the average audience for NBCs Today between the ages of 25 and 54 is off 20% to around 1.03 million, according to Nielsen. The same crowd for ABCs GMA is off 22% to 908,000. CBS This Morning, which has the smallest audience of the troika, saw its viewership between 25 and 54 fall 17%, to an average of 617,000 during the period.

In recent weeks, the CBS show has done the impossible. On the day after CBS broadcast of Super Bowl LIV, CTM captured more viewers than NBCs Today, the first time that has happened since April of 1993. When Oprah Winfrey visited the program in March to discuss a revelatory interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that appeared on CBS the prior evening, the show drew more viewers than either Today or GMA.

Im smart enough to know that a lot of that bump was Oprah, but I do think that we have a new level of energy among the staff, says Thomas. I do feel like theres momentum.

Advertisers have been putting more dollars into morning news in recent years. CBS This Morning captured $185.4 million from Madison Avenue in 2020, according to Kantar, a tracker of ad spending, compared with $164.5 million in 2018  a jump of 12.7%. Meanwhile, ad dollars at Today rose to $357.6 million in 2020, up from $320.6 million in 2018  a hike of 11.5%. Advertising at GMA inched up to $293.6 million in 2020, says Kantar, compared with $291.2 million  basically flat.

Thomas boasts an interesting resume that isnt typical of many morning producers. She recently worked for Quibi, the short-form video service, and was D.C. bureau chief for Vice News. She also enjoyed a stint at NBC News, where she was a senior producer at Meet the Press.

I think I bring a slightly different sentiment to things on some days, she says, noting shes not above using techniques she studied at Vice, which might present something interesting in a short and punchy vignette, rather than a full-blown segment. She also likes to remind staffers that we do make TV for a living, and it should be as beautiful as possible. It is a visual medium.

The fall wont mark the first time CBS has put its morning program in a glitzy new facility. A previous edition of CBS morning TV, The Early Show, initially co-anchored by Bryant Gumbel, was housed in a studio in New Yorks General Motors Building at a reported cost of tens of millions of dollars.

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Continuing the week of networks upfront presentations, ViacomCBS released sneak peeks of four new shows to their advertisers and public consumers Wednesday.

Although its too soon to really assess the shows themselves, that isnt stopping this critic from weighing in on their potential, based upon these first looks.

Here are those thoughts, in rough descending order:

FBI: International

If any further proof was needed that Dick Wolf is in the absolute elite tier of TV producers  beyond the fact that this fall he will have three dedicated nights of television, with NBCs Chicago Wednesdays and Law & Order Thursdays joining CBS FBI Tuesdays  its in this trailer. How many other producers would be trusted to explain their point-of-view to audiences directly? Its Wolfs appeal that CBS is banking on far more than any insight as to what the forthcoming FBI: International will look like. We get a sizzle reel of action; moody character stomping; officers entering rooms with weapons drawn, and tense, grim violence, all while Wolf explains his concept: The new installation of the popular FBI franchise will draw more upon international intrigue than gunplay, given that FBI agents posted overseas, Wolf says, eschew violence. These shows are different, he adds, but they have an overarching similarity of purpose. You give them what they like, theyll stick around. Addressing the audience this way in a trailer approaches meta, but we cant deny that Wolfs good at his job. Suggesting a sort of continuity-with-change  the old FBI, but with the violence that pulses throughout replaced by tradecraft  is an effective sell that made me curious in spite of my skepticism.

CSI: Vegas

Reboots and revivals tend to suggest a dearth of ideas, but CBS attempts to make the affirmative case for CSIs existence  not just continuing the stories of familiar characters, but also, as producers and cast emphasize, focusing on new methods of crime-solving devised in the years since the show left the air. How much of that comes into play remains, of course, to be seen, as does the infusion of new talent. The teaser places a heavy emphasis on the actor Paula Newsome, who seems  over the course of a couple of minutes  to be able to gin up the requisite intensity. And Jorja Fox and William Petersen are more than ties back to the series first iteration: One might have forgotten, in the time the show was off the air, the off-kilter nature of their charisma.

NCIS: Hawaii

Vanessa Lachey is the first female lead of an NCIS franchise and, she tells audiences, I dont take that lightly. We get precious little sense of how the show will look, though B-roll throughout the NCIS: Hawaii teaser suggests that this, among other things, represents yet another chance for CBS to return to alluring shots of sea and sand (making this show a sibling of sorts to Peter Lenkovs Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I.) Lachey tells viewers that she hopes to show the beautiful side of Hawaii as well as its complexity. Its impossible to judge how well the series will do from here, but the trailer seems to emphasize the franchises history and place a bet fans will hop aboard: The first and last person we see in the trailer is Mark Harmon, of the NCIS flagship.

Ghosts

Its not without precedent  see, recently, The Unicorn  but it still feels genuinely strange to see a trailer for a single-camera, laugh-track-free sitcom on CBS. This novelty may account for why the Ghosts trailer feels a little shaky, as if the best material is being withheld. In fairness, its a bit of a chunky premise for a trailer to explain: A recently sold house (purchased by characters played by Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar) is possessed by ghosts from different eras across history, all of whom fear the new inhabitants and whom McIvers character develops the ability to see after she hits her head. That seems to be a lot to pack into 22 minutes  it certainly strained the limits of this trailer  but a single-camera sitcom hit on CBS would be an exciting development, if only to prove that the net could do it.

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HBO Maxs upcoming Green Lantern series is eyeing actor Jeremy Irvine for the role of Alan Scott.

Irvine would join Finn Wittrock in the series, who has been cast in the lead role of Guy Gardner. HBO Max declined to comment.

Scott was Earths first Green Lantern, who, true to the comics, is a gay man. He was created by Martin Nodell and made his comic book debut in 1940. A train engineer by trade, Scott derived his powers from a mystical green lantern crafted from a mysterious meteorite. He later joined the Justice Society of America, and in universe-hopping adventures would sometimes team with members of the Green Lantern Corps, including Hal Jordan.

Based on the DC Comics property, the show was first announced in 2019 and was ordered to series last year. The story spans decades and galaxies, beginning on Earth in 1941 with Scott, and then heading to 1984 with cocky alpha male Gardner and half-alien Bree Jarta. Theyll be joined by a multitude of other Lanterns  from comic book favorites to never-before-seen heroes.

Irvine most recently starred in the USA Network series Treadstone. He is primarily know for his feature work, having starred in films like War Horse, The Railway Man, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Billionaire Boys Club. Irvine also played the lead role in Roland Emmerichs 2015 film Stonewall, about the landmark riots in New York City in 1969 that launched the LGBTQ rights movement as we know it today.

Irvine is repped by UTA, Independent Talent Group, Schreck Rose, and Relevant PR.

HBO Max has ordered 10 one-hour episodes of Green Lantern. The series is co-written and executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Seth Grahame-Smith and Marc Guggenheim, with Grahame-Smith serving as showrunner. Geoff Johns, Sarah Schechter, David Madden, and David Katzenberg also executive produce, with Elizabeth Hunter and Sara Saedi co-executive producing. Berlanti Productions will produce in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Ellise Shafer and Adam B. Vary contributed to this report.

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The bizarre true story of Albrecht Muth, an eccentric German native and compulsive fabulist who murdered his Washingtonian wife, Viola Drath - 44 years his senior - fascinated not just the tony residents of Georgetown, where the crime took place in 2011, but the world. A 2012 New York Times article, "The Worst Marriage in Georgetown," is now the basis for a fictionalized drama about the case, which begins with a disclaimer: "This film does not in any way claim to be the truth. Nevertheless, it was inspired by actual events." The directorial debut of Christoph Waltz, "Georgetown" stars Waltz as Muth's fictional counterpart, Ulrich Mott, a fiercely ambitious, closeted-gay immigrant who met his future wife, Elsa Brecht (Vanessa Redgrave), while working as a 50-year old Senate intern on Capitol Hill. (The timeline of the film necessarily compresses events; Muth was actually a teenager when he met Drath, and Waltz is now 64. Yet the oddities of the real story are generally preserved: Muth sometimes wore an eye patch and affected an aristocratic title. He also wore what appeared to be a thrift-store military uniform and claimed to be a staff brigadier general in the Iraqi Army.) Although "Georgetown" sometimes feels like a true-crime movie made for TV, Waltz is capable behind the camera, and his direction of Redgrave and Annette Bening, as Brecht's suspicious daughter, generally stays out of their way, allowing them to do what they do best. As the main character, he's a bit too hands-off. Waltz has the pathological social-climbing down to a T. But we never really get inside Mott's head - if that's even possible. Still, "Georgetown" is a fascinating guilty pleasure, for anyone who remembers the case. R. Available on demand. Contains strong language, brief nudity and sensuality. 99 minutes.

- Michael O'Sullivan

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Among animation enthusiasts, the name Yuri Norstein is spoken in hushed tones reserved for icons. The Russian artist, best known for such classics as "The Tale of Tales" and "Hedgehog in the Fog," is worshiped for his sensitive, wistful aesthetic and commitment to handcrafted process (no digital cheating for him). He's particularly admired in Japan, where such as animators Hayao Miyazaki and Osamu Tezuka consider him a master of the form. For the past 40 years, Norstein has been working on an adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's "The Overcoat," a project that has grown in legend the more it has stopped and started. In"Making 'The Overcoat,' " Japanese filmmaker Ryo Saitani visits Norstein in his cluttered Moscow studio to find out what's stalling him and get a glimpse of the 25 minutes Norstein has committed to film. "Making 'The Overcoat' " isn't particularly well made, and Saitani's interviews with Norstein often result in a frustrating sense of shapelessness. (A scene in which he hectors Norstein about "everyone" waiting for "The Overcoat" is especially cringeworthy.) But even amid the juddering camera work and flaccid editing, "Making 'The Overcoat' " is worth it, if only to see Norstein's brilliant past work and those exquisite sketches and clips from the titular work in progress - a soulful, chiaroscuro masterpiece-in-the-making suffused with Norstein's distinctive melancholy and abiding humanism. This is must-see viewing for aficionados and initiates alike. Unrated. Available through Sunday at pushkinhouse.org. Contains nothing objectionable. In Russian and Japanese with subtitles. 109 minutes.

- Ann Hornaday

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In 2014, Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa made "Maidan," a transfixing documentary about the civil uprisings in Kyiv, constructed of long, observant takes of increasingly unruly crowds moving through the titular city square. With "State Funeral," Loznitsa employs a similar strategy, this time combing through hundreds of hours of documentary footage of Joseph Stalin's 1953 funeral to construct a meditative, deeply engrossing portrait of ritualized grief and public memory. Starting with images of Soviet citizens learning of Stalin's sudden death and ending with the dictator's internment in Lenin's tomb, "State Funeral" unfolds like a silent pageant, the only narration provided by propagandistic eulogies over loudspeakers. (Think of Armando Iannucci's "The Death of Stalin" without the antic wit.) Using images taken by 200 camera operators stationed throughout the far-flung Soviet republic, Loznitsa creates a portrait that is simultaneously dreamlike and immediate, poetic and polemical, with the Soviet Union's multitude of ethnic communities expressing state-approved grief in weird lockstep. It's easy to dismiss it all - the copious tears, the never-ending queues, the ever-larger wreaths being carefully placed and preened over - as so much political theater. This is the man, as Loznitsa's postscript reminds us, who exterminated millions of Soviet citizens. But he's also the man who saw the USSR emerge victorious from the ravages of World War II. Without subtitles, and only the fascinating tableau of faces to go by, it's hard to know what's in the hearts and minds of "State Funeral's" subjects. Like 2010's "The Autobiography of Nicolai Ceaucescu," Loznitsa's film stands as a work of archival ambition and psychological ambiguity, as much about obedience and cultish denial as it is a visually stunning time capsule (the black-and-white and color images have been dazzlingly restored). It's not every day one can witness mythmaking in real time. Unrated. Available on Mubi. Contains nothing objectionable. In Russian without subtitles. 135 minutes.

- Ann Hornaday

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ALSO STREAMING:

Eric Bana stars in "The Dry," an Australian drama about a police detective who returns to his rural hometown to investigate a crime he comes to believe is related to a decades-old mystery. Bana delivers a "sober, soulful performance," according to the Hollywood Reporter, in this "moody" and "slow-burn" thriller. R. Available on various streaming platforms. Contains violence and crude language throughout. 118 minutes.

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"Blast Beat" tells the story of Colombian brothers, played by real-life siblings Moises and Mateo Arias, whose pursuit of the American Dream falters after their family emigrates to Atlanta so the boys can finish high school in the United States. Variety calls the coming-of-age story a "slender" yet "sincere" drama of dislocation. Unrated. Available on demand. 105 minutes.

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The documentary "Hating Peter Tatchell" is a portrait of the outspoken British gay rights activist. TV-MA. Available on Netflix. 91 minutes.

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"Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm" takes a documentary look at a Welsh farm that was turned into a residential recording studio by brothers Kingsley and Charles Ward, whose business served the likes of Black Sabbath, Queen, Robert Plant, Iggy Pop, Simple Minds, Oasis, the Stone Roses and Coldplay. It's an "agreeable" film, according to the New York Times, yet one "best appreciated by rock mavens." Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. 90 minutes.

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Written and directed by Indian filmmaker Rajat Kapoor, "RK/RKAY" is a meta-movie about moviemaking in which the fictional main character of a film-within-the-film (played by Kapoor) steps out the story he's in and runs away, pursued by its director (also Kapoor). According to Variety, playwright Luigi Pirandello (author of the absurdist drama "Six Characters in Search of an Author,") "definitely would have approved of the spirit" behind this "small-scale" identity comedy. Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. In English and Hindi with subtitles. 95 minutes.

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The directorial debut of 21-year-old Suzanne Lindon, who wrote the screenplay when she was 15, "Spring Blossom" follows Suzanne, a 16-year-old, bored by her peers (and played by the director), who becomes obsessed with a man 20 years older than her (Arnaud Valois). "Ultimately," says Slant magazine, "the film ends on a note of wistful but placid understanding that finds the young woman attain some of the maturity she assumed she already possessed." Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. In French with subtitles. 73 minutes.

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The art documentary "Exhibition on Screen: Sunflowers" takes an extended look at the five publicly owned versions of Vincent van Gogh's paintings of sunflowers in a vase Unrated. Available at virtualavalon.org. 85 minutes.

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The documentary "Two Gods" follows Hanif, a Muslim casket maker in New Jersey who is mentoring rambunctious 12-year-old Furquan and the more hardened 17-year-old Naz, both of whom need guidance. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film "seems to be saying that, no matter what faith you practice in America, religion can provide viable solutions when nothing else does." Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. 85 minutes.

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A trio of barflies try to track down a winning lottery ticket that was stolen from them in "Two Lottery Tickets," which the Chicago Reader calls an "enjoyably deadpan Romanian comedy." Unrated. Available at cinemaartstheatre.com. In Romanian with subtitles. 86 minutes.
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Competition authorities in the United Kingdom have begun an investigation into Sony Music Entertainments purchase of the AWAL and Kobalt Neighboring Rights businesses, even after the deal has been completed.

Sony announced on Wednesday that it had completed the purchase that was first announced in February this year. The U.K.s Competition & Markets Authority, does not challenge the deals closure, instead saying that it is investigating the completed acquisition.

The $430 million deal represents the transfer of Kobalt Music Groups recorded music operations and leaves Kobalt Music Group continuing to hold its music publishing business and global digital collection agency AMRA.

AWAL, which has released music by Billie Eilishs brother and collaborator Finneas, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Little Simz and others, will continue to sign, develop and market its own artists. AWAL services include global marketing, creative, synch and brand partnerships, radio promotion and distribution as well as access to its analytics.

The CMA has served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 in relation to the completed acquisition, the regulator said, identifying Monday (17 May 2021) as the date of issue.

Section 72 of the act gives the CMA the power to intervene in an in-progress or completed deal if it believes that a merger may breach sections 22 or 33 of the same act. These both concern creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

The CMA move triggers a call for written representations about competition or public interest issues. That could be followed by a Phase 1 Decision. If that is unfavorable to the deal, a formal Merger Inquiry would be launched. As the enforcement order is so recent, the CMA said that it was unable to give any dates for the possible phase one or merger inquiry steps.

The CMA said that it had granted Sony five derogations or exceptions to the enforcement order, which otherwise requires the Sonys businesses and the target companies to be kept separate.

Most significant is one concerning directors and senior management. As Kobalt requires the resignation of certain directors of AWAL and Neighboring Rights when the deal is completed, Sony sought permission for the appointment of AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick and CEO of Neighboring Rights Ann Tausis to take up similar roles at the target companies. It argued that that this will ensure that the boards functions are discharged by personnel who will remain part of the AWAL or Kobalt Neighboring Rights businesses and have an ongoing interest in their success. They are to be regarded as employees of the acquired companies, rather than post-merger Sony Music.

All other directors of AWAL and Neighboring Rights, with the exception of Bert Hazelaar, are to resign. Hazelaar, an employee of the Kobalt Group, will remain in post as a director of Kobalt Music Netherlands Artists and Kobalt Music Netherlands OH Records due to the fact that Dutch corporate law requires 50% of the boards of directors of Dutch companies to be Dutch resident.

The other four exceptions cover matters such as: staff pay, holidays and pension payments; exclusion of Sonys unconnected Japanese businesses from the enforcement order; establishment of a management team that maintains the acquired businesses as a going concern and only refers to Sony Musics Delaware headquarters in the case of non-standard acts; and the provision of office space in Los Angeles that is exclusively used by the AWAL and Kobalt Neighboring Rights staff.

The regulator goes as far as to specify that Sony Music staff must not be granted passes to the AWAL and Neighboring Rights buildings.

In a regulatory filing on Wednesday, the Sony parent group said: This transaction is not anticipated to have a material impact on Sonys forecast for its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022.

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During Wednesdays hearing in the capital punishment case against Samuel Enrique Lopez, 21, 406th District Court Judge Oscar J. Hale Jr. denied defenses motion to exhume a body.

Hale found that Lopezs constitutional rights were not being denied based on the fact that Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern and the states evidence has been provided to the defense.

On April 21, Kimberly Gonzalez, Lopezs attorney, filed a motion for disinterment of a body stating that the defense team has come to the conclusion that Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Sterns findings are flawed and unreliable.

The motion adds that defense counsel has retained a doctor who is an expert in the field of forensic pathology to review the autopsy and alleged findings of Dr. Stern. Defense attorneys state that during their investigation into the autopsy, they learned that Stern has made false and unreliable findings in past autopsies.

In the states response, prosecutors add that defense fails to make a clear argument on the necessity to justify an exhumation.

The proposed expert does not support the motion to exhume by any evidence: there is no affidavit, report or any other expert evidence supporting the motion, prosecutors state.

Instead, the defenses motion is supported by the bare assertion of defense counsel, along with a transcript from an Alabama prosecution that happened in 2007 in which Stern made a mistake in an autopsy in a case that is unrelated to Lopezs.

The defendant has submitted no evidence that his proposed witness is qualified to perform a forensic pathological examination upon the decedent, the response states. Nor has he proven that it is even possible to conduct such an examination in the first place, given that the victims death occurred 13 months ago.

Hale further found that the defense did not show a necessity for the exhumation or that it was absolutely essential to provide an effective defense.

Prosecutors add that they cannot prove that the exhumation is imperatively demanded under the circumstances and is necessary for the administration of justice.

Federal regulation states that removal of a remains is allowed only for the most compelling reasons and must be done under the supervision of an authorized representative.

Rather, the defendant must prove that the proposed exhumation is the only practical way to obtain the evidence he seeks, the response states.

Lopez was arrested in April 2020 in connection to the deaths of Zayra Marlen Fuentes, 33; Lesly Sarahy Hernandez, 18; Pedro Cruz, 12; and Julian Saracho, 2.

Lopez is charged with two counts of capital murder, one count of injury to a child and one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz is seeking the death penalty.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 3 in the 406th District Court.
A migrant who crossed the border illegally faces up to life in prison for a failed human smuggling attempt where another migrant died, the U.S. Attorneys Office said on Tuesday.

A federal grand jury charged Jesus Martinez-Villela, 23, with conspiracy to transport 12 undocumented citizens resulting in death. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.

The case unfolded on April 22, when agents assigned to the Cotulla Station received a notification about a pursuit involving Texas DPS. Troopers had attempted to pull over a white Dodge Ram 2500 for a speeding violation at about 7 a.m. between the La Salle and Webb County lines.

The driver went off road and through a private ranch near the intersection of U.S. 83 and Texas 44. DPS later discovered that the Dodge had crashed about one mile into the ranch. Troopers also discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen.

Troopers observed a man with injuries laying on the ground near the crash site. Then, an unresponsive man was found in the bed of the Dodge. He was later pronounced dead and determined to be a Mexican citizen who was in the country illegally.

Twelve migrants were apprehended in the surrounding area. Three received medical treatment for various injuries. Martinez-Villela was initially interviewed as a witness in the case. He claimed to have crossed the border illegally with three others, contradicting the information provided by other immigrants apprehended.

He was re-interviewed on April 23. He then stated information consistent with the rest of the group, states the affidavit. His cellphone appeared to have many of the phone calls and messages deleted, according to court documents.

Material found on his cellular phone indicated Martinez-Villela has been living in the Dallas, Texas area for several months, which contradicted his earlier statement that he was smuggled on this occasion and with this group of 13 others, states the affidavit.

Martinez-Villela denied involvement in the human smuggling attempt. But two immigrants identified Martinez-Villela as the driver of the Dodge.
Cuate Santos / Laredo Morning Times file

The Laredo International Airport has announced that Mexican airline, Aeromar, will be adding a fourth weekly Mexico City nonstop flight to its current offering.

Effective on Saturday, June 5, 2021, the additional flight will depart Mexico City International Airport at 8 a.m. and arrive at Laredo International Airport at 10:40 a.m. The return flight will depart from LRD at 11:35 AM and arrive in MEX at 2:10 p.m., enabling convenient connections to a wide array of domestic and international destinations. Tickets are now available for purchase at aeromar.mx. Through the Aeromar website, all interested travelers can learn more about COVID-19 related safety guidelines.
SCHINOS, Greece (AP)  Firefighters intensified water drops using planes and helicopters before nightfall Thursday after a wildfire west of Athens forced hundreds to flee their homes and sent a huge cloud of smoke and ash over the capital, obscuring the view of the Acropolis.

The fire gutted and damaged dozens of houses as it tore through rugged terrain, burning more than 2,000 hectares (5,000 hectares) of forest, authorities said. Smoke from the fire was visible across southern Greece and even on holiday islands in the Aegean Sea.

Fire department officials said 17 water-dropping planes and three helicopters were involved to try to contain the blaze that started about 70 kilometers (45 miles) west of Athens outside the resort town of Loutraki.

But the drops would have to stop overnight.

It's going to be another difficult night and the conditions will remain difficult. But we're using all the resources we have on this, Civil Protection chief Nikos Hardalias said.

On Thursday, authorities issued evacuation orders for 18 settlements, in areas with many vacation homes. Two Orthodox Christian monasteries and one convent were also evacuated.

The fire destroyed power lines, causing widespread blackouts, and reached a nearby coastline and damaged several fishing boats. The Civil Protection Authority activated a cellphone-enabled alert service to help the evacuation effort.

Fire department spokesman Lt. Col. Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis said more than 250 firefighters were deployed, with their effort focused on stopping the blaze reaching the town of Megara, where more than 30,000 people live.

The situation ... remains dangerous with fires rekindling at many locations, Vathrakoyiannis said.

He said a lull in high winds had helped firefighters but officials noted that winds of up to 60 kph (37 mph) were expected later.

Wildfires are common during Greeces hot summers. A blaze that hit coastal areas east of Athens in July 2018, around the seaside resort of Mati, killed at least 102 people.

Greece has requested the use of a European Union satellite service to help assess the damage.

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Derek Gatopoulos reported from Athens. Petros Giannakouris in Schinos contributed. ___

Follow Gatopoulos at https://twitter.com/dgatopoulos and Nedeljkovic at https://twitter.com/SrdjanTV
Hendricks said he would prefer to hire internally, and believes there are members in the ranks who would do a great job. He said it was too early to name prospects, but that he looked forward to discussing it further with OConnell.
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  Italy and the European Union promised Thursday to support Tunisia's economy as part of their efforts to stem migration across the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe.

Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson visited Tunisia for talks with President Kais Saied and Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.

More than 67 migrants drowned or disappeared off the coast of Tunisia in recent days after their boats sank.

Saied called for a global approach on migration issues that goes beyond security solutions...to treat the deep roots of the phenomena via fighting poverty and unemployment and supporting development policies in the countries of origin, according to a statement from the Tunisian presidency.

Italy committed to support Tunisia though increased investment and by helping to create jobs for the youth, the statement said.

Both countries stressed "their determination to fight against criminal human trafficking networks, it added.

Lamorgese and Johansson said Italy and the EU were ready to help Tunisia overcome its economic and social difficulties, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lamorgese also called for more cooperation to accelerate the return of migrants to their country of origin after they arrive illegally in Italy.

Johansson stressed the need to provide opportunities for young Tunisians to come to Europe legally.

We have more than 1 million Tunisians who are working in European countries, and we are ready to welcome more" to contribute to the bloc's economy, she said.

The Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights, a non-governmental organization, issued a statement denouncing Italian and European pressure on Tunisia" to make it accept an unfair cooperation that is infringing on the countrys sovereignty and on migrants human rights."

The organization also criticized Tunisian authorities for doing the police work of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea instead on focusing on other priorities.

The organization said at least 153 people have been found dead in Tunisia's waters and on its beaches and dozens of others disappeared since the beginning of the year.

Lamorgese reported Tuesday that of the 13,358 migrants who have arrived in Italy this year, nearly 9,000 had come from Libya and over 3,000 from Tunisia.

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Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador upped the pressure on the United States Wednesday to end aid payments to an anti-corruption group.

Lopez Obrador claims that the U.S. payments are tantamount to interfering in Mexicos internal affairs and funding the opposition to his government.

It would be like the Mexican Embassy in the United States giving money to the opposition," the president said. They should not be giving money any more."

In early May, just before an online meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Lopez Obrador said Mexico had filed a diplomatic note with the U.S. Embassy on the issue.

On Wednesday, he said there is a commitment by the U.S. government to review this, but added they are taking a long time, I say respectfully."

Let's hope that by this week they stop these payments, Lopez Obrador said. This money is being used to campaign against us.

He said it was urgent that the U.S. Agency for International Development stop payments by this week, before the June 6 midterm elections.

The State Department said it does not comment on diplomatic correspondence.

Lopez Obrador has long attacked nongovernmental organizations like Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity, which he says has received about $2.5 million in U.S. money.

He claims the group is aligned with the opposition, though it says it simply monitors government spending and programs for abuses. It was founded three years before Lopez Obrador took office and has criticized previous governments and other parties.

On Wednesday, the group said in a statement that we repeat that MCCI is not linked to any political party, nor will it be.

It said that the president's repeated attacks  he has called the group Mexicans For Corruption  constitute political persecution and that the president had revealed the group's tax information in violation of applicable confidentiality laws.

The organization has issued reports critical of some of Lopez Obradors major initiatives, including the cancellation of a partially built Mexico City airport and the construction of a tourist train around the Yucatan Peninsula.

The group's founder, Claudio X. Gonzalez, has openly endorsed opposition candidates in the June 6 elections, which will elect federal legislators and the governors of some states.

USAID often supports civil society groups, usually related to human rights or democracy promotion, in many countries. In some nations, such groups sometimes run afoul of local governments.

Lopez Obrador is the latest in a round of Latin American presidents who have railed against outside funding for nongovernmental organizations.

In 2013, Bolivias then-President Evo Morales expelled USAID from his country, alleging that it was working to undermine his government.

In recent months, the Nicaraguan government has proposed, passed and implemented a number of laws making it more difficult for nongovernmental organizations to operate, and in some cases seized their offices.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexicos financial assurance requirements for oil and gas wells, pipelines and related infrastructure fall far short of what would be needed to offset closure and cleanup costs, according to the findings of an independent study released Thursday.

The research was commissioned by the state after concerns were raised last year about taxpayers being left on the hook if companies go bankrupt or abandon their operations without plugging wells, decommissioning pipelines or cleaning up.

While bonding requirements can vary widely depending on the location and the type of well, the study estimated the bonding gap for companies operating on state trust lands and private land at more than $8 billion. For example, closure and cleanup costs for an oil well on state trust land were estimated at more than $218,000 while financial assurance amounted to just $3,500.

For pipelines on trust land, the study estimated average financial assurance is about $51 per mile, while the average decommissioning and surface reclamation cost is likely to top $211,000 per mile.

Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard called the gaps in financial assurance staggering. She said the state needs to ensure companies are adequately bonded so the costs of plugging wells, remediating spills and contamination, and reseeding disturbed areas will be covered.

No one can afford these obligations if they have gone bankrupt. That is why we need companies to be adequately bonded on the front end," she said.

The New Mexico Legislature in 2018 increased the amount of certain financial assurances. Industry officials said not enough time has passed to determine if the new rules are working as intended.

The State Land Office is planning a series of public meetings on how increasing bond amounts for oil and gas operators would affect communities, workers and small businesses.

Oil and gas is a driving force of New Mexicos economy and the state budget. The State Land Office reported oil and gas royalty earnings of nearly $110 million in April, which marked a record. Much of that money goes to support public education and other trust land beneficiaries.

Bonding concerns go beyond New Mexico. A 2019 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted bonding shortfalls on federal lands and found that oil and gas bond amounts largely have not been updated in 40 years or more and fail to serve their intended purpose.

Abandoned wells have been an issue across much of the West. Some officials are concerned the problem could grow given the increase in development in places such as the Permian Basin, which straddles the Texas-New Mexico border.

The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division last year tallied the number of orphaned and abandoned wells in the state at more than 700, of which only 6% have been plugged. While the state has a restoration program funded by a tax on oil and gas operators, officials say its $5 million budget would be drained quickly considering the number of wells needing to be plugged and remediated.

According to a 2020 legislative analysis, the State Land Office pulled one bond for a produced water spill in Lea County that occurred more than five years ago. The estimated cleanup cost was over $600,000, but the bond only covered $10,000.

Highlighting rare and selective cases doesnt demonstrate the need for broad bonding reform, only that its possible for outlier cases to exist. Its simply impossible, and illogical, that all oil and gas wells and infrastructure would require plugging and remediation at the same time as the report suggests, said Robert McEntyre, a spokesman for the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association.

The study highlighted the differences among various state agencies' bonding requirements. The Oil Conservation Division requires financial assurance to fund well plugging and land restoration efforts if a permit holder doesn't comply. However, that assurance is not intended to secure payment for landowners whose livestock, crops or property may be damaged.

The study also found that under current requirements, the largest users of private and state trust lands often carry the lowest marginal amounts of financial assurance coverage.
County and federal authorities arrested two people accused of sexual offenses.

At about 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Webb County Sheriffs Office Warrants Division along with the U.S. Marshals took custody of Destiny Cline, 21, and Jason Cline, 40, both from Fort Worth.

Authorities said they had outstanding warrants out of Tarrant County for prohibited sexual conduct with ancestor/descendant.

Destiny Cline, 21, and Jason Cline, 40, had fled to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to avoid apprehension. Both taken to the Webb County Jail, where they are pending extradition to Tarrant County.

This operation shows the collaborative efforts and the combined intelligence between both offices, as well as with Mexican authorities. I remind the public to report any suspicious activities by calling 956-415-BUST (2878). You can be eligible for a cash reward, said Sheriff Martin Cuellar in a statement.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been busy this week, making several announcements that are drawing mixed reactions from Texans.

On Monday, May 17, Abbott said Texas will opt out of further federal unemployment compensation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the $300 weekly unemployment supplement from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.

The following day, he released an order prohibiting governmental entities in the state  including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities, or government officials  from requiring or mandating masks.

On Wednesday, the Governor also signed into law one of the nation's strictest abortion measures, banning procedures as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. The law takes effect in September.

RELATED: Gov. Greg Abbott announces order prohibiting the government from enforcing masks

The announcements took the Twittersphere by storm, with many Texas Democrat leaders and abortion rights advocates disagreeing with Abbott's actions. Dyana Limon-Mercado, executive director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, the political arm of Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas, told the Texas Tribune a six-week ban essentially bans abortion outright.

On the federal unemployment issue, San Antonio Congressman Joaquin Castro tweeted Abbott's action is "partisan politics at its worst."

"Texas' unemployment rate is still double its pre-COVID level," Castro wrote in a tweet Monday. "@GovAbbott's rejection of the $300 weekly federal jobless aid will hurt over 300,000 Texans. There's scant evidence that money in people's pockets is holding our economy back."

For the new mask order, many Texas leaders are showing signs they aren't going to fight back.

In San Antonio, City Attorney Andy Segovia stated via email the city does not believe the governor has the legal authority to control what happens at local facilities or to dictate how cities manage employees.

"However, the order does not practically affect the City of San Antonio, as we are asking staff and patrons of city facilities to follow the CDC's guidance on mask-wearing and social distancing. We will also continue to follow federal requirements at the Airport," Segovia said in a statement.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called Abbott's move a "clear overreach" and encouraged employees and visitors to city facilities to wear masks if they are not fully vaccinated, but he added that they won't be "mandating it."

RELATED: Gov. Greg Abbott ends pandemic-era unemployment benefits for Texans

Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, both of who've fought against Abbott's mask orders before, said they will "continue to be careful" and will spend the next few days "speaking with parts" of their community most impacted by the Governor's order, including schools and nursing homes.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins also voiced criticism of Abbott's order, noting it "deviates" from CDC guidance saying unvaccinated people should continue to wear masks indoors.


Students from Kaipara Flats School show off their new English dictionaries.

Thirty-one Year 5 and 6 students from Kaipara Flats School each received a Rotary dictionary at a special presentation last month, attended by Warkworth Rotarians Valda Kerekes and Joe Koppens.

We had heard of one school suggesting students did not need dictionaries given the advance of the internet, but when the students were asked, they insisted they wanted them. It seems theres still a place for the real thing, Joe said.

The teachers were also gleefully enthusiastic, and a class of Year 4 observers are now jealously awaiting their turn next year.

It possibly helped that the dictionaries contained more than 1000 colourful illustrations, and each was inscribed with a students name. Students are allowed to take their dictionary home.

Kaipara Flats principal Debbie Hamar says the donation has rejuvenated the students interest in using physical dictionaries.

The kids are absolutely thrilled with the dictionaries, theyre in class using them all the time, she says.

The dictionary initiative is part of Rotary Internationals goal of developing literacy worldwide.

So far, more than 110,000 dictionaries have been distributed throughout New Zealand.
New Zealanders could be tucking into artisan pasta, pizza and bread made from durum wheat grown in the Wairarapa if a new project indicates theres a market for it.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is contributing $100,000 through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to a $151,000 project that will evaluate the opportunity for high-end durum wheat flour in New Zealand.

Theres a big buzz about it already, Foundation of Arable Research general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie says. We sent samples of milled flour to bakers and pasta makers throughout the country, and everybody is really keen to use local ingredients, rather than importing from Australia or Italy.

However, the price point for this kind of product is not yet fully understood. Mr Lawrie says Covid-19 has made people more aware of where their food comes from and there is a push for more New Zealand-grown produce. One third of the various flours used in New Zealand bread comes from the South Island, and the rest is imported.
Construction of a retirement village in northern Orewa has moved a step closer.

Coastal Properties Orewa Forest Glen, the developer of the village, applied for building consent to start work on the project at the end of last year.

The developer has resource consent to build a 114-unit village on the 1.9ha site which extends over 25-35 Annalise Place and 488 and 496C Hibiscus Coast Highway. The blocks are three and four storeys high.

The land borders Nukumea Stream and Alice Eaves Bush Reserve.

The building consent application is for the first of three stages  a five level (including underground carpark), residential apartment dwelling.

When the development is complete, there is expected to be a total of five buildings on the site.

Auckland Council advises that the building consent is currently on hold, waiting for more information from the applicant.
South Africa: Father in court over daughters murder

A 47-year-old man has appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court on charges of kidnapping and the murder of his two-year-old daughter.

The man from Alabama appeared in court after the lifeless body of the toddler was found inside the ceiling of his residential home.

In a statement on Wednesday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the matter was postponed to 26 May for further investigations and bail application.

The state will oppose bail.

It is alleged that on Thursday 13 May, the man went to his girlfriends home at extension 20 in Jouberton and took their daughter without the consent of the mother who was in hospital at the time. The family members who were taking care of the child, did not mind when the father was taking the child as he usually did when he passed by the mothers house. Upon inquiry, he denied taking the child, said NPA North West spokesperson, Henry Mamothame.

The next day when the mother was discharged from hospital, she went on a search for the baby with the help of family members but they could not find her.

The following day, she went to Jouberton Police Station where a case of a missing person was opened.

Mamothane said further investigations by the police led to the arrest of the father on Sunday.

He was charged with kidnapping after failing to tell the police where the child was.

It is alleged that on Monday, following a bad smell coming from the suspects house, the neighbours investigated and discovered the lifeless body of the child hidden inside the ceiling. The police were called and a murder charge was added. The man was remanded in custody until his next court appearance, he said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Wildlife smuggling busted in China's Heilongjiang

Xinhua) 11:10, May 20, 2021

Photo provided by Harbin Customs shows the retrieved antelope horns and tiger bones in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on June 8, 2020. (Xinhua)

HARBIN, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province have recently cracked a wildlife smuggling case, seizing 200 antelope horns and 212 tiger bones.

The anti-smuggling bureau of Suifenhe Customs received a tip-off that a large cache of precious animal derivatives would be smuggled from Russia through an inbound train.

The customs officials, in conjunction with the local border police, immediately launched an investigation and located the suspects as well as the storage place where the smuggled items were kept.

All smuggled items have been retrieved.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
The use of the vacancy board was necessary because the remaining four commissioners failed to reach consensus at their May 5 meeting, deadlocking 2-2 on four candidates across six votes. The vacancy board, almost never used in the history of the township, consists of the four commissioners and one appointed township resident, who is effectively a tie-breaker.
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

Vote

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Logan, WV (25601)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
The publication of a new Flourish programme designed by the Catholic church to teach primary school children from junior infants to sixth class about relationships and sexuality has caused some concern in recent weeks, particularly among LGBTI+ groups.

The relationship and sexuality education (RSE) developed by the Irish Bishops Conference states that the Churchs teaching that marriage is between man and woman cannot be omitted from lessons.

Local LGBT activist Siona Cahill has said that religion has no place in the sexual education of young people and alienates children from certain backgrounds.

If you thought the days of Catholic-based curriculum having a significant impact on what young people are learning in school were over, you were wrong, she told the Longford Leader.

If you thought the Catholic Bishops Conference werent a primary influencer in what young people hear about sex and healthy relationships, you were also, unfortunately, wrong.

I grew up in a wonderful Catholic tradition. I diligently served mass in Abbeyshrule, had wonderful priests in my local parish who were kind and thoughtful, and religion was genuinely important to me growing up.

But it didnt need to be part of my education to be important, and it certainly shouldnt have been dictating what I heard about sex and love. Its not the place for it.

Anti-LGBTI+ bullying is rife throughout second-level schools in Ireland, according to Ms Cahill, who said that this alarming reality results in a hostile school environment for many LGBTI+ students and poses a significant threat to their wellbeing, mental health and welfare.

Its not enough to say we exist as LGBT people... to give us a nod, indeed, or a line in a paragraph of a curriculum and think that by doing so that does the job, which is what the proposed curriculum does, she said.

Our relationships need to be shown and portrayed with respect, recognising the love and care that exists in such relationships.

That remains next to impossible if the Catholic ethos that is teaching our young people is the same one that refers to same-sex couples as intrinsically disordered, Im afraid.

Young people and our young adults are suffering from this silencing of who they are. Parents are left at a loss when a young person comes out as LGBTI+, because they themselves were never taught about it.

Its not just LGBTI+ people, but all young people, of all diverse and blended families, who should be able to see and recognise themselves in the curriculum at school, Ms Cahill continued.

A curriculum not rooted in religious ideology or ethics, but one based on fact and one based on meeting young peoples changing needs and the reality of their lives, and preparing them for how hard it all is - better than we have been, she said.

This is all so that they can make good decisions. So that they can have and understand healthy relationships, built on empathy. So they can better understand their bodies and their feelings and how it all works, basically.

Weve equipped generation after generation with so little before shoving them out into the world and expecting them to react.

A non-religious based curriculum which teaches acceptance, love and respect within relationships, sex and sexuality is a curriculum that benefits every child... not just the gay children.

When a religion, any religion, is the main frame from which you teach young people about relationships, it will be impacted by that religions opinion on what relationships are seen as more important, more natural, more real than others.

In the case of Catholicism, it has been made very clear to our teachers that the curriculum must identify that marriage is between a man and a woman regardless of what was voted for in 2015.

Theres a hierarchy of relationships. The brass tax of this is that any relationship that falls outside of being between a man and a woman, from single parents to a same-sex couple, are less than, and not equal to.

Ms Cahill accepted that parents or guardians are entitled to a choice on their childrens religious education but stresses that there is no choice in Ireland with 90% of schools at primary level based on the Catholic ethos.

If you are a parent who doesnt wish for this ethos to be the primary driver behind your childs education, you are expected to literally move from the parish or put up with it, she said.

Relationships and sexuality education is so, so important. We see the impact of the lack of it on society today and even in our own lives if were honest.

Of course any curriculum should be fact-based, age appropriate and supported by parental guidance outside the classroom. But right now, were expecting primary school teachers to take their lead from the Bishops, and to me, its just not good enough.
In the spirit of the show must go on, organisers of the International Oliver Goldsmith Literary Festival have decided to go fully virtual to celebrate its 37th year.

This June Bank Holiday weekend, the festival, founded in 1984, will salute the iconic Longford/Westmeath novelist, playwright and poet with a special focus on his literary connection to farming and rural life.

The three-day event  themed The Deserted Village as Rural virtues leave the land: The Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability of Irish Agriculture  will feature a line-up of distinguished virtual contributors and a host of presentations, discussions, readings, dramatic performances and musical medleys for all ages.

Among those taking part is Professor James Kinsella of UCDs School of Agriculture, who will talk about learning from the past to strike the best balance for sustainable agriculture in the future.

Leading economist Professor John Fitzgerald will discuss making agriculture climate neutral, while Dr Monica Gorman also of UCDs School of Agriculture will discuss women in agriculture  powerful but often invisible.

Award-winning writer, director and actor from Co. Leitrim Seamus ORourke will also participate in the festival; as will fellow award-winning author, journalist and producer John Connell who will talk about the broken harvest  an investigation into migrant farm workers from the frontlines of change in rural America.

Preeminent Goldsmith scholar Professor Michael Griffin of ULs School of English will honour the 251st anniversary of the popular 18th century writers greatest poem The Deserted Village; while independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice will talk about the reality on the ground for farm families nationwide.

Dr Eamon Haughey of Trinity College Dublin will focus on the solution to the climate change and agriculture conundrum; while Dr Padraig Wims of UCD will pose the question: Has Covid-19 brought a social revolution to rural Ireland?

Longford dairy farmer Andrew McHugh will further address the role of farming in sustaining rural communities, while veterinary surgeon Niall Nally will present his contribution entitled mistakes of a morning.

On top of all that, the longest-running literary festival in Leinster  and third oldest in the country  will be opened by none other than Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue.

The festival will be officially launched online this evening, Thursday, May 20.

To find out more about the festival programme and how to register for the event, see olivergoldsmithfestival.com.
Tesco is calling on shoppers across Longford to support this years Great Irish Bake fundraiser to raise much kneaded dough for the little heroes in CHI at Temple Street.

Customers visiting Tesco stores between Monday, May 17 and Sunday, May 23 can support the annual fundraising initiative by donating 1 at the till or at the checkout online, with 100% of the funds raised going to Childrens Health Foundation Temple Street.

Throughout the Great Irish Bake week, Tesco has set an ambitious fundraising target of 150,000. Over the past six years, Tesco Longford have hosted the Great Irish Bake fundraising events and raised 50,551.38 all of which has gone to purchasing life-saving equipment to support sick children from all across Ireland who visit CHI at Temple Street.

Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland said: The Great Irish Bake for Childrens Health foundation Temple Street is a fundraiser that we continue to be hugely passionate about which is why at Tesco, we have made it easier than ever for our colleagues and customers to get involved and support it in any way they can. While we cannot host the Great Irish Bake sale in our stores at the moment, colleagues and customers can still donate 1 at the till or online checkout to raise vital funds to support CHI at Temple Street.

Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Children's Health Foundation said: Funds raised from the Great Irish Bake provide a vital lifeline to so many critically ill children in our hospitals, and this year we need those funds more than ever. Your bakes and donations will fund essential equipment in CHI at Temple Street - equipment that makes an enormous difference for the diagnosis and treatment of children, like ultrasound machines, pumps, patient monitors and so much more. Thanks to Tesco for everything they do and have done throughout our partnership  now, lets have a Great Irish Bake!

Since the partnership began in 2014, Tesco colleagues and customers across Ireland have helped to raise over 6million through various fundraisers, helping to purchase much-needed equipment for the hospitals theatres, wards, laboratories and intensive care units.

There are other ways that customers can support Childrens Health Foundation Temple Street throughout the year. From this week (Wednesday, 12th) shoppers in select* Tesco stores can purchase a pack of adult or childrens F&F face coverings. This year, Tesco has pledged to donate all profits from F&F branded face coverings to Childrens Health Foundation Temple Street, with over 94,000 donated since August 2020.

Each year CHI at Temple Street treats over 147,000 children from across the country. For thousands of children, CHI at Temple Street is the only hospital in Ireland they can be treated in. Through the charity partner programme, Tesco colleagues and customers can help sick kids from all over Ireland get better and be real-life heroes to children attending the hospital.
The fighting erupted on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound, built on a site holy to Muslims and Jews, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinians by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has launched a special appeal for donations as it predicts a wave of calls for help in the coming months.

In the first three months of this year, the SVP received more than 500 calls every day from individuals and families struggling to make ends meet on a reduced or inadequate income.

Rose McGowan, SVP National President said: To continue to support those who seek our help we need the kindness of the Irish public who have responded generously in the past.

We need that generosity now more than ever.

People around the country who have lost their businesses and lost their livelihoods have reached the end of their tether and are calling SVP for the first time. In addition to that those who we may have supported in the past but were now standing on their own two feet have been completely knocked to the floor again by this pandemic.

We hear a lot about people saving during the pandemic and the millions of euro waiting to be spent when the economy opens fully. But that does not apply to the thousands of people who are seeking help from SVP and the many more we expect in the coming months."

SVP says that the removal of the moratorium on energy disconnections and evictions, in addition to the winding down of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) from the end of June will cause further hardship for thousands of families.

These changes are also coming at a time when families with schoolchildren will be preparing for back-to-school purchases and the recently announced increases in energy prices are impacting. SVP is concerned about the cumulative impact on families already struggling.

Ms McGowan said: We recently received a phone call from a father who lost his job of 30 years after the business he worked for folded under the weight of the coronavirus and all that came with it. When he at last called SVP, he told us:  Ive just 10 in my pocket until next week, I dont know how Im going to buy food for my family.

"You could hear the pain in his voice.

She added: We called on the generosity of the Irish public a little over a year ago when the first of the lockdowns meant people lost their livelihoods overnight.

It was a call they heard with their heart. You won't see it but right now in communities all around Ireland even more families are now suffering through this pandemic. We need the generosity of the Irish again to help their neighbours get through this.

Ways to donate:

Online: svp.ie and nominate your local area

By phone: 0818 176 176 (ROI) or 028 9075 0161 (NI) and nominate your local area

By post: to SVP, PO Box 1234, Dublin 1, cheques made payable to Society of St. Vincent de Paul or direct to a regional office, addresses can be found on www.svp.ie.

Blue envelopes: Special blue envelopes will be in newspapers and churches throughout the country.
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(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Young & Co's Brewery PLC - London-based pub operator - Sinks to pretax loss of GBP45.2 million in year to March 29 compared to GBP29.1 million profit the year before. Revenue plunges to GBP90.6 million from GBP311.6 million. "The results for the year and the actions taken to maintain the group's historically strong financial position reflect the significant impact of Covid-19 restrictions that were in place for the majority of the year and the closure of our pubs and hotels for almost nine months," company explains. Does not declare final dividend, but plans to return to shareholder payouts "as soon as is appropriate". Notes outdoor trading in 144 pubs that were able to open on April 12 has been "encouraging", achieving 85% of normal trade over a 5-week period.







Wincanton PLC - Wiltshire-based logistics firm - Pretax profit in year to March 31 up 11% to GBP48.4 million from GBP43.8 million the year before. Revenue grows 1.7% year-on-year to GBP1.22 billion from GBP1.20 billion. Annual dividend up sharply to 10.35 pence from 3.90 the year before, after declaring 7.5p final dividend compared to zero. CEO James Wroath says: "Looking ahead, we remain confident that we are well-placed to make further progress, though we are mindful of the competitive environment and short term uncertainties as the country moves out of lockdown. We have in place the right strategy and the right people and believe our wide range of supply chain services and capabilities will continue to enable growth across a broad set of sectors."







N Brown Group PLC - Manchester-based online clothing retailer - Pretax profit in year to February 27 down sharply to GBP9.9 million from GBP35.7 million the year before. Revenue falls 13% year-on-year to GBP728.8 million from GBP837.5 million, with product revenue down 14%. CEO Steve Johnson says: "Our capital raise has enabled us to strengthen our balance sheet and allows us to accelerate our investment into strategic initiatives, particularly our digital platform and brand websites. Whilst wider consumer dynamics remain uncertain as we emerge from lockdown, we have significantly transformed the shape of the business from where it was at the start of the pandemic." Guides for financial 2022 product revenue growth between 3% and 7%.







Anglo Asian Mining PLC - gold, copper and silver producer operating in Azerbaijan - Pretax profit in 2020 grows to USD35.7 million from USD30.1 million in 2019. Revenue grows to USD102.1 million from USD92.1 million. Annual dividend up to USD0.095 from USD0.08. Gold production down to 56,864 ounces from 70,098 ounces, with sales down to 48,650 ounces from 53,992 ounces. But gold price rises to USD1,777 per ounce from USD1,410 ounces. For 2021, guides for production of 64,000 to 72,000 gold equivalent ounces compared to 67,249 in 2020. Chair Khosrow Zamani says: "I am very pleased to report that the company demonstrated its resilience by ending this exceptionally difficult year financially stronger and better positioned for growth than at the beginning."







Amigo Holdings PLC - Bournemouth-based guarantor loans provider - Applies to lift temporary share suspension, which company asked for on Tuesday. "The company is not aware of any inside information which has not been updated to the market and the company can confirm that no decision has been made in relation to the Court Sanction hearing held yesterday to consider the company's proposed Scheme of Arrangement. Furthermore, the company is not able to confirm when the decision on the Scheme of Arrangement will be delivered by the court or when and how it will be announced," Amigo adds.







Securities Trust of Scotland PLC - investment trust managed by Troy Asset Management that aims for income and capital growth from global equities - March 31 net asset value per share 202.68 pence versus 162.72p at same point year before. NAV total return 28.5%, behind Lipper Global-Global Equity Income return of 29.9%. Chair John Evans says: "Following significant changes to both the management and portfolio of Securities Trust in the financial year your board anticipates a more settled background in 2021. Our new managers have constructed a high quality portfolio reflecting Troy's philosophy of delivering an above average long term return with below average levels of volatility. We look forward to enjoying the returns and dividend growth that the successful implementation of the strategy will deliver." Declares annual dividend of 5.70p.







Nexus Infrastructure PLC - Braintree, Essex-based gas, electricity, water, fibre networks and electrical vehicle charging infrastructure - Pretax profit in six months to March 31 halves to GBP1.3 million from GBP3.4 million a year before. Interim revenue plunges year-on-year to GBP63.7 million from GBP84.2 million. Reinstates dividend, paying interim dividend of 0.6 pence. March 31 order book GBP301.6 million compared to GBP299.5 million at same point year before. CEO Mike Morris says: "The fundamental growth drivers are positive for Nexus, underpinned by electric vehicle charging and smart grid solutions, which are at the heart of the energy transition. This is reinforced by government support for new housing and the 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. Trading in TriConnex and eSmart Networks is very strong with continued growth and innovation in both divisions. In Tamdown improvement is ongoing, and we expect the division to rebuild to proven levels of growth over the medium term."







ReNeuron Group PLC - Bridgend, Wales-headquartered cell-based therapeutics - Appoints Stefano Pluchino as chief scientific officer with immediate effect. CEO Olav Hellebo says: "We are delighted to welcome Pluchino to ReNeuron. His extensive experience of cell and gene therapy as well as deep knowledge in the exosomes field will be invaluable to us in what is an incredibly exciting and progressive time. Pluchino's work is widely recognised, and we look forward to working alongside him, as ReNeuron continues to grow and develop its pipeline."







Tungsten Corp PLC - digital financial management products and software solutions provider - Makes Interim Chief Financial Officer Ian Kelly the permanent finance chief. Chair Tony Bromovsky says: "The board of Tungsten are pleased to welcome Ian to the role of chief financial officer on a permanent basis. Ian has made a very positive contribution since joining Tungsten and stepping up to the Interim role. We look forward to his continued leadership over the coming years."







Alien Metals Ltd - iron ore and silver projects in Australia and Mexico - Pretax loss in 2020 widens to USD1.2 million from USD1.0 million in 2019. Administrative expenses grows to USD1.2 million from USD1.0 million. Does not generate revenue in 2020 or 2019. CEO Bill Good says: "2020 marked a year of growth as the company, headed by a high-quality geological team, focused on its strategy to advance its assets up the value curve; with new prospects in Western Australia added to our diversified portfolio, they lay the groundwork for a busy and productive year." He adds: "We look forward to sharing further results from our exploration work at our various sites following the completion of our 2 placings in Q3 and Q4 2020 that were extremely successful and have provided the company with an excellent funding for advancing all the exploration projects as well as looking at further acquisitions in 2021." In addition, Alien strikes deal to raise stake in Hamersley iron ore project to 90% from 51%. Alien pays GBP60,000 in cash plus 200.0 million shares at 1.1p each and 50.0 million warrants exercisable at 1.65p each.







Sound Energy PLC - Moroccan-focused upstream gas company - Pretax loss in 2020 widens to GBP18.8 million from GBP16.4 million in 2019. Records impairment of development assets and exploration costs of GBP9.8 million from GBP6.6 million in 2019. Does not generate revenue in 2020 or 2019. Executive Chair Graham Lyon says: "2020 was a year of transition and stabilisation for the company. Transition to a development led strategy, monetising our discovered resource and stabilisation in rationalising the company's cost base. Our gas development and monetisation strategy is advancing towards realising our objective of generating cash flow from Tendrara's significant 377bcf discovered resource. As part of the Phase 1 micro LNG development, we are delighted to have been able to attract a market leading partner like Afriquia Gaz in Morocco and Italfluid as our facility provider. Concluding arrangements with each will enable the Micro LNG project to come into being."







By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com;

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
A 911 dispatcher for the South East Regional Emergency Services Authority (SERESA) who was named by Michigan APCO as the 2020 Telecommunicator of the Year has won the agency's national award.

Kathryn Schmelzer will travel to San Antonio, Texas in August to receive the award for the national dispatcher of the year from the Association of Public Communication Officials (APCO), according to SERESA officials.

One of her bosses says Schmelzer is an example of "what true talent for 911 looks like."

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"Her commitment to continuous improvement is what makes her stand out," SERESA Deputy Director Tony Leese said in an email. "It is awesome to see her recognized on such a high level. Her and her co-workers deserve this praise for what they do every day to help members of our communities."

The 30-year-old Macomb Township resident won the state award in October 2020. She has been with SERESA for the past two years and previously was employed in a similar position in Albuquerque, N.M. A news release stated the award is presented annually to a public safety communications professional within the state who has "demonstrated the highest levels of person and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty."

Schmelzer, who is married to a police officer, was employed as a dog groomer before turning to public safety dispatching.

While in San Antonio, she will learn more about the industry and technology that is available and coming in the future, as well as take classes on job performance improvement and personal growth, SERESA officials said.

Formed in 2011, SERESA is a municipal consolidated dispatch center that provides dispatching services for police, fire and EMS in Eastpointe, Fraser, Roseville and St. Clair Shores. Together, dispatchers handle tens of thousands of calls each year from the member communities' 154,000 residents and local businesses.

Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., APCO is the world's largest organization of public safety communications professionals.

Man sentenced to one year in prison for filming women in public bathrooms A 23-year-old man who filmed women in bathrooms in Eastpointe and Roseville was sentenced Wednesday to one to seven years in prison.

Motorcyclist killed in crash that closed Macomb Twp. road A 20-year-old motorcyclist died Thursday morning in a crash that closed a portion of North Avenue in Macomb Township, according to the Macomb 
A 20-year-old motorcyclist died Thursday morning in a crash that closed a portion of North Avenue in Macomb Township, according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Steven Rose of Macomb Township.

According to a news release, the incident happened about 8 a.m. when deputies were dispatched to a report of a crash near 22 Mile Road and North Avenue.

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When deputies arrived at the scene, they located the injured drivers and began to render aid.

The preliminary investigation shows Rose was speeding on a Suzuki motorcycle south on North Avenue when he crashed into a silver Jeep Cherokee that was attempting to make a left-hand turn.

Rose was ejected from his motorcycle and landed on the hood of a second vehicle, a red Ford Escape, that was heading north on North Avenue.

"The motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet and was reported to be traveling at a high rate of speed by multiple witnesses," the Sheriff's Office said in the release. "The occupants of both vehicles were uninjured and wearing seatbelts."

A passenger in the Ford Escape is employed as a nurse. She immediately got out of the vehicle and rushed to render aid to the motorcyclist until first responders arrived. Rose was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A 23-year old Macomb Township resident was driving the Ford Escape, while a 71-year-old Troy man was driving the Jeep Cherokee.

North Avenue was closed from 21 Mile to 23 Mile roads as the Macomb County Crash Investigation Team conducted their investigation.

The fatality was at least the third in Macomb County this month, according to reports.

Low-flying yellow plane flying over Macomb County causes a stir Look up in the skyit's a birdit's a planeit's a plane spraying wooded area for gypsy moths.

+2 Leaders of Dearborn nonprofits, political action groups call for help for Palestine Ahead of President Bidens visit to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn on Tuesday afternoon, faith and community leaders gathered at the American Moslem Society to voice their concern for his administrations position towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.

+2 Social media post prompts a little recognition for kind Roseville police officer Sometimes theres a need to give a shout out to those who are kind such as Roseville Police Sgt. Anthony Coraci.
More than 1,000 people gathered in front of the Dearborn Police Department on May 18, chanting Free, free Palestine, as speakers began to take the stage.

This was just days after one of the largest rallies in the citys history had taken place Sunday, and was happening simultaneously to a visit from President Joe Biden to the south end of the city.

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"They asked us to save democracy from Donald Trump and now we are asking everyone to please save Palestine from Joe Biden," said protest organizer Amer Zahr. "He is participating in and funding the murder of our families."

While the multiple rallies held in the city over the weekend were about freeing the Palestinian people from Israel, the rally in front of the Police Department was much more about the Biden administrations policy on the issue between the two groups.

Biden has been pro Israel in the first four months of his tenure, including recently approving $735 million in weapons sales to them.

Protesters called on Biden to end military support for Israel, whom the U.S. gives nearly $4 billion annually. Israel is launching airstrikes on Gaza in response to Hamas rocket fire into Israel after weeks of increased conflict following Israeli evictions of Palestinians in an East Jerusalem neighborhood, Sheikh Jarrah.

Part of the complaint from those protesting is that the Arab population of America, and specifically Dearborn, heavily supported Biden in November's election, based partially on promises of changing the U.S. stance on who to support in the Middle East.

Many of the protesters were draped in Palestinian flags, or carrying them, along with protest signs. While the majority of the signs were about Free Palestine, there were several political statements about Biden and his administration, as well.

On such sign, carried by a young boy wearing sunglasses and a face mask, read Biden was supposed to be better than Trump, but hes letting Israel kill Palestinian kids too!

Other anti-Biden signs read Biden, stop funding genocide, and You did it Joe, you did it, along with dollar bills and a drawing of Biden wearing clown makeup and a rainbow Afro.

Early in the rally, the crowd was asked to turn toward the south end of the city, where Biden was touring the Ford Rouge Factory, and try to chant loud enough for him to hear.

Can everyone look that way, and with the loudest voice you can say, Free free Palestine, Zahr said.

After several rounds of the chant, the rally started in earnest with several people speaking.

The rally continued to grow as more people kept arriving. Eventually the protesters marched from the police parking lot down Michigan Avenue.

A second rally was taking place at the same time at Lapeer Park, near the Rouge Plant.

Lapeer Park

Detroit Will Breathe activist Jae Bass spoke at the event, calling for a free Palestine and relating the struggles of Palestinians to African Americans.

We are committed to eradicating all forms of oppression, he said. It comes in all forms: surveillance, displacement, militarized tactics used on citizens, state-sanctioned violence against protesters. Since day one, Arab American activists have been right there on the front lines (with Black Lives Matter) because they know that our struggle is one. We demand that Biden care about the Palestinian people. Almost $4 billion going to Israel every year for what? While communities are underfunded, we as taxpayers are funding the apartheid state of Israel.

Dearborn resident Ismail Abdurrahman spoke at the protest about his experience being displaced from his home in Palestine. Born in Palestine in 1948, Abdurrahmans early life was shaped by conflict and displacement.

I am here because I am a witness of the Nakba, he said. I remember how in 1967 it was Israeli forces coming into my town and lining everyone on the main street. Immediately, they brought their buses and forced us on them and drove us all the way to the River Jordan. I will return to my homeland, to my town, whether Biden likes it or not!

Sign up for our daily morning newsletter Click here and then look to the right side for the sign up to the morning newsletter for The News Herald, and you can get the top headlines de

Palestine wasnt the only call to action for protesters. Organizers called for the U.S. to help end the Saudi blockade on Yemen, which has led to famine and disease in the war-torn nation. Dearborns south end has a large population of Yemeni Americans. Biden announced an end to U.S. involvement in the war in February of this year, but the allys blockade on imports still remains.

Indigenous and environmental activists called for Biden to strike down the Line 5 oil pipeline that operates in the straits of Mackinac. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the shutdown of Line 5, but Enbridge Energy is defying the order, arguing the federal government must step in.

After roughly a dozen speakers, organizers led the hundreds of protesters through the residential streets of south Dearborn. Mostly Palestinian and some Yemeni flags waved down the street as the crowded chanted to drum beat.

We need money for our schools, not for Israels deadly tools, and Saudi, Saudi you cant hide, we charge you with genocide, were two of many chants. Some residents cheered the marchers on from their porches.

Biden visits Ford River Rouge Plant, talks about infrastructure during Dearborn trip

Open letter to President Biden

Biden seemingly enjoys driving new Ford F-150 Lightning

PHOTOS: Protests against Biden's position on Palestine set up with president in town

Leaders of Dearborn nonprofits, political action groups call for help for Palestine
Nadine Moses had $50 in cash and a full tank of gas as she walked out the door of her home.

That was the last time the Casco Township woman was seen, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said Thursday as they released a timeline of the ongoing search for her.

Moses, 84, was last seen in the early morning hours of May leaving her Casco home, which is east of Richmond and Lenox Township in Macomb County. Her cell phone was last pinged by a cell tower in Marine City several hours later, according to her son, Todd Moses, who works at Macomb Community College.

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"Along with the work we are doing, we continue to hope and pray we receive information on Nadines whereabouts, said St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King.

Here is the timeline of attempts by local law enforcement to find her:

During the early evening hours of May 4, after Moses did not show up at a family member's house as expected, the family reported her missing. Calls to her cell phone went straight to voicemail.

The sheriff's office issued an alert to other law enforcement agencies throughout the state and nation. Her information was entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) as missing. Databases were checked to see if any law enforcement officers had run her license plate.

Her debit card and credit card has not been used since she went missing.

Cellphone data was collected, indicating she may have been driving from about 2:15 a.m. May 4 until about 9:15 a.m. that same day in the general areas of Ira, Casco, Cottrellville, China and East China townships and Marine City.

According to investigators, she was believed to have been in the M-29 area of Marine City at about 5:15 a.m.

By checking surveillance cameras, authorities believe her vehicle was observed on two cameras in the early morning hours of May 4. The vehicle was northbound on M-29, passing the Marine City Police Department. The vehicle then turned east on Fairbanks Street. It is unknown where the vehicle headed after that.

Since her disappearance, law enforcement agencies have been checking turnouts, state game areas, businesses and other locations where a vehicle might be located, but not noticed.

A check was also made on all open riverbank and open water entry points. A search of the St. Clair River and Belle River was also made by air and sonar with no sign of the vehicle.

On the afternoon of May 8, Michigan State Police reviewed Nadines cell phone data. They then conducted a flyover of an extensive area based on pings to her phone or cell tower data provided.

This past Wednesday, May 19, the Sheriffs Office received a tip from a drone operator regarding what he believed to be a vehicle submerged in the St. Clair River off Algonac State Park. The Sheriffs Office Marine Division and Dive Team responded and located the item, which ended up being a pile of logs.

Detectives from the Sheriffs Office are continuing to follow up on Crime Stoppers tips and other possible leads. Deputies continue to search for the vehicle throughout the county.

She was driving a dark blue 2011 Ford Edge SUV with a Michigan handicap plate of C8932. Her vehicle has a Minnie Mouse image on the antenna and damage to the front right fender.

Moses has white hair and blue eyes and is 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Anyone with information can call (810) 985-8115

Anyone with information is asked to call 810- 985-8115.

Center Line festival, cruise needs volunteers The Center Line Cruisin 53 event and Independence Festival are in need of volunteers.

Reported shooting shuts down I-696 in Warren The eastbound I-696 freeway was shut down Tuesday night at Dequindre Road after a semi truck driver reported he had been shot at while driving

Low-flying yellow plane flying over Macomb County causes a stir Look up in the skyit's a birdit's a planeit's a plane spraying wooded area for gypsy moths.

+2 Leaders of Dearborn nonprofits, political action groups call for help for Palestine Ahead of President Bidens visit to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn on Tuesday afternoon, faith and community leaders gathered at the American Moslem Society to voice their concern for his administrations position towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Wolf and top Republican and Democratic lawmakers spoke late Wednesday. Ward said in the statement the first focus is how we would be granted an immediate seat at the table during times of crisis and review the extension of the emergency declaration.
Jefferson, GA (30549)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
54,000 Brits are jetting off to the sun every day and the number of flights from the UK to Spain, Greece and Italy will soar by 200% in the next three days.

300,000 British tourists are travelling to Amber destinations by the weekend and 16,000 of them are coming to Spain, according to the Telegraph.

Mixed messages from the British Government are causing chaos. Some MPs insist that the whole point of having a traffic light system is that people can choose where to go as long as they abide by the Green, Amber or Red' travel restrictions. But Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is telling the British public they should only go to Amber countries in extreme circumstances.

Around 5 million British tourists have already booked to go to Amber destinations over the summer.
The chief prosecutor in the Balearics, Bartolome Barcelo, says that the Prosecutor's Office is again opposed to an extension to the curfew. The Balearic government's intention is to maintain the curfew until at least June 6, but with the later start time of midnight. The Balearic High Court has to approve the next extension (from May 23) and other measures, one of which - a limitation on the number of people who can gather socially - the Prosecutor's Office also opposes. The High Court has until Friday to approve (or not) the government's latest extension.

Barcelo's arguments are the same as they were when expressing opposition to the extension once the state of alarm concluded. They are to do with the defence of the rights of citizens. "We are fulfilling our function. It's up to the courts to decide."

The Prosecutor's Office didn't in the end go ahead with appealing the extension that was approved by the High Court on May 6. This time, the matter may well be referred to the Supreme Court in Madrid.
Editor

Darren Marcy, a journalist since 1992, is the editor of the Manchester Journal. A New Mexico native, he previously worked for newspapers in the Land of Enchantment before moving to Vermont in 2004. He joined the Journal in October 2018.
MANISTEE  Manistee Catholic Central principal Jeremie Solak has only been with the school for a couple years, but announced recently he has received a new calling from the man upstairs.

As such, Solak's tenure with MCC will end in July and he will go on to become headmaster of yet-to-be-announced school. He said serving MCC has been "an honor and a blessing."

"As a Catholic I believe that my Triune God leads us by providential paths, and I discerned that I had been called to a new mission," Solak said. "I am excited about my future opportunity in a classical, Catholic academy, but I will deeply miss the people here  the students, staff, families, alumni, benefactors and community members of MCC and Divine Mercy Parish, St. Josephs and St. Bernards.

"They have become my friends, and the students are the children of friends, brothers and sisters in Christ."

Solak came to the school in July 2019 from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. During his time there, Solak served as an English professor and Catholic Studies Fellow. Solak said since coming to MCC, he has been amazed to see the positive impact the school has made on its students for decades.

"This community has been a blessing to me. It has taught me about 'Saber Heart,'" Solak said. "I was in a meeting (Tuesday) with three MCC graduates from three different decades, and I was struck by one noble similarity that connected them all  something in the fiber of MCC graduates: They are all happy to serve.

"They are the helping hands of Christ," he continued. "They live the famous maxim: 'Work as if success depended on your efforts  but trust as if all depended on God.

Solak said MCC is an asset to the community and has changed the lives of many people.

"The school has done so much good for so many people for so many years, and the MCC community will continue to be a blessing to this community in work, prayer and service," he said. "I encourage people to explore MCC and to experience the difference."

Solak said even small gestures can make a big impact, and he is proud the Sabers are so willing to do what they can to brighten someone's day.

"During Catholic Schools Week, the high school students hung bird feeders outside of the Manistee County Medical Care Facility and prayed a Rosary for the residents separated from their families and friends  that Christ would comfort them in their loneliness," he said. "This is beautiful. Our world needs more of this."

Solak said though he is looking forward to his next role, he loves the school and will miss it dearly.

"I will miss greeting the students in the morning, daily chapel, Mass, Catholic Schools Week, watching students return to the building energized by outdoor education, seeing the babies in the infant daycare and seeing the preschoolers and elementary students gathered in the prayer corner of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherds Atrium," he said. "I'll miss playing chess with students, the Adoration Chapel, praying with parents in the morning and talking over coffee, hearing the band practice, the smell of Mrs. (Ann) Linds cooking, learning the family and alumni stories about MCC and how this place was built by toil and joy.

"I have been deeply blessed by the MCC spirit and mission, and this community will remain in my prayers for continued blessings and protection, and that it may continue to bless and protect all good, true and beautiful things for Christ and His Church for the good of all souls."

Solak said he will leave the school with plenty of fond memories, and even a precious keepsake.

"At Christmas I was given a traditional blue blazer from the MCC staff with the iconic MCC emblem," he said. "I was deeply touched and honored, and I will consider myself to be a Saber for life."

Attempts to reach the Diocese of Gaylord about the process to find Solak's replacement were unsuccessful by press time Thursday.

SEE ALSO:

Manistee Catholic Central paczki sale raises money for school athletics

Here's how Manistee Catholic Central students spent four days in celebration

MCC's HARVEST fundraiser still successful amid pandemic
Brian Plakke,age 59 passed away May 23rd, 2021 at Hillcrest after a long battle with cancer. Brian was born to Donald and Marlene Plakke.( Howard True stepfather.) He graduated from Mankato West and journied to Alaska with friends,where he enjoyed fishing and traveling throughout the state. 
Hahn began the criminal sexual relationship with the student in October 2019 and had sex with her both in and out of school, according to court papers. Hahn resigned from the district in March 2020, and the school board approved a separation agreement with him on March 17 of that year.
FILE - In this Nov. 26, 2019, file photo, Lydell Grant, center, his mother, Donna Poe, center-left, and brother Alonzo Poe, center-right, talk to reporters after Grant's release on bond in Houston after new evidence cleared him in a 2010 fatal stabbing. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has declared him innocent of his crime.
Liverpool took another step towards Champions League qualification with a 3-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.

The visitors went ahead in the first half when Roberto Firmino converted a low cross from Andy Robertson.

It was another cross that produced the second, Sadio Mane providing Nat Philips with his first ever goal for Liverpool.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted late on to secure the points for the Reds as they look to rescue their season.

The victory takes Jurgen Klopp's side into the top four, moving above Leicester on goal difference, heading into the final day.
Marysville, KS (66508)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High near 85F. S winds shifting to NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Cabinet members of the mayor at the time, Ed Pawlowski, told me then that city administrators already were doing operational reviews. They contended they were best suited to do them because the controllers office didnt have the skills to analyze technical matters.
Sherry Hassler, 55, of Lindsay, died Sunday, June 6, in Oklahoma City. The family will welcome friends at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in Hartshorne for viewing and visitation on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held on Friday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. at Brumley-Mills F
Atlanta, GA (30303)

Today

Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 83F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Low around 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
That this delay in justice has been allowed to happen across multiple administrations is stunning when you consider how the attacks marked the last time our nation was truly unified. It was a time that tested the very resolve of our nations fabric, but political partisanship and regional divides were largely set aside.
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Roswell, GA (30075)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 82F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Atlanta, GA (30342)

Today

Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 83F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low around 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
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Bob Barr represented Georgias Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. He served as the United States Attorney in Atlanta from 1986 to 1990 and was an official with the CIA in the 1970s. He now practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, and serves as head of Liberty Guard.
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China warns of fundraising fraud targeting seniors

Xinhua) 11:17, May 20, 2021

A police officer is promoting anti-fraud awareness among elderly residents in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province on May 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have issued a reminder warning seniors of illegal fundraising activities in the elderly-care sector.

The reminder was jointly released by the China National Committee on Ageing, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission.

Seniors often fall victim to fraudulent fundraising activities in the name of elderly-care services, elderly-care program investments, "house-for-pension" schemes allowing elderly people to deed their houses for extra retirement funds, among other scams, said the document.

The reminder promises intensified efforts to hold illegal fundraisers and their accomplices accountable, and calls on elderly people and their families to remain vigilant to avoid financial losses.

The authorities welcome tip-offs regarding fundraising fraud, it added.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
OTTAWA, ON

May 19, 2021

Canada

May 10, 2021

March 3, 2021

Canada

/CNW/ - Today, Health Canada authorized a submission from Pfizer-BioNTech to allow its COVID-19 vaccine to be stored at regular refrigerated temperatures (2-8C) at the point of use for up to one month. This change means that there will be more storage options available for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which will allow for more flexibility in distribution plans.Healthreceived the application from Pfizer-BioNTech to change the storage conditions of its COVID-19 vaccine on. After conducting a thorough review of the submission, the Department determined that undiluted COVID-19 vaccine remains stable when stored at standard refrigerated temperatures for 31 days.The vaccine was first authorized with a recommended storage temperature of between -80C to -60C (-112F to -76F) and thawed undiluted vials could be stored in the refrigerator for only up to 5 days. On, Health Canada authorized a change to enable storage at -25C to -15C (-13F to 5F) for up to 2 weeks.Since the initial authorization of the vaccine, the manufacturer has continued to develop additional, longer-term data on the stability of the product under different conditions. As a result of this research, Pfizer provided additional data to support more flexible storage conditions. This latest change will support additional flexibility in vaccine distribution.Healthwill continue to monitor the safety, efficacy and quality of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, along with all other COVID-19 vaccines, and will not hesitate to take action if any concerns are identified.SOURCE Health Canada
Most celebrities trust comfy and casual outfits for their airport look. And, it only makes sense because you need a relaxed style and breezy silhouette to travel comfortably.



However, Asim Riaz seems to take his style and comfort very seriously and often melds the two. His preferred choice of outfit for airport lobbies is sporty and stylish.

 Instagram/Asim Riaz

Bigg Boss fame Asim Riaz and girlfriend Himanshi Khurana apparently went to Jammu to celebrate Eid with his family. The couple was snapped at the airport while returning to Mumbai yesterday in the most fashionable attire.

 Instagram/Viral Bhiyani

While Khurana opted for an athleisure look, Riaz rocked a sporty outfit. He pulled off a monochrome look, wearing black from head-to toe. However, it was his white sneakers that broke the monotony of the look. It definitely caught our eye.



 Instagram/Viral Bhiyani

He wore an oversized black tee, knee-length gym shorts, running tights and sneakers from Nike.The whole is very sporty and chic and he totally nailed it. However the black Nike shoes are adding the flair to the look. Take a look at the uber cool shoes.

 Instagram/Nike

The white sneakers are Nike Air Jordan 9 University Blue that come with a heeled sole and black accents. You will have to shell INR 16,595 to get your hands on them. However, they look so good and will definitely work for any outfit, be it a party outfit, a casual look or sporty one like Asim here.

 Instagram/Viral Bhiyani

Asim owns a lot of edgy and cool sneakers from different brands including Versace, but his Nike kicks seem to be his absolute favourite. Before this, he has sported another cool pair of similar heeled black and white sneakers from the same brand.

 Instagram/Asim Riaz

But these ones seem way cooler and fashion minimalists can totally go for them. Asim did complete justice to the shoes by styling them with his monochrome sporty outfit.



Doesnt he look like he is about to hit the gym right after leaving the airport? Well, seeing Asim and his zeal for working out, we wont even be surprised if he did.
Most of us are familiar with the feeling of pure relief as we kickstart our day by scrolling through memes and videos on Instagram while sitting on the toilet seat in the comforts of our homes.

 Shutterstock

However, while the immense comfort of the routine may make us lose track of space and time, one certainly cannot afford to do that at one's workplace.



Well, just because you can't, doesn't mean you won't, and that is certainly the case with one employee in Australia.

According to reports, a company has complained about one of their employees spending almost a whole day a week in the office toilet.

 iStock

The company was so frustrated that they resorted to seeking some advice from Reddit to find a solution to the problem.



The post on Reddit said:

"We have an employee who is VERY good at his job, but as soon as he gets to work he goes to the toilet and spends about 20 minutes there. By the time he's back at his desk and whatnot it's 9:30. Half an hour until he starts.

"Then he goes again anywhere between 2-3 more times during the day. Each for about 20 minutes. The FINAL toilet break is half an hour before he finishes and he basically spends the whole time there.

"Each week he's working for 4 days and on the toilet for 1. We're seriously paying him an extra day to sit and s*** and read his phone."

 Shutterstock

The employer also went on to explain how they had no intention of firing the employee, as he was a 'good guy' and there were no issues with the quality of his work.



However, they also said that with Australia having 'strong labour laws' it would have been "almost impossible to fire" the employee even if that was the intention.

The post on Reddit received a lot of replies with people even suggesting that the root of the cause may lie in the employee having a medical condition.

"Is he salaried? What do you care if he gets his work done? Entirely possible it's an embarrassing health issue, as well." said one user.

Another user offered a solution that made a lot of sense.

"Either give your employee more work, be satisfied with the work he is completing. Or manage the non-bathroom parts. Create deadlines for projects, check-ins, make them a path."

"I get stressed just thinking about someone counting my bathroom breaks." said the user

Well, while we don't know whether the company will come out with a "relieving policy" or not, it certainly seems like a wise policy to count our own toilet breaks from now on, eh?
Strange things often occur in India, which is known as a land that gives tremendous importance to marriages. Now, what happens when you combine the two factors together?

Bizarre things happen.

In what represents the most recent example of such an incident, a UP bride upon discovering that her groom went missing decided to tie the knot with one of her wedding guests.

 iStock

Yes, in the incident which occurred this past week in Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh, the bride and groom had both arrived at the wedding ceremony and even carried out the 'jaimala' (exchange of garlands) ceremony in front of the guests and families.



However, just before the main wedding ceremony, the groom suddenly was nowhere to be found.

While both families searched for the groom everywhere, it was later found out that, instead of being missing, he had decided to flee his own wedding.

 iStock

Upon knowing the case, the bride and her family were left distraught, after which one of the guests suggested that the marriage should instead go ahead with another man.



Soon after, the bride's family searched and found a boy they thought would be suitable for their daughter on the spot.

After the families agreed to the alliance, the wedding ceremony went ahead successfully, however, a complaint against the groom and his family was later lodged by the bride's family.

"We have received a complaint in this regard from both the bride and groom sides. While the bride's side has sought suitable action against the groom and his family members, the groom's father, Dharampal, in his complaint, has sought police help to trace his missing son. Investigations are continuing in this regard." said Inspector Narwal, Shesh Narain Pandey.
One great thing about any faith or religion is the strength it provides in desperate and desolate times. The COVID pandemic has been one of those situations, especially for people who have been very closely affected by it.

 BCCL

However, things are now becoming a little too desperate for some, rising to the level of absurdity.



There have been several reports coming from various parts of India, that now, people have started worshipping Corona Devi to pacify and assuage the wrath of the SARS COVID virus.

Only in India, can something like this happen, at a time like this.

 BCCL

Residents of Coimbatore have now set up a temple just outside the city, honouring Goddess Corona Devi, so that it spares them from the deadly virus.



And if local authorities are to be believed, there is a good chance that it may work well for them.

 BCCL

Back in the early 1900s, during the deadly Spanish Influenza pandemic, the locals of Coimbatore started praying to the Goddess Thandu Mariamman, who is the Goddess Of Rain in their local pantheon.



After the pandemic died down, a temple was erected & consecrated in the land where the pujas were conducted. Today, it is known as the Plague Mariamman Temple.

 BCCL

The Corona Devi Temple was consecrated on Tuesday, and the locals said that they started offering prayer from Wednesday.



They plan to perform a Maha Yagyam, or offer prayers daily, for the next 48 days. The Temple also has an idol of Goddess Corona Devi, which will be consecrated after the Maha Yagyam.

This isnt the only instance where people have come together to pray to the Goddess.

People, across many states in India, have conducted pujas to please Corona Devi. These states include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, & Bengal.

 BCCL

While offering prayers to the virus isnt exactly a new phenomenon, temples or shrines being made to pacify the virus is somewhat new this year.



This just shows how desperate and helpless people have become in todays day and age, wherein they are forced to abandon sound reason and science.

 BCCL

Twitterati, sure, had a field day with this, with many claiming that this is nothing but a shameful money-minting scheme in desperate times like these.



When I read Corona devi UP first came in my mind  RishabhP (@RishabhP14 May 19, 2021

Corana is virus! Not God. People follow all foolish tricks to make money!  D'Leh (@DLeh_Spartacus May 19, 2021

WHO - Be careful and wash your hands....



Le Brahmins - Corona hai benefit kar sakte hai.. pic.twitter.com/EfDukqDeJn  Resistance (@theindianniraj May 19, 2021

From Manchester of South india to Uttarpradesh of South india. What a fall.   Contractor Trance (@c73bdc0de55d4bb May 20, 2021

What do you guys make of it? Is this where our resources and attention should go to, or is this just another opportunistic money-making scheme? Let us know in the comments.
The Indian Governments Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has ordered WhatsApp to withdraw the new privacy policy or face legation action by May 25th. The company was told to roll back the privacy policy the instant messaging is forcing on its users.

 BCCL

We have a sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens. The government will consider various options available under the law, a senior IT ministry official said. The Ministry also went a notice on late Tuesday saying The changes to the privacy policy and the manner of introducing these changes including in FAQ (frequently asked questions) undermines the sacrosanct values of informational privacy, data security and user choice for Indian users and harms the rights and interests of Indian citizens.



Officials said that the deferral of the May 15th deadline by WhatsApp did not absolve it from respecting the information privacy, data security and user choice for Indian users. This is the second notice sent by the IT ministry to WhatsApp asking to withdraw the new controversial privacy policy. In January, the ministry wrote a letter to global WhatsApp, Chief Executive Officer, Will Cathcart asking that the latest privacy and policy update be withdrawn.

The latest notice also reiterated WhatsApps discriminatory treatment of its Indian users comparing to those in Europe. As you are doubtlessly aware, many Indian citizens depend on WhatsApp to communicate in everyday life. It is not just problematic, but also irresponsible, for WhatsApp to leverage this position to impose unfair terms and conditions on Indian users, particularly those that discriminate against Indian users vis-a-vis users in Europe, the new notice reads.

 Pexels

Earlier this week, WhatsApp told the Delhi High Court that while the new privacy policy may have come into effect, the instant messaging app did not start deleting accounts of users who did not accept the new terms. However, that claim is further from the truth as the company will gradually limit the functionality of the app of users who have not accepted the new terms.



WhatsApp said on Wednesday that the majority of its users have already accepted the privacy policy. Our goal is to provide information about new options we are building that people will have, to message a business on WhatsApp, in the future. While the majority of users who have received the new terms of service have accepted them, we appreciate some people havent had the chance to do so yet. No accounts were deleted on May 15 because of this update and no one in India lost the functionality of WhatsApp either. We will follow up with reminders to people over the next several weeks," a WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement.
Meridian, MS (39302)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
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In summer 2020, The New York Times coordinated a nationwide project to document the lives of Americans out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved collaborating with 11 other local newsrooms around the U.S. The Messenger-Inquirer was the only newspaper from Kentucky in the collaboration. The resulting collection of stories was published Oct. 23, 2020, in the New York Times print edition and at nytimes.com/outofwork. The following list is the Messenger-Inquirer's local unemployment coverage from that time period; read more by clicking the "New York Times Project" header. Click on "Out Of Work In America" to go to the full
International

Germany bans three organisations linked to Hezbollah

Berlin, May 19 (IANS): | Publish Date: 5/19/2021 2:54:42 PM IST

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer has banned three organisations known to have collected money for projects of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah in Germany.

The bans on German Lebanese Family, People for People and Give Peace had already been pronounced on April 15, a ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.

Raids were carried out and offices were searched in Bremen, Hesse, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein and Rhineland-Palatinate, DPA reported.

Those who support terrorism will not be safe in Germany, Seehofers spokesman quoted him as saying on Twitter.

Regardless of the garb in which his supporters appear, they will not find a place of retreat in our country, added the Minister, who is currently in quarantine at home after infected with Covid. The three banned groups are said to have collected donations and arranged sponsorships for Hezbollah martyred families.

The aim of the organizations was to promote Hezbollahs fight against Israel, which goes against the idea of international understanding, the ministry said. The certainty that the bereaved would receive financial support in the event of their death increases the willingness of young Hezbollah supporters to take part in the fight against Israel.

In March last year, Germany banned ban Hezbollah activity on its soil.

Germanys domestic intelligence agency estimates that there are about 1,050 Hezbollah members and supporters currently in the country.

They do not comprise an official organization in Germany, but work unofficially, doing fundraising, among other activities, according to security officials.
KABUL  Deputy and Acting Foreign Minister Mirwais Nab met with the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China Wang yu to discuss the results of the telephone conversation between the Foreign Minister of the two countries, recent developments in the Afghan Peace Process, and strengthening bilateral relations between Afghanistan and China.

Highlighting the recent talks between the Afghan and Chinese Foreign Minister, Deputy Minister Nab expressed gratitude to China for cooperating in the Afghan Peace process, joint fight against terrorism, implementation of economic, trade, and infrastructure projects as well as Chinese assistance with Afghanistan to the fight against Coronavirus.

Mr. Nab called further strengthening of cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, particularly China, important to address common challenges and regional prosperity.

Underscoring the significance of expanded cooperation between the two countries for the peace and regional prosperity, the Chinese Ambassador assured Deputy Minister Nab of Chinas readiness to transfer COVAX packages as well as Chinas continued support and cooperation with Afghanistan in various fields, particularly ensuring peace.

Both sides discussed and exchanged views on recent progress in the Afghan Peace Process, convening the Afghanistan  China  Pakistan Foreign Ministers trilateral meeting, and recent developments in Afghanistans request for permanent membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as well as the dynamics of expanding bilateral relations.
Ambassador of Belarus P.Vzyatkin meets the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya

On May 20, 2021, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Kenya Pavel Vzyatkin met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya Raychelle Omamo.

During the meeting, the Ambassador of Belarus noted the importance of developing the political dialogue between Belarus and Kenya, expanding bilateral cooperation in the economic sphere, and forming a legal framework for bilateral relations.

The issues of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations, as well as the formation of institutional foundations at various levels of intergovernmental interaction were considered. The Ambassador of Belarus proposed to intensify the work on the preparation of the second round of consultations between the foreign ministries of Belarus and Kenya.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya stressed the importance of developing relations with Belarus and welcomed the initiatives of the Belarusian side. R.Omamo supported the opinion on the need to intensify political contacts at various levels and expressed her readiness to provide the necessary assistance in the implementation of proposals on the range of issues raised during the conversation.

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May 19, 2021

A crew of 10 Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters is continuing to construct a containment line around a fire that ignited Tuesday afternoon in a remote area of Marquette County, near the south end of Goose Lake in Richmond Township.

The crew is working with hand tools in a rocky area inaccessible to larger equipment, with the fire reported today as 75% contained.

The area burning is situated south of Marquette County Road 480 and north of County Road NC, which leads to the DNR's boating access site on Goose Lake.

"We don't anticipate any problems with the fire at this point," said Pete Glover, the DNR's incident commander on the fire. "We will continue to be out here monitoring the fire over the next few days."

The so-called "gravel pit fire" was fought initially Tuesday afternoon by more than 30 firefighters from the DNR, the Sands Township Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service, which had a crew from Oregon on fire stand-by in the region.

"What helped us tremendously was the aircraft to keeping this fire as small as it is," Glover said.

The Forest Service provided a Type 3 helicopter, which dipped water from Goose Lake to fight the fire, an air attack platform to assist the air operations and two single-engine air tankers, which got water for the firefighting effort from Lake Superior at Marquette's Lower Harbor.

"The great cooperation of agencies fighting the fire was on display to see for a good number of people in Marquette who watched as the aircraft took water from the Lower Harbor," Glover said.

The DNR had aircraft overhead, two bulldozers, a skidder and seven large engines at the scene, with Sands Township providing three fire engines and an ambulance on stand-by.

Rain showers and higher relative humidity readings today also aided the firefighting efforts.

With warmer temperatures and intermittent rainfall forecasted across the Upper Peninsula, fire danger remains a safety concern. Use extra care with fire, make sure campfires are fully extinguished.

To find out whether burning is permitted in a given area, check daily conditions at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

Find out more information on fire safety at the DNR's website.
Michigan unemployment rate declines in April

Michigan unemployment rate declines in April

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2021

Caleb Buhs, buhsc@michigan.gov or 517-282-6018

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan's seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased slightly by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.9 percent in April, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment in Michigan edged up modestly by 6,000 and unemployment moved down by 8,000, resulting in the state workforce inching down by 2,000 over the month.

The national unemployment rate edged up by a tenth of a percentage point in April to 6.1 percent. Michigan's April jobless rate was 1.2 percentage points below the U.S. rate. Over the year, the national rate fell by 8.7 percentage points, while Michigan's rate dropped sharply by 18.7 percentage points. These large jobless rate cuts over the past year reflected the recalls of workers to jobs since the peak of pandemic-related unemployment in April 2020.

"Michigan's employment situation has improved markedly one year after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic-related layoffs in the state," said Wayne Rourke, associate director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. "However, auto-related layoffs in Michigan occurred in April 2021 due to the national shortage of semiconductor chips and the resulting impact on auto production."

Monthly and annual labor force trends and highlights

Michigan employment levels were little changed in April, inching up by 0.1 percent. This change was comparable to the employment increase exhibited by the U.S. (+0.2 percent).

Over the year, the state labor force rose by 2.5 percent, while the national workforce advanced by 2.9 percent since April 2020.

Michigan employment levels were 968,000, or 27.6 percent, above the year-ago, pandemic-related lows, about double the percent gain nationally (+13.4 percent).

Total unemployment fell by 853,000, or 78.7 percent, over the year, a decrease substantially larger than the percentage U.S. decline (-57.5 percent).

Michigan's April 2021 workforce trends compared with pre-pandemic levels

Despite a substantial employment recovery since the pandemic-related low of April 2020, Michigan total employment in April 2021 remained 273,000 below the February 2020 pre-pandemic level.

Total unemployment in the state during April 2021 was 46,000, or 24.9 percent, higher than pre-pandemic levels.

The Michigan jobless rate of 4.9 percent during April 2021 was 1.2 percentage points above the February 2020 rate.

Detroit metro area jobless rate decreases in April

The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area's (MSA) seasonally adjusted jobless rate moved down by two-tenths of a percentage point in April to 4.3 percent. The regional employment level rose by 5,000 in April.

The Detroit MSA unemployment rate fell significantly by 20.4 percentage points since last year's peak in April 2020. Employment rebounded by 462,000, while unemployment dropped sharply by 394,000. The Detroit metro region workforce level rose by 68,000 since April 2020.

Auto industry jobs decrease In April

The monthly survey of employers exhibited an April decline of 19,000 in seasonally adjusted payroll employment, or 0.5 percent. The total number of nonfarm jobs in Michigan was 4,114,000 during April.

The largest over-the-month job reduction occurred in the state's automotive manufacturing sector (-13,000) due to production cuts and layoffs occurring as a result of a nationwide semiconductor chip shortage.

Industry employment trends and highlights

After three consecutive months of nonfarm employment gains, payroll jobs edged down in April.

Total Michigan nonfarm jobs rose by 717,000, or 21.1 percent, over the year, reflecting job recalls since the pandemic-related low in April 2020. However, April 2021 payroll employment remained 339,000 below the pre-pandemic February 2020 level.

The state's leisure and hospitality sector had the largest percentage rebound in employment over the year, with jobs advancing by 148,000, or 76.3 percent. However, job levels in the sector were still significantly below the February 2020 level (-94,000).

For more detailed information, including data tables, view the full release.

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CONSUMER ADVISORY: Randall Foods Inc. Initiates Voluntary Recall of All Randall Beans

The following recall information is being shared as a courtesy on behalf of Randall Foods, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCOTT KEATING

Tel 513-793-6525

May 19, 2021

Randall Foods Inc. Initiates Voluntary Recall of All Randall Beans

Randall Foods, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio is recalling all its Randall-brand beans because of manufacturing deviations that may pose a potential health risk. The recall includes the following products:

Brand Description UPC Batch/Lot Numbers "Best By" Date Randall RANDALL GREAT NORTHERN BEANS 48OZ 070095000100 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL GREAT NORTHERN BEANS 24OZ 070095000117 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall

Randall RANDALL GREAT NORTHERN BEANS 15.4OZ

RANDALL PINTO BEANS 48OZ 070095000131

070095000209 ALL

ALL Prior to January 1 2025

Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL PINTO BEANS 24OZ 070095000216 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL PINTO BEANS 15.4OZ 070095000230 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL MIXED BEANS 48OZ 070095000407 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL MIXED BEANS 24OZ 070095000414 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL MIXED BEANS 15.4OZ 070095000430 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL KIDNEY BEANS 48OZ 070095000308 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL KIDNEY BEANS 24OZ 070095000315 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL KIDNEY BEANS 15.4OZ 070095000339 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL NAVY BEANS 48OZ 070095000506 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL NAVY BEANS 15.4OZ 070095000537 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL BLACK BEANS 48OZ 070095000605 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL BLACK BEANS 24OZ 070095000612 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL BLACK BEANS 15.4OZ 070095000636 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL GARBANZO BEANS 24OZ 070095000711 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL GARBANZO BEANS 15.4OZ 070095000735 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL ULITMATE 4-BEAN MIX 48OZ 070095000902 ALL Prior to January 1 2025 Randall RANDALL ORGANIC GREAT NORTHERN BEANS 48OZ 070095005105 ALL Prior to January 1 2025

The product is sold in 48oz, 24oz, and 15.4oz glass jars with tan labels with "Randall" at the label top. Approximately 1.6 million cases of affected products were distributed between March 1, 2019 and May 15, 2021 at retail locations in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

The manufacturing deviations included a nonfunctioning temperature indicating device raising the possibility that the product was not effectively processed. Processing at temperatures below a required temperature could create a condition that could lead to premature spoilage or food borne illness; however, there have been no illnesses reported.

The company is issuing this voluntary recall as a precaution.

Consumers who have purchased jars of Randall-brand beans, regardless of the "Best By" date, should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company between 9 am and 5 pm at 513-793-6525.

Photo: Jars of Randall-brand beans

Photo: Randall Great Northern Beans 48oz

Expanded Press Release

###

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Michigan 529 Day Celebration is a Win-Win for Families Looking to Save for their Children's College Education

Michigan 529 Day Celebration is a Win-Win for Families Looking to Save for their Children's College Education

May 20, 2021

In celebration of National 529 Day, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) is providing families who sign up to give the gift of higher education savings to their children with a special gift of their own.

MET, the state's 529 prepaid college tuition plan, will offer a $50 match and waive the $25 enrollment fee on new contracts opened between May 21 and June 5. See SETwithMET.com for rules and eligibility.

Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET allows contract holders to secure future college tuition credits at today's prices.

"MET is an effective way for Michigan families to start saving for higher education regardless of their budget," said MET Executive Director Diane Brewer. "Efforts like National 529 Day highlight the importance of college savings while providing us unique opportunities to encourage families to start thinking about and planning for their children's future."

MET is hosting a series of webinars throughout the year to inform families about Michigan college savings plans, including features and benefits of MET contracts as well as the tax advantages of 529 savings plans like MET.

Held each year on May 29 - or 5/29 - 529 Day shines a spotlight on the importance of saving for college and how Section 529 plans can help families meet their goals. Named after the portion of the Internal Revenue Code that allowed for their creation, 529 plans are tax-advantaged savings vehicles offered by states.

Purchasers can open a MET contract online at SETwithMET.com using coupon code 529DAY. Only one account per beneficiary qualifies for the match, and MET will make the match after account holders complete their purchase of at least one credit hour of prepaid tuition.

More information about MET, including one-on-one concierge service sessions with MET experts, is available at SETwithMET.com, 800-MET-4-KID or treasMET@Michigan.gov.

About MET: Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET is Michigan's Section 529 prepaid tuition program that locks future tuition at any of the state's public universities and colleges at today's rates. MET contracts are portable to out-of-state and Michigan private colleges and universities, may be transferred to other eligible family members and are refundable if the student does not attend college. More than 96% of high school graduates with MET contracts have attended a college or university.

# # #

Press Contacts: Danelle Gittus or Ron Leix, Treasury Public Information Officers, at 517-335-2167
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iran's president on Thursday offered his most optimistic assessment yet of ongoing talks to resuscitate his country's nuclear deal with world powers, claiming there had been major" agreement among diplomats even as other nations involved suggested challenges remain.

The comments by President Hassan Rouhani come as Iran prepares for a June 18 election to determine who will replace the relatively moderate cleric. Saving his signature atomic accord before the vote could boost reformist and moderate candidates backing Rouhani's agenda in an election in which many believe hard-liners already hold an edge.

Speaking at a ceremony inaugurating several petrochemical projects, Rouhani asserted that solutions to major issues like sanctions had been agreed to by diplomats, while other issues remained under discussion.

We have taken a major and big step and the main agreement has been done, Rouhani said.

That comment came just as Mikhail Ulyanov, a Russian diplomat involved in the talks, tweeted that it is obvious now that the Vienna talks on (the deal) will not be completed by May 21 as the participants hoped. He described the situation as regrettable but not dramatic."

May 21 wasnt a deadline but a target date. It helped us not to forget about time pressure, Ulyanov wrote. The talks will continue until successful outcome.

That mirrored comments Wednesday by Enrique Mora, the European Union official who chaired the talks between Russia, China, Germany, France, Britain and Iran. He said told reporters we have made substantial progress though there were still things to be worked out.

Chinese diplomat Wang Qun was paraphrased by the state-run Xinhua news agency as saying there is still some distance away from the goal of reaching an agreement. European diplomats involved said after the talks that the were beginning to see the contours of what a final deal could look like but that success is not guaranteed."

Diplomats agreed to resume the talks in Vienna next week.

Specifics have been few from weeks of talks in Vienna, which aim to see Iran return to the limits the deal impose and the U.S. drop the sanctions it imposed after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the deal in 2018.

Iran has refused to engage in any direct talks with the U.S., however. Tehran now enriches small quantities of uranium to 60% purity, its highest level ever, maintains an ever-growing stockpile of lower-enriched uranium and operates advanced centrifuges  all things prohibited by the accord.

The Mideast also has been engulfed by a series of escalatory incidents involving the U.S. and Iran in the time since.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency faces a looming deadline with Iran over its inspections of Tehran's nuclear sites. It reached a temporary deal with Iran in February to ensure inspections continued, though Iran stopped allowing it to access footage recorded on cameras monitoring its nuclear sites.

Iran vowed to hold onto the footage for three months, but warned it would erase it if sanctions relief didn't come. That three-month deadline expires either Friday under the Gregorian calendar or Monday under the Persian calendar.

The IAEA said Thursday it and Iran are currently in consultations regarding the implementation of the existing understanding."

___

Associated Press writers David Rising in Berlin and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
According to a recent long-term study of the species, the population of white sharks that call the Central California coast home is stable at around 300 animals and is showing signs of development.

Hundreds of individual adult and subadult white sharks, which are not fully mature but old enough to feed on marine mammals, were identified by researchers between 2011 and 2018. They used this knowledge to calculate shark population estimates.

"The discovery, which was made after eight years of photographing and naming individual sharks in the population, is a valuable indication of the general health of the aquatic ecosystem in which the sharks breed," said Taylor Chapple, a co-author of the report and a researcher at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center.

White Sharks in California

White sharks, also known as "great" white sharks, are apex predators that prey on huge marine mammals such as elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions. According to Chapple, an assistant professor in OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences' Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, they play a significant role in the health of the aquatic ecosystem as apex predators.

The findings were recently published in Biological Conservation. Paul Kanive of Montana State University is the study's lead author. Jay Rotella of Montana State University, Scot Anderson of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Timothy White and Barbara Block of Stanford University, and Salvador Jorgensen of UC Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are all co-authors.

White sharks can be seen in any ocean on the planet. They can reach a length of 20 feet, weigh over 2,000 pounds, and live for up to 70 years. They are classified as an endangered species because of threats such as fishing, where they can get entangled in commercial fishing gear, and smuggling, where their fins and teeth are sought for trade.

The largest gathering of white sharks in the California Current, the strip of water off the West Coast of North America, is off the coast of Central California, stretching from Bodega Bay north of San Francisco to Monterey Bay.

Related Article: Shark Infestation in British Beaches Caused by Calmer Waters Due to Covid Protocols



Populations Around the World

Researchers also discovered that this population of white sharks spends approximately half of the year in coastal waters of the northeast Pacific, about halfway between Hawaii and Baja, Mexico, and the other half of the year along the Pacific Coast, thanks to more than 20 years of exploration. They may migrate as far north as Washington and as far south as Mexico. Still, they prefer to congregate off the coast of central California and on Guadalupe Island in Mexico.

Shark Research

Understanding the health of the species and making recommendations on population control and protections include monitoring animal habitats and identifying trends. Along with Jorgensen and Block, Chapple released the first estimation of California shark population size in 2011. The new research looks at the population's size and growth rates over a longer period of time.

Overall, the researchers discovered that there are about 300 white sharks in the world, and data indicate that the adult population increased slightly over time, while the subadult population remained stable. The results applied to both male and female sharks, but an estimation of the adult female population in this area revealed only about 60 sharks.

Protection

The Marine Mammal Protection Act, which covers many of the prey species vital to the survival of white sharks, and limits on the use of gillnets in the California coastal area are possible factors aiding the white shark population, according to Chapple. However, if white sharks leave US oceans, they are still at risk.

Also Read: Rising Number of Shark Attacks in Australia Reveals A Darker Story

Fore more news from the animal kingdom, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
With the announced changes to mask wearing in Michigan and the United States, some local school districts have made their own announcements on masks for the remainder of the school year.

The latest COVID-19 orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services allow persons to no longer wear a face mask if they are fully vaccinated, with the Centers for Disease Control issuing its own similar order about vaccinated persons no longer needing facemasks.

The Laker School District announced after the governors announcement it would be asking staff and students to bring verification of their vaccine card if they wished to attend school without masks, wanting to avoid the students bringing in their actual card since it can be easily lost.

In a letter addressed to parents, Laker Superintendent Brian Keim said that on Monday, May 17, all the staff reported to work with masks on and only a couple of older students were at school without masks.

I wish I could tell you that the mask mandates have become more clear, but that is not the case, Keim wrote in the letter. The CDC is recommending that schools remain in masks, MDHHS has confirmed that vaccinated students may attend schools without masks, and MIOSHA is still developing their response regarding employee expectations.

So at this point, we are asking everyone to continue forward in the same way we did today until better information becomes available.

Keim said the new orders being unveiled last Friday caught everyone in the district off guard and they needed to come up with guidance over the weekend. The district spoke with its attorneys at Thrun Law, who said that doing nothing was not an option, since the district would be opening itself up to liability for not protecting students.

Administrators were also advised that there are no HIPPA violations because that is just for the medical community, no ADA violations because this is not related to a particular disability, and no FERPA violations unless the district collected vaccine information from students and failed to protect it.

"I understand that this is an emotional topic and we don't take people's objections personally," Keim said. "Many times we are asked to enforce orders that we may not even agree with, but that is our professional duty as school administrators. I don't know of a school district anywhere that enjoys enforcing these ever changing mandates. We'll all be happy when COVID is behind us and we can get back to a normal way of life, whatever that may look like."

The Unionville-Sebewaing Area School District also announced it would be following the CDC guidelines in having students and staff wear masks for the remainder of the school year. This requirement includes hallways, classrooms, buses, and other enclosed settings.

The announcement also permits students to remove masks when they are outdoors during the school day.

We welcome this new relaxed mask rule and we look forward to our students and staff returning to a more normal experience when they are outdoors, said USA Superintendent George Rierson in a letter addressed to parents.

Rierson added that with only two weeks left in the school year, the district wants to finish with every student who wants to be in school, or their parents want them in school, and are healthy enough to continue. The district would still be cautious in order to keep students and staff healthy.

Through this entire process, the situation has been fluid and can change quickly, Rierson said. We plan to say the course. Weve had a good year in terms of controlling the virus, with only a few days of disruption to in-person learning.

Greg Newland, the Bad Axe Schools superintendent, said the district would be following local health department guidance and the latest MDHHS order, where fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks.

The district also has a plan for student-athletes where they complete weekly antigen testing. If they are fully vaccinated, they are exempt from that testing, though that is a small number of them at the moment.

Like the district has done all school year, we will continue to adjust our plan when those orders are revised at the state or local levels, Newland said.

Martin Prout, the North Huron Schools superintendent, said the district is currently following what the MDHHS guidelines are for students wearing masks and is not demanding any proof of vaccination at all.

Most of the teachers are wearing masks regardless and being good role models for students, Prout said, adding that the majority of staff has been vaccinated anyway.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP)  A Texas man convicted of fatally beating his 83-year-old great aunt more than two decades ago was executed Wednesday evening without media witnesses present because prison agency officials neglected to notify reporters it was time to carry out the punishment.

Quintin Jones received the lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the September 1999 killing of Berthena Bryant, agency spokesman Jeremy Desel said about 30 minutes after Jones was pronounced dead.

Desel never received the usual phone call from the Huntsville Unit prison to bring reporters from The Associated Press and The Huntsville Item to the prison. He and the media witnesses were waiting in an office across the street.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice can only apologize for this error and nothing like this will ever happen again, he said.

He said the execution, the first in Texas in nearly a year, included a number of new personnel who have never participated in the process.

"Somewhere in that mix there was never a phone call made to this office for me to accompany the witnesses across the street into the Huntsville Unit," Desel said.

Desel said he didn't immediately know if the glitch was a violation of state law or a violation of agency policy.

The previous 570 executions carried out by Texas since capital punishment resumed in 1982 all had at least one media witness.

My assumption is there will be a thorough investigation into how this all transpired and what was missed that allowed it to happen, and I expect that investigation is already underway, Desel said.

There were no unusual circumstances with the execution itself, he said, relying on accounts from agency officials who were inside the death chamber.

Jones made a brief statement thanking his supporters and expressing love for them.

I was so glad to leave this world a better, more positive place, he said, according to a prison transcript of his remarks. "It's not an easy life with all of the negativity.

I hope I left everyone a plate of food full of happy memories, happiness and no sadness.

As the lethal dose of pentobarbital was administered, he took four or five deep breaths followed by "a long deep snore," Desel said.

Jones was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m., 12 minutes after the drugs began.

Less than an hour before the scheduled punishment, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt the 41-year-old man's execution.

Prosecutors said after Bryant refused to lend Jones money, he beat her with a bat in her Fort Worth home then took $30 from her purse to buy drugs.

Some of Bryants family members, including her sister Mattie Long, had said they didnt want Jones to be executed. Jones was Longs grandnephew.

Because I was so close to Bert, her death hurt me a lot. Even so, God is merciful. Quintin cant bring her back. I cant bring her back. I am writing this to ask you to please spare Quintins life, Long wrote in a letter that was part of Jones clemency petition with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The board denied Jones clemency petition on Tuesday and Gov. Greg Abbott didnt go against that decision and also declined to delay the execution. Abbott has granted clemency to only one death row inmate, Thomas Whitaker, since taking office in 2015.

On Wednesday, Jones attorney filed a civil rights complaint against the board, alleging race played an impermissible role in its denial of Jones petition. Jones attorney argued the case was similar to that of Whitakers and the only difference was that Whitaker is white and Jones was Black. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. dismissed the complaint, writing that Jones didnt present direct evidence of his allegation.

Helena Faulkner, a Tarrant County assistant criminal district attorney whose office prosecuted Jones, said not all of Bryants family members had opposed the execution.

In his final appeals, Jones attorney, Michael Mowla, argued that Jones was intellectually disabled and that his death sentence was based on since discredited testimony that wrongly labeled him as a psychopath and a future danger. Mowla also said Jones history of drug and alcohol abuse that started at age 12 and physical and sexual abuse he suffered were never considered at his trial.

Jones was the first inmate in Texas to receive a lethal injection since the July 8 execution of Billy Joe Wardlow. Four other executions had been set for earlier this year but were either delayed or rescheduled. While Texas is usually the nations busiest death penalty state, in 2020 it executed only three inmates  the fewest executions in nearly 25 years, mainly because of the pandemic.

In court documents filed last week, prosecutors argued the death sentence was justified because Jones had a violent history, including assaulting teachers and participating in two other murders.

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Lozano reported from Houston.

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Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70
MIDDLETOWN  An 18-year-old man was charged with murder Thursday after an individual who drove to the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department with multiple stab wounds died at the hospital, authorities say.

The victim was found around 2:15 p.m. in the firehouses parking lot on East Street, police said. Life Star was called, but medics were unable to stabilize the victim for transport, they said.

The victim was taken to Middlesex Hospital and later pronounced deceased, according to a press release.

Since the killing has been ruled an incident of domestic violence, police said they will not identify the victim.

Not long after the victim arrived at the firehouse, officers found the suspect, later identified as Eugenio Vela, of Middletown, on Ridgewood Road, police said.

Investigators learned that he had stabbed the victim while the two were in a car nearby and then fled, police said.

Officers reported finding the weapon used in the attack, but police did not provide a description.

After taking Vela into custody, police learned that he was the subject of two protective orders involving the victim, they said.

Vela faces charges including murder and violation of a protective order. Police said he was the subject of an active arrest warrant for a separate incident in which hes accused of violating a protective order associated with the victim.

Vela was held on more than $1 million bond and scheduled to appear in Middletown court on Friday, police said.

They are asking anyone with information to contact the Special Investigations Unit at 860-638-4132.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the victim was not flown to the hospital.
AP

LIMON, Colo. (AP)  A sheriffs deputy was in serious but stable condition Thursday after being hit by a hail of gunfire while trying to stop merchandise from being stolen from a truck parked along the highway during a foggy night on Colorados eastern plains, authorities said.

The suspected gunman was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot about 1,000 yards (914 meters) away after officers from around the sparsely populated but close-knit rural region poured in to help, Capt. Michael Yowell of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Thursday hailed the cease-fire in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, saying he sees a genuine opportunity toward the larger goal of building a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Biden credited the Egyptian government with playing a crucial role in brokering the cease-fire and said he and top White House aides were intensely involved in an hour by hour effort to stop the bloodletting.

I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy, Biden said. My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that.

The president spoke soon after Israel and Hamas announced a cease-fire would go into effect at 2 a.m. local time Friday, ending an 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a halt. The fighting killed at least 227 in Gaza and 12 in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel accepted the Egyptian proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the deal.

Biden, who spoke to Netanyahu six times in the last 11 days, said Thursday the prime minister credited the Iron Dome missile defense system with limiting the death toll inside Israel. The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells. Biden said he assured Netanyahu that his administration would work to quickly restock the missile defense system.

Biden and Netanyahu spoke twice Thursday, first after the Israeli Cabinet decided to accept the Egyptian proposal, according to an official familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition on anonymity. There was still about 2 hours to go before the cease-fire went into effect and both U.S. and Israeli officials were concerned that Hamas could fire another barrage of rockets and unravel the agreement.

As the deadline drew near, Netanyahu called Biden again to let him know he believed the cease-fire was moving forward.

The cease-fire was announced one day after Biden told Netanyahu in a telephone call that he expected significant de-escalation of the fighting by days end, according to the White House. But the prime minister came right back with a public declaration that he was determined to continue the Gaza operation until its objective is achieved.

Hours before the cease-fire agreement was reached, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Israelis had achieved significant military objectives in their strikes intended to degrade Hamas military capabilities and reiterated that Biden expected the Israelis to start winding down their operations.

We believe the Israelis have achieved significant military objectives that they laid out to achieve in relation to protecting their people and to responding to the thousands of rocket attacks from Hamas, Psaki said.

The White House, according the official, was not concerned by Netanyahus comments that seemed to contradict Biden's call to de-escalate. The prime minister, administration officials believed, did not want to telegraph to Hamas that he was ready to accept terms to end the violence and was also sending a message to a domestic audience that had become traumatized by the barrage of rocket fire.

Biden, who studiously avoided extensive public comment about the Israeli military strikes through the 11-day conflict, was facing mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment.

Throughout the crisis, Biden, in carefully-worded statements and brief exchanges with reporters, underscored Israels right to defend itself. But as the death toll and suffering of innocent bystanders in Gaza spread, the position was becoming more difficult to sustain with his Democratic caucus and the international community.

On Tuesday, while in Michigan to visit a Ford facility, Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib confronted Biden on the Detroit airport tarmac and called on him to speak out forcefully against the Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York introduced resolutions to block the sale of $735 million in military weaponry to Israel thats already been approved by the Biden administration.

As the outside calls for Biden to speak more forcefully grew, Biden and top aides privately made the case to Israeli officials that time wasnt on their side in the court of public opinion.

Biden and Netanyahu have known each other for more than 30 years and have frequently butted heads. Their conversations through the crisis were far from scripted and they probed each other on how they were gaming the path forward, according to the official familiar with the leaders' conversations.

Administration officials pointed to Hezbollahs stature rising in the region after their 34-day war with Israel in 2006 to make the case for limiting the time of the military action. Israeli officials pushed back that a slightly prolonged campaign to degrade Hamas military capabilities was necessary and in their interest, according a person familiar with the talks who was not authorized to discuss them publicly.

Hamas had sought to portray their rocket barrages as a defense of Jerusalem. Israeli officials made the case to the White House that Hamas message lost resonance as mob violence against Arabs in mixed Israeli cities, including Lod, was tamped down.

Biden, in his remarks Thursday, reiterated that United States continues to fully support Israels right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas and other Gaza-based militants.

Biden also offered condolences for Palestinian lives lost during the conflict and vowed humanitarian aid would quickly flow through the Palestinian Authority, which is in control of the West Bank but not Gaza.

We will do this in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas ... and in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal, Biden said.
CHICAGO (AP)  Lori Lightfoot had her work cut out for her when she became mayor of Chicago in 2019, running as a progressive Democrat and outsider who would bring big change to City Hall. Among her early challenges: a troubled police department, deep financial problems, entrenched inequality, a teacher strike and a president who liked to pile on via Twitter.

Then the job got really difficult.

Lightfoot acknowledged this week that she hasn't accomplished much of what she had hoped when she replaced former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel as mayor of the nations third-largest city, promising to do the job better. The pandemic and protests over police violence upended many of those plans, she said, adding she is unbelievably proud of what her administration has done.

But as she reaches the halfway point of her four-year term on Thursday, she faces an abundance of critics over her performance, and dozens of people protested near her home. Lightfoot drew new scrutiny this week by announcing that she would do one-on-one interviews about her tenure so far only with journalists of color because of the overwhelming whiteness and maleness" of city media.

Lightfoot's struggles have ignited new questions over whether big city mayors' problems these days mostly lie with flawed officeholders who overpromise or with the job itself. Some cities, especially Chicago, now seem to stagger from one mayor under attack to the next.

The reality is, Im the mayor. Im the target, said Lightfoot, 58, who is Chicagos first Black woman and first openly gay mayor. People are unhappy, people are angry. And criticism comes with the job.

Lightfoot is dealing with limitations that have confronted other progressive Democrats elected in recent years as cities have grown more left-leaning, as to what political or legal power they actually have to get things done, said Richard Schragger, a University of Virginia law professor who has written about mayoral powers.

What these mayors want to do often requires approval from state government or is constrained by the political realities of representing sometimes millions of people with different interests. A progressive mayor whose supporters have called for defunding police, for example, enters office with a slightly hostile relationship to police, even as the mayor needs to rely on officers to police the city or help implement reforms.

They're operating in an environment where making change is really hard, Schragger said.

As for the campaign promises? It's very hard to run on a platform of Ill do what I can within the constraints that restrain me.'

The pandemic highlighted some of the handicaps faced by Democratic mayors in states controlled by Republican governors. In Texas, for example, the Democratic mayor of Houston wanted to keep a mask requirement in place, but Republican Gov. Greg Abbott lifted the mask mandate statewide. But roadblocks exist even when mayors, governors and Legislatures are controlled by the same party. In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio tried for years to raise taxes on the highest earners but met with resistance from a fellow Democrat, Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Lightfoot has clashed with Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. He recently signed union-backed legislation regarding firefighter pensions despite Lightfoot's objection that it would add to Chicago's financial stresses. She blasted the move as typical Springfield lawmakers cutting backroom deals.

Chicago Public Schools, which serves some 300,000 students and has a roughly $8 billion budget, has been a particular problem for Lightfoot, with its shaky finances and academic shortcomings  one of the inherited issues she was supposed to improve. The mayor controls the district through an appointed school board, but she has tussled repeatedly with the Chicago Teachers Union, which backed Lightfoot's Democratic opponent in the 2019 mayoral runoff.

Democratic lawmakers in the state capital are backing a plan to wrest control from the mayor's office and create an elected school board in Chicago. Lightfoot, who said during the campaign she would support an elected board, is now pushing instead for a board with some elected but most appointed.

Cassandra Kaczocha, a mother of two who lives on Chicagos North Side, was an early supporter of Lightfoot and voted for her over roughly a dozen other candidates, calling her the anti-Rahm. Emanuel was criticized as too hard-charging and business friendly at the expense of working class and poor residents. Lightfoot talked about equity and listened to people, said Kaczocha, whose family is Black and wanted to see the new mayor address inequality in education, policing and other areas.

But her shift on the school board issue is the kind of broken promise that Kaczocha can't accept.

I thought she'd govern like she campaigned, and we didn't get that, she said. We got a very dictatorial style of governing, just like we did with Rahm, and it's disappointing.

Lightfoot has also angered activists by opposing a plan for civilian oversight of the police department and over news that her administration spent roughly $280 million of COVID relief funds to cover the cost of police personnel, including for security at COVID-related sites.

Residents in a predominantly Latino and Black highly industrial neighborhood on the city's southeast side protested for months over the relocation of a metal shredding facility from the predominantly white North Side to the former site of Republic Steel, saying the air they breathe already is overly polluted. And Lightfoot was criticized following the wrongful police raid before she became mayor of a Black woman who wasn't allowed to put her clothes on, an incident she learned about in late 2019 but that the city fought to keep under wraps.

Meanwhile, gun violence in the city has increased. She's also seen a number of top staff leave her administration, including most recently the head of Chicago Public Schools.

Lightfoot is touting the things she has been able to accomplish, including battling COVID and providing vaccines in a data-driven and equitable manner" and working with businesses and philanthropic groups to invest in certain neighborhoods on the citys south and west sides. Her team's work saved lives, she said.

No easy decisions, not one, but Im proud of the work that weve done," Lightfoot said. "I go to sleep at night comforted in the knowledge that every day I have worked my tail off for the residents of this city and I will continue to every day.
Littleton Courier Tourism icon Dick Hamilton honored in Franconia Notch

by Angel Larcom

Gov. Chris Sununu (right) shared a laugh with former Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund President Dick Hamilton (left) during a memorial bench unveiling ceremony in Hamilton's honor last week. (Photo by Angel Larcom) (click for larger version) FRANCONIA  New Hampshire tourism icon Dick Hamilton was honored with a memorial bench and well-attended ceremony at the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza in Franconia Notch last week. The event came less than a year after the Memorial Plaza's completion and ribbon-cutting ceremony.



The Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund and the NH Division of Parks and Recreation hosted the outdoor ceremony to recognize Richard "Dick" Hamilton for his enthusiastic leadership in creating the enduring memorial to the Old Man of the Mountain.



"When I think of the words Legacy Fund, I immediately think of Dick Hamilton. The two are synonymous," stated Executive Councilor Joseph Kenney.



Former governor Craig Benson appointed a task force after the Old Man's collapse on May 3, 2003. The group eventually became the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to developing a monument. Hamilton was the driving force behind the group's fundraising efforts.



In addition to his work with the Legacy Fund, Hamilton led the Lincoln-based White Mountains Attractions organization from 1970 to 2005. He became the NH Travel Council's first President during its formation in 1974, a role in which he served for ten years.



Hamilton also served as the first director of Ski NH, one of the top three ski associations in the country. In 2018, he became a Granite State Legacy Award recipient for his lifetime commitment to boosting the tourism economy across the state.



Hamilton's son Trevor opened the ceremony, reading remarks from Franconia Notch State Park Manager John Devivo, who could not attend.



"When we were growing up, we used to drive through the Notch. On a day like today when you couldn't quite see the Old Man, dad would always say the Old Man must be smoking his pipe," said Hamilton.



NH Forest Society President Jack Savage spoke of the group's partnership with the State in the 1920s to protect the Notch. He also noted the Society's 50-year relationship with Hamilton and the White Mountain Attractions.



"The Forest Society's mission, among other things, is to perpetuate places of special scenic beauty and we do that with a board of trustees, volunteers and a staff of 45. Dick Hamilton has done that almost single-handedly," stated Savage.



State Rep. Dennis Thompson read a proclamation issued by New Hampshire Speaker of the House Sherman Packard, who could not attend the ceremony. The declaration recognized Hamilton as the original Chairman of the Board of the Old Man Legacy Fund and his tireless work to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in private funding for the Memorial Plaza.



Local representatives for Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen and Congresswoman Anne Kuster also read letters in Hamilton's honor. Senator Chris Pappas also wrote a congratulatory note.



Shaheen's letter stated, "We come together today to wish Dick Hamilton all the best and thank him for his many contributions to New Hampshire's tourism industry. His stewardship of White Mountains Attractions helped to turn the region into a must-visit destination for people looking for a welcoming, fun and breathtakingly beautiful place to travel or relocate."



Hassan's letter noted, "Dick served the Granite State for more than 60 years. His contributions to the travel and tourism industry, as well as the White Mountain Attractions, exemplified the all-hands-on-deck spirit of New Hampshire. We roll up our sleeves and work together to get things done. I'm grateful for your leadership and your stewardship of the Old Man in the Mountain Legacy Fund and for all of your work to honor the history of the Old Man."



Kenney stated," One of the pleasures as you Executive Councilor is that I get to represent the fun parts of the district or the state and in doing so, I met Dick Hamilton. I've enjoyed working with him over the years on many projects, but got to know him as an individual who's very spirited, full of wisdom and cares deeply about this state."



Sununu spoke of Hamilton's willingness to go the extra mile to achieve goals. He said, "Dick was always the go-to guy. He was always willing to step up, put the teams together and inspire others to join him in those causes."



The granite bench honoring Dick Hamilton is a short walk south of the Memorial Plaza, positioned perfectly to view the rocky outcropping where the Old Man once stood. The inscription on the bench reads; "Richard "Dick" Hamilton: the Old Man's best friend and the driving force behind the memorial." FRANCONIA  New Hampshire tourism icon Dick Hamilton was honored with a memorial bench and well-attended ceremony at the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza in Franconia Notch last week. The event came less than a year after the Memorial Plaza's completion and ribbon-cutting ceremony.The Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund and the NH Division of Parks and Recreation hosted the outdoor ceremony to recognize Richard "Dick" Hamilton for his enthusiastic leadership in creating the enduring memorial to the Old Man of the Mountain."When I think of the words Legacy Fund, I immediately think of Dick Hamilton. The two are synonymous," stated Executive Councilor Joseph Kenney.Former governor Craig Benson appointed a task force after the Old Man's collapse on May 3, 2003. The group eventually became the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to developing a monument. Hamilton was the driving force behind the group's fundraising efforts.In addition to his work with the Legacy Fund, Hamilton led the Lincoln-based White Mountains Attractions organization from 1970 to 2005. He became the NH Travel Council's first President during its formation in 1974, a role in which he served for ten years.Hamilton also served as the first director of Ski NH, one of the top three ski associations in the country. In 2018, he became a Granite State Legacy Award recipient for his lifetime commitment to boosting the tourism economy across the state.Hamilton's son Trevor opened the ceremony, reading remarks from Franconia Notch State Park Manager John Devivo, who could not attend."When we were growing up, we used to drive through the Notch. On a day like today when you couldn't quite see the Old Man, dad would always say the Old Man must be smoking his pipe," said Hamilton.NH Forest Society President Jack Savage spoke of the group's partnership with the State in the 1920s to protect the Notch. He also noted the Society's 50-year relationship with Hamilton and the White Mountain Attractions."The Forest Society's mission, among other things, is to perpetuate places of special scenic beauty and we do that with a board of trustees, volunteers and a staff of 45. Dick Hamilton has done that almost single-handedly," stated Savage.State Rep. Dennis Thompson read a proclamation issued by New Hampshire Speaker of the House Sherman Packard, who could not attend the ceremony. The declaration recognized Hamilton as the original Chairman of the Board of the Old Man Legacy Fund and his tireless work to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in private funding for the Memorial Plaza.Local representatives for Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen and Congresswoman Anne Kuster also read letters in Hamilton's honor. Senator Chris Pappas also wrote a congratulatory note.Shaheen's letter stated, "We come together today to wish Dick Hamilton all the best and thank him for his many contributions to New Hampshire's tourism industry. His stewardship of White Mountains Attractions helped to turn the region into a must-visit destination for people looking for a welcoming, fun and breathtakingly beautiful place to travel or relocate."Hassan's letter noted, "Dick served the Granite State for more than 60 years. His contributions to the travel and tourism industry, as well as the White Mountain Attractions, exemplified the all-hands-on-deck spirit of New Hampshire. We roll up our sleeves and work together to get things done. I'm grateful for your leadership and your stewardship of the Old Man in the Mountain Legacy Fund and for all of your work to honor the history of the Old Man."Kenney stated," One of the pleasures as you Executive Councilor is that I get to represent the fun parts of the district or the state and in doing so, I met Dick Hamilton. I've enjoyed working with him over the years on many projects, but got to know him as an individual who's very spirited, full of wisdom and cares deeply about this state."Sununu spoke of Hamilton's willingness to go the extra mile to achieve goals. He said, "Dick was always the go-to guy. He was always willing to step up, put the teams together and inspire others to join him in those causes."The granite bench honoring Dick Hamilton is a short walk south of the Memorial Plaza, positioned perfectly to view the rocky outcropping where the Old Man once stood. The inscription on the bench reads; "Richard "Dick" Hamilton: the Old Man's best friend and the driving force behind the memorial."

Littleton Courier Resilience celebrated at LHS graduation Bethlehem celebrates Patsie Bonardi Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A former Tigard police officer who shot and killed Jacob Macduff in January has been fired from his new job with the Port of Portland Police.

Port of Portland spokesperson Kama Simonds told Oregon Public Broadcasting that Officer Gabriel Maldonado is not eligible for employment at the Port as he is under active investigation.

She said the Port regrets that the status of the investigation wasnt brought to light during their hiring process.

"If we had known the Washington County investigation was open, we would not have offered him the position, Simonds said.

Maldonado started at the Port of Portland on April 19, four days after resigning from the Tigard Police Department. At the time, the Washington County District Attorney had not completed its investigation into the Macduff shooting.

OPB first reported Maldonado in April that he had started his new job while under investigation and he was placed on leave until his termination Wednesday.

Newly obtained records by OPB show the Port of Portland was directly told the investigation had cleared Maldonado.

Earlier this month, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton said his office would give the Macduff shooting investigation to the Oregon Department of Justice, leaving a charging decision up to the state.

A spokesperson for Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said her office received the case files last week and had not yet made a decision in the case.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  With new COVID-19 vaccinations declining, Kansas is changing its strategy for reaching herd immunity from holding mass immunization clinics to having doctor's offices and pharmacies give shots.

Public health officials said this week that the change will make getting the shots more convenient for some people or tap into their existing trust in their doctors to overcome hesitation about getting vaccinated. Kansas has continued to have more than 600,000 unused doses since late April and the state has ratcheted back on ordering more from the federal government  seeking only 2.3% of its allotment for this week, or 3,440 of the 147,600 doses available.

County health departments have cut hours for mass vaccination clinics, and since the end of April, the state Department of Health and Environment has allowed health care providers to order as little as a single vial of doses at a time.

"Whatever it takes to facilitate individuals getting vaccinated, thats what we want to do, said Paula Rowden, a registered nurse and the administrator for the Stevens County Health Department in southwest Kansas.

The state reported that as of Wednesday, about 1.18 million of the state's 2.9 million residents, or 40.5%, had received at least one vaccine shot.

The pace of vaccinations in Kansas peaked at an average of 29,380 shots a day for the seven days ending April 7. They've declined since and averaged 7,530 a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, according to state data.

Department spokeswoman Kristi Zears said a general consensus is that reaching herd immunity requires 75% to 80% of the population to have COVID-19 antibodies, either from vaccinations or previous infections. The state's data suggests that if vaccinations don't pick up again, that would not happen for months.

Herd immunity can differ by disease. For example, it's 80% for polio and 95% for measles, said Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the health department in Johnson County, the state's most populous county.

The more people that we vaccinate, the more that we break the cycle of transmission, Areola said.

The state reported that 43.7% of Johnson County residents had received at least one vaccine shot as of Wednesday, the fourth-highest rate among Kansas' 105 counties. In Stevens County, the figure is 22.8%, making it one of four counties below 25%.

Public health officials said mass clinics were effective in managing immunizations when vaccine supplies were limited and demand was high and later when many people remained eager to get immunized.

But Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of infection control for the University of Kansas Health System, said changing the strategy is probably going to be able to get the vaccines into arms a lot better.

Public health officials do expect mass vaccination clinics to continue for some time, even if they'll be scaled back. Gov. Laura Kelly toured one Monday at Topeka High School, where 250 to 275 students aged 12 to 15  and a few parents  got their first shots.

I think it's important for young people, and I think it's important for everyone, said Laura Vandruff, a 15-year-old Topeka High sophomore who received her first shot Monday.

Public health officials said some Kansas residents were put off by mass vaccination clinics, either because they found the locations or times inconvenient or because they were uncomfortable with the setting. Others who've hesitated to get the vaccine will trust their personal doctors' advice to get shots, they said.

We do know that people's personal physicians are their most trusted medical adviser," Kelly told reporters after touring the Topeka High clinic.

But public health officials also face the question of how many people still won't get vaccinated, even if they can do it at a doctor's office or in a pharmacy without an appointment.

Were reaching a point of saturation for the individuals who are interested in being vaccinated, said Rowden, the health department administrator in Stevens County.

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This story has been corrected to show that the Johnson County health directors name is Sanmi Areola.

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Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter/apjdhanna
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union's executive arm on Thursday finalized a third vaccine contract with Pfizer and BioNTech through 2023 for an additional 1.8 billion doses of their COVID-19 shot to share between the bloc's countries except for Hungary, which opted out of the deal.

The European commission said the contract, which was agreed on behalf of all 27 EU countries earlier this month, will allow the buying of 900 million doses of the current shots and of a serum adapted to the virus' variants, with an option to purchase an extra 900 million shots.

Although EU nations agreed to keep on with their strategy of buying doses collectively, Hungary decided not to be part of the new purchase agreement that followed previous agreements with the two companies for 600 million shots.

Therefore it will not be covered by the contract," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said following a meeting with health ministers from the region. All other member states will have the opportunity to purchase vaccines under the new contract."

Hungary is using vaccines from China and Russia in addition to Western jabs. About 40% of Hungary's population has received at least one dose of vaccine, the second-highest vaccination rate in the EU.

The signature of the new agreement comes less than a week before a court hearing in Brussels pitting the Commission against the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which is accused by the EU of failing to deliver the promised number of doses of its own vaccine.

The Commission said that the deal with Pfizer-BioNTech stipulates that the production of doses must be based in the EU and that essential components are sourced from the region. From the start of the supply in 2022, the delivery to the EU is guaranteed," the Commission said.

AstraZenecas contract with the EU foresaw an initial 300 million doses for distribution among member countries, with an option for a further 100 million. The doses were expected to be delivered throughout 2021 but only 30 million were sent during the first quarter. According to the Commission, the company is set to provide only 70 million doses in the second quarter, rather than the 180 million it had promised.

In sharp contrast with the tense nature of its relationship with AstraZeneca, the Commission highlighted its well-established cooperation" with BioNTech and Pfizer guaranteeing that timely deliveries of the doses are ensured."

The Commission said that under the new deal EU countries will have the possibility to donate some of their allocated doses to non-EU countries or through the U.N-backed effort known as COVAX, which is providing vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.

Kyriakides said the EU is now prioritizing vaccine technologies that have proven their worth, like mRNA vaccines."

The active ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is messenger RNA, or mRNA, which contains the instructions for human cells to construct a harmless piece of the coronavirus called the spike protein. The human immune system recognizes the spike protein as foreign, allowing it to mount a response against the virus upon infection.

But we keep our options open," Kyriakides said. The past months have clearly demonstrated the need to have access to a broad portfolio of vaccines and different technologies, as well as reliable partners. As the pace of vaccination increases every day and work on effective therapeutics intensifies, we can look ahead with more optimism and confidence.

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told an event organized by Germanys WDR public television that, by the end of this week, 260 million doses of vaccine will have been delivered in Europe. She acknowledged that countries such as the U.S. and U.K. were faster to start with, but said that has been put into perspective over time.

After its much-criticized slow start, she said the blocs COVID-19 vaccination drive is a success.

Yes, there was a lot of criticism of the European Union at the beginning," she said in comments broadcast Thursday. What counts in the end is that the European Union reliably delivers vaccines to its 450 million citizens day by day, and that we can say we got there together as a community. Measured by that, our European vaccination campaign is a success.

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Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

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Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine
CASPER, Wyo. (AP)  Bryan Miller, a two-time U.S. Senate hopeful, has announced he is running for Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat, joining eight known Republican candidates challenging incumbent Rep. Liz Cheney, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump.

Miller made his candidacy known during a Wyoming Republican Party meeting in Cody last weekend where everyone who filed to run in the 2022 election was asked to stand, the Casper Star-Tribune reported Tuesday.

Miller, who owns a consulting business and is chairman of the Sheridan Republican Party, stood, and he confirmed to the newspaper that he filed his papers last week. He previously served in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel after more than 20 years.

Miller said that because he often travels around the state as a consultant, he believes he has insight into the state that most of these other candidates dont have.

He said he will formally announce his candidacy in the next few weeks and will make a greater effort to raise money and get publicity compared with his previous campaigns.

The majority of candidates challenging Cheney, including Miller, support false claims that President Joe Bidens 2020 victory was illegitimate. Cheney's colleagues removed her from a House Republican leadership position last week for repeatedly criticizing Trump for his role in the U.S. Capitol attack and his false claims that he lost the election because of widespread voting fraud.

Cheney recently told reporters that she welcomed anybody who wanted to join the race against her.

Sheridan businesswoman Robyn Belinskey also confirmed her candidacy to the Star-Tribune on Tuesday.
A Connecticut judge set $20 million bail Thursday for a man charged with killing a Yale graduate student and eluding authorities for three months before being arrested in Alabama, where officials said he was caught living under a fake name with $19,000 in cash, a passport and several cellphones.

Qinxuan Pan was extradited to Connecticut on Wednesday night and arraigned Thursday in New Haven Superior Court. He is charged with murder and larceny in connection with the fatal shooting of Kevin Jiang on a New Haven street on Feb. 6.

Pan's lawyer, William Gerace, said Pan intends to plead not guilty to the charges. He said Pan, 30, has no criminal record and is an affable young man. Pan appeared during the hearing via video from a lockup.

I cant imagine him doing this crime ... and I look forward to finding out the true facts, Gerace said in a phone interview after the court hearing.

Pan, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MIT graduate, was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, on May 14. Authorities have not disclosed how they found him or what the motive for the shooting was.

Jiang, 26, had recently been engaged to be married. His fiancee, Zion Perry, graduated from MIT last year. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed any connections between Pan, Perry and the killing of Jiang.

Judge Brian Fischer set bail at $20 million and said if Pan manages to post it, he is prohibited from having any contact with a protected person" with the initials Z.P.

Prosecutor Stacey Miranda said during the hearing that Pan rented an apartment in Montgomery under a false name and had $19,000 in cash, his father's passport and several cellphones. She asked the judge to set bail at $50 million, saying Pan's family is wealthy and he is a flight risk.

The state believes his act of extreme violence, flight, the fact that he was very difficult to apprehend, the steps taken to elude law enforcement and his national and international ties prove he is an extreme danger to the community and a major flight risk," Miranda said.

Jiang was found wounded by multiple gunshots and lying outside his car on a New Haven street at about 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 6. Local and international arrest warrants were issued, and U.S. marshals offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Pan's arrest.

Jiang, who grew up in Chicago, was a graduate student at Yales School of the Environment. He was an Army veteran who graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle in 2016 with a bachelors degree in environmental studies, according to an obituary prepared by his family.

Pan worked as a researcher in MITs computer science and artificial intelligence laboratory, according to his Facebook page. He is a U.S. citizen who was born in Shanghai, China. His last known address was in Malden, Massachusetts.
BOSTON (AP)  Massachusetts school districts are stepping up their efforts to vaccinate eligible students before the end of the school year.

Nearly 300 students signed up for Worcester's first at-school COVID-19 vaccine clinic Tuesday at Worcester Technical High School, The Telegram & Gazette reported.

Clinics are scheduled for Wednesday at North High School and South High Community School, and later this week at Doherty Memorial High, Claremont Academy and University Park Campus School, and Burncoat High.

Students who receive a vaccine this month will be able to get their second dose at another round of school clinics next month.

Some students said they got a shot to protect more vulnerable family members.

Brayden Auger, a freshman at Worcester Tech, said he wanted to protect his infant cousins. Sophomore Francisco Alvarado said his mother is immunocompromised and he decided to get a shot to protect her.

Deirdre Arvidson, a Barnstable County Public Health nurse, told the Cape Cod Times the county hopes to administer up to 1,200 first doses in area schools by early June, starting Thursday with a clinic at Monomoy Regional High School in Harwich.

Clinics are also scheduled this week for the Nauset Regional School District and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School.

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IMMUNIZATIONS

Nearly 7.3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Massachusetts as of Wednesday.

That includes nearly 4 million first doses and more than 3 million second doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

There have been about 235,000 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered.

Nearly 3.3 million people have been fully immunized.

Gov. Charlie Baker has set a goal of fully vaccinating 4.1 million of the states 7 million residents by the first week of June.
NEW HAVEN  Two city residents were shot overnight, according to police, as a recent spate of violence in New Haven continues.

Officers who were called to Waverly Street near Constance Baker Motley Street around 10:24 p.m. Tuesday for a ShotSpotter alert of gunfire found a 29-year-old New Haven man who had been wounded once, Officer Scott Shumway said in an email.

The male was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital where he was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is listed in stable condition, Shumway said.

Officers then responded to Fairmont Avenue around 12:21 a.m. Wednesday after 911 callers reported a person had been shot, Shumway said.

Responding Officers located a 29-year-old New Haven man, on the side of a house, suffering from a single gunshot wound, Shumway said. American Medical Response transported the victim to Yale New Haven Hospital where he received treatment for a non-life-threatening injury and was listed in stable condition.

On behalf of the department, Shumway asked that any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304 or 1-866-888-TIPS (8477).

Acting Police Chief Renee Dominguez and Mayor Justin Elicker asked for help from the public and described the citys plans to combat the violence Tuesday, speaking at a press event regarding a recent surge in shootings.

Dominguez said the violence was a tragic turn of events, and noted the city has seized seven guns since Thursday and has taken 191 guns off the street so far in 2021.

Elicker said plans to respond include the creation of a new shooting task force, increased outreach in the communities and use of the citys new drop-in reentry center to provide additional support and resources for people coming out of prison, he said.

New Havens not an island, said Elicker. We need to work together to stem the increased gun violence, he said.

There have been two homicides in New Haven in recent days, as well as three other shootings.

Jack Hopeton, 44, with a last known address in Waterbury, was fatally wounded shortly before 6 a.m. on George Street near Orchard Street Tuesday, according to police.

Mariyah Inthirath, 20, died after suffering a single gunshot wound on Sheffield Avenue Saturday.

There have been 11 homicides so far this year in New Haven.

Before the deaths of Hopeton and Inthirath, Alfreda Youmans, Jeffery Dotson, Jorge Osorio-Caballero, Marquis Winfrey, Joseph Mattei, Kevin Jiang, Angel Rodriguez, Dwaneia Turner, and Alessia Mesquita had been killed in the city to date this year.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
HARTFORD  A West Hartford resident was killed and three other individuals were wounded in several separate shootings in the city Tuesday night, according to police officials.

The shootings spanned about a two-hour time period, with all but one victim listed in stable condition by early Wednesday morning, Lt. Aaron Boisvert said.

The first shooting around 8:30 p.m., wounded a man in his 30s in the area of Albany Avenue and Adams Street. He was taken to the hospital by medics and was listed in stable condition.

Less than 10 minutes later, gunfire rang out in the 500 block of Albany Avenue. Boisvert said a man was shot multiple times. The victim, identified as 43-year-old Levar Jackson of Hillcrest Avenue in West Hartford, arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. Boisvert said Jackson was initially in critical condition Tuesday night but later died from his injuries.

Shortly after 10 p.m., police were once again alerted to gunshots in the city.

Officers responded to the 400 block of Washington Street and found a man in his 30s on Allen Place suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. A second victim from this shooting, a man in his 20s, was dropped off at a local hospital by private vehicle and remains in stable condition.

All three shootings remain under investigation.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to call 860-722-TIPS.
Littleton Courier 154,000 gallons of leachate spill at Bethlehem landfill

by Angel Larcom BETHLEHEM  According to an incident report filed with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services on May 7, approximately 154,000 gallons of leachate spilled intermittently at the Bethlehem landfill between May 1 and May 3.



In its simplest terms, leachate is any liquid that extracts soluble materials as it passes through solid matter. While much of the water that passes through landfills comes from rain or snow, it can also be the by-product of decomposed organic materials within the landfill itself. In the environmental context of landfills, leachate can quickly become harmful, toxic or carcinogenic.



The incident occurred one week after North Country Environmental Services received written notice from NHDES of a permit modification violation in the Stage V development of the landfill for exceeding height and lateral capacity restrictions.



In the report filed by Casella engineer John Gay, system control and tank level information indicated that the spill began at 9:30 a.m. on May 1 and continued until 6:40 a.m. two days later.



A Stage IV, Phase II sump pump did not receive the necessary inhibit signal after Tank A had reached capacity. The excess leachate flowed into an out-of-service valve box and over-topped, then poured onto the ground near one of the landfill's detention ponds.



A master supervisory control and data acquisition system electronic control unit (SCADA) collects and transmits electrical signals to various electronic control units located on-site at NCES. This master unit is positioned near a 162,000-gallon above-ground storage tank.



According to Gay, radio communication between the master SCADA control unit and the Stage VI, Phase II unit was under repair because the signal had been lost. He said a replacement part was ordered on April 27.



However, the new part did not correct the problem. Unbeknownst to NCES, their electrician left the controls set to "automatic" and left the site, stated Gay.



The spill occurred at the northeast corner of the landfill, near the Ammonoosuc River. In the report, Gay asserted that the spill impacted only landfill property.



"Due to design of the pond having an earthen berm separating the forebay of the pond with the aft bay, the size (large) of the forebay, the low permeable nature of the soils utilized to construct the pond, the volume of water in the large forebay we are confident there was no risk to human health or safety or impact off property," he noted.



Gay outlined several measures to control the situation in his incident report, including pumping storm water from the detention pond to a leachate containment system.



"As soon as the storm water pond water elevation was lowered, the sediment underlying the area of the forebay where visual impacts were observed was excavated throughout the day on May 3 to a varied depth from one foot to approximately four feet in depth. The excavation was downward to a level that represented the natural subsurface soil," noted Gay.



The engineer estimated that approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sediment were excavated from the landfill's detention pond. The overflowing valve box and its piping, along with an additional 320 cubic yards of the surrounding soil, were taken to the landfill for processing, he added.



Gay also noted that all storm water in the detention pond's forebay was taken to a municipal wastewater treatment facility. All underlying sediment was also removed by the end of the day on May 3. NCES staff collected water quality samples from the detention pond, and additional valve boxes were inspected with no issues observed.



On May 6, sediment samples were collected by Sanborn, Head and Associates, Inc., a Concord-based environmental consulting firm. Gay indicated those results would be provided to NHDES. AN unidentified third-party vendor bench tested the landfill's Stage IV, Phase II primary flow meter to check flow volume accuracy, added Gay.



To prevent the re-occurrence of such an event, Gay notified NHDES that an entire system supervisory control audit would be completed by June 1. New company protocols were established to guarantee that site maintenance vendors would notify NCES staff before departing the site.



Bethlehem resident and long-standing landfill opponent Andrea Bryant noted the proximity of the leachate spill to the Ammonoosuc River.



She stated, "For years, many of us have known that the NCES landfill is a ticking time bomb. Fortunately, most of the town has agreed and voted down expansion about 12 times."



North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, an organization opposed to Casella's Forest Lake proposed landfill development, encouraged residents to contact state officials in support of House Bill 177, which would prohibit the siting of a landfill near a state park.



"The recent 154,000-gallon toxic spill at Casella's NECS Bethlehem Landfill and the 48 hours it took to notice shows the dire need to protect New Hampshire State Parks from dangerous landfills. Imagine this spill happening next to Forest Lake State Park, high-value wetlands, and the Ammonoosuc River... again," stated NCABC representatives online. BETHLEHEM  According to an incident report filed with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services on May 7, approximately 154,000 gallons of leachate spilled intermittently at the Bethlehem landfill between May 1 and May 3.In its simplest terms, leachate is any liquid that extracts soluble materials as it passes through solid matter. While much of the water that passes through landfills comes from rain or snow, it can also be the by-product of decomposed organic materials within the landfill itself. In the environmental context of landfills, leachate can quickly become harmful, toxic or carcinogenic.The incident occurred one week after North Country Environmental Services received written notice from NHDES of a permit modification violation in the Stage V development of the landfill for exceeding height and lateral capacity restrictions.In the report filed by Casella engineer John Gay, system control and tank level information indicated that the spill began at 9:30 a.m. on May 1 and continued until 6:40 a.m. two days later.A Stage IV, Phase II sump pump did not receive the necessary inhibit signal after Tank A had reached capacity. The excess leachate flowed into an out-of-service valve box and over-topped, then poured onto the ground near one of the landfill's detention ponds.A master supervisory control and data acquisition system electronic control unit (SCADA) collects and transmits electrical signals to various electronic control units located on-site at NCES. This master unit is positioned near a 162,000-gallon above-ground storage tank.According to Gay, radio communication between the master SCADA control unit and the Stage VI, Phase II unit was under repair because the signal had been lost. He said a replacement part was ordered on April 27.However, the new part did not correct the problem. Unbeknownst to NCES, their electrician left the controls set to "automatic" and left the site, stated Gay.The spill occurred at the northeast corner of the landfill, near the Ammonoosuc River. In the report, Gay asserted that the spill impacted only landfill property."Due to design of the pond having an earthen berm separating the forebay of the pond with the aft bay, the size (large) of the forebay, the low permeable nature of the soils utilized to construct the pond, the volume of water in the large forebay we are confident there was no risk to human health or safety or impact off property," he noted.Gay outlined several measures to control the situation in his incident report, including pumping storm water from the detention pond to a leachate containment system."As soon as the storm water pond water elevation was lowered, the sediment underlying the area of the forebay where visual impacts were observed was excavated throughout the day on May 3 to a varied depth from one foot to approximately four feet in depth. The excavation was downward to a level that represented the natural subsurface soil," noted Gay.The engineer estimated that approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sediment were excavated from the landfill's detention pond. The overflowing valve box and its piping, along with an additional 320 cubic yards of the surrounding soil, were taken to the landfill for processing, he added.Gay also noted that all storm water in the detention pond's forebay was taken to a municipal wastewater treatment facility. All underlying sediment was also removed by the end of the day on May 3. NCES staff collected water quality samples from the detention pond, and additional valve boxes were inspected with no issues observed.On May 6, sediment samples were collected by Sanborn, Head and Associates, Inc., a Concord-based environmental consulting firm. Gay indicated those results would be provided to NHDES. AN unidentified third-party vendor bench tested the landfill's Stage IV, Phase II primary flow meter to check flow volume accuracy, added Gay.To prevent the re-occurrence of such an event, Gay notified NHDES that an entire system supervisory control audit would be completed by June 1. New company protocols were established to guarantee that site maintenance vendors would notify NCES staff before departing the site.Bethlehem resident and long-standing landfill opponent Andrea Bryant noted the proximity of the leachate spill to the Ammonoosuc River.She stated, "For years, many of us have known that the NCES landfill is a ticking time bomb. Fortunately, most of the town has agreed and voted down expansion about 12 times."North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, an organization opposed to Casella's Forest Lake proposed landfill development, encouraged residents to contact state officials in support of House Bill 177, which would prohibit the siting of a landfill near a state park."The recent 154,000-gallon toxic spill at Casella's NECS Bethlehem Landfill and the 48 hours it took to notice shows the dire need to protect New Hampshire State Parks from dangerous landfills. Imagine this spill happening next to Forest Lake State Park, high-value wetlands, and the Ammonoosuc River... again," stated NCABC representatives online.

Littleton Courier Resilience celebrated at LHS graduation Bethlehem celebrates Patsie Bonardi Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  A detention facility in Georgia where women claim they were subjected to unwanted medical procedures and a Massachusetts jail that has drawn complaints of inhumane conditions will no longer be used to detain immigrants, the Biden administration said Thursday.

The Department of Homeland Security said it would terminate contracts with the local government agency that runs the detention center in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and with the private operator of the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a part of DHS, has already significantly reduced the detainee population at both facilities. Any detainees the U.S. believes should remain in custody will be transferred elsewhere, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in announcing the move, which had been sought by immigrant advocates.

Allow me to state one foundational principle, Mayorkas said, We will not tolerate the mistreatment of individuals in civil immigration detention or substandard conditions of detention.

Mayorkas said ending the use of the facilities is part of an effort to make lasting improvements" to a detention system that advocates have long argued detains people for civil immigration offenses for too long and in inappropriately harsh conditions.

It also reflects a broader effort to roll back the anti-immigrant policies that characterized U.S. policy under President Donald Trump.

ICE holds about 19,000 noncitizens for removal at about 200 facilities around the country, down about a quarter from a year earlier. About 73 percent of those in custody have no criminal record and many others have only minor offenses, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a data-gathering organization at Syracuse University.

DHS suggested additional detention facilities could close in a statement that noted that it would review concerns about other centers.

Todays announcements show the Biden administrations willingness to decisively break from the immigrants rights abuses of prior administrations, said Naureen Shah, senior advocacy and policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, which recently called for the closure of 39 immigration detention centers around the country.

The ACLU has called for an end to the default incarceration of immigrants and an end to the agreements with state and local authorities that enable prisoners who are noncitizens to be transferred into ICE custody for deportation upon release.

Mayorkas has led an effort to soften some immigration policies but has insisted that noncitizens who pose a threat to the public and have committed serious crimes should be detained pending their removal from the country.

The Bristol County Sheriffs Office operated the Massachusetts immigration detention center jail under an agreement with DHS. The Georgia facility was run by a private company under contract with the government.

Members of Congress and advocates have called for the closure of the Georgia facility since last year after women held there told of being forced into unnecessary gynecological procedures amid unsanitary conditions.

DHS and the Justice Department are investigating the allegations of medical mistreatment, which a doctor involved in their treatment has denied, and Mayorkas said that steps will be taken to preserve evidence.

Immigrants held at Irwin also had broader complaints about overall conditions, alleging that authorities at the detention center failed to take adequate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Given its extensively documented history of human rights violations, Irwin should have been shut down long ago, said Azadeh Shahshahani, legal and advocacy director for Project South, an advocacy group that has pressed for ICE and the company that runs the facility to compensate any women subjected to unwanted procedures there.

The facility in Ocilla, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Atlanta, has been used to house men and women for ICE as well as inmates for the U.S. Marshals Service and Irwin County. Its run by the private LaSalle Corrections, a Louisiana company.

ICE declined to say how many people are currently being held at Irwin. It has had an average daily population of just under 300 detainees so far in fiscal year 2021, down from an average of over 500 detainees a day two years ago, according to an ICE spokesman.

The company did not immediately respond Thursday to voicemail, email and text messages seeking comment.

Immigrants held at the Massachusetts jail, known formally as the C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center, have also complained about a lack of COVID-19 precautions as well as overcrowding and excessive use of force.

The Massachusetts attorney generals office issued a scathing report in December, determining that officers violated the rights of detainees and used excessive force during a disturbance there earlier in the year.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, a Republican who served as honorary chairman of Trumps reelection campaign in Massachusetts, dismissed Thursdays decision as a political hit job by the administration and said it puts people at risk of being victimized by immigrants.

There are 7 detainees currently held at the Bristol County jail, down from about 150 early in the pandemic, according to Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, head of Lawyers for Civil Rights, which filed suit against the government last year to address what it said were unsafe and overcrowded conditions.

Immigrant rights groups have frequently clashed with Hodgson over conditions at the jail, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Boston near Cape Cod, and they cheered the decision as long overdue.

Sheriff Hodgson has inflicted grievous harm on vulnerable immigrants in his custody for years," said Espinoza-Madrigal. And we enthusiastically applaud the Biden Administrations decision to put an immediate end to the abuse.

___

Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo contributed from Boston. Brumback reported from Atlanta.
SOUTH WINDSOR  While there were no major updates in the disappearance of Jessica Edwards on Wednesday morning, police officials said investigators continue their search for information as they pour over nearby surveillance footage.

Sgt. Mark Cleverdon said investigators continue to work diligently to locate Edwards, and stressed that police are still asking the public to provide any information that they might have on her disappearance.

Edwards, described as about 5-foot-3 and 150 pounds, was last seen leaving her South Windsor home around 7 a.m. on May 10. She called out of her clinical training in Hartford. Police said they believe Edwards left her home with an unknown person.

We have not had any luck tracking down the person Jessica is believed to have left the house with, nor was there a description of the vehicle or the person who she supposedly left with, Cleverdon said on Wednesday.

He said police are currently reviewing area surveillance footage to try to gather any additional information on Edwards leaving her home.

Cleverdon said as far as investigators know, Edwards does not have ties to any other state or part of Connecticut other than the Hartford area. He said there has been no activity on her cellphone, social media or financial records.

Our detectives are doing a substantial amount of work behind the scene to establish any and all information regarding Jessicas disappearance, Cleverdon said.

Edwards family and friends have taken to social media to plea for her safe return. A hashtag #FindJessicaEdwards has garnered hundreds of posts across social media sites.

Police have previously said that the missing mothers friends and family have been cooperative with investigators. Various friends and family have been adamant that Edwards, who has a 7-month-old son, would not have left on her own free will. Police said they are looking into every angle.

Last week, investigators served a search warrant at Edwards home and for three vehicles while state police dogs canvassed the area around Edwards home. Local community groups and leaders have worked with members of Edwards family to conduct their own searches.

Anyone with information on her disappearance, or information that could help investigators, is asked to call 860-644-2551. Anonymous tips can be submitted at southwindsorct.gov/police or by calling 860-648-6226.
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP)  Tiny San Marino got a big dose of star power Thursday as U.S. rapper Flo Rida helped the city state qualify for the grand final of the 65th Eurovision Song Contest along with nine other national acts.

The rapper known for hits including 2008s Low joined singer Senhit on stage for her song Adrenalina as the first of 17 performers in the second semifinal at the Ahoy arena. He then sat in San Marinos booth to watch the rest of the show along with 3,500 fans who had tested negative to the coronavirus.

Flo Rida said he was enjoying the Eurovision vibe as San Marino reach the final for just the third time.

I love the energy, you know, to be up there," the rapper said. "I mean, its just amazing, man. The whole set up, its like over the top. So, you know, Im embracing it very well.

Iceland also was among the 10 national acts voted into Saturdays final despite not even performing because one of the band members tested positive for COVID-19. The crowd instead watched a recorded rehearsal from last week of the kitsch act Dadi og Gagnamagnid.

Band members were shown on giant screens in the arena cheering from quarantine in a Rotterdam hotel room as presenters announced they had progressed.

It just feels weird. I dont know, really. Its still kind of processing," singer Dadi Freyr said. "Maybe Ill know later how were feeling about it. And were not going to be on stage on Saturday, which is annoying because we put out a lot of work into this and weve been ready for a long time

Also voted through to the final by viewers and national panels of experts were acts from Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Portugal, Switzerland, Greece and Finland.

Greece's singer 18-year-old Stefania was a local favorite in host nation the Netherlands. She was born to Greek parents in the Dutch city of Utrecht and said she was proud to sing for Greece.

The one thing thats also really important for me is to make all the Greek people happy because I represent Greece, the country, and I just really want to make them happy and make them proud, the 18-year-old said.

While most performers Thursday stuck to the tried and tested Eurovision formula of bombastic beats or ballads and plenty of glitter, Finland's act was rock band Blind Channel whose members were dressed all in black, with not a sequin in sight.

Finnish rock has won Eurovision hearts before. The hard rock band Lordi won the contest in 2006.

Saturday night's final will be the first since 2019 after last year's musical spectacle was canceled because of the global pandemic. The final features 20 nations from the two semifinals along with the so-called big five nations of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, plus host nation the Netherlands.

Up to 3,500 fans, who have to show a negative COVID-19 test, are allowed to attend each dress rehearsal, semifinal and final, making the contest one of the biggest live events in Europe since the pandemic upended public life.

The fans are allowed in as part of a Dutch government-sanctioned test event to evaluate how large-scale events can be safely staged as the country gradually emerges from lockdown.

The 2019 winner, Duncan Laurence, had been slated to play live on Saturday but he has tested positive for COVID-19 and and will not perform, organizers announced.

____

Associated Press writer reported this story in Rotterdam and AP writer Mike Corder reported from The Hague.
A mayor in upstate New York whose past year has been marred by protests over police brutality and her indictment in a campaign finance case now faces a new crisis: Her husband is charged with being part of a cocaine distribution ring.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren's husband, Timothy Granison, pleaded not guilty Thursday to criminal drug and weapons charges, following a seven-month investigation that authorities said involved wiretaps and a police search of the home Granison shares with Warren.

Granison appeared in Rochester City Court via video from the Monroe County jail, where he spent the night after investigators seized what State Police Maj. Barry Chase described as a large quantity of cocaine from his car. Two guns were seized from the couple's house.

Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said Granison, 42, is among seven people charged so far with being part of a midlevel drug organization that was infecting the city of Rochester.

Warren herself was not charged. Doorley refused to answer questions about whether investigators believe the mayor, a Democrat, knew about or was involved in drug dealing.

Im not commenting at this point, Doorley said at a news conference.

The arrest comes just a month before Warren faces off with city council member Malik Evans in a Democratic primary where she was still seen as the favored candidate, despite one of the roughest years experienced by any American mayor.

Warren characterized the arrest as politically motivated.

I find the timing of yesterdays events, three weeks before early voting starts, to be highly suspicious, Warren said during a five-minute appearance before reporters at City Hall.

She said she signed a separation agreement with Granison years ago but the two were co-parenting their daughter.

There's nothing implicating me in these charges today because I've done nothing wrong," she said.

Doorley, at an earlier news conference, denied that politics played a role in Granison's arrest.

Granison was not an initial target of the ongoing drug investigation, according to Doorley. The prosecutor said evidence had led investigators to him about three months ago, during the course of the investigation that has so far has yielded a total of more than 2 kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine, $100,000 in cash, three guns and a rifle.

If this is not about politics, why is Tim's next court date June 21, the day before primary day? Now that's quite the coincidence, Warren said before ending her statement without taking questions.

Warren was indicted in October on charges she broke campaign finance rules during her last reelection campaign. The treasurers of her campaign and political action committees also are charged.

Warren, the first female and second Black mayor of Rochester  a city of around 205,000 people  has acknowledged making errors in the handling and reporting of campaign contributions but said they were honest mistakes, not crimes.

Warren also has deflected calls to resign over her handling of the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who stopped breathing after police placed him in a mesh hood and restrained him, naked, on the street after his brother called for help during a mental health crisis.

A report commissioned by the city council faulted Warren and a former police chief for keeping details of the case under wraps for months, until the Prude family obtained and released body camera video that sparked nightly protests in September. The March 2021 report said Warren lied to the public in the aftermath about what she knew and when she knew it, claims disputed by a special counsel to the city administration.

In April, a federal civil rights lawsuit named Warren and other city officials, accusing them of allowing a culture of police brutality against racial minorities.

Evans' campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Just before Warren's first inauguration in 2014, she faced questions about her husband's involvement in a jewelry store robbery that took place when he was 17.

Granison received five years of probation in connection with the 1997 robbery, while two other men were sentenced to prison terms.

In a statement, Warren had said Granison was judged as a youthful offender and his file was sealed, and that he did not have a criminal record.

She pointed to him as an example of someone who had turned his life around and said he had learned from the experience.

State police investigators want to interview the mayor as part of the current probe, Chase said, and were awaiting her attorney's response to their request.

Granison and a passenger were stopped at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday by members of the state police's violent gangs and narcotics enforcement, who suspected there were drugs in the vehicle, Chase said. City Court documents indicate Granison is accused of possessing 31 grams of cocaine.

He was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, including one with intent to sell.

A search of the mayor's home  one of seven locations searched Wednesday and Thursday  turned up a loaded unregistered gun, leading to a third charge of criminal possession of a weapon, Chase said. Police also found a semiautomatic rifle, which was being analyzed to determine whether it was in compliance with New York weapons laws.

As of right now, we have very little information, not any more information than I alluded to in court, Granison's attorney, John DeMarco, told reporters after the hearing. Theres these two charges that allege possession of contraband that appears to be cocaine and an allegation that there was a firearm inside the home that was not registered to anybody that they believed to be residing in the home.
GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met with a group of leading voices on Guatemalas troubled justice system Wednesday, sending yet another signal to Central American governments that the U.S. government is interested in addressing the regions corruption.

The White House meeting with two former Guatemalan chief prosecutors and two top judges came less than three weeks before Harris is scheduled to make her first trip abroad as vice president to Guatemala and Mexico on June 7 and 8.

Harris made clear she believes the four Guatemalan women have been on the right side of the fight to uphold the rule of law in their country. That could put President Alejandro Giammattei in an uncomfortable position since some of the women have felt forced to live outside Guatemala for their safety.

President Joe Biden put Harris in charge of finding ways to address the root causes of migration from Central America. In addition to the legal experts, Harris has met with representatives of Guatemalan civil society groups to gather information on the forces driving migration.

But Wednesdays meeting appeared to be a conversation among like-minded justice leaders.

Mentioning her own career as a prosecutor, Harris said, This is a table of leaders who have fought for justice, who have fought against injustice  often at great peril to yourselves but in the interest of the greater good.

Injustice is a root cause of migration, Harris said. And in particular, it is causing the people of the region to leave their homes involuntarily.

Among those in the meeting, former Guatemala Attorney General Thelma Aldana received political asylum in the United States last year. Guatemalas current top prosecutor, Consuelo Porras, sought two arrest orders against Aldana for alleged corruption.

Aldana had worked closely with the United Nations-backed anticorruption mission in Guatemala on numerous cases of corruption, including a successful prosecution of former President Otto Perez Molina. That mission was forced out of Guatemala by then President Jimmy Morales in 2019. Anticorruption efforts have faltered since then and those who worked closely with the international mission have seen the justice system turned against them.

After the meeting, Aldana said via Twitter that the encounter had been excellent and that there is hope for Guatemala.

Claudia Paz y Paz, Aldanas predecessor in the post, has been living in the U.S. since 2014, when she left the position. Paz y Paz pursued human rights abuse cases, including genocide charges against now dead dictator Efrain Rios Montt, which led to legal action against her.

Former judge Claudia Escobar has lived in exile in the U.S. for several years, after she received threats following a bribery case against a former president of the Guatemalan Congress. That politician is serving a 13-year prison sentence.

Finally, Justice Gloria Porras was selected this year to a new term on Guatemalas highest court. But lawmakers from the governing party blocked her confirmation, leaving her exposed to some 70 legal complaints related to her previous rulings as a judge.

Ricardo Zuniga, the White House special envoy to the Northern Triangle nations of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, who has already made multiple trips to the region, also attended the meeting.

The Biden administration and U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern over meddling in Guatemalas justice system, in particular with the selection of justices for its top courts and the case of Porras.

The meeting came the same day that Guatemalan police arrested an outspoken opposition lawyer on charges he falsified documents to form a political party.

___

Associated Press writer Sonia Perez D. reported this story in Guatemala City and AP writer Gisela Salomon reported from Miami.
BERLIN  A German army officer who posed as a Syrian asylum-seeker went on trial Thursday accused of plotting to kill prominent politicians and blame the attack on refugees.

Federal prosecutors say the defendant, identified only as 1st Lt. Franco A. due to German privacy rules, acted out of far-right extremist motives. The case has raised concerns about extremism in the countrys military.

Before his trial in Frankfurt's regional court, the 32-year-old defendant denied that he had planned to carry out any attacks, the dpa news agency reported.

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His lawyer, Moritz Schmitt-Fricke, claimed that his client was the victim of a smear campaign and denied that he had far-right leanings, citing his interest in punk music as evidence.

Franco A. came to the attention of authorities after he was arrested in February 2017 while going to retrieve a pistol he had stashed in a Vienna airport bathroom. He was freed, but Austrian authorities informed Germany. When the soldiers fingerprint matched the one hed given to register as an asylum-seeker, it triggered the investigation.

Prosecutors alleged that the defendant's targets included then-Justice Minister Heiko Maas and the Jewish head of an anti-racism organization. He had stockpiled four firearms including an assault rifle, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and more than 50 explosive devices, some stolen from military stores, they said.

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.
Sailors would get easier access to mental health providers in their own units under a new plan from Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Harker.

Harker told reporters Wednesday he asked both the Defense Department and Congress to shift funds in the current budget to increase mental health services for members, including more specialists embedded in units.

And he plans to ask Congress for more funds for mental health in the fiscal 2022 budget.

According to Harker, 35% of the Navy and Marine Corps' mental health practitioners are currently assigned to units, "an area we strongly believe that we can get people access to treatment at an early level, access to informal treatment."

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Many of the providers are corpsmen trained in behavioral health -- what Harker called the "first response" for mental health care.

"We're also looking at investing in that for next year. I can't go into detail about it. But everyone I've spoken with at [the office of the Secretary of Defense] has said they support it and the request did make it into the budget," he said.

Harker has said mental health care for service members and reducing sexual assault in the ranks are his top priorities as acting secretary.

The Navy saw an increase in its suicide rate from 2017 to 2019, from 20.1 per 100,000 sailors to 21.5 per 100,000. However, the Navy suicide rate has consistently remained below the Defense Department average.

And unofficial figures from 2020 indicate that the service saw a decline in the number of suicides from 2019: 63, down from 72 the previous year.

The Marine Corps' suicide rate has exceeded the all-service rate since 2017, reaching a high of 30.8 per 100,000 Marines in 2018. In 2020, according to non-official DoD data, 60 active duty Marines died by suicide, up from 47 in 2019.

"Every commander I've talked to has lost someone to suicide. They've all experienced it and they all want to get treatment to the people who need it. So many times it happens and you have no idea because people aren't talking about what's going on in their minds, so we need people to open up, start a dialogue," Harker said.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., Harker introduced a video series of service personnel sharing their personal experiences with mental health treatment.

In his video, he notes that he has sought counseling three times in his life: first during his parents' divorce; second, during his own divorce; and third, following a harrowing experience as a Coast Guard officer in February 1993 on the medium endurance cutter Dauntless, when it responded to a capsized Haitian ferry with nearly 2,000 people aboard.

The rescue operation "soon became one of recovery," Harker said in the video, adding that the Dauntless crew pulled the bodies of 80 men, women and children onto the cutter.

After the experience, he said, no one wanted to talk to a mental health professional; they just "wanted to go home."

But, he added, the Coast Guard brought mental health providers and chaplains to Guantanamo Bay and gave the responders the chance to talk with them.

"It gave us the opportunity to process what we had seen and talk about. It was the most important port call I've ever had," Harker said.

He added that service members may experience things most people never see in their lifetimes and encouraged them to talk to someone.

"Don't shelve those experiences away," Harker said. "Reach out."

The Military Crisis Line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-273-8255, press 1. Services also are available online at www.veteranscrisisline.net(link is external) or by text, 838255.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.

Related: Military Deaths by Suicide Jumped 25% at End of 2020
The crew of a C-130J Super Hercules has received prestigious awards -- including a Distinguished Flying Cross -- for their daring airmanship during a harrowing mission in Afghanistan last year.

Maj. Christopher Richardson, the pilot of the C-130, received the DFC for his actions during the Sept. 19, 2020 flight, the Air Force said in a Wednesday release. And three other members of the crew -- pilot 1st Lt. Christian Grochowski, loadmaster Staff Sgt. Jade Morin, and loadmaster Senior Airman Dimitrious Carden -- received Air Medals in a May 10 ceremony.

The DFC is one of the Air Force's highest decorations recognizing valor in combat, and is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves in combat through heroism or extraordinary achievement during a flight. The Air Medal is also presented to service members or civilians for their heroism or meritorious achievement in flight.

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The C-130 crew, part of the 61st Airlift Squadron, were supporting a theater response force as it arrived at a forward operating base, the release said. But during the flight, the crew took effective small arms fire from the enemy, which injured a member of the air crew.

Carden quickly assessed what had happened and acted decisively to organize and apply treatment for the wounded crew member with the combat control team that was on board, the release said.

Carden praised the training he had received for helping him know how to respond in that situation.

"Everything happened quickly, and adrenaline makes decision-making difficult, but having my previous training to lean on helped me incredibly," Carden said.

Richardson, meanwhile, considered the situation and decided to make a second approach into the base. But during that second attempt, he and the other pilot, Grochowski, discovered a big problem: The enemy fire had damaged their flight controls and caused a malfunction.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Schutte, 19th Airlift Wing commander, presents the Distinguished Flying Cross to Maj. Christopher Richardson, 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 10, 2021. (Aaron Irvin/U.S. Air Force)

The pilots changed plans, and decided to return to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan to get the crew and the plane safely out of harm's way.

They landed at Bagram, and the remaining crew switched to another Super Hercules that had been reloaded with the necessary cargo and prepped with additional crew members.

Carden's leaders told him he could sit out the next flight, but he chose to see the mission through to its completion.

"I just imagined if those kinds of dangers awaited me the first time, I couldn't stand by while someone took my place and flew into the same kinds of danger," Carden said in the release.

Richardson said receiving the DFC was "extremely humbling," and praised the way the entire squadron pulled together and worked together as a team as soon as they found out their flight was in trouble.

"I told them we were on our way back with a problem and the whole squadron jumped into action," Richardson said. "After we landed, another plane was loaded, prepped and ready, and extra crew members were briefed up and ready to go."

-- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey.

Related: Airman Receives Distinguished Flying Cross for Daring A-10 Landing
Plymouth Record Enterprise Margaret Gillespie recognized as Environmental Educator of the Year



(click for larger version) HOLDERNESS  Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Naturalist Margaret Gillespie was recognized as New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the Year at the New Hampshire Environmental Educators annual meeting on May 6.



Margaret began her career with Mass Audubon's Wildwood Nature Center in 1979. In 1980, she became Outdoor Education Coordinator for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, a position she held for five years. Margaret's connection to the Science Center began in 1986 when she became a half-time Naturalist. The other half of her time was spent as Coordinator for New Hampshire Project Learning Tree for the next 11 years.



Over her 35-year career with the Science Center, she has inspired countless thousands of students and families and shared her passion for the outdoors through engaging and innovative outdoor education experiences. Margaret has also reached an even larger audience through her writings. She has authored the natural history column for the Science Center's quarterly Tracks and Trails newsletter for more than 30 years. In 2016, the Science Center, as part of their 50th anniversary celebration, published a selection of her nature writings in a book entitled, "Nearer to Nature."



When the Blue Heron School opened in 2010, the preschoolers gave Margaret a nature name "Margaret Moose" and now current and former students know her fondly by that moniker.



Margaret continues to teach programs, write, help create interpretive exhibit messaging, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.



The Science Center is proud to announce this special recognition for Margaret Gillespie's many contributions from her peers throughout the environmental education community as New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the Year.



"Nearer to Nature" is available to purchase at nhnature.org/books or at the Howling Coyote Gift Shop at the Science Center. HOLDERNESS  Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Naturalist Margaret Gillespie was recognized as New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the Year at the New Hampshire Environmental Educators annual meeting on May 6.Margaret began her career with Mass Audubon's Wildwood Nature Center in 1979. In 1980, she became Outdoor Education Coordinator for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, a position she held for five years. Margaret's connection to the Science Center began in 1986 when she became a half-time Naturalist. The other half of her time was spent as Coordinator for New Hampshire Project Learning Tree for the next 11 years.Over her 35-year career with the Science Center, she has inspired countless thousands of students and families and shared her passion for the outdoors through engaging and innovative outdoor education experiences. Margaret has also reached an even larger audience through her writings. She has authored the natural history column for the Science Center's quarterly Tracks and Trails newsletter for more than 30 years. In 2016, the Science Center, as part of their 50th anniversary celebration, published a selection of her nature writings in a book entitled, "Nearer to Nature."When the Blue Heron School opened in 2010, the preschoolers gave Margaret a nature name "Margaret Moose" and now current and former students know her fondly by that moniker.Margaret continues to teach programs, write, help create interpretive exhibit messaging, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.The Science Center is proud to announce this special recognition for Margaret Gillespie's many contributions from her peers throughout the environmental education community as New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the Year."Nearer to Nature" is available to purchase at nhnature.org/books or at the Howling Coyote Gift Shop at the Science Center.

Plymouth Record Enterprise Bobcat lax boys battle their way to Division III semifinals Ashland selectmen decide against moving police station Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
Dr. Ryan Vega is chief officer of the Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

During this unprecedented pandemic, businesses have joined forces with the health care community to focus on identifying innovative solutions now and into the future.

The Veterans Health Administration, or VHA, America's largest integrated health care system, is no exception.

The VHA has tackled the COVID-19 pandemic with unparalleled resilience, most importantly by harnessing the power of community.

In the last year, the VHA community has grown to include more external business collaborators, partners and alliances to better serve veterans. Aiding in this effort is the Department of Veterans Affairs' VHA Innovation Ecosystem, or VHA IE, which drives innovation with diverse perspectives; empowers partnering with the larger innovation community; and focuses on building a culture where collaboration is central to our mission.

Opportunities for collaboration with the VA exist for all stages of innovation maturity, including startups at the earliest stages of discovery and ideation; major corporations testing new technology; and partners who are scaling and replicating mature innovations at VA facilities. The department is seeking to further grow alliances and encourages all businesses to reach out to the VA to join us in this mission.

Additionally, the VHA Innovators Network, or iNET, a network of 37 VA medical centers throughout the country, launched the Greenhouse Initiative, which enables companies to collaborate directly with VHA employees and end users at iNET sites to design solutions and conduct user experience testing. This is significant because Greenhouse gives outside health care innovators access to the entire innovative force of iNET, a pool of engaged and equipped frontline health care professionals, enthusiastic end users and innovation specialists.

For example:

HermTac, developed through the COVID-19 Maker Challenge, is collaborating with Greenhouse to build and test its Tessellated Sanitization Stations. This solution uses concentrated Ultraviolet C lighting and tessellated panels to sanitize medical tools quickly and safely. VHA IE Extended Reality Network leaders are currently testing prototypes of the sanitization boxes.

Unlimited Tomorrow has pioneered next-generation prosthetic arms and hands. UT will collaborate with frontline employees from the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System to develop technology to provide the most lifelike alternate-reality equine therapy experience for veterans who have physical, mental or distance obstacles to an in-person equine-assisted experience.

Our efforts working with businesses outside of the VA continue to prove successful, as seen through the use of the VHA IE's Care and Transformational Initiatives, which focus on collaborating with industry to develop, test and implement 3D printing, immersive technology, veteran-facing solutions, artificial intelligence, precision medicine and innovative care models.

The VA collaborated with Boston-based startup Podimetrics to roll out the "Initiative to End Diabetic Limb Loss" and offers an effective remote monitoring solution that detects diabetic foot ulcers five weeks before they would otherwise present themselves through daily temperature scans of veterans' feet when monitoring from home.

This remote monitoring solution has revolutionized care and resulted in helping reduce the need for amputation and decreased hospitalizations by 52% and emergency room visits by 43%. The VHA IE has led the design and testing of new care models that integrate this solution seamlessly into clinical care and into veterans' daily lives. Currently, the VHA IE is preparing to lead an enterprisewide product evaluation of a clinical care model that incorporates remote temperature monitoring into telehealth care for veterans at greater risk of illness.

The list of collaborators from industry continues to grow and includes Verizon, Medivis, DEKA Research & Development Corporation, Applied VR and others.

Our collaborations succeed because we have the courage to learn quickly and apply lessons learned to swiftly adapt and move forward. The VHA is a value-based care provider, and business leaders tell us it aids the VA in embracing solutions that save money and lead to improved health outcomes. They also report that there's no health system better suited to adopt new technologies to better care for patients than the VHA.

Veterans and the VHA employees who serve them embody the best of America. We're ready to help businesses join us in honoring them and their spirit of service. Learning more about and collaborating with the VHA IE is how we all can give back and deliver more together.

-- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.
Joe McFarland is a Marine and Desert Shield/Storm Veteran and Lowes Executive Vice President of Stores.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our military families for your service to our country. No one demonstrates a more selfless pledge to making home  these United States of America  better for all than our military community. In doing so, military families like you are often on the move and need to recreate a feeling of home in new surroundings.

I am the son of a Marine and Marine Corps veteran myself, so I understand that May is an important time. The nation is recognizing Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day while so many service members and their families are preparing their next Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assignment.

I will always advocate for finding ways to recognize and honor military associates and customers. It is important for companies to demonstrate that they value military service and celebrate associates and customers alike who have served.

Here are some ways national retailers can support military families throughout the year, including as military families prepare for what can be a stressful PCS season:

1. Helping Families Feel #ALWAYSHOME

Retailers can help ease the stress and burdens of relocating while helping military families create that unmistakable sense of home. For example, Lowes offers a 10% discount every day  both online and in-store  to active-duty military personnel, veterans and their spouses. This discount saves military families more than $1 billion each year on home improvement projects.

2. Provide Quality Jobs

I know firsthand that transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be challenging. Veterans and their spouses are attracted to employers who support their unique needs during the onboarding process. National retailers are well-positioned to provide quality jobs for a lot of transitioning veterans due to their size and scale, and commitment to the professional development of veteran employees.

Employers of choice for military families are investing heavily in teams that can translate military specialties into current job openings and targeting their recruiting efforts by creating an online presence specific to their military veteran hiring efforts. Retailers also are positioned uniquely to support veteran-owned suppliers through supplier diversity programs and by participating in programs with the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), and Disability:IN. Click here for the military career portal for Lowes, which proudly employs nearly 20,000 associates in the military community.

3. Celebrate Employee Service

Its important to understand the celebration of service does not end when companies hire transitioning veterans or military spouses. Retailers can create special ways to recognize military associates and foster a military-friendly culture. For example, Lowes recognizes veteran employees by offering an optional camouflage vest for military associates to wear in celebration of their service.

Military families know better than anyone: No matter how many times you move, youre always home when you take what matters with you. It is incumbent upon national retailers to continue to honor and support our military families, especially in times of inherent stress.

Thank you for your service.

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Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) engineer Dr. Jon Cameron Pouncey stands next to a pulsed power system used for the development and testing of novel high power microwave devices.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) pulls alongside the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) during a replenishment-at-sea evolution.
Dr. Peter Nguyen, of Victoria, Texas, the medical director for WellMedicine, received a direct commission as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve at Post Acute Medical (PAM) Rehabilitation Hospital.
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Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) university at Ho in the Volta region has held the graduation ceremony for 2018/19 and 2019/20 academic year of students on Friday, May 14.

A total of 570 students comprised of 282 for 2019 and 288 for 2020 have graduated after successfully completing eleven programs of studies.

Certificates were presented to each successful student.

Some 29 received first-class honours with 127 and 85 others awarded second class upper and second class lower respectively. 32 were awarded third class in the year 2019 batch.

For 2020 batch, 39 students had first class with 118 and 88 being the second class upper and second class lower respectively. 35 had third class and 8 with passes out of 288 students.

Professor Edem Kwasi Bakah, the president of the school in his address stated that the school is progressing steadily academically but still have more to do.

He said, the University is still adding other relevant courses of study in order to produce more graduates to tackle the needs of society in the contemporary world.

Professor Bakah mentioned programs such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), graduate school of accounting, finance, human resource management, procurement, supply chain management and marketing as the newly introduced courses.

"The Nation needs more graduates who can identify problems facing us and develop various ways of solving it," he noted.

He further indicated that, for the university to attain progress, plans have been put in place to introduce a Law Faculty and postgraduate programmes in peace and security to boost country's justice system.

He continued that, the EP university is aiming for a stronger relationship with all its affiliated institutions to work together to attract other institutions overseas for exchange programmes, research and staff development.

Professor Bakah appealed to the government to help the school relocate to their main campus at Ho airport area.

Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister in his speech applauded EP church leaders for establishing the school.

He assured them of government's support in dealing with their infrastructure and other challenges.

He also said, the school has helped a lot of people especially Voltarians with the best of tertiary education.

The Evangelical Presbyterian University which was established in the year 2008 is affiliated to the University of Cape Coast with about 16 undergraduate programmes.

The university has a student population of 1000 and 52 lecturers.
As one of the leading and responsible Co-operative Unions in the country, the Asunafo North Municipal Co-operative Cocoa Farmers Union in Ahafo Region has presented over 70,000 exercise books to the Ghana Education Service for onward distribution to the needy, but brilliant students in the 67 primary schools.

The donation is part of the Union's objective of eliminating child labour especially in cocoa grown areas by making teaching and learning meaningful in the municipality.

Speaking to the ModernGhana's Ashanti Regional Correspondent on a telephone interview, the President and Manager of the Union, Mr. Daniel Amponsah Gyinayeh and Mr. Patrick Owusu said the gesture is not the only donation the Union has made.

They noted that between 2015 and 2021, through the support of their partners Mondelez International - Cocoa Life program and other partners like Tonyschocolonely and Fairtrade Africa, the Union have provided several interventions especially in the educational sector.

They mentioned the construction of school blocks, teachers' quarters and water facilities across 67 communities in the Municipality.

This year alone, the President and Manager noted, through their key partners, they have been able to print and distributed 70,000 exercise books and cash donations of Ghc500 to each of the 219 tertiary students.

According to them, the Union in 2015 printed and distributed 120,000 exercise books, constructed more than 30 school facilities within the Municipality.

Mr.Owusu and his boss stressed that in 2022 the Union is hoping to deliver 100,000 books, pens, pencils and mathematical set for the wards of the Union members.

These they said cannot be possible without the support of their key partner, Mondelez international.

Asked about the rationale behind the numerous support, Mr Amponsah indicated that their biggest sponsor Modular International in Switzerland and Tonys Chocololely of Holland (Dutch) are partnering the Union to end child labour in all the communities within the Municipality.

On this note, President Amponsah entreated parents and school authorities to take advantage of the gesture to encourage their children to attend school, since in his opinion, education is the best legacy every parent can bequeath to his child.

The Manager of the Union Mr. Owusu Patrick on his part encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and urged teachers to kindly share the books in line with the purpose in which it was given.

He advises children to stay focused and take their academic work seriously to become the future leaders the society desires.
Care Ghana, a non-governmental organization, has proposed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to engage an international audit firm to independently review the election results before announcement.

The organisation said using an internationally recognised institution for results audit would reduce anomalies that were recorded during counting and collation of results.

Mr David Kumi Addo, Executive Director of Care Ghana, made the proposal in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday.

He suggested to the Commission to consider employing only science and mathematics teachers as presiding officers to ensure accuracy of results.

Mr Addo noted that part of its electoral reforms must include reviewing of clauses in the Constitutional Instrument to add other national Identification cards for registration to avoid the exclusion of some citizens.

He said the move would enhance the quality of elections, make the EC more accountable, transparent and neutral to produce credible elections.

It will make the election management body capable of restoring public trust and confidence in the commission. That in our estimation, will if not eradicate, reduce the violence and deaths experienced in our elections.

Mr Addo stated although the EC was not directly responsible for ensuring the security at polls, it should deepen its relationship with the security agencies to ensure stricter enforcement during elections.

The practice is that the Electoral Commission engages the Police High Command to provide security during elections. The EC can therefore not extricate itself from violence that affects elections, he said.

The EC must understand that citizens' right to vote includes the right to vote in an atmosphere devoid of violence.

Mr Addo also urged the EC to institute a committee that would deal with post electoral issues, noting that the decision by the EC to close their offices after elections was not right.

---GNA
Migrants tried to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Wednesday after a record 8,000 people poured over the border this week, escalating tensions between Rabat and Madrid.

Some tried to swim across to beaches patrolled by police after the unprecedented wave of arrivals earlier this week.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has vowed to "restore order" in Ceuta, and on Wednesday accused Morocco of "disrespect" after the influx.

Some 5,600 migrants had already been sent back, Madrid said, but that did not stop more from trying to make the risky crossing Wednesday.

A handful of people, mostly Moroccan, swam to reach the Spanish side, their slow progress carefully watched by dozens of soldiers deployed along the beach with riot shields and batons, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene.

It was not clear how many managed to cross, but those who did make it to shore were immediately picked up by soldiers and escorted to medics offering help, although few appeared to need it.

They were then frog-marched back to the border fence and sent home.

Migrants were still trying to swim over to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta earlier Wednesday. By Antonio Sempere (AFP)

Although the swim from African to European territory is barely 200 metres (650 feet), many tried to push beyond the nearest beach to avoid the waiting troops.

Near the border fence, hundreds of people had massed on the neighbouring Moroccan beach, but the crowd was broken up and turned back to the town of Fnideq.

"There is very little work in Morocco," said Othman, a 24-year-old barber from the northern city of Tetouan as he waited to be returned to Morocco from Ceuta.

"There is work for us in Spain," he added.

'Protecting Europe's borders'

The influx comes against the backdrop of increased tensions with Morocco over Spain's decision to provide medical treatment for the leader of the Polisario Front. The head of the Western Sahara independence movement has been seriously ill with Covid-19.

The row revived the issue of migration into the EU, but the Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, said Wednesday the continent "won't be intimidated by anyone".

Spanish enclaves in Morocco. By (AFP)

There have been "a few attempts by third countries... over the past 15 months" to leverage the migrant issue, he said on Spanish radio.

But Europe would "not be a victim of these tactics", he added.

"Ceuta is Europe, this border is a European border and what happens there is not a problem for Madrid, but a problem for all" Europeans."

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune said Paris supported Spain "because entering Spanish territory was entering in Europe, so protecting Spain's borders is protecting Europe's borders."

The record numbers of migrant arrivals have sent diplomatic tensions soaring between Madrid and Rabat, prompting fighting words from Sanchez on Wednesday.

"This is an act of defiance," he told parliament, a day after visiting Ceuta.

"The lack of border control by Morocco is not a show of disrespect of Spain, but rather of the European Union."

'Steep price'

Analysts said it was clear Morocco had turned a blind eye to the human tide surging into Ceuta to put diplomatic pressure on Spain to recognise its sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Spanish soldiers stand guard as migrants stand on rocks off the shore of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, on May 18. By Antonio Sempere (AFP)

Most of the migrants crossed into Ceuta largely unimpeded by Moroccan security forces on Monday, but by Tuesday morning, Rabat had deployed reinforcements at the Fnideq border crossing.

In the early hours of Wednesday, police on the Moroccan side of the border blocked dozens of youths from crossing over, who responded by throwing rocks.

To reach Ceuta, the migrants swam or simply walked at low tide from Moroccan beaches a few kilometres to the south. Some used inflatable swimming rings and rubber dinghies.

But one man drowned making the attempt, Spanish officials said.

Moroccan security forces stood guard at the border fence between Morocco and Spain on May 19. By Antonio Sempere (AFP)

The crisis comes after Madrid allowed Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali to fly to northern Spain in mid-April to be treated for Covid-19, angering Rabat.

The Front has fought for the independence of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony mainly under Moroccan control.

Morocco's minister of state for human rights, Mustapha Ramid, said Wednesday it was "clear" Spain had favoured its ties with the Polisario and Algeria over those with Morocco by hosting Ghali.

"Spain must also know that the price for discrediting Morocco is steep," he added in a Facebook post.

Morocco's authorities have long wanted Spain to acknowledge their authority over Western Sahara, as Washington did in December under former president Donald Trump.

Spain maintains that a solution to the issue can only come from a United Nations-brokered agreement.

During a radio interview on Wednesday, Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said Madrid "could not" change its position because Spain "respects international law".

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Zambia's top opposition figure Hakainde Hichilemaon Wednesday launched his campaign for an August 12 presidential election, promising to end hunger and boost education.

The impoverished southern African nation is in default on external debts, estimated at 10 billion euros ($12 billion), half of which are held by private lenders.

Known as "HH" by his supporters, United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hichilema is up against incumbent President Edgar Lungu, 64.

He has pulled together a slew of other opposition parties to back his "The Zambia We Want" alliance.

"We will make sure that you no longer go hungry and your children should be able to go to school," Hichilema told a crowd of dozens of supporters in Lusaka after filing the papers for his candidacy.

"We want to win and win big. We want to win in the first round," he added.

People in the crowd shouted "we want change", while others carried banners declaring "enough is enough, we want HH".

Hichilema narrowly lost in a 2016 presidential bid and was jailed for four months after challenging the result.

Zambia has enjoyed relative stability since its first multi-party elections in 1991.

Voters will pick both a new president and parliament in the August 12 polls.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held substantive and productive diplomatic talks with, his counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone David John Francis during his first foreign visit in his new post to Moscow, Russia.

According to official reports, David Francis has visited the Russian Federation, and last participated in the first Russia-Africa summit in October 2019. His mid-May visit was to find ways to expand relations forward between Russia and Sierra Leone, the country that marked its 60th independence on April 27.

Historically, Soviet Union and now Russia has had good relations with Sierra Leone. Diplomatic relations between Russia and Sierra Leone will be 60 years, precisely in January 2022.

While in Moscow, Minister David Francis interacted with Russian businesspeople - those who are already working in Sierra Leone and those who plan to invest in this promising economy. He met with representatives of the academic community and NGOs engaged in relations with Africa.

He had a meeting at the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry and with Sierra Leone students studying at RUDN University. This university established in 1960, the most popular among foreigners, is one of the leading state higher educational institutions. Russia continues to provide assistance in this area of education and training through higher education grants each year.

Russia and Sierra Leone signed an intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders. Lavrov and Francis touched upon the possibility of opening a Russian embassy in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone.

Russia and Sierra Leone, both however want to lift trade, economic and investment cooperation to the level of political dialogue. So far, achievements in trade have been modest, or best to describe it as very tiny.

Russia is now eyeing prospects offered by mutually beneficial projects in mining, the fuel and energy complex, infrastructure, and fishing. Sierra Leone has untapped natural resources, especially diamonds. It is among the largest producers of titanium and bauxite, is also a major producer of gold, and has one of the world's largest deposits of rutile.

With this in mind, Minister Lavrov emphasized this point during their joint media conference - We will continue our discussions to ensure that Russian businesses enjoy a favorable working environment in Sierra Leone. D J Francis reaffirmed that this matter will be on his list of priorities.

Both Ministers stressed the continuation of the Working Group on Energy, which was created following President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bios attendance at the Russia-Africa Summit held in Sochi in 2019. The group has already held its first meeting. This year, its second meeting is tentatively planned.

On the general situation in Africa, Lavrov and Francis understandably noted a clear position that there should always be an African solution to African problems and that all external actors must create the best conditions for the African countries, their sub-regional organizations and the African Union to draft common solutions on overcoming crises in the most effective way.

We share Sierra Leones approach to the current situations in the Sahara-Sahel Region and West Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Central African Republic. As a permanent UN Security Council member and a friend of Africa, Russia will contribute to the strengthening of regional security and stability by supporting, let me emphasize this again, the efforts of the African countries themselves, reaffirmed Lavrov.

In addition, Lavrov described the measures taken by the Russian Federation to implement the summits agreements and create systematic, permanent mechanisms for cooperation through political dialogue and encouraging economic and investment cooperation.

In the end, the parties thoroughly discuss cooperation between Russia and African countries in light of preparations for the second Russia-Africa summit. With high hope and expectation that President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, who attended the first summit, will also take part in the second Russia-Africa summit planned to take place in 2022.
Youths in Muslim communities in Ho, the Volta regional capital have received supports from Bel-Aqua mineral drinking water and Bel beverages company, BlowChem Industries limited on Sunday May 16, to mark the just ended Eid Mubarak.

Items worth GH2,000 included a branded T-shirt, energy drinks, bottles of mineral water, packs of soft drinks and other items.

Mr Kolani N'mimatevidjj, the Volta Regional Sales and Marketing Manager of the Company disclosed that the donation is meant to show love and appreciation to the Muslim community for patronizing their products over the years.

He stated that the gesture is to deepen their relationship between the Muslim community and BloChem Industries.

He urges the youths to continue patronizing their products to help the company grow and expand.

Mr Kolani N'mimatevidjj advised the youth to remain prayerful in their daily activities for peace and tranquillity in the country.

"We thank Allah for leading you through a successful Ramadan fasting and this our gift is to show support and care since you also patronize our products," he added.

Mr Seidu Awule, the leader of Ho Muslim community who received the items on behalf of his people expressed excitement and thanked the management of BlowChem Industry for their kind gesture.

He assured them they will continue to use their products since they are one of the best in the country.

He said the relationship between the two parties as well as that of other organizations who have a similar agenda will be strengthened for the development of Muslim communities.
The seas were calm along the Moroccan-Spanish frontier late Wednesday with no sign of swimmers trying to reach Spain's north African Ceuta enclave after a record 8,000 arrivals in just one day.

Spanish authorities were caught by surprise when large numbers of people began flooding across the frontier on Monday as the Moroccan border forces looked the other way, quickly leaving the tiny territory overwhelmed.

Vowing to "restore order" along its borders, Spain quickly bolstered security measures, sending in troops and police reinforcements who were deployed along the frontier.

It has also been sending the arrivals home, with the Spanish government delegation in Ceuta giving an updated figure of 5,600.

But although the influx has slowed, it has not stopped with several hundreds more trying to make the trip on Wednesday, AFP correspondents at the scene said.

The influx has hiked existing tensions between Spain and Morocco, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday accusing Rabat of "disrespect" over the crisis.

The spat comes with Spain and Morocco at loggerheads over Madrid's decision to provide medical treatment for the ailing leader of the Western Sahara independence movement who has Covid-19.

By mid-evening, there was no sign of any more people in the sea and the numbers of soldiers on the beach were noticeably fewer, AFP correspondents said.

Minors tested for Covid

Meanwhile at a huge warehouse complex close to the border, a handful of Red Cross medics wearing full protective gear could be seen carrying out Covid tests on scores of minors at a long trestle table outside.

Once tested, the youngsters, some wrapped in red blankets, sat down outside in long lines, munching sandwiches and apples, many of them larking around.

A few appeared to be very young, under the age of 10.

Migrants were still trying to swim over to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta earlier Wednesday. By Antonio Sempere (AFP)

As darkness fell, several dozen young girls could be seen climbing into buses which drove them to one of two centres set up to host minors.

During the day, hundreds had massed on the Moroccan side of the border in the hope of crossing, with Spanish security forces firing tear gas cannisters to distance the crowd as their Moroccan counterparts sought to prevent people from entering the water.

The crowd eventually dispersed, returning to the nearby border town of Fnideq.

Many said they had been forced to leave by the desperate living conditions in Morocco.

"You have a family and you have seven euros to feed eight people, what do you do?" asked 34-year-old Mohammed Tribak who swam over on Monday.

'Protecting Europe's borders'

Analysts said it was clear Morocco had turned a blind eye to the human tide entering Ceuta in order to put diplomatic pressure on Spain to recognise its sovereignty over Western Sahara.

But the matter has also revived tensions over migration, with European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas warning Wednesday that Europe "won't let itself be intimidated by anyone on the issue of migration" in an allusion to Morocco.

Spanish enclaves in Morocco. By (AFP)

The record arrivals also prompted fighting talk from Sanchez.

"This is an act of defiance," he told parliament, a day after visiting Ceuta, describing the events as "a lack of respect not only towards Spain, but also towards the entire EU".

'Pawns in a game'

Meanwhile, Amnesty International lashed out at both nations over the crisis.

"Asylum-seekers and migrants are being used as pawns in a political game between Morocco and Spain," the London-based rights watchdog charged, saying "about 2,000 unaccompanied children" were among the arrivals.

Spanish soldiers stand guard as migrants stand on rocks off the shore of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, on May 18. By Antonio Sempere (AFP)

Accusing Spanish forces of using violence against those who crossed the frontier, it also pointed the finger at Morocco for waving them through in a tit-for-tat response over Western Sahara.

That row erupted last month after Madrid let Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali fly to Spain for hospital treatment for Covid-19, angering Rabat.

"Spain must know the price for discrediting Morocco is steep," Morocco's human rights minister Mustapha Ramid wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, in remarks pounced on by Amnesty.

"It appears from a Facebook post by Morocco's Minister for Human Rights that this selective border enforcement was retaliation," Amnesty's Virginia Alvarez said.

"Morocco is playing with people's lives. They must not use people, among them its own citizens, as pawns in a political game."

burs-hmw/pvh
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The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration(GIMPA), chapter of Graduate Students' Association of Ghana (GRASAG), has served notice it will terminate its banking relationship with Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) if the bank fails to unravel circumstances that led to the Association's bank statement released to an authorised person.

They've further threatened legal action against the bank for breaching customer banking relationship.

"I write to invoke your investigation powers on the suspicious grounds on which someone in your institution is divulging our account information to a third party or someone outside our relationship which amounts to a breach of customer banking relationship," a letter written to the bank and sighted by ModernGhana News said.

The letter mentioned one Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu who is not a signatory to the Association's account and without authorization unethically published the bank statement on social media platforms.

The letter indicated that the culprit could only obtain the said statement with the assistance of one of the bank's staff.

Here is the letter:
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African farmer Patience Koku says its about time farmers in the developing world were given access to the kinds of improved seeds and innovations that have helped their colleagues in developed countries have productive and high yielding farms.

Speaking during a Cornell Alliance for Science live session, she said the focus should be how we can get farmers all over the world to get access to the types of seeds that allow farmers in some countries to produce 14 tons per hectare, whilst others are still grappling with 1 ton per hectare.

The AfS live session to mark International Seed Day / World Intellectual Property Day was on the theme: Seeds: Who should decide what the farmer grows?

Koku who farms 500 hectares of leased lands in the Kaduna State in Nigeria says farmers should be the ultimate decision makers - in collaboration with seed producing companies, whether small or multinational - when it comes to deciding on seeds that should be grown.

Seed is the foundation of everything we do as farmers. And its the beginning of what the end produce of food is Farmers are no longer re-using seeds we have saved. We purchase seeds from seed companies. Farmers should have a choice to decide on what seeds they grow based on the different options before them which the seed companies are providing

So, farmers ultimately choose what they want to grow based on the current situation around them. And because the seed is produced by a process, farmers should be in constant touch with seed producers so they know exactly what the farmer needs are. So that when farmers ultimately have access, they would have earned the right to choose what they want, she added.

The chief executive officer of Replenish Farms says she has been a personal beneficiary of expanding access to improved seeds with Nigerias commercialization of genetically modified cotton and wants to see other farmers benefit as well.

I recently grew the GM cotton that was released in Nigeria There is a bollworm that has destroyed our entire cotton industry in the past If a farmer is spraying the farm 10, 15 and even 20 times in a year, how much money is that? As opposed to the Bt cotton that I grew on my farm and we sprayed probably about twice and it yielded, and we had multiple bolls she recounted.

26th April is celebrated every year by the United Nations as World Intellectual Property Day. The organic food movement and several food sovereignty championing groups have redefined the day as International Seed Day to promote seed sovereignty and advocate against commercialization of seeds.

Leonida Odongo, a social justice activist from Kenya who runs Haki Nawiri Afrika said it is time Africans returned to the use of indigenous seeds instead of the promotion of improved varieties and genetically modified seeds.

In Africa, seed is cultural. These seeds have meaning. Seed is looked at as the future. Seed is equated to life. So, when we talk about seeds in Africa, we are talking about something important, she observed.

Odongo claims indigenous seeds are currently under attack from multinational seed corporations promoting improved seeds. She says improved seeds are destroying African biodiversity and making farmers worse off economically. In the past, we used seeds we had inherited from our grandmothers and grandfathers I will always be in support of indigenous varieties. One, because of the cost aspect. When the farmer uses indigenous varieties, you dont have to buy seeds. They only need to have the seeds. Farmers should be allowed to produce their own seeds, she said.

Clet Wandui Masiga, a conservation biologist and geneticist from Uganda says the claim that indigenous seeds on the African continent are under attack from plant breeders and seed companies cannot be accurate. The thing farmers in Uganda for example call local varieties of maize is not local. Protein maize. It was original bred in Mexico by a CIMMYT scientist from India. And entered Africa through Ghana. It is called the protein maize. Then it spread. Now, farmers call that local maize variety. And I ask them what is local?

Maize itself is not indigenous to Africa. It was indigenous to Mexico. It was just moved by explorers. But every generation that comes to find something think it is indigenous, he adds.

Masiga also dismisses claims that improving upon seeds is leading to the erosion of biodiversity. We are losing biodiversity because of several other reasons not because of improved seeds. The first gene bank was established in the 1800s. Why was it established? (It was) after recognizing we are losing biodiversity. At a time, no one was even thinking of improved varieties.

Improving the seed is not destroying biodiversity. By having improved seed, it means the farmer can produce more on a very small acre. He doesnt have to go to destroy more forests, he added.

Odongo is urging scientists to re-focus attention on dealing with food wastage instead of pushing for the use of improved seed varieties.

What is bringing the food security challenges aspect is that there are very many losses at harvest time. Post-harvest loses are many. What scientists have to do instead of concentrating on seeds is they should be providing farmers with alternatives on how to preserve their crops, she said.

But Koku and Masiga disagree, insisting other works along the value chain, including improving quality of seeds, are important.
Honourable Dauda Tahiru, the Assemblymember for the Gauso East electoral area in the Obuasi Municipality has donated GH10,000 worth of shoes to pupils of the Saqquafiya Islamic School, the only Islamic school in Obuasi.

Presenting the items to the school, Honorable Tahiru who is also the CEO of YAA-LATIF Engineering said the donation forms part of his personal commitment to enhance teaching and learning in the school and motivate other stakeholders to contribute to the development of the school.

He advised the school children to learn hard to obtain higher grades to encourage other benevolent persons to assist them to improve on their education and become responsible adults in society.

Himself an old student of the school, Hon. Tahiru appealed to parents to prioritize the education of their wards and implored other stakeholders especially the Islamic community to come to the aid of the school.

Mr. Owusu Boateng the Assistant Head-teacher of the School, who received the items on behalf of the school, expressed gratitude to Hon Dauda Tahiru and pleaded with other well-meaning Ghanaians and Non-governmental organisations to come to the aid of the school.

The Head-teacher asked parents to guide their children once they come home from school and not engage them in trading and other jobs.

He also appealed to the government to extend the School feeding to the Saqquafiya school. He mentioned " due to the absence of school feeding in our school, we have lost most of our children to other schools who enjoy school feeding. This has really affected enrolment in Saqquafiya. We need the government to intervene".
Conflicts and natural disasters forced someone to flee within their own country every second of last year, pushing the number of people living in internal displacement to a record high, monitors said Thursday.

This came despite strict restrictions on movement imposed around the globe in efforts to halt the spread of Covid-19, which observers had expected to push down displacement numbers last year.

But 2020 was also marked by intense storms, persistent conflicts and explosions of violence, forcing 40.5 million people to become newly displaced within their countries, according to a joint report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

That is the highest number of newly displaced reported in 10 years, and brings the total number people living in internal displacement around the world to a record 55 million, the report showed.

"Both numbers this year were unusually high," IDMC director Alexandra Bilak told AFP, saying the surge in internal displacement was "unprecedented".

The number of internally displaced people is now more than double the some 26 million people who have fled across borders as refugees. By MOHAMMED HUWAIS (AFP/File)

The number of internally displaced people is now more than double the some 26 million people who have fled across borders as refugees.

"It's shocking that someone was forced to flee their home inside their own country every single second last year," NRC chief Jan Egeland said in a statement.

"We are failing to protect the world's most vulnerable people from conflict and disasters."

'Numbers may rise'

Bilak said it was "particularly concerning that these high figures were recorded against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic".

Pointing out that movement restrictions obstructed data collection and "fewer people sought out emergency shelters for fear of infection", she suggested the true figures were higher.

A child at a camp for internally displaced people in Syria. By Omar HAJ KADOUR (AFP/File)

The pandemic had meanwhile exacerbated socioeconomic conditions for displaced people, she said, warning that "those numbers may rise even more as countries go down further into an economic crisis."

The report found that three quarters of people who fled internally last year were victims of natural disasters, in particular ones related to extreme weather.

Intense cyclones, monsoon rains and floods hit highly exposed and densely populated areas in Asia and the Pacific, while the Atlantic hurricane season "was the most active on record," it pointed out.

"Extended rainy seasons across the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa uprooted millions more."

Climate impact

Experts say that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events.

"We can only expect with the future impacts of climate change for these disasters to become more frequent and more intense, and therefore for the numbers of internally displaced people to grow," Bilak said.

In addition, nearly 10 million of those newly diplaced last year were fleeing conflicts and violence, the report said.

It added that escalating violence and the expansion of extremist groups in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Burkina Faso had fuelled some of the world's fastest growing displacement crises last year.

An intensifying Islamist insurgency has forced many to flee their homes in Mozambique. By Alfredo Zuniga (AFP/File)

Drawn-out conflicts like those in Syria, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo had also continued to force large numbers of people to flee.

Unlike disaster-driven displacement, which is usually short-lived as people return to rebuild damaged or destroyed homes once the storms have passed, conflict-fuelled displacement can last years.

All but seven million of the 55 million people living in internal displacement at the end of last year had fled conflict, the report said.

It also warned that a convergence of conflicts and natural disasters was making the problem worse, with 95 percent of last year's new conflict displacements occurring in countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

"Climate change and the overexploitation of natural resources may aggravate instability and conflict, which in turn may trigger displacement."
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, The Asantehene has charged the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government to double their efforts at dredging water bodies affected by the activities of illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

The Asantehene made this plea when the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday 19th, 2021.

The minister was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited(GWCL) Ing. Dr. Clifford Braimah, the Deputy Minister, Alhaji Amidu Chinnia, as well as the Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Water Company Limited Mr. Stanley Martey among other executives.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu in his address said that; "I have decided to meet the chiefs in the Ashanti region to deliberate on the issues concerning water and galamsey activities. Nananom will do our part to ensure the right thing is done. We are therefore appealing to the government to also do its part. I know some activities by some galamsey operators have affected some water bodies."

According to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, this is the right time for Nananom to correct their mistakes.

"The government must also show seriousness in dealing with those in government who are actively engaged in this illegal mining so that we can all come together and fight the galamsey. If we pollute the water bodies what will happen to the unborn generations?"

He further condemned the actions of some chiefs within the catchment areas who have allowed the pollution of these water bodies

"I believe that the Minister in charge of Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Abena Dapaah can deliver and fulfill the mission of the ministry."

In an interaction with journalists after the visit, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his continuous efforts in protecting the Barekese and Owabi Rivers.

She, however, described as quite disturbing the serious galamsey activities ongoing just twenty (20) metres away from River Oda in the Odaso community
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has criticized President Akufo-Addo over what he says is his lack of political will to make structural changes to the national security setup.

The MP says the failure of Nana Akufo-Addo to implement recommendations of the Emile Short Commission of Inquiry report clearly puts into question, the Presidents commitment to rid the National Security of undesired elements.

Sam Georges criticisms comes after the recent assault on Citi FM and Citi TV journalist, Caleb Kudah by National Security operatives, and the invasion of the stations premises by armed personnel.

Speaking on the Point of View on Wednesday, Mr. George maintained that, until the President and his administration take bold steps to review the operations of the National Security, the personnel will continue to be emboldened to attack citizens and infringe on their fundamental human rights.

There is a framework to reform the National Security from 2019. President Akufo-Addo could have positioned himself in glowing light for posterity to always look at him in a good frame if he had gone through the report and reforms. But the lack of political will to do this is the reason why we are where we are.

Why did we set up the Commission of inquiry? But the President basically has said in the white paper that, all they have said, he will not work with it, the MP noted.

Sam George, who personally suffered some form of brutality at the hands of National Security operatives during the Ayawaso West Wuguon by-election, disclosed that a future National Democratic (NDC) government, will implement recommendations of the Emile Short Commission.

I would expect a future NDC government; God willing in 2025, to implement this, and I will speak about this whether I find myself in that government or not.

The MP hopes that commitment from political parties could help restructure the National Security.

This he says can be done if recruitment into the national security architecture of the country is not done as a means of rewarding party loyalists.

I believe that as political parties and those who sit at the top of political parties, we must take the hard decision and say, National security must be a no-go area for party faithful reward and recruit persons who are qualified and meet the standards of National Security, Sam George suggested.

---citinewsroom
Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders including the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana, have agreed to resolve the latters tier 2 pension issues within 60 days.

This comes after an emergency meeting with the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

The stakeholders at the meeting made four other resolutions.

The resolutions at the meeting were:

Interest on the tier-two pension will be negotiated and computed for payment

Fair Wages and Salaries Commission makes a firm commitment to conclude negotiations with Union on their Conditions of Service

The request for non-basic allowances to be discussed further and agreed upon

SSA-UoG to consult the National Executive Council (NEC) on the matter of calling off the strike

Parties to resolve all matters within 60 days

The meeting happened after the Association declared an indefinite strike over the failure of the government to pay their Tier 2 pension.

Among other things, they are asking for the award of market premium and non-basic allowance as well as the finalization of negotiations of their conditions of service .

It is unclear if the Association will immediately call off the strike following the meeting, as they are yet to release any formal information to that effect.

---citinewsroom
The Management of Citi FM and Citi TV has petitioned the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on the assault on one of its journalists, Caleb Kudah, and the subsequent raid at the station by some national security operatives, in an attempt to also arrest another journalist, Mrs. Zoe Abu Baidoo Addo.

Speaking on behalf of the management of the company, Online Editor with the Accra-based media house, Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie, said the decision to petition by the Ghana Bar Association was to ensure that all major stakeholders in the country including the GBA, condemn the actions of the National Security operatives, and also to push for reforms in that security set-up.

We are here because theres a very pertinent issue about how the National security operates.

The trigger currently is the assault on Citi FM journalist, Caleb Kudah, and the harassment of a colleague Zoe Abu Baidoo Addo, and also the very unorthodox approach used by the national security to raid Citi FM with armed men in vehicles to come and arrest an unarmed journalist.

Mr. Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie mentioned that the petition contains a detailed account of the incident.

He added that the Gestapo-style raid by the national security operatives at the premises of Citi FM and Citi TV, and the assault on Caleb Kudah, could have far-reaching consequences if not properly and holistically addressed.

We feel theres a bigger threat not just to the media, but also it has far-reaching consequences if steps are not taken by all major stakeholders to support our campaign.

We think its time to use our media house to push that important message of reforms, in terms of how the national security operates, he added.

After receiving the petition, the President of the Ghana Bar Association, Anthony Forson Jnr., assured that the Association would take a critical look at the issues raised in the petition.

According to him, the GBA will proceed to take action on the matter once the ongoing investigations are done.

President of the Ghana Bar Association, Anthony Forson Jnr

He however condemned the show of force and the raid by the National Security operatives after they stormed the company in an attempt to arrest Zoe Abu Baidoo Addo.

When the matter broke, we of the national executive body decided to issue a statement. However, as lawyers, once certain contrary issues are raised, you are definitely under obligation to tarry, that is why you didnt see our statement in the public domain.

As you were speaking, you indicated clearly that there were investigations ongoing. There are certain aspects of the facts that dont need investigations. One issue that stands out to the detriment of National Security was that so many armed men were deployed to arrest an unarmed female journalist. That for me was very troubling.

I believe that all persons in Ghana, from the Executive to the judiciary, to the legislature no one is above the law, he stated.

---citinewsroom
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The Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Akropong School for the Blind is demanding the immediate removal of the headmistress of the school.

The SRC made its request in a petition presented to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, for onward submission to the government.

Last week, the SRC and some old students of the school, staged a demonstration after presenting a similar petition to the Ghana Education Service for the immediate removal and interdiction of the headmistress, Madam Mahela Narh.

The SRC accused the headmistress of alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of funds and cash donations.

During the Chief Imams visit to the school, together with the Okuapemhene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, to present some food items to the school, the students and their leaders wielded placards with inscriptions such as We want change and The Headmistress must go, among others.

They blocked the schools main entrance which stalled the movement of the National Chief Imam, the Okuapemhene, the Eastern Regional Minister and their entourage for a while.

Assistant School Prefect of the school, Godknows Akpo, speaking to Citi News after presenting their petition to the National Chief Imam said: This headmistress has been with us for 12 years now. We havent seen any change. There are all sorts of bad things. When items are donated to us, it is not shared to us. There are days we take porridge without bread, that is why we are demonstrating.

Director of Operations at the Ghana Hajj Board, Ismaila Ibrahim, who received the petition on behalf of the Chief Imam promised that the concerns of the students would be looked into.

He used the opportunity to call on well-meaning Ghanaians to support the school.

They said they need a change of headmistress, so they presented the petition to me to be given to the National Chief Imam. They were on their knees begging that they didnt need the headmistress. I believe weve heard them well, and I assure that the National Chief Imam will ensure that it gets to the appropriate quarters.

---citinewsroom
Children in a classroom in Gondar in the Amhara Region. Ethiopia has signed a deal to register 5 million school children using blockchain. - Source: Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images

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At the launch of bitcoin in 2009 the size of the potential of the underlying technology, the blockchain, was not fully appreciated.

What has not been fully exploited is the unique features of blockchain technology that can improve the lives of people and businesses. These include the fact that it is an open source software. This makes its source code legally and freely available to end-users who can use it to create new products and services. Another significant feature is that it is decentralised, democratising the operation of the services built on it. Control of the services built on the blockchain isn't in the hands of an individual or a single entity but involves all those connected to the network.

In addition, it enables peer to peer interaction between those connected to the network. This is key as it enables parties to transact directly without using intermediaries or third parties. Finally, it has inbuilt security. Data stored on it is immutable and cannot be changed easily. New data can be added only after it is verified by everyone in the network.

Unfortunately, bitcoin, the project that introduced blockchain technology, has hogged the limelight, diverting attention from the technology's underlying potential benefits.

Bitcoin has been embroiled in massive controversies, attracting a host of criticisms. These include the fact that it's speculative and volatile, and that it doesn't provide any utility. Its price is driven largely by what investors think of it rather than any intrinsic value. This is unlike other asset classes from which value can be derived such as gold (jewellery), real estate (rent), stocks and bonds (interest).

There is also an argument that it is bad for the environment because it uses so much electricity .

In addition, developments and projects in the crypto-assets space since the launch of bitcoin have been largely driven by commercial interest and investment returns. Little attention has been given to its potential to contribute to the social and economic welfare of people.

But this is slowly changing.

A few companies have begun showcasing blockchain capabilities to various African countries. Unlike most other cryptocurrency blockchains which focus on private sector use in developed regions like Europe and North America, their approach has been to target the governments and public institutions in the developing world.

In April the Ethiopian government confirmed that it had signed a deal to create a national database of student and teacher IDs using a decentralised digital identity solution. The deal involves providing IDs for 5 million students across 3,500 schools which will be used to store educational records.

This is the largest blockchain deal ever to be signed by a government and has been making waves in the crypto-asset industry .

I believe that the deal marks a watershed moment for the use of blockchain and the crypto-asset industry, and for African economies because it offers the promise of blockchain being used for real socio-economic change. The deal means that blockchain technology will be used to provide digital identity to millions of Ethiopians. Digital identity  missing in most African countries  is the first step to real financial inclusion, which in turn has been shown to carry a host of benefits .

What makes this promising is that it is the first main blockchain project focused on serving the African market with goals that align with developmental agendas set out under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as the African Union Agenda 2063 goals .

The players

There are three companies behind the deal.

The first is Cardano , which has been at the forefront of showing how its core technology can be used to the benefit of governments. Cardano is technically owned by the Cardano Foundation, a Swiss non-profit organisation.

Cardano commissioned the software company IOHK and a Japanese software company, Emurgo , to develop and maintain the Cardano blockchain.

Cardano is't alone in trying to power the future of finance by establishing a financial system characterised by peer to peer transactions. Ethereum , the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation after bitcoin, is also pursuing this path .

Both projects have a shared history as their CEOs (Vitalik Buterin and Charles Hoskinson) were founders of Ethereum but went their separate ways due to a business disagreement.

Cardano, IOHK and Emurgo have been showcasing how Cardano blockchain and its core technology can be used to the benefit of African countries.

In the case of the Ethiopian deal, a decentralised digital identity solution, Atala Prism , is being used. The project will build digital identity solutions on the Cardano blockchain. The idea is to start by granting primary, secondary and university students a digital identity that can track their educational, career and future progress.

Bitcoin

Since the launch of bitcoin, the crypto-asset industry has had an eventful history, with dramatic episodes.

The exponential rise and drastic fall in the price of bitcoin , particularly from 2017, has also added to concerns about it.

Then there was the proposed launch of private global stablecoins such as proposed by Facebook Libra, now called Diem. And fierce opposition of western governments for their fear of potential loss of monetary sovereignty. This resulted in a drive led by China to launch central bank digital currencies.

Many countries are now exploring this option.

More intriguing has been the growth in a decentralised finance industry. A full-blown financial system now appears to be running in the form of non-custodial finance as transactions happen on a peer to peer basis rather than through financial intermediaries like banks.

But claims that a cryptocurrency could deliver financial inclusion (since it facilitates the peer to peer exchange of value) have not been met. This is because currencies like bitcoin are far less accessible to those who need financial inclusion the most  such as those located in very poor, and economically disadvantaged countries.

The bitcoin network is not managed by any corporate entity because of its decentralised open source network and therefore doesn't have a profit driven mission. Nevertheless the cryptocurrency is now mostly desirable for its ability to make people rich.

The future

Given the increasing doubts and concerns about the bitcoin network, surely the right approach would be to shift focus away from it and instead to put energy into blockchain projects promising real contributions to the world?

It is clear that new technologies such as blockchains hold huge promises to help achieve inclusive growth in economies such as those in Africa. They could be used, for example, in facilitating the continent's free trade agreement through the institution of regional digital currencies, powered by blockchain. These could promote intra-regional trade and could, indeed, be the answer to the currency inconvertibility problems  the inability to exchange one African currency for another  which has long plagued trade in the region.

The Ethiopian deal should be one that African governments monitor closely.

Iwa Salami does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Iwa Salami, Senior Lecturer in Financial Law and Regulation, University of East London
The 2012 flagbearer of the Convention People's Party (CPP) and well recognized Agriculture Scientist, Dr. Foster Abu Sakara has advised the Akufo Addo-led administration and other interest groups to push for a change of the 1992 constitution before election 2024 is held.

According to him, a referendum to change the 1992 constitution must be held before 2023 in order to pave way for the "reset" of what he described as "dysfunction system" of Ghana.

He is of the view that if the current constitution is not changed before the next elections, the modus operandi of whoever wins the election will not change.

"I am for constitutional reform to reset Ghana's dysfunctional system before 2024 elections. If we don't have a referendum to change our constitution in 2022 it will be too late by 2023. Then the elections that follow in 2024 will simply give us business as usual no matter who wins," Dr. Sakara opined in a short Facebook post.

Dr Sakara suggests that the problems Ghana and its 30 million citizens are faced with are a result of the current constitution which was written in 1992 in the late former president Rawlings' era.

He added that for the problems to be eradicated "permanently" a new constitution is needed.

"Let us fix the constitution now to allow us fix the country permanently.

Temporary fixes won't do," he opined.

Dr. Sakara has been a longtime advocate for conditional reforms in Ghana as he sees the current constitution to be problematic.

According to him, changing the current constitution will help in the elimination of abuse of power, exclusion, elitism, nepotism and corruption.

Source: // contributor on ModernGhana
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Founding member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Chief Executive Officer of Volta River Authority, Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby claims President Akufo Addo's visit to two European countries; France and Belgium is nothing but to seek economic aid.

President Akufo-Addo was in France yesterday, May 18, 2021 to attend a summit hosted by the French President, Emmanuel Macron. The submit was held to discuss post-COVID-19 economic recovery for African countries.

But Dr. Wereko-Brobby said President Akufo-Addo, whom he described as a "visionary" leader is championing the Ghana Beyond Aid' agenda was in Paris soliciting for economic aid.

Dr. Brobby's comment seems to be justified as Ghana secures a 170 million facility from the European Investment Bank for the establishment of a development bank in Africa or for any developmental projects on the African continent.

The agreement was reached during President Akufo-Addo's visit to Belgium where he met and discussed with President of the European Investment Bank, Dr. Werner Hoyer on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Source: // contributor on ModernGhana
Profits from Covid-19 jabs have helped at least nine people become billionaires, a campaign group has announced, calling for an end to pharmaceutical corporations' "monopoly control" on vaccine technology.

"Between them, the nine new billionaires have a combined net wealth of 16 billion euros, enough to fully vaccinate all people in low-income countries 1.3 times," the People's Vaccine Alliance said in a statement.

The alliance, a network of organisations and activists campaigning for an end to property rights and patents for inoculations, said its figures were based on the Forbes Rich List data.

"These billionaires are the human face of the huge profits many pharmaceutical corporations are making from the monopoly they hold on these vaccines," said Anna Marriott from charity Oxfam, which is part of the alliance.

In addition to the new mega-rich, eight existing billionaires have seen their combined wealth increase by nearly 40 billion euros thanks to the vaccine rollout, the alliance said.

Moderna, BioNTech bosses top the list

Topping the list of new vaccine billionaires are the CEO of Moderna Stephane Bancel, and his BioNTech counterpart Ugur Sahin.

Three other neobillionaires are co-founders of the Chinese vaccine company CanSino Biologics.

The research comes ahead of the G20 Global Health Summit to be published on Friday. There have been growing calls to temporarily remove intellectual property protections on Covid-19 vaccines.

Proponents say doing so would boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access.

The Biden administration in the US , as well as influential figures like Catholic Church leader Pope Francis, back the idea of a global waiver on patent protections.

Macron calls for an end to constraints

At a Paris summit seeking to boost financial aid for Africa in the face of the pandemic on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the removal of "all these constraints in terms of intellectual property which blocks the production of certain types of vaccines".

The European Commission said Wednesday it would be a "constructive" voice in WTO talks on the issue.

"The highly effective vaccines we have are thanks to massive amounts of taxpayers' money, so it can't be fair that private individuals are cashing in while hundreds of millions face second and third waves completely unprotected," said Heidi Chow, Senior Policy and Campaigns Manager at Global Justice Now, which helped analyse the billionaire data.

"As thousands of people die each day in India, it is utterly repugnant... to put the interests of the billionaire owners of Big Pharma ahead of the desperate needs of millions," she added.

Manufacturers have stressed that patent protection is not the limiting factor in ramping up vaccine production.

They say a wide range of issues -- from the set up of manufacturing sites, to the sourcing of raw materials, to the availability of qualified personnel -- are holding up the manufacturing process.
Nigeria's Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously wounded after trying to kill himself to avoid capture during clashes with rival Islamic State-allied jihadists in the north of the country, two intelligence sources said on Thursday.

Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP has become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Nigerian news sites and social media on Thursday were filled with rumours and unconfirmed reports about the death of the jihadist leader who made international headlines when his men kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls in 2014.

It was not the first time Shekau has been reported killed or seriously wounded. If confirmed, though, his loss could be a huge blow to a jihadist group already weakened by air strikes on its bases and defections of his fighters.

After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his men were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said.

"To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said. "He was badly injured."

Some fighters managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added.

A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men.

"We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports.

Jihadist splits

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past after the original group splintered into the two rival factions in 2016.

ISWAP has emerged as the stronger more professional force, analysts say, carrying out complex attacks on the military and overrunning army bases.

Shekau made international headlines when his men kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls in 2014. By Audu Ali MARTE (AFP)

Routing Shekau's faction from its Sambisa forest stronghold would be a worrying advance for the IS jihadists who have bases in Nigeria's Alagarno forest and around Lake Chad, with access to Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

"If ISWAP really controls Sambisa, Alagarno and the Lake, it can bear on all the main roads into Maiduguri," said Vincent Foucher, a research fellow with the French National Centre for Science Research, referring to Borno state's strategic capital city.

"Clearly, this is not good news for the armies of Nigeria and the other Lake Chad states."

Shekau took over Boko Haram, formally known as the Jama'tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, after its founder Mohammed Yusuf was killed in police custody in 2009.

Under Shekau's leadership, Boko Haram turned large swathes of the northeast into no-go territory, proclaiming a "caliphate" in the Borno town of Gwoza in 2014.

Map of Borno state in northern Nigeria. By Jonathan WALTER (AFP)

An offensive since 2015 by Nigerian troops backed by soldiers from Cameroon, Chad and Niger drove jihadists from most of the area that they had once controlled.

After disagreements over Shekau's indiscriminate targeting of Muslim civilians and use of women and children suicide bombers, Boko Haram eventually split into two rival factions in 2016.

ISWAP has since emerged as the more dominant militant faction with the backing of the Islamic State group.
The leaders of the European Union Member States have agreed today to open the borders for travellers from developing countries who have been vaccinated against the Coronavirus.

While the decision is expected to be announced today by the Council, an official of the EU has confirmed for SchengenVisaInfo.com that after a discussion on the reopening of the EU borders, the leaders have agreed on several points of a proposal presented by the EU Commission at the beginning of the month.

The main points that the ambassadors agreed on today, is to permit entry for vaccinated travellers from the rest of the world, and to increase the threshold of the number of new COVID-19 cases used for the EUs list of epidemiologically safe countries, the officials said in an exchange of emails.

Earlier today, SchengenVisaInfo.com reported that the Council would meet today in order to update the list of the epidemiologically safe third countries, which in recent weeks have registered lower rates of COVID-19.

However, the source notes that the list will only be published by the end of this week, the earliest.

The list will be based on data from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for the previous two weeks before its publication, the source said.

Currently, the residents of seven countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Israel, are currently allowed into the bloc for non-essential travel, though not all of the Member States apply the list.

The possibility to permit entry for more travellers from third countries, in particular for travellers from the United States who have been vaccinated, had been warned by the Head of the European Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen. In April, von der Leyen has said that the block was planning to open its borders for fully vaccinated US travellers to visit the European Union countries for non-essential purposes this summer.

The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines. This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union, she had said at the time.

French President Emanuel Macron had also warned of Frances plans to permit entry for EU and third-country citizens, in particular for the United States travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

We will progressively lift the restrictions of the beginning of May, which means that we will organise in the summertime with our professionals in France for French European citizens, but as well for American citizens, Macron had said.

Several EU countries have already opened their borders for arrivals from third countries, in particular for the former EU citizens  Britons. On May 17, Portugal has opened its borders for tourists from the United Kingdom, while a day earlier, Italy started letting Brits enter the country with only a negative COVID-19 test result.

---SchengenVisaInfo
A growing campaign for justice for war victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused fresh tensions with neighbouring Rwanda and its leader Paul Kagame whose troops took part in two invasions in the 1990s.

In an interview with AFP, DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi threw his weight behind calls for accountability for the more than two decades of devastating violence in the east of the country that has left millions dead or missing.

But he said he did not wish to "pick a dispute" with Kagame.

Tshisekedi urged the international community to build on the findings of a landmark UN investigation in 2010, known as the Mapping Report, which concluded that atrocities had been committed in his vast, resource-rich country.

"The Mapping (Report) was produced by the international community, they must continue it because we need justice to be delivered to our victims," Tshisekedi said in Paris on Wednesday after a summit on post-pandemic financing for Africa.

The report, carried out by international investigators for the UN Human Rights Commissioner, described 617 serious crimes between 1993-2003 that could amount to war crimes and possibly genocide.

The report recommended further investigation and the prosecution of the perpetrators by an international war crimes court.

Rwanda, whose troops were identified as being responsible for massacres during two invasions in 1996 and again in 1998, along with rebels they backed, has categorically rejected the report.

Tshisekedi said that if there were Rwandan war criminals "it's in the interest of President Kagame to deliver them to justice because it is a question of honour for his country too."

Outrage in DR Congo

Kagame caused anger this week in the DR Congo following an interview he gave on the sidelines of the same African financing conference attended by Tshisekedi.

Asked about the Mapping Report, he rejected it as "extremely politicised" and "highly disputed by people".

"There were no crimes," he told journalists from France 24 television and RFI radio.

In response, Congolese politicians and public figures have accused him of "negationism" and insulting the memory of the victims.

"Paul Kagame has never gone so far in his taunting of Congolese people," Juvenal Munubo, a close ally of Tshisekedi and head of the parliamentary defence and security commission, told AFP.

"Dignity, justice and reparations are the only appropriate responses faced with the negationism of Kagame," 60 Congolese public figures including artists and scientists wrote in a joint statement published this week.

The flare-up risks complicating efforts to patch up relations between DR Congo and Rwanda, which have been strained ever since the 1990s wars and by allegations that Rwanda backs militias in eastern DR Congo.

Tshisekedi has reached out to Kagame since coming to power in 2019.

In the same interview with France 24 and RFI, Kagame had hailed "good discussions" with his Congolese counterpart and "the environment where we can talk to each other which was lacking before."

Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta attempted to clarify his comments on the Mapping Report on Wednesday, saying there was "confusion" and that the president had been "interrupted".

Nobel winner

Civil society groups and Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a gynaecologist specialised in treating victims of sexual violence, have led calls for justice in the region.

UN peacekeepers back DR Congo's armed forces in the conflict-ridden east. By John WESSELS (AFP/File)

Mukwege, who lives under UN protection at his hospital in Bukavu because of persistent death threats, has called for an international tribunal to try war criminals which could mean troops from Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, as well as regular Congolese troops and militia leaders, landing in the dock.

Kagame, whose government has been linked by rights campaigners to disappearances and assassinations of opposition figures, said Mukwege was "told what to say" and implied he was part of a conspiracy against Rwanda.

Tshisekedi rejected Kagame's statements, saying that Mukwege was a "figure of national pride" as the country's only Nobel laureate and that the 65-year-old had "all of our support".

Kagame ordered troops into the DRC in 1996 to pursue ethnic Hutu militia who had fled there after taking part in the genocide against ethnic Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994.

As well as pursuing the militia, Rwandan troops backed a rebel group known as the AFDL which overthrew Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997 and seized power, with help from neighbouring Uganda and Burundi too.

Many Congolese and Hutu civilians were allegedly killed, along with Hutu militia members.

Rwandan troops invaded the DRC again in 1998, which resulted in the country splitting between rebel-controlled areas in the east and north and a government-controlled area in the west.

The vast central African country, one of the poorest in the world despite its immense mineral wealth, has been dogged by chronic instability, violence and insurgencies ever since, with militias that continue to kill, rape and extort people in the east.

lp-hba-mbb-adp/cb/gd
China's 2019 "red tourism" revenue tops 400 bln yuan

Xinhua) 11:29, May 20, 2021

Tourists visit the site of the Zunyi Meeting, a watershed event in the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC), in Zunyi City of southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The revenue generated by "red tourism" across China in 2019 exceeded 400 billion yuan (about 62.2 billion U.S. dollars), an official with the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Wednesday.

In 2019, the country saw a total of 1.4 billion red tourism trips, or revolution-themed trips, Gu Yucai, deputy director of the NCHA, told a press conference in Beijing.

Many tourist sites bearing revolutionary history have become a popular choice among Chinese tourists, especially young people, augmenting the fervor of red tourism, Gu added.

Revolution-themed trips have also contributed to poverty alleviation in some old revolutionary base areas, according to Gu.

Gu said that over 73 million trips were made to Yan'an, a former revolutionary base of the Communist Party of China (CPC), in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, in 2019. He added that red tourism garnered 49.5 billion yuan in 2020 for the place despite the COVID-19 containment measures.

Gu said that a memorial hall in Rucheng County of central China's Hunan Province was built to tell people the 1934 story of three young female Red Army soldiers who halved their quilt for a local countrywoman.

It attracts an enormous number of tourists to the poverty-stricken region every year, and therefore boosts the local economic and social development, he added.

This year marks the centenary of the CPC.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Moroccan high school student Mohamed, 17, dropped everything -- his studies, his final exams, even his family -- to try to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, like countless other youngsters who see no future in the North African country.

Since Monday, more than 8,000 would-be migrants, many of them unaccompanied minors, have managed to scramble, wade or swim across the border in search of a better life in Europe.

Most have been sent straight back by the Spanish authorities, who have been angered by the blind eye turned by Moroccan border guards as the youngsters streamed across to the tiny enclave of 84,000 people.

But with already limited job prospects for school leavers greatly reduced by the Covid pandemic, many of the young returnees are determined to try again, and there are thousands more eager to follow in their footsteps.

Youth unemployment in Moroccan cities reached 40 percent last year, according to official figures, and many young people barely get by doing odd jobs.

Abdellah, 16, was sent back to Morocco by the Spanish authorities on Tuesday.

"My mother hasn't stopped ringing me to beg me to return home, but adventure holds no fear for me," he said.

The teenager, who said he dropped out of school two years ago and has been getting by working in a mechanic's workshop in Tangier, said he has enough money to stay a few more days in the Moroccan border town of Fnideq and intends to try his luck again getting across.

His friend Hassan, 17, said he had decided to go home to Tangiers for now. He still dreams of living in Europe but doesn't want to take the risk of setting off right away.

"One day, I'll try my luck again and I'll make it."

Others travelled to Fnideq from further afield after hearing news of this week's mass crossing.

"I have no future here. I want to work to help my family," said Mohammed, who arrived in the border town on Wednesday after a long journey on foot.

Anxious parents

Young Moroccans come to the assistance of a migrant from sub-Saharan Africa as they attempt to swim past the land border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

As Spain pressed on with its mass repatriations, anxious parents gathered on the Moroccan side of the border desperate for news of their loved ones.

"I'm looking for my 15-year-old daughter," said a visibly worried Abdelhak Bouchahtaoui.

"Another girl said she saw her in Ceuta but I have no news and nobody knows anything."

Another woman who gave her name only as Ouafa acknowledged that at first she wanted her 15-year-old son to succeed in reaching Ceuta.

But in the end she had been "relieved" to be reunited with him after rushing to the border from the port city of Tangier.

Human rights activist Omar Naji said the striking number of teenagers among the would-be migrants was a first.

He was deeply critical of the treatment of the youths by both the Spanish and Moroccan governments.

"Their expulsion by Spain runs contrary to international treaties on the rights of the child," he said.

"The Moroccan authorities used them to put pressure on Spain for political purposes."

His allegation against the Moroccan authorities has been echoed by the Spanish government.

"We are not talking about youths aged 16, 17 -- children as young as seven or eight were allowed through according to NGOs ... ignoring international law," said Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles.

Spanish soldiers escort Moroccan minors who came ashore in Ceuta after swimming across from Moroccan territory. By Antonio Sempere (AFP)

"Call it what you want but I call it blackmail."

Analysts said it was clear Morocco had turned a blind eye to the flow of people entering Ceuta in order to put diplomatic pressure on Spain to recognise its sovereignty over Western Sahara.

The influx comes against the backdrop of increased tensions with Morocco over Spain's decision to provide medical treatment for the leader of the Polisario Front.

The head of the Western Sahara independence movement has been seriously ill with Covid-19.
Spain accused Morocco of "blackmail" on Thursday for allowing a record 8,000 migrants to reach the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, sparking a crisis that saw clashes on the Moroccan side of the border overnight.

Spanish authorities were caught by surprise on Monday when large numbers of mostly young people began swimming or using small inflatable boats to cross the frontier as the Moroccan border forces looked the other way, quickly leaving the tiny territory overwhelmed.

But Madrid moved quickly to return most of the migrants and calm has largely returned the Spanish beach of Tarajal in Ceuta, where soldiers and armoured vehicles have been deployed in large numbers.

The outskirts of the Moroccan border town of Fnideq were deserted on Thursday, also under a heavy security presence.

Moroccan riot police retreated as youths threw stones near the border. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

However the previous night hundreds of Moroccan youths threw stones at Moroccan forces guarding the border, forcing them to retreat, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene.

The youths also set fired to a motorcycle.

The migrant influx comes amid tensions between Rabat and Madrid over Spain's decision to provide medical treatment for the leader of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, who has Covid-19.

The Polisario Front has fought for the independence of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony mainly under Moroccan control.

Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Morocco's actions were "an aggression of Spanish borders and of the borders of the European Union".

Large numbers of people crosssing the frontier on Monday as the Moroccan border forces looked the other way. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

"We are not talking about youths aged 16, 17, children as young as seven or eight were allowed through according to NGOs... ignoring international law," she said in an interview with Spanish public radio on Thursday.

"Call it what you want but I call it blackmail," she said, adding "it is not acceptable to put the lives of minors or of people of one's own country, at risk."

'I will try my luck again'

Spain's government said that around 5,600 of the 8,000 migrants had already been sent back, and there were no new entries on Wednesday as anyone who reached Ceuta's beach was immediately returned.

Some of the returned migrants said they hoped to try cross over into Ceuta again if border controls were eased once more.

"I have no future here, I want to work to help my family," 17-year-old Mohamed told AFP in Fnideq after being returned from Ceuta.

Migrants clashed with Moroccan forces guarding the border overnight Wednesday, as tensions rise between Madrid and Rabat. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

He left his studies and his family in Morocco to try to enter Spain in search of a better life.

Hassan, 17, said "one day I will try my luck again and I will make it," adding he "dreams of living in Europe".

Barefoot or in sandals, a crowd of mostly young people have tried to cross into Ceuta, a small enclave of 84,000 inhabitants which is connected to mainland Spain by ferry services across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar.

Ceuta, along with Spain's other North African enclave Melilla, have the European Union's only land border with Africa and have long been a magnet for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Ceuta, along with Spain's other north African enclave, have the European Union's only land border with Africa. By (AFP)

Earlier this week Spanish soldiers fired tear gas to prevent the migrants from nearing the border fence.

Several people were injured according to Moroccan media, but Rabat has not offered an official figure.

'Pawns in a political game'

Spain has received the support of top European officials, with European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas warning that Europe "won't let itself be intimidated by anyone on the issue of migration" in a veiled allusion to Morocco.

Rabat responded in the form of a flurry of angry dispatches published by the official MAP news agency saying that "Morocco is a sovereign country" and "is not the police of Europe".

Several NGOs have expressed concern over the huge number of minors who have crossed over into Ceuta from Morocco -- and the fact that Madrid is sending them back.

"Asylum seekers and migrants are being used as pawns in a political game between Morocco and Spain," Amnesty said in a statement.

It estimated that "around 2,000 unaccompanied children" had entered Ceuta this week from Morocco.
The strike declared by the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities of Ghana will still be in force pending a determination by its National Executive Council (NEC), the group has said.

Members of the association are on the industrial action to demand among other things the payment of Tier 2 pension arrears as well as the finalization of negotiations of conditions of service.

Government together with the leadership of the Association on Wednesday agreed that interest on the tier-two pension will be negotiated for payment.

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) also assured that it will conclude negotiations with the union regarding the conditions of service.

These new arrangements were part of an agreement between the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ministry of Education, FWSC as well as the Senior Staff Association of the Universities of Ghana after the emergency meeting.

But, the National Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, Zakaria Mohammed said members should continue with the strike until they have communication from the NEC on the next line of action.

We were satisfied with the points that were made. But we indicated that the decision to call off the strike and embark on the strike is the business of the NEC of our Association. So we are to convey to NEC, the discussion between us and the government for us to make an informed decision. But as for when the strike will be called off, I am unable to tell. So we are telling our members to continue the strike until a decision is made by the NEC.

The stakeholders at the meeting made four other resolutions.

The resolutions at the meeting were:

Interest on the tier-two pension will be negotiated and computed for payment

Fair Wages and Salaries Commission makes a firm commitment to conclude negotiations with Union on their Conditions of Service

The request for non-basic allowances to be discussed further and agreed upon

SSA-UoG to consult the National Executive Council (NEC) on the matter of calling off the strike

Parties to resolve all matters within 60 days

It is unclear if the Association will immediately call off the strike following the meeting, as they are yet to release any formal information to that effect.

---citinewsroom
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The Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) reached 16 point resolutions aimed at improving future elections.

This was proposed at a 2-day review workshop on the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The workshop brought together reps from the various political parties.

However, a strong critic of the Electoral Commission (EC) opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) were missing throughout the workshop.

Among the resolutions that feature prominently is a review of the time for closing of polls from 5:00 pm to 3:00pm.

Here are the resolutions:

THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE MEETING AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

Registration

1. Implement the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise to enable citizens who turned 18 years and those who had not previously registered to do so.

2. Set up a committee to deliberate on the implementation modalities for the Continuous Voter Registration.

3. Continuous Voter Registration should be implemented with proof of citizenship being limited to the use of Ghana Card and Ghana Passport since the guarantee system is often abused.

Exhibition

1. Introduce an all-year-round Voter Exhibition Exercise through the use of technology (SMS short code). Additionally, maintain the periodic mass verification at Exhibition Centres.

2. Put in place a cut-off time for the Continuous Voter Register Exhibition to allow for the compilation of the Register for voting on Election Day.

Filing of Nominations

1. The Five (5) day period for filing of Nominations introduced in 2020 should be maintained.

2. The period set aside to enable the Political Parties to obtain signatures from their supporters should be increased.

3. The period for the Election Campaign should be defined. It should commence after the nominations are filed.

4. Encourage nominations of female and persons with disabilities (PWDs) candidates by reducing their filing fees by 50%.

Special Voting

1. Current arrangement whereby the Media, Security Services and Election Officials are allowed to apply and vote under the Special Voting period should be maintained until such time that the process is fully entrenched.

Elections 1. The polls should end at 3:00 pm instead of at 5:00 pm.

2. Certified Regional Collated Results should be announced by the Chairperson to reduce tension and suspicion. However, the Commission should state clearly the percentage of results yet to be released, etc.

Security 1. Security around elections is the responsibility of the Ghana Police Service. 2. Ghana Police Service should arrange a periodic platform to engage IPAC and other Stakeholders,

3. Ghana Police Service should provide updates on the 2020 Elections malpractices and violence.

4. Political Parties and the Media must show commitment to the democratic process and be mindful of their comments, as some of their statements have the tendency to provoke violence and inflame tensions and suspicions.
Former Member of Parliament of Tema East constituency, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover has called for a non-partisan approach to discussing illegal small scale mining in the country popularly known as galamsey.

He called on politicians to discuss issues relating to illegal small-scale mining dispassionately, devoid of partisan politics, narrow and parochial interests.

According to him, it would require stakeholders in the small-scale mining industry, to engage in honest and candid conversations to stem the tide of the galamsey menace.

Ghana is not only made up of the people, but the soil,water bodies, valleys,mountains, forests, plants and animal life, without them, we will not survive, and requires our collective determination to protect them, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover told Kwaku Dawuro on Anopa Nkomo Accra-based Kingdom FM 107.7

Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover said although mining creates jobs and improved livelihoods, but should not be done at the expense of damaging the environment.

He noted that Ghana is endowed with numerous natural resources and should explore innovative ways to exploit them, without hurting the environment.

Therefore, mining becomes problematic and dangerous when it posed a threat to the environment.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn has asked politicians to stop politicizing initiatives that are geared towards national development.

According to him, when every little occurrence is attributed to one political party or the other which political activists and followers are so emotionally attached to their parties, they get easily upset over such issues which raises tension.

We cannot afford to play politics with everything in this country. The incessant politicization of all issues does no credit to Ghanaian politics, Godwin Ako Gunn told Kwaku Dawuro on Anopa Nkomo Accra-based Kingdom FM 107.7

He added, "If Ghana will be a good place for us all, then all stakeholders must adopt a unifying attitude in all that they do."

Godwin Ako Gunn said as Ghanaians, our topmost priority should be about peace building; a peaceful country, peace of mind, and harmony without which nothing meaningful can be achieved.
A comparative analysis of some crime statistics from the first quarters of 2020 and 2021, indicates some progress made in policing except in the area of reported murders.

According to the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, there were 144 murder cases recorded in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to 123 in the first quarter of 2020.

He said the issue needs to be addressed, noting that, one loss of life in Ghana is one life too many.

There was marginal improvement in reported kidnapping cases with 26 recorded, and the first quarter of 2021 as against 27 in the first quarter of 2020.

For reported robbery cases, there was a drop from 525 to 495 cases, when comparing the first quarters of 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Reported rape cases reduced from 119 to 97 in the same period, the Minister also noted.

Another area of concern is the loss of life from road traffic accidents, Mr. Dery noted, as Ghana has recorded 771 fatalities in the first quarter of 2021.

The National Road Safety Authority has already indicated that this represents a 14.8 percent increase in the number of deaths from road crashes compared to the first three months of 2020.

Mr. Dery was speaking at the National Police Command Conference when he outlined these figures.

He called on the leadership of the service to develop operational strategies to deal with these crimes.

The 2021 National Police Command Conference was organized under the theme The role of leadership in the prevention of violent crimes and Promoting Community safety.

---citinewsroom
Management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has appealed to the Hospital's medical laboratory scientists to call off the strike action.

Management appreciates your invaluable role in the healthcare team as we strive to achieve the best for our clients and this Hospital as a Center of Excellence, Dr Oheneba Owusu-Danso, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), noted.

A statement signed by the CEO and issued in Kumasi, a copy made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), encouraged them to avoid any action or inaction likely to breach the industrial peace and hinder the care of patients.

It emphasized that the Management was fully committed to cooperating with relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the issues raised by the Hospital's branch of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS).

Management wishes to urge the leadership of GAMLS to reserve any further concerns until a final solution is achieved through the intervention of the Honourable Minister for Health and all relevant stakeholders within the shortest possible period, the statement said.

Members of the KATH branch of the GAMLS on Thursday, May 20, commenced a sit-down strike to register their protest against what they described as wrongful postings of two Medical Officers, Lesley Osei and Eunice Agyemang Ahmed, to the Laboratory Services Directorate (LSD) as "Clinical" Haematologists.

Mr Ernest Badu-Boateng, the KATH Chapter Chairman of GAMLS, in an interview with the GNA, said various protest letters was written to the Hospital's Management, expressing the Association's displeasure of the development.

We want these Medical Officers to be removed from the LSD as soon as possible, he insisted.

The GAMLS Branch Chairman said the impasse was lingering on for almost two years without any positive response from the KATH Management and vowed that they would continue to lay down their tools until the right thing was done.

The medical laboratory scientists are qualified enough to work on their own and man the LSD without the medical officers, Mr Badu-Boateng stated.

The entire Membership of the GAMLS-KATH Chapter would continue with the sit-down strike until the Association's demands were met.

The Association, he said, would resist any attempt on the part of Management or the Board to create a new unit within the current LSD structure called "Clinical Haematology Unit for these Medical Officers.

Medical laboratory scientists play a critical role in the healthcare delivery system, including examining and analysing blood, body fluids, tissues and cells.

They are also charged with the responsibility of relaying test results to physicians and cross-matching blood for transfusion.

---GNA
The Market Oriented Agricultural Programme in North Western Ghana (MOAP NW), a German Development Corporation (GIZ) agricultural sector intervention, has opened the second edition of the Agribusiness Fair and Conference in Wa, Upper West Regional capital.

This was in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council (RCC).

The two-day event, on the theme: Boosting the Agribusiness Potential of North Western Ghana, brought together stakeholders to discuss issues militating against the agriculture sector as well as effective ways of surmounting those challenges.

It also offered an opportunity for agribusinesses to exhibit their products and services and networking between businesses, as part of efforts to promote agribusiness in the region and the country at large.

Addressing participants at the opening of the conference, Madam Regina Bauerochse-Barbosa, the GIZ Country Director, noted that the MOAP, since its inception about four years ago, had chalked remarkable successes.

She said it had among others, supported the creation of about 1596 jobs, more than 8,000 farmers befitted from input credit for seeds, extension and marketing services and 208 Village Savings and Loans Association formed and its members trained among others.

In Ghana, GIZ is implementing about 50 projects/programmes with a financial volume of 274,057,383 Euros.

As a reform partner country, Ghana benefits from GIZ interventions in the following priority areas: training and sustainable growth for decent jobs; responsibility for our planet, which covers climate, renewable energy and energy efficiency; and peaceful and inclusive societies, which touches on good governance, she explained.

Madam Bauerochse-Barbosa indicated that their partnership with Ghana seeks to promote private sector involvement which was key to jobs creation and income generation, particularly for women and children.

She indicated that the GIZs support was shifting from mainstream agriculture to agribusiness development, with the objective of supporting Ghana to boost the countrys dynamic agro-processing, as well as supporting SMEs to overcome the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support the implementation of the Ghana Beyond Aid strategy, Germany intends to put an even stronger focus on private sector promotion and job creation. Ghana has a dynamic processing sector with a high potential for growth in terms of export as well as an increasing local demand for high quality products Made in Ghana, Ambassador Christoph Retzlaff, German Ambassador to Ghana, said in a remark.

He stated that as part of efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, they were supporting agribusiness opportunities to promote existing businesses to propel jobs creation.

The Market Oriented Agriculture Programme (MOAP NW) in North Western Ghana, is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and to the development of a robust private agribusiness sector at both the district and regional levels.

Financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), MOAP North West allows business opportunities to fester through innovation, technology and digitalization, Ambassador Retzlaff explained.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, was appreciative to the GIZ and its partners for taking the initiative to promote agribusiness and the general economic wellbeing of the people in the region.

He said following the success of the first agribusiness and conference in 2019, the region saw an increase in the production of mangoes.

I am glad to indicated that the market linkages out of the 2019 fair resulted in a total production of 102.4 metric tons of mango fruits which were sold to HPW, a mango processing and exporting company in Accra, Dr Salih said.
Planned for 16 April and then postponed due to the Covid-19 health crisis, the Paris-Nice night train leaves this evening for the first time in three years, with French Prime Minister Jean Castex as an honorary passenger. The resumption of the service is part of a government push for 'greener' transport options.

The French Prime Minister Jean Castex is due to inaugurate the night-time Intercites train at the Austerlitz station before sleeping in a first class carriage: departure at 8.52pm, arrival at 09.11am on Friday on the French Riviera. The journey will take a twelve hours, compared to less than six hours by TGV.

This launch "highlights a virtuous mode of transport that contributes to the opening up of the regions. Nice is ultra-connected for the upper classes but less so for students and others," the Prime Minister's entourage told French news agency AFP.

Tickets start at 19 euros for a reclining seat, 29 euros for a second class sleeper and 39 euros for a first class sleeper.

Massive investment in the rail sector

The Paris-Nice Intercites, which stopped its operation in December 2017 due to a lack of profitability, will connect Paris-Austerlitz and Nice-Ville every day in both directions, with six stops including Marseille, Toulon and Cannes.

With this long route in his agenda, Castex wants to highlight a "rapid concretisation of the government's recovery plan", which has earmarked 5.3 billion euros for the rail sector, including 100 million euros for night trains.

It provides 50 million for the refurbishment of 51 night carriages and another 50 million for the reception of passengers and the adaptation of workshops.

Ecological dimension

The government also wants to relaunch the Paris-Tarbes service at the end of the year.

The Prime Minister wants to emphasise the "ecological dimension" of these journeys in sleeping cars or reclining seats: the train as an alternative to the plane over these long distances.

After the Paris-Nice service, heir to the prestigious "Train Bleu" launched in 1886, was discontinued at the end of 2017, a call for expressions of interest was launched to find a buyer, but in vain.

The relaunched route could be the first of a new series of night-time lines. "My ambition is to have ten or so night trains by 2030," said transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari in January.

Series of night-time lines

There were only two night train lines left in France, from Paris to Briancon, and from Paris to Rodez, Cerbere (Pyrenees-Orientales) and Latour-de-Carol (Pyrenees-Orientales).

The carriages on these surviving lines are to be completely renovated by 2023 at a cost of 44 million euros.

A government report, published on Tuesday by the newsletter Mobilettre, proposes to articulate different night links - possibly seasonal - around the Dijon-Marseille, Bordeaux-Marseille, Paris-Toulouse and Tours-Lyon corridors, and to reach major foreign cities.

The French are looking to emulate the success of the Austrian company OBB, which has built up a genuine network (Vienna-Amsterdam and Munich-Rome, among others) in a "socio-cultural context favourable to the environment and action against climate change".

The plans proposed in the report include, for example, a series of services from Metz-Nancy-Strasbourg and Zurich-Geneva to Avignon, then Marseille-Nice, Perpignan-Barcelona and Toulouse-Bordeaux.

Paris-Rome night train back?

Connections from Quimper-Nantes-Lyon-Geneva, Paris-Brussels-Hamburg-Copenhagen-Malmo and the revival of the Paris-Rome route are also envisaged.

In all, 600 cars would be needed - 354 of which would be for domestic routes - at an estimated cost of 924 million euros, as well as 60 locomotives, for a total cost of 1.45 billion euros, including maintenance.

The proposed night network would have a deficit of 26 million euros a year, a figure roughly equal to the current deficit of the two existing night lines.

According to the ministry, the report published by Mobilettre is "an obsolete working version", and "its final version will be released in a few days".

The very active Oui au train de nuit ! ("Yes to the night train") collective welcomed the return of the Paris-Nice line, calling on the government to "commit itself without delay to releasing the necessary funding for the revival of night trains", with orders for new trains.

In a statement, the collective also proposed "rebalancing competition between train and plane, by reducing VAT on train tickets and setting a minimum price for plane tickets".

(with AFP)
ZIMBABWEANS should not panic over the new India Covid-19 variant which has been detected in the country as long as they adhere to recommended World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines implemented by the Government to prevent the spread of the deadly pandemic.

These include the thorough washing of hands with soap and running water, correct wearing of masks and practicing social distancing, which the Government imposed last year when the first case of Covid-19 was recorded.

According to WHO, a variant can be labelled as of concern if it has been shown to be more contagious and more deadly.

Experts have said the prevention and transmission of the Indian variant is still similar to other Covid-19 strains hence the need for people to continue adhering to advice to avoid getting the deadly Indian variant.

On Tuesday, the Government announced that the Covid-19 variant, which India is grappling with, has reached Zimbabwe and travellers from that country will now be mandatorily quarantined upon arrival.

The Vice-President, who is also the Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Constantino Chiwenga said those entering Zimbabwe would be further tested even if they present Covid-19 travelling certificates.

He urged members of the public to stick to Covid-19 prevention measures which include social distancing at all times, proper wearing of face masks, regular washing of hands and avoiding unnecessary travelling.

Vice-President Chiwenga urged citizens to also take advantage of the Covid-19 vaccination exercise being rolled out by Government.

WHO has said it is reclassifying the highly contagious triple-mutant Covid-19 variant spreading in India as a variant of concern, indicating that its become a global health threat.

As at 19 May 2021, Zimbabwe had 38 612 confirmed cases, including 36 416 recoveries and 1 583 deaths.

On Wednesday, a total of 605 556 people had received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine while 239 128 had received their 2nd dose.

Bulawayo director of health services Dr Edwin Sibanda yesterday said there was no need for panic as long as people adhered to what they have been previously taught.

He said adherence to prevention measures is what will save communities from contracting the deadly variant.

We are not panicking because the means of transmission and prevention are still the same hence there is need for us to continue adhering to what we have been advised to be safe. The variant may not be the same but prevention methods are still the same just like the other variants that we have experienced in the past, said Dr Sibanda.

As a city we will continue warning residents against defying WHO guidelines and we will sanitise our public spaces when necessary, with the understanding that we are only safe if we wear masks, wash hands and sanitise.

Renowned health expert Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said the presence of the Indian variant is a game changer for Zimbabweans who for the longest time have defied Government recommendations.

He said even those who have been vaccinated are equally at risk hence the need to practice social distancing, wear masks and wash hands.

We are really facing a critical moment as a country as the variant has finally made its way into Zimbabwe.

It is a double mutated variant of the original variant found in China in 2019 and unfortunately this one is more deadly and infectious, said Prof Ngwenya.

Now it is dangerous because it has been allowed to change its structure and its highly transmissible which means we all have to unite as a country and ensure it does not spread.

Prof Ngwenya said Zimbabweans must change their ways now to escape scenes of death and pandemonium which are all over India now.

He also called on the Government to consider enforcing strict measures on super spreaders like funerals, schools, parties and churches.

We should never allow ourselves to get there as we will be overwhelmed once this variant strikes in our communities. We have to change how we have been treating Covid-19. Its real and can be deadly if we continue being complacent, he said.

Prof Ngwenya bemoaned the fact that unlike in the past months people were no longer wearing masks.

People are no longer wearing masks and that is dangerous and a fertile ground for the variant to spread. This variant came at a wrong time because we have super spreader events, its winter and we have defiant members of the public who still go against the Government oblivious of the fact that they may be wiped out within a few days, he warned.

Our Government should watch and then consider shutting down the country if people continue defying the recommended guidelines.

In a statement yesterday, the Womens Coalition of Zimbabwe called on members of the public to desist from defying measures to stop the spread which remains a threat for all.

Our monitoring reports continue to indicate that communities continuously disregard the use of masks and other preventative measures.

This has been increased in markets, economic activity areas and public transport transit points where citizens continue to move around without observing physical distancing, improperly wearing masks, with noses exposed and, in some instances, outrightly wearing masks on their chins, read the statement.

The coalition urged communities to adhere to proper use of masks and overcome Covid-19 fatigue as the cold season approaches and ensure strict compliance with the public health guidelines. Chronicle
Malawi's health minister blamed propaganda for the poor take-up of the AstraZeneca anti-coronavirus vaccine after revealing that nearly 17,000 doses of the jab had been destroyed.

"The batch which had expired has been withdrawn from our system and has been destroyed," said Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda during a visit to the Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe where she personally placed some of the 16,910 defunct vaccines in an incinerator.

Malawi has received 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca shot under the Covax vaccine sharing facility from India and the African Union (AU).

Chiponda said the AU batch had two weeks of shelf life. "Unfortunately, in those two weeks, we were not able to absorb everything, mostly due to the propaganda against the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"We tried to assure Malawians and give them faith in the vaccine," Chiponda added."

Since Malawi launched its vaccination drive in March, it has inoculated 300,000 people out of its drive to reach 11 million by the end of the year.

"We don't want to lose any vaccine because we have a lot of people to vaccinate but ... we have to remove all expired drugs from the system," Chiponda said.

Doubts

Scepticism has dogged take-up of the AstraZeneca shot. Austria this week became the third European country after Norway and Denmark to drop the Anglo-Swedish jab following cases of severe blood clots in people who had received the dose.

Despite the doubts about AstraZeneca, the UN says richer countries must send more vaccines to Africa.

"The security council expresses concern that Africa has only received two percent of all vaccines administered globally," said text of a statement adopted during a session on peace and security in Africa.

Africa's populations have fared better during the pandemic than other regions.

Nearly 130,000 deaths have been reported on the continent out of a global figure of 3.4 million.
At the Summit on the Financing of African economies held in Paris this week, African leaders and international donors discussed the financing and distribution of Covid vaccines on the continent as well as the possibility to produce them. RFI spoke to Angola's finance minister about her country's options.

Angola's Finance Minister Vera Daves, who was in attendance during the Paris summit, said that Angola had been asked a number of times whether the country would start manufacturing its own Covid vaccines.

We need to find a balance between being conscious of our own limitations and evaluate how we can address this, Daves told RFI's Miguel Martins on the sidelines of the summit.

We need to work on the evaluation process and our ability to take on that technology, she added.

Daves said that South Africa, Senegal, and Rwanda are in pole position for starting their own manufacture.

I am not sure how ready they are, but their presidents reiterated that they are set for doing so, she said.

According to the Africa CDC, Angola has more than 31,400 Covid-19 cases, but less than 700 recorded total deaths. They currently are in receipt of almost one percent of doses for the whole populationsome 624,000 AstraZeneca doses for 32.9 million people.

For manufacturing Covid-19 vaccines in Angola, we are not closing the door, but we need to be properly prepared before doing so, said Daves.

Both South Africa and India have been behind the push to waive intellectual property rights on the Covid vaccine so that it can be produced locally, as poorer countries are lagging behind richer ones in getting their citizens vaccinated.

South Africa is holding a vaccine rollout again this after some delays, as Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that he expects the country to have received 4.5 million doses of Pfizer and two million J&J doses within the next six weeks.
Former Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of Africa Public Policy Institute (APPI), Hon. Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye has stated emphatically that he has nowhere endorsed anyone as the 2024 flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He issued a rejoinder to some publications suggesting that he (Michael Oquaye) said "Bawumia should be NPP's 2024 Flagbearer".

According to him, he granted an interview on Monday, May 17, 2021, to Okyeman TV's host, Raymond Kumah and that interview was not about flagbearship of the party.

He stated that: It centered on NPP and what it stands for from ancient to modern, including Ghana's Digitisation Progress. It must be emphasized that no comparison was made with any of those interested in flagbearship. It featured President Kufuor prominently in specific areas. No endorsement was suggested to me and I did not endorse anybody.

Hon. Prof. Michael Oquaye also stated that when he was asked about the progress of Ghana's digitization initiative under Dr. Bawumia, he answered by indicating categorically that, "It will be fantastic if we are able to continue with this digitization, automation and ICT. This complements the good work being done by Hon. Ursula at the Ministry of Communications."

According to him, he considers Dr. Bawumia as an 'A Plus' performer so as other NPP stalwarts, including Hon. Kyerematen, Dr. Akoto, Hon. Ursula, Dr. Prempeh.

These are all excellent material and I will continue to say so in context. The Trade Minister is today a global authority on International Trade, Business and Investment. The headquarters of the Africa Trade Organisation, etc., exemplify him. Also, Dr. Akoto complements development in our agro-based industry for our food both home and abroad. His work stands unprecedented in Ghana. The brilliance of Hon. Ursula in the application of ICT for national development must be spoken about, entirely without prejudice. She is also 'A plus'. Similarly, Dr. Prempeh is managing the challenges in the Energy Ministry just like he did in the Education Ministry and we are all looking up to him and other brilliant stars which we the elders are proud of.

The rejoinder noted that, similarly, while he was going to deliver the Re Akoto Lectures, some well-wishers called to say his involvement might be misinterpreted as support for one particular aspirant but undeniably, the story about the good NPP tradition must be told.

He stated that, we should be able to extol the President's men and women to show what the NPP is doing and is capable of. If the NPP fails to tell the world about the great achievements of President Akufo-Addo and his Ministers, we shall be heading for disaster in 2024.

He however cautioned the party against pitching people against each other saying, Let us not be pitching people against each other and I will never do this. To have misconstrued and misrepresented the comment on Ghana's digitization progress as an indication for a particular individual to be the Flagbearer of the NPP in 2024 is not only inaccurate but a complete falsehood.

He called on the general public to disregard the misleading publication in the media.

Read full rejoinder below:
An Oxford University college said Thursday it will not take down a controversial statue of the 19th-century colonialist Cecil Rhodes, despite having backed its removal.

Oriel College voted last year in favour of removing the statue but said it would now not do so due to "regulatory and financial challenges".

"In light of the considerable obstacles to removal, Oriel's governing body has decided not to begin the legal process for relocation of the memorials," it added.

The four-year campaign to remove the statue was reignited by the global explosion of Black Lives Matter demonstrations last year, following the killing in the United States of African-American George Floyd by a police officer.

It followed a similar protest -- "Rhodes Must Fall" -- against a statue of the colonialist at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

"It has been a careful, finely balanced debate and we are fully aware of the impact our decision is likely to have in the UK and further afield," said Oriel's provost Neil Mendoza.

"We understand this nuanced conclusion will be disappointing to some."

The "Rhodes Must Fall" campaign called the decision a "slap in the face".

"No matter how Oriel College might try to justify their decision, allowing the statue to remain is an act of institutional racism," it said in a statement.

"The morality of the decision of whether to remove the statue... has been subsumed into a cost-benefit analysis, one that does not take into account the human cost of letting the statue remain.

"Pretending that this is a choice made due to financial costs is a slap in the face with the hand of white supremacy," it added.

Famous alumni

The college, which was founded in 1326, will instead focus on "improving educational equality, diversity and inclusion amongst its student cohort and academic community," it added.

An independent commission, established to consider the legacy of Rhodes, backed the college's original wish to remove the statue.

But more than 500 students, alumni and members of the general public sent letters calling for it to stay in place.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson tweeted that the decision was "sensible & balanced", adding "we should learn from our past, rather than censoring history, and continue focussing on reducing inequality."

The commission filed its report earlier this month after a 10-month study.

The report acknowledged "the considerable planning and heritage considerations involved in the removal of the statue which is situated on the college's Grade II listed High Street building.

"Removal of the statue would be subject to legal and planning processes involving the City Council, Historic England and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government," it added.

Campaigners had also demanded changes to the Rhodes scholarship, which has been awarded to more than 8,000 overseas students to study at Oxford University, since 1902.

Famous Rhodes scholars include US president Bill Clinton, astronomer Edwin Hubble, US television host Rachel Maddow, and former Australian prime ministers Bob Hawke, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull.

Rhodes -- a white supremacist like many builders of the British empire -- gave his name to Rhodesia -- now Zimbabwe and Zambia -- and founded the De Beers diamond company.

He studied at Oxford and left money to Oriel College after his death in 1902.
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Professor Ransford Gyampo of the Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, has said although the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) can never be romanticised given its pervasiveness, the burning of excavators simply because the previously seized ones got back to their owners, does not make sense.

Why do you burn excavators when you need the same excavators to go reclaim the land that has been destroyed?

Why do you burn excavators and later use taxpayers money to go procure new ones to reclaim destroyed lands? Prof Gyampo quizzed.

According to Prof Gyampo, the explanation that the previously confiscated ones flew away like guinea fowls to their owners, insults the intelligence of Ghanaians.

Who was placed in charge of those seized excavators? Who took inventory of those excavators seized? Why cant we hold them accountable and responsible for the missing excavators? Who was arrested and prosecuted for the missing excavators? Why should our incompetence in dealing with those who supervised the flying of the seized excavators back to their owners, lead to another senseless approach in dealing with the problem of illegal mining? the political science lecturer asked.

In his view, there is something wrong with our thinking and thats why we still havent been able to develop, in spite of all the strategies for national development, implemented since independence, beginning from import substitution industrialisation, through the structural adjustment programme, application of political conditionality, the Lagos Plan of Action, the NEPAD, HIPC, MDGs, SDGs, to all the developing policy frameworks implemented since 1992.

He noted that if the state that legally has monopoly over the deployment of coercive apparatus and instrument of force has been overly politicised to the extent that it cannot perform a minimum function of keeping seized excavators in safe custody for its own future use, and would have to resort to burning of these machines as a solution to illegal mining, then we are worse than an acephalous society. We just do not have a state!

Prof Gyampo, however, commended the zeal of the ministers of Lands and Defence in the fight against illegal mining.

He urged them to carry on with the fight warning, however, that the already caused harm of illegal mining, must not make them overly emotional.

They must do a sober introspection and rethink their youthful exuberance that may have guided their zeal to instantly burn excavators, whether being used by legal or illegal miners, Prof Gyampo said.

He further advised that the state must do its work in ensuring that the confiscated excavators are kept and used for future land reclamation adding that burning them under flimsy and incompetent excuses, and going to buy same machines in future for land reclamation is indicative of our shallow thinking precocity.

---classfm
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the Electoral Commissions proposal to close polls at 3 pm in the 2024 general elections and other future elections.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the director of elections for the party, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah said the move could disenfranchise many people especially poor farmers in rural areas who may want to go to the farm early morning when polls have not opened and return to vote in the evening.

The NDC finds the proposal by the Jean Mensah-led EC to change the closing time of polls from 5 PM to 3 PM in 2024 baffling and mind-boggling. Since the 1992 elections, polls have always closed at 5 PM.

This has worked perfectly without any challenges whatsoever. It, therefore, beggars belief that the EC would want to change this time-tested arrangement and go for a poorly thought-through alternative which is bound to disenfranchise eligible voters and create needless problems for our electoral system.

Ghanaians will recall how a similar hasty decision by the EC to declare results within 24 hours after the closure of polls in the 2020 elections failed miserably and led to the rushed declaration of patently flawed results that yielded a percentage aggregate of more than 100%, by the Returning Officer, Mr Jean Adukwei Mensah. One would have thought that Jean Mensah would have learnt the right lessons by now but that appears not to be the case.

As part of electoral reforms, the EC is planning to close polls in the 2024 general elections at 3 pm on election day instead of the usual 5 pm.

If the current reform is adopted, it means no eligible voter will be admitted to the polling station to cast their ballot after 3 pm but if a voter happens to be in the queue before 3 pm, voting will continue until everybody in the queue has voted.

Below is the full statement by the NDC

PRESS STATEMENT

THEME: ASSESSING THE SO-CALLED ACHIEVEMENTS AND ELECTORAL REFORM PROPOSALS OF THE JEAN MENSAH-LED ELECTORAL COMMISSION.

20th May, 2020

Good afternoon distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the media. You are welcome to the Headquarters of the NDC for this all-important press conference.

The NDC has taken notice of several false claims made by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensah in her speech delivered at the just-ended two (2)-day workshop between the EC and the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) at Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The purpose of this press conference is to formally respond to and expose the many unfounded claims peddled by the EC Chairperson in her speech at the program and to explain to you the reasons for our boycott of these IPAC engagements.

Friends from the media, contrary to the claims by the EC Chairperson that the 2020 general elections was the best ever in the history this country and calls for the nation to celebrate some so-called unprecedented successes chalked by the EC in the conduct of the elections, the facts show that last years elections was one of the most poorly conducted, flawed and manipulated elections in the history of this country, a situation that has undermined the strides we have made since the inception of this 4th republican democratic dispensation. And we say this for the following reasons:

1. The dubious handling of the printing and distribution of ballot papers and other electoral materials that led to ballot stuffing by the NPP in their strongholds and other regions.

2. The unprecedented number of rejected ballots recorded in the elections owing largely to the incompetence and recklessness of the EC in using unapproved stamp pads instead of the approved voting ink pad that we have used in previous elections.

3. The use of illegal Statement of Polls/pink sheets (Form 8B) that omitted BVD entries in about 7,581 polling stations, thereby undermining the ballot accounting process and the integrity of the entire results. This totally belies the the claim by Jean Mensah that only 11,000 people voted by manual verification in the 2020 general elections.

4. Widespread cases of patent arithmetic errors on the faces of pink sheets and constituency results summary sheets by incompetent EC staff in the filling of electoral forms and aggregation of valid votes.

5. Manipulation of figures by the EC leading to a disparity between constituency collated results aggregate (13,118,640) and regional collated results aggregates (13,119,460).

6. Padding of votes at the constituency collation centers in favor of candidate Akufo-Addo.

7. No proper collation at the national collation center by the Returning Officer for the Presidential elections, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensah.

8. Unprecedented cases of state-sponsored violence and killings at constituency collation centers occasioned by the reckless and unlawful conduct of some EC officials and the despotic Akufo-Addo government and in contravention of our time-tested election security arrangement.

9. Also contrary to the claim that the International community has hailed the conduct of the 2020 general elections as Jean Mensah will have us believe, the European Union is on record to have decried the non-transparency of the collation process for the elections. So flawed was the conduct of the 2020 general elections that for the first time in the history of this country, a whole district made up of the Satrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi (SALL) communities were deliberately disenfranchised by the EC for the sole purpose of assisting the New Patriotic Parliamentary Candidate, John Peter Amewu win the Hohoe seat. Is this what Jean Mensa and her bias Commission is inviting us to celebrate?

11. Again, the claim by the EC that an amount of $90 million was saved in the conduct of the 2020 general elections is completely contrived. The facts show that the state incurred avoidable financial losses as a result of the procurement of a facial recognition technology by the EC that turned out as a fiasco. It is therefore ridiculous and laughable to say the least, that an Electoral Management Body that has failed to pay its temporary staff their allowances, five (5) months after an election will make the claim that they have saved the nation money. We wish to entreat the public to treat this baseless claim with the contempt it deserves and wait for a credible audit into the the ECs expenditure for the 2020 general elections.

PROPOSED REFORMS BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, we have taken note of some proposals for reforms that the Electoral Commission has put forward for the consideration of IPAC. However, the first and most important reform required is for the EC to reform itself. Jean Mensa and Bossman Asare must be the first to reform and change their attitude of arrogance and bias.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I will now proceed to do a critical and objective analysis of the the four (4) reform proposals put forward by the EC.

1. Closure of polls at 3pm in 2024

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, the NDC finds the proposal by the Jean Mensah-led EC to change the closing time of polls from 5PM to 3PM in 2024 baffling and mind-boggling. Since the 1992 elections, polls have always closed at 5PM. This has worked perfectly without any challenges whatsoever. It therefore beggars belief that the EC would want to change this time-tested arrangement and go for a poorly thought-through alternative which is bound to disenfranchise eligible voters and create needless problems for our electoral system.

This is particularly so given the undue delay we usually record in the delivery of electoral materials to some polling stations and other technical challenges that usually characterize voting in this country.

Ghanaians will recall how a similar hasty decision by the EC to declare results within 24 hours after closure of polls in the 2020 elections failed miserably and led to the rushed declaration of a patently flawed results that yielded a percentage aggregate of more than 100%, by the Returning Officer, Mr. Jean Adukwei Mensah. One would have thought that Jean Mensah would have learnt the right lessons by now but that appears not to be the case.

Friends form the media, our position on this proposal is simple. The current arrangement of closing polls at 5PM has worked perfectly in seven (7) general elections in this country and does not require any fixing. Like the Chairperson said in her speech, if it aint broke, dont fix it.

2. Substitution of periodic mass registration with continuous registration.

We wish to remind the Electoral Commission that the all-round continuous registration of eligible voters is not new. The law requires the Commission to put in place mechanisms to ensure that at any time that citizens become eligible to vote, they can be registered.

However, continuous registration cannot be a substitute for periodic nationwide registration because the all-round registration can only be done at the district offices of the Electoral Commission. Eligible voters may have to travel several kilometers to district offices to register and not everyone can do this.

Secondly, political parties always assign agents to observe the voters registration process. It will therefore be ludicrous for the EC to suggest that political parties should employ permanent agents at their district offices to observe the registration of eligible voters all-year round.

This proposal also comes against a major challenge of transparency in verifying the claims of prospective registrants at the district office level.

3. Introducing all-year round Voter Exhibition exercise through the use of technology.

The proposal by EC to have a year-round exhibition is a laudable idea but cannot be a substitute for the periodic exhibition exercise of the voters register that is normally done after voter registration. This is simply because the Voter exhibition exercise is not only intended to afford voters the opportunity to verify and confirm their details but to also;

a) ensure ineligible registrants (minors and foreigners) are challenged and removed from the register.

b) help clean the names of dead people from the register.

C) afford voters the opportunity to confirm their captured biometric features.

And this cannot be achieved through the system the EC is proposing.

Given the errors that occurred in the run up to the 2020 elections when this system was deployed and the fact that not all Ghanaians have mobile phones to assess this system, it cannot be a replacement for periodic Voters Register Exhibition.

4. Restrict data entry of election results to the constituency collation level and generate regional and national reports.

The proposal to have the entry point of data done only at Constituency Collation Centres will introduce another opportunity for rigging through hacking and other means of manipulation of the results. The way to build further efficiencies into the collation process and eliminate inaccuracies is to hire and train competent EC staff to ensure accurate data entry and collation and not to throw away the time-tested practice of collation at the national level.

Data entry and collation must be done at constituency level and sent to the national collation center for aggregation by the Returning Officer and with the participation of political party representatives. This will ensure accuracy and transparency in the aggregation of constituency results for free and fair election results declaration.

OUR BOYCOTT OF IPAC

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, you may be aware, the National Democratic Congress has decided to boycott IPAC temporarily due to the bastardization of that revered body by the Jean Mensah/Bossman Asare-led Electoral Commission.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the framers of the 1992 Constitution in their wisdom created the Electoral Commission as an independent institution to perform its constitutional functions without the control of any person or group of persons. The independence given to the EC under the 1992 Constitution is based on the presumption that the Electoral Commission will at all times perform its duties conscientiously in the ultimate interest of Ghana. However, this does not mean that the Commission is not accountable to the people and can therefore decide to act whimsically or capriciously in ways that undermine our democratic experiment.

Unfortunately, the Jean Mensa led Electoral Commission has misinterpreted this independence to mean arrogance and non-accountability. And it is sad that the Supreme Court of the country endorsed this irresponsible conduct of the NDC and allowed them to get away with the embarrassment they caused this country in the 2020 general elections.

Ladies and Gentlemen, one unique convention of Ghanas electoral system which has become international best practice is the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). The rationale for IPAC, as it has been over the years, is to create a platform for consensus building on major issues affecting elections with key stakeholders involved in elections.

Over the years, IPAC has served Ghana well as a platform where ideas are shared on various issues, before the EC takes substantive decisions on critical electoral matters. Indeed, to promote transparency in our electoral process, IPAC has been involved in the drafting of Constitutional Instruments on elections as well as procurement processes of the EC under previous Chairpersons. IPAC is supposed to serve as a platform where political parties participate in all electoral activities throughout the electoral cycle, such as, voter registration, exhibition of the voters register, printing of ballot papers, observing the voting process at all polling stations through polling agents as well as collation of results at both the constituency and national levels.

Unfortunately, since the June 2018 ouster of the chairperson of the Electoral Commission and her 2 deputies and their subsequent replacement with Jean Mensa and Bossman Asare, all these best practices have been thrown to the dogs.

The current leadership of the Electoral Commission has turned IPAC from a consultative and consensus building platform to an information sharing platform where the EC only comes to impose its decisions on IPAC without room for meaningful deliberations and exchange of ideas. It became so bad to the point that the EC even announced publicly that IPAC had agreed to the decision to compile a new register for the 2020 elections when the issue of a new register had not even been discussed at the said meeting.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Jean Mensa led EC appears to be in a world of its own. The Commission appears to be tickling itself and laughing. The Electoral Commission has for the first time in our history conducted elections that leaves doubts on the mind of Ghanaians and other observers on the credibility of the elections. The Commission declared wrong results and even after issuing an unsigned press release to subsequently correct same, the figures still do not add up. Instead of taking advantage of the election petition to clear itself of the mess caused, the EC failed to mount the witness box to testify and explain to Ghanaians how it arrived at its results.

These issues coupled with the non-equitable voting arrangement at IPAC meetings, is the reason why we have taken a principled position to boycott IPAC until the right changes are effected to ensure fair and meaningful deliberations at IPAC.

NDCS PROPOSED REFORMS

Ladies and Gentlemen, after a painstaking review of the 2020 elections, the following are the preliminary proposals for electoral reforms which the NDC intends to engage various stakeholders such as the media, civil society organizations, religions leaders, traditional leaders, development partners, the diplomatic community, and the general public. These preliminary proposals are as follows:

1. That, the participation of IPAC and its advisory role in the electoral process should be given legal backing, without encroaching on the constitutional independence of the Electoral Commission.

2. That, the EC adopts an equitable voting formula for political parties in IPAC deliberations based on their representation in Parliament.

3. That, the Electoral Commission complies with the use of the legally-prescribed Statement of Poll/Pink Sheet (Form 8A & 8B) provided for in our Election Regulations to prevent the omission of BVD entries so as to preserve the ballot accounting process and makes it possible to check multiple voting, ballot stuffing, impersonation and other forms of rigging.

4. That, the high rate of rejected ballots recorded in the 2020 general elections be addressed through the use of the appropriate ink pads and that same should be stipulated in our election regulations.

5. That, the EC employs and trains highly competent staff to accurately fill election result forms and collate results so as to forestall the reoccurrence of the widespread cases of arithmetic errors recorded in the 2020 general elections,

6. That, the Electoral Commission reverts to the time-tested election security arrangement where the deployment of security for election purposes is reserved to the Ghana Police service acting within a framework provided by the Electoral Commission. This security arrangement should have minimum involvement of the military and no interference whatsoever by so-called National Security operatives, as recommended by the Emil Short Commission.

The party has constituted a committee to come up with a compressive document on electoral reform proposals and we shall share that with you in the coming days.

Signed,

Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah

---starrfm
Why are some Ghanaian journalists so unworthy of their calling and profession? Some of them are unethical. They are not objective and impartial in their reporting and news analyses. They have allowed political partisanship, either overt or covert, to cloud their intelligence and supposed rendering of impartial service to the nation and their fellow countrymen.

Today, Wednesday, 19 May 2021, I had the opportunity to listen to one Kwabena Marfo of Peace Fm hosting a programme with one Mac-Jerry Osei Agyemang on his Ghana Montie on NEAT 100.9 FM. His submissions on the war declared on exterminating or curtailing the devastating effect of the illegal surface and alluvial mining (galamsey) ongoing in Ghana, clearly exposed his malignity towards President Nana Akufo-Addo and his NPP government. From his sarcastic and insinuating submissions, one could clearly tell that he wishes the fight against galamsey to backfire in the face of the president and his government to culminate in their eventual defeat in any future general elections.

I wonder how a journalist worth his salt would wish a war declared on stopping an illegal galamsey activity wreaking havoc on the nations water bodies, fertile and arable lands and virgin forests, to fail. The way he was presenting his views, he was craftily inciting the NPP members and all those Ghanaian natives involved in the galamsey business who are currently the target aimed at to stopping the devastation being inflicted on the nations citizens sources of survival and sustainability, to turn against the government.

He must be ashamed of his infantile views and depiction of partisanship in the hope that peoples anger turn on President Nana Akufo-Addo in order to bring back the NDC sooner. He claims there is no job in the country for the youth. The country is hot, thus, there is no money in the system hence it is irresponsible for the government to seek to destroy the galamsey, the source of livelihood for many Ghanaian youths, he said. He is against the burning of the excavators, especially, those of the NPP Womens Organiser in Eastern region.

One could really feel how in the end, after being notoriously verbose, ranting and raving, Kwabena Marfo had made a big fool of himself. When they got a Director of the mining company whose excavators had been burnt in the Eastern region on telephone to grant an interview, one could well establish or deduce that the company was mining within the stated sphere of river bodies where they are prohibited to operate, although he said, there are only small rivers around.

A river, whether big or small, is a river hence a source of life so it should not be destroyed to serve the selfish and insatiable greed of any myopic individuals.

The fight against galamsey should not stop or fail because of the parochial interests of ignoramuses and selfish individuals whose only desire is to acquire immense wealth no matter how their desire is realised. All that they care about is their riches whether it comes at the expense of the poor majority or not.

Kwabena Marfo should bow down his hat-concealed head in shame for exhibiting such level of malevolence and unholy partisan behaviour on air. Nobody cares which political party one supports but it will be silly on the part of any Ghanaian to stand obstructively in the path of any genuine method taken to rid the nation of an illegal activity that has the potential to destroy the nation and the people therein.

How I wish Ghanaian journalists would uphold the ethics of their profession to defend the collective interests of Ghanaians at all times rather than their selfish interests bordering on telling lies to acquire wealth.

Today, I am sparing Kwabena Marfo of the rod but next time, I will take him on mercilessly. Journalists are supposed to inform, educate and correct their listeners but not to misinform and incite them to take decisions that are not in the best collective interests of the nation but in its destruction.

Rockson Adofo

Wednesday, 19 May 2021
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The Greater Accra Regional Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Nukpenu has described as a misplaced priority the move by government to set up a Development Bank in the country.

Speaking on Ghana Kasa on Kasapa 102.5 FM, Mr. Nupkenu pointed out that there are several Commercial Banks set up by past governments to take care of development issues of the country hence he sees no need for a new bank in the system.

I always say that any country without a development plan will continue to engage in a knee jerk approach to issues. Tomorrow we will again go and take a loan for a media bank, he stated.

Ghanas Ministry of Finance and the European Investment Bank have signed an agreement for the provision of a one hundred- and seventy-million-euro (170 million) facility for the establishment of a new national bank, the Development Bank Ghana (DBG).

The deal was signed on Wednesday when President Akufo-Addo held a meeting with the President of the European Investment Bank, Dr Werner Hoyer, as part of his official visit to Belgium.

However, the NDC Organizer said the fact that the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) doesnt mean the deal is sealed.

The loan will have to go to Parliament for them to explain to Ghanaians if it is important then that would make it binding on us. We have signed a number of agreements that never materialized. So Ghanaians will want to engage in an important venture and not anything at all, Nukpenu stated.

Meanwhile, a Member of the New Patriotic Party Communications Team, Berima Sarpong Kumakuma also on the same platform disagreed with Nukpenu.

He argued that the new Development bank when established will create close to 10,000 jobs for Ghanaians.

---kasapafm
The youth in the Techiman North District in the Bono East Region has appealed to President Akufo-Addo, to consider the good works of Hon Peter Mensah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of the area, and retain him in his second term.

According to the youth, their DCE performed extremely well in his first term of President Akufo-Addos administration and they are optimistic he will do even much better for the area if he is being maintained.

Addressing a press conference at the District Capital, Tuobodom on Thursday May 20, 2021on behalf of the youth group in the District, the leader Mr. Atta Owusu Clement, stated clearly that changing Hon Peter Mensah will cause a delay in the progress of the area considering the service he has rendered to the District since his appointment.

Citing his effective implementation of government policies including youth afforestation, NABCO, Free Senior High School, One District One Factory which has resulted in job creation in the district.

Besides, Hon Peter Mensah has worked assiduously to ensure equitable distribution of resources available to the Assembly. For instance, the distribution of resources to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

He has done nothing wrong and has served the people well since he assumed office. His replacement will bring a retrogression in our area.

According to the youth, the DCE has completed most of the abandoned projects under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since he took the office.

Aside from that, he also lobbied for several CHIP compounds which have been built to help the people to get access to quality healthcare to the people of Techiman North District.

And also made provision of mechanized and manual boreholes for the people.

Hon Peter Mensah greatest priority is to ensure that he always listen to the needs and wants of his people and always work towards them to ensure Unity, stability and uniformity amongst for development and transformation. He is in to serve them with his everything, he said.

Read his unprecedented achievements below

Specific Achievable Outcomes (as DCE from 2017-2021)

During my tenure of office as a District Chief Executive, the underlisted were some of my achievable under various sectors.

Security

 Historically maintaining peace and tranquility within the Techiman North District which initially was known to be the headquarters of the Tano-Subin fracas.

 Facilitated in securing of a Police Patrol Vehicle (Toyota Camry Saloon Car) for the Ghana Police Service-Tuobodom District Command

 Completion and operationalization of the District Police Headquarters in the District capital

 Succeeded in reducing crime related issues to its barest minimum

Agriculture

 Led in the successful implementation of both the Planting for Food and Jobs and Planting for Export and Rural Development flagship policies whereby 100,000 Hybrid Cashew Seedlings and 40,000 Polyclonal Seedlings were distributed to farmers

 Also, a member of the National Media Team on Planting for Food and Jobs policy programme

 Chairperson for the Finance Committee of the 36th National Farmers Day Celebration (2020)

 Supplying of 12 motorbikes to the Department of Agriculture for effective monitoring and supervision

Industrialization

 Successful implementation of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) policy in the District with OBAPACK (a vegetable aggregator, sorting, packaging and marketing) Company completed and fully operational

 Increase in number of Cashew Buying Companies from six (6) in 2016 to twenty-two (22) in 2021 due to enhanced business environment

 Eighty percent (80%) increase in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) since 2017

Infrastructure

Under infrastructural projects, a lot were achieved under these sectors:

1. Education

- Construction of 1No. 2-Bedroom Semi-Detached Teachers Quarters at Tuobodom Presby

- Construction of 1No. 10-Unit Girls Dormitory Block at Akumfi Ameyaw Senior High School

- Construction of 1No 6-Unit Classroom Block at Tuobodom Senior High School

- Construction of 1No. 10-Unit Girls Dormitory Block at Tuobodom Senior High School

- Construction of 1No. 6-Unit Classroom Block at Aworowa Methodist School

- Construction of 1No. 3-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities at Offuman Methodist School

- Construction of 1No. 3-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities at Kyiridiagya

- Construction of 1No. 3-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities at Tuobodom SDA

- Construction of 1No. 3-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities at Offuman SDA School

- Construction of 1No. 3-Unit Classroom Block at Buoyem Methodist JHS

- Completion of 1No. 6-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities at Fetiri D/A Primary School

- Renovation of 1No. Teachers Quarters at Bonya

- Construction of 1No. 3-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities at Kokoago (on-going)

- Construction of 1No. 3-Unit Classroom Block at Guakro Effah Senior High School  Offuman

- Construction of 1No. 6-Unit Classroom Block at Abrafi SHS

2. Economic

- Reshaping and Maintenance of 38km Town Roads and Feeder Roads

- Construction of 1No. 24-Unit Open Market Stalls at Asubingya

- Construction of 1No. Community Social Center at Tanoboase

- Renovation of 1No. Agric Extension Agents Quarters at Offuman

- Construction of 1No. Social Centre at Akrofrom

- Construction of 1No. 24-Unit Open Market Stalls at Jama-Timponim

- Reshaping and Maintenance of 120 Km Feeder Roads (District wide)

3. Health

- Construction of 1No. Community-Based Health Planning Service (CHPS) Compound at Nyansuaka

- Drilling and Mechanization of Borehole with Overhead Tank at Tuobodom Health Centre

- Construction of 1No. Community-Based Health Planning Service (CHPS) Compound at Kramokrom

- Drilling and Mechanization of Borehole with Overhead Tank and Stand Pipes at Tuobodom Market

- Drilling and Mechanization of Borehole with Overhead Tank and Stand Pipes and Extension of Electricity to Aworowa Health Centre

- Construction of 1No. Administration Block for the District Health Directorate

- Renovation of Buoyem Health Centre

4. Energy

- Installation of 50 Led Street Light with Galvanize Poles at Tuobodom

- Extension of Electricity to New Developed Areas under the Rural Electrification Project (District Wide)

5. Water and Sanitation

- Construction of 1No. 10-Seater Water Closet Toilet with Mechanized Borehole and Overhead Tank at Asueyi

- Construction of 1No. 10-Seater Water Closet Toilet with Mechanized Borehole and Overhead Polytank at Atrensu

- Drilling and Mechanization of 1No. Borehole at Slaughter House-Tuobodom

- Drilling and Mechanization of 1No. Borehole at main Administration Block-Tuobodom

- Drilling and Mechanization of Borehole with Overhead Tank and Stand Pipes at Kramokrom

- Drilling and Mechanization of Borehole with Overhead Tank and Stand Pipes at Dogokrom

- Drilling and Mechanization of Borehole with Overhead Tank at Tuobodom Senior High School

- Drilling and Mechanization of Borehole with Overhead Tank at Abrafi Senior High School

6. Governance and Administration

- Presentation of School Bus to St. Francis SHS

- Presentation of School Bus to Abrafi SHS

- Presentation of a Pick-Up to District Education Directorate

- Presentation of a Pick-Up to District Health Directorate

- Construction of 1No. District Magistrate Court at Tuobodom

7. Internally Generated Funds Performance (2016-2021)

YEAR BUDGET (GHS) ACTUALS(GHS) VARIANCE(GHS) 2016 210,000.00 174,579.37 (35,420.63) 2017 250,000.00 249,437.00 (563.00) 2018 382,000.00 389,544.94 7,544.94 2019 550,000.00 479,916.11 (70,083.89) 2020 670,000.00 730,522.05 60,522.05 2021 (1ST QUARTER) 190,000.00 172,088.00 (17,912.00)

The District Assembly under my leadership was able to increase its IGF performance annually with 2016 as a base year. The table above provides details of the IGF performance

Political and Leadership Achievements

The following is a summary of my political and leadership achievements:

 Chairman; Action Patriot for Justice (A pro NPP Supporting Group) since 2016 to Date

 Techiman North NPP Constituency Organizer from 2009 - 2012

 Founder & President; Tertiary Education Student Confederacy of NPP (TESCON), Berekum College of Education (2007-2008)

 College Secretary & SRC Vice President; Berekum College of Education, 2008

 Compound Prefect: Tuobodom SHS, 2003 Academic Year

 Member of the Bono East Regional Campaign team for the 2020 general elections

 Member of the Techiman North Constituency campaign team for the 2020 general elections

 Member of the Bono East Regional Communications team for the 2020 general elections

 Member of the manifesto committee for Techiman North Constituency in 2016

 Member of the electoral review committee representing the NPP in the Constituency from 2010-2016

 Organizer for Bring Akuffo Addo Back in 2008 (Agenda 2012)

 TESCON Coordinator for Brong Ahafo Region (2007-2008)

 Presentation of five (5) motorbikes, 1,000 pieces of T-shirts and five (5) megaphones to the NPP in the Techiman North Constituency

 Presentation of four (4) and some pieces of T-shirts to Hon. Kofi Amoakohene-MP Atebubu-Amantin Constituency

 Presentation of two (2) motorbikes to Hon. Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah-MP Techiman South Constituency

---Otecfmghana.com
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says contrary to claims by the Electoral Commission that the 2020 elections were largely successful, the 2020 elections were poorly conducted.

The facts show that last year's election was one of the most poorly conducted, flawed and manipulated election in the history of this country; a situation that has undermined the strides we have made since the inception of this 4th republican democratic dispensation, the NDC said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The press conference was in reaction to a communique issued by IPAC following a 2-day workshop to review the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election.

At that workshop, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, said although some major challenges were encountered during the election, significant feats were achieved that are also worth mentioning.

As a nation, as a Commission, and as stakeholders, it is important that we recognise the feats we achieved through the 2020 electoral process for the purpose of documenting best practices and experience and to ensure that the successful strategies adopted do not fall through the cracks of inordinate fault-finding and critique, she said.

Sadly, we are slow to recognize where we have put good processes and systems in place, much less document them. In a bid to improve upon our past performance, we rush to propose new recommendations when the old processes and structures are working very well, Jean Mensa added.

But the Director of Elections of the NDC, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah told pressmen that the claim by the EC is false.

Listing 11 incidents that the NDC believes prove the ECs failure, Mr. Afriyie Ankrah claimed that the dubious handling of the printing and distribution of ballot papers and other electoral materials led to ballot stuffing by the NPP in their strongholds and other regions.

The padding of votes at the constituency collation centers in favor of candidate Akufo-Addo, as well as the absence of proper collation at the national collation center by the Returning Officer for the Presidential elections, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensah, were also noted by Mr. Afriyie Ankrah as issues which marred last years polls.

The NDC also discounted the various proposals agreed on by the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) during the workshop.

Read the NDCs full statement below:

THEME: ASSESSING THE SO-CALLED ACHIEVEMENTS AND ELECTORAL REFORM PROPOSALS OF THE JEAN MENSAH-LED ELECTORAL COMMISSION.

20th May, 2020

Good afternoon distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the media. You are welcome to the Headquarters of the NDC for this all-important press conference.

The NDC has taken notice of several false claims made by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensah in her speech delivered at the just-ended two (2)-day workshop between the EC and the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) at Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The purpose of this press conference is to formally respond to and expose the many unfounded claims peddled by the EC Chairperson in her speech at the program and to explain to you the reasons for our boycott of these IPAC engagements.

Friends from the media, contrary to the claims by the EC Chairperson that the 2020 general elections was the best ever in the history this country and calls for the nation to celebrate some so-called unprecedented successes chalked by the EC in the conduct of the elections, the facts show that last year's elections was one of the most poorly conducted, flawed and manipulated elections in the history of this country, a situation that has undermined the strides we have made since the inception of this 4th republican democratic dispensation. And we say this for the following reasons:

1. The dubious handling of the printing and distribution of ballot papers and other electoral materials that led to ballot stuffing by the NPP in their strongholds and other regions.

2. The unprecedented number of rejected ballots recorded in the elections owing largely to the incompetence and recklessness of the EC in using unapproved stamp pads instead of the approved voting ink pad that we have used in previous elections.

3. The use of illegal Statement of Polls/pink sheets (Form 8B) that omitted BVD entries in about 7,581 polling stations, thereby undermining the ballot accounting process and the integrity of the entire results. This totally belies the the claim by Jean Mensah that only 11,000 people voted by manual verification in the 2020 general elections.

4. Widespread cases of patent arithmetic errors on the faces of pink sheets and constituency results summary sheets by incompetent EC staff in the filling of electoral forms and aggregation of valid votes.

5. Manipulation of figures by the EC leading to a disparity between constituency collated results aggregate (13,118,640) and regional collated results aggregates (13,119,460).

6. Padding of votes at the constituency collation centers in favor of candidate Akufo-Addo.

7. No proper collation at the national collation center by the Returning Officer for the Presidential elections, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensah.

8. Unprecedented cases of state-sponsored violence and killings at constituency collation centers occasioned by the reckless and unlawful conduct of some EC officials and the despotic Akufo-Addo government and in contravention of our time-tested election security arrangement.

9. Also contrary to the claim that the International community has hailed the conduct of the 2020 general elections as Jean Mensah will have us believe, the European Union is on record to have decried the non-transparency of the collation process for the elections. So flawed was the conduct of the 2020 general elections that for the first time in the history of this country, a whole district made up of the Satrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi (SALL) communities were deliberately disenfranchised by the EC for the sole purpose of assisting the New Patriotic Parliamentary Candidate, John Peter Amewu win the Hohoe seat. Is this what Jean Mensa and her bias Commission is inviting us to celebrate?

11. Again, the claim by the EC that an amount of $90 million was saved in the conduct of the 2020 general elections is completely contrived. The facts show that the state incurred avoidable financial losses as a result of the procurement of a facial recognition technology by the EC that turned out as a fiasco. It is therefore ridiculous and laughable to say the least, that an Electoral Management Body that has failed to pay its temporary staff their allowances, five (5) months after an election will make the claim that they have saved the nation money. We wish to entreat the public to treat this baseless claim with the contempt it deserves and wait for a credible audit into the the EC's expenditure for the 2020 general elections.

PROPOSED REFORMS BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, we have taken note of some proposals for reforms that the Electoral Commission has put forward for the consideration of IPAC. However, the first and most important reform required is for the EC to reform itself. Jean Mensa and Bossman Asare must be the first to reform and change their attitude of arrogance and bias.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I will now proceed to do a critical and objective analysis of the the four (4) reform proposals put forward by the EC.

1. Closure of polls at 3pm in 2024

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, the NDC finds the proposal by the Jean Mensah-led EC to change the closing time of polls from 5PM to 3PM in 2024 baffling and mind-boggling. Since the 1992 elections, polls have always closed at 5PM. This has worked perfectly without any challenges whatsoever. It therefore beggars belief that the EC would want to change this time-tested arrangement and go for a poorly thought-through alternative which is bound to disenfranchise eligible voters and create needless problems for our electoral system.

This is particularly so given the undue delay we usually record in the delivery of electoral materials to some polling stations and other technical challenges that usually characterize voting in this country.

Ghanaians will recall how a similar hasty decision by the EC to declare results within 24 hours after closure of polls in the 2020 elections failed miserably and led to the rushed declaration of a patently flawed results that yielded a percentage aggregate of more than 100%, by the Returning Officer, Mr. Jean Adukwei Mensah. One would have thought that Jean Mensah would have learnt the right lessons by now but that appears not to be the case.

Friends form the media, our position on this proposal is simple. The current arrangement of closing polls at 5PM has worked perfectly in seven (7) general elections in this country and does not require any fixing. Like the Chairperson said in her speech, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

2. Substitution of periodic mass registration with continuous registration.

We wish to remind the Electoral Commission that the all-round continuous registration of eligible voters is not new. The law requires the Commission to put in place mechanisms to ensure that at any time that citizens become eligible to vote, they can be registered.

However, continuous registration cannot be a substitute for periodic nationwide registration because the all-round registration can only be done at the district offices of the Electoral Commission. Eligible voters may have to travel several kilometers to district offices to register and not everyone can do this.

Secondly, political parties always assign agents to observe the voters registration process. It will therefore be ludicrous for the EC to suggest that political parties should employ permanent agents at their district offices to observe the registration of eligible voters all-year round.

This proposal also comes against a major challenge of transparency in verifying the claims of prospective registrants at the district office level.

3. Introducing all-year round Voter Exhibition exercise through the use of technology.

The proposal by EC to have a year-round exhibition is a laudable idea but cannot be a substitute for the periodic exhibition exercise of the voters register that is normally done after voter registration. This is simply because the Voter exhibition exercise is not only intended to afford voters the opportunity to verify and confirm their details but to also;

a) ensure ineligible registrants (minors and foreigners) are challenged and removed from the register.

b) help clean the names of dead people from the register.

C) afford voters the opportunity to confirm their captured biometric features.

And this cannot be achieved through the system the EC is proposing.

Given the errors that occurred in the run up to the 2020 elections when this system was deployed and the fact that not all Ghanaians have mobile phones to assess this system, it cannot be a replacement for periodic Voters Register Exhibition.

4. Restrict data entry of election results to the constituency collation level and generate regional and national reports.

The proposal to have the entry point of data done only at Constituency Collation Centres will introduce another opportunity for rigging through hacking and other means of manipulation of the results. The way to build further efficiencies into the collation process and eliminate inaccuracies is to hire and train competent EC staff to ensure accurate data entry and collation and not to throw away the time-tested practice of collation at the national level.

Data entry and collation must be done at constituency level and sent to the national collation center for aggregation by the Returning Officer and with the participation of political party representatives. This will ensure accuracy and transparency in the aggregation of constituency results for free and fair election results declaration.

OUR BOYCOTT OF IPAC

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, you may be aware, the National Democratic Congress has decided to boycott IPAC temporarily due to the bastardization of that revered body by the Jean Mensah/Bossman Asare-led Electoral Commission.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the framers of the 1992 Constitution in their wisdom created the Electoral Commission as an independent institution to perform its constitutional functions without the control of any person or group of persons. The independence given to the EC under the 1992 Constitution is based on the presumption that the Electoral Commission will at all times perform its duties conscientiously in the ultimate interest of Ghana. However, this does not mean that the Commission is not accountable to the people and can therefore decide to act whimsically or capriciously in ways that undermine our democratic experiment.

Unfortunately, the Jean Mensa led Electoral Commission has misinterpreted this independence to mean arrogance and non-accountability. And it is sad that the Supreme Court of the country endorsed this irresponsible conduct of the NDC and allowed them to get away with the embarrassment they caused this country in the 2020 general elections.

Ladies and Gentlemen, one unique convention of Ghana's electoral system which has become international best practice is the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). The rationale for IPAC, as it has been over the years, is to create a platform for consensus building on major issues affecting elections with key stakeholders involved in elections.

Over the years, IPAC has served Ghana well as a platform where ideas are shared on various issues, before the EC takes substantive decisions on critical electoral matters. Indeed, to promote transparency in our electoral process, IPAC has been involved in the drafting of Constitutional Instruments on elections as well as procurement processes of the EC under previous Chairpersons. IPAC is supposed to serve as a platform where political parties participate in all electoral activities throughout the electoral cycle, such as, voter registration, exhibition of the voters register, printing of ballot papers, observing the voting process at all polling stations through polling agents as well as collation of results at both the constituency and national levels.

Unfortunately, since the June 2018 ouster of the chairperson of the Electoral Commission and her 2 deputies and their subsequent replacement with Jean Mensa and Bossman Asare, all these best practices have been thrown to the dogs.

The current leadership of the Electoral Commission has turned IPAC from a consultative and consensus building platform to an information sharing platform where the EC only comes to impose its decisions on IPAC without room for meaningful deliberations and exchange of ideas. It became so bad to the point that the EC even announced publicly that IPAC had agreed to the decision to compile a new register for the 2020 elections when the issue of a new register had not even been discussed at the said meeting.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Jean Mensa led EC appears to be in a world of its own. The Commission appears to be tickling itself and laughing. The Electoral Commission has for the first time in our history conducted elections that leaves doubts on the mind of Ghanaians and other observers on the credibility of the elections. The Commission declared wrong results and even after issuing an unsigned press release to subsequently correct same, the figures still do not add up. Instead of taking advantage of the election petition to clear itself of the mess caused, the EC failed to mount the witness box to testify and explain to Ghanaians how it arrived at its results.

These issues coupled with the non-equitable voting arrangement at IPAC meetings, is the reason why we have taken a principled position to boycott IPAC until the right changes are effected to ensure fair and meaningful deliberations at IPAC.

NDC'S PROPOSED REFORMS

Ladies and Gentlemen, after a painstaking review of the 2020 elections, the following are the preliminary proposals for electoral reforms which the NDC intends to engage various stakeholders such as the media, civil society organizations, religions leaders, traditional leaders, development partners, the diplomatic community, and the general public. These preliminary proposals are as follows:

1. That, the participation of IPAC and its advisory role in the electoral process should be given legal backing, without encroaching on the constitutional independence of the Electoral Commission.

2. That, the EC adopts an equitable voting formula for political parties in IPAC deliberations based on their representation in Parliament.

3. That, the Electoral Commission complies with the use of the legally-prescribed Statement of Poll/Pink Sheet (Form 8A & 8B) provided for in our Election Regulations to prevent the omission of BVD entries so as to preserve the ballot accounting process and makes it possible to check multiple voting, ballot stuffing, impersonation and other forms of rigging.

4. That, the high rate of rejected ballots recorded in the 2020 general elections be addressed through the use of the appropriate ink pads and that same should be stipulated in our election regulations.

5. That, the EC employs and trains highly competent staff to accurately fill election result forms and collate results so as to forestall the reoccurrence of the widespread cases of arithmetic errors recorded in the 2020 general elections,

6. That, the Electoral Commission reverts to the time-tested election security arrangement where the deployment of security for election purposes is reserved to the Ghana Police service acting within a framework provided by the Electoral commission. This security arrangement should have minimum involvement of the military and no interference whatsoever by so-called National Security operatives, as recommended by the Emil Short Commission.

The party has constituted a committee to come up with a compressive document on electoral reform proposals and we shall share that with you in the coming days.

Signed,

Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah

---citinewsroom
A ZIMBABWE Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) contractor, who was alleged to be a fugitive from justice in the United States, was never convicted of any crime in that country, it has emerged.

Zimdef was last week accused of giving Tawanda Wallen Mangere of Tano Digital Solutions a huge information technology contract without doing background checks.

Mangeres rivals claimed that he had served a jail term in the United States for fraud or that he had fled America fearing incarceration.

The US embassy in Harare linked NewsDay to Fulton County Magistrates Court in Georgia, where Mangere was detained for about 90 minutes.

A case was opened against the Zimbabwean businessman on March 17, 2010 under case No 308457MC.

There is no criminal case against Mr Mangere. He has no pending legal issues. He is not a fugitive, said Bryant Brinson, a supervisor at the Fulton County court in emailed responses to NewsDay.

Nicole Vaughn, director for customer service at the Fulton County District Attorneys office said: I found no open or pending cases with Mr Mangeres name in our office.

According to a document received from Brinson, signed on Wednesday by Mary Conklin, a clerk at the Fulton court, Mangere was charged for deposit account fraud (felony), but the case was dismissed.

The case was heard before a Fulton County Magistrate judge, who ordered that the charge against Wallen Mangere be dismissed on 04/14/2011, part of the deposition of the magistrates case read.

An investigation by NewsDay showed that Mangere has been going in and out of the US and his last visit was on December 17, 2019 using passport No FN812449 just before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mangere dismissed the allegations against him as a smear campaign.

I will not say much, considering that this is natural in business, he said. There is always resistance to new entrants resulting in market rivalry. However, I am happy that the market is aware of the machinations and smear campaigns happening on the ground.

In the spirit of national building, this is the time to embrace the ethos of the national development strategy (NDS1) and one of the 14 key a national priority is the digital economy.

He added: Accordingly, instead of smearing each other, we are committed and we will not waiver in this resolve to move our country forward and help in the implementation of the goals and targets towards to assist the country achieve the upper middle class status by 2030 through the digital transformation of our key national institutions. Newsday
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Taskforce has locked up the offices of Grid Petroleum Ghana Limited and Sonnidom Petroleum Limited for defaulting in petroleum taxes and levies.

Grid Petroleum Ghana Limited owed the GRA to the tune of Ghc1.25million, while Sonnidom Petroleum Limited is indebted to the Authority an amount of Ghc862,702.13.

Mr Nathaniel Okai Tetteh, the Chief Revenue Officer, Debt Management, Compliance and Enforcement Unit of GRA, made this known in an interview with the media after a special exercise christened: VAT Distress Action.

The exercise saw unannounced visits to the companies to collect outstanding debts from recalcitrant taxpayers of the Authority.

He said the exercise was undertaken after a failed discussions and negotiations with the companies to pay their outstanding taxes to the Authority.

Mr Tetteh said the locked-up companies have 10 days to visit the Authority's Head Office and settle their debts to avoid further actions like auctioning their assets.

He said GRA would come after companies like Santol Limited, Life Petroleum, Delma Company Limited and Petra Energy that owed the Authority a huge sum of money.

He said the exercise was to enforce tax compliance and improve the Authority's revenue generation.

The exercise also forms part of GRA's comprehensive national tax campaign to encourage more Ghanaians to honour their tax obligations to enable the government to meet its domestic revenue targets, increase social intervention policies and accelerate development across the country.

The Authority, in September 2019, launched a task force dubbed: Operation Collect, Name and Shame, aimed at collecting overdue taxes and the names of recalcitrant businesses were published in the media and asked to settle their debts.

GNA
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Thursday commissioned Nano Foods Limited, a pineaple juice processing factory at Nsawam of the Eastern Region, under the One-District, One-Factory (1D1F) initiative.

The Company, which becomes the 77th factory in operation under the 1D1F programme, started commercial production in April, this year.

It is expected to produce up to 6,000 metric tonnes of pineapple fruits into juice per annum, which translates to eight million cans of finished packaged products.

The Nano Foods Limited, a defunct ASTEK Refresh Pineapple Juice Factory, was rejuvenated with US$1.6 million capital support, through the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) in 2018.

The capital support was facilitated by the One-District, One-Factory Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Food and Drugs Authority and Free Zones Board.

Vice President Bawumia, addressing the staff, management and key stakeholders of the pineapple processing factory, during the Commissioning ceremony in Duayedin, near Nsawam, said the Akufo-Addo-led government, through the EXIM Bank, would inject an additional two million dollars into its operations.

He was optimistic that the second phase of the Company's expansion would propel it for US$10 million annual turnover in the next two to three years and increase the staff strength from 100 to 300.

The Vice President said the 1D1F initiative was a major component of the 10-Point Industrial Transformational Agenda of the Government, which started in 2017.

So far, a total of 232 projects are at various stages of implementation, 76 factories in operation, 107 projects under construction, 13 are pipeline projects while construction has begun on 36 factories.

"The charge by the President is that we must move away from harvesters and exporters of low value unprocessed agricultural products, and we must do so in a hurry, he said.

"Planting for Food and Jobs is our first step. 1D1F is the second step to linking agriculture and industry.

"This is the way to enhance agricultural productivity, scale up production, add value to what we produce, create jobs, increase incomes, and improve livelihoods."

That, he said, was the way to build sustainable food security for the country, add value to raw materials and boost the value of Ghanaian exports.

"We can strengthen the links between agriculture and industry, stimulate investment in commercial agriculture, and open the pathways for accelerating national development and economic stability.

"Without doubt, if Ghanaians can capitalize on the numerous benefits of the 1D1F, it could be a game changer for the post COVID-19 economic recovery and transformation of Ghana," the Vice President added.

Dr Bawumia commended Dr Albert Owusu, the Founder of the Company, for harnessing the benefits of the 1D1F initiative.

He commended Mr Frank Anor Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, who was instrumental in linking the company to the 1D1F Secretariat, Ministry of Trade and Industry and the EXIM Bank.

The Nano Foods Limited currently deals with 13 Pineapple Associations and Co-operatives in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipalities and Akuapem South District.

These farmers now supply pineapple fruits to the factory, thereby increasing their income.

The factory has machinery that can process up to 6,000 metric tonnes of pineapple fruits into juice per annum, which translates into eight million cans of finished products.

It processes pineapple fruits from farms located mainly in the Eastern and Central regions for export to USA, Western European, and Middle Eastern markets.

There is confirmed demand for these pineapple products primarily from Spain, Hungary and Cyprus.

The project would improve the country's trade balance and foreign exchange reserves as well as contribute to Government's drive towards reducing the rate of unemployment in the economy.
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The Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Kweku Baako Jnr., says Citi FM and Citi TV Journalist, Caleb Kudah, did no wrong in using subterfuge to film parked MASLOC vehicles at the premises of the National Security Ministry as far as he is concerned.

According to him, the criticisms directed at him over suggestions that he had questioned the ethicality of the modus operandi adopted by the journalist are unfounded and baseless.

Speaking on the Peace FMs morning show, Kweku Baako defended Caleb Kudahs style in gathering information on the abandoned vehicles at the security zone, adding that the journalist must not be berated for doing his work.

I will be the last person to attack subterfuge even though there are people who disagree, and they have every right to do so. That thing is a part of undercover journalism. So, with this background and my own line of defense over the years, I will be dishonest, hypocritical if I sat here and attacked the boys work on the basis of the application of subterfuge. I wont do that, he said.

Kweku Baako, who had expressed concern about the delay in Calebs disclosure of the physical assault he suffered, maintained that his argument was in the supreme interest of the journalist, and that it wasnt an attempt to cast aspersions on his personality or the veracity of his claims.

He warned that the issue must be handled properly in order not to demoralize the journalist.

I gave facts in good faith, and not to attack the young man or his story. I watched him narrate his ordeal. Those are people you dont discourage. Those are people you dont take their confidence away from them. There are a lot of journalists we have trained through this [subterfuge] method. It is not true that I am destroying the young man or the station.

Already, Kweku Baako has condemned the invasion of Citi FM and Citi TV's premises by some national security operatives, describing it as unacceptable.

He said the attempts by the operatives to arrest a journalist at the media house, could have been done in a neat way.

Kweku Baako said the arrest of another journalist, Caleb Kudah, and allegations of assault on him should be looked into in consonance with provisions of the constitution and other relevant laws.

The way and manner they invaded Citi FM premises is unacceptable. It ought not to have happened in this state of technology and media and state institutions' relationship Things could have been done in a neat way.

Indicating that he has had many similar encounters with operations of national security, he was of the view that impunity by the personnel has become prevalent.

He also called on the citizenry especially civil society organizations to highlight the issue.

---citinewsroom
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A mob at Sakaman in Accra has lynched a suspected robber, after his alleged accomplice drowned in a nearby lagoon in an attempt to escape beatings.

They had allegedly robbed a lady of her handbag, using a pair of scissors, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mrs. Effia Tenge, and Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Accra Regional Police Command, told the Ghana News Agency.

She said information received from Sakaman indicated that, on May 19, 2021 at about 2130hours, two men using a motorbike robbed a certain woman (yet to be identified) of her handbag and contents, using a pair of scissors and another weapon.

The victim, subsequently raised the alarm, which attracted a mob to the scene to pursue the robbers who then abandoned their motorbike, weapons and booty to escape arrest.

DSP Tenge said one of the suspected robbers allegedly jumped into the Blue Lagoon and was believed to have succeeded in bolting.

His counterpart was however attacked by the mob who inflicted severe injuries on him and abandoned him ahead of the arrival of the police patrol team at the scene.

They picked the suspected injured robber, a male adult of about 25 years, who was unable to speak, and rushed him to the Police Hospital, where Dr. Moses Gati, certified him as dead on arrival.

Later at about 1130 hours, the near decomposed body of his colleague, a male adult aged about 38years, was found floating on the Lagoon.

She said the two bodies had been deposited at the mortuary of the Police Hospital for preservation, identification and autopsy.

One royal motorbike with the registration number m-21-gw 955 and a pair of scissors had been detained for investigation, she explained.

citinewsroom
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has shot down all the proposals made by the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on the reforms of the countrys subsequent elections.

The party, which has boycotted recent IPAC meetings after the 2020 election, at a press conference on Thursday said that the proposals by IPAC will rather lead to serious challenges.

The press conference was in reaction to a communique issued by IPAC following a 2-day workshop to review the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections which the NDC did not attend.

The communique indicated that IPAC had made 16 resolutions aimed at improving subsequent elections in the country. These resolutions include the change of the closing of polls from 5:00pm to 3:00pm.

Also, it was agreed that the voter registration exercise be made all-year-round for persons who are eligible to vote to register.

But Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Director of Elections of the NDC, said the party does not agree with the resolutions.

Concerning the review of the time for closing the polls, he said, NDC finds the proposal by the Jean Mensah-led EC to change the closing time of polls from 5:00pm to 3:00pm in 2024 baffling and mind-boggling. Since the 1992 elections, polls have always closed at 5:00pm. This has worked perfectly without any challenges whatsoever. It, therefore, beggars belief that the EC would want to change this time-tested arrangement and go for a poorly thought-through alternative which is bound to disenfranchise eligible voters and create needless problems for our electoral system.

On having an all-round voter registration exercise, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah said it will be untenable to have political party agents stationed at the various EC offices all the time to monitor the registration of new voters.

Continuous registration cannot be a substitute for periodic nationwide registration because the all-round registration can only be done at the district offices of the Electoral Commission. Eligible voters may have to travel several kilometers to district offices to register and not everyone can do this.

Secondly, political parties always assign agents to observe the voters registration process. It will therefore be ludicrous for the EC to suggest that political parties should employ permanent agents at their district offices to observe the registration of eligible voters all-year-round, he said.

Read the NDCs full response to the IPAC proposals below:

1. Closure of polls at 3pm in 2024

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, the NDC finds the proposal by the Jean Mensah-led EC to change the closing time of polls from 5PM to 3PM in 2024 baffling and mind-boggling. Since the 1992 elections, polls have always closed at 5PM. This has worked perfectly without any challenges whatsoever. It therefore beggars belief that the EC would want to change this time-tested arrangement and go for a poorly thought-through alternative which is bound to disenfranchise eligible voters and create needless problems for our electoral system.

This is particularly so given the undue delay we usually record in the delivery of electoral materials to some polling stations and other technical challenges that usually characterize voting in this country.

Ghanaians will recall how a similar hasty decision by the EC to declare results within 24 hours after closure of polls in the 2020 elections failed miserably and led to the rushed declaration of a patently flawed results that yielded a percentage aggregate of more than 100%, by the Returning Officer, Mr. Jean Adukwei Mensah. One would have thought that Jean Mensah would have learnt the right lessons by now but that appears not to be the case.

Friends form the media, our position on this proposal is simple. The current arrangement of closing polls at 5PM has worked perfectly in seven (7) general elections in this country and does not require any fixing. Like the Chairperson said in her speech, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

2. Substitution of periodic mass registration with continuous registration.

We wish to remind the Electoral Commission that the all-round continuous registration of eligible voters is not new. The law requires the Commission to put in place mechanisms to ensure that at any time that citizens become eligible to vote, they can be registered.

However, continuous registration cannot be a substitute for periodic nationwide registration because the all-round registration can only be done at the district offices of the Electoral Commission. Eligible voters may have to travel several kilometers to district offices to register and not everyone can do this.

Secondly, political parties always assign agents to observe the voters registration process. It will therefore be ludicrous for the EC to suggest that political parties should employ permanent agents at their district offices to observe the registration of eligible voters all-year round.

This proposal also comes against a major challenge of transparency in verifying the claims of prospective registrants at the district office level.

3. Introducing all-year round Voter Exhibition exercise through the use of technology.

The proposal by EC to have a year-round exhibition is a laudable idea but cannot be a substitute for the periodic exhibition exercise of the voters register that is normally done after voter registration. This is simply because the Voter exhibition exercise is not only intended to afford voters the opportunity to verify and confirm their details but to also;

a) ensure ineligible registrants (minors and foreigners) are challenged and removed from the register.

b) help clean the names of dead people from the register.

C) afford voters the opportunity to confirm their captured biometric features.

And this cannot be achieved through the system the EC is proposing.

Given the errors that occurred in the run up to the 2020 elections when this system was deployed and the fact that not all Ghanaians have mobile phones to assess this system, it cannot be a replacement for periodic Voters Register Exhibition.

4. Restrict data entry of election results to the constituency collation level and generate regional and national reports.

The proposal to have the entry point of data done only at Constituency Collation Centres will introduce another opportunity for rigging through hacking and other means of manipulation of the results. The way to build further efficiencies into the collation process and eliminate inaccuracies is to hire and train competent EC staff to ensure accurate data entry and collation and not to throw away the time-tested practice of collation at the national level.

Data entry and collation must be done at constituency level and sent to the national collation center for aggregation by the Returning Officer and with the participation of political party representatives. This will ensure accuracy and transparency in the aggregation of constituency results for free and fair election results declaration.

citinewsroom
A bench comprising chief justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni of the Bombay High Court on Thursday reiterated that the Indian government needs to rethink its policy that says door-to-door vaccination drive is not possible. The bench also lashed out at the central government for not starting door-to-door Covid-19 vaccination for senior citizens, specially-abled, and bed-ridden people.

"We are very much disheartened with the central government. Central government officials really disappointed us. Your officials are completely insensitive. Instead of making elderly people rush to the (vaccination) centres, you (government) must reach out to them," the bench said to the central government.

The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocates Dhruti Kapadia and Kunal Tiwari seeking directives to the authorities to allow door-to-door vaccination drives for those above age of 75, disabled or wheelchair bound people and bedridden people.

The bench noted that the Centre's expert committee was working on conjectures by saying door-to-door vaccination was not possible at present because of the probability that people might develop an adverse reaction to the vaccine.

"Is there any scientific data, which shows that because of a particular vaccine a person has developed complications? Where is the data that even a single person has died after taking the vaccine? The expert committee should opine one way or the other. There cannot be any ifs and buts," the HC said.

The court noted that in the UK, the same Covishield vaccine is being used and door-to-door vaccination drive has been undertaken there.

The HC directed chairman of the National Expert Group for Vaccine Administration of COVID-19 (NEGVAC) set up by the Centre to consider the issue of introducing door-to-door drive and posted the matter for further hearing on 2nd June.

"If the NEGVAC decides favourably to start the door- to-door drive, then the same shall be implemented without waiting for the court's order," the bench said.

When the court re-convened on Thursday, the bench also came down heavily on the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corp (BMC) for filing an affidavit (in the same matter) saying it would start door-to-door vaccination only after the central government issues guidelines for the same.

Despite the HC giving a green light on Wednesday to the BMC to start a door-to-door vaccination drive, the bench was shocked that the municipal corporation had stepped back citing lack of guidelines from the union government.

"We are very disappointed with this stand. We are aghast to know that the BMC has succumbed to pressure," Chief Justice Datta said.

The court further added the BMC was so active on social media about the good work it was doing for citizens, but it was not willing to start the door-to-door vaccination drive. "You (BMC) cannot discriminate like this," it says.

The bench had earlier indicated during the hearing that if BMC is willing to start a door-to-door vaccination, then it will be given permission for the same even if Indian government has no door to door vaccination policy in place.

On Wedneday too the bench had slammed the central government for dragging its feet over allowing door-to-door vaccination drive for senior citizens, differently-abled and bedridden people. The bench said it seemed the Union government was not keen on a door-to-door vaccination programme.

"If the BMC says it can start a door-to-door vaccination, we will give it permission," the bench had said, adding that there is no need to wait for the Centre's nod.

The HC had directed BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to file an affidavit by 20th May saying if it would be possible for the civic body to introduce a home-based vaccination drive with proper medical care for senior citizens, disabled persons and those who are bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound.

Accordingly, on Thursday the BMC informed the HC that it is willing to implement door to door vaccination, if the central government comes out with a policy for the same and issue guidelines to that effect.

In the affidavit, BMC said that till date there is no policy framed by the central government in this regard, and the BMC has always followed the guidelines issued by the central and the state governments.

In April, the Bombay HC had asked the central government to revisit its vaccination policy for the elderly, bed-ridden, and differently-abled citizens amid the deadly second wave.

The division bench of chief justice Dipankar Datta and justice GS Kulkarni had earlier observed that if a policy denies an elderly person home vaccination because of their delicate medical condition, it must be viewed as arbitrary and unreasonable.

Elderly citizens are entitled to the protection of Article 21 of the Constitution of India as much as the young and abled-bodied citizenry of the country. We regretfully record that the elderly citizens are being asked to choose between the devil and the deep sea, the bench had recorded in its order.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) too had endorsed the Bombay High Courts suggestion to start a door-to-door vaccination programme against COVID-19.
The vacation bench of the Bombay High Court comprising justice Sharukh Jimi Kathawalla and justice SP Tavade had assembled at 10.45am on Wednesday and rose at 11.15pm after over 12 hours without taking a break.

There was no recess for lunch or dinner during the sitting. The judges munched on light snacks in between. The bench was hearing these cases virtually through video conferencing due to coronavirus (COVID) restrictions.

The judges heard 80 cases including the bail plea for Elgar Parishad case accused Stan Swamy, child custody matters, urgent matters pertaining to the eviction or demolition of structures, termination of pregnancy, intellectual property related matters, a few public interest litigations (PILs) on COVID issues and a petition filed by the Maharashtra government in connection with an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against former home minister Anil Deshmukh.

It also passed orders in the bail applications filed by Bhima Koregaon accused Father Stan Swamy and Hany Babu, says a report from Bar & Bench

The last case taken by the bench was the petition filed by Maharashtra government alleging that certain portions of the first information report (FIR) registered by the CBI against former home minister Deshmukh has been done with the intention to destabilise the Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP government in the state.

The judges took short breaks to stretch their legs twice during the day when there were internet glitches. While hearing the last matter, the bench also finalised the board for Thursday.

Justice Kathawalla is known for working beyond regular work hours. Earlier while sitting as a single bench, he has held hearings past midnight on many occasions and is known as a judge who tends to complete all the matters listed on his board before the end of day.

This, however, is not the first time justice Kathawalla has sat beyond working hours. In May 2018, a day before the vacation, in order to clear the backlog, justice Kathawalla as a single judge had sat till 3.30am to hear 120 cases. At that time, he sat for about 16 hours, the report from Bar & Bench says.
In a massive action, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Wednesday that it has registered a case against U.S. Awasthi, MD and CEO of IFFCO, Pravinder Singh Gahlaut, MD of Indian Potash Ltd (IPL), and several others in connection with a corruption case.

The CBI also carried out searches at 12 locations across the country and recovered cash to the tune of Rs 8.8 lakh, FDR worth Rs 5.5 crore, details of 19 properties in several states and 14 bank account details.

CBI spokesperson R.C. Joshi said, "The CBI has registered a case on the basis of references from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers and also based on other information against Awasthi, MD and CEO, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO); Gahlaut, MD of IPL; Amol Awasthi and Anupam Awasthi, both sons of the IFFCO MD and CEO and also promoters of Catalyst Business Associates Pvt Ltd; Vivek Gahlaut, son of IPL MD Gahlaut; Pankaj Jain of Jyoti Group of Companies and Rare Earth Group, Dubai; Sanjay Jain, brother of Pankaj Jain and also President of Jyoti Trading Corporation and beneficial owner of other entities of Jyoti Group; and Amrinder Dhari Singh, senior Vice President of Jyoti Trading Corporation, Dubai."

Besides them, the CBI has also named Rajiv Saxena, a chartered accountant, who is the promoter of Midas Metal International LLC and other companies, Sushil Kumar Pachisia, an employee of Pankaj Jain, and unknown directors of IFFCO and unknown others.

Joshi said that in the complaint, it was alleged that IFFCO and IPL were importing huge quantities of fertilisers running into several thousands of MTs, along with raw materials for fertilisers from various foreign suppliers.

He said that it has been stated that the fertilisers are supplied to the farmers in India and the Government of India has been providing subsidy on fertilisers to facilitate supply to the farmers at reasonable rates.

In the complaint, it was also alleged that in order to cheat government by claiming higher subsidy, these officials of IFFCO and IPL have been importing fertilizers and raw materials through Kisan International Trading FZE in Dubai, a subsidiary of IFFCO and other middlemen at highly inflated rates covering the commission meant for the accused including MD of IFFCO and MD of IPL, which was paid or transferred by the overseas suppliers to the accused officials through sham transactions involving the said accused.

He said that all these imports were done between 2013 and 2017.

Joshi said that searches are being carried out at the office and residential premises of the accused persons in 12 locations, including Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai etc.

He said that during the searches, the CBI has recovered cash to the tune of Rs 8.80 lakh from the premises of Awasthi, while from the premises of Gehlaut, the agency seized FDRs of over Rs 5.5 crore in his name, 14 bank account details, and details or documents of around 19 immovable properties in Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh, Gurugram, Delhi and Sonipat.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
The death toll in the barge tragedy near Bombay High Fields increased to 37 with 11 more bodies recovered and brought to shore, officials said here on Thursday.

On Wednesday, at least 26 persons on board the drifting Barge Papaa-305 were found dead in the stormy Arabian Sea in the aftermath of the Cyclone Tauktae.

Another 40-plus persons are still missing for whom searches continue, as the Centre ordered a probe into the tragedy.

The 37 bodies have been brought to Mumbai by Indian Navy ships which had gone on dare-devil rescue missions since the past 72 hours.

The Union Ministry for Petroleum & Natural Gas late on Wednesday ordered setting up of a high-level committee to probe the sequence of events leading to the stranding of ONGC vessels in the Cyclone Tauktae, etc in and around the Bombay High Fields, around 175 kms off Mumbai.

A total of 261 persons were on board Pappa-305, an accommodation barge which sank late on Monday.

The Afcons Infrastructure Ltd (AIL), which had contracted the sunken barge, expressed regrets over the fatalities in the high seas and said its immediate focus is to locate and rescue the remaining missing personnel on priority.

"The safety and wellbeing of our people are our topmost priority, and we're doing everything possible to address this unprecedented crisis. We know nothing can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one, but we will extend our fullest support including financial assistance to the bereaved families in this hour of their need," the AIL added.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
Hurungwe district ran out of condoms in the first quarter of this year, a district Aids action committee stakeholders meeting heard yesterday.

Stakeholders raised fears of outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections during the ongoing tobacco selling season as there are at least 14 tobacco merchants in Karoi with commercial sex workers coming from Harare, Chegutu and Chinhoyi to ply their trade.

Hurungwe district Aids co-ordinator Rumbidzai Manatsa said the condoms that were being given for free at health facilities were being sold at some places.

We are worried that at one point we ran out of condoms during the first three months of the year under review. We look forward to seeing the distribution of condoms improving for our clients in the farming and mining areas, she said.

Zimbabwe People Living with HIV and Aids Positively (ZNNP+) provincial co-ordinator Tawanda Kamidza called for robust tracing so that condoms were made available.

Public Service Commission (PSC) district officer Charles Bandera called for continued HIV and Aids awareness campaigns at all public offices. Newsday
FRESNO, Calif. (AP)  A California man has been arrested on accusations of possessing a massive collection of child pornography, authorities said.

Michael Martin, 55, of Fresno was arrested Tuesday, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

The arrest was made after detectives with the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Martins home and said they discovered more than 1,000 DVDs containing videos of children being raped, the statement said.

Electronic devices and books containing explicit photos and videos were also allegedly found.

Detectives consider this to be one of the largest collections of child pornography they have ever come across in an investigation. Detectives have not developed any information of Martin having physical contact with children, the statement said.

Martin was booked into jail and was released after posting bond.

KSEE/KGPE-TV reported that Martin was asked for comment as he was released.

Go away, he responded.
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With the new year upon us and a legislative session (under way), let us resolve to be the bright light that shines through the darkest night for the smallest and most vulnerable of angels.
Lower Merion man accused of trafficking methamphetamine; three pounds of drugs seized from his home
"Most school districts can provide as quality a cyber program as charter schools for a lower cost, and this year has proved it."

 Frank Gallagher, Souderton Schools superintendent

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GOVERNMENT has confirmed that the deadly Indian COVID-19 variant, B.1.617, has hit the country, raising fears that it could overwhelm the southern African nations poorly-resourced healthcare system.

The strain was confirmed after samples taken from a Kwekwe man who died after contact with a niece, who had just returned from India, tested positive to COVID-19.

Robson Kadenhe (76) of Chicago Plots along Gokwe Road, who was a hypertension patient, died last Wednesday after testing positive to the virus.

Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who is also Health minister, yesterday confirmed the presence of the variant in Zimbabwe.

Genomic sequencing test was carried out on samples collected from a reported focalised outbreak in Kwekwe which was linked to a traveller from India on the 29th of April 2021, a high risk COVID-19 transmission area, Chiwenga said.

The test conducted revealed that the B.1.617 variant predominantly from the Republic of India was detected at the focalised outbreak in Kwekwe.

He added: The nation is therefore, advised that this variant B.1.617 is now in Zimbabwe.

The following travel advisory is, therefore, being issued, people travelling from or transiting from India will be subject to mandatory quarantine at a designated quarantine centre and at their own cost. These travellers will be subjected to a COVID-19 test on arrival despite the status of their travelling certificate.

Kadenhes wife, Mary also tested positive, but their niece Nataly Kadenhe (21) tested negative to the disease.

Nataly, according to a Kwekwe City Council health report released last Friday, had returned from lndia on April 29. After contact-tracing, nine people have since tested positive to the novel coronavirus.

According to reports, an environmental health technician at Kwekwe City Health, Zvichauya Midzi of Msasa, who had contact with Kadenhe and his niece Nataly, while processing their business licence, tested positive on Wednesday at Cimas Laboratory.

The variant which was first detected in India in February has gone global, spreading to dozens of countries raising fears that the strain will overwhelm healthcare systems and potentially undermine the rollout of vaccines.

The Asian country now accounts for 50% of COVID-19 cases and 30% of deaths from the virus globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In Singapore yesterday, government closed all schools saying the B.1.167 variant was hitting children more and the country was preparing to vaccinate them.

Experts believe that the B.1.617 variant is behind a surge in infections seen across India in recent weeks, killing more than 4 000 people a day. The number is set to rise amid reports that the virus was now spreading to rural India.

Travellers coming into the country from other countries are required to present a COVID-19 PCR test done not more than 48 hours from the time of departure.

Zimbabwean health experts have warned the public not to be complacent as the variant might hit the country hard, adding that another hard lockdown was on the horizon.

Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Johannes Marisa said the Indian variant was more virulent and transmissible and would be indiscriminate.

The Indian strain or mutant is called B.1.607 it has been shown to be 50% more virulent than all the existing COVID-19 strains. It has high transmutability and chances of it affecting the old age are very high. That is what I want to take note of. It can also affect all age groups, Marisa said.

Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike echoed the same sentiments saying it was important that Zimbabweans should be vigilant and exercise extreme caution.

He said the situation could be worse because most Zimbabweans were resisting vaccination.

It is not encouraging at all that only about 600 000 people have been vaccinated since February, these figures are still very low and it will be a tall order for Zimbabwe to move towards achieving herd immunity, Rusike said.

We should take a deliberate effort to make sure that there is a trickle-down effect of the vaccination roll-out programme to the rural communities and townships where the majority of the people live.

He added: The current national vaccination rollout programme seems like is biased towards urban communities as some rural areas including the resettlement, farming and mining areas have not yet been given the opportunity to be vaccinated, including the information on the benefits of being vaccinated, yet we all know that there are more people in the rural areas than urban centres. Newsday
May 20, 2021 Note To Greenwald - The 'Russian' Pipeline Is A Germany Need Glenn Greenwald writes that President Trump acted more hostile to Russia than President Biden does, even while the media claimed that Trump was 'a Russian agent'. It is probably a fair point to make but in his piece Greenwald himself falls for anti-Russian propaganda nonsense. The problem starts with the headline: Biden, Reversing Trump, Permits a Key Putin Goal: a New Russian Natural Gas Pipeline to Germany

That Trump was controlled by Putin and served his agenda was the opposite of reality. First Obama, and now Biden, have accommodated Moscow far more. Greenwald seems to presume that it is the right or the job of a U.S. president to 'permit' pipelines between two foreign country? That is of course completely false. The U.S. has no right, duty or whatever to interfere in regular businesses between foreign partners. Such interference is in fact illegal under international law. Biden, as well as Trump, should be criticized for even thinking about 'permitting' it. On to Greenwald's main point: When it came to actual vital Russian interests  as opposed to the symbolic gestures hyped by the liberal cable and op-ed page circus  Trump and his administration were confronting and undermining the Kremlin in ways Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama, had, to his credit, steadfastly refused to do. Indeed, the foreign policy trait relentlessly attributed to Trump in support of the medias Cold War conspiracy theory  namely, an aversion to confronting Putin  was, in reality, an overarching and explicit belief of President Obamas foreign policy, not President Trumps. Obama waged a massive undercover war to overthrow the Syrian government, an old Russian ally. He arranged a fascist coup in the Ukraine and he sent the anti-Russian academic Michael McFaul as ambassador to Russia where McFaul immediately started to prepare a color revolution against President Putin. It was the Obama administration which launched the 'Russiagate' campaign against Trump which further infested U.S. policies with anti-Russian sentiment. Seen from the Russian side Obama certainly showed absolutely no 'aversion to confronting Putin'. While Trump ripped up arms treaties with Russia and gave a few useless weapons to the Ukraine, making sure they would not reach the front lines, he otherwise took, thankfully, few other damaging steps.

bigger Now on to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline of which Greenwald writes: Trump found one thing even more threatening to the Kremlins vital interests than arming Ukrainians: namely, doing everything possible to destroy Russias ability to complete construction of its new underwater natural gas pipeline, Nord Stream 2. That new pipeline is designed to double Russian sales capacity to an EU addicted to cheap Russian natural gas, producing massive revenue for the Russian economy and giving Moscow greater leverage when dealing with its European neighbors. But it provides an even more important benefit: it allows Russia to bypass Ukraine and other Eastern European countries, thus avoiding costly transit fees and the risks of political instability or anti-Russian manipulation by outside forces, including the U.S. government. For all those reasons, few priorities were more important to Putin and the Russian economy than this new pipeline. Yet for at least the last two years of his presidency, Trump  even as he was shrilly depicted as an agent of the Kremlin  was obsessed with stopping the Russian pipeline and thus sabotaging Putins key geopolitical project. This is a complete misunderstanding of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. It is not Russia which needs the pipeline. It can sell its gas to China for just as much as it makes by selling gas to Europe. The new pipeline will not 'double Russian sales capacity' to Europe. In March Russia sold a record 53 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe. The capacity of Nord Stream 2 is 55 billion cubic meters per year(!) (1.9 trillion cu ft/a) equal to 8.3 cubic meters per month. In theory the new pipeline will increase Russia's total sales capacity to Europe by some 15%, not by 100%. But in reality the new pipeline will likely replace existing pipelines which are running through the Ukraine. It is Germany, the EU's economic powerhouse, that needs the pipeline and the gas flowing through it. Thanks to Chancellor Merkel's misguided energy policy - she put an end to nuclear power in German after a tsunami in Japan destroyed three badly placed reactors - Germany urgently needs the gas to keep its already high electricity prices from rising further. That the new pipeline will bypass old ones which run through the Ukraine is likewise to the benefit of Germany, not Russia. The pipeline infrastructure in the Ukraine is old and near to disrepair. The Ukraine has no money to renew it. Politically it is under U.S. influence. It could use its control over the energy flow to the EU for blackmail. (It already tried once.) The new pipeline, laid at the bottom of the Baltic sea, requires no payment for crossing Ukrainian land and is safe from potential malign influence. More Greenwald: That a Putin-controlled Russian asset would send lethal arms to Ukraine and do everything possible to sabotage Nord Stream 2 is so blatantly absurd that it could be ratified only by a media aggressively committed to spreading disinformation and lies. All of this became even clearer on Tuesday when President Biden reversed Trumps blockage of the Russian natural gas pipeline. Axios' Jonathan Swan reported that the Biden administration will waive sanctions on the corporate entity and CEO overseeing the construction of Russias Nord Stream 2 pipeline into Germany, which indicates the Biden administration is not willing to compromise its relationship with Germany over this pipeline. Swan wrote what is clearly true: the completion of Nord Stream 2 would be a huge geopolitical win for Putin and give him substantial new leverage in Europe. This huge geopolitical win for Putin is exactly what the Kremlins alleged asset in the White House spent years preventing and which Biden is now handing over. Here Greenwald falls for Axios' view which is again mere anti-Russian propaganda. Nord Stream 1 and 2 are not 'Russia's pipeline'. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline is owned by five companies: Nord Stream is a joint project involving five major companies: Gazprom international projects LLC (PJSC Gazprom subsidiary), Wintershall Dea GmbH, PEG Infrastruktur AG (PEGI/E.ON subsidiary), N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie and ENGIE. The Nord Stream companies are international consortia of suppliers and buyers/distributors of natural gas. While Gasprom is a Russian company Wintershall is German, PEG is German and British owned, Gasunie is Dutch and Engie is French. The CEO of Nord Stream 1 is a Russian citizen. To become sanction proved the Nord Stream 2 pipeline company was structured differently. While Russia's Gasprom is listed as the sole shareholder, the Dutch ENGIE, Austrian OMV, Dutch/British Shell and the German companies UNIPER and Wintershall DEA are listed as 'financial investors'. The CEO or Nord Stream 2 is Matthias Warnig, a German citizen. To call either Nord Stream pipeline 'Russian' is like calling the International Space Station European. Greenwald continues: While the Biden administration intends to maintain some of those Trump-imposed sanctions, the waivers they intend to issue will allow completion of Nord Stream 2, a gigantic gift to Putin. No, the waiver it is not a gigantic gift to Putin. Germany needs the pipeline, Russia does not. The pipeline will be finished with or without sanctions. But imposing more sanctions would have had severe consequences for U.S. standing in Germany. The German people are already quite wary of U.S. influence. Increasing their heating and electricity bills by waging illegal sanctions against a German energy deal with Russia would have discredited it even more. Trump didn't care about that, Biden does. Andrei Martyanow gets it: This is not a charity move on Biden's side. Not at all, nor is it along the lines of reduction of tensions between the US and Russia Biden's people so love to talk about as of lately. Much of this decision is driven by Germany's sudden allocation of at least rudimentary spine and making sure that the US gets the message that it is risking a lot if it succeeds in sabotaging NS2 and that, as you may have guessed it already, plays into the Russian hands yet again because of major political repercussions in Germany even if the Bundestag gets much "greener", because at stake is an issue of Germany remaining the first world nation and EU's largest economy. It is Germany, not Russia, which needs the pipeline. Germany's economy and energy security depend on it. That is why the pipeline would have been finished even under U.S. sanctions. Biden has stopped imposing more of those sanctions not as a favor to Russia but because the U.S. wants to keep political support from Germany. Posted by b on May 20, 2021 at 16:14 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
(The Center Square)  The National Weather Service issued flash-flood warnings throughout Texas that are expected to last through Friday.

On Tuesday, Texas Greg Abbott ordered the Texas State Operations Center to expand its daily operations to 24-hours a day through Friday after severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued in the state.

Severe storms are expected to bring significant river flooding and flash flooding in the Coastal Bend as well as North, East, and South-Central Texas. North-Central Texas saw flooding on Sunday with millions across southeast Texas and parts of Louisiana remaining under flash flood watches through Thursday after a swath of torrential rainstorms swept across the state.

Flash flood watches were also in effect Wednesday for parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. On Wednesday, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed three weather-related deaths and in central Arkansas 15 people were rescued from flash flooding.

At one point on Wednesday, more than 100,000 customers were without power in Texas, according to the website PowerOutage.us.

"As severe weather continues to threaten communities across the state, Texans need to stay vigilant against significant flash flooding that is expected to accompany these storms," Abbott warned. "We are deploying a variety of resources to assist communities in the path of these severe weather events, he added, listing the 11 agencies working together to respond to the severe weather event.

Texans who sustain damages are encouraged to report damages to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) online at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

Texans are to remain cautious and preparing ahead of time for flash flooding," Abbott said.

FEMAs Flood Map Service Center provides an official flood map to identify flooded areas, and residents can sign up for emergency alerts through the Emergency Alert System and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio.

Abbott also encourages Texans to build an emergency supply kit, to purchase or renew a flood insurance policy, to keep important documents in a waterproof container and/or create password-protected digital copies.

Texans are also encouraged to be extremely cautious of water while driving on roads and are never to attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways.

Always observe road barricades placed for your protection, he said. Remember, Turn Around Dont Drown.
Avon Schools Board of Education voted May 18 to award a three-year administrative contract to Jen Fitch to become the new assistant superinten
Crystals, tarot cards, herbs and educational books on healing, various religions and metaphysics are spread through 5,000 square feet of the b
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, waves after disembarking from his airplane upon arrival at Copenhagen Airport in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, May 16, 2021, on his first stop on a five-day European tour.
Everyone one of us are lessened and were all hurt by this hate, Biden said before signing the bill, speaking in front a couple dozen members of Congress, including Meng. Every time were silent, every time we let hate flourish, we make a lie of who we are as a nation  I mean it literally. We cannot let the very foundation of this country continue to be eaten away.
That is the pretty much the welcome sign that we greet them with when you come to Lorain and South Lorain."

Ward 6 Councilman Rey Carrion

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Vermilion Mayor Jim Forthofer, left, Fire Chief Chris Stempowski and Service Director Tony Valerius pose with the certificate of occupancy granted to the Vermilion Fire Department for to its new Fire Station No. 1 in January 2021. This month, Forthofer announced his intention to make the city fire chief post a full-time job.
Paying people to get vaccinated might work  but is it ethical? | The Conversation
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Canadian Pacific is urging Kansas City Southern to reject Canadian National's rival $33.6 billion takeover bid, but it still refuses to increase its own $25 billion bid.

Canadian Pacific maintained Thursday that Canadian National's bid won't be approved by regulators because it would hurt competition and add to rail congestion around Chicago, so CEO Keith Creel doesn't see a need to increase its offer. Kansas City Southern officials didn't immediately respond Thursday morning, but a week earlier they backed the CN offer.

My view, CPs view, has been and continues to be, the alternative is a deal that cant be approved, Creel said Thursday. Its not necessary to engage in a bidding war to match CNs value, which is not achievable. There is no path to deal certainty. In fact, its a path wrought with deal uncertainty.

Canadian Pacific had said combining Kansas City Southern and Canadian National would hurt competition because both those companies have rail lines that compete for business between the Midwest and the Gulf Coast. Canadian Pacifics network connects to Kansas City Southern near its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, but those two railroads dont overlap elsewhere.

Canadian National has said it doesnt believe its offer would hurt competition, and it is confident it could address any competitive concerns later in the Surface Transportation Board's review process. Canadian National said it will now work to complete the deal with Kansas City Southern.

We are confident in our ability to obtain the STBs approval for our voting trust and ultimately close our pro-competitive combination with KCS, Canadian National said in a statement.

A week ago, Canadian National won the support of Kansas City Southern by sweetening its offer to include more stock and by offering to pay the $700 million breakup fee that would be owed to Canadian Pacific if Kansas City Southern walks away from the deal that was announced in March.

CNs latest offer still includes $200 in cash for each Kansas City Southern share, but the Canadian railroad is now also offering 1.129 shares of its stock. Previously, Canadian National had been offering 1.059 shares of CN common stock for each share. The transaction also includes about $3.8 billion in Kansas City Southerns debt.

Ever since CN joined the bidding for Kansas City Southern, Canadian Pacific had resisted increasing its original offer, which valued each Kansas City Southern share at $275. It included $90 cash with the rest coming in the form of CP stock.

KCS must now weigh the upside of CNs deal against the potential for the deal to fall apart, Citi Research analyst Christian Wetherbee said. If the CN deal does fall apart, Wetherbee said Kansas City Southern might see another offer from Canadian Pacific but that subsequent offer could come at a lower price.

Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said Canadian Pacific's approach shows just how confident that railroad is in the view that Canadian National's acquisition of Kansas City Southern won't be approved.

They think they have a strong hand to continue to play, Windau said.

But he doesn't think CP's arguments will be enough to persuade Kansas City Southern's board to reject CN's higher offer unless board members doubt the CN deal will get approved..

At the end of the day, it just boils down to do they think they can get it through the Surface Transportation Board? Windau said.

Earlier this week, regulators refused to approve Canadian Nationals plan to set up a voting trust to acquire Kansas City Southern and hold the railroad during the Surface Transportation Boards lengthy review that will take more than a year. The STB said it couldnt evaluate CNs plan because at that point it hadnt submitted a copy of its merger agreement, but it also said when it does review CN's plan, it will take a cautious approach. The board also questioned whether the level of debt Canadian National plans to take on to buy Kansas City Southern would undermine the financial stability of the railroad.

If the board rejects Canadian National's plan to use a voting trust outright, then Kansas City Southern would be due to receive a $1 billion breakup fee.

The Surface Transportation Board hasnt approved any major railroad mergers since the 1990s, so its current merger rules haven't been tested. It has generally said that any deal involving one of the nations six largest railroads needs to enhance competition and serve the public interest to get approved. The board has also said it would consider whether any deal would destabilize the industry and prompt additional mergers.

For more than two decades, the railroad industry has been stable, with two railroads in the western United States  BNSF and Union Pacific  two in the eastern United States  CSX and Norfolk Southern  and the two Canadian railroads that serve part of the United States.

Creel said that if Canadian Pacific loses out on Kansas City Southern, than his railroad will pursue other strategic opportunities, so. In the past, Canadian Pacific has attempted unsuccessfully to buy both Norfolk Southern and CSX.
WarnerMedia is rolling out a $10-a-month ad supported version of its HBO Max streaming service starting in June.

That's $5 off the current price for the ad-free version, which launched in May 2020. And cheaper than Netflix, which charges $14 a month for its most popular plan.

AT&T said Monday it will combine its massive WarnerMedia media assets, which includes HBO and CNN, with Discovery Inc. to create a new media company in a $43 billion deal. However the transaction isn't expected to close until mid-2022, and WarnerMedia is still going ahead with plans for HBO Max.

AT&T said earlier this month that there are 44.2 million subscribers to HBO Max and the traditional HBO channel combined in the U.S.

A bevy of streaming services have launched as people shift to watching TV online rather than via traditional cable packages.

Disney Plus, which launched in 2019, charges $8 a month and has amassed more than 100 million subscribers. Netflix remains the service to beat with more than 200 million subscribers globally.

HBO Max offers viewers shows from HBO such as Game of Thrones," movies including Wonder Woman" and Godzilla vs. Kong" and originals such as the show Made for Love."
VIENNA (AP)  World powers met Wednesday for a new round of high-level talks on bringing the United States back into the nuclear deal with Iran amid growing hopes that an agreement might soon be within reach.

Enrique Mora, the European Union official who chaired the talks between Russia, China, Germany, France, Britain and Iran told reporters we have made substantial progress though there were still things to be worked out.

I will not venture a date because you never know, but I'm quite sure there will be a final agreement, he said.

The nations have been trying to resolve the major outstanding issues on how to return the U.S. into the landmark agreement, which then President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of unilaterally in 2018.

Russian delegate Mikhail Ulyanov tweeted after the talks that participants had noted that good or significant progress was made and that an agreement was within reach.

Before the talks, Iran's delegate, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, said there had been good progress, but that several key issues needed further assessment and would be brought back by the diplomats for discussion with their governments at home.

The sides agreed to reconvene the talks in Vienna next week.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters in Berlin that there had been concrete results that he wouldn't detail in public, but which gave him hope for a resolution soon.

I cannot predict how it will end up, because ultimately the results of the negotiations will be assessed again in the respective capitals and then approved or not, he said. But our goal is to achieve a result in the negotiations in the next two weeks and thus create the conditions for the U.S. to return to this agreement.

The U.S. hasn't been represented directly at the talks, which started in early April, but does have a delegation in Vienna and representatives from the other countries have been shuttling between it and the Iranian side.

The 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, promises Iran economic incentives in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.

The ultimate goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining an atomic bomb, which it insists it doesn't want to do. Trump pulled out in 2018 saying it wasn't broad enough in scope and needed to be renegotiated.

He embarked upon a campaign of maximum pressure aimed at bringing Iran back to the negotiating table, reimposing sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

Iran has refused to engage in any direct talks with the U.S., however, and has instead been steadily violating the restrictions of the JCPOA, like enriching uranium to a greater purity than permitted, stockpiling more enriched uranium than allowed and using more advanced centrifuges, to try and pressure the other powers for economic relief.

U.S. President Joe Biden says he wants to rejoin the deal, but that Iran needs to return to full compliance.

Iran has said it's willing to roll back all violations, but has insisted that Washington must drop all sanctions imposed by Trump, including ones put in place for reasons other than its nuclear program.

The talks in Vienna have been focusing on how to bring Iran back into compliance  including what would be done with the newly-installed advanced centrifuges  and which sanctions the U.S. would agree to remove and when.

There is a fundamental willingness (from Washington), but, of course, it depends, in turn, on Iran complying with the commitments it is clearly violating, Maas said. And that is a very arduous process.

If the two sides are able to reach an agreement in the next two weeks, it would come before Irans June 18 presidential election, which some believe could complicate further discussions.

Mora said he thought that an agreement before the vote was doable.

He added that Iranian representatives were meeting separately with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna for talks on extending a temporary deal on the agency's inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.

As part of its ongoing pressure, Iran in February began restricting international inspections of its nuclear facilities, but under a last-minute deal worked out by the IAEA on Feb. 21, some access was preserved.

Under the agreement, Iran said it would no longer share surveillance footage of its nuclear facilities with the IAEA, but promised to preserve the recordings for three months. It will then hand them over to the IAEA if it is granted sanctions relief. Otherwise, Iran has vowed to erase the them.

The end of that three-month window is Friday.

Mora said he didn't have details of the discussions, but many expect that Iran will extend the deadline so as not to jeopardize the main JCPOA talks.

___

David Rising reported from Berlin. Frank Jordans contributed to this report from Berlin.
She was a sweetheart, said Ayre. These two, they were in and out of love. The whole fight came out of this. In the past year, they sometimes used to fight, and then they were in love, and then they used to fight.
Madison Smith will be just a few months out of college when her story is heard this fallby a most unusual Kansas grand jury - one she convened.

For three years, the local prosecutor has resolutely refused to make her case: that what began as consensual sex in a college dorm room became a rape, and that she was unable to say "stop" because her classmate was strangling her.

But Smith invoked a vestige of frontier justice that allows citizens in Kansas to summon a grand jury when they think prosecutors are neglecting to bring charges in a crime. The law, dating to the 1800s, was originally used to go after saloonkeepers when authorities ignored violations of statewide prohibition. The 22-year-old graduate is believed to be the first to convene a citizen grand jury after a prosecutor declined to pursue a sex-crime charge.

"It took me a while to find my voice," she said recently. "But I have found it, and I am going to use it."

Statistics show that most sex crimes don't result in charges. Victim advocates blame cultural issues, halfhearted investigations and the broad discretionary power of prosecutors. "This is a problem across the nation," said Kathy Ray of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. "There are gaps throughout the system."

Unlike Smith, most victims have no way to seek justice when they feel a blind eye is being turned toward a crime. Only five other states, all in the Great Plains or the West, have similar laws still on the books. The Kansas statute requires an individual to gather a certain number of signatures of support, which forced Smith to relive her trauma over and over in conversations with strangers.

She did so in a hair salon parking lot, where she and her parents set up a tent to greet passersby.

By then, court records and recordings of conversations reveal, their disagreement with McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel had turned highly contentious.

"The one person who I believed was supposed to fight for the victim on the legal side has pushed me aside, stalling, and waiting for me to give up," Smith wrote in one statement to the court. "This is a common tactic used by defense attorneys, but now the prosecution. I won't ever give up. Ever."

Benefiel initially refused to press any charges. He later reversed course, seeking and winning a conviction on felony aggravated battery, the most he thought he could prove in the February 2018 attack.

Yet Smith has never considered it as anything other than rape.

It happened at Bethany College, a small Christian liberal arts school in Lindsborg, an hour north of Wichita. She had bumped into a friend, Jared Stolzenburg, while doing laundry in a dorm. They went to his room, talked some, started kissing. They progressed to sex - by mutual consent, she acknowledges.

Almost immediately, Stolzenburg began slapping her face and strangling her while continuing intercourse, according to court records.

"I tried to initially pull his hands off of my throat, and he squeezed harder every time," Smith recounted in one court hearing. "He would strangle me for 20 to 30 seconds at a time, and I would begin to lose consciousness. When he would release his hands from my neck, the only thing I could do was gasp for air."

She had told investigators Stolzenburg forced her to perform oral sex and tried to penetrate her anally. "I truly thought that he was going to kill me and the only way I was going to leave that room was in a body bag," she continued in court.

The day after the assault, the college freshman stood in the driveway of her parents' house three blocks from campus. "I was raped last night," she told them, tugging down the collar on her hoodie to reveal a necklace of purple bruises.

Her parents called police and drove her to a nearby hospital for a forensic exam. The report noted the bruising and abrasion on her neck, as well as bruising inside her mouth.

Five weeks later, the family arrived for their first meeting with the prosecutor. Benefiel asked to speak to Madison alone.

"He told me that the rape I experienced wasn't rape, it was immature sex because I didn't verbally say no when I was being strangled," she recalled in one court hearing. "He then told me he was not filing charges."

She walked out of his office in tears.

In subsequent meetings with the family, which they recorded, the county attorney further explained his position. Because the sex had begun consensually, he said, the issue was whether Stolzenburg had "any knowledge whatsoever of [Madison's] withdrawal of consent."

"There isn't anything that any of us felt adequately communicated to him that withdrawal of consent," Benefiel continued. "When we have that failure in that communication, then everything from a legal analysis, everything remains consensual."

He made the same point during another conversation, asserting a "requirement of affirmative withdrawal" of consent.

"Me taking his hands off of my throat is affirmative enough," Smith shot back. "I couldn't speak. How can I say 'no' if I can't speak, if I can't breathe?"

A former Minnesota prosecutor reviewed Kansas law for the Smiths and concluded that the attack qualified for a rape charge.

"I would contend that it is clear that if while strangling someone, they are pulling on your hands and gasping for breath, and they are crying, none of that sounds consensual to me," said Julie Germann, who specialized in sexual assault cases. "I would not have a hard time taking that case to a jury at all."

Still, the Smiths feared they were out of options until Madison's mother happened to hear a podcast with a retired Utah detective talking about prosecutors who mishandle or undercharge sex-crime cases. Mandy Smith contacted Justin Boardman, who now trains police and prosecutors to investigate sex crimes without retraumatizing victims. He became an unpaid adviser.

On Zoom with the family last year, Boardman came up with their Hail Mary: The 1887 Kansas law allowing citizens to go around reluctant prosecutors to seek an indictment on their own.

A state appeals court looking into its origins cited contemporary newspaper reports saying it was intended to aid citizens frustrated with prosecutors who refused to enforce temperance laws. It was quickly successful, according to an 1889 story in the Topeka Capital-Commonwealth: "As soon as the first grand jury met, every whisky joint, about seventy-five in the county, and every drug store selling without a license had disappeared."

The long-dormant statute had been dusted off in this century by activists aiming to prosecute abortion providers and operators of adult bookstores.

"Kansas has the lowest threshold for bringing one of these petitions, so it makes it easy for someone who has an agenda to bring one," said Marissa Hotujac, a Kansas attorney who as a law student published a legal journal article on citizen grand juries.

To convene the grand jury, the Smiths needed 329 voter signatures - 2 percent of the county's vote total in the last gubernatorial election, plus 100 - and to have a court approve the legal grounds.

They drove last May to that Lindsborg parking lot, tied some balloons on their tent and began asking people to sign a petition tersely setting out the facts, including that the county prosecutor refused to file rape charges "because Madison didn't verbally revoke consent while being strangled."

"It was very hard to keep retelling my story to stranger after stranger," she said this month, "but at the same time I knew that what I was doing was going to make a difference one way or another."

The first petition was rejected on a technicality, forcing the family to stage another signature drive. A three-judge panel approved the next effort, though the coronavirus pandemic delayed scheduling of the grand jury.

In the meantime, the county attorney had charged Stolzenburg with aggravated battery. He pleaded guilty and received two years' probation, an outcome Madison Smith called inadequate and "bittersweet."

"Mr. Benefiel, through all of this, has been the only person to tell me my rape was not rape, and I will not allow him to minimize what I survived," she said at the sentencing hearing last August. "While I'm grateful that [Stolzenburg] didn't completely get away with his crimes, I feel angry and re-victimized that he was not charged for the sexual side of this."

In an interview Monday, Benefiel said justice was served by the conviction.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Madison believes that she was a victim of rape," he said. "It was approached in that way, and then charging decisions were made based on the evidence that was available in the case. I don't believe that we minimized this."

Stolzenburg, who was expelled from Bethany, could not be reached for comment. According to records, a court services worker reported that he said he felt sorry for Smith but didn't think he had done anything wrong.

His attorney did not reply to requests to discuss the case. The lawyer contended in court that a citizen grand jury would expose his client to double jeopardy, or being tried twice for the same crime, which isn't allowed in American jurisprudence.

Benefiel said that issue still looms: "It is a matter that will have to be determined at the front end of any indictment."

At a hearing Tuesday, a judge set Sept. 29 for the grand jury to begin.

By law, Mandy Smith will talk first because her name is on the petition. She will stand there as a different person from the mom who paid little attention to a discussion of sexual assault during freshman orientation, sure that her only daughter was too fiery and strong-willed to ever become a victim.

"I just hope I can reach members of the community," she said last week. She plans to ask the grand jury to replace the county attorney with a special prosecutor for the proceedings.

The young woman at the center of the case knows that her grand jury may not return the indictment she wants. Even so, she expects that her advocacy will raise awareness of inadequate charges in sex crimes and appropriate ways to handle victims of sexual trauma.

"Win or lose, we swung the bat, and we swung it hard," said Smith, who grew up on the softball field. "We tried everything we could, and we exhausted all our resources. I've got to know I tried."

The past three years have reshaped her family in unexpected ways.

After aggressively pressing a Title IX sex discrimination claim for her daughter at Bethany College, Mandy Smith left accounting and was hired by the school to be trained as a Title IX coordinator.

Madison Smith remained at Bethany despite what had happened, though she moved out of her dorm and lived at home. She graduated this month with a bachelor's degree in biology and will be married in June on her parent's wedding anniversary.

She had long planned to go to graduate school in nursing. Her experience in the hospital on that winter's night - with nurses who made her feel believed - sharpened her focus. She now wants to earn accreditation as a sexual assault nurse examiner.

"I didn't let this define me in a negative way," she said. "I let it jump-start who I wanted to be."
CEUTA, Spain (AP)  With border crossings of migrants apparently under control, Spain and Morocco turned their attention Thursday to the plight of hundreds of teenagers and children stranded on both sides of their frontier amid one of the biggest diplomatic spats between the two countries in recent years.

The risks facing youths caught in the middle of the rift remained visible even as the flow of migrants that Morocco let cross over into Spain's North Africa enclave of Ceuta appeared to have stopped.

Spanish police recovered the body of a young man from Mediterranean surf near Ceuta's Tarajal beach, the European soil many Moroccans and other Africans tried to reach by swimming around the border that separates the city from Morocco. Another young man was confirmed dead in the water on Monday.

Meanwhile, hundreds of unaccompanied minors were crammed into charity-run warehouses for a 10-day compulsory coronavirus quarantine under police watch. Spains Interior Ministry said 850 migrants under 18 years old were left of those who had crossed since Monday.

Looking for some extra clothes to protect himself from the evening cold, a 14-year-old boy who had stayed in the warehouse explained that his parents had agreed to his attempt to start a life in Spain.

They see that if I come here I can have a future, said the boy, who had traveled from Tetouan, a city 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) south of the Spanish border. You see your parents can't work, the education system is very weak. What can I say? I cannot even tell you what people eat."

The Associated Press is not using the boys name. It doesn't normally name children without permission from their parents, and the identity of his parents couldn't be obtained.

It appears that other children crossed without their parents' knowledge.

One 18-year-old boy, who had been in Ceuta for a year, said he was called by his parents to help search for his younger brother, who had come over in the recent surge without his parent's consent.

A 15-year-old boy from Fnideq, the town just across the frontier, told the AP that he had crossed on Monday when Moroccan police announced that the border was open.

The Moroccans told us, go go, pass pass, they let us cross. I was just swimming and I saw people crossing so I went too," he said from inside a holding pen with other youngsters.

They have us locked as if we were in a prison. Morocco was a prison and Spain is now also a prison.

The Spanish government has announced that 200 of the young migrants who were already in the city of 85,000 before this week's sudden surge in arrivals would be transferred to the mainland in coming days in order to leave space in government-run facilities in Ceuta. Under Spain's laws, the minors remain under the care of regional authorities until their relatives can be found or they come of age.

Municipal authorities for Ceuta set up a hotline for the parents on the Moroccan side who are missing their children and believe them to be in the Spanish city.

The situation was also chaotic across the border in Fnideq, where people roamed the streets begging for food or money to return to their hometowns after they were expelled from Ceuta or stopped at the border. Moroccan authorities sent buses to pick some people up and take them to Casablanca.

Moroccan security forces clashed well into the night with dozens of mostly young men who had gathered on a boulevard leading to the border with Spain, and were hoping to follow the thousands who in previous days swam around of jumped the border fences.

The scuffles broke out when police tried to break up the groups of people who had gathered and set fire to a barricade blocking the street. The police moved back but later dispersed the group.

Authorities in Ceuta said Thursday that no migrants crossed overnight into the city.

In previous days, the border between Morocco and Ceuta became porous following warnings from the Moroccan government to Spain that it would face consequences over Madrid's decision to provide coronavirus treatment to the head of a militant group fighting for the independence of the Western Sahara region annexed by Rabat.

Brahim Ghali, head of the Polisario Front, flew into Spain in mid-April with an Algerian passport that had a false identity.

In an apparent attempt to move toward mending relations, Spanish security forces said their Moroccan counterparts agreed Thursday to establish a protocol system for the return of the migrants.

Publicly, however, the dispute went on.

The Spanish medias hostility towards Morocco, based on fake news, cannot obscure the real origin of the crisis, which is the reception by Madrid under a false identity of the leader of the separatist militias of the Polisario, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita told state news agency MAP, in the first public comment on the issue by a leading government official.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, for her part, said that the country won't accept being pressured with the use of minors."

We are not going to accept being blackmailed, Robles told Spain's public radio. Spain's integrity is not negotiable and is not at stake. We are going to use all necessary means to guarantee the territorial integrity and to keep vigilance on our frontiers.

You don't play with Spain, she added.

Spain said that more than 8,000 people crossed into Spanish territory in 48 hours, although at least 6,000 had either been expelled, many in bulk pushbacks criticized by rights groups. Many of those who crossed also returned voluntarily after finding no shelter in Ceuta or possibilities to continue onto the European mainland across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Ayoub, 16, was among those who was sent back after trying three times to cross over. He said he was giving up and taking a bus home to Temara, near Rabat, before he runs out of money.

Ill be back when the border reopens, he said.

___

Mosaab Elshamy reported from Fnideq, Morocco. Tarek Ananou and Bernat Armangue in Ceuta, Aritz Parra in Madrid, and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
John, Cynthia and Justin Warren were arrested following an investigation into $1 million in fraudulent invoices that were submitted to Midland County for work done by Vector Fleet Management, according to a press release from the Midland County Sheriffs Office.

An investigation began last year when the County Auditors Office reported a possible theft by Vector Fleet Management or employees of the company, according to the release. It was then discovered that John Warren allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices to the county and made $1.3 million worth of false charges on a company credit card.
New Yorkers have a new park to explore and take in the views! Little Island, built on the remains of Pier 54 and Pier 55, is a unique park rising out of the Hudson River on 132 concrete tulips. The 2.4-acre park features 350 species of flowers, trees and shrubs, a 687-seat amphitheater and a central plaza with food and drink vendors. Little Island, which opens Friday, May 21, 2021, was funded by billionaire Barry Diller and will play host to free and low-cost events and educational programs.
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Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com
Police showed up to Patels store, the Dapper Smoke Shop, on 40th St. near the Sunrise Highway around 9:30 p.m. and found him dead inside.
Facebook on Friday announced that it may allow former President Donald Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts to be reinstated in January 2023. At that time, the social media company will re-evaluate whether the risk to public safety of allowing Trump back onto its services has receded. This two-year suspension will prevent Trump from using Facebook or Instagram to broadcast to his followers until after the 2022 U.S. midterm elections. Do you think tech giants like Facebook are using their power to censor political speech and manipulate U.S. politics? Choices are:

You voted:
REYKJAVIK. Iceland (AP)  The Biden administration is leading a campaign against Russian attempts to assert authority over Arctic shipping and reintroduce a military dimension to discussions over international activity in the area.

As Russia assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council on Thursday, the U.S. rallied other members to oppose Moscows plans to set maritime rules in the Northern Sea Route, which runs from Norway to Alaska, and its desire to resume high-level military talks within the eight-nation bloc. Those talks were suspended in 2014 over Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The effort reflects growing concerns in Washington and among some NATO allies about a surge in Russian military and commercial activity in the region that is rapidly opening up due to the effects of climate change. Russia has expressed similar suspicion about NATO's motives.

At a meeting of Arctic Council foreign ministers in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the group should maintain its focus on peaceful cooperation on environmental issues, maritime safety and the well-being of indigenous people in the region.

Blinken left Iceland after the meeting to deliver the same message in Greenland, which attracted international attention when former President Donald Trump expressed interest in buying the world's largest island from Denmark and later cancelled a state visit to Copenhagen when his interest was widely mocked and rejected by the Danes and Greenlanders alike.

Asked whether the Biden administration had dropped Trump's interest in the purchase of Greenland, Blinken replied: I can confirm that is correct." At the same time, Blinken lauded the re-establishment of a U.S. consulate in the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk and said the administration hoped to boost cooperation with island on a variety of fronts starting with climate change.

Earlier Thursday in Iceland, Blinken told his counterparts that the Arctic is a region for strategic competition that has seized the worlds attention. But the Arctic is more than a strategically or economically significant region. Its home to our people, its hallmark has been and must remain peaceful cooperation. Its our responsibility to protect that peaceful cooperation and to build on it.

Blinken stressed the importance of upholding effective governance and the rule of law to ensure that the Arctic remains a region free of conflict where countries act responsibly. He had previously questioned the legality of the proposed Russian maritime rules and expressed deep reservations about Russia's military activity in the far North.

Several other foreign ministers, including those from Canada, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden, echoed Blinken's call to keep the Arctic peaceful and free of conflict under the authority of international, rather than that of individual countries. Representatives of indigenous Arctic populations urged that their voices be heard.

We are concerned over the level of recent angry and provocative rhetoric, said James Stotts of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. We do not want to see our homeland turned into a region of competition and conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who had earlier this week dismissed the U.S. criticism because the Arctic is our territory, our land," questioned NATO's motives in deployments of bombers and submarines to the area. On Thursday, he said resumption of an Arctic Council military dialogue would contribute to stability.

It is therefore important to extend the positive relations we have within the Arctic Council to encompass the military sphere as well, first of all by revitalizing multilateral dialogue on military issues between the general staffs of the Arctic states," Lavrov said.

He said later at a new conference that resuming that dialogue would be a priority for Russia while it heads the council.

We have not received any nos so far but we have not received any positive reaction, either, Lavrov said. So we have decided that within the next three years we will create the proper conditions so that this particular aspect of common security will once again be part of the work of the Arctic Council.

The outgoing council chair, Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, of Iceland, did not appear enthusiastic. Everything that we can do as nations to lower tension and see stability is something that, of course, should be looked into very positively, but I think its important to keep the council as it is, he said.

Lavrov also cast aspersions on NATO and the U.S., which he accused of acting with arrogance toward Russia and its security concerns. He took particular aim at Norway, which he said was amending its laws on foreign military presence to allow for the constant rotation of military equipment and personnel.

Were especially concerned about what is going on close to our borders and Norway is indeed a very close neighbor of ours," he said. "We have very good relations with Norway. Nevertheless, the issues related to heightened military tensions due to military deployments in Norway and in the Baltics are still very present.

He called the rotational presence a play on words to describe what is actually a permanent presence. This is not the first demonstration of this highbrow approach that our Western colleagues are now taking in the international arena," he said. We are going to undertake necessary measures in order to ensure our security, but our priority and our preference really is dialogue.

Lavrov also proposed a summit of Arctic Council leaders to be held at some point during Russia's two-year chairmanship and said Moscow is keen to foster cooperation.

We encourage you to maintain and seek consensus in the council to continue constructive cooperation, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde told Lavrov.
China, in global campaign, vaccinates its people in Thailand

China, in global campaign, vaccinates its people in Thailand View Photo

BANGKOK (AP)  Chinese citizens living in Thailand began being vaccinated on Thursday as part of Chinas global campaign to inoculate its nationals living and working abroad.

China recently donated 500,000 vaccine doses, and Thailand agreed in turn to inoculate Chinese nationals as it slowly rolls out shots for its own citizens to contain a coronavirus surge that has sickened tens of thousands in the past two months.

Yang Xin, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, said Beijings Spring Sprout program would benefit tens of thousands of Chinese in the country. An estimated 150,000 Chinese citizens live in Thailand.

China has so far supplied 6 million vaccine doses to the country, most of which Thailand purchased.

The Thai government has said it will vaccinate Thais before inoculating most other foreigners, regardless of risk factors or age.

Just over 2% of Thailands 70 million people have received a first vaccine dose and about 1% have received a second. The government hopes to inoculate 70% of its people by the end of the year, but has been criticized for taking too long to start vaccinating.

Chinas official Peoples Daily newspaper says more than 500,000 Chinese citizens in more than 120 countries have benefited from the Spring Sprout vaccine program since it was launched in March.

In downtown Bangkok, a Chinese volunteer with a white mask, transparent shield and blue gloves stood in front of a red banner reading Spring Sprout Action flanked by the flags of China and Thailand at a vaccination center.

A dozen people waited to get a cursory medical check as nurses, accompanied by a translator, gave Chinese-made Sinovac shots in another room.

I am happy and proud to be able to get a vaccine on day 1 organized by my government, said Zhang Xiaohong, 40, who runs a logistics company in Thailand. He said he believes the Chinese government cares about its people.

Qin Qing, a 39-year-old real estate broker in Bangkok, said she was a bit nervous before getting the shot and felt slightly dizzy afterward.

I am grateful for my country and the embassy, and people who help to make it happen, from airline staff who fly the vaccines here to Thai medical workers, she said.

Thailand had largely contained coronavirus cases last year by closing its borders, enforcing mandatory quarantines and actively tracing contacts of those found to be infected. The measures devastated its lucrative tourism industry but kept the pandemic at bay, for the most part, until early April.

Then a surge that began in high-end nightspots in central Bangkok spread rapidly as people were allowed to travel during a mid-April national holiday.

On Thursday, health authorities reported 2,636 new cases and 25 deaths for a total of 119,585 infections and 703 deaths since the pandemic began. Of that number, 90,722 confirmed cases and 609 deaths have been recorded since April 1.

A partial lockdown in recent weeks has made limited headway in containing outbreaks, especially in Bangkok and in prisons.

The capital has been hit especially hard, with thousands of cases surfacing in slums, crowded low-income housing and camps housing construction workers.

Thailand has a population of about 70 million. More than 2.5 million are from neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Many are employed on construction sites and in factories.

Chinese nationals are the most numerous foreigners living in Thailand who are not from neighboring countries. They are the only foreigners being vaccinated under the Spring Sprout campaign.

Natapanu Nopakun, deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Thursday there are around 1.3 million legal migrant workers in Bangkok and its vicinity and more than 1 million illegal ones across the country. The Labor Ministry intends to inoculate them as well because their high mobility is a risk factor in curbing infections.

Another 200,000 foreigners  from Australia, Japan, Europe, the United States and elsewhere  are mostly professionals and retirees. For now, they can only obtain COVID-19 shots by traveling overseas and would face lengthy, expensive quarantines on their return.

Groups representing Americans living in Thailand sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week asking the government to supply some of the millions of unused vaccine doses available in the U.S. to inoculate American citizens in Thailand.

By FU TING and PATRICK QUINN

Associated Press
California ex-con entrepreneur arrested in Thai kidnap case View Photo

BANGKOK (AP)  Police in Thailand said Thursday they are pursuing more suspects in the kidnapping of a Taiwanese businessman for which an American entrepreneur with a criminal past and two other men have already been arrested.

The case involves a business dispute over the purchase of nitrile gloves, critical personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.

Louis William Ziskin, the CEO of a Los Angeles-based tech company, and Jeremy Hughes Manchester, identified as a former U.S. Marine, were arrested on Saturday along with a Thai man. The five additional suspects are from the U.S. and Israel, said police Col. Netiwit Thanasithnitikul of Thailands Crime Suppression Division.

Ziskin and Manchester have denied the charges, which include kidnapping, attempted murder, assault and being part of a criminal gang. Both are free on bail but must wear tracking devices at all times and not leave Thailand.

Ziskin replied to an email query from The Associated Press, and in a series of exchanges indicated the accounts given by Thai police were misleading and that he has evidence that will exonerate him of wrongdoing.

Netiwit said the case resulted from a business deal gone sour between Ziskin and the company for which the Taiwanese man worked. Ziskin accused the company of cheating by selling him substandard nitrile gloves for almost $3 million.

Netiwit said Ziskin allegedly hired a group of Americans and Israeli private detectives based in Thailand to help recover the money he paid the Taiwanese company for the gloves.

This crime has two complicated aspects. One is a kidnap attempt and other is the medical supply deal gone bad during COVID time, Netiwit said.

He said Thailand is a major glove supplier, and we hear so many stories of fraudulent deals by people who claimed to represent a legitimate glove company when they dont really have any connection.

He said the police Economic Crime Division is investigating the glove deal.

According to a police statement after Saturdays arrests, the representative of the Taiwanese company, Wen Yu Chung, was lured to a meeting in March on the pretext of discussing the possible purchase of rubber gloves.

The group allegedly hired by Ziskin, including Manchester, seized Wen in full view of customers, restaurant staff and a CCTV camera, dragging him outside after a brief struggle and bundling him into a waiting vehicle, which took him to a rented room nearby, the statement said.

Wen was allegedly threatened with physical harm, and the men holding him are accused of using his phone to call his company to demand $2 million, and his family to demand $1 million, police said. The company refused and contacted the authorities.

Wen was then taken to another restaurant where Ziskin insisted he wanted the Taiwanese company to return his payment for the gloves, according to police.

That same night, they brought Wen to a police station where they wanted him to sign a statement that he would not press charges against them, the statement said. He refused, after which he was released, and he returned later to the police station to file a complaint, it said.

Ziskin was arrested in 2000 and convicted of being part of a drug ring that smuggled large amounts of ecstasy to southern California from Europe, according to U.S. court documents. He was released from prison in 2011 and then remodeled himself as an entrepreneur whose main business, DropIn Inc., uses drones to help insurance companies evaluate risks and verify claims.

He also is an active motivational speaker, presenting himself in personal appearances, interviews and podcasts as an example of how a convicted criminal can clean up his act and prosper in legitimate business.

-

This story has been corrected to say that Ziskin replied to a request for comment. His initial emailed reply to the AP was overlooked.

___

Associated Press writer Grant Peck contributed to this report.

By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA and CHALIDA EKVITTHAYAVECHNUKUL

Associated Press
Merkel: Germany to discuss common ground on Russia with US View Photo

BERLIN (AP)  Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Germany will discuss necessary common ground with the U.S. on relations with Russia after President Joe Biden opted not to punish the company overseeing a Russia-Germany pipeline project that Washington opposes.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been an irritant in relations between the U.S. and Germany for years. Washington, which has battled to block it, argues that the pipeline  now 95% complete  threatens European energy security, heightens Russias influence and poses risks to Ukraine and Poland in bypassing both countries.

On Wednesday, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian companies and ships for their work on the pipeline, but Biden angered many Democratic and Republican lawmakers by opting not to punish Nord Stream 2 AG, the company overseeing the project.

Waiving penalties regarding ally Germany was in line with our commitment to strengthen our Transatlantic relationships as a matter of national security, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Merkel said Thursday that President Biden has now taken a step toward us in connection with the Nord Stream 2 conflict, where we have different views but where we will now talk further about what the necessary common ground is in the relationship with Russia.

Speaking at an event organized by German broadcaster WDR in Berlin, she didnt elaborate on that common ground.

Asked what Biden will get from Germany or Europe for waiving sanctions, Merkel replied: Look, thats not how it works.

Merkel added that she and Biden will soon see each other at Group of Seven and NATO meetings. She noted that she and Armin Laschet, her partys candidate to succeed her after Germanys Sept. 26 election, advocate sticking to pledges to raise Germanys defense spending.

We will have to speak about Russia and Ukraine policy, and of course about China policy, she said. But this isnt measured in millimeters and grams  partnerships are based on trying to react to the others thought processes and positions in order to find good compromises.

Nord Stream 2 is owned by Russian state company Gazprom, with investment from several European companies. Domestic critics in Germany  including Laschets main opponent in the election, Green party candidate Annalena Baerbock  have argued that the pipeline should be abandoned for various reasons, including Russias treatment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, Weve continued to convey that we believe its a bad idea, a bad plan.

Our view is that its a Russian geopolitical project that threatens European energy security and that of Ukraine and the Eastern flank NATO allies and partners, Psaki said.

But, she added: In what way were we be going to be able to stop a project in another country thats been built 95%?

___

Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.

By GEIR MOULSON

Associated Press
Archer & Hound Leaders Speak Before Supervisors View Photo

Sonora, CA  The supervisors in Tuolumne County endorsed the idea of hiring an outside company to help with public relations and social media efforts.

The contract would be in an amount not to exceed $100,000 with the advertising agency Archer & Hound. The Fresno-based company has been in business since 2006.

CAO Tracie Riggs opened the presentation to the board of supervisors today by stating that she has organized various community town halls, and Meet the CAO events, but they all had very little attendance. She noted that community members would rather engage virtually and believes hiring the outside company is a way to increase transparency.

Board Chair Ryan Campbell stated, We want people to know that their government is working for them.

Archer & Hound majority owner Jessica Blanchfield delivered an overview to the supervisors about the services provided.

They focus on content creation, design and production, digital and print design, media marketing and promotions. They are also a Facebook certified training agency and have a professional photographer.

She noted that they have helped other municipalities boost social media numbers, build a brand, and expand the amount of information provided. They will also help the county with virtual town hall events on platforms like Facebook.

They will start by doing listening meetings with department leaders to develop a social media strategy.

Supervisor Jaron Brandon asked questions about how they would handle vitriolic posts on social media, versus comments from people who want to know technical information. Blanchfield says they do not delete comments, but will sometimes try to take conversations off-line. They will work with department heads when concerns are voiced and craft a response together.

Board member David Goldemberg praised the idea of building trust with the community and getting people engaged.

Supervisor Campbell added, The public wants us to be more communicative and reply quicker.

Supervisor Kathlen Haff also praised the idea of bringing in the consultant but pointed out that some residents do not partake in social media, and they also need to be reached through other aspects.

The Supervisors voted 4-0 (Supervisor Anaiah Kirk was absent) for CAO Riggs to negotiate a contract to run through next fiscal year, not to exceed $100,000, with Archer & Hound.
The museum was long overdue, said Diaz, issuing a call for donations to help with the project. Hip hop has continued to mature. It started from the early days of young boys and girls who saw the rest of the world ignore us.
COVID-19 Regional Report Wednesday View Photo

Tuolumne County  Tuolumne County Public Health reports one new community case today, a man age 30 to 39. No COVID-positive residents are hospitalized. A total of 15 cases are considered active.

Tuolumne County has a total of 4,152 cases split between 2,735 community cases and 1,417 Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) inmate cases, the California Department of Corrections reports one case remains active. Total community cases released from isolation increased to 2,657 and the total number of tests administered is 95,729. The county reports 18,562 fully vaccinated residents and 4,025 individuals partially vaccinated. As reported here California is allowing children age 12 and older to get the vaccine. More information is below. The newest information about the mask/face covering guidelines says until June 15th California Health and Human Services Agency will keep existing guidance (detailed here) in place.

Calaveras County  The Calaveras public health reports three new cases in Calaveras since yesterday with the countys total COVID cases at 2,148. Active cases increased one to ten and recoveries are at 2,083 total. One Calaveras resident is hospitalized with COVID. The total number of people over 65 years old identified with COVID is 453 since the pandemic began. Calaveras reports 33,278 vaccinations given and 42,199 COVID tests total.

Mariposa County  Mariposa County Public Healths report has no new cases. One case is hospitalized and three cases are currently active. There are a total of 450 cases since the pandemic began.

Testing  The Mother Lode Fairgrounds testing site is open Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7 AM to 7 PM. The Groveland site is at the Youth Center, 18950 Hwy 120 on Thursdays from 7 AM to 7 PM. Individuals can select the site location when making their appointment at www.lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123. More details, including Calaveras testing information, are in our events calendar here. Public Health is coordinating a new location for the State testing site in Sonora. The site is expected to move from the fairgrounds by May 30th and details will be shared when the move is confirmed.

Vaccines  Tuolumne is holding COVID-19 Johnson & Johnson vaccination clinic on May 19 in the Groveland area and Tuesday, May 25 at the Sierra Bible Church for anyone ages 12 and older. For more details and to register for an appointment, visit www.myturn.ca.gov. Residents are also able to attend clinics being held in other neighboring counties Calaveras and Mariposa have clinics and may also register at www.myturn.ca.gov to schedule appointments. You can also call 833-422-4255 if you dont have an email (Mon to Fri 8 AM to 8 PM, Sat and Sun 8 AM-5 PM) for assistance. Due to technical issues, those who live in the 95223 area (Arnold) should enter 95222 as their zip code when searching for a location.

Vaccine eligibility is open to everyone 12+ (Pfizer) and 18+ (Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) with photo ID, not currently sick with COVID-19 or had a flu shot within the last 14 days. More information about the local pharmacies and other places offering the vaccine are here.

Tier Levels  Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne remain in the Orange Tier of the States Blueprint for a safer economy. Amador moved to the Yellow Tier as detailed here Tuesday.

County/Date

Tier Color Active

Cases New Cases

Total Cases COVID

Deaths Amador 5/18 14 2 1,786 38 Calaveras 5/19 10 3 2,148 55 Mariposa 5/19 3 0 450 7 Mono 5/19 6 1 1,025 4 Stanislaus 5/19 319 49 55,758 1,063 Tuolumne 5/19 11 1 4,152 67 For other county-level statistics view our page here.
The Latest: UN chief welcomes cease-fire, urges negotiations View Photo

UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations chief is urging Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers to observe their cease-fire, and he says the international community must develop a reconstruction package that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters after Thursdays announcement of an end to 11 days of deadly clashes that Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.

Guterres says the U.N. is ready to work with Israel, the Palestinians, and international and regional partners to return to meaningful negotiations on a two-state settlement based on territorial lines before the 1967 war.

He says Hamas-controlled Gaza is an integral part of the future Palestinian state and no effort should be spared to bring about real national reconciliation that ends the division with the rival Fatah-led Palestinian Authority that governs the West Bank.

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GAZA CITY  Hamas is calling the Gaza cease-fire a victory for the militant group in its struggle against Israel.

Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya made that characterization while addressing a rally in Gaza City.

Al-Hayya claims Israel failed to destroy Hamas military infrastructure, and says the groups fighters are still striding proudly in the underground tunnels.

He did not reveal the terms of the deal.

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JERUSALEM  The top United Nations envoy to Israel and the Palestinian territories is welcoming the cease-fire in the latest war between Israel and the Hamas- militant group that rules Gaza.

Tor Wennesland said early Friday on Twitter that he extends his deepest condolences to the victims of the violence & their loved ones.

He also thanks Egypt and Qatar for their work with the U.N. in brokering the deal that ended 11 days of fighting.

He adds that now the work of building #Palestine can start.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip are taking to the streets to celebrate the cease-fire reached after an 11-day war between Hamas and Israel.

At 2:00 a.m., just as the cease-fire took effect, frenzy of life returned to the streets of Gaza. People went out from their homes in the night for the first time since the war began, shouting Allahu Akbar, whistling from balconies, and many firing in the air.

More rallies are expected across the Gaza Strip later Friday.

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WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden is hailing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ending an 11-day war.

Biden spoke from the White House shortly before the ceasefire was set to go into effect in Gaza, where Israel has struck hundreds of targets in retaliation for Hamas firing thousands of rockets into its territory.

Says Biden: I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and Im committed to working for it.

Biden said the U.S. was committed to helping Israel replenish its supply of interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome protection system and to working with the Palestinian Authority  not Hamas  to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Hamas militant group says it has accepted the Egyptian proposal to end an 11-day war with Israel that killed scores of people, caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. He posted a statement on WhatsApp late on Thursday, saying: The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed.

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel had accepted the truce proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Egypts state-run MENA news agency said the truce would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement.

The White House said President Joe Biden would deliver remarks on the cease-fire later in the afternoon, Washington time, on Thursday.

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BEIRUT  An official from the Palestinian militant Hamas group says Israels declaration of a cease-fire represents a defeat for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

Ali Barakeh, a member of Hamas Arab and Islamic relations bureau, told The Associated Press that the militants will remain on alert until they hear from mediators who have been working for days between Hamas and Israel.

Hamas officials haves said that they have been contacted by officials from Russia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations to reach a truce with Israel. He added that once Hamas hears back from the mediators, its leadership will hold discussions and will make an announcement after that.

Barakeh spoke just minutes after Netanyahus office on Thursday announced a cease-fire to halt the 11-day military operation against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. A statement said Netanyahus Security Cabinet unilaterally approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal.

It appears the two sides were still negotiating exactly when the cease-fire would take effect. Multiple reports said it would go into effect at 2 a.m., just over three hours after the cabinets decision.

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UNITED NATIONS  Israels U.N. ambassador says his country wants a cease-fire in its conflict with Gazas militant Hamas rulers but only after significantly degrading Hamas terror machine.

Gilad Erdan told Thursdays emergency in-person meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on the conflict that we are looking for a cure and not a band-aid.

He said that Israel will take all steps necessary to protect its civilians while making every effort to avoid harming Palestinian civilians.

Erdan accused the 193-member General Assembly of hypocrisy in supporting Hamas, which every day is firing hundreds of rockets indiscriminately into Israel.

He stressed that Hamas doesnt accept Israels right to exist and refuses to renounce violence.

He warned that if the U.N. strengthens Hamas, it will make the possibility of Hamas replacing the Palestinian Authority much more likely and eliminate the chance of future dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

He stressed there is nothing to discuss with a terror organization committed to your annihilation, nothing.

The Israeli ambassador also lashed out at the demonization of Israel, saying it is spurring sickening anti-Semitic attacks and singling out Turkey.

Erdan said there has never been a clearer example of the fact that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism and called on all governments to take swift action to protect Jewish communities and apprehend perpetrators.

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WASHINGTON  The White House says that reports of a move toward a cease-fire between Israel and the militant Hamas group that rules the Gaza Strip are clearly encouraging but cautioned that a truce has yet to be agreed on.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said on Thursday that the White House believes the Israelis have achieved significant military objectives in their strikes against Hamas targets, which is why President Joe Biden expects them to start winding down their operation there.

Psaki says the Biden administration has conveyed that to the Israeli side and that is what we expect to happen.

Psaki added that Bidens comments to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for de-escalation, were a reflection of what were seeing on the ground.

She said the United States strategic approach here is to communicate directly, stay closely interlocked with the Israelis, with partners on the ground, to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict.

She also said the U.S. has held more than 80 engagements with senior leaders in Israel, the Palestinian Authority and across the region.

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UNITED NATIONS  The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says the United States will continue to relentlessly push for peace between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. has held more than 60 diplomatic meetings at the highest levels over the past two weeks, including at least five by President Joe Biden, to try to quickly end the conflict.

She spoke on Thursday at an emergency in-person meeting of the U.N. General Assembly and underscored that the U.S. administration is committed to working with Israelis, Palestinians and parties across the Middle East to stop the hostilities.

She said: I dont believe there is any country working more urgently or fervently toward peace.

Thomas-Greenfield reiterated that in Bidens phone call with Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, the president said we believe Israel is now in a position to begin winding down the conflict, and that we expect a significant de-escalation to begin.

She said the Biden administration is committed to working with other countries to bring a rapid end to the current violence and, over the longer term, create the conditions for a lasting, sustainable peace.

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UNITED NATIONS  The top Palestinian diplomat is accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinian families and urging the international community to protect the Palestinian people until their freedom is assured.

Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki told Thursdays emergency meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers that every country in the world has a responsibility to ensure that peace, justice and freedom prevail.

He urged the assembly ensure that Israel is held accountable for killing innocent Palestinians and is not provided with arms. He said the presence of a dozen ministers, almost all from Arab and Islamic countries, sends a clear message: Stop the violence.

The Palestinian minister responded to Israels claims of acting in self-defense by saying: How can an occupying power have the right to defend itself when a whole people under occupation is deprived of the very same rights?

Al-Malki said the Palestinians have informed the Biden administration and the Quartet of Mideast mediators  the U.S., U.N., European Union and Russia  that ending occupation against our people and our holy sites should be followed by a political process that would lead to ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its capital.

So far in the deadly conflict, Palestinian militants have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel from Gaza and Israel has hit the territory with relentless airstrikes in response.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The International Committee for the Red Cross is calling for a temporary cessation of hostilities between Israel and the militant Hamas group in the Gaza Strip to allow people time to shop for their basic needs.

Mirjam Muller, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Gaza, said on Thursday that such a breather would allow people to buy food, see doctors and have a little bit of time to digest what is happening to them.

She says a couple of hours for people to move around safely would be really important right now and we are calling for that.

The latest war between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers is now in its 11th day and people in the Gaza Strip are staying mostly holed up in their homes or have fled to schools-turned-shelters. Muller says Israeli airstrikes and outgoing rocket attacks by Palestinian militants have been extremely intense and that people feel they cant breathe anymore.

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JERUSALEM  Israels defense minister says the military is prepared to expand its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, despite ongoing international efforts to reach a cease-fire.

The minister, Benny Gantz, said on Thursday that Israeli forces are turning the clock back on Hamas and it wont be able to recover.

He spoke during a tour of Israeli artillery batteries near the Gaza border and said that Israeli troops are operating with full resolve and in a politically responsible manner as the fighting neared the end of its 11th day.

The latest, fourth war between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers erupted on May 10. So far in the conflict, Palestinian militants have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel from the Gaza Strip, some hitting deeper in Israeli territory and with greater accuracy than ever before.

Israel has hit the territory with relentless airstrikes, and at least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women. The casualty tolls are from the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

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UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. chief is urging an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers at the start of a U.N. General Assembly emergency meeting.

The session is expected to hear from about 100 speakers, including 12 ministers mainly from Arab and Islamic countries.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Thursdays in-person meeting in the assembly chamber that he and the U.N. Mideast envoy are engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts in the region, including with Egypt, Jordan and Qatar, to stop the fighting.

He called on all members of the international community to do everything in their power to enable the parties to conflict to step back from the brink.

The U.N. chief also called on Israel and Hamas to allow for mediation efforts to intensify in order to bring the fighting to an end.

Guterres implicitly criticized Israel and Hamas for violating the laws of war which ban indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilians and civilian property as well as attacks on military targets that cause disproportionate civilian casualties. He said counter-terrorism or self-defense are not justifications.

He urged Israeli authorities to abide by the laws, including the proportionate use of force and called on them to exercise maximum restraint in the conduct of military operations. He urged Hamas and other militant groups to stop the indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars from highly populated civilian neighborhoods into civilian population centers in Israel.

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WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is leading a long-shot effort to halt a $735 million arms sale to Israel as Democrats in the U.S. Congress raise mounting concerns about the violence in the Middle East.

The Vermont senator introduced a resolution on Thursday to block the weapons transfer. A similar measure in the House was introduced Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, and liberal lawmakers on Wednesday.

Sanders says that Congress needs to take a hard look at whether the sale of these weapons is actually helping do that, or whether it is simply fueling conflict.

Supporters of this effort are unlikely to have the votes needed to reverse the sale, but theyre racing the clock to register opposition under a review period that expires this week.

The opposition to what had been a routine transfer of arms shows the increasing unrest on Capitol Hill from key Democrats over Israels handling of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

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KARACHI, Pakistan  About 200 members of civil society have rallied in Pakistans southern port city of Karachi, demanding an immediate end to Israels campaign in the Gaza Strip and violence in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The protesters on Thursday chanted slogans against Israel and in support of the Palestinians. Pakistanis are also expected to hold nationwide anti-Israel rallies on Friday, the Muslim day of prayer.

Thursdays rally comes hours after Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi flew to New York to address the U.N. General Assembly to condemn Israels strikes on Palestine.

Pakistan is among few countries that do not have diplomatic ties with Israel.

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JERUSALEM  Israels opposition leader is leveling severe criticism at the governments handling of the war against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid wrote on Thursday on Facebook that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has failed in developing a concrete policy regarding the Gaza Strip, and has jeopardized Israels relations with the Biden administration with this latest conflict.

Lapid writes: After 11 days of this operation, every Israeli citizen will ask themselves: What did the government really want to achieve with this military operation? What is its policy and strategic long-term aim concerning Hamas in Gaza?

Earlier this month, Lapid was tasked with forming a government. That happened less than a week before the outbreak of fighting between Israel and Hamas and after Netanyahu failed to build a governing coalition following the March 23 elections.

Netanyahu has pushed back against calls from the U.S. to wind down the Gaza offensive, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.

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JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran was behind an armed drone that Israel intercepted after entering its airspace this week.

Netanyahu said during a meeting with visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Tel Aviv on Thursday that Iran sent an armed drone to Israel from Iraq or from Syria that crossed into Israel from Jordanian airspace before it was intercepted.

Netanyahu told Maas that while were fighting on various fronts, the true backer of much of this aggression is Iran, pointing to its support for Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant groups.

Netanyahus remarks came as Israel unleashed another wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Thursday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several. Meanwhile, Hamas fired more rockets, even as expectations rose that a cease-fire could be coming.

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GENEVA  The U.N.s top human rights body said Thursday it will hold a special session next week to address the grave human rights situation in Palestinian areas in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The Human Rights Council will convene the May 27 meeting following a request presented by Pakistan, as coordinator of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation.

The session at the 47-member state body in Geneva paves the way for a day-long debate over the recent deadly violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Mideast conflict that has raged for decades.

More than 60 states  including member states and observer states  have so far expressed support for the special session, council spokesman Rolando Gomez said.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, quit the council in mid-2018  partially over the administrations allegations that the council has an anti-Israel bias. President Joe Biden has returned the U.S. to participation at the council, and the U.S. plans to seek a seat next year.

Israels ambassador in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, called on member states to strongly oppose this meeting.

The convening of yet another special session by the Human Rights Council targeting Israel is testament to the clear anti-Israel agenda of this body, she wrote on Twitter.

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BEIJING  China says it has been actively engaged in mediation toward ending the ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

Special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has spoken with officials of the Palestinian and Egyptian foreign ministries and will also speak with representatives of Israel, Russia, the United Nations, the European Union and other parties, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Thursday.

Zhao said the envoy was calling for an immediate ceasefire, strengthening assistance to Palestine, and reiterating (Chinas) firm commitment to the two-state solution.

He said Beijing would like to host negotiations between the two sides in China and is willing to provide humanitarian and other types of assistance to the Palestinian side within its capabilities.

China has long been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause but also maintains robust ties with Israel. The country has criticized the U.S. for blocking the adoption of a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the fighting in Gaza.

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BERLIN  German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that indirect contacts with the Hamas militant group, such as those maintained by some Arab countries, are necessary to defuse the situation in the Middle East.

Speaking in Berlin as her foreign minister visited Israel and the West Bank on Thursday, Merkel downplayed how much Germany alone can do to help defuse the situation.

Merkel said at an event organized by WDR public television: Everything we are doing, and the foreign minister is doing, must be seen in the context of American efforts and the efforts of other European states. She added: I dont think we alone will be the decisive factor there, but we can make a contribution along with the U.S., other Europeans and Britain.

Germany has placed the blame for the latest war in the Middle East squarely on Hamas and what it calls the groups rocket terror.

Asked whether she would back someone speaking with the group, Merkel replied: Of course there have to be indirect contacts with Hamas. Egypt speaks to Hamas and so do other Arab countries.

She added that Egypt is a very, very important quantity in cease-fire efforts and that cant be done without any contact with Hamas  it doesnt always have to be done directly. But of course Hamas has to be involved in a certain way, because without Hamas there is no cease-fire.

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BERLIN  Germanys foreign minister says his visit to the Mideast is intended as a show of solidarity with Israeli and Palestinian civilians suffering from the latest eruption of conflict, and part an effort to push for a cease-fire and resumption of peace talks.

Heiko Maas said ahead of his departure Thursday that Germany stands unconditionally to its friendship with Israel, which must defend itself against the rocket terror by Hamas.

He said that Palestinians can also rely on his countrys humanitarian support even in difficult times.

Maas, who plans to meet the Israeli president, foreign minister and defense minister, as well as the Palestinian prime minister, during his one day trip, said the international community must find a way to help end the violence.

He called for talks on a path back to peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians even if they seem miles away at the moment.

Maas said he hoped the Mideast Quartet comprising the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations could play an active role in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict soon.

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UNITED NATIONS  The United States opposes a draft U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers. The U.S. says it could interfere with the Biden administrations efforts to end the hostilities.

France drafted the resolution after the U.S. earlier blocked at least four attempts to have the council issue a press statement calling for an end to hostilities.

A press statement requires agreement by all 15 council members. A resolution only requires at least nine yes votes and no veto by the United States or any of the four other permanent members.

A French spokesman had said very intense discussions were taking place Wednesday with the U.S. on the proposed resolution.

But the U.S. Mission to the U.N. said later that we will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate.

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UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is urgently appealing for $38 million for emergency needs in Gaza as a result of conflict between Israel and the territorys Hamas rulers.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency said Wednesday that it is already responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees and non-refugees, including tens of thousands of people who have sought safety in the agencys schools and emergency shelters.

The agency says the $38 million is needed for an initial 30-day period to respond to a variety of immediate needs in Gaza including food, health care, psychological services, and water and sanitation. It also includes emergency needs in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, for health care, shelter, education, security and protection.

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BEIRUT  The leader the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group says militant factions in Gaza went into the latest battle with Israel knowing it will be costly but also knowing that it is the only road to freedom and to protect Jerusalem.

Ziad Nakhaleh said in a televised speech from Beirut on Wednesday that neither nuclear weapons, warplanes nor peace agreements with some Arab states could bring Israelis security and peace.

He added that militant groups in Gaza have made miracles that you can see with your own eyes and you live them every moment when you run to shelters.

Nakhaleh was referring to thousands of missiles and rockets that Gaza militants have fired toward Israel.

Nakhaleh said that after Israels moves that threatened the eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers in east Jerusalem, we were in front of two choices, to surrender and to give them everything or fight them over everything.

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JERUSALEM  Israels Foreign Ministry says foreign ministers from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia will arrive in Israel on Thursday.

The ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the diplomats were invited by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to express their solidarity and support for Israel during its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate hostilities after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

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JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to continue this operation until its aim is met, despite U.S. President Joe Bidens call for a de-escalation of hostilities in Gaza.

In a statement from his office Wednesday, Netanyahu said that he greatly appreciates the support of the American president, but said Israel will push ahead to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.

Earlier, Biden called for significant de-escalation by days end from Netanyahu after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

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CAIRO  An Egyptian diplomat says some of the countrys top officials are waiting for Israels response to a cease-fire offer, and that they expect amendments to their proposal.

He says they hope Frances increasing efforts could spur the United States to exert its influence on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to stop the fighting as soon as possible.

He added that if that doesnt happen, there are some discussions among Arab and Islamic nations, along with China, to put the issue before the U.N. General Assembly in an effort to bypass the Security Council and the U.S.s veto power there.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Egypt has been trying to broker a cease-fire between neighboring Israel and Hamas, as it is one of a handful of countries that maintains official ties with both.

 Samy Magdy in Cairo.

By The Associated Press
2 teens killed in California party bus shooting identified View Photo

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)  Relatives of two people killed after shooters opened fire on a party bus driving on a San Francisco Bay Area freeway have identified them as two teenagers who were celebrating a friends 21st birthday.

Alayasia Thurston, a 19, of Oakland, and Zoey Hughes, 16, of Modesto, died after at least two shooters opened fire on the bus around 12:20 a.m. Tuesday on Interstate 580 as it was returning to Oakland from San Francisco. Another five women were wounded.

Thurston had a daughter who is about to turn 3 years old, a relative who did not wish to be identified told the East Bay Times.

Hughes mother, Christina Hughes, relatives and friends held a vigil in her memory Tuesday, KCRA-TV reported.

I did everything with Zoey, she said through tears. Zoey was the sweetest. Had the best heart. Her smile. When she walked into a room, you fell in love with Zoey.

At least two shooters in another vehicle began firing at the bus, then followed it off the freeway and continued shooting at it on city streets, authorities said. About 70 rounds were fired at the party bus.

She was a minor, 16 years old, added Zoeys stepfather, Thomas Augustine. Theres no point in chasing people down, gunning them down.

Alameda County Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said the coroner had identified the two victims but that it would be up to the California Highway Patrol, which is conducting the investigation, to release their names.

A CHP spokesperson did not immediately return an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

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This story corrects the first name of Zoey Hughes.
GAZA CITY  Israeli warplanes have unleashed a series of heavy airstrikes at several locations of Gaza City.

Explosions rocked the city from north to south for 10 minutes early Monday.

The airstrikes were heavier, on a wider area and lasted longer than a series of air raids 24 hours earlier in which 42 Palestinians were killed. That attack was the deadliest single attack in the latest round of violence between Israel ad the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza.

In a brief statement, the Israel Defense Forces says only that IDF fighter jets are striking terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

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TOP NEWS IN THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT:

 Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flatten three buildings and kill at least 42 people on Sunday

 An AP reporter documents the terrifying final minutes of leaving the Gaza office before it is blown up by the Israelis

 An Israeli airstrike destroys a high-rise building that housed The Associated Press office in the Gaza Strip despite urgent demands by the news agency to halt. AP's top editor called for an independent investigation into the airstrike.

 Protesters in major US cities urge Israelis to halt attacks on the Gaza Strip

 French police use tear gas to quell pro-Palestinian march that was banned in Paris

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RABAT, Morocco  Moroccans have taken to the streets in the capital and other cities to protest Israeli air raids on Gaza during clashes with the Hamas extremist group that rules the Palestinian territory.

Sizeable demonstrations were held Sunday across the North African kingdom, including in Casablanca, the countrys largest city, where thousands waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans denouncing Israels military actions. Protesters also gathered outside the Parliament building in Rabat.

In December, Morocco announced it had resumed relations with Israel as part of a U.S. brokered deal. As part of the agreement, the United States agreed to recognize Moroccos claim over the disputed Western Sahara region.

On Friday, Moroccan King Mohammed VI ordered forty tons of aid to be be shipped to the West Bank and Gaza in solidarity with Palestinians in the wake of recent clashes.

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UNITED NATIONS  The three U.N. Security Council nations trying to get the U.N.s most powerful body to take action on the escalating violence between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers say they are still trying to get the U.S. to support a statement including a call to end the fighting.

China, Norway and Tunisia tried unsuccessfully at closed meetings Monday and Wednesday to get agreement on a council statement. Diplomats say the U.S. argued such a statement could interfere with diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

There also was no agreement at Sundays first open meeting on the violence.

The ambassadors of China, Norway and Tunisia issued a joint statement on the Gaza conflict demanding an immediate end of all acts of violence, provocation and destruction.

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PARIS  A media watchdog group is asking the International Criminal Court to investigate Israels bombing of buildings housing The Associated Press and other media organizations in Gaza as a possible war crime.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders says in a letter to the courts chief prosecutor that the offices of 23 international and local media organizations have been destroyed over the past six days.

The group says the Israeli militarys intentional targeting of media organizations and intentional destruction of their equipment could violate one of the courts statues. It says the attacks serve to reduce, if not neutralize, the medias capacity to inform the public.

Israels military says Hamas was operating inside the building where AP had offices and accused the militant group of using journalists as human shields.

AP journalists and other tenants were safely evacuated after the Israeli military warned of an imminent strike Saturday.

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UNITED NATIONS -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is urging the United States to join the 14 other members of the U.N. Security Council and support a statement urging a halt to violence between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza.

He also wants the U.S. to support calling for a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Wang chaired a high-level emergency meeting of the Security Council on Sunday and said the dangerous and urgent situation calls for an immediate cease-fire.

He urges Israel to exercise restraint, stop evictions and settlement expansion, put an end to the violence, threats and provocations against Muslims and respect the status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem. He says Palestinians must avoid steps that would escalate the situation, avoid civilian casualties and work for an immediate de-escalation.

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UNITED NATIONS  The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says the United States has been working tirelessly through diplomatic channels to try to end the conflict between Palestinians in Gaza and Israel, and is warning that the current cycle of violence will only put a negotiated two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict further out of reach.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a high-level emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday and Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with senior Israeli, Palestinian and regional leaders.

At the same meeting, Israels U.N. ambassador called the rocket attacks launched by Gazas Hamas rulers against Israel completely premeditated to gain political power and replace the Palestinian Authority as the leader of the Palestinians.

He said the rocketing of Israel was part of a vicious plan by Hamas, which not only seeks the destruction of Israel but is vying to take power in the West Bank and was frustrated when Abbas postponed elections last month that would have been the first in 15 years.

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands  Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte says he has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, urging them to end violence and expressing support for mediation by Egypt and the United States.

Rutte said in a statement Sunday that the Netherlands stands ready to help using its good relations with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and the U.S.

He says that a further escalation and yet more Palestinian and Israeli civilian casualties must be avoided.

Rutte says Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks but says the country must act proportionally within the borders of international law.

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UNITED NATIONS  Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki is accusing Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and carrying out a policy of apartheid in Jerusalem.

Al-Malki told a high-level emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Sunday that there are no words that can describe the horrors that our people are enduring, listing families and children and infants killed by Israeli airstrikes.

Israel is killing Palestinians in Gaza, one family at a time, he said. Israel is trying to uproot Palestinians from Jerusalem. Its expelling families, one home, neighborhood at a time. Israel is executing our people, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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ISRAEL  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday renewed his claim that a Gaza building leveled by an Israeli airstrike housed a Hamas office as well as American and Middle East news organizations, but gave no evidence.

Netanyahu spoke to CBSs Face the Nation about ongoing violence between Israeli forces and the armed Palestinian group Hamas, and about Saturdays airstrike that leveled the building housing Gaza offices of the Associated Press and Al Jazeera news organizations. Its a perfectly legitimate target, he said.

Asked if he had provided any evidence of Hamas presence in the building in a call later Saturday with President Joe Biden, Netanyahu said, We pass it through our intelligence people.

Netanyahu gave no time frame for when Israel would be ready to halt its side of the fighting after nearly a week of Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rocket barrages. We hope that it doesnt continue very long, but we were attacked by Hamas, he said.

Asked about reports that Hamas had agreed to an Egypt-brokered cease-fire but Israel had not, he said, Thats not what I know.

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UNITED NATIONS -- A U.N. Mideast envoy says the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has displaced some 34,000 Palestinians from their homes.

Tor Wennesland told the Security Council on Sunday that over 40 U.N. schools in Gaza have been turned into shelters. He says the schools have limited water and no access to food or health care, and serve for protection purposes only.

After nearly a week of fighting, Wennesland called for calm and said further escalation would have devastating consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis.

He called Hamas rocket fire from civilian neighborhoods in Gaza into Israeli population centers a violation of international law. He also urged Israel to show maximum restraint to spare civilians and civilian objects in its operations in Gaza.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flattened three buildings and killed at least 42 people Sunday, medics said. It is the deadliest single attack since heavy fighting broke out between Israel and the territorys militant Hamas rulers nearly a week ago.

The violence, which came as international mediators worked to broker a cease-fire and stave off an Israeli ground invasion of the territory, marked the worst fighting here since the devastating 2014 war in Gaza.

The airstrikes Sunday hit a busy downtown street of residential buildings and storefronts over the course of five minutes just after midnight, destroying two adjacent buildings and one about 50 yards (meters) down the road.

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UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations chief is appealing to Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza to immediately stop the utterly appalling escalation in fighting and senseless cycle of bloodshed, terror and destruction at the start of a high-level emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the virtual meeting on Sunday that the United Nations is actively engaging all sides towards an immediate cease-fire.

He warned that the most serious escalation in violence in Gaza in years only perpetuates the cycles of death, destruction and despair, and pushes farther to the horizon any hopes of coexistence and peace.

The open meeting is scheduled to be addressed by the Palestinian foreign minister and the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, China, Tunisia, Norway, Ireland, Algeria and the deputy foreign minister of Russia along with ambassadors from other nations on the 15-member council, an Israeli representative and the head of the Arab League.

Guterres said he is appalled by the increasingly large numbers of Palestinian civilian casualties from Israeli airstrikes, and deplores Israeli casualties from rockets launched from Gaza. He called the destruction of media offices in Gaza extremely concerning, stressing that journalists must be allowed to work free of fear and harassment.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Gaza Health Ministry says the death toll from Israeli strikes on a main thoroughfare in Gaza City has climbed to 33, including 12 women and eight children.

It was the deadliest single attack since heavy fighting between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers erupted nearly a week ago. The airstrikes hit Wahda Street, a major thoroughfare.

The ministry says another 50 people were wounded in the strikes early Sunday, mostly women and children.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

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ISTANBUL  Turkeys state-run Anadolu news agency has offered to share its Gaza offices with The Associated Press and Al Jazeera after Israel bombed the building that housed the media offices.

Anadolu said its Director-General Serdar Karagoz made the offer in letters to AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt and Al-Jazeeras chairman.

Karagoz said the Turkish wire service was appalled by the Israeli militarys targeting of media offices.

Since this recent conflict has escalated over the past week, there is an apparent pattern of targeting journalists who are carrying out their professional duties so as to block coverage of the situation on the ground, Karagoz said.

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BRUSSELS  The European Unions foreign policy chief says the 27-nation blocs foreign ministers will talk Tuesday about what the EU can do to help end the current round of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Josep Borrell tweeted Sunday that he convened the special videoconference in view of the ongoing escalation between Israel and Palestine and the unacceptable number of civilian casualties.

He added that we will coordinate and discuss how the EU can best contribute to end the current violence.

The latest outbreak of violence began in east Jerusalem earlier this month, when Palestinians protested attempts by settlers to forcibly evict a number of Palestinian families from their homes and Israeli police measures at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Gazas militant Hamas rulers fired rockets toward Jerusalem late Monday, triggering an Israeli assault on Gaza.

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VATICAN CITY  Pope Francis has denounced the unacceptable spiral of violence between Israel and the Palestinians, saying the deaths in particular of children was a sign that they dont want to build the future but want to destroy it.

Francis prayed for peace, calm and international help to open a path of dialogue during his Sunday blessing, delivered from his studio window overlooking St. Peters Square.

The pope said: I ask myself: this hatred and vendetta, what will it bring? Do we truly think that we can build peace by destroying the other?

In unusually pointed comments, Francis added: In the name of God, who created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity and are called to live as brothers, I appeal for calm and an end to the violence.

Israeli airstrikes have been pounding Gaza City for days as heavy fighting has broken out between Israel and the territorys militant Hamas rulers. The Gaza Health Ministry said 10 women and eight children were among the 26 people killed in Sundays airstrikes, with another 50 people wounded in the attack.

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JERUSALEM  Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flattened three buildings and killed at least 23 people on Sunday, medics said, making it the deadliest single attack since heavy fighting broke out between Israel and the territorys militant Hamas rulers nearly a week ago.

The Gaza Health Ministry said another 50 people were wounded in the attack. Rescuers were racing to pull survivors and bodies from the rubble.

Earlier, the Israeli military said it destroyed the home of Gazas top Hamas leader in a separate strike. It was the third such attack in the last two days.

Israel appears to have stepped up strikes in recent days to inflict as much damage as possible on Hamas as efforts to broker a cease-fire accelerate. A U.S. diplomat is in the region to try to de-escalate tensions, and the U.N. Security Council is set to meet Sunday.

The military said it struck the homes of Yehiyeh Sinwar, the most senior Hamas leader inside the territory, and his brother Muhammad, another senior Hamas member. On Saturday it destroyed the home of Khalil al-Hayeh, a senior figure in Hamas political branch.

Brig. Gen. Hidai Zilberman confirmed the strike on Sinwars house in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis to army radio.

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JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Sunday it destroyed the home of Gazas top Hamas leader, the third such attack in as many days, after nearly a week of heavy Israeli airstrikes on the territory. The Palestinian militant group ruling Gaza has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel.

Israel appears to have stepped up strikes in recent days to inflict as much damage as possible on Hamas as efforts to broker a cease-fire accelerate. A U.S. diplomat is in the region to try to de-escalate tensions, and the U.N. Security Council is set to meet Sunday.

The military said it struck the homes of Yehiyeh Sinwar, the most senior Hamas leader inside the territory, and his brother Muhammad, another senior Hamas member. On Saturday it destroyed the home of Khalil al-Hayeh, a senior figure in Hamas political branch.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Israeli warplanes have struck several buildings and roads in a vital part of Gaza City early Sunday.

According to photos circulated by residents and journalists, the airstrikes created a crater that blocked one of the main roads leading to Shifa, the largest hospital in the strip.

The Health Ministry said the latest airstrikes left at least two dead and 25 wounded, including children and women. It said rescuers are still digging through the rubble and had so far pulled up five more wounded.

Two hours into the heavy bombardment, there has been no comment from the Israeli military.
You've undoubtedly seen it on social media  swirling colors from Dutch master Vincent van Gogh's yellow and blue periods dancing underneath feet and playing on wall panels.

Along with other recent interactive collections like San Antonio's own "Hopscotch," the new "Immersive Van Gogh" exhibition has transformed galleries into Instagram-able art escapes.

And now it's coming to San Antonio, starting on November 18. Although the location has not yet been announced, the website for the show describes it as being located "in the heart of San Antonio."

RELATED: George Strait, Stevie Nicks, and Billie Eilish headline ACL Music Fest 2021

In a world created by Italian digital artist Massimiliano Siccardi, visitors can soak up the works of the famous painter in a way not imagined before.

Van Gogh's most famous works, Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Potato Eaters," as well as many others, are transformed into an immersive experience using projections and videos.

To get really sensory, mood-setting music by Italian multimedia composer Luca Longobardi will serve as the audio backdrop.

The tickets  priced at $39.99 per person  are more expensive than what's usually expected to see an exhibition, but you're paying for the experience.

The show also has planned runs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

If you want to ensure your spot for the high demand show, pre-sale for tickets begins May 25 online at goghsanantonio.com. Masks are required and social distancing will be followed, with circles projected on the floor acting as markers for movement.
Mike Sutter /San Antonio Express-News

Pad thai is delicious at any time of the year. Spring, summer, or fall, the stir-fry dish is a favorite for many.

In San Antonio, there are plenty of local restaurants that serve up the rice noodle-based meal, but it can be daunting for those who don't know where to find the authentic, delicious dish. It certainly was for local Redditor @soleario21, who started a thread asking the community to help find a spot that serves the best in the city.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The check won't arrive until mid-July, but Katrina Peters already knows what shell do with her Child Tax Credit payments. The 20-year-old mother of three has applied to work as a driver with a food delivery app, and the extra cash is earmarked for repairing, registering and insuring her car.

I just need to make sure it's 100% and then I can start working and get an income, Peters said, cradling her 3-week-old son, Armani. That's where it starts.

The payments are a key part of Democrats' COVID-19 aid bill passed in March, but for policymakers they are more than just an attempt to help families recover from the pandemic. The monthly checks of up to $300 per child for millions of families are part of an ambitious attempt to shrink child poverty and rethink the American social safety net in the process.

With an emphasis on direct, no-strings cash support, the payments are a deliberate departure from a system that for decades has tried to control how Americans spend their government assistance by funneling it to food, housing or child care. Peters is as free to use the cash on her car as she is to spend it on diapers.

Theres something huge happening with the idea that the lowest-income people need cash assistance the most, said Teague Gonzalez, public benefits director with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. The pandemic opened up a connection to the idea of giving people cash and letting them decide how to use it.

The expanded CTC payments, which are due to begin going out July 15, are only meant to last a year, but architects and proponents arent trying to hide the fact that they want to make this permanent. The coronavirus pandemic, they say, laid bare the inadequacies of Americas support system and provided the political momentum to make lasting changes.

If implemented well, this could be transformative, said Emma Mehrabi, director of poverty policy at the Childrens Defense Fund. This could cut child poverty in nearly half.

Part of the American Rescue Plan, the Child Tax Credit provisions will increase the payments and greatly expand the number of families eligible. The practical result will be direct payments for each child to families ranging from impoverished to solidly middle class  $3,600 per year for children under age 6 and $3,000 per year for older children. Roughly 39 million households will receive at least partial payments, covering an estimated 88 percent of American children.

Columbia Universitys Center on Poverty and Social Policy estimates the cash infusions could lift 45% of children living in poverty above the poverty line  cutting Black child poverty by 52%, Hispanic child poverty by 45% and Native American child poverty by 62%.

In places like New Mexico, a state with one of the highest rates of children living in poverty, this is a potential crossroads. One in 4 New Mexican children is considered impoverished, compared with 1 in 7 nationally.

With three kids under age 6, Peters is due to receive up to $900 per month, and all of it is welcome. Her construction worker boyfriend has been out of work due to the pandemic, she said, her government subsidized housing voucher has expired and only the national eviction moratorium has protected her. Armani requires a special kind of baby formula that she cant buy with her government nutrition program benefits.

Sixteen dollars a can, and he goes through it in two or three days, she said.

Democratic New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich said the philosophy behind the payments is to treat child poverty as an avoidable traumatic event  one that has been proved to impact future academic performance, emotional stability, earning power and legal record.

It affects your ability to have positive relationships, both professionally and in your home life. ... The more of these stack up, youre more likely to have problems with the legal system, unsuccessful relationships, lower lifetime income, Heinrich said.

Besides a basic acknowledgement by the government that raising children is expensive for almost anybody, advocates said the payments are an expression of faith in the judgment of struggling families.

It's an issue of trust. We need to trust these families to do whats right, said Jeffrey Hoehn, executive director of Cuidando Los Ninos, an Albuquerque charity that provides housing, child care and financial counseling for mothers transitioning from homelessness. We find that our single moms, they know where every single penny goes. Its just that they dont have enough pennies.

Hoehn said different families will have shifting needs and resources from month to month, putting the cash toward rent, utilities or even therapeutic leisure activities. In a sprawling town like Albuquerque, its hard to find work without a car, and Hoehn said many families his group works with are looking to the extra cash to acquire or fix a vehicle.

For Margarita Mora, the money is earmarked to help cushion her family's transition to stability. The 36-year-old mother of three had been staying in an Albuquerque motel converted into a family shelter and would soon be getting her own subsidized apartment through Cuidando Los Ninos.

I'll be able to pay my utilities and basic supplies, plus gas to go look for work, said Mora, an unemployed caregiver. And I need to work on my debt. My credit score isn't so great.

The money isn't only going to the neediest. Carissa Oswald, a stay-at-home mom in Albuquerque whose partner works with the local railroad, counts herself as middle class. But having given up her work as a caregiver to raise her 11-month-old daughter, she finds that money is frequently tight.

"Kids are expensive, right? It would let us breathe a little bit easier, she said. The tension is real. The stress is real.

New Mexico state Rep. Javier Martinez, a Democrat from Albuquerque, calls the CTC a philosophical shift from mid-20th century programs like Medicaid and food stamps.

And I dont think were going back, he said.

Martinez highlights the fact that CTC payments will be monthly, instead of some annual balloon payment, as a crucial distinction. The smaller monthly boosts, he said, are more likely to be incorporated into the household budget and create certainty in a family.

The expanded CTC expires in 2022, although President Joe Biden has proposed extending it through 2025. Whether that happens may depend on whether advocates can demonstrate a positive impact  and whether opponents, primarily Republicans, find evidence of waste.

Heinrich said he expects that opponents will have no problem gathering examples of parents spending money on things deemed unnecessary and he is braced for a revival of the Ronald Reagan-era welfare queen trope. The future of the program may well be riding on the outcome of the 2022 congressional elections, when Democrats will seek to retain their slim majorities in both the House and the Senate.

For now, CTC supporters are counting on enough positive examples to counter the criticisms, plus the fact that monthly cash should be popular with both Democratic and Republican families up and down the income ladder.

There will be plenty of compelling anecdotes on either side of it, Heinrich said. At the same time we will have the data by then to show what a difference it has made. I want to see the data, and I suspect that in New Mexico, this will have an enormous impact.

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Associated Press writer Susan Montoya Bryan contributed to this report.
About 8,000 people have streamed into the Spanish city of Ceuta from Morocco in the past two days in an unprecedented influx, most of them swimming around breakwaters and across the border to reach the Spanish enclave in North Africa.

The surge has strained relations between Morocco and Spain, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez canceling a trip to Paris to make an unscheduled visit to Ceuta, where Spain has deployed military reinforcements and police along the border. Here's a look at what's going on:

WHERE IS CEUTA?

Ceuta is a coastal city in North Africa that has belonged to Spain since the 16th century. Like Melilla, another Spanish possession on the Moroccan coast, Ceuta in recent decades has become a flashpoint for migrants from Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa seeking to enter Europe.

Last year about 2,200 people crossed into Ceuta and Melilla by scaling border fences or swimming from the Moroccan side. Ceuta has a population of 85,000 and is connected to mainland Spain by ferry services across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CEUTA?

Migrants regularly make it across the border in small numbers, but the scale of the crossings this week is exceptional. Thousands of people were able to reach the border area without being stopped by Moroccan authorities.

About 8,000, including 2,000 believed to be minors, reached Ceuta in the past two days by swimming or paddling in small boats around breakwaters separating the two countries. Most were Moroccans, though there were also migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

Spain deployed troops and armored vehicles to the border on Tuesday, rounding up migrants on a beach and sending many of them back to Morocco through a gate in the border fence. The Red Cross says one young man died and dozens were treated for hypothermia.

WHAT IS BEHIND THE SURGE?

Morocco has said little about why it relaxed the border controls, though it was widely seen as retaliation against Spain for having allowed the leader of a militant group, Brahim Ghali, to receive medical treatment in a Spanish hospital.

Two Moroccan officials made that link in public comments on Wednesday. Ghali heads the Polisario Front, which is fighting for an independent Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony that Morocco annexed in the 1970s. He was hospitalized in the Spanish city of Logrono last month in a move that angered Moroccos government, which warned there would be consequences.

Some experts say the issue goes beyond Ghali and that Morocco wants Spain to support Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, like the U.S. did under the Trump administration last year.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MIGRANTS NOW?

Spain's Interior Ministry said about half of those who made it across have already been sent back to Morocco.

Under a three-decade-old agreement between the two countries, Spanish authorities can return adults who cross the border irregularly. On Tuesday, Spanish soldiers could be seen directing migrants toward a border gate, in some cases hitting them with batons to make them hurry up.

An AP reporter saw several children among those being pushed back, even though the Spanish government claimed that no unaccompanied minors were being returned. Many of the unaccompanied minors were being held in quarantine in warehouse shelters run by the Red Cross.

WHAT ARE THE WIDER IMPLICATIONS FOR SPAIN?

The developments in Ceuta have become one of the biggest crisis in relations between Spain and Morocco since 2002, when a territorial dispute erupted over an uninhabited island off the Moroccan coast. It represents a humanitarian, diplomatic and political challenge for Sanchez's government.

In recent years Spain has seen spikes in migrant arrivals on its southern coast as well as in the Canary Islands, sparking concerns over migration that have helped fuel the rise of Vox, a far-right party that entered Parliament in 2019.

Vox was quick to blame the situation in Ceuta on the governments inaction" and its leader visited the city on Tuesday.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT MIGRATION ACROSS EUROPE?

Other European Union nations are watching the developments in Ceuta carefully. Since Europe's migrant crisis in 2015, the bloc has tried to reduce the flow of irregular migrants to Europe in part by seeking agreements with transit countries  including Morocco, Turkey and Libya  to hold back migrants.

The situation in Ceuta and a similar crisis on Turkey's land border with Greece last year show how such deals can give transit countries plenty of leverage over the 27-nation EU.

The bloc's Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson called the Ceuta influx worrying" and noted that Spain's border with Morocco is also the EU's external border. She urged Morocco to prevent more people from crossing it irregularly.

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Associated Press writer Aritz Parra contributed to this report.

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Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP)  New Hampshire authorities are investigating the death of a kayaker in Lake Massabesic who was out on the water in the dark.

The marine patrol unit of the state police said the kayaker had gone out on the lake with his friend at about 2 a.m. Wednesday. The kayaker entered the water at about 4 a.m. and began to struggle, state police said.
Beauty products become increasingly popular among Chinese men

People's Daily Online) 13:07, May 20, 2021

Men's grooming is becoming an emerging market in China, with the group's adoption of beauty products already starting to take off.

The country's male cosmetics market has registered an average annual growth rate of 7.7 percent over the past four years in the country, with the total value of the market standing at about 16.7 billion yuan (about $2.6 billion) last year, according to statistics. The market is expected to exceed 20 billion yuan by 2023.

From May 1 to 3, sales of men's makeup products soared by 1,692.6 percent year on year in county level cities, indicated statistics from a subsidiary App owned by Alibaba Group's e-commerce platform Taobao.

According to data released by iiMedia Research, a data mining and analysis organization, stock for imported men's makeup products during last year's "Double 11" online shopping festival increased by 3,000 percent year on year. Meanwhile, sales of men's skin care products jumped roughly 30 percent.

Among them, sales of liquid foundation and eyeliners for men born after 2000 grew twice and four times as fast than those for women, respectively.

In a survey conducted by Alibaba, 18.8 percent of post-95 male respondents said they used BB cream, while 18.6 percent have at some point applied cosmetics such as lipstick and eyeliner.

In addition to makeup products, Chinese men are also increasingly turning to medical aesthetic procedures. A report from iiMedia Research indicated that men accounted for 30 percent of all consumers who went under the knife to improve their physical appearance in 2020.

A young man surnamed Liu in Beijing is one of them. To remove his acne, he became a frequent visitor to an aesthetic medical services provider.

"I was a bit uncomfortable when I first went there for acne treatment. Then I found out that there are many male customers there," said Liu, further disclosing that "to my surprise, after learning about my treatment, many of my male friends also want to have a try."

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
We should have waited a little longer before making that decision, Chaudhary said about the move to reopen the city. Its hard to identify whether someone is fully vaccinated with both doses. We would never actually know. We still need to care for ourselves, for them, and for everyone. For the sake of people around us we have to be careful, not just for us only.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP)  The Navajo Nation has by far the largest land mass of any Native American tribe in the country. Now, it's boasting the largest enrolled population, too.

Navajos clamored to enroll or fix their records as the tribe offered hardship assistance payments from last year's federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. That boosted the tribe's rolls from about 306,000 to nearly 400,000 citizens.

The figure surpasses the Cherokee Nation's enrollment of 392,000. But it, too, has been growing, said tribal spokeswoman Julie Hubbard. The Oklahoma tribe has been receiving about 200 more applications per month from potential enrollees, leaving Navajo's position at the top unstable.

The numbers matter because tribes often are allocated money based on their number of citizens. Each of the 574 federally recognized tribes determines how to count its population. Navajo, for example, requires a one-quarter blood quantum to enroll. Cherokee primarily uses lineal descent.

Tribal governments received $4.8 billion from the CARES Act based on federal housing population data for tribes, which some said was badly skewed. The Treasury Department recently revised the methodology and said it would correct the most substantial disparities.

The Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, one of three tribes that sued the Treasury Department over the payments, said it's satisfied with an additional $5.2 million it's set to receive. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians in Florida and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas would get $825,000 and $864,000 under the new methodology. Both said those amounts didn't make sense when broken down to a per-person figure. They plan to continue their fight in court.

We just cannot accept this as it is, Carol Heckman, an attorney for Prairie Band, said in a court hearing last week. We're happy to keep talking about it, but Treasury would have to sweeten the pie.

The Miccosukee Tribe amended its lawsuit Wednesday to reflect the latest arguments.

The Treasury Department will avoid much of the problems it encountered with CARES Act funding in the distribution of the $20 billion for tribes under the American Rescue Plan Act. The department said it will use tribally certified enrollment figures to pay out $12.35 billion and tribal employment data for $6.65 billion.

Another $1 billion will be divided equally among eligible tribal governments, the Treasury Department said. Alaska Native corporations, which own much of the Native land in Alaska under a 1971 settlement, aren't eligible for any of the $20 billion in funding. The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether the corporations will get a slice of the CARES Act money.

The Treasury Department set a Monday deadline for tribal governments to submit their enrollment information online for the American Rescue Plan funding. It acknowledged that no formula perfectly can capture the needs of tribes, which have suffered disproportionately during the pandemic.

Tribes also won't be under as tight of a deadline to spend the money as they were for the CARES Act and will have more flexibility. They can spend the money to replace lost revenue and improve water, sewer and broadband infrastructure that often lags behind the rest of the U.S.

The Navajo Nation is on track to get the largest share of the enrollment-based funding. About half of its members live on the vast 27,000-square-mile (70,000-square-kilometer) reservation that extends into New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

The tribe opened the hardship assistance program in November, up against an initial deadline to spend federal virus assistance by the end of the year. It required that applicants be enrolled as Navajo citizens. The response was huge, with the tribe paying out more than $322 million to more than 293,000 applicants, the tribal controller's office said. Adults received up to $1,350 and children up to $450.

On the American Rescue Plan Act funding, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez questioned the fairness of awarding more money to tribes that enroll people with less than one-fourth blood quantum.

Here on Navajo, we verify blood quantum, and that's a requirement, he told The Associated Press. If they had that same requirement, one-quarter Cherokee, just imagine.

The U.S. Census reflects higher numbers for Native Americans than tribes' enrollment records because it allows people to self-identify as Native American and Alaska Native and report ties to multiple Indigenous groups across North America, Central America and South America. Not all of those 5.2 million people are eligible to enroll in tribes. The 2010 count put the Cherokee Nation around 820,000 and Navajo at 332,000.

Cherokee Native Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the recent higher enrollment figure from the Navajo Nation government shows Natives are strong and an important force for economies, education and environment.

It's truly a positive anytime our citizenship grows and thrives, he said in a statement.
When brewer and production manager Brienne Allan of Notch Brewing in Salem, MA, put out a call on her personal Instagram account last week for women in the craft beer world to share stories of the sexism theyve experienced in the industry, she had no idea that shed receive not hundreds but thousands of messages chronicling everything from misogyny and sexual harassment and toxic workplace cultures to sexual assault.

Allan has spent the past week posting all of the stories and allegations to her Instagram Stories in an attempt to raise awareness of whats clearly a systemic problem, and as a result, some prominent figures in the craft beer scene have come under fire.

Allan says the messages havent stopped coming in, and theyre all harrowing. The one that hit me the most was one of the girls told me that a brewer offered to give her a ride home, and everyone vouched for him, saying that he was a good guy, Allan told Vinepair recently. Then he pulled off to the side of the road and tried to rape her and beat the shit out of her. She got away, and she said shes never told anybody because he was harassing her, [threatening], If you ever tell anyone, Ill kill you.

The accusations run the gamut (you can read more about the specifics here and on Allans Instagram), but high-profile industry figures like Shaun Hill, founder and brewer of Hill Farmstead; Jean Broillet, co-founder of Tired Hands Brewing; and Jacob McKean, founder of Modern Times Beer, are among those being called out for their behavior. After multiple allegations were made against Sren Wagner, founder and head brewer of Copenhagens Dry & Bitter Brewing Company, the brewery announced on Twitter that Wagner will take a leave of absence.

But beyond that and a few vague commitments to change (Modern Times, for example, put out a statement vowing to continue to critically examine our internal power structure, improve the way we listen to the voices of marginalized employees, and to remember that sometimes getting called out is the only way to recognize your blind spots), whats being done? How will we fix this? The general consensus  from Allan, from many of the women who messaged her, and from men in the craft beer world looking to be allies  is that nothing will change unless men start calling out their peers and speaking up on behalf of women.

The next time something happens in a bar, or at a festival, will someone speak up? Matthew Curtis, founder and editor-in-chief of beer publication Pellicle Magazine, told Vinepair. I hope Brienne and other women in the industry keep piling this on until men like myself feel like they have no choice. We deserve everything were getting.

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The post The Craft Beer World Is Facing a Me Too Reckoning appeared first on InsideHook.
UNITED NATIONS  The United States opposes a draft U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers. The U.S. says it could interfere with the Biden administrations efforts to end the hostilities.

France drafted the resolution after the U.S. earlier blocked at least four attempts to have the council issue a press statement calling for an end to hostilities.

A press statement requires agreement by all 15 council members. A resolution only requires at least nine yes votes and no veto by the United States or any of the four other permanent members.

A French spokesman had said very intense discussions were taking place Wednesday with the U.S. on the proposed resolution.

But the U.S. Mission to the U.N. said later that we will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate.

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UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is urgently appealing for $38 million for emergency needs in Gaza as a result of conflict between Israel and the territorys Hamas rulers.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency said Wednesday that it is already responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees and non-refugees, including tens of thousands of people who have sought safety in the agencys schools and emergency shelters.

The agency says the $38 million is needed for an initial 30-day period to respond to a variety of immediate needs in Gaza including food, health care, psychological services, and water and sanitation. It also includes emergency needs in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, for health care, shelter, education, security and protection.

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BEIRUT  The leader the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group says militant factions in Gaza went into the latest battle with Israel knowing it will be costly but also knowing that it is the only road to freedom and to protect Jerusalem.

Ziad Nakhaleh said in a televised speech from Beirut on Wednesday that neither nuclear weapons, warplanes nor peace agreements with some Arab states could bring Israelis security and peace.

He added that militant groups in Gaza have made miracles that you can see with your own eyes and you live them every moment when you run to shelters.

Nakhaleh was referring to thousands of missiles and rockets that Gaza militants have fired toward Israel.

Nakhaleh said that after Israels moves that threatened the eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers in east Jerusalem, we were in front of two choices, to surrender and to give them everything or fight them over everything.

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JERUSALEM  Israels Foreign Ministry says foreign ministers from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia will arrive in Israel on Thursday.

The ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the diplomats were invited by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to express their solidarity and support for Israel during its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate hostilities after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

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JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to continue this operation until its aim is met, despite U.S. President Joe Bidens call for a de-escalation of hostilities in Gaza.

In a statement from his office Wednesday, Netanyahu said that he greatly appreciates the support of the American president, but said Israel will push ahead to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.

Earlier, Biden called for significant de-escalation by days end from Netanyahu after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

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CAIRO  An Egyptian diplomat says some of the countrys top officials are waiting for Israels response to a cease-fire offer, and that they expect amendments to their proposal.

He says they hope Frances increasing efforts could spur the United States to exert its influence on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to stop the fighting as soon as possible.

He added that if that doesn't happen, there are some discussions among Arab and Islamic nations, along with China, to put the issue before the U.N. General Assembly in an effort to bypass the Security Council and the U.S.s veto power there.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Egypt has been trying to broker a cease-fire between neighboring Israel and Hamas, as it is one of a handful of countries that maintains official ties with both.

 Samy Magdy in Cairo.

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BERLIN  Germanys foreign ministry is confirming that the nations top diplomat will make a one-day trip to Israel and the West Bank on Thursday for talks with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The ministry said Wednesday that Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will meet the Israeli foreign and defense ministers, as well as President Reuven Rivlin.

He will also meet the Palestinian prime minister in Ramallah.

Maas had said earlier Wednesday that he hoped to fly to Israel but coordination hadnt yet been completed.

Maas has called for an end to an immediate stop to rocket terror by the Hamas militant group, which controls Gaza, a cease-fire and efforts to restart direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

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TEHRAN, Iran  A top Iranian general says the balance of power in the Middle East has changed with the Palestinians ability to launch so many missiles against Israel.

State TV is reporting Wednesday that Gen. Hossein Salami, chief of the powerful Revolutionary Guard, said Israel has become weaker and the Palestinians have become stronger and more powerful.

Salami says: Palestinians could destroy all Israeli industrial facilities and air bases with missiles.

Palestinian militants have fired more than 3,700 rockets at Israel, with hundreds falling short and many others intercepted. The rockets have reached a number of Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, and have brought life to a standstill in areas near Gaza.

Iran does not recognize Israel and supports anti-Israeli militant groups like Palestinian Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

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WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden has called for significant de-escalation by day's end from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bidens appeal on Wednesday comes after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israelis and Palestinians.

It was Bidens toughest public pressure so far on the U.S. ally, with the president asking Netanyahu in a telephone call to move toward the path to a cease-fire, according to a White House statement on their conversation.

Pressure has been mounting on Biden, too, to do more as the death toll in the conflict has topped 200.

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BEIRUT  Lebanese security officials said several rockets were fired from south Lebanon toward Israel, the third such barrage in the past week.

The Israeli military said it identified four rockets fired Wednesday from Lebanon into northern Israel. One landed in an open area, two landed in the sea, and one was intercepted by aerial defenses. Residents of the city of Shfaram, east of Haifa, said one rocket landed near the town.

The Lebanese officials said the latest rockets were launched from the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Qlayleh. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The rocket attack, which drew Israeli artillery fire in response but apparently did not cause any injuries, raised the possibility of dragging Israel into renewed conflict with the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to its north as it fights Hamas in Gaza.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and Hezbollah, which fought a monthlong war against Israel in 2006, has stayed out of the fighting for now. But the barrage appears to be carefully calibrated to send a political message that the group, which has tens of thousands of missiles, could join the battle at any time.

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BERLIN  German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas says he hopes to fly to Israel for talks Thursday with Israelis and Palestinians on the conflict in Gaza.

Asked to confirm Israeli media reports about such a trip, Maas told journalists in Berlin that I cant tell you 100%, because of course we coordinate such a trip with those to whom were travelling.

He said that coordination hadnt been completed yet.

But yes, my plan is to fly to Israel tonight and hold talks in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Maas said.

Earlier, Germanys top diplomat had ruled out talking to the Palestinian militant group Hamas that controls Gaza.

After the events of recent days there is no reason to talk directly with Hamas, he said. Those are terrorist attacks that are being carried out by Hamas in Israel and which in my view completely rule out talking without intermediaries, directly to Hamas.

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PARIS  A French government spokesman says very intense discussions are underway with the United States about a United Nations Security Council resolution that has been proposed by France in coordination with Egypt and Jordan.

The proposed resolution aims at ending hostilities between Israel and Hamas militants who control Gaza.

The United States has blocked the U.N.s most powerful body from issuing a press statement calling for a halt to the violence, insisting that it would not help diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi held talks in Paris earlier this week on the issue and they had a meeting on Tuesday with Jordans King Abdullah II via video conference.

In a joint statement, France, Egypt and Jordan said they called on the parties to immediately agree on a ceasefire.

They also said they will work with the U.N. and other partners to ensure humanitarian help for the population of Gaza.

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CAIRO  The Arab League Parliament has convened an extraordinary meeting in Cairo to express solidarity with the Palestinians and condemn Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip.

Those in attendance at the meeting Wednesday wore traditional Palestinian black-and-white scarves in a sign of support.

The Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said: The truth is becoming crystal clear now with all its ugliness and hideousness: we are before a colonizing people that lives under an apartheid state and an occupation government that systematically practices ethnic cleansing.

Others also criticized Israel, with Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al-Asoumi accusing Israel of war crimes and of full-fledged crimes against humanity.

In a televised speech, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed Arab delegates, calling Jerusalem the essence of the Palestinian national identity.

He said: Without it, there will be no peace, no security, no stability and no agreement.

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RAMALLAH, West Bank  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel is carrying out organized state terrorism and war crimes in Gaza that are punishable under international law.

In a televised address Wednesday, he said the Palestinians will not hesitate to pursue those who commit such crimes in front of international courts.

Abbas is the head of the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, whose forces were driven from Gaza when the militant Hamas group seized power in 2007. The PA has limited autonomy in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court launched an investigation into possible war crimes committed by Israel and Palestinian militants during the last Gaza war, in 2014. It has expressed concern about the latest round of fighting.

Abbas accused Israel of brutal attacks on civilians and deliberate bombardment of homes. Israel says it only strikes militant targets and makes every effort to avoid harming civilians, including by warning people ahead of some strikes.

Hamas and other militant groups have launched hundreds of rockets into Israel. The indiscriminate fire is widely seen as violating international law.

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ISLAMABAD-- Pakistans foreign minister has denounced Israels continued airstrikes against the Gaza Strip in a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi made his comment during a meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki during a visit to Turkey. Qureshi will travel next to New York to address the U.N. General Assembly to demand an immediate halt to Israels attacks on Palestinians.

According to a foreign ministry statement, Qureshi denounced Israel's attacks on Palestinians. The statement also quotes al-Maliki praising Pakistans efforts aimed at mobilizing international support for the Palestinians.

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TEL AVIV, Israel -- Israeli military officials say a mysterious explosion that killed eight members of a Palestinian family on the first day of the current round of fighting in the Gaza Strip was caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket, not an Israeli airstrike.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said the rocket was launched in Gaza and fell inside Gaza and killed almost an entire family. Conricus added that this wasnt an Israeli attack.

A senior military officer on Wednesday said the incident was investigated, and Israel did not strike the Beit Hanoun area where the family members were killed that night.

The officer said a total of 700 rockets  roughly one-fifth of the total launched by Palestinian militants  failed to reach Israel and landed inside Gaza. He provided no further estimates on how many Palestinians had been harmed by errant rocket fire. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity under military briefing guidelines.

At least 219 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes, including 63 children and 36 women, with 1,530 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It does not break down how many militants are among the dead or whether people have died from misfired rockets.

Israel says Hamas is responsible for civilian deaths because the militant group uses residential areas for cover to fire rockets and carry out other military operations. Twelve people in Israel have also been killed, 10 by rocket fire aimed at Israeli towns and cities. Two people died in accidents while rushing for shelter.

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TEL AVIV, Israel  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is pursuing forceful deterrence against Gazas Hamas rulers and does not rule out a further escalation.

Meeting with foreign ambassadors on Wednesday, he said you can either conquer them, and thats always an open possibility, or you can deter them.

We are engaged right now in forceful deterrence, but I have to say, we dont rule out anything.

Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes against what it says are militant targets in Gaza since the fourth war between the two sides broke out earlier this month. Hamas and other militants have fired more than 3,700 rockets at Israel.

Netanyahu said Israel hopes to restore quiet quickly and is doing everything it can to avoid civilian casualties.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Israeli airstrikes have killed at least six people overnight across the Gaza Strip and destroyed the home of an extended family.

Despite growing international pressure for a cease-fire, the military said Wednesday it widened its strikes on militant targets in the Palestinian territorys south to blunt continuing rocket fire from Hamas.

Residents surveyed the piles of bricks, concrete and other debris that had once been the home of 40 members of al-Astal family. They said everyone escaped after a warning missile hit the house.

The Israeli military says it struck militant targets around the towns of Khan Younis and Rafah.

Gaza health officials say at least 219 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes. Twelve people in Israel have been killed in rocket attacks.
MIAMI (AP)  A judge in Colombia has sentenced three Venezuelan men to six years in prison for helping organize an ill-conceived plot to remove President Nicolas Maduro involving former American Green Berets.

The sentence handed down late Tuesday was the minimum allowed for the crimes, according to an attorney for the three co-defendants who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

In March, the men pleaded guilty to working alongside Jordan Goudreau, a former U.S. Green Beret and Iraq war veteran, in organizing a rag tag army of a few dozen Venezuelan military deserters intent on overthrowing Venezuelas socialist leadership. Plans included raiding military installations as well as the presidential palace.

The so-called Operation Gideon  or the Bay of Piglets, as the bloody fiasco came to be known  ended with six insurgents dead and two of Goudreaus former Special Forces buddies behind bars in Caracas. But the plot really never stood a chance of succeeding against Maduros loyal and heavily armed military after having been thoroughly infiltrated months earlier.

Two of the men sentenced Tuesday, National Guard Maj. Juvenal Sequea and Juven Sequea, are the older brothers of the confessed commander of the failed May 3 incursion, Capt. Antonio Sequea, who is jailed in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. The third person, Rayder Russo, has long sought Maduros armed overthrow.

As part of the plea bargain agreement reached in March the men accepted a single charge of providing logistical support to an illegal armed group. Charges for a more serious offense of providing military training were dropped as part of their collaboration.

None of the men participated in the failed raid, having abandoned the secret camps in northern Colombia where the rebels were gathering, in some cases months before it was launched. Testimony from other Venezuelan deserters, one of whom was arrested transporting a weapon and a large number of cellular phones, nonetheless placed each of the men in leadership positions of the plot alongside Goudreau and the plots ringleader, retired Venezuelan Army Gen. Cliver Alcala.

A fourth defendant in the Colombian investigation, Yacsy Alvarez, is fighting charges that she helped smuggle weapons to the volunteer army. She has accused Colombian authorities of being in constant contact with Alcala.

Alvarez served as Goudreaus translator during his visits to Colombia and the two opened an affiliate of his small Florida security firm Silvercorp, in mid-2019. It listed its address at an upscale hotel in Barranquilla, according to Colombian public records.

She also flew with Goudreau and the two other former Green Berets  Luke Denman and Airan Berry  to Barranquilla aboard a Cessna jet belonging to her boss, businessman Franklin Duran, who has a long history of deal-making with the Venezuelan government. At the time, Alvarez was living in the Caribbean coastal city and working as a director in a unit of Durans auto lubricants company.

According to the sentence read in court, the Colombian investigation was prompted by the March 23, 2020 seizure of a cache of 26 assault rifles and tactical equipment it was later revealed were dispatched by Alvarez and destined for the rebels in the desert-like La Guajira peninsula that Colombia shares with Venezuela.

The man coordinating the clandestine effort, Alcala, took responsibility for the weapons hours before turning himself in on March 26 to face U.S. drug charges.

Alcala, who is now awaiting trial in New York, said the weapons belonged to the Venezuelan people. He also lashed out against opposition leader Juan Guaido, accusing him of betraying a contract he had signed with American advisers to remove Maduro.

The U.S. has denied any direct role in the attempted raid just as Venezuelas opposition has taken distance from Goudreau, despite having previously signed with him an agreement to conduct a snatch and grab operation inside Venezuela.

Other than a $50,000 payment for expenses, Silvercorp was never paid. And Goudreau during the raid acknowledged going ahead with the invasion without Guaidos support even though he later sued one of Guaidos aides, Miami-based political analyst J.J. Rendon, for breach of contract.

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Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman
Alejandro Cegarra / Bloomberg

Travel to Mexico is just a flight away, but not for all would-be travelers who just want to visit friends and family via roadways and bridges.

As COVID-19 travel restrictions persist, multiple Texas advocates are continuing the push against limitations that they view as hypocritical.
Senator Ted Cruz stirred up new controversy by joking again about his Cancun jaunt while Texans froze in their homes in February during the winter weather crisis.

The Texas Republican quote tweeted a response to a story shared by ABC13 Houston on Tuesday. The link promoted "cheap flights" to Las Vegas and Cancun.

"Awesome," he said.

RELATED: Seth Rogen calls Ted Cruz a fascist on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'

Had it not been for his controversial trip that ended in a hurried return to Houston after backlash broke out, the Tuesday tweet might have been brushed off as someone excited to cash in on savings.

Such was not the case.

"The people of your state were in dire straits when you willfully abandoned them," one of the first replies reads. "The fact that you are joking about it confirms that you have no regrets."

This isn't the first time Cruz has joked about the situation. About a week after the trip, Cruz joined speakers like former President Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in Orlando at the Conservative Political Action Conference, hosted by the American Conservative Union. He was on stage to discuss "Bill of Rights, Liberty and Cancel Culture," according to the morning's agenda.

He used the conservative platform to make his joke, according to Washington Post reporter Dave Weigel.

"Ted Cruz, owning it: 'Orlando is AWESOME! It's not as nice as Cancun, but it's nice,'" the senator said, according to Weigel's tweets.
Plans have been launched for a Windcrest dog park after the citys parks and recreation commission forwarded a request to City Council to move forward with the project after reviewing results of a dog park interest survey.

The commission decided to organize two focus groups to accommodate more than 50 residents who expressed interest in serving on a subcommittee to help create a dog park.

City secretary Rachel Dominguez told the commission 233 residents responded to the survey, which began to circulate in late February and was re-issued in April. Of the 233, 81 percent said they favored building a dog park and 88.8 percent replied that they owned dogs. Fifty-three respondents said they would be interested on serving on a dog park subcommittee.

Parks and rec commission member Jim Flinn called the response overwhelming  both for the number of returned surveys and the large number of respondents who favored creation of a dog park.

Its not just this commission thats come up with this idea, theres 185 voices behind us that are favoring this, Flinn said at the commissions April 22 meeting.

Survey questions also asked respondents to rank potential locations and to list other dog parks they use. Seven area of interest for a dog park were listed, with Brook Falls Park and Jim Seal Drive at Crestway receiving high marks as desired locations. Autumn Sunset Park received favorable nods as well.

Commission member Jay Eldridge said the biggest issue with establishing a dog park will be the locale.

The biggest problem were going to have  is where are we going to put it, so it is not near peoples houses? Eldridge said. Thats going to be about the biggest problem were going to face.

Committee Chairman David Hook said he did a quick analysis of the survey and found between 243 and 454 dogs that were talking about, and thats just those that responded. Thats a lot of pooches to have running around, Hook said.

Hook said 42 percent of the survey respondents who have dogs are going outside of the city to find a dog park. Residents expressed using dog parks in San Antonio, Universal City and New Braunfels when seeking out open spaces for their dogs to go leash-free, and play with other canines.

The closest ones, according to city secretary Rachel Dominguez, were LBJ Park, while some went to Universal City, and Phil Hardberger Park. They have some special amenities there (Hardberger), but thats a long distance to drive to enjoy a park.

Flinn said a dog park is another example of a service the city can offer its current and future residents.

Definitely we need to move forward with this. We are missing something that our citizens, a large number of people, really are looking forward to, he said. Right now they are leaving Windcrest to take care of this, and thats not why they moved here. They want to be able to live their lives in Windcrest.

Windcrest residents willing to travel to other parks, Hook said, also means a Windcrest dog park may attract others from outside the city itself. He said that notion should be considered in establishing a baseline of dogs to be serviced by the park.

Committee Member Robin Alva said she was surprised by the age ranges of respondents: the largest responding categories were 35-44-year-olds, at 22.7 percent, and 45-54-year-olds, with 22.2 percent.

I was pleasantly surprised by the age (category). Everybody references Windcrest as an older-generation city, and to see the majority (of respondents) between 35 and 54 is encouraging, she added.

A date for the first of the two dog park subcommittee meetings should occur before the next parks and rec meeting.

We suggest hosting two focus groups and creating a subcommittee that would do some more research in terms of grant funding and type of design, Dominguez said. The subcommittee could work more on it, in order to bring an overall package to city council.

The vote to request City Council support for the dog park was unanimous.

jflinn@express-news.net
KeithBinns/Getty Images

In a major announcement last week, the governor of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo warned that the state had seen five straight weeks of increased COVID-19 rates following last months spring holidays. The dramatically rising case numbers led him to warn that Mexicos number one tourist destination is at risk of imminent lockdown, according to the Associated Press.

Rates in most of the rest of Mexico have been declining, reported the A.P., but Quintana Roo depends on tourism for 87% of its economic activity, and has instituted no travel bans or testing requirements.
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans.

Bloomberg today published an article, Microsoft and Apple Wage War on Gadget Right-to-Repair Laws, which delved into the details of how big Tech  Microsoft, Google, Apple  thwart right to repair initiatives.

Theres considerable support among the public for right to repair initiatives. Not only could such measures save consumers considerable sums of money, they might also alleviate shortages  of laptops for schools, as just one example (see Waste Watch: Right to Repair as Remedy for School Computer Shortage?)

Enacting a right to repair nationwide could also reduce waste -especially e-waste  and slow climate change. According to Bloomberg:

Americas smartphone habit alone eats up some 23.7 million tons of raw material, according to a report from U.S. PIRG. The consumer group estimated that people holding onto their smartphones for an extra year would be the emissions equivalent of taking 636,000 cars off the road.

The pandemic has exacerbated repair problems, as many big box stores have stopped offering on-site repair services. Such shutdowns further tether consumers to manufacturers repair options  some of which suffer considerable backlogs. Allowing independent, third party repair shops to compete on an equal playing field could also bolster local employment, rather than global supply chains (see Right to Repair: Saves Consumers Money, Promotes Local Jobs Rather than Global Supply Chains).

FTC Weighs In

Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a comprehensive report, Nixing the Fix: an FTC Report to Congress on Repair Initiatives. The report endorsed the right to repair and debunked opposing arguments, concluding there is scant evidence to support manufacturers justifications for repair restrictions.

The report also examined measures the FTC could take to enact a right to repair. These include expanding the anti-tying provisions of the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA). This measure prohibits a warrantor of a consumer product from conditioning its warranty on the consumers using any article or service which is identified by brand name unless the article or service is provided for free or the warrantor obtains a waiver from the [FTC}. [Report, p. 5.] MMWA bars a printer manufacturer from conditioning its warranty on a purchasers use of the manufacturers branded ink and prohibits a smartphone maker from voiding a warranty if a consumer has a third-party repair service install a new battery

The FTC noted that technological developments have occurred in the years since MMWA was enacted during the Ford administration that warrant reconsideration of the anti-tying provision as it applies to repair. From the Report:

Even when a warranty does not explicitly require that repairs be performed by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) using OEM parts, many manufacturers restrict independent repair and repair by consumers through: Product designs that complicate or prevent repair; Unavailability of parts and repair information; Designs that make independent repairs less safe; Policies or statements that steer consumers to manufacturer repair networks; Application of patent rights and enforcement of trademarks; Disparagement of non-OEM parts and independent repair; Software locks and firmware updates; or End User License Agreements. [Report, p. 6.]



The FTC laid out a future agenda in the Report:

Finally  we conclude by explaining that, based on the record before us, it

is clear that repair restrictions have diluted the effectiveness of [the MMWA] and steered consumers into manufacturers repair networks or to replace products before the end of their useful lives. Based on a review of comments submitted and materials presented during the Workshop, there is scant evidence to support manufacturers justifications for repair restrictions. Moreover, the specific changes that repair advocates seek to address manufacturer repair restrictions (e.g., access to information, manuals, spare parts, and tools) are well supported by comments submitted for the record and testimony provided at the Workshop. While the car manufacturing industry has taken important steps to expand consumer choice, other industries that impose restrictions on repairs have not followed suit. The Commission will consider reinvigorated regulatory and law enforcement options, as well as consumer education. In addition to the FTCs pursuit of efforts under its authority, the Commission stands ready to work with legislators, either at the state or federal level, to ensure that consumers and independent repair shops have appropriate access to replacement parts, instructions, and diagnostic software. [Jerri-Lynn here: my emphasis, Report p. 6; citations omitted.]

Focus Shifts to States

Meanwhile, while the FTC mulls its options and Congresscritters digest its report, more than two dozen states are considering legislation to enact their own state right to repair legislation. What are their prospects?

Alas, not as promising as you might think. According to Bloomberg:

Twenty-seven states considered such bills in 2021. More than half have already been voted down or dismissed, according to consumer groups tracking the proposals. One reason these legislative efforts have failed is the opposition, which happens to sell boatloads of new devices every year. Microsofts top lawyer advocated against a repair bill in its home state. Lobbyists for Google and Amazon.com Inc. swooped into Colorado this year to help quash a proposal. Trade groups representing Apple Inc. successfully buried a version in Nevada. Telecoms, home appliance firms and medical companies also opposed the measures, but few have the lobbying muscle and cash of these technology giants. While tech companies face high-profile scrutiny in Washington, they quietly wield power in statehouses to shape public policy and stamp out unwelcome laws. Tech companies argue that right-to-repair laws would let pirates rip off intellectual property and expose consumers to security risks. In several statehouses, lobbyists told lawmakers that unauthorized repair shops could damage batteries on devices, posing a threat of spontaneous combustion. Consumer groups dont buy these claims. They say tech firms are holding fast to a status quo that forces consumers to pay more for repairs or simply buy new devices. These companies have monopoly power, said Brianna Titone, a Colorado legislator who sponsored a repair bill. Theyre not looking for a compromise. Theyre looking for, Leave us alone. Stop this. Go away.

The Bloomberg article further explores the gory details of some Big Tech lobbying efforts and I encourage interested readers to read it in full. Now Id just like to point out that its not necessary for a majority or even many states to pass legislation for a right to repair be widely enacted. Once one state domino falls, others are likely to follow. That might trigger a response akin to what occurred after Massachusetts voters approved a right to repair for cars and other passenger vehicles. From the FTC Report:

For any manufacturing sector interested in creating a self-regulatory mechanism for expanding repair options, the experience of the automobile industry provides some guidance. In January 2014, two car manufacturer trade groups and two trade groups representing independent repair shops and manufacturers of aftermarket parts entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that had the effect of creating a broad, if not complete, right to repair in the automotive industry across the United States. The MOU came about after Massachusetts passed its own automotive right to repair law. In an effort to prevent the passage of state bills around the country that all contained differing requirements, manufacturers agreed to sell the diagnostic and repair information that manufacturers make available to their dealers to car owners and independent repair shops. in exchange, the repair-side trade groups agreed to not fund or otherwise support any new state right to repair legislation. The MOU has been raised as a model of self-regulation that could apply in the broader right to repair context. Kyle Wiens of iFixit stated at the Workshop, for example, the the

MOU is the direction that we need to go in. And its a question of. . .do you need the regulatory framework? Can you do it in a voluntary fashion? [Report pp. 45-46; citations omitted.]

I dont know the answer to that question  although Im inherently suspicious of such voluntary self-regulatory schemes, particularly considering all the shenanigans Big Tech companies have engaged in to try to scuttle enacting any right to repair. Yet if one state were to enact legislation, a nationwide de facto right might follow soon thereafter, as companies seek to avoid complying with a plethora of inconsistent state statutes.
Giuliani is under investigation for allegedly failing to register as a foreign agent while engaging in lobbying and digging for political dirt on the Biden family in Ukraine in 2019 on behalf of former President Donald Trump.
By R. Ramakumar, Professor of Economics, Tata Institute of Social Sciences.Originally published at The Conversation.

Countries around the world are racing against time to vaccinate their populations against the coronavirus.

But India has thus far been a poor performer, with only 9.6% of its population receiving a vaccine so far (compared to 51.8% in the UK, 45% in the US, 32.1% in Germany and 14.9% in Brazil).

While there are a few issues plaguing the vaccine roll out, the most egregious is the fact most Indians, many of whom live in poverty, are being made to pay for their shots. And the government is allowing vaccine producers to charge whatever they like.

Not Enough Jabs

To cover its entire adult (over 18 years) population, India needs 1.9 billion doses of vaccines. If these vaccines were to be administered over the next 12 months, India would need 161 million doses each month, or 5.4 million doses each day.

At present, India produces only about 2.5 million doses per day, which may rise at best to three million doses per day over the next few months. At the present rate, India would be able to cover only 30% of its population by early 2022.

Only by 2023 would it be able to administer the shot to everyone above 18, which would be late, given the pace and spread of the pandemic.

How Did It Come to This?

There are three major reasons for this issue.

First, while many countries permitted a diverse basket of vaccines for domestic use, India limited its emergency approvals to just two  Covishield and Covaxin.

Covishield is the Indian name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute of India. Covaxin, on the other hand, was developed jointly by Indias public sector and a private company named Bharat Biotech.

The reason appears to be a belief  based on zero evidence  that the two Made in India vaccines would be sufficient to meet Indias domestic needs and international commitments.

For example, India could have granted emergency approval to the Russian vaccine Sputnik V, and the US-based Pfizer vaccine, in February 2021. Sputnik V was refused approval in February on the grounds that it had not supplied data on immunogenicity (immune response).

However, the same standards did not appear to have been applied to the other two vaccines  Covishield was given approval in January, even though its immunogenicity data were not yet available. Trial data from the UK, South Africa and Brazil published in The Lancet was considered adequate at the time.

Similarly, Pfizer was compelled to withdraw its application for emergency approval because the drug regulator insisted conducting a local bridging study would be necessary. However, Covaxin was given approval in January even when its Phase 3 data on efficacy were not available.

Second, the vaccine business is risky, given the amount of money that has to go into research, development, and testing, and many wont end up being effective. Early public investments reduce risk exposure for vaccine companies and help raise their production capacities. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany made large at-risk investments in vaccine companies for research and capacity expansion. India failed to do so.

Third, India failed to place advance purchase orders for adequate quantities of vaccines. The first purchase order wasnt placed until January this year. By this time, capacities of vaccine producers were already locked into other supply commitments elsewhere.

As a result, vaccination centres are being closed, and people are being turned away. In most cities, the mobile application  CoWin  used to book appointments for vaccination, isnt allowing people to register. And even if people manage to register, appointments are not available for many months.

There is enormous public anger against the government of India for this, as well as for the serious flaws in its public health system which have been exposed by the sharp rise of infections in the second wave. This includes a lack of oxygen in hospitals and even a lack of space for funerals in crematoriums.

Vaccine Price Deregulation

In April the government of India undertook a curious policy shift in its vaccine policy. It deregulated vaccine prices. Vaccine producers could self-set the price for their vaccines. Consequently, the two vaccine producers steeply raised the prices of vaccines by two to six times in just a week.

For the same vaccine, the government of India, state governments and private hospitals have different price tags. And the only people in India who receive the vaccine for free are healthcare and frontline workers, and those aged over 45.

The vaccine prices are now so unaffordable that informal workers are forced to spend about half of the households monthly salary on vaccinating all the adult members of their households. While it may only be about 800 Rupees for both doses (A$14), when a person at the poverty line may only earn around 50 Rupees (A$0.87) a day on average, this is a large portion of their monthly income. Depending on the definition, one-quarter to one-third of the Indian population is below the poverty line.

The vaccine producers lobbied hard to free vaccine prices. One producer said in a television interview he was hoping for super profits, and another said he wished the maximum price for his vaccine.

The governments decision to deregulate the vaccine prices allowed super profits for private companies, even as an economic and humanitarian crisis was building and unemployment was rising.

Predatory Capitalism During Human Tragedy

Many commentators welcomed the new vaccine policy in the hopes increased prices would incentivise producers to increase supply. But they fail to see that vaccines are global public goods. They impart not just private benefits, but also social benefits, and so every barrier to vaccination must be minimised.

This is why most other nations, including Australia, the US, UK, Germany, France and China, are providing vaccines free of cost to all. India is an unfortunate exception to this global trend, and vaccines are now unaffordable to many.

Poor and faulty planning by the government of India has led to an acute shortage of vaccines. In the midst of the vaccine shortage, the government has effectively withdrawn from the social responsibilities of a welfare state. It has also opened the flood gates for a vulgar form of predatory capitalism to take the stage amid a raging human tragedy.
(Natural News) As Adolph Hitler rose to prominence and then absolute power in the 1930s, countries and organizations around the world scrambled to align themselves with the Nazi leader either because he appeared to be the future, because they agreed with his authoritarianism, or both.

Included in those organizations were American media companies and outlets including The New York Times and The Associated Press.

As reported by The Daily Wire in April 2017:

After the United States entered World War II in December 1941, virtually all American journalists and photo departments left. One prominent photo department stayed and worked with the Nazi regime: The Associated Press.

As German historian Harriet Scharnberg of Halles Martin Luther University discovered, the Associated Press photo department remained in Germany, working under the auspices of the Nazi Ministry of Propaganda and employing Germans, including the notorious prominent SS photographer, Franz Roth.

A German researcher and fellow at the University of Viennas history department, Norman Domeier, found additional documents showing how complicit the AP was with Hitler and the Nazis.

Between 1941 and 1945, while the Nazis sought to exterminate European Jewry, slaughtering six million Jews and five million other people, the Associated Press and the Nazis exchanged tens of thousands of pictures. The Nazis then used them in their propaganda; Hitler even had them regularly delivered to his office, the site added.

So its been confirmed: For whatever reason, the AP decided to work with the Nazis and, no doubt, was aware of Hitlers Final Solution for the Jews  genocide.

Fast-forward to present day, and we find that the AP is working hand-in-hand with another armed militant group whose objective is to wipe out all Jews: Hamas.

In recent days, Israel has been under near-constant rocket barrages fired by Hamas and Palestinian forces from inside the Gaza Strip and neighboring Lebanon. Israel has responded with more lethal and more accurate force, including striking and destroying a building where Hamas operatives shared similar space with Associated Press and Al-Jazeera staffers and correspondents.

The Jerusalem Post reported:

Officials in more than one government office confirmed that US President Joe Bidens phone call to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday was, in part, about the bombing of the building, and that Israel showed Biden and American officials the intelligence behind the action.

We showed them the smoking gun proving Hamas worked out of that building, a senior diplomatic source told the Post. I understand they found the explanation satisfactory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went on to confirm the diplomatic sources story.

We share all the intelligence with our American friends, the prime minister told Face the Nation on Sunday. The intelligence we had is about an intelligence office for [Hamas] housed in that building that plots and organizes terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians. It is a perfectly legit target.

He went on to say that no one was killed in the attack because everyone inside was warned that it was coming  which is more warning than AP staffers gave the Jews in the 1940s as Hitler waged his campaign of extermination against them.

But the fact is, the AP was sharing a building  sharing office space  with an avowed enemy of Israel.

Mind you, the AP claimed that it had no idea its Gaza correspondents were sharing space with a U.S.-listed terrorist organization.

We have had no indication Hamas was in the building or active in the building, AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said in a statement. This is something we actively check to the best of our ability. We would never knowingly put our journalists at risk. He went on to say he was shocked and horrified that the Israeli military would target and destroy the building housing APs bureau and other news organizations in Gaza.

But hes lying, plain and simple.

However, a 2014 article published by The Atlantic outs the AP big-time.

When Hamass leaders surveyed their assets before this summers round of fighting, they knew that among those assets was the international press. The AP staff in Gaza City would witness a rocket launch right beside their office, endangering reporters and other civilians nearbyand the AP wouldnt report it, the article reads.

The story also claimed that Hamas fighters would regularly burst into the APs Gaza bureau and threaten the staffand the AP wouldnt report it.

More than that, however, Israeli diplomats and intelligence officials were certain that the newswires staffers were all aware of their proximity to Hamas operators.

Spoke to a well-placed friend in the IDF just now. The bombed AP office building contained multiple Hamas operations & offices including weapons manufacturing and military intelligence. The building also housed an Islamic Jihad office. And APs local reporters knew about it, Free Beacon correspondent Noah Pollak tweeted last week.

Spoke to a well-placed friend in the IDF just now. The bombed AP office building contained multiple Hamas operations & offices including weapons manufacturing and military intelligence. The building also housed an Islamic Jihad office. And AP's local reporters knew about it.  Noah Pollak (@NoahPollak) May 15, 2021

Meanwhile, another Twitter user noted that the AP claim doesnt say much for their reporting abilities if they missed a Hamas staging office a floor away.

To believe that the AP wasnt aware of Hamas is to believe the AP also did not collude with Hitler and Nazi Germany  when all the evidence says otherwise.

Sources include:

JPost.com

NYPost.com

TheAtlantic.com

TheDailyWire.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Doctors in Canada have encountered patients exhibiting symptoms of a mysterious brain condition. The disease shares similarities with Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Medical professionals surmise that environmental toxins are behind the unknown condition.

Roger Ellis is a patient afflicted with the disease. The New Brunswick resident, who is in his early 60s, felt healthy and enjoyed his retirement prior to his diagnosis. Ellis had worked as an industrial mechanic for decades before he retired. But everything changed after he suffered a seizure in June 2019 on his 40th wedding anniversary.

Rogers son Steve said his fathers health took a turn for the worse after the seizure. He had delusions, hallucinations, weight loss, aggression [and] repetitive speech. At one point, he couldnt even walk. So in the span of three months, we were being brought to a hospital to tell us they believed he was dying  but no one knew why.

Doctors treating Roger initially suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) as the culprit. The fatal brain disorder had the same symptoms observed in the older Ellis. One kind of the disease known as Variant CJD is connected to the consumption of meat from animals infected with mad cow disease. However, tests for CJD conducted on Roger came back negative. Medical professionals told Steve that they did their best to help his father.

But it was only in March 2021 that Steve had an idea of what afflicted his father. A leaked public health memo obtained by Radio-Canada warned of a cluster of patients exhibiting an unknown degenerative brain disease. The memo had been sent to medical professionals in the New Brunswick province.

The Guardian confirmed the memos leak in a March 30 report. We are collaborating with different national groups and experts; however, no clear cause has been identified as of this time, the document said. Upon seeing the memo, Steve recalled saying that the symptoms in the memo matched with his fathers.

Neurologist describes various symptoms of mysterious brain condition

Roger has been put under the care of neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero. According to Steve, his fathers condition has stabilized, although he is still struggling with speech and sleeping issues. Roger is now in a specialized care home receiving some assistance.

According to Marrero, doctors first encountered the mysterious condition in 2015. He said that it was only observed in one isolated and atypical case at the time. But in recent years, many more have come forward and reported similar symptoms  enough for doctors to identify the disease as a never-before -seen condition.

The New Brunswick provincial government said it is currently tracking 48 cases of the brain disorder. Patients hailed from the Acadian Peninsula and Moncton areas of the province. The cases occurred equally in men and women, with symptoms being observed in people as young as 18 and as old as 85. The condition has claimed the lives of six people as of writing.

Marrero said that the symptoms observed are wide-ranging and can vary among patients. Behavioral changes such as anxiety and depression, muscle aches and spasms and stuttering were among the symptoms found. The neurologist also mentioned rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy in patients afflicted with the disorder. Some patients also needed walkers or wheelchairs to move around due to coordination problems.

In addition, some patients experienced hallucinations as a result of the disorder. Other patients also reported transient Capgras delusion, where a person believes that an impostor has replaced someone close to them.

Toxins suspected to be behind mysterious brain disorder

Marrero is leading an investigation into the brain condition alongside other researchers and the Public Health Agency of Canada. For now, they suspect that certain toxins are the culprit behind the disease. Theres a toxic element acquired in the environment of [patients] that triggers the degenerative changes, he remarked.

University of British Columbia neurologist Dr. Neil Cashman is among the researchers helping Marrero discover the truth. He theorized that two toxins are responsible for the brain disease that afflicted Roger Ellis.

First, he posited that chronic exposure to an excitotoxin such as domoic acid may have caused the condition. The toxin was linked to a food poisoning incident in Prince Edward Island province back in 1987. Contaminated mussels from the province caused memory loss, dizziness and confusion to a third of those who ate the shellfish.

Second, he surmised that another toxin called beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) may be behind the disease. It is produced by cyanobacteria commonly called blue-green algae. BMAA has been cited as having a role in the development of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease.

Cashman nevertheless insisted that aside from these two possible toxins, the current list of theories is not complete. He said: We have to go back to first principles [and] go back to square one. At this point, basically nothing can be excluded.

Visit Brain.news to read more articles about brain disorders such as the mysterious condition found in New Brunswick.

Sources include:

News.Yahoo.com

TheGuardian.com
(Natural News) A close examination of Chinese-language documents and scientific publications has revealed that the Pentagon and the Chinese military have been working together to develop biological weapons such as the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

The Military Veterinary Research Institute and the Institute of Zoonotic Diseases in Changchun, Jilin Province, China, led by Peoples Liberation Army General Ningyi Jin and retired General Xianzhu Xia, have been identified as core elements of this covert biowarfare program, which is believed to be the source of the Chinese Virus.

For the past eight years, at least four subordinates of Xianzhu Xia and Ningyi Jin have been collecting viruses both domestically and internationally for the purpose of manipulating them into deadly bioweapons. One of these subordinates, Biao He, played a key role in the isolation of bat coronaviruses ZC45 and ZXC21, says whistleblower Dr. Li-Meng Yan. These two coronaviruses are believed to be the backbone behind the Wuhan Flu.

The leaked documents and publications also show that the Chinese militarys Changchun research centers in the Jilin Province are directly linked to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston.

UTMB is a major virus research center heavily funded by the National Institutes of Health, especially Dr. Anthony Faucis National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), reports The Gateway Pundit, also implicating Fauci in the evil plot.

UTMB is also the home of the Department of Defense-funded Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases and has one of the few Biosafety Level 4 facilities for containing and conducting research on the worlds most dangerous viruses.

A man named Pei-Yong Shi is reportedly the key connection between UTM and said Chinese military research centers in the Jilin Province. Pei-Yong Shi was trained in the Peoples Republic of China and now works as a professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at UTMB.

Pei-Yong Shi has also been an honorary professor at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), communist Chinas only known level-four biosafety lab and the facility where the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) more than likely escaped.

Fauci, via the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), funneled more than $5 million to Pei-Yong Shi for research funding, which means Fauci is directly responsible for the millions of people who died from a bioweapon that he helped create.

Communist China recruits top-performing students to infiltrate other countries and steal their intellectual property

One of the main connections between the Chinese militarys Changchun research centers in Jilin Province and UTMP is Hualei Wang, who is listed alongside Pei-Yong Shi as a co-author on a scientific paper about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) that was published on Oct. 6, 2020.

While Hualei Wang hid his military affiliation in the English version of the paper that was published last year, an earlier Chinese version that was published all the way back in 2018 fully discloses it.

A leaked photo shows Hualei Wang associating with Gen. Xianzhu Xia, one of the leaders of the Chinese militarys Changchun research centers in Jilin Province. This is significant because back in 2012, Hualei Wang was chosen for Wanren Jihua, a national program involving 10,000 high-level students that focuses in part on infiltrating other countries and stealing their intellectual property.

Two others featured in the same photo, Tian Wang and Lynn Soong, also both trained in the Peoples Republic of China and lead a UTMB training program with funding from, you guessed it: Fauci and the NIAID.

Lynn Soong is a member of the Pentagon-funded UTMB Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, reports explain.

Between these revelations and Sen. Rand Pauls diligent and honorable grilling of Fauci for his direct involvement in funding dangerous gain of function research in communist China, the Chinese Virus house of cards is finally starting to crumble.

This is great news for freedom-loving Americans who have been pushing for over a year now to see our liberties restored and the scourge of Chinese Germs eradicated from our land. For those who love wearing a mask and getting injected, however, reality is about to set in with a vengeance.

Once the vaccinated realize that they were lied to  assuming they ever come to grips with that fact  the entire country could potentially join together as one for a change to eradicate the virus known as Fauci, along with his communist infiltrator buddies.

Fauci has lied under oath repeatedly when questioned about why he gave American taxpayer dollars to the communist Chinese to develop deadly bioweapons. This is called treason and it must be dealt with, swiftly and harshly.

Fauci also committed murder with his treason. Had he not secretly funneled all that money to China, there never would have been a plandemic in the first place.

If more Americans could find it within themselves to look past the left-right divide, they would see that Anthony Fauci, Bill Gates and communist China are common enemies that threaten us all. And the only way to cure this cancer is to join forces to fight them, rather than each other.

If and when theres that shakedown, the NDAA must be utilized against these people, a commenter of ours wrote.

He is part of a conspiracy that is working to put China in control of this planet, wrote another about the likes of Fauci, who has been weaseling his way around this plandemic unscathed for over a year now.

More related news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) deception can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com

TheNationalPulse.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Dandelions will pop up just about anywhere, from the side of the road to the middle of your lawn. But dont get rid of this flowering plant, even though its usually considered a pesky weed.

Learn how to make soothing dandelion tea or salad using dandelion flowers and leaves. (h/t to ApartmentPrepper.com)

Health benefits of dandelions

Dandelions, which are common in Europe and North America, are dismissed as weeds. But despite their reputation, dandelions offer several health benefits. You can harvest the flowers, leaves and roots of this edible plant and use them in the kitchen.

Dandelions are nutritious and contain the following vitamins and minerals:

Calcium

Fiber

Folic acid

Iron

Magnesium

Manganese

Potassium

Protein

Vitamin A

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B6

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Zinc

Dandelion flowers, leaves and roots are used as a natural diuretic, meaning they can increase the production of urine. Dandelions can also be used to promote digestive health and can serve as a mild laxative.

Considerations before using dandelions

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), using dandelion in the amounts commonly found in food is generally considered safe. But not much is known about the safety of taking dandelion in larger amounts.

Dandelions can cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergic reactions may be more likely if you are allergic to related plants like chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds and ragweed.

Tips for foraging dandelions

When foraging for dandelions, choose those that have not been sprayed with herbicides or weed killers. Pick dandelions off the beaten path, or those away from vehicle exhaust and dog walkers because you dont want to use anything pets mightve done their business on.

Its best to collect dandelion roots in the winter because the roots are strong. You can also gather dandelion roots in early spring before new leaves and flowers start to grow since the roots have all the nutrition stored for the new plant.

Choose older plants in large clusters that are about a year old and well-matured. Younger dandelion plants are a little bitter, but you can still use younger roots.

5 Uses for dandelions

Here are five ways to use dandelions:

Coffee substitute

During the civil war, Confederate soldiers used different coffee substitutes because their supply lines were often unreliable. Soldiers roasted dandelion root to make a mild coffee-like drink.

While dandelion coffee doesnt contain caffeine, the warm, delicious beverage comforted soldiers and gave them an energy boost. When SHTF, you can make dandelion coffee if you run out of coffee beans.

Dandelion coffee

Ingredients for 1 serving:

2 Cups of water

2 Tablespoons of roasted dandelion root (About 15 dandelions worth.)

1 Stick of cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon chips

1 Teaspoon of fennel seeds

Milk and honey (Optional)

Preparation:

If you have unroasted dandelion roots, roast them at 350 F for 40 minutes. If youre using dried dandelion roots, do so for 15 minutes. Place the roasted dandelion root in a pot with the cinnamon and fennel seeds. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the tea and serve plain or add milk and your preferred natural sweetener.

Dandelion jelly

Dandelion jelly can be used as a natural substitute for honey. The jelly can be eaten with biscuits, pancakes, toast or any food youd normally pair jams, jellies or honey with.

Dandelion salad

Raw dandelion leaves can be used to make a salad. If you havent tried eating dandelion greens in a salad, note that the leaves have a tangy, slightly bitter taste.

The recipe below pairs dandelion greens with fresh and juicy ingredients like cucumbers and tomatoes.

Homemade dandelion salad

Ingredients for 4 servings:

4 Cups of fresh dandelion greens, chopped or torn into pieces

1-2 Large or 12 salad-size tomatoes, chopped

1 Medium cucumber, sliced

1/2 Red onion, sliced thinly

1/4 Cup of pumpkin seeds, toasted (optional)

1/4 Cup of sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

Preparation:

Pick four or more cups of fresh dandelion greens. Forage for young and tender greens before flowers bloom for best flavor. Wash and clean the greens. Dont use any yellowed or blemished leaves. Wash the tomatoes and onion, then let them dry on paper towels. Chop or tear the dandelion greens into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use the leaves whole. Arrange the greens on four plates and add the sliced or chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and rings of red onion. Garnish with sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or other salad additions before serving.

Dandelion tea

You can make tea using either dandelion flowers or leaves. Gather a handful and wash them well. Soak briefly to rid of any soil or insects stuck on the flowers or leaves.

Flowers

After washing, pull the petals off of the flowers. Once you have a handful of petals, place them in a cup and pour boiling water.

Set the mixture aside to let it steep for three minutes. Strain the liquid into a cup, then add honey before serving.

Leaves

After washing the dandelion leaves, place them on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels. Set the leaves aside in a warm, dry place until they dry out.

Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight jar. To make tea, take a teaspoon of dried leaves and steep before serving.

Dandelion salve for sore muscles

You can also make a dandelion salve to relieve sore muscles, achy and arthritic joints and chapped skin. (Related: Emergency medicine: 9 Healing herbs to grow at home before SHTF.)

This salve is perfect if you work outdoors or with your hands a lot. But to make a dandelion salve, you first need to create an infused oil.

Making dandelion-infused oil

Dont use freshly picked dandelions because they have a high water content that can make the oil a little sludgy, with a higher likelihood of spoilage.

After you forage dandelion flowers, spread them out in a single layer on a plain paper towel and let them air dry for several days. If some of the flowers turn to puffs, you can still use them.

To make dandelion oil, fill a canning jar halfway with dried dandelion flowers. Cover with twice as much as your chosen carrier oil, or to the top of the jar. You can use carrier oils like apricot kernel, avocado, hemp, olive, sweet almond, or sunflower.

To make a quick infusion, set the uncovered jar into a small saucepan filled with several inches of water. Heat the mixture over a low burner for a few hours, but make sure the water doesnt evaporate.

Remove from the heat and strain. This quick infusion method is the best way to infuse coconut oil. When the oil is done infusing, you can make some salve.

Homemade dandelion salve

You will need:

3.5 Ounces (100 grams) of dandelion-infused oil

0.5 Ounces (15 grams) of beeswax pastilles

Tamanu oil (Optional, this is a natural skin healing agent.)

Instructions:

Pour the dandelion oil into a heatproof container. If youre using tamanu oil, use only three ounces of dandelion-infused oil and 0.5 ounces of tamanu oil. Add the beeswax pastilles to the heat-proof container. Set it gently into a pan with inches of water like when you infused the dandelion oil. Gently bring the temperature up to medium-lowish heat, then let the container stay in the makeshift double boiler until the wax melts. Remove from heat and carefully pour into tins or jars then set aside until the salve is firm.

Note:

This recipe makes about four ounces of salve. One batch fills around two two-ounce glass jars or tins with a bit leftover. You can also store the salve in a clean glass canning jar.

The shelf life of dandelion salve is at least nine months to a year.

If you see dandelions in your backyard, gather some flowers, leaves, or roots and make some soothing tea or healing salve for sore muscles and achy joints.

Sources include:

ApartmentPrepper.com

PracticalSelfreliance.com

Delishably.com

TheNerdyFarmWife.com
(Natural News) The Japanese Red Cross now refuses to accept blood donations from people who have received the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

The website of the Japanese Red Cross states that individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to donate blood for the time being.

The same page warns potential blood donors that they will not be able to give their blood for a certain time after they have received different vaccinations.

Some deferrals prevent blood donations for 24 hours after vaccination, including after getting vaccinated for influenza, cholera and tetanus. Others prevent blood donations for two weeks after vaccination, such as after getting the hepatitis B vaccine.

Those who have received the vaccines against mumps, rubella and other live vaccines that are considered weakly poisonous are not allowed to donate blood for four weeks after vaccination. Those who have gotten the smallpox vaccine cannot donate blood for eight weeks after receiving the dose.

Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple Universitys Japan campus, explained that Japan has not forgotten about a scandal that gripped the nation in the 1980s. At the time, government officials had allowed blood contaminated with the HIV virus to continue to be used. This was even though it had been established that virus elements in the blood could have been eliminated with the use of heat treatments.

Kingston said this explains both the cautious approach to blood donations and the very slow and methodical rollout of coronavirus vaccines in the nation. Only around two percent of the Japanese population is fully vaccinated, compared to more than 35 percent in the United States.

Its a bureaucratic bottleneck driven by fear that something might go wrong, so best to delay and delay, said Kingston.

America continuing to accept blood donations regardless of vaccination status

In the U.S., the American Red Cross is allowing individuals who have received the coronavirus vaccine to donate their blood. (Related: OUTRAGEOUS: American Red Cross accepting coronavirus-infected people as blood donors, claims coronavirus cant be spread through blood.)

According to the American Red Cross website, vaccinated individuals will either be allowed to donate blood immediately or after a short deferral time, depending on the type of coronavirus vaccine they receive.

People inoculated with an inactivated or RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine will be able to donate their blood immediately. These vaccines include those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

If the vaccinated individuals received a live attenuated coronavirus vaccine, if they are unsure what kind of COVID-19 vaccine they received or if they got vaccinated as part of a clinical trial for a vaccine that has not yet been authorized for widespread use in the U.S., they have to wait a mere two weeks before giving their blood.

Because the authorized vaccines in the U.S.  Pfizer, Modern and Johnson & Johnson  are either RNA-based or use an inactivated virus, this means there is virtually nothing stopping vaccinated individuals from donating their blood.

The simple answer is, there is no waiting time between vaccination and donation, said Kim Cronin, manager of donor services at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Donation services have received this news warmly. This is because blood banks have been experiencing a shortage of blood since the start of the pandemic.

The past fourteen months have been quite challenging for those of us responsible for maintaining an adequate blood supply for patients in need, said Cronin. Blood continues to be needed every day.

With more people getting vaccinated and starting to return to normal activities, the Red Cross is concerned about the impact that could have on blood donor turnout, said Holly Grant, CEO of the Red Cross of Massachusetts. Blood is a perishable product and the supply must be constantly refreshed so that hospitals always have what they need when they need it.

Learn more about coronavirus vaccines by reading the latest articles at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

Home.Solari.com

FactCheck.org

RedCrossBlood.org

WBTV.com

NBCBoston.com
(Natural News) Many colleges and universities have announced they will require students planning to return to campus this fall to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, explaining their aim is to protect the health and safety of the community.

(Article by Art Moore republished from WND.com)

And the American College Health Association  which recommends the vaccination requirement  makes it clear that the main purpose is not to protect the students themselves. The protection is not for the young people, who have only a miniscule risk, but for the high-risk individuals in the surrounding community or wherever the students go in the mass migration at the end of the semester.

Thats a troubling shift in public policy, says Dr. Jane Orient, the executive director of Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.

She points out that people 15 to 24 years of age amount to only 0.1% of recorded COVID deaths. And their survival rate is virtually 100%, according to the CDC.

Yet, Orient argued, young people can suffer death or serious disability after getting one of the experimental COVID-19 vaccines, which have not been fully approved by the FDA.

She pointed out that according to an independent analysis, the aggressive Israeli vaccination campaign killed more than 200 times as many young persons as the coronavirus itself could have killed during the same 35-week period.

An online commenter that backed the ACHAs recommendation on its website made the case for young people accepting the risk.

It is perfectly reasonable for a society to expect its members, *all* of its members, to take up such risks on behalf of everyone. Unless you plan on putting a bullet in your own head on your thirty ninth birthday, one day *you* will be that elderly person who benefits disproportionately from universal vaccination. To not accept that risk now, yet expect that protection later, would make you a hypocrite.

Orient reacted: So much for the parental instinct to protect childreninstead of using or sacrificing them!

She acknowledged that the precise number of post-vaccine adverse events because of incomplete reporting.

But on the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) and the British Yellow Card system are reports of death, clotting or bleeding problems, paralysis, blindness and miscarriages.

The long-term adverse events cannot yet be known. The prospect of most concern to the young women calling our office is infertility, Orient said.

She cautioned that there is no evidence that the vaccines currently available cause infertility. But there also is no evidence that they dont.

There are plausible reasons to worry, she said. Viral spike protein has been found in placentas from mothers who gave birth after having COVID. And the spike protein itself, without any virus, can attach to the lining of blood vessels and many tissues, and even cross the blood-brain barrier, and wreak havoc.

She noted that the Pfizer experimental trial excluded women who were or might soon become pregnant and required men to abstain or use a condom for 28 days post injection.

That sounds, she said, like an abundance of caution.

But there is no abundance of caution shown by ACHA and the institutions in forcing this product onto students entering their prime reproductive years.

No concern about reproductive rights, she said.

Orient argues its illegal to use coercion to gain acceptance of products that are available only through an emergency use authorization.

The colleges and universities, she said, apparently are confident of quick FDA approval, even though trials wont be complete until 2022 or 2023.

What can students do?

Orient said her organization, the AAPS, has written to college administrators urging them to withdraw the mandate but has received no reply.

Shes not optimistic that she will get a positive response, noting ACHA receives grants from Pfizer and that CDC that probably talk louder.

So, what can students do? she asks. Be cheerful or reluctant participants in a massive uncontrolled experiment and hope for the best? Seek an exemption? Or pause their education plans and outrageous tuition?

Orient argues that a college degree can be paused and there are many online educational opportunities. Further, for some people, a college degree is unnecessary.

It all boils down to a risk-benefit analysis.

The biological window for having a family will close, she says. How much risk of infertility should young people take?

Green pass

Theres another approach to the increasing trend of restricting access to the vaccinated.

Israels Health Ministry announced in Februrary it would allow people who are tested and found to have coronavirus antibodies to access sites open to the vaccinated and those who recovered from COVID-19.

Getting the Green Pass would require paying for the serological testing.

Read more at: WND.com and MedicalTyranny.com.
Nothing could better illustrate the ongoing hypocrisy Correction Officers face more than a frivolous inmate lawsuit that falsely claims a Correction Officer didnt intervene in a violent inmate on inmate attack, COBA President Benny Boscio said. The only reason more inmates havent been seriously hurt is because of our officers who bravely put themselves in between warring inmates everyday and literally help save their lives. Yet, no matter what we do, we are second guessed for using too much force.
(Natural News) The nine campuses of the University of California (UC) system will no longer consider standardized testing scores as part of the admission process beginning this fall.

(Article by Ivan Pentchoukov republished from TheEpochTimes.com)

The change is the result of a legal settlement (pdf) of a lawsuit brought by groups that claimed that the traditional SAT and ACT tests are racist.

Under the settlement, the university, which enrolls some 225,000 undergraduate students, said it wont consider SAT or ACT scores sent along with admissions applications until 2025. The university further stated that it had no current plan to consider the scores after 2025.

The settlement specifies that the university can still use SAT and ACT scores to determine course placement after the students are accepted. But the nine campuses will no longer use the test scores to determine how to award scholarships.

The lawsuit was filed against the university on Dec. 10, 2019, by several students and groups, including Chinese for Affirmative Action, College Access Plan, College Seekers, Community Coalition, Dolores Huerta Foundation, and Little Manila Rising. The Compton Unified School District filed a similar lawsuit on the same day. The two cases were subsequently merged.

The original complaints claimed that SAT and ACT tests serve as a metric of wealth and race, rather than a predictor of college success.

The mere presence of the discriminatory metric of SAT and ACT scores in the UC admissions process precludes admissions officers from according proper weight to meaningful criteria, such as academic achievement and personal qualities, and requires them instead to consider criteria that act as a proxy for wealth and race and thus concentrate privilege on UC campuses, one of the two complaints (pdf) alleged.

On Aug. 31, 2020, the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda, ordered the university to stop using the test results for admissions or scholarship decisions while the lawsuit was pending. The university appealed the decision and the appeal remains unresolved.

As part of the settlement, the University of California system will pay $1.25 million in attorney fees to the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs.

College Board, the developer of the SAT test, and ACT both told The Epoch Times that the racial disparities in test scores arent a function of the tests themselves, but rather a symptom of broader educational issues.

The SAT itself is not a racist instrument. Every question is rigorously reviewed for evidence of bias, and any question that could favor one group over another is discarded, College Board told The Epoch Times. Todays SAT is an achievement test that measures what is taught in school and what students need to know to be prepared for college. Performance differences across groups of students reflect an unequal K12 system. Thats why the SAT should only be considered in the context of where students live and go to school, and an SAT score should never be a veto on a student.

As always, we support institutional autonomy to make the difficult decisions that ultimately benefit individual systems, schools, and their students, ACT told The Epoch Times. That said, we work diligently to ensure the ACT is not biased against any group of students, and research consistently shows that test scores are a valid predictor of college success, overall and in particular for students from underserved backgrounds.

Current score gaps between groups are unacceptable. Though these gaps are not caused by the test, ACT is committed to joining forces with those who seek transformative change to achieve equitable learning outcomes for all students.

SAT and ACT scores have been a mainstay of the college admissions process for decades. Opponents of the tests use for admission argue that students of certain races score lower on average than other races. Proponents say standardized tests offer an equal playing field, since all students take the same test.

Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com and CampusInsanity.com.
(Natural News) The government of Great Britain has announced that in order to get more people vaccinated with the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), jab-armed hit squads are now being deployed throughout the island to help boost compliance.

Plandemic goons have already been spotted roving neighborhoods in Bolton and Blackburn, two areas of England that have supposedly been hit hard by the new so-called Indian variant of the Chinese Virus.

Commenting on the fascist scheme, a government spokesperson blasphemously remarked: In jabs we trust.

Boris Johnson also announced that Brits can once again go to pubs and restaurants and sit inside, adding the caveat that the Indian variant could pose a real risk of disruption to the planned June 21 end to social distancing.

Thus far, some 36 million vaccine doses have been administered to Brits, covering about 69 percent of the total adult population. The number of second doses administered has reached nearly 20 million.

In a matter of days, everyone over the age of 35 in the U.K. will be eligible for injection. And the government is insistent that there is no evidence to suggest that the injections are not effective against the Indian variant.

Areas with lowest vaccination rates seeing highest virus spread, politicians claim

As for the door-to-door injection campaign, government officials plan to blitz entire neighborhoods where the Indian variant is believed to be lurking. Entire households will get needled on command, reports indicate, in order to save lives.

Unless everyone gets a syringe plunged into their arms, the Chinese Virus will continue to spread like wildfire, British politicians insist. And it just so happens that this alleged spread is taking place almost exclusively in areas where people are refusing injection.

In Bolton and Blackburn, for instance, the vaccination rate is below 80 percent. To get it up above 80 percent, the British government is fearmongering about the Indian variant while sending jackboots in to forcibly administer Wuhan Flu injections.

The national army is also being sent in to target entire multi-generational households with the vaccines. Some 4,000 people in Bolton alone were injected by a jab bus that came barreling through town the other day.

As more Brits get injected, Johnson is allowing more travelers to enter the country from elsewhere, including from India. Unlike the United States, which recently banned travel to and from India, England has opened up its doors to the highly infected nation.

Hilariously, ethnic minorities are the most resistant to vaccination in the U.K., which has prompted the government there to come up with new tactics for convincing brown and black people to get the jab.

While upwards of 93.5 percent of all white Brits over the age of 50 have already been injected for the Chinese Virus, only about 83.5 percent of South Asians have gotten it. Among blacks, only about 67 percent have agreed to get injected.

If there are communities unprotected, the virus will find them and go through them like wildfire, claims Nadhim Zahawi, a minority who works as the U.K.s Vaccines Minister.

In addition to drive-by vans and door-to-door hassling, the government of the U.K. is also hoping to convince more people to get injected by playing on their emotions.

You would never go outside with a gun and start shooting people because you can see the destruction, stated ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq during a recent appearance. But those without the jab dont see the impact of passing the virus on.

Labour health spokesman Jonathan Ashworth agrees, having stated that a vaccine blitz is needed to prevent people from saying no to the jab.

More related news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) injections can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Newspunch.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) There are now 3,532 circulating Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) variants in India, new reports indicate, and they all came about almost immediately after people started getting mass injected with the vaccines.

According to a May 6 report from The Hindu, 27 states throughout India are confirmed to be afflicted with these variants, which were identified from 13,000 samples that were sequenced for variants. Among the 3,532 variants identified, 1,527 were found to be B.1.6.1.7, or double mutant, variants.

This news prompted the Indian government to announce a third wave of the Chinese Virus, which it says is inevitable looking at the current surge in infections.

The B.1.1.7 variant said to be circulating throughout the United Kingdom is supposedly on the decline in India, while another double mutant strain known as B.1.617 is said to be on the rise.

The Indian government says that B.1.617 could be linked to the second wave that reportedly caused a number of deaths in past weeks.

The current surge in cases seen over the last and a half month in some states shows a correlation with the risk of the Indian mutant variant, announced S.K. Singh, director of Indias National Center for Disease Control (NDCC).

The U.K. variant is declining in proportion across the country in the last one and half months.

The vaccines are spreading the variants, and communist China is laughing about it

Right around the time that the mainstream media began reporting these numbers and talking about scary new variants of the Wuhan Flu, Kamala Harris issued a travel ban against India.

Since the first, second and however many Chinese Virus waves there have been at this point have all fizzled out, the establishment is now working overtime to try to reignite fear about even more waves in order to keep people scared and muzzled inside their homes for the rest of their lives.

In talking about its record-breaking daily death toll, Indias health ministry blamed the variants rather than discussing the elephant in the room. Everything was fine in India until the mass vaccination campaigns began, and now more people are dying daily than ever before.

Could it be that the injections are responsible? The obvious answer is yes. But as long as the mainstream media refuses to connect the dots, many will believe that the variants are spreading through the air, necessitating the creation of even more deadly vaccines.

This vaccine addiction will be the downfall of the planet, which has been brainwashed into believing that every sniffle requires another injection as a cure. And with each new injection comes more disease, creating an endless cycle of diseases and vaccines.

Meanwhile, India is trying to save face by putting out messaging claiming that the situation is under control and that other countries should not worry. Communist China, in response, has been mocking India and the mass death that is occurring there.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) certainly knows that the injections are spreading the disease, seeing as how both were made in China  thanks to Anthony Fauci.

How quickly many have forgotten that we would not even be in this mess were it not for the machinations hatched in Wuhan a year-and-a-half ago. Both the East and the West were involved in the unleashing of all this, and there is no end in sight to the madness.

Truth can never be buried forever; it will come out, says GNews With the help of the Whistleblower movement, people and countries around the world will find out the truth about the origin of the CCP virus soon.

More related news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) death jabs can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

GNews.org

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Leaked Chinese government documents reveal that President Xi Jinping wants the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to control the entirety of the internet.

On Jan. 4, 2017, Xi made a speech at the fourth leadership meeting of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, Chinas main internet censor and policy-making body. The documents summarizing his speech were leaked to The Epoch Times.

During his speech, Xi said control over the internet was the new focal point of [Chinas] national strategic contest. His speech even singled out the United States as the main force that stands in the way of China dominating the internet. (Related: China launches app encouraging citizens to report others for expressing mistaken opinions or denying CCP-approved official history.)

Xi said the country would control the internet by taking over every single part of the online ecosystem, including apps, content, quality and capital, with the ultimate goal of wielding discourse power over internet discussions and private communications.

This speech confirms efforts made by the CCP over the past few years to expand its online presence to promote its own communist version of the internet as a model for the world to follow or be subsumed under.

The Chinese internet is built upon the worlds most sprawling system of online surveillance and censorship known as the Great Firewall. Emulating this kind of authoritarian version of the internet would run counter to the open model advocated by the U.S.

China wants to expand the Great Firewall to include the entire world

In the CCPs pursuit of dominating the global internet, Xi ordered resources to be put into three goals that would effectively replicate the systems that created the Great Firewall.

First, China needs to be able to set the rules governing the global internet. Second, the country needs to install surrogates for the CCP in important positions within global internet organizations. Third, Chinese authorities need to gain control over critical infrastructure that controls the internet, such as root servers.

Domain Name System servers are critical to maintaining free and uninterrupted internet communications around the world. These servers are comprised of networks made up of over 1,000 root server instances in different countries. They direct users to websites they intend to visit. There are around 20 root server instances within China, and there are more than 10 times that amount within the U.S. alone.

Cybersecurity experts are concerned about the possibility of China taking control of more root servers. If it does, it would have the power to redirect traffic to wherever it wanted. If a user wanted to visit a website or a news article that had a topic deemed too critical of the CCP, the regimes servers could route that user to a different page instead.

The minute you control the root, you can spoof or fake anything, remarked Gary Miliefsky, cybersecurity expert and publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine. You can control what people see, what people dont see.

China is already working to make Xis dream a reality. In 2019, multinational Chinese tech company Huawei proposed the creation of a new internet, called New IP. This would replace the current infrastructure connecting the global internet with supposedly faster, more efficient and more secure systems built by China.

Miliefsky agreed that New IP might improve the global network; this is the price people will pay for their free access to the internet to be taken away.

Theres going to be no free speech, said Miliefsky. And theres going to be eavesdropping in real-time, all the time, on everyone. Everyone who joins it is going to be eavesdropped by a single government.

Learn more about how the Chinese government is planning to take over the global internet by reading the latest articles at Censorship.news.

Sources include:

TheOrganicPrepper.com

TheEpochTimes.com
(Natural News) A former Jeffrey Epstein insider claims that Bill Gates was a regular at the notorious pedophiles $77 million Manhattan townhouse, where Epstein held mens club  type gatherings for his closest pals (documented by his homes alleged network of spy cameras, were sure).

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

For Gates, Going to Jeffreys was a respite from his marriage. It was a way of getting away from Melinda according to one of two insiders, who came forward to the Daily Beast to break what were guessing is the first rule of elite pedo-lair club.

According to the report, Gates and Epstein traded advice over their respective problems, while Gates  met a rotating cast of bold-faced names and discussed worldly issues in between rounds of jokes and gossipa mens club atmosphere that irritated Melinda.

Gates used the gatherings at Epsteins $77 million New York townhouse as an escape from what he told Epstein was a toxic marriage, a topic both men found humorous, a person who attended the meetings told The Daily Beast. The billionaire met Epstein dozens of times starting in 2011 and continuing through to 2014 mostly at the financiers Manhattan homea substantially higher number than has been previously reported. Their conversations took place years before Bill and Melinda Gates announced this month that they were splitting up. Gates, in turn, encouraged Epstein to rehabilitate his image in the media following his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution, and discussed Epstein becoming involved with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. -Daily Beast

According to one of the insiders, Epstein and Gates were very close.

A spokesperson for Gates (fleet of attorneys) told the Beast Your characterization of his meetings with Epstein and others about philanthropy is inaccurate, including who participated. Similarly, any claim that Gates spoke of his marriage or Melinda in a disparaging manner is false.

Bill never received or solicited personal advice of any kind from Epstein on marriage or anything else. Bill never complained about Melinda or his marriage to Epstein, the rep continued.

According to the Beast, Melinda Gates was furious over Bills relationship with Epstein, and was put off by the creepy financier upon meeting him in September 2013, after the couple accepted an award at a New York City hotel. Melindas anger, people familiar with the matter said, eventually led to the demise of Bill and Epsteins friendship.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal just reported that Melinda began consulting divorce attorneys in October, 2019  right around the time it was revealed that Bill and Epstein were pals. Whats more, Microsoft board members wanted Bill gone in late 2019 after an internal investigation revealed that Gates had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female Microsoft employee.

Bill and Melinda Gates announced earlier this month that they were ending their 27-year marriage because, according to Melinda, the marriage was irretrievably broken. She had been working with attorneys since at least 2019 to end it according to the Journal. And while the couple hasnt revealed what prompted the split, the Journal also reported that Bills dealings with Epstein was a source of concern.

The Daily Beast continues:

People close to Bill Gates told The Daily Beast that the deterioration of their relationship could be seen in Bill and Melindas body language. The couple used to interact with more laughter and ease, said one friend of Bill, who added that eventually, being around them was like arriving at a summit. It wasnt like arriving at a dinner with a couple or something; it was more like two heads of state, the friend added. So thats why Epstein could have been a factor [in their split], but was it the factor? That I fundamentally dont believe. The friend said the couples strictly regimented existence as billionaire philanthropists supplanted the more normal life and levity they enjoyed in younger years. Bill is far less comfortable being out in the world, the person said. For Bill, it was just so rare he was allowed to do normal things, which I think he really craved. To Bill, such normal things included meeting new people over dinner at Epsteins homea break from the tech moguls tightly choreographed schedule of events where hed be seated at the head table with the most prominent guests.

He likes nothing better than to get together and debate or lecture people, or tell everyone what hes doing with the polio vaccine. He has an ability, unlike any other person Ive ever met, to lecture to a table of people without stopping for an hour, said one insider. Anyone that gave him a stage for a performance and said, Bill, come talk to us about what youre passionate about, that would be something he would enjoy.

Meanwhile, wed still like to know how Gates adviser Boris Nikolic (pictured below), was named as a fallback executor in an will Epstein amended days before his August 10 death in a Manhattan jail cell

Come to think of it, maybe someone should ask Larry Summers if he was ever in Epsteins mens club at the pedo lair.

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) The military-industrial complex is so desperate to get all Americans vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) that it is now sending uniformed military troops into the streets to jab drunk young people who are too inebriated to resist.

Reports indicate that soldiers are now roving the streets of Dallas searching for young adults incapacitated on alcohol to roll up their sleeves for one of Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed injections.

Since only about 40 percent of young adults in the area are believed to have been vaccinated so far, the medical deep state is having its obedient soldier drones attempt to double that number by tricking young people into getting needled while their brains are impaired.

We were actually celebrating my best friends birthday  he just turned 19  so we were going to go skate around, get something to eat, and I was like s***, I might as well get it done, one blue-haired young person told CBS DFW about his agreeing to get injected upon encountering military troops in the neighborhood of Deep Ellum.

All they needed was my first and last name, and then they asked for my address line and my drivers license number.

Another middle-aged man said he was just walking by to go get dinner when he encountered the soldiers armed with needles. The encounter was apparently so compelling that the man agreed to roll up his sleeve on the spot to get injected.

It was pretty easy, he told the news, mumbling through his face mask.

Drunk 7-Eleven employee seen receiving military-administered jab on camera

One person tweeted a particularly disturbing video of what appears to be a drunk 7-Eleven employee rolling up his sleeve to have a younger military soldier administer a Wuhan Flu shot right in the store  no doctors or medical personnel necessary.

Even though licensed medical workers are the only ones legally allowed to administer pharmaceutical injections, an exception was apparently made for the teenage-looking soldier to crudely stick the needle in the employees arm.

With the Johnson & Johnson, you only need one and done, the soldier is heard saying to the man  watch below. So thats the good thing about it. You dont have to get a second one, nothing like that.

They was walking around Deep Ellum last night randomly trying to vaccinate people and bar goers who havent been vaccinated yet in dallas pic.twitter.com/AQ3dH44Lbj  TRIPLE D DAT!!!!!! (@TRIPLED4LIFE) May 16, 2021

As you will notice, the soldier had two unsanitary bandages hanging off of his sleeve ready to apply to the injection site. Seems safe and professional, right?

Just days ago, taking off your mask in a public place was considered by Democrats to be an act of murder. Now, slapping a few dirty bandages on your sleeve while injecting someone with deadly chemicals in the middle of a 7-Eleven at midnight is being reported as science.

America really has become the Twilight Zone. Thanks to both the previous administration and the current one, our country has been plunged into a medical police state that is only just getting started with what it has planned for the populace.

Drunk people cannot give legal consent, noted one commenter at Citizen Free Press about how heinous it is for the military to be targeting drunk people with life-altering injections while drunk at the local bar.

Ambushing drunks? Not cool, wrote another. Its an irreversible experimental genetic treatment. Its not right to go stalking people for your sick agenda.

Others noted that wars were fought by our country to stop this type of genocidal encroachment. Now, our own military is doing the encroaching, and in Texas of all places. Oh, America, how far you have fallen.

To learn more about how the American military is participating in mass genocide by administering Chinese Virus injections to drunk people, visit MedicalTyranny.com.

Sources for this article include:

CitizenFreePress.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Millions of consumers around the world have been hoodwinked by the Non-GMO product label, and to this day, have no clue that the quality of the majority of those products is nothing even close to organic. The whole goal of eating healthy is to avoid foods that are contaminated, and that way you also get the most nutrients possible. The Non-GMO label, such as the popular Project Non-GMO Verified label, can be affixed to food products that still contain biosludge biological waste, which can include syringes, blood vials and pathogens from surgical wraps and Petri dishes used to develop dirty vaccines, including COVID-19.

There is one good reason to buy food that is labeled Non-GMO, but there are about 10 blaring reasons not to. This is why you should only buy organic food or locally (or self-grown) food that you can be sure is not loaded with contaminants. If you buy local, ask the growers a few key questions. Lets start digging into the massive difference between just Non-GMO and organic, clean food.

Mountains of scientific research prove that glyphosate, the key active ingredient in the worlds most widely-used toxic herbicide (that accounts for about 50 percent of the product), causes cancer, kidney failure and liver failure in animals. This is allowed in Non-GMO foods.

From FoodBabe.com:

Non-GMO foods are allowed to contain cancer-causing and organ-killing Roundup

The difference between Non-GMO and conventional food is that the farmers (or biotech giants of the industry) cant use their genetically modified seeds, which are immune to deadly Roundup, but they CAN still spray the crops with Roundup, and this is done for several reasons, not just to kill weeds. Roundup contains glyphosate and thousands of other synthetic, chemical-based contaminants that make glyphosate penetrate the leaves and outer layers of produce.

Also, Roundup is used as a drying agent, a week or two before harvest, so the wheat, rye, oats, barley and other grains wont grow mold and fungus in the storage silos. Roundup accumulates in the human body, the more you eat it, and causes kidney disease, breast cancer, liver tumors and even birth defects.

These biotech and corporate companies couldnt care less about human health or environment sustainability. Its all about the money, and these biotech companies also invest in chronic sick-care companies that are so wealthy in the USA, especially. Thats why they like consumers thinking the Non-GMO label means healthier food, when its only an inkling of a difference from standard, conventional crops and produce, which are for the most part, deadly for humans.

Stop eating food contaminants, and theyll stop eating you

Stop and think deeply about the difference between organic food and Non-GMO labeled food, and you will understand the world of difference that it makes in being healthy now and over the long term, versus being sick now and sick over the long term. This is the definition of longevity without medications versus the definition of chronic sick care that ends life early (and expensively).

Non-GMO foods can contain synthetic pesticides, toxic herbicides, residue of hexane (a gasoline vapor constituent), human waste and hospital bio-waste (a.k.a. bio-sludge), growth hormones, antibiotics and even the insidious Ractopine drug, that the US industry loves but is outright banned in most other countries around the world.

Over time, these chemicals and food contaminants will eat you alive. They warp your cells and turn them into cancer cells that turn and attack your healthy cells. There is no cure for cancer that you feed every day. Heres the ultimate example  hexane.

Hexane is allowed in foods labeled Non-GMO but not in organic foods

If you dont think youre eating hexane, just take a look at most conventional oils and Non-GMO oils, including soybean, canola and corn oils. Research reveals that hexane residue is found in products after processing and is going right into human mouths. From lab to stomach. Heres what it does to you.

First off, hexane is classified as an air pollutant by the EPA. Short term or acute inhalation causes nervous system problems, so now get ready for what hexane does to you when you eat it. Classified as a neurotoxin by the CDC, hexane brings health hazards into your body that you dont want to mess around with. It can lead directly to severe abdominal pain and impact your respiratory system at the same time. Your mouth starts burning, then you begin coughing uncontrollably, then your throat and chest burn, leading eventually to chemical pneumonitis (chronic irritation to the lungs).

Remember, cancer cells go after weakened tissue first. Thats why smokers get lung cancer. Thats why mammograms cause breast cancer. Thats why eating bleached foods causes bladder cancer.

Go organic and leave the non-GMO on the shelf.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

Foodbabe.com
(Natural News) Americas Frontline Doctors (AFLDS) personality Dr. Stella Immanuel is back with a new interview on Brighteon Conversations, hosted by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger.

During the segment  watch below  Dr. Immanuel talked about how she and the other AFLDS doctors have been stifled by the medical establishment for trying to treat the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and other remedies, even as conventional doctors continue to do nothing to help patients.

More than a year has passed and government-approved medicine still has no solutions for the Chinese Virus other than escalating medical fascism and tyranny. This is completely unacceptable for the medical professional and Dr. Immanuel is upset about it.

Ive been in this country for 30 years and Ive never seen a time in medical practice where we were told to not treat patients, she stated about how the system has been stopping physicians from saving lives.

We are doctors. Even minus hydroxychloroquine, covid has respiratory problems and we know how to treat respiratory problems.

Anthony Fauci, Bill Gates and other plandemic scam artists actively discouraged physicians from administering treatments like HCQ, zinc, vitamin D and other remedies that could have saved hundreds of thousands of people from dying. This allowed the plandemic to flourish unabated.

This is the first time in the history of practicing medicine that we were told not to treat a patient, Dr. Immanuel says, adding that the only government-approved course of action is to wait until the patient is almost dead and dont do anything.

None of it makes sense.

The Chinese Virus agenda is spiritual warfare, says Dr. Immanuel

As a Christian, Dr. Immanuel is convinced that this whole thing is spiritually driven. While many people were led to believe that the Wuhan Flu came about specifically to interfere with the American election, Dr. Immanuel says that France was actually among the first countries to ban HCQ.

The lockdowns, masks and now vaccines are all a global phenomenon as well. And sadly, too many doctors are going along with the sham because they are fearful about deviating from the script, especially since they could get fired or even sued.

Theres such a conspiracy everywhere to destroy humanity, Dr. Immanuel warned, explaining that every time there is some kind of intimidating news to report, such as Dr. Simone Gold getting fired or the Texas Medical Board going after AFLDS, the mainstream media was right there to report it.

This frightened many physicians into just doing what the government demanded in order to keep their jobs, and now the entire world is paying a steep price for it.

There is no pandemic, Dr. Immanuel added plainly. If you go and look at death rates, last year had more deaths than this year. Everything that is being done is orchestrated.

Ever since the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) was first announced, conditions like heart disease, pneumonia and the flu completely disappeared. Now, every sickness and death that occurs is reported as covid.

Doctors were being coerced to put covid as a diagnosis, Dr. Immanuel explained. Hospitals were being bribed. This is a worldwide phenomenon. And as a Christian, I think it all boils down to Satan.

Those who work for Satan are busily coming up with new ways to destroy human DNA, reprogram the immune system, and ultimately control the people of the world like slaves. Moderna, for instance, wants to continue hacking human software by splicing genes and inserting something into it, Dr. Immanuel warned.

They think humanity needs to be extinct, she says, noting that the demonic endgame is to create a new Human 2.0 that no longer bears the image of God.

More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) depopulation agenda can be found at Depopulation.news.

Sources for this article include:

Brighteon.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Wisconsin Senate has approved a new bill that allows for dead bodies to be dissolved in a chemical bath, disposed of like sewage, and spread all over food crops as biosludge.

Senate Bill 228 authorizes a practice known as alkaline hydrolysis that essentially liquefies corpses through water cremation using a mixture of water, heat and chemical agents. The only thing left behind are the bones, reports indicate.

Once liquefied, these human remains are then dumped into the sewer system or boiled off, while the bones are crushed and deposited into an urn.

The Republican-led Senate passed the legislation without debate, despite objections from the Catholic bishops of Wisconsin, who say that deceased humans are not to be treated in such a disrespectful and disgusting manner.

Catholic teaching is centered on the life and dignity of the human person because each person is created in the image and likeness of God, says Kim Vercauteren, executive director of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference.

The heart, mind, flesh, and bones of a human person are all elements of a unique creation, down to the DNA, which must be honored even after death.

Vercauteren and other Catholics are concerned that the alkaline hydrolysis process treats human remains as if they were never actual people who were created by God. In essence, water cremation treats a deceased person as if he or she never existed.

Wastewater does not honor the sacredness of the body, nor does it allow the grieving to honor the dead after disposition, Vercauteren added in an email to the senate health committee.

America gets exponentially more disgusting and depraved with each passing day

As we reported in the past, some of Americas wastewater is converted into fertilizer for food crops, which means liquid human remains will now be spread all over food crops in Wisconsin and possibly elsewhere.

There is also the risk that the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) and other elements will pass through the sewer system and end up on cropland as well, polluting farms and the food that grows there.

The whole thing is simply repulsive, but according to Sen. Patrick Testin, a Republican from Stevens Point, it is necessary to promote consumer choice.

Wisconsin funeral directors are receiving more and more requests for flameless or water cremation, Testin is quoted as saying.

I believe in allowing consumers choices. And if a consumer chooses flameless cremation, I would like to empower Wisconsin funeral directors the means to fulfill that choice.

Catholics, however, object to all of Testins claims. They say respect and reverence for human bodies must not be sacrificed for a cheap, quicker disposition.

We must treat the remains of all human beings, no matter how long they lived or how they died, with dignity, charity, and respect, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops stated two years ago after numerous attempts were made to legalize alkaline hydrolysis in the Lone Star State.

Chemical digestion of the human body fails to follow this simple principle.

As you might expect, leftists are in favor of alkaline hydrolysis because they claim it is greener than normal cremation or traditional burial. They claim this despite the fact that large amounts of dangerous chemicals are necessary to liquefy human remains before pumping them into the sewer system.

If youve been paying attention, and connect the dots, its very likely states and the freemasons and Jesuits who rule our lives are expecting mass death, wrote one LifeSiteNews commenter about this sudden push for legalized alkaline hydrolysis.

It shouldnt be surprising to anyone considering Doctors and scientists have been predicting mass death in the coming months and years. What a wonderful way to eradicate any evidence of humanity.

To learn more about toxic biosludge and how it is spread over food crops, visit Biosludge.news.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

NaturalNews.com
WASHINGTON - A new tool from the Washington State Department of Health gives a closer look at some factors that may prevent people from getting the COVID-19 vaccine. It also shows who may be at a higher risk for COVID-19 exposure and complications.
OK, Im from China, Hua said. Back to my country is back to China. My kids were born here and my family is here. My job is here. Everything is here. Go where?
WASHINGTON (AP)  Fox News has filed a motion to dismiss a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems over claims about the 2020 presidential election, arguing that its coverage is protected by the First Amendment.

The cable news giant said in court papers filed Tuesday that the Constitution safeguards the right to a free press and that well-established doctrine gives the media the ability to report without fear of liability.

A free press must be able to report both sides of a story involving claims striking at the core of our democracy  especially when those claims prompt numerous lawsuits, government investigations, and election recounts," according to the court papers. When a sitting President of the United States and his legal team challenge a presidential election in litigation throughout the nation, the media can truthfully report and comment on those allegations under the First Amendment.

Dominion argued in March that Fox News, in an effort to boost faltering ratings, falsely claimed that the voting company had rigged the 2020 election in favor of President Joe Biden and at the detriment of former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit argued that Fox amplified inaccurate assertions that the voting company altered votes and sold a false story of election fraud in order to serve its own commercial purposes, severely injuring Dominion in the process."

A spokesperson for Dominion said Wednesday that the company "strongly supports free speech, but defamation for commercial gain is clearly not protected, and we intend to hold Fox accountable for its reckless disregard for the truth. This case will strengthen the First Amendment, not weaken it.

Fox attorneys said in court papers that Fox did not create the allegations against the company. They also argue that the news outlet was fairly and extensively covering the results of a contested election, calling Arizona for Biden before any other network and reporting on the legal challenges around Biden's win and Trump's refusal to concede.

The news media has the right in a democracy to inform citizens by reporting and commenting on a Presidents allegations challenging the security of our elections, according to court papers.

The lawsuit by Dominion is part of a growing body of legal action filed by the voting company and other targets of misleading, false and bizarre claims spread by then-President Trump and his allies following Trumps election loss to Biden. Those claims helped spur on rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in a violent siege that left five people dead, including a police officer. The siege led to Trumps historic second impeachment.

Fox News has filed four other motions to dismiss other legal action against its coverage.

At least one other media company, Newsmax, apologized for airing false allegations that an employee for Dominion manipulated machines or tallies. The employee in turn dropped Newsmax from his defamation suit.

There was no known widespread fraud in the 2020 election, a fact that a range of election officials across the country  and even Trumps attorney general, William Barr  has confirmed. Republican governors in Arizona and Georgia, key battleground states that Biden won, also vouched for the integrity of the elections in their states. Nearly all the legal challenges from Trump and his allies were dismissed by judges, including two tossed by the Supreme Court, which has three Trump-nominated justices.
DENVER (AP)  A police officer who pushed a 73-year-old Colorado woman with dementia to the ground after she left a store without paying for items worth about $14 is facing charges of using excessive force, while a second officer is accused of failing to stop or report his actions, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Austin Hopp is facing charges of second-degree assault, attempting to influence a public servant and official misconduct in last year's arrest of Karen Garner in Loveland, a city about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Denver. Daria Jalali, who arrived after Garner was handcuffed, is facing charges of failing to report use of force, failing to intervene and official misconduct.

A person who answered the phone at the law firm representing Hopp said the office would not comment on the case. Court records did not list a lawyer for Jalali, and a telephone number listed for her did not work.

They were among three officers who resigned last month after a federal lawsuit filed by the woman's family and police video released by their lawyer triggered anger in the community and two independent investigations. The June 2020 arrest was captured on Hopp's body-worn camera, and the three officers also were shown talking about the arrest, laughing and joking in police station surveillance video.

The outcry over how Garner was treated comes amid a national reckoning over use of force by police, including against people with mental and physical health conditions.

Garners daughter, Allisa Swartz, said through tears that her mother is traumatized.

You can see in the video how theyre laughing at my mom, Swartz said at a news conference. I feel like they think that they are above the law, and they are the ones who are supposed to be protecting all of us. I just want justice for my mom.

The Garner family is relieved that charges will be filed, but more people should be held accountable, including Loveland Police Chief Robert Ticer, said family attorney Sarah Schielke. She said what happened was not something done by one rogue officer, but a reflection of systemic problems with the Police Department. She called for Ticer to resign.

How could something like this go on to be celebrated, laughed about, reviewed by multiple levels of supervisors and chain of command and then swept under the rug for nearly a year? Schielke said.

Ticer said he supports the charges, adding that the officers actions and attitudes are contrary to the departments goals. He sidestepped a question at a news conference about calls for his resignation, saying he knows theres a lot of emotions out there and a lot of a lot of desire for justice and accountability.

Ticer said he has requested a third-party internal affairs investigation that will be overseen by the citys human resources department. He also said the majority of his officers completed Alzheimers disease awareness training after the video surfaced and that they will get more de-escalation training in June.

Obviously, when we have an incident where former police officers are charged with a crime, were going to have broken trust," Ticer said. "We recognize that. We understand that. ... Our department wants to restore that trust.

Hopp arrested Garner after she left a store without paying for about $14 worth of items. His body camera footage shows him catching up to her as she walked through a field. She shrugged and turned away from him, seeming not to understand him, and he quickly grabbed her arm and pushed the 80-pound (36-kilogram) woman to the ground.

The lawsuit claims Hopp dislocated Garners shoulder by shoving her handcuffed left arm forward onto the hood of his patrol car and that she was denied medical treatment for about six hours.

When Hopp has Garner pushed against the hood of his car, she tried to turn around and repeated that she was trying to go home. He then pushed her back against the car and moved her bent left arm up near her head, holding it, saying, Are you finished? Are you finished? We dont play this game.

About 30 seconds later, Garner began to slump toward the ground. Jalali said, Stand up! Were not going to hold you.

Investigators found that Hopp filed reports to mislead his superiors and protect himself, according to his arrest affidavit. He did not mention Garners shoulder injury in an initial report. In a report filed after being told that she was going to the hospital, he wrote that Garner was asked several times if she wanted medical attention but that she did not answer.

Hopp also showed fellow officers his body camera footage and said, Ready for the pop?

District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin said he only brought charges he felt he could persuade a jury to convict on.

While peace officers are permitted to use reasonable force to effect an arrest, the investigation in this case showed that Austin Hopp used excessive force," he said.

McLaughlin, who became district attorney in January, said he did not know about the arrest or the video until the lawsuit was filed in April. He then asked for an investigation led by police in nearby Fort Collins.

He said a member of the district attorney's office did watch the video last year as part of its decision to dismiss criminal charges in the shoplifting case. McLaughlin said he has made it clear to his employees that he will not tolerate anyone "looking the other way on evidence like that.

___

Associated Press writers Thomas Peipert and Brady McCombs contributed to this report.
Demetrius Freeman/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  The hackers who carried out the massive SolarWinds intrusion were in the software company's system as early as January 2019, months earlier than previously known, the company's top official said Wednesday.

SolarWinds had previously traced the origins of the hack to the fall of 2019 but now believes that hackers were doing very early recon activities as far back as the prior January, according to Sudhakar Ramakrishna, the company's president and CEO.
HARTFORD  Republican leaders of the General Assembly on Wednesday said they are eager to work with Gov. Ned Lamont and oppose tax increases on Connecticuts wealthiest that are being pushed by majority Democrats.

After a news conference led by Democratic leaders and committee chairmen, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora and Deputy Senate Minority Leader Paul Formica agreed with Lamont that the proposed two-year $46-billion budget would unacceptably raise taxes at a time when the state is flush with federal COVID support, but the economy is still fragile in the waning COVID pandemic.

Ill work with the Democrats to kill their own budget as well, Candelora, of North Branford, said outside the House chamber. We are a bipartisan caucus. We want to work with the other side to do whats best for the state of Connecticut. Its important for them to remember that when you have Republicans in the room, your best product comes out.

We know what happens when you raise taxes on the wealthy, especially in this mobile economy, Formica, of East Lyme, said outside the Senate chamber. They move out and it leaves the rest of us to shoulder the load, so there has to be a balance. Certainly we will stand with whatever ideas we can get behind, whether its the governor or anyone else thats going to benefit the middle class and all of the people in the state of Connecticut. Certainly the governor knows where we are and were happy to have a conversation with him, especially if hes standing tall on fighting these tax increases.

Formica and Candelora spoke after a 35-minute Democratic news conference in which the majority lawmakers, who have a 97-54 edge in the House and 24-12 in the Senate, underscored their spending plans heading into this weeks negotiations with Lamont.

I think there is a desire by a lot of members I have spoken with, to look at a major infrastructure plan over the next 10 years; to really invest in some of our urban areas, and whether you want to call it an equity fund or an investment fund, that has caught on and gained some traction, said Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said that while a lot of money will come in over the two years starting July 1, the states needs will persist beyond them. Thats the reason that there is more broad-based discussion on taxes, Looney said.

Lamont, speaking later in the afternoon at a Groton brewery said he would likely veto the current budget package.

Look, you dont raise taxes when you dont need to raise taxes, Lamont said, speaking from a podium in the brewerys parking lot. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we have $6 billion coming into the state taking care of the folks most in need, helping people get back to work. So I really want to work with the legislature on how we make that investment particularly effective for folks who have been left behind.

Closed-door talks between the governors staff and the leaders of the General Assemblys two fiscal committees are scheduled to begin on Thursday. State Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, told reporters that the goal is to come to an agreement with the governor by the end of the month.

While Republicans expect to be shut out of the talks initially, Candelora and Formica said they will be available and eager to work with the governor.

The proposed tax package, which was approved by the Finance Committee last month, would would range from 0.7 percent for taxpayers with federal adjusted gross incomes between $500,000 and $2 million, to 1.5 percent for taxpayers with federal AGIs of $13 million or more.

A new 2 percent surcharge on capital gains, bringing the total rate to 8.99 percent, would raise $262 million in the fiscal year starting July 1, 2022 from single tax filers with AGIs of $500,000 or more and a million dollars for joint filers.

Democratic leaders said their spending plans, including an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit and a new $600-per-child tax credit for families making less than $200,000 or single parents making less than $100,000, are transformative at a time when they want to address decades of racial inequities.

Governor Lamont has been clear for months: Connecticut doesnt need more taxes, we need more taxpayers, Reiss said. We look forward to negotiating a budget, starting this week, that reflects the priorities of supporting our states most critical needs, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and addressing equity.

Asked whether they are tempting a veto from the governor, Looney said its too early in the endgame talks in the legislative session, which ends June 9. We dont expect a veto on anything, he said. We expect a negotiated agreement with the governor. Looney said he doesnt expect political damage as a result of higher taxes on the wealthy. I dont think there is any political price to pay if its a progressive tax, he said.

Our caucus, were not naive, Ritter added. We understand the constitutional process. We know that the governor could veto it, right? Everyones got to give and take. So, the V word? Eh, I dont worry about that.

Staff writer Peter Yankowski contributed to this report.


MU brings hygiene service to Kings Lynn hospital MU brings hygiene service to Kings Lynn hospital

A patient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn decided to start a Mothers Union project there. Eunice Norwood tells her story.

Last September I was admitted to hospital in Kings Lynn in the early hours of the morning, on the eve of my grand-daughters wedding. As I live alone and was too ill to gather essentials together, I arrived without all the hygiene necessities I would need.



The first two days or so following the op it really didn't matter that I could not wash myself, comb my hair or brush my teeth, but as I began to recover, I so desperately needed to feel human again and visits from family were difficult at that time because of Covid restrictions.



There were two others in the ward in a similar situation, and as staff were so busy, it felt selfish to ask them to produce a toothbrush and paste or a hair comb. One patient was a young mum; her husband was minding three very young children so could not visit. Another was an elderly lady living in an apartment she had only just moved into, so did not know neighbours, and her daughters lived in London.



I realised that throughout the hospital there could be many more in a similar situation, perhaps a homeless person taken ill on the streets, a tourist injured in a car accident, or a service engineer travelling from another county for work. I felt that here was an opportunity that I, as a long-standing Mother's Union member, might be able to help with.



I wanted to give something back to the hospital for the wonderful care they gave me, and I talked the situation over with a nurse on the ward. Together we came up with a list of hygiene products that could be very useful to patients on the wards.



I contacted the Mothers' Union Trustees in Norwich to seek their support and after several weeks of correspondence with the hospital a list of useful products was produced. Since then Mothers' Union Trustees have granted a start-up fund of 200 for the project to which we hope that those who are grateful to a hospital may wish to contribute. Eventually we hope to offer the project to other hospitals in the county.



The Hospital Chaplain, the Rev Lee Gilbert, and volunteers working on the wards, will collect a list of things required by patients. When stock of any product is running low, these will be sent direct to the Amazon Locker at the hospital for Rev Lee to collect on site. Where possible I try to purchase products that are 'green' a good example being inexpensive bamboo toothbrushes"



Donations from grateful patients towards this invaluable project can be sent to The Treasurer, Mothers' Union Office, Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, Easton. Norwich NR9 5ES. Please mark cheque with Hospital Hygiene Project. If online banking preferred contact our Treasurer for account details via email at mund@thelashleys.com



Pictured above is Eunice Norwood



Eldred Willey, 19/05/2021
Boyce Hayward, 26, was arraigned via video from his bed at Brookdale Hospital on charges that include the murder 28-year-old Robert Randall and the subsequent with cops in which NYPD Officer Brian McGurran was wounded.
Hampton - Douglas M. LaPorte, 63, of Hampton, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at his home. He was born in Albany, NY on October 6, 1957 a son of Earl LaPorte and Rosemary (Pomakoy) Snyder. Doug was a volunteer firefighter in NY in his younger years and went on to work for various Walmart
The woman died at Metropolitan Hospital, cops said. Her assailant, who was stabbed in the neck and chest and was taken to Harlem Hospital in critical condition.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: French energy giant Total on Thursday said it has signed a deal to supply imported LNG to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel's (AMNS) steel and power plants in Gujarat.

Under the deal, Total will supply up to 0.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year until 2026, a company statement said.

"The LNG will be sourced from Total's global portfolio and offloaded either in Dahej or Hazira LNG terminal, on the west coast of India," it said.

"AMNS will use the LNG to run its steel and power plants located in Hazira, Gujarat state."

AMNS India is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal (60 per cent) and Nippon Steel (40 per cent) that acquired Essar Steel in bankruptcy proceedings in 2019.

"We are pleased to partner with AMNS and to supply the growing industrial LNG demand in India, a country that aims to more than double the share of natural gas in its energy mix by 2030 compared to today," said Thomas Maurisse, Senior Vice President LNG at Total.

"The supply of LNG will contribute to the reduction of AMNS's carbon emissions, in line with Total's ambition to offer its customers energy products that emit less CO2 and to support them in their own low-carbon strategies."

While the pact strengthens Total's relationship with AMNS, the supply of gas in its liquid form (LNG) will contribute to the decarbonisation of the steel industry, which still relies heavily on coal.

Total is the world's second-largest privately owned LNG player, with a global portfolio of nearly 50 million tonnes per year by 2025 and a global market share of around 10 per cent.

It has interests in liquefaction plants in Angola, Australia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Russia and Qatar, and markets LNG globally.
Bismah Malik By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The fears of volatility surrounding the most popular virtual currencies including bitcoin, ethereum and dogecoin turned stronger as the tokens plunged by 30-50% on Wednesday. But when Bitcoin touched its lowest level since March 2020 (the onset of the pandemic) at $30,000, Tesla CEO Elon Musk in his standard emoji style tweeted that he is not selling off his bitcoin holdings. This saw the digital token stabilise at around $42000 on Thursday.

A second cryptic tweet by Musk on Dogecoin threw another lifeline triggering a token jump of the cryptocurrency by 11%, helping it touch 42 cents. Ethereum was also up 12.84% at $2,887.8 on global exchange coindesk.



Data from coinmarketcap.com indicated that the cryptocurrency market lost $1 trillion in market capitalization on Wednesday as globally economists weighed in on the market rout caused by the sliding virtual currencies.

It was also a day when India's largest crypto exchange, WazirX, crashed as people bought the coins during dips and there were huge outflows. The homegrown platform has nearly 2 million active users.

Nischal Shetty, CEO, WazirX told The New Indian Express that the bitcoin price correction had been imminent.

ALSO READ: Banker ends life after losing money in Bitcoin trade

"It's a healthy correction for the market. We have to understand, markets don't go straight up, it has to take a breather to correct itself and then move up again.

"The global pandemic has been the biggest driver as it has led to people trying to find new ways to earn online. This is where they come across crypto, and of course, Bitcoin. It's a global asset, and anyone can invest in it while sitting in any part of the world. This has given a major boost to global crypto adoption. Moreover, we also saw a lot of institutional investors like PayPal, Tesla enter into crypto. News like this has also boosted retail participation," Shetty said.

The wild ride of the cryptocurrencies on exchanges began when China's central bank sounded a warning against the use of virtual currencies including trading on exchanges as well as transactions by the country's financial institutions.

In India, even as the RBI has recommended a complete ban on digital currencies and floating an indigenous digital asset, sources said that the finance ministry is in talks with industry stakeholders for regulating the market. The banks have however severed ties with top crypto exchanges in India after citing an informal guidance from the RBI.

According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India, the crypto community consists of over 10 million crypto holders holding over $1 billion worth crypto assets, 300+ startups generating tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and taxes.

ALSO READ: Bitcoin price quadruples in pandemic year: A look at the cryptocurrency's 2020

There's a daily trading volume of $350 million-$500 million.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Taking into consideration the interests of the severely impacted food and beverages industry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has initiated a dialogue with mall owners to resolve the bilateral concerns.

In an open letter to the mall owners, NRAI has expressed two concerns a complete waiver of rentals and common area maintenance fee (paid to malls) and a revised revenue sharing model for the period when restaurants are operating under localised curbs.

Seeking their urgent intervention to help the Rs 4.25 crore beleaguered industry, which is has seen a host of closure without income and relief measures, the association said has also asked for a no minimum guarantee rent for six months post opening.

We are certain that the business will take several months to normalise post opening. Businesses have much depleted resources now and it will take several months to normalise, NRAI wrote to 138 malls.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal on Thursday warned about a rise in cyber frauds amid a massive surge in online transactions during the second wave of the pandemic, and asserted the company is working "relentlessly" and coming out with safety features to ensure customers are not vulnerable to fraudsters.

In an e-mail outreach to customers, Vittal highlighted the modus operandi being adopted by fraudsters and also drew attention to cyber frauds related to digital payments.

"With the growing second wave of the pandemic and lockdowns in various parts of the country, there has been a massive increase in online transactions. Unfortunately, there has also been a corresponding increase in cyber fraud," Vittal said.

Sounding out a warning on the kinds of fraud that users could likely face, he said that Airtel has developed an "industry-first feature" that is geared towards conducting secure online transactions "without the fear of being duped by a fraudster".

"Please note that Airtel does not sell VIP numbers on the phone and will never ask you to download any third-party apps. In both instances, please immediately call 121 to confirm. In fact, I would say when in doubt simply call 121," Vittal advised in his mail to Airtel subscribers.

Cautioning against fraudsters calling customers pretending to be Airtel employees, he said that this could be under the pretext of an incomplete Know Your Customer (KYC) form.

The fraudster may request the customer to install the 'Airtel Quick Support' app from the Google Play Store to allow them to help.

As no such app exists on the play store, when the customer tries to install it, they are redirected to TeamViewer Quick Support App.

"The TeamViewer Quick Support app allows the fraudster to remotely take over the device and accounts associated with the device.

And so, if the customer does install it, they allow the fraudster into all their accounts connected to the device," Vittal said urging users to guard against such instances.

Similarly, the fraudster may call or send an SMS claiming to be from Airtel and promising highly discounted VIP numbers.

"As a part of the transaction, the fraudster requests a prepayment as a token/booking amount. Post receiving these funds, the fraudster ceases all contact with the person and becomes untraceable," Vittal warned.

Cyber frauds related to payments are also on the rise, due to the increase in digital transactions, he noted.

"The fraudster calls the customer claiming to be from a bank/financial institution and asks for account details or an OTP to unblock/renew the existing bank account. The details are used to withdraw money from the customer's bank account," Vittal said.

The fraudsters also call the customer pretending to buy a second-hand listed product from the website, negotiate the price and ask for the customer's UPI details to transfer money to the account.

"On the customer providing the account, an SMS link is sent to the customer's phone to approve the transaction which debits the money from the account instead of crediting," he said.

Airtel top honcho said that the company has worked relentlessly to ensure that subscribers are not vulnerable to these fraudsters. "This is why we have recently introduced an industry-first feature called `Safe Pay'," he informed.

Safe Pay provides an additional layer of security for every transaction, he added. "So before you actually make a payment, our network intelligence throws up a message asking you to confirm the transaction to the person who is trying to pull the fraud. Therefore, if you activate Airtel Safe Pay, you are not vulnerable to fraudsters. To be on Airtel Safe Pay you need to open an Airtel Payments bank account," Vittal said.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: A 150-bed oxygenated Covid-19 treatment centre at Kempegowda International Airport, billed COV-AID@BLR, was launched virtually on Wednesday by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, during his visit to the airport.

The facility, located near the Cargo Terminal of the airport, is open for the public as well as employees from the airport ecosystem, said an official release from airport operator, Bangalore International Airport Limited.

The facility is designed to treat patients who are asymptomatic, with mild hypoxia, and be a transit oxygen delivery centre. It will provide treatment for patients requiring oxygen support until they are able to get admission in a hospital, it said.

Treatment at COV-AID@BLR would be free of cost, while charges for medicines, tests and self-arranged ambulance would be borne by patients, the release said.

A panel of doctors, including Dr Naresh Shetty, Dr Nandakumar Jairam and Dr Alexander Thomas, would provide technical assistance.

Patients can get admission by contacting the nodal officers Sannappaiah (9448116661) and Dr Sanjay (9538279991) or the 24x7 helpdesk on 9148670158/ 9148706158. Admissions can also be done with recommendation from a Referral Hospital.
Sushmitha Ramakrishnan By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Hospitals in and around Chennai are saying that there is a significant rise in the number of mucormycosis or black fungus cases. Most hospitals The New Indian Express spoke to reported that the number of black fungus cases they have received in May alone is at least five to ten times the number of annual cases they received before the Covid pandemic.

Around 60 cases of patients with black fungus have been found in the six hospitals The New Indian Express spoke to on Thursday. While it is too early to scientifically establish the mortality rate at this point, many experts warn that the disease is lethal once it spreads to the brain.

Once the fungus crosses over into the brain, the mortality can be as high as 70-80 per cent, doctors say. Dr. Mohan Kameswaran, the managing director of Madras ENT Research Foundation, said that it will be very difficult to save a patient if the fungus has spread to the dura mater -- the thick membrane made of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

ALSO READ: Explainer: As black fungus reaches TN, experts emphasise early diagnosis and share tips

"The dura mater is like a Lakshman Rekha (a mythological line that one is not allowed to cross)," he commented. He noted that his hospital has received at least 25 cases of mucormycosis in May alone and all of them had uncontrolled diabetes. "We admitted and operated on only 10 patients and only one died so far. But most patients of the black fungus had recovered from Covid and showed up with glucose levels over 500," he said.

He further added that many of them developed the condition because of inappropriate administration of steroids or immunomodulators. In addition to this, he said that there are two possible, but unverified causes for the disease: unsanitary oxygen supply system and new Covid strains messing with the immune system.

Sankara Nethralaya, a not-for-profit missionary institution for eye care, received at least 13 cases of black fungus in the past 10 days, said Dr Nisar Sonam Poonam, Department of Orbit and Oculoplasty. As black fungus grows silently yet rapidly, most patients realise the onset only when they experience disturbances or pain in the vision, when the fungus has already spread to the eyes. "We have lost two patients already and three more had to be redirected to other tertiary care centres as the fungus had already spread to the brain," she said. She also said that before Covid, the hospital would receive only two or three cases of mucormycosis in a year.

ALSO READ: TN says black fungus is 'notifiable' disease, nine cases reported in govt hospitals so far

"We are already having a shortage of the antifungal drug Liposomal amphotericin B. Without the medicine, mucor patients are a ticking time bomb," she said. Dr Poonam said that a crucial problem with black fungus is the cost of treatment. The quantity of medicine required for treatment, which lasts 14-21 days, is much higher. So it costs more. "This is hard on families especially as they would have spent a lot on Covid treatment. One family asked me to tell for sure if the patient will survive after the treatment as they preferred to give that money to his children who may need it after his death," she rued.

Dr Soundari Sivagnanam from Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital pointed to another serious problem. Black fungus patients who are diagnosed late have to be redirected to tertiary health care centres in cities. Black fungus patients develop complications in the eyes, sinus, throat, brain and paranasal passages. "The disease requires a band of varied expert physicians and multidisciplinary care to treat it," she said. Dr Amar Agarwal, the Chairman and Managing Director of the hospital, added that the rise in cases has been a result of patients self-medicating themselves with steroids.

While the Tamil Nadu government has reported at least nine cases in its hospitals, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research has reported at least six. Gleneagles Global Health City, received at least nine cases in May and most of them had recovered from Covid.

Dr Ashwin Karuppan, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, from the hospital said, "Black fungus is an aggressive disease and we need to act immediately. If patients lose their eyesight, we have to perform radical surgery that might require facial reconstruction," he said. He asserted that swift data sharing at the state level is the need of the hour. "Doctors can exchange information on treating severe cases and easily access the supply chain of antifungal drugs and other treatment requisites," he said.

Dr Karuppan estimated that private hospitals are likely to receive more cases of black fungus as government hospitals are overburdened with Covid cases. "Transparency of data may help us plan and arrange for beds and specialists accordingly," he said.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A lack of clarity on which documents to submit for e-registration to travel between districts has caused much confusion among people. .

Inter-district travel has been restricted since May 17 owing to the pandemic. But, the government made exceptions for medical emergencies, elderly care, death, and post-death rituals. People in need of such travels were told to register on https://eregister.tnega.org by furnishing documents.

The government, however, has not released a comprehensive list of these documents that people can upload for registration. Also, there is no clarity on which cases that travellers can choose under medical emergency section.

The portal also does not indicate documents other than death certificates or certificates issued by VAO for travel for attending cremation/funerals. People said that getting these two documents is a time-consuming process.

One lakh registrations

Over one lakh people have registered for travelling during lockdown every day since May 17. This includes over 20,000 persons who enter the State from other states and foreign countries. Officials at the Commissionerate of e-Governance, Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency, which is tasked with the maintenance of the e-registration portal, said the issue was being looked into.

Official response

The objective of the lockdown is to restrict peoples travel as much as possible to contain the Covid 19 transmission, said a senior official from Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency. He added that a copy of the medical report given by a doctor at a hospital or a report by VAO (in case the person died at home) or death certificate issued by a local body is needed. Nevertheless, those who dont have these documents can submit any other medical documents of the deceased.

For elderly persons

Elderly persons and their companions can travel by submitting a copy of any government-authorised identity proof. Soon a list of documents needed for elderly transportation will be included in the portal. In case the applicant cant produce any document, a self-attested affidavit by the traveller will also be accepted, explained the official. Asked which documents were submitted by people who registered for emergency travel so far, officials were tight-lipped

What we know so far

Below are some of the documents officials say can be uploaded. A total of 4.55 lakh people have used the service from May 16 till 9 am on Wednesday

Death-related travel

Death certificate

VAO certificate

Medical report given at hospital

Hospital admission report

Any other medical report that suggest illness to the person

Travel for elderly care

Any age-related documents

Pension book Any medical reports issued in the past

Self-affidavit of the traveller about the purpose of visit

Medical emergency

Prescription report given by a doctor | Any medical reports issued in the past
Anupama Mili By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Waste management and scientific disposal have been a headache for the corporation and its people for long. Now, with a triple lockdown in place, the corporations laxity in ensuring waste collection in many parts of the city is troubling many residents. With roads blocked in containment zones, waste collectors are unable to reach many residential areas and apartment complexes.

Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAC) president Rangadasa Prabhu complained daily waste collection has been halted at many places, even in areas where people are in quarantine. They made repeated requests to the councillor, but all that ended in vain, Prabhu alleged.

The waste from houses with Covid patients being left unattended is a concern. When patients are directed to stay indoors, there should be a clear system to deal with the waste from their houses. Once collected and segregated, this must also be disposed of scientifically. We did not get a clear answer from the corporation regarding this, Prabhu said.

DOS

Caretakers of Covid patients under home care must keep the biomedical waste in a yellow bag provided by the corporation

Caretakers of suspected or confirmed (asymptomatic and mild symptomatic) patients in home isolation must hand over the yellow bag to the authorised waste collector from an urban local body or common biomedical waste treatment facility operator

Caretakers may deposit the yellow bag at a designated deposition centre of the corporation

General waste from home care, quarantine centres or quarantine camps can be handed over as solid waste to authorised waste collectors of urban local body

Keep used masks and gloves immediately in a paper bag for a minimum of 72 hours before handing over the same to the waste collector. Cut the used items into pieces before disposal to prevent reuse

Those running a quarantine camp or quarantine centre must contact the common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facility (CBWTF) operator for removal of biomedical waste as and when generated.

DONTS

Never mix general waste with biomedical waste such as used syringes, expired or discarded medicines, used masks or gloves

Never dispose of used masks of suspected or confirmed (mild symptomatic or asymptomatic) Covid patients in bags other than yellow bags

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Positive or suspected Covid patients shall never use fabric masks or home-made masks

Dont leave your used mask within the reach of others

Dont reuse surgical masks or gloves

Quarantine centres, camps or homecare should not store biomedical waste for more than 48 hrs

Dedicated waste collectors cannot deny the collection of waste from quarantine centre/quarantine camp or homes with Covid patients

Persons operating quarantine camps or caretakers at home can reach out to the corporation for assistance

COVID WASTE MANAGEMENT  DOs & DONTS

(For quarantine camps/centres and homes as provided by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change)
By ANI

WASHINGTON: Salma Hayek recently revealed that she battled a severe case of COVID-19 in 2020 and was even urged to go to the hospital to receive treatment. Variety reported on Wednesday that the 54-year-old star of the upcoming thriller 'House of Gucci' revealed that she spent most of 2020 recovering from a near-fatal case of COVID-19.

The outlet said Hayek, mother to 13-year-old daughter Valentina, quarantined in a room in her house for about seven weeks and was even put on oxygen at one point. During a Zoom interview, Hayek told Variety that "My doctor begged me to go to the hospital because it was so bad. I said, 'No, thank you. I'd rather die at home.'"

While keeping her diagnosis private, last November, Hayek posted on social media a video montage showing her getting tested for the coronavirus several times.

Sadly, she still suffers side effects from COVID-19. Variety reported that Hayek still hasn't fully regained her energy since her diagnosis. However, she recently returned to work to film 'House of Gucci', which is inspired by a true story.

In the movie, Hayek plays the role of Pina Auriemma, a clairvoyant friend of Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), dubbed the Black Widow and who served 18 years in an Italian prison for orchestrating the 1995 murder of her husband Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), an heir to the Gucci fashion empire. The film is set to release this fall.

Meanwhile, fans can also catch Hayek in the Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson starrer, 'The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard', which she shot in 2019 and will be released on June 16. Then, in November, Hayek will also be seen in Marvel's 'Eternals', another movie she filmed before the pandemic broke out.
By PTI

LOS ANGELES: HBO Max's revival series of "Sex and the City" has cast "Grey's Anatomy" star Sara Ramirez, a non-binary actor, as a series regular.

Ramirez, best known for her role of doctor Callie Torres in "Grey's Anatomy", will join the new series as Che Diaz, a queer, non-binary podcaster in the series titled "And Just Like That".

Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw is regular guests on Diaz's podcast.

Diaz is the first non-binary character featured in "Sex and the City" and Ramirez is also the first openly non-binary actor to appear in the popular franchise, according to Collider.

The actor's other credits include Lady of the Lake in Broadway's production of "Monty Python's Spamalot" and in the political drama "Madam Secretary" as policy advisor Kat Sandoval.

The new 10-episode revival series will bring back cast members Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis from the original series with filming slated to begin in New York City this summer.

Kim Cattrall, who famously played Samantha Jones in the original "Sex and the City" series and the two film adaptation, is not returning to the revival.

The original series, created by Darren Star, was based on a novel of the same name by Candace Bushnell and ran from 1998 to 2004.

The film adaptations were released in theatres in 2008 and 2010, respectively.
Why would they do this now? Cause they saw, like you saw, that the momentum was building in our favor in the mayoral race, she said. And I was going to be found innocent in my election law case, because I did nothing wrong.
Aditya Shrikrishna By

Express News Service

Samarth Mahajan's documentary feature Borderlands trains its lens on the lives of people in the edges of the country, their lives divided into two halves one that is defined by their physical location and another by their existential ambiguity within the Indian subcontinent.

The opening credits draws the lines for us. Imphal, Manipur. Nargaon, bordering Bangladesh. Kolkata. Birgunj in Nepal, bordering Bihar. Jodhpur in Rajasthan and Dinanagar, Punjab.

Borderlands focuses on individuals and through their stories gives us a glimpse of what it means to belong or not belong, how porous borders can be figuratively, but also how vapid the idea of a country or patriotism itself can be.

Deepa, in a Pakistan migrant settlement in Jodhpur, had to wait for her marksheets and transfer certificates to come through to get into a school here. Perspicacious in her demeanour, Deepa was afraid shed be married off in that gap she was forced to take.

An ex-staff nurse, she enthusiastically names all the bones in the upper body and even enacts a mock treatment for the interviewers.

Mahajan's style is once again investigative, something that follows from his previous film The Unreserved. Like that film on unreserved compartments of the Indian railways, the stress here too is on historic, decades-long stories of civilization compressed into observations of daily minutiae. But where

The Unreserved finds conflict in commotion, Borderlands finds similar conflicts quietly navigated on a day-to-day basis.

Borderlands contrasts its set of characters: a life in the Nepal border is complemented by a life in Kolkata. We have Rekha in Dinanagar, socially and economically upward, opening about her loneliness, her monotonous routine as a housewife and the compromise she had to make before her wedding decades ago  to quit her teaching job, forever.

She talks about her home and family, and about terrorist attacks and patriotism. On the other end, there is Dhauli in Nargaon, living near the heavy fence separating India and Bangladesh, her heart split across the two with families on either side.

We follow daily routines that make their life seem mundane and then we see her exchanging food across the fence when families on both sides throng to mingle  stretching as far as the eye can see  a life anything but ordinary.

The other contrast comes from two assertive women  one in Kolkata, a survivor of human trafficking across the border and another in Birgunj, a border officer checking on those very violations. Borderlands gives us people and perspectives that we would not find in the mainland.

Like Noor, the survivor tired of hearing about the beautiful land of India. Or Manipuri filmmaker Surjakanta talking about how India forced Manipur into signing the accord that made the state part of the Indian union.

He delivers a fascinating anecdote of his charade to get a censor certificate for his film. Imagine a version of Jafar Panahi living in India all along, making films on revolutionaries from Manpur. Borderlands brings these people to the foreground and establishes in no uncertain terms that India is more of a land mass held together by force and less of a union.
By Express News Service

All spotlight is on Kannada actor Vikas Vasishta, who plays the lead in writer and debutant director Praveen Kandregulas Cinema Bandi.

The comedy-drama has been the talk of the town, and Vikas is overwhelmed with the response he and the film have been receiving.

There is no boundary to art, and this is one example of that, he says, adding, Apart from the recognition and popularity that I have been showered with, there is a sense of satisfaction of having been a part of such a project.

We thought we hadmade a good film, but never thought it would turn out to be the best film. It has garnered attention from an audience across India. For being my first film in Telugu, I am immensely happy at the turn of events. Sharing his experience of being a part of Cinema Bandi, Vikas says he got the role by accident.

Previously, I had associated with Praveen for a small ad shoot in a Tamil commercial. Since he knew me, he texted me asking if I knew any Telugu-speaking person. When he stressed on this casting for the second time, I discussed it in detail. When I also told him that I was fluent in Telugu, we realised that it was the perfect match, he says.

The duo then did a short film which was later pitched to producers. We even considered a mix of Telugu-Kannada slang which worked well for the film, explains Vikas.

Coming from an IT background, he admits that his initial passion was not cinema. I dont call it luck by chance, says Vikas, who wanted to do something different when his then day job didnt give him complete satisfaction.

He tried his hand at a small screen project and began his acting career with Pancharangi Pom Pom. It was followed with serials like Amma, Avalu, Preethi Endrenu, and Chakravyuha. His latest is Manasaare which is being telecast on Udaya TV.

He has also made a transition to silver screen, making his debut as lead in Karaali. He has played antagonist characters in films like 6ne Maili and Randhawa. Interestingly, Vikas is a dubbing artiste and has been the voice of Allu Arjun, Mahesh Babu, and Prabas films dubbed in Kannada. He has also dubbed for Sudeep in the Kananda version of Eega.

For nine years, I struggled. There were times when I would be all set to shoot for a film, and would suddenly get a call that the project had been halted. Such experiences taught me patience and I realised this is bound to happen in this profession. I learnt that the hunger to do better will pay off at some point, says the actor who has now been approached by a couple of filmmakers from Tollywood, and is in talks with a well-known production house. Everything is in the initial stages, reveals Vikas.
By Express News Service

KOLLAM: When the new LDF government is sworn-in on Thursday, there will be one person among the audience who has always supported the previous governments efforts. It is none other than 61-year-old Subaida from Kollam, who had made headlines twice by giving her share to the CMDRF and for Covid vaccine challenge by selling her goats.

Subaida on Monday morning received a call from the Kollam collector asking her whether she received an envelope. She said, No, I havent. Later, the collector informed her to get prepared as a vehicle will be coming to take her to Thiruvananthapuram for attending the LDF governments swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

On Tuesday, I received an envelope with a VVIP pass inside it inviting me to attend the CMs swearing-in function. It came as a huge surprise for me as I was never expecting any such invitation, said Subaida.

Subaida takes care of her three-member family from the income she gets from her tea stall located beside her home near the Kollam Port Office at Kochupilamoodu. She has also been raising goats for an additional income to make both ends meet.

Last year, she sold two of her 20 goats and donated the money to CMDRF. While she sold another four this year and donated the money to distribute rice and other essentials to poor families, besides contributing to the CMDRF as part of the crowdfunding vaccine challenge, started by Keralites on Social Media, to help the state government vaccinate people against Covid free of charge.

Subaida lives with her husband, who underwent a heart surgery last year. Her brother, who is also a heart patient, lives with Subaida. Her three children are all married and work as daily wage labourers.
By PTI

MUMBAI: A 71-year-old seer allegedly committed suicide at a Jain temple in Ghatkopar area of Mumbai, a police official said on Thursday.

The seer, Manohar Lal Muni Maharaj, hanged himself at the temple on Wednesday night, he said.

The official said a suicide note was recovered from the spot in which the seer purportedly mentioned that "his guru appeared in his dream and asked him to come back as his work on the earth was completed".

"There is nothing suspicious. We have recovered the suicide note in which he mentioned why he is taking the extreme step. We are conducting further probe into the case," Deputy Commissioner of Police (zone-7) Prashant Kadam said.

After the incident, the body was taken to the Rajawadi Hospital for post-mortem and a case of accidental death was registered, the police said.

(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call AASRA's 24x7 Helpline: +91-9820466726 for assistance.)
By PTI

KHANDWA: An ambulance for COVID-19 patients which Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Vijay Shah was supposed to flag off failed to start at Harsud in the district.

Shah even tried to push-start it, but to no avail.

The incident took place on Wednesday.

"The two ambulances brought to the venue were old. One of them was of 2004-make," the minister told PTI over phone.

"I did not flag them off. We have placed an order for new ones. The officers concerned should have checked it beforehand," he said.

Both ambulances were sent back to the dealer, officials said.

The state on Thursday reported 4,952 new coronavirus cases and 88 fatalities, taking the infection tally to 7,52,735 and the toll to 7,315, the state health department said.

Recoveries outnumbered new COVID-19 cases in the state, bringing down the count of patients under treatment below the 75,000-mark.

A total of 9,746 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, taking the count of recoveries in Madhya Pradesh to 6,72,695, the department said.

The state is now left with 72,725 active cases, it said.

With 1,072 new infections, Indore's caseload went up to 1,42,6872, while that of Bhopal rose by 693 to 1,15,872.

With 14 deaths in the day, Bhopal's count of fatalities went up to 884.

Indore saw five fatalities, taking the cumulative toll to 1,286, the department said.

Indore is now left with 11,383 active cases and Bhopal 11,038, it said.

With 77,493 new tests, the number of samples examined for coronavirus so far in Madhya Pradesh rose to 90,70,235, the department said.

Madhya Pradesh has recorded 1,89,408 cases and 1,699 fatalities so far this month.

Coronavirus figures in MP are as follows: Total cases 7,52,735, new cases 4,952, death toll 7,315, recovered 6,72,695, active cases 72,725, number of tests so far 90,70,235.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Bharat Biotech on Thursday announced its plan to rope in its wholly owned subsidiary Chiron Behring for speed up production of Covaxin, Indias first and only indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine so far, by an additional 20 crore doses per year.

This will effectively take the volumes of Covaxin to nearly 1 billion doses per annum, produced at the company's own established campuses specialised for manufacturing inactivated viral vaccines under the highest levels of biosafety, claimed the firm.

As of now, Bharat Biotech is manufacturing only about 1.5 crore doses of Covaxin per month which is likely to go up to 4-5 crore doses per month by July this year.

The company, facilitated by the Union government which is under huge pressure to fulfil huge demands for Covid vaccines in the country, has tied up with three public service undertakings to scale up the production of Covaxin.

These undertakings, however, could take quite a few months before actual productions start.

Bharat Biotech said on Thursday that Covaxin produced at Chiron Behring at Ankleshwar, Gujarat could be available September onwards.

Bharat Biotech had already deployed multiple production lines at its Hyderabad and Bengaluru campuses, adding Chiron Behring to this line up of high containment BSL (bio safety lab) rated GMP facilities that are required to manufacture Covaxin, said the company in a statement.

"The company plans to produce 200 million doses of Covaxin per annum in the GMP facilities that are already operational for the production of vaccines based on Inactivated Vero Cell Platform Technology, under stringent levels of GMP and biosafety," it said.

"This effectively takes the volumes up to 1 billion doses per annum, with its own established campuses specialised for manufacturing inactivated viral vaccines under the highest levels of biosafety," it added.

The Ankleshwar-based plant would start rolling out the much in demand vaccine from the fourth quarter of the year, it added.

ALSO READ | Government should issue white paper on COVID-vaccination strategy: Congress to PM Modi

The company said it has already deployed multiple production lines for the vaccine at its Hyderabad and Bengaluru campuses.

Government had earlier said that talks are on with at least nine other companies in other countries-including 5 in Germanyto scale up the production of Covaxin.

Top authorities handling the Covid crisis in India, about a week back, had said that 2.16 billion doses of vaccines could be available between August-December of which Covaxin will comprise 55 crore doses.

However, experts have dismissed these projections as highly unrealistic.

Chiron Behring Vaccines, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Bharat Biotech, is one of the largest manufacturers of rabies vaccines in the world.

Last month, Bharat Biotech had announced that it has been able to enhance the production capacity of Covaxin to 700 million doses per annum.

Manufacturing scale up has been carried out in a stepwise manner across multiple facilities at Hyderabad and Bangalore, the company had stated.

Bharat Biotech sells Covaxin to the states at Rs 400 per dose.

Facing the world's fastest-growing coronavirus outbreak, India has seen a near collapse of its health care system in several parts as hospitals ran out of oxygen and did not have enough beds to admit new patients.

To deal with the crisis, the government has, among other measures, opened up vaccination for all above 18 years.

But the procurement of vaccines for those between 18 and 44 years has been left to states and private hospitals.

This has led to state after state rushing to Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India (SII).

Both the companies are at the forefront of supplying COVID-19 vaccines in the country even as the second wave of the pandemic continues to ravage various states.

India has announced expansion of its COVID-19 vaccination drive by allowing its large 18-plus population to get inoculated from May 1.

ALSO READ | 'Provide free vaccination to all citizens, ramp us tests': 116 former civil servants to PM

Over the last few days several states have pointed out a shortage in supply of vaccines.

Some of the states have even gone ahead by floating global tenders to cater to the demand.

Bharat Biotech has received Emergency Use Authorisations (EUAs) for Covaxin in India and in several countries across the globe with another 60 in the process.

Pricing for international markets and supplies to governments under EUA's have been established between USD 15-20 per dose.

(With PTI Inputs)
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Centre has asked states to notify mucormycosis, a deadly fungal disease being reported in many Covid patients during or after the infection, under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, making it mandatory for hospitals to report its every single case.

In a letter written to states on Wednesday, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Union Health Ministry, said that all government and private health facilities along with medical colleges should follow guidelines issued by the ministry in ICMR on screening, diagnosis, and management of mucormycosis, also called black fungus disease.

The Centre also said that it should be mandatory for all these facilities to report all suspected and confirmed cases of the disease to the health department in the states through district level chief medical officers and subsequently to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of the Health Ministry.

EXPLAINED | What is 'deadly' Black Fungus disease and why COVID-19 patients should take extra care against it?

Rajasthan, on Wednesday, had become the first state to do so already even before the nudge by the Centre, after recording over 100 cases of the disease, which is fatal for nearly 50% patients and causes severe damage to the brain, face, lungs, and eyes in others.

In most states in India, the disease is being reported in alarming numbers in Covid patients during or after the infection, as it gets triggered by the use of steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically-ill coronavirus patients, in order to suppress hyperactive immune response.

It is also being seen in Covid patients who are put on oxygen support through liquid medical oxygen cylinders or oxygen concentrators, probably due to impure oxygencontaminated with mucor -- reaching the lungs because of non-adherence to safety measures.

ALSO READ | Black fungus treatment brought under Aarogyasri scheme

Doctors believe that the Covid patients with the history of diabetes or those with compromised immunity are particularly susceptible to this disease that often needs immediate advanced surgery to cure the damaged body part.

Removal of the eye in its patients is also often required in order to save life when the eye socket gets infected.

The problem in many states has worsened due to shortage of amphotericin B, a crucial drug injected to treat some serious fungal diseases. Owing to its acute scarcity and skyrocketing demand, the Centre has started allocating it to states through a quota system since the beginning of this month.

The Centre has said that five more companies, in addition to six which are currently manufacturing the drug, have been given approval to make amphotericin B while some Indian firms have also placed orders for the import of 5 lakh vials of the medicine.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: Amid an acute shortage of anti-coronavirus vaccine, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday directed the health department to explore possibilities of floating a global tender for the procurement of immunisation shots from all possible sources, an official statement said.

The state government will reach out directly to all vaccine manufacturers for direct purchase of various COVID vaccines, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, Singh said in the statement.

Punjab can store 35 lakh Sputnik V vaccines, which require a storage temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius, he added.

The chief minister said all efforts would be made for procurement of vaccines to meet the acute shortage in the state which has received fewer than 44 lakh vaccine doses so far from the Union government, of which only one lakh is currently available for use and which will be exhausted within a day.

The state government was forced to stop the vaccination drive for phase I and phase 2 categories in the last three days because of non-availability of doses, the chief minister said as he directed all concerned departments to continue pursuing the matter of supply aggressively with the Centre.

According to the central government's vaccine allocation for phase III (18-44 age group), the state government has been able to buy only 3.6 lakh doses, including 63,000 received on Wednesday.

A total of 2.3 lakh doses have been used, leaving only 1.3 lakh, Singh said.

Pointing out that almost one lakh unregistered construction workers and their family members had so far come forward for getting vaccinated in line with the state government's prioritisation of vaccination for 18-44 category, Singh asked the labour department to ensure the registration of these workers on priority.

During the coronavirus review meeting, COVID expert group head Dr K K Talwar noted that the existing vaccines had been found to be effective against the new variants/mutants so far.

DGP Dinkar Gupta said the Punjab Police had lost 21 personnel to the virus in the last five months, and of these, 50 per cent were not fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the chief minister launched a WhatsApp chatbot for self-care during home isolation, information on bed availability and vaccine centres etc.

Patients in home isolation can enter their vitals in the app and these will be monitored by experts who will advise them on the course of treatment.

The app is available in three languages, English, Punjabi and Hindi, the statement said.
By PTI

KOLKATA: A low-pressure area, set to form over east central Bay of Bengal on May 22, is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and strike the Odisha-West Bengal coast on May 26, the Met department said on Thursday, sparking fears of another Amphan-like catastrophe.

Regional Met director G K Das said several places in Bengal are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall from May 25, and isolated areas may encounter heavy showers.

The intensity of rainfall may gradually increase, especially in the Gangetic belts.

The Met department has also warned of rough to very rough sea conditions.

Fishermen in West Bengal have been advised against venturing into the sea for a few days from May 23.

Those who are out with trawlers have been requested to return to the shore in the next two days.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said it is closely monitoring the developments on the Bay of Bengal, and has initiated preventive measures.

"Coast Guard Dornier aircraft and ships are intimating the fishermen operating close to the shore and those at sea about the formation of cyclonic storm over Odisha-West Bengal coast, and directing them to return back to the harbour safely," an ICG official said.

He said that radar stations at the ICG in West Bengal and Odisha have also started transmitting weather warnings at regular intervals, both in English and in vernacular language.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday held a high-level meeting with officials of the disaster management authority, district magistrates and police superintendents to review the preparations in place in the event of a cyclone.

She has asked them to make necessary arrangements, while strictly following the COVID protocols.

The Amphan super cyclone, which struck Bengal in the third week of May last year, had claimed at least 98 lives and caused widespread destruction of property and infrastructure in the state's southern districts, including Kolkata, causing immense hardship to millions of people.

The prevailing low-pressure area, if it develops into a cyclone, will be christened 'Yaas', a name given by Oman, in accordance with a standard procedure.

The Indian Metrological Department (IMD), being a Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) -- one of the six in the world -- provide tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 countries, including Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The RSMC, New Delhi has released a list of names for tropical cyclones after taking into consideration suggestions made by these 13 countries - all members of WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific).

The ships, aircraft and remote stations of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have started warning fishermen and mariners in Bay of Bengal to return to the shores or take shelter at the nearest ports as cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify within the next 72 hours, an official statement said on Thursday.

"As per IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) forecast, a low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal around May 22 (Saturday)," the ICG statement said.

Yaas is forming in the Bay of Bengal a few days after the cyclone Tauktae hit the Arabian Sea.

Tauktae made a landfall on Monday night near Una town in Gir Somnath, Gujarat, and wreaked havoc for around 28 hours before it weakened into a depression.

At least 53 people have lost their lives in incidents related to the cyclone in different parts of Gujarat.

Regarding Yaas, the ICG said in a statement that it is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in next 72 hours.

"It is predicted to move north-westwards and reach Odisha-West Bengal coasts around May 26 evening," it added.

Pre-emptive measures have already been initiated by the ICG to deal with Yaas, it mentioned.

"Weather warnings are being regularly relayed by ICG ships, aircraft and ROC (remote operating centre)/ROS (remote operating station) on VHF (very high frequency) urging fishermen and mariners to return to shore or take shelter in nearest port," it noted.

These warnings are being relayed in English as well as in vernacular languages to alert merchant vessels, fishing boats, scientific research vessels, oil rigs, accommodation barges, support vessels for offshore development areas, it said.

"Port authorities, oil rig operators, shipping, fisheries authorities and fishermen associations have been informed about the likelihood of cyclone formation," it noted.

The ICG said a fishing ban is already in force on the east coast of India.

In addition, ICG's Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, life buoys and life jackets are on standby for undertaking disaster response operations, it added.

The Odisha government on Thursday alerted the authorities of 12 districts of the state as a cyclonic storm may hit its coast on May 26 and said that it is prepared to face the eventuality.

Odisha received a bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting the formation of a low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which may take the shape of a cyclonic storm, Special Relief Commissioner P K Jena said.

The system is likely to pass through the Odisha-West Bengal coast by May 26.

"We are well-prepared to face the cyclonic storm likely to form over the Bay of Bengal," Jena told reporters after holding preparatory meetings with officials.

Though the IMD is yet to spell out the path of the possible cyclone, its wind speed and its intensity, the state government has already asked all the departments including energy and panchayati raj, urban development and home to remain prepared with man and machinery to face the possible cyclonic storm.

The prevailing low-pressure area, if it develops into a cyclone, will be christened 'Yaas', a name given by Oman, in accordance with a standard procedure.

Jena had discussions with the district magistrates-cum collectors, superintendents of police, disaster response forces, fire brigade, telecommunication providers and others.

The authorities of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Nayagarh, Khurda, Cuttack and Gajapati districts have been alerted on the possible cyclone, Jena said.

They were told to keep the cyclone and flood shelters ready with drinking water, power, sanitation facilities.

The district officials have already started repairing the cyclone shelters, he said.

The energy department has been asked to ensure that hospitals and health facilities get alternative power supplies if there is a cyclone.

"As of now, nothing is clear about the cyclonic storm and where it will hit. We will expedite actions as per the IMD prediction," the SRC told reporters.

Jena also appealed to people not to panic over possible cyclone and urged the media to report responsibly on the issue.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The relationship between India and China is at a crossroads and its direction depends on whether the neighbouring country adheres to various agreements on maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday referring to the eastern Ladakh standoff.

Jaishankar said the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988 to China 26 years after the 1962 conflict led to a consensus on having stability along the frontier which was followed by the signing of two important agreements in 1993 and 1996 on maintaining peace and tranquillity at the border.

The stability at the border led to the expansion of relations in several sectors, but it was adversely impacted following what happened in eastern Ladakh, he said at a webinar organised jointly organised by the Financial Times and the Indian Express.

At a media briefing, Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said full restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas would enable progress in the bilateral relationship and that the disengagement of troops at friction points in eastern Ladakh remained "unfinished".

The ties between the two countries came under severe strain following a deadly clash in the Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh in June last, over a month after the border standoff began between the Indian and Chinese militaries in multiple friction points in the region.

"I think the relationship is at a crossroads and which direction we go depends on whether the Chinese side would adhere to the consensus; whether it would follow through on the agreements which we both have done. What is very clear in the last year is that border tensions cannot continue with cooperation in other areas," he said.

ALSO READ | Keeping an eye on drill by Chinese military near Ladakh region: General Naravane

Asked about China's attempts to expand influence in the region and competition between the two countries, Jaishankar said India is ready to compete and it has its inherent strength as well as the influence that goes deep into the Indo-Pacific on the one side and Africa and Europe on the other.

"It is one thing to compete, it is another thing to have violence on the border," he said.

"I am ready to compete. That is not the issue for me. The issue for me is how do I manage a relationship if the basis of the relationship has been violated by one side," he said.

The external affairs minister said the economic relationship and ties in other sectors between the two countries were driven by the stabilisation of the border through the 1980s and 1990s.

"I do not have a clear cut answer at this point of time. We had the border conflict of 1962 and it took us really 26 years to have the first prime minister's visit in 1988 when Rajiv Gandhi went to China. There was a 1988 sort of consensus which stabilised the border," he said.

He was asked about where things stand now in ties between the two nations.

Jaishankar said the agreements in 1993 and 1996 on border management paved the way for the expansion of overall ties.

"Those agreements essentially stipulated that you will not bring large armed forces to the border and the Line of Actual Control would be observed, respected and there would be no attempt to change the status quo unilaterally. Now what we saw last year was actually China departing from the 1988 consensus," he said.

ALSO READ | China builds key highway through Brahmaputra Canyon in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh border

Jaishankar said there is definitely going to impact the ties if the peace and tranquillity at the border are disturbed, "if you disturb the peace and tranquillity if you have bloodshed as you pointed out if there is intimidation if there is continuing friction at the border."

To a question on further disengagement in eastern Ladakh, Bagchi said that full restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas would enable progress in the bilateral ties.

He also referred to Jaishankar's telephonic talks with the Chinese foreign minister last month.

Bagchi said Jaishankar conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that while the process of disengagement had commenced earlier this year it remained "unfinished" and emphasised on early completion of the process.

"In this context, the two sides have agreed in the interim that they would maintain stability on the ground and avoid any new incidents," he said.

"It is our expectation therefore that neither side should take any action that is not keeping with these understandings. Full restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas would enable progress in the bilateral relationship," Bagchi added.

India and China completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks.

The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points.

There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops in the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach on it at the 11th round of military talks with the Indian Army on April 9.

The Chinese military is currently conducting a drill in its training areas near the Ladakh region.

Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane said on Wednesday said India is keeping a constant eye on activities by the Chinese military.

He also hoped that both sides will be able to make forward movement in resolving issues in other areas.

In the interactive session, Jaishankar said the Quad or Quadrilateral dialogue has brought together countries with a growing degree of comfort with each other, shared interest in key global and regional challenges like connectivity maritime security, technology, vaccines, resilient supply chains and climate change.

"Today, Quad fills a gap which cannot be addressed simply by four bilat relationships, aggregated, and a multilateral or regional structure which isn't there, something has to fill that space Quad helps to fill the gap," he said.

Jaishankar also said that arguments of the Cold war cannot be used to deny other countries their right to maximise their options.
The first attack happened at 12:25 p.m. on the service road of the Horace Harding Expressway near 186th St. in Fresh Meadows. Surveillance video shows the suspect, dressed in all black, walking past the 67-year-old victim as hes talking with another man.
By Express News Service

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday commenting on Mahakumbh and Char Dham Yatra said that the government is causing embarrassment to its own people and questioned why the State cannot learn from its mistakes.

The bench comprising Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma remarked, "First we make the mistake of Kumbh Mela, then there is Char Dham. Why do we repeatedly cause embarrassment to ourselves?"

The CJ revealing that he has been receiving vedios of sanctum sanctorum of the four shrines- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri crowded with people, remarked, "At least I feel embarrassed when my colleagues start calling me up and say what is happening to your state. I have no explanation because naturally I am not a decision maker. But I am surprised those of you who are decision makers are leaving it so carelessly as if it doesnt bother anyones conscience anymore."

The bench irked by videos and pictures of Char Dham circulating on various social media platforms also questioned, "Anyone is supervising (Char Dham Yatra) or is it left to the priests? What happens if coronavirus spreads among the priests? Even when deity is being worshiped, you can't permit twenty priests in a small size of space such as sanctum sanctorum."

It is to be noted that Char Dham Yatra is suspended this year but rituals are to be continued to uphold tradition without visit of any pilgrims to all four shrines- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

After Dilip Jawalkar, secretary tourism, Uttarakhand told the bench that for each place of worship there are guidelines in place, the court said, "No one is following your guidelines. Please take a chopper to Char Cham, you will find what the reality is. Please take next chopper to Kedarnath and see for yourself."

The Court added that the government should be asking questions to violators instead of the court intervening in the matter.

"With all those videos available on social media, you yourself should be asking these questions instead of court. You are issuing orders on paper which no one is implementing," the CJ added.

"I am sorry to say, we caused embarrassment to ourselves then the rest of the country is saying what in the world is Uttarakhand doing. Cant Uttarakhand learn from its own mistake? You can fool the Court, but you cannot fool the people. Everyone can see the reality which exists out there. You are playing with the lives of millions of people in the country," the CJ further remarked.

The bench in the presence of officials from the state and the centre underlining the lurking threat of the third wave if situation is allowed to go out of hand like in Mahakumbh further added, "Sir, we are accountable to the people and Centre and we cant again turn ourselves into a hotbed of covid. And not to mention after covid there is black fungus and experts are saying third wave will hit you in six months."

The court was hearing a group of public interest litigations clubbed together concerning Covid situation and related issues such as availability of oxygen, other essentials including beds, medicines and medical assistance to urban and rural areas of the state.

Next hearing of the matter has been scheduled on June 9, 2021.

The court also questioned the centre over diversion of Oxygen from Uttarakhand to other states without fulfilling the state's demand.

Uttarakhand happens to be oxygen surplus state with demand of 180 metric tonnes and production of 350 metric tonnes. The hill state is allowed to take only 120 MT oxygen out of that and rest is being arranged from Jamshedpur and Durgapur.

The court questioned, "Why is the centre failing to understand a reasonable request of Uttarakhand? Instead of diverting Uttarakhand's oxygen to Uttar Pradesh and asking us to import oxygen from Jamshedpur and Durgapur, which takes time, costs, why can't we take it from our own state?"

"We fail to understand despite a sharp increase in Covid cases and Uttarakhand being a hilly area, why the oxygen allocation to the state has not been increased to 300 MT?" questioned the CJ.

The court also added that it was surprised at the 'callous attitude of the central government' and 'stepmotherly treatment' as every request of Uttarakhand is falling on deaf ears.

The CJ further said, "I am sorry to say this neglect of Uttarakhand is not acceptable to the court. I'd like to believe our state is equal to other states."

The court visibly angry over absences of centres officials to clarify the situation said that it can issue summons to the official if he is too busy to appear before the court.

After state government officials appraised the court that the centre is yet to respond to the communications with regard to the issue, the court stated, "We are not going to take this answer that he is too busy to attend the court. I am surprised to hear that someone has said is too busy to appear before this court. If he wants, I will issue summons."
By PTI

AURANGABAD: Police have registered an FIR against former Aligarh Muslim University student leader Sharjeel Usmani in Maharashtra's Jalna district for allegedly posting some objectionable tweets, a police official said on Thursday.

The complainant, Ambadas Ambhore, who hails from Ambad in Jalna and works with the Hindu Jagran Manch, has alleged that Usmani used disrespectful words for Lord Ram in some of his recent posts on Twitter and hurt religious sentiments, he said.

Based on the complaint, the Ambad police registered a case against Usmani on Wednesday night under Indian Penal Code Section 295-A (malicious act outraging religious feelings) and provisions of the Information Technology Act, the official said.

The case will be transferred to the Jalna cyber department, he added.

Earlier this year, the Pune police had registered a case against Usmani under IPC Section section 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups on the ground religion, etc) over his speech made during the Elgar Parishad conclave held there on January 30.

Usmani had recorded his statement with the Pune police in this connection in March.
By PTI

DATIA/BHIND: The police are meting out some unique punishments to violators of COVID-19 curfew, by making them dance and perform frog jumps in Datia and Bhind districts of Madhya Pradesh.

A video went viral on social media, in which a group of youngsters, caught by the police for unnecessary wandering in Rajgarh square of Datia town, were made to do sit-ups and perform snake dance.

"Violators were given this unique punishment so that they understand the looming threat of coronavirus and the reason why the lockdown is imposed," Rajgarh police post in- charge Y S Kumar said, while justifying the decision to made the violators perform snake dance.

In a similar incident in Umri town of Bhind district, several people were found taking part in a pre-wedding function at a government hostel campus in Sultan Singh Ke Pura area, an official said.

On being alerted, the police reached the spot and registered a case against one Mukesh Jatav (25) and the tent house owners for violating coronavirus curfew provisions, deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Motilal Kushwaha said.

A probe is also underway against hostel officials for granting permission to hold such a large gathering in the premises, he said.

The police also caught 30 to 35 persons returning from the function in a tractor-trolley without wearing masks or following social distancing norms, he said.

The violators were asked to perform frog jumps for a distance as punishment and were allowed to go after being warned of a severe penalty the next time they are caught, he added.

The state on Thursday reported 4,952 new coronavirus cases and 88 fatalities, taking the infection tally to 7,52,735 and the toll to 7,315, the state health department said.

Recoveries outnumbered new COVID-19 cases in the state, bringing down the count of patients under treatment below the 75,000-mark.

A total of 9,746 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, taking the count of recoveries in Madhya Pradesh to 6,72,695, the department said.

The state is now left with 72,725 active cases, it said.

With 1,072 new infections, Indore's caseload went up to 1,42,6872, while that of Bhopal rose by 693 to 1,15,872.

With 14 deaths in the day, Bhopal's count of fatalities went up to 884.

Indore saw five fatalities, taking the cumulative toll to 1,286, the department said.

Indore is now left with 11,383 active cases and Bhopal 11,038, it said.

With 77,493 new tests, the number of samples examined for coronavirus so far in Madhya Pradesh rose to 90,70,235, the department said.

Madhya Pradesh has recorded 1,89,408 cases and 1,699 fatalities so far this month.

Coronavirus figures in MP are as follows: Total cases 7,52,735, new cases 4,952, death toll 7,315, recovered 6,72,695, active cases 72,725, number of tests so far 90,70,235.
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: As Sachin Pilot camp intensifies pressure on Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan, Congress high command has indicated that they will not bend to the tunes of a few.

Ajay Maken, the Secretary In-Charge of Rajasthan, has said that Pilot is an asset but the party will not run according to the wishes of some leaders.

After the resignation of Congress MLA Hemaram Chaudhary, now other MLAs of the Pilot camp have also expressed dissent and have become vocal. Chaksu MLA from Congress, Ved Solanki, had appealed to the party high command for decentralisation of power in Rajasthan government after Hemaram's resignation. He had stated that if their demands are not fulfilled, he will have to step down too. Two more MLAs from Pilot camp, Murari Meena and Mukesh Bhakar have also come forward and expressed sadness over Hemaram's resignation and have asked the party leadership to listen to him.

All of these MLAs were also a part of the 19 MLA group which had rebelled with Sachin Pilot against the Gehlot leadership. They had all spent a month in Gurugram in August 2020.

Meanwhile, the party high command has shot down these rebel voices in a direct message. In an interview given to a section of the media, Secretary In-Charge of Rajasthan Ajay Maken said, "Party does not take decisions based on a few people's wishes. Sachin Pilot is an asset and a star campaigner in Rajasthan, he was instrumental in getting our party elected in the state. In coming times, party will give him responsibilities keeping all of these things in mind."

Maken also stated that people of Rajasthan are with Congress. "In the last few days, Rajasthan had three by-elections in which Congress got 51 per cent votes. This is historic and we won 2 out of 3 seats, this is a very good performance by the party and the credit should go to Ashok Gehlot government's work and the Congress organization in the state."

On the resignation issue, Maken said that this is an internal matter of the party which will be resolved soon.

The Pilot camp is aggrieved that they have not been heard even after 1 year of their revolt and their issues have not been resolved till now. Moreover, they say that there has not been any cabinet expansion and no MLA from the Pilot camp has been in given a cabinet berth.

In a virtual meeting of the State Congress on Monday, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had said, "Even if I have opponents, they still need to work together." Pilot supporters believe that the Chief Minister's statement was aimed at them .

According to the sources within the party, the high command feels that at a time when the country and the state is facing severe covid challenge, it is not the right time to raise these issues by the Pilot camp MLAs.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: A major controversy has erupted in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh after states Primary Education Minister Satish Chandra Dwivedi claimed that just three teachers and not 1600-plus teachers -who were deployed in recent Panchayat poll duties had died of coronavirus.

On Wednesday, Dwivedi had said, "Some teachers bodies and opposition parties politicians are spreading misinformation about 1600-plus teachers of the Basic Shiksha Parishad having died during the panchayat poll duties. As per the report of the State Election Commission (SEC) only three teachers have died during the panchayat poll duties. The dependents of those teachers will be provided government jobs as well as Rs 30 lakh as compensation.

Not only have the UP Prathmik Shikshak Sangh and State Government Employees Association accused the Yogi Adityanath government of concealing the actual death figures of teachers who died of COVID, after being deployed in Panchayat poll duty. And all opposition parties, including SP, BSP and Congress too have slammed the government over the development.

Sensing the growing pressure by the employees and teachers associations in the matter following threats by them to strike over the government observation, the UP CM Yogi Adityanath directed the states chief secretary and the additional chief secretary (ACS-Panchayati Raj) to discuss the matter with the SEC and find ways to compensate teachers and other state government employees, who died of COVID-19, after duties in the panchayat polls.

"Every death is sad for us and the government is sensitive and committed to the kin of all those employees who lost their lives due to COVID. The government is with the families of all those employees, including teachers, cops and other employees, who either lost lives during the poll duty or else died after being infected with COVID during the poll duties, the CM said in a official statement issued on Thursday.

Reacting sharply to the ministers statements, the Uttar Pradesh Prathmik Shikshak Sangh head, Dinesh Chandra Sharma said that 1,621 teachers and workers of the Basic Education Department have died since the first week of April following the outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19. Of these 1,621 deaths, more than 90 per cent of the teachers were on panchayat election duty. He also demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation to the kin of each of the deceased teachers and state government employees, who died of COVID infection contracted during the poll duty.

The state basic school teachers body head found support from the State Employees Union leader Hari Kishore Tewari, who accused the government of concealing the actual casualty figures. In the list of Jhansi district only which has been released by DM-Jhansi on May 8, ten deaths were shown in Jhansi alone due to Covid, which proves that the government is lying.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The central government should provide for free vaccination to all Indian citizens and greatly ramp up RT-PCR testing in both rural and urban areas, a group of former civil servants said on Thursday in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They said the government seems to be more concerned with managing the narrative of "efficient" management of the COVID crisis rather than addressing the crucial issues at stake.

The letter is signed by 116 former civil servants, including former Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, former health secretary K Sujatha Rao, former foreign secretary and ex-national security adviser Shivshankar Menon, former adviser to the Prime Minister T K A Nair, former chief information commissioner Wajahat Habibullah and former lieutenant governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung.

"We are aware that this pandemic threatens the entire world and is not going to leave the citizens of India untouched."

"And yet, what numbs our senses daily is not just the cries of the citizenry for medical assistance and the death toll in its thousands but the manifestly casual attitude of your government to the magnitude of the crisis and its implications for the mental and physical health of the community of Indians," the letter said.

Despite warnings from the international community and Indian scientists, the breathing space between the first and the second waves was not used to augment critical resources such as medical staff, hospital beds, oxygen supplies, ventilators, drugs and other medical supplies, it said.

ALSO READ | COVID-19: Can vaccines be allocated for prisoners, High Court asks Maharashtra govt

"Even more inexcusably, no advance planning was done to secure adequate stocks of vaccines, despite India being one of the major vaccine suppliers to the world," said the letter, written by them under the aegis of Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG).

"The complacency displayed by you and your ministerial colleagues at various forums not only diverted attention from the looming threat but probably also contributed to both state governments and citizens letting down their guard at a crucial juncture, it said.

"As a result, your Atmanirbhar Bharat is today compelled to seek the help of the outside world to lessen the agony inflicted on its own people by your government," said the letter titled 'India needs action now'.

The former civil servants said the government, right from the outset of the pandemic in March 2020, has never systematically assessed the funds that state governments would need to tackle the pandemic.

"The PM-CARES fund was set up when there was already a Prime Minister National Relief Fund in place. No disclosures have been made regarding the funds collected and the expenditures on various items," the letter said.

This fund attracted to itself moneys which would otherwise have gone from corporates and the public to the various CM Relief Funds and to NGOs, it said.

On top of this, the harsh restrictions imposed on NGOs, especially those obtaining foreign contributions, have hampered their efforts in providing relief during the pandemic, the letter said.

"Your government seems to be more concerned with managing the narrative of 'efficient' management of the COVID crisis rather than addressing the crucial issues at stake," it said.

They urged the government to provide for free, universal vaccination to all citizens of India, according to the letter.

"Government of India must centralize the procurement of vaccines from all available sources and supply them to state governments and all other implementing agencies," it said.

They also urged the government to greatly ramp up RT-PCR testing in both rural and urban areas, make adequate funds available to the states for provision of medical facilities and stop expenditures on non-essential items like the Central Vista redevelopment project.

ALSO READ | Nearly two crore COVID-19 vaccine doses available with states, UTs: Centre

"Provide a monthly income support for the current financial year to the needy sections of society to enable them to meet contingent expenses and unforeseen emergencies," the letter said.

Economists have recommended Rs 7,000 per month per household, equivalent to minimum wages, it said.

The former civil servants also asked the government to immediately remove the FCRA restrictions imposed on NGOs so that they can avail of funds provided by foreign governments and charities for COVID management and other related activities.

"Place all data in the public domain and ensure that evidence-based policy measures are implemented," the group asked in the letter.

The former bureaucrats said compassion and caring have to be the cornerstones of government policy.

"History will judge our society, your government and, above all, you personally, on how effectively we handle this crisis," the letter added.
By Express News Service

If metros and big cities bore the brunt of the first wave of Covid-19 last year, the second wave seems to be choking rural India in a way not seen before. According to a recent SBI report, the share of rural districts in new cases has been steadily increasing  from 36.8% in March to 45.5% in April and 48.5% in May. Alarmingly, the fatality rate in interior regions is also high owing to lack of easy access to medical care, shortage of life-saving drugs, and lack of awareness, among other reasons.

In Punjab, for example, 46% of the active coronavirus cases are from rural areas. Data show that interior regions account for 55% of the overall Covid deaths in the state. During May 1-15, as many as 55,411 cases were reported from Punjabs 16 rural districts while the total infections in the state were 1,20,723. Out of 2,618 deaths in Punjab during the period, 1,434 were from rural areas.

Likewise, 43% of Haryanas Covid cases were from rural areas in the first two weeks of May. Also, 62% of the Covid deaths were from the 15 predominantly rural districts of the state. During May 1-15, as many as 84,242 cases were reported from these districts, while the total cases across the state stood at 1,97,334. In terms of deaths, the figure is 1,456 from rural areas out of the states total of 2,330.

Bihar has a peculiar problem. Nearly 89% of the states 13.12 crore population live in its 45,103 villages. In the second Covid wave, 76% of the total cases in the state are from rural areas. According to sources, at least 50% of the population in remote districts like Jamui, Aurangabad, Muzaffarpur, etc could be infected. The actual degree of rural spread could be much higher, as access and willingness for testing is limited, said Dr Vikash R Keshri, a health policy expert.

Covid-19 is surging ahead in rural Bengal, too, with health department officials conceding that the situation in at least 18 districts is grim. For example, West Midnapore recorded 268 cases on May 1. The count went up to 653 on May 7 and 829 on May 15. Similarly, 74 new cases were recorded on May 1 in Jhargram. It jumped to 124 on May 8 and to 178 on May 15.

In Andhra, while rural areas have been reporting more Covid-19 cases than urban regions, interior areas seem to have a slightly lesser fatality rate. According to data for April, the case load was higher in rural areas compared to urban. Of the 1.46 lakh cases reported, 56% of them, accounting for 81,365 cases, were in rural areas while the urban areas accounted for 44%. Explaining the reason, Principal Secretary (Health) Anil Kumar Singhal said the enforcement of partial curfew or restrictions would be more effective in urban areas and cities but not so in hinterlands.

Rural areas of Telangana resisting Covid tests

In Telangana, the highest caseload in the last one month was reported from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Rangareddy, and Medchal districts. These three districts, with infections over 10,000 each, have the highest urban population in the state. However, the situation in districts with tier-2 cities and small towns remained a matter of concern. There is staunch resistance to even get a Covid-19 test done due to stigma and fear of eventuality, said Sreeharsha Thanneru of Rythu Swarajya Vedika, which is working extensively to provide relief to rural pockets of the state.

He observed that in many villages and small towns the vaccine acceptance was also poor. In Karnataka, while Bengaluru and other urban centres are showing some signs of improvement in Covid-19 situation, rural areas continue to suffer. Although there is no shocking increase in the number of fresh cases yet in the rural areas, experts say inter-district travellers moving to their native places in the rural areas may be carrying the infection and spreading it there.

In Kerala, where the rural-urban divide is not so well defined, the Covid-19 spread has been more or less uniform across the state with areas with higher population density reporting higher number of cases. In Kerala, cities where most people reside like Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram have more Covid cases as compared to the interior parts of the districts, said Dr Praveen G S, an epidemiologist. According to Rijo M John, a health economist, the state has a good network of primary health centres across the rural areas, which has been doing testing and providing primary care to Covid patients. The infection spread in rural Odisha is fast and furious.

Hundreds of miles away from the urban localities, the virus has reached the particularly vulnerable tribal groups - Bondas and Dongria Kondhs who were relatively untouched in the first wave. Health department sources said overall 58% Covid infections in the state are from the rural hinterlands. In Madhya Pradesh, the situation in some rural districts especially those bordering Uttar Pradesh is alarming with daily spike staying in three digits.

In Chhattisgarh, on any given day in May, the number of new cases in urban regions was less than half of what was reported from rural areas. On May 1, rural positive cases were 10,204 while urban areas reported 5,695. On May 15, the figure decreased to 5,506 in rural and 2,158 in urban zones.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Khadi is not a generic name and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the legitimate owner of the trade marks "Khadi" and "Khadi India", a tribunal has ruled.

The National Internet Exchange of India Domain Dispute Policy (INDRP) Arbitration Tribunal in New Delhi rejected the contention of a private entity that "Khadi" is a generic word and said use of the popular brand name by any other is likely to create confusion and deception with the goods/services of KVIC.

The order came on a complaint filed by KVIC challenging a domain name www.khadi.in being run by Delhi-based Jitendra Jain and his associates, with the tribunal holding that the domain name in question was registered in "bad faith".

Directing that the domain name www.khadi.in be transferred to KVIC, Pankaj Garg, sole Arbitrator in the matter, said Khadi was not a generic name to be used by private individuals or firms and permanently restrained Jain and his agents from using the brand name Khadi.

"The impugned domain name is identical and confusingly similar to a named trademark as well as a service mark in which the KVIC has a right," the Arbitrator said.

Further, the tribunal said, It is an undisputed fact that KVIC, the complainant, is the legitimate owner of the trademark Khadi/Khadi India and has acquired ownership in terms of the provisions of Section 17 of the Trade Marks Act 1999".

"In the opinion of the Tribunal, the impugned domain name (www.khadi.in) is a trademark backed domain name and it not only violates the provisions of the Trade Marks Act 1999 but also violates Clause 4 of the INDPR policy issued by the NIXI, the Arbitrator said.

It is directed that the domain name www.khadi.in be transferred in favour of the complainant (KVIC) the respondent and any person acting on its behalf are permanently restrained from using the domain name or any other deceptively similar trademark which may amount to infringement of the complainant's registered trademark and also from doing any other thing which is likely to create confusion and deception with the goods/services of KVIC, the complainant, the tribunal said in its recent order.

The Tribunal also instructed the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) to take incidental or ancillary action involved in the transfer of the domain name, as directed.

KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said the order will bolster Khadi's fight against violation of its brand name and help protect the legitimate rights of Khadi artisans.

KVIC will not spare any effort to prevent any misuse of the brand name 'Khadi' as it has a direct bearing on the livelihood of our artisans who are making genuine handcrafted products in remote parts of India.

KVIC will continue to take stern action against individuals or firms misusing the brand name Khadi.

This is to safeguard the interest of Khadi artisans and prevent the sale of any spurious product in the name of Khadi, Saxena said.

KVIC has been aggressively fighting legal battles to protect its brand names and logos , he said and referred to an order passed in March by the Delhi High Court which restrained a firm from using brand name Khadi and the Charkha symbol to sell its products under the name IWEARKHADI.

The high court had observed that irreparable loss will be caused if the firm was not restrained from using the Khadi brand name.

The plaintiff (KVIC) has made out a prima facie case in its favour. The balance of convenience also lies in favour of the plaintiff, i.e. KVIC and irreparable loss will be caused in case an ex-parte injunction is not granted.

Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, the defendants, their partners, servants, representatives, agents and all others acting on their behalf are restrained from manufacturing, selling, advertising any kind of goods or service under the trademark IWEARKHADI, the high court had ruled.

The chairman said so far KVIC has issued legal notices to over 1000 private firms including Fabindia for allegedly misusing its brand name and selling products under the name of Khadi.

KVIC has sought damages to the tune of Rs 500 crore from Fabindia which is pending before the Mumbai High Court, he said.
Vineet Upadhyay By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has decided to provide 6.75 lakh labourers and their 30 lakh family members/dependents free-of-cost treatment of Covid-19. Harak Singh Rawat, state cabinet minister who is also in charge of the labour department, said, All assistance will be provided to the workers and their dependents who are engaged in several projects. Assistance will reach the last person in the queue.

Labourers from UP, Bihar and other states are working in mega projects such as Char Dham Pariyojana, Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway line, mining fields and many others. Labour department officials said the 6.75 lakh workers registered with the state Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) will be eligible for the assistance.

Harbans Singh Chug, secretary labour, said: These workers will get medical help in government as well as private hospitals according to Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Officials said the workers earning less than Rs 21,000 per month would get free medical help from private and government hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to file its reply on the vaccination of thousands of workers from Nepal working in various projects in the state. The directions came from a division bench comprising Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma.

Religious figures criticise linking Kumbh with Covid

Several prominent Hindu religious figures on Wednesday criticised attempts to link the recent Kumbh Mela in Haridwar with the spread of Covid-19, saying it is an insult to peoples faith and traditions.
This unprovoked attack is both senseless and deeply disturbing  and another reminder of why additional uniformed police officers and mental health services are needed in the transit system to both increase security and to ensure the safety of riders and transit workers, Feinberg said in a statement. We are deeply grateful for the generous acts of each of the good Samaritans who jumped to this victims aid last night at significant risk to themselves.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: Eight people have died of black fungus in Haryana as the state has so far reported 316 cases of the deadly infection, officials said on Thursday.

Of the total cases, the maximum 114 have been recorded in Gurgaon, followed by 45 in Sirsa, 42 in Faridabad, 31 in Hisar and 20 in Rohtak, they said.

Forty-eight fresh cases of black fungus were reported in Haryana on Thursday, the officials said.

With cases of black fungus or mucormycosis in the state on the rise, a meeting regarding management of the disease was held under the chairmanship of Health Minister Anil Vij on Thursday.

Vij said he has ordered to float a global tender to procure anti-fungal injection Amphotericin B along with one crore COVID-19 vaccines and Tocilizumab injection.

Besides, experts have been asked to look for alternate anti-fungal infections used in treatment of black fungus, he added.

He said the state government has already initiated steps, including reserving 20 beds in wards in medical colleges, for specialised treatment of the infection.

Vij said steps are being taken to ensure adequate availability of necessary drugs for the disease.

"We are also trying to import the medicines," he added.

The minister said black fungus was declared a notified disease in the state last week.

"Now, if any cases of this disease are found, the doctors will have to report them to the concerned chief medical officer (CMO)," he said.

He also said that senior doctors of PGIMS, Rohtak will conduct meetings through videoconferencing with all the doctors who are treating coronavirus patients in the state and inform them about the treatment of black fungus.

Mucormycosis (black fungus), which is primarily affecting people recovering from COVID-19, had claimed five lives in Sirsa district earlier this week, officials had said.

With lockdown currently enforced in the state, Vij said COVID-19 cases, which hovered around 16,000 per day three weeks ago, have now fallen to around 6,000 per day.

He said at present there are 12,000 non-oxygen beds and a sufficient number of oxygen beds for COVID-19 patients.

ICU beds and beds with ventilators are unoccupied as recoveries of coronavirus patients have increased and the number of fresh cases has fallen, the minister added.

Three weeks ago, active cases in the state were over 1.15 lakh, which have now come down to around 70,000, Vij said.

The state on Thursday reported 129 COVID-19-related deaths, taking the cumulative toll to 7,205 and 6,457 fresh infections which pushed the total case count to 7,22,964, officials said.

According to the health department's daily bulletin, the latest deaths include 12 from Jind, 11 each from Karnal and Hisar and 7 each from Sirsa, Ambala and Panchkula districts.

Of the fresh cases, Gurgaon reported 1,161 while 628 were from Hisar and 400 from Bhiwani.

The total active cases in the state are 62,352 while 6,53,40 people have recovered so far.

The positivity rate stands at 8.52 percent and the recovery rate is 90.38 per cent, the bulletin said.
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The glorious era of Indian Navys first destroyer will come to an end with the decommissioning INS Rajput on Friday. It served the nation for 41 years.

Commander Vivek Madhwal, Spokesperson Indian Navy told, The solemn decommissioning ceremony will be held at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. Owing to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the ceremony will be a low-key event attended only by in-station officers and sailors with strict observance of COVID protocols.



INS Rajput, with the motto Raj Karega Rajput, was the lead ship of the Kashin-class destroyers built by the erstwhile USSR was commissioned on 04 May 1980 and participated in some of the most important operations and served in both Western and Eastern Fleets of the Indian Navy.



The Ship was part of Operation Aman off Sri Lanka to assist Indian Peace Keeping Force, Operation Pawan for patrolling duties off the coast of Sri Lanka, Operation Cactus to resolve hostage situation off the Maldives, and Operation Crowsnest off Lakshadweep. told Madhwal.



The ship also participated in numerous bilateral and multi-national exercises. The ship was also the first Indian Naval Ship to be affiliated with an Indian Army regiment  the Rajput Regiment.



The keel of the ship was laid on 11 Sep 1976 and she was launched on 17 Sep 1977. The ship was commissioned as INS Rajput on 04 May 1980 at Poti, Georgia by His Excellency Shri IK Gujral, the Ambassador of India to USSR with Capt Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani as her first Commanding Officer. INS Rajput was constructed in the 61 Communards Shipyard in Nikolaev (present-day Ukraine) under her original Russian name Nadezhny meaning Hope.



In her glorious 41 years, the ship had 31 Commanding Officers at her helm with the last CO taking charge of the ship on 14 Aug 2019.



The poignant ceremony will take place as the sun sets on 21 May 21, the Naval Ensign and the Commissioning Pennant will be hauled down for the last time onboard INS Rajput, symbolising the decommissioning, Madhwal said.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Maharashtra reported 29,911 fresh coronavirus positive cases and 738 deaths on Thursday, which took its infection tally to 54,97,448 and toll to 85,355, the health department said.

The state witnessed a drop of 4,120 cases as compared to Wednesday, when it had recorded 34,031 cases.

A 47,371 patients got discharge during the day, the state's recovery count reached 50,26,308, it said.

With this, the COVID-19 recovery rate of the state now stands at 91.43 per cent, while the case fatality rate is 1.55 per cent.

The positivity rate is 17.09 per cent.

The count of active cases dropped below four lakh and reached 3,83,253, the department said in its report.

Mumbai city reported 1,433 cases and 59 deaths, taking the city's cumulative infection count to 6,92,785 and toll to 14,410.

Mumbai division added 3,767 cases and 168 deaths.

Apart from Mumbai, the rural parts of Raigad district reported 43 deaths and Palghar 21.

Nashik division reported 4,884 cases and 50 deaths.

In that division, Ahmednagar district alone added 2,236 cases and 14 deaths.

Jalgaon also recorded 14 deaths, while 10 fatalities each were reported in Nashik rural and Nashik city, it said.

Pune division witnessed 7,130 new COVID-19 cases, which were reported mainly from Pune's rural parts as well as from Solapur and Satara.

Rural parts of Pune district reported 2,074 cases, while 1,000 infections are detected in Pune city, it said.

Solapur and Satara districts added 1,597 and 1,720 cases respectively.

Of the 134 deaths in Pune division, 66 were from Pune rural followed by 24 in Solapur, 21 in Pune City and 15 in Satara, the department said.

Kolhapur division added 3,262 cases and 120 deaths.

As many as 1,317 cases were reported from Sangli district's rural parts along with 28 deaths.

Kolhapur rural reported 43 deaths, while the virus claimed 29 lives in Ratnagiri district.

In Marathwada, Aurangabad division's caseload increased by 1,640.

The division reported 38 deaths, of which Aurangabad city and Parbhani district reported 12 each.

Latur division reported 2,245 cases and 89 deaths, of which 47 came from Beed followed by 23 from Osmanabad and 13 from rural parts of Latur.

The rural parts of Amravati and Buldhana added 1,156 and 1,146 COVID-19 cases, respectively, to the total of 4,364 cases found in Akola division.

Out of 46 deaths in the division, 19 took place in rural parts of Amravati.

Nagpur division added 2,619 cases while 93 people lost of COVID-19 infection, 24 of them in Nagpur city, 16 each in Wardha and Gadchiroli, while rural parts of Nagpur reported 12 deaths, the statement said.

With 2,79,911 tests carried out during the day, the overall test count in the state has reached 3,21,54,275.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases: 54,97,448; new cases: 29,911; deaths: 85,355; discharged: 50,26,308; active cases: 3,83,253; people tested so far: 3,21,54,275.

Meanwhile, over one lakh people were administered anti-coronavirus vaccines in Maharashtra in one day, taking the state's cumulative vaccination figure to 2,03,35,999, the health department said on Thursday.

A total of 1,01,098 people were inoculated on Wednesday, it said in a statement.

On that day, 60,938 people above 45 years of age got the first dose, while 19,606 others received the second dose.

In the category of healthcare workers, 1,616 received the first dose, while 2,425 others were administered the second dose on Wednesday.

While 5,854 frontline workers got the first dose, 5,516 others from this category received the second dose.

The state also inoculated 5,143 people from the 18-44 age category on that day.

Of them, 4,048 beneficiaries were from Mumbai, 620 from Thane, 449 from Raigad and 26 from Nanded, the report state.

Travellers alighting at Kalyan railway station in Maharashtra from outstation trains will have to undergo antigen test as a precautionary measure against coronavirus, an official said on Thursday.

The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in a release said the test is mandatory for people arriving from other states and those to do not undergo the same will have to face action, including fines.

Municipal commissioner Dr Vijay Suryavanshi, area manager Dr Pramod Jadhav and officials of the Railways and Government Railway Police toured the station and took stock of the situation, the official said.

The KDMC has noted that travellers coming from other states skip the antigen test and enter the city, endangering lives, he said.

According to the statement issued by the civic body, large number of people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, among other states, who had left Maharashtra at the start of the second wave of the pandemic, were returning to Kalyan by trains.

Most of the returnees are not taking the mandatory tests, the KDMC stated.
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: The Covid fear has apparently driven four cadres of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) to surrender before the district police chief of strife-torn district of Dantewada, south Chhattisgarh, on Thursday.

They were immediately tested by a team of health staff who found that three of them were positive for Covid-19.

"The surrendered Maoist cadres found positive were sent under the police protection to the Covid care centre for proper treatment," said Abhishek Pallava, Dantewada police chief.

Earlier, the Bastar police recovered a letter written by a senior Maoist leader from Bijapur citing that members of their military wing PLGA and some top cadres were infected with the coronavirus. The letter also cited about the cadres who died due to Covid-19.

As per our information acquired from the reliable sources, around 10 Maoists including some top cadres had succumbed to the symptoms of coronavirus infections. Many are still suffering from suspected Covid symptoms," said Sunderraj P, inspector general of police (Batar zone).

The Dantewada SP has been repeatedly exhorting the Maoists infected with the contagious virus to surrender and seek proper treatment. The appeal led the three senior members of the Maoist cultural troupe 'Chetna Natya Mandli' (CNM) and a militia cadre to surrender before the police in Dantewada.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: With no money for treatment and no documents that will enable them to get vaccinated or tested, they are the Rohingyas, the nowhere people fending for themselves as a continuing pandemic pushes them further into the shadows of a city they call home.

The helplessness in the face of COVID-19 plays out in southeast Delhi's Madanpur Khadar, one of the several camps in the city for Rohingya Muslims where the refugees battle it out on their own without access to testing centres, vaccines or doctors.

The government has eased testing and vaccine guidelines even for those who don't have the requisite documentation, but many refugees said it hasn't made a tangible difference at the ground level.

The Madanpur Khadar camp is home to about 270 Rohingya Muslims, who fled their homes in Myanmar to escape persecution.

Many of those living in the slum cluster said they have learnt to battle symptoms on their own depending on home remedies such as saltwater gargles and withdrawing indoors into their cramped tenements to quarantine when they think it has gotten worse.

Among those showing symptoms is Amir*, a young daily wager who has been gargling with hot water four times a day to make his cough go away.

It is helping somewhat but he doesn't know what he will do if the situation aggravates.

He doesn't have an Aadhaar card or any other document, and neither do his neighbours.

"What can we do? We can't get tests done, we can't get vaccinated. For everything you need government documents which we don't have," he said.

"There are around 20-25 people right now who are displaying Covid symptoms. We are treating ourselves at home. Going to hospital is not even an option as we do not have the necessary documents," he said.

Last month, when the pandemic was at its peak, about 50-60 Rohingya refugees in the Madanpur Khadar camp displayed Covid symptoms.

It has now come down to about 20-25, the residents said.

According to NGOs, there are around 40,000 Rohingyas living in India.

There are about 900 Rohingyas living in Delhi in camps in Madanpur Khadar, Kalindi Kunj and Shaheen Bagh.

Naseer* lost his wife six months ago.

He thinks it was COVID-19 but can't be sure even though he somehow managed to take her to hospital.

"My wife died after suffering from Covid like symptoms. I had taken my wife to hospital but she passed away before she could get treated," he said, adding that an ID card issued to him by the UN helped him access a hospital.

Many others are scared of doing so because they fear they will be deported if identified as refugees.

"People feel if they go to hospital they will be identified as outsiders," said the father of two.

Naseer*, who runs a small grocery shop in the neighbourhood, also said people get scared when they have symptoms.

"They quarantine themselves, drink hot water and add lime to it, eat onions.

Many of them have breathing difficulties and fever and cold and cough.

Many people don't even want to talk about it," he said.

While untreated COVID-19 poses a risk not just for individuals but the community, it is not just about health for Rohingya Muslim refugees.

"Most of us work in the informal sector and have lost our jobs in this lockdown. The last one-and-a-half years have been tough. We have not been able to get employment and those who are working are also putting their lives at risk," Naseer* said.

The majority of those in the Madanpur Khadar settlement and others work as daily wage and contract labourers, ragpickers and other odd jobs.

Both Naseer* and Amir* came to India in 2012 to looking for a better life and to escape the brutalities faced by the Rohingyas in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

The Rohingya Muslims are the most persecuted minority in the world, the UN has said.

According to NGOs, there are about 40,000 Rohingyas in India.

Of these, about 900 live in Delhi in camps in Madanpur Khadar, Kalindi Kunj and Shaheen Bagh.

A representative of the Rohingya Human Rights Initiative said health facilities have always be a problem for the Rohingya refugees.

"Rohingyas are more exposed because of the congested areas they live in" it's not just about coronavirus but other diseases as well.

Recently, several cases of diarrhoea were seen among children in the camp," he said.

"We have identified such cases where symptoms of coronavirus are being seen. But without the requisite documents, treatment has been an issue and getting them vaccinated is a very big concern," he said, asking not to be identified.

He said no deaths due to the disease have been reported yet in Madanpur Khadar.

According to recent guidelines by the Health ministry, those without ID cards will also be covered in the Covid vaccination drive through special sessions.

However, it is not clear whether the list includes refugees.

The list includes nomads (including sadhu/saints from various religions), prison inmates, inmates in mental health Institutions, citizens in old age homes, roadside beggars, people in rehabilitation centres/camps and any other identified eligible persons, aged 18 years or more.

The Centre has asked state governments to form district-level task forces to identify those who don't have any of the seven prescribed photo ID cards.

A United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson said inclusion in health responses, vaccines to social safety nets is key to protecting refugees and their hosts from the COVID-19 virus.

"The UNHCR welcome the SOP issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for COVID-19 vaccination of persons without prescribed identity cards.

This will provide an opportunity for vulnerable groups including refugees and asylum seekers to access vaccines.

Safeguarding their health also protects the health of their host communities and members of society, the spokesperson told PTI in a written response.

Rohingyas have been displaced by waves of violence between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has denied citizenship to Rohingyas since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless.

Myanmar does not recognise Rohingyas as an indigenous ethnic group and insists they are Bangladeshi migrants living illegally in the country.

Thousands of them have fled Myanmar to take refuge in neighbouring countries, including India.

(*names have been changed to protect identities)
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kisan Sarkar) Thursday appealed to the protesting farmers to temporarily halt their agitation against the three Central farm laws in view of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

BKU (Kisan Sarkar) spokesperson Bhopal Singh said the anti-farm law protests can resume later when the coronavirus situation in the country improves.

"Being a part of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, I want to appeal to all the farmers to postpone their agitation at Singhu, Tikri and other borders for the time being.

We will resume our fight against the three farm laws and for a legal guarantee on MSP (minimum support price) after the situation improves in the country," he said.

Scores of farmers have been protesting at the three Delhi borders for over six months now demanding the Centre repeal the three contentious agri-marketing related laws passed last year.

ALSO READ | Pandemic shadow over farmers protests? Two die near Singhu border, one found COVID positive

The country currently is in the middle of a rampaging second wave of coronavirus with over 3,500 deaths and more than 2. 5 lakh cases being reported daily for the past several days.

"We will continue our protest later. And we will win. The situation in the country is not good at this time. It is our country. And, it is the responsibility of all the farmers to stand by our country at this time of crisis," he said.

He also noted that two protesting farmers at Singhu border died of Covid-19 infection on Wednesday.

"If our farmers continue dying like this, who will be there to participate in the protest in the coming days? That's why it is my request that we postpone our agitation for the time being in view of the prevailing crisis in the country. If we farmers survive and save crops in the fields, only then will we be called 'annadata'," he said.
Kanam Rajendran By

The LDFs slogan for the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections was LDF for sure. We were very sure that the people would give us a landmark victory. Through its welfare programmes and good governance, the party had ensured that there was no anti-incumbency factor working against it. It was during the reign of C Achutha Menon that the famous Kerala model for sustainable development was recognised by the UN. This was enhanced and given special characteristics by the LDF government.

It was proven that the Kerala model was capable of resisting Covid-19. It was not simply a medical victory. It was about ensuring that nobody would remain marginalised as a result of the virus.

According to social critic and philosopher Noam Chomsky, it was the way by which Kerala tackled Covid that made it different. When the pandemic created additional destruction by widening the gap between the rich and poor, the free market crony capitalist economy was found to be helpless in combating the impact. It became mandatory for governments to make full-fledged interventions. Thats where the Kerala model succeeded.

In India, 66% of the people go to private hospitals for medical care due to the non-existence of public healthcare setups in many places and the mismanagement of the existing government ones. The governments that refrained from interventions ensured that the health sector was dominated by private players. Since the private sector lacks the bandwidth to counter the impact on the economy, most states have fallen into the grip of Covid. The collapse of the economy devastated the lives of common people. Poverty, hunger and loss of income widened the inequalities. But here again, Kerala is an exception. It tops the states in public healthcare, thanks to a strong and efficient health system. The government has a firm hold on health infrastructure and the whole sectora reason why it was highly responsive and efficient during the pandemic. We were able to bring the death rate under control and people received the best care without having to spend a lot of money.

Thanks to five years of the LDF, our PSUs are in great shape. The whole public sector was utilised to the maximum. The oxygen plant set up by Kerala Mineral and Metals Ltd (KMML) ensured that there is an oxygen surplus in the state. To make sure that no one remained hungry, community kitchens were opened in all panchayats. The government started distributing free ration kits to people. While several states failed to utilise the free ration given by the Centre, Kerala distributed not only those ones but also kits of its own.

Kerala upholds a holistic leftist model amidst a crony capitalist world. After the 2008 global crisis, the Stiglitz report suggested making structural changes in economies. Eminent economists suggested empowering the public sector and regulating the market more rigidly. But capitalist literatures and makers of the right-wing collective consciousness neglected such warnings. In the beginning of the 90s, Nobel Laureate American economist Kenneth J Arrow wrote about why the free market should not control the medical sector. But the world, and even India, failed to listen.

PM Narendra Modi went forward with an economic model that focused on disinvesting PSUs and uprooting the reservation system. His policies pushed for privatisation and gave no importance to the lives of people. Poverty, hunger and inequality grew, and unemployment reached the sky. The purchasing power of people was destroyed and social security schemes were erased. Farmers were given low prices for their products and are now subjected to the brutal free market.

To all these problems, the Kerala model is an alternative. In it, education is free and universal. Farmers are given higher MSP along with royalty. PSUs are preserved, running on profit and nourishing the economy. Hospitals with the best infrastructure and services are ensured. Strong PDS ensures zero hunger. The Kerala model is about human development, sustainability, improving living standards, socialist policies, democratic decentralisation, women empowerment, secularism and progressive thinking.

The prime factors for the LDFs victory are excellence in governance and welfare programmes:

1. Public sector units that were running on loss started making profits. The units that were shut down were reopened. They contributed Rs 12,908 crore to the state treasury and Rs 881 crore to the Union as profit share.

2. 1,589 Maveli supermarkets and 95 Sabari medical stores that sell groceries and medicines at a discount are operational under the Civil Supplies department. 88.6 lakh ration card holders were given free ration.

3. Kerala became the first state to give royalty to farmers. Nearly 5,000 acres of barren land was converted for agricultural use. It gives the highest MSP for agri products in India.

4. 4,265 landless Scheduled Tribe families were given land. In five years, 1,77,112 families have been bestowed with absolute ownership of land.

5. Financial and material assistance to marginalised communities were increased and hi-tech schools were constructed. We are aiming to turn Kerala into a knowledge society.

What makes Keralas success shine better is its ability to overcome the hurdles put up by the Centre. Heres an account of how the BJP-led Centre treated Kerala:

1. In 2014-15, the Central share for MGNREGA in Kerala was Rs 158 crore, which was reduced to Rs 71 crore in 2016-17.

2. In the 2015-16 Budget, Kerala received a share of 0.91%. But in 2021, the share was reduced to 0.61%.

3. From 2011 to 2014, Kerala received more than Rs 1,000 crore for Central programmes. It was reduced by 35% during the NDA rule.

4. The fund for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan came down from Rs 413.43 crore to Rs 206 crore.

5. Kerala was excluded from the calamity fund list even though we faced two floods.

6. It demanded Rs 2,101 crore as financial help during the 2019 floods but received only Rs 52.27 crore.

7. The estimated loss due to the 2018 flood was Rs 26,718 crore, but the Centre sanctioned only Rs 2,904 crore.

The NDA government used Central agencies like the NIA and CBI to tarnish the state government. With the moral support of the CPI, the LDF readily took a stand against the agencies. Finally, the people of Kerala were convinced of the bias and another anti-Communist agenda bit the dust.

The new government would continue the welfare schemes and move forward with the anti-fascist agenda. The Kerala model will lead India in the future. Until then the model and the state of Kerala will be a nightmare to all right-wing forces in the country.

Kanam Rajendran

CPI Kerala Secretary
Ram Madhav By

An obese gentleman walked into a restaurant and ordered 12 vadas, a South Indian snack. Looking at his overweight body, a companion asked him if it was right to have so many vadas. The gentleman replied that he was a positive thinker and when he eats the vadas, he only looks at the holes in them. As a positive thinker, he believed he was only eating 12 empty holes.

Positivism has many shades. Nonchalance and escape from responsibility is one such shade. Fatalism is another. Some Hindus had a distorted understanding of Karma. If you want to hide your inadequacies, attribute it to Karmafate, they believed. In ancient Western societies, fate played an important role in certain philosophical schools. For example, the Stoics believed that both good and bad were created by God and one should simply accept everything as divinely ordained fate. The bed bugs were there to awaken us out of our sleep; the mice were there to encourage humans to be tidy, the Stoics argued. Chrysippus of Soli, a Greek Stoic philosopher, argued that it would have been impossible for good to exist without evil. Seneca, the Roman Stoic philosopher, presented the fate theory for human suffering by arguing, God has deemed us worthy instruments of his purpose to discover how much human nature can endure. The philosopher Zeno of Citium from Hellenistic Greece was considered the father of Stoicism. He was once flogging a slave who had stolen some goods. But I was fated to steal, the slave protested. Yes, and to be beaten too, Zeno responded. Acceptance of pain and pleasure as ones fate was seen as the path to tranquility by the Stoics. Therein lies the fatalist shade of positivity.

But human suffering calls for not a fatalist, nonchalant version of positivity but empathy and remorse. It is difficult for someone who has lost his near and dear ones to a pandemic or some other disaster to have positivity. For him, empathy and hope are the desiderium. Franklin Roosevelt became the President of America in 1933, when the country was reeling under severe depression. Roosevelt started fireside talks to address his countrymen. The first two words of his initial fireside chat were My friends. Before him, no President ever deviated from formal address. But Roosevelts empathy-filled two words had instantly connected him with the suffering masses of his country. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. Let us unite in banishing fear, the 32nd US President told his countrymen. Confidence, courage, plan and banishing fear are the magic words that enthralled his audience. His closing words were Together, we cannot fail. This was another significant shade of positivity.

If you cannot cry, you are weak is one of the lessons of psychology. Empathy, a quality associated with the heart, is essential at the time of suffering. When human tragedy of humongous proportions strikes, like the one mankind is passing through at the moment, positivity as a smug quality of the mind that demands that you always say yes and everything is hunky dory is not what people need. Positivity as a byproduct of empathy and hope is called for in such moments. Not the mind, but the heart should be at work. In small matters trust the mind, in large ones the heart, said Sigmund Freud, the father of modern psychology.

Listening to the lectures by eminent saints and scholars on positivity recently, I was struck by these thoughts. The speakers focused on hope and empathy more than the fashionable advocacy of positive thinking. A brief three-minute address by Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro, and a detailed address of Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the RSS, stood out distinctively in this regard. Premji emphasised on truth and science as the basis of mitigating human suffering at the hour of the pandemic, while Bhagwat underscored the need for remorse, empathy and confidence. All speakers stressed on the need for unity as well.

It is difficult, said Bhagwat about positivity at the very beginning of his speech, admitting that what those victims of the pandemic need more than positivity was empathy and support. Bhagwat and other speakers spoke about keeping the mind strong. Bhagwat depended on Winston Churchill to drive home the point of strong mind. He referred to a quote on Churchills desk that read: There is no pessimism in this office. We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. They dont exist. Talking about the need for courage and steely resolve, Bhagwat ended his speech by again turning to Churchill: Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.

Incidentally, the new discourse on positivity focuses more on these qualities of courage and standing up. Four years ago, when the Buckingham University in England declared itself as Europes first Positive University, a new debate exploded on the issue of positivity. The whole spectrum of positive psychology, which had become a big industry for business leaders and politicians since its beginning in the late 1990s, came under serious scrutiny. What about pessimist thinkers like Nietzsche and Freud? Will they be banished from the curriculum? Can happiness be made compulsory through positivity?

Danish philosopher and psychologist Svend Brinkmann authored the book Stand Firm as an antidote to compulsory happiness theories of positivity and self-help. The secret to a happier life doesnt lie in forced positivity and suppression of emotions, but in standing up firm and getting a foothold in turbulent life, Brinkmann argues in his book.

That was largely the mantra given by the speakers at the Positivity Unlimited series of lecturesbe firm, take control of your life and move on with hope and confidence.

Ram Madhav

Member, Central Executive, RSS, & Member, Governing Board, India Foundation

(Views expressed are personal)

(rammadhav@gmail.com)
There can be no two opinions on the need to get to the bottom of the Narada scam in West Bengal. Just before the elections in the state in 2016, a sting operation conducted by a journalist showed several important functionaries of the ruling Trinamool Congress purportedly taking bribes. The CBI and the courts must ensure that all those involved in the bribery must be held accountable and given exemplary punishment. Already, the public has little faith in elected representatives as most, if not all, are viewed to be corrupt. So it is necessary that the guilty be brought to book. But the recent arrests of four Trinamool leaders, including two ministers in the newly constituted government, and its timing smack of partiality and selective witch-hunting. BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Suvendu Adhikari are also accused in the case, with Roy being the accused number one. While the Trinamool leaders have been arrested, the BJP duo is untouched. The only arrest made before this was of the then Burdwan Superintendent of Police S M H Mirza, also seen taking bribes, who had named Roy and claimed that he was taking the money on Roys behalf. In the tapes, Roy is also allegedly heard saying the bribe should be paid to Mirza. So the CBIs inaction against Roy and Adhikari is clearly politically motivated. Also, the fact that the arrests came just two weeks after the BJP got drubbed fairly and squarely in a hotly contested election has not been lost on anyone.

If the CBIs arrests are clearly one-sided, the Trinamool is also to be blamed for vitiating the already surcharged political atmosphere in the state after the election results. The Trinamool cannot deny that many BJP workers were attacked and killed by its cadre in what were clearly revengeful actions. Those BJP workers who have been spared live in fear of retribution. Both sides need to bring down the temperature. Let us not forget the country is facing a massive public health crisis owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. For the sake of the nation and its people, there is a need to put politics aside and act maturely in the interest of all.
G Janardhan Rao By

Express News Service

VISAKHAPATNAM: Agency areas in the district are facing double whammy with the spurt in both Covid-19 and seasonal fever cases following the recent sporadic rains.The tribal areas in 11 mandals of Visakhapatnam were able to minimise the Covid impact in the first wave as voluntary lockdowns were enforced with a number of hamlets even barring outsiders entry.

Health teams and Asha workers played a crucial role in creating awareness, which led to these areas staying Covid-free for the first two months of the outbreak. Out of the around 2,800 people who tested positive in the last nine months of 2020, only 12 succumbed to the contagious disease.

On the contrary, over 2,900 infections and 40 deaths were reported in the last one-and-a-half months alone, government data suggests. A large number of cases were reported in Hukumpeta, Paderu and Araku Valley, and the spread in Koyyuru, Munchingput, G Madugula and Pedabayalu had been slow. With the recent spikes, the overall infection postivity rate in the agency areas has been hovering between 25 and 30 per cent.What is worrying the authorities is the surge in malaria fever cases. To tackle the issue, a three-pronged strategy has been adopted, according to ITDA project officer S Venkateswar.

The ongoing fever survey is coming in handy as it separates malaria and Covid cases. Asha workers and volunteers are continuing the fever surveys in the agency mandals. At present, seventh round of the survey is going on, he said. While Asha workers are focussing on malaria diagnosis, medical officers are carrying out Covid tests (Rapid Antigen and TruNat). Out of the 1,200 tests being performed daily, 300 are giving positive results on an average.

There are around 550 people in home isolation in the agencies and their health is being monitored by ANMs. Those without home isolation facility and oxygen level above 95 are being shifted to Covid care centres in Araku, Paderu and Chintapalle that can capacitate 600 people.
Police rushed the boy and his father to Jamaica Hospital in a marked NYPD vehicle, while the third victim went to the hospital via ambulance, cops said. The boy was transferred Cohen Childrens Medical Center. All three were expected to survive their wounds, police said.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government on Thursday informed the High Court that it has decided to give Rs 2 lakh compensation for time being to each family of 24 victims of Chamarajanagar oxygen tragedy.

Advocate General Prabhuling K Navadagi made submission to this effect before the special division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar.

Navadagi submitted that the government has decided to give Rs 2 lakh compensation to each family of 24 Covid patients who have died due to lack of oxygen at the government hospital in Chamarajanagar.

A total of 24 patients died on May 2 and 3 in Chamarajanagar district hospital due to shortage of oxygen.

Following the directions issued by the court, the committee, constituted by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority and headed by former judge of High Court Justice AN Venugopala Gowda, submitted a report confirming the deaths due to shortage of oxygen.

ALSO READ | Second wave caused one-third of Karnataka's COVID-19 cases, fatalities

Attributing the tragedy to the callousness of the district administration, the committee also recommended compensation to the families of victims.

Taking note of the recommendations of the committee, the court had directed the state government to take a stand on payment of compensation.

Accordingly, the Advocate General conveyed the decision of the government to the court and sought permission of the court to pay compensation.

Recording the submission of the Advocate General, the court directed the government to pay compensation immediately.

The court orally observed that whatever compensation the government wanted to pay should be paid immediately and court is not going to say now if that is adequate or not.

However, the court said that the it will look into the issue of deaths later when counsels of the petitioners submitted that the actual deaths are more than 24.

The Advocate General submitted that the actual deaths were 24 as per the report of the committee.
By PTI

MANGALURU: Congress leader and former MLC Ivan D'Souza on Thursday filed a complaint against Udupi- Chikkamagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje for making a false statement that leaders of the Christian community are advising believers not to take the vaccine against COVID-19.

Her reported statement was condemned by the Mangaluru diocese, Catholic Sabha Udupi and Malankara Orthodox church.

D'Souza said Karandlaje's comment was a black spot on the democratic system in the country as she has accused the Christian community of being anti-national.

"The MP is trying to divide the society on the basis of religion and caste in order to safeguard her political interests and should be arrested immediately," he said.

The complaint was filed with the city police commissioner and police inspector at Pandeshwar.

At a press conference at Chikkamagaluru on Wednesday, Karandlaje had reportedly said people are being advised in churches in Malnad region not to receive the Covid vaccines.

She also said Catholics are not to be faulted on the matter, but Christian denominations like Pentecost are 'misleading' people and action should be taken against them.

The Mangaluru diocese, in statement, termed the MPs statement as false and painful.

It said The Christian community is serving society at various levels during the difficult times of Covid-19 pandemic by creating awareness in churches.

"The public is being informed about the vaccination and vaccination programmes are being organised in church premises right from the beginning.

Bishops, priests and other Christian leaders are leading from front by getting vaccinated themselves," the statement from diocese PRO Roy Castelino said.

Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh president Mary DSouza, in a statement, also condemned Karandlajes remarks She said the Christian community is silently serving society under the leadership of Catholic Sabha through the Covid warriors in all the churches of Udupi district.

She asked Karandlaje to desist from "attempts to malign the Christian community just for publicity and propaganda."

Brahmavar diocesan council member Fr Lawrence DSouza of the Malankara orthodox Syrian church also strongly condemned the MPs false and malicious statement on Christian communitys attitude towards vaccination.

The community, along with all other Christian churches and denominations, has been working on a war footing since the beginning of the Covid pandemic last year, adhering to all government regulations, spreading awareness and implementing measures to control the pandemic, he said in a statement.
Ashwini M Sripad By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Places of worship are no longer just a space for devotion and community gatherings -- going beyond these confines, they are turning into places of healing. Cutting across faiths, community halls in Karnataka are being turned into Covid Care Centres to help the local populations.

As the number of Covid cases continues to surge, the State endowment department is offering to open all community halls located next to temples to treat patients. The Wakf Board, too, has turned Haj Bhavan into a CCC.

Endowment Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said they have informed DCs to utilise community halls. To begin with, the Sabha Bhavan next to Kukke Subramanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada will be developed into a CCC, where an oxygen unit will be included. As all our temples are closed for the public, our community halls can be utilised for treatment, he said. The endowment department runs over 34,000 temples.

A department official said this service is for the people, irrespective of caste and religion. All Class A temples have big community halls and can be used for Covid treatment, he added.The Wakf Board and minorities department, too, have asked DCs to utilise their space as CCCs. In Bengaluru, Byatarayanapura MLA Krishna Byregowda helped set up a CCC at Haj Bhavan with a 140-bed high oxygen flow facility.
Aishwarya Prabhakaran By

Express News Service

KOCHI: It has been almost 14 months since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in the state last year. And with the ferocious second wave of the pandemic hitting the state from last month, the situation has changed in many ways. While the number of Covid patients, hospital beds and Covid first- and second-line treatment centres has increased, what has remained more or less constant is the number of healthcare workers, especially nurses. This, at a time when the states health sector has already been stretched to its limits.

One way to deal with the shortage is by conducting the pending exams of final-year BSc nursing students.

Exams in three more subjects are pending which had been postponed due to the lockdown. If these students clear their final exams and practicals, they can register as nurses and join hospitals, said Dr Sona PS, state president, Trained Nurses Association of India.

There are more than 6,000 students both in private and government institutions across the state awaiting their final exams. Final-year nursing students have already covered their academics on Covid care. They just need one-day training session to join the hospitals Covid wards, said Dr Sona, who is also the assistant professor at the Government Nursing College in the capital district.

Dr Sona said Kerala has nearly five lakh registered nurses but only 1.5 lakh are working in the state. If the salary of the nurses is increased and they are provided with higher risk allowance, many nurses will come forward to work in the state itself, she added.

The basic salary of a nurse working in a government hospital starts at Rs 27,800. Meanwhile, that of contract nurses in private hospitals stand at Rs 20,000 or even less many a time. The low pay forces several nurses to go overseas. Therefore, a salary hike is imperative, Dr Sona said.Another point Dr Sona highlighted was that as frontline warriors, several healthcare workers had also tested positive while taking care of Covid patients. Hence, the government must increase the risk allowance of the nurses working in Covid wards.

When one staffer tests positive, the whole team goes into self-quarantine leading to a shortage of staff. This overburden the others at work, said a nurse working in a private hospital in Kozhikode. At times, we have to do the work of two to three staffers in a shift, she said.There is a huge shortage of trained ICU nurses in the hospitals in Kerala. A crash course for qualifying nurses to work in ICU wards will help curb the shortage to an extend, said Dr Tinku Joseph, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.

Further, Dr Tinku also suggested that the government should provide incentives to healthcare workers, especially to those who work in the Covid wards to keep their morale high. The number of medical staff, from doctors to attendees, continues to be low in the hospitals when compared to the number of patients they receive these days, said Dr Nazim M, working at Ernakulam General Hospital. With the government speeding up the registration of foreign medical graduates, over 700 of them will be joining hospitals in the state for house surgency, he added.
By PTI

PURI: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Thursday said construction work on the chariots of the three deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, for the annual Rath Yatra in the pilgrim town here is going on as per schedule even as eight carpenters engaged in the task have tested COVID-19 positive.

SJTA chief administration Krishan Kumar said of the 88 servitors imvolved in the construction of the chariots, three servitors of Maharana community and five sevayats belonging to the Bhoi community have been infected with the virus, and are undergoing treatment at a facility here.

The progress of chariot-making for the annual Rath Yatra on July 12 is going on as per schedule, Kumar said.

The festival marks the annual journey of the three deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

The festival ends after nine days when the deities return to the Jagannath Temple.

"Only those servitors, who have tested negative, are being allowed to work in the 'Rath Khala' (construction yard) to make the chariots," he said.

The SJTA has decided to make the 'Rath Khela' a bio- bubble, Kumar said.

A bio-bubble is a safe and secure environment isolated from the outside world to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19, he said.

There will be a restriction on the entry of people into the 'Ratha Khala' area.

The workers are being kept in isolation and given separate accomodation till the work is completed, the SJTA chief administrator said.

"They are not allowed to visit their families or none from their families can come to meet them.

They are kept in complete isolation to protect them from the infection.

"All of them use face masks and sanitizers. They will soon be provided with N-95 masks. Social distancing is also maintained as far as possible," Kumar said.

Of the three Maharana servitors who tested positive for COVID-19 two were in charge of the construction of Lord Jagannaths 'Nandighosh' chariot and one was working on the 'Darpadalan' chariot of Devi Subhadra, said SJTA administrator (development), Ajay Jena.

In the second wave of the Covid pandemic, two servitors and two of their family members have succumbed to the infection so far, Jena said.

The SJTA has made provisions for testing and treatment of all the servitors on chariot construction duties, and for those conducting rituals at the 12th-century shrine.

The Lords annual Chandan Yatra (sandalwood festival) is also going on by following COVID-19 safety norms, he said.

Odisha on Thursday registered 25 deaths due to COVID-19, the highest so far in a single day, pushing the toll to 2,403, a health department official said.

The state reported 11,498 fresh infections, which took the tally to 6,55,899, he said.

Of the new fatalities, four each were recorded in Khurda and Kalahandi, three in Angul and two each in Ganjam, Rayagada and Sundargarh.

One patient each in Balasore, Bargarh, Bolangir, Boudh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Puri succumbed to the disease, he said.

Fifty-three other COVID-19 patients have died in the state due to comorbidities.

Khurda district, which comprises the state capital Bhubaneswar, reported the highest number of new cases at 1,497, followed by Cuttack (1,107), Angul (867), Sundargarh (703) and Balasore (524).

At least 6,439 fresh cases were reported from quarantine centres, and the remaining 5,059 detected during contact tracing.

Odisha now has 1,06,812 active cases, while 10,036 patients were cured of the disease on Wednesday, taking the total number of recoveries to 5,46,631, the official said.

The state has so far conducted over 1.11 crore sample tests for COVID-19, including 60,598 in the last 24 hours, and the positivity rate stands at 5.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued a show-cause notice to the state government on the alleged black marketing of oxygen cylinders and medicines for COVID-19 patients.

The commission also asked the chief secretary and the health department's additional chief secretary to submit an action taken report on the issue.

The OHRC appealed to the chief secretary to take immediate steps for setting up temporary medical centres in rural areas for migrant workers who are returning from neighbouring states.

It also urged officials to ensure that the post- cremation rituals are done in strict adherence to the guidelines issued by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
R Sivakumar By

Express News Service

TIRUVANNAMALAI: The Covid wards at the Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital (GTMCH) are left in a mess thanks to a shortage of equipment and safety gears. Sources informed that the shortage of oxygen-related machinery like masks and flow meters has forced the doctors to provide the life-saving gas by dividing the tubes to two patients at the same time.

When asked, Dean of GTMCH Dr Thirumal Babu said, Providing oxygen for two patients alternately is done usually when the patients concerned require low volume of oxygen. We have been trying to purchase oxygen masks and flow meters but it is hard to get enough supply. We have sourced flow meters today. He informed that 60 oxygen supported beds were added to existing 400 beds on Tuesday and another 90 will be added shortly.

Even the oxygen face masks at this facility are faulty. "The tube attaching the face mask have holes in it. The oxygen is gushing out and as a result, there is not enough gas for the patients," a source said.

Defunct oxygen flow meters is another cause of concern not just for the patients but also for on-duty doctors.

Even as patients are left to suffer, the doctors claim that they are not being provided with an adequate number of safety gears to accommodation during duty or self-quarantine.

We are not provided with enough N95 masks or even head caps, rued an assistant professor who has been on covid duty.

A section of doctors on covid duty alleged that assistant professors attached only to general medicine are made to work in frequent turns, while those from other departments are spared.

An assistant professor recalls that this bias in fixing covid duty was raised last year also but was hushed up without any solution.

Recently, 116 MBBS students, who completed their final year examinations, were recruited for emergency covid duty but only half of them were allegedly deputed while the others were sent for other duties.

As far as pandemic norms and protocol observance is concerned, the attenders of patients have a free run into all the wards and pharmacy without caring for safety of the patients or social distancing norms. People roam around even without wearing face masks, sources noted.
By Express News Service

PUDUCHERRY: JIPMER is working to increase ICU beds to 100 from 89 at present for COVID-19 patients, but faces challenges in getting adequate oxygen support, said the institute's Director Dr Rakesh Agarwal.

Since the institute is preferentially admitting patients with severe illness, it has been trying to convert more of its oxygen beds to ICU beds, which are likely to reach 100 by the end of May, with the arrival of more ventilators, he said in a statement.

JIPMER, over the last few weeks, has consistently stepped up its efforts to cater to seriously ill Covid-19 patients, who require advanced medical interventions due to multiple co-morbidities. Its current Covid-19 bed strength is 528 beds. Importantly, it includes 89 intensive care unit beds, each with ventilator support, and 368 beds with oxygen support for treatment of moderately severe to severe Covid patients, said the Director.

In addition, the Institute has nearly 510 patients admitted in various non-Covid wards for the treatment of serious and complex diseases, who need special or multi-disciplinary interventions which are not available elsewhere. These include patients with cancer who are admitted for radiation therapy or chemotherapy, patients needing emergency surgeries, women with complicated pregnancy needed specialized types of delivery, patients with trauma, those needing neurosurgery or cardiac interventions, etc. In addition, treatment of patients with chronic long-standing diseases such as patients on dialysis is ongoing without any disruption, said the Director.

While providing services for the treatment of patients with Covid and essential non-Covid services, the institute has to ensure that the treatment facilities, including the existing oxygen plant capacity, work within safe limits. To this end, the usage of oxygen and the pressure in the oxygen distribution system at sites spread across the institute are being monitored.

Since the institute is preferentially admitting patients with severe disease, most of its more than 500 patients with Covid need oxygen and that too in large volumes in addition to the oxygen needs of the sick non-Covid patients who outnumber Covid patients. The total oxygen usage in for the institute is already several-fold higher than that when the hospital was working at full capacity prior to the pandemic. Hence, the oxygen distribution system is currently working at its maximum capacity. This is the most important limitation in further increasing the number of Covid-19 beds, said the Director.

Further, for the type of patients with Covid-19 that the institute is caring for, a very large amount of highly-trained manpower is essential. With several of the healthcare workers and their family members themselves being affected in the current deluge of Covid-19, ensuring sufficient staff in all shifts in Covid ICUs, etc is itself challenging.

Several statements have appeared in various media asking JIPMER to further increase its Covid beds. The institute has, from the beginning of the Covid pandemic, focused its efforts on providing care for serious patients, in keeping with its role as a tertiary-care institution, instead of having many beds for healthy asymptomatic or mild cases since that can be done by other governmental, non-governmental and voluntary welfare and political organizations.

Thus, since May 2020, JIPMER has admitted and treated over 7566 Covid patients. In addition, 5016 Covid patients from Puducherry and 607 Covid patients from Tamil Nadu were cared for at their homes, through regular monitoring by JIPMER home isolation team of 7 doctors, 15 nurses and 2 social workers. Furthermore, JIPMER has admitted non-Covid patients continuously and provided tele-consultation outpatient services to 6 lakhs 99 thousand and two hundred and seventy seven patients (6,99,277) till date, said the Director.

While doing this, essential non-Covid services, including emergency cardiac, neurological, trauma and emergency complications of patients who are on long standing treatment have been continued. Renal replacement therapy in both adults and children, in the form of peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy, immunization services in children, vaccination for Covid have continued. Paediatric emergency treated an average of 1650 every month and admits an average of 270 children every month for non-Covid diseases, he said.

With healthcare facilities stretched to the limits, the Director appealed to the general public to take utmost precautions and follow the guidelines of the government to prevent further spread of the virus by strict adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour such as masks, hand hygiene and avoiding unnecessary travel as well as crowding.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Following complaints over lack of clarity on the documents required for e-registration for inter-district travellers, the Tamil Nadu e-governance agency said the general public can call the toll-free number 1100 between 6 am and 10 pm for any clarifications and assistance.

The official Twitter handle of the Tamil Nadu e-governance agency (@TNeGA-Official) on Thursday posted a tweet asking people to call the number.

ALSO READ: TN says black fungus is 'notifiable' disease, nine cases reported in govt hospitals so far

The Tamil Nadu e-governance agency has been maintaining the portal http://eregister.tnega.org through which inter-district and inter-state travellers had to register.

In view of the raging second wave of COVID-19, a lockdown was imposed from May 10 till 24 and inter-district travel restricted from May 17 except for emergency cases such as medical emergencies, marriages, elderly care, and post death rituals.

Even for emergency travel between districts, visitors had to register through the portal furnishing valid documents. However, the government has not released a list of documents required for registration.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu on Thursday announced that mucormycosis also known as black fungus infection is a notifiable disease.

The announcement comes after the Union Health Ministry instructed all states to announce it as a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Act.

Meanwhile, for the first time, the State Health Department disclosed the number of people with black fungus treated at government hospitals.

"So far, nine cases were treated. Among them, seven were diabetic and two were non-diabetic. For seven patients, vision was affected. They have all been treated and are stable. There is no death reported in the state so far due to black fungus infection," said Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan, speaking to the press here.

ALSO READ: Explainer: As black fungus reaches TN, experts emphasise early diagnosis and share tips

The state will get to know the total number of mucormycosis cases reported in Tamil Nadu after private hospitals notify the disease to the Director of Public Health. "Once we get the actual numbers, we will share," Radhakrishnan said.

The Health Secretary further said that a mucormycosis committee has been formed under the Director of Medical Education Dr R Narayana Babu by the Health Department to investigate black fungus cases. The team also framed protocols for treatment, diagnosis and the usage of the anti-fungal drug.

He said this infection is not new and people with uncontrolled diabetes, who are on immunosuppressed drugs and also on steroids are likely to get it, so people who have problem in the nose and sinusitis should report to the doctor. The infection is treatable and the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation has the drugs to treat it, he added.

Apart from that, orders have also been placed for 5,000 vials of Liposomal Amphotericin B, an anti-fungal drug to treat the infection, through TNMSC, the Health Secretary said.
B Kartheek By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases and the Supreme Courts directions to decongest the prisons, the Telangana State Prisons Department has sent proposals to the State government to release 300 out of 2,000 eligible convicts on parole.

The three Central jails in the State are almost full and there is a pressing need for decongestion.

For instance, the Cherlapalli Central Prison has a capacity to house 1,980 prisoners and as on Wednesday, it had 1,969 inmates. According to sources in the department, the situation in the other two Central jails is also similar.

At present, there are 25 inmates undergoing treatment at the Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad. Likewise, some more prisoners with moderate symptoms are undergoing treatment at MGM Hospital, Warangal. However, the Prison Department officials claim that the situation in the jails across the State is under control.

I strongly feel that jails are much better equipped when it comes to keeping the virus under check. We have sufficient kits to test prisoners with Covid-like symptoms and conduct required tests on a daily basis. We have also been monitoring the oxygen level and body temperature of all convicts twice a day, said an officer from the Prisons Department, on the condition of anonymity.

He added that the prison authorities were segregating Covid-19 patients and suspected cases from others.

Vaccination drive

Where does the Prison Department stand in terms of Covid-19 vaccination? Almost 99 per cent of Prison Department staff, and the convicted prisoners above the age of 45, except those who are ineligible to take the vaccine, have been vaccinated. Around 30 per cent of patients in the 18 to 45 year age group have also been vaccinated, official sources said.
Interview: Party exchanges with CPC add strong impetus to LatAm-China cooperation, says Mexican party official

Xinhua) 13:49, May 20, 2021

MEXICO CITY, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Political parties in Latin America and the Communist Party of China (CPC) have strengthened exchanges by such mechanisms as the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which has added strong impetus to their all-round cooperation, said a Mexican party official.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Sofia Carvajal, secretary of international affairs of Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), said that her party has been established for more than 90 years and has maintained adequate and diverse inter-party exchanges with the CPC.

Especially in recent years, the PRI has actively participated in events such as the China-CELAC Political Parties Forum and organized party officials' visits to China, deepening mutual understanding and learning between the two sides, Carvajal said.

The PRI has always attached great importance to friendly exchanges with the CPC, the official said, adding that the two parties can strengthen exchanges on areas such as public health, environmental protection and renewable energy development during ministerial meetings of the China-CELAC Forum and the China-CELAC Political Parties Forum.

Noting that youth is the future of a country, Carvajal suggested Latin American political parties and the CPC enhance the training of and communication between young cadres.

The PRI, stressing the importance of cultivating young cadres, has been training young party members through party school programs and other means, she said.

She hoped that Latin American countries will send more outstanding youths to study in China to offer them a broader vision, so that they can better understand China and promote bilateral relations between China and the region.

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the CPC, Carvajal has recently read the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China." Thanks to the work, she has improved her understanding of the CPC leading the Chinese people to their great achievements, and agreed with China's idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

"Organization, order and discipline is something that I think can be fused in all the matters, all aspects of governance, and that makes a country prosper, I think it is due to those three factors," the PRI official said.

The CPC has always maintained a high degree of organization and discipline in every aspect of national governance, and at the same time paid attention to formulating medium- and long-term development plans, which played a decisive role in China's prosperity and continuous progress, she said.

As a century-old party, the CPC has always kept pace with the times and innovated continuously, Carvajal said, adding that in this regard, her party can learn from the CPC to continuously innovate, develop, and adjust itself to people's changing needs, so as to gain public support.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Im standing on the platform waiting for the train and I notice he went by me, she said. I dont know if I bumped him or if he bumped me. I said sorry and he walked back. All I felt was the knife in my back. I fell on the ground and he stood over me. He grabbed my feet, I guess he was trying to throw me onto the tracks.
By PTI

SINGAPORE: Singapore cannot afford to slacken in its effort to keep COVID-19 in check as the virus will rear its head in new and unimaginable ways, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said.

The city-state is also issuing general correction directions to Facebook, Twitter and SPH Magazines under the Singapore Press Holdings over falsehoods about a "Singapore variant" of COVID-19 under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).

The "Singapore variant" of COVID-19 became a diplomatic issue between Singapore and India following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Twitter post on Tuesday, asking the central government to immediately halt air services with Singapore claiming that a new coronavirus strain found in that country is particularly harmful to children and could trigger a third wave of the pandemic in India.

ALSO READ | AAP, BJP spar over Singapore tweet; Delhi HC raps Kejriwal government on whole matter

While Singapore has kept its number of coronavirus-related deaths low at 31 and is in a stable position, it is "far from out of the woods", with a fresh superspreading cluster leading to tightened restrictions and gathering rules again, said the prime minister.

"Each time you think you have got the COVID-19 situation under control, and you know how to respond to it, it pops up in a new direction," said Lee.

"It can be a mutant, it can be a new avenue which you did not spot, but you cannot afford to slacken, and you must always think beyond what you imagine is likely to happen," The Straits Times quoted the PM as saying.

He noted that the world has not taken "giant strides towards autarky", meaning "total self-reliance".

Nor can a small and open country such as Singapore afford to seal its borders off, Lee said.

"Protectionism? Yes. Autarky? No. That is a qualified plus. We are very anxious that what has happened to the rest of the world will not befall Africa too, which would have consequences not just on that continent," he said.

Stressing the need for global cooperation to mitigate supply chain disruptions, he warned that it would be "very harmful" for every country to make everything onshore.

While there is greater desire to have more resilience, if that goes too far, the price will be very high, he said on Wednesday while addressing the US Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Global Forum on Economic Recovery, which brings together government and business leaders to discuss opportunities and barriers to global recovery.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has instructed the POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) Office to issue general correction directions to the social media giants and SPH Magazines.

A general correction direction is an order issued to prescribed Internet intermediaries, telecom and broadcast licensees, and permit holders of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act.

It would require them to communicate, publish, broadcast or transmit a correction notice to their users in Singapore.

"Facebook, Twitter and SPH Magazines are required to carry the correction notice to all end-users in Singapore who use Facebook, Twitter and HardwareZone.

com (of SPH)," the Ministry of Health said in a press release on Thursday.

SPH is Singapore's largest publishing house.

The ministry said it is aware of a "false" statement circulating online by multiple media outlets and social media platforms that implies that a "previously unknown variant of COVID-19" originated in Singapore and/or risks spreading to India from Singapore.

"There is no new 'Singapore' variant of COVID-19. Neither is there evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is extremely dangerous for kids," it said.

"We advise members of the public not to speculate and/or spread unfounded rumours," the ministry said.

The strain that is prevalent in many COVID-19 cases in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India, added the Health Ministry.

"The existence and spread of the B.1.617.2 variant within India predates the detection of the variant in Singapore, and this has been publicly known and reported by various media sources from as early as May 5, 2021," it said.

On Tuesday, the ministry had said there is "no truth whatsoever" in the assertion in several news reports in India that there is a "Singapore variant" of the COVID-19 virus.
By PTI

BEIJING: China has completed the construction of a strategic highway through the Brahmaputra Canyon, stated to be the world's deepest, close to the Arunachal Pradesh border ahead of its plan to build a mega-dam over the gorge.

Construction of a highway costing USD 310 million passing through the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, known as the world's deepest gorge with a maximum depth of 6,009 meters, was completed on Saturday last, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The mighty Brahmaputra river is known as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet.

A 2,114-meter tunnel was dug through on Saturday morning, marking the completion of the major construction of the 67.22-km road connecting Pad Township in the city of Nyingchi and Medog County, cutting travel time by eight hours.

Medog is the last county in Tibet, which is located close to the Arunachal Pradesh border.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet, which is firmly rejected by India.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The new highway was built on the former hiking route between Nyingchi's Pad Township and Baibung Township, Medog County, with an altitude difference of up to 2,892 meters between the highest and lowest spots of the road, the report said.

It is the second significant passageway to Medog, following the first one connecting the county and Zhamog Township, Bomi County.

After the new highway opens to traffic, the road length connecting the city proper of Nyingchi and Medog County will be shortened to 180 kms from 346 kms, cutting travel time by eight hours.

The highway project was started in 2014, with an estimated investment of over 2 billion yuan, about USD 310 million, it said.

China has already cleared a plan to build a mega-dam over Brahmaputra Canyon by the country's Parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC) in March this year, sparking concerns in India.

A recent report by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post said engineers have also expressed concern about the threats posed by landslides and barrier lakes to the dam.

The Brahmaputra is the longest river in Tibet and its valley is the world's deepest with a 7,000-metre drop from the highest mountain peak to the lowest basin.
By AFP

TOKYO: Two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo have become the latest diplomats dismissed by the junta after protesting the military coup in their country, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported Thursday.

Administrator Aung Soe Moe and a junior colleague were fired after they went on strike, the agency said.

Citing a leaked document, Kyodo said some 100 Myanmar diplomats around the world have been dismissed after opposing the coup.

Myanmar's military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, triggering a massive uprising that authorities have sought to quell with lethal force.

Kyodo said the two diplomats left the embassy compound on March 11, days after posting on Facebook in support of peaceful anti-junta protests.

ALSO READ | Estimated 4,000-6,000 refugees from Myanmar sought safety in India: UN

They did not resign but have had their diplomatic status and passports revoked, and are living in Tokyo with the help of other Myanmar nationals, Kyodo said.

The Myanmar embassy has informed Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair will no longer be valid, Japanese government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told reporters Thursday.

"The foreign ministry is studying what kind of response is appropriate, giving consideration to Myanmar's current situation," Kato added.

Japan has criticised the coup in Myanmar and called for the restoration of democracy, but it has faced pressure to stake out a stronger position on the crisis.

The Myanmar embassy was not reachable for comment on Thursday.

In April, pro-junta diplomats seized the country's embassy in London -- leaving the ambassador locked out after he called for the release of Suu Kyi.

Other Myanmar diplomats including at the United Nations and in Berlin have also faced similar threats or oustings over their protests.

Japan has strong economic ties with Myanmar and long-standing relations with its military.

Last week, a Japanese journalist arrested while covering the aftermath of the Myanmar coup was released in a diplomatic gesture and returned to Japan.

Japan, a top aid donor to Myanmar, announced in March it was suspending new assistance in response to the coup, but stopped short of the sanctions imposed by some nations on military and police commanders.
By Associated Press

BEIRUT: Syrian expatriates and those who fled the war began casting their votes at embassies abroad Thursday ahead of next week's vote inside the country that is all but guaranteed to give President Bashar Assad a fourth seven-year term as president.

In Beirut, a few hundred of Assad supporters turned up early at the hilltop embassy outside the capital to cast their ballot.

The election is the second since the country's civil war broke out 10 years ago and is seen by the opposition as well as Western and some Arab countries as a sham designed to give the incumbent a new mandate with a veneer of legitimacy.

The vote is to be held in Syria May 26, with Syrians abroad voting Thursday.

Assad has been in power since 2000 when he took over from his father, Hafez, who ruled before that for 30 years.

Despite the war, which seemed at one point to threaten his rule, Assad remained in power, supported by regional powerhouse Iran and Russia, which sent in military advisers and air power to push back the armed opposition.

The armed conflict has subsided in recent years, but Syria remains torn.

Thousands of foreign troops are based in different parts of the country.

The elections are not taking place in at least four provinces because they are under the control of the opposition and Kurdish forces, depriving nearly 8 million Syrians of a vote.

Many refugees are also unlikely to vote in elections organised in Syrian embassies.

In Lebanon, which hosts around a million Syrians - most of them refugees - Lebanese army soldiers stood guard as Syrian citizens who live in Lebanon queued outside their embassy in Yarze, east of Beirut, to cast their ballots.

Some shouted slogans in support of Assad as they waited.

Others carried his picture and one hung it on his chest.

Two candidates are symbolically competing against Assad in the ballot.

The Biden administration has said it will not recognise the result of Syria's presidential election unless the voting is free, fair, supervised by the United Nations and represents all of Syrian society.

Syria has been in the throes of civil war since 2011, when Arab Spring-inspired protests against the Assad family rule turned into an armed insurgence in response to a brutal military crackdown.

Around half a million people have been killed and half the country's population displaced.
By PTI

GAZA CITY: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet has approved a unilateral cease-fire to halt an 11-day military operation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media said late Thursday.

The decision came after heavy US. pressure to halt the offensive.

Multiple reports said the cease-fire was to go into effect at 2 a.m., just over three hours after the decision.

Netanyahu's office could not immediately confirm the reports, and there was no immediate reaction from Hamas.

Since fighting broke out on May 10, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.

Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials, while 12 people in Israel have died.
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CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP)  The annoyed shopper paced around and knocked on the windows of a minivan blocking him from leaving his Costco parking spot. He didnt seem to notice, or care, that there was no one inside.

A colleague and I had called for the Waymo ride  our first in a fully driverless vehicle  and quickly encountered a hiccup: figuring out how to tell it to meet us at the curb.

We ended up spotting the minivan across the bustling parking lot, and hurried over. As we pulled away, the shopper raised his arm and extended his middle finger.

Welcome to the United States first large-scale ride-hailing service with no backup drivers, which Waymo recently launched in suburban Phoenix.

An AP photographer and I took it for a spin and discovered some impressive technology. Waymos minivans skillfully adhere to traffic laws and can detect people, vehicles and objects from several hundred yards away.

But amid the advances lurk challenges that developers face as they race to bring autonomous cars to the masses: adapting the machinery to human behavior  and getting passengers to feel at ease without a person behind the wheel.

The technology is great, but the experience isnt there yet, said Andrew Maynard, a professor at Arizona State Universitys College of Global Futures who studies the social and ethical aspects of autonomous vehicles and other emerging technologies.

Waymo, a unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc., is one of several companies testing driverless vehicles in the U.S. While there are some low-speed driverless shuttle services in operation, Waymo is the first offering lifts to the public at roadway speeds with no human in the drivers seat who can take over in sticky situations.

During our rides, the minivans slowed for speed bumps and carried out a textbook right-on-red turn. Most impressive was a careful maneuver at a green light where a woman with a walker stood dangerously close to the corner.

But customers in crowded parking lots might find it hard to pinpoint pickup locations without drivers who can call, text or simply watch for them.

A Waymo minivan also made an aggressive turn at a green light that we would have never taken. Another failed to go the requested location, dropping us off about a four-minute walk away.

And watching the wheel turn by itself was, well, eerie.

The company said it is listening closely to customer feedback and acknowledges it needs to improve passenger pickups. It's also working to set the proper expectations with riders and has launched a campaign that provides tips.

Automakers and tech companies were moving quickly to put self-driving vehicles in action in 2018, but a fatal crash involving an Uber test vehicle in Tempe slowed development.

Only recently did the industry show signs of recovery. Still, most experts believe there wont be widespread use for another five years or so, and autonomous vehicles wont be in every major city until at least late this decade.

Waymo started offering autonomous rides to a limited number of customers during 2019 in an early testing program in Arizona. Last fall, it opened its ride-hailing program to anyone seeking a ride within its 50-square-mile (129-square-kilometer) service area covering parts of Chandler, Tempe and Mesa.

Our trip began with a welcome from the minivan  an automated voice correctly pronounced my French first name, which people often mangle. A partition separated the empty front seats from the rest of the vehicle, with a sign saying, Dont touch the steering wheel.

I felt uneasy as the minivan crept into an intersection and waited for oncoming traffic to pass before making a left turn. It was as if a ghost was handling the steering wheel.

My jitters lifted until minutes later, when we made a bold left turn at another green light.

With several oncoming cars zipping toward us, the minivan darted across the road into a parking lot. Though we didn't come close to crashing, the turn frightened us.

Waymo later examined the maneuver, saying the cameras and remote-sensing technology in a dome atop the minivan had detected the oncoming cars, knew their speed and understood that the vehicle could make the turn safely.

In your case, it was certainly safe, Saswat Panigrahi, a senior director for product management at Waymo, told me.

The company said customers' comments are being used to refine its autonomous driving systems and user interfaces to address such safety concerns.

Its ride-hailing program serves hundreds of passengers each week and offers prices in line with Uber and Lyft. Waymo runs 300 to 400 vehicles in Arizona for the program and testing.

We hailed another Waymo minivan to a public library, but were dropped off on a nearby private street instead. Panigrahi believes the minivan might have been rerouted due to traffic or a road closure in the area.

From there, we tried to catch a ride back to Costco, but Waymo canceled four trip requests and stopped accepting my credit card as a fraud prevention measure, because several requests had been made in a matter of minutes.

With my Waymo account locked up, I requested a ride from another ride-hailing service with a human driver. He warmly chitchatted about his career plans but, when first picking us up, carefully avoided trying to pronounce my name.

___

Associated Press writer Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report. ___

This story was first published on May 20, 2021. It was updated on May 21, 2021 to correct the title of Waymo employee Saswat Panigrahi. He is a senior director for product management, not a senior product manager. It also has been updated to show Waymo's service area in suburban Phoenix is 50 square miles, not 55 square miles.
I dont think its much consolation to Devontes family, but we are glad that arrests were made and we hope that it helps the community will feel a little safer to know that two young men have been apprehended.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The Palestinians' top diplomat said a cease-fire in Gaza will enable 2 million Palestinians to sleep Thursday night but its not enough at all and the world must now tackle the difficult issues of Jerusalem's future and achieving an independent Palestinian state.

Riad Al-Malki told reporters on the sidelines of an emergency meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on the conflict between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers that while a cease-fire is good it doesnt address the core issue that started the violence.

He said that is Jerusalem, citing the desecration by Israeli soldiers and settlers of the Al-Aqsa mosque, Islams third holiest site, and the Israeli policy of evicting Palestinians from their homes in the citys different neighborhoods including Sheikh Jarra.

Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza  territories the Palestinians want for their future state  in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized internationally, and views the entire city as its capital. The Palestinians view east Jerusalem  which includes major holy sites for Jews, Christians and Muslims  as their capital, and its fate lies at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has triggered serious violence in the past.

Al-Malki accused Israel of intending to erase the multi-cultural, multi-religious character of the city of Jerusalem saying: We are opposed to that, we reject that, and well keep working to prevent that from happening.

Thursdays assembly meeting began with speeches from a dozen ministers, almost all from Arab and Muslim countries, and is eventually expected to hear over 100 speakers.

He said the overwhelming messages from the meeting was not only condemning Israeli atrocities and crimes in Gaza but reminding the world of the need to care for and defend Jerusalem and to work for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Todays events here in the General Assembly and what has been happening has refocused the attention again on the issue of Palestine, Al-Malki said.

He said Israels normalization of relations with some Arab countries including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, doesnt waive the questions of the future of Jerusalem and a Palestinian state.

To the contrary, we see today that the issue of Palestine and the Palestinian question, the issue of Jerusalem and the occupation of Jerusalem, is the most important issue for all Muslims and Arabs and the world alike, Al-Malki said.

We want to see the Palestinian people free and also living in their own independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, he said.

The last direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians took place in 2014. The Palestinians broke off relations with former U.S. president Donald Trumps administration in December 2017 after he after he recognized Jerusalem as Israels capital.

Trump further angered the Palestinians by presenting a two-state peace plan that would have required significant Palestinian concessions on territory and sovereignty, moved the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv, cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority and rescinded a longstanding legal opinion that Israeli settlement activity is illegitimate under international law.

President Joe Biden won initial but cautious plaudits from Mideast analysts when he rejected the Trump administrations unabashedly pro-Israel stance and tentatively embraced the Palestinians by restoring aid and diplomatic contacts. But he also retained key elements Trumps policies, including on settlements.

In the past two weeks, the United States blocked four attempts by the U.N. Security Council to demand an end to the Israeli-Hamas conflict, saying a statement could interfere with diplomatic efforts. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told Thursdays assembly meeting, I dont believe there is any country working more urgently or fervently toward peace.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters after Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire that Israel and the Palestinians have a responsibility to observe it and to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict."

Whether a serious effort takes place to try to revive efforts to end the decades-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains to be seen.

Guterres underscored the U.N.'s commitment to work with Israelis and Palestinians to return to peace negotiations, including through the Quartet of Mideast mediator  the U.N., U.S., European Union and Russia.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the Biden administration is committed to working with other members of the international community over the long term to create the conditions for a lasting and sustainable peace."

Israels ambassador to the U.N. and the U.S., Gilad Erdan, accused the General Assembly of hypocrisy on Thursday for supporting and not condemning Hamas, which doesnt accept Israels right to exist.

He referred to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announcement in late April that the first Palestinian elections in 15 years would be delayed. Abbas cited a dispute with Israel to call off a vote in which his fractured Fatah party was expected to suffer another embarrassing defeat to the Hamas militant group. Hamas called the move a coup.

If this institution strengthens Hamas, it will make the possibility of Hamas replacing the Palestinian Authority much more likely and eliminate the chance of future dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, Erdan said. There is nothing to discuss with a terror organization committed to your annihilation, nothing.
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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).
Tuscola High math teacher Rachel Henderson, a certified pilot, and senior James Boyd, who is working toward earning his pilots license, pose in front of a 1928 Ford Tri-Motor plane after flying in it during an event in Bloomington.
The attack and others like it are spiking as the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues raging in the Gaza Strip. At least 227 Palestinians, including 64 children, have been killed in the conflict, the Times noted. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed, according to the Associated Press.
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Ben Zigterman is a reporter covering business at The News-Gazette. His email is bzigterman@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@bzigterman).
Jim Dey, a member of The News-Gazette staff, can be reached by email at jdey@news-gazette.com or by phone at 217-393-8251.
Richmond Heights officials are looking forward to several major development projects that are poised to bring more jobs and an increase in com
A Florida man was jailed Tuesday after allegedly shooting at another driver who threw part of a banana at his truck. WFLA reports that the road rage incident occurred around 8 a.m. in the Tampa Bay area after an argument between Peter Sala Jr. and Robert Lewis went south on Highway 19 North.
A three-part webinar series has been developed by the Minority Business Assistance Center at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland to inform a
Cases of a rare and difficult to treat black fungus are rising in COVID-19 patients in India due to the increased use of steroids like dexamethasone. Known as Mucormycosis, the infection is highly serious and has a high mortality rate. With more than 300 cases being reported in four Indian cities at the beginning of May, there is increasing concern about the risk to public health, particularly to those who are vulnerable.

Mucormycosis. Image Credit: David A Litman/Shutterstock.com

What is Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis is an incredibly rare infection caused via exposure to a group of molds called mucormycetes that are found in the environment: manure, plants, soil, and organic decaying matter such as fruits and vegetables are all sources of mucormycetes, such as the mucor mold. It is often found in the soil and air and even in the nasal passages and mucus of healthy people.

However, exposure to the mold alone rarely causes infections, usually, infections occur in those who are severely immunocompromised, such as patients underling cancer therapy and those with HIV/AIDS. It is also life-threatening in those with diabetes. In those who are vulnerable, the microscopic fungal spores of the mucormycetes can infiltrate the sinuses, the brain, and the lungs, causing an infection that can spread to other tissues.

Mucormycosis has a range of symptoms, depending on where the infection has developed. Symptoms of mucormycosis of the sinus and brain, known as rhinocerebral mucormycosis, include one-sided facial swelling, headache, nasal or sinus congestion, black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of the mouth, and fever. Symptoms of pulmonary (lung) mucormycosis include chest pain, cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

Mucormycosis can also infect the skin, particularly, it can infiltrate cuts and wounds. Symptoms of cutaneous (skin) mucormycosis include blisters and ulcers on the skin, pain, warmth, and excessive redness and swelling around the wound. Finally, symptoms of gastrointestinal mucormycosis include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, and vomiting.

The prognosis for those diagnosed with mucormycosis is poor, it is often life-threatening and has an incredibly high mortality rate. Recent research estimates that it has an overall all-cause mortality rate of 54%. The evidence indicated that mortality rate was influenced by factors such as the type of fungus responsible for the infection, the body site infected (mortality rate by infection site: 46% for sinus infections, 76% for pulmonary infections, 96% for disseminated mucormycosis).

Mucormycosis and COVID-19: a nightmare inside of a pandemic

In light of the current rise in mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients in India, Prof Peter Collignon, who is active on the World Health Organizations expert committee on antibiotic resistance and infectious diseases, has stressed that the infection is is very serious, has a high mortality, and you need surgery and lots of drugs to get on top of it once it takes hold. The healthcare system in India urgently needs to respond to the situation to protect the lives of the increasing number of people who have been infected with COVID-19.

While mucormycosis is a rare infection, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is creating conditions to allow the infection to thrive. Often, to treat COVID-19, patients are given high-dose steroids to treat the inflammation that is characteristic of COVID-19, however, it also surpasses the immune system, making the body vulnerable to other infectious pathogens. In India, cases of mucormycosis are particularly being seen in those with diabetes, a condition that also lowers the bodys natural immune defenses.

This double-drop in immunity is what is thought to have triggered the surge in mucormycosis in India, where crowded and cramped conditions are giving the pathogen a better chance to take hold. Sion Hospital, based in Mumbai, has reported 24 cases of mucormycosis in the last two months, up from just six cases being reported on average each year at the hospital.

Of the 24 patients who were diagnosed with mucormycosis, six of them died, and one lost an eye to the infection. Mostly, patients had recently recovered from COVID-19 and had diabetes. Dr. Renuka Bradoo, head of the ear, nose, and throat wing at Sion hospital called it a nightmare inside a pandemic. Other hospitals have reported patients losing their vision in both eyes, and in some cases, patients have had their jaw bone surgically removed to prevent the infection from spreading.

The clear message coming from doctors who have experienced treating patients with mucormycosis is that patients are arriving too late when they have already begun to lose vision. On Sunday, 9th May, the Indian Council of Medical Research and India's Health Ministry issued an advisory addressing the rise in mucormycosis cases, calling for an increased awareness of the disease, as well as for better screening and management. The advisory will hopefully lead to greater awareness of the disease in the medical community, where many doctors have not seen many, if any, cases.

Sources: About Mucormycosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/mucormycosis/definition.html

Revannavar, S., P S, S., Samaga, L. and V K, V., 2021. COVID-19 triggering mucormycosis in a susceptible patient: a new phenomenon in the developing world?. BMJ Case Reports, 14(4), p.e241663. https://casereports.bmj.com/content/14/4/e241663

What is the deadly  black fungus  seen in Covid patients in India? Melissa Davey. The Guardian. Available at: www.theguardian.com/.../what-is-the-dangerous-black-fungus-being-seen-in-covid-patients-in-india-mucormycosis

Further Reading
Many have attributed the low number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the summer of 2020 to hot weather or increased outdoor activities. But a new study from researchers in Germany suggests this might not have been the case.

The results obtained from a genome-based computational pipeline called GInPipe use only time-stamped sequencing data, suggesting some European countries had a large number of undetected COVID-19 cases during this period.

Their findings suggest GInPipe could help with current genomic surveillance efforts  especially in countries where COVID-19 testing is limited. The researchers write:

In some of these regions pandemic control may be impossible or cause more harm than benefit and hence these regions may constitute reservoirs for the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants. Gaining insight in the pandemic dynamics in these regions through alternative methods, such as GInPipe, could yield valuable information that helps to direct global SARS-CoV-2 control efforts.

The study Rapid incidence estimation from SARS-CoV-2 genomes reveals decreased case detection in Europe during summer 2020 is available as a preprint on the medRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review.

How they did it

The researchers constructed the GInPipe method to reconstruct past incidences of COVID-19 cases using only time-stamped genetic sequences of SARS-CoV-2. They used the technique to reconstruct SARS-CoV-2 incidence history in several European countries such as Denmark, Scotland, Switzerland, as well as in Victoria, Australia.

Using the rebuilt incidence history data, the researchers predicted where SARS-CoV-2 would next hit and the probability of whether a person infected with COVID-19 would get tested.

Lastly, they looked at influences such as relaxation of testing policies and how they affected the number of reported COVID-19 cases.

GInPipe is effective in inferring pandemic trajectories

GInPipe worked well with simulated outbreaks and retained accuracy in reconstructing incidence data even when there was incomplete data or new viral variants. The accuracy of results did not falter when SARS-CoV-2 variants made up most of a countrys population  even when the variants mutations did not contribute to outbreaks.

The power of GInPipe lies in the swift reconstruction of incidence histories with a fine temporal resolution, without requiring phylodynamic inference, construction of a multiple sequence alignment, down-sampling, clustering by e.g. lineages, or masking of problematic sites in the virus genomes.

The GInPipe also worked well with real-time sequencing with outputs delivered within minutes of receiving data sets. The researchers note the execution times were associated with the number of sequences, with the ability to analyze 1,500 per minute.

The reconstructed incidence history from GInPipe corresponded with daily reported infection rates in several European countries and the Victorian state of Australia. These results depended on the number of COVID-19 diagnostic tests performed. For this reason, the data matched the best with Denmark who conducted a large number of tests.

Higher number of COVID-19 cases than previously reported

In the first pandemic wave in Scotland and Victoria, Australia, the researchers found more cases than officially reported. This parallels the low number of COVID-19 testing performed during this time period, indicating a large number of infected individuals were not properly diagnosed.

There was also a rise in infections across all European countries during August 2020  coinciding with the rise of B.1.177. The European summer of 2020 showed an underreporting of infections, which may have been due to a low number of available testing resources.

This suggests that it may be advisable to focus on testing symptomatic individuals when testing capacity is low. Nevertheless, the apparent under-reporting was overcome relatively quickly by either increasing testing capacities (Denmark, Scotland, Victoria) or re-focusing capacities or both (Switzerland).

*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.
In spite of a pandemic that has killed about 62,000 Californians  more than enough to pack Dodger Stadium  Gov. Gavin Newsom has again declined to boost the budgets of the state's underfunded and understaffed local public health departments.

Local public health officials, responsible for steering the state's covid-19 response, had asked the Democratic governor for $200 million per year for the nuts and bolts of public health, starting in the 2021-22 budget year, which kicks off July 1.

But Newsom did not grant their request in his $268 billion budget proposal released Friday, despite a projected budget surplus of $76 billion. If Newsom does not change his mind before the budget is finalized, this would mark the third consecutive year he has denied funding requests to help rebuild California's devastated public health infrastructure and workforce, threatening the state's ability to control covid and prepare for future threats, public health experts say.

"We're extremely dismayed and disappointed," said Michelle Gibbons, executive director of the County Health Executives Association of California. "We can't wait until the next pandemic or public health crisis to start thinking about funding public health. We have to do it now."

Astoundingly, #MayRevise fails to recognize that lives were lost during the #COVID19 pandemic due to long standing neglect of our #PublicHealth workforce & infrastructure. #CACantWait to reinvest to rebuild local public health while the health of our communities are at stake. -; CHEAC (@CHEAC) May 14, 2021

California's 61 local public health departments are responsible for keeping their communities safe but, throughout the pandemic, city and county public health leaders had to abandon fundamental public health functions, such as contact tracing, communicable disease testing and enforcement of public health orders because they do not have enough staffing or resources.

Last year, in the thick of the crisis, Newsom said the state couldn't afford to boost local public health budgets. California was staring down a projected $54 billion deficit that required the governor to retreat on his biggest health care ambitions.

But the unexpected surplus projected by the Newsom administration this year  fueled primarily by surging tax revenues  is allowing the first-term Democrat to dream big again. Newsom wants to expand the state's Medicaid program for low-income people, called Medi-Cal, to income-eligible unauthorized immigrants age 60 and up, at a cost of $1 billion in the first year. He proposes to spend $7 billion to convert hotel rooms into permanent housing for homeless people. He's calling for new mental health and substance misuse services for kids and teens in schools. And he is spearheading a major transformation of Medi-Cal to expand behavioral health treatment and social services, such as food and housing assistance, for homeless, formerly incarcerated and other medically vulnerable people.

The federal government provides the lion's share of public health funding in California, and Newsom's budget would use tens of billions in additional federal covid relief money to support state and local public health agencies. But health care leaders say federal spending does not sufficiently support ongoing public health infrastructure needs such as staff compensation and data collection systems.

"You need strong public health and you need a strong health care system, and to think that you can invest in one to the exclusion of the other is just foolhardy," said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California-San Francisco.

Public health leaders say an infusion of $200 million annually could help fund long-term staff positions including nurses and epidemiologists, pay for new public health laboratories  the state has lost 11 since 1999  and rebuild obsolete data systems that have crashed, a problem that officials say has cost lives during the pandemic.

Asked why he did not provide the funding in his budget blueprint, Newsom pointed to proposed investments in other health care programs, such as his transformation of Medi-Cal, expected to cost $1.5 billion per year, and $300 million for public hospitals.

"I hope folks celebrate that," said Newsom, who will likely face a Republican-driven recall election this year. He added that his budget proposal is simply a starting point for negotiations with state lawmakers that will continue over the coming weeks. The legislature has until June 15 to send a revised budget proposal to him for approval.

But state Democratic lawmakers, who control both houses of the legislature, don't think Newsom's proposed investments in Medi-Cal and public hospitals are enough. For the first time, the leaders of the Senate and Assembly and the chairs of the health committees in both houses are publicly calling on the governor to invest in local public health departments, too.

"We know how difficult the past year has been for public health officers and our county public health staff," said Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins. "Their commitment is tireless, and they've gone above and beyond in their efforts to protect our health and safety during the pandemic."

Assembly member Jim Wood, who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, said he would personally lobby Newsom.

"Unknown to the average Californian, there has been an ongoing erosion of funding for local public health departments," Wood said. "California has let its guard down and made us all susceptible and vulnerable to future health threats."

Without additional money, lawmakers fear, the state will fall further behind on controlling communicable diseases like measles and tuberculosis, and chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

"We can do more," said state Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), who is calling for a "long-overdue reckoning."

"An ongoing $200 million investment will not only help heal and restore a public health system left shaken from the devastating covid-19 pandemic but is essential in preparing for the crises that are already here, like the sexually transmitted infections epidemic and the ones to come," she said.

State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said the Newsom administration is eyeing "ongoing funding" for local health departments, but not until next year. He pointed to $3 million in the governor's current spending plan that would identify the public health system's long-term needs and assess "lessons learned" from the coronavirus pandemic.

Assembly member Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), who chairs the Assembly Budget Committee, agreed that a detailed inventory of the state's public health needs is critical.

"We definitely need to make an investment in public health infrastructure," Ting said. "But what counties seem to want is a blank check."

Newsom is expected to face intense lobbying on public health and other health care proposals. Some lawmakers want Newsom to expand Medi-Cal eligibility to all unauthorized immigrants in California, an expensive proposition that the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office says could cost $2.4 billion per year. Newsom also faces pressure to go bigger on mental health and homelessness, and to increase state-based financial assistance for people purchasing health coverage through the Covered California health insurance exchange.

"This is not just about providing some justice to public health and essential workers who have struggled throughout the pandemic, but about making a health care system that is stronger with everyone included," said Anthony Wright, executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Health Access California.
An extremely rare syndrome has been reported in people who were vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)  blood clots occur at unexpected places in the body, accompanied by a low thrombocyte count and clotting disorder. Some vaccine recipients, especially after the administration of the ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 vaccine (the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine), developed clots with up to half the patients dying. This, understandably, prompted concern, and vaccine distribution was suspended for a few weeks.

Now, a new report in the Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis reveals that timely diagnosis and treatment of this condition may prevent further morbidity and mortality, and enable the vaccine to be used widely with confidence.

The background

The term vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) has been used to describe the occurrence of this thrombotic condition, often linked to low platelet counts. One hypothesis is that the vaccine induces antibodies that bind to the Fc receptors, to activate platelets, using them up. The outcome resembles that of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Autoimmune HIT (aHIT) is known to be due to anti-platelet factor 4 IgG (immunoglobulin) antibodies that activate platelets even without being exposed to heparin. The underlying mechanisms could be via the formation of PF4/chondroitin sulfate complexes on the platelet surfaces; release of polyphosphates from platelet dense granules, or by the PF4/IgG complexes.

Both aHIT and VIPIT cause atypically sited clots, but the latter is characterized by abnormally low fibrinogen with very high D-dimer levels, even as other clotting tests are almost normal.

This phenomenon appears at 4-16 days after vaccination. In vitro, high titers of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) competitively inhibit platelet activation induced by these antibodies in serum from these patients. These antibodies block the anti-platelet antibodies from activating the platelets, thus preventing the cascading effects that result in thrombocytopenia and thrombosis.

The use of IVIG

As a result of such research, guidelines currently recommend the use of IVIG for severe clot-related complications, as well as emboli, once VIPIT is confirmed by appropriate tests. These tests are available only in some specialized laboratories dealing with coagulation parameters. The utility of preventive IVIG in patients with VIPIT before they develop thromboembolic complications is yet to be decided.

The significant mortality in these cases, and the results of an earlier study showing that high-dose IVIG can be administered pre-emptively in VIPIT, stimulated the current report on the use of IVIG in the successful management of early VIPIT.

Case report

The patient was a woman of 62, in good health, just vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 vaccine. The next day she had symptoms of joint pain, headache, and some dizziness, which resolved with acetaminophen and a day of rest in bed.

On the fifth day she had a high fever with chills, but again recovered after taking aspirin and went to work on day 7. The next evening, she developed unusual bleeding from the gums and a bite wound on the lip, as well as on the right ankle the next morning.

When she paid an emergency visit to the hospital, she was healthy except for slightly elevated blood pressure, and the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 was negative.

Signs of a coagulation defect were present, and the quantitative D-dimer test was positive, indicating impending thrombosis. The diagnosis of VIPIT was tentatively made; internal bleeding in the brain, chest, and abdomen was checked, and further tests were performed to confirm the diagnosis.

No clots were observed in the arterial or venous system, but the platelet count was low, all other blood parameters being normal. The key coagulation factor fibrinogen was low. A highly positive anti-PF4-heparin IgG antibody test, which is used to screen for VIPIT, was obtained.

The patient was put on fibrinogen concentrate at low doses, as well as anticoagulation, though avoiding heparin to prevent HIT. Simultaneously, she was monitored carefully for coagulation parameters, and started on high-dose IVIG and the corticosteroid prednisolone. The latter was not only to suppress the immune response responsible for thrombocytopenia but to prevent significant side effects of IVIG.

The patient steadily improved, both clinically and with regard to laboratory parameters, with platelet count normalizing on the fourth day of hospitalization. While she had headaches after the second dose of IVIG, she did not have any thromboembolic complications, and was discharged on the sixth day.

What are the implications?

This case report from the Department of Medicine I of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, indicates that patients with autoimmune HIT respond very well to high-dose IVIG. In this case, we were able to describe, for the first time, the efficacy of a potentially life-saving treatment strategy for vaccine-induced thrombosis, says Knobl.

This confirms earlier reports on the use of IVIG with three of four patients improving after its administration. However, two patients still developed strokes and died, one of hemorrhage and the other of cerebral vein thrombosis, though both had received many infusions of platelets as well as IVIG.

Conversely, the patient in this case study took a total of 1,200 mg of aspirin following vaccination, which may have helped prevent clot formation even before she was hospitalized, by inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Secondly, high-dose IVIG was administered early in the course of the management of this patient, which apparently immediately blocks the action of platelet-activating antibodies.

Finally, the use of anticoagulants other than heparin could have prevented thrombosis, while fibrinogen administration could have prevented bleeding complications.

Our case is the first report that suggests that early non-heparin anticoagulation in conjunction with early administration of high-dose IVIG can interrupt the prothrombotic process in patients with suspected VIPIT and may be life-saving. The need for rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment cannot be overemphasized in this condition, as it may make the difference between a healthy patient and a dead one.

Source
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to rage in many countries over a year after it first emerged in Wuhan, China. New and more infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants are emerging, with concern mounting over their natural and vaccine-induced immunity evasion potential.

Rapid development and deployment of non-invasive therapeutic measures to prevent infection by all SARS-CoV-2 variants could complement the currently ongoing vaccination efforts. It will also help put an end to this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

Study: An intranasal ASO therapeutic targeting SARS-CoV-2. Image Credit: strannik65 / Shutterstock

Novel intranasal therapeutic option to target SARS-CoV-2 RNA using antisense oligonucleotides

Researchers from the US and Denmark recently described a novel therapeutic option that targets the SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) using locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides (LNA ASOs). They identified an LNA ASO that binds to the 5 leader sequence of SARS-CoV-2 ORF1a/b. This disrupts a highly conserved stem-loop structure with nanomolar efficacy and inhibits viral replication in host cells. The teams study has been released as a preprint on the bioRxiv* server.

Antisense therapy is currently used in clinical treatment for a range of different diseases, including cytomegalovirus retinitis (Fomivirsen), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Eteplirsen), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Nusinersen).

LNA ASOs inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and infection in mice and hamsters

The LNA ASO, when administered intranasally every day in the K18-hACE2 humanized COVID-19 mouse model, strongly (98-99%) suppressed viral replication in the lungs of the SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. This reveals potent prophylactic as well as treatment effects of LNA ASOs. The researchers found that the LNA ASO also inhibits viral infection in golden Syrian hamsters and is effective against all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including B.1.427, B.1.1.7, and B.1.351, with high efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

LNA ASOs can override the challenge of viral mutations thanks to their ability to design sequences that are specifically targeted to highly conserved and key regulatory regions of the viral genome. In addition, LNA ASO cocktails that target multiple critical regions of the viral genome may further improve the efficacy of LNA ASOs as therapeutic candidates to overcome viral mutations.

Use of LNA ASOs may be a promising treatment approach to reduce the transmission of vaccine-resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants

The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of new, more dangerous variants with increased morbidity and mortality poses a huge challenge to reaching herd immunity. Traditional methods of drug screening and vaccine development are time-consuming and may not be able to match the speed with which drug- or vaccine-resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants are emerging. Hence there is a compelling need for alternative approaches to the rapid development of drugs that effectively act against all variants of concern.

Based on the findings of the study, the authors conclude that LNA ASOs that target SARS-CoV-2 can be a promising therapeutic approach to reduce the transmission of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that are partially resistant to monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. These LNA ASOs could be administered intranasally for prophylaxis or by lung delivery using a nebulizer to decrease symptoms in severe COVID-19 patients.

LNA ASOs are chemically stable compounds that can be stored for use during future pandemics

Given the relatively small size of RNA viral genomes and the ability to rapidly sequence any genome using next-generation sequencing techniques, anti-viral LNA ASOs can be designed and screened in a fast and efficient manner that allows rapid response to all kinds of health crises.

LNA ASOs are chemically stable compounds and can be modified to target various viral RNA sequences. They can be more impactful in remote areas where vaccine distribution is challenging, and they could also be stockpiled for use during other pandemics caused by coronaviruses that may threaten humanity in the future.

In conclusion, we have identified an intranasally delivered LNA ASO targeting the 5 leader sequence as a viable therapeutic approach for preventing or treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, including those caused by variants of concern, indicating that LNA ASOs can be pursued as lead candidates for the treatment of COVID-19.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
International organizations have come together to launch a new One Health High-Level Expert Panel to improve understanding of how diseases with the potential to trigger pandemics, emerge and spread.

The panel will advise four international organizations - the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE); the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); and the World Health Organization (WHO) - on the development of a long-term global plan of action to avert outbreaks of diseases like H5N1 avian influenza; MERS; Ebola; Zika, and, possibly, COVID-19. Three quarters of all emerging infectious diseases originate in animals.

It will operate under the One Health Approach, which recognizes the links between the health of people, animals, and the environment and highlights the need for specialists in multiple sectors to address any health threats and prevent disruption to agri-food systems.

Key first steps will include systematic analyses of scientific knowledge about the factors that lead to transmission of a disease from animal to human and vice versa; development of risk assessment and surveillance frameworks; identification of capacity gaps as well as agreement on good practices to prevent and prepare for zoonotic outbreaks.

The panel will consider the impact of human activity on the environment and wildlife habitats. Critical areas will include food production and distribution; urbanization and infrastructure development; international travel and trade; activities that lead to biodiversity loss and climate change; and those that put increased pressure on the natural resource base - all of which can lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases.

The panel will guide development of a dynamic new research agenda and draw up evidence-based recommendations for global, regional, national and local action.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said:

Human health does not exist in a vacuum, and nor can our efforts to protect and promote it. The close links between human, animal and environmental health demand close collaboration, communication and coordination between the relevant sectors. The High-Level Expert Panel is a much-needed initiative to transform One Health from a concept to concrete policies that safeguard the health of the world's people."

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director General, told the panel: "This panel will contribute to advancing the One Health agenda, by helping to better understand the root causes of disease emergence and spread, and informing decision-makers to prevent long-term public health risks. I encourage it to be a shining example of silo-breaking, systems thinking and open dialogue. Expectations for collective action and the need for effective collaboration have never been higher."

Dr Monique Eloit, Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health noted: "The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that collaboration across sectors is absolutely critical for global health. The newly established One Health High-Level Expert Panel will contribute to bringing together diverse scientific expertise. United, we will better anticipate global health threats and work to control risks at the animal source. Our Organisation is proud to provide high-level expertise, along with our partners, to develop science-based 'One Health' strategies and programmes.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP observed: "To end the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution that threaten our peace and prosperity, we have to understand that human, animal and planetary health go hand in hand. We must do more to promote transformative actions that target the root causes of nature's destruction. The One Health High-Level Expert Panel is an important step in recognizing the complex, multidisciplinary issues at the interface of human, animal, and environmental health.

The Ministers for Foreign Affairs of France and Germany also joined the public launch of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel:

Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France commented: "The COVID-19 pandemic, whose zoonotic origin is strongly suspected, underlines how closely human, animal and environmental health are linked. It demonstrates the importance of the 'One Health' approach. It is in this context that France, together with Germany, proposed the creation of such a Panel at the meeting of the Alliance for Multilateralism organized on the occasion of the Paris Peace Forum on 12 November 2020."

Mr Heiko Maas, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany, said: "COVID-19 has painfully reminded us that the health of humans, animals and the environment around the world is closely connected: Nobody is safe until everybody is safe. This is what we have to bear in mind to prevent future pandemics. The establishment of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel thus marks an important step in the right direction. Germany and France will continue to support the panel's work."
The chemical bisphenol F (found in plastics) can induce changes in a gene that is vital for neurological development. This discovery was made by researchers at the universities of Uppsala and Karlstad, Sweden.

The mechanism could explain why exposure to this chemical during the fetal stage may be connected with a lower IQ at seven years of age - an association previously seen by the same research group. The study is published in the scientific journal Environment International.

"We've previously shown that bisphenol F (BPF for short) may be connected with children's cognitive development. However, with this study, we can now begin to understand which biological mechanisms may explain such a link, which is unique for an epidemiological study." The speaker is Carl Gustaf Bornehag, Professor and head of Public Health Sciences at Karlstad University. He is the project manager of the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and Child, Asthma and Allergy (SELMA) study, from which the data were taken.

External factors can cause changes in gene activity through an "epigenetic" mechanism. This means that individual genes are modified by means of "methylation". Increased methylation in a DNA segment makes it more difficult for the cellular machinery to read that specific part. As a result, expression of methylated genes is often impaired.

The scientists measured BPF levels in urine from pregnant women in the first trimester and subsequently monitored their children after birth. DNA methylation was measured in the children at age seven, and their cognitive ability was investigated. Since the fetus comes into contact with the mother's blood via the placenta, it is also exposed to substances in the mother's body.

The analyses demonstrated that in fetuses exposed to higher levels of BPF, methylation increases in a specific part of the GRIN2B gene, which has a key neurological role. Further, higher methylation was associated with lower IQ in the children. However, the study also found that there appears to be a sex difference in these children's susceptibility to BPF. The epigenetic link between BPF and cognition was observed only in boys.

The fact that we've been able to identify DNA methylation as a potential mechanism behind BPF's effect on IQ adds an important piece of evidence in work to understand how environmental chemicals affect us on a molecular level." Elin Engdahl, Study Lead Author and Researcher in Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University

In the research group's previous study, they saw that the 25% of seven-year-olds who, during week 10 of the pregnancy, were exposed to the highest maternal levels of bisphenol F had a 2-point decline in full scale IQ compared to the 25% of children exposed to the lowest levels. This is a small difference that is inconspicuous in an individual child but, on the other hand, becomes clear on a population level.
Protective immune memory--through B cells, which make antibodies, and/or T cells, which in the case of CD8+ T cells can kill virus-infected cells--can be induced by identical but also by related viruses.

Related to the COVID-19 virus SARS-CoV-2, there are four common cold coronaviruses (CCCoVs) that together cause ~20% of common cold infections: OC43, HKU1, 229E, and NL63. Most adults have been infected with CCCoVs multiple times in their lives.

Whether or not meaningful CCCoV-induced anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies exist remains a matter of debate. Meanwhile, the generation of T cell memory should depend on the genetic make-up of the infected individual.

Namely, immune recognition by T cells depends on the presentation of peptides ("epitopes") by polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and different MHC alleles (variants between individuals) present different peptides from the same pathogen.

In their recent publication in F1000Research, Dijkstra, Frenette, and Dixon provided the first systematic search for SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitope sequences that were experimentally determined in one or more of >15 studies and are identical to at least one of the four CCCoVs.

They found that such epitopes are rare. The only such epitope that was repeatedly identified as immunogenic by independent research groups was the peptide VYIGDPAQL, which is also named "VYI" after its first three amino acids. This peptide is a fragment of the virus helicase and identical between SARS-CoV-2 and the CCCoVs OC43 and HKU1.

The VYI peptide was found to bind MHC class I allele and to efficiently stimulate CD8+ T cells from at least some--and sometimes the majority--of investigated COVID-19 (convalescent) patients in each study that addressed this matter. This finding was confirmed in two recent studies that were not part of the Dijkstra.

For explaining these findings, Dijkstra conservatively assumed that infections with OC43 or HKU1 had primed the anti-VYI T cells, which then were restimulated upon infection with SARS-CoV-2.

The authors also speculated that the surprisingly low prevalence of COVID-19 in Japan may in part be explained by such anti-VYI T cell immune memory, since in this country ~60% of the individuals carry the allele and in recent years there were OC43 outbreaks.

However, it is important to realize that, for now, this remains speculation only, since (i) experimental evidence for CCCoV-induced anti-VYI memory still needs to be provided, and (ii) immune memory does not necessarily mean immune protection.

Nevertheless, currently, the Japan hypothesis put forward by the authors is one of the most plausible models for genetically explaining differences in resistance against COVID-19 between populations. Dijkstra described how even a small impact on virus replication levels may have a significant impact on the spread of the virus through a population. Their article is also an interesting read on the COVID-19 situation in Japan.

Furthermore, Dijkstra pointed out that the similarity between the spike (S) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and CCCoVs is low, which suggests that the sequence conservation of this protein is relaxed. Accordingly, the authors subscribe to the fear as expressed by others that SARS-CoV-2 may mutate its S protein to escape the immune protection that is induced by the current generation of S-only vaccines.

The inclusion in future vaccines of parts of the virus that are more highly conserved between SARS-CoV-2 and CCCoVs may reduce the risk of such escape. For populations in which is prevalent, like in Japan, the VYI peptide is a prime candidate for such inclusion.
New research published on the medRxiv* preprint server suggests childhood vaccination to prevent other infectious diseases has plummeted during the pandemic. The decrease appears to stem from the suspension of health campaigns promoting immunization and the risk of catching the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Led by Mark Jit of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, the research team found taking precautions  wearing masks, getting a COVID-19 diagnostic test if symptoms present  and campaign timing can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to all parties involved.

The researchers write:

We find that the SARS-CoV-2 infection risks to vaccinators, vaccinees, and their caregivers from a vaccine campaign conducted during a COVID-19 epidemic can vary considerably depending on the circumstances under which a campaign is conducted...Our findings support the continuation of vaccination campaigns using adequate risk mitigation during the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than cancelling them entirely.

Gathering their data

The researchers performed a modeling study using population age-structure and contact patterns from Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Chile. The countries were selected for having the lowest, median, and highest population median age among countries with a measles vaccination campaign planned for 2020. They combined their data with a SARS-CoV-2 transmission model to evaluate the level of risk when undergoing vaccination.

The model ran for two years, with the first simulation week depicting the start of the pandemic. Our objective was not to predict the actual SARSCoV-2 epidemics experienced by these particular countries, but rather to generate plausible scenarios using alternative demography and contact patterns to examine the implications for the risk associated with vaccination campaigns, wrote the team.

Factors that were taken into account included the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the number of vaccinations available, how long the campaign was, screening for COVID-19, and the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE).

What they found

Their modeling results showed similar SARS-CoV-2 incidences with 29%-39% infected by the end of the first year.

Having a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the local community and at the time of the vaccination campaign increased the infection risk for people administering vaccines, children, and caregivers.

Not having the proper PPE or insufficient screening of potential COVID-19 symptoms resulted in an estimated 32% to 58% infection risk for vaccinators and a 0.30% to 0.90% for children and their caregivers.

Having a 75% effectiveness in using PPE, the infection risk drops to 10% to 22% for vaccinators and 0.15% to 0.41% for children and caregivers.

Symptomatic screening in the absence of PPE slightly reduced infection, but not as much as having PPE available. Screenings caused a 3% to 6% reduction in vaccinators infection risk and a 0.02% to 0.16% reduction for children and caregivers.

Having PPE that was 90% effective in blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission further reduced risk to 3.6%-8% in vaccinators. However, the risk reduction only somewhat reduced infection risk for vaccinees.

Performing vaccination at a persons household lowered the infection risk for both vaccinators and vaccinees. The researchers suggest this is because people are reducing community contacts who travel to or present in the local vaccination site.

Having PPE with the highest effectiveness at blocking SARS-CoV-2 was the most beneficial in reducing infection risk for vaccinees and caregivers. After effective PPE, other factors that reduce risk include a shorter vaccination campaign, shorter infectious period, or a more extended latent infection period.

Study limitations

While lowering the risk of COVID-19 infection is higher when there is less SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the area, the researchers acknowledge that low- and middle-income countries may have inaccuracies in their local reporting data for COVID-19 cases  with people relying more on anecdotal accounts. They argue that official country-wide numbers may not translate to local incidences in various parts of the region.

A second study limitation is that the research results remain unclear on what type of PPE think of the effectiveness of an N95 mask versus a cloth mask versus a surgical mask  would be most beneficial in mitigating risk. Theres also a lack of specificity on what type of training and adherence is necessary for limiting the danger of infection during vaccination campaigns.

*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.
As he lunged up on top of me, I grabbed his lower jaw to pull him away, he said. But he tossed me aside there, grabbed a quarter of my face. He took a small bite and then he took a second bite, and the second bite is the one that broke the bones  and crushed my right cheek basically, he said.
Black Americans covid-19 vaccination rates are still lagging months into the nation's campaign, while Hispanics are closing the gap and Native Americans show the highest rates overall, according to federal data obtained by KHN.

The data, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in response to a public records request, gives a sweeping national look at the race and ethnicity of vaccinated people on a state-by-state basis. Yet nearly half of those vaccination records are missing race or ethnicity information.

KHN's analysis shows that only 22% of Black Americans have gotten a shot, and Black rates still trail those of whites in almost every state.

Targeted efforts have raised vaccination rates among other minority groups. Hispanics in eight states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are now vaccinated at higher rates than non-Hispanic whites. Yet 29% of Hispanics are vaccinated nationally, compared with 33% of whites.

While 45% of Native Americans have received at least one dose, stark differences exist depending on where they live. And Asian vaccination rates are high in most states, with 41% getting a shot.

The analysis underscores how vaccine disparities have improved as availability has opened up and Biden administration officials have attempted to prioritize equitable distribution. Still, gaps persist even as minority groups have suffered much higher mortality rates from the pandemic than whites and are at risk of infection as states move to reopen and lift mask mandates.

Despite these lingering gaps, the CDC said last week that those who are fully vaccinated don't need to wear masks in most indoor and outdoor settings or physically distance. Only 38% of Americans are fully vaccinated.

"Every day we do not reach a person or a community is a day in which there is a preventable covid case that happens and a preventable covid death in these communities," said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California-San Francisco.

KHN requested race and ethnicity data from the CDC on people who have received at least one dose of a covid vaccine since mid-December for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The data covers shots as of May 14 given to 155 million people that were administered through federally run programs and federal agencies as well as by state and local authorities.

Eight states  Alabama, California, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming  either refuse to provide race and ethnicity details to the CDC or are missing that information for more than 60% of people vaccinated. Those states are excluded from the KHN analysis, though the CDC includes all but Texas in its published national rates.

Some states display race and ethnicity for vaccine recipients separately, making it difficult to compare rates for Hispanics to non-Hispanic whites, for example. But the CDC data allows for direct comparisons. It reports numbers for Hispanics, who can be of any race or combination of races, as well as numbers for non-Hispanic people of single-race or multiracial categories.

The data for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders is unreliable, making it difficult to draw conclusions on the vaccination rate in that population.

Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, wasn't surprised that Black Americans' vaccination rates were still lagging, citing a complex combination of access issues, hesitancy and structural inequity.

Benjamin pointed to the early challenges in securing an appointment online and the initial placement of vaccination sites  which he noted the Biden administration had worked to improve.

"We're going to be judged whether or not we did it equitably at the end of the day," he said. "Right now, I still think we're failing."

Dr. Utibe Essien, a health equity researcher and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, stressed that targeted outreach must involve multiple institutions in a community.

"It's not just the Black doctor, it's not just the barber, it's not just the pastor, kind of these traditional folks who have been the big messengers. We have to be broad," he said. "It's investing in folks who know the neighborhood, the small-store owner who gets to see all the 12- to 15-year-old kids come through the store getting snacks before they head off to school."

Why native Americans lead in vaccinations

Nationally, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have been vaccinated at significantly higher rates than other groups. Tribes administered doses quickly, prioritizing elders with culturally important knowledge, said Meredith Raimondi, director of congressional relations and public policy for the National Council of Urban Indian Health. The rollout was imbued with urgency: Native Americans have died of covid at more than double the rate of white Americans, according to the latest CDC data.

Native vaccination rates are higher than white rates in 28 states, including New Mexico, Arizona and Alaska, where many receive care from tribal health centers and the Indian Health Service. In states such as South Carolina and Tennessee, where IHS access is more limited and Native residents are more likely to live in urban areas, vaccination rates are far lower than for white residents.

Groups in those areas reported problems finding health care providers to administer shots. Tribal organizations compiled lists of retired nurses to tap for clinics. At one point, staffers from an Oklahoma City clinic for Native Americans offered to fly to Washington, D.C., to help vaccinate Indigenous people living around the nation's capital, Raimondi said.

"It became an issue of, 'Well, we could get you the vaccine, but we don't know who is going to administer them,'" Raimondi said.

The council and Native American Lifelines, a nonprofit providing health services, partnered with the University of Maryland-Baltimore for a vaccination site exclusively for Native Americans living in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. It launched in April.

While the vaccination rates for Native Americans surpass those of whites in some states due in part to IHS, that infrastructure does not exist for Black Americans, said Rhonda BeLue, the department chair of health management policy at Saint Louis University.

At the beginning of the pandemic, people were shocked by how much more likely Black Americans were to die from covid, she said.

"However, the same structural inequities that caused that disproportionate mortality in covid are the same structural inequities that predated covid and caused disproportionate burdens of morbidity and mortality," she said. "This isn't new."

Easing fears in Hispanic communities

Some states are reporting higher vaccination rates among Hispanics than white and Black residents, which Bibbins-Domingo said fits with surveys showing high enthusiasm for vaccination among Hispanics. It also indicates that some of the reported barriers may have been addressed more effectively in those states, she said.

Paul Berry, chair of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board, partly attributes Virginia's success to targeted outreach efforts. The state and certain counties also increased Spanish-language resources to boost sign-ups.

Connecting with every community cannot be an afterthought, said Diego Abente, president and CEO of St. Louis' Casa de Salud, a health care provider focused on immigrant communities. Community buy-in, effective social media use and language programming from the start have been essential, he said. Hispanics have a higher vaccination rate than whites in Missouri.

But nationally, a dearth of transportation options, an inability to take off from work to get a vaccine, and concerns about documentation and privacy have dampened uptake among Hispanics, according to experts.

"To me it's more about access to health care," Berry said. "If you don't live close to health care, you're just going to shrug it off immediately. 'I can't get that vaccination. I'm going to miss work.'"

To reduce fear among Idaho agricultural workers that may be part of mixed-immigration status families, public health workers emphasized messaging that documentation wouldn't be required, said Monica Schoch-Spana, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. She has helped lead its CommuniVax project seeking to boost uptake among Black, Hispanic and Indigenous communities.

It's also important to engage trusted institutions to administer vaccines, Schoch-Spana said: "Is it a familiar place, does it feel safe, and is it easy to get to?"

Federal efforts have placed sites in underserved neighborhoods. About 60% of shots at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's vaccination sites and at community health centers were given to people of color, federal health officials said this week.

Incomplete data collection

Race or ethnicity information is still missing for nearly 69 million vaccinated people  or 44%  in the CDC data, despite vows by federal officials to improve outdated systems to better inform their response.

CDC spokesperson Kate Fowlie said their efforts, including sharing strategies for capturing demographic data and reducing data gaps with state and local governments, have resulted in improvements in data collection. Officials are also planning to allow agencies to update previously submitted vaccine records. The true national rates by race or ethnicity group would each be higher with complete data.

Unlike the federal government, North Carolina made it nearly impossible for providers to submit vaccine data without recording race and ethnicity. As a result, it has the most complete demographic data of any state.

Adding that step was not an easy sell  providers and other vaccinators were initially resistant, said Kody Kinsley, the chief deputy secretary for health at the North Carolina health department. But it has paid off in the state's ability to target its response to populations getting left behind, he said.

Bibbins-Domingo said the federal government and states need to make collecting this vaccination data by race mandatory, because data drives the response to the pandemic.

"The feds know how to do this. They do it every 10 years for the census," she said. "That we somehow cannot figure it out in public health data is quite simply unacceptable."
The endocrine system is strongly involved in SARS-Cov-2 infection - so much so that evidence of an "endocrine phenotype" of COVID-19 has emerged, according to a statement by the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) published in the journal Endocrine in April 2021.

Leading endocrinology researchers looked into the evidence that has accumulated over the past year since the pandemic emerged, and consistently found evidence for links across a variety of endocrine conditions. This statement constitutes an update of a March 2020 statement that was of the earliest and most read pieces delineating the involvement of the endocrine system in COVID-19.

Dr Manel Puig from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona in Spain and first author on the statement said "the evidence is clear. The effect on hormones cannot be ignored in the context of COVID-19".

We need to be aware of the endocrine consequences of COVID-19 for patients with a known endocrine condition such as diabetes, obesity or adrenal insufficiency, but also for people without a known condition. Vitamin D insufficiency for example is very common, and the knowledge that this condition has emerged frequently in the hospitalized COVID-19 population and may negatively impact outcomes should not be taken lightly." Dr Manel Puig, Study First Author, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain

Dr Puig, together with Profs Marazuela, Yildiz and Giustina based in Madrid, Ankara and Milano looked at the available evidence with respect to COVID-19 across a number of endocrine conditions and related factors: diabetes, obesity, nutrition, hypocalcemia, vitamin D insufficiency, vertebral fractures, adrenal insufficiency, as well as pituitary/thyroid issues and sex hormones.

Diabetes has emerged as one of the most frequent comorbidities associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19, according to a rapidly increasing amount of published data on the incidence of COVID-19 in patients over the last year. Mortality in type 1 or type 2 diabetes has consistently increased during the year of pandemic - and evidence is emerging that a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and COVID-19 may exist, both in terms of worsening existing conditions and new onset of diabetes.

The researchers identified similar trends for patients with obesity. Obesity increases susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the risk for COVID-19 adverse outcomes.

They posit that nutritional management is important both for patients with obesity or undernourishment in order to limit their increased susceptibility and severity of infection. Vitamin D, calcium and bone are other areas showing a growing body of evidence that better monitoring and solutions for patients are needed in the context of COVID-19.

With regard to vaccination, the statement concludes that available evidence suggests COVID-19 vaccination should not be handled differently in patients with stable endocrine diseases. However, patients with adrenal insufficiency may need adjusted glucocorticoid treatment to address side effects such as fever.

The authors suggest data from the field should be collected in an international database in order to form firm conclusions on this matter. They also present a decalogue for endocrinologists and patients with endocrine and metabolic conditions in the conclusions of the statement.

This knowledge highlights the important role endocrinologists will need to play in future research on COVID-19 and other global health issues.
Studies have shown that children can experience post-viral syndromes after a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, the extent to which children are affected by this long COVID syndrome in which symptoms can continue for over 12 weeks is unclear. Currently available evidence is limited to selective clinical populations with no control groups, and hence estimating the overall prevalence and disease burden in a general pediatric population is not possible.

Analyzing long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents with a 6-month follow-up after serological testing

Researchers from Switzerland recently analyzed long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents with a 6-month follow-up based on their SARS-CoV-2 serology. A longitudinal cohort analysis, the Ciao Corona study investigated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and case clustering among ~2500 children from 55 primary and secondary schools in Zurich, Switzerland. The team has released their study as a preprint on the medRxiv* server.

They completed three testing phases between June 2020 and April 2021 and collected venous blood for serological analysis, and gathered symptom-related information using online questionnaires. They compared children who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during October/November 2020 with children who tested negative for the antibody.

Overall, 1355 of 2503 children with a serology result in October/November 2020 and follow up questionnaire in March/April 2021 were included."

A total of 256 children who tested negative in October/November 2020 and who seroconverted or were not re-tested by March/April 2021 were not included in the analysis. In March-May 2021, the authors examined the presence of symptoms since October 2020 that lasted at least four weeks and persisted for either >4 or >12 weeks. In total, 1,355 of 2,503 children with a serology result in October/November 2020 and completed follow-up questionnaire in March/April 2021 were included in the study.

Results show that seropositive children did not report long COVID more frequently compared to seronegative children

The results of the analysis showed that among seropositive and seronegative 6-16-year-old children and adolescents, 9% vs. 10% had at least one symptom beyond four weeks, and 4% vs. 2% reported at least one symptom beyond 12 weeks. None of the seropositive children were hospitalized after October 2020. All seropositive children had a history of pauci-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and did not report long COVID more frequently compared to seronegative children.

The study's findings indicate a very low prevalence of long COVID in a randomly selected pediatric population who were followed up for over six months after serological testing. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection severity, different reporting methodologies, case definitions, varying follow-up times, and pre-existing clinical conditions are some of the factors that likely contribute to the difference in long COVID reported in children.

According to the authors, longitudinal data on large population-based samples will help better understand the potential impact of long COVID on health-related quality of life of children and their daily activities.

Strengths of our study include the large, representative, randomly selected sample of school children and inclusion of a population-based seronegative control group that could be ensured thanks to the longitudinal design."

*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.
Researchers have found that the inclusion of a third drug to commonly used dual-drug inhalers can reduce asthma exacerbations and improve control over the disease in children, adolescents, and adults with moderate-to-severe asthma.

A team from McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton announced their findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data from 20 randomized controlled trials, which included a total of almost 12,000 patients, were analyzed in the study.

Dual-drug inhalers used to treat asthma typically contain an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to reduce inflammation, as well as a long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) that acts as a bronchodilator.

High-certainty evidence showed that the inclusion of a third drug to ICS-LABA combination therapy, known as a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), reduced severe asthma exacerbations and slightly improved asthma control without an increase in adverse events.

Previously, the benefits and harms of adding a LAMA to ICS-LABA therapy for asthma treatment were unclear and based off of only 1300 patients - mainly adults - leading to weak recommendations in treatment guidelines.

Our findings provide clear, high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of triple therapy that will inform asthma care and should prompt revision of current asthma guidelines." Dr Derek Chu, Study Lead Author, McMaster University

Dr. Chu is a clinical scholar in the Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University and an affiliate of The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton.

"If we can reach optimal control of patients' asthma and reduce asthma exacerbation rates through the LAMA add-on therapy, patients may be able to avoid other treatments that carry a higher risk of adverse events, such as oral corticosteroids, or therapies that are substantially more expensive, such as biologics," said Lisa Kim, a clinical scholar in the Department of Medicine at McMaster and co-author of the study.

Inhaled LAMAs are currently available in separate inhalers or as three-in-one inhalers that also contain an ICS and LABA. According to the study, both approaches to administering the third drug work similarly.

More than 8 percent of Canadians over the age of 12 have been diagnosed with asthma, making it the most common chronic condition among children. The disease is characterized by constriction of the bronchial tubes, which impedes air flow to and from the lungs. Symptoms can include coughing or wheezing attacks, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and more. The exact causes of asthma may vary, adding to treatment complexity.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in coordination with a presentation by the authors at the Advances in Asthma Therapies symposium. The symposium is part of the American Thoracic Society's annual conference - ATS 2021 - which is being held virtually this year.
To lower hospital readmission rates for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), University at Buffalo pharmacy researcher David Jacobs has received a $962,000 award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop a real-time readmission risk prediction algorithm.

Through a five-year Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award, Jacobs will combine social information with rich clinical data to build predictive models that will be integrated into patient-centric interventions and tested in clinical practices.

If successful, the research will help clinicians provide individualized treatment at the transition from hospital to home for COPD patients, who experience high rates of early hospital readmission, says Jacobs.

Each year, 7.8 million hospital-discharged patients are readmitted, costing the United States $17 billion." David Jacobs, PharmD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo

"High readmission rates are linked to several quality of care and patient safety factors, such as medication-related problems, inaccurate information transfer, and lack of care coordination with primary care," he says. "Our focus will be to apply innovative informatic techniques to the development of risk prediction models for hospital readmissions that ultimately personalizes care management interventions."

Although predictive models have been developed, their ability to gauge hospital readmissions remains poor, particularly for COPD patients, likely because detailed social information is absent from risk stratification tools, he says. To determine social risk factors that drive hospital readmissions, Jacobs will conduct interviews with patients, their caregivers and clinicians.

The Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award will also provide Jacobs with guidance and resources to grow as an independent clinical investigator. Sanjay Sethi, MD, assistant vice president for health sciences and professor and chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB, will serve as the primary mentor.
Funeral services for Thomas Armond "Tommy" Ritch, 72, will be Friday, June 11 at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home. Interment to followe at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Gallant. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time at funeral home
Jeffersonville, IN (47130)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers this afternoon. High near 85F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.
Now it became a homicide instead of a shooting, he said, according to KARE. You murdered our loved one. A six-year-old baby. Our precious little girl. You murdered her. I dont know who you are. Where you are at. But I hope youre watching this. I dont know if you have any six-year-old brothers or sisters. I dont want anybody to feel what were feeling right now. How can you live with yourself?
(Newser)  More than half of all the single-use plastic waste in the world is generated by just 20 companies, an analysis has found. And tops on the list of 20 is ExxonMobil, which is responsible for 5.9% of the total, the Guardian reports, followed by Dow at 5.6%. The analysis provides one of the most complete pictures so far of the origins of single-use plastics. The list includes chemical, oil, and gas companies, multinational corporations, and state-owned entities. The analysis was conducted by Minderoo Foundation of Australia, working with the London School of Economics, Stockholm Environment Institute, and Wood Mackenzie. The environmental damage could worsen quickly, the report says in projecting that the capacity to produce the materials in single-use plastics could increase more than 30% worldwide in the next five years. "The trajectories of the climate crisis and the plastic waste crisis are strikingly similar," former Vice President Al Gore wrote in a statement attached to the report, per NPR.

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Because most plastic is made from oil and gas, he wrote, more greenhouse gas emissions are produced, worsening the climate crisis. By 2050, the report said, single-use plastics could be responsible for up to 10% of greenhouse emissions globally. Of the 20 companies, 11 are based in Asia, four in Europe, three in North America, one in Latin America, and one in the Middle East, the report said. The banks that fund that production include Barclays, HSBC, Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase. On the list of countries that went through the most single-use plastics per person in 2019, Australia was No. 1. The US, South Korea and Britain followed. Citing health and environmental dangers, the chairman of the Minderoo Foundation called for "firm intervention from producers, governments and the world of finance to break the cycle of inaction." (Read more plastic stories.)
(Newser)  Democrats voted out Pittsburgh's mayor in their primary Tuesday, putting a challenger on track to become the first Black person to hold the city's top job. Mayor Bill Peduto, who's in his second term, called Ed Gainey to congratulate him. "Wishing him well," Peduto tweeted. Gainey, a state representative, led 46% to 39% as of Wednesday morning. He's nearly assured of victory in November; there was no Republican on the primary ballot, the Post-Gazette reports. Both candidates support progressive policies, but Gainey said Peduto had had plenty of time to do more than he has. Peduto said that the city had a long list of problems when he took over, and that putting together the best partnerships to create a more equitable city takes time. Communities of color, Gainey said, especially were suffering in the interim.

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Gainey's campaign focused on racial and economic equity, per the New York Times. Pittsburgh often shows up on "most livable" lists, and he repeatedly raised the question, "Livable for whom?" Promising to work for everyone, Gainey would answer his question with information gathered from reports and task forces Peduto had formed to assess Pittsburgh's problems. "We will do all that we have to do to make this a city that's welcoming for everybody," Gainey said. Progressive candidacies are thriving in the area, unseating not only Republicans but Democrats voters have grown impatient with. "You're not going to find anyone who says Pittsburgh is perfect just the way it is," a county official said, which "does not spell good news for incumbents who created the landscape we live in." (Read more Pittsburgh stories.)
(Newser)  Asked Wednesday to "stop talking" about Demi Lovato coming out as non-binary, radio host Matt Siegel instead abruptly ended his show. But while it first appeared to some that he had quit (among the things he said was, "I just want to say, I love my listeners ... and its been a hell of a run, but I think its coming to an end. ... Matty out."), Siegel tells the Boston Globe it isn't so, and that he'll be back on his popular Matty in the Morning show, which has been on the air in Boston for 40 years, Thursday to say more. Siegel was "going against the woke' thing ... against the Demi Lovatos of the world and all that kind of stuff" when his boss called and told him to stop, Siegel said before signing off. (You can listen to that portion of the show here.)

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Siegel says he can't win, because he was issued a similar directive last year while criticizing then-President Trump. "If Im left wing and I go anti-Trump, I get in trouble, and today I was anti-wokeness and I cant do that," he said on the air. "Its a joke, the whole binary thing." He later told Boston.com, while misgendering Lovato multiple times in the process, "Im against her binary thing; I think shes a troubled woman and a lot of young people are taking her seriously and it bothers me." LGBTQ+ advocates decried Siegel's comments, but iHeartRadio, which owns KISS 108, has not publicly commented on what he said. Siegel said that after meeting with his superiors later Wednesday, he confirmed he would not actually be quitting. (Read more Demi Lovato stories.)
(Newser)  Thirty-five House Republicans joined Democrats on Wednesday in voting to create a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, risking the wrath of former President Trump and flouting GOP leaders who condemned the proposal as unfairly partisan and unnecessary. The mavericks were led by New York Rep. John Katko, the top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee. He was battling two tides that have overwhelmed Congress in recent years, the AP reports: the nearly overwhelming potency Trump still has among Republicans and a jagged-edged partisanship that often confounds even mundane legislation. Katko said the commission is needed to understand how the riot happened and what security improvements the Capitol needs to prevent another. "I encourage all members, Republicans and Democrats alike, to put down their swords for once, just for once, and support this bill," he said. The House vote was 252-175.

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The plan's prospects in the Senate were hurt earlier in the day when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell came out against it, per the Washington Post. The bill would need at least 10 Republican votes to pass on that side. "It's not at all clear what new facts or additional investigation yet another commission could actually lay on top of existing efforts by law enforcement and Congress," McConnell told the Senate. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also opposed the plan. Both called the proposal partisan, though it was put together by members of both parties on Homeland Security. Rep. Greg Pence, who hid in an office with his brother, former Vice President Mike Pence, during the Jan. 6 riot, issued a critical statement Wednesday. "Hanging Judge Nancy Pelosi is hellbent on pushing her version of partisan justice complete with a handpicked jury," he said.

(Read more Capitol attack stories.)
(Newser)  Officials in Shenzhen say they haven't detected anything particularly unusual about the 71-story SEG Plaza skyscraperapart from the fact that it started shaking Tuesday afternoon, causing panic in the south China city. Local authorities say the shaking was apparently caused by a combination of winds, two underground rail lines in the area, and changing temperatures, the Guardian reports. There were no earthquakes recorded in the area and safety inspectors said there were no issues detected in the building's structure or the surrounding area. Thousands of people were evacuated from the building after it started wobbling.

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Local authorities said the 980-foot building's vibration frequency, tilt rate, and settlement degree were monitored and they all fell within official limits, the South China Morning Post reports. Officials also denied reports that the building was seen shaking again Wednesday. The building, which was completed in 2000, remains closed to the public, although vendors at the electronics market that takes up the first 10 floors of the building have been allowed to retrieve items. The US Consulate in Guangzhou has urged American citizens to stay away from the building. (Read more skyscraper stories.)
The students  Jacob Krinn, Daylen Dunson, Troy Henricksen, Canyon Caldwell, Jarrett Prizel and Niall Sweeney  are all charged with manslaughter and pleaded not guilty, local ABC affiliate WTVG reported. The six are also charged with hazing and failure to comply with underage alcohol laws. Some face additional tampering with evidence charges, but all pleaded not guilty on all counts.
(Newser)  The face mask war continues in Congress, with battle lines continuing to be drawn along party lines. Last week, House members were informed by the group's attending physician that they'd need to keep wearing masks on the House floor (unless they were speaking) and during committee meetings, even though the CDC had just updated its own guidelines to say the fully vaccinated can feel free to shed their masks in most cases. Speaker Nancy Pelosi noted at the time that she intended to keep the House mask mandate in place "until all Members and Floor staff are fully vaccinated," per CNN. A recent poll by the outlet showed that, although 100% of Democrats in Congress are vaccinated, 92% of Senate Republicans have gotten their shots, while only about 45% of House Republicans have. On Wednesday, a day after 10 Republicans flouted House rules by removing their masks in the chamber, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy filed a resolution seeking to change the rules.

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McCarthy and the resolution's GOP co-sponsors noted in their filing that the House rules should align with CDC guidance, and that the current ban on mask removal "sends the erroneous message that the efficacy of the vaccines cannot be trusted" and "hinders the ability of the House to properly and effectively conduct the people's business." The resolution was promptly voted down with a 218-210 vote, with Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill calling it a "sad stunt," per NBC News. Hammill noted that CDC guidance allowed for workplace exceptions, and that "the mask mandate has not inhibited House business." "If Minority Leader McCarthy wants to be maskless on the Floor of the House of Representatives, he should get to work vaccinating his members," Hammill said. ABC News notes there's no such mandate in place in the Senate. (Read more House of Representatives stories.)
(Newser)  It's migration time for North America's birds, with many already journeying north for their summer stay, and one US city has taken a seemingly unusual step to light our feathered friends' way: It's turning off its lights. About 20 buildings in Philadelphia are taking part in "Bird Safe Philly," a voluntary initiative that involves dimming the city's skyline from April 1 through May 31 so that the 100 million birds passing over the City of Brotherly Love can do so safely, without being distracted by bright lights that can prove fatal. CNN notes that turning the lights down low or off completely in atriums and lobbies, especially on higher floors, may seem like a counterintuitive moveafter all, how can the birds then see the buildings?but Robert Peck of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University explains that birds typically use the natural light of the sun, moon, and stars to navigate.

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However, during migration time, birds often end up flying at lower altitudes due to seasonal fog and rain, and the emergence of bright city lights can confuse them. "Suddenly they have all these lights coming at them from different directions. It's overwhelming," Peck says, noting the disoriented birds then end up smashing into buildings and walls. Bird Safe Philly came to be after what it describes on its site as a "mass collision event" that happened last fall: On Oct. 2, "thousands" of birds ended up perishing after crashing into buildings in the Center City District. That's why, from 12:01am until 6am each day through the end of May, participating buildings are dimming any lights that aren't needed overnight. Texas News Today notes that a "lights out" program for just this purpose was launched in Chicago in 1999, and that dozens of cities have duplicated the effort since. "It's a tough trip," Peck tells CNN. "The last thing [the birds] need to do is encounter brightly lit buildings." (Read more Philadelphia stories.)
(Newser)  Since 1939, "Maryland, My Maryland" has served as Maryland's state song, but its 82-year-old reign has just come to an end. On Tuesday, Gov. Larry Hogan OKed a repeal of the Civil War-era tune after a longtime bipartisan effort to nix it over its controversial lyricsincluding referring to the Union as "Northern scum" and calling Abraham Lincoln a "tyrant" and "despot." "It is a relic of the Confederacy, which is clearly outdated and out of touch," Hogan said in a signing ceremony on Tuesday, reports WDVM. The song, sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum," was written in the 1860s by James Ryder Randall, a poet and journalist who served a stint in the Confederate navy and who desperately wanted Maryland to "take what he saw as its rightful place among the states that left the Union to form the Confederacy," per the Maryland State Archives.

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NPR reports that Randall's song became a Confederate "anthem ... used as a rallying cry against what Southerners saw as Northern oppression." Efforts to remove it as state song have stretched for decades, with the Washington Post noting that the movement to do so picked up again over the past year, as a "racial reckoning" across the country that has included removing Confederate statues and monuments took hold. Last summer, Adrienne Jones, the state's Democratic House speaker and the first African American in that role, reignited the push to repeal the song, and in March it went to a vote in the state's House of Delegates, with some Republican resistance. "We have a lot of cancel culture going on, and we're canceling everything," House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga said, per Maryland Matters. Democratic Delegate Samuel Rosenberg pushed back: "It is not cancel culture to say our state should not be represented, should not be honoring these words, as our state song." (Read more Maryland stories.)
(Newser)  In what academics say is a highly unusual and "disappointing" move, New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project, will not be offered a tenured position at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina. She will instead be offered a five-year contract at the UNC-Chapel Hills Hussman School of Journalism and Media, where she has been appointed to the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism, the News & Observer reports. The two previous Knight Chairs were granted tenure on appointment, and faculty members believe the Board of Trustees' decision is the result of conservative backlash. More:

The background. The 1619 Project, which reframes American history with slavery and its legacy at the center, has been strongly criticized by conservatives and the hiring of Hannah-Jones caused an outcry, the New York Times reports. North Carolina's GOP-controlled legislature appoints the university system's Board of Governors.

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"This is a very political thing." A board member who asked not to be identified tells NC Policy Watch that the decision to hire Hannah-Jones without tenure was a "work-around," since fixed-term positions do not require board approval. "This is a very political thing, the trustee says. "The university and the board of trustees and the Board of Governors and the legislature have all been getting pressure since this thing was first announced last month. There have been people writing letters and making calls, for and against. But I will leave it to you which is carrying more weight."

A board member who asked not to be identified tells NC Policy Watch that the decision to hire Hannah-Jones without tenure was a "work-around," since fixed-term positions do not require board approval. "This is a very political thing, the trustee says. "The university and the board of trustees and the Board of Governors and the legislature have all been getting pressure since this thing was first announced last month. There have been people writing letters and making calls, for and against. But I will leave it to you which is carrying more weight." Faculty members are irate . Dozens of faculty members criticized the move and called for an explanation, reports the Washington Post. "The failure to offer Hannah-Jones tenure with her appointment as a Knight chair unfairly moves the goalposts and violates long-standing norms and established processes relating to tenure and promotion at UNC Chapel Hill," they wrote in a post on Medium.

. Dozens of faculty members criticized the move and called for an explanation, reports the Washington Post. "The failure to offer Hannah-Jones tenure with her appointment as a Knight chair unfairly moves the goalposts and violates long-standing norms and established processes relating to tenure and promotion at UNC Chapel Hill," they wrote in a post on Medium. "A chilling effect." "Its disappointing, its not what we wanted and I am afraid it will have a chilling effect," says Susan King, dean of UNC Hussman, per Policy Watch. She notes that UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz stood up for Hannah-Jones before the board and she's not sure why tenure was not approved.

"Its disappointing, its not what we wanted and I am afraid it will have a chilling effect," says Susan King, dean of UNC Hussman, per Policy Watch. She notes that UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz stood up for Hannah-Jones before the board and she's not sure why tenure was not approved. Governors "on a right-wing mission." According to Slate, the system's Board of Governors has been "on a right-wing mission" for a decade, with even moderate Republicans forced out. Internal emails show that members described students as "snowflakes" and described clashes with left-leaning faculty members as "facing the dragon."

According to Slate, the system's Board of Governors has been "on a right-wing mission" for a decade, with even moderate Republicans forced out. Internal emails show that members described students as "snowflakes" and described clashes with left-leaning faculty members as "facing the dragon." Knight Foundation speaks out. The president of the Knight Foundation, which funds the position, said that while the foundation has no role in appointments, "it is clear to us that Hannah-Jones is eminently qualified for the appointment." "We would urge the trustees of the University of North Carolina to reconsider their decision within the time frame of our agreement," Alberto Ibarguen said in a statement, per the Times.

(Read more University of North Carolina stories.)
(Newser)  Police in Texas say four members of one family murdered an innocent man in a case of mistaken identity. The four were on the lookout for someone who had been vandalizing their property, and investigators say they chased the wrong man in their Houston-area neighborhood, reports KTRK. Those accused are Joe Argueta, 19; his mother, Florinda, 39; his father, Luis, 45; and his uncle Margarito Alcantar, 29. The victim is 29-year-old Eddie Clark III, who lived in the neighborhood and apparently drove the same type of car as the vandal, per the Katy Times. The family says that for weeks, someone had been damaging their home and vehicles, and they suspected a friend of the younger Argueta's former girlfriend. The vandal drove a black Dodge Charger, the Arguetas told investigators.

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On Monday night, Clark drove his dark-colored Charger down their street, and the four family members gave chase in two separate vehicles. Police say Joe Argueta fired repeatedly at Clark's vehicle before it crashed into a tree. Clark got out and ran but collapsed, having been fatally shot, per the Washington Post. "Seems like a tragic case of mistaken identity," wrote Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez in a Facebook post. All four face murder charges. This is an example of taking the law into your hands, a judge told Joe Argueta in a court appearance, per KTRK. Any other harm or destruction to your own residence or home, repeatedly or otherwise, it doesnt justify taking the law into your own hands and then mistaking the person. (Read more mistaken identity stories.)
(Newser)  Without any help from Republicans and a group of their own members, House Democrats on Thursday approved a $1.9 billion plan to improve security at the US Capitol by a one-vote margin. Several progressive Democrats either sat out the vote or voted no, arguing that the Trump supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6 have been treated differently than Black Lives Matter protesters. A statement from Reps. Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, and Ayanna Pressley said that in that light, they oppose more funding for Capitol police, the Hill reports. Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Jamaal Bowman voted "present." No Republicans voted for the measure. The legislation would cover repairs on the building; some windows haven't been fixed yet. The money would also buy body cameras for Capitol Police and riot equipment, per NBC.

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Democratic Rep. Rose DeLauro, who leads the Appropriations Committee, defended the legislation on the House floor. "This bill is not about politics," she said. "It's not about settling scores. It's about ensuring that every person who comes onto the Capitol grounds is safe and is protected." Several members of both parties said they didn't agree with all of the bill and thought more time was needed to work on it. Republican Rep. Kay Granger questioned the creation of a "quick-response force" in the National Guard and the lack of Senate input. The measure would need the votes of 10 Republicans to pass the Senate. Among the senators who lack enthusiasm for it is Democrat Pat Leahy, who chairs the Appropriations Committee. "We must make sure we are making smart investments in our security based on lessons learned," he said last week. (Read more U.S. Capitol stories.)
(Newser)  What it comes down to is that an 11-year-old girl was a lot smarter than the man police say tried to kidnap her. Dramatic video emerged this week of a girl identified only as Alyssa fighting off and escaping from a man police describe as a would-be kidnapper in Pensacola, Florida. "The man got out of his vehicle holding a knife, came towards me and I tried to run but he caught me," Alyssa told the Today show, per NBC News. She was waiting for her school bus at the time, while mixing blue paint into a batch of homemade "slime." Alyssa says she deliberately smeared slime on the man while they struggled. "I knew that that might be better evidence if the cops do find him," she said, crediting Law and Order: Special Victims Unit for her idea.

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When authorities later arrested 30-year-old Jared Paul Stanga, he had blue slime on his arms, notes CNN. Alyssa said she was proud of herself and figured that SVU lead character Olivia Benson would be, too. Mariska Hargitay, the actress who plays Benson, agrees. "You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman," she wrote on Instagram, adding that she was "honored to be part of your incredible story." Stanga remained jailed Thursday on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery, and assault, reports the AP. Police say he was spotted on video in a convenience store near the attempted kidnapping minutes after the attack, wearing the same color clothes as the assailant. (Actress Hargitay also was in the news on Thursday because of a new injury.)
(Newser)  More controversy for the Cuomo brothers, this time centering on younger sibling Chris of CNN. The Washington Post reports that Chris Cuomo gave his brother advice on how to deal with his sexual-harassment scandal and participated in conference calls with the New York governor's top aides on the issue. He did this while hosting his popular prime-time show on the network. If you are actively advising a politician in trouble while being an on-air host on a news network, thats not OK, Nicholas Lemann of the Columbia Journalism School tells the Post. CNN acknowledged that Chris took part in the strategy sessions for Andrew Cuomo. And even though Chris does not cover his brother on his show, the network called his participation a mistake.

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It was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the governors staff, which Chris acknowledges, the statement says. He will not participate in such conversations going forward. By the account of Josh Dawsey and Sarah Ellison in the Post, Chris advised his older brother not to resign and used the phrase "cancel culture" in his argument. The governor himself used the phrase in March while refusing lawmakers' demands that he step down amid the scandal, notes Insider. CNN says Chris Cuomo will not face any discipline. He has yet to comment, while a spokesman for the governor downplayed the help as informal. "There were a few phone conversations, with friends and advisers giving the governor advice, says Rich Azzopardi. (Read more Chris Cuomo stories.)
(Newser) 

Israel on Thursday announced a cease-fire in the bruising 11-day war against Hamas militants that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill, per the AP . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced the cease-fire after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. The statement said the timing of the cease-fire was still being worked out. One member of the Security Cabinet said it would take effect at 2am, roughly three hours after the announcement. A Hamas official, meanwhile, said the declaration of a truce was a defeat for Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

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Ali Barakeh, a member of Hamas Arab and Islamic relations bureau, said the militants will remain on alert until they hear from mediators. Once Hamas hears from mediators, the group's leadership will hold discussions and make an announcement, he said. Since fighting broke out on May 10, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted. At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials, while 12 people in Israel have died. (Read more Israel and Palestinians stories.)
(Newser)  A cybersecurity attack on the city of Tulsa's computer system was similar to an attack on the Colonial Pipeline, officials said Thursday. The hacker is known, the AP reports. "I can't share anything other than we know who did it," Mayor G.T. Bynum said, adding that the city did not pay the hackers. "They wanted to talk with us about what (a ransom) would be for them not to announce (the attack), and we never engaged them." Bynum said Tulsa's computer security system identified the attack and shut down the system before it was infiltrated. The attack, discovered earlier this month, was similar to the ransomware attack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline for days, said Michael Dellinger, Tulsa's chief information officer. Colonial Pipeline eventually paid a $4.4 million ransom, the Georgia-based company said.

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Tulsa's computer system remains shut down while each of the city's computers and servers are examined and cleaned, Dellinger said. There has been no indication that any data was breached, he added. Dellinger said an investigation is underway to determine how the attacker infiltrated the system. The mayor said that city utility services, such as water, will not be disconnected until five days after the system is back online, and that electronic payments are possible. Police and fire responses continue, but tasks such as uploading police body cameras are slowed because of the computer shutdown. (Colonial Pipeline's attackers say they've shut down operations.)
In the disturbing surveillance footage that was obtained by local news station KKTV, the bus driver, Bertram Jaquez went to the back of the bus where the girl was sitting after an argument broke out between her and other students about wearing her mask below her nose.
There are no new COVID-19 cases in the community and one in managed isolation, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

The new case in managed isolation arrived in New Zealand from India via Qatar on May 17.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases detected at the border is two.

Two previously reported cases have now recovered. The total number of active cases in New Zealand today is 24.

The total number of confirmed cases is 2303.

Since January 1, 2021, there have been 61 historical cases, out of a total of 486 cases.
"In sites where [the] loss of life and land has taken place, and in learning about legislation that diminished people (the poll tax, for example), there can be hurt extending over time and generations," the panel said.

One of the panel's two co-convenors, Victoria University history professor Charlotte Macdonald, said New Zealand's history still caused pain for some people.

"There are things that are hurtful and some of that hurt and the consequences of history are not dissolved by time. They actually remain present in the lives and communities and contexts of many people."

The report said teachers were also anxious about how they would manage classroom discussions about cross-cultural conflict, violence, the alienation of land, and racism.

"We need to recognise that some teachers are anxious about how best to design activities and moderate classroom discussions that deal with these weighty histories, but which also avoid creating pain and conflict."

The other co-convenor, Massey University history professor Michael Belgrave, said the last thing anyone wanted was a subject that created division instead of fostering greater understanding.

"Teachers are going to have a real challenge to make sure that these critical parts of our history are there, but are done in a way that's safe for students and doesn't, in the end, create further division and confrontation."

History Teachers' Association chair and one of the writers of the new curriculum, Graeme Ball, said teachers would need training.
Newstalk ZB host Mike Hosking is threatening to move to Australia if New Zealand doesn't reject the Government's "left-leaning progressive thinking", garnering mixed reactions on social media.



Hosking called the Government an "ideological outlier" in a column for the NZ Herald on Thursday morning, ahead of Finance Minister Grant Robertson's Budget announcement at 2pm.

"The world isn't rejecting left-leaning progressive thinking for no reason, they're rejecting it because it doesn't work," Hosking wrote for the Herald.

"We'll get there, next year or at the next election. If we don't, I'm off to Australia."
The DHB is talking to banks and sorting it out with some good old-fashioned addition and subtraction to pay back the difference.

"We will rectify that today," says Waikato DHB CEO Kevin Snee.

Money should be through on Thursday or Friday.

"I'm sure they will make their best efforts to rectify this as soon as possible," says New Zealand Nurses Organisation kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku. "The issue still remains that nurses live pay week to pay week."

The DHB is now in its third day of dealing with a ransomware cyber-attack. Snee says it's "intensely annoying".

"They can't do the things they want to do but they're making the best of it."

Snee is also denying claims staff are being forced to take annual leave.

"If people don't have work to do because of the problem, if they're happy to take annual leave and want to, we're happy for them to do so."

Most elective surgeries and outpatient appointments are going ahead, while Auckland and Tauranga DHBs have picked up some cancer patients.

While it says more servers should be back up and running soon, the DHB says it doesn't expect everything to be resolved until sometime next week.

Even though there's no specific time frame for a resolution, its position on not paying a ransom hasn't changed. But one thing the DHB can breathe a sigh of relief over is cybersecurity insurance.

"We're making sure we'll collect everything to lodge a claim," Snee says.

What remains to be seen is just how much they'll be claiming for.
How much debt are we in?

The Government's debt pile is expected to almost double in the next few years. We're already at more than $100 billion, due to COVID-19, and it's expected to reach almost $200 billion.

"Due to the significant amount of debt the Government took on to help us get through COVID-19, net core Crown debt is forecast to increase by close to $100 billion by 2024-2025, peaking as a share of GDP at 48 percent in 2022-2023."

Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in his pre-Budget speech he wanted to be careful with Government spending to help bring down debt, but he's not interested in austerity, which basically means cutting services.

"New Zealand's strong health response means we have weathered the 1-in-100 year COVID shock better than most," Robertson said on Thursday as he unveiled the Budget.

"However, we will continue to face ongoing uncertainty for some time, and Budget 2021 takes a balanced approach to investing in areas and people where it is needed most, alongside careful fiscal management to pay down debt."

What else is in Budget 2021?

$4.7 billion will be spent on health over four years

$486 million will go towards transitioning District Health Boards to Health NZ

DHBs also get $300 million to invest in new assets

$1.4 billion over the next four years goes to schooling and early education

$57.3 billion will be spent on infrastructure over four years

$4.5 billion will be spent per year on transport services and infrastructure, through the National Land Transport Fund, which comes from petrol tax and road user charges

$300 million will support redevelopment of Scott Base in Antarctica to ensure it remains operational

$44 million goes to boosting digital training, advice and support for businesses to take advantage of opportunities in e-commerce

$131.9 million over four years will be invested in a range of initiatives to help communities prevent family violence and sexual violence

$131.8 million will go towards implementing reforms of the Resource Management Act

What happened to the $50 billion COVID-19 fund?

There is $5.2 billion being kept as a contingency from last year's $50 billion COVID-19 Recovery Fund, to respond to further outbreaks, should they occur, while $4.6 billion has been allocated for Budget 2021.

The fund has recently been used to pay for the $3.8 billion Housing Acceleration Fund for housing infrastructure, $1.5 billion to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, and $333 million to support ongoing management of managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ).

A closer look at health

Health gets $4.7 billion over four years, including the $200 million Pharmac bump and $486 million to begin DHBs' transition to Health NZ, and $242.8 million for Maori health initiatives, including setting up the new Maori Health Authority.

DHBs alone get $2.7 billion in additional support, contributing to a 45 percent increase to health funding since the Government took office in 2017.

The number of adults getting cochlear implants for hearing loss will almost double, with 320 more people getting them by 2025, through $28 million in funding over four years.

But the Government is axing free annual GP visits and eye checks for Supergold Card holders, as officials say it is of limited benefit and the $197 million it would have cost over four years can be better spent.
"While we continue to applaud the work that Whanau Ora continue to do, the two pressing issues in front of our whanau are clearly housing and health, and today's budget addresses that," Whanau Ora Minister Peeni Henare said.

"An unhealthy family still needs the health system, a whanau with no house still needs the housing system - if we build Whanau Ora out on its own, it will find itself in the silo that we're trying to avoid here."

Te Paati Maori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer was not buying it.

"I'm shocked that Minister Henare has used that as an excuse, this is a model of whanau care that is working, that is getting into the homes, they are using it - he mooted it two weeks ago, promoted it himself - and it's inexcusable to say they're not investing in a success model.

"That's really concerned us out of everything, the signal that they will not give the same degree of support to the models that have been working."

The three Whanau Ora commissioning agencies received $138m in last year's Budget split between them, with $41m of that funding still left.

But it is unsure that will cover the demand, with Te Putahitanga o Te Waipounamu (the South Island Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency) already inundated with emergency grant requests for kai and firewood, which has increased by 40 percent in the last month.

North Island Commissioning Agency chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said it had been let down.

"You can't tell people you're doing a great job and you're not going to ensure they're well-resourced to do further work ... so I was disappointed."

Maori primary healthcare advisor Lance Norman said it did not make sense for the government to invest in health and housing without putting money into Whanau Ora.

"It actually brings health, social services, education, employment together as a connection but if you don't invest in that and you've invested in one part of our economy, how are you going to connect our communities with the other part of our economies that they need."

Norman welcomed the $98m in funding to set up the Maori Health Authority as heading in the right way direction, but said it still came up short.

"We still are funding significant deficits for DHBs and small amounts of money for Maori so I like the Maori Health Authority but I don't like the proportionality of that split.

"You're looking at 0.3 percent of the Budget to do some pretty amazing, significant health changes and reforms."

As one of the biggest champions for a Maori health authority, Raukawa-Tait said the funding it had received "was a start".

Primary healthcare service National Hauora Coalition chief executive Simon Royal said it had come a long way since the Waitangi Tribunal claim about the dire health outcomes for Maori that was lodged 16 years ago.

"This is long overdue ... the indigenous people of this country have long footed the bill for the establishment of the economy of New Zealand and suffered poorly as a result - economically, socially, in terms of our health outcomes - so this is the beginning of the turning of the curve."

He said the $126m for hauora Maori services would "go a long way" towards restoring years of disinvestment.

University of Auckland political scientist Lara Greaves told Morning Report the budget allocation for Maori was a "a great step in the right direction".

There had not really been designated Maori funding allocated in Budgets during the past 10 to 20 years, she said.

She said it was never enough, but there were also some interesting possible mechanisms to deliver policies to Maori.

Meanwhile, there is some hope for the 11,000 Maori on the social housing waitlist.

While the government unveiled most of its Budget housing policies back in March, Maori were told they would have to wait for their funding spend.

Te Puea Marae chairperson Hurimoana Dennis, who helped house hundreds of homeless whanau in Mangere over the last five years, has welcomed the $350m for infrastructure for Maori housing developments.

"It's going to go a long way particularly towards the regional areas because there's plenty of land but the infrastructure around that land is just not there which is the biggest cost and mamae (hurt)".

On top of that, there is $380m to pay for 1000 new homes and repair 700 dilapidated homes owned by Maori.

Whare will be built with iwi and hapu in regions such as the Far North, East Coast and the Hawke's Bay.
Christchurch GP Pippa Mackay had not been told about the new July start date and was frustrated because she had been telling her older patients they could get a jab from June.

The communication from the DHBs had to improve - especially to doctors, she said.

"We're not really sure quite what's happening and how it's happening. I know no more than I can read on a flyer or in the paper about what's happening in our region here," she said.

National's COVID-19 response spokesperson Chris Bishop said people in Group 3 in Canterbury would be watching others around the country getting vaccinated while they waited, and may even start after the wider population in some areas.

Canterbury was exceeding the overall targets, set by each DHB, on the number of vaccines it delivered each week - reaching more than 41,000 people so far.

Bishop said the problem was supply - it did not have enough vaccines to keep up with the priorities.

The government should have been more aggressive when it negotiated the supply agreement with Pfizer, he said.

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the government had been open about the fact that the vaccine would come in smaller batches in the first half of the year.

"There is a constrained supply of vaccines at the moment. Canterbury have done very well, they have been ahead of what they've been budgeted ... but supply is limited until we get to July," he said.

There were currently 350,000 doses in the national stockpile.

RNZ
National MP Simon Bridges has been accused of disrespecting families of the dead after linking fatalities at festivals over summer with drug-testing services, despite none of the deaths being linked to drug use.

The Government last year temporarily legalised drug-testing services at music festivals, which had already been operating in a legal grey area for several years. That law is set to expire in December, but in April Health Minister Andrew Little said it would be made permanent.

"The Drug and Substance Checking Legislation Act 2020... is already having an impact," he said.

"It allows voluntary organisations like Know Your Stuff to test drugs at events like music festivals to verify they are what people think they are, without running foul of the law... and experts are telling us it should be made permanent."

The Government's proposed replacement is the Drug and Substance Checking Legislation Bill, which among other changes, would make December's temporary law permanent. During the Bill's first reading in Parliament on Tuesday, Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare said Know Your Stuff found a lot of drugs sold as ecstasy/MDMA "were actually a dangerous synthetic cathinone called eutylone".

The Government's High Alert drug warning service says eutylone is a type of substance called a cathinone, and indistinguishable from MDMA to the naked eye - but because it produces a weaker high people tend to take more of it than is safe, leading to "intense, unpleasant and potential dangerous experiences".
Last year the Government vowed to cut biogenic methane missions to between 24 and 47 percent below 2017 levels by 2050, and reduce them to 10 percent below 2017 levels by 2030.

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor says the latest raft of funding will help "supercharge and streamline" efforts to achieve these goals. It will also ensure farmers and growers have the tools they need to improve on-farm performance and meet freshwater and greenhouse gas requirements by 2025.

A total of $37 million in Budget 2021 would go towards a national integrated farm planning system for farmers and growers, with $24 million going towards agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation research and development, O'Connor said on Thursday.

An additional $900,000 will be spent on collecting vital statistics on agricultural production, such as greenhouse gas emissions.

O'Connor said as well as achieving lower on-farm emissions, the funding would also help reduce costs for farmers and growers and boost returns for the primary sector.

"To meet our climate change and sustainability goals we need a single national farm planning framework that is easy for farmers and growers to use and that integrates with their business requirements," he said.

"A national training programme will deliver more skilled farm advisers and an accelerator fund will invest in targeted initiatives to significantly broaden the uptake of integrated farm planning."

The Government will also be investing in the research and development of technologies to reduce agricultural emissions, such as vaccine development, methane and nitrous oxide inhibitors, and low-emissions animal breeding.

"As an agricultural nation, there is a lot riding on our ability to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions," O'Connor said.

He said the shift to reduce emissions is in line with the Government's aim to "move from volume to values".

"Getting the right result will actually add value to our exports. High-value consumers abroad want to know they're buying food and fibre that are quality, ethical and sustainable."

Budget 2021 also included $22.5 million for the National Animal Identification and Tracing Scheme (NAIT).

"Our ability to trace cattle and deer through the NAIT system is a critical factor in managing biosecurity threats that could have a devastating impact on New Zealand's agricultural sector.



"Traceability is also important for food safety and quality assurance programmes and for responding quickly to natural disasters," O'Connor said.
The first travel bubble flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki took off on Thursday, but when it landed, it had tourism businesses wondering - where are all the Kiwis?

The island previously attracted the highest spending international tourists, which weren't normally New Zealanders. But that could be about to change.

Travelling on the first flight since the travel bubble began were returning Cook Islanders and day-trippers, with not many Kiwis for resort owners to greet.

"I haven't seen anybody yet," Nick Henry from Tamanu Beach Resort said.

Pre-COVID, New Zealand travellers were only 20 percent of the market in Aitutaki's luxurious resorts with the rest coming from the northern hemisphere.

"In our heyday, we were getting 30,000 tourists a year so to get up to that number is definitely possible even if we were only restricted to New Zealand," Henry said.
We in the St. Vrain Valley Schools strongly condemn, and have no tolerance for, racism in any form and will be addressing this extremely serious matter immediately and accordingly, he wrote.
An Austrian hospital amputated the wrong leg of a patient, it said on Thursday, blaming human error for what it called a "tragic mistake".

The elderly patient is suffering from many illnesses, the Freistadt Clinic, in a town of the same name near the Czech border, said in a statement. Previous sicknesses have affected his legs, to the point that his left leg required amputation.

"We are deeply shocked that on Tuesday, May 18, despite quality assurance standards, the wrong leg of an 82-year-old man ... was amputated," the clinic said, adding that the mistake was first noticed during a bandage change on Thursday morning.

The error appears to have been made shortly before the operation, when the leg that was to be amputated was marked, the clinic said.

"Unfortunately the mistake, in which the right leg was removed instead of the left, occurred as a result of a sequence of unfortunate circumstances," it said, adding that it was investigating what happened and would review its standards.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday confirmed that the United States does not seek to buy Greenland, after then-President Donald Trump had proposed buying the island, sparking diplomatic fallout.

Sitting beside Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod, Greenland's premier, Mute Egede, and Foreign Minister Pele Broberg during a news conference, Blinken confirmed to a reporter it was "correct" that the United States does not seek to buy the country.

Blinken was visiting Greenland after attending a meeting of the Arctic Council in Iceland, which he said was a signal of Washington's desire to enhance ties with "our Arctic partners, Greenland and Denmark".

Trump and one of his economic advisers confirmed in 2019 that Trump had discussed the possibility of purchasing Greenland, the world's largest island and an autonomous Danish territory.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen fired back at the time that Greenland was not for sale and called the suggestion "absurd".
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The sign at the main entrance to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus is seen Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Fairbanks. Caitlin Miller/News-Miner
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NOB | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

An appeal has gone out by an Indian woman to find her husband who has apparently been missing in Bahrain for the last couple of days.

The 34-year-old who has been working as a nurse in the kingdom for almost 10 years has been having marital problems with Manish Keshavan since their marriage took place at their native in Kerala last September.

According to the wife, the couple met through an Indian matrimonial website almost a year ago in which he had advertised himself as a divorcee.

However, the 36-year-old has been accused of hiding the fact that he had not dissolved the marriage with his first wife.

He pocketed more than Rs20,00,000 (BD10,400) in cash and 30 sovereigns of gold (worth nearly BD5,300) from me since our marriage, she told the News of Bahrain, requesting anonymity.

Before our marriage, he convinced me and my parents that his parents were already dead and his only living relative was a sister working in the UK with whom he was not on good terms.

He said he had divorced his first wife eight years ago and was on bad terms with all his relatives after a failed family business. He had also claimed to be a financially well off businessman with a technical diploma.

When we asked him for the certificate of divorce from his first wife, he said he had lost it, including several other important documents in the Kerala floods a couple of years ago.

He spoke very convincingly and his good behaviour gave us no reason for doubt. However all of this later turned out to be a farce, she said.

A couple of months before our marriage I quit from my job in Bahrain since I wanted to live with my new husband in our native.

But after our marriage in September, he began demanding money from my savings which I did not deny because he was now my husband.

He then started getting impatient since I was not earning now and had become a housewife.

It was on his insistence that I returned to Bahrain in December to find a new job.

By the end of March Manish too joined his wife here and it was while looking for a job that he was forced to reveal that he was not as qualified as he had claimed to be.

This raised further doubts in his wife who found; on further investigation that Manish was still married to his first wife.

According to her, his first wife is aware of this marriage and is a party to Manishs con of marrying gullible women to rob them of their savings.

Last week, Manish was confronted about all these allegations by the woman and her colleagues at their Mahooz flat.

Though Manish confessed to his offences in a video clip and a handwritten letter, he then tried to kill himself by jumping out of their flat on the ninth floor, she said.

He was immediately rescued due to timely intervention and the witnesses presence of mind. However, this commotion resulted in everyone there being taken into custody by the police.

It was after being released from there, that Manish has run away and is now still absconding. A man missing case has been filed against him at the Nabih Saleh Police Station and a complaint has been raised at the Indian Embassy too.

Anyone with information on Manishs whereabouts may please contact any one of these offices.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Higher Education Council Secretary-General Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa received American University of Bahrain (AUBH) president, Dr Susan Saxton. Shaikha Rana expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by Dr Saxton to improve the universitys output, reflecting the advanced level of the academic programmes offered by the university, the scientific and research expertise it possesses, and human cadres.

She affirmed the Kingdoms keenness to assure an attractive environment for investment in education, and the implementation of projects aimed at upgrading the higher education sector.

Dr Rana congratulated Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa on the issuance of a royal decree appointing her the Councils secretary-general. She expressed gratitude for the support the university has had on all levels in Bahrain.
The decision of the Republican House, led by Kevin McCarthy, an otherwise sane person, to oust Liz Cheney from her leadership position is a measure of just how afraid Republicans are, not of Democrats but of each other.

The arithmetic is simple. Most House seats are safe, meaning that the incumbents party has a comfortable advantage in the district. Some conservatives like to blame the Voting Rights Act and the creation of majority-minority districts, but manipulating district lines for political purposes is as old as my hometowns hero.

Elbridge Gerry of Marblehead, Massachusetts, a former vice president of the United States, is best known for his decision as governor of Massachusetts to sign into law a plan that created a partisan district in the city of Boston that looked like a salamander. Thus: gerrymandering, not necessarily into salamander-shaped districts but into districts that serve partisan purposes.

There are two basic strategies in gerrymandering, assuming your party controls the state legislature and the governors office. Assume Republicans do. They can either spread the Democratic vote as thinly as possible so that Democrats dont have a majority in any district, even though 40% or more of the population is Democratic. Or, to be on the safe side for all those suburban and rural Republican incumbents, they can concentrate the Democratic vote in just one or two districts that a Democrat can carry with 80% or 90% of the vote, leaving the rest of the state or county for Republicans. Democrats, let me be clear, will do just the same to Republicans.

The result is what many political scientists describe as stagnation. In recent elections, between 94% and 98% of the incumbents on the ballot in November get reelected, and 2020 was no different.

When you are in a safe seat, as most members are, the threat comes not from the other party but from your own. Members of Congress tend to be either more liberal (Democrats) or more conservative (Republicans) than the majority of voters, because if they arent, they could face a primary challenge.

In general elections, the middle holds. In congressional elections, there is rarely any middle at all. The real election is the primary.

It didnt matter that Liz Cheney had a more conservative voting record than her replacement; Republicans who should have known better voted against her because they would face withering criticism from Trump if they did not fall in line. It doesnt matter how conservative they are, or how accomplished (see, for example, the late John McCain): Those who fail to give Caesar his due may face a primary opponent as their punishment.

Which is why Kevin McCarthy, charged with herding the howling cats, went directly from deposing Cheney to meeting at the White House with the man he only just readily acknowledged is president.
Lawrence Artl, 37, has been charged with one count of an employee engaging in a sexual relationship with a student over the age of 16 and two counts of preventing or dissuading a person from testifying, 8 News Now reported. Artl faces prison time if convicted. A trial has been set for September.
DANBURY  Ocean State Job Lot is officially open for business in the Danbury Square shopping center.

The discount closeout retailer opened its new Backus Avenue location this week in the 45,000 square-foot space formerly occupied by Toys R Us, which closed its doors in 2018 after the brand filed for bankruptcy protection.

Despite a changing business climate, Ocean State Job Lot decided to open the new store in Danbury as part of the companys commitment to regional expansion and growth.

The company not only looked forward to filling a large vacancy in a popular shopping center, according to Ocean State Job Lot store operations director Paul Cox, but creating new jobs when many are struggling to find work.

Nearly 50 full- and part-time associates have been hired to work at Danburys Ocean State Job Lot, which is the Rhode Island-based companys 29th retail store in Connecticut and the first in the western part of the state. There are 145 of the stores nationally.

Were looking forward to sharing Ocean State Job Lots unique shopping experience with our new neighbors in Danbury, said Danburys Ocean State Job Lot store team leader, Rich Stomski.

Ocean State Job Lot sells a variety of products  from food, home decor and pet supplies to clothing, health essentials and beauty supplies  at discount prices.

From seasonal items and home essentials  including spring lawn clean-up supplies, to pantry staples, paper goods and a wide array of cleaning products  Ocean State Job Lot offers unbeatable prices and selection, Stomski said.

Ocean State Job Lot is more than a discount retailer. It also has a charitable organization thats been working to help communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has distributed more than $1.5 million of personal protective equipment to police and fire departments in the Northeast  including nearly $12,000 worth to the Roxbury Fire Department after an intentionally-set fire destroyed its stockpile two months ago.

With the opening of the Ocean State Job Lot store in Danbury, the foundation plans to donate thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment to the citys police and fire departments.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Thirty-five House Republicans joined Democrats Wednesday in voting to create a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, risking the wrath of former President Donald Trump and flouting GOP leaders who condemned the proposal as unfairly partisan and unneeded.

The Republican mavericks were led by New York Rep. John Katko, who wrote the measure with Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. Katko, that panel's top Republican, was battling two tides that have overwhelmed Congress in recent years: the nearly overwhelming potency Trump still has among Republicans and a jagged-edged partisanship that often confounds even mundane legislation.

I encourage all members, Republicans and Democrats alike, to put down their swords for once, just for once, and support this bill," Katko said before the House approved the measure.

The 35 defectors represented a relatively modest but significant slice of House Republicans, of whom 175 opposed the legislation. Their defiance underscored the partys rift as some lawmakers supported an investigation of the shocking and violent Capitol attack while leaders tried to avoid enraging the former president, whose support they believe theyll need to win House control in the 2022 elections.

All 10 Republicans who voted in January to impeach Trump for encouraging his supporters to storm the Capitol supported the commission. Most of the 35 Republicans backing the commission were moderates.

The 10 who backed impeachment included Katko and Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., Trump's most prominent House GOP critic. She did not speak during Wednesday's debate, but after the vote she tweeted a message urging the Senate to approve the commission, saying, Some things must be above politics. The vote came a week after her colleagues dumped her from a Republican leadership position for repeatedly criticizing Trump for his role in the attack and his false claims that he lost the election because of widespread voting fraud.

Opposing the commission was Rep. Greg Pence, R-Ind. His brother, former Vice President Mike Pence, was in the Capitol during the attack and was hustled to safety by security officers even as some in the pro-Trump mob were heard shouting Hang Mike Pence. Trump had turned on his vice president for not derailing Congress counting of the votes, which Pence did not have the constitutional power to do.

A moderate and former prosecutor, Katko defended the proposed commission as a fair and needed step toward understanding the riot, how it happened and what security improvements the Capitol needs to prevent a future assault.

This is about fact. It is not partisan politics, he said pointedly.

Two other Republicans spoke in favor of the legislation: Fred Upton and Peter Meijer of Michigan. The two had also voted to impeach Trump.

January 6 is going to haunt this institution for a long, long time, said Upton. He said that if not for resistance by the Capitol Police, Who knows how many of our heads would have been swinging on those gallows that members of the mob erected outside the building.

Meijer, a freshman, took what seemed veiled shots at Trump, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and some of his GOP colleagues.

Without mentioning names, Meijer said the attack occurred with the encouragement of prominent elected officials. He said some who initially criticized the attack have walked back their words or softened their speech.

Meijer added, More troubling, there has been an active effort to whitewash and rewrite the shameful events of that day to avoid accountability.

Days after the Capitol attack, McCarthy said Trump bears responsibility for the rioters assault. But he opposed impeachment, eased his criticisms of Trump and opposed creation of the commission. Other Republicans have downplayed the attack, with one comparing the rioters to tourists, and Trump has opposed the commission, calling it a Democrat trap.

McCarthy did not speak during debate on the bill.

Other Republicans backing the commission included Reps. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, an impeachment supporter and longtime Trump critic, and Stephanie Bice, president of the House GOP freshman class, who represents a competitive district that includes Oklahoma City.

Also voting for the commission were nine of the nearly two dozen Republicans whom Democrats consider prime targets to oust in next years elections. Their numbers included a pair of freshmen from South Florida and Katko, a fourth-term Syracuse-area lawmaker who has survived close races before.

The Democratic-run House approved the measure 252-175 and sent it to the Senate, where Democrats face an uphill fight to garner at least 10 Republican yes votes they will need to prevail.

The measure would create a 10-member commission  with five members appointed by each party  to investigate the Capitol riot.
ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK, N.J. (AP)  Some say getting the COVID-19 vaccination is no day at the beach, but they're wrong: Getting the shot in New Jersey will get residents an entire summer at one of the state's most popular beaches, free of charge.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy went to Island Beach State Park on the Ocean County coastline Wednesday to announce a series of incentives aimed at convincing more people to get vaccinated against the virus.

The most lucrative: A free season pass to any state park  including Island Beach State Park  for anyone who has received at least one shot by July 4. Eligibility includes those who have already gotten shots before the initiative was announced.

The Democratic governor also announced two other incentives, including a free glass of wine at one of nine participating New jersey wineries, and the chance to win dinner with the governor and first lady Tammy Murphy either at Drumthwacket, the governor's mansion in Princeton, or at the governor's beach house at Island Beach State Park.

A season pass would cost you $50, Murphy said at the oceanfront park, as a school of dolphins glided by in the distance. But the state vax pass is free for doing the right thing and helping us end this pandemic.

Starting May 27, people can go to www.nj.gov/vaxandvisit to apply for the free season parks pass, which will be emailed.

Wineries participating in the vaccination promotion are Amalthea Cellars in Atco; Auburn Road Vineyards in Pilesgrove; Bellview Winery in Landisville; DiMatteo Vineyards in Hammonton; Salem Oak Vineyards in Pedricktown; Terhune Orchards in Princeton; Tomasello Winery, which has several locations; Villa Milagro Vineyards in Pohatcong, and White Horse Winery in Hammonton.

It applies to residents who get their first dose of vaccine in May.

The governor said more than 3.9 million New Jerseyans are already fully vaccinated. The state's goal is to increase that number to 4.7 million by June 30, he said.

Clearly we have this virus on the run, he said. But while we have this virus on the run, the fight is not yet over.

Earlier this year the state rolled out a similar initiative involving free beer at some of the state's microbreweries for the recently vaccinated.

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Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC.

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Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  Investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure application at the University of North Carolina was halted because she didnt come from a traditional academic-type background," and a trustee who vets the lifetime appointments wanted more time to consider her qualifications, university leaders said Thursday.

The trustee who leads the subcommittee that considers tenure applications, Charles Duckett, chose in January to postpone the review of Hannah-Jones submission, said Richard Stevens, the chairman of the board of trustees for the Chapel Hill campus. It was never brought before the full board for approval, and instead the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist accepted a five-year appointment to the faculty of the journalism school.

Were talking about a lifetime position here, so theyre not entered into lightly, Stevens told reporters. "And its not unusual for a member of the board, or in particular the chair of the committee, to have questions for clarification about background, particularly candidates that dont come from a traditional academic-type background. In this case, Chair Duckett asked for a little bit of time to be able to do that.

Faculty members at the university's Hussman School of Journalism already slammed that reasoning in an open letter Wednesday, noting that the last two professors who held Hannah-Jones' chaired position were given tenure when appointed. They said the journalism school's strength lies in its roster of longtime professionals who worked in the industry.

The foundation that endows Hannah-Jones' position, the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism, also urged the school to reconsider its decision.

Stevens and Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said Hannah-Jones could be considered again for tenure before the end of her current five-year contract.

Duckett didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The university announced in April that Hannah-Jones, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her work on The 1619 Project for The New York Times Magazine, will be joining the faculty in July. Some conservatives have complained about the project, which focuses on the countrys history of slavery.

Knight Foundation President Alberto Ibarguen issued a statement noting that while the foundation respects the independence of the universities where it endows chairs, he hopes UNC will reconsider its decision to offer Hannah-Jones a contract position instead of tenure.

It is not our place to tell UNC or UNC/Hussman who they should appoint or give tenure to, Ibarguen said. It is, however, clear to us that Hannah-Jones is eminently qualified for the appointment and would urge the trustees of the University of North Carolina to reconsider their decision within the timeframe of our agreement.

The foundation said it established the chaired professorship at UNC in 1984 with a focus on advertising that was later changed to its current subject matter.

Hannah-Jones didn't respond to an email asking for comment. But on Thursday, she tweeted: "I have been overwhelmed by all the support you all have shown me. It has truly fortified my spirit and my resolve. You all know that I will OK. But this fight is bigger than me, and I will try my best not to let you down.

The 1619 Project is an initiative of The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. The magazine describes the project as being designed to reframe the countrys history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.

The project was converted into a popular podcast. Materials were developed for schools to use and The Pulitzer Center partnered with the Times to develop 1619 Project lesson plans. However, objections to The 1619 Project have morphed into legislative efforts to prevent its presentation in public schools.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  Montanas head of public instruction wrote a letter to school superintendents on Wednesday strongly recommending that districts end their mask mandates and make the wearing of face coverings a personal choice starting in the fall.

State Superintendent Elsie Arntzens letter also offers support to schools that decide to lift mask mandates for the remainder of the school year and for summer programs, KULR-TV reported.

We cannot enter another school year subjecting our students to any additional loss of instruction time," Arntzen wrote. We also cannot perpetuate the notion that masks will be a permanent feature in or state's classrooms."

In February, Gov. Greg Gianforte issued an executive order urging schools to make reasonable efforts to follow guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Montana Office of Public Instruction, Arntzen noted in her letter.

The CDC still recommends wearing face coverings in schools.

The Montana Federation of Public Employees, which has teachers among its members, said masking decisions should be made locally.

MFPE celebrates the fact that many Montanans are ready to get vaccinated and unmask, MFPE President Amanda Curtis said in a statement. Its unfortunate that our superintendent of public instruction either doesnt understand or doesnt honor the local control system of Montana public education established in our constitution, a system in which school boards and employees work together to make the decision that best fits their community.

COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved for children 12 and over, meaning most students in kindergarten through fifth grade are not currently eligible to be vaccinated.

Missoula County Public Schools has decided to require masks through the end of the current school year, while districts in Bozeman, Helena and East Helena are still considering the issue.

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This version correct attribution in the story to KULR-TV, not NBC Montana.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico probably overpaid unemployment insurance benefits by an estimated $250 million during the coronavirus pandemic amid a backlog of investigations into potentially fraudulent claims, the budget and accountability office of the Legislature announced Wednesday in a research report.

Analysts briefed members of the Legislature's lead budget writing committee on the trajectory of record-setting unemployment claims during pandemic.

New Mexico has paid out more than $3 billion in unemployment claims through the state's Workforce Solutions Department since the local outset of the pandemic in March 2020. That put the state unemployment trust fund into insolvency and in debt to the federal government.

The Workforce Solutions Department last year reassigned staff to help keep pace with a tide of claims as jobs and personal income dried up and drafted workers from other state agencies to answer phones from people who lost jobs and were desperate to sign up for unemployment payments.

The surge and staffing reassignments exacerbated already rising rates of improper payments, financial analysts at the Legislative Finance Committee found. Staff estimate the state has made $250 million in benefit overpayments since the start of the pandemic.

Analysts attribute $133 million of the estimated overpayments to fraud, including $16 million linked to support intended for gig workers and self-employed contractors. The remainder was linked to a variety of overpayments not involving intentional deception.

The revelations arrive amid turbulence at the Workforce Solutions Department, where Bill McCamley departed as agency secretary a month ago and a review is underway of inflated tax rates on employers for unemployment insurance.

Acting Workforce Solutions Secretary Ricky Serna said the agency was in a bind as it struggled to keep up with an unprecedented tide of legitimate unemployment claims amid brazen fraud schemes by criminals trying to get payouts. Serna said fraud schemes also tied up phone lines with robocalls and appropriated the identities of state unemployment regulators.

You dont have enough time to certify that everyone who applied meets the program requirements because you dont want those people to wait five or six weeks for their money, he said. But then five or six weeks later, after theyve been receiving their money, you realize that wasnt right, or this was inaccurate or you didnt provide this. So we need to revisit eligibility. And to be sure, in some instances, it resulted in overpayments.

Serna, who is performing double-duty as director of the State Personnel Office, said the challenges of limiting overpayments was compounded by new federal pandemic initiatives.

The federally subsidized program that extended unemployment benefits to previously ineligible gig workers and contractors presented huge challenges in terms of verifying applicants' past income without the help of employers. And the federal paycheck protection program provided bursts of backpay to people already receiving unemployment benefits.

Serna said two specialists are re-evaluating that agency's workflow, including the backlog in investigations. He said unemployment officials had an emergency plan in place for a possible economic recession that was overwhelmed by the financial downturn of the pandemic.

The state's rate of unemployment claims peaked in July 2020 with a record 197,000 applications for assistance in New Mexico, which has a population of about 2.1 million residents.

The state has borrowed $278 million so far from the federal government to meet unemployment insurance obligations.

Lawmakers are wrestling with strategies for paying off the debt and restoring trust balance without triggering a sharp tax increase on employers. More than 100,000 people statewide continue to draw unemployment benefits as the economy gradually reopens.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in April vetoed a plan to funnel $600 million in new federal pandemic relief to the state's unemployment payments trust  citing uncertainty about spending restrictions. She allowed a separate $100 million contribution to the trust from the state's general fund.

The U.S. Treasury is allowing states to replenish unemployment funds to pre-pandemic levels  a $460 million balance in New Mexico's case.

Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, has not yet provided a specific unemployment trust solvency plan. Serna said the state's unemployment debt would eventually have a compounding effect on tax rate increases for businesses.

New Mexico last week reinstated a requirement that people receiving unemployment benefits show they are actively searching for work.

The state has no plan to end a $300 weekly federal supplement going to roughly 96,000 jobless residents. A growing number of states are halting the $300 payments.

Sarah Dinces, a program evaluator on income support with the Legislature's accountability office, said that current unemployment benefits in New Mexico may provide a strong disincentive for people to return to work. That is a consequence low median household incomes and robust wage replacement.

Republican state Rep. Jack Chatfield, a rancher and restaurant owner from Mosquero, said businesses, including his own, are struggling to find workers.

We just cant get anybody. We cant get people to come to work, he said.

Serna said Workforce Solutions is studying the issues and that some parents still can't return to work because of a daycare shortages, combined with lingering fears of the contagion.
Carrie Lam welcomes appointment of Liu Guangyuan as commissioner of Chinese foreign ministry in HKSAR

Xinhua) 14:45, May 20, 2021

HONG KONG, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on Wednesday welcomed the central government's appointment of Liu Guangyuan as the Commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR.

Liu is a veteran diplomat, Lam said, adding she strongly believed that under his leadership, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the HKSAR will continue to work closely with the HKSAR government to take forward various work.

Lam said that with the support of the office, the HKSAR has been developing its external affairs in accordance with the HKSAR Basic Law proactively since its establishment, including participating in international organizations and international conferences using the name "Hong Kong, China", and signing a number of bilateral or multilateral agreements with other economies.

On numerous occasions in recent years when the HKSAR government was subject to unfair attacks by some foreign government officials and politicians, the office strongly refuted them to set the record straight, she added.

The office has also been maintaining close contact with the HKSAR government to render assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress abroad. Recently, the office has helped promote development of Hong Kong young people, including arranging HKSAR young civil servants to take up positions in the United Nations as Chinese personnel, Lam said.

Lam also thanked the former commissioner Xie Feng for his contributions during his tenure and wished him every success in his new post.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
He gave me a huge hug, his sister, Rebecca Latta, told CBS LA. I think hes so exhausted that I really think he doesnt have a lot of words right now and hes a little bit delirious after five days of wandering around in the forest.
Between late March of 2020 and this month, as hundreds of thousands of residents struggled to make ends meet, Connecticuts 14 billionaires amassed an additional $12.6 billion in wealth, according to Forbes.

They are now worth a combined $75.7 billion  a staggering statistic and one that the progressive group Recovery for All CT is using to push Gov. Ned Lamont and the state legislature to raise taxes on the richest residents as path to economic equity.

Recovery for All, a coalition of groups working with liberal Democrats in the General Assembly, enlisted some of its richest members to help hammer that point Thursday. The coalition unveiled a report that shows how most of the billionaires saw their wealth shoot up dramatically.

For those of us with healthy stock portfolios, we had a good year. Our investments flourished even as a record number of Connecticut residents were unemployed and essential workers struggled to survive, said Robert Nixon, a consultant and author from Norwalk. The scale of our inequality crisis demands a bold response.

Nixon is a founding member of Fair Share CT, which bills itself as a group of wealthy residents committed to creating a fair tax system that solves the states fiscal crisis and reinvests in communities.

The current tax structure is upside down. Working people and the poor in Connecticut pay a much larger effective tax rate than the billionaires profiled in this report, said Puya Gerami, campaign director for Recovery for All. Thats the bottom line and its morally unconscionable.

The comments, and the report Thursday, reflect the view of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, and stand in contrast to moderate Democrats, led by Lamont. Lamont has said repeatedly that he opposes raising income and sales taxes on anyone, including the richest residents.

Connecticut doesnt need the added revenue to balance its budget, Lamont argues, and, with thousands of people moving into the state, his oft-repeated phrase is, lets have more taxpayers, not higher taxes.

Gerami repeated the words of Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, that have become part of the debate between a Lamont and members of his own party who are seeking higher taxes on the rich to address the problems of urban poverty, lack of opportunity and access to health care and education: equity requires revenue.

The report, Recovery for All or Recovery for the Few? Billionaire Wealth Soars in Connecticut, is based on data from Forbes Billionaires in real-time list. Forbes estimates the wealth of billionaires based on public and private data.

Greenwich resident Alexandre Behring, co-founder and executive chairman of the hedge fund 3G Capital who serves as chair of Kraft Heinz and co-chairman of Restaurant Brands International, tops the list for the largest gains in wealth over the past 14 months.

His net worth, which was estimated at $4.3 billion on March 18, 2020, grew to $7.5 billion as of May 12  a gain of $3.2 billion.

Ray Dalio, also of Greenwich, founder and co-chairman of Bridgewater Associates, remains the states wealthiest resident. His net worth grew from $18 billion on March 18, 2020 to $20.3 billion on May 12  a gain of $2.3 billion.

The gains, based largely on increased value of corporate stock and other financial instruments, are not limited to the richest people, but include anyone with a retirement fund. The Standard & Poors index of 500 large companies is up 41 percent over the last 12 months.

The gains shown in the report do not reflect a collapse in stock market values in February and March of 2020. Including that drop, the S&P 500 is up 23 percent in the last 15 months  significantly less than the gains reflected in the coalitions report.

The list includes 14 Connecticut billionaires, two of whom, Christian Haub, of Greenwich, CEO of retail group Tengelmann, and Karen Pritzker, of Branford, whose family founded the Hyatt Hotel chain, did not see their net worth change. Haubs net worth is estimated by Forbes at $3 billion and Pritzkers at $4.9 billion.

Hedge fund manager Clifford Asness, of Greenwich, manager and founding principal of AQR Capital Management, is the only billionaire on the list whose net worth declined during the pandemic, decreasing from $2.6 billion on March 18, 2020 to $1.4 billion on May 12  a loss of $1.2 billion.

The unprecedented wealth amassed by billionaires and big corporations during the pandemic provides Connecticut with a rare opportunity to raise progressive revenue, reform the states tax structure, and address the systemic burden borne by literally 95 percent of our residents, said state Rep. Anne Hughes, D-Easton.

Lets make a down payment to address real equity in Connecticut and make a significant step towards reforming our regressive tax structure, Hughes said at Thursdays press conference.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  The Utah Legislature passed a measure Wednesday that would bar public schools and universities from implementing mask mandates, in a move that Democrats and Republicans argued would increase unnecessary governmental oversight.

Republican Rep. Val Peterson, who sponsored the bill, said county officials would still be able to invoke mask orders in consultation with local health officials in schools that have coronavirus outbreaks. The legislation only applies to COVID-19 and would not prevent people from wearing face coverings.

At some point this has to end, Peterson said. What this bill is really about is making sure we have those assurances to our students that they can go forward next fall and get right into the school year without the thought of masks and what that might mean.

Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost, a Democrat, argued that waiting to require masks until an outbreak occurs could still put childrens lives at risk.

For me, a single dead child is a child too many, she said. The problem with the way this is set up is, absent an actual outbreak, we cant ask students to wear masks and the whole point of a mask is to prevent an outbreak.

Requiring masks in schools has been contentious for Utah parents over the last year. Granite School District board members were forced to adjourn a meeting and call police earlier this month after 30 to 40 anti-mask parents began shouting.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox announced last week that Utah would not require masks in K-12 schools for the last week of the academic year. A mask order for K-12 schools previously was expected to end June 15, when most districts let out for summer.

The Republican governor previously defended his administrations decision to mandate masks in schools over parent protests but said the state had no plans to require masks for K-12 students next fall.

The bill now moves to the governor's desk before being signed into law.

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Eppolito 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.
VICTORIA, BC, May 19, 2021 /CNW/ - As part of the Canadian Coast Guard's Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program, Ahousaht First Nation has received and launched its new dedicated response vessel. As a founding member of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA), Ahousaht First Nation works and trains with the Canadian Coast Guard and other first responders to support marine safety on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard's Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program provides communities with funding to purchase boats and equipment to enhance marine safety and emergency response missions in their traditional territories. Ahousaht First Nation's new response vessel is a 29-foot vessel capable of cruising at 32 knots, which is critical in emergency situations. It has an estimated range of 400 nautical miles.

The CN-CGA is Canada's first all-Indigenous Coast Guard Auxiliary, with more than 50 members from Ahousaht, Heiltsuk, Gitxaala, Nisgaa, Kitasoo, and Quatsino First Nations. Coastal First Nations in British Columbia hold extensive traditional knowledge of local waters and conditions, and have a long history of being first on the scene to respond to marine emergencies.

CN-CGA volunteers are trained in cold water rescue, search techniques, marine first aid, inter-agency communications protocols, and the use of specialized rescue equipment by the Canadian Coast Guard. CN-CGA members also exercise and train on the water with the Canadian Coast Guard and other first responders in their communities, and are on-call to respond to marine emergencies 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year in remote areas along the B.C. coastline.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. This national plan is strengthening Canada's world-leading marine safety system, providing economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and clean water for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities.

Quotes:

"Our Government recognizes the critical role that First Nation communities have played for generations, protecting mariners, marine life and coastal ecosystems. The Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program is about supporting First Nations to continue that work with the equipment they need to succeed. We'll continue to work with Ahousaht First Nation and other coastal communities to protect Canada's oceans from coast to coast to coast."

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Thank you to the Ahousaht First Nation for providing essential leadership in the coastal British Columbia waters as part of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, initiatives such as the Community Boats Program, are improving Canada's ability to respond to marine incidents faster and more efficiently than ever."

The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport

"The Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program has been yet another success under our historic Oceans Protection Plan. Coastal First Nations have been stewards of the Pacific coast for centuries, and we are simply equipping them with greater resources to continue this vital work. Thank you to Ahousaht First Nation for your partnership on this, and for your ongoing dedication to protecting the beautiful Pacific coastlines and waterways."

Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"I would like to hold up all that had a hand in making our dedicated SAR vessel a reality. Let me also celebrate our CN-CGA Crew volunteers, the marine SAR backbone of our community. This vessel will allow our volunteers to deliver top notch SAR services, provide care alongside our mission partners and neighbors in providing effective marine SAR services for people in distress".



Alec Dick, Coastal Nations-Coast Guard Auxiliary Board Chai

"This new dedicated SAR vessel has created a great sense of community pride especially among our dedicated CN-CGA volunteer crew. Having a dedicated vessel ready to respond to a marine emergency has really elevated and strengthened our SAR program here in community and territorial waters and will allow crews to work more effectively alongside the Canadian Coast Guard and SAR partners, ultimately saving lives at sea".

Luke Michael Swan Jr., CN-CGA Board Treasure/Secretary

"As the Executive Director of CN-CGA, Canadas first Indigenous led Coast Guard Auxiliary, I've seen the organization grow significantly, in just a short time. I foremost recognize the critical role of this dedicated SAR vessel and its importance to members of the Auxiliary in protecting mariners and coastal communities. Our crews are simply the most experienced stewards of the marine environment and are unquestionably vital to Canada's marine safety system today".

Conrad J.S. Cowan, CN-CGA Executive Director

Background:

Ahousaht First Nation received $214,156 under the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program for a dedicated response vessel and safety equipment.

under the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program for a dedicated response vessel and safety equipment. Members of Ahousaht First Nation have been first on scene for a number of marine incidents including the whale watching vessel Leviathan II that sank in 2015.

The CN-CGA was sponsored by the Government of Canada and incorporated in mid-2018 with the purpose of providing organized voluntary marine search and rescue services in remote coastal areas of British Columbia .

and incorporated in mid-2018 with the purpose of providing organized voluntary marine search and rescue services in remote coastal areas of . The CN-CGA is an all-First Nation volunteer organization that augments the marine search and rescue capacity in federally mandated waters as official partners of the Canadian Coast Guard.

The objective of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary program is to provide strategically located, trained and qualified members and vessels that are prepared and available to support Canadian Coast Guard activities.

Since the Oceans Protection Plan started in November 2016 , over 50 initiatives have been announced in the areas of marine safety, research and ecosystem protection that span coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Associated Links

SOURCE Canadian Coast Guard

For further information: Jane Deeks, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 343-550-9594, [email protected]; Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, 613-990-7537, [email protected]; Conrad Cowan, Executive Director, Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary, 778-700-9090, [email protected]

Related Links

https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/


LONGUEUIL, QC, May 19, 2021 /CNW/ - Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX: INE) ("Innergex" or the "Corporation") announces that it has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") to renew the normal course issuer bid on its common shares ("Common shares") (the "Bid").

Under the Bid, the Corporation may purchase its Common Shares for cancellation as follows:

Ticker Issued and outstanding shares as at May 11, 2021 Maximum number of shares subject to purchase % of issued and outstanding shares INE 174,692,091 2,000,000 1.15%

The Bid will commence on May 24, 2021 and will terminate on May 23, 2022.

During the last six months, the average daily trading volume on the TSX of the Corporation's Common shares was 852,003. Consequently, in accordance with the policies of the TSX, the Corporation will have the right to repurchase, during anyone trading day, a maximum of 213,000 Common shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume. In addition, the Corporation will be allowed to make, once per calendar week, a block purchase (as defined in the TSX Company Manual) of Common shares not directly or indirectly owned by insiders of the Corporation, in accordance with the policies of the TSX.

Purchases will be made on behalf of the Corporation by a registered broker through the facilities of the TSX or through Canadian alternative trading systems at prevailing market prices.

The Corporation believes that the market price of its Common shares may, from time to time, not reflect the inherent value of the Corporation and that purchases of its Common shares pursuant to the Bid, may represent an appropriate and desirable use of the Corporation's funds. Therefore, the Corporation believes that it is in its best interest to proceed with this offer.

Under the preceding normal course issuer bid which commenced on May 24, 2020 and expires on May 23, 2021, the Corporation was allowed to purchase a total of 2,000,000 Common Shares. Under the said bid it purchased a total of 180,602 Common Shares for cancellation at a weighted average price paid per Common Share of $18.895 through the facilities of the TSX and alternative Canadian trading systems as of May 18, 2021.

About Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

For over 30 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities and creates shared prosperity. As an independent renewable power producer which develops, acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities, Innergex is convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a better world. Innergex conducts operations in Canada, the United States, France and Chile and manages a large portfolio of high-quality assets currently consisting of interests in 76 operating facilities with an aggregate net installed capacity of 2,747 MW (gross 3,701 MW) and an energy storage capacity of 150 MWh, including 37 hydroelectric facilities, 33 wind farms and six solar farms. Innergex also holds interests in 9 projects under development, three of which are under construction, with a net installed capacity of 551 MW (gross 623 MW) and an energy storage capacity of 329 MWh, as well as prospective projects at different stages of development with an aggregate gross capacity totaling 6,935 MW. Its approach to building shareholder value is to generate sustainable cash flows, provide an attractive risk-adjusted return on invested capital and to distribute a stable dividend.

Forward-looking information disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("Forward-Looking Information"). All information and statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release is Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information can generally be identified by the use of words such as "approximately", "may", "will", "could", "believes", "expects", "intends", "should", "plans", "potential", "project", "anticipates", "estimates", "scheduled" or "forecasts", or other comparable terminology that states that certain events will or will not occur, such as the possible purchase by the Corporation of its common shares under the normal course issuer bid.

Forward-Looking Information is based on certain key assumptions made by the Corporation, including expectations and assumptions concerning anticipated cash flows, financial leverage and restrictive covenants. Forward-Looking Information involves risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed, implied or presented by the Forward-Looking Information. These are referred to in the "Risk and Uncertainties" section of the Corporation's Annual Report and include, without limitation: the ability of the Corporation to execute its strategy for building shareholder value; its ability to raise additional capital and the state of capital market; liquidity risks related to derivative financial instruments; variability in hydrology, wind regimes and solar irradiation; delays and cost overruns in the design and construction of projects; uncertainty surrounding the development of new facilities; variability of installation performance and related penalties; and the ability to secure new power purchase agreements or to renew existing ones.

Although the Corporation believes that the expectations and assumptions on which Forward-Looking Information is based are reasonable under the current circumstances, readers are cautioned not to rely unduly on this Forward-Looking Information, since no assurance can be given that it will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking Information contained herein is made as at the date of this Press Release and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof, unless so required by legislation.

SOURCE Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

For further information: Investor Relations, Jean-Francois Neault, Chief Financial Officer, 450 928-2550, ext. 1207, [email protected]; Medias, Karine Vachon, Senior Director - Communications, 450 928-2550, ext. 1222, [email protected], www.innergex.com

Related Links

www.innergex.com


Lisk has roots in Kenhte:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) and is based in Ottawa, where she currently works as TVO's Indigenous Hub staff writer. As a journalist and artist, Lisk is interested in exploring contemporary issues in Indigenous and mixed-race identity.

The award was announced yesterday at a virtual ceremony in which eminent Indigenous journalists and writers Tanya Talaga, Karyn Pugliese, Angela Sterritt, and Ryan McMahon also spoke about the evolution of Indigenous journalism. They said that while much progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do.

Tanya Talaga sat alongside Karyn Pugliese and Ryan McMahon on the jury for JHR's Outstanding Work by an Indigenous Youth Reporter Award, and congratulated Lisk on her win.

"Your work really is such a leader. You brought in four different languages in your piece. Seeing the language in your story filled us all with so much heart," Talaga said.

"We need to remind people of our languages, we need to keep our languages going, and to see it in print, digitally, was incredible. How you brought the stories forward [was] incredible. You were storytelling, in every single way you could."

Lisk accepted the award and noted how proud she was to be on the shortlist alongside Oscar Baker III and Chezney Martin.

"I was drawn to write [this piece] because of my own language learning journey, and because I felt that a lot of the stories that I saw about cultural and language revitalization really focused on this uplifting message of 'This was taken away from us but now we have it again.' It almost felt to me that [those stories were saying] 'it's okay that this happened, because we're really strong [as Indigenous people]," Lisk said.

JHR Executive Director Rachel Pulfer said, "JHR is pleased to recognize and amplify Indigenous journalistic voices through its Annual Award for Outstanding Work by an Indigenous Youth Reporter, and Shelby Lisk is a most deserving recipient for her deep commitment to documenting Indigenous-language preservation and revitalization. We are grateful to RBC for its support of the award through its Future Launch program."

Lisk was one of three Indigenous journalists who were recognized in JHR's shortlist for the Indigenous Youth Reporter award, which also included Oscar Baker III for his article, 'A story of resilience: Decision to take son off of life support still haunts Membertou First Nation father' ( link ), published in Cape Breton Post, and Chezney Martin for her story, titled 'How can you reconcile on stolen land' ( link ), published in The Pigeon.

The award seeks to recognize a piece of outstanding journalism created by a First Nations, Metis or Inuit journalist, or team of journalists, between the ages of 15 and 29 years old, that was published or broadcast in any format and any medium in Canada, during the 2020 calendar year.

The Indigenous Reporter Award is supported by the RBC Foundation as part of RBC Future Launch, the bank's 10-year, $500-million commitment to preparing Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow.

The award ceremony was also sponsored by CTV News and APTN National News.

SOURCE Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)

For further information: For all press enquiries, please contact: Mehreen Hasan, Communications & Operations Assistant, [email protected], 647-549-6337

Related Links

www.jhr.ca


The premature public release of investigative files and video evidence in this case is not authorized and was not obtained through official sources, the State Police said in a statement. L.S.P. is confident in the judicial system and fair review of this incident and continues to offer our full cooperation. Unauthorized release of evidence undermines the investigative process and compromises the fair and impartial outcome for the Greene family, L.S.P. employees, and the community.
"As one of the major home improvement retailers, we understand we have an important role to play in improving our industry's environmental performance. This is one of the reasons why we are committed to fostering sustainability by implementing concrete, large-scale, and forward-looking initiatives that will help build a stronger tomorrow," explained Jean-Sebastien Lamoureux, Senior Vice-President, Public Affairs, Asset Protection and Sustainable Development at Lowe's Canada. "By offering and promoting the benefits of a wide variety of ECO products such as ENERGY STAR certified products, we not only provide our customers with more eco-friendly alternatives, but we also have a positive impact on consumer awareness about more sustainable choices."

"When you see the ENERGY STAR label, you know it means energy savings. It saves money on energy bills, helps consumers and businesses make informed decisions, and lowers energy use. This year's winners are building a more sustainable, energy-efficient and prosperous future," said the Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources. "Congratulations to Lowe's Canada as the recipient of the 2021 ENERGY STAR Canada award for Special Recognition."

Key ENERGY STAR Canada-related accomplishments in 2020

The following accomplishments earned Lowe's Canada the ENERGY STAR Canada Special Recognition Award this year:

Increased the number of identified ENERGY STAR certified products by 24% compared to 2019.

certified products by 24% compared to 2019. Sold more than 2.8 million ENERGY STAR certified products.

certified products. Participated in energy savings rebate programs in Ontario and British Columbia as well as provided instant rebates on ENERGY STAR certified products. This raised awareness of the ENERGY STAR brand and resulted in the sale of thousands of ENERGY STAR certified products.

and as well as provided instant rebates on ENERGY certified products. This raised awareness of the ENERGY STAR brand and resulted in the sale of thousands of ENERGY certified products. Promoted ENERGY STAR certified products in stores, in flyers, online, and through social media posts to encourage consumers to reduce their energy consumption.

To browse the ENERGY STAR certified product assortments available at each of our banners:

Making sustainability a priority

As part of its three-pronged approach to sustainability, Lowe's Canada is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its customers' projects, lowering the environmental footprint of its operations, and helping build stronger communities. From offering a wide assortment of energy-efficient products to free product take-back programs that keep hazardous products away from landfill and an investment of over 24 million dollars in energy efficiency initiatives, among others, Lowe's Canada delivers on its commitment. The organization has been recognized for its sustainable actions this year, being also named on the list of Canada's Greenest Employers 2021 and awarded with a ninth Leader in Sustainability Award by Call2Recycle Canada.

Find out more about Lowe's Canada's sustainability journey at lowescanada.ca/en/corporate-responsibility.

To share this news on social media, please use @Lowe's Canada (LinkedIn) and @LowesCanadaCorp (Twitter).

About Lowe's Canada

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company serving approximately 20 million customers a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2020 sales of $89.6 billion, Lowe's and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 300,000 associates. Based in Boucherville, Quebec, Lowe's Canadian business, together with its wholly owned subsidiary RONA inc., operates or services some 470 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores in a number of complementary formats under different banners, which include Lowe's, RONA, Reno-Depot, and Dick's Lumber. In Canada, they have more than 26,000 associates, in addition to approximately 5,000 employees in the stores of independent affiliate dealers operating under the RONA banner. For more information, visit lowescanada.ca.

SOURCE Lowe's Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Lowe's Canada, 514-599-5900, ext. 5271, 1-866-566-3342, [email protected]

Related Links

www.lowes.ca


OTTAWA, ON, May 19, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of over $244,000 to support the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity's (CCFI) work to build public trust in Canada's food system. The announcement followed Minister Bibeau's meeting with several members of the organization.

Delivered through the AgriCompetitiveness Program, this investment will help CCFI develop tools to share information with Canadian consumers about food production and enable food producers to share their stories. The investment will support activities like creating new content for CCFI's It's Good Canada website, which profiles real farm families and others working in the agricultural supply chain.

By sharing accurate, transparent information about Canadian food production, CCFI will increase trust in the Canadian food system and in those who produce the food that Canadians eat and enjoy.

Canadians are more interested than ever in understanding how their food is grown and the system that brings it from the farm to their tables. Helping consumers better understand this process and agricultural practices more broadly builds trust, which is essential for the sector's continued growth and long-term prosperity.

Quotes

"COVID-19 has meant many Canadians are more interested in where their food comes from. Through this initiative the CCFI will help connect Canadians with food producers, so they can better understand the origin of the food they eat and how it is produced. Our Government will continue to support initiatives that advance public trust in Canada's food system."

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"We are very excited to receive this funding from the Government of Canada for It's Good, Canada. Building public trust in Canadian food is an important component of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and this support complements the work we've been doing since 2016, when CCFI was formed to help earn public trust in Canada's food system. This contribution will be used to highlight the outstanding work of farm families and others who continue to deliver safe, nutritious food to Canadians and people around the globe."

- John Jamieson, President and CEO, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity

Quick Facts

The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) was established in 2016 as a national non-profit charity with a mandate to build public trust in the food system. CCFI is a membership-based organization with members from agri-food corporations, commodity groups, and academia and amplifier organizations. CCFI works to earn Canadians' trust in the food they consume and in the processes and practices that the agri-food industry employs to produce it.

The CCFI recently assumed leadership of Agriculture More Than Ever, a social media channel dedicated to public trust in Canadian agriculture.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a five-year (2018-2023), $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.

investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow agriculture and agri-food sector. The AgriCompetitiveness Program is a five-year program, under the CAP, that helps the agricultural sector: leverage, coordinate and build on existing capacity; enhance safety; adapt to changing commercial and regulatory environments; seize new opportunities; share best practices, and provide mentorship opportunities.

Additional Links

AgriCompetitiveness Program

Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Canadian Centre for Food Integrity

Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

For further information: Jean-Sebastien Comeau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected], 343-549-2326; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]

Related Links

www.agr.gc.ca


OTTAWA, ON, May 20, 2021 /CNW/ - The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is pleased to announce that 7 Canadian firms have been approved to pursue collaborative projects with UK partners through the Canada-UK industrial research and development call for proposals delivered by the NRC and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The successful projects are focussed on improving productivity and sustainability in the agricultural industry, including crop, livestock, and/or aquaculture systems using precision and data-driven solutions.

The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is providing advisory services and up to $2.9 million in research and development funding to support 7 collaboration projects. These include:

Up to $300,000 to TrustBIX Inc. ( Edmonton, Alta. ) for a project with Arden Biotechnology (UK) to extend the development of their natural feed supplement technology and apply it to the Canadian poultry and other livestock sectors .

to ( ) for a project with to extend the development of their natural feed supplement technology and apply it to the Canadian poultry and other livestock sectors Up to $376,247 to Mara Renewables Corporation ( Dartmouth, N.S. ) for a project with Devenish (UK) to develop the next-generation of algae-derived products for use in poultry production in the UK, Canada , and other commercial markets worldwide.

to ( ) for a project with to develop the next-generation of algae-derived products for use in poultry production in the UK, , and other commercial markets worldwide. Up to $600,000 to JCA Technologies ( Winnipeg, Man .) for a project with Precision Decisions (UK) and Farmscan Ag Limited (UK) to develop an integrated precision agriculture platform that provides data from agricultural machine control applications to be used for planning, analytics and deploying intelligent task direction to a fleet of machines.

to ( .) for a project with to develop an integrated precision agriculture platform that provides data from agricultural machine control applications to be used for planning, analytics and deploying intelligent task direction to a fleet of machines. Up to $476,000 to Societe pour l'information industrielle (SII Canada) (Montreal, Que.) for a project with AirBorne Robotics (UK) and ADAS (UK) to develop a specialized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) prototype and semi-autonomous remote sensing tool for in-field assessment, identification and diagnosis of problematic areas.

to (Montreal, Que.) for a project with to develop a specialized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) prototype and semi-autonomous remote sensing tool for in-field assessment, identification and diagnosis of problematic areas. Up to $405,000 to Bow Valley Genetics ( Rosemary, Alta. ) for a project with Raft Solutions Limited (UK), Dyneval Limited (UK) and Ostara Biomedical Limited (UK) to develop innovative new technologies related to bovine fertility and advanced breeding techniques.

to ( ) for a project with to develop innovative new technologies related to bovine fertility and advanced breeding techniques. Up to $457,830 to Sona Nanotech ( Halifax , N.S.) for a project with Clarity Biosolutions Limited (UK) and Bond Digital Health Ltd. (UK) to develop a new highly accurate, objective test to rapidly detect, manage, control and ultimately eradicate bovine tuberculosis.

to ( , N.S.) for a project with to develop a new highly accurate, objective test to rapidly detect, manage, control and ultimately eradicate bovine tuberculosis. Up to $338,121 to Innovasea Marine Systems ( Bedford, N.S. ) for a project with RS Aqua Limited (UK) to develop an early warning system for the aquaculture industry that provides notification of potential and imminent harmful algal blooms which can contribute to higher incidences of disease and elevated mortality on fish farms.

Quotes

"The greener, cleaner economy of the future will have impacts across all sectors of our economy. The sustainable projects announced today are great examples of innovations that promise to make Canada's agriculture industry more competitive. They will also sustain and create jobs, and support Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy."

The Hon. Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

"The NRC is honoured to partner with UKRI to stimulate co-innovation between Canadian and UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). International collaboration is key to SME growth and these collaborative partnerships provide accelerated access to new markets and global value chains, positioning Canadian businesses to compete globally."

Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada

"We must all work together to tackle the impacts of climate change and ensure our food production and farming techniques are sustainable, profitable and support long-term food security. This investment provides a valuable boost to the sector. The UK is at the forefront of efforts to develop sustainable agricultural technologies and practices, in collaboration with our international partners."

Victoria Prentis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), UK



"UKRI's UK-Canada competition is an important initiative that helps UK businesses create strong international networks, access expertise and develop international market opportunities. The UK companies and their Canadian partners are working on an exciting array of projects to integrate cutting-edge technology into everyday farming techniques that could help both UK and Canadian agriculture improve productivity and sustainability and ultimately make our respective agricultural systems more climate friendly."

Katrina Hayter, Challenge Director for the Transforming Food Production, UKRI

Quick facts

Project partners from the UK will receive up to a combined $3.5 million (2.2 million) in funding support from UKRI's Innovate UK under its Transforming Food Production initiative targeting net-zero agriculture by 2040.

(2.2 million) in funding support from UKRI's Innovate UK under its Transforming Food Production initiative targeting net-zero agriculture by 2040. Canada and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology and Innovation in September 2017 .

and the signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology and Innovation in . The NRC and UKRI signed an MoU on Research and Innovation in July 2018 that provides the foundation for the development of a stronger science, technology and innovation relationship between our two institutions.

that provides the foundation for the development of a stronger science, technology and innovation relationship between our two institutions. Under these MoUs, UKRI and NRC IRAP have supported over $30 million in collaborative innovation projects between Canadian and UK small and medium-sized enterprises.

Stay connected



Follow the National Research Council of Canada on social media.

Twitter: @nrc_cnrc , Instagram: @nrc_cnrc and LinkedIn .

SOURCE National Research Council Canada

For further information: Media Relations, National Research Council of Canada, 613-991-1431, 1-855-282-1637, [email protected]

Related Links

www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca


FORT SMITH, NT, May 19, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada, the Northwest Territory Metis Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories have signed a framework agreement that will further advance reconciliation, the right to self-determination, work toward building strong Indigenous nations, and the Northwest Territory Metis Nation (NWTMN) land claim negotiations.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations of Canada, alongside Garry Bailey, President of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation, Arthur Beck, Acting President of the Fort Resolution Metis Government, Trevor Beck, President of the Hay River Metis Government Council, Allan Heron, President of the Fort Smith Metis Council, and the Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories, signed a framework agreement that will pave the way to their vision of self-determinationa prosperous, self-sufficient, healthy, unified and self-governing Northwest Territory Metis Nation.

The Self-Government Framework Agreement will guide negotiations toward a final self-government agreement as part of the NWTMN land claim negotiation process. It outlines the process for self-government negotiations, including governance of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation entities, legal status and capacity of Metis governments, administration of lands, Metis government finances, law-making authority, implementation plans, and elections for Metis government. It also supports the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories remain committed to renewing the nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationships with the Northwest Territory Metis Nation based on the affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.



Quotes

"The Northwest Territory Metis Nation (NWTMN) is pleased to be entering into self-government negotiations under the Self-Government Negotiations Framework Agreement. The self-government negotiations will advance our Land Claim negotiations, which have been underway since 1996 and have been the missing component of our Land Claim negotiations. The negotiation process will enable the NWTMN to advance the self-determining rights and governance interests of our Indigenous Metis members and three Metis Councils. Building upon our successes to date, we now have the capacity to plan for our governance future.

The signing of the Self-Government Framework Agreement is a key aspect of the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The agreement sets the stage for the development of the NWTMN Constitution to govern the relationship between the NWTMN, the three Metis Government Councils and our Indigenous Metis members. Self-government will recognize the NWTMN and Metis Government Councils as law making authorities with the ability to continue delivering programs and services to our members consistent with the NWTMN Constitution. We have a lot of work ahead to engage our membership regarding self-governance options and negotiations with Canada and the GNWT. The Self-Government Framework Agreement is another positive step for the NWTMN Metis and clearly shows the Government's commitment to finalizing an agreement with the NWTMN."

Garry Bailey,

President of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation

"The Fort Resolution Metis Government recognizes that self-government is critically important for our members as it will provide the authority for the Northwest Territories Metis Nation (NWTMN) and the Councils to effectively manage Metis land and finances, and to continue delivering programs and services to our Indigenous Metis members. The self-government framework agreement sets out matters for discussion and will provide us with an opportunity to develop the government-to-government relationship between the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the NWTMN. We have a lot of work ahead to engage our members and seek their input to inform negotiations. We look forward to commencing this negotiation process."

Arthur Beck,

Acting President of the Fort Resolution Metis Government

"After many years of perseverance and struggle, the Hay River Metis Government Council is pleased that we have reached an agreement on the Self-Government Framework Agreement and recognize we have lots of work to do. We look forward to working with our members to develop a Constitution and shape Northwest Territories Metis self-government, which will benefit Northwest Territories Indigenous Metis for future generations. We look forward to concluding a self-government agreement that will set out the self-governing powers and law-making authority of the Northwest Territories Metis Nation and Metis Councils, and continue to deliver much-needed programs and services to our members."

Trevor Beck,

President of the Hay River Metis Government Council

"The signing of the Self-Government Framework Agreement is symbolically a significant step in Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories' recognition of our Metis Nation status as an Indigenous government. The signing of this agreement will enable the Fort Smith Metis Council to enhance our efforts to achieve an Indigenous Metis Government that will reflect our distinct identity and our ongoing contribution to Canada and the Northwest Territories. It will also enable the Northwest Territories Metis Nation and Metis Councils to be law-making authorities that can continue delivering programs and services to our members."

Allan Heron,

President of the Fort Smith Metis Council

"Our government is committed to working with Indigenous leaders to support their right to self-government. Concluding a self-government agreement will advance reconciliation and recognize and affirm the treaty rights of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation. The framework agreement is an important milestone in this process. It is a testament to the work of all parties to find common ground and demonstrates the strength of the relationship we have built."

The Honourable Caroline Cochrane,

Premier of the Northwest Territories



"Strong, self-reliant Indigenous nations that are able to govern effectively and fulfill their right to self-determination are critical to improving well-being and economic prosperity in northern Indigenous communities. Congratulations and thank you to President Garry Bailey, President Arthur Beck, President Trevor Beck and President Allan Heron for your leadership and determination. By signing this framework agreement today, our government is taking a fundamental step to advance reconciliation and transform our relationships with the Northwest Territory Metis Nation."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.,

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"Ensuring Indigenous governments are able to achieve self-governance is essential to reconciliation. My congratulations to the Northwest Territories Metis Nation on this historic milestone, and I look forward to seeing further progress made through this framework agreement."

Michael McLeod,

Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

Quick facts

Section 35 of Canada's Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes the Aboriginal rights of First

recognizes the Aboriginal rights of First Nations, Inuit and Metis.

Today's announcement marks a key step in the ongoing negotiations to advance reconciliation under this framework agreement.

A framework agreement sets out the subject matter for negotiation and describes how negotiations will proceed. Negotiations will commence toward an agreement-in-principle, a detailed document that forms the basis of a final agreement and addresses most matters described in the framework agreement.

Associated links

Stay connected

Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

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Facebook: @GCIndigenous

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Facebook: @CrownIndigenous

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS .

SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: media may contact: Ani Dergalstanian, Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Media Relations: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Todd Sasaki, Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories, 867-767-9168 ext. 15015, [email protected]; President Garry Bailey, Northwest Territory Metis Nation, 867-621-2767, [email protected]
Tarachi CEO, Cameron Tymstra, commented: "Completion of this drilling program is the first major step towards commissioning of the Magistral Mill. The drilling crew got off to a delayed start due to delivery delays of the Shelby tube sampling system coming from the U.S., however they made quick work of the drilling, completing all 37 holes in under 3 weeks. Ausenco will now have the material they need to progress with the PEA, the results of which we expect to see in mid-summer."

A total of 37 holes were completed to depths ranging from 1.3 to 14.5 metres using an auger drill and 70-centimetre-long Shelby sample capture tubes (Figure 1 and Figure 2). The samples were logged by the Company's geology team on site and are now en route to a minerals lab in Kamloops, British Columbia. The samples will be assayed and representative composites prepared as part of the metallurgical test work being overseen by Ausenco Engineering. Once received in Kamloops, this test work is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. The results will provide the information necessary to complete the resource estimate and PEA and determine what, if any, modifications the Company will make to Magistral's flowsheet prior to bringing the facility online in 2022. The delayed start of the tailings drilling is expected to result in a small pushback of the completion of the PEA from the original estimate of end of Q2 to mid-summer.

Tarachi's geological team will be rotating out of the field for roughly two weeks. When crews return to the field in June they will be headed to the Company's San Javier mining concession in Sonora, Mexico. At San Javier, the team will be conducting a follow-up diamond drill program targeting the potential depth extension of a mineralized breccia system discovered during the Company's first drill program at San Javier in 2020 (see press release dated February 16, 2021). Results of which included 11.9g/t Au over 2 metres and 5.39g/t Au over 5.6 metres.

About the Magistral Mill and Tailings Project

Acquired by Tarachi Gold from Manto Resources S.A. de C.V. in 2021.

Located in Durango, Mexico . Highway-accessible and approximately 5km north of Santa Maria del Oro (pop. 5,000).

. Highway-accessible and approximately 5km north of del (pop. 5,000). 1,000tpd custom-built tailings reprocessing mill with Merrill-Crowe circuit and new tailings storage facility.

Access to the historic Magistral tailings deposit with an estimated historic resource of 1.3Mt grading 2.05g/t Au (non-NI 43-101 compliant) containing 85,000oz Au.

PEA being completed by Ausenco Engineering, expected mid-summer 2021.

Plant commissioning planned for 2022 with expected annual gold production of 15,000oz/year at full capacity.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Due to the use of 70 cm long Shelby steel tubes to capture the poorly consolidated, tailings cores, no splitting of the cores could be undertaken. Every 70 cm tube core is weighed, photographed and logged by the company's geologists. Each sample consists of two Shelby tube runs which when combined total 1.4 metres in length. These are placed into a plastic bag with sample tag submitted into each bag before being sealed and stored at the campsite in a secure area.

In every batch of 20 samples the company geologists have determined the location of quality control samples consisting of a standard, blank and duplicate sample batches. The samples will be shipped from Hermosillo, Mexico to Base Metallurgical Laboratories in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada via Federal Express. Ausenco Engineering will than oversee the analytical and metallurgical test work.

About Tarachi Gold

Tarachi Gold is a Canadian-listed junior gold exploration company focused on exploring and developing projects in Mexico. The Company's Tarachi project covers 3,708ha of highly prospective mineral concessions in the Sierra Madre gold belt of Sonora, Mexico in close proximity to Alamos Gold's Mulatos mine and Agnico Eagle's La India mine. Tarachi has also acquired the Magistral Mill and tailings project in Durango, Mexico. Magistral includes a 1,000 tpd mill and access to a tailings resource (non-compliant with NI 43-101) estimated to contain 1.3Mt at 2.05g/t Au which the Company expects to bring into production in 2022.

Qualified Person

Lorne Warner, P.Geo, VP Exploration and Director of the Company is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: future exploration programs, including the completion of drill holes; potential mineralization; and receipt of assay results.

Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Tarachi, future growth potential for Tarachi 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; Tarachi's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Tarachi'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 forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Tarachi 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 Tarachi's management discussion and analysis. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although Tarachi 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. Tarachi does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking 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.

SOURCE Tarachi Gold Corp.

For further information: Contact Information: For more information and to sign-up to the mailing list, please contact: Cameron Tymstra, CEO, Email: [email protected]

Related Links

https://www.tarachigold.com/


Around 20,000 expired doses of AstraZeneca have been destroyed in Malawi. Malawi's Health minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has said that the burning the expired vaccine doses will instill public confidence that all the vaccines being administered are good.

Amid acute vaccine shortage in India, shocking reports have come to light from Malawi, wherein around 20,000 expired doses of AstraZeneca have been destroyed. On Wednesday, Malawis Health minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda went gone ahead to put vials of expired doses into an incinerator at Kamunizu Central Hospital and expressed that the burning the expired vaccines doses will build public confidence that all the vaccines being administered on the general population are good.

She said that the vaccines are being destroyed as it is a government policy that no expired health commodities should be used. They are destroying the vaccines pubicly to maintain accountability to Malawians and emphasise that no expired vaccines are being used during the vaccination process. She further emphasised that she assures all the Malawians on the behalf of the government that no one will be given an expired vaccine dose.

Interestingly, the vials that have been destroyed by the Malawian government were a part of the consignment sent by UN backed COVAX initiative followed by India. India had sent a batch of about 50,000 AstraZeneca doses to Malavi in March.

Malawis move to destroy the expired vaccine doses comes after WHO urged the African nations to not destroy the expired vaccine doses. In a statement dated May 17, WHO stated that any vaccine that has passed its expiry date should not be administered. Calling the exercise of discarding vaccines deeply regrettable, WHO recommended that the expired doses should be removed from the distribution chain and safely disposed.
The Connecticut Department of Labor announced Thursday that the work search requirement for unemployment benefits will begin again on May 30, 2021.

Connecticut and other states suspended the search-for-work requirements at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, which are otherwise a normal part of unemployment programs.

DOL lists regular job search requirements online at portal.ct.gov/DOLUI. Among other steps, unemployment assistance recipients must contact at least one employer a week and retain records showing they have done so, while fulfilling a few more from a menu that includes creating a reemployment plan, posting a resume at www.cthires.com or creating a profile on a professional networking website.

DOL issued details on the same day it issued estimates that employers put just 500 more Connecticut residents back to work in April on a net basis, with more than 196,000 people statewide currently getting jobless aid according to a federal report on Thursday.

Employers posted more than 3,000 job opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday on the Indeed.com, pushing the job boards state total to more than 57,000  well short of the total number of people receiving unemployment assistance.

Entering May, nearly 36,000 Connecticut residents who described themselves as independent contractors were receiving jobless aid, which was allowed under the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Security Act relief package enacted by Congress last year.

A DOL spokesperson did not respond immediately Thursday to a Hearst Connecticut Media query on whether any qualifying requirements are in the offing for those independent workers who reported lost income during the pandemic, and who are still waiting for earnings opportunities to rebound.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
A sitting president is hardly ever off limits from late-night television hosts, and when it came to President Joe Biden's commencement speech for the United States Coast Guard Academy's class of 2021 graduation on May 19 in New London, Conn., two pundits had a lot to say.

The theme? Biden's age.

"Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon opened his monologue by pointing out the length of Biden's speech before the graduates.

"Bidens speech lasted about 30 minutes  until a Coast Guard captain fired off a rescue flair like, 'Wrap it up, buddy,'" he said. "Even Navy Seals were looking at the Coast Guard like, 'Howd you make it through that?'"

Fallon also poked fun at the gift the president received for delivering the commencement speech  two swords mounted on a plaque. Showing footage of Biden receiving the gift and saying "I hope I won't need this any time soon," Fallon joked, "He said the same thing at Christmas when his grandkids got him a life alert."

RELATED: We need you badly: Biden highlights pandemic, military diversity at Coast Guard commencement

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The comedian later mused about what Biden would use the gift for, which included using it to open a string cheese on his ride home or for "popping bottles of Ensure."

Fallon wasn't the only one to include the president's speech in an opening monologue. On "Late Night with Seth Meyers," the titular host also made a passing joke about Biden's speech.

"The Coast Guard has changed a lot since Biden was young, but then again, so have the coasts," Meyers said, as a map appeared onscreen of Pangaea  a "supercontinent" that was in existence "299 million to 273 million years ago," according Britannica.
Once the unruly passenger was removed, the flight continued to Dallas with all other passengers aboard, the airline said in a statement. It landed about 90 minutes behind its initial schedule.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed new legislation into law Thursday that is intended to increase the reporting of hate crimes and help law enforcement investigate and prosecute them, particularly crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, who have faced more discrimination during the pandemic.

All of this hate hides in plain sight, Biden said. Too often is it met with silence.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who authored part of the bipartisan bill, attended the White House signing ceremony Thursday afternoon and was applauded for his work on the legislation. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong was also at the ceremony and spoke with Biden after the signing.

This is such an important day for Asian American and Pacific Islander families, Tong said. Many lives will be saved because of this legislation.

Vice President Kamala Harris said a year ago, 1,100 hate crimes against Asian Americans had been reported, but today that number is more than 6,600. Anti-Asian sentiment has increased in visibility because, among other reasons, the coronavirus pandemic is believed to have originated in China.

Im talking about incidents where businesses are being vandalized in the biggest cities and the smallest towns, Harris said. Eight people in Atlanta getting shot on a Tuesday night. This violence did not come from nowhere and none of it is new.

The law establishes online reporting systems for hate crimes and provides grants for states to establish and run hate crime hotlines.The bill would train law enforcement on using the National Incident-Based Reporting System on reporting hate crimes and provide support for law enforcement agencies that train officers or establish units to work on hate crimes.

It will also allow judges to require people convicted under federal hate crime laws to undergo community service and education on the communities they harmed. Finally, it would expand public campaigns aimed at raising awareness about hate crimes and their victims.

The legislation passed Congress with broad bipartisan support.

Jason Chang, director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut, supported the law but warned it was not enough because it generally only addresses the issue after it has happened.

He added, I would like to see greater attention on prevention and dismantling of racist culture and white supremacy.

He was also concerned that increasing policing of hate crimes could result in more incarceration of people from Black and brown communities.

Michael Keo, an activist in residence at the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, helped launch the I am not a virus campaign, which has gathered stories of hate incidents and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the pandemic.

In April, a man in Milford was arrested for a hate crime in allegations that he yelled go back to China and drove his car in reverse toward another man walking in the street.

Keo said his group heard from other AAPI people, including a Waterbury firefighter was verbally harassed at the grocery store for 30 minutes and a Connecticut woman who was denied entry to a local shop, although white males were allowed to enter. Two AAPI people who went to grocery stores in West Hartford and Bristol were sprayed with disinfectant while shopping, he said.

But much of the discrimination faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are so-called micro-aggressions  more subtle comments and actions that can make people feel undervalued and excluded, Chang said.

emilie.munson@hearstdc.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson
Chris Carlson/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  The chief executive of Colonial Pipeline is set to testify before Congress next month about a cyberattack that caused the company to halt operations for several days, leading to panic buying of gasoline in many communities.

Joseph Blount is scheduled to appear before the House Homeland Security on June 9, when lawmakers will question him about a ransomware attack that U.S. officials have blamed on a criminal hacking gang in Russia.
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP)  On the outside, the electric version of Ford's F-150 pickup looks much like its wildly popular gas-powered version. Yet the resemblance is deceiving. With its new battery-powered truck, Ford is making a costly bet that buyers will embrace a vehicle that would help transform how the world drives.

Branded the F-150 Lightning, the pickup will be able to travel up to 300 miles per battery charge, thanks to a frame designed to safely hold a huge lithium-ion battery that can power your house should the electricity go out. Going from zero to 60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) will take just 4.5 seconds.

With a starting price near $40,000 (before options), Ford has calculated that an electric version of America's top-selling vehicle will appeal to the sorts of buyers who favor rugged pickup trucks prized for strength and durability. If it succeeds, it could speed the nation's transition away from petroleum burners  a cornerstone of President Joe Biden's broad effort to fight climate change.

Its a watershed moment to me, Ford CEO Jim Farley said of the electric truck, which was formally unveiled Wednesday night. Its a very important transition for our industry.

For the Biden administration to prevail in its push for green energy-driven manufacturing, it will need to overcome resistance as well as skepticism. Critics fear the loss of auto industry jobs in a shift away from gasoline-fueled vehicles. Because EVs are much simpler, it takes fewer workers to build them. And bottlenecked supply chains could leave automakers short of computer chips and vehicle batteries, along with other parts, for months and perhaps years.

That said, a vehicle like the Lightning is so critical to Biden's policies that even before its formal unveiling, he visited the Ford plant in Michigan where it will be built beginning next year. The president even drove the truck on a test track.

This suckers quick, he declared.

For its part, Ford is taking a significant risk by sinking so much capital into an electric version of a pickup that commands a huge and loyal following. In a typical year, Ford sells about 900,000 F-series trucks nationally. It has been America's top-selling vehicle for nearly four decades.

Gas-powered F-150s are staples on job sites across the nation, where workers haul equipment and materials and often don't see a need for change. So it could be years before Ford realizes a return on its investment in an electric F-150. This year, through April, the company has sold only 10,000 of its new gas-electric hybrid F-150s  just over 6% of the F-150's total sales.

Ford said 20,000 people had put down $100 deposits to order the new trucks as of Thursday morning.

Still, introducing a capable electric truck at a fairly reasonable price could potentially produce the breakthrough that draws many more people to battery-powered vehicles of all sizes, said Ivan Drury, a senior manager at Edmunds.com.

If you're going to choose one vehicle in the industry that's going to do it, this is going to be the one, Drury said. I expect this to be a home run, and I expect it to really convert a lot of consumers' minds."

At the same time, the electric truck, due in showrooms by the middle of next year, comes at a time when American drivers remain reluctant to jettison gas vehicles. Through April, automakers sold about 108,000 fully electric vehicles in the U.S. Though that's nearly twice the number from the same period last year, EVs still account for only 2% of U.S. vehicle sales, according to Edmunds.

In addition to the Lightning, though, the growing number of fully electric offerings will help raise sales numbers. Automakers now sell 18 electric models in the U.S.; Drury expects 30 by year's end.

To be sure, Ford wont stop building gas-powered trucks for years. They remain an enormous cash cow. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that the F-Series generates $42 billion in annual U.S. revenue for the automaker  more than such entire companies as McDonalds, Nike or Netflix do.

Initially, Ford expects Lightning customers to be mainly higher-income urban and suburban residents who seldom go off road or use truck beds to haul anything heavy. But the company plans a commercial version designed to make work more efficient. Ultimately, Farley expects sales to be evenly balanced between work and personal buyers.

But Ford may have a hard time selling it to people who build houses, maintain lawns or plow snow.

It sounds good, but its not good for the type of business Im in, said Jimmie Williams, owner of a landscaping firm on Chicagos South Side. He doesnt think the battery will have enough range to last the 12-14-hour days his crews sometimes work maintaining about 700 properties.

Hell stick with his three gas-powered pickups, in part because he plows snow in the winter, when cold weather can limit an EVs range.

Others aren't ready now but might be convinced to switch in the future.

Maybe when I'm retired, quipped Steven Realy, a foreman for a subcontractor at a housing development in Pittsfield Township, Michigan.

Realy, 28, whose company uses diesel trucks to carry equipment and building materials, doesn't think an electric truck will do the job now but maybe in the future.

When electric takes off more than what it is right now," he said, "I could see myself owning one, definitely.

Yet it may be difficult to persuade some people to give up the big gas engines they're used to.

I like my V-8, Anthony Lane, a 26-year-old plumber in the same development, said from the driver's seat of his gleaming Chevrolet Silverado.

Aside from a charging port and a Lightning decal, Ford's new truck resembles a standard F-150. That was intentional. Ford wants the Lightning to be perceived as just as capable as gasoline versions, if not more so.

Even the base version of the electric F-150, with two rows of seats and a 230-mile estimated range per battery charge, can haul up to a ton in its bed. A high-end Lightning equipped with a longer-range battery can tow an estimated 10,000 pounds, matching many gas-powered trucks, though falling about 3,000 pounds shy of Fords V-8 engines.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the truck is its price, which Ford said is about equal to a comparably equipped gasoline F-150. With a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 still available on Ford electric vehicles, the base price falls to around $32,500. Thats below the lowest-priced gas F-150 with a crew cab, which starts at roughly $37,000.

The Lightning has a front trunk with plugs for power tools and lights at job or camp sites. And if the electricity goes, out, it can run your house for up to three days, which Farley expects to be a big selling point.

Competition for the Lightning is looming. General Motors says it's working on an electric Silverado. Stellantis is developing an electric Ram. Tesla's angular Cybertruck is due out this year. And startups Bollinger Motors, Nikola, Rivian and Lordstown Motors have trucks in the works.

All will face an inevitable obstacle in seeking buyers: brand loyalty. Pickup drivers often stick with one company for life. Sometimes, they choose a brand because it's been in the family for years, if not generations.

I'm not a Ford guy, said Lane, the plumber. I drive Chevys my whole life.

Once General Motors comes out with an electric Silverado, though, Lane might consider a change.

I'll probably stick with the gas," he said. "But if they ever fully switch over to electric, I'll probably get the Chevy one.
NEW HAVEN  Starting Friday the entire city will get the chance to weigh in on a new name for what until now has been called Columbus Family Academy.

That is when an on-line survey is set to go live that can be filled out by students, parents, staff members, graduates and city residents.

Participants are asked to identify themselves and indicate whether the school should be named after a person, place or theme. They also are asked to suggest a new name and a reason for their choice.

The survey, available in both English and Spanish, will be open for just over two weeks and an online public forum will be held June 3 for more public input. Once compiled, the preferences will be made public.

An ad hoc committee of the New Haven Board of Education will use the information in the coming month to select one or two names to suggest to the full board, which will make the ultimate decision.

The plan is to have a new name in place before the start of the school in fall.

The school board decided last June to change the name, indicating Columbus should no longer be memorialized because of the Italian explorers violent colonization of the Americas.

Columbus Family Academy serves 456 children and their families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The school fosters multilingualism, multiculturalism and exploration in order to bring about family-like relationships. The name, according to the survey, should reflect the schools values.

Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur, a school board member who helps lead the ad hoc committee, said the one thing she has heard most from students at the school is the desire to keep family in the name.

Roy Araujo, the retiring principal at the school, said in talking with student leaders at the pre-K through eighth-grade school, most want to keep it simple.

In addition to having family in whatever name is selected, they would like the school to keep the same initials, if possible  CCFA  since they are printed or embroidered on many of their hats, sweatshirts and hoodies.

They said, because its still our school, Araujo said.

He said most students tell him they know why the name is being changed.

Teachers who sit on the ad hoc committee that students at the school will be able to fill out the survey at school.

While some questioned how many responses the survey might get, Carlos Torre, a former city school board member and Southern Connecticut State University professor who was chairman of the ad hoc committee meeting this week, said when it comes to changing a name, people will pay attention.

By Tuesday, we may get a good chunk of responses, Torre said.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Wednesday vetoed a bill favored by many Republican lawmakers that could have encouraged some people to stick longer with short-term health coverage that critics label junk insurance.

The bill's backers said it simply would have given people who buy limited duration health insurance more protection against premium increases or coverage changes. Such plans, lasting up to a year, offer lower premiums than comprehensive plans but don't cover pre-existing medical conditions and other items such as medications or maternity care.

The bill would have allowed a consumer to buy new plans for two additional years without having the insurer reconsider the terms. Backers strongly object to the term junk insurance.

Kelly advocates expanding the state's Medicaid program for the needy to cover up to 165,000 additional Kansas residents and said lawmakers should do that if they want to get serious about improving access to health care. But many Republicans oppose Medicaid expansion, and Kelly has been unable to get a bill through the GOP-controlled Legislature.

Junk insurance  which doesnt cover pre-existing conditions or provide consumer protections  is just that, junk,'" Kelly said in her veto message.

Some critics of the bill were worried because in 2019, Kelly didn't block a GOP measure to permit the Kansas Farm Bureau to offer health coverage that doesn't comply with the federal Affordable Care Act, letting it become law without her signature. No Democrats voted for the final version of this year's bill.

Critics said the bill did not represent an improvement over existing rules for short-term plans because companies still can decline later to sell new policies to the same consumers.

Short-term health plans pose serious and often underestimated risks to people facing illness and discriminate against people whove experienced cancer," said Dana Bacon, a lobbyist for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The bill passed the Senate earlier this month on a party-line 29-11 vote, giving supporters two votes more than the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto. But the vote in the House was 68-51, leaving supporters well short of the 84 needed for a veto override.

Supporters of the bill said short-term plans are mainly for people who are between jobs, employed but trying to find insurance on their own, waiting for an employers coverage to start, or retiring before they're eligible for federal Medicare coverage for people 65 or older.

They said companies are up front about what's covered and what's not and are regulated by the state.

It is a very much a niche product," said Senate Insurance Committee Chair Jeff Longbine, an Emporia Republican. It really comes down to the consumer being able to choose what they can afford, and if this is what they can afford, it's certainly better than being uninsured.

State Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Eudora Republican and insurance agent who championed the bill, said Kelly misunderstood the measure and the issues involved. She said the measure improves an existing option for consumers.

She said about 1,800 Kansas residents have short-term plans, and they're in middle-class families that don't qualify for enough of a subsidy to make comprehensive plans in the federal government's online insurance marketplace affordable.

Gossage argued that even people wary of short-term plans should support the measure.

It's just that you have some people that, the minute you say, Wait a minute; Ive heard about these plans; they don't cover pre-existing conditions,' their fingers go in their ears and they start to say, La, la, la, la, la," she said. They don't hear anything else you say.

___

Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP)  State and local prosecutors in Virginia are asking the Justice Department to reconsider its decision not to prosecute two U.S. Park Police officers who fatally shot a motorist after a stop-and-go chase in 2017.

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano wrote a letter Wednesday to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Herring and Descano are pursuing involuntary manslaughter charges against against the officers, Lucas Vinyard and Alejandro Amaya, in the shooting death of 25-year-old Bijan Ghaisar after a chase on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. But the prosecution is facing numerous hurdles because federal prosecutors, after a two-year investigation, elected not to charge the pair.

A hearing is scheduled for August in federal court as to whether the officers have immunity from local prosecution under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

In their letter, Herring and Descano say they hope the Biden administration will look at the facts and come to a different conclusion than the Trump administration about the officers' criminal liability.
NEW HAVEN  Qinxuan Pan, accused in the homicide of Yale graduate student Kevin Jiang, was being held in lieu of $20 million Thursday after being arraigned on a murder charge.

Pan appeared Thursday in state Superior Court in New Haven. He was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Montgomery, Ala., last week and extradited to Connecticut.

Pan attended his arraignment virtually in a gray shirt and gray shorts Thursday, and at one point appeared to lean forward to better hear Judge Brian Fischer.

Prosecutor Stacey Miranda alleged Pan, 30, had been renting an apartment in Alabama under a false name and was found to have been in possession of seven cellphones, seven SIM cards and his fathers passport.

She argued that Pan is a flight risk after having fled the state and engaged a nationwide manhunt that involved various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Miranda said Pans parents have very substantial financial effects and bid on a home in North Carolina as recently as last week; she argued for bail to be set at $50 million.

Bill Gerace, the attorney retained by Pans parents, who live in Malden, Mass., said he had 30 minutes to meet with Pan and described him as an engaging, very bright, nice man and a pleasure to deal with.

Pans parents were not in court as the arraignment was announced Thursday and they were not expecting it, he said.

Gerace initially said he had expected Pan could post bail if its reasonable. Gerace said he was retained Thursday, the day after Pans arrest.

Bail, however, was set at $20 million, which Gerace later told reporters he does not expect Pan to be able to post. He called the $20 million an unofficial record in the state of Connecticut.

Fischer transferred the case to the Superior Court Part A docket, where more serious cases are heard. Pans next scheduled court date is June 1.

Gerace said he and Pan didnt discuss the last few months when they met.

Gerace said Pan arrived in the U.S. in 2007 from China and is a full citizen. He said Pan has got an IQ thats stratospheric.

Jiang, 26, was fatally shot on Lawrence Street in the citys East Rock neighborhood on Feb. 6. He had become engaged the week before that to Zion Perry, a fellow Yale graduate student.

New Haven police announced Pans extradition back to Connecticut shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday to face a murder charge, stemming from a warrant authorities obtained in connection with Jiangs death.

Police believe Pan was in the area at the time Jiang was killed, former Chief Otoniel Reyes previously said.

A police report from Mansfield, Mass., indicated Pan allegedly traveled to Connecticut from Massachusetts in a stolen car the day of Jiangs homicide. North Haven police towed the vehicle later that night after it was found with a flat tire at a junkyard on Universal Drive. At the time, Pan was behind the wheel and had a valid license and proper insurance, North Haven police officials said.

New Haven police named Pan as a person of interest in the case on Feb. 10. Pan was seen in the early morning hours of Feb. 11 driving in Georgia with family members. By late February, police secured a warrant to charge Pan with the slaying.

Pan was enrolled as a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science since 2014. The university said he earned his undergraduate degree in June 2014. He last was living in Malden, Mass.

Authorities have not yet said whether there is any link between Jiang and Pan.

Perry, Jiangs fiancee, also attended MIT as an undergraduate student and earned her degree in biological engineering in 2020.
I thought your question was stupid, and offensive, he said. I wrote a book saying this is what we should learn from what has happened so far in COVID because were not done and its going to continue and if we dont learn the lessons were going to continue to make the same mistakes. Thats why I wrote the book, and, by the way, thats what happened.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  The North Carolina General Assembly on Thursday finalized legislation distributing another portion of federal coronavirus relief aid, with most of the $6.4 billion heading to K-12 schools and universities as well as child care and emergency rental assistance programs.

The Senate unanimously agreed to accept bill changes made by the House, which overwhelmingly passed the measure earlier in the day. The measure containing these American Rescue Plan dollars was sent to Gov. Roy Cooper, who is expected to sign it into law.
Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  An 18-year-old city resident was shot and killed Wednesday night, according to the Police Department.

Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert and 911 calls of gunfire near Ella T. Grasso Boulevards intersection with Edgewood Avenue just before 8 p.m., Sgt. Shayna Kendall said in an email.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Connecticut lawmakers passed a contentious bill Wednesday that prohibits limited pregnancy centers from using deceptive advertising about the pregnancy-related services they provide.

The bill, which now moves to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's desk, cleared the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on a mostly party-line vote of 87 to 56, following a lengthy debate that spanned much of the day. The legislation was previously passed in the state Senate.

Proposed in previous legislative sessions, advocates who contend the measure is needed to ensure women aren't deceived into thinking these typically faith-based centers are family planning clinics that provide abortion and other reproductive health care.

A woman should not be lied to seeking legal health care in the state of Connecticut, said Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford.

Critics of the bill, however, contend it's an unnecessary overreach by state government and pro-abortion advocates that unfairly targets well-meaning organizations that want to help women, predicting it would be challenged in court.

This bill is about using the strong arm of the government to steer people to one choice, to end pregnancies by abortion, said Rep. Mark Anderson, R-Granby.

Under the legislation, these centers, which do not directly provide abortions or provide referrals for abortions or emergency contraception, would be prohibited from making any deceptive statements about providing services they do not offer. The state Attorney General must notify centers in writing who violate the law. If they don't respond in 10 days, the Attorney General can seek a court injunction requiring, among other things, that the center disseminate corrective advertising.

Centers that violate the deceptive advertising prohibition could also face civil penalties. There are currently 25 centers in the state and Gilchrest stressed that not all use deceptive practices and the bill is about ensuring consistency.

Gilchrest said lawmakers heard from medical providers with patients who had been deceived by limited pregnancy centers in Connecticut, delaying them care and causing them trauma.
WASHINGTON (AP)  In her last years on the Supreme Court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg moved slowly. She was always the last justice to exit the courtroom, with Justice Clarence Thomas helping her down the steps from the Supreme Court bench. But Ginsburg, who died in September at age 87, was known for her speed at something: writing opinions.

In a new, short remembrance for The Supreme Court Historical Society, Thomas says Ginsburgs efficiency became a source of humorous banter as well as a thing of legend" among her colleagues.

Ginsburg described herself as Rapid Ruth when it came to opinion writing. And because she was so fast in writing her own opinions and so speedy in responding to draft opinions circulated by colleagues, other justices always got back to her as quickly as possible, said Thomas, who served with Ginsburg longer than any other justice.

It was as though we all owed it to her to reciprocate her conscientiousness. I cannot recall a single colleague who felt burdened by this. In fact, it often served as a source of laughter. When we discussed circulating opinions, she might quietly note that several colleagues had not responded to her opinion that circulated a day or two before. And, because it was her opinion, we would laughingly chide the tardy colleague, Thomas wrote.

Thomas first worked with Ginsburg when they served together on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Ginsburg had already been a judge on the court for nearly a decade when Thomas arrived in 1990, and he left for the Supreme Court just 19 months later. But he says Ginsburg invited him to dinner and they were assigned to the same three-judge panels a few times.

Before Ginsburg joined the Supreme Court in 1993, Thomas remembered, another justice asked his opinion of her. He gave her rave reviews based on their brief time together on the appeals court.

In my short time as a judge and as a member of the Court, I had learned that, unlike elsewhere in the city, disagreement was not the controlling factor in relationships among judges. Character and work ethic were far more important. I expected Judge Ginsburg would be an excellent colleague, and her tenure converted my assessment to a prophecy, he wrote.

On the court, the liberal Ginsburg and conservative Thomas disagreed more often than almost any other pair of justices. In her last term on the court, for example, they agreed with each other only 49% of the time. Only Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed with Thomas more often, according to statistics compiled on the SCOTUSblog website.

"Justice Ginsburg and I often disagreed, but at no time during our long tenure together were we disagreeable with each other. She placed a premium on civility and respect," Thomas wrote.

___

While civil, disagreements between justices can sometimes have an edge to them. A back-and-forth between Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Elena Kagan in an opinion this week seemed more heated than usual.

It was a contrast, at least, from 2018 when, after Kavanaugh's bruising confirmation, Kagan seemed to welcome him to the court. The justices, who sit next to each other, often seemed to chat warmly on the bench.

But this week, the pair was on opposite sides of an opinion about extending the impact of a 2020 Supreme Court decision. The 2020 opinion said criminal juries must be unanimous to convict. The question this time was whether that decision should be made retroactive, benefiting more people. Kavanaugh said no in a 6-3 decision for the court's conservatives.

His opinion steamed Kagan, who wrote a dissent for the court's three liberals. She hurled what amounts to a legal insult at Kavanaugh's opinion, saying it discards precedent without a party requesting that action.

And that was just the beginning of the barb-slinging. Kavanaugh, for his part, underscored that Kagan would have kept in place a 1972 decision approving non-unanimous juries. And he wrote that criminal defendants are better off after the two rulings than they would have been if Kagan's views won out. Kagan responded by accusing Kavanaugh of treating judging as scorekeeping while Kavanaugh called Kagan's rhetoric misdirected.

The justices have many more opinions to issue before they take a summer break. Whether Kagan and Kavanaugh will find common ground elsewhere or whether Kagan and her liberal colleagues will lose many more decisions 6-3 remains to be seen. But sometimes one charged disagreement can signal more to come.

___

The most prolific author on the Supreme Court will have a new book in September.

Justice Stephen Breyer's sixth book comes out then. The question is whether he'll still be a sitting justice when it's published. Some liberals have urged the 82-year-old justice to retire now, so that President Joe Biden can replace him with another liberal while Democrats have control of the Senate.

But Breyer said in a speech in April that judges dont make decisions with politics in mind. That speech is being published in book form with the title The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics. A summary of the book on Harvard University Press website says that if public trust in the judiciary is currently in decline, the solution is to promote better understanding of how the judiciary actually works: overwhelmingly, judges adhere to their oath to avoid considerations of politics and popularity. So would Breyer consider making a politically timed retirement? Maybe, but maybe not.

The courts other authors include Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the author of four books (eight if you count that each has a Spanish translation). Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Clarence Thomas have each published one book as a justice. The courts newest member, Amy Coney Barrett, also has a book deal.
NEW HAVEN  The University of Connecticut sent a fire truck and three firefighters to help safeguard New Haven during the funeral of late city Firefighter Ricardo Torres Jr. Thursday, joining departments from across the country.

UConn Fire Chief William Perez said the calculation was straightforward  New Haven Fire Chief John Alston had requested the help; Perez had firefighters who previously served in the city; it was a chance to lend a hand in a difficult time.

I believe in a time of need like this, we try to help each other out as one big family, said Perez. You never know (in the fire service)  it could be us.

Departments from East Haven, West Haven, Stratford, Milford, North Haven, Hamden, Branford and Bridgeport all had a presence in covering the Elm City Thursday, East Haven Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli said in a Facebook post Thursday evening, as well as Norwalk, Waterbury, Cromwell, Madison, the Yale Center for EMS, AMR, New London, Wilton, East Hartford, West Hartford, the Connecticut Fire Academy and Swansey, N.H.

Stephanie Reitz, university spokesperson, said UConn firefighters had also come to attend Torres funeral. There is light activity on campus at this point, making the opportunity easier to realize, she said.

With the semester having ended and pandemic-related telecommuting still going on, the UConn Storrs campus is very lightly populated, said Reitz. Given that the needs of the campus can be covered with the other apparatus and firefighters we have in place, it was important to everyone in the Fire Department to support New Haven and its public safety crews today in whatever way they could.

Perez said the decision was in keeping with the culture of fire departments, as well as the schools tradition of kindness.

Were all in this together, said Perez.

Torres died last Wednesday while fighting a fire on Valley Street.

He joined the department in July 2019, serving on Engine 6. He left behind his wife, Erica Martinez, who is pregnant, and son Oliver Torres, according to his obituary.

Local 825 President Patrick Cannon said during Torres funeral that firefighters from Puerto Rico, California and Montreal, among other places across the country and the world, had come to New Haven to pay respects.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Department of Homeland Security plans to ramp up social media tracking as part of an enhanced focus on domestic violent extremism. While the move is a response to weaknesses exposed by the deadly U.S. Capitol insurrection, it's raising concerns about undermining Americans civil liberties.

President Joe Biden's top appointees have called white supremacists the greatest security threat to the country and are pushing for bolstered intelligence gathering. Closely watching are advocates for communities of color and groups that have previously been the focus of intensified surveillance, sometimes unlawfully.

DHS in recent weeks has announced a new office in its intelligence branch focusing on domestic extremism and a new center to facilitate local prevention frameworks that, according to a statement, can better identify people who may be radicalizing, or have radicalized, to violence.

The overall effort is in its early stages. The department is exploring partnerships with tech companies, universities, and nonprofit groups to access publicly available data. DHS will also train analysts on tracking social media and how to distinguish a threat from the exercise of free speech.

DHS officials say the goal is to better monitor and respond to story lines percolating on social media that could incite violence. With a more focused effort, the department could better assess domestic threats and move to protect potential targets of attacks, the officials said.

Its really important that people understand that in this administration, we do not view the mission of Homeland Security to police thought, said John Cohen, the departments assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat prevention. Its about protecting against acts of violence.

Cohen noted that the agency understands its success could be undermined if what we are doing is viewed as constitutionally incorrect.

Civil rights advocates care closely following the plan. Abed Ayoub, legal director at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said he had spoken to Biden administration officials before and since theyve taken office about their efforts to combat white extremism.

These programs almost always end up targeting Black and brown communities, Ayoub said. He added: It does seem that the focus...will be on white supremacy.

Republicans have also raised concerns about cracks in the traditional firewall between domestic and foreign intelligence. DHS and the FBI have domestic missions while the CIA is largely prohibited from spying on U.S. citizens. But all intelligence agencies, including Homeland Securitys intelligence arm, report to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, whose office compiled a threat assessment published earlier this year highlighting the threat of white extremism.

U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, said hes concerned about information gathered by the CIA being used indirectly by agencies like DHS and the FBI. Stewart also questioned the departments plans to contract with private companies for social media data.

I understand there are concerns regarding domestic terrorism, Stewart said. I support those efforts so long as (they) do not breach the wall between using intelligence assets that are supposed to be focused on foreign threats.

He added: You cant backdoor that by saying, We wont, but well pay Google to do that for us.

Cohen, who previously worked for DHS under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, said the department would not tap private companies to collect intelligence that it would otherwise be barred from collecting. We cannot hire them to do things that we cant do under our own authorities, he said.

The Jan. 6 riot, in which a mob seeking to stop the certification of Bidens victory ransacked the Capitol, exposed intelligence weaknesses across law enforcement. Police on scene were left unequipped to stop the rioters, many of whom were carrying bear spray, metal pipes, and even guns.

It emerged quickly that the FBI had issued a prior warning that some extremists were speculating about war at the Capitol. And public posts on social media showed people expressing support for trying to stop the Electoral College certification, including by using force.

DHS officials say Jan. 6 underscored that the government needed to better evaluate and act on information that may be readily available on public sites, but different from traditional forms of intelligence.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has insisted that officials from the department's civil rights and civil liberties section be included in all discussions about the new programs, the officials said. The effort will not use artificial intelligence, nor will it track specific individuals.

In its nearly two decades of existence, DHS has been repeatedly accused of violating civil liberties protections in trying to monitor threats.

Hugh Handeyside, a national security lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, said he was concerned the expansion of surveillance programs would renew questions about protecting free speech and privacy rights.

Responding to security failures by giving law enforcement and intelligence agencies unneeded power and resources amounts to a one-way ratchet, he said in an email. "The reality is that the federal government already has more than sufficient authority to investigate and prosecute white supremacist violence.
STAMFORD  A week after suffering a serious gunshot wound to the arm, a 38-year-old Stamford man is facing gun charges related to the shooting, according to an arrest warrant.

Derek Mitchell was arrested Tuesday on charges of criminal possession of a firearm, stealing a firearm, illegal possession of a large capacity magazine and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.

The charges stem from a May 8 shooting that left Mitchell and a 23-year-old woman suffering from gunshot wounds outside of an apartment complex on Ludlow Street.

Investigator Luis Velez wrote in the arrest warrant that there was a large group of people gathered outside 59-2 Ludlow St., following a party earlier in the day at Dyke Park.

Around 10:23 p.m. a black-colored Jeep aggressively turned into the exit-only section of the Ludlow Town House, according to the warrant. Witnesses told police that the Jeeps driver, later identified as Mitchell, exited the car and began arguing with another man.

During the argument, Mitchell was punched multiple times by the other man, sending him stumbling back to his vehicle where he retrieved a gun and began firing in the direction of the other man, the warrant said.

The warrant states Mitchell then fled the scene in his Jeep.

Police eventually tracked Mitchell to Stamford Hospital, where he had driven himself before collapsing in the emergency room entrance, the warrant said. The warrant said Mitchell later underwent emergency surgery for arterial damage he suffered to his right arm from a gunshot wound. The wound was considered serious, but not life-threatening, Velez wrote.

The warrant did not make clear where or how Mitchell had suffered a gunshot wound.

Officer Vanessa Lynn was one of the first officers to respond to the hospital, according to the warrant. At the scene, she found the Jeep matching the description of the vehicle used in the earlier shooting.

The warrant states that inside the car, within plain sight, Lynn found a black Glock handgun with an extended magazine sitting on the drivers side seat. The gun, the seat, the steering wheel and door were all covered in blood, a trail of which led into the emergency room entrance.

Police later learned the handgun found in Mitchells car had been reported stolen out of a Rustburg, Virginia home in January 2020.

Mitchell, who police say is a convicted felon, is being held on $500,000 bond.

He is next scheduled to appear in court on June 10.
KeyBank had taken over the former headquarters of First Niagara Bank after it moved to the Larkin building in downtown Buffalo.
City Comptroller Scott Stringer pounced on Yang as well, lambasting him for appearing not to know that the city has designated shelters for victims of domestic violence. At a forum on homelessness Thursday, Yang said that it would be extraordinarily helpful ... to have specific shelters for victims of domestic violence who should have a separate facility or place.
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The Peoples Democratic Party has reacted to the defection of the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, to the All Progressives Congress. Ay...





The Peoples Democratic Party has reacted to the defection of the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, to the All Progressives Congress.

Ayade announced his defection on Thursday after a closed-door meeting with six APC governors at the Governors Office in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

He based his decision on the need to align Cross River with the government at the centre so as to enhance the states fortunes.

Reacting, the PDP through a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, wished the governor well in his future endeavours.

The party, however, urged its members in the state to ensure that all party structure in the state remains intact.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notes the decamping of the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade.

Our party calls on all critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party in Cross River to immediately pull together and ensure that all structure of our party in the state remains intact.

The PDP wishes Governor Ayade well in his new political sojourn as well as in his future endeavours, the statement read.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has lashed out at the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar M...

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has lashed out at the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami for kicking against the resolve by the southern governors to ban open grazing within the region.

According to Akeredolu, it is worrisome for Malami who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, to compare a well-structured business such as the spare part business with the archaic method of cattle grazing.

Akeredolu maintained that the ban on open grazing in the southern region has come to stay and will be enforced with utmost vigour.

The Attorney General was said to have frowned at the meeting of the Southern Governors Forum held in Asaba, Delta State capital where the governors ordered the immediate ban of open grazing across the zone.

Akeredolu who coordinated the Asaba meeting in a statement he personally signed, urged Malami to approach the court if he has anything against the move by the governors.

While emphasizing that the decision to ban open grazing was taken in the interest of the people, Akeredolu in the statement said, It is most unfortunate that the AGF is unable to distil issues as expected of a Senior Advocate. Nothing can be more disconcerting.

This outburst should, ordinarily, not elicit response from reasonable people who know the distinction between a legitimate business that is not in any way injurious and a certain predilection for anarchy.

Clinging to an anachronistic model of animal husbandry, which is evidently injurious to harmonious relationship between the herders and the farmers as well as the local populace, is wicked and arrogant.

Comparing this anachronism, which has led to loss of lives, farmlands and property, and engendered untold hardship on the host communities, with buying and selling of auto parts is not only strange. It, annoyingly, betrays a terrible mindset.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has okayed the decision of the Southern Governors to ban open grazing in...

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has okayed the decision of the Southern Governors to ban open grazing in the region.

This was disclosed by the National Patron of MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin, on Thursday, while addressing newsmen in Kaduna State.

According to him, the decision would help in ending the lingering crisis between farmers and herders in the country.

He said, though the herders have carried out their activities in Africa for over 100 years without any crisis, the continent has grown in population with modern farming, which has led to difficulty in open grazing.

Details shortly
The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate impeachment of Governor Hope Uzodinma, accusing h...





The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate impeachment of Governor Hope Uzodinma, accusing him of being complacent over the increasing insecurity in the State.

The opposition party spoke through its Director General of New Media, Collins Opuruzor.

The party accused the governor of having no regard for human lives, because according to it, the governor has refused to proffer a lasting solution to the extra judicial killings in the State.

The PDP spokesman, in his write up, said the governor prefers finding comfort in Abuja while his state is on fire.

He said, the primary purpose of government is the security of life and property. In this aspect, the governor has failed woefully and thats why the state is in ruins.

Unfortunately, our lawmaking body seems to have been pocketed. They are now acting according to the governors directives. This is an anomaly.

The comical claim by Governor Uzodinma that the opposition is behind the insecurity in the state has further defined him as totally at a loss with what governance is, and has unmasked him as a huge threat to the peace and security of the state.

In Imo, each day brings a new sorrow. Hardly does a night pass without fire and fury pouring down in Owerri and its environs. The people are living in fear of the unknown and the Governor does not give a damn.

He rather finds comfort in Abuja leaving his state in devastation. This early morning, he jetted back to his base (Abuja). Tell me what effort he put up within these few days he was in Imo, nothing.

But this is absolutely not right. How can a Governor whose state is on fire be running to Abuja every two days to seek refuge?

Frankly, Governor Uzodinma has proven that he is incompetent to govern the state, and should be shown the way out.

I call on the Imo State House of Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, initiate a move towards impeaching the governor or all of us will die here over insecurity.
Popular Nigerian Comedian, Basketmouth has warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC may not conduct the 2023 general ...

Popular Nigerian Comedian, Basketmouth has warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC may not conduct the 2023 general election if hoodlums continue burning the electoral bodys offices across the country.

In the past few weeks, INEC has recorded fire incidences in its offices across Nigeria.

Two of its offices in Ebonyi State was recently burnt down.

At least 20 INEC offices have been gutted by fire in the last two years, including four fire incidences in Akwa Ibom; Abia three in Anambra and two in Imo.

Other fire incidents were recorded in Borno, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Kano, Ondo, Plateau and Rivers, Abuja was also affected.

It was learned that while 11 offices were burnt by hoodlums, eight others were gutted under mysterious circumstances or by electrical faults.

But speaking against the recent trend, Basketmouth warned that the burning of INEC offices could give President Muhammadu Buharis government an excuse to stay longer if the commission is unable to conduct an election in 2023.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Basketmouth said, Ive been reading the news and seen reports of INEC offices razed by fire. These guys are definitely upset with the way things are and burning the offices.

But what if INEC says due to burnt offices and materials they cant conduct election in 2023 that means this government will continue to rule and your vex will last for a long time.

With the way Im looking at this country, fuel will increase drastically next year.

If you keep burning the offices, you will give them an excuse to stay in power.
State and local health departments across the U.S. are setting in motion preparations for school-based clinics to help vaccinate youth against COVID-19. Vecteezy.com
This has been going on for far too long, the occupation, Bowman said. We just need peace and we need to figure out how to get to peace.
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The fighting began May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site that is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.
Rocio Tirado was having dinner with her two children at Chilangos Restaurant in Kenner when her business partner, Valeria Ali, burst through the door with balloons, a big smile and a sign that said: "We won."

I thought she was getting married, said Tirado, the chief operating officer of Jambalaya News Louisiana, a local media outlet that reports information for the Spanish-speaking community. It took me a little time to realize what we won."

When it sunk in that the prize was a $73,865 Google Innovation Grant, Tirado hopped up and hugged Ali, a recent graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, as the diners around them applauded.

+4 'Macbeth' comes to life online, with actors from 5 New Orleans high schools each presenting one act When it comes to acting, Raynell Lemelle has a reliable method for memorizing his lines  even if those lines comprise the complex prose of Wi

Ali received the grant as part of Google News Initiatives $300 million commitment to help journalism thrive in the digital age. The companys latest Innovation Challenge focused on projects that elevate underrepresented audiences and promote diversity, equity and inclusion within their journalism.

Ali, with help from Tirado and the Jambalaya team, developed a project dubbed Al Dia (The Daily), which is a messaging service, or SMS.

Al Dia sends its Spanish-speaking readers instant messages about local and national breaking news, events and services. Recipients can message questions to the Jambalaya team and receive responses in real time.

The Latino community is what inspired Al Dia, viewing them as people that need resources, and that are striving for a better life, Ali said, explaining how language and technology barriers can hinder their progress. They need something that'll help them get there; news is really important.

Through research, Ali determined that local Latinos access news through social media apps like Facebook, which are laced with misleading information.

+3 Local artists redesign backboards from community bball courts in a contest that aims to inspire As a visual street artist and a native New Orleanian, Brandan "Bmike" Odums scopes out projects that celebrate and uplift the Black community.

Sometimes the important information that they need isn't the first thing that pops up on their timeline, Ali said. It's already too far down their timeline, so they miss the information.

With Al Dias messaging system, readers dont have to search for information. And if they dont understand the news, they can ask for clarification.

That second component was inspired by the pandemic.

We had so many calls asking where the (COVID) tests were being held, and How can I treat this? What can I do?, Tirado said. We had the team out here just answering the phones, because we didn't have anything to do. We couldn't go and sell advertisements.

Al Dia is still under construction, but Ali believes it will be up and running by the end of the year.

Although Al Dia is the first business venture between Ali and Tirado, the women have known each other for several years.

+4 During a COVID year, mothers and adult children working in health care forge new bonds Mothers and their children have an almost indescribable bond. But those who work together in health care  especially during the pandemic of t

Tirado, who is from Peru, began working at Jambalaya in 2006. Ali joined Jambalaya as an intern in May 2020, while also managing marketing for some small Hispanic businesses. When Ali officially launched her business, Imagen Marketing Agency, Jambalaya News came onboard as her first major client.

In late fall 2020, when Ali presented the Al Dia campaign to Google virtually from Loyolas library, Tirado was with her.

Rocio Tirado has been like a guardian angel for me, Ali said. She has impacted my life and influenced me to always strive for the best, dream big, and have faith in God, because it'll work out."

Ali had a busy senior year. While running a business and developing Al Dia, the marketing major took a total of 13 classes.

It was very challenging, but at the end of the day, it was so worth it, said Ali. It was all about prioritizing and sacrificing things that I knew I would have to put on hold to reach my career goals and dreams.

Ali said Loyola  especially its business school  prepared her for Al Dia.

Felipe Massa, my entrepreneurship professor, gave me so much knowledge on how to get an idea to come to life, said Ali.

After she graduates, Ali may pursue her MBA, or follow the prelaw track. But regardless, she hopes to eventually become a community leader.

I don't know what path I need to take in order to get there; I'm still trying to figure it all out, Ali said. The opportunities are endless.

She credits her faith in God for helping her get this far.

This goes for everything in life: If you do it with faith, if you do it with love, if you do it with all the determination and motivation in your heart, life will give it back to you tenfold, Ali said.

Her success also stems, she says, from her single mother, a cosmetologist who worked hard to support the family.

Seeing her grind and hustle motivated and inspired me, Ali said. Sometimes as humans, we can limit how much we can do. I was able to see in this year alone, I am able to do so much if I just put my mind to it.
It didn't take long for Katy Goldstein to put her stamp on the house she bought on Eagle Street in Pigeontown. Goldstein and her 11-year-old-daughter, Paisley, moved in less than a year ago, but already the 1,400-square-foot cottage bears her unmistakable imprint, both inside and out.

I went to Parsons (School of Design) for a few years, said Goldstein, an occupational therapist. I guess you could say I am an art school dropout.

Maybe so, but her home benefits from her love of design, color and pattern. Entering through the front door, guests are greeted by a dramatic gallery wall featuring photographs of Storyville women, oyster plates, drawings (one of the family dog), paintings, a New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival poster or two and a self-portrait by Goldstein, all framed appealingly.

I love shopping at thrift stores  thats where I find most of the frames, said Goldstein. Framing something professionally costs a fortune, so I buy frames and mats at thrift shops and spray-paint them. It's amazing what you can do with a can of spray paint.

Or three cans, when required. The brilliantly hued palm-frond chandelier that hangs above the dining table is a perfect example of Goldsteins wizardry.

First I painted the whole thing blue with Rustoleum spray paint, because its metal and was pretty rusty when I bought it through Nextdoor, she said. Then I sprayed on a dark green, and for the final touches I used a light green. Today it looks like a million dollars.

Goldstein wholeheartedly endorses the use of paint  sprayed or brushed on  to enliven furniture.

It does so much for the space, its inexpensive, and all it takes is a little elbow grease, she said.

One example would be the bright pink painted cabinet to the left of the front door, with an Hermes New Orleans scarf as its backdrop. Or even Goldsteins dining table  another thrift store find that she painted a dark metallic gray.

The house comprises three bedrooms and two baths, plus a laundry room, kitchen, dining area and living room. The kitchen, dining and living areas all flow together in an L-shaped open space.

One of the elements that Goldstein likes best about the house is the solid wood butcher block countertops in the kitchen.

They're practical and they look good, too, she said.

Paisleys room is situated across from the guest room, where Goldsteins mom, Linda Medders, stays when shes visiting from Gulf Shores. Strings of white Christmas lights hang in rows from the ceiling behind Paisley's bed, imparting a magical feel to the space.

Down the hallway at the rear of the cottage is Goldsteins bedroom, where her treatment of the wall behind the bed commands immediate attention. Rendered in dozens of colors in a graffiti art style, it demonstrates again how useful a can of spray paint or a gallon of regular paint can be when designing inexpensively.

Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the home is not whats visible when you enter the front door but whats out the back door.

David and I call it the no mow lawn, said Goldstein, referring to David Broome, a landscape designer. I did not want the work of cutting the grass but wanted a functional and beautiful backyard. That's what I got.

Theres an area of large, square concrete pavers at the base of the steps, intended for use during cookouts and crawfish boils. To the right is a sparkling aboveground pool, wrapped with a vertical bamboo screen that fits in with the landscape. Straight ahead, a pergola with pull down shades offers a place to dine or simply hang out. There's a trampoline in one rear corner, a swing in the other. Everything is connected by paths of washed gravel held in place by metal edging.

Between and around the paths are installations of low-growing plants, including mondo grass, sedum and lemon drops. Tall blue ceramic pots  filled with plants such as Hawaiian ti and torenia  provide vertical accents. Oh, and true to her word, theres not a blade of grass to be seen.

Goldstein said the biggest surprise about her new house is her neighborhood, Pigeontown, located not far from the Sewerage & Water Board plant on South Claiborne Avenue.

Every morning when I leave for work, I hear someone shouting Hey neighbor! Don's Food Mart is across the street and has amazing food, she said. David and I were collaborating on the yard a few weeks ago, sitting at my backyard table eating po-boys from Don's, when we heard a second-line going down the street. We just ran down to the corner and watched, and said to each other, 'Man, you don't get this everywhere, do you?

+14 Inside this Old Metairie townhouse, an upbeat vibe and big, bold artwork How does one transition from a 4,500-square-foot, four-bedroom house with an exercise room, costume closets, a stage and theater to a two-bedr

+16 From a hanging fireplace to a caged elevator, this sleek Magazine Street home is a standout Skoota Warner met Yucynthia Yucy Jean-Louis in New York City about 15 years ago, and right away, they seemed to be in harmony.
After vaccine protection from COVID-19, many people start making plans to get back out. Lately, though, just getting the vaccine can mean planning a meal.

A New Orleans event last week dished out free crawfish to people getting the pandemic-fighting vaccine. This week, burritos are up for grabs when you get the jab.

City health officials and Ochsner Health are holding an event Friday (May 21) with Felipes Mexican Taqueria, which will give a free super burrito to people who get the vaccine.

Ochsner will administer the Pfizer vaccine or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine on site.

The event is from 2 to 6 p.m. at Felipes Mid-City location, 411 N. Carrollton Ave.

The vaccine is free, and no identification or health insurance is required to receive it.

+3 Ian McNulty: As New Orleans revives, dont pretend restaurants and bars are back to normal When youre fully vaccinated, when you know the people you spend time with are fully vaccinated, things can start to feel kind of, sort of, al

The burrito offer is the latest in a string of similar promotions meant to spark attention and get more people out to receive the vaccine. The inducements underline an increasingly urgent plea across the community to increase vaccination rates.

Health experts say that a vaccination rate of at least 75%, and potentially higher, is needed to reach herd immunity.

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In New Orleans, the press to get the vaccine has moved from waitlists of people desperate to get a shot to creative initiatives to spur more participation, from churches to bars to outdoor tables under the Pontchartrain Expressway where medical teams work to vaccinate homeless people encamped there.

Vaccination events are happening all across the city day to day. You can find schedules and details on the citys website, here.

Free burrito vaccination event

Where: Felipes Mexican Taqueria, 411 N. Carrollton Ave.

When: Friday, May 21, 2-6 p.m.

Get more information about vaccinations in New Orleans at ready.nola.gov/vaccine.

Note: this story has been updated with the name of the health provider administering the vaccine

+5 Confused about mask rules? New Orleans businesses struggle with mask policy muddle Mask rules have been relaxed in some places, but not everywhere. And across the New Orleans area, shopkeepers, restaurateurs and bar managers 

+12 Old school Brooklyn pizzeria brings new slice shop to downtown New Orleans When you have ready access to it, pizza by the slice can be a unit of measure. One slice is a snack. Double that and you have lunch. Get four 
t's a weekend of great food and beverages, helping local art and education programs, learning about sultry scientists and music to wrap it up on all sides of the lake.

More than 2,000 pounds of Louisiana crawfish, catfish and Cajun cuisine will be on the menu for the annual Jefferson Chamber and the Greater New Orleans business community Crawfish Boil at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the office at 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie. In addition to the crustaceans, there'll be music, beverages and games. Tickets $35 and up. Get a taste here.

The History and Tasting of the Apertifs in France features cocktails and wines, as importer Jean-Francois Bonnete leads for the French-American Chamber of Commerce. St. James Cheese will provide noshables at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, 641 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans. Tickets start at $40, registration required. Tickets here.

YAYA Back in Bloom (Young Aspirations | Young Artists) is a spring showcase for art demonstrations including glasswork, plus music by Jack Sledge and the Hammers, a arts market and more. The free event is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at 3322 LaSalle St., New Orleans. RSVP here.

Film star, legendary beauty and inventor Hedy Lamarr comes to life in a one-woman-show at the National WWII Museum when "Hedy! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr" opening Friday in BB's Stage Door Canteen. Author and actor Heather Massie stars as the Viennese-born wife of an arms merchant, recounting her support of the U.S. Navy's war efforts by inventing a torpedo accuracy system still in use today in cellphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and more. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $37. More here.

Live choral music returns to the area when the Northlake Performing Arts Society stages "How Can I Keep From Singing," a duo of concerts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2480 Highway 190, Mandeville. Tickets $15. Tickets here.

Need to bone up on some live music? Head over to the Howlin' Wolf at 9 p.m. Saturday for Bonerama's brassy blend of funk and rock at the 907 S. Peters St., New Orleans, venue. Tickets start at $50. Tickets here.

Newcomb Art Museum reopens Saturday with free admission 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Tulane University campus. Closed for the pandemic, the museum will now be open Tuesday through Saturday to explore the current and permanent exhibitions at Woldenberg Art Center #202, Newcomb Circle, New Orleans. See more here.

Friends of the Cabildo offers a chance to see one of the city's iconic neighborhoods Friday at 1 0 a.m. for the Carrollton Neighborhood Tour, departing Le Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe at Carrollton and St. Charles Avenues. The tour meanders through the what was once the seat of Jefferson Parish. Masks are required and a tour audio system will be used. Tickets $20 and up. Tickets here.

Music, food, art and auctions blend for an evening of fun and philanthropy Saturday for the NOCCA Institute with Art of the Feast in person or virtually. Enjoy a five-course dinner in person by alum Quentin Jackson and the Link Restaurant Group chefs or get a Galatoire's four-course meal to relish at home. Meal tickets start at $150. The event and pickup are at Press Street Station and NOCCA's Solomon Family Hall, 600 Home Plessy Way, New Orleans. Feast facts here.

An evening of Classical Clarinet Music by French and American composers will benefit St. Annas Episcopal Church and Annas Place NOLA, a non-profit community program providing after-school and other services to the children and families of the Treme area Sunday at 6 p.m. at 1313 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans. The musicale features youth program founder Darryl Durham on clarinet with Ken Leach at piano and Elizabeth Overweg on violin. Tickets here.

Want your event considered? Email events@theadvocate.com.
Just before the coronavirus pandemic, d.b.a. owner Tom Thayer was preparing to sell his popular Frenchmen Street music venue and bar.

Fourteen months later, he not only still owns his original d.b.a., but has opened a second venue across the street.

This weekend, he throws open the gates of d.b.a. at Palace Market, an outdoor venue in the former home of the Frenchmen Street art market. d.b.a. at Palace Market will host ticketed, seated concerts on weekends, with bar service provided by the original d.b.a. and food from the nearby Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and Three Muses.

The new venues Frenchmen alFresco Music Series kicks off Thursday with Charlie & the Tropicales followed by Holly Rock.

Fridays schedule features the New Orleans Jazz Vipers at 5 p.m., then the Papa Mali Acoustic Trio at 8. Tickets for each show are $10, available through www.dbaneworleans.com.

The Tin Men open Saturdays programming with a free show at 2 p.m. Next up is the Treme Brass Band at 5; tickets are $10. Ivan Neville caps off Saturday with his Scrape & Drums duo with drummer Deven Trusclair at 8; tickets are $25.

I think its a great addition to the street, Thayer said. We hope it gets locals back to Frenchmen Street.

That hes even more deeply invested than ever in Frenchmen Street is something of a surprise.

He arrived in New Orleans 21 years ago to open the original d.b.a. at 618 Frenchmen St. He was the sweat equity guy, building d.b.a.s top-notch roster of live music and spirits.

As Frenchmen Street transitioned into more of a tourist destination, he found himself spending less and less time at the club. For the two years before the pandemic, he was immersed in the grueling legal process of buying out shares of d.b.a. from the estates of his deceased partners.

+14 'Nothing's off the table': New Orleans music club d.b.a. tries to hold on with livestreams Tom Thayer, proprietor of popular Frenchmen Street music venue d.b.a., has spent the pandemic working from a table and sofa in front of his em

Burnt out and ready for a change, he put d.b.a. up for sale just as the pandemic hit. With the once-thriving club now shuttered, he couldnt get the price he wanted.

Looking for a way to generate income during the pandemic, he eventually started presenting livestreamed performances from the d.b.a. stage. He also helped coordinate the performance schedule for bands who busked across the street outside the closed Frenchmen Street art market.

Last fall, he and the markets owner, Gregor Fox, started talking about partnering on an open-air music venue. To get it up and running, they worked closely with Andrew Portwood, founder of Fox Pocket, a management and consulting firm specializing in live events and the hospitality industry.

Before founding Fox Pocket, Portwood spent seven years at the downtown Joy Theater, working with various promoters to present concerts. He was the Joys general manager when he left in late 2020 to launch Fox Pocket.

d.b.a. at the Palace Market is his first Fox Pocket client. Hes been invaluable, Thayer said.

Initially, the new venues capacity will be capped at 100, with patrons seated at 28 tables arrayed throughout the space.

People havent seen each other in a year, Portwood said. They want to reconnect, catch up and talk. We wanted to create a comfortable setting to cater to that, where locals and visitors can sit down, get a good cocktail, listen to music and catch up with family and friends.

During the pandemic, new outdoor venues like the Broadside and the Zony Mash Beer Project have been embraced by music fans leery of being indoors. Even as the pandemic recedes, plenty of people are in no hurry to get in a room with a bunch of other people yet, Thayer said. I dont know if I am.

The original d.b.a. initially reopened this spring by only serving to-go drinks outside. With weekend Frenchmen Street crowds starting to return to pre-pandemic levels, d.b.a. opened the bar side of its double room to once again serve drinks indoors. The music hall side of the club remains dark, as Thayer awaits clarification on live music regulations.

Meanwhile, he and his partners are ready to welcome musicians and customers at d.b.a. at Palace Market. Fans of NCIS: New Orleans, the locally shot CBS series that concludes its seven-year run on Sunday, may recognize some of the new venues fixtures. After NCIS: New Orleans shot its final episode, Thayer spent five hours shopping in the Harahan warehouse where the shows props and set decor were stored.

He came away with some super cool stuff. The new venues hostess stand is a repurposed TSA prop from an NCIS airport scene. The two-top tables and giant planters that will populate the new space also came from the NCIS warehouse.

I could have spent another 10 hours, Thayer said. I wish Id brought a bigger truck.

d.b.a. at Palace Market will, initially at least, operate under a special event permit. Because it does not have its own liquor license, drinks will be prepared at the original d.b.a. across the street. Patrons can place orders via their phones to be delivered to the table, or walk across Frenchmen Street and pick them up themselves.

Its about the same distance youd walk from the front of the Saenger Theatre to the lobby to get a drink, Thayer said.

Though the city has loosened many COVID restrictions, the 1 a.m. last call is still in place. For d.b.a. at Palace Market, closing time is even earlier: 10 p.m.

The music will end on the earlier side, Thayer said. That wont be the case in the club once it reopens.

Two days before Thursdays grand opening of d.b.a. at Palace Market, Thayer was still prepping the space between rainstorms. When opening a new club, whether indoors or outdoors, "theres always a billion things to do.

With summer around the corner, hell be adding sun sails and umbrellas to provide shade.

Every week, well get it dialed in a little more, he said. After Labor Day and as we get into October, well be hitting on all cylinders as we get into festival season and out of hurricane season. Im looking forward to seeing it all pull together.

Getting the outdoor space ready to host music has given me a newfound love of it, Thayer said. Im ready to dig into it again.
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

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New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno has proposed an ordinance that would automatically pardon people in New Orleans found in possession of marijuana, marking a big step toward condoning the drug's use in the city.

The rules, which were introduced at the council's meeting Thursday, would pardon any municipal court summons police issue or have issued to people for simple possession of marijuana. The city's smoke-free ordinance would be expanded to prohibit smoking marijuana wherever smoking tobacco is banned, and to specifically ban people from smoking marijuana in public spaces.

Marijuana legalization effort is done for now. Here's how it was different, and its future The effort to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Louisiana, which got further than ever before this year after an unexpected bipartisa

Synthetic cannabis would continue to be banned. People could also not receive refunds of past fines they have paid to the city for simple possession, though future fines would be discharged.

The announcement comes amid a broader liberalization around personal drug use in U.S. cities and states. It also follows a stalled effort to legalize pot statewide, as a bill that would have taxed marijuana sales and paved the way for legalizing recreational marijuana use died this week in the Louisiana House amid opposition from the powerful Louisiana Sheriffs Association.

A separate bill to fine people for simple pot possession rather than send them to jail is still moving forward.

Last month, New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams said he would refuse most low-level drug possession charges, and went beyond marijuana to include arrests for possession of cocaine and methamphetamines.

Moreno said the goal of the local ordinance is to remedy a drug law that has fined a disproportionate number of Black residents for pot use. The existing law, which directs New Orleans police to issue local summonses for pot possession, saddles officers with busy work when they could be fighting violent crime, she said.

"Decriminalizing cannabis isnt just about promoting equal justice, this also speaks to better use of our NOPD resources and a force multiplier to help focus on calls for service," Moreno said. "What Im proposing is out of the box, and automatic preemptive pardons are the first to be attempted. I know this is a heavy lift and this work will be hard, but it is important, and Im dedicated to making this happen."

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The ordinance now heads to the council's criminal justice committee, where it will be vetted before being considered by the full council.

The changes, if approved, would only affect local rules that govern how NOPD operates. The state's law against marijuana use would remain in effect. That means that residents could still be fined or arrested by Louisiana State Police or other law-enforcement agencies operating in the city for smoking marijuana.

In New Orleans, the effort to decriminalize the drug stretches back years, though Moreno's proposal is the most far-reaching.

Ordinances in 2010 and in 2016 allowed police to issue summonses instead of arrests for marijuana possession. As a result, pot arrests dropped by nearly 99% from 2009 to 2020, according to crime analyst Jeff Asher.

Even with that decline, Black people were still the most likely targets of marijuana enforcement laws. Last year, about 86% of all arrests and summonses issued for marijuana were issued to Black residents, most often Black males, according to Asher.

Roughly 60% of people fail to show up in court after being assigned a ticket, which can lead to arrest warrants. And even those who do show up and pay are considered to have pleaded guilty to a drug offense, which can adversely affect their employment or housing prospects.

Polls in Louisiana and around the country show shifting attitudes around marijuana use, with 55% of the state's residents supporting recreational use, according to a University of New Orleans survey and 60% of Americans supporting the same, according to the Pew Research Center.

Moreno said she originally sought to outright strike penalties for simple possession from the city's code. But if the local rule was abolished, that would leave the state law in place, which could then be enforced by the NOPD.

Instead, under her ordinance the local language would remain on the books, but the council and the mayor would pardon past offenses and any future ones under her plan.

If the ordinance is passed by the full council and signed by Mayor LaToya Cantrell it would take effect this September.
The federal bankruptcy court in New Orleans agreed on a deal to let the defaulted buyer of the Wadsworth Estates tract out of paying a $450,000 deposit on the property after he wasn't able to come up with the money.

Instead, under a deal with creditors Tuesday, retired non-profit executive Charles Beasley is on the hook for just $10,000  his original non-refundable fee to bid on the 92-acre north shore property.

At an April 8 bankruptcy auction, Beasley had made the winning $9 million bid for the partially-developed land once owned by former First NBC Bank chief executive Ashton Ryan and his business partners.

+3 Buyer of $9M north shore tract Wadsworth Estates defaults on bid, but this new buyer steps up An impulse purchase of a $9 million tract of prime north shore real estate at a bankruptcy auction last month now looks like one that should h

Beasley, who said he got interested in the auction after reading about it in the newspaper, didn't have any prior experience in property development but claimed he had arranged financing. When it came time to pay the nearly half-million dollar deposit, he didn't have it.

Some of the Wadsworth Estates creditors had wanted to pursue him and his wife for the full $450,000. But Judge Meredith Grabill ruled that it was in the best interest of all the creditors if they agreed to settle with the Beasleys and sell the estate to John Crosby, a Mandeville property developer who has agreed to pay the full $9 million to buy the property.

The agreement on Tuesday releases the Beasleys and the various companies they set up to complete the purchase from any future liability in relation to the default.

Laura Beasley served a petition for divorce on Charles Beasley on April 21 at the Lakeview Senior Behavioral Center in Covington. According to St. Tammany District Court filings, Laura Beasley said that Charles' had a bipolar condition that was a threat to the family finances.

Neither the Beasleys nor their attorney responded to requests for comment.

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With the sale to Crosby, the court said that the main creditors and the local tax authority could get paid. First American Bank and Trust and Beverley Construction each are owed more than $3 million, while St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office will get more than $46,000 in back taxes.

Livingston-based Henderson Auctions, which handled the sale, will get $590,000 in commission.

John Crosby, whose Crosby Development is buying Wadsworth Estates, hopes to close on the deal later this week now that the settlement has been reached.

+3 This Mandeville land development at the heart of First NBC scandal is set for bankruptcy auction It was once destined to be the site of a large new subdivision and, later, home to St. Tammany Parish's tallest building.

Crosby is known for upscale residential developments like Mandeville Lake and The Sanctuary on the north shore, and DeLimon Place and Metairie Plaza Apartments on the south shore.

The Wadsworth property, located about six miles northeast of Lake Pontchartrain and just north of Interstate 12, has been slated for a major development for more than 20 years but so far only a couple roads, a lake and some utility infrastructure has been built.

It was wrapped up in the $1 billion First NBC bankruptcy and subsequent fraud allegations. Ryan, who was indicted on fraud charges last summer, had racked up millions of dollars in unpaid bills on the property before creditors forced it into bankruptcy last year.
A New Orleans police officer was arrested Thursday and accused of raping a woman while they were on a date.

Gerry Paul, 29, was off duty and drinking Champagne with a woman at his apartment in the 4300 block of Tulane Avenue about 4 a.m. Sunday when he began performing oral sex on her in his bedroom, according to an affidavit filed by police in criminal court.

The woman said Paul got rough during the act and she told him to stop. He then reached for a condom, at which point the woman told him she didn't want to have sex. That's when he raped her, at one point muttering, "It was too good to stop," police said in the records.

The woman reported the rape to the New Orleans Police Department about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, records show. An investigator obtained a warrant to arrest Paul a few hours later, and he was booked into jail on a count of second-degree rape about 3 a.m. Thursday.

NOPD officials said they have placed Paul, who joined the department in Oct. 2018, on emergency suspension while the agency investigates the incident, according to a statement.

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Pauls bail was set at $25,000 during a court hearing late Thursday afternoon.

NOPD records reviewed by WWL-TV show two previous disciplinary complaints against Paul were substantiated by the agency. The records didn't contain details of the complaints, but both were for neglect of duty last year and had been initiated by NOPD officers ranking above Paul.

Second-degree rape is a charge that applies in Louisiana when a victim's resistance is overcome by physical force or violence, or when a victim believes that physically resisting would not prevent the rape.

Anyone convicted of that crime faces between five and 40 years in prison.
Frustrated tenants and housing advocates pleaded with the New Orleans City Council Thursday to do something to get millions in federal rental aid flowing to applicants faster, saying thousands are in danger of being evicted when a federal moratorium expires on June 30.

Since February, the city has approved just 700 of more than 10,000 applications for the $11.6 million in rental assistance funds provided thus far under a federal pandemic relief law, said Marjoriana Willman, director of the city's Office of Housing Policy and Community Development.

Willman said her employees are working overtime and more staffing has been added to keep up with the demand, but the small agency is struggling due to overhead restrictions imposed by the U.S. government.

Advocates, however, say Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration could do far more to help tenants, especially residents who don't speak English, before a CDC eviction moratorium expires next month. In an interview earlier this week, one immigrant from Honduras described the anxiety of fighting off her landlords eviction attempt while she awaited word on her application.

I followed the letter of the law, every little requirement, and Ive still heard nothing, said the woman, who asked to go by her nickname, Isabel. Theyve got to give it to the people who need it.

Isabel was a dishwasher in a downtown hotel before she lost that job in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Her partner also lost his job in construction. She said she couldn't sleep the night before she faced off in 1st City Court against the landlord of the small 9th Ward apartment that she shares with her three pre-teen children.

As she listened in via a translator, the landlord complained Isabel hadnt paid more than $2,000 in overdue rent and had committed lease violations like allowing her children to leave toys on the grounds around the complex.

Judge Monique Morial explained that evictions for non-payment of rent are currently barred under the CDC moratorium first imposed under former President Donald Trump. She also said she wasnt convinced by the lease violation allegations.

Theyre kids, Morial said. Where do you want their toys to be?

While Isabel won that round in court, such standoffs were supposed to be averted altogether by the December coronavirus relief law passed under Trump, and a second relief law passed in March under President Joe Biden, which dedicated $47 billion in total for emergency rental assistance.

This rental aid program is now open for most Louisiana parishes: See where in metro New Orleans The state has opened up its federally funded program to help residents of 57 parishes who have fallen behind on the rent due to the coronaviru

Cantrell administration officials say they have already received $11.6 million in funding directly from the U.S. Treasury, and are waiting on another $14 million that is routed through the state. They also believe they will receive another round of $15 million or so in funding.

In Louisiana, some large parishes like Orleans have their own rental assistance programs and the state also has a program for residents of other parishes.

City officials say they were deluged when they opened up the application process on Feb. 15.

In response to the thousands of applications, the administration has hired 10 additional staffers and diverted other employees to work on the program as well, Willman said. But she argued that the city cant devote more resources because of a federal requirement that local agencies spend no more than 10% of rental assistance funds on overhead.

This is a tough situation all the way around, Willman said. Its a tough situation for tenants, landlords, and quite frankly its tough for our office as well, because were working with a limited number of staff.

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Willman said the city is approving 70 to 100 applications a week, more than any other parish in the state. The city currently estimates that it will be able to help 3,000 households using federal money.

While officials say they are processing applications as fast as they can under difficult conditions, the New Orleans Renters Rights Assembly says the program has become a bureaucratic obstacle course. Tenants are already being illegally ejected, and the end of the CDC moratorium will make matters worse, the rights group said.

Among the problems: there is no reliable way for tenants to check on the status of their applications; the city requires more paperwork than it should; and non-cooperation from landlords has blocked assistance that should go directly to tenants under federal law, the group said in a May 7 letter to the city.

Members of the immigrant-rights group Union Migrante said more obstacles confront tenants who do not speak English. Rental assistance is one of the few forms of federally-backed coronavirus relief aid accessible to immigrants without lawful status in the U.S., who were denied cash stimulus payments and unemployment assistance under federal law.

Yet what should be a rare lifeline hasnt been of much help so far in New Orleans, according to the group. Its members said the citys rental assistance applications were initially available only in English, and its volunteers have been forced to take on translation duties.

+3 How will $375M in coronavirus aid get spent in New Orleans? This stimulus task force will decide Mayor LaToya Cantrell laid out broad priorities Thursday for a team that will guide the spending of $375 million in coronavirus relief funds c

Willman said that 80% of the households helped thus far were Black, Hispanic or Asian, and the city is working to ensure it meets U.S. Treasury guidelines for providing assistance to low-income families. The city has also contracted with a court-certified translation service, she said.

One priority for the Renters Rights Assembly and Union Migrante is sending rental aid directly to tenants instead of to landlords, who are offered a first shot at receiving direct payments under federal law. Earlier this month, the Treasury Department tightened the timeline for landlords to respond. Advocates said the city should adhere to that stricter deadline and send more money directly to tenants.

Willman said some landlords reject the money because their own relatives need a place to stay, and others are frustrated with tenants who they felt voluntarily avoided paying rent during the pandemic. Meanwhile, advocates say some landlords would rather avoid going above ground with City Hall.

How hard has the pandemic hit Louisiana's day cares? They've lost more than $245 million A year after coronavirus shut down most offices last March, decimating business models for day cares and early learning centers, a series of "

The city says it has fast-tracked processing applications for tenants under threat of court-ordered eviction. However, Isabel, the renter in the 9th Ward, said this week that she was still waiting for a response to her application despite her landlords failed eviction attempt.

We deserve it as well, even if were not from here, Isabel said as her young, U.S.-born son played at her feet in her small apartment. We havent received any other assistance.

In a statement, a city spokeswoman said that Isabel was application number 8,018 to the program, and the city is currently working through the first 5,000 applications "unless an applicant is in imminent threat of eviction."

Another renter, Ramon Peralta, told the City Council that he helped rebuild New Orleans as a construction worker after Hurricane Katrina. The pandemic was the first time he's struggled to make rent and he was so desperate that he took out high-interest loans. After a long wait on his application, a city official told him that the loan disqualified him from receiving assistance, he said.

City Council President Helena Moreno said that the potential barriers to rental aid were a "serious issue" and promised to hold a full committee hearing.

CORRECTION: Earlier versions of this story incorrectly identified the 1st City Court judge who handled Isabel's case.
Mississippi has the highest rate of people without health insurance: 19.5% lack coverage, in part because political leaders refused to expand access to Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Little wonder Mississippi is the state with the highest share of residents who forwent health care in recent years because they couldnt afford it, and the state where the highest percentage of adults went more than a year without visiting a dentist. Its also the state with the highest rate of mortality amenable to health care  a fancy way of saying that people die in Mississippi who could have lived, if only theyd gotten treatment.
Staff Writer

Reese Gorman covers elections, local politics and the COVID-19 pandemic for The Norman Transcript. He started as an intern in May of 2020 and transitioned into his current position as a staff writer in August of 2020.
Walter F. Huebner, age 93, renowned astrophysicist and lifelong traveler, passed away peacefully at his home in Norman, Oklahoma, on June 1, 2021, surrounded by family. No services at this time. View full obituary and share condolences online at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.
Williamsport, Pa.  For the past four years, the Lycoming County United Way has joined forces with Jersey Mikes Subs in Williamsport, Pa. for their fundraiser known as Months and Days of Giving.

Every year in March, customers are eligible to make donations through the Jersey Mikes mobile app or in stores. On the annual Day of Giving, local Jersey Mikes owners and operators donate their resources and every single dollar they make.

Jersey Mikes restaurants give 100 percent of the days sales  not just profit  to the Lycoming County United Way.

More Information Questions regarding the Lycoming County United Way and our community partnerships can be directed to Ron Frick, president at 570-666-4382 or rfrick@lcuw.org. To invest in the Lycoming County United Way, visit us at www.lcuw.org and click the orange GIVE button or text LIVE UNITED to 50155.

This was a record breaking year. In total donations, almost $8,500 were raised throughout the month of March 2021. Through the four-year fundraising effort so far, the Williamsport Jersey Mikes team has raised over $22,000 to support United Way funded programs.

When Matt Patterson called us in the summer of 2017, we had no idea what kind of generosity to expect. Not only does the franchise support us financially, but the believe in our community and had fun under tough circumstances to raise a record amount in March, said Ron Frick, President of the local United Way.

Despite numerous obstacles," he continued, "a small team worked all day to take care of customers and raise this money without any selfishness on their part. We are incredibly grateful.




Harrisburg, Pa.  Governor Tom Wolf signed a renewal of the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic, just days after voters passed an amendment to the state's constitution placing new limits on Disaster Declarations.

COVID-19 vaccinations have increased dramatically in recent weeks and we are making significant progress in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19, said Governor Wolf. As previously announced, we are lifting all mitigation measures on Memorial Day, but we need just a little more time under this current disaster declaration to ensure that we do not risk valuable resources that will help Pennsylvania recover from the pandemic.

The disaster declaration allows more medical professionals to administer vaccines, ensures families harmed financially by the pandemic have access to healthy food through SNAP benefits and ensures Pennsylvania counties and businesses remain eligible for federal disaster recovery dollars," Gov. Wolf continued.

The emergency disaster declaration renewed today provides for increased support to state agencies involved in the continued response to the virus and recovery for the state during reopening, according to the administration.

Disaster declarations allow for waivers and extensions to continue to provide for Pennsylvanians and businesses under the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic, including the ability to waive the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment compensation and the registration requirement with PA CareerLink for applicants; and allow the commonwealth to suspend numerous training requirements and certification and licensure renewals for health care professionals, child care workers, direct care workers, direct support professionals, among other professional groups who provide life-sustaining services to our children, seniors, and vulnerable residents.

The flexibilities available because of the disaster declaration have allowed many more health care professionals to provide services virtually during the pandemic, expanding opportunities for individuals to seek needed physical and mental health services. It allows the commonwealth to increase the number of vaccine providers and improve vaccine distribution.

Through the disaster declaration, PEMA has been able to assign the National Guard to provide various types of support for long term care facilities, including providing direct patient care support, ancillary support, and testing, and at community-based testing sites. It also provides PEMA with the ability to leverage continued federal support such as non-congregate sheltering.




On Monday, David Kennedy, president of the Pa. state troopers association, released a statement demanding an apology from Gov. Tom Wolf over comments made in a statement released by the governor's office, which said:

Juneteenth is a celebration of the progress we have made as a nation towards equality and justice for all. Sadly, the continued death of African Americans at the hands of police and rise in violent attacks against Asian Americans are painful reminders that racism and intolerance are still with us today. This Juneteenth we have an opportunity to unite against injustice and create lasting change that will make Pennsylvania and our nation a better place for everyone.

The Governor signed legislation in 2019 marking June 19 of each year a day of official observance in Pennsylvania.

Wolf's letter designated June 18 as a special holiday for state employees.

The full statement from Kennedy:

"We ask for little in return: A fair wage, good benefits, and support from our employers and the communities we proudly serve.

Over the past year, weve taken the high road, even as weve been spit on for the actions of a few. Troopers stood the line protecting peoples rights to protest us. Even Gov. Tom Wolf marched in protest in Harrisburg against law enforcement, while troopers surrounded him to make sure he was safe. One of those troopers even contracted COVID-19. We stayed silent and conducted ourselves with dignity and professionalism because we are the Pennsylvania State Police.

Gov. Wolf failed to protect us during the pandemic, even though our members went to work every day. We asked for masks but were told they couldnt get them. So, our union went out and got them. We asked for vaccines since troopers encountered COVID-positive people every day, but the governor ignored us. He made smokers a priority. Teachers, many who worked from home, were then made a priority. We lost a trooper to this virus in a station parking lot, and never heard from this governor. He offered no thanks for the troopers sacrifice. To this day, the Wolf administration never did anything to ensure troopers received vaccinations.

Yet, we keep working. We did our jobs because we are troopers, and thats what we do.

But we will not remain silent when Gov. Wolf insulted law enforcement during the recent National Police Week, held May 8-15. The week is an annual observance when memorial events are held all across America to honor police officers who have sacrificed their lives. In our history, 99 Pennsylvania state troopers have died in the line of duty. Last year in the United States, 264 officers were killed. Thus far in 2021, 125 have died. Two officers in California were killed on March 10-11.

How did Gov. Wolf thank troopers and police officers for making the ultimate sacrifice during National Police Week?

On Friday, in a letter to all state employees in which he declared Juneteenth a holiday, he wrote: Juneteenth is a celebration of the progress we have made as a nation towards equality and justice for all. Sadly, the continued death of African Americans at the hands of police  are painful reminders that racism and intolerance are still with us today.

Let me be clear: Pennsylvania state troopers support the Juneteenth holiday. But for Gov. Wolf to use his platform to further push a false narrative that police are racist murderers is nothing less than the worst kind of political pandering. It only serves to further divide our nation at the expense of officers who already work incredibly dangerous jobs.

And to do it during National Police Week is nothing less than symbolically spitting in the faces of all police officers and troopers who have given everything. And for their families, this insult rips open a fresh wound.

Thats why I cannot and will not sit silent anymore.

I wonder why Gov. Wolf never says anything about the explosion in gun violence in cities like Philadelphia. Media accounts detail how the city will set a new record for homicides this year. In the first three months of 2021, 380 people were shot, including 40 children. Projections show police will likely make 3,000 arrests for illegal guns, but people are far less likely to be convicted. This creates what Philadelphia Police have said is a revolving door for repeat gun offenders. Bottom line, they arent afraid of being arrested.

Its clear Gov. Wolf would rather play politics. We wont.

Gov. Wolf, you owe all law enforcement officers, troopers and their loved ones an apology. A real apology.

Troopers want to have real conversations about moving forward together to benefit all residents of this great commonwealth. But we cannot have a real conversation as long as the leader of our commonwealth pits everyone against the police. This must end now."

At the time of publication, the governor's office had not yet responded to Kennedy's statement.
Williamsport, Pa. -- "At the end of the day we all just want peace and love," said Ana Sanchez, a senior at Lycoming College. She and her fellow students worked in the bright, hot sun on Thursday on a mural facing East Third Street in Williamsport.

"God's love is infinite. There's no judgement. The only divisions that exist are the ones that we create ourselves."

These are among the themes going into the work designed by Lycoming College students, now in progress on the wall of the New Covenant United Church of Christ, 202 E. Third St.

The church pastor, Pastor Brad Walmer, felt that the one section of wall on his church was in need of some brightening. He reached out to Professor Howard Tran, Art Department chair at Lycoming College. Tran organized a group of students who met with Pastor Brad and church members to design the mural.

Art major and rising Lycoming senior Kaylee Wade described the symbolism and imagery taking shape on the wall. From the top, she said the bright sun emits light--to symbolize God's love--on to hands reaching toward the light. The use of various skin colors, jewelry, and markings on the hands indicate diversity, inviting anyone who looks at the mural to find some connection.

The students participating bring a variety of ideas and life experience to the project, coming from international locations, elsewhere in the U.S., and from Pennsylvania. All have interest in social, political, and racial justice, he said.

While a typical church mural might incorporate more biblical imagery, the New Covenant United Church of Christ pastor said the theme of inclusivity should match up to a church's mission. "All of us are created by God and in God's image, whether we're Republican or Democrat, whether we're a Black lives matter protestor or an LGBTQ plus person, we're all God's children," he said.

With the help of students Ardarsh Ramnauth, a senior in Actuarial Science and Economy, minoring in painting and Medhavi Bhunjun, a rising senior majoring in Art, both international students from Mauritius; Inga Brostek of Williamsport, a recent graduate moving to Baltimore to pursue law school; Wade and Sanchez, the mural is taking shape quickly and expertly.

"For a while it didn't look like there was much going on," said Pastor Walmer. "They were priming and cleaning and stuff. And then Tuesday afternoon I came back for our evening church council meeting and the oranges and yellows were up on the wall. I came around the corner and it was like, 'wow!'"

Walmer said he is excited to see how it all comes together.

The students expect the mural to be finished the first week of June.




Harrisburg, Pa.  With Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approaching, PennDOT)and the Pennsylvania State Police are urging drivers to keep traffic safety top of mind when behind the wheel.

The agencies will work with municipal police departments and other safety partners across the commonwealth to participate in the national Click It or Ticket seat belt education and enforcement initiative from May 17 through June 6, 2021.

Click it or Ticket' isn't about citations, it's about saving lives, said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones in a crash.

Pennsylvania law requires any occupant younger than 18 to buckle up when riding in a vehicle, as well as drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, and children under the age of four must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday.

In addition to adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward violators, troopers certified as child passenger safety technicians will offer car seat fittings and inspections throughout Pennsylvania, helping ensure that car seats are in good working condition, installed properly, and free from recalls.

State police child passenger safety technicians look forward to hosting dozens of events across the commonwealth to highlight child passenger safety, said Major Robert Krol, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol. We hope everyone who drives with children in their vehicles will take advantage of this free resource to keep their youngest passengers safe while traveling.

A complete list of child passenger seat fitting stations is available at psp.pa.gov.

As part of the enforcement efforts, state and local police, along with agencies across the United States, will participate in a one day Border-to-Border initiative on May 24 to provide increased seat belt enforcement at state borders, reinforcing the states focus on safety.

PennDOT data shows there were 11,265 crashes in 2020 where at least one occupant was not wearing a seat belt, resulting in 348 fatalities.
If money is the problem, take the money we saved by stopping construction of Trumps wall and use it to resettle refugees. If we need more funds, the Biden administration can declare an emergency (which is what refugees are living every day) and use a fraction of the Pentagons more than $700 billion budget, which is so obscenely bloated the military fails to spend billions in its accounts every year. Economic research shows the investment will pay for itself with time: refugees and other migrants contribute more to this country than they take.
Towanda, Pa.  A 26-year-old Towanda man who authorities said was well-known to them is scheduled to appear in court on June 10 for the continuation of a formal arraignment.

Jason Anthony Skaggs was charged with two felonies after employees at the Captain Jacks Bar in Towanda were able to identify him on a security video.

Segreant David Lantz of the Towanda Borough Police Department said Skaggs entered the bar after hours and stole $510.

Authorities said it was easy to identify Skaggs, who officers said they were familiar with. Court records show Skaggs currently has three active cases in the Court of Common Pleas.

According to the report, Skaggs, who entered the bar with a white sheet draped over him, looked directly at the camera at one point, which helped employees identify him.

Troopers also said Skaggs walks with a slight limp that could be detected in the video, as well.

Skaggs was charged with second-degree burglary and third-degree criminal trespassing; both felonies. He was also charged with two first-degree misdemeanors of theft and receiving stolen property.

Skaggs' original bail was set at $75,000 monetary, but reduced on May 12 to $30,000 monetary. According to court records, Skaggs was still in custody at the Bradford County Prison.
In a surprising twist, Lycoming County court of common pleas Judge Marc F. Lovecchio announced he will be retiring on January 2, 2022.

Court house sources were saying Lovecchio was retiring over flack he has received for lighter sentencing since his election to the bench in 2009.

"When one retires, rumors and speculation swirl. It is understandable," said a statement from Lovecchio.

In an interview, he said "I've been thinking on it for about a year now."

But Lovecchio addressed the 'Judge of Hope' joke that has followed him.

"Go see the Judge of Hope in court room four," Lovecchio said jokingly.

"I would take the hard right, not the easy wrong. But that is not an attack on any other judge. I put a lot of effort in to making the right call in the correct circumstances. That's the part of being fair."

Lovecchio elaborated on his decision to step down after only twelve years on the bench.

"It gets heartwrenching," Lovecchio said on being a judge. "I'm kind of burned out. I fought the good fight."

"We were sad to see that he is stepping down from the bench. Marc Lovecchio has been a terrific judge. We wish him a good retirement," said Linda Sosniak, chair of the Lycoming County Democratic Committee.

But Lovecchio went further on his personal beliefs about judges.

"First off, I believe in term limits. Judges should have term limits or be appointed for life."

"We have become the dumping ground for many societal problems and are ill equipped to deal with them. In a nutshell, we lack time, resources, personnel and options. These issues include, but are not limited to, mental health, poverty, lack of education, substance use disorders, trauma, transiency, lack of employment and opportunity, child victims of dysfunctional families, delays, and lack of trust in the system," said the initial statement released by Lovecchio.

When mentioning his impending retirement, Lovecchio said being off the bench "Gives me the freedom to be an advocate."

"I plan on establishing a mediation/arbitration practice to ease our backlog of cases and perhaps to expand it into the criminal realm. I will participate in community coalitions to support alternative methods to deal with these issues. I plan on public speaking engagements to share my experiences and suggestions. I plan on teaching at the college level, in order to share my experiences and suggestions," said the statement released by Lovecchio this morning.

Lovecchio graduated from Princeton University in 1980 and the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Law in 1984, graduating Cum Laude. He was Editor of the Law Review and practiced law in Pittsburgh, concentrating in civil defense and employment and labor law. Upon moving to Williamsport, he practiced as a partner at Campana, Lovecchio & Morrone for many years in federal, state and administrative courts.

But Lovecchio explained his impending retirement job was perfect timing because it is allowing him to practice an area of the law which initially inspired him to be a lawyer.

"My dad was a doctor," Lovecchio said. "I went in to law originally wanting to do medical malpractice cases. That was my main motivating factor to do the work."

"The opportunity arose," Lovecchio mentioned about his soon-to-be role at McCormick Law Firm in Williamsport. Lovecchio had mentioned he knows he will be a better lawyer having served on the bench as a judge.

If Lovecchio has been proclaimed 'Judge of Hope' for some, it is because his heart is in the right place.

Lovecchio also mentioned he was motivated to retire because his son, Peter, recently began practicing law in Alaska.

"I wanted to be there for him," Lovecchio said.

When broached about a future run for public office, Lovecchio laughed and mentioned he had not really thought about it.
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 83F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Low around 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
The move is self-defeating. There is no progress without people willing to do the work inside of organizations whose cultural inertia makes them resistant to change. Those people, in turn, need the support of the larger LGBTQIA+ community. I know such support exists more broadly. For several years, Ive marched with GOAL for Pride alongside uniformed and civilian professionals representing a number of domestic and international law enforcement agencies. Each time our presence on the route has been met with deafening cheers, high-fives, and sincere embraces from the community. Given that support, the ban is a bewildering move by Heritage of Pride to drive apart natural partners in change. In an age of meme-derived capital valued in likes, shares and views, the decision is yet another example in which performative politics is mistaken for thoughtful deliberation and real effort.
WASHINGTON  Dan Crenshaw had to take a break from making skydiving videos as he continues to recover from surgery on what hes called his half a good eye. If you go above a thousand feet, your eye explodes, the Texas Republican said. Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, is easily identifiable by his eye patch. Its a constant reminder of the roadside bomb blast in 2012 that destroyed his right ...
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 83F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Low around 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
The costly price of Australia's trade row with China

CGTN) 15:10, May 20, 2021

The Chinese government's indefinite suspension of a key economic dialogue with Australia two weeks ago is the latest development in the diplomatic row between the two nations.

The decision to stop all activities under the framework of the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue was made following Canberra's recent restrictions on and suppression of some of the two-way trade and investment projects, China's top economic planner said.

On Tuesday, Jin Xiandong, spokesperson for China's National Development and Reform Commission, urged Australia to stop interfering in the trade cooperation between the two countries and treat Chinese companies fairly.

Earlier, Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said Beijing's decision was "disappointing" but added that Canberra was still open to discussions.

Bilateral relations have soured since last year when Australia imposed anti-dumping duties on some Chinese products and banned Huawei from building its 5G network on national security grounds. Ties have also been further strained over a differing stance on China's Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, Chinese investment in Australia plummeted by over 61 percent in 2020, hitting a record low over the past six years, according to a database released in March.

The number of investment transactions in 2020 contracted to 20 from 111 in 2016, with a more than ten-time value shrink, the Chinese Investment in Australia Database (CHIIA) at the Australian National University shows.

The decline in Chinese investment in Australia is much larger than the falling global foreign investment last year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Dr Shiro Armstrong, director of the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research at the Australian National University.

How reliant is Australia on China?

The CHIIA report indicates that almost every sector of the Australian economy has seen Chinese investment activity. Industries like real estate, agriculture, mining, education tourism are heavily reliant on Chinese buyers.

Australia has grown to be the most popular destination for Chinese outbound real estate investment in 2016, data from Knight Frank shows.

China is also Australia's largest and most valuable inbound tourism market, with 1.4 million Chinese visitors spending 12.4 billion Australian dollars in 2019 before the closure of international borders due to COVID-19, according to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In the education sector, although the number of Chinese students in Australia saw a 10-percent drop in 2020 due to the tensions in bilateral relations, China is still the biggest source of international students for the country. Chinese students accounted for 28 percent of the total foreign students last year, data from the Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment showed.

On the other hand, China has been Australia's largest trading partner for almost 10 years. In 2019, its trading volume accounted for 32.6 percent of Australia's total exports.

China remained the top market for almost all of Australia's top 10 exported goods and services. Resources like iron ore, copper ore, natural gas and gold are the backbone of Australia's exports to China.

Agriculture and food products, including meat, wine, wool, fruit and nuts, seafood, grains and dairy, have long been held dear by Chinese consumers.

In fact, due to the geographic proximity, the two countries can complement each other in many ways, especially economically.

What's next for bilateral relations?

Launched in 2014, the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue has served as a crucial part to consolidate bilateral relations. The two sides had been using the dialogue to strengthen economic ties by conducting strategic dialogue in the key areas of the economy and investment.

The suspension would bring losses to many Chinese consumers, but the impact on Australia is much more severe, said Wang Fan, vice president of China Foreign Affairs University.

"Beijing can expect the bilateral relations could soon be back on track but also need to prepare for the worst," Wang said, adding that it depends on what action Australia is going to take.

(Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun)
Well, wait a minute, is there any other way to figure it out? Is there any other way to both not fall into the cliche and cast an Asian actor? he told Mens Health. And the answer to that, of course, is yes.
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 83F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Low around 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Samsung and Google may have agreed to merge Tizen OS and Wear OS, but current Galaxy Watch smartwatches will be left on the older Tizen OS platform. Samsung will update the Galaxy Watch Active, Watch Active 2 and Watch 3 for at least three years from their launch date, mind you.

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Samsung may have announced that it would be adopting Wear OS, now Wear, but there is a catch. Buried at the bottom of Samsung's press release is a paragraph titled 'Continued Commitment to Existing Galaxy Smartwatch Users', which implies that current Galaxy Watch smartwatches will remain on Tizen OS indefinitely.

Specifically, Samsung has committed to providing 'at least three years of software support after the product launch', which would be April 2022 for the Galaxy Watch Active, autumn 2022 for the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and August 2023 in the case of the Galaxy Watch 3. Samsung released the Galaxy Watch in August 2018, so its software support will run out in three months.
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High around 65F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 54F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Hargitays caption read, in part, Just so you know this did not happen at work! but she later replied to a comment saying, Can u believe it??? While I was working!
The special election in Chatsworth for mayor and one of the five city council seats will be held Tuesday, May 25. All votes will be cast at the city office at 225 North St. in Chatsworth. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Centier Bank donated $75,000 to the construction of a new Boys & Girls Club in Valparaiso as part of the bank's "Whatever It Takes" campaign.

Centier has been partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs in Lake and Porter County since 1988, not only providing support but also their time and expertise to our mission, said Ryan Smiley, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana.

Currently located in the 122-year-old former Gardner School building, the Boys & Girls Club plans recently broke ground on a new $9 million facility that includes a rock climbing wall, digital music recording studio, STEM lab, community teen room, teaching kitchen, art room, exercise gaming technology and two full-size gyms. The new building on an eight-acre site is expected to be finished next June.

Anthony Contrucci, senior vice president of community relations at Centier, said the family-owned bank has had a longtime partnership with the Boys & Girls Club.
Even so, 19 states say they will also cut off all benefits for the self-employed and gig workers, who became newly eligible for jobless aid under a relief package that was enacted in March last year. They will also drop out of a federal program for people who have been out of work for more than six months.

Those moves will end all benefits for approximately 3.6 million of the nearly 16 million people receiving aid  about one in four of current recipients  according to the Century Foundation.

In addition, 35 states have reinstated a requirement that jobless aid recipients search for work in order to keep receiving benefits. That requirement had been suspended at the start of the pandemic, when many businesses were closed and Americans were encouraged to stay at home.

In Dayton, Ohio, work evaporated for Terri Ashman, a house painter, and her husband, Steve, a remodeler, after the pandemic hit in March of last year. They struggled to obtain unemployment benefits because of delays that resulted from a flood of applicants that overwhelmed many state workforce agencies.

Eventually, they did receive aid and began to save money, in part because of the $300-a-week federal payment. By then, they had moved in with Terri's mother after a period of homelessness.
GARY  Eight new recruits have been added to Gary's police force during what officials call a transformative time in the field.

At the Gary Common Council Wednesday Gary Mayor Jerome Prince, Chief of Police Brian Evans, Deputy Mayor Trent A. McCain and council members swore in the new recruits to the Gary Police Department.

After they complete their training at the police academy, these young men will come to work every day and commit to serving our citizens and businesses in all types of situations, Prince said. You really cant ask for more than that from anybody, and Im proud to welcome them.

The newest officers include: Victor Rodriguez, 30, of East Chicago; Adam Campos, 26, of East Chicago; Ahmed Hamed, 22, of East Chicago; Alphonse Mariani, 23, of Hammond; Timothy Martin, 33, of Gary; Ryan Matthis, 30, of Crown Point; David Poindexter, 33, of Chicago Ridge, Illinois; and Damon Woods, 22, of Chicago Heights, Illinois.

We welcome these recruits on the team. They have a lot to learn, but they also have a great deal to teach us, Evans said. Public safety continues to change every year, and these new recruits will help us adapt as they learn the ropes.
EAST CHICAGO  Police are investigating after a man was hit by a train on CSX railroad tracks, police said.

Around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday officers were dispatched to the area of the CSX railroad tracks near Chicago Avenue and Grasselli Avenue, East Chicago police Deputy Chief Jose Rivera said. Officers were advised by CSX that a train conductor had informed them the train hit a body that was on the railroad tracks between Euclid and Grasselli.

When police arrived, they found a deceased male on the railroad tracks underneath the train, Rivera said. The man has not yet been identified.

Police and the Lake County coroner's office did not specify if the man was alive or already dead when he was hit by the train.

East Chicago's Criminal Investigation Division is investigating. No further information is available at this time.

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"With the council forming their parking committee, and really hearing the residents and the business owners of what needs to happen, we took this action and moved forward to hopefully provide some relief to the area and get it to its highest and best use," Falkowski said.

Falkowski added the city is set "to have some action and some dirt and asphalt lines moved around this year."

'The big picture'

The timeline for phases two and three isn't yet clear, as the city is waiting to receive findings from the parking study, which it expects to receive "in the coming months," Falkowski said.

"It would really be unfair to just look at one portion of it, and not really identify what's going on on all four sides," he said. "We need to look at the big picture, but we know that we can get that first part done and get some some action moving this year on that east side."

When asked if a parking garage could be considered as a solution, Falkowski said the city doesn't think "there's any need to reinvent the wheel," when it comes to parking solutions, and later added nothing is off the table.
Northern Irelands vaccine rollout will include those who are 25 and older and Wales has already vaccinated some 18 to 29-year-olds and 62% of 20 to 39-year-olds. Scotland is encouraging those 30 and older to get the shot, according to the outlet.
Perez said she and others didn't initially think the fire was real. They assumed someone cooking in the kitchen caused smoke until they saw it for themselves.

"We didn't think it was real or anything serious until we started seeing the fire," Perez said. "We don't know what happened. We don't have an idea of what really provoked the fire."

Smoke was seen pouring from the building about 3:30 p.m. that day. At the same time, firefighters from East Chicago and Hammond sprayed water on the roof to douse the flames.

Birds at the home and a certified therapy dog were rescued from inside.

None of the children or staff from the home were injured in the fire, though two firefighters suffered minor injuries  one to the ankle and the other to his wrist. Both had recovered Monday, East Chicago Deputy Fire Chief Marc Escobedo said.

Escobedo told The Times Monday crews battled the blaze for roughly six hours.
NEW YORK (AP)  Even by Bitcoin's standards, Wednesday was pretty wild.

The price of the famously volatile digital currency fell nearly 30% at one point after the China Banking Association warned member banks of the risks associated with digital currencies. The decline narrowed to below 10% in the afternoon, but Bitcoin had still lost about $70 billion in market value in 24 hours.

Bitcoin has lost about 38% of its value since April 13 when it hit a high of more than $64,800, according to Coindesk. The China warning was just the latest headwind: Before Wednesday, Tesla's decision to not accept the digital currency as payment for cars  after it said it would  and murmurings in Washington about tighter regulation of digital currencies had put pressure on Bitcoin. The price is still up about 31% in 2021 and nearly 300% from a year ago.

Heres a look at Bitcoin and digital currencies in general:



HOW BITCOIN WORKS
Who Killed Sara?, the popular Mexican mystery series that returned for a second season May 19 on Netflix, is a little like an early-1970s Toyota Celica: an import offering an attractive package of sportiness and reliability. It overheats but it keeps moving. It and its excitable Spanish-language Netflix compatriots like Money Heist and Elite may not take over the American market the way Japanese automobiles once did, but cars have the advantage of no subtitles.

Who Killed Sara? is a puzzle, as its title suggests. Alex (Manolo Cardona), released from prison 18 years after being found responsible for the death of his sister, Sara (Ximena Lamadrid), in a suspicious parasailing mishap, is obsessed with proving that she was murdered and identifying the culprit. Having somehow gained an impressive mastery of surveillance technology, bomb making and other dark arts while in jail, he sets out to investigate and harass  both psychologically and physically  the members of a wealthy family, the Lazcanos, who used to be his and Saras intimate friends.

As Season 2 begins (three of its eight episodes were available for review), he appears to be further away from an answer than ever, a circumstance that encapsulates the shows melodramatic method and indicates whether or not you might enjoy it. After a first season spent giving everyone in sight plausible reasons for wanting to get rid of Sara, the second season doubles down, putting forward new suspects while also advancing the idea that she might have caused her own death.

The style is telenovela-breathless, with the emotional temperature slightly dialed down for a general American audience. There is a superabundance of plot, but in some ways Who Killed Sara? barely bothers telling a story or creating characters. We rarely see how people get from Point A to Point B within a scene  theyre always at Point B, with a bomb exploding or a gun being pointed or an anonymous correspondent texting enigmatic clues.
Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for The New York Times Magazine, was denied a tenured position at the University of North Carolina after the universitys board of trustees took the highly unusual step of failing to approve the journalism departments recommendation.

The decision drew criticism from faculty members on Wednesday, who said that the last two people in the position Ms. Hannah-Jones will hold were granted tenure upon their appointment.

In late April, the university announced that Ms. Hannah-Jones was being appointed to the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at U.N.C.s Hussman School of Journalism and Media. She will start as a professor in July, while continuing to write for The Times Magazine. Instead of tenure, Ms. Hannah-Jones was offered a five-year contract as a professor, with an option for review.

In the April announcement, the dean of the journalism school, Susan King, said: Now one of the most respected investigative journalists in America will be working with our students on projects that will move their careers forward and ignite critically important conversations.
The burden for Nigeria, Africas most populous country, is about $1 trillion per year, researchers said. They placed losses at $317 billion for the Democratic Republic of Congo, $248 billion for Niger and $229 billion for South Africa.

Data on invasive alien species, or I.A.S., in Africa is scarce, and getting the material for the study was challenging, Dr. Eschen said, so researchers relied on estimates in some cases.

Weeding costs, for example, were based on farmed areas in each country and average wages for farm hands. The authors used openly available data from organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. That was supplemented with a survey of 110 agricultural experts from 30 African countries.

For countries with insufficient data, they used numbers from areas with similar climates. Western Sahara, Djibouti and Equatorial Guinea were omitted altogether.

That prompted some experts to question the scope of the studys conclusions. A major drawback of this study is the collection of data on the monetary cost of I.A.S. to mainland Africa and information on I.A.S. from literature and online surveys, said Ikechukwu Kelikume, professor of economics and agribusiness at the Lagos Business School. The implication is that data collected from the literature may not be a true reflection of the dimension and intensity of I.A.S. in the African Continent.

The studys estimates for labor represent opportunity costs more than actual wages, the authors said. Small-scale farming and weeding, for example, are often carried out by women and children, and that labor is generally unpaid. If people didnt need to weed I.A.S., they could do something else, such as going to school or undertaking an income generating economic activity, Dr. Eschen said. Even though the estimate doesnt reflect paid salaries, it is an indication of the effort needed to deal with these species.

To address the problem, he said, governments must be proactive.

Investment to find more efficient ways to tackle I.A.S.  including prevention of new species establishing and established species from spreading further  as well as cost-efficient management of widespread species using, for example, biological control, could reduce management costs and yield losses, Dr. Eschen said.
Executive staff and visitors to Mr. Cuomo are routinely tested on a portable rapid test machine, either at the Capitol or at the governors mansion  an approach used at the White House and other state chambers. But because it was Easter weekend, state officials said, no one was around to operate the machine for the governors daughter or her boyfriend.

The use of the priority system at Wadsworth for the couple was out of the ordinary and raised concern among some in the Health Department that the governors family was again receiving treatment unavailable to other New Yorkers. Health officials wondered why the couple had not gotten tested at one of the many sites now open around New York. The couple declined to comment.

They were going to come in contact with the governor, said Elkan Abramowitz, a private lawyer who is representing Mr. Cuomo and his aides on inquiries related to the priority testing, and in a separate inquiry into the administrations handling of nursing home death data.

It would be a proper exercise of discretion to give priority testing to anybody who came in contact with the governor, Mr. Abramowitz said.

A spokesman for the Eastern District of New York declined to comment. The inquiries by federal prosecutors about special access to testing were reported by The Wall Street Journal.

In March 2020, as the pandemic rampaged through New York, and even those with symptoms were often unable to get tested for the coronavirus, several of Mr. Cuomos relatives were tested, including his mother, Matilda Cuomo, and his brother, Chris, a CNN anchor. At the time, New York was the epicenter of the outbreak in the United States. By late March, the citys hospitals were filled with hundreds of new Covid-19 patients each day.

Chris Cuomo and his family were tested several times in the pandemics early phase by a high-ranking health official who traveled to their Long Island home to take samples, which were then rushed by the state police to the Wadsworth laboratory in Albany.
The New York attorney generals office has been criminally investigating the chief financial officer of former President Donald J. Trumps company for months over tax issues, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The office of the attorney general, Letitia James, notified the Trump Organization in a January letter that it had opened a criminal investigation related to the chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, the people said. The investigators have examined whether taxes were paid on fringe benefits that Mr. Trump gave him, including cars and tens of thousands of dollars in private school tuition for at least one of Mr. Weisselbergs grandchildren.

Previously, Ms. Jamess office had been conducting only a civil investigation into the Trump Organization, meaning it could sue the company and seek fines, but not criminal charges.

The focus on perks and Mr. Weisselberg overlaps with the Manhattan district attorneys long-running criminal fraud investigation of Mr. Trump and his family business. The district attorneys office has been investigating the extent to which Mr. Trump handed out fringe benefits to some of his executives, including Mr. Weisselberg, and whether taxes were paid on those perks, The New York Times previously reported.
Philadelphia spent almost half a million dollars wooing Amazons HQ2 campus in a 2018 competition that the company billed as merit-based. So city leaders probably werent thrilled to read in a new book that one of the companys top executives frowned on its bid because he couldnt abide the Eagles, the citys football team.

Andy Jassy, since tapped to succeed Jeff Bezos as Amazons chief executive, opined that he disliked the city, which was the bitter rival of his favorite football team, the New York Giants, according to Amazon Unbound, by a longtime company chronicler, the journalist Brad Stone.

Amazon picked New York and Arlington, Va., instead.

The HQ2 process was an example of an increasingly common feature of American life: big tech companies putting on shows of government-style decision-making about government-scale issues. Recent examples include Facebooks reliance on an ersatz judiciary to decide whether Donald Trump may resume posting and Ubers efforts to create different labor standards for that special group of workers known as Uber drivers.

Public outrage tends to focus on the poor quality of these pantomimes. The real injustice runs deeper. In a representative democracy, the process confers legitimacy on the result. A piece of legislation or a court ruling commands compliance because the decision is made by duly empowered representatives acting under the law.
Zhang Yiming, who helped found TikToks Chinese parent company and turn it into a globe-straddling internet giant, will step down as its chief executive at the end of the year to focus on long-term strategy, he wrote in a letter to employees dated Wednesday.

Mr. Zhangs co-founder and head of human resources, Liang Rubo, will take the reins as chief executive at the parent company, ByteDance, which also owns a slew of other entertainment apps and web platforms in China and other countries.

After handing over my role as C.E.O., and removing myself from the responsibilities of daily management, I will have the space to explore long-term strategies, organizational culture and social responsibility, with a more objective perspective on the company, Mr. Zhang wrote.

The letter, which ByteDance posted on its website, did not address whether the leadership transition would affect Mr. Zhangs role as company chairman. ByteDance representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBCs failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her, William continued. But what saddens me most, is that if the BBC had properly investigated the complaints and concerns first raised in 1995, my mother would have known that she had been deceived. She was failed not just by a rogue reporter, but by leaders at the BBC who looked the other way rather than asking the tough questions.
Two former police officers in Colorado are facing criminal charges in connection with the arrest last year of a 73-year-old woman with dementia during which she was thrown to the ground, prosecutors announced on Wednesday.

One former officer with the Loveland Police Department, Austin Hopp, was charged with assaulting the woman, while the other officer, Daria Jalali, was charged with not intervening in a case of excessive force or reporting it, according to Gordon P. McLaughlin, district attorney for the Eighth Judicial District of Colorado.

The episode happened on June 26, 2020, when the police stopped the woman, Karen Garner, in Loveland, about 45 miles north of Denver. She was clutching wildflowers and her wallet when she was flung to the ground and handcuffed by police officers who suspected her of shoplifting items worth $13.88 from a Walmart.

In police body camera footage of the episode that Ms. Garners lawyer released last month, Ms. Garner can be heard crying out in pain, and appearing confused, telling officers she was just going home.
Dan Kleinman does not know quite how to feel.

As a child in Brooklyn he was taught to revere Israel as the protector of Jews everywhere, the Jewish superman who would come out of the sky to save us when things got bad, he said.

It was a refuge in his mind when white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., chanted Jews will not replace us, or kids in college grabbed his shirt, mimicking a South Park episode to steal his Jew gold.

But his feelings have grown muddier as he has gotten older, especially now as he watches violence unfold in Israel and Gaza. His moral compass tells him to help the Palestinians, but he cannot shake an ingrained paranoia every time he hears someone make anti-Israel statements.

It is an identity crisis, Mr. Kleinman, 33, said. Very small in comparison to what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank, but it is still something very strange and weird.
The independent investigation released on Wednesday, conducted by Freeh Group International Solutions, a global risk management firm that specializes in business integrity and due diligence, detailed reports from Ms. Culver Humphrey of extensive abuse.

The allegations went beyond what she had earlier reported occurred with her father at their home in Portland and included her claims, not reported in the earlier Oregonian article or an initial report released last year, that her father had taken her on business trips to foreign countries and arranged for her and other girls recruited locally to have sex with men.

In one account described in the report, Ms. Culver Humphrey said she was about 9 on one such trip when she and a local girl of about the same age were abused through the night by her father and another man. By the next morning, Ms. Culver Humphrey reported, the other girl was dead. Investigators said they were limited in their ability to corroborate the report but reviewed documents and survivor statements which confirmed the timing and location of this trip as well as the relationship between both perpetrators.

Ms. Culver Humphrey also reported witnessing her father abuse other children brought in during another business trip, according to the report. She told investigators that on a trip to Honduras her father arranged an encounter in which a foreign military officer sexually abused her. She estimated that she was 13 or 14 at the time, and said her father told her it would help other children by supporting the work of Mercy Corps, according to the investigation.

The investigators said Ms. Culver Humphrey identified eight men who she said had participated in the sexual assaults. While none are currently affiliated with Mercy Corps, according to the report, seven of them previously were affiliated with the organization. Investigators said the details of the reports have been passed along to law enforcement agencies.

Some of the allegations appeared to date back to the years before Mr. Culver was at Mercy Corps, when he was an executive vice president at Food for the Hungry, a relief organization based in Arizona. The group said in a statement on Wednesday that it was deeply saddened by the sexual assault reports that came to light against Ellsworth Culver, but said it had seen no reports of incidents related to Mr. Culver from his time at the organization from 1978 to 1982.

Ms. DOyen McKenna, the chief executive of Mercy Corps, said the organization was horrified by the revelations and had shared information on the participants and incidents included in the report with the F.B.I.
House Democrats defeated a Republican-led effort on Wednesday to urge the attending physician to update the chambers mask mandate, panning the attempt and seizing the opportunity to point out the minority partys paltry vaccination rates.

Republicans, led by Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, and a slate of doctors who now serve as lawmakers, tried to turn the tables on Democrats and paint them as being opposed to science after leadership decided to abide by an existing rule requiring lawmakers to wear masks on the House floor.

They introduced a bill directing the attending physician to take timely action to provide updated mask-wearing guidance consistent with new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks indoors.

The continued House mask mandate sends the erroneous message that the efficacy of the vaccines cannot be trusted, Mr. McCarthys resolution read, adding, Those who have not yet received the vaccine pose no real threat to those who have been vaccinated.
WASHINGTON  The chief executive of Emergent BioSolutions, whose Baltimore plant ruined millions of coronavirus vaccine doses, disclosed for the first time on Wednesday that more than 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine are now on hold as regulators check them for possible contamination.

In more than three hours of testimony before a House subcommittee, the chief executive, Robert G. Kramer, calmly acknowledged unsanitary conditions, including mold and peeling paint, at the Baltimore plant. He conceded that Johnson & Johnson  not Emergent  had discovered contaminated doses, and he fended off aggressive questions from Democrats about his stock sales and hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses for top company executives.

Emergents Bayview Baltimore plant was forced to halt operations a month ago after contamination spoiled the equivalent of 15 million doses, but Mr. Kramer told lawmakers that he expected the facility to resume production in a matter of days. He said he took very seriously a report by federal regulators that revealed manufacturing deficiencies and accepted full responsibility.

No one is more disappointed than we are that we had to suspend our 24/7 manufacturing of new vaccine, Mr. Kramer told the panel, adding, I apologize for the failure of our controls.
The two parties are expected to deadlock again on Thursday when Democrats call a vote on a $1.9 billion spending plan to harden the Capitols defenses four months after at least five people died in connection with the invasion, which also injured nearly 140 people and caused tens of millions of dollars in damage to the Capitol complex.

Democrats were furious. They had agreed to several concessions to Mr. McCarthy under the belief he would support the deal, only to see him slam it publicly because it did not study unrelated political violence on the left. Some Democrats said the episode only underscored to them that it was pointless to negotiate with the Republicans on any of the big issues that divide the parties, including President Bidens infrastructure proposal.

In the House, Democratic leaders threatened to pursue a more partisan investigation of Jan. 6 through existing congressional committees or by creating a new select committee if the commission proposal dies.

Democratic lawmakers, and even some Republicans, speculated that Mr. McCarthys reticence could have been driven in part by an effort to prevent damaging information about his own conversations with Mr. Trump around Jan. 6 from coming to light at a time when he is trying to help his party retake the House and become speaker.

Youll have to ask them what they are afraid of, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California told reporters. But it sounds like they are afraid of the truth, and that is most unfortunate.

Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, vowed to call a vote on the Senate floor in the coming weeks to force Republicans to take a public position, though he did not offer a specific date.

The American people will see for themselves whether our Republican friends stand on the side of truth or on the side of Donald Trumps big lie, he said.
Senators on Wednesday introduced bipartisan legislation that would be the most significant overhaul of the U.S. Postal Service in years, after the beleaguered agency repeatedly asked Congress for help to address its bleak financial situation.

Legislation to address the Postal Services dire finances has languished in Congress for years. But with enough Republican support to pass the Senate, the announcement of the bill, called the Postal Service Reform Act of 2021, is an unexpected indication of bipartisan compromise in a divided Congress.

The legislation would eliminate the requirement that the agency pre-fund its health benefits for retirees under a 2006 law and would integrate its health care with Medicare, which the senators and the Postal Service both estimate could save the agency more than $40 billion over the next decade.

In addition, the bill would require that the agency publish easily accessible weekly service data on its website, which would allow customers to search information by street address, ZIP Code or post office box. The Postal Service would also have to issue a detailed report on its finances and operations to Congress every six months and maintain a delivery standard of at least six days a week.
Washington became the latest state to enact sweeping police reforms in response to the police killing of George Floyd with the adoption this week of 12 new laws that ban chokeholds, require officers to announce their presence before raiding a home and call for the use of exhaustive de-escalation techniques before resorting to force.

The package of reforms, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday, follows similar legislation passed in other states since Mr. Floyd was killed by the Minneapolis police last May, setting off a wave of protests against police abuse that continued into the summer. The new laws come as a policing bill named after Mr. Floyd has stalled in the U.S. Senate after being passed by the House of Representatives; President Biden has called on lawmakers to pass it by Tuesday, which is the first anniversary of Mr. Floyds death, but that seems unlikely.

With little federal action, more than 30 states  and many local governments  have passed a series of reforms over the last year. At least 16 states have limited or banned officers use of neck restraints, and 10 have required or increased funding for body cameras. Washington also joined several states that have required police officers to intervene, if possible, when they see a fellow officer using excessive force.

And at least six states, including Washington, have restricted officers use of no-knock warrants, which allow them to barge into a home without warning and which experts have said can make situations more dangerous in cases where residents may believe they are under attack. Washington State is among those to ban the practice outright, joining a host of municipalities that have also done so. The police killing of Breonna Taylor during a raid on her apartment in Louisville, Ky., last year brought widespread attention to the no-knock warrant that was initially issued for the raid, though officers did knock on her apartment door in the end.
BRUSSELS  A diplomatic flurry from the White House and Europe added pressure on Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza on Wednesday to halt their 10-day-old conflict before it turned into a war entangling more of the Middle East.

President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel  their second phone call in three days  telling the Israeli leader he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire, administration officials said. Although they portrayed the call as consistent with what Mr. Biden had been saying, his decision to set a deadline was an escalation.

And in Europe, France and Germany, both strong allies of Israel that had initially held back from pressuring Mr. Netanyahu in the early days of the conflict, intensified their push for a cease-fire.

A senior Israeli official familiar with the negotiations said that Israel and Hamas will most likely reach a cease-fire agreement within the next two days. Two others corroborated that account. A cease-fire would include halting all Israeli attacks on Hamas infrastructure, and stopping Israeli attempts to kill senior Hamas members. Hamas would agree to halt all operations, including rocket fire at Israeli cities, the officials said.
The morning in April before a Minneapolis jury found the former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, Leesa Kelly woke up from a nightmare. As she had done many times over the past year, she cried out feelings of anger and hopelessness.

Kelly, who runs a self-help blog for women of color, had marched and helped fund-raise in the city since last May, when demonstrations erupted after Chauvin was captured on film pressing his knee into Floyds neck, a deadly act that moved millions of people to march in what would be the biggest racial justice protests in decades.

But nothing seemed to quell this feeling inside me: just deep despair and anger, she said. From that unsettled place emerged an idea that would become Memorialize the Movement, a project to preserve and exhibit the plywood sheets that business owners had affixed to their storefronts out of concern about vandalism by marchers, many of whom instead transformed the sheets into art: murals and other works inspired by the moment, applied in paint, spray paint, pen, pencil, marker and chalk. From May 21 to 23, many will be on view in a large-scale exhibition called Justice for George: Messages From the People in Phelps Field Park, steps from where George Floyd was killed.
On Tuesday, the 38-year-old New Zealand-Canadian actress shared on her Instagram Stories a screen grab of a comment that read in part, I am getting tired of seeing bi celebrities constantly advocate for it only to end up conventionally married to men with multiple children, living out the so-called white-picket-fence life.
NEW HAVEN, Conn.  Call her mood one of anxious joy.

As the Yale Center for British Art prepares to reopen June 4, its director, Courtney J. Martin, said she is thrilled to finally flip the lights back on. Recalling that somber moment in March 2020 when the center joined art institutions across the country in abruptly closing, she said, We left to an unknown  we didnt know what we were going home to, we didnt know when we would return.

Seeing art in person may not have seemed vital then, but its absence has since become palpable. Im so excited to be able to offer that again, Martin continued, as a place just to go and be for the summer.

Now, with infections waning and Connecticuts vaccination rate one of the highest in the country, Yale is joining a second wave of institutions resuming public access, from the Smithsonian Institutions to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.
In Final Account, the filmmaker Luke Holland interviews a series of erstwhile Nazi functionaries: older men and women who seem to have spent a lifetime perfecting the use of the passive voice. Heinrich Schulze, a former Wehrmacht fighter, shows Holland his family farm where a group of escapees from the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp once hid until they were picked up.

By whom? Holland asks. And how did they know the prisoners were hiding there? Schulze answers after a pause: Well, we discovered them and reported it.
On HBO, there was Lovecraft Country, a fantasy series that premiered in August and roves the 1950s-era United States along with the Korean War, outer space and an assortment of moments in the distant past. Recently, Them arrived on Amazon and gleefully turns 50s racial integration into a horror series set in a white suburb. At least two movies were made about government agencies harassing  and, in Fred Hamptons case, shooting to death as he slept  prominent Black Americans. Before these were movies like The Hate U Give, about a teenager drawn to protest after the police gun down her friend; and Queen & Slim, in which two cop-killers go on the lam and somehow fall in love. Thats for starters.

Some of this work can be as lyrical as Lees. Yet despite its reliance upon metaphor and genre, it feels predicated upon a kind of moral literalism  or perhaps simply obviousness. The pervasion of racism oppresses the characters, the plots and maybe even us. That, of course, is how racism operates. But here it leaves no room for ideas or personalities to declare themselves. The sense of doom is totalizing and deadening. Characters cant meaningfully connect or think without the intrusion of ghosts, monsters or the F.B.I.

This isnt to say that theres no way to imagine wedding American crisis and magic realism. A couple of years ago, Watchmen fused the fight against white supremacy with superhero myths. The conflation never felt gratuitous because its makers seemed to deeply understand what they were up to and took their time fully revealing that to us. Too often, the crisis invites opportunism.

In the 1970s, as Black nationalism became the dominant Black political mode, something amazing happened to American movies. They got Blacker. Before 1968, there had basically been Sidney Poitier changing the country on his own; then a galaxy of other faces materialized alongside his. But pretty swiftly, it became clear  courtesy of both gems and dross  that criminality, heroic and otherwise, would preoccupy most of these movies, many of them made by Black men. Blaxploitation they called it, in part for its nearsightedness.

A similar monomania is back for this latest boom in Black screen expression. The crime now is discrimination deployed in order to make the past at home in the present and the present indistinguishable from the past. Continuums bend into loops. The characters feel largely like victims. And the work can feel as exploitative of an audiences hunger to watch itself as the 70s stuff  but without the humor, haywire electricity or invigorating loucheness. (Boy, do you do miss those now.) Here, too, are pandering and cut corners; here is leaning on genre presets that render atrocity redundant.

Some of this work is trying to capture the surrealism of racism that Jordan Peele invented for Get Out. But while that movie introduced to popular culture a critique of white covetousness of Black personhood, it was also about the fear of the loss of oneself, about the plunge into a sunken place that results in racial lobotomy. The scares are external. More crucially, theyre existential.
In the middle of an online production meeting for No One Is Coming to Save Us, a new podcast from Lemonada Media that debuts on Thursday, Gloria Riviera, the shows host, had to drive her daughter to school. Riviera, a former ABC correspondent, sent a flurry of apologetic chat messages to her colleagues: I will be back on cam soon. V. close.

Mickey Capper, the podcasts lead producer, told her not to worry. Gloria, he said. We love it when your life is falling apart.

Last year, everyones life fell apart, at least a little. If you were a woman  particularly a woman with children at home  your life likely fell apart a lot more. This spring, the Census Bureau estimated that 1.5 million America mothers have yet to return to the work force, with women of color affected disproportionately. The American child care crisis, the subject of No One Is Coming to Save Us, seems insoluble. Which made it a bespoke fit for Lemonada Media, a podcast network founded in 2019 that creates feel-good stories about feel-bad issues. Most of their episodes aim to uplift, even as the subjects they discuss  self-harm, gun violence  are obvious downers. Their roster of sweet-tart shows is deeply personal, mission-driven and solution-minded.

We had this idea about making life suck less, through podcasts, Jessica Cordova Kramer, the networks co-founder, explained.
And the obstacles were not only political. She was a woman working in a mostly masculine world, an outspoken critic and a foreigner in Brazil, where she was both part of the establishment and an outsider: an insurgent in noble garb, wrote Zeuler R. M. de A. Lima, an architect and scholar who has written five books on Ms. Bo Bardi, including a recently published 500-page biography, and wrote and directed a documentary about her life.

There was a lot of resistance to her, Prof. Rocha Lima said in an interview.

Nonetheless, in the course of five decades, she wrote and illustrated articles, edited magazines, curated exhibitions and devised novel installation concepts. She directed museums, fashioned theater costumes and sets, designed sought-after furniture (which has stoked a florid market in fakes) and promoted Brazils popular and folk culture.

She also designed buildings that put people at the center of the project. The best known are in Sao Paulo, where she and her husband, the art dealer, curator and journalist Pietro Maria Bardi, moved shortly after they arrived in Brazil.

There, Ms. Bo Bardi designed the citys principal art museum, known as MASP, which opened to the public in 1969. In her bold design, the building  a glass-paned rectangle suspended on two large concrete beams that rest on huge piers  almost seems to float in midair. She created the open area beneath the galleries to serve as a huge public space.
May 20, 2021

Rising from the Hudson River, Little Island preens atop a bouquet of tulip-shaped columns, begging to be posted on Instagram. Outside, its eye candy. Inside, a charmer, with killer views.

Mega-mogul Barry Dillers $260 million, 2.4-acre pet project and civic mitzvah, near 13th Street in Hudson River Park, is the architectural equivalent of a kitchen sink sundae, with a little bit of everything. Who knows what it will feel like when crowds arrive this weekend. I suspect they will be enormous.

Because nothing in New York gets built without a struggle, opponents battled for years in court to stop Little Island. The park-within-the-park was conceived nearly a decade ago to replace Pier 54 on Manhattans West Side. In 1912, the R.M.S. Carpathia brought survivors of the Titanic to Pier 54. It had become a venue for outdoor concerts in recent years but started to crumble and had to be closed. Park officials approached Diller  his headquarters are in the neighborhood  and in turn Diller enlisted Thomas Heatherwick, the English designer and billionaire whisperer. New Yorkers may recall Heatherwick devised the Vessel at Hudson Yards.

I wont dawdle over the mess that followed the islands announcement. A real estate titan who had bones to pick with the Hudson River Park Trust supported a series of legal challenges. At one point, seeing no end in sight to the court fights, Diller backed out. A deal brokered by New Yorks governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, ultimately rescued the project and also delivered public commitments to enhance protections for wildlife habitats and improve other parts of the four-mile-long, 550-acre Hudson River Park.
This article is part of our latest special report on Museums, which focuses on reopening, reinvention and resilience.

MOUNTAINVILLE, N.Y.  Sarah Sze is a globally renowned artist who has represented the United States at the Venice Biennale and whose work is displayed in permanent collections at some of the worlds greatest museums.

But the story of how her newest and perhaps most prestigious commission came to be is a tale of resiliency rooted in a historically rural region of Orange County, N.Y., about 70 miles north of Manhattan.

The county is home to both the Storm King Art Center, which commissioned Ms. Sze before the trials of 2020 stretched the nonprofit outdoor museum thin, and the art foundry where her commission was crafted by 75 men and women who faced an outbreak of Covid-19 in their workplace earlier this year.
Ideas mattered, Louis Menand writes in his new book, explaining the rise of American culture in the years after World War II. They still do, which is why big ideas underpin a lot of this weeks recommended titles, from astrophysics and the nature of scientific celebrity (in Charles Seifes Hawking Hawking) to the pandemic and historical reactions to catastrophe (in Niall Fergusons Doom). Theres a look at the causes and consequences of misogynist violence (in Jacqueline Roses On Violence and On Violence Against Women) and a couple of takes on artistic success (in Jean Hanff Korelitzs novel The Plot, and in Menands own book, The Free World).

Elsewhere we like a new biography of the early-20th-century author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and a slim but powerful meditation on grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, along with new fiction from Jhumpa Lahiri, Damon Galgut, Caleb Azumah Nelson and Leone Ross.

Gregory Cowles

Senior Editor, Books

Twitter: @GregoryCowles

THE LIFE SHE WISHED TO LIVE: A Biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Author of The Yearling, by Ann McCutchan. (Norton, $35.) Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings won a Pulitzer Prize in 1939 for The Yearling, her novel about a boy whose father orders him to kill his constant companion, a pet deer, after it eats too much of the familys sorely needed corn. McCutchans biography of the author is the first to appear since 1988. Rawlings had an outsize personality, and quested to lead a life that felt authentic to her. McCutchan is a sensitive observer of Rawlingss work, and of her deeply unconventional life in general, our critic Dwight Garner writes.

ON VIOLENCE AND ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, by Jacqueline Rose. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $30.) The critic and psychoanalyst Jacqueline Rose roves widely in this book about the nature of violence and of violence against women in particular. She considers sexual harassment, Harvey Weinstein, student protests in South Africa, depictions of violence in contemporary fiction. For all her attraction to unruliness, Roses own sentences are cool, almost enameled in their polish and control, our critic Parul Sehgal writes. Its in the movement of her prose, the way she seizes and furiously unravels ideas from her previous books, that we see the vigor and precision of her mind, the work of thinking, of forging new pathways that she holds up as rejoinder to the muteness of violence.
This crowded menu is set out in short chapters headed by punchy questions: Is God reasonable? for example, or Is sex a private matter? Ahmari answers each with the help of an exemplary life. This can work well when his subjects biography bears visibly on the topic. On the need for daily prayer and sabbath observance, we meet an American professor of Jewish mysticism; on ritual and religion, we are introduced to a British cultural anthropologist. The device works badly with great philosophers or religious thinkers whose subtle works are cherry-picked for counter-liberal ammunition. Augustines thoughts on church and state, Aquinass on what theology owes to philosophy, Newmans on freedom of thought and papal authority. These topics are not illuminated, even in summary form, by relying on the potted life story.

Keen as he is to fight, there is much that Ahmaris foes, whether liberal progressives or liberal conservatives, can warm to. He sees that ideas matter in politics and regrets intellectual over-specialization. He invokes religious traditions beside his chosen one, notably Judaism and Confucianism. He includes a progressive Christian, Howard Thurman, author of Jesus and the Disinherited (1949), which Martin Luther King admired. Ahmari opens and closes, touchingly, with a staple of moral homily: the proper upbringing of the young.

The books virtues, however, struggle throughout with a damaging vice: the abuse of tradition. In this, Ahmari is at least evenhanded. He caricatures not just liberalism but his own faith by attributing to it more unity, simplicity and authority than historically it has ever possessed.

He mangles the divisive 1870 Catholic battle over papal infallibility, for example, by leaving out the vocal minority of dissident bishops from France, Germany, England and the United States. He misrepresents recent Catholic neo-Thomism, a flourishing tradition well represented by the philosopher John Finnis, who taught the Supreme Court justice Neil Gorsuch. Finnis, like Aquinas, accepts that believers must argue with nonbelievers.

As for political liberals, Ahmari relies on parody to represent what they believe. Liberals do not set liberty against authority but against submission to arbitrary, unchecked authority. They do not set a persons sense of themselves against community roots but against unchosen, often subordinate membership in a clan or social group. Liberal reluctance to police morals by law does not rob morals of their authority. Ahmari urges us to respect tradition but exploits it himself with polemical disregard.

Why belabor such flaws? The Unbroken Thread is unlikely to edify or divert readers not already persuaded by its claims. It earns notice, however, as a telling specimen of significant opinion on the American right. To steal a phrase of Newmans, it is a tract for the times. After so much high-level acrobatics, it is worth returning to earth with Ahmaris party-political vision and who he sees as his allies.

In a manifesto that bears another read, The New American Right: An Outline for a Post-Fusionist Conservatism in First Things (October 2019), Ahmari looked to populist and conservative-nationalist movements on both sides of the Atlantic to help the new right re-erect lost barriers after decades of liberty without end. The new rights greatest priority was to resist efforts by liberals, both progressive and conservative, to oppose by underhanded procedural means the desire voters are expressing for a politics of the common good.

That echoes not Augustine, Aquinas or Newman but the mood music of the hard right from the past two centuries: the people in thrall to deceitful elites, awaiting deliverance by those who know and tell the truth. Bad theology has consequences, Ahmari tells us. So have bad ideas.
A possible cease-fire in Israel-Gaza conflict

Israel and Hamas will most likely reach a cease-fire agreement within the next two days, according to a senior Israeli official familiar with the negotiations and two others who corroborated the account.

The cease-fire under discussion would begin with an end to all Israeli attacks on Hamas infrastructure and facilities, as well as a halt to rocket fire from Hamas at Israeli cities. Israel is also demanding that Hamas stop digging attack tunnels toward Israel and halt violent demonstrations on the Gaza-Israeli border.

The agreement would come after strong urging from the international community, including the U.S., Germany and France. Officially, Israel has denied the existence of negotiations or the imminent signing of a deal, but that may be a tactic designed to put pressure on Hamas by showing that Israel does not fear further escalation.

I was surrounded by death: When rescuers in Gaza pulled a man and his 7-year-old daughter from the rubble after an airstrike, he awoke to a new life  one without his wife and four other children.
In a wordless Instagram update, the 23-year-old actor  who plays iconic comic book character Archie Andrews on the popular live-action TV series  shared a sunset photo of him and Berry cuddling on the couch. However, the models shirt is rolled up, giving the camera a clear view of her pregnant belly.
Israel and Hamas agree to a cease-fire

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire to take effect on Friday morning, after more than 10 days of fighting, officials on both sides said.

International pressure had been mounting: the U.N. secretary general, Antonio Guterres, had called for an immediate cease-fire while Germanys foreign minister, Heiko Maas, visited Israel and pressed for peace in a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement also followed behind-the-scenes pressure from the Biden administration.

The cease-fire will go into effect at 2 a.m. on Friday. Here are the latest updates and pictures.

Details about the deal were not immediately clear, but Israel had demanded that Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, halt all rocket fire aimed at Israeli cities, stop digging attack tunnels and halt demonstrations on the Gaza-Israeli border. Israel, for its part, would have to stop its aerial bombardment. A senior Hamas official based in Qatar confirmed in a telephone interview that the group had agreed to a cease-fire mediated by Egypt.

The toll: Since fighting began on May 10, the Israeli artillery campaign has killed more than 230 people in Gaza, many of them civilians, and badly damaged infrastructure, including the fresh water and sewer systems, the electrical grid, hospitals, schools and roads. Rockets fired at Israel from Gaza have killed 12 people.
1. Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire in Gaza to take effect on Friday morning.

The deal was brokered by Egypt after 11 days of fighting that have killed more than 230 people in Gaza, many of them Palestinian civilians, and badly damaged infrastructure, including the fresh water and sewer systems, the electrical grid, hospitals, schools and roads.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced that his security cabinet had voted to accept the truce proposal, but cautioned that the reality on the ground will determine the continuation of the campaign.

More than 4,000 rockets fired at Israel from Gaza since May 10 have killed 12 people, mostly civilians. Above, a man stands next to an unexploded Israeli missile in Gaza.
The chief executive of Dominos Pizza has complained that the company cant hire enough drivers. Lyft and Uber claim to have a similar problem. A McDonalds franchise in Florida offered $50 to anybody willing to show up for an interview. And some fast-food outlets have hung signs in their windows saying, No one wants to work anymore.

The idea that the United States suffers from a labor shortage is fast becoming conventional wisdom. But before you accept the idea, its worth taking a few minutes to think it through.

Once you do, you may realize that the labor shortage is more myth than reality.

Econ 101

Lets start with some basic economics. The U.S. is a capitalist country, and one of the beauties of capitalism is its mechanism for dealing with shortages. In a communist system, people must wait in long lines when there is more demand than supply for an item. Thats an actual shortage. In a capitalist economy, however, there is a ready solution.

The company or person providing the item raises its price. Doing so causes other providers to see an opportunity for profit and enter the market, increasing supply. To take a hypothetical example, a shortage of baguettes in a town will lead to higher prices, which will in turn cause more local bakeries to begin making their own baguettes (and also cause some families to choose other forms of starch). Suddenly, the baguette shortage is no more.
Mongolia, a country of grassy hills, vast deserts and endless skies, has a population not much bigger than Chicagos. The small democratic nation is used to living in the shadow of its powerful neighbors, Russia and China.

But during a pandemic, being a small nation sandwiched between two vaccine makers with global ambitions can have advantages.

At a time when most countries are scrambling for coronavirus vaccines, Mongolia now has enough to fully vaccinate its entire adult population, in large part thanks to deals with both China and Russia. Officials are so confident about the nations vaccine riches that they are promising citizens a Covid-free summer.

Mongolias success in procuring the vaccines in the span of a few months is a big victory for a low-income, developing nation. Many poor countries have been waiting in line for shots, hoping for the best. But Mongolia, using its status as a small geopolitical player between Russia and China, was able to snap up doses at a clip similar to that of much wealthier countries.
Treasury underscored that 15 percent is a floor and that discussions should continue to be ambitious and push that rate higher, the Treasury Department said in a statement after the meetings.

The negotiations over the global minimum tax are part of a broader global fight over how to tax technology companies, and they come as the Biden administration is trying to fix provisions in the tax code that it says incentivizes moving jobs overseas. The talks have dragged on for more than two years, slowed by the recalcitrance of the Trump administration and the onslaught of the pandemic.

As part of its American Jobs Plan, the Biden administration called for doubling a tax called the global intangible low-taxed income (or GILTI) to 21 percent, which would narrow the gap between what companies pay on overseas profits and what they pay on earned income in the United States. Under the plan, the tax would be calculated on a per-country basis, which would have the effect of subjecting more income earned overseas to the tax than under the current system.

If the 15 percent global minimum tax rate is adopted, it would still leave a gap between that rate and the Biden administrations proposed U.S. domestic rate. Treasury officials have argued that the new gap would be smaller than the current one and therefore would not diminish the competitiveness of American companies. A large delta between the global minimum tax and what U.S.-based companies face on their foreign income gives companies that are based outside of the United States an advantage.

American companies have been watching the different moving parts of the negotiations closely. Big businesses have been generally wary of the Biden administrations tax plans.
The European Parliament halted progress Thursday on a landmark commercial agreement with China, citing the totalitarian threat from Beijing because of its record on human rights and its sanctions against Europeans who have been critical of the Chinese government.

By an overwhelming majority, members of Parliament passed a resolution refusing to ratify the so-called Comprehensive Agreement on Investment until China lifts sanctions on prominent European critics of Beijing. The members of Parliament also warned that they could refuse to endorse the agreement because of Chinas treatment of Muslim minorities and its suppression of democracy in Hong Kong.

The human rights situation in China is at its worst since the Tiananmen Square massacre, the resolution said, accusing China of detaining more than one million people, mostly Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang province, a charge the Chinese government has denied.

The sanctions against members of the European Parliament who have been critical of Beijing, as well as several scholars and research organizations, constitute an attack against the European Union and its Parliament as a whole, the heart of European democracy and values, as well as an attack against freedom of research, the resolution said.
The CNN prime-time host Chris Cuomo offered public-relations advice to his brother, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, after a series of sexual harassment allegations threatened the governors political career earlier this year, an unusual breach of traditional barriers between lawmakers and journalists.

CNN said on Thursday that the conversations were inappropriate and that Chris Cuomo would refrain from any more similar discussions with the governors staff. But the network said it would take no disciplinary action against the anchor, whose program was CNNs highest-rated show in the first quarter of the year.

The episode has  once again  raised questions about Chris Cuomos ability to host a flagship cable news program while his brother is a key figure in several major political stories. Besides the harassment allegations from several women who worked on his staff, Governor Cuomo has faced criticism for obscuring the number of coronavirus deaths in New York State nursing homes. Last year, before the scandals became news, Governor Cuomo commanded a national audience with his daily briefings on the pandemic.

Governor Cuomos office said on Thursday that Chris Cuomo had joined several strategy calls with the governor and some of his top advisers, confirming an earlier report by The Washington Post. There were a few phone conversations, with friends and advisers giving the governor advice, said Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Governor Cuomo.
Twitter said Thursday that it would begin allowing users to apply for verification, giving new hope to those who have spent years coveting the blue check mark that denotes some level of social media clout.

Representatives from governments, companies and news organizations are already eligible to be verified, along with athletes, entertainers and activists. Twitter will slowly offer the application form to other users over the coming weeks so it is not deluged with requests. To be eligible, users in those categories must confirm their email addresses or phone numbers and should not have recently violated Twitter rules, a spokeswoman said.

Twitter users have clamored to be verified since the company granted its first verification in 2009 to an account belonging to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The blue check mark, which is displayed on a users profile, is viewed as an indicator of legitimacy and influence.

But Twitters process for verifying accounts has been opaque. Without a clear path to verification, users have resorted to begging Twitter employees and other prominent tech figures to help them get verified.
WASHINGTON  Workers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been scouting shelters for the migrant children surging across the Southern border. Theyve been running coronavirus vaccination sites in Colorado, Massachusetts and Washington. And they are still managing the recovery from a string of record disasters starting with Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

On the cusp of what experts say will be an unusually destructive season of hurricanes and wildfires, just 3,800 of the agencys 13,700 emergency workers are available right now to respond to a new disaster. Thats 29 percent fewer than were ready to deploy at the start of last years hurricane period, which began, as it does every year, on June 1.

FEMA has seldom been in greater demand  becoming a kind of 911 hotline for some of President Bidens most pressing policy challenges. And the men and women who have become the nations first responders are tired.

Deanne Criswell, President Bidens pick to run the agency, identified employee burnout as a major issue during her first all-hands FEMA meeting, according to Steve Reaves, president of the union local that represents employees.
I think that theres a certain tone-deafness, when it comes to this type of behavior, that people just want to continue to push forward, and ignore the thoughts and feelings of how women in general feel about this, she said. People in general feel about it. No one asked me how I felt about it, I can tell you that.
Scientists have discovered a new canine coronavirus in a child who was hospitalized with pneumonia in Malaysia in 2018. If the virus is confirmed to be a human pathogen, it would be the eighth coronavirus, and the first canine coronavirus, known to cause disease in humans.

It is not yet clear whether this specific virus poses a serious threat to humans, the researchers stress. The study does not prove that the pneumonia was caused by the virus, which may not be capable of spreading between people. But the finding, which was published on Thursday in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, highlights the need to more proactively search for viruses that could jump from animals into humans, the scientists said.

I think the key message here is that these things are probably happening all over the world, where people come in contact with animals, especially intense contact, and were not picking them up, said Dr. Gregory Gray, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Duke University who is one of the studys authors. We should be looking for these things. If we can catch them early and find out that these viruses are successful in the human host, then we can mitigate them before they become a pandemic virus.
The study was observational, meaning that the researchers followed the patients progress, but did not experiment with treatments. The work was done by a large team called The African Covid-19 Critical Care Outcomes Study Investigators.

For Africa as a whole, the death rate among severely ill Covid patients may be even higher than it was in the study, the researchers said, because much of their information came from relatively well-equipped hospitals, and 36 percent of those facilities were in South Africa and Egypt, which have better resources than many other African countries. In addition, the patients in the study, with an average age of 56, were younger than many other critically ill Covid patients, indicating that death rates outside the study could be higher.

The other eight countries in the study were Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger and Nigeria. Leaders of 16 other African nations had also agreed to participate, but ultimately did not.

Reasons for the higher death rates include a lack of resources such as surge capacity in intensive care units, equipment to measure patients oxygen levels, dialysis machines and so-called ECMO devices to pump oxygen into the bloodstream of patients whose lungs become so impaired that even a ventilator is not enough to keep them alive.

But there was also an apparent failure to use resources that were available, the authors of the study suggested. Proning  turning patients onto their stomachs to help them breathe  was underused, performed for only about a sixth of the patients who needed it.
Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1, 2021.

Have you ever applied for something that asked you to talk or write about a time you overcame adversity? If so, did you feel pressure to share your challenges in a way that felt uncomfortable or inauthentic? In what ways might prompts like this be valuable? In what ways might they be limiting?

In a guest essay for The Times, Elijah Megginson, a high school senior, describes the pressure he felt to write a college essay on this topic  and explains why he chose not to. I knew what I went through was tough and to overcome those challenges was remarkable, he said, but was that all I had to offer?

In When I Applied to College, I Didnt Want to Sell My Pain Mr. Megginson writes:

In school, most kids are told that they have the potential to do great things in life. Theyre told the skys the limit. As I started to be recognized as a promising student, around eighth grade, I was told, Youre smart and youre from the hood, youre from the projects, colleges will love you. When I heard this, I was confused. I always looked at being from the hood as a bad thing. It was something I was quite ashamed of when I was younger. So for my teachers and advisers to make it seem like it was a cool thing made me feel good inside, until I fully realized what they were talking about. In my life, Ive had a lot of unfortunate experiences. So when it came time for me to write my personal statement for college applications, I knew that I could sell a story about all the struggles I had overcome. Each draft I wrote had a different topic. The first was about growing up without my dad being involved, the second was about the many times my life was violently threatened, the third was about coping with anxiety and PTSD, and the rest followed the same theme. Every time I wrote, and then discarded and then redrafted, I didnt feel good. It felt as if I were trying to gain pity. I knew what I went through was tough and to overcome those challenges was remarkable, but was that all I had to offer?

Mr. Megginson asks a friend and two teachers about the messages they got about applying to college, and finds that they all had received similar advice to write about challenging experiences. The essay continues:

Mr. Sinckler, my friend who went to N.Y.U., Mr. Jones and I had gone to different high schools, and we had all been given the same message. But it wasnt just the advisers; I was hearing it from family and neighbors. Everyone around me seemed to know this was what colleges were looking for, to the point where it didnt even have to be spoken. I felt like the college system was forcing us to embody something that was less than what we are. Were colleges just looking for a check on a checklist? Were they looking for a slap on the back for saving us from our circumstances? As I kept rewriting my personal statement, it kept sounding cliched. It was my authentic experience, but I felt that trauma overwhelmed my drafts. I didnt want to be a victim anymore. I didnt want to promote that narrative. I wanted college to be a new beginning for me. At the time, my mom, a part-time health aide, was taking care of a patient who used a wheelchair. My mom was sometimes unable to pick him up at the bus stop, as she was just getting off her second job, so I took on that responsibility. I would wait for her patient at the bus stop; I would make sure he ate, and I would play music for him until my mom got home. I also wrote about my relationship with my middle school janitor. I used both of these stories to show the importance of diversity and the value of respecting everyone regardless of physical ability, status or class. After writing this, there werent any feelings of regret. I felt free. Trauma is one of lifes teachers. We are molded by it, and some will choose to write about it urgently, passionately. Yet I would encourage those who feel like their stories were written in tragedy to rethink that, as I did. When you open your mind to all the other things you can offer in life, it becomes liberating. Lets show college admissions officers what theyre missing out on, not what they already know.

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

The author writes that he felt pressure to sell his pain in a college essay. Have you ever experienced something similar? If so, when? What did you decide to do and why?

What messages have you gotten about how to market yourself, whether in an application process or everyday life? What do you think of those messages? Do you think your background and identity have shaped the advice youve been given? If so, how?

Why do you think so many application processes include a question about facing adversity? Why might it be useful? Do you think it is a fair question in general?

Do you agree with Mr. Megginson that a focus on adversity can prevent students from getting to express other parts of their identities? Do you worry that this focus could put students in a box?

In contrast to this essayist, you may have had an application experience in which sharing a story about a challenge you faced was useful, or even empowering. If so, how and why did it help you?

Some applicants have a different problem: They feel they havent faced challenges significant enough to merit discussing. In the essay, Mr. Megginson tells the story of his teacher who, when applying to college, felt he was competing with kids on the same academic level who had faced even more adversity  which made him feel he had to oversell himself. Have you ever felt this way? If so, what did you do?

Think about a time you wrote about your identity  whether for a college essay, a personal narrative or a social media post. What part of yourself did you choose to write about, and why?

About Student Opinion

 Find all of our Student Opinion questions in this column.

 Have an idea for a Student Opinion question? Tell us about it.

 Learn more about how to use our free daily writing prompts for remote learning.

Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
With depth of feeling and warm black-and-white photography, Zeshawn Alis humble documentary Two Gods fully acknowledges how death is a part of life.

Ali brings a matter-of-fact compassion to the experiences of three different people: Hanif, a Black Muslim man in Newark, and the two boys he is mentoring, Furquan and Naz.

Hanif builds caskets for a Muslim funeral home and joins their washing rituals for the dead. Lanky with a salt-and-pepper grizzle, heavy glasses, and a restless vibe, Hanif seems settled there after some years in the wilderness. Hes a pal to Furquan, a well-grounded 12-year-old, and a booster for Naz, a baby-faced 17-year-old who seems to be sliding into crime. Hanif worries over both  Furquan eventually moves in with relatives in North Carolina when his grandmother falls ill and mother deals with domestic abuse  while forging his own path and reconnecting with a son.
Painting a curiously cozy portrait of refugee life, Caroline Links When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit views displacement and the approaching Holocaust primarily through the experiences of a child, Anna Kemper (a captivating Riva Krymalowski). The result is a movie thats almost as cuddly as the toy in its title.

We meet 9-year-old Anna in Berlin in 1933, just before the Nazis come to power. Forced to flee to protect her father, Arthur (Oliver Masucci), a noted theater critic and prominent denouncer of Hitler, the family  including Annas older brother, Max (Marinus Hohmann), and their mother, Dorothea (Carla Juri)  relocates to the Swiss countryside. While the children grapple with a new language and unfamiliar customs, Arthur struggles to find work in a country he learns is experiencing an influx of Jewish intellectuals and is fearful of compromising its neutrality.

A move to a meager Paris apartment only accelerates their diminishing circumstances. Yet, considering the horrors unfolding in Germany, the familys problems feel staggeringly trivial. News that the Nazis have looted their home and burned their books, and that Arthur now has a price on his head, seems to arrive from another planet as the film focuses on Annas developing artistic talent. Its difficult to sympathize with a family whose most pressing problems are a snippy French landlady (Anne Bennent) and the ability to afford private schooling for only one child. Indeed, Dorotheas disdain for public schools (They dont even teach Latin there) expresses a privilege that feels shockingly out of place.
Rahul Vohra began his acting career in the theater and later worked in low-budget films and television ads. But he was fascinated by the role technology played in shaping conversations about society, so he turned to video blogging.

After he and Jyoti Tiwari married in December, she joined him in producing short, scripted videos in Hindi about issues like gender disparity, rising gas prices and the difficulties of working from home during the pandemic. Several have received more than 1 million views, and Mr. Vohra swiftly became one of Indias most popular YouTube stars.

In one video, titled Story of a Woman, he asks for a cup of tea from his wife, who is played by an actress and is seen lost in thought after a long day of housework.

I am not a robot, she says.

You only stay at home; what else do you do? Mr. Vohra asks. She challenges him to do household chores for a day, telling him that then he would understand what she had meant. After accepting the challenge, hes soon seen struggling and tiring within hours.
Mr. Biden has made clear he is reserving the option to go back into Afghanistan if he determines it is in Americas interest. The Pentagon, which refers to the withdrawal as a strategic retrograde, said it intends to continue over the horizon operations in Afghanistan as the conventional withdrawal moves forward. In plain terms, this can mean anything from drone strikes and targeted counterterrorism missions to logistical support of Afghan military forces. In recent weeks, senior U.S. military commanders spoke of plans to keep Special Operations strike forces in the region to conduct find-fix-and-finish operations in Afghanistan against the Islamic State, Al Qaeda and the Taliban if they create problems and threaten U.S. interests and to redeploy if ordered.

In the early 1980s, Mr. Biden supported opening the spigot for American aid to Pakistan to combat the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. It was this conflict that helped incubate the rise of the Taliban and, to an extent, Al Qaeda. After the Sept. 11 attacks, Mr. Biden was a passionate supporter of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. Was ever a war more justified than us going into Afghanistan? he said in 2006. I cant think of any war since World War II more justified.

But as vice president in 2009, Mr. Biden argued against a large-scale surge in U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He wanted the United States to move away from a nation-building enterprise and to use C.I.A., Special Operations forces and drones to conduct targeted operations.

He argued that such actions were more in line with the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force than an occupation. That measure, which was passed by Congress days after the 9/11 attacks, was intended to support the targeting of the perpetrators of the attacks. It has since been stretched by successive administrations to justify military actions outside declared war zones.

In the end, Mr. Obama did both: He surged conventional military forces in Afghanistan and expanded the use of Special Operations teams, C.I.A. activities and drone strikes. And large numbers of Afghan civilians were killed in U.S. operations during his two terms in office.

The current Afghanistan plan, as Mr. Biden has publicly described it, is similar to what he advocated in 2009, albeit with U.S. strike forces being positioned elsewhere in the region rather than inside Afghanistan. In addition to the considerable maritime options of the United States, the Pentagon is reportedly looking at bases in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to host U.S. forces.

In a way, Mr. Bidens plan is an indictment of the Afghanistan policies of the Obama White House and raises a bigger question: What was the point of continuing the occupation all these years?
He was once again homeless. He had worked and lived in four Arab countries without being allowed to acquire citizenship. For decades he longed for Gaza. As a stateless Palestinian, he needed a passport to return home.

My mother, who had settled in the United States when she was 18, brought him over. He lived with us in Florida for long stretches in the 1990s and applied for U.S. citizenship. I cherished the afternoons when he and I would sit on our porch drinking sage tea and watching the rain. He would puff on his cigarettes, we would share jokes, and I would quiz him on the basics of American history and governance in preparation for his citizenship test.

I did not realize that these moments together were not bringing him closer to us but enabling his return to Gaza, where I would no longer be able to see him.

Once he became a U.S. citizen, he was determined to return to Gaza. My grandmother, his wife of nearly 50 years, refused to return as long as the land was under occupation. He refused to remain in exile. In 2004, he moved to Gaza; she stayed in the United Arab Emirates alone.

In Gaza, my grandfather quit smoking and spent much of his time outdoors planting olives, grapes, loquats and berries in his family orchard and relaxing in a studio apartment on the Mediterranean. He reconnected with family members he had been separated from for years and ate the figs that he had dreamed about in exile.

In 2007, in a bid to destabilize the Hamas-led government, Israel imposed a crushing blockade that persists today, turning Gaza into an open-air prison and, along with Egypt, controlling every aspect of the lives of its residents. Getting medication for my grandfathers diabetes became nearly impossible; frequent power outages forced him to use kerosene burners for cooking.

Several wars on Gaza followed, my grandfather describing each one as more brutal and terrifying than the one before. He would tell us how the bombs would rattle the walls as he tried to sleep.
That was a big reason why the movie turned out the way it did is that we werent going in there trying to scare people, said the Pay It Forward star. The movie is less about ghosts, per se, than it is about the fear people have of not being able to communicate with each other. And I think thats what gave it its kind of power and made it stick with people.
To the Editor:

Re A Misstep by Organizers of Pride (editorial, May 19):

I have to wholeheartedly disagree with your perception of the ban on uniformed police groups at New Yorks Pride celebration as a misstep.

This is an appropriate and timely response to the collective trauma of a nation dealing with a year of reckoning regarding police brutality. For those of us who faced officers in riot gear, who were tear-gassed and shot at with rubber bullets less than a year ago while kneeling with our hands up in support of our Black community members, we respectfully ask officers to stay away.

For L.G.B.T.Q.+ officers, my response is this: You have an identity that is complex. But one part of that identity, as a police officer, makes me and others feel unsafe. This is a consequence of the policies of the unions you belong to, qualified immunity that is your extraordinary privilege, and the unspoken blue line that makes it nearly impossible for good officers to enact change in a dysfunctional system.

So yes, your uniform scares me. You need to determine if the two identities you hold are compatible. I dont believe they are  yet.
Han Yang

Sydney, Australia

To the Editor:

Re The Unshakable Bonds of Friendship With Israel Are Shaking (column, May 20):

I have a simple question for Nicholas Kristof. If you believe that Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish democratic state and also has the right of self-defense (meaning that it is not required to just take indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza), then what is it supposed to do? If you were the prime minister of Israel, how would you do things differently to protect Israeli citizens?

Joshua I. Schlenger

Bronx

To the Editor:

Re Younger Jews in U.S. Facing an Identity Crisis (front page, May 20):

I am not one of these younger Jews. I am an older American Jew for whom the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been the abiding issue of my life, a place where Jewish power and Jewish ethics collided. There is certainly no argument about which was the winner and which the loser.

But yes, I readily admit to the joy I felt upon first visiting Israel, the pride that I experienced in the great accomplishments of the reborn Jewish state. But as I grew up, and the more I read, I came to realize that the price of that Jewish state was the dispossession of the Palestinian people, the expulsion of thousands from their homes, the depopulation of 400 of their villages, an assault that continues today in the nightmarish bombing and shelling of Gaza.

This was, and is, simply too high a price to pay. And if I must take a stand, I stand with justice.

Jacob Bender

Philadelphia

The writer is executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia, the Council on American Islamic Relations.
Others grew more fervent. J. Derrick Lemons, an associate professor of religion at the University of Georgia, found himself startled as he participated (for 50 hours) as an anthropological observer in the Zoom prayer sessions held after the election by some of the evangelical leaders Mr. Trump frequently consulted with during his presidency. They were clear that Mr. Trump had won and that his victory would be recognized. As the weeks went by and Mr. Trumps lawsuits attempting to overturn the elections results continued to fail, the prayers became more heated and more public, expanding to Facebook Live and YouTube. The stakes went up. The leaders prayed not against malevolent Democrats, but against a deep-state Republican and Democratic cabal that controlled all government, and from which they needed Mr. Trump to free them. Mr. Lemons said they spoke of Mr. Trump as a modern-day Cyrus to lead them out of captivity and into the apocalyptic battle that would end with Christs return.

There is a deep lesson here about religious commitment. Faith is always about living with the contradictions between the world as it should be (as understood by the person of faith) and the world as it is. God is good, but injustice abounds. You pray to an omnipotent king that your mother will recover, but she does not. Faith is always, to some extent, about cognitive dissonance.

Most people live with a cognitive flexibility around the relationship of their faith to the everyday. They believe that God can do anything, but they never rely on God to feed the dog. They do not expect God to write their term paper. They do not allow their faith commitment to the world as it should be to violate the reality constraints of the world as it is. One can find this sentiment in many faiths. A famous Islamic hadith asks whether one should tie up ones camel, or leave the camel untied and trust in Allah. Trust in Allah, the hadith says, but do not forget to tie up your camel.

Yet some people of faith deliberately disregard the real world. They march on with an outsize commitment to the world as their faith wants it, and not to the world as it is. The more someone becomes emotionally invested in such a group, the more it takes to wrest that person free.

Many years ago in San Diego I spoke with a woman who had joined the movement of the spiritual leader known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh back in the 1970s when it was fun and free, when he was known as the sex guru and when her days were full of dancing meditations. She followed him when he left his ashram in Pune, India, in 1981 to build an enormous new commune in Oregon. She remained as activities shifted from dynamic yoga to hard labor, with devotees constructing buildings on the property. She stayed with him through the period in 1984 when group leaders hatched assassination plots and deliberately poisoned hundreds of Oregonians with salmonella.

She left him, she said, only in 1985, when F.B.I. helicopters landed in the commune and the Bhagwan was charged with immigration fraud and deported. She had come to talk to me, the new anthropologist of religion in town, to ask why she had stayed for so long.
Before the pandemic, the London-based Kenyan artist Phoebe Boswell spent much of her time drawing portraits of fishermen who, within her body of work, represent the fictional ancestors of a futuristic utopia located off the coast of Zanzibar, once Africas largest eastern slave port. I was thinking about how difficult it is to imagine the future, she says, to imagine freedom. Were so confined to our own lived experience. As the world went into lockdown last year, Boswell  who is at risk for severe illness from Covid-19  found herself wrestling with an uncertain, and unknowable, future. To cope, she began drawing self-portraits and other works based on images she either posted to or saw on social media, as well as painting vignettes of scenes taken from her walks to and from her studio, documenting her time in isolation. Still Life: A Taxonomy of Being, on view at New York Citys Sapar Contemporary through June 12, compiles all 49 of these works. In one, Boswell sketches an image that was originally posted to Instagram by the art critic Jerry Saltz of two people embracing with the words I just want to be touched again. In another, a yellow electrical box, rendered in watercolor, contains a label reading Ever Present Danger. And a video titled Notes on a Pandemic (2021) plays sounds of heavy breathing and coughing, yet another marker of this long, harrowing year. Still Life: A Taxonomy of Being is on view through June 12 at Sapar Contemporary, 9 North Moore Street, New York, N.Y. 10013, saparcontemporary.com.

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In California, Scripps Health, which operates five hospitals and a number of clinics in San Diego, is still trying to bring its systems back online two weeks after a ransomware attack crippled its data. In New Zealand, a ransomware attack paralyzed multiple hospitals across the country, forcing clinicians to use pen and paper, and postponing nonelective surgeries.

Late last year, a ransomware attack on the University of Vermonts Medical Center upended the lives of cancer patients whose chemotherapy treatments had to be delayed or recreated from memory.

The attacks come on top of a similar ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, the American pipeline operation that supplies nearly half the gas, diesel and jet fuel to the East Coast. That attack prompted Colonial Pipeline to shut down its pipeline operations, triggering panic buying at the pump and gas and jet fuel shortages along the East Coast. Colonial Pipeline agreed to pay its extortionists, a different cybercriminal gang called DarkSide, nearly $5 million to decrypt its data.

The attack in Ireland has caused backlogs inside emergency rooms from Dublin to Galway, and patients have been urged to stay away from hospitals unless they require urgent care.

In many Irish counties, appointments have been canceled for radiation treatments, MRIs, gynecological visits, endoscopies and other health services. Health authorities said the attack was also causing delays in Covid-19 test results, but a vaccine appointment system was still working.

Irish health officials said Thursday that H.S.E. was working to build a new network, separate from the one that has been affected. Hundreds of experts have been recruited to rebuild 2,000 distinct systems. The effort is likely to cost tens of millions of euros, Mr. Reid said.

The H.S.E. said Thursday that it had been provided with a key that could decrypt the data being held for ransom, but it was unclear if it would work.
Paul Romer was once Silicon Valleys favorite economist. The theory that helped him win a Nobel prize  that ideas are the turbocharged fuel of the modern economy  resonated deeply in the global capital of wealth-generating ideas. In the 1990s, Wired magazine called him an economist for the technological age. The Wall Street Journal said the tech industry treated him like a rock star.

Not anymore.

Today, Mr. Romer, 65, remains a believer in science and technology as engines of progress. But he has also become a fierce critic of the tech industrys largest companies, saying that they stifle the flow of new ideas. He has championed new state taxes on the digital ads sold by companies like Facebook and Google, an idea that Maryland adopted this year.

And he is hard on economists, including himself, for long supplying the intellectual cover for hands-off policies and court rulings that have led to what he calls the collapse of competition in tech and other industries.

Economists taught, Its the market. Theres nothing we can do, Mr. Romer said. Thats really just so wrong.
A California city has apologized for its treatment of Chinese immigrants who came to the city during the states gold rush, atoning for its past as a sundown town where the Chinese were barred from the streets after dark.

During a special meeting this week, the Antioch City Council unanimously adopted the resolution to issue a formal apology to early Chinese immigrants.

Its just the right thing to do, Mayor Lamar Thorpe said on Thursday. We have to do our part to rectify what is happening today by rectifying our past mistakes.

After seeing a recent wave of anti-Asian speech and violence this year, Mr. Thorpe offered a proposal during a news conference last month: that the city should formally apologize for its early treatment of Chinese residents. Antioch, which has a population of 111,000, is about 45 miles east of San Francisco.
Vaccination campaigns in Asia

Two of Chinas neighbors have enacted divergent vaccination campaigns, and their disparate results show the value of a muscular rollout.

Early in the pandemic, Taiwan shut its borders and required quarantines of nearly everyone who arrived from overseas, mostly shielding itself from the worst of the virus. But that has recently changed after enough infections have slipped by to cause localized outbreaks.

The country has reported 200 to 350 new infections a day for the past several days, after recording just 1,290 from the beginning of the pandemic until Saturday. Amplifying the concerns is the countrys slow vaccination campaign. Only about 1 percent of the islands 23.5 million residents have been vaccinated. Scenes from the country now look like those from the early days of the pandemic, with businesses shuttered and lines around the block at testing sites. Experts say the slow pace of vaccination and more transmissible virus variants created a perfect window for a flare-up.

Mongolia, on the other hand, used its status as a small geopolitical player between Russia and China to strike deals with both countries to acquire enough doses to vaccinate its entire adult population. Its a big victory for a low-income nation, which snapped up doses with a swiftness similar to the pace of much wealthier countries despite being late to the global rush for vaccines.

The country has been facing a forceful outbreak that began in March, but cases have been dropping during the past month, and officials are so confident about the nations vaccine riches that they are promising citizens a Covid-free summer.
Good morning.

Even as California moves toward a full reopening from pandemic restrictions next month, many counties are still in danger.

From drought.

Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom extended emergency drought orders to 41 counties across the state. According to the United States Drought Monitor, 84 percent of the West is now in drought conditions, with 47 percent rated as severe or extreme. In California, 73 percent of the state falls into those categories. And if the recent Palisades fire in western Los Angeles is any indication, an active wildfire season could already be here.

All eyes are on the critical resource that can help fight the effects of another dry summer: water.

California relies on wet years to replenish its water supply during dry years. And while 2019 was a flood year, it has been dry since.

The states drought from 2012 to 2016 set a new benchmark, Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow with the Public Policy Institute of Californias Water Policy Center, told me this week. That drought was significant because it was not only dry, with very limited snowpack, but it was the warmest in recorded history. The current drought  now two years old  is shaping up in the same way.
Weve been very fortunate here in the U.S., he said. But it remains to be seen what happens with the strain that has emerged in India  and that is another reason why its so important to get vaccinated. If a new strain were to emerge that is [substantially] more resistant to current vaccines or to monoclonal antibodies, that could lead to another surge.
The resistance reflected the lingering anger among Democrats in Congress, particularly lawmakers of color, about the contrast between the law enforcement response to the Capitol rioters  a mostly white group  and high-profile episodes of excessive use of force against Black Americans by police officers around the country.

The attack on the Capitol was one of the most violent in American history. Nearly 140 police officers were injured, and at least five people died in connection with the riot.

The bill would provide more than $520 million to reimburse the National Guard, which has supplied thousands of troops to patrol the newly fortified Capitol; $250 million to create retractable fencing and other security features; $200 million to create a quick reaction force in the National Guard to respond to future emergencies; $160 million to harden windows and doors; more than $175 million to protect federal judges and courts; and nearly $40 million to fund the prosecution of people accused of storming the Capitol.

It includes smaller pots of money to equip Capitol Police officers with body cameras and bolster its intelligence division, and increases protection of lawmakers as they travel the country.

Like many of us in the Capitol community, I am still shaken by the violence and terror of that day and the tragedies in its aftermath, Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut and chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, who said the Capitol Police were in dire need of better equipment.

The bill would also rename the Capitol Police wellness center after Officer Howard Liebengood, who died by suicide in the aftermath of the attack.

Many of the proposals, which have been endorsed by the Capitol Police, were recommended by a panel led by Russel L. Honore, a retired Army lieutenant general appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to investigate Capitol security after the riot.
Local officials and Jewish leaders in Los Angeles on Thursday condemned an attack against Jewish diners outside a sushi restaurant this week that the Los Angeles Police Department has said it was investigating as an anti-Semitic hate crime.

We have to recognize this for what it is: Its anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic, Mayor Eric Garcetti said in an interview. You have to be specific and say what it is.

Mr. Garcetti said he was confident about the citys investigation into the attack, and hoped to announce progress within the next several days.

In a video capturing part of the episode, multiple cars proceed slowly down the busy street in front of the restaurant, which is near several synagogues and Jewish schools. A man with a megaphone shouts slogans like Israel kills children from one of the cars, before multiple men leave their vehicles to confront diners on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. A fight breaks out, and one man swings a heavy stanchion at the attackers. At least one person was injured.
Senator Rick Scott of Florida, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, downplayed the potential effect of the court ruling, though he said that as an abortion opponent he welcomed the court taking up the case. But Mr. Scott said he believed voters would be more persuaded by what he described as the Biden administrations failings on issues such as immigration, the economy, taxes, inflation and more.

While the lines have always been starkly drawn on abortion into the pro and anti camps, public opinion has proved more nuanced, with a clear majority backing Roe but majorities also favoring some limits. How the Supreme Court comes down on the fine points of abortion law could determine how the issue plays in the elections.

Considering the decision will likely be made five months ahead of the election, and depending on the decision itself, its too early to measure its ultimate impact on the midterms, said Nathan Gonzales, the editor of the nonpartisan Inside Elections. Mr. Gonzales said it could conceivably energize Republicans but also pay benefits for Democrats  a view shared by others.

President Donald J. Trump helped inspire record turnout last year from Democratic voters, who were eager to reject his administration. With Mr. Trump no longer on the ballot, many Democrats say the Supreme Court case could provide crucial midterm motivation, particularly for suburban women in swing districts who were instrumental in Democratic wins last year.

Katie Paris, the founder of Red, Wine and Blue, a group focused on organizing suburban female voters for Democrats across the country, said the Supreme Court news immediately touched off alarm on the Facebook groups and other social media channels run by her organization.

When the news came out that this was going to be taken up, it was like, Everybody get ready. This is real, she said. We know what this court could do, and if they do it, the backlash will be severe.

Tresa Undem, a pollster who specializes in surveys on gender issues, said that abortion rights would continue to be an effective cause for Democrats because voters link it to larger concerns about power and control that motivated female voters during the Trump administration.
It was a far cry from the harsh words McConnell dished out immediately after the Capitol attack, but this isnt the first time the minority leader has swept in at the 11th hour to stop an action that could potentially lay bare Trumps role in provoking the Jan. 6 uprising. In February, he waited until just before a vote on Trumps second impeachment to state that he would oppose it, effectively ensuring the former presidents acquittal on charges stemming from Jan. 6.

In March, a Monmouth University poll found that a solid majority of Americans thought an independent commission should be set up to investigate the attacks, with just 37 percent preferring to let other internal investigations take care of things. Roughly half of Republicans favored a full independent inquiry.

But in the weeks since, Republican lawmakers and conservative pundits have coalesced as Trump has only tightened his grip on the party ahead of the 2022 midterms. A range of other polling shows that while Trumps favorability ratings have slipped further among the country at large, he has retained widespread support from the Republican rank-and-file.

This month, House Republicans voted to remove Representative Liz Cheney from her post as conference chair because she had refused to stop criticizing Trumps false claims about the 2020 election. (Yesterday, she was one of the 35 House Republicans who voted in favor of the commission.) The partys leadership is now firmly behind Trumps distortions.

Commentators at the conservative fringe were already downplaying the Jan. 6 insurrection before the blood at the Capitol was dry, sometimes floating conspiracy theories to justify it. More recently, top Republicans have begun to draw more heavily on that narrative.

The fact of the matter is even calling it insurrection, it wasnt, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, a staunch Trump ally, said on Fox News yesterday.

By and large, it was peaceful protests, except for there were a number of people, basically agitators, that whipped the crowd and breached the Capitol.
A diplomatic flurry from the White House and Europe is adding pressure on Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza to halt their conflict before it turns into a war entangling more of the Middle East.

The Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the barrage of rocket fire by Hamas into Israel eased overnight on Thursday as senior officials on both sides privately expressed optimism that a cease-fire agreement could come by the weekend.

President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Wednesday  their second phone call in three days  telling the Israeli leader he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire, administration officials said. Although they portrayed the call as consistent with what Mr. Biden had been saying, his decision to set a deadline was an escalation.

On Thursday, Mr. Biden spoke with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, whose nation has acted as an intermediary in the negotiations.
The senior official said that rebuilding Gaza  which will most likely be coordinated through the United Nations  was at the top of a list of festering diplomatic obstacles that the administration would face between Israel and the Palestinian Authority now that the fighting was to wind down.

Mr. Biden is expected to consider other initiatives. American diplomats who had shelved the prospects of brokering a broader peace agreement between the two sides will take a new look at the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, said the senior official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions. The Biden administration will also refocus on how to build on new alliances between Israel and Arab states that were brokered last year, largely at the behest of President Donald J. Trump.

The administration is also considering how to foster relations and coordination among rival Palestinian political factions in Gaza and the West Bank, as outlined in an analysis co-written in 2018 by Hady Amr, now a deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestinian issues.

Rebuilding Gaza is a necessary part of the diplomacy  and not only as what some officials see as a moral imperative to help residents. Officials and experts said it was also a point of leverage with Hamas, the militant group that governs the Gaza Strip but has lost popularity among residents who criticize its authoritarian approach and poor administration.

In a sense, you need to put Hamas in a position where they have to choose between their rockets and the well-being of Gaza, said Dennis B. Ross, a veteran American negotiator of peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians and Middle East policy for at least four U.S. presidents.
WASHINGTON  When Jamie Fly, the chief executive of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, visited Moscow in January 2020 to promote his news outlets popularity in Russia, he said he received an ominous message from the Kremlins top spokesman.

We know how successful youve been, Mr. Fly recalled the spokesman, Dmitry S. Peskov, saying to him in a private conversation. Were watching very closely. (Mr. Peskov confirmed that the conversation took place, but said that much else was discussed and that nothing ominous was said.)

In the months since, Radio Free Europe, which is funded by the U.S. government, has entered a standoff with the Russian government. The battle revolves around a Russian law requiring that the organization label itself a foreign agent. Doing so, Radio Free Europe officials said, would drive away its audience and hinder its ability to report the news  and could effectively shut down its Russian operation.

As of Friday, they added, Russian officials have initiated legal action against the outlet and frozen its bank accounts until it pays roughly $67,000 of $2.4 million in estimated total fines for not complying with the law. Officials for the organization said they did not plan to pay, adding that if the pressure campaign continued, its reporters could face jail time or criminal prosecution.
WASHINGTON  The Senate Judiciary Committee approved President Bidens first two appeals court nominees over Republican opposition on Thursday, as Democrats try to quicken the pace of rebalancing the federal judiciary after hundreds of conservative jurists were seated in the Trump era.

The vote moved Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, a federal district judge nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, who is slated for the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, a step closer to confirmation votes by the full Senate. The nominees, both Black women, are former federal public defenders whose selection was part of a concerted effort by the Biden administration to diversify the federal bench.

These nominees will bring to the bench outstanding credentials and experience, and a variety of professional perspectives that have been underrepresented many times in the judiciary, said Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois and the chairman of the committee, which also voted on Thursday to approve three lower district court nominees.

Republican committee members, citing broad Democratic opposition to circuit court nominees put forward by Donald J. Trump when he was president, by and large opposed the two nominees. Judge Jackson drew the support of two committee Republicans, Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas, while Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi was backed by just one, Mr. Graham.
The three known survivors of the 1921 race massacre in Tulsa, Okla., in which white mobs gunned down Black people in the streets and Black-owned businesses were burned to the ground, appeared before a congressional committee on Wednesday, arguing that justice was far overdue.

Adding a personal touch to a House Judiciary subcommittee considering reparations for survivors and descendants of the massacre, the three centenarians recalled how the violence, among the worst attacks of racial violence in U.S. history, changed the trajectory of their lives. They described feeling safe, even prosperous, before the attack, surrounded by friends and family in a neighborhood of mostly Black-owned businesses.

Then, on June 1, a day that is rarely mentioned in history textbooks, the neighborhood of Greenwood, home to a business district known as Black Wall Street, was destroyed by a white mob. The mob looted and set fire to the businesses, and historians estimate up to 300 people were killed, 8,000 left homeless, 23 churches burned and more than 1,200 homes destroyed.

Viola Ford Fletcher, 107, said she still remembered seeing the Black men being shot and bodies in the street, could smell the smoke and hear the screams. She was 7 at the time.
NAIROBI, Kenya  Ethiopia on Thursday expelled an Irish journalist working for The New York Times, dealing a new blow to press freedom in a country as the government fights a grinding war in the northern region of Tigray.

The expulsion of the reporter, Simon Marks, comes one month before much-delayed Parliamentary elections in Ethiopia that are expected to cement the authority of the countrys embattled prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.

Mr. Marks had reported extensively on the war in Tigray, where there are widespread accounts that the Ethiopian military and its Eritrean and militia allies are committing atrocities, including massacres and sexual assault.

On Thursday, Ethiopian officials summoned Mr. Marks to a meeting in the capital, Addis Ababa. His press credentials had already been canceled since March, one day after he returned from an approved reporting trip in Tigray. The officials detained him and drove him to the city airport, where he was held for eight hours before being deported on a flight that left around 12:30 a.m. local time on Friday.
Chico Mendonca will be remembered at a Celebration of Life starting at 5:30 p.m. June 7 at Bem Bom (3101 Corrine Drive in Orlando) . Those whose lives he touched are invited to come, share and remember. The family also welcomes guests to share memories via an online memorial at caringbridge.org/visit/chefchicomendonca, where stories in an array of languages from Chicos friends worldwide are already accumulating. Mendoncas final wish was to rest alongside his parents in the Azores, where a memorial will take place this summer. On the way, his family will visit all the places he called home. A GoFundMe has been set up for chef Chicos final journey.
But two years later, much of the aggressive protest art has faded and the police have effectively silenced the demonstrations. Many residents are deeply anxious over a national security law that Chinas central government imposed on the territory last summer and the mass arrests of opposition politicians, activists and lawyers that followed.

Artists, writers and filmmakers know that whatever they create could run afoul of the national security law, which criminalizes anything that the Chinese government deems terrorism, secession, subversion or collusion with foreign powers. Institutions like art galleries are wary of taking risks. One curator said privately that talking about art and politics was especially sensitive ahead of Art Basel Hong Kong, a major international fair that opens this week.

Some Hong Kong curators have been quietly asking artists to tone down certain pieces, consulting with lawyers about how to avoid prosecution under the national security law and even calling the police to discuss potentially sensitive works before exhibiting them, said Wong Ka Ying, a member of a union that represents about 400 Hong Kong artists.

We now act like were in Beijing or Shanghai, she said.

Yet several young Hong Kong artists are daring to produce work about the 2019 protests anyway, albeit with heavy doses of abstraction and ambiguity. A few talk about their artistic process in polemical terms; others, like Ms. Choi, say they are merely responding creatively to the experience of living through a once-in-a-generation trauma.
TAIPEI, Taiwan  Closed schools and restaurants offering takeout only. Lines around the block at testing sites. Politicians on television urging the public to stay calm.

If the scenes around Taiwan this week have a distinctly early pandemic feel, it is because the coronavirus is only now washing up on the islands shores in force. A crush of new infections has brought a swift end to the Covid-free normality that residents had been enjoying for more than a year.

By shutting its borders early and requiring two-week quarantines of nearly everyone who arrives from overseas, Taiwan had been managing to keep life on the island mostly unfettered. But all that changed after enough infections slipped past those high walls to cause community outbreaks.

For most of the past week, the government has ordered residents to stay home whenever possible and to wear masks outdoors, though it has not declared a total lockdown. Local authorities are ramping up rapid testing, though some health experts worry that too few tests are being done to stay ahead of the viruss spread.
On the first day of the trial the mood in the courtroom was tense. Franco A., dressed in a gray checkered shirt under a brown vest, his long hair tied back, sat to the right of the judges bench flanked by two lawyers. He looked defiant, occasionally scribbling notes to a lawyer, as two prosecutors dressed in burgundy robes and matching masks read out a summary of the indictment.

One of the prosecutors, Karin Weingast, described how in 2015, as hundreds of thousands of refugees were arriving in Germany, Franco A. had fooled the authorities into believing that he was one of those migrants. Over the course of more than a year, he got shelter and an asylum hearing, and qualified for monthly benefits.

When he first disguised himself as a refugee in December 2015, he had planned and already began preparing an attack under that fake identity, Ms. Weingast said. For that purpose, she said, he had hoarded more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, four guns and some 50 explosives, some of it stolen from military bases where he had been stationed.

And in his own notes, she said, he had identified several potential targets, including Claudia Roth, a vice president of the German Parliament; Heiko Maas, the foreign minister; and Anetta Kahane, a Jewish antiracism activist and vocal defender of refugees.

Franco A., Ms. Weingast said, had planned to attack not just one or several public figures  but democracy itself.
ROME  As Dr. Mario Sorlini sits patients down in a vaccination center near the badly affected Italian town of Bergamo, he explains a potential complication of the coronavirus vaccine.

The second dose, he tells patients with terror-stricken faces, will fall on a date during the summer holidays.

But Ill be in Sardinia then, he said that some had responded with distress. Others moan about hotel rooms theyve already booked. Some, he said, get up and leave.

For months, Italians have hungered for the vaccines that would give them safety, freedom from lockdown and a taste of normal life. After initial pitfalls and hurdles, the vaccination campaign is finally speeding up, but it is heading smack into the summer holidays that are sacred for many Italians and prompting fears among officials that a significant number would rather get away than get vaccinated.
BRUSSELS  As Israel and Hamas edged toward a possible cease-fire, an intense diplomatic push by the White House and European powers on Wednesday applied extra pressure on the two sides to stop their conflict before it became a broader war in the Middle East.

President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and told the Israeli leader that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire, administration officials said.

In Europe, France and Germany  both strong allies of Israel that had refrained from pressuring Mr. Netanyahu in the opening days of the conflict  escalated their efforts to reach a diplomatic solution. Germanys foreign minister planned to fly to Israel on Thursday for talks with Israelis and Palestinians, and French diplomats looked to advance their proposed United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an end to the fighting.

The combined efforts appeared to be making some headway, with a senior Israeli official saying late Wednesday that a cease-fire could be reached within two days. A senior official with Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, said earlier in the day that he expected a cease-fire agreement within a day or two.
The history of Israeli-Palestinian hostilities is littered with agreements that have failed to resolve the underlying disputes.

Past cease-fires between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, have usually gone in stages, beginning with an agreement that each side will stop attacking the other, a dynamic that Israelis call quiet for quiet.

That means Hamas halting rocket attacks into Israel and Israel ceasing bombardment of Gaza.

Pauses in the fighting are usually followed by other steps: Israel easing its blockade of Gaza to allow humanitarian relief, fuel and other goods to enter; Hamas reining in protesters and allied militant groups that attack Israel; and both sides exchanging prisoners or those killed in action. So far, this time, Israel has not used ground forces in Gaza.

But bigger challenges  such as a more thorough rehabilitation of Gaza and improving relations between Israel, Hamas and Fatah, the Palestinian party that controls the West Bank  have remained elusive over the past several rounds of violence.
The government of the Philippines, one of the largest sources of foreign labor in Israel, said on Thursday that it would temporarily stop sending its citizens to work there because of the conflict.

The announcement came a day after a rocket attack by Hamas militants killed two Thai agricultural workers and wounded at least seven others at a packaging house in southern Israel. A week earlier, a Hamas strike killed an Indian woman who worked as a caregiver in the city of Ashkelon.

The Philippines labor secretary, Silvestre Bello III, told the ABS-CBN news network that it would not allow workers to travel to Israel until we can ensure their safety.

As of now we wont be deploying workers, he said, adding: As we can see, theres bombing everywhere. If we deploy, it would be difficult  it would be my responsibility.
Today

Cloudy skies with a few showers this afternoon. High 68F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Tonight

Rain likely. Low near 65F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch.

Tomorrow

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 69F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph.
Pam Jenkins,

Rana Komar

Weber Shandwick expands the roles of Pam Jenkins and Rana Komar as it further integrates its practices, offerings and operations across North America. Jenkins, who serves as president, global public affairs and president, Weber Shandwick South, will take on the additional role of head of practice and sector integration for North America. Rana Komar, who is president, Weber Shandwick Central, will take on the role of general manager, North America. Both Jenkins and Komar will retain their current remits. In her new role, Jenkins will drive collaboration and integration between the agencys core practices and sectors, drawing on her experiences leading both the global public affairs practice and the South region, which includes Baltimore, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. As general manager, North America, Komar will work with regional and office leaders to drive business excellence from all 22 offices across the North America network. These new roles will help us ensure the excellence weve seen from our multi-disciplinary task force model are continued and accelerated, said president, North America Joy Farber Kolo.

Catherine Koppel

The Ehrhardt Group brings on Catherine Koppel as senior counselor. She will provide strategic guidance to the New Orleans-based firms leadership team and staff in the areas of client development, firm operations and public affairs. Koppel most recently worked in television news as a senior producer for Reuters in New York. She also worked for Reuters Video News in Moscow and Washington D.C. Before joining Reuters, Koppel held editorial positions WVUE-TV and WGNO-TV, both based in New Orleans. Catherines inherent knowledge of our region, combined with her 25 years of experience in public and internal relations, strategic planning and image development, will enhance our scope of offerings to our clients and the organizations we do business with and expand our footprint in the Gulf South, said The Ehrhardt Group president Mark Ehrhardt.

Rachel Coleman

FleishmanHillard makes five executive appointments across its new diversity, equity and inclusion team, which will be responsible for accelerating the agencys progress and widening the breadth of its perspectives. Rachel Coleman, a managing director in the agencys Chicago office, will serve as Chicago DE&I director. John Soriano, a vp, will now be DE&I director for the agency in Los Angeles. San Francisco-based managing director Francesca Weems takes on the role of that offices DE&I director. Chavonne Jones will serve as DE&I storytelling managing editor in New York, and will step into the role of managing editor for FHPerspectives. Cheyenne Cameron-Pruitt will lead DE&I programs in the Sacramento office. This group will help us stay focused on our ambition, support the advancement of the agencys DE&I progress and help us better serve our clients, said FleishmanHillard chief diversity and inclusion officer Adrianne C. Smith.
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South Africa to roll out eVisas to visitors from China, India, Nigeria, Kenya and 10 other countries

15:14, May 20, 2021 By Wang Lei ( People's Daily Online

Photo/ pixabay.com

Johannesburg, May 20 (People's Daily Online) -- Led by the Department of Home Affairs, work is underway to reform the visa and immigration regime and to bring about the full roll-out of eVisas to visitors from China, India, Nigeria, Kenya and 10 other countries, with the purpose of strengthening the capability for the long term sustainability of tourism in South Africa.

In the Tourism Budget Vote presented on May 18, 2021, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Tourism SA, highlighted the department's vision and strategic focal points for the 2021/22 financial year.

As we deliver this Budget Vote, we are confident and proud of our collective resilience and determined on our new path to recovery. We therefore undertake to grow the tourism sector, which will contribute towards creating a more inclusive and transformed South Africa, the minister said.

During the speech, she said the main focus of the programmes in this financial year will be on the implementation of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan. For the financial year 2021/22, the Departments budget allocation comes to about R2,429.6 billion, of which R1,297 billion is for transfers to SAT (South Africa Tourism).

The Department will expand its Incubation Programme to support tourism youth owned SMMEs and increase the participation of women at all levels of the tourism sector.

To rekindle demand, domestic marketing efforts will be intensified in this financial year, including marketing of various attractions, deal driven campaigns and digital engagements aimed at reaching South Africans of all ages, races and classes.

Our international campaign will be bolstered by our continued participation in multilateral and other fora such as the AU, WTTC, G20, WEF and UNWTO, the minister said. We will intensify our cooperation efforts with neighbouring countries in the SADC region and work towards a regional value proposition and the implementation of the SADC Tourism Programme.

The department is working with Department of Home Affairs to reform the visa and immigration regime and to bring about the full roll-out of eVisas to visitors from China, India, Nigeria, Kenya and 10 other countries.

We have to decisively change the face of our tourism industry and not simply return the tourism sector to where it was before the pandemic. This means our task is not only to build back better, but also to build forward different, the minister said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  Faculty members of a North Carolina university want an explanation for the school's reported decision to back away from offering a tenured teaching position to journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, whose work on the countrys history of slavery has drawn the ire of conservatives.

Hannah-Jones was offered a position as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the school announced last month. Hannah-Jones is an investigative journalist who won the Pulitzer Prize for her work on The 1619 Project for The New York Times Magazine.

But the school changed its offer from a tenured position to a five-year term as a professor with an option for review at the end of that time, as first reported by NC Policy Watch on Wednesday.

In a statement issued in response to the story, faculty members of the university's school of journalism and media said the decision was especially concerning given that Hannah-Jones had the full support of the journalism school's dean, Susan King. They said the decision also violated established tenure and promotion procedures at UNC-Chapel Hill.

We call on the universitys leadership to reaffirm its commitment to the university, its faculty and time-honored norms and procedures, and its endorsed values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the statement said. The university must tenure Nikole Hannah-Jones as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism.

King said in a statement on Wednesday that the journalism school is delighted to have Hannah-Jones join the school in the fall despite the change.

While I am disappointed that the appointment is without tenure, there is no doubt in anyones mind that she will be a star faculty member, King's statement said. I am more than delighted that she will be here at UNC, teaching our next generation of journalists, working with our graduate students, and sharing her perspective with us all. I can only imagine how our students will benefit from her wisdom and experience.

University spokesperson Joanne Peters Denny declined comment on the situation, saying faculty hiring processes are personnel protected information. But she added that the school looks forward to welcoming Hannah-Jones to campus.

The 1619 Project is an initiative of The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. The magazine describes the project as one which is designed to reframe the countrys history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.

The project was converted into a popular podcast. Materials were developed for schools to use and The Pulitzer Center partnered with the Times to develop 1619 Project lesson plans. However, objections to The 1619 Project have morphed into legislative efforts to prevent its presentation in public schools.

In February, an Arkansas House panel rejected legislation that would have banned schools from teaching the project. The measure failed on a voice vote on the same day the state Senate rejected a resolution that cited the countrys ongoing positive record on race and slavery and attacked Democrats history on civil rights issues.

Former President Donald Trump created a commission in response to The 1619 Project that promoted patriotic education and played down Americas role in slavery. After taking office, President Joe Biden revoked a report from the so-called 1776 Commission. Widely mocked by historians, the commission glorified the countrys white founders and played down the role of slavery.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Roughly a sixth of the planets land and freshwater area now lies within protected or conservation areas, according to a United Nations report released Wednesday.

Next comes the hard part. The world needs to ensure that those regions are actually effectively managed to stabilize the climate and to curb biodiversity loss while also increasing the total area of protected places, scientists say.

Protected and conserved areas play a crucial role in tackling biodiversity loss, said Neville Ash, director of the U.N. Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, which produced the report. But simply drawing lines on a map isnt enough. Conservation areas need to be effectively managed and equitably governed, he said.

The  Protected Planet  report also found that about 8% of coastal and ocean waters are within protected areas.

There has been a substantial increase in the protection of marine ecosystems in the past decade. But the protection of land areas hasnt increased as much in that time, said Stuart Pimm, an ecologist at Duke University, who was not involved in the report.

What we really need to know about is the quality of the protected areas  not just the quantity of square miles, Pimm added.

It is nowhere near enough, said Charles Barber, senior biodiversity advisor for the World Resources Institute, who was not involved in the report. We need to conserve half of the Earth if we are going to maintain the basic biological operating system of the planet.

Several scientific and environmental groups are now calling for 30% or 50% of the planet to be protected. Earlier this month, President Joe Biden set a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

Theres plenty of scientific evidence that protected areas are the cornerstone of biodiversity protection and climate stabilization, said Eric Dinerstein, a conservation biologist at RESOLVE, a nonprofit group.

Humanity is heading for an environmental cliff  so we have to do a U-turn," he said. "We know that the creation of more protected areas is absolutely vital. The questions are: How much, where, and how fast?



Follow Christina Larson on Twitter: @larsonchristina



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.
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Investigators searching the two homes in the 3300 block of Fitzgerald Drive May 11 found 7,788 grams of meth, 942 grams of MDMA and 192 grams of marijuana  all worth about $950,000 in street value, according to an agency news release.
FILE- In this Sept. 3, 2020 file photo, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren speaks to the media during a news conference in Rochester, N.Y. A heavy police presence was reported at Warren's residence Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Police told reporters they were conducting a criminal investigation at the residence. In a press release, the mayor said she is "just learning about the events that unfolded this afternoon" and will make a statement Thursday. Warren, a Democrat, is in the middle of a re-election campaign with a critical party primary coming up next month.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a public service broadcaster, headquartered at Broadcasting House in Westminster, London. It is the world's oldest national broadcaster, and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees, employing over 22,000 staff in total, of whom more than 19,000 are in public sector broadcasting. The total number of BBC staff amounts to 35,402 including part-time, flexible, and fixed-contract staff.
A new book claims Obama preferred Trump as president over rival Ted Cruz, believing that the hard-right Texas senator would take the country in a dangerous direction.
Fans of A-League club Wellington Phoenix will be barred from bringing national flags to their two homecoming matches in New Zealand after Tomer Hemeds controversial goal celebrations last weekend.
Summer school students will need to wear face masks in Orange. They will be optional in Lake. The Osceola County School Board has not yet decided when to end its current face mask rules. The Seminole board could decide June 22 to end its mask rule, but summer school would be under way then, so at least at the beginning students would need to wear them.
The preliminary finding is the first of its kind on the effectiveness of two doses of AstraZeneca in a real-world setting, Public Health England said.
Eurasia Review 26 May 2021

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken jetted to Egypt on Wednesday as he pressed ahead with a diplomatic mission aimed at shoring up..
The US President said he now saw a genuine opportunity to make progress in the Israel-Palestine conflict following news of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Donald Trump has said he is being "unfairly attacked", as the former US president's family business becomes the subject of a criminal investigation.
CTV News 28 May 2021

The gap between first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses is shrinking in many parts of Canada. CTVNews.ca breaks down where each..
Hamas said it expects a truce within days. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is also set to fly to Israel and Palestinian territories for talks over halting hostilities.
At least four prisoners are beheaded during a fight between rival gangs at a jail in Quetzaltenango.
The German Foreign Minister has said Israel has the right to defend itself against "this massive and unacceptable attack." He is visiting Israel and calling for a ceasefire.
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Denmark has opened an optional scheme to volunteers who would like to receive the unwanted COVID-19 vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
The guidelines are just that; they are not statutes and do not have the status of law as they constitute a prioritization and not a prohibition of enforcement, Honeywell, a judge in the federal Middle District of Florida, wrote. The policies do not change anyones legal status nor do they prohibit the enforcement of any law or detention of any noncitizen. The prioritization scheme does not necessarily have a direct day-to-day impact on Florida, although certainly an indirect impact can be claimed.
Eurasia Review 29 May 2021

By Michael Eisenstadt*



Since the creation of the Islamic Republic in 1979, Iran has distinguished itself (along with..
The Israeli government and the two main Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have agreed to a ceasefire on Thursday to end 11 days of deadly violence.
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..
Indian Railways has delivered nearly 11,800 metric tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) in more than 727 tankers to various states across the country as India battling the second wave of COVID-19, informed the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday.
"If states were not allowed to speak why were they called? All the Chief Ministers must protest for not being allowed to speak," Mamata Banerjee said.
China on Thursday branded the United States an out-and-out security risk creator in the South China Sea, after an American warship sailed through waters near the disputed Spratly Islands. Tensions in maritime waters claimed by both China and many of its neighbours have ratcheted up recently, with Beijing staging live-fire drills and sending hundreds of []
Eurasia Review 13 May 2021

By Dr. Joanna Rozpedowski



According to modest estimates, by 2020 the sheer growth in the volume of data is expected to..
As the Biden administration continues talks with Iran about restarting the nuclear deal, five Americans are still being held in prison by Tehran. Their families say they are human bargaining chips.
A coalition of 20 state attorneys general called Wednesday for the Biden administration to withdraw education proposals that, they argue, are meant to promote critical race theory and the New York Times 1619 Project in classrooms.
President Joe Biden's problems in office are a direct result of the "consequences" of his weaknesses, including the decision to not seek sanctions against a company connected with Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline...
As part of his plea deal, Charles Scarbough must testify truthfully against his co-defendants and cooperate with prosecutors. Hannah agreed to other condition as part of her plea. She must pay $3,850.23 to the state for prosecution costs and an additional $23,000 to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for its investigation. Also, she cannot train or breed dogs and cannot return to the Ocala National Forest.
Israel and the two main Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, announced a ceasefire on Thursday aimed to end the most devastating conflict between them for seven years. The truce brokered by Egypt was announced following mounting international pressure to end 11 days of conflict that has claimed lives on both sides, []
Watersheds Canada is urging landowners to protect and rehabilitate their shorelines to protect Ontario's lakes and rivers. The group says it's important to take action now while development in cottage country is booming.
British women affected by the PIP breast implant scandal have welcomed the ruling of a French court that around 2,700 victims are entitled to compensation.
Ashley and Albert Debelbot were sitting in the same courtroom where, more than a decade earlier, they were convicted of murdering their newborn daughter. The district attorney walked over and apologized.
The vote was a victory for Democrats, who were joined by 35 Republicans in pushing for a full accounting of the deadly riot. But Mitch McConnell voiced opposition, clouding Senate prospects.
The BBC apologized Thursday after an investigation found that journalist Martin Bashir falsified documents to secure his infamous sitdown with Princess Diana in 1985. The BBC said Bashirs tactics fell short of high standards of integrity and transparency.



The organization is returning a 1996 BAFTA it received for the interview, as a result.



The inquiry confirmed Bashir showed falsified bank statements to Dianas brother Earl Spencer to secure the chat. The faked statements played into her fears that members of Spencers staff were leaking family news to the press, a situation she wanted to take control of.



In a Thursday statement that accompanied the inquiry results, BBC director general Tim Davie explained, Although the report states that Diana, Princess of Wales, was keen on the idea of an interview with the BBC, it is clear that the process for securing the interview fell far short of what audiences have a right to expect. We are very sorry for this.



He added, While todays BBC has significantly better processes and procedures, those that existed at the time should have prevented the interview being secured in this way.



On its website, the BBC revealed the findings of the inquiry, noting it said the organization fell short of high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark.



Last year, the BBC commissioned an independent investigation into Bashirs conduct surrounding the 1995 interview. During the chat, Diana spoke candidly about her unhappy marriage to Prince Charles. The BBC reported last year that Dianas own brother was demanding the investigation into how Bashir got her to talk and whether he falsified documents. The organization apologized for fake statements, but noted the princess herself did not see them and they had played no part in her decision to take part in the interview.



Bashir exited the organization last Friday, citing health concerns.



In a memo posted on Twitter, the news organization confirmed his departure, which came amid the investigation into that famous interview.



Martin Bashir has stepped down from his position as the BBCs Religion Editor, and is leaving the Corporation, said the note. He let us know of his decision last month, just before being readmitted to hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart. Although he underwent major surgery toward the end of last year, he is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health.



According to the outlet, 23 million people watched the 1995 interview when it aired, which amounted to about 39% of the British population at the time.



Lawrence Yee contributed to this article.
Five years later, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has acknowledged that the company made a mistake in how it handled casting for one of the main characters in 2016s Doctor Strange  and said he considers the whole thing a wake-up call.



Were talking of course about the casting of Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, a character who, as originated in the comics, was an Asian man. It was heavily criticized at the time as yet another example of whitewashing characters of color, and particularly for the perception that Marvel had not only taken away a potential role for an Asian actor, but had given it to a white person.



At the time, the official line from Marvel was, per director Scott Derrickson, that diversity is the responsibility of directors and producers. In this case, the stereotype of [the Ancient One] had to be undone. I wanted it to be a woman, a middle-aged woman. Every iteration of that script played by an Asian woman felt like a Dragon Lady.' This explanation did little, however, to quell criticism.



The original character was, essentially, a racist, orientalist stereotype, so its understandable that Marvel would want to rethink things. But the fact that the company rejected casting an Asian actor felt to many like a reinforcement of stereotypes of Asians rather than a subversion. And in the years since, Feige has had a chance to rethink the whole thing and he now agrees.



We thought we were being so smart, and so cutting-edge. Were not going to do the cliche of the wizened, old, wise Asian man, Kevin Feige told Mens Health in an interview about Simu Liu, star of the upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. But it was a wake-up call to say, Well, wait a minute, is there any other way to figure it out? Is there any other way to both not fall into the cliche and cast an Asian actor? And the answer to that, of course, is yes.



*Related stories from TheWrap:*



How One Studio Is Pioneering the Martial Arts Version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe



Robert Downey Jr, Marvel Stars Pay Tribute to Assistant Jimmy Rich After Fatal Car Crash



Marvel Phase 4 Timeline: Here's When Each Movie Will Be Released
The White House is preparing for just the second foreign leader in-person visit to President Joe Biden since he took office. South Korean President Moon Jae-In is due to meet Biden on Friday, just a month after Japan's Prime Minister. (May 20)


Israeli and Palestinain diplomats addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, arguing against each others tactics in the ongoing conflict. (May 20)


Almost 1 million extra deaths relating to the covid-19 pandemic occurred in 29 high income countries in 2020, finds a study published by The BMJ.



Except for Norway, Denmark and New Zealand, all other countries examined had more deaths than expected in 2020, particularly in men. The five countries with the highest absolute...
Officials in Pinellas County say Robert Lewis got into an argument with Peter Sala Jr. while both men were driving on the highway, WFLA reported.
BERLIN (AP)  Germany's environmentalist Greens party wants to boost rail travel at the expense of domestic flights to help the..

SeattlePI.com 17 May 2021
Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Israeli counterpart he expects the conflict to wind down, Axios reported. Israel on Wednesday vowed to press on with the offensive.
The Bank of Canada says its concerns are mounting that households are piling on too much debt and posing what the central bank says is a key vulnerability to the economy.
Parents, alumni and some current pupils peacefully protested outside Redhill School in Sandton on Thursday morning following a letter that discouraged discussions on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Hozayfa Yazji of the Norwegian Refugee Council about the children who have been killed in Gaza  some of whom had been receiving therapy for trauma from prior conflicts.
The White House says it has been engaged in "quiet, intense diplomacy" to quell fighting between Israel and Hamas. Biden spoke to Egypt's president, whose government brokered a proposal.
Reuters - Politics 23 May 2021

[NFA] A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held into a third day on Sunday as mediators spoke to all sides about extending the..
Newsy 07 Jun 2021

Watch VideoPresident Biden faces mounting pressure from members of his own party to take a tougher stance on Israel after violence..
The Rev. Susan Blake holds a statue of a labrador retriever, that she says reminds her of her guide named Didi, that assisted her for the past 8 years. In March the agency that trained the dog showed up unannounced and took back the the 73-pound lab saying she was overweight and behind on vaccinations. The case has spurred advocates for the blind to rally to her support, saying the dog was unjustly taken, leaving the 4-foot-6 inch blind woman without a way to get around safely. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel) (Rich Pope / Orlando Sentinel)


Charlie Wilson B. G., Opalesque Geneva:

Charlie Wilson, portfolio manager at Thornburg Investment Management, is optimistic about emerging markets. He co-manages the Thornburg Developing World Fund, which invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities and debt obligations of developing country issuers. He shares his rationale here.

Opalesque: How are emerging markets navigating the current environment?

Charlie Wilson: Our view on how emerging markets (EM) are navigating the current environment has remained largely the same since last year. Some countries have effectively steered through the Covid-19 pandemic period and have been able to suppress the virus and return to normal. Proof of that is reflected in stock prices and valuations, especially in China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Other parts of EM, such as India, have struggled due to spikes in virus contaminations. Compounding that, insufficient hospital bed capacity and difficulty obtaining supplemental oxygen supplies both paint a devastating picture of the human toll of the crisis. India and other areas have little choice apart from another aggressive round of nationwide lockdowns, though it's likely not without some hesitation. Previous lockdowns were cr......................

To view our full article Click here
The IEA (International Energy Agency) has defined 400 milestones that must be met for the world to actually be CO2 neutral by 2050 - with technologies that don't yet exist... A new, physics awakening key technology to convert electrical energy into thermal energy with the highest efficiency of any known conversion ever, now state of the art, can make a major contribution globally and in the short term. Under the 
James Byron - ...the new "The Wine Advocate" of the meat world, as he has recently been described by some leading food & lifestyle journalists. As Co-Founder and Board Member of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants, Food Hunter, Meat Master and Restaurateur, James has more than 25 years of international expertise in this segment. James Byron has tasted meat from every continent and from most of the leading breeders, farms and 
Oskaloosa, IA (52577)

Today

Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. Hot. High 94F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Ottumwa, IA (52501)

Today

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing this afternoon. Hot. High 92F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Current FDA policy requires men who have had sex with other men to wait three months from their last sexual encounter before donating because of lingering concerns over HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, the infection that causes AIDS. But all donated blood is already screened for HIV, along with roughly a dozen other illnesses, and technology can now detect even infections so new that the person hasnt yet developed antibodies, the researchers said.
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When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, communities around the U.S. rallied to help small businesses by launching shop local initiatives, purchasing gift cards and starting fundraising campaigns .

Now that states have begun to roll back social distancing restrictions and vaccination rates continue to climb, small businesses still need continued support.

When we shop local, the statistics have shown us that more money is put into your community, which you then benefit from, says Ash Cintas, founder of City Shoppe, an e-commerce platform serving local retailers and products in multiple cities.

Every dollar thats spent locally helps businesses get through this challenging time so that we keep our communities and the character of our cities, she says.

We talked to small-business owners to find out how consumers can best support them as they slowly transition out of the pandemic. Here are five of their tips:

1. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

Put small, local businesses at the forefront of your mind  and your shopping list. Although large retailers like Amazon or Walmart offer speed and convenience, ask yourself, Can I purchase this from a small business instead? Patrick Connelly , co-founder of Stellar Villa, said in an email.

Its important to remember that the cheapest option isnt always the best, said Connelly, whose company sells art from Brooklyn, New York.  Oftentimes, small businesses can offer unique products (opposed to mass-produced), a more personal experience and superior customer service when compared to huge corporations.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Explore your local area, browse for small businesses online and, if you travel, check out the businesses in those areas too.

Depending on where you live, most communities have pop-up markets, flea markets and, of course, local boutiques, says Cara Luke, owner of Hope Street Candle Co. in Providence, Rhode Island . (They) are really needing people to come and shop, and at least where I live in Rhode Island, theyre still taking a lot of precautions to make sure that consumers feel safe.

Luke recommends searching online or local community publications to see if there are business directories in your area that highlight small businesses to support. A citys chamber of commerce website may have a list of small businesses , or you can check sites like Tripadvisor or Yelp.

3. TELL A FRIEND

Dont underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Tell your friends, family members and co-workers about your favorite small and local businesses  and suggest that they do the same.

Small businesses are at a distinct disadvantage to being found online compared to their large counterparts, JB Manning , owner of Wimberley Puzzle Company in Wimberley, Texas, said in an email.

Telling our friends, neighbors and social media world about great products with excellent service will be not only the key to success for small-business recovery but future growth as well, Manning said.

4. GET DIGITAL

Instead of just following your favorite small businesses online, share them with your own followers. If you have a particularly enjoyable visit or purchase, create a post and be sure to tag the business.

Subscribe to newsletters, attend virtual events or workshops, add local products to gift registries and write reviews.

If you love what we make or had a great experience with our team, share it, Zox CEO Jason Kuipers said via email. Kuipers and his brothers have been selling collectible wristbands in Los Angeles since 2011.

In a time where many people only bother to leave a review if theyre upset, letting others know when youve found a company that goes above and beyond helps more than you could ever realize  its how even small brands end up with a big following, he said.

5. THINK CREATIVELY

If a shop near you is struggling, consider launching a fundraising campaign, volunteering to set up a booth or sell goods at a flea or farmers market, donating your professional skills or helping to organize an event in support of small businesses in your area.

Avani Modi Sarkar , co-founder of Modi Toys in Edison, New Jersey ,recommends supporting local businesses in small-business grant competitions.

I have entered a couple of grant competitions where finalists were selected based on the number of votes they garnered from their supporters. This is the easiest way to support a small business since it doesnt cost a dime, Sarkar sa id via email.

When in doubt, talk to local small-business owners about what they need and where you can help. And remember, the pandemic has been a tough time for small businesses and consumers alike, so a little kindness and compassion can make a real difference.

_______________________________

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Randa Kriss is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: rkriss@nerdwallet.com.

RELATED LINK:

NerdWallet: Small-business grants: Where to find free money
As a permanent employee, Knepper is on paid suspension until May 24, school district spokesperson Dana Schafer said. After that, she added, he will be on unpaid leave until the matter of his arrest is resolved and his due process opportunity with the school districts Human Resources Department has been completed.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The savage and sloppy manner in which Robert Durst dismembered a man he accidentally killed in Texas helps prove the New York real estate heir didnt murder his best friend or kill his wife, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Durst's amateurish efforts to dispose of the body of Morris Black after fatally shooting him in Galveston in 2001 left a trail of evidence  unlike the clinical crime scene where Susan Berman's body was found or the absence of clues when his wife vanished, attorney Dick DeGuerin said.

A garbage bag floating in Galveston Bay with one of Black's body parts contained a receipt with Durst's name on it, blood from the drifter was discovered in his car, and DNA of the man was found at the crime scene in the multimillionaire's $300-a-month apartment.

There was clues everywhere. Hundreds of clues, DeGuerin told jurors in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Significantly different from whoever killed Susan Berman. Significantly different from the disappearance without a trace of Kathie Durst.

DeGuerin, who represented Durst in the Texas trial in which he was acquitted of murder after claiming he shot Black in self-defense, is aiming for a repeat in Los Angeles, where Durst is charged with murder in Berman's fatal shooting in 2000.

While prosecutors are using the killing of Black as evidence that Durst also knocked off Berman in his efforts to avoid prosecution in his wife's suspected killing in New York in 1982, the defense is trying to use the Texas case to its advantage.

The trial began in March 2020 but was adjourned after six days because of the pandemic. It resumed this week in Inglewood with lawyers making abbreviated opening statements to remind jurors about the evidence.

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin on Tuesday said the three killings are intertwined and Berman and Black were killed to help cover-up the killing of Durst's wife.

"In essence, all three are interrelated," Lewin said. Everything starts with Kathie Dursts disappearance.

Durst has long been suspected of killing Kathie Durst but has never been charged and has denied any role in her disappearance. She's never been found.

DeGuerin said there was no evidence Durst killed his wife or that Berman had helped him cover his tracks by posing as Kathie Durst in a phone call to the dean of the medical school where she was a student.

Kathie Durst disappeared without a trace, DeGuerin said. It was and is a mystery.

Durst fled New York and went into hiding in Texas in November 2000 after Westchester prosecutors reopened the investigation into Kathie Dursts suspected death. He disguised himself as a mute woman and rented an apartment next to Black.

Black was killed because he discovered Dursts identity, Lewin claimed.

But DeGuerin repeated the defense that won over jurors in Galveston in 2003: Black pulled Durst's gun on him and was shot in a struggle for the weapon.

After the killing, Durst smoked pot and drank Jack Daniels whiskey and then went to a hardware store, where he purchased a bow saw, a paring knife, garbage bags and painter's drop cloth to keep things tidy while he hacked up the body, DeGuerin said.

A sickly Durst, 78, seated in a wheelchair in a blue sport coat, faced the jury as DeGuerin described the awful, awful dismemberment. Durst blinked occasionally but no outward sign of emotion was discernible behind his white mask.

DeGuerin said Durst then did what he's done much of his life: he ran just as he had from his rich but dysfunctional family's mansion as a child.

He fled to New Orleans but was arrested when he returned to Galveston to pick up a pair of glasses waiting at an optometrist office.

He doesnt make good decisions, DeGuerin said repeatedly, blaming it partly on a diagnosis that Durst is on the autism spectrum and doesn't interact normally.

Lewin has scoffed at that explanation and played a clip of an interrogation in which Durst acknowledged it was something a psychiatrist made up. Later in the interview, though, Durst said he didn't like communicating with people.

DeGuerin said Durst had nothing to do with Berman's killing.

Bob Durst did not kill Susan Berman and he doesnt know who did, he said. Bob Durst had no motive and nothing to gain by the death of Susan Berman.

Berman, the daughter a Las Vegas mobster who was a writer, had been best pals with Durst since they met on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, in the 1960s. DeGuerin showed a photo of a younger bearded Durst, his smiling wife and a beaming Berman at one of her book launches.

Lewin said Berman told friends she helped Durst cover up the killing by phoning in sick for Kathie Durst the day after she was last seen  providing evidence she was alive the day after her husband said he put her on train back to New York City after a weekend at their lakeside cottage.

But DeGuerin said Berman was famous for embellishing stories with lies. Even her friends didnt believe what she told them.

She was a fabulist. She made up stories, he said. "She told lies day in and day out.

DeGuerin said Durst discovered Bermans body when he showed up at her house in Benedict Canyon just before Christmas. The back door was open and she was lying on her back with blood pooled under her black hair.

Durst freaked out, fearing the killer might be there and fled, DeGuerin said. But before leaving town, Durst sent a handwritten note to police with Berman's address and the word CADAVER written in block letters so shed be found.

Until the admission by his lawyer, Durst had always denied writing the note or being at the crime scene. He even told documentary filmmakers and investigators that only the killer could have written the cadaver note.

DeGuerin tried to discredit the filmmakers and suggest that Durst was playing with investigators during an interrogation.

Lewin will get his chance to press Durst on it later in the trial. DeGuerin said he would testify.
AMSTERDAM (AP)  A Dutch court on Thursday rejected fugitive auto executive Carlos Ghosn's wrongful dismissal claim against an Amsterdam-based alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi and ordered him to repay nearly 5 million euros ($6 million) salary he received in 2018.

Ghosn vowed to appeal.

The ruling came in a case in which Ghosn sought to have his 2018 sacking from Nissan-Mitsubishi B.V. overturned and demanded 15 million euros ($16.5 million) in compensation.

The court in Amsterdam rejected his claims, saying he did not have a valid contract with the company at the time. The salary he was ordered to repay covers payments made to him by the Dutch joint venture from April until November 2018.

As todays verdict has been rendered without hearing Mr. Ghosn and other key witnesses, the defense team will now take the case to the court of appeal where Mr. Ghosns right to witness evidence will be granted," a spokesman for Ghosn said in a written statement. "We are satisfied with the court verdict which ruled out any bad faith from Mr. Ghosn.

The Dutch case stems from Nissans decision to fire Ghosn after he was accused of financial misconduct in Japan. The former high-flying automotive executive skipped bail in Tokyo in 2019 and fled to Lebanon, where he grew up.

Ghosn, who was first arrested in November 2018, has said he is innocent of allegations in Japan that he under-reported his future income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. He says the compensation was never decided on or received, and the Nissan payments were for legitimate business purposes.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese citizenship, was sent by Renault in 1999 to salvage Nissan, which makes the Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models, from the brink of bankruptcy.
Local health officials met Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's announcement on Thursday morning to lift outdoor capacity restrictions on June 1 with cautious optimism.

Midland County Health Officer Fred Yanoski sees this opportunity as a chance to move forward and is cautiously confident for the future.

We certainly have a lot of work to do. Science has told us that the COVID-19 virus isnt as easily transmissible outdoors. Were looking forward to a sense of normalcy, if its safe, Yanoski stated. All along, weve referred to trusting the science We also have to trust the science when it allows us to do a little bit more.

The Midland County Health Department, with the help of community organizations including Greater Midland Community Centers, is working to reach populations that have a lower vaccination percentage. Yanoski explained he understands the countys vaccine strategy must change in order to obtain herd immunity, that is 70-80% of the population vaccinated; according to Yanoski, Midland Countys current vaccination percentage is in the mid-50s.

We want to move as fast as we can, Yanoski said.

The good news is were getting more people vaccinated, but were not seeing the numbers we had earlier in the year, said Midland County Medical Director Catherine Bodnar.

The Midland County Health Department is working to set up community clinics for individuals ages 12-15 as well as those who have yet to receive their first vaccine. More clinics will be added as demand increases. Bodnar said the county is planning on hosting back-to-school vaccination clinics closer to the start of the 2021-22 school year.

Were hearing some feedback that some folks may want to wait for their kids to get vaccinated right before the school year begins, Bodnar said.

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted mask requirements for fully vaccinated people, Bodnar said individuals should continue to wear masks in a healthcare setting and when using public transportation, whether they are vaccinated or not. She has seen Midland Countys transmission rates decline in recent weeks but would feel more comfortable if there were only an average of 2.5 cases reported a day.

Theres ample opportunity to get vaccinated. We could get everyone whos age-eligible vaccinated, but we need the willingness to get people vaccinated, Bodnar said.

Midland County recorded 24 new COVID-19 cases and one death on Thursday, according to the state's daily report.

Thursday, May 20 COVID-19 numbers

Midland County: 24 cases and one death were added. Pandemic total is 6,739 cases, 708 probable, 84 deaths and three probable deaths.

Bay County: 15 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 10,472 cases, 669 probable, 329 deaths and 14 probable deaths.

Gladwin County: four cases were added; pandemic total stands at 1,899 cases, 386 probable, 53 deaths and three probable deaths.

Isabella County: 13 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 5,326 cases, 919 probable, 89 deaths and four probable deaths.

Saginaw County: 45 cases and four deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 19,663 cases, 1,332 probable, 574 deaths and 19 probable deaths.

On Thursday, the state added 1,372 new cases and 74 deaths, including 61 deaths identified during a vital records review. Overall, Michigan is at 881,057 cases and 18,815 deaths.

Recovered

According to the Midland County Health Department, 6,261 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 as of May 17. Gladwin County reported on Thursday that it has a total of 53 recovered cases. The state reported that as of May 14, 755,119 persons have recovered.

Testing

Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on May 16 was listed at 8% and Gladwin County was listed at 5.4%. Our 12-county region is listed at 9.9% and Michigan is at 7.7%.

MidMichigan Health statistics

As of Thursday, MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland was listed as having an 85% bed occupancy with 26 COVID-19 patients and six in the ICU. MidMichigan Medical Center in Gladwin was listed as having an 25% bed occupancy with three COVID-19 patients and none in the ICU.

Regarding PPE supplies, the Midland hospital reported 15-30 days for N95 masks; 15-30 days for surgical masks; 30-plus days for surgical gowns; 15-30 days for exam gloves and 30-plus days for eye protection as of Thursday. The Gladwin hospital reported 30-plus days for all of the above supplies.

Midland County vaccine distribution

According to the Midland County COVID-19 Dashboard, which was last updated on May 17, the health department has administered 12,229 first doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and 11,423 second doses in addition to 238 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

First dose vaccination clinics are scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 21 for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines; 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, at Midland Center for the Arts for anyone ages 12 and over; 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 2 at Midland Coleman Family Center for anyone ages 12 and over.

Walgreens is also taking appointments for its Pfizer clinic, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 22 at Midland Center for the Arts. Visit midlandcenter.org to schedule an appointment.

For more information, visit www.co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/COVIDVaccineInformation.aspx
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A brawl involving pro-Palestinians who attacked Jewish diners at a Los Angeles restaurant will be investigated as a hate crime, the city's mayor said.

Witnesses said members of a car caravan flying Palestinian flags attacked outdoor diners just before 10 p.m. Tuesday at a sushi restaurant in the Beverly Grove area as violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip intensified.

The Los Angeles Times said a witness, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said some people from the caravan threw bottles and chanted death to Jews and free Palestine.

Somebody in one of the cars driving by started throwing glass bottles or glass cups at the tables and they shattered everywhere, a woman diner, who didn't want to be identified, told KCBS-TV.

Several cars stopped and men got out, began running toward the tables and began asking Whos Jewish? the woman said.

KTLA-TV reported that a witness, who was not identified, said fighting erupted when two men replied they were.

Video showed a man being punched on a sidewalk.

The man, who wished to be identified only as M, told KABC-TV that he was helping plan an upcoming wedding with four Jewish friends when the car caravan rolled up.

Video showed some men dressed in black getting out of a car and pushing M's friend to the ground. M said grabbed a metal stanchion. Video showed him swinging it at attackers.

M said he grabbed it to scare the men.

There were many girls behind us. I was scared that they would attack everybody, he said.

M was followed to his car, punched and pepper sprayed, and was treated at a hospital, he said.

Restaurant staff rushed patrons inside, locked the doors and called police.

No arrests were immediately made.

Police said five victims were punched or hurt by broken glass, but nobody was seriously injured. At least three suspects were being sought.

Mayor Eric Garcetti, in tweets posted Wednesday afternoon, said the LAPD is looking into the assault as a hate crime and condemned what he called an organized, anti-Semitic attack."

Jewish Angelenos, like all residents, should always feel safe in our city, he posted. L.A. is a city of belonging, not of hate.

A weekend protest in West Los Angeles in support of Palestinians drew thousands of peaceful protesters. An earlier Tuesday demonstration outside the Israeli consulate also was peaceful and an organizer, Amani Barakat, told KCBS-TV that he wouldn't condone violence.

Weve organized many protests, Saturdays protest we had more than 20,000 people that showed up and not one single incident, Barakat said.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations for Greater Los Angeles condemned the incident.

As a civil rights and advocacy organization, we support everyones right to free speech, the right to assemble and rally in support of their respective political views, Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said in a statement. However, despite heightened tensions in Palestine and Israel, it is never acceptable for that conflict to spill over into our streets and cities. Violence and intimidation should be condemned, investigated, and if warranted, prosecuted.
Three Diamonds Bridal owner Hannah Merillat is thrilled that her Sanford business is one of the few bridal stores in the country to have been selected to carry the new line of wedding dresses from Randy Fenoli, dress designer and host of the TLC show "Say Yes to the Dress."

Two of those new dresses will be unveiled to the public in a runway show outside of Three Diamonds Bridal at 7 p.m. Friday, which is part of Sanford Rising, a four-day event that kicked off Wednesday and celebrates the recovery and resilience of the community over the one year that has passed since the mid-Michigan dam failures.

"They only work with about 40 stores in the U.S. So it felt like a very big deal to be signed with them," Merillat enthused. "It took a few months. They did a lot of background (research) on us to make sure wed be a good fit.

"Hes a big figure in the bridal industry and we feel really blessed to be working with him," she continued in reference to Fenoli. "Even in the whole state of California theres only two stores that have his line. We felt pretty honored out here in Sanford, Michigan, having somebody like him."

Three Diamonds Bridal first opened in December 2019 and reopened last July after extensive repairs due to the flooding last May.

Merillat's store revealed the new line on Facebook Live on Sunday and she said she has gotten a "big response" to it.

"Typically after signing (a contract), we would have to wait for those dresses for months. But we explained to them about (Sanford Rising) and how this was so important to us. So they rushed them to us in less than a week, which is unheard of."

Merillat said something else about Fenoli which appeals to her is the fact that he designs dresses for women of all sizes, which is very much in keeping with the philosophy of Three Diamonds Bridal.

"We're very, very size-inclusive," Merillat said. "We make a big deal out of promoting all body types and all styles. We like that about Randy  that hes a size-inclusive designer."

The runway show will last approximately a half hour and will be followed by live music, which is also a part of Sanford Rising.

Merillat encourages those coming to watch the runway show to bring lawn chairs because she expects a big turnout.
Perhaps because their children arent learning. Black students in Polk perform worse than those in most of the other big districts in Florida, according to Florida Standards Assessment data from 2019. Barely a quarter of Black students in Polk read at grade level at the end of 10th grade. The only big Florida district where Black students perform worse in 10th-grade reading? Pinellas  where the local newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize in 2016 reporting on the plight of those Black students and what it called failure factories.
Palestine, TX (75801)

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Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Clear to partly cloudy. Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
An informal memorial service for George Alvin Kerschner, 74 of Palestine will be held Friday, June 11, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bailey & Foster Chapel. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey & Foster Funeral Home. Please feel free to come and go as you please. To view online
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid al-Dbaiba arrived on Thursday in the city of Bani Walid, about 180 southwest of Tripoli, at the head of a high-powered government delegation as part of a visit to inquire about the living conditions of inhabitants and inspect the city's service facilities
BLOOMINGTON  Bloomington has until June 23 to decide whether to ask the state's highest court to reconsider an April ruling that elected officials and executive staff violated the Open Meetings Act in 2017 when they gathered behind closed doors to discuss ending the Metro Zone agreement with Normal.

A choice to file the request  called a petition for leave to appeal  with the Illinois Supreme Court comes after the 4th District Appellate Court on Wednesday denied the city's request to rehear the case.

Bloomington filed the latter ask, known as a petition for rehearing, with the Springfield-based appellate court on Monday.

The three-member appellate court on April 26 issued a unanimous opinion agreeing with a previous binding opinion from the Illinois Attorney General's Office and reversing a lower court ruling.

The justices found that the Bloomington City Council did not comply with the act when it convened Feb. 20, 2017, for one hour and 21 minutes in a closed session over probable litigation," because "absent from the closed session was any discussion of legal theories, defenses, claims, or possible approaches to litigation."

Reached by email and phone Wednesday afternoon, Bloomington City Attorney Jeff Jurgens said its too early to definitively say whether the city will appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.

"We're still figuring out some direction and getting a little guidance," Jurgens said. "But it won't take the full 35 days to make a decision."

Whether to let the litigation die or push ahead adds to the ongoing fallout from the since-dissolved Metro Zone agreement.

The Pantagraph was the first to report in April that Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason and Normal City Manager Pam Reece have been in discussion for weeks over at least $500,000 in unremitted sewer charges stemming from customers within the former zone.

A resolution to those conversations  a memorandum of understanding between the city and the town to pay for an independent audit of how much is owed  is being formulated, Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus confirmed with The Pantagraph this week.

Gleason in a statement emailed Wednesday said "there is a new administration and council that are all focused on collaborating not only with the Town but all of our vital governmental partners."

Recording of meeting still under seal

What's at stake in whether to appeal to the high court is the release of an audio recording of the near hour-and-a-half closed-door meeting that took place in 2017.

The Pantagraph this month filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act for a copy of the recording. The request was denied because the recording and all other documents, including the city's petition for rehearing, are sealed under court record.

That seal was also extended to the city's May 17 petition for rehearing, according to an appellate court order obtained by The Pantagraph.

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Under the OMA, public release of the recording is also prohibited unless the city "has made a determination that the verbatim recording no longer requires confidential treatment or otherwise consents to disclosure."

The recording, which would reveal which city leader said what during the meeting, could also be released if the city does not appeal to the Supreme Court and the appellate court issues a specific mandate to release it.

"I do not envision the City needing 35 days to decide on an appeal and would therefore anticipate release of the recording in the near future," Jurgens said in a statement.

"While the City disagrees with the opinion of the court on whether our finding of probable litigation was properly supported, we are now four years past this situation and I believe many feel it is time to move on," Jurgens said.

The council during the closed meeting was weighing whether to pull out of the Metro Zone agreement  a deal made with Normal in 1986 to share revenue and expenses stemming from development in an area on the municipalities' west sides  and not litigation, which was the reason cited for convening the meeting.

A week later, Council voted on Feb. 28, 2017, to dissolve the partnership. A day after the vote, then-McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers wrote the AG's public access bureau, referencing citizen complaints that the council's Feb. 20 closed meeting was improper. On June 26, 2017, then-Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued a binding opinion that the council violated the act. The city asked for a circuit court to review the binding opinion, which it reversed. The AG then appealed that ruling to the appellate court.

After reviewing the recording of the session, the appellate justices found that council members "did not reasonably believe that litigation was probable or imminent." They pointed to one council member noting there was "no clear cut road" to litigation, another council member characterizing possible litigation as a minor issue and another calling a lawsuit threat from Normal a negotiating tactic.

The council, former Mayor Tari Renner, former City Manager David Hales and Jurgens also discussed two options  a joint resolution with Normal, or unilaterally ending the 30-year agreement  and "how to peddle the issues to their constituents," according to the court.

Renner, whose second term ended in April, has said that he "respectfully disagree(s)" with the court's opinion.

Language used by the closed session attendees included: may result in better public relations, Normal will savage the City, politically not palatable and we have talking points, the court found.

The council also discussed suspending payments pursuant to the agreement, "whether a suspension would cost Bloomington more in the future, the perceived unequal payments Bloomington previously made under the agreement, whether the amount at issue was significant, and which of the options described would be the most economical."

Justice Peter Cavanagh also wrote that six of the nine council members expressed concern about how their actions would be perceived by the public.

The language they used, Cavanagh wrote, "covered the gamut of terms evidencing the concern for how to best handle inquiries and criticism."

Contact Timothy Eggert at (309) 820-3276. Follow him on Twitter: @TimothyMEggert

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China's Yunnan sees robust foreign trade growth in first 4 months

Xinhua) 15:28, May 20, 2021

Aerial photo taken on March 10, 2019 shows the city of Ruili in southwest China's Yunnan Province. Ruili, a city on the China-Myanmar border, is an important land port located in southwest China. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

KUNMING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China's Yunnan Province saw robust growth in its foreign trade in the first four months of 2021, local authorities said.

During the period, the total import and export value hit nearly 96.7 billion yuan (about 15 billion U.S. dollars), an annual increase of 55.2 percent, said the provincial bureau of statistics.

Of the total, exports soared to over 53.9 billion yuan, marking a 128.8 percent increase from the same period last year, while imports jumped 10.5 percent year on year to over 42.77 billion yuan.

The added value of Yunnan's major industrial enterprises increased by 16.6 percent year on year, the investment in fixed assets rose by 17.8 percent year on year, and the retail sales of social consumer goods grew by 22.4 percent year on year during the period.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Oswego, NY (13126)

Today

Rain showers early becoming more intermittent for the afternoon. High around 75F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Cloudy with showers. Low near 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  Allen Minish was alone and surveying land for a real estate agent in a wooded, remote part of Alaska, putting some numbers into his GPS unit when he looked up and saw a large brown bear walking about 30 feet away.

I saw him and he saw me at the same time, and its scary, he said by phone Wednesday from his hospital bed in Anchorage, a day after being mauled by the bear in a chance encounter.

The mauling left Minish with a crushed jaw, a puncture wound in his scalp so deep the doctor told him he could see bone, lacerations and many stitches after a 4-hour surgery. He also is wearing a patch over his right eye, saying the doctors are worried about it.

All that damage came from a very brief encounter  he estimates it lasted less than 10 seconds  after he startled the bear Tuesday morning just off the Richardson Highway, near Gulkana, located about 190 miles (306 kilometers) northeast of Anchorage.

The bear, which Minish said was larger than 300-pound black bears he has seen, charged and closed the ground between them in a few seconds.

Minish tried to dodge behind small spruce trees. That didnt stop the bear; he went through them.

As the bear neared, Minish held up the pointed end of his surveying pole and pushed it toward the bear to keep it away from him.

The bear simply knocked it to the side, the force of which also knocked Minish to the ground.

As he lunged up on top of me, I grabbed his lower jaw to pull him away, he said, noting thats how he got a puncture wound in his hand. But he tossed me aside there, grabbed a quarter of my face.

He took a small bite and then he took a second bite, and the second bite is the one that broke the bones  and crushed my right cheek basically, he said.

When the bear let go, Minish turned his face to the ground and put his hands over his head.

And then the bear just walked away.

He surmises the bear left because he no longer perceived Minish as a threat. The bears exit  Alaska State Troopers said later they did not locate the bear  gave him time assess damage.

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I realized I was in pretty bad shape because I had all this blood everywhere, he said.

He called 911 on his cellphone. While he was talking to a dispatcher, he pulled off his surveyors vest and his T-shirt and wrapped them around his head in an attempt to stop the bleeding.

Then he waited 59 minutes for help to arrive. He knows that's how long it took because he later checked his cellphone record for the length of the time he was told to stay on the line with the dispatcher until rescue arrived.

At one point, he was able to give the dispatcher his exact coordinates from his GPS unit, but even that was a struggle.

It took awhile to give them that because I had so much blood flowing into my eyes and on to the GPS, I kept having to wipe it all off, he said.

He said one of the rescuers called him a hero after seeing how much blood was on the ground.

Rescuers tried to carry him through the woods to a road that parallels the nearby trans-Alaska pipeline to meet an ambulance. That didnt work, and he said they had to help walk him a quarter mile through swamps, brush and trees. From there, he was taken to a nearby airport and flown to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage by a medical helicopter. He is listed in good condition at Providence.

Before help arrived, he worried about the bear returning to finish him off. I kept hearing stuff, he said, but every time he tried to lean up to look around, he became dizzy from the loss of blood.

He didnt come back, and so I just lay there and worried about it, he said.

Minish, 61, has had his share of bear encounters over the 40 years hes lived in Alaska, but nothing like this. He owns his own surveying and engineering business, which takes him into the wild often.

Thats the one lesson learned, he said. I should have had somebody with me.

He left his gun in the vehicle on this job but said it wouldnt have mattered because the bear moved on him too fast for it to have been any use.

He can now add his name to the list of six people he knows who have been mauled by bears in Alaska.

I guess I feel lucky, Minish said of his encounter with the bear, after someone told him its better than being dead.

In all honesty, it wouldnt have mattered either way. You know, if it killed me, it killed me. I had a good life; Im moving on. It didnt kill me, so now lets move on to the other direction of trying to stay alive, he said.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations chief is urging Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers to observe their cease-fire, and he says the international community must develop a reconstruction package that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters after Thursdays announcement of an end to 11 days of deadly clashes that Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.

Guterres says the U.N. is ready to work with Israel, the Palestinians, and international and regional partners to return to meaningful negotiations on a two-state settlement based on territorial lines before the 1967 war.

He says Hamas-controlled Gaza is an integral part of the future Palestinian state and no effort should be spared to bring about real national reconciliation that ends the division with the rival Fatah-led Palestinian Authority that governs the West Bank.



GAZA CITY  Hamas is calling the Gaza cease-fire a victory for the militant group in its struggle against Israel.

Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya made that characterization while addressing a rally in Gaza City.

Al-Hayya claims Israel failed to destroy Hamas military infrastructure, and says the group's fighters are still striding proudly in the underground tunnels.

He did not reveal the terms of the deal.



JERUSALEM  The top United Nations envoy to Israel and the Palestinian territories is welcoming the cease-fire in the latest war between Israel and the Hamas- militant group that rules Gaza.

Tor Wennesland said early Friday on Twitter that he extends his deepest condolences to the victims of the violence & their loved ones.

He also thanks Egypt and Qatar for their work with the U.N. in brokering the deal that ended 11 days of fighting.

He adds that now the work of building #Palestine can start.



GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip are taking to the streets to celebrate the cease-fire reached after an 11-day war between Hamas and Israel.

At 2:00 a.m., just as the cease-fire took effect, frenzy of life returned to the streets of Gaza. People went out from their homes in the night for the first time since the war began, shouting Allahu Akbar, whistling from balconies, and many firing in the air.

More rallies are expected across the Gaza Strip later Friday.



WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden is hailing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ending an 11-day war.

Biden spoke from the White House shortly before the ceasefire was set to go into effect in Gaza, where Israel has struck hundreds of targets in retaliation for Hamas firing thousands of rockets into its territory.

Says Biden: I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and Im committed to working for it.

Biden said the U.S. was committed to helping Israel replenish its supply of interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome protection system and to working with the Palestinian Authority  not Hamas  to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.



GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Hamas militant group says it has accepted the Egyptian proposal to end an 11-day war with Israel that killed scores of people, caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. He posted a statement on WhatsApp late on Thursday, saying: The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed.

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Israel had accepted the truce proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Egypts state-run MENA news agency said the truce would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement.

The White House said President Joe Biden would deliver remarks on the cease-fire later in the afternoon, Washington time, on Thursday.



BEIRUT  An official from the Palestinian militant Hamas group says Israels declaration of a cease-fire represents a defeat for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

Ali Barakeh, a member of Hamas Arab and Islamic relations bureau, told The Associated Press that the militants will remain on alert until they hear from mediators who have been working for days between Hamas and Israel.

Hamas officials haves said that they have been contacted by officials from Russia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations to reach a truce with Israel. He added that once Hamas hears back from the mediators, its leadership will hold discussions and will make an announcement after that.

Barakeh spoke just minutes after Netanyahus office on Thursday announced a cease-fire to halt the 11-day military operation against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. A statement said Netanyahu's Security Cabinet unilaterally approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal.

It appears the two sides were still negotiating exactly when the cease-fire would take effect. Multiple reports said it would go into effect at 2 a.m., just over three hours after the cabinets decision.



UNITED NATIONS  Israels U.N. ambassador says his country wants a cease-fire in its conflict with Gazas militant Hamas rulers but only after significantly degrading Hamas terror machine.

Gilad Erdan told Thursdays emergency in-person meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on the conflict that we are looking for a cure and not a band-aid.

He said that Israel will take all steps necessary to protect its civilians while making every effort to avoid harming Palestinian civilians.

Erdan accused the 193-member General Assembly of hypocrisy in supporting Hamas, which every day is firing hundreds of rockets indiscriminately into Israel.

He stressed that Hamas doesnt accept Israels right to exist and refuses to renounce violence.

He warned that if the U.N. strengthens Hamas, it will make the possibility of Hamas replacing the Palestinian Authority much more likely and eliminate the chance of future dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

He stressed there is nothing to discuss with a terror organization committed to your annihilation, nothing.

The Israeli ambassador also lashed out at the demonization of Israel, saying it is spurring sickening anti-Semitic attacks and singling out Turkey.

Erdan said there has never been a clearer example of the fact that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism and called on all governments to take swift action to protect Jewish communities and apprehend perpetrators.



WASHINGTON  The White House says that reports of a move toward a cease-fire between Israel and the militant Hamas group that rules the Gaza Strip are clearly encouraging but cautioned that a truce has yet to be agreed on.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said on Thursday that the White House believes the Israelis have achieved significant military objectives in their strikes against Hamas targets, which is why President Joe Biden expects them to start winding down their operation there.

Psaki says the Biden administration has conveyed that to the Israeli side and that is what we expect to happen.

Psaki added that Bidens comments to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for de-escalation, were a reflection of what were seeing on the ground."

She said the United States' strategic approach here is to communicate directly, stay closely interlocked with the Israelis, with partners on the ground, to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict.

She also said the U.S. has held more than 80 engagements with senior leaders in Israel, the Palestinian Authority and across the region.



UNITED NATIONS -- The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says the United States will continue to relentlessly push for peace between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. has held more than 60 diplomatic meetings at the highest levels over the past two weeks, including at least five by President Joe Biden, to try to quickly end the conflict.

She spoke on Thursday at an emergency in-person meeting of the U.N. General Assembly and underscored that the U.S. administration is committed to working with Israelis, Palestinians and parties across the Middle East to stop the hostilities.

She said: I dont believe there is any country working more urgently or fervently toward peace.

Thomas-Greenfield reiterated that in Bidens phone call with Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, the president said we believe Israel is now in a position to begin winding down the conflict, and that we expect a significant de-escalation to begin.

She said the Biden administration is committed to working with other countries to bring a rapid end to the current violence and, over the longer term, create the conditions for a lasting, sustainable peace.



UNITED NATIONS  The top Palestinian diplomat is accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinian families and urging the international community to protect the Palestinian people until their freedom is assured.

Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki told Thursdays emergency meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers that every country in the world has a responsibility to ensure that peace, justice and freedom prevail.

He urged the assembly ensure that Israel is held accountable for killing innocent Palestinians and is not provided with arms. He said the presence of a dozen ministers, almost all from Arab and Islamic countries, sends a clear message: Stop the violence.

The Palestinian minister responded to Israels claims of acting in self-defense by saying: How can an occupying power have the right to defend itself when a whole people under occupation is deprived of the very same rights?

Al-Malki said the Palestinians have informed the Biden administration and the Quartet of Mideast mediators  the U.S., U.N., European Union and Russia  that ending occupation against our people and our holy sites should be followed by a political process" that would lead to ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its capital.

So far in the deadly conflict, Palestinian militants have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel from Gaza and Israel has hit the territory with relentless airstrikes in response.



GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The International Committee for the Red Cross is calling for a temporary cessation of hostilities between Israel and the militant Hamas group in the Gaza Strip to allow people time to shop for their basic needs.

Mirjam Muller, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Gaza, said on Thursday that such a breather would allow people to buy food, see doctors and have a little bit of time to digest what is happening to them.

She says a couple of hours for people to move around safely would be really important right now and we are calling for that.

The latest war between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers is now in its 11th day and people in the Gaza Strip are staying mostly holed up in their homes or have fled to schools-turned-shelters. Muller says Israeli airstrikes and outgoing rocket attacks by Palestinian militants have been extremely intense and that people feel they cant breathe anymore.



JERUSALEM  Israels defense minister says the military is prepared to expand its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, despite ongoing international efforts to reach a cease-fire.

The minister, Benny Gantz, said on Thursday that Israeli forces are turning the clock back on Hamas and it wont be able to recover.

He spoke during a tour of Israeli artillery batteries near the Gaza border and said that Israeli troops are operating with full resolve and in a politically responsible manner as the fighting neared the end of its 11th day.

The latest, fourth war between Israel and Gaza's militant Hamas rulers erupted on May 10. So far in the conflict, Palestinian militants have fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel from the Gaza Strip, some hitting deeper in Israeli territory and with greater accuracy than ever before.

Israel has hit the territory with relentless airstrikes, and at least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women. The casualty tolls are from the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.



UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. chief is urging an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers at the start of a U.N. General Assembly emergency meeting.

The session is expected to hear from about 100 speakers, including 12 ministers mainly from Arab and Islamic countries.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Thursdays in-person meeting in the assembly chamber that he and the U.N. Mideast envoy are engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts in the region, including with Egypt, Jordan and Qatar, to stop the fighting.

He called on all members of the international community to do everything in their power to enable the parties to conflict to step back from the brink.

The U.N. chief also called on Israel and Hamas to allow for mediation efforts to intensify in order to bring the fighting to an end.

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Guterres implicitly criticized Israel and Hamas for violating the laws of war which ban indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilians and civilian property as well as attacks on military targets that cause disproportionate civilian casualties. He said counter-terrorism or self-defense are not justifications.

He urged Israeli authorities to abide by the laws, including the proportionate use of force and called on them to exercise maximum restraint in the conduct of military operations. He urged Hamas and other militant groups to stop the indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars from highly populated civilian neighborhoods into civilian population centers in Israel.



WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is leading a long-shot effort to halt a $735 million arms sale to Israel as Democrats in the U.S. Congress raise mounting concerns about the violence in the Middle East.

The Vermont senator introduced a resolution on Thursday to block the weapons transfer. A similar measure in the House was introduced Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, and liberal lawmakers on Wednesday.

Sanders says that Congress needs to take a hard look at whether the sale of these weapons is actually helping do that, or whether it is simply fueling conflict.

Supporters of this effort are unlikely to have the votes needed to reverse the sale, but theyre racing the clock to register opposition under a review period that expires this week.

The opposition to what had been a routine transfer of arms shows the increasing unrest on Capitol Hill from key Democrats over Israels handling of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.



KARACHI, Pakistan  About 200 members of civil society have rallied in Pakistans southern port city of Karachi, demanding an immediate end to Israel's campaign in the Gaza Strip and violence in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The protesters on Thursday chanted slogans against Israel and in support of the Palestinians. Pakistanis are also expected to hold nationwide anti-Israel rallies on Friday, the Muslim day of prayer.

Thursdays rally comes hours after Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi flew to New York to address the U.N. General Assembly to condemn Israels strikes on Palestine.

Pakistan is among few countries that do not have diplomatic ties with Israel.



JERUSALEM  Israels opposition leader is leveling severe criticism at the governments handling of the war against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid wrote on Thursday on Facebook that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has failed in developing a concrete policy regarding the Gaza Strip, and has jeopardized Israels relations with the Biden administration with this latest conflict.

Lapid writes: After 11 days of this operation, every Israeli citizen will ask themselves: What did the government really want to achieve with this military operation? What is its policy and strategic long-term aim concerning Hamas in Gaza?

Earlier this month, Lapid was tasked with forming a government. That happened less than a week before the outbreak of fighting between Israel and Hamas and after Netanyahu failed to build a governing coalition following the March 23 elections.

Netanyahu has pushed back against calls from the U.S. to wind down the Gaza offensive, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.



JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran was behind an armed drone that Israel intercepted after entering its airspace this week.

Netanyahu said during a meeting with visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Tel Aviv on Thursday that Iran sent an armed drone to Israel from Iraq or from Syria that crossed into Israel from Jordanian airspace before it was intercepted.

Netanyahu told Maas that while were fighting on various fronts, the true backer of much of this aggression is Iran, pointing to its support for Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant groups.

Netanyahu's remarks came as Israel unleashed another wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Thursday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several. Meanwhile, Hamas fired more rockets, even as expectations rose that a cease-fire could be coming.



GENEVA  The U.N.s top human rights body said Thursday it will hold a special session next week to address the grave human rights situation in Palestinian areas in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The Human Rights Council will convene the May 27 meeting following a request presented by Pakistan, as coordinator of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation.

The session at the 47-member state body in Geneva paves the way for a day-long debate over the recent deadly violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Mideast conflict that has raged for decades.

More than 60 states  including member states and observer states  have so far expressed support for the special session, council spokesman Rolando Gomez said.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, quit the council in mid-2018  partially over the administrations allegations that the council has an anti-Israel bias. President Joe Biden has returned the U.S. to participation at the council, and the U.S. plans to seek a seat next year.

Israels ambassador in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, called on member states to strongly oppose this meeting.

The convening of yet another special session by the Human Rights Council targeting Israel is testament to the clear anti-Israel agenda of this body, she wrote on Twitter.



BEIJING  China says it has been actively engaged in mediation toward ending the ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

Special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has spoken with officials of the Palestinian and Egyptian foreign ministries and will also speak with representatives of Israel, Russia, the United Nations, the European Union and other parties, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Thursday.

Zhao said the envoy was calling for an immediate ceasefire, strengthening assistance to Palestine, and reiterating (Chinas) firm commitment to the two-state solution.

He said Beijing would like to host negotiations between the two sides in China and is willing to provide humanitarian and other types of assistance to the Palestinian side within its capabilities.

China has long been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause but also maintains robust ties with Israel. The country has criticized the U.S. for blocking the adoption of a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the fighting in Gaza.



BERLIN  German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that indirect contacts with the Hamas militant group, such as those maintained by some Arab countries, are necessary to defuse the situation in the Middle East.

Speaking in Berlin as her foreign minister visited Israel and the West Bank on Thursday, Merkel downplayed how much Germany alone can do to help defuse the situation.

Merkel said at an event organized by WDR public television: Everything we are doing, and the foreign minister is doing, must be seen in the context of American efforts and the efforts of other European states. She added: I dont think we alone will be the decisive factor there, but we can make a contribution along with the U.S., other Europeans and Britain.

Germany has placed the blame for the latest war in the Middle East squarely on Hamas and what it calls the groups rocket terror.

Asked whether she would back someone speaking with the group, Merkel replied: Of course there have to be indirect contacts with Hamas. Egypt speaks to Hamas and so do other Arab countries.

She added that Egypt is a very, very important quantity in cease-fire efforts and that cant be done without any contact with Hamas -- it doesnt always have to be done directly. But of course Hamas has to be involved in a certain way, because without Hamas there is no cease-fire.



BERLIN  Germany's foreign minister says his visit to the Mideast is intended as a show of solidarity with Israeli and Palestinian civilians suffering from the latest eruption of conflict, and part an effort to push for a cease-fire and resumption of peace talks.

Heiko Maas said ahead of his departure Thursday that Germany stands unconditionally to its friendship with Israel, which must defend itself against the rocket terror by Hamas.

He said that Palestinians can also rely on his countrys humanitarian support even in difficult times.

Maas, who plans to meet the Israeli president, foreign minister and defense minister, as well as the Palestinian prime minister, during his one day trip, said the international community must find a way to help end the violence.

He called for talks on a path back to peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians even if they seem miles away at the moment.

Maas said he hoped the Mideast Quartet comprising the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations could play an active role in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict soon.



UNITED NATIONS  The United States opposes a draft U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers. The U.S. says it could interfere with the Biden administrations efforts to end the hostilities.

France drafted the resolution after the U.S. earlier blocked at least four attempts to have the council issue a press statement calling for an end to hostilities.

A press statement requires agreement by all 15 council members. A resolution only requires at least nine yes votes and no veto by the United States or any of the four other permanent members.

A French spokesman had said very intense discussions were taking place Wednesday with the U.S. on the proposed resolution.

But the U.S. Mission to the U.N. said later that we will not support actions that we believe undermine efforts to de-escalate.



UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is urgently appealing for $38 million for emergency needs in Gaza as a result of conflict between Israel and the territorys Hamas rulers.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency said Wednesday that it is already responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees and non-refugees, including tens of thousands of people who have sought safety in the agencys schools and emergency shelters.

The agency says the $38 million is needed for an initial 30-day period to respond to a variety of immediate needs in Gaza including food, health care, psychological services, and water and sanitation. It also includes emergency needs in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, for health care, shelter, education, security and protection.



BEIRUT  The leader the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group says militant factions in Gaza went into the latest battle with Israel knowing it will be costly but also knowing that it is the only road to freedom and to protect Jerusalem.

Ziad Nakhaleh said in a televised speech from Beirut on Wednesday that neither nuclear weapons, warplanes nor peace agreements with some Arab states could bring Israelis security and peace.

He added that militant groups in Gaza have made miracles that you can see with your own eyes and you live them every moment when you run to shelters.

Nakhaleh was referring to thousands of missiles and rockets that Gaza militants have fired toward Israel.

Nakhaleh said that after Israels moves that threatened the eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers in east Jerusalem, we were in front of two choices, to surrender and to give them everything or fight them over everything.



JERUSALEM  Israels Foreign Ministry says foreign ministers from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia will arrive in Israel on Thursday.

The ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the diplomats were invited by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to express their solidarity and support for Israel during its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate hostilities after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.



JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is determined to continue this operation until its aim is met, despite U.S. President Joe Bidens call for a de-escalation of hostilities in Gaza.

In a statement from his office Wednesday, Netanyahu said that he greatly appreciates the support of the American president, but said Israel will push ahead to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.

Earlier, Biden called for significant de-escalation by days end from Netanyahu after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.



CAIRO  An Egyptian diplomat says some of the countrys top officials are waiting for Israels response to a cease-fire offer, and that they expect amendments to their proposal.

He says they hope Frances increasing efforts could spur the United States to exert its influence on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to stop the fighting as soon as possible.

He added that if that doesn't happen, there are some discussions among Arab and Islamic nations, along with China, to put the issue before the U.N. General Assembly in an effort to bypass the Security Council and the U.S.s veto power there.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Egypt has been trying to broker a cease-fire between neighboring Israel and Hamas, as it is one of a handful of countries that maintains official ties with both.

 Samy Magdy in Cairo.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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JEFFERSON CITY  Calling Missouri an embarrassment, the CEO of one of the largest companies in the region is again threatening to abandon the state for a new corporate headquarters in North Carolina.

In comments to Health Payer Specialist, a health industry trade publication, Centene Corp. chief Michael Neidorff warned that Republican Gov. Mike Parsons and the GOP-controlled state Legislatures failure to approve funding for a voter-backed expansion of Medicaid has Neidorff again questioning whether he should move his company out of Missouri.

As the largest provider of Medicaid in the United States and a Fortune 42 company I have to ask myself, Why am I in this state? Neidorff told the publication. This is a state that frowns on this business  what am I doing here?

Its an embarrassment, he added.

Marcela Hawn, a spokeswoman for Clayton-based Centene, told the Post-Dispatch in a statement Wednesday that the company is disappointed that the legislature did not honor Missouri voters wishes.

We believe that now, more than ever, Americans must have access to high-quality healthcare as we navigate these uncertain times. We are committed to our employees, our members and the communities we serve here in our home state, and we believe that increasing access to healthcare is an important step forward for Missouri, the statement said.

Lawmakers left the capital city Friday without funding the constitutionally mandated Medicaid expansion, despite Parson including the money in his budget blueprint and a handful of Republicans breaking ranks to push for the funding.

Senate Democrats proposed an amendment during debate over the budget to fund the Medicaid expansion at the same level Parson proposed. But the proposed change failed on a 20-14 vote, with four of 24 Republicans siding with Democrats.

Sen. Dan Hegeman, R-Cosby, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, sided with the Republicans, saying voters would have made a different decision if they had more information about the state budget and the future unknown reliability of the federal government.

Democrats said Republicans were ignoring the will of voters.

The people have finally weighed in on this. And now the Legislature is going to abdicate its duties and leave its responsibility to a judge? Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo said. I dont know what shark we have jumped here. God forbid the people have a voice.

Some Republican supporters of expansion scoffed at GOP claims that the state cant afford the added cost.

Obviously I think we should do it. We do have an influx of cash right now, said Republican Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield. The idea that we dont have the money to do this, I dont buy.

Expansion, which received 53% of the vote last August, would bring health coverage to 275,000 low-income adults. The change goes into effect July 1, but without money to pay for it, it is expected to generate a court battle.

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Neidorff last year raised similar concerns and said he was considering moving the health care giant to Charlotte, North Carolina, where the company is building a $1 billion eastern headquarters.

He said his efforts at recruiting top-notch talent to the region were being hurt by crime and the image it gives St. Louis, as well as the states ongoing reluctance to expand Medicaid, which is a core part of Centenes business as a provider of managed care health insurance plans.

Centene, via subsidiary Home State Health, covers about one-third of the states current Medicaid managed care population.

Former Clayton mayor Harold Sanger said Wednesday that it would be beyond a shame to lose a company like Centene.

Centene is a very generous supporter of all things St. Louis, Sanger said. I think everybody that has anything to do with anything needs to make every possible effort to keep Centene here.

Jason Hall, CEO of business booster Greater St. Louis Inc., described Centene as a major corporate citizen.

If we want to be a growing community, we need more companies like that, Hall said.

Hall referred to the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, released earlier this month, which identified health care as one of the regions most significant areas for potential future growth.

We should be looking at ways to help expand and build upon those strengths, Hall said.

Parson said in a statement Wednesday that, though he never supported expansion, he always said he would uphold the amendment if it passed.

The majority of Missouri voters supported it, and we included funds for the expansion in our budget proposal, Parson said. However, without a revenue source or funding authority from the General Assembly, we are unable to proceed with the expansion at this time.

Parson said he has a good relationship with Neidorff, and is grateful for Centenes investments.

Parson last year said he doubted Medicaid expansion would form the basis of a major business decision like moving away from Missouri. The Republican governor, at the time, said he would continue to focus on education, health care, workforce and infrastructure.

Neidorff told the trade publication he had not yet heard from Parson.

Wait til he hears were moving out, hell probably call me then, he said.

Annika Merrilees, of the Post-Dispatch, contributed to this story.

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SPRINGFIELD  A state House task force continued its discussion about reevaluating controversial statues and whether new monuments commemorating minorities should be added to the state Capitol grounds.

The hearing Wednesday is the second meeting of the bipartisan Statue and Monument Review Task Force, which was formed by Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch last month. The purpose of the task force is to conduct a review of monuments on state property and proposals for new monuments or statues.

Adam Green, an associate history professor at the University of Chicago, was one of four speakers who shared their perspectives on the task forces charge.

Green said statues, monuments and memorials and the naming practices for buildings, parks, streets and other components of the built environment play a crucial role in defining communities.

They establish a heritage that gives our shared community a sense of origins, continuity and endurance, they signal which individuals and what actions or contributions are worthy of honoring or even emulating, Green said. They also identify implicitly, and sometimes quite explicitly, those values that are understood to be ones which the residents of the state and visitors to the state can consider aspiring to live by.

Katherine Poole-Jones, associate art history professor at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, said the task force must ask what values they wish to collectively endorse in the public realm.

We look at each monument, (and ask) is it representative of those shared community values and ideas, if it ever was? Poole-Jones said. Because that's also a possibility, that it never was. What is the value of the monument remaining in public space? How is the community benefiting from the monument?

And I think we also have to carefully balance that against the discomfort, the pain, the alienation, it may cause some members of the community, because we have to understand that the spaces that monuments occupy cannot be entered into in a neutral way for everyone, she added.

She said this is especially crucial to think about when discussing the grounds of government buildings, because, of course, the history of Confederate monuments was putting them up at statehouses as tools of intimidation.

The city of Chicago is undertaking a similar examination of its statues, and two Chicago monuments of Christopher Columbus were temporarily removed last summer as part of this effort.

Some cities, including Richmond, Va., Jacksonville, Fla., and Indianapolis, Ind., have removed statues of Confederate officers.

Last year, former House Speaker Michael Madigan requested that the board of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol remove monuments of Stephen Douglas and Pierre Menard from Capitol grounds.

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Douglas, a slave owner, served as Illinois secretary of state, state Supreme Court justice and in the U.S. Senate among other roles.

Menard, also a slave owner, was the first lieutenant governor of Illinois, and he supported political actions devised to ensure slavery was legal in the state.

Rep. Mary Flowers, a Chicago Democrat who chairs the committee, suggested the task force consider adding monuments commemorating former President Barack Obama, as well as Harold Washington, Chicagos first black mayor; Ida B. Wells, a co-founder of the NAACP; and Rudy Lozano, a labor activist from Chicagos Little Village neighborhood.

But Rachel Leibowitz, an assistant professor at the State University of New York, cautioned the task force against adding too many new figurative monuments and memorials to the Capitol grounds.

She pointed to the Texas Capitol grounds, which has 22 statues, monuments or memorials.

And, their site is physically larger than yours with the Stratton building, so this is just to say there can be a lot of physical clutter on the ground, she said.

Leibowitz said the committee could also consider relocating statues or monuments from the Capitol grounds to another place, like a hall of statues.

I suggest that only because then the state capitol grounds becomes open to everyone, Leibowitz said. There is no one there saying, I am not represented. There is no one saying, I don't see myself and my story reflected. It is the building, it is the ground. It's something to consider. I'm not saying that's the solution, but I just want to offer that as a possibility.

She also raised the possibility of constructing abstract memorials, such as the Vietnam Memorial in the Washington, D.C.

I would encourage you also to consider as you move forwardis what you want more figurative statues, more great men or great women on pedestals, or do you want to create something that is more inviting? she said. Do you want to celebrate, for example, the life of Dr. King in a way that offers moments in time, that shows struggles and triumphs? How do you want to commemorate this history moving forward? You have options.

Flowers and Republican spokesperson Rep. Tim Butler, of Springfield, have endorsed relocating and redesigning the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. that is currently placed across the street from the Capitol grounds.

Secretary of State Jesse White, who also supports this proposal, has pledged $5,000 towards the construction of a new King statue.

Flowers said White and the Architect of the Capitol Andrea Aggertt will present at the next task force meeting, which has not yet been scheduled.

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Illinois schools will be required to resume fully in-person learning in the fall, subject to favorable public health conditions. Whether remote options will still exist for families will largely be left to the discretion of local school districts.

The Illinois State Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday that would require all student attendance days to be in-person, after school districts were forced to remote learning this year because of COVID-19.

State Superintendent Carmen Ayala said school leaders were seeking clarity about expectations for the fall so they can begin planning and know where to focus the federal dollars coming in to assist schools. In an email statement, ISBE Executive Director of Communications Jackie Matthews said Ayala is planning to finalize this declaration after the conclusion of the current academic school year, subject to favorable public health conditions at that time.

Approving the resolution was a "signal" to educators about the direction things are moving, she said.

Before the board vote, a few parents spoke during the public hearing to share their reservations about the resolution.

Jen Cresse is the parent of a third-grader who is immunocompromised. In her testimony to the board, she said that her family had to separate into two households in order to isolate and keep their youngest child safe.

While she knows remote learning wasn't a perfect solution, Cresse said it provided some normalcy for her son.

"Having friends on the other side of the screen is the only thing keeping him engaged with school right now," she said.

Who can receive remote instruction?

Under the resolution, schools are only required to offer remote instruction in the fall to students who are both ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and are under a quarantine order.

In Illinois School Code, there are other limited provisions that require schools to provide different modes of learning, including home or hospital learning.

Trisha Olson, legal counsel for ISBE, told the board that districts have other options to allow for remote learning for students if they choose to do so. Those options just wouldn't be required of schools under the resolution.

Twice in the meeting, Board Member David Lett asked Ayala what ISBE's position would be if they heard from a parent with a child enrolled in a district that refused to provide remote learning plans outside of what was required, and if the board would lean in favor of encouraging districts to provide opportunities.

While Ayala said ISBE would work with the district and the parent to "resolve the situation," she didn't indicate whether ISBE would err on the side of providing remote opportunities.

"There aren't any clean cut answers to any of these different nuances," she said. "We have to take it on a case by case basis. What are the circumstances of the family? Of the child?"

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The vast majority of school districts are now operating with in-person or hybrid plans, which includes in-person and remote components, according to data from ISBE. Districts were required to provide remote options for students because of COVID in the 2020  2021 school year.

Not all kids can get vaccinated yet

About half of Illinois students, including pre-kindergarteners, are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine because of their age, based on 2020 enrollment data.

While three different brands of the COVID-19 vaccine have been widely used in the U.S., only the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine has been authorized for anyone under the age of 18. It was authorized for children as young as 12 last week, and youth vaccinations began in Illinois and across the country soon after.

The clinical trials for both the Moderna-NIAID and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been expanded to include children, but neither has yet been authorized for expanded use.

Pfizer is planning to apply to the Food and Drug Administration in September for emergency authorization of the vaccine for children aged 2 to 11, according to National Public Radio.

Based on Pfizer's own projection, the youngest Illinois students wouldn't have their first shot before school starts in August, let alone be considered fully inoculated.

"I know I would not feel comfortable sending my first grader to school until he's vaccinated," parent David Wendeln told the board during public participation. " ... How can the board allow, let alone require, students to attend in-person before the vaccine is available to them? I think students must be allowed to learn remotely until the vaccine is available to them."

The Pfizer vaccine is a two-dose shot. The second dose needs to be given 21 days after the first, and it takes two more weeks after the second shot for the vaccine to reach its peak effectiveness.

Planning for more school guidance

ISBE members had a lengthy discussion before voting on the resolution, mostly related to the language of the resolution and how it might be misconstrued.

For now, Ayala said ISBE is awaiting more guidance and is beginning to work on a Q&A document to help districts understand what to expect.

"I think there's a lot of guidance that we'll need to follow that is reasonable and practical for schools," Vice Chairperson Donna Leak said. "That last line (of the resolution)  we're going to have to do a lot of work to let schools know we're doing the right thing."

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Colonial Pipeline paid the ransom.

And after forking over $5 million to hackers who forced it to shut down an important fuel conduit, which spurred a bonkers run on local gas stations, the burglars gave Colonial a decryption key meant to sanitize its computer networks. But the tool didnt work very well. Bad trade.

Lesson: Dont pay the ransom.

Law enforcement authorities and other experts have been advising as much for years. Professional hostage negotiators regularly try to observe that maxim, too (though specialists who negotiate with terrorists have unusually complex dynamics to consider, and paying ransom may be the safest strategy for them).

When lives arent directly at stake, the guidelines seem to be clear. Heres the Federal Bureau of Investigations advice:

The FBI does not encourage paying a ransom to criminal actors. Paying a ransom may embolden adversaries to target additional organizations, encourage other criminal actors to engage in the distribution of ransomware, and/or fund illegal activities. Paying the ransom also does not guarantee that a victims files will be recovered.

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Theres also a boomerang effect that arises when companies give bags of money to extortionists deploying ransomware. It seems to convince thieves that a target is an easy mark, and they will most likely circle back later and thump the same company or institution again. A particular willingness among U.S. companies to pay, combined with a porous and lackadaisical approach to cybersecurity in the private sector in America, may explain why the U.S. appears to draw a disproportionate amount of ransomware attacks in the developed world.

Hackers also may be shaking down U.S. companies more often simply because theyre following the basic wisdom attributed to a bank robber, Willie Sutton: Because thats where the money is.

Companies confronted with double extortion  the unhappy reality of having to pay hackers to unlock a digital network and then pay them again to recover stolen data  should remember that a significant portion of ransom-payers never get their data back anyway.

Companies and other public and private institutions have many factors to juggle when hackers shake them down for money, of course. The Institute for Security and Technology, a private cybersecurity consortium, said in a recent report on ransomware that chief concerns include whether companies have cyber insurance policies and high-quality data backups. They also worry about the anticipated expense of paying for a prolonged system shutdown.

One obvious conclusion from that observation: All institutions in the digital era should have appropriate backups in place. Thats not a complex fix. Also, companies should think about the expense associated with a shutdown the same way Atlanta and Baltimore did  proactively rather than reactively.

As for cyber insurance, well, that feels a lot like the disaster insurance that companies keep giving to homeowners who rebuild in flood and hurricane zones. Sure, it insulates against disaster, but it also encourages risk-taking. If an insurer is going to foot the bill for your ransomware payment, maybe you just find it easier to pay up rather than making your networks more resilient? Thats certainly not lost on insurers. At least one top insurer, AXA S.A., is reportedly planning to stop underwriting new policies for that reason.

Companies and other institutions can avoid all of this by practicing good cyber hygiene in the first place, and they should bear that in mind when they demand that the federal government do a better job of protecting them from hackers. But once theyve been burglarized, the last thing they should consider doing is paying off the burglars.

Timothy L. O'Brien is a senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion.

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Over the weekend I was shopping around for a new floor stand-style fan and I was particularly interested in both the Dyson Cool Tower and their Desk Fan. Then as the work week began, I had 'Best Buy' ads on Patently Apple constantly reminding me that the Dyson Cool Tower Fan was on sale. Was that a mere coincidence? Of course not, I was targeted by a tracking ad. This is quite a common experience. And so today's new Privacy Ad from Apple particularly struck my funny bone and it just might hit yours if you've ever experience tracking ads before. The little ad Bas%@&ds follow you everywhere.

Apple's ad was almost as funny as Google trying to convince the world that their devices offer the most privacy in the industry. I just don't know how anyone could ever top that line for humor.
Banks will soon adopt only the National Identification card as the primary source of documentation for banking transactions.



This follows discussions between the banks, represented by the Ghana Association of Bankers, the National Identification Authority and the Bank of Ghana.



The discussion is said to have reached an advanced stage and a roadmap on when the decision will take effect will be crafted shortly.



Chief Executive of the Ghana Association of Bankers, John Awuah told Joy Business the banks will soon communicate to customers about the usage of only the National ID card as the primary source of documentation for banking transactions.



Discussions are presently ongoing and Im sure in a short while, customers will get information from banks on how to use the national ID as a primary source of identification for banking transactions.



With the recent debate ongoing over the national ID and others, we want a system where for a period, we can be using a parallel system; well be using what we have now and national ID at the same time, he said.



But when that period is over, then the law says only the National ID becomes the primary document or card for inputting information of customers in banking transactions, Mr. Awuah added.



Country moves gradually towards using National ID for all transactions



The country is presently moving gradually towards using the National ID for all transactions.



Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said plans are underway to ensure that all Ghanaians with SIM cards re-register them using the National Identification card by middle of this year.



According to him, this is part of plans to rid the countrys cyberspace of fraud.



Speaking at the 5th Ghana CEO Summit which is underway in Accra, the Vice President noted that any individual who fails to take part in the exercise risks losing his or her SIM card.



I expect that the Minister for Communications and Digitalization [Ursula Owusu Ekuful] will soon announce the date for registration of the SIM card. Maybe by the end of June or beginning of July this year, everybody will have to register their SIM with a National ID number.







Source: myjoyonline,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 boom of the social media bubble has made every business crawling for its space. Though this partially free platform has the power to build brand credibility, visibility, and engage with potential customers for sales, there is much more to it than meets the eye.



Digital marketing maven, Liridon Vrapca debunks some of the most common social media marketing myths that every business should keep in mind before expecting the platform to do its magic.



Most companies understand the power of social media marketing and the consequences of it. However, little do they realize that just like traditional marketing that needs time and effort to showcase results, social media is no different; the techniques might vary but leave social media on its own, and expecting luck to do its trick is like living is a fool's paradise.



Social media always gives you optimum results



Brands need to monitor and optimize their ads so that they stand out and perform optimally to give you an adequate return on investment. One of the most significant advantages of digital platforms is that brands/firms can optimize their campaigns and posts based on real-time results and analysis. While social media can indeed yield high returns, it requires constant effort, monitoring, and strategy. One should not expect results without putting in the prerequisite effort.



Social media marketing requires a considerable investment



One of the most common misconceptions is that building a stellar social media presence requires truckloads of finance. The secret to harnessing social media and unleashing its potential is patience, consistency, and a sound strategy to engage your audience. Liridon Vrapca added, "You don't need to spend thousands of dollars to gain traction online. You can achieve strong results with a small investment backed with consistent effort to yield results."



It's challenging to reach a broad audience through social media marketing



Once the content is created and packaged with the appropriate hashtags, visual elements, brand keywords, and CTA, it can be published across various social media channels. The misconception is that it's increasingly difficult for a brand to reach its target audience by distributing content organically. The truth is that brands can utilize a plethora of tools, concepts, and strategies to amplify their reach. Liridon Vrapca added, "For example, the use of influencers and paid marketing activities to reach the target audience is not just important; it is necessary. Likewise, creative or unique approaches are more likely to yield results."



Brands need to have a presence across all social media channels



Several businesses believe that it is pertinent to have a social media presence in all available channels. However, such is not the case. What channels do your audience use? This question should make decisions slightly easier. After all, if the target audience is millennials, it would make sense to focus on channels like Snapchat or Instagram. If it's primarily women, then Pinterest would be a safe bet. It wouldn't make sense to devote resources to a channel where the audience isn't active. Liridon Vrapca added, "One can easily undertake a competitor benchmarking research to learn where the target audience spends its time online. A strong digital presence does not need you to spread yourself out too thin."



Having a large follower ensures higher brand performance



In social media, quantity is not the only credible parameters to gauge a brand's popularity. The quality of the audience, their loyalty to the platform, and engagement are also equally important. A brand's social media analytics and engagement team have to think consistently and creatively. The trick is not just amassed a large follower base but ensure that egagement and conversion are in place. Liridon Vrapca added, "Its better to have 5,000 highly active followers who are consuming your content or using your services, rather than massive followership that does not connect with you or your brand. Quality over quantity is always better."



Knowing these myths can help most businesses do a reality check before setting their objectives and creating a social media strategy to derive maximum benefits.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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New York, US (PANA) - Women and young people must be part of Africas plans to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is feeding factors driving conflict on the continent, UN Secretary-General told the Security Council on Wednesday
Do you want to trade your gift cards for cash here in Ghana? Say no more. You can now trade your gift cards seamlessly on the Giftcardstonaira app and get your money immediately.



Giftcardstonaira is the best gift card trading app in Ghana today. You can quickly download the app from Google Play Store or from the Apple App Store now and start trading your gift cards for cash.



Why Giftcardstonaira?



You might be asking the question "Why should i trade my gift cards with Giftcardstonaira instead of other trading apps?". Below are some reasons why Giftcardstonaira is the best gift card trading app in Ghana



1).Safe/Secure: Giftcardstonaira is the most secure gift card trading app in Ghana today. Since the platform was created in 2017, security has been one of the top priorities of the admins. Be rest assured that your money is safe while trading on the app.



2). High Rates: No other gift card trading app in Ghana comes close to Giftcardstonaira in terms of Gift card Rates. Giftcardstonaira has the highest gift card rates in Ghana. You can sell your $100 steam gift card on Giftcardstonaira for about 113 Ghanaian Cedi.



3). Fast Payout: You dont have to wait the whole day to get paid whenever you want to trade your gift card for cash. Giftcardstonaira pays within 5 minutes of submitting your gift card on the app. Be rest assured that you will receive your money ASAP. Once your gift card has been confirmed, you will get your money in your wallet instantly which you can withdraw into your bank account any time you wish.



4). Ease of use: The Giftcardstonaira app is very easy to use. From the login page to the Gift card trading page. You can easily download the app and start trading without having to go through any online tutorial.



5). Check current Gift Card Rate: You can check the current rate of any gift card on the Giftcardstonaira app. The rates are always updated so you will be sure that any rate you see is the rate at which you can trade your Gift Card.



How To Trade on Giftcardstonaira



 Register and Login



 Navigate to wallet and click on add new account to Add your bank details



 Go to Dashboard and click on Sell Giftcard to Submit your card



 Wait for 2 minutes or less for card to be confirmed.



 Check your wallet for your cash.



 Withdraw to your bank account



When you open the giftcardstonaira app, Register first if you havent but if you have, click on login to start using the app immediately. Quickly click on the wallet button and add your bank details. Click on add new account to add your bank details.



To start selling your gift card, click on dashboard at the bottom of the screen. On the dashboard, you will see a button named Sell Giftcard and select the type of Gift card you would like to sell from the various options made available for you on the app. Select gift card, enter the amount and upload the gift card image. When you are through, click on submit trade and wait for 2  5 minutes for the card to be confirmed. After about 2 minutes, click on wallet and withdraw your money into your bank account.



Gift Cards You can sell in Ghana on Giftcardstonaira



Below is a list of gift cards and many more you can sell on the Giftcardtonaira app and get paid immediately in Cedis



 Steam Gift Card



 Amazon Gift card



 Razor Gold Gift Card



 eBay Gift Card



 iTunes Gift Card



 Google Gift Card



 Visa Gift Card



 Sephora Gift Card



 Nordstrom Gift Card



 Nike Gift Card



 Walmart Gift Card



 Offgamers Gift Card



 Nike Gift Card



 BestBuy Gift Card



 Home Depot Gift Card



 Apple Store Gift Card



 Macy Gift Card



 Vanilla Gift Card



 Target Gift Card



How to Download Giftcardstonaira



You can easily download Giftcardstonaira either from google play store or from the Apple App store



Download Giftcardstonaira from Google Play Store



Download Giftcardstonaira from Apple App Store



For support, call/Whatsapp +234 70 5837 2518













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The Upper East Regional Police Command has acquired three new Yamaha Motorbikes to augment the motorbike patrols in the Bolgatanga Divisional and Zuarungu Police Commands as a strategy to combat crimes, particularly armed robberies.



The motorbikes valued at GH31,400 would add to the existing fleet at the Police Motorbike Patrol Unit to be able to clamp down on criminals that use unregistered motorbikes to embark on robbery operations in some unmotorable parts of the Region.



Briefing



Briefing Graphic Online on the motorbike patrol exercise, the Public Affairs Officer of the Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP),Mr David Fianko-Okyere, stated that plans were advanced to operationalize the Regional Highway Patrol Unit of the service by the first of next month(June 1,2021).



He explained that personnel of the service were currently being trained to handle the Karemenga-Bolgatanga-Paga highway to curb highway robberies among other crimes.



We want to be able match these criminals,eliminate their nefarious activities and consolidate the prevailing peace in the Region; we also want to check the rampant use of unregistered motorbikes to rob and terrorize residents," ASP Fianko-Okyere stressed.



The Upper East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba, for his part stated that an arrangement was being put in place to organize an engagement between the Command and media practitioners in the Region to promote understanding among media practitioners regarding its new Operational Patrol Model and other operational programmes of the Command.



He therefore called on the media to support the Command in its efforts to combat crime in the Region.



Background



On Friday March 19, 2021, the Upper East Regional Police Command inaugurated a new Operational Patrol Model to revitalize efforts towards combating various forms of crimes to help protect lives and properties in the Region.



The new operational strategy would also ensure that the Ghana Police Service in the region worked effectively with the other security agencies particularly the Ghana Armed Forces to deal with violent crimes that had characterized the region in recent times.



The new model would further ensure that personnel of the police command received adequate capacity building and physical training frequently to boost their confidence and sharpness levels to be able to deal effectively with security issues.



The measure was necessitated by the upsurge in armed robbery cases and other violent crimes in the region.









Source: graphiconline.com









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The Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul as part of the third phase in the fight against galamsey has disclosed that the Birim river has lost its tributaries to the illegal operations of the large scale mining companies in the area.



According to him, the tributaries of the Birim river have been killed as a result of the large scale mining companies illegally mining within the belt of the river Birim.



Addressing the media on Wednesday, 19th May, 2021 at the Ministry of Information, Dominic Nitiwul said that the large scale mining companies have diverted the courses of the streams and the smalls leading to the Birim river and mine within the river belt.



He added that the large scale mining companies after diverting the courses into their created ponds to wash their gold could not revert the courses back to the main river.



What they have done particularly to the tributaries is that they have killed all the tributaries of river Birim. They divert the river courses of both the tributaries and river Birim because they are actually looking to mine within the river belt and to be able to mine within the river belt, they divert the courses; all the streams and the small rivers, they have diverted the courses and mine within the river belt. They could not even divert the courses back to the river but they divert it into their ponds they have created to wash their gold, he lamented.



They divert the river into ponds they have created and leave the river belt dry and then mine within the river belt and whatever water that comes through the river is diverted into their ponds, he added.



To him, responsible large scale mining companies should rather sink boreholes powered by either electricity or a generator to feed their dams as they cannot get water to wash their gold than to depend on the water bodies that provide water for the people in the community.



A responsible mining company will sink boreholes to feed his dam; you create huge dams if they cannot get water, they should sink boreholes to feed their dam and these boreholes can be powered by either electricity or by generator . . . if a mining company is making millions of dollars from us, they should be able to sink their own boreholes not just for their mining operations but also for the communities as well," he slammed.



But when you divert rivers that our forefathers have bequeathed to us; God has created for us and today the communities around the Birim river who depend on this water for survival have to been buying water to survive is a danger we must stop, he said.



He further mentioned that the operation of the Ghana Armed Forces is not a direct target at anybody as the soldiers who are carrying out the operation do not know anybody but have been instructed to destroy any excavator they find within the red zone.



So it is not as if anybody has been targeted, far from that. In fact, that the soldiers dont know anybody. When they meet an excavator they destroy it as long as it is within their red zone. They dont ask who is for this excavator, he mentioned.



If somebody doubts it, I will be glad to do a tour with all manner of people to walk with them on the Birim river from beginning to the end; it will take us 100km but lets all take a stroll and you will see the danger and the devastation that has been done to the people in the area, he dared.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









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The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, has disclosed that construction will begin in December on a new project to end the perennial flooding of the Odaw River Basin in Accra.



He said the government was currently in the process of recruiting consultants and contractors to execute the project which will be funded by a $200million World Bank loan.



According to the Minister, the floods are caused by structural problems which would be solved by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project.



He said: "A big part of the problem here (Odawna) is structural and it requires some huge construction and re-engineering which I have indicated to you that government has secured funding for that project called the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project which seeks to address the flood issues associated with the Odaw River Basin.



"So, that one is ongoing, currently we are in the process of hiring consultants and contractors and per the plan, by December towards early next year construction will start".



He said the project aims to improve access to flood risk management, solid waste management, basic infrastructure and services in the targeted communities within the Odaw River Basin.



Mr Asenso-Boakye also stated that in the interim, the government was currently dredging the Odaw ahead of the rainy season.



He made this known after a meeting with the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Executives of the Odawna Garages Association and the Assemblyman for the area, Mr Kendrick Kinnah.



In an interview with the media after a tour of some areas surrounding the Odaw, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings commended the Minister for committing to dredge the Odaw.



"At this point, the timeliness of the intervention is important because if the main structural intervention is next year, then we need an early intervention with regards to the dredging before the rains begin and I glad the Minister indicated that will be done urgently because there are 2,000 people that work in the Odawna Garages and their livelihoods are affected every time it rains," she said.



Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also appealed to all Ghanaians and waste disposal companies to desist from dumping waste in drains.



She also expressed gratitude to the Minister for taking time out of his schedule to visit the area for first-hand information.









Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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French President Emmanuel Macron has said hell visit Rwanda at the end of May to "establish a new page in relations".



His visit would be the second by a French president since Rwanda's 1994 genocide - after former President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit in 2010.



Speaking at the end of the Paris summit on financing Africa, Mr Macron said his visit would be of "remembrance, politics, economicsand the future".



We also have agreed with President Kagame to write a new page in relations and do development projects Mr Macron said.



In March, a French report concluded that France bore "serious and overwhelming" responsibilities linked to the Rwandan genocide, but cleared it of complicity.



President Paul Kagame on Monday told French broadcaster France 24 that the report was "a big step forward... maybe not [to] forget [the past] but forgive it, and be able to move forward".



Relations between the two countries were frozen from 2006 to 2009 after French judges issued warrants to arrest Mr Kagame's close allies.



This was in relation to the shooting of a plane that was carrying Burundi and Rwanda presidents in April 1994 - the event that triggered the genocide.



Rwandan authorities have been accusing French authorities of a role in the 1994 genocide and harbouring the perpetrators.

Source: BBC









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New research says invasive species of weeds, insects and worms are costing Africa more than $3.5tn (2.5tn) every year.



Researchers based in Ghana, Kenya, Britain and Switzerland have highlighted the catastrophic effects of species introduced by human activity.



Nigeria, where losses are estimated at $1tn a year, is much the worst affected country.



The majority of the costs are from weeding - work primarily carried out by women and children - but damage caused by insects is estimated at almost $40bn.



The research authors noted that the findings may be underestimating the true cost of invasive species to Africa's agriculture - as they did not consider the costs of herbicides for disease and pest control

Source: BBC









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Africa must immediately put institute the right mechanisms to promote its cultural identity, including indigenous languages to help propel socio-economic development, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban S.K. Bagbin has said.



He said countries on the continent, including Ghana must chart a new path to growth, centered around its cultural identity because none of the developed countries relied on another's cultural identity to attain that status.



Mr Bagbin noted that Africa was behind in socio-economic development because its countries had over the years followed the ideas and value systems borrowed from other cultures that do not conform to its way of life.



Mr Bagbin made the call when a section of the leadership of the Tijaniya Muslim Council of Ghana led by Sheik Muhammed Mutawakil Iddris paid a courtesy call on him in Parliament.



Tijaniya is one of the contemporary forms of the Sufi movement which came from the teachings of Sidi Ahmad al Tijani in North Africa but now increasingly prevalent in West Africa, predominantly in Senegal, The Gambia, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Northern Nigeria. Its devotees are called Tijani.



The delegation was in Parliament to among other things discuss issues of mutual cooperation and also congratulate Mr Bagbin on his elevation to the high office of the Speaker of Parliament.



The Speaker said Africa must avoid the tendency of using the benchmark of the western world to measure its development.



That, he said was not realistic or progressive and had contributed to the underdevelopment of the continent.



"The poverty in Africa is not the poverty of wealth or property but rather it is the poverty of the mind," he said.



The Speaker called for a more radical approach to sway the minds of Africans, particularly the youth into embracing and promoting their own culture as their contribution to the development of the continent.



The youth, according to Speaker Bagbin, were always tagged as being less patient, emotional and more prone to violence, but that, he said must be blamed on the kind of systems they had been pushed into.



"We must see a paradigm shift," he said.



The Leader of the delegation, Sheik Muhammed Mutawakil Iddris, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the support he had over the years given to the Tijaniya Muslim Council.



He appealed to the Speaker to continue to support the many initiatives and programmes of the council in the areas of agriculture, education and youth empowerment.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) in collaboration with Gold Star Airlines have distributed about One Thousand (1000) face shields to trotro drivers drivers and their passengers in some part of Greater Accra Region as part of efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.



The Executive Director of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), UFO, Samuel Adobah said the move was to sensitize Ghanaians on the need to prevent and adhere to the government measures put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.



According to him, the exercise forms part of their efforts to help the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country.



The one thousand (1,000) face shields were distributed at four (4) trotro/lorry stations - Circle VIP station, Odawna taxi station amongst others in Accra where the beneficiaries showed concern and were willing to use them.



Mr. Adobah indicated UFO aimed at helping to prevent the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.



So far, about one thousand face shields were distributed to the passengers, drivers,



Lorry station masters and hawkers at this various stations visited also benefited. The two teams used the occasion to interacted with the people and educated them on how to observe social distance, use of hand sanitizer, wearing of face shield and nose masks, in other to prevent themselves from contracting the COVID-19.



Samuel Adobah, who is also a Journalist posited the organization has selected 8 different districts in the Greater Accra Region where they intend to educate the people there about the covd19 vaccine and its important.



The Co-Executive Director Rev. Johnson, Adu statement, cautioned the market Women, hawkers and the trotro drivers to still practice the use of nose masks. He stated clearly that the Covid-19 fight is a share responsibility.



On his part, the CEO of Gold Star Airline Eric Bannerman, emphasised that his outfit is ready to support UFO in the cause of fighting the Covd19 pandemic.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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At least five crew members onboard a fishing vessel near Ghanas harbour city, Tema have been allegedly kidnapped by suspected pirates, top security sources disclosed to Asaase News.



The fishing vessel was attacked on Wednesday 19 May 2021 around 6pm, Asaase News can confirm.



According to eyewitnesses, the vessel was approached by a skiff with eight persons onboard.



Five of the alleged armed pirates then seized the vessel for close to six hours, disembarking with five crew members including the captain, chief officer, second chief officer, chief engineer and boatswains mate.



They also stole belongings and valuables of the crew, a security source told Asaase News.



According to the International Chamber of Commerces International Maritime Bureau (IMB), in the first six months of 2020 at least 49 crew were kidnapped for ransom in the Gulf of Guinea and held captive on land for up to six weeks.



Thirty-two seafarers were kidnapped between March and June 2020. These attacks are now taking place further out from shore, with about two thirds of the vessels affected being attacked on the High Seas from between 20 to 130 nautical miles off the Gulf of Guinea coastline.

Source: asaaseradio.com









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The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has cautioned against social media inducements on recruitment opportunities into the Ghana Police Service.



A statement signed by Chief Inspector Bright Kwabena Danso of the Public Affairs Unit and copied the Ghana News Agency said the Unit was not responsible for recruiting people into the Service.



The criminals impersonated Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, Head of Public Affairs, mostly on Facebook, and inveigle gullible contacts into transferring monies into their mobile money accounts, it said.



The statement said other victims had also reported fraudulent vehicle auction transactions adding that all such reports had since been forwarded to the Cybercrime Unit of the National Criminal Investigation Department for investigation and arrest of the culprits.



In the same vein, all those who have fallen victims to this sham should kindly report to the Cybercrime Unit of the National CID for investigations, the statement said.



By this statement, anyone who engages any individual or organisation to facilitate recruitment opportunities into the Ghana Police Service does so at his or her own risk.

Source: GNA









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News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
The Minority leader, Haruna Iddris, has lashed out at the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over his recent comments about SIM card re-registration in Ghana. Dr. Bawumia, while speaking at the 5th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, said in June 2021, all mobile phone users in the country would be expected to re-register their SIM cards or risk having their phone numbers deactivated.



According to Haruna Iddrisu, undertaking a SIM re-registration exercise will not solve the issue of Mobile Money fraud as expected by Dr. Bawumia.



He said the Vice President is ill-informed, inept and highly naive, with that assumption. The solution to the challenges of fraud within the electronic money ecosystem goes beyond SIM registration, he said. We hold the view that the mandatory re-registration of SIMS provides no substantial benefit in the fight against electronic money fraud, and will face practical challenges such as inbound travellers who require a SIM card without a national ID, he added.



Haruna Iddrisu, in explaining why he believes the plan as announced by Dr. Bawumia is impracticable, said the suggestion that only the Ghana card would be accepted as an identification document for the exercise will mean that many Ghanaians will be left out since they do not have the card, while others who registered for the card are yet to receive them.



The number of issued cards is only a pale shadow of the eligible population. The reality is that there have been only 17 million registrations done of the Ghana Card. This represents 55% of our population. An even smaller proportion of the population has actually received their cards. It needs no saying therefore, that there are practical difficulties associated with the card as it is facing systemic and operational difficulties in its rollout, Haruna Iddrisu said.



Again, he argued that attacks on mobile money vendors are more of a bigger challenge that needs to be addressed and that cannot be tackled by re-registration of SIM.



He also made a case about the poor timing of the exercise especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the government needs to be transparent and ensure full disclosure if the exercise is expected to be undertaken. If the Vice President really desires simple solutions, he should consider instructing the BoG and the NCA to set key performance indicators for the mobile network operators (MNPs) about electronic money fraud and with consequences for breaches.



The Vice President should urge subtly or overtly the MNOs to invest  proportionate to market share in advanced cybersecurity systems including additional personnel. These have been known to achieve monumental success stories in other jurisdictions with similar ecosystems.



Haruna Iddrisu expressed his conviction that a re-registration exercise will achieve very little and impose unnecessary burden on the citizenry.

Source: citinewsroom









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Professor Kwasi Aning, the Director, Faculty of Academic Affairs at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), is worried how political party affiliated vigilante groups, thought to have been disbanded, have managed to infiltrate the states security apparatus.



What this means is that the optimistic, celebratory talk around the disbandment which the National Peace Council led is nothing but a sham and this is the fifth vigilante related incident recorded this year alone, he bemoaned.



Following the attacks of the operatives on Citi FMs journalist Caleb Kudah and the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) (Rtd) Kweku Ayensu Opare-Addo, concerns have been raised on the lawfulness of their modus operandi and the effect of their operations on the citizenry.



DCOP (Rtd) Opare-Addo, the latest victim of the attacks, stated that he had identified 4 out of the 7 security operatives as former members of the Delta Force vigilante group and in 2020, following politically related violence at the by-election conducted at the Ayawaso West Wuogon Electoral Area in the Greater Accra Region, the citizenry made several calls to end political violence perpetrated by party activists known as vigilantes.



A strategic plan for eliminating vigilantism, titled The Roadmap to Eradicating Political Vigilantism in Ghana, facilitated by the National Peace Council, was initiated and was agreed to by the countrys two main political parties, the new Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



However, Prof. Aning describing them as a law unto themselves, had found their way into the security apparatus to legalise their unlawful conduct and pointed out that what we are seeing and by specifically mentioning Delta Forces, it is showing you those who are members of these powerful groups are a law unto themselves.



The phraseology National Security is only used in an ad hoc and opportunistic manner to clothe themselves with authority and power to be able to abuse peoples rights and to undermine authority of the state and because DCOP (Rtd) Opare-Addos appointment was by Presidential Commission, actions of the operatives challenge authority of the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, he intimated.



Prof. Aning warned that the situation was dangerous, getting out of hand and must not be allowed to continue.

Source: The Ghanaian Times









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The Electoral Commission (EC) is planning reforms which is to ensure the closure of polls in the 2024 general elections at 3pm on election day instead of the usual 5pm.



This will mean that, no one will be admitted to the polling station to cast their ballot after 3pm but if a voter happens to be in the queue after 3pm, voting will continue until everybody in the queue has voted.



The move is to help pave the way for early counting of votes and declaration of results at the polling station, and to avoid the inconveniences associated with the late close of polls.



The reform forms part of a 16-point proposal by the Electoral Commission (EC) that was agreed on by the Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC) at the end of a two-day review workshop of the 2020 general elections in Accra.



The workshop was attended by over 10 political parties including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peoples National Convention (PNC), Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM).



The National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not participate in the workshop.





The NDC has already indicated that since it has issues with the 2020 general elections which to them, the EC has not resolved as of now, the party will therefore not participate in any IPAC meeting to review the 2020 elections.



The workshop reviewed issues and proposals relating to voter registration, exhibition exercise, filing of nominations, election security, collation of results as well as the successes and challenges that came with the 2020 elections.



New election time



A communique signed by the participants at the workshop and made available to Graphic Online indicated that the IPAC had agreed that casting of ballots in the 2024 general election should end at 3pm instead of 5pm.



This reform, when implemented, means that casting of ballots will end two hours earlier than the case has been since the 1992 elections which ushered in the 4th Republic.





IPAC also agreed that a certified regional collated results should be announced by the Chairperson to reduce tension and suspicion.



"However, the Commission should state clearly the percentage of results yet to be released," the communique added.



Registration



Over the years, the EC had conducted periodic voter registration involving complete replacement of the voters register or limited voter registration.



The decision by the EC to compile a new voter registration for the 2020 general election was met by stiff opposition by some political parties and civil society organisations (CSOs) who see the exercise as a drain on the national coffers and waste of time.



At the IPAC meeting, the participants resolved to implement the continuous voter registration exercise to enable citizens who turned 18 years and those who had not previously registered to do so.



The participants agreed to set up a committee to deliberate on the implementation modalities for the continuous voter registration regime.



"Continuous voter registration should be implemented with proof of citizenship being limited to the use of Ghana Card and Ghana Passport since the guarantee system is often abused," IPAC further agreed.



Exhibition



On voter exhibition, IPAC agreed to Introduce an all-year-round voter exhibition exercise through the use of technology (SMS short code).



Additionally, the participants agreed that the periodic mass verification exercuse at exhibition centre's should be maintained.



However, they said the EC must put in place a cut-off time for the continuous voter register exhibition to allow for the compilation of the register for voting on election day.



Filing of Nominations



Regarding the modalities for filing of nominations, IPAC agreed that the five-day period for filing of nominations introduced in 2020 should be maintained.



They also resolved that the period set aside for political parties to obtain signatures from their supporters before filing their nomination should be increased.



Additionally, IPAC agreed that the filing fees for female candidates and persons with disabilities (PWDs) should be reduced by 50 per cent to encourage them to put themselves up for election.



Aside that, they said the period for election campaign should be defined.



"It should commence after the nominations are filed," the parties agreed.



Turning to special voting, the participants at the workshop said the current arrangement where the media, security services and election officials were allowed to apply and vote under the special voting period should be maintained until such a time that the process is fully entrenched.



Security



IPAC agreed that security around elections was the responsibility of the Ghana Police Service and not the EC.



Therefore, the workshop said the Ghana Police Service should arrange a periodic platform to engage IPAC and other Stakeholders on election security.



In the interest of accountability and deepening of democracy, IPAC urged the Ghana Police Service to provide updates on the 2020 elections malpractices and violence.



"Political parties and the media must show commitment to the democratic process and be mindful of their comments, as some of their statements have the tendency to provoke violence and inflame tensions and suspicions," the communique added.



Further engagement



Although some proposals were tabled for discussion, IPAC agreed that there was the need for further deliberation on the way forward.



For instance, IPAC said the proposal for validation of voters during exhibition to indicate that they will be available for the impending elections needed more discussion.



Also, the issue of reduction by 50 per cent the filing fee of female candidates and PWDs would be given further consideration.



in addition, a proposal for the refund of nomination deposits for all contesting candidates was to be discussed further.



Among other issues to be explored further is the recommendation to have data entry only at the constituency collation centre so as to reduce manual inputs at all levels and other technological suggestions to strengthen results collation.



Others are the introduction of results collation at the electoral area and affixing of ballot boxes to tables or stands in a bid to avoid ballot box snatching.



Successes



The Chairperson of the EC said the efficient handling of the electoral process had accounted for the

79 per cent voter turn-out on election day.



She said value for money regimes by the EC had also saved the country GH522 million through the reducing of the cost per head from $13 to $7.70.



"For the first time in Ghana's electoral history, the 2020 elections were fully financed by the Government of Ghana without any donor funding," she said.



Mrs Mensa also said the deployment of technology to enable the citizenry to check their registration details all through to election day made the election a major success.



Challenges



While cataloging numerous the successes by the EC, MRS MENSA said there were some challenges that needed to be addressed.



She said the phenomenon of high number of rejected ballots and manual verification of voters remained a huge challenge to grapple with.



The EC chairperson also said the registration of unqualified persons such as minors and foreigners as well as violence in some centre's could not be swept under the carpet.









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.

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Omar Alghabra attends a news conference, Wednesday January 15, 2020 in Ottawa. Alghabra says he cannot yet commit to a date  or COVID-19 vaccination benchmarks  for when so-called vaccine passports will allow Canada to wind down quarantines and open its borders. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
A decommissioned pumpjack is shown at a wellhead on an oil and gas installation near Cremona, Alta., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. A new report from the University of Calgary says the costs of Alberta's growing stock of abandoned and inactive oil and gas wells are falling unfairly on landowners and taxpayers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
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"Asak" named best short doc at Vienna Ethnocineca festival

05/20/21

Source: Tehran Times

Iranian filmmaker Mehdi Zamanpur Kiasari's "Asak" won the award for best short documentary at the 15th edition of the Vienna Ethnocineca International Documentary Film Festival. "Asak", which means a small hand-mill in the local dialect of southern Iran, is about the life of an 80-year-old blind man who lives in that area.



"Asak" by Iranian filmmaker Mehdi Zamanpur Kiasari

The man earns money by making handicrafts and utensils from stone. The documentary's most remarkable feature is the spiritual divine talent of the old man in interpreting dreams as well as his fascinating ability to climb mountains to collect stones and identifying the right types of stones by simply touching and tasting them.

"Asak" had previously received several other awards from numerous festivals, including the International Golden Saffron Documentary Film Festival in Turkey, Arica Nativa Rural Film Festival in Chile, Parnu International Documentary Film Festival in Estonia, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in the U.S., Golden Tree International Documentary Festival in Germany, and the Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival in Serbia.

The Ethnocineca festival, which ran online this year due to the pandemic, announced the winners last Thursday.

The award for best feature documentary was given to "The Rain Never Stops" by Alina Gorlova from Ukraine.

The Excellence in Visual Anthropology Award went to "The Body Won't Close" by Mattijs van de Port from the Netherlands.

"Once Upon a Time in Venezuela" won the award for best Austrian documentary. Directed by Anabel Rodriguez Rios, the film is a co-production from Austria, Venezuela, the UK and Brazil.

The Ethnocineca Student Shorts Award went to "Marea" directed by Vania Quevedo. It is a co-production between Mexico and Cuba.
When Lydia Martin got her admission letter from Columbia University, she didn't open it right away. She had just been turned down by two other universities and couldn't take anymore disappointment. Then the following day during first period, she decided to read the university's response which told her she got in.

"It was really surprising," said Martin, who will be entering the Ivy League university in New York as an earth science major. "I had been holding out a bit of hope to get in obviously."

She had applied to about seven other universities, including University of Alaska Fairbanks, b...
Just before the start of the Little Norway Festival parade at 4 P.M. on May 14, four pilots flew float planes over the downtown area in remembrance of aviation pioneer John "Butch" Williams, who operated Kupreanof Flying Service in Petersburg.

Before Williams passed away on July 31, 2020, he entrusted his aircraft N9950N, a 1975 Cessna 180 known as "Puddle Jumper," to his longtime friend David Doyon Sr., according to David Doyon Jr. in a letter to the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.

Williams had asked Doyon Sr. to perform an aerial flyby for his family and friends during the 2020 Little No...
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Firefinch has an 80% interest in the Morila Gold Mine, which has produced 7.5 million ounces of gold since 2000.

A truck direct loading to the oxide circuit dump pocket during commissioning at the Morila Gold Project

( ) (OTCMKTS:EEYMF) (FRA:N9F) has achieved another milestone in the second stage of its ramp-up strategy with commissioning of the Morila Gold Mine comminution circuit in Mali, West Africa, using stockpiles as well as feed from Morila Pit 5.

The companys open pit mining of Morilas satellite pits is forecast to increase production from around 50,000 ounces of gold in 2021 to about 120,000 ounces in 2022.

Tremendous momentum

Managing director Dr Mike Anderson said: It was only last week that I expressed our excitement about commencing mining operations at Morila Pit 5.

Now the team are commissioning the comminution circuit, and Morila Pit 5 ore will be fed today.

What an outcome and what tremendous momentum we have.

Pleasingly the work has again been undertaken safely by Malian contractors with local workforces, on time and on budget.

Shares have been as much as 11.5% higher in early trading to A$0.49, a new high of almost three years while Firefinch's market cap is approximately A$345 million.

Refurbishment work

Since acquiring the Morila Gold Mine in November 2020, Firefinch has rapidly advanced a program of work to refurbish key steel structures in the comminution circuit, prepare the crushers, screens and all components of the plant for operation.

Mill structure refurbishment and the processing commission feed.

Preparatory work also included an upgrade of the dump pocket structures, embankment stabilisation and drainage upgrades.

Around US$2.5 million has been spent on the refurbishments, with all work having been undertaken by Malian owned and operated contractors, and their local workforces.

Importantly, the original equipment manufacturers have undertaken positive technical assessments utilising their African based presence.

Oxide circuit ramp-up

Commissioning of the oxide circuit started on May 15, predominantly using feed from run of mine stockpiles and the plant has ramped up well with 20 hours of overall circuit run time by day three.

The ball mill run time was 21.2 hours and processing was at an annualised rate of 2.4 million tonnes per annum for the 24-hour period.

Direct tipping of Morila Pit 5 feed commenced on May 19.

The oxide circuit will be ramped up to around 3 million tonnes per annum in the coming days.
Suspected Gangster Arrested in $1M Home Robbery of Chad Power

May 20, 2021 Jason Glatzer

On Feb. 10, high-stakes poker pro Chad Power reported to the police that two men stole a safe containing $750,000 in cash and $250,000 in poker chips from his home in Henderson, Nevada.

Months later, Henderson police have identified and arrested one of the suspects in 32-year-old Las Vegas resident Brock Brewer, who was booked on Tuesday at the Southern Nevada jail on multiple felonies, including theft of $100,000 or greater, conspiracy and home invasion.

The authorities believe that Brewer, who was mentioned in the arrest report as a "known gang member", and another individual followed Power home after observing him at a casino. They further believe based on originally from statements made to police back by Power in February that the duo waited for Power to leave home before breaking in and stealing Power's high-value safe.

Brewer was booked in the Clark County Detention Center and is due to be in court on June 1.

Related: Darren Elias and Family Safe After Attempted Robbery by Poker Player

No Masks and Prior History

Surveillance tapes caught two men walking out of Power's home with one clearly carrying his safe. Despite mask regulations around the globe, the two robbers inexplicably had their masks down while on tape.

Both suspects had lowered/removed their facemasks at this point and their faces were visible, police said according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, adding Power did not know the burglars.

Despite the tape, the police didn't make any immediate arrests. Brewer was identified as a possible suspect when a Henderson detective looked back at similar crimes. The detective discovered Brewer, who had three prior felony convictions, was identified as a suspect in a case back in 2006 where a robber followed a poker player home before stealing $15,000 in cash and chips.

Telephone records also placed Brewer in the area of Power's home at the time of the robbery.

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Suspicious Cars

The photos matched up with the surveillance tapes and the police went to Brewer's home only to discover him driving a 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat. The car was traced to a purchase made in Brewer's mother's name where a $30,000 cash down payment was made to a California dealership on Feb. 15 or just days after Power was robbed.

A short while later, the police served a warrant and seized the Charger along with two other cars including a 2018 Maserati Levante SUV that was paid in full with a $60,000 payment in Arizona and also registered to Brewer's mother.

Whether Power will be made whole and whether the second robber will be identified and arrested isn't known at this point especially considering Brewer immediately invoked his right to remain silent when arrested. PokerNews will provide any updates as this case continues to develop.
Michael Addamo Wins WPT Online Series $25,500 Super High Roller on partypoker

May 20, 2021 Will Shillibier

Michael Addamo has added a second WPT Online Series title after winning Event #13: $25,500 Super High Roller.

Earlier this week, he won a WPT High Roller Turbo for $87,459, and now adds an extra $363,661 after defeating Artur Martirosian heads-up.

We've got all the latest news, interviews and more from the 2021 WPT Online Series on partypoker right here on PokerNews. Head to the WPT Online Series Hub to find out more.

WPT Online Series Event #13: $25,500 Super High Roller Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Payout (USD) 1 Michael Addamo United Kingdom $363,661 2 Artur Martirosian Russia $223,350 3 Almedin Imsirovic Mexico $145,663 4 Pascal Hartmann Austria $100,993 5 Matthias Eibinger Austria $74,774 6 Duco Ten Haven Netherlands $62,645 7 Sergi Reixach Mexico $53,915

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Final Table Recap

Addamo came into the final table as chip leader after doing the same in Event #5 where he eventually finished third.

Sergi Reixach started sixth in chips, but fell first taking home $53,915. Duco Ten Haven was then eliminated in sixth place for $62,645.

Despite sitting second in chips at the start of play, Matthias Eibinger was eliminated in fifth for $74,774 before Pascal Hartmann followed him out the door, taking home $100,993.

Almedin Imsirovic had an impressive run, starting as the table short stack and ladderign all the way up to third place and a $145,663 payout.

All that was left was for Addamo to eliminate Martirosian, leaving the Russian with a $223,350 payday. The final table took less than two hours, with another impressive performance from Addamo seeing him walk away triumphant once again.

WPT Online Series Schedule

Make sure you check out the WPT Online Series on partypoker this weekend with plenty of events taking place! They include Day 1A of the $3,000,000 WPT Online Series Main Event, as well as the final flights of the WPT500 Knockout that comes with a $1,000,000 guarantee.

Date Time (BST) # Event Buy-in Guarantee Friday, May 21, 2021 19:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Day 1A [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,050 $ 500,000 Friday, May 21, 2021 20:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1E [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Friday, May 21, 2021 20:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1E [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Friday, May 21, 2021 20:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1E [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 19:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Day 1B [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,050 $ 500,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 20:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1F [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 20:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1F [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Saturday, May 22, 2021 20:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1F [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 19:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Final Day - $ 500,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 23 WPT High Roller $10,300 $ 1,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 19:05 20 WPT Online Series Main Event Day 1A [3-Day Event + FT Wednesday] $3,200 $ 3,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 19:05 21 WPT Mix-Max - Online Day 1A [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,575 $ 500,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 22 WPT Omaha - Online Day 1A [2-Day Event] $1,575 $ 250,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 15:05 18 WPT Weekender - Online Day 1C [PKO, 2-Day Event] $1,050 $ 500,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1G [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 8 WPT500 Knockout - Online Day 1H [PKO, 2-Day Event + FT Tuesday] $530 $ 1,000,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 19 The Big Game - Online 1 Day Event [1-Day Event] $530 $ 300,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1G [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 9 WPT Super50 Knockout - Online Day 1H [PKO, 3-Day Event] $55 $ 400,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 17:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1G [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000 Sunday, May 23, 2021 20:05 10 WPT Super 5 Knockout Day 1H [PKO, 3-Day Event] $5.50 $ 50,000

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Jonathan Little on How Phil Ivey Crushed in a 100K Poker Tournament

May 19, 2021 Jonathan Little

To this day, Phil Ivey is still one of the most feared players at the poker table, and this hand highlights exactly why. He floats on a flop with no real backdoor equity and then goes for the bluff on the river against Orpen Kisacikoglu in a 100,000 poker tournament.

Most players, myself included, would have snap-folded on the flop, but Ivey proves time and again that he is always thinking ahead and has plans for everything that he does.

The hand took place in a 100,000 No-Limit Holdem Triton Super High Roller with the blinds at 500/1,000/1,000. Ivey (334,000) raised to 3,000 from the cutoff with the and Kisacikoglu (121,000) three-bet to 11,000 from the button holding the .

Why so big? When you are playing deep stacked with an ante in play you should use bigger bet and raise sizes. Both blinds folded and Ivey opted to call. If your opponent is three-betting aggressively, which Kisacikoglu is known to do, they will have a wide range that king-ten suited will do well against.

Phil Ivey

On the flop, Ivey checked and Kisacikoglu continued for continuation-bet of 8,000. To me, it seems like a pretty easy fold, but Ivey had something else in mind. He check-called and the peeled off on the turn.

Ivey checked for a second time and it was on Kisacikoglu. What would you do in this scenario? Do you check and give up? Do you go for a bluff, and if you do, would you bet small (15,000) or big (35,000)? This is a dicey one because its pretty easy for Ivey to have a very wide range when he reaches the turn due to the small flop bet size and how coordinated the board is.

I would bet for a small size with all of my strong spades, and a small bet will often fold out a lot of one-pair hands that Ivey could have. Additionally, if Kisacikoglu were to check the turn he would most likely face a bet on the river from Ivey and would have to fold even if he was winning. Kisacikoglu will not win the pot very often if he checks the turn, but a bet could win him the pot even against marginal hands that he is losing against as they would frequently fold.

For those reasons, I like a small bet from Kisacikoglu. However, in this hand, Turkeys all-time money leader checked behind and the completed the board on the river.

Orpen Kisacikoglu

With 40,500 in the pot, this seemed like a great spot for Ivey to bluff. He doesnt need to bet too big as Kisacikoglu will likely fold any hands that do not contain a spade. If Kisacikoglu were to have a strong spade he will still call a big bet which is why it doesnt make sense to opt for a large size.

Ivey bet 20,000 and that got the job done as Kisacikoglu snap-folded. That is Phil Ivey, he gets it done, battles hard, and picks up a lot of pots other players do not.

For a more thorough breakdown of this hand, check out my thoughts in the following video used with permission from partypoker:

Jonathan Little is a professional poker player and author with over $7,000,000 in live tournament earnings. He writes a weekly educational blog and hosts a podcast at JonathanLittlePoker.com. Sign up to learn poker from Jonathan for free at PokerCoaching.com. You can follow him on Twitter @JonathanLittle.
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Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday said she and others are invested in finding a near-term answer to the nations nuclear waste conundrum, describing the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada as not a workable solution.

Instead, Granholm said in testimony to a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, officials are now pursuing a strategy for a consent-based interim storage facility. The hope, she continued, is to announce our next steps with this process in the coming months.

Those steps could include issuing requests for information and establishing a funding mechanism for interested communities and organizations and tribal governments to, perhaps, explore the concept of such a storage facility in their backyards, the energy secretary explained.

Granholm has previously said the Biden administration does not support the use of Yucca Mountain, which was decades ago identified as a potential U.S. nuclear storehouse, where some of the most hazardous wastes could be entombed. The project  a political lightning rod  fizzled under the Obama administration and continued to flatline under the Trump administration, despite some contradictory budget requests.

Years of inaction, Granholm said Wednesday, have rendered the repository impracticable.

Nuclear wastes are currently stored  or are stranded  at dozens of places across the U.S., including the Savannah River Site, the Energy Department reservation south of Aiken and near New Ellenton.

Some South Carolina lawmakers, namely Rep. Jeff Duncan, a Republican representing the states 3rd Congressional District, see Yucca Mountain as the lawful answer to the waste-disposal question.

The permanent nuclear waste repository was promised to the American people by the federal government years ago, and since then ratepayers across the country have paid billions to the Department of Energys Nuclear Waste Fund to make Yucca Mountain a reality, the congressman said in a statement early last year. South Carolina ratepayers alone have paid $3 billion, including interest, to permanently dispose used nuclear fuel at the site.

Duncan did not question Granholm about Yucca Mountain during Wednesdays subcommittee hearing.
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention giving fully vaccinated Americans the go-ahead to put down their masks and quit social distancing, many restaurant owners are whisking away reminders of COVID-related restrictions, such as menus accessible through QR codes and booth partitions.

Yet at least one public health expert hopes restaurateurs will leave the hand sanitizer bottles on dining room tables.

I think having it there lets people know a couple of things, said Benjamin Chapman, food safety extension specialist at North Carolina State University. One, that (while) were moving in the right direction, we are still in a pandemic.

Two, a bottle of hand sanitizer telegraphs the message that this is a place where its a good idea to wash your hands and sanitize before you eat.

Since the early days of the pandemic, scientists have established that COVID-19 is spread primarily through airborne respiratory droplets and aerosols. According to the CDC, surfaces are not thought to be a common way that COVID-19 spreads.

But in a restaurant setting, where coronavirus isnt the only pathogen threatening patrons health, immoderate hand sanitizing offers other benefits.

For anything from Salmonella to influenza that folks may have picked up on their hands through their daily happenings, (tabletop sanitizer) provides a quick way to reduce risk, Chapman said.

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South Carolina in 2020 recorded 1,676 cases of Salmonellosis, including 216 cases in Charleston County, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Statewide, those cases resulted in 438 hospitalizations and at least eight deaths.

Graft Wine Shop co-owner Miles White said he and Femi Oyediran have no plans to revoke the hand sanitizer bottles they placed on tables when they reopened their Upper King Street wine bar in October.

COVID aside, it seems like there have been less people getting random bugs and viruses, which is reason enough to keep them, he said. The cost is not substantial and if they make someone feel more comfortable, great.

White said the bottles need to be refilled about once a week, which is a faster clip than he initially anticipated.

At one point, Grafts sanitizer stockpile was running low so White bought a random gallon jug of ArtNaturals in a pinch off Amazon. It has since become the bars favored hand sanitizer brand.

It doesn't leave your hands wildly dry or overly greasy and doesn't smell like moonshine, White said.

In fact, it makes the room smell so nice that White wouldnt mind offering the amenity for that reason alone.
COLUMBIA  Columbia leaders heard from doctors both in support of and opposed to a proposed ban on the professional practice of therapy seeking to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity.

There are no education or ethics standards for practicing conversion therapy "because it's something that's been discounted time and time again," a caller identified as Dr. Edwin Hayes told Columbia City Council on May 18.

"It has the efficacy of snake oil, and I think its utility is something that just brings about bad outcome," said Hayes, an infectious disease specialist and primary care doctor. "And that's something I see with my patient population."

City Council unanimously gave initial approval to an ordinance banning conversion therapy on May 4.

The ordinance would make it illegal for licensed therapists and counselors in the city to professionally practice on those younger than 18 therapy that seeks to change someones sexual orientation or gender identity.

Violating the rule would be a civil infraction punishable by a fine up to $500.

A final vote has not yet been scheduled. The council received legal advice on the ordinance during a private session of its meeting May 18 but didn't talk about it publicly beyond hearing from three members of the public.

After Hayes, another caller who identified himself as Dr. Richard McCain said he disagreed with Hayes and "the science simply doesn't support this direction." He urged the council to be cautious and that a state medical board or state labor department might be better to address the practice than the local elected officials.

State Sen. Joshua Kimbrell, R-Boiling Springs, introduced a bill in the Statehouse before the General Assembly adjourned seeking to override the city's ordinance. He also wrote to Attorney General Alan Wilson on May 13 asking the state's top lawyer to intervene and challenge the city's proposal as unconstitutional.

A federal appeals court in November struck down two similar local bans passed in Florida, siding with two therapists who brought the case who argued the rules violated free speech rights. A federal judge in 2019 threw out a lawsuit challenging Marylands ban on the practice of conversion therapy on minors.

Hayes was joined in supporting the city's effort to ban conversion therapy by Dylan Gunnels, a former City Council candidate and founder of Agape Table, a Columbia nonprofit started with the goal of addressing the lack of LGBTQ inclusion in churches.

Gunnels told council members about still receiving therapy at 28 because of trauma caused by experiences from childhood.

"I'm queer, and I went through conversion therapy without choice," Gunnels said as part of his remarks. "It didn't help me, it only harmed me."
The agreement reinforces XTEKs commitment to establishing strategic, sovereign space capabilities and expertise and positions it to work closely with MECANO ID, an industry leader in the global space sector.

The companies will work in partnership to pursue international and Australian space market opportunities.

( ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French space technology company MECANO ID for the companies to work towards international space market programs.

The company will become an advanced composite product supplier to MECANO ID and MECANO ID will act as a space system development service provider to XTEK.

This agreement reinforces XTEKs commitment to establishing strategic, sovereign space capabilities and expertise and positions itto work closely with MECANO ID, an industry leader in the global space sector.

MECANO ID exposure

MECANO ID is an established French space system supplier accredited in Europe, mainly dedicated to spacecraft structures and is recognised by the French Space Agency CNES as the industry leader in the development of advanced mechanical and thermal systems for spacecraft and space payloads.

For more than 25 years MECANO ID has developed cutting-edge expertise spanning the engineering, qualification, manufacture and integration of space structures using advanced composite materials and has fulfilled many international collaborations in space business.

XTclave technology

XTEK is developing a sovereign space system design, qualification and manufacturing capabilities within Australia and its novel processing technology (XTclaveTM) will be coupled with MECANO IDs proven experience in space system development and qualification.

This processing solution is well suited to space applications as its ultra-high consolidation pressures manufacture lighter, stronger, more complicated composite geometries when compared with conventional processing methods.

The companies will work in partnership to pursue and exploit for their mutual benefit, commercial and/or grant opportunities in the domestic and international space technology markets.
GEORGETOWN  After a school year many teachers say was riffled with struggle as they adjusted their curriculum and modes of teaching to fit COVID-19 protocols, Georgetown's public school teachers may see salary increases next year.

As a whole, Georgetown County School District's proposed budget for next year is $93.2 million  $1.6 million more than the current budget. Of the $1.6 million increase, $981,000 is for teacher salary increases.

The district is able to budget in these salary increases because of the three installments of ESSER funds it has received from the federal government over the last several months, totaling more than $40 million.

These federal funds have been used to upgrade district technology and will continue to be used for hiring and paying new positions in the district, such as five additional rehabilitative behavioral health services interventionists, an additional psychologist and an additional speech pathologist.

Budget money usually would cover these areas, but because of ESSER funding, the district is able to focus its budget on other areas such as teacher salary increases.

Eligible teachers can expect two step increases, one for the current school year and one for the 2021-22 school year, plus an extra $1,000 added to their salary from the state. Step increases are based on teacher experience, said Lisa Johnson, the districts associate superintendent for finance and technology.

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"It's like 'I've taught schools this year, and when I come back next year, I have another year's experience. So my certificate goes from one year experience to two years experience,'" Johnson said.

When Johnson presented the proposed budget to the school board May 18, board member Michael Cafaro expressed concern about using most of the budget to give salary increases to non-essential employees.

"We've had this discussion over a period of months about non-essential employees, which includes retirees who were brought back and so forth  and I'm not speaking about in the classroom, that's a whole different entity  but my point is if the budget is 88 percent salary (increases) and we're keeping people who may be non-essential, we need to take another strong look at that," Cafaro said.

The board ultimately approved advertising the proposed budget and its public hearing, as well as its adoption, for June 8. Unlike the city and county, Georgetown schools only has one reading for the proposed budget, which can be given final approval in the same meeting.
COLUMBIA  Only one of the six House Republicans in South Carolina's congressional delegation voted to establish a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, with the others arguing that ongoing investigations by federal authorities are sufficient.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, who was also the only South Carolina Republican to vote to impeach now-former President Donald Trump for inciting the riots, again found himself as the lone GOP member from the state to support an independent commission to probe the incident.

Rice issued a statement afterward saying the "Capitol was ransacked, police were beaten and five people were killed. I was shocked and angered. As members of Congress, we took an oath to defend our democracy. I believe we must fully know the facts and causes of the event in order to secure our Capitol and ensure our democracy remains intact for future generations."

The bill ultimately passed May 19, 252-175, with 35 Republicans voting in favor.

Beyond Rice, the Palmetto State's other Republican lawmakers expressed uniform opposition to the proposal.

"Investigations into the Jan. 6 riot are already underway," said U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale. "The addition of an investigative commission is duplicative and solely political."

That reasoning was echoed by several of Wilson's colleagues, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who noted that multiple federal agencies are already looking into the riot and have arrested hundreds of alleged participants from the pro-Trump mob.

Make no mistake: the very fabric of our republic was attacked on January 6th, and I'm committed to holding those who instigated this assault accountable and learning from the security failures which allowed it to happen," said Mace, R-Charleston. "But creating an entirely new government commission with an endless budget and unknown scope accomplishes none of these goals."

The bipartisan authors of the bill to establish the commission sought to assuage those concerns, including a provision directing the members of the commission to "avoid unnecessary duplication" by reviewing the findings of other investigations into the riot.

Modeled after the revered investigation into the 9/11 terrorist attacks, their bill would establish an independent 10-member commission, evenly divided between the two parties, that would have subpoena power and an end-of-year deadline for completing its work.

But that did not appear to satisfy South Carolina Republicans, who said avoiding duplication would be impossible with other investigations ongoing.

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"The partisan process and limited scope will lead to a commission unlike the one established in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks," said U.S. Rep. William Timmons, R-Greenville. "I fear this would end up being a political, duplicative investigation without a definitive end date."

Even U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, who cosponsored a similar bill to create a Jan. 6 commission earlier this year, decided to vote against the latest version. A spokesman said the Rock Hill Republican believes the timing would not be right because law enforcement investigations have since expanded.

"So adding yet another investigation now would be both redundant and disruptive on multiple levels," said Norman's spokesman, Austin Livingston.

Livingston added that Norman could potentially support a commission after the other investigations have concluded to "compile all that has been (and will be) learned from the numerous efforts currently underway, and to assess the preparedness and plans to prevent Jan. 6 from ever happening again."

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-Laurens, also voted against the bill but did not respond to a request for comment.

South Carolina's sole Democratic congressman, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of Columbia, voted in favor of the commission, along with all other Democrats.

The bill may face an uphill battle in the Senate after Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also came out against it May 19, calling the proposal "slanted and unbalanced."

At least six South Carolinians are among the suspects who have been charged for alleged involvement in the riot.

The South Carolina GOP executive committee censured Rice after his January vote to impeach Trump, prompting Rice to say at the time the party "has forgotten its own creed that says, I will cower before no man save my God.'"

"It seems to me they are cowering before Donald Trump," Rice said.

A flood of GOP primary challengers have announced their intentions to run against Rice in the aftermath of his impeachment vote, including state Rep. Russell Fry, conservative media personality Allen Graham, Horry County school board Chairman Ken Richardson, Marine Corps veteran Steve Reichert, businessman Tom Dunn and more.
GREENVILLE  The pain wasn't new to Capt. Cheryl Cromartie.

What she felt as she watched protests sweep through the country and across the Upstate last year in the wake of George Floyd's murder was an ache she had felt many times during her 28 years at the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

She's Black. But she's also blue.

She understood why the protesters were angry. She felt the same hurt. But she also understood what law enforcement faces every day. The danger, the stress, the frustration.

"You're on both sides of that fence," she said.

Over the course of nearly three decades in law enforcement, it was often a challenge to strike a balance between her identity as a Black woman and her identity as a deputy.

But following last year's protests, the agency she worked for formally acknowledged that struggle for the first time. Sheriff Hobart Lewis, who took the job following a special election in March 2020, approached Cromartie within days of the marches and asked her to invite all of the deputies of color to a sit down where they could voice concerns and ideas.

So on June 22, dozens of deputies filled a conference room at Greenville County Square. Lewis planned to keep his distance to allow the group to speak candidly, but it soon became clear the assembled officers wanted to speak to him directly. Cromartie called him and he drove from the Greenville County Law Enforcement Center to join them.

Cromartie said she was surprised by the size of the crowd but more so by their openness. It felt as though they'd been waiting for the chance to speak their minds, she said.

The meeting stretched on for three hours, during which the deputies said it seemed it was harder for candidates of color to get a job with the agency and they didn't get a fair shake when it came to promotions. Cromartie and Chief Deputy Marcus Davenport were the only Black members of the agency's executive command staff. If they left, they deputies asked, who would replace them?

"They had some really tough questions that I didn't have the answers to," Lewis said.

In response, the Sheriff's Office has been revamping its promotion and recruitment processes to make them more inclusive.

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Previously, Lewis said, the promotion process took about half a day. Criteria was unclear and the rationale behind each promotion went undocumented. Deputies voiced concern that advancement hinged more on personal relationships with certain officers rather than qualifications.

Now, the process takes two full days. Applicants must complete a written test and are ranked based on their performance. Then they are evaluated by a board of officers from other agencies to remove the possibility of partiality. The Sheriff's Office has only used the new system a handful of times so far but Lewis said it has resulted in a more diverse group of candidates.

The results of the tests and evaluations are logged.

"We don't have that many positions open for promotion but looking at the list we have to promote from, it's certainly a larger list and certainly more diverse," he said. "People have been encouraged."

The agency is also adjusting its requirements for new hires to broaden the pool of eligible candidates. In the past, if the Sheriff's Office discovered someone had used marijuana within five years of applying, they were immediately disqualified. The same was true if the agency learned about issues with credit.

Lewis said those restrictions were eliminating qualified candidates of all races from the process, particularly young people, recent college graduates and veterans. To address those issues, the agency has shortened its marijuana policy to one year and relaxed credit requirements.

In the months since the changes, the Sheriff's Office has made modest gains in racial diversity. The number of sworn officers working for the agency has grown from 425 to 496. In that same time, the portion of those deputies who are Black has grown from 11 percent to 12.5 percent. Greenville County's population is about 18 percent Black according to Census estimates.

Lewis said he is hopeful the changes will have a positive effect in the long term.

The agency is also in the process of establishing an Equity and Inclusion Division within the Sheriff's Office, an effort led by Cromartie. The specifics of exactly what the new division will look like and how it will function are still taking shape.

Beyond structural changes, Lewis said he hopes to improve the culture of the agency to make it a better place for employees to work, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. And, if successful, he is hopeful that culture will allow the agency to better serve the community.

Cromartie said starting a dialogue is a step in the right direction.

"In the past, we wouldn't talk about these things because it's uncomfortable," she said. "But with everything surrounding the protests, George Floyd and everything police have been involved in, it was time to have that conversation."
Libby Stanford covers education at The Post and Courier. A Colorado native, she joined The Post and Courier from the Summit Daily News in Summit County, Colorado. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and Spanish.
NORTH CHARLESTON  African American legislators, joined by community activists and clergy, are vowing to push an agenda of institutional reform in the aftermath of Jamal Sutherlands death in custody at the Charleston County jail.

Hastily convened by Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, and Rep. JA Moore, D-North Charleston, the May 19 gathering included Sutherlands mother Amy Sutherland, North Charleston Police Chief Reggie Burgess, and representatives of the S.C. House Democratic Caucus.

Members of the S.C. Legislative Black Caucus each shared concerns and proposed solutions, some legislative, some cultural and some political.

Rep. Todd Rutherford, House minority leader and a Columbia-based attorney, said the problems within policing that led to Sutherlands death are longstanding.

Weve got to stop asking the same questions and rebuild the model, he said. We rely on the police too much.

Law enforcements role should be limited, and calling the police to intervene with someone who suffers from mental illness should be a last resort, he said. Police use the tools they have at their disposal  guns, Tasers, handcuffs, pepper spray  rather than the tools actually needed. When youre a hammer, everythings a nail, Rutherford said.

Instead, crisis centers need more resources, and the public needs a new telephone number to use instead of 911 when someone mentally ill poses a danger.

Several bills already filed would help improve the way people with mental illness are treated by the authorities.

Moore and Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-North Charleston, recently filed bills requiring mental health evaluations after arrest and before a bond hearing, requiring new policies regarding the use of stun guns, and establishing limits to the use of force among law enforcement officers and accountability when those limits are exceeded.

Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, D-Walterboro, said she has filed several bills in recent months, including one that would require more and better psychiatric evaluations before patients are processed by law enforcement, and another that would require police officers to report breaches in established protocols committed by colleagues.

Sen. Marlon Kimpson, D-Charleston, said he has introduced a bill that would require any police officer responsible for transporting someone with mental illness to be part of a therapeutic transport unit and to receive mental health and crisis intervention training.

The existing body camera law also could use some tweaking, Kimpson said. Videos should be easily and quickly accessible to the public, he said.

Sutherland, 31, was arrested on a third-degree assault charge on Jan. 4 at the private psychiatric facility Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health after an employee called 911 about a fight underway. North Charleston police took him to the county jail.

The next morning, deputies used pepper spray, stun guns, a spit bag, handcuffs and a knee to the back as they attempted to forcibly remove Sutherland from his cell for a bond hearing. Sutherland, who was known to have schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is heard in the video saying he couldn't breathe. He died soon after.

For months, civic leaders and Sutherland's family have asked authorities to make the video public. It was released late May 13. Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano announced May 17 she had fired two detention deputies involved in restraining Sutherland.

Several meeting attendees expressed dismay at the treatment of Sutherland at the detention center, prompting Amy Sutherland to insist that her son did not resist, nor was he in a particularly excited state, as alleged by the authorities.

She said Jamal Sutherland's right hand was paralyzed, and that likely explained why deputies struggled to apply handcuffs.

He was complying, he just cant do what you can do, she said. Nobody in the entire system thought he had a family, but he had a good family.

The Rev. Charles Glover, president of the Charleston chapter of the Racial Justice Network, said Jamal Sutherland should not have been taken to jail without first ensuring, through a psychiatric evaluation, that he could endure incarceration  and North Charleston police should have known better.

In the 1980s, Glover worked as a security officer for the Charleston County Sheriffs Office, often transporting people with mental health issues from court or home to institutions.

He said that, in the past, he has trained officers to avoid confrontation and escalation, favoring a simple approach instead. Only one person should communicate with someone coping with mental illness. That provides focus and ensures better communication.

That demanding stuff does not work, he said.

He also rebutted the claim that Sutherland represented a threat. Certainly his behavior did not require use of stun guns, pepper spray, a spit hood and violent physical restraint. It was six versus one, Glover said. Hes not gonna fight.

In the 1980s and 1990s, federal and state authorities moved to deinstitutionalize people with mental illness, closing many state psychiatric hospitals. As a result, thousands of people with clinical conditions became more likely to encounter law enforcement.

The National Institute of Corrections, part of the U.S. Justice Department, has observed that growing numbers of mentally ill offenders have strained correctional systems nationwide.

A special report from 2006 from the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that state prisons contained more than 700,000 mentally ill adults; federal prisons housed nearly 80,000; and local jails held nearly 500,000.

People with mental illnesses also are overrepresented among those constrained by probation and parole, according to studies cited by the National Institute of Corrections.

Rep. Krystle Matthews, D-Ladson, suggested that lawmakers consider forming a special transport team that specializes in working with mentally ill patients. But all law enforcement officers need to be properly trained since encounters with people with psychological problems are common, she said. Legislators also could have a hand in ensuring that vital medical records are quickly transmitted across agencies, and that family members are notified as soon as someone with mental illness is detained.

Attendees also demanded justice, and some cited entrenched racism. Once again, they noted, a Black man has died during an encounter with law enforcement officers.

"They saw him as an inhuman object, Margie Bright Matthews said.

Pastor Thomas Dixon wondered whether Sutherland would have received such treatment had he been White. And Rutherford called for sweeping cultural changes.

A lot of (police officers) feel they are warriors on a battlefield and the enemy is Black people, Rutherford said. At some point, we have to treat a law enforcement officer as a peace officer.

Gilliard, expressing frustration, said Black lawmakers are not sitting idly by. They are pushing for substantive social and political reforms even as their Republican colleagues focus on abortion, guns and the death penalty.

While members of the Black Caucus met at North Charleston City Hall, the Charleston chapter of the NAACP held a press conference on the East Side, amplifying calls for accountability and reform, and noting that Sutherland should not have been forced to attend the bond hearing.

Its horrifying and outrageous that the medical examiner called his cause of death inconclusive and suggested that his excited state and medication may have led to his death," Charleston NAACP President Dot Scott said in a prepared statement. "Most people would be in an excited state if law enforcement officers charged their cell, threw them on their stomachs, put a knee on their backs and used a stun gun to drive electricity through their bodies six to eight times.

Scott said deputies executed Sutherland simply because he declined to leave his cell.

Thats not only a tragedy, thats a crime, she said, calling for fundamental changes at the detention center, the prosecution of officers involved, and a comprehensive investigation of the actions taken by Palmetto Behavioral Health, North Charleston police and the Sheriffs Office.
YEMASSEE  Avid metal detector Bobbie Stasa prospected for the better part of two days on a plot of mostly wooded land in southern South Carolina without any luck.

"I hadn't found a thing all weekend," Stasa said, thinking her fortunes wouldn't change with summer thunderstorms predicted for the next steamy day in August.

She was about to call it a day while walking on a dirt path not too far behind her husband, Brett, when she noticed an old brick beside the trail on a piece of property where they had been given permission to metal detect.

After kneeling for a better look, she glanced over to her left and saw an unusual object blending in with some browning leaves and natural ground cover.

"I couldn't believe my eyes," Stasa said. "Is that real? It looked like an arrowhead."

She picked it up, turned it over and marveled at what turned out to be a prehistoric find. Almost immediately, questions raced through her head: "What was it used for?" "Was it used for hunting?" "Was it part of how someone made a living a long time ago?"

Fascinated, Stasa sent a picture to a friend who forwarded it to an arrowhead enthusiast in Charleston. Amateur collector Darryl Beardsley rushed down U.S. Highway 17 to Yemassee to see it for himself.

"If she was finding stuff like that, I wanted to find something myself," the amateur collector said with a chuckle.

Once Beardsley saw it, he immediately said it was not an arrowhead.

"It's too big," he said. "It's about two inches long. Arrowheads are generally smaller than that, about one inch or so."

'Pretty incredible'

He believed it to be a stone most likely fashioned into a knife or a spear point and used by Native Americans eons ago.

"It's pretty incredible," Beardsley said. "You don't find a whole lot like that."

Stasa wanted more information about the discovery, so she reached out to a couple of specialists  one in Charleston and another at a magazine for metal detecting that aims to be a bridge between professional archaeologists and amateur historians.

Charleston Museum archaeologist Ron Anthony told The Post and Courier he believes her find dates to the Early Archaic Period around 6000 B.C. That would put it about 8,000 years old.

He said it looks most like a Kirk-style point, a name given to a group of triangular-looking stones possibly used as blades or darts.

What's a Kirk?

"Kirk" is the name of a family who owned a farm in North Carolina where the objects were found and first categorized in 1964 by archaeologist Joffre Coe.

Kirk-type points are commonly found throughout the Eastern U.S., from the lower Great Lakes to north Florida.

Anthony said Native Americans are believed to have been nomadic hunters-gatherers during the Early Archaic period and traveled in groups of 30 to 40. They didn't stay in one place too long, so there is not a lot of debris fields from their seasonal camping sites.

"It's not unusual to find isolated remains of a projectile point and nothing else that could have gotten there for any other reason," Anthony said.

It's difficult to say exactly what Stasa's find was used for, but Anthony believes it was either a cutting tool attached to a handle at some point because of its stem at the base, or a dart point launched by a spear-thrower or atlatl.

He called it a cryptocrystalline, or microcystalline rock, with very fine granular structure that breaks in a predictable way, something Native Americans would have found practical to fashion into hunting tools.

Native Americans could have used the point of a deer antler for pressure flaking of the stone and used the base of the antler as a mallet to strike off parts of the rock to form the blade, Anthony said.

He also said it is not an arrowhead and doesn't appear to be local.

'Really a gem'

Agreeing with Anthony is a columnist with a background in archaeology at American Digger magazine.

Pete Schichtel, a New Jersey furniture restorer, has a passion for Native American artifacts and a knowledge of the stone tool culture of North America, according to American Digger's biography of Schichtel.

After Stasa contacted the Georgia-based journal and the publisher reached out to Schichtel, he said the agatized coral-like stone Stasa found is rare in South Carolina and could have been traded into what is now the Palmetto State.

Schichtel said it's most likely a Hillsborough-type point, a name given to the objects from the area in north Florida where they are most commonly found.

But, he added, the exact type of point is "a little clouded" because Stasa's find has features of similar objects found in north Florida that date back roughly to the Early and Middle Archaic periods as well as the characteristic stem of a "Kirk" variety.

He also said it's possible the object started out for one use and, after resharpening over time, it took on qualities of another type of blade.

How the object made its way to lower South Carolina is anyone's guess, but Beardsley noted earth had been removed from a nearby creek during the past few years and it's possible the object could have been dug up and the rain washed it to where Stasa found it.

"Nothing is wrapped up into a nice little package like most collectors and dealers want," Schichtel said. "It's really a gem though."

As an aside, Schichtel's past high-profile restoration projects include Woodrow Wilsons pool table, Cole Porters piano and Gen. Douglas MacArthurs desk, but he said a visitor is more likely to find grandma's sewing machine being restored.
Parts of eastern South Carolina are edging toward a drought as rainfall in the Pee Dee and along the coast has been lighter than normal since March.

While the winter months were wet, the spring has seen a significant deficit. For instance, Hartsville and Florence both recorded their driest April ever, state Climatologist Hope Mizzell said.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service also report there were lower-than-expected rain amounts at weather stations in North Charleston and North Myrtle Beach.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, a national tracking effort, shows a mild drought in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand, including Horry and Georgetown counties. An "abnormally dry" area extends further, touching the edge of Charleston and Berkeley counties.

The state of South Carolina has not officially declared any level of drought yet because other indicators, like groundwater and streamflow levels, still show there's plenty of water in the hydrologic system, Mizzell said.

A drought can only officially be declared after a meeting of the S.C. Drought Response Committee. The earliest that panel could meet is early June, Mizzell said. They would likely consider whether to declare an "incipient" drought, or the lowest level of water scarcity.

In the short term, little relief is on the horizon. A "quite unusual" weather pattern of high temperatures in the 90s will set in on the Charleston area starting next week, Jonathan Lamb, a meteorologist in the Weather Service's Charleston office said.

There's no rain expected in the next week.

The picture is similar along the Grand Strand, Tim Armstrong, with the Weather Service's Wilmington office, said.

That will prolong the driest recorded period in the Myrtle Beach Area since 2007, he said.

The positive news is that the past few years of floods and hurricanes have recharged the state's underground aquifers, he said. With the exception of farmers dealing with dry soil "there's no water supply issues yet," Armstrong said.
In the week following Gov. Henry McMaster's order to end mask requirements in schools, some teachers are questioning whether they want to continue on in the profession.

The order, which McMaster signed May 11, directed the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to create and provide a form that allows students to opt out of wearing a mask in schools. It also dissolved municipal mask mandates that hinged on the state's ongoing state of emergency.

The governor cited declining COVID-19 cases and deaths as well as the availability of the vaccine, which opened to people age 12 and older on May 12, as his reasoning for the order.

DHEC released the form May 12, inciting a chaotic day for South Carolina school districts. State Education Superintendent Molly Spearman derided the order, saying it circumvented "public health guidance by inciting hysteria and sowing division in the waning days of the school year.

Aside from the form itself, school districts were given very little guidance as to how to implement the new order, which resulted in teachers being left to their own devices. In some instances, teachers found themselves being middlemen between people who were pro-mask and those who were against them.

Some students who chose to continue wearing masks did not want to sit next to students who chose to stop wearing them. Teachers had to find a compromise that ultimately angered parents.

"We were just put in a bad spot being asked to accommodate the different values and views on masks when it's difficult," said Mary Rita Wilson, Dorchester District 2 teacher and president of the Summerville Education Association. "You're in a small room. You can't always do that."

In the days that followed the mask order, parents and other community members posted to a Facebook group titled "Unmask our Children SC," claiming teachers were alienating students who opted out of the mask rules from students who chose to wear the masks.

In one post to the group, a parent wrote that her student at Charleston County School of the Arts was told she could not "talk/stand/move in his class without a mask on."

Officials at Charleston County School District and Dorchester District 2 both said teachers have been instructed to not separate or single out students who aren't wearing masks. The districts continue to implement social-distancing protocols and are maintaining seating charts that were put in place before masks became optional.

Officials at Berkeley County School District  the only district in the state that has not required masks since the beginning of the pandemic  declined to comment.

Other parents encouraged their children to record teachers and send the videos to Project Veritas, a conservative group with the goal of exposing corruption in government. The South Carolina Education Association sent a letter to its members informing them of the potential recordings.

However, the education association's president, Sherry East, and other teachers have not heard of any instances in which teachers were actually being recorded.

"That sent up a red flag because we're familiar with Project Veritas and some of the tactics they use in other states," East said.

Another teacher advocacy group, SC for Ed, canceled a scheduled protest May 17 after a number of teachers received "harassing and threatening messaging from groups with extreme views about masking," according to a statement from the group.

"Lack of plan and execution put us in this place where parents reacted that way," Leanna Rossi-Potter, the Charleston SC for Ed representative, said. "It led to more divisiveness in our state and it placed parents against teachers."

So far, teachers say the extreme messaging and threats have been limited to social media posts. However, some worry the reaction to the mask order is going to affect teacher retention in a state that already faces a teacher shortage crisis.

According to a December report from the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention & Advancement, nearly 6,000 teachers in the state did not return to their jobs in the same district after the 2019-20 school year, which is the lowest that data point has been in the past five years. Around 42 percent of teachers who had less than five years of experience left the profession after that school year.

As of February, there were around 500 teacher vacancies across the state.

"I get emails every day from fabulous teachers, who have many years left in them, saying 'I'm done,'" said Kathy Maness, executive director of the Palmetto State Teachers Association.

McMaster and his team remain steadfast in the decision to make masks optional despite the criticisms of a lack of planning.

"The governor warned school districts two weeks prior to issuing the executive order that he was going to take action if they didnt," McMaster's spokesman Brian Symmes said. "Frankly, theres no excuse for schools not to have been prepared ... All he did with this executive order was ensure that a parents opinion on whats best for their children was no longer being ignored."

If you ask Maness and other teacher advocates, there's not a resolution at this point.

"The damage is done," she said.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
The government has also been calling for regional authorities to submit potential locations for a factory for an unnamed company

Speculation that ( ) is planning to open a factory in the UK has increased after reports that Elon Musk flew his private jet to the country in the past week.

Musk, who is chief executive of the electric car manufacturer as well as rocket company SpaceX, was reported by the Times to have arrived in to Luton on Friday and left late on Sunday. It was not noted how he avoided quarantine.

This comes a few months after business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said the government is considering and looking at a site in south-west England.

It was reported that Musk last year took a look at potential sites in Somerset and the south-west of England for Tesla to continue its rapid expansion, after he took a similar trip in his Gulfstream jet to Bristol.

The Department for International Trade has approached local enterprise partnerships across the UK about information on large sites in the hope of enticing electric car manufacturers, The Times has reported, with sites of around four million square foot being wanted.

A new Whitehall department, the Office for Investment, has also been calling for regional authorities to submit locations for a potential factory for an unnamed company, according to The Daily Telegraph, with discussions having taken place over potential sites in the North-East and the West Midlands.

But Musk, when he was looking at a potential site in the Tees Valley last year, played down the possibility to building in Britain due to the uncertainty over Brexit.

Luton has a long history of automotive manufacturing, which has seen the Bedfordshire town used as a base for companies including General Motors, but its international airport means it is also associated with the airline industry, including housing the headquarters of easyJet.
An attorney generals opinion released late last week has ended a bizarre episode in which the S.C. Department of Corrections refused to release the names of inmates who died in custody.

The 11-page opinion by S.C. Solicitor General Robert Cook concluded that the Corrections Department probably would be considered a covered entity under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  as medical officials at the agency had warned, prompting Director Bryan Stirling to stop releasing the names pending an opinion from Attorney General Alan Wilsons office.

But the opinion also noted that the federal privacy law specifically allows medical information to be released if another law requires it. And although the S.C. Supreme Court has bizarrely held that autopsies are exempt from disclosure, the May 14 opinion concluded that the names of dead inmates (along with their death certificates  and in fact everybodys death certificates) are public records under South Carolinas Freedom of Information Act.

The opinion confirms our dismay at a county coroner's refusal to release the name of a notorious inmate who died in prison this month. And it should serve as a reminder to McCormick County Coroner Faye Puckett and any other coroners who are confused about the requirements of their job, which include obeying state law.

Not to take anything away from Mr. Cook, whose opinions are consistently thorough and evenhanded, but this one was bolstered by such an overwhelming collection of statutory, regulatory and judicial citations that it left us baffled at how anyone who holds himself out to be an expert on HIPAA could have failed to reach the same conclusion.

As such, it underscores our belief that state agencies should take this sort of question first to the attorney general, whose job is to provide the answers that a court likely would reach, rather than outside "experts," who might provide the opinion that either the agency or that "expert" wants.

But the importance of the opinion extends beyond this one situation where a state agency fearful that it was violating federal law instituted a policy that violated the states Freedom of Information Act. It also provides a much-needed reminder to public officials who routinely violate our open records and open meetings law by pretending that it allows much more secrecy than it does. As the opinion makes clear, the requirements of the whole law are actually much greater than the sum of its discrete parts.

That concept is baked into the law, which begins with an unequivocal declaration that it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in the formulation of public policy. Thats followed immediately by a mandate that the laws provisions must be construed so as to make it possible for citizens, or their representatives, to learn and report fully the activities of their public officials at a minimum cost or delay to the persons seeking access to public documents or meetings.

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As the state Supreme Court has ruled, that means the law should be liberally construed to carry out its broad purpose. Any exceptions allowed by the law, Mr. Cook noted, must be narrowly interpreted.

Unfortunately, we see the opposite of that time after time.

We see it when the S.C. Commerce Department claims that such run-of-the-mill information as the names of officials who submitted an application for tax-funded incentives and the names of those who witnessed their signature on the application constitute a "trade secret" that the law allows the agency to hide from the public.

We see it when the Charleston County Council meets behind closed doors, without giving the public a clue of what it's discussing, to sign off on a sweetheart deal for the county attorney  drafted by the county attorney  and keeps it secret until a reporter unearths it.

We see it, as The Post and Courier's Joseph Cranney and Avery Wilks reported in the latest installment of the "Uncovered" series, when Fairfield County School Superintendent J.R. Green refuses to provide even a school board member with information about how he spends a $42,000 annual discretionary fund, warns his employees not to answer routine questions from a local newspaper because it accurately reported on low test scores in his schools, and then spends $27,000 a year in tax money to start a competing newspaper.

In all those cases and too many others, state and local officials construe the openness mandate in South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act as narrowly as possible and interpret its enumerated exceptions as liberally as possible.

But as Mr. Cook reminded us in the latest opinion, the attorney generals office, across multiple attorneys general, has offered this consistent advice for decades: When in doubt, disclose. And, just to be sure there's no misunderstanding: "all doubt must be resolved in favor of transparency." It's advice that's based on and reliably repeated by courts when lawsuits are filed to challenge the secrecy impulse. Public officials should read that again. And again. And perhaps memorize it. And then start acting accordingly.

It's not a difficult concept. Nor is it one that we, or the attorney general's office, or our courts, should have to keep repeating.
I take issue with Veronica de Rugys May 16 commentary in which she defines debt as the result of too much spending.

That simply isnt accurate.

Debt, along with a mechanism to retire it, has been and still is a major economic driver of almost every countrys economic development, both in the private and public sectors.

Could people have bought their first home, and perhaps several successive homes, without incurring debt?

Virtually every business, large and small, utilizes debt to modernize, expand production and for a variety of other purposes.

The real challenge for the United States is a massive accumulated need for modernizing infrastructure; providing necessary educational, social, and medical services; and maintaining an appropriate defense structure.

Many conservatives argue that individuals must take most of the responsibility for these things, but every other democracy has determined that the society must do it to remain healthy.

So the real question today is not how we cut government expenditures, but how we provide and pay for the kind of services and infrastructure that we want.

If we want good roads, public transportation, education, police and fire protection, water and sewers, along with a sustainable environment, we must pay for them.

This will require some tax increases with everyone sharing the burden, but with those at the top of the income pyramid required to pay substantially more than they do today.

The sooner we accept that principle, the sooner we can make real progress.

FRITZ SAENGER JR.

Lettered Olive Lane

Mount Pleasant

Find common ground

Ask most hunters, and they will say that a mental health records review and background checks for potential gun owners are the way to go.

Some arguments, such as not wanting to get shot by unstable folks in grocery stores or not wanting another Dylann Roof, are specious.

Equally specious is the argument that voters should not present IDs at polling stations when voting.

To argue minimal ID requirements constitute voter suppression when IDs are often free or of minimal costs is ridiculous.

Some argue our fellow citizens are oppressed if they are expected to display an ID, the same ID that is needed to purchase a phone, obtain a credit card or sign a lease.

It would be great if society could just admit we agree on issues we all agree on.

Urge our lawmakers to quit politicizing issues promoted by some lobbyists. You are better than that.

Look at the commonsense issues among us, things that we ought to agree are reasonable because they are.

To insist that the gun lobby is right to oppose background checks on gun buyers or that voters rights advocates are right to oppose an ID requirement is perhaps the right party line.

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Both, however, constitute a misrepresentation of logic and an underestimation of our electorate.

DAVE EUBANKS

Powhatan Drive

Sumter

Taking oath to US

Millions of people, myself included, have taken a oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Whether they were in the military, law enforcement or elected officials, the oath included all parts of the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.

Unfortunately, many are violating their oath by ignoring our personal freedoms. Without freedom, we are living in tyranny.

In my lifetime I have seen tyranny (such as socialism, communism) up close.

Some people apparently are in favor of that. But I, for one, will never accept that. I will always keep my oath.

JIM ROWAN

Coopers Hawk Drive

Hanahan

Share excess vaccine

When those around us are at risk, our faith reminds us to look out for one another, especially the least among us.

As America and the world grapple with the devastating impact of the coronavirus, we must resist the temptation to turn inward.

The world is facing a vaccine access crisis. While wealthy countries continue ramping up vaccinations, less than 0.4% of COVID-19 vaccines globally have been administered to people in low-income countries. The U.S. alone has secured more than 550 million excess doses.

In order to reach global herd immunity and defeat this horrific virus, we must get vaccines to people all over the world.

As a nurse, I have spent time on medical mission trips helping the worlds most vulnerable. We have the resources to ensure every single American who wants a vaccination can get one as well as help our global neighbors.

Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Rep. Nancy Mace should urge President Joe Biden to share Americas excess doses equitably.

If the COVID-19 vaccine isnt everywhere, this pandemic isnt going anywhere.

LISA BRYANT

Holmgren Street

Mount Pleasant
COLUMBIA  Only one of the six House Republicans in South Carolina's congressional delegation voted to establish a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, with the others arguing that ongoing investigations by federal authorities are sufficient.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, who was also the only South Carolina Republican to vote to impeach now-former President Donald Trump for inciting the riots, again found himself as the lone GOP member from the state to support an independent commission to probe the incident.

Rice issued a statement afterward saying the "Capitol was ransacked, police were beaten and five people were killed. I was shocked and angered. As members of Congress, we took an oath to defend our democracy. I believe we must fully know the facts and causes of the event in order to secure our Capitol and ensure our democracy remains intact for future generations."

The bill ultimately passed May 19, 252-175, with 35 Republicans voting in favor.

Beyond Rice, the Palmetto State's other Republican lawmakers expressed uniform opposition to the proposal.

"Investigations into the Jan. 6 riot are already underway," said U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale. "The addition of an investigative commission is duplicative and solely political."

That reasoning was echoed by several of Wilson's colleagues, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who noted that multiple federal agencies are already looking into the riot and have arrested hundreds of alleged participants from the pro-Trump mob.

Make no mistake: the very fabric of our republic was attacked on January 6th, and I'm committed to holding those who instigated this assault accountable and learning from the security failures which allowed it to happen," said Mace, R-Charleston. "But creating an entirely new government commission with an endless budget and unknown scope accomplishes none of these goals."

The bipartisan authors of the bill to establish the commission sought to assuage those concerns, including a provision directing the members of the commission to "avoid unnecessary duplication" by reviewing the findings of other investigations into the riot.

Modeled after the revered investigation into the 9/11 terrorist attacks, their bill would establish an independent 10-member commission, evenly divided between the two parties, that would have subpoena power and an end-of-year deadline for completing its work.

But that did not appear to satisfy South Carolina Republicans, who said avoiding duplication would be impossible with other investigations ongoing.

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"The partisan process and limited scope will lead to a commission unlike the one established in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks," said U.S. Rep. William Timmons, R-Greenville. "I fear this would end up being a political, duplicative investigation without a definitive end date."

Even U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, who cosponsored a similar bill to create a Jan. 6 commission earlier this year, decided to vote against the latest version. A spokesman said the Rock Hill Republican believes the timing would not be right because law enforcement investigations have since expanded.

"So adding yet another investigation now would be both redundant and disruptive on multiple levels," said Norman's spokesman, Austin Livingston.

Livingston added that Norman could potentially support a commission after the other investigations have concluded to "compile all that has been (and will be) learned from the numerous efforts currently underway, and to assess the preparedness and plans to prevent Jan. 6 from ever happening again."

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-Laurens, also voted against the bill but did not respond to a request for comment.

South Carolina's sole Democratic congressman, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of Columbia, voted in favor of the commission, along with all other Democrats.

The bill may face an uphill battle in the Senate after Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also came out against it May 19, calling the proposal "slanted and unbalanced."

At least six South Carolinians are among the suspects who have been charged for alleged involvement in the riot.

The South Carolina GOP executive committee censured Rice after his January vote to impeach Trump, prompting Rice to say at the time the party "has forgotten its own creed that says, I will cower before no man save my God.'"

"It seems to me they are cowering before Donald Trump," Rice said.

A flood of GOP primary challengers have announced their intentions to run against Rice in the aftermath of his impeachment vote, including state Rep. Russell Fry, conservative media personality Allen Graham, Horry County school board Chairman Ken Richardson, Marine Corps veteran Steve Reichert, businessman Tom Dunn and more.
Gregory Yee covers breaking news and public safety. He's a native Angeleno and previously covered crime and courts for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA. He studied journalism and Spanish literature at the University of California, Irvine.
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( ) ( ) is seeking to become the global leader in data intelligence, as it looks ahead to promising financial results from the June quarter.

The software business, which listed on the ASX in 2014, originally captured, analysed and visualised customer behaviour data through publicly available wifi networks, to provide retailers with actionable insights to drive informed decision making.

But it has since greatly diversified and is now able to deliver insights to its clients - which include major retailers, airports and even stadiums - across about 100 different data integrations.

The Skyfii 411

These days, Skyfii helps physical venues use data to measure, predict and influence visitor behaviour, through cloud-based software that allows clients to streamline their operations, drive marketing results and improve customer experience.

It is based in Australia, but also has offices in the UK, US, South America and South Africa with its technology deployed in shopping centres, airports, retailers, universities, in smart cities and in hospitality venues.

Skyfii CEO Wayne Arthur explained to Proactive how the company has garnered such a large and ever-expanding list of clientele.

Though we started out providing insights gathered from use of public wifi, hence our name, over the last six years weve diversified to about 100 other data integrations, from things like security cameras to beacons, scanning technology to apps, he said.

We can provide physical venues with a comprehensive picture of the people moving in, around and out of a space, and we can pull all the different sources together into one software platform, providing a much more accurate and detailed view of their space, providing a greater understanding of the behaviour of people in those environments.

We solve fundamental problems for physical venues, which traditionally have had to use three or four different platforms to manage things like security, public wifi, their POS, their CRM, the list goes on.

We are agnostic and we integrate across every enterprise product in the market, so that means we can take care of all the above and more in one place, which reduces costs and makes it easier to manage the movement of people, as well as providing high-level insights that inform decision making around store setup, marketing and customer behaviour.

Global pandemic? No worries

Arthur said Skyfii managed to emerge from 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic not only unscathed but in an even better position.

As venues were required to accurately count occupancy, Skyfiis software gained another use case.

Were now deployed in around 12,000 venues around the world, Arthur said.

Demand increased during COVID for us because venues like supermarkets needed to be able to accurately count occupancy.

Skyfiis technology not only allows this but also gives clients the ability to create heat maps to see where their highest levels of foot traffic are.

We came out of 2020 stronger than we anticipated, Arthur said.

We werent immune to the market conditions and for three or four months we didnt experience much growth, but if you look at it over a 12-month period, weve grown substantially.

Impressive financials

Skyfiis latest quarterly report, released in late April, showed a 24% growth in recurring revenue compared with the previous quarter, leading the company to forecast double-digit growth across all key metrics for the 2021 financial year.

It also made a key acquisition during the quarter in CrowdVision, a highly complementary US and UK-based AI, computer vision and video analytics company focused on airports, stadiums, transportation hubs and large-scale resort hotels and casinos.

We see CrowdVision as a really key part of our growth story, Arthur said.

We will be focused on integrating the CrowdVision business into our core business over the following 3-6 months, and as people around the world receive the vaccine, and venues continue to reopen, we expect to see strong growth.

Skyfii ended the March quarter with A$4.03 million in cash receipts, up 19% on the previous quarter, completed a A$10 million placement and recorded pro forma annualised recurring revenue of A$13.3 million.

It has forecast FY21 total revenue of up to A$16.5 million and recurring revenue of up to A$12 million.

- Daniel Paproth
@montcocourtnews on Twitter

Carl Hessler Jr. is a multi-media reporter who writes about crime and justice from the Montgomery County Courthouse for 21st Century Media Newspapers Greater Philadelphia area publications. Follow Carl on Twitter: @MontcoCourtNews
@PottstownNews on Twitter

Evan Brandt has been a staff reporter for The Mercury for more than 20 years. He covers municipal, school district, political, state government, federal government and environmental news.
Jack Cashill asks in a May 18 American Spectator column Why Has the Right Let the Floyd Cops Fry? Subhead: If they dont speak up, no one will. I want to respond briefly in this post for readers who may be interested in the specific subject Cashill takes up.

Cashills column is based on the May 12 motion filed by counsel for Tou Thao (one of the four officers charged in the death of George Floyd). The motion is posted here.

Thaos motion is based on six exhibits, only three of which are public and accessible: Exhibit 2 (Press Release Report), Exhibit 5 (Open Letter to Political Leadership), and Exhibit 6 (memorandum of Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Patrick Lofton dated May 26, 2020).

Thaos motion asserts the following statements as facts. The quotation below is from numbered paragraphs in the motion at pages 2-4. These are therefore the assertions of Thaos attorney, Robert Paule. Paule alleges that Hennepin County Medical Examiner Andrew Baker stated an opinion regarding the cause of George Floyds death in response to essentially unlawful coercion by Dr. Roger Mitchell:

4. At some point prior to June 1, 2020, Dr. Roger Mitchell  former Medical Examiner of Washington D.C.  read Dr. Bakers preliminary findings. See Exhibit 1. 5. Dr. Mitchell spoke with Dr. Baker before Dr. Baker finalized his findings on June 1, 2020. Id. During the conversation between Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Baker, the following transpired: a. Dr. Mitchell called Baker and said first of all Baker should fire his public information officer. Id. b. Then Mitchell asked [Baker] what happened, because Mitchell didnt think it sounded like Bakers words. Id. c. Baker said that he didnt think the neck compression played a part Id. 6. Over the weekend, Dr. Mitchell thought about Dr. Baker more. Id. After the phone conversation between Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Baker, Dr. Mitchell decided he was going to release an op-ed critical of Dr. Bakers findings in the Washington Post. Id. Dr. Mitchell first called Dr. Baker to let him know. Id. The following transpired: a. Dr. Mitchell called Dr. Baker first to let him know that he was going to be critical of Bakers findings. Id. 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. Id. 7. Following the two conversations, on Monday June 1, 2020, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner issued a Press Release Report containing the final autopsy findings. See Exhibit 2. a. The final autopsy findings included neck compression. Id. This was contrary to Dr. Bakers conclusion before speaking with Dr. Mitchell twice. 8. On November 5, 2020 the State met with Dr. Mitchell. See Exhibit 1. a. The following prosecutors were present: Lola Velazquez-Aguilu, Joshua Larson, Matthew Frank, Erin Eldridge, and Corey Gorden. Id. Paralegal Dionne Dodd was also present. Id. b. If this interview was recorded, the audio has not yet been disclosed to the Defense. c. Dr. Mitchell told the State that a friend of his had posted the op-ed on Facebook. Id. The State memorialized that Dr. Mitchell was going to send them the op-ed. Id. i. The Defense has yet to receive any copy of this op-ed.

With one exception these statements by Thao attorney Robert Paule are based on Exhibit 1. Cashill adopts Paules statements as facts in this summary:

Thaos evidence is compelling. Reportedly, Mitchell subverted justice on two separate fronts. According to the motion, he threatened to write a disparaging op-ed about Dr. Andrew Baker, the Hennepin County chief medical examiner, if he failed to amend his initial autopsy findings. * * * * * According to Thaos motion, Mitchell called Baker a second time to give him a heads up on the threatened Washington Post op-ed and warned him, You dont want to be the medical examiner who tells everyone they didnt see what they saw, adding that neck compression has to be in the diagnosis. To paraphrase Joe Biden, Well, son of a bitch. Neck compression was in the diagnosis. Apparently appeased, Mitchell never wrote the op-ed.

Cashill qualifies these alleged facts by his use of the adverb reportedly, the report being Thaos motion and/or Exhibit 1  although Cashill doesnt say so. Exhibit 1 is the source of evidence that Cashill judges compelling.

What is Exhibit 1? I think Cashill has no idea.

I think Cashill has no idea because Exhibit 1 hasnt been made public. I infer that Cashill hasnt seen it with his own eyes because of his use of the adverb reportedly.

Exhibit 1 is not included among the exhibits that have been posted by the court. Two of the six exhibits filed with Thaos motion were filed under seal and omitted from the filings accessible to the public. They obviously consist of grand jury testimony.

Exhibit 1 is not under seal, but it is inaccessible to the public. It is, according to court spokesman Spenser Beckett, confidential.

I dont know what confidential means in this context. I have asked the court for an explanation and put in calls to Paule as well as Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank, who represents the State in the case. As of this morning, I only have Spenser Bicketts explanation that Exhibit 1 has not been posted because it is confidential.

Assistant Attorney General Frank, by the way, responded to Thaos motion by letter dated May 12, 2021. The letter is posted here. In his two-sentence letter Frank asserted that [t]he bizarre allegations offered in support of the motion are false and wrong

Frank also asked the court for one week to file a substantive response to Thaos motion. If granted, the response would have been due yesterday, but I have not seen any court order addressing Franks request. As of this morning, other than Franks letter, no response has been filed.

Cashill omits any mention of Franks denial of the allegations of Thaos motion or of any forthcoming response by the State. I intend to wait for the States response before assessing the credibility of Paules evidence and related allegations.

By inference, Thaos motion and Cashills column accuse Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker of testifying to an opinion which was not truly his own. Paule puts it this way in his motion at page 6: The State did nothing in response to this coercion. Instead, the State knowingly allowed Dr. Baker to take the stand in State v. Chauvin and testified [sic] to coerced statements.

Bakers opinions were a fit subject for cross-examination. Indeed, Baker was cross-examined about his opinions at the trial of Derek Chauvin by counsel for Derek Chauvin (video here). Paule refers to Bakers testimony at trial and before the grand jury in paragraph 10 at page 4 of his motion.

Paule essentially accuses Baker of perjury and the prosecutors with knowledge of the chain of events he lays out of professional misconduct. These are serious charges based on evidence we have yet to see.

Cashill not only assesses the merits of Thaos motion with minimal basis to do so, he renders a harsh judgment on unnamed conservative media for not having joined him in adopting Paules allegations as their own:

With only a few exceptions, the conservative media reported on this latest outrage as matter-of-factly as they had on the sundry other injustices that deformed the Chauvin trial. Their reticence has consequences. Feeling isolated and abandoned, police officers are now inclined to approach black suspects as gingerly as they would an unexploded IED. As my police friend says, It is absolutely crazy what street cops have to put up with all day long as a result of this bulls***.

For the reasons stated above, I am writing with only a preliminary view of the merits of Thaos motion. I have withheld commentary on the merits of Thaos motion until the State files its response. Ill have more to say when additional information becomes available. Speaking of BS, however, the attribution of the Ferguson effect to conservative media by Cashill seems to me a case in point.

UPDATE: This afternoon the State filed a 15-page memorandum opposing Thaos motion. It is accessible online here. The memorandum adds some background to the allegations of Thaos motion and confirms that Drs. Baker and Mitchell spoke before June 1, 2020, although the State knew nothing about it until it interviewed Dr. Mitchell as a possible expert in the fall of 2020. The State too cites Exhibit 1, which remains inaccessible to the public. My comments above are consistent with the points made in the States memorandum.
On a number of issues, it is getting hard to tell the difference between the Chinese Communist Party line and the Democratic Party line. As, for example, the current conflict in the Middle East and Americas historic support for Israel.

The Jerusalem Post quotes a Chinese government English-language outlet:

Israel is a US military proxy that enjoys US support because of the influence of wealthy Jews, Chinese government-affiliated English-language news channel CGTN said Tuesday in a video posted online. In a video titled Why does the US act as a diplomatic shield for Israel? presenter Zheng Junfeng floated a version of the theory, found in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and other antisemitic tracts, that Jews control government policies by nefarious means.

***

Some people believe that US pro-Israel policy is traceable to the influence of wealthy Jews in the US and the Jewish lobby on US foreign-policy-makers, Zheng said. The CGTN presenter said there are over five million Jewish people in the US, and that 18 of the top 40 people on the Forbes Worlds Billionaires List are Jewish. [Ed.: That isnt true, actually, but whos counting?]

In other words, as Ilhan Omar put it so memorably, its all about the Benjamins baby. The CCP is fully in tune with the Squad. And as it happens, Ilhan Omar is currently busy defending the Chinese Communists on Twitter, as well as standing up for Hamas.

Is Omar just a radical backbencher with little influence in her party? Unfortunately, no. AIPAC published this Facebook ad that is mildly critical of her:

The ad is correct; Omar did indeed call Israels effort to defend itself against rocket attacks an act of terrorism. But these days, being right is of limited value. The wrath of the Democratic Party came down on AIPACs head. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said:

I dont agree with Congresswoman Omars comments, but its very disappointing to see [AIPACs] deeply cynical and inflammatory ads twisting her words.

Twisting by accurately quoting.

As for Joe Biden, Caroline Glick weighs him in the balance and finds him wanting. Her whole piece is worth reading.

From the moment Hamas launched its current offensive against Israel, radical Democrat lawmakers in Congress have escalated their anti-Israel rhetoric and actions to unprecedented levels. On Monday, Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush and others adopted rank anti-Semitic language against Israel referring to Israel as an Apartheid state and insisting that Israel is not a democracy because Apartheid states arent democracies. The State Department itself has determined that accusing Israel of being an Apartheid state is an anti-Semitic act. No responsible adult, not Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer or House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and definitely not Biden, called them out for their bigoted behavior.

***

If that werent bad enough, Monday, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks announced his intention to place a hold on a routine sale of $735 million worth of precision guided missiles to Israel that Biden approved. Meeks was acting under pressure from the likes of Omar, Cortez, Tlaib and Betty McCollum.  His stunning interference in a routine arms sale that enjoys the support of a wide majority of members of Congress indicates that the radical wing of the Democratic Party controls the partys discourse on Israel today.

That is, unfortunately, true.

Biden himself underlined this point on Tuesday. As Tlaib was expanding her anti-Semitic assaults on Israel, Biden praised her in a speech in Detroit. He referred to the woman who has made rejecting Israels right to exist her signature issue as a fighter. Biden said to Tlaib, I want to say that I admire your intellect, I admire your passion and I admire your concern for so many people.

To coin a phrase, you dont have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing in todays Democratic Party. It is blowing in step with the Chinese Communist Party and Hamas.
Lori Lightfoot, the mayor of Chicago, has said she will base her decisions about which reporters can interview her on skin color. Only reporters with black or brown skin will have the privilege of one-on-one interviews with Her Lightness.

There was a time  like this time last year  when I couldnt have imagined a public figure doing such a thing. But now, with BLM and critical race theory all the rage, Lightfoots move, while shocking the conscience, doesnt shock the imagination.

Already, though, there has been a backlash against Lightfoots racist decision. A Latino reporter, Gregory Pratt of the Chicago Tribune, had been scheduled to interview her. He requested that the mayor reverse her policy of granting interviews only to black and brown reporters. When the mayor refused, Pratt cancelled the interview.

Pratts courageous decision will make black and brown reporters who interview Lightfoot look bad. But I doubt this will deter them. For every principled journalist, there are a dozen whores. At least thats my experience with the American press.

Lightfoots goal is to force major media outlets in Chicago to make hiring decisions on the basis of race. In other words, to violate the law.

She might well succeed.

Ill conclude with a quote from Lightfoot that says it all. Of the press corps that covers Chicago, Lightfoot stated:

Many of them are smart and hard-working, savvy and skilled. But mostly white, nonetheless.

Their whiteness alone disqualifies them.

Is this what America is coming to? It is, unless Americans start pushing back. Maybe Lightfoots blatant racism will give impetus to the push.
 ZachGoldberg strikes again: You may want to embiggen this first chart (clicking on it should work), and notice in the first panel on the left how white liberal sympathy for Israel has plummeted in the last few years.

The left likes to claim that Israel is engaged in genocide against the Palestinians. Some genocide:

 More evidence (from Zach Goldberg again) that white male liberals are indeed girly-men:

 Mark Perry is staying after the gender balance scene:

 Not sure what to make of these gender gaps, but . . . house cat?

 Liberals hate it when you claim they dont really like America, but heres the data from a credible liberal sourcenote even German and French leftists are more proud of their countries than American and British liberals are of their own:

 Repeat after Jen Psaki: There is no crisis (or surgenow banned at AP) at the border. Remember, many of the people crossing in 2019 were apprehended and sent back. Now?

 Lets do some climate and energy graphics. Did you know that March was the coldest in seven years?

 Soabout renewables. Guess which country dominates the production of renewable components? Yup:

 Remember the old Woody Allen line (I think) about looking for a framework to turn a concept into an idea? Well environmentalists have learned from their past failures at predictions, forecasts, and projections to go with scenarios instead, because they are easier to disavow when they inevitably turn out to be wrong (click to embiggen):

 Which way is this scenario going to go with more windmills?

 But yeahlets build more windmills and high speed failrail:

 What could go wrong?

 How much trouble is Gavin Newsom in? Depends which survey you consult, or maybe how the non-binary vote breaks:

 Arizona is doing something right:

 And finally. . .

JOHN adds: I always love these Geek In Pictures posts, and this one has lots of fascinating data. I just want to comment on the survey re: what animals could you defeat in a fight? I have several observations:

1) Anyone who thinks he will beat a grizzly, lion, elephant, gorilla or crocodile is an idiot. I am just back from a week of vacation in South Carolina, in the course of which I encountered six alligators (to be fair, several were small). Still, my survival strategy was never predicated on out-wrestling them or pulling them into the water where I could drown them.

2) A normal man should be the favorite against a wolf or chimpanzee. Of course, if there are a lot of wolves that could be different. But I want to comment on the kangaroo. A few years ago, while in Australia, I was attacked by a large male kangaroo. He was a little taller than I am, but more important, he was lighting fast with a kick to the groin. He took me completely by surprise. I think I may have beaten him in a fight, eventually, but it would have been a close-run thing.

3) Anyone who thinks he can fight a king cobra is nuts. Run away.

4) Dogs and eagles? Please. If you cant beat one of these, you should turn in your man card.

5) Geese, house cats and rats. To be fair, geese are tough for their size. I respect them greatly. But in a fight? If you are not the favorite over a goose, you are in trouble. And house cats? Sure, they might outrun you, buthow exactly would you lose to them? And as for rats, if a rat can get the better of you, you are a liberal. Or worse.
This Friday at 5 pm Pacific time (8 pm Eastern), well be doing a live taping of the Three Whisky Happy Hour podcast for our VIP members via Zoom, with me and Lucretia talking about whats up with equality under the law. In addition to some planned topics, well be taking live audience questions. (Where we take them is another question. . .)

Specifically, I sent to Lucretia the New York Times op-ed earlier in the week about a new biography of Justice John Marshall Harlan, which includes this passage about his great dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson:

Our Constitution is colorblind and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens, [Harlan] wrote in its most famous passage. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law. The humblest is the peer of the most powerful. The law regards man as man and takes no account of his surroundings or his color when his civil rights as guaranteed by the supreme law of the land are involved.  Nearly six decades later, when the Supreme Court finally overruled Plessy v. Ferguson in the case of Brown v. Board of Education, many people, even in white America, agreed that Harlan had been right all along.

The problem is, this summary account is wrong. Harlans Plessy dissent was most emphatically not incorporated in Brown or subsequent civil rights cases, but everybody thinks it was. (If it had been truly embraced in Brown, affirmative action would have been struck down decades ago.)

If youre a regular listener, you can guess Lucretias uncompromising reaction to the Times piece! Heres one part of it: I find the NYT piece more damaging to the cause of equality before the law even than critical race theory.

Youll have to tune in to hear why, and much more. VIPs will get an email with the live link Friday afternoon.

So if youre not a VIP member this is a great time to sign up; its cheap, and you get ad-free access to the rest of the site and other occasional premiums. (Note: Our subscription portal is down for maintenance this morning, but should be back up shortly. Check back later today.)

Oh, one other note: with this week, Im resuming the old long-form interview podcast format. My first guests will include the great Fred Barnes, and energy guru Robert Bryce. If I can keep it up, the Power Line podcast will go to twice a week.
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The company is advancing Central Eyre Iron Project due diligence activities as well as the ongoing partnership process.

( ) welcomes the completion of an independent technical review of the ore processing flow sheet for Central Eyre Iron Project (CEIP) that verifies the ore processing flowsheet.

The review has been completed by specialist consulting firm to the iron ore and steel industries, Metalytics.

This process flowsheet is designed to deliver a high-grade iron product (66.6% iron) which is competitive with existing global magnetite and hematite concentrates.

The coarse-grain structure of CEIP in-situ gneissic ore facilitates beneficiation, especially compared with fine-grained banded iron formation (BIF) magnetite projects in Western Australia.

Metalytics' independent review verifies the process flowsheet design used by Iron Road in previous feasibility and optimisation studies to achieve expected ore processing outcomes.

Metalytics key findings

A key finding of the Metalytics report is that the coarse grain size and moderate hardness of the CEIP ore make it possible to reject 60% of the run-of-mine (ROM) mass at the Rougher Magnetic Separation (RMS) step, ie after semi-autogenous grinding to 3-millimetre particle size.

Consequently, only the remaining 40% mass flow enters a ball mill circuit for grinding and this 40% stream has an average iron grade of around 27% iron, which is well within the usual range for magnetite mines.

The resultant material is then beneficiated to the finished concentrate product at a mass recovery of 37% and an iron recovery of 90%  levels that are, respectively, favourable, and comparable to the existing or under-construction Australian and Canadian high-grade iron concentrate projects.

Low chemical variability of CEIP gneissic ore complements the consistency of its mineralogical and physical characteristics providing confidence of efficient processing performance in producing high-grade iron concentrate of consistent quality.

As per the report, these distinct features have important implications for CEIPs projected capital and operating costs and highlight substantial reductions in the cost of electric power for both coarse and fine grinding that would be required with flow sheets to treat comparable tonnages.

CEIP concentrate marketability

Metalytics review indicates that the proposed saleable product would have a unique grain size distribution among traded seaborne iron ore products, positioned between the ultra-fine sizing of typical pellet feed concentrates and the coarser sizing typified by sinter feed concentrates, exhibiting certain sizing similarities to domestic Chinese iron ore concentrates.

The planned particle size distribution (PSD) for 66.6% iron CEIP magnetite concentrate lies between those two generic product types and more closely resembles domestic Chinese iron ore concentrates.

This allows Iron Road and CEIP partner(s) a degree of marketing flexibility in negotiating CEIP concentrate offtake agreements with Chinese and non-Chinese steelmakers.

Premium high-grade iron ore products reduce energy consumption and CO2 emssions along with other pollutants and dust, and increase blast furnace productivity and reduce slag generation.

China, the worlds dominant iron ore market, is continuing to push its environmental policy and regulatory agenda to reduce pollution, energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
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The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in Ebonyi has urged movie producers to shift their attention to the state due to its massive infrastructural development.

The Head, NFVCB in Ebonyi, Ejike Nwodo, made the call on Wednesday in Abakaliki while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on its operations in the state.

Mr Nwodo said that Ebonyi offered movie producers excellent facilities needed to churn world-class movies due to its aesthetic enhancement, especially in Abakaliki.

When the producers visit Ebonyi, they would consider shooting their films among related activities in the state and not only in Lagos, Delta among others.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Zack Orji reiterated this assertion during the recent #End SARS youth summit in Ebonyi where he pledged that the industry would soon inaugurate a film hub in the state, he said.

The NFVCB head urged the state government to formulate policies that would harness the youths potentials in the film industry.

We pledge to collaborate with the government to ensure that such youths become self-reliant and actualise their dreams of becoming future Nollywood stars.

We have commenced a media literacy campaign to the grassroots where we visit schools and educate students on film classification. We educate the students on the effect of films on them and society. Our unit on registration of guilds or associations ensures that film industry stakeholders register with us to explore areas of collaboration, he said.

He also expressed happiness over the recent re-appointment of Adedayo Thomas for a second term in office by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Thomas, in his first term, ensured that over 120 staff of the board travelled overseas for several programmes, seminars and participated in several international film festivals and carnivals.

We are optimistic that more censorship centres and liaison offices will be inaugurated across the country after seven of such centres were created in his first term, he said.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), recently revealed that the Nigerian movie industry has produced 416 movies in Quarter One of 2021 (Q1, 2021) compared to 903 in Q4, 2020.

The NBS added that Lagos State had the highest number of movies produced by location in Q1 2021 with 149 closely followed by Onitsha with 140 movies.

However, Benin and Bauchi recorded the least with two movies each.

It added that data was provided by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and verified and validated by the NBS.

(NAN)
As part of efforts towards curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, the federal government on Monday launched a sensitisation campaign.

Tagged Powerful H.A.N.D.S, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, while speaking at the launch, said the campaign is targeted at select states with high COVID-19 cases in the country.

He listed the concerned states as Lagos, Oyo, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers and the federal capital territory, FCT.

Mr Ihekweazu said the initiative aims at increasing the number of Nigerians who practice COVID-19 preventive measures, which includes regular hand washing.

This will last for an initial period of four months while communicating the main message that THE POWER TO STOP COVID-19 IS IN OUR H.A.N.D.S, Ihekweazu said.

He noted that the pandemic has led to the rapid development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, reflecting remarkable human capacity to build on years of existing research to bring about exponential scientific innovation.

He, however, said the initiative, as a national social and behaviour change campaign, is simpler to curb the spread of the virus.

The director general gave the H.A.N.D.S acronym to mean; H  Have your hands washed or sanitised frequently; A  Always cough or sneeze into your elbow; N  No going out without face mask; D  Distance of at least two arms lengths should be maintained; S  Stay indoors and self-isolate if you feel sick.

The NCDC boss said although the pandemic fatigue is understandable, it is important for everyone to continue to adhere to all non-pharmaceutical measures already put in place.

Wash your hands with soap and water, use alcohol-based sanitisers, ensure physical distancing, do not attend large gatherings, especially those without adherence to COVID-19 protocol, he said.

As some countries are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, Nigeria has continued to record low cases for almost three months.

As of Thursday, Nigeria has recorded 165,852 COVID-19 cases, according to an update by the NCDC.

Right time

In his remarks at the launch, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Edward Kallon, said although the cases in Nigeria are reducing, the risk of transmission persists along with the emerging COVID-19 variants from countries such as India and South Africa.

Mr Kallon said this calls for the need to sustain the gains already made in the nations response to the pandemic to ensure there is no resurgence.

He said; There is no better time than now to empower and encourage people to sustain the practice of preventive behaviours to protect themselves and loved ones from the scourge of COVID-19.

We are optimistic that this campaign will rekindle families, friends and childrens efforts to contain the transmission of COVID-19.

The country representative of the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), Peter Hawkins, said the pandemic has overcome many peoples lives around the world.

He said Nigeria must be complacent to prevent the COVID-19 situation witnessed in other countries.

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Mr Hawkins said the timing of the campaign is right as it hands over the power to stop the COVID-19 pandemic to the people.

The vaccine is here in Nigeria and the campaign is going well but it will be a long time before the campaign can be fully implemented, he said, adding that; With our hands, only with our hands can we defeat this pandemic.

Also speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Babafunke Fagbemi, said the campaign is starting to sustain gains already made in the fight against the pandemic.

She said the Nigeria infectious disease the centre has done tremendous work to ensure the country recorded low cases as compared to others.

Ms Fagbemi said it is pertinent to empower people with the latest information towards rebuilding hope and give confidence to fight the pandemic.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has vowed that his administration would not honour a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress unless electricity is restored in his state.

The governor also lambasted the federal government for allowing workers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) owned by it to disrupt electricity supply to his state.

Mr El-Rufai made the comment after the NLC announced a suspension of a five-day warning strike called to protest the Kaduna governments plans to lay off some of its civil servants due to what it blamed on a severe fiscal crisis.

The NLC suspended the industrial action after the intervention of the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, who requested parties to sheathe swords for a federal government-mediated negotiation to hold in Abuja.

But shortly after the NLC announced it was suspending the strike to enable it to honour the planned Abuja meeting, a defiant Mr El-Rufai issued a statement that said no official of his government would negotiate with the unions unless electricity is restored in the state.

The National Union of Electricity Employees is an affiliate of the NLC and its members had on Sunday switched off electricity supply in the state and joined the strike.

In his statement early Thursday morning, Mr El-Rufai said, No official of Kaduna State will go to Abuja for any meeting with FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) or NLC when the citizens of the State have no electricity.

We hold the FGN responsible for (its) inability to assert its ownership rights over TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria). No electricity, no meeting.

Hours before his latest update, the state government had said it was yet to see evidence that the NLC is backing off from its campaign of economic and social sabotage against the people of the State.

Electric power is yet to be restored after it was shut down at dawn on Sunday, 16th May 2021, in brazen violation of the laws protecting essential services and infrastructure, Muyiwa Adekeye, the spokesperson to Mr El-Rufai, had said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES at 9:21 pm on Wednesday.

That action removed any basis for state government officials to meet the NLC last Sunday. Denying our people electricity about 18 hours to the advertised commencement of their organised sabotage was akin to putting a gun on the governments head. Government has a lawful duty not to indulge blackmail.

Restoring electricity is vital to relieving some of the pain that needless acts of lawlessness have inflicted on our people.

The unimpeded provision of essential services is vital to civilised order. Those who have disrupted it should promptly reverse themselves, not expect that it will be a matter for negotiation, much less being viewed as a precondition.

KDSG will not participate in such a negotiation or countenance one whilst our people are still being denied their right to electricity.

Mr Ngige had on Wednesday afternoon announced that he had apprehended the strike and invited parties to an emergency conciliation meeting at his office in the nations capital by 11 am on Thursday.

The minister further directed the two parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the resolution of the issues in contention.

The letter Mr Ngige separately addressed to both Governor El-Rufai and the president of the NLC reads in part:

 Sequel to the strike prompted by the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) one of the federations of Trade Unions in Nigeria, and the subsequent withdrawal of work and services in almost all public sector establishments and institutions in Kaduna State, including but not limited to the essential services in electricity, water and health, which has consequently resulted and inflicted huge damage and loss to the economy and well-being and even loss of lives to the people of Kaduna State in the last three days.

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 I am therefore constrained in the exercise of my powers as the Minister of Labour and Employment, under the Trade Disputes Act, CAP. T8, Laws of Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004; to invite you and your top officials to the emergency trade dispute conciliation meeting.

The letter said between the transition period for the meeting, you are please requested to maintain the status quo ante bellum before this dispute so that the enabling climate for the resolution of the issues in dispute will not be hindered by the creation of new issues.

Under the Trade Disputes Act, which is the principal law dealing with the settlement of industrial disputes in Nigeria, the Minister of Labour has powers to intervene in a trade dispute for the purpose of settling it.
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Niger State Governor Sanni Bello says three soldiers have been killed by bandits in Magama Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Bello added that some of the bandits were killed and two bodies recovered when security agencies were trailing the rest of the bandits.

He said this while addressing journalists after a meeting with security chiefs in the state at the Government House, Minna, on Tuesday.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mary Noel-Berje, 25 displaced communities are returning back home.

Respite has begun to return to communities that were displaced by banditry activities in Shiroro, Munya and Mariga local government areas even as 25 displaced communities are returning to their ancestral homes, she said in a statement on the governors interaction with the journalists.

Governor Bello, who pointed out that he has monitored the movement of the IDPs, said there was no cause for alarm as everything was moving smoothly.

I am happy to announce that we have seen tremendous improvement, a lot of IDPs have gradually moved to their villages especially in Shiroro, Munya and Mariga local governments.

We have at least 25 communities that have relocated back to their various homes, he said.

The governor, however, said security threats remain in some communities, but assured that the security agents were working tirelessly to curtail the situation.

It doesnt mean we still do not have some challenges, we have a few communities under threat but the security agencies are doing their best to contain the situation, he stated.

Mr Bello said if more security personnel are deployed by the Federal Government to the state, more grounds will be covered.

The governor allayed the fears of food shortage in the state, stressing that the IDPs that were returned to their homes are major agricultural producing areas believing that they will engage in their farming activities immediately.

The governor commended the efforts of the service chiefs at the federal and heads of security in the state for their efforts in the fight against banditry activities in the State.
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The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has said the decision to ban open grazing by southern governors is unconstitutional.

Mr Malami, who spoke on Channels Televisions Politics Today Programme on Wednesday, said the decision of the governors does not align with the provisions of the Constitution, hence it does not hold water.

It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedoms expressed in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian?

For example: it is as good as saying, perhaps, maybe, the northern governors coming together to say they prohibit spare parts trading in the north.

Does it hold water? Does it hold water for a northern governor to come and state expressly that he now prohibits spare parts trading in the north?

He, however, advised the governors to work towards the amendment of the 1999 Constitution in their move to prohibit open grazing.

If you are talking of constitutionally guaranteed rights, the better approach to it is to perhaps go back to ensure the Constitution is amended.

Freedom and liberty of movement among others established by the constitution, if by an inch you want to have any compromise over it, the better approach is go back to the National Assembly to say open grazing should be prohibited and see whether you can have the desired support for the constitutional amendment.

It is a dangerous provision for any governor in Nigeria to think he can bring any compromise on the freedom and liberty of individuals to move around, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the 17 southern governors on May 11 resolved to ban open grazing of cattle in their states.

They took the decision in the meeting in Asaba, Delta State.

The governors said the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives.

Open grazing is the archaic practice of moving ruminant animals in open fields, plains and bushes in search of pasture or foliage.

The animals usually encroach into farmlands destroying the yields of farmers and ultimately bloody conflicts occur between farmers and herders. Criminals have also infiltrated the ranks of herders thereby leading to spikes in crime and violence.

The system in the last few years has triggered conflicts between host communities and migrant herders, leading to several deaths in many states.

While some crop owners may get compensated, other incidents lead to conflicts. Some farmers have in the past also been alleged of poisoning cattle.

This, among many other cases, have triggered ethnic crisis in some South-west states where locals are demanding the eviction of herders.
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The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after months of speculations that he would do so.

Mr Ayade announced his departure from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday while hosting six APC governors who visited him in Calabar, the state capital.

The visiting governors were Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Simon Lalong of Plateau, Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti.

It is not exactly clear why the Cross River governor left the platform that brought him to power in 2015. But he has for months complained about being poorly treated by the PDP.

With his defection, Mr Ayade becomes the only APC governor from the South-South geopolitical zone.

The ruling party had lost its only governor in the zone last year when Godwin Obaseki of Edo crossed to the PDP months to the governorship election in that state. He won reelection on that platform.

With Mr Ayade in the kitty, the APC now has 21 governors, the PDP 14 and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) one.

Mr Ayades defection came six months after his Ebonyi State counterpart, David Umahi, also left the PDP.

Mr Umahi left the PDP last November citing injustice meted out to the South-east by the party as the reason for his departure.

More details later .
The 36 state governors on Wednesday called for the immediate dissolution of the Presidential Implementation Committee on the autonomy of state legislature and judiciary.

The committee, set up by President Muhammadu Buhari in December 2018, is the brain behind the Executive Order 10 issued by the President in May 2020, for the enforcement of financial autonomy of the two arms of government at the state level.

The Nigerian governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), chaired by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, made the call for the dissolution of the committee at a teleconference they held on Wednesday.

In the communique they issued at the end of their Wednesdays meeting, the governors accused the committee, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, of creating disaffection between state governments and the other arms of government, and therefore called for its dissolution.

The resolution was arrived at during their deliberation on the Executive Order 10, which relates to the ongoing nationwide strike by judiciary workers. The workers have shut down courts across the country for 45 days as of Thursday, in agitation for the implementation of the financial autonomy of the judiciary.

The NGF resolved to call for the immediate dissolution of the Presidential Implementation Committee on the Autonomy of State Legislature and Judiciary as this Committee is now acting as a permanent committee basically misguiding and overheating the relationship between State Governments and the other arms of government, the forums communique, signed by Mr Fayemi, read in part.

The governors call for the dissolution of the committee coincided with Wednesdays resolution by the striking members of the Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN) to continue with their ongoing strike until their demand for the financial independence of the judiciary is met.

Executive Order 10 and Malamis committee

President Buhari had set up the Mr Malami-led committee in December 2018 to fashion out modalities for the enforcement of section 121(3) of the constitution on the financial independence of the arms of government.

The committee recommended the issuance of the Executive Order 10 as an instrument for the enforcement of the constitutional provision which Mr Buhari signed in May 2020.

The order empowers the Accountant-General of the Federation to deduct from the federation account, the amounts due to state legislatures and judiciaries from the monthly allocation due to the states when the two other arms of government do not get what they are entitled to.

Mr Malami, who doubles as the Minister of Justice, has, on numerous occasions, publicly maintained an uncompromising stance on the enforcement of the financial autonomy of the state legislatures and judiciaries and the validity of the Executive Order 10.

But the governors, who have shown years-long reluctance to implement a system of funds allocation that gives financial freedom to the other arms of government in their states, have gone to court, to challenge the validity of the executive order.

Earlier before the issuance of the Executive Order, the presidential committee, in a 2019 report, accused the state governments of failing to comply with the constitutional provision on the financial autonomy of the two other two arms of government.

As budget performance across 36 states of the federation shows that whilst the least allocations to the state judiciary in the past three years was 0.6 per cent of the budget of the entire state, the highest allocation was 4.89 per cent, and therefore, urge the governors as the heads of the executive arm of government to begin full implementation of the financial autonomy granted the legislature and the judiciary, the report had partly read.

Malami defends Executive Order 10

Meanwhile, while featuring on a Channels Television programme, Politics Today on Wednesday, Mr Malami maintained that section 121(3) of the constitution guaranteeing the financial autonomy of the judiciary and legislature at the state level was a non-negotiable right at both the federal and state levels.

The minister faulted the governors argument against the constitutionality of the Executive Order 10.

He insisted that the order is designed and intended to give enforcement spirit to the autonomy.

In addition to the constitutional amendment, we equally have in place, the Executive Order 10, signed by the President, which, in effect, is designed and intended to give enforcement spirit to the autonomy as contained in Section 121(3).

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Arising therefrom, there were contentions, particularly on the part of the governors as to the application and operation of the provision of Section 121(3) and the Executive Order. And you have, in that respect, an implementation committee, among others.

On the side of the implementation committee, there have been series of engagements, which are ongoing. I think, as a process, we are evolving, the AGF said.

Talks to resolve Executive Order10 rifts have reached advanced stage

The governors, at their meeting on Wednesday said talks had reached an advanced stage with the Ministry of Labour, Conference of Speakers, National Judicial Council (NJC) and the NGF on the Executive Order 10 issue.

All parties are working earnestly to resolve the issues surrounding the implementation of the order.

There are however legal aspects of the order that need to be tied up, but which cannot take place if officials responsible for these final processes are on strike.

Governors are happy to implement the demands of the Judiciary and the Legislature.

JUSUN Strike

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which is the umbrella body of Nigerias judiciary workers, began its nationwide strike on April 6 in protest against the non-implementation of the judiciarys financial autonomy particularly at the state level.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how JUSUN had rejected the 36 state governors proposed template for the implementation of the judiciarys financial autonomy being demanded by the workers.

The governors, in the said proposal, seek the creation of a State Account Allocation Committee (SAAC) to oversee the distribution of funds to the three arms of government at the state level.

But in a communique issued after a May 8 meeting of JUSUNs National Working Committee (NWC), the union insisted on its demand that funds meant for the state judiciaries must be deducted directly from the federation account and paid to the heads of courts through the National Judicial Council (NJC).

It maintained that the provisions of the constitution cannot be negotiated, doctored, manipulated and therefore must be obeyed.

As a condition to end its ongoing strike, the union insisted that all the state judiciaries funds for October 2020 till May 2021 must be deducted directly from the source, the federation account, and paid to the heads of courts through the NJC as prescribed by the constitution.
Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, is dead, HumAngle is reporting.

According to the news platform, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening following the invasion of the terror groups stronghold in the Sambisa forest area by a column of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

ISWAP, which had broken away from the Shekau-led Boko Haram faction in 2016 after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS), raided the groups hideout using multiple gun trucks.

Mr Shekaus enclave was tracked down by ISWAP using its forces based in the Timbuktu Triangle. His fighters were killed in the process, followed by a long gunfire exchange between the invading group and Shekaus bodyguards.

HumAngle gathered that after his bodyguards were subdued, Mr Shekau surrendered and engaged in an hours-long meeting with the ISWAP fighters.

During the parley, he was asked to voluntarily relinquish power and order his fighters in other areas to declare baia (allegiance) to ISWAPs authority. They had expected Shekau to issue a statement.

Sources within the insurgency, however, said that Mr Shekau who secretly had a suicide vest on eventually blew himself up alongside everyone present during the negotiations.

The identities of the people within ISWAPs leadership who lost their lives to the explosion remain unclear at this time.

Mr Shekau had been the leader of Boko Haram since 2009 following the death of the groups founder, Mohammed Yusuf. He had been rumoured to have been killed at least four times between July 2009 and Aug. 2015.

In Aug. 2016, the Nigerian Air Force claimed he had been fatally wounded by military bombardments, but the terror group released a video only a month later showing he was alive and in good health.

Shekau and shifting dynamics

The Sambisa forest area had been a stronghold of the Shekau-led Boko Haram group, also known as the Jamaat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Dawah Wal-Jihad (JAS).

Although confrontation and skirmishes between the two rival factions (JAS and ISWAP) are common, the situation recently spiked to new levels.

The clashes, according to the monitoring of the groups communications, followed attempts to advise Boko Haram about overusing takfir (non-believer) designations or doing so incorrectly.

Seizing Sambisa forest from JAS also holds the promise of offering increased protection to ISWAP fighters from military airstrikes, which its strongholds in the Lake Chad area are prone to.

The recent development comes on the tail of persistent ISWAP attacks on military bases and garrisons as well as events within the group that included the arrival of visitors and reemergence of Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf) as an interim leader.

Abu Musab, a son of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf, previously served as the groups spokesperson. But he later joined a sub-group of fighters, including top lieutenant Mamman Nur, who broke away due to Shekaus rigid methods and extreme position on takfir.

The breakaway faction, now known as ISWAP, moved into the Alagarno and Lake Chad Basin, dislodging or taking over Boko Haram assets in the areas and subsequently becoming the dominant terror group in the axis.

Clashes between both groups not uncommon

According to a study published by Brussels-based International Crisis Group, following their split five years ago, dozens of ISWAP fighters were killed in one such battle in July 2016, near Chukungudu, Nigeria, on the shores of Lake Chad. ISWAP survived, defeating several JAS subgroups and absorbing others.

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The report added that, since then, fighting between the factions has reduced in intensity and the two groups reportedly reached a ceasefire agreement, which included a deal for JAS to free the families of ISWAP commanders that it had been holding since ISWAP broke away.

Occasional clashes still occur, particularly when Mr Shekaus raiders seek to rob and kidnap civilians in ISWAP-controlled areas on the Nigerien and Nigerian shores of Lake Chad, as well as in the Konduga local government area in Nigeria, and ISWAP units try to fend them off, Crisis Group stated.

In February, Al Thabat, an al-Qaeda affiliated media outfit, revealed that a fierce ISWAP-Boko Haram battle took place in a border area between Nigeria and the Niger Republic, where ISWAP lost some of its fighters.

READ ALSO:

HumAngle understands that the battle occurred after ISWAP abducted dozens of women linked to Boko Haram. The group subsequently attacked the ISWAP base and rescued the women.

While it was unusual that the clashes were reported by a third-party terror group with no presence in the region, HumAngle has learned that another segment that broke off from ISWAP had set up an al-Qaeda position in the Lake Chad region.

ISWAPs advance into the traditional Boko Haram enclaves is likely to increase security risks on roads and threats to garrison towns like Maiduguri and Konduga.

Incidentally, if it keeps Sambisa, Alagarno and the Lake under its control, ISWAP can weigh decisively on all major access roads to Maiduguri, said Crisis Group senior analyst Vincent Foucher in a tweet.

The dislodgement of Boko Haram could further create problems for the civilian population and security forces in the receiving locations, considering ISWAPs different approach and increased capacities for warfare.

EDITORS NOTE: We have HumAngles permission to republish this report.
The United States Department of Justice has written a letter to the United States Magistrate Judge in Eastern District of New York, Ramon Reyes, on why it is dangerous to release an aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Abidemi Rufai, on bail.

The Acting U.S. Attorney, Tessa Gorma, in a letter obtained exclusively by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday said Mr Rufai presents an extreme risk of flight and if he does escape to Nigeria, extradition will be extraordinarily difficult or impossible because of his ties to the Nigerian government.

This newspaper reported that the suspect used to work as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abiodun.

He was suspended from office after the report on his alleged involvement in a $350,000 COVID-19 unemployment fraud in the U.S.

Mr Rufai was nabbed while trying to jet out of the U.S. around 7:45 p.m. on May 14 after allegedly using the identities of more than 100 Washington residents to steal more than $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

He allegedly bypassed security systems at the Employment Security Department using a simple feature of Googles free Gmail service.

His attorney, Michael Barrows, on Tuesday, said Mr Rufai denied involvement in these transactions.

Mr Rufai appeared in court on Wednesday but was denied bail because his brother, Alaba Rufai, who is listed in court records, could not afford the $300,000 surety bond for his bail.

Rufais bail dangerous

The Acting U.S. Attorney, Ms Gorma, said in her letter to the court that Mr Rufais history and characteristics weigh heavily in favour of detention, particularly his extensive ties to Nigeria.

By contrast, Rufai has no known contacts to the Western District of Washingtonapart from using the stolen identities of its residents to rob the states coffers. His only known connection with the United States is his brother (one of 15 siblings) who resides in New York.

Rufai has substantial financial resources that will enable his flight. Rufai made the dubious representation to Pretrial Services that his total assets consist of $6,000 in the United States and $10,000 in a Nigerian bank account.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant was preparing to board a first-class flight to Nigeria with five debit cards and two credit cards in his wallet, a luxury Cartier watch, seven pieces of luggage, and three smartphones on his person.

While the government does not have access to his Nigerian financial information at this time, the Amended Complaint sets forth evidence that, during the period of the fraud, a single U.S. bank account in Rufais name received $288,825 in deposits.

Even this partial financial picture makes clear that Rufai has significant financial assets sufficient to facilitate his flight, she said.

Ms Gorma stressed that if the suspect succeeds in fleeing the country, he likely will be gone forever.

It is well known that extradition from Nigeria to the United States is difficult under the best of circumstances. That will be exacerbated in this case because of the strong political connections that earned Rufai a governmental appointment.

The U.S attorneys arguments have precedence: the politician and businessman Buruji Kashamu was charged for drug smuggling in 1998. The U.S .authorities were still struggling to extradite him until his death last year from COVID-19 complications.

Largest fraud ever

According to the letter obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the U.S. government said the weight of evidence against Mr Rufai justified his detention.

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Rufai is accused of being a significant participant in what may have been the largest fraud ever against the Washington state government.

Further, because the fraud relates to a presidentially-declared national emergency and a presidentially-declared major disaster for the State of Washington, each of the five counts carries a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment, a statutory sentencing enhancement of 10 years.

Ms Gorma also explained that different complaints show that Mr Rufai is a prolific fraudster whose schemes have been ongoing for years.

It is noteworthy that Rufais brother, when interviewed by Pretrial Services, was unwilling or unable to provide any information about Rufais business activities in Nigeria. Rufai is highly knowledgeable about obtaining and using large volumes of stolen personal identifiable information and tax and other financial documents.

He is also a sophisticated user of payment systems and financial institutions to obfuscate financial transactions. Since at least 2017, Rufai has used these skills and knowledge to file disaster relief claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and perpetrate schemes involving U.S. tax and business fraud.

Accordingly, Rufai would pose a serious economic danger to the community if released. The cash bond and surrender of travel documents proposed by Pretrial Services are wholly inadequate to reasonably assure the defendants appearance.

The surrender of travel documents is also inadequate. Rufai could use his resources to purchase a fraudulent passport, or even slip over the border without one. Further, the investigation has developed evidence that Rufai is well-acquainted with sophisticated manufacturing and use of fake identification documents and procuring these documents with cryptocurrency such as bitcoin.

His mail is said to have been used for various fraudulent transactions.

For example, on October 18, 2018, Rufai emailed support@secondeyesolution.com and inquired, what i mean is that can you do a master card which i will provide the details and u send me the picture front and back just like you do for drivers license. Rufais email account also contains dozens of order confirmations from the same email address, showing payments in bitcoin.

Given the extensive fraud, Rufai has been able to perpetrate primarily with a computer and an internet connection, there are no conditions that can reasonably assure the Court that he will not cause economic danger to the community if he is released, the letter read.
The Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday affirmed the right of Nigerian states to implement anti-grazing laws in their domains.

This position weakens that of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who had said such a ban is unconstitutional and infringes on the rights of movement enshrined in the nations laws.

The court indicated this when it rejected a suit seeking to compel President Muhammadu Buhari to direct security agencies to enforce the Benue Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Law of 2017.

In her judgment delivered during virtual proceedings, the judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

The judge, in the judgement, also said the enforcement of the anti-grazing law having been validly passed by the Benue House of Assembly, for instance, lies with the state government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge, in dismissing the suit, said the matter is not justiciable, implying that it is not a matter that a court of law can adjudicate on.

Its matter of misconduct not triable by court

For her, the matter of the enforcement of the law borders on the issue of non-compliance with the oath of office and misconduct which the National Assembly is empowered to deal with.

In my view, the courts do not have the jurisdiction to entertain any suit bordering on compliance with the oath of office of the president for the reason that it is not justiciable.

When the person, in this regard, the president, fails to abide by the oath, the National Assembly, in line with the set down procedures, may consider it a misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office and take the appropriate measures under the constitution, the judge ruled.

The suit

The suit was instituted by Mathew Nyiutsa against the President on the grounds that the President, by his oath of office, incurred a mandatory obligation to uphold and preserve the laws of the land.

He, however, said that the president failed to abide by his oath of office when he refused to implement the Benue Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Law.

The plaintiff maintained that despite the existence of the law, herders had remained unrelenting in practising open grazing, engaging in killings and destructions of property in Benue.

He added that the President had failed or refused to enforce the law, in view of his oath of office by using the security and enforcement apparatus within his powers.

Government should enforce the law

Mrs Ojukwu said the case is not one the court can adjudicate on, but added that the enforcement of the anti-grazing law having been validly passed by the Benue House of Assembly, lies with the state government.

It is not the duty of this court to adjudicate on. The plaintiff may have genuine concerns in respect of the facts averred, but there are procedures set out by law to address issues concerning citizens rights and violations.

There is no contest that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching establishment law 2017 was validly passed by the Benue House of Assembly and that the law is still in force, especially as the law has not been struck down by any court of law or court of competent jurisdiction.

The implementation, therefore, lies with the machineries of the state and law enforcement agencies like the police, whose duty is to maintain law and order and to secure lives and properties in accordance with Section Four of the Police Act, she ruled.

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The judge said that it was the responsibility of the people of Benue State and law enforcement agencies and the task force to employ all legitimate means to implement the anti-open grazing law.

According to her, it is not the duty of the defendant, it is only where there is an infraction of the provisions of that law that the court may be invited to impose the prescribed sanctions.

In so far as the president has not issued any executive order, which runs contrary to the said law, this court cannot hold him accountable, the judge said.

Mrs Ojukwu equally held that by the provisions of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, the plaintiff was wrong to have sued the president in his personal capacity on an issue related to the performance of his official responsibilities.

The immunity provided in Section 308 of the Constitution is to protect the occupier of the offices named in the section against the institution of either civil or criminal suit against him/her and from being sued in a personal capacity while in office, she held.

Buhari ought not to have been named

She held that the plaintiff went outside the official capacity by adding the personal name of the person currently occupying the office to the suit as a defendant.

The proper defendant in this case ought to have been the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The life of this suit cannot be sustained if, for any reason, President Muhammadu Buhari ceases to be in office.

This cannot be the position of the law since governance is a continuum and does not terminate because the tenure of office of a particular office holder has elapsed.

She added that the proper defendant in the alternative, should have been the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the defendant on record (Buhari) would have been a nominal party.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Terhemba Agbe, thanked the judge for the judgment saying it was very educating.

Anti-open grazing controversy

The judgment comes amid raging controversy over the recent resolution of southern governors prohibiting open grazing in their states, with AGF Malami, saying such ban would infringe on constitutional right to freedom of movement of the herders.

Speaking for the southern governors, however, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State dismissed the AGFs comment, insisting that the decision banning open grazing in their states was irreversible.

Aside from Benue State, there are other states particularly in the southern part of the country that have put the anti-open grazing law in place to check rampant kidnappings and killings associated with some criminal herders in their domains.

The aspect of Thursdays judgment affirming the power of state governments to enforce the anti-open grazing law in their states comes as impetus for the implementation of such a statute where they are already in place and an inspiration for others to seek to have it.

(NAN)
With the camp upgrade now complete, Marmota will be able to proceed with its planned diamond drilling program.

The camp water storage capacity has now doubled to 90,000 litres.

Ltd ( ) (FRA:43M) has completed a camp infrastructure upgrade at the Aurora Tank gold discovery in the highly prospective and underexplored Gawler Craton, near the Challenger gold mine in the Woomera Prohibited Defence Area of South Australia.

With the camp upgrade now complete, Marmota will be able to proceed with its planned diamond drilling program.

Camp upgrade

This new upgrade involved installing septic tank and wastewater treatment system.

The camp water storage capacity has now doubled to 90,000 litres, which is necessary for the diamond drilling program.

Accelerated Discovery Initiative Phase 2 complete

Separately, Marmota has completed phase 2 of the new accelerated discovery initiative (ADI), including high priority infill sampling of two new strong gold-in-calcrete anomalies that Marmota has just discovered.

Both new strong gold anomalies are in the tenements adjoining Marmotas Aurora Tank gold discovery and adjacent to the same shear zone as the discovery.

Phase 2 was considerably expanded from the around 500 auger drill holes originally planned to 846 auger drill holes after the phase 1 biogeochemical assay results yielded multiple additional anomalous targets.

Some of the biogeochemical gold anomalies appear to be coincident with the gold-in-calcrete anomalies.

Strong gold-in-calcrete anomalies

In March 2021, Marmota completed phase 1 sampling of 1,768 individual new sample locations, covering about 300 square kilometres of ground, extending outwards from the gold discovery at Aurora Tank to the surrounding tenements.

At each sample location, both a calcrete sample (geochemical) and tree leaf sample (biogeochemical) were taken.

The new anomalies are in the Woorong Downs (west) tenement, roughly midway between the Challenger Gold mine (to the west) and Marmotas Aurora Tank gold discovery.

Both Challenger and Aurora Tank were found by testing near surface calcrete for anomalous gold, an indicator of gold below surface.

The new gold anomalies are adjacent to the same NE shear zone as the Aurora Tank gold discovery where Marmota has yielded multiple 1-metre intersections over 100 g/t gold, all close to surface, including most recently, its best-ever result of 165 g/t gold over 1 metre (about 57 metres from surface).

New assay results for the Woorong Downs ADI calcrete sampling have yielded two new strong gold-in-calcrete anomalies, namely of 40 ppb gold and 27 ppb gold (on a 400 metres grid).

The highest ever gold-in-calcrete result recorded at the Aurora Tank (Goshawk) discovery was 38 ppb gold, including all detailed in-fill sampling down to a 50 metres grid size.

No such infill has been carried out yet at Woorong Downs as the phase 1 data is sourced purely from a wide-spaced 400 metres regional grid.

The anomalous gold samples also feature elevated levels of copper, bismuth, molybdenum and uranium, which are likely to assist target identification once the infill sampling results are available.

Phase 2 assay results

The extent of such overlay will be vastly more apparent when the phase 2 assay results are received with the significantly increased density of data arriving.

All phase 2 samples (calcrete and biogeochemical) have been dispatched to the respective laboratories.

The company looks forward to receiving assays as a priority, albeit noting that the labs are extremely busy at the moment.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its meeting on Wednesday, approved a total sum of N8.8 billion for the completion of the Bagwai irrigation project in Kano State and the Biu water supply project in Borno State.

The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, told State House correspondents after the virtual FEC meeting presided by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the Bagwai irrigation project was stalled due to lack of funds.

Today, I presented two memos to the FEC; both of these memos are requesting for augmentation for existing and ongoing projects; one for irrigation and one for water supply.

The first one was for expansion and completion of the Bagwai Irrigation Project on Watari Dam in Bagwai local government area of Kano state; we have sought for an augmentation of N3.76 billion, which was approved.

The contract has been ongoing and at some point suspended because of lack of funding.

It was awarded to Messrs Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited; mobilised in 2006 for an initial period of two years; the scope of work was a special irrigation scheme involving 872 hectares.

We have done an audit, in line with our policy since the inception of this administration and since I came into office in 2015, whereby we are laying more emphasis on completion of ongoing and abandoned projects.

Therefore, council was gracious to approve this augmentation with the sum of N3.762 billion, bringing the new contract sum to N9.2 billion from N5.4 billion, inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT, with an additional completion period of 24 months plus another 12 months liability period.

He said that the second memo was a request for augmentation for the Biu Water Supply Project that started in 2001.

Mr Adamu said the project ran into a lot of problems, mainly associated with funding and the Boko Haram insurgency.

So, we sought for an augmentation; there were two contracts; Lots one and two, which have now been merged into one contract in favour of Nalado Nigeria Limited, who are the contractors for one of the Lots, the minister said.

But because the contractor for Lot one has decided to opt out of the contract, we sought approval of the Bureau of Public Procurement and the other company that was doing the Lot; Nalado Nigeria Limited, agreed to take over the Lot which was being executed by Mothercat.

So, the total augmentation, like I said, is N5.063 billion, bringing the contracts sum now to N9.36 billion from N4.29 billion, inclusive 7.5 per cent VAT, with a new completion period of 24 months.

We hope that these projects will be implemented in earnest and hopefully, we will be able to get them completed by 2023 for the overall benefit of the people.

He said it was prudent to complete the projects rather than embark on new ones because a lot of investment had already been made and the investment would be lost if the projects were abandoned.

If we are not able to complete them to a logical conclusion to ensure that the people they are meant for directly benefit from them, then it would have been a lost investment.

That is why we are laying a lot of emphasis on completion of ongoing and abandoned projects. We have made a lot of progress in that regard since 2015 or 2016, he said.

(NAN)

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The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), as part of its first cohort of Tertiary Education Grants Scheme, has provided a N1 billion grant to the University of Maiduguri towards the development of a Centre for Innovation and Product Development at the UNIMAID Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (UM-CEED) Complex.

This was announced during the presentation of the grant award by ASR Africa to the University management in Maiduguri.

Speaking at the presentation, Aliyu Idi Hong, representing the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said that the ASR Africa Initiative had already begun the disbursement of its tertiary education grants to the 6 universities in its first cohort with the University of Maiduguri being the third to benefit after Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Ibadan.

He further disclosed that the project initiation process and development of mutual accountability frameworks to guide the grant usage for the Universitys Centre for Innovation and Product Development will commence immediately.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Aliyu Shugaba praised the Founder of the Initiative, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his consistent commitment to social good and philanthropy.

The Vice-Chancellor also extolled the good works ASR Africa is doing in various communities across Africa and thanked the philanthropist for the grant. He furthermore reassured the representatives that the University Management, Staff and Students will be forever be grateful to ASR Africa for this gesture.

University of Maiduguri is one of the six Nigerian Universities in a first cohort that will benefit from a donation of N1 billion each from the ASR Africa Initiative as part of its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme.

ABOUT ASR AFRICA

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative seeks to support sustainable development initiatives in the Health, Education and Social Development within Nigeria and the rest of Africa, every year. For more information visit asrafrica.org or email asrafrica[at]buagroup[dot]com
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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved N805.7 million for the purchase of equipment to enhance security at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, Abuja.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, briefed journalists after a virtual FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

You will recall that from 2011 upwards, there have been various attacks on federal government institutions and even multilateral institutions just like UN headquarters building, Mr Mohammed said.

Consequent upon those attacks in 2011, 2014, 2018, the federal government set up what is called the Vulnerability Assessment Committee to see how we can better protect ministries, departments and agencies.

It is in line with that, (that) the EFCC, today, presented to council, a memo seeking approval for the procurement of four sets of automatic and static anti crash system with automatic scanners and other accessories.

He gave other items as 900 linear metres fence intrusion detection system, human screening equipment, four workflow metal detectors, two hand-held metal scanners, one luggage scanner and three hand-held explosive trace detectors.

All at a value of N805.7 million inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT with the completion period of 12 weeks.

Mr Mohammed said that the second memo, which the president presented to council for approval, was for the procurement of 16 vehicles for the use of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

You know we have 16 members of the FCSC, the chairman and 15 commissioners representing the states and they normally embark on extensive advocacy visits and routine oversight functions to ministries, departments and agencies across the country.

So, they asked for a replacement of the old unserviceable vehicles and council duly approved they purchase one Toyota land cruiser, V8, and 15 Toyota Rush all at a total of N336 million, he said.

He added that the federal government was concerned about labour unrest in Kaduna and was working towards an amicable resolution of the issues with little loss to productivity and property.

(NAN)
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The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute between the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Kaduna State government.

The NLC had declared a five-day warning strike in Kaduna over the state governments plan to sack civil servants.

After three days of the strike grounding socio-economic activities in the state, the labour union announced that it was suspending the action to allow the federal government to mediate in the dispute.

Speaking for the first time on the dispute on Thursday, the NSCIA, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Saad, said it was disturbed by the unfortunate ongoing industrial actions and hardening of positions by the parties.

The Councils Director of Administration, Zubairu Usman-Ugwu, in a statement, said: Though industrial actions are lawful means of seeking rights from the government, the current strike in Kaduna State is unfortunate, inauspicious and capable of compounding the already precarious situations prevailing in Kaduna State.

The NSCIA said the country already face enormous challenges in the widespread insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Council is concerned that, if the issue is not swiftly resolved with tact and wisdom by all sides, it might not only compound the suffering of the already traumatised citizens of Kaduna State, but may also even spin out of control and snowball into (an) unforeseen national tragedy of immense proportions with unpleasant consequences across the state and beyond.

READ ALSO: NLC assures of peaceful strike in Kaduna

It is in the light of the above that the Council hereby appeals to all parties especially the Kaduna State Government and the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to exercise restraints and embrace negotiation as the best approach for resolving this avoidable crisis that has created tension and distraction for both parties from the lofty goals being pursued for the benefit of the citizens.

One of the qualities of the community of believers in God is described by Allah as those who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation [Quran 42:38]. The recourse to round table discussion with sincerity and patriotism will bring about a win-win solution for all the critical stakeholders to the relief of the general public whom both parties love to serve.

May Almighty Allah grant both parties the patience and wisdom to incline towards (a) rapid peaceful resolution of this rift, the NSCIA said.
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The Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into human rights violation committed by the police has ordered the states Hospitals Management Board to release the corpse of Kehinde Omotoso to his family for burial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Omotoso, a trader, died in police custody on July 21, 2020 after he was arrested by police officers attached to Area Command in Iyaganku, Ibadan.

He was said to have been arrested instead of his nephew for an alleged offence.

The panel, which was set up in the aftermath of last years #EndSARS protests against police brutality, gave the order for the release of Mr Omotosos corpse after the defence counsel, Olokooba Jimoh, closed her case.

The defence lawyer closed her case with the testimony of Shuaib Ibrahim, a police inspector, who was one of the police officers that arrested Mr Omotoso.

Mr Ibrahim confirmed to the panel during cross-examination that nothing incriminating was found in the house of the deceased when it was searched.

Order for release of corpse, recommendation to follow

Toyese Owoade, counsel representing the family of the deceased, had earlier applied for an order for the release of the corpse to the family for burial.

The panel, chaired by former Oyo State Chief Judge, Badejoko Adeniji, granted the request and ordered the hospital management board to release the corpse to the family.

Corpse still in mortuary

Mr Adeniji further said that the panel would make its recommendations on the matter later.

The panel had earlier summoned Olawale Oladimeji, a doctor at the State General Hospital, to clarify issues on the location of the corpse and the condition of Mr Omotoso when he was brought to the hospital.

Mr Oladimeji testified that Mr Omotoso was brought to the hospital dead on July 21, 2020 around 11:15a.m. by Shuaibu Ibrahim, a police sergeant of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan.

He said what the hospital did was to confirm him dead as there was no sign of life in him.

He added that the corpse was then moved to the hospital morgue and kept there till date.

NAN reports that the family of the deceased had lodged a complaint on the Flagit App of Akin Fadeyi Foundation immediately after his death.

The foundation then contacted Afe Babalola chambers to take over the matter.

(NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the governments commitment to free and fair elections would be followed through in every future election.

The president, who stated this during an interactive session with some Nigerians in Paris, France, on Wednesday, explained that the bedrock of democracy remains sustenance of the multi-party structure with trust from citizens.

He noted that results from elections since he assumed office had been a mixed bag, with the peoples choice playing out, promising to keep the template that had brought more credibility to the electoral process.

Free and fair election is a great concern. In the last elections, our party lost in some elections and it reflects our position of non-interference.

Normally, those in power will win by hook or by crook. We believe in free and fair elections. I have respect for Nigerians to choose their leaders.

We have shown we respect our citizens by allowing them to choose their leaders.

We gave instructions to security to deal with anyone who uses thugs to disrupt electoral processes.

What I can assure you is that you can walk about and around with your head raised high that this administration is committed to multi-party system, he said.

Mr Buhari said he had watched Nigerians spend long hours in campaigns listening to candidates since 2003, 2007, 2011, when he contested elections and lost, and 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, which he won.

Nigerians deserve respect. I have suffered before, so I know what it means.

My duty is to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all my heart. I assure that in spite of the ill luck, with drop in resources, we will do our best, he added.

The president said investments had been channelled into the agricultural sector, with visible results, explaining that the policy on border closure to neighbouring countries was to protect the economy and improve security.

The future of Nigeria is in agriculture, he said.

On security, Mr Buhari said all the service chiefs were changed in order to inject new energy and ideas into protecting the country, adding that the security chiefs were also given clear targets and time lines.

We will educate people to develop our country.

Our greatest resources are our people and educating them is a priority, he added.

In his remarks, Nigerian Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro, appreciated the president for always creating time to interact with Nigerians, describing him as the most-friendly President to Nigerians in Diaspora.

At the meeting, Nigerians in Paris raised issues with the president on security, voting in elections, economy and education.

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(NAN)
West Africas verification and fact-checking platform, Dubawa, has concluded plans to induct 26 fellows into its 2021 cohort of fact-checkers to combat misinformation in the sub-region.

The platform, under the aegis of the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), announced the commencement of the yearly fellowship in Abuja on May 17, 2021.

Now in its third year, the 2021 fellowship is christened Kwame Karikari Fact-Checking and Research Fellowship in honour of Ghanaian Professor, Kwame Karikari.

Twenty-six successful applicants, drawn from over 200 applications in The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, will from Tuesday, May 18, undergo training that will equip them in combating the widespread regime of misinformation in the West African sub-region.

Upon completion and evidence of competence after a ten-course module the participants will graduate into the six months in-country fellowship, Dubawa programme manager, Adedeji Adekunle, said in a statement.

Mr Adekunle said the training faculty for the programme are drawn from a pool of the leading global experts in the field of fact-checking who come with individual and organizational talents which includes Peter Cunliffe-Jones, founder of Africa Check, and current course co-director/researcher at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom; Youri van der Weide, researcher and trainer at the global investigative organisation, Bellingcat; and Craig Silverman, author, trainer, and the digital editor, at BuzzFeed.

Others are Kwame Karikari, former professor, School of Communications, University of Ghana, Legon and Chairman of the Board of the Daily Graphic newspaper in Accra; Chido Onumah, coordinator of the African Centre for Information and Media Literacy, AFRICMIL; Kemi Busari, Editor of DUBAWA; Deji Adekunle, DUBAWA Programme Manager; Caroline Anipah, Ghana Programme Lead for DUBAWA; and Dapo Olorunyomi, Executive Director for the PTCIJ.

Participants at the course will learn about the accountability journalism ecosystem in the sub-region; how to fix the current information disorder through legal, regulatory responses and through misinformation literacy.

They will also learn fact-checking methodology, the skills and steps involved in fact-checking, ethics of journalism and fact-checking; data presentation and analysis for fact-checking, media literacy, monitoring and analysis of social media content and accounts; investigating websites, as well as freedom of information/right to Information laws in West Africa and the verification of digital tools.

Named after Professor Kwame Karikari, redoubtable media freedom advocate and founder of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the fellowship is inspired by the need to tackle the menace of mis- and dis-information within the sub-region and beyond.

About DUBAWA:

DUBAWA is an independent, transparent and non-partisan verification and fact-checking platform, initiated by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) in 2018.

Dubawa aims at instituting a culture of truth and verification in public discourse and journalism through strategic partnerships between the media, government, civil society organisations, technology giants and the public.

Follow Dubawa on:

Twitter: DubawaNG, DubawaGH, DubawaSL

Facebook: Dubawa

Website: www.Dubawa.org

Instagram: Dubawa_official

LinkedIn: Dubawa

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For more information about the Fellowship, contact us: contact@dubawa.org
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The National Assembly Joint Committee on Police Affairs has approved the 2021 budget of N74 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).

The Executive Secretary of NPTF, Ahmad Sokoto, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Police Affairs.

According to him, the N74 billion budget captured all the demands of the fund which include training and retraining of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the budget would ensure procurement of the state of the art equipment for the police, assuring that the equipment would enhance the skills of the police personnel.

I am assuring you that the Police Trust Fund will leave no stone unturned in carrying out our assigned responsibilities for better policing of Nigeria, he said.

(NAN)
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The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has dismissed as untrue, the alleged assassination plan Ahmed Isa, the Berekete Family show anchor, said was planned against him by the outfit and its reporter, Peter Nkanga, including some unnamed persons.

It also said it stood by Mr Nkanga, and journalism over a documentary it recently released, which showed the popular Nigerian broadcaster hitting an interviewee during his show.

The BBC had apparently been given access to the show so as to give readers an insight into the activities of Mr Isah, popularly known as Ordinary President, who is known for his human rights advocacy for the less privileged members of the Nigerian society.

The relationship turned ugly when the BBC later aired the documentary on Mr Isahs human rights advocacy but also showed him hitting an interviewee during his show.

The controversy had deepened later when Mr Isah, in a subsequent show accused the outfit, Mr Nkanga and some unnamed persons of planning to kill him

The BBC stands by its reporters and journalism. We strongly refute these absurd allegations made by Ahmad Isa(h) that we were involved in an assassination attempt. Since the BBC investigation exposed Ahmads conduct he has apologised for his assault on the woman in the film. BBC Africa Eye is valued as a trustworthy and impartial source of news across the region and we will continue to hold power to account, the organisation wrote to PREMIUM TIMES in a response to the allegations that Mr Nkanga and the BBC crew planned with unnamed persons to eliminate Mr Isah.

Efforts to reach Mr Nkanga earlier to get his reactions to the controversy have been unsuccessful as he did not pick his calls or respond to messages.

Background

Mr Isah came under public scrutiny after a BBC documentary which premiered on May 17, 2021, showed him losing control and slapping a lady identified as Susan.

Susan was accused of burning her little nieces hair whom she claimed is a witch. From the documentary, the little girl suffered burns on her head.

After a public outcry, Mr Isah on Wednesday morning during the show apologised to Nigerians for his violent reaction. He was joined by several listeners, some of whom called in to apologise on his behalf.

Allegations

Meanwhile, while apologising on the Brekete show, Mr Isah accused some unnamed persons, whom he said were being aided by Mr Nkanga and his BBC crew of plotting to kill him.

Mr Isah, who did not provide any evidence, said someone called to warn him not to visit Anambra to follow up on an investigation mentioned in the documentary as there were plans to attack him.

According to him,  I got a security call from someone in Anambra asking me not to come, that the people who were pressuring me had planned to kill me

During the show, Mr Isah said the warning made him abandon the plan to visit Anambra. He also said he became suspicious when Mr Nkanga appeared to be unusually interested in the Anambra investigation.

Mr Isah was referring to a story of eight young boys who were allegedly abducted from their homes in Anambra State 20 years ago by a ex-senator of Anambra North.

According to the BBC documentary, these boys were taken from their homes for allegedly throwing fireworks at the ex-senator who responded by sending vigilantes to round them and since 2001, no one has seen them.
The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has appealed to the Kaduna State Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to tow the path of peace.

The forum, chaired by the Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, made this known in a communique issued at the end of its meeting on Wednesday.

On the Labour crisis in Kaduna State, the NGF noted that it stands with the Governor of Kaduna State in his quest to improve the productivity of workers and their rights for a better quality of life.

NGF recognizes that what is happening in Kaduna State, will reverberate in each of the States and encourages the Governor of Kaduna and all other Governors to remain steadfast in the pursuit of human rights protection while ensuring that actions taken do not undermine the safety and security of lives.

NGF appeals to both parties in Kaduna State to resolve the issues in the interest of the State as the protection of human rights for the collective good of all citizens and growth of our dear country, Nigeria, is what matters most, the communique read.

The face-off between the state government and the NLC heightened after the union commenced a five-day warning strike to protest the governments plans to lay off some of its civil servants on Monday.

The government, on the other hand, said it will not shift grounds, stating that the measure is to lessen the fiscal burden of the state.

The NLC, however, suspended the industrial action on Wednesday after the intervention of the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, who requested parties to sheathe swords for a federal government-mediated negotiation to hold in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the NGF has resolved to put the necessary legal frameworks and institutions in place for States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS).

SFTAS is a World Bank support and intervention designed to support Nigerian states implement a Fiscal Sustainability Plan.

The forum said this in a communique issued on Wednesday night after its 30th teleconference.

It also agreed on the need for states to meet their SFTAS obligations.

It noted that the governors at the meeting received presentations from the World Bank team led by the Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, on the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus  Programme for Results (Nigeria CARES) and SFTAS.

It stated that the World Bank team commended the commitment and actions of state governors for establishing and resourcing CARES programme State Coordinating Units under their ministries of Planning.

It stated that the bank, however, requested the governors additional support in areas such as the adoption of a fund release policy for improved predictability of resources flow to CARES delivery MDAs.

The bank also called for governors support on adoption and institutionalisation of protocols for reporting, management and investigation of fraud and corruption in MDAs implementing CARES.

Other areas of expected support include the release of 2021 State budgets to MDAs for the commencement of CARES-related activities.

The Bank also urged the support of governors to ensure that their ministries of finance and ministries of justice fast track the execution of subsidiary agreements for the CARES programme, said the communique.

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It noted that updates on the SFTAS programme showed that targets for results and disbursements on the 2018 and 2019 Annual Performance Assessments (APA) and new COVID-19 2020 Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) had been exceeded.

For the SFTAS 2020 APA and new COVID-19 DLIs, all 36 states are on track to fully meet the eligibility criteria of having a National Chart of Account (NCOA) compliant FY2021 budget published online by January 31, 2021.

Under the SFTAS Programme for Results, 23 States have already passed strong state-level debt legislation, it said.

The legislation stipulates the responsibilities for contracting, recording/reporting state debt; as well as state fiscal and debt rules/limits.

The forum, however, said a strong collective commitment was made for the remaining 13 States to pass such state-level debt legislation by December 31.

This was to help Nigeria successfully meet the World Bank Sustainable Debt Financing Policy (SDFP) by strengthening debt management, debt transparency and fiscal responsibility at the state level.

The communique added that NGF SFTAS Programme Lead, Olanrewaju Ajogbasile, provided key lessons that accounted for the success of performing states in the implementation of the SFTAS programme.

These, according to Mr Ajogbasile, included the institutionalisation of a steering committee, high-level monitoring and ownership.

It also included regular briefings to the state governor or state executive council; a dedicated budget under the ministry of finance to support SFTAS operations.

It also includes an incentivised environment for state government officials working on SFTAS activities, and provision of basic ICT infrastructure arrangements for focal MDAs to ensure that they are able to access remote technical assistance and meet reform actions in time.

The communique added that Mr Fayemi, briefed the forum on an ongoing consolidation exercise between NGF and the Budget Office of the Federation to consolidate public finance data of the federal, states and local governments into a national budget portal.

Mr Fayemi urged his colleagues to share details of their local government budgets and financial statements in addition to State government data already published.

It added that the forum received a presentation from Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Nanono, on the second phase of farmer enumeration for the Agric for Food and Jobs Plan (AFJP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AFJP is a component of the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on June 24, 2020.

The programme is designed to help mitigate the impact of COVID 19 on smallholder farmers and the entire agricultural value chain.

The second phase of the enumeration targets the registration of up to 10 million farmers in the AFJP database.

To boost food production, 2.4 million smallholder farmers were initially targeted for registration to be provided with input funding, with about 30,000 N power (N Agro) graduates engaged and trained to carry out the farmer registration.
Zijin Mining Group from China launches Garatau Platinum Mine in South Africa, bringing jobs to local community

15:56, May 20, 2021 By Wang Lei ( People's Daily Online

Johannesburg, May 19 (People's Daily Online) -- The China-headquartered Zijin Mining Group, through its subsidiary Nkwe Platinum, on May 13 announced the start of development at its Garatau platinum-group metals (PGMs) mine, in Limpopo, South Africa.

Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha commends the leadership of Nkwe Platinum Mine and Zijin Mining Group. (Photo courtesy of Nkwe Platinum)

Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha has commended the leadership of the Nkwe Platinum Mine and Zijin Mining Group for their investment in the establishment of the Garatau Platinum Mine, saying it will create much-needed jobs for the people of Sekhukhune, and contribute significantly towards the governments efforts to reduce the unemployment rate and fight poverty.

Mining operations at Garatau are due to begin at the end of this month with the construction of the box-cut, which will make way for the decline shaft development towards the end of this year.

The annual average processing capacity of Garatau is expected to yield 3.6 million tonnes of ore once full capacity is achieved in several years time. The life of the mine is estimated to be more than 29 years. Nkwe Platinum Limited is expected to rank amongst the top ten platinum suppliers in the world after the project goes into full production.

The mine will offer jobs, training and education. It will develop infrastructure and provide financial and social upliftment to local communities, the municipal district and the Province of Limpopo, noted MD and CEO of Nkwe Platinum Limited, Mr Zhiyu Fan.

MD and CEO of Nkwe Platinum Limited Zhiyu Fan addresses the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Nkwe Platinum)

As part of the mines first generation social and labour plan (SLP), some R18 million has already been invested in the upgrading of the Garatau Community Access Road. The upgraded road connects the HC Boshoff Hospital to Ga-Makwae village and has been used by local communities since December 2020.

Nkwe Platinum Limited has further invested over R14.5 million into Adult Training and Education, Learnerships and Bursaries, which have benefited the surrounding mine communities.

We believe that the development of enterprises is closely related to the sustainable development of our surrounding communities. Through education, medical treatment, industrial support, infrastructure construction and disaster relief, we can develop and work together in a mutually beneficial and harmonious way for the benefit of all, noted Fan.

In October 2020, the second generation SLP was approved, which will see further local economic development (LED) projects in the form of clean water supply to the local mine communities over the next few years. The water supply project has already commenced with the supply of water tanks and re-equipping of water boreholes.

(Photo courtesy of Nkwe Platinum)

Laichang Zou, President of Zijin, stressed that under the principle of Common Development, the company is building an ESG system to international standards to ensure coordinated development between the company, its employees and the wider society. Zijin strives to create a shared future between the projects and its host communities. He believes that the commencement of the project means more and more people will now benefit from it.

As a priority, Nkwe Platinum Limited will employ people from local communities for all projects where possible, and will continue to provide bursaries and learnership programs for students from the local community, provide community donations to alleviate poverty and provide support to local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We look forward to the support from all our stakeholders, including our local communities, national, provincial, and local government and regulatory authorities, concluded Fan.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji)
Securities will remain halted until Monday, May 24 or when an announcement is released to the market.

Last month, APC awarded the bore-field drilling contract for developing its Lake Wells SOP project to Pentium Hydro Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vysarn Limited (ASX:VSY).

( ) has been granted a trading halt by the ASX with an announcement pending in regard to a proposed capital raising.

The halt will remain in place until the beginning of regular trade on Monday, May 24, or when an announcement is released to the market, whichever occurs earliest.

Directors demonstrate confidence

Earlier this month, the directors of the company demonstrated their confidence in the companys potash strategy by acquiring more shares.

Managing director and CEO Matt Shackleton increased his holding to 8.52 million shares following the purchase of shares worth $45,946.50 in a rights issue and non-executive chairman Jim Walker added shares worth $59,999.94 by participating in a placement.

Walker now holds 1.25 million APC shares.

Bore field drilling contract awarded

Last month, Australian Potash awarded the production bore-field drilling contract for the development of Lake Wells Sulphate of Potash Project (LSOP) near Laverton in Western Australia.

This key contract has been awarded to Pentium Hydro Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vysarn Limited (ASX:VSY).
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The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has invited Ahmed Isah, the Chief Executive Officer of Human Rights Radio and presenter of the popular Brekete Family Show, for assaulting an interviewee.

Ekanem Antia, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, NBC, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja.

The NBC, as a regulatory body for broadcast media, is concerned over the recent happening at the Human Rights Radio and deemed it fit to invite Isah, he said.

The deputy director further explained that the invitation would enable the commission to know the circumstances surrounding the situation that led to the assault of a female interviewee at the Brekete show studio.

As a regulatory body for the broadcast media, the NBC cannot overlook this, Mr Antia said.

Broadcasting should guarantee fairness for all citizens and a broadcaster should grant a right of reply to every citizen before passing judgment.

That is why the commission decided to send a letter of invitation to the CEO of Human Rights Radio and the anchor of the popular Brekete Family radio programme, Ahmed Isah, to come to NBC and explain the circumstances surrounding his actions.

Mr Antia, therefore, urged broadcasters to recognise the power they have and exercise such with great responsibility and sensitivity.

He also appealed to broadcasters to focus on programmes that address issues concerning peace and patriotism and proffer solutions.

READ ALSO: apologises

The deputy director added that broadcasters should see themselves as positive change agents, who have the responsibility to foster progress and peace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Isah, known as Ordinary President, was captured in a new BBC Africa Eye documentary slapping a woman who allegedly set a young girls hair on fire over witchcraft allegation.

She reportedly tied the girls hands and legs, poured kerosene on her head and ignited a fire.

Fortunately, the child is alive but her head suffered severe damage.

While presenting the Brekete show on Wednesday, Mr Isah apologised for his actions asking the victim and his regulator, the NBC, to forgive him.

(NAN)
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Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has tackled the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over his comment that the decision to ban open grazing by southern governors is unconstitutional.

Mr Akeredolu also said the decision of the governors is irreversible.

His response to Mr Malami was made available to journalists on Thursday morning by his spokesperson, Olabode Richard.

Mr Akeredolu wrote as the leader of the Southern Governors Forum.

He said it is most unfortunate that the AGF is unable to distil issues as expected of a Senior Advocate. Nothing can be more disconcerting.

This outburst should, ordinarily, not elicit a response from reasonable people who know the distinction between a legitimate business that is not in any way injurious and a certain predilection for anarchy, said Mr Akeredolu, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Clinging to an anachronistic model of animal husbandry, which is evidently injurious to the harmonious relationship between the herders and the farmers as well as the local populace, is wicked and arrogant.

Comparing this anachronism, which has led to loss of lives, farmlands and property, and engendered untold hardship on the host communities, with buying and selling of auto parts is not only strange. It, annoyingly, betrays a terrible mindset, he said.

Mr Akeredolu also urged Mr Malami to approach the court to challenge the legality of the Laws of the respective States banning open grazing and decision of the Southern Governor Forum taken in the interest of their people.

We shall be most willing to meet him in Court. The decision to ban open grazing stays. It will be enforced with vigour.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Malami, who spoke on Channels Televisions Politics Today Programme on Wednesday, said the decision of the governors does not align with the provisions of the Constitution, hence it does not hold water.

Open grazing is the archaic practice of moving ruminant animals in open fields, plains and bushes, in search of pasture or foliage.

The system, in the last few years, has triggered conflicts between host communities and migrant herders, leading to several deaths in many states.

Due to this, in some South-west states, locals are demanding the eviction of herders.
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The governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has explained why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Ayade, a professor, on Thursday, joined the APC at the Cross River State Executive Council Chamber, Governors Office in Calabar, after a two-hour meeting with seven APC governors led by the partys interim chairman and governor of Yobe State, Mala Buni.

Giving reasons for his action, Mr Ayade highlighted the character attributes of President Muhammadu Buhari and the realisation that Cross River, which has been emasculated economically following the ceding of its oil wells years ago, needed to be in sync with the party at the centre.

Having seen and known the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his commitment to this country, his nationalistic disposition and all the efforts he has made to bring Nigeria to where we are today, it is obvious that at this point we needed to join hands with him to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of, Mr Ayade said.

We need all governors to recognise that it is not party that matters, It is character, it is honor, it is commitment to the vision of this great nation. We all need to as a team work ahead of the president by working towards building a prosperous country that the succession worries of 2023 will come without the fears and the worries the international community has for us.

I believe that if everyone of us as governor joins hands with Mr President, I think we can sit on the same dining table and fashion out a way to govern this country.

Mr Buni, while speaking on Mr Ayades defection, said he and his team were in the state to formally welcome the governor to the APC.

I am here on behalf of the APC family to welcome His Excellency the Executive Governor of Cross River State formally to the APC. As from today, he is the leader of the party in the state, Mr Buni said.

Other APC governors who witnessed the event were Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Solomon Lalong of Plateau State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and his Jigawa state counterpart, Mohammed Abubakar.

Also present was the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylvia.

Others at the meeting were the state deputy governor, Ivara Esu, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Eteng Jones and some members of the National Assembly.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved four Nigerian airports as special economic zones (SEZs), the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this on Thursday.

SEZ is an area in a country that has different economic regulations than other regions within the same country. The SEZ economic regulations tend to help attract foreign direct investment.

When businesses are conducted in an SEZ, there are typically additional economic advantages for them, such as tax incentives and the opportunity to pay lower tariffs.

The approved airports are Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport.

I am very glad to announce that Mr President has approved our four International Airports as Special Economic Zones. These are Lagos, Kano, Abuja & Port Harcourt. Our roadmap working, the minister wrote

https://twitter.com/hadisirika/status/1395257952550985729?s=08

On Wednesday, Mr Sirika announced a new national carrier will commence operation in the first quarter of 2022.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic caused the postponement of the planned date for the establishment of the national carrier that was initially slated for the end of 2021.

The airline is potentially poised to cater to millions of travelers in Nigeria and Africa, he added.

In 2018, he unveiled the name and logo of the new national carrier, Nigeria Air, at the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The project was later suspended indefinitely.
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The Federal High Court, in Abuja, on Thursday, ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay N1 million to Babajide Adelekan for the violation of his right.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Adelekan, then Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan in Oyo State, was arrested when he visited his bank in 2018 to find out why his account was frozen.

In a judgment delivered via Zoom, the judge, Ifeoma Ojukwu, held that the EFCC failed to prove why Mr Adelekan was arrested and detained.

The judge held that the EFCC failed to lay credible evidence before it to prove the legitimacy of the arrest and detention of the applicant.

On the claim by the EFCC that the applicant was arrested based on several petitions lodged against him, the judge said there was no concrete evidence before the court to establish the claim.

His arrest and detention exceeded what is reasonable and amounts to a violation of his right to liberty and movement.

I hereby make a declaration that the arrest and detention of the applicant constitute a violation of his rights as enshrined in Section 35 of the Constitution.

In law, any deprivation of liberty or rights of a citizen attracts a penalty.

She ordered the anti-graft agency to, in addition to paying the sum of N1 million to the applicant, release his passport and refrain from any action inimical to his rights.

Earlier

The judgment came less than three months after the Federal High Court in Abuja awarded N50million damages against the EFCC in favour of a defendant, Babatunde Morakinyo, who was unlawfully re-arrested by the commissions operatives last year.

The judge, Inyang Ekwo, ruled that the anti-graft agency abused its powers by re-arresting Mr Morakinyo after he was granted bail by another judge of the court, Ahmed Mohammed, on March 19, 2020.

Mr Ekwo ordered the commission to publish a public apology to Mr Morakinyo in two national dailies within 14 days for trampling on his rights when he was re-arrested on the court premises in Abuja shortly after he was released on bail.

The commission had claimed that Mr Morakinyo was rearrested for another charge filed against him in the Lagos Division of the court.

But Mr Ekwo dismissed the commissions excuse for the rearrest.

Although the arrests leading to the awards against the EFCC did not happen under the watch of its new chair, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a PREMIUM TIMES report published days after his appointment had highlighted respect for human rights as one of the 10 things Nigerians expected from him.

(NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, returned to Abuja from Paris, France, where he attended African Finance Summit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential aircraft, conveying the president and some of his aides, landed at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 3.52 p.m.

While in Paris, the Nigerian leader participated fully in the Financing Africa Summit, held at Grande Palais Ephemere on Tuesday, with the theme: External Financing and debt Treatment.

The president also engaged in various bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

At the opening of the summit on Tuesday, Mr Buhari called on European countries and global financial institutions to consider reducing the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic on African economies by restructuring debt portfolios and providing complete debt relief.

He observed that many African countries were already experiencing debt distress and the debt service suspension by France and the G-20 was not far-reaching enough.

Mr Buhari also stressed the need for more sustainable and affordable financing solutions, including debt relief and further debt restructuring.

He also called for the release of vaccines to Africa which, he said, had been left behind in the protection of the majority of its citizens.

On May 19, Mr Buhari and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, engaged in bilateral talks, where they both agreed to cooperate in fighting insecurity

The two leaders expressed the countries commitment to working together to fight insecurity bedevilling the Lake Chad basin area and the entire Sahel.

Mr Macron, who hosted the Nigerian leader on the margins of the Financing Africa Summit in Paris, pledged his unflinching support for Nigeria and its people regarding the security challenges currently facing the country.

He also met with some investors, including the Chairman/CEO of Total, Patrick Pouyanne, Executive Vice President, AirBus, Silvere Delaunay and Chairman of the Board of a software company, Daussault Systems, Florence Verzelen.

Others were Chairman/CEO of General Engineering and Marketing of Telecommunications Operator, Francois-Regis Teze and Chairman/CEO, Donaflex Automotive, Donatus Nwokoye, a very successful manufacturer.

The Nigerian leader urged the investors to further explore the vast opportunities of human and natural resources in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Buharis last official engagement in Paris was the interactive session with some Nigerians in France, where he assured them of his administrations commitment to free and fair elections in the country.

According to him, the bedrock of democracy remains sustenance of the multi-party structure, with trust from citizens.

He noted that results from elections since he assumed office had been a mixed bag, with the peoples choice playing out, promising to keep the template that had brought more credibility to the countrys electoral process.

(NAN)

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The National Economic Council (NEC) has received an update on the federation accounts from the Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

The update was presented on Thursday at a virtual NEC meeting presided by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and anchored from the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State briefed State House correspondents after the meeting.

At todays NEC meeting which was chaired by the vice president, I have the briefing that was presented by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

So, they gave us a balance on the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and the balance as at May 18 stood at $72.4 million and on the Stabilisation Account it is N24.7 billion as at May 18.

Finally on the Development of Natural Resources, the balance as at May 20 stands at N23.7 billion.

Those are the figures that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning gave at the council today, he said.

The governor added that the council also received a comprehensive presentation from the board of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

He said NEC approved NSIAs report and financial statement, and commended the performance and the sterling contributions of the board members to the growth of Nigerias sovereign wealth.

Mr Osinbajo presided over a virtual meeting of the NEC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Constitutionally, the vice president is the chairman of NEC.

The council meeting is held monthly to deliberate on the coordination of the economic planning efforts and economic programmes of the various levels of government.

NEC comprises the 36 state governors, the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, minister of finance, secretary to the government of the federation and other government officials whose duties hinge on the economy.

At the last meeting on April 22, the council dismissed claims that money was printed to support March allocation to states.

(NAN)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the defection of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Ayade dumped the PDP for the APC in Calabar, the state capital at a brief ceremony attended by about some APC governors on Thursday.

He was elected twice in 2015 and 2019 as governor on the ticket of the PDP. He had earlier been elected on the partys platform as the senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

The governor explained that he defected to the APC in order to align Cross River with the government at the centre.

Having seen and known the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his commitment to this country, his nationalistic disposition and all the efforts he has made to bring Nigeria to where we are today, it is obvious that at this point we needed to join hands with him to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of, Mr Ayade said.

We need all governors to recognise that it is not party that matters, it is character, it is honour, it is commitment to the vision of this great nation. We all need to as a team work ahead of the president by working towards building a prosperous country that the succession worries of 2023 will come without the fears and the worries the international community has for us.

I believe that if everyone of us as governor joins hands with Mr President, I think we can sit on the same dining table and fashion out a way to govern this country.

While the news of defection came as surprise to many, Mr Ayade had made headlines in recent times lamenting the manner in which the PDP was being run.

The governor dumped the PDP a few months after his Ebonyi State counterpart, Dave Umahi, also defected to the APC.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said it wished the governor well in his future endeavours.

It also asked its members of the PDP in the state to pull themselves together and ensure that party structures remained intact after the governors exit.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notes the decamping of the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, the statement said.

Our party calls on all critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party in Cross River to immediately pull together and ensure that all structure of our party in the state remains intact.

The PDP wishes Governor Ayade well in his new political sojourn as well as in his future endeavours.

APC mocks PDP

Meanwhile, the APC has likened the PDP to a sinking ship following Mr Ayades defection.

The ruling party said Mr Ayades decision to dump the PDP was wise and timely and that the main opposition party faced a solemn internal crisis.

We commend the patriotic disposition and judgement that shaped Governor Ayades decision to join forces with President Muhammadu Buhari to build a better Nigeria as a member of the APC, the APC interim national secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, said.

He called on other governors and lawmakers to abandon the PDP, describing it as sinking wreckage.

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He said, The APC is advising the other governors who are stranded in the sinking wreckage of the PDP to exercise the best option of abandoning that vessel.

The APC is also urging members of the PDP in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly who are still hanging on to the sinking party to leave it for good and join the APC, which has been repositioned by the excellent leadership qualities of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, the National Chairman of the partys Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

In reference to Mr Ayades perceived achievements as governor under his now former party, the APC said the governor has always been an APC man at heart given the humane and progressive manner in which he managed the affairs of Cross River State.

The APC accused the PDP of employing undemocratic means in the coordination of its internal affairs, adding that it would continue to work in favour of the ruling party which would win more governors and legislators from the opposition party.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bolaji Owasanoy, has canvassed the payment of interests on stolen funds by benefiting foreign nations as part of measures to redress the menace of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).

The ICPC boss also disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria was currently reviewing legacy transactions in oil and gas, tax investments and the use of waivers in Nigeria in order to curb IFFs.

Mr Owasanoye, who made this known at the International Conference on IFFs and Asset Recovery, held at the ICPC Headquarters, Abuja, said illegal movements of funds from African countries abroad has made the continent to be the biggest victim of IFFs.

He urged foreign beneficiaries of IFFs to deduct loans to African countries from the illegal funds in their possessions, and return the outstanding amount with interests to the continent.

He said, Africa is the biggest victim of IFFs. If you evaluate what we have lost as a continent against what African counties owe, Africa should be a net creditor to the world. They can decide to deduct the loans given to African countries from all the money taken from the continent, there will still be a substantial amount to return to Africa.

The money should also be returned with interests as they have been in use over there. The money should be placed in an Escrow account, and a regional development bank that knows how to manage money should be in charge of such funds.

The ICPC chairman advocated a workable framework that will reduce the timeframe for the repatriation of identified stolen funds and assets, decrying the huge loss suffered by the continent due to long and tedious processes which usually takes several years to complete.

Besides, Mr Owasanoye said there were on-going efforts by the Federal Government to block illicit outflows of funds through the review of international transactions that enable IFFs.

We are reviewing the legacy transaction in oil and gas, tax investments and the use of waivers in Nigeria to close loopholes that facilitate IFFs. For instance, a lot of damage can be done through confidential clauses in loans, oil and gas contracts, and others. The review will prevent dodgy politicians from taking money out.

A member of the Thabo Mbeki Panel on Illicit Financial Flows out of Africa, Souad Osman, said that efforts to stop IFFs were more critical now than ever due to the huge level of poverty and underdevelopment in Africa.

In her lead presentation on the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR), Ms Osman urged African countries to mount a coordinated effort against IFFs by taking action and speaking with one voice to recover stolen funds.

She said, CAPAR is the bedrock for technical instrument for negotiating for funds taken from the continent to be returned. It recommends efficient recovery and unconditional return of stolen assets with due respect to our sovereignty.

CAPAR, she added, recommended the deployment of recovered assets for the good of the citizens and not be allowed to be re-stolen.

The recovery and return of asset must be applied for the development of the country. We should be mindful that the identified assets are at the risk of retransfer unless frozen by destination countries, said Osman of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), a civil society organisation.

In his contribution, the Chairman African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AU-ABC), Luis Andriamifidy, identified some of the challenges the Board face in repatriation of IFFs to include the matter of sovereignties of countries involved, a common legal framework to be adopted, and how to proceed with court processes especially on admissibility of evidence, among others.

Mr Andriamifidy, who emphasised the need for a policy dialogue to ensure a common Africa position, called for a strong advocacy approach both within and outside the continent.

The Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Francis Kaifala, lamented the issue of cultural differences and how assets recovery has not taken root in many African countries unlike Nigeria and Kenya.

He revealed that his organisation had in two years recovered over $3 million in cash excluding cars, houses, among others, which was more than what they country had achieved in 18 years.

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He stressed the importance of developing a common legal assistance which will reduce the resources spent in chasing after IFFs by African countries.

Mr Kaifala also recommended training, development of pressure system on international bodies, streamlining of recovery processes to make them less cumbersome, and a proper framework for the discovery and disposal of assets as part of measures address IFFs.

In her lead presentation during the second plenary session, a member of the United Nations High Level Panel on IFF (FACTI Panel), Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida, expressed the hope that the conference will result in an increased understanding of IFFs and commitment to action which is needed to curb it.

Speaking on Financing Sustainable Development by Stemming IFFs: the FACTI Report in Perspective, Ovonji-Odida revealed the cost of financial integrity gaps.

According to her, FACTI discovered that $1.6 trillion, which is 2.7% global Gross Domestic Product, was lost in money laundering by criminals; $500-600 billion lost to tax havens by corporations and PEPS while $20-40 billion was lost to bribes to public officials in developing countries, and $7 trillion private wealth hidden by banking secrecy in advanced countries.

She said these loses were responsible for fiscal deficits, regressive taxation, criminality, low public trust, and weak rule of law, among others.

On FACTI Panels recommendations, Mr Ovonji-Odida mentioned an overhaul in the international tax norms and institutions, plus a corporate tax vision including reforms on transparency; a domestic structure; law and enforcement mechanism to be reformed with increased transparency and more dynamic response to emerging risks.

In his contribution, the Chief Executive Officer, Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU), Don Deya, opined that sustaining political will was key to the issue of IFFs.

He suggested the reformation of international tax laws and institutions while calling on investigative journalists and whistleblowers to put pressure on beneficiary countries.

Alvin Mosioma, Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, in his contribution, also said that the problem was the lack of political will to concretise and transfer talk to action on the issue of IFFs.

He aligned his recommendations with FACTI and stressed the need for more political support; creation of accountability mechanism for leaders both globally and nationally; and increased capacity building for countries.

He finally charged Africa to organise and present a united front against IFFs which is affecting it adversely as a developing continent.

On his part, a reporter with Agence ECOFIN, Togo, Fiacre Kakpo, said Africa needed to take the bull by the horns by asking the international community to stop IFFs if they are not truly encouraging it.

He suggested that Africa insist on accurate tax information while ensuring that all loopholes in tax laws are plugged.
Theres no easy way out. El-Rufai must suspend his bluster and seize the opportunity provided by the Federal Governments intervention to engage labour in a clear and transparent manner. He must also stand firm and resist the temptation for a quick fix.

The list was long and the contents harsh and threatening. The notices may have been issued separately, but they landed like a packaged digital bomb in my WhatsApp inbox.

Eight unions, apart from the central body, had collectively declared war on Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. The die was cast.

The unions were the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers; the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees; the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees; the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions; the National Union of Electricity Employees; the National Union of Teachers; the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees; the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria; and of course, the national and state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

When I saw copies of the notices by these unions between May 10 and 14, threatening to start a five-day warning strike in Kaduna by midnight on Sunday, I knew that the haven of Nigerias northern elite, which has been at the centre of much grief in recent times, was heading for more trouble.

Perhaps because they already have swathes of the State in their grips, the only groups that did not threaten el-Rufai with ultimatum last week were kidnappers and bandits, although el-Rufai being el-Rufai, he still described the striking workers as bandits.

How did the State dig itself into this hole?

In April, el-Rufai said he was fed up with using resources meant for the States nine million people to look after about 100,000 civil servants who consume 90 per cent of the resources.

He did not say what the exact figures are, but records show that Kaduna receives a monthly average allocation of N4.2 billion from Abuja, which, in fact, is the monthly average for the 36 states.

If civil servants alone receive 90 per cent of that figure, minus what is generated internally by the government, it means that for every one naira that comes from Abuja, civil servants  who are roughly one per cent of the population  get 90k. At that rate, even if civil servants consumed everything, including what is borrowed, the State will still have to enter their pockets to fill it.

Labour insists that el-Rufai is telling one side of the story. NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said the problem with Kaduna is not the number of civil servants on the payroll, but the appetite of the governor, whose political appointees are feeding fat on the State.

Kaduna may be in the eye of the storm but the States, almost without exception, are in a bad place. If they were companies, their managements would have filed for bankruptcy. Apart from Lagos, which generates the equivalent of the internal revenues of at least 24 other states put together, virtually all the States are struggling.

Again, he did not provide the figures, the same way he also accused the governor of redistributing property grabbed from ordinary people to his capitalist confederates, without naming them.

Labours main grouse is that thousands of teachers sacked since 2017 have not been paid. They also accused the governor of violating labour laws by retiring workers before 35 years of service or 60 years of age and for failing to consult with them, as provided under the law, preferring instead, to take the law into his own hands.

Kaduna may be in the eye of the storm but the States, almost without exception, are in a bad place. If they were companies, their managements would have filed for bankruptcy. Apart from Lagos, which generates the equivalent of the internal revenues of at least 24 other states put together, virtually all the States are struggling.

Only last month, Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, said the Central Bank printed between N50 billion and N60 billion in March to keep government afloat. In the last six years, President Muhammadu Buharis government has bailed out the states twice, mainly to pay salaries.

The first bailout was less than three months after his election in 2015, when he signed off $2.1 billion for salary arrears in states, and then again two years later, when another N614 billion was shelled out to states where salaries were being owed for upwards of seven months.

With the steady fall in the price of oil and the COVID-19 pandemic, government revenue has fallen by nearly 60 per cent and Abuja, which has been bailing out the States is in need of a bailout.

In the crossfire between el-Rufai and labour, its easy to miss the point. The governor has been criticised  and rightly  for declaring Wabba wanted and putting a bounty on his head. He has no power to do so under the law, nor does his exaggerated opinion of himself do him any favours.

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But labour is not exactly smelling of roses. It is wrong for federal workers who are not direct parties in the dispute, to be involved in a local strike and to behave as if they had been looking for an opportunity to ground the State.

What business, for example, did railway workers, electricity workers or airport staff, have in joining the strike when these services are wholly owned and funded federal agencies? It is hypocritical to condemn or criticise el-Rufai for behaving like a tyrant without calling out the lawlessness of federal workers who maliciously weaponised the strike.

El-Rufais tongue, twice his body size and often more deadly than poisoned arrow, would always get him in trouble. Yet often, his competence redeems his bad politics and other congenital flaws.

Labour should avoid the temptation to extract commitments that may please its members now, but which may, in fact, be empty promises in the long run. How this matter is settled would determine how quickly other states begin to tackle similar problems  or whether, once again, theyll kick the can down the road.

At a time when many states are on their knees and internal revenue has fallen catastrophically, Kaduna increased its internal revenue over four times between 2015 and 2019, raising it to 40 per cent of the states budget, when others like Bayelsa and Adamawa are at a miserable 10 per cent.

Even though Kaduna is far less endowed than many northern states, it beats them hands down in its investment per capita in education and other social infrastructure.

Other states may be having a good laugh at el-Rufais expense now, but their own chicken is coming home to roost. Even though the national minimum wage law was signed two years ago, at least 11 states are not paying, a dozen or so are paying only a category of workers, while a few, which actually started paying, have reverted to the old wage.

Of course, there are still quite a few governors who created useless positions, as jobs for the boys. But the harsh economic reality has forced a number of them to reduce the salaries paid to these appointees by half.

A nationwide survey by the public sector finance watchdog, BudgIT, in 2017, showed that 20 states owed workers salaries and pensions ranging from one to 36 months, while Imo, Taraba and Niger States were owing two to three years pension arrears.

Not to provoke a labour backlash, many of them have invented ways of managing public sector pay misery, mostly by simply kicking the can down the road, which is what el-Rufai has refused to do.

Yet, to talk about public service pay misery, is to put the cart before the horse. The real virus that first infected the place from the federal, and later on to the state levels, was the indiscriminate and vindictive purge during the military era. The service has since been a shadow of itself  bloated, corrupt and largely bereft of capacity.

Politicians have not made things any better. They have made the public service a dumping ground for incompetents; its the first place they think of when they want to settle political IOUs, and the last when they need quality support or advice. Today, the monster they created is coming back to haunt them and the beast already used to years of freeloading, wont go away quietly.

Theres no easy way out. El-Rufai must suspend his bluster and seize the opportunity provided by the Federal Governments intervention to engage labour in a clear and transparent manner. He must also stand firm and resist the temptation for a quick fix.

Labour should avoid the temptation to extract commitments that may please its members now, but which may, in fact, be empty promises in the long run. How this matter is settled would determine how quickly other states begin to tackle similar problems  or whether, once again, theyll kick the can down the road.

Azu Ishiekwene editor-in-chief of LEADERSHIP.
The exploration program is targeting a total of 97 million barrels of conventional oil (mean prospective resources) from the companys two exploration wells Currajong and Rafael.

Buru Energy Limited ( ) (OTCMKTS:BRNGF) (FRA:BUD) is on track to commence its 2021 exploration program at the Canning Basin Joint Venture with Ltd ( ) (OTCMKTS:OGFGY) (FRA:ORL) in mid-June.

First rig loads are due to be picked up next week, with site works close to completion at the Currajong 1 location (previously named the Kurrajong well) which will be the first well drilled.

The second well in the program has now been confirmed as Rafael 1 with the Ungani 8 well to be drilled as the last well in the 2021 program subject to joint venture contractual arrangements being finalised.

Buru will be carried by Origin for the first $16 million of the associated well costs.

Large conventional onshore oil targets

Notably, the Currajong 1 well is just 30 kilometres west of the Ungani Oilfield and is expected to have similar geology with mean prospective resources of around 29 million barrels of recoverable oil.

Buru executive chairman Eric Streitberg said: We are very excited that we will now be drilling the two conventional oil exploration wells back-to-back.

These prospects are two of the largest conventional onshore oil targets to be drilled in Australia for many years and success would have the potential to provide a considerable boost to Australias liquid fuels production.

The company expects that the Currajong 1 well will spud in mid-June and the Rafael 1 well will spud in late July or early August 2021.

Program location map.

Share purchase plan extension

The company has advised that the closing date of the recently announced share purchase plan (SPP) offer will be extended from Monday, May 24, 2021, to the revised closing date of Friday, June 4, 2021.

The extension will ensure that all eligible shareholders have additional time to participate in the offer, considering the additional information released around the confirmation of the well order and timing with the two high impact exploration wells being drilled back-to-back and planned to commence in around four weeks time.

Eligible shareholders are able to apply for SPP shares at an issue price of A$0.16 per SPP share up to a maximum of A$30,000 in value or a total of 187,500 shares without incurring any brokerage.

Shareholders that have already applied for SPP Shares under the offer are not required to resubmit their application form unless they wish to apply for additional shares up to the maximum application amount.

All other terms and conditions of the offer remain the same as set out in the SPP Booklet released on May 6, 2021.

The revised indicative timetable for the offer.
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At the core of this slow arrival into the 21st century is the problem of leadership. Exactly a year ago, Nigerias Minister Of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, supervised Windows 7to be used by government officials for video conferencing In 2020 despite a 17 billion budget for his Ministry in 2019. It is clear that the government does not understand the threat that cybercrime poses.

In what seemed like a terrible week for the good guys campaigning against the perils of cybercrime, Colonial Pipeline made a $5 million ransom payment to an organised criminal gang to recover data held hostage in a ransomware attack. Separately, Irelands health care system was brought down, also by a ransomware attack. The Colonial Pipeline (owned by Colonial Group, a gas company in the U.S.), which acts as a critical artery for delivering gasoline and airplane fuel across the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, was shut down on May 7 following a ransomware attack by a criminal hacking group named DarkSide. The shutdown resulted in gasoline prices spiking amid panic-buying. In some locations, there were even reports of shortages of oil and gasoline.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that threatens to publish the victims data or perpetually block access to the said data unless a ransom is paid, usually in cryptocurrency.

This is the stuff of nightmares, not just for private business but also for many governments around the world and their military forces. The attack, fuelled by Darksides claim of just wanting to make money, not causing disruption or harming anyone, caused President Joe Biden to release one of the longest Executive Orders this week, to combat the threat that cybercriminals pose, especially to critical infrastructure such as public health facilities.

There are lots of takeaways from the situation for us in Nigeria. Cybersecurity has been an important word in the lexicon of social communications since the age of the Internet became ascendant. In the same vein, the menace of Internet fraud, known in Nigerian parlance as Yahoo has gained significant foothold among the countrys teeming unemployed youth population. The stereotyping of Nigerians across the globe as fraudsters has roots in this.

The dilemma here is this: For much of our filing system in public institutions yet to embrace technology, the threat of an attack like the one on Colonial Pipeline gives them that relative security provided by what a tech person like Cheta Nwanze calls an air gap.

The theory that poverty is the cause of the glorification of the crime and the practice thereof was tested this week when Abidemi Rufai, an aide to the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, was arrested by the FBI in the United States for stealing COVID-19 relief packages from the U.S. government after gaining access to the social security numbers of thousands of Americans. It is an established fact that a number of wealthy Nigerians are also involved in this hustle for a couple of motivating factors, aside from poverty.

The attack on Colonial Pipeline portends a dilemma that should never have been. Nigerias public hospitals (I can only speak for Lagos and Abuja from my own personal experience) only found the importance of computerised health records very recently. I visited Maitama General Hospital in Abuja two weeks ago and found the attendant using an old version of the Microsoft Windows operating system to log a patients file. Although it was not exactly clear what version of Microsoft desktop the attendant used, it was very evident that the model was way older than Windows 7, an OS which Microsoft ceased to support in 2015, six years ago!

At the core of this slow arrival into the 21st century is the problem of leadership. Exactly a year ago, Nigerias Minister Of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, supervised Windows 7 (the same unsupported OS) to be used by government officials for video conferencing In 2020 despite a 17 billion budget for his Ministry in 2019. It is clear that the government does not understand the threat that cybercrime poses. The dilemma here is this: For much of our filing system in public institutions yet to embrace technology, the threat of an attack like the one on Colonial Pipeline gives them that relative security provided by what a tech person like Cheta Nwanze calls an air gap. But that feeling of security is fleeting because of our disregard for data gathering and data protection, which not only makes obtaining information tedious, but opens up avenues to mindless corruption. The question from here is: Are we willing to upgrade to the 21st century with all the baggage of cybersecurity or remain in the stone age that makes data difficult to collate?

The importance of the governments aloofness is that going forward, with the influx of new technologies by the minute, in this current decade, Anonymous Central or Yahoo Boys with dyed hair and iPhones, would be the least of its problems in the face of massive cybercrime. The time to innovate is now.

From Pantamis actions, forgetting that Microsoft no longer offers support for Windows 7, it is clear that the government is not willing to lead the fight against cybercrime, as it is quite content with leaving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to focus on internet fraudsters. One of the lessons of the #EndSARS protests last year is that we cannot rely on the government to lead that fight, especially seeing how easy it was for Anonymous Central  an ethical hacking group with global acclaim  to release sensitive data on police officers across the country. It has been about ten months since that data breach, but unlike the U.S. where President Biden swung into action by introducing an Executive Order, which sets ambitious targets and strategies as a means of an extraordinary consolidation of the various responses to cyberattacks that have hit the United States particularly hard over the past few months, as well as deploying the Deputy national security adviser, Anne Neuberger, to lead the governments response to the ransomware attack on Colonial, we are yet to see similar actions from the Buhari administration.

As a result, the charge  sensitisation and awareness  is being led by the private sector. The importance of the governments aloofness is that going forward, with the influx of new technologies by the minute, in this current decade, Anonymous Central or Yahoo Boys with dyed hair and iPhones, would be the least of its problems in the face of massive cybercrime. The time to innovate is now.

Confidence McHarry is an analyst with SBM Intelligence.
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Two people have been reported killed in a clash between local youth and cattle herders in Kpada village in Edu Local Government of Kwara State.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the clash started after grazing cows destroyed farms in the community.

As a result of the havoc wreaked on the farms, some youth attacked the Fulani settlement in the community where the suspected owners of the cows reside, burning down their huts.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the state, Ajayi Okasanmi, the herders offered to compensate the farmers for the loss but that did not stop the angry youth.

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He added that the crisis claimed two lives after both parties rebuffed intervention by the police and other stakeholders.

They even wanted to burn the police station in the community, Mr Okasanmi said.

But he said the matter was later resolved, adding that the incident will be properly investigated.
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The police in Lagos have arrested four suspected traffic robbers and burglars in different parts of the state.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos police spokesperson, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

The first suspect, Marcus Ikechukwu, an alleged serial house breaker was arrested on Monday at Ojo Alaba with some stolen properties, while two other suspects were arrested at Alaba Rago in possession of dangerous weapons for their operations.

The police operatives attached to Ojo Division of the Lagos State Police Command, on Monday 17th May, 2021, at about 6am, arrested a suspected serial House Breaker, Marcus Ikechukwu, m, 34, of Karabosowa, Ojo, Alaba, Lagos, who has been terrorising and breaking into peoples house at Ikotun, Igando, Surulere and other places within the State, the statement reads.

Mr Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said the police arrested the suspect during a patrol at the Alaba International Market, Lagos.

He was intercepted with a green T4 bus containing stolen items, including three generators and one large cutter for breaking into houses, the police said.

The suspect has confessed to the crime that he has broken into many houses in Surulere, Igando and Ikotun areas of Lagos State.

In a similar operation, the same police operatives on Monday arrested two suspected traffic robbers and house burglars at TIV Yam Market, off Lagos/Badagry Expressway, Alaba Rago, Ojo Lagos.

The suspects, Abdulkareem Hamzat, 24; and Nura Adamu, 20, were caught in the possession of two daggers, giant cutter, one cutlass, catapult and some weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, the police said.

Another suspected traffic robber, Nwugo Oforuike, was arrested by police operatives attached to the Area D Command, Mushin, on Monday.

The suspect was in possession of one locally-made pistol, one live cartridge, one car key, one infinix hot 8 light phone, one neck chain and one iron rod, the police said.

The police said all items were recovered from the suspects and they have been handed over to the commands Special Squad, Ikeja, for proper investigation and prosecution.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to court over its exclusion from the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

Also joined in the suit was the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

The Oyo State Caretaker Chairman of APC, Akin Oke, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Mr Oke said the APC, through its lawyers, had prepared the originating processes and forwarded same to the states Chief Judge.

He expressed the hope that the case would be attended to timeously by accepting it for filing and assigning it to a judge for hearing.

Mr Makinde had on assumption of office in 2019 sacked the elected local government chairmen and councillors on the platform of APC, a year into their tenure.

The sacked chairmen and councillors had approached the court to challenge the dissolution, which the Supreme Court ruled in their favour on May 7, 2021

NAN recalled that the OYSIEC had before the judgment commenced electoral processes for the conduct of local government elections for May 22, in which APC did not participate on account of the pending judgment.

Mr Oke said the courts were imbued with extensive powers under the High Court Laws of Oyo State, Nigerian Constitution and High Court Civil Procedure Rules of Oyo State.

Gov. Makinde and OYSIEC are planning to go ahead with the conduct of the local government elections slated for this Saturday (May 22) without the APC and other registered political parties.

This action of the governor and OYSIEC is a waste of the states resources. The action is aimed at making mockery of democracy and the rule of law, he said.

Mr Oke described APCs exclusion from the elections by OYSIEC as deliberate and unconstitutional, adding that OYSIEC goofed by commencing the process while there was pending litigation.

He also noted that OYSIEC had in its guidelines imposed a nomination form fee of N250,000 and N100,000 to be paid by the chairmanship and councillorship aspirants, respectively.

These fees are illegal because election processes cannot be monetised. The OYSIEC having realised this illegal imposition of fees have now decided to refund the candidates.

But not after OYSIEC had closed every avenue for participation in the electoral processes, he said.

The caretaker chairman said that the APC said was aware that some Magistrate Courts in Oyo State are sitting over criminal matters considered urgent, in spite of the ongoing JUSUN strike.

If the Oyo State judiciary could permit criminal matters to be heard in a strike, we trust his lordship, the chief judge would mandate the necessary units and personnel to effect filing, as well as assigning timeously before election day, Mr Oke said. (NAN)
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Several residents and commuters at Oshodi, Lagos, reportedly scampered for safety following an alleged face-off between military personnel and hoodlums on Thursday morning.

The incident happened at the Mosafejo area of Oshodi.

According to a report by Daily Trust, military personnel stormed Oshodi to avenge the death of an officer of the Nigerian Air Force, who was allegedly mobbed to death by hoodlums.

Many commercial vehicles were destroyed in the process, as bus drivers abandoned their vehicles and traders fled their shops.

Another source has it that the uniformed officer was found dead, an act suspected to be carried out by hoodlums, and soldiers were deployed to the area to take the corpse and clear the hideout of the criminal elements.

Although PREMIUM TIMES is yet to confirm the cause of the unrest, several commuters who plied the Oshodi axis were stranded in the early hours of Thursday.

Investigation ongoing  Police

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos police spokesperson, said in a statement that the police is investigating what led to the conflict.

The Lagos State Police Command was aware of the conflict that occurred at Capa Park/Mosafejo Osodi Lagos today Thursday 20th May, 2021 at 7am. Normalcy has been restored to the area, as the matter is under investigation.

We urge Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses in the area and in the state in general. No cause for alarm, the police said.

Mr Adejobi added that police operatives have been deployed to the area for intensive patrol and to forestall further chaos.
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The Oyo State Government has declared Friday as public holiday for Saturdays local government elections in the state.

Taiwo Adisa, chief press secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, said in a statement that the holiday would enable the state to conduct a hitch free election across the 33 local government areas in the state.

The state government urged every resident of the state to go about their duties peacefully, while coming out en masse to their respective voting areas to participate in the election.

The declaration of the holiday is to enable residents of the state participate freely in the council elections billed to hold on Saturday May 22.

Every indigene and resident of the state is hereby enjoined to go about his or her business peacefully, while trooping out en masse to their respective voting areas to perform the civic responsibility on Saturday Mr Adisa said.

(NAN)
The police in Lagos have denied reports that some persons were kidnapped in the state

Hakeem Odumosu, the commissioner of police, said the reports were false.

In a statement released on Thursday by Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, Mr Odumosu said the state was yet to record any case of kidnap.

Mr Odumosu was reacting to reports that the Lekki/Ikoyi link bridge, Admiralty Way, in Lekki and Ozumba Mbadiwe road in Victoria Island are no longer safe in the late hours of the day.

A Twitter user had claimed that several persons were reportedly abducted at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday by gunmen, and were released after being dispossessed of their valuables.

There have been growing cases of abduction along Ozumba Mbadiwe, Falomo, and Admiralty Way in recent time. While many were released after being disposed of their valuables and account emptied, some were not so lucky to make it back alive.

One of the victims of yesternights abduction disclosed she was pressed to the floor of the vehicle and driven round Lekki for about three hours before (she was) finally released, the post reads in part.

A veteran actress, Kate Henshaw, also tweeted about increasing cases of robberies and kidnapping along Freedom Way and Admiralty Way in Lekki, urging residents to be careful.

Police react

Reacting to the reports on social media, the police said the reports of kidnappings were not true as the command has no such record.

Making reference to the lady who was driven around Lekki by her abductors before being released, the police said it was an isolated case of one chance.

The only isolated incident recorded by the command on 18th May, 2021, which went viral, was a case of One Chance, reported by one Adegoke Joel, m, on behalf of one Adenike Kosoko, f, who boarded a private car at Admiralty Way, opposite Zenith Bank, Lekki on 18th May, 2021 at about 7.30 p.m.

Unfortunately, the two (2) male occupants of the car turned to be One Chance operators that drove her around Lekki and Ikate, Lagos before she was dropped, the statement read.

One chance is a form of robbery where the perpetrators pose as transporters to lure unsuspecting passengers into their vehicle and then dispossess them of their valuables.

The police said while investigating the case of Ms Kosoko, the victim of one chance, it was revealed that her abductors used her ATM card to withdraw N110,000 from her bank account before she was dropped off around 12 midnight.

The Command, therefore, wishes to state categorically that it was a pure case of One Chance which the command has been tackling in the state and more efforts are being channeled towards eradicating the menace and other social vices in the state, the statement further reads.

There have been cases of kidnap in other South-west states, including Osun State where several passengers were kidnapped at Osu, along Ilesha road on April 27.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported how kidnappings persist in many South-west states, despite the existence of a regional security outfit called Amotekun.

Mr Odumosu directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for investigation.

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The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it realised an Internally Generated Revenue of N127 billion in the first quarter of 2021.

The Commissioner for Finance, Rabiu Olowo, made this known in Ikeja during the 2021 Ministerial Press Briefing in Commemoration of the Second Year in Office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Mr Olowo said the state was able to achieve the feat in spite of the biting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic because it was proactive in preventing and blocking leakages.

Our revenue trajectory and trend shows that Lagos is very different from others. Few years ago, our monthly IGR was about N800 million, but 15 to 20 years later, we are talking about billions.

This is not accidental, but as a result of well thought out strategy, partnerships and collaborations with institutions and investments in technology.

No institution or organisation is immune to economic sabotage and leakages, but we are proactive enough to predict such sharp practices and minimise them.

We are also leveraging on technology to predict and prevent fraud by digitalising our processes, he said.

The commissioner said the states debt sustainability ratio presently stood at 17.8 per cent, even when regulators said the ratio should be 30 per cent and 40 per cent.

According to him, the sustainability ratio means that the state pays back its loans as and when due.

Debt is very good, especially for a mega city status that Lagos wants to enjoy. The most important thing is debt management and one of the most respected metrics to measure debt management is the debt sustainability ratio.

This is to say how much debt do you have and how it compares with the revenue potential, your ability to pay. That is the most important thing for everyone to consider.

Lagos debt sustainability ratio is currently at 17.8 per cent. This tells a lot about our ability to own and manage debts effectively.

As our revenue grows and we pay our debts, we will continue to take more loans so far they are used to provide capital projects that will ensure the economic success of the people, now and in the future, he said.

Mr Olowo said the government, through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSTF), had helped over 9,000 businesses in the last 18 months, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19 and #EndSARS protest.

(NAN)
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The police in Ogun on Thursday said they had commenced investigation into the four incidents of gas explosions in the state within a week.

The state Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, told journalists in Abeokuta that the command was looking into the cause of the recent gas explosions.

Two gas explosions occured at Igbore and Mercy Road areas of Abeokuta on May 12 and May 13, respectively, involving loss of lives and injuries.

Another gas explosion occurred on May 18 at the Conference Hotel on Boulvered Road, Abeokuta, owned by Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of the state.

On Thursday, a gas explosion rocked the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library also in Abeokuta.

Mr Ajogun said the state government had expressed concern over the development.

NAN reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun had also ordered investigation into the incidents.

The commissioner said a technical team comprising; the Police, Department of State Security (DSS), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Federal Fire Service (FFS) have been assembled.

We want to really find out the cause of the explosions.

We will know if it is as a result of human error, adulteration, expired cylinders or other technical issues, he said.

The CP, however, dismissed insinuation of bomb explosions.

It is unfortunate that rumour mongers will be peddling rumours that the incidents are bomb explosions, but they are not, they are gas explosions, he said.

There is nothing to be scared of, Mr Ajogun said.

He assured that the investigations would soon be concluded and the findings made public.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Muibi, the commanding officer of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) in Ogun, also confirmed that the incident at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) was a gas explosion.

Mrs Muibi said the FFS maintains an office inside the OOPL.

(NAN)
A big-time Division 2 regional final on Thursday at Trenton featured two teams with a combined record of 29-5-3. And history was going to be made as neither Dearborn Divine Child nor South Lyon East had ever won a regional championship.
The company plans to develop hydrogen refuelling hubs on the east coast of Australia for providing refuelling services for motor vehicles (especially trucks) powered by hydrogen gas.

Pure Hydrogen Corporation Ltd ( ) (OTCMKTS:STRXF) has signed an MOU with leading Australian hydrogen focused company H2H Energy Pty Limited, which has agreed to supply and maintain refuelling outlets on a number of the companys proposed sites.

The H2H Energy team has supported the delivery of multiple hydrogen refuelling stations throughout Australia, New Zealand and further abroad and the services provided include design, construction, installation and sustainment.

Among the refuelling solutions is H2H Energys Gateway RefuellerTM, a Queensland designed and manufactured, low-cost, short lead-time, mobile hydrogen refueller with both 350 and 700 bar refuelling capability and 18 months of field-proven performance.

Developing hydrogen refuelling hubs

Pure Hydrogen is planning to develop hydrogen refuelling hubs on the East Coast of Australia to supply local customers with hydrogen fuel at the required pressure of 35 or 70 MPa.

These sites will be used to refuel motor vehicles (especially trucks) powered by hydrogen gas.

H2Hs refuelling stations are expected to be supplied to Pure Hydrogen when the first refuelling station is planned to start operation within 18 months.

This also marks a step closer to the rollout of hydrogen gas as a clean and sustainable alternative to petroleum and diesel in the country and the development of a larger hydrogen network across Australia.

Advancing first refuelling site

H2H Energy chief executive officer Cranston Polson said: It is great to be able to offer our Australian designed, built and supported hydrogen refuelling solutions to Pure Hydrogen and we look forward to working with them on the roll-out of their planned network of hydrogen refuelling stations across the East Coast.

We look forward to advancing the first refuelling site relatively quickly and reporting on progress.
Henry Ford Early College (HFEC)/Henry Ford College (HFC) student Yasmeen Berry  who aspires to become a doctor  has won three prestigious scholarships that will help with her tuition at the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor this fall.

These scholarships include:

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship

The All-USA Academic Team Scholarship

The New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship

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Berry is the very first HFC student to ever win the Goldwater Scholarship, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the United States. The award amount is $15,000.

The Goldwater Scholarship emphasizes that its recipients prioritize research, and my ultimate career goal is to pursue a research career as a physician-scientist, said Berry.

In an effort to support more community college students becoming Goldwater Scholars, I have joined the Goldwater Diversity and Inclusion Mentorship Program. Through this program, I will work with community college students to prepare them for future Goldwater Scholarship competitions and successful STEM research careers. Being a 2021 Goldwater Scholar, I am interested in participating in this program to help others in our community create their own opportunities for academic success.

Berry is one of 20 community college students nationwide to win the All-USA Academic Team Scholarship, which offers a monetary award of $5,000. Berry earned this scholarship through the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. In fact, she is president of the HFC Chapter of the PTK and a member of the Henry Ford II Honors Program at HFC.

As a whole, I am grateful for the plethora of ways in which PTK facilitates student leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service. With the help of my chapter at HFC, I have been able to recognize and appreciate how PTK membership can help establish the foundation for making a positive impact on college campuses, communities, and society, she said.

Berry also won the New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship. This is a $2,250 scholarship sponsored by PTK, the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholarship Foundation, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Only one New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar is selected from each state for their academic accomplishments, leadership, community involvement, and extending their intellectual abilities beyond the classroom.

Yasmeen is an extraordinary student and leader, is insatiably curious, and has both the mindset and work ethic to excel in whatever field she chooses to pursue. As an Honors Program member, as a chemistry student, and as an officer of PTK, she has set a high standard of excellence for those who follow her. It was thrilling to see both the All-USA and the Goldwater scholarship evaluators recognize that excellence! said HFC chemistry professor Dr. Laura Yeakel.

A native of Dearborn, Berry is a student in the HFEC, which is a partnership between HFC, the Dearborn Public Schools, and the Henry Ford Health System in coordination with the Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) and the State Board of Education. HFEC is a five-year program that combines high school and college for students aspiring in the health field, awarding them a high school diploma and an associate degree.

Berry will graduate on Saturday, May 22, with her associate degree in biology. At U-M, she will major in neurology and biological anthropology.

This summer, Berry will conduct full-time research at U-Ms Molecular and Integrative Physiology Summer Research Fellowship (SURF) Program. When the 2021-22 academic year begins, she will be a researcher for U-Ms Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Due to her involvement with SURF and UROP, Berry will collaborate with the Truttmann Laboratory, which is located in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the U-M Medical School.

Berrys ultimate goal is to attend medical school. As a matter of fact, she hopes to attend a medical school with a particular M.D./PhD joint curriculum, known as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This is a program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for physician-scientists that would allow her to effectively integrate her clinical experiences within the context of graduate coursework.

As I aspire to achieve an M.D./PhD in neuroscience, the combination of my bench knowledge and bedside care means that I would be able to bridge the gap between research and application in a rapidly evolving research field, she said. Through conducting neurodegenerative disease research utilizing the context of a clinical treatment lens, my research would directly impact patient treatment through an integration of novel discovery. Ultimately, I hope to become a principal investigator that is at the forefront of neurodegenerative disease treatment within a clinical research hospital.

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Berrys desire to go into neurology was inspired by her grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimers disease.

My frequent discussions with her have evolved from listening to her intricately woven stories of childhood to struggling to jog her memory by repeating those stories back to her, said Berry. She has forgotten conversations and even family names. As with many other Alzheimers patients, my grandmother can forget how to eat and drink. My personal familial afflictions and experiences as a volunteer at a free mental health and wellness clinic have fueled my passion to pursue both anthropology and neuroscience. I want to better understand societal culture and subjectivity as I also study the specificity and objectivity involved in the natural sciences.

She continued: I hope that one day, I will be able to use the knowledge that I acquire along my career journey to establish a nonprofit organization with a free neuroscience healthcare clinic for the uninsured and underserved. As an individual, I hope to contribute to an environment that promotes diversity and compassion, a place where patients will be seen first as people. I hope to be a part of the physician-scientist community. I am disappointed by societys approach to systemic health-related problems, and I refuse to take a backseat to human suffering.

According to Berry, enrolling in the HFEC has given her the proper tools needed to set up a foundation for academic and professional success.

I believe that joining this program was the best investment that I could have made for my career journey in the long run, said Berry. I attribute much of my early success to the guidance and support provided by HFEC principal Majed Fadlallah and the HFEC faculty. I highly recommend HFEC and HFC to anyone who is looking to achieve the most value out of their education. The advisors and faculty have a genuine dedication to student success. The advice that I have received from my mentors here will forever impact the way in which I approach future endeavors.

 Source: Henry Ford College

Vehicle doors disappear in Dearborn Heights All four doors of a white 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited were reported stolen May 12 by a 22-year-old woman living in the 24500 block of Hass St

Chrysler 300S impounded after driver ticketed in Dearborn Officers observed a Red Chrysler 300S driving erratically in the area of Michigan Avenue and Schaefer at about 9 p.m. May 18, and initiated a 

Seniors wallet stolen from grocery cart in Dearborn Heights A wallet, containing a drivers license, medical insurance cards and a Social Security card were stolen from a 75-year-old Dearborn Heights wo

Ceasefire called in Middle East U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District) released the below statement after the Israeli Security Cabinet and Hamas confirmed a mutual ceasef
Ford and SK Innovation announced today they have signed an MoU to create a joint venture  to be called BlueOvalSK  to produce approximately 60 GWh annually in traction battery cells and array modules, starting mid-decade, with potential to expand.

"This MoU is just the start; its a key part of our plan to vertically integrate key capabilities that will differentiate Ford far into the future, said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. We will not cede our future to anyone else.

We are delighted to be entering into collaboration with Ford, Americas leading and iconic automaker. Ford is one of the most active players in vehicle electrification today. We are proud to be opening this new chapter in their long history, said Kim Jun, SK Innovation CEO & President. Our JV with Ford will play a pivotal role in fleshing out the electric vehicle value chain in the United States, a key objective of the current U.S. administration.

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The creation of the JV is subject to definitive agreements, regulatory approvals and other conditions. Next-gen cells and arrays will be used to power several future Ford battery electric vehicles.

Through the JV, Ford and SKI will jointly develop and industrialize battery cells at scale that are tailored to deliver optimum performance and value for our Ford and Lincoln customers, said Lisa Drake, Fords North America chief operating officer. SKI is an important partner in helping deliver batteries with better range and value for our fully electric vehicles by mid-decade.

Fords global BEV plan calls for at least 240 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery cell capacity by 2030  roughly 10 plants worth of capacity. Approximately 140 GWh will be required in North America, with the balance dedicated to other key regions, including Europe and China.

Global automakers have praised SK Innovations EV batteries for their safety, high capacity and long life, said Jee Dong-seob, Head of SK Innovations Battery Business. SK Innovation will be supplying batteries for the fully electric version of Fords legendary and best-selling F-150 pickup truck. We are thrilled to be supporting the electrification of a vehicle that represents the very best of American automaking.

SK Innovation is a global energy conglomerate headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company has pioneered the development of mid- to large-size EV batteries since 1991 and has expanded its battery operations globally since 2010. SK already operates a battery plant in Commerce, Georgia, USA  serving two global OEMs  and is expanding its production capacity in the European Union and China. SK Innovation plans to become one of the worlds top three EV battery suppliers by 2025 with over 125 GWh in global production capacity.

SK Innovation has specialized in the development and commercialization of high-nickel NCM battery technology. The company developed the worlds first NCM-811 battery in 2016 and continued to innovate and to develop the worlds first Nickel 9 battery that will be mass produced in the U.S., powering Fords F-150 Lightning.

Ford gaining EV momentum

Ford plans to lead the electric vehicle revolution  including by delivering fifth-generation lithium ion batteries as well as preparing for the transition to solid-state batteries, which promise longer range, lower cost and safer EVs for customers.

Ford this year announced its commitment to invest at least $22 billion through 2025 to deliver connected, all-electric vehicles, building on its areas of strength, starting with EV versions of its most popular nameplates  including Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and F-150 Lightning.

To support its longer-term battery plans, Ford is investing in battery R&D. Last month, Ford announced a new global battery center of excellence  named Ford Ion Park  to accelerate its battery and battery cell technology R&D  including future battery manufacturing.

Ford is building on nearly two decades of battery expertise by centralizing a cross-functional team of 150 experts in battery technology development, research, manufacturing, planning, purchasing, quality and finance to help Ford more quickly develop and manufacture battery cells and batteries, ultimately aiming to deliver more, even better, lower cost EVs for customers.

The Ford Ion Park team already is underway. In addition, a $185 million collaborative learning lab in Southeast Michigan that is dedicated to developing, testing and building vehicle battery cells and cell arrays opens late next year.

Earlier this month, Ford also announced it is growing its investment in Solid Power, an industry-leading producer of all-solid-state batteries for EVs. Initially investing in Solid Power in 2019, Ford is making an additional equity investment to help accelerate further development of solid-state vehicle battery technology, contributing to a $130 million Series B investment round in which the BMW Group becomes an equal equity owner with Ford.

Solid-state batteries are showing great promise. They dont use the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries, can be lighter, with greater energy density and provide more range and lower cost. They also can be made on todays lithium-ion battery lines, allowing Ford to reuse about 70 percent of its capital investment in lithium-ion manufacturing lines.

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Proven electrification expertise

SK Innovation has a spotless health and safety record and has not registered a single EV battery-related fire.

Ford has been actively involved in battery research and electric vehicles, starting with Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. To date, the company has secured more than 2,500 U.S. patents in electrification technologies, with another 4,300 patents pending.

Since 2004, Ford has sold more than 1 million hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles and integrated four generations of batteries into its vehicles. By year-end, the company will be manufacturing electrified vehicles and supporting technologies at more than 15 powertrain and vehicle assembly plants globally.

Ford has assembled hybrid battery packs and electric motors in Michigan since 2012. That same year, Ford invested $135 million to design, engineer and produce these components for hybrids. It included a combined 170 jobs at the Rawsonville plant to assemble batteries and VanDyke Transmission plant to assemble e-motors, plus hiring more than 50 electric vehicle engineers.

 Source: Ford Motor Co.

Memorial Day ceremony, concert will honor those who died in service to United States Dearborns 97-year-old patriotic tradition of commemorating Memorial Day will continue in a new way in 2021 with a solemn remembrance ceremony

+2 Wyandotte art fair canceled for second consecutive year due to pandemic While many outdoor events are returning to Downriver communities this summer, the Wyandotte Street Art Fair will not be one of them.

+2 Leaders of Dearborn nonprofits, political action groups call for help for Palestine Ahead of President Bidens visit to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn on Tuesday afternoon, faith and community leaders gathered at the Ameri
When the new F-150 Lightning starts rolling off the line next year, the truck of the future will be here, according to Ford Motor Co. executives.

The truck, billed as the most innovative truck the company has ever produced, is all-electric and features many key new elements.

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"For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future, said Bill Ford, executive chair. F-Series is Americas best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.

The truck is being produced in Dearborn within the electric vehicle section of the Ford Rouge Complex. While the complex is historic, the portion of the plant building these trucks is as innovative as the truck itself, officials said.

The F-150 Lightning is a massive moment for our Ford team," said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. "Americas No. 1 auto brand is going zero emissions with Americas favorite vehicle. Its quicker than a Raptor, with standard 4x4 and independent rear suspension; a power frunk, enough juice to run your house for three days or power an awesome tailgate; and it will forever improve with over-the-air updates. It will be built at the Rouge factory, where Henry Ford changed the world and my grandfather punched in every day. F-150 Lightning represents all that our country can do when we push for progress.

The truck offers intelligent towing, internet connectivity that will allow software updates as well as hotspots for devices, a generator that can power a house, and digital screens that are larger than any offered on full-size trucks.

F-150 Lightning targets 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of near instantaneous torque4  more than any F-150 ever  and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery, based on typical industry methodology.

The 0-60 speed was mostly spoiled by President Joe Biden when he test drove the truck May 18, the day before it debuted.

This suckers quick," Biden told the assembled media through the truck window.

He then said the car goes 0-60 in about 4.4 seconds and asked a Ford representative for clarification on the exact number. The Ford rep said that info wasnt public until the official reveal, but it turned out to be exactly the time when it was unveiled.

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F-150 Lightning targets a maximum 2,000 pounds of payload in the standard-range model with 18-inch wheels, and a maximum 10,000 pounds of available towing capacity on XLT and Lariat trucks with the extended-range battery and max trailer tow package.

Were not here to make an electric truck for the few  Ford is committed to building one that solves real problems for real people, said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford's Americas and International Markets Group. F-150 Lightning delivers everything weve said electric vehicles can offer, plus the capability expected from a Built Ford Tough truck  not just near instant torque but powerful towing and hauling customers can depend on.

F-150 Lightning is a pillar of the companys more than $22 billion global electric vehicle plan to lead electrification in areas of strength. Ford is starting with zero-emissions versions of its most popular and best-loved franchises  Mustang, Transit and F-150  with more to come in the years ahead.

Another highlight of the truck is the lockable Frunk, or front truck, since there is no need for a combustion engine in the compartment.

The frunk offers storage, and additional power outlets and charging stations.

Ford will deploy standard over-the-air software updates  called Ford Power-Up  to improve the technology experience, add new features and fix issues without trips to the dealership.

The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP before any federal or state tax credits, while the mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974 MSRP.

+4 Biden visits Ford Rouge Plant, talks about infrastructure during Dearborn trip My name is Joe Biden, and Im a car guy, the president declared during remarks at Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday.

+2 Biden seemingly enjoys driving new Ford F-150 Lightning During an unscheduled stop at a Ford test sight after he toured the Rouge Factory May 18, President Joe Biden was given an opportunity to driv

President Joe Biden to tour Ford Rouge plant today President Joe Biden will be making his first appearance in Dearborn since taking office when he tours the Ford Rouge plant Tuesday, ahead of t
Ahead of President Bidens visit to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn on Tuesday afternoon, faith and community leaders gathered at the American Moslem Society to voice their concern for his administrations position towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The event featured leaders from various community and political action groups who spoke about the need for policy change towards the Palestinians. The event was one of several in the past week aimed at protesting for a free Palestine. Arab American community members have criticized U.S. military support for Israel as the country launches airstrikes on Gaza following weeks of increased conflict with Palestinians.

We are here today to welcome the president to our backyard, said Abdallah Sheikh, president of American and Muslim American Political Action Committee. We invested and helped elect Joe Biden. We believe that he is fair, believes in justice, and is a true leader. We are asking the president for a ceasefire and to help end the war in Gaza. We are asking him to help stop the settlers from using aggression on the native Palestinians.

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Sheikh added that tax dollars from his community should be used to improve the U.S. instead of aggressive nations.

This flag means justice, he said, motioning towards a small American flag on the podium. This flag means helping people, not killing people.

Imad Hamad from the American Human Rights Council spoke at the event and said the purpose of the protests are to show the president loud and clear that they expect him to do what is right.

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American values stand for equal rights and dignity for all, he said. Palestinians under the occupation should not be the exception. Time is due for justice. Israel has three choices  either one state that treats all citizens equally, a two state solution and coexistence, and the third choice is what Israel has chosen for the past 73 years. We tell our president today that our fight will continue. What is good for Israel is good for Palestinians, the value of a human life is not measured by its ethnicity, faith, or nationality.

Other participating organizations included American Muslims for Palestine, American Center for Justice, American-Muslim Leadership Council, as well as groups from the Pakistani and Yemeni communities.

Two other events were held as Biden visited the Ford Rouge Complex, upon the announcement of Fords electric-powered F-150 truck. Demonstrators gathered at the Dearborn Police Department and Lapeer Park, which is near the plant, to voice their opposition to U.S. foreign policy under Biden.

+9 Rallies held in Dearborn to protest President Bidens stance on Palestine More than 1,000 people gathered in front of the Dearborn Police Department on May 18, chanting Free, free Palestine, as speakers began to ta
Wayne County Commissioners today affirmed their participation in a revived tri-county summit this year with leaders from Oakland and Macomb counties.

This years summit is scheduled for Nov. 12 and will involve leaders from all three counties as well as other regional organizations.

There are numerous issues that reach across county lines and a summit like this provides an excellent opportunity for our three counties to work together to seek constructive solutions, Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) said. This is something that had been done in the past and its time to do it again.

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Topics are expected to include roads, energy, water and infrastructure with representatives from the Biden Administration expected to be invited to participate.

It will be the first such summit in roughly a decade, following an initial event held in 1998 and continued throughout the early 2000s.

It is going to be exciting and I look forward to all commissioners participating, Bell said.

Wayne, Oakland and Macomb are Michigans three most populous counties, including roughly 3,875,000 residents and accounting for nearly 40 percent of the states overall population.

A copy of the resolution has been sent to the Oakland and Macomb county commissions.

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RESOLUTION No. 2021

By Commissioner Bell and Co-sponsored by Commissioners Anderson, Baydoun, Clark-Coleman, Killeen and Baker McCormick:

WHEREAS, in the spirit of regional cooperation, Commissioners from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties held their first Tri-County Summit in May of 1998 to provide a forum for the sharing of common issues that could be addressed cooperatively. The first Tri-County Summit was hosted by the Wayne County Commission, the Michigan State Fair and the Michigan Association of Counties. Subsequent Tri-County Summits have been hosted on a rotating basis among each of the regional partners; and

WHEREAS, topics discussed at previously held Tri-County Summits have included mental health, criminal justice, transportation/transit, economic development, the environment, water quality and regional quality of life. The regional partners have collaboratively addressed issues such as home foreclosures, green infrastructure implementation and the regions economic outlook; and

WHEREAS, legislative leaders in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties recognize the benefit of reinstating the Tri-County Summit in 2021 to provide a vehicle for meaningful conversation among the legislative bodies and to identify potential solutions to common and complex issues facing our shared region; and

WHEREAS, an initial planning group consisting of regional partners has been formed to plan the 2021 Tri-County Summit. Areas of regional interest, including topics within the area of infrastructure, relevant to the Southeast Michigan region, will be identified for discussion. The focus and goals of the 2021 Tri-County Summit are to expand the collective reach of regional partners, strengthen the collective voice of the regional partners, explore solutions and share best practices on issues of regional concern. Key leaders will be invited to attend and participate in this important endeavor.

Now therefore be it

RESOLVED, this 20th day of May, 2021 that the Wayne County Commission does hereby affirm its support for and participation in the 2021 Tri-County Summit, which is tentatively scheduled for November 12, 2021, and that it assents to the 2021 Tri-County Summit being planned and hosted by a group consisting of representatives from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties and other regional partners; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission recognizes the significant mutual benefits of regional cooperation and integration of effort, and it acknowledges the importance of promoting policies, methods and strategies as an essential component to enhancing the economic vitality of the Tri-County Region; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission joins with its colleagues from the Oakland County and Macomb County Boards of Commissioners in pledging our continued support of the Tri-County Summit as a valuable and unique opportunity for regional leaders to come together for meaningful discussion and to take action on issues affecting our shared region; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Oakland County and Macomb County Boards of Commissioners.

+2 Wyandotte art fair canceled for second consecutive year due to pandemic While many outdoor events are returning to Downriver communities this summer, the Wyandotte Street Art Fair will not be one of them.

+2 Leaders of Dearborn nonprofits, political action groups call for help for Palestine Ahead of President Bidens visit to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn on Tuesday afternoon, faith and community leaders gathered at the Ameri

+9 Rallies held in Dearborn to protest President Bidens stance on Palestine More than 1,000 people gathered in front of the Dearborn Police Department on May 18, chanting Free, free Palestine, as speakers began to ta
PLATTSBURGH [mdash] James Dugan, 88, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., passed away on June 8, 2021, at home with his family. James was born in Wilmington, N.Y., on Feb. 16, 1933, the son of T. Joseph and Marjorie (Bliss) Dugan. James was a member of Saint Peter's Church. He was a graduate of Seton Hall 
LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A South African political party is seeking justice for thousands of South Africans who have unknowingly been stripped of their citizenship after obtaining another citizenship. Hence, the Democratic Alliance is taking the Home Affairs Department to court to challenge South Africa's citizenship law for being "unconstitutional".

While the nation does permit its citizens to hold dual nationality, the Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 states that individuals will automatically lose their citizenship unless they apply for a letter of retention to keep their South African citizenship. A lack of clarity surrounding the law has left many South Africans deprived of their native citizenship. Furthermore, the department that offers the service for retaining citizenship has remained closed due to the pandemic making it even harder for South Africans to undergo this process.

"Acquiring dual citizenship should not be a complicated process. However, it is important to consult with experts and reputable companies before beginning the process of acquiring second citizenship to ensure that you are following the correct process," says Paul Singh, Director of CS Global Partners. Singh's legal advisory is headquartered in London and specialises in providing clients with expert advice regarding citizenship and residency.

Over the last year, many South Africans have enquired about obtaining a second citizenship to protect their families future. With the nation suffering from an economic downturn exacerbated by the pandemic, those that have the means have chosen to invest in second citizenship through popular Citizenship by Investment Programmes.

St Kitts and Nevis' Citizenship by Investment Programme is particularly an attractive option for South Africans. The process is straightforward and does not require applicants to travel or reside in the nation nor partake in any language or cultural tests. To qualify, an investor makes an economic contribution through the Sustainable Growth Fund, designed to generate revenue that is injected into sectors like tourism and education. As a St Kitts and Nevis citizen, not only do you gain access to visa-free travel to nearly 160 countries, but citizens also have increased business opportunities and the right to pass citizenship down through descent.

Those who successfully pass the stringent due diligence procedure can gain citizenship within 60 days, one of the fastest routes to second citizenship in the investment migration industry. St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Programme is also internationally recognised as a 'Platinum Standard' brand due to its vast experience and longevity.

The dual-island nation boasts one of the strongest economies in the region. St Kitts and Nevis is the first independent state in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union to bring its debt-to-GDP ratio in line with international standards, twelve years before the deadline. The nation also has a stable currency, pegged to the US dollar, and a strong rule of law that prioritises democracy.

Contact: +447867942505, pr@csglobalpartners.com, www.csglobalpartners.com

SOURCE CS Global Partners
GWM POER not only has a booming market sales, but also has won many authoritative media awards in just a few months after its launch. Within one month after the launch in Chile, GWM POER has won the most valuable award in the Chilean auto industry - "Best Pickup of the Year". Recently, GWM POER participated in the annual model selection activity of Autocar, an authoritative media in Australia, and won the award of the "Best Model of the Year" in the pickup category in competition with international pickup brands. It gained high appreciation from many Australian media. For instance, Autocar praised GWM POER as the "first choice of multi-functional pickups" with "amazing driving experience"; Cars Guide commended that "the power of GWM POER has already surpassed that of tier-1 competing products"; Carsales even directly compared GWM POER with the market giant, Ford Ranger, and acclaimed that "GWM POER is completely different from other Chinese competitors and will thoroughly change the pattern of the Australian pickup market".

The reason why GWM POER is loved by many consumers in Australia, New Zealand, and other sacred lands of pickup culture and becomes a hit model worldwide is that GWM POER has a grand and exquisite facade, with the interior trim made of materials for SUVs, making it a top-notch and luxurious model. It has a 3.5T towing force, the best of its class and manifests strong off-road performance. Equipped with an 8AT transmission and a 2.0T high-power engine, with the maximum power of 120 kW and the maximum torque of 400 Nm, it runs robustly and smoothly. Besides, it has an exclusive multi-language recognition capability and a mobile wireless charging function with such abundant features as adaptive cruise control, a smart cabin and L2-level automatic driving, to ensure safer and easier running and a better driving experience.

As Andrew Collinson, international head of design in GWM, said that "make Chinese pickups popular around the world". In the future, GWM POER will continue to ramp up efforts in such aspects as appearance design, performance, configuration, intelligence, and safety, to create products highly recognized by global users and consolidate the global market layout.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1514893/GWM_POER_wins_both_word_of_mouth_and_sales_with_stunning_product_strength.jpg

SOURCE GWM
The integration adds a telephony layer to 40+ Zoho One apps to bridge all gaps between attending phone calls and logging call data

LONDON and NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Squaretalk, a global interactive business communications platform, has announced their partnership with SaaS giant Zoho Corporation. Squaretalk has today launched an integration with Zoho One, a unified suite of 40+ tightly integrated enterprise-level online applications from Zoho to help businesses grow. The integration was built using Zoho PhoneBridge, a platform that enables the integration of cloud PBX and Contact Centre Solution providers with Zoho to add telephony capabilities to any Zoho application. The Squaretalk integration for Zoho One is readily available on Zoho Marketplace.

The integration gives Zoho One users the flexibility to make phone calls from any Zoho One app that they are on. It automatically provides a comprehensive view of historical caller activity so that the user knows exactly how to move the conversation forward.

Additionally, the integration/extension pulls and displays curated, contextual information about the caller from the entire Zoho suite of applications providing customer support agents, recruiters, sales teams, and anyone sending emails, all the information they need to personalize their interaction in real-time.

"Voice communication has always been important to many business functions even more so in the last two years where we have seen a large ramp-up in voice and SMS traffic," said Elie Rubin, CEO of Squaretalk. "As Zoho offers solutions across a wide range of business functions including, sales, marketing, support, human resources, project management, and more. Squaretalk is able to positively impact business functions that we haven't previously explored."

"Contextual engagement is a key driver of customer experience. To engage contextually, businesses need valuable customer insights from all touchpoints and channels at the right time," said Anand Nergunam, VP Revenue Growth at Zoho. "Squaretalk's native integration with Zoho One makes relevant disparate data across apps and functions available at the user's fingertips. Users can also manage calls better by accessing call-related features such as click-to-dial and automated call activity logging directly from the Zoho interface. With a 360-degree view of the caller, a user can create and deliver contextual, customer experiences."

Notes to editors

Zoho Marketplace is an online business app store where users can explore a repository of 1000+ extensions and custom apps that enhance the capabilities of Zoho products. Here, companies can get extensions that add or improve particular functionalities in a Zoho product, and integrations that automate various business processes and solve common business needs. Independent developers and vendors, IT companies, and domain experts can build extensions using Zoho Developer and offer them directly to Zoho users on Zoho Marketplace. Zoho Marketplace is available to all Zoho customers.

About Squaretalk

Squaretalk (formerly known as Deskforce) is a global interactive business communications platform providing voice, text, chat, and messaging solutions. Its core purpose is to simplify and enhance how businesses communicate with their customers by providing integration capabilities that elevate the user experience, drive customer loyalty, and scale operations, whilst improving operational systems for their remote workforce. Headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel and with a hub in Bulgaria, its international footprint of over 200 clients and thousands of users globally reflects the company's success. In 2020 Squaretalk grew revenues by 40% and it is expected to double up in 2021.

With powerful cloud communication tools, flexible solutions for decentralized teams, and the ability to integrate easily with existing and new leading communications platforms, Squaretalk is enabling better communication through our square screens.

www.squaretalk.com

Media contacts

Squaretalk

Yellow Jersey PR

Alexandra Santos

E: alexandra@yellowjerseypr.com

Chris Flame

E: christopher@yellowjerseypr.com

SOURCE Squaretalk
Indiana Resources is one of only four players in the region and they are already showing successful drilling results.

What attracted me to Ltd ( ) (FRA:GDM) were the projects they operated in the Gawler Craton. In the mid to late 1990s, the Gawler Craton was the place to be for mineral explorers. Discoveries such as Prominent Hill were made in 2001 and got the attention of many companies that were driven to seek further resources.

Discoveries were being made but reality soon set in. Investors came to understand and realise that the remoteness and the lack of infrastructure were not aligned to market volatility. Interest in this region eventually faded away and funding was not easy to source for support of any concepts. This led to the Gawler Craton story to being unloved over time.

Interestingly enough, it is this exact stage of the story that gets me all excited. Nearly two decades of neglect in this region has now created a situation of a new frontier in Australia's backyard. Can you imagine the area in and around Challenger having no other major resource of mines? A similar situation around any of the other major mines and you would see numerous mining activities.

is one of only four players in the region and they are already showing successful drilling results. They are now discovering what explorers discovered in Kalgoorlie region, Murchison region, Menzies, Laverton ... and the list goes on.

As we discussed in the video, there is no guarantee of success but I would say that there are definitely some good signs of success.

When I think of the Gawler Craton in a nutshell, I am also thinking of the big style deposits like Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill, Challenger and a recent discovery called Paris. I think of IOCG and what comes to mind is the need for a large exploration budget.

To me, the Gawler Craton is one of the last frontiers in Australia where a mineral province will be discovered.

Chapters

00:10 Introduction

00:35 Bronwyn Introduces Indiana Resources

02:02 The Gawler Craton Projects

03:50 Lack of exploration activities in the Gawler Craton

05:39 The excitement of Minos

07:53 The blank canvas of the Indiana Resource projects

09:46 Other commodities within the projects

11:07 The unimaginable size of the projects

12:36 The prospectivity of the region has not been realised

13:54 What is the market for these type of projects?

16:05 The rise of the African Economy

17:50 The Tanzanian Story

22:35 The Arbitration is fully funded

23:49 Where is the funding coming from?

24:34 Change in Presidency - will that affect the Arbitration

25:32 Foreign Investment and African Politics

26:37 Free Option to $95M

27:07 News Flow

29:23 Why likes Indiana

30:34 Conclusion

PODCAST

About Bronwyn Barnes

Executive Chairman

Bronwyn has had an extensive career in the resources sector, having worked with companies ranging from Western Mining Corporation and BHP to emerging juniors in directorship, executive leadership, and operational roles in Australia and internationally.

Bronwyn is currently Non-Executive Chair of Indiana Resources ( ), Non-Executive Director of Synergy (Electricity Generation and Retail Corporation), a Non-Executive Director of Scorpion Minerals Pty Ltd (ASX:SCN) and an Independent Director of Perth Racing.

Bronwyn is also a member of the Executive Council of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) and a Member of the Board of Management of the Foundation for St Marys Anglican Girls School.

About Indiana Resources Limited

Indiana Resources Limited ( ) is an Australian-based gold exploration company focused on advancing its portfolio of exploration tenements in the highly prospective Central Gawler Craton Gold Province in South Australia.

Indianas ground position in the Gawler Craton covers 5,090 km  with the Companys tenements strategically located between the historic gold mining centres of Tunkillia and Tarcoola.

The Central Gawler Craton has outstanding potential for the discovery of significant gold deposits, as indicated by the Tunkillia deposit (588,000 ounce gold resource), which adjoins the southern edge of Indianas portfolio and the historical mining centre of Tarcoola, which adjoins the northern edge of Indianas portfolio, where historic production and current resource total approximately 190,000 ounces.

Indiana is also the major shareholder of Ntaka Nickel Holdings Ltd and Nachingwea UK Ltd (both incorporated in the United Kingdom) which historically held the licences for the Ntaka Hill Nickel Project through its 100% owned subsidiary Nachingwea Nickel Ltd. The Ntaka Hill Nickel Project is an advanced nickel sulphide project that is development ready. In early 2020, the Companies advised the Tanzanian Government that a dispute had arisen in relation to the cancellation of the Retention Licence for Ntaka Hill. Indiana is the manager of the Joint Venture for the Project and is leading activities to progress a Claim to Arbitration against the Government of Tanzania for the illegal expropriation and loss of the Ntaka Hill Nickel Project.

Please let 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, Samso 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, Samso 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, Samsos 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.
Established to produce one of the most sustainable Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), e.GO is leveraging its modular and scalable micro-factory. The company has successfully developed a disruptive industry 4.0-based production model (Internet of Production) that significantly lowers the capex requirements and time-to-market, while ensuring highly efficient production with a low break-even point. e.GO's decentralized production system combined with QUESTUM's expertise will contribute to the local economy and help create employment opportunities.

QUESTUM is the strategic and technology partner for the local market with access not only to the territory but to key customers and large automotive fleets. With the e.GO vehicles, Quimmco plans to electrify vehicle fleets nationwide.

"With this agreement, e.GO has not only found the right industrial partners with strong access to local market, but at the same time, through their long-established supply relationship with key industrial groups and fleets, creates an increasing order book that will underpin our growth aspirations in Mexico from the outset," explains Ali Vezvaei, Chairman of the Management Board at Next.e.GO Mobile SE.

Manuel Valdes, QUESTUMs CEO sees e.GO as an important new pillar for the diversification of the business: "We have been developing the electromobility market within Mexico for many years, so when the idea of e.GO came across, we were immediately enthusiastic. We will be part of a true success story of German engineering and quality building environmentally friendly e-mobility. This agreement with e.GO is an important milestone for us to further expand our business in the e-mobility and automotive sector."

Next.e.GO Mobile SE

Next.e.GO Mobile SE, headquartered in Aachen, is a manufacturer of electric vehicles and sustainable mobility systems. On the RWTH Aachen Campus, 370 employees of Next.e.GO Mobile SE use the unique network of science and business with 420 technology companies as well as a comprehensive research infrastructure. Agile teams are working on various cost-effective and particularly durable electric vehicles for short-distance traffic.

www.e-go-mobile.com

Quimmco Autopartes y Maquinados, S.A. de C.V. ("QUESTUM")

QUESTUM is a company of Grupo Quimmco that brings together the capabilities of casting, forging and high precision machining to offer integral solutions that unify our people and customers. QUESTUM through Atmovum, has been developing an electromobility ecosystem with original equipment manufacturers, fleets, associations and other institutions since 2014

Grupo Quimmco is an industrial consortium servicing world-class customers, in Mexico and abroad, who demand high standards of quality, competitiveness and innovation. Quimmco comprises ten facilities strategically located to serve NAFTA market.

www.questum.com

Contact:

Next.e.GO Mobile SE

Public Relations

Campus-Boulevard 30

52074 Aachen

T +49 241 47574-227

[email protected]

Questum

Public Relations

Av. Roble 701, Piso 11, Col. Valle del Campestre,

San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L. C.P. 66265, Mexico

T +52 (81) 8368 7500

[email protected]

SOURCE Next.e.GO Mobile SE
The ceremony marked the first Remembrance Day for Ukrainians who rescued Jews during World War II. Earlier this year, Ukraine's parliament passed a resolution designating 14 May as an annual commemoration to honor their actions.

Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andrii Yermak commented, "Babyn Yar became a terrible symbol of the Holocaust in Eastern Europe because of the massacre of World War II. In just two days, almost 34,000 Jews from Kyiv were killed. Today, it is important to honor the memory of these people and praise those who saved them at the risk of their own lives. Express gratitude for the hope they have given back to the world. And I hope that future generations will remember this feat for centuries."

Following World War II, a total of 2,659 Ukrainians were awarded the prestigious title of "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Of all countries, Ukraine has the fourth largest number of "Righteous Among the Nations." However, it is believed that a far greater number of Ukrainians risked their lives and those of their families to save Jews from the Nazis. BYHMC is working to uncover many of these unknown stories.

At the ceremony, it was announced that the 18 Ukrainian "Righteous Among the Nations" who remain alive today, will each be recognized by the state for their bravery with a monthly state stipend for the remainder of their lives.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmygal said, "This landmark event is a clear indication that the Ukrainian public consciousness affirms high ideals of respect for human life and recognition of responsibility and memory, which contribute to the construction of a free, democratic societyOn the Day of Remembrance of Ukrainians who saved Jews during the Second World War, we honor the feat of these courageous people who have become and remain for us an example of humanity and self-sacrifice."

Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko emphasized the importance to "honor the memory of tens of thousands of Jews from Kyiv who died in Babyn Yar during the terrible Holocaust," adding "it is very symbolic that we are doing this on the Day of Remembrance of Ukrainians who risked their lives to save Jews. Today we also honor the feat of all these courageous people."

Chief Strategist and Head of the Academic Council at BYHMC, Father Patrick Desbois said, "Babyn Yar, a discreet ravine, where one thousand German people came to assassinate almost 34, 000 Jews, including children and women in broad daylight, in front of everybody. It is a place of mass murder, from where we have to teach the younger generation all over the planet not to engage in mass shootings, in mass crimes today. Unfortunately, until now, every day, on every continent, mass shootings are devastating the world - In Kabul, in Iraq, in Sria and elsewhere. Babyn Yar must be an international center to prevent mass crimes."

The ceremony took place at the new symbolic synagogue at Babyn Yar and was attended by state officials, diplomats, religious leaders, cultural and community figures. The symbolic synagogue is the first construction to be completed in the planned Babyn Yar memorial complex, which will stretch over an area of 150 hectares, making it one of the world's largest Holocaust memorial centers. A dozen buildings will eventually be erected as part of the complex.

33,771 Jewish victims were shot at Babyn Yar by the Nazis during just two days, 29 and 30 September 1941. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Roma, mentally ill and others were shot thereafter at Babyn Yar throughout the Nazi occupation of Kyiv. The estimated number of victims murdered at Babyn Yar is around 100,000, making it Europe's largest mass grave. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Babyn Yar massacre and commemorations will culminate in an international event including global leaders in September  October 2021.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515497/Babyn_Yar_Holocaust_Memorial_Center.jpg

SOURCE Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center
NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Meredith Corporation's (NYSE: MDP) Allrecipes, the world's largest food media brand, announced its latest digital innovation as the exclusive food category partner of the Scan feature within Snapchat. The new offering enables home cooks to access Allrecipes recipes based on ingredients captured in the Snapchat camera. Available later this year, this new feature will make it fun and easy to create a variety of dishes with food that's already in users' kitchens or grocery carts.

"Allrecipes provides home cooks with the tools, information and inspiration they need to create meals they love with ease. This innovative and fun augmented reality feature takes that experience to an entirely new level," said Alicia Cervini, VP, Strategic Partnerships at Meredith Corporation. "It's exciting to bring Allrecipes in to the Snapchat camera, encouraging the next generation of cooks to explore a wide variety of recipes and be even more creative in the kitchen."

With Scan, Snapchatters can search through millions of Lenses in the fastest and easiest way possible -- with the Snapchat camera. Scan makes it simple to find fun and informative Lenses from creators and partners, giving Snapchatters the power to identify hundreds of dog breeds, thousands of plants and trees, millions of songs and products. Soon, Allrecipes will serve up recipes to match any of the thousands of ingredients and dishes that the Snapchat camera can recognize. For example, a saltine cracker might turn up a Delightful Strawberry Dessert, taking a basic, ubiquitous ingredient and inspiring Snapchatters to create something unexpected. Scanning chickpeas may turn up a Chickpea Salad Recipe, and scanning lemons may yield Lemon Sugar Tea Cookies.

Allrecipes is the latest Meredith brand to cultivate a presence on Snapchat. PEOPLE has been a longtime audience favorite on Snapchat Discover, and Southern Living recently completed the first season of its new Discover show Hey Y'all, which has been renewed for season two.

Meredith Digital President Alysia Borsia said, "Our brands have seen tremendous engagement with Snapchat and this partnership speaks to our commitment to providing exciting new experiences for our audiences on this platform. As we continue to lean into our social channels, we're thrilled that Allrecipes is the exclusive brand powering the food category within Snapchat's Scan feature."

With this new Snapchat experience, Allrecipes further expands its collection of innovative digital and social consumer offerings that include experiences such as the Dinner Spinner mobile app, an Alexa skill, shoppable recipes, and a recently launched TikTok channel.

ABOUT ALLRECIPES

Allrecipes, the world's largest community-driven food brand, provides trusted resources to more than 60 million home cooks, publishes recipes from home cooks around the world who connect and inspire one another through photos, reviews and videos. Since its launch in 1997, Allrecipes has become a dynamic, indispensable resource for cooks of all skill levels seeking trusted recipes, cooking trends, entertaining ideas, every day and holiday meal solutions, grocery savings information and practical cooking tips. The brand helps cooks shop, budget and make healthy, sustainable choices in the kitchen. In addition to the site, Allrecipes produces content across numerous platforms, including voice skills, smart appliances, apps and podcasts. Allrecipes Magazine, the magazine industry's first large-scale digital-to-print brand extension, reaches an audience of more than 9 million. Published six times a year, the magazine has grown rapidly to a 1.4 million rate base from 500,000 at its inception seven years ago.

SOURCE Meredith Corporation

Related Links

https://www.meredith.com


DENVER, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Finest continues to capture value at all levels of the Life Science industry in topicals, consumables, and beverage product lines. America's Finest (AF) announces its selection by Safeway to supply its award-winning infused Kombucha beverage line.



AF's wholly-owned subsidiary, Upstart Kombucha, has secured its position on the Safeway shelves, and now AF is ready to ramp up production to meet this 30%- 40% increase in distribution, sales, and revenues.



Safeway, here we come!

To accomplish this growth AF is moving quickly to close on the Series A capital raise and be fully prepared to fund this imminent growth and expansion.



In addition to Safeway, Upstart can be found in King Soopers, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, and specialty retailers throughout the Rocky Mountain region. "We are just getting our legs under us with 3-4 additional major domestic chains announcing soon. This makes for a very compelling investor story," stated Cliff Henley, CEO.

America's Finest is a manufacturer and provides finished goods in the Life Sciences industry specifically focused on health and wellness. AF provides end-user products of the highest quality and efficacy in the industry. From beverages with a purpose, topical solutions from head to toe, and tinctures that deliver desired results, America's Finest provides science-based, quality solutions to aid in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

Contact:

Cliff Henley CEO

[email protected]

Troy Daniels President and COO

[email protected]

303-882-8920

SOURCE America's Finest
Ms. Elias served on active duty for nearly 10 years as an administrative and legal officer. During her time in the military, she rose to the rank of Captain and deployed to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. She separated from the service in 2016 and remained in New York to focus on the veteran community, and support military members as they transitioned into the corporate world.

In 2018, AVI took notice of Ms. Elias and hired her as the firm's Head of Veteran Engagement. Over the past three years, she significantly bolstered AVI's veteran initiatives by securing crucial partnerships with multiple organizations, including a high-profile event with the Gary Sinise Foundation, which had a special focus on Gold Star families  those who have lost a family member during active duty.

Additionally, Ms. Elias played an integral role in the firm's goal of hiring 50% military veteran staff and created a year-round, paid internship program that has since launched prior military veterans into positions at bulge bracket banks.

Last summer, she was appointed to the NYC Veterans Advisory Board, a diverse group of veterans, including only four women, who represent the five boroughs of NYC. The role is a highly sought-after position and board members must receive appointments through the Office of the Mayor or City Council.

Mr. Naidrich began his financial services career in 1993. He joined AVI as COO in 2017 and developed the framework to successfully relaunch the firm in 2018. He currently leads the firm's operating committee and management team, and oversees organizational support for both domestic and international clients.

Most recently, Mr. Naidrich worked at Tigress Financial Partners in NYC and earlier this year, he graduated from Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.

"Mercedes and Michael have done an amazing job shaping the firm and will continue to build the business as I concentrate on my new role as Non-Executive Chairman," said Elton Johnson, Jr., Founder of AVI. "This will enable me to focus full-time on the firm's commitment to the Diversity and Inclusion space while they work through day-to-day efforts as Co-CEOs."

In addition, AVI has two new employees joining the firm: Sidney Covington, a former medic in the U.S. Army and Jennifer McDonough, a U.S. Navy Reservist.

Ms. Covington serves as the veteran engagement associate at AVI's Chicago office. In addition to her military service, she previously worked for the Posse Veterans Program and recently served as the Constituent Liaison for Military and Veterans Affairs in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's office. There, she spearheaded veteran outreach and assisted in the nomination process for U.S. Service Academies.

Ms. McDonough is an operations associate at AVI and currently serves as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. She most recently worked as the Director of Administration at a securities broker-dealer in New York City.

"Ms. Covington and Ms. McDonough are extremely talented individuals," said Bob Jones, President of AVI, U.S. Air Force veteran and former Vietnam Prisoner of War. "They are both veterans who are passionate about giving back to the community and I'm excited to welcome them to our team."

With the addition of Ms. Covington and Ms. McDonough, more than 50% of AVI's current staff are military veterans and 30% are minorities.

About AmeriVet Securities, Inc.

AmeriVet Securities, Inc. (AVI), is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business broker-dealer that specializes in Capital Markets, Public Finance, Institutional Agency Trading, Loan Sales and Investment Banking. AVI is dedicated to providing the highest level of service in the industry, while also providing meaningful employment opportunities to post-9/11 military veterans.

Contact

Jessica Borriello

[email protected]

SOURCE AmeriVet Securities, Inc.

Related Links

www.amerivetsecurities.com


PALO ALTO, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ArmorCode, the Silicon Valley startup delivering application security at the speed of DevOps, today announced that it has attained SOC 2 Type II compliance which demonstrates that an independent auditing firm has examined the company's security activities and tested them to ensure that its platform meets necessary compliance requirements for large enterprises.

ArmorCode also announced that Shutterfly, the leading e-commerce retailer and manufacturing platform for personalized products, has chosen ArmorCode to streamline application security processes across the company's flagship software applications.

"ArmorCode's intelligent application security platform gives us unified visibility into AppSec postures and automates complex DevSecOps workflows. As a result, we are able to save significant time and effort. Additionally, the focus on growing the platform to meet our needs is a critical driver for us," said Aaron Peck, Chief Information Security Officer at Shutterfly.

"ArmorCode is dedicated to enterprise-grade security and our SOC 2 Type II certification  achieved within months of the company's founding  is further proof that we have kept the needs of enterprise customers top-of-mind from day one," said Nikhil Gupta, founder and CEO of ArmorCode. "We are excited that Shutterfly has chosen to deploy ArmorCode platform to accelerate and improve its application security processes and we are eager to work alongside enterprise CISOs to deliver a best-in-class application security platform that meets their needs while reducing overhead."

In addition, the company is launching an advanced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI) modeling tool to assist customers understand the business benefits of deploying ArmorCode's Intelligent Application Security Platform (IASP). After a series of customer engagements, the company found that its IASP can save organizations up to 55% on total costs associated with application security posture management, DevSecOps orchestration, and continuous compliance.

"While traditional TCO and ROI tools are formulated using a businesses' existing capital and operational expenditures, we believe that a true measurement of application security's business value should also include new pathways to revenue as well as impact on business agility and overall reduction in security risk," Gupta added. "Just as Volvo invested in safety innovation to build its brand and deliver peace of mind to customers, we believe an application security platform should offer enterprises the highest degree of peace of mind while also helping them monetize their security credentials. Good security should add tremendous business value, not create costs."

The accelerated adoption of digital technologies during the pandemic has caused cybercrimes to rise significantly, especially for companies embracing work-from-home. Deloitte recently reported that the average cost of a data breach resulting from remote working can be as high as $137,000 and a new ProofPoint survey of more than 1,400 global CISOs found that 64% are concerned that their organization is at risk of suffering a damaging cyberattack within the next 12 months. As a result, forward-thinking companies should consider the risks and costs associated with their existing security practices.

ArmorCode's application security platform consolidates three key AppSec needs into a single intelligent platform that minimizes tooling and alerts, all 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

Provides out-of-the-box industry-standard compliances including SOC 2, GDPR, FedRAMP, HIPAA, and OWASP Top 10, among others



Delivers continuous evaluation of application security controls and relevant security standards

To see how ArmorCode demonstrates value in 15 minutes or less and to evaluate your customized ROI with ArmorCode, please visit: www.armorcode.com/tco-calculator

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 55%. ArmorCode is used by global brands and backed by leading VC firms. To learn more, please visit armorcode.com.

Media Contact:

Aaron Endre

[email protected]

Related Images

armorcode.png

ArmorCode

ArmorCode logo

SOURCE ArmorCode
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTC: PTBS)  BCT-Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, recently announced the opening of a Loan Production Office (LPO) at 1125 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 400, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401. This office is located in the same facility as the University of Mary Washington Center for Economic Development as well as the Rappahannock Economic Development Corporation (REDCO). BCT's office will be managed by Teri Tosti, Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender, offering commercial lending services both through SBA programs as well as traditional commercial options.

"Opening our newest LPO in Fredericksburg is a great opportunity and fits perfectly with our strategic initiatives," stated Alice P. Frazier, President and CEO. "Having Teri situated in such close proximity to UMW's Center for Economic Development and REDCO lends itself to a unique synergy that will benefit local businesses when they need it most."

Ms. Tosti will oversee the office's operations. She recently joined BCT along with a team of SBA and commercial lenders including Michelle Douglas, Senior Vice President, SBA Program Manager, and Kate Ryan, Assistant Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager. Douglas and Ryan will be working mostly through other BCT offices but will also support the Fredericksburg LPO. Prior to joining BCT, Ms. Tosti worked in a similar capacity with Sonabank in Fredericksburg. She has over 23 years of banking experience, mostly in traditional and SBA commercial lending.

In addition to providing businesses with financing options, Ms. Tosti offers educational workshops about business capital requirements and sound financing principles. These workshops are offered through a partnership with UMW's Center for Economic Development and the EDC as well as other local business support organizations like Boots2Business for retiring veterans. One helpful aspect of the workshop is explaining SBA 7(a) and 504 federal programs and providing personal assistance during the application and funding process of those programs.

The Fredericksburg LPO is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

About the Company

Founded in 1871 and celebrating their 150th year of service, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC:PTBS). With approximately $661 million in assets as of March 31, 2020, the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments. The Bank also offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction, commercial real estate loans and agricultural loans. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 60 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided financial management, investment, trust, and estate services to its clients. In 2019 and 2020, the Bank was named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker. In 2018, Forbes named BCT a "Best In State Bank" for Maryland.

The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank.

SOURCE BCT - The Community's Bank

Related Links

http://www.mybct.bank


NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

LORD ABBETT AFFILIATED FUND, INC., et al., Individually and on Behalf of All Others

Similarly Situated, Plaintiffs, v. NAVIENT CORPORATION, et al.,

Defendants.

C.A. No. 16-112-MN Judge Maryellen Noreika

SUMMARY NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION

This notice is for:

(1) All persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Navient Corporation's ("Navient") common stock or Navient call options, or sold Navient put options, from April 17, 2014 through September 29, 2015, inclusiveand who were damaged thereby (the "Exchange Act Class"); and

(2) All persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Navient's 5.000% Senior Notes due 2020 (CUSIP 63938CAA6), 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 (CUSIP 63938CAB4), and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2021 (CUSIP 63938CAC2) (collectively, "Navient Senior Notes") from November 6, 2014 through December 28, 2015, inclusiveand who were damaged thereby (the "Securities Act Class," and together with the Exchange Act Class, the "Classes").

For the avoidance of doubt, the Exchange Act Class includes all persons and entities who received shares as part of Navient's formation through a spin-off from Sallie Mae.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and an Order of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, that the above-captioned action (the "Action") has been certified to proceed as a class action on behalf of the Classes as defined above.

In the Action, Lead Plaintiffs allege that Defendants, in violation of the federal securities laws, made numerous false or misleading statements about the business operations and financial results of Navient, one of the country's largest servicers of student loans, which caused the prices of Navient securities to be artificially inflated and caused damages to investors when they ultimately learned the truth about Defendants' prior misrepresentations. Defendants deny all of Lead Plaintiffs' allegations, and deny any wrongdoing or violation of law. Please note : at this time, there is no judgment, settlement, or monetary recovery. Trial in this Action is currently scheduled for January 24, 2022.

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF ONE OR BOTH OF THE CERTIFIED CLASSES (A "CLASS MEMBER"), YOUR RIGHTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. A full printed Notice of Pendency of Class Action (the "Notice") is currently being mailed to persons who have been identified as potential Class Members. If you have not yet received the full printed Notice, you may obtain a copy of the Notice by downloading it from www.NavientSecuritiesLitigation.com or by contacting the Notice Administrator at:

Navient Securities Litigation

c/o JND Legal Administration

P.O. Box 91402

Seattle, WA 98111

1-833-358-1847

Inquiries, other than requests for the Notice, may be made to the following representatives of Class Counsel:

Jeremy P. Robinson, Esq.

Jesse L. Jensen, Esq.

BERNSTEIN LITOWITZ

BERGER & GROSSMANN LLP

1251 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

1-800-380-8496

If you are a Class Member, you have the right to decide whether to remain a member of the Class(es) of which you are a member. If you want to remain a Class Member, you do not need to do anything at this time other than to retain your documentation reflecting your transactions and holdings in Navient securities. If you are a Class Member and do not exclude yourself from the Class(es) of which you are a member, you will be bound by the proceedings in this Action, including all past, present, and future orders and judgments of the Court, whether favorable or unfavorable. If you move, or if the Notice was mailed to an old or incorrect address, please send the Notice Administrator written notification of your new address.

If you ask to be excluded from the Exchange Act Class, you will not be bound by any order or judgment entered in this Action with respect to the Exchange Act Class, however you will not be eligible to receive a share of any money which might be recovered for the benefit of the Exchange Act Class. Similarly, if you ask to be excluded from the Securities Act Class, you will not be bound by any order or judgment entered in this Action with respect to the Securities Act Class, however you will not be eligible to receive a share of any money which might be recovered for the benefit of the Securities Act Class. To exclude yourself from the Exchange Act Class, the Securities Act Class, or both Classes, you must submit a written request for exclusion postmarked no later than July 9, 2021, in accordance with the instructions set forth in the full printed Notice.

Please note : If you decide to exclude yourself, you may be time-barred from asserting claims covered by the Action by a statute of repose and your claims could be dismissed.

Further information regarding this notice may be obtained by writing to the Notice Administrator at the address provided above.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT REGARDING THIS NOTICE.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT:

United States District Court

for the District of Delaware

SOURCE JND Legal Administration
IRVING, Texas, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences, a leading innovator in molecular science and artificial intelligence focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine, announced today they have entered into an exclusive collaboration agreement with the National Cancer Center Japan (NCC) to provide Caris' comprehensive molecular profiling in MONSTAR-SCREEN-2 of SCRUM-Japan, the largest cancer genomic screening consortium in Japan.

Under this agreement, patients will gain access to Caris Molecular Intelligence, a proprietary, comprehensive tumor profiling approach that assesses all 22,000 genes in both DNA and RNA, and proteins  unique to an individual's cancer  to reveal a molecular blueprint in order to guide more precise and individualized treatment decisions. Additionally, Caris will provide access to its artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictors MI GPSai (Genomic Profiling Similarity) score and MI FOLFOXai. GPSai analyzes the patient's tumor at the molecular level using both whole exome and whole transcriptome data to match the tumor's molecular signature across 21 cancer types from the Caris database, to determine where the signature has been seen before. GPSai predicted the tumor type in the labeled data set with an accuracy of over 94% on 93% of cases, and with 97% accuracy when the top 2 predictions are considered. FOLFOXai is Caris' AI-based predictor intended to gauge a metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient's likelihood of benefit from first-line treatment FOLFOX followed by FOLFIRI, versus FOLFIRI followed by FOLFOX, both standard of care options. In December 2020, Caris published data in Clinical Cancer Research demonstrating 71% difference in overall survival for mCRC patients using its FOLFOXai predictor.

Launched in 2015, SCRUM-Japan is one of the world's largest cancer initiatives, involving some 260 Japanese clinical facilities and 17 pharmaceutical companies. More than 17,000 patients are enrolled, with 2,000 more signed up annually. The multinational genomic screening program is designed to accelerate the development of innovative biomarker-driven precision medicine cancer therapies. By utilizing Caris' next generation sequencing and AI-based predictors, participants will be matched to, and able to enroll in, targeted therapy clinical trials based on the data received from Caris' molecular profile.

"Caris Life Sciences provides one of the most comprehensive tumor profiling offerings in the world, and we are proud to work with them as we prepare to launch the fourth phase of our program," said Takayuki Yoshino, M.D., Ph.D., Head of Clinical Research Coordination Division & Director of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology at the National Cancer Center Hospital East. "This collaboration brings together the expertise, innovation and reach of Caris in the field of molecular profiling to our patients, and will allow treating physicians to make therapy-based decisions for their patients that ultimately help deliver better outcomes."

"It is paramount that all patients and healthcare providers worldwide have access to precision medicine testing in order to guide treatment decisions and better inform patient care," said W. Michael Korn, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Caris Life Sciences. "Caris is pleased to partner with NCC to provide them with our industry-leading technology and suite of product offerings that will allow them to fully realize the potential of precision medicine in diagnostics, and set the stage for developing unique treatment approaches for patients as part of the groundbreaking MONSTAR-SCREEN-2 study."

About Caris Life Sciences

Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science and artificial intelligence focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation. The company's suite of market-leading molecular profiling offerings assesses DNA, RNA and proteins to reveal a molecular blueprint that helps physicians and cancer patients make more precise and personalized treatment decisions. MI Exome whole exome sequencing with 22,000 DNA genes, and MI Transcriptome whole transcriptome sequencing with 22,000 RNA genes along with cancer-related pathogens, bacteria, viruses and fungi analysis run on every patient provides the most comprehensive and clinically relevant DNA and RNA profiling available on the market.

Caris is also advancing precision medicine with Caris Artificial Intelligence, combining its market leading service offering, Caris Molecular Intelligence with its proprietary artificial intelligence analytics engine, DEAN, to analyze the whole exome, whole transcriptome and complete cancer proteome. This information, coupled with mature clinical outcomes on thousands of patients, provides unmatched molecular solutions for patients, physicians, payers and biopharmaceutical organizations.

Caris Pharmatech is changing the paradigm and streamlines the clinical trial process by connecting biopharma companies with research-ready oncology sites for clinical trials. With over 420 research sites within the Caris Pharmatech Just-In-Time (JIT) Oncology Network, biopharma companies can identify and enroll more patients, faster. Caris Pharmatech Just-In-Time Clinical Trial Solutions focus on rapid site activation and patient enrollment to streamline the drug development process. By implementing Caris' Just-In-Time Trial-Matching System, Caris will automatically match patients to clinical trials and sites can be activated and eligible to enroll patients within one week.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris Life Sciences has offices in Phoenix, Denver, New York, and Basel, Switzerland. Caris provides services throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and other international markets. To learn more, please visit CarisLifeSciences.com or follow us on Twitter (@CarisLS).

About National Cancer Center Japan

The National Cancer Center Japan, established in 1962, is a leading medical institution in cancer treatment and research in Japan. It is actively involved in physician-led clinical trials and clinical research, and has produced a wealth of research results that have led to the development of new drugs.

Caris Life Sciences Media Contact:

Lindsey Bailys

GCI Health

[email protected]

1-212-798-9884

SOURCE Caris Life Sciences

Related Links

http://www.carislifesciences.com


"I am in total awe of the craft skills shown through this presentation and I bow before the Chinese cultural heritage", "Very impressive work, congratulations. This research also inspires designers and can add to current fashion", said the participants.

The conservation cycle concept proposed by Dr. Zhao Feng revolves around textile cultural heritages, including emergency conservation measures at the archaeological site, scientific knowledge in the laboratory, restoration and conservation in the museum, preventive conservation for display and storage, digital conservation in the warehouse, the restoration and reproduction of cultural heritage, and the inheritance of the wisdom of ancient dyeing and weaving.

All the dots can be joined through the collective expertise of the China National Silk Museum in each of these areas. In the face of the challenges of natural disasters and man-made disasters that may be encountered in the conservation of cultural heritages, the conservation cycle method can at least preserve the historical, artistic and scientific value of objects for future generations through the information, data and pictures collected in various links.

Dr. Zhao Feng noted: "We believe that the concept of the conservation cycle can also be promoted at all levels of collection conservation. It can be used in a museum, in a country's industry, and even in the international community of museums. In this spirit the platform is bound to facilitate the broader and better development of the conservation cycle of cultural heritage on a larger scale. The three papers presented by NSM's textile conservator at the ICOM-CC conference and exhibition "Eternal Treasures; China's Treasures in Conservation Collection" created by NSM, are prime examples of the conservation cycle in practice which we are delighted to share. We welcome our international colleagues to join us in a common endeavor to address the challenges in this regard."

This year's ICOM-CC Triennial Conference presented 159 papers and 99 posters throughout the 21 ICOM-CC Working Groups. There was a focus on the latest achievements in various specialized fields of collections conservation with a global perspective and multiple dimensions. On this most important of international academic and technical communication platforms for conservators, scholars and institutions, the China National Silk Museum participated extensively and was well-represented at the Conference.

Two research scientists, Jia Liling and Zheng Hailing, presented innovation in advanced chemical methods to restore fragile textiles. Ms. Wang Shujuan, a senior conservator, contributed her presentation on the application of a new method of repairing archaeological textiles, which can dramatically improve the physical and mechanical properties of those fragile objects.

Additionally, Prof. Zhou Yang, Head of the Technology Department curated an exhibition entitled, "Pursuing Eternity: Conservation of Museum Collections in China" to review the achievement of cultural heritage conservation in China over the past 100 years as well as introducing the scientific methods and techniques used for archaeological textile conservation.

Since the 1990s, the China National Silk Museum has been focusing on textile preservation, especially the development of novel methods to restore ancient textiles from archaeological sites. In 2012, the Museum designed and built a textile conservation gallery alongside the permanent exhibition area and laboratory. The ground floor of the two-storey facility is the conservation laboratory and restoration studio and the upper one is the display space. Each restoration project forms a conservation cycle: from the cleaning, digitization, examination, restoration, reproduction, packing, to exhibition and education.

SOURCE China National Silk Museum
The firm will provide underserved and credit-constrained consumers with an opportunity to get a new trade line structured as a secured loan

Marble Financial Inc ( ) ( ) (FRA:2V0) said it is excited to launch a new offering, the GIC Savings Loan with Jenson Graf Risk Management Inc, on its artificial intelligence-powered financial wellness Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, MyMarble.

Founded in 2011, Jenson Graf provides consumers access to safe and affordable credit improvement products.

The Vancouver, British Columbia-based financial technology company said its MyMarble Platform will provide Jenson Graf with a progressive software solution that will automate the GIC Savings Loan application and approval process. MyMarble will also provide Jenson Graf with an affiliate portal that will collect consumer credit and banking data through its proprietary Inverite Risk Score to support the underwriting process and improve loan performance.

Combining the MyMarble AI-driven financial technology software with the GIC Savings Loan enables the company to reach a product suited sector of these underserved Canadians with a proactive credit improvement solution, said the company. Marble will receive a referral fee from Jenson Graf for each GIC Savings Loan application.

The Jenson Graf GIC Savings Loan, billed as the Secured Future Credit Plan, is a combined savings program and credit-building tool. It provides credit-constrained consumers with an opportunity to get a new trade line structured as a secured loan, with each payment reported to the credit bureaus. By making monthly payments, consumers gradually build their credit history and establish a savings account for future use, noted the company.

A MyMarble personal finance survey conducted last year found that 70% of respondents felt embarrassed by their credit score. The company said the credit plan will provide a valuable solution for consumers on a journey to better credit, combined with the MyMarble platform which allows potential customers to utilize powerful AI-driven recommendations, financial education, credit, and budget improvement software products.

Were excited to announce the launch of our new GIC Loan product, said Marble CEO Karim Nanji. By combining the powerful AI-driven MyMarble recommendation technology, with the companys proprietary bank verification data powered by Inverite, The Secured Future Plan, can quickly build credit and save money, to prepare Canadians for their financial future.

Consumers in Ontario and British Columbia will be able to use the credit plan, along with MyMarbles financial tech and educational solutions. This 36-month program will increase the consumers financial fitness and credit confidence with a bonus savings fund for future use, said Marble.

Adding our products to MyMarbles platform provides the automation in the origination process to expand our programs, said Jenson and Graf partner Stephen Tung. The MyMarble affiliate portal provides us with key insights to adjust our underwriting requirements to ensure the program is successful for our partners and consumers.

A 2021 MNP Consumer Debt Index found that 53% of Canadians are within $200 away from insolvency. The pandemic has also turned finances upside down for many Canadians, with 20% of respondents reporting that they had hacked into their emergency savings.

Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CHRISTUS Spohn Health System and Oceans Healthcare today announced plans to build a new, state-of-the-art behavioral health unit and add outpatient behavioral health services on the campus of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi  Shoreline. The 40-bed unit owned and operated by Oceans Healthcare will expand inpatient bed capacity by more than 20% and allow for the treatment of more clinically acute patients. The Intensive Outpatient Program will further extend the program's reach and provide ongoing treatment to individuals managing behavioral health challenges.

Expected to open in the Spring of 2022, the 30,000 square-foot "hospital within a hospital" will occupy two floors and provide specialized care to adults 18 and up, as well as seniors age 55 and older. Once complete, it will replace the behavioral health unit currently located at the CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi  Memorial location.

"May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental illness to reduce the stigma so many experience. CHRISTUS Spohn plays an important role in providing compassionate care and helping patients find the right resources," explained Osbert Blow, MD, PhD, FACS, CHRISTUS Spohn President and Chief Medical Officer. "Our critical work with Oceans will help ensure access to a full continuum of behavioral health care. It is our commitment to get people the care they need in the most appropriate setting."

With rising rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the nation's mental health and the Coastal Bend region is no exception. According to the 2021 State of Mental Health in America report, Texas ranks second among U.S. states with the highest prevalence of mental health challenges while, at the same time, ranking 50th out of 51 in overall access to mental health care.

CHRISTUS Spohn and Texas-based Oceans entered into a management agreement in August 2020 with the intention of expanding behavioral health services in the Coastal Bend region. Since that time, CHRISTUS Spohn has increased its inpatient capacity for adult behavioral health services, treating 27% more patients than compared to the year prior. The pending expansion will provide the community with new resources and bridge existing gaps in care.

"At Oceans, we are passionate about expanding access to behavioral health treatment in each of the communities we serve," said Oceans Healthcare CEO Stuart Archer. "Last year, we joined with CHRISTUS Spohn to make a commitment to enhance the quality and availability of behavioral healthcare throughout the region. We're proud to take the next steps toward fulfilling that promise and we look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place to serve even more patients in the years ahead."

With nearly two decades of experience delivering comprehensive behavioral healthcare, Oceans provides CHRISTUS Spohn with access to additional resources and expertise. Oceans has deep experience caring for behavioral health patients with complex medical needs. This strong clinical foundation, along with its ability to share best practices across its 33 locations, will complement the clinical strength of CHRISTUS Spohn and support the delivery of high-quality care in Nueces County.

About CHRISTUS Spohn Health System

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region's largest hospital system in South Texas, consisting of six hospital campuses throughout the Coastal bend, a Cancer Center and the new Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center. The health system is consistently ranked as a healthcare leader in the area and has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including trauma, cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services, and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves. For additional information, visit our website at www.christusspohn.org

About Oceans Healthcare

Oceans Healthcare is a growing behavioral health provider focused on healing and long-term recovery. Founded in 2004, Oceans provides inpatient and outpatient treatment with a special focus on the unique physical and emotional needs of older adults. With 33 locations, including 23 inpatient hospital campuses across the Southeast, Oceans treated more than 18,000 individuals in 2020. The company consistently achieves industry-leading performance metrics on national quality and safety measurements, as determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission and was named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America for four consecutive years. For more information, visit www.oceanshealthcare.com.

CONTACT: Nikela Pradier

Regional Public Relations

CHRISTUS Health

Cell 214.636.9199

[email protected]

SOURCE Oceans Healthcare

Related Links

http://www.oceanshealthcare.com


NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council today announced an expanded marketing alliance with BrandTotal, the leading brand intelligence platform , to showcase the power of accelerated market insight gathering. BrandTotal delivers actionable, real-time consumer insights, paired with competitive social advertising intelligence so that established brands, challenger brands, and their agencies can transform and optimize their marketing campaigns benchmarked against their competition.

The alliance with BrandTotal will leverage the proprietary insights, analytics, and strategic POV of BrandTotal via exclusive brand intelligence data, global social industry trends, industry research reports, and other content to be promoted to CMOs and brand marketing leaders. This synergistic partnership expands BrandTotal's share of mind across the vast network of global marketers in the CMO Council.

Through this newly formed alliance, the CMO Council tie-in will enable BrandTotal to share its curated, exclusive insights and data with a highly influential global audience of 16,000+ members in 110 countries and help them make insight-driven media, creative, and brand decisions. These chief marketers control some $1 trillion in annual aggregated marketing spend. The two entities will collaborate on thought leadership programs in all areas of strategic marketing, creative intelligence, brand performance and measurement, customer voice, social and digital brand advertising intelligence, competitive tracking, and amplification.

"BrandTotal is excited to share its unique data and research generated at the intersection of consumer behavior, brand digital and social strategy, and competitive advertising with the global members of the CMO Council," said Noam Harel, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, BrandTotal. "We illuminate brands' digital paths -- and those of their competitors -- so Fortune 500 and DTC challenger brands alike can learn why and how consumers engage in their competitive category and also to benchmark their digital and social brand and creative performance."

Through this partnership, CMO Council members will have numerous opportunities to understand the transformation of traditional marketing insight practices and the potential applications for their brands to leverage social competitive intelligence solutions to further brand marketing performance and measurability.

"We are excited to be teaming with BrandTotal to showcase and highlight the needs for real-time digital and social brand intelligence in an ever-changing marketplace," said Bryan DeRose, Senior Vice President, Business and Program Development at the CMO Council. "This partnership will provide our members with ongoing insights and strategies leading marketers are leveraging to more effectively analyze, optimize and maximize their marketing mix strategies."

About BrandTotal

BrandTotal is a leading social competitive intelligence and brand analytics platform, enabling brand marketers to make decisions based on data, not gut feelings. BrandTotal was founded in 2016 and serves customers in North America, Europe, and Israel. Headquartered in New York, with offices in San Francisco and Israel, BrandTotal's customers range from well-established Fortune 500 brands to the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer challenger brands. The company is funded by world-class VC firms INcapital Ventures, Flint Capital, NHN Investment, One Way Ventures, FJ Labs, Glilot Capital Partners, and Keshet Dick Clark Productions along with early support from Microsoft Accelerator and Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator. Find us at www.brandtotal.com .

About the CMO Council

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council is the world's most influential network of marketing leaders dedicated to high-level knowledge exchange, strategic thought leadership and interpersonal relationship building. Its global membership base includes heads of marketing, digital, data, revenue and customer experience, as well as brand decision-makers across a wide range of private, public sector, education and non-profit markets. The CMO Council's 16,000-plus members represent 10,000-plus companies and control nearly $1 trillion in aggregated annual marketing expenditures. Members of this peer-powered content community run complex, distributed marketing, sales, eCommerce, customer engagement and channel operations worldwide. www.cmocouncil.org

SOURCE BrandTotal

Related Links

https://www.brandtotal.com/


NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ConsejoSano, the technology company specializing in culturally and linguistically-aligned patient outreach, has named Phil Harker, a health care industry veteran and shared risk / value-based care expert, as its new chief growth officer. Hired on the heels of fresh Series B funding, Harker will aim to expand ConsejoSano's client base of payers, providers, health systems and employers, while strengthening the company's capabilities and resources to service that base over the long term.

Phil Harker, ConsejoSano's new chief growth officer

Harker comes to ConsejoSano from Leavitt Risk Partners where he led strategy and operations as its CEO. Harker has also held top business development positions at Rally Health as senior vice president, Ingenix/Optum (UnitedHealth Group), and Deloitte and Touche Consulting Group. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Brigham Young University.

"What makes Phil perfect for ConsejoSano's next chapter is the breadth of his industry knowledge paired with his expertise in shared-risk and value-based models," said Abner Mason, ConsejoSano's CEO. "Alternative payment models are designed to help strengthen health equity -- improve health outcomes in underserved communities of color and those with language barriers -- while lowering costs and encouraging holistic population health management; Phil will enable us to help future clients see the big picture and the wins that are possible."

"Throughout my career, I've seen the effect of quality health care in all communities, and the important role alternative payment models can play," added Harker. "ConsejoSano's mission to improve health equity is a natural fit for value-based care, so I'm excited to guide the Growth team as we increase ConsejoSano's national impact."

About ConsejoSano

ConsejoSano is a patient engagement platform that helps connect payers, providers and health systems with their multicultural Medicaid and Medicare patient populations. The company utilizes multi-channel engagement tools to reach patients in a culturally relevant way that increases engagement, improves health outcomes, and lowers costs. Follow us on Twitter at @ConsejoSano_US.

Media contact:

Joe Reblando

[email protected]

703-599-5641

SOURCE ConsejoSano
HOUSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Last December, Corporate Housing Associates, LLC (CHA) announced the consolidation of Murphy's Corporate Lodging's business operations into CHA's to create a unified corporate housing solution offering residential real estate and property management services. The union facilitates client relocation by adding value through an amplified menu of destination services. The entity now operates under the name Murphy's Corporate Housing Associates (MCHA).

Since 1972, Murphy's Corporate Lodging has delivered relocation services to local companies throughout Texas, while ensuring the success of their client's crucial projects. With its inventory of corporate apartments, MCL provided executives and key personnel with flexible short- and long-term housing solutions.

"We are very proud to join forces with a company we highly respect," states Diane Berry, owner of MCHA. "The many shared synchronicities will give rise to an even stronger combined enterprise."

In step toward creating a best-in-class national footprint, MCHA is pleased to announce the asset purchase of HomeCorp Relocation, Inc. (HCR). Benefitting from both firm's strengths, this purchase will magnify MCHA's growth, amplifying service in over 20,000 cities and 100 countries, significantly improving the company's profile as the domestic and global economy recovers in 2021.

Since 1998, HomeCorp Relocation, Inc. has provided housing solutions to Texas companies, and joining forces with MCHA will strengthen the company's position in the corporate housing market.

"Both companies are highly complementary and synergistic. We are pleased to capitalize on this unique business opportunity while creating a diversified company offering a global geographic footprint, broadening assets for our clientele base," Berry concluded.

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Corporate Housing Associates, LLC, dba as Murphy's Corporate Housing Associates, is a Certified Woman Owned Small Business Enterprise, TX HUB, and GSA Contractor offering a variety of relocation and housing services.

About Murphy's Corporate Lodging Associates

For more than 50 years, Murphy's Corporate Lodging Associates has been providing corporate housing in the form of premium fully furnished and serviced apartments with around the clock guest services in more than 100 cities nationwide. Services include flexible lease terms for long- and short-term assignments, business trips, relocations, and personal stays. For more information visit www.CHAHomenow.com.

Contact:

Beth Guide

713-703-3030

[email protected]

SOURCE Murphys Corporate Lodging Associates

Related Links

http://www.CHAHomenow.com


OTTAWA, ON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Brane Inc., a leading cryptocurrency custodian, announced today that it is working with MNP to perform SOC 2 assurance covering the security trust criteria for Brane's custody service.

Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 is a rigorous audit procedure focused on a company's information security controls, and will build on Brane's existing ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and NIST Cyber Security Framework Tier 4 certifications for digital assets under custody  one of a select few crypto custodians in the world certified to these standards.

MNP is a leading Canadian accounting, tax, and business consulting firm with extensive experience in SOC 2 certification, including clients in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.

The SOC 2 certification process is consistent with the three pillars of Brane's custody solution: cutting-edge technology, a robust risk management framework, and a regulatory-first approach driven by an experienced leadership team.

"Brane's SOC 2 certification further demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of information security and risk management, coupled with industry-leading crypto custodial technology," said Jerome Dwight, Brane's President and former CEO of Bank of New York Mellon Canada. "As Brane scales up to meet growing demand for crypto asset safekeeping, our SOC 2 engagement with MNP will further solidify our position as a custody partner of choice for banks, asset managers, and other institutional clients."

Brane's SOC 2, Type I assurance process is now underway, with Type II to follow. The company's custody solution and Information Security Management System were recently recertified to the following global standards by third-party audits:

ISO 27001  Information Technology security

ISO 27017  Cloud computing security

Ethereum smart contract penetration testing

NIST Cyber Security Framework Tier 4  the highest practical level of assurance for remote network authentication. Brane was the first Canadian company, in any industry, to achieve this certification.

For more information on Brane, please visit www.brane.capital.

Contact:

Adam Miron

Interim-CEO & Chairman

Brane Capital

613-986-2422

[email protected]

Founded in 2017, Brane is a blockchain innovation company. Brane helps organizations understand and unlock the power of the blockchain and digital assets. Brane Vault, its digital asset custody service, is ISO 27001 certified  first in the world with cryptocurrency in scope, ISO 27017 certified, and NIST Tier 4  the first company in Canada, in any industry, to receive such certification. Brane Vault offers advanced proprietary technology and processes with numerous provisional patents and is fully insured against theft and crime.

SOURCE Brane Capital
DALLAS, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Daniel Charest, founding partner of the Dallas-based law firm Burns Charest LLP, has been named among the top commercial litigation attorneys in North Texas by the prestigious Chambers USA legal guide.

Chambers recognition is one of the most sought-after honors among business lawyers across the nation. This year's Chambers honor underscores the breadth of success Charest has achieved for his clients and the importance of those cases in the Texas legal landscape.

Mr. Charest is noted for his impressive handling of a wide range of commercial, energy and mass tort actions. According to one source interviewed by Chambers, "He's professional, deliberate and provides chess-board thinking with outside-the-box litigation tactics." Another says, "His commitment to clients is amazing."

Among other significant accomplishments, Mr. Charest served as lead trial counsel in securing a landmark win on behalf of more than 10,000 Houston-area property owners before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in the largest takings case in U.S. history. The court held that the United States is liable for flooding and property damage caused by the Army Corps of Engineers' management of Houston-area reservoirs during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. He will again serve as trial counsel when the compensation phase of the litigation is heard later this year.

During the past year, Mr. Charest has been named "Attorney of the Year" by Texas Lawyer, a "Winning Litigator" by the National Law Journal, and a "Litigation Star" by Benchmark Litigation. Earlier this month he was named among the "Best Lawyers in Dallas" by D Magazine.

The Chambers USA guide is produced by London-based Chambers and Partners, known worldwide for its thorough guides to the legal profession. Recognition is based on thousands of attorney and client interviews to identify lawyers who demonstrate top technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commitment, and other key qualities.

Burns Charest represents clients in large, complex cases, whether they are bilateral, class, or mass actions. Subject matters span antitrust cases; oil and gas disputes; environmental pollution cases; mass torts; and toxic tort and exposure claims. The firm has offices in Dallas, New Orleans and D.C. To learn more, visit http://www.burnscharest.com.

Media Contact:

Barry Pound

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Burns Charest LLP
Global efforts to address climate change have been driving demand for solutions to help corporates effectively reduce their carbon emissions. However, today's low-carbon technologies including current renewable energy solutions are unlikely to be enough in the near term.

Certain research shows that such technologies may only reduce two-thirds of global emissions[1], which may not be sufficient to achieve the goal under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to limit global warming preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius[2]. High-quality carbon credits can provide a practical solution to bridge this gap, especially in the near term, and will play an important role in a holistic climate mitigation strategy.

Mikkel Larsen, Interim CEO of Climate Impact X and Chief Sustainability Officer at DBS, said: "Climate Impact X will provide a solution for corporates to address unavoidable carbon emissions in the near term and propel the development of new carbon credit projects worldwide. With an initial focus on Natural Climate Solutions, the carbon credits will also create impetus to address another grave risk of biodiversity loss and help serve local communities. CIX will build on collective action by global governments, corporates and individuals to achieve a net-zero economy."

Driven by corporate climate commitments, global demand for high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market is estimated to increase at least fifteenfold by 2030, up to 1.5 to 2 gigatons of carbon dioxide (GtCO2) annually[3]. Despite this forecast, there are still challenges to address in today's market. For example, trust among investors and buyers may still be limited by a lack of transparency over the risks and effectiveness of carbon projects. As a result, suppliers may face challenges in developing new carbon reduction projects, resulting in liquidity issues.

Larsen added: "By facilitating a well-functioning marketplace with strong impact and risk data, CIX will enable efficient price discovery and catalyse the development of new projects."

CIX Exchange and Project Marketplace to be focused initially on Natural Climate Solutions (NCS); to be launched by end 2021

CIX will offer distinct platforms and products that cater to the needs of different buyers and sellers of carbon credits. These include the Exchange and the Project Marketplace, which are expected to be launched by end 2021. The Exchange will facilitate the sale of large-scale high-quality carbon credits through standardised contracts  catering primarily to multinational corporations (MNCs) and institutional investors.

In addition, the Project Marketplace will cater to a broader spectrum of corporates seeking to participate in the voluntary carbon market, offering them a curated selection of NCS projects that can help meet their sustainability objectives. Each project on the Project Marketplace will be supported by transparent environmental impact, risk and pricing data.

To start with, CIX will focus on helping to catalyse the market for NCS, which involve protection and restoration of natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and mangroves. NCS are cost effective and provide significant benefits by supporting biodiversity and generating income for local communities. Asia houses a third of the global supply potential and is therefore one of the largest suppliers of NCS globally[4]. CIX will feature carbon credits from various high-quality NCS projects around the globe on its platforms. It is also in conversations with global rating agencies to provide independent ratings to these projects.

In addition, CIX will be guided by an International Advisory Council  an independent expert body comprising non-governmental organisations, leading corporates and project developers, and academics and thought leaders. CIX will also work with an ecosystem of global partners and international working groups, including the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) and the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance, to align on leading standards for quality and integrity.

The joint operation of CIX by DBS, SGX, Standard Chartered and Temasek will be subject to all required regulatory approvals/consents to be obtained[5].

Piyush Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, DBS, said: "It is becoming increasingly apparent that the world requires a carbon market of the highest international standards. As a leading global financial and trading hub, supported by strong regulatory frameworks, Singapore is well placed to lead such sustainability efforts. To catalyse the development of new carbon credit projects, there is a need for more high-quality carbon credits and the active cross border trading of such credits to drive global price transparency. We look forward to galvanising change by gathering like-minded industry leaders to a centralised world-class platform, scaling the global voluntary carbon market and expediting the transition to a low-carbon economy."

Loh Boon Chye, Chief Executive Officer, SGX, said: "SGX serves the ecosystem as a leading sustainable and transition financing and trading hub. Climate action is a key priority for us and we support internationally accepted carbon mitigation hierarchies. From avoiding and reducing emissions within companies' operations and value chains, to using renewable energy sources wherever possible and finally neutralising and compensating for hard-to-abate emissions, we will work with our ecosystem throughout this journey. Climate Impact X will be an integral part of this vision, backed by SGX's track record as a major price discovery venue for global commodities and Singapore's strong and trusted financial infrastructure."

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered, said: "Standard Chartered operates in many of the world's fastest-growing economies across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, which are home to a high proportion of the world's natural climate solutions. To meet our shared climate objectives, we need to see a significant capital shift to these markets to protect nature and enable a sustainable low-carbon transition. Voluntary carbon markets are necessary to accomplish this transfer efficiently and, as set out in the work of the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets, we must agree to a consistently high standard of carbon credits for this market to be credible and effective. This is the decade for action, and we are confident that Climate Impact X will play a critical role in aligning the planet's emissions profile to a net-zero future."

Rohit Sipahimalani, Chief Investment Strategist, Temasek, said: "Temasek is committed to generating positive impact on people and the planet through our global investments. We provide capital to catalyse new ideas and solutions. Climate Impact X aligns with our commitment to invest in businesses that will yield positive climate benefits as well as developments in their broader ecosystems for the long term. We are pleased that the platform will help organisations to address their carbon footprints through both market and natural climate solutions."

Leveraging Singapore's world-class infrastructure to scale global voluntary carbon markets

CIX will be headquartered in Singapore and will leverage the country's internationally-recognised financial, legal and commodities hub infrastructures. These infrastructures are foundational to nurturing a trusted ecosystem of partners required to scale the global voluntary market. In addition, Singapore has been supportive of initiatives that strengthen the trust and verifiability of carbon credits, as part of the nation's ambition to become a global carbon services and trading hub.

CIX is an initiative born out of Singapore's Emerging Stronger Taskforce's Alliance for Action (AfA) on Sustainability[6]. The AfA on Sustainability aims to position Singapore as a hub for carbon-related services and nature-based solutions, transforming the country into a "Bright Green Spark".

-END-

About Climate Impact X

Climate Impact X (CIX) will be a Singapore-based global carbon exchange and marketplace that aims to scale the voluntary carbon market. CIX will connect an ecosystem of partners, leveraging satellite monitoring, machine learning and blockchain to enhance transparency, integrity and quality of carbon credits. This will empower corporations to take effective action and complement carbon reduction efforts as part of a holistic climate mitigation strategy. CIX will offer distinct platforms and products that will cater to the needs of different carbon credit buyers and sellers. The Exchange will facilitate the sale of large-scale high-quality carbon credits through standardised contracts  catering primarily to MNCs and institutional investors. The Project Marketplace will offer a curated selection of NCS projects that can meet corporate sustainability objectives. Each project on the Project Marketplace will be supported by transparent impact, risk and pricing data.

For more information, please visit www.climateimpactx.com

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named "World's Best Bank" by Euromoney, "Global Bank of the Year" by The Banker and "Best Bank in the World" by Global Finance. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named "World's Best Digital Bank" by Euromoney. In addition, DBS has been accorded the "Safest Bank in Asia" award by Global Finance for 12 consecutive years from 2009 to 2020.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities.

For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About Singapore Exchange

Singapore Exchange is Asia's leading and trusted securities and derivatives market infrastructure, operating equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets to the highest regulatory standards. It also operates a multi-asset sustainability platform, SGX FIRST or Future in Reshaping Sustainability Together (sgx.com/first).

SGX is committed to facilitating economic growth in a sustainable manner leveraging its roles as a key player in the ecosystem, a business, regulator and listed company. With climate action as a key priority, SGX aims to be a leading sustainable and transition financing and trading hub offering trusted, quality, end-to-end products and solutions.

As Asia's most international, multi-asset exchange, SGX provides listing, trading, clearing, settlement, depository and data services, with about 40% of listed companies and over 80% of listed bonds originating outside of Singapore. SGX is the world's most liquid international market for the benchmark equity indices of China, India, Japan and ASEAN. Headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, SGX is globally recognised for its risk management and clearing capabilities.

For more information, please visit www.sgx.com.

About Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 59 of the world's most dynamic markets, and serving clients in a further 85. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, Here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

About Temasek

Temasek is an investment company with a net portfolio value of S$306 billion (US$214 billion) as at 31 March 2020. Its three roles as an Investor, Institution and Steward, as defined in the Temasek Charter, shape Temasek's ethos to do well, do right and do good. Temasek actively seeks sustainable solutions to address present and future challenges, through investment and other opportunities that help to bring about a better, smarter and more sustainable world. For more information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg.

ANNEX

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1514979/Climate_Impact_X_Annex.pdf

[1] "The Next Generation of Climate Innovation", BCG, published 22 March, 2021, https://www.bcg.com/en-sea/publications/2021/next-generation-climate-innovation [2] "The Paris Agreement", United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, retrieved 17 May, 2021, https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement [3] "A blueprint for scaling voluntary carbon markets to meet the climate challenge", McKinsey & Company, published 29 January, 2021, https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/a-blueprint-for-scaling-voluntary-carbon-markets-to-meet-the-climate-challenge [4] "Consultation: Nature and Net Zero", World Economic Forum, published 25 January, 2021, https://www.weforum.org/reports/consultation-nature-and-net-zero [5] The contributions by the parties into CIX will include cash, technical expertise, networks, thought leadership, IT architecture, and other intangibles. [6] The Emerging Stronger Taskforce (EST) was formed under the Future Economy Council (FEC) in May 2020 to review how Singapore can stay economically resilient, and build new sources of dynamism to emerge stronger from COVID-19. The Alliances for Action formed are in the areas of AgriTech, Digitalising Built Environment, EduTech, Enabling Safe and Innovative Visitor Experiences, Facilitating Smart Commerce, MedTech, Robotics, Supply Chain Digitalisation, and Sustainability.

SOURCE Temasek

Related Links

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ATLANTA, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynamic Appearance is excited to unveil high-efficiency, premium LED forward lights and LED assemblies for all types of vehicles. These bulbs are capable of producing powerful, radiant light that cuts through the darkness to protect drivers on- and off-road while saving a tremendous amount of energy.

There are three benefits to ordering LED forward bulbs or automotive LED light assemblies like Morimoto premium LED headlights:

Durability: LED forward lights tend to be more durable than traditional options. While having strong rugged headlights isn't always a top priority for vehicle owners, it's still an added benefit to consider.

LED forward lights tend to be more durable than traditional options. While having strong rugged headlights isn't always a top priority for vehicle owners, it's still an added benefit to consider. Brightness: The automotive industry is making a massive switch to LED lights for several reasons, one of them being that they are superior in terms of brightness. Some LED lights are up to 250% brighter than halogen bulbs.

The automotive industry is making a massive switch to LED lights for several reasons, one of them being that they are superior in terms of brightness. Some LED lights are up to 250% brighter than halogen bulbs. Versatility: Switching to LED lights gives drivers a lot more design freedom for their vehicle. They can customize the power and several other factors of the bulbs to their liking.

In addition to LED forward lights and assemblies, Dynamic Appearance also offers beautiful LED accent lights for cars to improve a vehicle's overall aesthetic. These accent lights can be installed into a car's cabin to completely transform its appearance. Like LED headlights, the accent lights are more efficient and last much longer than fluorescent bulbs.

Customers will only find the best-quality LED forward bulbs, assemblies and accent lights from top brands like Morimoto at https://dynamicappearance.com/. When bulbs and assemblies are combined to improve a vehicle's lighting capabilities, individuals can expect their vehicle to look and perform like new. LED lights can last 15,000 hours on average, whereas traditional headlights only have a lifespan of about 1,000 hours. Due to their energy efficiency and long lifespans, it's time for auto enthusiasts across the country to make the switch to LED headlights.

Dynamic Appearance is a leading supplier in automotive Xenon HID and LED lighting for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. With more than five years of experience, the company specializes in automotive lighting and window tinting for cars, trucks, and residential and commercial buildings. Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, Dynamic Appearance serves clients locally and online throughout the U.S.

For media inquiries, please contact Jason Crist at 1-833-443-6533, or [email protected].

Related Images

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Dynamic Appearance Logo

SOURCE Dynamic Appearance
During Orange Week, individual departments and branches at Embrace choose non-profit organizations to support and volunteer hands-on work. This year, employees cleaned up beaches and cemeteries, created birthday boxes for hospitalized children , volunteered at animal rescues and painted historic ballparks , among other events.

"While we had to cancel Orange Week last year due to the pandemic, we're back with a bang this yearand just in time," said Embrace CEO Dennis Hardiman. "Although the nation has turned a corner on the coronavirus, many communities are still struggling and need help. I am proud of our team for stepping up and donating their time to so many worthy causes in our community. To a person, our employees epitomize what it means to make a difference in the lives of others."

Some of the charitable organizations and activities Embrace is supporting this week include Newport Blooms, Norman Bird Sanctuary, West Place Animal Sanctuary, Save The Bay, Miantonomi Park cleanup, Food Drive for MLK Center, Bramans Cemetery gravestone cleaning, Boots on the Ground, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, Second Beach cleanup, The Chase Home, and more.

In addition to Orange Week, Embrace commits a percentage of its earnings to charity. Over the past decade, the company has given more than $25 million toward worthy causes. Employees can volunteer at an organization of their choice for up to 100 hours while still receiving pay, and the company will donate a dollar amount for each hour volunteered to the organization. Embrace also matches up to $2,500 in donations per employee each year.

Embrace continues to actively recruit loan officers, underwriters and loan processors to meet the growing demand for its mortgage products. The company originated more than $6 billion in mortgage loans in 2020, a company record and a 70% increase from 2019.

Last year, Embrace Home Loans was named one of the Best Mortgage Companies to Work For by National Mortgage News and Best Companies Group. Embrace offers competitive compensation and benefits, a balanced work-life focus and a culture that fosters job satisfaction and success.

To learn more about career opportunities at Embrace, visit the company's careers page.

About Embrace Home Loans

Founded in 1983, Embrace Home Loans is a prominent mortgage lender that provides borrowers and financial institutions with an exceptional mortgage experience. Licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Embrace has been recognized seven times as one of the Best Medium-sized Companies to Work for in America by Fortune and five times as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in America by Inc. The company has also been recognized twelve times as one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island, as the Most Community Involved Company in Rhode Island, and with the Leadership Excellence Award by Providence Business News. The company is based in Middletown, Rhode Island. For more information, please visit www.embracehomeloans.com .

PRESS CONTACTS:

Henry Drennan

Strategic Vantage Marketing and Public Relations

(615) 497-8358

[email protected]

Mary McGarity

Strategic Vantage Marketing and Public Relations

(203)260-5476

[email protected]

SOURCE Embrace Home Loans

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WASHINGTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac;NYSE: AGM and AGM.A) today announced that it has agreed to issue $125 million of Tier 1 capital through the public offering of 4.875% non-cumulative perpetual Series G preferred stock, par value $25.00 per share. The preferred stock offering is expected to close on May 27, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Farmer Mac intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the preferred stock for general corporate purposes. Farmer Mac expects to list the new series of preferred stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AGM PRG."

The dividend rate on the new Series G preferred stock will remain at a non-cumulative, fixed rate of 4.875% per year, when, as, and if a dividend is declared by the Board of Directors of Farmer Mac, for so long as the Series G preferred stock remains outstanding. The Series G preferred stock will have no maturity date, but Farmer Mac will have the option to redeem the preferred stock on any dividend payment date on and after July 17, 2026. RBC Capital Markets, LLC served as Sole Book-Running Manager for this transaction. BTIG, LLC, Sidoti & Company, LLC and Wedbush Securities Inc. served as Co-Managers for this transaction.

The offering is being made pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is being made solely by means of an offering circular. You may obtain a copy of the offering circular by contacting RBC Capital Markets LLC, 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10281, Attention: Transaction Management, or by facsimile at (212)-658-6137.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this release includes forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations for the preferred stock offering, Farmer Mac's intended use of the proceeds from the offering and the closing date of the offering. You should pay particular attention to the important risk factors and cautionary statements described in the "Risk Factors" section of the offering circular that relates to the offering referenced above, as well as the risk factors discussed in Farmer Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021, and Farmer Mac's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on May 6, 2021. In light of these potential risks and uncertainties, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements expressed in this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this release represent management's expectations as of the date of this release. Farmer Mac undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of revisions to any forward-looking statements included in this release to reflect new information or any future events or circumstances, except as the SEC otherwise requires.

About Farmer Mac

Farmer Mac is a vital part of the agricultural credit markets and was created to increase access to and reduce the cost of credit for the benefit of American agricultural and rural communities. As the nation's secondary market for agricultural credit, we provide financial solutions to a broad spectrum of the agricultural community, including agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, and other institutions that can benefit from access to flexible, low-cost financing and risk management tools. Farmer Mac's customers benefit from our low cost of funds, low overhead costs, and high operational efficiency. More information about Farmer Mac (including the Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q referenced above) is available on Farmer Mac's website at www.farmermac.com.

SOURCE Farmer Mac

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Plant-Based Breaded Fish Sticks (MSRP: $5.99 ): Deliciously flaky plant-based whitefish sticks have 12g protein per five sticks, each coated with a light, crispy breading. They're a convenient freezer friend for quick and easy weeknight meals. Sized perfectly for little hands to dunk into ketchup, they also make craveworthy grownup meals. Each box contains 10 fish sticks.

Deliciously flaky plant-based whitefish sticks have 12g protein per five sticks, each coated with a light, crispy breading. They're a convenient freezer friend for quick and easy weeknight meals. Sized perfectly for little hands to dunk into ketchup, they also make craveworthy grownup meals. Each box contains 10 fish sticks. Plant-Based Breaded Fish Fillets (MSRP: $5.99 ): With 12g of protein per serving, our fillets have a tender, flaky whitefish texture encased in a light, crispy breading. Keep these in the freezer for savory, crunchy satisfaction, without having to even think about a drive-through! Each box contains 2 fish fillets.

With 12g of protein per serving, our fillets have a tender, flaky whitefish texture encased in a light, crispy breading. Keep these in the freezer for savory, crunchy satisfaction, without having to even think about a drive-through! Each box contains 2 fish fillets. Plant-Based Breaded Crab Cakes (MSRP: $5.99 ): An ideal entree-sized plant-based crab cake with 15g of protein per serving features a lump crabmeat-like texture and sweet crab flavor complemented with bell peppers, green onions, parsley and a hint of spice. Each box contains 4 crab cakes.

"These products are game-changers for the industry," said Chad Sarno, Co-Founder & Chief Culinary Officer at Gathered Foods, makers of Good Catch, "Consumers have become more aware of the environmental impact of eating seafood and we're proud to be a delicious, culinary-driven solution. We're pushing culinary boundaries every day to deliver the taste and texture consumers expect from seafood. This product line has surpassed our expectations and we are incredibly proud."

Good Catch has continued to expand its innovative product portfolio amidst the quickly expanding plant-based industry. According to the Good Food Institute (GFI), the retail market for plant-based foods is now worth $7 billion. Over the last few years, the plant-based seafood industry has shown steadfast growth. In fact, according to market research firm Fact.MR, over the next 10 years, the plant-based seafood sector is set to grow at a rate of 28% and will be worth $1.3 billion by 2031.

"This nascent industry, which is ready to surge, presents an immense opportunity for our brand," said Christine Mei, CEO of Gathered Foods, makers of Good Catch. "As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating craveable plant-based seafood alternatives that deliver on taste, texture and comparable protein. With our new breaded line, we took fan-favorite seafood products consumers know and love, and transformed them into great-tasting ocean-friendly alternatives."

The new breaded line will be available in June in select retailers including Giant Food, Martin's, Tom Thumb, Randalls and Acme, as well as select Safeway and Albertsons locations. Good Catch has significant expanded distribution in retail and foodservice planned for late summer and fall of this year. Visit GoodCatchFoods.com/where-to-buy for more information on retailers near you.

This product extension is the latest evolution from the plant-based seafood brand, expanding beyond its portfolio of six offerings, including New England Style Plant-Based Crab Cakes, Thai Style Plant-Based Fish Cakes, Classic Style Plant-Based Fish Burgers and Plant-Based Tuna, available in Naked in Water, Mediterranean and Oil & Herbs flavors.

Gathered Foods has had an impressive year thus far, most recently announcing a successful B-2 bridge funding round, securing $26.35 million with investments from Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), Unovis Asset Management, Clear Current Capital and others. Additionally, the brand has had several launches expanding its foodservice footprint. Good Catch Tuna Melts are in all Veggie Grill locations and Good Catch Deli-Style Plant-Based Tuna Salad is now available across several states in Whole Foods Market prepared foods departments. In February, the brand partnered with Bareburger to bring its Plant-Based Classic Fish Burger to consumers through a new vegan offering called The Gulf Burger.

"We're incredibly bullish about the future of Good Catch," said Chris Kerr, Executive Chair of Gathered Foods, makers of Good Catch. "Our products fill a void in the marketplace. We'll continue to lead in this category and have a few more launches this year that will excite both investors and consumers."

About Gathered Foods

Gathered Foods, makers of Good Catch plant-based seafood, is an innovative food company focused on propelling change through plant-based alternatives. United by a love of good food, plant-based eating and animal welfare, Gathered Foods is on a mission to raise consciousness, reduce harm and preserve environmental resources, all while delivering a great culinary experience. The team is dedicated to creating craveworthy plant-based foods for everyone, from vegan to omnivore and everybody in between. Visit GatheredFoods.com for more information.

About Good Catch

Good Catch is a chef-driven brand developing flavorful, plant-based seafood alternatives. Founded by pioneering chefs Derek and Chad Sarno, Good Catch products offer the taste, texture and eating experience of seafood without harming the environment. Good Catch products include single-serve, ready-to-eat pouches of Plant-Based Tuna and frozen Plant-Based Fish Burgers, Plant-Based Crab Cakes, Plant-Based Thai Fish Cakes available in retailers across the US and Canada, with growing foodservice partners and wider distribution planned. Stay tuned for more retail and foodservice news on Plant-Based Breaded Fish Sticks, Plant-Based Breaded Fish Fillets, Plant-Based Breaded Crab Cakes, plus more exciting product launches soon! Visit GoodCatchFoods.com and follow @goodcatchfoods on Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Good Catch
LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Esports Organization Gen.G announced a gamified DJ charity stream today with famed nightclub, Arena in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California in celebration of Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

Photo by Gen.G

The event will feature a gamified DJ stream presented by McDonald's of Southern California. The DJ talent will include Julienne By, Bella Fiasco, DJ Zo, and more on May 25 at 6:30PM PT, with proceeds going to AAPI Community Fund charity initiative, supporting local AAPI communities across the U.S. Gen.G and the McDonald's of Southern California franchisees will be matching donations up to $10,000. The stream will be featured on twitch.tv/arenaktown.

"McDonald's of Southern California is proud to partner with Gen.G to raise money and awareness in support of the fight against anti-Asian hate," says Andrew Chang, SoCal McDonald's Owner/Operator and member of McDonald's local Asian affinity group. "Racism of any form has no place in our society and we stand with our AAPI colleagues and community to build a more inclusive future for all."

"It's exciting to partner with Arena and the SoCal McDonald's to bring creators together from different industries that overlap, all for a good cause. The streaming realm extends much further than gaming; integrating the music world while connecting our audiences together with gaming is something Gen.G continues to push forward. Creating content for gaming fans shouldn't be limited  we're bridging the gap between online experiences and offline interests," said Christina Kim, Gen.G Director of Brand.

Earlier this month, Gen.G kicked off a slate of AAPI programming for May 2021 featuring WORKshops to highlight and celebrate AAPI creators, gaming charity streams, and a celebrity poker event to raise money for the AAPI community. Separately, McDonald's Southern California franchise group launched fundraising efforts to support organizations working to advance AAPI communities and will be finalizing donations this month.

SOURCE Gen.G
FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 9; Released: March 2021 Executive Engagements: 74231 Companies: 104 - Players covered include 3GTMS, Inc.; 4flow AG; Advantech Co., Ltd.; APL Logistics Ltd.; Digital Logistics Group Ltd.; Hexaware Technologies Ltd.; IBM Corporation; JDA Software, Inc.; Logistic Solutions Inc.; Logitech; MindTree Ltd.; Oracle Corporation; Partner Tech USA; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; SAP SE; Scanco; Syntel, Inc.; Tech Mahindra Ltd. and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Solution (Hardware, Software, Services); Deployment (Cloud, On-Premise) Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; 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 Digital Transformation Spending in Logistics to Reach $75.5 Billion by 2026

COVID-19 is emerging to be the biggest driver of digital transformation. Over 60% of companies in North America, Europe and Asia expect to witness a higher velocity of change in digital transformation during the years 2020 through 2023. Digital transformation is now visible in all industrial sectors. With companies across all industries including logistics going online launching digital initiatives, investments in automation is rising. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Digital Transformation Spending in Logistics estimated at US$45.6 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$75.5 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% over the analysis period. Hardware, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 8.2% CAGR to reach US$38.3 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 Software segment is readjusted to a revised 8.9% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

The U.S. is Estimated at $14 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $13.7 Billion by 2026

Digital Transformation Spending in Logistics in the U.S. is estimated at US$14 Billion in the year 2021. The country currently accounts for a 28.98% share in the global market. China, the world second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$13.7 Billion in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 10% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 7.7% and 8.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.8% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$15.1 Billion by the year 2027. The push towards digital transformation in these markets in pushing up investments in connected devices, radio frequency identification (RFID) and Internet of Things (IoT) for enhanced real-time visibility into the supply chain. Foray of third-party logistics providers (3PLs) in the logistics and freight management industry is changing market dynamics, providing shippers with the opportunity to find the most suitable partner for their business. The future holds even more opportunities for transportation & logistics companies to improve their efficiency and profits. IoT and vehicle-to-vehicle communication holds promise for enabling "vehicle trains" or "vehicle platoons".

Services Segment to Reach $22.1 Billion by 2026

In the global Services segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 9.9% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$8.1 Billion in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$15.7 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$2.5 Billion by the year 2026. More

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Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Phone: 1-408-528-9966

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TUSTIN, Calif., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Good Funding, LLC ("Good Funding"), a recently-launched small business finance company, has closed on a $20.0 million senior revolving credit facility with a U.S.-based, credit focused asset manager. The agreement includes an accordion feature with the option to increase the credit facility to $30.0 million. The transaction represents Good Funding's inaugural institutional financing. Proceeds will be used to increase the Company's funding capabilities and execute its strategic growth plan.

Good Funding, LLC

"We are thrilled to have closed on this first round of institutional financing," said Jason Osiecki, Co-Founder and President of Good Funding. "This credit facility will allow us to accelerate the growth of our funding platform, expand our team, and ultimately empower even more small businesses to move forward."

"With less than a year in business, in the midst of a pandemic that is still negatively impacting America's small businesses, we view this investment as a strong endorsement of what Good Funding can accomplish," said Co-Founder and CEO of Good Funding, Ben Gold. "Closing on this credit facility validates our mission to transform the way small businesses access the capital they need to grow and thrive. We cannot wait to put this investment into action."

Brean Capital, LLC served as the Company's exclusive Advisor and Placement Agent in connection with this transaction.

About Good Funding, LLC

Founded in 2020, Good Funding is a privately-held financial services firm that provides alternative funding resources to America's small businesses. Our products are designed for business owners who cannot access working capital through traditional methods, or simply need funding with a rapid-fire turnaround. Good Funding allows entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses to build self-reliance and a brighter financial future. For more information, visit www.goodfunding.com.

Media contact:

Jenny Alonzo

VP, Marketing

714.384.7189

[email protected]

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SOURCE Good Funding, LLC
MELBOURNE, Australia, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the government announced the scheme would be expanded for new apprentices and trainees signed up before 30 September 2021. The wage subsidy program is intended to support employers and Group Training Organisations to employ new apprentices and trainees. Labour hire company in Melbourne, AIO Contracting, are helping connect employers and job seekers looking to take advantage of the subsidy.

Labour Hire Agency

Providing labour hire in Melbourne, AIO play a crucial role in supporting businesses to manage cash flow challenges and build a pipeline of skilled workers. The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy provides further support for both businesses and employees.

The BAC subsidy supports sustained economic recovery in the engineering and manufacturing industries. Through the scheme, any business or Group Training Organisation that engages an Australian apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for a 12-month period from the date of commencement. The maximum amount is $7,000 per quarter for each apprentice or trainee, however there is no cap on the number of eligible apprentices and trainees.

Additional eligibility requirements include the apprentice or trainee undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification, with the training contract formally approved by the relevant state training authority. The subsidy is available to employers of any size, industry or location.

Widely known as one of the best labour agencies in Melbourne, AIO helps match qualified and experienced professionals to perform trade roles through their labour hire services.

During 2020, many apprentices and trainees lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, particularly in Victoria, the hardest hit state in Australia. When faced with the prospect of unemployment, AIO says many apprentices and trainees turned to a labour hire agency in Melbourne to assist them in undertaking further training and help them with recruitment.

The support provided by the Australian Government to engage new apprentices and trainees continues to accelerate the recovery of the labour market from the impacts of COVID-19.

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Labour Hire Agency

Labour Hire Agency

SOURCE AIO Contracting
Access to 1:1 support from Family Support Specialists (previously only available in hospitals)

Multiple support groups to cater to different journeys and backgrounds

Private virtual chat community with certified Family Support Specialists and other NICU Parents

Access to NICU-related podcasts

Comprehensive resource library curated to your personal profile

Virtual webinars

One in seven babies born in the U.S. spends time in the NICU1, and NICU parents are at a higher risk for postpartum depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD2. Caring for a medically fragile child following hospital discharge can be an isolating and traumatic as many NICU graduates have complex healthcare needs, feeding issues, developmental delays and learning challenges. The Hand to Hold mobile app provides convenience, compassion and connection to help support NICU parents' emotional needs during their journey.

"Creating a mobile app is essential to help eliminate barriers to support for all NICU parents," said Kelli Kelley, Hand to Hold Founder and CEO and NICU parent. "This app will provide access to emotional care for NICU parents regardless of financial means, cultural barriers and other inequalities in the healthcare industry.

"Huggies is incredibly proud to partner with Hand to Hold to help parents navigate the unknowns of a NICU journey," said Sarah Inbau, Huggies North America Brand Manager and NICU parent. "Many of us at Huggies have been NICU parents and have experienced the emotional impact of a NICU stay. While no two experiences are the same, the personalized support Hand to Hold offers parents through this new app is transformative and we're honored to be able to help more parents."

Huggies has a long legacy of supporting NICU parents, and their babies, having partnered with NICU nurses and NICU parents to create a special line of diapers and wipes for NICU babies. Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie diapers are each hand inspected and made for babies with delicate skin, weighing less than two pounds. Huggies Extra Sensitive baby wipes are uniquely designed to provide extra gentle cleaning for premature and incredibly delicate skin.

The Hand to Hold NICU Community sits on a custom designed, proprietary, hypermobile platform that supports both English and Spanish built by On the Dot. The app is free, courtesy of Huggies, and can be downloaded on Google Play or the Apple App Store by searching "Hand to Hold".

About Hand to Hold

Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides personalized support before, during and after a NICU stay to help ensure all NICU families thrive. They envision a world where every NICU family has a trusted Hand to Hold through their NICU journey and beyond. To learn more, visit Hand to Hold.org

About Huggies Brand

For more than 40 years, Huggies has been helping parents provide love, care and reassurance to their babies. From developing innovative, everyday products for babies to partnering with NICU nurses to develop a special diapers and wipes line for the most fragile babies, Huggies is dedicated to helping ensure all babies get the care they need to thrive. Huggies is proud to be the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need in America since 2011. Huggies is also the national sponsor of nonprofit Hand to Hold, which provides personalized support before, during and after NICU stays and infant loss. For more information on product offerings or our community efforts, please visit Huggies.com.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.

1March of Dimes (2010). Special Care nursery admissions. National Perinatal Information System/Quality Analytic Services; Special Care Nursery Admissions

2Shaw and Horwitz (2021). Treatment of Psychological Distress in Parents of Premature Infants, PTSD in the NICU. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

[KMB-B]

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Related Links

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TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Full-service insurance brokerage, High Street Insurance Partners (HSIP), announced today the acquisition of Malvern, Pennsylvania-based Employee Benefits broker, The Elite Group (Elite).

Established in 2001, Elite is a single source Employee Benefits Consulting, Human Resources, Benefits Administration, Payroll, Property & Casualty and Voluntary Benefits solution. The company will continue to be led by Agency President, William Naylor. Naylor will work closely with HSIP Employee Benefits Segment Leader, Brian Hirko and will report to Scott Goodreau, Managing Partner & COO.

Elite joins The DJB Group and Hartzell Insurance Associates in Pennsylvania.

About High Street Insurance Partners

High Street Insurance Partners (HSIP) is a full-service independent insurance brokerage firm. Founded in 2018, the Traverse City, Michigan-based company provides a broad array of business insurance & risk management; employee benefits & human capital management; financial & retirement services; and personal insurance solutions delivered through community-focused agencies. HSIP employs over 500 insurance specialists & consultants in offices based in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon & Pennsylvania. Additional information can be found at www.highstreetpartners.com.

SOURCE High Street Insurance Partners
NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Real Estate LLC announces the bid deadline of Wednesday, June 16 for a three-story, 88-room, Extended Stay TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Located at 1320 Willow Street in Vincennes, IN, this limited-service hotel was renovated in late 2018 and features an array of amenities for guests visiting the area.

Originally built in 2011 with 64 rooms, the TownePlace Suites in Vincennes added 24 rooms in 2015 and completed another renovation later in 2018. Now, the hotel includes a total of 88 rooms, each containing a fully functional kitchenette, as well as an indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness room, business center, market pantry, guest laundry, outdoor covered grill area and breakfast seating for approximately 50 people. Local demand drivers include Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes University, Toyota Manufacturing and its supply vendors and group events for various occasions.

Vincennes is a city of approximately 17,000 people found directly on the Wabash River, which divides Illinois and Indiana, and the city is centrally located between Indianapolis, Louisville and St. Louis. Less than two miles from TownePlace Suites is Vincennes University, which enrolls approximately 17,000 undergraduate students every year and attracts visiting family members, collegiate athletes, and other out-of-town guests seeking nearby hotel accommodations. The 158-bed Good Samaritan Hospital is located one mile up the street from the hotel, and the community healthcare facility, along with its 1,900 employees, offers a broad range of medical services as well as some of the most progressive technology available today. Toyota Motor Manufacturing is only 30 minutes away in Princeton, Indiana, and regularly brings outside vendors to the area in addition to their 5,500 employees. Furthermore, a recent article from Industry Week reported that Toyota will add 1,400 new jobs through the production of two new SUVs at the Indiana plant, showcasing the strong economy within the area. For out-of-town guests visiting for leisure, Vincennes has a wide variety of historical attractions such as the Indiana Military Museum, Fort Knox II and George Rogers National Historical Park, home to the largest national monument outside of Washington D.C.

Jeff Azuse, senior vice president at Hilco Real Estate said, "This hotel is completely up to date due to its latest renovations, and the building looks superb." He continued, "Between the college campus, nearby hospital, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant, there's plenty of reasons people come into Vincennes; and this is the place to stay. Ultimately, this sale provides an incredible opportunity for a variety of developers, investors and end users alike."

The offer deadline is Wednesday, June 16 at 5:00 p.m. (CT). On-site inspections will be held by appointment only on Wednesdays, May 26 and June 2. For further property details or to schedule an on-site appointment, please contact James Keith at (270) 304-1020 or [email protected]. For further information on the property, an explanation of the sale process and Terms of Sale, and to obtain access to the Virtual Data Room containing all the property due diligence, please visit HilcoRealEstate.com.

For more information about this or other properties available for sale, please visit HilcoRealEstate.com.

About Hilco Real Estate

Hilco Real Estate ("HRE"), a Hilco Global company (HilcoGlobal.com), is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois (USA). HRE is a national provider of strategic real estate disposition services. Acting as an agent or principal, HRE uses its experience to advise and execute strategies to assist clients in deriving the maximum value from their real estate assets. By leveraging multi-faceted sales strategies & techniques, aggressive repositioning and restructuring experience, a vast and motivated network of buyers and sellers, and substantial access to capital, HRE exceeds expectations even in the most complex transactions.

SOURCE Hilco Real Estate
AUSTIN, Texas and LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A bipartisan group of public affairs specialists and business leaders have joined together to launch UFOPac.org, believed to be the nation's first bipartisan political action committee related to UFOs. The political action committee will be dedicated to organizing millions of like-minded Americans into an effort to persuade the governments to disclose, declassify, and demystify all information related to UFOs.

For several years now, there have been multiple credible reports - often by well-trained military service members - that have led many Americans to believe the governments around the world have significant and detailed information about UFOs violating US airspace. UFOPac will create the nation's first organized civic group to help bring forth the truth on this topic - regardless of the specifics of the information.

The group's founders have extensive experience in federal, state, and municipal government and political efforts as well as corporate and business expertise. Far from being on the edges of our political and economic systems, the co-founders' experiences are reflective of a burgeoning consensus that there is much more information that should be shared with the public.

"We created the UFOPac because it has become clear to us that there may be more to this topic than governments are willing to share," said UFOPac founder Darius Fisher. "UFOPac.org will help build a mass movement to share this with our elected representatives - regardless of party or political affiliation."

"It's rare that there is an issue that most Americans can agree on these days," said UFOPac co-founder Peter Ragone. "It's very clear that getting to the bottom of this issue is one of them. Perhaps the best thing about America is that we have the ability to organize ourselves on a grass roots level and try to persuade our elected representatives that sharing the whole truth is the right thing to do."

"As former public officials and business people, we have the right foundation to make this into a significant and thoughtful citizen movement," said co-founder Matt Mackowiak. "It is clear that many Americans feel the same way and we intend to help organize them and have their voices heard."

UFOPac is launching now, at a time when it has become clear that credible evidence is available for the public to review. The co-founders intend to build out the organization in the coming months, creating a diverse leadership structure of renowned experts, government leaders and grass roots advocates. UFOPac will also begin a mass communications effort to organize millions of Americans around this cause. To learn more and join our movement, please visit UFOPac.org

About Our Leadership:

Darius Fisher founded UFOPac.org to help expedite the UFO disclosure process and help move this phenomenon from the fringe to the mainstream.

Darius is also the co-founder and CEO of Status Labs, a digital reputation management and advisory firm, and Blue Land Partners, a growth marketing agency.

In 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, Status Labs was named as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine. Darius and his companies have been interviewed and profiled in publications such as the New York Times, New York Post, Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, Daily Beast, Business Insider, Forbes, DuJour Magazine, Christian Science Monitor, Sacramento Bee, Chronicle for Higher Ed, & Huffington Post. Darius, who graduated with honors in economics from Vanderbilt University, is also an active angel investor in early stage technology companies.

Peter Ragone is an American public affairs expert, entrepreneur, and investor active in a range of political, corporate, and civic efforts. Since 2007 - with a break during his tenure as Senior Advisor to the Mayor of New York City - Peter has started, advised and invested in dozens of companies throughout his career.

Peter has served in advisory roles for a range of local, state and national political figures including United States Vice-President Al Gore, Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State and California Governor Gavin Newsom. From January 2013 to March 2014, Peter served as Senior Adviser for Strategic Planning for New York Mayor de Blasio.

Matt Mackowiak is a political consultant who has served as a senior communications aide for two U.S. Senators and a Governor, managed the second largest county in Iowa for the Bush-Cheney reelection campaign, and worked at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and in White House advance. He is a weekly columnist for The Washington Times and he hosts a national politics podcast, "Mack on Politics."

He writes a monthly column for The Hill and The New York Observer. He provides regular political analysis for MSNBC, Sky News, BBC, Fox News, and KTBC Fox 7 in Austin. He has managed client accounts in industries that include: transportation, health care, energy, telecommunications and tech.

Matt graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in political communication in 2003.

For more information, please visit: UFOPac.org

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SOURCE UFOPac.org

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A Direct Relief-chartered aircraft loaded with oxygen concentrators and Covid-19-specific medical supplies is departing the U.S. on May 25 for Nepal as it confronts the world's highest per-capita Covid-19 case burden.

In response to Nepal's recent surge in COVID-19 cases, shipments of PPE and Covid-19 aid are staged in the Direct Relief warehouse for delivery to health facilities in Nepal. (Maeve O'Connor/Direct Relief) A donated FedEx Boeing 777F charter flight arrived in New Delhi, India on May 16, 2021 with critical supplies from Direct Relief. (Photo courtesy of FedEx)

Hospitals across Nepal are nearing ICU and ventilator capacity and struggling with severe shortages of oxygen and other medical resources. Helping meet the acute need for oxygen, the May 25 flight from Chicago to Kathmandu will deliver 860 Direct Relief-purchased oxygen concentrators. Direct Relief is also helping secure a sustainable supply of medical-grade oxygen in Central Nepal by funding a new oxygen production plant at Siddhasthali Rural Community Hospital.

"On behalf of the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, DC, I would like to express my gratitude to Direct Relief for responding to our request for humanitarian medical relief at a time when Nepal is undergoing through the most difficult phases of the ongoing pandemic," said Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Ambassador of Nepal to the United States. "I would like to assure all individuals and organizations concerned that the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. is committed to providing all necessary coordination and facilitation to Direct Relief, including in customs clearance, receipt and distribution of donated medical supplies once delivered in Nepal."

In addition to oxygen, the 25-ton Direct Relief airlift will include PPE and medications contributed by companies including 3M, AbbVie, Baxter, BD, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Tifie Humanitarian, Viatris, and others. Nepali health officials expressly requested and approved every item included on the flight.

"People in Nepal are facing the worst Covid crisis in the world today based on per-capita confirmed cases, and they need urgent help," said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief President and CEO. "Direct Relief has the privilege of having worked with many extraordinarily skilled and committed Nepali partners, and we will do whatever we possibly can to help. We are profoundly grateful to the people and businesses whose contributions have made this airlift possible."

Nepal-based organizations, including One Heart Worldwide, Dhulikhel Hospital, and The Covid-19 Crisis Management Center, will receive the Direct Relief-donated supplies in Kathmandu and distribute them to hospitals and clinics throughout the country.

The humanitarian flight to Nepal follows two FedEx-donated airlifts that transported more than 4,000 oxygen concentrators and nearly 2 million KN95 masks to neighboring India. Direct Relief partnered with several organizations, including Community Partners International, Cornell Presbyterian Hospital, Navya, Northwell Health, and Tata Memorial Hospital, to mobilize and deliver the supplies.

About Direct Relief

A humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, Direct Relief delivers life-saving medical resources throughout the world to communities in needwithout regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. For more information, please visit https://www.DirectRelief.org.

SOURCE Direct Relief

Related Links

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"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
BOSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- COVID-19 has changed consumers' lives completely. One of the influences it brings to everyone is the new life and work style with a distance between each other. From various statistics, display sales in some applications since COVID-19 have increased, due to the need for people to communicate remotely. COVID-19 is just one factor. In addition, other factors can show the trends of the display industry. Micro-LED, known by many as a disruptive display technology, has been talked about extensively. What disruptions can Micro-LED displays bring to consumers, and will the future displays require Micro-LED technology. What are their potential applications and what are the hypes and realities. These are the questions addressed in the new IDTechEx report "Micro-LED Displays 2021-2031: Technology, Commercialization, Opportunity, Market and Players".

Demand and supply of Micro-LED displays. Source: IDTechEx (PRNewsfoto/IDTechEx)

Differentiations of Regional Development

The global landscape for LCD seems to be clearer. In 2020, Samsung Display sold its Suzhou LCD plant to CSOT, a panel unit of Chinese home appliance maker TCL, for $ 1.08 billion (60%). This merge & acquisition activity indicates Samsung's exit from the LCD business. LG Display has halted its domestic production of LCD panels. Korean vendors tend to reduce their LCD panel production and shift to QLED & OLED. In addition, quite a few Japanese and Taiwanese companies are either getting out of LCD business or slowing down investment in LCD. As a comparison, LCD manufacturing is shifting to mainland China due to cost competence, new line production efficiency, and industry chain support.

In the OLED area, OLED panel production is dominated by Korean companies in terms of effective production capacity, upstream materials & equipment, downstream application, and supply chain completeness. For instance, SDC and LGD have supported upstream material and equipment companies, building good ecosystems. For the downstream applications, Samsung small/middle-sized OLED panels are firstly supplied to Samsung smartphones, while LGD large-sized OLED panels are firstly offered to LG TVs. Their brands can also provide enough support and feedback. Samsung and LG are dominating small/middle and large-sized OLED panels, respectively.

Regarding the core upstream materials and equipment, Japan and Germany are very strong. Their advantages can be applied to not only LCD or OLED but other potential new display types as well.

With this background, getting involved in a new display technology could bring new opportunities to the relevant players, as a new display technology can break the current regional clusters and advantages, forming a new industry structure and thus make a differentiation.

Display Industry Trend

The crystal cycle is a business cycle in the active-matrix LCD industry that underlies display industry trends. The excess investments can cause surges in the amount of production capacity and lead to overcapacity and price drop. Then closure of old fabs and consolidation occurs, leading to capacity shortage and demand growth. Display makers can make a high profit with the increased demand, which results in a new cycle of investment. With over-capacity, the consolidation stage gradually comes.

The display crystal cycle trend is quite obvious for the LCD business, but the same trend also applies for Micro- and Mini-LED display areas, especially the latter. There are quite a few display vendors and backplane makers plunging into the Mini-LED and/or Micro-LED business through partnerships, mergers, joint ventures, and acquisitions.

Supply Reshuffle under COVID-19

One of the biggest discussions happening in the world right now is the COVID-19. With more and more countries having COVID-19 under control, the question is not the public health only, but also the longer-term effect it throws in the social, economic, and political aspects.

Involving multiple existing industries and new industries, Micro-LED displays may shape the existing LED and display supply chain, resulting in a lengthy and complex new one. New technology approaches and new products can also provide new opportunities for the players, such as the CMOS industry can take a position in the Micro-LED-based micro-display supply chain.

Experienced with COVID-19, the global economy and supply chain establishment might be influenced.

The perceptions of COVID-19 in February and afterward are quite different. In February, the situation of COVID-19 was the most severe in China. Therefore, many analyses focused on supply chain safety. The risk has been discussed multiple times to further rely on the global industrial supply chains in China. While from March, the global pandemic made people view the situation from a broader angle. First, global economic growth has been severely downgraded all over the world and the unemployment rate has been increased, even with government support from various countries. Second, the consumer industry has been deeply affected. The purchasing of less necessary products will be reduced both for consumers and business units, although in the display area the situation is more complicated, with the fact that for some applications the sales increased while others decreased. Thirdly, the financial markets have been impacted. Last, but not least, the impact on the global supply chain will remain, both for now and in the future.

It has been accepted by many that the COVID-19 global pandemic will make U.S.-China relations more tense. Also, globalization is in decline with closed borders, travel restrictions, export conditions, and paralyzed supply chains. With vaccinations taking place in multiple countries, this situation is expected to improve in the next few months. However, the change of public perception may have a longer impact. On one hand, IDTechEx has heard from a few small companies that they deliberately chose to partner with companies that are less likely to be affected by the trade war. On the other hand, although globalization is still the general trend, regional clusters may play a more important role in supply chain building than a global network in the future.

Unique Value Propositions

IDTechEx have seen various drivers from the supply side. While from the demand side, end users are looking for displays with better and better performance, more and more flexible format, and ubiquitous availability. Micro-LED displays have value propositions such as wide color gamut, high luminance, low power consumption, excellent stability and long lifetime, wide view angle, high dynamic range, high contrast, fast refresh rate, transparency, seamless connection, and sensor integration capability, etc. Some features are unique for Micro-LED technology and therefore it is considered a potential game-changer in the display industry.

Creating New Applications

With some unique value propositions, Micro-LED displays cannot only serve the existing application markets but also create new applications. For instance, the seamless tiling feature can enable standard Micro-LED modules, and then form larger displays with different sizes and customized shapes, realizing a more flexible design.

Another example is the capability for sensors to be integrated into the displays so an interactive display for the future can come true.

Apart from these unique features, combined value propositions can make some applications easier to become a reality. For example, the semi-transparency feature, long lifetime/better stability, flexible design, and high luminance feature of Micro-LED displays are ideal for new displays used in automotive applications, compared with alternative technologies.

Taking all these factors into consideration, Micro-LED displays have the potential to disrupt the display industry. In the meantime, there are lots of challenges to overcome and it is important to distinguish between hope and hype.

The IDTechEx report "Micro-LED Displays 2021-2031: Technology, Commercialization, Opportunity, Market, and Players" has researched the Micro-LED display industry and provided technology assessment, application interpterion, market landscape, business opportunity, supply chain, and player analysis. No matter whether you are display makers, LED suppliers, material suppliers, R&D organizations, technology providers, OEMs/ODMs, investors, or players who are exploring new opportunities, this report can help you better understand the technology, learn the current status and make better strategic decisions.

For more information on this report, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/MicroLED, for the full portfolio of research available from IDTechEx please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

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Media Contact:

Natalie Moreton

Digital Marketing Manager

[email protected]

+44(0)1223 812300

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/IDTechEx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idtechex/

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SOURCE IDTechEx
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) announced today the kick-off of the Signature Pro Bono Initiative, marking a significant milestone for the legal community in Tennessee and for individuals living in the state's underserved communities. As part of the Tennessee Pro Bono Services Alliance, this initiative will help deliver equal justice to Tennessee residents by focusing specifically on expungement, voter rights restoration and driver's license reinstatement.

International Paper is honored to partner with the following organizations for this initiative: Butler Snow LLP; Bass, Berry & Sims PLC; Memphis Area Legal Services; and Just City. More than 130 attorneys and paraprofessionals attended the initiative's virtual kick-off event held earlier today. Now, the company and its initiative allies are asking lawyers around the state to volunteer their time and knowledge to help bring awareness to these issues, to be an advocate on behalf of individuals in the criminal justice system, and to address the root causes that prevent equal justice for all residents in Tennessee.

"This initiative will help confront the issues within our criminal justice system that prevent our fellow citizens from moving forward and becoming responsible and productive citizens," said Sharon R. Ryan, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, International Paper. "We are excited to partner with these amazing organizations and challenge others throughout the state to join our efforts. Through our work we can advocate for change that will improve the lives of everyone in our communities and throughout our great state."

If you're a member of the legal community and would like to help, please contact Susan Mills at International Paper, email address: [email protected] or call (901) 419-7160.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ approximately 48,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2020 were $21 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.

About Butler Snow LLP

Butler Snow LLP is a full-service law firm with nearly 400 attorneys collaborating across a network of more than 25 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Ranked as a leading firm for client relations and one of America's Top 100 law firms in the BTI Power Rankings, Butler Snow is recognized as one of the nation's top law firms for client service. For more information, visit www.butlersnow.com or follow the firm on Twitter @Butler_Snow.

About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

With more than 280 attorneys representing numerous publicly traded companies and Fortune 500 businesses, Bass, Berry & Sims has been involved in some of the largest and most significant litigation matters, investigations and business transactions in the country. For more information, visit www.bassberry.com.

About Memphis Area Legal Services

Founded in 1968, Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) is the primary provider of free legal assistance through advice and counsel, court and administrative representation, and community education and outreach to the vulnerable residents in Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties. For more information, visit malsi.org.

About Just City

Just City was founded in 2015. Its mission is to transform local criminal justice policy and practice to ensure it is fair for all people regardless of wealth, race, or ethnicity. Learn more at justcity.org.

SOURCE International Paper

Related Links

http://www.internationalpaper.com


SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, today announced that members of its management team will present at the William Blair 41st Annual Growth Stock Conference on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 3:20 p.m. Central / 4:20 p.m. Eastern / 1:20 p.m. Pacific.

The live webcast of the fireside chat may be accessed by visiting the investors section of the company website at ir.invitae.com . A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the fireside chat.

About Invitae

Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company whose mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. Invitae's goal is to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time, and lower prices. For more information, visit the company's website at invitae.com .

Contact:

Laura D'Angelo

[email protected]

(628) 213-3369

SOURCE Invitae Corporation

Related Links

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NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, iStock celebrates the three-year anniversary of The Disability Collection, launched in partnership with Verizon Media and the National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA) to depict authentic, diverse representations of people with disabilities in media, marketing and advertising.

According to iStock Visual GPS research, nearly 8 in 10 people globally expect that the businesses they engage with are consistently committed to inclusivity and diversity in their visual communications. The data also reveals that 6 out of 10 people prefer to buy from businesses that are founded by or represent people like themselves.

To find imagery and video celebrating people with disabilities as they live their lives, visit: https://www.istockphoto.com/diversity

"Research shows that nearly 1 in 4 adults have a disability, but few visuals in marketing and business communications reflect that reality. However, our research tells us that people want to see inclusive stories, and they want the media and advertising that surrounds them to accurately capture their world  from lifestyle and culture to appearance," said Dr. Rebecca Swift, Global Head of Creative Insights, iStock. "At iStock, we understand the power authentic visual content can have in shaping and breaking stereotypes, and brands and businesses now have the opportunity to be part of inspiring change and connecting with people even more through visuals, especially when it comes to their influence and spending power."

For businesses of all sizes seeking to build confidence with their audience(s), iStock has unveiled a series of tips to keep in mind when selecting inclusive visuals this Global Accessibility Awareness Day and beyond:

Showcase the full spectrum of human experiences: Disability is intersectional  It's important for businesses to intentionally include experiences that make up everyday life, across age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, religion and cultural lines. Are you showing the whole range of life experiences that a person with disabilities may have? Are you representing people with disabilities alongside other intersections of their identities (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, etc.)?

Disability is intersectional  It's important for businesses to intentionally include experiences that make up everyday life, across age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, religion and cultural lines. Represent real people: Use imagery and videos that portray real people with disabilities instead of actors portraying persons with disabilities. By using authentic visual content which includes people with disabilities, you also include them in the conversation and allow them to help shape the way they are represented, which in turn may also influence how they view themselves within our broader society. Are you only featuring people in wheelchairs or with other easily identifiable differences? What about people with cognitive challenges or an invisible disability?

Use imagery and videos that portray real people with disabilities instead of actors portraying persons with disabilities. By using authentic visual content which includes people with disabilities, you also include them in the conversation and allow them to help shape the way they are represented, which in turn may also influence how they view themselves within our broader society. Stay away from the narrative of "overcoming" disability: Instead, focus on joyful moments, as well as relationships between people who are living with disabilities and those living without. The images traditionally used in the media typically reflect "heroic" concepts or suggest "pitiful" stereotypes of disability, missing the mark as to how disability is a natural part of someone's identity. Avoid portraying disability as something that needs to be "cured," "fixed" or "overcome," and instead embrace and celebrate it as a part of our everyday lives.

Instead, focus on joyful moments, as well as relationships between people who are living with disabilities and those living without. The images traditionally used in the media typically reflect "heroic" concepts or suggest "pitiful" stereotypes of disability, missing the mark as to how disability is a natural part of someone's identity.

SOURCE press.gettyimages.com

Related Links

https://www.istockphoto.com/diversity


HOUSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) has announced it will be supporting the development of Nigeria's first ever Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, enabling economic growth and sustainability of the country's future energy supplies.

The award, by UTM Offshore Limited, builds on over 40 years of KBR's continuous LNG experience and depth of FLNG capabilities. Acting as Owner's Engineers, KBR will be responsible for a multi-disciplined due diligence review of the Pre-Front End Engineering Design, being completed by Japanese engineering company JGC.

UTM Offshore is leading the development of the 1.2 million tonnes per annum FLNG facility in collaboration with LNG Investment Management Services, a subsidiary of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.

"Through our highly experienced team, rich history in LNG and clear focus on shaping sustainable solutions that support effective energy transition and carbon footprint reduction, we're excited by the opportunity to support UTM Offshore and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to drive Nigeria's wider energy ambitions," said Jay Ibrahim, KBR President  Sustainable Technology Solutions.

As a lower carbon fuel and potential means to monetize flared gas, LNG is key in the progressive drive toward energy transition and a lower carbon future. This project will support the vision of UTM Offshore to contribute to decarbonization in Nigeria through gas monetization.

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


"In addition to his extensive work with lenders, Tim has an impressive resume representing companies in financial distress," said Todd Holleman, head of King & Spalding's Corporate, Finance and Investment practice. "His addition adds significant depth and power to our transactions practice in Chicago, as well as our Financial Restructuring team nationally."

Hoffmann received his undergraduate degree from Miami University and his JD from the University of Dayton, cum laude, where he was the articles editor for the Law Review. From 2003 to 2006, he clerked for the Honorable Burton Perlman of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Global Restructuring Review named him to its 40 Under 40 list.

"Tim is well known in the Chicago market, and his entrepreneurial attitude is a perfect match for our office," said Zach Fardon, managing partner of King & Spalding's Chicago office. "Success requires not only excellent legal skills, but also a credible portfolio of prior deals, relationships with lenders, noteholders, investors and advisors, as well as a collegial spirit. Tim checks all these boxes."

"I've been impressed by King & Spalding's ability to grow its bench and brand with significant talent since its opening in Chicago," Hoffmann said. "I'm excited to hit the ground running with this highly-motivated team."

King & Spalding's Chicago office opened in 2017 and has expanded to more than 35 lawyers, advising clients on government investigations and regulatory advice, white-collar defense, complex commercial litigation, and a wide range of corporate, finance and restructuring transactions. It recently relocated to the new Bank of America Tower in the heart of the Chicago Loop. Earlier this month, James McMullin joined the Chicago office as counsel. McMullin joined the firm from Wells Fargo & Company and advises public and private companies on corporate transactions and securities law matters.

About King & Spalding

Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with over 1,200 lawyers in 22 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognized for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality, and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com.

SOURCE King & Spalding
"We are sparking a broader interest in kombucha and will heighten our reach with the launch of our Tropical and Watermelon," said Louisa Lawless, Chief Strategy Officer at Stratus Group and KOE Organic Kombucha. "We're seeing strong growth in cities like Atlanta, where our dollar velocities are double those of the legacy kombucha brands, and San Diego, where three of our SKUs are in the top 10, according to IRI. We're excited to launch these amazing new flavors to support a future where healthy probiotic drinks are more accessible - in taste, price point and availability."

The new flavors will join KOE's current lineup of Lemon Lime, Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Dragonfruit, and Blueberry Ginger. The additions present a similar ingredient makeup, with billions of probiotics to support immunity and gut health, but with an exciting, fruity twist:

Tropical  a trio of fresh pineapple, citrus, and exotic guava

Watermelon  juicy watermelon with a splash of lime

According to Flavorchem's Flavor & Trend Forecast 2021, consumers are seeking nostalgic and indulgent flavors like watermelon and tropical combinations in unexpected, premium presentations. Life Magazine calls watermelon one of the most memorable flavors in American life, and according to Fona International, watermelon sees 24 mentions per minute on social media. Tropical flavors are also seeing a boom. As most people abstained from vacations this past year, many sources confirm that tropical fruit profiles have seen a strong uptick in sales, especially among those seeking easy ways to "escape."

All of KOE's authentically fermented, lightly sparkling flavors are packed with billions of live, high-grade bacillus coagulan probiotics. They're also USDA Organic, non-GMO Project Verified, and contain just 35 calories and 8 grams sugar per serving. KOE is also shelf-stable for 12 months. The new flavors will be available online via Amazon.com in June for $29.99 per 12-pack, at major c-stores beginning in July, and national retailers beginning this Fall. For more information, visit https://drinkkoe.com/ or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

About KOE Kombucha

KOE is the only kombucha that's fruit-forward, USDA Organic and packed with probiotics. It was created for people who want a healthy beverage that's flavorful and enjoyable. All seven KOE flavors are vegan, gluten-free, certified Kosher and made with black tea, natural fruit flavors and purees, and a touch of 100% organic cane sugar. Each can contains billions of live probiotic cultures and 15mg of caffeine. KOE Kombucha is currently offered in mass, grocery, convenience, and online channels across the US. KOE is part of the Stratus Beverage Group, a diversified LA-based beverage company that excels in identifying and producing trending, great tasting, better-for-you, natural beverages.

SOURCE KOE Kombucha

Related Links

http://www.drinkkoe.com


BEIJING, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire / -- Kuke Music Holding Limited ("Kuke" or the "Company")(NYSE: KUKE), a leading provider of classical music licensing, subscription, and education services in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

First Quarter 2021 Highlights

Total revenue increased by 85.0% to RMB11.4 million ( US$1.7 million ) from RMB6.2 million in the same period of 2020.





( ) from in the same period of 2020. Smart music education revenue increased by 786.9% to RMB6.8 million ( US$1.0 million ) from RMB0.8 million in the same period of 2020. Licensing and subscription revenue decreased by 14.5% to RMB4.6 million ( US$0.7 million ) from RMB5.4 million in the same period of 2020.





( ) from in the same period of 2020. Licensing and subscription revenue decreased by 14.5% to ( ) from in the same period of 2020. Loss was RMB37.0 million ( US$5.5 million ), compared to RMB37.4 million in the same period of 2020. Non-IFRS loss[1] was RMB15.6 million ( US$2.4 million ), compared to RMB15.9 in the same period of 2020.





( ), compared to in the same period of 2020. Non-IFRS loss[1] was ( ), compared to in the same period of 2020. As of March 31, 2021 , the Company had established collaborations with over 2,500 kindergartens, and over 38,000 paying students were enrolled in the Company's Kukey courses. The number of Kuke smart pianos that the Company had placed in collaborating kindergartens was more than 11,000.





, the Company had established collaborations with over 2,500 kindergartens, and over 38,000 paying students were enrolled in the Company's Kukey courses. The number of Kuke smart pianos that the Company had placed in collaborating kindergartens was more than 11,000. Full year 2021 revenue is expected to be no less than RMB400 million ( US$61.05 million ).

Mr. He Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Kuke, commented, "We achieved strong revenue growth for the first quarter, as revenue increased by 85.0% year over year to RMB11.4 million. Growth was mainly driven by our smart music education business which grew 7.9 times from the same period of last year. This was largely due to our ability to adapt quickly to the reopening of schools and new government policy emphasizing more arts education for primary and secondary schools. We expect these trends to continue driving growth in demand for our music education services going forward."

Mr. Tony Chan, Chief Financial Officer of Kuke, commented, "Our gross profit for the first quarter increased by 125.8% year over year to 3.2 million, while gross margin was improved to 28.2% from 23.1% in the same period of last year. This was due to our enhanced bargaining power to secure better terms with upstream content providers. Given the favorable market conditions for our music education services, we will continue to expand the segment while leveraging our leading content library, differentiated technology and effective partnerships to continue improving our efficiency and support sustainable growth over the long term."

First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Total Revenue

Total revenue in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 85.0% to RMB11.4 million (US$1.7 million) from RMB6.2 million in the same period of 2020, mainly driven by the increase in smart music education revenue.

Smart music education revenue in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 786.9% to RMB6.8 million ( US$1.0 million ) from RMB0.8 million in the same period of 2020, mainly attributable to a significant increase in student enrollment and sales.





in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 786.9% to ( ) from in the same period of 2020, mainly attributable to a significant increase in student enrollment and sales. Licensing and subscription revenue in the first quarter of 2021 decreased by 14.5% to RMB4.6 million ( US$0.7 million ) from RMB5.4 million in the same period of 2020, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic during 2020

Cost of Sales

Total cost of sales in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 72.8% to RMB8.2 million (US$1.2 million) from RMB4.7 million in the same period of 2020, mostly in line with revenue growth.

Gross Profit

Gross profit in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 125.8% to RMB3.2 million (US$0.5 million) from RMB1.5 million in the same period of 2020. Gross margin improved to 28.2% from 23.1% in the same period of 2020, mostly due to the Company's increased bargaining power with its content providers.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 15.7% to RMB49.3 million (US$7.5 million) from RMB42.6 million in the same period of 2020.

Selling and distribution expenses in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 126.1% to RMB7.3 million ( US$1.1 million ) from RMB3.2 million in the same period of 2020, mainly due to expanded marketing initiatives for the Company's kindergarten education services.





in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 126.1% to ( ) from in the same period of 2020, mainly due to expanded marketing initiatives for the Company's kindergarten education services. Administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 105.4% to RMB40.4 million ( US$6.2 million ) from RMB19.7 million in the same period of 2020, mainly due to increased stock-based compensation expenses as a result of the adoption of an equity incentive plan.

Operating Loss

Operating loss in the first quarter of 2021 was RMB37.1 million (US$5.6 million), compared to RMB39.7 million in the same period of 2020.

Loss and Non-IFRS Loss for the Period

Loss for the first quarter of 2021 was RMB37.0 million (US$5.5 million), compared to RMB37.4 million in the same period of 2020. Non-IFRS loss was RMB15.6 million (US$2.4 million), compared to RMB15.9 million in the same period of 2020.

Loss per ADS and Non-IFRS Loss per ADS

Basic and diluted loss per American Depositary Share ("ADS") were both RMB1.29 (US$0.20) in the first quarter of 2021, compared to RMB1.82 in the same period of 2020. Basic and diluted non-IFRS loss per ADS were both RMB0.54 (US$0.08) in the first quarter of 2021, compared to RMB0.78 in the same period of 2020. Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share of the Company.

Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB 232.1 million (US$35.4 million).

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time (Friday, May 21, 2021 at 8:00 A.M. Beijing/Hong Kong Time) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International: 1-412-902-4272 United States Toll Free: 1-888-346-8982 Mainland China Toll Free: 4001-201203 China Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-905945 Conference ID: Kuke Music Holding Limited

A replay of the conference call will remain accessible for one week after the live event by dialing the following numbers:

International: 1-412-317-0088 United States Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529 Access Code: 10156592

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.kuke.com/.

About Kuke Music Holding Limited

Kuke Music Holding Limited (NYSE: KUKE) is the leading provider of classical music licensing, subscription, and education services in China. Kuke had the largest library of classical music content and was the largest classical music licensing service provider and the second largest online classical music subscription service provider in China in 2019, according to Frost & Sullivan. Kuke leverages its rich and diverse content offerings and deep expertise in music education to offer innovative and efficient smart music education solutions, which primarily consist of its proprietary Kuke smart pianos, Kuke smart teaching systems and Kukey courses. Kuke is also the organizer of several live classical musical events in China, including the Beijing Music Festival, which is one of the most renowned musical events in the world. Through these three highly synergistic business lines, Kuke has formed a thriving content-centric ecosystem, positioning it well to continuously provide its customers with differentiated value propositions.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB6.552 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on March 31, 2021, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this earnings release.

Forward-looking Statements

This announcement contains forward looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement contain forward-looking statements. Kuke may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Kuke's beliefs 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 those in Kuke's registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Kuke's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Kuke undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

The Company uses non-IFRS profit for the period, which is a non-IFRS financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company believes that non-IFRS profit helps management to analyze trends in the Company's business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that the Company includes in its profit or loss for the period.

Non-IFRS profit for the period should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net profit for the period or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review non-IFRS profit for the period and the corresponding footnote explaining the calculation of such measure together. Non-IFRS profit for the period presented here may be different to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, and should not be compared to the measure adopted by the Company's data. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Non-IFRS profit for the period represents profit or loss for the year excluding the combined effect of amortization and depreciations, share-based compensation expenses, impairment losses on financial assets, and the corresponding income tax effects of these non-IFRS adjustments.

Investor Relations Contact:

Kuke Music Holding Limited

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (212) 321-0602

KUKE MUSIC HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (In thousands of RMB and US$)







December 31,

2020

March 31,

2021

March 31,

2021

RMB

RMB

US$ NONCURRENT ASSETS









Property, plant and equipment................................... 18,135

23,350

3,564 Intangible assets......................................................... 263,101

270,381

41,268 Rightofuse assets.................................................... 14,918

14,067

2,147 Goodwill...................................................................... 237,225

237,225

36,208 Investment in a joint venture...................................... 491

304

46 Prepayments, other receivables and other assets..... 95,376

146,164

22,309 Net investments in subleases..................................... 202

68

10 Deferred tax assets..................................................... 8,917

11,501

1,755 Total noncurrent assets.......................................... 638,365

703,060

107,307 CURRENT ASSETS









Inventories................................................................... 950

3,667

560 Trade receivables........................................................ 181,722

142,726

21,785 Prepayments, other receivables and other assets...... 28,523

25,514

3,895 Net investments in subleases..................................... 211

350

53 Due from related parties............................................. 1,763

2,306

352 Due from shareholders............................................... 100

100

15 Cash and cash equivalents......................................... 25,719

232,146

35,432 Total current assets.................................................. 238,988

406,809

62,092 Total assets............................................................... 877,353

1,109,869

169,399 EQUITY









Issued capital.............................................................. 162

195

30 Reserves..................................................................... 655,939

923,828

141,003 Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 656,101

924,023

141,033 Noncontrolling interests............................................. 5,068

4,964

758 Total equity................................................................ 661,169

928,987

141,791 NONCURRENT LIABILITIES









Other payable............................................................. 



 Contract liabilities....................................................... 587



 Deferred tax liabilities................................................. 1,447

1,440

220 Lease liabilities........................................................... 9,830

10,264

1,567 Total noncurrent liabilities.................................... 11,864

11,704

1,787 CURRENT LIABILITIES









Trade payables........................................................... 27,310

27,717

4,230 Other payables and accruals...................................... 67,121

49,276

7,520 Contract liabilities........................................................ 24,314

21,244

3,242 Due to a shareholder 325

325

50 Due to a related party.................................................. 7,177



 Interestbearing loans and borrowings....................... 60,000

60,000

9,158 Lease liabilities............................................................ 7,660

7,617

1,163 Income tax payable..................................................... 10,413

2,999

458 Total current liabilities............................................. 204,320

169,178

25,821 Total liabilities.......................................................... 216,184

180,882

27,608 Total equity and liabilities....................................... 877,353

1,109,869

169,399

KUKE MUSIC HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND UNAUDITED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands of RMB and US$, except for per share data)



For the three months ended March 31,

2020

2021

2021

RMB

RMB

US$ Revenue..................................................................................... 6,159

11,396

1,739 Cost of sales.............................................................................. (4,738)

(8,187)

(1,250) Gross profit.............................................................................. 1,421

3,209

489 Other income, net...................................................................... 1,444

9,034

1,379 Selling and distribution expenses.............................................. (3,222)

(7,285)

(1,112) Administrative expenses........................................................... (19,673)

(40,407)

(6,167) Impairment losses on financial assets, net............................... (19,729)

(1,620)

(247) Other operating expenses......................................................... -

(29)

(4) Operating loss......................................................................... (39,759)

(37,098)

(5,662) Share of losses of a joint venture....



(187)

(29) Finance costs............................................................................ (2,577)

(2,281)

(348) Finance income......................................................................... 520

16

2 Loss before tax........................................................................ (41,816)

(39,550)

(6,037) Income tax expense.................................................................. 4,353

2,591

395 Loss for the period and total comprehensive loss

for the period........................... (37,463)

(36,959)

(5,642) Attributable to:









Equity holders of the parent..................................................... (37,160)

(36,857)

(5,626) Noncontrolling interests......................................................... (303)

(102)

(16)











Basic....................................................................................... (1.82)

(1.29)

(0.20) Diluted.................................................................................... (1.82)

(1.29)

(0.20)

KUKE MUSIC HOLDING LIMITED RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-IFRS MEASURES TO THE MOST COMPARABLE IFRS MEASURES (In thousands of RMB and US$)



For the three months ended March 31,

2020

2021

2021

RMB

RMB

US$



































Loss for the period and total comprehensive loss for the period............................................. (37,463)

(36,959)

(5,642) Adjustments:









Amortsation and Depreciation 2,223

4,001

611 Share-based compensation -

16,363

2,497 Impairment losses on financial assets, net 19,729

1,620

247 Income tax effects (350)

(657)

(100) Non-IFRS Profit........................................................... (15,861)

(15,632)

(2,387)

[1] Non-IFRS loss of the Company was arrived at after excluding the combined effect of amortization and depreciations, share-based compensation expenses, impairment losses on financial assets, and the corresponding income tax effects of these non-IFRS adjustments.

SOURCE Kuke Music Holding Limited

Related Links

https://ir.kuke.com/


KALAMAZOO, Mich., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Latitude 42 Brewing Company today announced that they are the recipient of a Clorox Total 360 System and Global Biorisk Advisory CouncilTM (GBAC) Fundamentals Online course scholarship as part of a collaboration between CloroxPro, ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, and GBAC, a division of ISSA. The local restaurant group applied for the program as they look to maintain a cleaner environment and reinforce confidence for patrons who are visiting their facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

"Our goal at Latitude 42 Brewing Company is to do everything we can to help enhance the safety and well-being of our customers and employees all year round," said Bradley J. Bishop, President of Latitude 42 Brewing Company. "The Clorox Total 360 System will allow us to more effectively and efficiently clean and disinfect high-touch and hard-to-reach surfaces, and the added insights from the GBAC Fundamentals course will ensure a more enhanced comprehensive disinfection for our space."

The Clorox Total 360 System works by charging and atomizing the Clorox disinfecting solution, delivering a powerful flow of charged droplets that are attracted to surfaces with a force stronger than gravity. This allows the disinfecting solution to reach and uniformly coat surfaces, including areas where conventional trigger sprays may easily miss.

The GBAC Fundamentals Online Course enables recipients to further their cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention education by teaching the fundamentals of cleaning and disinfecting for health as well as prevention, response and control measures for outbreak situations. Individuals who successfully complete the course become a GBAC-Trained TechnicianTM, and possess the planning, knowledge and processes needed to respond to a biohazard crisis in the workplace.

"Having these tools awarded to smaller business like ours will enable us to provide our local community with greater peace of mind when visiting our restaurant," added Bishop. "We are proud to serve our local community and help provide them with enhanced safety against the spread of germs that can cause illness."

This program is open exclusively to organizations and individuals based in the United States. Priority will be given to smaller businesses that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and fall into the following categories: Foodservice; Hospitality; Transportation; Zoos/Amusement Parks; Prisons and Places of Worship. Applications for the program are open until June 30, 2021. To learn more and apply, visit: http://www.issa.com/clorox-gbac.

About Latitude 42 Brewing Company

Established in 2013, Latitude 42 Brewing Co. is passionate about craft beer, wine and spirits paired with inspired food that is intended to be enjoyed in the company of family and friends. Latitude 42 Brewing Co. is committed to providing fresh, locally sourced and innovative menu options, as well as a full-circle customer service experience to all guests. For more information, visit www.latitude42brewingco.com.

About CloroxPro

Building on a century-long legacy in cleaning and disinfecting, CloroxPro offers some of the industry's most recognized and trusted brand names for commercial cleaning, including its Clorox Healthcare products and technologies for healthcare facilities. Whether it is schools, offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals or other commercial facilities, CloroxPro is committed to meeting the demands of industry professionals. For more information, visit www.CloroxPro.com or follow @CloroxPro on Twitter.

About ISSA

With more than 10,500 membersincluding distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service membersISSA is the world's leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com.

About GBAC, a Division of ISSA

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization's services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration response and remediation, the GBAC STAR facility and service accreditation programs, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.

SOURCE Latitude 42 Brewing Company
INDIANAPOLIS, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tirzepatide led to superior A1C and body weight reductions from baseline across all three doses in adults with type 2 diabetes who have increased cardiovascular (CV) risk compared to titrated insulin glargine in topline results from Eli Lilly and Company's (NYSE: LLY) SURPASS-4 clinical trial. For the efficacy estimandi, the highest dose of tirzepatide led to an A1C reduction of 2.58 percent and reduced body weight by 11.7 kg (25.8 lb., 13.0 percent) compared to results for those treated with insulin glargine (A1C reduction of 1.44 percent and weight gain of 1.9 kg [4.2 lb., 2.2 percent]) at 52 weeks.

The overall safety profile of tirzepatide was consistent with the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class in this patient population. Gastrointestinal side effects were the most commonly reported adverse events, usually occurring during the escalation period and then decreasing over time.

SURPASS-4 is the largest and longest trial of the program to date and is the fifth and final global registration study for tirzepatide in type 2 diabetes to be completed. The study completion was driven by the accrual of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in order to meet the regulatory submission requirements for evaluating CV risk for type 2 diabetes therapies. The primary endpoint was measured at 52 weeks, and many participants continued treatment beyond 52 weeks, some up to two years.

A CV safety meta-analysis was conducted across the clinical program once the predefined number of MACE events occurred. The meta-analysis consisted of 116 participants with adjudicated MACE-4, a composite endpoint of death from cardiovascular or undetermined causes, myocardial infarction, stroke and hospitalization for unstable angina. Comparing pooled tirzepatide versus pooled comparators, a hazard ratio of 0.81 (97.85% confidence interval [CI], 0.52 to 1.26) was attained. SURPASS-4 contributed the majority of the MACE-4 events for the CV safety meta-analysis, and within SURPASS-4, a hazard ratio of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.51 to 1.08) was observed. Lilly intends to submit the full registration package to regulatory authorities by the end of 2021.

Tirzepatide is a novel investigational once-weekly dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist that integrates the actions of the GIP and GLP-1 incretins into a single molecule, representing a new class of medicines being studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

"Tirzepatide delivered impressive results in this study, providing superior A1C reductions compared to insulin glargine  as well as the addition of significant weight loss  in people with type 2 diabetes who have increased cardiovascular risk," said John Doupis, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Diabetes Division and Clinical Research Center, Iatriko Paleou Falirou Medical Center, Athens, Greece and Senior Investigator for SURPASS-4. "Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that requires personalized approaches to treatment, and results from SURPASS-4 demonstrate the potential of tirzepatide to be an important option to help reduce A1C and weight for people with type 2 diabetes on one or up to three oral medicines."

SURPASS-4 is an open-label global trial comparing the safety and efficacy of three tirzepatide doses (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg) to titrated insulin glargine in more than 2,000 people with type 2 diabetes who have increased CV risk and are treated with between one and three oral antihyperglycemic medicines (metformin, a sulfonylurea or an SGLT-2 inhibitor).

Study participants had a mean duration of diabetes of 11.8 years, a baseline A1C of 8.52 percent and a baseline weight of 90.3 kg. More than 85 percent of participants had a history of cardiovascular events. In the insulin glargine arm, the insulin dose was titrated following a treat-to-target algorithm with the goal of fasting blood glucose below 100 mg/dL. The starting dose of insulin glargine was 10 units per day, and the mean dose of insulin glargine at 52 weeks was 43 units per day.

SURPASS-4 achieved each of its primary and key secondary endpoints. All three doses of tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg) led to superior A1C and body weight reductions compared to insulin glargine for both estimandsii. At the highest dose of tirzepatide, 91 percent of participants achieved an A1C less than 7 percent  the American Diabetes Association's recommended target for people with diabetes  and 43 percent achieved an A1C less than 5.7 percent  the level seen in people without diabetes.

Specifically, results at 52 weeks showed:

Efficacy Estimand Results

Tirzepatide

5 mg Tirzepatide 10 mg Tirzepatide 15 mg Insulin

Glargine A1C reduction from

baseline of 8.52% -2.24%* -2.43%* -2.58%* -1.44% Weight reduction from

baseline of 90.3 kg -7.1 kg* (-8.1%) -9.5 kg* (-10.7%) -11.7 kg* (-13.0%) +1.9 kg (+2.2%) Percent of participants

achieving A1C <7% 81.0%* 88.2%* 90.7%* 50.7% Percent of participants

achieving A1C <5.7% 23.0% 32.7% 43.1% 3.4% *Denotes statistical significance compared to insulin glargine Not controlled for type I error

For the treatment-regimen estimandiii , all doses of tirzepatide led to superior A1C and body weight reductions compared to insulin glargine. Specifically, results showed:

A1C reduction: -2.11% (5 mg), -2.30% (10 mg), -2.41% (15 mg), -1.39% (insulin glargine)

Weight change: -6.4 kg (5 mg), -8.9 kg (10 mg), -10.6 kg (15 mg), +1.7 kg (insulin glargine)

Percent of participants achieving A1C <7%: 75.1% (5 mg), 82.9% (10 mg), 84.9% (15 mg), 48.8% (insulin glargine)

Hypoglycemia less than 54 mg/dL at 52 weeks was reported in 6.7 percent (5 mg), 5.5 percent (10 mg) and 6.5 percent (15 mg) of participants in the tirzepatide arms and in 15.0 percent of participants in the insulin glargine arm. Episodes of hypoglycemia were seen more often in participants who had a background therapy of a sulfonylurea.

The most commonly reported adverse events in the tirzepatide arms at 52 weeks were gastrointestinal-related and generally mild to moderate in severity. For study participants treated with tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg, respectively), nausea (11.9 percent, 15.9 percent, 22.2 percent), diarrhea (12.2 percent, 19.5 percent, 20.4 percent) and vomiting (4.9 percent, 8.2 percent, 8.3 percent) were more frequently experienced compared to insulin glargine (1.6 percent [nausea], 3.2 percent [diarrhea], 1.1 percent [vomiting]). Treatment discontinuation rates due to adverse events at 52 weeks were 8.2 percent (tirzepatide 5 mg), 7.3 percent (tirzepatide 10 mg) and 8.9 percent (tirzepatide 15 mg), compared to 2.9 percent (insulin glargine).

"These strong results reinforce our belief that tirzepatide has the potential to be an exciting treatment for people living with type 2 diabetes," said Mike Mason, president, Lilly Diabetes. "We look forward to meeting our goal of bringing an important new therapy to people living with this condition, including sharing more detailed results at scientific congresses and submitting to regulatory authorities later this year."

The complete SURPASS-4 study data are being evaluated and additional results will be presented at the 57th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

About tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that integrates the actions of both incretins into a single novel molecule. GIP is a hormone that may complement the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. In preclinical models, GIP has been shown to decrease food intake and increase energy expenditure therefore resulting in weight reductions, and when combined with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, may result in greater effects on glucose and body weight. Tirzepatide is in phase 3 development for blood glucose management in adults with type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management. It is also being studied as potential treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

About SURPASS-4 and the SURPASS clinical trial program

SURPASS-4 (NCT03730662) is a 52-week, randomized, parallel, open-label trial comparing the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg to insulin glargine in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with at least one and up to three oral antihyperglycemic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas or SGLT-2 inhibitors), who have increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. The trial randomized 2,002 study participants in a 1:1:1:3 ratio to receive either tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg or insulin glargine. Participants were located in the European Union, North America (Canada and the United States), Australia, Israel, Taiwan and Latin America (Brazil, Argentina and Mexico). The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate that tirzepatide (10 mg and/or 15 mg) is non-inferior to insulin glargine for change from baseline A1C at 52 weeks in people with type 2 diabetes and increased CV risk. The primary and key secondary endpoints were assessed at 52 weeks, with some participants continuing treatment for up to two years. Study participants had a mean A1C between 7.5 percent and 10.5 percent and a BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2. All participants in the tirzepatide treatment arms started the study at a dose of tirzepatide 2.5 mg once-weekly and then increased the dose in a step-wise approach at four-week intervals to their final randomized maintenance dose of 5 mg (via a 2.5 mg step), 10 mg (via steps at 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 7.5 mg) or 15 mg (via steps at 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg and 12.5 mg). All participants in the titrated insulin glargine treatment arm started with a baseline dose of 10 units per day and titrated following a treat-to-target algorithm to reach a fasting blood glucose below 100 mg/dL.

The SURPASS phase 3 global clinical development program for tirzepatide has enrolled more than 13,000 people with type 2 diabetes across 10 clinical trials, five of which are global registration studies. The program began in late 2018, and all five global registration trials have been completed.

About Diabetes

Approximately 34 million people in the U.S.1 (just over 1 in 10) and an estimated 463 million adults worldwide2 have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type internationally, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States alone1. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not properly produce or use the hormone insulin.

About Lilly Diabetes

Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world's first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research, collaboration and quality manufacturing we strive to make life better for people affected by diabetes and related conditions. We work to deliver breakthrough outcomes through innovative solutionsfrom medicines and technologies to support programs and more. For the latest updates, visit http://www.lillydiabetes.com/ or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes and Facebook: LillyDiabetesUS.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at lilly.com and lilly.com/newsroom. P-LLY

Lilly Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about tirzepatide as a potential treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and the timeline for future data releases, presentations and other milestones relating to tirzepatide and its clinical trials and reflects Lilly's current belief and expectations. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of research, development, and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that the studies will be completed as planned, that future study results will be consistent with the results to date or that tirzepatide will receive regulatory approvals. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services; 2020.

2 International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2019. Available at: http://diabetesatlas.org.

i Efficacy estimand used when the treatment effect prior to discontinuation of study drug or initiating rescue therapy for persistent severe hyperglycemia, is of interest.

ii Treatment differences for two estimands  efficacy and treatment-regimen  were evaluated for three tirzepatide doses (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg) compared to insulin glargine.

iii Treatment-regimen estimand used when the treatment effect irrespective of adherence to the investigational medicine or introduction of rescue therapy for persistent severe hyperglycemia, is of interest.

SOURCE Eli Lilly & Company

Related Links

http://www.lilly.com


CHICAGO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, McDonald's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.29 per share of common stock payable on June 15, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2021.

Upcoming Communications

For important news and information regarding McDonald's, including the timing of future investor conferences and earnings calls, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's Internet home page at www.investor.mcdonalds.com. McDonald's uses this website as a primary channel for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 39,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as its annual and quarterly reports and current reports on Form 8-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, except as may otherwise be required by law.

SOURCE McDonald's Corporation

Related Links

http://www.mcdonalds.com


MINNEAPOLIS, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Dental Association is calling on legislators to address oral health priorities in special session. Current dental provider reimbursement rates in Minnesota's Medicaid program are based off average submitted charges from 1989. The 32-year-old rates are inadequate and, for many dentists, can mean the difference in program participation. Minnesotans need access to care and we simply cannot wait another year to invest in a neglected system.

The outdated rates and lack of state investment has resulted in Minnesota having some of the lowest reimbursement rates in the country. The impact of low reimbursement rates has been detrimental for children and adults on Medicaid. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, more than 60% of children on the state Medicaid program did not see a dentist in 2016 or 2017 ( DHS ).

Throughout the 2021 legislative session, members of the House and Senate Health and Human Services committees acknowledged the low reimbursement rates for dental providers and the impact it has had on access to care in Minnesota.

"I'd like to see more Medicaid patients in my community and provide them with the dental care they require but the current system makes it difficult to meet those needs. The problem is critical and during the time the state delays finding a real solution to this problem, patients continue to receive less dental care. Not addressing this immediately means we will be scrambling to mitigate the oral health needs of the unseen patients for years to come," said Minnesota Dental Association President-elect Dr. Amber Cziok.

Instead of going to the dentist, many Minnesotans are seeking care in the emergency room. This is both expensive for the state and results in these patients not getting the dental care that they need. Legislators need to pass real solutions this session that will improve access to care in Minnesota and ensure that state dollars are being used to provide appropriate care.

"We have heard from many of our members who see Medicaid patients. They have expressed that COVID-19 has put a further financial strain on their clinics and they are having to make difficult decisions when it comes to Medicaid participation. It's time for Minnesota to properly address the woefully underfunded dental Medicaid program so patients can get the care they deserve and need," said Minnesota Dental Association Executive Director Carmelo Cinqueonce.

Two proposals included in the House version of the Health and Human Services Omnibus bill will address both the complexity of the system and the reimbursement rates. These proposals are desperately needed and could result in higher provider participation so more patients can be treated by a provider in their community. The first proposal would finally update the state Medicaid rates and reset them from 1989 to 2018, a more contemporary base. The second proposal would shift the management of the dental program to a single entity providing a greater level of transparency and administrative simplification. The Minnesota Dental Association has been advocating for both proposals critical to helping more Minnesotans smile.

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. Learn more at: www.mndental.org.

SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association

Related Links

http://www.mndental.org


BOULDER, Colo., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), and NASA today announced their crowdsourcing competition, the "Overhead Geopose Challenge", which is being implemented by DrivenData, and HeroX. The Challenge seeks solutions that make overhead images more useful for time-sensitive applications like security and disaster response. Participants are competing for a prize purse of $50,000.



DrivenData and HeroX

The Challenge seeks to build computer vision algorithms that can effectively model the height and pose of ground objects for monocular satellite images taken from oblique angles.

Overhead satellite imagery provides critical time-sensitive information for disaster response, navigation, and security. Most current methods for using aerial images assume that the images are taken from directly overhead. However, the first images available are often "oblique" or taken from an angle. These camera orientations complicate useful tasks like image alignment and change detection that are needed to ensure that maps are accurate in dynamic environments

Solvers will transform RGB images taken from a satellite to accurately determine each object's real-world 3D structure or "geocentric pose". Geocentric pose is an object's height above the ground and its orientation with respect to gravity. Calculating geocentric pose helps with detecting and classifying objects and determining accurate object boundaries.

NGA is continuously seeking novel concepts for assured positioning, navigation, and timing, said NGA Research Chief Scientist John Main, PhD. "We think the broader innovation community can help us support disaster response operations more effectively by exploring novel ways to understand where things are happening - or even better where things will be happening - during an emergency event. This is NGA Research's goal and the reason we tap scientific and technical talent and ideas from national labs, universities, and businesses."

"This is a hard computer vision problem that will benefit from the diverse approaches that a machine learning challenge can bring to bear," said Greg Lipstein, Co-Founder and Principal of DrivenData. "This is a great opportunity to bring together a fascinating dataset with a passionate community of experts to generate innovative solutions for disaster response and other time-sensitive needs"

"Our global network of problem-solvers is perfectly suited to support the advancement of state-of-the-art methods for using and understanding satellite imagery," said Christian Cotichini, CEO, HeroX. "Having great minds come together for an initiative like this will help us more quickly and more effectively support people in times of need."

Eligibility to Compete and Win Prizes:

The challenge is open to anyone aged 18 or older not affiliated with DrivenData or the challenge sponsor and permitted to compete under the laws of the US and their local jurisdictions. Finalists will be determined by performance on a private test set of historical measurements, and bonus prizes will also be awarded for qualifying scores that reflect innovative approaches. All prize-winning approaches will be shared under an open source license for learning and use by the community.



To accept the challenge, and for more information, visit https://geopose.drivendata.org/.

ABOUT DRIVENDATA

DrivenData is a social enterprise dedicated to bringing the data tools and methods that are transforming industry to the world's biggest challenges. As part of that work, DrivenData's competition platform channels the skills and passion of data scientists, researchers, and other quantitative experts to build solutions for social good. These online machine learning challenges are designed to engage a large expert community, connect them with real-world data problems, and highlight their best solutions.

ABOUT HEROX

HeroX is a social network for crowdsourcing innovation and human ingenuity, co-founded in 2013 by serial entrepreneur, Christian Cotichini and XPRIZE Founder and Futurist, Peter Diamandis. HeroX offers a turnkey, easy-to-use platform that supports anyone, anywhere, to solve everyday business and world challenges using the power of the crowd. Uniquely positioned as the Social Network for Innovation, HeroX is the only place you can build, grow and curate your very own crowd.



ABOUT THE NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

NGA delivers world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders. NGA is a unique combination of intelligence agency and combat support agency. It is the world leader in timely, relevant, accurate and actionable geospatial intelligence. NGA enables the U.S. intelligence community and the Department of Defense to fulfill the president's national security priorities to protect the nation. For more information about NGA, visit us online at www.nga.mil, Facebook, Twitter, Flipboard, SoundCloud or YouTube.

ABOUT JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY (JHU/APL)

JHU/APL solves complex research, engineering, and analytical problems that present critical challenges to our nation. The nation's largest university affiliated research center provides U.S. government agencies with deep expertise in specialized fields to support national priorities and technology development programs.



Media Contact:

Alexandra Pony

[email protected]

250.858.0656

SOURCE DrivenData and HeroX

Related Links

http://www.herox.com/


NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating their 75th Anniversary this year, the National Medical Fellowships (NMF) announces the appointment of their new President and CEO, Michellene Davis, Esq., and their continued commitment to change the face of healthcare. NMF's vision to support underrepresented minority aspiring physicians and healthcare professionals began in 1946 as one of the nation's first diversity organizations. Since its inception, NMF has provided over $40 million in scholarships and grants to increase the pipeline for minority medical students to enter the healthcare workforce.

Davis is a nationally recognized, award winning health equity innovation strategist and senior policy executive. In addition to supporting significant healthcare industry growth in New Jersey, she also advanced racial equity approaches in aiding vulnerable populations through evidence-based, equity-informed policy and procedural transformations. Davis will lead the organization as a thought leader, strategist, and advocate for eliminating healthcare disparities and advancing health equity by attaining better, more equitable healthcare outcomes and diversified healthcare workspaces all over the country.

"I am honored to lead this incredible and vital organization that has had a quiet and profound impact on growing the numbers of underrepresented clinicians in healthcare," said Davis. "Through their scholarship and grant programs and services, NMF has directly sought to reduce healthcare disparities by creating new generations of clinicians and healthcare leaders who are dedicated to realizing health equity. At a time when a global pandemic has magnified the impact of historical structural and systemic inequities and the world's reliance on the essentials who are often the most vulnerable, the mission of NMF is more poignant than ever. NMF is dedicated to increasing access to care with doctors and healthcare professionals that look like the communities they serve."

"Michellene's experience, passion and unique perspective of the Healthcare Ecosystem will be a tremendous asset to building the new pipeline of physician leadership and to furthering NMF's mission of "changing the face of healthcare" to reflect and serve our diverse nation." said Dr. Sandra B. Nichols, SVP, CMO Health Inclusion, UnitedHealth Group, Chairman of the Board, NMF

Only 6% of U.S. physicians are from under-represented minority populations, not for lack of talent but lack of resources and access. To change this, NMF has and will accelerate its fund raising activities to provide more significant scholarship and other educational assistance to under-represented minority medical students. And in 2021 the scope of the organization's programs will expand to include training of under-represented minority physicians to participate in clinical trials as principal investigators, as part of the effort to diversify patient participation in clinical research. In 2020, the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation announced a $100 Million, 5-year partnership with NMF to train and develop clinical investigators and researchers who are racially and ethnically diverse. Also beginning in 2021 NMF will initiate a similar program to train under-represented minority physicians as clinical investigators, with support from the Janssen Division of Johnson & Johnson and Merck & Co. Better understanding of the safety and efficacy in minority as well as majority patients and populations of new pharmaceutical, biologic and vaccine, and medical device products, should improve health equity for all.

During this 75th anniversary of NMF's founding, the organization is seeking to engage with a greater number of the over 32,000 alumni recipients of financial assistance. Their support not only provides more resources for scholarships, but also facilitates funding from philanthropic, corporate and other donor sources. Costs related to medical education can exceed $300,000, a significant majority borrowed by students and their families, presenting a significant barrier for most under-represented minority students. Working with U.S. medical schools, NMF is committed to reducing these barriers and facilitating attainment of the goals and dreams of so many students to become physicians. NMF is also dedicated to providing medical students from underserved communities training for leadership roles not only in clinical care, but also in public policy, health services research, and healthcare administration. Examples of these programs include:

About National Medical Fellowships

National Medical Fellowships, Inc. (NMF) is the only private organization providing scholarships and support for underrepresented minority students in medicine and the health professions. NMF has provided over $40 million to more than 32,000 students and aspiring health professionals. NMF was founded in 1946 and was one of the first diversity organizations in the U,S. The organization is supported by a national network of alumni, philanthropy and corporate sponsors, and institutions.

Media Contact: Tamara Yvette Day

Phone: 267- 924-7978

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE National Medical Fellowships

Related Links

http://nmfonline.org/


Purposely designed to deliver the brand's hallmark small-ship luxury experience, Vista features a wide variety of social, recreation, and wellness spaces oriented across six of the ship's 11 guest decks. A mixture of both grand and cozy spaces presents guests with a room for every mood and purpose, whether one seeks an intimate getaway spot to enjoy a quiet read, a tony bar for evening cocktails, or to dance the night away with newfound friends.

The Grand Staircase: A Welcome Unlike Any Other

An iconic element of the Oceania Cruises brand, The Grand Staircase is where every new Oceania Cruises journey begins. Sleek curves and elegant details define the grandest of beginnings. A glistening floor-to-ceiling pillar of crystal and light sets the tone for the ship and the guest experience.

Martinis: A Classic Transformed

So much more than the name conveys, our reimagined Martinis bar is a true destination aboard Vista. Convivial gathering spaces are nestled among walls of shimmering glass, and custom sculptural lighting casts a warm glow over the heart of the bar. Sophistication, glamour, and elegance serve as a backdrop for extraordinary evenings.

The Grand Lounge: Gatherings Made Glamorous

Evoking the feeling of a private club, The Grand Lounge features sleek alcoves enhanced by a gold-infused color palette, sculptural lighting, and elegant lines. It's a relaxing yet elegant lounge that invites guests to unwind before an unforgettable dinner or enjoy a nightcap with fellow explorers.

Casino + Casino Bar: An Exciting Escape

Layers of luxury come to life through the golden grandeur and art nouveau-inspired touches in Vista's elegantly evolved Casino. The energized excitement is palpable in this enclave designed for those drawn to exciting games of chance and skill as well as those simply seeking a refined space to enjoy a cocktail.

Horizons: A View of the World

Conjuring a world of possibilities, the dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and inspiring silhouettes in Horizons celebrate the journey. Guests will be awed by sweeping 180-degree views whether they're sharing travel stories over Afternoon Tea, taking in sights along the way, or enjoying a lively musical performance.

Pool Deck: A Tranquil Oasis

Mirroring the beauty of the surrounding sea, the Pool Deck creates the perfect onboard escape. Guests may revel in the solitude of a uniquely modern beach-club cabana, go for a refreshing swim, or gather with friends poolside. The variety of textures and soothing natural tones come together in a natural oasis to reconnect with nature.

Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center: A Luxurious Sanctuary

Dedicated to a personal journey of well-being, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center offers a host of tranquil treatment areas, state-of-the-art workout and personal training spaces as well as a spacious new salon and barbershop. The indulgent spa terrace with sweeping sea views confirms that rejuvenation guided every aspect of our first purpose-built holistic wellness center.

Vista's best-in-class culinary experiences and spacious, residentially inspired suites and staterooms will be revealed in the coming weeks, with her inaugural voyages opening for sale in September 2021.

Currently under construction by Fincantieri S.p.A. in Italy, Vista will sail her first commercial voyage in early 2023. Measuring approximately 67,000 gross registered tons, the ship will accommodate 1,200 guests and be staffed by 800 officers and crew, offering industry-leading space and staff-to-guest ratios. An unnamed sister ship will debut in 2025.

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 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 to 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 approximately 59,150 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company has nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027.

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

Related Links

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/


OKLAHOMA CITY, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading provider of foundation repairs--including hydraulically-driven steel piers, basement repairs, crawlspace repairs, etc.--announced that they are expanding their service locations. After successfully servicing the Enid area for several years, Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC is opening a new branch in Enid in view of increased demand and support. Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC serves Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Yukon, Choctaw, Spencer, Jones, Newalla, Harrah, Guthrie, Stillwater, Mustang, Banner, and Enid.

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC is led by a co-owner and chief technician with over 35 years of experience in foundation repair services. The company is best known for its premium quality foundation repair solutions and features hallmarks like its engineer-approved products and services, including hydraulically-driven steel piers with a lifetime-transferrable warranty and premium materials.

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC is in a great position to provide exceptional foundation repair to the entire state of Oklahoma and is definitely on its way to achieving this goal. The company plans to continue expanding its services across the state and has successfully opened its Enid branch to best serve the area.

Enid residents can count on Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC for all of their foundation repair needs. This expansion ensures that Enid residents and businesses have access to excellent foundation services, which will help the community and its buildings thrive for years to come.

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC Services

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC provides a comprehensive range of foundation services. Their services include:

Slab foundation repair and steel piering . Steel piers are the industry-standard repair method for most issues regarding conventional slab foundations. The knowledgeable Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC team drives steel piers into the soil to stabilize the building.

. Steel piers are the industry-standard repair method for most issues regarding conventional slab foundations. The knowledgeable Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC team drives steel piers into the soil to stabilize the building. Crawlspace repair . Crawlspace repair can restore the structural stability of the building. It is often imperative for addressing sloped or uneven floors in homes with crawlspaces.

. Crawlspace repair can restore the structural stability of the building. It is often imperative for addressing sloped or uneven floors in homes with crawlspaces. Basement foundation repair. Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC has the expertise to handle a myriad of basement repairs. They can rebuild basement walls, improve the structure of the basement, or address other basement foundation needs.

The Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC Difference

One of the biggest differentiators of Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC is the professionalism they bring to each and every project. When it comes to foundation repair services, there is no better choice than Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC. They deliver precise, professional work from start to finish.

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC won the Angie's List Super Service Awards and Home Advisor's Elite Service Award. Their five-star service is highly accredited among customers. They maintain an impressive A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau as well as Home Advisor approval.

For more information about Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC and its services, visit its website at https://www.okfoundationsolutions.com/

Contact:

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions, LLC

[email protected]

405-331-7171

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Oklahoma Foundation Solutions

Oklahoma Foundation Solutions

SOURCE Oklahoma Foundation Solutions
HARARE, Zimbabwe, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Six orphaned elephant calves moved 900 kilometers closer to freedom this weektranslocated from the capital of Harare to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

"These calves will now start the second phase of their liveslearning to be sufficiently independent to eventually live as wild elephants," said Roxy Danckwerts, CEO and Founder of Wild is Life (WIL).

After arriving in the dark and being offloaded into an enclosure at the IFAW-Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) Project 'soft release' facility at Panda Masuie Forest Reserve, the calves were introduced at sunrise to the resident rescue herd of nine elephants.

"It was incredible to see the older elephants thunder down the hill trumpeting and screaming with excitement to meet the new calves. The meet and greet went fantastically. They were caressing each other with their trunks, and even rubbing faces with each otherit was very special to be able to witness their interactions," said Danckwerts.

"In the next few days, they will join the resident rescue herd to go on supervised daily bush walks, interacting with the wild elephants that roam here and finally departing to either form their own herd or to join a wild herd. This is everything we have worked so hard to achieve. It's an emotional moment, but also an immensely proud one."

Aged between 3-5 years old, each calf was rescued by WIL and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and has spent up to three years receiving round-the-clock care from staff at the IFAW-ZEN Project rehabilitation center outside Harare. One of the calves was fitted with a tracking collar allowing their movements at Panda Masuie to be monitored.

"Moving these young elephants to a soft release facility in the Panda Masuie Forest Reserve, near Victoria Falls, is an incredible achievement," said Neil Greenwood, Regional Director IFAW Southern Africa. "Each was rescued as an orphan from life-threatening danger and would surely have died without thousands of hours of dedicated rehabilitation and intense nursing by ZEN."

"It is truly an honor to celebrate these orphaned elephant calves on their way to life back in the wild. These calves offer hope to the recovery of the species, and our work in Panda Masuie ensures the protection of their future. The incredible Panda Masuie landscape is a vital corridor of protected land to migrating wildlife populations, including Africa's endangered elephants," said Jos Danckwerts, Director of the IFAW-ZEN Project.

All the elephants moved (Marsie, Jack, Johnnie, Tessa, Mana and Amira) were rescued in 2018 and 2019 having become stuck in muddy waterholes that had dried out due to severe drought. All lost their mothers to death or abandonment, and Jack (+- 5 yrs.) and Mana (+- 3 yrs.) suffered attack by hyena or lion.

Earlier this year, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified Africa's elephants as two unique species, the forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana). The forest elephant is listed as critically endangered and the savanna elephant is listed as endangered. Each of these rescued savannah elephant calves offers hope for the survival of an ever-threatened species.

Photos and videos of this event are available via hightail HERE.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Communications Manager Southern Africa

Christina Pretorius

m: +27 (0) 82 330 2558

e: [email protected]

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit helping animal and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we're up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

Related Links

http://www.ifaw.org


Pharm-Olam is the full-service provider for this study. It has a strong history of drug development related to medical countermeasures. Pharm-Olam holds memberships in the Medical CBRN Defense Consortium and has augmented the infectious disease prevention and therapeutic efforts of several governmental entities, including BARDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense.

Kelly Garner, Senior Project Manager said: "It is an incredible opportunity and privilege to have a leading role with Pharm-Olam, supporting Valneva with their VLA2001 COVID-19 vaccine candidate, of which the UK Government have secured 100 million doses. We have been able to successfully achieve the study milestones for Phase 1/2 and 3 of the VLA2001 program. It gives me a great sense of pride to be successfully contributing towards overcoming the global pandemic on behalf of Pharm-Olam, in strong collaboration with Valneva."

Maria-Cruz Morillo, Director, Project Management said: "In my role of oversight of the Valneva program, I am proud to be part of a team working together to meet extremely tight timelines with a high level of quality and commitment to deliver quality results."

Dr. Robert J. Davie, Chief Executive Officer said: "Pharm-Olam is delighted to partner with Valneva in their on-going clinical development programme for the tremendously important SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, VLA2001. Our Clinical Team, together with our investigative sites throughout the UK, are fully committed to the delivery of the Cov-Compare trial and we look forward to having played our part in overcoming COVID-19 and the challenges it has caused around the world."

[1] Approved by MHRA under reg. 174 and by the European Commission as conditional approval

ABOUT PHARM-OLAM LLC

Pharm-Olam is a global clinical research organization that delivers right-sized trial services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, government, and public health organizations around the world. They specialize in small molecule therapies and biologics in infectious disease, and vaccines oncology-hematology, rare disease, allergy, autoimmune, infectious disease, and vaccines. Founded in 1994, with operations in 60 countries, this CRO goes the distance to create a healthier world through agile, innovative, and customized CRO solutions for Phase I-IV research. Learn how Pharm-Olam helps studies succeed at www.pharm-olam.com.

ABOUT VALNEVA

Valneva is a specialty vaccine company focused on the development and commercialization of prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases with significant unmet medical need. The Company has leveraged its expertise and capabilities both to successfully commercialize two vaccines and to rapidly advance a broad range of vaccine candidates into and through the clinic, including candidates against Lyme disease, the chikungunya virus and COVID-19.

SOURCE Pharm-Olam, LLC

Related Links

https://www.pharm-olam.com


KIRKLAND, Wash. and TEL AVIV, Israel, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pivotal Commware, Inc., a global leader in 5G mmWave infrastructure products, and Powermat Technologies , a leading supplier of advanced wireless power technology for telecom, today announced the integration of Powermat's wireless power technology into Pivotal's Echo 5G subscriber repeater, designed for delivering superior broadband experiences to more 5G mmWave subscribers at less cost.

Echo is a low-profile, glass-attached repeater installed by subscribers to facilitate in-building penetration of mmWave signals from 5G small cells. Pivotal's patented Holographic Beam Forming technology is responsible for not only Echo's small size and low weight, but also its uniquely low 15W power consumption, low enough to power magnetically through window glass using Powermat's technology. This way, the Echo can be powered from an indoor wall outlet as part of a subscriber installation  an important consideration for operators.

"Self-installing subscriber repeaters is a must-have for an operator to meet its business case for deploying 5G mmWave services," said Brian Deutsch, CEO of Pivotal Commware. "The Echo's low power consumption opened the door for Pivotal to take advantage of Powermat's Smartinductive technology. Together, we can help operators overcome mmWave propagation challenges to deliver ultra-high capacity, low latency 5G to millions."

Powermat's unique wireless power solution is designed to serve 5G infrastructure, IoT, robotics, and security applications that provide up to 65W of power over a distance of up to 30 cm. Its platform, designed for self-installation, automatically learns the distance between the receiver and transmitter and calibrates accordingly. The result is a dynamic system suitable for residential and industrial 5G repeater installations.

"Powermat's low-frequency Smartinductive technology leverages the best of both magnetic induction and resonant wireless charging technology and is designed specifically for reducing the cost of deployment of Telecom & 5G infrastructure on a vast scale," said Elad Dubzinski, CEO of Powermat Technologies. "We are immensely honored to join forces with Pivotal Commware, an innovative global market leader, and to be the technology company chosen to provide this crucial part necessary for the global deployment of the 5G revolution."

About Pivotal Commware, Inc.

Pivotal Commware develops communications platforms, systems, and applications based on Holographic Beam Forming. HBF antenna technology enables network operators to increase network speed, capacity, and spectral efficiency using the lowest cost, size, weight, and power consumption (C-SWaP) envelope available. The company is privately held and headquartered in Kirkland, Washington.

About Powermat Technologies

Powermat Technologies provides advanced Qi-certified and proprietary wireless charging platforms for IoT, telecom (5G), automotive, robotics, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial applications. The company's wireless power platforms and IP licensing program enables global businesses to incorporate advanced wireless power technology into their products and customize solutions for unique use cases. The company's wireless power technology can already be found in over 800 million smartphones, 40 million embedded accessories, and 8 million cars and is embedded by global market leaders such as Samsung, LG, General Motors, Flex, Harman International, Kyocera, and more.

Media Contact:

Ofir Gattenyo

[email protected]

SOURCE Powermat

Related Links

https://powermat.com/


MENLO PARK, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm Protiviti has been named to the 2021 'Best Workplaces in Chicago' list by Great Place to Work. To determine the list, Great Place to Work analyzed confidential survey feedback from more than 30,000 employees in the Chicago Metropolitan area. One of forty organizations recognized in this year's large company category, Protiviti has been consistently named to the list since 2018.

Surveyed employees were asked to rate the extent to which their organization creates a Great Place to Work For AllTM, including their experiences of trust, respect, fairness, camaraderie and the opportunity to reach their full human potential. Great Place to Work also factored into the final score the actions taken by the organization to support their workforce during the Covid-19 crisis.

"The last 14 months have been exceptionally challenging for organizations everywhere. To deal with the effects of the pandemic, Protiviti has provided our employees with a range of additional employee benefits, including time off to care for family members affected by Covid, a more flexible work schedule and extra caregiving support, and additional support to enhance their at-home work environments. All of these actions were underpinned by our deeply rooted, shared values of integrity, inclusion and innovation. Our continued presence on this list affirms that our people feel supported and empowered by our actions while appreciating the transparency of our leaders," said Tom Andreesen, a Protiviti managing director and market leader of the Chicago office.

Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, and any other aspect of their employees' identities and roles. Companies are only considered for the Best Workplaces list if they are a Great Place to Work-Certified organization.

"The Best Workplaces in Chicago are made up of good people who care about their people," said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. "This exclusive group has created cultures where one's background has no influence on whether you are treated with respect, fairness and credibility. These companies can expect better business results thanks to their high-trust, inclusive workplaces."

Protiviti has made the Chicago list on three previous occasions, and since 2015 the firm has been named consistently to the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, which is also based on the Great Place to Work survey.

About Protiviti

Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach, and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk and internal audit through its network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries.

Named to the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Protiviti has served more than 60 percent of Fortune 1000 and 35 percent of Fortune Global 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index.

Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services.

Editor's note: Protiviti photo available upon request.

SOURCE Protiviti

Related Links

https://www.protiviti.com/


"We're thrilled to honor Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon and Ariana DeBose and Jo Ellen Pellman for their leadership and activism in support of LGBTQ youth" said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation. "We're also honored and excited that our event will be hosted by Punkie Johnson, the first out, queer, black woman to ever join the cast of Saturday Night Live. In addition, our longtime friend and supporter, Joey McIntyre will perform a special song honoring our graduates."
"Data is critical in serving our membership as we continue to innovate for the future," said Walker. "We conducted an extensive search to find the right leader to continue our data journey; with his strategic mindset and ability to bring simplicity and structure to complex environments, I'm confident that Ramnik will be a tremendous asset in leading USAA's data modernization efforts."

Bajaj joins USAA with impressive data, technology and financial services experience. Most recently, he was the executive vice president and head of data environment and transformation at Wells Fargo & Company. In this capacity, he was accountable for establishing the data management policy and strategy and implementing transformational data programs for the company. Bajaj also oversaw enterprise analytics and data science focused on developing advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.

"Data is, and will continue to be at the forefront of transforming business across industries, even more so in financial services," said Bajaj. "A sound foundation of data management practices and a well designed data environment is essential for safe and efficient operations, innovation and developing differentiated products and experiences. I look forward to making positive contributions to our membership by bringing the power of data, analytics and artificial intelligence to every aspect of running and managing our business."

Prior to Wells Fargo, he was at Deloitte Consulting for 21 years. As a partner in the financial services data practice, Bajaj led large scale data and analytics transformation programs for several domestic and international financial services insitutions.

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and investment and retirement solutions to 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, Tex., USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 35,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.

Contact: USAA Media Relations

[email protected]

(210) 498-0940

SOURCE USAA

Related Links

http://www.usaa.com


BELOIT, Wis., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Regal Beloit Corporation (NYSE: RBC), a global leader in the engineering, design and manufacturing of power transmission and industrial drive train solutions, and high-efficiency electric motors and air moving systems, recently received an ESG Rating of 'A' from MSCI ESG Research LLC, reflecting an upgrade from a 'BBB' rating last year.

Notably, improvements in the Company's already-leading corporate governance practices contributed to the higher rating. The report also noted Regal's robust initiatives for workforce development, including career development programs as well as engagement initiatives. In the Environment framework, MSCI noted Regal's robust initiatives to address environmental impacts from air, water and waste emissions relative to peers.

Responding to Regal's upgraded MSCI ESG Rating, CEO Louis Pinkham commented "It's great to see our progress in ESG be reflected in our upgraded MSCI ESG Rating because sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and strong corporate governance practices are directly tied to our core Regal values and underpin our strategic vision."

Mr. Pinkham went on to comment, "Our driving Purpose at Regal is to 'Create a Better Tomorrow By Energy-Efficiently Converting Power Into Motion.' We're about to embark on our annual strategy review process, and with a greater intent than ever before, our business leaders will be detailing ways that Regal can better realize our Purpose and create benefits for our key stakeholders  our customers, our associates, and our shareholders  while contributing to the communities where we live and work, and to the planet at large."

A majority of Regal's products today can help customers reduce their energy consumption, meet increasingly stringent energy efficiency regulations, and achieve their own sustainability goals. The company is committed to leading in the realm of energy efficiency, particularly in its core domains of residential and commercial HVAC, air moving, pumps, and industrial power transmission, but increasingly in other areas as well, such as unit material handling and alternative energy. To support Regal's defined Purpose, and as communicated at the Company's Investor Day presentation in March 2020, Regal is making a variety of investments in talent and technology, including a commitment to raise its spending on research, development and engineering by $30 Million in the 2020-2022 timeframe.

About MSCI ESG Research

MSCI ESG Research provides in-depth research, ratings and analysis of the environmental, social and governance-related business practices of thousands of companies worldwide. MSCI's research is designed to provide critical insights that can help institutional investors identify risks and opportunities that traditional investment research may overlook. The MSCI ESG Ratings are also used in the construction of the MSCI ESG Indexes, produced by MSCI, Inc. For more information, click here.

About the Company

Regal Beloit Corporation (NYSE: RBC) is a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of electric motors and controls, power generation and power transmission products serving customers throughout the world. Our purpose is to create a better tomorrow by energy-efficiently converting power into motion.

The Company is comprised of four operating segments: Commercial Systems, Industrial Systems, Climate Solutions and Power Transmission Solutions. Regal is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide. For more information, visit RegalBeloit.com .

Disclaimer

THE USE BY REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION OF ANY MSCI ESG RESEARCH LLC OR ITS AFFILIATES ("MSCI") DATA, AND THE USE OF MSCI LOGOS, TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS OR INDEX NAMES HEREIN, DO NOT CONSTITUTE A SPONSORSHIP, ENDORSEMENT, RECOMMENDATION, OR PROMOTION OF REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION BY MSCI. MSCI SERVICES AND DATA ARE THE PROPERTY OF MSCI OR ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, AND ARE PROVIDED 'AS-IS' AND WITHOUT WARRANTY. MSCI NAMES AND LOGOS ARE TRADEMARKS OR SERVICE MARKS OF MSCI.

SOURCE Regal Beloit Corporation

Related Links

http://www.regalbeloit.com


Their first expression blends two cultures, two distilleries, from two different continents, making it the perfect collaboration between the eastern and western hemispheres. Carrying that same mantra, Equiano Light embodies that same notion whilst masterfully marrying two very different styles of rum.

Equiano Light is refreshingly unique, an exceptional blend of lightly aged molasses rum from the Caribbean, fused with fresh sugar cane juice rum from Africa. Again, challenging the ideas and expectations we have of rum, this exciting offering elevates the category and enriches the taste profile of an often-underrated spirit, silencing any notion that white rums lack the sophistication of their darker counterparts.

The idea behind the blend was to create a lightly aged rum with a flavor profile of days gone by; the subtle notes of ripe sugarcane, hints of natural vanilla and citrus, that were appreciated in classic rum cocktails such as The Daiquiri, or for the new style of long rum highballs that use various premium tonics and sodas.

Equiano Light consists of molasses rum distilled at the award-winning Foursquare Distillery, in copper pot stills that give the rum greater complexity and depth of flavor. It is truly an artisanal small batch process, whilst the column still allows the final blend to have a superior balance both in aroma and on the palate. It is then blended and aged in once used Bourbon barrels for a minimum of 3 tropical years.

The Barbadian rum is then skillfully blended with unaged rum made from fresh sugarcane juice from Africa. This "cane juice" rum is distilled in a single column still to produce a refreshingly light rum that retains all of the natural grassy notes of the raw sugar cane ingredients.

In your glass you'll see a subtle light golden hue, almost sugarcane beige, which is a result of the careful blending of barrel aged and unaged rums from Barbados & Mauritius. On the nose a harmonious balance of fresh sugarcane with hints of vanilla, dried light oak and touches of earthy, herbal notes normally associated with sugarcane juice rum.

The 43% abv also delivers aromas of light tropical fruits, citrus oils and hints of green apple as it warms and acclimates to your glass. The initial mouthfeel of this light rum is a medium sweet taste of ripe sugarcane, more tropical fruit and citrus peel, layered with green apples, pears and hints of vanilla and light oak on the palate.

The experience is light bodied with the natural, subtle sweetness of exotic fruits. To finish, the aged Barbadian component takes center stage as the tropical aging of the rum, in once used American oak barrels, leaves a light dusting of wood on the finish. The initial sweetness quickly dries off leaving citrus peel, touches of vanilla, white pepper and sweet spices.

Continuing to draw on the legacy of Olaudah Equiano, Equiano Light is inspired by the theme of enlightenment, a period of time where his acclaimed memoirs, The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, played a pivotal role in shaping positive change. The new coordinates on the back of the bottle signify the beginning of his journey in modern-day Nigeria to his end in London, encompassing his experiences during his extraordinary lifetime. In honor of his name, $2 of every bottle sold through equianorum.com goes towards Equiano Rum Co.'s charitable grant, helping abolish modern slavery in all its forms around the world through their 2021 recipient, Anti-Slavery International.

Equiano Light can be purchased on May 20th at www.equianorum.com for $45.99

Press Contact: [email protected] / [email protected]

EDITOR'S NOTES

KEY NOTE: Equiano is the world's first African & Caribbean rum. We do not say Afro-Caribbean as the term holds different meanings across territories. Instead, we work to celebrate, with no confusion, both the African and Caribbean components of our rums.

THE EQUIANO RUM CO.

Through curiosity, discovery and a commitment to exceptional quality, The Equiano Rum Co. are on a mission to redefine a four-century-old industry by creating unique blends of rum from around the world. The World's First African & Caribbean rums, each Equiano expression is a never-before-seen blend of two cultures, two distilleries, from two continents, making it a perfect collaboration of east and west.

Celebrating the life of Nigerian-born writer, entrepreneur, abolitionist and freedom fighter Olaudah Equiano, the founders are proud to have Equiano's name adorn their bottle and thus, placed philanthropy at the heart of their business long before its inception. The Equiano Rum Co. proudly pledges 5% of global company profits and /$2 of every bottle sold through www.equianorum.com to ground level freedom and equality organizations annually. In 2021, the grant recipient is Anti-Slavery International, an organization that works to eliminate all forms of modern slavery throughout the world.

As a BIPOC-owned, female-led business, the four founders - Aaisha Dadral, Amanda Kakembo, Ian Burrell and Oli Bartlam - wanted to not only create something new for the category but also to reclaim the narrative around the history of rum. As founders and with Ian's well established and warmly celebrated position in the spirits industry, the four set about to respect rums' past, craft its future, challenge boundaries and celebrate freedom as they go. With a successful launch year behind them, they appear to be achieving just that.

Equiano Original won gold medals at four of the most prestigious international awards ahead of its 2019 launch: International Spirits Challenge, Spirits Selection, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and International Wine and Spirits Competition (with over 96 points), making the liquid one of the most highly acclaimed rums in the world today. The second expression, Equiano Light is expected to carry that beacon, laying a bright future for premium lightly aged rums in the years ahead.

OLAUDAH EQUIANO

Born 1745 in Africa, aged 11, Equiano was kidnapped and enslaved through Transatlantic Slave Trade. Aboard naval ships, he journeyed to the Caribbean and Americas, tenacious and determined he taught himself to read, write, count and trade. Equiano saved and paved his way to liberation through selling puncheons of rum. Eventually settling in the UK and not content with changing only his own life, Equiano became a prominent abolitionist. As one of the first African writers to have work published, Equiano's powerful autobiography  'The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano' - informed the Slave Trade Act of 1807, impacting the freedom of people all over the world. Freedom that many of us enjoy but that many more are still fighting for.

In the decades that followed, Equiano journeyed the world he knew and beyond. From the Americas to the Arctic, he lectured, wrote and petitioned parliaments for his belief that all people should be equal and free. Equiano rums follow the extraordinary and monumental journeys of Olaudah himself - starting life in Africa, travelling to the Caribbean, and exploring Europe as a freed man.



Equiano commanded his own destiny and led the way for us today. Through empowerment and ambition, Equiano was a revolutionary force that we all can draw strength from.

SOURCE Equiano Rum

Related Links

https://equianorum.com


MINNEAPOLIS, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A record fundraising total of more than $905,000 was raised as part of Scholarship America's annual Dreams to Success event held last week to support the Dream Award scholarship program and broaden support for students. For the second consecutive year, Scholarship America  the nation's largest private scholarship provider  held its annual national event online due to Covid-19. The virtual event honored 22 exceptional Scholarship America Dream Award recipients  students with financial need who have overcome significant barriers to make it to college.

Scholarship America

"We are deeply thankful to our generous sponsors and donors who supported these students even in the face of the pandemic, stepping up even more to help us surpass last year's record-breaking fundraising total," said Robert C. Ballard, president and CEO of Scholarship America. "Each of our amazing scholarship recipients have experienced a challenging life journey, overcoming major hardships, financial need, and setbacks in their pursuit of a college education."

The event honored AbbVie, Herman Miller Cares, and Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, chair and seventh president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the Scholarship America Lifetime Achievement Honoree for leadership and excellence in education. Dr. Cole was introduced by Stacey Abrams, politician, lawyer, voting rights activist and author who attended Spelman College during Dr. Cole's tenure as president.

The program also paid tribute to J. Barry Griswell, former chair of the Scholarship America Board, co-chair of Dreams to Success, and devoted advocate for students.

The event featured performances by America's Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner Mandy Harvey; inspiring stories from Dream Award scholars Luis Loza and Michelle Nguyen; and was emceed by MSNBC anchor, author and filmmaker Richard Lui  himself a first-generation college graduate and scholarship recipient.

Past Dream Award recipients have achieved their education and career goals by becoming doctors, nurses, health educators, psychologists, radiology technicians, teachers, neuroscientists, biologists, sociologists, human development professionals, engineers, political scientists and organizational behavior specialists.

Learn more about Scholarship America Dreams to Success at

https://scholarshipamerica.org/news-events/dreams-to-success/ and visit https://donations.scholarshipamerica.org to give.

Contact:

Joan Cronson

952.830.7308

[email protected]

SOURCE Scholarship America
Comprehensively assessed by the authorities, the project can offset the power consumption of the station, and the carbon emission reduction can offset the carbon emissions, making this a landmark achievement of great significance across the industry.

The Jiaze Gas Station Project adopts the model of "self generation for self usage with surplus power entering the grid," achieving an uninterrupted switch with the State Grid. It uses photovoltaic power generation instead of coal-fired power generation and supplies surplus power externally while meeting the power demands of the station.

It is estimated that the annual power generation of the Project is 127,000 to 147,000 kWh, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 91.2 to 105.6 tons. In 2020, the power consumption of the station was 99,000 kWh. Per the calculation based on the theoretical 25 year-life cycle of the photovoltaic power station, and in comparison with traditional thermal power projects, emissions of 3,800 tons of carbon dioxide, 116 tons of sulfur dioxide and 56 tons of nitrogen oxide can be reduced throughout the whole life cycle.

In addition, the Jiaze Gas Station has implemented a series of measures to reduce carbon emissions, including oil vapor recovery and sewage recovery and treatment, to promote the construction and development of carbon-neutral gas stations.

As China sets to achieve the target of reaching carbon emissions peak by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, Sinopec will unswervingly push towards reaching net zero emissions, centering on the vision of building a world-leading clean energy chemical company, accelerating energy transformation and industrial upgrading and actively constructing photovoltaic power generation stations. At present, Sinopec has established 160 photovoltaic power generation stations in the provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and more.

In the next five years, Sinopec will lay out 7,000 photovoltaic power generation stations, and Sinopec Jiangsu Oilfield Company plans to build 900 carbon-neutral gas stations. Sinopec aims to make 'green and clean' the calling card of the company through special models such as developing carbon-neutral gas stations and planting carbon-neutral forests.

Looking forward, Sinopec will accelerate the creation of an integrated energy service provider for 'oil, gas, hydrogen, electricity and non-oil services,' promoting clean fossil energy, large-scale non-fossil energy and low-carbon production processes to ensure that we reach carbon emissions peak by 2030, and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and make renewed contributions in response to global climate change as a responsible corporation.

About Sinopec

Sinopec Corp. is one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China. Its principal operations include the exploration and production, pipeline transportation and sale of petroleum and natural gas; the sale, storage and transportation of petroleum products, petrochemical products, coal chemical products, synthetic fiber, fertilizer and other chemical products; the import and export, including an import and export agency business, of petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemical and chemical products, and other commodities and technologies; and research, development and application of technologies and information.

Sinopec sets 'fueling beautiful life' as its corporate mission, puts 'people, responsibility, integrity, precision, innovation and win-win' as its corporate core values, pursues strategies of value-orientation, innovation-driven development, integrated resource allocation, open cooperation, and green and low-carbon growth, and strives to achieve its corporate vision of building a world leading energy and chemical company.

For more information, please visit Sinopec.

SOURCE SINOPEC
Prior to Sky Organics, Eduard oversaw business success across an array of company categories including skincare, wellness, tech and more. Most recently, Eduard lead Ebb Therapeutics, a general wellness and medical device company in Pittsburgh, as its CEO. Prior to that, he was Managing Director for Image Skincare, a global, Professional Skincare Company based in South Florida. In his time at Shaser Bioscience Inc., a leading developer of light-based, skincare medical devices, Eduard was the Global General Manager for the Boston-based division.

In addition to this, he was CEO of an automotive company that manufactures and distributes trucks, motorcycles, and farm equipment in Latin America. He was President for Latin America/Australia/New Zealand at Spectrum Brands Inc., a global consumer products company. Eduard also spent twenty-two years in the high-tech industry, primarily with Xerox, where he held several sales, marketing, and general management positions around the globe.

CEO Steven Neiger, commented, "We are thrilled to welcome Eduard to the Sky Organics family. Eduard's true visionary mindset, combined with our mission of making organic products accessible to all, will lead our continued success in the natural space and further solidify Sky Organics as a thought leader."

"I'm excited to be joining one of the fastest growing natural brands on the market and look forward to leading this amazing team to broaden our mission of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live a green lifestyle," said Eduard.

Eduard lived in Europe for twelve years, where he studied Business Administration in Switzerland at the St. Gall Graduate School of Economics, Law and Business Administration. He now lives in Parkland with his wife and their two daughters. He has been a passionate airplane pilot for 40 years and gives back to the community also by flying angel flight missions when possible.

For more information about Sky Organics, please visit SkyOrganics.com.

About Sky Organics:

Sky Organics, one of the fastest growing natural brands, is a family-owned company dedicated to showing you that living a natural lifestyle can be easy and beautiful with the help of clean and organic essentials. Products range from $6.95 to $19.95. Sky Organics product is thoughtfully made in small batches, using ethically sourced, good-for-you ingredients, and is tested by happy humansnever on animals.

SOURCE Sky Organics
BOSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Soom, a pioneer in utilizing technology to bridge information gaps between data sources and physical products, announced today that it was named in the April Gartner Supply Chain Cool Vendors, 2021 report. Gartner is the world's leading research and advisory company.

Soom's intelligent search platform is designed to bridge the gap between siloed sources of important healthcare product information, such as information about medical device products, by connecting the work of numerous companies, government agencies and standards organizations.

Serving as a layer between enterprise systems and processes that enable interoperability at scale, Soom is a future-proof software platform that is designed to solve the healthcare industry's challenges with complex global trade regulations and required product data demand.

"We're very proud to have been named a Cool Vendor by Gartner and see this recognition not simply as a validation of what we've done so far but as a challenge to expand and explore further across healthcare and other industries and markets," said Charlie Kim, president and CEO of Soom.

Today, healthcare information is fragmented. General product information can be found on manufacturer's websites, while efficacy and interaction data must be purchased from subscription services and, most importantly, safety information is not in one place and is not free. Information exists, but it is extremely laborious and expensive to access.

Soom is consolidating this highly fragmented market into one simple, efficient platform that brings manufacturers and consumers together to openly share information about individual products that can be tracked and traced. The company's vision is to become the "Google of healthcare," enabling millions of consumers to one day freely search for currently unsearchable information about medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

In explaining what kind of vendors it was considering for its Supply Chain Cool Vendor research, Gartner said, "We looked for solutions that could help supply chain organizations target technology investments that could help address the growing complexity of supply chain networks, respond effectively to competitive challenges and help them rapidly adopt new business models in the face of relentless change."

(Tech journalists and business leaders interested in learning more about the Soom platform and Gartner Supply Chain Cool Vendor report may contact Heather Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Soom, by emailing her at [email protected].)

About Soom

Soom uses proven technology and science to enable interoperability, safety, collaboration and efficiency throughout the healthcare value chain. Headquartered in Boston, with offices worldwide, and a pioneer in the industry, we offer a cloud-based enterprise SaaS platform that provides the healthcare industry with a simple solution that enables master data accuracy, data governance, error correction, and, ultimately, improved patient safety. The Soom platform is a powerful knowledge graph connecting siloed databases and is compliant with GS1 standards and global UDI regulations. For more information, visit www.Soom.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

(Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.)

SOURCE Soom

Related Links

http://www.Soom.com


BOSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SVB Leerink, a leading investment bank specializing in healthcare and life sciences, announced today that Anurag Jindal, M.D. has joined the firm's Biopharma team as a Senior Managing Director.

Dr. Jindal's hire reinforces SVB Leerink's leadership in the biopharma and life sciences sector as the firm also expands its expertise in healthcare services and technology. Dr. Jindal will be based in SVB Leerink's New York office and will report to Dr. Dan Dubin, Global Co-Head of Healthcare Investment Banking.

Dr. Dubin stated, "Anurag is a welcome addition to SVB Leerink, and we are thrilled to benefit from his strong relationships and uniquely broad, two decades worth of experience in the biopharma industry, not only as both an investment banker and consultant, but also as an executive at a major pharmaceutical company."

Dr. Jindal joins SVB Leerink from Bank of America where he was a Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Banking group, with a focus on strategic advisory and capital markets transactions for public and private companies in the biotech sector. Prior to his work at Bank of America, Dr. Jindal was the Deputy Head of Pharma M&A and in the Pharma Strategy Group at Novartis in Switzerland and in the Healthcare Investment Banking group at JP Morgan in both New York and San Francisco. He started his career as a Pharmaceutical Analyst at Health IQ in Los Angeles.

"As we continue to witness rapid innovation in the biopharma sector, I am excited to join a firm committed to leading its clients through change," Dr. Jindal said. "Alongside Dan and the broader leadership team, I look forward to advising biopharma companies on how to successfully navigate the challenges of a dynamic industry environment, finance innovation, and execute strategic transactions." Dr. Jindal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and a M.D. from the University of Southern California.

SVB Leerink's biopharma team integrates the considerable expertise of its professionals with its deep knowledge resources, such as its affiliate MEDACorp, to provide insights on science, drug development strategy, medical treatment paradigms, commercialization and payor dynamics, and transaction structuring that drive uniquely actionable advice on the assessment of business opportunities.

About SVB Leerink

As the leading investment bank to the healthcare and life science industries, we help our clients move healthcare forward. With differentiated sector knowledge, unrivaled expertise, and a complete suite of capital market and advisory solutions, we are the industry's partner of choice. SVB Leerink is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SVB Financial Group and is a member of FINRA/SIPC. For more information, please visit: www.svbleerink.com. SIVB-L

SVB Leerink

Contact: Diane Vieira

(617) 918-4097

Weber Shandwick

Contact: Kaitlyn Rawlett

(212) 445-8082

SOURCE SVB Leerink

Related Links

https://www.svbleerink.com/


AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) remanded the application for the desalination plant proposed by the Port of Corpus Christi for Harbor Island, which is within the city limits of Port Aransas. TCEQ Commissioners voted unanimously to remand the application back to the State Office of Administrative Hearings, concluding that the Port had not shown that its proposed desalination permit was protective of the environment or aquatic life.

Texas Coastal Coalition

"Our job here is to make sure that authorization of this first desal plant in Texas is protective of public health and the marine environment," said TCEQ Chairman Jon Niermann as he made the motion to remand. "The applicant has not yet met its burden of proof on that."

The decision directed the Port of Corpus Christi to conduct further evaluation and provide additional evidence on the environmental impact of the project, which would discharge up to 95 million gallons of chemically treated effluent each day into the pristine marine waters surrounding Harbor Island. Marine scientists say it is the worst possible location for such a plant. On remand, the Port will have to demonstrate that there is no significant lethality to aquatic life in the area of the immediate discharge.

"We certainly would have preferred an outright denial of the permit, but we consider this decision a short-term win," said James King, President of the Port Aransas Conservancy. "Today's action confirms there are significant problems with the application that must be addressed before a final decision can be made."

The desalination project is opposed by the Port Aransas Conservancy, the Texas Coastal Coalition, and a host of other environmental organizations and individuals concerned about the project's impact on the sensitive fish and wildlife resources, as well as recreational uses, in and around Harbor Island.

"We want to make it clear that we are not opposed to efforts to provide additional water sources for our growing state," said John Shepperd with the Texas Coastal Coalition. "We believe there is a common-sense solution to the problems associated with this proposed desal plant, and that is discharging the effluent offshore instead of where it is currently proposed."

TCEQ directed the Port to provide additional evidence on a number of issues including whether the proposed discharge will adversely impact the marine environment, aquatic life, and wildlife. The Port will also have to demonstrate whether the proposed discharge will adversely impact recreational activities, commercial fishing, and the fisheries in the Corpus Christi Bay and the ship channel.

TCEQ Commissioners are expected to issue their written order in the next few days. It will require the Port to compile and prepare new modeling data, including site-specific ambient velocity data for the location of the discharge, and provide it to all parties within 30 days from the Commission order. All parties will then have 30 days to review it before the preliminary hearing in this case before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Once that hearing takes place, the judges will have to issue their recommendation within 120 days after the preliminary hearing that is expected later this year. Once that happens, TCEQ will consider the matter again, most likely in early 2022.

The Texas Coastal Coalition is a non-partisan education and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the economic and environmental prosperity of the Coastal Bend. Our mission is to educate Texans about the potential environmental and economic impacts of industrial development of Harbor Island in Port Aransas, while bringing together the voices of those who treasure the Texas Gulf Coast to advocate for a solution that works for industry, the environment and the Coastal Bend community.

The Port Aransas Conservancy is dedicated to fostering a balance of conservation and economically sustainable uses for Port Aransas and its surrounding neighborhood and waterways while recognizing that our community and economy is dependent on tourism and fisheries within a healthy barrier island coastal ecosystem. We want to be perfectly clear that we're not anti-business, we're pro-environment. Our goal is to see any development in the Coastal Bend done with as little environmental disruption as possible.

Media Contact:

James King

[email protected]

432-386-2821

SOURCE Port Aransas Conservancy
TRACY, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 90 percent voting in favor, CEMEX drivers in Tracy, Calif. represented by Teamsters Local 439 ratified their most recent collective bargaining agreement. The contract comes after the workers went on a one-day strike to protest the company's unreasonable behavior during negotiations.

"Three times CEMEX proposed a contract that was unacceptable, three times our members voted it down," said Sal Lomeli, Local 439 Secretary-Treasurer. "The company started to delay, so we went out on a one-day strike. Wouldn't you know it, CEMEX comes back to the table and we reach an agreement a few days later. This is a perfect example of the great things that can happen for ready-mix drivers when they exercise their strength as Teamsters."

The new collective bargaining agreement includes a number of improvements, including additional paid days off and increases in retirement benefits and health care coverage. They also received wage increases of one dollar per hour in backpay retroactive to the date of their contract expiring and annual raises of $0.80 per hour.

"Local 439 CEMEX Drivers stood in solidarity to force the company to come to the table with an equitable offer that the membership felt was fair," said David Kirby, a CEMEX Driver in Tracy who took part in the strike. "We had to make a stand and demand our worth!"

Teamsters Local 439 has been representing workers and their families in San Joaquin, Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties for over 60 years. For more information, go to http://www.teamsters439.com/.

Contact:

Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 439
BOSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The information technology sector is both a large consumer of renewable electricity and an enabler of the energy transition through digitization. IT uses about 1% of the world's electricity, and that share is increasing, according to a new analysis from Lux Research, a leading provider of tech-enabled research and innovation advisory services. Because that energy consumption is getting concentrated within a few large companies  namely, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Apple  climate action is both needed and straightforward.

Lux's new report, "The Energy Transition of the IT Sector: Market Forecast and Opportunities," looks at the activities of the IT sector in the energy transition and assesses the opportunities and threats it may pose to the energy sector. The use and traffic of data centers has grown at a CAGR of between 35% and 40% in the past decade. In comparison, the energy consumption by data centers has stayed relatively constant  growing from 194 TWh in 2010 to 201 TWh in 2020. Despite the modest and efficient growth in global data center energy consumption, there is still a reason for concern.

"In the past 10 years, there has been a clear trend in the rise of extremely large data centers that are commonly owned  or contracted  by large technology companies like Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Apple," explains Arij van Berkel, Ph.D., Vice President at Lux Research and lead author of the report. "While the information technology sector as a whole has seen very modest increases in electricity consumption, these companies have seen an average year-over-year increase in electricity consumption of 20%  reaching as high as 43% in some years."

In addition to the sociopolitical pressure being levied at the big tech companies, growing energy consumption is another item jeopardizing the sector's societal license to operate. However, out of all the license-to-operate concerns that plague the industry, the carbon footprint is probably the easiest to solve. The road to decarbonizing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions is clear for big tech companies  secure renewable electricity. They are doing precisely that, and as an industry, they are leading the way in power purchase agreements (PPAs). The companies enable massive investments in renewable energy generation capacity this way and are rightly proud of their efforts.

On the other hand, big tech is not actively involved in the opportunities presented by the energy transition. While they have voiced interest, the big tech companies have taken mostly a back-seat and launching-customer stance in response to the energy transition, as evidenced by their actions. The near-term opportunity for utilities is simply offering attractive PPAs to technology firms planning on ramping up data center capacity and focused on reducing their carbon footprint. The tech sector is a partner and not a disruptor for the energy sector.

Offering PPAs to big tech companies can be a good strategy for power companies to quickly grow their installed base of renewable energy generation assets. However, long-term, plainly offering PPAs won't be sufficient in a likely more competitive market. Instead, utilities should explore value-added services beyond attractive PPAs  and the likely differentiator will be in providing energy management solutions catered toward data centers. Download the executive summary of the report to learn more.

Contact:

Jessica Bonner

[email protected]



SOURCE Lux Research

Related Links

http://www.luxresearchinc.com


MIAMI, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Achieving $1 billion* in sales in four months and 11 days (Jan. 1May 11, 2021), The Jills Zeder Group is not only shattering industry records, but its own records. Coming on the heels of being one of the first real estate teams in the nation to exceed $1 billion in sales in one year (2020), according to the historical REAL Trends data for non-team owned brokerages from 20152019**, The Jills Zeder Group has launched into 2021 with extraordinary success.

The extraordinary achievement of reaching $1 billion in sales in just over four months mirrors The Jills Zeder Group's position as the foremost expert in South Florida luxury real estate. The Jills Zeder Group is affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida. They are certified Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialists and are part of the International Luxury Alliance.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, The Jills Zeder Group has sold nearly 160 transaction sides and listed more than 80 properties, including both single family homes and condominiums. The overall state of the housing market in 2020, and 2021 to date, has led to South Florida being a U.S. hotspot not only for individuals, but also companies, relocating from the Northeast, California, and Midwest. The Jills Zeder Group not only caters to individual buyers (including locals who are searching to make their next move), but also plays a large role in helping employees of relocating companies find their dream home.

Miami-Dade County is now commonly referred to as "South Florida Silicon Beach" due to technology and financial/venture capital firms moving and/or opening additional offices there, and is a haven for luxury real estate. Buyers are flocking to the area for the tax benefits, the record-low mortgage rates, year-round climate, the South Florida lifestyle, and more.

Due to this mass increase in buyers searching for homes, The Jills Zeder Group has elevated its services to be a leader in working with these clients, both locally and remotely. Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, including uncertainty in international transactions, The Jills Zeder Group thrived in 2020, and is continuing to do so in 2021.

Members of The Jills Zeder Group close many high-profile deals and use their unique marketing approach and technology to close deals on a fully remote basis when needed. Some of The Jills Zeder Group's remarkable sales in 2020, and to date in 2021, have included incredible properties in Indian Creek Island, Gables Estates, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Cocoplum, Snapper Creek, Hammock Lakes, Ponce Davis, Pinecrest, Miami Beach, Fisher Island, Star Island, La Gorce Island, Sunset Islands, and Palm Beach County.

Quotes:

"Achieving $1 billion in sales in just over four months in 2021 is a gargantuan feat and a reflection of the team's dedication to excellence. The Jills Zeder Group represents the very best in the real estate industry, and is an exceptional team of talented, knowledgeable South Florida real estate experts."

-- M. Ryan Gorman, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate

"The Jills Zeder Group has once again smashed records by reaching the monumental sales figure of $1 billion in just over four months. The team continues to raise the bar of excellence; not just for themselves, but for everyone around them. And for that, we are lucky that they are part of Coldwell Banker."

-- Duff Rubin, president of Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida

About The Jills Zeder Group: The Jills Zeder Group, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty, is comprised of three families, all of whom are major players in the luxury residential real estate business. These families include Jill Hertzberg, Jill Eber and Felise Eber; and Hertzberg's children Danny Hertzberg and Hillary Hertzberg; and Judy Zeder and her children, Nathan Zeder and Kara Zeder Rosen. Prior to The Jills Zeder Group's formation in 2019, the families closed a combined total of more than $5 billion in real estate sales, including collaborating on multiple luxury sales in the Coral Gables market. With offices in Miami Beach and Coral Gables, The Jills Zeder Group specializes in high-end, multimillion-dollar luxury properties in South Florida's most elite enclaves, representing celebrities, Fortune 500 executives, and a diverse international clientele. They offer incomparable knowledge and services to luxury real estate clients. For more information and to contact The Jills Zeder Group, visit JillsZeder.com .

About Coldwell Banker Realty: Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is a leading residential real estate brokerage company with approximately 80 offices and over 8,000 affiliated sales associates. Coldwell Banker Realty is owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States. Visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com.

*Sales data according to MLS records from 1/1/20215/11/21.

**Sales data according to MLS records from 1/1/202012/31/20. In June 2020, the REAL Trends America's Best Real Estate Professionals report recognized The Jills Zeder Group as the No. 1 large team in Miami, No. 1 team in Florida and the South, and No. 2 large team in the U.S., based on 2019 sales volume. This was based on The Jills Zeder Group achieving $644,315,108 in closed sales volume / 148.30 closed transaction sides in 2019 (total volume figure includes both MLS and off-market residential transactions from 1/1/201912/31/2019), within the "Teams of 11+" category.

Media Contact: Leah Wright, 973-437-3084 or [email protected]

SOURCE Coldwell Banker Realty
JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Verified Market Research recently published a report, "Thermal Spray Coatings Market" By Technology (Cold, Flame, Plasma, High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) & Electric Arc), By Product (Metals, Ceramics, Intermetallics, Polymers, Carbides & Abradables), By Application (Aerospace, Industrial Gas Turbine, Automotive, Medical, Printing, & Others), By Process (Combustion Flame and Electrical), and By Geography. According to Verified Market Research, the Global Thermal Spray Coatings Market was valued at USD 7.37 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 12.52 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.85% from 2021 to 2028.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample/?rid=26252

Browse in-depth TOC on "Thermal Spray Coatings Market"

202 - Pages

126  Tables

37  Figures

Global Thermal Spray Coatings Market Overview

As the global demand of automotive increases due to a rise in disposable income, and increase in the affordability of automotive coupled with advent of technologically advanced smart cars, the demand for Thermal Sprays is going to increase. This upswing in demand will consequently result in the growth of the market. Base materials with low cost and containing advanced coatings on them helps in cutting costs and increasing the service life of an automotive.

Another driving factor of the market is the increasing production of Shale Gas and tight oil. Because there are environmental risks involved with Chrome Electroplating Hexavalent Chromium, due to Hexavalent Chromium's hazardous health impacts on the workers dealing with it is likely to get more stringent around the future. This has led many manufacturers to switch to less environmentally harmful Thermal Spray Coatings. This is likely to propel the growth of the Thermal Spray coatings market.

Key Developments in Thermal Spray Coatings Market

In July 2019 , Oerlikon announced that an agreement has been signed to acquire AMT AG in Kleindottingen, Switzerland . The acquisition was in line with Oerlikon's strategy to focus and expand its surface solution technologies while increasing market applications and service accessibility to customers.

, Oerlikon announced that an agreement has been signed to acquire AMT AG in Kleindottingen, . The acquisition was in line with Oerlikon's strategy to focus and expand its surface solution technologies while increasing market applications and service accessibility to customers. In Jan 2020 , Turbocoating SpA, the IGT and Aviation division of United coatings Group, a global industry leader in "ready to engine" Thermal Spray Coating Services, announced today that it has signed the agreement to acquire 100% of " LMT  La Metallisation Tarbaise", Tarbes, FR, a company that is focused on thermal spray coatings services for the French Aviation industry.

The major players in the market are Oerlikon Balzers Coating USA, Turbocoating Spa, Lincotek Surface Solutions, Saint-Gobain S.A., Progressive Surface, Inc., American Roller Company, LLC, Praxair Surface Technologies, Inc., H.C. Starck, Inc., Wall Colmonoy Corp., Powder Alloy Corp., among others. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Verified Market Research has segmented the Global Thermal Spray Coatings Market On the basis of Technology, Product, Application and Process, and Geography.

Thermal Spray Coatings Market by Technology

Cold



Flame



Plasma



High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF)



Electric Arc



Others

Thermal Spray Coatings Market by Product

Metals



Ceramics



Intermetallics



Polymers



Carbides



Abradables



Others

Thermal Spray Coatings Market by Application

Aerospace



Industrial Gas Turbine



Automotive



Medical



Printing



Oil & Gas



Steel



Pulp & Paper



Others

Thermal Spray Coatings Market by Process

Combustion Flame



Electrical

Thermal Spray Coatings Market by Geography

North America



U.S





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





France





U.K





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India





Rest of Asia Pacific



ROW



Middle East & Africa

&



Latin America

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Plastic Coatings Market by Material (Epoxy, Acrylic, Polyurethane, and Others), by Process Type (Powder Coating, Dip Coating, Spray Coating, Electrophoretic Painting, and Others), by Application (Building & Construction, Automotive & Transportation, Aerospace & Defense, Medical, and Others), by Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027

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World's top automotive paint and coating manufacturers offering professional work to make the difference

Visualize Thermal Spray Coatings Market using Verified Market Intelligence:-:

Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling of this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue impacting decisions for a brilliant future.

VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, and Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market.

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SOURCE Verified Market Research
VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX: TMQ) (NYSE American: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the detailed voting results on the items of business considered at its Annual Meeting of the Shareholders ("Meeting") held in Vancouver yesterday. All proposals were approved and the nominees listed in the management proxy circular for the meeting were all elected as directors. A total of 119,434,309 or 82.77% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares were represented at the Meeting.

Shareholder Voting Results

The Shareholders voted on the following matters at this year's Meeting. Other than Proposals 1, 3 and 4, which represents votes by ballot, the results presented below represent votes accordingly to proxies received.

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Nominee Votes For % For Votes

Withheld % Withheld Tony Giardini 84,136,295 99.85 123,899 0.15 James Gowans 84,103,545 99.81 156,649 0.19 William Hayden 84,136,696 99.85 123,498 0.15 William Hensley 84,124,876 99.84 135,318 0.16 Gregory Lang 84,066,771 99.77 193,424 0.23 Kalidas Madhavpeddi 84,082,252 99.79 177,943 0.21 Janice Stairs 84,084,677 99.79 175,518 0.21 Diana Walters 84,090,011 99.80 170,183 0.20

Proposal 2: Appointment of the Auditor

Votes For % Votes For Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld 118,604,542 99.31 829,716 0.69

Proposal 3: Approval of all unallocated entitlements under the Equity Plan

Votes

For % Votes

For Votes

Against % Votes

Against Votes

Abstaining % Votes

Abstaining 69,999,361 83.08 14,080,940 16.71 179,892 0.21

Proposal 4: Approval of Ambler Metals Equity Plan

Votes

For % Votes

For Votes

Against % Votes

Against Votes

Abstaining % Votes

Abstaining 70,109,196 83.21 14,012,614 16.63 138,412 0.16

Detailed results of all items of business are also available in the Report of Voting Results filed under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com ("SEDAR") and on the Form 8-K filed under the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.org ("EDGAR").

About Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metals exploration and development company which holds a 50 percent interest in Ambler Metals LLC which has a 100 percent interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP" in northwestern Alaska. On December 19, 2019, South32, which is a globally diversified mining and metals company, exercised its option to form a 50/50 joint venture with Trilogy. The UKMP is located within the Ambler Mining District which is one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts located in one of the safest geopolitical jurisdictions in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement deposits which have been found to host high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler mining district - the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within land package that spans approximately 172,636 hectares. The Company has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., a Regional Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler mining district in cooperation with local communities. Our vision is to develop the Ambler mining district into a premier North American copper producer.

SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc.

Related Links

www.trilogymetals.com


The Mega Park of the Year Award, for parks with more than 501 sites, was presented to Geoffrey Campbell, general manager at Voyager, by members of the executive committee for Arizona ARVC. The ARVC Park of the Year Awards have recognized RV resorts that deliver extraordinary guest experiences as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service and industry involvement for more than 20 years.

"At Voyager we offer something for everyone but mostly it's the friendly culture that brings guests back every year," said Campbell. "To be recognized once again by the Arizona ARVC makes us all very proud, and confirms the amazing efforts the community, the management team and our staff have made, especially adapting to the changes of this past year, in providing service that ensures our guests will have an unforgettable experience."

Located in Tucson, AZ, Voyager RV Resort is a southwestern gem for those who are looking to relax in the Arizona sun for a few days, a season, or a lifetime. With a variety of unique amenities, from ceramics and a craft wood shop to jam sessions and community dances, a visit to Voyager is sure to create a memorable experience. The year-round RV resort is also home to an upscale manufactured home community, The Bay. The homes are custom built in Phoenix, ground-set, and finished with a beautiful, durable sand stucco finish, providing yet another way to enjoy the resort lifestyle at Voyager.

About Encore RV Resorts

Encore RV resorts are part of a network of RV resorts and campgrounds across North America comprising more than 80,000 sites. Owned and operated by Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE: ELS), Encore and its affiliates offer RV and outdoor recreation enthusiasts opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in top vacation destinations, complemented with resort-style amenities. For more information please visit RVontheGo.com.

SOURCE Encore RV Resorts

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LA JOLLA, Calif., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A study led by scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute has identified a tumor marker that may be used to predict which breast cancer patients will experience resistance to endocrine therapy. The research offers a new approach to selecting patients for therapy that targets HER2, a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells, to help avoid disease relapse or progression of endocrine-sensitive disease.

The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Nearly 80% of breast tumors are estrogen receptor (ER)-positive. For decades, these tumors have been treated with anti-estrogen (endocrine) therapies to lower estrogen levels and help slow the cancer's growth. About 20% of breast cancers are also HER2-positive at diagnosis, and these tumors tend to be more aggressive and fast-growing, as HER2 is a receptor that when active, promotes the rapid growth of breast cancer cells.

"We know there is a subset of patients who are initially diagnosed with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast tumors, but their tumors convert to HER2-positive after they receive endocrine therapy," says Svasti Haricharan, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Aging, Cancer and Immuno-oncology Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys and senior author of the study. "Unfortunately, this unleashes the detrimental effects of HER2, and patients become resistant to endocrine therapy--resulting in relapse, metastasis and death."

With conventional endocrine therapy being unhelpful for these patients, Haricharan's team examined how two genes, MLH1 and PMS2, affect HER2 activity. These genes are part of a biological system to "fix" DNA errors--but they also play a critical role in suppressing HER2. When these genes are turned off, HER2 becomes activated as soon as patients receive standard care endocrine therapy.

"Fortunately, there are tests for MLH1 and PMS2 activity that are now done routinely for colorectal and endometrial cancers," says Nindo Punturi, a research assistant in the Haricharan lab and first author of the paper. "If we were to transition these tests to newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer, we could identify patients who may benefit from early HER2-targeted treatment--essentially shutting the door to HER2 activity before it gets started."

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that 281,550 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and 43,600 women will eventually die from the disease. Some women whose MLH1 and PMS2 gene expression is low or absent may have an even greater risk of death.

"Our research efforts are all about getting the right treatments to the right people as soon as possible," says Haricharan. "With so many excellent drugs at our disposal to treat breast cancer--including those that target HER2--it's more a matter of selecting the available, appropriate drugs than searching for new ones. This research effort is an important step in that direction." Additional study authors include Nindo B. Punturi, Sinem Seker and Aloran Mazumder at Sanford Burnham Prebys; Vaishnavi Devarakonda, Rashi Kalra, Ching-Hui Chen, Matthew J. Ellis and Shyam M. Kavuri at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston; and Shunqiang Li and Tina Primeau at Washington University in St. Louis.

The study's DOI is 10.1038/s41467-021-23271-0.

Research reported in this press release was supported by Department of Defense (DoD) Breast Cancer Research Program Breakthrough awards (W81XWH-18-1-0034 to SH, W81XWH-18-1-36 0035 to SMK), an NCI K22 Career Development award (CA229613 to SH), a Susan G. Komen Promise grant (PG12220321 to MJE), a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Recruitment of Established Investigators award (RR140033 to Matthew J. Ellis), and NCI awards U10CA180821, U10CA180882 (to the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology) and U24C196171.

The authors declare these competing interests: Matthew J. Ellis has intellectual property ownership and received royalties for the PAM50-based breast cancer test Prosigna. Over the last five years he has received ad hoc consulting fees and meals (less than $5,000 per year) from Abbvie, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sermonix and Puma. Shyam M. Kavuri is a stakeholder in NeoZenome Therapeutics Inc. Shunqiang Li has received license fees from Envigo; as well as research funding from Pfizer, Takeda Oncology, Zenopharm, the National Institutes of Health, and the DoD outside of this project.

About Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Research Institute

Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health. For more than 40 years, our research has produced breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology and children's diseases, and is anchored by our NCI-designated Cancer Center and advanced drug discovery capabilities. For more information, visit us at SBPdiscovery.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/SBPdiscovery and on Twitter @SBPdiscovery.

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Related Links

www.sbpdiscovery.org


KYIV, Ukraine, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At a ceremony hosted by the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center (BYHMC), Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andrii Yermak, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, and Ukraine's Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko honored Ukrainians who saved Jews during the Holocaust. Mr. Yermak announced that those still alive will receive a lifelong monthly state stipend, in recognition of their heroism.

Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andrii Yermak (credit: BYHMC) (PRNewsfoto/Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center)

The ceremony marked the first Remembrance Day for Ukrainians who rescued Jews during World War II. Earlier this year, Ukraine's parliament passed a resolution designating 14 May as an annual commemoration to honor their actions.

Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andrii Yermak commented, "Babyn Yar became a terrible symbol of the Holocaust in Eastern Europe because of the massacre of World War II. In just two days, almost 34,000 Jews from Kyiv were killed. Today, it is important to honor the memory of these people and praise those who saved them at the risk of their own lives. Express gratitude for the hope they have given back to the world. And I hope that future generations will remember this feat for centuries."

Following World War II, a total of 2,659 Ukrainians were awarded the prestigious title of "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Of all countries, Ukraine has the fourth largest number of "Righteous Among the Nations." However, it is believed that a far greater number of Ukrainians risked their lives and those of their families to save Jews from the Nazis. BYHMC is working to uncover many of these unknown stories.

At the ceremony, it was announced that the 18 Ukrainian "Righteous Among the Nations" who remain alive today, will each be recognized by the state for their bravery with a monthly state stipend for the remainder of their lives.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmygal said, "This landmark event is a clear indication that the Ukrainian public consciousness affirms high ideals of respect for human life and recognition of responsibility and memory, which contribute to the construction of a free, democratic societyOn the Day of Remembrance of Ukrainians who saved Jews during the Second World War, we honor the feat of these courageous people who have become and remain for us an example of humanity and self-sacrifice."

Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko emphasized the importance to "honor the memory of tens of thousands of Jews from Kyiv who died in Babyn Yar during the terrible Holocaust," adding "it is very symbolic that we are doing this on the Day of Remembrance of Ukrainians who risked their lives to save Jews. Today we also honor the feat of all these courageous people."

Chief Strategist and Head of the Academic Council at BYHMC, Father Patrick Desbois said, "Babyn Yar, a discreet ravine, where one thousand German people came to assassinate almost 34, 000 Jews, including children and women in broad daylight, in front of everybody. It is a place of mass murder, from where we have to teach the younger generation all over the planet not to engage in mass shootings, in mass crimes today. Unfortunately, until now, every day, on every continent, mass shootings are devastating the world - In Kabul, in Iraq, in Sria and elsewhere. Babyn Yar must be an international center to prevent mass crimes."

The ceremony took place at the new symbolic synagogue at Babyn Yar and was attended by state officials, diplomats, religious leaders, cultural and community figures. The symbolic synagogue is the first construction to be completed in the planned Babyn Yar memorial complex, which will stretch over an area of 150 hectares, making it one of the world's largest Holocaust memorial centers. A dozen buildings will eventually be erected as part of the complex.

33,771 Jewish victims were shot at Babyn Yar by the Nazis during just two days, 29 and 30 September 1941. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Roma, mentally ill and others were shot thereafter at Babyn Yar throughout the Nazi occupation of Kyiv. The estimated number of victims murdered at Babyn Yar is around 100,000, making it Europe's largest mass grave. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Babyn Yar massacre and commemorations will culminate in an international event including global leaders in September  October 2021.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515497/Babyn_Yar_Holocaust_Memorial_Center.jpg

SOURCE Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, applauds the introduction of the Sustainable Skies Act by Reps. Brad Schneider (IL), Dan Kildee (MI) and Julia Brownley (CA). The legislation would establish a blender's tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which will spur the production of SAF and help the U.S. airline industry reach its goal of eliminating net carbon emissions by 2050 while also supporting U.S. jobs and energy security.

"A4A's goal of eliminating net carbon emissions by 2050 builds on the U.S. airline industry's strong record of sustainability. The Sustainable Skies Act would go a long way toward improving the cost-competitiveness of sustainable aviation fuel, which is crucial to rapidly expanding its deployment by U.S. carriers," said Airlines for America President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "The U.S. airline industry has set an ambitious mid-term goal of making 2 billion gallons of SAF available for U.S. carriers to use in 2030, and supportive measures like the Sustainable Skies Act will enable us to achieve that goal."

SAF currently results in up to 80 percent less carbon emissions than conventional jet fuel, but it costs three to times as much and is currently only available in limited quantities. The Sustainable Skies Act calls for a performance-based $1.50 - $2 per gallon blender's tax credit for SAF, which will encourage producers to make more of it and enable U.S. airlines to use more of it. The credit will increase from $1.50 per gallon by one cent for each additional percentage of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions savings demonstrated above 50 percent, further incentivizing the development and deployment of SAF providing higher emissions reductions.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, U.S. airlines were transporting a record 2.5 million passengers and 58,000 tons of cargo per day while contributing less than 2 percent of the nation's carbon emissions. For decades, U.S. passenger and cargo carriers have been investing in increasingly fuel-efficient aircraft and operating them in more efficient ways, improving overall fuel efficiency by more than 135 percent since 1978 and 40 percent just since 2000.

More information on A4A's climate goals and the government policies that can enable them is available here. And to learn more about the U.S. airline industry's commitment to sustainability, please visit AirlinesFlyGreen.com.

ABOUT A4A

Airlines for America (A4A) members are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and UPS. Air Canada is an associate member.

A4A advocates on behalf of the leading U.S. airlines, both passenger and cargo carriers. A4A works collaboratively with industry stakeholders, federal agencies, the Administration, Congress, labor and other groups to improve aviation for the traveling and shipping public.

For more information about the airline industry, visit our website airlines.org and our blog, A Better Flight Plan, at airlines.org/blog.

Follow us on Twitter: @airlinesdotorg.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/AirlinesforAmerica.

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/AirlinesforAmerica.

SOURCE Airlines for America

Related Links

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ATLANTA, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Venture Atlanta, the largest and most prestigious venture conference in the Southeast, today underscored its commitment to fostering relationships and connecting more companies to capital with the launch of a new workshop series intended to broaden the pool of presenter applicants for this year's event. Themed "Momentum 2021," the two-day Venture Atlanta conference will be held October 20-21, with workshops taking place in numerous cities in the Southeast prior to the close of receiving applications.

Greater Diversity on Stage Begins with Greater Diversity in Applicant Pool

An ongoing goal for Venture Atlanta is to continue increasing diversity in attendees and presenters. Thirty-eight percent of last year's on-stage presenters were comprised of women and founders of color, a number the organization hopes to increase as awareness continues to build about its event.



The conference remains focused on ensuring the best and brightest companies in the Southeast spend time in the event's spotlight and are connected to the capital needed. In the case of women and founders of color, such attention can help to close the funding gap. To this end, Black founders currently receive less than one percent of VC funding and women founders receive less than three percent.



"Our goal as always is to find the very best startups in the Southeast and put those companies on stage where they can get investor attention and receive investment capital," said David Hartnett, chief economic development officer of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and a member of the Venture Atlanta Board of Directors and Diversity & Inclusivity Committee. "We strongly believe that greater diversity of participants will strengthen what we as the region's largest investor conference has to offer, and that a key part of our mission is to broaden the field of opportunity for today's innovators."



Benefits of Presenting at Venture Atlanta 2021

Presenters at this year's Venture Atlanta event will receive exposure to 350-plus investors from 200-plus funds nationwide. Two complimentary tickets to Venture Atlanta, including an invitation to the exclusive Venture Atlanta Investor Dinner, will also be provided. Additional benefits include marketing support and the ability to make connections with top entrepreneurs in the tech ecosystem that can serve participants throughout their careers.



To date, Venture Atlanta has helped to launch more than 500 companies and raise nearly $6 billion in funding. Venture Atlanta alumni companies and success stories include Car360, Clearleap, Cloud Sherpas, Florence, Kabbage, ParkMobile, Pindrop, SalesLoft, Terminus, and many others.



Free Workshops Prepare Potential Presenters for Spotlight

Powered by the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Goodie Nation, the "Creating Momentum" free workshop series will be held virtually (with a possible in-person option depending on city ordinances) for the following cities: Atlanta, Ga.; Tampa/Orlando and Miami, Fla.; Houston, Austin and Dallas, Texas; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte/Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; and New Orleans, La.



In particular, the workshops will further Venture Atlanta's commitment to connecting more companies to capital by broadening the pool of presenter applicants.

"Those attending can expect hands-on, informative workshops that can be beneficial in gaining the spotlight at Venture Atlanta," said Joey Womack, founder and CEO of Goodie Nation and a member of the Venture Atlanta Board of Directors and Diversity & Inclusivity Committee. "In service to Venture Atlanta's founding mission, we also believe these workshops will help to foster connections within our region's entrepreneurial ecosystem for our diverse founders. We want to extend the dialog toward greater inclusivity and ensure that all deserving innovators have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential."



All workshop participants will receive one free ticket to attend this year's Venture Atlanta virtually.



The call for presenters for this year's Venture Atlanta closes on August 6. To view the workshop schedule and register to participate, go here.



About Venture Atlanta

Venture Atlanta, the Southeast's technology innovation event, is where the region's most promising tech companies meet the country's top-tier investors. As the Southeast's largest investor showcase helping launch more than 500 companies and raise nearly $6 billion in funding to date, the event connects the region's top entrepreneurs with local and national investors and others in the technology ecosystem who can help them raise the capital they need to grow their businesses. The annual nonprofit event is a collaboration of the Atlanta CEO Council, Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).

For more information, visit www.ventureatlanta.org. For updates, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and visit our blog.



Contacts:

Allyson Eman, CEO

Venture Atlanta

770.298.4202

[email protected]



Sara Wakefield

Carabiner Communications

770.778.6194

[email protected]

SOURCE Venture Atlanta

Related Links

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South Africa: MEC condemns Zandspruit mob justice incident

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, has condemned a mob justice incident that claimed the lives of four people and injured five others at Plot 52 in the Zandspruit informal settlement.

Preliminary reports indicate that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) attached to the Honeydew police station were alerted of the mob justice incident, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday.

Upon arrival at the scene, members found a group of more than 200 people gathering at an open space and started throwing stones at police.

The police immediately called for backup. When re-enforcement arrived, police dispersed the group of people. The police found nine persons, aged between 20 and 30 years old, lying on the ground, badly assaulted and set alight by the angry mob, the provincial department of community safety said.

Four people were confirmed dead by the team of paramedics, while the five who were critically injured were taken to the Chris Hani Baragwanath and Helen Joseph hospitals to receive medical attention.

The MEC said gruesome acts often leave communities traumatised and have long-term devastating effects.

We urge the community to remain calm and exercise restraint as we await the full report from the police and look for solutions to their problems. While we understand that communities at times feel let down by law enforcement, we urge them to avoid taking the law into their own hands and being in conflict with the law, Mazibuko said.

Meanwhile, Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela condemned the incident wherein a group of people went out to search for boys who were allegedly robbing people in the area.

It is alleged that about nine boys were forcefully taken to the sport ground where they were assaulted, four died and five were taken to hospital, said Captain Kay Makhubele.

Police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder.SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Amid rising Israel-Palestine tensions, U.S. blocks UN statement for third time in one week

Xinhua) 16:14, May 20, 2021

Rescuers help a man trapped in rubble of a house destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, May 16, 2021. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

While U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone conversation that he expected "a significant de-escalation" of the violence in Gaza, the United States has reportedly approved a 735 million-U.S.-dollar deal of precision-guided weapons to Israel, a move widely seen as "adding fuel to the fire" ravaging the Gaza Strip.

NEW YORK, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States blocked Sunday a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, leaving three United Nations Security Council emergency meetings over the past few days with no concrete results in de-escalating the violence, according to media reports.

The move came after the United States last week twice blocked United Nations (UN) resolutions that would urge de-escalation amid the rising Israeli-Palestinian tensions, which have caused hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

Palestinian people who fled their homes due to Israeli air and artillery strikes, take refuge at a school in Gaza City, on May 14, 2021. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The UN's casualty count from hostilities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel on Wednesday showed that 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children. Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier. Thousands of people were injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza.

While U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone conversation that he expected "a significant de-escalation" of the violence in Gaza, the United States has reportedly approved a 735 million-U.S.-dollar deal of precision-guided weapons to Israel, a move widely seen as "adding fuel to the fire" ravaging the Gaza Strip.

Photo taken on May 14, 2021 shows explosions following Israeli air strikes in Gaza City. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The move was condemned by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Tuesday criticized the United States for selling advanced weapons to Israel amid the flared-up of the conflict, saying that the United States sold Israel "precision" missiles to "kill more children with more precision."

Speaking with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the UN exerts every possible effort for reaching a ceasefire.

Guterres also said that the UN will continue its contacts with the International Quartet for peace in the Middle East to work on a political track that leads to a just and comprehensive peace under international law.

Photo taken on May 16, 2021 shows rubble of a building destroyed by Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

Executive Director Henrietta Fore of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is calling for an immediate ceasefire and aid access to stave off disaster in the Middle East, according to UN News Wednesday.

"Gaza's 1 million children are reeling from the mounting consequences of violent conflict with nowhere safe to turn. Lives have been lost and families shattered," she said.

Concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation and mounting hostilities in the Palestine-Israel conflict, the European Union (EU) has urged "the immediate cessation of all violence and implementation of a ceasefire."

"Security for Israel and Palestine requires a true political solution," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell at a Tuesday meeting.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking (www.viking.com) announced today that it will restart its European river operations in July 2021 with select itineraries in Portugal, France and along the Rhine. Offered exclusively for vaccinated guests as part of Viking's Welcome Back collection, the first five European river itineraries now available in July are among the company's most popular: Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam to Basel), Portugal's River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon to Porto), Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip), Lyon & Provence (8 days; Avignon to Lyon) and France's Finest, a 15-day journey that combines the northern and southern France itineraries in one seamless experience. This announcement comes immediately after the European Union agreed today to reopen its borders to vaccinated Americans and other travelers.

"The response to our initial Welcome Back ocean voyages has been overwhelmingly positive. It is clear that many people are eager to get back out into the world, and I would like to thank all of our destination partners for their support as we plan our return to service," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "We have been delighted to greet our first guests back on board in England this weekand we are looking forward to welcoming travelers back on board some of our European river vessels in July."

The announcement of Viking's restart of European river cruise operations follows the launch of Welcome Back voyages exclusively for vaccinated guests in England, Iceland, Bermuda and the Mediterranean. Earlier this week Viking also named its newest ocean ship, Viking Venus, in Englandand the ship is currently sailing her maiden voyage along the coast of England with Chairman Torstein Hagen on board. The company is actively working on developing additional Welcome Back itineraries in a variety of other destinations, with the goal of announcing further 2021 sailings as soon as possible.

Those who sail these new voyages will also experience Viking's industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking's Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corpsand most recently led Washington State's medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean shipand a strong network of dedicated shoreside labs for Viking river ships in Europeall guests and crew will receive frequent quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at: www.viking.com/health-safety.

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person's Cruise in contrast to mainstream cruises. In its first five years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 "World's Best" Awards. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as "Best Overall" Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers' Choice Awards, "Best River Cruise Line" and "Best River Itineraries," with the entire Viking Longships fleet being named "Best New River Ships" in the website's Editors' Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

SOURCE Viking

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NEW YORK, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Volkswagen AG (OTC: VWAGY) between March 29, 2021 and March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important June 29, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Volkswagen securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Volkswagen class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2072.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 29, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience or resources. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020 founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuits, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Voltswagen" was never going to be used by the Volkswagen, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. ("VWoA"), or on any relevant vehicle; (2) Volkswagen, VWoA, and their spokespeople purposefully misled reporters regarding the now-purported "joke" and/or "promotion"; and (3) as a result, defendants' public statements and statements to journalists were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Volkswagen class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2072.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

Related Links

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AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vyopta, the Collaboration Intelligence Company, today announced the number of user-specific licenses it supports has doubled year over year as remote work and video conferencing became the "new normal." Vyopta now delivers intelligence monitoring and analytics that helps 40 million people collaborate worldwide. Collaboration Performance Management (CPM), the company's flagship product, helped identify 9 million issues over the past year.

"Digital transformation accelerated in 2020 as organizations raced to support a remote workforce overnight," said Alfredo Ramirez, CEO of Vyopta. "We expect to see continued rapid growth in Vyopta UC user-id licenses to match significant increases in UC room endpoint licenses in the second half of 2021 as workers return to the office."

Product Updates

Over the past year, Vyopta's Collaboration Performance Monitoring (CPM) product increased and deepened support of major UC vendors Microsoft, Cisco, Zoom, and Google Meet. The company was the first UC monitoring and analytics provider to support Google Meet, later adding advanced analytics and a tailored solution for distance learning and healthcare settings. Product improvements across vendors included an Intelligent Monitoring Engine featuring smart alerts to empower IT and collaboration engineers to quickly detect and solve problems; the company also rolled out easy-to-use UC troubleshooting tools for front line IT support.

Vyopta continued to improve the digital experience of UC users with Technology Intelligence (Intelligent Monitoring/Alerting and Analytics) and Workplace Intelligence. Vyopta also accelerated support of popular voice UC solutions (RingCentral, Oracle Acme Packet, etc.), added support for the latest generation endpoints and launched it's Next-Gen UC Platform to enable Big Data, IoT, Machine Learning and AI-based insights.

Customers

Over 76% of Vyopta's customers are in financial services, healthcare, technology, and the federal government. Clients include AIG, AstraZeneca, BASF, Rio Tinto, Shared Services Canada, Stanford University, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Visa. Vyopta's programmatic support for managed service providers (MSPs) led to a 200 percent increase in the number of MSP partners. Vyopta is in process with the U.S. Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) to serve U.S. Federal agencies in addition to regulated enterprises like utilities, financial services and State and Local governments.

"Large organizations need a platform that can deliver insights to align technology, real estate, and people for maximum performance and ROI," said Ramirez. "C-Level executives are demanding the information and data around UC that Vyopta provides as collaboration has become absolutely essential to day-to-day business."

Awards

Frost & Sullivan 2021 Global Customer Value Leadership Award

Inc. 5000 Regionals list of Fastest-Growing Texas-Based Private Companies

TMC recognized Vyopta Collaboration Performance Management (CPM) Suite with a 2020 Unified Communications Excellence Award

Cisco Partner Summit Digital Americas LATAM Theater/Area Award for Ecosystem Partner of the Year

Austin American-Statesman Top Workplaces 2020

Vyopta will be hosting Vyoptaverse 2021, its inaugural virtual Collaboration Intelligence conference, on Tuesday, May 25. Register here to be among the first to hear about upcoming product announcements and a look at the future of Vyopta.

About Vyopta Incorporated

Vyopta , the Collaboration Intelligence company, is a global leader in comprehensive monitoring and analytics for Collaboration Performance Management and Workspace Insights. By integrating insights from multi-vendor Unified Communications & Collaboration vendors and IOT devices, Vyopta helps organizations deliver the best UC user experience and optimize their UC and real estate investments. Vyopta helps hundreds of organizations worldwide spanning 20+ industries monitor 6 million endpoints and over 20 billion meeting minutes a year.

SOURCE Vyopta Inc

Related Links

http://www.vyopta.com


SUN PRAIRIE, Wis., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Deanna Dennison, head of Pro-Active Engineering (PAE) business development, and a thirty-year electronics veteran, shared her secrets to success in the electronics industry. "A drive to learn new things, acquiring leadership skills, and volunteering have all helped move my career forward," she revealed. Deanna relocated from Indiana to work at PAE, a Wisconsin Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider. PAE's commitment to employee training, cutting-edge equipment, and high-quality output standards originally attracted her to the company.

Deanna Dennison, Director of Business Development

"The positive culture at PAE was also a contributing factor. It is a crucial element needed to provide effective solutions to customers," Deanna explains. You have to have the 'right stuff' to succeed in this businessyou have to be interested in technology and love a challenge, because every day is different," she says.



Leadership Leads to Innovation

Throughout her career Deanna has been a member of numerous technical organizations and is an integral part of the industry's community which fosters the exchange of educational resources.



She recently spearheaded PAE's reboot of its educational series, Engineering Excellence which promotes discussions on the industries hot topics. The next event is a webinar on June 23rd, Demystifying USB C Type PD featuring speaker, Paul Schmokel from Future Electronics.



This spring she was named Vice President of Communications for the local chapter of the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA), a global organization providing technical information, educational events, and networking within the sector. "We are delighted to have Deanna on our Leadership Team!," says Jana Kieckhefer, Wisconsin SMTA Chapter President and Technimark Inc. Sales Representative. "Her practical experience, technical skills, and fresh ideas will propel us to new heights."

Empowering Wisconsin Women

As a part of her dedication to volunteering, Deanna will be leading a professional development session at the 2021 Women's Business Conference in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on October 7th. The conference is designed to inspire and connect businesswomen in Western Wisconsin.



Her session will emphasize the importance of celebrating success and avoiding three frequent sales setbacks:



Accepting "No" as an answer Talking to "Strangers" Failure to familiarize oneself with the State PTAC

Networking is Key

"Success in this industry hinges on partnerships and strong relationships," according to Deanna. She recently reconnected with Caleb Townsend, Co-Founder of Factur a manufacturing membership association promoting networking solutions. According to Townsend's recent social post "Deanna was a key contributor to Factur's launch in Indianapolis". The two are exploring the option of bringing the targeted networking model to Wisconsin.

Careers in Electronics

"The electronics industry is booming, and it is an exciting time to join the field; there are many attractive career opportunities with varying skill-sets required," says Deanna. Positions range from electronic technicians, SMT operators to mechanical, software/firmware, and electrical engineers. She advises individuals to look into electronics occupations, saying, "if the Internet of Things (IoT) piques your interest, this could be a terrific fit."

About Pro-Active Engineering, Inc.

Since 1996, Pro-Active Engineering Inc. has been providing professional electronic design, engineering services, PCB layout, quick-turn prototyping, board assembly, and box build assembly services for a wide range of industries including: industrial equipment, medical devices, led lighting, IoT devices, energy systems, pharmaceutical devices, military/defense, UAV, unmanned systems, and scientific/research equipment. The company operates a 45,000-square-foot facility in Sun Prairie, WI, that is currently undergoing the first part of a substantial renovation. A $2 million capital investment in new equipment is also part of the refurbishment.



CONTACT

Melanie Hoffman

(608)-837-7838

[email protected]

SOURCE Pro-Active Engineering
SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, WordPress VIP (WPVIP), the leading provider of enterprise WordPress and part of Automattic's suite of innovative brands, has received a FedRAMP "Authority to Operate" (ATO) approval. WordPress VIP is the first and only WordPress enterprise platform to earn this rigorous certification that meets the standards for security and risk assessment for cloud technologies. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsored WordPress VIP throughout their certification process and also migrated its own legacy infrastructure to WPVIP's platform.

WordPress VIP/FedRamp

FedRAMP and WPVIP impact

Cost, budget pressures, and citizen demands have accelerated digital transformation needs across the public sector. Yet, according to a Deloitte survey, 30 percent of federal organizations assessed their digital capabilities as ahead of their public sector peers, while almost 70 percent felt they lagged behind the private sector. Why? One reason is access to modern technology. In the case of digital content, US Government agencies have been limited to just a few Content Management Solutions (CMS), slowing their ability to create and deliver digital experiences with speed and agility across web, mobile, and other channels.

Now, WPVIP, through its secure, user-friendly, and agile content platform, offers government agencies the opportunity to reduce the toil and cost of building digital experiences. For example, WordPress VIP enabled buildbackbetter.org to easily develop a clean and fast website with accessibility features and a Spanish-language option, expanding the audiences the site could servewhile mitigating security risks during the critical transition time.

About WPVIP solutions and WordPress ubiquity

With industry-leading security protocols, expert support, flexible architectures, a 99.99% uptime SLA, and hourly backups, WordPress VIP takes the heavy lifting out of content creation and modernizing web legacy infrastructure. The WordPress flexible drag-and-drop editor is flexible and easy to use for those with minimal training or little technical knowledge.

WordPress solutions are used by more than 42% of the web, including Whitehouse.gov; WPVIP customers include Facebook, Microsoft, Salesforce, the Democratic National Committee, Biden-Harris transition team, and the Federal Reserve Bank of NY.

The benefit for government agencies

"With WordPress VIP's FedRAMP approval, government agencies can finally deploy and host websites quickly and affordably," said Ab Emam, CEO of Web Development Group (WDG) , a leading Digital Transformation and web development agency based in Washington DC. "Government agencies will no longer need to spend many millions on costly website infrastructure and security. Through WPVIP, WordPress will offer agencies great digital experiences backed by easy-to-use tools without sacrificing security, bringing community-led innovation to the government space."

FedRAMP authorization demonstrates WPVIP's commitment to creating data security for all its customers. While WPVIP's stringent security protocols are known industry-wide to protect sensitive information, intuitive and easy-to-use content management workflows make it seamless to give users up-to-date, accessible, and accurate information.

"Security and compliance are some of the most critical disciplines for WordPress VIP," said Eduardo Lundgren, WPVIP's Chief Technology Officer. "Global brands in high-risk industries like finance, health, defense, tech, and government need to feel confident when we power their applications. All of our origin data centers maintain SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, and now we are the first WordPress enterprise platform with a fully hosted FedRAMP-certified solution. We enable our customers to focus on building digital experiences and get them to market quickly and confidently, all with government-grade security and compliance."

For more information, visit WordPress VIP .

About WordPress VIP

WordPress VIP is the agile content platform leading a powerful enterprise ecosystem. Fitting seamlessly within many Fortune 100 companies, WPVIP offers the ease, flexibility, and freedom needed to scale valuable customer connections that drive growth. Learn more about the work we do with customers like Salesforce, Microsoft, and Spotify at https://wpvip.com.

About Automattic

At Automattic our goal is to make the web a better place. With products like WordPress.com , WooCommerce , Jetpack , and WPVIP , we help support customers through web hosting, e-commerce, security and backups, enterprise infrastructure, and more. Automattic is a distributed company with more than 1,300 employees working from 79 countries. We believe in open source and the vast majority of our work is available under the GPL. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , and YouTube .

SOURCE WordPress VIP
TORONTO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Official Selection of See It This Way Film Festival , Salt Lake City, Utah. "Congratulations! We love your film and would be honoured to offer you a screening spot at the See It This Way Fest.", said Brian Higgins, Creative Director, Mental Healthy Utah.

"We're grateful to have our film selected at a festival dedicated to mental health issues and to have it screened during Mental Health Month - even better!" stated Billy Greer, Producer of the doc which has connections to Toronto, Hamilton area and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

iCog Prod., Toronto, ON, Canada Was I Next? The Sean Cribbin Story - Award Summary

The documentary highlights Sean's nearly fatal encounter on July 26, 2017 with Canadian serial killer, Bruce McArthur. The first thing Sean said to McArthur when he got into his vehicle that day is also the shocking question used at the end of the movie trailer

"Did you hear there's a serial killer in the neighbourhood?"

"There's no manual for dealing with this - I've had to work through the survivor's guilt of living, knowing the horrific fate of the eight victims I always go back to the victims," says Cribbin, who has also had to cope with outwardly hateful headlines suggesting McArthur should have finished the job.

"The reception from film festivals, both at home and internationally, has been very overwhelming. Podcasts from Canada, USA, Australia and India have really helped promote the film and get Sean's message out there, we are especially grateful considering the pandemic restrictions." Tami Rydall, Executive Producer. Australia, France, Italy, UK, Indonesia, India, Turkey, Germany, Prague, USA and Canada are among the countries who have awarded the documentary.

Was I Next? has won 106 awards to date, including 8 Awards of Excellence, several Honourable Mentions in addition to 5 festival screenings from Salt Lake City, Manhattan, Paris, Bali and Toronto.

The film earned an Outstanding Excellence Award for Feature Documentary (Human Spirit Award) from DOCs Without Borders Film Festival (Nassau, Delaware). Other awards include Best Documentary, LGBTQ Feature, Original Story, Original Score (all the music ideas created by Sean's partner, Steven Sauder), Cinematography, Editing, Director, Producer, Poster and Best Trailer.

"We wanted to put the humanity back into an otherwise gruesome story it's more than just a story to us, this is Sean's life," says Greer, when asked about what they wanted to accomplish. For the iCogitate team, "Sean's healing was paramount, respecting and honouring the eight victims without sensationalizing the serial killer was a balancing act - we definitely had an obligation to connect all the dots, we just didn't have to put a spotlight on them!" Craig Huckerby, the film's Director added.

Media Contact: Billy Greer

[email protected]

+1 (647) 289 3763

iCogitate's website: www.Icogitate.ca

Film page: wasinext.com

SOURCE iCogitate Productions Inc.

Related Links

http://www.Icogitate.ca


"Wounded Warrior Project is committed to expanding the resources available to America's wounded, ill and injured veterans," said Linnington. "Children play a key part in supporting wounded veterans and other family members during life after injury. Many of them assume caregiving responsibilities that the outside world never sees, and certainly does not understand. That is why we are partnering with Elizabeth Dole Foundation and investing in the Hidden Helpers Coalition. We want to acknowledge these young caregivers and help improve their quality of life. We are grateful for all the organizations that have come together, and to the Biden administration and Joining Forces for their support of the Hidden Helpers Coalition."

Since 2018, WWP has invested more than $655,000 to study the effects of caregiving on children through a collaboration between EDF and the National Military Family Association.

Caregiving is more than a full-time job. Research shows that caregivers that support post-9/11 veterans struggle to meet the demands of daily life. According to WWP's Independence Program survey, six in 10 caregivers provide over 40 hours of care per week. The challenges they face have been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet even before COVID-19, two thirds of these caregivers told us they are not satisfied with their time spent on self-care. These caregivers are critically important, often meaning the difference between a veteran living at home with support or spending the rest of their days in a VA long-term care facility.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers  helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
SHANGHAI, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company"), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China, today issued its annual ESG report for 2020. The report outlines ZTO's accomplishments in 2020, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable development, the effective corporate governance, and its dedication to giving back to the community.

In 2020, ZTO delivered over 17 billion parcels and expanded the market share to 20.4%. Its rural distribution network is further growing and the ecosystem is steadily expanding.

For the full 2020 ESG report, please visit: https://zto.investorroom.com/ESG.

About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

ZTO is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China.

ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.

For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology 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 ZTO's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZTO's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and ZTO does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +86 21 5980 4508

SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

Related Links

http://zto.investorroom.com


With locations in New York City's SoHo, The Bellagio in Las Vegas, and Kith Paris, Sadelle's draws crowds from around the world for its extraordinary bagels, baked goods, sliced-to-order salmon, chopped salads, decadent sandwiches, and other New York City appetizing classics, all served in a refined, fun setting. At 1212 Lincoln Road, for the first time ever, the full-service restaurant will also consist of an all-day market offering the full selection of Sadelle's classics, as well as a range of prepared foods and the finest specialty pantry items curated by MFG's Michelin-starred chefs.

"It's an honor to help shape the future of this legendary neighborhood with a showstopping evolution of our beloved Sadelle's," says MFG Co-Owner Jeff Zalaznick. "Whether you're visiting us for an unforgettable meal or picking up provisions to make magic at home, we want everyone to be a regular."

Crescent Heights' 1212 Lincoln Road has become a popular lifestyle destination in the undeniably booming city. "We are excited to be partnering with Major Food Group to bring Sadelle's from New York to Miami Beach, both places that appreciate the importance of a good bagel with lox and a schmear of cream cheese! Sadelle's is a world-class anchor, and along with our other creative lifestyle and food tenants, and 400 easily accessible covered parking spaces, 1212 Lincoln Road has become the premier collection of retail in Miami," says Bruce A. Menin, Crescent Heights Managing Principal.

Additional tenants include Peter Alexander Salon and a citizenM Hotel, while the garage roof deck is activated by Rooftop Cinema Club, which has turned the roof into an outdoor theater experience complete with state-of-the-art wireless headphones, comfortable seating, and a food and beverage menu.

Creating an entire neighborhood of options, 1212 Lincoln Road is in great company as complementary, innovative hospitality concepts exist and are opening nearby. The full block project of 1212 Lincoln Road abuts Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, and is caddie corner to Groot Hospitality's Firestone Garage featuring Winker's Diner, Sushi Fly Chicken, and Toothfairy, marking the most highly trafficked corner in Miami Beach. The entire 1212 Lincoln experience has been thoughtfully designed with best practices for place making as the goal, both inside and out. Leading with its tech-powered, art-centric approach, Crescent Heights has partnered with Miami-based gallery Tile Blush to curate a dynamic series of art films for 1212 Lincoln Road's unique public facing LED monitors. In addition, the decorative facade art screen for 1212 Lincoln has been custom designed by the award-winning international creative studio Leong Leong.

Limited inventory is currently available for lease at 1212 Lincoln Road. For more information, please call 305-438-1081 or visit 1212lincolnroad.com

About Crescent Heights

Crescent Heights is the nation's leading urban real estate company, specializing in the development, ownership, and operation of architecturally distinctive mixed-use high-rises and creative retail in major cities across the United States. For more than three decades, the firm has successfully completed land entitlements, built new construction projects, and created value-add strategies for existing developments. Crescent Heights' diverse portfolio is built on a wide range of product types, including design-savvy micro units, spacious residences, and extensive indoor and outdoor amenity packages. Known for its commitment to innovation and architectural creativity, the firm has a long history of catalyzing the evolution of emerging neighborhoods with thoughtfully conceived, locally inspired projects.

For more information, please visit crescentheights.com

For press inquiries, email [email protected]

About Major Food Group

Major Food Group (MFG) is a New York-based restaurant company founded by Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and Rich Torrisi. In less than a decade, MFG has gone from a small Little Italy restaurant to one of the most acclaimed hospitality groups in the world: They have pioneered a celebratory style of dining at such iconic restaurants as CARBONE and THE GRILL, developed dynamic new concepts across genres, and maintained a reputation for uncommon consistency. In addition to building renowned restaurants, MFG is proud of its support of various social causes and its lasting partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation, one of New York City's most important forces in the fight against poverty.

To date, MFG has been awarded a total of 18 stars from The New York Times and three from the Michelin Guide, as well as numerous distinctions from the James Beard Foundation and other print publications. MFG's 26 businesses are located in New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, and Tel Aviv. The concepts include: CARBONE, Sadelle's, THE GRILL, ZZ's Clam Bar, Dirty French, Parm, and The Lobster Club.

For more information, visit: https://www.MajorFood.com

Instagram: @MajorFoodGroup

Facebook: /MajorFoodGroup

SOURCE Crescent Heights

Related Links

https://www.1212lincolnroad.com


NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Belong.Life, developer of social and professional networks for managing and navigating diseases, and the creator of the world's largest social network for cancer patients, today announced that the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has published two abstracts in its 2021 Annual Meeting Abstract Book based on data aggregated from the Belong Beating Cancer Together app. The abstracts provide key insights into significant challenges for oncology patients, including sexuality and clinical trial participation.

"Belong.Life strives to provide true value for the global cancer community through our quality real-world data and advanced technology  for patients, caregivers, health professionals, providers and pharma," said Belong.Life CEO Eliran Malki. "We are deeply committed to helping advance the state of cancer research, and our AI capabilities offer great understanding into patient journeys, providing invaluable insights for physicians and patients alike. We thank our doctors and researchers who developed these studies, as well as the committed Belongers who participated."

The first study (abstract e24118) examined the reasons behind the extremely low level (~3%) of clinical trial participation among cancer patients. Clinical trial participation is crucial for medical advancement and is an important treatment option, at times the only one, for oncology patients. Of the 290 study participants, 46% had not even heard of clinical trial participation as a treatment option, with 92% of that group expressing the desire to learn more about it. Among the 156 participants who were aware of clinical trials, 33% heard about it from medical staff, 26% from multiple online resources, and 25% through the Belong Beating Cancer Together app. Only 8% of study participants had previously participated in a clinical trial.

This study highlights the importance for the oncological community to not only inform, but personally tailor clinical trial information to cancer patients and caregivers, and stresses how digital health platforms are an important source for driving awareness of clinical trials.

The second study (abstract e18779) explored sexuality and intimacy-related issues in women with early breast cancer and the resulting partner-reported experience. When a patient's tumor is located in a sexual organ, the quality of the sexual and intimate lives of both patients and their respective partners can be affected. In this study, 64% of patients didn't have any complaints of intimacy and sexuality issues prior to their diagnosis. This shifted significantly after their breast cancer diagnosis, with 50% mentioning less sex drive and 40% less intimacy. In the partners group, 67% didn't have complaints before the diagnosis, but 28% voiced concerns afterwards.

This study demonstrates the importance of holistically understanding sexual and intimacy-related issues that patients and their partners face after a cancer diagnosis; issues that ultimately affect the patient's quality of life.

"The biggest takeaway from these studies is the importance of focusing on both quality of life and quality of care for cancer patients. It is essential that we help them find solutions to keep living their lives to the fullest, even during ill health and treatment," said Belong.Life Medical Director Dr. Daniel Vorobiof. "We must also ensure that patients are well-informed of all the treatment options available for their unique diagnosis. These studies demonstrate the value of using social networking and digital health platforms to better understand individual treatment journeys, engage patients and help them navigate the path ahead."

ASCO's annual meeting is taking place virtually from June 4  8.

About Belong.Life

Belong.Life develops social and professional networks for managing and navigating various diseases and patient journeys and is the creator of the world's largest social network for cancer patients (Belong-Beating Cancer Together), BelongMS, BelongIBD (select countries), CoronApp and more. Belong.Life's mission is to improve the quality of life and quality of care around the world through technology, engagement, data and AI for patient communities, healthcare organizations, pharma and hospitals. The company's end-to-end solutions encourage the formation of patient communities, and provide care coordination, customized content and advanced management features for users. Delivering actionable insights into patient journeys, Belong uncovers key trends and patterns that can help improve global care.

For more information visit https://belong.life.

Follow Belong on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Ellie Hanson

Finn Partners for Belong

929-222-8006

[email protected]

SOURCE Belong.Life

Related Links

https://belong.life/


Russian man gets 4 years for beating police officer at illegal winter rally in Moscow

 Moscow's Presnensky District Court

16:22 20/05/2021

MOSCOW, May 20 (RAPSI)  Moscows Tverskoy District Court on Thursday sentenced Eugeny Yesenov, Russias national born in the Republic of Kalmykia, to 4 years in penal colony for beating a policeman at the illegal rally held in central Moscow on January 23, the courts press service told RAPSI.

The man was found guilty of using force against a representative of authority. Earlier, he admitted his guilt.

Unauthorized rallies in support of Navalny were held in Moscow and other Russian cities in late January and early February.




"Our hotels and resorts are ready to welcome back guests and have successfully implemented our ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness protocols, which go beyond local and national requirements. This should help reassure travelers as our hotels are amongst the safest hubs for anyone resuming their leisure or business activities. Moreover, we are offering flexible rates and last-minute cancellation on All.com so that our guests can plan their holiday with a carefree spirit. Our Accor teams are working very hard to make sure we can deliver everyone's vacation dreams this summer," said Patrick Mendes, Chief Commercial Officer at Accor responsible for Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Loyalty.

"Unveil the World", which is being debuted via a short film inspiring travelers to rediscover the amazing places and experiences that add beauty, depth and meaning to their lives, will be launched through ALL - Accor Live Limitless, a lifestyle loyalty program that integrates rewards, services and experiences throughout the Accor portfolio of brands.

Steven Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer, Accor said: "Over the past year, we've seen across social media how much everyone has missed traveling and getting to experience the things they love. People the world over have been through incredibly tough times, and it is our duty to inspire them with a renewed sense of energy, positivity, magic and reassurance. The world needs symbols of optimism to boost their morale and it is our sincere hope that people will soon get the chance to enjoy their much-deserved and delayed vacations."

The Inspirational Stars

American dancer and choreographer Lil Buck leads Accor's new campaign as he unveils a hotel lobby, ready to welcome guests again. Lil Buck said: "We're showing you in our own artistic way that you'll be able to unveil and enjoy your world. This summer make sure you give yourself an opportunity to enjoy yourself, go fly, go somewhere you always wanted to go, go to your dream place because we never know when we will be stuck in the house again."

Also gracing the campaign is the eccentric and fascinating Dominique Mirambeau, famous French model of the 70s, muse of artists such as Salvador Dali, Moebius and Nicki de Saint-Phalle. Ms. Mirambeau said: "We all have a place in our heart we sometimes travel to, to find comfort. Sometimes, it is also therapeutic to visit and enjoy it for real! I am glad and honored to convey this inspiring message and energy to people throughout the world."

The Desire to Travel

Accor's research indicates that 65% of respondents worldwide are likely to plan a leisure trip in the coming months. Road trips, al fresco dining, cultural experiences, and city escapes are high on the priority lists of planned excursions  areas which Accor's "Unveil the World" campaign will encourage with special offers, new loyalty benefits and booking flexibility.

Consumers are also looking for flexible pricing options, ease of booking online, and trusted health and safety protocols, which Accor hotels offer through the Group's ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness label.

"Accor has worked hard to establish industry-leading practices in these areas, which our guests and loyalty members have expressed are a top priority as they make plans to get out and begin experiencing the world again," added Taylor. "We can't wait to welcome guests back and provide them with confidence for their safety, the comforts of hospitality they crave, and the experiences they have dreamed of returning to once again."

FILM & CREATIVE  CAST & CREDITS:

Concept and creative Direction: Studio 66

Film Director: Manu Cossu

Production: Iconoclast

Photographer: Antoine Harinthe

Stylist: Aurora Sansone

Hair: Gabriele Trezzi

Make-up: Cosetta Giorgetti

Models: Lil Buck , Dominique Mirambeau , Mao Xiaoxing

, , Mao Xiaoxing Set design: Emma Rauch

#Unveiltheworld #ALLTravel #Accor

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality Group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique Lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the company's comprehensive loyalty program ALL - Accor Live Limitless - a daily Lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21  Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SOURCE Accor
On Tuesday May 25th at 11AM, Ron Weigel, Aerospace Business Development Manager, will host the webinar: "Improving Productivity with Advanced Metalworking Fluids and Remote Monitoring in Industry 4.0." This webinar will discuss how Quaker Houghton can assist in overcoming tough challenges of highly engineered aerospace materials by increasing overall productivity and throughput, while improving environmental and safety impact. The webinar will also provide engineering solutions for fluid optimization and remote fluid monitoring and control through QH FLUIDTREND.

Information on Quaker Houghton's complete range of innovative products for the aerospace industry including metal forming, metal removal and cleaning fluids along with heat treatment products, specialty hydraulic fluids and industrial lubricants and greases can be found here: https://home.quakerhoughton.com/aerospace/

For Quaker Houghton's full offering visit: https://home.quakerhoughton.com

About Quaker Houghton:

Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a robust presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With 4,000 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/quakerhoughton/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/quakerhoughton

SOURCE Quaker Houghton

Related Links

https://home.quakerhoughton.com


CALABASAS, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) (the "Company") today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of 14,000,000 of its Class A common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share ("Class A common shares"), of which 5,500,000 shares will be offered directly by the Company, and 8,500,000 shares will be offered, at the request of the Company, by the forward purchasers (as defined below) or their respective affiliates in connection with the forward sale agreements described below. The underwriters have been granted a 30-day option to purchase an aggregate of up to an additional 2,100,000 Class A common shares.

In connection with the offering of the Class A common shares, the Company expects to enter into a forward sale agreement with each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association and Bank of America, N.A. or their respective affiliates (who are referred to in such capacity individually as a "forward purchaser" and collectively, the "forward purchasers"), with respect to 8,500,000 Class A common shares covered by the offering. The forward purchasers or their respective affiliates are expected to borrow from third parties and sell to the underwriters 8,500,000 Class A common shares in connection with the forward sale agreements.

Pursuant to the terms of the forward sale agreements, and subject to the Company's right to elect cash or net share settlement under the forward sale agreements, the Company intends to issue and sell, upon physical settlement of such forward sale agreements 8,500,000 Class A common shares to the forward purchasers (or an aggregate of 10,600,000 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) in exchange for cash proceeds per share equal to the applicable forward sale price per share, which will initially be the public offering price per share in the offering, less underwriting discounts and commissions, and will be subject to certain adjustments as provided for in the forward sale agreements. The Company expects to physically settle the forward sale agreements in full and receive proceeds by May 21, 2022.

The Company will receive proceeds from the sale of the Class A common shares offered by it in the offering, but will not initially receive any proceeds from the sale of the Class A common shares offered by the forward purchasers or their respective affiliates to the underwriters, except in certain circumstances described in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay indebtedness under its revolving credit facility, to partially fund the previously announced redemption of its Series D and Series E Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares and for general corporate purposes.

J.P. Morgan, BofA Securities and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering, and Morgan Stanley and Raymond James are acting as book-running managers for the offering.

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 state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification thereof under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and only by means of a prospectus and prospectus supplement. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the offering and the final prospectus supplement, when available, may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Attention: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone: 1-866-803-9204; BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd Floor, Charlotte NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department or by email at [email protected]; or Wells Fargo Securities, Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 500 West 33rd Street, New York, New York, 10001, at (800) 326-5897 or email a request to [email protected].

About American Homes 4 Rent

American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) is a leader in the single-family home rental industry and "American Homes 4 Rent" is a nationally recognized brand for rental homes, known for high-quality, good value and tenant satisfaction. We are an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust, or REIT, focused on acquiring, developing, renovating, leasing, and operating attractive, single-family homes as rental properties. As of March 31, 2021, we owned 53,984 single-family properties in selected submarkets in 22 states.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that relate to beliefs, expectations or intentions and similar statements concerning matters that are not of historical fact and are generally accompanied by words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "potential," "plan," "goal," "outlook," "guidance" or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to complete the offering and the intended use of net proceeds. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and assumptions about future events. While the Company's management considers these expectations to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These and other important factors, including "Risk Factors" disclosed in, or incorporated by reference into, the prospectus from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and in the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC, may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from anticipated results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Contact:

American Homes 4 Rent

Investor Relations

Phone: (855) 794-2447

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Homes 4 Rent

Related Links

https://www.americanhomes4rent.com


PALO ALTO, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Armis , the leading agentless device security platform, today announced the expansion of its global business development team to strengthen its expertise in Healthcare, Operational Technology, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). Armis has appointed David Creed as the Senior Director of the team with David Haake , Director of GSIs & ICS/OT, Sean Shannon , Director MSSPs, GSIs & Medical, and Gary Arnold , Senior Account Executive of Strategic Partners, reporting to him.

According to IDC, there will be more than 40 billion connected devices by 2025 alone. Only Armis is uniquely positioned to solve this unmet security challenge with its agentless, enterprise-class device security platform , specifically designed to deliver total asset visibility and 24/7 connected device security.

"With the explosion of business risk associated with new devices, we need a business development team that can work with our strategic advisory, incident response and managed services partners across the globe in our core industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, commercial, and government," said Peter Doggart, VP of Business Development, Armis. "David Creed, David Haake, Sean Shannon, and Gary Arnold, are all proven leaders, so we're excited to bring them on board and harness their acumen to help us continue to assist our partners and their clients to discover and secure all of their unmanaged, OT and IoT devices."

David Creed has over 25 years of experience with a proven track record of creating go-to-market strategies, related programs, and assembling teams that open up untapped routes to market. Together, with David Haake, Sean Shannon, and Gary Arnold, they will work to align Armis' technology expertise with overall business objectives to improve profitability and grow market share across both the ICS and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) security industries.

Additionally, Armis is proud to announce that it has won the following awards from Cyber Defense Magazine, the industry's leading electronic information security magazine: Best Product in Cybersecurity Internet of Things (IoT) and Next-Gen in ICS/SCADA Security. These award wins were announced during the RSA Conference 2021 and further prove that Armis is leading the charge in ICS and SCADA security.

"We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators that could make a huge difference and, potentially, help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cybercrime. Armis is absolutely worthy of these coveted awards and consideration for deployment in your environment," said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.

To learn more about Armis, its platform, and its newly expanded business development team, please visit: https://www.armis.com .

About Cyber Defense Magazine InfoSec Awards

This is Cyber Defense Magazine's ninth year of honoring global InfoSec innovators. Our submission requirements are for any startup, early-stage, later stage, or public companies in the Information Security (InfoSec) space who believe they have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service. Learn more at www.cyberdefenseawards.com .

About Armis

Armis is the leading agentless, enterprise-class device security platform designed to address the new threat landscape that connected devices create. Fortune 1000 companies trust our real-time and continuous protection to see and control all managed, unmanaged, and IoT devices. Armis provides passive and unparalleled cybersecurity asset management, risk management, and automated enforcement. Armis is a privately held company and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

Contact:

Susan Torrey

[email protected]

SOURCE Armis

Related Links

https://armis.com


MUSKEGON, Mich., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AvaSure, a leading provider of inpatient audiovisual monitoring telehealth solutions, announced today that it has closed on a significant equity financing from the Growth Equity team in Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Heritage Group. Terms of the investment were not disclosed, and AvaSure will invest the capital in growth initiatives, including further developing its comprehensive suite of solutions, AvaSure 360, to meet all inpatient telehealth needs. Incentrum Group served as the exclusive financial advisor to AvaSure.

AvaSure pioneered its TeleSitter solution in 2008 as a fall-prevention tool  which has since become a standard for patient care  now placed in all top 10 U.S. health systems and 826 hospitals across 48 states and Canada. AvaSure's TeleSitter solution allows one trained hospital employee to monitor up to 16 patients simultaneously, preventing not only falls, but elopement, violence against caregivers and other adverse events. The TeleSitter solution serves as a workplace multiplier to optimize staffing efficiencies and has been proven in clinical literature as a superior intervention for patient safety.

"AvaSure's growth has increased substantially year-over-year, and we are proud to be partnering with top-tier investors who can provide our company with an added bench of expertise as we seek to scale and build on our success," said AvaSure CEO Brad Playford. "The COVID-19 pandemic increased both the demand and the acceptance of telehealth solutions. While no one was fully prepared for the changes brought by the pandemic, AvaSure was extremely well positioned with its virtual technology that continuously supports patient care, safety, and outcomes with unmatched reliability and scalability."

Antoine Munfa, managing director at Goldman Sachs, said, "We are very excited about our investment in AvaSure. AvaSure has a demonstrated track record of innovation and success since its founding in 2008. We have been extremely impressed by the company's marquee customer base, the team's depth of knowledge in telehealth, and the breadth of functionality and scalability of its telehealth platform."



Graham Hunter, partner at Heritage Group, added, "AvaSure has firmly established itself as a dominant leader in the inpatient telehealth market. The company's ability to improve patient safety and outcomes and deliver an ROI within months of going live creates a compelling solution that addresses some of the most pressing pain points health systems are currently facing. Several of our strategic health system limited partners are satisfied customers and we foresee AvaSure's footprint growing exponentially in the coming years as health systems increasingly adopt telehealth solutions and seek to benefit from a more flexible and efficient use of labor."

About AvaSure

AvaSure's continuous care virtual technology is found in over 800 clinical environments, including the most prestigious hospitals across the United States and Canada. AvaSure telehealth products and solutions are manufactured and assembled in the United States at AvaSure's headquarters in Belmont, Michigan. The company has a staff of approximately 180 full-time employees. For more information, visit www.avasure.com.

About Goldman Sachs Growth Equity

Founded in 1869, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm. As part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Goldman Sachs Growth Equity ("GS Growth") focuses exclusively on investments in growth stage and technology-driven companies. GS Growth has invested more than $13 billion in strategic capital for entrepreneurs and management to execute long-term growth plans since 1994. For more information, please visit www.growth.gs.com.

About Heritage Group

Heritage Group is a Nashville, Tenn.-based, healthcare-focused investment firm with more than 35 years of experience financing and operating healthcare companies at all stages. Heritage seeks to make majority and minority investments, ranging from $20 to $40 million per portfolio company, in high-growth healthcare services and healthcare technology businesses that address the challenges of the U.S. healthcare system. The firm's limited partners include some of the leading healthcare organizations in the nation, including large provider systems, payers, and healthcare service providers. For more information, visit www.heritagegroupusa.com .

Contact:

Jeremy Witt

Phone: 269-370-1097

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE AvaSure

Related Links

https://avasure.com


Building on a 20-year lineage of finding, funding, and supporting entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of company building, BCV will target a majority of the new funds for seed and Series A opportunities. Recent early-stage investments that have achieved breakout growth include Attentive, Clari, Flywire, Material Bank, Moveworks, ReCharge, and Redis Labs. In the last year, BCV has made 37 new seed and Series A investments, representing 88% of all new investments.

"When Attentive was born, we had our choice of venture capital partners, but the BCV team stood out because of their remarkable instincts around where innovation is headed, their deep connections to the technology ecosystem, and their proactive and thoughtful approach to helping us build from the ground up," said Brian Long, co-founder and CEO of Attentive. "From day one, BCV has shown up for us in countless ways. Their unwavering advice, support, and mentorship have been a guiding force as we've grown from an idea into the significant player in B2C marketing communications we are today."

With deep domain expertise in enterprise technology, BCV is investing behind platforms and applications that help businesses serve a new generation of digital-native customers and employees. The firm is focused on the seismic shifts shaping technology today, including embedded finance, product-led growth, cloud infrastructure, AI, and machine learning. These innovations cut across all industries, driving unprecedented levels of growth and productivity. BCV will continue to partner with founders who are leveraging the latest technology innovations to fundamentally transform how businesses and their customers operate and interact.

"Over the last two decades, we've had the extraordinary privilege to collaborate with some of the most talented entrepreneurs of our generation, oftentimes backing them with just an idea and supporting them throughout their journeys," said Ajay Agarwal, partner at BCV. "Our results validate our long-held strategy: empower founders at every step by leveraging our deep sector expertise, our breadth of operating resources, and our access to talent, customers, and partners through the global Bain Capital ecosystem."

Today, BCV has 11 investing partners across San Francisco, New York, and Boston. Since its first venture fund in 2001, the firm has invested more than $4.2 billion into 340 companies and helped its portfolio realize over $375 billion in enterprise value. Recent milestones include ACV Auctions, Armis (acquired by McAfee), Billtrust, DocuSign, Gainsight (acquired by Vista), Rapid7, Signify Health, SendGrid; subsequently acquired by Twilio), and Wrike (acquired by Citrix).

SOURCE Bain Capital Ventures
HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") will be held on June 24, 2021 in Bermuda.

A copy of the Notice of Annual General Meeting and Form of Proxy will be distributed to shareholders by normal distribution methods and is attached to this release. Associated information including the Company's Annual Report can be found on the Company's website www.borrdrilling.com.

Hamilton, Bermuda

May 20, 2021

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-limited---notice-of-annual-general-meeting-2021,c3351074

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Public/16983/3351074/83979f5ec1f91c29.pdf Borr Drilling AGM Notice 2021

SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited
Cities have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink and enhance support to small businesses in economic recovery. Tweet this

Small businesses, which employ nearly half of the U.S. private workforce , have been impacted by COVID-19 in ways capable of devastating local economies. Business closures, job losses, and the shift away from local ownership collectively contribute to a loss of community vitality and character while accelerating economic inequality. Through employee ownership, the report states, cities can address the economic effects of COVID-19 by saving jobs, retaining valued businesses, and reducing widening wealth gaps.

"Small businesses are an important part of what makes cities livable. They also provide an economic toehold for local entrepreneurs. As cities seek solutions to the pressing needs of workers and businesses in their communities, they are increasingly turning to employee ownership to ensure that economic recovery efforts are inclusive," said Melissa Hoover, Executive Director at DAWI. "Now is the time to invest in equitable solutions that can scale, like employee ownership."

To help city leadership learn about employee ownership and its benefits, the report outlines:

Models of city support for employee ownership in U.S. cities

Types and benefits of employee ownership

The role local governments can play in creating conditions that support employee-owned businesses

Strategies to enable more businesses to become employee owned

"The last year has been especially difficult for small and minority-owned businesses. The release of "Economic Recovery and Employee Ownership" could not have come at a more opportune time, offering tools for local governments to save small businesses," said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of National League of Cities. "Cities, towns and villages have a once in a generation opportunity because of the American Rescue Plan Act to rethink and enhance, through a racial equity lens, support and resources to small businesses. Employee ownership models have the potential to expand the middle class and narrow the racial wealth gap that is glaring in our communities."

Research has shown employee ownership to have clear positive impacts for workers and local communities. The benefits of employee ownership include:

Higher wages: On average employee-owners making less than $30,000 have 17% greater median household net worth and 22% higher median income from wages than their non-owner peers.

On average employee-owners making less than have 17% greater median household net worth and 22% higher median income from wages than their non-owner peers. Building assets: In a 2018 survey of employee-owned firms, workers nearing retirement had on average $147,522 of retirement savings from their ownership stakes. In contrast, more than one-third of all workers nearing retirement have neither retirement savings nor a defined benefit pension.

In a 2018 survey of employee-owned firms, workers nearing retirement had on of retirement savings from their ownership stakes. In contrast, more than one-third of all workers nearing retirement have neither retirement savings nor a defined benefit pension. Creating quality jobs: Employee-owned and -operated Cooperative Home Care Associates, which is dedicated to "Quality Care through Quality Jobs" and is a standard-bearer in a growing industry, retains workers four to five times longer than the average home-care agency in a high turnover industry struggling with uneven job quality.

"Economic Recovery and Employee Ownership" is a product of the Shared Equity in Economic Development initiative run in partnership between NLC and DAWI. In addition to holding an ongoing webinar series for city leadership focused on employee ownership, the initiative has engaged leadership in nearly a dozen U.S. cities through year-long efforts to develop strategies to save local businesses and reduce racial wealth gaps through support for employee ownership.

To learn more about this report and its guidance for city leadership, visit https://www.nlc.org/resource/economic-recovery-and-employee-ownership/. Learn more about NLC, DAWI, and the Shared Equity in Economic Development Initiative here.

SOURCE Democracy at Work Institute

Related Links

www.institute.coop


Cannibble reached a new agreement with one of the leading Canadian cannabis companies to deliver new a line of CBD based shakes.

ROSH HAA'YIN, Israel, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannibble FoodTech Ltd ("Cannibble") an Israeli Foodtech start up, is pleased to announce that it reached an agreement to develop a new line of CBD infused shakes with one of Canada's leading Cannabis companies.

Cannibble will develop for the Canadian company a line of CBD infused shakes with new and unique flavors. Once the product development is completed, the Canadian company will start selling and marketing them in Canada.

Elad Barkan, Cannibble CTO says: "The quality of products and manufacturing technique have been tested by the Canadian company and set some challenges for unique developments of products and flavors. The initial reaction we received from this new client was very favourable."

Cannibble is also pleased to announce that it recently completed the development of a new line of beverages created with ingredients from the hemp plant, which is enriched with quality protein and omega 3, 6 and 9.

The company expects that in the near future the new line of products will be launched and will start selling in a variety of retail stores in the US and online platforms, said Yoav Bar Joseph Cannibble CEO.

About Cannibble

Cannibble is an Israeli food tech company that develops and manufactures powdered food and beverage mix products that are enhanced variously with hemp seeds, hemp protein, CBD, and THC where legal to do so. Cannibble's products are sold under the brand name

Cannibble is currently raising capital in Canada and investors can visit www.frontfundr.com/Cannibble to learn more about the company and its products.

For more information, please contact:

Ziv Turner- CMO

E-Mail: [email protected]

Tel: +972-54-5500450

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/966225/Cannibble_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Cannibble FoodTech LTD
LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cervest , creator of the world's first AI-powered Climate Intelligence (CI) platform, today announced it raised a $30 million Series A round led by Draper Esprit. Cervest seeks to help enterprises, financial services companies, and governments quantify climate risk down to the asset level and, for the first time, across multiple decades and threats. Current investors Astanor Ventures , Lowercarbon Capital (Chris Sacca), and Future Positive Capital also participated in the oversubscribed round, joined by new investors UNTITLED , the venture fund of Magnus Rausing, and TIME Ventures, the venture fund of Marc Benioff. This financing brings Cervest's total funding to $36.2 million.

The investment comes at a time of accelerating climate volatility where the persistence and interaction of extreme weather events is putting trillions of dollars of physical assets at risk. Business and government leaders must factor this risk into their day-to-day operations and strategic decisions alongside preparing for fast-approaching regulatory changes. Equally, financial services, including insurance players, urgently need greater asset-level Climate Intelligence to underpin investment decisions.

Cervest closes this gap with a first-of-its-kind automated Climate Intelligence platform, powered by the company's groundbreaking Earth Science AI technology. Built through extensive, peer-reviewed research over the last five years, the platform combines public and private data sources (i.e. NOAA , ECMWF , CMIP6 ), machine learning, and cutting-edge statistical science to present a unified view of climate risk that's never before been possible.

EarthScan , the first product on the platform, gives users on-demand access to current, historical, and predictive views of how combined risks such as flooding, droughts, and extreme temperatures can impact the assets they own or manage. Insights are available across multiple risk categories simultaneously, going back 50 years and looking forward 80 years. EarthScan helps users to de-risk business decisions, meet TCFD financial disclosure guidelines , improve asset resilience, and uncover new opportunities to accelerate low-carbon growth.

"Climate Intelligence is business Intelligence for managing climate risk," said Iggy Bassi, Founder and CEO of Cervest. "Climate volatility has thrown us into a new era where Climate Intelligence needs to be integrated into all decisions. Organizations that fail to do so risk being blindsided by climate events such as the recent floods and fires in Australia, the droughts in Europe, and the winter freeze in Texas. By using EarthScan to baseline, monitor, and forecast risk, organizations can take action to protect their assets and navigate toward a more resilient future."

Cervest will use the financing to move aggressively into the U.S. and European markets. Through its freemium model, Cervest is providing open access to Climate Intelligence by offering everyone a free, standardized climate risk assessment, spurring new conversations, and fostering an open and common dialogue on shared asset-level risk and opportunities.

"Climate Tech has grabbed a lot of attention recently, with good reason. But solutions come from understanding the problem  Climate Intelligence is a new $40 billion market category which seeks to provide us with answers," said Vinoth Jayakumar, Partner and Fintech Practice Lead at Draper Esprit. "Cervest's pioneering approach to quantifying risk, in a way that was never before possible, means we can better understand the economics of the problem and bring real-world market solutions to bear. We believe Iggy and the team's deep science approach will provide the foundations of the Climate Intelligence market." Jayakumar will join Cervest's Board of Directors.

"Much of the spotlight is on decarbonization today. While this is absolutely necessary, it is not sufficient to build asset-level resilience," said Bassi. "To succeed, we need a complete and unified view of climate risk, simultaneously considering the impact of accelerating physical risks, alongside decarbonization investments and adjacent transition risks as we build a low carbon economy. This is exactly what Cervest will do, enabling everyone to become climate intelligent by making fully informed climate decisions."

About Cervest

Cervest offers cloud-based Climate Intelligence (CI) to enable organizations to manage and adapt to climate risk at an asset-level. Its on-demand, AI-powered platform delivers a standardized, science-based view of climate risk  simultaneously analyzing millions of global assets, across multiple time horizons and risk categories. EarthScan, the first product on the platform, helps enterprises and governments baseline, monitor and forecast climate risk. Through its open access platform, Cervest incentivizes everyone to share and integrate Climate Intelligence into everyday decisions  protecting the world's critical assets  including our greatest asset, the planet. Cervest is a Certified B Corporation. www.cervest.earth . Follow Cervest on Twitter and LinkedIn .

About Draper Esprit

Draper Esprit is a global venture capital firm that invests in high-growth European technology companies. Draper Esprit's portfolio of privately-owned tech includes outstanding tech companies such as Trustpilot, Revolut, Graphcore, and UiPath. www.draperesprit.com

SOURCE Cervest

Related Links

http://www.cervest.earth


Superservice Digital Enforcement Proceedings to be put in operation in 2022

 Fotolia/ Sven Grundmann

14:30 20/05/2021

ST. PETERSBURG, May 20 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  Superservice Digital Enforcement Proceedings, the model of which the executive authorities are currently working on, should start working in 2022, according to Deputy Minister of the Russian Justice Ministry Yevgeniy Zabarchuk at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum (SPBILF) 9.

As noted during the discussion, the need to create such a superservice is due to the enormous burden on bailiffs. According to the moderator of the discussion, Head of the Department of Civil Proceedings and Organization of Court Bailiff Service at the All-Russian State University of Justice Vladimir Gureev, the Federal Bailiff Service of Russia initiates 100 million enforcement proceedings per year.

According to Zabarchuk, before the superservice is put in operation, legislators need to exclude any possibility of mistaken identification of debtors. By now, the State Duma has adopted in the first reading a bill that will oblige courts to mark case materials with a unique identifiers alongside the dates and places of birth of individual debtors. Most likely it will be the insurance number of an individual personal account.

This bill also obliges banks to transmit data to bailiffs within an hour after payment of the debt so that they can quickly remove restrictions, the Deputy Minister of Justice said.

As Zabarchuk assured the participants of the discussion, as early as next year, bailiffs should start working in the "Digital Enforcement Proceedings" mode.

Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Dmitry Oguryaev said that the work of bailiffs turned out to be one of the most difficult for its digitalization because of a very large and heterogeneous number of participants. These are individuals, companies, government bodies, and even states - among them are debtors and claimants. And all this must be taken into account when creating special services and applications, Oguryaev explained.

First Deputy Director of the Federal Bailiffs' Service  First Deputy Chief Bailiff Olga Pomigalova observed that the task to develop digitalization was set for the service in 2019. It is being introduced in stages. There are tasks for 2021, for 2022, for 2024. For example, by the end of 2021, the service must ensure that the parties receive electronic images of all procedural documents through the Unified Portal of Public Services (EPGU). By now, any petitions and statements can be transmitted via this portal. The Bailiff Service is also in the process of establishing electronic interaction with counterparties such as courts, government agencies, credit institutions. The latter is necessary to obtain information about the property status of debtors, the deputy chief bailiff noted.

Head of the Federal Treasury Roman Artyukhin said that one of the aspects of ensuring the operation of the superservice is the conduct of transactions, and to implement this task, the State Information System on State and Municipal Payments was chosen, since it ensures the reception, accounting of and transfer of information between its participants, among which are administrators of budget revenues, organizations for receiving payments, portals, multifunctional centers. The Treasury carries out the functions of its creation, maintenance, development and servicing. In order to connect the block of enforcement proceedings to this system it is needed to create a register of enforcement proceedings. And the register is the core of the superservice as concerns monetary claims, the official stressed.
BEIJING, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As next-generation artificial intelligence is booming around the world, the technology will play a bigger role in fueling industrial upgrade, carbon reduction, and high-quality development in China, according to speakers at the 19th Vision China event.

Jointly organized by China Daily and the Information Office of Tianjin Municipal People's Government, the event, titled "New Era of Intelligence: Empowering New Development, Fostering New Pattern", was broadcast online to a global audience on Thursday night. It coincided with the ongoing Fifth World Intelligence Congress, an event that started on the same day and runs until Sunday in Tianjin.

The WIC, which features both online and offline activities this year, has grown to become a new gateway to China, showcasing the country's readiness to cooperate with the world, said Chen Zhemin, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Tianjin Municipal Committee and head of the committee's Publicity Department.

"We strive to grow by 'bringing the world to Tianjin and opening Tianjin to the world,'" Chen said, adding that the city sees the manufacturing industry as its backbone and intelligent manufacturing as a path to greater strength.

According to him, a large number of domestic and international companies have set up shop in Tianjin. And numerous landmark projects have come to fruition in the city. The first four WICs, for instance, witnessed the inking of 348 cooperation agreements, which involved a total investment of 353.2 billion yuan ($55 billion).

Chen said the city will be a daring pioneer in developing intelligent technologies, and step up efforts to chart a new pattern of growth for the intelligent industry, encompassing sectors such as intelligent manufacturing, intelligent transport and intelligent healthcare.

Zhou Shuchun, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said "Next-generation artificial intelligence is booming around the world and creating significant shifts in the way we live and work. The intelligent industry has become a priority for many countries."

"China has been perfecting its innovation system and ramping up efforts to become a technology powerhouse," Zhou said. "China stands ready to work with the rest of world on artificial intelligence and share the fruits of research."

This year witnessed the release of the Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, which set out China's vision for high-quality development.

"The outline has laid out plans on innovation and on how to harness intelligent technology to serve the development of the manufacturing, services, agriculture, emerging industries and other sectors," Zhou said.

According to him, following instructions from the central government, local governments in China have been implementing innovation-driven development strategies, and building "smart cities".

In particular, Zhou noted that Tianjin has been focusing on building a cluster of enterprises engaged in innovative application of information technology and has become a national leader in AI, as it strives to become more innovative and competitive.

Now, Tianjin is implementing a citywide drive to develop intelligent technologies, and it is home to more than 7,000 national high-tech enterprises, and over 7,000 national small and medium-sized tech companies, data from the Tianjin government show.

Every year, Tianjin-based entities invest over three percent of their earnings in research and development, helping the city remain among the top in a national ranking of technological innovation capabilities for many years running.

Alain Benichou, CEO of IBM Greater China Group, said AI can play an important part in helping companies match consumer expectations, increase core efficiencies and differentiate themselves, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerates digital transformation.

"Here in China, I have seen CEOs across all industries such as banking, manufacturing, retail and telecom are now very focused on pushing forward with digitalization and AI," Benichou said.

He quoted a recent study commissioned by IBM that over half of Chinese IT professionals say their companies are using or considering using natural language processing solutions to improve customer experience.

Edward Tse, founder and CEO of Gao Feng Advisory Company, said China is on the cusp of entering a new technological era as it witnesses new growth opportunities from new consumption forms and new business models across industries.

"The pandemic has driven a lot of changes in how we live life and how business models are being developed, which is picking back in on the development of technology," Tse said.

Chan Ching Chuen, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted the need for an integration of human, artificial intelligence, and environment to tackle the energy revolution that is going on around the world.

According to him, how to achieve sustainability, reliability, and affordability are three major challenges in the energy revolution, and as the energy network becomes increasingly complex, AI is needed to help people navigate such network.

But AI alone is not enough. AI plus human plus environment are the key, added Chan who is also the fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK.

Wang Yu, research fellow at the College of Intelligence and Computing of Tianjin University, said "With the development of AI, industrial applications will blossom, and we will enter a new era of intelligence."

"The environment, for instance, will be more livable. AI can play a key role to help industries achieve intelligent production and achieve the goal of green and low-carbon development faster," Wang said.

At the opening ceremony of the fifth WIC on Thursday, Wan Gang, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said open cooperation is needed to promote the development and application of the new generation AI, which is a cross-border and interdisciplinary scientific exploration project.

By Ma Si in Beijing and Yang Cheng in Tianjin

Please check out China Daily SmartEdition at chinadaily.pressreader.com, where you can read China Daily online in its true printed format from anywhere in the world and keep up with the latest on markets, economics, politics and more, in and outside China.

SOURCE China Daily

Related Links

https://chinadaily.pressreader.com


WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb has launched a series of advisories designed to spotlight issues impacting insurance exposures, compliance and coverage around the globe and help U.S. multinational companies ensure that their insurance programs can respond effectively in a dynamic world.

"It has never been more critical for our clients to understand how the current risk and regulatory environments may impact their operations on a global basis," said Matt Merna, Senior Vice President, Chubb Group and Division President, North America Major Accounts. "Global risks continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and Chubb is committed to developing timely resources that explore the latest exposures and highlight best practices for compliance, regulations and coverage requirements. In turn, these insights can assist clients in managing their multinational programs worldwide."

The Global Risk Spotlights advisories focus on key considerations when building an effective multinational program and managing international risks.

The initial advisories in the ongoing series focus on:

Navigating the Nuances of DIC/DIL Clauses: Exploring the advantages and limitations of these often-used coverages.

Local D&O Policies Merit Special Consideration: Discussing why careful planning and regular assessment is critical to protect executives.

Understanding Opportunities in Global Accident & Health: Spotlighting what this new global standard in multinational travel accident protection entails and delivers, and why multinationals are migrating to a new paradigm in Accident & Health protection.

Optimizing Multinational Casualty Protection: Examining the key factors to consider to ensure effective multinational casualty protection.

Building a Better Multinational Property Program: Answering these six questions can help determine if a property program can respond fully and as expected.

"Throughout our long history as a multinational insurance leader, with a global network spanning more than 200 countries, we have amassed deep data, expertise and insights that can help companies manage multinational risk and the intricacies of insurance worldwide. These advisories are one more way we can share this expertise to benefit our clients and the insurance community at large," added Mr. Merna.

Chubb has several decades of experience providing modern-day insurance services and solutions to multinational companies. In 2020, for example, the company issued more than 67,000 local policies and managed more than 37,000 claims for multinational clients.

Chubb advisories and other trending topics can be found here.

For additional information about Chubb Global Services, click here.

About Chubb

With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

Chubb Insurance Company of Canada has offices in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver and provides its products and services through licensed insurance brokers across Canada. For additional information, visit: chubb.com/ca.

SOURCE Chubb

Related Links

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DANIA BEACH, Fla., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Citing a threat to national security, Lyfe Group a well-respected global manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, has announced the publication of a white paper calling for U.S. policy makers to urgently take action to decrease the reliance of the U.S. supply of medications on countries such as China and India by deglobalizing the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceuticals.

The number of Chinese facilities producing APIs for the U.S. market has increased over the past decade and it is now estimated that the U.S. alone relies on China and India for 75 to 80% of its supply of APIs. Most common and essential medications needed by U.S. citizens are imported from China, including 97% of all antibiotics, 95% of ibuprofen, 91% of hydrocortisone and 70% of acetaminophen.

"The global COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on our nation's reliance on China and India for our pharmaceuticals, which makes the U.S. very vulnerable and poses a significant national security risk," said Jonathan Gilinski, Executive Director of Lyfe Group, and author of the paper. "Millions of Americans depend on pharmaceuticals to get and stay healthy, and the availability of a safe and reliable supply of medications can be literally a matter of life and death."

According to the white paper, consequences of increased globalization of pharmaceutical manufacturing include the potential weaponization of medications, i.e., withholding supply from the U.S., quality and safety issues, and drug-resistant infections fueled by harmful environmental practices, among others. The impact of the unfortunate COVID-19 surge in India on global shipping from the country is a very current example of the risks inherent in U.S. reliance on India and China for medicines. The white paper offers specific recommendations for policy makers to deglobalize the production of APIs and pharmaceuticals, which includes enacting legislation, encouraging the adoption of new technologies and providing incentives for local production.

"Moving manufacturing closer to home would allow for greater oversight of ethical employee practices and appropriate environmental controls, drastically reducing the number of adulterated APIs in the market, solidifying supply chains and creating jobs in the regions that host the new manufacturing sites," said Gilinski. "Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and other developed countries in the Western Hemisphere is the only way to ensure the quality, consistency, safety, availability and reliability of our pharmaceutical supply and the supply chain on which it depends."

About Lyfe Group

Lyfe Group is an international conglomerate that plays a leading role in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cannabis industries. As a well-respected global manufacturer of pharmaceutical products as well as customized empty capsules for pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement products, the company has a strong focus on regulatory compliance and quality assurance throughout the entire process, from manufacturing to packaging and shipping. For more information on the company, visit www.lyfegroup.com.

Media Contact:

Maria Hernandez

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Lyfe Group
To reduce healthcare associated infections in the US, the expert panel urged the CDC to act on an unchecked contamination risk implicating the most leveraged medical instrument in the world, the stethoscope. US healthcare professionals utilize the stethoscope more than 5 billion times a year for immediate identification of heart, lung, and abdominal abnormalities, earning it the moniker "the clinician's third hand." This designation is apt as it also coveys the stethoscope's role as an equally potent vector, when compared to the hands, for pathogen transmission.

"The CDC appropriately focuses enormous attention on hand hygiene, yet they diminish the stethoscope as a non-critical surface for cleaning. Based on overwhelming data, this lack of priority directly undermines hand hygiene efforts and must be changed," said Alpesh Amin, MD, MBA, MACD, SFHM, FACP, FRCP, one of the stethoscope hygiene experts in the CDC call to action. "This gap in our patient safety initiatives will continue to plague infection control protocols until the CDC acknowledges that hygiene for our third hand is as important as it is for our own two hands."

Cynthia Cadwell, NP, CPHQ, a patient safety nurse and member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, is a co-author of this CDC call to action publication. "As caregivers we are dedicated to protecting our patients, but we look to the CDC for guidelines and recommendations," Cadwell stated. "Today's innovations are superior to decades-old methods and will not only better protect our patients, but also work instantly, giving us more time to provide patient care. We turn to the CDC for direction, but they have yet to update guidance on this critical issue," Cadwell concluded.

The expert panel published their CDC call to action initiative in the respected medical journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. The article references a wealth of recent data that reveals alarming rates of stethoscope contamination in hospitals and clinics around the country. Among recent innovations, the expert panel referenced clinical studies featuring the new DiskCover System from AseptiScope.

"The DiskCover System applies aseptic disk covers to any stethoscope. This robust barrier shields the patient from any harmful bacteria and yet is acoustically invisible, which means we can evaluate our patients with no sound interference whatsoever. It is a proven solution to deal with this problem and we need the CDC to know these innovations exist," stated Sarathi Kalra, MD, MPH, a clinical investigator and expert who assessed acoustic performance of stethoscopes with disk covers and compared them to similar stethoscopes and disposable stethoscopes without disk covers.

The DiskCover System (www.diskcover.com), the flagship product from AseptiScope, is the first and only touch-free stethoscope barrier dispensing system. The System dispenses single-use aseptic disk covers to protect patients from exposure to harmful pathogens and contaminants on the stethoscope diaphragm. The compact System, designed to be mounted close to the point of care, applies individual disk covers instantly, minimizing workflow disruption while encouraging clinician compliance.

"It is exciting to know that healthcare experts recognize the magnitude of the stethoscope contamination challenge. We are excited to bring forward an innovation that resolves the problem while giving our healthcare providers more time for patients," commented Scott Mader, AseptiScope founder and CEO.

About AseptiScope Inc.

AseptiScope is a privately funded San Diego, California based, clinical innovation company formed in 2016. The organization is founded and led by clinical innovation experts, leading medical researchers and practicing physicians. The AseptiScope mission is to design, develop, manufacture, and commercialize novel solutions that ensure "Infection Protection for Clinician & Patient." The company is introducing the first true solution for the longstanding challenge of stethoscope contamination: The DiskCover System. Visit www.diskcover.com for more information.

AseptiScope, Clean Cassette, and related logos are registered trademarks of AseptiScope, Inc. DiskCover and related logos are trademarks of AseptiScope, Inc.

Media Contact, AseptiScope:

AseptiScope Inc.

Irene Mulonni

[email protected]

858.859.7001

SOURCE AseptiScope, Inc.

Related Links

https://diskcover.com


THUNDER BAY, ON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Clean Air Metals Inc. ("Clean Air Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV: AIR) (OTCQB: CLRMF) (FRA: CKU) is pleased to announce new assay results (Table 1 and Figure 1) from a series of "in-between" holes in the ongoing drill campaign at the Escape Conduit Trend currently underway with two drills at the Company's Thunder Bay North Project (the "Project"). A total of 30,000m of systematic delineation drilling connecting the Escape South and Steepledge South resource areas is planned for the Escape Lake Deposit in 2021.

Highlights (Table 1) include:

Hole ELR21-049 intersected 31.0m of 0.96/t Palladium (Pd), 0.81g/t Platinum (Pt), 0.36% Copper (Cu) and 0.21% Nickel (Ni) from 304.0m  335.0m downhole located between the Escape South High Grade Zone and the Steepledge North Zone.

from  downhole located between the Escape South High Grade Zone and the Steepledge North Zone. Hole ELR21-051 intersected 7.7m of 1.61g/t Palladium (Pd), 1.30g/t Platinum (Pt), 0.59% Copper (Cu) and 0.38% Nickel (Ni) from 350.2m  357.83m downhole located between the Escape South High Grade Zone and the Steepledge North Zone.

from  downhole located between the Escape South High Grade Zone and the Steepledge North Zone. Hole ELR21-052 intersected 4.0m of 1.29g/t Palladium (Pd), 1.14g/t Platinum (Pt), 0.49% Copper (Cu) and 0.25% Nickel (Ni) from 346.0m  350.0m downhole located between the Escape South High Grade Zone and the Steepledge North Zone.

The fertility of the Escape Lake magma conduit deposit is well illustrated by the maiden mineral resource update, reported on January 20, 2021. The Escape Lake Deposit has an overall Indicated mineral resource of 505,369 ounces at 3.67g/t PdEq in 4,286,220 tonnes and is geologically open along trend between the Escape South and the Steepledge South resource areas.

The Current Lake Deposit in turn has an Indicated mineral resource of 1,328,789 oz PdEq at an average grade of 3.44 g/t PdEq in 11,999,177 tonnes. Mineral resource estimates for both deposits are reported pursuant to the January 20, 2021 NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Thunder Bay North Project, Thunder Bay, Ontario, prepared by Nordmin Engineering Ltd. with QP Glen Kuntz, P.Geo, as posted to SEDAR on March 4, 2021.

Work also continues on drilling massive sulphide targets recently announced on April 21, 2021 (Figure 2). Based on the recent resource update and discovery of massive sulphides in the Escape Lake Deposit with Norilsk metal ratios and the completion of a structural analysis and MT geophysical surveys, the Company has committed to a substantial ramp up of drilling exploration investment on promising ultra-low resistivity targets at the base of both the Escape Lake and Current Lake magma conduit deposit systems.

Abraham Drost, CEO of Clean Air Metals stated that "the latest assays are reported in line with the Company's policy of reporting regular assay updates. We are happy to report that all holes intersected mineralization and are expected to add materially to a future mineral resource update at the Escape Lake deposit."

Table 1:New Assay Results Update - Escape Conduit Trend, Thunder Bay North



Hole ID Company From, m To, m Length, m Pt+Pd (g/t) Cu+Ni (%) Pt (g/t) Pd (g/t) Cu (%) Ni (%) ELR21-042 AIR 253.0 255.0 2.0 1.04 0.31 0.49 0.55 0.14 0.17 ELR21-042 AIR 268.2 274.0 5.8 1.94 0.50 0.92 1.02 0.32 0.18 ELR21-047 AIR 174.9 177.7 2.8 1.03 0.14 0.50 0.53 0.09 0.05 ELR21-047 AIR 341.8 346.5 4.7 1.99 0.65 0.90 1.08 0.39 0.26 ELR21-047 AIR 353.8 357.6 3.8 1.89 0.58 0.91 0.98 0.38 0.21 ELR21-049 AIR 304.0 335.0 31.0 1.77 0.57 0.81 0.96 0.36 0.21 ELR21-050 AIR 327.6 332.0 4.4 1.24 0.48 0.58 0.66 0.25 0.23 ELR21-050 AIR 339.6 347.3 7.7 1.60 0.48 0.74 0.86 0.27 0.21 ELR21-050 AIR 354.4 356.7 2.3 1.47 0.50 0.68 0.79 0.31 0.20 ELR21-051 AIR 350.2 357.8 7.7 2.91 0.97 1.30 1.61 0.59 0.38 ELR21-051 AIR 362.0 369.3 7.3 1.63 0.54 0.78 0.85 0.37 0.18 ELR21-051 AIR 171.2 172.7 1.5 1.76 0.19 0.85 0.92 0.12 0.07 ELR21-052 AIR 346.0 350.0 4.0 2.43 0.74 1.14 1.29 0.49 0.25 ELR21-054* AIR 342.0 346.6 4.6 1.49 0.48 0.69 0.80 0.31 0.17

Note:

1) All intercepts are estimated to be >95% of true width based on drill hole inclination

2) Mineralized intervals calculated at 1 ppm Pt+Pd cutoff

* Composite assay interval reported on a Rush basis

Please see the links below for Figure 1 and 2.

Figure 1: 2021 Drill Hole Intercepts in the Interpreted Escape Conduit Trend  Link (Click Here)

Figure 2: Massive Sulphide Target Areas at Thunder Bay North  Link (Click Here)

COVID Policy

Clean Air Metals has adopted COVID-19 avoidance and personal protection measures for its geological staff, drilling contractor and service suppliers. Personnel are required to maintain physical distance, use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), self-monitor and self-isolate or elect to work from home. Management had previously eliminated plans for a camp setup to service a planned diamond drill campaign on the Escape Lake Project. The Company is aware of Thunder Bay Health Unit guidelines that provide for "mandatory" self-isolation for returning overseas travel. The guidelines also "strongly recommend" self- monitoring and self-isolation as needed after travel into the Northwest region from other areas of the Province and interprovincially. Mineral Exploration and Development has been deemed an essential service in the Province of Ontario (http://www.netnewsledger.com/2020/03/23/ontario-covid-19-business-allowed-to-remain-open-list-march-23-2020/ ). The Company has procured the services of a locally staffed and serviced diamond drilling contractor to complete the diamond drilling program.

Qualified Person

Mr. Allan MacTavish, P.Geo. a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and VP, Project Manager of the Company, has reviewed and approved all technical information in this press release.

Social Engagement

Clean Air Metals Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Panoramic PGMs (Canada) Ltd. acknowledge that the Thunder Bay North Project is on the traditional territories of the Fort William First Nation, Red Rock First Nation and Biinjitiwabik Zaaging Anishinabek. The parties together are the Cooperating Participants in a Memorandum of Agreement dated January 9, 2021 and the issue of Warrants, reported January 28, 2021.

About Clean Air Metals Inc.

Clean Air Metals' flagship asset is the 100% owned, high grade Thunder Bay North Project, a platinum, palladium, copper, nickel project located near the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario and the Lac des Iles Mine owned by Impala Platinum. The Clean Air Metals project hosts the Current Lake deposit and magma conduit and the Company is actively exploring the Escape Lake deposit, a twin structure to the Current Lake deposit. Executive Chairman Jim Gallagher and CEO Abraham Drost lead an experienced team of geologists and engineers who are using the Norilsk magma conduit stratigraphic and mineral deposit model to guide ongoing exploration and development studies. As the former CEO of North American Palladium Ltd. which owned the Lac des Iles Mine prior to the sale to Impala Platinum in December 2019, Jim Gallagher and team are credited with the mine turnaround and creation of significant value for shareholders.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Abraham Drost"

Abraham Drost, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Air Metals Inc.

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.

Cautionary Note

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including statements regarding the potential of the Thunder Bay North Project and the Escape Lake and Current Lake deposits and timing of technical studies and mineral resource estimates. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projection.

SOURCE Clean Air Metals Inc.

Related Links

https://www.cleanairmetals.ca/


BALTIMORE, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

NEWS

Engagements by Topic (2020) Rob Sharps Donna Anderson A Continuum of Corporate Action on DEI Maria Drew

The landscape for global corporations and their role in environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters experienced a tectonic shift in 2020 that will likely reverberate for decades to come. The deadliest global pandemic in a century, accelerating evidence of a warming planet, and a backlash against systemic racial and income inequality pressured corporations and society at large to acknowledge and act upon these and other ESG-related challenges.

In its third ESG Annual Report, T. Rowe Price highlights a need for improved disclosure from corporations and asset managers on ESG issues. While regulators around the world are stepping up to fill the disclosure void, the firm urges more comprehensive, clear and globally aligned regulation. If different regulatory regimes are established in each country, ESG disclosure requirements for asset managers could become misaligned with those required of the underlying companies in their portfolios. Uneven levels of disclosure could ultimately distort the picture of a portfolio's ESG characteristics, the company notes.

T. Rowe Price guides its investee companies toward industry best practice disclosure standards and advocates alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)both globally recognized frameworks that emphasize financial materiality. T. Rowe Price also actively encourages investee companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions (including material scope 3 emissions) and diversity data as a matter of best practice.

The firm believes that to combat climate change, a fundamental shift is needed in the relationship between the economy and the environment. While financial markets and industry participants are well positioned to play a leading role, regulation needs to be implemented globally to make meaningful progress. The firm is an active participant in industry efforts with regulators around the world to develop useful, decision-relevant ESG disclosure rules.

While markets have anticipated the impact of some climate change legislation, namely in select sectors directly impacted by the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, the firm does not yet see widespread evidence that the potential impact is being recognized across the broader economy. However, as new regulations and legislation come into effect around the world, T. Rowe Price expects that the link between a company's financial performance and its record on climate change will grow increasingly stronger across the global economy.

T. Rowe Price ESG Investment Capabilities

In 2020, T. Rowe Price focused on the continued expansion of its ESG investment capabilities and the improvement of ESG data integrity, both for its investee companies and the firm itself. The firm expanded its dedicated ESG research team, which now comprises 17 investment professionals, and the technology and operations teams that support them.

T. Rowe Price continued to integrate ESG into its fundamental research platform. The company's proprietary Responsible Investing Indicator Model (RIIM) provides ESG-related data on measures such as carbon footprint, board and employee diversity, and product sustainability to portfolio managers and analysts on their desktops and mobile devices. The RIIM model now covers approximately 15,000 companies (equity and fixed income) and 200 sovereign debt issuers. Last year, the firm extended its RIIM analysis to include municipal and securitized bond issuers. T. Rowe Price investment professionals use this data to inform their investment theses, security ratings, proxy voting decisions, company engagements, and more.

In January 2020, the firm launched its socially responsible funds range in Europe and early this year extended the range with a responsible equity fund for UK clients. These products allow clients to exclude certain investments from their portfolios. In March 2021, the firm introduced its first impact strategy in the U.S., allowing investors to pursue both financial gain as well as their environmental and social equity goals. Over time, the firm expects to introduce more investment choices like this one around the world in various vehicles appropriate for clients in each region.

Despite the pandemic and its travel restrictions, the firm conducted more than 1,000 company meetings focused on ESG issues, an increase of more than 50% over the prior year's 656 meetings.

As shown in the chart, the top topics discussed included disclosure of environmental and social data, diversity of employee base and boards of directors, greenhouse gas emissions, product sustainability, and treatment of employees.

Quotes

Rob Sharps, T. Rowe Price President, Head of Investments, and Group Chief Investment Officer

"The year 2020 was another dynamic one on the ESG front for T. Rowe Price. Continued expansion of our ESG investment capabilities and a focus on improving ESG data integrity were our principal objectives. We remain committed to working with our investee companies to improve the quantity and quality of ESG data for our research and analysis, helping to pursue better long-term investment decision-making for our clients. We are also committed to providing transparency on our own strategies' investment objectives and their ESG characteristics."

Donna Anderson, T. Rowe Price Head of Corporate Governance

"Our longstanding focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) was amplified following the global wave of protests and activism against systemic racial inequality. For many companies in our portfolios, DEI suddenly rose to the top of managements' priority lists due to a strong mandate from their employees to accelerate the pace of progress."

"Disclosure levels by companies around DEI issues as of the end of 2019 were not impressive. Even for the S&P U.S. equity universe, the level of disclosure on gender diversity in management and among the broader workforce was just 38% and 62%, respectively. Data availability for ethnic diversity fared even worse at just 12% and 24%, respectively. Encouragingly, we think the trends are improving

as dozens of larger U.S. companies have already agreed to accommodate investors' demands for more detailed diversity information."

Maria Drew, T. Rowe Price Director of Research, Responsible Investing

"The impact of climate changes presents a systemic investment risk, making the importance of an investment's environmental footprint more critical than ever before. There has been a long-standing mismatch between policy and science when it comes to climate change, but over the past 12 months we have started to see a meaningful movement to close that gap."

"The pandemic has been a high-impact way for world leaders and society in general to understand how intertwined economic outcomes are with the prosperity of the planet and the people on it. In the years leading up the pandemic, ESG investing had already experienced a remarkable rise with its critics often putting it at odds with financial objectives. It is interesting that the onset of one of the most economically disruptive events in history has acted as a new catalyst for considering environmental, social and governance factors in the investment process."

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE

Founded in 1937, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., is a global investment management organization with $1.59 trillion in assets under management as of Apr. 30, 2021. The organization provides a broad array of commingled funds, subadvisory services, separate account management, and related services for advisors, institutions, financial intermediaries, and retirement plan sponsors. The company also offers sophisticated investment planning and guidance tools. T. Rowe Price's disciplined, risk-aware investment approach focuses on diversification, style consistency, and fundamental research. For more information, visit troweprice.com.

 2021 T. Rowe Price. All Rights Reserved, T. ROWE PRICE, INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE, and the Bighorn Sheep design are, collectively and/or apart, trademarks of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

SOURCE T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

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NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The most populous boroughs in New York City, Queens and Brooklyn, likely served as the major hub of COVID-19 spread in the spring of 2020, a new study finds.

Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the new investigation analyzed over 800 coronavirus genetic samples to trace the path of the virus as it traveled across New York City during the pandemic's deadly first wave. It identified Queens and, to a lesser extent, Brooklyn as the likely origin point of most cases sampled, with more cases circulating within their borders and spreading from these parts of the city into Manhattan and the outer boroughs than in the other direction.

"Our findings appear to confirm Queens' role as the early epicenter of coronavirus transmission throughout the rest of the New York metropolitan area," says study co-senior author Ralf Duerr, MD, PhD. "Now that we understand how viral outbreaks can spread between neighborhoods, we can better plan for future contagions and prioritize testing in the most vulnerable areas."

Duerr, a research assistant professor in the Department of Pathology at NYU Langone Health, notes that if a disease that transmits similarly to the coronavirus strikes New York again, it could likely follow the same basic path through the region.

Although more research is needed to identify the underlying reasons behind the spread, the study researchers suspect that commuting likely played a key role. Duerr notes that 35 percent of Queens and Brooklyn workers travel daily to Manhattan by car, subway, and bus. In addition, both of the city's main airports, LaGuardia and J.F.K., are located in Queens. That Black and Hispanic Americans, who were hit particularly hard by the pandemic, disproportionally use public transportation and live in these two boroughs may have been another possible factor, says Duerr.

Past studies revealed that the coronavirus first took root in New York in late February 2020, with more than a hundred separate outbreak sources bursting into chains of infection rather than from a single "patient zero." However, the dynamics of viral spread within and between individual boroughs had remained unclear.

The new study, publishing May 20 in the journal PLOS Pathogens, was designed to precisely track the dispersal of the coronavirus within the five New York City boroughs and Long Island during the first wave of the pandemic, according to Duerr.

In gene sequencing, researchers compare small snips of genetic code to identify mutations that are only found in a particular strain of the virus. These "flags," researchers say, can then be used to map when and where the strains had spread over time, similarly to tests used to trace ancestry in people. Experts have previously used this technique to follow outbreaks of influenza, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Ebola, among other epidemics.

For the new investigation, the researchers analyzed viral genetic information gathered from hundreds of nasal swabs. Samples were taken from men and women who had tested positive for COVID-19 in New York City and Long Island from March to May of 2020. Using the different mutation flags, the date the samples were collected, and patient ZIP codes, the study investigators created computer simulations that traced the virus' path through the region. The research was carried out in the Genome Technology Center at NYU Langone.

They found that eight out of 10 simulations pointed to Queens as the major hub of viral spread in the first wave of infection. Meanwhile, the other two simulations identified Brooklyn and the Bronx respectively as the pandemic epicenter, which the study authors say suggests that these two boroughs played important, albeit smaller, roles in viral transmission throughout the city.

Past research has relied on hospitalization data to infer how the outbreak traveled. The new findings, the study authors say, provide a more direct map of the infections' movement.

"These gene sequencing and computer modeling techniques can be used by any community looking to track how a virus might spread when mass testing and contact tracing are in limited supply," says study co-senior author Adriana Heguy, PhD.

Heguy, a professor in the Department of Pathology at NYU Langone, encourages other public health officials in the US and abroad to use these methods to map how the pandemic spread in their cities as well.

She says the research team next plans to apply the methods used in the investigation to study coronavirus spread during the second wave of the pandemic in New York City.

Funding for the study was provided by National Institutes of Health grants U01 Al152151 and R01 AI122953. Additional research support came from the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique the Research Foundation  Flanders, and the Internal Funds KU Leuven in Belgium. The South African Medical Research Council provided further support.

In addition to Duerr and Heguy, other NYU Langone researchers included Matthew Maurano, PhD; Sitharam Ramaswami, PhD; Paul Zappile, MS; and Christian Marier, BSc. Other study coinvestigators were Simon Dellicour, PhD; Samuel Hong, BA; Bram Vrancken, PhD; Guy Baele, PhD; and Mandev Gill, PhD, at the University of Leuven in Belgium; Antoine Chaillon, MD, PhD, at the University of California San Diego; and Gordon Harkins, PhD, at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa.

Media Inquiries

Shira Polan

212-404-4279

[email protected]

SOURCE NYU Langone Health

Related Links

http://www.med.nyu.edu


FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Covalent Properties, the leading middle-Tennessee provider of science-specific real estate services has secured a 3,792 square foot lease for Verici Dx, a developer of advanced clinical diagnostics for organ transplant. The space is intended to house its upcoming CLIA-certified lab space as it prepares to launch two major products through an accelerated pipeline later this year.

The company's expansion into Franklin signals a strong belief in the area's ability to provide both an available workforce and the necessary infrastructure to deliver a successful clinical environment. "We picked Franklin as the host for our expansion because it has a number of critical site elements we're looking for," says Dave Schultenover, VP Quality and Regulatory Affairs. "As we develop our clinical and lab presence, we expect Cool Springs and the surrounding areas to help us thrive." The company is already occupying space and expects the full lab facility to be operational by August.

The Verici Dx lease was the second major signing for Covalent Properties in 2021, as they previously secured space for Dr. Sam Lynch's Lynch Biologics team, who took over 4,521 square feet in June 2020 previously occupied by Wright Medical. Together, the Lynch Biologics and Verici Dx deals represent a significant and steady trend of growth. "The Innovation Park project is an exciting one," says Dr. Eric Elmquist, founder and principal broker for Covalent, "But it's not just this particular address that's booming. It's the entire middle-Tennessee region. Cool Springs, Franklin, Nashville and beyond are quickly becoming a hotbed for innovation. We've seen companies like Oracle and Amazon come in, but we've also seen local innovation absolutely explode. And it's only going to continue."

Innovation Park is a 10-acre campus dedicated to fostering startups or established companies. Current tenants include Vanderbilt University, Stryker, Summit BHC, and Mazzetti + GBA, with outparcels still available.

Covalent Properties sits at the intersection of people and places, delivering commercial and residential real estate services for middle Tennessee.

Verici Dx is developing and commercializing tests to understand how a patient will and is responding to organ transplant, with an initial focus on kidney transplants.

For inquiries, contact: Covalent Properties www.covalentproperties.com; Dr. Eric Elmquist Tel: 615.236.9099

Verici Dx www.vericidx.com; Via Walbrook PR Tel: 020 7933 8780

Media contact: Alpha/Echo Agency www.alphaechoagency.com; Jasmine Rochelle [email protected]

SOURCE Covalent Properties
CALGARY, AB, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Crescent Point Energy Corp. ("Crescent Point" or the "Company") (TSX: CPG) (NYSE: CPG) held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("the meeting") on May 20, 2021.

During the regular business proceedings at the meeting, shareholders elected all director nominees to the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") and approved all other items of business brought before the meeting. Voting results for all resolutions and advisory votes are below.

1. Fixing the Number of Directors

The appointment of ten Board members for the ensuing year was approved. Votes were received as follows:

Votes For Percent Against Percent 212,680,720 98.87% 2,440,258 1.13%

2. Election of Directors

The ten director nominees were elected. Votes were received as follows:

Nominee Votes For Percent Withheld Percent Barbara Munroe 211,459,181 98.30% 3,661,797 1.70% Craig Bryksa 212,927,371 98.98% 2,193,608 1.02% Laura A. Cillis 211,044,169 98.10% 4,076,809 1.90% James E. Craddock 208,834,615 97.08% 6,286,364 2.92% John P. Dielwart 211,829,019 98.47% 3,291,959 1.53% Ted Goldthorpe 177,983,216 82.74% 37,137,763 17.26% Mike Jackson 208,188,864 96.78% 6,932,115 3.22% Jennifer F. Koury 211,070,750 98.12% 4,050,228 1.88% Francois Langlois 208,874,818 97.10% 6,246,160 2.90% Myron M. Stadnyk 211,901,669 98.50% 3,219,310 1.50%

3. Appointment of Auditors

The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Crescent Point's auditor was approved. Votes were received as follows:

Votes For Percent Withheld Percent 225,412,433 98.86% 2,599,031 1.14%

4. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

The advisory vote to accept the Company's approach to executive compensation was supported by shareholders. Votes were received as follows:

Votes For Percent Against Percent 201,013,482 93.44% 14,107,498 6.56%

The biographies of Crescent Point's Board members, details about its environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices and a recorded webcast from the meeting earlier today are available on www.crescentpointenergy.com. The full terms of each resolution voted on at the meeting can be found in the Company's latest information circular, which is also available on Crescent Point's website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CRESCENT POINT ENERGY, PLEASE CONTACT:

Brad Borggard, Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning and Capital Markets, or

Shant Madian, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Telephone: (403) 693-0020 Toll-free (US and Canada): 888-693-0020 Fax: (403) 693-0070

Address: Crescent Point Energy Corp. Suite 2000, 585 - 8th Avenue S.W. Calgary AB T2P 1G1

www.crescentpointenergy.com

Crescent Point shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CPG

SOURCE Crescent Point Energy Corp.

Related Links

http://www.crescentpointenergy.com


IRVING, Texas, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) today announced that its Rousselot brand, the global leader of collagen-based solutions, expands its range of purified, pharmaceutical grade, modified gelatins with the launch of X-Pure GelDAT  Gelatin Desaminotyrosine. Created in response to customer's demand to overcome the barriers encountered in clinical translation, this is the first, readily available biomaterial of its kind. X-Pure GelDAT offers guaranteed purity and consistency at scale, vital to the successful development of biomedical applications used in the human body.

X-Pure GelDAT - A powerful alternative to GelTYR

Until now, one of the go-to products for researchers requiring a biomaterial more adhesive than GelMA - Gelatin Methacryloyl, was GelTYR - Gelatin Tyramine. However, GelTYR has several limitations, most notably its irreproducibility and the lack of a scalable production process. The chemical reactions required to make GelTYR lead to uncontrollable side reactions, which can significantly delay product development and negatively impact the likelihood of success.

Dr. Jeff Daelman, Business Development Manager at Rousselot Biomedical said, "Based on our extensive experience and scientific expertise in modified gelatins, we created a versatile, effective and scalable alternative to GelTYR. Rousselot Biomedical delivered a tailored X-Pure GelDAT solution, from customer's initial briefing into pre-clinical trials in less than a year!"

Customization and consistency

Rousselot's proprietary, scalable process means products with customized functionalities can be produced in a standardized, purified, traceable and consistent manner. Rousselot offers the best of both worlds: a customized yet consistent product on which both researchers and large pharmaceutical manufacturers can rely.

"Rousselot's X-Pure GelDAT's research grade is functionally equivalent to the GMP grade material, so researchers have less risk of having to re-validate their biomaterial prior to clinical trials. Compromising on quality in early research can also cause significant scale-up issues and delays in preparation for clinical trials. X-Pure GelDAT can be used throughout every development phase," said Dr. Daelman.

Unique adhesive properties for a range of specific biomedical applications

New X-Pure GelDAT is a unique addition to the Rousselot portfolio because of its phenolic modification that grants superior adhesion properties to human tissues and because it can be cross-linked by both enzymatic reaction or photo-induction. These characteristics allow its combination with other biomaterials for the creation of more versatile and complex structures for drug delivery, tissue engineering, organ-on-a-chip and complex wound dressing applications

Dr. Daelman concluded, "This is an exciting time for the biomedical sector as highly purified and reliable gelatin-based materials unlock the potential for new innovations. We are excited to collaborate with customers and to jointly develop new gelatin-based solutions, that have a positive impact in these promising fields of research. We will be sharing more insights and information during this year's BIO Digital 2021."

About Rousselot Biomedical

To learn more about X-Pure, and for partnership enquiries, please contact the Rousselot Biomedical team here.

As the most recent strategic segment within Rousselot, a world leading manufacturer of collagen-based solutions, we have drawn upon 130 years of worldwide expertise and proven track record of pharmaceutical gelatins and collagens to develop X-Pure, an innovative range of purified (modified) gelatins and collagens. Offering unique advantages to assure performance, quality and safety, X-Pure is backed by strong scientific data and on-going research. Rousselot Biomedical is committed to engineer, accelerate and scale superior products helping transform ideas into biomedical solutions around the world using our scientific expertise and collaborative approach to support end-to-end partnerships and to advance medical science. For more information please visit: www.rousselot.com/biomedical

About Darling

Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) is a world leading producer of organic ingredients, generating a wide array of sustainable protein and fat products while being one of the largest producers of renewable clean energy. With operations on five continents, Darling collects waste streams from the agri-food industry, repurposing into specialty ingredients, such as hydrolyzed collagen, edible and feed-grade fats, animal proteins and meals, plasma, pet food ingredients, fuel feedstocks, and green bioenergy. Darling Ingredients named one of the 50 Sustainability and Climate Leaders in 2021, to learn more Darling Ingredients: The greenest Company on the planet - 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders (50climateleaders.com) . The Company sells its ingredients around the globe and works to strengthen our promise for a better tomorrow, creating product applications for health, nutrients and bioenergy while optimizing our services to the food chain. Darling is a 50% joint venture partner in Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), North America's largest renewable diesel manufacturer, currently producing approximately 290 million gallons of renewable diesel annually which products reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil fuels. For additional information, visit the Company's website at http://www.darlingii.com.

For more information, contact:

Rousselot Biomedical

Catarina Da Silva

Science Communication Manager

[e] [email protected]

Sciad Communications

Emma Pickup

[e] [email protected]

Investor Relations

Jim Stark

VP, Investor Relations

[e] [email protected]

SOURCE Darling Ingredients Inc.

Related Links

http://www.darlingii.com


Civic activists to assist Russian media watchdog in fighting cyberbullying, online fraud

 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov

17:50 19/05/2021

MOSCOW, May 19 (RAPSI)  The Public Council at the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) has committed to help the body in the fight against cyberbullying and online fraud, the press service of the Russian Civic Chamber reports.

The first meeting of the Public Council at Roskomnadzor has been hosted by the Civic Chamber; Svetlana Balanova, the National Media Group CEO, has been elected as the head of the Council. Among the main tasks of the body, according to the newly elected chairman, are: strengthening the fight against extremist and other illegal content, online fraud, cyberbullying and targeted dissemination of false information.

The task of Roskomnadzor is to prevent all these threats, and the Council will provide any support to the service in settling these problems. On the other hand, the Council members understand that it is necessary to ensure freedom of citizens and to meet their needs, so the Council is to accomplish this task by protecting the rights and freedoms of people by exercising public control, Balanova said.

Vladislav Grib, Deputy Secretary of the Chamber, said that there was a big competition for seats in the Public Council at Roskomnadzor - about 7.5 people per seat.

The Public Council composed of the best professionals is to perform public control in one of the most important areas of modern society. In the age of information technology, when people spend half of their time in the blogosphere, the Public Council at Roskomnadzor will obviously influence the legal, political, and moral culture of the society and mentality, Grib said.

Rifat Sabitov, Chairman of the Chambers Commission for the Development of the Information Community, Media and Mass Communications, noted that many of the tasks of the Commission and the Public Council at the Ministry for Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media overlap with the work of Roskomnadzor. so he had already agreed about cooperation with the newly elected Chair of the Council.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Located at the entrance to Ft Lauderdale Beach, 2700 Mayan Drive, 33316, and within minutes from airport and seaport, The Church By The Sea invites you to conduct your wedding in their Church. The church is located within a mile of all major beachfront hotels. Whether your wedding is for 10 or for 300, we can host your event in our beautiful sanctuary, or outside on the waterfront deck.

The Church By The Sea The Church By The Sea

The Church By The Sea is a Christian Non-Denominational church. All are invited who choose to unite in matrimony without discrimination to race, color, or sexual preference. Whether you are heterosexual or part of the LGBTQ+ community, we welcome you at The Church By The Sea.

The Church By The Sea offers an onsite reception facility that is capable of serving up to 110 people with onsite parking. Beer, wine and champagne are allowed to be served in the reception facility. For those friends and family that may not be able to make it to your wedding, a state-of-the-art streaming service is offered that will allow your wedding to be shared online.

Contact wedding coordinator, Ms. Debbi Lee at 954-523-6472 or by email at [email protected]. Ms. Lee can arrange a tour of the Church or arrange a meeting with the pastor to discuss those special vows. Our music director is also available to help you plan for the perfect music for your wedding. Visit the website at http://www.thechurchbythesea.org

About The Church by the Sea

Established in 1953 and located at the entrance of Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida, The Church By the Sea is a Christian Non-Denominational church. The church welcomes everyone who seeks to honor, worship, and service the Lord Jesus Christ without discrimination to race, color, or sexual identity. For more information, please visit TheChurchByTheSea.org.

Media Contact:

Edd Helms

[email protected]

(954) 761-1331

SOURCE The Church By The Sea

Related Links

http://www.thechurchbythesea.org


NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- display, the social that pays, today announces phase two of its displayFest lineup packed with a final two weeks of celebrity performances, interactive game shows and up to $2 million in cash prize giveaways. Since the beginning of May, the virtual concert series has taken off bringing the app to more than 2 million users. The A-list roster continues into the 3rd and 4th week of the 30-day app launch event, featuring exclusive live performances from world famous Saweetie, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross as well as Lil Pump, Neek Bucks and other chart-topping artists.

To tune into displayFest, user can open their display app daily from 6-10pm ET and select the displayTV icon in the top left corner. All content is free to enjoy. Each weeknight, Sarah Pribis, former host of viral trivia app HQ, will lead interactive question and answer style games with real cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to as much as $100,000. Throughout displayFest, users can win up to $2 million in cash prizes.

Full concert lineup through 5/28 to include:

Saweetie, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Kaskade, Lil Pump, Neek Bucks, Ray J, Rich The Kid, YBN Nahmir, YG, Ice Cube, Miguel, Chinese Kitty, CJ, EST Gee, Fredo, Lil Durk, Moneybagg Yo, Cordae, Bam Marley, B Real, The Palms, Rahky, Pink Sweats, Cochise, Big Boy's Funny Motherfruckas

In addition to the concert series, display is announcing the official return of iconic dance brand 'World of Dance,' with an exclusive five-episode dance showcase airing nightly in app from May 24th - 28th. The performances will include some of the world's most recognized dance acts. This collaboration will create a platform for music to be seen, heard, and experienced across digital media, while in-person events are only beginning to resurface. The powerful combination of World of Dance and display will drive music in a way that no other company or brand has been able to achieve.

"We're excited to announce the headliners for displayFest and host the return of 'World of Dance' in celebration of the launch of our platform. It's been incredible to see the support of our user base and the enthusiasm around each week's events and exclusive performances as they've come to life," said Greg Fell, chief executive officer at display. "Now, we officially welcome the world to join display and share content with our community. Our team is dedicated to shifting the social media ecosystem and ensuring creators are fairly compensated for their content."

display recently rebranded to reflect its value to the global social ecosystem and demonstrate that the platform exists to put creators and their content on display. Highlighting the impact of its highly disruptive business model, sharing all ad revenue 50/50 with creators, display is looking to the future as it continues to recognize the talent and passion of some of the industry's top talent.

For more information, visit displaysocial.com or download the display social app through Apple's App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices.

About display

display (formerly Tsu), headquartered and developed in Norwalk, Connecticut, is a private, venture-backed, social commerce platform. display believes creators should be rewarded for quality content, unlike other platforms that share nothing. When advertisers pay display, the content creators on display earn up to a 50% award payout rate on ad revenue generated from their content. display also provides a marketplace for creators to easily sell products, which provides up to a 50% award payout rate from the affiliate commissions for eligible products sold in their display stores. The awards users earn from ad revenue and affiliate commission are added to their display award bank account every day.

SOURCE display
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace and world-renowned ethologist and conservationist, whose groundbreaking discoveries changed humanity's understanding of its role in the natural world, was announced today as the winner of the 2021 Templeton Prize. The Templeton Prize, valued at over $1.5 million, is one of the world's largest annual individual awards. Established by the late global investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton, it is given to honor those who harness the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankind's place and purpose within it. Unlike Goodall's past accolades, the Templeton Prize specifically celebrates her scientific and spiritual curiosity. The Prize rewards her unrelenting effort to connect humanity to a greater purpose and is the largest single award that Dr. Goodall has ever received.

"We are delighted and honored to award Dr. Jane Goodall this year, as her achievements go beyond the traditional parameters of scientific research to define our perception of what it means to be human," said Heather Templeton Dill, president of the John Templeton Foundation. "Her discoveries have profoundly altered the world's view of animal intelligence and enriched our understanding of humanity in a way that is both humbling and exalting. Ultimately, her work exemplifies the kind of humility, spiritual curiosity, and discovery that my grandfather, John Templeton, wrote and spoke about during his life."

Dr. Goodall has caused a revolution in how scientists and the public perceive the mental, emotional, and social complexity of animals, regarding them as extensions of ourselves. She proved that they have individual personality, forethought, and complex societies, much like human beings. Raised Christian, she developed her own sense of spirituality in the forests of Tanzania, and has described her interactions with chimpanzees as reflecting the divine intelligence she believes lies at the heart of nature. Most importantly, throughout her career, Dr. Goodall has championed the value of all life forms on Earth, changing both scientific practice and the culture at large.

"I have learned more about the two sides of human nature, and I am convinced that there are more good than bad people," said Dr. Jane Goodall, in her acceptance statement for the Templeton Prize. "There are so many tackling seemingly impossible tasks and succeeding. Only when head and heart work in harmony can we attain our true human potential."

"I can identify closely with the motto that Sir John Templeton chose for his foundation, How little we know, how eager to learn, and I am eternally thankful that my curiosity and desire to learn is as strong as it was when I was a child," she added. "I understand that the deep mysteries of life are forever beyond scientific knowledge and 'now we see through a glass darkly; then face to face.'"

As the 2021 Templeton Prize laureate, Dr. Goodall filmed a reflection on her spiritual perspectives and aspirations for the world and an interview with Heather Templeton Dill to announce her award. She will participate in the 2021 Templeton Prize Lectures in the fall.

Dr. Jane Goodall's legacy extends beyond her research. As a conservationist, humanitarian and advocate for the ethical treatment of animals, she is a global force for compassion, and an icon to millions around the world. Despite being grounded by the pandemic, her influence and popularity have grown with her virtual participation in events and lectures around the world. Since March 2020, Dr. Goodall has spoken to thousands of people in more than 150 countries, launched a podcast, The Hopecast , from her attic studio in England, and at the age of 87 is reaching millions of people through social media.

Goodall is the first ethologist and the fourth woman to receive the Templeton Prize since its inception in 1972. The Templeton Prize winner is selected following an extensive selection process that mobilizes an anonymous group of expert nominators from a diverse cross-section of fields, followed by a rigorous ranking process through a panel of judges, who have included royals, former presidents, scientists, and religious leaders. Judges rank nominees according to a range of criteria before scores are calculated for a winner.

Under the leadership of Heather Templeton Dill, in 2020 the Templeton Prize updated its nomination process to produce a more diverse candidate pool for its award. Such steps included encouraging the nominations of women, increasing the number of female nominators and judges to more than half, and making a priority of recruiting diverse backgrounds and experiences in the nomination and selection process.

Goodall joins a list of 50 Prize recipients including St. Teresa of Kolkata (the inaugural award in 1973), the Dalai Lama (2012), and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2013). Last year's Templeton Prize went to geneticist and physician Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health and leader of the Human Genome Project, for his demonstration of how religious faith can motivate and inspire rigorous scientific research. Other scientists who have won the Prize include Martin Rees (2011), John Barrow (2006), George Ellis (2004), Freeman Dyson (2000), and Paul Davies (1995).

About the Templeton Prize

Established in 1972, the Templeton Prize is one of the world's largest annual individual awards. It is given to honor individuals whose exemplary achievements advance Sir John Templeton's philanthropic vision: harnessing the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankind's place and purpose within it. Currently valued at 1.1 million British pounds, the award is adjusted periodically so it always exceeds the value of the Nobel Prize. Winners have come from all faiths and geographies, and have included Nobel Prize winners, philosophers, theoretical physicists, and one canonized saint. The Templeton Prize is awarded by the three Templeton philanthropies: the John Templeton Foundation, based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and Templeton Religion Trust, based in Nassau, The Bahamas. To learn more, visit TempletonPrize.org

About the Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute is a global community-centered conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. By protecting chimpanzees and other great apes through collaboration with local communities, best in class animal welfare standards and the innovative use of science and technology, we improve the lives of people, other animals and the natural world we all share. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Goodall, JGI inspires hope through collective action, and is growing the next generation of compassionate changemakers through our Roots & Shoots youth program, now active in over 50 countries around the world. To learn more, visit JaneGoodall.org

SOURCE John Templeton Foundation

Related Links

http://www.templetonprize.org


PRINCETON, N.J. and SHANGHAI and SUZHOU, China, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duality Biologics (DualityBio or Company), an innovative biotech company, announced the completion of $90 million series B financing today. This round of financing was led by Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV) and jointly invested by YUNION Healthcare Fund, Huagai Capital, NRL Capital, Green Pine Capital Partners, and Oriza Holdings, etc. Series A investor WuXi Biologics (2269.HK) continued to increase its stake in this round to accelerate DualityBio's R&D progress leveraging its premier-quality integrated technology platforms. DualityBio has raised more than $120 million since its establishment in January 2020. Major investors in the previous round include King Star Capital, WuXi Biologics, 6 Dimensions Capital, and other investment institutions. The funds raised in this round will be mainly used for conducting preclinical research, clinical trials, and expanding pipeline through strategic in-licensing, out-licensing and research collaborations globally.

Develop Novel Modality Drug to Meet Unmet Medical Needs

Focusing on the field of oncology and autoimmune diseases, DualityBio has developed a novel internal pipeline of nearly 10 Best-in-Class and First-in-Class bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) drugs, to fulfill the unmet medical needs for patients worldwide. The company has successfully developed the next-generation ADC platform with global intellectual property rights. The value of the platform has been fully validated with several drug candidates under preclinical development. DualityBio will continue to expand and enrich its novel modality drug platforms through internal R&D and external collaborations. The company has built up a strong and highly experienced international team with proven track record in preclinical research, clinical development, and global business development.

Dr. John Zhu, founder and CEO of DualityBio said: "I am very grateful for the recognition and strong support from the top investors in the industry, and I appreciate very much our highly productive team for their unremitting efforts. The booming of biotechnology makes it possible to develop novel modality drugs, which is not only an opportunity but also our mission. The unmet needs of patients demand new therapeutic solutions. DualityBio is committed to be the leader of novel modality drug developers, and we will continue to develop innovative and breakthrough therapies, to live up to patients' expectations."

"We hold strong conviction of innovative therapeutics for oncology and autoimmune diseases, which offer huge market potential and fulfill the unmet medical needs worldwide. Companies with truly exceptional capabilities in innovation and globalization will stand out, and DualityBio is clearly one of such companies." Dr. Yi Shi, the Founding Managing Partner of LAV, commented, "As a veteran of more than 20 years in the industry, John has both rich industry experience and great acuity for investment. He has successfully established and incubated a number of biotech companies. Within just over one year, DualityBio has not only established a world-class team with deep industry insights and excellent execution capabilities, but also forged a globally competitive drug development platform with a very strong pipeline. LAV will offer sustained support for DualityBio to become a global leader in the industry!"

Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, said: "ADC has emerged as an exciting therapeutic modality which attracts increasing investment from pharmaceuticals and ventures. WuXi Biologics has established the integrated technology platforms for ADC, which allows global partners to develop innovative biologics leveraging our extensive expertise and capacity. We are glad to enable DualityBio to expedite the ADC development with lower cost as they strive to build robust biologics pipeline."

Xianghong Lin, the Founding Partner of King Star Capital, remarked: "John is not only an excellent investor but also a company builder in the biotech industry. We have worked together and helped multiple biotech startups quickly attained their "0" to "1" transformations, and successfully listed as public companies on the capital market. As an investor in the early stage of DualityBio, we believe in John's proactive, innovative entrepreneurial spirit and rich industry experience, and will continue to support the company's future growth."

About Duality Biologics

"To Translate Novel Modality into Reality". Duality Biologics was founded in January 2020 by Dr. John Zhu, a well-respected investor in the healthcare industry. DualityBio is committed to developing novel modality drugs to fulfill the unmet medical needs for patients worldwide. Focusing on the oncology and autoimmune diseases, the company has built a novel internal pipeline including nearly 10 Best-in-Class and First-in-Class bispecific antibody and Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) drugs, of which several drug candidates are in the IND stage. The company has successfully built the next-generation ADC platform with global intellectual property rights. The value of this platform has been validated by a number of drug candidates under development.

The company has an international team located in China and the United States, with proven track record in the field of novel drug research, clinical development and global business development. The global clinical development team has led clinical trials for more than 50 oncology and immunology drugs, and facilitated the approval of five innovative drugs in China and the United States. The global business development team has led and executed more than 20 strategic global in-licensing, out-licensing and M&A collaboration deals, with a total valuation of more than $5 billion. DualityBio will continue to expand and deepen the existing pipeline and R&D platform, both through internal R&D effort and strategic external collaborations.

CONTACT US

[email protected]

About Lilly Asia Ventures

Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV) is a leading biomedical venture capital firm founded in 2008, with offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Menlo Park. LAV's vision is to become the trusted partner for exceptional entrepreneurs seeking smart capital and to build great companies developing breakthrough products that can treat diseases and improve human health.

About Wuxi Biologics

WuXi Biologics (stock code: 2269.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company, is a leading global open-access biologics technology platform offering end-to-end solutions to empower organizations to discover, develop, and manufacture biologics from concept to commercial manufacturing. The company's history and achievements demonstrate its commitment to providing a truly one-stop service offering and strong value proposition to its global clients.

As of March 22, 2021, there were a total of 361 integrated projects, including 190 projects in pre-clinical development stage, 137 projects in early-phase (phase I and II) clinical development, 32 projects in late-phase (phase III) development and 2 projects in commercial manufacturing. With total estimated capacity for biopharmaceutical production planned in China, Ireland, the U.S., Germany, and Singapore around 430,000 liters after 2024, WuXi Biologics will provide its biomanufacturing partners with a robust and premier-quality global supply chain network.

WuXi Biologics views Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) as an integral component of its ethos and business strategy and has established an ESG committee led by the CEO to increase the efficiency while advancing commitment to sustainability.

About King Star Capital

King Star Capital was established in 2017, as the USD investment vehicle of Kington Capital. Its core management team has been specializing in private equity and venture capital investment, and accumulated more than 20 years practicing experience in financing for the development of technology companies and industries, with abundant successful investment cases. The fund managed by King Star Capital is focused on investment in innovative bio-tech companies.

SOURCE Duality Biologics
MIAMI, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- eMed , a digital point-of-care company, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) partnered to distribute 1,000 free third-party verified COVID-19 Home Tests to students, teachers, and the community in Miami's Historic Overtown Community.

A community outreach event, attended by eMed Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Patrice Harris, Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho, and M-DCPS District 2 School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, was held today at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. M-DCPS Community Involvement Specialists received test kits of the BinaxNOW Home Test, provided by eMed, and will assist with making the kits available to families.

"eMed is honored to partner with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Historic Overtown Community, both of which share the same city we all call home  the Magic City of Miami," said Dr. Harris. "Helping communities in need attain greater access to rapid antigen testing is part of the solution we can all contribute to as we move forward and transition into a post-pandemic 'transformed normal'."

eMed's pioneering digital health platform offers a third-party guided and verified rapid COVID-19 Home Test with a validated result in minutes and automated reporting to public health authorities, providing critical data for population health management. The test is a reliable, quick, and easy-to-administer antigen test for COVID-19 detection and requires no additional equipment aside from what is inside the test kit.

"Miami-Dade County Public Schools is proud to partner with an innovative company that champions the health of our students and families," said Superintendent Carvalho. "The distribution of these COVID-19 test kits will contribute to the wellbeing of our community and allow us to continue moving toward a sense of normalcy."

eMed tests are virtually guided by an eMed Certified Guide, and are easily accessible from a laptop, desktop computer or single device - like a smartphone or tablet - in English and Spanish.

"It is admirable that this Miami-based company has demonstrated a willingness to give back to the schools in Overtown, and we greatly appreciate eMed's generous donation of 1,000 virtually guided at-home COVID-19 rapid test kits," said Dr. Bendross-Mindingall. "This partnership provides an additional resource for supporting our students and families during such difficult times so that they can overcome this pandemic and return to normalcy."

M-DCPS, one of the nation's largest school districts, continues to identify new opportunities for engaging its community during the pandemic, and is complementing ongoing efforts with the University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic, that provides free COVID-19 testing from 3-5 p.m. at select schools. To learn more, visit the M-DCPS COVID-19 Reopening Page.

To date, eMed has distributed millions of rapid antigen tests through individual sales and partnerships with school districts, states, nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals across the country.

eMed is committed to delivering affordable, on-demand access to verified diagnostic testing and services. At $25 each, the BinaxNOW Home Test available for sale at eMed.com and in select local pharmacies, is the most affordable third-party verified at-home rapid test option currently available on the market.

Visit www.eMed.com and click Order Now to purchase.

This product has not been FDA cleared or approved; but has been authorized by FDA under an EUA;

This product has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS- CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and,

This product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C.  360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

About eMed

eMed ( www.eMed.com ) is a digital health company democratizing healthcare with a digital point-of-care platform that provides fast, easy and affordable at-home healthcare testing, supervised and guided online by eMed Certified Guides. We embrace quantitative medicine to deliver prescribed tests and treatments directly to patients, driving better and more cost-effective health outcomes.

Editorial Note: View eMed media kit and download event images here.

SOURCE eMed
VENTURA, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 18, 2021, Meet Kevin Paffrath appeared on Fox Business prime time to promote his plan to fix California. Prior to the show and on Twitter, Kennedy described his plan as "[...] the most creative and comprehensive plans [for California] yet." Kennedy began the segment by complimenting Kevin's Future School plan. Paffrath further stated he would declare four States of Emergency on Day 1:

Meet Kevin Paffrath for Governor 2021

State of Emergency: Ending Homelessness within 60 days.

State of Emergency: Housing Crisis: State to Take Over ALL Building and Safety/ Development for Expediting Building Permits IMMEDIATELY.

State of Emergency: Creating Future Schools to immediately provide a free path to financial, vocational, high school, and college education in ONE platform.

State of Emergency: Transportation: Immediately authorizing and requiring private proposals for tunnels, variable toll roads, mass transit, roads, and ending High-Speed-Rail Funding.

Meet Kevin Paffrath will also introduce legislation on day one to waive income taxes on the first $250,000 of income, permanently. He also intends to legalize gambling. Separately, and not mentioned in the interview, Meet Kevin Paffrath also intends to institute community policing and incentivize localized manufacturing and utilize a Carbon Tax to offset the removal of taxes on $250,000 of income for workers and investors.

Kevin Paffrath has received enormous support online and in the media since announcing his campaign. In the first 48 hours since announcing his campaign, Kevin Paffrath has received over 1,000 individual donations. Paffrath is also scheduling a 32-hour straight virtual fundraiser for Saturday and Sunday, May 29-30, 2021. The length of the fundraiser will grow as people donate.

Requests for Interview: [email protected]

View Kevin's Full Plan at www.MeetKevin.com.

Related Files

Press Release 5-20-2021.pdf

Related Images

image1.jpg





SOURCE Meet Kevin Paffrath for Governor 2021
DALLAS, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- What's the news? As schools across the country wrap up another unusual school year, most K-12 education is still being facilitated with remote learning. However, educators are beginning to see the long-term value in a hybrid approach to teaching, according to AT&T's* 2021 Future of School Report released today.

94% of teachers are open to the idea of hybrid learning with the proper resources, curriculum and support

71% of teachers support virtual days for inclement weather

78% of teachers are in favor of virtual tutoring sessions or enrichment programs

60% of teachers are open to livestreaming their classrooms for students who are home sick

These sentiments are consistent across teachers of all grade levels and low- and high-income schools, as well as parents:

83% of parents support virtual school days for inclement weather

84% of parents support virtual tutoring or enrichment programs

85% of parents want the option for their kids who are home sick to join class virtually

Today, 66% of teachers and parents say that students are still learning either fully remote or in a hybrid format. While remote learning got off to a rocky start, with 43% of teachers noting their experience a year ago was challenging, many have adapted to this new environment and learned tips, tricks and best practices to navigate virtual classrooms. Additionally, 48% of teachers voice a need for curricula better suited for hybrid or online teaching. Assistance from administrators was widely acknowledged by teachers with 83% reporting they felt supported with new online teaching technologies and strategies.

These findings come as the FCC stated that the first application window of the Emergency Connectivity Fund will prioritize forward-looking connectivity for school districts to help close the homework gap. This $7.17 billion program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will enable schools to purchase laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and broadband connectivity for students and school staff.

The last year has accelerated the possibilities of hybrid learning for the future of education. It also showed that education doesn't only need to happen in a physical school building and kids can learn anything, anytime and anywhere. This expedites the need for schools and teachers to have access to the right technology and resources. As educators plan for the upcoming school year and beyond, hybrid learning will play a key part in the future of education.

What will the future of learning look like?

AT&T has an important role in providing schools the connectivity solutions needed for teachers and students to thrive now and in the long-term. As school administrators and teachers plan and prepare for the next iteration of learning, what do they need for an effective hybrid learning model? How should parents, teachers and students expect the future of education to really look like? Here are some of the technologies and solutions that will shape the future of education.

Closing the homework gap with mobile connectivity:

Delivering high-quality education for all students is the goal of every teacherwhether students are learning remotely, completing schoolwork at home, in class, or a combination of all. For an effective hybrid learning model, every student in every household needs access to reliable connectivity and devices. Wireless services help ensure learning can continue outside the four walls of the classroom. With Federal Stimulus Funds for Education, affordable solutions can help schools keep students and teachers connected.

Connecting on campus:

As educators prepare for the digital future, high-capacity network infrastructure will play a significant role on campus and in the classroom. Access to communication tools and online resources will be the largest driver for additional bandwidth to support education platforms and conferencing applications. Technology will help enable more consistent and immediate communication between teachers, students and parents in school and at home. Unified voice and collaboration applications that are easy to use and can move on and off campus have become a necessity.

Safeguarding access & data:

Ensuring that students are protected while accessing the internet in and out of the classroom is a concern shared by all educators and parents. Content filtering services and device management solutions can be used by school districts as part of a plan to filter internet sites and block student access to unacceptable content. Additionally, safeguarding sensitive student data and school information from cyberattacks is a reality in today's world. From assessing risks to protecting against a breach and then detecting and responding when they happenall require a multi-layered security approach.

Education is a top priority for AT&T and for decades it has been working side by side with schools to advance the future of education with technology. Since March 2020, AT&T has connected more than 500,000 students and teachers across 49 states with agile mobile connectivity. As of the end of 2020, AT&T covered nearly 16,000 school districts in the U.S., which represents 94% of students in K-12 public schools across the country.

Read more information about the survey here.

To learn more about what AT&T is doing to help close the homework gap, visit att.com/closethegap.

What are people saying?

Matt Hickey, Vice President, Public Sector Marketing, AT&T

"As we look forward to the possibilities that technology can bring to the future of education, hybrid learning will continue to be an important part. We need to act now to ensure every school, teacher and student has the connectivity they need to learn and thrive. I'm incredibly proud of all the work AT&T is doing to keep students and teachers connected and I applaud the FCC's commitment to closing the homework gap by investing in the future of every student."

Ruthbea Yesner, VP Government Insights, Education, Smart Cities & Communities, International Data Corporation (IDC)

"Educators spent more time using technology in the last year than ever before and saw the benefits and opportunities that came with it. A lack of adequate internet access for students, especially at home, is a top issue impacting teaching and learning. As we think about the future of K-12, we expect to see an increase in the use of communication and digital toolsin and out of the classroomand growth in hybrid learning. This means that addressing the homework gap will remain a real and significant challenge for equitable access, and it is imperative that every student has access to connectivity."

Christine Fox, Senior Director, External Relations, Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)

"The time is now to ensure innovative, personalized learning experiences for all learners. The pandemic highlighted inequities in the educational system and the critical need for seamless access to high-quality, safe, digital learning opportunities to best prepare students for college and careers. The recent investments in digital learning including devices, broadband access, curriculum and professional learning can and should drive change in this nation's educational ecosystem. Schools can help level the playing field by ensuring safe, equitable opportunities for all students."

About the Survey:

AT&T and TRUE Global Intelligence, the in-house research practice of FleishmanHillard, conducted two distinct online surveys among 1,000 U.S. consumers who self-identify as parents with at least one child currently enrolled in a K-12 school and 500 U.S. schoolteachers who have been teaching full-time for at least two years. For Parents, the survey was 10 minutes in length and quotas were set for U.S. census region to ensure statistical representation. The margin of error was +/- 3% at the 95% confidence level. For Teachers, the survey was 12 minutes in length and the margin of error was +/- 4% at the 95% confidence level. Both surveys were fielded from April 13-21, 2021.

*About AT&T Communications

We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For more information, please visit us at att.com.

SOURCE AT&T Communications
The Miradani North target is located on the Datano Mining Lease, approximately 10 kilometres south of the Asanko Gold Mine's processing plant. Previous drill results were reported in news releases dated April 30, 2019, November 30, 2020, February 1, 2020, and February 25, 2021. To-date, over 17,300m of drilling have been completed in 59 holes over three phases of drilling from Q1 2019 to May 2021. Assays have been received for all drill holes that are expected to be included in the planned maiden Resource estimate for Miradani North, expected in Q3 2021, with highlights from the recent results shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Select intervals from drilling at Miradani North not previously released1

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Grade

(g/t Au) Intercept

(m @ g/t Au) TTDD21-080 353 393 40 2.8 40m @ 2.8 g/t TTDD21-077 261.9 282 20.1 4.8 20.1m @4.8 g/t TTDD21-062 161 215 54 1.7 54m @ 1.7 g/t TTDD21-076 295.6 318 22.4 3.4 22.4m @ 3.4g/t TTDD21-060 142 178 36 1.6 36m @ 1.6 g/t TTDD21-064 197 211 14 4.4 14m @4.1 g/t TTDD21-064 115 148.9 33.6 1.6 33.9m @ 1.6 g/t

"The latest set of results from Miradani North continue to indicate that a mineralized system is present at depth," said Greg McCunn, Chief Executive Officer. "Our drilling results indicate that mineralization extends to 300m vertical depth and beyond, with a +100 gram-meter shoot plunging steeply to the northeast, remaining open at depth (see Figure 8 below). Mineral Resource drilling of the deposit has been completed, and we are on track to deliver a maiden resource estimate by Q3 2021. Step-out drilling along the +5-km greater Miradani trend is underway with one rig with a second rig expected to be deployed to accelerate this drilling program."

About Miradani North - Geological Setting

The Miradani North target is situated along the Fromenda shear zone, a laterally extensive structure recognized from airborne VTEM and magnetic surveys and extensively mapped on the ground. The Fromenda shear zone forms part of the prominent northeast striking Asankrangwa gold belt which hosts all nine of AGM's gold deposits. Numerous historical geochemical anomalies and artisanal workings are associated with this feature, making it an attractive exploration target.

Mineralization at Miradani North is spatially associated with several narrow, sub-vertical granite bodies that have preferentially intruded along a northeast trending corridor. Mineralization occurs in the granite and in the surrounding deformed sandstone, siltstone and phyllite rock package. Stratigraphy and structure are both steeply dipping to the northwest as they do for most of the Asankrangwa Belt gold deposits. Gold mineralization at Miradani North occurs in quartz veins and in association with silica flooding, pyrite, arsenopyrite, and traces of base metal sulfides, within a broader envelope of quartz-sericite-pyrite and carbonate alteration.

Qualified Person and QA/QC

Greg Collins, MAusIMM CP (Geo) and SEG Fellow, Vice President Exploration of Galiano Gold Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian NI 43-101 and has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Collins is responsible for all aspects of the work including the Data Verification and Quality Control/Quality Assurance programs and has verified the data disclosed. Mr. Collins is not independent of Galiano Gold Inc.

Certified Reference Materials and Blanks are inserted by Galiano Gold into the sample stream at the rate of 1:14 samples. Field duplicates are collected at the rate of 1:30 samples. All samples have been analysed by Intertek Minerals Ltd. in Tarkwa, Ghana with standard preparation methods and 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish. Intertek Minerals Ltd. does their own introduction of QA/QC samples into the sample stream and reports them to Galiano for double checking. Higher grade samples are re-analysed from pulp or reject material or both. Intertek is an international company operating in 100 countries and is independent of Galiano. It provides testing for a wide range of industries including the mining, metals, and oil sectors.

Figure 1. Base map showing Miradani North, three stages of drill holes, and more recent results highlighted. Intersected granite is shown in pink and is surrounded by steeply dipping, northeast striking, interlayered sandstone, siltstone, and phyllite. Callout boxes highlight the recent intersections discussed above. Sections are at 40m intervals looking NE and commencing from southwest to northeast.

Figure 2. Section 691771 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Of note, mineralization in this section attains noteworthy widths and remains open at depth.

Figure 3. Section 691830 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Of note, gold grades continue at depth with noteworthy width and are open at depth.

Figure 4. Section 691860 (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. This section illustrates a broad, coherent zone within the deposit and open at depth.

Figure 5. Section 691890. (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. Mineralization is open at depth.

Figure 6. Section 691919. (also see Figure 1). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development. This section contains some noteworthy intersections and shows that results indicate that grades improve with depth and down plunge.

Figure 7. Section 691949. (see Figure 1 for location). Shows drill holes, mineralized intercepts, and a preliminary version of the expected mineralized domain based on current assay results as well as perceived controls on gold mineralization such as vein density and sulphide development.

Figure 8. Long section through Miradani North. Illustrates indicated steep northeast plunge to high grade (+100 GM) that is open at depth.

Table 2. Intercepts for Miradani North drilling1,2

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Grade

(g/t) Intercept Year Drilled TTPC19-001 87 89 2 3.2 2m @ 3.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 128 141 13 2.6 13m @ 2.6 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 152 154 2 1 2m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 162 172 10 1.1 10m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-001 197 206 9 0.7 9m @ 0.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 68 85 17 1.1 17m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 91 107 16 1.7 16m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 114 116 2 1.8 2m @ 1.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 120 122 2 1.2 2m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 149 152 3 25.5 3m @ 25.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 156 178 22 1.2 22m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-002 189 228 39 1.8 39m @ 1.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 32 38 6 0.6 6m @ 0.6 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 84 88 4 1 4m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 105 107 2 1.9 2m @ 1.9 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 150 152 2 1.1 2m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 160 174 14 0.8 14m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 182 189 7 1.5 7m @ 1.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-004 199 211 12 1.4 12m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005 229 231 2 1 2m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 294 296.5 2.5 1 2.5m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 307 309.3 2.3 0.8 2.3m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 312.73 321 8.27 1.1 8.27m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 342 353 11 1.2 11m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 357 377.75 20.75 1.4 20.75m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 389.5 399 9.5 0.7 9.5m @ 0.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-005A 402.7 416.9 14.2 0.5 14.2m @ 0.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 17 19 2 0.6 2m @ 0.6 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 36 39 3 1.7 3m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 182 193.8 11.8 1.7 11.8m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 201 203 2 0.8 2m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 242 264.9 22.9 1.5 22.9m @ 1.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 270.6 275 4.4 9.2 4.4m @ 9.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 280.6 297 16.4 2.4 16.4m @ 2.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 305.1 309.3 4.2 1.7 4.2m @ 1.7 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-006A 315 319.1 4.1 2.2 4.1m @ 2.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 90 94.8 4.8 1.4 4.8m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 98.17 108 9.83 2.3 9.83m @ 2.3 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 113.55 122 8.45 1.8 8.45m @ 1.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 187 198 11 2.1 11m @ 2.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 202 244.6 42.6 2.2 42.6m @ 2.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 248.7 259 10.3 2.2 10.3m @ 2.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-008 270.9 273 2.1 1.3 2.1m @ 1.3 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 80 84.3 4.3 2.3 4.3m @ 2.3 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 99 155 56 3 56m @ 3.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 166 173 7 0.8 7m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 192 200.53 8.53 1.2 8.53m @ 1.2 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 204.46 223.2 18.74 1.1 18.74m @ 1.1 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-009 234 239 5 0.4 5m @ 0.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 145 151 6 1 6m @ 1.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 175.5 181 5.5 0.8 5.5m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 192.4 229 36.6 2 36.6m @ 2.0 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 244.8 251 6.2 0.8 6.2m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 257.7 264 6.3 0.5 6.3m @ 0.5 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 268 270.3 2.3 0.8 2.3m @ 0.8 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTPC19-010 288.8 295.2 6.4 1.4 6.4m @ 1.4 g/t 2019 Phase 1 TTDD20-019 263 265.75 2.75 0.3 2.75m @ 0.3 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-019 301 303 2 1.5 2m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-022 288 290 2 2 2m @ 2.0 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-022 301.3 304.5 3.2 1.7 3.2m @ 1.7 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-022 382 389 7 1.5 7m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTPC20-026 19 28 9 2.5 9m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 0 2.3 2.3 0.6 2.3m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 5.5 11.4 5.9 0.7 5.9m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 177.37 181.75 4.38 0.6 4.38m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-027 302.1 305 2.9 5 2.9m @ 5.0 g/t 2020 Phase 2 TTDD20-029 183 192 9 1.6 9m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-029 241 250 9 0.5 9m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-029 257.67 261.89 4.22 0.5 4.22m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-029 272 285 13 1.6 13m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 0 8.1 8.1 0.6 8.1m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 188.16 201.4 13.24 1.7 13.24m @ 1.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 232.85 240.14 7.29 4.5 7.29m @ 4.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 244 253 9 0.8 9m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 266 272 6 2.3 6m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 301.09 309 7.91 1.6 7.91m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 325 337 12 0.6 12m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-032 342 358.7 16.7 6.3 16.7m @ 6.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 86 126 40 2.1 40m @ 2.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 134 146.6 12.6 2.4 12.6m @ 2.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 153.2 155.44 2.24 0.6 2.24m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 167 176 9 1.8 9m @ 1.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 181 189.09 8.09 0.9 8.09m @ 0.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 193 195 2 5.1 2m @ 5.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-024 210.5 227 16.5 1.1 16.5m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-025 165 172.16 7.16 0.8 7.16m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-028 232 241 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-028 287 306 19 2.2 19m @ 2.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 238.67 256 17.33 2 17.33m @ 2.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 274 283 9 3.8 9m @ 3.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 291 294 3 2.3 3m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-030 299 308 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 56 60 4 1.1 4m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 66 84 18 1 18m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 249.46 252.15 2.69 2.4 2.69m @ 2.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 268.8 286.1 17.3 1.2 17.3m @ 1.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 298.35 300.61 2.26 1.3 2.26m @ 1.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 334.44 347 12.56 0.7 12.56m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-033 362.9 365.5 2.6 2.5 2.6m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 104 112 8 2.5 8m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 148 154 6 1 6m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 175.1 191.4 16.3 3 16.3m @ 3.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-034 200.2 202.7 2.5 0.6 2.5m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 73 76 3 3.9 3m @ 3.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 90 97 7 0.6 7m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 106 119 13 1.4 13m @ 1.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 125 134 9 1.1 9m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 142.68 147.11 4.43 0.8 4.43m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 150.27 158.48 8.21 0.7 8.21m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-035 165 173.94 8.94 2.7 8.94m @ 2.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-036 215 217.4 2.4 0.8 2.4m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-036 242.2 267 24.8 1.5 24.8m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 41 50 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 70 75 5 0.7 5m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 85 120 35 2.1 35m @ 2.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 129.4 140 10.6 3.3 10.6m @ 3.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 146.86 150.5 3.64 1.3 3.64m @ 1.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 155 161.32 6.32 0.5 6.32m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-039 169.18 173.25 4.07 2.9 4.07m @ 2.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 0 4 4 1.1 4m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 130.2 132.8 2.6 1.1 2.6m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 142.7 153.3 10.6 1.6 10.6m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 156.6 159.7 3.1 0.4 3.1m @ 0.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-040 170.8 188 17.2 1.3 17.2m @ 1.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-041 71 107 36 1.9 36m @ 1.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-041 113 115 2 10.7 2m @ 10.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-044 181 186.7 5.7 1.6 5.7m @ 1.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-044 189.8 202.3 12.5 3.2 12.5m @ 3.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-044 207 228.6 21.6 2.3 21.6m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 123 125.37 2.37 1 2.37m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 136 156 20 1.5 20m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 171.85 182.44 10.59 3.2 10.59m @ 3.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-045 191 195.23 4.23 4.4 4.23m @ 4.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTPC20-047 30 34 4 0.6 4m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 1.2 8.2 7 0.7 7m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 189 200 11 1.4 11m @ 1.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 205 210.4 5.4 2.3 5.4m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 225.18 248.5 23.32 1.8 23.32m @ 1.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 259 280.9 21.9 2.7 21.9m @ 2.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 286 314.4 28.4 1.5 28.4m @ 1.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-049 318.4 322.3 3.9 3.1 3.9m @ 3.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-050 163.5 173.6 10.1 6 10.1m @ 6.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTRC20-051 0 2 2 8.4 2m @ 8.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTRC20-051 58 62 4 0.5 4m @ 0.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTRC20-051 69 74 5 0.7 5m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 94.7 97 2.3 1.2 2.3m @ 1.2 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 117 139 22 1.4 22m @ 1.4 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 146 174.1 28.1 2 28.1m @ 2.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 182 198 16 1 16m @ 1.0 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 203 251 48 2.3 48m @ 2.3 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-052 272 275.28 3.28 0.7 3.28m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-054 231 233.2 2.2 2.5 2.2m @ 2.5 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-054 240.4 249 8.6 0.8 8.6m @ 0.8 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-054 269 272 3 0.6 3m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 1.4 8 6.6 0.7 6.6m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 196 202 6 1.1 6m @ 1.1 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 268 277 9 0.9 9m @ 0.9 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 307.5 315 7.5 0.6 7.5m @ 0.6 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD20-055 319 323 4 0.7 4m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD21-059 79.8 84.2 4.4 0.7 4.4m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD21-059 164 170 6 0.7 6m @ 0.7 g/t 2020 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 35 40.4 5.4 1.3 5.4m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 46.4 60 13.6 1 13.6m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 67.4 70 2.6 1.1 2.6m @ 1.1 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 128 133 5 0.4 5m @ 0.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-060 142 178 36 1.6 36m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-061 276 282 6 5.9 6m @ 5.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 49 51 2 1.7 2m @ 1.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 70 77 7 2.3 7m @ 2.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 84.8 91 6.2 0.9 6.2m @ 0.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 110 113 3 2.3 3m @ 2.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 124 133 9 0.8 9m @ 0.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 145 153 8 1.9 8m @ 1.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 161 215 54 1.7 54m @ 1.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-062 219 221 2 1.2 2m @ 1.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 109.2 112.6 3.4 1.5 3.4m @ 1.5 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 120 132 12 1.8 12m @ 1.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 148.9 155 6.1 1 6.1m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 180 203 23 1.7 23m @ 1.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-063 229.5 243 13.5 1.3 13.5m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 24 26 2 10.2 2m @ 10.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 46.4 50 3.6 0.5 3.6m @ 0.5 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 56 61 5 1.3 5m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 78.9 80.9 2 1.8 2m @ 1.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 93 105.2 12.2 0.8 12.2m @ 0.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 115 148.9 33.9 1.6 33.9m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 152.1 158 5.9 1.6 5.9m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 168.85 189 20.15 1.3 20.15m @ 1.3 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 197 211 14 4.1 14m @ 4.1 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-064 217 225 8 1.2 8m @ 1.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 6 10.4 4.4 1 4.4m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 196 209 13 0.9 13m @ 0.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 263 268 5 0.6 5m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 273.7 276.6 2.9 1.6 2.9m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 297 303 6 1.4 6m @ 1.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-066 306.5 320.8 14.3 1.2 14.3m @ 1.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-067 121 126 5 0.7 5m @ 0.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTPC21-067 137.1 146.1 9 0.6 9m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTRC21-071 128 132 4 1.9 4m @ 1.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTRC21-072 120 125 5 0.4 5m @ 0.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-076 295.6 318 22.4 3.4 22.4m @ 3.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-076 321.2 327 5.8 1.4 5.8m @ 1.4 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 190.4 192.4 2 0.9 2m @ 0.9 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 196 198.4 2.4 4.2 2.4m @ 4.2 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 205.8 213 7.2 0.6 7.2m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 243 257.7 14.7 1.6 14.7m @ 1.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 261.9 282 20.1 4.8 20.1m @ 4.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 288 294.6 6.6 0.8 6.6m @ 0.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 303 323 20 1.1 20m @ 1.1 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-077 328 336.3 8.3 0.6 8.3m @ 0.6 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 270.8 282 11.2 2.7 11.2m @ 2.7 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 285.3 305.6 20.3 1 20.3m @ 1.0 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 328.4 343 14.6 1.5 14.6m @ 1.5 g/t 2021 Phase 3 TTDD21-080 353 393 40 2.8 40m @ 2.8 g/t 2021 Phase 3



Notes:



1 Intervals indicated are not true widths as there is insufficient information to calculate true widths. However, drill holes have been drilled to cross interpreted mineralized zones as close to perpendicular as possible.



2 Intervals shaded grey were not reported previously.

About Galiano Gold Inc.

Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of long-term value creation for its stakeholders through exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The company currently operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine, located in Ghana, West Africa which is jointly owned with Gold Fields Ltd. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information contained in this news 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 we refer to collectively as "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 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 "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to statements regarding: the Company's planned resource estimate at Miridani North, including the scope and timing thereof; the expected area of mineralization at Miradani North; and the Company's planned exploration programs, including the timing and results thereof;. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the preparation of the Company's planned resource estimate at Miridani North proceeding as currently anticipated; the Company's planned resource estimate conforming to the current scope expected by the Company; the Company's planned exploration programs proceeding as anticipated;that labour disputes or disruptions, flooding, ground instability, geotechnical failure, fire, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate are as anticipated and other risks of the mining industry will not be encountered; and that contracted parties provide goods or services in a timely manner.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include, but are not limited to: the risk that the Company's planned resource estimate at Miridani North is not completed on the timeline currently anticipated, or at all, and/or that the scope of the planned resource estimate is different than currently anticipated; that the Company may not undertake planned future mining or exploration; the Company's and/or the AGM's operations may be curtailed or halted entirely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether as a result of governmental or regulatory law or pronouncement, or otherwise; andrisks related to the Company's use of contractors; the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold;.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding Mineral Reporting Standards:

As a British Columbia corporation and a "reporting issuer" under Canadian securities laws, the Company is required to provide disclosure regarding its mineral properties, including the AGM, in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. In accordance with NI 43-101, the Company uses the terms mineral reserves and resources as they are defined in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards on mineral reserves and resources (the "CIM Definition Standards") adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. In particular, the terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used in this press release are Canadian mining terms defined in accordance with CIM Definition Standards. These definitions differ from the definitions in the disclosure requirements promulgated by the SEC. Accordingly, information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies reporting pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements.

United States investors are also cautioned that while the SEC will now recognize "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources", investors should not assume that any part or all of the mineralization in these categories will ever be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to assume that any "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources", or "inferred mineral resources" that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable.

Further, "inferred resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the inferred resources exist. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101.

Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc.

Related Links

https://www.galianogold.com/home/default.aspx


RICHMOND, Va., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) announced the election of all nine directors nominated at its 2021 annual meeting of stockholders today. The board members re-elected were G. Kent Conrad, Karen E. Dyson, Jill R. Goodman, Melina E. Higgins, Thomas J. McInerney, Howard D. Mills, III, Debra J. Perry, Robert P. Restrepo Jr. and Ramsey D. Smith. Following the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors elected Melina E. Higgins to serve as the Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors.

At the annual meeting, stockholders also approved the advisory vote on named executive compensation and the 2021 Genworth Financial, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan. In addition, stockholders ratified the selection of KPMG LLP as Genworth's independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.

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.

SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.genworth.com


The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current global market scenario and the overall market environment. The market is driven by the development of technologically advanced, next-generation aircraft components, and increasing focus on the development and induction of new-generation fuel-efficient aircraft.

The aircraft engine electrical wiring harnesses and cable assembly market analysis includes application and geographic landscape segments. This study identifies the increasing demand for commercial aircraft as one of the prime reasons driving the aircraft engine electrical wiring harnesses and cable assembly market growth during the next few years.

This report presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters.

The aircraft engine electrical wiring harnesses and cable assembly market covers the following areas:

Aircraft Engine Electrical Wiring Harnesses And Cable Assembly Market Sizing

Aircraft Engine Electrical Wiring Harnesses And Cable Assembly Market Forecast

Aircraft Engine Electrical Wiring Harnesses And Cable Assembly Market Analysis

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Carlisle Companies Inc.

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Radiall SA

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

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TE Connectivity Ltd.

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Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports.

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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

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

Report: https://www.technavio.com/report/aircraft-engine-electrical-wiring-harnesses-and-cable-assembly-market-industry-analysis

SOURCE Technavio
Putin urges to defend Soviet war memorials abroad vigorously

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

15:57 20/05/2021

MOSCOW, May 20 (RAPSI)  President of Russia Vladimir Putin on Thursday urged to protect memorials of Soviet soldiers abroad harshly and sequentially drawing on the international law.

These war burials are mournful and visual memory of the Red Armys liberating mission. Certain countries attempt to savagely erase the past, to desecrate graves and memorials, Putin said during the meeting of Victory steering committee.

Currently, there are 43,866 military graves of that period are on the file of the Defense Ministry. Over 12,000 of them are abroad, within the territory of 56 foreign states. Over 4 million soldiers are buried there, the President stated.




DUBLIN, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Critical Need for Efficiency amidst Ongoing Resource Shortages and Rising Demand Drive Global Hospital Command Centers Market" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Globally, the difficulty in operating large hospitals is made worse by the use of manual operations and processes that often lead to a host of inefficiencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020 brought these inefficiencies to the fore, and as a lasting impact, hospitals must now address the backlog of outpatient, imaging, and surgery patients. The only way to effectively do so is to operate over capacity, an imperative for boosting revenues that took a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns and holds on elective procedures.



Several solutions designed to optimize hospital operations exist in the market, but hospital command centers have taken these tools to another level. With the advent of technologies such as data analytics and advancements such as predictive analytics and digital twins, command centers have evolved into high-tech solutions that empower hospitals to manage several operational areas.

Adoption of hospital command centers has steadily risen, but the impact of COVID-19 is likely to increase demand for these solutions further. However, hospitals must also update the management of their clinical processes, workflows, and finances, which is a challenge more so now in a value-based care environment. With reimbursement penalties given for issues such as readmission and patient satisfaction, hospitals are forced to seek support from technology solutions to better manage their clinical protocols and finances.



In this study, Frost & Sullivan discusses how hospital command centers work as tailor-made solutions for hospitals globally to not only manage their operations but also their clinical care variations, risk predictions, and clinical applications, as well as tie in finances to get patient-level details on cost and revenue.

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This effectively means that every single hospital vendor and stakeholder providing digital data (operational, clinical, or financial) will eventually enter the scope of the command center, either by a partnership or simple integration of the data into the larger framework. It is important, therefore, to understand how the command center will evolve in the near future and how vendors can become part of this movement.



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What are hospital command centers and how are they expected to evolve with time?

What is the current adoption status of hospital command centers and how will adoption increase in the post-COVID-19 era?

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How and where should hospitals begin when thinking about command centers?

What are the regional trends for hospital command centers and which regions are likely to grow the fastest in adopting this concept?

Key Topics Covered:

1. Strategic Imperatives

Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow?

The Strategic Imperative

The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Hospital Command Centers Industry

Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine

2. Executive Summary

Hospital Command Centers Market-Scope of Analysis

Evolution of the Command Center Model

Evolution of the Command Center Concept

Key Growth Metrics for Hospital Command Centers Market

Global Opportunity Size, 2035

Hospital Needs and Eligibility Assessment

Summary of Growth Opportunities

3. Market Background

Declining Hospital Operating Margins

Strategies to Course Correct

Being Efficient Pays

Today's Hospitals Are Fundamentally Challenged on All Fronts

Technology Initiatives Must Fit the Smart Hospital Framework

Several Digital Tools and Services Impact Hospitals Today

Software-Only Solutions vs. Command Center Approach

Evolution of the Command Center Model

4. Market Overview

The Command Center Approach for Driving Efficiency

Command Center-A Crucial Step Along the Smart Hospital Journey

Command Center Applications

Command Center Elements

Evolution of the Command Center Concept

Discussion on the Evolution of the Command Center Concept

Hospital Command Centers-Their Critical, Central, and Enabling Role in the Future of Hospitals

5. Growth Opportunity Analysis, Hospital Command Centers Market

Hospital Command Centers Segmentation by Approach

Key Competitors for Hospital Command Centers

Growth Drivers for Hospital Command Centers

Growth Restraints for Hospital Command Centers

Forecast Assumptions, Hospital Command Centers

Revenue Forecast, Hospital Command Centers

Revenue Forecast by Region, Hospital Command Centers

Revenue Forecast Analysis-Hospital Command Centers

Revenue Forecast Analysis by Region-Hospital Command Centers

Global Opportunity Size, 2035

Competitive Environment-Hospital Command Centers

Installed Base Share, Hospital Command Centers

Installed Base Share Analysis-Hospital Command Centers

Business Models

Potential Adoption and Evolution of Command Centers

6. Concept Variants, Hospital Command Centers Market

Public Health System Command Center Concept

Hub-and-Spoke Model

Self-Built Command Center

The Decentralized Virtual Command Center

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Regional Split of Installed Base-Hospital Command Centers

Differing Needs for Efficiency Solutions

Global Hospital Landscape

Largest Global Hospitals

Countries with Public (Government-Funded) Health Systems

North America

Europe

The Middle East

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

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Hospital Command Center Models

Adoption Process

Hospital Needs and Eligibility Assessment

Hospital Command Center Decision-Making Guide and Checklist

9. Select Profiles, Hospital Command Centers

Command Center Profile-Johns Hopkins Hospital, The United States

Command Center Profile-Yale New Haven Hospital, United States

Command Center Profile-Arizona Department of Health Services, United States

Command Center Profile-Carilion Clinic, United States

Command Center Profile-Humber River Hospital, Canada

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Value Propositions by Role

Requisite Vendor Capabilities

Vendor Capability Assessment

Vendor Profile-Care Logistics

Vendor Profile-Central Logic

Vendor Profile-Cerner

Vendor Profile-Change Healthcare

Vendor Profile-Edgility

Vendor Profile-Epic

Vendor Profile-GE Healthcare Partners

Vendor Profile-KenSci

Vendor Profile-Philips Healthcare

Vendor Profile-Qventus

Vendor Profile-TeleTracking

11. Growth Opportunity Universe, Hospital Command Centers

Growth Opportunity 1-Virtual Command Centers in Post-Pandemic World, 2020

Growth Opportunity 2-Offering Clinical and Financial Applications, Beyond Operational Applications, 2020

Growth Opportunity 3-Public Health Systems' Regional Command Centers, 2020

Growth Opportunity 4-Multi-Vendor Frameworks for Holistic Command Center Solutions, 2020

Growth Opportunity 5-Targeting Greenfield and Brownfield (Expansion) Hospital Projects, 2020

12. Next Steps

Companies Mentioned

Arizona Department of Health Services

Care Logistics

Carilion Clinic

Central Logic

Cerner

Change Healthcare

Edgility

Epic

GE Healthcare Partners

Humber River Hospital

Johns Hopkins Hospital

KenSci

Philips Healthcare

Qventus

TeleTracking

Yale New Haven Hospital

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ugo4na

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


NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Artist Evolution LLC, an award-winning marketing agency with locations in Atlanta, Georgia, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, has announced its expansion into Nashville, Tennessee, following a partnership with local business leader John Taylor.

The Artist Evolution expands to Nashville, Tennessee.

Since its inception in 2007, The Artist Evolution (TAE) has steadily grown to become a nationally recognized name in the marketing industry. On the cusp of their recent expansion into Atlanta, the rapidly growing agency set its sights on Nashville to widen its footprint and to help even more businesses thrive through digital marketing. TAE clients have described its high-touch service as "Madison Avenue quality meets Southern charm and trust."

To make this expansion possible, Derek Champagne, founder and owner of The Artist Evolution, partnered with John Taylor, a seasoned business leader in the Nashville region and the longstanding owner of Minuteman Press and NashvillePrinting.com. As the President and Co-founder of The Artist Evolution - Nashville, Taylor will aim to use his years of experience in marketing to help businesses thrive in an increasingly digital consumer landscape.

"Nashville is a market that we are very excited about, and finding the right partner who aligned with our core values and vision for growth was critical," said Derek Champagne, founder and CEO of The Artist Evolution. "John more than meets our criteria, with his 25-plus year business reputation in this market, and we aligned closely on values, vision, and team culture."

When asked about the importance of this partnership, John Taylor added the following: "In today's technology-driven marketing climate, having an experienced and knowledgeable marketing team on your side has never been more important for businesses. Needless to say, I can't wait to start providing that much-needed resource to local businesses through The Artist Evolution - Nashville."

To learn more about The Artist Evolution - Nashville and their services, visit www.taenashville.com.

About The Artist Evolution

The Artist Evolution is a full-service marketing agency with locations in Fayetteville, AR; Atlanta, GA; and Nashville, TN. The Artist Evolution provides businesses across the United States with a wide range of marketing related services, from website development and optimization to graphic design, copywriting, lead generation, ad management, and more.

To learn more, visit their website at www.theartistevolution.com

Media Contact:

Derek Champagne

(479) 222-0399

[email protected]

Related Images

the-artist-evolution-nashville.png

The Artist Evolution - Nashville

The Artist Evolution expands to Nashville, Tennessee.

SOURCE The Artist Evolution
With its Italian inspiration and a global team of styling and colouring experts, SFeRA has become the new destination of choice for jet-setting clients who would in the past board a plane for London and Paris to get their hair done.

"At, SFeRA our goal is to be the go-to destination for people who want something special in terms of experience and expertise. Yet, unlike many A-List stylists, we don't impose our vision on you. We listen, we smile, we start a conversation, and make you feel right at home. Your hair and your style is integral to who you are  we're here to listen and make it happen. Dubai's creme de la creme tends to fly to fashion capitals for their hair styling needs. Our message is that there's no need to, because we're bringing Rome, Milan, Paris and Berlin to you in Dubai," says Comella.

Luca Comella is an award-winning stylist known for his expertise and unique approach to styling. Tonsorial skill runs in the family, and Comella picked up his skills at the family-owned barbershop in Palermo, Sicily before moving to the UK and becoming a rising star with Toni & Guy.

Since, the star stylist has gone on to work with celebrities and A-listers including Princess Rania of Jordan, Eva Longoria, Alessandra Ambrosio, Catherine Deneuve, Serena Autieri and Paris Hilton.

Comella takes a very hands-on approach to SFeRA, looking after the tiniest details to ensure a perfect experience. "We have the world's best team of stylists, merging Italian hospitality with technical precision that our clients demand. It's service with a smile, at a very high level. SFeRA is a port of call for people who would otherwise need to fly all over the world to visit their favourite stylists because of the experience. Now, we're creating that inclusive, incredible experience right here in Dubai, the innovative hub where people from around the world gather," he says.

Comella's team has Italians along with a host of other members. "Everyone brings their inspiration to the table. But at the end of the day, it's the SFeRA experience that clients come for  and we spend a lot of time merging each stylist's personal inspiration with my vision of expertise and client service," Comella notes.

With SFeRA, Comella skilfully merges traditional Italian luxury with a contemporary approach, creating harmony between technical expertise, artistry, and inspiration. SFeRA values intuition and artistry combined with technical excellence, while always putting the client first. "We're creating an exclusive, inspirational, energetic and luxurious styling experience where the client is always the centre of our universe," he explains.

SFeRA is accepting clients by appointment only. Clients are invited to book sferasalon.com or by calling +971 4 777 5629

CONTACT: Luca Comella +971 4 7775629

SOURCE SFeRA
"The HOPE for HOMES Act supports easy-to-access training for small business contractors so they can afford to elevate their teams to meet a new demand, a demand for energy efficiency retrofits also spurred by this bill," said Steve Skodak, CEO of Building Performance Association. "This legislation provides rebates to incentivize home upgrades and offered important flexibility in rebate design to meet states where they are by providing multiple rebate pathways, pathways that will support the energy efficiency infrastructure Congress and the White House have called for."

Through the establishment of grants for online workforce training, residential contractors will quickly gain access to online training designed to prepare them to conduct comprehensive home energy efficiency retrofits. These funds will allow contracting businesses to re-hire and re-invest in their employees in the wake of the economic downturn as states open-up after the pandemic.

The Home Online Performance-Based Energy-Efficiency (HOPE) qualification is designed to serve as a pathway to participate in the Home Energy Savings Rebate Program, which would provide rebates to homeowners who undertake energy efficiency home retrofits, thereby supporting contractor small businesses that are providing energy efficiency products and installations for their customers.

The program will spur the creation of important jobs in contracting, manufacturing and retail sales of energy-efficient technologies and products. Contracting jobs are inherently local, and many will be provided by small business contractors. The HOPE for HOMES Act would support these small businesses and local job creation across the country during a time of urgent need.

The bill is introduced in the House by Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT), David McKinley (R-WV), Tony Cardenas, (D-CA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Sean Casten (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Paul Tonko (D-NY), David Trone (D-MD) and in the Senate by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Current Organization Support Letter:

To sign-on to support HOPE for HOMES:

Current Stakeholder Support Letter:

The full text of the bill is available here.

The Building Performance Association is a membership-driven 501(c)6 industry association dedicated to advancing the home and building performance industry. Built upon three decades of experience, the association is well-positioned to provide industry support through key areas including advocacy, education, programs, networking, publications, and community. Our 9,500+ members are individuals, companies, and organizations who work to deliver improved energy efficiency, health, safety, and environmental performance to people in their homes across North America. For more information, please visit www.building-performance.org.

Contact: Kara Saul Rinaldi

202.276.1773

[email protected]

(844) 370-5748 | www.building-performance.org

Washington, DC | Pittsburgh, PA | Berkeley, CA

SOURCE Building Performance Association

Related Links

https://www.building-performance.org


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 Janitorial Services market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Janitorial Services 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 Janitorial Services suppliers listed in this report:

This Janitorial Services procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies.

ABM Industries Inc.

Aramark

ISS A/S

Jani-King International Inc.

C&W Facility Services Inc.

CleanNet USA Inc.

Inc. Jan-Pro Franchising International Inc.

Harvard Maintenance

The ServiceMaster Company LLC

Vanguard Cleaning Systems Inc.

Verto London European Cleaning Services Ltd.

Related Report on Facility Management Include:

To access the definite purchasing guide on the Janitorial Services that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis:

Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Janitorial Services 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
TOKYO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CyberAgent Capital, Inc., a member company of the Tokyo-based CyberAgent, Inc. group, has announced the closing of its "CA Startups Internet Fund 3rd," raising a total of 6 billion yen (US$55.5 million).

CyberAgent Capital is a venture capital firm based across 8 countries and 10 cities, mainly in Asia, leading global innovation jointly with startups. Since its founding in 2006, the firm has been constantly pursuing global innovation. It invests in internet-related enterprises that are led by entrepreneurs with excellent management and leadership capabilities and are determined to expand their business globally and have high growth potential. With its vast experience in the internet business, the company provides incubation expertise and a unique business network to accelerate the global expansion of startups.

CyberAgent Capital's targeted areas of investment are mainly startups in early stages, such as seed. It has invested in more than 350 companies, and 50 of them were listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Background behind establishment of investment fund:

CyberAgent Capital has been investing mainly in seed, early startup companies based on its corporate vision of "Change the World, from Asia." The company has invested in startups globally. For example, it has invested in Tokopedia Inc. in Indonesia, Fangduoduo Inc. in China, Tiki Inc. and CleverAds Inc. in Vietnam, and Kakao Corp. in South Korea. In Japan, CyberAgent Capital has invested in companies such as Crowdworks Inc., Spacemarket Inc., VisasQ Inc., Kaizen platform Inc., and Retty Inc. Some of its other renowned portfolio companies include Note Inc., hey Inc., Timee Inc., and Subsclife Inc. With its latest fundraising, CyberAgent Capital aims to further accelerate its global startup investment and support the startup incubation ecosystem.

About support for startups:

1. "Growth Team"

CyberAgent Capital's "Growth Team" is a specialized team to support its portfolio companies further grow. It has gathered experts from various fields such as development, public relations, etc. that provide hands-on support.

2. Sharing Expertise

CyberAgent Capital provides business expertise such as business and organization building, business projects, management strategy, marketing, etc.

3. Experts

CyberAgent Capital provides support from its staff that are highly experienced in R&D, growth hack, engineering, technical legal affairs, organizational strategy, etc.

4. Overseas Expansion

CyberAgent Capital supports investments with the potential to expand business overseas, using its global network multi-directionally.

5. Monthly Pitch



"Monthly Pitch" ( https://monthly-pitch.com/ ) is a monthly pitch event for seed, early-stage startups. This is a platform where early-stage entrepreneurs can quickly meet investors active in Asia. This allows startups to spend minimal time on fundraising and concentrate on their core business as much as possible.

CyberAgent Capital looks forward to working with passionate, innovative entrepreneurs. Please feel free to contact the company if interested.

-Related articles

https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202101189883

About CyberAgent Capital ( https://www.cyberagentcapital.com/en/ )

Company name: CyberAgent Capital, Inc.

Location: 5F Abema Towers 40-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042

Established: April 3, 2006

Representative: Hirofumi Kondo, President & CEO

Business Description: Venture capital

Contact: CyberAgent Capital, Inc.

SOURCE CyberAgent Capital, Inc.
DENVER, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Keef Brands, founded in 2010 as one of the original cannabis-infused beverage companies and now ranked by BDS Analytics as the country's number one cannabis beverage brand, is proud to announce Travis Tharp as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. Tharp first joined Keef Brands in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer, was named President in 2019, and in 2020 oversaw the company's largest year over year growth of beverage market share (by dollars sold). The transition of Tharp moving into the CEO role is the result a long-planned succession. Co-Founder and former CEO Erik Knutson, who will remain on the Board of Directors, worked with Tharp and the Board to position the company for this move and expansion. The appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Keef Brands is poised to release cutting-edge new product formulations and introduce their revolutionary wave of social consumption into more recently legalized markets across the country.

"Keef Brands continues to push the envelope in the cannabis and consumer packaged goods spaces, and I'm thrilled to oversee our incredibly accomplished and ambitious team," said Tharp. "In my new role as CEO, I will work to accelerate the progress we've made in the beverage category and lead expansion into new states while continuing to amplify Keef Brands' presence in our long-time markets. We're on a mission to introduce both cannabis connoisseurs and the canna-curious to a contemporary wave of consuming the cannabis plant while drinking with friends."

Tharp's career has focused on growth stage companies and expansion in tech, cannabis, and beyond: from 2013 to 2016, Tharp was Head of City Operations for peer-to-peer home services marketplace Handy (now part of Angi), overseeing more than 30 different markets. In this role, Tharp built operations teams and workflows that were capable of handling hundreds of thousands of bookings per month and recruiting thousands of professionals per week. He went on to serve as Vice President of Marketplace Growth at HopSkipDrive (rideshare marketplace for children's rides), leading teams for marketing, inside sales, and driver operations. Tharp holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Northwestern University, and an MBA with an entrepreneurship concentration from UCLA's Anderson School of Management.

In his new role as Keef Brands CEO, Tharp plans to make their products more widely available than ever before. Earlier this month the company announced its expansion into three new states  Missouri, Ohio and Maine  and currently operates in eight markets with more to come. The brand is also developing new beverage formulations highlighting alternative cannabinoids and has partnered with BevCanna to position Keef Brands' expansion into Canada later this year .

For more information on the full product portfolio and to view the rebranded Keef aesthetic, please visit keefbrands.com .

About Keef Brands

A recognized leader in the cannabis space known for its track record of innovation, taste and consistent quality, Keef Brands develops, produces, and distributes multiple cannabis-infused product lines including Keef Classics, Keef Mocktails, Keef Sparkling H2O, Keef Energy, Keef Life H2O, Keef PAX Pods, Keef Carts and Keef Oil Syringes. This diverse and carefully curated product portfolio continues to be an award-winning brand, including the Westword 2019 Best in Denver Readers' Choice for Best Edible Company. According to BDS Analytics, Keef is the #1 cannabis beverage brand (by both dollars and units sold) in the United States in 2020 and Keef has seen the largest year over year growth of beverage market share (by dollars sold) in 2020. Founded in Boulder, CO, the company has been at the forefront of innovation around social cannabis product development and education since 2010. The brand is currently available in seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, as well as Puerto Rico. Follow Keef Brands on Instagram and Facebook .

Contact: Alex Rush

[email protected]

718.664.3517

SOURCE Keef Brands

Related Links

http://www.keefbrands.com


MIAMI, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A senior investor has filed a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration claim seeking up to $500K in damages against Truist Investment Services for losses he suffered in Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda). The claimant, who is in his seventies, is a retired Catholic Priest who lives in Bogota, Colombia, and was a longtime client of SunTrust Bank.

Truist Investment Services is SunTrust's brokerage arm and is based in the United States. Ex-SunTrust Advisory Services investment adviser, Luisa Gonzales, was this investor's financial representative.

The claimant invested mostly in bank products and checking and savings accounts with SunTrust. In 2016, Gonzales recommended that he invest $190K in Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) and he ultimately suffered a six-figure loss.

The Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) product was an offshore annuity that tends to be riskier than comparable US-based annuities. For an investor seeking safety and low risk, there was simply no reason for then SunTrust Advisory Services advisor, Luisa Gonzales, to recommend one of these products. However, like all products from this company, the products likely paid higher commissions, bonuses, remunerations, or other incentives.

The claimant at no point was made aware that this could prove to be a risky investment and it appears that Truist Investment Services marketed all Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) products in a similar fashion by misrepresenting the risks.

This investor tried to get out of his Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) last year but to no avail. Now, he is alleging misrepresentations and omissions, negligence, unsuitability, breach of fiduciary duty, other breaches, failure to supervise, and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly persons and disabled adults.

Gonzales, who has worked for 14 firms in 19 years in the industry, appears to have been self-supervised. This lack of supervision by Truist Investment Services and SunTrust was simply inexcusable.

Our Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) fraud lawyers at Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas (SSEK Law Firm at investorlawyers.com) are representing this Latin American investor in his FINRA arbitration claim. A FINRA arbitration panel will hear his fraud case in Miami, Florida.

For more information about Northstar (Bermuda) losses and how they may be impacting you, see our FAQ section available in Spanish and English.

Contact:

Kirk Smith

[email protected]

United States: (800) 259-9010

Mexico: toll-free (800) 283-3403

Internationally via WhatsApp (Text Only): 713-227-2400

SOURCE Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP

Related Links

http://www.sseklaw.com


The Patek Philippe  My Dream Collection is authored by Ali Nael, who is seen as an authority and industry expert in rare vintage Patek Philippe watches, in collaboration with Eric Tortella, who played a crucial role in the literature side of the book and brings over 50 years of experience in the documenting and studying of Patek Philippe watches.

"This book is the realisation of my dream to curate a Patek collection focused on quality and a documentation of my journey thus far, into this fascinating world. The book aims to provide collectors, new and seasoned alike, with a reference that will help them grow their interest and create their Patek Philippe collection, making it the ultimate collectible item for Patek Philippe connoisseurs and the perfect gift for any horological lover and enthusiast. I hope this book will play a role in building their collection, in the same way I did, and act as the bridge to cross over to their target." Said Ali Nael, Author, Patek Philippe  My Dream Collection.

DETAILS AT A GLANCE:

Book Title: Patek Philippe - My Dream Collection by Ali Nael Price: USD 680 per copy, includes complimentary shipping worldwide Where to buy: Online: https://vintagepp.com/ Showroom: 2ToneVintage, 428 River Valley, #01-11, Singapore 248327

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ali Nael is an accomplished watch collector and Patek Philippe aficionado, seen as an authority and industry expert in rare watches. Over the past decade, Ali has travelled the world to source the best watches for his impressive collection, developing a remarkable eye for detail, and building up a wealth of knowledge in this specialty.

Following his passion, Ali established 2ToneVintage in Singapore, applying the same strict discipline and high standards used in curating his timepieces to his business. Like his personal collection, 2ToneVintage is focused on high-end collectible-grade watches, carefully curated with an emphasis on quality, originality, and rarity, to meet the needs of both new and seasoned collectors alike. As a collector himself, Ali is passionate to share his skills and know-how with fellow collectors. Visit https://vintagepp.com/ for more information.

Media Contact:

ASN PTE LTD / 2ToneVintage Watches

428 River Valley, #01-11, Singapore 248327

[email protected]

+65-6977-7123

SOURCE 2tonevintage

Related Links

https://vintagepp.com/


FORT COLLINS, Colo., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For many small businesses, online reputation is an afterthought. They strive to provide great service and take feedback seriously, but they're not keeping up with managing their reputation online.

Online reputation is extremely important, as 87% of consumers read reviews online and 52% of consumers won't visit a business that has fewer than four stars. Businesses that have an above-average number of reviews earn 54% more annual revenue than those who don't (Womply). Reputation management is key to upholding a strong online reputation.

In this case study, a Marketing 360 client, with the help of their Marketing Success Manager and the Marketing 360 reputation management software, learned first hand the impact of a strong online reputation. They had their most profitable quarter ever in the first quarter of 2021.

When compared to the first quarter of 2020, this business increased their conversion rate by 143% and dropped their cost per conversion by $74, a 25% decrease in cost. They also saw a boost in organic performance, showing a 165% increase in impressions, a 130% increase in clicks, and a 171% increase in organic conversions.

The strategy? This local business simply began asking all of their customers for feedback. They did this by sending automated emails through the Marketing 360 Nurture app to customers after a purchase, asking them to leave a review on Google or Top Rated Local. This simple, yet effective, strategy earned this business a 97.21 Rating Score on Top Rated Local and a 4.9 average star rating on Google.

Through many tools and integrated apps, plus the backing of a Marketing Success Manager, Marketing 360 makes it easy for small businesses to manage their business and marketing, all from one place while saving time, money, and tons of manual work. Learn more about Marketing 360 at https://www.marketing360.com/.

About Marketing 360

Marketing 360 is a technology company that provides business management and marketing software and services for SMBs and franchises. The Marketing 360 platform gives SMBs everything they need to manage and grow their business from a singular platform, including the ability to  build a professional website, accept and manage payments, manage leads and customers, book appointments, monitor reviews, manage social media, syndicate business listings, manage content marketing, run multi-channel digital advertising campaigns, and more. Marketing 360 was founded in 2009 with the mission of enriching communities by helping small businesses grow, and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, with offices in Austin, Texas. Learn more about Marketing 360 at https://www.marketing360.com/.

Contact:

Farra Lanzer

[email protected]

970-541-3284

SOURCE Marketing 360

Related Links

https://www.marketing360.com/


Posted by Jay on at 09:01 AM CST

Marvel has sent out solicitations for their August 2021 titles, including 7comics!Written by ETHAN SACKSPenciled by PAOLO VILLANELLICover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLIWanted Poster Variant by DAVID NAKAYAMALucasfilm 50th Anniversary Variant by CHRIS SPROUSEWAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS: THE GATHERING VALANCE and DENGAR travel to CANTO BIGHT as a relentless assassin stalks them! T'ONGA starts to recruit a bounty hunter crew with some familiar  and fearsome  faces! Plus TASU LEECH returns! But whose side is he on?32 PGS./Rated T $3.99DANIEL JOSE OLDER (W)  KEI ZAMA (A)  Cover by Mahmud AsrarVariant COVER by KEI ZAMAVariant COVER by SUPERLOGWANTED POSTER VARIANT BY DAVID NAKAYAMAZUCKUSS BATTLES 4-LOM! WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS TIE-IN!Together, lethal droid 4-LOM and Gand Findsman Zuckuss make an unparalleled bounty hunting team. Yet a brutal battle with Boba Fett has divided them. Lost and alone on the crime-infested streets of Nar Shaddaa, Zuckuss faces down an utterly transformed 4-LOM but why is his old friend out for blood? The answer may lie in the past, from an early mission that helped forge their formidable partnership. Daniel Jose Older and Kei Zamas one-shot is the second of four action-packed War of the Bounty Hunters tie-ins about the criminal underworlds most notorious hunters and scoundrels, all told by the best STAR WARS writers and illustrators in the galaxy.40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T $4.99(of 5)Charles Soule (W)  LUKE ROSS (A)  Cover by STEVE MCNIVENVariant Cover by DECLAN SHALVEYWanted Poster Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMATrading Card Variant Cover by JOHN CASSADAYAction Figure Variant Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHERWINNER TAKES ALL! Terrifying, implacable Dark Lord of the Sith DARTH VADER has laid claim to HAN SOLO, who is frozen in carbonite. But the great, exalted JABBA THE HUTT also believes that Solo is his property. Its the galaxys baddest gangster versus the Empires most powerful enforcer, and neither is backing down. BOBA FETT is caught between a Sith and a Hutt...and its WINNER TAKE ALL.32 PGS./Rated T $3.99CAVAN SCOTT (W)  ARIO ANINDITO (A)  Cover by PHIL NOTOVariant Cover by ARIO ANINDITOVariant Cover by GEORGES JEANTYTHE BATTLE AGAINST THE DRENGIR REACHES ITS THRILLING CLIMAX! AVAR KRISS has gathered a team of JEDI to take the fight to the DRENGIR deep in WILD SPACE, but KEEVE TRENNIS is nowhere to be seen. Are other forces at work on the Drengirs deathworld? Guest-starring a host of High Republic Jedi! COHMAC VITUS! REATH SILAS! THE STAR HOPPER PADAWANS!32 PGS./Rated T $3.99CHARLES SOULE (W)  RAMON ROSANAS (A)Cover by CARLO PAGULAYANWanted Poster Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMALucasfilm 50th Anniversary Variant Cover by CHRIS SPROUSEVariant Cover by JAN DUURSEMAMISSING IN ACTION LEIA ORGANA, CHEWBACCA and LANDO CALRISSIAN battle BOBA FETT for the ultimate prize  HAN SOLO! But they are not the only people who have come to the remote world of JEKARA seeking the smuggler. DARTH VADER, JABBA THE HUTT and more are in the mix as well... Jedi LUKE SKYWALKER may be the Rebels only hope but WHERE is he?32 PGS./Rated T $3.99ALYSSA WONG (W)  MINKYU JUNG (A)COVER BY SARA PICHELLIWanted Poster Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMALucasfilm 50th Anniversary Variant Cover by CHRIS SPROUSEGUEST OF HONOR DOCTOR APHRA finds herself face-to-face with the one person she hoped shed never see again! For once, she might not be able to talk her way out... Meanwhile, JUST LUCKY and ARIOLE confront a familiar presence of their own!32 PGS./Rated T $3.99GREG PAK (W)  RAFFAELE IENCO (A)  Cover by AARON KUDERWanted Poster Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMALucasfilm 50th Anniversary Variant Cover by CHRIS SPROUSETHE ASSASSINS CHOICE Mere months ago, OCHI OF BESTOON was the assassin who dared to take on DARTH VADER himself in the fiery lava pits of MUSTAFAR. Now Ochi serves Vader as his most loyal agent during the WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS. Who is Ochi of Bestoon? What are his true goals? And how have the secrets of EXEGOL shaped him forever? Also featuring the next great reveal about BOKKU and the Hutt Council!32 PGS./Rated T $3.99
CHICAGO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's USA today announced bold new investments to further reflect its diverse customers, crew members and communities in its marketing.

Over the next four years, the company and Owner/Operators are accelerating the allocation of advertising dollars to diverse-owned media companies, production houses and content creators. McDonald's total investment in diverse-owned partners  including Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific American, Women and LGBTQ-owned platforms  will more than double, moving from 4% to 10% of national advertising spend between 2021 and 2024. Spend with Black-owned properties, specifically, will increase from 2% to 5% of national advertising spend over this time period.

Additionally, McDonald's will forge new multi-year partnerships with diverse-owned media companies. This longer-term funding will help bolster individual businesses, strengthen the broader marketing supply chain, and support inclusive, authentic storytelling between McDonald's brand and diverse customers.

"We've been making serious commitments that are guided by our values, and with this latest move, we're taking action to advance diverse-owned companies across the marketing supply chain," said Morgan Flatley, Chief Marketing and Digital Customer Experience Officer, McDonald's USA. "We're using our resources to support these platforms and businesses, which keep the brand at the center of culture while creating deeper relationships with our diverse customers, crew and employees."

"As a Black female entrepreneur, I am proud to be a part of McDonald's continued effort to meet Women and diverse-owned businesses where they are by providing much-needed resources to do business in an ever-evolving marketplace," said Vicki Chancellor, Chair, McDonald's USA Franchisee Marketing Committee. "It's who we are as a leading brand that is doing our part to help underserved communities thrive."

McDonald's four-year plan includes commitments to:

Increase national investments in diverse-owned companies from 4% to 10% . Spend with Black-owned media and production properties will increase from 2% to 5%, and additional investments will follow with other diverse segments including Hispanic, Asian Pacific American, Women and LGBTQ-owned properties.

. Spend with Black-owned media and production properties will increase from 2% to 5%, and additional investments will follow with other diverse segments including Hispanic, Asian Pacific American, Women and LGBTQ-owned properties. Forge multi-year partnerships with diverse-owned media and production companies, content-creators and influencers to support their businesses for sustainable, long-term growth; strengthen the marketing supply chain; enable deeper, more inclusive storytelling; and foster conduits for cultural connectivity.

to support their businesses for sustainable, long-term growth; strengthen the marketing supply chain; enable deeper, more inclusive storytelling; and foster conduits for cultural connectivity. Form an advisory board of external marketing and advertising subject matter experts dedicated to identifying the biggest barriers to economic opportunity facing diverse partners and putting collective resources behind new programs and initiatives to eliminate them. The group's focus will be to drive change and impact across the industry.

This plan builds upon the company's longstanding relationships with diverse-owned marketing and communications companies including The Boden Agency, Lopez Negrete, IW Group and Burrell Communications Group, a full-service agency and McDonald's partner of 50 years. It also follows the inaugural Media Partner Summit that McDonald's hosted in November 2020, which convened diverse-owned media companies to identify mutually beneficial partnership opportunities that align with McDonald's overall marketing strategy and goals. This Summit will be held annually to create and strengthen connections with both new and existing partners across diverse segments.

In addition to marketing partners, McDonald's has a long history of purchasing goods and services from other businesses and suppliers that represent the diverse communities it serves. New commitments to reduce barriers and increase spend with diverse suppliers were shared in the company's broader Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion aspiration announced last July.

About McDonald's USA

McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com , or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds .

SOURCE McDonald's USA

Related Links

http://www.mcdonalds.com


LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michelson 20MM Foundation is helping tackle California's digital divide through new grants to leading policy, research, and technology nonprofit organizations.

The Public Policy Institute of California, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, UNITE-LA, EveryoneOn, and MoHuman are the 2021 recipients of Michelson 20MM Spark Grants in Digital Equity.

"Through the combination of scalable solutions, research, and education, five coordinated and complimentary projects truly address every dimension of the digital divide. We are proud to partner with these groups to increase digital equity throughout the state of California," said Phillip Kim, CEO of Michelson 20MM Foundation.

The projects awarded the $25,000 Spark Grants were recognized for their multidimensional approaches designed to address the complex challenges of digital inequity:

EveryoneOn is designing a digital inclusion training program for K-12 institutions, nonprofit organizations, and public housing providers.

is designing a digital inclusion training program for K-12 institutions, nonprofit organizations, and public housing providers. mohuman is launching a San Diego pilot program to connect 3,000 low-income residents, an effort they intend to scale across twenty-two Promise Zones.

is launching a pilot program to connect 3,000 low-income residents, an effort they intend to scale across twenty-two Promise Zones. Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is examining how digital equity gaps have evolved since Spring 2020, which will culminate in a report designed to equip changemakers with more accurate data and actionable solutions.

(PPIC) is examining how digital equity gaps have evolved since Spring 2020, which will culminate in a report designed to equip changemakers with more accurate data and actionable solutions. The LA-Digital Equity Action League (LA-DEAL), led by UNITE-LA in partnership with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, is a community-driven, cross-sector consortium that will address digital equity challenges by sector and region.

(LA-DEAL), led by UNITE-LA in partnership with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, is a community-driven, cross-sector consortium that will address digital equity challenges by sector and region. USC Annenberg will map connectivity down to the residential block via their Connected Communities and Inclusive Growth (CCIG) project. CCIG is expanding the platform to cover the entire state of California including digital literacy and broadband speed indicators.

"Access to the internet is essential for pursuing an education, finding a job, accessing healthcare, and participating in our democracy. COVID-19 highlighted the severity of the digital divide, particularly among underserved communities. We need to find solutions to this crisis that has been decades in the making," added Dr. Gary K. Michelson, founder and co-chair of the Michelson 20MM Foundation.

To learn more about Michelson 20MM and the Digital Equity Initiative, tune in Thursday March 20, 2021 at 9:00 am PT for "The Power of Connectivity: How Internet Innovators Are Closing the Digital Divide."

About the Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation seeking to accelerate progress towards a more just world through grantmaking, operating programs, and impact investing. For more information, visit 20MM.org

CONTACT: Geoffrey Baum

[email protected]

or 310-806-9707

SOURCE The Michelson 20MM Foundation

Related Links

https://20mm.org/


Now through June 8th, fans of Milagro Tequila could win a luxurious Monday-to-Friday, work-from-anywhere getaway to Tulum, Mexico. To enter, they simply need to post a photo or video to their personal Instagram account of what makes them dread Mondays the most (think: anything that makes you want to escape to Tulum for a few days), and tag @MilagroTequila in the post with hashtags #MilagroMondays #entry.

"No matter the reason, most of us have that one thing that makes us dread our Monday morning alarm clock, especially after a year of living, sleeping, eating, working, and working out in the same space," said Jill Palais, Senior Brand Manager of Milagro Tequila.

"So, as a brand born from and inspired by the upbeat, optimistic energy of Mexico, we see an opportunity to inject that same energy into Mondays," added Palais. "By transporting our winners and their guests to a beautiful, tropical wilderness, we hope to offer a reprieve from the mundane and encourage a renewed sense of optimism."

Two winners and their guests will fly first-class, stay in a private villa outfitted with the ideal "work from anywhere" set-up (including that real-life beach Zoom background), and be treated to experiences including privately bartended evenings, yoga classes, beach excursions, a jungle art walk tour, a visit to the Mayan ruins, and much more.

"Whether you're looking for rest or adventure, Tulum has something for everyone, and we've curated an itinerary, stacked with plenty of delicious food and drink, that gives our winners the chance to experience the magic of one of our favorite destinations in Mexico," said Jaime Salas, National Brand Ambassador for Milagro Tequila. "But, even if you don't win, you can still celebrate #MilagroMondays with a refreshing Milagro cocktail any day of the week...a Paloma being one of my personal favorites."

Milagro Paloma Select Recipe

1 1/2 parts Milagro Select Silver

 part agave nectar

1 part pink grapefruit juice

 part fresh lime juice

3 parts sparkling water

1 pink grapefruit wedge

Method: Pour all ingredients, except sparkling water, into a Boston shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with speared grapefruit wedge.

Those interested can click here for the official rules and regulations of #MilagroMondays.

For more on Milagro Tequila, visit the new www.milagrotequila.com website and @MilagroTequila for more information.

About Milagro

Milagro Tequila was founded in 1998 by two wide-eyed college friends who decided to take a chance and create a tequila that better reflected the bright, vibrant, artistic world of Mexico City. Milagro Tequila is truly defined by its ultimate balance of fresh agave taste and exquisite smoothness and is made from 100% blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands, where the finest, sweetest blue agave in the world is cultivated. The Milagro Tequila range consists of six expressions, with Silver, Reposado and Anejo expressions of the core and Select ranges respectively. A bright, fresh agave-forward liquid by design, all Milagro Tequila expressions undergo a 36-hour slow roasting process in traditional brick ovens to extract all the nuances of the precious agave flavor before being double-distilled. Milagro Tequila's unique double-distillation process uses both pot and column stills to retain the vibrant, mouth-watering flavors of agave and impart an exquisite smoothness that compares to the finest white spirits in the world.

All Milagro Tequila expressions have an ABV of 40% alc./vol. and range from $24.99 to $34.99 per 750ml.

Milagro Select is an ultra-premium tequila devoted to the essential elements of the liquid, and confidently lets them shine. With the individual barrel numbers printed on each label, you know you're getting award-winning liquid; Milagro Select Silver was awarded a Gold Medal in the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The premium bottle is inspired by the clean lines and work of renowned Mexican architect and engineer, Luis Barragan and the sophistication of modern-day Mexico. All Milagro Select expressions have an ABV of 40%alc./vol. and range from $39.99 to $54.99.

For more information, please visit www.MilagroTequila.com.

Please enjoy Milagro responsibly. Milagro Tequila, 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof) 2021 William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie range of handcrafted single malts and the world's third largest blended Scotch, Grant's, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Drambuie Scotch Liqueur.

William Grant & Sons has been honored as "Distiller of the Year" by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge 13 times over the past 14 years, including the most recent award in 2020.

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the US with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Drambuie, Milagro Tequila, Fistful of Bourbon, Grant's, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson's Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Flor de Cana Rum, The Knot and Raynal French Brandy. For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.williamgrantusa.com.

SOURCE Milagro Tequila

Related Links

http://www.milagrotequila.com


LIMA, Peru, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Minsur S.A. announced today that it has commenced a cash tender offer to purchase a portion of its outstanding 6.250% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "Notes") for an aggregate purchase price, including Accrued Interest (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), up to US$300 million (the principal amount of Notes that does not cause such amount to be exceeded, subject to increase, decrease or elimination, the "Aggregate Maximum Tender Cap").

Notes CUSIP Number(1) ISIN(1) Aggregate Principal

Amount Outstanding Tender

Consideration(2) Early Tender

Premium Total Consideration

(2)(3) 6.250%

Senior

Notes

due 2024 144A: 60447K AA8

Reg S: P6811T AA3 144A: US60447KAA88

Reg S: USP6811TAA36 US$450,000,000 US$1,035 US$50 US$1,085











(1) No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers and ISINs listed in this release or printed on the Notes. They are provided solely for the convenience of holders of the Notes. (2) Per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase by Minsur. Excludes Accrued Interest (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), which will be paid on Notes accepted for purchase by Minsur. (3) Includes the Early Tender Premium for Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase by Minsur.

Minsur will not be obligated to accept for purchase any Notes pursuant to the tender offer unless certain conditions are satisfied or waived by Minsur, including Minsur having obtained sufficient gross proceeds from a debt financing. Subject to applicable law, Minsur may amend, extend or terminate the tender offer in its sole discretion.

The tender offer is being made solely pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in an Offer to Purchase, dated May 19, 2021 (the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth a more detailed description of the tender offer. Holders of the Notes are urged to carefully read the Offer to Purchase before making any decision with respect to the tender offer.

The tender offer will expire at 8:00 a.m., New York City time (7:00 a.m., Lima time), on June 17, 2021, unless extended, or earlier expired or terminated by Minsur (such time and date, as the same may be extended, or earlier expired or terminated by Minsur in its sole discretion, the "Expiration Date"). Tendered Notes may be withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time (4:00 p.m., Lima time), on June 2, 2021, by following the procedures in the Offer to Purchase, but may not thereafter be validly withdrawn, except as provided for in the Offer to Purchase or required by applicable law.

Holders of Notes must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time (4:00 p.m., Lima time), on June 2, 2021 (such time and date, as the same may be extended by Minsur in its sole discretion, the "Early Tender Deadline") in order to be eligible to receive the Total Consideration, which includes the Early Tender Premium for the Notes of US$50 per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered. Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive only the Tender Consideration, as set forth in the table above. Accrued and unpaid interest will be paid on all Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase from the last interest payment date up to, but not including, the Settlement Date (as defined below).

Minsur will purchase all Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Date, subject to the Aggregate Maximum Tender Cap and all conditions to the tender offer having been satisfied or waived by Minsur, promptly following the Expiration Date, on a date currently expected to be June 21, 2021 (the "Settlement Date"). If purchasing all of the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes on the Settlement Date would cause the Aggregate Maximum Tender Cap to be exceeded on the Settlement Date, Minsur will accept for purchase the Notes on a pro rata basis, so as to not exceed the Aggregate Maximum Tender Cap (with adjustments to avoid the purchase of Notes in a principal amount other than in integral multiples of US$1,000). The Settlement Date is expected to occur promptly following the Expiration Date, unless extended by Minsur. Tenders of Notes submitted after the Expiration Date will not be valid.

Minsur has retained BofA Securities, Inc. and Santander Investment Securities Inc. as Dealer Managers for the tender offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the Tender and Information Agent for the tender offer. For additional information regarding the terms of the tender offer, please contact BofA Securities, Inc. collect at +1 (646) 855-8988 or toll free at +1 (888) 292-0070, or Santander Investment Securities Inc. collect at +1 (212) 940-1442 or toll free +1 (855) 404-3636. Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase and questions regarding the tendering of Notes may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at +1 (212) 269-5550 (banks and brokers), at +1 (800) 714-3305 (all others, toll free) or at [email protected].

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

None of the Company, the Tender and Information Agent, the Dealer Managers or the Trustee for the Notes (nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or affiliates) make any recommendation as to whether holders should tender their Notes pursuant to the tender offer, and no one has been authorized by any of them to make such a recommendation. Holders must make their own decisions as to whether to tender their Notes, and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender.

Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent Minsur's expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this press release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Minsur's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, Minsur does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors. No assurance can be given that the transactions described in this press release will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions.

Contacts:

Minsur S.A., Jr. Bernini 149, 501-A

San Borja  Lima

Peru

+(511) 215-8330

SOURCE Minsur S.A.
OSLO, Norway, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Q1 and three-month 2021 results:

MPC Container Ships ASA ("MPCC" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries the "Group") today published its unaudited financial report for the three-month period ended 31 March 2021.

Total revenue was USD 54.9 million in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: USD 45.6 million).

EBITDA was USD 22.3 million in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: USD 4.5 million ).

in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: ). Net profit was USD 3.5 million in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: net loss of USD 18.4 million ).

in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: net loss of ). Utilization was 99.2% in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: 97.0%).

Average time charter equivalent ("TCE") was USD 10,502 per day in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: USD 8,115 per day).

per day in Q1 2021 (Q4 2020: per day). Cash and cash equivalents stood at USD 48.1 million as at 31 March 2021 . As at the same date, the Group has an equity ratio of 56.2% and a leverage ratio of 41.1%.

As at 31 March 2021, the Group owns and operates 65 container vessels, whereof 57 are fully owned and 8 are operated in a joint venture.

For FY 2021 management confirms, subject to certain assumptions, expected revenues in the range of USD 230-260m and expected EBITDA in the range of USD 120-140m. Based on current market developments, management expects to reach the upper end of the ranges.

CEO Constantin Baack comments in relation to the announcement: "The strong container market momentum which commenced in the second half of 2020 has shown no sign of slowdown, but has instead constantly strengthened further in 2021. The present market conditions are based on fundamentals. Significant demand growth in combination with limited supply, fuelled by extraordinary effects such as container box shortages and the Suez Canal blockage, has led to one of the strongest container markets in history which we expect will continue into next year.

Charter rates are at historically high levels whilst charter periods are getting longer and longer thus increasing cash flow visibility on our fleet. So far, in 2021 we have concluded 26 multi-year charters, bringing our overall charter backlog to more than USD 400 million. Based on around 25 additional charter renewals until year-end, we believe MPCC is well-positioned to further benefit from the continuously strong charter markets.

Going forward, we will continue with our focused strategy to own and operate vessels in intra-regional trades, a sector where we see an extremely compelling demand/supply development for the years ahead. Whilst the order book has recently increased significantly for the larger sizes, we expect constrained supply will persist in the medium-term, in particular for intra-regional vessel sizes. Furthermore, we expect attractive demand growth in the intra-regional trades, especially in Asia due to global sourcing dynamics and demand developments.

We firmly believe, it is the combination of the strong cash generation, whilst having an extremely low residual value risk and our prudent capital allocation strategy which makes up MPC Container Ships' attractiveness as an unique investment in these exciting times in container shipping."

Q1 and three-month 2021 earnings call and webcast:

The Company will host a webcast for the presentation of the Q1 2021 results commencing on Thursday 20 May 2021 at 15:00 hours CEST / 09:00 hours EDT. The presentation will be made available on the Company's webpage (https://www.mpc-container.com/en/financial-reports/) prior to the earnings call. There will be a Q&A session after the presentation.

The event is being streamed. It is recommended that you listen via your computer speakers. Please note that for optimal viewing, it is recommended not to use VPN, but instead to connect directly to the internet. Please disable pop-up blockers in order to view the content in its entirety.

The live webcast can be accessed through the following link:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/58hxhzue

Alternatively, participants may dial in to the earnings call using the below dial-in information:

Norwegian LocalCall Dial-In (Oslo): +47 23 96 02 64

US LocalCall Dial-In (New York): +1 (631) 510-7495

International/Toll Attendee Dial-In: +44 (0) 2071 928000

Conference ID: 1068976

Following the earnings call, a post-call recording of the webcast will be made available on the Company's webpage (https://www.mpc-container.com/en/financial-reports/).

The above information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Further information and contact:

For further information, please contact [email protected].

About MPC Container Ships ASA:

MPC Container Ships ASA (ticker code "MPCC") was formed in April 2017. Its main activity is to own and operate a portfolio of container ships serving intra-regional trade lanes. The Company is registered and has its business office in Oslo, Norway. For more information, please see our website: www.mpc-container.com .

Forward-looking statements:

This announcement includes forward-looking statements. Such statements are generally not historical in nature, and specifically include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in its business, the markets in which it operates and its restructuring efforts. These statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company's regulatory filings and periodical reporting. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/mpc-container-ships-asa/r/mpc-container-ships-asa-reports-q1-and-three-month-2021-results,c3343816

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Public/17513/3343816/98610e713f0f16dd.pdf MPCC Q1 2021 Financial Report

SOURCE MPC Container Ships ASA
In June 2020, WorkPride attracted 18,000 attendees over five days. The conference, convened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic offered moments for networking and discussion, centring the ongoing necessity of workplace equality and inclusion even as the world adapted to working from home.

For 2021, WorkPride expands its offering to 50 events across five days, and will bring together LGBTQ+ professionals, diversity and inclusion specialists and inclusive employers for panels, training, digital-social events and more. With LGBTQ+ professionals and inclusion specialists from around the world, WorkPride 2021 will offer comprehensive insights into what businesses and professionals have learned over the past year, as well as looking ahead at how they're preparing to enter physical offices and workplaces again.

EY, the global professional services provider, has joined as Headline Sponsor of WorkPride for a second year.

Adrien Gaubert, CMO and co-founder of myGwork, says: "The world has continued to change in ways we couldn't have imagined, and our job at myGwork is to ensure LGBTQ+ professionals have the skills, resources and networks they need to keep working and keep effecting change. As LGBTQ+ professionals and inclusive employers navigate the reopening of the world, WorkPride will in many ways prepare us all to enter back into workplaces committed to inclusion and diversity."

Pierre Gaubert, CEO and co-founder of myGwork, says: "WorkPride is a vital resource for LGBTQ+ communities and inclusive employers and we feel encouraged by last year's attendance and the subsequent feedback. If LGBTQ+ professionals are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, then our communities need more and more dedicated resources and support. WorkPride is a brilliant opportunity for inclusive employers to acknowledge the tremendous role LGBTQ+ professionals play in all industries and we look forward to another successful year."

EY's Global Unity Leader Moriaki Kida, says: "EY's LGBT+ community is a strong and vibrant part of our diverse global organisation, and a beacon for D&I teams overall. We are committed to fostering an environment where all are valued for their uniqueness and where everyone feels a sense of belonging at EY. This is why I'm delighted that EY Unity UK&I is once again sponsoring WorkPride to promote workplace equality and inclusion."

As can be expected from myGwork, sessions include expansive and nuanced conversations about inclusion, mental and emotional health, and allyship in the workplace, as well as sessions on upskilling and what it means to be an LGBTQ+ person in business in 2021 amid a fast-changing world and workplace.



WorkPride 2021 Programme



Monday, June 14  Inclusiveness

Tuesday, June 15  LGBTQ+ Networks and ERGs

Wednesday, June 16  Skill Sets

Thursday, June 17  LGBTQ+ in Business

Friday, June 18  Mental Health and Well-being

If you wish to take part in WorkPride, please contact myGwork.



About myGwork

myGwork is the global business community for LGBTQ+ professionals, graduates, inclusive employers and advocates for workplace equality. Since 2014, myGwork has empowered over 380,000 LGBTQ+ professionals and students from around the world, by offering a safe space for individuals to network with members of the LGBTQ+ community, connect with inclusive employers, find job opportunities, gain access to industry mentors and role models, attend professional events and more.

About WorkPride



WorkPride is a five-day series of events for professionals, graduates, inclusive employers and anyone who believes in workplace equality. Each year, WorkPride welcomes thousands of virtual attendees from around the globe to network, share best practices and learn strategies to help create workspaces inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.



mygwork.com



https://www.mygwork.com/en/work-pride-2021

Contact:



[email protected]

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515323/WorkPride_myGwork.jpg

SOURCE myGwork
ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NATSO, representing truckstops and travel plazas, issued the following statement in response to today's comments from Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg at a hearing of the Senate Banking Committee regarding the Biden Administration's plans for leveraging $15 billion to build a network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations.

"We are encouraged by Secretary Pete Buttigieg's statements today underscoring the need to leverage private dollars to invest in EV charging stations and eliminate range anxiety," said Lisa Mullings, NATSO's President and CEO. "While a number of hurdles remain, Secretary Buttigieg has sent a very favorable policy signal to the travel center industry that they will be an essential asset to the Biden Administration's effort to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuel.

"Thousands of travel centers across the country, accessible from major highways, already offer food, fuel, and other amenities to interstate travelers, and they are prepared to invest in EV charging and other alternative fuels," Mullings continued. "This can only happen, however, if the government does not unfairly compete with the private sector. It is reassuring to see that Secretary Buttigieg recognizes this dynamic."

With thousands of established fueling locations spanning the nation, off-highway fuel retailers can replicate today's fueling experience for drivers of electric vehicles while ensuring that drivers of electric-powered cars will not suffer from range anxiety.

"Congress has a real opportunity to turn President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg's vision into reality, so long as federal investments in EV charging stations are designed to make private sector investments in EV charging stations as attractive as possible," said David Fialkov, NATSO's Vice President of Government Relations. "We have the real estate and the amenities. We know what drivers want. Our industry is eager to work with Secretary Buttigieg, as well as Congress, state and local governments and the utility sector, to make this work."

Since passage of the FAST Act, NATSO and its member locations have played a vital role in establishing alternative fuel corridors. It continues to be the case that furthering alternative fueling facilities, such as electric vehicle charging stations, is best realized if the travel plaza and truckstop industry's business environment is recognized as an asset.

NATSO continues to advance the number of electric vehicle charging stations across the United States through the National Highway Charging Collaborative formed in 2019 in conjunction with electric vehicle charging vendor ChargePoint.

The National Highway Collaborative is increasing access to EV charging along highways and in rural America by filling alternative fuel infrastructure gaps along the National Highway System, including along the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) designated alternative fuel corridors.

FHWA highlights the National Highway Charging Collaborative as part of its Alternative Fuel Corridors Best Practices.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Biden Administration and Secretary Buttigieg to further encourage private-sector investment in alternative fueling infrastructure.

NATSO is the trade association of America's travel plaza and truckstop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate. Contact: Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman, Vice President, Public Affairs. 703-739-8578

CONTACT: Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman

Vice President, Public Affairs

(703) 739-8578

SOURCE NATSO, Inc.

Related Links

www.natso.com


WASHINGTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The White House Historical Association released a new episode of the 1600 Sessions podcast today titled, "The Triumph of Nancy Reagan." In this episode, Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association speaks with Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty about First Lady Nancy Reagan's legacy and her new book The Triumph of Nancy Reagan.

Watch the full video interview here.

Tumulty discusses Nancy Reagan's approach to Iran-Contra: "The other thing she does, which is just as important. And I think maybe more important was bringing Ronald Reagan around to the point where he could admit to the country and admit to himself that he had, in fact, had traded arms for hostages and in a televised speech, once again, Nancy doesn't trust the West Wing to write this. She brings in her own speech writer. The president acknowledges this, it is compared to Kennedy's Bay of Pigs speech. The next day, his overnight poll ratings go up nine points."

The 1600 Sessions is available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher.

To hear the full episode, visit The1600Sessions.org.

For more information please contact [email protected] .

The 1600 Sessions

In this podcast series, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews luminaries, historians, and eyewitnesses to history about America's most famous residence and officethe White House. Each episode includes a prominent guest or guests to discuss varying facets of White House history, including insights from former staff and many other topical issues.

About The White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. In 1961, the White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion's legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association's mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the White House Historical Association has contributed more than $50 million in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit www.whitehousehistory.org .

SOURCE White House Historical Association

Related Links

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ST. PAUL, Minn., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Traffic Technologies, LLC (GTT), the global market leader in traffic signal priority control systems, has issued a white paper regarding the recently unveiled American Jobs Plan.

The white paper, titled "Modernizing American Roads and Transit Systems to Drive Public Good", offers a roadmap for policymakers, transportation regulators, transit authorities, grant programs and other transportation infrastructure influencers to follow to improve road infrastructure and transit systems while prioritizing safety, health and equity.

It describes the significant opportunities for Internet of Things (IoT)-based transportation, transit and public safety technology solutions to transform cities by enhancing safety, delivering efficiencies  such as cost and time savings  and reducing harmful pollutants, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and conventional air pollutants.

More specifically, GTT urges taking the following actions:

Prioritize Smart Intersection Connectivity: Ensure that all new intersections are connected and achieve a 50 percent increase in connectivity of existing intersections by 2030. Advance Vision Zero in Communities Across the Country: Take action to support President Biden's goal to eliminate traffic deaths. Promote Accessibility and Equity in Public Transit: Call for 50 percent increased public transit ridership and greater access in disadvantaged communities. Protect Public Health by Reducing Harmful Emissions: Call for a 75 percent reduction of emissions of harmful conventional pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG) associated with the transportation sector. Scale Infrastructure with the Power of Software: Unlock 50 percent more budget to pay for innovative services through subscription models. Incorporate Connectivity with Intersections into All New Vehicles: Maximize efficiency and reduce congestion by incorporating connectivity with the cloud and with intersections into all new vehicles by 2035.

"The need for infrastructure investment in America is long overdue," GTT's President Nicole Rennalls said. "Now is the time to upgrade the technology in our infrastructure to benefit future generations."

To read the full white paper, click here.

About Global Traffic Technologies

GTT provides a clear path to smarter and safer mobility for communities around the world. For more than 50 years, GTT's Opticom priority control solution has helped increase safety, minimize traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while maximizing resource efficiency and performance. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, GTT is the market leader in priority control, having installed more than 180,000 connected devices in over 5,000 municipal, regional and state agencies, including 48 of the 50 largest U.S. cities. To learn more, please visit www.gtt.com.

For Media Inquiries, contact:

Bill Hupp

GTT Content Specialist

[email protected]

+1 (312) 965-1416

SOURCE Global Traffic Technologies, LLC (GTT)
NORFOLK, Va., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) announced today that the company is contributing $5 million to the Hampton Roads community on behalf of the many NS employees and retirees who call Hampton Roads home, and the many more who have lived and raised their families in the area over the years.

"Norfolk has been home to Norfolk Southern for decades," said James A. Squires, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Norfolk Southern. "The Hampton Roads community has helped to shape Norfolk Southern and will remain part of who we are. Even as we relocate our headquarters, we will continue to actively support the prosperity of the Hampton Roads community to express our ongoing gratitude and commitment."

Beginning January 2022, Norfolk Southern will distribute $1 million in grants to nonprofits across Hampton Roads each year for a five-year period. A committee of Norfolk Southern employees and retirees will work together to review and select the proposed grants. The committee will target organizations and initiatives that support education, the environment, social equity, and community advancement. Funding will be administered through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

About Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies, moving the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Norfolk Southern connects customers to markets and communities to economic opportunity, with safe, reliable, and cost-effective shipping solutions. The company's service area includes 22 states and the District of Columbia, every major container port in the eastern United States, and a majority of the U.S. population and manufacturing base.

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation

Related Links

http://www.norfolksouthern.com


A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
SELBYVILLE, Del., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The North America switchgear market value is projected to cross USD 26 billion by 2027, as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights Inc. Switchgear demand is surging across the utility, industrial and commercial sector owing to high operational performance in line with safe, secure, and controlled power supply across the grid network.

Global Market Insights Inc.

Rising dependency on large industries and utilities including power generation and manufacturing facilities has fostered the high voltage segment of North America switchgear industry demand. In addition, heavy metal, and mining industries in line with rapid expansion of long-distance power networks will further institute a favourable business scenario. For instance, in 2020 Hitachi ABB Power Grids launched HV hybrid switchgear which is applicable across offshore wind farms and grid. These switchgears are specially designed to operate across high voltage level which enhances its applicability across the long-distance transmission grid.

Request a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/3241

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic across the power industry was low and minimum owing to its essential business activity. Renewable construction as well as refurbishment of transmission and distribution networks witnessed minimal or no delay due to SAARC pandemic which in turn fosters the business scenario.

Some major findings of North America switchgear market report include:

Restructuring of T&D networks along with replacement of existing grid infrastructure will boost the business outlook.

Eminent players operating across the North American switchgear industry are Mitsubishi Electric Systems, General Electric, Powell Industries, ABB, Siemens AG and amongst others.

Expansion of microgrid and smart grid networks in line with growing demand for energy efficient systems will further fuel the product demand.

Favorable government norms across renewable energy generation systems along with ongoing investment toward R&D sector will complement the product deployment.

Browse key industry insights spread across 165 pages with 136 market data tables & 31 figures & charts from the report, "North America Switchgear Market Forecasts By Voltage (Low, Medium, High), Insulation (Air, Gas, Oil, Vacuum), Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Current (AC, DC), Application (Residential & Commercial, Industrial, Utilities), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Development Potential, Covid-19 Impact Analysis, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2021 - 2027" in detail along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/north-america-switchgear-market

AC segment of North America switchgear market holds a major industry share of over 85% owing to lower installation cost, ease of replacement along with quick fault response time. In addition, growing HVAC systems demand on account of network stabilization as well as quick lead time due to rapid power changes will further foster the product demand. Increasing customer inclination toward zero carbon emission energy generation systems coupled with rising government funds toward sustainable power solutions will positively stimulate the industry scenario.

The utility segment of North America switchgear industry is anticipated to register over USD 14 billion by 2027. Favorable government norms which includes maximum annual allowable SF6 emission rate for each GIS owner's active GIS equipment will incline the customers and manufacturers toward carbon free switchgear adoption. Growing concerns toward grid stability in line with growing emphasis toward effective monitoring and control systems will further drive the industry outlook.

Browse the ToC of this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/north-america-switchgear-market

Browse Related Report:

Switchgear Market By Current (AC, DC), Application (Residential & Commercial, Industrial, Utility), Voltage (LV, MV, HV), Insulation (Air, Gas, Oil, Vacuum), Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Development Potential, Price Trend, Covid-19 Impact Analysis, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2020 - 2026

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/switchgears-market

About Global Market Insights

Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

north-america-switchgear-industry.jpg

North America Switchgear Industry Forecasts 2021-2027

SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Holdings today announced that it has co-led the oversubscribed CHF 100 million (approximately USD 110 million) Series C financing in Numab Therapeutics AG (Numab) alongside HBM Partners, with participation from new investors Forbion via its Forbion Growth Opportunities Fund, Cormorant Asset Management, BVF Partners L.P., RTW Investments L.P., fund and accounts under the management of BlackRock, Octagon Capital Advisors, and existing investors.

Numab is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation multispecific antibody-based immunotherapies for cancer and inflammation. Nanna Luneborg, Partner at Novo Ventures, will join Numab's Board of Directors.

Based near Zurich in Switzerland, Numab is creating multi-specific antibodies that enable the pursuit of novel therapeutic strategies in the field of cancer immunotherapy and inflammation. Utilising its proprietary MATCHTM technology platform, Numab is developing a pipeline of bispecifics to simultaneously target clinically validated pathways. The financing will support the acceleration and expansion of the clinical development of Numab's lead program, NM21-1480, into multiple cancer indications, and the advancement of the company's pipeline of multi-specific antibodies in oncology and inflammation, into clinical trials. NM21-1480 combines binding to 4-1BB, PD-L1 and human serum albumin, thereby balancing potent anti-tumor immune activation with a desirable safety profile.

Commenting on the investment, Nanna Luneborg, Partner, Novo Ventures and Board Director of Numab Therapeutics, said: "We are delighted to be co-leading Numab's Series C financing together with our colleagues at HBM Partners. It is fantastic to see a major European led round attracting a broad and experienced syndicate of international investors, and a testament to the outstanding innovation in antibody platforms in Europe. We believe bispecifics as a class offer huge potential, and Numab is an exciting company with compelling technology and a highly experienced management team. The company is at a pivotal stage of its growth and this funding will enable Numab to generate significant clinical data points. It represents another example of Novo Holdings' investment strategy to support companies built on differentiated science in areas of major unmet medical need."

David Urech, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Numab Therapeutics, added: "We are thrilled to be supported by Novo Holdings and a strong group of international investors who share our vision for the company's future. Combining PD-L1 blockade with tumor localized 4-1BB co-stimulation in a single molecule emerges as an attractive next-generation therapeutic strategy in solid tumors, and Numab's lead compound NM21-1480 has best-in-class potential. The financing will help us to maximize the value of this asset by significantly expanding the clinical development program and accelerating toward phase 2 proof-of-concept."

About Novo Holdings A/S and Novo Ventures

Novo Holdings is recognized as a world-leading life science investor with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life sciences investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. For more information: https://www.novoholdings.dk/

Novo Ventures is a global team of investment professionals that supports Novo Holdings' investments in private and public opportunities in the life sciences industry. For more information: https://www.novoholdings.dk/investments/ventures/; https://www.novoholdings.dk/wp-content/uploads/Novo-Ventures-2020-in-review.pdf.

About Numab Therapeutics

Numab Therapeutics is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company based in Zurich-area, Switzerland. Numab is writing the next chapter in cancer immunotherapy by creating multi-specific antibodies that enable the pursuit of novel therapeutic strategies. With its proprietary MATCHTM technology platform, it is fuelling a new wave of multi-specific drug candidates engineered with versatility and developability in mind. The lead product was designed to balance potent anti-tumor immunity with a desirable safety profile by targeting 4-1BB, PD-L1 and Human Serum Albumin simultaneously. Numab believes that meeting the highest quality standards in every step of the drug design process matters and will result in better patient outcomes. For further information, visit www.numab.com.

SOURCE Novo Holdings
PROVO, Utah, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nu Skin, a global leader in innovative beauty and wellness products powered by its dynamic affiliate opportunity platform, secured three notable awards for its product innovation and clean skincare line, including recognition from the Edison Awards for ageLOC Boost, NewBeauty magazine for ageLOC LumiSpa and the Pure Beauty Global Awards for Nutricentials Bioadaptive Skin Care To Be Clear Pure Cleansing Gel.

"Product innovation is foundational to our customer-centric approach as we develop highly effective products that help people look and feel their best. It's rewarding to see the efforts of our teams validated by these prestigious awards," said Ryan Napierski, president and CEO-elect. "Our top-selling products continue to be recognized, further highlighting our position as the world's #1 beauty device systems brand* and our commitment to developing sustainable products that combine the best of science and nature."

Edison Awards  ageLOC Boost

The highly competitive Edison Awards recognized ageLOC Boost as a Bronze Level winner in the Advanced Skincare category for its innovative microcurrent waveform variable pulse technology, sleek and unique design and ability to optimize and activate the skin to achieve a more glowing, youthful complexion. The device was recognized among other products and leaders in innovation, and was selected from members of the Edison Awards Steering Committee and an ad hoc panel of professionals. Established in 1987 and named after one of the most renowned innovators of all time, the Edison Awards promotes innovation and business success by selecting "the best of the best" to honor in several categories.

NewBeauty Awards  ageLOC LumiSpa

Nu Skin's ageLOC LumiSpa was selected by NewBeauty magazine editors as the Best Cleansing Device for the second year in a row. They praised the innovative technology implemented within ageLOC LumiSpa, stating, "The soft, silicone treatment head on Nu Skin ageLOC LumiSpa feels like a facial massage and the patent-pending micropulse oscillation technology is proven gentler than rotating and vibrating brushes."

The top-selling, dual-action skin care device works with scientifically validated treatment cleansers to exfoliate and cleanse the skin, while simultaneously providing softer, more radiant skin with every use. NewBeauty, one the leading publications and award programs within the beauty industry, tested nearly 10,000 products with editors selecting the top performers in skin, makeup, wellness and more.

Pure Beauty Awards  Nutricentials To Be Clear Cleansing Gel

Nu Skin's To Be Clear Cleansing Gel from the Nutricentials Bioadaptive Skin Care line was selected as a Pure Beauty Global Awards Finalist in the "New Natural Product" category from among hundreds of global applicants. The product cleanses away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Nutricential's Bioadaptive Skin Care consists of products made with bioadaptive extracts from plants that thrive in extreme climates to help skin bounce back from daily life stressors. Each product in the system features sustainable packaging and is made with clean formulas and worry-free ingredients.

About Nu Skin

Founded more than 35 years ago, Nu Skin develops and distributes innovative consumer products, offering a comprehensive line of premium-quality beauty and wellness solutions. The company builds upon its scientific expertise in both skin care and nutrition to continually develop innovative product brands that include the Nu Skin personal care brand, the Pharmanex nutrition brand, and most recently, the ageLOC anti-aging brand. The ageLOC brand has generated a loyal following for such products as the ageLOC LumiSpa skin cleansing and treatment device, ageLOC Youth nutritional supplement, the ageLOC Me customized skin care system, as well as the ageLOC TR90 weight management and body shaping system. Nu Skin sells its products through a global network of sales leaders in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. As a long-standing member of direct selling associations globally, Nu Skin is committed to the industry's consumer guidelines that protect and support those who sell and purchase its products through the direct selling channel. Nu Skin International is a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol (NYSE: NUS). More information is available at nuskin.com.

* Source Euromonitor International Limited; Retail Value RSP terms; all channels; 2017 to 2020. Beauty Systems are at-home Skin Care Beauty Devices that are exclusively paired or recommended to be used with a topical consumable of the same brand. Claim verification based on Euromonitor custom research and methodology conducted January-March of 2021. Sales of at-home skin care beauty devices includes sales of electric facial cleansers as defined in Passport database. This category does not include hair care/removal appliances, body shavers, and oral care appliances.

SOURCE Nu Skin

Related Links

http://nuskin.com


One of the First Teams-Certified Interaction Recording Solutions

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Numonix, a developer of one of the most versatile interaction recording solutions for Unified Communication platforms, today announced that its IXCloud solution has completed compliance recording certification for Microsoft Teams. Uniquely activated as a fully managed service while utilizing the flexibility of Microsoft Azure services, IXCloud is a fully managed compliance recording solution for Teams. IXCloud securely records, stores and analyzes interactions in the cloud without physical or virtual servers.

"We are proud to announce that after rigorous testing and extensive evaluation, IXCloud is now certified for compliance recording for Microsoft Teams. In fact, it is one of the first certified compliance recording solutions for Teams," said Evan Kahan, COO of Numonix. "Requiring little or no footprint within your organization, IXCloud is delivered as a cloud service. Compliance of your interaction recordings has never been so easy."

"We are pleased to work with partners like Numonix who are building on our cloud platforms so our joint customers can take advantage of offerings like IXCloud to support their growth and compliance needs," said Daniel Canning, director, Microsoft Teams Platform at Microsoft.

"I am very proud of our team for achieving certification for our Numonix IXCloud interaction recording solution. Attaining certification is particularly rewarding," added Kahan. "Accomplishing the hard work to attain this certification validates our commitment to develop compliance recording solutions and add to the Teams ecosystem as a whole."

Delivers on the Promise of Interaction Recording for Teams

As a fully managed Azure-based, Software-as-a-Service cloud interaction recording solution, IXCloud takes interaction capture into the future. It enables instant and elastic scalability to support business growth and provides the necessary tools to enhance business performance while maintaining compliance.

"A longtime Microsoft Gold Partner, Numonix has both the expertise and experience of consistently meeting the needs of both Microsoft partners and customers. Numonix is committed to continuing to deliver superior interaction recording solutions that securely and easily integrate into Microsoft environments," added Kahan.

IX Cloud Features: Bring Your Own Storage, Data Geo Zone Selection and More

Bring Your Own Storage

Data Geo Zone Selection, ensuring data sovereignty

Advanced Encryption Methodologies

Secure Sharing, allowing calls to be shared securely without the need to email or download files

Hybrid Configuration Support, which captures interactions on-premises and utilizes cloud-based storage and UI management for non-Teams-based platforms

Elastic and hyper scalability

Deep Security Capabilities, including unique encryption per call, digital signatures, customizable role-based access control and call playback restrictions

Advanced selective recording rules engine, which targets calls by call scenario, call queue or DNIS

OpenAPI framework, enabling customization and integration

Low Total Cost of Ownership, Subscription-Based Pricing, Same-Day Deployment

Low Total Cost of Ownership with Subscription-Based Pricing  No up-front capital expenditures; subscription-based pricing

Same-Day Deployment  A simple flip of a switch provisions new users so they can be up and running the very same day

Unlimited Scalability  Elastic scalability allows you to increase capacity without concern for infrastructure

Storage Versatility  Use the cloud recorder and store your interactions in a dedicated IXCloud storage instance or in your own Azure account

Enhanced Encryption  Multi-layer security, infrastructure layer security and decryption in storage blob

Business Continuity  With redundancy and georedundancy, IX Cloud grants continuous access to your recordings across multiple regions simultaneously with 99.999% uptime

Centralization  Flexibility to ensure you can consolidate all your interactions in one place

Customer Insights, Risk Management, Agent Performance Management

Customer Insights  Derive valuable business insights from a growing portfolio of analytics features, including speech analytics and key-word search

Risk Management  Easily and cost-effectively resolve customer disputes by replaying and sharing a comprehensive view of a Microsoft Teams interaction

Agent Performance Management  Assess agents' customer interactions with advanced capabilities

About IXCloud for Teams

IXCloud for Teams is a new-generation, cloud-based interaction recording solution developed by Numonix, the innovator in capture technologies. Built on the runtime service fabric of Azure, IXCloud empowers users to record with integrity, providing instant hyper-scale, security and compliance plus the benefits of Data Sovereignty. Taking interaction capture into the future, IXCloud redefines versatility, providing the ability to record, store and analyze interactions in the cloud. Its API framework also enables application development.

For more information on IXCloud, visit https://numonix.cloud.

About Numonix

Numonix offers the industry's most versatile cloud and premises-based interaction recording solutions for Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, SIPREC and most unified communications and PBX systems, giving business users and service provides versatility in how they record, centrally store and access to their interactions. With full omnichannel recording of voice, video, chat, screen and screen sharing, Numonix empowers organizations to improve regulatory compliance, resolve disputes and enhance the customer experience by granting safeguarded access to their recordings and agent/customer data. Numonix RECITE interaction recording solution gives users an on-premises solution with extensive customization options; Numonix IXCloud delivers the ultimate cloud-based communication capture platform built on the runtime service fabric of Azure and requiring no physical or virtual servers. Numonix is based in Boca Raton, Fla. Visit www.NumonixRecording.com

Numonix PR Contact:

Teri Sawyer, T&Co. PR

+1-714-801-1687

Numonix Press

Numonix Sales Contact:

+1-855-Numonix

+1-561-952-2600

Numonix Sales

SOURCE Numonix

Related Links

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DENVER, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Office Evolution, the largest provider of locally owned and operated flexible workspaces across the nation, is experiencing increased demand for flexible office space as a result of pandemic-induced remote working.

As employees and business owners alike tire from hybrid working situations, Office Evolution's Denver locations are conveniently located, offering an eclectic mix of Colorado small businesses and entrepreneurs the resources and space they require to help their businesses thrive. The fastest growing coworking franchisor in the U.S., Office Evolution now has 15 locations in the Denver-Colorado Springs area.

"Working from home was initially thought of as a temporary solution to the Covid-19 restrictions, but what we are now seeing is that businesses and employees are looking for an alternative to the home office," said Andrea Pirrotti, CMO and CDO of Office Evolution. "Employers want to keep their staff happy and engaged and employees want to access space minutes from their home. Interest in the area is strong because Office Evolution can provide a mix of work environments in one location that's easy to access."

On the tail end of the pandemic, Office Evolution's national network of locally operated locations has provided its members with access to safe, flexible workspaces where they can innovate and collaborate together to enhance business performance. The brand's nationwide presence has grown significantly during the pandemic, as businesses of all sizes shift their focus towards flexible workspace to avoid getting tied up in expensive leases for traditional office space. This transition from traditional workspaces to more flexible options in suburban markets has positioned Office Evolution perfectly for continued growth.

"Office Evolution's convenient solutions are exactly what businesses will be looking for as they continue the practice of hybrid and remote working," said Mark Hemmeter, CEO and founder of Office Evolution. "For many, working from home didn't turn out to be the work utopia they imagined. With 15 franchise and company-operated locations across Colorado, we have the capacity and the means to match the increased demand for office space. Since the onset of the pandemic, we've been an essential resource to local professionals who need a space where they can thrive."

To learn more about Office Evolution, please visit: https://www.officeevolution.com/

About Office Evolution

Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2012, the Colorado-based company is the largest provider of locally owned and operated flexible workspaces in the United States. Office Evolution has more than 70 locations open, 140 units sold in markets across the country and is poised for further growth as the demand for affordable and safe, workspace close-to-home continues to rise. On any given day, Office Evolution provides inspiration to a network of Dreamers, Risk-Takers and Doers across the nation. Office Evolution continues to lead the workplace transformation that is projected to see nearly 30 percent of all office space become shared office space by 2030, according to a JLL report. Office Evolution is currently operating in 25 states across the nation. For more information about Office Evolution, please visit https://www.officeevolution.com/.

SOURCE Office Evolution

Related Links

https://www.officeevolution.com


PALO ALTO, Calif., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- oneNav today announced that it has closed a $21 million Series B funding round, led by GV, with participation from Norwest Venture Partners and GSR Ventures, bringing total funding to $33 million. The company also unveiled the world's first pure L5 mobile GNSS receiver, which provides the highest location accuracy with half the footprint of existing solutions. Further validating the company's unique mobile offering, oneNav has signed a strategic partnership agreement with In-Q-Tel Inc., providing U.S. intelligence and defense agencies with a first-of-a-kind GNSS technology solution.

"Navigation satellite constellations are getting a major upgradeL5 signaling. oneNav has built the first pure L5 mobile receiver to leverage these modernized signals, and we will deliver our solution in a flexible licensing model, as a scalable and customizable IP core," stated Steve Poizner, co-founder and CEO of oneNav. "I'm proud to be working with such an outstanding team of GNSS experts, as well as our top-notch investors GV, Norwest and GSR."

Paul McBurney, oneNav's co-founder and CTO added, "Pure L5 is a more cost, size and power efficient method to enable the benefits of modernized signals compared to current hybrid solutions."

Today's mobile GNSS solutions, which fuel location-based services including rideshare, smartphone navigation and 911 emergency calls, depend on L1 satellite signals that were developed in the 1970s. Legacy L1 systems can have significant accuracy deficiencies, especially in dense urban areas, placing users on the wrong side of the street or on the wrong block. L1 signals are also susceptible to jamming. Recently, satellite constellations have been upgraded with state-of-the-art L5 signaling, which enables higher accuracy, broadcasts in a protected frequency band, has modern error correction and is transmitted at higher power.

oneNav's Pure L5 solution is built from the ground up to fully leverage modernized L5 signals from the GPS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS navigation satellite constellations. Unlike current L1+L5 hybrid solutions that must first acquire on L1, oneNav's Pure L5 solution both acquires and tracks on the new L5 signals, without L1 aiding, thereby taking full advantage of L5 benefits. By eliminating the need for L1 circuitry, oneNav cuts GNSS RF size, power and cost in half. Supercharged by AI/machine learning, oneNav Pure L5 delivers much higher accuracy, even in challenging areas such as urban canyons. oneNav Pure L5 is ideal for highly space constrained devices such as smartphones, wearables and IOT tracking modules. oneNav's solution is delivered in a semiconductor IP license package that includes RTL, software and reference designs that can be integrated into a system on a chip (SOC) or built as a discrete chip.

"The mobile device industry--from phones to wearables--has made tremendous progress over the last twenty years," stated Karim Faris, GV General Partner. "What's surprising is that location-based services continue to have a significant margin of error, which can make all the difference when locating a rideshare passenger or pinpointing an emergency situation. With oneNav's Pure L5 Mobile GNSS receiver, OEMs and application service companies will have the opportunity to provide their customers with state-of-the-art location-based services, driving competitive advantage."

oneNav Pure L5 Use Cases

oneNav's technology will dramatically improve location-based services that are used every day by individuals across the world to pinpoint their location. Common use cases include:

Rideshare: Today's mobile positioning technologies often place users on the wrong side of the street, or on the wrong block, making rideshare services very difficult to use. oneNav enables riders to more effectively match up with their drivers in downtown areas and other heavily blocked environments.

Smartphone Navigation: It is sometimes difficult to establish your exact location, or to determine which way to turn when using a mobile navigation application in a dense urban area. oneNav's high availability and precise accuracy enables reliable turn-by-turn directions.

Emergency Calls: First responders need to accurately pinpoint the location of accidents in order to get to the right place quickly. oneNav's reliable positioning and high accuracy get the right location information to ambulances, fire and police, enhancing public safety.

Asset Tracking: COVID-19 has increased the need for supply-chain assets to be transported and tracked with precision. oneNav enables accurate position reporting for asset tracking and other IOT applications.

"oneNav is delivering a truly unique and valuable GNSS technology solution," stated Steve Bowsher, President, IQT. "oneNav's best-in-class technology will transform the mobile market, enabling a wide range of impactful applications for U.S. government agencies."

About OneNav

oneNav is powering high performance positioning for location dependent mobile services. Based in Silicon Valley, oneNav is developing a next generation, pure L5 mobile GNSS receiver for smartphones, wearables and IoT devices. oneNav's team comprises top GNSS experts from Qualcomm, Apple, Intel, SnapTrack, SiRF, Trimble and eRide, with decades of GNSS and mobile industry experience. The team has extensive experience in GNSS system architecture, multipath, signal processing, ASIC design and AI/machine learning, and has collectively filed over 200 career GNSS patents. oneNav's investors include GV, Norwest Venture Partners and GSR Ventures. To learn more, please visit www.onenav.ai .

SOURCE oneNav
NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 11,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Santa Cruz County Bank (CA) (OTCQX: SCZC), a California state chartered bank, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Santa Cruz County Bank (CA) upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market.

Santa Cruz County Bank (CA) begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "SCZC." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for community banks in the U.S. public markets. The OTCQX Market enables banks to maximize the value of being a public company by providing transparent trading and easy access to company information for shareholders. To qualify for OTCQX, community banks must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

President and CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank, Krista Snelling, stated, "By joining the OTCQX Best Market, we intend to generate broader recognition by investors and to further highlight the exceptional performance of Santa Cruz County Bank. We are honored to be included on the OTCQX, which supports the Bank's growth and commitment to creating more value for our shareholders."

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as the company's OTCQX sponsor.

About Santa Cruz County Bank (CA)

Santa Cruz County Bank was founded in 2004. It is a top-rated, locally-owned and operated, full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. The bank has eight branchesAptos, Capitola, Cupertino, Monterey, Santa Cruz (2), Scotts Valley and Watsonville, with plans for a future full-service banking office in Salinas opening in 2022. Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley and a top USDA lender in the state of California. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local not-for-profit organizations.

For more information about Santa Cruz County Bank, visit www.sccountybank.com.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are SEC regulated ATSs, operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]arkets.com

Vic Davis, Santa Cruz County Bank, [email protected]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com


DUBLIN, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cellulose Fiber Market Research Report by Type (Man-made Cellulose Fibers and Natural Cellulose Fibers), by Application (Apparel, Home Textile, and Industrial) - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Cellulose Fiber Market is expected to grow from USD 12,935.30 Million in 2020 to USD 36,379.26 Million by the end of 2025.



The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Cellulose Fiber Market including Birla Cellulose, Fulida Group Holding Co. Ltd., Grasim Industries Limited, Manasi Aoyang Technology Co. Ltd., Sappi Group, Sateri Holdings Limited, Tangshan Sanyou Group Xingda Chemical Fiber Co. Ltd., Tembec Inc., Thai Rayon Public Co. Ltd., and The Lenzing Group.



FPNV Positioning Matrix:



The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Cellulose Fiber Market on the basis of Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.



Competitive Strategic Window:



The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:

1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players

2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets

3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments

4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players

5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments



The report answers questions such as:

1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Cellulose Fiber Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Cellulose Fiber Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Cellulose Fiber Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Cellulose Fiber Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Cellulose Fiber Market?

6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Cellulose Fiber Market?



Key Topics Covered:



1. Preface



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Market Outlook

3.3. Application Outlook

3.4. Type Outlook

3.5. Geography Outlook

3.6. Competitor Outlook



4. Market Overview

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19



5. Market Insights

5.1. Market Dynamics

5.1.1. Drivers

5.1.2. Restraints

5.1.3. Opportunities

5.1.4. Challenges

5.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis

5.2.1. Threat of New Entrants

5.2.2. Threat of Substitutes

5.2.3. Bargaining Power of Customers

5.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

5.2.5. Industry Rivalry



6. Global Cellulose Fiber Market, By Type

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Man-made Cellulose Fibers

6.2.1. Lyocell

6.2.2. Modal

6.2.3. Viscose

6.3. Natural Cellulose Fibers

6.3.1. Cotton

6.3.2. Jute



7. Global Cellulose Fiber Market, By Application

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Apparel

7.3. Home Textile

7.4. Industrial



8. Americas Cellulose Fiber Market

8.1. Introduction

8.2. Argentina

8.3. Brazil

8.4. Canada

8.5. Mexico

8.6. United States



9. Asia-Pacific Cellulose Fiber Market

9.1. Introduction

9.2. Australia

9.3. China

9.4. India

9.5. Indonesia

9.6. Japan

9.7. Malaysia

9.8. Philippines

9.9. South Korea

9.10. Thailand



10. Europe, Middle East & Africa Cellulose Fiber Market

10.1. Introduction

10.2. France

10.3. Germany

10.4. Italy

10.5. Netherlands

10.6. Qatar

10.7. Russia

10.8. Saudi Arabia

10.9. South Africa

10.10. Spain

10.11. United Arab Emirates

10.12. United Kingdom



11. Competitive Landscape

11.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix

11.1.1. Quadrants

11.1.2. Business Strategy

11.1.3. Product Satisfaction

11.2. Market Ranking Analysis

11.3. Market Share Analysis

11.4. Competitor SWOT Analysis

11.5. Competitive Scenario

11.5.1. Merger & Acquisition

11.5.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership

11.5.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement

11.5.4. Investment & Funding

11.5.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion



12. Company Usability Profiles

12.1. Birla Cellulose

12.2. Fulida Group Holding Co. Ltd.

12.3. Grasim Industries Limited

12.4. Manasi Aoyang Technology Co. Ltd.

12.5. Sappi Group

12.6. Sateri Holdings Limited

12.7. Tangshan Sanyou Group Xingda Chemical Fiber Co. Ltd.

12.8. Tembec Inc.

12.9. Thai Rayon Public Co. Ltd.

12.10. The Lenzing Group



13. Appendix

13.1. Discussion Guide

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4kc7l0

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

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STOCKHOLM, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pexip Holding ASA ("Pexip") has been awarded 1st place in the category, Best Newcomer, chosen among 360 listed companies in the Nordic markets analyzed by the Nordic investment bank Carnegie. The Sustainability Awards are presented in the categories Large-cap, Small-cap and Best Newcomer, to companies driving sustainable growth.

"The award is intended to put the spotlight on sustainability metrics that create shareholder value and present good examples to inspire companies and investors. When capital is reallocated, the pressure on corporate transition efforts is increased", says Lena Osterberg, Head of Sustainability, Research & Strategy at Carnegie. "From our perspective we can see that companies contributing to a more sustainable world are also the winners in the market.",

"I am happy that our hard work and focus on sustainability is being appreciated and that it is now widely recognized that Pexip's videconferencing technology can be used by organizations across the globe to reduce emissions. I am looking forward to continuing the journey to reach our internal emission targets for 2021 in line with the Paris agreement, as well as promoting diversity in the IT industry. The Pexip Board and Management Team see ESG measurement, management and reporting as a long-term value creation strategy that will help us to build resilience in all aspects of our business," says Odd Sverre stlie, CEO of Pexip.

Pexip's inaugural Sustainability Report published on April 29, 2021 can be found at https://investor.pexip.com/reports-and-presentations.

About the award:

Carnegie established Carnegie Sustainability Award in 2019. The winners in three categories are chosen from among the 360 listed companies analyzed by Carnegie and the purpose is to highlight good examples of sustainable companies and inspire others. The award will be presented at Sustainability seminar May 19th  20th.

Further information, please contact:

Investors:

Mirza Koristovic

Director Investor Relations

[email protected]

+47 93 87 05 25

Media:

Lars-Einar Petterson

Communication Manager

[email protected]

+47 93 44 88 27

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/pexip-as/r/pexip-awarded-the-carnegie-sustainability-award-2021,c3349430

The following files are available for download:

https://news.cision.com/pexip-as/i/ceo-odd-sverre-ostlie-image-1,c2915035 CEO Odd Sverre Ostlie Image 1

SOURCE Pexip AS
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- realMLS, serving Northeast Florida, announces its partnership with Rental Beast, the real estate technology firm providing end-to-end rental-centric software solutions. All 10,000+ members of realMLS will have direct access to Rental Beast's agent-centric rental tools, including Apply Now by Rental Beast and Rental Beast University.

Nicole Jensen is realMLS's Chief Executive Officer. realMLS, the largest MLS in North Florida, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEFAR, providing innovative programs and services to 10,000+ real estate professionals. realMLS, the largest MLS in North Florida, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEFAR, providing innovative programs and services to 10,000+ real estate professionals.

Apply Now by Rental Beast is a powerful, easy to use rental application engine and tenant screening engine. Accessible via a seamless, single-sign-on (SSO) integration with realMLS's Flexmls platform, Apply Now gives listing agents, landlords, and property owners access to an applicant's credit information, eviction history and background information (where applicable) within a secure, FCRA-compliant digital framework.

realMLS subscribers will also access an interactive, online educational platform, Rental Beast University directly from their MLS platform. Rental Beast University offers on-demand, interactive courses for real estate agents of all experience levels, covering every step of the rental processfrom lead generation to lease signing.

This partnership, initiated in response to member demand, provides a mutually beneficial opportunity for both organizations as they continue to impact the real estate market. In a recent survey, realMLS found that nearly 90% of members would favor the addition of a rental platform to their MLS-provided services.

"MLSs have historically not focused on the rental market. We are learning there is a huge opportunity for our members, with their vast local knowledge, to build relationships while assisting renters. Rental Beast is a powerful rental platform our members can use to help those not in the ownership arena right now," said Nicole Jensen, realMLS's Chief Executive Officer. "Many renters will become homeowners and our members will be there throughout their housing journey."

This integration continues Rental Beast's goal of simplifying the rental market. "We're thrilled to partner with realMLS. This partnership helps their members serve an often-overlooked market, allowing them to service today's rental clients while building a pipeline of tomorrow's homebuyers," says Ishay Grinberg, founder and CEO of Rental Beast.

About realMLS

realMLS, the largest MLS in North Florida, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEFAR, providing innovative programs and services to 10,000+ real estate professionals. realMLS partners with exceptional service providers to give members an array of choices to fit their business model. Members have access to statistical data products that are customizable, along with extensive property record data through their integration with Metro Market Trends, Inc., which provides detailed and accurate property information to its customers in Florida and Alabama.

About Rental Beast

Rental Beast is an end-to-end SaaS platform empowering real estate professionals with powerful productivity tools and the nation's most comprehensive database of nearly nine million rental properties not found on any MLS. Utilizing a seamless and secure integration, participating MLSs capture thousands of properties that are normally off-MLS inventory, and leverage essential search, data ingestion, and maintenance systems needed to help member agents capture their share of $12 billion in annual leasing commissions.

Media Contacts:

For realMLS: Lois Scheiber (904) 394-9494 x1226 or [email protected]

For Rental Beast: Myra Jolivet (760) 610-9096 or [email protected]

Related Images

nicole-jensen.jpeg

Nicole Jensen

Nicole Jensen is realMLS's Chief Executive Officer. realMLS, the largest MLS in North Florida, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEFAR, providing innovative programs and services to 10,000+ real estate professionals.

realmls.png

realMLS

realMLS, the largest MLS in North Florida, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEFAR, providing innovative programs and services to 10,000+ real estate professionals.

SOURCE Rental Beast
New film liaison Jeff Padilla distributes sandwiches and clothes May 1 in Espanola. Padilla serves on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce and has been appointed by the city of Espanola and Rio Arriba County to be the film liaison for the region.
NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RenBio, a privately-held, preclinical biotechnology company developing novel, best-in-class antiviral antibody therapeutics and a next-generation antibody delivery platform, today announced that it has completed a $24 million Series A financing, led by Taiwan-based Ruentex Group. The company has also signed a license agreement with Columbia University, giving RenBio the exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights to a novel bispecific antibody (RB-100) for COVID-19 that was developed in the lab of David D. Ho, M.D. of Columbia University and targets two distinct sites on the spike of SARS-CoV-2. In preclinical studies, RB-100 demonstrated robust antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants that have recently emerged from the U.K. (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1), California (B.1.427 and B.1.429), and New York City (B.1.526).

Under the license agreement, Columbia University received an equity stake in RenBio, which was co-founded by Dr. Ho and Dr. Yaoxing Huang. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel to RenBio. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

With proceeds from the Series A financing, RenBio is expected to complete IND-enabling preclinical studies and initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of RB-100 in 2021. In parallel, the company will continue the development of its proprietary, DNA-based MYO (Make Your Own) Technology antibody delivery platform, with the goal of advancing a lead candidate into the clinic within two years.

"Our ability to complete this significant Series A financing reflects investor confidence in the strength of our MYO Technology platform as well as our renowned and proven leadership team, skilled in virology, antibody engineering, and preclinical and clinical development, who have been instrumental in bringing us to this key inflection point," stated Neal N. Padte, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer of RenBio. "With these funds, we are committed to rapidly progressing RB-100, developed in the lab of RenBio co-founder and globally recognized infectious disease expert, Dr. David D. Ho, to the clinic."

Rachel A. Liberatore, Ph.D., Director of Research and Development at RenBio, added, "Given its ability to target two distinct sites on the virus' spike protein, RB-100 presents a higher barrier to resistance as compared to single monoclonal antibody treatments. Additionally, and critically, the preclinical activity shown thus far by RB-100 against many variants that have recently emerged represents a major differentiator of this molecule and provides hope that it will be a potentially far superior therapeutic option for COVID-19 going forward. While we advance the development of RB-100, we also look forward to harnessing the power of our MYO Technology platform, which incorporates the use of antibody gene transfer, to modernize and transform the monoclonal antibody and protein therapeutic fields. We believe our unique MYO technology can contribute significantly to the prevention of emerging infectious diseases, as well as to the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease, and other indications for which monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins are relevant."

About MYO Technology

The MYO Technology platform is built to overcome the challenges inherent in typical antibody therapeutic development, manufacturing and delivery, by providing patients with a DNA "bioblueprint" that empowers them to produce their own therapeutic antibodies. The technology utilizes muscle cells (myocytes) and converts them into in vivo bioreactors to effectively produce the desired therapeutic within the patient's own body, potentially leading to radically new, longer lasting therapies, negating the need for cold-chain storage and resulting in shorter manufacturing times.

About RenBio

RenBio is a privately-held, preclinical biotechnology company developing novel, best-in-class antiviral antibody therapeutics and a next-generation antibody delivery platform. The company's lead compound, RB-100, is a SARS-CoV-2 bispecific antibody in-licensed from Columbia University, that, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated robust antiviral activity against emerging and evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. RenBio is also developing a revolutionary, next-generation nucleic acid-based antibody delivery platform -- MYO (Make Your Own) Technology -- designed to overcome the manufacturing and delivery challenges of standard protein therapies by providing patients (via a modified intramuscular injection) with a DNA "bioblueprint," enabling muscle cells (myocytes) to produce the desired therapeutic antibodies within the patient's own body, thereby acting as in vivo bioreactors. Funding, to date, has included non-dilutive financing from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and MedImmune (now AstraZeneca). RenBio was co-founded by world-renowned HIV expert, David D. Ho, M.D., founding scientific director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Yaoxing Huang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. For more information, visit: https://www.renbio.com/.

Contact:

Rx Communications Group

Paula Schwartz

917-322-2216

[email protected]

SOURCE RenBio

Related Links

https://www.renbio.com


NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, a leader in cutting-edge clinical trials and health outcomes analyses and a designated Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, today announced that data from its cancer clinical research program will be presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, to be held virtually from June 4-8. A total of 16 presentations including 13 abstracts, two educational sessions and one clinical science symposium have been accepted, highlighting data in numerous types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma and breast, lung and kidney cancer.

"While COVID-19 was justifiably the dominant medical issue and health topic of the past year, the ravages of cancer continued to impact millions of patients and their families in the U.S. and globally," said Howard S. Hochster, MD, FACP, associate director for clinical research at Rutgers Cancer Institute; director of oncology research at RWJBarnabas Health; and distinguished professor of medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. "Inspired and undeterred by the challenges of the pandemic, our team of internationally recognized physicians and translational researchers in the oncology clinical research program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health intensified their efforts and focus on our mission to advance cancer management, care and outcomes in order to help eradicate the disease. We are excited to unveil a dynamic lineup of significant data on a number of key cancers, and new examinations of the impact of racial disparities on cancer risk, survival and care."

Highlights of the accepted abstracts include the following:

Data from a primary analysis of the fixed-duration (FD) cohort of CAPTIVATE, a multicenter phase 2 study of first-line ibrutinib (I) plus venetoclax (V) in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. Previously reported results from the minimal residual disease (MRD) cohort found that undetectable MRD was achieved in over two thirds of patients with 12 cycles of I+V, and 30-month progression-free survival rates were 95% irrespective of subsequent randomized treatment. Now results from the FD cohort will be presented, evaluating fixed-duration treatment with I+V.

Data from a phase 2 trial of adjuvant nivolumab in high-risk Stage IIB/IIC melanoma patients. Patients with Stage IIB and IIC melanoma have a 30-45 percent chance of recurrence in the first five years after surgery, yet there are no FDA-approved agents which dramatically improve these patients' chances. This trial seeks to determine if immunotherapy, adjuvant PD-1 inhibition with nivolumab, would improve recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 24 months compared to historical RFS rates.

The full list of presentations at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting follows:

Oral Presentations Abstract No. Title Presentation Date/Time Abstract 7501 Fixed-duration (FD) first-line treatment

(tx) with ibrutinib (I) plus venetoclax (V)

for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small

lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL): Primary

analysis of the FD cohort of the phase 2 captivate study. Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. EDT Poster Presentations Abstract No. Title Presentation Date/Time Abstract 7512 Polatuzumab vedotin (Pola) + rituximab (R) +

lenalidomide (Len) in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory

(R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): Primary

analysis of a phase 1b/2 trial. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 5580 HER2 in uterine serous carcinoma: Testing platforms

and implications for targeted therapy. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 10025 Household material hardship and parental distress in

a multicenter clinical trial for pediatric acute lymphoblastic

leukemia. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 4131 Body composition measurements and overall survival

in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Analysis from

SWOG S1505. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 8512 KEYNOTE-799: Phase 2 trial of pembrolizumab plus

platinum chemotherapy and radiotherapy for unresectable,

locally advanced, stage 3 NSCLC. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 9515 Clinical activity of fianlimab (REGN3767), a human

anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody, combined with

cemiplimab (anti-PD-1) in patients (pts) with advanced

melanoma. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 11539 Deciphering the molecular landscape and the tumor

microenvironment of perivascular epitheloid cell

neoplasma (PEComa). Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 11555 Multiomic analysis to reveal distinct molecular profiles

of uterine and nonuterine leiomyosarcoma. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 3112 Dosing, drug reduction, drug interruption, and drug

discontinuation rates among U.S. FDA approved

tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract TPS3143 TCF-001 TRACK (Target Rare Cancer Knowledge):

A national patient-centric precision oncology trial for

rare cancers. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 12025 Racial disparities in follow-up care of early-stage

lung cancer survivors. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Abstract 9583 Adjuvant nivolumab in high-risk stage IIb/IIc melanoma

patients: Results from investigator initiated clinical trial. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Education Session Presentations Session title Title Presentation Date/Time Next Steps:

Sequencing Therapies

in Advanced Kidney

Cancer in the Contemporary

Era Integration of Multimodality Treatment in Advanced

Kidney Cancer: The Roles of Surgery and Radiation

Therapy Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Nutrition, Physical Activity,

and Health Disparities:

Harnessing Lifestyle for

Breast Cancer Prevention

and Control in Diverse Populations Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Impact of Obesity

on Breast Cancer Risk and Survival Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT Clinical Science Symposium Abstract No. Title Presentation Date/Time Abstract 11512 Large scale multiomic analysis suggests mechanisms

of resistance to immunotherapy in leiomyosarcoma. Friday, June 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EDT

About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

As New Jersey's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, offers the most advanced cancer treatment options, including bone marrow transplantation, proton therapy, CAR T-cell therapy and complex surgical procedures. Along with clinical trials and novel therapeutics such as precision medicine and immunotherapy  many of which are not widely available  patients have access to these cutting-edge therapies at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital in Newark, as well as through RWJBarnabas Health facilities. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-8013 or visit www.cinj.org/giving.

For journalists  contact:

Krista Didzbalis

Media Relations Assistant

908-812-6114

[email protected]

For patient appointments/inquiries  contact:

844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376)

SOURCE Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health
CANTON, Mass., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, announces the opening of its first school in Madrid, Spain, the first entry into Europe for the franchise. Paulo Portela, School of Rock's master franchisee in Brazil, Spain and Portugal will open 28 schools throughout Spain and Portugal over the next 10 years.

"We are thrilled for School of Rock to have a presence in Europe and help support the next generation of artists," said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. "Paulo Portela has already made such a positive impact on students in Brazil, and with his devotion to the School of Rock brand, he is the ideal person to lead this expansion across Spain and Portugal."

The new school, located in Pozuelo de Alarcon, will be owned by Luigi Lubelli, his wife Cristina Fernandez and her brothers Angel, Marcos and Alfonso. "This is the first of 20 Schools planned to be opening soon in Spain. We're excited with the impact School of Rock will have in Spain and Europe families," says Fernando Augusto, CEO of School of Rock Spain and partner in the Brazil, Spain and Portugal Holding.

"We chose to launch School of Rock because it offers the opportunity to both run an attractive business and truly make a difference in the lives of children and adults," said Luigi Lubelli. "We are elated to bring this fun performance-based music-education curriculum to Spain."

The Madrid school's launch marks the 15th country open or in development for School of Rock. There are currently 291 existing School of Rock locations open and operating across 11 countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, South Africa, Australia, Philippines, Paraguay, and Spain. School of Rock will be opening locations in Taiwan, Ireland, Colombia and Portugal later this year.

School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging learning environment for taking guitar lessons , drum lessons , bass lessons , keyboard lessons , and singing lessons . Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Led Zeppelin.Thanks to the school's patented performance-based learning approach, students around the world have gained superior instrumental skills and confidence on the big stage, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway.

For more information on School of Rock visit www.SchoolofRock.com or call 866-695-5515. To learn more about School of Rock franchise opportunities head to http://franchising.schoolofrock.com/

About School of Rock

School of Rock helps aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity, and develop tools they need to thrive in life. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 350 schools open and in development across 15 global markets. Since 2009, School of Rock has grown its student count from 4,000 to over 40,000. School of Rock offers a wide variety of music lessons , including guitar lessons , singing lessons and piano lessons . School of Rock was awarded US Patent 10,891,872 in 2021 for its innovative music education method. School of Rock also has garnered the following industry awards: 2021 Global Franchise Awards Best Children's Service and Education Franchise; 2021 Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 Top Children's Music Enrichment Brand; Franchise Business Review's Top 200 Franchises of 2021 and the "Best in Education Category"; 2020 Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 200 Franchise and the #1 Child Enrichment Franchise; and 2018 Forbes # 2 Best Franchise Medium-Level Investment Award and the #1 Music Franchise in America.

Follow School of Rock on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SchoolofRockUSA and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SchoolofRockUSA .

For more information on School of Rock visit www.SchoolofRock.com or call 866-695-5515. To learn more about School of Rock franchise opportunities head to http://franchising.schoolofrock.com/

SOURCE School of Rock

Related Links

https://www.schoolofrock.com


DUBAI, U.A.E, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global hang tags market is forecast to expand at a CAGR of over 6.0% throughout the forecast period between 2021 and 2031, projects ESOMAR-certified consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI). Surging demand for packed food items and consumer electronics along with expansion of retail chains at a global level has created lucrative opportunities for hang tags market growth.

Manufacturers often use hang tags to display the product information and as a marketing tool. Increasing drawbacks of sticky labels such as color damage intensified the demand for hang tags. Implementation of modern printing techniques in hang tag printing has positively affected the apparel and garment sales further boosting the market demand. Manufacturers are using die cut hang tags along with funky and poppy printing on hang tags to earn customer attention.

Furthermore, development of hang tags as a new branding and promotional tool is driving the market. Brand owners are moving towards custom designed and glossy printed hang tags in collaboration with manufacturers. This innovation is fueling the hang tag market sales.

For more Insights into the Market, Request a Sample of this Report https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-11352

Rising inclination towards branded beverages among youth has also increased the hang tags market sales. Organized retail industry is experiencing significant growth due to changed consumer spending habits and increasing per capita income. This growth has led to heightened demand of products requiring hang tags for authentication and marketing. These factors are contributing towards rapid hang tags market growth.

"Rising customer preference towards e-commerce has promoted the market players to use hang tags for brand promotion and product information. Flourishing e-commerce industry will facilitate the hang tags market growth," says the FMI analyst

Key Takeaways

Hang tags are utilized to provide instructions and information regarding the purchased electronic product. Flourishing electronic goods market in the U.S. is fueling the hang tags market growth.

Plastic hang tag sale in China is expected to surpass the valuation of US$ 96.4 Mn by the end of forecast period. Abundance of natural resources and cheap labor and manufacturing cost are driving the market sales in China .

is expected to surpass the valuation of by the end of forecast period. Abundance of natural resources and cheap labor and manufacturing cost are driving the market sales in . Hang tags are preferred over labels by garment manufacturers to provide information regarding the purchased item. Growing textile industry in India will promote the market sales of hang tags during the forecast period.

will promote the market sales of hang tags during the forecast period. Increasing consumption of cosmetic and personal care products in Europe will boost the demand for hang tags during 2021-2031. Germany and France are expected to be the key markets for hang tag sales.

will boost the demand for hang tags during 2021-2031. and are expected to be the key markets for hang tag sales. Growing tourism in Japan has positively influenced the demand and sales of hang tags in the country. Increased selling of artifacts and jewelry elevates the demand for high quality plastic hang tags. Hang tags are useful in maintaining customer attention along with effectively conveying the information.

has positively influenced the demand and sales of hang tags in the country. Increased selling of artifacts and jewelry elevates the demand for high quality plastic hang tags. Hang tags are useful in maintaining customer attention along with effectively conveying the information. With growing demand of green tags, fabric hang tags are predicted to grow at 6.3% CAGR during the forecast period from 2021 to 2031.

Competitive Landscape

FMI has profiled some of the prominent market players providing hang tags that include CCL Industries Inc, Dutch Label Shop, Nilorn Group, Pacific Coast Bach Label Inc, Bornemann-Etiketten GmbH, CBF Labels Inc, Sato Holdings Corporation, St. Louis Tag Company, Finotex USA Corporation, Dortex Werbung und Vertrieb mbH, Signal Ltd.Industry leaders are working towards developing customized and application oriented hang tags to be used in wide range of industries. They are utilizing modern printing techniques like thermal printing, thermal transfer, and flexo printing to obtain stylish hang tags.

For instance, one of the leading hang tags manufacturers; St. Louis Tag Company and Signal Ltd. is designing and manufacturing customized hang tags by employing thermal transfer and flexo printing methods for glossy finish.

With growing application of hang tags in wide range of industries a surge in market growth can be expected.

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More Insights on the Global Hang Tags Market

Future Market Insights, in its new offering, provides an unbiased analysis of the hang tags market, presenting historical demand data (2016-2020) and forecast statistics for the period from 2021-2031. The study divulges compelling insights on the hang tags market with a detailed segmentation on the basis of material type (paper, plastic, fabric), type (hang tag, loop tag), printing technology (direct thermal, thermal transfer, flexo printing, offset and screen printing, laser printing), end use (clothing and apparels, food and beverages, hospitality and travel, beauty and personal care, consumer electronics, others) across major regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Oceania , and Middle East & Africa)

Key Questions Covered in the Report

How will the market for hang tags will expand through 2031?

Which top manufacturing companies are leading the global hang tags market?

What are the key drivers and trends that will stimulate the hang tags sales?

What are the challenges that will affect the sales of hang tags market?

Which region will remain the most lucrative throughout the forecast period?

What is the impact of Covid-19 on hang tags market?

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Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage on the Packaging Domain

Non-adhesive tags Market: The non-adhesive tags market study by Future Market Insights (FMI) provides deeper insights on the new trends while incorporating the impact of ongoing trends, and growth & restraining factors during the forecast period of 2021 to 2031. Market dynamics have been presented on the basis of prominent drivers, trends and opportunities prevailing across key geographies for the aforementioned decade.

Self laminating tags Market: ESOMAR-certified market analysis and consulting company Future Market Insights (FMI) provides insights driving self laminating tags market demand in latest report. Additionally, to find the effect of COVID-19 on the self laminating tags market in general, the study monitor global self laminating tags sales in 20+ high-growth markets and address their end-user in particular.

Asset tags Market: In its latest study, ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI) offers in-depth insights on key factors that influence the demand for asset tags. The report covers global demand for asset tags in more than 20 high potential markets, in addition to an in-depth analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the global asset tags market.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

Contact:

Abhishek Budholiya

Future Market Insights,

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Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai,

United Arab Emirates

For Sales Enquiries: [email protected]

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Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/

Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/hang-tag-market

Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/hang-tag-market

SOURCE Future Market Insights
FORT WORTH, Texas, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Source Advisors, a leading specialized tax consulting firm providing R&D Tax Credit, Cost Segregation, LIFO inventory, 179D and 45L solutions nationwide for more than 38 years, has joined forces with Bedford Cost Segregation, an independent professional services firm specializing in cost segregation and innovative tax and energy solutions for the commercial real estate industry.

"Bedford's exceptional client focus and reputation in the industry align perfectly with our core values of trust, integrity, and client service," said Chris Henderson, President of Source Advisors. "We are excited to further extend our national presence and unparalleled technical leadership with this combination."

Greg Bryant, Managing Partner of Bedford said, "this merger amplifies and accelerates our strategic goals for growth, in direct response to our clients' needs. Since the leadership at Source has been well known to Bedford, we could not think of a better firm with whom to partner. Our respective approaches to business and client satisfaction are closely matched."

Source Advisors' consultative and customer centric approach remains a consistent differentiator among its competitors and allows its team to help CPA firms and their clients navigate the evolving tax laws that govern federal and state incentives. Source Advisors' industry experience and expertise within these tax codes has helped businesses claim billions of dollars in tax credits and incentives. For more information, visit www.sourceadvisors.com or call 817.732.5494.

About Source Advisors

Source Advisors along with its partner, Gainline Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on US-based middle market companies, have helped CPA firms and their clients maximize specialized federal and state tax incentives for more than three decades. Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, Source Advisors collaborates with accounting firms throughout the country to bring R&D tax credit, Cost Segregation, LIFO, 179D, and 45L solutions to their clients. With a nationwide team of more than 100 professionals, Source Advisors serves many of the nation's most prominent accounting firms, associations, and Fortune 1000 companies with superior service and maximum results. https://www.sourceadvisors.com

SOURCE Source Advisors

Related Links

https://sourceadvisors.com


Winners were announced and recognized this week at the organization's Virtual National Conference. Tweet this

"Our honorees personify some of the most important characteristics any of us can bring to the workplace," said SourceAmerica Interim President and CEO Richard Belden. "From innovation and leadership to outstanding individual contributions, the Achievement Award winners prove every day that people with disabilities are essential to our nation's workforce."

Learn more about the outstanding accomplishments of the 2021 Achievement Award winners:

President's Award - Kendra Scott

Palmetto Goodwill Services - North Charleston, South Carolina

The President's Award commends a non-AbilityOne employee with a disability who works in the commercial or public sector and has exhibited outstanding leadership and exceptional character. Kendra Scott is a Line Supervisor at Joint Base Charleston. She also acts as Palmetto Goodwill's volunteer spokesperson to educate the public about the challenges faced by people with sickle cell disease. Watch Kendra's video.

Evelyne Villines Award - Corey Starks

Goodwill Commercial Services - Indianapolis, Indiana

The Evelyne Villines Award honors an individual with a disability who has advanced from work on an AbilityOne contract into management (supervisory or leadership) within the nonprofit agency, or into private or government employment. Always open to improvement and hard work, Corey Starks was promoted to lead of his agency's custodial team. His supervisors call him a natural leader. Watch Corey's video.

Tom Miller Advocacy Award - Menard Martinez

Adelante Development Center - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Tom Miller Advocacy Award recognizes an employee with a disability who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and remarkable passion for self-advocacy on a local, state and/or national level. As an advocate in the nation's capital for people with disabilities, Menard Martinez met with New Mexico's entire congressional delegation, sharing his story and the importance of the government contracts that make his employment possible. Watch Menard's video.

Honor Roll for Veterans Award - Larry Robinson

Nobis Enterprises, Inc. - Marietta, Georgia

The Honor Roll for Veterans award pays tribute to a veteran with a service-related disability who has exhibited outstanding achievement in their work. Larry Robinson served his nation in the U.S. Army for 21 years and has transferred those military skills to his present job at the Centers for Disease Control. In his spare time, Robinson volunteers for the Wounded Warrior Project. Watch Larry's video.

William M. Usdane Award - Lysander Jones

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago  Great Lakes, Illinois

The William M. Usdane Award celebrates an AbilityOne Program employee with a disability who has exhibited outstanding achievement and exceptional character. Among Lysander Jones's many accomplishments during his tenure with Goodwill is his attendance record. He has worked more than 500 shifts without missing a single day  a record that no other employee has come close to reaching. Watch Lysander's video.

Milton Cohen Leadership Award - Richard Gilmartin

Global Connections to Employment, Inc. - Pensacola, Florida

The Milton Cohen Leadership Award pays tribute to an individual within the AbilityOne community of nonprofit agencies, or anyone previously retired within the past year, who has shown national leadership within or on behalf of the AbilityOne Program, made an impact across the entire AbilityOne community, and increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Richard Gilmartin spent more than 40 years as a leader, mentor, and advocate, championing the AbilityOne Program and the growth of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He continues to champion issues important to the disability community even after his retirement in 2020. Watch Richard's video.

Innovation Award

InspiriTec, Inc. - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Innovation Award honors a nonprofit agency in the SourceAmerica network that developed novel work methods, products, or services during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep their doors open and their workers employed. In response to the pandemic, InspiriTec rapidly pivoted their Contact Center and IT Help Desk services from in-office to an at-home setting, successfully transitioning 570 employees in just 15 calendar days. Watch their video.

Business Partnership Award - Yamada North America  South Charleston, Ohio

Nominated by TAC Industries, Inc.  Springfield, Ohio

The Business Partnership Award honors a commercial business that has partnered with a SourceAmerica-affiliated nonprofit agency to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Yamada North America partners with TAC Industries, Inc., to employ people with disabilities. Eight other businesses in the region have followed Yamada's example and now also work with TAC's Community Employment Program. Watch their video.

About SourceAmerica

SourceAmerica connects government and corporate customers to a national network of approximately 700 nonprofit agencies that hire a talented segment of the workforce  people with disabilities. Established in 1974, SourceAmerica is committed to increasing economic and social inclusion and advocating for a more accessible future of work for people with differing abilities. As a leading job creator within the disability community and distinguished as an AbilityOne authorized enterprise, SourceAmerica harnesses the momentum and boosts the capability of its network and customers. To learn more, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow the organization on Facebook (@SourceAmerica), Twitter (@SourceAmerica), Instagram (@SourceAmerica), and LinkedIn (@SourceAmerica).

SOURCE SourceAmerica

Related Links

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"For too long, Black, Latinx, and female founders have been underrepresented in venture capital funding," said Trish Mosconi, EVP, Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Development at Synchrony. "Together we must take collective action to help close the venture funding gap and provide equal access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs and underserved communities."

According to Crunchbase, only three percent of investment funding is received by female founders, a statistic that has not changed in a decade. Since 2015, over $15 billion has been raised by Black and Latinx founders in the U.S., representing 2.4 percent of total U.S. venture capital raised during this time, per another Crunchbase study. Meanwhile, a Deloitte study shows 65% of investment firms reported having no female partners and 93% of firms reported having no Black partners in 2020.

Synchrony's ventures team, now led by Jeff Lamour, focuses on early-stage founders driving innovation in markets and sectors aligned with the company's growth strategy, mission and values. Lamour will continue to develop this strategy and promote equity in the investment community. Synchrony will collaborate with the funds to further support the growth and success of their portfolio, including investing additional growth capital to minority entrepreneurs focused on disrupting fintech, commerce and healthcare.

The initial three funds have investing strategies that align with Synchrony's business priorities and commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion. Synchrony's $15 million commitment will also include additional VC funds that will be selected later this year.

Chingona Ventures, which was founded by Samara Mejia Hernandez, focuses on technology around financial services, women, and food, as well as health and wellness, the future of learning and the future of work. Chingona Ventures is based in Chicago.

"With Chingona Ventures, I've made the commitment to find those entrepreneurs who may not fit the 'pattern recognition' inherent in the venture industry. Synchrony's support is vital to help overlooked tech founders realize their unique vision," said Samara Mejia Hernandez.

Seae Ventures, a healthcare focused fund, was founded in 2019 by three partners  Tuoyo Louis, Jason Robart, and Peter Sally  with the goal of better balancing the needs of patients, providers, and payers by investing in diverse entrepreneurs with high growth potential. The founders saw a need for new thinking in healthcare to address the diversity of the population.

"While there have been significant advancements in healthcare over the last several decades, unfortunately there also has been a widening gap in health disparities among traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations," said Seae Co-founder and Managing Partner Jason Robart. "We are determined to do something about that and are excited to partner with Synchrony to fund women and BIPOC entrepreneurs who are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone."

Zeal Capital Partners, headquartered in Washington, DC, was founded by Nasir Qadree who believes more diverse companies need more inclusive sources of funding. He even trademarked the term "Inclusive Investing" to convey that these companies are baking diversity into every investing decision they make.

"We fundamentally believe that while there is ample diverse talent with innovative solutions to social disparities, there is not ample opportunity to leverage that talent into scalable impact," said Qadree, founder and managing partner of Zeal Capital Partners. "By investing in dynamic, often-overlooked founders, our vision is to support founders in solving some of society's biggest challenges, like narrowing the skills gap and reducing wealth barriers for the marginalized. We look forward to working with Synchrony to help scale high-growth early-stage companies that will generate outsized returns while making an impact."

This announcement is part of a broader effort by Synchrony to support minority-owned small businesses. The Synchrony Foundation has committed $5 million to support funding of small business grants through community organizations, including the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to provide emergency grants to minority- and women- owned businesses. In 2020, the company also signed the National Venture Capital Association's (NVCA) human capital pledge to advance a more diverse and inclusive venture ecosystem. And as a member of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, the company is identifying and using diverse suppliers whenever possible.

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:

Nicole Ward

[email protected]

203.564.6938

@NWardSays

SOURCE Synchrony

Related Links

www.synchrony.com


NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, May 19, Tekscape Inc. was honored by the Institute for Community Living (ICL), a non-profit agency focusing on behavioral health that serves over 10,000 New Yorkers each year. This year, ICL came together with a virtual event celebrating the organization's 34th year of commitment to helping New Yorkers lead a better life.

During the award ceremony, Tekscape, the New York-based managed service provider (MSP) was awarded the "Vendor Hero" award as a tribute for being a partner and friend to ICL. The award stemmed from helping ICL with every cyber-based need for their telehealth program. Because of Tekscape's expertise, ICL was able to move quickly into the cloud and launch a robust telehealth program during the pandemic.

When ransomware threatened ICL, Tekscape was able to provide them with the right care and expertise for the project. With no interruptions, essential staff and their workflows were still intact. The proceeds from the ICL event this year will support 10,000 New Yorkers struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities so that they can live a better life.

"Vulnerable New Yorkers living with behavioral health challenges rely on ICL to provide them with the care they need to live healthy, independent lives. When the pandemic hit, our clients needed us more than ever, and we needed to quickly find a way to serve them in a manner that kept them, and our staff, safe. Thanks to the hard work and expert knowledge of the folks at Tekscape, we were able to launch a robust telehealth program to ensure our clients continued to get life-saving services," - David Woodlock, President & CEO of ICL. "They have been a tremendous partner in helping us meet all of our cyber-based needs."

About Tekscape

Tekscape is one of the leading managed service providers (MSP) on the east coast that supports companies and non-profits with technology solutions. With a range of services around networks, systems, cybersecurity, collaboration, and communication, Tekscape connects companies with technology solutions that build toward a better future.

Contact Information:

Stephanie Auchterlonie

[email protected]

(212) 293-2851

SOURCE Tekscape
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian American Foundation ("TAAF") today announced that just two weeks after launching it has raised nearly $1.1 billion to support AAPI communities. This builds upon an initial commitment from the TAAF board of $125 million announced on May 3rd, which was already the largest philanthropic commitment in history fully focused on supporting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In the days and weeks since, TAAF has been working with foundations, corporate partners, and individuals to commit even more resources through TAAF's "AAPI Giving Challenge"  a 5 year commitment to bringing resources to AAPI organizations and causes. Today's announcement marks a crucial turning point in philanthropic support for AAPI communities which have historically been severely underfunded, receiving less than 0.5% of charitable giving.

"TAAF was founded to close critical gaps of support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and end the longstanding underinvestment in our communities. Today's historic announcement should send a clear signal to the 23 million AAPIs living in this country that TAAF and our AAPI Giving Challenge partners are here to upend the status quo in favor of a better, brighter future for AAPI communities," said Sonal Shah, President of TAAF. "The AAPI Giving Challenge was created to invite other funders, leaders, and philanthropists to the table to help TAAF advance our mission, and we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we've received in such a short period of time. It's amazing to know that we are not alone in wanting to help lift up AAPI communities. In fact, there's a long list of organizations and people who are joining us in saying enough is enough  the time for change is now."

Shah and members of TAAF's Board attended a meeting at the White House this afternoon to discuss their groundbreaking commitment to AAPI communities, briefing Biden-Harris administration officials on their plans to deploy the committed resources across the foundation's three priority investment areas : combating anti-AAPI hate, data and research, and education. They also discussed the importance of business, philanthropy, and nonprofits working together for change. Members of TAAF's Advisory Council, including Daniel Dae Kim and Lisa Ling joined the meeting virtually, as did some of the foundation and corporate partners that made contributions to the fundraise, including representatives from the Anti-Defamation League, MacArthur Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Mastercard, Bain & Company, and sweetgreen.

TAAF's representatives met with White House Public Engagement Director Cedric Richmond, Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice, and Deputy Assistant to the President and AAPI Senior Liaison Erika Moritsugu. President Biden and Vice President Harris dropped by the meeting to express their support for TAAF and solidarity with the AAPI community.

A full list of TAAF's AAPI Giving Challenge partners are listed on its website , and they include leading foundations and corporations, as well as individual donors. Partners either pledged contributions to the $1 billion raised so far through the AAPI Giving Challenge, or they made in-kind commitments to support AAPI communities with TAAF's help. Some of the money raised will go into TAAF, though the vast majority will go directly to AAPI communities. In some cases, TAAF will advise its AAPI Giving Challenge partners on how best to deploy their financial commitments. In addition, TAAF is also asking its corporate partners to prioritize AAPIs in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agendas.

About The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) is a convener, incubator, and funder committed to accelerating opportunity and prosperity for AAPI communities. TAAF supports advocates and organizations committed to AAPI causes so that together we can more effectively take action against hate and violence, and build the infrastructure needed to improve AAPI advocacy, power, and representation across American society. We were founded to solve for the longstanding lack of investment and resources provided to AAPI communities and we strive to be a catalyzing force for creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for the 23 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org .

Media Contact:

The Asian American Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE The Asian American Foundation

Related Links

https://www.taaf.org


DUBLIN, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Western Europe and Nordic Data Center Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this Western Europe and Nordic Data Center Market Report



The Western Europe and Nordic data center market by investment is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 4% during the period 2020-2026.



The market witnessed supply chain-related challenges in Q1 and Q2 2020 for both IT infrastructure and support infrastructure providers. However, these recovered in Q3 2020. The market growth was aided by previously announced projects and expansions of facilities in a few locations where data centers were deemed essential services. A majority of the demand for data center services is contributed by cloud-based service providers.



The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of western Europe and Nordic data center market during the forecast period:

5G boosting Edge Data Center Investments

Growing Procurement of Renewable Energy

Innovative UPS Battery Technology

Increased Adoption of 200/400 GBE Switch Ports

The study considers the present scenario of Western Europe and Nordic data center market and its market dynamics for the period 2020-2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.

Western Europe And Nordic Data Center Market Segmentation

The Western Europe and Nordic data center market research report includes a detailed segmentation by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, cooling technique, cooling systems, general construction, tier standards, geography. In 2020, the IT infrastructure adoption among newly established and existing data centers grew significantly. Germany is the leading market in the IT infrastructure spending, followed by the UK, the Netherlands, France, and Ireland. The emergence of software-defined architectures and converged infrastructure expects to drive the IT infrastructure solutions market in Western Europe. Similarly, the increasing adoption of cloud computing services in the Nordic region leads to increased procurement of IT infrastructure components. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are the leading contributors to cloud adoption, with 50% of enterprises using cloud computing services.



Several Western Europe facilities have adopted flexible designs to facilitate dual power feeds, 2N redundant UPS and PDU systems, and N+1 generators. The growth of lithium-ion UPS systems is aided by benefits such as reducing the OPEX through lower maintenance costs and decreasing UPS battery failure chances. Vendors are continuously coming out with innovative UPS solutions to boost efficiency and reduce cost. The construction of large and mega data center facilities in Western Europe and Nordics is likely to aid the generators market. DRUPS solutions are likely to witness high demand among data centers, with multiple modules having the capacity of up to 2 MW in N+N redundant configurations.



Several Western Europe data centers support free cooling systems that include adiabatic coolers, evaporative coolers, and free cooling chiller systems. Water-based cooling includes water-treatment plants and systems that can aid water consumption by up to 20%. Most operators procure 45U-52U rack cabinets. The procurement of 42U racks is declining in the market.



Western Europe is the most active market for data center construction in Europe. The increase in data center demand has increased revenue opportunities for contractors and sub-contractors in the industry. A significant data center construction in the region is managed by Europe-based construction service providers, including architects and engineering firms. However, the non-availability of skilled workforce to handle multiple hyperscale projects is a major challenge for several contractors in the region. Hyperscale data center development will be a major boost for contractors and sub-contractors operating in the Nordic region. Most hyperscale projects are built in collaboration with global data center construction contractors and sub-contractors.



Western Europe and Nordic data center market size by tier standards is expected to reach approx. USD 12 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of over 5%. There are 112 Tier III certified facilities in Western Europe and Nordic region, with the UK, Spain, Italy, and Lithuania leading the list. Most new data centers are designed to be of Tier III standards with a minimum of N+1 redundancy. The European region hosts around 50 facilities that are Tier IV certified facilities. Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK have several Tier IV facilities. These facilities are equipped with at least 2N+1 redundancy in the infrastructure that makes the facility fault-tolerant, with UPS systems and PDUs having 2N+2 redundancy. Facebook, Apple, Google, and Microsoft are major hyperscale developers.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. How big is Western Europe and Nordic data center market?

2. What are the upcoming industry applications for data centers?

3. Which are the major IT companies operating in the Western Europe and Nordic data center market?

4. What are the top trends driving the Western Europe and Nordic data center market?

5. Which segments are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?

6. How does COVID-19 affect the data center market landscape?



Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Research Objectives



3 Research Process



4 Scope & Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of The Study

4.4 Market Segments

4.4.1 Market Segmentation by Infrastructure

4.4.2 Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure

4.4.3 Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure

4.4.4 Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure

4.4.5 Market Segmentation by Cooling Systems

4.4.6 Market Segmentation by Cooling Techniques

4.4.7 Market Segmentation by General Construction

4.4.8 Market Segmentation by Tier Standards

4.4.9 Market Segmentation by Geography



5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Currency Conversion

5.3 Market Derivation



6 Market at a Glance



7 Introduction

7.1 Electricity Pricing in Western Europe And The Nordics

7.2 Data Center Site Selection Criteria

7.2.1 Key

7.3 Submarine Cables



8 Market Opportunities & Trends

8.1 5G To Boost Edge Data Center Investments

8.2 Growing Procurement of Renewable Energy

8.3 Innovative Ups Battery Technology

8.4 Adoption of District Heating By Data Centers

8.5 Increased Adoption Of 200/400 GBE Switch Ports



9 Market Enablers

9.1 Covid-19 Enhancing Data Center Demand

9.2 Cloud Adoption Driving The Data Center Market

9.3 Increasing Demand For Big Data & Iot Investments

9.4 Rise In Colocation Investments

9.5 M&As Fueling Data Center Growth

9.6 Tax Incentives Increasing Data Center Investments

9.7 Data Regulations Increasing Cloud & Colocation Data Center Investments



10 Market Restraints

10.1 Increased Power & Network Outages

10.2 Security Challenges In Data Centers

10.3 Lack Of Skilled Workforce

10.4 Rising Carbon Emissions From Data Centers

10.5 Location Constraints For Data Center Construction



11 Market Landscape

11.1 Market Overview

11.2 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

11.3 Area: Market Size & Forecast

11.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

11.5 Five Forces Analysis

11.5.1 Threat of New Entrants

11.5.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

11.5.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers

11.5.4 Threat of Substitutes

11.5.5 Competitive Rivalry



12 Infrastructure

12.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

12.2 Market Overview

12.3 IT Infrastructure

12.3.1 Market Overview

12.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

12.4 Electrical Infrastructure

12.4.1 Market Overview

12.4.2 Market Size & Forecast

12.5 Mechanical Infrastructure

12.5.1 Market Overview

12.5.2 Market Size & Forecast

12.6 General Construction

12.6.1 Market Overview

12.6.2 Market Size & Forecast



13 IT Infrastructure

13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

13.2 Server Infrastructure

13.2.1 Market Overview

13.2.2 Market Size & Forecast

13.3 Storage Infrastructure

13.3.1 Market Overview

13.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

13.4 Network Infrastructure

13.4.1 Market Overview

13.4.2 Market Size & Forecast



14 Electrical Infrastructure

14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

14.2 UPS Systems

14.2.1 Market Overview

14.2.2 Market Size & Forecast

14.3 Generators

14.3.1 Market Overview

14.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

14.4 Transfer Switches & Switchgears

14.4.1 Market Overview

14.4.2 Market Size & Forecast

14.5 Power Distribution Units

14.5.1 Market Overview

14.5.2 Market Size & Forecast

14.6 Other Electrical Infrastructure

14.6.1 Market Overview

14.6.2 Market Size & Forecast



15 Mechanical Infrastructure

15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

15.2 Cooling Systems

15.2.1 Market Overview

15.2.2 Market Size & Forecast

15.3 Racks

15.3.1 Market Overview

15.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

15.4 Other Mechanical Infrastructure

15.4.1 Market Overview

15.4.2 Market Size & Forecast



16 Cooling Systems

16.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.2 CRAC & CRAH Units

16.2.1 Market Overview

16.2.2 Market Size & Forecast

16.3 Chiller Units

16.3.1 Market Overview

16.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

16.4 Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers

16.4.1 Market Overview

16.4.2 Market Size & Forecast

16.5 Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

16.5.1 Market Overview

16.5.2 Market Size & Forecast

16.6 Other Cooling Units

16.6.1 Market Overview

16.6.2 Market Size & Forecast



17 Cooling Technique

17.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

17.2 Air-Based Cooling Techniques

17.2.1 Market Overview

17.2.2 Market Size & Forecast

17.3 Liquid-Based Cooling Techniques

17.3.1 Market Overview

17.3.2 Market Size & Forecast



18 General Construction

18.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

18.2 Core & Shell Development

18.2.1 Market Overview

18.2.2 Market Size & Forecast

18.3 Installation & Commissioning Services

18.3.1 Market Overview

18.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

18.4 Building & Engineering Design

18.4.1 Market Overview

18.4.2 Market Size & Forecast

18.5 Physical Security

18.5.1 Market Overview

18.5.2 Market Size & Forecast

18.6 DCIM/BMS

18.6.1 Market Overview

18.6.2 Market Size & Forecast



19 Tier Standards

19.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

19.2 Overview of Tier Standards

19.3 Tier I & II

19.3.1 Market Overview

19.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

19.4 Tier III

19.4.1 Market Overview

19.4.2 Market Size & Forecast

19.5 Tier IV

19.5.1 Market Overview

19.5.2 Market Size & Forecast



20 Geography

20.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine



21 Western Europe



22 Nordic Region



23 Competitive Landscape

23.1 IT Infrastructure

23.1.1 Server Infrastructure

23.1.2 Storage Infrastructure

23.1.3 Network Infrastructure

23.2 Electrical Infrastructure

23.3 Mechanical Infrastructure

23.4 General Construction



24 Prominent Critical (IT) Infrastructure Providers



25 Prominent Support Infrastructure Providers



26 Prominent Construction Contractors



27 Prominent Data Center Investors



28 Report Summary

28.1 Key Takeaways



29 Quantitative Summary



30 Appendix

30.1 Abbreviations

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tba6n7

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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Rio Arriba County Manager Tomas Campos turned down a four-month extension to his contract. Commissioners wanted an overlap with Campos's replacement to train her up. He said the language in the extension contract was too vague.
SHANGHAI, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2021 Shanghai International Exhibition of Senior Care, Rehabilitation Medicine and Healthcare, also known as AID 2021, will be held June 9th-11th 2021 in Halls W3-W5 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The pre-registration channel for visitors has officially opened.

AID 2021 is organized by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai, and Shanghai Intex Exhibition, incorporating multiple platforms for product demonstration, service showcasing, knowledge exchange and networking prospect.

The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on the data of the seventh national population census in Beijing, capital of China, on May 11, 2021. Chinese people aged 60 or above account for 18.7 percent of the total population, 5.44 percentage points higher than the level in 2010 when the previous census was conducted, according to the latest census data. The total population of Chinese people on the mainland aged 60 or above has reached 264.02 million, including 190.64 million people aged 65 or above, or 13.5 percent of the total population. [1]



"Data shows the aging of the Chinese population has further deepened, and we will continue to face the pressure to achieve long-term balanced population development," said Ning Jizhe, head of the NBS.

As the first city in China to have entered the stage of demographic aging, Shanghai has witnessed its elderly population over the age of 60 accounting for 36.1% of the entire population by the end of 2020 and the City is estimated to experience a yearly increase of the elderly population by 200,000 on average before 2025, ranking as one of the oldest cities in the world in the time to come. [2]

Shanghai Government has been actively involving social forces in the old-age industry development and private and foreign capital has been pouring into the elderly care market in China. Over the past year, local state-owned capital has also endeavored to get into the elderly care market and invested in the community home care programs, which has contributed to the upgrading of the elderly services and benefited an even wider population.

The senior care industry in China enjoys a bright future, driven by the demographic shift, rising standards of living and increasing life expectancy.

Indeed, the over 60 age group in China is starting to really embrace consumerism and independence. This rapidly growing and increasingly important consumer segment has greater spending power, more leisure time, improving lifestyles and higher expectations than ever before. As a result, there are an increasing number of opportunities for foreign companies to meet the growing consumer demand in areas where the 'silver' consumer demand is currently exploding.

As the largest senior care show in China, AID 2021 enjoys strong participation from overseas and this year features over 350 exhibitors from 12 countries of regions, with a floor space of 40,000 square meters. Japanese, French, and U.S. exhibitors will feature state-of-the-art elderly care products and services.

Plan your trip from 9th-11th June 2021, SNIEC, Shanghai and enter your gateway to China's multi-trillion Yuan senior care market! Visitors can register at the exhibition for free through our official website www.china-aid.com .

AID point of contact: Michelle Ma

Tel: +86-21-6295-7553

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co., Ltd.
MIAMI, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Three cruise line brands from Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL;NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, are expected to return to service in the United States starting in July with Alaska sailings departing directly from Seattle.

Based on recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and close collaboration with Alaskan officials, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line plan to resume guest cruise operations for a partial season in Alaska, each with one ship sailing round-trip. These Alaska cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

"We are excited to once again serve our guests from the U.S., and we express our deep gratitude to all national, state and local officials who have worked collaboratively with us, the CDC and our entire industry to make this possible. It is great news for cruising, for travelers ready to again explore the world and for all the communities in Alaska that depend on cruising and have suffered great hardships over the past year," said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. "As one of America's natural treasures, Alaska is a land of beauty and wonder, and one of the most popular destinations for our guests. We look forward to our brands restarting this summer from the U.S. while also supporting our longtime partners and the communities in Alaska."

Donald added: "Our highest responsibility and top priority are always compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside personnel. As we continue to work with the CDC on requirements for sailing in the U.S., we remain committed to returning to service in a way that serves the best interest of public health and provides our guests with a great cruise vacation at an exceptional value."

Plans for these itineraries to fulfill obligations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) are expected to be approved. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line are each continuing the return-to-cruising preparation already underway.

Princess Cruises will resume operations in Alaska starting July 25 through September 26, with seven-day cruises onboard Majestic Princess, a MedallionClass ship. Its cruises will visit signature ports, glaciers and attractions in Alaska including Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

Holland America Line will resume its cruise operations to Alaska with seven-day itineraries aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, calling at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Alaska's iconic locales, including Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage. The first cruise for the brand is scheduled to depart July 24, with 11 Saturday departures that will operate through October 2.

Carnival Cruise Line has already opened Alaska sailings departing from Seattle beginning July 27, with weekly departures through September 14 aboard Carnival Miracle. There are seven 7-day cruises featuring calls in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord. The September 14 departure is an 8-day cruise with an additional stop in Icy Strait Point. Carnival Cruise Line is also working to finalize its plans to operate Carnival Horizon from Miami, and Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze from Galveston in July. Itineraries along with specific details about protocols are expected to be finalized and announced next week.

Additional details on the Alaska sailings will be announced in the coming weeks by each respective brand and available on their websites.

Carnival Corporation and its brands continue to work with the CDC and other authorities on protocols and requirements for sailings out of U.S. ports, which continue to evolve with changing circumstances. Each of the brands will provide guests with advanced, detailed information about protocols in place at the time of departure, as full details continue to be updated in collaboration with medical and science experts and government authorities.

The company is currently sailing with two of its brands in Europe  AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises  using highly effective enhanced health and safety protocols developed in conjunction with national and global health authorities and medical experts. Additionally, eight of Carnival Corporation's nine cruise line brands have announced plans to resume guest operations this summer in Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska, with AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and P&O Cruises (UK) resuming sailings from global ports over the next several months.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is one of the world's largest leisure travel companies with a portfolio of nine of the world's leading cruise lines sailing to all seven continents. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com , www.carnival.com , www.princess.com , www.hollandamerica.com , www.seabourn.com , www.pocruises.com.au , www.costacruise.com , www.aida.de , www.pocruises.com and www.cunard.com .

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Related Links

www.carnival.com


NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TransPerfect, the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business, today announced that it is observing May 2021 as Diversity Month. TransPerfect's Diversity & Inclusion Committee will host a series of internal events designed to educate and celebrate cultural diversity, equality in the workplace, and global collaboration. Scheduled events include presentations by a roster of ten prestigious global experts, employee panel discussions, and a wide array of employee-led workshops. TransPerfect's Diversity Month 2021 coincides with the EU's European Diversity Month and the United Nations' World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

TransPerfect's Barcelona office pioneered the company's tradition of celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity in 2017 in collaboration with Fundacion Adecco. "TransPerfect recognizes that our core value of diversity benefits from increased communication and collaboration," said Eli Yoshihara, TransPerfect's VP of Human Resources. "This year, the initiative has gone global with a month of events including discussions on anti-racism, accessibility, gender equality, resilience, and allyship."

TransPerfect is proud that the following D&I experts will lead a series of virtual presentations:

Further events will feature employees from across the globe discussing allyship best practices, experiences living and working in different cultures, and the company's ongoing community engagement and philanthropic efforts. Staff will also host a series of virtual meetups that showcase elements of culture and history.

TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe stated, "Cultural understanding and inclusiveness are the beating heart of our industryand ensuring that all employees know they are embraced, are empowered, and have opportunities to grow within TransPerfect is critical to our business and to our identity as a corporation. TransPerfect Diversity Month promises educational and inspirational content from some of the world's foremost experts. We are grateful to both our external presenters and our internal team of organizers for their tireless efforts."

About TransPerfect

TransPerfect is the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business. From offices in over 100 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 170+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 5,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect's GlobalLink technology to simplify management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com.

SOURCE TransPerfect

Related Links

http://www.transperfect.com


ARLINGTON, Va., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, by a unanimous and bipartisan vote of 31-0, the Texas Senate passed House Bill 19a comprehensive reform bill to reduce frivolous and abusive lawsuits targeting commercial motor vehicles. The bill's passage earned widespread praise from the trucking industry and a broad coalition of supporters from every corner of the Texas economy, who say reforms like HB 19 are needed to prevent a growing trend of lawsuit abuse that has sent insurance levels skyrocketing to unsustainable levels, putting enormous strain on the supply chain.

"Despite the plaintiff bar's best efforts to lie about and distort the contents of this bill, the Texas Senate took a resoundingly bipartisan vote today to curb lawsuit abuse and restore balance and fairness to the civil justice system," said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. "Texas has joined the growing ranks of states across the country pursuing common-sense measures to ensure the plaintiffs' bar can't keep perverting civil justice into a profit center to line their own pockets."

Among other provisions, HB 19 ensures juries are presented with evidence that is directly relevant to causation and injuries in a highway accident and ensures the case is focused on the events at issuenot on extraneous allegations outside the scope of the underlying accident. The trucking industry says targeted reforms like these will help remove the incentives driving abusive lawsuits and fueling a spike in nuclear verdicts.

"With the unanimous passage of House Bill 19, the trial process will continue to ensure accident victims are compensated when wrongfully injured, while also protecting businesses across the state from biased and unfair courtroom tactics," said Texas Trucking Association President and CEO John Esparza. "Thank you to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for recognizing the serious threat abusive lawsuits have on the Texas economy and naming this issue as one of his priority items this legislative session."

The industry is encouraging the Texas House of Representatives to concur with the Senate-backed bill, so that the legislation can be sent to Governor Greg Abbott and signed into law.

Texas becomes the latest state in recent months to pass lawsuit abuse reforms, including Montana, West Virginia, Louisiana and Missouri. In neighboring Louisiana, rampant lawsuit abuse attracted the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as organized crime rings staged dozens of accidents with unwitting tractor-trailers as a pretext to sue them in court. Last November, personal injury attorney Daniel Patrick Keating was indicted for his leadership role in the lawsuit racket. The Louisiana State Legislature is now considering legislation to criminalize staged accidents.

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


WASHINGTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to preventing opioid addiction before it starts, applauds U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), David McKinley (R-W.V.), Ann Kuster (D-N.H.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) for reintroducing the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation ("NOPAIN") Act (H.R. 3259). This landmark legislation, a first-of-its-kind effort to prevent opioid addiction in the United States, would expand access to and utilization of non-opioid pain management approaches for acute pain management by promoting parity in the way these alternatives are reimbursed by Medicare.

Companion legislation was introduced on March 4, 2021 in the Senate by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

"The opioid epidemic has been largely overshadowed by the current COVID-19 pandemic," said Chris Fox, executive director of Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, which led a letter to congressional leadership urging inclusion of the NOPAIN Act last year. "Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data reports more than 87,000 people died of a drug overdose in the 12 months ending in September 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. We urgently need prevention-based policy solutions like the ones proposed by Representatives Sewell, McKinley, Kuster and Fitzpatrick to truly curb the skyrocketing rates of opioid overdose deaths in the United States."

The legislation enjoyed broad, bipartisan support in the 116th Congress, with more than 60 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The legislation was also widely supported across the health care community including among some of the nation's leading provider groups, such as the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

"The continued opioid epidemic in the United States has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is beyond time Congress passes meaningful legislation to comprehensively address this critical issue," said Representative Sewell. "The NOPAIN Act would reduce disincentives for practitioners to provide patients enrolled in Medicare with non-opioid pain management, giving doctors the ability to prescribe treatments that are best-suited for their patients' needs."

"Last year, over 80,000 people died from drug overdoses," said Representative McKinley. "Many of these deaths could have been prevented if doctors prescribed non-opioid options to treat and manage pain in the first place. This bill will eliminate disincentives for non-opioid pain management and will reduce the number of Americans who get hooked on addictive opioid painkillers."

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to intensify the opioid crisis, passage of the NOPAIN Act is critical to reducing record-breaking overdose deaths in the United States and prevent addiction from taking root in communities across the country.

"It is paramount policymakers address this public health crisis now," concluded Fox. "We lose 150 Americans every day to an opioid overdose, and making matters worse, we have spent $2.5 trillion on this crisis just since 2015  more than the combined cost of caring for Americans with cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. We cannot afford to wait any longer."

For more information, please visit the Voices website at www.nonopioidchoices.org.

About Voices for Non-Opioid Choices

Voices for Non-Opioid Choices is a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to preventing opioid addiction before it starts by increasing patient access to non-opioid therapies and approaches to manage acute pain. To learn more, visit www.nonopioidchoices.org or follow @nonopioidchoice on Twitter.

SOURCE Voices for Non-Opioid Choices

Related Links

http://www.nonopioidchoices.org


A board member since 2013, Mottley played a vital role as an envoy for the MetLife  Alico/Algico acquisition, which solidified Pan-American Life Insurance Group's strategy to become one of the leading life, accident and health insurance providers in the Americas. Moreover, his sophisticated business sense and keen understanding of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) has been instrumental for the company's overall growth.

"Wendell's vision and leadership on social perspectives and global financial matters will continue to influence PALIG's mission well beyond his tenure," said Jose S. Suquet, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Pan-American Life Insurance Group. "More importantly, we will miss his invaluable partnership and strategic contributions to the board."

"It has been an honor to be a part of Pan-America Life over the last eight years of growth and transformation," said Mottley. "The company is in good hands with a remarkably strong, talented and resilient leadership team. I look forward to watching PALIG's continued success."

In 2021, Mottley reached the mandatory retirement age of 80, for members of the PALIG Board of Directors. Prior to joining PALIG, Mottley was chairman of the Unit Trust Corporation, the Caribbean's largest mutual fund company. He also served as the Minister of Housing, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Minister of Finance in his native Trinidad & Tobago from 1981 to 1995.

He joined Credit Suisse New York in 1996 and grew in his career as an investment banker in various positions over the course of 15 years including Managing Director and Senior Advisor roles.

Mottley, an Olympic medalist for track and field in the 1964 Tokyo games, was honored in 2018 with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the country's highest national award, which was granted for this dedication as a thought leader in economics and politics over the last 40 years.

"We thank Wendell for his many years of service to the PALIG Board of Directors and wish him much success in his new endeavors," added Suquet.

ABOUT PAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE GROUP

Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG), a leading provider of life, accident and health insurance throughout the Americas that has been delivering trusted financial services since 1911. The New Orleans-based Group is comprised of more than twenty-member companies, employs more than 2,100 worldwide and offers top-rated individual and/or group life, accident and health insurance, employee benefits and financial services in 49 states, the District of Columbia (DC), Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Group has branches and affiliates in Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and 13 Caribbean markets, including Barbados, Cayman Islands, Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago. For more information, visit the Pan-American Life website at palig.com, like us on Facebook @PanAmericanLife, follow us on Twitter @PanAmericanLife, and connect with us on LinkedIn at Pan-American Life Insurance Group.

SOURCE Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG)

Related Links

https://www.palig.com


GREENSBURG, Pa., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- West Penn Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), recently completed its yearly emergency preparation drill focused on testing its storm restoration process in the event severe weather causes outages throughout its vast and largely rural service area.

West Penn Power conducted the drill virtually to align with its pandemic protocol, which includes not gathering for large in-person meetings to safeguard employees from the coronavirus. During the past year, West Penn Power employees have conducted storm calls and used electronic storm tools remotely to successfully manage restoration activities in the field.

The drill was designed to prepare employees assigned to storm restoration duties and review restoration processes and storm-management tools critical to safely and quickly getting the lights back on. The hypothetical scenario focused on a powerful storm front that swept into western Pennsylvania from Ohio, spawning three tornados that touched down in the company's service area. The tornados caused severe localized damage in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, toppling trees, closing roads and disrupting power to thousands of customers.

"This is a great opportunity for us to practice and sharpen our skills in preparation for thunderstorms and even the occasional tornado as we head into summer months," said John Rea, regional president of West Penn Power. "Periodic emergency drills are another way we invest in reliability for our customers, in addition to the tree trimming and the continuous work we do to harden our electric distribution infrastructure and enhance its resiliency."

As part of the training, West Penn Power used its Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a nationally recognized and accepted emergency management process used by all levels of government  federal, state and local  as well as by many non-governmental organizations and the private sector to coordinate the response to major storms or other natural disasters.

One of the simulated tornados damaged West Penn Power's Greensburg headquarters, rendering it inoperable and injuring key operations personnel. That necessitated rotating different employees into storm management leadership roles and using alternate company facilities to dispatch crews and control the regional electrical system.

Among the opportunities for improvement identified by the West Penn Power drill:

Specify in greater detail within the business continuity plan capabilities of secondary locations if West Penn Power's Greensburg headquarters is inoperable

headquarters is inoperable Refine the communications process with families of employees when company facilities are impacted

West Penn Power serves approximately 734,000 customers in 24 counties within central and southwestern Pennsylvania. Follow West Penn Power on Twitter @W_Penn_Power and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WestPennPower.

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 on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.FirstEnergyCorp.com.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

Related Links

http://www.firstenergycorp.com


Pay appears to be one of the main levers companies are using to attract workers amid the labor shortage. Tweet this

In some of the markets Wonolo operates in, pay appears to be one of the main levers companies are using to attract workers. Companies  not Wonolo  propose the pay to offer workers and workers decide which jobs they accept. For several of Wonolo's top markets, the pay that businesses have proposed is up dramatically:

Denver, CO : +19% , +$6.79

: +19% , +$6.79 Raleigh, NC : +10%, +$1.45

: +10%, +$1.45 Fort Worth, TX : +9%, $1.18

: +9%, Tampa, FL : +5%, +$0.75

: +5%, +$0.75 Scranton, PA : +4%, +$0.51

"The increase in pay is encouraging to see and something we hope continues as the pandemic showed just how essential hourly workers are to America's economy," said Yong Kim, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wonolo. "We believe a paycheck should be enough for people to live on. And we've been encouraging companies to pay workers a Living Wage rather than a minimum wage. We expect the labor shortage will force companies to do even more to get workers in the door."

The increase in pay in these markets doesn't show exactly why companies are raising pay. Other factors are influencing the increase. The increase in average pay might be influenced by the fact that companies that offered higher pay were also posting more jobs on Wonolo than they were prior to the most recent COVID-19 relief bill.

Learn more about the Wonolo's Living Wage Pledge: www.wonolo.com/livingwagepledge

About Wonolo

Wonolo is an online platform that connects over 500,000 workers  or "Wonoloers"  with businesses that post retail, e-commerce, distribution, fulfillment, and other types of blue collar, frontline jobs throughout the U.S, and has done so since 2014.

Contact:

Jared Favole, Wonolo

[email protected]

SOURCE Wonolo Inc.

Related Links

wonolo.com


SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to support San Francisco's recovery, local flexible workspace provider, Werqwise, is going the extra mile to give you a bonus incentive to get vaccinated.

Werqwise announced last week that they're teaming up with San Francisco officials and communities to encourage more San Franciscans to get vaccinated. Starting today those who are vaccinated can secure a free office for themself and their team by showing their vaccination card and touring the space.

Werqwise provides flexible private workspaces for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and enterprises. Their philosophy is to create working environments that are focused on the emotional and physical needs of people and business. Werqwise believes that the workplace of the future encourages innovation by bringing safe, customizable and hospitality rich environments

"Businesses downtown have been in a year-long lockdown and we greatly miss the hustle and liveliness of our city and people. We're not the only ones, neighboring restaurants and small businesses rely on the revival of downtown. San Franciscans have done an incredible job in vaccination programs and advancing to the least restrictive Yellow Tier, and we're excited to see the city continue to progress.

"To celebrate this incredible milestone we at Werqwise are doing our part to support our local community, smaller businesses and the revival of our downtown.

"For a limited time we are giving away free one month memberships to fully vaccinated individuals and teams. We're stronger together, let us rebuld our downtown and all support each other," said Alan Mackay, CEO.

Werqwise is located on 149 New Montgomery St, San Francisco. They offer private offices and flexible workspaces. Walk-ins and bookings are available.

Media Contact: (415) 520-3270

SOURCE Werqwise

Related Links

www.werqwise.com


DUBLIN, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Pharmaceuticals Contract Development & Manufacturing Market (2021-2026) by Service, End-user, Geography and the Impact of COVID-19 with Ansoff Analysis, Infogence Competitive Quadrant" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Market is estimated to be $107.2 billion 2021 and is expected to reach $152.6 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 7.3%.

The Pharmaceutical Market is changing very rapidly. Emerging global markets and pricing pressures are responsible for the transformation of these companies. In such a scenario, providers to the pharmaceutical industries such as contract developers and manufacturers need to transform to sustain in the market and match the competitiveness of the marketplace. Distinguished offerings to the customers are the only way to grow the business. Those that can fill this gap by taking benefit of the transformative nature of the industry can only emerge as market leaders.



One of the reasons for the increase in the pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing industry is the growth of developing biotech. Most of the companies are continuously involved in the development of complex drug compounds to address a specific disease. Most of the companies lack the infrastructure required for formulation, clinical, and regulatory agency submission. Commonly, the final decision for these companies is to sell to a big player in the pharma or a biotech market. A partnership with a pharmaceutical contract manufacturer can provide another viable option. By working cooperatively, an emergent biotech company, an established donor company, and a pharmaceutical contract manufacturer can move a product into the global markets.



The increasing level of mergers and acquisition activities are resulting in the consolidation of the contract service providers. The growth of the Pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Market is driven by the increasing demand for generics across the globe. The increasing investment in pharmaceutical R&D by the companies pushes the growth of the market upwards.



The pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing market are hindered by the inadequate capacity utilization of manufacturing facilities by the companies. The poor-capacity utilization of the manufacturing unit is caused due to the inefficiency of different sub-processes involved in the production process, which further results in low production. The low production is responsible for decreased revenue, thus affecting the overall pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing market.



Dynamic changes witnessed in this sector, coupled with severe pressure over the profit margins, are anticipated to restrain growth. Stringent and complex Government regulatory requirements are also attributive to slow progress.



Market Dynamics



Drivers

Growing Demand for Generics

Increasing Investments in Pharmaceutical R&D

Investments in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies by CDMOS

Restraints

The increasing lead time and logistics costs

Strict Governmental Regulations Needed for the Approval of drugs

Opportunities

Increasing Demand for Biological therapies

Growing Focus on Specialty Medicines

Growth in the Nuclear Medicine Sector

Increasing Demand for Cell and Gene therapies

Challenges

Managing Costs and Astutely Investing in Technology

Company Profiles



Some of the companies covered in this report are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Catalent, Inc., Lonza Group Ltd, Recipharm AB, Vetter Pharma International GmbH, Famar Health Care Services, Abbvie Inc., Aenova Group, Consort Medical Plc, and others.



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 Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing 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

1.1 Study Objectives

1.2 Market Definition

1.3 Currency

1.4 Years Considered

1.5 Language

1.6 Key Shareholders



2. Research Methodology

2.1 Research Process

2.2 Data Collection and Validation

2.2.1 Secondary Research

2.2.2 Primary Research

2.3 Market Size Estimation

2.4 Assumptions of the Study

2.5 Limitations of the Study



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. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Market, By Service

6.1 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Services

6.1.1 Pharmaceutical API Manufacturing Services

6.1.2 Pharmaceutical FDF Manufacturing Services

6.1.3 Parenteral/Injectable Manufacturing Services

6.1.4 Tablet Manufacturing Services

6.1.5 Capsule Manufacturing Services

6.1.6 Oral Liquid Manufacturing Services

6.1.7 Other Formulations

6.2 Drug Development Services

6.3 Biologics Manufacturing Services

6.3.1 Biologics API Manufacturing Services

6.3.2 Biologics FDF Manufacturing Services



7. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Market, By End User

7.1 Big Pharma

7.2 Small & Mid-Size Pharma

7.3 Generic Pharmaceutical Companies

7.4 Other End Users



8. Pharmacy Automation Systems Market, By Geography

8.1 Introduction

8.2 North America

8.2.1 US

8.2.2 Canada

8.2.3 Mexico

8.3 South America

8.3.1 Brazil

8.3.2 Argentina

8.4 Europe

8.4.1 UK

8.4.2 France

8.4.3 Germany

8.4.4 Italy

8.4.5 Rest of Europe

8.5 Asia-Pacific

8.5.1 China

8.5.2 Japan

8.5.3 India

8.5.4 Australia

8.5.5 Rest of APAC

8.6 Middle East and Africa



9. Competitive Landscape

9.1 Infogence Competitive Quadrant

9.2 Market Share Analysis

9.3 Competitive Scenario

9.3.1 Mergers & Acquisitions

9.3.2 Agreements, Collaborations, & Partnerships

9.3.3 New Product Launches & Enhancements

9.3.4 Investments & Fundings



10. Company Profiles

10.1 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

10.2 Catalent, Inc.

10.3 Lonza Group Ltd

10.4 Recipharm AB

10.5 Veter Pharma International GmbH

10.6 Famar Healthcare Services

10.7 Abbvie Inc.

10.8 Aenova Group

10.9 Almac Group

10.10 Siegfried Holding AG

10.11 Evonik Industries AG

10.12 Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH

10.13 Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.

10.14 Patheon Inc.

10.15 Pfizer CentreSource

10.16 CMIC Holdings Co. Ltd

10.17 Syneos Health Inc.

10.18 LSK Global Pharma Service Co Ltd.

10.19 PAREXEL International Corporation

10.20 PRA Health Sciences Inc.

10.21 Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd.

10.22 Sagimet Biosciences (3V Biosciences Inc.)

10.23 WuXi AppTec Inc

10.24 Quanticate Ltd.

10.25 SGS SA (SGS Life Sciences)



11. Appendix

11.1 Questionnaire

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/x8j5oi

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Jagannath Pahadia who died due to Covid-19. Pahadia passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. He was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 1980-81 and also a former governor of Haryana and Bihar.



In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Saddened by the demise of former Rajasthan CM, Shri Jagannath Pahadia Ji. In his long political and administrative career, he made noteworthy contributions to further social empowerment. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."



The Rajasthan government has announced one-day mourning on Thursday in honour of Pahadia, announcing "during the period, all government offices will remain shut and the national flag will be flown at half-mast".



"Rajasthan will observe one day of state mourning in honour of former CM Jagannath Pahadia and the national flag will be flown at half-mast. All government offices to remain close today. His last rites will be performed with full state honours," informed Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in a tweet.






The report shows that ZTE, following the strategic positioning of "driver of the digital economy", proactively fulfilled its corporate social responsibilities in 2020. While leveraging technologies to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, ZTE made great efforts to promote the development of the digital economy and pursue green growth. Meanwhile, the company contributed to the global community and continuously improved its corporate governance practices and plans for the future.

ZTE has annually released sustainability reports for 13 consecutive years.

Leveraging 5G to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in an all-round way

At the beginning of 2020, in the face of the sudden outbreak of Covid-19, ZTE promptly activated the emergency response mechanism of pandemic prevention and control. While strictly implementing pandemic prevention measures to protect employees' health and safety, ZTE shouldered corporate social responsibilities and took action to combat Covid-19 through the use of various technologies.

Early in the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, ZTE quickly coordinated worldwide resources, covering production and distribution, network construction, guaranteed communication, on-site services and service applications and more. It constructed 4G/5G networks with operators for over 210 hospitals in 82 cities in 26 provinces at home, bridging the communications gap needed for life support. As the pandemic worsened, ZTE joined hands with industry partners to develop innovative applications including 5G-based telemedicine, smart logistics, 5G cloud-based classes, and three-dimensional security, leveraging technologies to beat Covid-19.

In addition, confronted with the challenge of the global pandemic, ZTE set up 12 volunteer branches in Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, and other cities in China as well as in Myanmar, India, and other countries. All of these volunteers provided solid support for the relief of the pandemic and other emergencies. At the same time, ZTE Foundation donated pandemic prevention materials, including face masks, goggles, protective suits, and ventilators, to the pandemic frontlines in China and over 50 countries and regions around the world.

Pursuing higher core competence and achieving shared successes in the digital economy

The digital economy is speeding up integration into other industries and has become a new driver of global economic development. Against this background, ZTE is committed to being a driver of the digital economy by creating and sharing development opportunities with related parties to jointly promote the healthy development of the digital economy.

President of ZTE Corporation, Xu Ziyang commented, "In 2020, the pandemic greatly changed the way people live and work, making ICT services a necessity much like air, water, and electricity. Enterprises then needed to accelerate digital and intelligent transformation, not only to reduce costs and increase efficiency, but to become more agile and intelligent, thus better coping with the uncertainties in external environments, markets, and technologies."

The report states that ZTE, to become a "driver of the digital economy", regards technological innovations as the primary driving force of corporate development. Remaining on track to pursue higher core competence, the company continuously makes innovations in chips, algorithms, architecture, databases and operating systems among others, thereby laying a solid foundation for more robust growth. ZTE has invested more than RMB 10 billion on a yearly basis in R&D and by the end of March 2021, had filed 80,000 global patents applications, with more than 38,000 granted. According to the report "Who is leading the 5G patent race?" published in February by Berlin-based IPlytics, ZTE has been included in the global top 3 for its sustainable leadership in 5G declared Standard-Essential Patents(SEP) to ETSI.

At the same time, upholding the objective of "Empowering industries through innovations and achieving shared success in the digital economy", ZTE is determined to bridge the digital divide between traditional business scenarios and digital technology applications, provide industries with scenario-based solutions that truly create value, and become a leader in the digital transformation of industries. In 2020, relying on its ultimate networks, "precise cloud and network solutions", and enabling platforms, ZTE, together with over 500 partners in industrial, transportation, energy, government, financial, cultural, and tourism industries among others, conducted 5G innovative applications and business practices, and created about 100 scenarios for innovative 5G applications. It earnestly fulfilled its responsibilities as a technology leader with strong innovative strength.

For instance, in the industrial field, a smart factory project, jointly completed by ZTE and Yunnan Sunho Aluminum, promotes the transformation and upgrading of Sunho with "intelligent manufacturing" and enables the traditional industrial enterprise to save operating costs, reduce manpower and improve efficiency. In terms of healthcare, ZTE offers 5G smart healthcare solutions that incorporate such innovative applications as operation demonstrations, remote consultation, remote ward rounds, as well as AI-aided and mobile diagnosis, to protect every human life.

And in terms of education, the company provides multiple innovative scenarios and applications for education, such as 5G + 4K remote classrooms, 5G cloud-based XR education, 5G + AR teaching, and 5G+ holographic classrooms, to ignite children's curiosity and dreams about the future.

In the financial area, ZTE's self-developed distributed database, GoldenDB, serves as a secure and reliable foundation for the banking service system, safeguarding every transaction for over 300 million customers. Additionally, by applying innovative technologies to smart phones as well as personal and home information terminals, ZTE makes all-scenario 5G intelligent lifestyle a reality with a rich variety of 5G smart terminals, for shared success in the digital economy.

Putting the concept of green development into practice to reach the goal of "carbon neutrality"

With "carbon neutrality" reaching a consensus in major economies across the globe, ZTE actively participates in the decarbonization of the global economy, and further promotes the commercialization of green 5G in several fields, to help all industries quickly enter into the green development channel.

"We firmly believe that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and try to reduce the impact on our environment from the source. We use more environmentally friendly raw materials and improve production techniques," Xie Junshi, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ZTE, stresses in the report. "We employ more advanced technologies to promote product performance. We have been committed to ultimate spectrum efficiency, ultimate energy efficiency, and ultimate network operation efficiency to facilitate sustainable development."

With the advent of the 5G era, the energy consumption of 5G base stations and terminals is regarded as a key issue for the sustainable development of the industry. ZTE has been actively exploring how to reduce energy consumption of base stations and has laid out more than 500 green 5G innovation patents. The company has been devoted to increasing efficiency and reducing consumption by virtue of its self-developed high-performance chips, high-efficiency operation, leading structural design, and technology strength. Also, ZTE has assisted more than 20 operators in building over 500,000 high-efficiency green sites in countries and regions like China, Italy, Vietnam, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Africa, and Ethiopia. In 2020, ZTE released the PowerPilot  a 4G and 5G network energy-efficient solution. The energy saved by the PowerPilot solution is twice as much as that of conventional AI-based energy saving solutions, and it can save up to 20% energy in a multi-mode network, thereby effectively reducing operational expenditure. At present, the solution has been successfully commercialized on more than 700,000 sites in over 20 networks worldwide.

In addition, ZTE also actively participates in subject research related to energy-saving standards. In 2020, together with GSMA Intelligence, a leader in global telecoms, media and technology (TMT) research and part of the broader GSMA, ZTE released the white paper "5G Energy Efficiencies, Green is the New Black". The white paper analyzes the background and principles of building and improving the energy efficiency of telecommunications networks in the 5G era from the aspects of cost reduction, network performance optimization, energy security, and contribution to global carbon emission reduction. It also summarizes the feasibility of energy saving and consumption reduction through innovation.

As an active practitioner of green development, ZTE Corporation also comprehensively promotes environmental protection management in the company's daily office and production operations. The company is oriented by management targets in terms of energy saving and exhaust emissions, and it further strengthens production technology and equipment improvement to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the impact on the environment.

Growing with its employees and partners and contributing to the global community

In 2020, ZTE further enhanced its internal digital transformation, and created an all-cloud, intelligent, and lightweight "Ultimate Cloud Company" in the fields of R&D, operation, office, and production. While reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving quality, the company flexibly confronted the uncertainties of the future. During the pandemic, ZTE cloud services enabled more than 70,000 employees worldwide to work from home. More importantly, the remote work efficiency of over 30,000 R&D staff reached more than 95%.

In terms of corporate governance, ZTE has further strengthened the attraction and incentives of core talents, improved the compliance management system, enhanced the corporate internal control management system, and achieved high-quality growth along the three-phase route of "recovery, growth, and expansion".

Regarding the aspects of contributions to the global community, ZTE Foundation always stays committed to its mission, which is "to advocate the spirit of public welfare, fulfill corporate responsibility, and promote public welfare development". Over the past year, the company has been focusing on three major fields: medical care, education assistance, and aid for disadvantaged groups, and has actively organized public welfare and poverty alleviation activities.

In 2020, the ZTE Foundation invested more than 14 million yuan in public welfare, implemented 37 public welfare projects, and carried out 73 volunteer public welfare activities. The Foundation's 2020 China Foundation Transparency Index (FTI) scored full marks in three consecutive years and won the "Annual Charity Innovation Award" and the "Annual Charity Project Award" at the 10th China Charity Festival.

Moving forward, ZTE will stay firmly committed to sustainable development around the world and, as "a driver of the digital economy", put its social responsibility into practice. The company will continue to grow together with its employees and partners, expecting to realize the co-development of enterprises, individuals, partners and environment to enable communication and trust everywhere.

Click here to view and download the whole report:

https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Files/PDF/white_book/202105191132EN.pdf

Media Contact:

Margaret Ma

ZTE Corporation

Tel: +86 755 26775189

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ZTE Corporation

Related Links

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A look at some of the day's major headlines from the Proactive newswire

ReNeuron Group PLC (LON:RENE) said it has appointed Stefano Pluchino as its chief scientific officer with immediate effect.

Thor Mining PLC (LON:THR) is to receive A$300,000 from the South Australian government to help develop the Alford East Copper-Gold project.Anglo Asian Mining PLC (LON:AAZ) posted record revenues in 2020 in spite of disruption to its operations in Azerbaijan from Covid-19 and an outbreak of fighting with Armenia.

Critical Metals PLC (LON:CRTM) has agreed terms for its first potential acquisition, with a deal to buy a majority stake of a copper-cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

SourceBio International PLC (LON:SBI) announced it has been selected by the UK government for two separate services.

Applied Graphene Materials PLC (LON:AGM) announced it has joined the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA), an international organisation that works to advance the innovation and commercialisation of next generation nanotechnologies.

Great Western Mining PLC (LON:GWMO) said its drilling campaign in Mineral County, Nevada, continues apace and within budget. In a stock market update, the company said the latest drilling results have been encouraging.

Guild Esports PLC (LON:GILD) announced it has achieved a major audience milestone after hitting half a million social media followers across all channels.

Empire Metals Limited (LON:EEE) revealed it has purchased an option to acquire a 75% interest in four exploration licences that comprise the Central Menzies Gold project in Western Australia.

Metal Tiger PLC (LON:MTR), an AIM-quoted natural resources investor, reported a pretax profit for 2020, recovering from the pretax loss made during the turbulent first half of the year, boosted by its equity investments division.

Alien Metals Ltd (LON:UFO) said it will increase its interest in the Hamersley Iron Ore Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) project, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, to over 90%, providing it with increased flexibility to fund the project via a joint venture, partial sale or spin off.

NQ Minerals PLC (LON:NQMI, FSE:44D) said mining and trucking operations at its Beaconsfield gold mine in Tasmania, Australia, are progressing well. The company, which is planning to extract more than 100,000 tonnes of contaminated soil from the Beaconsfield wetlands as part of the environmental rehabilitation of the land, said 22,290 tonnes of material had so far been trucked to stockpiles in the processing plant area.

Samarkand Group PLC (LON:SMK) said it will be presenting at MelloMonday on May 24, 2021, with chief executive David Hampstead and chief financial officer Eva Hang delivering a presentation and taking questions from participants.

Galantas Gold Corp (LON:GAL) said it has awarded 3,915,000 incentive stock options on the company's common shares to directors, employees and consultants. The exercise price for the options, which expire on May 19, 2026, is C$0.86 per share.

Touchstone Exploration Inc (LON:TXP) said it will be presenting at the London South East May Natural Resources Webinar on May 25 at 5.45pm.

Newmark Security PLC (LON:NWT) said its process to identify and hire a replacement group finance director is progressing well. It added that current GFD Graham Feltham has agreed to remain in his role and as a director of the company until a new finance director has been appointed.

Plant Health Care (LON:PHC) said its chief executive Chris Richards and chief operating officer Jeffrey Tweedy will be providing a live investor presentation on June 7 at 5pm prior to the companys AGM on June 14.

Crossword Cybersecurity PLC (LON:CCS) said its chairman Sir Richard Dearlove along with other directors and senior executives will provide a live presentation relating to its full year results for the year ended December 31, 2020, on May 26, 2021 at 10am.

ADM Energy PLC (LON:ADME) has received 849,501 from the sale of shares in Superdielectrics Ltd, realising a profit of 656,003.55 on its original investment.

Bahamas Petroleum Company PLC (LON:BPC) confirmed the close of its open-offer share sale to shareholders, and it is now selling outstanding shares in a placing.
Amancaya mineralisation has been extended at depth while two new veins have also been discovered during an exploration program that began six months ago.

Two drill holes were drilled to test the southern part of the Sur Vein at depth.

( ) has discovered two new gold-silver rich veins at Amancaya Mine in Chile following the receipt of new assay results from 11 drill holes.

The Oeste Vein has been intersected by two core diamond drill holes with best results of:

2.41 metres at 0.19 g/t gold and 55.2 g/t silver; and

1.17 metres at 24.98 g/t gold and 77.3 g/t silver.

Follow-up drilling also confirmed the Este Vein continuity for at least 50 metres NW and SE, parallel to the Amancaya Sur Vein.

Four core diamond drill holes have intersected the Este Vein with the two new intercepts of:

4.27 metres at 7.81 g/t gold and 33.0 g/t silver; and

1.8 metres at 3.1 g/t gold and 1.5 g/t silver.

Delighted with progress

Austral Gold chief executive officer Stabro Kasaneva said: I am delighted with the exploration progress at Amancaya.

We started the program six months ago and we have extended the Amancaya mineralisation to depth and discovered two new veins.

Goal to extend life of mine

Kasaneva said: It was our goal to extend the life of mine at the Guanaco-Amancaya complex at the start of the exploration program in 2020, and we are now starting to identify the potential to achieve this milestone.

Several other factors are important, including the high-grade Oeste Vein that was discovered near-surface could result in lower cost mining methods; the newly identified NW striking direction of veins could unlock further potential; and the proximity of the new veins to the existing underground mining infrastructure.

The exploration program for this quarter is focusing on establishing continuity and extending the Oeste and Este veins along strike and at depth.
Brent crude futures fell 3.2% to US$66.49 per barrel on Wednesday on fears that rising inflation might lead the US Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.

S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) has gained 0.80% to 6,987 by about 12.45 pm following the release of better-than-expected job numbers.

Australias jobless rate declined from 5.6% to 5.5% in April, beating economists expectations, with the number of unemployed people falling by 33,000.

The market was expecting the unemployment rate to remain steady at 5.6% and for 20,000 jobs to be added.

Financial stocks were among the gainers, with Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) lifting 2.4% and Westpac (ASX:WBC) rising 1.07%.

US monetary policy

The US markets were weaker overnight as investors digested the minutes from the April 28 Federal Reserve meeting.

Federal Reserve officials indicated that a strong pickup in economic activity would warrant discussions about tightening monetary policy.

The meeting summary said: A number of participants suggested that if the economy continued to make rapid progress toward the Committees goals, it might be appropriate at some point in upcoming meetings to begin discussing a plan for adjusting the pace of asset purchases.

Top gainers

Todays top gainers on the ASX include American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR) (+11.59%), Argonaut Resources NL (ASX:ARE) (+12.50%), Arrow Minerals Ltd (ASX:AMD) (+16.67%), Castillo Copper Ltd (ASX:CCZ) (+9.30%), Firefinch Ltd (ASX:FFX) (+9.09%) and Golden Rim Resources Ltd. (ASX:GMR) (+10.00%).

Proactive news headlines:

Strategic Elements moisture powered battery progresses towards milliamp range

Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR) has reached several critical new development milestones for its moisture powered self-charging battery with shares as much as 9% higher intra-day to A$0.305.

Austral Gold discovers two new veins at Amancaya Mine in Chile

Austral Gold Limited (ASX:AGD) has discovered two new gold-silver rich veins at Amancaya Mine in Chile following the receipt of new assay results from 11 drill holes.

Westar Resources begins Gidgee South maiden RC drilling and exploration at Birrigrin Mining Centre

Westar Resources Ltd (ASX:WSR) has kicked off its maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at Gidgee South Gold Project in Western Australia as well as exploration at the Birrigrin Mining Centre which includes a DGPR survey over the Birrigrin line of workings and surrounds.

Valor Resources begins fieldwork at Peruvian copper-silver project

Valor Resources Ltd (ASX:VAL) has started a desktop review on the Picha Copper-Silver Project in southern Peru that will incorporate fieldwork.

Lotus Resources fields strong initial results as ore sorting tests begin at Kayelekera Uranium Project

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX:LOT) (OTCMKTS:LTSRF) has begun ore sorting test-work on ore from Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi with strong initial results revealing the potential to improve project economics.

Castillo Copper geophysics reveal Big One Deposit likely to be even bigger

Castillo Copper Ltd (ASX:CCZ) (LON:CCZ) (FRA:7OR) is buoyed by preliminary interpretations by a geophysicist consultant that reveal possible extensions to mineralisation at Big One Deposit within the Mt Oxide Project in northwest Queenslands Mt Isa Copperbelt.

Firefinch marks another milestone in Morila ramp-up with Pit 5 ore hitting gold comminution circuit

Firefinch Ltd (ASX:FFX) (OTCMKTS:EEYMF) (FRA:N9F) has achieved another milestone in the second stage of its ramp-up strategy with commissioning of the Morila Gold Mine comminution circuit in Mali, West Africa, using stockpiles as well as feed from Morila Pit 5.

Skyfii wants to become world leader in global data intelligence

Skyfii Ltd (ASX:SKF) (OTCMKTS:SFIIF) is seeking to become the global leader in data intelligence, as it looks ahead to promising financial results from the June quarter.

Iron Road independent technical review verifies CEIP ore processing flowsheet

Iron Road Ltd (ASX:IRD) welcomes the completion of an independent technical review of the ore processing flow sheet for Central Eyre Iron Project (CEIP) that verifies the ore processing flowsheet.
United Nations, May 20 : President of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Volkan Bozkir, will convene a formal plenary meeting on Palestine and the Middle East on Thursday in the General Assembly Hall.

"The meeting will consist of a debate under the agenda items on 'The situation in the Middle East' and 'Question of Palestine'," Bozkir's spokesman, Brenden Varma, told reporters on Wednesday at the regular press briefing, Xinhua reported.

"The president's convening of this meeting follows a written request received from the permanent representatives of Niger and Algeria, in their respective capacities as chairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Arab Group." Talking about the speakers, Varma said there will be statements from the UNGA president and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Member states, observer states and other observers are also currently inscribing themselves on the list of speakers." "We do expect several in-person participants at the ministerial level. This would be the first time since the pandemic began that ministers would be participating in person at a General Assembly debate in New York. Given the number of delegations wishing to take the floor, we expect the meeting to last all day," said the spokesman.

According to Varma, in connection with this meeting, the UNGA president has been receiving requests for bilateral meetings from high-level participants.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Reykjavik : , May 20 (IANS) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have discussed normalising bilateral relations as they met in person for the first time in Iceland.

Blinken said that the US seeks "a predictable, stable relationship with Russia" in comments ahead of the meeting, according to a State Department transcript, DPA news agency reported.

But he also said "it's no secret that we have our differences" before the meeting, which was held on the margins of an Arctic Council ministerial meeting.

"When it comes to those differences," Blinken said, US President Joe Biden has let his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin know that "if Russia acts aggressively against us, our partners, our allies, we'll respond." Lavrov responded by saying that the two countries "greatly diverge when it comes to our assessment of the international situation and our approaches towards how we should resolve it." "We are prepared to discuss all issues on the table with the understanding that our discussions will be honest, factual, and with mutual respect," the Russian minister said during the meeting on Wednesday.

The top diplomats were expected to discuss a potential meeting between Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden has suggested a summit in a third country, but it is unclear whether Putin will say yes.

Other topics for Lavrov and Blinken's talks included the escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, North Korea's and Iran's nuclear programmes and the situation in Afghanistan.
Dhaka, May 20 : The Bangladeshi government has approved the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines from China. Bangladesh's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the highest body to deal with economic issues, in a meeting has approved the purchase.

Shahida Akhtar, a senior Cabinet Division official, told journalists after the meeting on Wednesday that Bangladesh will buy vaccines from China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), Xinhua news agency reported.

The approval came a week after Bangladesh received a batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming formally handed over the vaccines to Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque at a ceremony at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka on last Wednesday.

The Bangladeshi government has already announced that it will start administering from next week Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China.

The health minister made the announcement at press conference Monday, saying "health professionals on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic will receive the doses beginning May 25 or 26".

Bangladesh suspended administering the first dose of the vaccine on April 26 after India halted export to tackle its own crisis.

Subsequently the country's drug regulator authorized emergency use of the Sinopharm vaccines.

Bangladesh kicked off the Covid-19 vaccination drive on January 28 to rein in the pandemic that has so far spread across the country.

A total of 5.82 million people in Bangladesh have so far received the first dose of the vaccine.

On Wednesday, the country's Directorate General of Health Services reported 1,608 new cases of Covid-19 and 37 new deaths, bringing the number of total cases to 783,737 and the total death toll to 12,248.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Washington, May 20 : The US is waiving sanctions on the company overseeing construction of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

The State Department sent a report to Congress on Wednesday stating that waiving punitive measures against Swiss-based Nord Stream 2 AG and its German chief executive Matthias Warnig as well as four of the company's corporate officers were important for US "national interests", DPA news agency reported.

The report, obtained by DPA, said the reason for the waiver was that sanctions would "negatively impact US relations with Germany, the EU and other European allies and partners".

While the company in charge of the pipeline won't be sanctioned, other entities involved would be.

The report went on to say that punitive measures would be imposed against four Russian ships laying pipes on the basis of US sanctions laws against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and the Russian-Turkish TurkStream project.

The US also imposed sanctions on four Russian institutions.

While Nord Stream 2 AG and Warnig also violated sanctions laws, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken decided to forgo penalties, which should create room for diplomatic-level talks with Germany to address the risks to Ukrainian and European energy security imposed by the pipeline, the report said.

Blinken said in a public statement Wednesday that Washington's opposition to the pipeline is "unwavering" and the US will continue to oppose the completion of the project.

"Though we may not always agree, our alliances remain strong," he said, adding that strengthening transatlantic relationships remain a matter of national security.

"Today's actions demonstrate the Administration's commitment to energy security in Europe, consistent with the President's pledge to rebuild relationships with our allies and partners in Europe," Blinken said.

The undersea pipeline connecting Russia and Germany has for years come under fierce criticism from Washington and some Eastern European countries, which believe it will make Europe more dependent on Russian energy supplies.

The German government has refused to halt the project, however, arguing that it is a commercial venture.

Germany and Russia had earlier reacted positively to reports that a waiver was coming.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called the move "a constructive step" and said the pipeline was the only major issue over which the US and Germany had "fundamental differences." He said it was now necessary to see that "this project does not further burden our excellent cooperation in any way." Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said a waiver would signal "a touch of normalcy in US policy is emerging," according to the Interfax agency.

Several US Republican lawmakers criticized the decision after the initial report, saying US President Joe Biden was playing into Russian President Vladimir Putin's hands.

US news website Axios, citing unnamed sources, on Tuesday reported that the Biden administration would soon waive sanctions on the entity in charge of the nearly completed Nord Stream 2 AG, of which Russia's Gazprom is the majority shareholder.

Nord Stream 2, which will deliver Russian gas into the European Union via a terminal in Germany, is 95-per cent finished.

Therefore, the only way to stop the project would have been to take direct action against Germany, one of Washington's closest allies. According to Axios this was a step Biden was unwilling to take.

Supporters of the pipeline in Europe say US criticism of the project is guided less by security concerns than by concern over lost sales in Europe for American liquefied natural gas.

When finished, the pipeline is designed to deliver 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year from Russia to Germany. This could enable Russia to bypass the current route through Ukraine.
New York, May 20 : Prosecutors from the New York State and Manhattan District have launched a criminal investigation into the Trump Organization, according to media reports citing a top official as saying.

"We have informed the Trump Organization that our investigation into the organization is no longer purely civil in nature. We are now actively investigating the Trump Organization in a criminal capacity, along with the Manhattan District Attorney. We have no additional comment at this time," Fabien Levy, spokesman of New York Attorney General Letitia James' office, was quoted as saying.

The New York Attorney General's office started a civil probe into the Trump Organization in 2019 on whether valuation of relevant assets were inflated to get loans and insurance coverage or deflated to reduce tax payment, reports Xinhua news agency.

Moreover, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has been pursuing a criminal investigation since 2018 regarding hush-money payment in the 2016 presidential campaign, fraud and tax evasion.

Without issuing a formal comment on the development, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted on Wednesday, saying: "The New York Attorney General's office is literally being used as a political weapon and it's setting a very dangerous precedent going forward." Former President Donald Trump is the founder of the Trump Organization, with his two sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump now working as Executive Vice Presidents.
Beijing, May 20 : The population of Beijing stood at 21.89 million at the end of October 2020, an increase of 2.28 million from 2010, according to authorities in the Chinese capital city.

This represents an average annual growth rate of 1.1 per cent from 2010 to 2020, lower than the average annual growth of 3.8 per cent from 2000 to 2010, Xinhua news agency quoted Meng Jingwei, head of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics, as saying on Wednesday.

Of the capital's permanent residents, nearly 11.2 million are males, about 51.1 per cent.

The gender ratio in the city reached 104.7 males to 100 females, more balanced than the ratio of 106.8 males to 100 females in 2010, according to the Bureau.

In terms of age composition, the number of residents aged 60 or above was nearly 4.3 million, about 19.6 per cent of Beijing's permanent population, 7.1 percentage points higher than the level in 2010.

Among them, over 2.91 million were at least 65 years of age, accounting for 13.3 per cent of the total permanent population, said Meng, adding that the aging of Beijing's population has further deepened.

According to data from the latest national census released earlier this month, China's population on the mainland reached 1.4 billion, growing 0.53 per cent annually on average in the past decade.

The rate was slightly lower than the average annual growth of 0.57 per cent from 2000 to 2010.
U.S., China support waiver of COVID-19 vaccine IPR: VOA Chinese

Xinhua) 16:24, May 20, 2021

A medical worker prepares to administer a dose of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Sale, Morocco, May 18, 2021. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua)

International non-governmental organization Medecins Sans Frontieres called on those opposing the waiver to put saving people's lives as a priority, said the report.

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States and China have voiced support for a waiver of the intellectual property rights (IPR) for coronavirus vaccines, Voice of America Chinese has reported.

Earlier in May, the U.S. administration agreed to support waiving intellectual property restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines at the World Trade Organization, according to the report on Monday.

On Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China understands and supports the appeal of developing countries to exempt the IPR of COVID-19 vaccines.

International non-governmental organization Medecins Sans Frontieres called on those opposing the waiver to put saving people's lives as a priority, said the report.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/20/2021 -- HTF MI Analyst have added a new research study on Title Global Cafe and Coffee Shop Market Report 2020 by Key Players, Types, Applications, Countries, Market Size, Forecast to 2026 (Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread) with detailed information of Product Types [, Only Coffee & Compound Type], Applications [Independent Shop, Window Shop & Other] & Key Players Such as Al-Masaa Cafe, Costa, Brew92, WaCafe, Lavena, Liwan Cafe, Starbucks, Derby & Barncafe etc. The Study provides in-depth comprehensive analysis for regional segments that covers North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Rest of World with Global Outlook and includes Clear Market definitions, classifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, development policies and plans. The facts and data are well presented in the report using diagrams, graphs, pie charts, and other pictorial representations with respect to its Current Trends, Dynamics, and Business Scope & Key Statistics.



If you are a Cafe and Coffee Shop manufacturer and deals in exports imports then this article will help you understand the Sales Volume with Impacting Trends. Click To get SAMPLE PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures)@ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/2912982-global-cafe-and-coffee-shop-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026



Impact Analysis  Global Cafe and Coffee Shop Market Research

Analysts at HTF MI constantly monitor the industry impacts of current events in real-time  here is an update of how industry players have tackle latest scenario and what key strategies have made significant difference.



Key Highlights from Cafe and Coffee Shop Market Study.



Revenue and Sales Estimation  Historical Revenue and sales volume is presented and further data is triangulated with top-down and bottom-up approaches to forecast complete market size and to estimate forecast numbers for key regions covered in the report along with classified and well recognized Types and end-use industry. Additionally macroeconomic factor and regulatory policies are ascertained in Cafe and Coffee Shop industry evolution and predictive analysis.



Manufacturing Analysis the report is currently analyzed concerning various product type and application. The Cafe and Coffee Shop market provides a chapter highlighting manufacturing process analysis validated via primary information collected through Industry experts and Key officials of profiled companies.



FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS: In order to better understand Market condition five forces analysis is conducted that includes Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, Threat of rivalry.



Competition  Leading players have been studied depending on their company profile, product portfolio, capacity, product/service price, sales, and cost/profit.



Demand & Supply and Effectiveness  Cafe and Coffee Shop report additionally provides distribution, Production, Consumption & EXIM** (Export & Import). ** If applicable



Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2912982-global-cafe-and-coffee-shop-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026



Geographically, the following regions together with the listed national/local markets are fully investigated:

- APAC (Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, India, and Rest of APAC; Rest of APAC is further segmented into Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka)

- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe; Rest of Europe is further segmented into Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania)

- North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico)

- South America (Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Rest of South America)

- MEA (Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa)



The Latest Trends, Product Portfolio, Demographics, Geographical segmentation, and Regulatory Framework of the Cafe and Coffee Shop Market have also been included in the study.



Market Growth by Applications: Independent Shop, Window Shop & Other



Heat map Analysis, 3-Year Financial and Detailed Company Profiles of Key & Emerging Players: Al-Masaa Cafe, Costa, Brew92, WaCafe, Lavena, Liwan Cafe, Starbucks, Derby & Barncafe



Market Growth by Types: , Only Coffee & Compound Type



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Introduction about Global Cafe and Coffee Shop



Global Cafe and Coffee Shop Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) [, Only Coffee & Compound Type] in 2018

Cafe and Coffee Shop Market by Application/End Users [Independent Shop, Window Shop & Other]

Global Cafe and Coffee Shop Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications

Global Global Cafe and Coffee Shop Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2025)

Cafe and Coffee Shop Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application

Cafe and Coffee Shop (Volume, Value and Sales Price) table defined for each geographic region defined.

Global Cafe and Coffee Shop Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data

Key Raw Materials Analysis & Price Trends

Supply Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Industrial Chain Analysis

........and view more in complete table of Contents



Check Complete Report Details @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/2912982-global-cafe-and-coffee-shop-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026



Thanks for reading this article; HTF also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research according to clientele objectives. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report like North America, Europe or Asia
Mumbai, May 20 : Actor Sunny Hinduja returns in the second season of the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer web series "The Family Man", and he recalls how the veteran actor encourages him to "go with the flow".

"During the shooting of the show, we spend time and a lot of interaction happened. He is like a big brother and a mentor, and when he shares his memory of how he struggled in his initial days, just by hearing such incidents one can get so much inspiration. It is hard to stay hopeful when the struggle is too much, but he did not give up. Oof the things sir told me and that stayed with me is, 'go with the flow, do not take yourself too seriously, just take your craft seriously'. I think it will always resonate with me," Sunny told IANS.

"The Family Man" season two brings back Bajpayee with Sharib Hashmi, Priyamani, Sharad Kelkar, and Shreya Dhanwantary among others. The series directed by Raj and DK will see South star Samantha Akkineni make her web debut in a negative role.

"The experience of working with Raj and DK is great. They are writers, so they have a great understanding of characters. Also, they have a great sense of humour and always come up with quirky ideas. Even in a serious situation, they can bring something funny! My character Milind, in the end of the first season, left the audience in confusion if he is dead or alive. I really want the audience to find that out in the show. I won't give away spoilers," said Sunny.

"The Family Man" season two releases on Amazon Prime Videos on June 4.

(Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lucknow, May 20 : The Yogi Adityanath government has announced that it will take the responsibility of those children who have lost their parents during the second wave of the Covid-19 in Uttar Pradesh.

The Chief Minister has said that such children were an asset to the state and his government will take care of them and will look after their health, education and security.

He has instructed the Department of Women and Child Development to prepare a comprehensive work plan for the children.

The Department has in turn, asked for a list of such children from District Magistrates.

It has already instructed district magistrates and other responsible officers in the districts to provide such orphan children every possible help under different schemes of the government.

Virtual meetings in this regard will also be held in all divisions of state.

The Yogi government has, so far, identified 60 children across the state who have lost both parents to the pandemic and another 609, whose parents or guardians are affected by Covid and need temporary care.

Additional chief secretary (information) Navneet Sehgal said that Adityanath had issued directions for formation of a task force in each district to identify and adopt such children.

"Till Wednesday, task forces were constituted in 70 districts and meetings were held in majority of them to hammer out a scheme for Covid orphans. Task forces will soon be formed in Firozabad, Aurraiya, Pilibhit, Hapur and Saharanpur," said Sehgal.

Principal secretary, child development and nutrition department, Hekali Zhimomi, has already raised the issue of illegal appeals on social media by people seeking to adopt children who lost their parents in the pandemic or putting up such children for adoption.

Asking all District Magistrates to take cognizance of any report, story or information on children being put up for adoption or women being trafficked, especially on social media, Zhimomi said: "The second wave of the pandemic is at its peak, particularly impacting women and children. Children are finding themselves in perilous circumstances, especially those who have lost both parents and are staring at penury. Unfortunately, criminal elements are trying to take advantage of the situation." The State Child Protection Society, under Section 6 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, has been tasked with establishing shelters for rehabilitation of children and coordinating with various agencies.

Zhimomi said that a Covid Virtual Support Group is being set up at the district level along with a task force headed by the district magistrates.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Cupertino : , May 20 (IANS) To further help people with mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities, Apple has announced powerful accessibility software updates across iOS, watchOS and iPadOS, including a new SignTime service to connect Apple Store and Apple Support customers with on-demand sign language interpreters.

To begin with, customers visiting Apple Store locations in the US, the UK and France can use SignTime to remotely access a sign language interpreter right in their web browsers.

Later this year, people with limb differences will be able to navigate Apple Watch using AssistiveTouch.

iPad will also support third-party eye-tracking hardware for easier control and for blind and low-vision communities and Apple's 'VoiceOver' screen reader will get even smarter using on-device intelligence to explore objects within images, the company said in a statement late on Wednesday.

"With these new features, we're pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of Apple technology to even more people - and we can't wait to share them with our users," said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives.

In support of neurodiversity, Apple is introducing new background sounds to help minimise distractions, and for those who are deaf or hard of hearing and Made for iPhone (MFi) will soon support new bi-directional hearing aids.

AssistiveTouch for watchOS allows users with upper body limb differences to enjoy the benefits of Apple Watch without ever having to touch the display or controls.

Using built-in motion sensors like the gyroscope and accelerometer, along with the optical heart rate sensor and on-device machine learning, Apple Watch can detect subtle differences in muscle movement and tendon activity, which lets users navigate a cursor on the display through a series of hand gestures, like a pinch or a clench.

"iPadOS will support third-party eye-tracking devices, making it possible for people to control iPad using just their eyes," Apple said.

Later this year, compatible MFi devices will track where a person is looking onscreen and the pointer will move to follow the person's gaze, while extended eye contact performs an action, like a tap, the company added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
London, May 20 : A nurse who cared for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he battled Covid-19 at an intensive care unit last year, said she was leaving her job as she was deeply disappointed at how healthcare workers had been treated, local media reported.

Jenny McGee from New Zealand was by the Prime Minister's bedside for two days when he was infected with the virus in April last year, Xinhua news agency quoted the media reports as saying on Wednesday.

McGee was one of two nurses singled out for praise by Johnson for their care.

He had heralded McGee and one of her colleagues for staying by his bedside at London's St Thomas' Hospital "when things could have gone either way".

"We're not getting the respect and now pay that we deserve. I'm just sick of it. So I've handed in my resignation," she told a TV documentary to be aired on May 24.

McGee was referring to the UK government's highly criticized proposed 1 per cent pay rise for National Health Service (NHS) staff, which Johnson's political opponents and unions have described as insulting to those who had been fighting the pandemic, according to the media reports.

"Our NHS staff have gone above and beyond over the past year and this government will do everything in our power to support them. We are extremely grateful for the care NHS staff have provided throughout the pandemic in particular," said a Downing Street spokesperson.

"That is why they have been exempted from the public sector wide pay freeze implemented as a result of the difficult economic situation created by the pandemic."
Washington, May 20 : During a phone call, US President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expected "a significant de-escalation" of the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, the White House said.

"The President conveyed to the Prime Minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire," Xinhua news agency quoted the White House as saying in reference to the call on Wednesday.

"The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the state of events in Gaza, Israel's progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the US," it said.

The call has been the fourth between Biden and Netanyahu since the crisis began on May 1.

It also came amid increasing pressure at home and abroad on the Biden administration to urge a halt of violence between the Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

A group of Democratic senators issued a joint statement last week urging an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of civilian life in the ongoing conflict.

According to the latest data by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza.

In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children.

Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier.

Thousands of people are injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza Militant groups fired barrages of rockets from the Gaza Strip at Israel, while Israeli fighter jets kept carrying out intensive airstrikes on buildings and infrastructure in the besieged enclave.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Shanghai, May 20 : China and Pakistan will hold a series of activities later this year to mark the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, officials said at a seminar here.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, both sides are confident in hosting about 100 celebratory activities to attract young people of both countries to participate in bilateral cooperation and exchanges, Xinhua news agency quoted the officials as saying on Wednesday At the seminar, held under the theme all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, Islamabad's Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque said tthe two countries set a model of bilateral relations. This model is based on mutual understanding, respect, trust, support and cooperation.

Sha Hailin, president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, told the seminar that China and Pakistan aided each other in terms of anti-pandemic supplies since the outbreak of the pandemic, demonstrating the partnership between the two countries.

China and Pakistan established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, May 20 : Microsoft has announced to retire its iconic Internet Explorer (IE) browser in June 2022, as it envisions the future of Internet Explorer, which was launched in 1995, on Windows 10 in Microsoft Edge.

Over the last year, Microsoft is moving away from Internet Explorer support, such as an announcement of the end of IE support by Microsoft 365 online services.

"With Microsoft Edge capable of assuming this responsibility and more, the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10," the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Internet Explorer was once the most widely used web browser, attaining a peak of about 95 per cent usage share by 2003.

Its usage share has since declined with the launch of Firefox (2004) and Google Chrome (2008), and with the growing popularity of mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS that do not support Internet Explorer.

If you're a consumer using Internet Explorer at home, Microsoft recommends that you transition to Microsoft Edge before June 15, 2022, to start enjoying a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience.

If you're an organisation using Internet Explorer, you may have a large set of legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and apps, built up over many years.

Microsoft found that enterprises have 1,678 legacy apps on average.

"By moving to Microsoft Edge, you will be able to extend the life of your legacy websites and apps well beyond the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application retirement date using IE mode. Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge will be supported through at least 2029," the company informed.

For web developers, Microsoft said they should plan an orderly movement to end Internet Explorer support based on users' needs.

"Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications," the company said.

Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) built in, so users can access legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge.
Sanaa, May 20 : Eight people were killed in renewed armed confrontations between Yemen's warring factions in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, a military official said.

"Two groups of the the Houthi rebels carried out an attack in an attempt to to advance towards key areas located in the southeastern parts of Hodeidah," the official told Xinhua news agency on Wednesday He said that the Houthis' attack sparked intense armed confrontations with the joint pro-government forces stationed in the area.

The clashes that lasted for hours resulted in the killing of eight people from the two-warring sides and injuring several others.

Last week, five people were killed and 11 others wounded during armed confrontations in Hodeidah's eastern parts.

The port city of Hodeidah, a vital lifeline for the war-torn country, has witnessed a shaky ceasefire between the government and the Houthi rebels since they reached a UN-sponsored truce in Stockholm in December 2018.

The truce was seen as the first phase toward a nationwide ceasefire to end Yemen's more than six years of civil war.

Hodeidah is under the control of the Houthis, while the government forces have advanced to the southern and eastern districts.

Both sides have been blaming each other for truce breaches and sporadic military escalation.

Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014, when the Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.
Jammu, May 20 : The Army rescued two people from drowning in the JCB vehicle that had got washed away in Marua River near Nawapachi village in Marwah valley of Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, army said on Thursday.

Army said two civilians identified as Sajid Ahmad Mir, the driver, and Mushtaq Ahmad got stuck in the JCB when it got submerged while working on the bank and in the fast current. The vehicle had got washed away for around 500 meters.

"On receipt of information from locals, an Army column from Nawapachi post immediately rushed towards the site of the accident. Jumping into the river in the fast flowing water, Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and locals successfully took out the civilians from the submerged JCB vehicle with the help of ropes in a 90 minute long difficult rescue mission," army said.

"Prompt action of troops in the rescue operation saved the lives of two civilians."
Tel Aviv, May 20 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was determined to continue its fight against the Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip after US President Joe Biden called for "a significant de-escalation".

The White House said in a statement that Biden told Netanyahu on Wednesday "that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire" in the deadly violence, reports Xinhua news agency.

Netanyahu later in the day issued a video statement on Twitter, saying: "I am determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved: to restore quiet and security to you, citizens of Israel." The two leaders have held three previous talks over the phone since Israel launched its "Guardian of the Walls" offensive in Gaza on May 10.

According to the latest data by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza.

In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children.

Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier.

Thousands of people are injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza Militant groups fired barrages of rockets from the Gaza Strip at Israel, while Israeli fighter jets kept carrying out intensive airstrikes on buildings and infrastructure in the besieged enclave.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/20/2021 -- The Latest survey report on Global Home Ventilator Market sheds lights on changing dynamics of each of the subsegments of Industry. As the shift to value continues, Home Ventilator organizations have the dual challenge of increasing interoperability to improve clinical performance and the patient experience. Some of the companies listed in the study from complete survey list are Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), ResMed Inc.(United States), GE Healthcare (United States), Medtronic Plc (Ireland), Becton, Dickinson and Company (United States), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd. (New Zealand), Getinge (Sweden), Drager (Germany), Smiths Group (United Kingdom), Hamilton Medical (Switzerland), Air Liquide (France), Zoll Medical (United States) and Allied Healthcare Products (United States).



Request a sample report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/3291733-global-home-ventilator-market-1



Summary

What is Home Ventilator Market Scope?



Home Ventilator is a device that helps a patient to breathe in oxygen or breathe out carbon dioxide, entirely or partially at home. Ventilators assist in getting oxygen into the lungs and removal of carbon dioxide from the body. A ventilator can be administered non-invasively or invasively to a patient. Nowadays, ventilators available in the market are volume-based or pressure based. Home care ventilators are exclusively used in-home care settings. Moreover, the rising number of COVID-19 patients across the globe this surging the demand for a home ventilator.



The market study is being classified by Type (Pneumatic Ventilators, Electronic Ventilators and Electro-pneumatic Ventilators), by Application (Respiratory Diseases, Spinal Cord Injuries, Neuromuscular Disorders and Others) and major geographies with country level break-up.



The companies are exploring the market by adopting mergers & acquisitions, expansions, investments, new service launches, and collaborations as their preferred strategies. The players are exploring new geographies through expansions and acquisitions to avail a competitive advantage through combined synergies. Key players operating in the global home ventilator market include Philips Healthcare, ResMed Inc., GE Healthcare, and Medtronic Plc. The Players having a strong hold in the market are Philips Healthcare, ResMed Inc., GE Healthcare, and Medtronic Plc. Research Analyst at AMA predicts that European and United States Players will contribute to the maximum growth of Global Home Ventilator market throughout the predicted period.



Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), ResMed Inc.(United States), GE Healthcare (United States), Medtronic Plc (Ireland), Becton, Dickinson and Company (United States), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd. (New Zealand), Getinge (Sweden), Drager (Germany), Smiths Group (United Kingdom), Hamilton Medical (Switzerland), Air Liquide (France), Zoll Medical (United States) and Allied Healthcare Products (United States) are some of the key players profiled in the study. Additionally, the Players which are also part of the research are Vyaire Medical Inc. (United States), Nanotronics (United States), BMC Medical Co. Ltd. (China), Dima Italia Srl (Italy), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare (United States), Servona GmbH (Germany) and Siare Engineering International Group Srl (Italy).



Segmentation Analysis



HTF MI has segmented the market of Global Home Ventilator market by Type, Application and Region.



On the basis of geography, the market of Home Ventilator has been segmented into South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Rest of Europe), MEA (Middle East, Africa), North America (United States, Canada, Mexico).



Market Influencers and their development strategies



On 30th March 2020, Medtronic plc has announced it is publicly sharing the design specifications for the Puritan Bennett 560 (PB 560) to enable participants across industries to evaluate options for rapid ventilator manufacturing to help doctors and patients dealing with COVID-19. This decision is consistent with the recent FDA Guidance and in accordance with the public health and medical response of governmental agencies globally.

On 10th August 2020, Nanotronics Health, LLC, a subsidiary of Nanotronics has announced that it has obtained Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for its non-invasive ventilator, nHale, for at-home use. Nanotronics Health, LLC, also received authorization for the nHale to be used with supplemental oxygen under a doctor's prescription.



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Influencing Market Trend



Due to the Outbreak of Pandemic COVID-19 across the Globe



Market Drivers



Growing Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases and Growing Preference to Home Health Care Ventilators

Rise in Investment by Public and Private Sectors for the Advancement of Health Care and Surge in Technological Innovations



Opportunities



Manufacturers are Investing Research and Development, Advanced Techniques and Strategies to Develop Novel Processes for Manufacturing of Technologically Enhanced Devices for Homecare Ventilators



Restraints



Lack of Awareness among People, Specifically in Developing Countries like India, Brazil, and Many Others



Challenges



Resistance From Physicians for Technology Transition



Key Target Audience



Home Ventilator Manufacturers, Research Organizations and Consulting Companies, Potential Technology Investors, Regulatory & Government Bodies, Downstream Vendors, End Users and Other



Customization available in this Study:



The Study can be customized to meet your requirements. Please connect with our representative, who will ensure you get a report that suits your needs.



To compete effectively, companies also require quantitative estimates of the future growth and qualitative nature of the market. AMA Research & Media features not just specific market sizing estimates, but also include significant value-added commentary on Technological Trends and Innovations, Regulatory Policies, Market Maturity Indicators, Market Share Movements, New Entrants into the Market & Entry/Exit Barriers, Consumer Demographics, Supporting Company Financial and Cash Flow Planning, Open Up New Markets , To Seize Powerful Market Opportunities, Key Decision in Planning and to Further Expand Market Share, Identify Key Business Segments, Market Proposition & Gap Analysis.

Full Form Half Form



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Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Home Ventilator Market Research Growth Scenario, Latest Development and Covid Impact Analysis Market:

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Los Angeles, May 20 : A group of Jewish diners were attacked by some a group who were waving pro-Palestinian flags at a restaurant in Los Angeles, prompting the city's police department to launch a probe into the case as an incident possible hate crime.

The incident occurred shortly at around 10 p.m. Tuesday in Los Angeles downtown, Xinhua news agency quoted the CBSLA news channel as saying in a report on Wednesday.

A group of men wearing all black got out of a car and started to attack the diners who were meeting at the restaurant to plan a wedding, yelling racial slurs, CBSLA said.

One of the diners, who is not Jewish, was quoted as saying that the attackers waving pro-Palestinian flags approached and began throwing bottles at him and the others he was dining with.

The man said he was physically attacked when he tried to defend the group, adding he was pepper-sprayed during the attack and had to go to a hospital.

Los Angeles Daily News reported on Wednesday that police said the restaurant apparently was not damaged, and only one minor injury was reported and no one was arrested.

The incident occurred amid the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which triggered two pro-Palestine rallies in Los Angeles in the last four days.

On Tuesday afternoon, a large crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli consulate.

Last weekend, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied calling for an end to the violence.

Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz said the restaurant incident was one of two attacks directed at Jewish victims over the course of 24 hours.

"Last night, members of a caravan of pro-Palestinian protesters targeted innocent Jewish diners in a vicious attack while they were sitting outside a sushi restaurant, and a separate attempt was made by two drivers to run over a Jewish man who had to flee for his life. Both incidents were captured on video. These were anti-Semitic hate crimes that are unconscionable," Koretz said in a statement released Wednesday morning.

"We are not going to allow the violence in the Middle East to spill out onto the streets of Los Angeles. Everyone is entitled to express their opinion but never through violence."
Vancouver, May 20 : Claiming that she was in a 'marriage-like'' relationship with the Karmapa Lama and became pregnant when he sexually assaulted her in 2017, a Canadian woman is suing the second highest-ranking Buddhist monk for spousal support.

The British Columbian Supreme Court in Vancouver on Tuesday admitted a petition by Vikki Hui Xin Han, a former Tibetan Buddhist nun, of Richmond city against the Karmapa Lama.

The Karmapa Lama, whose real name is Ogyen Trinley Dorje and who fled to India from Tibet in 1999, ranks second in spiritual hierarchy among Tibetan Buddhists.

The monk has denied romantic links with the woman, but acknowledged having provided her "emotional and financial support for the benefit of the child the claimant told him was his daughter", according to court documents.

The woman says she met the Karmapa Lama in person only "four times: twice very briefly in a public setting; a third time in private, when she alleges the respondent sexually assaulted her; and a fourth and final occasion, when she informed the respondent she was pregnant with his child".

The two first met at a large puja in 2014. The experience of the puja convinced the woman to become a Buddhist nun and she met the Karmapa Lama after the ceremony to seek his approval, the court documents said.

In October 2016, the woman said that she began a three-year, three-month meditation retreat at a New York State monastery where the Karmapa Lama came twice during her stay.

She alleges that on October 14, 2017, the Karmapa Lama sexually assaulted her in her monastery room.

When she came to know that she is pregnant, she says she met him in the presence of his bodyguards and told him that she was pregnant with his child.

Initially, he denied responsibility, but gave her his email address and a cellphone number, also promising to "prepare some money" for her.

Abandoning her plan to become a nun when she returned to Canada, "the parties wrote in a private shorthand, sharing jokes, emojis, cartoon portraits and 'hugs' or 'kisses'", according to the court documents.

Before the birth of her daughter on June 19, 2018, the Karmapa Lama allegedly sent her $420,000 and C$350,000 to buy a home, wedding ring, etc.

Before the two stopped communicating in January 2019, he wrote to her on September 17, 2018, saying that "taking care of her and you are my duty for life", say the court documents.

The case will go to trial in April 2022.
New Delhi, May 20 : Hypertension and tobacco are the top most causes of premature mortality and people consuming tobacco in any form are at high risk of many diseases, as nicotine is solely responsible for constricted arteries, heart failure, inflammation, many types of cancers, blindness, and gangrene, while it also complicates existing hypertension.

The above was mentioned by noted interventional Cardiologist Dr. (Prof) (Col.) Shekhar Kashyap while speaking at a webinar on 'Hypertension, COVID-19 and Tobacco - A Deadly Triad'.

Kashyap is the former Head of Department (Cardiology), Army's Research & Referral Hospital in New Delhi.

"Although the tobacco lobby promotes that nicotine does not cause hypertension, it affects all the organ systems. Tobacco consumption in any form be it cigarettes, chewable, and nicotine gum, causes increase in blood pressure and elevates the heart rates. Nicotine cessation can help immediately. Within 20 minutes of cessation, blood pressure returns to normal and 15 years of cessation eliminates all hazards of smoking," added Kashyap.

Hypertension is the most widely prevalent vascular disease among the low and middle income group countries.

It is also one of the biggest causes of premature deaths in the world.

Today, one in every four men and one in every five women today are suffering from hypertension.

"Those who consume tobacco have poorly controlled hypertension. It is a myth that smokeless tobacco or non-combustible tobacco has no ill-effects. There are ample studies to prove that these cause many diseases," Kashyap said, adding that tobacco blunts the effects of medicines taken to stabilise blood pressure.

Kashyap said persons with cardiometabolic factors face a higher risk of severe Covid-19 condition along with complications and mortality.

Chewing tobacco can increase the risk of Covid-19 as the person does not wear a mark, the hand to mouth contact increases, salivating and spitting puts others at risk, and sitting together to drink and smoke leaves no room for social distancing, thereby increasing the risk of spreading the infection.

"To counter the threat of Covid-19, it is imperative to combat the misinformation campaigns. The studies that purportedly claim consumption of alcohol or smoking can prevent Covid-19, may be manipulated and, therefore, as a vigilant society, there needs to be a high index of suspicion around such studies, he added.

Kashyap advised that people should rely on information and guidelines from credible sources such as the WHO, US CDC, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and ICMR.

He said that there is a lot of ground that needs to be covered, which can begin with sensitising kids at the kindergarten level about the harmful effects of tobacco on our health.

Further, surrogate advertisements promoting the use of tobacco in any form should not be allowed in the vicinity of schools or other educational institutions.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Washington, May 20 : Several deaths were reported in the southern US as a massive storm swept across the region.

In the state of Louisiana, authorities on Wednesday launched an investigation into at least four deaths that are possibly linked to the storm, reports Xinhua news agency.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reported that a 33-year-old man was found in a vehicle submerged in water.

Across the Mississippi River, a 40-year-old person reportedly died and another person was missing after their car crashed Monday evening.

Officials also reported two other deaths likely linked to power outages.

The National Weather Service said that Lake Charles, west of Louisiana, saw close to 18 inches of rain in 24 hours.

Parts of Interstate Highway 10 were closed due to flash flooding and many drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles.

In Texas, a Flash Flood Watch for parts of the state's southeast area has been extended until 1 p.m. Thursday.

It could even be extended into Friday when additional rainfalls are expected.

According to the tracking poweroutage.us website, there were over 20,000 customers in Texas that are out of power as of Wednesday afternoon.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued disaster declaration in response to significant flooding and severe weather.

He also ordered the Texas State Operations Centre to expand its daily operations to 24 hours a day through Friday.
Hyderabad, May 20 : The Telangana government has declared fungal infection mucormycosis as a notifiable disease under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.

All the government and private health facilities shall follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of mucormycosis issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Indian Council of Medical Research, says a notification issued by the Director of Public Health.

It is also made mandatory for all the government and private health facilities to report all suspected and confirmed cases of mucormycosis (also known as black fungus) to the health department.

Medical superintendents of all government and private hospitals have been directed to ensure strict compliance to the guidelines and send report on daily basis.

The move comes amid growing number of cases of black fungus, mostly seen in Covid-19 survivors.

Many patients are approaching Government-run ENT Hospital at Koti in Hyderabad, which has been designated to treat the fungal infection.

In view of shortage of medicine for the treatment of mucormycosis, the health authorities have regulated its sale.

State Minister K. T. Rama Rao is receiving several requests on Twitter from relatives of black fungus infected persons for Liposomal Amphotericin B Injection.

The Minister is suggesting all such individuals to send an email to the Director of medical Education in the prescribed format.

The health department has formed a committee to look into every request and provide the drug after due verification with the hospitals concerned.

Director of Medical Education K. Ramesh Reddy had said Tuesday that there are around 50 Mucromycosis cases at government hospitals and another 30-40 in private hospitals.

Stating that the disease is not contagious like Covid-19, he advised people not to panic.

He said those who have recovered from Covid-19 and have diabetes should be more cautious.

"Patients must look out for symptoms such as facial muscle pains, bloody discharge from nose, cold, and brown discoloration or spores in mucus," Reddy said.

The Director of Medical Education said Covid-19 patients who have recovered still need to wear masks even at home for few months. Recovered patients, especially immune compromised ones, will have low immunity levels and thus will be vulnerable to the fungal infection.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Karachi, May 20 : At least 13 people were killed and over 30 others injured when a passenger bus turned turtle in Pakistan's Sindh province on Thursday, local media reported.

The bus was on its way to Karachi, the provincial capital, from Multan city in Punjab, Xinhua news agency quoted Senior Superintendent of Police in Sukkur, Irfan Samo as saying to the media.

Investigation into the cause of the accident is underway, and some local media reports quoted sources as saying that the bus driver lost control over the over-speeding vehicle while negotiating a sharp turn.

The injured have been shifted to a hospital in Rohri area of the district and the medical superintendent of the hospital Pervaiz Akhtar told the media that six people died on the spot while others succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital or in the hospital.

Akhtar added that six of the injured are in critical condition and the hospital is providing the best possible medical treatment to them.

Some of them will be shifted to other hospitals of the district.

Local reports said all of the killed and injured came from Multan and were on their way back to work in Karachi after spending the Eid al-Fitr holiday at home.

The government allowed inter-provincial public transport from Sunday, lifting a week-long ban on travelling between the provinces during Eid holidays amid the pandemic.
Kannauj : , May 20 (IANS) The police have arrested four persons and booked 15 others for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans, the video of which had gone viral on social media.

The arrested persons include a local Muslim cleric.

According to the Kannauj police, taking cognizance of the viral video, they conducted an inquiry and identified the people seen in it. The video was of May 15 at the Jalalabad crossing, police added.

The four arrested persons have been identified as Maulana Mohammad Afzal, an Imam of a local mosque who hails from Kanpur Dehat, Salman, Shahid, and Meraj- all residents of the area.

They have been booked under IPC section 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 505 (2) (statements creating or promoting enmity between classes) among others.

Circle Officer, (Kannauj City) Shiv Pratap Singh said that while five of the accused are named in the FIR and 10 unnamed, efforts are on to identify all the others in the video and arrest them.

Station House Officer, Gurusahaiganj, Raja Dinesh Singh said police are also trying to ascertain why the video was shot and circulated on social media.

It may be recalled that last week, a newly elected village pradhan, was arrested in Sitapur for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans during his victory procession.
Tirana, May 20 : Former Albanian President Sali Berisha had denied the corruption allegations levelled against him by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In a statement on Wednesday, Blinken announced that Berisha and his family members were ineligible to travel to the US due to corruption acts that have undermined democracy in Albania, Xinhua news agency reported.

On his Facebook account, Berisha expressed regret on the US' decision, denying the accusations made by Blinken.

He asked the US side to make public every fact and document against him or his family members.

Berisha, born in 1944, was the first leader of the Democratic Party of Albania and was elected President of the country in 1992.

He had also served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2013.
Canberra, May 20 : The Australian government has opened talks with international airlines on digital vaccine passports for people who have been inoculated against Covid-19, a media report said on Thursday.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents about 290 airlines, have been in discussions about vaccinated Australians using the IATA Travel Pass, Xinhua news agency quoted the Guardian Australia report as saying.

It comes a day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison flagged the idea of a digital vaccination passport.

Speaking to a radio station on Thursday, he said holders of vaccination passports could be allowed to be exempt from domestic travel restrictions.

"That is likely to see more strains, more variants, come through, so we have to be exceptionally cautious," Morrison told radio station 3AW.

"That's why the borders remain closed, and that's why we look to further liberalize things that are safe." Vinoop Goel, IATA's Asia-Pacific director for airports, told the Guardian that its digital pass was secure and simple.

"Our goal is try and make sure that borders reopen, and that too without quarantine because you know if you're looking at a 14-day or 21-day quarantine, it does not work for business travel, neither does it work for leisure travel," he said.
Hyderabad, May 20 : The Telangana health authorities on Thursday brought relaxations on hospital admissions and said that positive test report is no more mandatory for admission to a Covid health facility in the state.

The Director of Public Health and Family Welfare has issued an order for implementation of national policy for admission to hospitals.

The hospitals will now have to admit even those patients who are suspected to be Covid positive.

"Requirement of a positive test for Covid-19 virus is not mandatory for admission into a health facility," says the order.

A suspected Covid case has to be admitted into a separate ward and hospitals have to start treatment without any preconditions.

The order is significant as several hospitals in Hyderabad were found be turning away patients for not having Covid-19 positive reports.

"No patient will be refused services on any count. This includes medications such as oxygen or essential drugs even if the patient belongs to a different city," reads the order.

"No patient shall be refused admission on the ground that he/she is not able to produce any valid identity card that does not belong to the city where the hospital is located." The order also makes it clear that admissions into hospital must be based on need.

"It should be ensured that beds are not occupied by persons who do not hospitalization. Further, the discharge should be strictly in accordance with the revised discharge policy," it added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Chennai, May 20 : Crematoriums in Madurai are to get two additional gasifiers, according to Madurai corporation officials. The corporation has taken steps to install additional gasifiers at the crematoriums in Thathaneri and Moolakarai to cope with the increasing number of deaths. An amount of Rs 30 lakh is sanctioned for the procurement of these gasifiers.

There were several deaths in Madurai during the second wave of the pandemic with official records being 15 to 17 on an average according to the state data. However sources in the Madurai corporation told IANS that there were more deaths than mentioned in the state data and hence the crematoriums were crowded.

With only two gasifiers and not enough freezer space to store bodies, the waiting time was around 6 to 7 hours to cremate a body of a loved one. The crematorium had resorted to token system a week ago as bodies were lined up on the floor.

The crematoriums at Thathaneri and Moolakarai had lack of basic amenities and this coupled with the long wait has increased the woes of the hapless relatives who come to the crematorium with the bodies.

Sources in the Madurai corporation told IANS that the installation of new gasifiers will take place within ten days and this would reduce the problem being now faced by the relatives of those dead.
Patna, May 20 : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP were pursuing negative politics in the middle of a severe pandemic in Bihar.

"We have set up a Covid care centre at my official residence on 1, Polo Road in Patna. It has beds, oxygen, foods and medicines and requested the Nitish Kumar government to take over it and deploy medical staff. So far, there is no initiative taken by the state government," Yadav said.

"The Nitish government is neither helping patients during the pandemic nor allowing us to help the people of Bihar. This can be attributed to negative politics. The real face of this government is exposed now. Nitish Kumar is completely tired now," Yadav said.

"Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey was unable to prevent the infrastructure of hospitals in Bihar from collapsing. Pandey himself said that the health department did not have adequate staff to operate ventilators. Who is responsible for it?" Yadav had asked on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, pertaining to Yadav's Covid care centre, health minister Pandey had said that if anyone put beds in their residence, it cannot be considered as a hospital.

"Bihar has 900 final year MBBS students wanting to give services to the nation in a pandemic but the Bihar government is not ready for their terms and conditions. The state government should consider their grievances and recruit as many medical staff as possible," added Yadav.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, May 20 : The supply of food items under government schemes to Industrial training institutes (ITI) will be treated at par with supply of mid-day meals to schools and not attract GST.

In a ruling, the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has brought ITIs at par with education institutions equivalent to higher secondary education and thereby exempted supply of food items under a government programme to these vocational training institutes from applicability of GST.

The Kerala AAR ruling came on an application made by a service provider, HV Azeez. The service provider has sought clarification from AAR whether his supply of GST exempt food items such as eggs, milk, banana to ITIs as per government scheme will be taxable. Since Azeez had taken GST registration, the question sought for clarification was whether TDS on such supply could be refunded and whether the entity was required to have GST registration at all.

The AAR ruled that since ITIs were giving certificate equivalent to 12th or 10th (if students take the tests for two additional papers under National Institute of Open School), they were at par with other higher secondary education institutes. This itself, gives supply of food to ITIs immunity from taxes (GST).

Also, as the supply of food items includes all GST exempt products, the applicant is not required to take GST registration. And in case GST registration has been taken and TDS deducted on such supplies, it would be liable for a refund.

GST registration is mandatory for all businesses with a turnover of over Rs 20 lakh but this is not required for supply of GST exempt goods and services. Similarly, TDS is levied at 2 per cent, if payment for contract exceeds Rs 2.50 lakhs. But, this is not required for GST exempt supplies.
New Delhi, May 20 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday attended a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the current situation of Coronavirus in 60 districts of 11 states along with collectors.

In the meeting, collectors of Chhattisgarh's Baloda Bazaar-Bhatapara, Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Korba and Bilaspur districts were also present.

Janjgir-Champa Collector Yashwant Kumar informed the Prime Minister about situation of spread of coronavirus infection, precaution and Covid-19 management in the district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday had said the Central government is working on a fortnightly schedule for vaccine supply to streamline vaccination and prevent wastage.

Interacting over video conference with these DMs across eight States with Chief Ministers of these regions, the Prime Minister told them, Union Health Ministry is continuously streamlining the arrangements and procedures regarding vaccination to larger strategy.

Prime Minister had said constant efforts are being made to increase the supply of coronavirus vaccine on a very large scale.

Modi further said that vaccination is a powerful means of fighting Covid, so we have to unitedly remove every illusion related to it.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Male, May 20 : Maldives President Ibrahim Solih has appointed British national Abbas Faiz as the government's special envoy to oversee the investigation into to a terror attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed, local media reported on Thursday.

A presidential directive published on Wednesday has tasked Faiz with ensuring that national laws, as well as international best practices, are applied to the investigation, trial, and prosecution of suspects involved in using a remote-controlled improvised explosive device to target Nasheed on May 6, reports Xinhua news agency.

Faiz is a former senior advisor to the Secretary General of Amnesty International and an expert in human rights in South Asia.

Nasheed, also the incumbent Parliament Speaker, was severely injured in the attack and underwent several surgeries in the ADK Hospital in Male before being transferred to Germany for further treatment.

He is currently recovering from his injuries.
Mumbai, May 20 : Health-tech startup Qure.ai on Thursday collaborated with the international NGO PATH to accelerate and intensify Covid-19 screening by making advanced Artificial Intelligence-based diagnostic technology available to physicians across India through the Telegram App.

Qure's CE-certified and World Health Organization-endorsed AI solution can read and interpret chest X-ray to detect findings indicative of Covid-19 as well as quantify the proportion of lungs affected due to the lesions.

The technology which is being used by the Mumbai Municipal corporation and super-specialty hospitals across the globe, is now available to physicians on the Telegram app.

Qure's AI bot would enable clinicians to triage for Covid-19 instantaneously. Physicians would only have to download the Qure bot from the Telegram app, upload the patient's chest X-rays either as DICOMs images or as images taken by the smartphone camera.A The result would be available in less than a minute and would serve as a second opinion or confirmation of diagnosis.

"What we've been seeing in the last few weeks is truly taking a toll on our frontline caregivers and straining our public and private healthcare infrastructure severely. We need to implement and leverage technology that's been extensively trained and validated to tackle this ongoing tragedy fast and it needs to be now," said Prashant Warier, CEO and co-founder of Qure.ai, in a statement.

Bengaluru-based Dozee has launched the MillionICU initiative to address the massive shortage of ICU beds and staff in public hospitals. The initiative will raise funds to upgrade normal beds in government hospitals across India into Step-Down ICUs, using Dozee's contactless sensor, in under five minutes and enable remote and central monitoring of patients at ward level.

The company aims to install 50,000 step-down ICU beds across India in the next six months and will take it to one million in the next three years.

The initiative has already benefited 25 such hospitals across 15 districts with more than 10,000 patients being monitored and having saved over 25,000 nursing hours.

"One of the major challenges the Indian health care system is facing is shortage of nurses, doctors and ICU beds. Technologies such as Remote Patient Monitoring and AI can help doctors and nurses save valuable hours by prioritising patients based on their needs," said Mudit Dandwate, CEO and Cofounder, Dozee, in a statement on Thursday.

"The MillionICU campaign is an effort to combat the current situation by providing much needed support to government hospitals in the country. By converting ward beds into step-down ICUs, we aim at upgrading the healthcare infrastructure thereby enabling improved patient outcomes while significantly reducing the load on nurses and doctors," he added.

Dozee will also be setting up a 24x7 Central Monitoring Cell which will enable healthcare staff to monitor multiple patients remotely who were previously monitored manually only every couple of hours.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, May 20 : India's hospitality industry witnessed a decline of 38.7 per cent in revenue per available room (RevPAR) during Q1 2021 as compared to Q1 2020, according to JLL's Hotel Momentum India (HMI) Q1 2021, a quarterly hospitality sector monitor.

Additionally, RevPAR in the top six cities has decreased by 48 per cent in Q1 2021 as compared to Q1 2020.

The recovery of the sector has been primarily driven by leisure segment performing notably well. Total number of signings in Q1 2021 stood at 28 hotels comprising of 2,064 keys, recording a decline of 53 per cent compared to the same period last year. International operators dominated signings over domestic operators with the ratio of 54:46 in terms of inventory volume.

Goa grew to be the RevPAR leader in absolute terms, despite the single digit decline of RevPAR by 1.1 percent in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020. This was due to a 6.4 per cent increase in occupancy levels. Demand for domestic leisure travel amidst international travel restrictions continues to make Goa the fastest recovering market in absolute term.

Bengaluru saw the sharpest decline in RevPAR in Q1 2021, with a 60.6 per cent decline compared to the same period of the previous year.

Demand and supply of operational inventory in six major cities declined by 6.7 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively in the first quarter of 2021.

"In Q1 2021, hospitality industry witnessed a revival, with most leisure markets performing exceptionally well. The pace of recovery started picking up due to increase in corporate travel but it was short lived as the onset of second wave brought back travel restrictions and derailed the recovery. We expect that the hospitality sector in India will mostly remain under stress in 2021", said Jaideep Dang, Managing Director, Hotels and Hospitality Group, South Asia, JLL.
Kabul, May 20 : Nine civilians lost their lives and three others were injured as a roadside bomb struck a vehicle in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Thursday, a police spokesman said.

"A mine planted by the enemies struck a civilian vehicle in Bushran area in the morning and as a result nine civilians including women and children were killed and three more sustained injury," the official told Xinhua news agency without providing more details.

In the meantime, another official confirmed the blast and said restive Bushran area is a suburban of the provincial capital Lashkar Gah, saying 11 civilians including women and children were killed in the blast.

The official also asserted that Bushran area was the scene of heavy fighting between government forces and the Taliban group recently and the militants planted the mine.

Taliban militants who have stepped up operations to overrun Lashkar Gah city are yet to make a comment.
Hyderabad, May 20 : Police in Hyderabad and the rest of Telangana have become stricter with the implementation of lockdown.

On the direction of Director General of Police M. Mahender Reddy, police officials on Thursday began taking measures to enforce the state-wide lockdown more strictly.

Senior officials including police commissioners and superintendents of police were in the field post 10 a.m. to ensure that people abide by the lockdown norms More personnel were seen at checkpoints in Hyderabad to stop and check vehicles after four-hour relaxation ended at 10 a.m. An official said only those people exempted from lockdown norms are being allowed while vehicles of others are being seized for violations.

Over 300 checkpoints were functioning in the limits of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissionerates.

There were more police vehicle patrolling not just main roads but also interior roads and residential areas in Hyderabad and outskirts.

The state government imposed a 10-day lockdown on May 12 in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday announced lockdown extension till May 30 Cyberabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar and Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat monitored lockdown enforcement at few points.

Sajjanar appealed to people to cooperate with police in enforcement of lockdown, saying the measure was taken in the interest of all. He said the citizens should avoid coming out every day to buy essentials. "When you come out, buy the essentials for 3-4 days and don't bring families with you to the market," he said.

Mahesh Bhagwat said so far 21,000 cases have been booked for violation of lockdown norms. He said stringent action will be taken against those coming out on roads without any valid reason.

The DGP on Wednesday held a videoconference with zonal inspectors general of police, deputy inspectors general of police, police commissioners and superintendents of police on enforcement of lockdown.

He said the current lockdown should be implemented strictly so that lockdown need not have to be extended beyond May 30 He noted that though lockdown relaxation is from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., people are coming out to buy essentials only after 8 a.m. and this is leading to crowding in markets and at shops. He called for creating awareness among people to buy the essentials and attend other works from 6 a.m.
New Delhi, May 20 : Film exhibitor PVR Ltd has launched a holistic care package to help its employees tide over the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The company has announced free vaccination of all its employees and their dependents along with multiple employee-wellbeing initiatives, over the last one year to support its workforce.

The package entails Covid SOS medicines, vaccine registrations, 24/7 Covid helpline with on-ground response team, plasma database, oxygen concentrators, doctor on call assistance, hospitalisation andambulance services, and food deliveries for infected employees.

PVR assures full support to its 10,000 employees including their dependents across locations in 70 cities in India, the company said in statement.

Film exhibitors are among the worst hit in pandemic. With lockdowns in various parts of the country, the theatres remain closed.

The pandemic has also curbed film production leaving little for ahi it its to show the audiences even in controlled settings.

PVR said that its Covid Care package has specific protocols to ensure timeliness in the service. The modus operandi comprises of a 24X7 Call Centre, an on-ground Covid Response Team at the local level with Cinema Managers/Duty Managers empowered with adequate resources.

Further, dividing the cities into clusters or zones the operations are overseen by Regional Directors and Regional Managers. Contributing towards covid relief, company has collaborated with ZIQITZA for ambulance services and LYBRATE for doctor on call.

Commenting on the initiative, Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director said: "As an employee-first organization, this pandemic's impact on the lives of our employees and their families is a personal crisis more than anything. Health and safety of our employees is of utmost priority, and therefore, we introduced the comprehensive employee support care package with free vaccine for all employees and their dependents.

"With government's focus on nationwide vaccination, conditions will improve certainly and being direct service providers, we need to ensure complete safety of the customers along with the employees. On immediate priority we are extending medical, logistical and financial support with an on-ground Covid response team at local levels." "PVR Juhu has become the first cinema with 100 per cent staff being vaccinated. The need of the hour is 'Empathy' and to stand with your employees, interact with them on a regular basis, make set-ups to bring the organization together and uplift team spirit."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/20/2021 -- According to a new market research report "Retail Analytics Market by Application (Merchandising Analysis, Customer Analytics, and Promotional Analysis and Planning), Business Function (Finance and Operations), Component, Organization Size, End User, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" published by MarketsandMarkets, the Retail Analytics Market size to grow from USD 4.3 billion in 2020 to USD 11.1 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.2% during the forecast period.



Major factors contributing to the growth of the retail analytics market are the rising demand for dashboards for data visualization, growing adoption of cloud, growing number of smartphones, increasing use of m-commerce, and continuous increase in data generation. Additionally, the proliferation of data analytics to understand customer data during COVID-19 pandemic to provide new growth opportunities for the retail analytics market



The COVID-19 has impacted all elements of the technology sector. It has slowed down the growth of IT infrastructure owing to disruptions in the hardware supply chain and reduced manufacturing activities. This health crisis has had an unprecedented impact on businesses across industries; while some are struggling, others are thriving. Rising support from governments and several data analytics companies can help in the fight against this highly contagious disease. Businesses providing retail analytics solutions and services are also expected to witness a decline in their growth for a short span of time. However, the adoption of collaborative applications, IoT, analytics, security solutions, and AI is set to increase in the remaining part of 2020.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Retail Analytics Market"

146- Tables

63- Figures

278- Pages



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The fianace business function to hold a larger market size during the forecast period



The finance business function segment is estimated to hold a larger market share in 2020. The growth can be attributed to the rising need of retailers to generate deeper insights across the entire value chain of retail operations, including procurement, supply chain, sales and marketing, store operations, and customer management. Finance departments of retail companies use information gained from their own data to help them with analyses, management processes adjustment, targeted campaign creation, risk identification, or efficient reporting in order to manage the company competitively and profitably. These application areas are small, but critical in nature, ahence it would enhance the adoption of retail analytics solutions among finance business functions.



The merchandising analysis segment to hold the largest market size during the forecast period



The retail analytics market is segmented into various applications, such as merchandising analysis, pricing analysis, customer analytics, promotional analysis and planning, yield analysis, inventory analysis, and others (order management, transportation management, assortment and cluster planning, and real-estate planning). The merchandising analysis segment is estimated to hold a largest market share in 2020. The growth of the segment is due to companies across the retail industry using advanced technologies including, AI and ML to leverage customer insights from huge data volumes of store-based operations. Additionally, the retailers are rapidly implementing analytics for the effective management of their floor space to avoid losses. Retail analytics solutions generate heat maps to help retailers monitor shoppers that are interacting with certain products, and enable them to adapt store layouts to coincide with such merchandise. The inventory analysis segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period due to the growing need to enhance business processes by keeping track of stocked goods and ensure surplus inventory.



The need to have full control over organizational data is expected to drive the adoption of retail analytics solutions in the offline segment



Stores can also track item sales to see which products are the most popular, but that doesn't track an individual shopper's physical path to purchase, including what else he or she looked at before arriving at the register. As a result, without retail analytics technology, brick-and-mortar retailers are limited in the ways that they can offer a personalized, convenient, and profitable shopping experience to every customer. Retail data analytics and reporting can help retail store managers track and accommodate traffic flows, optimize product placement, encourage consumers to try new products, and offer a seamless store experience that traverses the online/offline boundary. Omni-channel retail ensures brick and mortar stores remain viable.



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The service segment to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period



The retail analytics market, by component, is segmented into solutions and services. The retail analytics services include professional services and managed services. The services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing concern of organizations to gain visibility for diagnosing and troubleshooting problems before they impact operations or end user experiences will drive the adoption of retail analytics solutions and services.



North America to hold the largest market size during the forecast period



The North American retail analytics market is estimated to hold the largest share in 2020. The major countries in the North American retail analytics market are the US and Canada. The US is one of the most dominant markets, as it is an early adopter of technology, and large enterprises in the country invest significantly in various technologies to maintain competitiveness. Additionally, The region has a significant presence of large hypermarkets, supermarkets, and retail chains, including Wal-Mart, Costco, Kroger, The Home Depot and Target. The high growth of eCommerce is expected to play a prominent role in the adoption of retail analytics solutions and services. APAC region is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period, as it is home to many developed and emerging economies, which offer major opportunities for the growth of retail stores and technology development. China, India, and Japan in particular are focusing on the management of data to enable data-based business decisions and enhance business processes in the retail market.



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Major vendors in the global retail analytics market include Microsoft (US), IBM (US), Oracle (US), Salesforce (US), SAP (Germany), AWS (US), SAS Institute (US), Qlik (US), Manthan (India), Bridgei2i (India), MicroStrategy (US), Teradata (US), HCL (India), Fujitsu (Japan), Domo (US), Google (US), FLIR Systems (US), Information Builders (US), 1010Data (US), Capillary (Singapore), RetailNext (US), WNS (India), True Fit (US), Vend (New Zealand), Fit Analytics (Geramny), Edited (UK), Decision6 (Brazil), Cubelizer (Spain), ThinkInside (Italy), Dor Technology (US), Glimpse Analytics (India), Pygmalios (Slovakia), and Orenda Software Solutions (Canada).



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Rae Bareli, May 20 : Bollywood actor Sonu Sood and poet Kumar Vishwas have come forward to support the 'Aao Gaon Bachayen' campaign started by comic poet and satirist Pankaj Prasun.

Under the campaign, residents of 30 villages in six village panchayat blocks of Rae Bareli district would be provided Covid medicines, oximeters, thermometers and ration kits, along with oxygen support in Covid care centres.

According to Pankaj Prasun, "I tagged Sonu Sood and Kumar Vishwas in my tweet seeking oxygen concentrators for rural masses. Kumar Vishwas retweeted it, saying 'Sonu Sood, please send three oxygen concentrators for the poor or else I will arrange from Ghaziabad.' Within a few minutes Sonu Sood tweeted, 'Be assured , it will reach! Just send me your address (samjho pahunch gaya,aap pata bhejo)." He said, "I was surprised to see a busy Bollywood actor reacting to our tweets within five minutes. There is only one Level 3 hospital in Rae Bareli and there is a long queue in other hospitals which are either L1 or L2. During the pandemic, the importance of oxygen in saving lives has been felt. That's why these oxygen concentrators would be very important for the rural masses." Prasun said, "I turned Covid positive on April 7 and then I realized how difficult it is to get treated for Covid . During the recovery I kept on thinking about the way I can help those who are living in rural areas, and I came up with this idea." He said, "With limited resources we have selected six gram sabhas of Sahjaura, Lohra, Raula, Domapur, Mustafabad Belhani, Mau Garvi, Govindpur and Merui under which around 32 villages would be covered. We will request the authorities to allow panchayat bhawans and schools to be used as Covid care centres, from where we can distribute our ration kits, medicine kits, thermometers, oximeters and provide oxygen." Rae Bareli is the parliamentary constituency of Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, May 20 : The marching out of noted personalities from actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) continued on Thursday with businessman C.K. Kumaravel being ,the latest to sever his ties.

"I have quit MNM. Will be looking and evaluating options like joining other parties. I will be in politics," Kumaravel, General Secretary of MNM and the founder of Naturals chain of salons.

In his resignation letter citing the party's loss in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, Kumaravel told Kamal Haasan that instead of making history, the party was forced to read history.

He said the conditions were conducive for MNM to make electoral history as the party got its `Battery Torch' symbol that was given to it for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, actor Rajinikanth decided against political entry and people had large expectations about the party.

"Though having all the qualifications to sit in the opposition in the Assembly we were not able to win even a single seat," Kumaravel said.

He said the loss is due to the wrong strategies and advice given by Kamal Haasan's consultants and their narrow focus to win in Coimbatore (South) constituency where the actor was constesting.

"Post electoral defeat, Kamal was interested in fixing the party officials and not the real problems," Kumaravel told IANS.

According to Kumaravel, Kamal Haasan was fine till February 2021, but after March 2021, his avatar was different.

It was shocking to see his focus was only on winning from Coimbatore (South)," Kumaravel said.

On Wednesday MNM General Secretary Muruganandam quit the party citing absence of democracy in the party.

After the party's rout in the assembly polls, Kamal Haasan sought the resignation letters from the office bearers to rejig the setup.

The party Vice President Mahendran first quit the party and he was followed by former IAS officer and General Secretary Santhosh Babu, Padma Priya, MNM's State Secretary (Environment Wing) and now it is Kumaravel.

Persons like Kumaravel, Mahendran and Babu have made a mark in their respective fields and brought credibility and acceptability for MNM.
Tel Aviv, May 20 : The Israeli Army on Thursday said it "neutralised" an extensive tunnel system dug by the Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, keeping up its military offensive in the enclave as diplomats continued to search for a ceasefire deal.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that its aerial assault and artillery bombardment continued overnight, hitting targets including the house of a Hamas commander in Khan Younis, an arms factory and rocket launchers, dpa news agency reported.

The IDF said that the tunnels were built over five years and allowed Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, to move ammunition, fighters and food within the coastal strip.

There was pressure on both sides to declare a ceasefire, with diplomats trying to spur a breakthrough after 10 days of fighting that has left more than 220 Palestinians and 12 people in Israel dead.

Tens of thousands of Gaza residents have fled their homes.

US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that he "expected a significant de-escalation" to start.

But Netanyahu said he was determined to continue its fight against the Palestinian Hamas militants "until its objective is achieved: to restore quiet and security to you, citizens of Israel".

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas began a visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories on Thursday to promote the international community's ceasefire efforts.

Maas is to hold talks with Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, Defence Minister Benny Gantz and President Reuven Rivlin.

He will also meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk told Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television that he expected "a ceasefire to be reached within a day or two".

"I think that the ongoing efforts regarding the ceasefire will succeed," he said, adding that he assumed any deal would only apply to hostilities in Gaza and not encompass issues related to unrest in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

"The talk is now on stopping fire only, and not on stopping any other form of resistance." More rockets were fired by Palestinians at Israeli towns after midnight on Thursday.

According to the IDF, some 4,070 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip in Israel's direction over the past week and a half.
Srinagar, May 20 : Technicians of the Army's Chinar Corps in Srinagar have assisted in the repair of an oxygen generation plant at Rangreth, officials said on Thursday.

The Army said the oxygen plant of Enn Dee Gases located at Rangreth with a capacity of filling 700 cylinders of oxygen per day was out of action for the last five years.

"It was vital to make this plant serviceable to increase the oxygen production capacity in the valley," the army said.

"On being requested by the civil administration, Chinar Corps mobilised its resources to transport the required spare parts from Mumbai." The Army said the spares were brought within just two days by an Indian Air Force plane.

"The moment the necessary spares arrived at the plant, a team of technicians from Corps Zone Workshop, Rangreth along with civil technicians worked tirelessly to make the plant serviceable within four days," the army said.

As the plant was in a state of disuse for five years, it had multiple problems in all sub-systems like the Heavy Duty Air Compressor, the Chiller and even the Columnar Air Separator, which are vital parts of the plant. Once all the defects in the existing sub-systems were rectified, the new Oxygen Filling Manifold was fitted by the technicians.

"The plant has been tested thoroughly and has been found to work satisfactorily," the army said.
Damascus, May 20 : Syrian expatriates and refugees living outside their war-torn home country on Thursday started voting in a presidential election that the opposition has dismissed as a farce.

The election, due to take place at home on May 26, seems set to confirm incumbent Bashar al-Assad's stay in power, reports dpa news agency.

Syrians in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries, began casting ballots in Syrian embassies early Thursday, Syria's state news agency SANA reported.

In Lebanon, buses loaded with Syrians carrying pictures of al-Assad and waving the Syrian flag were seen heading towards the Syrian embassy on the outskirts of the capital Beirut for the one-day vote.

Earlier this month, Syria's Supreme Constitutional Court approved three candidates, including al-Assad, to run in the election.

His two competitors are Mahmoud Muri and Abdullah Saloum Abdullah.

Muri, a lawyer and a member of the Syria-based opposition, is campaigning under the banner "Together", with a prominent slogan speaking about the need to "release all political detainees".

For Abdullah, who was also a member of the Syrian parliament and a former state minister, his campaign features slogans about investments.

Al-Assad, who has ruled Syria since 2000, is expected to win a fourth seven-year term in an election derided as stage-managed.

His father, Hazfez, governed Syria from 1971 to 2000.

Neither has allowed much dissent, and both have been accused of autocracy.

In 2014, al-Assad was re-elected for a third term after winning by a landslide in Syria's first multi-candidate election.

Syria's crisis started with peaceful pro-democracy protests in March 2011.

It soon evolved into a full-blown conflict, drawing in foreign fighters and powers.
Mumbai, May 20 : Television actor and producer Ravi Dubey has tested negative for Covid-19. Ravi took to social media to share the news with fans and followers on Thursday.

Ravi tweeted a photograph flashing the victory sign and wrote: "ho gaye ji -ve." Earlier this month, Ravi had issued a statement on social media informing that he had contracted the virus.

"Hi guys just got my report it's positive. Would advise anyone who has come in close contact with me in the past few days to take care of themselves and monitor their symptoms if any. I have isolated myself and I am in care of my near and dear ones. Stay safe, stay positive (as in stay optimistic). God bless us all," he had written.

On the work front, Ravi and his wife, actress Sargun Mehta, turned producers with the daily soap "Udaariyaan", which started airing earlier this year.

The show is inspired from the Punjabi film "Surkhi Bindi" and features Isha Malviya, Priyanka Choudhary and Ankit Gupta in the lead.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Rome, May 20 : Italy has instructed the aid ship Sea-Eye 4, with over 400 migrants on board, to dock in the Sicilian town of Pozzallo, even though the vessel was headed for Palermo at the other end of the Mediterranean island.

The German operating organisation Sea-Eye on Thursday criticized the decision.

"It is totally incomprehensible to us that Pozzallo should be the nearest safe haven for people when we are in Palermo," Sea-Eye spokesperson Gorden Isler told dpa news agency.

He said the measure could be classified as "harassment".

According to Italian news agency ANSA, the authorities officially assigned the port south-east of Ragusa on Wednesday evening, after the ship, carrying a total of 415 boat migrants, was already en route to Palermo, whose Mayor had offered to help.

"The rescued migrants, including about 150 children as well as pregnant women, will have to spend two additional nights on the ship due to the journey," Isler said, speculating that Rome was intent on delaying the organization's mission in the future.

The Sea-Eye 4 had rescued the migrants during several operations over the past days.

Refugees and migrants repeatedly attempt the dangerous crossing to Europe from Libya, often trying to reach Italy as the first point of entry.

According to the UN's International Organization for Migration, more than 575 people have died in the Mediterranean this year.
New Delhi, May 20 : The Union Health Ministry has appealed to all the states and Union Territories (UTs) to declare mucormycosis or black fungus as a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897.

The Ministry has also advised that all government and private health facilities, as well as medical colleges should follow guidelines issued by it and the ICMR on screening, diagnosis and management of mucormycosis.

The Ministry said mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by a fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. Mucormycosis can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other types of skin trauma.

According to the ministry, the disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from Covid-19.

Telangana and Rajasthan have already declared mucormycosis as an epidemic.

Cases of black fungus have been reported in various parts of the country including Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar.

Mucormycosis, which is primarily affecting people recovering from Covid-19, as per sources, has also infected several people in the national capital as it is caused by the steroid administered in the treatment of coronavirus.

On May 18, the Haryana government also framed regulations called, "The Haryana Epidemic Diseases (Mucormycosis) Regulations, 2021".

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Singapore, May 20 : An upcoming annual meeting of Defence Ministers and security officials in Singapore has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to "uncertainty" over the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers said on Thursday.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, said that holding an in-person Shangri-la Dialogue "has become inviable" due uncertainty caused by "the deteriorating global Covid-19 situation", reports dpa news agency.

The dialogue was to take place on June 4-5, with "a wide range of Defence Ministers, senior officials, corporate leaders and influential strategists from Asia, North America, the Middle East and Europe" set to attend.

Among the speakers was US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, on his first official visit to South-East Asia.

In recent years the event, which was usually attended by Defence Ministers from the UK, France and Germany, saw Chinese and US officials spar verbally over the South China Sea and Taiwan.

Singapore has seen a slight uptick in coronavirus case numbers in recent weeks, prompting the reintroduction of some restrictions.

Forty-one new cases were reported by the Health Ministry on Thursday.

"In Singapore there has been a rise in local cases, recently introduced new restrictions, and the prospect of further tightening cannot be ruled out, all of which creates uncertainty," the IISS said.

Singapore's Defence Ministry said that although the cancellation was "regretful", it was "the responsible course".

The cancellation comes after the World Economic Forum said on Monday that its annual meeting, which earlier had been moved from Davos to Singapore, would not be going ahead in August as scheduled.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, May 20 : Global premium smartphone brand TECNO on Thursday announced a 60-day warranty extension policy on its smartphones amid the second wave of Covid-19.

"The welfare and safety of our consumers are of utmost priority," the company said in a statement.

TECNO India has implemented a two-month warranty extension policy, which is valid for all TECNO smartphones whose warranty expires during the period between April 15 to June 15, will be automatically extended for 2 months.

To avail this warranty period, users can download the Carlcare app from the Google Play store. Open the Carlcare app and click the Warranty button on the home page.

Users can then check the validity of their device by entering the IMEI of the current device in the Carlcare app.

If your device is eligible for the extension, you will see 60 days extended warranty option. Click on receive to extend the warranty, the company said.

The company said that users must register before June 30 to avail warranty extension.

As a socially responsible brand, we will continue to ensure the highest safety standards and assist our consumers and partners in every way possible, the company said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Metroglass announces solid FY21 results in year significantly affected by COVID19

 The Group delivered solid FY21 results with resilient performance in the competitive NZ market and significantly improved performance in Australia overshadowed by the significant impacts of COVID-19

 NZ revenue declined 2% year on year in the 10 months from June 2020 to March 2021 (following the Alert Level 4 shutdown and ramp up period)

 EBIT before significant items down 18% to $17.9m

 Statutory net profit after tax of $8.5m up from $(78.9m) in FY20

 Strengthened balance sheet with strong operating cash flows driving a 28% reduction in net debt

 Intention to resume dividend payments alongside the FY22 interim results

Market conditions and outlook

Residential dwelling consents in New Zealand have remained elevated, despite the pandemic, supporting a healthy pipeline of work. However, capacity constraints across the wider construction industry may limit growth in the near term. In south east Australia, the level of residential approvals has significantly improved through FY21 compared with the year prior which will provide some support through the 2021 calendar year.

Mr Mander said: We are increasingly confident that activity across both New Zealand and Australia will be at least sustained at current levels for the rest of the 2021 calendar year. However, we remain alert to COVID19 risks and the significant disruptions in international shipping, both of which are likely to continue until the end of 2021.

The residential segment in New Zealand will continue to be competitive and dynamic through FY22, and we will continue to take a prudent approach to managing our costs. Capital expenditure will be focused on essential areas, but we will also invest for growth where appropriate. In the coming year, we will work hard to support the success of our customers by providing excellent service and maintaining our marketleading position in New Zealand and growing position in Australia.

The company will provide shareholders with an update on early FY21 trading performance at its Annual Shareholders Meeting on the 6th of August 2021.

Please see the links below for details

0. Metroglass FY21 results letter for NZX & ASX

1. MPG FY21 results announcement

2. MPG FY21 results presentation

3. MPG FY21 Annual Report

4. MPG FY21 NZX Appendix 1

Source: Metro Performance Glass Limited

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New Delhi, May 20 : Emphasising on learning from "bitter experience" of the second wave of Covid-19, the Delhi High Court on Thursday asked all big hospitals with 100 or more beds in the capital to install Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen plants.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh said lessons have to be learnt from the crisis, which was caused due to shortage of medical oxygen for the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

"The bitter experience with huge shortage of medical oxygen has certainly left a lesson to be learnt particularly for hospitals," it said.

The court said the big hospitals in the capital with 100-bedded facilities or more should install PSA oxygen plants and ensure that their capacity is more than normal requirement to minimise dependence on other sources. "Larger hospitals with 100-bedded facilities or more should have their own PSA plants having capacity of at least two times their normal requirement," said the bench.

The bench added that smaller hospitals and nursing homes with 50-100 beds should also have PSA plants with a capacity to meet the normal requirement, which may prove helpful in mitigating, if there were a similar crisis in future.

The court observed that for installation of these plants, municipal corporations and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) may consider exploring some relaxations in building by-laws. The authorities could see that if the PSA plants can be installed in open parking spaces of the hospitals, added the bench.

The court also asked the amicus curiae to convene a meeting between the MCD and DDA, and the representatives of the hospitals and nursing homes, within one week, to deliberate on this matter.

Citing an earlier submission made by doctor of a private hospital that the management is willing to set up PSA plants in their open parking space, the court said its directions in the matter should be followed by hospitals under Delhi government, Central government and various municipal corporations.

It also asked the Delhi's Principal Secretary, Health to take up the installation of PSA oxygen plants with hospitals and file a status report by May 27.

The court sought a designated nodal officer, appointed by Centre and Delhi government, monitor the aspect of supply and installation of PSA plants in the hospitals. It also examined the status reports filed by the Delhi government and Centre in connection with installation of PSA plants in their hospitals. It was pointed out to the court that some plants are in the process of being installed.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, May 20 : ByteDance's founder Zhang Yiming has announced that he will step down as the chief executive officer (CEO) and will hand over the reins to co-founder and HR head Liang Rubo.

In an internal letter on Wednesday, Yiming said he will transition to a new role at the end of 2021, focusing on long-term strategy, corporate culture and social responsibility.

"After several months of thinking about this, I came to the conclusion that transitioning out of the role of CEO, with all of the related day-to-day responsibilities, would enable me to have a greater impact on longer-term initiatives," Yiming said in the letter.

"Our success over the last nine years has been predicated upon our ability to innovate at just the right moment in the development of the industry. Notably, this has included applying machine learning to mobile and video products," he added.

He also said that he lacks some of the skills that make an ideal manager.

"I am more interested in analysing organisational and market principles and leveraging these theories to further reduce management work, rather than actually managing people," the founder said.

Recently, Nikhil Gandhi, the India Head of ByteDance-owned short video-sharing platform TikTok, decided to quit and was currently serving his notice period.

After the company folded its India business, Gandhi was redesignated as TikTok Head for the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and South Asia.

TikTok roped in Gandhi in the year 2019 as its India head to drive the next phase of growth for the Chinese short video-sharing platform.

However, in 2020, the Indian government said it was banning 59 apps developed by Chinese firms, including TikTok, over concerns that these apps were engaging in activities that threatened the national security and defence of the country.
New Delhi/Roopnagar, May 20 : Punjab police in Roopnagar district has arrested five persons for cheating a hotel owner on pretext of doubling the money in few days.

SSP of Roopnagar/Ropar Akhil Chaudhary said to media, accused Ikshit of Sirsa and Ankit from Bhiwani and Gurpreet Singh, Sachinpreet Sindhu and Rakesh Kumar of Mohali had been arrested and Rs 8.2 lakh has been recovered from them.

The police have registered a case and investigation is underway.

Akhil Chaudhary said, Munish Sethi, a resident of Morinda, Punjab had filed a complaint that the accused, have offered him high returns against his online investment in Espian Global Company (not related to ESPN Media) after which the action was taken and arrests were made.

The police initially said the accused ran a proxy of global gaming company but sources within police have revealed that during investigation, it came to the notice that Espian global is run by the same person as the accused in Speak Asia case - Ram Niwas Pal.

But sources say the random checking of the company documents say that it has camouflaged itself in an attempt to appear legitimate, Espian Global provides three corporate addresses on their website; one each in the UK, Poland and Malaysia which investigators feel are fake and in England the company's ID is registered in the name of some other person and the address is of a hotel.

The accused in the Speak Asia were arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly duping investors of thousands of crores in 2013. Speak Asia was registered in Singapore but the company had operations only in India.

Ram Niwas is well-known in his circle for his innovative modus operandi and a decade ago he had smartly structured his Ponzi schemes to exploit the gaps in the various financial-sector regulations in the country.

The modus operandi of the accused, as per police sources, is that they lured people in investing into cryptocurrency, such as Libracoin and guaranteed huge return to the investors. People out for quick money fall in their trap and lose their hard earned money. The cryptocurrency is illegal in the country and the RBI has been issuing advisory so that people do not fall in the trap.

Ram Niwas Pal who is said to be the mastermind has been notorious and was accused in Speak Asia case and has many accomplices. Sources within the investigation team said that Pal through his accomplice was running the cryptocurrency ring and duping people by running fake websites and YouTube channels to lure people in the fraudulent company.

The names of these people have come to light during investigation and that Pal is dead, but that turned out to be a hoax. The promoters of Speak Asia are under the scanner of enforcement agencies and also the investigating agencies but somehow they managed to establish a new entity and proceeded to do a new fraud.

Who operates if Ram Niwas is dead? Sources said that now the face of the company to run the Ponzi crypto scheme is Karan who has already faced a few charges of scams. According to sources, the investigators have identified a person known as Nanda in North India and Harsh as the main operators of fake virtual currency including Libra Coin.

Fake videos and websites are a testimonial to the fact how these operators manipulated and lured people. After gathering all proofs, the enforcement agencies would soon initiate legal action against top officials and operators of the Scheme.

The RBI has alerted enforcement agencies but the fake and Ponzi Crypto continue to thrive in the country and innovators extraordinaire have been giving a tough time to enforcement agencies with their unique modus operandi.

The Punjab government has already initiated an SIT into ponzi schemes, sources said.
Bengaluru, May 20 : Even as many family members have been unable to attend the funeral of their near and dear ones due to the Covid pandemic, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain has set an example of "communal harmony" as he performed the "Asthi Visarjan" (immersion of ashes) with full Tamil Brahmin customs of Professor Savitri Vishwanathan, who succumbed to Covid on May 5.

Speaking to IANS, Hussain said Professor Vishwanathan for us our aunty, a colleague, neighbour, friend and we maintained the close family relationship till date.

He said Vishwanathan, a retired professor of Japanese Studies from Delhi University, had tested positive for Covid along with her sister. "However, she could not return from the hospital in Bengaluru, where she was admitted for treatment," he said.

The Congress leader said that when she was admitted we tried our best to arrange for the things that she required in hospital.

And after her death on May 5, we also arranged for her cremation in Bengaluru as several of her family members were based in Tamil Nadu and in different countries.

"However, as Vishwanathan was from a Tamil Brahmin family, we faced the task of immersing her 'asthi' (ashes) into the river as it is to be done by the son or the family members," he said.

"After speaking to all the family members I told them that I will perform the last rites of Vishwanathan," he said.

"So I along with my wife decided to immerse her ashes in the Kaveri river with full Tamil rituals performed by a priest near Mysuru on May 18," he said.

Many families were unable to attend the last rites of their relatives following the lockdown in several states and no passengers flights to India after the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic struck India hard.

Several NGOs and other people have come forward in these distressing times to perform the last rites of the Covid victims.

Hussain said that we live in India and we are taught at home from childhood to be united in our social fabric.

He said that since our childhood we have seen how Hindus, Muslims all stay together and share each other's happiness and grief.

"We have seen in case of death of any family member in the colonies, food is not prepared at the homes of others as well, because all are closely associated and people of another community send the food from their homes," he said.

"Nowadays, we have seen so much of polarisation on religious lines and communal divide, but these things are temporary. India is very strong and the culture and traditions that we have been sharing for thousands of years will remain there," the Congress leader said.

Recalling her achievements, Hussain said Vishwanathan set many firsts in her life.

"She settled in Bengaluru in the mid-90s with her sister Dr Mahalakshmi Atreyi post their retirement from Delhi university. She led her life by example which was a testimony when students from all across the world joined the prayer service organised by the Japan Foundation and Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi on Wednesday," he said.

He said that she was a teacher and researcher of the Japanese language, history, and politics at the University of Delhi, where she headed the Department of Chinese and Japanese Studies.

He added that Vishwanathan made an immense contribution to the development and promotion of Japanese language education and Japanese studies -- both through her academic work and nurturing of next generation scholars.

"She assisted the prime ministers and foreign ministers of India in their official talks with their counterparts in Japan and was a member of the Japan-India Eminent Person's Group (2000-2002). Her numerous publications include a translation of Shimazaki Toson's novel Hakai into Hindi (Avagna) and Tamil (Dalit padumpadu). The Japanese government awarded her the Prime Minister's prize in 1967 and the Order of the Precious Crown, Wistaria in 1982," Hussain added.

(Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in)

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Amaravati, May 20 : Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy presented the state Budget for the financial year 2021-22 in the Assembly on Thursday, with budget estimates pegged at Rs 2,29,779.27 crore as compared to Rs 2,24,789.18 crore last year.

This year's Budget has increased the allocation to backward classes by 32 per cent, earmarking Rs 28,237 crore for the purpose.

Along with allocations for various social groups such as Kapus and Brahmins, the Budget also earmarked Rs 3,840.72 crore for the minorities action plan, including Rs 40 crore for 'pastor incentives'.

A significant part of the Budget has been earmarked for social welfare programmes that make up bulk of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's pet schemes that paved the way for his ascend to power in the 2019 Assembly elections.

A sum of Rs 16,748 crore has been allocated for children in this year's Budget, while Rs 47,284.21 crore has been allocated for women's development programmes.

Agriculture schemes have been allotted Rs 11,210 crore, while Rs 24,624 crore has been earmarked for education. A sum of Rs 6,637 crore has been allocated to the energy sector.

A total of Rs 13,830 crore has been set aside for the health and medical services sector, which includes Rs 1,000 crore for fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

The opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which boycotted the session, intends to hold mock protests on Thursday and Friday.
Hyderabad, May 20 : Actress Lakshmi Manchu is doing her bit to help children who have lost their parents to Covid.

Her NGO Teach for Change will be extending support to 1,000 kids who have lost their parents to the virus. Their team is already on the ground, identifying such kids. They will be helping them with education, basic necessities and also help build a foundation for themselves.

"On a personal front, I have been helping as many people as I can, trying to find medications or hospital beds and vice versa. The effect of Covid is more devastating post getting Covid even for the families and children who lost parents during this time," she says.

She adds: "We, at Teach for Change, are committed to taking care of 1,000 kids from lower-income households -- of their education, tuition, clothes and whatever it is they need help with." Recently, the actress also stepped up to help the community of Hyderabad by donating 1,000 cooked meals in hospitals.

"The initiative started with the lockdown where most people around the hospitals have been coming in from smaller towns and have no access to food. So, we chose a few hospitals that we would distribute 1000 meals during the entire lockdown. Our team at Teach for Change, our volunteers, our team members have been doing this every single day and are so grateful to be able to feed people and take hunger away from them," she says.

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Amaravati, May 20 : Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendernath presented the budget for the year 2021-22, with an outlay of Rs 2,29,779. 27 crore, combining welfare priorities with development.

The FY 2021-22 outlay includes a Gender Budget of Rs 47,283.21 crore and Child budget of Rs 16, 748.47 crore, for the first time.

Presenting his third consecutive budget, the finance minister said the lion's share is for social welfare, followed by agriculture and health sectors along with water resources sectors in tune with the policies and priorities of the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government.

The revenue expenditure has been pegged at 1.82 lakh crores while the capital expenditure is estimated at Rs 31,198.38 cores. The estimated revenue deficit is around Rs.5,000.05 crore, while the fiscal deficit is estimated at around Rs. 37029.79 crore.

Apart from welfare sector which has got the maximum allocation, agriculture has been allocated Rs 11,210.80 cores, medical and health got Rs 13,830.44cores, and water resources was given Rs 13,237.78 crores.

In the Rs 31,256.55 crore Agriculture Budget tabled by Minister K Kannababu, Rs 11,210 crore or 13.6 percent of the total allocation, is alloted for agri schemes which include YSR Rytu Bharosa, YSR - PM Safal Bhima Yojana, Sub Mission on Agriculture Mechanisation, Price stabilisation fund, YSR agri testing labs, ex-gratia to farmers and others.

Rs 8,116.16 crore was alloted towards MGNREGA works and the agriculture budget also includes Rs 2,000 crore disaster management fund and Rs 13,238.78 crore for irrigation.

The sub plan for Scheduled Castes for the year is Rs 17,403.14 crores, for Scheduled Tribes is Rs 6,131.24 crores, for BCs it is Rs 28,237.65 crores and for Minorities it is Rs 3,840.72 crores. For Kapu welfare, it's Rs 3,306 crore and Rs 5,478 crores for EBC welfare was alloted.

On the education front, school and Intermediate education, where Amma Vodi is applicable, Jagananna Vidya Kanuka, Jagananna Goru Mudha, get Rs 24,624 cores while higher education which includes Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Jagananna Vasati Deevena was allocated Rs 1,973.16 crores. For Nadu Nedu Mana Badi, Rs 3,500 crores was allocated for the year.

The health sector was alloted Rs 13,830.44 which includes, YSR Aarogyasri, Nadu Nedu hospitals, setting up of kidney research centre and super speciality hospital at Palasa ,104 and 108 services , assistance to APVVP, combating COVID-19 , Covid Vaccination, and others.

On the development and infrastructure front, Rs 3,763. 34 crore for industrial development. Rs. 7594.06 crore was alloted towards the Transport, Roads and Buildings Department and 6,637.24 crore for the energy sector.

For housing and infrastructure, Rs 5,661.57 crore was alloted, and Rs 865 Cr towards zero interest loans for SHG women, YSR Pension Kanuka gets 17,000 crore, YSR Cheyutha gets Rs 4,445 crores, and YSR Aasara gets Rs 6,337 crores. Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Jagananna Vasathi Devena gets Rs 5,723.15 crore.

Other allocations include, Vahana Mitra (Rs 285 cores), YSR Nethanna Nestham ( Rs 190 crores), EBC Nestham ( Rs 500 crores), Jagananna Chedodu (Rs 3,00 cores) Kapu Nestham (Rs 500 crores), YSR Law Nestham Rs 16.64 cores), Rural Development 18, 580.70 crores, Urban Development ( Rs 8,727.08 crores).

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-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Resolution of pending issues of exporters would give impetus to trade: EEPC India Chairman Mahesh Desai. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, May 20 : India's medical devices manufacturers should focus on Vietnam's burgeoning market which meets nearly 90 per cent of its demand through imports, EEPC India said on Thursday.

Around 50 manufacturers in Vietnam contribute less than 10 per cent to the market share.

Council's Chairman Mahesh Desai said that Japan, Germany, the US, China, and Singapore account for nearly 55 per cent of the total medical devices imported by Vietnam.

"Vietnam appears among the top markets in India's exports of medical devices and also acts as a springboard to the ASEAN countries," he said in his introductory remarks at India-Vietnam Business Meet in the Medical Devices sector.

With demand for medical equipment growing, Vietnam's medical device industry has emerged as one of the most promising sectors for foreign investors.

In terms of incentives, the local government has offered tax incentives to promote the industry.

"Many Indian manufacturers of medical devices and pharmaceuticals have already entered and invested in the Vietnam market which is a very positive sign," Desai said.

As per estimates, India's medical devices industry has been scaling up production at a faster pace with a potential to become a global powerhouse in the sector over the next few years.

Currently, the industry has a market size of $11 billion, and it is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025.

"Given the rise in demand for medical equipment globally ranging from consumables and disposables to high-value engineering healthcare products and devices in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, there is huge export potential for Indian suppliers," EEPC India said.

Medical devices export from India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 30 per cent to $10 billion by 2025 from $2.1 billion in 2020.
Bengaluru, May 20 : The Bengaluru Police on Thursday arrested four persons, including two doctors working with the Primary Health Centre (PHC), for allegedly running a racket of issuing fake Covid certificates and black-marketing antiviral drug Remdesivir in the city, the police said.

According to the police, two of the accused persons have been identified as B. Shekhar (25) and Prajwala, who worked as medical officer and doctor, respectively, at the Primary Health Centre in Chamarajpet in the city.

The two other accused have been identified as Kishore G (22) and Mohan Y (29) years, both employees with private hospitals.

The police said in a statement that the Halasuru Gate police formed a special team and set up a trap for these doctors. "We set up a decoy team and carried out a detailed sting operation to bust this racket," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division), M.N. Anuchet, told reporters.

According to the statement released by the Bengaluru Central Division police, these doctors used to work in tandem with the two employees working in separate hospitals, who used to refer patients to Chamarajpet PHC, where these doctors used to charge Rs 500 to issue a fake RT-PCR negative certificate.

"The same team was also involved in black marketing of Remdesivir for Rs 25,000 per vial. We have recovered 11 vials of 20 ML/100mg each from their possession," the police said.

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New Delhi, May 20 : Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that when the country needs to speak in one voice, the act of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a meeting of district magistrates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply regrettable and condemnable.

It is learnt that Banerjee did not allow the district magistrate of North 24 Parganas to speak at the meeting. The BJP claimed that Banerjee said she will speak but Banerjee said she was insulted as a Chief Minister. No other Chief Minister spoke at the meeting, only district magistrates were asked to share the best practices adopted by them to contain the Covid pandemic.

Prasad alleged that Mamata Banerjee tried to derail the meeting. "Not attending a meeting is your call, but coming in and derailing the meeting is very unfair. Something good could have emerged for the state of West Bengal in the meeting. Today's behaviour of Mamata ji is deeply regrettable and condemnable," Prasad said.

He said that the meeting was called to know the best practices adopted by the district magistrates of a few states including West Bengal. "She disrupted the meeting. She did not allow the district magistrate (DM) of North 24 Parganas to speak. She is completely wrong about her claims that DMs of only BJP ruled states were called because DMs from Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and other states were called for the meeting," he said.

Prasad asked what is the harm if the Prime Minister wants to know the best practices adopted by the DMs and which can be replicated elsewhere in the country. "Her behaviour is shameful, condemnable and least expected from a Chief Minister of a big state in a meeting called by the Prime Minister," he said.

Taking a dig at Banerjee, Prasad said that nothing better can be expected from Mamata ji as she rarely attends a meeting called by the Prime Minister.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jaipur, May 20 : The council of ministers in Rajasthan on Thursday paid rich tributes to former Chief Minister Jagannath Pahadia, who passed away late on Wednesday night at a Gurugram-based hospital due to Covid-19.

Besides serving as a Chief Minister and a Union minister, Pahadia was also the Governor of Bihar and Haryana.

The council of ministers attended a meeting at 1 pm on Thursday where they observed two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

The government announced a state-wide mourning while the Indian flag was flown in half-mast. Pahadia will be cremated with full state honours, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.

Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Governor Kalraj Mishra and state BJP chief Satish Poonia mourned the demise of Pahadia.

Gehlot said Pahadia had served the nation as the CM, Governor and Union minister and was one of the great leaders of the nation.

"Pahadia's demise due to Covid has left me shocked and it is a personal loss for me. I pray to God to give courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss," Gehlot said.

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Chandigarh, May 20 : Beginning July 1, the Punjab government will provide Rs 1,500 per month as social security pension, along with free education up to graduation, for all those children orphaned in the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as families that have lost their breadwinning member.

Terming it the state's duty to become the foster parents of the children who have lost both their parents in the unprecedented pandemic, the Chief Minister said his government will ensure free education in government institutions, for such children as well as children belonging to families that have lost their breadwinner to the virus.

Affected persons would also be eligible for grant of Rs 51,000 under Ashirwaad Scheme from July 1, and would be entitled to free ration under the State Smart Ration Card Scheme and coverage under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana.

The state would also assist the affected family members to find a suitable job under Ghar Ghar Rozgaar te Karobaar Mission, said the Chief Minister, chairing a high-level Covid review meeting.

The relief measures will be provided to orphans until they attain the age of 21 years.

In the case of families whose breadwinner has died, these would be provided for an initial period of three years, after which their situation will be re-assessed, and where the vulnerability continues to exist, the period may be appropriately increased.

The Chief Minister also announced the constitution of a monitoring committee, headed by the Minister for Social Security and Women and Child Development, to review progress and relief measures for every single case.

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New Delhi, May 20 : Automobile manufacturer Kia India has contributed Rs 5 crore to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) for Covid-19 relief work.

According to the company, with the second wave of Covid-19 and the exponential rise in cases across the country, the contribution has been made to support the state and its people in these testing times.

"The surge in cases during the second wave of Covid-19 has taken all of us by surprise," Kia India Managing Director and CEO Kookhyun Shim said.

"The funds will be deployed towards meeting the increased requirement of essential medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators, ventilators, cryogenic tankers and D4 type medical grade cylinders in hospitals. We will continue to extend complete support to the government and health authorities to fight the pandemic and come out of it safely." During the first wave of Covid-19, the company had joined hands with the state government in the fight against the global pandemic and had donated Rs 2 crore of CSR funds to the CM Relief Fund.

"While the Indian government has implemented several measures and announced several aids to tackle the situation, Kia India is doing its bit to stay socially responsible and committed towards extending every possible support to the community and is taking all necessary measures to fight the second wave of Covid-19," the company said in a statement.

"The brand will continue to support the country, governments and is committed towards being a partner in the national fight against coronavirus." --IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 : Nabila Sadiq, an assistant professor at the Sarojini Naidu Centre for Womens Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, had sent an SOS on May 4 for an ICU bed through Twitter.

While she managed to get a bed at the Fortis Hospital in Faridabad, Nabila couldn't win the battle against Covid-19 as she passed away on May 18 after being put on ventilator support.

Ten days before she breathed her last, Nabila's mother had fallen prey to Covid, but she was not informed about her mother's death.

One of her students, Waqar, said that Nabila's lungs were badly damaged for which she couldn't be saved.

Nabila was active on social media till she was under home isolation, making efforts to help others in need. She is survived by her 86-year-old father who is a retired professor, and a brother who lives abroad.

On May 4, Nabila had tweeted, "Any ICU bed leads? For myself." In another tweet later, she had said: "Got it".

Nabila's students said that she was denied an ICU bed by three hospitals before she finally got one with the help of one Farid Khan, a friend of her brother.

Waqar, who had worked with her in a research project, said "They had called every hospital in Delhi-NCR to get an oxygenated bed. Her friends finally helped her get a bed at the Fortis Hospital in Faridabad but by that time her oxygen level led dropped."

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Chandigarh, May 20 : Amid projections and concerns of a possible third wave of Covid-19 and its impact on children, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday ordered the Health Department to go into mission mode with preparation, which will include specialised training of all doctors.

Reviewing the coronavirus situation at a virtual meeting, the Chief Minister directed the state expert group head K.K. Talwar to look into all aspects of medical education, and to get training modules prepared for the Health Department.

He underlined the need to ensure that all medical officers in the state are trained to deal with Covid, especially in children.

Expressing concern over the spread of Covid in rural areas, the Chief Minister directed that teams of Health and other departments immediately start house-to-house surveillance in every village.

The teams should be equipped to give basic medicines without delay, and RAT testing of symptomatic persons must be got done at the earliest, he said.

He also directed that some community health centres in each district be prepared as L2 facilities, with oxygen concentrators and doctors with proper treatment protocols.

Stressing the importance of involving sarpanches in this exercise, the Chief Minister ordered their prioritisation, along with that of panches, as well as Block Samiti and Zila Parishad chairmen and members, in vaccination.

The Police Department must also provide support, especially through their Village Police Officers, he added.

Taking note of the fact that some hospitalised patients need oxygen support for a few days after discharge, the Chief Minister asked the Health Department to allow their 5 litre per minute concentrators to be used for this purpose on a temporary loan basis.

He also asked the department to set up bank of oxygen concentrators for this purpose, besides establishing post-Covid care wards in civil hospitals.

Health Minister Balbir Sidhu suggested establishment of rapid response teams and involvement of RMP doctors in monitoring in the rural reas to check the spread of the cases.

Medical Education Secretary D.K. Tiwari said that the positivity rate during May 2-8 week stood at 18.5 per cent but had since declined.

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New Delhi, May 20 : Warning that the drop in Covid-19 cases in Delhi should not be taken as a signal to relax vigilance, the Delhi High Court on Thursday said the authorities concerned should take steps to create a buffer stock of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) in the city.

A bench comprising of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh emphasised that it is the duty of the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure that all the preparations are made against the backdrop of scientists predicting the virus may raise its ugly head again, hitting the people badly.

Insisting that it means business and stressing that authorities should take its warning seriously, the bench said: "If you have not taken steps, we will come and chase you again. We are telling you; we mean business." The Delhi government counsel informed the High Court that it has a buffer stock of 419 metric tonnes (MT) of LMO at different locations in the capital, and also arrangements are in progress to further augment the stock in next 10 days.

The bench added that both Centre and Delhi government share the responsibility to set up the buffer stock of medical oxygen. It further observed that as per top court's April 30 order, primarily the responsibility is on the Centre and also on Delhi government.

The bench also noted that the Central government is yet to disclose in the status report as to what steps it has taken to fulfil in accordance with the Supreme Court order. The Centre's counsel submitted before the court that it is not taking the situation casually and steps are being taken to create the buffer stock of LMO.

Reiterating that complacency cannot come due to drop in number of cases, the bench said: "This is a temporary phase. We know it is going to come back and hit us badly." On May 4, the High Court, besides the top court, had also directed the Centre and Delhi government to create buffer stock of 100 MT of LMO. The High Court asked the Centre to file a report in connection with the steps taken to create buffer stock by May 24.
New Delhi, May 20 : Chinese smartphone brand realme on Thursday confirmed that its upcoming brand, which starts with letter D, under the realme TechLife ecosystem, will be unveiled globally on May 25.

The brand, through its Twitter handle @realmeTechLife, talked about the origin of this new brand saying that it started with a DREAM, which led to a DISCOVERY of new DESIGN and DEVELOPMENT, to produce something DIFFERENT.

"We are super excited as D will be finally here in just a few days and it will be the first brand in our realme TechLife ecosystem," Madhav Sheth, Vice President, realme and CEO, realme India & Europe, said in a statement.

"We are confident that the upcoming brand will receive a lot of love from everyone, once they experience the different, new, versatile and exciting range of TechLife products from the upcoming brand," he added.

The soon-to-be-launched brand is conceptualised to help its future consumers experience a smarter and more convenient tech life.

The products promise to offer a differentiated proposition for consumers who seek greater value from their technology to enrich their day-to-day lives, the company said.

The website and social media handles of the new brand will go live on the day, in addition to the official announcement of the name, it added.
Ghaziabad, May 20 : The second Covid wave is wreaking havoc in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Just 30 minutes drive from Delhi, a village in Ghaziabad has lost up to 100 people due to Covid like symptoms in just over a month.

Residents of Nahal village in Ghaziabad say that after the panchayat elections, the situation started deteriorating. After April 15, people in the village suddenly started falling ill, complaining of mild fever and cough.

Long queues began forming outside doctors' clinics, however, many people recovered after taking the medicine. Those whose condition deteriorated were taken to the big hospitals by their family members. The local hospital is about 5 kilometres from the village.

According to the people of Nahal village, from April 15 till May 10 as many as 10 people died in a single day. On other days 3-4 people died daily. The villagers claim that the situation worsened so much that more than 100 people have died in about 30 days in the village.

Munnawar, the former head of Nahal village, said, "People got fever and their throats were choked. About 112 people lost their lives. The oxygen cylinders were not available. People started dying after developing pneumonia like symptoms." "Those who could not visit big hospitals, got the treatment in the village itself as they had no other option. No one came to check on behalf of the government. One person died yesterday also," he added.

Zakir Hussain, a resident of Nahal village, said, "The situation in the village was fine until the panchayat elections. But after that the situation started deteriorating. People got fever and they went to quacks for treatment." "Some people were cured, but when more people started falling sick, the situation worsened. Some people were taken to the private hospitals for treatment." He said that "During the second wave, a woman came for vaccination, but no one came forward to get the jab. Recently, the SDM called some doctors from the village and gave them corona kits." However, Tasavvar, the current village head, said all the deaths were not related to corona. "Some patients were suffering from cancer and some had other serious illnesses. No tests were done, so cause of death is not known." "We distributed 63 corona kits, 25 more are to come. If someone displays symptoms of corona, then we give them these kits." When asked why only 63 corona kits were distributed in a village of 40,000 people, he said, "Kits started coming only after the elections were over. There was no responsible man in the village and nothing came from anywhere." When IANS spoke to the SDM (Sadar) D.P. Singh on this issue, he said he had no knowledge of the situation in the village. He said, "We are distributing the medicine advance kits through the monitoring committees. If there are any symptoms, then they are being tested." But the villagers said no tests were done. In response to this, the SDM Sadar said, "Tests are being done in nearby Dasna CHC".

According to him, "After the lockdown was enforced and people started living indoors, the number of cases came down, less people fell sick." However, there is panic in the village after such a large number of deaths were reported. But it is not known how many deaths were due to corona.

A villager said, "Despite being the largest village in the district, there is not a single big hospital here." A small hospital was built about 15 years ago. A nurse came for a few days, but that too was closed." Haji Tayeb was born in Nahal village. He told IANS, "Most people go to Devi hospital in Dasna for treatment. There are also some doctors in the village, but no Covid tests were done, nor anyone from the government came." "People died only after they came back to the village due to lack of space in the hospitals," he said.

According to another former head of the village, Dr Fazal Ahmed, "if you want to know the situation in the village, that will happen only after conducting tests. Since no tests were done, so cause of deaths was also not known."

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For the past 26 years, followers of Tibetan Buddhism have been waiting patiently for a glimpse of their spiritual leader, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, The 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. This is still yet to materialise.

Born 25th April 1989, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as per the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, on 14th May 1995. Within days of his public recognition, on 17th May, the six-year old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima disappeared with his parents and Jadrel Rinpoche, Head of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, who was in secretly in touch with the Dalai Lama in India regarding the 11th Panchen Lama's search. Jadrel Rinpoche was appointed as the Head of the Panchen Lama Search Committee, entrusted by the Chinese Government.

Six months later, China announced its own 11th Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu as the reincarnation of the previous 10th Panchen Lama.

For Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama's recognised 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is the true reincarnation of Tibet's second highest spiritual leader. Despite repeated requests for access, the whereabouts of the Dalai Lama's recognised Panchen Lama is not still known to anyone to this day, except to the Chinese authorities. At the time of his disappearance in 1995, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima became the world's youngest political prisoner.

The mysterious death of the 10th Panchen Lama in 1989 is still a fresh memory to many of his followers. Tibetans suspect foul play by the Chinese authorities over their spiritual leader's untimely death 32 years ago.

Significance of The Panchen Lama The successive throne holders of the Panchen Lama lineage have contributed immensely to the temporal and spiritual traditions of Tibet. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama, is the traditional monastic seat of the Panchen Lama. It is a historically and culturally important Buddhist monastery based in Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city.

The 10th Panchen Lama's significant contribution to the cause of the Tibetan people both in temporal and spiritual traditions, especially at a time of critical danger of being wiped out by the Chinese Communist regime cannot be discounted easily.

Following the illegal invasion of Tibet by the People's Republic of China, and with the subsequent escape of the Dalai Lama into exile in India, in March 1959, the Chinese government courted the 10th Panchen Lama and appointed him as Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the establishments of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). In 1960, Beijing named him Vice-Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in order that he acts as the spokesperson for Chinese policy in Tibet.

Formally established in 1965, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) became Beijing's newly-designed political entity aimed at splitting the whole Tibetan Nation into several regions. Other traditional Tibetan regions including Amdo (north-east) and Kham (east) were incorporated into neighbouring Chinese provinces such as Qinghai, Gansu, Yunnan and Sichuan. For Tibetans, Tibet comprises Dotoe (Kham), Domed (Amdo) and Utsang (central) - the three Cholkhas.

The Panchen Lama's 70,000-character petition After official tours across various places in Tibet, the 10th Panchen Lama started documenting his findings, started in Shigatse and completed in Beijing. Along with his recommendations, the Panchen Lama submitted the findings to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1962 - widely known as the 70,000-character petition.

In his official report, the Panchen Lama denounced the draconian policies and actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Tibet. He also criticised the Great Leap Forward and a multitude of "inept orders" on the part of the CCP which had caused chronic food shortages.

In Beijing, the Panchen Lama also urged Mao Tsetung to "put an end to the abuses committed against the Tibetan people, to increase their food rations, to provide adequate care for the elderly and the poor, and to respect religious liberty." Mao listened to him but did nothing to address the matters raised.

According to British journalist Isabel Hilton, the 70,000-character petition remains the "most detailed and informed attack on China's policies in Tibet that would ever be written." For several decades, the Panchen Lama's petition remained hidden from all but the very highest levels of the Chinese leadership, until one copy surfaced in 1996. In January 1998, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the birth of the late 10th Panchen Lama, an English translation by Tibet expert Prof. Robert Barnett entitled A Poisoned Arrow: The Secret Report of the 10th Panchen Lama, was published by the London-based Tibet Information Network (TIN), now a defunct news research agency on Tibet.

In 1964, the 10th Panchen Lama was publicly humiliated at Politburo meetings, dismissed from all posts of authority, declared 'an enemy of the Tibetan people', and later imprisoned. At the time he was 26 years old. The Tibetan spiritual leader's situation worsened when the Cultural Revolution started. The Chinese dissident Wei Jingsheng, who was a former Red Guard, published in March 1979 a letter under his name but written by another anonymous author denouncing the conditions at Qincheng Prison, where the 10th Panchen Lama was in captivity. In October 1977 the Panchen Lama was released, but held under house arrest in Beijing until 1982. After his release, the Panchen Lama served as Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress.

Tseten Wangchuk, a senior Tibetan journalist working for the Voice of America's (VOA) Tibetan section in the United States, reported that during a 1980 meeting between the Secretary of the Communist Party Hu Yaobang and the Panchen Lama, the latter told Hu "how much he was moved by his reforms, and remarked that had the suggestions of the 70,000-character petition been put in place when they were proposed, the problems in Tibet would not have endured.

The 70,000-character petition was founded on the principle that the specific characteristics of Tibet should be taken into account. This premise was central to the policies of Deng Xiaoping in China during the 1980s and allowed the Panchen Lama to introduce numerous liberalisations into Tibet. However, in early 1992, the CCP removed the concession concerning the "specific characteristics" of Tibet, and current policy monitors religious practices and the monasteries, limits the instruction of Tibetan language, and has since suppressed some of the religious and cultural liberalisations implemented by Hu Yaobang and requested by the Panchen Lama.

In March 1999, during the annual commemoration of Tibetan National Uprising of Lhasa in 1959, the Dalai Lama declared that "the 70,000-character petition published in 1962 by the former Panchen Lama constitutes an eloquent historical document on the policies carried out by the Chinese in Tibet and on the draconian measures put in place there." In brief, pushing aside his own personal safety issues, and for the sake of the Tibetan people's identity, spiritual practice and survival of the unique way of life, the 10th Panchen Lama struggled fearlessly and unrelentingly for their preservation and promotion. He rebuilt Tibet's religious and cultural heritages and worked hard in the interests of Tibetans, for which he gained high prestige among the Tibetans. His efforts have spread far and wide from Tibet into the Himalayan regions, and through these into the wider world. The previous 10th Panchen Lama has dedicated his whole life to Tibet and Tibetan people.

So, why is China interfering in the religious affairs of Tibetan people? The "Article 36" of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China guarantees "Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious belief. No state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not to believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion." In the "Note on the Memorandum of Genuine Autonomy for the TIbetan People", a follow-up clarification note submitted by the Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Chinese Government after the eighth round of talks in 2008, it states, "The spiritual relationship between master and student and the giving of religious teachings, etc. are essential components of the Dharma practice. Restricting these is a violation of religious freedom. Similarly, the interference and direct involvement by the state and its institutions in matters of recognition of reincarnated lamas, as provided in the regulation on management of reincarnated lamas adopted by the State on July 18, 2007 is a grave violation of the freedom of religious belief enshrined in the Chinese Constitution." The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama share a warm and friendly relationship and have previously served as mentors and apprentices. They hold the highest decision-making power on the issue of reincarnation, and each had participated in the process of recognising each other's reincarnation. If one of them passes away, the other has undertaken the responsibility of searching for the reincarnated soul boy of the other and vice-versa.

In his memoir, "Surviving The Dragon: A Tibetan Lama's Account of 40 Years Under Chinese Rule", Arjia Rinpoche, former member of the 11th Panchen Lama Search Committee, wrote, "As for the people of Tibet, no matter how politics changed, for them the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama remained the sun and the moon. To this day they believe that the reincarnations of both must be mutually recognised to be valid." Arjia Rinpoche, Abbott of the renowned Kumbum Monastery in Amdo, north-east Tibet, who had come to the United States via Guatemala as a political exile, wrote in his memoir, "Tibetans clearly wanted the Fourteenth Dalai Lama to be the final arbiter of the identity of the true reincarnation of the Panchen Lama." The real intention of the Chinese Government's appointment of Gyaincain Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama as opposed to the Dalai Lama's chosen candidate is crystal clear - a political matter.

After the Chinese government's official announcement of its 11th Panchen Lama on 29th November 1995, Arjia Rinpoche, who was to become his personal tutor, recalled the remarks made by Ye Xiaowen, Director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, "When the Dalai Lama announced the name of his chosen candidate, the government immediately sent out charter jets, usually reserved for members of the Politburo, to the birthplaces of the three final candidates in the Naqu district of Tibet. They put the boys and their families on the three jets and whisked them away into hiding." On their return to Beijing from Lhasa, in the chartered plane, dumbfounded Arjia Rinpoche recalled Ye Xiaowen stating, "When we made our selection we left nothing to chance. In the silk pouches of the ivory pieces we put a bit of cotton at the bottom of one of them, so it would be a little higher than the others and the right candidate would be chosen". Gyaincain Norbu's parents are CCP officials.

In 2019, Gyaincain Norbu was made Head of the China Buddhist Association. The Chinese government will use its chosen Panchen Lama to tour the world and is expected to speak on freedom of religion enjoyed by everyone in China.

During Ye Xiaowen's directorship at the State Administration for Religions Affair, not only did we see persecutions of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Falun Gong followers but he was instrumental in appointing Gyancian Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama.

Further under Ye's watch, he declared "State Religious Affairs Bureau Order No. 5" that attempted to reduce the influence of the 14th Dalai Lama and other foreign groups on the reincarnations in Tibet.

Chinese government over the years has made concerted efforts to bring down the image of the Dalai Lama by labelling him as "separatist". The CCP has also banned the photos of the Dalai Lama and possessing his photos is considered as an act of crime.

At the heart of all these things is the issue of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. For years the Chinese government has been grooming its own Panchen Lama. It is most likely that he will play an instrumental role in deciding the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama in China. This is expected to lead to two Dalai Lamas in the future if the current Dalai Lama decides to keep the tradition of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama continues.

The fact of the matter is that the issue of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is not limited to China and the Dalai Lama but it now has larger geopolitical consideration with security implications in the Himalayan regions.

The US has shown its full support for Tibet on the reincarnation issue i.e. whatever the Tibetan people decide to choose. It has, in late 2020, passed the Tibet Policy and Support Act (TPSA) and it sends a strong message to China that the US stands steadfast with the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (aka Tibetan Government-in-exile) on the issue of Tibetan reincarnation.

Home to millions of Buddhists, especially Tibetan Buddhism, the great nation of India too can play a supporting role to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as to the Central Tibetan Administration towards the continuity of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation system as per the Tibetan tradition.

(Tsering Passang is the Founder & Convener, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities)
Los Angeles, May 20 : Actress Salma Hayek says she was "shocked" when asked to reprise her starring role of Sonia Kincaid in the upcoming action comedy "Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard", sequel to the 2017 hit "The Hit Man's Bodyguard".

The 54-year-old plays is cast alongside Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Antonio Banderas and Morgan Freeman in the sequel.

"Quite frankly, I was shocked. I've been in so many movies where we get the call: 'Oh my God, you're one of the most liked characters in the film.' So many times," she said, according to contactmusic.com.

She is happy that director Patrick Hughes listened to what the audience wanted.

"For the first time, there was a director that said, 'I'm gonna listen to the audience'. But I didn't trust him. At the beginning, I said, 'oh, he's just exaggerating. He's just being nice'," she said.

She added: "But then when we started talking about it, he told me the storyline and then I realised, 'oh, my God, this guy is not for real, but he also wants me involved in the process.'"
Panaji, May 20 : While the Opposition is demanding Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's resignation over shoddy disaster management efforts in wake of Cyclone Tauktae, state Ports Minister Michael Lobo on Thursday blamed him for not delegating responsibility to elected representatives in rescue and relief work and poor planning ahead of the calamity.

"Our planning should have been there. It is not there. For so many years, it has only been on paper. It is not happening. So I have to express myself to the CM. He needs to delegate to all the ministers. We are 12 ministers. We need to take responsibility as elected members of the legislative Assembly," Lobo told reporters here.

"He cannot take all the responsibility on his shoulders. I know he is the head of the government. But definitely he has to delegate responsibility to us. We are ready to work. We will show you results. Don't try to do everything on your own. If you try to do everything on your own, nothing will happen," he added.

Large parts of Goa were without electricity and internet connectivity for nearly four days after the cyclone ravaged the state with heavy rains and stormy winds, uprooting trees and causing damage to public property to the tune of Rs 40 crore.

Lobo claimed that most of the roads were cleared and the debris was moved from public areas by local residents, adding that the state administration had failed to step in.

"Everyone is trying to pass the buck," he said, adding that the state's disaster management plan was only on paper.

"When you tell the truth, some people don't like it. But I would like to say that we need to bring the required change in this type (of situation)... If we have a tidal wave, we are going to be in trouble," the minister said.

On Wednesday, the opposition had demanded Sawant's resignation for not being able to tackle the crisis.

"The widespread devastation caused by cyclone Tauktae has paralysed life in Goa and added to the woes of people in the testing times of Covid pandemic. Cyclone Tauktae has proved that disaster management of the BJP Government headed by Pramod Sawant is dead," Congress state General Secretary Amarnath Panjikar had said.
Nanded : , May 20 (IANS) Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the need to make every village in India 'Corona-mukt', a small Maharashtra village is already waving a flag of victory against the virus.

Bhosi, a village of around 6,000 in Nanded district, has successfully implemented a simple but effective path of 'isolation' as it fought the pandemic along with the rest of the country, and earned the Centre's pat for its efforts.

This is another achievement for the state where the Hivare-Bazaar village of around 1,600 in Ahmednagar adopted similar practices to emerge Covid-free this month, according to prominent social figure Popatrao Pawar.

Even the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been getting praises from the Centre, the courts and foreign nations for its Covid practices, particularly in problem areas of slums like Dharavi.

It was in March after a wedding celebration in Bhosi that a girl was found Covid positive, and the following week, five others also tested positive, spreading panic in the entire village.

"Compared to urban areas, preventing the spread of Covid-19 in a rural setup is relatively complicated owing to the lack of testing facilities and health infrastructure," said a government official.

Swamped with so many cases, Bhosi Zilla Parishad member Prakash D. Bhosikar took the initiative to organise a Covid health camp in the village with the support of the village panchayat and the health department.

Rapid Antigen tests and RT-PCR tests that were conducted on the people threw up a staggering 119 new Covid cases, spreading shock among the locals.

Ironically, all this came despite a voluntary 15-day 'janata curfew' observed by the villagers in early-March 2021, said the village sarpanch, Tarabai Kalyankar.

The village leaders deliberated among themselves and concluded that 'isolation' is the key 'to break the Covid chain' and prevent others from getting infected.

"Accordingly, all the asymptomatic or mildly infected persons were cajoled to go and isolate themselves in their farmlands for a period of 15-17 days, as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare," the official said.

Agriculture labourers and other landless persons were shifted and quarantined in a temporary 2,500 square feet shed on Bhosikar's own farm.

A village health worker and Anganwadi volunteer Ashatai would visit the fields daily and interact with all the patients there, and food and medicines were also provided to them there, with almost everyone cooperating.

After 15-20 days of self-isolation in the fields or the shed, the villagers gradually underwent tests and after getting a Covid negative report, joyfully returned to their dwellings.

One such relieved farm woman, Lakshmi Akkemwad, who remained quarantined in the open fields for a fortnight, now swears that "separation and physical distancing is the only option to save the villagers from the virus".

"Over six weeks have passed since then, and we have not reported a single new case. This proves that Covid-19 can be fought effectively by the traditional method of isolation, as was done during the days of the plague even in the remote villages lacking healthcare facilities," Bhosikar said.

Nanded Zilla Parishad CEO Vasha D. Thakur-Ghuge said that "the Bhosi pattern is a good example of coordination between the people, the elected representatives and the state administration" which is worthy of replication in other villages and elsewhere in the country as required.

The Bhosi success story has been acknowledged as a 'Best Practice' by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, said the official.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

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New Delhi, May 20 : The government will distribute more than 8 lakh soybean mini-kits and 74,000 groundnut mini-kits to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of oilseeds with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare adopting a multi-pronged strategy.

Under the strategy, the government has approved an ambitious plan for the free distribution of high yielding varieties of seeds to the farmers for the Kharif season 2021 in the form of mini-kits. The special Kharif programme will bring an additional 6.37 lakh hectare area under oilseeds and is likely to produce 120.26 lakh quintals of oilseeds and edible oil amounting to 24.36 lakh tonnes.

To become 'Aatmanirbhar' in oilseeds, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has put emphasis on enhancing the productivity of oilseeds by increasing the availability of high yielding varieties of seeds for the farmers.

The special Kharif plan was discussed in detail with the state governments during a webinar in April 2021 and also in the Kharif conference on April 30, 2021. Through these consultations, both area and productivity enhancement has been formulated for soybean and groundnut with a focus on high yielding varieties of seeds to be provided free of cost under the National Food Security Mission (Oilseeds and Oil Palm) Distribution of soybean seeds for inter-cropping for 41 districts in the 6 states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana and Chhattisgarh will cost Rs 76.03 crore and cover 1,47,500 ha.

Distribution of soybean seeds for high potential districts in 73 districts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, UP, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat will cost Rs 104 crore and cover 3,90,000 ha.

Distribution of mini kits in 90 districts of the 9 states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, UP and Bihar will cost Rs 40 crore. The area to be covered will be 1,006,636 ha and the number of mini-kits will be 8,16,435.

The soybean seeds to be distributed will be having a yield of not less than 20 qtl/ha. The distribution of seeds for inter-cropping and high potential districts will be through the state seed agencies and the seeds for the mini-kits will be through the Central seed producing agencies.

Distribution of 74,000 groundnut seed mini kits in the 7 states of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will cost Rs 13.03 crore.
New Delhi, May 20 : Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday warned against "self-styled" remedies to treat Covid-19 and advised professional medical consultation for infected persons.

The Minister also asked the people not to share information on Covid remedies without checking the facts.

He made the remarks while conducting a Covid awareness programme for officers and staff of the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry here.

Laying stress on speedy vaccination for all the officers and staff of DoNER, he directed the senior officials to organise special camps in the Ministry at the earliest in a people-friendly manner.

The Minister also asked them to explore the possibilities of vaccination of family members and staff at such camps and also emphasised that along with medical and administrative measures, community management of Covid is equally important. He also called for creation of awareness about unnecessary hoarding of essential drugs and oxygen.

The Minister said that he is taking daily updates from all the eight northeastern states about the prevalence of Covid and necessary heath facilities and infrastructure to fight the pandemic in an effective manner. He expressed satisfaction that all these states have sufficient oxygen stock and new plants are also being set up on a war footing.

Singh asked the northeastern states to send Covid and health related proposals on a priority basis and promised speedy disposal of such proposals at the Centre. He said that the Ministry will soon revert back to fresh proposals received from Manipur and Mizoram regarding setting up of 100 bedded hospitals to augment their capacity.

The Minister also said a Rs 25 crore fund, given to northeastern states last March for gap funding to fight the Covid-19 outbreak effectively, has proved a boon for many states for purchase of vital health equipment in many hospitals.

Senior Resident Doctor from AIIMS, Dr Laxman made a detailed presentation before the officers and staff about Covid protocols like masks, social distancing and hand hygiene and other safety measures. He also made a plea for early vaccination, without unnecessarily worrying about the type of vaccine.

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Hyderabad, May 20 : Blood parameters of people alter when they change their altitude, a study done on Tibetans by the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, has found.

Tibetans are one of the oldest high-altitude inhabitants in the world. There are known genetic and physiological factors that help them endure low-oxygen conditions. However, their population have now moved to low-altitude regions such Karnataka.

Dr K. Thangaraj and his team from CSIR-CCMB studied changes in physiological factors of Tibetans who now inhabit low-altitude regions.

Physiological factors of the people of the Tibetan ethnicity from various regions of the high altitudes of Ladakh at 4,500-4,900 metres were compared with those inhabiting in the Tibetan settlements in Bylakuppe, Karnataka at an altitude of around 850 metres.

"The population in Karnataka had migrated from Tibet following the atrocities by the People's Liberation Army of China during or after Tibetan uprising in 1959. They have been in Karnataka for the last 50 years. The researchers find that the blood parameters in Tibetans in Karnataka, are significantly different compared to their high-altitude counterparts," says the study recently published in the Journal of Blood Medicine.

"We found that the red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit are significantly lower in the low-altitude Tibetans. Their haemoglobin levels are much closer to those living on the plains than the other Tibetans who live beyond 4,500 meters," said Nipa Basak, the first author of the study.

"Our study suggests that, when Tibetan people reside in non-native, low-altitude area for long time, their body undergoes various adaptations to cope with the relatively hyperoxic environment in low-altitude areas," said Dr Thangaraj, the lead investigator of this study, and presently Director of the DBT-Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad.

Earlier studies had shown that among Tibetan population, those with lower haemoglobin concentration have better reproductive fitness in women and exercise capacity among men. "It would be interesting to explore exercise capacity and reproductive fitness in the low-lander Tibetans. It will also be worthwhile noting how long these changes persist, if the Tibetan inhabited in Karnataka migrates back to high-altitude," he added.

"Such population-based studies conducted by the CCMB help us in understanding adaptation in people who migrate to different environments from a molecular point of view," said Dr V.M. Tiwari, Director in-charge, CCMB.

This work was done in collaboration with researchers from Ladakh and Karnataka. This includes Dr Tsering Norboo from Ladakh Institute of Prevention, Ladakh, and Dr M S Mustak from Mangalore University, Karnataka.
Chandigarh, May 20 : A day after the Punjab government notified black fungus as a disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday directed the Health Department to ensure that the necessary medicines for treating it are made available to all the government hospitals, including in the rural areas.

He also asked the Department to depute doctors at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the villages to ensure early detection and treatment of black fungus, which has been reported from many states, in the rural areas.

Stressing that early detection of the disease could prevent it from being fatal, the Chief Minister asked the Covid expert team headed by K.K. Talwar to ensure that doctors in the L3 facilities of all government hospitals are directed on proper treatment of Covid patients to check irrational use of steroids, which had been identified as the main cause of this disease, especially among diabetic patients.

Excessive use of steroids in Covid treatment was causing problems, Talwar told the Covid review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister.

He said the doctors were being guided to use substitutes and the expert group was trying to finalise a line of treatment with substitutes and alternates.

The Chief Minister also asked Talwar and his team to analyse why patients were returning to hospitals even after recovering from Covid.

Notably, in the first phase, the state did not report any cases of black fungus, even though incidence of the same was reported from several other states.

The Chief Minister, however, made it clear that this should not be taken as a precedent and the situation could change any moment, which necessitated strict preventive measures.

He said this was the reason his government had on Wednesday itself notified the disease under the Epidemic Act, even though no such guidelines had been issued then by the Centre.

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Kolkata, May 20 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who attended a meeting of the district magistrates with the Prime Minister where some chief ministers were also present regarding the Covid situation, alleged that the chief ministers were not allowed to speak and they were reduced to puppets. She said the meeting was a 'super flop'.

Addressing the media after PM Narendra Modi's meeting with the district magistrates of 10 states on Thursday, which was also attended by some chief ministers, Mamata Banerjee said, "It was so unfortunate that after inviting the CMs, he did not talk to us. We were not allowed to speak." Mamata Banerjee added, "Only some BJP chief ministers and the PM made small speeches and ended the meeting after this. It was a casual meeting." "We feel insulted and humiliated. This is an attempt to bulldoze the federal structure of the country. PM Modi is so insecure that he did not listen to us," Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat Nabanna.

She said the Prime Minister neither asked how West Bengal is handling the Covid situation nor did he enquire about the stock of vaccines or oxygen.

"There was not a single question from the PM about the 'black fungus'," she said, adding that four such cases have been detected in the state.

She attacked Modi for saying that fresh Covid-19 cases are declining. "PM claimed that coronavirus is decreasing. This claim was made previously as well, which led to a further increase in cases. PM Modi is so insecure that he did not listen to us," said Banerjee.

On the same day the chief minister wrote a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to make arrangements for vaccines for the extended frontline workers of the state. "In Bengal, while we have taken steps to complete vaccination of a large section of frontline and electorally engaged employees across several sectors, we still need at least 20 lakh doses to cover all the employees. We would request you to kindly make available an adequate number of vaccines to all the state governments so that they are able to cover all their employees without any further delay," she wrote.

"Moreover, I would also like to bring to your kind attention the problems being faced by the Central Government employees like those working in Railways, Airports, Ports, Defence, Banks, Insurance, Post & Telegraph, Coal and similar other sectors having wide-scale public interface, in getting vaccinated on priority basis," she added.

"The railway employees, the employees working in the airports and the ports etc. are working to keep essential activities uninterrupted. Similar is the position of employees of Banks, Insurance, Post & Telegraphs, Defence, Coal, etc. They have been forced to face people, to mingle with the public for discharge of their duties. In the process, they are running the risk of being affected by Covid-19. It is important that they are vaccinated without delay, irrespective of age groups," she wrote.

Meanwhile, a Union health ministry statement said that West Bengal and the eight states of the Northeast are recording a higher rate in the number of daily Covid cases, high mortality and increasing positivity rate.

All districts of West Bengal are showing a steep increase in the positivity rate. Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Nadia were flagged as districts of concern, according to the Centre.

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Chennai, May 20 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to the President, seeking clemency for all the seven jailed convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Stalin, in his letter, said that all the seven convicts -- Murugan, Nalini, A.G. Perarivalan, Santhan, Robert Pious, Jayakumar and Ravichandran -- have faced immense sufferings for the past three decades.

Earlier, the Jayalaithaa-led AIADMK government had written two letters to the Tamil Nadu Governor for the release of all the seven convicts but the Governor had returned the file.

Stalin, in his letter, prayed to the President to use his discretionary powers and to give clemency to the seven convicts. The Chief Minister has already given an order for the release of Perarivalan on healthy grounds for 30 days acting on the prayer of his mother Arputham Ammal who had written a letter to him.
Lucknow, May 20 : UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath has said that compensation for families of government employees who have died in the pandemic would be ensured.

"Every death is sad and the state government's condolences to each employee of state government, State Election Commission, teachers, educationists, instructors, police personnel, and every employee who died during election duty or who was infected with Corona during that period and later died," he said in a statement.

The chief minister further said that according to the rules of the State Election Commission, the state government acts on issues like compensation to their family and the employment of a family members of the employees. Since the Election Commission guidelines are out of date and of times when there was no Corona then, therefore, a fresh sympathetic consideration is required in this regard, he said.

The chief minister directed the chief secretary and additional chief secretary Panchayati Raj to talk to the State Election Commission and co-ordinate for amending its guidelines on the basis of which the employees doing election duty, who died in case of infection within a certain time frame, could also be included in this criterion.

The chief minister further directed Team 9 that is involved in Covid management in the state, to ensure that medicines for the treatment of black fungus are available in sufficient quantity in all the districts of the state.

Proper medical treatment should be ensured in all districts, including Meerut and Lucknow, where cases are higher.

Ensuring adequate availability of all essential medicines by communicating with health experts regarding the cause and treatment method of black fungus, should also be the priority of the government.

The chief minister asked officials to send a letter to the Government of India and request an increase in the allocation of medicines. The total population of the state and the number of patients should be kept in view while sending the demand letter.

He directed that medical devices should be kept in working condition at health centres and the system of cleanliness and sanitization should be made effective.

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New Delhi, May 20 : Chinas bid to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific has taken a hit, with Samoa, a strategically located nation in the South Pacific, signalling that it would not go ahead with a Chinese port development project.

Samoa's new prime minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, whose election was upheld by the country's Supreme Court has told Reuters news agency that she intended to shelve a $100 million Beijing-backed port development project.

The Chinese intended to construct a wharf in Vaiusu Bay-a move that was fully backed by long-serving leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who lost his parliamentary majority during the April elections.

Mataafa's decision is significant as it feeds into the China-US rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, a vast region of the Indian and the Pacific oceans linked by the strategic Malacca straits.

The Samoan Islands are in contention because they are located roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean. Any rival Chinese military presence here can threaten some of the key shipping lanes of the area. After World War-2, the US has been the most dominant player in the Pacific.

In view of the brewing rivalry, the former U.S. National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien had last October signalled that Washington intended to carry out a feasibility study of basing US Coast Guard vessels in American Samoa, part of US territory southeast of mainland Samoa.

"The United States promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific region where like minded nations uphold the international rules-based order," O'Brien's office had said in a press statement then.

The US fears that after building a port in Samoa and elsewhere in the region, including Kiribati, the Chinese can send their paramilitary forces in the guise of fishing vessels, as has been done by Beijing in the South China Sea. Chinese "fishing vessels" a front for its paramilitary have regularly harassed fishermen in contested waters, with Japan in the East China Sea as well as Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

O'Brien had told Honolulu Civil Beat, that China's People's Maritime Militia- a paramilitary force of military-trained fishermen who occasionally work on behalf of the Chinese Navy, conducting surveillance and other operations are a major concern among the US and its allies.

The former US official said that warning signals that China may leverage its experience in Asian waters in the South Pacific as well.

He said that a suspicious - and aggressive - fleet of Chinese fishing vessels had clashed with the Ecuadorian Coast Guard last summer.

"It's just like a marauding band of fishing trawlers that come through and strip fish and then dump garbage and plastic all over the ocean," O'Brien said of China's sea militia, as quoted by the Samoa News website.

The US sensitivities to the Chinese moves in the South Pacific have heightened after reports that the Chinese are eying a World War-II vintage military airstrip, which is 3,000 kilometres southwest of Hawaii, in Kiribati. The location is not far from busy commercial shipping lanes running from the US to Australia and New Zealand.

Samoa's newly elected Prime Minister also signalled that her country was conscious about avoiding a Chinese debt trap, which Beijing can leverage for its political gains. "The level of indebtedness of our government to the government of China was a pressing issue for voters," said Mataafa, the country's first woman prime minister.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/
Lucknow, May 20 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has barred all schools form increasing fees in the new academic session 2021-2022.

Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who holds the secondary education portfolio, told reporters that the decision has been taken in view of the ongoing pandemic.

"Several families have been financially hit by the pandemic. Keeping the situation in mind, the state government has decided the parents should not be given any extra financial burden. Teachers and employees in schools will be given salaries as usual," he said.

The minister further said that since sports, libraries and computer classes were not being held, schools would not be allowed to charge for these and other extracurricular activities.

He said that the decision would be applicable to all school boards.
Agra, May 20 : The Uttar Pradesh government has mounted a massive campaign to sensitise and sanitise the vast rural hinterland, after a hue and cry over the alarming rise in fatalities from Covid-19.

And the good news is that the results are beginning to show.

"Hitherto, the efforts to contain Covid-19 were city-centric. The villages were ignored in the mistaken belief that people in rural areas enjoyed better immunity, and a healthy lifestyle, compared to those in the congested urban areas, but in the past fortnight the number of cases in the rural segment has gone up alarmingly," said Tej Pal, an activist of Mathura. He returned to his native village and now plans to develop Peepal Vatikas, clusters of Peepal trees.

In Agra, villagers are seen crowding under the Peepal trees, spending hours to breathe in Oxygen, to remain healthy. Sonvir, an activist, told IANS that villagers believed Peepal trees produced the maximum Oxygen round the clock. Some people claimed they had benefitted immensely.

The Agra district administration has sent out teams of health workers to the villages. After the visits by local MLAs and MPs to the villages, the state health department has become active. The primary health centres are being opened and staffed with para medics. The local village bodies have been activated.

In the second wave Covid-19 has spread like wildfire in the rural areas. A recent report suggests 45.5 percent rural areas are already in its grip. The infection spread and the fatalities rate have gone up alarmingly. Rural districts in Punjab and Haryana are worst affected. Bihar and West Bengal are showing rising trends as is Andhra Pradesh.

In the coming weeks, state governments will need to be extra cautious to ensure that Covid-19 infection spread was urgently contained, said Agra's eminent medical practitioner Dr Devashish Bhattacharya.

A rural activist Jagan Prasad Teheriya lauded the contribution of the much maligned Jhola Chaaps (unregistered village doctors) who had speedily provided Medicare. "Only a few complicated and serious cases had to be sent to the Agra city for treatment and the delay caused deaths in some villages," he added.

Perhaps, in the coming days we will see a better health infrastructure in the villages as a result of the pandemic, hoped a village functionary Subhash.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Tokyo, May 20 : International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach will arrive in Japan on July 12, 11 days before the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

"The next steps on the organisational front after this Coordination Commission meeting include my arrival in Tokyo on 15 June, to join our team that is already on the ground. As of 12 July, after the arrival of President Bach, we will move to the full Games-time coordination operations," said John Coates, an IOC vice president who heads its Coordination Commission for the Tokyo Games, in a letter released on the IOC's official website, Xinhua reports.

The letter was addressed to athletes, sponsors, IOC members, National Olympic Committees (NOC) and international federations. Coates reiterated commitments of Bach, Tokyo 2020 organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike and Japanese Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa that the postponed Games will be held as scheduled in a safe way.

Bach had originally planned to visit Japan on May 17 and attend the Olympic torch relay in Hiroshima, but his visit was canceled due to the worsening situation of Covid-19 in Japan.

Coates quoted Michael Ryan, the Executive Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s Health Emergencies Programme, as saying, "The issues regarding the Olympics are multi-dimensional...It is not whether we will have [the] Olympics or not; it is how those individual risks within that framework are being managed." "This summer the eyes of the world will be on us and on Japan," Coates said. "We have an obligation, as the Olympic Movement, to all of those involved to do our utmost to make these Games safe and secure, so that these Olympic and Paralympic Games can indeed be the light at the end of the tunnel."
Bengaluru, May 20 : Samsung India has donated 14,000 medical kits, 24 oxygen concentrators and 150 oxygen cylinders to Karnataka to support its fight against the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of this support, Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore (SRI-B), the largest R&D centre of Samsung outside Korea, has collaborated with Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal Trust (SRST) for donating medical kits to the Karnataka government. These medical kits are prescribed by the government of Karnataka and will be used by Covid patients in home isolation.

The SRI-B has donated 14 oxygen concentrators to charitable hospitals working towards Covid-19 relief. These concentrators, which have been flown in from South Korea, will be used by patients from weaker sections of the society. Another 10 oxygen concentrators were handed over to the Karnataka government.

Samsung has also announced that it will cover the vaccination costs for over 50,000 eligible employees and beneficiaries in India.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra state capital was largely spared from any major damage as cyclone tauktae the most powerful storm to hit the region in more than two decades, aftermath heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Monday 18 May 2021 (Photo : Sandeep Mahankal/ Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai: The Maharashtra state capital was largely spared from any major damage as cyclone tauktae the most powerful storm to hit the region in more than two decades, aftermath heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Monday 18 May 2021 (Photo : Sandeep Mahankal/ Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, May 20 : As the death toll in the barge tragedy in the Bombay High Fields rose to 49 on Thursday, it has now emerged that there could have been over 10,000 people in the path of the devastating Cyclone Tauktae as it whirled over to Gujarat on Monday.

In the tragedy that befell one of the adrift barges in the BHF earlier this week, 49 persons have died so far and another 26 are reported missing, though the figures of those not traced remain unclear.

The Centre late on Wednesday ordered an all-encompassing high-level probe into the lapses that led to the tragedy that left over four dozen people dead on the high seas and many more missing.

Authoritative sources in the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd, which runs the BHF, said that there were "more than 7,600 people" on its 342-plus, big and small, 243 fixed and 99 floating, offshore installations there. Of the total human presence, around 6,900 were on different types of 94 vessels.

"All ONGC offshore installations are completely safe, normal ongoing operations continued, and all the people on these installations had gone into a 'sea survival mode' and there are no reports of any casualties," a source told IANS.

Of all its assets in the Arabian Sea, five vessels were stranded, including one of oil drill ship Sagar Bhushan with 101 people on board, but all were rescued safely.

Simultaneously, construction giant Afcons Infrastructure Ltd (AIL) revealed that it had a total of 1,290 people on 6 of its barges there, including 50 of its own (AIL) staffers.

Out of these 1,290, there were 261 on the Barge Papaa-305 which sank late on Monday and from which the Indian Navy managed to rescue 186 persons while 49 bodies were recovered, and the rest are "still missing" for whom search operations continue, as per an AIL statement.

Top maritime sources in Mumbai told IANS that besides the ONGC and AIL assets, there are scores of other individual or small barge or small vessels operating in and around the BHF offering a variety of services, but their exact numbers, their crew complement, or their status after the cyclone, etc, are not available, but there are no complaints of any accidents so far.

Following a strong onslaught by the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders on the Centre and the ONGC that it failed to adhere to cyclone warnings which were issued well in advance, a blame-game of sorts broke out on Thursday.

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, Nationalist Congress Party Minister Nawab Malik and Congress' state spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded the resignation of Union Minister for Petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan and booking all those responsible for the massive tragedy under stringent laws including 'culpable homicide not amounting to murder' for their lapses.

The AIL said that the weather forecasts received on May 14 predicted that sustained windspeeds of maximum 40 knots (classified as a 'Tropical Storm') is likely to occur at its specific work locations late May 16-early May 17.

As a preventive measure, on May 14, the AIL advised all its vessels to secure their respective work locations and move to safer locations on priority, and accordingly, its vessels and barges including Papaa-305 started moving out of their work areas on May 14/15, and some reached Mumbai Port, its outer anchorage or near Revdanda (Raigad).

"However, the Master of Papaa-305 chose to move 200 metre away from the HT platform where it was working, and to remain at that location, deciding this as a safe location since the max predicted wind speed was only 40 knots and his location was 120 nautical miles away from the eye of the tropical storm," the statement said.

However, from May 16 evening, the weather conditions "deteriorated rapidly" reaching levels far worse than predicted by the following day, and there was no time left for the vessel master to take any further action, the company said.

On the oft-repeated questions pertaining to moving out people on the barges, the AIL said evacuation is only resorted to as an extreme measure in case the vessel is in distress.
Srinagar, May 20 : J&K Lt Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Wednesday ordered the dismissal from government service of suspended deputy superintendent of police (Dy.SP), Davinder Singh who has been charged by the NIA for supporting terrorists.

Together with the suspended Dy.SP, the government also ordered dismissal of two teachers from government service for working against the security of the state.

An order issued by the UT government said today, "The Lt governor is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of article 311 of the constitution of India that in the interest of the security of the state it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Davinder Singh.A "Accordingly, the Lt governor hereby dismisses Davinder Singh from service with immediate effect".

A similar order was passed today by the Lt governor against two teachers namely Bashir Ahmad Sheikh and Mohammad Yousuf Ganie, both residents of Kupwara district.

Earlier, an assistant professor, an executive magistrate (Naib Tehsildar) and a government teacher were dismissed from service by the Lt governor exercising the same powers.
Chennai, May 20 : Tamil Nadu on Thursday declared mucormycosis or 'black fungus' a "notifiable disease", as per directions of the Union Health Ministry.

The state reported nine cases of mucormycosis at government hospitals.

"Nine cases were reported from government hospitals and we have treated and cured them. Among them, seven were diabetic and and vision of seven patients was affected. These patients are all treated and cured and no deaths have been reported from the state due to black fungus," state Health Secretary, J. Radhakrishnan, told IANS.

However, the total number of black fungus cases in the state is not clear as the private hospitals have not given reports. "As soon as we get the total number of cases from private hospitals, we will provide the total number of cases to the Director of Public Health," he said.

The state Health Department has formed a mucormycosis committee headed by Director of Medical Education, and this has prepared protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and the usage of anti-fungal drugs.

This infection is largely affecting those with uncontrolled diabetes who are on immunosuppressed drugs and using steroids. The Health Department also said that people who are having nasal complaints as well as sinusitis should consult a doctor.

Radhakrishnan also said that that the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation has the drugs to treat this disease. "We have also placed orders for 5,000 vials of Liposomal Amphotericin B, an antifungal drug. This order has been placed through TNMSC," he added.
Amaravati, May 20 : The Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh was adjourned sine die, after the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Appropriation Vote on Account Bill, 2021, Andhra Pradesh Appropriation Bill No.2, 2021 and Andhra Pradesh Appropriation Bill No 3, 2021, in the single-day budget session held on Thursday.

Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy tabled the three Appropriation Bills that are required to meet the supplementary grants made by the State Assembly for the year and supplementary expenditure charged on the consolidated fund of the state of Andhra Pradesh for that year. The Bills were passed by voice vote.

Earlier in the day, the finance minister presented the budget for the year 2021-22, with an outlay of Rs 2,29,779. 27 crore, combining welfare priorities with development.

The state legislative assembly also passed Andhra Pradesh Medical Education and Research Corporation Bill 2021, Andhra Pradesh Survey And Boundaries Amendment Bill 2021, Andhra Pradesh Municipal Laws Amendment Bill, 2021 and Andhra Pradesh Municipal Laws Second Amendment Bill 2021. It withdrew the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Duty Bill 2015.

The House also adopted a resolution to oppose the Centre's decision on 100% strategic disinvestment of Government of India's shareholding in Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Vishakapatnam, along with the management control by the way of privatisation. It also resolved to request the Government of India to consider the measures, suggested by the Andhra Pradesh chief minister, to make RINL profitable and remain the pride of Telugu people and the State of Andhra Pradesh.

The Assembly also adopted a resolution to request the Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation to change the name of Orvakal Airport, Kurnool as "UYYALAWADA NARASIMHAREDDY AIRPORT, KURNOOL" The state egislative assembly was later adjourned sine die by Speaker Tammineni Sitaram.
Guwahati, May 20 : Around 15,500 Myanmar nationals, who have sheltered in Mizoram since the military seized power in the neighbouring country on February 1, has further deepened the distress of the bordering state as several hundred Myanmarese have tested for Covid-19 and one of them died, officials said on Thursday.

Health officials in Aizawl said that one of the many Covid positive Myanmar nationals died at a Covid Care Center in Aizawl on Wednesday.

"At the moment there is no exact data about how many Myanmar refugees were infected by the Covid-19. We are collecting the information. However, several hundred among the Myanmar nationals were infected by the contagious disease," a health official told IANS over phone, refusing to be named.

"The Covid management in Mizoram have turned complicated as huge number of Myanmar nationals tested positive for the coronavirus and they are staying in many places and homes in at least six districts of the state, specially along the border villages," Mizoram's state planning board vice-chairman H. Rammawi told the media.

Around 9,444 positive cases have been detected in Mizoram till Thursday evening, while the state's active caseload stood at 2,073 on Monday.

Out of Mizoram's 11 districts, only in four -- Aizawl (27), Serchhip (1), Kolasib (1) and Saitual (1) -- have reported 30 deaths due to Covid-19.

A large number of Myanmarese, who belong to the Chin community, ethnically similar to the dominant Mizos of Mizoram and the Kuki-Zomi people in Manipur, are also staying at the homes of the local residents.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had earlier urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide asylum, food and shelter to those refugees who have arrived in the state since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1.

Referring to Union Home Ministry's advisories to the Chief Secretaries of the four northeastern states bordering Myanmar and also to the Assam Rifles and Border Security Forces for taking action to prevent illegal influx from Myanmar into India, Zoramthanga said, "This is not acceptable to Mizoram." A Mizoram government delegations comprising state's comprising Mizoram's Lok Sabha member C.Lalrosanga, Rajya Sabha member K.Vanlalvena, the State Planning Board Vice-Chairman H.Rammawi had already met separately with Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M.Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and others in Delhi and persuade them to impress upon the government not to forcefully push back the Myanmar nationals sheltered in Mizoram.

Local administrations and NGOs in Mizoram have been providing immediate help and shelter to these Myanmarese refugees.

Meanwhile, the MHA had earlier given directions to the chief secretaries of four northeastern states -- Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur -- sharing borders with Myanmar to not entertain Myanmar refugees. It also instructed Assam Rifles to seal the border and prevent entry from the neighbouring country, the statement said.

The MHA letter reiterated that the state governments and UT administrations have no power to grant "refugee" status to any foreigner and India is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 Protocol.The four northeastern states share a 1,643 km unfenced border with Myanmar.

A one-year state of emergency has been declared in Myanmar where power has been transferred to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing after President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were detained by the military on February 1.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Kathmandu, May 20 : One week after the reappointment of K.P. Shamra Oli as the Prime Minister of Nepal, the countrys President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Thursday called for the formation of a new government as per Article 76 (5) of the Constitution.

The office of Bhandari said in a statement that the President has called on the members of the House of Representatives to present the basis for the appointment of a new Prime Minister as per Article 76 (5) of the Constitution.

Oli had lost a vote of confidence on May 10 on the floor of the House. Later in the same evening, President Bhandari had called on the political parties of Nepal to form a coalition government on the basis of majority votes.

When the opposition parties failed to form the coalition government after failing to secure the majority votes, the President on May 13 evening reappointed Oli as the Prime Minister, being the leader of the largest party in the House.

While Oli again has to seek a vote of confidence in the House within one month as per the constitutional provision, he has declined to do so.

Without seeking the vote of confidence, a Cabinet meeting on Thursday recommended the President to invoke Article 76 (5) of the Constitution.

As per Article 76 (5) of the Constitution, if any member presents a ground on which he or she can obtain a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives, the President shall appoint such member as the Prime Minister.

The President has set 5 pm on Friday as the deadline.
Amaravati, May 20 : The opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh, which boycotted the single-day Budget session on Thursday, organised a mock Assembly session on the Zoom platform.

Spread over two days, Thursday and Friday, the mock Assembly session has been organised to discuss the failures of the YSRCP government, headed by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, TDP said.

In Thursday's session, held between 4 pm and 6 pm, TDP MLA DBV Swami officiated as the Speaker, while the party's remaining representatives in the legislative Assembly and Council donned the roles of ministers.

The participants discussed the Covid crisis, highlighting the government's failures by displaying newspaper cuttings and video clips.

The TDP will again resume the proceedings of the mock Assembly session at 10 am Friday while will go on till 2 pm.

The TDP had decided to boycott the Budget session to protest against the alleged 'unilateral', 'undemocratic' and 'illogical' decisions of the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state government.
Guwahati, May 20 : The newly-elected members of the Congress in Assam on Thursday elected Debabrata Saikia as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), the partys state unit chief Ripun Bora informed the Assembly Speaker on Thursday.

Son of two-time former Assam Chief Minister late Hiteswar Saikia (1983-1985 and 1991-1996), Debabrata Saikia (56), who was also the CLP and opposition leader in the previous Assembly, was re-elected from the Nazira Assembly seat where he defeated BJP candidate Mayur Borgohain by a thin margin of 683 votes.

Rajya Sabha member Bora, who lost the recent Assembly elections from Gohpur, said in his letter to the Speaker that Rakibul Hussain has been elected as the deputy leader of CLP.

As per the letter, which has been released to the media, Wajed Ali Choudhury has been elected as the chief whip of the CLP.

The Congress, which governed Assam for 15 years (2001 to 2016), failed to win the Assembly polls held in March-April, managing 29 seats, three more than its tally of 2016, when the party lost Assam to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Besides Bora, several other Congress leaders also lost in the recent elections to the 126-member state Assembly.

The first session of the newly constituted 15th Assam Legislative Assembly would begin from Friday.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Biswajit Daimary on Thursday submitted his nomination paper for the post of Speaker, while party legislator Numal Momin will submit his candidature for the Deputy Speaker's post.
Patna, May 20 : A man, who lost his job in the second wave of coronavirus, abandoned his wife at Bihar's Buxar railway station on Thursday, police said.

Vivek Verma, a native of Mirzapur under Bariya police station in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, had recently married his Facebook friend Pragati Singh, a native of Arihauli in Kushinagar police station in the same district.

"Verma, working for an MNC company in Pune, secretly tied the knot with his Facebook friend Pragati Singh and both went to Pune. They stayed for a few weeks in Pune before the company where he was working, removed him from the job in the second wave of coronavirus," said Ravi Shankar Singh, an investigating officer of Government Railway Police, Buxar.

"Both Verma and Pragati decided to return home. They reached Buxar on the Pune-Patna express on Thursday. After reaching Buxar, he told her to stay at the railway station while he arranged for a vehicle to go to Ballia. Pragati waited there for hours but he did not return. When he was contacted on phone, he said that he would never go to Ballia," the police official said.

He said that the local police has been asked to put Verma's mobile phone under surveillance in a bid to trace him, while a vehicle was arranged to send the woman to her family in Ballia under police security.
New Delhi, May 20 : The Chief Executive Officer of Bharti Airtel (India, South Asia), Gopal Vittal, has warned the telcos 320 million-plus subscribers of increased number of cyber frauds during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns in various parts of the country, which have resulted in massive increase in online transactions.

In a letter to Airtel subscribers on Thursday, Vittal said that they could face frauds of different kinds with increased online transactions, but assured them that the industry first features developed by the telco would make online transactions completely secured, without the fear of being duped by a fraudster.

The letter listed the different kinds of frauds that the subscribers could face.

Vittal said that there are likely to be two ways in which these fraudsters operate. One, where fraudsters call customers pretending to be Airtel employees and dupe them.

In this case, the fraudster, claiming to be from Airtel, calls or sends an SMS to the customer regarding an incomplete Know Your Customer (KYC) form. He/she requests the customer to install the 'Airtel Quick Support' app from Google Play store to allow him to help, but in reality no such app exists.

When the customer tries to install it, he/she is redirected to the TeamViewer Quick Support app. The TeamViewer Quick Support app allows the fraudster to remotely take over the device and the accounts associated with it.

"And so, if the customer does install it, he allows the fraudster into all his accounts connected to the device," the letter said.

Secondly, the fraudster calls or sends an SMS to the customer claiming to be from Airtel and promises highly discounted VIP numbers. As a part of the transaction, the fraudster requests a prepayment as a token/booking amount. Post receiving this amount, the fraudster ceases all contact with the person and becomes untraceable.

"If this happens to you, please immediately call 121," Vittal wrote to subscribers.

He also warned against frauds related to digital payments where a subscriber's one-time password (OTP) and UPI details are accessed to make payments.

With regard to OTP, the letter said, "The fraudster calls the customer claiming to be from a bank/financial institution and asks for account details or an OTP to unblock/renew the existing bank account. The details are used to withdraw money from the customer's bank account." In case of UPI Collect, the letter informed the subscribers that the fraudster calls the customer pretending to buy a second-hand listed product from the website, negotiates the price and asks for the customer's UPI details to transfer money to the customer's account. On the customer providing the account, an SMS link is sent to the customer's phone to approve the transaction which debits the money from the account instead of crediting it.

"Airtel has worked relentlessly to ensure that you are not vulnerable to these fraudsters. This is why we have recently introduced an industry-first feature called 'Safe Pay'," Vittal said.

"This is simply the safest method of paying online in the country. It provides an additional layer of security for every transaction. So before you actually make a payment, our network intelligence throws up a message asking you to confirm the transaction to the person who is trying to pull the fraud. Therefore, if you activate Airtel Safe Pay, you are not vulnerable to fraudsters," he said.

This is the second time that the CEO has sent out a cautionary advice to Airtel subscribers highlighting that while everyone is digitally connected in the midst of the pandemic, they should not fall prey to cyber fraud.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Bengaluru, May 20 : Dedicated hospitals would soon be set up in all Karnataka districts for treating children likely to be infected during the coronavirus pandemic's third wave, state Revenue Minister R. Ashoka said on Thursday.

"As health experts warn of children also getting infected by coronavirus during its third wave later this year, the state government has decided to set up a children's hospital in each district for treating them," he said, as per a statement.

Funds have been allotted funds to all 31 districts for converting community centres into children's hospitals.

Noting that in the pandemic's second wave, many people in the 20-40 years age group have been contracting the virus and had to be hospitalised, Ashoka said that the state Health Department has also ramped up bed capacity in all hospitals to treat Covid patients, due to the surge.

"We have 1,970 oxygenated beds, 1,445 intensive care units (ICUs) and 2,059 ventilators for treating Covid patients in hospitals across the state. We are also upgrading health facilities to brace up for the pandemic's third wave, which is expected to emerge over the next 6-8 months," he said.

The state government has also set up 32 oxygen units across the state to increase its supply to hospitals for treating the growing number of Covid patients.

"The state has 1,015 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen daily to meet its demand in hospitals," he said.

On complaints that testing has reduced of late in the state, the minister said one of the reasons was due to extended lockdown since April 27, which has restricted the movement of people.

"Mass testing was conducted daily even in public places, including bus stands and railway stations in addition to all designated hospitals across the state before the extended lockdown was enforced in late April," he said.

Taking serious view of ambulance drivers refusing to carry Covid patients to hospitals for treatment and bodies of Covid victims for the last rites, Ashoka said licence of those who fail to attend to calls would be suspended for 3 years.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guwahati, May 20 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday urged the people to donate generously to intensify the vaccination drive against Covid-19 and make it a "mass movement".

Sarma said that if people curtail their expenditure on birthdays or other personal events slightly, they could save precious lives or help people prevent the dreaded disease.

While addressing the media, the Chief Minister said that one dose of Covaxin costs Rs 800, while Covishield is priced at Rs 600 per dose. Many people have the ability to donate such an amount and feel glad by serving a needy person, he said.

Sarma also said that people must not think that the state government is a facing fund crunch for vaccination, as his appeal is for making the inoculation drive a 'mass movement'.

"It is the government's basic responsibility to immunise people against Covid-19," he said.

Sarma further said that Reliance Industries has contributed Rs 15 crore, teachers are contributing their one-day salary, while the MLAs are also donating to strengthen the fight against the pandemic.

"Reliance Industries has 39 petrol pumps in Assam and it has decided to provide 50-litre of fuel from each pump per day to the vehicles used in Covid management work," the Chief Minister said.

Admitting that there is a shortage of vaccines across the country, Sarma said that in Assam, 35 lakh vaccines have been administered so far.

"Presently, we are administrating around 50,000 vaccines per day," he said.

"In Assam, there are around 1 crore people in the first category (18 to 44 years) and over 1.20 crore people in the second category (45 and above). Around Rs 600 to 800 crore will be required to vaccinate the second category," the Chief Minister added.

Sarma also said that around Rs 119 crore is there in the Assam Arogya Nidhi and the amount would be used to purchase vaccines.

From the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, Rs 50 crore has been given to the Arogya Nidhi, he added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Gurugram, May 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday communicated through video conferencing with more than 60 district magistrates of different states of the country during which he reviewed the situation on the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the video conference, the Prime Minister appreciated the 'Drive through Covid vaccination' drive which was recently organised at different malls in Gurugram in collaboration with the district administration. The Prime Minister considered this to be an 'Innovative Idea'.

During interaction with the PM, Yash Garg, district magistrate Gurugram, informed Modi that Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is personally monitoring the status of Covid-19 in Gurugram district.

He said that under the Covid-19 control measures in Gurugram, vaccination is being emphasized and so far more than 6 lakh doses of Corona vaccine have been given, which is about 30 per cent population. Apart from this, there is a focus on testing for identifying the infected individuals and so far more than 14 lakh tests have been made in the district, which is one of the most rates of the country.

Garg said that the people in Urban and rural areas are being motivated to to prevent Covid-19 infections in their respective areas. In this initiative a team of civil defence is also spreading awareness among the people. As a result, the positivity rate of the district has reached 10 per cent to 12 per cent which was earlier 33 per cent.

"Earlier, where more than 5,000 cases were reported in Gurugram, the figure has now been reduced to 1,000 to 1,200," Garg added.

The video conference was also attended by Municipal Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, Senior Officer from the State Government for covid-19 Management Raj Narayan Kaushik, Deputy commissioner of police Dheeraj Kumar Setia, Haryana Urban Development Authority Administrator Jitender Yadav, Additional Deputy Commissioner Prashant Pawar and Civil Surgeon Gurugram Virender Yadav.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Pumpkin and digital marketing agency GR0 announce findings that reveal significant growth in demand for pet insurance in the United States. In March, web searches for pet insurance hit its highest rate ever at 201,000, according to Google Keyword Planner. This shows a 22% increase from its pre-Christmas levels, with Pumpkin ranking among the more popular options as more people seek to insure their pandemic pets.

Such a notable spike is no surprise as the American Pet Products Association reports that the overall pet industry grew $3.3 billion from 2019 to 2020, completing the year at $99 billion total. Of that $99 billion, pet owners spent over $31.4 billion on vet care, up from $29.3 billion in 2019, and is estimated to hit $32.3 billion in 2021. [1]

With pet health care costs continuing to increase, its critical for owners to have a reliable financial plan in place to pay for unexpected medical procedures. CNBC reports that one in every three pets will need emergency treatment each year, some of which can cost thousands of dollars. The average cost of an unexpected vet visit can be between $800 and $1,500. If faced with an unexpected expense of $400, 27% of adults said they would have to borrow or sell items to afford the payment, and 12% said they wouldnt be able to cover it at all.[2] Without pet insurance, many US pet owners are faced with the heartbreaking decision to euthanize their pet because they are unable to afford care.

During the pandemic, there was a 700% rise in pet adoptions and fosters in the US. This increase has helped accelerate growth in the US pet insurance industry. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the number of insured dogs and cats grew 23%, the highest growth seen in the last 4 years. The average annual growth rate for insured pets in the US since 2016 is 18.9%.[3]

While the US has seen large growth in the pet insurance industry, there is still a lot of room for the market to further expand. On a per capita basis, searches for pet insurance in the UK, for example, were 147% higher than the US according to Google Keyword Planner in March 2021. If the US were to hit the per capita search levels in the United Kingdom, we could expect to see close to 500,000 searches per month. With increased knowledge around the benefits of pet insurance, the annual growth rate of insured pets in the US may continue to climb.

As pet insurance searches in the US have risen, Pumpkin has seen 250% increase in searches for its brand over the last 90 days. Pumpkin, one of the newer pet insurance entrants, launched a year ago to help pet parents give their dogs and cats the best care when they are sick or injured and also offers optional non-insurance preventive care packs to help pets live a long and healthy life. To learn more about Pumpkins pet insurance plan, visit http://www.pumpkin.care.

1. Pet Industry Market Size, Trends & Ownership Statistics. American Pet Products Association. (2021, March 24). https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp.

2. Horch, A. J. (2019, June 25). Most Americans own a pet, but not the insurance 1 in 3 faithful companions will need. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/20/most-americans-own-a-pet-but-cant-afford-to-pay-their-medical-bills.html.

3. Pet Insurance in North America, State of the Industry 2021. North American Pet Health Industry Association (2021, May 4). https://naphia.org/industry-data/section-2-total-pets-insured

About Pumpkin [4]

Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (Pumpkin) is a direct-to-consumer pet care company and insurance producer founded to help ensure pets live their longest and healthiest lives. Pumpkin insurance plans offer dog and cat owners advanced veterinary care coverage, and their optional Preventive Essentials pack add-on offers life-threatening disease prevention through reimbursing for vaccines and the related annual wellness exam and lab tests, helping enable consumers to make data-informed care decisions based upon their individual pets health needs. All Pumpkin Plans provide reimbursement for covered care administered by any licensed veterinary clinic in the U.S. and Canada. Pumpkin insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Pumpkin insurance does not cover routine dental cleanings. Waiting periods, annual deductibles, co-insurance, benefits limits and other exclusions may apply. For all limitations and for information about Pumpkins Pet Insurance, and/or to learn more about Pumpkins optional add-on Preventive Essentials benefits, visitors can review Terms and Conditions at pumpkin.care/insurance policy and at pumpkin.care/customer agreement, respectively. Additional information may be found by visiting http://www.pumpkin.care.

[4] Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (NPN#19084749) (Pumpkin) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin receives compensation based on the premiums for the insurance policies it sells. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states.
(top row) Shane Collins and Robin Van Bragt; (bottom row) Ana Neves and Giles Gaskell. These four individuals rose above all others because of their actions and achievements.

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has presented its prestigious DINO (Distinguished INnovator Operator) Award for additive manufacturing expertise and service to four individuals. The awards were presented at the 32nd annual users group conference held in Orlando, Florida.

AMUG representatives presented the DINO Awards in recognition of tenure in the additive manufacturing industry, years of service, contributions to the industry, and active support of the users group. Gary Rabinovitz, AMUG chairperson and DINO Selection Committee chair, said, This award recognizes not only experience but also character and passion. Following a lengthy nomination and review process, the committee selected four deserving individuals from dozens of qualified candidates.

The newly named DINOs are:



Shane Collins, ASTM International

Giles Gaskell, Hexagon

Ana Neves, RAMCO

Robin Van Bragt, Eagle Design and Technology Inc.

Carl Dekker, AMUG president, said, There were many candidates that had the tenure required for this coveted award. However, that is just one criterion. To be a DINO, one must also give back to the industry and support AMUG. These four individuals rose above all others because of their actions and achievements.

The DINO Award recognizes those that have contributed to the additive manufacturing industry with the intent to advance the industry as a whole or to advance the skills and knowledge of individuals. At the heart of this award is a passion for and dedication to additive manufacturing that is coupled with a desire to share and to be accessible to others.

The new DINOs efforts behind the scenes and in public forums have advanced the technology and the applications that leverage its capabilities. Through direct contributions of time and energy, all have played a role in making the AMUG Conference a positive experience for those seeking insights and information.

Dekker added, AMUGs tenet is For Users, By Users, and its success comes from a community where individuals share their experiences to help one another. Our four DINOs have actively participated in the sharing and have volunteered for activities that build the foundation of the community and the AMUG Conference experience.

Over its 33-year history, AMUG has awarded only 174 DINOs. Although there are many deserving of the recognition, AMUG limits this prestigious award to no more than ten individuals each year. Nominations for 2022 DINO candidates will be accepted beginning October 1, 2021.

About Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG):

AMUG is an organization that educates and advances the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies. AMUG members include those with industrial additive manufacturing/3D printing technologies and materials used for professional purposes from companies such BASF 3D Printing Solutions, DMG MORI, Dyndrite Corporation, Essentium, ExOne and LuxCreo. AMUG meets annually to provide education and training through technical presentations on processes and new technologies. This information addresses operation of additive manufacturing equipment and the applications that use the parts they make. Online at http://www.amug.com.
Top row (from left) Carl Dekker, Paul Bates, Andrew Allshorn, Vince Anewenter and Leslie Frost. Bottom row (from left) Bill Macy, Jordan Weston, Tim Bell, Tom Sorovetz and Gary Rabinovitz. We will have fresh ideas balanced by historical perspectives. I am looking forward to leading this team and instituting refinements as needed.

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) will install its 2021-2022 Board of Directors on July 1, 2021. The boards primary responsibilities will be to build and oversee the 2022 AMUG Conference and to implement a new organizational structure that will support the ongoing growth of this annual event.

The ten-member board is comprised of both elected and appointed positions. AMUG members elected eight individuals during the annual conference that was held in Orlando, Florida. The current board appointed two individuals to fill the Treasurer and Director at Large positions.

Carl Dekker of Met-L-Flo, who has previously served two terms as Vice President, will serve a second term in the role of President. Paul Bates of ASTM International will retain the Past President position. Andrew Allshorn of AT 3D-SQUARED was re-elected for a second term as Vice President.

AMUG members re-elected Leslie Frost of GE Additive for Secretary, and she will be serving her third term in this role. By appointment, Vince Anewenter of Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) will continue in the Treasurer position for a ninth term. Serving for a twenty-eighth term, Thomas Sorovetz of Stellantis will continue his role in the newly renamed Director of Events and Hospitality position.

Dekker, Allshorn, Frost and Anewenter will be the officers of the organization as well as directors on AMUGs board.

From a realignment of AMUGs management team, four new director positions were created. These positions will be held by Bill Macy of Titan Robotics, Jordan Weston of MSOE, Tim Bell of Siemens Digital Industries USA and Gary Rabinovitz of Reebok International. Macy, Weston and Bell were elected to serve on the board for the first time. Rabinovitz previously served five terms as Chairman and five terms in roles including President, Past President, Vice President and Board Advisor.

Macy will hold the position of Director of Membership. Weston, who has served as Chair of the Track Leader Committee for three years and has been a tracker leader for six years, will assume the Director of Education & Conference position. Bell will hold the position of Director of Business Development. Rabinovitz was appointed to the Director at Large position.

Carl Dekker, AMUG President, said, We established a new management structure to better support AMUGs growth. While much thought and deliberation went into the planning, I expect to find that the structure and individual roles will require some adaptation.

He continued, I am quite pleased with the incoming boards mix of long-term service and first-time participation as we implement the new structure. We will have fresh ideas balanced by historical perspectives. I am looking forward to leading this team and instituting refinements as needed.

Dekker also expressed gratitude for those on the current board being willing to extend their terms of service, due to pandemic-induced election postponement, yet giving it all they had to produce an amazing 2021 AMUG Conference. And he offered thanks to two board members that are stepping down: Jamie Cone of BD who served three terms as Vice President and Todd Grimm of T. A. Grimm & Associates, Inc. who served nine terms as AM Industry Advisor.

To recap, the 2021- 2022 AMUG Board members are:



President: Carl Dekker, Met-L-Flo

Past President: Paul Bates, ASTM International

Vice President: Andrew Allshorn, AT 3D-SQUARED

Treasurer: Vince Anewenter, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)

Secretary: Leslie Frost, GE Additive

Director of Membership: Bill Macy, Titan Robotics

Director of Education & Conference: Jordan Weston, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)

Director of Business Development: Tim Bell, Siemens Digital Industries USA

Director of Events and Hospitality: Thomas Sorovetz, Stellantis

Director at Large: Gary Rabinovitz, Reebok International

The boards responsibilities will include building the program for the 2022 conference, soliciting support from businesses in the additive manufacturing industry, and overseeing the event's day-to-day activities. The five-day conference will feature the AMUGexpo, hands-on workshops, training labs, instructional sessions, technical presentations, and an off-site dinner. The 2022 AMUG Conference will be held in Chicago, Illinois, from April 3 to 7.

About Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG):

AMUG is an organization that educates and advances the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies. AMUG members include those with industrial additive manufacturing/3D printing technologies and materials used for professional purposes from companies such BASF 3D Printing Solutions, DMG MORI, Dyndrite Corporation, Essentium, ExOne and LuxCreo. AMUG meets annually to provide education and training through technical presentations on processes and new technologies. This information addresses operation of additive manufacturing equipment and the applications that use the parts they make. Online at http://www.amug.com.
Dr. Curt Samlaska served for fourteen years in the US Army, during which he was actively involved in academic medicine and helped establish telemedicine in Bosnia as part of Operation Joint Endeavor. He was attached to the Combat Casualty Research Center (CCRC), an organization dedicated to providing operational medical support for all branches of the military, the DEA, the FBI, and the Secret Service; a critical organization in the plot of his new book "Terminal Cascade", a spellbinding adventure that keeps the pages turning until the dramatic conclusion. Currently Dr. Samlaska is in private practice in Las Vegas, where he resides with his wonderful family.

Lieutenant Colonel Eric West is the clinical director of the Combat Casualty Research Center (CCRC), an elite group of emergency physicians who provide operational medical support for the United States military, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF, and the Secret Service. Deployed throughout the world on a moments notice, Eric begins to note a series of unusual deaths. Federal agents are dying from massive thromboses, their bodies solidifying into a mass of necrotic tissue.

Dr. West discovers that some form of deadly thrombotoxin is being used as a weapon of mass destructionbut there is a link. The primary targets were employed by the CIA during the 1980s, working a Russian access agent known as GTVIPER.

Allen Prescott, the president of the United States, knows who GTVIPER was as deputy chief of station in Moscow. He was a GRU scientist working on a thrombotoxin that was immediately lethal, like a chemical agent, but theoretically possible to induce immunity, like a biologic agent. It was the ultimate weapon, but failure to develop a reliable means to immunize troops arrested any further development. GTVIPER was believed to be dead. Somehow, he had not only survived but had also learned to immunize himself against the deadly toxin. He was loose in the United States and killing at will. But why? Why was he eliminating all the members of the CIA support group?

Dr. West races against the clock to discover a means to fight the deadly toxin, prevent the assassination of the president of the Unites States, and discover the motivation that drives a man of science to kill. GTVIPER leads the CCRC team on a frightening and deadly adventure, culminating in the unthinkable

Published by Page Publishing, Curt Samlaskas engrossing book is an excellent choice for avid military fiction readers.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase Terminal Cascade at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing understands that authors should be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
The Origins Of Belief: a potent examination of biblical beliefs and origins. The Origins Of Belief is the creation of published author, Rick Mungro, a passionate Christian.

Mungro shares, With so many questions concerning religion, we all have a yearning to believe in something. After being in church for over thirty years, I had questions that pastors, overseers, and bishops could not answer. There are over sixty different denominations, with an estimated forty-five thousand churches in each, all carrying the same Bible and claiming the same Jesus, but each having different beliefs.

After much research and world religious studies, I come to the conclusion that when we Americanize the Bible, it causes a lack of understanding in our belief, which causes us to mislead others. The only way to find truth was to visit the land. I walked and talked with religious leaders as we followed the footsteps of Jesus. We traveled the length and width of the land, leaving no stone unturned, while uncovering so many extraordinary truths.

After my visit to Qumran and the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem, 50 percent of my questions were answered. I say this with sincere humbleness and confidence, The Bible is a reliable source. It is a collection of historical documents written by eyewitnesses who were living during the time of other eyewitnesses. And its findings were divine rather than human in origin. Its prophetic message comes to pass, and its words can be proven by multidimensional prophetic interpretation.

We sing songs about three wise menwas it really three? How many seeds are in the pomegranate, and what does it mean? Should we name our church Carmel? Find answers to these questions and more.

As leaders, we can change the atmosphere we occupy when we understand its land, customs, and culture. Its very important to connect our belief to the Christian story, by digging deeper into the origin of belief.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Rick Mungros new book is an engaging consideration of biblical beliefs and how they came to be.

The author hopes to inspire and encourage readers of all walks of life to consider the information presented within in hopes of them finding a deeper faith in God.

View a synopsis of The Origins Of Belief on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase The Origins Of Belief at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Origins Of Belief, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Avero 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.

"At Avero, we pride ourselves in looking after the wellbeing of our employees as much as we do our customers. Averos culture is founded on two proven principles. The first principle, idea meritocracy, encourages all Avero team members to come to the table with their best ideas, which will not be merited by positional power. Simply put, the best idea wins. Secondly, creating a performance-driven organization enables executives to motivate all team members to perform and achieve success. Avero is involved in activities that solve the most pressing problems through technology and enrich lives within the community." -- Abhijit Verekar, President & CEO of Avero

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 Avero Advisors

Avero Advisors is an "end to end" information technology advisory firm that positions our clients for success through effective application of tailor-made technology management strategies. Our advisors have been practicing for over a decade and are experienced in cradle to grave technology implementations using industry standard, and at times, unconventional methodologies. With a diverse clientele and an in depth understanding the cloud era, and traditional technology environments, we focus on answering the age-old question of "Yes, its new and shiny, but how does it fit into my organization and how does it help further our strategic interests?". Avero Advisors team of consultants works with a portfolio of public sector clients and has supported engagements for several government agencies across the country.

Our experience serving local governments has made us pros at identifying the best way to use internal resources and where to invest in new technology and infrastructure.

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.
Best Sanitizers, Inc. I am extremely proud of what the company has accomplished in the past 25 years, and Im looking forward to continued growth with Best Sanitizers in my new role.

Best Sanitizers, Inc., an innovator in hand hygiene and surface sanitation products for the food processing industry, is pleased to announce several management changes which will propel the company into its next phase of growth.

In 1995, Best Sanitizers was founded by Mr. Hillard Witt. Hillard started the company out of his home and, in the early years, used contract manufacturers for all products. Mr. Witt oversaw the companys growth and initial factory construction in 2006 as well as the two subsequent expansions in 2008 and 2015, which now provide for 200,000 square feet in manufacturing and warehousing capacity.

In 2003, Mr. Ryan Witt joined Best Sanitizers as a Regional Sales Manager, and eventually earned the title of Vice President of Sales & Marketing. For the past eighteen years, Ryan has developed a high performing sales team, and elevated the company to its role as an industry leader.

Ryan was instrumental in navigating the challenges faced by the company during 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, which was one of the most challenging periods in recent history for many across the country, both personally and professionally. Although Best Sanitizers experienced raw material shortages, labor issues, and shipping constraints, they continued to work around the clock to provide hand hygiene and sanitation products to essential workers in the Food and Beverage industry and beyond.

In early 2021, Ryan was named President. In this new position, Ryan will provide leadership and guide the company to establish new goals and strategies. I am extremely proud of what the company has accomplished in the past 25 years, and Im looking forward to continued growth with Best Sanitizers in my new role, states Witt. Hillard Witt will remain in an advisory capacity as Chairman of Best Sanitizers, Inc.

In the Food and Beverage Division, Ms. April Zeman-Lowe has been named the new Sales Director. April has been with Best Sanitizers for nearly a decade in the position of National Account Manager. In that role, April developed strong, long-lasting relationships with industry partners and successfully achieved exponential sales growth in her territory. April will continue to implement an overall sales strategy, manage the sales team, and build relationships with business partners and customers to drive engagement and sales.

In 2021, Best Sanitizers, Inc. will also be launching new products designed for the healthcare industry. The new product line is being developed to help dental offices, surgical centers, specialty clinics, healthcare facilities, and homecare providers lower the risk of cross-contamination in their facilities. To grow this new line of products, Best Sanitizers Inc. added Mr. Bobby Finn as Head of Sales and Business Development for the Healthcare Industry. Bobby joins the company with a proven sales background in the healthcare industry of over 17 years. He will help Best Sanitizers, Inc. develop a quality line of products while growing a customer base in this segment.

Best Sanitizers continues to put the needs of their customers first. It is the companys mission to create new and innovative products that will improve cleaning and sanitation processes. Today, Best Sanitizers products are used in over 10,000 food and beverage processing facilities in the U.S and Canada. Its Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizer, Alpet D2 Quat-Free Surface Sanitizer, Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizing Wipes, Alpet Sanitizing Soaps and Alpet Hand Sanitizers are staples throughout the Food and Beverage processing industry.

For more information on Best Sanitizers, Inc., visit: http://www.bestsanitizers.com.

About Best Sanitizers, Inc:

For over twenty-five years, Best Sanitizers, Inc. has been providing the Food Processing, Janitorial Sanitation and Healthcare industries with the highest quality hand soaps, hand sanitizers, surface sanitizers and dispensing options available. In addition, Best Sanitizers offers cleaning and sanitizing equipment including boot scrubbers, footwear sanitizing units, doorway foamers, drain foaming accessories, and proportioning and dispensing equipment. You will find our products helping processors large and small reduce the risk of pathogens throughout the US. Best Sanitizers was the first company to achieve an E3 rating for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and the first to achieve a D2 rating for an alcohol/quat-based surface sanitizer for food contact surfaces.


BGZ brands Teams up with Centric Software to Control Complexity and Govern Growth Within our organization right now, there are many touch points and systems. Having one system will streamline and simplify.

BGZ brands, the device accessory company, has selected Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution, Centric SMB for emerging brands. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source and sell products such as apparel, footwear, sporting goods, furniture, home decor, cosmetics, food & beverage and luxury to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lehi, Utah, BGZ brands began as NLU Products, a screen protection company for the original handhelds and PDAs. It grew quickly with the evolution of smartphones and has become a leader and innovator in the industry offering a wide variety of protective solutions for mobile devices. Through acquisitions and the development of new brands, BGZ brands became the powerhouse parent company to three distinct brands of elevated value and quality: BodyGuardz, Lander and Moxyo.

The companys rapid growth necessitated greater efficiency and the tools to manage a growing portfolio of products and customers. Clark Bailey, Director of Engineering and Product Development says, The organization has grown over the last four years. We manage eight product categories that are becoming more complex and our current tools like email, excel or Google docs just can't keep up with the pace were moving.

BGZ brands set out to find a PLM solution to handle their increasingly diversifying business, choosing Centric SMB over others as the best fit. Says Bailey, Ive had experience in the past with PLM systems that werent designed to keep up with the rapid pace of the consumer goods industry. He continues, And Centric just feels much more intuitive. We found it to be extremely robust and flexible, with a short learning curve for our employees. The interface is similar to a spreadsheet with tabs, which is way easier to learn than a bunch of random clicks and proprietary nomenclature.

When Centric SMB is implemented, it will serve as a central repository for everyone, including new employees with different backgrounds. Bailey explains, We continue to grow and everybody has their own preferred way of doing things. There's a lot of tribal knowledge around the organization, so in addition to managing more complicated projects, PLM centralizes all the information in one source of the truth.

BGZ is relying on Centric PLMTM to increase data validity. Bailey says, Within our organization right now, there are many touch points and systems. Having one system will streamline and simplify. He talks about his department. I am in the Product group. We are creating information that should flow seamlessly through the other systems and keep everything accurate. Centric PLM is going to integrate with our ERP and Adobe to achieve that workflow automation.

Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software says, We are pleased to be BGZ brands digital transformation partner. They are a rapidly growing company, expanding into new categories and we are honored by the trust BGZ has placed in Centric as they continue their growth trajectory.

Learn more about Centric SMB

Request a Demo

BGZ brands (http://bgzbrands.com/)

BGZ brands got its start as NLU in 2002 a device protection company that specialized in screen protection. Over the years, the organization began acquiring and developing new brands. As the company progressed, it became necessary to take on a new, more inclusive name to reflect its expanding brand portfolio and broadening range of product offerings.

The BGZ brands name stems from the companys roots  BodyGuardz. BGZ brands is now the powerhouse parent company to three distinct brands of elevated value and quality: BodyGuardz, Lander, and MOXYO. BGZ brands is also a proud supporter of Relief Haven, a charitable foundation aimed at supporting and empowering those in need.

Accolades: CES Innovation Awards Honoree 2021 BodyGuardz 5-in-1 Emergency Hub - - CES Innovation Awards Honoree 2021 Lander Boulder - - Salt Lake Tribune Top Workplaces 2020 - - - - Inc. Best Workplaces 2017 - - Best of State 2017 - Utah Genius 2017 - Utah Innovations Award 2018 - Inc. 500 2015 - AE Fastest 50 2015 - Utah Business Fast 50 2015 - International Service Award
Haley Hop has joined Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company, LLC (BLS & Co.) as its newest Site Selection and Incentives Consultant in its Princeton, N.J., headquarters. Were pleased that we continue to attract top talent and look forward to utilizing Haleys engineering and economic development education, as well as her experience working with BIO Alabama, to serve our growing roster of clients, said Jay Biggins, executive managing director, BLS & Co.

Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company, LLC (BLS & Co.) has hired Haley Hop as its newest Site Selection and Incentives Consultant in its Princeton, N.J., headquarters. BLS & Co. provides site selection, incentives advisory, redevelopment, energy and economic development services to clients across the country.

Were pleased that we continue to attract top talent and look forward to utilizing Haleys engineering and economic development education, as well as her experience working with BIO Alabama, to serve our growing roster of clients, said Jay Biggins, executive managing director, BLS & Co.

Hops work experience includes positions with the University of Alabama, Garver and BIO Alabama. During her time at BIO Alabama, she coordinated efforts to create the organizations economic development strategic roadmap.

Hop earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and holds a Master of Science in Economic Development. Hop is on track to secure her MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi this summer.

Im honored to join BLS & Co. and for the opportunity to serve clients regionally and nationally, said Hop. The BLS team has helped many of the worlds best-known companies select the optimal locations for their diverse operations and I look forward to supporting the BLS team to build on an already impressive legacy of success.

About Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Co.

Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company, LLC (BLS & Co.) helps some of the worlds largest corporations identify the best locations, secure incentives, obtain development approvals and optimize energy strategies. Location Economics, the firms trademarked multi-disciplinary approach, focuses on creating value for companies and their communities. BLS & Co. is headquartered in Princeton, N.J., with offices in New York, Chicago, Cleveland and Walnut Creek, Calif. http://www.blsstrategies.com.


The future of innovation and the way we do business in the energy industry going forward is all about collaboration, which is why we started Corvacon to be the catalyst for change by connecting stakeholders, from innovators and developers to the field and board room decision makers

Corva, the leader in real-time drilling and completion analytics, celebrates Corvacon today, an inaugural event centered around the voice of the oil & gas community and solving common challenges together. The event is slated to take place twice a year in the spring and fall to foster an open discussion of topics impacting the oil & gas community, including digital transformation, emerging trends, and the energy transition. Spring Corvacon is being held at Corva's Houston headquarters featuring prominent speakers from major oil & gas companies and thought leaders who will participate in an ESG panel discussion. Corva users and other energy professionals will also learn the latest digital oilfield trends and best practices throughout the day with presentations spanning data quality, offshore drilling optimization, and other innovations from Corva.

The future of innovation and the way we do business in the energy industry going forward is all about collaboration, which is why we started Corvacon to be the catalyst for change by connecting stakeholders, from innovators and developers to the field and board room decision makers, said Ryan Dawson, Corvas founder and CEO. Corvacon's knowledge sharing agenda is packed with best practices and emerging trends to help energy companies build faster, better, safer, more profitable wells and we're excited to show just how Corva is responding to industry needs with powerful new innovations, he said. Dawson commented, ESG is just as much a key performance indicator as footage in the zone and stages per day; I'm so proud that again Corva is on the front line of change with today's ESG panel to drive the conversation forward.

To succeed amidst constantly shifting market conditions and evolving ESG policy, drilling and completion teams must continuously improve processes and drive higher levels of operational and cost efficiency. As a result, the oil & gas industry is prioritizing digital oilfield transformation to improve drilling efficiency, fracturing performance, process safety, emissions, and other business drivers. Corvacon aims to bring all stakeholders together twice a year to provide a catalyst for innovation and accelerate impactful change by connecting the oil & gas community, technology providers, influencers, thought leaders, and energy professionals.

The spring Corvacon agenda includes:



Opportunities to connect and collaborate, plus presentations from leading oil & gas companies, Corva partners, and subject matter experts.

Environmental, social, governance (ESG) panel discussion with experts on sustainability and industry media who will provide their perspectives on the rapidly evolving policy picture and the response from operators and market participants.

In depth breakout sessions on identifying hazards, analyzing offset well pressure, drilling and completion best practices, enhanced wellbore placement, analyzing nonproductive time, and integrating geoscience and engineering workflows.

Updates on key areas where Corva is responding to the needs of the oil & gas industry, including elevating data quality for real time operations centers, improving productivity with new integrations, optimizing offshore drilling, and improving data consumption.

With its latest wave of innovations, Corva continues its successful track record of partnering with the oil & gas community to solve business challenges together by targeting specific pain points across the rig and real time operations centers.

About Corva

Corva is a Houston-based technology startup focused on helping oil & gas companies to optimize drilling and completions through real-time data insights and analytics. The company built a first-of-its-kind software platform for delivering a suite of nearly 100 mobile and web apps to monitor drilling and completions, identify hazardous conditions, and give users recommendations based on current and historical subsurface data. As a result, Corva increases rate of penetration, improves frac performance, and reduces costly rig downtime. Corvas software products support oil & gas drilling operations across North America with hundreds of users, including drilling engineers, superintendents, rig crews, and management. For more information, please visit http://www.corva.ai.
Fueled by the growing needs and continued demand of its customers, Cyber Chasse Inc., one of the fast-growing cybersecurity consulting companies in the USA has announced its plans to expand its services in Canada. The company that has a presence in 5 countries is planning to offer their services in Canada by delivering AI and cybersecurity solutions addressing the real challenges in the country.

We're excited and optimistic about how our company is progressing. We will offer top-notch AI and cybersecurity solutions to our clients in Canada and strives to be part of the cybersecurity hub in Quebec. By integrating our expert consulting and training solutions, we will create 100+ employees and 3000+ skilled cybersecurity experts in 3 years. We strongly believe that our current and future partnerships with top universities in Canada will transform the cybersecurity skilling ecosystem and bridge the cybersecurity skills gap in the Greater Montreal region. said Anilkumar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Cyber Chasse Inc.

Cyber Chasse has been striving for the past 5 years to provide innovative solutions in the areas of technology consulting, global staffing and eLearning solutions. The company has been collaborating with corporates and governments in the USA, India, Australia and the UK to secure organizations through their expert solutions.

We're excited to grow our presence in Canada and continue to deploy our AI, cybersecurity, big data and blockchain solutions to a broader audience. We are focused on widening our global operations and make them accessible to as many beneficiaries as possible using the agility of a streamlined organization. expressed Nidhi Thakkar, Co-founder of Cyber Chasse Inc. She also said that through this expansion, the company is making a decisive move towards development of its business worldwide.

About Cyber Chasse Inc.

With a presence in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and India, Cyber Chasse Incs line of business comprises IT Consulting, High Tech Skill Development and Staffing. The company which has its headquarters in Dallas, Texas with an operating office in Tampa, Florida is specialized in Network Security Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Science, AIML, and other niche technologies.

The company, which was incepted in 2017 offer innovative technology solutions by providing up-to-date, cutting-edge, and affordable online and vendor-based solutions for everyone. Additionally, with a mission to bridge the global skills-gap and offer advanced staffing services, the company has diversified into education and staffing sectors as well.

Cyber Chasse Academy that was formed in 2020 virtually imparts futuristic technology education to potential students across the globe. Within a year, the academy has achieved projects with Government, private, state, and federal agencies in the USA, the UK and India.

Websites-

Cyber Chasse Inc.: https://cyberchasse.com/

Cyber Chasse Academy: https://cyberchasseacademy.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cyberchasse/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-chasse-inc/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cyber_chasse?lang=en

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cyberchasseinc/
Seventy years after its peaceful liberation, Tibet takes on a new look

16:55, May 20, 2021 By Yi Fan ( People's Daily Online

The square in front of the Potala Palace is decorated to celebrate the Serfs' Emancipation Day in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorge)

On 23 May 1951, the 17-Article Agreement on measures for the peaceful liberation of Tibet was signed between representatives of the Central Peoples Government and the local government of Tibet, an event that marked the peaceful liberation of the region. The snowy plateau, covering an eighth of Chinas land territory, thus emerged from the darkness and backwardness of its pre-liberation times and embarked on the journey toward great economic growth and social progress. With equal rights to development, people of all ethnic groups in Tibet forged ahead in unity with the rest of the Chinese nation toward common prosperity. Seventy years on, the age-old Tibetan plateau takes on a new look and presents itself proudly to the world.

Liberated serfs became masters of their own affairs and united as one family with all other ethnic groups

Prior to its peaceful liberation, Tibet was ruled by feudal serfdom for hundreds of years. Ninety-five percent of its population were merely talking tools in the eyes of serf owners. Thanks to the peaceful liberation, the democratic reform and the implementation of regional ethnic autonomy, millions of serfs were liberated. The living standards of the Tibetan people saw an unprecedented boost, with average life expectancy doubling from 35.5 years in 1951 to 71.1 in 2020.

Deputies from Tibetan and other ethnic minorities account for over 92 percent of the peoples congresses at all levels in Tibet, and officials from Tibetan and other ethnic minorities account for 70 percent of the autonomous regions total. The concept of the socialist ethnic relations of equality, unity, mutual assistance and harmony is widely embraced by the Tibetan people. People of all ethnic groups are closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate that stick together.

After the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core formulated the CPCs policies on developing Tibet for a new era as the fundamental guidelines for Tibet-related work, drawing on the Party's experience of rallying the people to build a stable and prosperous Tibet. It is fair to say that without the peaceful liberation, there would be no historic leap forward of social system in Tibet to speak of, still less the improvement of socialist democracy in the region and its peoples livelihood.

Economic growth made huge strides, roads and rails stretch far and wide

In the past seven decades, Tibet has achieved all-round social and economic development thanks to the strong support of the Central Government and the concerted efforts of people of all ethnic groups. In 1958, Tibets industrial and agricultural output stood at merely 202 million yuan. In 2019, the GDP of Tibet reached an impressive 169.78 billion yuan, and registered a new high of 190.27 billion yuan in 2020.

The tertiary industry, tourism in particular, has grown into a strong engine for Tibets economic growth. In 2019, tourism revenue in Tibet registered 55.93 billion yuan. In the same year, the region received 541,900 foreign tourists, realizing US$279 million of foreign exchange revenues. More than 100,000 Tibetan farmers and herdsmen have seen their livelihood significantly improved through tourism, and initial success has been achieved in building Tibet into an international tourist destination.

Rapid economic development in Tibet is empowered by a sprawling network of transportation infrastructure. It was only after its peaceful liberation did Tibet start to build its modern highway from scratch. By the end of 2020, Tibet already had 117,000 kilometers of highway, including 688 kilometers of high-grade highway, and 954 kilometers of railway open to traffic. Now, Tibet has formed a comprehensive, multi-dimensional transportation network that consists of highways, railways and air routes with Lhasa as the hub.

Opening up to the outside world, Tibet gains its fame as a gateway on China's southwest border

As China expands opening-up and enhances cooperation with partners of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Tibet is playing an increasingly important role as a gateway to South Asian countries.

With the support of the Central Government, Tibet has improved infrastructure connectivity by working closely with Nepal on infrastructure projects such as railways, highways and bridges. It has strengthened policy connectivity by actively participating in the building of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a move informed by the reality of the region and the need to synergize development strategies with BRI partner countries. The region has enhanced people-to-people connectivity by hosting the China Tibet Tourism and Culture Expo and fostered closer ties with the world through cultural exchanges. It has promoted trade connectivity by encouraging local businesses to go global, bringing in foreign enterprises, and pushing forward external exchanges and cooperation in tourism, cultural industry, agriculture and husbandry. An open and well-connected Tibet is engaging itself in Chinas endeavor to embrace greater openness and deeper international cooperation, and playing a greater role in advancing mutually beneficial cooperation and connectivity between China and its neighboring countries.

The past seven decades have witnessed the considerable development momentum of Tibet out of the shadow of seclusion, poverty and backwardness. Guided by the CPCs policies on developing Tibet for a new era, the autonomous region will embrace a brighter future!

(Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji)
While numerous surveys show that employees mostly celebrate returning to the office, workers expect more flexibility than before.

A NYC area remote workforce technology expert shares strategies for adapting to a hybrid workforce in a new article on the eMazzanti Technologies website. The informative article first reviews employee attitudes about returning to work, stating that most expect more flexibility than before the pandemic.

The author recommends that readers start by analyzing the lessons learned over the past year of remote work. She then urges them to rethink office spaces and to adjust data security practices as needed. She concludes by suggesting that decision makers also rethink meeting and connection strategies.

While numerous surveys show that employees mostly celebrate returning to the office, workers expect more flexibility than before, stated Jennifer Mazzanti, CEO, eMazzanti Technologies.

Below are a few excerpts from the article, Hybrid Workforce Strategies for Success.

Analyze Lessons Learned

While the world moved to remote work overnight, the switch to the next working model will require more careful planning. Looking back at the pros and cons of the past year provides a perfect starting point for strategic planning.

Rethink Office Spaces

In a hybrid workforce, office spaces can include the home as well as corporate offices and co-working spaces. A successful strategy will provide a consistent experience for all members of a team, regardless of their office location.

Adjust Data Security Practices

One critical area that organizations must address involves data security. Outdated, perimeter-based security strategies will no longer protect the emerging workforce. IT leadership must conduct thorough risk analyses and adjust network and security policies accordingly. Updates must take into account all of the various workspaces involved.

Match Connection Solutions to the Need

Statistics from multiple sources show that workers spend more time in meetings now than ever before, contributing to digital overload. Thus, while team members need to connect, both for collaboration and sociality, more meetings will not fit the bill. Fortunately, over the past months people have grown more comfortable with various technology options.

Implementing Strategies for a Hybrid Workforce

Organizations may find that the hybrid workforce brings the best of both worlds, delivering improved collaboration, productivity, and flexibility. But successfully navigating the hybrid normal will take careful planning and wise technology choices. eMazzanti delivers a range of services to help business leaders support and secure a hybrid work environment.

Have you read?

Improve Email Deliverability and Secure Business Reputation with Essential Tools

Top Ranked Retail MSP eMazzanti Delivers Powerful Retail Technology Solutions

About eMazzanti Technologies

eMazzantis team of trained, certified IT experts rapidly deliver increased revenue growth, data security and productivity for clients ranging from law firms to high-end global retailers, providing advanced retail and payment technology, cloud and mobile solutions, multi-site implementations, 247 outsourced network management, remote monitoring, and support.

eMazzanti has made the Inc. 5000 list 9X, including eight consecutive years, is a 4X Microsoft Partner of the Year, the #1 ranked NYC area MSP and NJ Business of the Year! Contact: 1-866-362-9926, info@emazzanti.net or http://www.emazzanti.net Twitter: @emazzanti Facebook: Facebook.com/emazzantitechnologies.


EMV Capital leads 3.4m investment in smart sensor maker PointGrab  helps businesses maintain social distance in post-COVID offices As a long-term investor, we backed Pointgrab managements vision of using smart technology for a safe, productive and flexible office environment.

PointGrab, a maker of smart sensors that help businesses maintain social distancing in post-COVID offices, has completed a 3.4m equity raise led by specialist venture capitalist EMV Capital.

PointGrabs product is a smart workplace platform system enabling organisations to count, track the flow and locate people at individual desks, on floors or across an entire campus. It alerts users when social distancing measures are breached.

The system also features cleaning and sanitation measures to help make offices COVID secure. The platform is already used in over 40 countries, by 45 Fortune 500 Companies.

Other features include:



Indoor navigation, find my colleague and desk booking to support hybrid seating and working practices, helping colleagues return to offices safely

Smart analytics platform that provides insights about the usage of real estate

With the return to the office now in sight, globally, employers are working on ways to help their teams return to work in safe environments that meet new COVID-secure working practices.

PointGrabs solution is well tried and tested, having been deployed in over 200 locations across 5 continents. It offers an immediate and integrated solution to the problems facing commercial real estate manager and companies in a post-COVID world. This funding will build on a solid pipeline of new deployments globally.

EMV Capitals syndicated investment will be used to address increasing requirements from PointGrabs new and existing clients to provide technological solutions to help people return to offices in a COVID-safe manner. This funding round includes investments from existing PointGrab investors, EMV Capitals parent company NetScientific PLC and new EMV Capital private investors.

Doron Shachar, PointGrab CEO, said: "PointGrab will use this investment to consolidate our position as a leader in the growing smart office market segment, and continue to service Fortune 500 and other industry leader clients. Our platform enables creative and stress-free working environments by providing real-time data and flexibility to employers, compliant with new health and safety regulations.

Shachar added: PointGrab is expanding to help its customers adjust to this new business landscape, accelerating the return to business as usual, while reducing public health risk.

EMV Capitals CEO and Pointgrab Board member Dr. Ilian Iliev said: As a long-term investor, we backed Pointgrab managements vision of using smart technology for a safe, productive and flexible office environment.

Iliev added: In line with our pro-active investment strategy, we worked with the management team throughout the COVID crisis to help evolve corporate and investment strategy in response to the once-in-a-generation shifts in corporate practices unleashed by COVID. We were happy to see both existing and new investors take advantage of our syndication model, including our parent company NetScientific PLC.

About PointGrab

http://www.pointgrab.com

PointGrab is a leading machine learning and computer vision PropTech company that provides smart sensing solutions to the building automation and facilities management industry. The company applies its superior deep-learning technology to the building automation ecosystem, where opportunities to gather data are abundant, but efficient, real-time analytics are lacking. Its investors include EMV Capital, ABB Ventures, Signify, and various family offices.

For PointGrab COVID-19 use case video, please visit https://vimeo.com/407575381

CNN Business Feature, Smart sensors could track social distancing in the office, October 23, 2020:

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/23/tech/pointgrab-sensors-social-distancing-office-spc-intl/index.html

About EMV Capital

http://www.emvcapital.com

EMV Capital Ltd (EMVC) is a London-based award-winning investor focused on B2B companies in the healthcare, sustainability and industrials sectors. It is a subsidiary of AIM-listed NetScientific PLC. EMVCs investments in UK, US and Israel cover a range of technologies including robotics and AI, advanced engineering, power electronics and Medtech. EMVCs model is to develop customized investment strategies for its portfolio companies, combining its network of private investors, institutional VCs investors and Corporate VC funds.

EMV Capital Limited is an appointed representative of Sapphire Capital Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

For more information, please visit http://www.pointgrab.com.

Contact Information

PointGrab Ltd. | http://www.pointgrab.com

Roee Peled

+972544468120

roeep@pointgrab.com

EMV Capital Ltd | http://www.emvcapital.com

Dr. Ilian Iliev, Managing Director

info@emvcapital.com

+44 (0)203 761 6138
The FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University today welcomed the first class of students into its Future Innovators Program, a new engineering internship opportunity aimed at introducing historically under-represented students into the U.S. Department of Defenses (DoD) technical talent pipeline.

The program is a partnership between FirePoint, the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), Tuskegee University, Prairie View A&M University and the U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), connecting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to internship opportunities with local aerospace manufacturers in the Wichita area.

Were extremely pleased to be a part of this program to showcase the type of cutting-edge career opportunities the defense industry offers, said Justin Welner, VP CAO with Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita. Too often we miss out on exceptional talent because they gravitate toward the coasts and get picked up by the tech sector, unaware of the groundbreaking work being done right here in the heartland. This is a great opportunity to both bolster our talent pipeline and to introduce new perspectives into our work.

In this years program, six students will spend ten weeks working directly for organizations in the local aviation ecosystem, including Spirit and Textron Aviation, manufacturer of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft. Throughout the summer, the Future Innovators will also meet bi-weekly with mentors at the AvMC to discuss their career goals and learn about potential opportunities within the DoD. At the conclusion of the program, each student will provide a presentation and feedback to leadership at the AvMC.

Filling a Void on Both Sides of the Equation

Future Innovators is part of FirePoints mission to bring together the best expertise, technologies and capabilities from industry, academia and government to enable the Army of the Future.

A large part of our mission involves cultivating young STEM talent to support the Armys future needs, said Steve Cyrus, executive director of FirePoint. Through workforce development programs like Future Innovators, were able to engage students in hands-on collaborative work that not only gives them valuable career-building experience but also raises awareness of Army-related job opportunities.

At the same time, Future Innovators aims to give minority students opportunities to explore engineering careers. Of the 93,000 students who earn an engineering-related bachelors degree each year, only 4 percent are black and just 14 percent are women, despite those groups making up 14 percent and 50 percent of the U.S population, respectively. By working to place students from HBCUs in these engineering-related internships, FirePoint aims to help close that gap, introducing greater diversity, equality and inclusion into the STEM fields.

Having hands-on experience is so important heading into the job market, which is why I jumped at the chance to get involved with this program, said Cayla Brooks, a Mechanical Engineering Major at Tuskegee University. I hadnt even considered a career in the defense industry before now, so Im eager to learn what kind of opportunities are available.

Next year, FirePoint plans to expand the Future Innovators program to include more students and more participating industry partners.

About FirePoint

FirePoint is a partnership between Wichita State University and the U.S. Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command, Aviation and Missile Center (DEVCOM, AvMC) that accelerates joint technology development, transfer and commercialization among DEVCOM, universities, industry and other government organizations. FirePoint aims to support the educational, commercial and workforce development necessary to drive innovation and collaboration across the key Army modernization priorities. FirePoint initiatives support collaboration, partnering, and STEM workforce development to ensure modern Army combat readiness and overmatch in the multidomain battlespace. For more information, visit http://www.firepoint.info.
Noting her strong track record of thoughtful public infrastructure financing counseling, particularly amid the fiscal uncertainties unleashed by the pandemic, the Philadelphia Business Journal named Greenberg Traurig, LLP Public Finance & Infrastructure Shareholder Ana C. Montalban to its 2021 40 Under 40 list.

The publication honored the recipients at a virtual awards celebration today.

Ana models the smart, dynamic, and thoughtful lawyering we provide clients in this region and across the globe, so were thrilled to see her receive this honor, said Curtis B. Toll, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurigs Philadelphia office. At a time where national focus increasingly is centered on rebuilding our infrastructure responsibly, Anas years of diligent and savvy public finance experience are even more worthy of recognition.

This award is part of whats shaping up to be a banner year for Ana, who was just elevated to shareholder in January  and its clear the Business Journal recognized what we already saw in her commitment to her practice and to our community, Toll added.

The publication reports fielding more than 300 nominations this year for the 40 coveted awards.

Montalban joined Greenberg Traurig in 2012 as an associate, having spent time working in the City of Philadelphias Law Department. She rose to of counsel and then shareholder. She holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.

As COVID-19 impacted the aviation and airline industry, Montalban served as lead disclosure counsel for a local international airport in a $390 million revenue bond financing, an effort that allowed its leadership to save both significant amounts of money and jobs. This is but one of several such mission-critical deals in which she played a key role in 2020, such as helping to increase the operational capacity of skilled nursing facilities across the United States by shepherding some $814.8 million in securities that helped refinance assets for a client working to safeguard vulnerable residents and employees. She also serves as lead disclosure counsel in yearly issuances for the local water department, whose approach to sustainability and water protection efforts have been held up as an urban model.

That work dovetails with other such business consequential and socially-relevant transactions, such as serving as a key member of a team that financed some $400 million for clients  including one in Pennsylvania  converting solid waste to renewable plastic products, agricultural waste to fiber products, and dump-bound, pre-sold grocery items transformed into nutritional animal feed. Or serving on the bond counsel team that led financing for high-speed rail facilities throughout Florida, a project that issued nearly $3 billion in bonds that addresses transportation and sustainability issues amid deepening climate change issues.

Beyond her practice, Montalban engages in community efforts important to her, with past pro bono examples through Congreso, VIP, HIAS, Committee of 70 and Women Against Abuse. She also has mentored students and young lawyers of color from her alma mater and through Greenberg Traurigs internal Latinx lawyer affinity group, SOMOS.

The 40 under 40 list is designed to recognize a cross-section of current and future leaders in a variety of industries in the city and region.

About Greenberg Traurig Philadelphia: Founded in 1997, Greenberg Traurigs Philadelphia office is home to some 50 attorneys whose practices include Real Estate, Public Finance & Infrastructure, Litigation, Labor & Employment, Environmental, Government Law & Policy, Restructuring & Bankruptcy, White Collar Defense & Special Investigations, Corporate & Securities, Intellectual Property, Immigration & Compliance, Investment Regulation, and Tax. The Philadelphia office represents clients in the manufacturing, health care, real estate, energy, financial, and insurance industries, state and local governments, professional service, and energy firms and individuals.

About Greenberg Traurigs Public Finance & Infrastructure Practice: Greenberg Traurig , LLP has a national public finance practice that consistently ranks among the top bond, disclosure, and underwriters counsel firms according to The Bond Buyers nationwide and statewide rankings. Greenberg Traurig LLPs Public Finance Practice has been serving the needs of state and local issuers, underwriters, credit providers, bondholders, and conduit borrowers throughout the United States for more than 30 years in virtually every area of public finance. The firm currently has more than 30 attorneys in the Public Finance Practice in its Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Washington D.C., and West Palm Beach offices.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2,200 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. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
MOLLI, a wire-free localization technology for breast cancer surgery, consists of an implantable marker, detection wand and visualization tablet that together, provide superior tumour localization. We are grateful to Health Canada and are looking forward to working with hospitals across the country to implement our home-grown solution, which will make breast cancer surgery easier and more precise, said Jim Temerty, Chairman, MOLLI Surgical.

MOLLI Surgical Inc. today announces Health Canada licensing for Canadian-based MOLLI, a new wire-free localization technology for breast cancer surgery. The technology helps radiologists mark lesions quickly and accurately, and enables surgeons to locate and remove lesions more efficiently while facilitating the best cosmetic results and a better patient experience.

Health Canadas decision to license MOLLI, the first Canadian-made wire-free localization technology for breast cancer, meets an important milestone, said Jim Temerty, Chairman, MOLLI Surgical. We are grateful to Health Canada and are looking forward to working with hospitals across the country to implement our home-grown solution, which will make breast cancer surgery easier and more precise.

MOLLI consists of an implantable marker, detection wand and visualization tablet that together, provide superior tumour localization. The technology, which is used by both radiologists and surgeons, is reliable, easy-to-use, and provides more efficient clinical workflows compared to wire or radioactive seed methods. MOLLI uses non-radioactive, solid magnet technology to mark target tissue on the same day or less than 30 days prior to surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon uses the MOLLI Wand, which detects the MOLLI Marker, to remove the lesion more efficiently.

MOLLI began at the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital when a patient advisory council challenged Dr. Ananth Ravis group to come up with a kinder, more accurate and cost-effective alternative to wire-guided localization, said Andy Smith, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Hospital. I want to congratulate the entire MOLLI Surgical team for this remarkable achievement in surgical innovation  but, more importantly, for the enormous and worldwide impact they are making for people living with breast cancer. We look forward to being the first customer in Canada to use MOLLI.

This year, alone, more than two million women around the globe will receive the devastating news that they have breast cancer, said Fazila Seker, CEO of MOLLI Surgical. Our mission is to make their journey smoother and support them along the way.

Unlike radioactive seed localization, MOLLI eliminates the anxiety patients may have related to radiation exposure from radioactive seed localization methods, Seker added. Because MOLLI is based on magnetism, not radiation, hospitals avoid the time-consuming and expensive resources to adhere to radiation safety regulations. With MOLLI, there are no complex monitoring and disposal protocols, cumbersome and expensive equipment or lost time searching for a misplaced radioactive seed.

MOLLI provides better accuracy with wire-free localization, without the radiation of other methods. The technology has tremendous market opportunity with applications that extend beyond breast cancer tumour localization. Its easy-to-use and designed to work with standard clinical workflows and surgical instruments. The technology provides confidence and efficiency in radiology by utilizing the benefits of easy introducer needle insertion and standard marker deployment and is compatible with conventional mammography and ultrasound imaging. The MOLLI Marker is only 3.2 mm in size, allowing radiologists to accurately localize the smallest non-palpable tumours. The devices solid magnetic technology means it cant be deactivated and there is no radioactivity tracking or signal decay. For more information visit: http://www.mollisurgical.com.

ABOUT OUR TECHNOLOGY

Our first product, MOLLI, is wire-free localization technology for breast cancer surgery. Consisting of a marker, detection wand and visualization tablet, MOLLI is designed for superior tumour localization accuracy, enhanced reliability, ease of use and a more efficient lumpectomy workflow compared to wire or radioactive seed methods. The MOLLI solution provides comfort, convenience, and confidence to both clinicians and patients  and is the first of many accessible solutions that can be imagined and brought to life through partnerships between MOLLI Surgical and clinicians who envision using MOLLIs capability across the surgical spectrum.

ABOUT MOLLI SURGICAL

MOLLI Surgical started in the operating room, where surgeons were using dated tools to treat cancer patients  and we knew we could do better. Our surgical wand is precise, easy-to-use and built with the realities of the operating room in mind. More importantly, it is built with patients in mind. Our technology replaces a procedure to mark tumours that are traumatic and uncomfortable with one that is not only kinder  but more accurate, efficient and cost-effective. MOLLI Surgical is proud to build the advanced equipment that patients prefer to have and that physicians prefer to use.


SignatureCare Emergency Center's 24-Hour ER in Spring, TX Which vaccine is better? Get the first vaccine that is available to you. This has been the guidance up until most recently. It now appears that women under the age of 50 should choose the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines if available, as opposed to the one produced by Johnson and Johnson.

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That is the question most Texans are currently grappling with as they decide whether to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Houston, TX emergency room physician, Dr. Michael Sarabia said there is an easy answer to that question: Get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Dr. Sarabia, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and Medical Director with SignatureCare Emergency Center in Atascocita/Humble, TX, said after attending to so many Texans with lung damage from COVID, his advice is for everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

As an Emergency Medicine physician, I see patients every day who wish they had been vaccinated. Some tell me that they were against vaccines, but now that they have permanent lung damage they think otherwise, Sarabia said this week.

They are victims of misinformation, spoken by irresponsible individuals who are not interested enough in your health. Instead, they are more interested in getting you amped up and coming back for more, he added.

He said those patients regret not doing the simple things like wearing masks, avoiding indoor gatherings and getting vaccinated.

Universally, my patients (the victims) regret not doing the easy things like wearing masks, avoiding indoor gatherings, and getting vaccinated. For every one case of serious side effect caused by COVID-19 vaccination, more than 1000 lives are being saved, he said.

On which vaccine is better for Texans, Dr. Sarabia said Texans should get the first vaccine that is available to them.

He however, urged women under the age of 50 to get either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and avoid J&J where possible.

Which vaccine is better? Get the first vaccine that is available to you. This has been the guidance up until most recently. It now appears that women under the age of 50 should choose the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines if available, as opposed to the one produced by Johnson and Johnson, Dr. Sarabia said.

About SignatureCare Emergency Center

SignatureCare Emergency Center owns and manages the fastest growing group of 24-hour emergency rooms throughout Texas. We currently have ERs in Houston (Houston Heights, Montrose, Copperfield, Memorial City, Westchase, Bellaire, Mission Bend/Sugar Land, and Cypress/FM 1960), Atascocita (Humble), Spring, Plano, Stafford, Killeen, Pflugerville, Lewisville, Austin, College Station, Midland, Paris, Odessa and Texarkana, TX.

Go to our website, https://ercare24.com for more information
I look forward to celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the I Have A Dream Foundation, the organization that started my career in public service.

In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, the I Have A Dream Foundation will be holding a virtual gala on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021. The live stream will take place at 6pm ET, with a pre-event networking session at 5:30pm ET.

The event, which will be hosted by actress Stephanie Andujar, an alumna of the program who has appeared in Blue Bloods, Orange is the New Black, and Precious, will honor four alumni (Dreamers,) each from a different decade of the I Have A Dream Foundations history. Tanzina Vega, who joined the program in New York in 1986, is currently the Host and Editorial Lead of radio news program The Takeaway from WNYC. Shamonica Wiggins, who joined the Dallas, TX, program in 1996, is a national advocate for Sickle Cell Anemia. Kenny Nguyen, who began the Boulder, CO program in 2001, currently serves as Executive Assistant to Lt. Governor Primavera of Colorado, and will be introduced by Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Kenneth Brown, who joined the Los Angeles, CA program in 2013, is a professional musician who appeared in the 2021 Grammys.

The program will feature remarks from U.S. Senator Chris Coons, former I Have A Dream Foundation staff and National board member, who will announce an exciting new program, and Governor Jared Polis, an entrepreneur and philanthropist serving as 43rd governor of Colorado. Throughout the organizations 40 year history, many I Have A Dream Foundation staff and volunteers have been inspired to answer the call for educational equity into public service, including former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who first served as a Program Director in Chicago.

Eugena Oh, President and CEO of the National I Have A Dream Foundation, shares of the organizations 40 year history and plans for the future, [i]t is an exciting and critical time to be able to provide resources to communities in need. Our hope is to expand and both deepen relationships in our current partner communities, and to reach new ones as well. It is our honor to continue to work towards Mr. Eugene Langs vision of education and mentorship for all. He was inspired to answer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s call to service, forty years ago; we continue to be inspired by Dr. King each and every day.

Alum Honoree Tanzina Vega says of her experience in the program, I Have A Dream allowed me to see what life had to offer outside of my immediate neighborhood and ignited my sense of possibility and ambition.

Senator Chris Coons adds, I look forward to celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the I Have A Dream Foundation, the organization that started my career in public service. My experiences connecting AmeriCorps members with opportunities to serve young people around the country made me appreciate the special role that volunteers, public servants, and nonprofits can play in bringing resources and hope to all of our communities. Programs like I Have A Dream make a real difference in the lives and communities they touch.

The I Have A Dream Foundations 40 year legacy began in 1981 when Eugene Lang pledged to support the college education of an entire class of East Harlem sixth graders. Lang told the class about witnessing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s famous I Have a Dream speech at the 1963 March on Washington. He urged the students to dream their own dreams and promised to do all he could to help them achieve their goals. This sparked a national movement in the years that followed, with philanthropists sponsoring entire classes throughout the country, in a network that would grow to serve over 20,000 students to date on the path to and through college. Today, Dreamers are over 3x more likely to earn a bachelors degree than their peers. Throughout the pandemic, college-aged Dreamers have increased in their likelihood to matriculate, continue to attend, and successfully graduate college, despite the daunting challenges of remote learning.

Those wishing to support educational equity in their own community can learn more about the I Have A Dream Foundation, and register to attend the virtual event, at http://ihaveadreamfoundation.org/gala.

###

About I Have A Dream Foundation:

The I Have A Dream Foundation (IHDF) is a national non-profit organization that empowers young people to achieve their dreams through education and mentoring. The organization provides students, their families, and communities with academic, financial, and emotional support to overcome social inequity. The comprehensive program of support works with young people from kindergarten to career, ensuring they become compassionate adults and have the opportunity to make meaningful choices, to create a more just society. Currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the I Have A Dream Foundation has positively impacted the lives of over 20,000 young people.
Integrated BioTherapeutics Inc. (IBT), a Maryland biotechnology company specializing in emerging infectious diseases, announced today the receipt of a contract valued at up to $16.3 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop IBT-T03H, a monoclonal antibody for treatment of Marburg virus disease (MVD). MVD is caused by either of two marburgviruses, Marburg virus and Ravn virus, and has reemerged several times since it was initially described in 1967. IBT-T03H, discovered in collaboration with the University of Maryland, has been shown in preclinical studies to be protective against both Marburg and Ravn virus.

The contract, including all options, supports formulation development, process development, preclinical safety studies, manufacturing, and a first-in-human dose ranging study of IBT-T03H in a Phase 1 clinical trial. This award supports NIAIDs mission to develop medical countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases and high priority biological threat agents.

Marburg and Ravn viruses are closely related to Ebola virus, and similarly cause a potentially fatal viral hemorrhagic fever. An outbreak of MVD caused by Marburg virus occurred as recently as 2017, and the largest outbreak occurred in 2005 in Uganda, in which a 90% case fatality rate was observed. The related Ravn virus also caused outbreaks in 1987, 1998-2000, and 2007 with case fatality rates reaching 83%. Ravn virus has sometimes co-circulated with Marburg virus during outbreaks. There are no approved therapeutics for the treatment of MVD.

The experience of the 2014-2017 Ebola virus disease outbreak and current COVID-19 pandemic are reminders of the importance of investing in countermeasures for potential future epidemics, said Dr. M. Javad Aman, President and Chief Scientific Officer of IBT. The timely award of this contract is a crucial step toward preparedness against future outbreaks of MVD with potentially disastrous consequences for Africa and the world.

IBT has an outstanding product candidate which has shown efficacy in animal models of MVD and is positioned well for entry into the clinical phase of testing, said Dr. Gary S. Nabors, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.

Prior studies that led to the discovery and development of IBT-T03H were supported by grants R41-AI47929 and R01-AI126587 from NIAID.

About Integrated BioTherapeutics:

IBT develops vaccines and immunotherapies for bacterial and viral infectious diseases. The Companys lead vaccine product, IBT-V02 is a first-in-class multi-component vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus. Supported by CARB-X and by Novo Holdings Repair Impact Fund, IBT-V02 is currently undergoing cGMP manufacturing and IND-enabling studies, with initiation of clinical trials anticipated in late 2021. IBTs immunotherapeutic pipeline includes monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of the array of viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever. IBT is also developing product candidates for the treatment of S. aureus, anthrax, and Clostridium difficile, based on its proprietary Infection Site Targeted Antitoxin Antibody (ISTAb) technology.

Learn more about IBTs pipeline at https://www.integratedbiotherapeutics.com.

IBT Bioservices, the contract research division of IBT, offers in vitro assays and animal models to enable lead-to-candidate selection and eventual progression to IND and clinical development.

To learn more visit http://www.ibtbioservices.com or email us at services@ibtbioservices.com.

CONTACT: Integrated BioTherapeutics Inc.

Gary S. Nabors, Ph.D.

EVP and Chief Development Officer

Phone (240) 539-3060

Email: gnabors@integratedbiotherapeutics.com
Employing Knowledge Management methods and tools enables organizations to better manage their knowledge as a key asset, in turn improving the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical quality system, providing operational benefits and more.

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) announced the release of its latest Guide, ISPE Good Practice Guide: Knowledge Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry. The Guide focuses on how Knowledge Management (KM) can enable a more effective Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS).

The first such guidance in the pharmaceutical industry, the Guide promotes uniting KM with Quality Risk Management (QRM) to enable better risk-based decisions. It shows how KM can enhance nearly every element of the PQS across the product lifecycle.

Knowledge Management focuses on how organizations create, manage, and use knowledge throughout the lifecycle of a product. It, along with QRM, is one of the two enablers of an effective Pharmaceutical Quality System as defined by ICH Q10, said Paige Kane, Guide Team Co-Lead, Director Knowledge Management, Merck & Co., Inc. (Rahway, NJ USA). Employing KM methods and tools enables organizations to better manage their knowledge as a key asset, in turn improving the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical quality system, providing operational benefits and more.

"There are currently few resources, and no industry guidance available which address the role of Knowledge Management specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. This guide works to demystify KM and provides practical guidance, templates, case studies, and references to related ISPE industry guidance to help organizations better understand what KM is, the benefits of effective KM, and how to deploy KM, said Melanie Byrne, Guide Team Co-Lead, Knowledge Management Lead, Pfizer.

This Guide was written and reviewed by a group of experts in the field, making it a must-have reference to improve your capabilities in managing knowledge and using that knowledge to support an effective PQS resulting in improved PQS outcomes (e.g., better risk-based decision making).

Beyond the quality system, substantial and compelling benefits of effective KM include improved business performance by increasing efficiency, building more robust processes, facilitating continual improvement and creating an engaged knowledge workforce.

Purchase the ISPE Good Practice Guide: Knowledge Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry online, available at ISPE.org/Publications/Guidance-Documents, among ISPEs other detailed education resources on a variety of industry topics.

About ISPE

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is a not-for-profit association serving its Members through leading scientific, technical, and regulatory advancement across the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 18,000 Members of ISPE are building solutions in the development and manufacture of safe, effective pharmaceutical and biologic medicines, and medical delivery devices in more than 90 countries around the world. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters and training center in North Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and its operations center in Tampa, Florida, USA. Visit ISPE.org for more information.

For more information, contact:

Amy Henry

Director, Marketing and Communications

International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)

Email: ahenry@ispe.org

ISPE.org
The work requires great focus and consistency across the evaluators, as well as redundancies for quality control

Since being acquired by the global powerhouse in digital transformation, Infosys, Kaleidoscope Innovation, headquartered in Cincinnati Ohio, has seen double digit growth in client opportunities and revenue. One of the biggest drivers of that growth has been the clinical video and data team and their ability to generate knowledge and insights from clinical data to support clinical research. Today, that team becomes the Clinical Data Science team and will report into Medical Affairs, led by Dr. Elliott Fegelman, VP of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer.

Like all aspects of healthcare, clinical science data acquisition is moving to digital. With that digitization comes a need for assessing and scrubbing those data to protect personal health information and to objectively evaluate certain study parameters through good clinical data management practices. Kaleidoscope recognized the need for this service early and began offering clients the compliant and secure portals necessary for proper handling of human clinical research data.

The expertise needed to perform the work has centered on human screeners and graders. The work requires great focus and consistency across the evaluators, as well as redundancies for quality control, Fegelman says. Working with our partners at Infosys, we believe we can bring artificial intelligence and machine learning to the data that will streamline operations, improve accuracy and free the human element for what humans do best  interpretation.

Kaleidoscope continues to explore novel and innovative solutions to help their clients navigate the product development process in consumer, health care and industrial arenas. The creation of the Clinical Data Science team is an example of how they are able to quickly identify and leverage their leadership position to attract quality talent, allowing them to scale their best in class services.

About Kaleidoscope Innovation

Kaleidoscope Innovation is a full-service insights and human factors, design and development firm. Offering both consultancy-style and onsite services, Kaleidoscope Innovation flexes to best help their client partners solve product development challenges. They provide a full breadth of disciplines to meet their partners where needed, including: Insights & Human Factors, Medical Affairs, Industrial Design & User Experience, Engineering, Visualization and Software Development.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 46 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With nearly four 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 http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.
If you would like to know more about the Oakwood Village, Inc. lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

The Northern California labor law attorneys, at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a complaint alleging that Oakwood Village, Inc. committed multiple violations of the California Labor Code. The Oakwood Village, Inc. lawsuit, Case No. S-CV-0046676, is currently pending in the Placer County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

The lawsuit alleges Oakwood Village, Inc. violated the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), which gives rise to civil penalties as a result of Oakwood Village, Inc.s conduct. PAGA authorizes aggrieved employees to file a lawsuit to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations. An "aggrieved employee" is defined as "any person who was employed by the alleged violator and against whom one or more of the alleged violations was committed." Cal. Lab. Code section 2699(c). PAGA allows aggrieved employees to become deputized as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code.

The complaint alleges Oakwood Village, Inc. violated the California Labor Code by failing to: (1) provide compliant meal and rest periods; (2) pay all minimum, regular and overtime wages; (3) reimburse for required business expenses; (4) calculate the correct overtime compensation and sick time rates; (5) provide accurate itemized wage statements; and (6) timely pay earned wages.

If you would like to know more about the Oakwood Village, Inc. lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.

-THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT-
ImageX, a Vancouver based, Drupal web agency, is proud to announce that they have been named on the 2021 list of Best Workplaces for Inclusion.

This honour has been given after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work.

The list is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by Great Place to Work in the past year. The data has a 90% confidence and a plus or minus 5% margin of error.

To be eligible for this list, organizations must have been Great Place to Work- Certified in the past 12 months, and at least 90% of employees must agree they are treated fairly regardless of personal characteristics (such as gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation). Great Place to Work states that they determined the best based on employee responses to inclusion-related Trust Index statements.

Celeste McNeill, Director of HR at ImageX states Were very excited to have received this recognition, at ImageX we are committed to maintaining a work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. This is reflected in our hiring practices and our day to day interactions across the organization. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities wherever possible.

ImageX are actively recruiting for a number of roles, if you would like to hear more about the organizations culture and current opportunities please visit http://www.imagexmedia.com/careers or contact Megan Bower at megan@imagexmedia.com.

----- END OF ARTICLE ----

About ImageX

Enterprise Drupal, Simply Delivered. Founded in 2001 in Vancouver, ImageX is a technology & web agency with a global reach. We help brands across the world such as Disney, Apple, YMCA, Samsung, Adidas, Adobe and Stanford University architect complex technical solutions and create meaningful digital experiences through user experience, content strategy, stunning visual design, and ongoing digital strategy.

Learn more at http://www.imagexmedia.com/

@imagex_media

https://www.linkedin.com/company/imagex-media/

About Great Place to Work:

Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes the world's Best Workplaces in a series of national lists including those published by The Globe & Mail (Canada) and Fortune magazine (USA). Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. Visit us at http://www.greatplacetowork.ca.

Media Contact

For more information or interview requests please contact:

Rosie Gladden

Director, Marketing

rosie@imagexmedia.com
All above-listed offers end June 1.

Hall Volkswagena Volkswagen dealership in Brookfield, Wisconsin, that serves the Milwaukee areais celebrating Memorial Day by offer financing and leasing specials on almost every new 2021 Volkswagen vehicle. Interested parties are encouraged to act quickly, however, as these specials are only available until the end of May.

There are two different financing specials available. The first is 0% APR financing for 60 months. All 2021 Volkswagen models are eligible for this special offer, excluding the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle. The second special is 1.9% APR financing for 72 months. This special is available for all new 2021 Volkswagen vehicles, excluding the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon and the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. All above-listed offers end June 1.

Many 2021 Volkswagen models also have available leasing specials for those that want them. For example, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan can be leased for as low as $219 per month for 39 months. The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta can be leased for as low as $169 per month for 39 months. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas can be leased for as low as $379 per month for 39 months. All above-listed offers end June 1. A full list of leasing specials can be found on the Current Incentives page on the dealership website.

Interested parties can check out the Hall Volkswagen website at hallvw.com. The dealership can be reached via phone by calling 262-435-5513. Hall Volkswagen is located at 19809 W Bluemound Road, Brookfield.
"The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) indicates a substantial increase in manual handling-related incidents since March 2020, suggesting improved manual handling proficiency is essential to safe flight operations."

Aviation Performance Solutions LLC (APS), the global leader in Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT), announced today an exciting Multi Crew Cooperation Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (MCC UPRT) program designed for professional pilots operating in crewed environments.

The first 25 crews to register for the APS MCC UPRT program will receive three high impact features in addition to the core industry-leading on-aircraft training solution. These features include a 1.0-hour Class-specific UPRT simulator session dedicated to Crew Resource Management (CRM) integration; a 1.5-hour self-study online video training course on CRM UPRT; and access to APSs all-new Virtual Reality (VR) type-specific UPRT program while on-site at APS Headquarters.

Get in line for your APS MCC UPRT course right now: apstraining.com/mccuprt

COVID-19 has generated an unprecedented industry-wide decline in manual handling and manual flight operations proficiency, said APS CEO Paul BJ Ransbury. While the rate of Loss of Control In-flight events are low, for the majority of flight operations it is responsible for more fatalities than any other cause factor. The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) indicates a substantial increase in manual handling-related incidents since March 2020, suggesting improved manual handling proficiency is essential to safe flight operations.

ABOUT AVIATION PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS

Aviation Performance Solutions LLC (APS) trains thousands of professional pilots and instructors in comprehensive Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) skill development each year. APS UPRT programs include integrated Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) solutions via industry-leading computer-based, virtual, on-aircraft (jet, turboprop, and piston), and advanced simulator UPRT. All training is in full compliance with the Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aids - Revisions 2 and 3, FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 120-109A Stall Prevention and Recovery Training, ICAO Manual on Aeroplane Upset Prevention and Recovery Training, IATA Guidance Material and Best Practices for the Implementation of UPRT, FAA AC 120-111 Upset Prevention and Recovery Training, and the APS-pioneered Every Pilot In Control Solution Standard (EPIC-S2) for effective UPRT. Headquartered at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, with additional training locations in the USA and Europe, APS provides immediate, turnkey global access to comprehensive UPRT solutions. apstraining.com


NetFortris Expands SD-WAN Security with Managed Next-Generation Firewall "In addition to our existing cloud-based firewall services, NetFortris now delivers a single-box solution for both SD-WAN and security. We deploy an edge device at the customer's premises and can fully manage both SD-WAN and security services from our cloud orchestration."

NetFortris, an international provider of managed cloud communications solutions and network services, announced today that it has expanded the security options for its SD-WAN by NetFortris solution with the addition of Managed Virtual Firewall Service, which is designed to secure organizations with virtualized and private network environments.

"In addition to our existing cloud-based firewall services, NetFortris now delivers a single-box solution for both SD-WAN and security," said Steven Horgan, Director of Product Management at NetFortris. "We deploy an edge device at the customer's premises and can fully manage both SD-WAN and security services from our cloud orchestration."

To deliver the new service, NetFortris leverages Palo Alto Networks VM-Series virtualized next-generation firewalls, which provide intrusion prevention, DNS Security, and anti-malware capabilities.

The VM-Series firewalls also integrate seamlessly with NetFortris' VMware NSX network virtualization platform to boost NSX security capabilities with dynamic traffic steering, forward error correction and tailored business policies.

Using Palo Alto's Panorama network security management system, NetFortris engineers can manage an organization's entire network security from end-to-end, including on-premises infrastructure, virtualized environments and public clouds.

SD-WAN by NetFortris Managed Virtual Firewall is an attractive option for organizations that need to:



Secure highly sensitive data

Meet regulatory and compliance requirements

Limit lateral threat movement

Detect and mitigate breaches quicker within trust zones

Prevent theft of customer information or intellectual property

Exercise more control over their security posture

SD-WAN by NetFortris Managed Virtual Firewall Service is available immediately through NetFortris Authorized Sales Partners. For more information, contact NetFortris at 833-598.1279 or http://www.NetFortris.com/Partners.

About NetFortris

NetFortris, home of the Comm-unity Unified Communications Platform, delivers secure and reliable cloud communications solutions with the scalability and flexibility to meet the needs of small and medium businesses (SMBs) as well as midmarket and large enterprises. The NetFortris Comm-unity UC solution is built on a proprietary true cloud platform that leverages containerization and microservices technology for infinite scalability. The platform is housed in georedundant data centers and delivered over NetFortris' private nationwide MPLS network. NetFortris offers Comm-unity along with SD-WAN network and data security, and 4G backup to ensure quality of service (QoS) and business continuity. NetFortris services are managed 24/7 by an expert network engineering and operations team and backed by concierge customer advocacy, 24/7 in-house customer support, and consolidated billing for all services and locations. Follow NetFortris on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.


Novogradac commends the House Ways and Means Committee for the hearing held Wednesday to address using the federal tax code to stimulate investment in infrastructure.

Among other topics, lawmakers discussed how the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC), new markets tax credit (NMTC), historic tax credit (HTC), renewable energy tax credits (RETCs) and tax-exempt bonds could be used to incentivize investment as part of potential infrastructure legislation.

Committee members also heard from witnesses who spoke about the potential of private-public partnerships and tax incentivesincluding an infrastructure tax creditto revitalize American infrastructure. Michael J. Novogradac, managing partner of national accounting and consulting enterprise Novogradac, was among the witnesses.

The tax code holds many significant tools that can be used to drive infrastructure investment and I applaud Chairman Richard Neal, Ranking Member Kevin Brady and their colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee for holding yesterdays hearing and leading this important part of the conversation around infrastructure, Novogradac said. I am thankful for the opportunity to have contributed to the dialog and I appreciate the valuable insights shared by my fellow witnesses as well.

President Joe Biden has called for a $2 trillion investment in infrastructure and green energy over the next eight years. Biden introduced the American Jobs Plan in March, with an emphasis on transportation, home care services and workforce, manufacturing, housing, and more. Sens. John Hoeven, R-North Dakota, and Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, re-introduced the Move American Actwhich would create Move America Bonds and federal infrastructure tax creditsin late April.

At Wednesdays hearing, Novogradac described how tax credits have successfully incentivized affordable housing and community development activities: The foundational aspect of tax credits as an incentive is to bring in private equity capital during the higher-risk, development phase, the start-up phase of these activities, he said. To the extent that these activities do get put in place and generate the benefits over time, then thats when the government pays. It really is a pay-for-success aspect of the tax code. ... I think that pay-for-success feature, that collectible recapture, is whats led to the success of the various incentives Ive testified to here today.

Other speakers included Stephen R. Lewis, Governor of Gila River Indian Community, who said that tribal communities need improved access to federal tax incentives, such as the NMTC. Lewis made three recommendations to the House Ways and Means Committee: First, create a tribal set-aside of up to 5% for the NMTC program so investments are going into Indian Country, as intended. Second, consider making the use of the NMTC available for infrastructure funds in Indian Country to eliminate all issues of timing and project planning that plague us. And third, support making the construction lease-back funding mandatory funding.

Khalil Shahyd, senior policy advisor for the National Resource Defense Council, said, Housing infrastructure is another key area impacted by the ability of localities to raise capital and is especially critical for the affordable housing that provides homes to our nations lowest-income households. And while some question the inclusion of affordable housing in our nations infrastructure priorities, the shortage of affordable housing in major U.S. cities cost our economy $2 trillion each year in lower wages and productivity, preventing low-income households from moving to areas with more economic opportunities.

Rachael Eubanks, Michigans state treasurer commented on the importance of tax-exempt bonds to infrastructure investment: The tax-exempt treatment of municipal bonds is a critical keystone of our federal state system that enables state and local governments to finance the lions share of our infrastructure network. It should be protected at all costs.

Adrian Moore, vice president of policy for the Reason Foundation spoke about leveraging public-private partnerships for infrastructure investment.

About Novogradac

Novogradac, which has been in business for more than 30 years, has grown to more than 650 employees and partners with offices in more than 25 cities. Tax, audit and consulting specialty practice areas for Novogradac include affordable housing, opportunity zones, community development, historic rehabilitation and renewable energy.
We are proud to bring American made products to our clients. The COVID19 pandemic has disrupted international shipping thanks to reduced air freight and courier capacity, the serious shortage of shipping containers and the Suez Canal blockage in March.

The Flooring Resource, Central Floridas premiere flooring company, announces the availability of American made flooring products. The Flooring Resource carries a wide variety of flooring that is manufactured throughout the United States. These American made products include carpeting, laminate, tile, vinyl and hardwood flooring.

Richard Etscorn, owner of The Flooring Resource, stated, We are proud to bring American made products to our clients. The COVID19 pandemic has disrupted international shipping thanks to reduced air freight and courier capacity, the serious shortage of shipping containers and the Suez Canal blockage in March. These have all caused major delays in shipping for just about anything coming into the United States. I am seeing serious delays on flooring materials coming from foreign countries. We encourage clients to seriously consider flooring products made in the U.S. as they will experience fewer delays. We work with several American manufacturers such as Shaw, Rokplank and Parkay. All of these products are better quality and are more competitive in their pricing. We carry a variety of colors in the American made brands.

The Flooring Resource caters to the hospitality industry and offers a variety of hotel flooring and underlayments. During the pandemic, The Flooring Resource began offering flooring solutions to homeowners.

Etscorn stated, Hospitality is a big niche for us; however, we branched into residential work during the pandemic while our hotel clients were cutting back on renovation projects. In the coming months we plan to continue working with our residential side of the business while ramping back up with our hospitality sector.

Clients will find a complete flooring solution at The Flooring Resource. Not only do they provide the flooring, clients can also purchase baseboards and molding, stairway options and carpet underlayment. Clients will find a variety of options for their flooring needs. The Flooring Resource offers a showroom complete with samples of their various flooring options. Their showroom is open to the public and is located at 2480 Silver Star Road, Orlando, FL 32804. Their showroom is open Monday through Friday 7am  5pm and Saturday 8am  2pm.

For clients who are looking for flooring solutions that are high traffic areas or may have the potential for liquid spills, The Flooring Resource offers a variety of solutions for water-proof and water resistant flooring options.

Etscorn adds, In years prior many clients would elect to use water-proof or water resistant flooring in kitchens and bathrooms only. Now we are seeing a trend where this type of flooring is being used throughout especially in public venues where there could be the potential for liquid spills.

Customers will find a variety of color and material options at The Flooring Resource. From large format tile to smaller porcelain bathroom tile to carpeting for ballrooms and other high traffic areas. The Flooring Resource offers a host of flooring solutions to meet any budget in both the hospitality industry and the residential market. Consumers will find their American made products are of better quality and more competitive pricing.

For more information about The Flooring Resource and their American made products, call 321-245-7780, visit online at: https://www.theflooringresource.com/ or visit their showroom on Silver Star Road in Orlando, Florida.
This expansion allows our customers to bring their apps and development workloads closer to end-users in the US Midwest market. Ensuring lower latency and superior performance in the highly saturated market were the driving factors for us.

phoenixNAP, a global IT services provider offering security-focused cloud infrastructure, dedicated servers, colocation, and specialized Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) technology solutions, today announced the general availability of Bare Metal Cloud (BMC) in Chicago, Illinois. The launch brings the total number of global BMC locations to five, including Phoenix, Ashburn, Amsterdam, and Singapore.

BMC is a fully automated physical server solution geared toward DevOps organizations and enterprises running complex workloads that require superior performance and low network latency. As a cloud-native ready IaaS platform, it delivers high-performance non-virtualized servers that can be deployed in minutes with a couple of clicks through its API or CLI, as well as different Infrastructure as Code integrations.

As our customers build and deploy their apps on BMC, they are in constant need of more locations to grow and scale their businesses at the edge, said Ian McClarty, President of phoenixNAP.

Launching BMC in Chicago was a strategic decision. This expansion allows our customers to bring their apps and development workloads closer to end-users in the US Midwest market. Ensuring lower latency and superior performance in the highly saturated market were the driving factors for us. BMC in Chicago offers all the features and functionalities our customers have become accustomed to. This includes more than 20 different instance types, network connectivity of up to 50 Gbps, flexible bandwidth packages, as well as hourly pricing options and monthly reservations.

After the Chicago launch, next on the agenda for phoenixNAP is releasing BMC in Seattle and several other global locations. With these upcoming launches, BMC will be present in all major US and EU markets, allowing developers to scale their applications and development workloads closer to the edge and rely on the latest cutting-edge Intel-based infrastructure with low latency network access and DDoS protection included, said Martin Wielomski, Director of Product at phoenixNAP.

All BMC servers are powered by Intels Xeon Scalable processors and high-performance local NVMe drives, making them ideal for running CPU-intensive and high IOPS workloads.

Bare Metal Cloud features:



100% dedicated physical CPU and RAM resources

No pre-installed virtualization layers and no resource sharing

20+ server instance types for general-purpose, compute-optimized, and memory-optimized workloads

Up to 50 Gbps network capacity for selected BMC instances with DDoS protection included

Private networking options

Flexible bandwidth packages

Easy-to-use API and CLI tools

Automated server provisioning with Infrastructure as Code tools (Terraform, Ansible, Pulumi, Chef, and Puppet)

Pay-per-use billing, monthly and yearly reservation options

For more information, visit phoenixNAPs website to explore all Bare Metal Cloud features and available instances.

About phoenixNAP

phoenixNAP is a global IT services provider with a focus on cyber security and compliance-readiness, whose progressive Infrastructure-as-a-Service solutions are delivered from strategic edge locations worldwide. Its cloud, dedicated servers, hardware leasing and colocation options are built to meet always evolving IT business requirements. Providing comprehensive disaster recovery solutions, DDoS-protected global network, hybrid IT deployments with software and hardware-based security, phoenixNAP fully supports its clients business continuity planning. Offering scalable and resilient opex solutions with expert staff to assist, phoenixNAP supports growth and innovation in businesses of any size enabling their digital transformation.

phoenixNAP is a Premier Service Provider in the VMware Cloud Provider Program and a Platinum Veeam Cloud & Service Provider partner. phoenixNAP is also a PCI DSS Validated Service Provider and its flagship facility is SOC Type 1 and SOC Type 2 audited.
Moving to PlayerLync supports the Smashburger mission to be the most rewarding place to work for our valued employees. PlayerLync connects our team members as they strive to deliver the perfect culinary burger to every guest every day.

PlayerLync is excited to be selected by Smashburger, the better burger fast casual restaurant, as its mobile workforce enablement platform to help engage its frontline workforce and continue its commitment to serving delicious food.

With more than 230 locations in 34 states and 7 countries, Smashburger is known for its iconic 100% Certified Angus Beef smashed burgers, as well as the restaurants thoughtful and elevated guest experience. With PlayerLync, Smashburger will be able to enhance operational efficiency and provide easy access to information for its frontline workers.

As Kelly Saunders, Vice President of Human Resources, said, Moving to PlayerLync supports the Smashburger mission to be the most rewarding place to work for our valued employees. PlayerLync connects our team members as they strive to deliver the perfect culinary burger to every guest every day.

PlayerLync, the leading provider in mobile workforce enablement solutions, is pioneering how frontline workforces interact with company information. Having started in the NFL, PlayerLync is now an industry leader for restaurant and retail organizations, helping their deskless workers receive the information they need, where and when it's needed.

As Bob Paulsen, CEO of PlayerLync, said, Being chosen to provide services to an exceptional company like Smashburger is something we are excited about. Smashburgerwith its unwavering drive to create a better burger through well-trained employeescan stay consistent to its core values, which is why they have succeeded for so long. We are beyond excited to work together to help engage their frontline further via our mobile workforce enablement platform.

With the rollout of the new platform, Smashburgers management team will be able to provide its frontline with quick and easy access to digital resourcesincluding e-learning coursesand vital daily checklists that drive operational efficiency. Management now has an exceptional view into what type of content their team engages with most, helping them create training that will continuously engage employees.

About PlayerLync

PlayerLync is a mobile workforce enablement platform that helps companies ensure that every frontline employee has the personalized and timely information they need to do their job, delivered automatically through their mobile device. From rolling out time sensitive information, compliance testing, operational checklists and how-to videos, our solution provides 100% guaranteed instant access to personalized content for every frontline worker at their point of need.

For more information, visit https://www.playerlync.com

About Smashburger

Smashburger is a leading fast casual better burger restaurant known for its Certified Angus Beef burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices and seal in the flavor. In addition to burgers, Smashburger offers grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, turkey and black bean burgers, fresh salads, signature side items such as Brussels sprouts and SmashFries, and hand-spun shakes made with Haagen-Dazs ice cream. In 2020, Smashburger introduced a new coffee lineup powered by the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf including coffee shakes, cold brew and an iced latte. Smashburger began in 2007 in Denver, Colorado. There are currently 235 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 34 states and 7 countries. To learn more, visit http://www.smashburger.com.
Kevin Morgan, president and CEO of ProLiteracy, delivers National Book Fund materials to Tara Truett, Donna Bocketti, and Wayne Drummond of Madison County Reads Ahead. While adult literacy programs are unsure of future funding sources, the National Book Fund is one of the ways that ProLiteracy is committed to helping local adult literacy programs each year," said Kevin Morgan, president and CEO of ProLiteracy.

ProLiteracy's National Book Fund provides adult literacy and basic education programs with instructional materials to help teach adults to read and write. More than 470,000 adults, youth, and children have improved their reading skills as a result of ProLiteracys National Book Fund.

New Readers Press, the publishing division of ProLiteracy, provides the books and materials for the grant program. These high-quality instructional materials are specially written to meet the needs of adult literacy students, instructors, and trainers.

Additionally, the National Book Fund has provided more than 60,000 instructors with the capacity-building resources they need to provide direct literacy instruction to students and impact their community.

There are 43 million adults in the United States who lack basic education and literacy skills. These individuals are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and many were among the first to lose their jobs during the economic downturn of the pandemic, said Kevin Morgan, president and CEO of ProLiteracy. While adult literacy programs are unsure of future funding sources, the National Book Fund is one of the ways that ProLiteracy is committed to helping local adult literacy programs each year.

"As a small community-based organization, grants like the National Book Fund are critical," said Tara Truett, executive director of Madison County Reads Ahead. "The materials provided through the National Book Fund from New Readers Press ensure that our tutors are equipped to support the adult learners in our community."

For a list of grant recipients and additional information on how to invest in the future of adult literacy, visit ProLiteracy.org

###

About ProLiteracy

ProLiteracy is the largest adult literacy and basic education nonprofit membership organization in the nation. ProLiteracy is the leader in adult literacy content development, programs, and advocacy for more than 60 years. ProLiteracy works with its member organizations to help adults gain the reading, writing, math, English, and digital skills they need to be successful. ProLiteracy advocates on behalf of adult learners and the programs that serve them, provides training and professional development, and publishes materials used in adult literacy and basic education instruction. ProLiteracy has 1,000 member programs in all 50 states, and works with 21 nongovernmental organizations in 35 developing countries. For more information, visit ProLiteracy.org. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Prosidyan, Inc. (http://www.prosidyan.com), developer of proprietary fiber-based bioactive glass products, receives two CE (Conformite Europeenne) Marks for FIBERGRAFT BG Putty, FIBERGRAFT BG Putty GPS, and FIBERGRAFT BG Morsels. FIBERGRAFT is an ultraporous synthetic bone graft substitute made from proprietary nano- and micro-sized bioactive glass fibers to provide direct connectivity, high surface area, and optimized resorption rates.

As a Company, we are excited to achieve this milestone in expanding our international sales footprint. Based on our customer experience, we are confident in the clinical performance of our FIBERGRAFT technology, and continue to focus on evidence generation and research and development. Surgeons want their patients to heal faster with fewer complications and that motivates us to be a trusted partner in delivering such outcomes, said Charanpreet Bagga, CEO and Co-Founder of Prosidyan in New Providence, NJ.

To support the CE Mark application, Prosidyan collected and analyzed retrospective data from 155 patients at 4 United States centers to meet the strenuous clinical evidence requirements put forth by the European Commission. Standard of care, post-operative imaging was used to assess fusion and provide real-world evidence of successful outcomes with our FIBERGRAFT technology. Considering the EUs Medical Device Directives (93/42/EEC MDD) requirements, the bar was high and FIBERGRAFT demonstrated fusion rates over 90% in a diverse and heterogenous patient population and across multiple sites and multiple levels of fusion. Due to the strength and diversity of our data sets, were pleased to have been granted broad indications for the FIBERGRAFT BG Putty and FIBERGRAFT BG Morsels product portfolios for fusion procedures in the lumbar and anterior cervical spine, said Bagga.

Prosidyan was founded in 2009 to develop a family of synthetic bioactive bone graft substitutes based on nano- and micro-sized bioactive glass fibers. Prosidyans first product, FIBERGRAFT BG Morsels, a synthetic bone graft substitute, received FDA clearance in March 2014, and the first surgery utilizing this innovative bone graft substitute was performed in May 2014. The Companys second product in the line, FIBERGRAFT BG Putty, received FDA clearance in March 2015, and comprises FIBERGRAFT BG Morsels in combination with Prosidyans proprietary bioactive carrier, OSSIGLIDE. Prosidyans latest technology, FIBERGRAFT BG Matrix launched in August 2017, uses Prosidyans proprietary Type I collagen-based bioactive carrier. To date, FIBERGRAFT products have been implanted in over 40,000 patients across the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. Prosidyan is poised to revolutionize synthetic bioactive bone graft options globally, with numerous patents and a robust pipeline of products in development.
Pyxant Labs

Pyxant Labs Inc., a privately held bioanalytical contract research laboratory, today announced an agreement to acquire Covance by Labcorps Salt Lake City bioanalytical site. Pyxant Labs Colorado Springs operations and the Salt Lake City site will combine their long-standing reputations, breadth of services, recognized expertise, and exclusive focus on bioanalytical services with the industry-leading cellular imaging and spatial biology capabilities of ImaBiotech.

The combination of the Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City sites integrates leading bioanalytical capabilities within a single organization to support the progression of drug candidates through all phases of the product life cycle, from early-stage discovery through Phase IV, helping reduce the rate of failure and accelerate the development of safer therapies. With best-in-class capabilities for small-molecule therapeutics and PK/PD profiling, both sites have consistently focused on leading the industry with bioanalytical services for oligonucleotides, mRNA, siRNA, peptides, fast-turnaround discovery, and analysis of complex biological specimens (including tissue).

Salt Lake and Colorado Springs have built their respective operations over the years to anticipate our customers needs and to earn their trust by delivering on our commitments, said Jim Wilfahrt, President of Pyxant Labs. Both sites are recognized for their scientific depth and expertise, spanning the spectrum of compound classes with a focus on RNA therapeutics and other complex bioanalytical requirements. Having now worked with the teams at both sites, I could not be more optimistic regarding our combined ability to provide enhanced services to our customers and create expanded opportunities for our team members.

Having long known and respected the entire team at the Salt Lake site, as we began to evaluate a possible transaction we immediately appreciated the exceptional cultural alignment on people, customers, and science, noted Maurice Gaubatz, CEO of Pyxant Labs. Joining forces in this manner is a once-in-a-decade opportunity, and I appreciate Covance by Labcorps focus throughout a complex deal process. They always prioritize the people at the site and the customer relationships tied to the site, and their focus on these principles continues to be an enabling factor for this mutually compelling transaction.

The new combined company creates a major player focused exclusively on bioanalytical excellence. The deep-science paradigm, a relentless focus on customer service, validated regulatory expertise, and innovative proprietary technology accelerateeven enabletherapeutic innovation for our clients.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

About the Salt Lake Site

The Salt Lake site was established in 1994 by Tandem Labs, which was acquired by Labcorp in 2008. In 2016, the site was integrated into Covance by Labcorp. For 27 years, the site has provided comprehensive bioanalytical services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry in support of early-stage discovery studies through NDA submission. The Salt Lake site is recognized as an industry leader in the bioanalytical support of RNA therapeutics utilizing high resolution mass spectrometry, traditional LC-MS/MS, and UPLC/fluorescence detection platforms.

About Pyxant Labs | http://www.pyxant.com

Founded in 2000, Pyxant Labs provides innovative bioanalytical solutions for advancing leading-edge and challenging drug development programs from translation through NDA approval. Utilizing High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and traditional LC-MS/MS platforms, the Colorado Springs site is recognized for its fast-turnaround drug discovery services, unique expertise quantitating delivery mechanisms for RNA therapeutics, anticipatory customer service, and superior regulatory compliance.

About ImaBiotech | http://www.imabiotech.com

ImaBiotech is a bioanalytical CRO with facilities in Boston (MA, USA) and Lille (Eurasante Park, France), offering a combination of innovative mass spectrometry imaging and spatial biology (histology, multi-omics, spatialomics) techniques in order to decipher the complexity of drug activities. The combination of unique capabilities with advanced digital pathology tools makes possible the measurement of drug activity and drug response, simultaneously, at single-cell level. This performance enables comprehensive drug efficacy evaluation throughout preclinical and clinical stages.

About ArchiMed | http://www.archimed-group.eu

ArchiMed is a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. ArchiMeds strategy is based upon healthcare specialization, integrated private equity, medical and operating expertise, and its unique trans-Atlantic platform that supports growth through internationalization. Over the last 20 years, ArchiMeds leadership team has directly managed and invested in over 40 small to large-size healthcare companies globally, representing over 5 billion of invested capital. ArchiMed currently manages nearly 2 billion in assets across four funds, small-cap focused MED I and MED II, gene & cell therapy focused PolyMED, and mid-cap-focused MED Platform I. The latter is Europes largest healthcare fund, at 1 billion. ArchiMed is an impact investor and a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment, pledged to uphold the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Contact

Pyxant Labs Client Relations

ClientRelations@pyxant.com
Company leaders seeking to improve workplace culture often do so in obvious ways, from nurturing collaboration and open communication to establishing performance goals and rewards. Proactive Worldwide (PWW), a leading competitive intelligence company, has taken culture enrichment a step further by raising up employees for accomplishments outside of the workplace.

Supporting employees in whatever way we can uphold our purpose to enrich the fabric of peoples lives, says PWW President David Kalinowski. An employees source of pride in the workplace isnt limited to what happens on the job. Workplace culture transcends the workplace. Whenever theres an opportunity to make someone feel appreciated, we take it.

Mostly recently, we learned that one of our employees, Iris Keen, had written and published an important new book for children. Were recognizing her accomplishment because we believe hard work and success deserve applause no matter where they happen. Through her new book, Iris can do a great deal of good for all kids as it relates to adoption, says Kalinowski.

Adopting Posie, written by PWW Analyst Iris Keen, formerly Iris Peters, is a look at adoption from the perspective of a child named Posie. When Posie discovers that her view of things doesnt always align with perceptions held by classmates, she attempts to teach them the true meaning of adoption.

Keen was born in Seoul, Korea, and adopted by her parents, Sherry and Peter Peters, when she was six months old. Three years prior, the Peters adopted her brother, Casey, from Korea.

This book has been inside me since I was a kid, says Keen. Growing up, I frequently talked to friends and classmates about adoption, and I always looked forward to celebrating my Gotcha Day with my parents and brother. My hope is that Adopting Posie will become a positive influence for all young kids whenever the topic of adoption comes up.

Gotcha Day is a commonly used term to describe the anniversary of the day a person joins a family by adoption.

Keen joined PWW in 2020. She is a Penn State University graduate with degrees in Journalism and English.

About Proactive Worldwide

Proactive Worldwide is one of the worlds leading market intelligence companies helping top-tier organizations understand vulnerabilities, better predict market shifts, and plan for growth with confidence. We examine competitors, suppliers, customers, regulatory issues, and morethrough advanced competitive, market, and customer intelligenceto deliver a more complete picture of the decision-making environment with a far-reaching perspective that uncovers hidden opportunities and key threats. With 25 years of experience, we leverage our proprietary methodology, a deep bench of researchers and analysts, and in-house industry specialists to produce insights that have real impact. Learn more at https://proactiveworldwide.com


It is an honor to work with such distinguished colleagues on this advisory board; it is also a productive and very meaningful endeavor because of the intense commitment and unusually strong scientific sophistication of the Rett Syndrome Research Trusts leadership, said Dr. Hyman.

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust has established a Translational Medicine Advisory Board to provide new strategic direction for its CURE 360 agenda and open new avenues of innovative research that can be applied to Rett Syndrome. Four internationally recognized leaders in the field of medical research have joined the advisory board, all of whom have significant, broad academic and industry experience and are actively working on translating basic science advances into patient care.

Its so important for us to stay on the cutting edge and understand the ever-evolving research landscape, said Monica Coenraads, Chief Executive Officer of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust. The Translational Medicine Advisory Board will help us focus our resources on the most promising areas of research, facilitate introductions to scientists and biopharma companies working on impactful new therapeutic approaches and technologies, and bring us closer to a cure.

While there have been exciting advances in reversing Rett Syndrome in animal models of the disorder, the challenge is translating that success into therapies for people.

We are very grateful that these distinguished leaders have joined us. They share our passion and urgency and are dedicated to working with us to advance the development of therapeutics targeting the root cause of Rett Syndrome, said Dr. Randy Carpenter, Chief Medical Officer of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust.

Members of the new advisory board:

Steven E. Hyman, M.D. is a Core Institute Member and Director of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT. The Center conducts global, large-scale genetics studies and neurobiological investigations to identify biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets. He is also a Harvard University Distinguished Service Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. Dr. Hyman is the former Harvard University Provost and past director of the National Institute of Mental Health, where he led funding for neuroscience and emerging genomic technologies.

Paul Nioi, Ph.D. is Vice President of Discovery and Translational Research at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, where he oversees research spanning numerous disease areas including cardiometabolic, renal and neurological disorders. He also leads the human genetics and biomarker teams. Alnylam has pioneered the translation of RNA interference from a Nobel Prize-winning discovery into a new class of approved medicines. As a seasoned biotech and pharmaceutical industry executive, Dr. Nioi has extensive experience in the discovery, development and approval of novel therapeutics.

Philip Reilly, M.D., J.D. is a venture partner at Third Rock Ventures. Trained in internal medicine and clinical genetics, he has deep expertise in launching companies to develop breakthrough therapies for rare genetic disorders. He was instrumental in creating two gene therapy companies, bluebird bio and Voyager Therapeutics. He serves on the advisory board for the Boston University School of Public Health. Dr. Reilly has published seven books, three of which are on rare genetic disorders.

Paul Wang, M.D. is Deputy Director of Clinical Research for the Simons Foundation and was previously Senior Vice President and Head of Medical Research at Autism Speaks. Dr. Wang is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician who transitioned from patient care at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia to industry where he served, among other roles, as Senior Director of Clinical Development at Pfizer, and Vice President for Clinical Development at Seaside Therapeutics. He has designed and directed some of the largest clinical trials for children with Fragile X syndrome and autism.

It is an honor to work with such distinguished colleagues on this advisory board; it is also a productive and very meaningful endeavor because of the intense commitment and unusually strong scientific sophistication of the Rett Syndrome Research Trusts leadership, said Dr. Hyman.

Rett Syndrome is a serious, lifelong neurological disorder resulting from alterations in a gene called MECP2. The gene makes a protein that is abundant in brain cells and controls the activity of many other genes. The disorder affects about 350,000 individuals worldwide.

Disease symptoms usually appear between 12 and 18 months of age and can include loss of speech, respiratory problems, motor deficits, seizures, and gastrointestinal and orthopedic issues. No cure exists, but studies in mice suggest that restoring healthy MECP2 protein function may dramatically reverse the condition.

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust has been laser-focused since its founding in 2008 on advancing research that will lead to a cure. A recently launched initiative, CURE 360, intensely focuses on six approaches that attack the disorder at its genetic core: gene replacement, gene editing, MECP2 reactivation, RNA editing, RNA trans-splicing, and protein replacement. CURE 360 also ensures that the research incubated at the Rett Syndrome Research Trust moves into biopharma for advancement to clinical trials.

Thanks to the fundraising and support of affected families and their networks, the Rett Syndrome Research Trust can pursue this research strategically and aggressively.

We look forward to working with  and tapping into the knowledge of our Translational Medicine Advisory Board members, and are certain that with their expertise, we can accelerate our mission. We are incredibly appreciative and thank them for sharing their time and talents with us, said Coenraads.

About the Rett Syndrome Research Trust

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT) is a nonprofit organization with a highly personal and urgent mission: achieving a cure for Rett Syndrome and related disorders caused by defects in the MECP2 gene. The RSRT funds and spearheads global scientific and clinical activities advancing the most promising curative approaches. To date, every biopharma company pursuing a cure for Rett Syndrome is doing so because they leveraged discoveries and resources incubated with RSRT funding. To learn more, please visit http://www.reverserett.org.

About Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that predominately affects girls. Its symptoms strike typically between 12 to 18 months of age. The disorder is caused by random mutations in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. Rett Syndrome is devastating, as it deprives young children of speech, hand use, and normal movement, leaving many individuals without the ability to walk or communicate. Symptoms can also include stress and anxiety, seizures, tremors, breathing difficulties, scoliosis, and severe gastrointestinal issues. Although most children survive into adulthood, every aspect of their daily living requires support. The impact on families and the health care system for specialists, corrective surgeries, therapies, and long-term care is significant.
Rieke Office Interiors will receive a Bronze Stevie Award in the Most Valuable Product category during The 19th Annual American Business Awards on June 30. It was our desire to help businesses doors stay open, including ours, in a safe manner and we were able to create the SafeSpace PPE line of shield, panels and panel extenders in a matter of one week.

Rieke Office Interiors (ROI) was named the winner of a Bronze Stevie Award in the Most Valuable Product category in The 19th Annual American Business Awards today.

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations  public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning crowned, the awards will be virtually presented to winners during a live event on Wednesday, June 30. Tickets for the virtual event are now on sale.

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, including Startup of the Year, Executive of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Virtual Event of the Year, and App of the Year, among others. Rieke Office Interiors was nominated in the Most Valuable Product category in the COVID-19 Response Categories

We are very honored to receive this Stevie Award that recognizes and acknowledges our rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Melissa Kehl, ROI president. It was our desire to help businesses doors stay open, including ours, in a safe manner and we were able to create the SafeSpace PPE line of shield, panels and panel extenders in a matter of one week. Less than a month later, we expanded our SafeSpace line to help gyms, restaurants, bars, beauty salons, and countless other settings. The response to this line has been positive and attractive to our clients. We also congratulate the other Stevie nominees in the COVID-19 Response Categories.

More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this years Stevie Award winners.

The American economy continues to show its resilience, and as were 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 years 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 years winners during our virtual ceremony on June 30.

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2021 Stevie winners are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

About Rieke Office Interiors

Rieke Office Interiors (ROI) has an impressive, state-of-the-art, 150,000 square foot, office furniture manufacturing facility in Elgin, Illinois. As a certified WBE business in its 27th year, ROI provides innovative products and services that are fully customizable, a unique capability that isnt found anywhere else in the office interior industry. This flexibility allows ROI to create a big impact for any budget, streamlining the project process to make each vision come to life. For more information, visit Rieke.com.

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. ###
Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., a leading residential and commercial property management firm, today announced a partnership with a local business as part of the companys continued efforts to invest in its community.

During the past year, numerous businesses have been affected by mandatory closures or reduced demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Florists are no exception. As part of the companys ongoing efforts to engage with and support Orange County residents and businesses, a Seabreeze representative reached out to Seasons Florist in Aliso Viejo to offer delivery services for Mothers Day bouquets. From Thursday, May 6Saturday, May 8, Seabreeze team members performed complimentary delivery service for over 175 floral arrangements.

I owned a flower shop for a number of years, so I know just how difficult the business can be, said Richelle Davidson, Lifestyle Director at Seabreeze. Mothers Day is one of the busiest times of the entire year, so I wanted to help alleviate the delivery burden and associated costs for a local small business. I reached out and Joann at Seasons Florist took us up on our offer. We had the absolute pleasure of sending team members out to deliver bouquets.

Supporting Joann and seeing the joy on peoples faces as we made deliveries made every moment of this experience worthwhile, said Isaiah Henry, CEO at Seabreeze. We have been so supported by our board members, residents, and vendors this past year, that we really wanted to extend that support to a deserving local business. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the future!

In addition to its ongoing partnership with Stand Up for Kids, Seabreeze Management Company will continue to identify opportunities to support local business that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Seabreeze Management Company

Seabreeze Management Company is a full-service property management firm with a diverse management portfolio of over 90,000 residential and commercial properties. Based in Aliso Viejo, California, Seabreeze has offered an unrivaled client experience to commercial common-interest developments and homeowners associations for over 30 years. With offices throughout California and Nevada, Seabreeze has expanded its mission to be a trusted advisor and collaborative partner with developments to build thriving associations through superior service and integrity. Seabreeze is a certified AAMC company. For more information visit http://www.seabreezemgmt.com, like Seabreeze on Facebook, or follow on Twitter @Seabreezemgmt.
SEO.co, a leading provider of SEO agency services to companies worldwide, is pleased to announce the release of a new backlink checker tool, allowing companies to analyze their own and their competitors' backlinks for free from a simple online user interface.

"Using a free backlink checker allows users to get the information they need about quality and toxic links that may have been pointed to a website," says Samuel Edwards, CMO of SEO.co. "It's one of many tools that are absolutely critical to understanding why your competitors may be outranking your website."

About the Backlink Checker Tool

Backlink checker is an online tool which is used to check the backlinks of websites. There are many backlink checker tools are available but SEO.co covered everything with a single Backlink Checker Tool for search engine optimization. This tool has been used by many SEO Professionals for Checking their Competitors (Backlink) and analysing the backlinks of their own sites.

The backlink checker tool is a simple box on your website that allows your site visitors to check backlinks to your website. Do you want to know if your site has a backlink problem before you get penalized by Google? This backlink checker tool will show you the links that are pointing to your website and how they affect your SEO.

The company's backlink tool is powered by the MOZ API, giving users the confidence that the link data they are pulling is up-to-date and as accurate as possible.

The company plans on releasing additional backlink tools in the coming weeks, including tools for analyzing broken links.

Access to the free backlink checker tool is immediately available here: https://seo.co/tools/backlink-checker/

About SEO.co

The SEO experts at SEO.co have been in the industry for over 10 years and have great understanding and navigation of Google's algorithm. An experienced and well-trained team of professionals, the team can help you in optimizing your website to rank well on search engine result pages. We realize that every company is at a different stage in their growth and as a result of this, we offer the best SEO services at affordable prices. More information is available at https://seo.co/

About DEV.co

DEV.co is a custom software development company based out of Seattle, Washington. Our certified software developers build custom software for businesses and corporations. And we offer a free consultation to review your company's requirements. As the sister company to SEO.co, DEV.co's developers worked closely to create the tool that ties to the MOZ API for checking backlinks.

The company provides design and development of custom software applications for individuals and businesses including but not limited to web, desktop, games, embedded systems, robotics, scientific research and visualization. More information is available at https://dev.co/
Sirius Signal is supporting the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, (AuxA), with the option of adding a dollar to your checkout total on the Sirius Signal website. This added dollar option will be donated to the recreational boating safety mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association (AuxA) is proud to be in alliance with Sirius Signal to benefit the recreational boating safety mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Every $1.00 you contribute through the ADD-A-DOLLAR SAVE-A-LIFE program will go directly to the Coast Guard Auxiliary to support its boating and paddle craft safety mission. We thank you. We thank Sirius Signal. We share the same mission; saving lives, reducing injury and property loss in boating and paddle craft recreation, said Commodore Vin Pica, USCGAUX, CEO & President of AuxA.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association is a nonprofit 501c3 Corporation organized to financially support the missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

When checking out on the Sirius Signal website, the option to donate will be as pictured here.

Simply click the amount, click donate, and proceed to checkout. This added feature makes it easy to donate and will make a positive impact on recreational boating safety.

Mission Partners

Sirius Signal and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, AuxA, share the mission of supporting the safety of recreational boaters.

Sirius Signal is a multi-award-winning marine safety product manufacturer with all products made proudly in the USA. To learn more, visit us at http://www.SiriusSignal.com or call 888.526.0005.
The Equality Health Foundation, HeroZona Foundation, Maricopa County, Arizona Department of Health Services and other community partners are excited to announce two additional vaccination events for underserved populations on Saturday, May 22. For families who live near downtown Phoenix, the Grant Park Recreation Center (701 S. 3rd Ave.) micro-POD site will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For families who live near the South Mountain area, the permanent vaccination site at South Mountain Community College (7050 S. 24th St.) will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the events, children disproportionately affected by COVID-19 will have free access to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and adults will have access to either the Johnson & Johnson or Moderna vaccines. Imunizations will be administered by Adelante Healthcare. Nasal swab COVID-19 testing will also be provided courtesy of Sonora Quest Labratories.

With such a resounding community turnout at our vaccine site launch for youth last week, we are excited to continue offering underserved communities a way to stay protected against COVID-19, said Alan AP Powell, Chairman of AP & Associates  Strategic Alliances, U.S. Army Desert-Storm Veteran, and founder of HeroZona. We encourage all family members to attend the events, learn about how the vaccine works, and get immunized together.

We need to continue encouraging people to get tested, practice prevention and get their vaccine if were going to reach community-wide immunity, said said Tomas Leon, President of the Equality Health Foundation. Ensuring access to these essential services in underserved communities is our top priority.

The May 22 events will be the seventh and eighth 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 a permanent COVID-19 vaccination site. The fourth event was held at the Phoenix Sunnyslope Senior Center on April 17, the fifth at Isaac Middle School again on May 1, and the sixth, officially open for youth, at C.O. Greenfield Middle School on May 13. Information about additional events will be made available as soon as possible.

Vaccines will be available by appointment or walk-up 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.

The community event is supported in part by Walgreens, Arizona State University, City of Phoenix, City of Phoenix Police Department, City of Phoenix Fire Department, Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, APS, Family Tree Healthcare, NAACP Arizona Conference & Maricopa County Branch, Black Philantrhopy Initiative, Black Chamber of Arizona, Greater Phoenix Urban League, African American Christian Clergy Coalition, Diana Gregory Outreach Services, 100 Black Men of Phoenix, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter, Macayos Mexican Food, National Panhellenic Council Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Forty Eight Foundation, Arizona Latin-American Medical Association, Maricopa County Public Health, Insurus Medicare Solutions and many more.

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.
When people can give and get at the same time, everybody wins!

Due to increases in violent attacks and threats against Asians in recent months, many feel unsafe travelling via public transit or on foot. Sponsor a Ride is a new service, funded entirely by donations and individual 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. As of May 20 service is offered nationwide.

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 trips for those who are genuinely fearful of local travel, especially at night. And if we can provide a superior experience for both rider and sponsor, we can maintain the service for as long as the risks 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 $40.00 to provide rides for Asians at risk can be mentioned on the website as members of the Circle of Heroes, according to co-founder Anna Chu Lin.

Heroes receive significant benefits including publicity for their OWN Cause, non-profit, school, or enterprise through the groups social media, which reach 290,000 unique viewers monthly.

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 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."

When sponsors underwrite more than $100.00 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 underwrite essential travel, not pleasure trips. For more information go to sponsoraride.net. twitter.com/RideSponsor, Instagram.com/sponsoraride, https://www.facebook.com/Sponsor-A-Ride-108761884716533
Today, 21st May 2021 is the 29th death anniversary of this unassuming colossus who perhaps had done more for the people of Sri Lanka than many others before him and after him

by Raj Gonsalkorale

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing  Edmund Burke

Edmund Burke was an influential Anglo-Irish politician, orator and political thinker, known for publicly expressing his opposition to the French Revolution.Born in Dublin in 1729, Burke went to London to study law, but soon gave this up and pursued a literary and political career. He became a member of the parliament in 1765 and had a 30-year career as a political theorist and philosopher.Later praised by both conservatives and liberals, Burke believed that the government should be a cooperative relationship between rulers and subjects. He also said that most men in a nation are not qualified to govern it, stating that those who are elected to represent the people should possess a greater level of wisdom than the public. The past is important, but change is inevitable so, in order to keep a balance between the new and the traditional, society needs to learn how to adapt. Therefore, we should construct civilization by giving weight to our ancestors, but also consider ourselves and the needs of future generations.

This article is not about Edmund Burke. It is about one of Sri Lankas greatest sons, Tikiri Bandara Ilangaratne or T B Ilangaratne, who in so many ways epitomised the values that Burke believed in during his time.His revolutionary policies and the people owned public institutions he created or helped to create demonstrated in no uncertain manner that he was never a man who stood in silence when it came to public policy and governance for all and not a favoured few. TB Ilangaratne, a family man, a novelist, poet, union leader and politician, born on the 27th of February 1913, passed away peacefully on the 21st of May 1992 having lived a life dedicated to a selfless service to the people of Sri Lanka.

One enduring characteristic of T B Ilangaratne was his unassuming nature, his simplicity and his affinity to his family that never faded throughout his life. He and his wife, Tamara Kumari Ilangaratne or TKI as she was fondly referred to, ran a home which had been more like a community hall and there had always been a pot of rice and a simple meal in the home as everyone who had visited, and there had been many from the two electorates represented by TBI and TKI, had never left their home hungry. They had never been any discrimination on status or any other discriminatory practice and whoever having a meal had been served at the main dining table. Being a crowded household, children of TBI and TKI, and their cousins and friends who had been regular visitors, sometimes had their meals either in the kitchen or in our rooms. The family home had been one of joy and had been full of very meaningful life.

Both TB Ilangaratne and his wife, as members of Parliament, along with other members of Parliament at the time, unlike those today who find it difficult to even walk, let alone travel in public transport, had not been given fleets of vehicles. They were entitled only to public bus and train passes, and unless they had their own transport, which the Ilangaratne s did not have, their only mode of transport to and back from their respective electorates had been public transport.

Despite these challenges, TB Ilangaratne had one motive throughout his life and that was to be of service to others, in particular to those who were left behind by the legacy of colonialism and supremacy of money for a few at the cost of exacerbating the plight of those who were left behind by that few. His achievements in introducing far reaching policy reforms in independent Sri Lanka, which continued till the end of the seventies, have to be looked at through such a prism.

His vision and approach to policy settings paved the way for others to emulate and set the direction for a fairer Sri Lanka and opening opportunities for those had been denied such opportunities.

Throughout his life and especially during his political career, he was a person who not only thought or just empathised with people in society, who were poor, homeless and the lower middle class who were left behind by the Colonial administrations and then by those who took over from them, but actually introduced ground breaking policies to raise the standards and hopes of such people.

Besides the accolades that he got, which were many and richly deserved, he was also at the butt end of the nastiest characteristics of many fellow countrymen who assigned all manner of derogatory labels to him, which were totally unjust and untrue. Not only was he subject to such vilification, even his family was not spared and they had to endure these on behalf of a husband and father who did and always did, what was in the best interest of the mass of Sri Lankans who were left out of the post-colonial Sri Lankan dream.

In the days before the advent of social media, these vilifications were spearheaded by interested parties including the monopoly media who were the servants of the masters at that time, masters who had been affected by the far reaching public policy changes introduced by T B Ilangaratne.

His lifes philosophy and his political philosophy were no different to each other. Simplicity and equal opportunities for everyone irrespective of ethnicity, religion, caste or any other discriminatory practices, guided his thinking. In this respect, he saw common ground with the left movement in the country and the leaders of the left movement. His socialist orientation and outlook brought him very close to a scholarly Buddhist Monk, Venerable Walpola Rahula who had his early education at the Vidyalankara Pirivena, and who maintained close links with the University. There is no doubt that Ven Rahula had a lasting influence on T B Ilangaratne and they remained lifelong friends.

These socialist leanings had irked Mr D S Senanayake and his fellow supporters in the government of the day. Mr Senanayake was the first Prime Minister of the country then known as Ceylon, who was in the 1940s, the Leader of the House of Representatives. They were seeing the Buddhist clergy as being a threat to their power, and influence with the rich segment of the polity.

The Vidyalankara Declaration

In the early part of the 1940s, the leading Buddhist Monks of the day had taken a stand to campaign for broad basing the public policy settings of the country and to extend the countrys social structure to the majority people in the country who had been left behind by a few who controlled most aspects of the countrys economy. This was no ethnic or religion based campaign although the leading Buddhist Monks had taken it on themselves to launch such a campaign on behalf of the wider mass of people of the country. In this regard, Monks led by Yakkaduwe Pangnarama, Kiriwattuduwe Pannassara, Walpola Rahula and others and lay persons like young T B Ilangaratne had taken the lead to introduce what was referred to as the Vidyalankara declaration which articulated a new vision for the country.

Politicians, businessmen and women, and others belonging to the governing class led by Mr D S Senanayake who was then the Leader of the House of Representatives had been vehemently against this declaration and the call to action by the Buddhist Monks. The animosity between Mr Senanayake and his supporters and the Buddhist clergy had intensified to the extent that they had prevented Monks like Venerable Rahula from receiving their daily mid-day meal.It is at this point that the role played by TB Ilangaratne comes into focus, as he, although a poor clerical hand at the time, had arranged with well-wishers to supply the mid-day meals to Ven Rahula and other Monks. Ven Rahula had mentioned special mention of this effort on the part of TB Ilangaratne and their friendship flourished.

Ven Walpola Rahula was a scholar and a writer. He became the Professor of History and Literature of Religions in the North Western University in the US, the first Bhikkhu to hold such a chair in the Western world. He later became a Professor Emeritus at the same university and in 1964, the Vice Chancellor of the Vidyodaya University in Sri Lanka (now Sri Jayawardhanapura University)

Navaratne Rajakaruna Wasala Tikiri Mudiyanselage Tikiri Bandara Ilangaratne was born on 27 February 1913 in Tumpane, Hataraliyadda, Waligodapola, as the fourth child in a family with seven siblings. His father was a well-known general practitioner of traditional ophthalmology. He began attending school in 1917 at Galagedera Vidyalaya and received his secondary education from St. Anthony's College, Kandy. Ilangaratne wrote three plays while in school (Akikaru Putha, Himin and Anda Nanda).On September 4, 1944, Ilangaratne married Tamara Kumari Aludeniya in Gampola. Tamara Kumari Ilangaratne(TKI) was elected as the member for Kandy (1949-1952) and Galagedara (1970-1977). They had four children Udaya, Sandhya, Rohana, and Upeksha.

He was a Member of Parliament for Kandy, Galaha, Hewaheta and Kolonnawa in Colombo district. He served as the Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister of Labour, Housing, Social Services, Finance, Commerce, Food, Trade and Shipping, Public Administration & Home Affairs and he also functioned as the Acting Head of State during Mrs Sirima Bandaranaike time as Prime Minister in a career spanning more than three decades.

As extensive as his political experience and achievements were, he was also well known for his literary talent and authored several classic novels and is best known for writing Amba Yahaluwo (1957), a popular children's novel. His novels Tilaka Saha Tilaka, Lasanda, Nedeyo, Sasara, Niwena Ginna, Nayana and Kale Mal have been adapted into movies. Amba Yahaluwo and Vilambheetha weremade into a television serial. Altogether he has written 50 Sinhalese novels, and 2 English novels  Matchmaker and Amba Yahaluwo which were also translated to French. He also translated Tale of Two cities written by Charles Dickens to Sinhala as Denuwara Kathawa.

Early Days

T B Ilangaratne left school after passing the London matriculation exam upon which he joined the government service as a clerk in the General Clerical Service. In 1941, he tried his hands at acting playing King Dhatusena in the play of the same name by Gunasila Witanansa and in the movies Radala Piliruwa and Warada Kageda.

in 1947, T B Ilangaratne s leadership qualities were recognised by the membership of the Clerical Service and he became the President of the Government Clerical Services Union (GCSU). There were many trade unions representing the working class under Dr NM Perera, Dr S A Wickramasinghe, Peter Keunemanbut his vison was to involve the clerical staff to fight for their civil rights and also towards gaining independence from the British Empire. He organised a massive rally at the Galle Face Green against the colonial rule and this led to his dismissal from the Government Clerical Service.

Hethencontested and won the Kandy electorate in the 1947 general election as a Socialist candidate, but was unseated as a result of an election petition. At the request from the people of Kandy, his lifelong friend, companion and wife, Tamara Kumari Ilangaratne affectionately referred to as TKI contested at the by-election and became the MP for Kandy. An election petition may have got rid of T B Ilangaratne, but the people of Kandy did not.

TB Ilangaratne joined the editorial board of Lankadeepa newspaper writing the political column under the pen name Andare while his wife TKI continued as a member of Parliamentary opposition.

The following year he contested a by-election in the Kandy electorate as an independent socialist candidate defeating Fredrick de Silva, and entered the House of Representatives of Ceylon and was sworn in on May 18, 1948

It was around this time that S W R D Bandaranaike, who would become Prime Minister in 1956, left the government of D S Senanayake and joined the opposition. T B Ilangaratne recognised and wrote of this move of Mr Bandaranaike as the greatest political sacrifice he had made. He invited S W R D Bandaranaike to address a socialist group of Kandy headed by Queens Counsel Mr Sri Nissanka and himself. At the meeting S W R D Bandaranaike announced his vision to follow a middle path and expressed his desire to join hands with T B Ilangaratne to form a new political party. The seeds for the birth of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party were sown and Mr Bandaranaikes vision became a reality when both T B Ilangaratne and his wife, as convenors and founder members together with 42 others formed the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. This included DA Rajapaksa, the father of Mahinda and Gotabaya who were to become Presidents and Heads of State of the country, and another sibling, Chamal, a Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and Basil, a cabinet minister himself. The key role played by T B Ilangaratne and TKI in the formation of the SLFP and leading it to one of the most stunning political victories is perhaps not known to many.

He contested the 1956 general election from Galaha as the candidate of the newly formed party SLFP, defeating Theodore Braybrook Panabokkeand re-entered the House of Representatives in the landslide victory. Prime Minister Bandaranaike appointed him to his cabinet as the Minister of Labour, Housing and Social Services.

In 1959 S W R D Bandaranaike, a visionary who gave a life and purpose to the very ordinary common man fell to an assassins bullet, although the conspirators to the assassination were people engaged in commercial activity who had lost out on some deals, which were unprincipled, unethical and not in the national interest, and rightly turned down by Mr Bandaranaike. The chief conspirator, former chief priest of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Mapitigama Buddharakkitha, was tried and convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, and he died in prison while serving his sentence.

In the immediate post S W R D Bandaranaike cabinet, T B Ilangaratne assumed duties as the Minister of Home Affairs, which included the department of police that investigated the assassination and which eventually led to the conviction of the assassin and the conspirators.

He contested and was elected in the general elections of March 1960 and July 1960 from Hewaheta. He was appointed Minister of Commerce, Trade, Food and Shipping by Sirima Bandaranaike who became Prime Minister having led the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in the July election.In 1963, he was appointed Minister of Finance and then Minister of Internal and External Trade in 1964.

T B Ilangaratne lost his seat in the 1965 general election. He however returned to Parliament from a by-election in 1967 from the Kolonnawa electorate and sat in the opposition. He was re-elected in the 1970 general election from Kolonnawa and was appointed to the cabinet with the portfolios of Foreign and Internal Trade, thereafter, Trade and Public Administration and Home Affairs. In 1974 he served briefly as the acting Prime Minister. Ilangaratne retired from politics on April 12, 1986.

There is a strong possibility that TB Ilangaratne svery significant and unparalleled achievements are not known to many as such interested parties have for years, carried out a successful campaign to hide them from the public and vilify him for activities he was never part of or had any association with.

His achievements are overwhelming, and amongst the major achievements not mentioned so far in this article are the following.

Declaring a holiday on account of the May Day and recognising this as a special day for workers, establishment of the Employees Provident Fund. The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) was established under the Act No. 15 of 1958 and is currently the largest Social Security Scheme in Sri Lanka. With an asset base of Rs. 2,540 billion as at end 2019, the EPF today has become a huge "Peace of Mind" for the employees of institutions and establishments of the Private Sector, State Sponsored Corporations, Statutory Boards and Private Business.

Theadoption of the Labour Disputes Act, Creation of Shops and Office Employees Act, Passing of Maternity Leave Act, providing light work to pregnant mothers, Implementation of the Workers' Compensation Act, Establishment of the National Wages Commission, Establishment of Vocational Training Centres, Abolition of the right of employers to dismiss employees abruptly, facilitate trade union representatives to attend foreign conferences.

Some of the institutional work he was responsible for were, nationalisation of private petroleum companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, Mobil gas, Caltex and Esso transferring its assets to the newly formed Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, and its refinery to refine crude oil, nationalization of insurance and the establishment of the Insurance Corporation, establishment of the People's Bank, establishment of the National Lotteries Board, adoption of the Shipping Corporation Act, establishment of Sathosa, launching the Oberoi Hotel created under the Sathosa establishment, establishment of State Trading General Corporation (now known as Rajawasa), establishment of the State Tractor Corporation, establishment of the State Textile Corporation (Salu Sala), establishment of the Consolidated Export Corporation (Consolexpo), establishment of Co-operative Services Commission, establishment of the National Fruit Board, establishment of the National Pricing Commission, creating a price control department to protect consumers, transfer of dried fish importation business to the State (CWE) on account a gold smuggling racket amongst some private importers, to the CWE

He is also credited as the first Finance Minister to present the national budget in Sinhala, the reason for this being the budget in Sinhala were to open the doors for entrepreneursfrom the cities as well as villages to Sri Lankas economic opportunities, and to broad base the naturally agro based country and to create opportunities for students to study economics in the Sinhala language as such opportunities were restricted to those who studied in the English medium up until then. He was also responsible for widening Tea exports, hitherto restricted to Britain, directly to the rest of the world, breaking the monopoly of Oil imports restricted to England, and opening importations to the Middle East and Russia.

It would not be misplaced to assign any other label than what Mahatma Gandhi said of great men - You must be the change you wish to see in the world,to T B Ilangaratne. He epitomised that and he was always the change he wished to see in Sri Lanka.His singular achievements, his dedicated service to the country he loved, demonstrates this beyond any doubt. He is assured of an honoured place in Sri Lanka as a man for all seasons and a visionary leader for generations to come.
Peptide Optimization using TeselaGen's DISCOVER module The ability to use our machine learning tools from both a protein and DNA-centric view while including non-proteinogenic amino acids and SMILES representations has been a big benefit to precision machine learning

TeselaGen Biotechnology today announced the release of a new protein optimization toolkit for biotherapeutic drug design and development, introducing significant enhancements to the companys flagship TeselaGen operating system to make designing and developing pharmaceuticals and biotherapeutics faster and less expensive. The new capabilities, easily accessible via the cloud-based platform, simplify the design of highly complex combinatorial protein libraries and support artificial intelligence models for optimizing new peptides and proteins. New application programming interfaces (APIs) and integration tools have also been extended to further enhance users access to the new capabilities.

TeselaGen integrates the power of AI with a single end-to-end platform for design, construction, data gathering, and analysis of bioproduct performance, from pharmaceuticals to food and fabrics, significantly accelerating time to market and reducing costs. The platforms DESIGN, BUILD, TEST, and DISCOVER modules enable researchers to effectively collaborate across an organization's product development pipeline to design and build experiments, standardize and share data, and learn and preserve project results by embedding them in a machine learning model.

TeselaGens DESIGN is an intuitive, user-interface driven module that allows scientists to design highly complex combinatorial libraries. With this new release, the DESIGN now supports amino acid parts that can be efficiently mapped to DNA. TeselaGen can then automatically generate molecular biology protocols for efficiently synthesizing and assembling the corresponding DNA libraries.

TeselaGens DISCOVER now supports artificial intelligence models that can recommend new peptides and proteins based on the training of supervised and unsupervised learning models. The platform also supports the modeling of unnatural amino acids and multicriteria optimization of proteins. R&D groups can utilize the TeselaGen operating system to speed the discovery process. Datasets are uploaded and organized in the platform and immediately useful for model building within TeselaGens DISCOVER module.

TeselaGen has demonstrated that it can increase the design and build speed of biological products and reduce the costs associated with research & development by an order of magnitude. Current partnering companies are using the new capabilities for designing antibodies and optimizing their binding affinity, titer, specific productivity, immunogenicity, or other phenotypic variables of interest. Researchers are also looking to TeselaGen for rapidly engineering new vaccines - using methods like virus-like particles (VLPs), DNA, and RNA vaccines - opening the door to attacking rapidly mutating RNA and retroviruses such as influenza, HCV, HIV, or coronaviruses.

Biological Design Automation can speed the generation and optimization of leads and accelerate the development of biologics, from therapeutic proteins to vaccines and cell therapy, said Eduardo Abeliuk, co-founder and CEO of TeselaGen. With this major new release, we will help companies further reduce the time-to-market of these new biopharmaceuticals. Early results show that the ability to use our machine learning tools from both a protein and DNA-centric view while including non-proteinogenic amino acids and SMILES representations has been a big benefit to precision machine learning.

About TeselaGen Biotechnology

TeselaGen Biotechnology has developed the first artificial intelligence-enabled operating system for biotechnology, enabling the development and commercialization of high-performance bioproducts  from pharmaceuticals to food to fabrics  faster and easier than ever. TeselaGen connects biologists, lab technicians, and bioinformaticians so that they can collaboratively design and build experiments, organize and standardize data and then test and continually learn from the data. TeselaGen has been deployed by Fortune 50 companies and emerging innovators in biopharmaceuticals, agriculture, and specialty chemicals. The company is privately held and based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit https://www.teselagen.com.


In 1996, Mr. Testan founded the law firm that would bear his name. In the years to follow, under his leadership and the firms executive members, Testan Law grew to become one of the most prominent nationwide workers compensation defense firms in the U.S.

Celebrated as a brilliant attorney by peers and colleagues, Mr. Testan proved a mighty force to be reckoned with both in and out of the courtroom. Throughout his career, he mentored many attorneys, including several who continue to serve on the firms executive member committee.

As a fearless visionary, Mr. Testan served on the Board of Governors of the California Insurance Guarantee Association. He was appointed as Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Workers Compensation Appeals Board, and was a guest faculty member at the Harvard School of Public Health. In 2011, Mr. Testan was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Mr. Testan is survived by his wife, Lesley, and two sons who are also attorneys.

The firm will continue to operate as Testan Law.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either online at Myeloma.org in memory of Steven Testan for "Brian Novis Research Grants" or by mail to: Myeloma Foundation, Attention: Ilana Kenville, 12650 Riverside Dr, #206, North Hollywood, CA 91607.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared with the executive committee at: executivemembers@testanlaw.com for the firm and his family.

About Testan Law

Testan Law is a national law firm whose primary focus is the defense of workers' compensation claims, employers liability and related matters as well as the defense of its clients in personal injury and civil litigation cases. With 23 offices from coast to coast, serving the litigation needs of insurance companies, third-party administrators and self-insured employers, Testan Law has the breadth of resources needed to assess large portfolios of cases, facilitate critical decisions on closure opportunities and provide experienced litigators to follow through on complex matters. Visit the Testan Law website at http://www.TestanLaw.com/.
The Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria Agios Loukas from Greece has announced the participation in a new communication campaign in Canada and the U.S. to promote its cherries and territory in conjunction with other exquisite European products, such as the wines from Abruzzo, Italy, the golden wines from Bordeaux, and kiwis from Kavala in Greece.

Located in the center of the Prefecture of Pieria, Central Macedonia, the cherries of Rachi are some of the world's most cherished cherries, and with the slogan, Enjoy it! Its from Europe, are now ready to conquer American and Canadian palates.

The Charming Taste of Europe is a three-year campaign promoted by the Vini dAbruzzo consortium, the Union of Sweet Bordeaux wines, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (Kavala COOP), and the Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria AGIOS LOUKAS, co-financed by the European Union. This campaign will focus on raising awareness of these high-quality products in the American and Canadian market.

Starting in the spring of 2021, these agricultural jewels of Europe will be the protagonists of numerous initiatives and events dedicated to consumers, media, and trade professionals both in the U.S. and Canada to educate these markets about their merits, increase quality standards, and thus enhance their competitiveness and create new export opportunities.

Some of the most important appointments of 2021 include the participation in New Yorks Restaurant Week and the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. Throughout the year, there will be seminars and educational activities with sommeliers, culinary schools, and clubs, together with some dinners dedicated to trade and media.

To learn more about The Charming Taste of Europe Campaign, visit charmingtasteofeurope.eu, where it highlights the characteristics of the selected European products. Pages dedicated to The Charming Taste of Europe can be found on all main social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The Consortia invites everyone to join the social media campaign using the hashtag #charmeu.

About the Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria Agios Loukas:

The Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria, AGIOS LOUKAS'' constitutes one of the biggest producing and highly reputed cooperatives in Greece. Founded in 1978, the cooperative now has 250 members and its cherry grove has expanded to 200 hectares. Their cherries, also known as Cherries from Rachi Olympus, are a high-quality product since they apply certified quality assurance systems according to the standards and protocols of GLOBAL GAP, GRASP, AGRO 2, and ISO 22000. The Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria, AGIOS LOUKAS always works with respect to the producer, consumer, and environment as a main priority. For more information, visit

http://www.kerasiarachis.gr/

Activity included into the - "The Charming Taste of Europe", Campaign co-founded by the European Union - Reg. (UE) 1144/2014 - N. 101015721 - REG. 1144/2014_CHARMEU_101015721

The content of this promotion campaign represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European Commission and the European Research Executive Agency (REA) do not accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
dunbarsecurity.com homepage As we work to advance both companies, we remain dedicated to providing our customers with a customized, high-quality experience and this new site directly reflects and supports these efforts as well as the overall direction of the Dunbar brand. - Kevin Dunbar, President & CEO, The Dunbar Companies

Dunbar Security Products (DSP) and Dunbar Security Solutions (DSS) jointly announce the launch of their new, consolidated website, Dunbar Security.com. This new site reflects both business in a user-friendly, unified platform.

Whether your business is seeking high-quality, secure cash management products, dedicated guard personnel or an advanced security system with best-in-class technology, youll now be able to explore our full suite of security products and services in one place, said Andrew Maggio, Chief Operating Officer for both Dunbar companies. The site will offer information and assistance to businesses seeking our varied security products and service offerings as well as provide insight into Dunbars nearly 100-year legacy as The Most Trusted Name in Security.

In addition to a detailed overview of DSP, DSS and the Dunbar brands history, new users can also leverage the site to explore current job openings at both companies, view the latest in Dunbar news and access informative blog editorials written by subject matter experts. The site also features an e-commerce platform from which users can access the full inventory of secure cash management tools, e-commerce products and banking supplies and carry out an online purchase. Returning DSP customers will still be able to pay invoices and access their B2B account, a convenient ordering portal that gives DSP customers total control over their purchasing.

The Dunbar brand dates back to 1923 when the Dunbar Family co-founded a cash-in-transit company in New England. Over the years, the brands umbrella evolved to include numerous new divisions and business lines until 2018 when the flagship company was sold, and the corporate focus shifted to growing the Security Products and Security Solutions business.

I am excited to roll out this redesigned site with a URL that fully encompasses all lines of business for The Dunbar Companies and that directly speaks to our legacy, said Kevin Dunbar, President and CEO, DSP and DSS. As we work to advance both companies, we remain dedicated to providing our customers with a customized, high-quality experience and this new site directly reflects and supports these efforts as well as the overall direction of the Dunbar brand.

About Dunbar Security Products and Dunbar Security Solutions

The Dunbar legacy as The Most Trusted Name in Security dates back nearly 100 years. Today, the name is carried by two separate companies with distinct offerings: Dunbar Security Products and Dunbar Security Solutions. Dunbar Security Products is a leading innovator of tamper-evident plastic bank deposit bags, banking supplies and cash management products for banks, retail organizations, local governments and other companies throughout North America. Specializing in manned and electronic integrated security services, Dunbar Security Solutions serves commercial, industrial, corporate and high-end residential properties across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington, D.C. Both companies are headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md. For more information, please visit dunbarsecurity.com.
The thought of Taylor, taking a quiet moment to step away from his instrumental duty overseas with the Vermont Army National Guard, to recognize our teachers for their heroics and giving nature, is incredibly moving, says Karode.

Heartworks, a network of preschools that serve families in multiple communities throughout Vermont, recently celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week  which included a special outpouring of gratitude from thousands of miles away.

1LT Taylor Bergeron, currently deployed overseas with the Vermont Army National Guard, did not want the special week to pass by without offering his thanks. Embracing a quiet moment, Bergeron recorded a heartfelt message dedicated to the teachers of his son, Hunter, that truly underscored the importance of service:

I can truly say that in my mind, Emily [Bergerons partner] and I are at ease during my deployment, knowing Hunter is under such good care at school. We cannot thank you enough for all that you do; you are all truly the heroes in our eyes, working through the pandemic like warriors, said Bergeron in his message to Heartworks staff.

Commitment, bravery in the face of the pandemic, recognizing the various forms our heroes take, and the power of recognition and gratitude are all heavy themes that deservedly surface during Teacher Appreciation Week; yet Michele Karode, Director of Heartworks Williston (where Hunter is currently enrolled), feels the sentiments carry an additional dimension when delivered by parents like Bergeron:

The thought of Taylor, taking a quiet moment to step away from his instrumental duty overseas with the Vermont Army National Guard, to recognize our teachers for their heroics and giving nature, is incredibly moving, says Karode. Its clear he holds a strong sense of commitment, duty, and working hard in the service of those we love; to hear him draw such accurate parallels to our teaching staff and their important work is refreshing, and an important reminder of the power of gratitude.

About Heartworks/Little Sprouts

Little Sprouts is an award-winning network of preschools in New England. Little Sprouts provides early education and cares for thousands of children in Little Sprouts schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Building Blocks Early Learning Centers in Connecticut, and Heartworks Preschools, STEAMworks Preschool and Loveworks Child Care Centers in Vermont. Our child-centered approach and play-based curriculum are intentionally designed to inspire learning, curiosity, and joy. For more information, visit littlesprouts.com.


The University of Pennsylvania (the University, Penn) is delighted to announce a new anonymous gift of $5 million in the form of Bitcoin  the largest cryptocurrency gift the University has ever received. Facilitated by NYDIG, an industry leader in providing Bitcoin technology and financial services, the landmark commitment will support the growth of programs within the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance at the Wharton School (Wharton).

As the nature of philanthropy continues to evolve, Penn stands at the forefront of innovative ways to make a difference in the world, said Penn President Amy Gutmann. I am deeply grateful for this creative and groundbreaking gift to support the important work of the Stevens Center. At the Center, the intersection of finance and technology is being reinvented through research, exploratory projects, and engagement with industry leaders, to make the greatest global contributions.

The Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance was established with the support and partnership of 1991 Wharton undergraduate alumnus Ross Stevens and remains a top entity for education and research in the field of fintech, a rising area of interest among Penn students. By engaging students with Wharton faculty and financial institution leaders, they become immersed in learning about the digital currency ecosystem. Led by Faculty Director David Musto, the Ronald O. Perelman Professor in Finance, the Stevens Center connects curriculum, industry resources and data, events, and partnerships that advance opportunities in fintech.

With finance at the heart, history, and future of the Wharton School, we are honored to receive this incredible gift, said Wharton Dean Erika James. This investment marks a new era and mode of giving to the University and lifts up opportunities for students to become tomorrows leaders in finance  through exceptional coursework and transformative interactions with policymakers and industry experts. The blend of innovative philanthropy with the outcomes this promises for students makes this a truly exciting moment for the Wharton community.

Cryptocurrency gifts to the University of Pennsylvania are processed through NYDIG, which delivers the comprehensive infrastructure to accept these donations as a novel avenue of giving to the University.

About the Wharton School

Founded in 1881 as the worlds first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Educations individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 99,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit http://www.wharton.upenn.edu.

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740, is an Ivy League institution with a distinctive past. Its 12 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools are located in Philadelphia on an attractive urban campus that serves a diverse community of more than 20,000 students from throughout the nation and around the world. Ranked consistently among the top universities in the nation, Penn has a longstanding reputation for excellence in graduate and professional education.

About NYDIG

NYDIG provides Bitcoin investment and technology solutions to insurers, banks, corporations, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm and its products meet the industry's highest regulatory, audit, and governance standards. Learn more at nydig.com, or connect on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS) logo These impressive women are the next generation of female technology leaders. I am thrilled to support them in their pursuit of education. - Jonna Ward

Visionary Integration Professionals (VIP), today announced the winners for the 15th annual Women in Technology Scholarship (WITS) program. VIP has proudly supported more than 125 young women pursuing a career in computer science, information management systems and other IT-related fields.

The Recipients of the 2021 Women in Technology Scholarship are:

Ashley Meccia, Ashburn, VA

Shreeja Kikkisetti, Chantilly, VA

Morgan Young, El Dorado Hills, CA

Alexandra McCoy, Ashburn, VA

Harshita Chaudhari, Potomac Falls, VA

Jing Chen, New York, NY

Kaylin Moss, Mount Pleasant, SC

Riya Singla, Plano, TX

Letizia Fazzini, Cypress, TX

Prisha Singla, Plano, TX

Angela Iyabor, Austell, GA

Katrina Richardson, Gahanna, OH

We are excited to have received another round of exceptional applicants, said Jonna Ward, CEO of VIP. These impressive women are the next generation of female technology leaders. I am thrilled to support them in their pursuit of education.

This years winners were selected from nearly 150 applicants and were evaluated on numerous factors including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essay responses and community involvement.

About VIP

Visionary Integration Professionals (VIP) provides industry-leading management consulting, system integration, and technology deployment solutions. VIP helps its clients strengthen mission outcomes by combining deep industry specialization, agility to adapt as needed, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. VIP brings expertise in how to deploy systems that align people, processes, and technology to accelerate strategic change and to deliver business results in partnership with its clients. Since 1996, VIP has worked with over 1,200 public sector and commercial clients. For more information, visit https://trustvip.com.


A series is a serious undertaking for any writer, and for these five YA authors, its time to say goodbye to the characters and worlds theyve spent years inhabiting. We asked each of them about the inception of their series, the writing experience throughout, and what comes next.

Julie Murphy

Pumpkin (Balzer + Bray, May 25) is the companion to Dumplin and Puddin and the finale to the Clover City trilogy, in which a fat, openly gay boy in West Texas takes on drag and prom while finding his voice.

What was your original inspiration for the series?

The first concrete inspiration I can think of was a photo from a collection called In the American West by Richard Avedon. The photograph was of a woman with her niece, both of whom were plus sized. But I think, in a lot of ways, Dumplin was a story I had been carrying with me for a long time.

Did you plan multiple books in this world from the beginning?

When I started, I thought all contemporary romance-leaning novels were standalones. The only contemporary series I could think of was the Summer series by Jenny Han, so, while I was obsessed with a lot of the characters I had discovered while writing Dumplin, it was hard for me to imagine a market for a series. I wasnt sure if I would have the readership to sustain a series.

Did the reader response to the first book impact your writing or perspective as you went on to write subsequent books?

I cant say no, that I totally lived in a bubble, but, at the same time, when I wrote Dumplin, I knew my next book would definitely focus on Millie. I had made that decision in my head and my heart long before readers were ever part of the picture.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

In my heart of hearts, Im definitely a pantser, but because of the way my career is structured Ive really turned into quite a plotter. Its really the only way I can turn in a book on time.

What was your process to ensure continuity of character details and plot threads across multiple books?

I wish I could say that I was as organized as someone like Cassie Clare, who has not only a series bible, but a person whose job it is to help her keep all of the threads straight. I rely a lot on my copyeditors from previous books, who have made guides with places and characters. I also like to listen to my own audiobooks! The narrators are fantastic; its a way that I can read my own work without it being quite so cringy.

Were there times you had to pivot to accommodate unexpected plot turns or character developments?

I think that Pumpkin is a good example of this happening. It was a story that I had for a long time, but I didnt know if it was something I wanted to place in the Clover City world or if it was going to stand alone. Figuring out if there was a seamless way to incorporate Waylon into this world was a whole pivot of its own.

Worst moment?

I think every single book has that absolute worst moment where it feels impossible and unattainable. I feel really at home in the world of Clover City, so the actual process of drafting isnt that difficult, but the [Dumplin] movie coming out was difficult at times because it was hard to separate the two in my own head. I had to remind myself that Im creating a universe in the books, and the movies are just a cherry on top.

Best moment?

Id have to the same thing! The movie coming out was fantastic and helped bring a whole new life and readership to the book. The fact that I wrote something that not only led to me meeting Dolly Parton, but her creating a whole soundtrack for the movie inspired by the book is amazing. All that said, I dont think Ive ever had more fun writing a book than I did writing Pumpkin.

How do you feel as you close the chapter on these characters?

Its hard to say goodbye. Im ready to move on creatively, but I dont know if its a door I can ever fully close. Ill always have a special place in my heart for Clover City. Im sure most authors would say the last book in the series is a little bittersweetthats where I am right now.

What is your hope as this final book reaches readers?

I think that Waylon fits well into the series while also standing apart and bringing something totally different to the first two books. I hope that readers who have stayed with me from the beginning and are invested in this world and characters find this book to be a satisfying ending. I hope reading the series is a validating experience.

Whats next?

Its a really big year in the world of Julie Murphy. I have my first adult book, If the Shoe Fits, out in August of this year, which is a Cinderella retelling. The second and final Faith book is out in November. All that while trying to keep the wheels spinning for next years releases!

Heidi Heilig

On This Unworthy Scaffold (Greenwillow, Apr.) is the finale to the Shadow Players trilogy, in which a shadow puppeteer who can see the souls of the recently departed finds herself at the center of a civil war.

What was your original inspiration for the series?

The original inspiration, aside from wanting to write a character with bipolar disorder, was a friend who was obsessed with a book on shadow puppetry. It reminded me of when I was a kid growing up in Hawaii, where we had a lot of access to Pan-Asian art forms, which people on the mainland dont often have. The process of shadow puppetry moving from China to Southeast Asia then on to Paris, becoming part of the language of animation and early film, was fascinating.

How and when did the title for each book in the series develop?

The titles are taken from the opening speech of [Shakespeares] Henry V where the narrator invokes the muse of the audiences imagination. That speech always reminded me of what its like to read; books are just pieces of paper, but readers have the muse in their heads that allows them to bring the words on the page to life. Shadow puppetry is like that, too; you have to imagine the shadows are real. I also felt the speech connects to mental illness and how your mind can make so much of how you feel.

Did the reader response to the first book impact your writing or perspective as you went on to write subsequent books?

Im sure it must have, but I was more concerned with what was happening in the world. The writing of these books matched up with the most stressful political period of my lifetime, which definitely influenced me. But its professional reviews that I find helpful! Over at Tor, a reviewer named Alex really shaped my understanding of the book itself. Perhaps because of my theater background, its hard for me to understand my work until an audience responds to it. You think you know the laugh line and, if the audience laughs, youre good. But, if youre wrong, youve written a pause, and nothing happens. So professional reviews help me to know if Ive gotten it right or need to change course.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Im a plotser! I had an outline, which I had pitched the series on. I turned in the first book, which was fully written to spec, and then the election happened, and it didnt make sense anymore. I had big ideas I still wanted to touch on, but it otherwise went off-script.

Was it difficult to move from writing a duology to a trilogy?

In a way, yes, but I think it was also a learning curve because The Girl from Everywhere was the first book I ever wrote. I had a general plan for it as a trilogy; when we decided to do a duology, it made more sense to mirror the books. But with a trilogy, there is a three-act structure and rising and falling action through the whole series with a reversal in the middle. Since the first book in this series was only my third novel, I think some of the difficulty was from learning how to write a book.

Worst moment?

I dont know of any other fantasy books that feature a bipolar main character in quite this way, so I felt like I had to do it all. It was hard to balance being responsible, while not causing readers, particularly those who are bipolar, to be overwhelmed, but I also didnt want to be unrealistic or portray the experience as easy. As I was closing out the series, I realized that there were so many parts of my own experience that I hadnt or couldnt include, since it just didnt make sense for the story, but I just had to let it go. I had to accept that I cant write or be everything for all people; you have to leave space for others to fill.

Best moment?

The best moments are when a reader reaches out and shares that they saw themselves in my characters and felt validated. Those are pure moments.

What is your hope as this final book reaches readers?

I hope it finds the people for whom it means something, those people who are always a little too much. Those are my people for this book.

Whats next?

Im used to having to work on whatever is scheduled to be published next, but Im going back to what I did five books ago and writing a book I dont owe anyone. I didnt sell on proposal this time because I wanted all the time in the world to make it into what I want it to be.

Suzanne Young

Girls with Rebel Souls (Simon & Schuster, Mar.), finale to The Girls trilogy, is set in a near future in which a group of friends attend an all-girl boarding school with a dark secret.

What was your original inspiration for the series?

All of my books are a combination of different stories that Ive started, but didnt finish or fully plot. I had this idea about a school for AI, then one day I was on Twitter and saw a story about a billboard that had gone up, that read: Real men provide, real women appreciate. That sparked some rage poetry from me, which I named Girls with Sharp Sticks. Then I thought, What if that guy could have a school where he trained girls to appreciate men? What would that look like?

How and when did the title for each book in the series develop?

I never thought that Girls with Sharp Sticks would become the final title, even though I wrote it with that title. When I pitched it, my editor liked it, which was exciting. The second book came easily because I knew I wanted the girls to explore what they could become, and theyd be navigating whether they would use violence to fight violence. Rebel Souls was the hardest because I wanted to show that the girls were choosing another path.

Did the reader response to the first book impact your writing or perspective as you went on to write subsequent books?

In this case, because I had to write quickly, I didnt get a lot of time to see many of the responses. I was more affected by the editing process of the first book, I think. My original idea for the first book focused more on revenge, but we ended up going in a different direction, which impacted how I wrote the rest of the books. I wanted to make sure that, when the girls won, they won while keeping their souls intact.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Im definitely a pantser, with the exception of sequels because I have to go back and write down notes. Usually, by my third book, my editor will send me a series bible to help me keep track of hair color and things like that. When Im writing, I like the surprise of finding out whats going to happen. It keeps it interesting and helps speed up my plot a bit, so I get to the action instead of getting stuck in detail.

Were there times you had to pivot to accommodate unexpected plot turns or character developments?

Yes, especially with the first book, which was a lot bloodier in my original imagining. But, when I started thinking of it as a series, I realized I would have nowhere to go after that. Also, I think readers may have lost sympathy for the characters if they were all murderers by the end of book one!

Do you find that writing a series gets easier with each one you write?

It gets more difficult because my standards for myself are always increasing. The Program series was the biggest of all my books, so I have to try to top that! Im also learning more as a writer, so theres more things to be aware of or look out for, too.

Worst moment?

With the first book, when I was in revisions, I had unexpected surgery, then had a really hard time getting back into it after that. The book was so emotional, and it was hard to find that place again.

Best moment?

I loved writing the girls and their friendship! Even though they were going through so much in the story, the moments when I got to write them being friends and supporting each other made me feel so supported, too.

How do you feel as you close the chapter on these characters?

I miss them. I feel like I came home from summer camp and left all my friends behind! Im glad I left them in a good place, taking care of themselves and leaving the rest of us to do the same.

What is your hope as this final book reaches readers?

The girls are fighting against a system and people that are stronger than them, but its coming together that brings them strength. I hope readers see that, if they team up and support each other, they can cause change and make things better.

Whats next?

I have a new YA book coming out! Its a gender-swapped Lost Boys story about an idyllic small town overrun by murderous teen girl vampires.

Nicki Pau Preto

Wings of Shadow (S&S/McElderry, July 13) is the finale to Crown of Feathers trilogy, in which a girl disguised as a boy joins a secret group of warriors to ride phoenixes into battle.

What was your original inspiration for the series?

I had just been with an agent on another book that had failed to sell, and we had parted ways. It was a hard time, but also freeing, and I just wanted to write something that appealed to me in the same way Tamora Pierces books made me feel. I also wanted to write the girl dressed as a boy trope, since its one of my favorites, and I also had this idea about two sisters who wind up enemies. It was around the same time as peak Game of Thrones fever, so I remember being interested in dragons, but I knew there would be so many dragon books coming because of the shows popularity. Thats when I thought of phoenixes.

How and when did the title for each book in the series develop?

The title was something that my new agent, Penny Moore, and I came up with. I finished the book and queried it and then, almost a year later we were ready to submit it. I originally had called it Savage Flame, which is a quote from the book. Penny rightlyand funnilypointed out that the title had an erotica feel to it. We sat down and brainstormed. There were so many titles with buzzwords like Queen, King, Royal, Princess at the time, so Crown of Feathers was a riff on that which I hoped was a little more unique. The other two titles developed from there, keeping the same format.

Did the reader response to the first book impact your writing or perspective as you went on to write subsequent books?

I think it did to some degree, even though I tried not to let it. Luckily, by the time the first book came out, I was finishing the second book. With social media, people will message you while theyre reading, hurt or upset about something that happened in the book. You dont want to spoil anything, but you also want to tell them to keep reading! Having that type of interaction has been interesting. Also, if a side character is popular in one book, I might subconsciously give them more screen time in a later book. I can think of one character who, in retrospect, might have been influenced this way.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

No matter how much I plot or how organized I think I am, things often go off the rails. I try not to be too rigid with drafting, but I think you have to have some type of outline if youre writing multiple points of view. For me, its necessary structure-wise and is a relief to know ahead of time that Ive done some thinking and things will connect a certain way.

Were there times you had to pivot to accommodate unexpected plot turns or character developments?

I remember being halfway through the revision process on Heart of Flames when my editor pointed out an issue in the pacing. I sat back and realized that I had to rewrite half the book. I had to introduce a whole new point of view character, which was really hard. I ended up using a character who was introduced in the first book and was very much a throwaway plot device, so I had to dig in and figure out who they were and what their story was. The book is much stronger for it and I dont know how I would have solved those problems otherwise, but it was a lot of work.

What was your process to ensure continuity of character details and plot threads across multiple books?

I always saw myself as the sort of person who would have a series bible, but I do not. I wanted to create one, but, with the length and complexity of these books, I never found the time! Im lucky enough that most of it stuck in my head and I could use the good ol Find function.

Has your process changed over the course of writing this series? Would you do anything different next time?

Yes and yes! I think my process is always changing a little; each book and its circumstance are a bit different. Sometimes what worked for me with one book wont work anymore and Ill be stuck, so Ill try something new. In my next series, I am not writing multiple points of view; Im taking a break from that!

Worst moment?

The hardest thing for me has been feeling like Im failing when I cant hit a deadline. Ive never had problems getting an extension, but asking kills me inside. I had to ask for extensions for the third book, on which I did four big revisions with huge cuts and changes. It was the hardest thing Ive ever done, but I am so glad I took the extra time because it did come together, and the book is much better for it.

Best moment?

Getting my cover art was so exciting! All my covers are so stunning; I wouldnt change a thing. You put all this work into the story, but the cover is out of your hands, so it was a relief to be on the same page as my publisher. Events and getting to speak to readers, even on social media, are also highlights.

How do you feel as you close the chapter on these characters?

Its really emotional. I found myself lingering over passages when doing my pass pages; I hated thinking that Id never get to write these characters again, but I mostly feel grateful and proud. There arent advance reader copies this time, so no one has read it yet, but Im sure Ill be reliving emotions when readers are finally responding to it.

What is your hope as this final book reaches readers?

Hopefully people feel like theyve been on a journey with characters as they grow and change. I think the ending is, ultimately, hopeful, even though there is sadness and darkness. My favorite stories end in a way that I feel like, even if Im not reading them anymore, they continue to exist.

Whats next?

Im working on another YA fantasy series!

Swati Teerdhala

The Chariot at Dusk (Harper, June 29) is the finale to the Tiger at Midnight trilogy, in which a rebel girl is tasked with assassinating a ruthless general when an unexpected romance sets off a surprising chain of events.

What was your original inspiration for the series?

It always makes me sound kind of funny when I say it, but the voice of one of the main characters came to me when I was on vacation. While sightseeing, we went to an old fort. I had just finished a book, so my mind was active and creative, and I wondered who used to live in the fort and what their story was. I looked out one of the old windows, down at the ground, and wondered, If I were a soldier, what would be the worst thing I could possibly see out this window? I cant tell you why, the first thing that occurred to me was a girl. The whole story spooled out from there, with Kunal, who is this noble, loyal, dutiful soldier, meeting Esha, who is secretly a legendary assassin, spy, and rebel. He doesnt know that she will become his worst nightmare.

How and when did the title for each book in the series develop?

My original title was not The Tiger at Midnight. It was actually my fantastic agent, Kristin Nelson, who came up with the title, pulling it directly from something Id written in the book. From there, once I had that structure, the other two titles came naturally. I wanted to evoke the feeling of time passing and change.

Did the reader response to the first book impact your writing or perspective as you went on to write subsequent books?

I love my readers; they are so fantastic, and they have great theories and ideas, but I knew what the big beats and overall arcs for each character were from the beginning. The real way [the fan response] has impacted me is to keep me going and to make me excited to get this conclusion in the hands of readers.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Im a total plotter. I dont necessarily outline or plot every detail. There is some discovery in the writing process, but I have a good idea of where I want to go because I always think of where characters start and where they end up before I begin a story. That arc and change is really important to me and is something I really tried to emphasize in this trilogy. Thats what I love about stories: you see people grow and challenge each other. Writing fantasy adds another element on top of that: how do characters work and live and grow in a setting thats so different from our world?

Were there times you had to pivot to accommodate unexpected plot turns or character developments?

Yes, totally! The biggest thing that comes to mind are characters that I wrote, but then in the second or third or sixth drafts, they came out of the woodwork and said, Hello! Look at me! Then I would end up giving them bigger roles because they were great, and I loved them. There are certain characters that readers see in book one that werent planned to have a big role, but they are so important by book three. That surprised me!

What was your process to ensure continuity of character details and plot threads across multiple books?

I try my best to keep a series bible, but there were times when I failed at that and my lovely editor would come in and double check details. But generally, I have my series bible with an outline of the world building, names of cities, and maps.

Has your process changed over the course of writing this series? Would you do anything different next time?

Going in, I didnt know what it would be like to write three books set in one world. It was more fun than I had ever imagined to be able to explore these characters and this world deeply. In the future, Id plot more. I think its nice to weave in Easter eggs for readers, so knowing certain things on a more detailed level would be helpful.

Worst moment?

I think there are many moments when you ask yourself, Do you know what youre doing? I had never written a trilogy before, so a lot of it was wondering if I was doing things the right way. Then I realized there is no right way. I just needed to figure out what was keeping me excited and motivated, which I think is pretty normal to the creative process.

Best moment?

Seeing each and every book in my hands for the first time is the most wonderful feeling. And the fan response! Seeing fan art and people finding me on social media to exclaim about a cliffhanger or plot point has been amazing. Im a writer who likes to write all the feelings and all the fights, so those are good moments.

How do you feel as you close the chapter on these characters?

Sad, but also proud. I feel that I gave them the ending they deserve. This story is very personal to me, as an #OwnVoices title inspired by Indian tales and Hindu mythology I grew up with. The bittersweet leans towards sweet because I know this story was important not only to me, but many other Indian Americans. Im grateful I was able to tell this story in its entire breadth.

What is your hope as this final book reaches readers?

As a reader, I usually dread and love the last book because its the last bit of time you get to spend with the characters, who youve invested a lot of energy in. I hope readers step away from the last book unworried about the characters, feeling fulfilled.

Whats next?

I have some fun stuff going on, but I cant talk about any of it. Im excited though!
Miami-based Mango Publishing, one of PWs fast-growing indie publishers last year, has formed a new childrens imprint, DragonFruit. Its partner in the joint venture is Wendy Piersall, CEO and editor-in-chief of Woo! Jr. Kids Activities, a publisher of educational activity books and other content. Books developed by Woo! Jr. will account for about half of DragonFruits list, and Piersall is informally consulting on non-Woo! Jr. titles as well.

When the pandemic hit, we saw there was huge demand for kids activity books, said Natasha Vera, Mangos director of scouting and brand development and associate editor. The question was how to bring something to the table that was unique to Mango. We wanted to do activity books and other nonfiction books that are very fun and high quality and kind of nutritious. The Mango team and Piersall connected when Mango was early in the process of developing the imprint and, since both companies missions and values are very similarboth put a premium on education, content that pulls children away from their screens, and diversity and activismit was decided that the two would partner on DragonFruit.

The new imprint, headed by author M.J. Fievre (Badass Black Girl), will be home to all of Mangos childrens titles. In addition to the Woo! Jr. list, specialties will include toddler and pre-K activity books, scientific and educational series for grades 14, ABC books with themes of inclusion and diversity, and multicultural fiction picture books. Titles on the fall 2021 list include A Cat Named Sam by Fievre and Thomas Logan; an English translation of the Spanish-language One Bee Too Many by Andres Pi Andreu and Kim Amate; and Young Trailblazers: The Book of Black Inventors and Scientists by Fievre and Kim Balacuit.

Wendy has had a pretty big role in the evolution of DragonFruit, Vera said. With her knowledge of the kids activity market, she has brought some of our titles to the next level. DragonFruit will publish about 20 books per year across two seasons, with at least five per season from Woo! Jr. and three to five from other authors.

Woo! Jr. got its start in 2007 when Piersall, who blogs on crafts and digital topics, wrote a post called 94 Ways to Keep Kids Busy for the Work at Home Parent, in which she shared some of the educational activities she had created to keep her own kids busy and off the screen while she worked at home. The interest was immediate and much bigger than expected, she said. That led her to make her activities available to the public in 2008, across a network of websites. In 2016 all of the activities, now developed by Piersall and a team of writers and contributors, were consolidated under the Woo! Jr. name. To date, the company has provided free craft activities, printables, and teacher resources to more than 50 million visitors globally.

In 2016, Piersall began publishing some of the companys activities in paperback form and selling them through Amazon. The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step came out in 2017 and became the brands biggest title, selling just over 300,000 copies to date. Thats when I realized we had gone from a blog to an imprint, Piersall said. All of Woo! Jr.s book titles combined have sold more than 390,000 copies.

The Mango partnership will bring Woo! Jr.s books beyond Amazon and into retail stores in the U.S. and the 207 other countries, and counting, where Mango sells its titles. The first 11 Woo! Jr. offerings with DragonFruit, set for release in 2021, are from the companys backlist, some refreshed a bit for retail. They include Easy Hidden Pictures for Kids Ages 35, English and Spanish Crossword Puzzles for Kids, and The Gross Book of Riddles for Kids, all releasing this spring. Going forward, the list will also include new titles developed by Piersall, with Mango handling printing, distribution, and sales.
Purdue Graduate School News

May 20, 2021

Pandemic-weary graduates celebrate hard-won commencement here and abroad

Purdue University graduates enjoyed an in-person commencement ceremony in May unlike any other commencement in the history of Purdue. It was a watershed moment for graduates whose lives were upended by a pandemic that punctuated their time at Purdue.

Purdue University masters degree candidates celebrated in Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, May 15, while the hooding ceremony for doctoral candidates was held in Elliot Hall of Music the following day.

It was one of those stunningly beautiful spring weekends in West Lafayette, a fitting backdrop for Purdues first in-person commencement in a year. For the 612 masters degree candidates, commencement took place on May 15 in an outdoor ceremony at Ross-Ade Stadium along with 4,679 undergraduate candidates and 213 professional candidates. The following day, 198 doctoral candidates enjoyed a traditional hooding ceremony at Elliott Hall of Music while still meeting Protect Purdue health and safety guidelines.

The epic pandemic-related challenges of the preceding year seemed to be fading into the background, even as smiles were hidden behind masks and hugs were traded for elbow bumps. But for many students whose lives were reshaped by a pandemic, the challenges they overcame will not soon be forgotten.

Travel restrictions stranded PhD candidate in China

The pandemic forced Jian Jiao (MA 17, PhD 21) to significantly change the research modality for his dissertation, but with determination and the support of his advisor, he was able to graduate on time.

One May graduate who was unable to attend the in-person ceremony was Jian Jiao (MA 17, PhD 21). Jiao had every intention of attending commencement, but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was grounded in China while collecting data for his dissertation. Travel restrictions and the deteriorating global environment meant that he was unable to return to the U.S., forcing him to make significant changes to his research plan.

Jiao specializes in Hispanic linguistics. His research focused on how Chinese-speaking Spanish learners acquire Spanish object pronouns. He needed both Chinese-speaking classroom learners of Spanish in China and Chinese immigrants in Spain as research participants. He went to China in 2019 and had planned to also travel to Spain to recruit participants for his study. But the pandemic hit, and he never made it out of China.

I went back to China on a fellowship for the academic year 2019-2020, and my plan was to finish the experiment design and collect data in China, and then travel to Spain for the recruitment, and finally go back to the U.S. for data analysis and writing the rest of the dissertation in fall 2020, he said of his pre-pandemic plans. I was stuck since the spring semester of 2020 and the entire academic year of 2020-2021 because I could not travel to Spain to collect data.

Ultimately, like so many students who were forced by pandemic restrictions to modify research plans, Jiao had to change the modality of the experiment from face-to-face interviews to an online survey.

Changing his research modality was only one hurdle for Jiao. He was now on the opposite schedule from his advisor, Alejandro Cuza, a professor of Spanish and Linguistics. The time difference between the two was 12 hours.

It was somewhat difficult to find the right time for my advisor and to have online meetings. I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Alejandro Cuza for his availability and flexibility because sometimes we had talks in the morning or at night in the U.S.

Not a change in modality, nor being stranded halfway around the world from Purdue, nor difficulties connecting synchronously with his advisor would keep Jiao from making progress and graduating on time.

Jian Jiao (MA 17, PhD 21) (top left) is shown during his virtual dissertation defense, which he had to conduct from abroad because he was unable to return to the U.S. due to travel restrictions.

For Jiao and many Purdue students and young alumni who were in college during the pandemic, the resilience, perseverance, and grit needed to get through this ordeal will define them as a generation.

My goal was to graduate this May. In order to reach the goal, I would do everything I could. I had support from my friends with participant recruitment at both sites and with data analysis. Finally, I worked everything out with the help of my advisor and our staff members, Jiao said.

Jiao never was able to return to West Lafayette to take one last victory lap around campus or to express his gratitude to his supporters in person, though he is able to watch the commencement ceremonies online.

It is really a pity that I could not attend the commencement and thank everybody in person, he said. I am grateful to Purdue not only because of the education, but also because I felt like being home, especially in Stanley Coulter Hall. The campus and the years I spent there will always be a part of me.

Jiao will be working as an educator and academic in China. He will continue his research in how the Chinese-speaking population acquires Spanish.

Canceled in-person internship pivots to valuable remote experience in non-profit sector

Wan Hee Kim (PhD 21) missed the opportunity to travel and work in the Washington, DC, area for a coveted internship as a result of the pandemic, but she had a positive virtual internship experience instead.

Unlike Jiao, Wan Hee Kim (PhD 21) was able to attend commencement in May. She graduated with a PhD in Literacy and Language Education. But like Jiao and so many Purdue graduate students, her last year as a student didnt go as planned. The pandemic altered a coveted internship as well as her dissertation plans.

Kim was awarded a prestigious competitive National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) doctoral student internship that was to take place the summer of 2020. She was looking forward to the 10-week internship not only for the learning experience but for the opportunity to work and live in the Washington, DC, area.

The pandemic forced a cancelation of the internship, but the organization was able to pivot to a different model and offer her a meaningful remote internship experience. As an intern she worked with researchers and staff from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in the area of data visualization.

At first, I felt a little disappointed that I wouldnt be able to participate in the internship program in the DC area, Kim said. However, thankfully, AIR offered us the chance to participate in a virtual internship program. As a data visualization summer intern, I was given the opportunity to work on a project focusing on the new ways to visualize student performance in relation to technology access and availability gaps using publicly available data.

The project culminated in Kim presenting her project virtually to AIR and National Center for Education Statistics staff. Ultimately, the canceled in-person internship turned out to be a positive virtual experience that enabled Kim to try out working outside of academia.

What I found most valuable about my summer internship experience was collaborating with like-minded people working on various projects. It was also a unique experience as a doctoral student to be part of a non-profit research institution outside an academic setting, she said.

Wan Hee Kim (PhD 21) (left) celebrates commencement with her advisor, Wayne Wright (right), professor and Barbara I. Cook Chair of Literacy and Language.

Kim also had to make major changes to her dissertation research design due to the challenges associated with collecting data via teacher interviews as schools began to shut down and shift to remote instruction during the pandemic. Her dissertation explored teachers awareness of the current federal education policy in relation to English-language learners. She came up with an alternative design that stayed true to her topic and the data she was able to collect.

Kim credits the support she received, including from advisor Wayne Wright, professor and Barbara I. Cook Chair of Literacy and Language, for supporting her.

Dr. Wright and the committee members were very understating of my situation and allowed me to revise my dissertation research design to exploratory sequential mixed methods design from explanatory sequential. My advisor, many faculty members, and staff were very supportive of providing feedback on my dissertation drafts, my hybrid/hyflex teaching, and all the necessary forms and steps needed to defend and deposit, Kim said.

She also cited Purdues many resources that were available virtually, such as the statistical consulting service, writing lab, and thesis and dissertation office, for providing valuable help when it was needed during the pandemic.

Kim plans to work in the field of language teaching.

Writer: Korina Wilbert, kwilbert@purdue.edu
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Purdue Graduate School News

May 20, 2021

Purdue Graduate School diversity programs transform lives

Shavonne Shorter (MA 10, PhD 14) didnt know yet where Purdue was when she got accepted into the Graduate Schools Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP). But, in 2007, she boarded a flight and came to West Lafayette to participate in the six-week program that gives underrepresented students a taste of graduate school.

SROP changed my life, Shorter said. Today, she is an associate professor of communication studies and the special assistant to the president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Bloomsburg University, and she credits SROP for launching her on a path that led to her landing her dream job. SROP is one of several programs in the Graduate Schools Office of Graduate Diversity Initiatives (OGDI) dedicated to recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities pursuing graduate study and research careers. The Graduate Bridge Program, Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), and the Graduate Diversity Visitation Program (GDVP) round out a suite of major programs that provide support to underrepresented students at various stages of their graduate career.

Overlooking 2020, when many events were canceled or moved online due to the pandemic, participation of these programs was steadily growingand the impact was measurable.

From fall 2019 to fall 2020, the number of underrepresented minority graduate students at Purdue grew 21 percent.

But, perhaps the greatest measure of impact comes from the testimonials of participants whose lives were changed by these programs.

Summer program changes a life

Shavonne Shorter (MA 10, PhD 14) participated in the Graduate Schools Summer Research Opportunities Program in 2007.

It was so exciting, said Shorter of her SROP summer filled with research, professional development workshops, GRE practice, independent living, organized weekend excursions, and getting to know her fellow SROP cohort membersmany of whom she is still in touch with 14 years later.

We had a level of independence that many of us had never had before. And in addition to developing a love for research, we made lifelong friendships, Shorter said.

Participants come from all over the country to Purdues SROP for a crash course on graduate school. Key to the experience is the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on a research project. Shorter was paired with Stacey Connaughton, a professor in the Brian Lamb School of Communication, and studied how the 2008 presidential candidates were speaking about race and trying to connect with voters.

It was a wonderful research experience to be able to learn from her, Shorter said of Connaughton, who ultimately became her faculty advisor. The study Shorter contributed to became a paper, and Shorter got a co-author credit. Two years later, when she was just a first-year graduate student, that research was presented at a professional conference.

It was so exciting to have that opportunity. I was an undergraduate student, and my advisor thought enough of me to want to work with me and put together a conference presentation. It was something that I never thought that I would be able to do. Ill be grateful to her for the rest of my life, Shorter said.

Julius Eason (MS 14, PhD 21), manager of the Office of Graduate Diversity Initiatives in the Graduate School at Purdue University, said that while SROP participants are high-ability students, many have not yet been exposed to concepts or skills that they need to succeed in graduate school, such as how to get funding, write a competitive research statement, or conduct a literature search.

When Julius Eason (MS 14, PhD 21) was a PhD student, he volunteered as a research and peer mentor for students participating in the Graduate Schools diversity programs and discovered his passion for helping students succeed. Today, he is manager of the Graduate Schools Office of Graduate Diversity Initiatives.

A student came to me and said he didnt know how to look up an article, Eason said. Sometimes students feel bad for not knowing, and they dont want to risk the exposure. Our programs provide a safe space to ask any question.

For Shorter, SROP ultimately helped her identify her passions and set her up for career success.

A program like this made all the difference. Many of us didnt have access to the things that would best prepare us for graduate school. When I think about where I am today, SROP laid that foundation.

Shorter loved the SROP program so much that a few years later she signed up to be an SROP mentor working with students in the same program she went through, checking on their progress, answering questions, and working as an older cousin figure.

I had a chance to do the things for them that were done for me, Shorter said. Really it came full circle. These experiences showed me that this is the kind of work I wanted to do.

In 2021, Eason added to the program a four-part Inclusive Leadership Series with an emphasis on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The series will provide a safe environment where students can express themselves, be heard, and build on their knowledge and experience of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. I think this is going to be the highlight of the program this year, and we are very excited to have it, Eason said.

After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, SROP will be virtual this year, but participation is at pre-pandemic levels.

The 2021 SROP cohort will include 43 students, including 12 students from the University of New Mexico who will participate in Purdues SROP virtual professional development opportunities, mentoring, and social components, but will conduct the research component at the University New Mexico.

Also in the 2021 Purdue SROP cohort are seven Mellon-funded Graduate School Exploration Fellowship recipientsoften first-generation underrepresented minority students.

Mentors introduction opens doors

While SROP is for undergraduate students who have not yet committed to a graduate institution, OGDIs Graduate Bridge Program is designed to support incoming Purdue underrepresented graduate students. The six-week program taken the summer prior to their first year of graduate school helps acclimate incoming graduate students to Purdues campus while fostering a peer network.

The Bridge Program is an intimate, high-impact program. Current 2021 enrollment, still open at the time of this publication, is at 19 students with more expected before the enrollment portal closes. The program offers a series of professional development workshops to help students get acquainted with Purdue resources and develop skills and knowledge to support their academic and research success.

Grad School is intense, Eason said. As grad school evolves you become more isolated because you get so focused on what you are here for. The Bridge Program gives students the opportunity to foster a community, identify Purdue resources, as well as feel a sense of belonging.

Marian Rodriguez Soto (MS 21), a regional urban soil health specialist for the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, participated in the program the summer of 2018 before she started a masters program in entomology at Purdue.

Marian Rodriquez Soto (MS 21) participated in the Graduate Schools Bridge Program.

The Bridge Program opened the door to graduate school, Soto said. I started working in experiments, getting to know the department, meeting my peers, and building relationships with my advisorsI built friendships with my peers that served as a support system during my time at Purdue. Knowing resources on campus, getting an early research start, and developing my support system helped me prepare for a successful graduate school path.

Before she came to Purdue as a graduate student, Soto participated in SROP, and was mentored by Eason. During SROP, Eason introduced Soto to faculty members in the program, one of whom eventually became her advisor.

I was still an undergraduate student, and the exercise of meeting faculty helped me secure funding for the future. When I applied to graduate school, I had built relationships with the faculty, and thus I was able to get a position in my lab, Soto said. I am grateful for this initiative and the role the Office of Graduate Diversity Initiatives played in my success in graduate school. They provided strong support for me in my time at Purdue.

Environment of inclusion battles imposter syndrome

Shalamar Armstrong, an associate professor of agronomy at Purdue, is an alumnus of the Graduate Schools AGEP program.

Shalamar Armstrong, an associate professor of agronomy at Purdue, found support battling imposter syndrome while participating in the Graduate Schools Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate program.

AGEP is designed to increase the number of domestic students, especially from underrepresented population groups, who receive doctoral degrees and become faculty members in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program offers a series of personal and professional development workshops, mentoring, and outreach activities to help prepare students for successful entry into the professoriate.

On average, students come into the program early to midway through graduate school and may stay in the program for five years. In 2019, 29 students participated in AGEP at Purdue.

AGEP provided an environment of inclusion that was desperately needed while battling the feeling of being an imposter in a 98% white Agronomy Department at Purdue University, Armstrong said. Beyond exposing me to other African American doctoral students in STEAM disciplines on campus, the program equipped me with transferable skills for surviving and excelling in my doctoral research program.

One of the most transformational experiences Armstrong had in AGEP was attending the COMPACT conference.

I was one African American STEAM doctoral student of hundreds in one place, at one time, with one purpose and one specific design, which was to equip me and all like me to disrupt the academic, governmental, and industry job markets with excellence, Armstrong said. The conference enabled him to network with African American scientists of all career levels and learn key skills in interviewing, document preparation, and salary and start-up package negotiations.

The totality of AGEP left me with the mental toughness and augmented my rigorous academic preparation with a unique and polished skillset that prepared me for a fruitful, rewarding, and sustainable career as a professor in Soil Science and Agronomy, Armstrong said.

Diversity programs slated for growth

SROP, the Graduate Bridge Program, AGEP and the Graduate Diversity Visitation Program (GDVP)a four-day program that brings undergraduate students to Purdue for academic unit visits, professional development, networking, and toursare proven models for impactful, life-changing support to traditionally underserved populations.

Plans for the Office of Graduate Diversity Initiatives include growth for all of the programs, both in the size of the cohort as well as the suite of programs offered.

Writer: Korina Wilbert, kwilbert@purdue.edu

Source: Julius Eason, eason2@purdue.edu
Purdue employees Johnna and Josh Dexter-Wiens have worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic while also caring for their young daughters, Luca and Remy.

In a difficult year filled with busy workweeks, Johnna Dexter-Wiens found one way to instantly make her daily workload feel a bit lighter.

Whenever she left her home office during breaks from managing Purdue Universitys Protect Purdue COVID-19 communications efforts, she knew 1-year-old daughter Remy would soon arrive to greet her.

Every time I open the office door, shes like, Mama! Were a year into it, and it never gets old, says Dexter-Wiens, lead communications strategist for Purdue Marketing and Communications. Shes still always so excited to see me.

As was the case for millions of parents who juggled work and child-care duties at home during the pandemic, tending to Remy and 3-year-old sister Lucas needs was an ever-present concern for Johnna and husband Josh, the interim assistant director of academic and career advising in Purdues College of Liberal Arts. They successfully navigated these conflicting responsibilities, with Josh typically looking after the girls during the day and then catching up on his advising workload in the evenings.

We had two full-time careers and two full-time young kids, and that was tough, Johnna Dexter-Wiens acknowledges.

With their daughters back in Purdue daycare, the couple expects their work routines to more closely resemble pre-COVID norms, even if the location will not. Like many other Purdue employees who helped the University remain functional during the pandemic, they will enjoy the opportunity to work from home, for at least a couple days a week, for the foreseeable future.

I desired work from home for many years and look forward to trying work from home and not work from home with kids, Josh Dexter-Wiens says. I was surprised by how we found a way to make it work.

MAINTAINING PRODUCTIVITY

Making it work seems to be a common disposition after more than a year of COVID-related adaptation. While there were certainly hiccups as employees across industries shifted from working in physical office spaces to working remotely, many employers were astonished by their workers ability to maintain pre-pandemic productivity levels  and in some cases surpass them.

Purdue employees made the transition so effectively that President Mitch Daniels and other University leaders began contemplating how some pandemic-initiated adjustments could become long-term work solutions that benefit the Purdue community.

Right now is the time to consider what weve learned, keeping our new arrangements where they work, as well or better, and adapting them in part, hybrid-fashion, where that works best, Daniels said in a March 26 video directed at Purdue faculty and staff.

By reimagining the future of work, Purdue joins companies like Microsoft, Twitter, Lincoln Financial Group, Siemens, Salesforce and Spotify in embracing flexible work arrangements. Not only do they expect increased employee autonomy to produce happier workers, they have identified many ways that a reduced physical footprint might also benefit their organizations.

At Purdue, for instance, the resulting changes will allow the University to make better use of its available space and financial resources.

In his video message, Daniels noted that campus office buildings like Krannert, Young and Schleman sat largely vacant over the last year. Associate Vice President of Administrative Operations Rob Wynkoop further notes that parking garage utilization declined 75% and that network activity decreased 57% between October 2019 and October 2020 in the section of campus that includes most class buildings.

The feedback may be, Well, of course usage is down because no ones allowed to come to campus, Wynkoop says. But the silver lining is, Yeah, but we brought students back at almost 100% and the place functioned. It worked. So what can we learn from that, and how can we do better? Theres something there, so lets take a look at it from a workplace perspective and see what innovations we can come up with to improve that and maybe use that more long-term.

NEW WORK SCHEDULES

An ambitious first step will include further implementation of remote and hybrid work arrangements that were highly unusual  both at Purdue and elsewhere  prior to the pandemic.

Citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the Pew Research Center reported that only 7% of U.S. workers had a telework option before COVID. However, remote work has become an effective and popular option, especially among parents who benefit from the increased flexibility. In an additional Pew survey of 10,332 full- and part-time U.S. workers, 38% of respondents said their jobs could be done mostly or entirely at home. Of that group, 54% wanted to work from home most or all of the time.

Study after study finds some inclusion of work from home increases productivity, work-life balance, retention, et cetera, Josh Dexter-Wiens says. I prefer a hybrid model with some time in the office and some time at home, and I feel very fortunate to be heading into that setup here soon.

He selected a work schedule that will feature two days of remote work, including some evening advising hours that proved popular among students in the last year. Other College of Liberal Arts advisors selected options like working totally on campus during traditional business hours; working on campus with a non-traditional daily schedule like 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or working on campus three or four days per week and remotely the remaining days.

Sue Doron and her colleagues in the Krannert School of Management also plan to work hybrid schedules with three days on campus and two off.

As Krannerts executive director of marketing and communication, Doron is tremendously proud of what her team accomplished remotely in the last year, including successful launches of a new bachelors degree program and three new online masters degree programs that Krannert unveiled well ahead of schedule. However, the remote-work veteran and her 20-person team are excited for the opportunity to congregate in the same physical space.

Its important to have people in the office so that we can work together and just foster that intentional collaboration that we have missed in person, Doron says.

Doron emphasizes that work flexibility will largely depend on the trust between manager and worker and the core mission of the job in question. Student-facing employees generally need to be on campus more often than staff who largely work behind the scenes. This is clearly not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

Purdue For Life Foundation President and CEO Matt Folk envisions a scenario where some co-workers may never see one another in person. He predicted that while some Foundation employees will resume daily work on campus, those who can do their jobs effectively from home may pop in a couple times a week, a couple times a year or only for special occasions.

We need managers that are flexible and we need employees that are flexible and we need an agreement up front that says what were going to do and how were going to perform, says Folk, who has managed remote workers for most of the last 20 years. If you can get your job done remotely and save the gas and save the drive and save the parking spot and save all that sort of stuff, as long as you perform, whats the big deal?

REPURPOSING CAMPUS SPACE

Purdue For Lifes reconfigured workspaces provide an example of what might await teams where employees are off campus for some or most of the workweek. Instead of maintaining permanent individual offices that frequently sit unoccupied, Purdue For Life converted some of its office space to neighborhoods where functional teams may gather, with hotel space available to reserve when workers visit campus.

Similarly, Purdues Marketing and Communications team parted ways with its office space spanning two floors at Vistech 1 when it adopted significant remote-work practices, enabling the team to end a $180,000 annual lease. The department trimmed its overall footprint by 6,000 square feet and converted its news office at Purdue Technology Center Aerospace (PTCA), stuffed with cubicles, into open space that now functions as a hub for collaboration and hybrid work.

Wynkoop says the University in December ended leases for three buildings that housed approximately 500 workers in information technology, administrative operations, human resources and the treasurers office. The annual savings from eliminating that office space and allowing those employees to work remotely? About $1.5 million.

Those leases are now gone, Wynkoop says. That money has been saved to use for better purposes.

On the academic side, the engineers at Ray W. Herrick Laboratories have served as models of flexibility for years, repeatedly finding creative solutions to their space issues.

Herrick managing director Maralee Hayworth says the facility converted 17 of the 31 office spaces in the original Herrick building into research space, providing 3,341 additional square feet to work on analytical modeling, numerical simulation and experimental mechanics.

Herrick repurposed these workspaces years before COVID-19s arrival, and it plans to convert additional square footage next year since research space is at full capacity in both Herrick buildings. Hayworth says these conversions worked because the facilitys faculty, staff and students understood that flexibility was necessary for their research to succeed.

Having the additional space in the past has allowed the department to grow and recruit more tenure track faculty, says Hayworth, who noted that a plan is in the works to expand the research space available at Herrick. Even though there has been success in repurposing old spaces, there is growth that has to be addressed. Herrick is a shared space in which no one space is solely owned by one faculty member. Herrick faculty have been instrumental in creating a culture of being flexible to relocate research to fit the best needs of all projects.

In the meantime, their spirit of teamwork has not gone unnoticed. Wynkoop credits those at Herrick for their resourcefulness.

Hopefully, theres a better long-term solution for them, which there probably will be, but theyre able to successfully do what they need to do in a space they once used for an office. They realized they really didnt need it, Wynkoop says. And if they can figure that out, we can figure it out for a lot of other things, too.

Such shifts allow campus leaders to rethink their approach to campus planning.

With a record freshman class expected, Purdue must hire additional faculty and student services staff to support its growing student body. Creating space to accommodate these newcomers is not just welcome, it is necessary, and sometimes it can be done without new construction.

Well examine the possibility that we can modernize existing buildings, rather than construct new ones, Wynkoop says. Well save a lot of money that can go to scholarships or something else like keeping tuition frozen.

MUTUAL BENEFITS

Increased financial and space flexibility are not the only areas where Purdue stands to benefit from a shift toward remote work. It can also expand its potential hiring base to include those who are unwilling or unable to relocate to West Lafayette.

Folk notes that remote-work opportunities enabled Purdue For Life to retain valuable employees who moved away when a spouse accepted a position elsewhere, adding that telework will expand Purdues ability to hire in cities like Chicago, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, where talented potential employees might not want to make a daily commute to campus. In addition, some Purdue Marketing and Communications employees live as far away as Texas, Georgia and Virginia.

Its classic win-win, Johnna Dexter-Wiens says. The employee wins with added flexibility and time and all of that. And this year has shown that Purdue is on the winning side of the equation, too, so its mutually beneficial.

Of course, there will be obstacles to clear, including the need to implement work structures that utilize insightful quality-control measures alongside a supportive organizational culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

In a fall 2020 survey of 330 human capital executives by The Conference Board, 47% reported that productivity increased during the pandemic. Researchers partially attributed the increase to the executives observation that 60% of their employees were working longer hours, inviting potential burnout.

I just want to figure out what drawing boundaries looks like because eventually, we had to drop all boundaries (during the pandemic), Josh Dexter-Wiens says. I will work whenever just because the work needs to get done, and thats something that I dont want to continue.

In his video address to faculty and staff, Daniels encouraged those throughout the Purdue community to envision the ideal workplace arrangement and provide input that can help University leaders identify the best way to tackle the problem.

No, make that the opportunity, Daniels added.

Allowing many employees to choose where and when they do their jobs is only one way that Purdues pandemic-related evolution might someday serve as a model for other institutions of higher learning. But it is of monumental importance to those who benefit from the newfound workplace flexibility.

Weve all had to be really flexible as people have juggled their work duties, their child care, home schooling, whatever personal responsibilities theyve had to tend to this past year, Johnna Dexter-Wiens says. Going forward, I would really like to see Purdue continue to embrace that flexibility even beyond COVID-19, even when COVID-19 is in our rear-view mirror.

As the parents of young children, its been invaluable, and its a concrete way for Purdue to live out the value of being a family-friendly employer.
Michelle Ridgeway, 59, of South Ozone Park believes mayoral candidate Ray McGuire is the man for the top job to tackle quality-of-life problems in Southeast Queens.
The National Trust and American Express recently picked Neirs Tavern in Woodhaven as the recipient of a grant for $40,000.
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Today

Cloudy with rain developing this afternoon. High around 70F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Localized flooding is possible.

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

Tomorrow

Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High around 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
News of the weird

Shocking assault the thanks this mother gets
On the other side of the Pacific, the Midway battle seems to have become a rather hot study topic in contemporary Chinese naval circles.

Here's What You Need to Remember: China likely recognizes that once wars are started with America, even when militarily successful, they may be extremely difficult to end.

Late springtime is a fitting time to contemplate the origins of U.S. maritime supremacy. Over a period of about twenty-four hours in June 1942, U.S. naval aviators turned the whole course of history by putting the Imperial Japanese Navys four premier flattops on the bottom. This victory can be attributed in roughly equal parts to strategic acumen, code-breaking genius, dive-bombing technology, precision training, and luck, as well as no small amount of valor and sacrifice.

To take but one example, consider LCDR Lance Edward Lem Massey. A native of Syracuse, New York, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1930. He had the extraordinary distinction of leading the very first aerial torpedo attack in U.S. Navy history, as his squadron struck an early blow against the sweeping tide of Japanese victories near the Kwajalein Atoll in February 1942. On that fateful June 4 morning, he boldly led his squadron into the maelstrom of the Midway battle, charging in to attack the Japanese carrier Hiryu. [Another U.S. pilot] . . . saw the skippers plane erupt into a big ball of flame. Massey stood up in his open cockpit, with one foot on the stub wing and the other on the seat, as his TBD [Avenger] dropped toward the water 250 feet below. The skipper did not have the altitude to survive the jump from his flaming wreck. Of course, those familiar with this battle know well that the torpedo-laden Avengers sacrifice was not in vain as they successfully diverted the Japanese carriers fighter cover, allowing the U.S. Devastator dive bombers a clear path to wreak their fury against the crown jewels of the Japanese Navyan act of sweet revenge for the Pearl Harbor attack some six months prior.

Today, on the other side of the Pacific, the Midway battle seems to have become a rather hot study topic in contemporary Chinese naval circles. Maybe this is not particularly surprising given that Beijing has just launched its second aircraft carrier and is thought to be hard at work on the third. A long article in the Chinese naval magazine Modern Ships [] published by the enormous ship-building conglomerate CSIC, is especially interesting. The focus of the piece, entitled The Road to Midway Island [] does not take up the tactics, the technologies, nor the heroism involved, but undertakes a strictly disciplined examination of the planning choices made by the Japanese military leadership during the spring of 1942. Thus, among the ingredients that produced the miracle at Midway, this Chinese analysis is focused on strategic acumen, or lack thereof, and how Tokyo squandered such a militarily favorable position so quickly.

The analysis begins by making the point that Tokyos rapid conquest of all of Southeast Asia had come at a startlingly low cost. Victory had come so easily [] and the obvious natural question was What next? [ . . . ]. In March 1942, the Japanese Navy was said to be examining two vectors of attack: either south to Australia or north to the Aleutians. The Japanese Navys chief planner and mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack, Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto, has apparently also ordered an investigation of the feasibility for an invasion of Hawaii. Curiously, the Japanese Navy set off at that time on another project altogether deep in the Indian Ocean: Ceylon [] or Sri Lanka. As this analysis outlines, Tokyos goals in the Indian Ocean were not completely far-fetched. The Japanese Navys surge toward India was intended to menace Britain, perhaps even encouraging the people of the Raj to rise up against their colonial masters, while simultaneously impressing Germany and presenting the real possibility of the Axis powers jointly carving up the oil-rich Persian Gulf. The invasion of Australia was never seriously contemplated in Tokyo, according to this analysis, since such a campaign was evaluated to require at least two hundred thousand troops, as well as a third of Japans sparse shipping resources. The Chinese author notes that the Japanese Army had no interest in supporting the Japanese Navy with various operation around the Asia-Pacific region, because Tokyos ground forces remained obsessed with campaigns on the Asian mainland with their sites fixated, in particular, on the conquest of Siberia []. While the Japanese Navy recognized that an invasion of Hawaii would eliminate Americas most important strong point in the Pacific and greatly hinder its opportunities to strike at Japan, this author emphasizes the problems posed by the passive . . . uncooperative attitude [ . . . ] of the Japanese Army that was unwilling to play a supporting role [].

While Admiral Yamamoto could operate with a kind of halo [] around his head as the hero of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Navy leadership did, according to this analysis, recognize the major failures of the December 7 surprise attack to destroy Hawaiis oil storage facilities, as well as its ship-repair wharves. However, it was most disappointing, of course, to have missed the opportunity to eliminate the U.S. aircraft carriers. After the Doolittle Raid [] struck the Japanese homeland directly, this issue apparently became acute [] for the Japanese Navy leadership. Moreover, military leaders in Tokyo clearly grasped the urgency to achieve final victory sooner rather than later since eleven aircraft carriers were being built in the United States versus just one in Japan. Still, there were apparently many Japanese military leaders who advised against the Midway operation. The Chinese analysis related how these skeptics warned that air cover was insufficient, and the United States might even have the advantage in the air []. The island of Midway itself provided next to nothing in terms of natural resources, so occupying it would strain Japanese shipping resources and the mid-Pacific was said to be teeming with American submarines. Finally, the critics suggested that Midway Island would be hard to defend since it was too small to base significant forces. But this analysis seems to suggest that Yamamoto may still have held out the hope of invading Hawaii, perhaps even in the fall of 1942 (following upon a victory at Midway). After all, it is explained that if Japan had conquered Hawaii, the four thousand kilometers ocean expanse would have been sufficient distance to cause the United States to have enormous difficulties [four thousand . ] in organizing a counterattack against Japans new bastion [] in the Pacific.

However, prior to that ambitious operation, the Japanese Navy had to destroy the American carrier forces and for this, they planned a special must save [] or baiting operation that would sufficiently threaten Hawaii, so as to force the American big decks to come out for a fight. In an attempt to fool the Americans, the Japanese Navy command adopted a strategy of trying to divide the attention of the U.S. forces [] by organizing the Japanese naval forces into four independent strike groups. But this Chinese analysis surmises that the battle plan was exceedingly complex [] and the independent groups were not capable of mutual support. For all the discussion of strategy, there is little explanation regarding the progress of the actual battle. It is mentioned that Japanese naval intelligence failed to realize that the USS Yorktown, damaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea, could be repaired so quickly and sent back into battle. In the end, this Chinese assessment concludes that the Japanese forces engaged (four carriers/227 aircraft) did not decisively outnumber the U.S. forces (three carriers/234 aircraft) so that the Battle of Midway amounted to an excessive risk [].

Perhaps the most interesting part of the whole Chinese assessment is a few sentences near the end when the issue of war termination from the Japanese perspective is broached. It is noted that the entire goal of the Japanese war effort in spring 1942 was how to get the Americans to engage in negotiations to end the war. [] Here, there is the ironic observation that the more victories that the Japanese side was able to achieve, the less palatable was the idea in the United States that Washington could negotiate with Tokyo. This point then shows a recognition that once wars are started, even when militarily successful, they may be extremely difficult to end.

To take the above point a step further, we may hope that Chinese strategists realize that once Americans are angered or threatened, they will make the necessary sacrifices and face the requisite burdens to achieve victory. But there are, to be sure, many other potential lessons that Chinese military planners could take away from this analysis with respect to the perils of interservice rivalry, the imperative to have civilian shipping transport resources as a strategic reserve, and the need to avoid strategic distractions (e.g. Sri Lanka) that might divert resources from the main effort. Indeed, one of the more disturbing lessons that could hypothetically emerge from this Chinese study of Midway is the conclusion that the Japanese failed to build and concentrate sufficient effort against Hawaii. While the geography has not changed so that such a conclusion is indeed plausible, we should hope in the era of nuclear weaponry that Chinese strategists are more sophisticatedand maybe even enlightened enoughto realize that similar exertions today would likely lead swiftly to the apocalypse.

Lyle J. Goldstein is an associate professor in the China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. The opinions expressed in this analysis are his own and do not represent the official assessments of the U.S. Navy or any other agency of the U.S. government.

This article appeared originally at The National Interest.
In response to recent Russian cyber espionage, interference in U.S. elections, and the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, President Biden announced a new round of sanctions and expulsions of Russian officials. The question is, will these sanctions hurt Russias defense industry enough to curb the Kremlins behavior?

The U.S. added 32 entities to the sanctioned entities list of more than 700 Russian individuals, companies and entities already subject to sanctions. These include sanctions passed following Russias 2014 military takeover of Crimea and aggression in Southeastern Ukraine and 2016 legislation aimed at discouraging countries from purchasing Russian advance conventional weapons through the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. While President Biden indicated that he did not seek an escalatory cycle of actions against Moscow, he has been much more forceful than his predecessor in calling out the Russian government for its malign interference in other states.

There are few indications that the cumulative effect of U.S. and E.U. sanctions, expulsions of diplomats and suspected intelligence offices, and financial restrictions are causing Putin to be more cautious. After mobilizing more than 100,000 forces at its border with Ukraine, Russia has pulled back some of the forces, though some of its equipment remains threateningly close to Ukrainian territory. Putin's participation in the Biden-sponsored climate summit and the potential summit between the two leaders in June are also signs that Putin may be tempering his approach to the new American administration. But the Kremlin leaders track record does not suggest he will back down and chart a more responsible course.

Ever since Russias military aggression in Crimea and Southeastern Ukraine, Putins regime has sought ways to mitigate Western economic pressures. The restrictions on Russias ability to import critical system components and high-performance machine tools will, over time, have a noteworthy impact on Russia's high-technology manufacturing sector. To lessen the impact of sanctions on its manufacturing industry, Russia launched a program of import substitution in key industrial sectors, but it has struggled to achieve its intended goals. One example is Russia's continued struggle to replace key system components such as engines and composite material for aircraft wings, which Ukrainian and Western manufacturers previously supplied. This has led to development delays with both military aircraft, such as Russia's proclaimed Su-57 fifth-generation fighter and civil aircraft such as Russia's MC-21. Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev also acknowledged last year that the Russian defense industry is still dependent on foreign technologies.

Though Russia has increasingly turned to China for components, these materials have not been able to match the quality of the items that Russia previously imported from Ukraine or U.S.-aligned countries such as Germany and Japan. Over time these problems may have an impact on the quality and endurance of Russian advanced conventional weapons, which serve as Russias only internationally recognized finished export good.

Aside from oil and gas exports, Russias main export is its advanced conventional weaponry. But even though it is aggressively marketing, negotiating to sell, and selling weapons abroad, arms exports are not generating as much revenue as they did in the past. In a recent Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, Russias arms exports in the last four years (2016-2020) declined by 22 percent in comparison to the previous four years (2011-2015). U.S diplomatic interventions backed up with the prospect of sanctions have also led to a chilling effect with Russian arms sales, with a number of countries such as Indonesia and Morocco considering alternative systems to meet their security needs. Though this effort has not halted Russian arms sales, the decline in export sales raises the cost the Russian military will have to pay for its planned military modernization because the production economies of scale will not be so advantageous. Higher unit costs will create even greater financial strain on Russias defense industry, which despite several efforts by the government to write off financial debt, continues to struggle to be profitable.

Russia has taken other measures to aid its arms sales abroad. For example, it has sought to adapt to sanctions by completing sales transactions in national currencies rather than the U.S. dollar or accepting commodities like palm oil for payment. It has also started to limit information about sales to shield currently non-sanctioned Russian companies from notice. These approaches have had limited success, but they demonstrate that Russia is not immune to international pressure. At a certain point, workarounds may become more costly than the benefits of Russian global bravado.

Three years ago, Congress passed legislation that aims to discourage countries from purchasing Russian advanced conventional weapons as yet another approach to curb Russian malign behavior. While the U.S. threat of sanctioning countries that purchase Russian weapons has caused some countries to think twice about buying Russian weapons, it has also created problems in some U.S. bilateral relations. In diplomatic engagements with other countries, the U.S. could emphasize how congressionally-mandated sanctions are designed to highlight Russian malign behavior in the international system and are not designed to punish third-party countries. When countries pass on purchasing Russian weaponry because of its past behavior, they reduce Russias ability to use these transactions as a means of extending its influence around the globe and denies it funding for its malign activities.

By not purchasing Russian weapons, countries can signal to Moscow that its malign interference in the affairs of other states has a cost. In lieu of Russian weaponry, countries may need alternatives to meet their security needs. There are many arms-producing nations that could provide alternatives to Russian systems. But weaponry should not be the sole alternative. Multilateral diplomatic approaches might also be considered and promoted as a means to reduce the risk of inter-state conflict. As countries continue to struggle with the health and economic damage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, they may need to allocate much of their national treasure to domestic needs. Advanced conventional weapons are luxury items amidst a pandemic that many national leaderships need to consider carefully.

Though it seems that sanctions directed against Russias defense industry have had notable effects, Russias continued behavior may not foreshadow an adjustment in its international behavior. In a variety of ways, the U.S. and allied partners may need to remind Putin and the oligarchs that support him that there is a cost to Russias malign activity in the international system.

John V. Parachini is a senior international defense researcher and Ryan Bauer is a defense analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation.
Joe Biden was in his living room at the Naval Observatory on Election Night 2016. He hadnt been watching the presidential results. Hillary Clinton was going to win, obviously, so the vice president was more focused on monitoring the fates of the House and Senate candidates for whom hed campaigned. As the television networks and the Associated Press called each race, hed pick up the phone. Winners and losers got the same line: You ran a hell of a race.
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The ice recedes, and the competition for control of the Arctic quickens.

Russia sailed its navy to the region last summer to carry out its largest war-game exercises ever, while a hungry China has made its Arctic aims known, arguing that despite its mainland lying thousands of miles away, climate change legitimizes its vaunted Polar Silk Road initiative. Perhaps more than ever before, then, the region has become a geopolitical convergence point where a nations ambitions can rise and fall, quite literally, on the reinforced-steel bow of a boat.

Enter the icebreaker, the instrument of Arctic dominance needed to carve sailing lanes through the frozen sea. Russia has more than 50 such vessels, some nuclear-powered and many reportedly armed. The United States has two. Only one can still sail.

At the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday, President Biden addressed the importance of the frigid zone where these ships are most needed. In the Arctic, he told graduating cadets, the Coast Guard is the prow of American presence in the region, rapidly growing in strategic importance as ice recedes and new sea lanes open.

He also referenced the all-important vessels: We need modern ice breakers, yes, but just as critically, we need to stand shoulder to shoulder with those allies and partners who share our values, including indigenous communities who are the keepers of traditional knowledge about the Arctic waters.

Calling Russian and Chinese aggression in the waters lapping at his state the most significant national security threat our nation has faced in years, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy told RealClearPolitics he was relieved President Biden is finally recognizing this danger, but he insisted, What we need now is action.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, a vocal China hawk, was also glad to hear Biden talk about the need for new ships, but told RCP that the stated equivalence between maritime infrastructure and indigenous partnerships was evidence the president is more interested in woke virtue signaling and happy diplomatic rhetoric than doing what it takes to defend Americas interests.

The presidents comments left Sen. Dan Sullivan somewhat confused. I didn't fully understand it, the Alaska Republican and perennial advocate of an increased Arctic fleet told RCP. To be honest, the Alaska Native people want icebreakers as much, if not more, than anyone else in our state and our country.

Remember, there's a huge amount of increased vessel traffic in the Bering Strait because of the receding sea ice, so I will tell you, whether you're native, non-native, indigenous or not, in Alaska the issue of rapidly moving forward with icebreakers is about as widely shared an issue as I can imagine, Sullivan added.

The White House declined to elaborate when asked about Bidens plans to add to the tiny Coast Guard fleet of icebreakers. Sullivan said he was certain the administration understood the need, volunteering that some officials are even open to leasing vessels from allied nations. But something has to be done or the U.S. risks losing out to geopolitical opponents.

Icebreakers, in many ways, are the roads of the Arctic, Sullivan explained. The Russians have superhighways right now. We have dirt roads  with potholes.

The U.S. icebreakers are operated by the Coast Guard, hence Bidens reference to them at the academy. The first is the USS Polar Star. Commissioned during the Ford administration, it has 75,000-horsepower engines and can split ice 21 feet thick. The second is the much smaller but newer USS Healy. Commissioned in 1999, it later became the first surface vessel to reach the North Pole unaccompanied. But a fire in its engine bay has left the ship inoperable since last August.

The Biden administration inherited this problem. Congress authorized additions to the fleet in December, and the first new icebreaker is expected to put to sea in 2025. Between now and then we're just kind of keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best that we don't have some kind of malfunction on either of our two icebreakers, Rockford Weitz, director of the Fletcher Maritime Studies Program at Tufts University, told RCP.

This comes as Russia and China are rushing to exploit the region. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that about 30% of the worlds undiscovered natural gas and 13% of undiscovered oil may be in the Arctic. Amid that kind of scramble, Weitz added that keeping your fingers crossed doesn't seem like a sound geopolitical strategy to me.

It isnt just about resources either, added Nick Solheim, founder of The Wallace Institute for Arctic Security, which worked closely with the previous administration to develop a strategy for the area. He pointed to the numerous times the U.S. government had to rely on Russian icebreakers to deliver supplies to Alaska ports. In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security granted a Jones Act waiver to a Russian ship, the Renada, to deliver diesel fuel and gasoline to Nome.

Aside from the duty to defend its citizens in the Alaskan Arctic from potential hostile foreign interference, the lack of American polar security cutter investment harms commerce, science and research in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, and undermines the well-being of the nearly 600,000 people in the State of Alaska, Solheim told RCP.

The Arctic is a critically under-funded and under-served region of the United States, he complained.

These kinds of national embarrassments lend themselves to propaganda coups. China has tried to big-foot its way into the region, dubbing itself a near-arctic" nation in a recent white paper and busying its shipyards with icebreaker construction.

When asked about that new line from China, a State Department official told Fox News, There are eight Arctic states, and there are non-Arctic states. But it is difficult to maintain the strategic importance of the former if the U.S. has to rely on other nations to clear the seas for it, critics warn.

It kind of fits into the Chinese narrative that the U.S. is a dwindling power, kind of like Britain after World War II. China is on the rise; America is in decline, Weitz said. But thats not really true, he quickly added, under the water, in submarine warfare, we are the leaders.
The Biden administration is vigorously pursuing key figures from the phony Trump/Russia collusion scandal that roiled the nation for four years. But instead of trying to punish the liars who perpetrated that fraud, it is targeting the truth-tellers who challenged and exposed the conspiracy to negate the 2016 election.

Working from the same playbook used to smear dozens of Trump associates, the administration and its allies are planting stories based on blind quotes in friendly media outlets to seek revenge.

On April 16, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius reported that the Justice Department is investigating Kash Patel  who had worked with Rep. Devin Nunes and later the Trump administration to reveal the Russiagate hoax  for the possible improper disclosure of classified information. Ignatius said he received the tip from two knowledgeable sources who wouldnt provide additional details.

Violating the bedrock principles of American justice and journalism, this article is an exercise in thuggery as the government uses a powerful media outlet to intimidate and besmirch a citizen without evidence. With nothing to respond to, how can Patel defend himself? If Patel is lucky, the federal government has only placed a sharp sword over his head that may not fall. If not, he might be dragged into a lengthy court battle that could drain his finances and also cost him his freedom.

We dont know if Patel broke the law, but note that the administration has shown no interest in pursuing former FBI leaders such as James Comey and Andrew McCabe, who improperly disclosed information regarding Russiagate.

Trumps former lawyer Rudolph Giuliani is also in the cross hairs of a federal criminal investigation, according to an April 29 article in New York Times that relied on people with knowledge of the matter.

At issue, those anonymous sources say, is whether Giuliani was serving two masters when he counseled Trump to remove Marie L. Yovanovitch as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine in 2019. Did Mr. Giuliani go after Ms. Yovanovitch solely on behalf of Mr. Trump, who was his client at the time? the Times reports. Or was he also doing so on behalf of the Ukrainian officials, who wanted her removed for their own reasons?

Ill leave it to the lawyers to determine the wisdom of bringing a case based on the parsing of tangled motives. What is clear is that the FBI is taking a thumb-screws page from the playbook of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who deployed the little-used Foreign Agents Registration Act to pursue the white whale of collusion. As Lee Smith reported for RealClearInvestigations, just three people had pleaded guilty to FARA violations in the half-century before Mueller deployed it to pressure and punish Trump allies.

And note, the FBIs zeal to crack down on unregistered foreign agents does not extend to the presidents son Hunter Biden, who, Paul Sperry reported for RCI, failed to register as a foreign agent while promoting the interests of foreign business partners in Washington, including brokering meetings with his father and other government officials. It appears that we have two tiers of justice: one for Biden administration enemies, another for its family and friends.

The targeting of Giuliani looks especially suspect and politically motivated after three main news outlets that have driven much of the false Russiagate coverage  the New York Times, Washington Post and NBC News  were forced to correct a recent story, once again based on anonymous sources, claiming the FBI had warned Giuliani in 2019 that he was a target of a Russian disinformation campaign during his efforts to dig up unflattering information about then-candidate Joe Biden in 2019. Giuliani was never given such a briefing.

Considering the numerous instances in which the press published bogus information from informed sources during Russiagate, one has to ask why they continue to serve as vehicles for falsehoods. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me a dozen times and youre not fooling me  were acting in concert. As RCI editor Tom Kuntz has argued, journalistic integrity demands, at the very least, that these organizations tell their audience who exactly had misled them. Confidentiality agreements should not protect liars.

A third example of the Biden administrations effort to punish Russiagate figures is its renewed effort to put former Manafort associate Konstantin V. Kilimnik behind bars. In an extensive new article for RCI, Aaron Mate reports that the Treasury Department provided no evidence to support its recent claim that Kilimnik is a known Russian Intelligence Services agent implementing influence operations on their behalf. It also refuses to explain how it was able to discover the truth of Kilimniks identity, which the two most extensive Russiagate investigations  the 448-page Muller report and the 966-page Senate Intelligence report  failed to uncover.

This absence of evidence has not stopped the peddlers of the Trump/Russia conspiracy theory from claiming vindication. Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff casts Treasurys unsubstantiated claim as smoking-gun evidence of collusion. The New York Times reports that the claim demonstrates that there had been numerous interactions between the Trump campaign and Russian intelligence during the year before the [2016] election.

Who needs proof when the government says its so?

The FBI is also putting the screws to Kilimnik, offering $250,000 for information leading to his arrest on witness-tampering charges involving text messages he sent in 2018 to two people who have only been identified as potential witnesses involving Manaforts lobbying work for Ukraine, not Russiagate.

In an exclusive interview, Kilimnik told Mate, I dont understand how two messages to our old partners who helped us get out the message about Ukraines integration aspirations in [the] EU, and asking them to get in touch with Paul, can be interpreted as intimidation or obstruction of justice.

Mate also reports that the $250,000 bounty on Kilimnik is more than double the amount the FBI is offering for information leading to the arrest of murder suspects.

The Biden administrations campaigns against Patel, Giuliani and Kilimnik suggest how the winners of the 2020 election are attempting to rewrite the history of Russiagate. Having been debunked and rebuked by their own investigators, the conspiracists are taking a second bite at the poisoned apple. Using anonymous sources to make unsubstantiated charges in the nations most influential news outlets, they are seeking to punish people for the crime of exposing their malfeasance.
Tradition tells us that, come the midterms, the president's party loses seats in the House. If this tradition holds in 2022, that could be bad news for Democrats, whose House majority now stands at only nine seats.

But history of late doesn't seem to be commandeering the driver's seat. Right after Joe Biden turned Georgia blue, Politico confidently stated that to win the state's two Senate runoffs on Jan. 5, "the Democratic Party will have to defy a long track record of failure in overtime elections." So everyone believed, Democrats included. "Everyone" was wrong.

Special elections tend to produce low turnout, and former president Donald Trump wasn't on the ballot to motivate Democrats to show up. But while Trump wasn't on the ballot, he was in voters' heads. Democrats took both seats.

And that was the day before Trump sent his goons on a rampage at the Capitol. Rather than outrightly condemning that violent attack on the democracy, Republicans are trying to downplay a horror Americans saw with their own eyes. Rather than evict the man who incited it from party leadership, Republicans have doubled down in demanding servile obedience to the toxic figure now walking the corridors at Mar-a-Lago.

As a result, Trump will still be in the voters' heads come Nov. 8, 2022. And the party-turned-personality cult seems to be ignoring how unlovable most voters find its object of adoration. Or perhaps it doesn't know.

The National Republican Congressional Committee recently withheld internal polling showing weak Trump support in key swing districts. His unfavorable ratings were 15 points higher in these districts than his favorable ones. (Recall also that Trump left office with an approval rating below 40 percent, the lowest for a first-term president since Jimmy Carter.)

One imagines that as the 2022 election approaches, Republicans in swingable districts will say the party has moved beyond Trump. The evidence so far says otherwise.

A Gallup poll from February found that Americans' favorable opinion of the Republican Party had fallen to 37 percent, while 48 percent saw the Democratic Party in a positive light. It also reported that a record-high 63 percent of Republicans supported a third party, as opposed to 46 percent of Democrats. And though 68 percent of Republicans wanted Trump to remain party leader, only 47 percent of Republican-leaning independents -- less than half -- felt that way.

Meanwhile, the midterm tradition isn't unbreakable. In 2002, the party of then-President George W. Bush took another eight seats in the House and two in the Senate. Those elections took place about a year after the trauma of 9/11. The next midterms are scheduled about a year after another national trauma, the COVID-19 pandemic, the end of which President Joe Biden will have presided over.

In 2022, Democrats will be defending only seven House seats in districts Trump won. No Senate seat in a state that voted for Trump will be up for grabs. And the economy is expected to continue booming.

Republicans had a way out with Liz Cheney, a rock-ribbed conservative from Wyoming willing to condemn Trump for his efforts to cancel the will of the voters and for stoking the insurrection. But no, the cult turned Cheney into the enemy rather than a path for renewed respectability.

Some Republican operatives may hope that the voters will have relegated the Jan. 6 outrage to "the past." Good luck with that. A leadership that, six months after the election -- four months after the riot -- still won't concede that Trump lost will have a hard time rewriting that vivid history by next year. In any case, Trump won't let them. And neither will Democrats.

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63 of Kewadin, passed away June 1, 2021 at her home. A memorial for Sandra will be held at a later date this summer. Sandy's wishes are for you not to get sappy, but have a big bash to celebrate because she'll be up "there" preparing for the after party. Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service,
In this photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addresses the state during a speech, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Lansing, Mich. Michigan health officials are urging primary care physicians to enroll to administer COVID-19 vaccines, as the state prepares to quickly begin vaccinating 12- to 15-year-olds following U.S. authorization. The push to make doses available in physicians' offices will complement the state's focus on taking mobile clinics to places such as churches, and vaccinating people who are homebound.
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Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Mostly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
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.
Riley Rice, a Bellows Falls Union High School senior, was recognized in the Congressional Art Competition for her mixed media piece entitled "Ezra," a portrait of an individual created in her imagination.
Thomas Carson Martin, 91, of Oak Hill, WV died on Sunday, June 06, 2021 at Hidden Valley Nursing and Rehab Center in Oak Hill, WV. Born June 04, 1930 in Fayetteville, WV he was the son of the late James W. Martin and Georgia Mae Cox Martin Repass. Thomas was a 1947 graduate of Oak Hill High 
13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer presides over a hearing Tuesday in Antrim County. Attorneys Allan Vander Laan for the county and Erik Grill for the Secretary of State, along with plaintiff Bill Bailey of Central Lake Township and his attorney Matthew DePerno listen as Elsenheimer dismisses the case.
Beckley, WV (25801)

Today

Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Localized flooding is possible..

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Thunderstorms likely. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
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LOGRONO, Spain (AP)  The mysterious COVID-19 patient arrived at an airport in northern Spain in a medicalized jet. An ambulance ferried the 71-year-old man on a freeway that passed vineyards of Rioja grapes to a state-of-the-art public hospital in the city of Logrono.

The patient was sent directly to an intensive care bed, registered on April 18 with the identity on his Algerian diplomatic passport: Mohamed Benbatouche.

He turned out to be Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front, an Algeria-backed pro-independence movement representing the local Sahrawi people of Africa's Western Sahara. Ghali's presence in Spain under a disguised identity didn't go unnoticed to the government in Morocco, the country that annexed Western Sahara nearly half a century ago.

Rabat, which regards Ghali as a terrorist, protested Spain's decision to grant compassionate assistance to its top enemy. It threatened there would be consequences. And they finally came to fruition this week when Morocco let down its guard on the border with Ceuta, a Spanish city perched on the northern African coastline.

The move allowed thousands of migrants to enter Ceuta, many of them children who swam or jumped over fences.

The humanitarian crisis has become a flashpoint between the two neighbors. Morocco recalled its ambassador in Madrid. Spain is under fire from human rights groups for pushing back most of the trespassers in bulk, which is illegal under international law.

And in what resembled an assertion of its sovereignty of Ceuta, which many Moroccan nationalists deem a colony of Madrid along with the nearby Spanish city of Melilla, Spain deployed soldiers to the border. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also made a quick trip to the overwhelmed city.

The Western Sahara region stretches along Africa's Atlantic Coast and is home to roughly 600,000 people. Since Morocco annexed the territory in 1975, filling a void left when Spain withdrew as a colonial power, the international community has been divided on its recognition, with most countries backing a long-running U.N. effort for a negotiated solution.

An announcement by the United States late last year supporting Rabat's claim - in exchange for Morocco normalizing diplomatic ties with Israel - undermined those efforts, rallying other countries behind Morocco's proposal to give the territory greater autonomy.

Pushing instead for a referendum on self-determination has been the main focus for Ghali, who was elected president of the self-declared Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in 2016. He previously served as its defense minister and as a Polisario diplomat in Spain (1999-2008) and Algeria (2008-2015).

Ghali, wearing combat fatigues while speaking in February at a military parade marking the 45th anniversary of the SADR, called on the new U.S. administration of President Joe Biden to find a solution that would allow the Sahrawi to enjoy their inalienable right of freedom and independence.

At the San Pedro hospital in Logrono, there is little sign of the presence of the Polisario's top man. People familiar with his condition say he recently came out of three weeks in critical care. A security guard performs identity checks on medical personnel and visitors entering the COVID-19 ward. Inside, Ghali receives a daily visit from his personal physician, an Algerian doctor, according to a police report seen by The Associated Press.

They probably chose this place because nothing ever happens here, and we rarely make it to the news, local resident Milagros Capellan, 64, said as she left the hospital after a medical check-up. It feels strange that this is connected with the very sad developments in Ceuta.

Moroccan intelligence officials knew about Ghali's whereabouts from the moment the Algerian jet carrying Ghali landed in Spain last month, leaking his presence to the media and exposing what had been designed by Spain as a covert humanitarian operation.

What was Spain expecting from Morocco when it hosted an official from a group that is carrying arms against the kingdom? Moroccos minister for human rights, Mostapha Ramid, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

Spain's foreign minister responded the next day, blaming Morocco for the chaos at the border: It tears our hearts out to see our neighbors sending children, even babies (because) they reject a humanitarian gesture on our part," Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said.

The Spanish Foreign Ministry declined to answer AP's questions on why it agreed to treat Ghali even when other European governments had refused. An official familiar with the decision who requested anonymity because of its sensitive nature said that the request was made directly to Gonzalez Laya by her Algerian counterpart, Sabri Boukadoum.

Before the request was granted, it had caused deep divisions within Sanchez's Cabinet, the official said.

The Polisario Fronts representative in Spain, Abdulah Arabi, rejected depicting the circumstances of Ghalis arrival in Spain as exceptional.

He is the head of state and comes from a country that recognizes the Sahrawi Republic, Arabi said. He accused Rabat of trying to discredit the noble, peaceful struggle for resistance of the Sahrawi people by attacking somebody who is a symbol.

Providing that his recovery goes well, Ghalis future is now shrouded in uncertainty. With his whereabouts known, a discreet return to Tindouf, Algeria, where Sahrawi refugee camps are located, seems out of question.

Further complicating matters, Spains National Court on Tuesday re-opened a genocide probe from 2008 against Ghali and 27 other Polisario members. An investigating judge closed the case last year because the court couldn't locate the defendants.

Ghali is also expected to give testimony June 1 in the same Madrid-based court for a 2019 lawsuit filed by a Sahrawi activist who claims he was tortured in the refugee camps for his opposition to the Polisario.

On May 10, a police officer visited the Polisario leader to hand him a court summons for the lawsuit. According to the police report seen by The Associated Press, Ghali refused to sign the notice, asking for several days to consult with the Algerian Embassy and other advisors.

Gonzalez Laya said that Spain's agreement with Ghali was for medical treatment only, suggesting that the government won't facilitate his immediate departure. If he has pending matters with Spain's justice, he will have to appear (before the court)," she told Spain's public radio.

Behind the legal cases against Ghali are groups of Sahrawis aligned with Moroccos position. Asadesh, which stands for the Saharawi Association for Human Rights, accuses 28 Polisario members of killing, torturing, illegally detaining and abducting prisoners and its own Saharawi people, some of whom the group claims were allegedly forced to remain in refugee camps against their will.

Pedro Altamirano is also suing Ghali for allegedly inspiring threats that the Spanish journalist and head of a recently founded platform to support Sahrawi reunification received from online netizens.

The only thing that cannot happen is that by the hand of the devil this man leaves the country without appearing before a judge," said Altamirano, who supports Moroccos claim on Western Sahara.

___

Associated Press writers Elaine Ganley and Angela Charlton in Paris, and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report.
GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP)  Packages of cocaine, including one decorated with a photograph of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, are still washing up on Alabama beaches days after an initial haul of almost 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) worth more than $1 million was found on the sand, police said.

Beach combers began discovering cocaine wrapped in plastic late Monday in the surf in Gulf Shores, a popular tourist spot, and police told news outlets Thursday that additional bundles of the drug were still coming in sporadically.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The savage and sloppy manner in which Robert Durst dismembered a man he accidentally killed in Texas helps prove the New York real estate heir didnt murder his best friend or kill his wife, his lawyer said.

Durst's amateurish efforts to dispose of the body of Morris Black after fatally shooting him in Galveston in 2001 left a trail of evidence  unlike the clinical crime scene where Susan Berman's body was found or the absence of clues when his wife vanished, attorney Dick DeGuerin said Wednesday.

A garbage bag floating in Galveston Bay with one of Black's body parts contained a receipt with Durst's name on it, blood from the drifter was discovered in his car, and DNA of the man was found at the crime scene in the multimillionaire's $300-a-month apartment.

There was clues everywhere. Hundreds of clues, DeGuerin told jurors in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Significantly different from whoever killed Susan Berman. Significantly different from the disappearance without a trace of Kathie Durst.

DeGuerin, who represented Durst in the Texas trial in which he was acquitted of murder after claiming he shot Black in self-defense, is aiming for a repeat in Los Angeles, where Durst is charged with murder in Berman's fatal shooting in 2000.

While prosecutors are using the killing of Black as evidence that Durst also knocked off Berman in his efforts to avoid prosecution in his wife's suspected killing in New York in 1982, the defense is trying to use the Texas case to its advantage.

The trial began in March 2020 but was adjourned after six days because of the pandemic. It resumed this week in Inglewood with lawyers making abbreviated opening statements to remind jurors about the evidence.

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin on Tuesday said the three killings are intertwined and Berman and Black were killed to help cover-up the killing of Durst's wife.

"In essence, all three are interrelated," Lewin said. Everything starts with Kathie Dursts disappearance.

Durst has long been suspected of killing Kathie Durst but has never been charged and has denied any role in her disappearance. She's never been found.

DeGuerin said there was no evidence Durst killed his wife or that Berman had helped him cover his tracks by posing as Kathie Durst in a phone call to the dean of the medical school where she was a student.

Kathie Durst disappeared without a trace, DeGuerin said. It was and is a mystery.

Durst fled New York and went into hiding in Texas in November 2000 after Westchester prosecutors reopened the investigation into Kathie Dursts suspected death. He disguised himself as a mute woman and rented an apartment next to Black.

Black was killed because he discovered Dursts identity, Lewin claimed.

But DeGuerin repeated the defense that won over jurors in Galveston in 2003: Black pulled Durst's gun on him and was shot in a struggle for the weapon.

After the killing, Durst smoked pot and drank Jack Daniels whiskey and then went to a hardware store, where he purchased a bow saw, a paring knife, garbage bags and painter's drop cloth to keep things tidy while he hacked up the body, DeGuerin said.

A sickly Durst, 78, seated in a wheelchair in a blue sport coat, faced the jury as DeGuerin described the awful, awful dismemberment. Durst blinked occasionally but no outward sign of emotion was discernible behind his white mask.

DeGuerin said Durst then did what he's done much of his life: he ran just as he had from his rich but dysfunctional family's mansion as a child.

He fled to New Orleans but was arrested when he returned to Galveston to pick up a pair of glasses waiting at an optometrist office.

He doesnt make good decisions, DeGuerin said repeatedly, blaming it partly on a diagnosis that Durst is on the autism spectrum and doesn't interact normally.

Lewin has scoffed at that explanation and played a clip of an interrogation in which Durst acknowledged it was something a psychiatrist made up. Later in the interview, though, Durst said he didn't like communicating with people.

DeGuerin said Durst had nothing to do with Berman's killing.

Bob Durst did not kill Susan Berman and he doesnt know who did, he said. Bob Durst had no motive and nothing to gain by the death of Susan Berman.

Berman, the daughter a Las Vegas mobster who was a writer, had been best pals with Durst since they met on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, in the 1960s. DeGuerin showed a photo of a younger bearded Durst, his smiling wife and a beaming Berman at one of her book launches.

Lewin said Berman told friends she helped Durst cover up the killing by phoning in sick for Kathie Durst the day after she was last seen  providing evidence she was alive the day after her husband said he put her on a train back to New York City after a weekend at their lakeside cottage.

But DeGuerin said Berman was famous for embellishing stories with lies. Even her friends didnt believe what she told them.

She was a fabulist. She made up stories, he said. "She told lies day in and day out.

DeGuerin said Durst discovered Bermans body when he showed up at her house in Benedict Canyon just before Christmas. The back door was open and she was lying on her back with blood pooled under her black hair.

Durst freaked out, fearing the killer might be there and fled, DeGuerin said. But before leaving town, Durst penned a note to police with Berman's address and the word CADAVER written in block letters so shed be found.

Until the admission by his lawyer, Durst had always denied writing the note or being at the crime scene. He even told documentary filmmakers and investigators that only the killer could have written the cadaver note.

DeGuerin tried to discredit the filmmakers and suggest that Durst was playing with investigators during an interrogation.

Lewin will get his chance to press Durst on it later in the trial. DeGuerin said he would testify.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  The National Weather Service warned Wednesday that more rain is expected this week in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, including areas where flooding has already caused misery this week.

Forecasters said 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain could fall in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana on Thursday and Friday, two areas already hard hit. Flash flood watches stretched from southwest Louisiana and east Texas northward into Arkansas and Oklahoma Wednesday evening. The weather service said they would be in effect through Thursday evening there and along the western and central Gulf of Mexico coast.

Rainy weather and flooding are suspected factors in at least four Louisiana deaths. And one person was missing after a car went into a canal.

In central Arkansas, at least 15 people were rescued from flash flooding after heavy rainfall late Tuesday and early Wednesday, emergency officials said. There were no reports of injuries.

Downpours earlier this week swamped vehicles and closed a major interstate highway in southwest Louisiana, including the Lake Charles area. It's an area still recovering from back-to-back hurricanes last fall and a deep freeze in February. Twelve to 15 inches of rain fell in parts of Lake Charles in a 12-hour period Monday, the weather service said.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, piles of ruined furniture, carpet and clothing lined the street in a neighborhood where residents were beginning to clean up from the earlier storms, WBRZ-TV reported. One man, David Earl, told the station that so much water flowed into his home through cracks and a dog door that his furniture began to float.

Some schools in Louisiana were closed on Wednesday in anticipation of severe weather.

It is mind-boggling, said Patrick King of Lake Charles. He was at a car rental office Tuesday after his truck was flooded Monday. He still hadnt moved back into his house after it flooded during Octobers Hurricane Delta, but recently had new furniture delivered to the home. Now it's been flooded again.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter estimated that 400 to 500 structures flooded during Mondays downpours. Hunter was mayor last year when the city was hit by Hurricane Laura on Aug. 27 and then six weeks later by Delta. Then in February, the deep freeze froze pipes and caused widespread drinking water problems.

Louisiana State Police said investigators believe an automobile crash that killed the driver and a toddler Wednesday may have been caused in part by driving too fast for the weather. It was raining when the car ran off U.S. 90 and hit a tree in St. Mary Parish between Morgan City and Amelia, Trooper First Class Derek Senegal said in a news release.

Earlier, the Calcasieu Parish coroner said a 61-year-old man was found in a vehicle submerged under water. The body of 33-year-old Justin Blaine Thompson was found in a vehicle submerged in water under a Baton Rouge overpass, another coroners office said. And near Port Allen, 40-year-old Alvarado Morentes Hermelindo died and another person was missing after their car crashed into a canal Monday evening, Louisiana State Police said.
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SOUTHINGTON  The son of the towns police chief was charged last week with a sexual assault, the police departments spokesman said.

Lt. Keith Egan confirmed to Hearst Connecticut Media Thursday that Mark F. Daly, who was charged with the fourth-degree sexual assault, is the son of Southington Police chief John F. Daly.
BUCARAMANGA, Colombia (AP)  Colombian lawmakers voted against a health system overhaul bill Wednesday, giving protesters another victory after 20 days of street demonstrations that have left dozens dead and forced the government to retreat on tax reform.

Health Minister Fernando Ruiz defended the proposal, saying it would give the health care system the tools needed to deal with emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 3 million people in the South American country and caused 82,000 deaths.

Critics of the bill said it could lead to health care monopolies by strengthening the role of private health promotion companies, which administer resources and contract services, and by allowing mergers in some cases of private health providers with public hospitals. It would have also increased focus on disease prevention.

The people's struggle in the streets against years and years of injustice has achieved the shelving of a reform that would have destroyed health as a right and commercialized it even more in favor of a few, leftist Sen. Alexander Lopez said on Twitter after the vote by Senate and House of Representatives committees.

The protests began with anger over a now-withdrawn tax restructuring that would have raised levies during the pandemic. Demonstrators later expanded their demands to include less inequality, an end to police violence and the withdrawal of the health measure.

Hundreds of people marched Wednesday in the capital, Bogota, with protesters heading to the iconic Plaza Bolivia, where the country's Congress and the Palace of Justice are. For life and peace, stop the massacre, said one sign. Hundreds also demonstrated peacefully in the cities of Medellin, Cali, Villavicencio, Bucaramanga and Cucuta.

Today the youth, the university students, all of us together, are in the streets demanding a change in the countrys model, which protects industry, so there is employment for the youth, said Hami Gomez, a student leader at National University of Colombia.

Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch say that the death toll since the protests began has risen to 55 and that in at least 15 cases the alleged aggressors were police. The Defense Ministry said Wednesday that 15 civilians had died amid the protests and 11 more cases were being verified.

Tensions rose Monday when President Ivan Duque deployed security forces to try to clear dozens of roads blocked by protesters. The blockades have prevented the transportation of medical supplies, food and gasoline and led to shortages in some areas.

The government and protest leaders grouped in the National Strike Committee have not formally sat down to negotiate after several initial meetings between the parties. The government is demanding the road blockades be lifted, while protesters are calling for the demilitarization of cities and guarantees of the right to protest.

Faced with growing international concern, Colombian prosecutor Francisco Barbosa met Wednesday with representatives of the United Nations, the Organization of American States and some European ambassadors to present a report on the progress of the investigations into killings by police.

Hector Schamis, a delegate of the general secretary of the OAS, said: "The secretary has stated that the (road) blockades cannot continue and any situation of police violence must be investigated. The prosecutor has informed us first-hand that said investigations are being carried out.
Lebanon, IN (46052)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 86F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
The Poincon de Geneve, the guarantor of a very high level of watchmaking excellence, is being shaken up by contemporary brands and practices. Its current regulations allow it to adapt and react, but without giving it the capacity to project instead itself into the future, so that it does not become a symbol of the past, but one of the future.

Archives  Poincon de Geneve

Discreet, but very present, the Poincon de Geneve, or Geneva Seal as it is called in English, will have been the only member of the watch industry not to seize the opportunity of a jubilee! Created in 1886, the organization is celebrating its 135th anniversary this year, in the most absolute discretion. But, why is it so quiet?

Six Historic Partner Brands

Cultural, technical, and commercial reasons overlap. By its very nature, the Geneva Seal does not seek out new partners. With six historical clients  Cartier, Chopard, Louis Vuitton, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, and the Ateliers de Monaco  the institution has a permanent base of brands that ensure its operation This prestigious hallmark is administered by a foundation called Timelab, which has no commercial vocation.

Calibre 708  Les Ateliers de Monaco

Nevertheless, these six historical brands, with their varying production quantities, could be joined by others. Regularly, small independent watchmakers come knocking at its door. Like Czapek, for example. Since its inception in 2015, the company has expressed an interest in certifying its pieces with the famous seal. It would be feasible to do, explains Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of the brand, But we need to reach a critical size, to recruit a few more people, expand our premises, and be patient!

A Hallmark at the Highest Price

Joining the Poincon de Geneve is not only a question of aesthetics and reaching an elevated degree of finishing and precision, but also a question of price as a timepiece that has been certified by the Geneva Seal costs 20% to 40% more, depending on the degree of advancement of the company, which also has to be based in Geneva. This is a significant additional cost that smaller companies, whose margins are closely monitored, often find difficult to absorb.

A High Standard of Quality

Technically, achieving the quality required by the Geneva Seal also hinders some attempts. Good workmanship and Reliability are the keywords of the organization and the minimum requirements are high. Main plates, bridges, gear trains, rubies, regulating systems, shaped parts such as screws and pins, all have to be produced according to the highest criteria. Nothing is left to chance.

 Poincon de Geneve

To subscribe to the Geneva Seal, all the plans for all the components must be submitted to the organization, along with several samples of each piece. If they are validated, which can already take several months, the Geneva Seal will also take random samples from the brand from time to time to ensure the consistency of the quality standards. Here again, this is an additional constraint for the brands who need to be committed to adopting processes that are not only rigorous but also monitored and stable.

New Materials: The Geneva Seal Adapts

As the guarantor of a centuries-old tradition, the Geneva Seal has often been accused of suffering from a backward-looking image. Nothing could be further from the truth. Consisting of a commission of experts and brand representatives, the group regularly welcomes new requests to examine a new material or a new finish. The objective is not to protect the original rules tooth and nail. It is also open to welcoming new watchmaking advances that are compatible with the requirements of the hallmark.

The case of Roger Dubuis

In this example, Roger Dubuis is a particularly interesting case study, especially in terms of its Calibre RD509 as it is made of carbon, a material that falls outside of the classic field of those targeted by the seal (gold, steel, and nickel). Presented in 2016 by the manufacture to the authorities of the Geneva Seal, it has been the subject of 18 months of deliberations and was finally certified in 2018.



For Roger Dubuis, the Poincon de Geneve is not an end in itself, it is the starting point of a quest for excellence, the brand explains. We invest an additional 40% of our time to ensure that our timepieces are worthy of bearing this guarantee of exclusivity, origin, know-how, performance, and durability.

Calibre RD509  Roger Dubuis

It is in the same way that the hallmark commission examines requests relating to titanium and sapphire, from time to time, and also coatings, such as NAC or DLC. However, they remain rare because, apart from Roger Dubuis, the six historical client brands of the Geneva Seal have a very traditional way of working. It is unlikely that we will see a carbon skeleton tourbillon from Vacheron Constantin, for example, anytime soon!

A Closed Circle

This is the limit of the exercise: to preserve tradition. The Geneva Seal certifies brands that preserve tradition. The circle is closed, with the actors continuing to go round and round. This is a loss of potential. The Geneva Seal is the guarantee of unique know-how, heir to 135 years of tradition, but which is struggling to seduce others beyond its technical and geographical borders.



This would be what we would expect. Like with the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve, the Poincon could also welcome brands that are not located in Geneva, but that respect its attributes. The levels of excellence achieved by Kari Voutilainen or Credor are already on par with those of Chopard or Cartier, for example.

What about Tomorrow?

Concerning this thorny question of new materials, we could envisage that the Geneva Seal could change the rules concerning traditional metals and other materials, which is written into its regulations. The tradition of tomorrow is being written today. Having to refer a sapphire crystal bridge to the Hallmark commission to have it certified  and there are now plenty of them  turns some enthusiasts off, when the regulations could proactively give a precise specification so that a sapphire crystal bridge can be certified in the same way as a steel or gold one. To act, and not to react, this remains the main challenge of the Poincon de Geneve.
Carl Luetzelschwab K9LA discusses propagation and the forecast for Cycle 25 The Fair Lawn Amateur Radio Club (FLARC) continues its highly acclaimed series of monthly speaker programs with one of the experts in solar propagation giving us a look ahead to Cycle 25.



Carl Luetzelschwab K9LA will review solar cycles and introduce HF propagation. He will discuss what to expect for propagation now and in the next year or so. He will show the predictions for Solar Cycle 25 and estimate when the higher bands (15 meters, 12 meters and 10 meters) will be back on a consistent day-to-day basis. Finally, he will highlight what you can do with 100 Watts and simple antennas when Solar Cycle 25 ramps up in the next several years.



The program is to be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 7:30 PM EDT via Zoom.



Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81226293613?pwd=R1pSazcrMW1JaUd5WGMvdTc1ZTdSUT09

Meeting ID: 812 2629 3613 Passcode: CYCLE25



K9LA started his radio career as a short-wave listener in the late 1950s. He received his Novice license (WN9AVT) in October 1961, and selected K9LA in 1977. Carl is a graduate of Purdue University and was an RF design engineer until his retirement in 2013. Carl enjoys propagation, DXing (he is at the Top of the Honor Roll), contesting (he was NCJ Editor from 2002-2007), experimenting with antennas and restoring/using vintage equipment. He is co-author of The CQ Shortwave Propagation Handbook. He was the lead author on Cycle 25 in the April 2021 issue of QST.



He and his wife Vicky AE9YL enjoy traveling, which has included DXpeditions to Syria (YK9A in 2001), to Market Reef (OJ0/AE9YL and OJ0/K9LA in 2002) and numerous trips to ZF (Vicky is ZF2YL and Carl is ZF2LA). Carl is currently the ARRL Central Division Vice Director. He has received the Bill Orr W6SAI Technical Writing Award, the YASME Foundation Excellence Award and the Indiana Radio Club Council Technical Excellence Award.



This program is a must for all those interested in DX, contesting and solar science and communications.



So, save the date  Friday, May 21st at 7:30 PM EDT -- for this important and always relevant discussion.

For more information, please visit the club's website at www.fairlawnarc.org or call 201-791-3841
POTTSVILLE  A man admitted May 6 to a Schuylkill County judge that prosecutors could prove he had sexual contact with a preteen girl in May 2020 in Mahanoy City.

Jamie David, 22, address not known, pleaded no contest to two counts of corruption of minors. Prosecutors withdrew two counts each of intimidation or attempt to intimidate person to refrain from reporting, indecent assault and indecent exposure.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted the plea but did not immediately sentence David.

Instead, he directed the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board to prepare an evaluation of David to help to determine whether he is a sexually violent predator. Miller said he would schedule sentencing after the report is complete.

Mahanoy City police charged David with having sexual contact with a 6-year-old girl on May 22, 2020, in the borough.

By pleading no contest, David did not admit committing the crimes, but offered no defense to the charges, acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to prove his guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if he had pleaded or been found guilty.

David already is an inmate at Schuylkill County Prison, and Miller conducted the hearing by videoconference.

Also, Gabriel N. Self, 23, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted Selfs plea and sentenced him to serve one to 18 months in prison, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police charged Self with breaking into the building at 402 Mahantongo St. on Oct. 22, 2020, in the city.

It was a condemned residence, Self said.

Self already is an inmate at Schuylkill County Prison, and Goodman conducted the hearing by videoconference.

In another case, Goodman revoked the probation of Joshua M. Kopinetz, 38, of Pottsville, and sentenced him to serve three to six months in prison.

Kopinetz admitted violating his probation by moving without permission, having new criminal charges filed against him, failing a drug test, using drugs and not making payments on his court-ordered costs and fees.

He originally pleaded no contest on March 4, 2020, to accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property, driving under suspension and disregarding traffic lane. Prosecutors withdrew charges of operating vehicle without required financial responsibility, careless driving and failure to stop and give information.

At that time, Goodman placed him on probation for 12 months consecutive to his current sentence and also sentenced him to pay costs, $425 in fines, a $50 CJEA payment and $3,179.88 restitution.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Kopinetz with committing his crimes on Sept. 2, 2019.

Kopinetz already is an inmate at Schuylkill County Prison, and Goodman conducted the hearing by videoconference.

In other recent court action, a Columbia County woman will spend time on house arrest instead of in prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced her Monday for driving under the influence in June 2019.

Sarah J. McGinley, 34, of Bloomsburg, must serve six months to five years on house arrest with electronic monitoring, President Judge William E. Baldwin decided.

Baldwin also sentenced McGinley to pay costs, $1,525 in fines and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, and perform 20 hours community service. He made the sentence effective on June 1.

McGinley pleaded guilty on Sept. 11, 2020, to DUI and disregarding traffic lane. State police at Frackville alleged she was DUI on June 21, 2019, in Frailey Township.

Also, Baldwin revoked the probation of Brandon M. Merwine, 35, of Hegins, and ordered him to remain in prison until Dec. 25 unless he is reparoled to an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Merwine originally pleaded guilty on Feb. 20, 2019, to possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and seat belt violation. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving unregistered vehicle, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility and operating vehicle without valid inspection.

At that time, Baldwin sentenced him to spend 12 to 30 months in a state correctional institution and pay costs, a $25 fine, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Merwine with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on May 28, 2018, in Tremont.

Merwine already is an inmate at the county prison, and Baldwin conducted Mondays hearing by videoconference.

In another county case, Ryan M. Ellis, 28, of Tamaqua, pleaded guilty to DUI. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted the plea and sentenced Ellis to serve 30 days to six months in prison, pay costs, a $100 fine and a $100 SAEF payment, perform 10 hours community service and undergo a mental health evaluation.

State police at Frackville alleged Ellis was DUI on July 22, 2020, in Schuylkill Township.

Also, Kritza Lugo Santiago, 33, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to resisting arrest. Prosecutors withdrew charges of false alarm, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Miller accepted Santiagos plea and sentenced her to serve six to 23 months in prison and pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Shenandoah police charged Santiago with resisting arrest on April 25, 2019, in the borough.
POTTSVILLE  Tuesdays balloting eliminated only one of the four candidates for the two open judge positions in Schuylkill County Court.

Judge Christina E. Hale, who has been on the county bench since succeeding the retired Judge John E. Domalakes in 2020, won the nomination of each party, making it almost certain she will win one of the two open seats in the Nov. 2 general election.

The other vacancy was created when Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin decided not to run for retention after serving 30 years on the county bench. He had succeeded his father, Donald D. Dolbin, on the bench; his grandfather, Cyrus Palmer, also served as a county judge.

Each victorious candidate will serve a 10-year term on the bench, at an annual salary of $183,184. Furthermore, subsequent elections will be for retention, in which the judge will receive a straight yes or no vote without any opponents.

Hale, a Butler Township Republican, captured 12,270 GOP votes and 5,271 Democratic votes, the top spot in each partys race, according to the final unofficial totals from the countys 125 precincts.

Im extremely happy, very grateful to the voters of Schuylkill County for their overwhelming bipartisan support, Hale said Wednesday.

She said she will continue her work on the bench as she prepares for the fall campaign.

Im looking forward to November, Hale said. We ran a clean campaign.

The other part of the we is Hales fellow Republican, Christopher W. Hobbs, a Pottsville lawyer, assistant county solicitor and former assistant public defender.

Im incredibly happy. Its incredibly positive, he said of the results.

Hobbs captured only the Republican nomination, finishing with 10,987 GOP votes, finishing second to Hale.

Hale said she and Hobbs would continue to campaign as a team, saying they have known each other for many years and have similar philosophies.

We would meet people on the campaign trail, she said. They would tell us how refreshing it was to see candidates get along and show respect for each other during these divisive times.

Schuylkill Haven lawyer James G. Conville, who has more than 26 years of experience practicing law, captured the other Democratic nomination. He received 4,553 Democratic votes, edging out Hobbs, who received 4,358.

I was happy I made it through to November, said Conville. I congratulate both of my opponents who also were nominated.

Conville, a Port Carbon Democrat, received 5,241 Republican votes.

I could feel that my campaign was gaining the momentum as the election neared, he said.

However, he did not forget that he was not yet on the bench.

I will be in the courtroom (this) morning, Conville said, adding that he expected a clean campaign in the fall.

In capturing the Democratic nomination, Conville advanced a step from his 2011 campaign for the bench, in which he trailed District Attorney, now Judge, James P. Goodman on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in that years primary.

Assistant District Attorney Julie D. Werdt, the fourth candidate, was the odd person out, finishing fourth on each ballot with 3,075 Democratic votes and 2,998 Republican ones.

An East Brunswick Township Democrat, Werdt was not disappointed in her results, and thanked everyone who had supported her.

I wish everybody luck going into November, she said Wednesday morning, when she already was back at work in the courthouse. It was a great experience. I met a lot of great people.

Conville also was gracious to Werdt.

I thank Julie Werdt for running a professional campaign with class, he said.
FRACKVILLE  The chief of police in Butler Township will be running unopposed in the November general election to serve as Schuylkill Countys newest magisterial district judge.

Edward Tarantelli, the winner in Tuesdays primary election on both the Republican and Democratic tickets, said Wednesday he was pleased, but also surprised he was able to win both nominations.

I was a little taken back, he said. It was a pleasant surprise.

Tarantelli said he and his family worked hard putting up signs, going door to door and otherwise getting out to meet people in the area served by the court.

We put so much into it, but it was all worth it, he said.

Absent what would be a massive write-in campaign in November, Tarantelli will win election to oversee District Court 21-2-01 in Frackville, a seat formerly held by Christina E. Hale, who was appointed Jan. 1 as a county Court of Common Pleas judge.

Tarantelli garnered 386 votes on the Democratic ticket, followed closely by Girardville businessman Todd Selgrade with 333. Attorney Anthony Tony Urban had 268 votes, Mahanoy Township Police Chief Brandon Alexander, 253, Frackville businessman John Malinchok, 220, and county sheriff department Capt. Scott Taylor with 164.

On the Republican ticket, Tarantelli received 1,031 votes followed by Malinchok with 552; Urban, 487; Alexander, 431; Selgrade, 367; and Taylor, 268.

Although he won on both tickets and his will be the only name on the November ballot, Tarantelli stressed he still has to make it through the general election.

The annual salary of a magisterial district judge is set by state law at $91,597.

Chief replacement

As far as giving up the reins of the police department that he has led for the past 19 years, Tarantelli said he will work with supervisors to make sure the right person is chosen to replace as a replacement and that the transition is smooth.

Butler Township has been incredible to me over the years and I will work with them any way I can, he said.

Tarantelli said serving as a magisterial district judge will simply be an extension of his career in law enforcement.

I am looking forward to it by continuing to serve the people of our communities and giving everybody the chance they deserve, he said.

Tarantelli said filling Hales shoes will be challenging.

Hale was also a winner in her bid Tuesday to remain on the county bench.

She (Hale) was an excellent judge and a quality individual, Tarantelli said. Just look at last night; the numbers speak for themselves.

Miffed at governor

Malinchok said getting large numbers of votes in Butler Township was difficult considering the reputation Tarantelli built for himself as chief and through community involvement.

Its harder than it looks, he said about running for public office. We tried our best, but it just wasnt good enough.

Malinchok, while recommended by the countys legislative contingent and county commissioners last year to fill Hales vacancy in an interim role, has not taken the bench because his appointment wasnt approved by Gov. Tom Wolf.

The fact that I ran in this election and didnt make it, that appointment is gone, he said.

Malinchok said hes been told there are about 60 vacancies in the Philadelphia area alone for magisterial district judges and arraignment court judges in saying Wolf is lax in his efforts.

Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, confirmed that Malinchoks recommendation was submitted but never approved by the governor.

A call to the governors press office seeking information as to the status of Malinchoks appointment was not returned on Wednesday.

Malinchok said around the time of his selection that he was set complete the training for the position by Dec. 10. Asked about the process Wednesday, he said he was ready to go in serving if his appointment would have been approved.

Cases at District Court 21-2-01 are being heard by Senior Magisterial District Judge Thomas Xavios of Berks County.
100 years ago  1921

Possibility of the further extension of the coal activities in the Schuylkill Valley was disclosed Friday morning when it was learned that members of the Patterson family and Wilkes-Barre parties had left here for the purpose of making an inspection of the Patterson coal tracts between Tamaqua and Paterson.

75 years ago  1946 Gordon:

Mrs. Fred Rice visited friends at Girardville.

Mrs. Harry Fisher of Philadelphia is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Charles Seitzinger for a few weeks.

Jennie M. Johnson, of Seattle, Wash., flew to LaGuardia Field, N.Y., and was met by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Portner, with whom she will spend the next month.

50 years ago  1971

Northumberland County Planning Commission this week endorsed the route for a Lakes-to-Sea highway from Hamburg to Danville that has been proposed by Greater Pottsville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Northumberland board had previously favored another route.

25 years ago  1996

As winter gives way to spring, Marie Canfield and Thomas R. Fleeger begin eyeing the weather forecasts with greater and greater interest. If a heat wave is coming, they have to make sure they will have enough napkins, spoons and bananas, not to mention ice cream. As temperatures soared into the 90s for the first time this year in Schuylkill County, Sunday was as good a test for these ice cream parlor managers as any. This year especially, it seems like it went from winter to summer very quickly, said Fleeger, the owner of the Tri-Valley Treat in Valley View. A few days ago, it was in the 30s at night and the 50s during the day. Three days later, theres a 40 degree difference. Pottsvilles high on Sunday was 91 degrees. Harrisburgs high on Sunday was 94, a record for May 19. Williamsports high of 96 was the highest May temperature on record for that city, tying a record set May 30, 1895.
I am calling about the roads in Pottsville. One of the main roads, Laurel Boulevard, which is up by the Pottsville high school practice field, the turn there is terrible. At 3 oclock when the kids get out of the school, the driver has to decide between the potholes and the poor kids on the sidewalk. Somebody is going to get hurt there. The whole section has to be redone.

Pottsville



James Franklin is just two-for-eight in landing the top player in Pennsylvania in eight full recruiting cycles. What ever happened to Dominate the State? Two-for-eight isnt going to get you be an elite program, is it?

Saint Clair



To the people calling in complaining about the unemployment, you are looking at it all wrong. Businesses need to start upping their pay, increasing the pay they pay their workers.

Pottsville



I just watched the most disgusting display of Republican lies and deceit when three Republican Congressmen  Gosar, Clyde and Fallon  sat in a congressional hearing and barefaced lied about Jan. 6, saying it was just like a group of tourists and the rioters were the real victims and not the police and everyone else in the building. These three should be immediately thrown out of Congress and thrown in prison.

Klingerstown



Two a.m. Friday, concrete trucks flying up and down the streets. No sleep here. I have to go to work in the morning. Really, really annoying and disappointing that the employer doesnt respect the townspeople.

Minersville



To my fellow Republicans who are against Trump, please do not leave the party. The only way we are going to get our party back is in the primaries.

Hometown
Actor Randeep Hooda celebrates five years of the release of his film Sarbjit. He took to his Instagram handle on May 20, 2021, to commemorate the occasion by sharing some stills from the movie. In Sarbjit, Randeep portrayed the main character, a farmer who crosses the India-Pakistan border by accident and gets imprisoned.

Celebrating the fifth anniversary of his movie, Randeep shared pictures showing his character Sarbjit Singh Attwal as a prisoner dressed in muddy clothes. The first picture shows the unhygienic conditions provided to prisoners. He has large chains tied to his hands and legs and is seen seated on a dirty floor. His hair and beard are grown in an unruly manner.

In the second picture, he can be seen dressed in a pair of clean clothes. His hair is trimmed and lies on the floor surrounding him. His beard is shaved off leaving a clean look and he is provided with a pair of sandals to cover his feet. Randeep's expressions in the two pictures show helplessness and sadness.

Randeep Hooda celebrates five years of Sarbjit

Randeep's fans flooded the comment section with their love and support for the actor and his movie. They complimented him for his role in the movie and praised him for his acting skills. "Real talent", one fan exclaimed. Another called Sarbjit one of the best movies they had ever seen. One fan even called Randeep a 'Legend' for his role in the movie.

Another fan called Randeep Hooda the "best actor". "He did a great job", commented a fan. One fan even congratulated Randeep for his performance in the movie and on the fifth anniversary of the film. Fans even called him an "inspiration" and a "superstar". Others dropped fir emojis and heart-eyes emojis in the comment section.

The plot of Sarbjit

Sarbjit focuses on a farmer named Sarbjit Singh Attwal, who is an honest family man from Haryana. One night he gets drunk and crosses the India-Pakistan border causing him to get arrested by the Pakistani soldiers on the charges of being an Indian spy. When the Pakistan Government refuses to set him free, Sarbjit's sister Dalbir Kaur goes on a mission to prove that her brother is innocent. She seeks the help of a lawyer and the Indian media. The film will focus on her 23 years of attempts to gain freedom for her innocent brother.

Image: Still from Sarbjit

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
The announcement of the Friends reunion has come as come as an exciting news for fans all over the world. The trailer of the special reunion episode has been recently released, which has further increased its anticipation among fans. Actor R Madhavan appears to be equally excited for it, as he shared the trailer in his recent Instagram story. He also penned a few words on the strong influence that the sitcom has created in different parts of the world, comparing it to a religion. Following is the note he shared on the reunion, along with other interesting details about the show.

R Madhavan reacts to Friends reunion trailer

The Friends reunion trailer has brought back the original main cast of the sitcom nearly a couple of decades after the show had ended. R Madhavan has shared the 2-minute-long trailer on his Instagram and penned a few words on the show. His note reads, I believe Friends has become a world religion.. What do yall think??. This is a deviation from his usual posts. The actor has recently been heavily promoting his upcoming film Rocketry, which is a biopic on the Indian scientist Nambi Narayan, who was falsely accused of espionage back in 1994. The movie was first announced the previous year and is expected to be released soon.

IMAGE: R MADHAVAN'S INSTAGRAM

The Friends reunion, on the other hand, was announced only a while back. The special episode will receive an OTT release on HBO Max and it will cover some of the highlight moments of the show. The trailer shows all the cast members of Friends, - Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt le Blanc and David Schwimmer coming together to reminisce about some of the special moments while filming the show. The cast have also recreated the famous scene which shows Joey and Chandler competing with Monica and Rachel in their famous bet.

Friends has first begun way back in 1994 and a successful run on television right till its conclusion in 2004. The show was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, and all the main actors in the sitcom have received wide recognition for their respective roles. The Friends reunion is set to premiere on May 27.

IMAGE: R MADHAVAN & 'FRIENDS' INSTAGRAM

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
A giant and mysterious object has been spotted by the National park officials on a North Carolina beach. Cape Lookout National Seashore has shared the picture of it on Facebook calling it a "Beach Mystery". The park in the post has mentioned "a mysterious mass" that was found on the beach a few months ago. Netizens who were baffled to see the image started making guesses about what the strange object might be.

Mysterious object on North Carolina Beach

The park while sharing the photo has mentioned that it may be "something like the egg sacks of a squid". They further added that they were not sure about the what the object might be and wanted public help in identifying it. They mentioned that the object was discovered a few months ago but they are now making it public. Take a look at the post.

People have responded to the post commenting about what the mysterious object might be. One person wrote, "Google says they're squid eggs. But I don't know." Another person commented, "Squid egg mass. Put it back into the ocean, off shore, so the eggs can grow and hatch. Another individual wrote, "Looks like the squid eggs found in Oregon under the Yaquina Bay Bridge." Check out some user reactions.

Meanwhile, scientists have captured hunting skills of rare elusive giant squid under the deep sea in the gulf of Mexico. These creatures are hard to film as they live thousands of feet under the sea. Researchers used an unobtrusive camera platform to attract the elusive creature using a fake bioluminescent jellyfish. The marine biologists have for the first time, captured video of Architeuthis dux hunting prey under the deep sea in the gulf of Mexico. Experts previously believed that the squid waited before hunting its prey, but the new video contradicts the view as the creature is stalking the E-Jelly before attacking it.

First-of-Its-Kind Video Shows Giant Squid Hunt Their Prey Deep in The Ocean https://t.co/jItAi2GDNq pic.twitter.com/uzQmMMhTkb  Paulo Pereira (@Pauloaep) May 12, 2021

IMAGE: CapeLookoutNationalSeashore/Facebook

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The Thane police on Monday seized an incredible and shocking load comprising 12,000 explosive gelatin sticks and 3,008 detonators from the Karivali area in Bhiwandi near Mumbai. Following this, two people have been arrested - the owner of the company named Mittal Enterprises, Gurunath Mhatre, and his supplier from Sangamner, Amol Jondale. Both of them have been sent to police custody for further investigation into the matter.

However, what has now come to light on the basis of the remand copy accessed by Republic TV, is that among the gelatin sticks seized, products worth Rs 1,50,000 allegedly belonged to a company called Solar Industries India limited based out of Nagpur, whereas gelatin sticks worth Rs 7,500 have allegedly been procured from a company called Deccan Power. On the other hand, detonators worth Rs 45,120 have allegedly been manufactured by Solar AED Ultrasafe.

Gelatin sticks at Antilia and cache recovered in Bhiwandi traced back to same company

When 20 gelatin sticks were found in a Scorpio car near Mukesh Ambanis residence Antilla in February, they were traced back to the same company from Nagpur named Solar Industries Limited.

The company had then confirmed that the sticks were from its stable, and had added that there is no system of tracking individual explosive cartridges.

However, senior officials from Thane police said that they are still investigating the case and they havent found the links of the Bhiwandi gelatin sticks case to any other case yet.

"The number of explosives recovered could have caused a blast that would affect the entire Thane if anything went wrong," said a senior official from Thane police.

Krishna Kokni of Thane crime branch unit 1, who led the operation on a tip-off from one of the members of the unit named Ananda Bhilare, said that Mhatre did not hold any legal documents to justify the possession of gelatin sticks.

Thane police says it is yet to find any connection with Antilia bomb scare case; probe on

"Detonators and gelatin sticks cannot be kept together in one place, even if one of them gets attached, it can cause huge damage. In the case of Mhatre, primarily it looks like a case of negligence because he had stored the explosives in two garage-like rooms, which was a risk to his life and those staying around in the chawl as well. Mhatre was engaged in mining and quarrying work, and he has informed us that he used gelatin sticks and detonators for that. As of now, we havent found any connection," says Kokni.

He added that the only reason that Mhatre has been arrested was that he did not have a license to procure or keep explosives. On the other hand, Jondale has the license for supplying explosives but will be questioned further to understand links in this case and to know how he supplied explosives to someone without a license.

However, when a senior official from Thane police was asked about gelatin sticks belonging to the same company as that found in the Antilia case, he said, "There is a monopoly of certain companies in this field, which is why the possibility arises. One may find the gelatin sticks of the same company in Manipur as well."

A case has been registered against both the accused at Bhoiwada police station in Bhiwandi under section 286 (Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance) of the Indian Penal Code and section 5 (Punishment for making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances) of the Explosive Substance Act, 1908.

Another officer from the crime branch said that the Bhiwandi case is parallelly being investigated by Anti-Terrorist Squad and Intelligence Bureau as well.

Antilia bomb scare

On February 25, a green Scorpio car laden with gelatin sticks was found by Mumbai Police outside Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambanis residence Antilia along with a threatening letter. Primary investigation from the CCTV had revealed that the car was parked near the residence a night prior.

Later, on March 5, Mansukh Hiren, the owner of the car in question, was found dead at Kalwa creek and the police had claimed that he committed suicide by jumping into the stream. However, his wife alleged that he was murdered and mentioned that then Mumbai Police API Sachin Vaze who was, in fact, assigned the case, was using Hirens car since November. Following NIA's investigation, accused Mumbai Police cop Sachin Vaze, who is now lodged in Taloja jail, was first suspended and then dismissed from service. Vaze is the prime accused in the Antilia bomb scare probe and the murder of businessman Mansukh Hiren. This series of developments have caused the fallout and ouster of former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and former Mumbai CP Param Bir Singh who are both now being investigated.
New Delhi, May 20 (PTI) A total of 13,093 oxygen concentrators, 15,801 oxygen cylinders and nearly 6.1 lakh Remdesivir vials received as global aid have been delivered or dispatched to states and union territories from April 27 to May 19, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.

The government has been receiving international cooperation for COVID-19 relief medical supplies and equipment since April 27 from different countries and organisations.

These are being promptly dispatched and delivered to the states and union territories (UTs), the ministry said.

Cumulatively, 13,093 oxygen concentrators,15,801 oxygen cylinders, 19 oxygen generation plants, 10,425 ventilators and Bi-PAPs, and about 6.1 lakh Remdesivir vials have been delivered or dispatched through road and air from April 27 to May 19, it stated.

The major consignments received on 18-19 May from Ontario (Canada), Kuwait, Oman, Myanmar, USISPF and the UK Medical Aid International included 219 oxygen concentrators and 500 Ventilators, Bi-PAPs and CPAPs Effective immediate allocation, and streamlined delivery to the recipient states, union territories and institutions is an ongoing exercise, the ministry said.

The ministry is comprehensively monitoring this on a regular basis, it said.

The ministry said that a cell has been created to coordinate the receipt and allocation of foreign COVID relief material as international cooperation in the form of grants, aid and donations.

This cell started functioning from April 26 and a Standard Operating Procedure has been framed and implemented by the ministry since May 2.PTI PLB ANB ANB

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Nichole N. Bridges has been promoted to the role of Morton D. May Curator of Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas for the Saint Louis Art Museum. She says the museum has a world-class African Art collection that deserves more attention.
Internation Tea Day is celebrated all over the world to draw light on the amount of impact the tea trade has brought to the workers and the farmers. Seeing the progress Asian countries were making in the World Tea Industry, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 21st as the International Tea Day.

International Tea Day 2021 date

International Tea Day is annually celebrated on May 21st.

International Tea day history

Tea has many health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties.



On Thursday's first #InternationalTeaDay, find out more about one of the world's oldest beverages. https://t.co/EfW1b5J6zk pic.twitter.com/d2K1iARvOL  United Nations (@UN) May 21, 2020

In the year 2019, the UN General Assembly decided to celebrate International Tea Day on May 21st annually. The assembly stated that the day will promote and nurture collective initiatives to carry out activities in support of sustainable tea production and consumption, as well as raise awareness of tea's relevance in the battle against hunger and poverty.

International Tea day Significance

The goal of International Tea Day is to increase awareness of tea's long history and cultural and economic importance around the world. The day's purpose is to promote and nurture collective actions to execute initiatives in support of sustainable tea production and consumption, as well as to increase awareness of tea's relevance in the battle against hunger and poverty.

Since 2005, tea-producing countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, and Tanzania have commemorated December 15 as International Tea Day. International Tea Day strives to bring governments and citizens throughout the world's attention to the impact of the global tea trade on workers and growers, and has been related to calls for price supports and fair trade.

International Tea Day 2020 quotes

"My dear, if you could give me a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head I should better understand your affairs." -Charles Dickens Drink Your Tea Slowly and Reverently, As if It Is the Axis on Which the World Earth Revolves  Slowly, Evenly, With out Speeding Towards the Future.  Thich Nhat Hanh, the Miracle of Mindfulness You Can By no means Get a Cup of Tea Giant Sufficient or a Guide Lengthy Sufficient to Go well with Me.  C.S. Lewis "The path to heaven passes through a teapot." -Ancient Proverb Tea Is Just like the Entire World in a Small Cup.  Zhanna Koiviola "Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage." -Catherine Douzel "The music of tea is the melody that soothes me." -Morgan Christiansen "Wouldn't it be dreadful to live in a country where they didn't have tea?" -Noel Coward "Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea? How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea." - Reverend Sydney Smith

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
STORY: Morocco Ceuta Clashes - Clashes as Morocco forces block access to Ceuta

LENGTH: 01:16

FIRST RUN: 2326

RESTRICTIONS:

TYPE: Natsound

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

STORY NUMBER: 4326757

DATELINE: 19 May 2021 - Fnideq

SHOTLIST:

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Fnideq - 19 May 2021

1. Wide of people running as Moroccan security forces try to disperse them from place where they were gathering along route that leads to border with Ceuta

2. People, mostly young men, throwing objects at security forces, who move back

++EVENING SHOTS++

3. Various of people setting fire to objects in middle of the street, smoke rising

4. Tilt down of smoke rising from barricade on fire in the street, and security forces and people running behind it

5. Close of smoke and people running and throwing objects at security forces who move back

6. Wide of smoke rising from burning barricade and people running

++NIGHT SHOTS++

7. Close of security forces advancing

8. Mid of people running

9. Various of police trucks blocking route to border

STORYLINE:

Clashes erupted near Morocco's border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Wednesday as security forces tried to disperse would-be migrants.

Police and troops were deployed to Fnideq to block access to the border.

Dozens of mainly young men gathered in nearby square and clashes erupted when security forces tried to move them away.

Some of the men threw objects at the forces personnel and set fire to a makeshift barricade in the middle of the street.

Police moved back initially, but later dispersed the group.

About 8,000 people have crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in the past two days in an unprecedented influx.

Most of them swam around breakwaters and across the border to reach the Spanish enclave in North Africa.

Over the decades, Spain has built a close relationship with Morocco to crack down on illegal border crossings, but also to increase economic ties and fight extremism.

But on Wednesday, its foreign minister said for the first time in public that Spain believed Morocco loosened its border control to retaliate for Spain having given medical assistance to the head of the liberation movement for Western Sahara, a disputed territory to Morocco's south.

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The defense ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt said Wednesday that emerging regional threats and challenges necessitate even closer cooperation and will seek to invite more countries to take part in joint military drills that aim to sharpen their preparedness levels.

Cyprus Defense Minister Charalambos Petrides hosted his Greek and Egyptian counterparts, Nikos Panagiotopoulos and General Mohamed Zaki, in the Cypriot capital as part of a series of three-way meetings aimed at boosting defense cooperation between the three countries.

Earlier this year, France and the United Arab Emirates took part for the first time in joint maneuvers with the three countries.

The latest in a string of such meetings between the three defense ministers is an extension of close links that the leaderships of the three countries have forged in the last few years, based on shared interests regarding potential hydrocarbon deposits in the eastern Mediterranean.

Zaki said the three ministers discussed better coordinating actions to counter threats that emanate from the wider region such as terrorism, illegal migration and illegal trafficking.

Egypt shares maritime borders with both Greek and Cyprus.

The Cypriot government has licensed energy companies Total of France, Italy's Eni and ExxonMobil to search for gas deposits in waters where it has exclusive economic rights.

That search has stoked tensions with neighboring Turkey which doesn't recognize Cyprus as a state and disputes those rights.

It also claims much of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone and says it will defend its rights and those of Turkish Cypriots in the breakaway north of the ethnically split island nation to the region's energy deposits.

Turkey had sent warship-escorted drill ships and research vessels to look for hydrocarbons inside waters where Cyprus and Greece claim exclusive rights.

Both Panagiotopoulos and Petrides rejected what they called Turkey's "illegal, provocative and unilateral" actions inside Greek and Cypriot waters that contravene international law and undermine regional stability.

In a joint statement, the ministers condemned "actions that violate the sovereign rights, territorial integrity and unity of any country" and to respect international law.

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The European Union, on Wednesday, May 19 took a step towards relaxing travel rules for tourists from outside the bloc. This happened after the EU ambassadors agreed on measures to allow in fully vaccinated visitors. The ambassadors also agreed to ease the criteria which is needed for nations to be considered COVID-19 safe and from which all tourists can travel, depending on their coronavirus and vaccination status. Under the existing criteria, the list includes only seven nations.

Once the non-binding measures are approved, EU countries will keep the possibility to impose restrictive measures on tourists. This will include PCR tests or quarantines. The EU nations have been struggling throughout the pandemic to prepare for vital tourism industries with the hope to recover some income over the peak summer season. Greece, which is heavily reliant on tourism, has already lifted quarantine restrictions for countries like the US, Britain, Israel.

All that you need to know

This comes after the European Commission unveiled its recommendations to ease the present COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential travel from overseas. The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted saying it was time to revive the 27-nation-blocs tourism industry in order to rekindle the cross-border relations. As of now, the EU only allows non-essential travel from seven nations but the proposals by the authorities will also contain an emergency brake that will allow the EU member nations to limit the travel rapidly in the wake of new variants or other situations in non-EU countries.

The bloc is also introducing an emergency brake. In the statement, the Commission said that the emergency brake mechanism to be coordinated at EU level and which would limit the risk of such variants entering the EU. This will allow the Member States to act quickly and temporarily limit to a strict minimum all travel from affected countries for the time needed to put in place appropriate sanitary measures.

Tourism in Europe hit

EU nations have been struggling throughout the pandemic to prop up their vital tourism industries and hope to recover some income over the peak summer season.

Greece, which is heavily reliant on tourism, has already lifted quarantine restrictions for the U.S., Britain, Israel, and other non-EU countries as negotiations between governments and EU lawmakers to introduce COVID-19 certificates aimed at facilitating travel across the region this summer continue. A deal is required by end of the month to ensure the system will be up and running by the end of June.

(Image Credits: AP/EC.Europa)
Dozens of migrants climbed a perimeter fence into the port area of Ceuta on Wednesday night in the hopes of being able to sneak onto cargo ships and ferries that could take them to mainland Spain.

More than 8,000 people have crossed from Morocco into Ceuta since Monday, with many risking their lives by swimming around a breakwater to reach a beach on the European side.

Moroccos loosened border watch came after Spain decided to grant entry for medical treatment to the chief of a militant group that fights Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara.

Spanish authorities have said more than half of those who crossed have been returned, but thousands remain in the enclave with their future uncertain.

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India on Wednesday, May 19, expressed concern over the situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as the country called for peaceful resolution of the disputes between the two countries. The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi said that peace in the South Caucasus region is important for regional security.

He said, We have been following, with concern, the situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Border incursions through military movements can destabilise the situation and lead to renewed hostilities. We call upon the transgressing side to pull back forces immediately and cease any further provocation.

India has always stood for peaceful resolution of bilateral disputes through political and diplomatic means. Peace and stability in the South Caucasus region is important from the regional security perspective, Bagchi added. The spokesperson was responding to media queries on recent developments along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

History of the conflict

What began almost a century ago as a dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, has over the years resulted in severe human rights violations, failed diplomatic talks, refugee crisis, deaths and destruction. Tensions over the contended South Caucasus piece of land mounted up again in October 2020, with Armenia and Azerbaijan blaming each other over who instigated the most recent conflict. The conflict-hit the region last year bringing the issue back into the limelight.

While internationally, the Nagorno-Karabakh region is recognised as a de jure part of Azerbaijan, Armenians claim that the region was a part of their kingdom from the fourth century BCE. Joseph Stalin decided to make the Nagorno-Karabakh region an autonomous oblast of Azerbaijan. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region flared up soon after the breakdown of the Soviet Union in late 1980s. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have claimed the strategic territory, with occasional flare-ups and fighting.

Holding a referendum at that time, the Autonomous Oblast of Nagorno-Karabakh region decided to stay independent instead of joining either territory. What began as a relatively peaceful demand to unify with Armenia, soon turned into an increasingly violent conflict between ethnic Armenians and ethnic Azerbaijans. The fighting that lasted up until approximately 1994, hit a low point when both the former Soviet Union nations accused each other of ethnic cleansing.

The situation worsened after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast in Azerbaijan decided to unify with Armenia (given its massive Armenian population) in early 1988. Full-scale fighting in 1992 compelled international bodies to take notice and mediate a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan. After several failed diplomatic talks, a Russian-brokered ceasefire was agreed upon in 1994, essentially leading to a diplomatic mediation.

(Image Credits: AP)
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi welcomed his German counterpart Heiko Maas to Ben Gurion airport on Thursday.

Ashkenazi thanked Maas for coming to Israel, as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians showed no sign of abating.

"I want to thank him in behalf of the government of Israel and the people in Israel for the solidarity, for the support and for standing with us. This is very important for us," said Ashkenazi.

"I hope that we bring this operation to the desired ending."

Maas was also expected to meet with the Palestinian side.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday foreign ministers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia would also arrive in Israel on Thursday.

The statement added that the diplomats were invited by Ashkenazi "to express their solidarity and support" for Israel during its campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to de-escalate hostilities after 10 days of heavy fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The fighting, the worst Israeli-Palestinian violence since 2014, has killed least 230, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

Hamas and militant group Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130.

Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

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Gaza City, May 19 (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Wednesday to press ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, pushing back against calls from the United States to wind down the operation that has left hundreds dead.

Netanyahu's tough comments marked the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began last week and could complicate international efforts to reach a cease-fire.

Israel continued to pound targets in Gaza with airstrikes, while Palestinian militants bombarded Israel with rocket fire throughout the day. In another sign of potential escalation, militants in Lebanon fired a rocket barrage into northern Israel.

After a visit to military headquarters, Netanyahu said he appreciated the support of the American president, but he said Israel would push ahead to return calm and security to Israeli citizens.

He said he was determined to continue this operation until its aim is met. He spoke shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden told Netanyahu that he expected "a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire, the White House said.

Biden had previously avoided pressing Israel more directly and publicly for a cease-fire with Gaza's Hamas militant rulers. But pressure has been building for Biden to intervene more forcefully as other diplomatic efforts gather strength.

Egyptian negotiators have also been working to halt the fighting, and an Egyptian diplomat said top officials were waiting for Israel's response to a cease-fire offer. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he would fly to the region Thursday for talks with Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said the foreign ministers of Slovakia and the Czech Republic would also arrive in Israel Thursday, and that the diplomats were invited by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to express their solidarity and support for Israel.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said it was widening its strikes on militant targets in southern Gaza to blunt continuing rocket fire from Hamas. At least nine people were killed Wednesday in the Gaza Strip.

The current round of fighting between Israel and Hamas began May 10, when the militant group fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Since then, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, and Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired more than 3,700 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted or landing in open areas.

At least 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

The rockets fired by militants in Lebanon into northern Israel threatened to open up a new front in the fighting. The rocket attack, which drew Israeli artillery fire in response but did not cause any injuries, raised the possibility of dragging Israel into renewed conflict with the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to its north.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and Hezbollah, which fought a monthlong war against Israel in 2006, has stayed out of the fighting for now. The rockets were widely believed to be fired by Palestinian factions based in south Lebanon.

But they cannot operate without Hezbollah's tacit consent, and the barrage appears to be carefully calibrated to send a political message that the group, which has tens of thousands of missiles, could join the battle at any time. Israel considers Hezbollah to be its most formidable threat and has threatened widespread destruction in Lebanon if war were to erupt.

In Gaza, one of the Israeli airstrikes destroyed the home of an extended family.

Residents surveyed the piles of bricks, concrete and other debris that had once been the home of 40 members of al-Astal family in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis. They said a warning missile struck the building five minutes before the airstrike, allowing everyone to escape.

Ahmed al-Astal, a university professor, described a scene of panic, with men, women and children racing out of the building.

We had just gotten down to the street, breathless, when the devastating bombardment came, he said. They left nothing but destruction, the children's cries filling the street. ... This is happening, and there is no one to help us. Another strike in nearby Deir al-Balah killed a man, his wife and their 2-year-old daughter, witnesses said. Iyad Salha, a brother of the man who was killed, said the family had just sat down for lunch when the missile hit.

Among those killed Wednesday were a reporter for Hamas-run Al-Aqsa radio and two people who died when warning missiles crashed into their apartment.

The Israeli military said it was striking a militant tunnel network in southern Gaza, with 52 aircraft hitting 40 underground targets.

Military officials, meanwhile, said a mysterious explosion that killed eight members of a Palestinian family on the first day of the fighting was caused by a misfired rocket from Gaza. "This wasn't an Israeli attack," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman.

Since the fighting began, Gaza's infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated. Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power in 2007.

Israeli attacks have damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.

Among the buildings leveled by Israeli airstrikes was one housing The Associated Press' Gaza office and those of other media outlets.

Netanyahu has alleged that Hamas military intelligence was operating in the building. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that Israel had given the U.S. information about the bombing, without elaborating.

The AP has called for an independent investigation. The news organization's president, Gary Pruitt, has said the AP had no indication Hamas was present in the building.

The fighting, the worst since a 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, has ignited protests around the world and inspired Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories to call a general strike Tuesday. It was a rare collective action that spanned boundaries central to decades of failed peace efforts. Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza in the 1967 Mideast war, territories the Palestinians want for their future state. (AP) RS RS

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The UN Human Rights Council (OHCHR) will hold a special session on May 27 to discuss the "grave human rights situation" in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, the body announced Thursday. The session has been convened following a joint request by Pakistan, which is the coordinator of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the State of Palestine. As of now, the number of states which back the call has not been revealed, however, Anadolu Agency reported that China, South Africa, Cuba, Mexico, Bolivia, Venezuela, Namibia and Eritrea have confirmed their support.

Israel has been accused of human rights violation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank by multiple international organisations. An estimated 4,500 Palestinians are believed to have been held in Israeli jails, a report by Anadolu Agency revealed. Since 2007, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza forcing a majority of residents to depend on international humanitarian aid.

Fresh strikes and Netanyahus politics

This comes as the Israel-Hamas battle turned bloodier on its tenth day, even as international calls for a ceasefire gained momentum. In the wee hours of May 20, the Israeli Defense Forces unleashed another wave of aerial strikes across the Gaza Strip killing at least one Palestinian and injuring several others. In retaliation, Hamas fired a barrage of rockets, most of which were intercepted and neutralized by Israels Iron Dome Defense System.

In response to the continuing rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, we just struck 2 Hamas terror tunnels under construction and a military tunnel entrance located inside a building in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/7Gs13DYNzG  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 20, 2021

ROCKET ATTACK: Sirens sounding in the city of Beersheba  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 20, 2021

The attacks spilt out of the Gaza City onto the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis, where bombs have obliterated homes, schools, bookstores and hospitals. Later, the Israeli military said it struck at least three homes of Hamas commanders in Khan Younis and another in Rafah, targeting military infrastructure, as well as a weapons storage unit at a home in Gaza City. While a truce between the warring sides is expected within the next 24 hours, Netanyahu has pledged to inflict maximum damage to the terrorists in a desperate move to save his dwindling political career.

As of May 20, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 230 Palestinians, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,620 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. On the other hand, twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

All Images: AP
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) on May 20 said that waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines will not be enough to narrow the huge supply gap between rich and poor countries. South Africa and India have submitted proposals on the WTOs Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights that would allow for a temporary waiver of certain aspects of TRIPS. While the WHO has noted that poorer countries have received just 17 per cent of doses, US President Joe Biden last week said that he supported the waiver idea. However, the European Union and other developed country opponents said that it will not increase output.

While speaking to the European Parliament, WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said it was clear that an IP waiver alone would not be enough. Ngozi said that to have solved the unacceptable problem of inequity of access to vaccines, the world has to be holistic. Its not one or the other," she said, adding this could not drag out for years.

Ngozi added that developing countries had complained the licensing process was cumbersome and should be improved. She said that manufacturers should work to expand production, pointing to idle capacity in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Senegal, South Africa. The WTO director-general even went on to say that there is also needed to be a transfer of technology and know-how, with vaccines often harder to produce than drugs. She added that she is convinced that the world can agree on a text that gives developing countries that kind of access and flexibility, whilst protecting research and innovation.

It is worth mentioning that India, South Africa, and 57 members of WTO had made the proposal of waiver of certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement earlier in October 2020 to fight the battle of COVID-19. Trade experts suggest that WTO negotiations for the proposal could take months given that they overcome some member countries' important opposition. Health experts, doctors, and scientists have been stressing upon vaccination to win the fight against COVID-19. A global vaccination program needs to be conducted at a massive level as advised by experts.

WHO Supports TRIPS Waiver

The WHO last week also supported the proposal of waiving TRIPS to COVID-19 vaccines at the WTO. WHO top scientist Soumya Swaminathan said that the global health body strongly recommends this as it is not the time to worry about profits. Currently, several countries of the world including India are struggling with a deadly spread of COVID-19 variants. She mentioned that WHO director-general Dr. Tedros has also spoken in support of the matter.

"WHO strongly believes that the TRIPS waiver that has been proposed by India and South Africa should be done. DG Tedros has often spoken about this. This is not the time to worry about patents and profits amid the pandemic," added WHO Chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

(Image: AP/Unsplash)
With Israel and Hamas' violent clashes continuing for the third week now, a call for waging 'jihad' against Israel has been raised in the Pakistan Parliament, at a time when the global community is seeking a ceasefire to ensure peace in the Middle East and the world is still combatting the COVID pandemic - the most disruptive single global event since World War 2. Prime Minister Imran Khan-led PTI's legislator Asma Hadeed on Wednesday told the Pakistan Parliament that the 'jihad' was the only resort remaining to deal with Israel, adding that dialogue is not an option anymore.

The PTI leader, without expressing any condemnation for the violence that has disrupted peace in the region, remarked that all 'our children will be dedicated to jihad' against Israel. Asma Qadeer was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan as a candidate of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on a reserved seat for women from Pakistan's Punjab province in the 2018 Pakistani general election.

In an address to the Pakistan Parliament on Wednesday, Asma Qadeer claimed that Israel has been 'torturing' women and children, and to fight back, she said she would be the first one to wage 'jihad' against Zionists. The PTI leader minced no words as she attacked US Vice President Kamala Harris as well for backing Israel's stand against the Palestine-based militant organization Hamas, which controls Gaza. Calling the US Vice President a 'disgrace on womanhood,' the politician belonging to Imran Khan's PTI said that Harris is 'not backing America but India's stance on the issue.'

'No solution other than jihad': PTI leader

In a video that has now come to light, Asma Qadeer can be heard saying, "What Israel is doing to our brothers and sisters over there, it should be certain now that other than jihad there is no other solution. The way they are torturing our children and women, I am with you. I will be the first one to go on jihad. Put my name first. I will go and save my Palestinian brothers and sisters from those who have crossed all the limits of humanity."

"Kamala Harris has disgraced womanhood. She has justified the acts of Israel. She is the Vice President of America. I am ashamed, I used to think that Muslims should initiate dialogue, no sir. I take my words back. Now, there is no other way other than jihad. We declare jihad. We will avenge the deaths of Palestinians and we will dedicate all our children to it. I want to tell America, Kamala Harris, that if your mother was from India and that you have justified the acts of Israel, you haven't taken India's stance but you have taken India's stance. The whole of America should be ashamed that their Vice President has spoken India's words to back Israel," she added.

Pak MNA Asma Qadeer: The only option we have now is to declare JIHAD against Israel. No more negotiations. Enlist me for jihad. @VP is a disgrace to womanhood for supporting Israel.



Open call for Jihad against Israel from inside Pakistans Parliament.@FATFNews @UN @POTUS pic.twitter.com/PIHV5DPMA7  Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) (@majorgauravarya) May 19, 2021

Israel-Hamas: Unending barrage of rockets continue

In yet another attack, Hamas fired a rocket that landed by the main road near the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva on Thursday. No one was injured. Gaza's militants continued firing barrages of rockets and Israel's army struck targets in the territory amid increasing international pressure to cease the hostilities.

The fighting, the worst Israeli-Palestinian violence since 2014, has killed at least 230 people, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Hamas claims at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. Some 58,000 Palestinians have fled their homes. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

Countries across the world through their umbrella body-the United Nations, as well as in their individual capacity, have been striving hard to put an end to the conflict that is in its third week now and has led to the death of hundreds on both sides. The US has staunchly backed Israel's right to self-defence, while Israel PM Netanyahu has declared that Israel's counters will continue.

India has condemned the violence which has gripped the Middle East, which Ambassador to the UN, T S Tirumurti expressed at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Sunday. Ambassador Tirumurti expressed India's 'deep concern' over the violence in Jerusalem, especially during the holy month of Ramzan, and reiterated India's strong condemnation of all acts of violence, provocation, incitement and destruction. Pushing for the resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine, the Indian representative also urged both sides to refrain from attempts to 'unilaterally change' the existing status quo. Significantly, Ambassador Tirumurti also remarked that India backs a 'two-state solution' to end the conflict.
The Czech and Slovak foreign ministers arrived in Israel on Thursday in a show of support for Israel's campaign against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The officials were joined by their Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi, while they toured a residential building in the southern Israeli town of Ashkelon which was hit by a Hamas rocket.

No one was killed in the attack but the rocket caused substantial damage.

Czech Foreign minister, Jakub Kulhanek, said Israel had "every right" to defend itself.

Slovak Foreign Minister, Ivan Korcok, echoed those calls,

"We understand that for Israel there is no other option but to protect itself against cowardly attacks and rockets coming from Hamas," Korcok said.

The ministers were visiting as fighting between Hamas and Israel continued over the course of the day, even as expectations rose that a cease-fire could be coming after ten days of conflict.

Israel launched more airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, while Palestinian militants fired further waves of rockets into Israel.

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians.

Hamas and militant group Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.

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Top diplomats from the United States and Russia sparred politely in Iceland during their first face-to-face encounter, which came as ties between the nations have deteriorated sharply in recent months.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russias longtime Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke frankly but calmly of their differences as they held talks on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting Wednesday in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, a city with deep history in U.S.-Russian relations.

"The discussion seemed constructive to me. There is an understanding to overcome an unhealthy situation existing in relations between Moscow and Washington during the last years," told Russian reporters after the meeting.

The meeting took place just as the Biden administration notified Congress of new sanctions on Russia over a controversial European pipeline.

The administration hit eight Russian companies and vessels with penalties for their involvement in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, while sparing two German entities from similar penalties, which would have a more significant effect on the project.

Even before Wednesday's talks the two diplomats had laid down near diametrically opposed positions for the meeting, previewing what was likely to be a difficult and contentious exchange over myriad issues including Ukraine, the Arctic, Russias treatment of opposition figure Alexey Navalny and accusations of cyber malfeasance, including claims that Russia-based hackers were responsible for a ransomware attack on a key U.S. pipeline.

The meeting also followed a spate of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions as U.S.-Russian relations threaten a return to Cold War lows.

After the meeting, which ran for a longer-than-expected hour and 45 minutes, the State Department said Blinken had called for Russia to release two Americans it holds, Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed.

He also raised deep concerns about Russias military buildup on the Ukraine border and its actions against the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the department said.

A senior U.S. official called the meeting a good start with no polemics that had allowed both sides to tee-up a lot of the issues that the two presidents may have the opportunity to discuss.

But, neither side offered any update on progress toward a Biden-Putin summit, saying only that discussions about its logistics continue.

Perhaps anticipating Blinken's position and the expected sanctions announcement, Lavrov had offered a prebuttal at a news conference Monday in Moscow.

Blinken said his meeting with Lavrov would be an important opportunity to test the proposition that the U.S. and Russia can work collaboratively on certain issues, like climate change, the Mideast, Iran and North Korea, despite bitter disagreements on others.

The meeting comes as much of the world is focused on the Israel-Palestinian war.

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Dozens of Chileans, many of them Palestinian emigres, gathered for the second day in a row in Santiago on Wednesday to show their support for Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy shouting slogans and waving Palestinian flags.

The rallies have been organised by Maurice Khamis, the president of the Palestinian community in Chile.

"We are demanding that the Chilean state to end relations with the state of Israel," said Carol Cariola, a Communist Party congresswoman.

One man, a Jewish protester named Yoel, said he was against the Israeli government's actions.

"We have to let it be clear that not all Jewish people support what Israel is doing, and what Israel does puts us all in grave danger."

During the ten days of fighting, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes against what it says are militant targets in Gaza since the fourth war between the two sides broke out earlier this month. Hamas and other militants have fired more than 3,700 rockets at Israel.

Gaza health officials say at least 219 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes. Twelve people in Israel have been killed in rocket attacks.

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Leicester (UK), May 20 (The Conversation) Englands NHS vaccine passport has arrived, and with it the promise of a return to international travel unencumbered by swab tests or lengthy periods of quarantine. Most people will have received this news with excitement, but its my job to look closer at whats going on behind the app. And what I found is troubling.

Instead of impact assessments that provide us with reassurance that risks have been responsibly mitigated, the vaccine passport has been released with a privacy notice that appears to contradict the caution and care the UK government has so far professed to be applying to this controversial technology.

Earlier in 2021, the government acknowledged that deep and complex issues around vaccine passports would need addressing before their release. Critics fearful of government data grabs and unfair applications of the technology were placated by the promise that serious limitations would be placed on the application of vaccine passports  ruling out their use in pubs and restaurants, for instance.

Yet thats not what we see in the new app services privacy notice  which is, in its most generous interpretation, rather sloppy. The stated purpose for the vaccine passport is to make it an integral part of unlocking society  but that comes with serious surveillance and discrimination concerns.

Trying out the NHS app On April 28, the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, made the casual announcement that the NHS App  not the NHS Covid-19 app  was going to be extended to function as a vaccine passport for international travel. This was my cue to install the app and try it out.

Logging in, I discovered the app already knew about my first COVID-19 vaccination, listed alongside all my prescriptions going back 15 years  not information I would normally choose to share at border control.

My app then updated itself on May 15. A new Check your COVID-19 vaccine record tab had appeared, showing my vaccination information on a screen by itself  a sensible update. There was also a web version of the service, with terms of use and a privacy policy that I found reassuring in many ways.

But this was not the vaccine passport functionality, it has now turned out. The next app update, on May 18, added yet another tab: Share your COVID-19 status. Initially it adds for travel, but the new privacy notice that accompanies it tells a different story: As the country resumes normal functions, this data will be useful for further aspects of unlocking as they arise.

International travel was merely an example of how the data would be used. Here lie significant problems that critics have been concerned about for some time. For one, the broader use of vaccine passports raises issues of discrimination between those who have and have not been offered vaccinations.

But using vaccine passports in scenarios other than international travel also necessarily increases surveillance, seeing as youll need to prove that the vaccine certificate on your phone truly belongs to you. When we travel internationally, were used to carrying a passport along with flight tickets and required vaccination certificates  but for events and social gatherings, we dont expect to have to identify ourselves.

Concerning privacy policy The latest privacy policy also contains a long and confusing list of personal data under The Personal Data we collect and how it is used, some of which look worryingly sensitive  such as ethnicity, vehicle registration plate, national insurance number, employer, biometric and genetic information and criminal convictions.

The list isnt an exhaustive collection of all types of special category data, which receive extra legal protection due to their sensitivity, so until we receive clarification its unclear why such data are even listed. The NHS has expressed that it does not collect this list of data.

Its possible that this confusing list of data items is just copied from a previous privacy policy and pasted into this one  a practice apparently used for some sections of the UKs Brexit agreement, as was revealed in December 2020. If this is the case, it would reveal a privacy-as-afterthought attitude thats at odds with how widely used and far-reaching this app looks set to become.

There is reference to a data sharing agreement in the privacy policy, which could reveal the wider scope of the vaccine passport. This data sharing could also be related to the wide range of data stored in the COVID data store, run by the governments digital health agency, NHSX.

Also concerning is the fact that the data governance of the vaccine passport itself is managed by the Department for Health and Social Care rather than being left with the NHS England data service. This puts a UK government department in charge of a service that works only for England  again, its unclear why this is the case.

All this leaves me with enough unease about the vaccine passport that I do not intend to sign up to it unless circumstances force me to use it for international travel, and I may still prefer the paper alternative in that case.

Possible reassurances Is there anything NHSX could do to reassure me? Absolutely. A data protection impact assessment should be produced and published. This would tell us all about what data is actually used, including an explanation of why data collection is both necessary and proportional.

Id be looking out for an assessment of the risk of function creep: the widening of the scope of use, which could see our tickets for international travel converted into something more sinister and concerning. It would also need to address general impacts to rights and freedoms, such as those related to equality.

Performing such an impact assessment is actually specifically legally required, and should already have been done. Publication is unfortunately not compulsory, but we still dont know whether one was done at all.

For now, however, it appears that the UK government has definitively abandoned its previous cautious position on vaccine passports, without providing any reassurances that would enable broad public support. (The Conversation) AMS AMS

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London, May 19 (PTI) Thousands of volunteers will receive a booster COVID-19 vaccine in a new clinical trial launching on Wednesday to study the impact of the third jab to protect against the deadly virus, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.

The Cov-Boost study will trial seven vaccines to provide data on the impact of a third dose on patients immune responses, as Britain confirmed 2,967 cases of the B1.617.2 variant first discovered in India  up from the 2,323 on Monday.

During a briefing from 10 Downing Street in London, Hancock reiterated UK Prime Minister Boris Johnsons earlier statement from the House of Commons that there is increasing confidence that the vaccines currently being administered are effective against the B1.617.2 variant, which has been found to be more easily transmissible from person to person.

Strong evidence shows the vaccines protect you and your loved ones from serious illness and they also reduce transmission, which is why weve introduced additional surge measures in the areas with rising cases of the variant first identified in India, said Hancock.

Vaccines are turning the tide against this pandemic and Im incredibly proud the UK has one of the highest uptake rates in the world, with 90 per cent of people saying that they have had or will have the jab, he said.

Relaying latest data, the health minister said that hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 remain very low but there was a need to proceed with vigilance.

Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 57.8 million vaccines between December and May, including 36.9 million people with their first dose (70.2 per cent) and 20.8 million with both doses (39.6 per cent).

The UK vaccination programme has been a phenomenal national effort, with seven in 10 UK adults now having had their first COVID-19 jab. It is vital that we continue to support the world-renowned British research sector that has contributed to its success, said Hancock.

We will do everything we can to future-proof this country from pandemics and other threats to our health security, and the data from this world-first clinical trial will help shape the plans for our booster programme later this year. I urge everyone who has had both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and is eligible, to sign up for this study and play a part in protecting the most vulnerable people in this country and around the world for months and years to come, he said.

The Cov-Boost study will be led by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and backed by 19.3 million pounds of government funding through the Vaccines Taskforce.

Dubbed a world-first, it is designed to give scientists from around the globe and the experts behind the UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme a better idea of the impact of a booster dose of each vaccine in protecting individuals from the virus.

The study will take place at 16 National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) supported sites across England, and also within Health and Care Research Wales and NHS Research Scotland sites. It will include a total of 2,886 patients and participants are to begin being vaccinated from early June.

All participants will be monitored throughout the study for any side effects and will have bloods taken to measure their immune responses at days 28, 84, 308 and 365, with a small number having additional blood tests at other times. All sites will have an electronic diary for all participants that will send alerts to the team in real time if needed and a 24-hour emergency phone to a doctor on the study, who can provide further clinical advice.

The initial findings, expected in September, will help inform decisions by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on plans for a booster programme from autumn this year, ensuring the countrys most vulnerable are given the strongest possible protection over the winter period. PTI AK RS RS

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The White House on Wednesday stated that the US has provided over USD 500 million in COVID-19 assistance to India adding it would soon make a determination on distribution of the 80 million vaccines to other countries.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said to members of the White House Foreign Press Group in a virtual press conference call, "To date, the United States has provided over USD 500 million in COVID relief to India, including contributions from the US federal and state governments, American companies and organizations and private citizens."

The Biden administration, she said, is now working to extend that assistance to other South Asian countries that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psaki responded to a question, "We've sent seven air shipments, including health supplies, oxygen, oxygen supplies, and 95 masks, rapid diagnostic tests and medicine. In terms of the 80 million doses (of COVID-19 vaccines), we know there's a great deal of interest in this, understandably 60 million of AstraZeneca and 20 million of three other approved vaccines. Right now, it is working through an interagency process."

The interagency team including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and those from the State Department have been deliberating to determine how the United States intends to distribute and share these COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Psaki said, "Certainly, the plight of everything the people of India had been through is obviously on our minds but there are also a range of countries and regions around the world that have been deeply impacted that are also in need. So, these are all factors. Hopefully we''ll have more on this in the coming days."

US Support for India at outset of COVID-19 Pandemic

The White House in their official statement stated that the US and India closely worked together to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The US COVID-19 assistance touched more than 9.7 million Indians across more than 20 states and union territories, providing life-saving treatments, disseminating public health messages to local communities; strengthening case-finding and surveillance, and mobilizing innovative financing mechanisms to bolster emergency preparedness.

Exponential hike in COVID-19 infections across India since the inception of the second wave has evidently overburdened Indian production sectors, the medical infrastructure, and thousands of frontline medical staff in the country. While COVID-19 management and curbs have been harder for India to attain, solidarity has been an outpouring from numerous countries. Amid ascending COVID-19 figures in India, media reports, and gutting images of collapsing medical infrastructure, several countries have been outpouring solidarity with India's ordeals. Previously, Ukraine, Israel, Netherlands, Romania on behalf of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, China, Singapore, Bhutan amongst few that have come forward in providing assistance to India in procuring tonnes of liquid medical oxygen, transporting mobile oxygen plants, drugs, and vaccine to cater as requirements against the destructive COVID-19 second-wave.
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The call comes after several ranking CNRP officials leave the party to restore their political rights.

Former Cambodia National Rescue Party members (L-R) Kang Kimhak, Tep Sothy, Ou Chanroth, Chan Seyla, and Chiv Kata give a news conference about their decision to request political 'rehabilitation' in Phnom Penh, March 25, 2019.

Grassroots officials with the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) on Wednesday urged their former colleagues to continue working for the people following the defection of several senior members, while analysts warned that leaving the party will weaken the countrys political opposition.

CNRP commune councilors criticized several senior officials and close allies of party President Kem Sokha, including Deputy President Pol Ham, who recently requested rehabilitation from Cambodias Ministry of Interior in a bid to have their political rights restored.

Kem Sokha was arrested for treason in September 2017 and the CNRP was dissolved by the Supreme Court two months later amid allegations of a plot to overthrow the government. The court ruling also removed the political rights of 118 CNRP elected lawmakers for five years.

The ban, along with a wider crackdown on NGOs and the independent media, paved the way for Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 parliamentary seats in the countrys 2018 general election.

In December 2018, Hun Sens Constitutional Council unanimously approved an amendment to the draft law on political parties, paving the way for the reinstatement of rights to the 118 CNRP officials banned from politics by the Supreme Courts decision.

The legislation does not provide for the reestablishment of the CNRP, and Hun Sen has said the political rights of the officials will only be reinstated on an individual basis if they had shown respect for the Supreme Courts ruling, and provided they each make an individual request.

Yim Phally, a CNRP commune councilor in Siem Reap province, told RFAs Khmer Service Wednesday that she disagreed with the senior officials decision, even though they have the right to switch political allegiances. She said that requesting political rehabilitation from the government to form a new party will only discourage supporters of the opposition.

The people can make their own decisions when it comes to those lawmakers, she said. I am a grassroots leader, and I will continue to protect the will of the people.

Another CNRP commune councilor named Loeung Sarun told RFA that people at the grassroots level are disappointed with the senior officials who defected from the party.

I hope those who are allowed to rehabilitate wont ignore the peoples need, but typically, those who form new parties stay quiet, he said.

CPP spokesman Sok Ey San, however, encouraged CNRP grassroots supporters to leave their party, insisting that it will be unable to participate in upcoming commune and general elections in 2022 and 2023.

He also suggested that recently rehabilitated officials should form new parties that former CNRP members can join to run for office.

None of Cambodias smaller, lesser-known opposition parties control a seat in parliament and have failed to draw much support at the ballot box.

As of Wednesday, 25 of the 118 CNRP lawmakers have had their political rights restored after seeking rehabilitation from the government, although not all of them have defected to the CPP.

In March 2019, five former officials from the CNRP applied for and received rehabilitation, despite coming under fire from the party and the public, and even receiving accusations that they received money from the government for defying party policy.

Acting CNRP President Sam Rainsy, who has been living in self-imposed exile since November 2015 to avoid a string of what he says are politically motivated convictions, has urged the CNRP to refrain from appealing for political rehabilitation, and said those who do will be branded traitors.

Political analyst Heng Sreysros told RFA Wednesday that those who request rehabilitation are acknowledging the legitimacy of the CNRPs dissolution.

The CNRPs popularity stems from its merging of the Sam Rainsy and Human Rights parties, he said, referring to the former opposition parties run by Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha.

Now, the CNRP is splitting into smaller parties, but parties established without the endorsement of Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha have a slim chance of winning the elections  It now faces the problem of whether to form a new party or not. Can the CNRP survive? There is no scenario in which it is reborn.

Another analyst named Em Sovanara agreed that parties without the support of the two CNRP leaders will face difficulty convincing voters to back them.

The voters dont trust those people because they dont see them as true democrats, he said, adding that some of the defectors had agreed to be rehabilitated for financial reasons.

It is about personal benefits and real estate, he said. People are losing confidence [in the officials who left the CNRP].

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Calls are growing for Jiang Tianyong's release after a friend was detained for visiting him under house arrest.

Authorities in the central Chinese province of Henan are continuing to hold prominent human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong under house arrest at his home in Luoyang city, RFA has learned.

Jiang, who recently passed his 50th birthday under close surveillance by state security police, was "released" from prison in February 2019 at the end of a two-year jail term for "incitement to subvert state power," a charge often used to imprison peaceful critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

He was allowed to return to his parents' home in Luoyang, but remains under close surveillance and heavy restrictions.

Jiang's U.S.-based wife Jin Bianling has repeatedly expressed concern for her husband's health after he was tortured by cellmates during his time in detention.

Henan-based rights activist Xing Wangli visited Jiang in Luoyang on April 20, but was subsequently detained by police in Beijing, Xing's New Zealand-based son Xing Jian told RFA.

"My father went to visit Lawyer Jiang on April 20," Xing Jian said. "On April 23, the director and deputy director of the Huaihe police station got my parents to come to the neighborhood committee offices on a pretext, and warned him off visiting Jiang."

"They said that if he didn't behave properly in future, he would be punished."

Xing Wangli left Henan that afternoon for Beijing, where he was detained and handed over to Henan police, who currently have him under criminal detention on suspicion of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," a charge frequently used to target peaceful activists and critics of the CCP.

"They told my father that he shouldn't have gone to Luoshan to visit the human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong, and told him not to go to Beijing, and they also accused me of speaking on behalf of my father and Jiang Tianyong online after the incident," Xing Jian said.

Outstanding contributions

"Attorney Jiang Tianyong has made outstanding contributions to Chinese society, the rule of law, democracy and human rights," he said. "He has given us a lot."

"My father just wanted to use his meager power to give something back, and they still attacked him and retaliated against him," Xing Jian said.

Rights lawyer Ren Quanniu, who last visited Jiang after his release in 2019, said security was tight around the Jiang family home in Luoyang.

"The police, including state security police, forcibly checked our ID cards, before hauling us down to the police station," Ren said.

"Because I refused to cooperate with their illegal behavior, they sprayed me with pepper spray at close range and didn't let me wash it off for an hour."

"This is appalling behavior that totally restricts citizens' legal right to freedom of movement," he said. "They see anyone who goes to visit [Jiang] as a criminal suspect."

'No legal basis to continue'

Ren said little has changed in the two years since his visit.

"This is a kind of humiliation for all Chinese citizens," he said. "There is no legal basis to continue to detain a person after they have been released."

Jiang's wife Jin posted a birthday message for her husband via Twitter on Wednesday, saying the couple hadn't been together on his birthday for eight years.

She also retweeted birthday messages, songs, and cards from dozens of fellow rights lawyers and activists and their families.

Among them was a video featuring a message from fellow rights lawyer Xie Yanyi, who called Jiang's continued detention a scandal, and demanded his immediate release.

Changsha Funeng founder Yang Zhanqing added his good wishes in the same video, while California-based pastor Liu Yi offered prayers for Jiang, a committed Christian.

Rights attorney Wang Qingpeng, legal activist Liu Sixin, China Change founder Cao Yaxue, and Germany-based journalist Su Yutong also sent messages of support.



Reported by Gao Feng and Sun Cheng for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Niu Tengyu will soon be moved to Yangjiang Prison after a Guangdong court rejected his appeal.

Niu Tengyu, jailed for 14 years for discussing personal details of Chinese President Xi Jinping's family online, is shown in an undated photo.

Authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong are preparing to transfer website administrator Niu Tengyu to a different jail at the start of his 14-year jail term for allegedly posting a photo of the daughter of ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary Xi Jinping online.

Niu, 22, was jailed in the southern province of Guangdong after someone posted a photo of Xi Mingze to meme site Zhina Wiki, an act that was later blamed by police on Niu's Vulgar Wiki.

Niu will soon be transferred from the Maoming No. 1 Detention Center to Yangjiang Prison to serve his sentence, his mother, who gave only a nickname Coco, told RFA.

"I heard recently that they will be transferring Tengyu to prison, and I am very heavy-hearted," she said. "I worry about his health and his recovery following his torture."

"If that finger isn't treated in time, he will be left with a lifelong disability," she said. "Given the current state of my own health, I don't know if I will ever see my son again."

An employee who answered the phone at the Maoming No. 1 Detention Center where Niu Tengyu is currently being detained said it was normal for detainees to be sent to regular prisons after they had had a second instance appeal rejected.

"The decision of the second instance court has been finalized, so transfer at this point is normal," the employee said.

Complaint over torture

Niu's rights attorneys, Bao Longjun and Wang Yu, have filed an official complaint over torture Niu suffered while in police detention in October 2019, resulting in injury to his right hand.

Bao told RFA's Cantonese Service on March 5 that Niu had also been stripped, suspended from the ceiling, and his genitals burned with a lighter.

After months in detention, Niu Tengyu was handed a 14-year jail term on Dec. 30, 2020 by the Maonan District People's Court in Guangdong's Maoming city, which found him guilty of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," "violating others' privacy" and "running an illegal business."

Reports at the time indicated that 23 young people detained around the same time in connection with the Vulgar Wiki case had also been tortured and mistreated in detention.

Sources told RFA that the parents of the other young detainees were told there was no record of them at the detention center when they went to put money into their prison spending accounts.

The records were restored following a protest by parents outside the Guangdong Detention Center.

Trumped-up charges

Bao said the entire case against Niu rests on trumped-up charges.

"It should have been impossible to find Niu guilty based on the available evidence," Bao told RFA. "This is a fundamentally political case."

Coco told RFA that the behavior of the Maoming authorities was "a discredit to the country."

"This case will become a huge blot on the history of the Chinese legal system," Coco said. "This miscarriage of justice must be overturned."

The Maoming People's Court rejected Niu's appeal behind closed doors on April 23, 2021.



Reported by Yitong Wu and Chingman for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The Xuexi Qiangguo app has previously been found to contain a backdoor enabling commands to be sent to users' Android devices.

A seller holds a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping next to portraits of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong in Yan'an, Shaanxi, on May 10, 2021.

China's largest automaker has launched a car that can teach its occupants the ideology of ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping.

SAIC Motor and Banma's AI subsidiary Banma Zhixing installed a version of Alibaba's Xuexi Qiangguo app, which teaches Xi Jinping Thought to users, on SAIC's Roewe RX5 PLUS SUV, to mark the forthcoming CCP centenary on July 1.

The app, which is being aggressively promoted by the CCP as a tool for ideological education across China, will offer RX5 PLUS drivers "one-click access" to Xi Jinping Thought.

An employee who answered the phone at Banma Zhixing, which is closely involved in China's plan to build an "Internet of vehicles," confirmed the car was now available.

"Yes, we can use the Xuexi Qiangguo app in a car now," the employee said. "Right now, only the RX5 PLUS can have this upgrade, which isn't being offered in other models just yet."

"You can open the app by clicking on the Xuexi Qiangguo icon, or by saying 'Hello Banma, I want to listen to Xuexi Qiangguo'," the employee said.

France-based commentator Wang Longmen said the Xuexi Qiangguo app is known to collect information about its users.

"This app, Xuexi Qiangguo, was discovered a while back to be collecting citizens' data," Wang said. "This means that if you install the app in your car, the authorities will be able to track your whereabouts."

A recent investigation by the Open Technology Fund (OTF) and security researchers at Cure53 into the app found that it contains code "resembling a backdoor" which is able to run arbitrary commands on Android devices with superuser privileges.

It is likely, judging from the code, that the backdoor was created and is maintained by Alibaba or Alibaba Cloud, the report said.

It found that the backdoor would work on rooted devicessuch as smartphones running the Android operating systemto grant someone superuser privileges enabling them to change anything they wish on that particular device.

Wang said Chinese companies are increasingly offering "patriotic" gimmicks linked to the CCP centenary in the hope of generating more sales, as customers seek to demonstrate their loyalty to Xi and to the CCP.

"It's pretty disgusting that SAIC is turning the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CCP into a marketing gimmick," Wang said. "Anyone with good judgment should boycott this product."

High-tech totalitarianism

Wang said Xuexi Qiangguo is a modern-day equivalent of the once-ubiquitous "Little Red Book" of sayings attributed to late supreme leader Mao Zedong, that became hugely popular during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).

"This is just like the Little Red Book of the Mao era," Wang said. "Nearly a half-century later, Xuexi Qiangguo is recording data about people's lives, even when they're driving."

"This is Xi Jinping's Cultural Revolution 2.0, aimed at brainwashing and controlling the population using high-tech totalitarianism," he said.

Anonymous Twitter user Director 1, who often tweets satire about Xi using the account @GFWFrog, said the car's launch has taken the personality cult around the general secretary to a new level.

"There is going to be more and more dumb stuff like this, the closer we get to the 20th Party Congress [in 2022]," Director 1 said.

"In the past few years, we have seen Xi Jinping's footprints, the floor tiles he stood on, the electric car he rode in and even the public toilets he visited turn into tourist attractions," he said.

"There is a constant flow of new Xi-loving items being developed, like Xuexi Qiangguo," Director 1 said. "In this CCP centenary year, Xi Jinping Thought is everywhere."

"You won't even be able to escape it taking the subway," he said.

Moving into satire, Director 1 warned people that the car might also order up a serving some of Xi's favorite dishes, or report them to the authorities if they said something disrespectful of the CCP.

"Always remember that Winnie the Pooh is watching you," the comedian said, using a banned trope likening Xi's appearance to that of Disney's depiction of the fictional bear.

Since Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, he has abolished term limits for the presidency, and is currently embarked on a second, indefinite term in office.

His administration has engaged in ever-widening efforts to strengthen the Communist Party's grip on all forms of public expression, and the app represents one of the most ambitious forms of political indoctrination the ruling party has ever undertaken.

At the heart of the app's content is the concept of Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, a hodgepodge of ideas that include strong nationalistic fervor in the form of "self-confidence," and a commitment to export the Chinese model of government around the world, in a direct challenge to "Western" liberal notions of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

According to the OTF, an affiliate of RFA, the Chinese government recently announced that the app will also deliver political testing to Chinese journalists, all of whom will be required to take a test of their loyalty to the party in order to have their press credentials renewed.



Reported by Yitong Wu and Chingman for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The move is aimed at ensuring loyalty to the regime at a time of general hunger and hardship in the country.

North Korean authorities have distributed food supplies for a year to law enforcement and other security agencies in a move to shore up loyalty to the regime at a time of general shortages across the country, North Korean sources say.

Beginning in April, food deliveries made to members of the national police and state security forces stationed along the border with China, an official in Hyesan city in Ryanggang province, bordering China, told RFAs Korean Service.

The food distributions to the police and security agencies were carried out nationwide, despite the countrys difficult food situation, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The amounts of food distributed have varied depending on the status of the units receiving them, the official added.

But in general, the Public Security Department was given 200 kilograms of corn and 40 kilograms of unpolished rice to distribute per person, while the State Security Department was given 220 kilogram of corn and 80 kilograms of rice per person, RFAs source said.

Around 50 percent of each individual distribution was then provided for family members separately, the source said.

Already given priority as special agencies for distributions of food, North Korean police and security agencies had previously been given 15 or even 20 days worth of food at a time, the official said. However, this year more was distributed in the name of giving them their portion for the entire year.

Another reason for this years larger distribution is that police and other security forces working along the border, now blockaded to prevent the spread of COVID-19, typically supplement their meagre pay by taking smugglers bribes, and are now facing hardships.

So this can be said to be support from the authorities, the source said.

The source added that members of the agencies now receiving their full years allotment of food will likely sell some in the local markets rather than store them for months and risk spoilage, and will then use the money they get to purchase necessities including food later on.

'Sharing stolen food'

An official in Chagang province, also bordering China, told RFA that full-year distributions of food had already been made in March to local ruling-party organizations, with the partys Central Committee pretending that the grain had been produced on land specially leased by the state.

In fact, they were getting food meant for the countrys people, but they kept their mouths shut, feeling they were sharing stolen food, he said.

It is the ordinary people who really need the grain, the source said. And many have become angry when they hear about the distributions, saying that many in the party organizations and security groups, especially the officials, dont even appreciate what theyre getting.

Many North Korean families are now running low on food and struggling to get by when much of the grain from last years harvest has already been eaten and this years crop is still ripening in the fields, RFAs source said.

This distribution by authorities of food only to the workers of organizations responsible for controlling residents and protecting the regime is an action against the people, and only strengthens the dictatorship regardless of the peoples suffering, the official said.

Serious food crisis

Food insecurity has plagued a significant segment of North Koreas 23 million people for decades.

U.N Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights Tomas Ojea Quintana warned in a report in March that the closure of the Sino-Korean border and restrictions on the movement of people could bring on a serious food crisis.

Deaths by starvation have been reported, as has an increase in the number of children and elderly people who have resorted to begging as families are unable to support them, said the report.

RFA reported earlier this month that North Korean authorities were warning residents to prepare for economic difficulties as bad as the 1994-1998 famine which killed millions, as much as 10 percent of the population by some estimates.

Kim Jong Un was quoted in state media in April as saying the country faced grim challenges.

Improving the peoples living standards ... even in the worst-ever situation in which we have to overcome unprecedentedly numerous challenges depends on the role played by the cells, the grassroots organizations of the party, Kim said during an opening speech at a meeting of cell secretaries of the ruling Workers Party.

Reported by Yong Gun Shin for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Richard Finney.
The de facto president of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, has wrapped up a three-day visit to Syria, his office said on May 19.



According to Bzhanias press service, he had breakfast with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on May 19 at the end of what Abkhazia's separatist government called an "official visit."



Some politicians in Georgia have criticized the government in Tbilisi for not officially denouncing the trip.



After a short war between Georgia and Russia in August 2008, Moscow recognized Abkhazia and another Georgian breakaway region, South Ossetia, as independent countries.



Only a handful of other states, however, have followed the lead of the Kremlin, which has kept Russian forces in both regions.



Assad's government, an ally of Moscow, recognized Abkhazias independence in May 2018.



In October 2020, the Abkhaz separatists opened an "embassy" in the Syrian capital.



Russia, along with Iran, has provided crucial military support to Assad in the Syrian conflict, which began with a crackdown on anti-government protesters in March 2011.

More than 400,000 people have since been killed and millions displaced.
The United States and Russia have clashed over the military and economic development of the Arctic as the region deals with the effects of climate change.

At a meeting of Arctic Council foreign ministers in Reykjavik on May 20, Washington gathered support to curb Moscow's plans in its north as Russia assumes the council's rotating chairmanship.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the group should continue to focus on environmental issues, maritime safety, and the well-being of indigenous people in the region.

For its part, Russia is looking to set maritime rules in the Northern Sea Route, which runs from Norway to Alaska, resume high-level military talks within the eight-nation bloc after they were suspended in 2014 over Russia's annexation of Ukraine.

Blinken stressed the importance of upholding effective governance and the rule of law to ensure that the Arctic remains a region free of conflict where countries act responsibly. The United States already questioned the legality of the proposed Russian maritime rules and expressed deep reservations about Russia's military activity in the far North.

Several other foreign ministers, including those from Canada, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, echoed Blinken's call to keep the Arctic peaceful and free of conflict under the authority of international, rather than that of individual countries. Representatives of indigenous Arctic populations urged that their voices be heard.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was worried about the deployment of foreign troops in Norway, near the Russian border, and questioned NATO's motives in deployments of bombers and submarines to the area.

"We are concerned about what is going on close to our border with Norway," Lavrov told a news conference after the meeting.

NATO-member Norway, which shares a short border with Russia, last month gave the United States permission to build facilities at three Norwegian airfields and one naval base.

"Our neighbor Norway, which never had the principle of permanent presence of foreign military, has decided to amend its legislation," Lavrov said.

Earlier this week, he said the Arctic is our territory, our land" and had questioned NATO's motives in deployments of bombers and submarines to the area. On May 20, he said the resumption of an Arctic Council military dialogue would contribute to stability.

Besides maneuvering for position in the Arctic, Russia and the West have multiple issues dividing them -- including Moscows military buildup in and around Ukraine, Moscow's treatment of opposition figure Aleksei Navalny, Russias Nord Stream 2 pipeline project through Europe, and U.S. accusations of Russian cyberwarfare and interference in Western electoral processes.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and TASS
Hungary has become the only European Union member state to opt out of a new agreement the bloc has signed with Pfizer and BioNTech for the supply of up to 1.8 billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine.

The European Commission -- the EU's executive body -- on May 20 confirmed the new deal, the third it has signed with the two companies, for the possible purchase of the doses until 2023.

The bloc has already ordered 600 million doses through the two previous contracts.

"Hungary opted out of the Pfizer deal," the EU spokesman said.

Gergely Gulyas, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff, confirmed that Hungary had decided not to be part of the joint purchase, voicing confidence in the country's current supply of vaccines.

Even if a booster was needed, "there are plenty of vaccines from Eastern and Western sources as well," he told a news conference on May 20.

Hungary has bucked the EU at several turns during the pandemic, including authorizing and deploying Russian and Chinese shots before their approval by the EU drugs regulator -- the only European Union country to do so.

In March, the government suggested Russian and Chinese COVID-19 vaccines were more effective than Western ones, prompting protests by Hungarian scientists and medical professionals.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Coverage Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

Orban has close ties with Russia and China while he's been embroiled in several major clashes with the EU.

Hungary has given at least one dose of a vaccine to 49 percent of its adult population, one of the fastest rollouts in the world. However, doubts have been raised about the transparency of the vaccine acquisition contracts as well as the high prices paid for Chinese doses.

In March, The New York Times reported that Hungary agreed to buy 5 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, priced at 30 euros ($36) each, according to contracts that Gulyas uploaded to his Facebook page.

The contract was between the Hungarian government and a third-party vendor, and that price far surpassed what the EU agreed to pay for the Pfizer vaccine in the previous deals -- some $15.5 per dose.

Anti-corruption watchdogs have warned that the involvement of third parties increases the risk of price gouging.

With reporting by Reuters
Several bands are also lined up for the all-day beach bash. The country music band Lonestar is headlining the event. The group known for chart toppers including Amazed and Im Already There will perform on the Las Olas Oceanside Park stage from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. And if you want some irie vibes, head to the stage a little early to see reggae band Big Harvest from 3 to 4:15 p.m. And Pitbull of Blues will bring the rock n roll from noon to 2 p.m. Face masks and social distancing are required.
Iranian President Hassan Rohani says the broad outline of a deal to end major sanctions on his country has been reached during talks with world powers aimed at restoring a 2015 troubled nuclear deal, although some difficult issues remain.



Tehran and the United States have engaged in indirect talks in Vienna since April to renew the 2015 deal, which was put on hold three years ago after then-U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the pact and reimposed crippling sanctions on Irans economy.



The U.S. moves prompted Iran to steadily overstep the accords limits on its nuclear program designed to make it harder to develop an atomic bomb -- an ambition Tehran denies.



Negotiators in the Austrian capital have taken a major step, Rohani said on May 20 during a ceremony at the Oil Ministry in Tehran, adding that "a main agreement has been made."



He said that the deal would see the lifting of U.S. sanctions on sectors such as oil, shipping, insurance, and Iran's central bank.



Diplomats are still discussing "minor issues" before theres a final agreement, according to the Iranian president.



After the latest talks between Russia, China, Germany, France, Britain, and Iran ended in Vienna on May 19, Iran's delegation head, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, said that "the framework and structure of the agreement has been defined and many clauses of the agreement are being negotiated."

Araqchi also said that some "key issues" needed to be discussed further.



Enrique Mora, the European Union's envoy who chaired the negotiations, said he was "quite sure" of a "final agreement, not far from here."



European diplomats were quoted as saying that they were "beginning to see the contours of what a final deal could look like," but that "success is not guaranteed."



The state-run Xinhua news agency cited Chinese diplomat Wang Qun as saying "there is still some distance away from the goal of reaching an agreement."



The Russian diplomat involved in the talks, Mikhail Ulyanov, said on Twitter on May 19 that a deal was "within reach.



The next day, the Russian envoy tweeted that it "is obvious now that the Vienna talkswill not be completed by May 21 as the participants hoped," and described the situation as "regrettable but not dramatic."



Diplomats agreed to resume the talks in Vienna next week.



The negotiations come as Iran prepares for a June 18 election to determine who will replace Rohani, a relatively moderate cleric, who cannot seek reelection after having served two consecutive four-year terms.



Oil prices were on course for a third day of losses on May 20 after Rohani and diplomats reported progress toward an agreement to restore the 2015 pact and lift sanctions on Iran, which could boost crude supply.

Also on May 20, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was still in talks with Iran to extend their monitoring agreement that expires the next day.



The IAEA and Iran announced in February that, although Tehran would reduce cooperation with the Vienna-based UN atomic agency, including by ending snap inspections, the sides had struck a three-month accord on continuing "necessary" IAEA monitoring and verification activities in Iran.



The arrangement is important for keeping nuclear negotiations between Tehran and world powers on track.

With reporting by Reuters and Bloomberg
Mining the Kumtor gold deposits in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan was supposed to bring economic salvation to the former Soviet republic in Central Asia.

For a country lacking large reserves of oil or natural gas, the governments joint mining project with a foreign firm was seen as a way to generate revenue from natural resources -- just as most of Kyrgyzstans resource-rich neighbors do.

But Bishkeks partnerships with Canadian firms at the Kumtor gold mine have been contentious since operations began there in 1997.

In recent weeks, the relationship with its current partner -- Centerra Gold -- has deteriorated into a showdown.

Kyrgyz authorities have moved to take far greater control over operations -- arguing the move is temporarily necessary because of environmental damage there.

Centerra has responded by preparing a legal case to fend off the fresh challenges over ownership.

Glaciers near the Kumtor site are at the heart of the environmental concerns.

Above The Lake

The open-pit gold mine is located in mountains towering above the south shore of a massive lake in Kyrgyzstan -- Issyk-Kul.

Extraction work is being done at elevations of 3,600 to 4,000 meters above sea level.

Exploration of the Kumtor deposit was done in the late 1970s when Kyrgyzstan was a Soviet republic.

It was clear there was a large amount of gold there. But Soviet planners deemed it too expensive to develop such a high-elevation gold field in the poorly connected northeastern part of what was then the Soviet republic of Kyrgyzia.

Still, the Soviet Geology Ministry continued the surveying work at the Kumtor deposit, leaving behind detailed records of the riches found there.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in late 1991, several foreign firms showed interest in the site.

Bishkek chose a Canadian company called Cameco and in December 1992, the two parties signed the Kumtor Master Agreement in Toronto.

In 1993, the Kumtor Operating Company was established to run the Kumtor Gold Company (KGC) -- a wholly owned subsidiary of Cameco Gold International.

At the time, gold reserves were estimated to be some 514 tons. Subsequent surveys showed there was more.

It was a great moment for Kyrgyzstan.

Bishkek had a large Western partner to help implement a potentially lucrative project.

While neighboring Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were waiting for foreign firms to start operations on hydrocarbon fields that required years of preparation, Kyrgyzstan was looking at a relatively quick source of income.

The state gold company Kyrgyzaltyn reported that gold production in the country during 1996 was around 1.5 tons.

In 1997, the year that mining operations began at Kumtor, output increased to about 17 tons.

Kyrgyzstan also cut its trade deficit by more than 60 percent in 1997 and industrial output increased by almost 50 percent. The countrys currency -- the som -- was the most stable currency in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Kumtor funded construction of schools and other public facilities. The road linking Bishkek to the mining site was repaired.

The mine itself employed several thousand local workers, as well as work for thousands more across Kyrgyzstan who produced goods and supplies for the venture.

It appeared that the good times were just beginning.

But the global market price of gold decreased dramatically, falling from about $590 per ounce in January 1997 to $477 by the end of the year. Then, in 1998, there was an environmental accident at Kumtor.

A mining truck traveling to the Kumtor site overturned on the mountain road, spilling nearly two tons of sodium cyanide into the small Barskoon River -- the source of water for all the nearby villages in the lower elevations.

Hundreds of villagers became ill. Several died. Thousands needed to be temporarily evacuated.

Making matters worse, the Barskoon River emptied the toxic mining chemicals into Kyrgyzstans premier tourist area of Issyk-Kul.

Business on the north shore of the massive lake, more than 50 kilometers across the waters, dropped by more than 50 percent.

A dispute broke out about who was responsible for compensation.

The Kyrgyz government thought Cameco should pay all of it. But Cameco argued that it had only a one-third stake in the project and should only be responsible for one-third of the compensation.

Cameco eventually agreed to a settlement of $4.6 million. Some of that never reached the people affected by the tragedy.

The driver of the truck that overturned was the only person convicted of any crime.

Kyrgyzstans parliament voted to revise the contract with Cameco.

By then, there were already questions about how much money Kyrgyzstan was actually receiving from the project.

The Barskoon tragedy raised further questions about how closely Kumtor was following its commitments on environmental protection.

As an open-pit mine, explosives are used at Kumtor to blast out the mountain -- moving down through ice and earth in search of gold.

Waste from blasting was supposed to be trucked away. But with the approval of Kyrgyz authorities, some was simply moved and dumped onto the nearby Davidov and Lysiy glaciers. Over the years, that practice has eroded the glaciers.

In 2003, the Kyrgyz government formed a special commission to revise the contract with Cameco.

By that time, the members of the commission were aware that Cameco was in talks to sell off its Kumtor assets to another Canadian firm -- Centerra Gold.

Cameco had a 33 percent stake in Kumtor. The state-owned Kyrgyzaltyn held all of the remaining 67 percent stake.

In 2004, after the Kyrgyz government commission moved to decrease Kyrgyzstans stake in Kumtor to 33 percent, a new agreement was reached.

It allowed Centerra to acquire stakes in the Kumtor mine from both Cameco and Kyrgyzaltyn in exchange for shares in Centerra. The deal left Kyrgyzaltyn with a 33 percent stake in the Kumtor mine.

Cameco divested its remaining Centerra holdings in 2009. The same year, Bishkek reached a new agreement with Centerra. It allowed the Kumtor operation to dump the waste from the mine on the glaciers.

That spawned protests in Bishkek against the environmental damage from mining.

Roads leading to the mine also were sometimes blocked by crowds demanding that Kumtor be nationalized.

Two lawmakers at the time who backed nationalization included Kyrgyzstans current president, Sadyr Japarov, and Kamchybek Tashiev, who now heads the State Committee for National Security.

Kyrgyzstans share in Kumtor has dwindled to 26 percent.

Some analysts predicted when Japarov was elected president in January that he would move against Kumtor. Now he has.

External Management

On May 7, Kyrgyzstans parliament approved a bill to impose temporary external management over Kumtor.

Technically, the bill addresses all organizations with concession agreements in Kyrgyzstan.

But Akylbek Japarov, a lawmaker leading the move against Centerra who has no relation to the president, admitted after the vote that there is only one such enterprise operating in the country.

On May 8, the Oktyabr district court in Bishkek ordered the Kumtor Gold Company to pay about $3.2 million for environmental damage to the Davidov and Lysiy glaciers and for accidents at the site that killed several workers.

That court ruling satisfied the demands of the four activists who filed the complaint in the case: Aibek Sarybaev, Naris Kalchaev, Albas Jeenbenkov, and Kemelbek Kutmanov.

Notably, Kutmanov is the son of the chair of Kyrgyzstans State Committee for Ecology and Climate, Dinara Kutmanova.

The Kyrgyz government also claims Kumtor owes $170 million in unpaid taxes.

Centerra says all these claims against the Kumtor mine are without merit.

The Canadian mining firm says it has initiated binding arbitration against the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to enforce its rights under longstanding investment agreements with the Government.

Centerra also says it will "hold the Government accountable in the arbitration for any and all losses and damage that result from its recent actions against KGC and the Kumtor Mine if no resolution is reached."

Analysts say the abrupt moves by the Kyrgyz government stand little chance of holding up in arbitration. But some speculate that the government is simply maneuvering to increase its stake in Kumtor.

Akylbek Japarov was a member of the 2003 commission that moved to reduce Kyrgyzstans share holding.

On May 19, he said the Kyrgyz government would demand that its stake be raised to 51 percent of the shares in Centerra.
U.S. lawmakers have urged President Joe Biden to reconsider his decision to waive some sanctions related to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany, saying the move was against "both U.S. national and transatlantic security interests."



We firmly believe it is in the U.S. national interest to defend Ukraines sovereignty [and] to protect Europes eastern flank from Russian aggression, the co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus said in a joint statement released on May 20.



It is also in the U.S. national interest to limit Russias malign influence and energy coercion in Europe and to stop the spread of strategic corruption by malign actors in Europe to protect the integrity of democratic institutions and the transatlantic relationship, the statement added.



The joint statement was made by Representatives Marcy Kaptur (Democrat-Ohio), Andy Harris (Republican- Maryland), Mike Quigley (Democrat- Illinois), and Brian Fitzpatrick (Republican- Pennsylvania).



On May 19, the Biden administration sanctioned several companies and ships for their work on Nord Stream 2, but waived penalties on the firm behind the Baltic Sea project -- Nord Stream 2 AG -- and its chief executive, Matthias Warnig.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the move was in line with our commitment to strengthen our Transatlantic relationships as a matter of national security.



Blinken also said that the administration would "continue to oppose the completion of the $12-billion project, arguing it would weaken European energy security.



The decision not to sanction Nord Stream 2 AG  a Gazprom subsidiary -- and Warnig was hailed by both the Kremlin and Berlin, but it angered many Democratic and Republican lawmakers.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed concern that Washington could move to completely lift the sanctions against Nord Stream 2, which he said would be "a major geopolitical victory" for Russia.

Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and backed separatists in two of its eastern provinces, sparking a war that has killed more than 13,000 people.



In their statement, the co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus said Nord Stream 2 is a "Russian malign influence project" and a "bad deal for Europe." They described Warnig as a "crony" of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a "former Stasi goon," referring to East Germanys State Security Service.



"While we appreciate the Administrations efforts to maintain relations with our close ally Germany as a nation also facing Russian malign influence, it cannot be at the expense of transatlantic and Ukrainian security," they added.



"We strongly urge the Administration to reconsider its position," the representatives concluded.



About 95 percent of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been completed and it could be finished by September.



The pipeline will markedly increase the amount of natural gas that Russia will be able to pump directly to Germany, bypassing Eastern European nations like Ukraine and Belarus.



U.S. officials, and some European leaders, have warned it will increase Germany's dependence on Russian gas, and make it vulnerable to Moscow's political whims.



The German government has refused to halt the project, arguing it is a commercial venture and that Russian gas already flows freely into Europe along other routes, including an existing Baltic Sea pipeline.
YOSHKAR-OLA, Russia -- Members of Russia's Mari minority have voiced concern over what they see as efforts to restrict the practice of their ancient pagan religion.



Mikhail Danilov, the minister for domestic development in the western Russian republic of Mari El, has instructed local authorities not to allow "radically-inclined followers of the Mari traditional religion" to worship on municipal property.



The written instructions were issued in April but only became known to the public on May 19.



Local residents told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that they were "offended" by the instructions.



One of the residents said that the aim was to "establish stricter control over worship."



Igor Kudryavtsev, the head of regional organization that promotes Mari language and culture, told RFE/RL that it intended to issue a statement within the next few days.



Around 52 percent of Mari El's 700,000 residents are ethnic Mari. The community is working to preserve its traditions and Finno- Ugric language.



Their religion is based on worshipping the forces of nature.
The Russian arm of Google has appealed a court ruling that its YouTube unit unblock the accounts of the Tsargrad TV channel in Russia and its former chief editor, pro-Kremlin analyst Aleksandr Dugin.

Google said on May 20 it was appealing a decision last month by the Moscow Arbitration Court that ruled it must restore Tsargrad's account or face a daily fine of 100,000 rubles ($1,360).

Failure to comply would result in a doubling of the fine each week, the court said.

"We've now filed an appeal against last month's Tsargrad ruling because it sets aside the prior decisions of multiple Russian courts and comes with a penalty that is out of all proportion to the matter at hand," Google Russia said in a statement.

Google, which owns YouTube, said in July 2020 that the accounts were blocked due to the violation of laws on sanctions and trade regulations.

The account of the TV channel, which has more than 1 million subscribers and positions itself as an outlet for conservative Orthodox Christians, was disabled without the right to restore, Google said.

The founder and owner of the Tsargrad TV channel, Konstantin Malofeyev has been under U.S. sanctions for about six years over his participation in the annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region by Russia in 2014 and his public support for Kremlin-backed separatists in Ukraine's east, where some 13,200 people have been killed in an ongoing conflict.

With the Internet rapidly gaining clout and offering a vehicle to challenge the Kremlin narrative, President Vladimir Putin has turned his sights on social-media companies, accusing them of "monopolism."

In 2019, Russia passed a "sovereign Internet" law that gives officials wide-ranging powers to restrict online traffic, up to the point of isolating the country from cross-border Internet connections during national emergencies.

Moscow has repeatedly warned that it is ready to use the new measure if unrest were to reach a serious scale.

In January and early February, a series of massive anti-government rallies actively promoted on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, the Chinese video app that played an outsize role in hosting content by opposition politician Aleksei Navalny and his supporters, ushered in an intensified push to fine-tune the online censorship apparatus.

Russia has been punitively impeding the speed of Twitter since March and warned other tech platforms, including YouTube, over failing to delete content it deems illegal.

With reporting by Reuters and TASS
A 73-year-old Jehovahs Witness in Russia's Far Eastern Primorye region has been handed a four-year suspended sentence on extremism charges amid an ongoing crackdown on the religious group that has been banned in the country since 2017.



On May 19, a district court in the town of Volno-Nadezhdinskoye found Lyudmila Shut, an elderly woman who can hardly move due to her medical condition, guilty of taking part in the activities of an "extremist organization."



In her final statement at the hearing, Shut denied taking part in the activities of any extremist groups.



"I am not a criminal and I am not an extremist. I do not know such a terrible word at all. This is something alien to me and completely contradicts to my religious views," Shut said.



The United States has condemned Russia's ongoing crackdown on Jehovah's Witnesses and other peaceful religious minorities.

The same court recently handed a six -year suspended sentence to a 77-year-old Jehovahs Witness in March on the same charge.



For decades, the Jehovah's Witnesses have been viewed with suspicion in Russia, where the dominant Orthodox Church is championed by President Vladimir Putin.



The Christian group is known for door-to-door preaching, close Bible study, rejection of military service, and not celebrating national and religious holidays or birthdays.



Since the faith was outlawed in Russia, many Jehovah's Witnesses have been imprisoned in both Russia and the Russia-annexed Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea on the Black Sea.



According to the group, dozens of Jehovah's Witnesses have either been convicted of extremism or are in pretrial detention.



The Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center has recognized dozens of Jehovahs Witnesses who've been charged with or convicted of extremism as political prisoners.
Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny says he has found the recipe for happiness behind bars as the head of Russia's prison service said the Kremlin critic had "recovered, more or less," following his 24-day hunger strike last month.

Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's fiercest domestic critic, launched the hunger strike demanding he be examined by his own doctor amid what his supporters have described as a "deliberate campaign" by prison officials to undermine his health, which was considered fragile as he was still recovering from a poison attack last year.

He ended the strike on April 23.

"23 days on a hunger strike and 23 days easing out of it in a very strict, conservative manner," Navalny said on May 20 in his first post on Instagram in nearly three weeks. "My willpower surprised me."



"So the recipe for happiness: choose what you love very much, deprive yourself of it for a while, and then return to it."



Earlier on May 20, the state news agency TASS quoted the head of Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service, Aleksandr Kalashnikov, as saying that Navalny "has recovered, more or less."

On May 20, the state news agency TASS quoted the head of Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service, Aleksandr Kalashnikov, as saying that Navalny "has recovered, more or less."

Navalny is serving a prison sentence on embezzlement charges that he says were trumped up because of his political activity.

The 44-year-old has been in custody since January, when he returned to Russia following weeks of medical treatment in Germany for a nerve-agent poisoning in August that he says was carried out by operatives of the Federal Security Service (FSB) at the behest of Putin.

The Kremlin has denied any role in the poisoning.

Navalny's last public appearance was by video link in court during an appeal hearing at the end of last month, where he appeared thin and said he had started eating a couple spoonfuls of porridge a day.

Kalashnikov told journalists on May 20, "His weight is already up to 82 kilograms, I think," adding that Navalny was "eating normally."

Neither Navalny's spokespersons nor his lawyers were immediately available to comment on Kalashnikov's comments. Navalny himself has not made a public statement since early this month.

His allies have said that Navalny weighed 93 kilograms when he arrived in prison in February. His wife, Yulia, said in mid-April that his weight was down to 76 kilograms.

The update on Navalny's health comes as the Russian government is taking steps to outlaw his movement.

Next month a court will open a hearing on whether to add his network of regional offices and Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) to a list of "extremist" organizations.

On April 18, Russia's lower house of parliament passed legislation in the first reading that would ban members of "extremist" organizations from becoming lawmakers -- a move apparently targeting Navalny supporters.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and TASS
For most of the world, Andrei Sakharov, who was born 100 years ago this week, is remembered as a fearless and tireless champion of human rights and freedoms in the Soviet Union.

It was for his work as an outspoken dissident to the Soviet authorities that he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975.

The citation called him "the conscience of mankind," saying that he "has fought not only against the abuse of power and violations of human dignity in all its forms, but has in equal vigor fought for the ideal of a state founded on the principle of justice for all."

But Sakharov was by training and vocation a nuclear physicist. He was an integral part of the Soviet nuclear weapons program and is even called the father of the Soviet hydrogen bomb.

In his memoirs, Sakharov recounted first hearing of nuclear fission just before the war from his father, himself a physics teacher, who had attended a lecture on the subject. But he said his interest was truly sparked when he heard of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945:

"On my way to the bakery, I stopped to glance at a newspaper and discovered President Truman's announcement.... I was so stunned that my knees practically buckled. There could be no doubt that my fate and the fate of many others, perhaps of the entire world, had changed overnight. Something new and terrible had entered our lives, a product of the greatest of the sciences, of the discipline I revered."

Sakharov And His 'Layer Cake'

Sakharov was himself recruited to work on the Soviet nuclear weapons program in June 1948 by his professor, Igor Tamm. Later he wrote: "No one asked whether or not I wanted to take part in such work. I had no real choice in the matter, but the concentration, total absorption, and energy that I brought to the task were my own."

A few months later, the young physics graduate student developed a totally new idea for an H-bomb design, one that he would call the sloika, or layer cake. The breakthrough would allow the Soviet Union to build its first hydrogen bomb, a device much more powerful that the atomic weapons of only a few years before.

Patriotism pushed Sakharov in this pursuit, explained Frank von Hippel, a senior research physicist and professor at Princeton University.

Sakharov was convinced that the Soviet Union needed a nuclear deterrent against U.S. nuclear attack, von Hippel explained in e-mailed remarks to RFE/RL.

On August 29, 1949, the Soviets had tested their first nuclear device -- known as "Joe-1" in the West -- on the remote steppes on what is now Kazakhstan. Ultimately, the Soviets would test 80 bombs, 36 in 1958 alone.

'We Will Bury You'

With the Cold War with the United States heating up, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev turned to Sakharov to come up with the worlds most powerful bomb ever. This would become known in the West as the Tsar Bomba, the Tsars Bomb.

The motivation for the Tsar Bomba test is best understood in the context of the U.S.-Soviet rivalry at the time. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, nuclear tests were used for research and as a demonstration of national power and strength, explained Philip Coyle, the former head of U.S. nuclear weapons testing under U.S. President Bill Clinton, who worked 30 years helping design and test nuclear weapons.

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchevs visits to the United Nations in 1959 and 1960 -- and his remark roughly translated at the time, 'We will bury you' -- was seen by some in America as a nuclear threat. The U.S. had detonated a hydrogen bomb at the Bikini Atoll on March 1, 1954, that resulted in the largest yield of all American tests -- 15 megatons. Tsar Bomba was nearly four times more destructive, Coyle said in e-mailed comments to RFE/RL.

A Bomb Like No Other

Although remembered as Tsar Bomba, the explosive device was known under numerous technical names: Project 27000, Product Code 202, RDS-220, and Kuzinka Mat (Kuzkas Mother). Its dimensions were off the charts. In length, it stretched some 8 meters. In height, it reached 2 meters. It weighed a ton as well: 24.5 tons, to be exact.

Tupolev Tu-95 bombers, the largest in the Soviet fleet, were too small to carry it. One bomber had to be reconfigured, its fuel tanks and bomb-bay doors removed. Tsar Bomba still couldnt fit inside and had to be carried under the aircraft.

Tsar Bomba posed other challenges, as well. To give the pilot of the bomber a chance of surviving -- calculated by the Soviets as no more than a 50 percent probability -- a special parachute weighing nearly a ton was attached to the mega bomb to slow its decent. That extra time, the thinking went, would give the bomber and another plane monitoring and filming the explosion enough time to avoid the worst of the blast.

The Blast Felt Round The World

On the morning of October 30, 1961, the Tupolev lifted into the sky with its powerful payload from the Olenya airfield in the Kola Peninsula in the Far North of Russia. Its destination was even farther north, into the Arctic hinterlands of the Soviet Union.

The bomber dropped Tsar Bomba off the coast of Severny Island, the northern island of the sparsely populated Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Barents Sea. It exploded 4,000 meters above the ground. The Tu-95 got caught in the shock wave, even though it was more than 100 kilometers away by the time of detonation. The plane plunged about 1,000 meters before the pilot regained control and ultimately landed safely.

The explosion was more than 1,570 times more powerful than the combined two bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and 10 times more powerful than all of the munitions used in World War II. The blast was visible from more than 1,000 kilometers away. The mushroom cloud climbed 70 kilometers into the air. People as far away as Finland and Norway reported feeling the blast, which shattered windows.

The destruction on Novaya Zemlya was devastating. All the houses in the village of Severny, some 55 kilometers from ground zero, were turned to rubble.

One Soviet cameraman who witnessed the detonation described what he saw:

The clouds beneath the aircraft and in the distance were lit up by the powerful flash. The sea of light spread under the hatch and even clouds began to glow and became transparent. At that moment, our aircraft emerged from between two cloud layers and down below in the gap a huge bright orange ball was emerging. The ball was powerful and arrogant like Jupiter. Slowly and silently it crept upwards.... Having broken through the thick layer of clouds, it kept growing. It seemed to suck the whole Earth into it. The spectacle was fantastic, unreal, supernatural.

Such a huge detonation was naturally difficult to hide or deny. A U.S. intelligence plane was in the vicinity at the time of the blast. Code-named Speedlight, the aircraft carried equipment to calculate the yield of distant nuclear explosions. That data would later be analyzed back in Washington.

But for decades, much remained unknown about Tsar Bomba. Last year, Russia declassified 40 minutes of previously unseen footage of the Tsar Bomba test and posted it on YouTube.

The video was uploaded by Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear agency, on August 20 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Russias nuclear industry.

From Designer To Opponent

Even before the detonation of Tsar Bomba, Sakharov began to question the point of nuclear testing. His concern that such testing posed dangers to human health were expressed in an article he wrote in 1957 on the effects of low-level radiation. In it, he concluded that the detonation of a 1-megaton bomb would create 10,000 human casualties.

"Halting the tests," he wrote, "will directly save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people."

Tsar Bomba served as a wake-up call not only to Sakharov but to many around the world about the folly of such tests.

Yes, Tsar Bomba sent a message to the U.S., but that 'message' terrified Americans so much that American political leadership had no choice but to respond with the largest nuclear weapons buildup of all," explained Coyle. "Also, international protests against nuclear weapons tests conducted in the atmosphere became very strong, and Sakharov was well aware of the hazards of radioactive fallout.

Sakharov worked on what would become the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty that was signed in Moscow in 1963 by the United States, Soviet Union, and Britain, banning nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and under water.

Von Hippel noted Sakharov was also involved in urging the Soviet Union to join in the treaties limiting ballistic-missile defenses (1972), banning medium and intermediate-range land-based missiles (1987), and the first Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (1991).

By 1965, Sakharov had returned to particle physics and cosmology and no longer worked on nuclear weapons, noted Coyle.

"I think from at least 1948 forward, Sakharov was a man who saw the moral and human rights aspects of human pursuits, and had the intellectual capacity to make original and insightful observations each time an issue arose," Coyle said. "Of course, early in the Cold War years, before Tsar Bomba, questions about the morality of nuclear weapons, the dangers of nuclear weapons, or the 'appalling waste of the arms race' didnt even arise, as Sakharov wrote himself.

Later, it became obvious to Sakharov and others that we had a responsibility to think about these things, and to challenge the narrow thinking of the past.
Andrei Sakharov is best remembered today as one of the foremost human rights advocates of the 20th century, winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his outspoken opposition to the Soviet Union's darkest totalitarian impulses. But he was also the conflicted "father of the Soviet hydrogen bomb" and helped accelerate an arms race that left humanity on the brink of annihilation. Here is a pictorial look, using photographs from the Sakharov Archives and other sources, at how this brilliant and loyal physicist of the U.S.S.R. ultimately became its strongest and most celebrated voice of moral dissent.

Sakharov was born in Moscow on May 21, 1921, into a family that was firmly established as part of the city's intelligentsia. Like much of his generation born just after the Bolshevik Revolution, the young Sakharov would have been imbued from an early age with communist ideas, such as social equality and justice. But his early life at home also played a major role in shaping the man he was to become.

His father, Dmitry, was a respected physics teacher who wrote popular textbooks on the subject. A principled and cultured man with a humanitarian outlook, he is believed to have had a profound impact on his son's intellectual development.

But his churchgoing mother, Yekaterina, and paternal grandmother, Maria Petrovna, were also a big influence. Aside from "the Mongol cast of my eyes," Sakharov would subsequently credit them with bequeathing him "something of my charactera certain obstinacy, as well as an awkwardness in dealing with people that troubled me for much of my life."

Unusually for the time, he was homeschooled by his father and the experience seems to have been beneficial to his education. His exceptional scientific potential was recognized soon after he finally started attending formal classes in 1933 at 12 years of age. Five years later, he was accepted into the physics department of Moscow State University.

It was a turbulent time to be at college. Although a failed medical exam meant he wasn't called up to fight when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, Sakharov would have witnessed the destruction the conflict wreaked on his country, as he and other students were regularly drafted by authorities to help out during air raids, assisting with putting out fires, as well as loading and unloading supplies.

He and his classmates eventually ended up completing their studies in Turkmenistan, having been evacuated to Ashkabad (now Ashgabat) later that same year. Sakharov graduated with distinction from a fast-track program in 1942.

Upon finishing his courses, Sakharov suspended further studies to help out with the war effort. He ended up being assigned to routine scientific work at a munitions plant in Ulyanovsk. Despite the humdrum nature of these tasks, he said later that he still managed to make "a number of inventions in the field of production control." He also spent a lot of his free time writing academic articles on theoretical physics. Although these were never published, he said the writing process gave him "the self-confidence so essential to every researcher." Ulyanovsk is also where Sakharov met his first wife, Klavdia Vikhireva, who was working in the same plant as a laboratory technician. They married in 1943 and had three children. The couple would remain together until Klavdia's untimely death from cancer in 1969.

In 1945, with the war coming to an end, he eventually returned to Moscow to study at the prestigious FIAN institute of physics, under the tutelage of Igor Tamm. A renowned scientist who would later win the Nobel Prize for physics, the older man is seen as a major influence on Sakharov, who couldn't help being impressed by Tamm's academic outlook, which emphasized high levels of professionalism and moral standards in research.

The respect seems to have been mutual, with Tamm once noting that his young student "concentrates all his intellectual efforts on physics." Although Sakharov seems to have enthusiastically embraced the rigors of his chosen discipline, he later recounted how he felt early stirrings of unease about the work he was doing when he heard the news of the first atomic bomb being dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945.

"I was so stunned that my knees practically buckled. There could be no doubt that my fate and the fate of many others, perhaps of the entire world, had changed overnight," he said. "Something new and terrible had entered our lives, a product of the greatest of the sciences, of the discipline I revered." 'The Grandeur Of The Task' Despite his early misgivings about the direction in which his field of study was moving, he took only two years to complete his doctorate in particle physics in 1947, and quickly agreed to join his mentor a year later when Tamm was put in charge of a team of researchers tasked with designing a Soviet thermonuclear device. At first, Sakharov assiduously applied himself to the development of the weapon. "We were all convinced that this work was of vital significance for the balance of power in the world," he said. "And we were fascinated by the grandeur of the task."

Many of the ideas that Sakharov came up with during his time at a nuclear research facility in the "secret city" of Sarov were considered crucial to the development of the U.S.S.R's first "true" hydrogen bomb, which was detonated in August 1955. Sakharov's scientific work was well rewarded by the Soviets. He became the youngest person to be inducted into the Soviet Academy of Sciences at just 32 years of age. He also won a host of socialist awards and was afforded many of the same privileges as the Bolshevik elite, even though he politely declined to join the Communist Party.

Despite his success, however, Sakharov later said he was "becoming ever more conscious of the moral problems inherent in this work." Increasingly haunted by the devastating power of the weapon he'd helped develop, Sakharov strongly opposed the overground testing of nuclear armaments after calculating that the fallout would eventually cause thousands of deaths for generations. "The remote consequences of radioactive carbon do not mitigate the moral responsibility to future victims," he said. "Only an extreme lack of imagination can let one ignore suffering that occurs out of sight."

Perhaps one of the most pivotal events to have an impact on Sakharov's intellectual evolution came with the development of the so-called Tsar Bomba, the Tsars Bomb. Despite being plagued by doubts about the wisdom of building such a weapon, Sakharov toed the party line and helped test what is still considered to have been the most powerful device ever detonated.

If Sakharov thought the successful launch in 1962 of a weapon that unleashed 10 times the total amount of explosives used in World War II would satisfy the Soviet authorities' enthusiasm for ever more powerful weapons, he was to be bitterly disappointed. WATCH: Declassified footage of the Tsar Bomba released in 2020 by the Russian state atomic energy agency, Rosatom, to mark the 75th anniversary of the country's nuclear industry:

The propaganda value of successfully testing such devices was too great a temptation. Despite Sakharov's strenuous objections, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev ordered the technically unnecessary detonation of another megaton bomb just a few months later.

It was the straw that broke the back of Sakharov's patience with the Soviet regime. "A terrible crime had been committed, and I couldn't prevent it!" he said. "A feeling of impotence, unbearable bitterness, shame and humiliation overcame me. I dropped my face on the table and wept. This was probably the most terrible lesson of my life: You can't sit on two chairs." Khrushchev's perceived betrayal seemed to galvanize Sakharov to push even harder for an end to the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. He is credited with playing a large role in finally convincing the Soviets to sign up to a partial ban in 1963. He also became a much more open voice of dissent within the Soviet bureaucracy, making representations in defense of persecuted individuals and adding his name to calls for greater human rights protections.

In 1968, he finally ruptured his increasingly uneasy relationship with the regime he had once served so diligently when samizdat copies of an essay he wrote appeared under the title: Reflections On Progress, Peaceful Coexistence, And Intellectual Freedom. It soon made its way to the West and was published in The New York Times, causing quite a stir with its impassioned plea for all of humanity to jointly tackle the "grave perils" it was facing, such as nuclear and ecological catastrophe. Naturally, the nomenklatura didn't take kindly to someone they viewed as one of their own sharply criticizing their repression of dissidents, while also calling for the universal adoption of a more democratic socialism that respected the human rights of each individual. Sakharov was quickly removed from all military programs and "relieved" of the elite privileges he had enjoyed.

Over the next few years, with his scholarly work confined to the study of fundamental physics, he became increasingly focused on political activism, coming out publicly in support of human rights and other causes, much to the ire of the Moscow authorities. It was while attending a trial of rights activists in 1970 that he met Yelena Bonner, a fellow dissident with whom he struck up an immediate rapport. They would end up marrying two years later and remain together until Sakharov's death.

Although Sakharov's star may have been waning in Moscow, he was soon to become a household name in the West and one of the most visible and vocal Soviet dissidents. He and Bonner's tireless work for human rights soon established the couple as a focal point of opposition to the regime, and their Moscow flat and dacha became de facto clearinghouses for rights groups.

While other dissidents were routinely picked up by the authorities or forced into exile, Sakharov's status as a celebrated state scientist helped ensure that he and his wife remained free to write and give interviews to foreign correspondents, although they routinely faced harassment from the KGB and denunciations in the press.

When Sakharov's burgeoning reputation as "a spokesman for the conscience of mankind" saw him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975, the Soviets were so irritated that they refused him permission to travel to Oslo to receive the accolade. As luck would have it, Bonner had been allowed abroad at the time for eye surgery in Italy, and she accepted the honor on his behalf. In his acceptance speech, read by Bonner in Norway, he expressed his "hope in a final victory of the principles of peace and human rights." Somewhat pointedly, he also dedicated the award to other dissidents, saying his prize was to be "shared by all prisoners of conscience in the Soviet Union and in other Eastern European countries as well as by all those who fight for their liberation."

Although his international standing as a Nobel laureate offered him some protection from persecution, Sakharov's dissident activities eventually wore out Moscow's patience when he publicly condemned the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and supported a boycott of the Moscow Olympics. Early in 1980, he was snatched from the streets of Moscow by the authorities and banished without trial to the city of Gorky, some 400 kilometers east of the capital. Bonner was packed off to join him in internal exile four years later.

If the Soviets thought the move would silence Sakharov, they were sorely mistaken. He quickly became a cause celebre as Western scholars campaigned in the international media on his behalf. A number of hunger strike protests helped consolidate his status abroad as a symbol of the opposition. It's said that many within the communist elite were also influenced by the principled stand he was taking. As the increasingly open atmosphere of the perestroika era quickly gained momentum, Sakharov's writings were crucial in providing an intellectual framework for the reform movement.

With Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's glasnost policies beginning to take hold, Sakharov was eventually released in December 1986 and he returned to Moscow amid much fanfare. If the politburo had hoped Sakharov's freedom would help lend legitimacy to the reforms they were attempting to implement, he himself continued to push relentlessly for greater transformation, even issuing a call for the release of other political prisoners not long after his triumphant return to the capital.

Despite declining health, Sakharov spent the next few years working tirelessly for more change, taking advantage of the greater climate of openness to get himself elected to the Congress of People's Deputies, where he pushed constantly for constitutional reform and an end to the Communist Party's monopoly on power.

By this time, he and Bonner were the most recognizable faces of the Soviet opposition, both at home and abroad.

Their celebrity status enabled Sakharov to travel outside the country to help drum up international support for greater reform in the U.S.S.R. He had the ear of numerous world leaders and influencers.

This late flurry of activity took its toll, however, and he died suddenly of heart failure in December 1989, just three years after his release from internal exile. Although he lived long enough to see the fall of the Berlin Wall, Sakharov's tragic demise arguably came just when his country needed him most. A 'Moral Symbol' Czechoslovakia's first postcommunist president, former dissident Vaclav Havel, perhaps caught the prevailing mood when he told reporters it was "a real tragedy for the Soviet Union that Sakharov died, because otherwise very soon he might have become president there."

It's a source of endless speculation as to what might have happened if the man Havel described as "the only integrating personality" in the U.S.S.R. at the time had lived to see its collapse.

Certainly, the version of his country that emerged from the ruins of the Soviet Union is a far cry from "the open pluralistic society with unconditional respect for basic civil and political human rights" that he envisioned. But the ideals he espoused still have a voice in many parts of the world, not least in contemporary Russia. Rights organizations like Memorial and the Moscow Helsinki Group, which he played a pivotal role in establishing, are still as relevant and important today as they were decades ago. His legacy also lives on in the form of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, a prestigious award established with his blessing in 1988 by the European Parliament to honor individuals and organizations defending human rights and fundamental liberties.
Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has named a new health minister, who immediately pledged to speed up the country's sluggish vaccination campaign.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Coverage Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

Former Deputy Health Minister Viktor Lyashko was promoted to replace Maksym Stepanov, who was fired this week after Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal blamed him for a lack of vaccine doses.

Parliament also appointed Oleksiy Lyubchenko, the head of the State Tax Service, as the new economy minister.

Lyubchenko, 49, replaced Ihor Petrashko, who resigned earlier this week amid an ongoing recession.

Ukraine is one of the European countries worst affected by the pandemic and its vaccination campaign has been lagging.

So far, less than 1 million Ukrainians have received their first vaccine dose. The country of some 41 million has registered around 2.2 million infections and almost 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Lyashko told parliament that the fight against the virus was his "No. 1 priority," adding that setting up domestic manufacturing of vaccines would also be top priority.

Shmyhal said this week that only 2.3 million doses of vaccine had been delivered to Ukraine so far.

With reporting by Reuters and Interfax
The taste of the food is something that customers who come here, they will never forget it, said St-vil. Once they come here and they taste our food they can go to other restaurants, but they still remember, there is an image thats in their mind: Ive been to Albertes and I tasted that food and I have to go back to get it.
Legislation has been reintroduced in the U.S. Congress to increase funding for 5G telecommunications and digital infrastructure development in Eastern European countries.

Subscribe To Our New China Newsletter It's impossible to tell the biggest stories shaping Eurasia without considering Chinas resurgent influence. China In Eurasia is the new newsletter by Reid Standish in which he builds on local reporting from RFE/RLs journalists to give you unique insights into Beijings ambitions. It's sent on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. To subscribe, click here.

The sponsors of the legislation said on May 19 it was important to fund such projects in countries with "infrastructure deficits" remaining from the Soviet era that make them "especially vulnerable to malign Chinese influence."

The Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act would authorize the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide financing for 5G network development to U.S. allies and partners in the region, its sponsors said.

The bill aims to ensure that the United States "is leading with our European allies to develop international 5G standards that favor democratic institutions, not further authoritarianism spread by China," Representatives Marcy Kaptur (Democrat-Ohio) and Adam Kinzinger (Republican-Illinois) said.

"The United States and our allies are facing increasing threats from state-linked companies in China as they seek to infiltrate and undermine democratic institutions," Kaptur said in a news release.

The new 5G networks will serve as the backbone of transatlantic telecommunications infrastructure for years to come, fostering greater development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.

"With those advances come immense national security and economic implications," Kaptur said. "That is why it is critical that these networks be kept safe from malign foreign influence."

Kinzinger said in the news release that the growing threat from China "has made it increasingly important for the United States and our allies to shore up our shared communications."

U.S. assistance to Central and Eastern European countries in building out their 5G networks "can further help defend the freedom of speech, press, and religion across the continent," Kinzinger said.

Some countries in Central and Southeastern Europe have already banned Chinese tech giant Huawei as part of a rollback of China's dominance in 5G telecommunications. Romania last year implemented such a ban.

The decision came shortly after an announcement in October that the U.S. State Department had signed deals with Slovakia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bulgaria on high-speed wireless network technology.

The U.S. government has accused the Chinese company of using its technology to spy on behalf of the Chinese government. Huawei denies the allegations and argues that U.S. protectionism is motivating its decisions.
The Kremlin has said that what it called constructive talks between the top U.S. and Russian diplomats were a "positive signal" for holding a potential summit between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Iceland on May 19, with both stressing that their countries had "serious differences," but can still find ways to work together.

The meeting was the first high-level, in-person contact between the rivals since Biden took office in January. The meeting was held on the sidelines of a two-day Arctic Council meeting.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on May 20 said the talks between Lavrov and Blinken would help Moscow decide on the possibility of holding a summit.

Speaking to reporters on a conference call, he said Moscow would analyze the talks before Putin made any decision on meeting Biden.

Peskov also hailed the U.S. move to waive sanctions against the Russian-controlled builder of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany.

During the meeting in Reykjavik, Lavrov said he hoped the leaders of the United States and Russia would define ways for relations between the Cold War foes to improve, even though their views "greatly diverge when it comes to our assessment of the international situation and our approaches toward how we should resolve it."

A U.S. official described the meeting as businesslike and productive but said there were no breakthroughs and that work on improving relations between Moscow and Washington will take place in the weeks and years to come.

The talks between Lavrov and Blinken covered a range of topics, including Russia's military deployment in and near Ukraine, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the release of two U.S. citizens held by Russia, and the proposed summit between Biden and Putin.



Lavrov declined to respond when asked whether Moscow had agreed on the proposed summit, Interfax reported. But he said he and Blinken would prepare proposals for a possible meeting.



The U.S. State Department, however, did not mention the possible summit in its statement on the meeting. The U.S. official said Blinken and Lavrov agreed to leave it to the Kremlin and the White House to announce the date for the possible summit.

Lavrov said Russia and the United States had to cooperate "in spheres where our interests collide," and that Russia's position was simple: "We are ready to discuss all the issues without exception, but under perception that the discussion will be honest, with the facts on the table, and of course on the basis of mutual respect."



State Department spokesman Ned Price said Blinken pushed for Russia to release U.S. citizens Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, two former U.S. Marines imprisoned in Russia -- Reed on charges of assaulting a police officer, Whelan for espionage.



Blinken also raised concerns about Russian troops massed along the Ukraine border despite an announced pullback, the health of detained Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, and Moscow's actions against Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America.

Blinken reiterated that Biden wanted "a predictable, stable relationship with Russia" and said the two countries could work together on tackling the coronavirus pandemic, combating climate change, dealing with Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs, and the war in Afghanistan.



"We think that's good for our people, good for the Russian people, and indeed good for the world," Blinken said.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and Interfax
ONTARIO -- During these uncertain times, do you know of a senior citizen that is volunteering their time to help others? Do you know of a group that is performing a community service to help those in need?

Here is your chance to recognize them.

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is currently accepting nominations for the Outstanding Senior Citizen and Community Service Award. Nominations can be completed on-line at www.aaa5ohio.org or by requesting a form to be mailed to you. The deadline for nominations is May 28, 2021.

Award recipients from a nine-county area (one awardee from each county) will be honored by Area Agency on Aging. Nominees must be at least 60 years of age, a legal resident of Ohio for at least five years, and have made significant contributions to the community. A husband and wife may receive the award jointly when both have been involved in community service.

One Outstanding Senior Citizen Award will be presented for each county in our service area (Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot).

Community Service Awards are targeted toward an organization, agency, service club, a media outlet, or a business that has made an outstanding contribution to the community on behalf of senior citizens. One award will be presented for the nine-county area.

Additional information, including printable nomination forms or an on-line fillable form, can be found on the AAA website at https://www.aaa5ohio.org or by contacting Susan at 567-247-6458 or smontgomery@aaa5ohio.org. Nominations can be mailed, faxed, or emailed.
SHELBY - In honor of Historic Preservation Month, the Shelby Historic Preservation Commission has given downtown property owners unique window signage to identify the citys historic landmarks.

Shelbians have always treasured their unique heritage, said Christina Drain, chair of the commission. The signs are a visible way to celebrate that heritage.

The first properties to be recognized are in the Shelby Center Historic District. These buildings are designated as a historic landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, Ohio Historic Inventory, and the Shelby Locally Designated Historic Landmarks list.

Placement of the signs on 28 properties located in the Shelby Center Historic District will create a sizeable visual impact as the public travels down Main Street, while spotlighting preservation in the city.

The 8- by 12-inch signs were designed by Shelby CIC member Cody Albert and printed by Cain Graphics.
MANSFIELD  Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center is pleased to welcome the Mt. Gilead School District as a member district.

The Mid-Ohio ESC Board of Governors voted unanimously to accept their petition of membership at their regular meeting on May 19. Mount Gileads membership will commence on July 1, 2021.

"On behalf of the Mid-Ohio ESC Board of Governors, I can say that we are thrilled to partner with Mount Gilead Schools and welcome them to the Mid-Ohio family," said Board President Dick Prater. "We look forward to providing our comprehensive educational services for staff and students that will meet or exceed their expectations.

"We also hope they will share their best practices and success stories to make our network of districts even stronger as we move closer to the post-COVID era."

Mount Gilead was previously a member of the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, with offices in Tiffin and Marion, so proximity to the district was a factor.

"As a veteran superintendent, I recognized that Mount Gilead Schools could perhaps benefit more from membership in an Educational Service Center in our geographic area," said Larry Zimmerman, Interim Superintendent at Mount Gilead Schools since December 2019.

However, Zimmerman explained the district did not make a snap decision because they knew the partnership needed to be a good fit, and they needed to include incoming Superintendent Dr. Zack Howard.

"(We) started a study which Dr. Howard became a part of after he was hired and determined that the services being offered at Mid-Ohio ESC were the best match for the long term benefit of the Mount Gilead Schools," Zimmerman said.

Dr. Howard shared that he is excited to work with the leadership at Mid-Ohio ESC and other member districts.

We are looking forward to sharing ideas and addressing common challenges to create the best learning environment possible for our Mount Gilead students," Howard said.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services, including professional development, to 10 school districts and over 17,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.
MANSFIELD  Final Friday concerts will look slightly different this year. But yes, they are returning.

Downtown Mansfield Inc. announced Wednesday the concert series will kick off on May 28 at The Brickyard and go on until September. It is the first final Friday concert since September 2019. Artists that will perform at the end of this month are Emily Raff, Jimi Vincent Band and Terry Lee Ridley.

Ohio ended its mass gathering ban in early April, paving the way for the return of graduations, festivals and other events. Governor Mike DeWine announced a week ago that the state will lift all statewide COVID-19 health orders on June 2, including the mask mandate.

Katie Crall, communications and event assistant at DMI, said the organization has referred to the guidelines from Richland Public Health and the state in all events it has done since the pandemic arrived.

While the gathering limit was gone, DMI will set up additional hand washing and sanitizing stations at the concert, Crall said. Attendees are asked to bring their own seating as usual, which will also help the situation.

Besides, all beverages will be served in single-use disposable containers. No refilling will be available. Crall said food trucks will be onsite to offer various options. DMI asks people to be mindful of precautions and keep using common sense.

Established in 2007, the annual Final Friday Concert Series has become a major event in downtown Mansfield that draws thousands of people to the area. The COVID-19 pandemic put it on pause last year.

We started on as kind of a way to not only support local artists but also to get people downtown," Crall said.

The public would have the opportunity to see what downtown Mansfield has to offer, including the original brickwork and gorgeous old buildings, when attending the concerts, she said.

The free concerts will start at 5:30 p.m. with three acts on each night. The lineup for this year is as follows:
COLUMBUS  Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and 19 other attorneys general are demanding that the Biden administration abandon proposals within the U.S. Department of Education to insert flawed curriculum into classrooms that rewrites American history.

The radical proposal seeks to issue educational grants that will impose teachings of critical race theory (CRT) and the 1619 Project which interprets history through the narrow lens of race.

We need to learn from the real evils of slavery and racism, but these proposals will only create more misunderstanding," Yost said. "Critical race theory is nothing more than ideology posing as history and we should not confuse the two.

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, state attorneys general urge the Department to review the directives for teaching traditional American history as prescribed in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015.

Congress made clear that the purpose of the (ESSA) programs is to advance a traditional understanding of American history, civics, and government, the letter states. The proposed priorities would do little to advance that goal.

The ESSA was described by the Wall Street Journal as the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter century. The legislation gave authority back to parents, teachers, and local communities in deciding education policy.

This is just more federal overreach, Yost said. Decisions about curriculum should remain a primarily local matter and not subjected to political whim out of Washington. Certainly, a fringe view that is not generally and widely accepted should never be mandated out of Washington, D.C.

The letter is joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
This 10-part series highlights the 2021 McGowan Courage Award nominees. Brought to you by the Mansfield Rotary Club.

MANSFIELD  As a person living with autism, Mansfield Christian senior Jason Dills has often struggled with emotional, social and academic challenges. While those challenges will always exist for him, hes remained valiant in achieving success in his three years at Madison Christian.

As a recipient of the 2021 McGowan Courage Award, Dills has demonstrated a great measure of personal perseverance as observed by his teachers and counselors.

I'm very happy, Dills said. What it means to win the Courage Award is an honor.

Dills has struggled in the past personally, socially and academically. One of his biggest challenges was self-loathing and anger when feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks. After learning to trust his teachers, Dills developed a step-by-step strategy to help him communicate and manage his emotions in appropriate ways.

Dills also needed to learn how to properly communicate with his peers while dealing with insecurities and anxiety. By channeling his sense of humor, hes able to keep his friends and family laughing at all times. Hes also learned to have self-acceptance.

Jason is willing to share his story of perseverance with his peers, displaying humility and courage in order to encourage and cheer those around him. As a result, Jason is well loved and valued at Mansfield Christian School, wrote Charlene Eder, guidance counselor at Madison Christian in her recommendation letter.

While in school, Dills could always be found cheerfully greeting students and teachers as he walked the halls. His contagious joy could bring a smile to anyones face.

My relationship with my classmates is really good, Dills said.

In the past three years, Dills has come a long way academically. His attention to detail has provided great success with his courses and assignments. Hes also shown to be capable of advocating for himself in the classroom.

Though he faced similar challenges to his peers in the 2020-2021 school year with COVID-19 affecting his daily routine, Dills persevered. He returned to school in the fall of last year and had to learn how to integrate back into his daily routine.

By diving into those challenges head first, he has become more confident and self-assured. After graduation, he will go through a transition year where he adjusts from school to a working environment.

Courageous and persevering, Jason is a joy at Mansfield Christian School. It is with great pride that I nominate Jason Dills for the 2021 McGowan Courage Award, Eder wrote.

The 2021 McGowan Courage Awards are supported by these sponsors:

Premier Sponsor:

Ohio Health

Gold Sponsors:

Shelby Rotary

Mechanics Bank

Park National Bank

North Central State College

Other sponsors:

Mansfield Art Center

Renaissance

Richland Source
Richmond, KY (40475)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Sometimes the best ingredient is the one I leave off the dish, Zanelli says. I think thats something that goes back to sourcing. When you source stuff that is good, you just have to take care of it, treat it right...so it will accentuate and bring out the flavors of that dish. You know, when youre young you often add three or four ingredients, to be a little more soigne. But you learn that if those ingredients arent exactly helping the dish, then lets take them out and let the other ingredient be the star.
Richmond, KY (40475)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. High around 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Weather Alert

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT TODAY THROUGH THIS EVENING... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * A portion of central North Carolina, including the following areas, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Nash, Person, Vance, Warren and Wilson. * From Noon EDT today through this evening. * Showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and become numerous to widespread through early tonight, as an area of low pressure and cold front cross the region. Some showers and storms will become slow-moving and redevelop over the same areas late this afternoon and evening. The slow movement, coupled with a tropical air mass in place, will result in torrential downpours and a risk of flash flooding. * Areas which receive excessive rainfall will be susceptible to flash flooding. Low-lying, poor drainage, and normally flood prone areas could become flooded. Roads in these areas could become flooded and impassable. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. &&
Thats wild, said Jon Manarang, 26, who goes for a walk at the nearby Jaco Pastorius Park every day after work. He marveled at how a neighborhood was built so close to human remains. I think of all the surveying and the work it takes. ... What was the level of thoroughness that went into this kind of process? And then the approval to get this [neighborhood] and then have a whole body pop up like this.
The Halifax County Sheriffs Office has requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the death of a 71-year-old inmate at the detention center.

Sheriff Wes Tripp said foul play is not suspected.

In a statement the sheriff said around 12:30 p.m. today Ronald Anthony McDonald of the Enfield area experienced a medical issue. Tripp declined to elaborate on the medical issue.

Detention staff called Halifax County EMS which transported the man to a local hospital where he later succumbed.

McDonald had been incarcerated at the jail since May 4 and was awaiting a June 17 district court appearance for second-degree burglary and injury to real property.
Local

Officials address hotel issues

State officials have taken steps to address incidents at the Rutland Quality Inn after a meeting in April with city officials, members of Project VISION and the Rutland County delegation after two shooting deaths at the hotel in less than six months.

Kahliq Richardson, 18, of Rutland, pleaded not guilty in April in Rutland criminal court to a felony count of manslaughter. Police said he shot and killed Jonah Pandiani, 19, also of Rutland.

Jonathon Houghton, 35, of Holyoke, was found dead from a gunshot at the Quality on Nov. 23. There have been no arrests in the case.

Tricia Tyo, deputy commissioner for the Department for Children and Families, was part of the remote meeting in April.

On Wednesday, she said there has been follow-up with Rutland officials and the owners of the Quality. While the Quality Inn and the Holiday Inn have the same owners, Tyo said the information she was sharing was related to the Quality Inn because that was the main area of discussion by Rutland City officials.

As of Wednesday, Tyo said, there were 40 rooms being used by homeless residents supported by the state. Tyo said that number was higher during the height of the pandemic.

During a Project VISION meeting last week, Rutland City Police Chief Brian Kilcullen said he believed the state had support as many as almost 80 rooms at one point.

Overall, the state has gone from providing more than 2,000 rooms to about 1,875, Tyo added.

During the April meeting, law-enforcement officers, including Kilcullen, shared concerns. Representatives of local businesses, like Hannaford, Staples and a Sunoco service station.

But Tyo pointed out the state had contracted with existing private businesses to find housing for homeless residents during the pandemic. The only tool to get the businesses to comply with state policy is to stop using the hotel or motel.

Tyo said she had been quoted saying that, and it got back to the owners.

The owners reached out and said they were interested in working with us at this point and (asked) what did they need to do, she said.

The hotel owners have an option to file a complaint against a resident. If the complaint is validated and can be supported in court, the resident can be vacated from not just that particular hotel or motel, but any state housing for two to four weeks.

We have had rules all along that If you were disturbing others peaceful enjoyment of the facility, you could be removed, she said.

Tyo said the process of vacating a resident for violating rules protected the safety of other guests, but she said the administrators at the Quality Inn werent using that option.

For instance, in the Burlington area, Chittenden County, has, on average, 35 to 40 people on a period of ineligibility at any given time. Rutland had four, in all of Rutlands rooms and theres about 200 rooms in use so they should have had many, many more, she said.

While Tyo said the owners are now vacating residents who are allegedly causing problems, they hadnt before although she said they had claimed they were.

Their actions werent matching what they were telling us, she said.

Tyo noted two complaints raised at the April meeting. The staff at the Quality Inn was not monitoring residents to be sure the residents staying there had been authorized by the state and werent entering rooms to check on the conditions. Tyo said the state had asked that both those concerns be addressed.

Security has also been increased. A security firm had been monitoring the Quality Inn at night but a second firm is now working there during daytime hours.

Were receiving daily updates from both security firms about the conditions that they are seeing there, she said.

The state has also been taking part in weekly meetings to discuss the situation. Two have already taken place and the next one is scheduled for Friday morning.

Kilcullen told Project VISION members last week he believed the talks had been productive, but said there were still steps that he and other Rutland officials would like to see taken.

For instance, he said he briefed the April meeting about the process to vacate a resident. Now police can talk to staff at the hotel to see if certain situations will result in a request to vacate.

But he said he would still like to see a resource desk that would connect homeless residents at the Quality with economic and social services.

patrick.mcardle

@rutlandherald.com
Pandemic 2020

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The most relevant actions of Shvank, i.e., the ones which the District contends are disciplinable, take place literally within fractions of a second, a mere blink of the eye, the judge wrote. It is not an overstatement to say that a viewer can see what he or she wants to see in these video clips.
Peterborough - Eva H. Sacharuk died, peacefully, at her home in Peterborough, N.H. on June 1, 2021. Before moving to Peterborough in 2019, she was a long-time resident of Wenham, Massachusetts where she raised her family with her husband Serge since 1960. Eva is survived by her loving husban
Sanford, NC (27330)

Today

Mostly cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Charles Scarbrough entered guilty pleas of conspiracy to commit racketeering, animal baiting and fighting, unlawful use of a two-way communicating device and unlawful taking of a black bear, the Ocala Star Banner reports. He has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. Because of that, sentencing was deferred, though he faces anywhere from five years of probation to more than two years in prison.
With dedicated and consistent actions undertaken to protect the rhino, poaching  the biggest threat to their existence in Africa  continued slowly but steadily to decline up to 2020.



Over the last 10 years, two thirds of the rhinos in South Africas Kruger Park have been killed by poachers. Black rhinos in Kruger Park have disappeared dramatically and today there are estimated to be less than 500 remaining.

Big Bang Unico Sorai  Hublot

Moreover, in late March 2020, the South African border was closed to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Prior, the day-to-day influx of foreign visitors had kept the poachers at bay. Now, due to a severe shortage of rangers, poachers are free to move undetected around this vast area. This interruption of a source of national revenue underlines the extent to which wildlife protection organisations rely on private financial donors and on collaborative and coordinated efforts between local, international, public and private stakeholders.



Hublot is using its global reach, and reconfirming its support for Kevin Pietersen and SORAI  Save Our Rhino Africa India  with the release of a new edition of the Big Bang Unico SORAI, inviting 100 future owners to help support this cause for our planet. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated exclusively to Care for Wild  the largest rhino sanctuary in the world, supported by SORAI  for it to use as it sees fit.



"On the ground, every day is a battle, a race against time by the teams of dedicated specialists who rescue, rehabilitate, and release these rhinos back into the wild," says Kevin Pietersen, founder of SORAI. "We dont want to lose one of the Big Five, not for us but for our childrens children. We therefore need to put our common efforts to protect this species! I am very happy that Hublot is once again able to provide its support to SORAI, to help raise maximum awareness of this global emergency."

Kevin Pietersen  Hublot

Big Bang Unico SORAI While the previous release, with its beige ceramic case, evoked the colours of the South African bush in winter, the Big Bang Unico SORAI is equipped with the UNICO manufacture movement and inspired by the natural colours of the bush in summer: a harmonious blend of two shades of green, from the green ceramic case to the green camouflage rubber or velcro strap. This special edition, engraved on the back of the sapphire crystal glass, will be available as a limited edition of 100 pieces.



The largest rhino sanctuary in the world Left on its own, an orphaned baby rhinoceros whose parents have been killed by poachers has almost no chance of survival. Care for Wild rescues these rhinos, then ensures their protection, growth, and well-being in secure environments, equipped with 24-hour video surveillance, and communication networks, monitored by mobile units of dogs and their handlers, trained to apprehend poachers. The Care for Wild mission also includes rehabilitation and rewilding  the release of rhinos to their natural habitat, where their development can be monitored. The largest rhino orphanage and sanctuary in the world, it was founded in 2001 by Petronel Nieuwoudt.
The first four commandments are solely about how to worship the biblical deity. They would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, guaranteeing freedom of religion, if enacted into law. Another batch of commandments  honoring parents, not coveting and not committing adultery  are nowhere to be found in American criminal law. The only three commandments that do align with enforceable American laws  prohibitions on murder, theft and perjury  are not original to the Old Testament.
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors recently adopted new guidelines from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) allowing for licensed youth hunters ages 12 to 13 to hunt larger game with a firearm or crossbow under proper supervision of an experienced adult hunter.
FILE - In this May 21, 2016, file photo, Nikole Hannah-Jones attends the 75th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Faculty members of a North Carolina university want an explanation for the school's reported decision to back away from offering a tenured teaching position to Nikole Hannah-Jones. Hannah-Jones' work on the countrys history of slavery has drawn the ire of conservatives. A report in NC Policy Watch on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 said Hannah-Jones was to be offered a tenured professorship as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Over the past few months Ive repeatedly seen that New Money Goals commercial. People share money goals that relate to investing, spending, and obtaining good credit cards. The commercial mentions investing in black-owned businesses and green businesses. As a result, Ive been thinking a lot about the types of places where I want to spend and invest my money.

Put Your Money Where Your Values Are

Ive always felt that where you put your money matters. I believe that knowing your values and ethics and then spending in places that align with those are extremely important. After all, if something is cheap but it damages the world in a way I cant accept, then I dont want that thing. I cant feel good about it.

Ethical Spending and Investing Isnt Always Easy

For the most part, I think Ive historically done a decent job of spending money with businesses that align with my values. However, Im far from perfect. Honestly, you have to do some research and studying in order to find out the ethics behind a lot of businesses. Sometimes it isnt easy.

Truth be told, Ive slipped a lot in recent years. With the ease of getting things delivered directly to my door, plus the pandemic encouraging me not to go out to local shops, I simply havent been spending my money in the places I believe in most. For example, I hate fast fashion and have always shopped secondhand. And yet, in recent years, quite a few Amazon clothing items have managed to make their way into my closet. And I hate that. Therefore, Im taking this opportunity to recommit to ethical spending.

10 Places Where I Want to Spend / Invest My Money to Match My Values

Here are the ten things that are really important to me when it comes to the types of businesses and people who I want my money to support:

1. Vintage Clothing Stores

I definitely want to return to my lifelong habit of only purchasing secondhand clothes. For one thing, I love vintage clothes. I also love vintage shops and thrift stores. I want to see them survive. Moreover, I really believe that its important to stop new fast fashion from entering the world. The more life I can give to a pre-loved item, the better.

2. Independent Fashion Designers and Small Clothing Businesses

That said, there are a few things that I dont buy secondhand. I find it challenging to find secondhand shoes, for example. And I definitely think socks and undergarments are better when theyve never been worn by anyone else. However, that doesnt mean that I need to get online and put a random brand in my cart. Instead, I can seek out independent makers who knit and sew and make items like these.

3. Other Independent Makers and Artists

Its really important to me to support people who run their own little shops. Whether its through Etsy, craft fairs, local markets or pop-ups, I want these people to make a living. I cant always afford to support them. However, I do want a percentage of my money to go towards this end. One way I do that is by supporting some of my very favorite artists through Patreon. I also try to purchase / commission art and handmade items from people that I know directly whenever possible.

4. Small Family Businesses

Akin to the independent makers and artists, I love supporting small family businesses. Of course, its hard to specifically define small. We want family businesses to grow and sometimes they grow beyond the family. However, I think you can generally sense when a family business still maintains that family feel. (A true family feel, not the Bay Area tech startup we are a family mindset!) When I see a family-owned-and-operated restaurant or store, I want to give them my support.

5. Local Businesses and Arts

One of my favorite things about San Francisco historically is that its less friendly to big box stores and more friendly to small businesses. Thats shifted some over time but theres still a spirit here that I like to support. Of course, its also expensive to run a business here due to high rent prices. As a result, I cant afford to shop at local stores too often. However, every now and then I get the chance.

More than shopping at local stores, though, I like to give my money to the local restaurants, cafes, performance arts spaces, event spaces, etc. I frequently do buy tickets to events. I always tip the performers at shows. As much as possible, I try to support the people doing business here.

Moreover, I support small and local business through SMBX bonds investing.

6. BIPOC-owned, Women-owned, Queer-Owned Businesses

I want to support businesses that are owned and operated by people of color. Moreover, I want to support businesses that hire, promote, and empower people of color.

Similarly, supporting women-owned businesses and queer-owned businesses is important to me. I also work to support organizations, event spaces, and companies that are known to empower all of these groups of people.

7. Sustainable Eco-Minded Companies

If Im going to shop with larger companies, in particular, then I want to know that theyre doing something good for the environment. At the very least, I hope that they arent harming the environment. Its not always easy to tell about this stuff because theres a lot of greenwashing that goes on. Nevertheless, I do believe in making the effort.

Similarly, I believe in at least attempting to purchase products that are low in chemicals and processing. I try to be green in my own life in the ways that I can.

And I try to put money towards change in areas where climate concerns are a big issue. For example, Im very interested in cryptoart and NFTs but one huge problem with that right now is that its terrible for the climate. Im putting my money in investments towards greener versions of cryptocurrency.

8. Fair Trade Companies

If Im going to purchase items from a business of any size, then I want to know that the employees are treated well. Human trafficking and slave labor are very real problems in the United States and around the world. In particular, when Im shopping from places I know work with artisans in other countries, I try to research that they utilize fair trade practices.

9. Peer-to-Peer Lending and Microloans

When possible, I like to loan money to other people so that they can do their own cool new things. Kiva loans, microfinancing, and peer-to-peer lending are a few of the ways Ive done that in the past. Similarly, Ill occasionally contribute to a Go Fund Me or crowdsourced funding goal.

10. Charities

I dont tend to give a lot of money directly to non-profits and charities. After all, its really difficult to tell if the money is going where its supposed to go. However, there are a few select charities that Ive researched well and worked with often enough over the years to believe in their work. I do give some of my money there.

What does ethical spending mean to you? How do you approach it and what have been the challenges? Lets have a conversation in the comments below.

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Although only 30% of the voting public disbelieves the legitimacy of Joe Bidens election  that in itself is an alarming statistic  those are Trumps utter faithful and they dominate the Republican Party to the extent that most Republicans in Congress and all Republican-led state legislatures are marching to his drum, feeding the fiction of a stolen election with new laws that would help them actually steal the next one.
All they do is make laws detrimental to our way of life. They change amendments we voted for. Gov. DeSantis wants to be another Trump. Its like he went to the Trump School for Dictators. DeSantis comes to West Palm Beach to sign a bill that makes it harder for us to vote, and wont let our newspapers or TV news in to cover it  a slap in the face. The state Capitol is a 450-mile drive from Boca, and even if I made the trip, it has been closed for the past year. DeSantis opened everything in the state except the Capitol.
Spain's Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, announced this Wednesday (19 May) a set of coronavirus control measures planned for the return to school during the next academic year, 2021-2022.

Among them, the mandatory use of face masks among pupils, from the age of six, and teachers is required at all times.

The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, referred to the planned measures during a broadcast interview this Thursday morning and said he considered it "premature" to adopt certain decisions when there is still plenty of time left and the situation may change considerably thanks mainly to vaccination.

Moreno said he is in favour of pupils being able to remove their masks "at least when they go out for breaks.

He pointed out that, in September, when 80 per cent of the population in Andalucia should be immunised, as long as the Covid vaccination process is maintained at the current rate, "what would be the use of masks?"

However, Moreno clarified that he does understand that they should continue to be used in certain spaces such as on public transport.
There has been another major change to Spain's national coronavirus vaccination plan after a rebellion from the regions.

Just 24 hours after the Public Health Commission approved the proposal to give the Pfizer vaccine to the almost two million essential workers under 60 who were banned from having a second dose of the AstraZeneca formula, due to the very rare problems with blood clots, the Ministry of Health amended its policy again.

The department, after a full-blown rebellion by a large number of regions, against the vaccine 'cocktail' - decided that all those 'affected' by the 'second dose crisis' can decide their second jab is from AstraZeneca again, or if they prefer Pfizer.

An informed consent will suffice for those reluctant to take the potpourri, explained Health Minister Carolina Darias, who acknowledged that this new change had been a very complex decision.

Those between the ages of 60 and 69 who have received a first jab of AstraZeneca will still be vaccinated with the same brand again for their second dose.

The option of letting people under 60 freely choose the formula used for their second jab, after receiving their first AstraZeneca dose, came after regions claimed the Ministry was "forcing" the use of the Pfizer vaccine based on a trial of just over 600 volunteers, carried out in just two weeks and with results that supported the authority's belief that the mix of vaccines is not only totally safe, but also increases immunity. And all this, they said, was against the recommendations of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and many medical groups that reject the 'cocktail'.

The most vocal regions - Madrid, Galicia, Castilla y Leon and Andalucia - even threatened to vaccinate the second dose crisis group with the AstraZeneca vaccine to anyone who requested it without consent from the national Ministry of Health.

Until now, the vaccination strategy - health officials admitted - had been based on denying any decision about the choice of vaccine to the public. However, given the magnitude of protests from the regions the department decided to change its own rules on the fly.
The bodies of a 70-year-old woman and her 40-year-old daughter were found this Wednesday, 19 May, by the National Police in their apartment in Gijon, a coastal city, in the north of Spain.

Maria Elsa Candas Montoto, a widow, had been disabled for several years and was completely dependent on her daughter, Vanessa Fernandez Candas, who suffered from mental illness.

The investigation is still in an initial phase because of the state of decomposition of the corpses.

The pair had had no contact with their relatives for a long time and "They did not interact anyone," said the neighbours.

The young woman was ill and we knew she was undergoing psychiatric treatment, but we never thought that they would end in such a sad way," said Jose Manuel Fernandez.

Firefighters and the National Police officers entered the apartment after a friend of Vanessa called them explaining that it had been more than a month since the last contact. The emergency services accessed the flat through the second floor window where the mother and daughter lived. They found the two women dead in separate rooms and the family cat had eaten part of the remains.

The mother's body lay on the floor of her room, next to the bed, while the daughter's was in another room surrounded by tablet containers.

One of the main avenues of investigation is that the young woman had taken her own life after the mother died of natural causes, although it will be the autopsies that determine the causes of death.
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While it seemed as if so much stood still over the last year and a bit, the restaurant scene in Seattle kept moving forward at the same rapid pace as it has in recent years.

As Washington state prepares to fully reopen and vaccinated people again feel safe heading out to restaurants, we are taking a neighborhood-by-neighborhood look at the changes youll find and whats coming down the pipeline. We start with Greenwood, where a long-time favorite bar retooled to Cambodian food, an old favorite sandwich shop returned, and this fall should bring Filipino fried chicken, prix-fixe pasta, and Vietnamese coffee.

Keep reading for all of the delicious details.

Newly Opened

This beer specialist opened in the old Starbucks space last May with almost 50 taps and hundreds of packaged beers  plus plenty of outdoor seating. Drinkers are welcome to bring in outside food, and on Mondays, when the neighboring burger shop goes dark, they host food trucks, like the recent appearance of the yellow Panda Dim Sum school bus.

Pie Bar, which  as per the name  serves pie and cocktails, opened last summer in the former Caffe Vita space. The company also has an outlet in Ballard and a truck in Kirkland.

Before Opus, Martinos operated a small sandwich shop in the space, earning a following for its Santa Maria tri-tip sandwich. After a few years of hiatus, the owners have recently reopened Martinos, with an expanded menu, in the former spot of their Mexican restaurant, Hecho.

Courtesy of Tori Z. via Yelp

One of the years best additions to the neighborhood comes in the form of this tiny garage cider shop that just happened to have changed the laws in the entire city in their fight for legitimacy. Also, the drinks are good  and they make a special Phinneywood exclusive variety.

Opening last summer, this sweet little shop serves up far more than the typical teriyaki shop, including enormous sushi rolls, nigiri, handrolls, and specials like hamachi kama. They also just added a dessert menu including strawberry ice cream sandwiches.

In the little hallway of a space next to Flying Bike, this Vietnamese spot serves up the typical Seattle classics of pho and banh mi, but also an enormous menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes including banh cuon  steamed rice rolls and wonderful vegetable salads.

Changed Up

When dine-in shut down this bar, the owner turned to his Cambodian heritage  and family  to retool into a Khmer takeout joint. They still offer the classic and creative craft cocktails, but now with house-made sausage, vermicelli noodle bowls, and coconut milk roasted sweet corn. They have been to-go only, but are now opening an outdoor patio.

Christine C. via Yelp

Neighborhood scoop shop Bluebird moved almost directly across the street, into the former Cookie Counter space. After ramping up with limited hours and pop-ups, they are settled in and scooping six days a week.

The classic neighborhood diner recently added hours in the evenings with a menu of Mexican food. From 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, the dinner now serves a menu of classic dishes from south of the border.

Courtesy of Autumn Restaurant

Coming Soon

Brian Clevenger of Haymaker, Le Messe, and Raccolto, among others, brings his house-made pasta and flair for seasonal ingredients to the neighborhood with this spot, set to open soon. Along with plenty of noodles, the menu promises fresh oysters, plenty of vegetables, and the opportunity for a $55 tasting menu.

At the end of April, Opus Co. brought the worst news: the beloved tiny restaurant would be closing in October. But it also brought some extremely good news: in its place, chef Paolo Campbell will be opening a Filipino fried chicken shop of some sort.

Megan R. via Yelp

This Columbia City Vietnamese-inspired coffee shop became an instant hit when it opened last year, with its vibrant purple ube lattes and friendly service. They hope to open their second location, in the former Green Bean space, by early August.

Rumored!

Chez Phinney

Not much information yet on whats going into the former Bluebird Ice Cream space, but a liquor license has been applied for, naming the space and spiking curiosity.

La Rocca Pizza and Pasta

A sign is up, a liquor licensed applied for, and a restaurant appears imminent in the former Chaco Canyon Space.

Mt. Brew

Another potential Columbia City crossover (see Coffeeholic, above), the owners of Hill City Taproom seem to have applied for a liquor license in the former Naked City Space.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  A former health minister denied receiving any direct orders from President Jair Bolsonaro during his 10 months in the post, providing the first day of his Senate testimony Wednesday that analysts saw as an attempt to shield Brazils leader from any blame over the governments pandemic response.

Eduardo Pazuellos testimony to the Senate committee investigating the Bolsonaro administrations handling of COVID-19 had been among the most widely anticipated. He was Brazils top health official from May 2020 to March 2021.

The actions were all mine, Pazuello said, adding that the president never issued an order to do anything other than what I was doing.

The president told me and every minister several times: The person who discusses health issues is Minister Pazuello. So never, never -- and I will repeat -- not once was I called to get guidance from the president in a different way, he said.

The comments appeared to contradict comments Pazuello made during a Oct. 22 live Facebook broadcast when, sitting beside Bolsonaro, the then-health minister said their relationship was simple. One orders, he said, pointing to Bolsonaro. The other obeys, he said, pointing to himself.

Pazuellos time as health minister was the longest of the four who have served during the coronavirus pandemic. The active-duty army general had no prior public health experience, instead possessing a background in logistics. He left the post amid a surge in COVID-19 deaths and following a series of moves criticized by health experts.

Asked why he left the job, Pazuello had a short answer: Mission accomplished.

If the mission was to protect the president, he fulfilled the mission, political consultant Thomas Traumann said on Twitter.

The most tense moment of Wednesdays testimony came after Sen. Eduardo Braga, considered to be a moderate, accused Pazuello of giving wrong, deceitful information about the city of Manaus oxygen supply crisis in January. The difficulties of the Amazon city drew global notice as COVID-19 patients died breathless for weeks.

Pazuello calmly said the issue was solved after three days, visibly upsetting Braga, who represents Amazonas state.

You were there and you saw with your very eyes. The people of Amazonas state died because of the lack of oxygen, Braga shouted as other senators nodded in agreement. We werent short of oxygen for three days, it was more than 20 days. Just look at the number of dead. Just look at the desperation.

Pazuello proved more compliant as minister than his two predecessors who left amid disagreements with Bolsonaro, particularly over prescription of chloroquine to treat COVID-19. Pazuellos ministry backed the use and distribution of the unproven malaria pill.

Marco Antonio Teixeira, a professor of political science at Brazils Getulio Vargas Foundation, said the testimony was inconsistent with that given by other witnesses before the Senate committee.

Pazuello is trying to limit the responsibility to the ministry and prevent it from reaching the presidential palace, Teixeira told The Associated Press. It will be difficult for him to succeed. Other testimony in the probe and Bolsonaros own comments have shown the opposite.

Last week, Bolsonaros former communications director, Fabio Wajngarten, said a letter sent by Pfizer in September offering a contract for 70 million vaccine doses went unanswered for two months. But he blamed bureaucratic red tape for the delay.

Sen. Renan Calheiros, who is in charge of summoning the investigations witnesses, asked Pazuello several times to explain why the government delayed in responding to the offer from the pharmaceutical giant.

Pazuello said his ministry spent the time analyzing the proposal. We were busy with discussions about the clauses of the vaccine contract in September and October, he said.

Brazil has recorded almost 440,000 deaths from the virus, with a peak of more than 3,000 daily deaths in mid-April, several weeks after Pazuellos departure. The number of deaths has since retreated, but remains near 2,000 each day and is the worlds second-highest tally.

During another testy exchange with lawmakers on the Senate commission, Pazuello denied that Brazils president ordered him to scrap plans to purchase vaccines made by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac and bottled by Sao Paulo states Butantan Institute.

Bolsonaro said Oct. 21 on Twitter that he decided to cancel the purchase, but Pazuello said a formal order never materialized.

The president never asked me to undo any contract with Butantan, he told the lawmakers.

Frustrated lawmakers asked him again if there was an order from Bolsonaro. A post on the internet is not an order, Pazuello responded.

His testimony had been expected to run at least into late Wednesday, but it was cut short in the afternoon.

The chairman of the inquiry, Sen. Omar Aziz, who is a physician, told journalists that Pazuello needed medical attention but would resume his testimony Thursday morning.

___

Associated Press writer Marcelo Silva de Sousa reported this story in Rio de Janeiro and AP writer Mauricio Savarese reported from Sao Paulo.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin announced Wednesday that she is running for governor, aligning her campaign with an emphasis on individual liberty, state sovereignty and traditional conservative values sure to play well in the deeply conservative state.

My proven experience shows that I will always defend these principles, the 58-year-old Republican said in a speech in Idaho Falls where she and her family own several businesses.

McGeachin, who served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012, planned additional speeches in Boise and Coeur d'Alene later in the day.

McGeachin made her announcement and frequently attacked coronavirus restriction decisions following about 50 minutes of speeches by several other speakers and was followed by a Republican state representative who gave his endorsement.

McGeachin strongly contested Republican Gov. Brad Littles coronavirus pandemic strategy when COVID-19 patients threatened to overwhelm the states healthcare system last year and took them on again in her campaign announcement.

You will certainly not be required to wear a mask in the governor's office if she wins, she said. Simply put, the status quo has got to go. Idahoans are tired of being ignored, shut out of the process, declared nonessential and discriminated against by the state.

Little never issued a statewide mask mandate, but early last year he issued a stay-at-home order and declared some jobs nonessential as COVID-19 patients threatened to overwhelm the state's hospital system. The move was credited for bringing down the state's coronavirus caseload, but unemployment rose. Coronavirus infections then surged again in the summer after Little lifted the restrictions.

McGeachin during her speech frequently criticized pandemic restrictions as evidence of an out-of-control government. She did not mention the 190,000 Idaho residents who have been infected with the virus or the more than 2,000 that have died.

There are no statewide coronavirus restrictions currently in place and many local government entities have lifted mask mandates as more people get vaccinated. But Idaho has one of the lowest vaccination rates among U.S. states  31%.

McGeachin said that Idaho officials should reject federal funding for a wide variety of programs to preserve state sovereignty, a position that aligns her with the far right of the Idaho Republican party.

The state receives billions of dollars annually from the federal government for everything from healthcare to education to roads. McGeachin did not provide details on how big cuts to state services that would lose the federal funding would be avoided or handled.

We must do our part to get our fiscal house in order even if it means weening ourselves of the federal teat, she said, without going into details.

She added: We don't have a tax problem here in Idaho. We have a spending problem."

McGeachin also said she wants to eliminate the state's occupational licensing requirements covering jobs ranging from plumbers to medical professionals. The licensing rules are aimed at ensuring that workers can competently perform their jobs without risking the health of others.

We can open more doors to success by removing occupational licenses and other regulations which stand in the way of personal and business achievements, she said.

She said she would be a strong advocate of Second Amendment gun rights, an essential position for Republicans seeking office.

McGeachin drew criticism during the 2019 legislative session for posing with members of an antigovernment group in the Statehouse near her office and posting the images on social media.

Later, after fulfilling her role as lieutenant governor presiding over the Senate, she fled from reporters seeking comment and stayed locked in her office the rest of the day as reporters waited outside.

McGeachin last month formed the Task Force to Examine Indoctrination in Idaho Education, something hardline conservative Republicans focused on during the recently concluded legislative session. They claim students are being forced through critical race theory to adopt beliefs that make them hate their country.

Little is in his first term and has not announced whether he plans to seek a second term.

But on the same day as McGeachins announcement, he issued a statement promoting his conservative credentials that highlighted legislation he signed involving tax relief, infrastructure investments and conservative budgeting.

The GOP holds its gubernatorial primary in May 2022 and the winner moves on to November 2022 general election but is almost certain to beat whoever the Democrats nominate.

Idaho's last Democratic governor was Cecil Andrus, who served in the 1970s and again in the late 1980s to mid-1990s.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Michigan lawmakers on Wednesday proposed spending $500 million to repair aging dams a year after a hydroelectric dam failed to hold back floodwaters in the Midland area, causing more than $250 million in damage, draining lakes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

Pending legislation would create four new funds dedicated to dams. The money would help cover repairs related to the disaster, upgrade high-risk dams elsewhere, fund responses to future disasters and draw federal match funding to rehabilitate or remove dams.

Policy bills would add requirements for dam owners, including that they can financially handle potential problems and that they keep operation, monitoring and safety records. Higher-risk dams would be inspected more frequently than lower-risk structures.

The state has accusedBoyce Hydro Power of gross mismanagement preceding the devastating flood in Midland and Gladwin counties.

I get it  theres been a lot of talk and too little action, House Speaker Jason Wentworth, a Farwell Republican whose district is near the failed Edenville Dam, said in a statement. "With these bills, we are going to lock the state into a real plan big enough to actually fix the problem and fast enough to start delivering results in our most vulnerable areas before its too late.

Legislators were still finalizing how to propose splitting the $500 million among the accounts.

In May 2020, the Edenville Dam failed during a steady rain, draining Wixom Lake and unleashing the Tittabawassee River, which then overwhelmed the Sanford Dam, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Detroit.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the GOP-controlled Legislature will sponsor the measures.

It was heartbreaking to see the devastation facing so many people, especially when almost all of it could have been prevented if improvements to the local dams had been made to ensure they could handle the water levels, said Sen. Jim Stamas, a Midland Republican, who said the measures will help prevent future disasters in other communities.

In March, the state said the major portion of emergency work to restore the Tobacco River was completed. And this week, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said a reorganized dam safety unit will soon have the equivalent of five full-time staffers to oversee more than 1,000 state-regulated dams, double from when the two dams failed a year ago.

EGLE Director Liesl Clark said she looked forward to working with legislators to secure additional funding, staffing and legislative changes to help regulators better hold dam owners accountable for upkeep.

___

Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  The Montana Board of Regents on Thursday asked the state Supreme Court to block a new law that would allow people to carry guns on public university campuses while the justices decide who has the constitutional authority to set such policies.

The regents voted unanimously Wednesday to challenge the parts of House Bill 102 that would allow students and staff who meet safety certifications to carry concealed firearms without a permit on campuses starting June 1.

Montanas Constitution says the regents have the full power, responsibility and authority to supervise, coordinate, manage and control the state university system.

The bills sponsor, Republican Rep. Seth Berglee of Joliet, said in a statement Wednesday that it is unfortunate that the Board of Regents has chosen to sue to block HB102 because they think their authority is so absolute that they can deny a students constitutionally protected rights.

The U.S. Supreme Court said in a 2008 ruling that the Second Amendment right to bear arms isnt unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose, the court wrote.

The high court also noted that its ruling, which overturned a ban on gun possession in the District of Columbia, should not be taken to cast doubt on laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places, such as schools and government buildings.

The Montana complaint names the state of Montana as the respondent.

___

This story has been corrected to say that the lawsuit named the state of Montana as the respondent, not the Montana Legislature and the Department of Administration.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed a law that bans abortions in Texas before many women even know they are pregnant and differs singularly from similar efforts nationwide: leaving enforcement to private citizens, who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion.

The law puts Texas in line with more than a dozen other states that ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, possibly as early as six weeks. It would take effect in September, but federal courts have mostly blocked states from enforcing similar measures.

But with the Supreme Court this week agreeing to take up a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, abortion rights activists worry that a ruling favorable to the state could lay the groundwork for allowing even more restrictions, including so-called heartbeat bills.

The life of every unborn child with a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion," Abbott said in a bill signing at his office.

Texas' version is unique in that it prohibits state officials from enforcing the ban. Instead, it allows anyone  even someone outside Texas  to sue an abortion provider or anyone else who may have helped someone get an abortion after the limit, and seek financial damages of up to $10,000 per defendant.

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.

Before the bill reached Abbott's desk, abortion rights groups signaled they would challenge the law.

The goal is clear: to relentlessly attack our reproductive rights until abortion is a right in name only. Passing these bills is not leadership, it is cruelty and extremism," said Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

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.

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. More than 90% of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of a womans pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Supreme Court will probably hear the Mississippi case in the fall, with a decision likely in spring 2022.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Utah Democrats walked off the House floor Wednesday in protest of a resolution recommending that the state review any curriculum that examines the ways in which race and racism influence American politics, culture and the law.

Republican lawmakers say they want to ensure that children arent being taught that one race is inherently superior or inferior to another as part of critical race theory, which highlights how historical inequities and racism continue to shape public policy and social conditions.

Critical race theory is not a part of curriculum in K-12 schools, and the state school board has said no board member has suggested including it.

Lawmakers initially intended to consider an outright ban on critical race theory during the special legislative session. But Republican Gov. Spencer Cox declined to place the bill on the agenda and recommended delaying it until the next general session.

Cox said Monday the possible ban and a proposal to declare Utah a Second Amendment sanctuary needed more time, thought, dialogue and input before being voted on.

In response, the House and Senate announced they would still bring both issues to the floor as separate resolutions over Cox's objections.

As Republican sponsor Rep. Steve Christiansen began his presentation by saying Colleagues, we live in a fantastic nation," 17 House Democrats calmly stood up from their seats and filed out the door. They then stood on the marble steps of the Capitol rotunda to explain that they had left because they were shut out of the process behind both resolutions.

Rep. Brian King, the Democratic minority leader, said walking out of the debate was their only option to speak out and not be a part of that sham process."

What this is about is an attempt or first step in assuring that my history and the history of many people of color are not taught in our school system in the state of Utah," said Rep. Sandra Hollins, the only Black member of the Legislature.

Identical resolutions on reviewing critical race theory passed in the Senate and House shortly after House Democrats walked out.

Utah is not alone in advancing proposals to try to curb ideas central to critical race theory. Arkansas, Idaho and Oklahoma have implemented various versions of a ban already this year. Other attempts have been floated in New Hampshire, Missouri and Louisiana over the past few months, though those measures are unlikely to pass.

On the Senate floor, Republican Sen. Lincoln Fillmore said he hopes the resolution will lower the temperature on the issue that has become a national lightning rod. Fillmore, who sponsored the bill, acknowledged that he did not know the definition of critical race theory but said he hopes the resolution will allow the state board of education to explore it.

Democratic senators criticized Republicans for fast-tracking the resolution without seeking proper input from educators and academics. Sen. Derek Kitchen said that putting forth the resolution will do more harm and further inflame existing tensions.

"It feels like the Legislature is inappropriately inserting itself and in the process adding fuel to this fire," he said.

Earlier in the day, members of the Utah Educational Equity Coalition held a protest against the resolution on the steps of the Capitol building.

Darlene McDonald, a social activist, said critical race theory has been misrepresented by the Legislature, and the resolutions could limit teaching diversity, equity and inclusion in Utah schools.

This decision has been made without consulting actual educators who teach diversity, equity and inclusion in schools, and it also was made without consulting with actual experts and scholars on critical race theory, she said. How it has been defined by members of the Legislature as well as members of the Utah State school board is distorted and inaccurate.

___

Eppolito 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.
June 2, 2021

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Worldwide, we are seeing good momentum for our clean, coat and cure equipment, as well as for our services offerings. The climate of business uncertainty triggered by the pandemic still exists, but at YES we have found ways to work effectively while still remaining vigilant with regard to COVID. With the long-anticipated ... Worldwide, we are seeing good momentum for our clean, coat and cure equipment, as well as for our services offerings. The climate of business uncertainty triggered by the pandemic still exists, but at YES we have found ways to work effectively while still remaining vigilant with regard to COVID. With the long-anticipated ...

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Someone stole $650,000 from a San Francisco nonprofit group that helps poor people in a cybercrime so swift, silent and perfect that the victim didnt know for weeks that the money was gone.

City police told the nonprofits executive director, Sherry Williams, that they couldnt help. The FBI said it could do nothing unless the U.S. Attorneys Office opened a case. It didnt  even though the thieves used a Texas bank as a way station for the loot and, apparently, a Texas man as a money mule to distribute it.

Now Californias senators, Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, are asking why authorities balked.

And Williams, stunned that the best bloodhounds in the city and nation would turn away from a six-figure theft, is telling the story of how she began sleuthing on her own.

Williams still hopes to get her nonprofits money back. She also wants to prevent others from falling prey to email schemes involving money mules, who are hired  sometimes knowingly, sometimes unwittingly  to receive money stolen online and transfer it to criminals who may be halfway around the world.

More than 19,000 businesses in the U.S. were victimized in 2020 by hackers drilling into their email, which is what happened to Williams nonprofit. The victims lost $1.8 billion, more than any other kind of cybercrime. Such theft by email is on the rise  the 2020 loss was up 6% over the year before, according to the FBI.

The state where victims lost the most? California, with more than $500 million stolen in the click of a mouse.

For Williams, the mystery revealed itself on Jan. 27, the day she happily informed another nonprofit that it now had the full $650,000 loan that her nonprofit, One Treasure Island, had wired over in multiple installments. The recipient, Mercy Housing California, needed the money to build apartments on Treasure Island for low-income and formerly homeless people.

I said at a meeting, Great! Now youre all paid! Williams recalled telling Mercy. They said, No, we havent received anything. I said, But we made three payments!

Treasure Island, a former naval base smaller than one square mile, belongs mainly to San Francisco. As the city envisioned transforming the island from military to civilian use in the mid-1990s, community organizations formed One Treasure Island to help in its development.

The nonprofit would provide social services for the islands mostly low-income residents  including supplying groceries, hot meals and job training  and serve as the umbrella agency for nonprofit housing developers like Mercy.

Since then, One Treasure Island and developers have renovated 250 housing units, with plans to build or renovate 8,000 more, including 2,000 priced for lower-income people.

Marlena Sloss/Special to The Chronicle

Williams has been executive director since the founding of One Treasure Island. With San Franciscos Treasure Island Development Authority, her nonprofit takes on many of the business tasks needed to carry out the citys multiyear development plan, including providing loans to housing builders to speed their work.

Protect your business from cybercrime The Chronicle checked in with cybersecurity experts Ahmed Banafa, an engineering professor at San Jose State, and Stephen Hyduchak, chief executive of Aver, an identity verification company, who offered these tips for businesses and employees: Companies should perform a security audit to learn where they may be vulnerable. No one should click on an unfamiliar link, even if it is from a seemingly familiar source. Instead, visit that company's website directly. Use the security principle "zero trust." Never trust and always verify changes to normal operations. Be ready to stop a process and talk to a manager. Human contact remains the safest approach. Pick up the phone and contact the place where changes supposedly originate. Ask: "Are you guys changing your account?" Flag all transactions above a certain dollar amount, say $10,000. Require that at least two people be notified about them and approve them. Working from home makes employees more vulnerable because their computer may not be as secure as company computers. Keep home computers up to date with firewalls and the latest software. Employees at home may be working quickly to demonstrate that they are not slacking off. All the more reason to slow down and pay extra attention to danger signals. Keep software up to date, not only for the strongest protection but to show would-be criminals that you are paying attention. If a website copyright date says 2021 instead of, say, 2019, you show that security matters at this company. Use security tools like two-factor authentication, identity verification and biometrics. See More Collapse

In November, One Treasure Islands board of directors approved a loan of $650,000 to Mercy so it could create building designs and do financial analyses for a 138-unit project.

Mercy began work and emailed an invoice to One Treasure Island on Dec. 14, with instructions for wiring the first loan installment of $232,208 to its bank in Denver. Williams forwarded those instructions to One Treasure Islands bookkeeper, an independent contractor who has worked with the nonprofit for 23 years.

Later that day, Williams received an email from Mercy explaining that its Denver bank was undergoing a yearly tax audit. Would One Treasure Island kindly wire the money instead to Frost Bank in Odessa, Texas? The email included a new account number, which Williams forwarded to the bookkeeper, who carried out the instructions.

One Treasure Island received two more invoices in January for the rest of the $650,000, which the bookkeeper fulfilled, sending the money to the bank in Texas.

Meanwhile, Mercy received an apologetic email from Williams, explaining that the funds from One Treasure Island would be delayed for several days because its bank in San Francisco was undergoing a yearly tax audit.

On Jan. 27, after learning that Mercy hadnt received the funds she knew she had sent, Williams searched through her inbox for Mercys confirmations of the three payments totaling $650,000. She found those emails  and looked at them closely for the first time.

Thats when it dawns on me, and I freak out, she said. Mercys email address was slightly misspelled in each one, with two letters transposed.

Mercy Housing California had never changed its instructions for wiring the money, and its bank in Denver was not undergoing an audit. Neither was One Treasure Islands bank. Mercys original instructions had been correct.

With horror, Williams realized the money was gone.

Williams immediately reported the crime to the Bank of San Francisco, Frost Bank in Odessa and the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center. This was also a local crime, so Williams reported the theft to the San Francisco police. And she called the police in Odessa.

What emerged was that One Treasure Island had been the victim of what the FBI calls a business email compromise. Someone had hacked into the bookkeepers email and patiently observed her inbox until one message  perhaps with the wiring instructions for hundreds of thousands of dollars  caught the persons attention.

Then it was a simple matter of sending a fraudulent email, similar enough to the real one that it might fool the recipient, and diverting all future correspondence, and the money, into the hackers hands.

Williams assumption was that law enforcement would spring to action and, perhaps after a dramatic hunt, recover the funds. At least thats how it played in her imagination.

But when days went by with more lethargy than activity  the FBI said it was busy and would get back to her, the San Francisco police said no officer had yet been assigned, and the Odessa police said they couldnt open a case until police in her area made that request  Williams began to think she was on her own.

So in early February, she started sniffing out the case  and quickly scored her first success.

Marlena Sloss/Special to The Chronicle

She contacted Frost Banks president and learned that there was still $37,375 in the fraudulent account. Frost returned that money to One Treasure Island. But who had put it there, and why it had been left, remained a mystery.

She also contacted Google and reported the fraudulent email addresses, one for each person the hackers had impersonated: Williams, the bookkeeper and a few people at Mercy. Google froze the email accounts but said they already appeared to be inactive. The scammers had moved on.

By tracing the fraudulent bank account information, however, Williams located an address  in Odessa  and a name. She gave the name to the Odessa police and hired a lawyer to draft a letter telling the man they were on to him, then sent it via Federal Express.

He didnt write back.

Meanwhile, Mercys president, Doug Shoemaker, considered what to do. The loss was not to Mercys coffers, but to One Treasure Islands. Still, Mercy needed the money for its housing development.

Im hoping that theres a special place in hell for people who defraud nonprofits that work with homeless people, Shoemaker said in an interview. I was very upset for our partner, One Treasure Island, which does amazing work, and outraged on behalf of Williams.

Shoemaker was able to borrow the money elsewhere and move the housing project forward.

The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center boasts of an 82% success rate by its Recovery Asset Team, RAT, in beating back cybercrime last year. The team froze $380 million of nearly $463 million stolen in the 1,303 cases it investigated in 2020, according to its latest internet crime report.

Yet those investigations make up a minute fraction of the 791,790 complaints the center received last year.

Still, Williams felt hopeful. She spent much of February and March circling back to the FBI and police, trying to shake something loose.

On Feb. 11, Odessa police assigned a detective to the case after San Francisco police made the request. Then Williams sent her the name and address linked to the Texas bank account.

But San Francisco police would not open a case themselves. In late March, Williams said, an officer called her to say the department had no jurisdiction.

In cases like this, the investigation starts where the money lands, a San Francisco police spokesperson told The Chronicle. If the money had been stolen in Texas and sent to a San Francisco bank, he said, local police would pursue it.

The FBI, meanwhile, assigned an agent to look into the theft on Feb. 25. But his involvement was short-lived. Six days later, the agent emailed Williams and said the U.S. Attorneys Office had declined to open a case  the only way to keep an investigation alive.

The FBI declined to comment when contacted by The Chronicle.

Marlena Sloss/Special to The Chronicle

Frustrated, Williams spoke with city Supervisor Matt Haney, who represents Treasure Island, on April 7.

Its very bizarre and a bit scary, Haney said of the story Williams told him. It was shocking that somebody could and would do this  and shocking that neither local police nor federal law enforcement would investigate.

His office contacted both of Californias senators, Feinstein and Padilla. And so did Williams.

Still, the cavalry didnt charge in. So Williams again got on the horse herself.

She and Vinicio Castro, administrative director at One Treasure Island, hopped a plane to Texas on April 15 to interview the Odessa detective investigating the case.

Thats when Williams heard the phrase money mule for the first time. Detective Leslie Goodson told her that the person linked to the bank account had written multiple checks from One Treasure Islands stolen money and was probably distributing it to criminals.

He is what the detective called a money mule, not the mastermind, Williams said. What she suspects is a much larger ring of organized crime, which is probably overseas.

The FBI describes money mules as people who operate between victims and criminal masterminds, helping to launder money by moving it around  and making it harder for law enforcement to locate the source of the crime.

People who dont realize theyre being used for this purpose might believe theyre helping a friend or sweetheart. Those who do know it typically expect to be paid handsomely for the job.

The recovered $37,375 was probably the money mules cut, the detective told Williams.

Reached by The Chronicle, Goodson declined to comment because the investigation is still open. But Williams said the detective told her that the Odessa police would not trace the stolen funds  that was up to the FBI  and would investigate only whether the money mule intended to harm and defraud. Until police prove that, Goodman told Williams, the suspect would not be arrested.

Money mules  even those who dont know thats what theyre doing  can be prosecuted on a range of federal fraud, money laundering and identity theft charges, authorities say.

In Odessa, Williams also visited Frost Bank and was advised to contact yet another federal agency that investigates fraud cases: the Secret Service.

Back in San Francisco, the Secret Service told Williams to keep mum about the money mules identity and said it would ask the U.S. Attorneys Office to take up the case. Last she checked with the Secret Service, however, it had no updates.

The U.S. Attorneys Office told The Chronicle it could neither confirm nor deny that it was pursuing the case.

Williams pronounced the Texas trip discouraging but worth it.

On May 12, President Biden issued an executive order tightening the nations cybersecurity procedures and said 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.

His order followed two world-rocking cyberbreaches: a May 7 ransomware attack that led to a five-day shutdown of a pipeline carrying nearly half the fuel used by East Coast states, and a March 2020 data breach known as the SolarWinds hack that gave Russia access to 18,000 organizations around the world, mainly in the U.S., until it was discovered in December.

The money mule in Texas may not be a Russian spy or terrorist out to undermine global systems. But he could be working for one.

Collectively, such thefts and attacks are costly and increasingly dangerous. The 791,790 cybercrime reports that the FBI fielded in 2020 represented a 69% increase over the year before  with $4.2 billion stolen.

On May 12, the day after The Chronicle contacted the offices of Feinstein and Padilla to ask what they might do about the One Treasure Island theft, the senators emailed Williams saying they planned to contact the U.S. Justice Department about it. This past Monday, Padillas office told The Chronicle that he and Feinstein had sent a joint inquiry requesting more information from the agency as to why they declined to investigate this case. They have not yet gotten a response, Padillas office said.

Williams said she is speaking out about the theft to help others avoid what she is going through, and to make it harder for people to do this to people.

We have done everything in our power to get this money back  including flying halfway across the country to investigate the case ourselves, Williams said.

At the end of the day, I hope that law enforcement will crack our case for us.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
In the latest chapter of Californias unfolding drought, state officials are planning to build a giant rock wall across a river in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to save the vital freshwater estuary from San Francisco Bays saltwater.

The emergency measure is a page from last decades drought when the delta, a maze of sloughs and man-made channels east of the Bay Area, was at risk of becoming too salty to provide water to the nearly 30 million Californians who depend on it.

As in 2015, the freshwater rivers that feed the 1,100-square-mile delta have gotten so low that they no longer counter the brackish flows that push in from the bay. The state Department of Water Resources expects a temporary barrier, similar to last decades 750-foot-wide wall in the West False River, to slow the tides that carry in saltwater and keep the delta fresh.

The venture highlights the extent to which water managers are having to go this year to ensure that California cities and farms get the water they need after two extraordinarily dry winters.

Were currently in a drought emergency, said Jacob McQuirk, a principal engineer for the Department of Water Resources who is leading the barrier project and led it six years ago as well. Were building this barrier because it allows us to keep control of the deltas salinity.

The $30 million wall, basically an enormous pile of boulders that crosses the channel, is planned for the same site as in 2015, on the West False River near its confluence with the San Joaquin River in eastern Contra Costa County. The barrier last decade was disassembled six months after going in.

The wall doesnt stop all bay water from getting into the delta, but it tempers the tidal surges that press up the San Joaquin River.

The West False River is one of the main conduits for salt into the delta. Its also where saltwater has a clear path toward the pumping stations that export freshwater across the state, including communities in the Bay Area, Southern California and the farmland in between.

State officials hope to begin construction of the rock wall by June 1 and complete it by July 1. The agency began pursuing the needed state and federal permits for the project this week, which they expect will be expedited under Gov. Gavin Newsoms recent declaration of a drought emergency in dozens of counties.

The barrier is scheduled to stay in the river no later than Nov. 30. By that time, fall rains are likely to increase river runoff to the delta and counter the bays advance.

While the delta is a natural mixing point for saltwater and freshwater, the balance has been thrown off by the diminished river flows over the past two years, as well as by both the perpetual draw of water upstream and the constant pumping of water out of the delta.

Less pumping would help keep the delta water fresh, but at the same time the pressure to pump is increasing, said Jeffrey Mount, a geomorphologist and senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California who closely follows issues in the delta. This is one those balancing questions.

Huge state and federal reservoirs upstream of the delta, including Shasta Lake and Lake Oroville, normally release freshwater downstream to counter salinity, but those facilities, too, have limited supplies to send.

Mount, like the state, says the rock wall in 2015 was effective in accomplishing its goal of preventing saltwater intrusion and that similar action was likely unavoidable this year. But like all things in the delta, where water has been fought over for decades, the barrier is bound to ignite controversy.

The 2015 project drew criticism from boaters for blocking a popular waterway. Environmentalists worried about fish runs. Residents didnt like the buildup of water weeds amid the slower river flows.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
It can be tough to pin down Le Fantastique, an ambitious French wine bar and restaurant coming to San Franciscos Hayes Valley in June from the same team behind Palo Alto fine dining spot Bird Dog.

Theres a standing-room-only area for sipping relatively tough-to-find French white wines, including several bottles from Pattes Loup, a producer in Chablis  ideally shoulder-to-shoulder when COVID restrictions ease. Theres also a sushi bar, where chef Robbie Wilson will prepare simple cured and raw fish dishes. Then theres a sit-down dining room and a semi-private lounge called the Record Shop, decked out with old records and squishy couches. A custom-built sound system will play vinyl exclusively in a room optimized for sound, calling to mind a Japanese hi-fi bar.

People ask, What kind of restaurant is this? I say, I dont know, said Wilson, who is opening the restaurant with his wife, Emily, and the same Bird Dog team. Its just things Ive enjoyed over my life.

But theres more to Le Fantastique, coming to 22 Franklin St. near Market Street, than a collection of passions. Wilson was inspired by long nights hanging out in Santa Barbara with his sommelier friend Chris Robles, a veteran of institutions like the Wine Cask. They drank Champagne and crisp, mineral French white wines with bread and raw fish, chatting for hours and listening to music. They wondered, why isnt there a restaurant like this?

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

They hatched a plan to open a place together in 2014, but Robles died two years later. Wilson plans to prominently display a framed photo of Robles at Le Fantastique as a dedication.

This restaurant is as much about our friendship as it is anything, Wilson said.

Le Fantastique also represents a chance for Wilson, who worked at fine dining institutions like the French Laundry and Nobu Matsuhisas eponymous restaurant in Aspen, Colorado before opening Bird Dog, to let loose in a more casual environment. He wants the restaurant to feel energetic and social, where people can drop in for a glass of White Burgundy and couple of bites before dinner somewhere else.

The menu will feature about eight rotating fish preparations, such as shima aji cured in lemons leaves with a smoky oil made from wood-grilled rib eye bones. Wild buri might be paired with a glaze made from its own bones, citrusy bergamot and horseradish, while bonito could be lightly grilled over pine alongside a gelee evoking the French seafood stew bouillabaisse. There will be a dedicated room for breaking down and aging fish at the ideal temperature, visible through a large glass window for diners.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Bread is another key focus, with the restaurant importing German ovens specifically for the task. While Wilson was inspired by French bread with butter, he wanted a softer loaf  similar to Japanese milk bread  with natural leavening for a slight tang. The classic house-made butter will be rich and cheesy, but diners could also add mix-ins like crab fat or a bowl of reduced mussel broth.

The chefs are also playing around with caviar presentations, like stuffed into a jelly doughnut or placed atop a mini eclair with smoked onions and cured egg yolk. Other small dishes include crispy tempura  using a batter made from Champagne and compressed yeast  for options like white asparagus and cauliflower mushrooms, paired with house-made vinegar. Most small plates are priced between $10 and $20.

Depending on the timing of its debut and pandemic-related safety restrictions, Le Fantastique may initially be reservation-only. At 50% capacity, the restaurant can seat just 22 people in the 2,000-square-foot space. While the idea is that people can order off the small plates-heavy menu in the bar area, the sit-down dining room will also offer formal entrees like chicken breast poached in creme fraiche ($29) and roasted swordfish tail ($31).

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The space is painted in cool grays and blues, inspired by the foggy Northern California coast. The coffered felt ceilings are covered with mid-century globe lights, while the Record Shop will offer carpet and soft sofas. As Wilson put it, imagine a French restaurant collided with a recording studio in Los Angeles in 1974. All of the chosen music, from bossa nova to modern jazz, will be recorded specifically for vinyl.

Wilson is excited to spend his nights at the sushi bar, plating fish, listening to music and soaking up the vibe. While Bird Dog will reopen after a remodel, Le Fantastique will be his home base.

This is not stuffy. This is not fussy. This is fun, he said. For me, its long overdue.

Le Fantastique. Opening mid- to late-June. 22 Franklin St., San Francisco. www.le-fantastique.com

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
San Francisco further relaxed restrictions on restaurants and bars on Thursday, with several key changes  including that bargoers can now drink while standing rather than being bound to a table.

This means customers can drink while playing pool or arcade games in groups of up to eight people with at least six feet between groups, according to the new guidance. Distancing requirements at bar counters will also be relaxed. Bar tables without seats and other unseated configurations are allowed for groups of up to eight people with at least six-feet of distancing between groups.

At restaurants, people will no longer have to be seated to be served food or drinks. More interactive food preparation styles, like at sushi bars or Benihana restaurants, are permissible even when full social distancing between employees and customers is not feasible, the city said.

Restaurants and bars, along with most businesses, will also no longer be required to screen employees and customers before they enter.

Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, said the continued forward movement is encouraging for the restaurant and bar industries.

Of particular help are the relaxed distancing requirements between patrons and staff regarding bar counter seating, the ability for patrons to eat and drink while standing and the removal of the questionnaire requirement for patrons and for employees, she wrote in an email.

At homes, people can now take their masks off to eat or drink in gatherings involving more than one household.

The changes come amid the citys lowest COVID-19 case rate average since March 2020: just 18 cases a day. As of May 19, 76% of the eligible San Francisco population has been vaccinated, according to the city.

San Francisco is looking more and more every day like the vibrant city that it always has been, Mayor London Breed said in the announcement. As we approach the last phases of reopening, we will keep doing all we can to build back all of the best parts of our city so that all of us can thrive.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

The city described the loosened restrictions as part of a hopeful effort to slowly phase out operational requirements on businesses and other activities as the city prepares to fully reopen over the summer. What exactly this will entail after Gov. Gavin Newsoms statewide June 15 reopening date remains to be seen.

Businesses will have increased flexibility to build out their own operational procedures and protocols as they deem appropriate in the post-COVID context, the city said.

Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ekadvany
A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit by a former dentist and instructor at UC San Francisco who said the university cut his wages and eliminated his benefits after he told the department chairman that a colleague was causing safety problems.

Dr. Hieu Pham began work as a dental surgeon at the UCSF Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2001, spending two days a week treating patients and additional time during the week teaching dental students and supervising the clinic, according to his lawsuit. He received 50% of a full-time salary, the minimum needed for benefits such as sick pay and vacations.

Phams lawyers said he received a promotion in 2005 and got multiple raises and favorable evaluations until the encounter with his departments new chairman, Dr. Brian Bast, in 2016. According to the suit, Pham and two other surgeons told Bast they were concerned that another surgeon at the clinic was acting unsafely and incompetently.

Bast responded angrily, the suit said, and soon afterward told Pham his pay would be cut to 40% of a full-time salary unless he agreed to work another half-day at the clinic for the same pay he already received. Pham refused, and in March 2017 the school reduced his pay to 40% of full-time and eliminated his benefits.

UCSF denied retaliating against Pham and said the pay cut was justified, since he was working only two days a week as a surgeon and, according to Bast, was no longer teaching dental students or supervising the clinic. Pham countered that four other medical employees who complained to Bast of staff misconduct had also been punished, and three had lost their jobs.

U.S. District Judge William Orrick III dismissed Phams suit in 2019, saying UCSF had reduced his wages for legitimate reasons and the four other employees were in different situations. But the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Wednesday that Pham had presented evidence that he may have suffered retaliation for exercising free speech and was entitled to take his case to trial.

A jury could find that Dr. Bast disfavors people who raise complaints he does not want to deal with, and that he has responded by punishing those people, the three-judge panel said. The court also said jurors could consider the fact that Bast cut Phams pay soon after Pham and his colleagues first approached him with a complaint.

Pham remained on the UCSF staff until last year, when the university eliminated his position, telling him it was no longer needed, said Michael von Loewenfeldt, a lawyer for Pham. He said the suit has not challenged his dismissal, though it could be added to the case. Pham also has a private dental surgery practice in San Francisco.

Pham is happy that hes going to get his day in court, von Loewenfeldt said.

Robert Eassa, lawyer for the UC Board of Regents, said the university believes Phams case has no merit and expects the jury to agree.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Good morning, Bay Area. Its Thursday, May 20, and rules about masking and social distancing indoors are getting pretty confusing. Heres what you need to know to start your day.

A fight over the future of Californias rooftop solar industry is intensifying, as state officials consider comprehensive reforms to a program that pays homeowners for clean power they share with the electric grid. Among the proposed changes are sharply reducing credits that homeowners receive in exchange for excess energy their solar panels generate, and imposing a new monthly charge.

Supporters of the proposals say residents with solar panels are being overpaid for their excess energy, leaving everyone else to foot the bill. Opponents call the policy changes a power grab by investor-owned power companies that could destroy the market. Read more from J.D. Morris.

 Oakland and San Jose to provide smart thermostats to help thousands of residents save energy and prevent rolling blackouts.

Grappling with affordable housing

Paul Kuroda/Special to The Chronicle

With California setting new, much higher housing goals, small, wealthy Bay Area enclaves like Piedmont are suddenly being asked to plan for a lot more affordable homes. And some Piedmont residents want to look to Oakland for help.

This housing cycle, the city is expected to plan for nearly 600 new homes. But some city residents prefer to keep that housing out of the mostly single-family, white and affluent area. In a staff report, the city highlighted several ideas from residents, including placing affordable housing on land annexed from Oakland and subsidizing development of new units.

As Sarah Ravani reports, Piedmonts mayor said the city has no plans nor the desire to annex land from another city for housing. Still, Oakland leaders say they are open to developing a partnership.

 Bay Area home prices just hit a record high. Will the buying spree last?

 See what type of home you can get for the median price in each Bay Area county.

Coronavirus updates

 Californians who are vaccinated for COVID-19 will be able to shed their masks starting June 15, but what about social distancing from others?

 Indoor masking rules have become murky for many Bay Area restaurants after the CDC announced vaccinated people no longer need to wear them in most settings.

 Proms in San Francisco will look quite different this year with a number of COVID-related rules including no close dancing and social distancing for unvaccinated students. Also: Education advocates are asking for transparency as districts across the state rush to spend billions of dollars in federal funds aimed at helping them recover from the pandemic.

 Oakland Museum of California, which had one of the longest museum shutdowns in the Bay Area, will finally reopen on June 18.

Around the Bay

Nina Riggio/Special to The Chronicle

 Reimagining police: Oakland police reform advocates believe it is possible to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations with police, and they have the real-life example to prove it.

 A punch in the gut: San Francisco business owners have seen a rise in burglaries and vandalism during the pandemic, and are looking to the city to help pay for costs.

 Extensive measures: California is planning a $30 million wall in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to slow saltwater intrusion during drought. Also: Marin County declares local emergency over drought conditions. And: Emergency water urged for rural Latino communities before California drought worsens.

 Columnist Heather Knight: Is a proposal to cut S.F. red tape dead? Supporters say even small efforts to tame bureaucracy go nowhere.

 Benefit by association: His French Laundry birthday party with Newsom became infamous. Then his lobbying firms revenue boomed.

Breaking the mold

Rachel Bujalski/Special to The Chronicle

Virtually all of Californias vineyards are planted with European imported grapes, which everyone agrees results in the best-tasting wines. But Sonoma County winemaker Matthew Niess thinks thats ridiculous.

We have our own native plants here, and nobody is talking about them, he said.

Niess is giving them a chance, with about 30 hybrid grape varieties in the works, and another 30 planned for next year, writes Esther Mobley.

More:

 Oakland fine dining establishment Homestead is closing in mid-June, but the owners arent saying goodbye to the space.

 A long-running Fishermans Wharf restaurant isnt closing after all, despite what it said on Google.

Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com, and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com.
The board that oversees workplace safety standards in California was scheduled to vote Thursday on updating coronavirus restrictions in the workplace. On the table were guidelines about ending social distancing requirements for fully vaccinated employees, but leaving them in place for unvaccinated people who would have to keep their distance and wear masks.

A vote was delayed on adopting new statewide rules after a letter sent to Californias Division of Occupational Safety and Health standards board, or Cal/OSHA, asked the body to hold off on the changes in light of recent federal guidance about vaccinated people going maskless indoors.

Cal/OSHA Deputy Chief Eric Berg sent the letter to the board Wednesday asking for time to modify the new rules and to delay a vote. He pointed to the states plans to allow vaccinated people to go without masks in most indoor settings starting next month, in line with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Cal/OSHA Board chair David Thomas said during a public hearing on the issue Thursday that he wanted to update the rules as soon as possible but agreed along with the other board members to revisit the issue for a possible vote early next month.

The proposed changes were drafted in January when vaccines were less available and their impact less clear, Ken Smith, executive director for environmental safety for the University of California, said during the board hearing on the proposed changes.

Smith said vaccines had knocked down virus transmission since then and said more fluid and updated rules might be needed.

The changes, if passed in some form, could mean more employers ask about workers vaccination status.

This places the onus on the employer to ask for that information, said Amanda Osowski, a labor and employment attorney at law firm Hanson Bridgett.

While the rules would apply statewide, some counties, including Santa Clara, are not waiting for them to be passed to require companies to start compiling vaccination information. The county moved into the states least restrictive, yellow tier this week and announced companies would be required to track employee vaccination status.

San Francisco and San Mateo counties, also in the yellow tier, have not taken similar steps.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health said in an email that the department is reviewing the policies set forth by other counties and waiting on state guidance.

On Thursday, San Francisco also loosened requirements for what activities are allowed in the least restrictive tier, including no longer requiring businesses to screen patrons and employees for most activities.

Employer groups also said during Thursdays hearing that rules requiring employers to provide respirator masks to unvaccinated employees for voluntary use, and to provide potentially costly fit testing, might not be feasible.

The proposed rules allow for anyone wearing a respirator mask, such as an N95, to do away with physical distancing requirements.

The emergency temporary rules adopted last year by the board required most employers in California to train employees on stopping the spread of the virus while fixing any workplace hazards that could lead to an outbreak.

The rules expanded on an existing standard for protecting the states health care workers from airborne diseases and also forced companies to tell employees about exposure to the virus at work, pay for testing when cases cropped up and provide protective equipment.

While those statewide standards have been loosened as coronavirus case counts and virus-related deaths have dropped, some counties still are placing the onus on employers.

In December, a group of business trade groups including the California Chamber of Commerce sued the states department of Industrial relations, which oversees Cal/OSHA, over the decision to adopt the standards in November.

They argued the expanded rules placed an unfair burden on employers already reeling for the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice
Bay Area high school seniors, who already have endured a most unusual year, face another strange twist: a San Francisco prom night on which there will be no dancing in the traditional sense, according to city health officials still battling with COVID-19.

After a year of mostly staying at home, taking classes via Zoom and wishing for things to return to normal, seniors at some high schools are being allowed a taste of tradition with some typical end-of-the-school-year events  like prom and graduation.

But there are rules that will make the 2021 prom unique in San Francisco, according to the city health departments current guidelines for school events.

People who arent vaccinated will have to stay 6 feet away from others. Promgoers at indoor events will have to don face masks along with their tuxedos and fancy dresses. And no close dancing  either cheek to cheek or clutching your date during a slow song  will be allowed.

A dance floor packed with promgoers, some vaccinated, some not, would have the potential to be a superspreader event, according to health officials.

The prom is not going to be a traditional prom, a spokesperson for the health department said.

San Francisco is a favorite location for many Bay Area high schools to hold proms. Public health officials are permitting end-of-the-year school events but have issued a set of rules based on existing requirements for conferences, meetings and receptions.

Unless everyone attending an event is vaccinated, promgoers not from the same household will have to be seated at least 6 feet apart from one another, an advance guest list must be prepared and assigned seating is required.

According to a memo from the Department of Public Health, additional, and different, rules will apply depending on whether an event will be held indoors or outside.

At indoor proms, everyone will need to provide proof of a vaccination or a negative coronavirus test and will have to wear masks except when theyre nibbling or sipping. No more than 200 people, including chaperones, will be allowed to attend, and doors and windows will need to be left open for air circulation if food or beverages are served.

At outdoor proms with fewer than 300 people present, students will be able to shed their masks, though chaperones, DJs or band members and other workers or volunteers will have to keep them on. Capacity is limited to 200 people for outdoor events but can expand to 400 if everyone provides proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test.

Not every Bay Area high school is holding a prom, though some are holding socially distanced alternative events for students who want to meet in person. San Francisco Unified School District high schools, for instance, are holding some in-person events for seniors, but no proms.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
San Francisco on Thursday loosened COVID-19 restrictions to allow for more flexibility at restaurants and bars, outdoor live events and workplaces.

The new guidelines, in an updated health order effective Thursday, do not significantly expand what San Francisco already allows in the yellow tier, the least restrictive level of Californias reopening blueprint. But they will loosen up some rules around the edges  serving as a kind of in-between phase between the yellow tier and the full reopening in California that is slated for June 15. Many of the changes bring San Francisco, which had been stricter than the state in many areas, in line with the state COVID restrictions.

For indoor and outdoor dining, for instance, capacity will not be expanded but patrons no longer have to remain seated to eat or drink as long as they can still physically distance. And at indoor bars that dont serve food, people no longer have to remain seated and can now stand and drink in groups of up to eight at stationary entertainment like pool tables and arcade games.

Health screenings at workplaces will no longer be required, though employers can still opt to do so if they so choose.

Camps for kids will no longer have to be in three-week minimum blocks, which will give families with children the ability to go to camp for shorter periods of time.

People going to sporting or other outdoor live events will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, unless they are sitting in the fully vaccinated section, which has the benefit of not being required to keep social distance. And up to three households, up from one household, can sit together.

Indoor houses of worship can now establish sections where fully vaccinated people do not have to physically distance. Requirements to wear face coverings and not surpass 50% capacity remain in place.

San Franciscos steps come as the city, and state, have seen dramatic drops in cases and hospitalizations. San Francisco General Hospital reported having zero patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Thursday, for the first time since March 5, 2020.

Im delighted to say that we are in the homestretch of our reopening, said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip, who applauded San Franciscans for following public health guidelines: Our diligence meant that we had the lowest death rate for a city of our density in the country. We now get to enjoy the fruits of our efforts with further loosening of our health restrictions.

The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce happily hailed the new flexibility.

Said Emily Abraham, the groups interim public policy director: Now that were able to more safely reopen and a lot of restaurants, indoor bars, personal care services are able to expand, overall thats great for business, a sign our economy is reopening, more jobs are going to be able to come back. Were very excited to see this.

Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho
Courtesy Brad Scott Visuals / Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

The annual Fourth of July fireworks display in South Lake Tahoe have been canceled this year  again  due to coronavirus safety concerns, officials said.

The Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority on Wednesday announced they will cancel its 2021 Lights on the Lake firework display because of COVID-19 public safety concerns.
The Oakland Planning Commission voted Wednesday to move forward with a development proposal for a 28-story high-rise and 19-story office building at the Lake Merritt BART Station.

The planning commission approved the proposals preliminary development plan, and final approvals are expected by years end. The development would build 557 units  233 of which would be affordable  and nearly 500,000 square feet of office space, 16,500 square feet of retail space and 408 parking spaces at two city blocks near the BART station at 51 Ninth St. and 107 Eighth St.

The project includes 2,000 square feet of commercial kitchen space and 6,200 square feet of community daycare space.

We couldnt be more pleased, said William Goodman, managing director at Strada Investment Group, the San Francisco-based developer that will co-develop the project. It was a really big day for us.

The proposal comes as cities throughout the Bay Area prioritize building dense housing near public transportation to address the regions housing crisis. BART established a goal in 2016 to create 20,000 units on its property by 2040. The agency is working with Berkeley to develop a plan to build housing, open space and community benefits near its Ashby and North Berkeley stations. And in November, BART picked a development team to build 780 units of housing at the El Cerrito Plaza Station.

Despite the shift to remote work for many white-collar workers, planners expect companies to eventually require employees to return to the office, meaning transit-oriented developments will likely stay in demand.

Strada will build the office tower and 28-story residential building. One of the buildings will be at the old Metropolitan Transportation Commission headquarters site and the other at a BART station parking lot. Both buildings are expected to reach 275-feet.

Co-developer East Bay Asian Local Development Corp. will build two seven-story buildings of affordable housing  one for families and one for seniors.

Of the 233 affordable units, 36 go to those making up to 120% of area median income  $156,600 for a family of four  and the remainder are for people making at below 60% of area median income  $78,300 for a family of four.

Goodman said the team would deliver a project that has an enormous amount of public benefits and is a really great catalyst for the neighborhood.

Planning Commissioner Nischit Hegde said the proposal is a beautiful project.

Hegde said the projects level of engagement with the community should be standard.

Goodman said he hopes a final development proposal will be ready to go before the planning commission before the end of the year. Then the developers will have to go back to BART for a final approval.

The first phase of the project will include the residential tower and the affordable housing building for seniors. The second phase will include the demolition of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which currently houses BART police, to build the office tower and the affordable housing building for families.

The projects first phase wont break ground until at least 2023.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
The 2020 fire season was brutal for California. Wildfires wreaked havoc across the state, burning more than 4.2 million acres, the most in recorded history, and resulting in the deaths of 33 people and the destruction of more than 10,000 structures.

The outlook for the 2021 fire season isnt any more promising.

A Chronicle analysis shows multiple measures of fire danger all pointing in the same direction  California is headed toward alarming, perhaps record-setting, dryness and heightened risk of wildfires.

Youve probably been hearing that this fire season is going to be dire, said Craig Clements, director of the Fire Weather Research Laboratory at San Jose State University. It really is going to be dire.

Recent data from the National Fire Danger Rating System, which calculates risk based on factors including weather, fuel and topography, puts most of Californias monitored stations, through which the system collects the data, at some level of fire risk. With each passing day into summer, that risk level is expected to grow.

As of Tuesday, nearly 50 weather monitoring sites across the state were labeled as being within the ranges of high to extremely high fire danger. Three of them  Burns Canyon and Horse Thief Springs in San Bernardino and Brazie Ranch in Siskiyou counties  indicate the chances of wildfire are extreme.

Fire agencies and their meteorologists use data from this rating system for planning purposes, said Stanton Florea, a National Interagency Fire Center and U.S. Forest Service spokesman. That planning includes allocating resources to the highest risk areas.

Risk ratings may change day to day, depending on external conditions, some of which are more capricious, like wind and precipitation, than others. Other components of the risk rating, such as the Energy Release Component, or ERC, dont vary as much, experts say. The ERC measures how hot a fire can burn based on the vegetations moisture level, which affects how fast the fire spreads and how intensely it burns. Because of its relative stability, ERC is a good seasonal indicator for wildfire.

Throughout California, projected ERCs are at record highs for this time of year, [with] some already at normal peak season levels, according to a May 2021 National Interagency Fire Center briefing. In Northern California, seven out of the eight service areas reached or exceeded the maximum recorded ERC at least once this year.

The high projections are indicators that the state is facing an early and long fire season, the briefing concluded.

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The ERC factors into another commonly used fire danger indicator: the Burning Index, which tries to measure how hard it is to contain a fire.

A BI range of about 80 to 110 is considered severe, meaning fires may be difficult to contain (higher numbers indicate more risk). Control efforts at the fire head will probably be ineffective in this range, says a U.S. Forest Service manual.

Thirty-one stations across California had projected BIs above 80, with a dozen of them with BI values over 100. The station with the highest value was the Burns Canyon Remote Automated Weather Station in San Bernardino County, with a value of 196.

Some researchers, however, say they dont believe the BI is a good predictor of wildfires because it exaggerates the impact of variables such as wind speed or temperature during wet seasons when wildfires are less of a risk.

Clements of San Jose State University has also been monitoring the fuel moisture content of the plants at the Blackberry Hill weather station site near his laboratory in San Jose, with great concern. Fuel moisture content is another important measure of wildfire risk. The data suggest its been way too dry.

Fuel moisture content is just the amount of water content inside a plants stem, Clements said. In times of drought, like now, plants are starved of moisture, making them ripe to be fuel for fire. It goes to the basics of ignition probability, he added. You wouldnt try to start a campfire with wet logs.

The past winter delivered a disappointing amount of snow in the mountains of California. The water that melts away from mountain snowpack acts to quench the thirst of the states trees and plants, and keeps their moisture content elevated. The lack of snowpack means there is a lot of very dry vegetation out there.

Thats nuts, he said, as he observed the latest data showing a steep dip in moisture from a sample at Blackberry Hill. On May 15, the recorded moisture value was 86%, compared with a recorded low of 105%.

Drier conditions have contributed to lengthening fire seasons in California, and climate change is a key driver of this change. But dryness by itself cant cause fires, said Florea of the National Interagency Fire Center. Something has to ignite the source, whether the cause is natural or not. Human causes are the x factor, he said, because unlike natural causes, such as lightning, they can be controlled.

We have historically dry years that come and go without there being catastrophic fire activity, he said. With extra caution, risk can be minimized.

Yoohyun Jung is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: yoohyun.jung@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @yoohyun_jung
Biden administration environmental officials say they will consider restrictions on the worlds most widely used herbicide because of concerns about potential harm to monarch butterflies and other species.

But the Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court Tuesday it has not identified any risks to humans from the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup, whose manufacturer, Monsanto, has been hit with multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in suits by cancer victims. The EPA is not proposing to limit the use of Roundup or add label warnings, at least until after it reviews the chemicals environmental effects.

If Roundup were taken off the market, vast sectors of the agricultural economy, including the most commonly grown crops in America, would be affected, and farmers would use herbicides that were more environmentally damaging, lawyers for the agency told the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

The filing was in response to lawsuits, including one by farmworkers, farmers and conservation groups seeking a ban on Roundup and other products containing its main ingredient, glyphosate.

We will ask the court to deny this extraordinary request to paper over glyphosates ecological harms only to approve it anyway down the road, said the plaintiffs lawyer, George Kimbrell of the Center for Food Safety.

While the EPA has repeatedly found that Roundup and glyphosate pose no danger to human health, the International Association for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, said in 2015 that glyphosate was a probable cause of human cancer.

Tens of thousands of cancer victims nationwide have sued Monsanto. Last week a Ninth Circuit panel upheld $25.2 million in damages to Edwin Hardeman, a Sonoma County man who sprayed Roundup on his properties for 26 years and whose case was the first to go to trial in federal court. California courts have upheld $21.5 million in damages to Dewayne Lee Johnson of Vallejo, a former school groundskeeper who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Bayer, Monsantos parent company, has settled some of the pending lawsuits, with a settlement fund of nearly $10 billion. Bayer has also proposed $2 billion to settle future suits by Roundup users who have not yet gone to court.

At a hearing Wednesday on the $2 billion proposal, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria of San Francisco, who also presided over Hardemans trial, questioned why anyone exposed to Roundup would give up the right to sue in exchange for limited compensation and the companys promise of medical monitoring.

The EPAs court filing Tuesday did not mention the cancer cases and said its planned reassessment of glyphosate would be limited to its potential environmental effects.

COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California.

Federal law requires the EPA to re-evaluate pesticides every 15 years, In a preliminary assessment in January 2020, the agency under President Donald Trump said glyphosate was safe and effective.

But in July, the Ninth Circuit ordered the EPA to revoke its approval of another glyphosate herbicide, dicamba, because of the harm it caused to crops other than the soybeans and cotton on which it was sprayed. In August, another Ninth Circuit panel found that the EPA had failed to assess the damage to monarch butterfly habitat caused by a weed killer containing glyphosate called Enlist Duo, though it did not require the agency to withdraw its approval.

In November, the EPA issued a biological evaluation that found glyphosate could affect more than 90% of endangered species in the areas where it was used. President Biden, in an executive order 10 days after his inauguration in January, directed federal agencies to reconsider all Trump administration environmental regulations.

In view of those developments, government lawyers told the court, the agency is planning a new analysis of the ecological risks and other potential costs associated with glyphosate and EPAs weighing of such risks against the benefits.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House voted to create an independent commission on the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, sending the legislation to an uncertain future in the Senate as Republican leaders work to stop a bipartisan investigation that is opposed by former President Donald Trump.

Democrats say an independent investigation is crucial to reckoning what happened that day, when a violent mob of Trump's supporters smashed into the Capitol to try and overturn President Joe Biden's victory. Modeled after the investigation into the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the legislation would establish an independent, 10-member commission that would make recommendations by the end of the year for securing the Capitol and preventing another insurrection.

The bill passed the House on Wednesday 252-175, with 35 Republicans voting with Democrats in support of the commission, defying Trump and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy. Trump issued a statement urging Republicans to vote against it, calling the legislation a Democrat trap.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is trying to prevent defections among his own ranks, echoing McCarthy's opposition in a Senate floor speech Wednesday morning. Both men claimed the bill was partisan, even though membership of the proposed commission would be evenly split between the parties.

The January insurrection has become an increasingly fraught topic for Republicans, with a growing number in the party downplaying the severity of the worst attack on the Capitol in more than 200 years. While most Republicans voted against forming the commission, only a few spoke on the floor against it. And the handful of Republicans who backed the commission spoke forcefully.

This is about facts  its not partisan politics, said New York Rep. John Katko, the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee who negotiated the legislation with Democrats. He said the American people and the Capitol Police deserve answers, and action as soon as possible to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., said that Jan. 6 is going to haunt this institution for a long, long time and that a commission is necessary to find the truth about what happened. He recalled that he heard the shouts, saw the flash-bangs, smelled the gas on that sorry day.

Democrats grew angry as some Republicans suggested the commission was only intended to smear Trump. Several shared their own memories of the insurrection, when rioters brutally beat police, broke in through windows and doors and sent lawmakers running. Four of the rioters died, including a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break into the House chamber. A Capitol Police officer collapsed and died after engaging with the protesters, and two officers took their own lives in the days after.

We have people scaling the Capitol, hitting the Capitol Police with lead pipes across the head, and we cant get bipartisanship? What else has to happen in this country? shouted Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, on the floor just before the vote. He said the GOP opposition is a slap in the face to every rank and file cop in the United States.

The vote was yet another test of Republican loyalty to Trump, whose grip on the party remains strong despite his election defeat. House Republicans booted Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney from their leadership last week for her criticism of Trumps false claims, installing a Trump loyalist in her place. Cheney, in turn, suggested to ABC News that a commission could subpoena McCarthy because he spoke to Trump during the insurrection.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called McCarthys opposition to the commission cowardice. She released a February letter from the GOP leader in which he asked for an even split of Democrats and Republican commissioners, equal subpoena power and no predetermined findings or conclusions. The bipartisan legislation accommodates all three of those requests, she said.

Leader McCarthy wont take yes for an answer, she said.

In the Senate, McConnells announcement dimmed the prospects for passage, as Democrats would need at least ten Republicans to vote with them. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., vowed to force a vote on the bill, charging that Republicans are caving to Trump.

Schumer said that Republicans are trying to sabotage the commission and are drunk off Trump's baseless claim that the election was stolen from him. That false assertion, repeated by the mob as the rioters broke into the Capitol, has been rebuked by numerous courts, bipartisan election officials across the country and Trumps own attorney general.

Like in the House, some Senate Republicans have suggested they will support the legislation.

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said Tuesday that given the violent attack, we should understand what mistakes were made and how we could prevent them from happening again. Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy said he doesnt agree with McConnell that the bill is slanted toward Democrats and Im inclined to support it.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, said that she supports the idea of a commission but that the House bill would need adjustments.

Others have pushed their colleagues to oppose the commission. Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, the top Republican on the Senate Rules Committee, is working on a report with his Democratic colleagues that will include recommendations for security upgrades. He said an independent investigation would take too long and frankly, I dont think there are that many gaps to be filled in on what happened on Jan. 6, as it relates to building security.

South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, cited concern in the caucus that the investigation could be weaponized politically in the 2022 election cycle.

I want our midterm message to be about the kinds of issues that the American people are dealing with, Thune said. Its jobs and wages and the economy, national security, safe streets, strong borders and those types of issues, and not relitigating the 2020 election.

Separately Wednesday, aides to Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., circulated a letter they said was from a group of around 40 to 50 anonymous U.S. Capitol Police officers who had been speaking with the congressman.

It is inconceivable that some of the Members we protect would downplay the events of January 6th, the letter reads. It is a privileged assumption for Members to have the point of view that it wasnt that bad. That privilege exists because the brave men and women of the USCP protected you, the Members.

The letter was quickly repudiated by Capitol Police leaders, who said the agency doesnt take any position on legislative matters.

Raskin said in an interview Wednesday evening that the officers approached his office with the letter, and that they and their families have been traumatized about what happened on the 6th. Raskin said they cant believe there is dissension in the Congress about the simple facts of the insurrection.

___

Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo, Alan Fram, Lisa Mascaro and Nomaan Merchant contributed to this report.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Some police agencies in Virginia are opposing legislation that would make disciplinary records public, saying the move could lead to police leaders sweeping misconduct under the rug.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that agency representatives spoke Tuesday to a Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council subcommittee. Representatives of the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Sheriffs Association and the Virginia Association of Counties were among those expressing concerns.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  An attempt to rob a cash transport in Amsterdam ended Wednesday in a police chase that saw suspects attempt to flee across fields outside a village north of the Dutch capital.

One suspect died and two were injured Wednesday as the robbers armed with automatic weapons exchanged gunfire with police during the chase through the north of the city, authorities said.
The House and Senate minority leaders are trying to kill a genuinely bipartisan examination of the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol. If they succeed, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should launch a partisan inquiry instead.

The 1/6 commission approved by the House on Wednesday would be modeled on the 9/11 commission, whose leaders praised the measure. Its members would be evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. And its terms were negotiated by the House Homeland Security Committees Democratic chair and ranking Republican, who acted at the behest of Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield.

But in keeping with former President Donald Trumps express order Tuesday to ignore the riot he incited, which called out Congress top two Republicans by name, McCarthy undercut his own member and urged the caucus to vote against the commission. McConnell followed suit Wednesday.

Three months ago, it was McConnell who accused Trump of a campaign of disinformation and rage meant to overturn the election, making the former president practically and morally responsible for the riot that according to public reports, he watched happily on television. The month before, McCarthy reportedly pleaded with the president by phone to call off the rioters as they tried to break into his office at the Capitol.

No wonder the pair couldnt get their stories straight about the commissions supposed shortcomings. McCarthy suggested the commission should also investigate unrelated violence attributable to the left; McConnell claimed it would be biased and that existing criminal and other inquiries would suffice. In fact, among other causes and circumstances of the worst attack on the Capitol in two centuries, Trumps contemporaneous conversation with McCarthy and the reports of his glee cited by McConnell are apt areas of inquiry for the proposed commission.

Such an independent, bipartisan body could be a powerful force for a broader understanding of a low point in our history born partly of a disappearing consensus about basic truths. But if McConnells Republicans and the Senate filibuster are allowed to block the panel, Pelosis Democrats should form a select committee on the attack, which would be partisan by definition but better than conceding to a whitewash. As former McCarthy lieutenant Liz Cheney noted last week, ignoring the lie will only embolden the liar.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
Earlier in the pandemic, my beloved uncle in India succumbed to COVID-19. I watched on Whatsapp from thousands of miles away as my cousin performed the last rites on the side of a street while his fathers body lay in a medical hearse. Alone, my cousin walked the tar road in bare feet, his white kurta soaked in the monsoon rain, as car horns blared in the background.

Step by step, pouring water out of a black earthen pot aloft his shoulder, he thrice circled the hearse, aiding his fathers journey to the beyond. Neither myself nor the rest of my family could be by his side to help him bear that heavy burden, as he cracked the clay pot and bowed to his father, shoulders heaving with sobs.

It was one of the saddest things I have ever seen in my life.

As a doctor who has been on my clinics COVID team since the beginning of the pandemic, the images of my cousin are seared inside of me. And I feel a deep, cleaving dissonance when patients here in America dont want the COVID-19 vaccine.

I recently had a taut 20-minute conversation with a patient about the vaccine  a man who fit the demographic of those most resistant to receiving it.

His survival of the fittest ethos revealed his political bent.

We both deliberately picked and chose our words respectfully, tied together in a two-step tango between an anti-vaxxer and his doctor during a pandemic.

He was an intelligent, fiercely independent man. Our conversation ranged from his belief that his O positive blood type was protective, to his disdain of government telling him what to do, to his fear of vaccine passports, to his conviction that those afraid should stay home.

I parried with my belief that a kid with leukemia shouldnt have to pay the price for some mistaken sense of herd immunity. I also touched on the success of the polio vaccine, insisted that just because he stays healthy doesnt mean he wont compromise those around him and agreed that nobody likes being told what to do.

Through it all, we were able to find pockets of common ground, small spaces in the conversation where we could laugh and breathe easily together.

At the end, I said to him: The thing is, after meeting you, I am just so darn fond of you that I want you to be protected from dying of COVID.

He chortled and retorted: Well, Im certainly not getting it now, but youve given me something to think about. I respect that you werent trying to shove your viewpoint down my throat.

If I were a betting gal, Id wager that he hasnt gotten the vaccine. And Im not certain he ever will.

The U.S. is marching toward 50% of our population being fully vaccinated, hoping for 70% by the summer. The next period is crucial. Broadening our reach to include vaccine-reluctant patients like mine will be the linchpin in stopping the forward roll of the virus.

What will it take to end COVID-19s deadly reign? Will it be free Shake Shack french fries? Krispy Kreme donuts? The lure of a pre-rolled joint from a local dispensary? A chance to win a million dollars?

In spite of such incentives, vaccines are piling up as open appointments go unfilled.

As a doctor, it is hard knowing people are not protecting themselves. But this is perhaps inevitable when misinformation, faulty public health messaging and a dysfunctional government intersect.

As America begins a new phase of bare faces and toothy grins, a world away (but not so far away for those of us of Indian origin) funeral pyres are burning nonstop in open-air crematoria. Bodies are being abandoned down holy rivers. Hundreds of millions, faced with limited vaccine stock, are still awaiting their jabs.

While this countrys stockpile grows unconscionably, the hour of need for millions abroad is right now. Medications for treating the virus and universal vaccination are what is needed right now, everywhere.

When I counsel patients, I try to make explicit the connection that their choice to get vaccinated is invariably tied to the health of their neighborhood, their community, their country. In the same vein, countries must step up for their neighbors, their continent, their world. Every corner of the globe must understand the shared responsibility that undergirds our mutual destiny.

The longer we wait, the more we continue to give this virus the opportunity to find new and novel ways to attack us, and everyones health is compromised. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that together we fall.

Dipti S. Barot is a primary care physician in the East Bay. Twitter: @diptisbarot
They evoke a time when the world had yet to be discovered. They retrace the famous epic journeys of the great 15th century explorers who braved the seas and oceans to discover distant horizons. Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Alvares Cabral: Vacheron Constantin celebrates their spirit of adventure through a new series of three ten-piece limited editions, the Metiers d'Art Tribute to great explorers. Crafted in Grand Feu enamel, each dial depicts selected portions of a 1519 map from the Miller Atlas. These three masterpieces of miniaturisation and expertise are driven by the Manufacture 1120 AT movement. These new models, presented at Watches & Wonders 2021, are part of the theme of the Maison for 2021 : entitled Classic with a Twist, it highlights Vacheron Constantins creative energy, guided by an identity that celebrates a heritage and dares to deliver the unexpected.

 Vacheron Constantin

The spirit of travel, exploration and discovery of arts and cultures is an integral part of Vacheron Constantin's history. A history rooted in the origins of the Manufacture, in an age when Francois Constantin did not hesitate to travel the world to open new markets and to fly the banner of the Maison high and wide, wherever possible. This openness to the world still pervades the philosophy of the Manufacture, which symbolically celebrates the spirit of adventure through a new journey  on this occasion a voyage through time  in memory of the great 15th century Portuguese explorers.



With this third opus in the Metiers d'Art Tribute to great explorers collection, which completes two series presented in 2004 and 2008, Vacheron Constantin ventures into one of historys most exhilarating chapters. In the wake of models dedicated to Magellan, Zheng He, Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo, which proved a great success with collectors, comes the turn of Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama and Pedro Alvares Cabral to be honoured through extraordinary miniature compositions enhanced by talented master artisans. They bear witness to the noble touch and impressive creativity of the enamellers whose mastery of Grand Feu enamel once again broadens the horizons of the Metiers d'Art collection. A rare skill extending an invitation to travel while firing the imagination.

Masterful miniature Grand Feu enamel expressions of patience and meticulous care

Inspired by a map from the 1519 Miller Atlas, of which a painted reproduction is kept in the Portuguese Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha  Lisbon), each dial shows a part of the world and the maritime routes respectively taken by the three explorers. In order to replicate the finely nuanced colours and the extreme delicacy of the motifs, the Maison opted for the art of enamelling. The result is three dials in Grand Feu enamel, masterpieces of patience and precision that require a full month's work and 11 firings in the kiln at a temperature of between 800 and 900C. These are all stages in which mastering fire proves crucial, since a few seconds too many can jeopardise several weeks of work.

 Vacheron Constantin

The art of enamelling is a rare skill, a subtle blend of experience and sensitivity demonstrated in each move made by the artisan. Composed of crystal and metal oxides, enamels come in the form of small blocks of colour that the enameller first crushes into an extremely fine powder. The latter is then worked to create a substance similar to paint, which is applied in successive touches, enabling the enameller to represent motifs with incredible finesse and nuance. After coating the dial with the background colour, the enameller tackles the dial motifs, starting with the outlines of the continents, which are here enhanced with gold-coloured enamel powder. The decorative elements of this elegant composition  including the ships, fauna, flora and wind rose  are also produced using the delicate technique of miniature painting, thus serving to reproduce a host of details and subtly graded shades, obtained after numerous tests by the enameller. Each addition of colour requires another firing, since enamel is a mineral material that must be melted down in order to display its famous brilliance and intense depth.

Calibre 1120 AT with satellite hours

So as to give free rein to the enameller's expertise, the three Metiers d'Art Tribute to great explorers models are powered by in-house Calibre 1120 AT. This movement is distinguished first and foremost by its 5.45 mm thinness enabling the 41 mm-diameter 4N pink gold case to maintain a trim 11.68 mm overall thickness guaranteeing an elegant appearance on the wrist.



The mechanism is also distinguished by its singular construction and its original time display mode enabling the wearer to travel visually through the dial as the hours pass by. Concealed beneath the upper part of the dial, the hours wheel is equipped with three arms each bearing four hours numerals, driven in turn by a cam shaped like the Manufactures Maltese cross inspired emblem. This ingenious satellite module enables the hours to sweep across the dial from top to bottom, traversing the fixed minutes circle positioned along a 120 arc. The hours numerals thus travel through the dial and their position gives an indication of the minutes replacing a traditional hand-type display.

Metiers dArt Tribute to great explorers  Bartolomeu Dias

If his crews had not convinced him to give up on continuing the journey beyond the southern tip of Africa, perhaps Bartolomeu Dias (1450  1500) would have been the first to reach the Indies. The illustrious Portuguese explorer made history in a different way, by discovering the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, paving the way for future expeditions. Bartolomeu Dias was also a member of the crew of Vasco da Gama, who led his fleet to Indies between 1497 and 1498.

Metiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers - Bartolomeu Dias  Vacheron Constantin

The route taken by Bartolomeu Dias' ships in 1488 is represented by a red line on the Grand Feu enamel dial, enhanced by numerous incredibly refined details. With the help of a magnifying glass, a close look will reveal the silhouette of the men composing the explorer's crew on board the two ships sailing west of Africa; or the palette of shades used by the enameller to precisely reproduce the landscapes, fauna and flora as they are represented on the map of the Miller Atlas.

Metiers dArt Tribute to great explorers  Vasco da Gama

The long journey that took him from Portugal to the coasts of India was one of the most important 15th century discoveries. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama (1469 1524), who left his native country in 1497, was the first to travel from Europe and Asia by sea, following an epic and often hellish journey across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. After circumnavigating the southern tip of Africa, his fleet of four ships sailed along the coast as far as Kenya before embarking on a crossing towards the Indies, which he reached in 1498.

Metiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers - Vasco da Gama  Vacheron Constantin

The sea route taken by its crew is finely traced in red enamel on the dial, each detail of which is a very faithful reproduction of the map appearing in the Miller Atlas. The gaze will naturally be drawn to a ship from Vasco da Gama's fleet in the dial centre, sails billowing on a stormy sea; or to the circumference of the wind rose and the continents enhanced with gold-coloured enamel powder.

Metiers dArt Tribute to great explorers  Pedro Alvares Cabral

It is to this Portuguese aristocrat and explorer that we owe the discovery of Brazil in 1500. Pedro Alvares Cabral (1467 - 1520) was commissioned by King Manuel I of Portugal to travel to the Indies to continue the work of Vasco da Gama, but he took a very different route from his contemporary. Rather than sailing along the African coast to the southern tip of Africa, the fleet led by Pedro Alvares Cabral headed west, until they discovered a new world, Brazil.

Metiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers - Pedro Alvares Cabral  Vacheron Constantin

This route is depicted by a red enamel line standing out against a beige enamel background punctuated by extremely faithful representations of the elements present on the map of the Miller Atlas. In the centre of the dial, a ship from Pedro Alvares Cabral's fleet, sails buffeted by the wind, proudly cleaves the sea in an extraordinarily lifelike manner. The accuracy of the craftsmanship is also expressed in the shimmering feathers of the birds as well as in the depiction of human figures on the South American continent.
This week we have been following the legal back and forth between the NYC Economic Development Corp.(EDC) and a longtime vendor at the Essex Street Market. Last night, members of Community Board 3 briefly discussed the situation and the broader issue of protections for businesses at the market.

Carmen Salvador, the owner of Three Brothers Clothing, filed an anti-discrimination lawsuit in state Supreme Court against the EDC, which operates the market. The city decided earlier this fall not to renew her permit for a stall on the north end of the market because, according to Salvador, she has been closed too frequently in recent months. Salvador, however, says medical issues have prevented her from keeping normal hours.

During CB3s executive committee meeting, Chairperson Gigi Li said she had spoken with city officials about the matter. Since the Salvador case is in litigation, EDC officials have declined to speak publicly about the details, except to say that Salvador had been given ample warnings about violations of her contract, which specifies hours of operation among other requirements.

Executive committee members agreed, however, that the board should ask EDC officials to appear before CB3s land use committee to discuss big picture market management issues. The city previously agreed to provide space in the new facility for all vendors who are in good standing at the time of the move, and the developers are picking up their moving expenses. But CB3 wants to make sure theres no effort to weed out vendors in advance of the move. Some members last night cautioned that its a delicate matter; the community board and the EDC developed a lot of trust during the past few years, as the large development project came to fruition. No one wants to jeopardize that spirit of cooperation. At the same time, theres a strong interest in assuring that the dwindling number of longtime, diverse vendors at the market have the opportunity to stay (a city spokesperson told The Lo-Down there is no connection whatsoever between the Three Brothers situation and the EDCs long-term goals for the market).

In other news related to the markets future, a new Essex Street Market merchant association met with the Essex Crossing design team yesterday for a get-acquainted session. Market Ventures, a firm that specializes in building public markets, has been hired to work on the project. Also, the EDC has published a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), seeking consultants with expertise in market management. According to the RFQ, the agency may issue future requests for advisory services to assist in strategic planning for the management and operations of the new, expanded market, among other tasks related to NYCEDCs markets portfolio. The document, available on the EDCs web site, states that respondents should have expertise in the day-to-day operations and staffing of expanding and/or new world class public retail food markets, as well as vendor recruitment, public programming, marketing and entrepreneurship development.

UPDATED 11/22/2013 4:24 p.m. Regarding the lawsuit filed this week, a city law department spokesperson said Salvadors claims couldnt be addressed in detail due to the pending litigation. We strongly dispute Ms. Salvadors version of events and allegations that the EDC violated the law, the spokesperson said.
James Carvilles glory days came when he steered Bill Clintons 1992 presidential campaign with a simple mantra, Its the economy, stupid.

Now the Democratic strategist worries that Democrats are veering off-course because their messaging stinks. The culprit, in Carvilles eyes: wokeness.

Wokeness is a problem, Carville told the news site Vox, and we all know it.

Carville, 76, is defining wokeness not for what it is  being aware of social and racial injustice  but for how Republicans try to twist the term into an attack on Democrats.

Thats a challenge also facing Jaime Harrison, the new chair of the Democratic National Committee. He is trying to show Democrats how to embrace the true meaning of wokeness without being scared of Republicans using it as a Fox News-fortified cudgel against them.

As Harrison  who was the first Black chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party and lost a Senate race against Republican Lindsey Graham in the 2020 election  put it: Im not quite sure people understand what wokeness is.

Its a term that has come out of the African American community about this heightened awareness about the issues and the inequalities that we see in the systemic racism and inequities that we see in society, Harrison said on my Its All Political podcast. Being woke means waking people up to the fact that these things are still very much there.

Instead, Harrison said, Republicans have turned the concept of wokeness into an attack on political correctness.

For his part, Carville bemoans the wokeness of what he calls faculty lounge talk. He says words like Latinx and communities of color make Democrats sound preachy and as if theyre looking down on you.

I dont know anyone who speaks like that. I dont know anyone who lives in a community of color, Carville said. I know lots of white and Black and brown people and they all live in ... neighborhoods.

Theres nothing inherently wrong with these phrases, he said. But this is not how people talk.

Still, the woke issues are what many voters want to talk about. They want to talk about policing and racial justice and how Black and brown families have a fraction of the wealth that white families do.

Carville hasnt spent much time in Oakland Rep. Barbara Lees district, which she regularly describes proudly as the most woke in the nation. Nor has Carville been hanging out with the California Democratic Party, which Lee has called the the wokest and most progressive in the entire country.

But Harrison gets where hes coming from.

What James is talking about is more political correctness as opposed to exactly what being woke actually means, Harrison said. I think its important for the Democratic Party to speak truth to power, to speak plainly, so that everybody understands who we are, what we are and who were fighting for.

Harrison acknowledged that sometimes all of this terminology gets too clunky, it gets too cute.

You hear all kinds of stuff, like establishment this or neoliberal this. Everyday people dont talk like that, Harrison said.

What we need to do is just make it plain that we are a party that believes in equality for all. That everybody in this country, regardless of their background, their sexual orientation, their gender identity, who they love, how they love, who they pray to, should be able to live the American dream, Harrison said. And lets just keep it at that.

Harrisons advice for Democrats: Go into a barbershop, sit there for a while, and listen to people talk; or to the beauty shops and listen to people talk. ... Lets stay away from faculty lounge talk and talk like the people in the barbershops and beauty shops.

But those GOP attacks did have some effect on the 2020 election.

According to a new analysis of 600 polls and numerous other voter metrics by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, polling underestimated the number of Donald Trump voters who would cast ballots in November. That undercount led to a magnified importance of GOP attacks on Democrats as socialists and for wanting to defund the police.

New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, the DCCC chair, said Wednesday that I dont think you can evaluate the effectiveness of their false attacks without considering how the Trump turnout made those lies look more impactful than they might otherwise have been.

Every little factor counted last year, particularly when Democrats lost four House seats in 2020 by narrow margins.

Even though Trumps name wont be on the ballot in 2022, Harrison told me that Democrats will continue to invoke his name and those of everyone who has been bowing down to him, starting with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield.

Harrison mocked McCarthy for his recent attack on wokeness when he took to the House floor and tried to tie Democrats to Dr. Seuss. Yes, the childrens book author of classics like Theres a Wocket in My Pocket!

In case you missed the Seuss story that only cable news could amplify into a national crisis, McCarthys comments came a day after Dr. Seuss Enterprises said it was stopping publication of six books in the authors catalog that portrayed people of color in ways that are hurtful and wrong.

McCarthy invoked the move, without any context, in his argument on the House floor against HR1, a bill aimed partly at keeping Republicans in many states from making it harder for people to vote  many of them people of color. McCarthy said the legislation was an example of the federal government usurping the right of states to run their elections.

First they outlaw Dr. Seuss, McCarthy said, and now they want to tell us what to say.

Harrison, raised by his grandmother who picked cotton in the Jim Crow South, couldnt believe what he was hearing.

This is a guy who wants to be the speaker of the House, Harrison said. It really is shameful. California, yall do better. Actually get somebody who is going to do some work. Kevin McCarthy is a joke, and he should not have the speakers gavel. And Im gonna do everything I can to make sure that that nightmare never happens.

Until then, as Barbara Lee likes to close her speeches: Stay woke.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
Editor's note: This article from November 2013 is apparently going viral on Facebook in April 2015.

Maurice Rowland and Miguel Alvarez, the cook and janitor who stood like sentinels over 19 elderly residents abandoned by staff at a Castro Valley care facility, were honored last week at the Hayward Veterans Memorial Building. It was the latest of many laurels bestowed on the two men, who have been friends since middle school. In the week since news of their good deed spread, people responded with goodwill, gifts and donations to the men and their families.

Rowland and Alvarez stood fast for two days after the state-ordered shutdown of Valley Springs Manor, an assisted care center. They cleaned, fed and cared for patients on their own time, placing the dignity of human life above their paychecks. State officials moved swiftly last week to assume control of a Modesto care home owned by the same people who ran Valley Springs.

The selfless actions of these two men have drawn praise from every corner, including government bodies, veterans groups and scores of private citizens from the Bay Area to Ottawa.

In addition to the award from the American Veterans Association, they received a certificate of special recognition from Rep. Eric Swalwell's office and a commendation from the California Legislature.

And thanks to the generosity of Chronicle readers touched by the story, they are being compensated for their efforts as well. Checks and gift cards have poured in, and the two men have established a bank account to take in the donations, which they have agreed to split evenly.

"We didn't expect any of this," Alvarez said. "We've never expected anything from anyone in life."

The men were surrounded by friends and family at the brief ceremony in Hayward, and it was one of those occasions when parents could not have been more proud of their children.

Miguel's father, Angel Alvarez, said his son's actions were proof of God and his mysterious works.

"I think I raised him the right way," said Rowland's mother, Carrie Bell, who turned to me with a knowing smile and asked, "What do you think?"

Outpouring of support

That question has been answered by the impromptu outpouring of appreciation for the only two workers at the care center with the heart and dignity to stand up for what was right. One anonymous donor contacted The Chronicle last week to make arrangements to take Alvarez's and Rowland's children on a large shopping spree. Another has offered to pay them for the unpaid hours they worked after Valley Springs was shut down.

Summit Bank in Oakland has established accounts in their names, and the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce has done the same, Alvarez said. Rowland said he has received more than a half-dozen job offers in the past week.

Oh, and Hollywood has come calling.

Alvarez has fielded calls from Paramount Pictures on behalf of the "Dr. Phil" show, and they are trying to schedule an appearance on the show. Another afternoon medical show, "The Doctors," produced by CBS, has called The Chronicle looking for contact information.

Alvarez's wife, Cindy Orozco, admitted a little sheepishly that she was initially angry with her husband when he refused to leave work for a planned family trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. The couple have three children.

'I was heartbroken'

Orozco said she drove to the care center to see for herself what was more important than precious time with their kids. When she walked in the door, she said, the scene stopped her in tracks.

"I was heartbroken," she said.

As it turns out, Alvarez and Rowland did the right thing for the patients, for themselves and for humanity. Their decision to stay has come back to reward them in ways they could have never imagined.
George Null was headed out last Saturday morning for his weekly hike.

This time, he wanted to hike Mount Waterman in Angeles National Forest. The hike is estimated at about 5 to 6 miles, light work for Null, a veteran hiker and former Eagle Scout.

When evening fell, his girlfriend grew very concerned, Sgt. John Gilbert of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department told SFGATE. He never showed up late coming home from a hike.

She called his office in La Crescenta, and a formal search team was deployed later that evening. But the search grew dire after nearly 30 hours of nonstop hiking and no luck by Monday.

One team, he said, hiked a rugged drainage called Devils Canyon  a trek that led the crew through brush, fog and waterfalls for 14 hours.

Nearly all missing hiker incidents, Gilbert said, can be resolved within a few hours if the hiker is found on-trail.

But that wasnt the case for Null.

A lot of times, we already covered every trail, he told SFGATE. The likelihood that theyre off-trail in some drainage or steep rugged terrain is very probable.

The sheriffs office recruited teams from across Southern California starting Monday. (Gilbert noted that most rescue teams in Los Angeles County are volunteer-based, meaning that its tougher to get crews to do weekday shifts.)

Still, they had no luck.

Come Wednesday, we were lucky that we had the Sheriffs Department doing some aerial searches; one of the missions was to fly Bear Creek and see any signs of life, he said. Bear Creek, also known as Bear Canyon Trail, is a canyon that is not frequently visited by hikers due to its "rugged and narrow" trail. The aerial Bear Creek search spotted a lone hiker who turned out to be Null.

He was alive and well and alert and flagging them down, Gilbert said. They conducted the hoist rescue and got him out of the canyon and brought him to a helipad  they assessed him to make sure there wasnt any medical issues.

Null was perfectly fine, if a bit banged up and extremely hungry. His experience hiking helped him find flowing water untainted by viruses or bacteria, said Gilbert.

But his experience was not enough to handle the fact that the trail he hiked has been the site of at least three multi-day missing persons rescue missions in as many months, Gilbert said. Much of that can be attributed to last years Bobcat Fire, which burned more than 115,000 acres over the span of three months.

This area prior to the fire didnt have a lot of missing hiker calls  nothing more unusual than any other place, said Gilbert.

But because of the fire, theres no longer an established path, Gilbert said. A sign on the trail thats supposed to direct hikers to Twin Peaks on the left and Three Points on the right, he said, was reversed after the fire.

The conditions are dire enough that even experienced hikers, like Null, have gotten lost.

But for Null and his family, all that matters is that hes OK. His sister, Rebecca Latta, told KCAL in Los Angeles that he gave her a big hug when they reunited.

"I think he's so exhausted that I really think he doesn't have a lot of words right now, and he's a little bit delirious after five days of wandering around in the forest, she told the station.
HONG KONG (AP)  Art Basel Hong Kong, one of Asia's premier art fairs, is back in slimmer form after a hiatus prompted by COVID-19.

About 100 galleries from 23 countries are participating, half the pre-pandemic level, with others joining via online viewing rooms. The show runs through Sunday.
LONDON (AP)  Prince William and his brother Prince Harry on Thursday issued strongly worded statements criticizing the BBC and British media for unethical practices after an investigation concluded that one of the broadcaster's journalists used deceitful behavior to secure Princess Diana's most explosive TV interview in 1995.

The circumstances surrounding the interview from more than 20 years ago came under scrutiny after Dianas brother, Charles Spencer, made renewed complaints that journalist Martin Bashir used false documents and other dishonest tactics to persuade Diana to agree to the interview.

The BBC appointed a retired senior judge in November to lead an investigation into the matter. On Thursday, a report from the inquiry said Bashir acted in a deceitful way and breached BBC rules by mocking up fake bank statements and showing them to Charles Spencer to gain access to the princess.

The report also criticized the BBC for covering up what it knew about Bashirs actions, and said the corporations own probe into the matter fell short of its usual standards of integrity and transparency.

In his statement, William, 38, said the BBC's failures contributed to the deterioration of his parents' marriage and worsened Diana's feelings of paranoia.

The interview was a major contribution to making my parents relationship worse and has since hurt countless others, he said. It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBCs failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her.

In the interview, a major scoop for Bashir, Diana famously said that there were three of us in this marriage  referring to Prince Charles relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles. Her candid account of her failing marriage with Charles was watched by millions of people and sent shockwaves through the monarchy.

William alleged that the deceitful way the interview was obtained substantially influenced what my mother said." He went on to say that Diana would have known that she had been deceived had the BBC properly investigated the concerns first raised in 1995.

Harry, meanwhile, said the issue was bigger than just the BBC - and that the ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life.

To those who have taken some form of accountability, thank you for owning it. That is the first step toward justice and truth, he wrote. Yet what deeply concerns me is that practices like theseand even worseare still widespread today.

The two brothers' relationship has been strained since Harry stepped down from royal duties and moved to the U.S. with his family last year. But both share an almost lifelong difficult relationship with the media, and their statements on Thursday were coordinated for release at the same time.

The BBCs chairman, Richard Sharp, said the corporation accepts the investigations findings, adding there were unacceptable failures. The broadcaster has written to the royal family to apologize.

Bashir, who was the BBC News religion editor, left the corporation last week on health grounds. The 58-year-old journalist has been seriously unwell with COVID-19-related complications.

In a statement, he said he deeply regretted faking the bank statements, calling it a stupid thing to do. But he added that he felt it had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview.

Spencer alleged Bashir showed him forged bank documents relating to his sisters former private secretary and another former royal household member that falsely suggested the individuals were being paid for keeping the princess under surveillance.

He accused Bashir of using the documents to gain his trust so he would introduce Diana to the journalist. He also alleged that Bashir made up stories about the royal family to strengthen Diana's belief there was a conspiracy against her.

As part of the recent inquiry, a note written by Diana in December 1995 was published for the first time. The note said she had consented to the BBC interview without any undue pressure and that she had no regrets concerning the matter."

John Birt, director-general of the BBC at the time of the interview, called Bashir a rogue reporter who fabricated an elaborate, detailed but wholly false account of his dealings with Earl Spencer and Princess Diana.

This is a shocking blot on the BBCs enduring commitment to honest journalism; and it is a matter of the greatest regret that it has taken 25 years for the full truth to emerge," he said.

Diana divorced from Charles in 1996 and died in a Paris car crash in 1997 as she was pursued by paparazzi. Charles, the heir to the throne, married Camilla, now the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005.

In most organizations, the police would have been called to see if Martin Bashir should have been prosecuted for forgery, and he would have been instantly dismissed for deceit," media lawyer Mark Stephens of law firm Howard Kennedy, who is not involved in the case, said. Instead, the BBC made him their religious correspondent.

The report released Thursday means the BBC will be subjected to more public scrutiny, he added.
MILAN (AP)  Angela Missoni is leaving the role of creative director after 24 years at the Missoni fashion house founded by her parents, Ottavio and Rosita.

Missoni, 62, announced the move in an interview with Business of Fashion published on Tuesday, indicating that the naming of a new CEO during the pandemic and the role of a private investment fund in backing the fashion house had given her the confidence to make the move.

Design director Alberto Caliri, who has worked alongside Missoni for 15 years, will take over the creative role for an interim. His first collection will be presented in September, for spring 2022.

My parents invented a new language in fashion, Missoni told the publication. And I think over the past 25 years Ive been able to extend the lexicon of this language.

Missoni will stay on as president of the family-run fashion house, while other family members retain roles in the company, including her mother, who is in charge of the Missoni home collection.

The Missoni family maintains majority control of the house, after selling a 41.2%-stake to the Italian investment fund FSI in 2018.

Other recent changes include suspending the secondary line M Missoni in March. It was being run by Angela Missonis daughter, Margherita Maccapani Missoni, who stepped aside, while its future is being decided.

CEO Livio Proli told Women's Wear Daily that the family backs his five-year plan to restructure the company after the impact of COVID-19. Missoni reported a net loss in 2020, with a 33% decline in revenues from 110 million euros ($134 million) in 2019.

Angela is showing sensibility and courage as well as foresight with this decision, which will contribute to kick-start the third cycle of the company with a new injection of energy and creative strength, Proli said. She will accompany the evolution of the brand, but she realized she would have conditioned the company in staying on" as creative director.

One goal is to reach more younger customers, expanding from the brand's extremely loyal customer base of over-40s, he said.

Proli said the nearly 70-year-old brand needs to be dusted off and made more relevant and cool. We want to offer elements of surprise in a more modern language while not betraying Missonis roots."
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A 12-year-old Indianapolis boy visiting his grandparents was critically injured after being struck by at least one gunshot fired into their home early Thursday, police said.

The boy was in listed in critical condition at Riley Childrens Hospital following the shooting that occurred just after 3:30 a.m. on the city's northeast side, Indianapolis police Officer Samone Burris said.

The boy's name was not immediately released.

The randomness of the shooting resonated through the community, leading Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Randal Taylor to appear at a news conference.

It is an absolutely shattering experience, and I cannot imagine what his family is going through, Hogsett said.

This cannot be the lived experience of families in our city  anywhere in our city, the mayor said.

Taylor said the boy was playing video games with other family members when he was shot.

A 12-year-old was hanging out with family, ends up getting shot, Taylor said.

No arrests have been made. Hogsett and police encouraged anyone with information on the shooting to share it with investigators.

Maybe you really dont know what you saw, but it could help us solve this case, Burris said. So thats why we are encouraging people to come forward with that information so that we can know and gather the facts about what actually occurred before that 12-year-old was shot.
AP

CHICAGO (AP)  A 75-year-old Chicago man previously convicted of two murders in the 1970s has been accused of killing a man earlier this week and was ordered held Wednesday without bond.

Cook County Assistant States Attorney James Murphy told Judge Arthur Wesley Willis that Tyran Evans, 42, approached a car Bernard Barry was sitting in and ordered him out. As Evans tried to throw a punch, Barry fired a handgun, striking Evans in the side. Evans was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  A recent Kentucky Supreme Court ruling will create a barrier to prosecuting many DUI cases, making the roads less safe, the attorney general said as he seeks another hearing.

The rehearing petition from Attorney General Daniel Cameron's office came on the same day that the high court's ruling came into play in a Kentucky lawmaker's case Wednesday. Republican state Rep. Derek Lewis was acquitted of operating a vehicle under the influence.

The Supreme Court ruling was cited in a successful defense motion that prevented the prosecutor from presenting Lewis blood-test refusal to the Laurel County jury.

Lewis was arrested near his home and charged with drunken driving a couple of hours after the 2020 General Assembly session had adjourned.

Last month, the state's high court ruled that a defendant's refusal to submit to a warrantless blood test cannot be used as evidence to help prove guilt or to seek stiffer punishment.

Prosecutors also cannot introduce such refusals at trial to explain away the lack of evidence regarding a suspects blood-alcohol level, the divided court said. The long-running case stemmed from a DUI arrest by Owensboro police several years ago.

Cameron's petition requesting a rehearing of the Owensboro case said the ruling will "stand as a barrier to prosecuting many impaired driving cases, Assistant Attorney General Mark Barry said. The ruling has "turned Kentuckys statutory scheme on its head by incentivizing refusals in DUI cases, rather than compliance with statutorily authorized blood tests, he said.

Unless the court revisits its opinion, Kentucky roads will be less safe from impaired drivers, Barry said.

The court's majority cited Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, but Barry said such safeguards don't require prosecutors to operate at such a disadvantage.

The prosecutor in Lewis' case, Assistant Laurel County Attorney Bruce Bentley, said Thursday he didn't know what impact the high court ruling had on the outcome of Lewis' trial.

In any one particular case, I dont know what issue the jury hangs its hat on in determining whether a particular defendant  in this particular instance Mr. Lewis  was or was not guilty, he said.

But more broadly, the Supreme Court ruling could make it more difficult for prosecutors to give the jury the full picture of a DUI case, Bentley said in a phone interview.

Because as prosecutors, were not going to be able to present what I believe is to be a pretty relevant fact -- that a defendant in a DUI case ... refused a requested blood-test," he said. "We cant explain to the jury thats why we dont have that as available evidence to them.

It creates ambiguity in the jury's mind as to why we don't have the test, Bentley added. As a prosecutor, I don't like ambiguities.

Bentley said he was pleased the attorney general filed the rehearing petition with the Supreme Court. If necessary, he said he hopes the legislature takes up the issue during the 2022 session.

Lewis' defense attorney, Conrad Cessna, said the Supreme Court ruling doesn't prevent the introduction of such evidence at DUI trials.

There is an avenue for the commonwealth  theyll just have to follow what the ruling says, he said in a phone interview Thursday. It just says that there are less-intrusive means available, which are Intoxilyzers and breath tests. Or they can get a warrant for the defendants blood.
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TIRANA, Albania (AP)  An Albanian court that handles top officials' corruption cases sentenced the countrys former chief prosecutor Thursday to two years in jail for hiding money from illegally owned properties.

The ex-prosecutor, Adriatik Llalla, was sentenced for hiding property and giving false information on the asset declarations Albanian officials must submit every year. The sentence also bars Llalla from holding any public post for five years.

He plans to appeal, according to his lawyer.

Judge Daniela Shirka of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime said Llalla could not account for the money behind his buying and selling some 5.4 acres of land ) and his purchase of an apartment. He also failed to justify his family's expenses in the United States and Germany.

Llalla resigned from the position of Albanias most senior prosecutor in December 2017.

In 2018, prosecutors sequestered Llallas apartment in the capital, Tirana, and just over two hectares (5.4 acres) of land belonging to him. The properties had a total value of more than 98 million leks (some $900,000) at the time, according to prosecutors.

Fighting corruption has been post-communist Albanias Achilles heel, strongly affecting the countrys democratic, economic and social development.

Llalla is the first high-ranking person to be sentenced by newly formed judicial institutions that were established to address corruption. Many judges and prosecutors have been dismissed for alleged corruption and illegally earning property and money.

The judicial reform, which was approved in 2016 with the involvement of the United States and the European Union, introduced a vetting process for judges and prosecutors to prove their properties were legally acquired and that they met anti-corruption and professional standards. Hundreds failed the vetting and were fired.

In 2018, Llalla was barred from entering the United States due to his suspected involvement in corruption. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday also sanctioned former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha for alleged significant corruption and barred him and his wife and children from entering the country.

___

Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini
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DENVER, N.C. (AP)  Twelve North Carolina high school students have been charged for a senior prank that involved putting meat and eggs in the schools vents, authorities said. The sheriffs office estimates that the prank caused around $5,000 in damage.

Deputies responded to a call on Tuesday about vandalism at East Lincoln High School in Denver, according to a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.
It's a story Joe Biden has loved recounting over the decades: A chain-smoking Golda Meir welcoming the 30-year-old senator to Israel on his first visit in 1973 and giving him a grandmotherly hug before schooling him on the Six-Day War and the dangers still faced by Israel.

A classified Israeli government memo, though, paints a less anodyne version of Biden's meeting with the Israeli prime minister that day, reporting that the young senator privately displayed an enthusiasm that signaled his lack of diplomatic experience as he laid out his concerns over land seized in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by Israel years earlier. The document was published last year by Israels Channel 13.

For Biden it was the start of a familiar dynamic. Over his nearly 50 years in national politics, he has often reserved his toughest messages for Israeli leaders for private talks while publicly burnishing his image as an unwavering supporter of Israel.

The pattern holds true to the present, as Biden has delivered his most pointed messages for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the conflict with Hamas in Gaza during private conversations while having little to say in public.

For days, as Hamas rockets have flown toward Israel and Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza, Biden resisted mounting calls from some Democrats and U.N. Security Council members to more forcefully pressure Israel for a cease-fire. On Wednesday, in their fourth conversation in eight days, Biden told Netanyahu that he expected a "significant de-escalation by day's end on the path to a cease-fire, according to a White House summary of the phone call.

But hours later, Biden didn't make even a passing reference to the Gaza war or his diplomacy during a commencement speech at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as he spoke of the need to face accelerating global challenges.

In 1982, Washington was the setting when Biden was among a group of U.S. lawmakers who had a tense meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Biden reportedly pressed Begin to halt the building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, while some of his colleagues were critical of other aspects of Israel's policies.

I think it is fair to say that in my eight years in Washington Ive never seen such an angry session with a foreign head of state, Sen. Paul Tsongas, a Massachusetts Democrat, told reporters after the meeting.

Overall, Biden has hewed to the U.S. establishment line of reaffirming a financial commitment to Israel regardless of its actions toward Palestinians, while frequently reminding Jewish American audiences of his personal closeness to their community. In a 1986 Senate floor speech, he offered a fulsome defense of U.S. aid to Israel  calling it the best $3 billion investment we make"  and urged colleagues to stop apologizing for their support of the country.

Biden has spoken to Jewish audiences about building bonds with the nine Israeli prime ministers who've overlapped with his own time in elected office, recalled his father teaching him about the horrors of Nazi efforts to rid Europe of Jews, and noted that he took each of his children to visit the Dachau concentration camp. On the lighter side, he often jokes that his daughter gave him every Irish-Catholic fathers dream when she married a Jewish surgeon.

But there have also been moments where Biden's frustration with Netanyahu has seeped into public view.

As vice president, he kept Netanyahu waiting for a dinner meeting after the Israeli leader embarrassed Biden and President Barack Obama by approving the construction of 1,600 new apartments in disputed east Jerusalem in the middle of Bidens 2010 visit to Israel.

Netanyahu sought to patch up hurt feelings at the dinner. But after the meal, Biden admonished the prime minister in a statement, saying the move undermined an Obama administration effort to persuade the Palestinians to resume peace talks.

Amid ongoing tension between Obama and Netanyahu, Biden went out of his way during a 2014 speech before the Jewish Federations of North America to note that he and Netanyahu were still buddies  albeit with a somewhat complicated relationship.

Biden noted that he had once inscribed a photo for Netanyahu with the message "Bibi I dont agree with a damn thing you say but I love you.

In late 2019, during a question-and-answer session with voters on the campaign trail, Biden called Netanyahu counterproductive and an extreme right leader, while accusing Palestinian leaders of fomenting the conflict and baiting everyone who is Jewish. He also suggested that some on the U.S. political left give the Palestinian Authority a pass when criticizing Israeli leadership.

As the Biden White House negotiated the current crisis, the president and his advisers made the calculation that the Israelis are unlikely to respond to international resolutions or public demands by the U.S. and that their best leverage would happen behind the scenes, officials said.

At the same time, the White House is mindful that the longer the conflict goes, the greater chance of a very high-casualty event or other provocative action by either side that could make reaching a cease-fire more difficult.

Aaron David Miller, a former Mideast adviser to Democratic and Republican administrations, said Biden had demonstrated patience with Netanyahu's campaign to degrade Hamas' military capability in part because Biden has bigger priorities, including shepherding the U.S. recovery from the global pandemic and focusing on an emerging economic and strategic competition from China.

This is not Joe Biden approaching the crisis as a young senator or as the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This is not even Joe Biden as vice president. This is Joe Biden as a president that faces immediate crises and an agenda that would make your head spin. The last thing he wants to do is find himself bogged down on this issue.

Biden validated that notion this week during a visit to Michigan as he sat in the cab of an electric-powered Ford truck he was taking for a test drive.

A reporter asked Biden if he would take a question about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Not unless you get in front of the car as I step on it, Biden shot back. He added that he was teasing, but then hit the gas and sped away.

___

Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP)  A steady crowd of people flowed into the New England Patriots' stadium for their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this week in Massachusetts, which is nearing its goal of vaccinating more than 4 million and plans to close its biggest clinics in little more than a month.

In the Deep South, meanwhile, one of the largest clinics in Alabama shut down Wednesday and others will follow in the coming weeks because demand for the shot has plunged.

They didnt have long enough to test it, said James Martin, 68, explaining why he has no plans to get the vaccine as he stopped for cigarettes at a convenience store in Clanton, Alabama. "They dont know what the long-term effect is. Thats what makes me skeptical.

A month after every adult in the U.S. became eligible for the vaccine, a distinct geographic pattern has emerged: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South.

Experts say the gap reflects a multitude of factors, including political leanings, religious beliefs, and education and income levels.

Close to 160 million Americans -- 48% of the population -- have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 million are fully vaccinated against the virus.

New England and Northeastern states account for eight of the top 10 in vaccination rates, with Vermont No. 1 as of last Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 64% of its population has received as least one dose.

Following right behind are Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico, all of them at 54% or higher.

Eight Southern states are in the bottom 10, all of which are under 40%. Mississippi was dead last at 32%, followed by Louisiana, Alabama, Wyoming, Idaho, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia and South Carolina.

Closing the gaps is vital to controlling the virus that has killed 588,000 people in the U.S., health experts say. The vaccination drive has helped drive U.S. cases down to their lowest level since last June, at around 30,000 a day on average, and reduced deaths to about 570 a day, a level not seen since last July.

Low vaccination rates will leave room for the virus to circulate, re-emerge and possibly form new variants," said Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. High vaccination rates are critical to keeping the disease under control, especially when we get back to the fall and winter.

The divides arent just limited to states  there are marked differences between urban and rural places, from county to county and from one neighborhood to another.

The disparities are even more glaring when looking at individual places around the U.S.: Vermont has four counties where 75% of the residents have had at least one dose, while there are 11 Mississippi counties with under 25% vaccinated.

Roddy Carroll has seen both sides from where he works in technology sales in Atlanta and where he grew up in northern Georgia. Theres a pretty stark difference," he said.

Back home in rural Murray County, only 1 in 4 residents have rolled up their sleeves for a shot. Carroll blames conservative politicians for sowing doubts that have made people reluctant.

They're more willing to listen to conspiracy theorists than doctors who know how vaccines work, he said. You're talking about people youve known all their life. But you hear them say those things, and you think, `How well did I know them?'

Those anti-vaccine beliefs have led to some uncomfortable conversations with his family, Carroll said. I dont know anybody who hasnt had tense moments like that, he said.

Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, said the gaps in COVID-19 vaccination can be traced directly to political influences, particularly what he called anti-science attitudes among Republican leaders, who were skeptical about the value of masks, too.

Getting more people vaccinated will take continued education, incentives and head-on confrontation of misinformation, Topol said.

He expects U.S. regulators to grant full approval to the vaccines soon, which will give employers, the military and health systems the green light to require vaccination. That will make the biggest difference, Topol said.

Gail Borel, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, a nurse who arrived with her husband at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday to get their second doses, said she was initially reluctant. But she said she decided to go through with it after her employer said she could be held liable if she refused the vaccine and got patients sick.

Her husband, Tom, didnt share her concern.

Everybody I know just wants to get it over with. If this is the path to get it over with, then this is what were willing to do, he said. I just want this to be over. Its how we stop wearing masks and how people stop getting sick."

In Massachusetts, where 62% have had at least one dose, there has been little resistance to public health orders during the pandemic, and state leaders have kept tight restrictions on gatherings and businesses, drawing praise from officials such Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert.

Some credit the success to the states deep ties to education and health care. The Boston area alone has dozens of universities, including Harvard and MIT, and scores of biotechnology companies, including the vaccine maker Moderna.

Nationwide, rural counties are behind urban places in their COVID-19 vaccination efforts  39% of adults in rural counties had received at least one shot compared with 46% in urban counties as of April 10, according to an analysis released Tuesday by the CDC.

The rural-urban gap exists among women, men and both younger and older adults, the CDC said.

In Alabama's Chilton County, a peach-farming area, the longtime mayor of Clanton died of the virus last year along with 85 others in the county. Yet less than 17% of its population is fully vaccinated, giving it one of the lowest rates in the state.

Store clerk Kim Pierce said she isnt getting a shot despite knowing as many as 30 people who developed COVID-19 and two who died. Besides, Pierce said, she hasnt gotten sick despite not wearing a mask and working in a busy gas station just off Interstate 65.

Basically I think its just scamming. I dont think its any worse than the flu, she said.

Recent high school graduate Abby Calhoun said she sees few people wearing masks these days.

We are from Alabama and we are in the country, so these older folks dont believe in COVID-19, she said.

Calhoun got sick and lost her sense of taste and smell in the fall, forcing her to quarantine for two weeks. She is among the unvaccinated, but she might get a shot before going to college in the fall.

I just havent had time to stop by and get it, she said.

___

Reeves reported from Clanton, Alabama, and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writer Carla K. Johnson in Washington state also contributed.
DOVER, Del. (AP)  The state House voted mostly along party lines Thursday to approve a Democrat proposal outlawing homemade ghost guns that cant be traced by law enforcement agents because they dont have serial numbers.

Three Dover-area Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the measure, which passed on a 23-18 roll call and now goes to the Senate.

A Democrat-led committee voted along party lines in March to release the bill to the full House following a nearly two-hour public hearing in which the vast majority of commenters spoke against it.

The measure is similar to a bill that failed to get a floor vote last year. It is supported by Democratic Gov. John Carney, who first proposed such a law in 2019.

The bill makes it a felony to possess or manufacture an untraceable, undetectable or covert firearm.

An undetectable firearm is defined as one constructed entirely of nonmetal substances, or with major components removed, so it is invisible to walk-through metal detectors. The definition also applies to firearms that include those major components but would not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component.

A covert firearm is defined as one built in a shape that does not resemble a gun.

An untraceable firearm is defined as one for which the sale or distribution chain cannot be traced by law enforcement officials.

The bill also criminalizes the sale, transport or possession of an unfinished firearm frame or receiver with no serial number. The legislation also would make it a crime to manufacture or distribute a firearm made with a 3-D printer or to distribute instructions on how to manufacture firearm components with a 3-D printer.

Anyone who already possesses an unfinished firearm frame or receiver  a component of a gun that houses the firing mechanism  with no serial number would have 90 days to comply with the law.

The bill is supported by gun control groups including the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action, as well as Carney and Democratic Attorney General Kathleen Jennings.

The House passed the bill after approving an amendment by Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst that removed an exemption for law enforcement officials and members of the military.

Lawmakers defeated an amendment by Republican Minority Danny Short that would have established a 90-day grace period during which anyone who owns an unfinished firearm frame or receiver with no serial number could visit a licensed firearm dealer and obtain a serial number, as long as the person passed a criminal history background check.

While its unclear whether anyone in Delaware has been injured or killed with a homemade gun, Longhurst, D-Bear, has described the bill as a preventative measure.

I think youre not seeing a lot of ghost guns now, but theyre starting to become more and more out on the streets, she said earlier this year.

Critics have said the bill will be ignored by criminals, just as they ignore existing gun laws, and will simply criminalize the hobbies and behavior of law-abiding citizens.

Were not going to prevent any crimes with this, said Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, said Thursday. This is not something thats been a problem.

Mitch Denham, president of a group called Delaware Gun Rights, has said the bills definition of a firearm receiver, which houses the hammer, bolt, and firing mechanism, does not match the federal definition. Denham suggested the current language could result in felony charges for a person who tries to obtain replacement parts for a store-bought firearm.

Under federal law, only the receiver is considered a firearm. But the law allows individuals to bypass criminal background checks required for firearm purchases by buying unfinished receivers, which do not have serial numbers and can be made fully functional with additional machine or tool work.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California workforce regulators will aim for a mid-June easing of workplace mask and social distancing requirements to conform with a broader state order, postponing a vote on whether to revise coronavirus safety rules for employees.

Cal/OSHA's staff said it would aim to make possible a targeted effective date of June 15, 2021, instead of proceeding with a proposal that would have made businesses wait until July 31 to ease some pandemic restrictions.

The same regulations also would impose new requirements that dozens of business groups called too onerous during a hearing Thursday by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board.

Having two conflicting enforcement dates would be a huge source of confusion and problems, California Chamber of Commerce policy advocate Rob Moutrie told the board.

The board delayed voting on the new rules after staff said they wanted to reconsider them based on last week's U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance that fully vaccinated people can now skip face coverings and distancing in virtually all situations.

California health officials said this week they will keep the states rules requiring indoor masking and distancing until the state more broadly lifts its pandemic restrictions on June 15, a date also endorsed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

But Cal/OSHA board members said they are inclined to temporarily retain revised workplace safety rules perhaps past July 31, over the objections of some business groups. They set a June 3 hearing to consider revised rules.

I think we need to continue to have some COVID requirements in place  the crisis isnt over. But I think we need to recognize that its been mitigated to some extent, board member Chris Laszcz-Davis said.

Cal/OSHA regulations apply in almost every workplace in California, including those in state and local governments. Its emergency temporary standards related to the pandemic apply to all employees except those working from home or where there is a single employee who does not have contact with other people.

California has made a remarkably fast transition from being an epicenter for the virus at the start of the year to a record low infection rate of less than 1% and an economy with all sectors now reopened, albeit with restrictions. More than half the states population of nearly 40 million has received at least one vaccine dose.

Employers told the board that the improvement makes the rules less necessary, while worker advocates said having half the population unvaccinated means precautions are still needed.

Proposed additional employer mandates intended to make up for some relaxed regulations would create new unnecessary burdens and requirements, said Helen Cleary, director of the Phylmar Regulatory Roundtable, a coalition of large businesses.

Business groups are particularly upset with a proposal requiring that employers provide masks for voluntary use starting July 31.

That potentially means regularly providing N95 face masks to 2 million workers, CalChamber's Moutrie said, assuming 20% of the states 20 million workers cant or wont be vaccinated and half of those work indoors. The rules also would require employers to provide free coronavirus testing during work hours to unvaccinated employees with COVID-19 symptoms.

Standards board chairman David Thomas later said he was inclined to permit less effective face coverings like his own blue surgical-style mask. But others said that easing some safeguards makes it more important that workers have the type of mask that provides the most protection.

Thomas, like other board members, said regulators must be cautious in lifting safety regulations for fear of triggering a new surge.

Hopefully were getting to a place where we can open things up, Thomas said, but weve seen this before and we just dont want to get, for lack of a better word, we dont want to get stupid.

Requiring employers to provide masks and make other provisions like installing partitions and air filters adds more burdensome obligations to employers just as the federal government is loosening restrictions and Californias Governor appears to believe California is on track to open in June, more than 40 groups said in a comment letter. They include organizations representing California cities and counties, retailers and restaurateurs.

More than 40 agricultural organizations separately objected that the state cannot reopen if businesses are still required to comply with strict and unnecessary COVID-19 restrictions.

But labor and other advocates urged caution in lifting workplace pandemic safety rules.

Every day we hear from workers about their fear of going to work, getting the virus and bringing it home to their families, said Eddie Sanchez of the Southern California Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, which advocates particularly for workers who are immigrants or people of color. We know from experience now that employers will not do whats right or whats safe on their own.

Maggie Robbins, occupational health specialist with Worksafe Inc., an Oakland-based worker advocacy group, said Cal/OSHA shouldn't ease workplace rules just because the state is relaxing requirements in social settings, a development she said could lead to basically open season in the workplace for all controls to be relaxed.

The board's staff is now reconsidering rules that would require workers to wait until July 31 before they can stop wearing masks indoors and distancing, unless everyone in the same room is fully vaccinated and not showing coronavirus symptoms.

Exemptions for fully vaccinated employees will not work if 100% of the workforce must be vaccinated to benefit, Cleary said.

But Cal/OSHA's staff warned that some regulations are needed even as conditions improved. Even if the state is able to reopen fully in June, COVID-19 is likely to remain a significant workplace hazard for months to come, if not longer, they advised the board.
FRESNO, Calif. (AP)  A California man has been arrested on accusations of possessing a massive collection of child pornography, authorities said.

Michael Martin, 55, of Fresno was arrested Tuesday, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.
MBABANE - As the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many devastating effects in Eswatini, there is no one way to package what the ordinary young liSwati woman went through with this pandemic.

The campaign created an opportunity for women to share some of the challenges young emaSwati have been through, and to inspire the ultimate community self-care package with over 20 sponsors locally and internationally. The #ShareThePie campaign aimed to encourage, inspire, motivate, and restore dignity for four deserving women focusing on giving a new beginning defined by them. The founder, Phelele Fakudze is a proud liSwati, who has a strong passion for women empowerment. For her birthday (May 17, 2021) she gave hope, inspiration, love and motivation to four women as part of her campaign. With this, over 50 women shared their experiences through voice notes and ultimately, four women received their ultimate self-care packages from Leendor M and Sands yesterday.

deserve

The Phelele Pie founder said, We all deserve a soft life, kindness and love. We have been through a lot during the pandemic and may this be a reminder you are not alone. On the other hand, Red Note Africas Khetsiwe Dlamini said It has been an honor to bring Pheleles vision to life, craft the campaign and spread hope, love and kindness among women. The pandemic has brought increasingly hard times and the campaign encourages the community to come together for our own women.

The four winners are: Nothando Dube- A medical technologist who is an MBA in Healthcare Management candidate due to graduate next year (self-sponsored), supporting her family. Phumzile Gama - A single mother who previously used to transport school children and offering loans. As the pandemic continued she offered cleaning and ironing for people who needed her services. Sandra Weatherson- a single mum passionate about childhood development and fitness. Khetsiwe Ndlovu- COVID-19 hit my small business of apparel and health products hard that I had very little to no sales. It has been an awfully trying time because as a single mom, everything rests on my shoulders and without having no extra income it meant sometimes struggling to even take care of household needs.

Financial contributions to my family also hit a dive which emotionally and mentally hurt because it wasnt me to not be able to help at home. I remember at some point my anxiety got so bad that I could not talk and breath at the same time. I literally had to pace myself when talking. My new beginning includes helping other people which is something that I am passionate about. In December I co-hosted the very first of its kind in the land, Single Mothers Retreat.


IRONDALE, Ala. (AP)  Authorities said they were unsure what killed two men who were found dead in a room at a car dealership in suburban Birmingham.

The bodies of Eric Michael Simonson, 47, of Birmingham and David Rennix McHugh, 34, of Hoover were found in an upstairs office area at EchoPark Automotive early Wednesday afternoon, authorities told news outlets.
CNN anchor Chris Cuomo advised his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D, and senior members of the governor's staff on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations made earlier this year by women who had worked with the governor, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

Cuomo, one of the network's top stars, joined a series of conference calls that included the governor, his top aide, his communications team, lawyers and a number of outside advisers, according to the people familiar with the conversations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private sessions.

The calls occurred earlier this year, when a growing number of claims that Andrew Cuomo made inappropriate comments or touched women without their permission had escalated into a political crisis for the three-term governor.

The cable news anchor encouraged his brother to take a defiant position and not to resign from the governor's office, the people said. At one point, he used the phrase "cancel culture" as a reason to hold firm in the face of the allegations, two people present on one call said.

The behind-the-scenes strategy offered by Chris Cuomo, who anchors CNN's 9 p.m. nightly newscast, cuts against the widely accepted norm in journalism that those reporting the news should not be involved in politics.

"If you are actively advising a politician in trouble while being an on-air host on a news network, that's not OK," said Nicholas Lemann, a professor at Columbia Journalism School and a New Yorker staff writer.

In a statement, CNN acknowledged that Chris Cuomo took part in the strategy sessions, saying his involvement was a mistake.

"Chris has not been involved in CNN's extensive coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo - on air or behind the scenes," the network said in a statement. "In part because, as he has said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because he often serves as a sounding board for his brother."

"However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governor's staff, which Chris acknowledges," the statement added. "He will not participate in such conversations going forward."

The network said Cuomo will not be disciplined.

Chris Cuomo offered an on-air apology Thursday night, saying he recognized that he has "a unique responsibility" to balance his obligations as a journalist and a brother and that his conversations with the governor's staff created a problem for CNN.

"It will not happen again," he said. "It was a mistake because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot."

The anchor said he was walled off from coverage of the governor, without mentioning the special dispensation he received from CNN to feature him on his show during the pandemic. But Cuomo also emphasized that he was "family first; job second," saying he knows "where the line is" and can "still be there for my family, which I must."

The episodes further illuminate how the Cuomo brothers, who are 13 years apart in age, have benefited from their respective high perches in politics and the media. Early in the coronavirus pandemic, a top state Department of Health doctor was dispatched to the Hamptons to test Chris Cuomo and his family, The Washington Post previously reported.

Aides to the governor said his brother was simply part of an informal effort to provide support in the face of the harassment allegations.

"There were a few phone conversations, with friends and advisers giving the governor advice," said Rich Azzopardi, a spokesman for Andrew Cuomo.

Chris Cuomo has long been a key confidant of his brother, regularly advising him about politics, according to people who know both men.

Former and current administration officials said the anchor played an active role early in the governor's coronavirus strategy, suggesting providers for the state to secure protective equipment.

The brothers sometimes fish together in the waters off Long Island, according to those who know them.

"The governor only trusts about five people," one adviser with knowledge of the strategy sessions said. "So that's why Chris is on these calls."

Inside CNN on Thursday, several employees described a sense of unease about the role Cuomo played in advising his brother, with one calling his decision to do so "really upsetting." Another person said that in a political climate in which CNN journalists come under intense scrutiny - particularly on the right - having one of their own offering advice to a major Democratic figure felt like a self-inflicted wound. "There's a general sense of frustration," said one on-air reporter, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal conversations. "I don't think anyone was surprised they spoke about this, given they are family, but calls with lawyers and staff . . . wow."

Andrew Cuomo's conduct is under investigation by the state attorney general and the state Assembly. At least seven women have come forward to allege the governor has either made inappropriate comments to them or inappropriately touched them. Cuomo has denied the allegations but apologized if he unintentionally made some women feel uncomfortable.

When the claims against Andrew Cuomo first surfaced, Chris Cuomo was notably silent about the topic, and days later he said he could not cover the story on his show.

"Obviously, I am aware of what is going on with my brother," he told viewers on March 1, as a third accuser came forward. "And obviously I cannot cover it because he is my brother. Now, of course CNN has to cover it. They have covered it extensively and they will continue to do so. I have always cared very deeply about these issues, and profoundly so. I just want to tell you that."

His stance came as a sharp contrast to his position a year earlier, when the CNN anchor regularly interviewed his brother on his show during the height of the pandemic, with sometimes jovial, sometimes heartfelt interviews that allowed the New York governor to boast about his administration's handling of the crisis to a sympathetic interviewer.

People familiar with the strategy calls set up by the governor's office earlier this year said while Chris Cuomo regularly joined the discussions, he did not lead the calls, and he mainly gave political advice, rather than addressing the individual accounts of the women or their credibility.

The governor listened to a range of opinions on the calls, which were usually precipitated by looming news stories that demanded a response from the office, people with knowledge of the calls said.

Andrew Cuomo has taken the advice of his brother and is already gearing up to fight when investigative reports come out, according to multiple people who have spoken to him.

"I'm not going anywhere," Cuomo said in a recent phone call, according to one ally.

A Cuomo adviser said he has never considered resigning.

The revelation of Chris Cuomo's involvement in the governor's strategy sessions creates an awkward situation for CNN, which has struggled at times to explain what he is permitted to cover.

When Cuomo joined CNN in 2013, he was walled off from reporting on stories related to his brother.

But in spring of 2020, when New York was at the epicenter of the pandemic, Chris Cuomo interviewed his brother six times about the pandemic - at one point brandishing a giant nasal swab as the two discussed the virus's spread through the state and the governor's response.

Cuomo did not hide his appreciation for his brother on air.

"I hope you are able to appreciate what you did in your state and what it means for the rest of the country now and what it will always mean to those who love and care about you the most," the CNN anchor told the governor in June 2020. "I'm wowed by what you did, and more importantly, I'm wowed by how you did it. This was very hard. I know it's not over. But obviously I love you as a brother, obviously I'll never be objective, obviously I think you're the best politician in the country."

CNN explained the exception by saying that the early months of the pandemic were an extraordinary time, and that allowing the brothers to speak about a pandemic ravaging millions of American families was of significant human interest.

When former aide Lindsey Boylan posted her account in February of alleged harassment by Andrew Cuomo, other CNN anchors covered the story.

The following day, CNN's John King reported her accusations, leading with the governor's denial. Jake Tapper covered the allegations as well, noting that "problems are piling up for Democratic governor of New York Andrew Cuomo."

Chris Cuomo was among the governor's relatives who gained special access to state-administered coronavirus tests last year when the administration dispatched state health officials to their homes and expedited their test results, as The Post previously reported.

Administration officials have declined to comment on Cuomo family members receiving testing priority, citing laws protecting health privacy. Officials said that home tests were provided to members of the public in communities that were hard-hit.

The state doctor who administered tests to Chris Cuomo and his family, Eleanor Adams, recently resigned from her government position, the health department confirmed.
DENVER (AP)  Leaders in a northern Colorado school district are condemning a social media post in which three high school students  one in blackface  reenacted the death of George Floyd.

The photo, which appeared to be originally posted to Snapchat, showed a student in blackface lying on the ground as one teen kneels on his neck and another kneels on his back, The Denver Post reported Thursday. A caption above the photo reads, Bye bye senoirs (sic).

Mead High School Principal Rachael Ayers sent a letter to students and their families Wednesday saying the highly offensive photo was taken on school grounds and that the administration has begun an investigation.

I know that this behavior does not represent our strong Maverick community, and I want to acknowledge the supportive school culture our students, faculty and staff have cultivated through a challenging time, she wrote.

St. Vrain Valley School District Superintendent Don Haddad on Thursday called the photo disgusting and disturbing, adding that the district about 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Denver has no tolerance for racism and is committed to diversity and equality.

He welcomed students to contact the school counseling office if they need additional support.

It's unclear when the photo was taken, and the students were not identified. The photo surfaced almost exactly a year after then-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin killed Floyd.

Floyd, 46, died May 25, 2020, after Chauvin pinned him to the ground with a knee on his neck as the Black man repeatedly said he couldnt breathe. Chauvin was convicted last month of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing.

Floyd's death and the protests that followed prompted a wave of police reforms in dozens of states, from changes in use-of-force policies to greater accountability for officers.
BUCHAREST (AP)  The European Court of Human Rights on Thursday ruled against a member of the European Union parliament who claimed that a lockdown to curb COVID-19 infections in his native Romania last year deprived him of liberty.

Cristian Terhes, a member of the European Parliament since 2019, had filed a case with the court arguing that Romania's March 24-May 14 national lockdown amounted to administrative detention.

A panel of seven judges at the ECHR unanimously rejected Terhes claims, ruling them inadmissible. The court said the lockdown could not be equated with house arrest.

He had not been subject to individual surveillance by the authorities and did not claim to have been forced to live in a cramped space, nor had he been deprived of all social contact, the court said in a news release explaining the ruling.

The ECHR panel also noted that Terhes  a former Catholic priest who has spoken out in the European Parliament against the potential introduction of digital green certificates, sometimes called coronavirus passports  had not provided any information describing his actual experience of the lockdown.

The EU legislator vowed to continue this fight to defend the rights and freedoms of all Romanians and Europeans.

Through this decision, the ECHR has set a precedent after which Europe is no longer a space of freedom but of mass closure and surveillance, as is Russia and China," Terhes said. "Based on this precedent the freedom of Europeans can be violated by governments as long as it is done en masse."

During the lockdown period at issue in the case, authorities advised people in Romania against leaving their homes between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. There was also a 10 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew.

Residents in Romania could legally leave their homes providing they carried an official exemption form detailing their reasons, their whereabouts and a timeframe for their activity.

No individual preventive measures had been taken against the applicant," the court said, adding that "the measure in question could not be equated with house arrest.

The decision is final, the court said.

Council of Europe spokesperson Andrew Cutting said the case was the first directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic to be considered by a 7-judge panel of the European Court of Human Rights. He also said that 17 other pandemic-related cases are pending.
BOSTON (AP)  A courtroom sketch artist who drew pictures of defendants in some of the most notorious cases tried in federal court in Boston, and whose work was used by news outlets worldwide, has died, according to her family.

Jane Flavell Collins, died Sunday, her son, Peter, told WBZ-TV.

She was 84.

Cameras are not allowed in federal courtrooms so The Associated Press as well as local media outlets would often call on Collins to capture the goings-on during trial.

She sketched Boston gangster James Whitey Bulger and shoe bomber Richard Reid, disgraced Massachusetts politicians like former House Speaker Sal DiMasi, and more recently, actors Lori Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, when they were sentenced in the college admissions bribery scandal.

Collins did not set out to be a sketch artist.

A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, she trained in Italy in her 20s.

Never in a million years did I think my art would lead me in this direction, she told The Boston Globe for a story in 2018.

She honed her portrait skills while still in college, making a few extra bucks by drawing tourists on Cape Cod.

Even as a young art student, I liked drawing portraits, she told the Duxbury Clipper newspaper last June. I worked in Hyannis drawing quick portraits for about $2 apiece back then.

She also painted landscapes in acrylics, oils and watercolors, and drew portraits that she displayed on her website.

Born in 1937 in Rockland, she had most recently lived in Duxbury.

Her husband, Peter Collins, died in 2019. Her sister, Constance Flavell Pratt, also a courtroom sketch artist, died in 2016.

She is survived by three sons, six grandchildren, and a brother. Funeral arrangements are pending.
PRAGUE (AP)  Thousands of people rallied against the Czech Republic's justice minister Thursday, accusing her of undermining the independence of the country's legal system and spreading misinformation about the investigation of a huge ammunition depot explosion allegedly caused by Russian spies.

The protesters in Prague called on Czech Justice Minister Marie Benesova to resign and said if she does not, they will hold more rallies across the country next week and march through the capital on June 1.

Benesova was the only member of the current coalition government who backed President Milos Zeman after he said that the 2014 blast could have been caused by human error or some other cause. The demonstrators repeatedly accused Zeman of treason.

Known for his pro-Russian views, Zeman claimed there was no conclusive evidence about the Russian involvement in the ammunition explosion. His words were widely repeated by Russian media and authorities.

All other government ministers, including Prime Minister Andrej Babis, as well as lawmakers and officials briefed on the investigation, said thats not true.

Banesova, a close ally of the president, strongly criticized the countrys prosecutor general, Pavel Zeman, for his public comments on the blast investigation. The prosecutor general resigned from his post last week, citing pressure from the justice minister.

The demonstrators demanded leaving the naming of a new prosecutor general until after the next general election, set for October.

Czech leaders said on April 17 that they had evidence pointing to the participation of two agents from Russias military spy agency in the depot explosion that killed two people. Russia has denied that.

The same two Russians were charged by British authorities in absentia in 2018 with trying to kill former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury.

The findings resulted in a serious diplomatic crisis between the Czech Republic and Russia, with dozens of diplomats ordered to leave their respective embassies.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Seven of the protesters charged with tearing down a historical marker in the Santa Fe plaza last fall have agreed to a diversion program that will spare them jail time, the district attorney said in a statement Thursday.

As part of the deal, they agreed to perform community service and participate in restorative justice mediation.

The Obelisk case defendants meet the criteria I set out for diversionary programming. We have reached a resolution after months of careful investigation and negotiation between defendants, their attorneys, and my office that ensures justice while working toward community healing, said District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, in a statement citing a promise to divert non-violent and first-time offenders.

The restorative justice program aims to shape a resolution that is agreeable to all parties between defendants and victims, DA spokeswoman Jennifer Padgett Macias said. Police, city employees and other community members will be invited to join the program.

Defendant and art gallery owner Steven Fox did not accept the deal.

Around 40 people participated in the destruction of the stone obelisk Oct. 13, as part of a nationwide protest against atrocities committed against Indigenous people.

The monument was erected to honor Union troops who battled the Confederacy during the Civil War and fought with Native American tribes.

One face of the monument honors heroes who died in battle with savage Indians. The word savage was chiseled out by an activist in the 1970s and never replaced.

Statues of Spanish conquistadores long venerated by many in New Mexicos Hispanic community have been removed from public view in the past year out of fear they too would be destroyed.

___

Attanasio 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 under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter.
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (AP)  A drawbridge in coastal Mississippi is set to reopen this week following a two-month closure for repairs.

The Fort Bayou Bridge on Hwy. 609 through Ocean Springs will be operational again on Thursday, the state Department of Transportation announced in a statement.
SITEKI  With the feud still not over at Macetjeni Umphakatsi, police from the Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU) have set up camp at the chiefdom.

Two months ago, a dispute ensued at the chiefdom over the land where the new umphakatsi under Chief Mshengu is being built. The police were deployed and they have been conducting routine patrols during the day and at night. This has been changed as security measures were last week enforced as the umphakatsis regiments huts (tihonco) are still being constructed, hence the permanent deployment of the police at the chiefdom. The infighting between members of the umphakatsi household stemmed from the land where the umphakatsi is being built.

Macetjeni Indvuna Sipho Mamba confirmed the latest developments, mentioning that with the regiments huts still being constructed, the police were ordered to permanently camp at the chiefdom to monitor the situation.

When the infighting started, the police were deployed and conducted routine patrols during the day and night to maintain peace and order while work on the building of the new umphakatsi continues. They have permanently set up camp at the umphakatsi and the regiments huts are expected to be completed next month, Mamba said.

When asked if there were any fights that erupted recently, Mamba said the presence of the police had ensured that order and peace prevailed at the umphakatsi while work continued. The presence of the police has brought order as things are normal and we continue to do our work without any disturbances. We will await the final order from the Ludzidzini Royal Council as they have to issue a ruling on this matter, the indvuna said.

Ludzidzini Governor Lusendvo Fakudze said the matter was reported to the council and highlighted that the police presence was to maintain peace and order. We know the matter and the police are there to diffuse any violent acts that might take place, he said.

Volatile

Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said police would always maintain peace and order where there was a volatile situation. We dont discuss security operations as that information is classified, she said when asked about the OSSU officers who had set up a camp at the Macetjeni umphakatsi. Last month, three sons born by Inkhosikati laFakudze from the late Chief, Prince Maguga, namely Mnakwa, Mbuso, Mabutfo and Bongani, appeared at the Siphofaneni Magistrates Court charged with assault.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Ethiopia will hold its delayed parliamentary elections on June 21, the countrys national electoral board announced Thursday, a vote that determines who will be prime minister.

There will be no voting in the embattled Tigray region.

The elections were to have taken place on June 5, but were postponed earlier this month after officials said the electoral board needed more time to print ballot papers, train polling staff and register voters.

According to the revised schedule, voting will take place after June 21 in some areas because of security concerns and to allow more time for voters to register, the electoral board said.

Ethiopia twice postponed the elections last year citing the coronavirus pandemic and logistical issues.

The delays heightened tensions with regional leaders in Tigray, who disputed the legitimacy of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds government after its mandate expired in October. Tigray's leaders held their own unauthorized poll in that region, provoking the government.

Abiy ordered troops into the region in early November, after regional Tigrayan forces allegedly attacked a federal army base. Six months later, thousands have been killed in the conflict in Tigray, which holds 6 million people. Reports of atrocities have led U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to allege that ethnic cleansing is taking place in western Tigray.

On Thursday the U.S. senate passed a resolution condemning all violence against civilians in Tigray and calling for the withdrawal of troops from neighboring Eritrea, which also sent troops to the region.

Abiy, who came to power in 2018 and introduced a range of sweeping democratic reforms, has promised that the poll will be free and fair. He will remain prime minister if his party wins a majority of seats in Ethiopias parliament.

But his government is struggling to contain ethnic violence in several regions of Ethiopia and the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress has pledged to boycott the vote, saying its faces harassment by the authorities. Several of its leaders are still in prison following a wave of violent unrest sparked last summer by the killing of an Oromo musician.

The European Union has said it would not observe the vote after the government failed to guarantee the independence of its mission and allow it to import communications equipment. In response, Ethiopia said external observers are neither essential nor necessary to certify the credibility of an election.

Earlier this month, the electoral board said it had registered 31.7 million voters out of a target of 50 million of Ethiopia's 110 million people.
BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union citizens can start packing for summer vacations in the bloc's 27 nations without having to worry about quarantines: they soon should be able to travel freely across the EU.

European Union legislators and member countries found a compromise Thursday for launching COVID-19 certificates before the height of the summer holiday season, a move aimed at boosting travel and tourism following the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.

The various players managed to reconcile their differences during another round of discussions, paving the way for the trans-border travel passes to be introduced. Officials said the system should be up and running by July 1.

This agreement is the first step to get the Schengen Area back on track," European Parliament rapporteur Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar said, referring to Europe's passport-free travel zone. It will make all the difference, and it wont be repeating the nightmare of Summer 2020.

The European Commission said the certificates will be issued in digital format and designed to be shown either on smartphones or paper. It guaranteed that a very high level of data protection will be ensured.

When it proposed the certificate plan in March, the executive commission said the documents would be given to EU residents who can prove they have been vaccinated, as well as those who tested negative for the virus or had proof they recovered from COVID-19.

EU lawmakers and nations agreed on that, but the European Parliament insisted that COVID-19 certificates should be enough to allow EU citizens to move about freely in all member countries, and that governments shouldnt be allowed to impose extra restrictions on certificate-holders, such as quarantines and more tests.

Since border controls are a national responsibility, EU member nations were not ready to relinquish their prerogatives. Another roadblock was the price of tests, as lawmakers insisted the tests should be free of charge,

Under the compromise sealed Thursday, the European Commission said it would allocate 100 million euros in EU funds ($122 million) for the purchase of virus tests compatible with the certificates.

This should particularly benefit persons who cross borders daily or frequently to go to work or school, visit close relatives, seek medical care, or to take care of loved ones," the parliament said.

Negotiators agreed that, if necessary, additional funding should be mobilized, subject to approval by the budgetary authorities.

As for the extra travel requirements that EU members might be tempted to introduce, the 27 nations agreed they shall refrain" from imposing additional restrictions unless they are necessary and proportionate to safeguard public health."

The proposal should now go to member states for formal adoption and to the European Parliament for ratification during its next plenary session in June. The EUs executive branch has already started working on the initiative's technical aspects with EU countries.

Work still remains," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. At EU level, the system will be ready in the next few days. It is now crucial that all member states press ahead with the roll-out of their national systems to ensure that the system can be up and running as soon as possible. This is what EU citizens rightly expect."

All vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency  currently, that's the ones made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson - will be automatically recognized. National governments will be allowed to include other vaccines which havent received EU market authorization.

Under the provisional agreement, the certificate regulation would be in place for 12 months.

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Raf Casert in Brussels contributed to this story.

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Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Parliament warned China on Thursday it won't ratify a long-awaited business investment deal as long as sanctions against European Union legislators remain in place.

EU lawmakers adopted a resolution in which they condemned the baseless and arbitrary sanctions" imposed by Beijing on European individuals and institutions in March.

The European Parliaments criticism was echoed by European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, who said after a meeting of EU trade ministers that Chinas sanctions haven't created a favorable environment for a deal to be concluded.

We cannot see this process of ratification outside of the broader context of EU-China relations, he said.

The European Parliament said Beijings sanctions amount to an attack on fundamental freedoms and urge the Chinese authorities to lift these wholly unjustified restrictive measures.

The text was approved in 599-30 vote with 58 abstentions.

Among those targeted were five members of the European Parliament: Reinhard Butikofer, Michael Gahler, Raphael Glucksmann, Ilhan Kyuchyuk and Miriam Lexmann.

China made its sanctions move after the EU, Britain, Canada and the United States launched coordinated sanctions against officials in China over human rights abuses in the far western Xinjiang region.

The European Parliament's hard stance is likely to delay the ratification of the multi-billion investment accord that was agreed in principle in December and needs lawmakers' approval to take effect.

In addition to the lifting of sanctions, legislators said they will take into account the human rights situation in China when deciding to greenlight the multi-billion deal.

The EU hopes the agreement, known as CAI, will help correct an imbalance in market access and create new investment opportunities for European companies in China by ensuring they can compete on an equal footing when operating in the country. EU companies face competition from state-owned Chinese enterprises that may get government support and easier access to financing.

We were going to tackle the trade imbalance. But if you see what came out over the past months, we have extreme worry about human rights violations, especially if you look at slave labor," Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sigrid Kaag said. And there are many companies investing in Xinjiang and it is unclear how the production happens and if slave labor is being used."

According to EU figures, China is now the blocs second-biggest trading partner behind the United States, and the EU is Chinas largest trading partner. China and Europe trade on average over 1 billion euros a day.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Wednesday that the agreement is a balanced, mutually beneficial and win-win agreement, not a gift from one party to the other."

Second, Chinas sanctions on the relevant EU institutions and personnel who have long maliciously spread lies and false information on Xinjiang issues and seriously damaged Chinas sovereignty and interests are necessary to safeguard its national interests, Zhao said at a regular news briefing Wednesday. It is also a necessary, legitimate and just response to the European sides confrontation with sanctions. It is clear cut that who unreasonably provoked troubles first and who was forced to take legitimate response.

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Raf Casert in Brussels, and Joe McDonald, in Beijing contributed to this story.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  A former Four Oaks youth counselor who pleaded guilty in March to sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy has been allowed to withdraw the plea after learning the deal she had reached with prosecutors wouldnt be honored.

Danielle Hook, 29, was set to be sentenced on Tuesday when she learned that the judge in her case would not grant her suspended prison sentences after she pleaded guilty in March to third-degree sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, The Gazette of Cedar Rapids reported.
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP)  A former northern New Mexico mayor was convicted Thursday on two felony counts of public corruption.

A sentencing date hasn't been set for ex-Las Vegas Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron. She faces up to 18 months in prison on each of the counts.
VALDOSTA, Ga. (AP)  A former supervisor at a south Georgia prison has pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of two prisoners in two incidents in 2018.

Federal prosecutors say Patrick Sharpe, who was a correctional officer at Valdosta State Prison, was escorting a prisoner across prison grounds in September 2018 when he wrapped a pair of handcuffs around the man's fist and punched the man twice in the face and once in the back of his head. The man briefly lost consciousness and suffered cuts to his face and head, prosecutors said.
WARWICK, R.I. (AP)  The former mayor of Warwick, Rhode Island died Thursday, according to his family.

It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Joseph J. Solomon, Sr. announce his passing in the early morning hours of May 20, 2021. Joseph died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family," the statement said.
NEW YORK (AP)  Eighteen electronic devices taken during raids last month on Rudy Giulianis home and his law firm in a probe of his dealings in Ukraine belong to Giuliani and employees of his firm, Manhattan prosecutors revealed Thursday.

The previously redacted facts were disclosed when prosecutors re-filed an April 29 letter on the public record in Manhattan federal court. The raids occurred April 28.

They disclosed that 18 electronic devices were seized in the search of locations belonging to the former New York mayor and private lawyer to ex-President Donald Trump and his firm, Giuliani Partners LLC. Prosecutors said the devices belonged to Giuliani and certain employees of Giuliani Partners.

The letter had sought the appointment of a special master to ensure nothing subject to attorney-client privilege was revealed to the government.

The investigation is examining Giulianis ties to Ukraine and whether he violated a federal law that governs lobbying on behalf of foreign countries or entities.

Giuliani has insisted that his activities in Ukraine were conducted on behalf of Trump. At the time, Giuliani was leading a campaign to press Ukraine for an investigation into then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.

Some Ukrainians who were in touch with Giuliani have said publicly that they also hoped he could help them with other matters in the U.S., including arranging meetings with the U.S. attorney general and ousting the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch.

Giuliani has maintained through his lawyers that prosecutors had no reason for the raids last month because they had already accessed materials from his Apple iCloud account in 2019.

On the same day of the Giuliani searches, a third search warrant was served on a phone belonging to Washington lawyer Victoria Toensing, a former federal prosecutor and close ally of Giuliani and Trump. Her law firm has said she was informed that she is not a target of the investigation.

In the letter posted publicly Thursday, prosecutors said the device seized from Toensing was brought to the Southern District of New York, which includes Manhattan, on April 28 and the government sought and obtained a warrant to search for device for evidence of enumerated offenses.

Prosecutors also withdrew redactions that had referenced search warrants they obtained in November 2019 for iCloud accounts for Giuliani and Toensing and for an email account belonging to Toensing.

They said the government has used a filter team composed of prosecutors and FBI agents who are not part of the criminal probe to review the 2019 materials to safeguard materials protected by attorney-client privilege.

Prosecutors said their review of materials taken in 2019 was substantially complete. They also said they believed that some, but not all, of the materials on the electronic devices seized last month could be the same as materials seized in 2019.

Lawyers for Giuliani have challenged last month's raids on the grounds that anything gathered from the 2019 search warrants was illegally obtained because investigators improperly intruded on private communications with the president during their secret inquiry.

In a letter to a Manhattan judge that was made public last week, Giuliani's lawyers said prosecutors treated "a distinguished lawyer as if he was the head of a drug cartel or a terrorist, in order to create maximum prejudicial coverage of both Giuliani, and his most well known client  the former President of the United States.

Late Thursday, prosecutors publicly filed a response to those arguments, saying that the government has gone above and beyond what is required by requesting appointment of a special master to protect Giuliani and Toensing from anything subject to attorney-client privilege.

To be clear, the mere fact that Giuliani and Toensing are lawyers does not mean that they are above the law or immune to criminal investigation. Yet that is effectively what Giuliani and Toensing argue, they wrote.

Prosecutors also revealed in the letter that the FBI had successfully downloaded 11 devices belonging to Giuliani and returned them to him. They said seven more devices belonging to Giuliani and his business cannot be fully accessed without a passcode and will require more time to unlock.

They added that the FBI has already downloaded and returned Toensings device and investigators have not reviewed any of the materials yet.

Asked about the identities of the other individuals whose devices were seized at Giulianis firm, defense attorney Robert Costello said Thursday in a text message that he could not comment.

A spokesperson for prosecutors also declined comment.

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Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
MULBERRY, Fla. (AP)  A Florida tow truck driver is facing murder charges after police say he fatally shot a man who had come to retrieve his vehicle from a tow yard.

Polk County sheriff's deputies say Michael Shane Denn II, 29, was jailed Thursday without bail on a second-degree murder charge. Jail records did not list an attorney for him.
A foundation launched by prominent Asian American business leaders earlier this month said Thursday it has raised more than $1 billion to support Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

The announcement from The Asian American Foundation, or TAAF, came minutes after President Joe Biden signed legislation aimed at curtailing the rise in hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States.

Sonal Shah, the foundation's president, and TAAF board members were also at the White House, where they briefed administration officials, including domestic policy adviser Susan Rice. They discussed how the foundation plans to spend the $1.1 billion in donations to fight back against hate crimes directed at these communities, according to a statement from the foundation. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris dropped by the meeting to express their support, the foundation said.

Thursday's news builds on the foundation's prior announcement that it had raised $300 million from its board members and other donors. More donors have since pledged contributions to its AAPI Giving Challenge," an initiative to bring additional funding to Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations that have traditionally been neglected in philanthropy.

TAFF was founded to close critical gaps of support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and end the longstanding underinvestment in our communities, said Shah, who previously served as a deputy assistant to former President Barack Obama. Todays historic announcement should send a clear signal to the 23 million AAPIs living in this country that TAAF and our AAPI Giving Challenge partners are here to upend the status quo in favor of a better, brighter future for AAPI communities."

The Asian American Foundation has said its giving will focus on supporting organizations and leaders measuring and challenging violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders; developing a common data standard that tracks violence and hate incidents; and helping create K-12 and college curriculums that reflect the history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders as part of the American story.

Members of the foundation's advisory council, including CNN host Lisa Ling and actor Daniel Dae Kim, virtually joined the White House meeting alongside representatives from donors, including Mastercard and the MacArthur Foundation.

Separately, TAFF is producing a TV special designed to expand support for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The program, called See Us Unite for Change  The Asian American Foundation in service of the AAPI Community," will air Friday on multiple channels, including MTV, BET, VH1 and Comedy Central.

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The Associated Press receives support from the Lilly Endowment for coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
MBABANE  Their father left more than E8 million cash and other valuables but they are now purportedly struggling to make ends meet.

This is the story of a Magagula family after the master of the High Court reportedly refused to release part of the money for the upkeep of the family. The executor of the estate, Phumaphi Magagula, now wants the High Court to compel the master to authorise in writing for Nedbank Swaziland to forthwith release the requested sum of E125 000. I am unable to even explain to the surviving spouses and the children of the deceased why they remain without food and maintenance yet their father and husband left more than E8 million cash in his bank accounts at Nedbank. E125 000 is just a small fraction of the available money, contended the executor.

She is further praying for an order directing the master of the High Court to refrain from doing anything that causes unlawful interference in her (executor) duties. The executor is represented by Sikhumbuzo Simelane of SM Simelane Attorneys.

In her application, which has been filed under a certificate of urgency, Phumaphi submitted that the deceased, Mathanda Magagula, was her father and he died testate on March 28, 2021 at Medisun Clinic in Ezulwini.

According to the executor, in his last Will and Testament, Mathanda appointed her to be an executrix testamentary. She submitted that in line with the law and procedure, the Will was read and explained to all the beneficiaries at Ntondozi and minutes were allegedly prepared and filed in the office of the master. She informed the court that her late father made a special provision regarding his burial and appointed her brother Musa Magagula to take care of the burial ceremony.

Release

When, we as a family, went to the Masters Office to authorise the release of the money from the deceaseds Nedbank account to cater for the funeral expenses, we experienced resistance and lack of cooperation, so much that some expenses which were necessary were queried and ultimately less money was authorised, she averred. She alleged that as a family, they brushed that off and hoped things would improve once an executor had been appointed. According to Phumaphi, after she was appointed and given letters of administration, the master of the High Court refused to authorise the release of monies which were necessary for the funding of the day-to-day expenses and maintenance costs of the two living spouses and children.
BERLIN (AP)  A German army officer who posed as a Syrian asylum-seeker went on trial Thursday accused of plotting to kill prominent politicians and blame the attack on refugees.

Federal prosecutors say the defendant, identified only as 1st Lt. Franco A. due to German privacy rules, acted out of far-right extremist motives. The case has raised concerns about extremism in the countrys military.
PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP)  As Alyssa Bonal fought the strange man who had just grabbed her by the throat, threatened her with a knife and dragged her toward his van, she had the presence of mind to get as much of the blue slime she had been playing with on him as possible, so police could identify him.

The 11-year-old Pensacola girl said she learned the importance of evidence from her favorite TV show, the long-running detective series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Alyssa had been attacked Tuesday as she awaited her school bus, her near-abduction captured by a neighbor's home security camera.

I was able to get the slime onto his upper arm and a little bit on his lower arm," Alyssa told NBC's Today show in an interview that aired Thursday. I knew that might be better evidence if the cops do find him.

Her intuition proved right. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said when his detectives arrested Jared Paul Stanga late Tuesday after a massive manhunt, his arms were still streaked with blue dye.

Stanga, 30, remained jailed Thursday on $1.5 million bond on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and assault. His attorney, Robert Dees, questioned Stanga's arrest during a Wednesday court hearing, saying Alyssa did not definitively pick him from a photo lineup and initially said her attacker was Hispanic. Stanga is white.

Prosecutors said the evidence against Stanga is strong. In addition to the slime, the silver bumper of his van had just been painted black  detectives during the manhunt had described the silver bumper in their bulletin to the public. They say Stanga was also seen making a purchase at a nearby convenience store minutes after the attack wearing the same clothes as the assailant, and he texted his boss saying he would be late because he had to take his child to school  even though the child is attending school online.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children says abductions by strangers are rare, making up less than 1% of reported cases. Most abductions are committed by someone known to the child, such as a parent who doesn't have custody.

The security camera video shows Alyssa alone on the traffic island at 7 a.m. Tuesday. A white van passes her  she looks at it as it drives away. She had told her mom and teacher two weeks earlier that a man in a white van had approached her at the bus stop, speaking Spanish to her and making her feel uncomfortable.

The van returned a minute later and stopped. The driver jumped out and ran at Alyssa, reaching behind himself as if pulling a knife. She grabbed her backpack and tried to flee, but the man put her in a headlock and dragged her toward his van.

She struggled, saying she kicked at his legs, causing them both to fall to the ground. She broke free and ran back to the nearby mobile home park where she lives with her mom and two siblings. The man ran back to his van and sped away.

Her first words were, Somebody tried to kidnap me. He grabbed me by my throat and he had a knife,'" her mother, Amber Bonal, told the Pensacola News Journal. She said, Mom, I had to leave some sort of evidence behind, like on Law & Order SVU. Weve watched probably every episode on Hulu. Shes a smart cookie, she thinks on her toes."

Amber Bonal said she had been walking her daughter to the bus stop every morning since the strange man approached the girl, but as they were leaving Tuesday, her 18-month-old daughter suddenly needed a diaper change and she feared Alyssa would miss her bus.

I told her to go ahead and I would be out there in a minute. I start changing the babys diaper. I hadnt even finished changing the diaper before she ran back in the house," Bonal said.

Bonal said the pandemic has been hard on the family. A single mom, she hasn't been able to run her house cleaning business and struggles to pay her rent. But Alyssa takes the hardships in stride, she said, making the honor roll at her elementary school and looking after her baby sister.

She said her daughter is doing well and perhaps doesn't fully comprehend what might have happened if the attacker had gotten her into the van.

If she would have been taken  Amber told the newspaper, covering her eyes as she began to cry. If she would have been taken, I could have lost her forever.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Negotiations between the White House and Senate Republicans over President Joe Biden's $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan are hitting a crucial stage ahead of talks Friday after the latest GOP offer left some dismay in the administration that there wasn't more movement off the Republicans' initial $568 billion proposal.

Republicans did increase their offer and have been working in good faith with the White House, according to a Republican granted anonymity to discuss the private talks.

But the slog of the closed-door talks is certain to spark fresh worries from Democrats that time is slipping to strike a compromise. The president's team had set a soft Memorial Day deadline to determine if a deal was within reach.

At the White House, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said productive conversations are underway on Capitol Hill.

The White House team is expected to resume talks with the senators Friday. Were looking forward to constructive conversations, Psaki said.

Securing a vast infrastructure plan is Bidens top priority as he seeks to make good on his campaign pledge to build back better in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis and the economic churn from a shifting economy. With narrow Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, the president is reaching out to Republicans for support on a potentially bipartisan approach rather than relying simply on his own party to muscle the proposal to passage. But Republicans are refusing Bidens idea of a corporate tax hike to pay for the investments.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell reiterated Thursday on Fox News that tax hikes on corporations or the wealthiest Americans are nonstarters. Republicans are unwilling to undo their signature domestic accomplishment with Trump, the 2017 tax cuts, which reduced the corporate rate from 35% to 21%. Biden proposes lifting the corporate tax to 28%.

If theyre willing to settle on target a infrastructure bill without revisiting the 2017 tax bill well work with them, McConnell told Foxs Larry Kudlow, a former Trump adviser. But he said a package topping $2 trillion or more is not going to have any Republican support.

The administration and the GOP senators have been in talks ever since Biden met with a core group of Republican negotiators last week over the possibility of working together on a plan. The White House dispatched the Transportation and Commerce secretaries and top aides to Capitol Hill to meet with the Republicans late Tuesday after the president asked the senators to provide more details on their initial offer.

The lead Republican negotiator, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, was encouraged by the talks and expected the White House to be back in touch by week's end, her office said.

But there was not a significantly changed offer from the Republicans during their meeting with the administration this week, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

The White Houses hopes for a bipartisan deal on infrastructure have cooled but they have not abandoned the effort, according to an administration official not authorized to speak publicly about the private conversations. There was some dismay that the Republican counteroffer did not substantially budge from the partys original $568 billion proposal, leaving it far short of the White Houses plan, according to the official.

A team of West Wing officials, including senior advisor Steve Ricchetti and head of legislative affairs Louisa Terrell, were expected to talk Friday with Republicans on the proposal.

The administration had set a soft deadline of Memorial Day to gauge if enough progress had been made to forge a bipartisan deal or whether it would need to proceed along party lines. Biden has reveled in the face-to-face negotiations, aides said, and has expressed hope to bring Republicans along. And West Wing officials have been hearted by the public comments made by some of the GOP negotiating team, including Capito, the official said.

But the outward talks of progress have not translated into the two sides getting much closer to a deal. Beyond the significant gap in the two sides visions for the size of the package, there has been little discussion of how to reach an agreement on how to pay for it.

One GOP senator in the talks suggested tapping unspent funds from the massive COVID-19 aid package to help pay for the infrastructure investment, the Republican said. Other funds could be tapped from uncollected tax revenues or public-private partnerships.

One strategy that had gained momentum 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 Bidens priorities on climate investments and the so-called human infrastructure of child care, education and hospitals on their own.

But, administration aides believe, if such an "infrastructure only bipartisan deal is far smaller than Bidens original proposal, the White House risks a rebellion from Democrats who could claim that the president made a bad deal and missed the moment to pass a sweeping, transformational package.

For now, Republicans and the White House are tangled over the definitions of infrastructure as Biden seeks new investments in hospitals, child care centers and electric vehicles for this first bill, and Republicans remain more narrowly focused on traditional roads, bridges and other hard infrastructure projects. McConnell has said they could go as high as $800 billion on a package.

But House and Senate Democrats say much of what Republicans proposed so far is simply existing spending and nowhere near that amount.

At the same time, House Republicans are working on their own alternative to Bidens plan.
ATLANTA (AP)  The leader of a conservative group told Georgia state lawmakers Thursday that free speech rights of Americans should at least partially override the private property rights of internet companies, arguing that large technology companies are improperly censoring speech.

The House Science and Technology Committee hearing could lay groundwork for Georgia lawmakers next year to consider bills meant to oppose such censorship, although chairman Ed Setzler, an Acworth Republican, said he didn't favor the remedies that lawmakers in other states have brought forward thus far. But Setzler said he believed social media companies may be public accommodations, like a restaurant or hotel, that can't legally discriminate against customers.

The hearing featured testimony from the Heartland Institute, a conservative group that has testified on more than 20 proposals being considered. Leaders of the Illinois-based group said 70 bills have been introduced in 33 states this year. They argue lawmakers should act to force the companies to allow free expression.

We have unalienable rights to share our ideas, our political, cultural and religious ideas, and in the 21st Century, the public square is the internet," said James Taylor, Heartland's president.

Conservatives have said for some time that their viewpoints are discriminated against by companies including Facebook and Twitter. Those concerns rose after social media companies shut down Donald Trump's accounts after rioters breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, concluding that Trump had incited violence.

We are here in my personal opinion because Facebook and Twitter have limited President Trump, said Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, a Decatur Democrat.

Setzler disagreed with OIiver's statement, saying he wanted to direct this in a way that's productive" and look for a long-term solution.

Heartland argues that a 1996 federal law only allows internet companies to remove sexually explicit or excessively violent material. Taylor argued state lawmakers were free to block internet companies from removing or downplaying other kinds of material.

The whims of politics, they shift, they change," Taylor said. "And if you allow, whether its a few corporations or any entity, the right to restrict our free speech, then we are setting ourselves up for a recurrence of oppression.

Florida lawmakers have passed a bill that seeks to block companies from removing political candidates from their platforms and orders the company to provide users an option to see all content posted without influence of a filter or algorithm. It's likely to face legal challenges. Other states have considered measures that would ban viewpoint discrimination, let people sue over such discrimination, or ban governments from doing business with companies that states conclude are engaged in censorship.

Democrats are skeptical of the arguments, saying Georgia shouldn't infringe on private companies and that the First Amendment only bars government from limiting speech.

Are you arguing that people have a constitutional right to use Facebook, Twitter and other platforms? asked Rep. Shea Roberts, an Atlanta Democrat.

Other Democrats argued the problem is better left to federal authorities.

What we're talking about is seizing the printing press, so everyone, no matter how unpopular, is able to express themselves," said Rep. David Dreyer, an Atlanta Democrat. "And if there is a monopoly on printing presses, there is a way to deal with that, and it is federal antitrust law.

Rep. Chuck Martin, an Alpharetta Republican, said he thought lawmakers needed to walk a fine line, but said he found the choices made by tech companies to be subjective.

If theres going to be speech allowed, it should not be censored from one group or another," Martin said.

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Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy.
PHOENIX (AP)  Daniel Hernandez Jr., the intern hailed as a hero for helping save the life of then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords following an attempted assassination a decade ago, announced Thursday he's running to represent her former district in Congress.

Hernandez was a 20-year-old college student in his first week interning for Giffords when he went to her Congress on your corner constituent event where a gunman opened fire killing six and injuring 13, including Giffords, in 2011. He kept the congresswoman conscious and applied pressure to her head wound until paramedics arrived.
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Romanian authorities confiscated 1,452 kilograms (3,200 pounds) of heroin at a Black Sea port in one of the biggest seizures of the drug in the European Union in recent years, officials said Thursday.

The heroin, which was hidden among construction materials in two containers and destined for Western Europe, allegedly came from Iran and was seized on May 10 at the Port of Constanta, Romania's anti-organized crime agency said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House on Thursday narrowly approved $1.9 billion to fortify the Capitol after the Jan. 6 insurrection, as Democrats pushed past Republican opposition to try to harden the complex with retractable fencing and a quick-response force following the most violent domestic attack on Congress in history.

The bill's 213-212 passage came a day after the House approved the formation of an independent commission to investigate the deadly mob siege by President Donald Trumps supporters, who battled police to storm the building in a failed attempt to overturn Democrat Joe Bidens election.

The two measures now face an uncertain outcome in the evenly divided Senate as most Republicans have objected to both. Tensions are running high at the Capitol, with Democrats growing exasperated with Republicans who refuse to acknowledge the severity of the insurrection because of what appears to be their devotion to Trump  and fears of crossing him.

We have a major political party in the country thats ignoring it  were trying to solve a problem, they clearly dont want to sit down and talk about it, said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, chairman of an appropriations subcommittee handling legislative branch security.

At the same time, the idea of bolstered security at the Capitol saddened many lawmakers who said they see no other choice because of the ongoing threats on Congress. Several leading liberal Democrats opposed the security money over concerns about policing, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders worked the floor during votes to ensure passage.

Together, the package of bills stemming from the domestic assault by Trump supporters on the Capitol reminded some lawmakers of the changes that emerged from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Then, a landmark commission investigated the attack's root causes and authorities hardened the security apparatus across the federal government.

Thursday's vote capped two days of emotionally wrenching debate as the political divide, particularly in the House, has widened in the months since the January assault.

House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro recalled her own experience being trapped in the House gallery that day as the attackers tried to break in, calling her husband to tell him she was OK after Capitol Police told her to duck on the floor.

This bill is not about politics, its not about settling scores, DeLauro said. Its about ensuring that every person who comes into the Capitol is safe and is protected.

Republicans argued that the spending bill is too expensive and no fencing is needed. Many of them said lawmakers should be spending money on border security, not Capitol security.

Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, contended that Democrats would rather spend money on a wall "around this building in D.C. than they would on finishing a border wall advocated by Trump.

Already, National Guard troops have been protecting the building for months and public access is severely limited. Though razor-wire-topped fencing that stood as a stark reminder of the siege has been removed, an extended perimeter fence remains in place, cutting off access to the lush grounds popular with the public.

The Democrats who opposed the security legislation were some of the most liberal in the House. Some have expressed the view that police treat people of color unfairly. Democratic Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota voted against it.

Omar said she had not been convinced of the importance of the money.

Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Jamaal Bowman of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan voted present, effectively saving the measure from going down to defeat.

The chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, said the lawmakers wanted to make sure that there were accountability measures on the security funds. She voted for the bill.

Senate Democrats will not be able to pass either bill on their own in the evenly split 50-50 Senate and could have trouble persuading enough Republicans to vote with them after Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced he would oppose the inquiry. Ten GOP senators would need to join Democrats to meet the 60-vote threshold needed to advance legislation. Changes could be made to win over their support.

Months in the making, the emergency spending package incorporates the recommendations from an outside panel of experts to beef up security after the mob attack.

The bill includes money for new fencing  either retractable or pop in, according to Democrats  that would protect the grounds. The legislation bars money from being used for permanent above-ground fencing, reflecting the wishes of most members of Congress that the area should be open to the public.

Other changes would fortify windows and doors, install new security vestibules and cameras, and protect members with increased security at home and in Washington, as threats against them have doubled in the last year. There is also money to protect federal judges who are prosecuting the rioters and have received threats, and to repay the Capitol Police and other federal agencies for their efforts on Jan. 6.

Some lawmakers have objected to the proposal for the National Guard to maintain a quick response force nearby after it took hours for Guard troops to arrive Jan. 6 as attackers were brutally beating officers.

Leading Republicans on the armed services committees in the House and Senate oppose relying on the troops for the work of protecting the Capitol.

The National Guard Association of the United States said in a statement that the Guard should only be used for law enforcement as a last resort.

Democrats said they, too, are uneasy with many of the military-like measures, but say they have little choice but to protect the building. The delays in sending the Guard to the Capitol have been blamed in part for the failure to contain the violence. Five people died, including a Trump supporter shot and killed by police as she tried to climb through a broken window to access the House chamber, and a police officer who fought off the mob and died later.

Weve never had a quick response for us here  you know, weve never had an insurrection, either, Ryan said. So thinking has to evolve in order to try to solve some of these problems.

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Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP)  An Illinois Wesleyan University fraternity has been suspended for three years after a student was injured in a hazing incident last month.

Officials at the Bloomington campus announced this week that undergraduate members of the Sigma Chi fraternity will not be allowed to live in the chapter house, gather for meetings and activities as a fraternity, or maintain a social media presence as a fraternity.
POULTNEY, Vt. (AP)  The owners of the former Green Mountain College campus in Poultney plan to open a grade school on part of the property.

The Green Mountain Community School plans to open in the fall and is seeking recognition as an independent school by the Vermont Agency of Education, according to the planned school's Facebook page.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP)  A northern Virginia inmate awaiting sentencing on federal bank robbery charges killed himself after jailers discontinued his psychotropic medication, according to his lawyer.

Christopher Lapp, 62, was an inmate at the Alexandria jail, which routinely holds inmates as they await trial and sentencing at the nearby federal courthouse.

Lapp died Tuesday night at Inova Hospital, according to a release Wednesday from the Alexandria Sheriff's Department. He was found unresponsive in his cell early Tuesday morning after a suicide attempt.

The death is under investigation by both the sheriff's department and the Alexandria Police Department.

Court records show Lapp had a history of mental health problems. He was initially found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to the federal medical hospital in Butner, North Carolina, for treatment.

The treatment, including medication, restored his competency, and he was returned to the Alexandria jail to stand trial.

In a court motion filed after Lapp's death, defense lawyer Joseph Flood said that when Lapp was returned to the Alexandria jail, a staff clinician opined Lapp was not mentally ill and discontinued his medication.

Lapp pleaded guilty at the hearing in April, where Flood raised concerns about his client's mental health. Judge T.S. Ellis ordered that Lapp be sent to Butner to resume treatment there, but Lapp was never transferred. Butner officials said they don't accept inmates before they are sentenced unless they require a court-ordered evaluation.

Jail officials declined to comment on Lapp's death beyond the news release issued Wednesday. Flood said Lapp's family did not want to comment.

Lapp lived in a wealthy Great Falls neighborhood and owned a $1.3 million home there at the time of his arrest. Prosecutors said in court papers that Lapp's cellphone records showed he had multiple romantic interests, including a Playboy model, and that he was working to keep his romantic love interests happy with additional money.

His father, Ralph Lapp, was a scientist who worked on the Manhattan Project.
HLUTHI  There was a clash between Masiphula High School parents and the Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary (PS), Bertram Stewart, during a meeting at the school yesterday.

This was after the PS delivered his message and left without giving the parents a chance to talk. The meeting was initiated by the PS following reports he got from the Regional Education Officer (REO), Siboniso Gumbi, that parents had removed the schools Head teacher, Shadrack Dlamini. Dlamini was removed during a meeting held at the school last week. Present during the meeting was a representative from the Shiselweni Regional Administrators (RA) Office, senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Training and Hluthi police officers.

Meeting

Dlamini was also present in the meeting, together with some members of the school committee. It was said that the meeting was meant to hear the parents grievances and map a way forward. When the meeting started, a parent, David Mhlanga, explained that their gripe was that the school was not performing well anymore and was not maintained as there was overgrowth around it. Further, Mhlanga said the Form V results issue was a final nail in the coffin. This is the case where the pupils exam results were withheld by the Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) as the school did not remit exams fees to the council. Mhlanga said they had also dissolved the school committee because it failed to manage the school.

Concerned

The PS, in response, said they were also concerned about what was happening at the school. He said as proof that they were working on the issue, he personally instructed the ministry to pay the debt of the school at the Examinations Council for the release of the pupils results. He stated that since the results were released, parents needed to exercise patience as they worked on the issue. We are currently waiting for the report which will give us a clear picture of what transpired and a way forward, said the PS. While he was speaking, some parents had already raised their hands indicating that they had questions for him. Also, the parents were overheard mumbling, to which the PS would tell them he would continue speaking once they were quiet. The PS told the parents that they did not have the authority to expel the head teacher as he was employed by government.

Lomoya wekukhomba thishela nhloko ligede awugcine utsi faca, he said in vernacular.


DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  The Iowa Legislature ended the 2021 session nearly three weeks later than expected after Republican lawmakers completed negotiations over a complex tax plan that they approved to add to a host of other conservative priorities they passed, ranging from restricting voting rights to expanding gun access.

On the final day of the session that ended late Wednesday night, Republicans passed a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion that must pass again before the measure can go before Iowa voters. They also approved a last-minute measure that prohibits counties, cities or school boards from imposing face-covering requirements more strict than those ordered by the state. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the mask restriction into law early Thursday and it take effect immediately.

The Senate adjourned at 11:41 p.m. Wednesday and the House followed at 11:46 p.m.

Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls called this years Republican priorities the most radical cultural divisive agenda since the GOP took control of all of state government in 2017.

House Speaker Pat Grassley said Republican leadership in the House for 10 years is proof that Iowans support the party's leadership.

If you think those things are a radical agenda or don't fit with what Iowans expect of us, I think Iowans would disagree for over a decade now, he said.

Republicans used their large majorities in the House and Senate to push through many bills with little or no Democratic support. Throughout the session, Democrats also complained that Republicans refused to require masks or require reporting of coronavirus infections.

People working in the Capitol acknowledged numerous COVID-19 infections, including Rep. Amy Nielsen, D-North Liberty, who was infected in late January and remained sick for weeks. Nielsen said she was infected at the Capitol.

Among topics where lawmakers approved measures:

TAXES

The tax bill passed in the final days phases out the state inheritance tax, moves up implementation of a previous income tax break and moves the cost of mental health care from county property taxes to the state general fund. In the bill, lawmakers end promised payments to cities, counties and school districts to offset property tax revenue lost from a 2013 business and industry tax break. Democrats contend the decision will ultimately lead local governments to cut services or raise property taxes.

SCHOOLS

Republicans pushed ahead with Reynolds' proposals to expand charter schools in Iowa amid Democratic objections that such schools would not be as accountable to school boards as public schools and would allow public money to be shifted away from public schools to fund the charters. Reynolds signed the bill Wednesday, and the law is effective July 1.

GUNS

Republicans continued their longstanding push to make it easier to buy and carry guns with a law that allows people to buy firearms and carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a state permit. The law eliminates current state permit requirements and the accompanying background checks that ensure the person obtaining or carrying a gun isnt disqualified from ownership due to past felonies or abuses. The bill also eliminates firearms training now required to obtain a gun permit. It was signed by Reynolds in April and becomes effective on July 1.

VOTING

Iowa Republicans, like those in dozens of other states where the GOP has majorities, approved a bill that makes it harder to vote early, potentially eroding a key aspect of Democratic campaigns. Reynolds signed the bill.

The law, which became effective in March, makes numerous changes, including shortening the early voting period to 20 days from the current 29. It also requires most mail ballots to be received by Election Day, rather than counting votes postmarked by Election Day that arrive by noon on the Monday following the election. Voting sites will close at 8 p.m. rather than 9 p.m. and voters will be removed from active voting lists if they miss a single general election and dont report a change in address or register as a voter again. A lawsuit has been filed to challenge portions of the law as unconstitutional.

POLICE

Republicans passed a bill that offers extensive new rights to law enforcement officers in Iowa. The measure goes to Reynolds, who proposed much of it in her Back the Blue proposal announced earlier this year. While Reynolds and lawmakers promised Iowans last summer that they would work on substantial criminal justice reform measures this year, Republicans instead drafted a bill that protects officers by giving them immunity from prosecution and makes rioting a felony. Republicans refused to support Reynolds' proposed ban on racial profiling by law enforcement. Democrats claim the bill is an attack on those who protested against racial injustice for months last summer. Democrats also opposed a portion of the bill that requires motorists to pull over for plain-clothed police officers in unmarked police cars or face enhanced criminal eluding charges.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Iowa Republicans have approved strict limits on who can assist voters in delivering ballots in a surprise change to state election law hours before adjourning the legislative session.

Legislators approved the restrictions in a party-line vote late Wednesday, just weeks after Iowa became one of the first Republican-run states to extensively rewrite election rules to tighten other aspects of voting, including when ballots can be turned in and how voter rolls are maintained.

Republicans said the changes would enhance the security of voting, though have acknowledged that voting fraud is rare in Iowa and the last election had almost no problems. More than 1 million Iowans voted by absentee ballot in November, a record attributed in part to the pandemic and efforts by election officials to encourage voters to cast ballots at home.

Officials have not released data on how often people other than voters return ballots in Iowa, and supporters of the new restriction didn't offer examples of practices that have led to fraud.

Republican Sen. Roby Smith, one of the bills authors, said ballots are secure once in the custody of election officials but that absentee ballots had few safeguards.

When it comes to ballot harvesting' anybody can just walk up and grab it under what was the previous law, Smith said. Theres no security when someone can knock on your door and say, Yeah, Ill return your ballot. You dont know who it is and they can open it up, they can change the vote, they can throw it away, they can shred it.

Democrats said the measure perpetuates lies from President Donald Trump that the past election was fraudulent.

Im tired of this. ... Your noses are getting longer, said Democratic Sen. Tony Bisignano during floor debate. Seven million votes separated our candidates. Ive not seen a hundred people charged with election fraud. If it was so rampant, we ought to be seeing it on a daily basis and were not, so why do we play this game?

Ballot collections have come under intense scrutiny this year from Republicans who claim that the practice is rife with fraud or potential problems. Generally, ballots are collected when a voter is unable to return it in person due to disability, distance from an election office, or other issues that would prevent ballots from reaching destinations on time.

Ballot collection laws vary by state. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 26 states allow a voter to designate someone to return their ballot for them and 10 states allow ballots to be returned by family members. Thirteen states dont have laws specifying who can return a ballot.

Republicans, who refer to ballot collection as ballot harvesting, have struggled to cite recent examples of wrongdoing and typically offer vague hypotheticals when explaining the need for restrictions.

The most recent high-profile example of ballot collection fraud concerned a political operative in North Carolina who worked for a Republican congressional candidate in 2018. The operative was accused of directing subordinates to collect blank or incomplete absentee ballots, add false witness signatures and fill in votes. An investigation led to a new congressional election.

Sylvia Albert, voting and elections director for the voter access advocacy group Common Cause, said curtailing ballot collections would hurt those living in rural areas, native communities, nursing homes, colleges and anyone who lives far from polling sites or doesn't have the economic means to get there.

Just like everything else, these kinds of illusions and lies about there being problems are being used to suppress access to the ballot for millions of Americans, she said, referencing the national GOP push to rollback voting rights. When we dont allow for access for everyone were letting legislators choose their voters, as opposed to letting the voters choose the legislators.

The Iowa measure says no one can deliver a ballot for another voter unless they live in the same home or are immediate family. It specifies that to deliver a ballot for a blind or disabled voter, a person must register as a delivery agent. The delivery agent must be a registered voter and cannot be an employer of the voter or someone affiliated with the voter's employer, cannot be a union representative and cannot be someone connected to a political party, candidate or committee.

The delivery agent cannot deliver more than two ballots for another voter in any single election and must sign paperwork acknowledging that providing false information is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the first set of restrictions into law and is expected to sign the new voting changes.

The other law shortened the early voting period from 29 to 20 days and required most mail ballots to be received by Election Day, rather than counting votes postmarked by Election Day that arrive by noon on the Monday following the election. It also required voting sites to close at 8 p.m. rather than 9 p.m., and banned county election officials from sending out absentee ballot request forms unless requested. Voters will be removed from active voting lists if they miss a single general election and dont report a change in address or register as a voter again.

___

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.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A state judge in Mississippi dismissed murder charges Thursday against two Black police officers accused of body-slamming and beating a Black man.

The ruling by Hinds County Judge Faye Peterson ended the trial of former Jackson officers Desmond Barney and Lincoln Lampley after hearing prosecution witnesses but without hearing defense witnesses, news outlets reported.

Peterson, a former district attorney, said prosecutors failed to present evidence that the officers acted criminally against 62-year-old George Robinson on Jan. 13, 2019.

There was nothing on its face that was illegal, Peterson said, the Clarion Ledger reported. The detention of a suspect is not a criminal act and there was no proof presented that they were conspiring.

Witnesses who testified about the incident could not identify the officers, the judge noted.

An indictment alleged that they and a third officer took Robinson from his vehicle, slammed him to the pavement and repeatedly hit him in the head and chest. He died two days later.

It was not clear how Peterson's decision would affect the case against Anthony Fox, which is before a different judge and has not yet gone to trial. He is also Black.

The officers worked for the Jackson Police Department at the time. Fox and Barney currently work for the Clinton Police Department. Lampley has been doing desk work in the Jackson Police Department but attorney Francis Springer said he expects Thursday's decision will let him return to patrol duty, the newspaper reported.

The officers smiled and hugged their attorneys immediately after the ruling.

They were looking at decades in jail, and they didnt do anything wrong, Springer told the newspaper. Their stories never varied, and unfortunately, they werent able to get their story out until now.

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens said the decision surprised him, WLBT-TV reported.

Significant evidence was presented. ... Three eyewitnesses identified that officers did body-slam Mr. Robinson. Medical professionals ... acknowledged that Mr. Robinson died of blunt force trauma, he said.

Robinson's sister, Bettersten Wade, said she wasn't going to hate anyone but did hate what happened to her brother.

The officers said Robinson failed to comply when asked to step out of his vehicle during a traffic stop.

Wade said he would have obeyed but was moving slowly because of a recent stroke, the station reported.

The family sued the city in 2019, and that suit is still in federal court, the newspaper reported.
DANVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Two fatal shootings by the same police officer in a wealthy San Francisco suburb have cast a spotlight on what criminal justice activists are calling a case of delayed justice and its deadly consequences.

Felony charges were announced last month against Officer Andrew Hall, of the Danville Police Department, for fatally shooting an unarmed mentally ill man in 2018.

The April 21 announcement of charges came more than two years after the shooting of Laudemer Arboleda, and one day after a jury convicted Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin of killing George Floyd.

It also came six weeks too late for Tyrell Wilson, who was shot and killed by Hall in March.

Why did it take so long for the DA to file charges? asked Wilsons mother, Diane. Just a few weeks sooner, Hall would have been off the streets and, she said: Tyrell would still be here with us now.

Danville is a town of multimillion-dollar homes that tops lists of the safest places to live in California. Many of the questions residents are now posing echo those America is asking of policing nationwide. Was the officers use of deadly force justified or excessive?

Was the officer held accountable? And did racism play a role when Hall, who is white, shot nine bullets into Arboleda, an unarmed Filipino man, in 2018, or when he fired a single shot to the head of Wilson, a Black homeless man?

Wilsons March 11 shooting occurred after police received calls about someone throwing rocks off a freeway overpass.

When Hall arrived, he confronted Wilson, who was crossing a nearby intersection. It remains unclear if Wilson was the person throwing rocks, but Hall assumed he was.

Youre jaywalking. Youre throwing rocks, Hall said.

Wilson turned to face Hall in the middle of the intersection and is seen on video holding a knife.

Touch me and see whats up, Wilson responded, verbally challenging Hall but never lunging at him.

Hall ordered him three times to drop the knife and then fired, a single shot to Wilsons face. Just 32 seconds elapsed from the moment Hall first spoke to Wilson to the moment he fired.

The Associated Press reconstructed the encounters through police video footage, interviews and documents obtained through public record requests. The Danville police chief, the Contra Costa County sheriff, the countys district attorney and Hall's lawyer declined to be interviewed for this story.

Civil rights attorney John Burris is representing both families and lobbying the California attorney general and U.S. Department of Justice to examine the shootings to see if they show a pattern of misconduct and racism by Hall.

All I know is a Black man and a Filipino man were both killed in a town that is predominantly white, said Burris. The two are the only police shootings in Danville in at least a decade. This man should be prosecuted, and like Chauvin, he should be in handcuffs for what he did.

In both cases, police were responding to routine calls that escalated quickly when Hall arrived, said Burris. For Wilson, it was not established he had thrown rocks, and there were no reports of injuries or accidents from the rocks.

How do you go from reasonable suspicion to murder? asked Burris. Its an outrageous shooting, he did not have to kill this man.

In Arboledas case, police responded on Nov. 3, 2018, to a call about a suspicious person knocking on doors. Arboleda was ringing doorbells and lingering in the area, the district attorney said in a statement.

Arboleda was driving away when officers tried to initiate a traffic stop. Like Wilson, he tried to avoid police.

Arboleda led officers on a nine-minute, slow-speed chase. Hall was not involved in the initial pursuit but stopped his vehicle at an intersection to block Arboledas car.

Police video footage shows Hall stepping in the path of Arboledas car and firing a volley of shots into the windshield and passenger side window. Nine bullets hit Arboleda.

The sheriffs office cleared Hall after a nine-month investigation.

It was not the first time Hall was investigated and exonerated by the sheriffs office. In 2014, Hall was accused of brutally attacking an inmate at a county jail in the city of Martinez. The inmate, identified as a 6-foot-3 Black man, said Hall rammed him face-first into a door while he was handcuffed and repeatedly punched him in the face and side. The inmate was treated for a fractured eye socket and needed stitches in his lip. A probe by the sheriffs office found no evidence of unreasonable force.

District Attorney Diana Becton said in a statement accompanying the April 21 indictment that Hall used unreasonable and unnecessary force against Arboleda and his actions underscore the need to improve de-escalation training and response to people suffering mental illness. Hall was charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

Nobody knows exactly why Arboleda or Wilson ended up in Danville. But in both cases, their families say, mental illness played a role.

Arboleda was living at his mothers apartment in Newark, about an hour's drive from Danville, and wanted more independence. His family believes thats why he went to Danville, ringing doorbells and searching for the property manager of his mothers condominium, who lived there.

A few months earlier, Arboleda was hospitalized for psychiatric reasons, and his mother, Jeannie Atienza, said he feared police would take him back to the hospital.

He was afraid of police. I know that he was just trying to get away, said his mother, who disputes police accounts that her son was trying to ram his car into Hall.

In the months before Wilsons death, his family knew he was homeless and had been prescribed medication for depression or paranoia, they think, which he didnt like taking. They believe he chose Danville because it reminded him of the quiet, middle-class suburb where he grew up in Riverside, Orange County.

The environment where Tyrell was killed was the environment he grew up in," his mother said. He felt comfortable there.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Virginia's lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, has long had lofty political ambitions, and even after being accused by two women of sexual assault he's pressing forward with a bid for governor.

The womens allegations, which hes spent two years trying to refute, are a dark cloud over what might have otherwise been a strong campaign, making it nearly impossible to fundraise or secure endorsements. Outside observers say theres no way he can win, raising the question of why he's running.

Fairfax's first answer when asked: I think its important to stand up for the truth."

His team acknowledges that the allegations, which exploded into public view in 2019 and have not resulted in criminal charges, have changed the state of the race. But Fairfax insists voters, particularly those who are Black like him, will see through what he insists -- without proof -- is a smear campaign.

Ive had many African American mothers and grandmothers, come up to me and say, you know, Ive lived through this. Ive seen men marched out of homes on false accusations and we never hear from them again. So there is a particular history here, Fairfax said.

To his critics, Fairfax's candidacy is just an attempt to regain legitimacy and rehab his image.

Hes running to try to clear his name and at the same time wield even greater power over his accusers and those who have criticized him, said Adele McClure, his former policy director, who resigned over the allegations.

A former federal prosecutor and civil litigator, Fairfax unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 2013, then won the race for lieutenant governor in 2017. The job pays about $36,000 a year and involves considerable tedium as the procedural conductor of the Senate, a task Fairfax handles with verve and efficiency. It's one of only three statewide elected offices in Virginia, and can be a launching pad to higher office.

For a brief period in 2019  when Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam became engulfed in a scandal over a racist photo on his medical school yearbook page  Fairfax seemed poised to become governor without ever running. Northam faced nearly unanimous calls to resign.

Then Fairfaxs accusers came forward.

Vanessa Tyson said Fairfax -- at the time a Columbia Law School student serving as an aide to Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards -- forced her to perform oral sex in his hotel room during the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004. Two days after Tyson's statement, Meredith Watson issued her own, accusing Fairfax of raping her in 2000, when they were students at Duke University.

The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they are victims of sexual assault, but both women came forward publicly.

Fairfax adamantly denied the allegations, saying the encounters were consensual. He refused loud calls to resign and now says hes done all he can to clear his name.

Hes requested law enforcement investigations, which were never opened as far as he knows. Hes taken lie-detector tests and released the results. Hes talked relentlessly about the situation, including in hours of on-the-record interviews for this story. Hes filed a federal defamation lawsuit against CBS News over its interview with his accusers, now pending before a federal appeals court.

He also decided to share a sensitive detail: He says a third person was in the room for the entirety of the encounter with Watson, who has also accused another Duke student of rape.

Fairfax says the other person in the room spoke with him and several of his friends after Watson raised her allegations, saying they were false. This person has not responded to interview requests from the AP, which could not independently confirm the claim that there was an eyewitness. The friends Fairfax cited couldnt be reached by the AP.

Watson and her attorney have not commented on whether a third person was present and a spokesman did not respond to an inquiry from AP for this story. The outcome has been the same with other news outlets that have asked.

Fairfax calls the nondenial exonerating.

Its dramatically unfair whats been done  to publicly accuse someone of something so serious, for it to be false, and then to simply walk away, he said.

As for Tyson, who also declined an interview request through her attorneys, Fairfax says they stayed in touch after the encounter and she once asked him to meet her mother. In her initial statement, Tyson said they never spoke again.

Most Democrats, including his opponents in the race, dont seem to want to talk about Fairfax. He finds himself stuck in a kind of political limbo, dancing around the edges of the establishment -- like when he shared an elbow bump with Northam at a recent event celebrating marijuana legalization  but not fully welcomed back into the fold. Some of his critics have asked why he's even been invited to fundraising events and debates.

While some polling has shown the 42-year-old married father of two running a distant second to former Gov. Terry McAuliffe in the five-way Democratic field, his fundraising has been bleak. He raised around $25,000 in cash in the last quarter, while McAuliffe raised more than $4 million. Also competing are state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, former Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy and Del. Lee Carter.

Fairfax has a tiny campaign staff, no big endorsements, a mostly empty website and a fairly quiet social media presence.

I just cannot construct a scenario where hes competitive, said Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University.

During their first debate, it was Fairfax who raised the allegations in headline-grabbing fashion.

While answering a question about the future of law enforcement, he said: Everyone here on this stage called for my immediate resignation, including Terry McAuliffe three minutes after a press release came out. He treated me like George Floyd, he treated me like Emmett Till, no due process, immediately assumed my guilt.

The comparison to the victims of extrajudicial killings was not well received.

Tyson, now a political science professor at Scripps College in California who in 2019 mounted an unsuccessful bid for a California Assembly seat, tweeted that night in response: My primary concern was (and remains) the good people of the Commonwealth of Virginia. I believe they deserve better, and that they have a number of phenomenal candidates to choose from.

Voters will get a chance to decide soon: The primary is June 8.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Photos taken by a Mississippi River kayaker about five years before a crack was found in the Interstate 40 bridge linking Tennessee and Arkansas appear to show the fracture that led transportation officials to close the span indefinitely last week.

Arkansas transportation officials said they cannot confirm or refute whats shown in the 2016 photos, which raise questions about how early the crack appeared.

The I-40 bridge connecting Memphis and the Arkansas city of West Memphis was shut down May 11 after inspectors found a crack in one of two 900-foot (275-meter) horizontal steel beams that are critical for the bridges structural integrity. River barge traffic under the span was closed that day but reopened three days later. Road traffic has been rerouted to the nearby Interstate 55 bridge.

Repairs to the heavily used, six-lane I-40 bridge are expected to begin this week, but a long-term fix could take months, officials said. The states are relying on the four-lane, 71-year-old I-55 bridge to get cars and trucks across the Mississippi River and maintain the flow of commercial vehicles. Engineers are inspecting the I-55 bridge to make sure it can withstand the heavier traffic.

Barry W. Moore, 64, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he took the photos while kayaking on the Mississippi River in August 2016 with a group of friends from the Boy Scouts, where he volunteers. Moore said he stored the images in his computer after the trip and went back to look for them after he heard about the discovery of the crack.

Moore said he zoomed in on the photos, found the crack and showed them to his brother.

Our jaws dropped, Moore said.

An Associated Press photo editor inspected metadata from one of Moore's photos and determined it was shot on Aug. 6, 2016, verifying its authenticity.

Moore said he sent the photos to the state transportation departments in Tennessee and Arkansas. He heard back from the Arkansas Department of Transportation this week, he said.

Arkansas Department of Transportation spokesman Dave Parker said the agency went back through its photos of the bridge dating back to the early 2000s and couldnt find any confirming or refuting the 2016 pictures. The department, which inspects the bridge at least annually, did not have access to drone videos for its inspections before 2019.

I cant really comment as to the accuracy of these photos, Parker said.

The kayakers pictures, which were first reported by WMC-TV in Memphis, bring into question just how long the crack had been visible in the bridges structure.

Adel Abdelnaby, an engineer and University of Memphis professor who has been closely watching the I-40 bridge situation, reviewed the photos for the AP. He said it appears the break in the beam could have been present before 2016 because fatigue cracks take time to develop, and the beam shown in Moore's photo was already corroded.

Based on research and science, this crack took so much time, said Abdelnaby, who has inspected bridges and performs fatigue tests on bridge beams as part of his research. It developed as a very small crack before 2016, and it took its time to propagate.

The cause of the crack has not been officially determined, but Tennessee Department of Transportation chief engineer Paul Degges has said that fatigue of having 50,000 vehicles pass daily on the bridge could be a contributing factor.

On Monday, the Arkansas transportation department fired the inspector who missed the crack in the bridges 2019 and 2020 inspections.

Documents released Thursday by the Arkansas Department of Transportation under a Freedom of Information Act request identified statewide bridge inspector Monty Frazier as the employee fired for missing the crack, which a memo said put the span in jeopardy of falling.

Mr. Frazier, neglecting his responsibilities to follow proper fracture critical inspection techniques by getting within arms length of the outside of the tie girder, was why the crack was not discovered, State Heavy Bridge Maintenance Engineer Michael Hill wrote in a memo recommending Fraziers termination for dereliction of duty.

Frazier did not immediately return a message left at a number listed for him. He began work with the Arkansas DOT as a mechanic in 2006 and had served as statewide bridge inspector since 2016.

According to the memo, Frazier said he did not believe it was safe to use the under-bridge unit to inspect along the outside of the tie girder, despite it being standard procedure to do so. Hill wrote that the machinery had safety features to keep it stable.

The Arkansas DOT has also referred the incident to federal investigators and said it is reinspecting the other eight fracture critical bridges that had been reviewed by the fired employee.

Moore said he feels like he performed a public service by sharing the photos.

Im just glad I took photos, said Moore, who lives in the Memphis suburb of Collierville and is retired. I think the engineers need to know what state it was really in five years ago.
ATLANTA (AP)  With rank-and-file Republicans in arms over fears that their public school students are being indoctrinated that the United States is inherently racist, Gov. Brian Kemp signaled Thursday that he shared their concerns.

Georgia's Republican governor wrote a letter to the state Board of Education, whose members he appoints, urging them to take immediate steps to ensure that Critical Race Theory and its dangerous ideology do not take root in our state standards or curriculum.

There is little evidence, however, that the state is sanctioning such teaching for any of Georgia's 1.7 million public school students.

Richard Woods, Georgia's elected Republican state superintendent, said as much in a May 11 Facebook post for his campaign.

The Georgia Department of Education has no current or proposed standards that include CRT concepts, Woods wrote. We will not be adopting any CRT standards nor applying for or accept any funding that requires the adoption of these concepts by our state, schools, or classrooms. We will not provide trainings that seek to promote these teachings to educators and support staff.

Cody Hall, a spokesperson for Kemp, described Thursday's letter as primarily a preventative measure. While the state sets standards, districts or individual schools set curriculum.

Critical race theory seeks to highlight how historical inequities and racism continue to shape public policy and social conditions today. Republicans say that it promotes a distorted view of American history that teaches that white people are evil.

On Wednesday, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, also a Republican, joined a group of other GOP attorneys general demanding that President Joe Biden's administration abandon plans to prioritize grants for American history and civics that take into account systemic marginalization, biases, inequities, and discriminatory policy and practice in American history.

With Kemp having officially kicked off his 2022 reelection campaign on Tuesday, the letter is one example of measures he may take to shore up support among Republican voters still restive over claims that Kemp didn't do enough to overturn Biden's victory in Georgia. It could also help him to appeal to suburban swing voters by painting Democrats as radical and un-American.

GOP activists who Kemp needs to maximize his vote totals are showing up to give school board members an earful, even though most boards aren't currently taking any action on the subject. On Tuesday, conservative groups turned out in force to berate the Forsyth County school board, saying the all-Republican board, by adopting a diversity, equity and inclusion policy in 2017, had opened the door for subversive teaching.

This is a Marxist trojan horse disguised with sunshine, rainbows and a bow on top," Hunter Hill, chairman of the Forsyth County Republican Party, told school board members. The DEI program is a trojan horse that will bring in a slippery slope . a slippery slope that will ultimately end in critical race theory (and) white repentance

Multiple Republican congressional district conventions in Georgia on Saturday passed resolutions opposing the teaching of critical race theory or the 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine effort to reexamine American history through the lens of slavery and its legacy.

___

Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy.
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP)  The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries is creating a new team aimed at improving farmworker safety.

When fully staffed, the agriculture compliance unit will create 16 new positions, the Yakima Herald reported. Thirteen of those posts will focus on agriculture worksite inspection and safety complaints. Three will work on education and outreach to farm operators and employees, according to a news release.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  An attorney is requesting a mental health evaluation for a Kentucky mother charged with murder in the death of her 10-year-old son whose body was found in the trunk of her car last month.

The attorney for Kaitlin R. Higgins, 28, asked a judge Tuesday to order a mental health evaluation to determine whether the defendant was competent to stand trial, The Courier-Journal reported. Jefferson Circuit Judge Mitch Perry is set to consider the motion next week, according to court records.
MBABANE  Battered, chained and murdered!

This best describes what was found at the scene by the police and residents of Mpolonjeni in Mbabane, who woke up to a grisly find of a 63-year-old woman who was reportedly attacked, murdered and buried in a shallow grave. A contingent of police officers led by the Regional Crime Branch Officer (RCBO), Sikhumbuzo Fakudze and residents, combed the homestead in search of the elderly woman, identified as Thembi Mkhaliphi, yesterday morning. This was after her relatives failed to locate her. Upon arrival at the homestead, the police searched everywhere until they were drawn by a recently cultivated area under an avocado tree, where they started digging and found her corpse buried there; less than five metres from her house. After digging about one and a half metres, they stumbled on clothing supposedly belonging to the elderly woman and eventually her body, which was bruised, while her ankles were chained.

Stolen

When the officers inspected inside her house, they found that nothing seemed to have been stolen by the assailants. However, they noted that her silver grey Mazda 3 registered SSD 660 AS and cellphone, were missing.

Narrating the details of how his mother was found, Thami Dlamini stated that following failed attempts to get hold of her on her mobile phone since Monday, the family then physically went to check on her on Tuesday evening. Dlamini said his mother lived alone and they only visited her once in a while. According to Dlamini, he was called by one of his uncles, who desperately wanted to speak to his mother but could not get hold of her on Monday. I also tried calling her myself on several occasions on Monday but her number was not available, said Dlamini. He stated that his uncle suggested that he should physically check on her as they wanted to relay an important message to her.

Dlamini said on Tuesday evening after work, he decided to borrow a car and drove to his mothers home with a friend. He said upon arrival at the gate, they found it locked and made attempts to shout to draw her attention, but there was no response. He stated that he then recalled that he also had his keys and used them to open the gate to gain entry. Dlamini said as they drew closer, they realised that the lights in some rooms of the house were on but when they were approaching the veranda, they were met with bloodstains.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  In a major reversal, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Wednesday that the names of deputies who shoot civilians will be released within 30 days of the incident, a newspaper reported.

Villanuevas policy switch comes after the Los Angeles Times found that the LA sheriff's department was an outlier among some of Californias largest law enforcement agencies, which promptly identify officers involved in shootings.

Villanueva had said as recently as last month that the names would come out only after the district attorneys office finishes its review of each shooting.

Family members of people shot by deputies complained that months or years may go by before they learn details of the incidents.

Villanueva's announcement during a Facebook livestream came a day after the county's Board of Supervisors directed its lawyers to draft an ordinance requiring the publication of deputies identities within 48 hours of a shooting.

The sheriff said the 30-day window will give investigators time to evaluate whether a threat exists against the deputy, the Times reported.

The idea is we want to be as transparent as we can, but we cant jeopardize ongoing investigations and we cant create a threat to someone, he said. So were going to balance the two things and the publics right and need to know.

This week, the department will publish online 95 names that have not previously been released, Villanueva said.

He did not say why he had changed his mind.

Melanie Ochoa, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Southern California, said that as long as the decision to release the names remains with the sheriffs department, they are still in danger of being withheld.

LASD has repeatedly violated the Public Records Act prior to his tenure and has only more brazenly done so under his watch, Ochoa said of Villanueva in a written statement.

A Times report earlier this month found no shootings between 2018 and 2020 in which the sheriffs department released the names of deputies on its own accord.

The Los Angeles Police Department, by contrast, publicly identified officers in each of the 88 shootings that occurred between 2018 and 2020, according to the newspaper's review.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  House lawmakers Thursday rejected a modest increase in Louisiana's jobless benefits and a return-to-work incentive payment aimed at driving people to exit unemployment and go back to work.

Only 44 legislators voted for the bill by Rep. Rodney Lyons, while 54 House members voted against it.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  A man has been charged in the shooting death of a personal trainer in Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine district, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Thursday.

Jerronn Anderson, 29, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of 34-year-old Gary Taylor on April 25. Three other people were shot and injured.
CLAYTON, Mo. (AP)  A Missouri man who used a pistol to threaten a driver and students on a school bus has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Christian M. Goodson, 32, of Berkeley, pleaded guilty Wednesday to seven counts of child endangerment and other charges of unlawful use of a weapon, assault and property damage.
BRUSSELS (AP)  Over 400 specialized forces in Belgium intensified their search Thursday for an armed soldier who is on a federal anti-terror watch list because of his extreme right-wing sympathies but was still able to hoard heavy weapons in army barracks before disappearing this week.

As the experienced soldier evaded capture for a third day running, the Belgian government looked for clues of blunders that could have allowed the 46-year-old to gain access to an array of weapons, including four anti-tank missile launchers, despite the knowledge he was a clear threat to society.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry, opposition lawmaker Jean-Marie Dedecker said.

The man, identified as Jurgen Conings, threatened several people in the past months, including a top virologist involved in Belgium's COVID-19 program. He landed on the anti-terror watch list in February.

It is unacceptable that someone seen by our security services as a potential danger can still get access to arms, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told parliament.

Procedures and internal controls must absolutely be reinforced, De Croo said as he faced a barrage of criticism from legislators.

Conings had a three-decade career behind him as an expert marksman before he started making threats and racist remarks on Facebook that earned him disciplinary sanctions while still permitted to work with arms.

Police and army officers have been carefully combing through a vast nature park in northeastern Belgium, eager to pin him down. A major highway running through the area has been closed off for two days, causing massive traffic jams.

When authorities recovered his car in northeastern Belgium on Tuesday, they found four missile launchers and ammunition. Bringing in heavy military equipment, authorities kept combing through the rugged terrain from Limburg province where Conings is suspected of hiding.

Authorities put out a search bulletin for the bald-shaven and tattooed Conings. The bulletin warned the public not to approach Conings should they see him, and asked Conings to turn himself in.

Local media reported he had left several farewell notes.

He had threatened several people, including Marc Van Ranst, one of the best-known virologists working on Belgium's pandemic response.

In a Twitter message early Wednesday, Van Ranst wrote, Let one thing be clear: such threats do not make an impression on me.

The government, however, was under considerable pressure because of the massive security lapse.

Someone who is on the list of state security and yet is given a key to an arsenal of weapons. Can you explain this? lawmaker Dedecker asked.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  A Mexican judge has issued an arrest order for the governor of the northern border state of Tamaulipas on organized crime and money laundering charges, a federal official said Wednesday.

The arrest order for Gov. Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca was requested by the federal Attorney Generals Office, said the official, who insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss developments in a continuing case.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Police have turned up bones and other evidence under the floor of a dwelling near Mexico City where a man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a woman to death and hacking up her body.

Prosecutors in the State of Mexico, which includes most of the capital's suburbs, said late Wednesday they cannot yet determine the number of possible victims, and that DNA testing will be needed.

But evidence like shoes, ID cards, women's handbags and clothing found at the slum dwelling just northwest of the capital suggests the 72-year-old suspect may have been a serial killer and that he may have been slaughtering victims for years.

Investigators used jackhammers to tear up a concrete floor and officials had to partly dismantle the spare structure made of concrete block and tin roofing to allow forensic experts to sift through dirt at the site.

The dwelling is located on a common-access property in which several dwelling were built on a single lot. On Tuesday, prosecutors said they arrested a 72-year-old man there, while they were searching for a missing 34-year-old woman.

Once inside the dwelling, police found a sort of shallow basement, and in it a bloody table with the woman's hacked-up body.

But just as chillingly, investigators found ID cards, women's makeup, bags and clothing, as well as notebooks and videocassettes marked with the names of other women.

The stocky, short man has been identified only as "Andres" under Mexican laws protecting a suspect's identity. He appeared to walk haltingly as he was escorted to jail, where he is being held on possible homicide charges.

Mexico has seen a wave of women's killings in recent years and activists say police do not do enough to prevent, investigate and prosecute such crimes.

In 2018, a man was arrested in another Mexico City suburb and confessed to killing at least 10 women. Prosecutors said at the time he may have sold the bones of some of his victims.

The grisly case was uncovered after a couple was caught carrying dismembered human remains in a baby carriage.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (AP)  LaQuae Lebon wants her 16-year-old son to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Making it happen, though, is a different story.

Lebon brought Noah, who is non-verbal, to a vaccine clinic on Thursday hosted by JARC, a suburban Detroit nonprofit dedicated to assisting those with developmental disabilities.

JARC has hosted a dozen community vaccine clinics at its offices since March, partnering with Oakland County to provide a comfortable and supportive environment designed to put those with disabilities  or any vaccine recipient  at ease.

The only way to make sure that we reach those milestones is to get the vaccines to every person possible where they need it and in the manner in which they need it," said Shaindle Braunstein, the CEO of JARC.

In Noah's case, a health care professional and several JARC representatives tried several different techniques, including playing his favorite song and giving him some Play-Doh, but nothing persuaded the teenager to sit for the shot. They even tried administering it while Noah sat in a car in the parking lot.

Hes really scared of shots," his mother said. "I dont know how much he understands. But just being in a new environment, he just doesnt want to take the shot.

Braunstein said JARC will continue to host clinics until there's no longer a need. They are open to anyone, not just those with disabilities, and have hosted between 50 to 600 people, depending on the day.

Lebon said she'll be back with her son  probably in a week's time.

"Im sure he's eager to get back to school and his daily activities. So, were just going to try again, she said.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  The state is advertising for a business attractions manager, a job that will pay $125,000 a year to travel the country promoting Montana as good place to start or expand a business, in part by touting new tax incentives that were passed by the 2021 Legislature.

The Department of Commerce also has $500,000 to support the effort, the Montana State News Bureau reports.

Passing legislation to help recruit businesses to the state was part of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte's Montana Comeback Plan.

Adam Schafer, deputy commerce director, said the recruiter would be targeting companies that would create long-term, sustainable, good-paying jobs in Montana.

The Legislature passed bills to raise the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 to $300,000 and passed a capital gains tax break for business owners who sell after a certain percentage of their employees had been living in Montana for five years

Patrick Barkey, executive director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, said that while tax policies aimed at recruiting businesses may receive publicity, they may not actually bring in new companies. Most job growth, Barkey said, takes place at businesses already operating in the state.

What theyre trying to do is recruit business, and hats off to them, Barkey said. But state government has very limited ability to grow the economy, especially in the short term."

The job posting for the business attractions manager says the state is looking for someone to establish and maintain relationships with prospective companies, site selection consultants, developers and entrepreneurs interested in Montana.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  Attorneys have until an August deadline to file additional civil lawsuits on behalf of families whose loved ones died under suspicious circumstances at a West Virginia veterans hospital.

Charleston attorney Tony O'Dell told the Charleston Gazette-Mail that he will work to file on behalf of families until the deadline, which is the two-year anniversary since information on the investigation went public into suspicious deaths at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg.

We are still looking into a few, O'Dell told The Associated Press in an email.

Reta Mays, a former nursing assistant who admitted killing seven elderly veterans at the hospital with fatal injections of insulin, was sentenced last week to life in prison by a federal judge who called her the monster that no one sees coming.

A VA report released last week showed the families of 24 patients submitted inquiries to the hospital or the federal government after the events were first reported in the media.

The VAs Office of Inspector General reviewed the electronic health records of more than 200 patients at the hospital in an effort to identify potential victims beyond the 10 patients initially identified by investigators.

The OIGs Office of Healthcare Inspections identified 112 patients who died on Mays floor at the hospital during her employment, which started in mid-2015 until she was fired in July 2018. And 66 patients suffered at least one hypoglycemic event during her employment.

According to the VA report, there were 21 deaths of patients whose electronic health records indicated either hypoglycemic events, a lack of documentation, abnormal clinical decline or death pending imminent transfer to lower levels of care.

ODell said the report was not clear if the 21 deaths were separate from the 10 earlier deaths identified earlier.

The federal government previously agreed to the settlement of numerous lawsuits filed by veterans families alleging a widespread system of failures at the hospital. O'Dell represented many of the families in those lawsuits.

Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael Missal announced after the sentencing that the hospital had agreed to 15 recommendations from its investigation.

Among the findings were missteps in hiring and performance assessments at the hospital, unsecured medication rooms and carts on the ward where Mays worked, a lack of clinical evaluations of unexplained hypoglycemic events, delayed reporting and response to the events, and deficient monitoring and oversight functions.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina unemployment benefit recipients could get bonuses of $1,500 if they return to work soon under a measure unveiled Thursday by Republican legislators.

A Senate committee discussed but did not vote on the proposal, which is designed to get people off of unemployment benefits that are boosted by supplements from the federal government. Employers are struggling to fill job vacancies as the post-coronavirus economy is surging.

Under the measure, the supplements would be used to give $1,500 to benefit recipients who start a new job by June 1, then lowered to $800 if they begin a job by July 1, according to media reports.

It goes against the grain to me that we got to pay people to go to work, said Republican Sen. Tom McInnis of Richmond County. But we dont have a choice.

McInnis said he recently spoke to a factory operator who may be be forced to fill an upcoming order overseas if he cant find enough workers at home. Gregg Thompson with the National Federation of Independent Business in North Carolina told committee members the idea is unique, and something that I think will work.

Details are subject to change, and it couldnt be implemented without federal approval to use the supplements as bonuses. The proposal also tightens unemployment benefit rules that had been loosened over the last year.

Benefits would be eliminated if a person refused to take a job that pays at least 120 percent of the persons state benefit, not counting the federal supplements. The unemployed also would lose benefits if they fail to make three weekly job contracts or show up for job interviews.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico education officials are budgeting up to $10 million in pandemic relief money to create internships for high school students, while nonprofits and school districts are bringing back summer enrichment opportunities to meet rising demand.

As many as 2,600 students across New Mexico could participate in the internship program, according to the Public Education Department, which announced the program on Tuesday. The department started developing the program last year, and is in the process of hiring up to 150 part-time adult coordinators.

Seven tribal and 18 county governments have signed up to coordinate internships in their offices or at partner nonprofits, including summer camps.

I think theres a lot that they can do in our summer program setting, said Colby Wilson, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Central New Mexico, which is planning on placing some of the interns through a partnership with county officials. And its good for the high school kids to get that experience, just basic soft skills of showing up on time and working with a team and planning for different programs.

Some parents are unsure about sending kids to group activities, and Wilson said registrations have been a little slower. Summer program signups coincide with a vaccine rollout for children aged 12 and up, and demand could return to normal. On Wednesday, state officials said that over 50,000 residents aged 12-18 registered for the vaccine during the first week of May.

A third of New Mexico children were not in a summer program in 2019 but would have enrolled if they could, according to a survey released Wednesday by America After 3PM and the Afterschool Alliance, indicating a gap in demand for as many as 100,000 children.

Responses came from 428 New Mexico households polled between January and March of 2020. Parents cited high costs and lack of transportation as barriers.

Other nonprofits are scaling up now.

Now Im fully going back in person," said Lina Germann, founder of STEM Santa Fe, which offers technology camps. And this time we have spots for 160 kids, says STEM Santa Fe founder Lina Germann.

Child care centers are expected to return to full capacity after cutting half the spots last year, according to Early Childhood Education and Care Department spokesman Micah McCoy. Theyre also expanding early literacy and school readiness programs this summer.

New Mexico officials say a big challenge will be providing rural summer programs.

We are working with our out-of-school time network providers to try to make sure that we can (meet demand)  especially in those areas of the state where there arent established ecosystems for summer learning and summer enrichment, said Education Secretary Ryan Stewart.

The Summer Enrichment Internship Program for high school students could help, especially with the many rural tribes and counties that have signed up to receive workers.

School districts will likely take the lead, after receiving over $1 billion in pandemic aid. At least 20% must be spent on helping students recover academically and socially in programs like summer school and camps, though they have a few years to spend the funds.

More than $200 million in state funds is also available for schools to add 10-25 learning days. But at least 18% of school districts will turn down most of the funds, according to a Public Education Department preliminary survey last month.

Some nonprofit leaders say they could better use the federal funds.

Schools cannot do this on their own, said May Sagbakken, New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network executive director.

She urged the state to move quickly to fund nonprofit summer programs so that parents can sign up, saying, They cant wait until June or July or May to plan that.

Wilson said funding uncertainty stems from the late passage of federal funds, creating a domino effect of delays. His group is waiting for a response on grant applications with the state and Albuquerque Public Schools.

Now everyone is scrambling to get this money to the right people, Wilson said.

The Public Education Department says its aiming to ink contracts with partners by the end of May, meaning much of the intern hiring might not start until June  when Wilson said the club starts its summer program.

That seems tough to me," Wilson said.

___

Attanasio 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 under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  New Zealand plans to rebuild its Antarctic base and spend billions more on welfare payments as part of a spending program aimed at lifting the economy out of a coronavirus slump.

The government on Thursday unveiled its annual budget, which indicated the economy is doing much better than forecast after the pandemic first hit.

Thats thanks in large part to the nations success in stopping the spread of the virus, as well as strong international demand for the nation's milk and other agricultural exports.

Treasury figures indicate the nations economy is expected to grow by 2.9% this year and rise to 4.4% growth by 2023. That follows a sharp plunge and quick recovery last year, which ended in an overall economic contraction of 1.7%.

The budget plan includes $344 million New Zealand dollars ($247 million) to rebuild Scott Base in Antarctica, which has been used by scientists since it was first built in 1957.

The outdated buildings and facilities that keep the residents alive in the coldest, driest, windiest place on Earth have deteriorated, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said. Doing nothing would eventually lead to the closure of the base.

The project would involve demolishing the existing 12 buildings, which were built in the early 1980s, and replacing them with three large, interconnected buildings. The rebuilt base could accommodate up to 100 people at a time.

One of the new buildings would be used for accommodation and dining, one for science, and one for engineering and storage. A windfarm that produces renewable electricity would be overhauled.

The project still needs final signoff from both New Zealand and its Antarctic treaty partners. Under the plan, bulldozers would be shipped to Antarctica in the first year and construction would take another six years.

Due to its proximity to Antarctica, New Zealand has been a stop-off point from the days of the earliest explorers through to current U.S. missions. New Zealanders have also been involved in exploration and research for generations.

Sarah Williamson, chief executive of Antarctica New Zealand which oversees the base, said it would be the biggest project it had ever embarked upon and would not only future-proof its home on the ice but also bring jobs to the Canterbury region, where the buildings would be pre-constructed.

Other new spending proposed in the budget includes a boost in benefits for welfare recipients that the government hopes will help lift as many as 33,000 children out of poverty.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said families in New Zealand had historically survived on very low incomes while on welfare.

What we've done today is about targeting need and helping to provide just simply the basics, Ardern said. Food on the table. Enabling families to be able to pay a power bill.

She said previous economic downturns have made inequality worse but this time she hoped for a different outcome while also helping to stimulate the economy.

Proposed new infrastructure spending includes an overhaul of the rail network, with 60 new trains and 1,900 new wagons. Officials say the plan will create about 450 jobs and reduce emissions by moving freight from trucks to trains.

Treasury figures indicate unemployment is forecast to peak at 5.2% this year before declining, much less than the 10% rate predicted last year.

The government also plans to borrow less than anticipated, with net government debt reaching a peak of 48% of GDP before declining, down from last year's forecast of 55%.

In the face of this one-in-one-hundred-year shock, the New Zealand economy has proved to be remarkably resilient, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said.

Opposition Leader Judith Collins said the budget lacked the ambition needed to grow the economy and reduce debt, and offered nothing to middle-income earners.

The budget's approval in Parliament is seen as a formality because Ardern's Labour Party holds a majority of the seats.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  A man who stole an ambulance in the Norwegian capital of Oslo in 2019 and drove it along a sidewalk, injuring two toddlers, was sentenced to 12 years in prison Thursday.

The Oslo District Court said the 33-year-old man, who wasn't identified, was found guilty of seven counts of attempted murder. The court ordered the man, nicknamed the ambulance hijacker by Norwegian media, held for at least eight years before being considered for release. But authorities could decide to keep him in prison for an additional four years.

The man, in addition to injuring the toddlers, made an elderly couple dive under a parked car as police tried to stop the ambulance by shooting at its tires before finally ramming it to a stop.

The man pleaded guilty to possession of drugs, threats with a firearm and possession of a weapon in a public place. He rejected accusation of attempted murder and threats against the police.

The man told the court that the motive behind the driving was that he needed to transport 50 liters (around 13 gallons) of liquid narcotics in order to cancel a 50,000 kroner ($6,0000) drug debt, the VG newspaper said. He also told court he had no intention of killing anyone.

On Oct. 22, 2019, he stole the yellow-and-blue ambulance after authorities responded to a crash at an Oslo traffic circle in which a car had turned over. The man left the scene on foot and pointed a weapon at police officers before stealing the ambulance.

A 25-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the overturned car that the man drove, was later arrested. Both were known to the police.

The ambulance sped through Oslo, followed by police cars, and drove on a sidewalk where it ran into a stroller carrying two 7-month-old twins, though they weren't seriously injured, and an elderly couple dodged the vehicle by diving under a parked car. Police shot at the tires to stop the ambulance and didn't target the man. It eventually stopped after being rammed by police.
MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. (AP)  The King County Sheriffs Office was searching for clues after the body of a man who had been shot was found in his vehicle after it crashed into a nearby utility pole.

King County Sheriffs Department Sgt. Tim Meyer said investigators were called to Renton Maple Valley Road around 7 p.m., KOMO-TV reported. Washington State Patrol trooper were initially called to the scene following a report of a car crash, Meyer said.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  The state made about $2.1 billion in unemployment insurance overpayments during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Ohio's human services agency.

That figure includes overpayments that were the result of fraud or errors, Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said Monday.
Pennsylvania is firing a company that performed COVID-19 contact tracing and exposed the private medical information of tens of thousands of residents, state officials said Thursday.

Employees of Insight Global used unauthorized Google accounts  readily viewable online  to store names, phone numbers, email addresses, COVID-19 exposure status, sexual orientations and other information about residents who had been reached for contact tracing. The companys contract with the state required it safeguard peoples data.

The Department of Health said last month that at least 72,000 people were impacted.

The state had planned to drop Insight Global once its contract expires at the end of the July, but the Health Department said Thursday it will terminate the contract early, on June 19.

The department said that it was taking action after more fully evaluating the circumstances" of the security lapse.

Insight Global is required to notify impacted people, and the Health Department said those notifications would begin next week. The department said the state's contact tracing operation would continue with a new vendor.

We are working to make sure that there is not a break in continuity in our contact tracing services as we transition out of the Insight Global contract and into our next contract," Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam said at a news briefing Thursday.

State Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny, who has accused the Wolf administration of being slow to act on the breach, said in a statement that he is pleased the state is severing ties with the Atlanta-based company, but that he still wants answers about the incident.

This deserves a full investigation so we can learn what happened and how to prevent it from happening again moving forward, he said.

Both Insight Global and the Health Department are facing litigation over the breach.

A federal lawsuit said the company had known about the improper handling of people's confidential medical information as early as November  and that the Health Department learned of it as early as February  but neither took any action until April 21. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a New Kensington woman who had been contacted by Insight Global, seeks class action status.

The plaintiffs have had their most personal, sensitive and private information disseminated to the public at large, the suit said, and are at heightened risk of identity theft.

The state has paid Insight Global tens of millions of dollars since last summer to administer the states contact tracing program. Contact tracers identify people who have been exposed to the coronavirus so they can quarantine.

Insight Global has acknowledged it mishandled sensitive data and apologized. The company has said it only became aware on April 21 that employees had set up the unauthorized Google accounts for sharing information. Insight Global said it took steps to secure the information.

Insight Global is committed to supporting a smooth transition of this program," the company said in a statement Thursday. Although neither Insight Global nor the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are aware of any misuse of the information involved, we understand the concern this potential access to such information may raise.

In other coronavirus-related developments in Pennsylvania:

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VACCINE MILESTONE

Pennsylvania marked a milestone on Thursday, with 50% of adults statewide now considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Wolf administration says it will lift an order requiring unvaccinated people to wear masks in public once 70% of Pennsylvanians aged 18 and older are fully vaccinated, meaning at least two weeks beyond the last required dose. Beam, the health secretary, said she expects the state to reach that mark in several weeks' time.

The percentage stood at 50% on Thursday, according to federal data, while 68% of adults have had at least one shot.

The pace of vaccinations has been slowing for weeks, with most people eager to get the shot already having done so. Health Department data provided to The Associated Press shows Pennsylvania ordered only about a quarter of the vaccine doses to which it was entitled last week, signaling a steep drop-off in demand.

From here on in, each shot is going to be hard-earned, and thats not a challenge were going to shy away from, Beam said.

She cited the importance of community organizations to help identify vaccine-hesitant people and persuade them to get the shot.

In rural Bradford County, where vaccinations are lagging badly, the Guthrie health care network has held pop-up clinics to make the shots more convenient, offers walk-in appointments, and has primary care doctors talk to their patients about the vaccines' safety and effectiveness.

"We know that people have fears about the vaccine, and we know that's more common in geographic areas like ours," Dr. Michael Scalzone, chief quality officer at Guthrie, said in a phone interview. There still remains some controversy in some of the communities, and that's where we think education is important.

Statewide, more than 65,000 people a day are getting vaccinated, according to the Health Department, down from an average of more than 100,000 people per day a month ago. That does not include Philadelphia, which runs its own vaccination program and is also reporting lower demand.

The good news: Newly confirmed coronavirus infections are falling rapidly in Pennsylvania  down almost 50% in two weeks  as the weather warms and more people get vaccinated. Hospitalizations are down, too.

Gov. Tom Wolf plans to lift nearly all remaining pandemic restrictions on Memorial Day.

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DISASTER DECLARATION RENEWED

Wolf on Thursday renewed his pandemic disaster declaration, two days after Pennsylvania voters watered down the chief executive's emergency authority.

Voters approved a pair of constitutional amendments that will give state lawmakers much more power over disaster declarations, to apply whether the emergency is another pandemic or natural disaster.

In a statement Thursday, Wolf said he had been in touch with the General Assembly on another extension, "and we will continue to collaborate on the future of this disaster declaration and any future declarations that become necessary to help Pennsylvanians in the midst of an emergency.

The emergency declaration relaxes regulations for medical professionals to administer vaccines, gives the state access to federal emergency aid and streamlines National Guard deployments, among other things, his office said.
BEAVER DAM, Ky. (AP)  A fourth body has been found at a western Kentucky home where police were called for a shooting, authorities said.

Police responded Wednesday afternoon to a home near Beaver Dam to find three victims outside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds, a statement from Kentucky State Police said. A detached structure near the home was ablaze and a body was found inside it Thursday morning, the statement said.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Police have released the identity of a woman found fatally shot in an apartment in a historic Kansas City neighborhood.

Officer were called around 2 a.m. Wednesday to the apartment in Hyde Park for reports of an argument followed by gunfire and found Terese Jacks, 61, with gunshot wounds, officials reported. Medics pronounced Jacks dead at the scene.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP)  Less than a day after a West Virginia city approved the formation of a civilian board to review complaints against law enforcement officers, a police union filed suit to halt the process.

The Monongalia-Preston Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87 filed the lawsuit Wednesday morning, hours after the Morgantown City Council unanimously passed an ordinance creating the Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board, news outlets reported. The vote Tuesday night came after nearly a year of discussion and public meetings.
PHOENIX (AP)  Arizona health officials are hoping for a spike in vaccine demand with doses now available for children ages 12-15.

A pop-up vaccination clinic for children is planned Saturday near downtown Phoenix, including much of the largely Latino Maryvale neighborhood.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Scientists in Idaho this summer plan to remove the 62,000-pound (28,100-kilogram) stainless steel lid on one of the worlds most powerful nuclear test reactors for a rare internal overhaul.

The Advanced Test Reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory is being refurbished and improved with new components and experimental capacity, the scientists said in interviews this week.

The nine-month and $170 million effort, called a core internals changeout, started last month and is scheduled to be finished around the end of the year.

An additional $100 million has been spent over the last three years on replacing external equipment to keep the test reactor going.

Experiments at the reactor help the U.S. Navys nuclear-powered war fleet stay at sea longer, bolster NASAs space exploration, and advance life-saving medical treatments. The reactor also plays a key role in the effort to keep commercial nuclear power plants running longer and creating new and safer reactors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ATR is an absolutely beautiful reactor, said Sean OKelly, associate lab director in charge of the test reactor. There has never been one like it on the planet.

The reactor is configured so it can run multiple tests simultaneously. Some of the best testing slots face a decade-long wait for room to run experiments, and other slots are booked years in advance.

The ATR is unique because unlike commercial nuclear reactors that produce heat that's turned into energy, the ATR produces neutrons so that new materials and fuels can be tested to see how they react in high-radiation environments. The test reactor's unique cloverleaf design includes a core that's surrounded by beryllium metal to reflect the neutrons.

But all those neutrons puts wear on the internal parts of the test reactor, meaning it would lose the ability to conduct experiments if it is not refurbished.

The reactor's designers foresaw that problem and created a reactor with internal components that can be periodically replaced. The current changeout is the sixth since the reactor started operating in 1967 and the first in 17 years.

OKelly and Hans Vogel, director of the ATR Strategic Irradiation Capabilities Division, said that the most difficult challenge will come this summer when workers take off the stainless steel lid, exposing the inside of test reactor.

Removing the reactor top head itself, thats a 30-ton lift that we do, and that is a very infrequent evolution, Vogel said, adding that will be followed by roughly three months of changing internal hardware.

O'Kelly and Vogel said the U.S. has looked at building a new test reactor that would cost billions of dollars, but so far opted to stick with the ATR.

It's the most powerful test reactor of its kind in the world, producing 250 megawatts at full power. China has a test reactor that can produce 125 megawatts, followed by a test reactor in Belgium that can produce 100 megawatts. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee has one that can produce 85 megawatts.

The advantage with more power, O'Kelly said, is that fuels and materials can be tested to their limits.

You don't want fuel that is designed for 100 megawatts, and the first time you go to 103 megawatts, it fails," he said. "You build a safety margin in, and we have to test to that safety margin.

Additionally, the ATR has what OKelly describes as the ability to maintain a constant gradient of neutron flux throughout the core. ATR has this constant curvature of flux, so the experimenters have a fixed power and they know exactly what the power is in that region.

He said other test reactors can be more challenging for experiments because the environment is changing during the experiment.

The Advanced Test Reactor has been used to develop reactors and fuel that can last the 30-year lifespans of nuclear-powered U.S. warships. Because they don't need refueling, the ships can spend more time on their missions, meaning the Navy needs to build fewer ships.

The USS Idaho, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, benefits from work done at the ATR. The submarine is scheduled to launch in 2023 and spend three decades in service.

Late this year or early next year, scientists expect the ATR will be put back together and have completed required safety testing.

ATR will be able to run for at least another 15 to 20 years, said O'Kelly, adding this internal changeout might not be the last. We are planning to do at least one more (core internals changeout) in the lifetime of ATR in the 2030s.

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This story has been corrected to show that it's the sixth core overhaul, not fifth.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  North Dakota regulators have approved a pipeline project that will send more Bakken crude to a Wyoming oil hub.

Bridger Pipeline plans to convert 27 miles of an oil gathering pipeline into a larger transmission line in McKenzie County. It also will add another 2.4 miles to the pipeline located east of Watford City. Other pipelines will transport the oil to Guernsey, Wyoming, and then to market in other states.
NEW YORK (AP)  CNN said Thursday it was inappropriate for anchor Chris Cuomo to have been involved in phone calls with the staff of his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, where strategies on how the governor should respond to sexual harassment allegations were allegedly discussed.

The network was responding to a story in The Washington Post that said Chris Cuomo had joined a series of conference calls with aides and advisers.

The host of CNN's Cuomo Prime Time encouraged his brother to take a defiant position and not resign, the Post said, quoting two people present on one of the calls that the newspaper did not identify.

CNN said in a statement that Chris Cuomo has not been involved in the network's coverage of the allegations, either on the air or behind the scenes, because he could not be objective and often serves as a sounding board for his older brother.

However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the governor's staff, which Chris acknowledges, the network said. He will not participate in such conversations going forward.

The network did not announce any disciplinary action against its show host.

On his show Thursday night, Chris Cuomo said being involved in the calls was a mistake.

I put my colleagues here (at CNN), who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot, the anchor said at the top of his show. I never intended for that, I would never intend for that, and I am sorry for that.

Asked about the Post story, Cuomo press secretary Richard Azzopardi said that there were a few phone conversations, with friends and advisers giving the governor advice.

The New York Democrat is facing allegations that he abused his power by inappropriately touching and sexually harassing women who worked with him or met him elsewhere. Accusations range from groping under a womans shirt and planting unwanted kisses to asking unwelcome personal questions about sex and dating.

Cuomo has apologized for making anyone feel uncomfortable, but said he never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate advances. The state attorney general is investigating. A majority of state Democratic lawmakers have called on Cuomo to resign.

The Post story said that at one point, Chris Cuomo used the phrase cancel culture as a reason to hold firm. During a March 12 phone call with reporters where Andrew Cuomo said he would not resign, the governor said, people know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture and the truth.

Andrew Cuomo, 63, and Chris, 50, are both sons of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo and have described themselves as best friends.

The first woman to publicly accuse Cuomo of harassment, Lindsey Boylan, issued a statement blasting the brothers.

The job of the press is to hold people who abuse their power accountable. Chris Cuomo has the loudest microphone at the biggest news station in the country. Entire power systems are structured to protect men like Andrew Cuomo. This is example infinity of why women dont come forward.

During the height of the COVID-19 crisis in New York last spring, CNN set aside its previous policy not allowing Andrew to appear on Chris' program. Many viewers found the resulting banter between the two entertaining before CNN reinstated its ban in June.

But those exceptions looked bad in retrospect when Cuomo received criticism for a New York state policy regarding COVID patients in nursing homes, and the subsequent harassment allegations. Chris Cuomo said on the air March 1 that he obviously couldn't cover the stories surrounding his brother.

It's generally considered inappropriate for people in the news media to offer advice to news figures. Fox News Channel figures Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity have both acknowledged privately giving their opinions to former President Donald Trump, although Hannity has said that I never claimed to be a journalist.

Andrew Cuomo is also under investigation by a state legislative committee over allegations that his administration arranged for members of his family, including Chris Cuomo, to get special access to COVID-19 tests last year at a time when they were generally unavailable to the general public.

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Associated Press correspondent Marina Villeneuve in Albany, New York, and researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report.
LA VISTA, Neb. (AP)  The search for an autistic 11-year-old boy in eastern Nebraska grew more dire Thursday as the boy remained missing for a third day and officials moved the search to nearby bodies of water.

Ryan Larsen has been missing since Monday morning, when he walked out of his elementary school in La Vista, which lies just southwest of Omaha.
DECATUR, Ill. (AP)  A procession led by a hearse bearing the body of a slain police officer moved across central Illinois on Thursday, giving hundreds a chance to pay their respects.

Law enforcement agencies and other first responders escorted the body of Champaign police Officer Chris Oberheim, 44, through several cities, starting in Champaign, passing through Monticello, where he lived, and ending at a funeral home in Decatur, where Oberheim began his law enforcement career.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  U.S. Rep. Tom Rice of South Carolina  who has acknowledged his vote in favor of impeaching former President Donald Trump may cost him his seat  has yet again found himself among a small group of Republicans voting with Democrats, supporting a commission to study the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Rice on Wednesday was among 35 Republicans who voted for the panel's creation, which passed the House 252-175. The move defied the wishes of both House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Trump, who urged Republicans to oppose the legislation he called a Democrat trap.

In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Rice said he was shocked and angered by the violence and felt it necessary to learn from the day's events.

As members of Congress, we took an oath to defend our democracy, Rice said. I believe we must fully know the facts and causes of the event in order to secure our Capitol and ensure our democracy remains intact for future generations.

The other five Republicans in South Carolinas House delegation  Jeff Duncan, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, William Timmons and Joe Wilson  voted against creating the independent commission, which Democrats have said is crucial to reckoning what happened the day a violent mob of Trumps supporters smashed into the Capitol to try and overturn President Joe Bidens victory.

Rice, who had long been a reliable backer of the president, has said that what he characterized as Trumps inaction during the riot led to his impeachment vote. In January, Rice was one of only 10 Republicans to vote in support of impeaching Trump a second time, telling AP the vote may have negative ramifications on his pursuit of a sixth term and that it hurts my heart to have gone against the president.

That vote led to Rice's swift and unanimous censure by state GOP leaders. Several Republicans have said they will seek to primary him next year.

It's now up to the U.S. Senate to consider the Jan. 6 panel, and its fate in that chamber is uncertain.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is trying to prevent defections among his own ranks, echoing McCarthys opposition in a Senate floor speech Wednesday morning. Both men claimed the bill was partisan, even though membership of the proposed commission would be evenly split between the parties.

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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
KBR, has announced it will be supporting the development of Nigeria's first ever Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, enabling economic growth and sustainability of the country's future energy supplies.

The award, by UTM Offshore Limited, builds on over 40 years of KBR's continuous LNG experience and depth of FLNG capabilities. Acting as Owner's Engineers, KBR will be responsible for a multi-disciplined due diligence review of the Pre-Front End Engineering Design, being completed by Japanese engineering company JGC.

UTM Offshore is leading the development of the 1.2 million tonnes per annum FLNG facility in collaboration with LNG Investment Management Services, a subsidiary of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.

"Through our highly experienced team, rich history in LNG and clear focus on shaping sustainable solutions that support effective energy transition and carbon footprint reduction, we're excited by the opportunity to support UTM Offshore and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to drive Nigeria's wider energy ambitions," said Jay Ibrahim, KBR President  Sustainable Technology Solutions.

As a lower carbon fuel and potential means to monetize flared gas, LNG is key in the progressive drive toward energy transition and a lower carbon future. This project will support the vision of UTM Offshore to contribute to decarbonisation in Nigeria through gas monetisation.-- TradeArabia News Service
NEW YORK (AP)  A 38-year-old man was arrested Thursday for allegedly punching an Asian man in Manhattan and biting off his fingertip after yelling at him to go back to your country, police said.

Lloyd Revell was charged with assault as a hate crime in the attack Tuesday morning in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP)  Town officials in Massachusetts have been forced to reconsider two town ordinances after forcing a resident to take down a conservative lawn sign.

The Massachusetts chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union threatened the sue the town of Plymouth after an unnamed resident was issued a violation and threatened with fines of up to $300 per day until the sign was removed, the Patriot Ledger reported.
TULSA, Okla. (AP)  A cybersecurity attack on the city of Tulsas computer system was similar to an attack on the Colonial Pipeline and that the hacker is known, officials said Thursday.

I can't share anything other than we know who did it, Mayor G.T. Bynum said, adding that the city did not pay the hackers. They wanted to talk with us about what (a ransom) would be for them not to announce (the attack) and we never engaged them.
GENEVA (AP)  The U.N.s top human rights body said Thursday it will hold a special session next week to address the grave human rights situation in Palestinian areas of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The Human Rights Council will convene the May 27 meeting following a request presented by Pakistan, as coordinator of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation.

The session at the 47-member-state body in Geneva paves the way for a daylong debate over the recent deadly violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Mideast conflict that has raged for decades.

More than 60 states  including member states and observers  have so far expressed support for the special session, council spokesman Rolando Gomez said.

Twenty member states agreed to hold the special session, clearing the requirement that at least one-third of them agree to hold the session, he said.

The special session is the 30th at the council, and the ninth on the issue of the Occupied Palestinian Territories alone  the last was in May 2018. The councils most recent special session, on Myanmar, was held in February.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, quit the council in mid-2018  partially over his administrations allegations that the council has an anti-Israel bias. President Joe Biden has returned the U.S. to participation at the council, and the U.S. plans to seek a seat next year.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP)  Tuition will rise in the fall at all four campuses for the University of Missouri, with increases ranging from 2% to 5%.

Curators on Wednesday approved the increases. University President Mun Choi said the tuition hikes will help the university maintain its commitment to accessible, high-quality education.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits last week  the latest encouraging sign for the rebounding U.S. economy  just as Republican-led states are moving to cut off a federal benefit for the jobless.

Twenty-two states, from Texas and Georgia to Ohio and Iowa, plan to begin blocking a $300-a-week federal payment for the unemployed starting in June, according to an Associated Press analysis. All have Republican governors and legislatures.

Recipients have been able to receive the $300 federal benefit on top of their regular state unemployment aid. The payment, which lasts nationwide until Sept. 6, was included in President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion financial rescue package.

The states that plan to cut off the federal benefit represent nearly every one that is controlled fully by Republicans. Florida is considering ending the supplemental payment. And Nebraska, which officially has a nonpartisan legislature, has said it will maintain the payments while it evaluates all pandemic-related jobless benefits.

The move is also being considered in two additional states that have Democratic governors, Kansas and Wisconsin, though the Wisconsin governor is likely to veto any rollback passed by the legislature. As a result of the action, about 3.5 million people will have their benefits reduced in the coming months, according to Oxford Economics.

Those cutoffs coincide with a steady decline in the number of Americans seeking unemployment aid, which fell last week to 444,000, a new pandemic low, the Labor Department said Thursday. Jobless claims have now dropped in five of the past six weeks, a sign that the economy keeps strengthening as consumers spend freely again, viral infections drop and business restrictions ease.

In addition to ending the extra payment, most of the same states are also withdrawing from programs that provide jobless aid to self-employed or gig workers and to people who have been unemployed for more than six months.

Among them is Latricia Hampton, who worries that without the $300 weekly federal check, she will fall behind on her mobile phone and internet bills.

Those smaller bills are what Im going to have to get rid of, said Hampton, 40, who lives in Gary, Indiana. That might not sound like much to some people, but thats another barrier to me finding work. Thats my kids who cant do schoolwork at home on the computer."

Hampton had worked at a hair salon near Gary until last April, when it shut down because of the pandemic. Now, she spends hours a day applying for jobs on her phone but has yet to make it past the interview stage. She also has had trouble finding jobs that fit with her two young children's schedules, who are 4 and 8.

"Its not like I can just go pick up a job at McDonalds, and thatll solve my problems, she said. I have two young kids. They need me, and when Im not there, they need to be cared for. Im a working-class single parent. We still need help in this pandemic, not pushed off the edge of a cliff and told to fly again.

About 16 million people were receiving unemployment benefits during the week ending May 1, the latest period for which data is available, the government said Thursday. That is down from 16.9 million in the previous week, and it suggests that some Americans who had been receiving aid have found jobs.

In Oklahoma, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt said this week that the state will end the federal benefit on June 26. That was unhappy news for Gilbert Cruz and his wife, Marrissa Enloe-Cruz, whose graphic design company in Tulsa has suffered a collapse in business since the pandemic struck.

Both received jobless aid under the program for self-employed. Now, theyre unsure what theyll do, especially because theyre uneasy about sending their 7-year-old son back to school before being vaccinated.

Its going to mean picking and choosing what bills to pay, or getting behind on things, Enloe-Cruz said. It will mean whether or not were able to put food on the table.

Eliminating the $300-a-week payment is one of several measures that states have taken to restrict or eliminate jobless aid and press more recipients to seek work. That trend gained momentum after the April jobs report, released earlier this month, showed that employers added far fewer jobs than expected, in part because many couldnt find enough workers.

Research suggests that roughly half the unemployed are receiving more income from jobless benefits, when you include the weekly $300 federal supplement, than their former jobs paid them. An analysis by Bank of America found that people who earned under $32,000 at their old jobs are likely now receiving more in unemployment aid than they did from working.

Yet some point to the steady decline in the number of Americans receiving jobless benefits as evidence that most of the unemployed are still willing to take jobs when they're available.

Todays data indicates that unemployment aid is not keeping workers on the sidelines," said Andrew Stettner, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation. Emergency unemployment aid is doing what it is meant to do: Serving as a temporary lifeline while workers search for and return to work.

In July last year, four months after the pandemic tore through the economy, roughly twice as many people as now  32 million  were receiving some form of unemployment benefit, though that figure was likely inflated by fraud. As recently as late February this year, about 20 million people were receiving aid.

Even so, 19 states say they will also cut off all benefits for the self-employed and gig workers, who became newly eligible for jobless aid under a relief package that was enacted in March last year. They will also drop out of a federal program for people who have been out of work for more than six months.

Those moves will end all benefits for approximately 3.6 million of the nearly 16 million people receiving aid  about one in four of current recipients  according to the Century Foundation.

In addition, 35 states have reinstated a requirement that jobless aid recipients search for work in order to keep receiving benefits. That requirement had been suspended at the start of the pandemic, when many businesses were closed and Americans were encouraged to stay at home.

In Dayton, Ohio, work evaporated for Terri Ashman, a house painter, and her husband, Steve, a remodeler, after the pandemic hit in March of last year. They struggled to obtain unemployment benefits because of delays that resulted from a flood of applicants that overwhelmed many state workforce agencies.

Eventually, they did receive aid and began to save money, in part because of the $300-a-week federal payment. By then, they had moved in with Terri's mother after a period of homelessness.

They now have nearly the entire $8,000 payment they need for their new home in Celina, near Dayton. They are required to pay a years rent because of their credit problems.

But the two have little else saved and were counting on the continued federal payments through September to pay bills. Terri Ashman, 54, just received her second coronavirus vaccine shot, but she struggles with asthma and high blood pressure. She said she is willing to work even minimum wage jobs. But first she needs to get back on her feet.

We finally were almost able to crawl out of this hole, she said. Without (the $300), we're going to be living on the edge of the cliff.

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This story has been corrected to show that the governor of Kansas is a Democrat, not a Republican.

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AP Writers Casey Smith in Indianapolis, Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City and Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Several Democratic candidates for Virginia governor turned attention to the general election in a debate Thursday, seeking to portray themselves as best positioned to take on Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin.

Thursday's debate, conducted virtually, was the third of four planned and the first since Republicans picked their statewide candidates in a May 8 unassembled convention.

Terry McAuliffe, who preceded Ralph Northam in the governor's mansion and who is widely seen as the Democratic frontrunner thanks to his name recognition, fundraising and extensive endorsements, went straight for Youngkin in his opening statement. He called the former co-CEO of the Carlyle Group an extreme right-wing billionaire."

We cannot let Glenn Youngkin do to Virginia what Donald Trump did to our country," McAuliffe said.

Former Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, an attorney and former public defender, drew notice to attacks the Republican Governors Association has lobbed her way, saying they are worried and they should be.

I flipped a Republican district, while pregnant with twins and being outspent and out-endorsed. But I will never be outworked," she said.

Veteran State Sen. Jennifer McClellan made the pitch that she has both the fresh perspective, in a nation that's never had a Black woman governor, and deep policy experience needed to take on Youngkin.

I came to the General Assembly as a 32-year-old Black woman from the most Democratic district in the state, operating in a body that was mostly white Republican men over 50. And yet Ive been able to pass over 300 bills," she said.

In a statement, Youngkin said his campaign was seeing an outpouring of support across Virginia and across party lines.

He took aim specifically at McAuliffe, saying: It was abundantly clear tonight that Terry McAuliffe is just another all-talk, no-action career politician desperately clinging to power.

The hourlong event was pre-taped in the morning and moderated by NBC News political director Chuck Todd. It was organized in the style of a forum, with no candidate-to-candidate conversation.

Del. Lee Carter, a self-described socialist who touted that he's as likely to criticize his own party as Republicans, appeared from a bedroom, which did not go unnoticed on Twitter.

Here come all the consultants attacking me because my whole apartment is smaller than Terry McAuliffes stately sitting room," he tweeted in response. "We need a governor who knows what its like to live paycheck to paycheck.

When Todd asked Carter about whether nominating a socialist would be a liability for Democrats, Carter quipped that it didn't matter because they're going to call you that anyway, Chuck.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax didnt directly invoke Youngkin and focused on his record. He touted his tie-breaking votes on Medicaid expansion and marijuana legalization and said he'd worked in office on the issues that go to the heart of whether or not people are safe, secure, and have the opportunity to achieve the American dream.

Fairfax is campaigning while facing two allegations of sexual assault he strenuously denies. Yet his team admits they have affected his candidacy.

Some of the event's questions dealt with how Virginia can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a two-part question about how to encourage more Virginians to get vaccines and whether businesses should require proof of vaccination for crowded indoor events, McAuliffe said he thought businesses should require to see vaccination cards.

Later, a spokesman contradicted that, saying McAuliffe's position was that businesses should be allowed to request proof of vaccination for crowded indoor events like concerts but he does not favor a mandate.

The idea of so-called  vaccine passports " has proven controversial and some Republican governors have issued orders barring businesses or state agencies from asking people to show proof of vaccination. Supporters say they could make reopenings faster and easier.

McAuliffe was the first chosen to respond. The other candidates did not offer a response about vaccination cards and were not pressed on the topic.

On the topic of paid sick leave, an issue where Democrats currently in full control of state government have struggled to find consensus, the candidates broadly agreed that the benefit should be available to workers who need it.

McClellan and Fairfax both said the state should consider subsidies of some kind to ensure small businesses could provide sick leave and still compete.

McAuliffe, who spent much time in office battling for Medicaid expansion with Republicans who then controlled the General Assembly, used his answer to highlight that Youngkin has criticized the eventual expansion, which happened during Northam's administration.

Carter, who supports universal health care, said the other candidates' answers showed their willingness to keep the current health care system in place.

The candidates also were asked whether they support President Joe Bidens proposal to raise taxes for those making more than $400,000.

Four clearly said yes. McClellan did not give a yes or no answer but said she would support reforms to make Virginias tax code less regressive.

Only Virginia and New Jersey are holding governor's elections this year. The off-year elections typically draw national attention as a bellwether for which party might have an advantage in the national midterm elections.

The primary is June 8.
More than 4,000 years ago, the legendary Chinese ruler Yu the Great was said to have met with tribal leaders in today's Bengbu, Anhui province, thereby setting the foundation for a united country. Now the city has a new role: to witness communication of different cultures and exploration of a shared future for a much larger community. Bengbu will be the permanent host of the Taihu World Cultural Forum, a key national-level platform promoting cultural dialogue between China and the world, it was announced on Wednesday during a news conference in Beijing. The forum, launched in 2008, was named after Taihu Lake in the Yangtze River Delta. The annual conferences have previously been held in Suzhou, Jiangsu province and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province; Shanghai; the Macao Special Administrative Region; and Beijing. In addition, forum-affiliated, high-level symposiums on traditional Chinese medicine and traditional craftsmanship have been held over the past decade. In 2019, a traditional craftsmanship exchange center affiliated with the forum was established in Bengbu when a forum was held there, attracting hundreds of politicians, scholars, entrepreneurs and cultural notables to share ideas and deepen mutual understanding among cultures. "Choosing a permanent venue for the forum will give stronger confidence for the cultural circle," Yan Zhaozhu, chairman of the forum, said on Wednesday. "There's still noise and misleading information against China's development. With the forum, we want to break down ignorance and biases through truth, and the permanent platform for cultural dialogue can be a place to better display a panorama of China from more dimensions." That explains in part why Bengbu was chosen as the permanent venue. The city is on the Huaihe River, which is generally considered to mark the boundary between northern and southern China. Yan said hosting the forum there will enable more people from overseas to see China beyond the developed coastal areas. An expo park in Bengbu that features ancient residences was chosen as the main venue for the forum. Nationwide, about 450 traditional homes have been preserved and relocated to the park. Yan said the park's rich historical atmosphere can give people a better idea of the significance of traditional culture in a modern society. "Communication and mutual learning among different civilizations is rooted in people-to-people exchanges," Zhou Shuchun, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, a co-host of the forum, said at the news conference. "The Taihu World Cultural Forum is devoted to establishing a platform for sustainable communication.  Through dialogues in various forms, we believe friendship among people from different countries can be deepened and can give lasting motivation." Irina Bokova, former secretary-general of the UNESCO, said in a video clip played during Wednesday's news conference: "It is the deep humanistic vision of the Taihu World Cultural Forum that makes it so important." "In these challenging times, it is again culture that will help us heal the distress of the pandemic, that will make social inclusion a reality, that will make us more confident in the common future of humanity," Bokova said. Li Huilai, deputy director of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, said at the news conference, "Each country has its unique culture and history; not a single one is better or superior, and the difference is due to their characters and geographic regions." Li added, "Human beings have been advancing through encounters between cultures.The principle of equality, inclusion and mutual learning should be maintained today." Huang Xiaowu, Party secretary of Bengbu, said the sixth edition of the annual conference of the Taihu forum will be held in October, and he praised the forum as an opportunity to accelerate the overall development of Bengbu.


The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) has signed two new agreements with leading free zone organizations from India and Uruguay as part of its continuing efforts to establish cooperation and support economic zones around the world through its full range of free trade zone services.

The World FZO has commissioned the All-in-One Program to expand its services to a larger cross-section of the free zone community, allowing each of Indias Export Promotion Council for Export Oriented Units & Special Economic Zones (EPCES) and the Uruguayan Chamber of Free Trade Zones (CZFUY) associated entities to become a voting member of the World FZO and have access to the complete range of World FZO services under the agreements.

Going forward with the agreement, Epces and the CZFUY each signed the agreement in separate signing ceremonies, that were witnessed by Dr Samir Hamrouni, CEO of World FZO, Bhuvanesh Seth, Epces Officiating Chairman and Diego Licio CZFUY President.

By joining the World FZO, Epces and the CZFUY members will be able to elevate their free zone members on an international level and attract new investors and partners.

Other benefits include training, gaining international experience and promotion to global players for the benefit of national economic growth and development.

As per the agreement, World FZO will help Epces and CZFUY members to improve their efficiency, knowledge, capacity building, competitiveness, as well as international visibility to target the right audience and investors, by using the World FZOs service and network without any annual fee.

It also offers the best-in-class standards to establish an ecosystem for free zones in both the global and local markets. It has laid down guidelines to manage free zones, assist stakeholders working in the free zone environment and facilitates involved in trade and customs.

Commenting on the development, Dr Hamrouni said: "These agreements will take us ahead with our objectives to provide a platform for all the stakeholders of free zones around the world to learn, grow and prosper through an exchange of expertise and knowledge, training and adapting best industry practices."

"This All-In-One Program will offer a 360-degree exposure to the members of both EPCES and CZFUY in order to boost profits of the free zones under them as well as the economies of their respective countries,." he noted.

Dr Hamrouni pointed out that World FZO was a global voice representing the interests of free zones worldwide.

"This agreement will undoubtedly help members in better understanding how various free zones function around the world, the best practices they implement, and how members may optimize their profits while networking and developing relationships with international organizations," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Republicans voted Thursday to reject more than $70 million in funding to combat homelessness in the state, a move that Democrats called a missed opportunity to address a problem that worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Tony Evers had proposed spending around $73 million over two years on a variety of initiatives designed to help homeless people, including more affordable housing. The Republican-controlled budget committee voted 12-4 along party lines to increase funding for a housing assistance program by just $1.2 million over two years.

But the panel turned down spending about $70 million more that Evers and advocates for the homeless had wanted. Republicans, including Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, have also advocated for increasing homeless funding.

The largest chunk of money rejected Thursday, was $50 million for grants to be awarded to Wisconsin municipalities to offer affordable housing. A study by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Legislative Council found last year that housing prices statewide have increased 25% in the past five years, in part because construction hasn't kept pace with population growth.

The $50 million would have been enough to build about 600 homes, Evers' administration estimated.

Before the vote, Joe Volk, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness, urged lawmakers to immediately release $5.5 million in available money to combat homelessness. Volk said the coalition estimates that every night there are 20,000 people in Wisconsin with no adequate place to sleep.

Republicans defended their action, saying funding for homelessness initiatives will be considered in separate bills making their way through the Legislature. Republican Sen. Duey Stroebel also noted that the $2.5 billion in federal stimulus funding coming to Wisconsin can be used to target homelessness.

Democratic Rep. Evan Goyke called the Republican action a missed opportunity and a step backward in combatting homelessness.

The votes come as the Joint Finance Committee was putting together its version of the two-year state budget for the full Legislature to consider likely in June or July. Evers has broad veto powers he can use to shape the plan after the Legislature passes it.
Jacom Stephens/Getty Image

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP)  Students were evacuated from a Northern California classroom after a woman ran inside, punched a teacher and two students and began removing her clothes, police said Wednesday.

Santa Rosa Police officers were sent to the Pivot Charter School after staff called to report that there was an unknown female on campus who ignored staff and ran into a classroom. When the woman entered the classroom she punched a teacher and two students, ages 15 and 16, police said in a statement. None had serious injuries.
SICILY ISLAND, La, (AP)  A young pilot of a crop-dusting aircraft was killed when his plane crashed into a field in northeast Louisiana, authorities said Wednesday.

The single-engine Air Tractor 502 crashed Tuesday afternoon along Highway 425, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Sicily Island, the Catahoula Parish Sheriff's Office said. Sicily Island is about 80 miles (128 kilometers) southeast of Monroe.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP)  A former mob boss whose criminal enterprise helped earn Youngstown the name Crimetown U.S.A before turning federal witness has died at age 90.

The funeral home handling arrangements on Thursday confirmed Lenine Lenny Strollo's death.

Authorities accused Strollo of running a criminal enterprise that involved gambling, drugs and murder. A wide-ranging FBI investigation in the 1990s led to the prosecution of dozens of Strollo associates, attorneys and public officials.

Strollo began his criminal career with the Pittsburgh crime family. He became boss in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley in August 1991 after a sniper killed boss Joey Naples.

Strollo's career took an abrupt turn when he agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. He testified in 1999 against three men accused of killing Strollo rival Ernie Biondillo and botching the Christmas Eve assassination of Mahoning County Prosecutor-elect Paul Gains in 1996.

Gains, who was badly wounded, remains county prosecutor.

The men Strollo testified against received life in prison without parole. Strollo pleaded guilty to racketeering and tax charges in 2004 and was sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison. He was released in 2012.

His passing is an end of an era, Gains told The Tribune-Chronicle. Thank God that his organization has been completely abandoned.
Gemini season is inviting San Francisco to party. But that party should have a purpose: to nourish the collective and expand our consciousness.

At least according to star charts and the insightful minds of Bay Area-based astrologists Susannah Freedman and Karrie Myers Taylor. Freedman, who teaches yoga and psychological astrology as a spiritual coach, says wed be wise to use the cosmic energy to enjoy the lightness and fun of the season, but to also think deeply and with true curiosity about where our faults are as a city and a collective. While Myers Taylor, who does astrological forecasting for individuals, corporate teams and local tech companies, warns of corruption in how information gets shared. Your trusted sources might not be so trusted by the end of this season, she says.

Before we offer prophecies, lets look at the Bay Area through the lens of the stars. For San Francisco, the buzzy, curious sign of Gemini rules the 11th house of community and chosen family. How apropos that Pride, S.F.s shining example of community, takes place every June. The correlations dont end there, but for more context, its helpful to know a bit about the storied symbolism of major celestial beings and how theyre showing up to the parade this year.

Jupiter, the lucky planet of expansion, spends Gemini season above S.F. in the seventh house of long-term partnerships, briefly visiting the dreamy, intuitive sign of Pisces where Neptune (picture your mushroom guy or neighborhood witch or wizard) is also chillin. Imagine these ancient gods picnicking in Golden Gate Park and youll get the general vibe of what could be coming soon to your relationships with love and work.

While the good-time giants blow bubbles and throw up peace signs, Saturn and Uranus are still in a difficult relationship with each other and have been since March 2020. Saturn is all about responsibility and restriction. Its the planet of rules, regulations and sometimes brute force and corruption. Uranus is the planet of social change. And right now, theyre squaring off from their respective base camps. Saturn is still working on a major remodel in the house of daily life and Uranus is taking hits from the ninth house of expanding consciousness.

Way out in the solar systems version of Excelsior, Pluto, known as the planet of transformation, is kind of like the Goth-kid-turned-activist. Hes plodding his way through hardworking, structure-loving Capricorn, wishing everyone would stop scrolling long enough to really look at themselves. Like really look. Thats a tall order because Gemini has the energy of a busy bee only with even busier thumbs for throwing out hot takes on Twitter.

To top it off, theres a total lunar eclipse (endings and beginnings) in adventure- and travel-loving Sagittarius. And Mercury, which rules communication and technology is going retrograde (again).

Back down on Earth, this time finds us rousing the city, and ourselves, from pandemic malaise. Vax Girl Summer is just about here, but comes with many regulations and responsibilities. Tech companies are setting policies for the future of work and many of us have spent the last 14 months re-imagining our relationships to our livelihoods. Freedman calls this time a great reckoning for San Francisco. Myers Taylor predicts that as Saturn goes retrograde in Aquarius, just as it did around the same time last year, a distrust of our media could force San Franciscans back into the streets and inspire them to find their own way and build their own platforms.

The stars and current earthly events agree: Were being asked to transform  and transformation isnt just haircuts and reunions with chosen family. Its also ongoing pandemic grief and inequity, a total disruption of normal, and the unsettling feeling that comes with seeing strangers noses again.

If you need a little help making sense of it all, Freedman offers a couple questions we can ask the heavens or ourselves: How can we imaginatively take action in a way that nourishes the whole city? How can we stay curious longer about weightier things? What is loving community action? Read on for inspiration on what that may mean for your sign here in the Bay Area.

Gemini

This month offers a glimpse into whats unfolding in your professional realms. Travel invitations  even if its just to Oakland  blow you into areas that could enhance your working relationships or studies. Dont let Bay Area traffic deter you. Escapades, especially ones that connect you to your teachers or roots, are a grounding tonic for your curiosity and may in turn aid your bank account. Your mood is bound to change faster than the weather at 3 p.m., but make sure youre sticking around long enough to feel your way through foggy insights. Staying power is its own kind of spotlight.

Cancer

Cancers have a reputation for holding onto the past like SFers hold on to rent-controlled apartments. However, Gemini season may have you feeling unusually hungry for new experiences. As Jupiter dips into Pisces, youre afforded more ease in relaxing your pinchers on stale, outdated relationships or patterns. This is a great month for meditating on forgiveness and making plans for the future  with only those who are meant to be in it.

Leo

This month, people want to wine and dine you. Theyre booking the impossible-to-get reservations, picking up the tab, and maybe even offering long-term boons. Instead of questioning what you did to deserve such bounty or assuming fortune is made for you alone, focus on paying the generosity forward. You are that rare sunny day in the middle of June Gloom. Find someone who doesnt have a jacket and cover them in your warmth.

Virgo

Virgos love a system, and maybe even more so, poking holes in ones that need an upgrade. Your critical, analytical mind is bound to be pushed into overdrive as Mercury goes retrograde and shows up everywhere from shifting restaurant capacities to corrupt algorithms. Everything from brunch lines to structures of care no doubt need your red pen. Just make sure youre not neglecting your internal code in the process. You already know the purest data is stored in the body. What relationships blossom when you focus on the information held in the laugh lines of newly unmasked strangers?

Libra

Youre starting to integrate all that you learned this past year about your well-being, your productivity, and the connection between the two. Gemini season may have you reviewing what sort of work supports your mind, body and soul. Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces make it easier to daydream about what roles you want to grow into, but they ask you to think bigger. According to Freedman, May 26 is an especially good day to daydream about your utopia. Pick the steepest hill you can find and let the vista at the top knock your sense of whats possible out of balance, just a little.

Scorpio

The cycle of death and rebirth is Scorpios jam and the most skilled scorpions can move from the heaviness of Civic Center Bart Station to the glorious fresh air of Ocean Beach with equal parts grit, compassion and ease. Now is a great time to tell your tale for the benefit of those swirling in the darkness of loss. Gemini season loves an Op Ed, a podcast, a poppin Clubhouse room. And those spaces need your perspective on the magic of grief and its favorite bedfellow: joy. Whether you hit publish on Medium, or simply take to your journal, the stars are ready to help you cast spells that have the power to soothe.

Sagittarius

The archer of the zodiac hunts change like San Franciscans hunt sunny outdoor patios. So while many are trying to figure out what to do with their hands  and facial expressions  after a year in lockdown, youre already on a flight out of town. Watch out for overindulgence and the misconception that to go far, you have to go alone. Sure your travel buddies may not have TSA pre-check, but if youre aligned on destination, the journey is way more fun with friends. Plus, your ease is infectious  in a good way.

Capricorn

Daily life could give you a boost of pleasure this month. Routines feel more nourishing than restrictive. Joy lurks in seemingly mundane places, such as in an anxiety-free trip to Rainbow Market. The chatty, idea-loving energies of Gemini season may beckon you to put pen to paper, speak up or teach in some way. And youd be wise to pay attention to these new opportunities, no matter how small. Fortunes fit in cookies, after all.

Aquarius

Pleasure can be its own kind of personal work. If Taurus season had you trudging through the mud of personal growth, Gemini season could have you flying higher than the Salesforce Tower. Be generous with the insights you glean from the top, especially with those who are trying to build on sand or the backs of people. Then claim your place in the collective with a spot-on protest sign, a piece of hashtag-worthy street art or just a rad outfit. Leaning into your individualism gives others permission to do the same.

Pisces

As Jupiter moves through your own sign, dont be surprised if you feel like youve time traveled to the Summer of Love. If youre not actually leading the nude transcendental meditation at Baker Beach, youre at the very least helping your loved ones float in the shark-ridden waters of consciousness. It may feel extra easy to be kind and accepting right now, which does wonders for your committed partnerships. Just make sure youre affording the same gentle spirit of acceptance to yourself.

Aries

No one would blame you if you feel like burning it all down. But destruction is best when its part of the regenerative, creative process. Know that Mercurys retrograde (and Californias actual climate) makes it more likely for impulsive sparks to explode into wildfires, figuratively and literally. So if youre gonna light a match, make sure you and those youre trying to protect arent downwind. Like this land itself, small controlled burns are part of what keeps you cleansed and independent. What in your world needs the loving destruction of your inner fire?

Taurus

Gemini season wants to see you not only in community, but building it. And then appointing yourself mayor. Host the sign-making party, organize the fundraiser, call the friend who dropped off mid-quarantine. Go on dates with everyone, especially your friends. Theres no time for social anxiety or impostor syndrome when your apps are this full of invitations. Youll be back to your hardworking, bullish ways soon. For now, its time to daydream about what your ideal community looks like, who it includes and how it takes care, while making steps to live that way now.

Amy Copperman is a writer based in Oakland. By day, she works for LeanIn.Org. By night, she studies the astro wisdom of Chani Nicholas and contemplates patterns in the universe through art and tarot.
Courtesy Stern Grove Festival

Stern Grove Festival holds a special place in the hearts of Bay Area music fans. The free outdoor concert series presented in one of San Francisco's most scenic natural amphitheaters had to cancel its 2020 programming, an unprecedented decision given that according to Executive Director Bob Fiedler, they hadn't even had a rainout in 82 years. But patrons of the legendary Sunset District concerts will be happy to know that 2021 will be a return to form.

The weekly 2021 schedule will run from June 20 to August 29, although they've yet to announce the lineup. It will remain free, but at a limited capacity, with reservations required through an online ticketing system that initially will be limited to pods of four or six people. In a press release, Mayor London Breed congratulated the festival on relaunching and announced that she'll be one of the many people trying to secure a ticket.
You are now listening to the sounds of the New Generation. A podcast created for those who desire a new way of gaining information rather than reading a traditional newspaper. In our show we will discuss everything from sports, pop culture, politics, and local news. To stay up to date on our latest episodes every week be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast service. And dont worry, we keep it short.
Saudi Arabia has been ranked among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of the Internet speed on mobile networks and second among G20 countries in providing frequency spectrum to offer mobile telecommunication services.



The Communications and Information Technology Commission recently launched an initiative to reallocate the frequency spectrum, which is one of the limited natural resources owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is used in industries of modern radio technologies, mainly in radio communications, in addition to surveillance, control, sensors and radio systems, among others, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).



To achieve this goal, the Commission coordinated with public and private authorities, with the support of the National Transformation Program, to provide more than 800 megahertz of frequency spectrum of outdated usages and reallocate them to be available for commercial use by mobile communication service providers to increase capacities of radio networks and improve the quality of services.



The Commission, during the period between 2017 and 2019, held four public auctions for frequency spectrum, that resulted in increasing the frequencies allocated for mobile communication networks from 260 megahertz to 1,110 megahertz, which resulted in increasing the average of Internet download speed over mobile networks to more than tenfold (from 7 megabits per second in mid-2017 to more than 97 megabits per second by the end of 2020), where Saudi Arabia has become among the top 10 countries in terms of Internet speed on mobile networks and second among G20 countries in terms of providing frequency spectrum to offer mobile communication services.



Reallocating frequency spectrum for mobile services in Saudi Arabia has contributed to stimulating investments in the radio infrastructure by up to SR40 billion ($10.6 billion) over the past three years.



Due to the importance of this limited resource and efforts to increase its national utilization, Saudi Arabia is planning to publish a roadmap for an innovative and commercial use of the frequency spectrum (2021-2023).



This roadmap includes providing more than 22 gigahertz for innovative and smart radio usages for the frequency spectrum with the aim of supporting the adoption of 5G technologies of mobile communication and 6G of Wi-Fi, high-speed wireless networks, broadband satellite systems, the Internet of Things and the artificial intelligence and what it offers of smart services and options that can be utilized in applications for houses, smart gauges, connected vehicles and fleet management (vehicles and robots) among other applications.



It also aims to provide multiple frequency ranges for the purpose of experimenting and developing emerging and advanced radio systems and technologies, such as high-altitude platforms and smart wireless transport systems, as well as providing sufficient frequency ranges to enhance the digital radio transmission in Saudi Arabia.



This roadmap includes providing more than 22 gigahertz for innovative and smart radio usages for the frequency spectrum with the aim of supporting the adoption of 5G technologies of mobile communication and 6G of wi-fi, high-speed wireless networks, broadband satellite systems, the Internet of Things and the artificial intelligence and what it offers of smart services and options that can be utilized in applications for houses, smart gauges, connected vehicles and fleet management (vehicles and robots) among other applications.
(BPT) - Owning a home is the cornerstone of the American dream. There's nothing like having a permanent plot of land you can call your own.
Page Content

As we begin transitioning out of lockdowns and quarantines and into hybrid and face-to-face working, now is the time to evaluate how things were done before the pandemic and to anticipate how things will be done afterward. The leaders of some organizations, unfortunately, will go back to the status quo. Other organizations have leaders who will fully grasp that change is constant. There is a radical need for such advanced mindsets in leadership. These leaders' exceptional responsiveness to the global workforce increases their effectiveness.

Think back to the sweeping technological revolutions that occurred a decade ago, which a few leaders failed to recognize. Executives of some now-bankrupt brick-and-mortar bookstores, for example, neglected to notice and embrace the value and convenience of ordering, reading and listening to books online. Today, you might wonder how they could have missed such a common-sense decision.



What Is Common Sense?

One dictionary defines "common sense" as "sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts." Another dictionary definition is the "basic level of practical knowledge and judgment" that everyone needs "to live in a reasonable and safe way."



In their book Common Sense: The Foundations for Social Science (University Press of America, 1987), F.L. van Holthoon and David R. Olson describe common sense as "more or less universal" knowledge, judgment and taste, held by all "without reflection or argument."



Some say common sense is a luxury. But scholar C. S. Lewis wisely described "sense" in Studies in Words (Cambridge University Press, 1960) as a "mental outfit" that one should sew to wear for a lifetime.



Common-Sense Leadership and the Workforce

Creating a robust and effective organization in today's multicultural and hyperconnected world requires a progressive mindset that embraces common sense. A SHRM article on The New Power of Collaboration describes the new mindsets that organizations must learn, according to business leaders.



Common-sense leadership can increase motivation, retention, recognition and contentment among employees and teams. The result is that everyone in the workforce (not almost everyone) feels a part of something greater than themselves. They can accomplish far more if they experience a sense of belonging rather than isolation and exclusion.



In the first Manpower Report to Congress delivered in 1963, President John F. Kennedy said, "Manpower is the basic resource. It is the indispensable means of converting other resources to mankind's use and benefit. How well we develop and employ human skills is fundamental in deciding how much we will accomplish as a nation."



Kennedy's statement may be understood as a reaffirmation of the importance of common sense in utilizing the power of the workforce at national levels. In the midst of today's pandemic, its applicability expands to multicultural global postures.



Lead with Confidence, Not Emotion

Common-sense leaders of innovative social change recognize the need to modify conventional business models, transforming them into unconventional dynamic and strategic representations. These leaders do not reject change for something easier.



Common-sense leadership begins with this imperative: Fight the temptation to take things personally. That is, resist the lure to lead based on emotion.



Leading with emotion discounts the power of the workforce and its holistic imprint at the level of the individual worker as well as at the organizational level. Taking things personally makes it impossible to do the right thing.



Managers who learn to engage in common-sense leadership, on the other hand, put aside ego and intentionally accept responsibility. They are better able to create in the organization an inclusive environment that values everyone (again, not almost everyone). They have the confidence to listen to new ideas and, in response to those ideas, shift and enhance their own views. This allows the individuals and team members who work for these managers to share myriad ideas and opinions without fear of being isolated or rejected.



Organizations today must embrace such multiplicity, which refers not only to the colors and cultures of the workforce, but also to employees' ideas and opinions, learning styles, intelligences, orientations, perceptions, and more. Organizations can no longer afford to maintain sameness or uniformity.



Empathy and Ripple Effects

Common-sense leaders are able to reconnoiter and empathize with the workforce amidst acute crises such as job losses as well as during chronic threats such as a pandemic. They use inclusive skills and behaviors to outplay, outlive and outsmart those challenges.



Likewise, a workforce that can masterfully integrate divergent thinking and novel tools enables its leaders to gain appreciation and empathynot only for employees, but also for the organizations they lead, and even for the world. How top leaders treat the people who work for them has an impact on how those employees treat customers, their own families and communities, and so on.



This concept is illustrated by motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar in his fable "Who Kicked the Cat?" The story goes: The boss yells at the worker; the worker gets mad. The worker gets home and yells at his wife; the wife gets mad. The wife yells at the kid; the kid gets mad. Now the kid kicks the cat. So who kicked the cat? The boss did.



That's common sense!



Every high-stakes thought, word and action that comes from the top has a ripple effect. What a leader does here matters there. Failure to embrace this concept is likely to have a negative impact elsewhere in the organization and on its workforce, and its systems will suffer the consequences.



HR professionals in the school system, for example, need to be aware that their actions have an effect not only on the educators they hire, but also on the students. From there, a strong ripple effect extends to the students' parents, the community and the world. The HR department is not exempt from its responsibility to all of them.



Many business leaders are familiar with Daniel Goleman's work on emotional intelligence and Peter Drucker's theories of management by objectives and self-control. More recently, SHRM President and CEO Johnny Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, in conversation with Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, has cited empathy as one of the top three qualities of a good leader (along with courage and humility).



How to Value Your Workforce

Work with the humans you hired. Get to know them in real life, off the paper or the screen. That's where the common sense of valuing and empowering them resides.



Encourage a culture of retention and respect. Provide opportunities for people to upgrade their individual and team skills, so they can find purpose and meaning in the work they do for the organization. Develop better initiatives for education, economics and health, which help improve performance by employees and the organization alike.



Cultivate common sense in all individual and organizational activitiesfrom the writing of journals, reports and newsletters, to building websites, holding conferences, and more.



Collaborative alliances and partnerships offer extraordinary learning experiences. Build them to create relevant, meaningful connections without leaving anyone out. (For example, consider how programs that require "total participation" might affect introverts and others with differences.)



A company that ignores common sense is making an explicit choice. An HR department shouldn't reject job applicants wholesale, for instance, simply because there are too many applications (the supply-versus-demand excuse). This may lighten the department's workload but will ruin its reputation. Among the long-term ramifications and dire consequences of regular rejection is the HR staff's gradual denial of the value of the workforce.



Adhere to the objectives of the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (SHRM BoCK) and SHRM certification. Seek professional credentials in related fields, such as employment counseling.



Common-sense leadership has a good chance of sustaining the power of the workforce, and even world peace!



Sujata Ives, Ph.D., is an educational cognitive psychologist based in Maryland and president-elect of the National Employment Counseling Association.
New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on military cooperation were renewed on Thursday between India and Oman along with its annexure as well as on maritime issues, informed the Defence Ministry.



According to an official press release, the signing ceremony of the MoU on military cooperation was held at the Ministry of Defense, Muscat.

The document was signed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defense, Oman Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi and Ambassador of India to Oman Munu Mahawar.

The MoU between the two countries on cooperation on maritime issues was signed at the Maritime Security Centre by Commander of Royal Navy of Oman, the Head of Maritime Security Committee, Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser Al Rahbi and Munu Mahawar, stated the release. (ANI)


"India has requested the activation of the Emergency Response Coordination Center (ERCC) to deal with the serious pandemic situation that it has been experiencing, with Portugal expressing its willingness to contribute in solidarity," Xinhua news agency quoted the DGS as saying in a statement on Wednesday.

Lisbon, May 20 (IANS) The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) of Portugal has announced a donation of 5,500 units of antiviral drug Remdesivir to India, which is currently battling a devastating second wave of the Covid pandemic.

The ERCC is the heart of the European Union's (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism.

It coordinates the delivery of assistance to disaster-stricken countries, such as relief items, expertise, civil protection teams and specialised equipment.

Remdesivir has been authorised in the EU for treating COVID-19.

India's overall tally of Covid-19 cases currently stands at 25,772,440 with 287,122 deaths as of Thursday morning.

While the country's caseload is the second highest in the world after the US, the death toll is the third largest following the US and Brazil.

--IANS

ksk/
Male, May 20 (IANS) Maldives President Ibrahim Solih has appointed British national Abbas Faiz as the government's special envoy to oversee the investigation into to a terror attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed, local media reported on Thursday.

A presidential directive published on Wednesday has tasked Faiz with ensuring that national laws, as well as international best practices, are applied to the investigation, trial, and prosecution of suspects involved in using a remote-controlled improvised explosive device to target Nasheed on May 6, reports Xinhua news agency.
Huawei, a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices, recently held its virtual Saudi Core Partner Convention 2021, bringing together Huaweis key partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.



Held under the theme of Safety & Quality First, Digitalization Leads Innovation, and Collaborate to Win-Win, the convention mainly focused on the importance of partnerships and open collaborations as they play a key role in creating a win-win situation for all parties.



At the event, Huawei reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation and increase investment in developing the ICT ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The company also held discussions on promoting communication and collaboration with its partners, and highlighted the need to build a healthy ICT industry in Saudi Arabia that secure, reliable, and competitive at the conference.



Heguixue, Vice President, Huawei Technology Investment Saudi Arabia, said: As we prepare for a post-pandemic era, weve set stringent Quality & Network Safety standards are in place for various procurement categories, which will enable us to deliver exceptional quality of solutions and services to our customers. Safety of network and humans comes first which will never be outweighed by commercial interests. Cyber security and privacy protection are our top priorities, and we are committed to building trust and high quality into every ICT infrastructure product and solution.



Digitalization enables efficient and high-quality delivery and Huawei Saudi will continue to invest in research and development of digital platforms and tools to help partners improve management and operations. We will also continue to work closely with our partners to develop the Kingdoms ICT industry within different sectors. We hope that our efforts, together with our Saudi partners, will contribute to support in strengthening Saudis digital economy and achieve the Kingdoms Vision 2030, he added.



Gary Harvat, Chief Operations Officer of Seder Group Trading and Contracting, said: Throughout the years, Huawei has made a significant impact on the Saudi Arabia telecom services to benefit the community, therefore its an honour to be part of this global team. Digital transformation has played a vital role in improving quality and efficiency, and at Seder, we are continuously committed to work with global partners such as Huawei to provide the best in quality services.



Mahmoud Safwat, Telecom General Manager of Rezaik Al-Gedrawy Contracting, said: With Huawei, you can always ensure success and readiness for any challenge as well as the utmost customer satisfaction. We are confident that by partnering with a world-class company, we can achieve our main objective of always providing maximum service quality to our customers



At the event, Huawei presented its overall business review to its partners, and shared details on its procurement policy, requirement and expectation, cyber security management, and business compliance, quality & EHS requirements.



Attendees also virtually signed Business Compliance Guidelines, which included a commitment to Huaweis anti-bribery policy. Partners with an outstanding performance in the past year were also awarded at the Saudi Core Partners Conference 2021.  TradeArabia News Service
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Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the newest national airline of the UAE, will commence flights to its latest destinations - Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat, starting from July.

The flight to Ukraines capital city, Kiev will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from July 1; flights to Bari, Italy will be operated two times per week on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Spetember 21; routes to Salalah, Oman will be operated two times per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 3; and flights to the capital of Oman, Muscat will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from July 1.

Since launching in January 2021, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi now operates to 22 destinations with further destinations to be revealed in the coming months. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airlines mobile app, also available in Arabic, with fares starting as low as AED99 ($26.9).

The new ultra-low fare routes between Abu Dhabi and the cities of Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat will provide additional and affordable travel options for business and leisure travellers between the countries.

The beautiful and historic city of Kiev is Ukraines most populous, bursting with retail and F&B options, striking architecture, cultural attractions and landmarks  it is also Ukraines science and industrial hub. The city is a unique travel opportunity for all whether its for a weekend getaway or for work. For those who would like to enjoy a memorable holiday, the authentic and welcoming city of Bari in Italy features a bustling traditional harbour and beautiful beaches providing the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation. While the cities of Muscat and Salalah in Oman are the perfect escape for those searching for peace and mindfulness  Oman boasts beauty, deep-rooted heritage and culture, golden sands, glowing crystal waters, clear blue skies, colourful birds and temperate weather.

Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: Were excited to offer these new routes giving travellers sustainable options to explore new places. Travellers will be dazzled by beautiful architecture found in every corner of Kiev, a wealth of history and gorgeous beaches in Bari, and the nature and diverse landscape found in Oman. Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat are our next destinations in a series of new route announcements we have made, and will continue to make  we are committed to providing Abu Dhabi residents and tourists with new travel options and destinations at affordable prices.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has the youngest fleet composed of four brand new state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise footprint.

The airline has also introduced a new era of sanitised travel across its network, with enhanced hygiene measures to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew. - TradeArabia News Service
Friends: The Reunion will not only bring together the six stars of the most successful sitcom of the 1990s and early 2000s, it will answer the question which challenged a generation of TV viewers: were Ross and Rachel really on a break?

The special, which will feature actors Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer will also tackle one of the most complex questions in pop culture: can you ever really go back in time?

Reunion television specials and re-boots have, during the past decades, tried to rekindle the romance between audiences and the television programs which became iconic chapters in a shared cultural narrative: Will & Grace, The West Wing and now Friends.

Friends: The Reunion might well be titled The One That Was Bigger Than All of Them, because it represents not just a monumentally valuable programming asset, but it will pivot on the sentimental hindsight of an audience who saw themselves reflected in the story of six friends sharing neighbouring apartments and embarking on life in New York City.
More than a decade after Liberal powerbroker Tony Nutt departed John Howards office  where he served as principal private secretary and chief of staff  its great to see the ties that still bind.

Tony Nutt Credit:John Shakespeare

Phone logs released by the Senate inquiry into Australia Post have provided an intriguing glimpse into AusPost director Nutts inner circle when he was confronted by the political storms unleashed by the Cartier watch revelations.

In short, they read like a phone directory from the glory days of the Howard government.

As AusPost boss Christine Holgate fronted the stand at 12:32, Nutt put in a call to former Howard press secretary David Luff. Half an hour later, and after Holgate had revealed details about the watches to estimates, he called fellow AusPost director Michael Ronaldson, a former Liberal minister who entered Parliament during Howards last term. At 1:50pm and again after 2pm, there were two calls to Prime Minister Scott Morrisons chief of staff John Kunkel - who also served Howards secretive Cabinet Policy Unit. Then there was a stream of calls to Holgate, more to Ronaldson, Luff and AusPost chair Lucio Di Bartolomeo.
A British national, placed into hotel quarantine in Sydney after the yacht he was sailing from Tahiti started sinking off Newcastle, was granted an exemption to leave Australia two days later.

The 40-year-old man was escorted to the CBD hotel by police after he came ashore on Saturday.

The yacht was found 10 hours after the first report it was taking on water. Credit:NSW Police

NSW Polices Marine Area Command received reports at midnight last Friday that a 50-foot Beneteau yacht, en route from Tahiti to Sydney, was taking on water 95 nautical miles off the NSW coastline.

The yacht, which had travelled 22 nautical miles closer to land, was not located until 10am on Friday by Port Stephens water police, assisted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
A globe-trotting former executive at a Chinese traditional therapies business, jailed for manipulating the sharemarket, said he used trades to artificially inflate the companys share price because he was under pressure from investors.

Zhonghan Wu, 41, was the chief financial officer of Traditional Therapy Clinics Ltd, which owned or franchised about 350 health and wellness clinics in China, when the company listed on the ASX in 2015.

Zhonghan John Wu blamed investor pressure for his decision to manipulate the share price of TTC.

Court documents detail how Wu used four trading accounts, including one under his wifes name, to then manipulate the companys share price before he resigned from his position, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission started investigating.

Wu was charged in June 2020 and on Tuesday was sentenced to one year and 10 months imprisonment by the NSW District Court after pleading guilty to market manipulation. He was also sentenced to a community corrections order for two years and six months for fraud offences.
Hard hitting, multi-pronged communication campaigns about COVID vaccination and general virus prevention are much needed across the country but please dont let the PM anywhere near the creation or delivery of such messaging (Immunity at risk over jab strategy, May 20) . The image of him having a cosy fireside chat with the population at large would only lead to another tranche of wasted money. Sue Dyer, Downer (ACT) Gas plant proposal is all smoke and mirrors Scott Morrison says we need a new $600 million fossil fuel-powered station at Kurri Kurri to keep electricity prices down. Economists and those in the energy field have warned the opposite will occur (Morrisons gas-fired power play sparks investment warning, May 20). I recall Tony Abbott winning an election on a promise of lower power prices, and what was the result? Wholesale electricity prices doubled on his watch. Investors will not have a bar of it and neither should we. Ray Armstrong, Tweed Heads South Are we ever going to face the real problems before us honestly, without one eye constantly on politics? The gas-fired power station in the Hunter Valley has nothing to do with shoring up the grid, but everything to do with shoring up the Coalition vote in that area. Bruce Mumford, Moss Vale Just as poles and wires are rapidly disappearing from our communications infrastructure, domestic energy use could become more autonomous through technological advances. Alternative energy production, from sources known and unknown, stored and used in innovative systems, is more likely to happen than not. Why, then, do the fossil fuel dinosaurs insist on digging further into the pit and not recognising the past, present or future? Michael Wheatley, Rock Forest

Trust the Prime Minister to prop up this incompetent NSW government in the lead-up to a byelection  by creating 10 jobs. Thats really going to help the dying fossil-fuel sector. The privatisation and management of our former state-owned power plants has been so badly managed by former and current NSW governments it is almost a crime against the people. Its been a bungled, incoherent privatisation of energy that has taken us from the cheapest state-owned power to the most expensive privatised power in the world. All this in a country dripping with energy resources. Conrad Mill, Parkes In 2017, the South Australian Tesla big battery undercut gas generators. Built in under 100 days, it reduced costs to consumers by $150 million while profiting owners. NSW needs new batteries, not new diesel/gas generators. Janet Hutchison, Melba (ACT) To all of those people complaining about the idiocy of building a $600 million gas-fired electricity plant, there is a small upside if you look hard enough. At least they seem to have given up on wanting to build a coal-fired plant. Well, most have. Barnaby, are you paying attention? Sigh. Ian Morris, Strathfield Yes, minister, the sun doesnt always shine and the wind doesnt always blow but fossil fuels always emit CO2. Rob Firth, Cremorne Point

PM must realise China is a far bigger fish Penny Wong cogently and compellingly argues the case for a well-conceived strategy to manage our relationship with China, our largest trading partner. She clearly points out that recent comments by the Defence Minister and Prime Minister Morrison tries to promote himself as sensitive and caring, but the reactionary and belligerent side of his personality always seems to pop out (Call the Prime Minister out: Wong says Morrison stoking fears of China conflict, May 20). Morrisons infantile denunciations of China during the Trump years have turned out to be a diplomatic disaster. Australia is no match in a battle with our largest trading partner, a country that has such enormous influence globally. We may well criticise China  and it is always important to make our point about human rights anywhere  but it needs a more mature, intelligent and strategic approach. Morrison might have sought political advantage at home by playing Trumps lackey in the China disputes, but do we really want to go down the same road as previous Coalition governments, and repeat the horrors of Vietnam, Iraq or even Afghanistan? Bruce Spence, Balmain Senator Penny Wong suggests that, rather than beating the drums of war, the government should better fund Chinese language broadcasting on SBS and the ABC for the benefit of Chinese-Australians . What a good idea. Diana Wyndham, North Sydney Penny Wong is a national repository of calm commonsense and clear objectivity. The sooner she is a member of the government rather than opposition the better the outlook for Australia. Paul Stevens, North Epping

Education centre-right Where to begin with everything that is wrong with education from pre-school to university (Tudge calls for Western focus in class, May 20)? Just give all the institutions and state ministers who oversee schools, universities and preschools, those pesky teachers across the state at each institution and the writers of curriculum, some of the magic potion Alan Tudge has drunk since becoming Minister. They could all become experts too. Problem solved. No specialist knowledge required. Jennifer Carter, Oyster Bay Tudge seems to be confusing the two words liberal and Liberal when he speaks of students defending his beloved liberal democracy. Greg Thompson, Bega Minister Tudge wants Australian children to defend their free, rich, egalitarian liberal democracy. Mate, we aint seen much of any of that since Little Johnny Howard won the election in 96. John Grinter, Katoomba

Sickness in the system Reading of four more deaths in hospitals in NSW with no doctor available, and the use of virtual doctors reminds me once more of the problems associated with division of responsibilities between federal and state governments (Virtual doctors leave rural hospitals in crisis, May 20). If the federal government can spend $600 million on a gas-fired power station, against the advice of experts, while the state government cant ensure proper medical services in rural areas: there is something drastically wrong in Australia. The current situation ensures each level of government can play the blame game about which one is responsible. Sandra Burke, North Sydney The problems with the health system in the country could well be sheeted home to a simple fact: that the people who represent us in Macquarie Street think that NSW stands for Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong. Derrick Mason, Boorowa I wonder how many of the 57 per cent of Labor voters who say Gladys Berejiklian is their preferred premier are aware of the disgusting predicament rural hospitals find themselves (Letters, May 20). Cooks are looking after patients in regional towns. This is on top of the states bad record on matters such as the environment, privatisation to the nth degree, corruption, low-life parliamentarians, and so on. Apparently, the Labor Party primary vote in NSW is down to 28 per cent. When will the people of NSW get the opposition it deserves? Arthur Hennessy, Gymea Bay

Shark tracking Sad to read that a surfer has been bitten by a shark and succumbed to his wounds (Victim of shark attack on NSW Mid North Coast identified, smh.com.au, May 20). Apparently, there was knowledge of a shark or sharks in the area through tagging. It raises the question that if tagging identifies where a shark may be, and its proximity to a surfing and swimming area, what warnings are relayed to beachgoers through local councils? Its no good after the event letting people know that a tagged shark had indeed been identified as being in the area. Stewart Copper, Maroubra Green but not old Your correspondent suggests school students should do more individually to help climate change (Letters, May 20). Many do, but their efforts pale into insignificance against governments that refuse to build safe cycleways, refuse to clear the air by promoting electric vehicles, continue to dig up coal with virtually no constraints, and build an unnecessary gas-fired power station against all advice. The biggest effect an individual can have is to vote out a government that refuses to act responsibly on climate change. Unfortunately, school students have the knowledge but dont have the vote. Peggy Fisher, Killara Your correspondent exhorts students to make positive personal choices rather than marching for climate justice. The sad fact is that no matter how much we as individuals recycle, make sound consumption choices, and minimise our energy footprint: its a drop in the bucket alongside the damage being visited upon the planet by reckless governments. These young people are smart enough to know that. Tom McGinness Randwick

Your letter writer applauds the student strike on climate change yet lists a number of pro-environment actions, (walking to school, not buying the latest gear, etc). These are good actions to take but are used as a jibe against those protesting. Individual actions are just that. As the students and their supporters know, climate change requires widespread political and economic decisions. The students hope to break the malaise and denial of current governments. Good luck to them; we will need it. Rhyan Andrews, Faulconbridge Rings tone I keep hearing Juan Antonio Samaranchs voice in my head: And the winner is ... COVID-19 (Stretched thin: Tokyo medicos plead with organisers to cancel Games, May 19). Patrick McGrath, Potts Point

Growing up and old Naomi Campbell a mother at 50. Good luck to her and the baby  cute now but will grow up to be a child, then adult when she is 70-plus (Model Naomi Campbell welcomes baby girl at age 50, smh.com.au, May 20). Campbell makes it sound as if it just happened so easily with little thought of the future. Reality check, please. I was a mother through IVF at 43 and know what its like to be now 64 with a 20-year-old. The age dynamics of his cousins and their children are hard to get ones head around. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill Not all of us I, too, was a student at Sydney University in the late 60s and, though I was aware of unquestionably lewd behaviour by some white males, be assured there were many of us who considered it to be as appalling then as it is now (Letters, May 20). To categorise us all by the actions of a few is unfair and unthinking and I am surprised that some still do so. Terry Charleston, Cootamundra
Thousands of AstraZeneca doses are sitting unused in federal government-run clinic refrigerators across Sydney and regional NSW with a lack of demand meaning some vaccination sites are operating at less than a quarter of capacity.

At one Commonwealth respiratory clinic in south-west Sydney, roughly 3000 AstraZeneca doses have piled up as the practice struggles to fill 50 appointments a day, as fears of a very rare blood clot syndrome, confusion and complacency keep people away.

Thousands of AstraZeneca vaccines are sitting unused in federal government-run respiratory clinics. Credit:Getty

As supply outstrips demand in the Commonwealth respiratory clinics, Sydney GPs say they are still waiting on their supplies of AstraZeneca vaccines to be able to inoculate more of their patients.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners vice-president Dr Bruce Willett said vaccine supplies for GPs are patchy around the country and most GPs are saying they could be doing more.
Abbot Point in north Queensland is firming up as the likely site for a launch facility for small rockets, as the state looks to support the space industry.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and State Development Steven Miles announced on Thursday that Abbot Point was the frontrunner for the facility, saying it ticked several boxes.

An artists impression of the potential launch site at Abbot Point.

Abbot Point has long been considered as one of the locations for a rocket launch site in Queensland, Mr Miles said.

Chances are well need more than one as this expanding industry continues to grow.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has confirmed a link between a young Queensland nurses blood clots and the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Ellie Peacock, 18, received her first dose of the vaccine on March 31, about a week before updated advice recommended people younger than 50 not receive AstraZeneca because of concerns over clotting.

Ellie Peacock developed blood clots weeks after receiving her AstraZeneca dose. Credit:Ellie Peacock/ Facebook

The TGA confirmed the link with the AstraZeneca vaccine on Thursday, saying the information reported met the criteria for confirmed thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

It said Ms Peacock remained under investigation as there were ongoing clinical investigations, including consideration of other medical conditions.
Noon Beecher is on the disability support pension. He gave qualified support for the mental health investment. Credit:Joe Armao The unemployed: Noon Beecher West Footscray man Noon Beecher, who is on a disability support pension, welcomed the $3.8 billion investment to overhaul the mental health system. But Mr Beecher, who hosts the Auspol Snackpod political podcast, wanted more investment to stop the root causes of mental health problems rather than help only for those struggling. Thats great but its also misguided in [that] its dealing with a problem after the horse has bolted.

He said the affordability of mental health and dental services were his biggest concerns, having recently cancelled multiple medical appointments that he could not afford to go to. Mr Beecher had wanted to see the free TAFE program expanded and raised concerns the governments Big Housing Build focussed on increasing community housing rather than public housing stock. Gayle Roberts in front of her former home in Port Melbourne, which she sold before COVID-19 shut down Australia. Credit:Simon Schluter The investor: Gayle Roberts Retiree Gayle Roberts has been renting out her Docklands apartment overlooking the Yarra River while she caravans in Queensland for six months. She was planning on buying a new apartment in Port Melbourne with her husband but feels deterred by the proposal to increase stamp duty on properties that sell for more than $2 million.

Not that wed go that high anyway, Ms Roberts said. But she believes the policy would still impact the market as a whole, including by shaking confidence or increasing competition for properties valued below the cap. First home buyers Kevin Chai and Andre Rodrigues. The first home buyers: Kevin Chai and Andre Rodrigues Kevin Chai and Andre Rodrigues have started looking for a family home in the inner west, but may be forced to keep renting for another year because the current Victorian housing market is so horrendous. Mr Chai said the government push to get the CBD bustling again  by waiving stamp duty for new apartments in the City of Melbourne valued below $1 million that have sat on the market for more than a year  would do nothing for first home buyers trying to set themselves up to start a family.

I would like a piece of land, a townhouse, that gives a more stable, long-term prospect for something I would hold onto for the next 10 years, Mr Chai said. But a house was probably out of reach, to not be in debt for the rest of our lives and cry blood every time we go home. Mr Chai said they had been particularly hampered by the huge hurdle of stamp duty and wanted to see it made into a long-term tax rather than enormous lump-sum payments.

Regional nurse Rebecca Weir. The nurse: Rebecca Weir Rebecca Weir has led nursing units in northern Victoria. She said the government seemed to be putting health funds where they were needed. The trick now will be in the detail, Ms Weir said. Overarchingly, theres never going to be enough money. She said $1.4 billion for elective surgeries in particular was necessary to resolve a backlog after COVID-19, but it was not yet clear if the investment would be enough.
The fact that so many adult Australians are reluctant to get a vaccine should change attitudes in the community and policies in the government. Only 4 per cent seem to be anti-vaxxers with a permanent objection. The question in the survey was about the next few months  which means the government has a chance to change those views. Loading The missed opportunities in the vaccine rollout are no secret. Australia needed a bigger deal with Pfizer and a first deal with Moderna last year for mRNA vaccines when we relied too heavily on AstraZeneca. Yet the European Union decision to block vaccine exports was not Morrisons fault, and the government struck a smart but secret deal to get supplies from Britain instead. Stating the obvious can be a risky business these days, as Virgin chief Jayne Hrdlicka found when she reminded us that people die from COVID-19, but the basic problem with the vaccine rollout remains global supply. The truth is that Australia is doing well with the supply it can get, within the limits of the CSL laboratory in Melbourne and Pfizer facilities in the US and Europe. Global pharmaceutical companies are putting a priority on the countries where the virus is killing people in their thousands. Australia is not a priority.

Even now, with CSL producing about 1 million doses a week, the supply is still not enough. Because the vaccine requires two doses, the federal government has to keep a large amount (not exactly half, but about 40 per cent) in reserve. This explains the absence of an advertising campaign to overcome vaccine hesitancy. There is no rush to sign people up if there are no vials left when they get to the clinic and roll up their sleeves. And it is probably too late to fix the doubts about AstraZeneca. It has proven to be a highly effective vaccine, even with one dose, when compared with Pfizer. Taking two doses of either vaccine cuts the risk of contracting COVID-19 by as much as 70 per cent. The concerns about blood clots, and the sudden decision by Australian scientific advisers in April to recommend Pfizer for those under 50, suggest it would take more than an advertising campaign to change minds. The government has to live with that advice from its experts. It would be foolish to tell older Australians they have to have AstraZeneca whether they like it or not. (On a personal note, merely for transparency, I am registered to get the AstraZeneca vaccine within a week or so.)

Loading No wonder Health Minister Greg Hunt wants people to know there will be more options soon. Right now, we want to encourage everybody over 50 to be vaccinated as early as possible, Hunt said on Wednesday. But weve been very clear that as supply increases later on in the year there will be enough mRNA vaccines for every Australian. Labor critics had a field day on Twitter with that comment, declaring it idiotic, but what is Hunt meant to do? Deny people a choice of vaccine? Pretend the Pfizer doses are not on their way? Trick people into taking AstraZeneca? Shipments from Pfizer are meant to reach about 600,000 doses each week from early July  only six or seven weeks away. This is supposed to continue through to the end of September, when there will be another big increase in volume.
Visit Hungary Ltd. announced that it will target Middle Eastern visitors as a key strategic market in its efforts to revitalise its tourism sector following the effects of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Accordingly, the agency will open a new tourism office in Fall 2021, in Dubai.

The Hungarian Tourism Agency (HTA), the official national body promoting the country as a tourist destination, is expanding its international business development work within its subsidiary, the Visit Hungary National Tourism Organization Ltd.

A delegation from Visit Hungary Ltd. is currently visiting the UAE as part of a week-long mission dedicated to the strengthen of ties with key industry organizations and travel professionals, prior to the opening of the new office.

Fruzsina Zakarias, Deputy CEO of Visit Hungary Ltd. highlighted: The opening of our tourism office in Dubai later this year will be both a milestone and evidence of Hungarys significant investment and commitment to, and belief in the UAE and Middle East as an outbound market of quality and expected growth. With our luxury lifestyle experiences of castle stays, spas, exciting artisanal and designer shopping, natural landscapes as well as options for unique hunting and culinary adventures, we believe Hungary has an abundance of experiences to both beckon and enchant our Middle Eastern visitors and all those that visit.

Prior to the Covid pandemic, Hungary saw the number of inbound tourist trips jump to a record 16.2 million guests spending more than 42 million guest nights in Hungarian accommodation establishments. Compared to the 2010 tourism results, the number of guests doubled, while the number of guest nights was almost 85 per cent higher. Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is proving an irresistible destination all its own, with its unique blend of attractions and stunning architecture enticing a record number of 5.7 million tourists in 2019. Compared to 2010, both the number of guests (+118.4 per cent) and guest nights (+125.7 per cent) more than doubled. However, as a consequence of the travel restrictions introduced because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of inbound tourist trips decreased significantly in 2020. According to the National Tourism Data Supply Centre, 2020 was concluded with a total of approximately 8 million guests and nearly 22.7 million guest nights.

Hungary has witnessed impressive development in the luxury tourism sector in recent years, with a fascinating array of new and renovated grand and boutique hotels opening to the public. Matild Palace, a luxury collection hotel built in 1902 under the patronage of Her Imperial and Royal Highness Archduchess Maria Klotild of Austria, offers visitors a journey into the world of imperial splendor. Meanwhile BOTANIQ Castle of Tura, is a fairytale-like jewel showcasing neo-renaissance and neo-baroque style elements, built by a Baron to exemplify his everlasting love and dedication to his wife. Today its one of the most beautiful castles in Hungary and as a hotel, provides a sanctuary of privacy and comfort with its 12 beautifully appointed rooms and seven lavish suits.

Some of Hungarys upcoming lifestyle attractions include Fashion Street Budapest; a shopping street where you can find everything from architectural gems, fashion, high-quality shopping and gastronomy to world-famous high-end brands. Premier Outlet Budapest is a popular shopping center in the outskirts of Budapest with over 100 national and international shops.

In order for visitors to enjoy all the very best luxury lifestyle experiences Hungary has to offer, a number of eight-day holiday packages have been especially curated with the Middle Eastern travellers in mind. These include such features as: five-star luxury hotel and castle stays; private transfers; private boat cruises down the River Danube; exclusive private shopping experiences at Hungarys famous Herend Porcelain flagship store, Hollo Folk Art & Furniture, as well as Hungarian fashion brands such as Nubu, Sugarbird and Nanushka; exclusive use of Veli Bej historic baths and many other unique and exclusive experiences.

We hope that many aspirational travellers from the UAE and surrounding Gulf States will choose to visit Hungary as a destination of choice as soon as borders open and it is safe to do so. In preparation for that, we are currently busy working with the regions leading travel agencies to provide them with unique travel itineraries and experiences that offer visitors an escape to splendor, relaxation and the celebration of life, said Zakarias. - TradeArabia News Service
Thanks so much for joining us for todays Victorian budget live blog.

Its been a pleasure bringing all the news and reaction to you from our team of reporters from The Age.

Thanks again for all the comments and shares, it makes it worthwhile when we can see the reactions from our readers.

Please stick with us for more reactions and developments in the days to come as government begin to sell their policies and spending decisions.

We will continue to have our Australian News blog back in action tomorrow morning, until then, bye for now.
Paul Romer was once Silicon Valleys favourite economist. The theory that helped him win a Nobel Prize  that ideas are the turbocharged fuel of the modern economy  resonated deeply in the global capital of wealth-generating ideas. In the 1990s, Wired magazine called him an economist for the technological age. The Wall Street Journal said the tech industry treated him like a rock star.

Not anymore.

Paul Romer has become a fierce critic of the tech industrys largest companies. Credit:AP

Today, Romer, 65, remains a believer in science and technology as engines of progress. But he has also become a fierce critic of the tech industrys largest companies, saying that they stifle the flow of new ideas. He has championed new state taxes on the digital ads sold by companies like Facebook and Google, an idea that Maryland adopted this year.

And he is hard on economists, including himself, for long supplying the intellectual cover for hands-off policies and court rulings that have led to what he calls the collapse of competition in tech and other industries.
London: Two doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine may be around 85 per cent to 90 per cent effective against symptomatic disease, Public Health England (PHE) says, while cautioning that it did not yet have enough data to be conclusive.

Britain has suffered one of the worst death tolls globally from the pandemic, but has also had one of the fastest vaccine rollouts, generating a lot of data about the use of the shots in real-world settings.

Public Health England said the estimated effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine was 89 per cent compared to unvaccinated people. Credit:AP

It was the first country to roll out AstraZenecas vaccine, which faced questions over the construction of its clinical trials, the efficacy of the vaccine and the optimal gap between doses of its shot.

PHE on Thursday (Friday AEST) said the preliminary finding was the first of its kind on the effectiveness of two doses of AstraZeneca in a real-world setting, but cautioned that it had low confidence in the findings, and the results would be inconclusive until more evidence was gathered.
Gaza: A truce between Israel and Hamas began on Friday at the hour set by Egyptian mediators, and US President Joe Biden pledged to salve the devastation of the worst fighting in years with humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In the countdown to the 2am (9am AEST) cease-fire, whose timing Hamas had confirmed but Israel did not, Palestinian rocket salvoes continued and Israel carried out at least one air strike.

A man holds a childs shoe as he inspects buildings destroyed by Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Credit:AP

Each side said it stood ready to retaliate for any truce violations by the other. Cairo said it would send two delegations to monitor the ceasefire.

Hamas, the Islamist militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, scheduled public celebrations for what it deemed a victory over a militarily and economically stronger foe.
Gaza City: Israel unleashed a wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several others. The latest strikes came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back against US pressure to wind down the offensive against Gazas Hamas militants, who have fired thousands of rockets at Israel.

Explosions shook Gaza City early on Thursday (Jerusalem time) and orange flares lit up the night sky, with strikes also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis. As the sun rose, residents surveyed the rubble from at least five family homes destroyed in Khan Younis. There were also heavy airstrikes on al-Saftawi Street, a commercial thoroughfare in Gaza City.

An Israeli artillery unit fires shells towards targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border. Credit:AP

The Israeli military said it struck at least three homes of Hamas commanders in Khan Younis and another in Rafah, targeting military infrastructure, as well as a weapons storage unit at a home in Gaza City.

An Israeli strike smashed into the Khawaldi familys two-story house in Khan Younis, destroying it. The 11 residents, who were sleeping in a separate area out of fear, were all wounded and hospitalised, said Shaker al-Khozondar, a neighbour.
Washington: US President Joe Biden says he hopes the unconditional ceasefire agreed to by Israel and Hamas after 11 days of fighting opens the possibility of a more longstanding peace between Israel and Palestine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said his security cabinet had voted unanimously in favour of a mutual and unconditional truce in Gaza while Hamas said the ceasefire would be mutual and simultaneous.

US President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Credit:Abaca

Speaking at the White House after the announcement, Biden said he commended Netanyahu for his decision to agree to a ceasefire.

He also reiterated his belief that Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On May 19, 2021. The Department of Infrastructure from the Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development, and Infrastructure (V.R.O.M.I) purchased 11 Body Support Vests for their employees in order to assist them with the physical demands that often occur with being a V.R.O.M.I. employee. Mr. D. Lejuez, Project /Program Leader & Yard Manager, stated how they could not have arrived at a better time due to the fact that the guys have been having many back complaints and have had to call in sick due to that. Mr. E. Jansen, head of operations, was also grateful. The Body Support Vest is a proud creation of one of our own locals, Ms. A. Groeneveldt, who represented St. Maarten, with this same product, in the 2018 Caribbean and Latin America Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in the Finals in China. She and her team are all grateful that the Government of Sint Maarten stepped up to the plate to purchase A QUALITY PRODUCT for the sake of the HEALTH of the worker. Ms. Groeneveldt stated "My country and its people are very important to me. It is such an honour and privilege to know that from now on these amazing and hard working men who take care of our country, will also be taken care of by their backs and bodies being supported during those long working days. Less sick days means both parties win. My team and I commend the Minister Egbert Doran for seeing the importance of INVESTING in its people``.

If you wish to contact Ms. Groeneveldt to purchase Body Support Vest for your employees, simply contact her at +1721 522 8670.
SABA:---The project to construct a new harbor at Black Rocks is proceeding. The existing dirt road has been widened and rock catchment benches have been created to provide safe access to the Black Rocks area. The intention is to soon start the construction of a grouted rock wall along the road and to initiate preparatory works for utilities. Various studies have now been completed, which provide important information for the further elaboration of this comprehensive project, financed by the Dutch government.

The archaeological site survey by the Saba Archaeological Foundation SABARC has been concluded. Several artifacts were found in the Black Rocks area, including two old ship cannons which will be moved to a dive site. The soil investigation and the laboratory tests of the soil samples withdrawn from the land and sea bed are finished. The fieldwork by a team from Geotron of the Netherlands was concluded in September last year after which laboratory tests were done on the soil samples.

Construction methods

The outcome of the soil investigation helps to determine which construction methods are feasible for the breakwater. One of the possible construction methods, a cofferdam breakwater, requires the driving of piles. The soil investigation shows that this could be a challenge at the Black Rocks location, because of some large boulders situated in the deeper layers of the seabed. A specialized company has been asked to advise on this aspect.

Through physical model tests at the University of Ghent, Belgium, the robustness of different construction methods was tested. For this purpose, two scale models, a vertical (caisson/cofferdam) and a berm (rock) breakwater were exposed to different wave conditions, up to a category 5 hurricane.

These test results will serve as input for the general design of the harbor by Witteveen+Bos of the Netherlands and for the marina design by ATM from the United States. Harbor project manager Ton van der Plas explained that even though the physical model tests showed that the wave forces of a category 5 hurricane were five times lower at Black Rocks than at Fort Bay, the wave impact is still very heavy.

Environmental Impact Assessment

As part of the permit application an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out by Ecovision from Curacao. The extensive report is ready in draft format, but still needs to be discussed with the stakeholders. The assessment addresses the environmental impact of the harbor development on both the landside and marine life. Focal points include the colonies of elkhorn coral (Acropora Palmata) in the project area, which is a protected species. These coral colonies will have to be relocated before the harbor construction starts.

To determine the best relocation method and location, the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) runs a pilot project. Fragments of four coral species were moved to two different locations. So far, monitoring of the fragments has shown that the best location to replant the corals is Hole in the Corner, east of Black Rocks. The EIA also points out the fact that the cliffs of St. Johns, close to harbor development, are a nesting site for the protected Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus). Measures must be taken to avoid disturbing these birds during the construction of the harbor.

Erosion risk

Another important topic in the EIA is the risk of erosion, which has a negative impact on the corals. The proposed new harbor will be constructed in a zone that is already affected by uncontrolled erosion, largely caused by roaming goats. Development of the area will further impact the still vegetated land. This aspect must be tackled through the goat control project and revegetation of the area.

The EIA concludes that a major project such as a harbor development is bound to have an adverse impact on nature. The objective is to keep this adverse impact on the environment to a minimum and to balance this in the decision-making process with the economic, social, and safety impact.

On May 6, Van der Plas presented all these latest developments to the Island Council. According to Van der Plas, there was a lot of interest and many questions were asked. The next few months the project will focus on the detailed design, the permit application, and the tendering procedure. Tendering for a new harbor is scheduled to start before the end of this year.
Vizsla grows Tajitos; 32 drill holes average 3.08 metres true width at 505 g/t silver equivalent

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 results from ten new holes at the Tajitos Vein (\Tajitos\) at the?Panuco?silver-gold project (\Panuco\ or the \Project\) in Mexico.?

Highlights

32 drill holes show an average vein width of 08 metres true width

Weighted average grade of 505 g/t silver equivalent (329.0 g/t silver and 2.10 g/t gold)

Mineralization extends over 575 metres in length, 250 metres deep and remains open to the northeast, southwest and at depth.

Drillhole NP-21-29 intersected;

513 g/t silver equivalent (390.7 grams per tonne (?g/t?) silver and 1.56 g/t gold) over 7.76 metres true width (?mTW?) from 207.45 metres including,

1,423 g/t silver equivalent (1,156.8 g/t silver and 3.60 g/t gold) over 1.22 mTW from 208.65 metres

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)) / 0.5627.? Metal price assumptions are $17.50 ounce silver and $1,700 ounce gold, recoveries assumptions are 96% gold and 94% silver, based on similar deposit types.

Vizsla President and CEO, Michael Konnert, commented: ?Vizsla?s in-country and technical team have done an excellent job building two main areas of focus for resource drilling. Today?s results from Tajitos demonstrate a second significant zone of mineralization in addition to the Napoleon Vein.? These averages further demonstrate the excellent vein widths and high grades at Tajitos and the Company is drilling to find the edges of mineralization ahead of completing a maiden resource estimate.? Based on the success of drilling a second rig was moved to Tajitos in early May to accelerate resource drilling at the target.?

Tajitos Drilling detail

The Tajitos vein zone is located along the Cinco Senores Vein Corridor (Figure 1 and Figure 3) where drilling in 2020 and 2021 by Vizsla has returned high-grade mineralization.? The Company is undertaking resource drilling on approximate 50 metre centres to define the extent of mineralization which now has over 575 metres of strike length.

Drilling has defined mineralization to the southwest and beneath the historic mine.? Holes CS-21-23 and CS-21-24 add an additional 50m of strike length to the southwest with robust widths and grades (CS-21-23 returned a true width of 2.75 metres with a grade of 432 g/t silver equivalent).? Mineralization is open with 600 metres of strike length to an interpreted intersection with the Napoleon Vein.

Drilling is expanding the central part of the vein to depth and the Company is planning to infill the entire panel to approximately 300 metres depth.? Once a control on the wider vein zones is established, deeper drilling will commence to find the full extent of mineralization.

The Tajitos vein zone is composed of a quartz breccia vein with an early white locally banded quartz supporting diorite lithic clasts, followed by a later white to greyish quartz supporting brecciated clasts of earlier white quartz veins.? This zone was then cut by a later white to clear quartz vein with local dark bands or patches of fine-grained sulphides that is cutting a zone of quartz pseudomorphs after bladed calcite and pink rhodochrosite.? The better grades are in the earlier breccias associated with dark bands or dark patches of very fine-grained disseminated sulphides.? This vein zone is hosted in a sequence of variably magnetic diorite and andesite.

About the Panuco project

Vizsla has an option to acquire 100% of the newly consolidated 9,386.5-hectare Panuco district in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The option allows for the acquisition of over 75 kilometres of total vein extent, a 500 ton per day mill, 35 kilometres of underground mines, tailings facilities, roads, power and permits.

The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation.

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 Silver. Mr. Dupuis is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.

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 resource estimate.

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.
Trillium Gold to begin 8,000 metre Drill Program on Gold Centre Property adjacent to Evolution Mining\-\-s Red Lake Operation

Posted by Publisher Internet

Trillium Gold Mines Inc. (TSXV:TGM, OTCQX:TGLDF, FRA:0702) (?Trillium Gold? or the ?Company?  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/trillium-gold-mines-inc/ ) announces that an 8,000 metre drill program will commence shortly on the 80%-owned Gold Centre property immediately adjacent to Evolution Mining?s Red Lake Operation (?EVN-RLO?). Trillium Gold operates the Gold Centre property as an 80%/20% Joint Venture with Rupert Resources Ltd. (RUP:CVE).

The most recent drilling program on the property was conducted from 2004 to 2008 by Rupert Resources, focused on ultra-deep targets under the south end of the property, intersecting Red Lake Mine mineralization at depths below 3,400 metres. Until recently, hole RUP-07-01C was a record-breaking, deep hard rock diamond drill hole at 3,411 metres in depth. Trillium received the permit for Gold Centre exploration in early February 2021 and planned to undertake the drill program after the spring thaw. All available historical data on the property has been compiled and drill targets defined for Phase 1 drilling. Trillium Gold has engaged the former Project Manager for Rupert Resources? drill programs in 2004 to 2008 who will supervise the drilling.?

From Rupert?s induced polarization (IP) survey in 2013, a total of 9 anomalous trends have been interpreted on the Gold Centre property, three of which are identified on the North Grid as strong to very strong.

Two are indicative of a sulphide mineralization source, potentially associated with a complexly folded/faulted contact between the Huston conglomerate and Balmer mafic metavolcanic rocks. This appears to be coincident with the southeasterly extension of a regional scale fault mapped on the EVN-RLO property. An additional strong, very anomalous trend has been identified on the South Grid. The proximity of the Far East Zone at the EVN-RLO provides further support that the southwest-dipping Red Lake Mine trend potentially extends onto the Gold Centre property at depth.

Russell Starr, CEO of Trillium Gold commented, ?The Gold Centre property lies just 350 metres from Evolution Mining?s underground development at the Red Lake Mine where 100,000 metre program is underway to explore extensions of the Cochenour and Red Lake deposits. The favorable Balmer volcanics that host several gold deposits at the adjacent Red Lake Mine have been identified in drill core and on surface at Gold Centre from the 2013 geological mapping program.? If we are successful in demonstrating that this prolific gold structure continues onto the Gold Centre property, it will validate our strategic focus on acquiring one of the largest district scale positions in North America?s most important gold camp.?

?We are looking forward to drilling on Gold Centre. We know there are Balmer volcanics below our feet and we need to start systematically drilling to intersect gold. The program we have laid out provides the optimal opportunity in that it tests a range of targets with a higher density at more manageable depths. Once we have established intersections, we can then begin to expand on them and follow them deeper?, stated Bill Paterson, Trillium Gold?s Vice President of Exploration.

Trillium Gold?s proposed 2021 drill program comprises approximately 8,000 metres in 8 holes on the north of the property. These holes have been laid out to target:

near-surface geophysical anomalies identified in the 2013 ground magnetic and IP surveys but never tested, and;

the prospective corridor of Balmer stratigraphy and structures hosting the EVN-RLO mineralization.

Proposed holes range from 750m to 1,400m in length, to test up to 500 metre intercepts of Balmer stratigraphy on a 200m grid pattern. While drilling progresses, ground-truthing of historical data will be undertaken. This will include downhole directional surveys to assess the viability of using these historical holes as pilot holes for future wedge cuts to depth.

Geological Survey of Canada mapping (Sanborn-Barrie, 2004) indicated the northern portion of the Gold Centre property is underlain by volcanic rocks of the Balmer assemblage, unconformably overlain by metasediments of the Huston assemblage in the central portion of the property and metavolcanics of the Confederation assemblage in the south.

Exploration on the Gold Centre property began in 1945 with limited grassroots exploration programs, including geological mapping, ground geophysical surveys and trenching. Between 1957 and 1980, the property saw intermittent exploration, including the completion of 1,875m of diamond drilling in 14 shallow diamond drill holes (<400m) and 1 deep hole (1,080m) which intersected prospective stratigraphy. Rupert Resources acquired the Gold Centre property in 1996 and exploration focused on targeting the down-plunge continuation of the high-grade mineralization occurring on the EVN-RLO property. In 1996 and 1998, 2 drill holes for 3,500m were completed along the western property boundary. Between 2004 and 2008, RUP completed approximately 12,600m of drilling in a series of 2 mother holes and 10 daughter wedge holes collared in the southeast corner of the property, reaching a maximum depth of 3,411m. Although only weakly mineralized intercepts were encountered, the deep drilling programs confirmed the presence of the prospective Balmer stratigraphy at depth on the Gold Centre property. All drilling work will be supervised by Richard Kowalski, formerly the Project Manager for Rupert Resources? drill programs in 2004 to 2008. The drilling will be conducted by Rodren Drilling Ltd., of West St. Paul, Manitoba. Drill core will be logged and sampled in a secure core facility and core samples will be cut in half, using a diamond cutting saw, and half cores sent for analysis to Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Dryden, an accredited mineral analysis laboratory. All samples will be analysed for gold using standard Fire Assay-AA techniques. Samples returning over 10.0 g/t gold will be analyzed utilizing standard Fire Assay-Gravimetric methods. Selected samples with results greater than one ounce per ton gold will also be analyzed with a standard 1kg metallic screen fire assay. Certified gold reference standards, blanks and duplicates will be routinely inserted into the sample stream, as part of Trillium Gold?s quality control/quality assurance program (QAQC) to monitor accuracy and precision. The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by William Paterson QP, PGeo, VP of Exploration of Trillium Gold Mines, as defined by NI 43-101. The qualified person has not verified the data disclosed from previous reports, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written disclosure. For further information, please contact Donna Yoshimatsu, VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations at dyoshimatsu@trilliumgold.com, (416)?722-2456, or info@trilliumgold.com, 604-688-9588.?

Visit our website at?www.trilliumgold.com. ?

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Trillium Gold Mines Inc.

?Russell Starr?

Russell Starr

President, CEO and Director

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

About Trillium Gold Mines Inc.

Trillium Gold Mines Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. The Company recently extended its holdings in the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts, as well as in highly prospective properties in Larder Lake, Ontario and the Matagami and Chibougamou areas of Quebec.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Somerset, KY (42501)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. High near 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Enterprise, AL (36331)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours. High 83F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Weather Alert

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA...GOODHUE AND NORTHEASTERN RICE COUNTIES... At 1103 AM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Nerstrand, or 9 miles southeast of Northfield, moving northeast at 40 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph and dime size hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Northfield, Red Wing, Cannon Falls, Pine Island, Zumbrota, Kenyon, Dundas, Goodhue, Stanton, Wanamingo, Welch and Nerstrand.
JORDAN MEAD is News Editor for The Vidette. Contact her at jnmead@ilstu.edu. Follow Mead on Twitter at @meadjordan19

IF YOU SUPPORT THE VIDETTE MISSION of providing a training laboratory for Illinois State University student journalists to learn and sharpen viable, valuable and marketable skills in all phases of print and digital media, please consider contributing to this most important cause. Thank you.
Weather Alert

...A LINE OF STORMS WILL AFFECT FREEBORN...SOUTHEASTERN LE SUEUR... STEELE...SOUTHWESTERN GOODHUE...SOUTHERN RICE AND EASTERN WASECA COUNTIES... At 1028 AM CDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 5 miles north of Morristown to near New Richland to near Twin Lakes. Movement was east at 30 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with these storms. Locations impacted include... Owatonna, Faribault, Albert Lea, Waseca, Blooming Prairie, Waterville, Kenyon, Medford, New Richland, Morristown, Clarks Grove and Ellendale.
Charlie and his sons on the last leg of the run. Owen is on the far left, Ethan is in the middle with Charlie on the right.
Manchester City are reportedly determined to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the upcoming market.

Manchester City are reportedly determined to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane during this summer's transfer window.

The England captain is believed to have told Spurs that he wants to leave the club in the upcoming market, placing the likes of Man City, Manchester United and Chelsea on high alert.

Both Man City and Man United are said to be prepared to hand the 27-year-old a five-year contract worth 300,000 a week, with the two clubs thought to be the favourites to secure his signature.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is believed to value Kane in the region of 150m, and the forward still has more than three years left to run on his current deal.

However, according to The Guardian, the Premier League champions want to sign the Englishman this summer and are preparing to open talks with his North London club.

The report claims that Man City have already been in touch with Kane's representatives to discuss the possibility of a switch to the Etihad Stadium as a replacement for the outgoing Sergio Aguero.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are also thought to be admirers of the striker, who has scored 32 goals and registered 16 assists in 48 appearances at club level during the 2020-21 campaign.
Its not exactly a secret that goats have grown in popularity in recent years. These hoofed charmers can be found everywhere, from silly internet videos, farmers markets, petting zoos, yoga studios and even in homes as pets.

Goats are like the next dog: everyone wants to have goats as pets. Theyre very easy to care for, they dont eat a ton and theyre just affectionate livestock, Tracy Longoria of Aussakita Acres Farm said.

Longoria owns her farm in Manchester with DJ Lupacchino, where they offer a number of goat-focused programs.

Goat yoga has been extremely popular over the years, Longoria said, noting that her farm hosts goat yoga for the Hartford Yard Goats. Longoria said the farm later added baby goat socials and goat gatherings and will offer goat hikes in mid-June.

For the Goat Gatherings, Longoria said people get to sit outside and hang out with the farms herd of goats.

Of all the goat programs at the farm, Longoria said the Baby Goat Socials are their most popular. Its an amazing time, everybody gets to pull up a chair and they literally get baby goats put in their laps, she said. The baby goats either fall asleep or they just bounce around the room while everyone is interacting with them and watching them play.

Terri Battaglia, farm event leader at Bradley Mountain Farm, said they offer 15 different goat programs at the farm, including goat yoga, goat snuggles, goat strolls, Fairy Goatmothers and Go-at Painting.

Goats are just versatile, theyre fun and theyre cuddly. Each one has their own personality just like any animal, she said. Theyre not livestock to us, theyre pets.

Bradley Mountain Farm / Contributed photo

For those wondering about the Fairy Goatmother program, it isnt quite the bippity-boppity-boo Cinderella concept. Battaglia explained that in every other program, participants get to hang out with whichever goat is available, but for the Fairy Goatmother program attendees can request to hang out with a particular goat and have a playdate with them. You can hang out with your goat in the pasture and groom them, you can walk around or sit on a blanket with them.

Related: Snuggle, stroll, hike and paint with goats

As for their goat painting program, visitors can create a painting with a goat (visitors dont actually paint the goats) Battaglia said.

You come in and you get a canvas and you get to create the painting with the goat. You get to pick out your own two colors, and we just apply the paint on the canvas and put it on the floor, and you work with the goat to get them to walk over the canvas.

Battaglia explained that goats are naturally very friendly creatures and said that she thinks their social nature is what fascinated people.

You can tell theyre playful and social. They go up to people at the fence, theyre very curious. I often compare them to cats and dogs, she said.

Both Longoria and Battaglia said their programs draw a number of adults and that their programming isnt just for children. Longoria said she enjoys seeing adults who might not have grown up around animals enjoy themselves and spend time with her goats.

Battaglia added that goat programs are for kids and kids-at-heart. She also noted that the staff at Bradley Mountain often spend their time off the clock visiting with the goats.

One thing I tell a lot of people is the staff at the farms are customers too, we go to events when were not working, Battaglia said. Theyre a lot of fun and the goats are really great to hang around with.

Longoria noted that actors Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick have previously purchased goats from her farm in late April. Regular people want goats and celebrities want them too, she said. Goats are just a ton of fun. They can make any day better. Their antics are silly, theyre very, very social animals.

Aussakita Acres Farm / Contributed photo

In addition to being adorable cuddlers, goats can be pretty handy around the yard, as they eat weeds and poison ivy. Their sturdy stomachs have led to a rise in goatscaping. While neither Aussakita Acres or Bradley Mountain currently offer goatscaping services, both farms have had people reach out to them about it.

Longoria explained that the goats arent going to mow your lawn, clarifying that theyre browsers, not grazers.

Everyone thinks oh, Im going to get some goats and theyre going to mow my lawn for me, and thats not really the case. They prefer brush and weeds and poison ivy. Its easier for larger corporations and municipalities to actually utilize the goats. Its a huge cost savings and they dont have to use any harsh chemicals to kill invasive species such as poison ivy, sumac and things like that, she said.

tinamarie.craven@hearstmediact.com
STAMFORD  Jeff Pardo found the Grateful Dead because he wanted to be just like his older brother. After all, they shared a room, so listening to the same music seemed like a prerequisite for coexisting. His propinquity for the jam band was minor, at first.

I told everyone Im a Deadhead, too, even though I didnt know that much about the music, Pardo said.

Then came 1979. Pardo was 15. He tagged along with his brother to a Grateful Dead show, and in one night, he went from Bronx teenager to Dead devotee.

Pardo has followed the Dead religiously ever since. He has found other Deadheads online, at shows, and now, at Temple Sinai in Stamford.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

The Grateful Deads pull is so strong at the synagogue that Pardo and a cohort of other worshipers  all Jewish, all Deadheads  are holding a virtual Shabbat service Friday to meld together the musical with the spiritual.

Pardo, in late 2019, became the de facto leader of Temple Heads, a cohort of synagogue members who love the Dead. The Temple Heads is just one of many Sinai Circles at the synagogue  little groups that work a lot like affinity housing on college campuses.

Rabbi Jay TelRav knows very little about the Dead, but hes more than happy to facilitate the service because it lets people connect with Judaism in a way they wouldnt have before. He realized that not every congregant at his progressive, Reform temple found profound value in services. There had to be another way, he thought, to get people more involved in the synagogue without piety being a prerequisite.

Theres just an awful lot of people who dont get a lot out of prayer, TelRav said. Wanting to find a raison detre for the congregation and their lives led to breaking the mold a little bit and reminding them that its not just about prayer. Judaism is a community. Its a culture, its a civilization and it goes way beyond just prayer, so this gives people permission to thrive in that.

Some of the Sinai Circles are profoundly religious Torah Nerds, for example, focuses on the sacred Jewish text but Temple Heads took a more secular approach to faith.

There are a lot of Jewish Deadheads. Theres no scientifically accurate way to quantify the number. Still, some non-scientific research suggests that Jewish people make up between 15 and 30 percent of the overall Deadhead population, even though only 2.6 percent of Americans are Jewish.

Academics have long attempted to answer why there are so many Jewish Deadheads and there are a handful of prevalent theories.

The most common explanations, according to sociologist Leora Lawton, are the spiritual quest and cultural familiarity hypotheses. In brief, Jewish people love the Dead because it feels analogous to their religious and cultural lives.

Douglas Gertner, another Jewish Deadhead who has written about the phenomenon, argued in an essay that secular, assimilated Jews needed to reconnect with spirituality and found it in the Grateful Dead subculture. All the holes left behind by higher power got filled with music and lyrics, he said.

That explanation hits familiar notes for Pardo, who grew up attending an Orthodox synagogue. He wasnt religious then and isnt particularly so now, so worshiping felt like a chore, he said.

I found no connection. There was no spirituality for me. There was nothing. It was just something I had to do because my parents made me do it, he said.

Enter the Grateful Dead. The music made the stars align in cosmic glory for him in a way prayer never had.

But Lawton thinks the prevalence of Jewish Deadheads goes beyond just familiarity. As Jewish people went from being immigrants to being considered Americans, Lawtons says they started making waves in American culture.

Young Jewish Americans became less socially and culturally isolated during the 1960s, just as the Grateful Dead began to pick up speed. All the social forces surrounding Jewish Americans at the time, including their assimilation into white American culture and their presence in the music industry, let them have a place among the Deadheads, Lawton said.

There are moments in history where things come together that make things possible that couldnt have been possible in an earlier point of history and couldnt be possible at a later point in history because too many conditions have changed, said Lawton, who is herself an Orthodox Jew. Thats what I think happened with Jews and the Grateful Dead.

To Lawton, Dead shows feel so Jewish because of the profound relationship between fans and the live shows. Mickey Hart is the Deads only Jewish member, but Jewish Deadheads helped create the communal experience. Essentially, the spiritual connection for Jewish fans happened because they made it that way, he said.

In preparation for the Temple Heads Shabbat service, Pardo read Lawtons work on the Grateful Dead. He even invited her to watch the ceremony via Zoom.

On Friday, TelRav will read prayers over Grateful Dead staples like the song Ripple. But Pardo said other songs stand for themselves, like Attics of My Life.

Its not hard to see why. The Dead sound like theyre invoking a higher power in the song.

Bent my ear to hear the tune and closed my eyes to see, sing Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Phil Lesh, making a nod to a Catholic prayer. When there were no strings to play, you played to me.

At the Friday service, that same sentiment will transcend religions.

veronica.delvalle@hearstmediact.com
PHOENIX (AP)  Voting machines from Arizonas most populous county should not be used in the future after state Senate Republicans forced officials to give them access for an audit of 2020 election results, the states top elections official said Thursday.

Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, said in a letter that Maricopa County lost control of the machines after they were handed over and doesn't know what was done to them.

Senate Republicans issued a subpoena demanding the county turn over vote-tabulation equipment, along with ballots and a variety of other records for an unprecedented partisan audit of the county's 2020 vote count. Former President Donald Trump and his supporters had claimed without evidence that his loss was marred by fraud.

The county hired several firms to conduct the audit, led by Cyber Ninjas, a Florida-based firm that has no election experience before 2020 and is led by a Trump supporter who has promoted election conspiracies.

The audit will not change the outcome of the election, but many Trump supporters hope it will lead to similar reviews in other battleground states and turn up evidence that President Joe Biden's victory was illegitimate. Critics say it's a fruitless attempt to further Trump's narrative about the 2020 election and will diminish faith in the democratic process.

I have grave concerns regarding the security and integrity of these machines, Hobbs wrote to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, which is controlled 4-1 by Republicans.

She urged the county not to use the machines any longer and threatened to initiate a process that could lead to their decertification.

The county spent $6.1 million to lease the machines from Dominion Voting Systems in a three-year contract that expires before the 2022 election. There are three one-year renewal options.

There are real concerns about what the unaccredited auditors have done to Maricopa Countys voting equipment, and whether the machines remain useable for future elections," Dominion said in a statement.

It's clear that the secure chain of custody had been broken, the statement added.

We will not use any of the returned tabulation equipment unless the county, state and vendor are confident that there is no malicious hardware or software installed on the devices, Megan Gilbertson, a spokeswoman for the countys Elections Department, said in an email. The voters of Maricopa County can rest assured that we will not use any equipment  ever  that could pose a risk to free and fair elections.

The county is using new equipment for local elections in 2021, she said. The auditors have returned large central count tabulators to the county but retain 385 precinct-based tabulators that count ballots cast at vote centers.

A spokesman for the Board of Supervisors, Fields Moseley, said county lawyers are reviewing Hobbs's letter to advise board members before they decide how to respond.

Meanwhile, a data forensics consultant working on the audit is doubling down on his claim that an election database was deleted.

A statement posted to the audit's Twitter account and attributed to Ben Cotton, the founder of audit contractor CyFIR, says his comments made to the state Senate on Tuesday were misinterpreted to suggest nothing was deleted. He told senators that all data had been recovered.

"To confirm: the Databases directory on the EMS Primary Server WAS deleted containing the voting databases. I was able to recover the deleted databases through forensic data recovery processes, the statement said. We are performing data continuity checks to ensure that the recovered databases are usable.

The allegation of deleted data was first raised last week by the auditors and amplified by Trump.

Maricopa County officials responded with fury, denying they deleted any data, which would be illegal, and accusing the auditors of incompetence in not being able to locate the data. On Monday they released a detailed explanation saying auditors didn't know how the county's databases were configured, a problem they said would create the error messages auditors received.

Cotton described for senators on Tuesday how he recovered the data, a process that aligned with the county's explanation, saying everything was accounted for.

Gilbertson of the county Elections Department said the agency stands by its analysis and the directory was never deleted.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  A former Tennessee police officer has been indicted on charges that he kidnapped a man in a squad car while on duty, fatally shot him, and disposed of the body, prosecutors said Wednesday.

A grand jury indicted former Memphis police officer Patric Ferguson, 29, on charges including first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and official misconduct, the Shelby County district attorney's office said in a statement.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Gaza Strips already feeble health system is being brought to its knees by the fourth war in just over a decade.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed with waves of dead and wounded from Israels bombardment. Many vital medicines are rapidly running out in the tiny, blockaded coastal territory, as is fuel to keep electricity going.

Two of Gazas most prominent doctors, including the No. 2 in Gazas coronavirus task force, were killed when their homes were destroyed during barrages since fighting between Hamas and Israel erupted 10 days ago.

Just as Gaza was climbing out of a second wave of coronavirus infections, its only virus testing lab was damaged by an airstrike and has been shut. Health officials fear further outbreaks among tens of thousands of displaced residents crowded into makeshift shelters after fleeing massive barrages.

At one U.N.-run school where 1,400 people were taking shelter, Nawal al-Danaf and her five children were crammed into a single classroom with five other families. Blankets draped over cords crisscrossed the room to carve out sleeping spaces.

The school is safe from the war, but when it comes to corona, with five families in a room, everyone infects each other, said al-Danaf, who fled Israeli tank shelling on the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya a few days ago.

Blankets and laundry dangled from the railings of the schools balcony, as women looked down into a yard where children were playing and men sat chatting. No one wore a mask or could do any social distancing in the cramped quarters.

The Gaza Strips health infrastructure was already collapsing before this latest war, said Adnan Abu Hasna, a spokesman for UNRWA, the U.N. agency that provides vital assistance to the 75% of the enclaves population who are refugees. Its frightening, he said.

The sector has been battered by three previous wars between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers.

This war began May 10 when Hamas fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem in support of Palestinian protests against Israels heavy-handed policing of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers.

Since then, Israel has struck hundreds of targets across the Mediterranean coastal strip, and Hamas has fired thousands rockets at Israel. Israel says it seeks to cripple Hamas by targeting its leaders, and military infrastructure, while trying to avoid civilian casualties. But the powerful bombs dropped on crowded Gaza have caused significant damage to the territory's infrastructure.

During each of the wars, hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, and medical personnel killed. And after each, authorities had to slowly rebuild, hampered by the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since Hamas took power in 2007.

Other turmoil also weighed on the system. More than two years of weekly Friday Palestinian protests at the border with Israel against the blockade produced a constant stream of casualties from Israeli fire  more than 35,000 injured, many with lifelong disabilities and around 100 still awaiting reconstructive surgery and amputations.

Now health facilities are struggling to handle both the casualties of war and the everyday needs of Gazas 2 million people.

"Its layer-upon-layer of crisis. And there never is really enough time between each crisis to rebuild," said Matthias Schmale, the UNRWA director in Gaza. "The (health care) system has gradually been quite significantly weakened. I wouldnt say its on its knees, but getting close."

Gaza health officials say at least 227 Palestinians, including 64 children, have been killed in airstrikes and more than 1,600 wounded. Twelve people in Israel have been killed by rockets.

The bombardment has driven more than 56,000 Gazans from their homes, fleeing into 59 schools run by UNRWA. The U.N. agency is providing them with water and basic hygiene supplies, including face masks. Unknown numbers more have taken refuge with relatives.

UNRWA learned from the last war, in 2014, when some 292,000 displaced people crammed into its schools and other shelters during 50 days of fighting. Since then, the agency has installed showers, more bathrooms and extra water and electricity capacity into some of the schools in case they might be needed again for shelters, officials said.

So far, the current onslaught has not been as directly destructive to health facilities as 2014, when multiple hospitals and clinics took direct hits from Israeli bombing, as did U.N. schools housing the displaced.

Still, Israeli attacks this time have damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out. Schmale said at least three health care centers have been leveled, including a trauma and burn center run by Doctors Without Borders.

Among the sites damaged was the main health care clinic, the only site in Gaza where tests detecting COVID-19 can be analyzed, said Dr. Majdi Dhair, head of preventive medicine at the Health Ministry. As a result, coronavirus testing has halted.

Its like a ticking bomb because people are not tested, and those who are infected wont know that they are infected, Dhair said.

As of Monday, when the clinic was damaged, Gaza had recorded more than 105,000 coronavirus infections, including 986 deaths. Some 80 people were in critical condition with the virus.

Gazas COVID-19 vaccination drive, already slow, has stopped, said WHOs top official in Gaza, Sacha Bootsma.

Just under 39,000 people, or 2% of Gaza's population, have received vaccinations. There are only enough doses to vaccinate another 15,000, and those expire in June, raising fears they will be unusable by the time they can be given.

In a war, there are responsibilities to protect health institutions and health care workers, Schmale said.

He said this week a senior lab technician who works at a main UNRWA health clinic was seriously wounded in an airstrike as he rushed home to help his wife evacuate. He is in intensive care with severe brain damage.

"The price the civilian population is paying is unbearable and unacceptable, and health care workers are an element of that," Schmale said.

"Our staff are as terrified as the rest of the population. They are really afraid to go to work after heavy nights of shelling or bombing."

Only about half of government-run primary care centers are operating. Sixteen of UNRWAs 22 health care centers were working as of Wednesday. Most of Gaza relies on the U.N. centers, according to UNRWA.

All of the governments 13 hospitals are running, though some have sustained damage, and as of Monday, 16 private or NGO-run hospitals were working.

But all are badly in need of emergency medical supplies. WHO listed some 40 key medicines and medical supplies that it is waiting for, including anesthetics, antibiotics, sutures and blood bags. Gazas border with Israel has been closed throughout the fighting.

Also urgently needed is fuel. Electricity output in Gaza has dropped some 60%, forcing hospitals to rely more on fuel-thirsty generators, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement.

During one brief opening, UNRWA was able to bring in five fuel trucks, enough to help it run its facilities for a few weeks. But other trucks of food and medicine could not enter, reportedly prevented by ongoing shelling. Two days ago, Egypt sent in a supply convoy that included medical supplies and fuel, but that fuel is expected to run out Thursday.

If the border stays closed, supplies will begin to run out and we will need so-called humanitarian corridors open to bring stuff in, Schmale said.

___

Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  The New Hampshire Senate on Thursday killed legislation that would have prohibited the construction of landfills near state parks.

The bill, which had passed the House last month, would have created a 2-mile buffer zone around parks in which landfills couldnt be located. It was driven by opponents of a proposed landfill in Dalton near Forest Lake State Park, and senators who voted against it said the issue was a matter for local zoning officials and environmental regulators, not the Legislature.

While recognizing the concerns of the local residents, this bill would have significant repercussions on land owners rights and the use of the state legislative process to address what is basically a zoning issue, a local zoning issue, said Sen. Kevin Avard, R-Nashua.

Supporters of the bill argued that state parks are a critical part of the states tourism infrastructure and should be protected. Sen. Erin Hennessey fondly described her familys annual camping trips in northern New Hampshire and argued that citing a landfill next to a state park would result in noise and odor issues, disruption of wildlife and declines in both property values and park visitors. Nearly a dozen other state have enacted buffer zones, she said.

They recognize the negative environmental and economic impacts landfills can and have historically caused, said Hennessey, R-Littleton. Our visitors come to New Hampshire for its fresh air and unique beauty, a beauty that our state parks help us to preserve. Citing a landfill next to a state park does not preserve this beauty.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Edith Tucker, said she was disappointed in the outcome.

Weve all learned during this horrific coronavirus pandemic that access to safe and pristine natural settings is extremely important to maintain our collective mental and physical well-being, Tucker, D-Randolph, said in a statement.

Despite the 14-8 vote to kill the bill, Sen. David Watters, D-Dover, said there is broad agreement that the state is facing a crisis in solid waste management. Senators have addressed the problem in several other bills, including one that would create a solid waste working group and another that would establish a statewide solid waste disposal reduction goal.

I suspect issue is not going to go away, he said. Despite the fact that we were split on the vote, there really is a bipartisan recognition that we really need to take this issue on in the future.


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Recently, the remains of an unknown martyr who died in the Chinese People's War of Liberation finally returned home after having been buried in Ningyang County, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, for more than seventy years.

Throughout its history, Tai'an City has witnessed multiple revolutionary events such as the Anti-Japanese Armed Uprising in Culai Mountain led by the Communist Party of China, the Lufang Battle in which a regiment of the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army broke out the encirclement by the Japanese invading troops in Lufang area, west of Tai'an in May 1938, and the Taian-Mengyin Campaign in which the East-China Field Army of the PLA launched counterattacks against the Kuomintang army in Taian and Mengyin areas in April 1947. Countless martyrs laid down their lives and thus has been buried here forever.

As of now, there are still many martyrs with their names and native homes unknown. There is a tombstone of such an unknown soldier erected in Jinma Village, Ningyang County of Tai'an.

The tombstone of an unknown soldier in Jinma Village, Ningyang County of Tai'an

According to the elders in the village, in August 1947, a certain PLA unit was entrusted the task to liberate the Jining City, and three scouts from the spearhead of the unit entered the village under the jurisdiction of Jining City to conduct reconnaissance. Raided by two bandits, one of the three scouts was shot to death. Later, villagers made donation to buy a big coffin cut from cedar wood and buried the young PLA soldier in the village.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, teachers and students from nearby schools have come here to visit his grave on Tomb Sweeping Day to cherish the memory of the unknown martyr.

It's not until November 24, 2020, when a citizen of Jining City of Shandong Province reported to the Ningyang County-level Veterans Affairs Bureau that the unknown martyr might be his grandfather Zhang Xueshun, that the local veterans' affairs bureau decided to collect and identify the remains of the martyr through DNA sequencing comparison.

Two professionals from the judicial expertise center are responsible for collecting, cleaning up, and sampling the martyr's remains.

On March 23, the staff of the Jining municipal and Ningyang county-level veterans affairs departments involved, together with those from the local judicial expertise center and local government, sampled and identified the remains of the martyr.

On April 14, the comparison results showed that the unknown martyr was not Zhang Xueshun as claimed by his relative; surprisingly, a martyr of the Cai family in Qufu City was identified according to DNA data.

Cai Yunji, another martyr, was only 20 years old when he sacrificed, with no offspring left. His parents and brothers have died successively, with only his nephew Cai Guoyu still alive now.

Another comparison was carried out with the results showing high consistency between Cai Guoyu and the unknown martyr in Jinma Village according to the DNA information.

On the other hand, the information on Cai Yunjis sacrifice as recorded in the List of Martyrs in Qufu also served to make the staff conclude that the unknown martyr in Jinma Village is Cai Yunji.

Eventually, the unknown martyr who has been sleeping in Jinma Village for 70 years found his family. The Qufu Municipal Veterans Affairs Bureau, the place where Cai Jiyun was born, stated that a funeral for the relocation of his remains would be held as soon as possible.
GENEVA [emdash] A Memorial Service for Janet "Betty" Elizabeth Woodworth, 92, of Geneva, who died July 11, 2020, will be 2:30 pm Friday June 18, 2021 at Madison Seventh Day Adventist Church, 725 East Main St. in Madison followed by a reception. Final resting place will be at Alexander Harper
Local_news

centerpiece featured

Easton goes back to original march route for Juneteenth Talbot Boys rally

tmccall@chespub.com / PHOTO By TOM MCCALL The Talbot Boys Confederate statue in Easton. A social media poster promoting a Juneteenth march and rally or the removal of the Talbot Boys Confederate statue. Another Talbot Boys rally will be held on Juneteenth.

EASTON  The Easton Town Council reversed a public assembly permit it had amended and approved on Monday, May 17, for the Juneteenth Talbot Boys rally  and then OKd the original permit submitted by march organizers.

The council changed course on the amended permit and subsequently approved the original permit all during a short special meeting on Tuesday, May 18, with officials voting unanimously for the change.

The march and rally are scheduled for Saturday, June 19. Organizers want the Talbot Boys Confederate memorial removed from the county courthouse lawn.

The amended permit passed Monday required gatherers to group together at Glenwood Avenue and head down the sidewalks toward the Talbot Boys statue on the Talbot County Courthouse lawn, a route change meant to mitigate potential disruption to businesses in downtown Easton.

The original permits gathering place is at the Tred Avon Shopping Center, and protesters will march down Glebe Road toward the courthouse.

Mayor Robert Willey said Mondays decision to amend the permit caused quite an uproar.

Councilman Al Silverstein, who motioned for the amendment, said Easton Police Chief David Spencer explained some things I was not aware of during a discussion, which prompted the reversal.

During the special meeting, Spencer explained that the original request was safer, more open, more easily controllable than jamming marchers on a sidewalk.

If we were to move a thousand or more people into Glenwood Avenue, the more we reflected on it, we were going to move them into a predominantly residential neighborhood? he asked. Where theres kids and people playing all the time?

The council change also comes after Richard Potter, the president of the Talbot County branch of the NAACP, sent a disapproving email to the entire Easton Town Council.

Potter, one of the organizers of the Juneteenth rally, was upset that the councils amended permit was not communicated with him or other organizers. He also alleged the councils decision was built completely on systemic racism by making attempts to confine the market within the black community.

Tonights process was clearly inequitable and filled with no valid or justifiable reason, he wrote in the email referring to the Monday council meeting. I would highly recommend you pay close attention to the message this council is sending.

With the original permit back in motion, marchers will gather around 11 a.m. at the Tred Avon Shopping Center, then go down Marlboro Avenue and Glebe Road to ultimately converge on the Talbot County Courthouse lawn and protest the Confederate statue. The rally is expected to last until 2:10 p.m.

North Washington Street, Federal Street and Dover Street will be closed during the event, according to the town manager.

The May 17 vote for the amended permit was 3-2, and it revealed a divide over how the town wanted to handle the large protest on June 19, which could reach up to 1,000 people.

At the May 17 meeting, Silverstein cited safety concerns and disruption to downtown businesses.

I have more than questions, I have a concern, he said. Our business districts have been impacted greatly by COVID, and were now talking about closing our business districts on Marlboro Avenue and Tred Avon. I dont have a problem with the rally downtown, but I dont think thats the best route.

Silverstein said he preferred a route that wouldnt impact businesses, and was also worried about the public safety side of the protest. He said the Glenwood Avenue route was less intrusive and wouldnt tie up businesses.

Councilman Ron Engle explained the financial impact to the town was also excessive. The protest is estimated to cost the town $14,000, with police and other officials there to ensure safety.

The cost to the town is pretty high, Engle said. Thats more than we pay for any event other than Waterfowl or Plan Air.

Don Abbatiello also agreed that there were safety issues with the marchers heading out of the Tred Avon Shopping Center.

Abbatiello, Engle and Silverstein all voted for the amended permit on May 17, with Council President Megan Cook and Councilman Elmer Davis against. The council voted 5-0 in its reversal on May 18.

The councils concerns about the original permit surprised Potter. He submitted the complete application for the permit on April 12 and met multiple times with the Easton Police Department and the Talbot County Sheriffs Office.

Police had inquired during preliminary meetings about a potential impact to businesses, and if the protesters could take a different route down the sidewalks, according to First Sgt. Eric Kellner.

Our recommendation to them was to keep them on the sidewalks, then we wouldnt have to shut down the streets, Kellner said.But they were not very receptive to that.

Potter said the original route from the Tred Avon Shopping Center was in walking distance for everyone to meet up and start the march on time. It would also be too difficult to coordinate 1,000 or more marchers in single file down sidewalks from Glenwood Avenue.

Potter disagreed with council members about the financial cost and potential business disruptions, calling the concerns overt and evidence that there was inequity involved in the councils decision-making process.

Lets take a deeper look at this issue, he said. Are you saying that you are more concerned about business culture than you are about marginalized peoples culture and justice and equality?
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, will participate, on Friday, in the 131st meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE), which will take place in videoconference system, among the topics on the agenda being democracy, conflicts and crisis in Europe, agerpres reports.

The ministerial meeting will take place under the mandate of Germany, which holds the Presidency-in-Office of the Committee of Ministers, a Foreign Ministry (MAE) release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday informs.

Among the main topics on the agenda of the meeting, to be discussed by the member states, are shared responsibility for democratic security in Europe, which includes the topics of the Council of Europe's strategic framework and future activities; human rights in the digital age; the CoE Secretary-General's annual report on human rights; the rule of law and democracy in Europe; conflicts and crises in Europe, as well as discussing ways to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights and cooperation between the CoE and the EU.During the national intervention, Minister Bogdan Aurescu will reiterate, among other things, Romania's position in favor of streamlining multilateralism and strengthening resilience based on democratic values and international law.At the same time, the head of the Romanian diplomacy will express his firm support for the freedom of expression and the fight against discrimination, racism, xenophobia and hate speech, the quoted source specified.
A number of 128,400 doses of the Moderna vaccine will arrive on Friday at the National Medical-Military Institute for Research-Development "Cantacuzino," informs the National Coordinating Committee for Activities Regarding Vaccination against COVID-19.

According to the same source, the transport is provided by the manufacturing company, and the vaccine doses will be brought to Bucharest by land.

Thereafter, vaccine doses will be distributed as follows:

* Brasov Regional Storage Centre: 43,200 doses;

* Cluj Regional Storage Centre: 43,200 doses;

* Iasi Regional Storage Centre: 42,000 doses

To date, 981,600 Moderna doses have been received and 597,731 have already been used to immunise the population, reports agerpres.
An event in support of the State of Israel, in the context of the current situation, took place on Thursday in Bucharest, organized by the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER), bringing together personalities from the political, diplomatic, cultural world, who strongly condemned the terrorist attacks and the recent rocket attacks launched against the Israeli population.

The event was preceded by a religious moment officiated by the First Rabbi of the Jewish communities in Romania, Rafael Shaffer, who prayed for the people of Israel and for the Romanian people.

In opening the event, the president of FCER, Deputy Silviu Vexler, underscored that the State of Israel is subjected to a continuous terrorist attack that targeted primarily the civilian population.The President of the Senate, Anca Dragu, called for peace and said that some of our people are going through a period of hardship, through dramas unimaginable in a modern world.Romania supports the efforts made by the US, the EU and the UN in support of the ceasefire, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Ludovic Orban, reaffirmed during the event.Omer Yankelevich, Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs, recalled that, in the past two weeks, Israel has been under attack and innocent citizens were the victims.Germany strongly condemns the terrorist attacks against the State of Israel and the people of Israel, said Bernd Fabritius, the German Federal Government's Commissioner for Minorities.Romania fully supports the diplomatic efforts of the European Union, together with the other actors involved, so as to restore calm and good coexistence between the Israeli communities, said the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), Daniela Gitman, who recalled the "exceptional" bilateral relations, which she described as a partnership with strategic values.An emotional moment belonged to artist Maia Morgenstern, director of the State Jewish Theatre, who recited two poems written by Toma George Maiorescu - "At the Wailing Wall" and "One in Three."Representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and the Romanian Orthodox Church also expressed solidarity with the Israeli people, saying that the violence must stop.The Metropolitan Archbishop of Bucharest, His Eminence Aurel Perca, President of the Conference of Bishops of Romania (CER), said that he was watching the developments in Israel with concern.Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Jerome of Sinai read the message of BOR (Romanian Orthodox Church) Patriarch Daniel, calling for an end to the armed conflict between Jews and Palestinians and for the restoration of inter-ethnic and religious peace in Israel.The First Rabbi of the Jewish communities in Romania, Rafael Shaffer, stated that the damage suffered by the Israeli population will be very high.Also sending messages of support for the Israeli people and condemnation of violence were Avi Dichter, member of the Knesset, Amir Sagron, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of the State of Israel, artist Berti Barbera.
A number of 1,125 fines were issued, worth 282,950 RON, in the last 24 hours, within the verification actions of the way the measures are applied for preventing and combating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Over 3,800 police officers, along with the Gendarmerie, border police, Inspectorate of Emergency Situations, representatives of the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Ministry of Transport and local public authorities, have carried out 663 verification actions at a national level", according to a press release sent by the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police (IGPR), sent on Thursday.

There were 47,911 checks made regarding the observance of the measures and imposed restrictions, reports agerpres.
The maximum peak of the freshet on the Crisul Negru river is at the Talpos hydrometric station and will reach, during the night, the border with Hungary, warns the National Administration "Romanian Waters" (ANAR), in a press release sent on Thursday.

"The maximum peak of the freshet on the Crisul Negru river is at the Talpos hydrometric station and will reach, during the night, the border with Hungary. The freshet is spreading downstream, on the dammed sector, upstream of the Zerind hydrometric station, in safe conditions. The Hungarian side is informed in real time about the hydrological evolution and the specialists of the two countries are constantly collaborating. In the last 48 hours, on the rivers of the Crisuri (Crisul Negru, Boga, Galbena and Valea Rosie) hydrographic basin were registered cumulative precipitations of 150 l/sqm up to 200 l/sqm," the cited source notes.

These days, the teams of the Crisuri Water Basin Administration (ABA) intervened with equipment and materials, on the Crisul Negru, Crisul Pietros and Valea Rosie rivers, to limit the effects produced by the floods. Thus, over 2,000 sacks and 500 tons of stone were used for raising the dams, respectively consolidating the banks.

The Code Red Flood warning valid on Crisul Negru expires at 12:00, according to the hydrological warning issued by the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA), reports agerpres.
Over 4,000 NATO troops, including Romanian soldiers will deploy almost 600 pieces of defence equipment in the NOBLE JUMP 2021 Multinational Exercise, which will take place, May 19 - June 2, in Romania, the Romanian Defence Ministry (MApN) announced on Thursday.

According to a MApN press statement, the NOBLE JUMP 21 exercise, planned by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Power Europe (SHAPE) and led by the Joint Forces Command Naples, is the third stage of the NATO STEADFAST DEFENDER 21 exercise containing training sequences for NATO forces by deploying them in a very short time to Romania.

"Within the NOBLE JUMP 21 Exercise, the Headquarters Multinational Division South-East (HQ MND-SE) facilitates the deployment on the Romanian soil of the land component of Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF): six convoys belonging to the Turkish VJTF contingent crossed into Romania via the Giurgiu Border Crossing Point today, May 20, after transiting through Bulgaria," the MApN points out.

MApN informs that 250 Turkish soldiers with 125 pieces of military equipment will be stationed in Bucharest, May 20-21, and will continue their journey to the Getica National Joint Training Centre at Cincu, Brasov County, on May 21.

The NOBLE JUMP 21 exercise consists of deploying the land component of the VJTF by roads and railways, air and maritime ways on the Romanian soil aiming for the Getica National Joint Training Centre at Cincu.

The exercise includes, overall, training activities of a multinational nature as provided for under the CET-FIT Combat Enhancement Training - Force Integration Training training programmes, reports agerpres.
On Thursday at the Government House, Prime Minister Florin Citu had a meeting with officials of the Romanian Business Leaders Foundation, at the end of which he stated that he commended them for their proposals put forth to further promote COVID-19 vaccination among the population still undecided about vaccinations.

"Today, I had a very useful meeting with officials of the Romanian Business Leaders Foundation (RBL) and I want to thank them for their readiness to support the vaccination campaign, so that the resumption of business activities after the restrictions imposed by the pandemic are lifted will take place under maximum safety circumstances. This is a time in which we can see the first encouraging effects of vaccination, with decreases in incidence rates where people went in large numbers to get vaccinated," Citu wrote on Thursday in a post on the government's Facebook page.

The prime minister added that, compared with the beginning of the campaign, authorities have improved access to vaccination, giving those who want to get vaccinated the opportunity to go straight to the vaccination sites without prior appointment.

"We also want to make sure that the information that reaches people about the vaccine is correct and consistent, and I am commending the proposals brought by the representatives of the Romanian Business Leaders Foundation to today's meeting at Victoria Palace to further promote vaccination among the people who are still undecided about whether or not to get vaccinated. I have already proposed to the members of the government, and they accepted, that all of us go to the people and talk about the benefits of vaccination. I welcome any initiative we can have to convey to people that the vaccination against the novel coronavirus provides greater protection than that acquired as a result of natural infection. As for the gradual reopening of economic, cultural and sporting activities, we have already approved and implemented a number of measures to meet some of the proposals brought today by the representatives of the Romanian Business Leaders Foundation, and we agreed that any decision we make should motivate Romanians to get vaccinated," Citu added, reports agerpres.
Prime Minister Florin Citu stated that during the meeting he had on Thursday, at the Victoria Governmental Palace, with the Chairman of Social Democratic Party (PSD), Marcel Ciolacu, he presented the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), by chapters, with all budgets and reform elements contained in the document, emphasizing that he did not negotiate PNRR with the discussion partners, agerpres reports.

"Today, some unions and employers have chosen to be part of the PSD delegation. Surprisingly, but that's it. I presented, I did not negotiate, I presented the PNRR, which was appreciated, especially its reform part, by the European Commission. Today we presented these elements. Elements of reform that were approved or discussed in the coalition, a coalition that has the votes of the Romanians behind it. (...) We presented all the chapters of the PNRR, with all the budgets," Florin Citu said on Thursday, at the end of the meeting he had with PSD leader Marcel Ciolacu.
On Thursday, Romania's Prime Minister Florin Citu had a telephone conversation with his Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, during which current items on the Romanian-Polish agenda - cooperation in trade and investment - were addressed along with the energy dimension that together with the continuation of close defence and security collaboration are priority items on the bilateral agenda, agerpres reports.

According to a press statement released by the Romanian government, the two prime ministers welcomed the excellent level of the bilateral strategic partnership between Romania and Poland and mentioned a shared desire to deepen and expand bilateral co-operation in areas of mutual interest.

"A very good opportunity will be the third joint meeting of the Romanian and Polish national governments, which will be organised this autumn in Warsaw, Poland. On that occasion, among other things, an updated action plan will be agreed on for 2021-2025, for the implementation of the strategic partnership between the two countries," the statement reads.According to the official statement, co-operation in trade and investment as well as energy will be, together with the continuation of close defence and security co-operation, "priority items on the bilateral agenda.""The conversation also highlighted a shared interest in deepening sectoral co-operation and the exchange of experience in areas such as agriculture, European funds, transport infrastructure, the digital sector, and also new technologies," reads the statement.The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery and measures to contain COVID-19 were also discussed, with emphasis on the crucial importance of vaccination campaigns for the health of economies and citizens."Prime Minister Citu underlined the special opportunities offered by the implementation of recovery programmes in EU member states to strengthen the processes of economic and social reforms in our countries. The future prosperity of the European Union depends on the efficiency and speed at which our economies will be able to adapt to the developments brought about by digital transformation, the adoption of new technologies and the energy and climate transitions," the statement shows.At the regional level, the two heads of government noted the special values of co-operation between the two countries under the B9 format and the Three Seas Initiative."Regarding the Three Seas Initiative, the importance of implementing strategic regional interconnection projects, such as the Constanta-Gdansk railway (Rail2Sea) and the Via Carpathia road project, was highlighted," according to the statement.Last but not least, support for the European journey of Moldova and common support for the further dynamisation and substantiation of the Eastern Partnership were reiterated.
The Social Democratic Party (PSD) requests the dismissal of the Minister of Economy, Claudiu Nasui, following the failure of Measure 3, announces a party's release sent to AGERPRES.

"PSD requests that Prime Minister Florin Citu and the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis immediately dismiss the Minister of Economy, Claudiu Nasui, following the complete annulment of Measure 3 - Investment Grants for SMEs. PSD also demands that Save Romania Union - Party of Liberty, Unity and Solidarity Alliance (USR PLUS) be consistent with the principles it has waved so far before the eyes of the voters and to withdraw the political support for Minister Nasui, so that he can be replaced as soon as possible by a competent person," the PSD release reads.

According to PSD, "by canceling Measure 3, following the launch of the National Anticorruption Directorate's investigation, the Government admits either the fraud committed through the interventions of the Minister of Economy, or its boundless incompetence in managing this program that affects over 27,000 SMEs and compromises the relocation of 550 million euros from European funds in the financial exercise 2013-2020.""In both cases, any extra day with Minister Nasui at the head of the Economy is an act of defiance against Romanian entrepreneurs and marks the entry into complicity of those who may decide to replace him. After the mockery of more than 27,000 companies that placed their hopes in accessing European funds and spent money and time to register in Measure 3, Romanian entrepreneurs can no longer trust Minister Nasui, a fact which requires his immediate replacement," the social-democrats say.
PSD (Social Democratic Party) MP Marius Budai is accusing the Government of sending notes to Romanian members of the European Parliament, where they are suggested to vote against the European Commission's intention to establish a minimum wage at the level of the EU.

"The Government of the fantastic Citu wants us poor! It is inadmissible that Romania's Government, in contradiction with the Parliament's decision, send notes to Romanian MEPs, through which they are recommended to vote against the EC intention of establishing a minimum wage at the EU level," Budai wrote on Thursday, on Facebook.

He recommends PM Florin Citu to read two articles of the Romanian Constitution.

"Mister Citu, please read the following articles of the Romanian Constitution! Article 41 (2) Employees have the right to social protection measures. These are in regards to the security and health of employees, the work regime of women and young people, establishing a country gross minimum wage, weekly rest, paid leave, carrying out work in special or outstanding conditions, vocational training, as well as other specific situations, established by law. Article 48 (1) The State is obligated to take measures for economic development and social protection, in order to ensure citizens a decent living", the PSD deputy stressed, reports agerpres.
PSD (Social Democratic Party) leader Marcel Ciolacu said that he did not have access, during the meeting with Prime Minister Florin Citu, to PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), specifying that the Social Democrats want a "transparent" and "decentralized" National Plan in the territory, agerpres reports.

"We did not have the pleasure of having access to PNRR. Some principles were presented and the approximate vision. We have a promise that this plan will be sent to us so that we can discuss it in more depth, with the specialists, to see how we can find some clear and transparent mechanisms for accessing and absorbing this money. We did not have the details of the reforms. We also had new reform proposals at this time to be included in the PNRR, which will be discussed by specialists with the Minister of European Funds. In our opinion, the PNRR still lacks coherence and a clear vision (...) of the economic engine throughout Europe. We do not know exactly what grants will go to SMEs, we do not know reforms in the area of pensions and we hope that we will have this information," Ciolacu said on Thursday, after the meeting with Prime Minister Florin Citu.

Referring to the European minimum wage, Ciolacu appreciated that there is "a problem of communication between state institutions.""I asked the Prime Minister why the MAE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) recommended all MEPs to vote in the European Parliament against the European minimum wage. Mr Citu said that, if this recommendation was made by the MAE, he would assume it. But I don't know if Mr president Iohannis also assumes what he signed, namely that he agrees with the European minimum wage. This is a problem of communication between the state institutions," Ciolacu added.
PSD (Social Democratic Party) leader Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday said that he welcomes Prime Minister Florin Citu's decision to invite the Social Democrats to talks on the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), noting that he has no problem with coming to the Government, because the PNRR belongs to Romania and the Romanians, agerpres reports.

"We all know that the PNRR has been rejected twice by the European Commission. We welcome the decision of Prime Minister Citu to invite us today. We have no problem coming to the Government, because we are talking about a national plan for Romania and Romanians. That is what I came with our social partners, for this is not a plan of a political party or not even of a Government. It is a plan that must change the lives of Romanians," said Ciolacu, before the meeting with the Prime Minister, at the Government, on the PNRR.

He maintained that the issue of presenting the PNRR in Parliament was "overcome," given that European officials said that "this is normal.""I think the time is over with the presentation in the Romanian Parliament, this is already agreed with European Commissioners and the European Commission, including the President of the Commission wrote us a letter that it is normal for this plan to be presented in Parliament," said Ciolacu, asked if PSD will vote for the EUROATOM Treaty if the PNRR is not presented in Parliament.PSD leader Marcel Ciolacu came to the Government together with PSD First Vice President Sorin Grindeanu, Dumitru Costin, BNS - National Trade Union Bloc leader, and Florin Jianu, President of the National Council of Small and Medium-Sized Private Enterprises in Romania.
A record amount of drugs, 1,452 kg of heroin, was found in containers in the Constanta Port, being seized by DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism) together with judicial police officers from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DCCO) - the Anti-Drug Department, agerpres reports.

"In May, the DIICOT prosecutors, together with the judicial police officers from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime - the Anti-Drug Department, seized the amount of 1,452 kg of heroin, drugs introduced in Romania by a criminal ring of Romanian and foreign citizens. This is the largest quantity of heroin ever seized by the Romanian authorities and is the second largest in the EU in recent years. The drugs, with a high purity, have a black market value of over 45 million euros and they were brought to the Constanta Port in containers that traveled by sea. The heroin was loaded in Iran and was meant for Western European countries," said Oana Daniela Patu, deputy chief prosecutor of DIICOT.

The drugs found in the Constanta Port were hidden in a container in which various construction materials were transported.Oana Daniela Patu recalled the fact that the Romanian authorities also seized, in 2020, over 4 million pills of captagon and 1.5 tonnes of hashish.On Thursday, the DIICOT prosecutors and the police officers from the Anti-Drug Department carried out in this case three house searches, on the Romanian territory, and within a European investigation order another 5 searches, on the territory of some Western European states, at the homes of some persons suspected of high-risk drug trafficking and international high-risk drug trafficking.The action was supported by the judicial authorities of Hungary, Austria, Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and France. Eurojust provided support for the transmission and implementation of instruments of international judicial cooperation and organized a coordination meeting in videoconference.3 anti-drug officers from DCCO participated in the operation on the territory of Western European states, and in Romania a senior analyst from EUROPOL was present at the searches.The operation was carried out with the involvement of DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) representatives from the US Embassy, the Constanta Organized Crime Brigade, the Sea Ports Organized Crime Department, the Department for Interventions and Special Operations and specialists from the General Directorate of Customs.
More than 120 professors and researchers in the field of journalism and communication from 24 universities in 12 European countries and the U.S participate Thursday and Friday in the conference 30 Years of Higher Education in Journalism and Communication in the Former Communist East European Countries. From Conquering the Freedom of Expression to Digital Communication.

The event is organized by the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences of the University of Bucharest in cooperation with peer educational institutions from Moldova, Nis (Serbia) and Sofia (Bulgaria).

"In the time of this pandemic during which our societies have been severely affected by fears and uncertainties, the only real answers have come from science and scientists. On the other hand, building trust in science is a special responsibility and role of mass media. Disinformation and false news, infodemia are phenomena our societies have been facing in recent years. Our democracies have faced real threats in the field of public communication and I strongly believe that we, academics and scientists, as well as journalism professionals have a crucial role in seeking the truth and channeling it, for the common good of our societies," Rector of the University of Bucharest, Marian Preda, said at the beginning of the event.

Antonio Momoc, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences, cautioned against the danger of disinformation, particularly in the current context, when the world is facing not only the crisis triggered by the pandemic, but a communication crisis as well.

"Over the last year we have faced an infodemic, with journalism and the freedom of expression affected by false news, misinformation, which led to a decrease in public confidence in traditional media, both in Romania and in the region. After our EU and NATO accession, there was widespread hope for more freedom and prosperity, and many considered that the democratization process is irreversible. However, in recent years, the crises in the European Union, the refugee crisis, Brexit and the temptations of illiberalism and populism have shown that democratization is not an irreversible process and that we must do more, we must do more against illiberalism and populism. The pandemic crisis has intensified threats to the freedom of expression and the free press in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe," Momoc said.

Georgeta Stepanov, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences of the Moldova State University, spoke about the need for new directions of research in contemporary media science.

"I am firmly convinced that the discussions within this prestigious scientific forum will provide answers to many of the questions facing researchers involved in journalistic higher education and will define new directions for research in contemporary media science," said Georgeta Stepanov, reports agerpres.
WEST HARTFORD  Conards Gavin Sherry and Chloe Scrimgeour took home individual titles at the CCC Division A championships while the Simsbury girls team completed its revenge tour and the Hall boys battled to a team title Wednesday.
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CHESTERFIELD  A company planning to build an $88 million music and film production facility in Chesterfield is seeking tax incentives worth millions of dollars from St. Louis County.

Gateway Studios LLC plans to acquire 32 acres at 950 Spirit of St. Louis Boulevard in Chesterfield, just north of the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, to build a four-studio campus for entertainers to design, manufacture, engineer, record and distribute content, according to the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The project would create 106 full-time jobs by 2023 with an average salary of $74,764, the Partnership said.

The Partnership, a regional economic development agency, is asking St. Louis County to approve at least $88 million in Chapter 100 bonds toward financing the cost of the development, and as much as $130 million, to provide for contingencies. Such bonds could give developers 10 years of tax abatement. The Partnership said the St. Louis region competed with Nashville and the state of Georgia for the project.

Partnership spokeswoman Kristin Lappin declined to provide more details, and said in an email that there are many steps to complete before anything is confirmed.
The OPC is arguing for no increase to customer rates. Meanwhile, staff for the PSC recommended that the utility be granted about 60% of the overall revenue hike requested, based on its own analysis of the utilitys cost of service, also filed last week.

In addition to legal fees, the first round of filings highlighted other watchdog concerns such as claims that Spire has overcharged customers on sales tax, and that Spires Missouri revenues are unduly supporting other aspects of its business tied to its holding company and out-of-state operations.

Theres also an ongoing push from the company to unify its operations in western and eastern Missouri. The utility now functions as two separate entities on each side of the state, with different pools of customers paying different charges.
Combined, the cutoff of federal jobless aid in the states that are targeting it would reduce unemployment benefits for 3.5 million people, according to Oxford Economics.

About 16 million people were receiving unemployment benefits during the week ending May 1, the latest period for which data is available, the government said Thursday. That is down from 16.9 million in the previous week, and it suggests that some Americans who had been receiving aid have found jobs.

Eliminating the $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit is among measures that states have taken to restrict or eliminate jobless aid and press more recipients to seek work. That trend gained momentum after the April jobs report, released earlier this month, showed that employers added far fewer jobs than expected, in part because many couldnt find enough workers.

Twenty-one states, including Missouri, say they will also cut off all benefits for the self-employed and gig workers, who became newly eligible for jobless aid under a relief package that was enacted in March last year.
Will Hall, global policy manager for the Wellcome global health trust, said COVAXs heavy reliance on the Serum Institute left it vulnerable. Indias extension of its export ban made it even more crucial for rich countries to share doses via the scheme, he said, not in six months time, not in a months time, but now.

Were not going to beat this virus unless we think and act globally, he added. We all should be concerned about this  the more the virus continues to spread, the greater the risk of it mutating to a stage where our vaccines and treatments no longer work. If that happens were back to square one.

A highly transmissible new variant of the novel coronavirus first identified in India has spread to several countries around the world.

Very few options

COVAX aims to get vaccines to at least 20% of the populations of the more-than 90 low and middle-income countries signed up to receive the shots as donations. It has so far distributed about 65 million doses of mainly the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, many of them to Africa.

A spokeswoman for the GAVI vaccines alliance, which co-leads COVAX, said the facility was working hard to make up supplies.
Answer  A hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, replaces the head and neck of the femur with a prosthesis, which will go into a cup in the hip. Modern materials, such as titanium, are exceptionally light and strong, and it would be extremely unusual to break the prosthesis. However, a fall can still do damage to the hip, such as dislocating the hip, or loosening the prosthesis in the persons femur. They can also certainly damage or even break the other side, or even the same side in the shaft of the femur. Consequently, it is critically important after a total hip surgery to strengthen the muscles to reduce the likelihood of a fall. Balance exercises provide additional benefit in reducing the chance of a fall. My experience, after decades of taking care of patients before and after hip surgery, is that those patients who put in the extra effort after surgery with physical therapy are those who do the best long term.
Cant see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case next term that could result in a significant modification or overturn of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that legalized abortion nationwide. At issue is a Mississippi law that would ban the procedure after 15 weeks of gestation. That is well before a fetus is viable outside the womb and, under Roe, states may not ban abortion prior to viability.

Meanwhile, the unexpected announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that fully vaccinated people could stop wearing masks inside and outside has caused considerable confusion, as the U.S. does not have a way for people to prove they are vaccinated.

And despite a successful voter referendum, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, has announced his state will not expand the Medicaid program after the Republican-led legislature failed to provide the states share of funding.

This weeks panelists are Julie Rovner of KHN, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call.

Among the takeaways from this weeks podcast:
When we were at the scene of the murder in Brentwood, it caught everybodys attention that the victim was shot numerous times, Spiess said. The level of violence speaks to the mindset. They were on the run for crimes in South Carolina already. I dont know if youd call them desperate  Id call them other things.

St. Louis County prosecutors have not yet charged Simpson or Terry in connection with the shootings here. Seven investigators were flying to South Carolina on Thursday to talk to Simpson, who was jailed in Chester County, South Carolina, which is in the northern part of the state about 50 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Simpson, 34, was caught late Monday following a shooting involving deputies. She was driving when the pair fled from an attempted traffic stop, authorities said. Terry, 26, ran from their vehicle and remained on the run Thursday.

Spiess said investigators dont believe the pair has any ties to St. Louis. The vehicle they used in the St. Louis County shootings was the same one they used to flee authorities in South Carolina, he said. Its not clear what prompted the two to drive more than 700 miles to St. Louis.

What they did between South Carolina and Missouri, we dont know yet, Spiess said.
EDWARDSVILLE  A man who traveled from New York City to the St. Louis area as part of an identity theft ring was sentenced Thursday to 28 months in prison, prosecutors said.

Johnny J. Collado, 30, was part of a New York-based criminal organization that defrauded banks using stolen identification, prosecutors said.

In March 2020, Collado and Elvin Lugo-Cales flew to St. Louis from New York as part of the scheme. Collado drove and coordinated with a co-conspirator in New York via texts. Lugo-Cales entered the banks.

On March 5, 2020, Lugo-Cales tried to cash a $3,650 check that had a forged signature and a victims Social Security number written on the back at a bank in Edwardsville. Lugo-Cales had a fake U.S. passport card with his picture and the victims name, prosecutors said.

The bank teller, recalling an emailed warning about someone matching Lugo-Cales description cashing counterfeit checks, told her bank manager, who called police while the teller stalled Lugo-Cales.

When Lugo-Cales got nervous and the teller refused to return his check and passport card, he left, but he and Collado were arrested nearby.
Shively Asked to Not Vote During Principal Hiring

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - A member of the Paducah-McCracken County NAACP has asked the Superintendent of Paducah Independent Schools to recuse himself from the hiring process for a new principal at Paducah Middle School.At Monday's school board meeting, Varetta Hurt expressed her opinion on several topics, including the search for a Chief Equity Officer and the middle school principal. She asked the board to oversee and evaluate the new equity officer instead of Superintendent Dr. Donald Shively."Dr. Shively should not be in charge of overseeing somebody who might be investigating him," Hurt said.She implied that there could be "another picture or anything" related to Shively that might come to light. Saying he has already lost the trust of some in the district, Hurt encouraged the board to find a way to set up equity oversight that doesn't involve Shively.Hurt also said there were rumors in the district that a successor to PMS principal Allene Houston-Jones has already been hand-picked, and asked if the superintendent could reject the choice of the Site Based Decision Making Council. Shively told her two very specific reasons related to false information given by the candidate or a previous removal from a position with cause. Other than that, he said he was merely one of six people on the SBDM who would decide.Hurt replied, "I would ask you to recuse yourself from being a part of the voting. The rumor's in the community the person has already been put in place. Now, I don't want to believe it, so, please recuse yourself so that you don't have any involvement in it. You can't have your hand in on what has already been perceived."Hurt then read a letter from the NAACP to the SBDM asking them to hire a principal that has proven leadership experience with diverse populations, strong instructional leadership, professionalism, commitment to equity and commitment to community relations. The letter says a person like this would be concerned with the success of all students, and would grow the faculty and staff to new levels.The board did not respond after the letter was read.The NAACP demanded Shively resign in October after someone posted on social media an 18-year-old photo of Shively in blackface. The school board said they already knew of the photo and took no disciplinary action. They said his attitude, dedication, and commitment to equity for all students during his career led them to have confidence in Shively's ability to lead.In a December meeting, they voted to ask Shively to take 40 days of unpaid leave for additional racial equity education, training, and community involvement.The entire meeting can be viewed below:
Amy Blouin, president and CEO of the left-leaning Missouri Budget Project, said in a statement the group was confident the courts will uphold the expansion.

On July 1st, under Missouris Constitution, that eligibility will be expanded to childless adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level  which means that doctors visits, medications, and other services can and should be provided through MO HealthNet at that time, she said.

Representatives for Parson and Attorney General Eric Schmitt, both Republicans, declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed against the Department of Social Services on behalf of three Missourians who would become eligible for services on July 1 under the constitutional amendment.

It also follows comments by Michael Neidorff, the CEO of Clayton-based Centene, who threatened recently to leave Missouri over the states lack of Medicaid expansion.

Jefferson City attorneys Chuck Hatfield and Lowell Pearson filed the lawsuit.
TWIN OAKS  Aldermen on Wednesday voted to proceed with a proposed sidewalk project on Crescent Avenue.

With the Twin Oaks board's 3-1 vote in favor of advancing the project, city staff are authorized to meet with engineers, and meet with property owners concerning small pieces of land acquisition.

Three Crescent Avenue residents attended the Wednesday night meeting in opposition to the project, saying it could lead to more traffic and crashes and would cost too much. One resident said the city needed to write an overall sidewalk plan instead.

Aldermen have considered sidewalks for several years, as the city is mostly residential and is hilly, curvy and was developed largely without them. Some residents have supported sidewalk plans in the name of safety.

State law allows the board to have sidewalks installed, though funding is uncertain. Recent efforts to have a federal grant help pay for sidewalks near the Birnamwood Condominiums, on the south end of Twin Oaks, have not been successful.

Apart from potential grants, the 2021 city budget has about $75,000 for capital projects and would likely need more than a year's worth of spending to install sidewalks on Crescent Avenue.
RICHMOND HEIGHTS  For almost three months, Julie Pogue ran her household out of two adjoining hotel rooms.

Her three younger kids zipped between beds and desks, dodging piles of laundry and inventing games, while her two older children supervised and took all their classes online, there at the Homewood Suites, just across from the St. Louis Galleria.

The family lost their rental in January, victims of an inattentive landlord and a dilapidated home. Pogue searched for a new place. But she gets subsidized housing through federal vouchers, and four-bedroom houses in the program are few and far between.

Her hotel bill, paid for by the Housing Authority of St. Louis County, hit almost $6,700 by the start of March. And she was already fed up with hotel living.

"It's not homey to be around a bunch of strangers," Pogue said. "I was pissed off, depressed, and just very uncomfortable. It made me feel like a failure as a mom."

But Pogue, who is Black, had an unusual group on her side. A team of white women  friends, moms and advocates  decided they would help her find a home. It was, to them, their duty to right the wrongs of the past.

Finding an apartment is almost always laborious. But Pogue's situation is an example of an uncommon and intractable problem: A four-bedroom that qualifies for a Housing Choice Voucher  the federal program that allows private landlords to rent to low-income tenants, subsidized by taxpayers  is exceedingly rare.

While more apartments are being built in St. Louis, they're not of the affordable type. New luxury units, and increased demand, drive rents higher. The metro area's occupancy rate, over the past five years, has crept to near 95%.

At the same time, while demand for subsidized housing  often called Section 8  has been relatively flat, four-bedroom units are rare: They're just 7% of the total, or less than 500 out of 6,600 in St. Louis County's program.

Pogue's last home was a four-bedroom house in Wellston. The split-level with a brick facade had a persistent water leak, and by the end, Pogue was convinced it had mold. Her 3-year-old daughter, Ayla, has asthma and went to the hospital every few weeks, she said.

In mid-January, the county housing authority terminated its contract with the building owner, nonprofit Rise Community Development, and gave Pogue 17 days to move out.

A Rise representative recently said he had no idea the unit was in such disarray.

Vatterott Properties, which manages Rise rentals, did not return calls seeking comment.

The Roundtable

Help for Pogue arrived last October, when she was trying to get her landlord to fix the Wellston house. She connected with Carmen Ward, a volunteer at St. Louis Mutual Aid, a nonprofit network of residents who deliver food and supplies, provide financial and emotional support, and link people to their neighbors.

Ward tried to get someone to fix Pogue's home. But Ward, who is Black, said she couldnt get anyone to engage. At the end of the line was often a white voice, she said, who wasnt listening.

After about a month of not getting anywhere, Ward sent Pogue to a group called the Reparations Roundtable.

The Roundtable is a collection of Americans who believe they should make reparations  direct payments  to the descendants of slaves, as amends for the wrongs of white America.

There, Pogue met Jackie Gold. Gold, who is white, assembled a team for the job.

The team hunted for homes, called landlords and built a spreadsheet documenting the search. By the end, it contained more than two dozen properties, with notes: Doesn't look big enough, or Awaiting repairs, probably won't work with timeline, or Looks too small.

They filled out applications for Pogue, and even paid for them, $30 to $50 each, or about $200 to $300 in total.

The county housing authority, in the meantime, had moved Pogue and her family to the Homewood Suites. The housing authority's executive director, Shannon Koenig, said Pogue's situation is not typical. She could only recall one other time, in 2018, when a public housing client was put up at a hotel.

Gold, 37, a mother of two, said she and her kids met Pogue and her kids at playgrounds, to get them out of the hotel for a bit. The two mothers bonded.

It's become a relationship that has evolved from a random Facebook message to something that will be long-lasting, which I could have never predicted, Gold said.

After more than two months of searching  and $11,000 in hotel bills  Pogue finally found a place to live. She stumbled onto a home one day online, and contacted the landlord herself.

A good sleep

In mid-April, Pogue and her children moved into a tidy brick bungalow with an A-frame entryway, a trimmed hedge and yellow daffodils out front.

Emmett Avenue is tucked away just off Airport Road in Ferguson. Pogue calls it peaceful. She's looking forward to the weather warming up.

I feel like in this area, you'll for sure see more get-togethers than violence, she said.

Pogue, 35, said she lived in foster care as a child, left home at 15 and was homeless as a teenager, sleeping in abandoned houses. She ended up at the Haven of Grace shelter, a nonprofit on Warren Street in Old North St. Louis that takes in pregnant, homeless women. Pogue said the stay gave her the lift she needed then.

The Housing Choice Voucher program gave her a similar lift in 2012, she said.

For the months they lived in the hotel, Pogue said she felt drained. Now shes relieved. She can think clearly. She can plan the cleaning business she hopes to open. She can prep for dinner  a task much easier with a full kitchen. The first week in the home, she made baked pork steaks, rice, greens and cornbread. The kids couldn't get enough, she said.

She's glad to have an appetite again, too.

While we were in the hotel, I did not want to eat, Pogue said.

One recent night was the first good sleep she could remember. Her kids all had their own beds  or had one on the way.

She felt like she had a foundation to build from.

It all just fell into place, she said.

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OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Canadian Pacific is urging Kansas City Southern to reject Canadian National's rival $33.6 billion takeover bid, but it still refuses to increase its own $25 billion bid.

Canadian Pacific maintained Thursday that Canadian National's bid won't be approved by regulators because it would hurt competition and add to rail congestion around Chicago, so CEO Keith Creel doesn't see a need to increase its offer. Kansas City Southern officials didn't immediately respond Thursday morning, but a week earlier they backed the CN offer.

My view, CPs view, has been and continues to be, the alternative is a deal that cant be approved, Creel said Thursday. Its not necessary to engage in a bidding war to match CNs value, which is not achievable. There is no path to deal certainty. In fact, its a path wrought with deal uncertainty.

Canadian Pacific had said combining Kansas City Southern and Canadian National would hurt competition because both those companies have rail lines that compete for business between the Midwest and the Gulf Coast. Canadian Pacifics network connects to Kansas City Southern near its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, but those two railroads dont overlap elsewhere.
The European Parliament's hard stance is likely to delay the ratification of the multi-billion investment accord that was agreed in principle in December and needs lawmakers' approval to take effect.

In addition to the lifting of sanctions, legislators said they will take into account the human rights situation in China when deciding to greenlight the multi-billion deal.

The EU hopes the agreement, known as CAI, will help correct an imbalance in market access and create new investment opportunities for European companies in China by ensuring they can compete on an equal footing when operating in the country. EU companies face competition from state-owned Chinese enterprises that may get government support and easier access to financing.

We were going to tackle the trade imbalance. But if you see what came out over the past months, we have extreme worry about human rights violations, especially if you look at slave labor," Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sigrid Kaag said. And there are many companies investing in Xinjiang and it is unclear how the production happens and if slave labor is being used."

According to EU figures, China is now the blocs second-biggest trading partner behind the United States, and the EU is Chinas largest trading partner. China and Europe trade on average over 1 billion euros a day.
POKROV, Russia  He looked gaunt and weak, his skin stretched tightly over his skull. Video of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny that emerged in late April has focused attention on a Russian prison system that, former inmates say, is designed to break convicts, not reform them, and where medical neglect is rife.

Navalny had just ended a 24-day hunger strike when he appeared by video link at a Moscow court hearing, his latest skirmish with Russian prosecutors. His refusal to eat was in protest at the prison authoritys refusal to allow an outside specialist to treat him for back pain.

Navalnys ordeal is nothing out of the ordinary, say seven people familiar with the IK-2 Male Correctional Colony east of Moscow, where in March he began a two-and-a-half-year sentence for parole breaches. If anything, these people say, Navalnys political celebrity may be protection from the violence that many other convicts endure.

In the most detailed account yet of life inside the jail, sources including six former inmates and a former prisons inspector told Reuters of regular beatings by guards, sexual assaults and severe psychological pressure. They said prisoners personal medical supplies are routinely confiscated on their arrival in prison. Convicts have to be gravely ill before they are admitted to the medical bay. And medical staff do little more than hand out pain killers. The former prisoners accused medical staff of turning a blind eye to brutality towards inmates.

Valery Varganov, a criminal defense lawyer unconnected to Navalny, said the allegations, if proven, suggested prison staff were failing in their responsibility to protect the rights of convicts and to help with their rehabilitation. On this basis, he said, the Russian Prosecutors office should carry out official checks and take a legal and well-grounded decision. The Prosecutors office did not respond to a request for comment for this article.

Russian law says inmates must not be treated in a way that is harsh or abases human dignity. They have the right to emergency and specialized health care, depending on their diagnosis. If a prison official abuses his position, he can be jailed for up to a decade. The Interior Ministry referred questions about the number of past prosecutions of prison officials to Russias Investigative Committee that probes serious offences. It didnt respond.

Russias Justice Ministry referred detailed questions about allegations of brutality at the jail to the Federal Penitentiary Service. Neither it nor the IK-2 prison responded to Reuters. On May 20, the head of the Federal Penitentiary Service, Alexander Kalashnikov, told Russias TASS news agency that Navalny has more or less recovered following his hunger strike.

The prison service has said previously that guards follow the letter of the law, that all prisoners are treated equally and Navalny was offered all necessary medical care. In late April, he was transferred to a hospital in a neighboring prison, IK-3, where he remains. Navalnys allies have said he refused the treatment on offer because he had little confidence in it and feared it may even be detrimental.

Navalny said in an Instagram message published via his lawyers soon after his arrival at IK-2 that he had not witnessed any violence in what he called a friendly concentration camp. But he also said he could easily believe stories he had heard about prisoners being beaten half to death with wooden hammers. In other posts, he complained of what he said was systematic medical neglect in the prison system.

Akir Mirzoyev worked for Russias federal penitentiary system from 2002 to 2013, including in prisoner re-education and as a prisons inspector in the area where IK-2 is located. He told Reuters that Russian prisons copy the harsh discipline of military barracks.

Except the enemy is within, and they are destroying the prisoner as the enemy, Mirzoyev said. They are crushing the prisoner as an individual and calling it the betterment of a person. That is the main aim. A Navalny supporter, Mirzoyev says his political views have made it hard to find work recently.

The Red Zone

Navalny arrived at the IK-2 Male Correctional Colony some 60 miles east of Moscow on March 11. It consists of a series of dreary grey brick buildings and a gold-domed Orthodox Church behind a corrugated iron fence topped with barbed wire. The complex is part of a vast network of some 700 prisons that house one of the worlds largest prison populations, around half a million people.

IK-2 was converted from a Soviet-era facility where drug addicts and alcoholics were sent to be cured through forced labor. It accepted its first prison inmate in 1996, five years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Now it has capacity for 794 prisoners.

Inmates say they regard it as a Red Zone prison  one that exercises total control over the minutiae of daily lives. Prisoners sleep on bunk beds in open-plan barracks. The day begins at 6 a.m. with a blast of the Russian national anthem, followed by synchronized physical exercises and pointless tasks such as repeatedly making and unmaking beds. Prisoners must stay on their feet most of the day and are forbidden to sleep before 10 p.m.

Navalny described the morning routine in an Instagram message posted via his lawyer. Imagine the area around the barracks, he wrote. Snow. Men in black prison uniforms, boots and fur hats are standing in the dark with their hands behind their back, with a loudspeaker atop a high pillar blaring: Be glorious, our free Fatherland.

Convicts known as aktivisti, activists, work with prison authorities in exchange for privileges such as better food and conjugal visits, former inmates told Reuters. They also bully and beat their fellow prisoners. According to Mirzoyev, the former inspector, prisons have taken the worst traditions of the (Russian) army. They use convicts to torture other convicts.

Ex-prisoners described how prison rules insist inmates must be shaved every day, like it or not, often by activists. The shaves are fast and careless, done in around 40 seconds using any old razor from a communal bag. Inmates sometimes suffer small cuts and nicks. Some prisoners have AIDS or tuberculosis, said an ex-convict, Gleb Drobilenko, who served two months in IK-2 in 2017 for attempted fraud. His guilty plea was made under duress, he said.

Naturally your only thought was which razor youd get.

Neglect

Stories of medical neglect are common.

Radu Pelin, a builder, began his jail sentence in 2019. He arrived in IK-2 with a fractured right heel  an injury sustained during his arrest on what he said was a trumped up charge of assaulting a customer. A civilian hospital fitted him with a plaster cast, he said, but officials at the pre-trial detention facility removed it, saying there was no fracture.

Pelin told Reuters that officials turned down his request for hospital treatment and that he had to improvise his own dressings during his one-year jail term. The only help he got from prison officials was one or two painkiller tablets once a month. There were several beds in the medical bay, Pelin said, but only people in a really bad way were allowed to use them.

The only advantage there was that you could lie down, he added.

Pelins heel mended badly and he had to have an operation after his release to break the bone again so it could fuse properly. Now lame in his right leg, Pelin says he has filed a legal complaint against IK-2 over the prisons alleged failure to provide him with medical treatment.

He showed Reuters a copy of his legal complaint and other documents, including a medical note and X-rays, that appeared to confirm his account.

The prison didnt respond to detailed questions about allegations of medical neglect by Pelin and other prisoners.

Pelins experience was echoed by another former inmate at IK-2, nationalist politician Dmitry Demushkin, the former leader of an outlawed, far right group called Slavic Union. Demushkin served one year and eight months in IK-2 for inciting racial hatred, a charge he denied. He was released in February 2019.

Demushkin told Reuters his knee became swollen during his time in IK-2. A pus-filled abscess made walking hard and he developed a fever. He asked to be examined by an outside doctor or taken to hospital, but he said his requests were refused or ignored by prison officials. Instead he was given pills for pain and inflammation and excused from roll call so he didnt have to stand outside.

Demushkin said the prisons medical bay was run by a woman he called a sadist who shouted at the guards to remove him, telling them: Let him die in the barrack. He should have thought about his health when he committed his crime.

On his release, Demushkin said he finally got access to proper treatment. His knee is healed.

A third former inmate, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he suffered tooth pain that prevented him from eating properly, but he had to wait six months to see a prison dentist, who removed the tooth.

It turned out I had a hole in the tooth, said the former prisoner. But they didnt take X-rays or do anything. I couldnt chew or eat normally. In other cases, he said, the prison dentist simply ripped peoples teeth out and thats it. Maybe four or five teeth. There was no treatment.

Beatings

Prisoners convicted of political offences generally escape the beatings handed out by prison guards and activists to common criminals, the six former prisoners said.

Guards punch and kick common criminals on arrival, and punish minor infractions by thwacking the sole of the foot with a wooden stool leg, they said. Activists deliver savage beatings, punching vital organs but avoiding the face or head so that bruising is less visible.

Pelin, the builder, said that he was taken to a wardens office on his arrival. One officer strangled him from behind and shoved him to the ground, while another beat the soles of his feet with a stool leg. He said guards beat another inmate until he was covered in blood and his eardrums burst, part of an effort to pressure the man into admitting to a new criminal offence unrelated to his original conviction. Pelin didnt know whether the prisoner eventually agreed.

Alexander Ionov, who was jailed after pleading guilty to drug possession, said he saw new arrivals taken to a courtyard, beaten by other inmates in front of wardens and made to stand with their legs apart for more than two hours in the depths of winter. One inmate got frostbite on his fingertips, which then had to be amputated, he said.

Drobilenko, the fraud convict, told Reuters hed experienced jail in France and Spain and had been shocked by his treatment in IK-2, where he too was beaten. Honestly speaking, its surprising that this can all go on inside a prison camp in the 21st century, said Drobilenko.

These prisoners also told Reuters the threat of rape was ever present. They described how anyone who had been raped or was homosexual was classified by guards and fellow prisoners as a rooster and degraded, a designation that put them at the bottom of a system that made them vulnerable to even more violence.

Silent treatment

For Navalny, say former inmates and human-rights workers, the biggest challenge after trying to stay healthy will be trying to stay sane.

Ruslan Vakhapov, a regional coordinator for Sitting Russia, an organization that provides help to prisoners and their families, said Russias prison system dehumanizes people to a terrifying degree. I have seen people come out ... who simply didnt know how to talk with other people, he told Reuters.

Opposition political activist Konstantin Kotov spent 18 months in IK-2 after his conviction for participating in a demonstration that didnt have official approval, a charge he denied. Kotov, a computer programmer, said prison officials have many methods that dont involve physical violence. They can ban other convicts from speaking to you, like they did with me. No one spoke to me for most of my time in custody.

Pelin, the builder, said he and Kotov shared a barracks, and he confirmed Kotov received the silent treatment. Speaking bans are backed up with threats of violence, Pelin said. Activists jot down in a notebook details of conversations, and if for instance you speak to Kotov and its banned, then thats it  youve had it. Youll definitely be taken away for a beating.

The psyche of a person collapses when theyre in jail for half a year, a year or two years  and they dont speak to anyone, Pelin added.

Psychological pressures are intense in the heightened control sector of IK-2 where Navalny was held on his arrival, said Demushkin, the nationalist. Demushkin said he spent eight months in that sector. No conversation was permitted there, he said.

You have to keep your head down, eye contact is banned, and youre not allowed to move without asking, even to scratch your nose. Apart from seeing his lawyer, Demushkin said the authorities had successfully isolated him, something he described as worse than physical violence.

The whole atmosphere, the lack of clarity about what will come next and whether youll survive or not. That breaks people more than beatings, he said.
But Biden, in a speech at the US Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday, accused China -- and also Russia -- of "disruptive actions" challenging decades-old international rules protecting maritime commerce in the South China Sea and other waterways.

"Longstanding, basic maritime principles like freedom of navigation are a bedrock of a global economic and global security. When nations try to game the system or tip the rules in their favor, it throws everything off balance," Biden told the graduating class at the academy in New London, Connecticut.

"It's of vital interest to America's foreign policy to secure unimpeded flow of global commerce. And it won't happen without us taking an active role to set the norms of conduct, to shape them around democratic values, not those of autocrats."

Lingo, the US Navy spokesperson, emphasized that point in his statement Thursday.

"Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations," Lingo's statement said.

The Paracels were the second US-China hotspot the Curtis Wilbur had visited in three days.
Shot Fired Toward Pulaski Deputy; Woman Injured

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MOUND CITY - Illinois State Police seek information about a shot fired in Mound City that struck a woman at a house fire.While a Pulaski County deputy was at the scene of the fire, he reportedly got into an altercation with several individuals when they allegedly attempted to obstruct the investigation.The deputy detained a woman and placed her in the back seat of his vehicle.While the deputy was taking a second individual into custody, someone fired a gun in the direction of the deputy and struck the detained woman. She was taken to a hospital for treatment and released.Anyone with information on the shooter is asked to contact Illinois State Police at 618-542-2171, extension 1207.
The dwindling number of Fortune 500 companies based around St. Louis and more broadly in Missouri should have been warning enough that investors are fed up with the political and social problems blocking their ability to succeed here. Centene Chief Executive Michael Neidorff has issued his clearest warning yet that his company could soon be pulling up stakes out of frustration over rampant local crime and legislative ineptitude in Jefferson City. Is anything going to change substantially to convince him and others to stay? Not likely.

The business community cant help but take notice at the way state lawmakers and Gov. Mike Parson repeatedly defy the peoples will. The Legislature rejected voter-mandated measures to clean up the election process. Citizens demanded a statewide Medicaid expansion, but lawmakers and Parson said no. Neidorff correctly interpreted it as a direct snub to Clayton-based Centene.
If you test positive, you must quarantine for 14 days.

What Kind of Travel Insurance Do You Need for a NYC Trip?

New York City is a pricey visit. Travel insurance can protect you from losing prepaid and nonrefundable deposits if you have to cancel the trip for a reason covered by the policy.

A traveler going to New York City with prepaid expenses should buy trip cancellation if their trip is canceled or delayed, says Curt Carlson, senior vice president with Trawick. A trip cancellation policy can reimburse you for the non-refundable costs and can also provide extra benefits for quarantine.

As you know, many activities in NYC are very costly. If a traveler is forced to quarantine and cannot attend the events they have prepaid for without insurance, those deposits would be nonrefundable, continues Carlson. With our trip interruption coverage, all of those prepaid deposits would be refundable through our insurance claim process.
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.
What Is AV1?

This is another installment in our series of "What Is...?" articles, designed to offer definitions, history, and context around significant terms and issues in the online video industry.

The AV1 codec will be the first codec released by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), and it's scheduled to ship sometime between December 2016 and March 2017. It is positioned to replace Google's VP9 and to compete with the standards-based High Efficiency Video Codec (HEVC). While the codec's performance won't be known until it ships, one significant competitive advantage is the Alliance membership, which ensures the prompt deployment of AV1 playback in browsers, mobile devices, OTT, and smart TVs and the distribution of AV1-encoded content by YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. HEVC enjoys a multiple year lead in hardware-based deployments, however, and some pundits question whether AV1 was created without infringing upon patents owned by H.264, HEVC, and other video-related IP owners.

The Alliance for Open Media

The Alliance for Open Media was announced on September 1, 2015 with charter members Amazon, Cisco, Google, Intel Corporation, Microsoft, Mozilla, and Netflix. At the time, the formation consolidated the development of three potentially competitive open source codecs; Cisco's Thor, Google's VP10, and Mozilla's Daala. According to the initial press release, the goal was to produce a "next-generation video format" that is:

Interoperable and open

Optimized for the web

Scalable to any modern device at any bandwidth

Designed with a low computational footprint and optimized for hardware

Capable of consistent, highest-quality, real-time video delivery

Flexible for both commercial and non-commercial content, including user-generated content.

According to the AOM license terms, all licensors receive a "perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, no-charge, royalty-free, irrevocable (except as expressly stated in this License) patent license to its Necessary Claims to make, use, sell, offer for sale, import or distribute any Implementation." There is no requirement for licensees to disclose any of their own code. The Alliance will pursue all codec developments via an open source repository.

On April 5, 2016, the Alliance announced that IP provider ARM and semiconductor companies AMD and NVIDIA joined the Alliance to help ensure that the codec was hardware-friendly, and to facilitate and accelerate AV1 hardware support.

In terms of makeup, the Alliance members enjoy leading positions in the following markets:

Codec development - Cisco (Thor) Google (VPX), Mozilla (Daala)

Desktop and mobile browsers - Google (Chrome), Mozilla (Firefox), Microsoft (Edge)

Content - Amazon (Prime), Google (YouTube), Netflix

Hardware co-processing - AMD (CPUs, graphics), ARM (SoCs, other chips), Intel (CPUs), NVIDIA (SoC, GPUs)

Mobile - Google (Android), Microsoft (Windows Phone)

OTT - Amazon (Amazon Fire TV), Google (Chromecast, Android TV)

These positions should enable the Alliance to ensure the fastest possible integration of AV1 into the members' products and services, and to influence industry acceptance as a whole. For example, once Netflix and YouTube start deploying AV1-content to browser-based viewers, this should influence the manufacturers of Smart TVs, set top boxes, and competitive OTT devices to support the format as well, which will be simplified by the availability of AV1-compatible hardware from other Alliance members.

About the AV1 Codec

As mentioned, AV1 is expected to ship as early as December 2016, and no later than March 2017. The initial AV1 implementation will incorporate some features of Daala and Thor, but most of the code will come from VP10, which was scheduled to ship by the end of 2016.

The Alliance is targeting an improvement of 50 percent over VP9/HEVC with reasonable increases in encoding and playback complexity. One focus is UHD video, including higher bitrate, wider color gamut, and increased frame rates, with the group targeting the ability to play 4K 60fps in a browser on a reasonably fast computer. The base version of the codec will support 10-bit and 12-bit encoding, as well as the BT.2020 color space. Another focus is providing a codec for WebRTC (Real-Time Communications), an initiative supported by Alliance members Google and Mozilla, and similar applications including Microsoft's Skype.

Once available, YouTube expects to transition to AV1 as quickly as possible, particularly for video configurations such as UHD, HDR, and high frame rate videos where the codec is expected to deliver significant bandwidth savings over VP9. Based upon its experience with implementing VP9, YouTube estimates that they could start shipping AV1 streams within six months after the bitstream is finalized. The Alliance expects the first AV1-compatible hardware components to ship within 12 months after bitstream finalization.

Market Positioning

AV1 is positioned to compete directly with HEVC in most major streaming-related markets, including browser-based streaming, mobile, OTT, smart TVs, and set-top boxes, which are the primary markets served by Alliance members. Precise positioning won't be known until the codec is released and tested and comparative quality and CPU playback requirements can be assessed.

AV1's most distinct competitive advantage is that it is royalty free, while HEVC comes encumbered with known royalties on devices via the MPEG LA and HEVC Advance patent pools. The HEVC Advance pool also charges content royalties for HEVC-encoded videos distributed on physical media, or for web video distributed via subscription or pay-per-view. Originally a member of the HEVC Advance pool, Technicolor withdrew from the pool, preferring to license its IP directly. There are also multiple known HEVC IP owners who have not joined a pool or announced if and how they intend to license their HEVC-related IP. The disparate actions taken by the various HEVC rights holders makes licensing HEVC both expensive and cumbersome.

Beyond deployment cost and complexity, if the Alliance meets its goals, AV1 should also have a significant quality advantage over HEVC, though this may be offset by higher CPU playback requirements and/or longer encoding times. As previously stated, the Alliance membership also creates a competitive advantage with the ability to quickly implement AV1 and influence others to do the same.

HEVC's most significant advantage is that it's a multi-vendor standard with a significant headstart and hardware support in many key markets, including mobile (hardware support on Apple, software support on Android), smart TVs, set-top boxes, and OTT devices, as well as very significant support among mainstream encoding vendors. However, HEVC playback is not available in any desktop/notebook browsers, while VP9, AV1's technology precursor, is available on the most recent versions of all browsers except for Apple Safari.

It does not appear that AV1 will compete with Google's VP9, as most major users, like Google and Microsoft, have announced their intentions to support AV1 once available. Both will continue to support VP9 to the extent that it enables them to distribute to computers and devices that AV1 can't serve due to the lack of hardware support or other technical reasons.

AV1 Intellectual Property Status

Some technology observers assert that it's likely that AV1 will include some intellectual property (IP) that conflicts with existing patents. For example, in an article in Streaming Media, Black Stone IP's Elvir Causevic and Ed Fish stated, "The essential point is that a lot of inventive work went into core technologies that underlie HEVC, such as novel quad tree structures, sophisticated tiling, hardware optimization, and scalability. One would have to assume that at least some of these core innovations would be used or extended in the codec the Alliance is proposing, and therefore patents relating to that functionality would continue to apply."

It's also clear that at least some Alliance members foresee potential legal challenges. In a comment discussing the Alliance for Open Media (AOM) published on LinkedIn, Netflix's director of encoding technology David Ronca stated, "If AOM is a technical success, and the codec survives legal challenges, then the era of royalty-based codecs will end (as it should)."(Emphasis supplied by Ronca.)

Beyond the financial war chest necessary to fight a patent infringement suit, the Alliance members bring another bargaining chip to the table. As Causevic and Fish also state, "many of these companies have meaningful pre-existing portfolios and cross licenses with a very large set of companies throughout the industry." In other words, just because there is an infringement doesn't mean that it will automatically take AV1 off the market, or convert it into a royalty bearing codec. At this point, the only certainty is that the more success the AV1 codec achieves, the greater the likelihood of an IP-related challenge.

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 18, 2021 / Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSXV:PX)(OTC PINK:PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that a Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling program is underway on its Dankran Project in Ghana. Two hundred twenty-five (225) meters have been drilled with three holes completed so far. This RC drilling program will serve as a first pass test of multiple targets identified over the past several months, with a focus on the most prospective soil anomalies at the northern end of the Dankran Project.

Highlights of the Dankran Target Development and RC Drilling Program:

Initial testing of five of the most compelling targets with 2,700 meters ("m") of RC drilling planned along six fences of drill holes with 225 meters drilled to date;

Soil sampling completed from December 2020 to March 2021 delineated a number of gold- in-soil anomalous trends which will be drill tested. The interpreted extension of a trend of artisanal underground workings on the neighbouring Small Scale Mining Permit area extending from the historic Obuom Mine to the northern boundary of Dankran will also be tested;

Concurrently, soil sampling, mapping and prospecting programs continue to advance targets further to the southwest to generate a pipeline of targets for future drill testing.

Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO commented, "We are delighted to have commenced our first drill test of targets on our Dankran Project in the highly prolific Ashanti Belt of southern Ghana. Our work at Dankran has advanced quickly from acquisition in November of 2020 with soil sampling and prospecting programs during December 2020 through March of 2021, identifying a number of compelling targets which will see initial testing in this RC drilling program. The current drill program will focus on the most prospective targets at the northern end of the property, while ongoing soil sampling and prospecting continue to develop targets elsewhere on the property. We look forward to the outcome of the current program and the development of additional targets for testing at Dankran."

Details of the Dankran Exploration Project

The Dankran property is a 34.65 square kilometer ("km") Prospecting License optioned by Pelangio Exploration from BNT Resources Ghana Ltd. in November 2020 and is contiguous to the northeastern corner of Pelangio's Obuasi Project. The Dankran Property is adjacent to and on strike with the historic Obuom Mine which produced 29,000 ounces of gold ("Au") at an average grade of 16 g/t Au from underground workings in the 1930's. The property covers nearly seven km of strike of highly prospective geology and regional structures along the western flank of the Ashanti Belt, which hosts AngloGold Ashanti's giant Obuasi Mine 20 km to the southwest. Refer to Figure 1.

In December 2020, an initial soil sampling program was completed on the Dankran property consisting of 1,126 samples. This program delivered 10 significant gold-in-soil anomalies as reported by Pelangio Exploration on January 28, 2021. In order to better define these soil anomalies for drill testing, programs of infill and extensional soil sampling were conducted during January through March 2021 with an additional 843 soil samples collected. Four strike extensive trends of gold in soil anomalism have now been identified at Dankran. The recent programs focused on the northern end of the Dankran property, closest to the historic Obuom Mine, where gold in soil anomalism is strongest, with multiple soil samples returning greater than 1 g/t Au. The current drilling program will focus on testing this area. The southwestern extensions of the soil anomalism are presently undergoing further infill soil sampling and prospecting and are expected to generate additional targets for testing in subsequent drilling programs.

While conducting the follow up soil sampling programs over the past several months, mapping and prospecting efforts have traced the possible extension of the Obuom Mine structure to the northern edge of the Dankran Property through the identification of a series of active artisanal underground workings on the Small-Scale Mining Permit Area immediately to the north of Dankran. The interpreted extension of this trend into the Dankran Property appears to define the eastern margin of soil anomalism on the northern end of Dankran, with considerable gold in soil anomalism flanking the structure to the west, and weak soil values returned from an extension of the soil sampling coverage to the east of the interpreted Obuom structure. Refer to Figure 2.

Current Drilling Program

The current exploration drilling program will consist of 2,700 meters of RC drilling on six fences of drill holes, each hole being 80 meters long and inclined towards the southeast, to test the most prospective gold in soil anomalies at the northern end of the Dankran Property. Drilling will also test the interpreted strike extension of the Obuom structure into the Dankran property. The drill program is expected to run for three to four weeks. Favourable results from the current program will be followed up in subsequent drilling programs, which will also test targets developed along the southwestern extensions of the soil anomalous trends currently undergoing continued infill soil sampling and prospecting.

Qualified Person

Mr. Kevin Thomson, P.Geo. (Ontario), is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Thomson approved the technical data disclosed in this release.

About Pelangio

Pelangio acquires and explores world-class land packages on strategic gold belts in Ghana, West Africa and Canada. In Ghana, the Company is exploring its two 100% owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km2 Manfo property, the site of seven near-surface gold discoveries, and the 284 km2 Obuasi property, located four km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine, as well as its Dankran property located adjacent to its Obuasi property. In Canada, the Company is currently focused in Ontario on its Grenfell property, located 10 km from Kirkland Lake, at its Dome West property, situated some 800 meters from the Dome Mine in Timmins and is advancing its Hailstone property in Saskatchewan. See www.pelangio.com for further detail.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.pelangio.com, or contact:

Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO

Tel: 905-336-3828 / Toll-free: 1-877-746-1632 / Email: info@pelangio.com

Figure 1: Dankran Project Location and Area of Drilling

Figure 2: Dankran Soil Au Geochemistry and Planned RC Drilling

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizeable gold mineralization, and the Company's ability to complete the planned exploration programs. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the state of the equity markets. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to 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 statement or information. Such risks include the changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana, and Canada, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration, including the risk that favourable exploration results may not be obtained, delays due to COVID-19 safety protocols, and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc.

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PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Total (Paris: FP) (LSE: TTA) (NYSE: TOT) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel1 (AMNS) have signed an agreement for the supply of up to 500,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year until 2026.

The LNG will be sourced from Totals global portfolio and offloaded either in Dahej or Hazira LNG Terminal, on the West Coast of India. AMNS will use the LNG to run its steel and power plants located in Hazira, Gujarat state.

We are pleased to partner with AMNS and to supply the growing industrial LNG demand in India, a country that aims to more than double the share of natural gas in its energy mix by 2030 compared to today, said Thomas Maurisse, Senior Vice President LNG at Total. The supply of LNG will contribute to the reduction of AMNSs carbon emissions, in line with Totals ambition to offer its customers energy products that emit less CO2 and to support them in their own low-carbon strategies.

This agreement strengthens Totals relationship with AMNS and contributes to the decarbonization of Indias steel industry, which still rely heavily on coal.

Total, Second Largest Private Global LNG Player

Total is the world's second largest privately owned LNG player, with a global portfolio of nearly 50 Mt/y by 2025 and a global market share of around 10%. Thanks to its interests in liquefaction plants in Angola, Australia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Russia and Qatar, the company markets LNG on all world markets. Total also benefits from strong and diversified positions throughout the LNG value chain, including gas production, LNG transportation, LNG trading, and some recent development in the LNG industry for maritime transport.

About Total

Total is a broad energy company that produces and markets fuels, natural gas and electricity. Our 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is more affordable, more reliable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, our ambition is to become the responsible energy major.

Cautionary Note

This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities in which TOTAL SE directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. TOTAL SE has no liability for their acts or omissions. In this document, the terms Total, Total Group and Group are sometimes used for convenience. Likewise, the words we, us and our may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TOTAL SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

1 AMNS India is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal (60%) and Nippon Steel (40%).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005388/en/

Total

Media Relations: +33 1 47 44 46 99 l presse@total.com l @TotalPress

Investor Relations: +44 (0)207 719 7962 l ir@total.com

Source: Total
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Lysogene (Paris: LYS) (FR0013233475  LYS), a phase 3 gene therapy platform Company targeting central nervous system (CNS) diseases, informs its shareholders that its ordinary and extraordinary general meeting will be held on June 25, 2021 at 09:00 am (CEST), at the offices of Dechert (Paris) LLP, located at 32 rue de Monceau in Paris (75008), France.

The preliminary meeting notice which is also a convening notice, including the agenda and the text of the proposed resolutions, was published in the French bulletin of compulsory legal notices (Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires  BALO) dated May 19, 2021. A copy is available on the Companys website https://www.lysogene.com/annual-meetings/.

The Shareholders Meeting documents and the voting form will be made available to Shareholders under the terms and conditions specified by current French regulations.

The detailed procedures for participating to the meeting and send written questions are available in the meeting notice n 2101874, which was published in the BALO (Journal Officiel) n 60 dated May 19, 2021.

About Lysogene

Lysogene is a gene therapy Company focused on the treatment of orphan diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The Company has built a unique capability to enable a delivery of gene therapies to the CNS to treat lysosomal diseases and other genetic disorders of the CNS. A phase 2/3 clinical trial in MPS IIIA in partnership with Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. is ongoing. An adaptive clinical trial in GM1 gangliosidosis is in preparation. In accordance with the agreements signed between Lysogene and Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. will hold exclusive commercial rights to LYS-SAF302 in the United States and markets outside Europe; and Lysogene will maintain commercial exclusivity of LYS-SAF302 in Europe. Lysogene is also collaborating with an academic partner to define the strategy of development for the treatment of Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disease related to autism. www.lysogene.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005695/en/

Stephane Durant des Aulnois

Chief Financial Officer

stephane.durant-des-aulnois@lysogene.com

+ 33 1 41 43 03 99

Source: Lysogene
Research Shows Cigarette Addiction Disproportionately Harms Minority and Vulnerable Communities; Mandating Reduced Nicotine Content in Cigarettes Would Help Counteract Years of Targeted Marketing of Addictive and Deadly Products by Big Tobacco

BUFFALO, N.Y., May 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE American: XXII), a leading plant-based biotechnology company focused on tobacco harm reduction, reduced nicotine tobacco, and hemp/cannabis research, announced today that the Companys Vice President of Regulatory Science, John Pritchard, will present at the Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) Annual Conference as part of the events session, Tobacco and Nicotine Use and Health Disparities: How to Address Equity Issues through FDA Actions, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. ET. The session will focus on the health disparities caused by tobacco and nicotine products among different groups within society, including a review of the use of mentholated products and their disproportionately high impact on African Americans. Pritchard and the other invited panelists will also make recommendations on how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can accelerate and improve health outcomes through public education and regulation, such as a nicotine cap to make all cigarettes minimally or non-addictive.



We are proud to partner with leading organizations like FDLI and work together to get the important message out that the time is now for the FDA to act decisively to stop the negative health effects caused by nicotine and cigarette addiction, said James A. Mish, chief executive officer of 22nd Century Group. FDA action is long overdue. Four years have passed since the FDA issued its Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco and Nicotine Regulation, including the Agencys advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANRPM) to reduce the amount of nicotine allowed in cigarettes to minimally or non-addictive levels. While there have been some positive developments recently, including reports that the White House is considering taking action on nicotine in cigarettes, it is imperative that industry leaders continue to encourage the government to take the necessary and proportionate action through nicotine regulation in order to save the lives of millions of Americans and to help prevent younger generations from ever becoming addicted to cigarettes.

Our Company has a solution, and we are prepared to move into action immediately. With our VLN King and VLN Menthol King reduced nicotine content (RNC) cigarettes, 22nd Century provides the only combustible tobacco products able to meet the nicotine level in the FDAs proposed mandate. The FDA must move quickly to authorize 22nd Centurys MRTP (Modified Risk Tobacco Product) application for VLN so that while the Agency continues its work towards establishing a nicotine cap for all cigarettes, adult smokers can have the choice of a non-addictive cigarette and take action to improve their health.



Pritchard will present data on the disproportionate impact of cigarette addiction within society, as well as highlighting research on the potential role of a minimally or non-addictive nicotine product standard to help tackle the root causes of health disparities for various minority segments of the population, including African Americans, Hispanics, people with mental illness and those living with HIV, among others.

Joining Pritchard on the panel are public health experts, Aruni Bhatnagar, professor of medicine and distinguished university scholar with the University of Louisville; and Darlene Huang, legislative and policy counsel for The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The panel will be moderated by Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, Professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health; Professor of Medicine, Alpert School of Medicine; and Associate Director (Populations Sciences), Brown Cancer Center. Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock will provide the keynote address for the conference, which will also be attended by high-ranking public health and policy figures, including FDAs Center for Tobacco Products Director, Mitch Zeller, and Mark J. Raza, acting chief counsel for the FDA. Former FDA Commissioner, Dr. Robert Califf, is also scheduled to speak at the conference.

The FDAs recently announced intention to remove menthol from cigarettes is a welcome step forward to addressing the health disparities caused by cigarette smoking  sadly, its far from enough. With around half a million Americans dying from cigarette addiction each, and every year, its time for the FDA to fully deploy the substantial authority that Congress provided the Agency in 2009. The feasibility of a low nicotine product standard is clear, the science is clear, and the benefits to our society are clear. Public health can and must be advanced and we must ensure that no one in our society is left behind, said John Pritchard. Speaking further on the menthol ban, he added, Independent clinical research shows that consumption of menthol reduced nicotine content cigarettes leads to reduced cigarette consumption, increased quit attempts, and would play an important role in the FDA comprehensive plan, by providing existing menthol smokers with a product to enable them to reduce their nicotine consumption compared to non-menthol conventional cigarettes that would remain on the market.

Pritchard represents 22nd Century in the FDLI as a member of its Tobacco Nicotine Products Committee. The Committee brings together a diverse group of expert stakeholders, including public health researchers, leaders of non-governmental organizations, and members of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products to discuss tobacco regulation and policy. Following his session at the FDLI Annual Conference, Pritchards presentation will be available on the Events section of 22nd Centurys website.

About 22nd Century Group, Inc.

22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE American: XXII) is a leading plant biotechnology company focused on technologies that alter the level of nicotine in tobacco plants and the level of cannabinoids in hemp/cannabis plants through genetic engineering, gene-editing, and modern plant breeding. 22nd Centurys primary mission in tobacco is to reduce the harm caused by smoking through the Companys reduced nicotine content tobacco cigarettes  containing 95% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes. The Companys primary mission in hemp/cannabis is to develop and commercialize proprietary hemp/cannabis plants with valuable cannabinoid profiles and desirable agronomic traits.

Learn more at xxiicentury.com, on Twitter @_xxiicentury, and on LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements typically contain terms such as anticipate, believe, consider, continue, could, estimate, expect, explore, foresee, goal, guidance, intend, likely, may, plan, potential, predict, preliminary, probable, project, promising, seek, should, will, would, and similar expressions. Actual results might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are set forth in Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 11, 2021. All information provided in this release is as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Investor Relations & Media Contact:

Mei Kuo

Director, Communications & Investor Relations

22nd Century Group, Inc.

(716) 300-1221

mkuo@xxiicentury.com
Bicyclist Injured in Collision with Pickup, Camper

By West Kentucky Star Staff

WICKLIFFE - A bicyclist was flown to an out-of-state hospital after a collision with a pickup truck on Sunday.The Ballard County Sheriff's Department says the 17-year-old bicyclist came out of a parking lot and began crossing 4th Street between two westbound vehicles that were stopped in traffic.Deputies say when the rider saw a pickup truck hauling a camper coming in the eastbound lane, he turned toward the truck to avoid crossing in front of it. The bike made contact with the driver's side of the truck bed, and then struck the front of the camper.The bicyclist was thrown onto the street. He was taken to the parking lot of Faith Baptist Church by Ballard County EMS, and was taken by AirEvac to an out-of-state hospital for treatment of his injuries.Deputies say the driver of the pickup truck had no way of avoiding the collision. No other injuries were reported.The Sheriff's Department encouraged everyone to pray for the injured teen.
Targeting infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria





Basel, Switzerland, May 19, 2021

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today that it has been awarded a grant of up to USD 2.7 million from CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator), a global partnership dedicated to supporting the early development of antibacterial products to diagnose, prevent and treat drug-resistant infections. The funding will support an ongoing Basilea research program to develop an antibiotic from a novel class for the treatment of serious infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

The program aims to develop selective small-molecule inhibitors of DXR, an enzyme in the bacterial isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. This enzyme is essential for the survival of many Gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Acinetobacter baumannii as well as multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are listed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as urgent and serious threats, or critical pathogens, against which new antibiotics are urgently needed.

Dr. Laurenz Kellenberger, Chief Scientific Officer, said: The medical problem of antimicrobial resistance keeps increasing. Therefore, new antibiotics are urgently needed that will be able to address resistance that is growing against current treatment options. We are delighted to be partnering with CARB-X for the development of truly innovative antibiotics directed against this unexploited bacterial target. Basilea remains committed to leverage its proven ability in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel anti-infectives to deliver new treatment options to patients facing bacterial drug-resistance worldwide.

About Basilea

Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the medical needs of patients with cancer and infectious diseases. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of severe bacterial infections. We are conducting clinical studies with two targeted drug candidates for the treatment of a range of cancers and have a number of preclinical assets in both cancer and infectious diseases in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

About CARB-X

CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) is a global non-profit partnership dedicated to supporting early development antibacterial R&D to address the rising threat of drug-resistant bacteria. CARB-X is led by Boston University and funding is provided by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority(BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Wellcome Trust, a global charity based in the UK working to improve health globally; Germanys Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF); the UK Department of Health and Social Cares Global Antimicrobial Resistance Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) funded by the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC); the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and with in-kind support from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the US Department of Health and Human Services. CARB-X is investing up to USD 480 million from 2016-2022 to support innovative therapeutics, preventives and rapid diagnostics. CARB-X funds only projects that target drug-resistant bacteria highlighted on the CDCs Antibiotic Resistant Threats list, or the Priority Bacterial Pathogens list published by the WHO, with a priority on those pathogens deemed Serious or Urgent on the CDC list or Critical or High on the WHO list. CARB-X is headquartered at Boston University School of Law. https://carb-x.org/. Follow us on Twitter @CARB_X

CARB-Xs funding for this project is sponsored by Cooperative Agreement Number IDSEP160030 from ASPR/BARDA and by awards from Wellcome Trust and Germanys Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The content of this press release is solely the responsibility of Basilea and does not necessarily represent the official views of CARB-X or any of its funders.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com

investor_relations@basilea.com

This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.

Attachment
- Partnership between University of Pennsylvania Gene Therapy Program, James Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., Tachi Yamada, M.D., and Temasek



- US$200 million financing commitment from Temasek to fund development of next-generation gene therapy companies with Penns Gene Therapy Program



PHILADELPHIA, May 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The G2 Bio Companies (G2 Bio Management Company, Inc., and affiliates) launched today with a US$200 million investment commitment from Temasek to accelerate the development of transformative genetic-based therapies. The G2 Bio Companies were founded by the University of Pennsylvania Gene Therapy Program, James Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., Tachi Yamada, M.D. and Temasek, a global investment firm headquartered in Singapore.

Dr. Wilson is Director, Gene Therapy Program; Rose H. Weiss Professor and Director, Orphan Disease Center; and Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Wilsons laboratory has made seminal contributions to the technology of gene transfer and has paved the way for translation of these technologies into the clinic. He has published over 600 papers and is named on over 200 patents worldwide.

Our mission at the Gene Therapy Program is to discover, translate and greatly accelerate the development and commercialization of life-transformative genetic-based therapeutics. The G2 Bio Companies will leverage the Gene Therapy Programs capabilities and its deep history in advancing the field of genetic therapeutics to reach more patients in need around the world, including those with more common, non-monogenic diseases, said Dr. Wilson.

Dr. Yamada is a founder of numerous start-up companies, including Phathom Pharmaceuticals and Passage Bio, and has served as Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Takeda Pharmaceuticals and as Chairman of Research and Development at GlaxoSmithKline.

We formed the G2 Bio Companies to address the unmet needs of patients with the most advanced genetic-based therapies, said Dr. Yamada. I am excited to partner with Dr. Wilson and Temasek. Temaseks history of impactful investments in life sciences and healthcare globally, and unique presence in Asia, ensures they will be a valued partner and long-term collaborator for the G2 Bio Companies.

About the G2 Bio Companies

The G2 Bio Companies were founded in 2021 to fund and develop potential next-generation gene therapy candidates from the University of Pennsylvania Gene Therapy Program. The companies are based in Philadelphia, PA.

About Temasek

Temasek is an investment company with a net portfolio value of S$306 billion (US$214 billion) as of March 31, 2020. Its three roles as an Investor, Institution and Steward, as defined in the Temasek Charter, shape Temaseks ethos to do well, do right and do good. Temasek actively seeks sustainable solutions to address present and future challenges, through investment and other opportunities that help to bring about a better, smarter and more sustainable world. For more information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg.

About University of Pennsylvania Gene Therapy Program

Penns Gene Therapy Program manages a portfolio of approximately 50 diseases and dozens of translational research projects using a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including gene therapy, gene editing, and mRNA therapeutic approaches using adeno-associated viruses or lipid nanoparticles. Its nearly 300-person research team engages in drug development research for the treatment of rare or orphan diseases, as well as acquired and pandemic infectious diseases.

For further information, please contact:

Sarah McCabe

Stern Investor Relations, Inc.

sarah.mccabe@sternir.com

212-362-1200

Aedan LAI

Public Affairs, Temasek

aedanlai@temasek.com.sg

+65 6828 2465

Financial disclosure: The University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Wilson hold equity interests in the G2 Bio Companies, and will be entitled to receive licensing revenues based on successful technology development and commercialization.
LEESBURG, Va., May 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thirdera, the leading provider of professional services and integrations for companies implementing the ServiceNow platform, has acquired Service Line Solutions (SLS), a ServiceNow Elite-level partner in Australia. The acquisition provides Thirdera with a strong foundation for growth in the Asia-Pacific region, and brings a high-quality technical capability, development expertise and business process consulting practice to the Thirdera business.

Terms of the deal are not being disclosed. All SLS staff will become Thirdera employees, including the companys founders.

Adoption of the ServiceNow platform is growing worldwide as companies have increased their use of digital systems in response to the pandemic. Asia-Pacific has been no exception. According to the research firm IDC, spending on public cloud services by companies in the Asia-Pacific region grew over 38% in 2020 to $36.6 billion. This growth is creating opportunities for partners like Thirdera and SLS, which are helping companies use ServiceNow products and capabilities like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Agent and Platform Workflows to enable greater self-service in IT, HR and core business processes throughout the organization.

Thirdera and SLS are experts in guiding companies in the use and expansion of ServiceNow to all parts of their business. Members of the Thirdera team have completed thousands of ServiceNow implementations over the past several years. SLS, meanwhile, has completed over 250 projects in Asia-Pacific, and its business doubled in size from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021.

ServiceNow ecosystem veteran and Cloud Sherpas executive, Uriah Jacobs, is joining Thirdera to lead the combined business' growth across the Asia Pacific region. He stated, ServiceNow has become the connective tissue between disparate systems and the orchestrator of workflows within the organization. We are ecstatic to bring our ServiceNow expertise to clients in this region.

Demand for the platform in APAC is at an all-time high, and SLS, given our expertise and alignment with Thirdera, is in a strong position to capitalize, stated SLS Co-Founders, Girish Ramkrishnani and Krutik Patel, We look forward to joining the Thirdera team to bring the unique capabilities of the ServiceNow platform to more organizations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thirdera is focused on helping companies solve their biggest problems through the effective use of technology across the organization, said Jason Wojahn, CEO of Thirdera, Were incredibly excited to have SLS join our team as we continue to create the next level of ServiceNow solutions for clients. We plan to invest significantly in growing our resources not only in the APAC region but across the globe.

About Thirdera

Thirdera is an Elite-level ServiceNow partner consulting on the entire portfolio. The firm enables mid-market and enterprise customers to leverage the full power of ServiceNow through complete, workflow-enabled services. Their approach speeds customer outcomes, reduces work, reduces complexity, and brings legacy IT investments a new life as an integral part of end-to-end workflow services. With employees in North America, Latin America, Australia, and India, Thirdera serves both public and private sectors, including financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, and energy. To be notified of more updates, visit www.thirdera.com.

Media contact:Kevin WolfTGPRkevin@tgprllc.com

Source: Thirdera
NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AmeriVet Securities, Inc., (AVI) announced today that Mercedes Elias and Michael Naidrich have been appointed Co-CEOs. Additionally, the firm hired two new employees, both of whom are women veterans.

Ms. Elias, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is currently the only woman veteran to lead a service-disabled broker-dealer in the Diversity and Inclusion space on Wall Street.

Ms. Elias served on active duty for nearly 10 years as an administrative and legal officer. During her time in the military, she rose to the rank of Captain and deployed to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. She separated from the service in 2016 and remained in New York to focus on the veteran community, and support military members as they transitioned into the corporate world.

In 2018, AVI took notice of Ms. Elias and hired her as the firm's Head of Veteran Engagement. Over the past three years, she significantly bolstered AVI's veteran initiatives by securing crucial partnerships with multiple organizations, including a high-profile event with the Gary Sinise Foundation, which had a special focus on Gold Star families  those who have lost a family member during active duty.

Additionally, Ms. Elias played an integral role in the firm's goal of hiring 50% military veteran staff and created a year-round, paid internship program that has since launched prior military veterans into positions at bulge bracket banks.

Last summer, she was appointed to the NYC Veterans Advisory Board, a diverse group of veterans, including only four women, who represent the five boroughs of NYC. The role is a highly sought-after position and board members must receive appointments through the Office of the Mayor or City Council.

Mr. Naidrich began his financial services career in 1993. He joined AVI as COO in 2017 and developed the framework to successfully relaunch the firm in 2018. He currently leads the firm's operating committee and management team, and oversees organizational support for both domestic and international clients.

Most recently, Mr. Naidrich worked at Tigress Financial Partners in NYC and earlier this year, he graduated from Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.

"Mercedes and Michael have done an amazing job shaping the firm and will continue to build the business as I concentrate on my new role as Non-Executive Chairman," said Elton Johnson, Jr., Founder of AVI. "This will enable me to focus full-time on the firm's commitment to the Diversity and Inclusion space while they work through day-to-day efforts as Co-CEOs."

In addition, AVI has two new employees joining the firm: Sidney Covington, a former medic in the U.S. Army and Jennifer McDonough, a U.S. Navy Reservist.

Ms. Covington serves as the veteran engagement associate at AVI's Chicago office. In addition to her military service, she previously worked for the Posse Veterans Program and recently served as the Constituent Liaison for Military and Veterans Affairs in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's office. There, she spearheaded veteran outreach and assisted in the nomination process for U.S. Service Academies.

Ms. McDonough is an operations associate at AVI and currently serves as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. She most recently worked as the Director of Administration at a securities broker-dealer in New York City.

"Ms. Covington and Ms. McDonough are extremely talented individuals," said Bob Jones, President of AVI, U.S. Air Force veteran and former Vietnam Prisoner of War. "They are both veterans who are passionate about giving back to the community and I'm excited to welcome them to our team."

With the addition of Ms. Covington and Ms. McDonough, more than 50% of AVI's current staff are military veterans and 30% are minorities.

About AmeriVet Securities, Inc. AmeriVet Securities, Inc. (AVI), is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business broker-dealer that specializes in Capital Markets, Public Finance, Institutional Agency Trading, Loan Sales and Investment Banking. AVI is dedicated to providing the highest level of service in the industry, while also providing meaningful employment opportunities to post-9/11 military veterans.

ContactJessica Borriello jborriello@amerivetsecurities.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amerivet-announces-new-co-ceos-hires-two-women-veterans-301296321.html

SOURCE AmeriVet Securities, Inc.
LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cervest, creator of the world's first AI-powered Climate Intelligence (CI) platform, today announced it raised a $30 million Series A round led by Draper Esprit. Cervest seeks to help enterprises, financial services companies, and governments quantify climate risk down to the asset level and, for the first time, across multiple decades and threats. Current investors Astanor Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital (Chris Sacca), and Future Positive Capital also participated in the oversubscribed round, joined by new investors UNTITLED, the venture fund of Magnus Rausing, and TIME Ventures, the venture fund of Marc Benioff. This financing brings Cervest's total funding to $36.2 million.

The investment comes at a time of accelerating climate volatility where the persistence and interaction of extreme weather events is putting trillions of dollars of physical assets at risk. Business and government leaders must factor this risk into their day-to-day operations and strategic decisions alongside preparing for fast-approaching regulatory changes. Equally, financial services, including insurance players, urgently need greater asset-level Climate Intelligence to underpin investment decisions.

Cervest closes this gap with a first-of-its-kind automated Climate Intelligence platform, powered by the company's groundbreaking Earth Science AI technology. Built through extensive, peer-reviewed research over the last five years, the platform combines public and private data sources (i.e. NOAA, ECMWF, CMIP6), machine learning, and cutting-edge statistical science to present a unified view of climate risk that's never before been possible.

EarthScan, the first product on the platform, gives users on-demand access to current, historical, and predictive views of how combined risks such as flooding, droughts, and extreme temperatures can impact the assets they own or manage. Insights are available across multiple risk categories simultaneously, going back 50 years and looking forward 80 years. EarthScan helps users to de-risk business decisions, meet TCFD financial disclosure guidelines, improve asset resilience, and uncover new opportunities to accelerate low-carbon growth.

"Climate Intelligence is business Intelligence for managing climate risk," said Iggy Bassi, Founder and CEO of Cervest. "Climate volatility has thrown us into a new era where Climate Intelligence needs to be integrated into all decisions. Organizations that fail to do so risk being blindsided by climate events such as the recent floods and fires in Australia, the droughts in Europe, and the winter freeze in Texas. By using EarthScan to baseline, monitor, and forecast risk, organizations can take action to protect their assets and navigate toward a more resilient future."

Cervest will use the financing to move aggressively into the U.S. and European markets. Through its freemium model, Cervest is providing open access to Climate Intelligence by offering everyone a free, standardized climate risk assessment, spurring new conversations, and fostering an open and common dialogue on shared asset-level risk and opportunities.

"Climate Tech has grabbed a lot of attention recently, with good reason. But solutions come from understanding the problem  Climate Intelligence is a new $40 billion market category which seeks to provide us with answers," said Vinoth Jayakumar, Partner and Fintech Practice Lead at Draper Esprit. "Cervest's pioneering approach to quantifying risk, in a way that was never before possible, means we can better understand the economics of the problem and bring real-world market solutions to bear. We believe Iggy and the team's deep science approach will provide the foundations of the Climate Intelligence market." Jayakumar will join Cervest's Board of Directors.

"Much of the spotlight is on decarbonization today. While this is absolutely necessary, it is not sufficient to build asset-level resilience," said Bassi. "To succeed, we need a complete and unified view of climate risk, simultaneously considering the impact of accelerating physical risks, alongside decarbonization investments and adjacent transition risks as we build a low carbon economy. This is exactly what Cervest will do, enabling everyone to become climate intelligent by making fully informed climate decisions."

About CervestCervest offers cloud-based Climate Intelligence (CI) to enable organizations to manage and adapt to climate risk at an asset-level. Its on-demand, AI-powered platform delivers a standardized, science-based view of climate risk  simultaneously analyzing millions of global assets, across multiple time horizons and risk categories. EarthScan, the first product on the platform, helps enterprises and governments baseline, monitor and forecast climate risk. Through its open access platform, Cervest incentivizes everyone to share and integrate Climate Intelligence into everyday decisions  protecting the world's critical assets  including our greatest asset, the planet. Cervest is a Certified B Corporation. www.cervest.earth. Follow Cervest on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Draper EspritDraper Esprit is a global venture capital firm that invests in high-growth European technology companies. Draper Esprit's portfolio of privately-owned tech includes outstanding tech companies such as Trustpilot, Revolut, Graphcore, and UiPath. www.draperesprit.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cervest-secures-30-million-in-series-a-funding-to-launch-worlds-first-ai-powered-climate-intelligence-platform-and-lead-new-40-billion-market-301295454.html

SOURCE Cervest
SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nashvox experiential recording studio expanded its leadership team on April 2, 2021, to include Krishen Iyer as minority owner and advisor. Iyer brings years of experience as a serial entrepreneur and business consultant to Nashvox. He and the existing Nashvox team will steer the studio through COVID precautions and plans for future growth.

The Nashville establishment was founded by Teresa Smith and specifically caters to groups and parties, allowing more people to experience the thrill of recording music that has historically only been available to professionals. The recording location on 4th Avenue offers a music catalog of more than 19,000 songs from top artists like Luke Bryan and Lenny Kravitz and allows visitors to record original music. Each session is accompanied by a qualified sound engineer to guide the process.

Iyer feels confident in the studio's vision of making recording more accessible to the masses: "Whether you're part of a bridal party or a kid's birthday party, you're welcome. We want everyone of all ages to feel what it's like to record a track in an authentic Nashville studio."

To find out more or to book a session at Nashvox, visit www.nashvox.com.

About NashvoxNashvox is an experimental recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee, that gives locals and tourists alike the space to record their favorite songs with a professional sound engineer. Visitors receive their mixed track the same day and walk away with the behind-the-scenes experience of industry experts.

Contact:Mandy Simone559-213-3372krishen@maisconsulting.com

Related Imageseven-bad-vocals-welcome.jpg Even Bad Vocals Welcome Have Fun

luke-b-on-the-catalog.jpg Luke B on the catalog Come in just to see the place - like a museum !!!

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/krishen-iyer-and-mais-consulting-come-on-board-to-the-nashvox-team-301295442.html

SOURCE Nashvox
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington pledged WWP's support of children and youth caregivers and the Hidden Helpers Coalition during an event today with Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF). Started by EDF, and funded by WWP, the coalition includes the White House's Joining Forces initiative, National Military Family Association, and other military and veteran service organizations. Together, the organizations reinforced their commitment to improving the quality of programming and support for children and youth caregivers of servicemembers.

Learn more about WWP's community partnerships.

"Wounded Warrior Project is committed to expanding the resources available to America's wounded, ill and injured veterans," said Linnington. "Children play a key part in supporting wounded veterans and other family members during life after injury. Many of them assume caregiving responsibilities that the outside world never sees, and certainly does not understand. That is why we are partnering with Elizabeth Dole Foundation and investing in the Hidden Helpers Coalition. We want to acknowledge these young caregivers and help improve their quality of life. We are grateful for all the organizations that have come together, and to the Biden administration and Joining Forces for their support of the Hidden Helpers Coalition."

Since 2018, WWP has invested more than $655,000 to study the effects of caregiving on children through a collaboration between EDF and the National Military Family Association.

Caregiving is more than a full-time job. Research shows that caregivers that support post-9/11 veterans struggle to meet the demands of daily life. According to WWP's Independence Program survey, six in 10 caregivers provide over 40 hours of care per week. The challenges they face have been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet even before COVID-19, two thirds of these caregivers told us they are not satisfied with their time spent on self-care. These caregivers are critically important, often meaning the difference between a veteran living at home with support or spending the rest of their days in a VA long-term care facility.

About Wounded Warrior ProjectSince 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers  helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wounded-warrior-project-elizabeth-dole-foundation-and-white-house-pledge-support-to-young-caregivers-301296413.html

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
Stillwater, OK (74074)

Today

Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. Hot and humid. High near 95F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view.
The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help with a theft investigation. PHOTO:Marshall County Sheriff's Office

Deputies Seek Help in Marshall County Theft

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MARSHALL COUNTY - The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help with a theft investigation.Deputies said someone stole a Craftsman lawn tractor from the area of US 68 West. A gold-colored older model Chevrolet Monte Carlo pulling a trailer was captured on security footage leaving the scene.The mower is green with a 42-inch blade.Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marshall County Sheriff's Office.
The Government aims to lift up to 33,000 children out of poverty with changes to benefit levels announced in the Budget today.

All benefit rates will increase by $20 a week from July 1 this year. A second increase will occur on April 1, 2022, which will see main benefits lifted in line with a key Welfare Expert Advisory Group recommendation.

Families and whanau with children will also receive a further $15 per adult per week.

In total, weekly main benefit rates will increase by between $32 and $55 per adult by April 1, 2022.

Between 19,000 and 33,000 children are projected to be lifted out of poverty on the after-housing-costs measure in 2022/23 as a result of increases to benefit levels in Budget 2021.

It is projected that 109,000 families and whanau with children will be, on average, $175 a week better off as a result of all the changes to income support since 2017, including The Families Package, the $25 lift to benefit rates as part of the initial Covid-19 response and the indexation of benefits to average wage increases the last two years.

Increasing incomes for our most vulnerable both secures our recovery by adding targeted stimulus to the economy, while also addressing one of our most pressing long term challenges, child poverty, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

We are targeting investment where need is greatest; putting food on the table and helping with power bills in the homes that need it most.

Key benefits points from Budget 2021:

 Weekly benefit rates lifted by between $32 and $55 per adult, in line with a key recommendation from the Welfare Expert Advisory Group (WEAG).

 In total, 109,000 families and whanau with children will be, on average, $175 a week better off as a result of changes made by the Government since 2017.

 Student living support will increase by $25 per week on April 1, 2022.

Welfare

By April 1, 2022, sole parents will see their main benefit increase by an extra $36 a week.

A couple with children will receive an extra $55 a week in Jobseeker Support or an extra $42 in Supported Living Payment.

Individuals without children will have their Jobseeker Support jump by $48 a week, or $55 a week for couples.

The Supported Living Payment will jump by $32 a week for individuals without children, or $42 for couples.

The income thresholds for childcare assistance will also be adjusted each year in line with the average wage.

"These thresholds were frozen by the National-led government in 2010 so the ability of some working families to access this support has fallen as wages have increased," Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says.

Housing and infrastructure

The Budget lifts investment in infrastructure over the next five years from $42.2 billion to $57.3b.

A $380 million boost for Maori housing is the chief new housing measure in the Budget, with the rest of the government's plan outlined in March.

The new funding is expected to pay for 1000 new homes and help repair about 700 dilapidated homes owned by Maori.

A total of $350m has also been ring-fenced in the government's $3.8b infrastructure fund to support Maori and iwi providers build houses.

The government expects that to pave the way for at least 2700 new houses.

The government has set aside $131.8m for the overhaul and replacement of the Resource Management Act through to mid-2024.

Health

Pharmac will receive an extra $200m over four years to increase its ability to purchase medicines and drugs for sick New Zealanders.

"Other than the special Covid-19 funding we provided last year, this is one of the biggest budget increases Pharmac has ever had and will help an estimated 370,000 patients a year," Health Minister Andrew Little said.

$486m has also been set aside over four years towards the task of scrapping all 20 district health boards and replacing them a new Health NZ body. It includes $98.1 million to set up the Maori Health Authority.

There will be $126.8m towards Hauora Maori programmes run by the Maori Health Authority.

The government has reneged on its commitment last term to provide a free yearly GP visit and eye check for Supergold Card holders, describing the initiative as being of "limited benefit".

The Budget will increase funding for DHBs by $675m more a year. Primary health care will also receive another $46.7m a year.

"As I said last month, we must keep our hospitals running as we transform the health system so people can keep getting the operations and care that they need," Health Minister Andrew Little says.

Education

Future changes and historic payroll mistakes are among the targets of more than $2b in new education spending.

The four-year total includes $1.7b on school and early childhood education and $470m on tertiary education.

The biggest areas of new spending also include new school property and catch-up funding for polytechnic courses.

The Budget provides a 1.6 percent increase to school operations grant next year and a 1.2 percent increase to early childhood and tertiary education subsidies.

Student allowances and student loans for living costs will go up by $25 a week from 1 April 2022.

Climate Change

The Budget pumps another $300m into the Green Investment Finance fund to support the uptake of low-carbon technologies and low-emissions vehicles.

The investments in transport alone are expected to save up to 240,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, the government said.

Employment

The government will extend the training incentive allowance for about 16,000 people at a cost of $127m over four years.

The allowance assists people on eligible benefits with the costs of study, such as fees, books, transport and childcare.

As signalled last year, the government has also begun work with business and union groups to design a social unemployment insurance scheme.

That would support workers to retain about 80 percent of their income for a period after they lose their jobs.

Warmer homes

Budget 2021 provides further support to ensure more Kiwi homes are warmer and energy efficient, with transport and business also getting a boost to reduce emissions.

Low-income homeowners can look forward to warmer homes thanks to Budget 2021 investment into the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.

Extending Warmer Kiwi Homes ensures more low-income homeowners will benefit from an extra 47,700 insulation and heating retrofits. Every year an estimated 28,000 children are hospitalised for potentially avoidable hospitalisations linked to cold, damp and mouldy houses, says Energy Minister Megan Woods.

This move will improve health, reduce energy use and emissions, as well as costs, and support jobs in the energy service sector. Thats a win for peoples health and pockets, as well as the planet.

Insulating homes is a core part of this Governments plan to address the climate emergency. Budget 2021 means we can do even more to help those who need it the most to reduce their energy bills and cut emissions, says Climate Change Minister James Shaw.

Transport emissions

The transport and business sectors are also being given more support to lower emissions, across a broader range of activities.

The Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund (LEVCF) will become the Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF) to reflect a change in eligibility for projects in areas like aviation, and maritime and for off-road vehicles.

Other fuel technology projects using biofuel and hydrogen, will also now be eligible for funding.

Past projects have expanded the public electric vehicle charging network and invested in New Zealand-leading, innovative technology, such as electric trucks. Weve upskilled the industry; and organisations from small community groups to nationwide transport companies have shown there is a low-emissions vehicle solution for just about every need, says Woods.

Funding for the LETF will now be met through an even split of Crown funding and levy funding. Total funding for the programme will reach up to $25 million per year by 2023/24, with the Government increasing its contribution to up to $12.5 million per year by 2023/24 through Budget 2021.

Meanwhile, more businesses will be able to make the transition to low-emissions energy, with Government funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authoritys (EECA) support services for business increasing to $8.1 million a year.

EECA helps businesses identify and implement lowest-cost carbon abatement projects, optimise energy use and switch to low-emissions energy sources.

A big part of decarbonising our economy means understanding what options there are to transition, developing plans to get there and support for bringing on new technology. This all makes it easier for businesses to move toward clean and clever energy use, says Woods.

In addition to the emissions reduction initiatives announced by Megan Woods today, Climate Change Minister James Shaw has also unveiled a suite of measures in Budget 2021 to help New Zealand on its path to carbon neutrality by 2050.

Support for workers post Covid

The Government, Business NZ and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions are jointly designing a Social Unemployment Insurance scheme that would support workers to retain about 80 per cent of their income for a period after they lose their jobs.

Minister of Finance Grant Robertson says a Social Unemployment Insurance scheme would strengthen the safety net in Aotearoa New Zealand, and would be an appropriate legacy from Covid-19  one that makes NZs recovery stronger and more secure.

Like ACC for accidents, a Social Unemployment Insurance scheme would cushion the impact of a job loss. It would give workers the financial stability to find the right job for their skills, or to retrain for a new, fulfilling career path. Were looking at a scheme that could provide those who lose their jobs with around 80 per cent of their income, with minimum and maximum caps, says Robertson.

Over the coming months, the Social Insurance Tripartite Working Group (Government, BusinessNZ and CTU) will be consulting targeted stakeholders on what the right settings could be, balancing the support needed for Kiwis to find quality new jobs against the costs of running the scheme. There will be wider public consultation later this year.
Bay of Plenty

We are looking for a storeman with an OSH forklift license. You will need to be physically for as the job is about 70% forklift...



View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz
A Tauranga woman has handed over a petition on the steps of Parliament protesting the potential location of the Erebus National Memorial on a Pa site in central Auckland.

Margaret Brough lost her father, Aubrey, in the 1979 Mount Erebus disaster.

The petition calls on the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to stop planned construction of the Erebus National Memorial and protect the whenua that is home to one of New Zealands largest urban Pohutukawa.

The memorial aims to pay tribute to the 237 passengers and 20 crew who were killed when an Air New Zealand flight crashed into Mount Erebus in Antarctica in 1979.

But the planned location of Dove Myer Robinson Park in Parnell is not considered pertinent by those protesting.

Margaret handed over the petition, signed by more than 11,500 people including Erebus families, to MP Shanan Halbert, chair of the Petitions Select Committee.

A number of other MPs from across the house met with Margaret.

My observation is that the majority of Erebus families are against this location, says Margaret.

The selection is not in alignment with our wishes. Back in 2018 when the Prime Minister first told us, we were not supportive and made it well known.

The whole approach is simply wrong. It faces the wrong way, is a busy picnic park across from the noisy Ports of Auckland, and not a space of solemnity necessary for a National Memorial of this nature.

Members of the grassroots community group, Protect Mataharehare also travelled to Parliament to support Margaret.

For 80 days members have occupied the Pa site in a peaceful sit-in led by Dame Naida Glavish.

Dame Naida has publicly called out the consent process believing it lacked integrity from the start due to their being no public consultation.

This site was pre-determined by Wellington which went against its own independent advisors, Boffa Miskell, who clearly established that the site was not suitable, Dame Naida says.

Despite that advice, the Ministry proceeded to push it through Auckland Council where it was deemed to be non-notified. This led to Pouhere Taonga not being included in the decision-making process.

So, the Maori cultural and heritage assessment of the site was totally deficient despite it being a known as a Pa site. For this to happen in 2021 and orchestrated by the Ministry that was set up to protect it, is completely gobsmacking.

Kaumatua Tautoko Witika, Marsh Grey and Steve Phillips of Ngati Whatua Orakei invite the Prime Minister to reconsider the location of the memorial in the spirit of Te Tiriti. A Rahui was laid on the land by Kaumatua, Tautoko Witika with the full support of the Kaumatua of Orakei marae.

As a family, we were not asked for our input when the memorial was being considered and, apart from the fact that so many years have passed, we are not in favour of the proposed site in Dove Myer Robinson Park in Parnell, says Gaynor Gallagher, who lost her parents and their first grandson in the tragedy.

The Ministrys selection of this site is inappropriate because it has no particular connection with the accident.

Erebus family member, Trevor Mitchell says he is horrified that this site has been selected.

I believe the site is most inappropriate. It will destroy a treasured haven.

Another family member Lance OConner, who lost his father and uncle on the flight, says he has been to the Air New Zealand and Government public meetings, and believes the public memorial should be rethought.
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Murray's Furches to Emcee WAVE AG Day in Hickman

By West Kentucky Star Staff

HICKMAN - Murray native Sharon Furches of Kentucky Farm Bureau will be the master of ceremonies at this years WAVE AG Day, July 22 in Hickman.Furches was born and raised in Murray, and grew up working in the field with her family on their grain, tobacco, and cattle farm. In high school, she met her husband, who was also a farmer.They're still at it today  producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and canola on a 5,000-acre farm in Murray. She passed down her childhood on the farm to her kids, and now they're passing it onto theirs, Furches' four grandchildren."Farming encompasses every part of what we do and how we live, but thats a good thing for me," she said.Furches is also a product of Kentucky Farm Bureau programs, having participated in Young Farmers, LEAD, the Women's Program, and various state committee roles. She was also appointed last year to the EPA Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee which gathers input from farmers who are directly affected by decisions in Washington, DC. She currently holds the office of Second Vice President of KFB.WAVE AG Day was postponed last year due to COVID, but the initiative never stopped.We are excited to bring back WAVE AG Day and fulfill our promise to have the event in each of the four river counties over the past several years. Fulton County will host the event down in Hickman this year and we could not be happier with the location, said WAVE AG Chairman Phillip Bean.Kentucky Farm Bureau has been a partner in the WAVE AG River Counties initiative from its inaugural AG Day in 2017.
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Tahlequah, OK (74464)

Today

Mostly cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Hot and humid. High 93F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
This microscope image made available by the National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research in 2015 shows human colon cancer cells with the nuclei stained red. Americans should start getting screened for colon cancer earlier, at age 45 instead of waiting until they're 50, according to new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, released on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. PHOTO:NCI Center for Cancer Research via AP, File

Americans Urged to get Colonoscopy at 45

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Americans should start getting screened for colon cancer earlier -- at age 45 instead of waiting until theyre 50, according to guidelines released Tuesday.The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said it's time for the change because colorectal cancer increasingly is appearing in younger adults.Colorectal cancer is one of the nations leading cancer killers, claiming about 50,000 lives a year. Overall, cases and deaths have inched down in recent years, thanks in part to screening tests that can spot tumors early -- or even prevent them by removing precancerous growths.Colorectal cancer is most common in older adults and the task force has long recommended that people ages 50 to 75 get screened. But the rate of new cases before age 50 has been rising since the early 2000s. So the new guidelines say adults at average risk of colorectal cancer should be screened from ages 45 to 75.The decision, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, means most insurance plans would have to cover the checks with no copay. The change brings the task force in line with the American Cancer Society, which lowered its recommended screening age to 45 in 2018.The new advice shows "45 is the new 50 for this important cancer prevention screening intervention, Dr. Kimmie Ng of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, who wasnt involved in the task force deliberations, wrote in JAMA.How often people need to get checked depends on the type of screening they choose. There are a variety of options, including yearly stool-based tests or colonoscopies that may be done every 10 years.But about 1 in 4 people between ages 50 and 75 have never been screened for the disease.
Ardmore Shipping chooses Lean Marines FuelOpt to enhance fleet efficiency

Swedish propulsion optimization experts Lean Marine have signed a contract with tanker operator, Ardmore Shipping Corporation, to install its FuelOpt propulsion optimization technology across its fleet.

This new agreement follows on the heels of the success of the FuelOpt installation onboard the MR tanker Ardmore Sealion in 2020. Lean Marine and Ardmore will also collaborate closely to enhance the overall performance of the Ardmore fleet and help these vessels achieve more sustainable ship operations. Lean Marine will install its green technology onboard the additional vessels over the course of 2021. Commenting on the partnership, Mark Cameron, Executive Vice President and COO at Ardmore Shipping said: Lean Marine has great experience with enhancing vessel efficiency and has been supporting us in identifying key achievable means for further saving fuel and reducing emissions on the already efficient and modern Ardmore Sealion. Through this close collaboration, we will continue to exploit the potential of the FuelOpt system and explore the integration of other vessel systems to maximize the overall operational efficiency of our fleet. Ardmore Shippings energy transition is underway and our collaboration with Lean Marine will play an important role in the delivery of Ardmores Energy Transition Plan. Lean Marines FuelOpt technology is designed to ease the technical burden of greener ship operations as it automates propulsion control, thereby replacing the need for constant monitoring and manual adjustments. When using FuelOpt on the bridge, the crew gets full, automated control of vessel speed, fuel consumption and/or engine power, and are thus able to avoid potential overconsumption of fuel in harsh conditions such as high swells and winds. Garry Noonan, Head of Energy Transition Technologies at Ardmore Shipping, added: We are confident that we can achieve great results by working together with Lean Marine. When working to increase the vessel efficiency of the Ardmore Sealion, we achieved significant results in a very short time, as we were able to take vital actions such as controlling the vessels fuel consumption using the FuelOpt system. We look forward to greener operations across our fleet once the systems are installed in 2021. FuelOpt is exceptionally user-friendly and activation by the bridge crew can be achieved with the push of a single button from the intuitive panel on the bridge once the command on engine power, fuel consumption, speed or a combination thereof is set. Upon activation, the system dynamically controls vessel propulsion based on the set commands, matching the vessels propulsion power to the changing environmental conditions. This stabilizes the shaft power required, removing costly variations in speed and output caused by human operational factors. The use of the system ensures maximum power optimization, minimum fuel consumption and reduced emissions in real-time. Mikael Laurin, CEO at Lean Marine says: Ardmore Shippings decision to expand our collaboration shows their commitment to greener operations and their confidence in the results that our FuelOpt system delivers. We are looking forward to working with their team not only to achieve substantial fuel savings but also unlock further potential for greener operations through integration with other systems onboard the Ardmore fleet.




Frontline Ltd to acquire six eco type VLCC newbuilding contracts

Frontline Ltd. (Frontline or the Company) announced that it has entered into an agreement for the acquisition through resale of six latest generation ECO-type VLCC newbuilding contracts.

The six VLCCs are currently under construction at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in South Korea and are being acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $565.8 million, including an estimated $25.7 million in additions and upgrades to the standard specifications. The vessels are designed to operate on different fuels, including Biofuel, have the potential to be converted or retrofitted to consume fuel like LNG or Ammonia and consequently there is an ability to cut CO2 emissions to zero when technology, logistics and the regulatory framework allows for it. The newbuildings will also be fitted with Exhaust Gas Scrubber technology, high-end Anti Fouling systems, equipped with Digital Energy Performance solutions as well as compliant with specific Exxon Mobile lightering requirements to allow for maximum trading flexibility. The delivery schedule is very attractive with five vessels delivering during 2022 starting in Q1 and the last vessel in Q1 2023. The payment profile for this transaction means that the largest portion of the instalments on each vessel will be made on delivery of each vessel. Frontline will meet the financing of this acquisition with existing borrowing facilities and will establish long term financing closer to delivery of the vessels. Lars H. Barstad, Interim CEO of Frontline Management AS said: This transaction is consistent with our core company goals to increase exposure to the VLCC market without adding to existing vessel supply. It further cements Frontlines position in respect of owning a modern, high quality, fuel efficient fleet. The delivery schedule for these vessels is particularly attractive, in a timing window regarded closed for new orders. With this acquisition Frontline is tangibly moving on our journey towards lower carbon emissions.




Green Funnel project celebrates milestone 150th LNG fuelling

Recently, Sovcomflot (SCF Group) and Shell performed a landmark 150th marine LNG fuelling operation for SCFs Green Funnel Aframax tankers.

Since operations began in 2018, SCFs Green Funnel Aframaxes have taken over 62,000 tonnes of marine LNG fuel from Shell and all 150 operations were performed safely without incident, injury or loss of fuel. The 150th operation was performed by Korolev Prospect, on time charter to Chevron, receiving 600 tonnes of marine LNG from Shell and delivered by Q-LNG 4000 outside Port Canaveral, Florida, whilst en route from Denmark to the US Gulf. Chevron is using the vessel to trial the viability of dual fuelled tankers for its future operations. LNG fuel remains amongst the cleanest burning fuel options currently available for shipping operations. Sovcomflot calculates that since 2018, LNG fuel has helped reduce the total CO2 emissions of these six Green Funnel tankers by over 56,000 tonnes or by over 14 per cent annually on average. Sergey Popravko, Chief Operating Officer of PAO Sovcomflot, commented: We are delighted to have reached this 150th milestone together with our partners, Shell. LNG fuelling infrastructure expands as demonstrated by SCF and Shell with a number of firsts in North West Europe and the Baltics in 2018-2019, and more recently in the USA and Mediterranean, so we believe the business case for dual-fuelled tankers only increases further. We remain grateful to all involved ashore and at sea that all 150 marine LNG fuelling operations to date have been performed safely and securely, whether in ballast or laden condition or simultaneously with cargo operations. Ultimately, that is the real achievement. Tahir Faruqui, General Manager, Shell Global Downstream LNG, said: The shipping sector must immediately employ the cleanest fuels available. Today LNG is the choice to ensure we are not adding heavier emitters into the global fleet while we work hard at developing zero-emissions fuels. Im proud to share that since we fuelled the worlds first LNG-powered Aframax tanker, Sovcomflots Gagarin Prospect at the Port of Rotterdam in 2018, we have been able to complete many more operations safely through our expanded fleet of bunker vessels that can be deployed across nine countries and thirteen ports and look forward to expanding this further.




Sovcomflot (SCF Group) releases financial statements for the period ending 31 March 2021

PAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group, the Company; MOEX: FLOT), a global leader in marine energy transportation services, released its Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the period ending 31 March 2021.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For 3 months ending 31 March 2021, SCF Groups time-charter equivalent (TCE) revenue declined by 29.4 per cent year on year to USD 275.1 million. EBITDA was down 46.1 per cent to USD 156.0 million. While performance in the industrial segment demonstrated a steady growth, conventional segment performance remained under pressure from unfavourable market conditions in the spot tanker markets. For 3 months ending 31 March 2021, adjusted for the impairment, net income came at USD 14.2 million. A USD 15.9 million impairment charge on three tankers resulted in a USD 1.7 million net loss for the reporting period. SCF Groups industrial business portfolio, comprising gas transportation (LNG and LPG vessels) and harsh environment offshore services (shuttle tankers and ice-breaking supply vessels) accounted for 66% of SCF Group TCE revenue in Q1 2021 and continued to provide a long-term fixed income revenue stream. Industrial business segments contributed USD 182.7 million to Q1 2021 TCE revenue, delivering 5.8 per cent YoY growth and a 1.6 per cent increase compared to Q4 2020. Gas transportation business grew with the addition of one new LNG carrier in January 2021, employed under a long-term contract with energy major Shell.

In Q1 2021 NEVT increased to USD 151.8 million, up 5.5 per cent YoY and 7.0 per cent compared to Q4 2020.

The contract backlog(i) stood at USD 24 billion as of 31 March 2021, including contracted revenues above USD 900 for FY 2021. SCF Groups conventional tanker business (crude and oil products transportation business segments) contributed 33% to Q1 2021 TCE revenue. Q1 2021 performance of the conventional tanker business remained under pressure in a low spot rates market environment, which resulted in a revenue decline to USD 90.1 million (55.4 per cent down YoY and 5.5 per cent down compared to Q4 2020) reflecting not only the continued negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tanker freight market dynamics but also the strong base effect of Q1 2020 numbers.

Q1 2021 NEVT in conventional tanker business reached USD 39.4 million with the NEVT margin of 44 per cent comparable to the Q4 2020 level. OPERATIONAL UPDATE INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS SCF Group continued to grow its long-term industrial business portfolio, with a focus on implementation of the most advanced green technologies. Over the course of Q1 2021 SCF added one vessel to its fleet  the LNG carrier SCF Timmerman - and operated a fleet of 45 industrial vessels as of 31 March 2021. As at 31 March 2021, the contract backlog reached USD 24 billion. The industrial segment contract backlog for 2021 stood at over USD 900 million. SCF Group continues to focus on the development of its liquefied gas transportation services. In January 2021, SCF and Total concluded a long-term time charter agreement for a newbuilding 174,000-cbm Atlanticmax LNG carrier with options for up to two further vessels. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for Q3 2023. In January-February 2021, SCFs ice-breaking LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie completed a round voyage between Sabetta (Russia) and Jiangsu (China) across the Northern Sea Route (NSR). For the first time in history, a large-capacity cargo vessel crossed the eastern sector of the Arctic in February (transit navigation along this segment traditionally ends in November and resumes again only in July). CONVENTIONAL TANKER BUSINESS The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact negatively upon seaborne demand for crude oil and oil products over Q1 2021 and the conventional tanker freight market experienced continued weakness as a result. Whilst seasonal factors brought temporary relief to the Aframax sector over March, in particular, it was insufficient to balance the loss of demand for oil and oil products resulting from governmental restrictions imposed to counter the global pandemic. The tanker newbuilding order book stays at a 30 year low and with the shipyards almost full until 2024 with orders for other types of vessels. SCFs management remains optimistic that there is now a reduced likelihood that further tanker supply will be available to meet the recovery in tanker freight markets, once industrial production normalises and standard travel practices resume as the pandemic related restrictions ease. CAPITAL AND FINANCING CREDIT RATINGS UPGRADES On 12 April 2021 Sovcomflots credit ratings were upgraded to investment grade level by Fitch (BBB-/stable) and by S&P Global (BBB-/stable). SCF SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A EUROBOND ISSUE On 26 April 2021 PAO Sovcomflot completed a USD 430 million 7-year unsecured Reg S/144A Eurobond issue with a coupon of 3.85%. SCF has utilized the proceeds to fund a concurrent capped tender offer for the Companys outstanding Eurobonds maturing in 2023. The deal is debt neutral for SCF Group, whilst allowing it to smooth out and extend its debt repayment profile. DIVIDENDS UPDATE SCF Board of Directors recommended its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) to pay dividends on ordinary registered shares of PAO Sovcomflot, based on the results of 2020, in the total amount of 15.8 billion rubles, which is 6.67 rubles per share. Commenting on Q1 2021 results, Igor Tonkovidov, President and Chief Executive Officer of PAO Sovcomflot, said: Despite historically low spot charter rates in the reporting period, Sovcomflot managed to generate strong operational profitability with EBITDA margin in excess of 55% thanks to the diversified nature of our business with more than half of our revenue coming from long-term fixed-rate contracts. SCFs strategy with its focus on industrial contracts, which we continue to implement using green technologies and advanced marine engineering solutions, was a clear success, as our contract backlog stands at more than USD 900 million for the year 2021 and more than USD 24 billion in total. It makes us confident in our ability to continue generating solid cash flows and deliver further growth in our high margin industrial business segments. Nikolay Kolesnikov, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of PAO Sovcomflot added: Following our credit ratings upgrade to investment grade level by S&P Global and Fitch, in April 2021, we successfully accomplishment an issue of new USD 430 million unsecured 7-year Eurobonds to finance the buyback of bonds with a 2023 maturity, thus smoothing out the debt repayment profile. Solid demand from Russian and international investors allowed us to fix the coupon on the new bonds at a historically low level for SCFs unsecured debt. This is the second capital markets transaction executed by Sovcomflot within the past seven months, following the IPO of Sovcomflots shares on the Moscow Exchange in October 2020. The Company is well capitalized and has ample liquidity to weather the headwinds in the conventional tanker markets and pursue new projects.




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Florida Department of Health has ended its daily reports of COVID-19 activity and has shuttered its dashboard that had provided a visual account of cases, deaths, testing and other information since March 2020.
By Chen Xiaoru

Ever since the Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out on May 10, the Biden administration has been rooting for Israel despite immense international pressure. At the UN Security Council open meeting on May 16, a joint statement on the Israel-Palestine issue, for the third time, failed to be released due to opposition from the US, incurring strong dissatisfaction in the international community.

On May 17, the US President Joe Biden had his third phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in the six days after the breakout of conflict, during which he, unlike in the previous two calls when he voiced unequivocal support for Israel, sang a different tune by showing his support for a ceasefire and discussing the involvement of the US, Egypt and other partners to end the conflict. Why did Biden suddenly made such a change and what's the desire behind it?

CNN analyzed on May 18 that Biden's change of attitude reflects the wobbly pro-Israel political consensus in the country. While the Democratic establishment asserted Israel's right to self-defense, the leftists in the party have been pressuring Biden to call for a ceasefire and open his eyes to the dilemma of the Palestinians.

Biden has to face the fact that the pro-Israel political consensus has shown a crevice among the progressive leftists. Analysts said Biden mentioned a ceasefire on May 17 but didn't name a date for that, and on the same day, he approved the sale of $735mn worth of precision-guided weapons to Israel. This means he wants to bring closer the left-wing forces within the Democratic Party, but also cannot lose the support of the pro-Israel forces so that the party wont be divided over the Palestinian question and the Republicans cannot take the "pro-Israel" credit all to itself.

Even so, it's still unclear whether the US will change its stance and support the Security Council's call to stop the fire in Gaza at the upcoming fourth meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What exactly does the US and Israel want from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

For decades the Palestinian question has been a headache for every US president, Biden not an exception. "Biden hopes to focus on Asia and has other plans for the Middle East." The Washington Post published an analytical piece lately that described the difficult position the White House is in regarding the conflicts. Biden hopes to focus on China and Russia and fighting the pandemic, but the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict keeps diverting his attention to the Middle East.

Since taking office, Biden has shown no interest in getting involved in the Palestine question, but cautiously seeks a balance between involvement and interference. On the one hand, he has resumed aid to the Palestinian authorities and re-mentioned the "two-state solution" designed to realize lasting peace between Palestine and the Jewish state of Israel. On the other hand, he didn't name a Middle East peace envoy immediately after being sworn in, contrary to what Obama did back in the year, and maintained Trump's decision to relocate the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The decision was made as an exchange for Israel not obstructing the Iranian nuclear deal, so Biden could extricate himself from the Middle East as soon as possible and invest more diplomatic resources in the Indo-Pacific strategy and major-power competition.

"This means the Biden administration will maintain American interests, including its leading position, in the Middle East with minimal cost," said Dong Manyuan, a senior researcher specializing in Middle East studies at the China Institute of International Studies. He added that the US wants to go back to the "two-state solution" and the Iran nuclear deal on the one hand and stabilize its relation with Israel on the other. It simply hopes to have it both ways during this round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, Israel has its own calculations during the conflict. Progress with the "two-state solution" and the Iranian nuclear deal will definitely harm Israel's interests, which is why it has insisted on taking military actions in Gaza in total disregard of international public opinions. For Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the conflict cannot only bring America's attention back to the Middle East and make the Iranian nuclear negotiations uncertain, but he can also reinforce his political strength at home by winning the military battles in Gaza, thus solving the problem that a new government has not been formed after four elections in two years.

Editor's note: This article is originally published on zqb.cyol.com, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., right, speaks to the media next to Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., Tuesday, May 18, 2021, after a meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) PHOTO:AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

House Backs Commission on Jan. 6 Riot; GOP Objects

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON DC - The U.S. House voted Wednesday to create an independent commission to study the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

The bill passed the House on Wednesday 252-175, with 35 Republicans voting with Democrats in support of the commission, defying House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy.



Modeled after the investigation into the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the legislation would establish an independent, 10-member commission that would make recommendations by the end of the year for securing the Capitol and preventing another insurrection.



Democrats say an independent investigation is crucial to reckoning what happened that day when a mob of Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is trying to prevent defections among his own ranks, echoing McCarthy's opposition in a Senate floor speech Wednesday morning. Both men claimed the bill was partisan, even though membership of the proposed commission would be evenly split between the parties.

Former president Donald Trump issued a statement urging Republicans to vote against it, calling the legislation a Democrat trap.
The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office was among the local agencies that implemented body-worn camera programs in recent months. Largo is now proposing its own program, which was budgeted to begin in 2025, but city commissioners would like to expedite that launch.
rakshith2929 Newbie

Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 11 Thanked: 141 Times

My 2021 Mahindra Thars accident & underbody damage | Gearbox replaced

The accident took place on 28th March in the outskirts of Hyderabad in Vikarabad, where my friends and I had just completed an Easy-Moderate trail of off-roading. It was on our return home on the highway when the accident took place. It was a single lane highway and a truck carrying heavy stones had just dropped one right in front of me, I couldnt swerve right as there was oncoming traffic and I couldnt swerve left as there was a barren land with trees surrounding, so in that second, my instinct was to go over the rock and brake as hard as I can. The stone being a big one had shattered my underbody including my AT gearbox. There was gearbox fluid leaking all over along with power steering oil too. Right after the accident happened, I immediately switched off the engine, and my friends and I started assessing the damage and were planning on what to do next. The most sensible plan was to call the Flatbed which arrived after 3 hours of the accident and get the car towed to the service center in LB Nagar, Hyderabad of VVC Motors.





Boy, little did I know the problem starts now. There were 3 major concerns that bothered me.

 My Thars Temporary Registration had expired, so there would be an obvious problem claiming insurance

 While negotiating for insurance from 94,000 to 55,000, I did not know that the dealer had removed the add-on of Engine cover, and it was my lack of knowledge that led me to the negligence.

 My Thar had a modified grille and bumper and we know how insurance companies frown on them.











The day after the accident, I visited the VVC showroom to talk to the dealer and tell him about the accident and persuaded him to help me in the insurance process as I had zero knowledge about it but it was now my responsibility to make sure I get the insurance claim. We got a call from the service center saying the damage was very extensive and heavy and insurance claim would be difficult owing to my expired Temporary Registration and No engine cover.



The next stop was at the service center in LB Nagar, where they estimated damage of about 4 lakhs, which includes the replacement of AT gearbox and the transfer case, and the Exhaust.

Here are some pictures of the Underbody damage.





















On the same day, an Insurance claim was filed and my surveyor was allotted after 2 days.

The dealership provided me insurance from Liberty Insurance Company and after talking to the surveyor after his inspection, I requested him to make sure the insurance claim goes through as the bill was very expensive. After about 10 days, the surveyor called me and said the insurance claim had gone through and my gearbox would be covered under the claim but as I had no Engine cover and an Expired TR, He said there would definitely be deductibles of around 15% of the entire bill. After several calls and Emails to Mahindra about the delay of service to my Thar, it was on 16th April 2021 that the parts of my Thar were finally ordered after a minor miscommunication between the service center and surveyor regarding the approval letter which was later resolved through a conference call. As Maharashtra was under lockdown, there was a delay in getting the parts from the Nashik plant but it eventually arrived on 30th April.



As the service center started the work, they had noticed that the Gearbox was not fitting properly due to a minor underbody frame damage, which was then fixed with denting and the Gearbox and other parts were at last fixed by 6th May. The service center then took the car for a test run for about 40 kilometers that day and told me the car had no problems whatsoever, I was called for the test drive the next day which went on for about 20 kilometers. I was most worried about the alignment issues of the car as there was minor frame damage to the underbody, but there seemed to be none. The car was then tested in 4H and 4L and everything was just as good as new.



The service center then lifted the car and explained to me how lucky I was to get in an accident that didnt write off the car. The stone damaged the underbody Three times.

1. The first impact was on the Steel skid plate which I installed from Bimbra 4x4, which prevented the cars frame and the radiator from being damaged.

2. The second impact was on the gearbox which completely shattered it.

3. The third impact was on the exhaust, from which it defected and exited from the right of the car. If the stone had not deflected to the right, it wouldve damaged the rear differential and the axles which wouldve resulted in my car being a total loss.



I took the delivery of my Thar on the 14th of May from the service center where the invoice and my coverage were finally handed to me. The total bill came up to 4.10 Lakhs and Insurance covered 3.32 lakhs, so I was left to pay 78,000 which is an 81% claim that I had received. The 78,000 may seem like a lot but considering the situation I was in with No Engine cover and an expired TR, it seemed like I was in luck to not pay 4.1 lakhs entirely.



The service center of VVC motors, LB Nagar has been really helpful and they always gave me timely updates about the car and took care of it as their own, I appreciate their work and they also told me that my Thar was probably the first one to have it's AT gearbox replaced in the country.









I have driven the car for 100 kilometers now, and there has been no issue whatsoever and the Thar is performing as well as new. It was unfortunate that my Thar had to spend more time at the service center than with me after delivery, but in the end, after a long wait of 45 days, My Thar was back to me to in all its glory.



To all the Thar owners out there, please install as much underbody protection as you can, as these damages can cause a big hole in the pocket and may even cause permanent, irreversible damage to the car.



On a lighter note, here are some pictures of my Red Rage diesel automatic convertible Thar, A PunknOrange metallic Jeep wrangler Rubicon (1/2 in the country), and a Napoli Black diesel automatic hardtop Thar that went off-roading before the accident took place.









Hi Team Bhp, its my first thread here, and it's quite unfortunate to be of my Thars accident which was just 1 month old.The accident took place on 28th March in the outskirts of Hyderabad in Vikarabad, where my friends and I had just completed an Easy-Moderate trail of off-roading. It was on our return home on the highway when the accident took place. It was a single lane highway and a truck carrying heavy stones had just dropped one right in front of me, I couldnt swerve right as there was oncoming traffic and I couldnt swerve left as there was a barren land with trees surrounding, so in that second, my instinct was to go over the rock and brake as hard as I can. The stone being a big one had shattered my underbody including my AT gearbox. There was gearbox fluid leaking all over along with power steering oil too. Right after the accident happened, I immediately switched off the engine, and my friends and I started assessing the damage and were planning on what to do next. The most sensible plan was to call the Flatbed which arrived after 3 hours of the accident and get the car towed to the service center in LB Nagar, Hyderabad of VVC Motors.Boy, little did I know the problem starts now. There were 3 major concerns that bothered me. My Thars Temporary Registration had expired, so there would be an obvious problem claiming insurance While negotiating for insurance from 94,000 to 55,000, I did not know that the dealer had removed the add-on of Engine cover, and it was my lack of knowledge that led me to the negligence. My Thar had a modified grille and bumper and we know how insurance companies frown on them.The day after the accident, I visited the VVC showroom to talk to the dealer and tell him about the accident and persuaded him to help me in the insurance process as I had zero knowledge about it but it was now my responsibility to make sure I get the insurance claim. We got a call from the service center saying the damage was very extensive and heavy and insurance claim would be difficult owing to my expired Temporary Registration and No engine cover.The next stop was at the service center in LB Nagar, where they estimated damage of about 4 lakhs, which includes the replacement of AT gearbox and the transfer case, and the Exhaust.Here are some pictures of the Underbody damage.On the same day, an Insurance claim was filed and my surveyor was allotted after 2 days.The dealership provided me insurance from Liberty Insurance Company and after talking to the surveyor after his inspection, I requested him to make sure the insurance claim goes through as the bill was very expensive. After about 10 days, the surveyor called me and said the insurance claim had gone through and my gearbox would be covered under the claim but as I had no Engine cover and an Expired TR, He said there would definitely be deductibles of around 15% of the entire bill. After several calls and Emails to Mahindra about the delay of service to my Thar, it was on 16th April 2021 that the parts of my Thar were finally ordered after a minor miscommunication between the service center and surveyor regarding the approval letter which was later resolved through a conference call. As Maharashtra was under lockdown, there was a delay in getting the parts from the Nashik plant but it eventually arrived on 30th April.As the service center started the work, they had noticed that the Gearbox was not fitting properly due to a minor underbody frame damage, which was then fixed with denting and the Gearbox and other parts were at last fixed by 6th May. The service center then took the car for a test run for about 40 kilometers that day and told me the car had no problems whatsoever, I was called for the test drive the next day which went on for about 20 kilometers. I was most worried about the alignment issues of the car as there was minor frame damage to the underbody, but there seemed to be none. The car was then tested in 4H and 4L and everything was just as good as new.The service center then lifted the car and explained to me how lucky I was to get in an accident that didnt write off the car. The stone damaged the underbody Three times.1. The first impact was on the Steel skid plate which I installed from Bimbra 4x4, which prevented the cars frame and the radiator from being damaged.2. The second impact was on the gearbox which completely shattered it.3. The third impact was on the exhaust, from which it defected and exited from the right of the car. If the stone had not deflected to the right, it wouldve damaged the rear differential and the axles which wouldve resulted in my car being a total loss.I took the delivery of my Thar on the 14th of May from the service center where the invoice and my coverage were finally handed to me. The total bill came up to 4.10 Lakhs and Insurance covered 3.32 lakhs, so I was left to pay 78,000 which is an 81% claim that I had received. The 78,000 may seem like a lot but considering the situation I was in with No Engine cover and an expired TR, it seemed like I was in luck to not pay 4.1 lakhs entirely.The service center of VVC motors, LB Nagar has been really helpful and they always gave me timely updates about the car and took care of it as their own, I appreciate their work and they also told me that my Thar was probably the first one to have it's AT gearbox replaced in the country.I have driven the car for 100 kilometers now, and there has been no issue whatsoever and the Thar is performing as well as new. It was unfortunate that my Thar had to spend more time at the service center than with me after delivery, but in the end, after a long wait of 45 days, My Thar was back to me to in all its glory.To all the Thar owners out there, please install as much underbody protection as you can, as these damages can cause a big hole in the pocket and may even cause permanent, irreversible damage to the car.On a lighter note, here are some pictures of my Red Rage diesel automatic convertible Thar, A PunknOrange metallic Jeep wrangler Rubicon (1/2 in the country), and a Napoli Black diesel automatic hardtop Thar that went off-roading before the accident took place.
The only thing better than scoring some sweet new gear is scoring that sweet new gear at a fantastic price. For today only, Amazon is selling the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus for $100Remove non-product link. Thats $50 off the MSRP and matches the all-time low. The earbuds come in black, red, blue, or white, and every color is on sale until this deal disappears at midnight Pacific time tonight.

We havent reviewed the Galaxy Buds Plus, but we did compare them to Apples original AirPods. Spoiler alert: The AirPods were better for iPhone users. Nevertheless, we did note that Samsungs Galaxy Buds Plus offer some compelling features, such as nice fit, good passive noise cancellation, and a wireless charging case.

The Galaxy Buds Plus app offers some customizations for Android and iPhone owners via , but these earbuds lack built-in support for Samsungs in-house Bixby digital assistant. Samsung says the earbuds support up to 11 hours of music playback time, which goes up to 22 hours when you top them off as needed in a fully charged charging case. Talk time is about 7.5 hours, or 15 hours with case.

As for sound, we found that these earbuds are good for mid-range sound, but lack the bass many people favor. Bottom line? These are good high-end earbuds, and theyre well worth it at todays rock-bottom.

[Todays deal: One-day sale on Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus for $100 on Amazon.Remove non-product link]


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IT experts at the hacked Colonial Pipeline did a good job in mitigating the May 7 cyberattack and successfully stopped it when discovered by shutting down the network. But the attack was mostly invisible in the weeks-long initial stages, according to a briefing NTT Security executives conducted Tuesday.

"It's very difficult to say what they could have done better because we will not be part of the investigation," Bruce Snell, vice president of security strategy and transformation of the security division of NTT Security, told journalists invited to a briefing on the incident."

Colonial Pipeline reportedly paid the DarkSide ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) criminal group close to $5 million in cryptocurrency to decrypt locked systems earlier this month. But cyber experts warn that more potential damage may still be festering undetected deep within the company's network.

The May 7 cyberattack impacted the fuel shipping systems for close to a week. It forced Colonial Pipeline to temporarily close down its operations and freeze IT systems to isolate the infection.

While pipelines are now back in business, it will be days before normal service resumes. The fuel supply shortages so far have caused panic buying across some cities and fistfights among motorists waiting on gas station lines.

Security experts worry that DarkSide affiliates may also have embedded double-extortion tactics that will surface with more stolen documents and more network threats. A double extortion scheme may also involve further demands to pay additional ransom money to prevent stolen corporate files from being leaked.

"Over the past year or so we have started seeing a kind of double extortion going on where it is a kind of double dipping. Holding your information hostage, but then basically telling you now pay to delete the information that they have already extracted," said Snell.

Attack Highlights

Three key takeaways from the attack struck Khiro Mishra, CEO at NTT Security.

Until now, ransomware and other cyberattacks on critical infrastructure or energy sector pipelines or electric grid were different. They were presumed to have been motivated by nation-state actors; most with some geopolitical inspiration behind them.

"This was the first time we got to hear that this was financially motivated by a group of people who did not have any direct affiliation towards any nation state," he said.

A second interesting aspect was the involvement of DarkSide. This group took responsibility for the hack. The hacker group developed a platform by bundling the technology and processes together. Then they made their expertise available to others to run similar apps or attack other organizations.

"That democratization of ransomware expertise is essentially pretty alarming, and the intensity and the volume of attack that we might witness may be a bit higher than what we have seen in the past because now, any other hacker could also access a platform by paying a small percentage of the ransom fee if they were successful," he warned.

The third issue is the public safety factor. For most of the ransomware attacks, we look at things around critical infrastructure. We look at the design of the security model more from a confidentiality, integrity, and availability standpoint of the computer system.

"This gas pipeline or critical infrastructure hack has a very important aspect of safety to it. So when we look at future designs of security models, safety is going to take precedents in cases like that," Mishra predicted.

Long, Sordid Growth

Ransomware attacks are nothing new. They happen all the time now and the fallout is typical, observed Azeem Aleem, vice president for consulting and head of UK and Ireland at NTT Security. Usually, people change passwords and monitor their credit reports for the next six to nine months when a network they use is infiltrated.

Aleem has been investigating ransomware attacks for the last 10 years. He found much of its origins targeting online betting systems.

"The Russians were aiming for the online betting companies, and they were already utilizing the ransomware to bisect the company and also ask for ransom, so it has always been there," he said.

Now ransomware is picking up more media news coverage because high profile victims are in the limelight. The production of ransomware is in two phases. One involves developers. The other involves affiliate developers.

In this case, a cybercriminal developer produced ransomware called DarkSide and released it into the affiliate market. Sometimes it is picked up by the affiliates, and then they are the ones that spread it around.

"So this model has been going on for ages, and that is why it is so difficult to mark the tactic or the kind of intelligence back to a certain group. Many people are involved in that process," Aleem said.

Change of Fallout

This time, however, the fallout from the cyberattack is different. Snell suspects that the repercussions will extend to trust.

From a trust perspective, in the past where there have been very large-scale breaches for other industrial menus and manufacturers. The result was a drop in stock prices because of a lack of competence by the board or the investors, Snell explained.

"Colonial really should be paying attention to and looking out for other pieces of ransomware hiding out somewhere," he suggested. "Researchers see a lot of advanced persistent threats that come in."

The attacks will make their infiltration but then lay dormant for six or 12 months. He thinks that researchers have been able to isolate this one incident. But Colonial's IT department needs to spend a lot more time looking around and seeing where else there may be troubles right.

"If I were in Colonial's boat right now, I would be going through everything with a fine-tooth comb to make sure that there is not still something hiding out there to kind of come around and bite them in another couple months," said Snell.

Charting the Attack Vectors

The continuing forays into digital transformation is a potential contributing factor to cyberattack successes, warned the cybersecurity experts.

"We are seeing a lot of digital transformation, and this is one of that kind of double-edged sword," Snell said.

Digital transformation is getting improvement of processes with more improved efficiencies and improved reporting across the board on the operation technology (OT) side. But security teams are also seeing a lot of organizations opening themselves up for attacks, noted Snell.

Much of the pathway for the attack no doubt centered on exploiting the known common vulnerabilities with network software. The attacks tried to breach into the system through the old mechanism and vulnerabilities to escalate privileges.

Then they tried to do internal reconnaissance and bilateral movement. The process is a race to succeed before exposure time. That is the interval from when the hacker goes into the environment and the time it takes you to find out, Snell explained.

Jack M. Germain has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His main areas of focus are enterprise IT, Linux and open-source technologies. He is an esteemed reviewer of Linux distros and other open-source software. In addition, Jack extensively covers business technology and privacy issues, as well as developments in e-commerce and consumer electronics. Email Jack.


Elon Musk and NASA's Senator Bill Nelson recently expressed their joy and "Congratulations" to the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) for the Zhurong Mars Rover's first images on the Red Planet. Despite China being a rival country of the United States, the SpaceX CEO and NASA Administrator were happy with the advances in the international space community of the world.

The world is joining in on NASA's quest towards the Red Planet, with CNSA and China being the next ones to venture Mars with its Zhurong rover that aims to discover more of Earth's neighbor. The Moon is a thing of the past, and Mars is the next destination and aim of most superpower countries, which the US and China now have stakes in it.

SpaceX has been expressing its plans to create a "Mars society" with Elon Musk as its governor or leader, using the Starship spacecraft for transportation of people and their cargo. While NASA is currently working in the Jezero Crater with the Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity helicopter, aiming to unravel more information about Mars' past.

Read Also: Supermoon May 2021: Qantas Offers 'Moongazing Flight' for Blood Lunar Eclipse on May 26, Departing from Sydney

Elon Musk and NASA Bill Nelson Congratulate China Zhurong Mars Rover

In a tweet by Sen. Nelson (@SenBillNelson), the current NASA chief has acknowledged the CNSA and China's effort to learn more of Mars via its recently landed rover, the Zhurong. The administrator hopes that China and the CNSA would publish or publicize their findings for the growth of the international space community's Mars information.

I would like to second that congratulations. Outstanding accomplishment by China!  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 19, 2021

On the other hand, SpaceX's CEO Elon Musk (@elonmusk) has replied to this conversation, saying that he "seconds" the congratulations to China and is happy for the Asian country's success on this venture. Moreover, the CEO said that this was an "outstanding accomplishment" for China, especially for already having first-look photos from its rover.

China's Zhurong Rover: Mars Exploration Grows its Community

NASA has been the only space agency, and the United States was the only country, to have sent a rover towards the Red Planet for scientific and exploration purposes, but now it has China on its side. While country tensions are not that apparent in space studies or explorations, this might mean that the CNSA will work with NASA to further the knowledge on the Red Planet.

Mars is the next largest destination of humans in space, and humanity aims to travel towards the Red Planet to either inhabitat or make it the next travel destination. However, the likes of NASA and the CNSA will have to learn more about it, especially the possibility of humans going there, to ensure the safety and success of manned missions.

Related Article: China's Tianwen-1 Spacecraft Successfully Lands Zhurong on Utopia Planitia on Mars

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Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
For a while, NASA has been in a close encounter with Jupiter through its Juno spacecraft. Before, the most enormous planet in the solar system had only the prominent "Great Red Spot," a beautiful portrayal of an anticyclonic storm that formed in its region.

The new-age discovery does not only cover the high-pressure region in Jupiter's atmosphere. To date, NASA's probe has captured a picture-perfect look of the "Clyde's Spot" this 2021.

Clyde's Spot Is Named After An Astronomer

The newly unveiled feature on Jupiter was dated back to 2020, when Clyde Foster, an amateur astronomer, found it. The uncovering has given birth to the oval-shaped "Clyde' Spot," which was named after its pioneer.

This year, there is a reunion that followed, and NASA scientists described its unique attributes. Compared to the Great Red Spot, there are contrasting descriptions made to highlight how it differs from Jupiter's most prominent feature.

In an illustration posted by NASA on Tuesday, May 18, Clyde's Spot was painted as a "plume of cloud material" bursting on top of the Jovian atmosphere of Jupiter.

Read Also: NASA Hubble Telescope Witnesses an Explosion of a Star--Scientists Explain this 'Unusual' Supernova

Since the huge planet is said to be a home of strange formations in the atmosphere, many of them cannot be seen for a long moment. However, that is an exemption of Clyde's Spot, which seems to be taking its strong shape upon revelation.

In addition, the international space agency made it possible through the Juno spacecraft, which had glimpsed its minute beauty. NASA said that Clyde's Spot has this so-called "folded filamentary region," which is two times bigger than the Great Red Spot when it comes to latitude. Its herculean longitude is thrice the former.

Scientists from NASA believe that the presence of this formation could be extended for a longer time--more time for space-viewing its otherworldly features.

Clyde's Spot 2020 vs 2021 Version

According to CNET's report, what Juno came up with was a striking difference from the much smaller Clyde's Spot after a year. It also appeared that it was driving away from the colossal Red Spot.

The observation that Juno concluded in 2020 about Clyde's Spot is its compact look. A year later, the probe saw irregular swirls on its surface, which resembles the hushing pattern in the water.

With the help of the data gathered by Juno, Kevin Gill was able to improve the quality of the images so that the team could spot the continuous changes in the new spot.

It will take some years before Juno's mission comes to a halt since its mission will continue until 2025. The discovery of Clyde's Spot is only one of Juno's greatest findings which proves that Jupiter's charm is something that all should behold.

Related Article: NASA Hubble's Near-InfraRed Imager Jupiter's Atmosphere Using Different Lights-One Photo Looks Scary

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The technology behind 3D printing is beyond unimaginable. Before, houses are only made out of wood, concrete, and other materials. Through the help of advanced processes, people can now have their dream house through additive manufacturing involving a three-dimensional object.

The process dives deep through creating a food alternative, specifically in the form of lab-grown meat. For years, scientists have been experimenting with the creation of 3D meat, which they believe could solve the problem between vegans and meat lovers.

Indeed, the livestock industry is quickly scaling, and its ever-growing market has been commonplace for consumers. Now, the public could finally have the chance to describe the taste of cell-cultured meat, which we could only first hear in the movies.

3D-Printed Meat Production is Happening Right Now

In an article written by IFL Science, the concept of culturing 3D-printed meat is now a reality for the public. At the moment, a startup, "Eat Just," from California, has been delivering the cell-cultured meats in various flavors to its Singaporean consumers.

In February, Israel managed to develop its first 3D-printed steak. Currently, the market for the lab-enhanced chicken has been expanding as one Tel Aviv-based restaurant starts selling the cultured meat, which goes well with the popular "chicken" dishes in the region.

Read Also: Scientists Successfully 3D Print 'Slaughter-Free Meat' Aboard The ISS

Could 3D-Printed Meat Be the Perfect Way to Connect Meat Lovers and Vegans?

The rare occasion of having both vegans and meat lovers at a single table sounds like a dream, but through this 3D-printed meat, the feud between the two groups could be addressed in an instant.

The perfect connection can be made between the two types of eaters since the cell-culture alternative can provide a satisfying taste and look which we could see and savor in real meat.

Apart from that, people will not be guilty of consuming 3D-printed animal meat since it won't pose any harm to the environment. For the part of vegans, since they cannot disobey the golden rule of eating animal meat to please their palate, there's no ethical violation made if they consider trying this meat.

How is 3D-Printed Meat Created?

The cell-grown meat is produced through primarily humanely taking a stem cell from a cow or chicken egg. The animal involved in the process is anesthetized.

From there, it will be taken care of and later grow into an edible tissue. Then, a 3D printer will be used to create its similar look and transform the food into the usual kind that we eat.

The scientists who developed the 3D-printed meats said that the final products taste like the real ones which we normally eat in our burgers and steaks.

However, the challenge in this alternative is how enough is it to convince the consumers to try it, as ABC reported earlier this week.

Before it becomes suitable for public consumption, there will be thorough decision-making that will be considered. The 3D printing technology of cultured meat began in 2018, and at that time, only a few consumers said that they would eat it

What's eye-catching in this trend is its nature-friendly impact since no killing of animals is encased in its production. However, a 2020 study concluded that 72% of GenZ people in Australia were not yet ready to adopt the cell-raised meat despite the absence of its impacts on the environment.

"However, if cultured meat is to replace livestock-based proteins, it will have to emotionally and intellectually appeal to the Gen Z consumers," Dr. Bogueve, the University of Sydney researcher said.

By 2040, we could have made 35% of the cultured meat to make up with the consumer's demand. In the future, people could gradually have a liking to the 3D-printed over the usual meat.

It's only a matter of time before everyone accepts this technology openly.

Related Article: Israel Creates First-Ever 3D Bio-Printed Steak Using Live Animal Cells as Opposed to Vegan Options

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Macs' malware problem has been exposed by, no other than, Apple's Craig Federighi during the Epic trial on May 19.

The vice president of software engineering said that the malware on Macs is at an "unacceptable" level -- much worse when compared to iOS. He goes on to add that "I've had a couple of family members who have gotten some malware on their Macs," 9to5Mac reports.

Federighi was called to the stand of the ongoing legal battle betwee Apple and Epic to prove a point. It is to show that the walled-off ecosystem of iOS is ideal for the security of its users, The Verge reports.

However, along the way of praising iOS' security, the Apple executive, surprisingly reveals a plight that Macs are experiencing -- harrowing levels of malware.

Past reports about the Mac agree. One of the latest reports even revealed a bug that allows the malware to be planted on macOS.

Difference Between iOS and Macs

Federighi likened Apple's computer platform to a car. He said that using a Mac is similar to being behind a wheel of a car. A vehicle, when driven properly -- obeying the rules of the road partnered with defensive driving -- will be relatively safe.

The iOS, on the other hand, is unlike a car. A child or even an infant could not drive but could freely use an iPhone, Federighi said.

He added that iOS is a child-friendly counterpart of the macOS. And he reiterated that: "It's really a different product."

Read More: Microsoft To Reduce Income From PC Game Developers, Competes with Epic, Steam

Epic vs. Apple

The security revelation about Macs comes as the Epic trial faces its final days.

In hindsight, Epic sued Apple after the latter kicked out 'Fornite' from the App Store.

Meanwhile, the iPhone maker said that the former have breached its rules after it asked its users to pay for their in-app purchases directly to the website of 'Fortnite.' And now, the two companies are in a publicized legal battle.

Related Article: Epic vs Apple: Cupertino Giant Expresses Disbelief over Facebook Despite Submitting Over 1,600 Documents

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Written by Teejay Boris



 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Pexels Official Website) Google Photos Password Coming Soon to Provide Additional Protection | Here's All You Need to Know

At the recent Google I/O that happened just this week, the company actually revealed a number of new features that are expected to come to Google Photos. The company noted that despite the Photos' popularity, a number of the 4 trillion pictures stored would never even be viewed.

Google Photos Passwords

According to TNW, the new features try to make the most out of the photos that users would not normally look back at. This includes the addition of a new private image folder as well as a few newfangled ways of showing off the menial or redundant pictures.

Google is finally introducing a new Locked Folder for its images that users would rather hide behind a biometric authentication or password. Locked Folders are reportedly launching first on the Google Pixel devices, according to the TNW, and will arrive on a number of new Android devices throughout the whole year.

Google Cinematic Photos

Google Pixel devices will reportedly also be able to directly save the users' photos to the locked folder found right from the camera. Google had previously launched the cinematic photos sometime in December, which is a feature that could make the stills a bit more 3D through the use of a motion element.

Google is now expanding this feature by allowing users to incorporate a number of images into a new slow-motion animated image. Chances are users might have seen the effect on TV commercials and others. Achieving this feature is kind of hard to do in traditional video software.

Google AI Effects

Google AI can do the effects automatically. Google notes that a number of people take either two or three photos when capturing a new moment in order to get the perfect shot. Cinematic photos allow the extra shots in order to not go to waste, as Google will recognize some similar images as well as automatically create the said animations. Users can then share the video with family and friends.

It now turns out Google AI is actually pretty good at recognizing certain patterns. Google has noticed that some people have a tendency to take certain photos of other similar objects or other subjects which are habits that users might not even notice anything by themselves. Google is collecting these in mini albums which the company calls Little Patterns.

Read Also: Google I/O 2021 Summary: What We Got and We Didn't Get This Year

Google Photos and Google Memories

For example, the company noted that Google tends to take photos of its own orange backpack, while yet another had a tendency to take photos of other circular objects. The collection of certain patterns will show up on the Google Photos feed alongside the Google Memories as well as some other highlights.

The new Google Photos feature will improve the privacy of its users by adding the Google Photos password. The new feature would at least allow another layer of protection for its users.

Related Article: New Google Pixel Buds A Release Date & Update: Important Feature Ditched-No More Gesture Controls

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Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
'Cover the Cruiser' In Murray Today

By The Associated Press

MURRAY - Kentucky State Police continue to conduct their statewide fundraiser for Special Olympics this week.Post 1's cruiser will be parked at Casey's in Murray today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.People are encouraged to cover the cruiser with custom stickers for a minimum donation of $1.The Cover the Cruiser donations will go directly to Special Olympics Kentucky. Their annual state summer games are coming up June 5 at Eastern Kentucky University.Kentucky State Police raised $16,200 for Special Olympics athletes last year.
Google Calendar update is here.

The tool helps you manage your personal meetings and appointments, but by default, it also keeps track of the holidays in your region. In addition to the public holidays, Google also shares other occasions, so you do not have to search for events like "Mother's Day 2021" every few days until you can finally memorize the date.

With the update, a new toggle for holidays is finally coming to Google Calendar, so you can start decluttering your view without having to disable the feature altogether.

The Holiday Feature Google Calendar Update

Starting on May 20, users can switch their holidays setting from "Public holidays and other holidays" to "Public holidays only." It might seem like a small change, but if you are reliant on knowing when certain businesses might be closed to the public, it is a great addition.

You will still be able to see all of the major occasions in your area, but unofficial dates like Valentine's Day and Halloween are hidden from view, Android Police reported.

Also Read: Google Finally Revamps Google Calendar For The Web: Here's How To Upgrade

To change how these dates are displayed in your agenda, just click on the menu icon next to regional holidays in Google Calendar on the web, then select Settings.

Under the Holiday calendar content, you can toggle between events.You can also change these options on Android by heading to your Calendar settings and selecting your region's holiday calendar.

The feature is now available in Google Calendar on the web and Android, with a planned update for iOS users starting May 25.

Using Google Maps in Google Calendar

Aside from setting holidays, you can also use Google Maps while in Google Calendar, according to Groovy Post.

When you start adding a location to your Google Calendar event, you will see a Preview in the Maps icon. You can do this on the main Google Calendar screen with the event pop-up or the full event details screen.

First, you can create your event as you normally would. Then, you can stat adding the location, and you will see the icon on the right of the location box. You only need to enter one character for the icon to display, as per Business Insider.

Next, click the Preview in Maps icon, and the Quick Access Panel that will open right up.

If you continue to complete the address for your location or choose one of the suggestions, you may have to click the icon again to show that exact spot in the Google Maps sidebar.

You can also schedule a Microsoft Teams meeting in Google Calendar.

With more than 115 million daily active users, Microsoft Teams is proving to be quite the solution for video conferencing. At the same time, Google's own mail and calendar solutions are popular as well, with more than 2 billion monthly active users.

First, install the Teams meeting add-on for Google Workspace. Next, click the Teams icon in the sidebar in Google Calendar and sign in with your work Microsoft Account.

Lastly, click anywhere on your calendar to start an event or meeting, then click the down arrow next to Add Conferencing to add a Teams meeting.

Related Article: Google Calendar Spam Issue Will Have A Fix Soon

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Singapore required Facebook and Twitter to notify its users that the statement claiming that there is a new COVID-19 variant from the country is not true at all. The two social media platforms have responded and said that they are legally bounded to comply.

Singapore's ministry of health said, on May 19, that it is aware that a misleading statement has been spreading on social media, Reuters reported.

The Origin of the Non-Existent 'Singapore Variant'

The false claim stated that there is an unknown variant of COVID-19 that first appeared in Singapore. The statement also warned people of the risk of it spreading in India -- which is now crippling from the effects of a different strain.

It was a result of Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal's tweet. He wrote that a new virus that came from Singapore is harmful to children. He then urged to ban flight from the alleged originating country, CNA reported. Hence, news agencies and posts on social media have cited the said tweet. The third wave of infections in India has, as well, been warned in the tweet, CNA said in the same report.

In a separate report by Reuters, both Singapore and India have strongly criticized the Delhi Chief Minister, since March.

"Politicians should stick to facts!" Singapore Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, said last March. "There is no 'Singapore variant.'"

In other related news, A Harvard study, in February 2020, commended Singapore for its COVID-19 detection system. A Tech Times report even expounded on how the country has built the gold standard of contact tracing.

Facebook's Prompt

Facebook confirmed to Reuters that it has received the order. As such, the company is "legally compelled" to notify its users about the said false information spreading.

Starting May 20, users are now welcomed in their news feed with a prompt that reads: "You may have seen info the Singapore government has determined to be false. Facebook is required by law to notify you." Below the written notice, users have an option to "See Govt Notice."

Read Also: Singapore Court Sentences Man to Death via Zoom Call Amid Coronavirus Lockdown - Reports

Twitter's Prompt

Twitter, on the other hand, has also confirmed to CNA that it has reviewed the "request" of Singapore. The company added that the said request will be granted as it is under the law of the country.

"In-line with our values around openness, transparency and trust, this request will be reflected in Singapore's section of the Twitter Transparency Report, which we publish twice-yearly," Twitter said in a report by CNA.

Users of Twitter in Singapore are now prompted by a "legally required Tweet notification." The statement cleared out that "there is no 'Singapore variant.'

Related Article: FUN FACT: Apple's Marina Bay Singapore Store Was Built From 114 Glasses, Inspired by Rome's Pantheon

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Written by Teejay Boris

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The latest Android 12 smartphone system made a huge noise after it was announced in the recently concluded Google I/O event. Some rumors and speculations even claimed that this new software is the search engine giant's biggest visual update to date.

Also Read: Google Android 12 Massive UI Changes for 'Material NEXT' Surface with Fresh Home Screen, Notif Panel, and MORE!

However, Google hasn't revealed the exact public release of the new Android 12 software.

Although this is the case, some rumors provided possible details about the official launch date of the new Google smartphone system.

They said that it could arrive around August or September since the previous Android 11 was also released during those months, specifically back on Sept. 8, 2020.

Going back, here are Android 12's privacy features that are considered similar to iOS security capabilities.

Android 12's iOS-Like Privacy Features

According to Vox's latest report, there are several privacy features of the new Android 12 that are quite similar to the ones offered by iOS. To give you more idea, here are some of them:

The new Android 12 offers visual indicators when cameras or microphones are activated. This is also offered on iOS. These indicators are great security features for those people who don't want their apps to watch and listen to them without consent.

Aside from this, Google's new smartphone system also offers an option that allows users to give their apps access to their approximate location. This privacy capability is also offered by iPhone, allowing iOS users to easily use Uber and other similar apps.

Android 12 now offers app user data usage data on its clipboards. This means that Google's new software will notify you if your clipboard is being accessed.

What Google Offers That Apple Don't

Although there are lots of similarities between Android 12 and iOS, the search engine giant still announced some features, during the previous Google I/O event, it offers that Apple doesn't.

One of these is the new privacy dashboard. This feature allows you to identify which apps are being accessed. On the other hand, it can also tell which applications are provided with user permissions.

Since Android 12 offers many advanced system capabilities, many users want to use it earlier. But, you still need to wait until it is globally available.

CNET previously reported that the new Android 12 is expected to arrive first on Google Pixel 3. The search engine giant also confirmed that its new software will soon be available in other models.

For more news updates about Android 12 and other Google systems, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Google Android 12 to Change Process of Third Party Installation for Android 12

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, connectivity played an important role in university life. In recent years, it has become a routine practice for students to attend lectures virtually. A wealth of online learning resources is available both within university networks and on the internet. Meanwhile, online retail, banking, health services, gaming, media, and more are mainstays of student life.

Now a global pandemic has radically accelerated this trend. Universities everywhere have been forced to create and expand online remote access for their students, including many of which had not yet begun the evolution. More than just a convenience, connectivity has become a lifeline for studentsand network admins to meet their needs. For university IT, this means making a fundamental shift from on-campus networking to supporting a distributed network across the globe.

Empowering the New University

The pandemic has been a wakeup call for university IT: Improvisation and patchwork of legacy infrastructure and security will no longer suffice. Institutions of higher education need a well-thought-out plan for moving to a more resilient, on-demand model. With current on campus traffic relatively light at many universities, the best time to upgrade is now.

Continued Needs of the On-campus Model

For their on-campus learning population, universities need to leverage their existing on-campus networks to support growing devices and traffic. Even if the on-campus population is not growing, the number of devices and connections continues to rise. Rather than purchasing costly new IPv4 addresses on the market, a carrier-grade network (CGN) solution makes it possible to extend their current pool through carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT), which uses address and port translation in large scale to extend the life of an IPv4 network infrastructure.

Meanwhile, its important to have a plan in place for IPv6 migration. Specialized resources such as student ERP, registration, billing, online classes, and collaboration will be accessed on devices that will increasingly run IPv6, while network infrastructures may still be running IPv4 for the foreseeable future. Since IPv6 is not backward compatible with IPv4, universities will have to accommodate the coexistence of IPv4 and IPv6 networks to ensure business continuity and prepare for future growth.

Ensuring High Availability

Higher education faces one of the most challenging environments in IT. From proliferating unmanaged devices, to spiky traffic patterns driven by class schedules, to highly latency-sensitive applications such as online classes, research, video, music, and gaming, university IT faces requirements more similar to a commercial service provider than an enterprise. In meeting these demands, IT must have a fully developed strategy to ensure high availability, disaster recovery, multi-cloud security, and load balancing.

Secure On-demand Education

As the university environment expands beyond campus, institutions need a security model based on the recognition that a threat can come from anywhere. The Zero Trust model responds to these challenges by adopting the approach of trust nobodyinside or outside the network. Cybersecurity strategies are redesigned accordingly along the following key principles:

Create network micro-segments and micro-perimeters to restrict east-west traffic flow and limit excessive user privileges and access as much as possible.

Strengthen incident detection and response using comprehensive analytics and automation.

Provide comprehensive and centralized visibility into users, devices, data, the network, and workflows.

With learning platforms and resources accessible via the web, its essential to protect them against HTTP and web application-based security flaws. Web application firewall (WAF) systems use specific knowledge of HTTP and web-application vulnerabilities to filter or block these attacks without ever exposing the web servers or applications. This helps protect the environment against attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).

Automated DDoS protection is critical to protect against widespread and easily launched DDoS attacks. Universities should leverage DDoS threat intelligence, combined with real-time threat detection, to defend against DDoS attacks no matter where they originate. Methods such as automated signature extraction and blacklists of the IP addresses of DDoS botnets and available vulnerable servers can help organizations proactively defend themselves even before the attacks starts.

Integrated Security Approach

Over the years, most organizations have collected a number of security point solutions, addressing specific threats and typically from many different vendors, added incrementally as new threats were identified or a new approach provided. These legacy systems increase the complexity of operations, add latency into applications and reduce security efficacy. An integrated approach that consolidates security functions as much as possible will allow these functions to work together seamlessly, enabling compliance and unified security.

In conclusion, while the shift to remote and on-demand learning has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the transformation of higher education had already been well underway. Driven by trends in finances and enrollment, universities have needed to expand the opportunities and options available to students not only on campus, but around the world as well. The evolution in business models is now clear; what remains is to ensure that the universitys technology infrastructure can support the new direction. The network is front-and-center in this effort. By upgrading their capability to support growing numbers of connections and rising traffic, ensure cybersecurity and compliance, and maintain availability wherever and however students connect, universities can provide a solid foundation for success for their institutions and students alike.

Edited by Luke Bellos




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Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment called Tuesday for a 12-month moratorium on all new residential and commercial construction in the unincorporated parts of the parish.

The announcement came as his parish and others in the region were still responding to a severe rainstorm overnight Tuesday and girding for more rain this week and rising water in Bayou Manchac.

In a statement, Cointment said the delay was necessary so his administration could weigh "all the aspects of the combined impact of additional development and increased frequency of severe weather events currently being experienced in Ascension Parish."

Cointment has asked the parish council to take the first step Thursday in implementing the moratorium.

+6 Could Baton Rouge creeks and bayous flood? Not so much  unless more heavy rain comes Some creeks and bayous in the Baton Rouge region are rising after recent massive rains, but they are are not likely to catastrophically overfl

If adopted, the moratorium would stop future land divisions and also halt the front end of the new neighborhood review pipeline.

But, as proposed, it would not stop projects that have already made it through that first phase. And it wouldnt halt construction on projects that have already been fully approved, parish officials noted.

According to parish counts from earlier this month, 1,267 lots in new residential neighborhoods have gotten through that first phase of review, known as preliminary plat approval, and are in some later phase of further review or construction.

Reaction was mixed from Parish Council members, some of whom didnt get advance notice the moratorium proposal was coming.

I am very, very disappointed that in the middle of an emergency, this is being propagated. Very disappointed, Council Chairwoman Teri Casso said. I have spent half of my day making my fellow councilmen aware of and trying to explain this to them when we are all trying to take care of our citizens.

At the same time, she said, she agreed with the need for a moratorium with a very strong timeline.

It is needed in order to get some work done, said Casso, who has faced criticism for being too close to developers.

Councilman Michael Mason said he was one of two councilmen Cointment contacted to sponsor putting the moratorium on the agenda. While he said he understood Cassos concerns about the timing, he said it was just time to act.

+2 Bayou Manchac bridge closed at Old Perkins near Airline, causing significant traffic problems The Bayou Manchac bridge at Old Perkins Road near Airline Highway is closed because of high water, causing significant traffic issues, the Asc

The storm was latest of several events to which the council can point to argue the parish needed to go forward, he said.

Mason said homeland security officials have informed him at least 30 homes flooded in the recent rain.

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This is a good way for us to take a breather and really dive into this ongoing issue, he said.

Karen Zito, president and CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge, said that, while a moratorium and the current disaster might force elected officials to focus on this issue, the moratorium will worsen shortages of affordable, attainable and appropriate housing for Ascension Parish.

High water closes more than 70 roads in Ascension Parish, some homes with water As Monday night's heavy, hours-long storm dumped from 10 to 14 inches of rain in parts of Ascension Parish, some drivers and residents needed 

This undercuts our economic competitiveness by reducing our ability to attract and retain the workforce high-quality employers need while compounding the difficulties of residents struggling to find housing that meets their needs, Zito said.

She noted that a study by the National Association of Home Builders found regulations at all levels of government account for 24.3% of the price for a new single-family home.

In the statement Tuesday, Cointment said his administration would consider several concepts during the moratorium, including a new drainage impact fee, reductions in housing density, new rules for neighborhood construction and storm-water detention, new rules on the use of fill dirt, and the exploration of regional storm-water detention areas.

Each of those measures would attempt to fill shortcomings the parish leader says he sees in Ascensions current rules.

The parish already has a half-cent sales and a property tax for drainage and also has development rules designed to require builders to mitigate the off-site drainage impact of new development.

Evidence suggest that this isnt enough, Cointment said, and more needs to be done to improve the capacity of our drainageways.

Cointment said the drainage impact fees would be targeted to specific projects in advance and attempt to help fill the existing shortfall.

Cointment  a Republican who for years was a frequent critic of the way the parish grew while running a land surveying business  was elected in the fall of 2019 with promises to better control growth and improve infrastructure.

He took office in 2020 amid several years of political conflict over growth after the August 2016 flood.

At issue then was continued development in the lowest areas of the parish and the frequent use of earthen fill and ponds, which are engineered to hold rainfall runoff and mitigate against the risks in those flood-prone areas.

Parish officials then had tried to strike a compromise with new limits, but Cointment wants to revisit the issue.

Since taking office, Cointment has also presided over a string of tropical storms, threatening hurricanes and other events that have prompted use of the parish's pumping stations more frequently than in recent memory.

In Ascension, the council takes two meetings to adopt an ordinance. Action Thursday night in Gonzales would not be final.
Two small legal practices have moved into downtown office buildings.

The Baton Rouge offices of Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore are now located on the 11th floor of the Chase North Tower, attorney Matt Bailey told the Downtown Development District Board Tuesday. Sprinkle Law Firm has moved into One American Place, said attorney Richard Sprinkle.
The close relationship between Attorney General Jeff Landry and his top political ally Shane Guidry recently added a new layer: Landry took a spot on the board of Guidrys oil services firm, Harvey Gulf.

Landry reported making between $50,000 and $100,000 in 2020 as an independent board member for Harvey Gulf, LLC, in his annual personal financial disclosure, filed this month with the Louisiana Board of Ethics. The company does not appear on Landry's disclosures for previous years.

The newly-disclosed business relationship is one of several close ties between the attorney general and Guidry, who is among Landrys top political donors and a close friend. Its also unusual: while other statewide elected officials serve on nonprofit boards and have private business interests, none reported serving on the board of a private firm while in office, according to recent personal financial disclosures.

Harvey Gulf was founded by Guidrys family, and Guidry negotiated a sale of the firm to a private equity firm a decade ago that saw Guidry retain ownership interest.

Landry, a Republican who is in his second term as attorney general, joined the board in 2019, Guidry said in an interview while flying in his jet from New York to New Orleans. Landrys work adds up to a few hours a month, Guidry said, and is primarily focused on helping the company avoid running afoul of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a federal anti-corruption law.

I had a vacancy to sit on that seat and I couldn't think of a better person than my good friend Jeff Landry who knows those laws quite well, said Guidry, who is board chairman and has been CEO since 1997.

Landry remained on the board of Harvey Gulf after it shrunk this month from seven to five members amid a recapitalization. The company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018.

Its no secret that Guidry, among the states most generous GOP donors, has showered pro-Landry groups with hundreds of thousands of dollars in political donations over the years. Guidry's companies were also the state's top donors to former President Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration.

Guidry's role with the Attorney General's office is listed in state records as "special agent/investigator," and he said he remains working as an adviser for Landrys office. State records list his salary as $12,000 annually as a part-time employee for the past four years.

A spokesman for Landrys office said Guidry has been on unpaid leave as a special agent since 2017 but declined to answer questions about the adviser role or other job titles. Guidry has also used the title special assistant to Landry.

Its a bizarre relationship, said Rafael Goyeneche, president of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission, a nonprofit criminal justice watchdog group. This isnt about an appointment based on merit. This is a political quid pro quo: you support me, and Ill help you out.

Legal dustup between AG Jeff Landry, former campaign worker over purported debt heats up A dispute between Attorney General Jeff Landry and a former campaign worker is heating up, with the two tussling in court over what the operat

I would pose the rhetorical question about Shane Guidry working in the AGs office: Would Jeff Landry have hired Shane Guidry to the position he held had Shane not been so generous in his support of the various campaigns of Jeff Landry? he added.

While the cozy relationship between Landry and Guidry raises questions, it does not appear to run afoul of state ethics laws.

Guidry said Landry called an ethics lawyer before taking the board gig in 2019 but didn't remember who it was. A Landry spokesperson didn't answer a question Thursday about whether Landry requested an official advisory opinion from the Louisiana Board of Ethics, but said "Attorney General Landry has complied with all reporting and disclosure requirements."

+2 Whistleblower in Attorney General Jeff Landry's office comes forward, alleges more misconduct Assistant Attorney General Matthew Derbes has resigned from Attorney General Jeff Landry's office after he said that Landry has targeted him f

State Ethics Board records posted online do not show any advisory opinions issued on the subject to Landry or Guidry since Landry began his board service. Landry's biography on the Harvey Gulf website says he serves on the board "purely in a personal capacity" and that "in keeping with the highest ethical and moral standards, Landry's Board service is separate and apart from his official duties."

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Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott said the public, though, should take special notice if an elected official takes on a new, major compensated role in a business after getting into office.

He explained that whenever an elected official has a substantial economic interest in a companys affairs  and Landrys stake in Harvey Gulf would qualify  the office holder has to consider conflicts of interest between their agency and the company.

If the company were to encounter a transactional or contractual relationship involving the (Louisiana) Department of Justice, it could create ethics problems for him, Scott said. That financial interest creates a risk for a potential conflict of interest, and one that might be hard to predict or prevent, whatever his best intentions.

Was Jeff Landry aide 'joking?' Louisiana sexual harassment training says that's no defense When Attorney General Jeff Landrys office set out to discipline criminal division director Pat Magee over allegations of sexual harassment, i

Landrys income from Harvey Gulf, an oil services firm founded by Guidrys family, is only part of an expansive business portfolio he reported for 2020.

He also reported big increases in income from UST Environmental Services and Evergreen Contractors, two labor staffing firms of which he claims full ownership.

Landry claimed less than $5,000 in income from each of those firms in 2018 and 2019, then reported at least $200,000 from each of them last year.

Ben Landry, the attorney generals brother who oversees those businesses, did not return messages seeking comment this week on the big bump in income for the attorney general.

Landry formed Evergreen in 2011 during his first year in Congress. It was among three Landry-related firms that applied at the same time in 2017 to import Mexican welders and pipe fitters to the U.S. under the H2-B temporary worker visa program.

The companies teamed with a since-convicted visa fraudster, Marco Pesquera, winning federal approval to bring in a few hundred Mexican workers to help build a massive liquefied natural gas plant in Cameron Parish. Those applications included several dubious claims and documents, according to records provided to this newspaper by Pesquera, though Landry and his brother were not implicated in the case.

The private business dealings arent altogether unusual; state Treasurer John Schroder reported well over $1 million in earnings from his private dealings as a developer and landlord last year. As Scott pointed out, financial disclosures in Louisiana are meant to shed light to the public about these types of arrangements.

Gov. John Bel Edwards 2020 disclosure wasnt available, but in 2019 he reported minimal business income. No other statewide elected officials reported serving on the board of a private company in 2019 or 2020.

Guidry defended his business arrangement with Landry, describing the duo as two friends who have their best interests at heart. He said there is no conflict of interest with the arrangement.

+17 Jeff Landry attacks credibility of those who reported sexual harassment by his top deputy Flanked by a cadre of women who work for him, state Attorney General Jeff Landry spent much of an hourlong news conference Tuesday trying to p

He represents the people of Louisiana. He gets up every day and does that first, Guidry said. Its my job to get up and represent my equity holders and partners first. At the end of the day, however, we can help each other to be better leaders  I welcome all the help.

Guidry said his work for Landrys office is mainly acting as a consultant when the attorney general needs help with a project. For instance, after a recent incident in Jefferson Parish where a sheriffs deputy shot someone while Landrys office was serving a warrant for a child pornography case, Landry called on Guidry, who has a long history with Jefferson Parish government officials. Guidry worked part-time for the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office for more than two decades. He said the Sheriffs Office is leading the investigation into that incident, but Landry wanted to hear Guidrys thoughts about it.

Knowing how the Jefferson Parish government works and the Sheriffs Office, he called me to ask me my opinion on what I thought, Guidry said. After I spoke to some of the people involved, I think what the findings are going to show is justifiable shooting.

Staff Writer John Simerman contributed to this report.
After members of one Senate committee spiked his proposal to study how Louisiana could better support seniors and disabled who want to live at home rather than go to a nursing home, state Sen. Kirk Talbot rewrote his resolution and had it referred to the committee he chairs.

This time the resolution moved out of committee without objection.

Senate Resolution 95 asks the state Department of Insurance to put together a task force to study best practices for the coverage of long-term supports and services and to increase public knowledge and awareness of the prevalence of need for long-term supports and services.

Shifting to the Insurance Department from the Louisiana Department of Health allowed Talbot, a River Ridge Republican, to shuffle his resolution to his Senate Insurance Committee, rather than having it heard by the Senate Health & Welfare Committee, which on May 5 voted 7-1 to reject his previous resolution.

Home- and community-based services would help family members by providing home visits from nurses and physical therapists; access to medical equipment; support for hygiene, clothing, eating; guidance on how to turn the bedridden; and other personal needs, such as transportation. Families annually spend about $7,000 of their own money to help their loved ones at home, according to AARP.

Mark Ballard: Legislators close their well-financed eyes to public's demand for home care Louisiana legislators have always known that when their ideas are a bridge too far for their colleagues, they can save face by turning their b

The state would pay insurance companies to cover the expenses, which is why the services are also called managed care.

Talbot also dropped the requirement in his resolution that the Health Department estimate what the rates would look like if the state shifted to hiring insurance companies to provide supplementary help for families who choose to care for their loved ones at home.

Coming up with realistic rates that could be used in the bidding process would require the Health Department to detail what the program would be like, what services would be offered and how those services would be delivered, along with identifying which populations would be served. Only then, argued Tara LeBlanc, the states interim Medicaid executive director, could actuaries by contracted to forecast the costs to state taxpayers. Such a study, she said, would require at least $2.5 million and take at least 18 months to complete.

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Though he didnt think a study would cost that much, Talbot said he withdrew the rate calculation aspect from his resolution. Still, a survey of how other states handle managed care and how much it costs in other states would be beneficial, he said. He noted that seven years have passed since the state last studied whether to adopt a home- and community-based services program. During the intervening years the number states with such programs have gone up from 13 to 28.

If staying at home is as bad as the Louisiana Nursing Home Association makes out, then why have so many states adopted the program, Talbot asked, adding that having more states to look at would give Louisiana researchers more information to consider.

It has been seven years since we looked at it, it needs a new look, Talbot said. This is an important issue. A lot of people in my district want this.

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association opposed SR95 as they did Talbots previous resolution, Senate Resolution 23.

Mark Berger, the associations executive director, said several states that adopted managed care are now trying to get out of the programs because the costs were higher than expected and not enough services were provided. Besides, the topic has been studied repeatedly in the past.

How many times do you study a bad idea, Berger said.

We study all kinds of crazy things and this isnt crazy, said Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe.

The resolution now goes to the full Senate for a vote.
The chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party said state Rep. Ray Garofalo should be restored as chairman of the House Education Committee and criticized fellow Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, who names committee leaders.

Garofalo said earlier this week he lost his chairmanship after he refused Schexnayder's directive that he be suspended from his post for the rest of the session amid controversy over Garofalo's bill on how colleges teach racism and sexism.

House chairman removed from position after comment on 'the good' of slavery; speaker disputes Chalmette Rep. Ray Garofalo, whose comment about slavery ignited anger among some of his colleagues, said Tuesday he has been ousted as chairm

"Republican activists throughout the state have become enraged," Louis Gurvich said in a statement.

He said Garofalo is under fire from the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and others because he "dared to bring" a proposal aimed at curbing the teaching of "hate-filled claptrap," including the outsized role racism has played in American history.

Critics said the bill, which was heard on April 26, was poorly-timed and that Garofalo's comments that students should hear "the good, the bad, the ugly" surrounding slavery was especially offensive.

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Garofalo said his slavery comment was inadvertent, quickly retracted and that he has been unfairly smeared.

"No one on either side ever believed for a single moment that Ray Garofalo was attempting to defend slavery in any way whatsover," Gurvich said.

He said House leadership -- Schexnayder -- "appears to be hesitant and disorganized" on how to handle the uproar and noted the speaker was elected House leader in 2020 with an unusual coalition of House Democrats and some Republicans.

Schexnayder has repeatedly declined comment on Garofalo's status or issues surrounding the controversy.
President Joe Biden called Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter on Wednesday for a very candid conversation about the citys needs after this weeks severe flooding in southwest Louisiana and last year's hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Biden visited Lake Charles on May 6 and pledged help with recovery, which the region has long said is badly needed to address urgent needs from the 2020 hurricanes as well as a fierce winter storm in February  all of which occurred during the pandemic.

Hunter says Mondays flooding stemmed from the third-heaviest rains in the history of Lake Charles. He estimates that 400 to 500 homes and other structures were affected.

I just received an unexpected call from President Joe Biden, the Republican mayor posted on Facebook.

We had a very candid conversation about the struggles and needs of this community in the wake of unprecedented natural disasters. He stated he understood the great need and would do all he could to help but that it would take a group effort. He gave me his blessing to share that he and I had this conversation.

Hunter added: Our congressional delegation has also committed to help in any way they can. I hope that Washington D.C. can find a way to work together to assist Americans in southwest Louisiana who are suffering. It sounds like, at the very least, they are hearing our cries for help. I pray human empathy will win over partisan politics.

Local officials say needs that must be addressed include aid to fill the gap between what homeowners have received from insurance companies, which many allege has fallen woefully short, and what is needed to rebuild. Lake Charles estimates its housing needs alone at more than $230 million.

In an interview after the phone call, Hunter said he was honored to receive it but also wants to see action. He has previously blamed partisan bickering and populist posturing in Washington in part for the lack of federal relief almost nine months since Hurricane Laura, the strongest storm to hit Louisiana since 1856 in terms of wind speed.

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+9 Lake Charles reels from historic flooding; 18 inches of rain strands residents, floods homes LAKE CHARLES - This city tallied its losses from one of the worst floods in its history on Tuesday after powerful thunderstorms dumped up to 1

At this point Im not going to be jumping up and down until we actually see something, because Ive had a lot of people from Washington D.C. patting me on the back over the last nine months and say, Dont worry. Help is on the way, he said.

Hunter said Biden, a Democrat, also spoke of the need to transcend party politics.

He said it would take Republicans and Democrats, Hunter said. He said that this shouldnt be a Republican or Democratic thing; it should be an American thing.

The Lake Charles region remained on guard Wednesday with more rains expected. Hunter said the city was preparing for the possibility of rains similar to Mondays out of precaution even if the forecasts did not predict it.

The forecasts for Monday  the official forecasts  were for two to five inches of rain, he said. It just shows you how unpredictable these weather events can be.

Some areas of the region received as much as 18 inches of rain over a short period of time.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce has a real knack for sharing the pain but capitalising on the gain.

When Qantas emerges from the COVID crisis, it will have picked up about 10 percentage points in domestic market share, slashed its staff numbers by a third and taken $1 billion out of costs. Its remaining workers will have a pay freeze and travel agents selling Qantas seats will see commissions cut from 5 per cent to 1 per cent.

And miraculously, the airline is now expected to produce profit (before depreciation) over the next couple of years that will be double what it made before the pandemic.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce needs Australians to get the COVID jab to boost profits further. Credit:Janie Barrett

Its fair to say Qantas represents the mother of all corporate comebacks, and Joyce has redefined that now-hackneyed phrase of never waste a good crisis.
Gains for the technology and healthcare sectors helped the Australian sharemarket keep its nose in front on Friday and were the driving force behind the markets narrow weekly rise.

The ASX 200 added 10.7 points or 0.2 per cent in its week-ending session to close at 7030.3.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index closed at 7030.3 on Friday, rising 0.2 per cent for the week. Credit:

Biotech giant CSL added 2.2 per cent to $284.30, its best finish in three months. Fellow healthcare names ResMed and Fisher and Paykel were up 3.1 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively.

The tech sector was also strong to rise by a collective 1.6 per cent.

Buy now, pay later firm Afterpay edged lower and Appen lost 5.1 per cent, but EML Payments rebounded with 15.8 per cent rise and Nuix, Xero, Altium and Wisetech Global also gained.

The miners and energy stocks were again weak as commodity prices continued to cool.

Resources-related stocks - including iron ore giants BHP Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals - were significant drags on the wider bourse this week.

Commonwealth Bank also backed away from yesterdays record high close, while online retailer Kogan.com plunged 14.3 per cent to $8.70 on an earnings downgrade.

The ASX 200 nosed 16.1 points ahead for the week, adding 0.2 per cent across the five sessions.

While seemingly narrow, the weekly rise comes after the market clawed back ground from Wednesdays $41 billion nosedive.

Novus Capital senior client adviser Gary Glover said low trading volumes in both the US and Australia signalled it was getting harder and harder to find value in a market that has become quite expensive.

The last few months, participants have been getting less and less and less this just means its a bit more unstable out there, Mr Glover said.

You can say hey, were going up, but you want to see more people in the market while it is doing so.

Were also seeing heavier volumes on the down days, which tells me there is a bit of caution in the market.

Iron ore prices cooled from last weeks record highs with traders spooked by moves in China to keep a lid on the key steelmaking ingredient.

Oil also dipped as Iran signalled that it would soon be free of various sanctions on oil, banking and shipping.

Inflation fears dogged Wall Street earlier in the week and also fuelled a mid-week selloff in Australia, with investors again nervous the strength of the global economic rebound will force central banks to withdraw the generous support measures that have favoured equity markets.

Commonwealth Bank head of Australian economics Gareth Aird said the data dump this week added weight to the view that wages and inflation outcomes will be stronger than the Reserve Bank has forecast.

The wage price index came in better than expected, while the unemployment rate dropped in April as underutilisation fell to its lowest since December 2019.

All up the RBA should be very pleased with the domestic economic data this week, Mr Aird said.

There is still a long way to go. But to date, things are moving in the right direction and at a pace that if sustained means that the RBA is likely to achieve their twin objectives of full employment and inflation sustainably within the target band earlier than their forecasts currently envisage.
Business owners warn the $3 billion mental health levy set out in the Victorian budget on Thursday is a tax on employment and will hit those in the retail, hospitality and tourism sector hard.

The levy will be added as a surcharge on payroll tax for businesses paying more than $10 million in wages, and will double for businesses with wage bills of over $100 million.

Chris Lucas owner of the Chin Chin restaurant group said the levy was a kick in the guts. Credit:Arsineh Houspian

More than 9000 companies will have to pay the levy which the government said is less than 5 per cent of businesses.

Chris Lucas, owner of the Chin Chin restaurant group, said the hospitality sector would be particularly affected by the levy as its payroll costs were high.
Troggy1956: What? Live with the virus like India? I dont think so. We should keep the borders closed until the rest of the world gets their infection under control. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video cuechic: Im quite enjoying being in an eliminationist bunker  looks like we all may be compared to what is seen overseas? Im OK to continue on as long as necessary I have the stamina to keep up the good fight against this virus that kills, and if it doesnt can ruin ones ongoing health. I gain nothing from open borders, whats the risk if we stay as we are? I can only see the huge risk if we dont. Think Singapore just going into lockdown, its not getting better overseas its actually getting worse. Glenn Newton: A disappointing, defeatist attitude expressed by Coatsworth. beproactive: Impatience will be our downfall. No one is saying borders should never reopen but at the moment even a cursory look around the world serves as a precaution against haste. Singapore, with all its excellent processes, is now in lockdown for a month. Every time a country relaxes restrictions this virus rages. We need to watch and wait. The outcomes in the UK and US with higher vaccination rates will be the key to our future decisions. And its time as a country to re-evaluate an economy based on foreign students and foreign workers and heavy reliance an underpaid underclass.

RONALD PRIESTLEY: I would rather live in a virus-free country with closed borders than one with open borders and virus outbreaks everywhere. What is so precious about being able to go overseas and why cant visitors just wait until this is all over? All the usual goods are being imported and exported as normal and have been since the beginning. Lets just isolate until it is safe and enjoy a virus free life. Loading Other readers applauded Dr Coatsworth as a voice of reason. Bruno: Great statement of the reality of the situation and that there is no such thing as zero COVID. It is extraordinary that when an expert speaks to the nuanced reality, some of these comments are by people who dont want to hear it and still think they know better. Marcos: Welcome dose of reality, thank you Dr Coatsworth. The talk of having international quarantine for years to come needs to be challenged, it is not feasible, once we have a substantial vaccination rate (whatever that will be agreed to be) we will need to accept a modest level of virus in the community, probably with the occasional death. The doctor is correct, we need to prepare a shift in public thinking.

DocCommonSense: Id say a practical, real-world, future-looking, realist attitude expressed by a genuine expert in the field. JJ: Finally someone speaking sense  get vaccinated and open up; stop all this nonsense with vaccine choice! We want our lives back! Political reporter Rachel Clun, who covers health from The Age and the Heralds Parliament House bureau, says Dr Coatsworth is right to encourage a discussion about plans for a reopening. For example, she says, what risk is the government willing to accept? Vaccines alone are not enough, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison said  we arent currently vaccinating children, and the variants around the world mean the population wont have total protection against COVID-19, Clun says.

Loading Outbreaks in other countries are a large concern, as is the risk of more severe and more virulent strains of the virus. Some readers voiced concern that there was the potential for the decision on when and how to reopen Australias borders to be hijacked for political purposes. atrejka: Unfortunately, borders and COVID have become a political issue, politicians riding on top of the COVID pandemic making sure people are scared, risk averse and grateful for their protection. Billnix: Closing borders has mutated from being a medically driven initiative to a politically driven initiative. Expect our political leaders to listen to the polls and their inner circle of party advisers, not the medical experts. This makes it hard to know when the borders will reopen.
Mohammed hasnt seen his family in several years. He doesnt know when he will get to see them, and the uncertainty robs him of his sleep and leaves him restless.

Mohammed made the difficult decision to come to Australia seeking refuge. He didnt know that decision would prevent him from reuniting with the ones he loves. The 30-something year old is now a father of two, who works as a patient support worker in the local hospital. During his time at work, Mohammed has seen what he describes as a dangerously indifferent attitude towards migrant workers on temporary visas.

The federal governments attitude towards migrant workers is counterproductive.

They push us around and they pay us the bare minimum, he says. They are really great at making us feel like we are a necessary inconvenience.

Mohammed says the federal governments attitude towards migrant workers is counterproductive. They are biting the hand that feeds you, he says. Who will do those jobs if not us? They need us. They rely on our desperation to hold onto jobs they know we need.
BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua)  This year marks the centennial of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The first 28 years of the Party's history, before the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, are known as the revolutionary period, marking its journey from birth to power.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has said the revolutionary history is the best textbook for Chinese Communists.

The following are some of the key events in the Party's history that Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has spoken of during his visits to various revolutionary sites.

The Red Boat

"Never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your mission," Xi told the Party while addressing the 19th CPC National Congress in 2017.

A week after the national congress, Xi led the top CPC leadership to the sites where the first CPC national congress was held in Shanghai and Jiaxing, revisiting the Party's founding history.

In July 1921, about a dozen young people started the first congress in a brick-and-wood building in the French concession area of Shanghai.

"Comrade Mao Zedong compared this site to the cradle of the CPC. It is a vivid metaphor. I see the site as an anchor of the souls of Chinese Communists," Xi said.

After being harassed, the delegates moved to a boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, to continue their meeting. There, they discussed and passed the Party's first program and resolution.

In the documents, the CPC committed itself to upholding Marxism-Leninism, which laid the direction and cornerstone of the Party, Xi said.

The Nanhu boat is now known as the Red Boat, which "sparked the flame of the Chinese revolution and started the century  spanning voyage of the Party," Xi said.

After 100 years, the CPC has grown from a small party to the world's largest Marxist ruling party with over 91 million members.

The Long March

An iconic event in the CPC revolutionary history is the epic Long March.

From October 1934 to October 1936, the Red Army trekked 12,500 km across the country, repelling more than 1 million enemy troops bent on pursuing it and eventually establishing a revolutionary base in northwest China.

From there, China's revolution has been on the path to victory.

Xi, who described the Long March as an enormously significant event in the Party's history, has visited many sites along the Long March routes.

In May 2019, during a visit to Yudu County in east China's Jiangxi Province, Xi paid tribute to a monument marking the departure of the Central Red Army on the Long March.

Relying on firm faith and strong will, the Party and the Red Army emerged from one impossible situation after another, and secured the final victory, Xi said.

In April 2021, he visited a memorial park in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, commemorating the Battle of the Xiangjiang River during the Long March, which Xi described as a "life-or-death event" for the revolution.

"Revolutionary ideals rise above all else. That is why the Red Army can conquer all enemies and also the secret to the success of the Chinese revolution," Xi said.

In the Long March, the Red Army engaged the enemy more than 600 times, crossed almost 100 rivers, scaled more than 40 peaks  including more than 20 snow-capped mountains with elevations above 4,000 meters, and traversed vast marshlands and grasslands known as "death traps."

"Every generation has its own long march, and every generation must see that march through," Xi said. "The long march of our generation is to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation."

The Exam

Xibaipo, a township about 350 km from Beijing, is an old revolutionary base, where the CPC leadership stationed from May 1948 to early 1949 to draw the blueprint of a new country and prepare for the CPC's new role as the ruling party.

In March 1949, the CPC leadership decided to leave Xibaipo for Beijing. Mao Zedong compared the trek to "going for a big exam in the capital city."

Mao called on the whole Party to remain modest, prudent and free from arrogance and rashness in their style of work, and preserve the style of plain living and hard struggle.

Xi said he had been to Xibaipo many times. "Each time, I came with a lot of respect and left with many thoughts," said Xi while inspecting the township in 2013. During the visit, Xi also urged the whole Party to draw positive energy from the history and stand the tests of the people.

In September 2019, a few days ahead of the 70th founding anniversary of the PRC, Xi visited a revolutionary memorial site in suburban Beijing, where the CPC briefly settled down after leaving Xibaipo.

He again mentioned the relevance of the "big exam" 70 years ago.

The CPC members should always maintain their enterprising spirit, ensure the Party's purity and advanced nature, and pass the test of the new era, Xi stressed.

"Looking ahead, China has very bright prospects for development," Xi said.

(Source: Xinhua)
Presenting an arm covered in tattoos to receive his COVID-19 vaccine, Jayden Poi laughs when asked if he is OK with needles.

Although not all guys with tatts know how to handle a proper needle, he said.

Jayden Poi, right, receives his COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Caryn Gottcent at Woolloomooloo on Thursday. Credit:Kate Geraghty

The 44-year-old resident at St Vincent de Pauls Matthew Talbot hostel for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness was among more than 100 people vaccinated at the Ozanam learning centre in Woolloomooloo on Thursday.

It was the first day of a weekly four-hour clinic for the local community, a joint initiative of organisations including Vinnies, St Vincents Hospital, the City of Sydney and the Kirketon Road Centre.
People aged in their 40s can now get their Pfizer vaccines at 25 new vaccination clinics across NSW, as Premier Gladys Berejiklian announces the state will administer its one-millionth dose today.

The million-dose-milestone means NSW has administered one-tenth of the doses needed to fully vaccinate 5 million people - the target Ms Berejiklian said would allow her to start having conversations about reopening international borders.

The Premier said Australia could not afford to remain shut off from the rest of the world forever and NSW needed to be as prepared as possible to avoid the resurgence of COVID-19 and the lockdowns afflicting several countries  including Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea  that, like Australia, appeared to have eliminated community spread.

On Thursday, Ms Berejiklian announced 25 clinics across Greater Sydney, rural and regional NSW were now administering the Pfizer vaccine to people aged 40 to 49.
Party time at storied law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler on Wednesday night meant the Sydney partners flew south to join their southern confreres at Melbourne Chinese institution Flower Drum. A private room, natch.

The occasion was a celebration of Leon Zwiers 30-year partner anniversary at the firm. And the evening was made special by the fact that the irrepressible Mr Fix-It (who has notably acted for both good friend Bill Shorten and Tony Abbott) uncharacteristically deigned to share the limelight with some others. No doubt a decision the legal star (recruited by former senior partner turned developer and ABC board member Joe Gersh) later came to regret. Either way, he gave top marks for the party, describing the bash as mega! to CBD when asked on Thursday.

Forty partners were present to celebrate 30-year partner anniversaries of Joey Borensztajn and Philip Chester while spring chickens Paul Sokolowski and Jonathan Wenig celebrated a mere 20 years.

Were talking a collective 130 years of service to Arnold Bloch Leibler here, at least 125 of them billable, senior partner Mark Leibler said in an address overflowing with sass about the firms unique culture.

Yes, we have a few ego-maniacs around the partner table, people with strong views, whose practices have been carved out in their image. Im clearly one of them.
Australias cattle companies and MPs have pushed back at claims from British farmers that they had lower environmental standards and quality control, as a dispute over tariff-free beef threatens to derail a free trade deal with Britain.

Leader of the Scottish National Party in Britains Parliament Ian Blackford asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to rule out a trade deal that would grant tariff-free access to Australian lamb and beef.

Britains Prime Minister Boris Johnson has signaled his support for a free trade deal with Australia amid controversy within his party. Credit:AP

Mr Johnson responded by asking Mr Blackford why is he so frightened of free trade? and signalled he would back a deal that lowered the tariffs, which currently apply to Australias agricultural imports.

The long-mooted free trading pact is largely complete and due to be signed when Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits Britain in June for the G7 summit, but has been hit by a major dispute at the highest levels of the British government.
The head of Perth Childrens Hospital says he has not yet endorsed the root cause analysis report into the death of Aishwarya Aswath, despite committing to implementing its recommendations and the Health Minister calling it a fundamental piece of evidence.

Child and Adolescent Health Services chief executive Aresh Anwar said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that the executive team acknowledged the findings of the root cause analysis panel, but thought several elements required further exploration.

CAHS chief executive Aresh Anwar. Credit:Hamish Hastie

The additional independent external review must be completed before we can, in good conscience, consider this investigation to be finalised, Dr Anwar said.

The additional targeted review would ensure opportunities for systemic change were fully understood.
Good morning, brothers and sisters, God loves you. It does not matter what anyone says, it is because of Jesus we are alive today. You may think you woke up on your own strength or that the kids, the dog, or the cat caused you to wake up. No, no, it was God who allowed you to wake up. It is 
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin witness the ground-breaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project, Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2021. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen]

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project, Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link.

Xi arrived at the main venue of the Great Hall of the People at around 5:00 p.m. Beijing time and waved to Putin, who had joined in from the main venue of the Kremlin.

He Lifeng, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission, co-chaired the ceremony with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

Heads of relevant departments, local officials and constructor representatives of China and Russia attended the ceremony from the sub-venue of Tianwan nuclear power plant in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province, sub-venue of Xudapu nuclear power plant in Huludao City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, and two Russian sub-venues. The heads of the companies of both countries reported on the progress of the project to the two heads of state.

Xi and Putin delivered their speeches respectively.

Speaking at the ceremony, Xi extended congratulations on the launch of the China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation project and paid high respect to the constructors from the two countries.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, Xi said that he and President Putin have agreed to advance the development of bilateral relations to a higher level and expand the ties to broader fields.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic unseen in a century, China and Russia have firmly supported each other and cooperated closely and effectively, which is a vivid demonstration of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, he said.

Xi stressed that energy cooperation has always been the most important area of practical cooperation which generates the largest achievement and covers the widest scope between the two countries.

Noting that nuclear energy is the strategic priority for bilateral cooperation and a series of major projects have been completed and put into operation, Xi said the four nuclear power units that kicked off construction on Wednesday mark another major landmark in China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation.

Xi put forward a three-point proposal at the ceremony. First, he called on both sides to adhere to the principle of safety first and set a model for global nuclear energy cooperation.

It is necessary to construct and operate the four units with high quality and high standards, create a global benchmark in nuclear safety, give full play to complementary advantages, expand and deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on nuclear energy, and contribute more to the development of the global nuclear energy industry, he said.

Second, Xi suggested the two countries deepen scientific and technological cooperation on nuclear energy by sticking to the driving force of innovation.

He urged deepened cooperation on the basic research, key technology research and development, and transformation of innovative achievements in the field of nuclear energy, such as nuclear environmental protection, nuclear medicine, nuclear fuel and advanced nuclear power technology, so as to promote the deep integration of the nuclear energy industry and the new generation of digital technology, and contribute more wisdom to the innovative development of nuclear energy globally.

Third, he called for adherence to strategic collaboration to promote the coordinated development of the governance system of the global energy industry. He said that it is necessary to promote the building of a global energy governance system featuring justice, equity, balance, inclusiveness, openness and shared benefits, and contribute more solutions to global energy governance.

"Responding to climate change is a common task for all countries," Xi said, adding that China and Russia should promote more low-carbon cooperation projects and play a constructive role in achieving global sustainable development goals.

For his part, Putin expressed warm congratulations on the start of the construction of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and the Xudapu nuclear power plant. He said that Russia has the confidence to work with China to smoothly and safely advance the project's construction.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries, Putin said Russia-China relations reached their best level in history. He added that the consensus reached between President Xi and himself has been well implemented with increasingly broader cooperation areas.

He said cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy marks a significant part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two countries, and it is believed that the start of the four nuclear power units will not only inject new vitality into the further development of Russia-China relations but also help achieve the goals to peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

It will also contribute to coping with global climate change and realizing the sustainable development of humanity, Putin added.

The Chinese representatives at the sub-venue of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and the sub-venue of the Xudapu nuclear power plant then reported to the two heads of state that preparations for the start of construction are completed.

President Xi issued the instruction "Start!"

After the Russian representatives reported to the two heads of state that the equipment is ready to be installed, President Putin issued the instruction "Start!"

The project was officially launched as the first tank of cement was poured at the construction site of the power plants.

Yang Jiechi and Wang Yi attended the ceremony.

Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and units 3 and 4 of the Xudapu nuclear power plant are significant projects in a package cooperation deal on nuclear energy. It was signed with a witness by the two heads of state in June 2018. When completed and put into operation, the annual power generation will reach 37.6 billion kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30.68 million tonnes per year.

Nuclear energy cooperation is a traditional priority cooperation area for China and Russia. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the project is the biggest China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation project to date. Zhao said it represents a high level of practical cooperation between the two countries, adding that the successful beginning of the construction of the four units demonstrates the constructive cooperation outcomes in high-end equipment manufacturing and science and technology innovation between the two countries.

Gavrilin Alexander, a Russian engineer, said he has been working on the Tianwan nuclear power plant since 2003 and highly anticipates that the construction of units 7 and 8 could be completed and put into operation at an early date. He said the new units are "much more powerful, advanced, and safer."

The construction of nuclear power plants is technology-intensive, which requires both sides to mutually cooperate with sincerity and solidarity. "It reflects the deep friendship and mutual trust between the two countries," Gavrilin Alexander said, adding that he believed China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation will achieve win-win results.

Deng Hao, secretary general of the China Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies, said with an increase in complementary trade between the two countries, the nuclear energy projects will further consolidate the material foundation of bilateral cooperation and enhance the trade and economic exchanges between China and Russia.

The event on Wednesday is also the first online bilateral exchange at the head-of-state level between the two sides since the beginning of this year. It is of great significance in guiding the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to maintain high-level development, spokesperson Zhao said.

In recent years, the world has slowed down the pace of building new nuclear power plants. Experts believed that China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation will become a highlight in the global nuclear power industry and help boost worldwide confidence in this energy development.

Besides, since nuclear energy is clean and efficient, the four units will effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Deng Hao said this cooperation project demonstrates that China and Russia take the same stand on combating global climate change and realizing green development.

"It also shows China's firm determination to peak its carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, and its commitment as a responsible major nation," he added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin witness the ground-breaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project, Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2021. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin witness the ground-breaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project, Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2021. [Xinhua/Liu Bin]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin witness the ground-breaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project, Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2021. [Xinhua/Yue Yuewei]

(Source: Xinhua)
Emily Alexander, 37, shows her COVID-19 vaccination card shortly after getting the vaccine in the parking lot of the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Terry Tang / AP
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Derek Draplin is a regional editor at The Center Square. He previously worked as an opinion producer at Forbes, and as a reporter at Michigan Capitol Confidential and The Detroit News. Hes also an editor at The Daily Caller.
Todd Rokita is sworn in as Indiana's attorney general by Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush on a bible held by his wife, Kathy, during an inaugural ceremony at the Indiana State Museum, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Indianapolis.
Zookeepers share first glimpse of rare red-bellied lemur born at Chester Zoo

Conservationists at Chester Zoo are celebrating the birth of a rare red-bellied lemur  the first of its kind ever to be born at the zoo.

The fluffy youngster, whose sex is currently unknown, arrived to parents Aina (4) and Frej (8) following a 127-day pregnancy.

The new baby was born around six weeks ago but keepers say the precious primate was so small and hidden in among mums thick fur that only now is it starting to become more visible.

It was estimated to weigh just 70 grams at birth  around the same weight as a banana.





The birth is an important boost to the European breeding programme for the species with the red-bellied lemur listed as vulnerable to extinction in its native Madagascar  the only place where lemurs are found in the wild.

Experts say destruction of their forest homes, caused by people for agriculture and timber, as well as hunting for their meat has resulted in huge declines for all of the islands 100 different species of lemur.

Claire Parry, Assistant Team Manager of Primates at Chester Zoo, said: The birth of any lemur is real cause for celebration as these primates are vulnerable to extinction in the wild and every new arrival is a vital addition to the endangered species breeding programme.

This one, however, is extra special as its also the first baby red-bellied lemur ever to be born at Chester Zoo.

Aina is a first-time mum whos really taking motherhood in her stride  shes very confident with her new addition.

The baby is always seen clinging on tightly to her, which is exactly what we want to see, and this lovely little lemur looks incredibly content hidden in among mums warm fur.

 Stop what youre doing and meet the FIRST red-bellied lemur ever born at the zoo!  Its tiny, fluffy and weighs just 70 grams  the same weight as a banana!  pic.twitter.com/s94aUzMDyI  Chester Zoo (@chesterzoo) May 20, 2021

Mike Jordan, Director of Animal and Plants at the zoo, added: With lemurs considered as being the most endangered group of mammals in the world by the IUCN, every birth is significant.

Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar where they are severely under threat with over 94% of all lemur populations at risk of disappearing forever. Sadly, we know that many larger lemur species have already become extinct.

We need to ensure the species that do now remain on this diverse island are safe and protected.

Thats why our conservationists have been engaged in protecting habitats and the unique species they are home to in Madagascar for over 10 years now.

In 2015, the Malagasy government established The Mangabe New Protected Area, co-managed by our field partner Madagasikara Voakajy and the communities that live in Mangabe itself, providing a safe haven for nine species of lemur, as well as lots of other threatened species.

We are fully involved in efforts to prevent their extinction.

Red-bellied lemur facts
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Tim Gruver is a politics and public policy reporter. He is a University of Washington alum and the recipient of the 2017 Pioneer News Award for Reporting. His work has appeared in Politico, the Kitsap Daily News, and the Northwest Asian Weekly.
Over 670,000 vaccines issues in North Wales amid warning that a high number of appointments are still being missed

More than 6702,000 coronavirus vaccines have been administered across North Wales as the rollout reaches younger age groups.

Over the last six months 452,142 people have received their first dose of the vaccine and 219,973 are now fully vaccinated.

Across Wales more than two million vaccines have been administered  with 80 per cent of the adult population receiving at least one dose of the vaccine.

Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery, said: We have now delivered more than 670,000 vaccinations in North Wales.





Despite having to make changes to our plans at short notice in response to revised national guidance, we remain on course to offer vaccinations to the remaining adult population before the end of July.

Once again we would like to thank our primary care colleagues in GP surgeries, Local Vaccination Centres and community pharmacies, as their expertise and dedication has made this incredible effort possible.

We know that being responsive has played a key part in us being able to adapt our delivery plans to ensure we can accommodate any changes in national guidance or policy.

It is important that anyone aged over 40 who has not yet been able to accept an appointment contacts us to arrange one.

With lockdown restrictions easing and international travel opening up it is important we have vaccinated as many people as possible to help protect our communities.

However the health board has warned that despite the success of the rollout, there is still a high number of people missing their appointments.

Ms Harris said: Vaccines are never thrown away, because we are able to call people in at short notice, but each missed appointment wastes vital NHS resources and creates significant logistical challenges for our staff.

While a small number of these missed appointments are a result of duplicate appointments, incorrect contact details or appointment letters arriving late, we know that in the vast majority of cases, it is because people have failed to notify us that they cannot attend, or do not wish to be vaccinated.

Were working hard to increase the number of call handlers in our COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre and recognise that some people are waiting much longer than we would like to get through.

Please help us to help you by only calling our COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre for the following reasons:

You have been invited to contact us to cancel or amend an appointment

You are aged 40+ or in an at risk group, havent received a first dose appointment, and you are unable to access the internet to complete our online form (you will have your contact details taken and will receive a call back to book an appointment)

You had your first dose anywhere other than a GP surgery, and you have been waiting more than eleven weeks for your second dose appointment

The COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre number is 03000 840004 and the lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 1pm.

If youre aged 18-39 please be patient  you shouldnt be waiting too much longer now.

On Sunday, the UK Government announced that second dose appointments for the COVID-19 vaccination can be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for those aged 50 and over in England.

The Welsh Government recognises that Health Boards already have enough flexibility in terms of their delivery plans and are making good progress in delivering the vaccine. Therefore, delivering first doses remains a priority and subject to availability of vaccine and operational capacity will look to bring forward appointments for second doses where possible.

Appointments for second doses will continue to be prioritised in terms of age and clinical need.

In recent weeks a number of short notice appointment have been made available across the region, which are being offered to people in certain age groups on a first come first served basis.

These appointments are being published when available on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board social media accounts.

Commenting on the rollout across Wales, Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: The emergence of the so-called India variant (VOC-21APR-02) is a reminder that COVID-19 has not gone away yet, nor will it do so as long as international travel or home-grown variants from raised transmission occurs.

The numbers in Wales of this variant are low and we have high numbers of people already vaccinated, including high numbers of second doses in our most vulnerable groups.

But we are closely monitoring this variant in Wales and in line with the latest JCVI advice, we are working with our local incident teams and health boards to facilitate bringing forward, subject to supply, second doses of vaccination where it will reduce infections, severe illness and hospitalisations.

Our Test Trace Protect teams continue to ensure we trace and monitor contacts of variant cases and are also further developing local plans if targeted or surge testing is required.

By taking up the offer of vaccination when it is your turn, including the second dose, you are helping to keep Wales safe. For those who have not yet taken up the offer of the vaccine, it is never too late and I urge you to arrange an appointment through your local health board.
The Most Rev. Robert E. Guglielmone, the bishop of Charleston, speaks Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at a news conference regarding a federal lawsuit that has been filed seeking to remove the Blaine Amendment from the South Carolina Constitution.
Tennessee pays more than $46K per job in incentives for new Ultium facility in Spring Hill
Feds to send $2.5 billion in food stamps to Texas families, up to $1,200 per child
Wisconsin state Rep. Mark Born, co-chairman of the Legislature's budget committee, speaks May 6, 2021, during a news conference at the state Capitol in Madison.
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Wrexham one of 18 sites across the UK to take part in COVID-19 vaccine booster study

Thousands of volunteers across the UK will receive a booster COVID-19 vaccine in a new clinical trial launching today.

The Cov-Boost study, led by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and backed by 19.3 million of UK government funding through the Vaccines Taskforce, will trial seven vaccines and will be the first in the world to provide vital data on the impact of a third dose on patients immune responses.

It aims to give scientists from around the globe and the experts behind the UKs COVID-19 vaccination programme a better idea of the impact of a booster dose of each vaccine in protecting individuals from the virus.

The study will take place at 16 NIHR-supported sites across England, and also within Health and Care Research Wales and NHS Research Scotland sites. It will include a total of 2,886 patients and participants are to begin being vaccinated from early June.





Wrexham is one of the sites where the trial will take place.

The trial will look at seven different COVID-19 vaccines as potential boosters, given at least 10 to 12 weeks after a second dose as part of the ongoing vaccination programme. One booster will be provided to each volunteer and could be a different brand to the one they were originally vaccinated with.

Vaccines being trialled include Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, Valneva, Janssen and Curevac, as well as a control group. The trial has received ethics approval by the NHS Research Ethics Committee, as well as approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

All participants will be monitored throughout the study for any side effects and will have bloods taken to measure their immune responses at days 28, 84, 308 and 365, with a small number having additional blood tests at other times.

All sites will have an electronic diary for all participants that will send alerts to the team in real time if needed and a 24-hour emergency phone to a doctor on the study, who can provide further clinical advice.

The initial findings, expected in September, will help inform decisions by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on plans for a booster programme from autumn this year, ensuring the countrys most vulnerable are given the strongest possible protection over the winter period.

The study will open for applications from volunteers shortly via the studys website and will be recruiting participants through the NHS COVID-19 Vaccine Research Registry.

Participants will be adults aged 30 years or older as these will have been those immunised early on in the vaccination programme  for example, adults aged 75 and over or health and care workers.

Chief Investigator and Director of NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility Professor Saul Faust said: This trial will give the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation the important data to inform their recommendations of how to protect the population against any future wave.

It is fantastic that so many people across the country have taken part in vaccine trials up to now so that we can be in a position to study the effects of boosters, and we hope that as many people as possible over the age of 30 who received their first dose early in the NHS programme will be able to take part.

Professor Andrew Ustianowski, National Clinical Lead for the UK NIHR COVID-19 Vaccine Research Programme, said: Throughout the pandemic, the National Institute for Health Research, the NHS and all of our research partners have helped to rollout vital studies to help us learn how to treat COVID-19 and develop effective vaccines.

The Cov-Boost study marks the next step forward in our efforts of understanding how to best protect the population and inform future vaccine booster programmes.

Since the launch of the NHS COVID-19 Vaccine Research Registry, thousands of volunteers have been recruited to key vaccine studies, and we are confident we can call upon our nearly half a million strong community to help recruitment to this important trial.
News

Department of Transportation paid to inspect bridges in White County at least yearly, county judge says

Lincoln

In light of the Interstate-40 bridge connecting Arkansas to Tennessee being closed for repair because of a major crack, County Judge Michael Lincoln explained to the White County Quorum Court on Tuesday night that the countys bridges are always being inspected.

They are always doing inspections, Lincoln said. I am thinking they get inspected yearly ... at least yearly, if not twice yearly.

He said the Arkansas Department of Transportation does the inspections on the countys bridges. We pay ARDOTs team.

On Monday, Department of Transportation officials said that the inspector who failed twice to report the crack on the I-40 bridge had been fired. The bridge was closed May 11 and repairs on it are expected to start this week.

From our investigation we have determined that the same employee who conducted the inspection in both 2019 and 2020 failed to carry out his responsibilities correctly, department Director Lorie Tudor said. This is unacceptable.

Lincoln said White County has more than 100 bridges and if one goes out, you are looking at six to eight weeks.

A road, youre looking at repairing that within days, he said. Road repair is at a certain cost. Bridge repair is probably 10 times the cost, so you cant talk about roads without talking about bridges.

Lincoln said White County has replaced a lot of bridges over the years.

We probably replace two or three bridges a year that are older or maybe they [county roads] have culverts in them and it would be better for a bridge, he said. We are always doing bridge projects in White County.

We got the bridge on Nicholson Road being replaced now, Lincoln said, adding that hopefully it can be opened up in a couple of weeks. Another upcoming bridge project is on Dogwood Church Road in Griffithville.

He said the lifespan of a bridge varies depending on the type of construction, the weight , the type of vehicles that travel the road.

When we replace the bridge, we replace it with I beams and concrete, new concrete footings, so we pretty well redo the whole thing, Lincoln said. Some of our bridges wind up having a 32-inch I beam.

A lot of times, beams for the bridges in White County come off bridges the state is replacing, Lincoln said. And he [the builder] gets them inspected and rated and they are still good. A lot of our little 60-foot, 24-foot-wide county bridges have these 32-inch I beams.

Lincoln said there is no telling what it will cost to fix the I-40 bridge. Hopefully the study doesnt come back that the old [I-55] bridge has problems, too.

The inspection of the I-55 bridge started Tuesday. Inspectors used drones to make sure it was sound structurally.

Its not cheap, Lincoln said. The inspections and the engineering has to go in with these major bridges and its pretty expensive.

He said he has had his own old bridge crossing the Little Red River between Judsonia and Kensett to deal with in the time that hes been county judge.

Its a historical bridge so I cant tear it down because its on the historical register, he said. I have actually talked to some of our Washington representatives about trying to get some federal funds to put a new bridge beside it because thats kind of a connection between Judsonia and Kensett. Its not a major connection, but if we lose that connection it just means people have to drive further to get from one place or another.

When I first got elected, they shut that bridge down in my first six months of being the newly elected judge. It took me about two or three years to get the funding to get it back open. I think I was running for my third term and I finally got it opened.
Searcy, AR (72143)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of The Ben Shapiro Show and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps, The Right Side of History and Bullies. To find out more about Ben Shapiro and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
ONEONTA - Mrs. Uhlig passed away on November 18, 2019. A memorial service will be held for Carol H. Uhlig at 12:30 p.m., Monday, June 14, in the Bookhout Funeral Home 357 Main Street, Oneonta, with Rev. Stephen D. Fournier, officiating. Friends may call at the Bookhout Funeral Home from 11 a
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-19 14:39:51|Editor: huaxia

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A man receives a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan, on May 19, 2021. Pakistan reported 3,256 new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 886,184, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

ISLAMABAD, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan reported 3,256 new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 886,184, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Wednesday.

The country's eastern Punjab province appeared as the worst-hit region with 329,913 confirmed cases, followed by southern Sindh province where 301,247 people have been tested positive, the NCOC said in a statement.

A total of 104 people died across the country during the last 24 hours, raising the death toll to 19,856, said the statement, adding that 799,951 people have recovered while 4,549 patients are in critical condition.

The country has conducted 12,552,339 tests officially so far since February of last year, and a total of 212,625 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on Tuesday, increasing the tally to 4,745,378 doses, according to the NCOC.

Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan on Wednesday urged people to be vaccinated as early as possible, adding that the country has sufficient stock of vaccines.

"I want to advise people to go for vaccination against the virus because it would help them avoid health complications and hospitalization," the official said.

The prime minister's aide also asked the citizens to follow standard operating procedures related to COVID-19 announced by the government. Enditem
Melanie joined The Daily Times in the early 90s and has served as the Life section editor since 1993. A William Blount and UT alum, Melanie is generally the early arriver who turns on the lights in the newsroom.

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Dick Polman, a veteran national political columnist based in Philadelphia and a Writer in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania, writes at DickPolman.net. Email him at dickpolman7@gmail.com.
By Du Wenlong and Song Bo

The Japanese government might deliberately bypass the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology restrictions and sell 30FFM (also known as FFM and previously known as 30DX) multi-mission frigates to Indonesia, according to recent Japanese media reports.

As a defeated country in World War II, Japan promulgated and implemented the Three Principles of Arms Export in 1967 in accordance with the pacifist constitution. The three principles are that arms exports were not allowed to go to:

Communist bloc countries.

Countries under arms exports embargo under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Countries involved in or likely to be involved in international conflicts.

In 1976, Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Miki added to the above-mentioned principles and, in fact, completely banned the export of weapons .

However, shortly after the ban was established, Japan has repeatedly used various excuses to break and modify the ban. In 2014, Abes government approved the Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfers. Overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology will not be permitted when:

The transfer violates obligations under treaties and other international agreements that Japan has concluded.

The transfer violates obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The defense equipment and technology are destined for a country party to a conflict (a country against which the United Nations Security Council is taking measures to maintain or restore international peace and security in the event of an armed attack ).

The Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfers replaced the Three Principles of Arms Export, which significantly relaxed restrictions on Japan's export of arms and military technology.

In recent years, Japan has continuously strengthened its economic and military ties with neighboring countries in the South China Sea, especially Southeast Asian countries, and has done everything possible to find more breakthrough points. In 2020, Japan successfully exported early warning radars to the Philippines. This time, Japan wants to sell FFM multifunctional frigates to Indonesia in the name of "co-production". Japan sells at "rock-bottom price" to countries that need weapons and equipment and then conducts joint production, particularly attractive to countries with relevant needs.

Military expert Du Wenlong said that Japan's plan is that if it can have more partners around the South China Sea and sign more military agreements in the future, it will gradually whitewash its identity as a country outside the region into a country within the region. In the future, joint maritime operations, joint command, and even various maritime operations with these countries will become the norm. As a result, it will allow Japan to step into the South China Sea. It can be seen from this that the reason why Japan wants to produce a multifunctional frigate with Indonesia jointly is that Japan is not only exporting its equipment and technology but also exporting its influence.

Japan has always been regarded as a "chess piece" by the US. When the US cannot do what it wants in the Asia-Pacific region, it is convenient to use Japan to coordinate ties with neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The relationship between the US and Southeast Asian countries has always been poor. If the US can use Japan to infiltrate its influence and intentions, it can make Japan a relay station and achieve strategic binding of Indonesia and other countries through the US-Japan alliance.

In the future, the US and Japan will have their division of labor in military cooperation. When it comes to some small countries, especially when the US cannot fully influence them, the US will let Japan use economic or other means to infiltrate, disintegrate, and dissolve. However, if Japan takes the opportunity to expand its influence and steal the thunder, it will cause dissatisfaction from the US, which will not tolerate it.

Editor's note: This article is originally published on military.cnr.cn, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-19 17:14:57|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China will pilot an inter-provincial marriage registration policy to save its growing migrant population from returning to their hometown for marriage registration.

The pilot program will be first introduced in Liaoning, Shandong, Guangdong, Chongqing and Sichuan, among other provincial-level regions, running from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023, the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) announced Wednesday.

Under China's current regulations, marriages must be registered at a marriage registry located in the place of household registration of the bride or groom.

The new policy will enable people living outside their place of household registration to register their marriage in the pilot areas where they have resided for a continuous period of at least half a year, the ministry said.

An average of 10 million new marriages are registered annually in China, while an annual average of nearly 4 million divorces are handled by marriage registries across the country, showed MCA statistics.

China's migrant population has been on the rise. According to the country's latest national census, around 493 million people lived outside their place of household registration in 2020, with those aged between 15 and 35 accounting for more than 70 percent.

Calling the cross-regional marriage registration program a well-timed move, Ma Chunhua, an expert with the Institute of Sociology under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the policy is aimed at solving people's practical difficulties and meeting their needs.

"Such changes to marriage registration procedures are an inevitable trend of social development," Ma said.

The pilot policy has become feasible thanks to the digitalization of the marriage registration system. A national marriage information database has been established, which can be shared among civil affairs departments across the country.

The MCA has also teamed up with banks and other departments to adopt an individual credit risk notification system in a bid to punish those engaged in fraudulent practices in marriage registration, such as deliberately concealing or fabricating personal information. Enditem
Tables and chairs in a closed classroom at the private primary school Jeanne D'Arc in Saint-Maur-des-Fosses, near Paris, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in France, on March 30, 2021. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters)

20 Attorneys General Petition Biden Admin to Backtrack on CRT and 1619 Project-Based Education Proposals

A joint letter by 20 state attorneys general directed to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is asking the Biden administration to retract its education plans that would promote critical race theory (CRT) and The New York Times 1619 Project in schools.

The groups criticism centers on recent proposals from the Department of Education that detail plans in April to provide grants for a curriculum that teaches diversity and the effects of systemic marginalization under American History and Civics Education programs.

The letter (pdf), led by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, claims that the proposed priorities issued by the Education Department are a thinly veiled effort to insert CRT and the 1619 Project into American classrooms.

As the chief legal officers of our respective states, we write to express our deep concerns with the proposed priorities recently issued by the United States Department of Education. The proposed priorities are a thinly veiled attempt at bringing into our states classrooms the deeply flawed and controversial teachings of Critical Race Theory and the 1619 Project, the letter reads.

It further argues that the new education proposals would distort the accuracy of history, rendering it at odds with state and federal law.

CRT is an ideological construct that analyzes and interprets American history and government primarily through the narrow prism of race. Similarly, the 1619 Project seeks to reframe the countrys history. As such, it distorts, rather than illuminates, a proper and accurate understanding of our nations history and governmental institutions and, therefore, is fundamentally at odds with federal and state law, state the attorneys general.

The ideas being put forward by the 1619 Project suggest that the United States was founded on white supremacy and oppression and that these are still fundamental aspects of society.

The letter was signed by attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

The Department should not adopt the proposed rule or, at a minimum, should make clear that grants may not fund projects that are based on CRT, including any projects that characterize the United States as irredeemably racist or founded on principles of racism, they state.

Ibram X. Kendis works are specifically cited in the new priorities that progressive politicians want to implement, with the claim that they would reduce discrimination and racism.

The letter asserts that the biggest issue is the impact of the theories being promoted on students, and urges the department not to embrace the proposed measures.

In criticism of the potential adverse effect on students, the AGs refer to educator and political scientist Frederick Hess:

Upon closer scrutiny, it quickly becomes apparent just how wholly Kendis doctrine is at odds with American traditions of equality, free inquiry, and ordered liberty. Kendi holds that every single thing in the worldevery action, idea, thought, and policyis either racist or anti-racist.

To illustrate their point, the AGs give an example that demonstrates the unfairness of equitya term that stems from the Marxist idea of absolute egalitarianism.

Kendi helped lead the opposition against the selection process for the elite Boston Latin School, the Boston Latin Academy, and the John D. OBryant School of Math & Science, the letter reads.

Relying heavily on a merit-based testing regime, Asian applicants received a disproportionately high number of the scarce 205 available seats. With COVID as a pretext, equity advocates set up a new system to fill the spots based on zip codes and grades, a plan that will result in a 24 percent reduction in Asians, an 18 percent reduction in whites, a 50 percent increase in blacks, and a 14 percent increase in Hispanics.'

Another notable criticism is aimed at the proposals alleged discrimination of students based on privilege or oppressor status, based only on racial identity.

Teaching this in a classroom clearly runs afoul of broad non-discrimination provisions adopted by many states to prevent the same sort of separatist teaching that the guidance attempts to integrate into schools through teachers and students, the letter states.

After attending the programs being put forward, the teachers would be violating Indiana law if they indoctrinate students discriminatorily, the coalition of attorneys general said.

The Department of Education told The Epoch Times: We look forward to receiving the letter and responding directly to the signees.
People are seen queuing to enter a mass COVID-19 vaccination hub on May 10, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

$40M Vaccine Campaign Already Targets Eligible Aussies, PM Says Amid Expansion Push

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the government is already spending $40 million on a campaign to promote CCP virus vaccines to targeted priority groups, including older adults and aged care residents, amid a push for an urgent marketing effort to combat broader vaccine hesitancy.

Morrison said theres no point in targeting promotional vaccine messages to people in their 30s because they arent currently eligible to get vaccinated.

But Australian Medical Association (AMA) Deputy President Chris Moy wants a more effective national strategy to motivate people who are in no rush to get one of the vaccines on offer.

At the moment, given we have no COVID [in Australia] and were living in this really gilded cage, which is disconnected from the world, people do not perceive a risk, and all theyre hearing is the negatives, Moy told ABC radio on Thursday.

Moy wants to convince people to roll up their sleeves by promoting the benefits of getting a jab.

Promoting the benefits is the focus of the New Zealand governments vaccination campaign ad, which likens getting a vaccine to a metaphorical door to freedom.

The AMA deputy president used the high prevalence overseas of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, to warn that Australians were sitting ducks until a significant proportion of the country gets vaccinated.

But Morrison argued the campaign would ramp up later this year as more people become eligible and big shipments of Pfizer vaccines arrived.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison addresses the media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on April 27, 2021. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Theres no point talking to people who are 30 years old at the moment because they cant go and get a vaccine, he told 3AW radio on Thursday.

Were talking to those who are eligible for the vaccine at the moment, which is over 50s and particularly those who are over 70 and in residential aged care facilities.

This comes after figures from a poll by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age with research company Resolve Strategic showed that around 29 percent of people said they were unlikely to get vaccinated.

According to the poll, of these people, around 50 percent said their main reason for not getting the vaccine was nervousness about the side effects for their age groupsuch as the rare but serious blood clots that were in April officially linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine for people under 50.

Not knowing enough about the vaccines was the second biggest reason (38 percent), and wanting to wait until more people have been vaccinated was the third biggest reason (32 percent).

About 21 percent, or one in five, said they felt no rush to get the jab because there was no international travel, and a further 21 percent said they were not in a priority group and could wait.

A general view of the NSW Health Vaccination Centre in Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney, Australia, on May 10, 2021. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The prime minister addressed the figures on Wednesday, saying he was not overly troubled that 29 percent of people say theyre unlikely to get a CCP virus vaccine. Instead, he told 2GB radio hed rather focus for now on the 70 percent who want to have it.

So lets just get on with them, he said. Theres plenty of time to have the chat with the others who are a bit hesitant; thats alright, its a free country.

More than 3.2 million Australians have now received a COVID-19 vaccination, with the daily pace of the rollout increasing as the program expands.

This week the federal government reported its largest uptake, with 95,000 vaccine doses administered a single day.

People are seen queuing to enter a mass COVID-19 vaccination hub on May 10, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Riot police officers transfer inmates after a riot broke out at a prison facility in the municipality of Cantel, in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala May 20, 2021. (Luis Echeverria/Reuters)

6 Dead After Prison Riot in Western Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITYSix people were killed in a prison in western Guatemala after a riot broke out at the facility on Wednesday, authorities said in a statement.

The victims were found decapitated on a patio in the overcrowded prison in the town of Cantel in the state of Quetzaltenango, the police statement said.

A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the killings were part of a confrontation between a gang and drug traffickers.

By Sofia Menchu
Absent Media, Texas Executes Inmate Who Killed Great Aunt

HUNTSVILLE, TexasA Texas man convicted of fatally beating his 83-year-old great aunt more than two decades ago was executed Wednesday evening without media witnesses present because prison agency officials neglected to notify reporters it was time to carry out the punishment.

Quintin Jones received the lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the September 1999 killing of Berthena Bryant, agency spokesman Jeremy Desel said about 30 minutes after Jones was pronounced dead.

Desel never received the usual phone call from the Huntsville Unit prison to bring reporters from The Associated Press and The Huntsville Item to the prison. He and the media witnesses were waiting in an office across the street.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice can only apologize for this error and nothing like this will ever happen again, he said.

He said the execution, the first in Texas in nearly a year, included a number of new personnel who have never participated in the process.

Somewhere in that mix there was never a phone call made to this office for me to accompany the witnesses across the street into the Huntsville Unit, Desel said.

Desel said he didnt immediately know if the glitch was a violation of state law or a violation of agency policy.

The previous 570 executions carried out by Texas since capital punishment resumed in 1982 all had at least one media witness.

My assumption is there will be a thorough investigation into how this all transpired and what was missed that allowed it to happen, and I expect that investigation is already underway, Desel said.

There were no unusual circumstances with the execution itself, he said, relying on accounts from agency officials who were inside the death chamber.

Jones made a brief statement thanking his supporters and expressing love for them.

I was so glad to leave this world a better, more positive place, he said, according to a prison transcript of his remarks. Its not an easy life with all of the negativity.

I hope I left everyone a plate of food full of happy memories, happiness and no sadness.

As the lethal dose of pentobarbital was administered, he took four or five deep breaths followed by a long deep snore, Desel said.

Jones was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m., 12 minutes after the drugs began.

Less than an hour before the scheduled punishment, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt the 41-year-old mans execution.

Prosecutors said after Bryant refused to lend Jones money, he beat her with a bat in her Fort Worth home then took $30 from her purse to buy drugs.

Some of Bryants family members, including her sister Mattie Long, had said they didnt want Jones to be executed. Jones was Longs grandnephew.

Because I was so close to Bert, her death hurt me a lot. Even so, God is merciful. Quintin cant bring her back. I cant bring her back. I am writing this to ask you to please spare Quintins life, Long wrote in a letter that was part of Joness clemency petition with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The board denied Joness clemency petition on Tuesday and Gov. Greg Abbott didnt go against that decision and also declined to delay the execution. Abbott has granted clemency to only one death row inmate, Thomas Whitaker, since taking office in 2015.

Helena Faulkner, a Tarrant County assistant criminal district attorney whose office prosecuted Jones, said not all of Bryants family members had opposed the execution.

In his final appeals, Joness attorney, Michael Mowla, argued that Jones was intellectually disabled and that his death sentence was based on since discredited testimony that wrongly labeled him as a psychopath and a future danger. Mowla also said Joness history of drug and alcohol abuse that started at age 12 and physical and sexual abuse he suffered were never considered at his trial.

Jones was the first inmate in Texas to receive a lethal injection since the July 8 execution of Billy Joe Wardlow. Four other executions had been set for earlier this year but were either delayed or rescheduled. While Texas is usually the nations busiest death penalty state, in 2020 it executed only three inmatesthe fewest executions in nearly 25 years, mainly because of the pandemic.

In court documents filed last week, prosecutors argued the death sentence was justified because Jones had a violent history, including assaulting teachers and participating in two other murders.

By Juan a. Lozano and Michael Graczyk
At the end of 2004, the editorial board of The Epoch Times published a series of editorials called, "Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party," which, for the first time in human history, profoundly revealed the deceitful, violent, cult-like, and rogue nature of the Chinese Communist Party at the historical, political, economic, cultural, and faith levels. (The Epoch Times)

Aide to High-level Chinese Communist Official Quits the Party

At the end of 2004, The Epoch Times editorial board published a series of editorials called Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party. They revealed the deceitful, violent, cult-like, and rogue nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Following the publication, Chinese people began to quit the CCP by posting their withdrawal statements on the Chinese-language Epoch Times website.

The movement of quitting the CCP and its two affiliated youth groupsthe Young Pioneers and the Communist Youth Leagueis often referred to as the Three Withdrawals by Chinese people. A significant number of the Three Withdrawals has come from the top echelon of the CCP, including officials from the State Council, ministries, the National Peoples Congress, the Central Party School, and from provincial and municipal cadres.

Inside China, Falun Gong practitioners have taken the lead in assisting people with the task of registering their quitting statements on The Epoch Times, which requires circumventing the Chinese internet firewall.

Falun Gong is an ancient spiritual practice centered on the cultivation of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. The practice gained wide-spread popularity throughout Chinese society during the 1990s, only to be suppressed by former CCP leader Jiang Zemin in 1999. While subjected to more than two decades of brutal persecution, Falun Gong practitioners have peacefully resisted the pressure to give up their faith and have instead encouraged their fellow countrymen to quit from the Party.

Aide to Deputy State Level Official Quits

Mr. Wang, a Falun Gong practitioner, recently shared a story on Minghuia website that documents the persecution of Falun Gongdescribing how he assisted his brother-in-law to quit from the CCP.

Wangs brother-in-law used to be the aide to a deputy state level official. As a senior figure in the CCP, he was well aware of the Partys evil deeds and insider stories. He was also aware that senior officials phones are monitored, so there were things the two men didnt dare to say on the phone but could only say in person.

Being the attendant of a high-ranking official, Wangs brother-in-law also had a lot of power. For example, when visiting Beijing, it was easy for him to deploy dozens of police cars. There were always people, including movie stars and directors, asking for his help. When dispatched to a provincial-level department, he would always be driven around in a fancy limousine arranged by the provincial government and staying in high-class hotels, no matter whether it was for personal affairs or business.

Broaching the subject of quitting the CCP, Wang started out by asking his brother-in-law two questions: Do you know that the CCP has done a lot of bad things? Do you know that the 2002 Falun Gong self-immolation on Tiananmen Square was staged by the CCP? Both times, his brother-in-law said, yes, he knew.

Wang continued, The Communist Party has done so many bad things, God will definitely punish it and destroy it, and its members will also be implicated. How about I help you quit? After giving it a moments thought, his brother-in-law agreed.

The next day the two men got together again. His brother-in-law anxiously grasped Wangs hand and wanted to know whether Wang had sent the quitting statement in. And though Wang replied, Dont worry, its already registered, his brother-in-law was still worried and kept repeating several times, You must help me quit. Dont forget!

More Top Level Party Members Quit

One CCP State Council official wrote in his quitting statement: Its against my will to be a hired thug! Im sorry, Chinese people! I hope the Communist Party will die soon.

Li Bochun, a senior retired Army officer, wrote this: I am determined to quit the evil Chinese Communist Party forever! I am a retired technical official for national defense with 43 years of military service and more than 30 years of Party service. I used to believe whatever my superiors said. It was only after I retired that I truly understood the evil nature of the Communist Party.

A large number of CCP members in Chinas state-run media outlets have also quit the Party.

A CCTV reporter wrote: Enough is enough. Today, I formally declare that I am free from all ties with them. I used to be a reporter for the TV station. I have seen through their hypocrisy during my years of work. I have been deceived by the Party with the propaganda of lies. Today, I officially dissociate myself from all relations with it.

Thirteen young CCP members at a Shanghai TV station, and 18 reporters, editors, and directors at Shanghai Oriental TV have also quit.

According to an Epoch Times tally, more than 376 million people, about 27 percent of Chinas population, have quit the Chinese Communist Party and/or its affiliated youth organizations as of the end of April 2021.

Soviet Union Collapse

Before the collapse of the former Soviet Union, there also emerged a wave of quitting the Communist Party, which claimed to have had 19.2 million members. According to The Last Empire: The Final Days of the Soviet Union, more than 4 million Soviet communists quit the Party between the beginning of 1990 and July 1991.

In 1990, Boris Yeltsin publicly renounced the Communist Party. 2.7 million members immediately followed suit, accelerating the Party-quitting wave. On Dec. 25, 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev, then secretary-general of the Soviet Communist Party, announced his resignation from office.
Ben Cotton, founder of CyFIR, one of four firms working on the 2020 election audit in Maricopa County, Ariz., testifies to state senators in Phoenix on May 18, 2021. (Arizona Capitol Television via NTD/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Arizona Auditor: Did Not Backtrack on Election Database Deletion Allegation

A forensic auditor helping conduct an audit of 2020 election machines in Arizonas largest county disputed on May 20 reports claiming he backtracked on allegations that files were deleted from one of the machines.

My testimony on May 19th before the AZ Senate is being taken out of context by some media outlets. To confirm: the Databases directory on the EMS Primary Server WAS deleted containing the voting databases. I was able to recover the deleted databases through forensic data recovery processes, Ben Cotton, founder of CyFIR, said in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times by the audits liaison.

Some reports, including articles from The Associated Press and CNN, alleged auditors had backtracked from or reversed allegations that files were deleted from a machine.

AP, for instance, claimed that Cotton said that data was not destroyed, reversing earlier allegations that election officials in the states most populated county eliminated evidence.

CNN claimed that auditors backtracked from claims that a key database had been deleted.

Both outlets left out the crucial context from Cottons testimony before Arizona state senators on May 18.

Cotton said in examining the machine that he discovered a master file table that clearly indicated that the database directory was deleted from that server.

Subsequently, Ive been able to recover all of those deleted files, and I have access to that data, he said. I have the information I need from the recovery efforts of the data.

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)

Outlets had only included the latter portion in attempting to promote the idea that Cottons testimony conflicted with what Arizona Senate President Karen Fann, a Republican, told Maricopa County in a May 12 letter.

An Associated Press spokesman declined to say whether the wire agency would be updating its articles. He instead pointed to a new article that included Cottons most recent statement.

CNN didnt respond to an inquiry.

Fann told The Epoch Times on May 20 that there was no backtracking of the deletion claims.

The file was deleted but Cyfir was able to recover it from other areas. But yes, the file had been deleted on that portion of the drive, she wrote in an email.

The Senate and its audit team have clashed with county officials over the claims.

In her recent letter, Fann said that in addition to the database directory apparently being deleted, the main database for election management system software wasnt found anywhere on the machine.

This suggests that the main database for all election related data for the November 2020 General Election has been removed, she wrote.

Maricopa County officials rebutted the allegations in a letter, a board meeting, and a technical analysis.

But Cotton stood by the audits preliminary findings and said his team is trying to ascertain whether the files that were recovered can be analyzed.

We are performing data continuity checks to ensure that the recovered databases are usable, he said.

The audit is on hold as high school graduations take place at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. Its scheduled to resume on May 24.
Australia Joins Space Race With New Defence Division

Australia will join the growing number of nations protecting their assets in space with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) announcing on Wednesday a new Space Division within the Royal Australian Air Force.

The division will draw personnel from all areas of the ADF, reflecting the significance of the space domain for Australias national security. It will be operational from early 2022.

Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said having access to space was vital for the ADFs multi-domain operations.

We use Space daily for understanding the weather, navigating, access to geospatial information and sharing information across Australia or across the world, Hupfeld said.

The establishment of the new space division means Australia will join allies, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, in having dedicated space military units. This comes after the domain of space was declared a developing risk area as nations like Russia and China increasingly invest in counter space weaponry (pdf).

Counterspace weapons are defined by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies as those that can disrupt, degrade, or destroy space infrastructure held by another country and hold at risk the ability of others to use the space domain.

Coming in four typeskinetic physical, non-kinetic physical, electronic and cyberthe weapons pose a serious risk to the environment of space and to the ability of all nations who seek to use it.

A rocket carrying a lunar probe is launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, China on Dec. 2, 2013. The Chinese regime is developing space weapons designed to destroy or disable satellites. (ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images)

It was a point that Hupfeld noted by explaining that the area was becoming more contested making it more difficult to protect Australias interests.

Defence will need capabilities that directly contribute to outcomes in Space as a contested domain, he said.

The federal government will boost investment by $7 billion (US$5.5 billion) over the next 10 years to help establish the space division and ensure access to space, space services, and geospatial information.

The new division will be lead by Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts, who said the position was a dream come true.

To reach for the stars and actually get there is a phenomenal feeling, Roberts said. As an aerospace engineer, I have always been fascinated by spacethe ultimate high-ground.

The move is welcome news for defence analyst Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. He said the new space command would provide a good opportunity to centralise and sustain professional expertise from both uniformed and civilian sectors in the ADF so that knowledge and expertise will not be lost.

Space is a complex and fast-moving operational warfighting domain that demands constant thought and attention, Davis said. The challenges  simply cant be met properly if space is treated as an afterthought in defence planning, or if technical expertise is constantly lost due to redeployment of personnel.
Australias National University Wants to Go Carbon Negative by 2030

The Australian National University (ANU) will be the first university in the country to commit to reducing greenhouse emissions to negative levels by 2030.

In an announcement on Thursday, ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt said the university was walking the walk in tackling climate change in an ambitious initiative called the Below Zero Initiative.

As Australias national university, we are committed to not only reducing and offsetting our emissions but also taking more carbon out of the atmosphere than we put in, Schmidt said.

ANU wants to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025 before its negative emissions by 2030 goal, meaning it wants to offset emissions that cannot be avoided.

Schmidt claimed that it would be easy for the university to transition to meet this goal, given they were able to identify that their greatest emissions were from heating and business travel.

The logo of the Australian National University (ANU) is seen on a building at the campus in Canberra, Australia on Sept. 16, 2020. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

In our case, we use a lot of natural gas for heating. That is the number one place for us to focus on, Schmidt told ABC radio, suggesting that they could experiment with using hydrogen power as a replacement or simply use electricity more effectively.

Mark Howden, director of the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions said ANU community would be involved in achieving this target through research and innovation.

By 2030, the goal is for ANU to achieve below-zero emissions for energy, waste, business travel and direct on-campus greenhouse gas emissions, and we will only use carbon offsets that have a research and teaching connection at the University, Howden said. Our expertise will drive innovation in this vital sector.

Howden added that reaching the target would require an organisational and behavioural change throughout all levels at the university.

Most ANU staff and students feel that the institution and individuals both have critical roles to play in addressing climate change, he said.

While many countries are pledging ambitious carbon targets, Australia has made no move to increase its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, which has remained unchanged since 2015.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-19 21:20:30|Editor: huaxia

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Li Chunmin displays the counterfoil of a remittance he sent to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Construction Headquarters at his home in Tianjin, north China, April 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)





LHASA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- In Xinhua's China Photo Archive, there is a photo of a money order taken by a Xinhua reporter 20 years ago - - the first remittance received by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Construction Headquarters. The money order was unsigned as the remitter only put "Cadre sent to support Tibet in 1979" on it.



This undated file photo shows the first remittance of 1,118 yuan received by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Construction Headquarters on June 15, 2001. (Xinhua/Gao Xueyu)

Twenty years later, Xinhua reporters found Li Chunmin, the owner of the money order.

Li, 70, worked at Tianjin Dredging Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of China Communication Construction Co., Ltd. (CCCC), before retiring. He now lives in Tianjin, north China.



Li Chunmin visits the Pengda hydropower station, where he once participated in the construction, in Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zhen)

Li Chunmin (L) visits his host family when he worked in Tibet, in Bangru Village, Yiri Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin takes photos of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)





In 1979, in response to the national call to support Tibet, he left his four-month-old child and went to work in Riwoqe County of Qamdo, which is nearly 3,000 kilometers away from his hometown Tianjin.



Riwoqe, meaning "big mountain" in Tibetan, is located in the northeast of Tibet, with an average altitude of about 4,500 meters.



Li worked in Tibet for five years since 1979. There, he saw the once inconvenient transportation and poor educational conditions.



This photo re-shot on April 21, 2021 shows Li Chunmin working in Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region in 1981. (Xinhua)





Years after Li had been back to Tianjin, he was still concerned about Tibet. Li wanted to continue to contribute to the development of Tibet. Thus during the construction of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, Li donated money to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Headquarters every year from 2001 to 2006, when the railway was completed.



Some counterfoils of the remittances Li Chunmin sent to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Construction Headquarters are displayed in Tianjin, north China, April 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)





The Qinghai-Tibet railway, which began construction in 2001, is the world's longest railway built on a plateau, with its highest point 5,072 meters above sea level.



In 1993, Li Chunmin returned to Riwoqe County to visit the place where he once worked. When passing a local school, he found that the windows of the classroom had no glass, with only plastic sheets pasted up. When the wind whistled in, the children shivered with cold. This scene made Li Chunmin feel so distressed, that he donated his money and told the school to install glass in the classroom.



Li Chunmin says goodbye to students of the No. 1 Primary School in Chamoling Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin (C) talks with students at Yiri Township Primary School in Yiri Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zhen)





Since then, Li has dedicated himself to improving the teaching conditions in Riwoqe County. In 2007, Li Chunmin initiated the "Qixing" Student Aid Award Fund. The fund has been annually rewarded and supported teachers and students from poor families with excellent academic performance in Riwoqe County. It also helps to improve the local teaching facilities.



At present, the fund has raised nearly ten million yuan (1.55 million U.S. dollars), including Li Chunmin's personal donation of more than one million yuan, benefiting more than 5,000 teachers and students, and covering 15 schools.

Li Chunmin (R) talks with Zhaxi Como of the Tibetan ethnic group supported by "Qixing" Student Aid Award Fund at Tianjin University in Tianjin, north China, April 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Students wash faces with heated water provided by equipment donated by "Qixing" Student Aid Award Fund at the Second Primary School in Samdo Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 30, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zhen)





For more than a decade, Li Chunmin has been visiting Tibet almost every year to carry out student aid activities. He helped install solar water heaters for local villagers, customize special shoes for children with one-legged disabilities, and suggest setting up biogas pilot spot to be used in households. He wrote down screen after screen of his notes on student affairs on his mobile phone.

Li Chunmin notes students aiding affairs on the way to Yiri Township Primary School in Yiri Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zhen)

Li Chunmin arranges materials of student aiding at his home in Tianjin, north China, April 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zhen)

Li Chunmin (top) descends a ladder after fixing the solar water heater on the dining hall roof of Jigdoi Township Primary School in Jigdoi Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin helps contact for the maintenance of the solar water heaters of Jigdoi Township Primary School at a hotel in Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin (5th R) talks with the president of Jigdoi Township Primary School and solar water heater manager about the maintenance of the solar water heaters of Jigdoi Township Primary School in Jigdoi Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin (C) supervises the installation of solar water heaters on the dining hall roof of Jigdoi Township Primary School in Jigdoi Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin (1st L) checks the foot of a girl with foot disability and tries to contact a surgery for her at Yiri Township Primary School in Yiri Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin (L) gives a pair of specially customized shoes to a girl with foot disability at Yiri Township Primary School in Yiri Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Chunmin notes students aiding affairs on the way to Yiri Township Primary School in Yiri Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zhen)

Li Chunmin (L) looks at the X-ray examination report of a girl with foot disability with Li Mingxin, a doctor sent to support Tibet, in Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)

Li Chunmin (2nd L) checks the use of biogas tank at a local villager's house in Pengda Village, Pengda Township, Riwoqe County of Qamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li was born in 1951, the year of Tibet's peaceful liberation. It is a coincidence, but also a chance.



"I am very lucky to have the opportunity to be attached to Tibet," said Li. "Thanks to this era, I got the chance to work in Tibet, and to establish such ties and connections with the people."



This seemingly thin but energetic retired man is now busy working between school buildings in villages and towns.



Just like the unsigned money orders he sent in those days, his devotion to support Tibet has always been full of responsibility and gratitude. 
Pedestrians wear protective masks after a new wave of Covid-19 pandemic occurred in New Taipei city on May 15, 2021. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Beijings Olive Branch Rejected as Taiwan to Secure Qualified Vaccine: Scholar

While Taiwan strived to speed up COVID-19 vaccine deliveries from its international allies in a recent surge of availability, Beijings offer to help did not win the confidence of Taiwan people who considered the proffered vaccine to be a political ploy, a Taiwanese scholar said.

Recently, Su Tzu-Yun, director of the Defense Strategy and Resources Division of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan, told The Epoch Times the reasons behind Taiwans reluctance to receive Chinese-made vaccines.

Taiwan, a model territory once known for successfully handling the Covid-19 outbreak, reported 295 new cases and one death on May 20, making it the sixth consecutive day of over 100 domestic infections, official data shows.

The Central Epidemic Command Center of Taiwan introduced a Level 3 COVID-19 alert nationwide on May 19. In the past week, over 1500 locally transmitted cases were reported.

Only about one percent of Taiwans 23.5 million residents have been vaccinated, Reuters reported.

A worker sprays disinfectant around Taoist Fuhe temple in the Zhonghe district in New Taipei City on May 13, 2021. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed the mainlands will to pay the greatest efforts and suggested Taiwan remove man-made barriers earlier this week.

Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council responded by denying the false sympathy from Beijing, stating Taipei would secure more reliable vaccine supplies worldwide if Beijing refrained from interfering.

In an interview with The Epoch Times on May 18, Su expressed concerns over the low protection rate of Chinese-made vaccines revealed by real-life incidents and lack of credible scientific proof of efficacy.

There were many falsification scandals about the production of Chinese vaccines in the past, including childhood vaccinations, he said. Chinese children were paralyzed by vaccines meant to protect the vulnerable from diseases.

This would not happen in a democratic country, but under the authoritarian politics of the CCP, it makes the credibility of the vaccines even less reliable.

It would obviously be more worrisome to accept vaccines from the CCP to help Taiwan at this time, Su said, adding that Taiwans locally produced vaccines are expected to be available in July.

Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwanese ambassador to the United States, posted to Facebook on May 18, All-out efforts to contact the U.S. side to assist Taiwan to secure the vaccine as early as possible.

The United States announced it will share over 80 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from its stockpile with the international community, including 60 million doses of AstraZeneca, and the rest from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

According to Taiwans Ministry of Health and Welfare, a new shipment of 400,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses purchased through COVAX, made by the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca, arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday afternoon.

A medical staff displays a Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in New Taipei city on March 22, 2021. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Lee Zhen-shou, a researcher at Taiwans National Policy Foundation, said in a recent interview, The success rate of the vaccine in mainland China is either very low or it does not dare to reveal the entire effectiveness of its vaccine, so people are highly suspicious of its vaccine.

Thus far, China has exported hundreds of millions of vaccines mainly overseas to developing countries, yet claimed that it would never use the vaccine to lead the world.

Su criticized Beijing as putting the cart before the horse, when the immunization coverage rate remains low in the mainland. It raises doubts about Beijings intentions [behind its vaccine diplomacy], said Su.

The Global Times, a media mouthpiece of the communist regime, accused Taiwans authority of showing incompetence and arrogance in a May 18 report, quoting from an anonymous expert that the ruling party of Taiwan should appreciate and accept Beijings kindness.

It pushes Taiwan further away, which means it hurts the feelings of cross-strait people even more, said Su.

In addition, he described the recent outbreak in Taiwan as multi-point concurrent, which should be investigated in-depth afterward.

Luo Ya and Zhang Yujie contributed to this report.
Matthias Warnig, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Stream 2 AG, attends a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Sochi on Oct. 12, 2017. (Maxim Shemetov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Admin Waives Sanctions on Russias Nord Stream 2 Company and CEO

The Biden administration has waived sanctions on the company and CEO overseeing the construction of Russias Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Wednesday, saying that the decision was made in the U.S. national interest.

Blinken waived the sanctions despite Congress receiving a report on the pipeline project from the State Department, which concluded that the company Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity.

State Department spokesman Ned Price has previously said however that sanctions are only one of many tools that can be used.

The State Department had imposed sanctions on four Russian ships, including the Akademik Cherskiy, which began pipe-laying for the project in Danish waters in April. It had also imposed the measures on five other Russian entities, including the Russian Marine Rescue Service.

Todays actions demonstrate the administrations commitment to energy security in Europe, consistent with the Presidents pledge to rebuild relationships with our allies and partners in Europe, Blinken said in a press release, which was issued as he met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for the first time in Iceland for an Arctic Council conference.

Read More Happy Days Are Here Againfor Beijing and Moscow

The Trump administration had previously imposed sanctions on any companies helping Russias state energy company Gazprom build the $11 billion pipeline to take gas under the Baltic Sea to Europe via Germany.

Former President Donald Trump opposed the project on the grounds that it would strengthen Putins economic and political influence over Europe. Poland has been one of the fiercest critics of the pipeline, which would sharply reduce central and Eastern European countries bargaining power in case of a supply dispute with Russia, which has in the past cut deliveries of the fuel to Ukraine and parts of Europe in winter during pricing disputes.

Many EU officials in Brussels have also expressed opposition to the project, hoping to reduce the blocs energy dependence on Russia.

U.S. President Joe Biden has also expressed opposition to the project, which would bypass Ukraine and deprive it of lucrative transit fees, including when he was vice president under former President Barack Obama. The White House said as recently as January that the president believes the pipeline is a bad deal for Europe.

The pipeline, which is roughly 95 percent complete, would double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream duct to deliver gas from Russia to Europe via Germany under the Baltic Sea. Its expected to be completed by this year.

U.S. officials hope the waiver will give time for discussions with Germany on potential negative effects of the pipeline and provide some leverage to deepen cooperation on broader issues that the administration considers priority, such as the pandemic, climate change, the economic recovery, and dealing with communist China and Russia.

The move has been met with fierce opposition from both sides of the aisle.

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said in a statement that he is opposed to the decision by the Biden Administration to waive sanctions on NS2 AG and Matthias Warnig.

I urge the administration to rip off the Band-Aid, lift these waivers, and move forward with the congressionally mandated sanctions, he said.

Sen. Jim Risch, senior Republican on the SFRC, said the waivers will be a gift to Putin that will only weaken the United States leverage in the lead up to the impending Biden-Putin summit.

While hardworking Americans are suffering a domestic energy crisis with soaring gas prices, lines at pumps, and empty gas stations, President Biden is helping Putin increase Russias energy development rather than reclaim Americas energy independence, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y) said in a statement.

Stefanik said the move gives Russia dangerous leverage and puts Americas energy and national security at risk, particularly given Bidens decision to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also commented on Twitter that if Biden couldnt prioritize American jobs over climate change concerns, that he shouldnt do so for Russia.

American pipeline and jobs? No. Russian pipeline and jobs? Yes. President Biden, if youre cant put America First, can you at least not put Russia first?  Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) May 19, 2021

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who spoke to Blinken by phone, welcomed the decision, saying it was a constructive step that we will gladly continue to discuss with our partners in Washington.

The Greens party in Germany has vowed it will work to end the Nord Stream 2 project ahead of the upcoming election.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Canadians Wait on Average 450 Days Longer Than Americans, Europeans for Access to New Drugs: Study

Canadian patients are waiting on average more than 450 days longer than Americans and Europeans to have access to new medicines that can potentially improve their health or save their lives, according to a study.

The study, published by think tank Fraser Institute on May 13, found that of the 218 drugs approved in both Canada and the United States between the period of 2012/13 and 2018/19, approval was granted on average of 469 days earlier in the United States. When compared with Europe during the same period, the 205 drugs approved had been approved by Europe on average of 468 days earlier than Canada.

One reason that accounts for the delay is the efficiency of the approval process, according to Bacchus Barua, associate director of Health Policy Studies at the Fraser Institute.

Innovative new medicines can have a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of those suffering from illness. Unfortunately, Canadians are often denied these benefits for months, if not years, waiting for government to approve drugs already deemed safe and effective by regulators in the European Union and United States, Bacchus said in a statement released last Thursday.

The other reason is the difference in when the drug was submitted for regulatory approval in the first place, the study states.

As to why manufacturers choose to delay submitting their new drugs to Canada, the study suggests it could be due to the smaller market size, weaker intellectual property protection, regulatory controls on drug pricing by the federal government, reimbursement policies practised by insurers, and the user fees and costs associated with creating a submission for a particular agency, among other reasons.

One way to improve the situation, the study recommends, is for Health Canada to consider replacing their mandatory approval process with agreements that recognize the approval of new drugs by comparable international agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Unions European Medicines Agency (EMA), which help to remove any duplicative process.

Under such an approach, approval by the FDA or the EMA could be considered sufficient for market access in Canada, the authors wrote. If Canada had such agreements with Europe and the United States (accepting approval from either body as equivalent), patients could have received access to 223 new pharmaceutical therapies (of the 224 in our sample) a median 383 (average 742) days earlier.

Though such an agreement, Canadian patients would also likely receive access to many approved drugs currently not available in Canadaeither not approved by Health Canada or not submitted by drug manufacturers for marketing approval at all, the authors added.

Moreover, the approach can still maintain Health Canadas ability to issue safety warnings and withdraw a drug from the marketplace when necessary.

While approvals by the FDA and EMA could be accepted as sufficient for market entry, they could also be subject to a labeling requirement stating the approval was that of the FDA and EMA and that Health Canada had not approved that particular medicine, the study says.

This would give Canadians and their health-care providers the opportunity to decide for themselves if they felt Health Canadas approval process provided additional safety or protection from the risks associated with a new drug.
The United Nations building in Manhattan, New York City, on the first official day of the 75th General Assembly on Sept. 22, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

CCP Uses UN as Battleground to Confront US for Hegemony

Commentary

On May 7, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi once again talked about multilateralism at a U.N. Security Council video conference, using the U.N. as a battleground to confront the United States. The U.N. Security Council (UNSC) was originally meant to be a consultative mechanism to avoid conflicts and wars, but now the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)mistakenly thinking that the East is rising and the West is fallingflagrantly uses the UNSC to fight for hegemony, putting it in serious jeopardy.

Wang said that international rules are not the exclusive right or privilege of a few countries and should be made by everyone. Further, the world should not be divided along ideological lines.

Wangs remarks were clearly directed at the joint statement of the G-7 (Group of Seven) Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting from May 2 to May 5, from which the CCP was excluded. The statement highlighted their commitment to liberal democracy and free and fair markets as well as protection of human rights. The CCP, therefore, used the UNSC meeting as a platform to vent its displeasure with the United States and the global governance system. Knowing that the G-7 doesnt just represent, what he called, a handful of countries, and that the CCP is once again isolated internationally, Wang dared not openly target all countries, but focused mainly on the United States.

Wang said that unilateral actions, such as sanctions, that bypass the UNSC are not legitimate.

The former Trump administration had uncovered a weak spot when it hit the Chinese communist regime with a series of sanctions on the trade and technology fronts. The CCP has been trying to pressure the new U.S. administration to ease the sanctions, but is only further deteriorating U.S.-China relations.

Although the Biden administration did not sustain the former Trump administrations strongest sanctions and only called the CCP a competitor, the regimes leadership mistook Bidens stance and openly began competing with the United States for hegemony.

In addition, Wang said the ongoing pandemic has amplified the inflexibility of the global governance system. Therefore, he thinks developing countries must become more involved and have their voices heard so that the system can move in a more fair and reasonable direction.

It seems that the CCP leadership still believes that the East is rising and the West is falling and is eager to dominate the post-epidemic era. The CCP apparently thinks that it has already taken partial control of the U.N. and is ready to fight for supremacy. Wang noted that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CCP, and said the U.N. should reorganize and begin anewto jointly build a shared future for mankind.

At the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021, Xi Jinping said that the CCP aims to pursue the common good for the world. Wangs statement echoes Xis views on global governance and the idea that the world should undergo a profound change.

Now that Wang has openly affirmed the CCPs ambitions on its 100th anniversary, it has evoked an intensified sense of crisis globally. Actually, the statement issued by the G-7 foreign ministers largely revealed their profound concerns over the CCPs interference with international order.

7 foreign ministers are socially distanced as they meet in London, with clockwise from left, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau, Britains Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, European High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Maio, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas, and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, during talks at the G-7 Foreign and Development Ministers meeting, on May 4, 2021. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool via AP)

Serious Crisis Caused by the CCP

Secretary of State Blinkens remarks at the UNSC meeting should be considered the first time the new U.S. administration has directly pointed out the serious crisis caused by the CCP.

Blinken mentioned a series of principles on which the UNSC was founded, including preventing conflict and alleviating human suffering, recognizing and defending human rights, and promoting dialogue and self-restraint. He also acknowledged that the U.N. mechanism had avoided armed conflict between nuclear powers and advanced human rights. But now its in serious jeopardy, he said. Nationalism is resurgent, repression is rising, rivalries among countries are deepeningand attacks against the rules-based order are intensifying.

We will continue to push back forcefully when we see countries undermine the international order, pretend that the rules weve all agreed to dont exist, or simply violate them at will, he added.

Referring to the commitments that all nations should meet, including the U.N. Charter, treaties, and conventions, UNSC resolutions, international humanitarian law, and the rules and standards agreed upon under the auspices of the World Trade Organization and numerous international standard-setting organizations, Blinken said the aim of the United States is to defend, uphold, and revitalize that order.

While Blinken hit back at the CCPs revealed ambition, the Party media omitted Blinkens remarks completely in its report on the meeting. It continually publicized Xis phone conversation with the U.N. secretary-generaldiscussing the multilateralism and global view of the CCP.

Its unclear whether the CCPs latest show of its diplomacy style will once again alert the world to the CCPs mistaken ambition to control the world, which is setting off a worldwide crisis.

Universal Human Rights Explained

Blinken clarified the concept of universal human rights in response to the CCPs misleading argument. He said: human rights and dignity must stay at the core of the international order. The foundational unit of the United Nationsfrom the first sentence of the Charteris not just the nation state. Its also the human being. Some argue that what governments do within their own borders is their own business, and that human rights are subjective values that vary from one society to another. But the Universal Declaration of Human Rights begins with the word universal because our nations agreed there are certain rights to which every person, everywhere, is entitled. Asserting domestic jurisdiction doesnt give any state a blank check to enslave, torture, disappear, ethnically cleanse their people, or violate their human rights in any other way.

Blinkens explanation is clearly aimed at the CCPs frequent rhetoric about so-called interference in internal affairs.

On May 6, Joshua Wong, the former secretary-general of Hong Kong pro-democracy group Demosisto, was among other activists sentenced by a Hong Kong court for their participation in a candlelight vigil commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre last year. At that time, Blinken wrote in a Twitter post, The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and rejects the sentencing of activists for attending a Tiananmen commemoration. All those imprisoned for nonviolent exercise of guaranteed freedoms should be freed immediately.

Naturally, the Party media would not reveal what Blinken said about universal human rights, but it was quick to respond in a different way.

On May 8, Xinhua published a propaganda article titled U.S. Politician Blatantly Harbors Criminals, Utterly Absurd! Although the article did not name Blinken, it blasted what it called the revealed intent of the United States to cause chaos in Hong Kong. Ignoring the general trend of the times and taking an historical approach has become an irrational political choice of the United States and the West, it added. On the same day, the Peoples Daily also published a 3,700-word propaganda articleMajor Offenses Expose U.S. Persistent Human Rights Issues.

The CCP media only responded to Blinkens remarks on human rights but avoided an important principle he had pointed out.

The U.N. is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of its member-states, Blinken said. A state does not respect that principle when it purports to redraw the borders of another; or seeks to resolve territorial disputes by using or threatening force; or when a state claims its entitled to a sphere of influence to dictate or coerce the choices and decisions of another country. And a state shows contempt for that principle when it targets another with disinformation or weaponized corruption, undermines other countries free and fair elections and democratic institutions, or goes after journalists or dissidents abroad.

Blinken also expounded on the concept of multilateralism, but in a different way from the CCPs version. When U.N. member-statesparticularly permanent members of the Security Councilflout these rules and block attempts to hold accountable those who violate international law, it sends the message that others can break those rules with impunity, he added. Blinken essentially criticized the CCP for undermining U.N. norms without calling it out by name.

If Blinken and his counterparts from other countries truly understood the CCPs latest act and ambition postured at the UNSC conference, an international anti-communist alliance would hopefully take shape sooner, and the strategy to solve this crisis together would increasingly become clearer.

Yang Wei has been closely following China affairs for years. He has been contributing political commentary on China for the Chinese language Epoch Times since 2019.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The controversial statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes at Oriel College, University of Oxford, UK, on May 20, 2021. (PA Media)

Cecil Rhodes Statue Will Stay at Oxford College for Now Despite Renewed Campaign

The governing body of an Oxford University college will not take down the controversial statue of Cecil Rhodes at this stage due to regulatory and financial challenges presented by its removal.

Oriel Colleges decision comes after a long-running campaign demanding the removal of the British imperialists monument gained renewed attention amid the Black Lives Matter movement.

An independent inquiry to examine Rhodes legacy was set up in June last year after the governing body of Oriel College expressed their wish to remove the statue from outside the college.

A majority of members on the Commission supported the colleges original wish to remove the Rhodes statue.

Protesters in Oxford city centre during a protest calling for the removal of the statue of 19th-century imperialist, politician Cecil Rhodes from the Oriel college, Oxford, UK. Photo issued on May 20, 2021. (Joe Giddens/PA)

But a statement by Oriel College on Thursday said: In light of the considerable obstacles to removal, Oriels governing body has decided not to begin the legal process for relocation of the memorials.

It added: The Commission backed the Colleges original wish (made in June 2020 and reaffirmed again by the College yesterday), to remove the statue, whilst acknowledging the complex challenges and costs presented by its removal in terms of heritage and planning consent.

The governing body has carefully considered the regulatory and financial challenges, including the expected time frame for removal, which could run into years with no certainty of outcome, together with the total cost of removal.

The College said it will instead focus its time and resources on improving educational equality, diversity, and inclusion amongst its student cohort and academic community.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson welcomed the Colleges sensible decision not to remove the statue as he warned against censoring history.

He wrote on Twitter: Sensible & balanced decision not to remove the Rhodes statue from Oriel College, Oxfordbecause we should learn from our past, rather than censoring history, and continue focussing on reducing inequality.

Lord Mendoza, provost of Oriel College, said: It has been a careful, finely balanced debate and we are fully aware of the impact our decision is likely to have in the UK and further afield.

We understand this nuanced conclusion will be disappointing to some, but we are now focused on the delivery of practical actions aimed at improving outreach and the day-to-day experience of BME students.

We are looking forward to working with Oxford City Council on a range of options for contextualisation.

By Eleanor Busby
Lianjia, Chinas popular property brokerage brand founded by Zuo Hui, at the 2009 Beijing Autumn Real Estate Trade Fair in Beijing, China, on Sept. 4, 2009. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

Chinas Property Giant Passes Away at the Age of 50

The Chinese billionaire entrepreneur who led brokerage services in the worlds largest residential real estate market died of an unspecified illness on Thursday.

Zuo Hui, who founded the countrys largest residential real estate brokerage company, passed away due to an unexpected worsening of illness, on May 20, said the companys CEO. The company is working as usual and will announce the related matters and arrangements in two weeks.

We are very saddened by the passing of Zuo and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, the companys chief executive Peng Yongdong said in a statement. He made invaluable contributions to Beike and Lianjia and the industry over the past 20 years.

Zuos business started in 2001 with the founding of the Lianjia brand. The brand became Chinas most popular property brokerage companylater incorporating into an integrated housing transaction and service platform through KE Holdings.

In 2018, KE Holdings launched Beike, an online housing platform matching buyers and sellers (similar to U.S.-based Redfin), and allowing Lianjia and other agencies to sell residential properties online.

Last August, the 2-year-old Beike went public with financial backing from the social media giant Tencent Holdings Ltd., SoftBank, and others.

Beikes IPO boosted Zuos wealth to $15.5 billion, which was the largest IPO of any Chinese company since March 2018, according to Forbes data.

With a net worth of $2.7 billion, the 50-year-old businessman ranks at 15 on the 2021 Forbes China Rich Listup from 145 last year.

On Thursday, KEs shares plunged by over 10 percent in pre-opening trading after the company announced his death.

KE was among the 34 tech giants summoned by Chinas top regulators of markets, cyberspace, and taxation in April. Authorities warned firms, including Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance to conduct self-inspections to rule out abuse of their market dominance.
Climate Activists at Odds With NSWs $600 Million Gas Plant

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed up to $600 million (US$470 million) will be invested to ensure the completion of a 660 MW (megawatt) open cycle gas-fired power station in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales (NSW).

The project will be overseen by the federally-funded Snowy Hydro energy company and is part of the governments targeted plan to utilise gas in Australias transition to a lowered emissions future.

In 2020, close to 50 percent of energy generation in Australias National Energy Market came from coal-fired power stations. According to a CSIRO report (pdf), compared with coal, domestic gas power generation using open cycle gas turbines can reduce emissions by an estimated 31 percent.

Morrison said the key was that gas can work in tandem with renewables, and can be turned on or off based on demandwithout sacrificing a secure and reliable energy source. Generally, wind and solar energy output vary depending on weather conditions, or the time of day.

Wind turbines in Lake George on the outskirts of Canberra, Australia on Sep. 1, 2020. (Photo by David Gray/Getty Images)

So that means youre using your renewables when you can, and theres a lot of additional capacity coming on there, Morrison said in an interview with 2HD Newcastle. But then, you know, the lights go out when you cant turn one of these things on.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes supported the development, saying that gas can play an important role in providing Australia with reliable power along with reducing emissions.

Gas-fired power stations will have a critical role to play in ensuring our energy security as we transition to a low-carbon emissions economy with renewable energy projects such as wind and solar, Stokes said in a media release.

However, climate activists groups, such as the Climate Council, have called for Australia to cut off funding towards carbon-dioxide-emitting forms of power generation, and transition to solely renewable energy sources.

The Climate Council believes that Australia should halt the funding for gas and gas-fueled power stations entirely.

Building a new gas power station in NSW will raise electricity prices for residents and businesses, not lower them, a Climate Council spokesman said.

Any potential shortfall created by the closure of Liddell power station would have been filled by the NSW state government and energy industrys announced plans to build Renewable Energy Zones and big batteries across the state.

The closure of Liddell coal-fired power station in 2023 will see the exit of 1,680 MW of reliable energy from the electricity grid, and has forced the NSW government to search for alternative sources of power, setting a target of 1,000 MW to partially replace the loss.

The loss of so much energy from the grid, if not adequately replaced, could see energy prices spike, as evidenced by the aftermath of the Hazelwood power station closure which saw prices skyrocket by 85 percent.

Liddell power station in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia on Apr. 22, 2018. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

The Hunter Valley project follows the announcement of a gas-hydrogen hybrid power station, which will provide 316 MW of capacity and play a crucial role in Liddells replacement.

Renewables are the cheaper, smarter choice to meet future energy demand compared to gas, which is expensive, polluting and worsens climate change, the Climate Council spokesman said.

The response by climate activists also follows a recently released roadmap by the International Energy Agency (IEA), outlining its suggested steps to reach net-zero by 2050.

In particular, the IEA declared that oil and gas were no longer needed to reach emissions reductions goals.

The contraction of oil and natural gas production will have far-reaching implications for all the countries and companies that produce these fuels, the IEA said in a media release. No new oil and natural gas fields are needed in the net-zero pathway.

Both the Climate Council and the IEA have suggested batteries as a crucial component for the switch to renewables, with batteries providing reliable energy capacity.

However, the prime minister has argued that the current level of battery technology had proven uneconomical.

Battery development is still at a very early stage, Morrison told reporters.

Tesla Powerpack batteries during Tesla Powerpack Launch Event at Hornsdale Wind Farm in Adelaide, Australia on Sep. 29, 2017. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

The Cost of Battery Based Power

One example of battery-based power storage is the Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia which houses a Tesla-made battery that was once the largest in the world and reportedly cost $172 million.

At present, Hornsdale can store 185 MW h (megawatt hour) of energy and has an operational capacity of 150 MW. This means that the battery is capable of operating at a maximum power output of 150 MW for only 74 minutes.

In order to generate 660 MW, which is equivalent to that of the Hunter Valley gas-fired power station, 4.4 Hornsdale batteries would be needed, which would cost the federal government a total cost of close to $757 million.

While this figure is on par with the cost of the Hunter Valley project, the operational output of 660 MW would still only last 74 minutes. Federal MP Craig Kelly pointed out that a sufficient backup would be required to handle days with decreased wind and solar output.

In the middle of winter, youve got limited sunshine, youve got a couple of overcast days in a row and a couple of days with no wind, Kelly previously told The Epoch Times. So you really need to be backing it up for a couple of days.

In order to have a backup supply of two days, instead of 74 minutes, the government would need to build a little over 19 Hornsdale style batterieswhich amounts to close to $3.35 billion.
Couple Married for 76 Years and Born Just a Day Apart Celebrated 100th Birthday Together

One of Britains longest-married couples have celebrated their 100th birthday togetherand that too, just days after marking their 76th wedding anniversary.

Eric and Dorothy Dowdy tied the knot on April 3, 1945, and have remained inseparable ever since. The loving couple were born just a day apart; Eric was born on April 11, 1921, a day before Dorothy.

Dorothy, who is affectionately called Dolly by Eric, says the secret to their long married life is the occasional chocolate treat and glass of sherry.

The couple, who have three grown-up children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, live together at Cliftonville Care Home in Northampton, England.

The trick to living a long life is healthy food, with the occasional chocolate treat and a glass of sherry, Dorothy said.

I was particularly attracted to his smart dress sense and his fabulous sense of humor, she added, speaking of what made her fall in love with Eric.

Eric said: I cant tell you the secret to a long and happy marriage else it will fall apart.

The couple met in the 1940s when Dorothy was working as a stage manager at the Royal and Derngate Theater in Northampton and Eric was working as an actor in a play.

They married in St. Matthews Church near their first home in Northampton and went on to have three children: Carlene, 75, Elizabeth, 70, and Matthew, 60.

All three siblings have followed in their parents footsteps by working in theater and acting abroad.

The couple traveled to and lived in different parts of the UK due to their acting jobs, including Harrogate, Folkestone, and Bristol, and are now residing in their hometown of Northampton.

They lived together until April 2018, when Eric moved into the care home due to ill health. However, just five months later, Dorothy joined her husband after they were unable to cope with being apart.

A photo collage of Eric Dowdy from over the years. (SWNS)

A photo collage of Dorothy Dowdy from over the years. (SWNS)

I couldnt stand to be away from him and Im not getting any younger, Dorothy said. If you cant beat them, join them.

The couple, who received matching telegrams from the Queen to mark their 100th birthdays, are now one of Britains longest-married couples.

Lucie Bagnall, Deputy Manager at Cliftonville Care Home said: Dorothy and Eric have been with us since 2018, they are both huge characters and are an absolute pleasure to care for.

We feel very honored to have been able to share their very special day.

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.

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People are lining up for the COVID-19 test in Shenyang city, Liaoning Province, China, on Jan. 2, 2021. (AFP via Getty Images)

COVID-19 Outbreak in China Extends to 6 Provinces; Source of Infection Still Unknown

COVID-19 epidemics originating in Chinas Liaoning and Anhui provinces have extended to other Chinese provinces following the May Day holiday. However, the source and route of the viruss spread are still unknown, as thousands of Chinese citizens associated with identified cases have been quarantined due to contact tracing efforts.

In Liaonings capital city of Shenyang, more than 40,000 people were reportedly forced into home quarantine because they traveled during the May Day holiday. People were quarantined regardless of whether or not they had been tested for the virus. According to netizens, local officials were again seen sealing off residential communities, as well as barricading the entrances of some homes and the windows of some buildings, which would constitute a breach of basic human rights.

An employee of a supermarket near the Yiyuan Community in the Heping District of Shenyang, told NTD, a sister media of The Epoch Times: Yiyuan Community is under lockdown, and people can only enter and cannot exit. Its just because some residents there went to Yingkou for vacation during the May Day holiday.

Wu Zunyou, the chief expert on epidemiology in China, told Chinese media that this round of outbreaks could be traced back to the May Day holiday, when large gatherings and travel led to a jump in cases of virus transmission. Experts have also said that theres now an elevated risk of spread in China.

Currently, confirmed COVID-19 cases have only been officially reported in Liaoning and Anhui provinces. However, Chinese contact tracing practices have been enacted in seven provinces and regions, including Beijing, Hubei, Jiangsu, Gansu, and Shanxi.

A notice from the ruling Chinese Communist Partys Health Commission said that local cases were still being reported on May 17 in Liaoning Province. Shenyang designated three more regions as medium-risk, bringing the total number of medium-risk areas in China up to 22. Local officials also announced mass testing for all residents in several Shenyang districts with elevated risk.

The Shenyang government announced that between May 15 and May 16, a 61-year-old retired man and his 83-year-old mother were infected by the virus. During the May holiday week, these two cases were among a family of 12 people who traveled to Bayuquan District of Yingkou City in Liaoning, which has reported clusters of COVID-19 infections since last week.

The city of Yingkou alone has issued a total of 14 official letters of assistance to six provinces, five cities, and one autonomous region to track down close contacts of infected patients.

As of May 19, other provinces and cities have not reported any COVID-19 cases related to Yingkou yet.

Officials in Liaoning and Anhui provinces are still blaming each other for being responsible for this round of COVID-19 outbreaks in China, as the name of patient zero has yet to be reported.

Online video of a COVID-19 mass testing in Heifei, Anhui Province, China on May 13, 2021. (Screenshot)

The unknown source of transmission has caused panic among Chinese netizens, who question the official story. One posted, Why other people who went to Yingkou were fine, only the ones from Shenyang were infected?

Another asked, How come they got infected at a place where there have been no cases reported for more than half a year. This is the key question.

Netizens have posted on Chinese social media images of neighborhoods being sealed off in Yingkou. Similar images from Shenyang were also posted.

Mirroring reports from Shenyang, netizens said that community epidemic prevention personnel in the town of Xiongyue in the Bayuquan District in Yingkou began to block off related residential communities, including sealing off building entrances and the doors to residents homes. On May 17, locks were put on community doors and unit building doors. Some building doors were even welded shut.

Screenshot of online video of overnight COVID-19 mass testing in Yingkou, Liaoning Province, China, on May 14, 2021. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

After the May holiday week, official state media Xinhua reported a suggestion from Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention that people monitor their health for CCP virus symptoms when returning from travel. The news caused people to suspect that the CCP has been concealing the real situation of the COVID-19 epidemic in China since the start of the crisis in Wuhan, as very few cases have been reported compared to other countries.

Qin Peng, a U.S.-based current affairs commentator, told The Epoch Times that this round of COVID-19 infection occurred after months of no local cases being reported in China. Since information released by the Chinese communist regime is not transparent, he believes that the COVID-19 epidemic never disappeared in China and that the Chinese regime just didnt report on it. When there were reports, officials would say the virus cases came from abroad, he said.

Huang Yun and Xiao Lusheng contributed to this report.
Butcher George Vourvahakis holds up a tray of Australian rump steaks at his store in Yarraville on May 12, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

Deal for Tariff-Free Australian Meat Exports to the UK on the Horizon

Australian farmers may soon be able to export meat tariff-free into the United Kingdom as part of a free-trade agreement.

Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan and British Trade Secretary Liz Truss are keen for the deal to go ahead, with both sides saying their farmers would benefit. It would mark one of the UKs first major trade deals since Brexit.

However, sentiments on the agreement are divided in the British parliament, with some arguing that it would devastate the local UK meat industry.

If reports of this Tory [Conservative Party] deal were true, farmers would lose their livelihoods, rural businesses will collapse, and ultimately families will be driven off the land, MP Ian Blackford said in parliament. This deal would be the final nail in the coffin for many Scottish crofters and farmers.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded, saying Blackford underestimated the Scottish farmers ability to do great things under free trade deals.

Why does he not believe in what the people of Scotland can do? Why is he so frightened of free trade, Johnson said. I think it is a massive opportunity for Scotland and for the whole of the UK, and he should seize it and be proud of it.

Britains Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks at a press conference on May 14, 2021, in London, England. (Matt Dunham-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The UK National Farmers Union (NFU) have been extremely critical of the deal, expressing concerns that UK farmers would struggle to compete against countries that do not have as high animal welfare and environmental standards.

These deals should showcase our credentials as a global leader in animal welfare standards, environmental protection, and taking action to tackle climate change, NFU President Minette Batters said.

The Australian National Farmers Federation (NFF) assured their UK counterparts that any increase in Australian meat exports would be dependent on UK demand.

The volume of Australian red meat to the UK in the context of the UKs total red meat imports and Australias total exports is very, very small, NFF President Fiona Simson said.

In 2020, Australia exported 1567 tonnes of beef to the UK, which imported 314,000 tonnes of beef in total0.5 percent. For lamb, 14 percent of the total UK imported lamb was from Australia.

The NFU has since softened on their stance after hearing from the Australian High Commissioner George Brandis that there would be no possibility of beef or lamb flooding the market.

In the event that the Australian governments projections are right and there is no harm to UK farmers, then any agreed liberalisation can continue, NFU said. The NFU supports the conclusion of an FTA between Australia and the UK, so long as appropriate safeguards are included that balance liberalisation with protecting UK farmers livelihoods.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 01:00:44|Editor: huaxia

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A medical worker injects a man with a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a hospital in Accra, capital of Ghana, May 19, 2021. Ghana on Wednesday commenced phase two of its mass vaccination against COVID-19 in 43 inoculation centers across the country. The health officials are expected to administer a total of 350,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines delivered to Ghana through the COVAX facility. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Ghana on Wednesday commenced phase two of its mass vaccination against COVID-19 in 43 inoculation centers across the country.

The health officials are expected to administer a total of 350,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines delivered to Ghana through the COVAX facility.

Scores of persons who took their first jabs about two months ago who are expected to receive their second jabs thronged the vaccination centers on day one of the exercise to complete their inoculation program.

Director of Public Health at the Ghana Police Hospital and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Samuel Otu-Nyarko told Xinhua that his outfit had received the necessary logistics meant for the exercise.

"The logistics that we have now are based on the number that we have between March 1-9 so that is what we are going to do," he said.

Out-Nyarko expressed fear several persons who are not supposed to be vaccinated now will rush to the center in an attempt to get the jab.

He, however, urged the Ghanaian public to continue to observe the protocols in place to help defeat the virus.

"Ghanaians should take this thing seriously. We are just lucky. We had our first wave, second wave and now it looks like it is going down but we should not lose our guard. The protocols that we used in the first round, we must stick to them," Out-Nyarko added.

Anthony Worwornyo, a retired police officer expressed delight after taking the second and final jab.

"Everything is okay. I haven't experienced any adverse effects. I hope the public, everybody will take advantage,"

The West African country was the first to receive vaccines from the World Health Organization-backed COVAX in February and kicked off its vaccination campaign in early March. Enditem
Robert Durst holds a device to read the real time spoken script as he appears in the courtroom of Judge Mark E. Windham as attorney's begin opening statements in the trial of the real estate scion charged with murder of longtime friend Susan Berman, at Los Angeles County Superior Court in Inglewood, Calif., on May 18, 2021. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool)

Defense Says Durst Had No Motive, Didnt Kill Close Friend

LOS ANGELESIn a blunt rejection of what prosecutors told jurors a day earlier, a defense lawyer said Wednesday that multimillionaire Robert Durst had no motive to murder his close friend Susan Berman and had nothing to do with her shooting.

Bob Durst did not kill Susan Berman and he doesnt know who did, attorney Dick DeGuerin said in an abbreviated opening statement following a 14-month recess because of the pandemic. Bob Durst had no motive and nothing to gain by the death of Susan Berman.

DeGuerin said there was no evidence tying Durst to the Los Angeles killing in 2000 or to the disappearance of his wife in New York in 1982.

Durst, 78, is charged with one count of murder in the death of Berman, but prosecutors are using the suspected killing of his wife and Dursts admitted killing of a drifter in Texas to show his motive.

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin told jurors Tuesday that Durst silenced Berman before she could tell police what she knew about Kathie Dursts disappearance. He also said Berman had provided an alibi for Durst.

Everything starts with Kathie Dursts disappearance and death at the hands of Mr. Durst, Lewin said.

But DeGuerin said there was no evidence Durst killed his wife or that Berman had helped him cover his tracks by posing as Kathie Durst in a phone call to the dean of the medical school where she was a student.

Kathie Durst disappeared without a trace, DeGuerin said. It was and is a mystery.

The openings in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Inglewood were abbreviated versions of what both sides presented over four days in March 2020 before the case was halted and courts were closed amid the virus outbreak.

Lewin said Berman told friends she helped Durst by phoning in sick for Kathie Durst the day after she was last seen providing evidence she was alive the day after her husband said he put her on train back to New York City after a weekend at their lakeside cottage.

Investigators believe she was killed at the Westchester County home and never returned to the couples Manhattan penthouse. The Westchester district attorneys office announced Monday it is reviewing the case.

DeGuerin said Berman, the daughter a Las Vegas mobster who was a writer, was a fabulist who embellished stories with lies. Even her friends didnt believe what she told them.

DeGuerin said Durst would take the stand in his defense.

Durst was acquitted of murder in a Texas court after testifying he killed Morris Black when the man pulled a gun on him and they wrestled for the weapon in the Galveston rooming house where they both lived.

Durst had gone into hiding in Texas in November 2000 after Westchester prosecutors reopened the investigation into Kathie Dursts suspected death. He killed Black because he had discovered Dursts identity and was trying to leverage the wealthy scion to buy a house for the two of them, Lewin said.

Durst killed Black about nine months after Berman was found dead in her Benedict Canyon home in December 2000. Police were directed to the home by a note with only her address and the word, CADAVER written in block letters.

Durst told the makers of The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst in 2010 and 2012 that he didnt write the note. He told the filmmakers and investigators in 2015 that whoever wrote the note had to have been Bermans killer.

Youre writing a note to the police that only the killer could have written, Durst said.

Lewin said that now amounts to a confession after defense lawyers conceded before trial that Durst wrote the note. Evidence had shown he once penned a note to Berman in identical handwriting, with her address similarly misspelled Beverley Hills instead of Beverly.

DeGuerin said Durst discovered Bermans body when he showed up to spend the Christmas holidays with her. He freaked out and left and sent the note to police so shed be found, though her body was discovered before police got the note.

By Brian Melley
A voter puts their ballot in the tabulation machine after voting in the 2020 general election as seen in a file photo. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images)

Dominion Responds After Pennsylvania Election Officials Report Coding Error With Voting Machines

Republican and Democrat voters report issues in Luzerne County

Election officials in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, reported issues with voting equipment at polling places on Tuesday, prompting a response from Dominion Voting Systems saying that there was a ballot screen error regarding the viewing screens header.

Dominion Voting Systems told The Epoch Times that Luzerne Countys election director has confirmed that there is a ballot screen error that is confined to the header on the viewing screen of the machine, and that all ballots are printing correctly with the Republican header and the Republican primary election races.

The firm then noted that Luzerne County officials have assured the public that all ballots will be correctly counted, adding: We regret any confusion this has caused.

It came after voters told PAHomepage and local officials that they reported incorrect labeling on electronic ballots in Luzerne County, located in the northeastern part of the state.

Luzerne County Director of Elections Bob Morgan told local media that coding on the Dominion Voting Systems machines triggered the problem.

According to some voters and officials, speaking to WNEP, when Republican voters approach the machine to vote, the introduction page says, Official Democratic Ballot. A polling place in Kingston Township confirmed to the news outlet that it was forced to pause voting on Tuesday due to the issue.

We want to assure everybody that what happens is when you are a registered Republican, we have a specific code for that ballot. And once we punch that code in, even though the header says something like Democratic ballot, its actually for the races that are in the Republican party, Morgan said, adding that the votes will be counted correctly.

Matthew Vough, a Democrat running for a county council term, told the Times Leader that voters told him that his name didnt appear on their ballot. He said that some Democrats got the Republican ballot.

Who knows how many Democrats voted for Republican nominees? Who knows how many votes I lost as a result? This error didnt just affect Republicans, Vough said.

Vough added to the paper he would suggest that Luzerne County end its contract with Dominion during the next council meeting.

Morgan, meanwhile, explained to PAHomepage that there is no evidence of any of this problem on the mail-in ballots which were produced from that file and added that the county is still working with Dominion to get an explanation as to how this coding error occurred. They were as surprised about it as we were.

When asked if there was any way it was the fault of the county, Morgan said, No.

Were doing signs, weve contacted each of the judges of elections. Weve asked them to place a sign at their voting place. Were giving Republican voters the opportunity to vote by provisional or emergency ballot if they choose.
Dumbing Down Public-School Math in the Name of Social Justice

Commentary

In the interest of math equitydoing something about racial disparities in accelerated mathematics classes for gifted middle-school and high-school studentsthe state of California is considering simply doing away with public schools accelerated math track altogether.

The current system, which allows youngsters with demonstrated math proficiency to start algebra in the eighth grade and take calculus as high-school seniors, would be dismantled. Instead, according to recommendations in the California Department of Educations mathematics framework for 2021, all students, whether mathematically gifted or years behind their peers, would be placed on a common pathway taking courses geared to middling math aptitude.

Districts and schools must confront the structural inequities of tracking and ability grouping, the recommendations read.

The framework cites statistics showing that 32 percent of Californias Asian American students have been in accelerated programs for the mathematically gifted, in contrast to 8 percent of whites, 4 percent of black students, and 3 percent of Latino students.

This represents a widespread trend. In late April, it was reported that Virginias Department of Education was considering eliminating all advanced math classes before the 11th grade, which would also effectively scotch calculus as a 12th-grade option. The departments Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative cited a concept known as heterogeneous learningkeeping students of varying skill levels in the same classroom to learn at their individual paceswhich would presumably eliminate the statistical overrepresentation of the white and the well-off (the department downplayed Asian representation) in gifted classes.

Those that have been privileged by the current system must be willing to give up that privilege for more equitable schooling, one position paper (pdf) from the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics listed on the Virginia Department of Education website reads.

Oregons education department has similarly announced a Math Project declaring that tracking often results in inequitable teaching and learning for students (pdf). The Math Project recommends substituting multidimensional mathematics courses for students of all abilities emphasizing group classroom projects in which all students can participate and find success, while also seeing that success in mathematics is not just getting an answer.

Such recommendationsessentially dumbing down math classes across the boardmight inspire many a parent of a child interested in a STEM career or admission to a competitive college to start looking for a private or charter school. Indeed, the parental furor in Virginia was so intense that state education officials hastily announced that there was no chance of their recommendations being implemented before the 202526 school year, and that even then, students would still be able to enroll in AP and IB advanced classes.

But the real problem is deeper: Its the insistence by the educational and political establishment that all young people have equal mathematical ability, and that all thats needed is some tinkering with their classroom experiences to produce equal math outcomes.

Its a problem exacerbated by the now-nearly universal expectation that every young person goes to college and must receive a college-prep education in high school. Before the 1960s, that expectation didnt exist. Only a minority of students, the college-bound minority, took algebra, the gateway course for higher math. The majority took business math or general math, shoring up basic calculation skills that would train them for jobs right out of high school. Now algebra, sometimes two years worth, is mandatory for high-school graduation in nearly every state in America. And as any English major who struggled with quadratic equations as a teenager can tell you, it doesnt come easy to a lot of people, even very bright people who are clearly gifted in other areas.

It comes least easy of all to students who have never really learned basic arithmetic in grade school, whether because of their socially dysfunctional backgrounds or because their Common Core teachers had them filling in boxes with numbers instead of memorizing the multiplication tables.

Educators have devised numerous strategies for trying to wrest equal math outcomes out of young people of widely varying math abilities and preparation. One of the most recent has been algebra for all: putting all students, at least nominally, on the same calculus track that gifted students currently enjoy. In 2015, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a plan for equity and excellence that would have all public-school students in New York taking algebra in the eighth grade by the year 2022.

Predictably, the result of such ambitious efforts in many school districts has been watered-down algebra: stretching out a years worth of the subject over two years or more, allowing students to rely on graphing calculators instead of solving word problems, and so forth.

But high school graduation and college-entrance rates havent budged, especially for the black and Latino youngsters who are often the least prepared. The National Assessment for Educational Progress reported that in 2019, some 40 percent of Americas 12th-graders scored below basic level on its standardized math test.

So now, still in its quest for math equity, the education establishment seems ready to swap this no child left behind strategy for an every child left behind strategylowered standards for all students. If such plans are implemented, the current exodus from public schools by those who can afford it, whether white, Asian, black, or Latino, is bound to accelerate.

The worst effect, however, will be the long-term effect on education itself. You might not need algebra or its next-step offshoot, calculus, to study Shakespeare or criminal justice, but a grasp of higher math, the sophisticated manipulation of abstract symbols, is essential for STEM training and for such related fields as economics and statistics.

Rather than dumbing down public-school math in the name of social justice, educators would better serve young people by recognizing that mathematical talentlike artistic talent and musical talentisnt equally distributed. Nor is it necessarily young peoples ability or desire to spend four years in college grappling with intellectual material when they might lead happier, more productive lives mastering a trade.

The education establishment would better serve them if it focused on grounding them in basic math skills that they can actually learn and usewhile also encouraging their peers who are genuinely talented in math to soar.

Charlotte Allen is the executive editor of Catholic Arts Today and a frequent contributor to Quillette. She has a doctorate in medieval studies from the Catholic University of America.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2020. (Yves Herman/Reuters)

European Parliament Freezes China Deal Until Beijing Lifts Sanctions

The European Parliament has agreed to freeze ratification of an EUChina investment agreement until Beijing lifts sanctions on EU politicians.

The Chinese regime imposed sanctions in March on several European entities and political representatives, including five members of the European Parliament (MEP) and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. Beijing adopted the measures in retaliation to EU sanctions on four Chinese officials and one entity over human rights abuses against the Muslim Uyghur minority in Xinjiang.

In a resolution adopted on May 20, EU lawmakers condemned in the strongest possible terms the sanctions Beijing recently imposed on several European individuals and entities, including five MEPs.

According to the resolution, any consideration by the European Parliament of the EUChina Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), as well as any discussion on its mandatory ratification by MEPs, have justifiably been frozen because of the Chinese sanctions.

The resolution was approved by 599 votes in favor and 30 against, with 58 abstentions.

Reinhard Butikofer, a veteran German Green Party politician and one of the MEPs sanctioned by the Chinese regime, wrote on Twitter after the vote that the China deal is definitely in the freezer.

The European Parliament has adopted the resolution on the Chinese #sanctions with 599 yes, 30 no, 58 abstentions. Very substantial. #CAI is definitely in the freezer. #China miscalculated and shot themselves in the foot.  Reinhard Butikofer (@bueti) May 20, 2021

China miscalculated and shot themselves in the foot, he wrote on Twitter.

MEPs also advised the European Commission, the European Unions executive body, that Parliament will take into account the human rights situation in China, including in Hong Kong, when deciding whether to endorse the agreement.

The European Parliament welcomed EU sanctions against Chinese officials who are responsible for human rights violations in Xinjiang.

The EU lawmakers also called for a rebalancing of EUChina relations. They expressed support for a toolbox of measures, such as legislation against the distortive effects of foreign subsidies on the internal market. They also called for an import ban on products linked to forced labor, as well as an enhanced and strengthened EU Foreign Investment Screening Regulation.

The lawmakers stressed that the EU needs to adequately address Chinas cybersecurity threats and hybrid attacks.

Also on May 20, 55 Chinese human rights defenders and activists in exile across Europe issued an open letter urging all EU member states to suspend all bilateral extradition agreements with the Chinese regime.

Signatories include former Hong Kong lawmaker Nathan Law; artist and activist Ai Weiwei; Angela Gui, the daughter of abducted Swedish bookseller Gui Minhai; and Dolkun Isa, the president of the World Uyghur Congress. Their effort was endorsed by lawmakers of the European Parliament and national parliaments of EU member states.

As long as extradition treaties with the Peoples Republic of China remain in force, hundreds of Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, and Chinese dissidents living in Europe are under threat, said Engin Eroglu, a German MEP.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Fighting Fires to Pacifiers: Orlando Fire Department Welcomes 15 Babies During Pandemic

Crew members from the Orlando Fire Department (OFD) in Florida have welcomed 15 babies during the ongoing pandemic. Some of the dads and their little ones posed for a photo shoot to commemorate the happy coincidence, and netizens cant get enough of their cuteness.

Multitasking as both firefighters and doting parents, the men posed in uniform and full gear with their babies for a series of heartwarming snaps.

Seven of OFDs little onesthree bouncing baby girls and four cherubic baby boysfirst went viral at the end of April when OFD shared photos on social media. From fighting fires to pacifiers, they wrote in a post on Facebook. These seven Orlando Firefighters went from 24/48 hour shifts to 24/7 dads in a matter of months for the special assignment of fatherhood.

One photo featured the moms beside their firefighting partners, with babies in their arms. The parents and their babies were all doing well, the department claimed, joking that it is only a matter of time before these new recruits gear up and join the family.

The post was shared just in time for National Baby Day on May 2.

Two weeks later, all 15 babies of the OFD baby boom were featured on ABC World News Tonight. Fire crews worked extra hours during the pandemic, and some were tasked with administering vaccines. Yet before long, fatherly duties had to be factored into the mix as their little bundles of joy arrived, one by one.

What a Fathers Day to come with 15 babies to celebrate with! OFD shared on Facebook.

As photos went viral, comments from netizens flooded in, congratulating the expanding Orlando crew and marveling at the collective cuteness.

Wow I hope the FD is framing all of these pics, one person exclaimed.

The OFD should have some great family picnics soon. Congrats everyone!! wrote another.

While a third one chimed in, writing, Possibly firefighters of tomorrow.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
An 11-year-old girl fights a suspect off at a bus stop during a kidnapping attempt, in a video released by Florida sheriff's officials. (Escambia County Sheriff's Office / Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Florida Man Seen Allegedly Trying to Kidnap Girl Held on $1 Million Bond: Police

A Florida man who is accused of trying to kidnap an 11-year-old girl was ordered by an Escambia County judge to be held on $1 million bond, coming after a video released by police showed the girl fighting him off at a bus stop at 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

Jared Paul Stanga, 30, appeared in court Wednesday and faces one count each of aggravated assault, attempted kidnapping, and battery, reported the Pensacola News Journal.

The victim, who was not named, said that Stanga was allegedly armed with a knife during the alleged kidnapping attempt, officials told Florida-based media outlets. She is safe at home with her family.

In the video released by the sheriffs department, the girl is seen battling with the suspect and is then seen running away in the other direction.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said Stanga has a prior criminal history including sex offenses.

This animal is off the street, Simmons said in a press conference. We can once again applaud the efforts and resilience of that 11-year-old girl.

Jared Stanga, 30, charged on May 18 with attempted kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated assault, and battery, in a booking photo. (Courtesy of Escambia County Sheriffs Office)

Simmons noted that Stanga was taken into custody without incident at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Simmons said that the suspect had blue slime on his arm, noting that the girl was playing with the same type of blue slime before the kidnapping attempt.

The victim told police that Stanga allegedly tried to approach her at the same bus stop several weeks ago, according to the sheriff. The girls mother also said that before Tuesday, she walked her child to the bus stop every day after the first approach, reported WEAR-TV.
An Israeli soldier looks on as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel, on May 19, 2021. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

Hamas Official Predicts Ceasefire After Israel Faces 2nd Attack From Lebanon

In talks with Israeli officials, Biden admin continues push for deescalation

A senior Hamas official predicted a ceasefire within days even as fighting continues, with Hamas and other terrorist groups firing more rockets from Gaza at Israel, which faced a second attack from Lebanon on Wednesday.

The Biden administration on the same day signaled to Israeli officials multiple times that it is pushing for deescalation on the path to a ceasefire in the region.

Deputy Hamas chief Moussa Abu Marzouk told Lebanons al-Mayadeen TV on Wednesday, I think that the ongoing efforts regarding the ceasefire will succeed. I expect a ceasefire to be reached within a day or two, and the ceasefire will be on the basis of mutual agreement.

On the same day, Qatar-based Al Jazeera television reported that U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland was meeting Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar.

Deputy Hamas chief Moussa Abu Marzouk gestures during an interview with Reuters in Gaza City on Dec. 17, 2014. (Mohammed Salem/Reuters)

Abu Marzouks comments on a potential ceasefire come after Israel was attacked by four rockets fired from Lebanon on Wednesday afternoon local time, triggering sirens in the countrys northern region. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that their Iron Dome missile defense system was able to intercept one of the rockets, while their artillery forces responded by striking a number of targets in Lebanon.

Of the other three rockets, one fell in an open area, and two fell in the sea, the IDF said. Israels national emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA), said that two people were lightly injured while running to bomb shelters, reported The Jerusalem Post.

Those attacks marked the third time that rockets were fired at Israel from its northern neighbors in the past week. Previously, six rockets were fired from Lebanon on May 17, but most fell short of the border and landed inside Lebanese territory, the IDF said, adding that one of the rockets may have hit Israel.

On May 14, three rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, one of which fell inside Syria while the other two landed in open areas of the Golan Heights, the Israeli military said. The attack came as Israel had fired warning shots at some rioters from Lebanon who breached the border fence into Israeli territory, setting fire to the area.

Since the fighting began on May 10, authorities put the death toll to date at 12 in Israel, where repeated rocket attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups have sent people rushing into shelters. The IDF said that Iron Dome was able to intercept about 90 percent of the rocket attacks from Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials say 228 people have been killed.

Of the approximately 4,000 rockets that have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel, about 600 have misfired and fallen inside Gaza, according to the IDF. Spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ofir Gendelman, said that some of the misfired rockets potentially killed and injured Palestinians.

Rockets are launched towards Israel from Gaza City, controlled by the Hamas terrorists, on May 18, 2021. (Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images)

Streaks of light are seen as Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel, as seen from Ashkelon on May 19, 2021. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

The IDF said it is continuing to make headway in destroying the terrorist group Hamas, announcing early on Thursday that its aircraft have struck Hamas aerial defense compounds as well as a large number of Hamas multi-barrel rocket launchers. The IDF added that its fighter jets have, over just five days, destroyed more than 60 miles of tunnels that Hamas terrorists were using to hide and transport artillery and weapons.

With every passing day we are striking at more of the terrorist organizations capabilities, targeting more senior commanders, toppling more terrorist buildings and hitting more weaponry stockpiles, Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday. I especially appreciate the support of our friend, U.S. President Joe Biden, for Israels right to self-defense. I am determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved: to restore the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.

Israel and Hamas have waged multiple conflicts since the terrorist group took control of Gaza in 2007. Israeli airstrikes in retaliation to rockets from Gaza are not rare.

The latest Hamas-Israel conflict came on May 10, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, as well as a planned Jewish nationalist march in honor of the annual Jerusalem Day. That day, Hamas fired long-range rockets at Israel amid clashes between Palestinian rioters and Israeli police at the Masjid al-Aqsa Mosquea compound revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.

Due on the same day was a now-postponed Israeli Supreme Court hearing to evict several Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, who were found to have not paid rent. According to reports, Israeli police had been clashing with Palestinian protesters and rioters weeks prior in the lead up to May 10.

Biden Admin Pushes for Ceasefire Multiple Times

The Biden administration, in multiple talks with Israeli officials on Wednesday, continued to push for a ceasefire.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Askenazi that the United States expects to see deescalation on the path to a ceasefire, according to a State Department readout. The two leaders discussed efforts to end the violence in the region, with Blinken saying that the United States would remain engaged with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and regional stakeholders in the days ahead.

Blinkens comments come after Biden told Netanyahu that he expected a significant deescalation today on the path to a ceasefire. It marked the fourth call since the start of the latest Israel-Hamas conflict. The two leaders also had a detailed discussion on the state of events in Gaza, Israels progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the United States.

Similarly, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday morning told Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz that he urged deescalation in the conflict. Austin still underscored his support for Israels right to defend itself, according to Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby. Certainly, the secretary expressed [to Gantz], again, our deep concerns over the loss of innocent lives. We dont believe that violent conflict there is in anybodys interest, Kirby said.

The United States has so far blocked at least four attempts to issue a joint press statement from the 15-nation U.N. Security Council calling for a ceasefire and condemning Israels military response to being attackeda stance backed by the Chinese Communist Party.

On Wednesday, the United States said that it also opposes a proposed U.N. resolution drafted by France calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The resolution would only require nine yes votes and no veto by the United States or any of the four other permanent members on the council, compared to a press statement which would require all 15 council members to concur.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Flames from the Palisades fire glow in the distance in Topanga, northwest of Los Angeles, on May 15, 2021. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Homeless Man Suspected of Causing Palisades Fire

A 48-year-old homeless man was charged May 18 with arson in connection with a 1,158-acre brush fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

The hunt for the arsonist began May 15, when a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) helicopter spotted a man moving around a bush near a blaze that began the day prior, LAPD Capt. Erik Scott told The Epoch Times.

They witnessed the individual ignite multiple additional fires, he said.

Police began searching for the man, but the hunt was called off after a few hours due to the fires rapid growth. Police later resumed their search and arrested Ramon Rodriguez Flores May 16 in rugged terrain.

Pacific Palisades arson suspect Ramon Rodriguez Flores. (Courtesy of the Los Angeles Fire Department)

Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino said the arrest reflected the danger of the citys homeless population.

Our homelessness crisis is destroying neighborhoods and endangering the lives of the housed and unhoused, Buscaino said. Over 60 percent of the fires that the LAFD has responded to this year have been related to homelessness.

Allowing unregulated sprawling encampments is not compassionate, its reckless.

LAFD Capt. Scott urged Californians to take initiative and be prepared for the upcoming fire season, as the rapid growth of the Palisades fire during favorable weather conditions caused concern.

We all need to be prepared for this upcoming fire season because its going to get much hotter, drier, and were going to get Santa Ana winds, he said.

The fire was 57 percent contained and had burned 1,158 acres as of press deadline May 19. No structures were damaged, although one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

Firefighters said they were optimistic that the fire would soon be fully contained.

Rodriguez faces one felony count each of arson of a structure or forest, and arson during a state of emergency.

The 48-year-old homeless man pleaded not guilty, and will make his next court appearance June 1.

With additional reporting from City News Service
House Approves Commission to Investigate Jan. 6 Breach of US Capitol

The U.S. House of Representatives voted late Wednesday to create an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol.

The vote was 252-175, with all 217 Democrats in favor of the measure and 35 Republicans joining. The bill now goes to the evenly-divided Senate for a vote.

The National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act, also known as HR 3233, is modeled after the investigation into the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The proposed measure would create in the legislative branch an independent, 10-member commission to investigate relevant facts and circumstances relating to the attack on the Capitol, and evaluate the causes of and the lessons learned from this attack.

The commission must also submit reports of their findings, alongside recommendations to improve the detection, prevention, preparedness for, and response to targeted violence and domestic terrorism and improve the security posture of the U.S. Capitol Complex.

The bill will grant the commission powers such as the authority to hold hearings, receive evidence, and issue subpoenas. It also enables the commission to appoint staff.

The White House on May 18 came out in support of the legislation, saying in a statement that it is also taking actions to improve safety and security at the U.S. Capitol.

Members of the National Guard open a gate in the razor wire topped perimeter fence around the Capitol at sunrise in Washington, on March 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump on the same day said in a statement that Republicans in both congressional chambers should not approve the Democrat trap of the January 6 Commission, calling the initiative from Democrats just more partisan unfairness. He added, unless the murders, riots, and fire bombings in Portland, Minneapolis, Seattle, Chicago, and New York are also going to be studied, this discussion should be ended immediately, referring to the riots fueled by far-left ideology that occurred in cities across the nation last year following the police murder of George Floyd.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)the two top House Republicansalso opposed the bill. McCarthy, who was first to formally announce his opposition to the bill, said that its scope is too narrow and should include other political violence such as the riots in multiple cities last year.

On Jan. 6, lawmakers gathered at the U.S. Capitol for a joint session of Congress to count and certify Electoral College votes for the 2020 presidential election. But proceedings in the chambers were interrupted in the afternoon when a small group of rioters led a breach of the Capitol building as thousands of protesters, mostly peaceful, remained outside.

It remains unclear who instigated the incident around 2:15 p.m. By 6 p.m. that day, officials declared the building had been secured. Congressional proceedings continued and lawmakers in the early hours of Jan. 7 certified the Electoral College votes for Joe Biden.

A total of five deaths were recorded in the immediate aftermath of the Jan. 6 incident. Of the deaths, Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt was determined to have died from homicide after being shot by police for climbing through a smashed window deeper into the Capitol building. Capitol officer Brian Sicknick was determined to have died of natural causes, despite the U.S. Capitol Police initially claiming that his death was from injuries sustained during riots.

Another three people died outside the Capitol building but on Capitol grounds. Two of the deaths were found to be from natural causesboth were men in their 50s who died of hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The remaining death of a woman in her 30s was from a drug overdose ruled as an accident.
Travelers wearing masks arrive from various provinces at the Beijing Railway Station on Feb. 3, 2020. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

House Intelligence Republicans Point to Wuhan Lab as CCP Virus Origin

Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee believe it to be more likely that the CCP virus originated within a Chinese laboratory than from an animal, according to their interim report published on May 19.

There is overwhelming circumstantial evidence  to support a lab leak as the origination of COVID-19, stated the report, which was led by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the ranking member on the committee. By contrast, little circumstantial evidence has emerged to support the PRCs [Peoples Republic of China] claim that COVID-19 was a natural occurrence, having jumped from some other species to humans.

COVID-19, a disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, first appeared in Chinas central city of Wuhan in late 2019, when a cluster of cases was linked to a local wet market. More than a year later, the origins of the virus remain unknown, though the focus now has been on the theory that the virus was leaked from a laboratory at Chinas Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).

WIV is home to Chinas only P4 labthe highest level of biosafetyand its located not far from the citys wet market. A State Department fact sheet released in January stated that the WIV had been conducting experiments on bat coronavirus starting at least as far back as 2016. The institute also carried out laboratory animal experiments for the Chinese military since at least 2017.

More importantly, the department stated that it had reason to believe that several researchers inside the WIV became sick in autumn 2019, before the first identified case of the outbreak, with symptoms consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses.

The Chinese regime has denied that the viruss origin was linked to the WIV and has pushed a natural zoonotic hypothesisthat the virus was transmitted to humans from an animal host. However, Beijing has so far failed to identify the original animal species that allegedly passed the virus on to humans.

A staff member wearing a face shield walks through a bus station in Wuhan in central Chinas Hubei province on April 30, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the report, Beijing tested more than 80,000 animals and still couldnt identify the original species.

Additionally, the report also pointed to previous lab leaks in China, including one in Beijing in 2004.

The 2004 leak involved Chinas National Institute of Virology, where researchers were carrying out experiments using SARS coronavirus. The incident came following the 2002 SARS epidemic, which infected 2,769 people and killed 425 outside of mainland China, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Experts say the numbers inside China are likely much higher than officially reported.

There were also existing safety concerns regarding the WIV. According to the report, health and science experts from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing warned Washington about a possible new SARS-like pandemic, after multiple visits to the WIV between late 2017 to March 2018. The experts identified grave safety concerns associated with the WIVs practices that could lead to accidental leaks.

Beijings decisions to cover up the outbreak also served as circumstantial evidence to the lab leak theory. According to the report, these moves included failing to acknowledge that the CCP virus was contagious until Jan. 20, 2020, and the decision to close down a WIV virus database.

Beijing also silenced whistleblower doctors in late December 2019 when they tried to warn the public of an unknown pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan.

WHO team members Peter Daszak (R) and Marion Koopmans (L) are accompanied by Peter Ben Embarek (C) as they leave their hotel in Wuhan, a city in central Chinas Hubei Province on Feb. 10, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

The WIV and the Chinese government stymied and manipulated the World Health Organizations 28-day review of COVID-19s origins, the report stated as another example of Chinas cover-up.

The WHO led a mission to Wuhan earlier this year in an effort to trace the origins of the virus. Its findings, presented in a report released in late March, concluded that the lab leak theory was extremely unlikely while the zoonotic hypothesis was a possible-to-likely pathway.

Critics have denounced the WHO investigation as lacking independence. Earlier this month, 18 medical experts in biology, epidemiology, immunology, and virology signed a joint letter calling for a proper investigation into the virus origins, including examining the lab leak theory.

To protect American citizens from future pandemics, the U.S. Government must place more pressure on China to allow full, credible investigations of the source of the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow probes of the likelihood that it resulted from a lab leak, the report concluded.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 03:43:25|Editor: huaxia

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Wang Qun (2nd L, Front), Chinese envoy to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, attends a meeting of the Joint Commission on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna, Austria, on May 19, 2021. Wang Qun on Wednesday urged all parties concerned to redouble their efforts to advance the process of negotiations on bringing the United States and Iran to resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. (EU Delegation Vienna/Handout via Xinhua)

VIENNA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged all parties concerned to redouble their efforts to advance the process of negotiations on bringing the United States and Iran to resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Wang Qun, Chinese envoy to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, made the remarks after attending Wednesday's meeting of the Joint Commission on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal.

The meeting was chaired by Enrique Mora, the deputy secretary-general and political director of the European External Action Service and attended by representatives from China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran.

The current negotiations are generally progressing, but there is still some distance away from the goal of reaching an agreement, Wang said, noting that all parties involved should redouble their efforts to further translate the good will of reaching an agreement into concrete actions.

The envoy said all parties concerned should uphold a rational and pragmatic attitude and put forward realistic and feasible proposals regarding the lifting of sanctions, measures in the nuclear field and the sequence in which the United States and Iran return to compliance with the nuclear deal, in order to promote the formation of a comprehensive and effective plan.

Wang said China also hopes that Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency will reach a timely arrangement on the extension of the "temporary bilateral technical understanding," which was agreed between the two sides in February.

The Chinese envoy stressed that China has always held an impartial position on the Iranian nuclear issue and will continue to work with all parties to actively promote the negotiation process. At the same time, China will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests regarding the lifting of sanctions and other aspects, he said.

Wednesday's meeting marked the end of the fourth round of negotiations of the Joint Commission and the participants agreed to reconvene next week.

Mora told journalists after the meeting that the fourth round of talks over the past ten days has been "the longest" and "the most productive."

"We have made substantial progress. There are still things to be worked out," he said.

The European Union official noted that the spirit of compromise is high and all delegations are very committed. "I think we are on the right track and we will get an agreement," Mora said.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, also tweeted that the participants at Wednesday's meeting noted that "good" or "significant" progress was made and that an agreement is "within reach."

The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response to the U.S. moves, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its JCPOA commitments from May 2019.

The JCPOA Joint Commission began to meet in offline format on April 6 in Vienna to continue previous discussions in view of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and on how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA. Enditem
An 8-foot-tall security fence topped with concertina razor wire surrounds the U.S. Capitol, and National Guard vehicles are parked inside the temporary perimeter in Washington, on March 16, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

House Passes Bill Approving $1.9 Billion More for US Capitol Security

The House of Representatives voted on May 20 to approve $1.9 billion to increase U.S. Capitol security in response to the Jan. 6 breach, with several left-wing Squad members voting either no or present.

The House voted 213212 to approve the measure, which faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to advance legislation.

Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) voted no. Meanwhile, Reps. Jamaal Bowman ( D-N.Y.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) voted present. All other Democrats voted in favor and all Republicans voted against.

This bill is not about politics. Its not about settling scores, Appropriations Committee Chairman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said on the floor of the chamber. Its about ensuring that every person who comes onto the Capitol grounds is safe and is protected. The funding is not optional.

Republicans have said that while the GOP supports the U.S. Capitol Police and National Guard members who were deployed after the Jan. 6 breach, they view the bill as partisan and drafted without consideration for how the funds would be spent.

The bill would reimburse the National Guard for costs incurred when troops were deployed to the Capitol earlier this year, provide Capitol Police with overtime pay, and other resources. The bill would also create a response force that would aid Capitol Police during a crisis, as well as fortify doors and windows at the building.

House Dems just passed a Capitol security bill that costs $3.5 million per member of Congress. Defund the Police for thee but not for me, wrote Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.).

It also provides $200 million to establish a force within the D.C. National Guard to respond to incidents at the Capitol, raising serious concerns about the role of our military on American soil. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) added.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) indicated that the proposal needs another review when it heads to the Senate.

Were not sure what to spend the money on yet. So I think we are pushing the pause button here, he said.

The three Democrats who voted against the measure said they dont want to provide more funding for what they called police surveillance.

This bill prioritizes more money for a broken system that has long upheld and protected the white supremacist violence we saw on display that day, Bush, Omar, and Pressley said in a statement. Bowman, who voted present, told news outlets that he doesnt want to provide more funding to police budgets.

The bills passage comes as the Pentagon confirmed at a news conference that the National Guard will be leaving the Capitol on May 23.

We have received no request to extend it, Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby said, referring to the National Guard deployment around the Capitol building.
Huntington Beach Resumes In-Person City Council Meetings

The city of Huntington Beach, Calif., is returning to in-person city council meetings for the first time since January.

The transition to in-person sessions was announced during a May 17 virtual council meeting by City Manager Oliver Chi. The switch was attributed to improving COVID-19 metrics throughout Orange County.

Councilmembers and members of the public will be allowed inside city hall under the condition that they wear a mask, be vaccinated, or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, Chi said.

Huntington Beach Mayor Kim Carr welcomed the news during the May 17 council meeting.

Im looking forward to getting the opportunity to see everyone face-to-face instead of in these little squares, Carr said.

Huntington Beach spokeswoman Catherine Jun said the return to in-person meetings was in alignment with the states planned reopening June 15. The city will begin hosting in-person meetings June 1.

When it returns to in-person sessions, the councilwhich previously met on Mondayswill begin meeting on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The change was a logistical move, Jun said.

Its really difficult for staff and city council to be able to take a look at the agenda and have all questions answered between Wednesday when the agenda is published to Monday [when the meetings were held], Jun said. And oftentimes, were constantly working on the weekends, and it just has been difficult for everyone.

Moving it to Tuesday gives us that extra day to take a look at all the material, work with all the stuff thats onsite in the office and have any questions answered before we start the meeting.

City hall will be permitted to have 50 people in the audience during council meetings, Chi said. Those who cant attend in person will still have the option of participating virtually via Zoom.

I think it gives us just another opportunity to bring the public in for comments and their involvement, Jun said regarding in-person meetings. Were not doing just in-person, were doing a combination. Were still going to have the Zoom option so people can call in, but were also doing in-person so it just provides another channel for people to really get involved and to speak their mind during council meetings.
A picture shows the explosion after an Israeli strike targeted a building in Gaza City, on May 14, 2021. (Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel, Hamas Agree to Ceasefire Over Gaza Conflict: Netanyahus Office

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that officials have agreed on a ceasefire with Hamas after 11 days of fighting.

A statement from his office said that his security cabinet ministers agreed to accept the Egyptian initiative for a mutual ceasefire without any conditions, which will go into effect at an hour that will be determined later.

An official with Hamas, a designated terrorist group since 1997, told Reuters they would enter a mutual and simultaneous Gaza truce at 2 a.m. on May 21.

It came after President Joe Biden spoke to Netanyahu over the phone and urged for a ceasefire with Hamas earlier this week, according to a White House readout.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on May 20 that reports about a possible ceasefire were encouraging. The United States is trying to do everything we can to bring an end to the conflict.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 20 also ramped up his calls for a ceasefire and said that there is no justification, including counterterrorism or self-defense, for the abdication by the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Israels Iron Dome aerial defense system is activated to intercept a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, above the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, on May 12, 2021. (Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Biden, during his May 19 call with Netanyahu, said Israel should engage in a significant de-escalation today on the path to a cease-fire. Netanyahu pushed back and told media outlets that he was instead determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.

During the conflict, Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israeli civilian areas beginning on May 10. Israel responded with hundreds of airstrikes and several ground strikes.

The Israeli military, meanwhile, reported that between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. local time, 300 rockets were fired from Gaza, with 299 of them entering Israel, although about 90 percent of them were intercepted, reported Haaretz.

At least 230 Palestinians have been killed and 1,710 people were wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, although it doesnt separate the numbers into civilians and fighters. Hamas and fellow terror group Islamic Jihad stated that at least 20 of their members were killed, while Israeli officials have placed that number as being much higher.

Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, and a soldier, have been killed. The military said an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza hit an empty bus near the frontier on May 20, lightly wounding an Israeli soldier.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bust of Confucius, Confucius Institute building on the Troy University campus, Troy, Ala., on March 16, 2018 (Kreeder13 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Its Way Past the Time for Confucius Institutes to Close: Expert

Australian universities may be faced with an early cancelling of their Confucius Institute partnerships, following the axing of Victorian Belt and Road Initiative deals which exercised newly legislated veto powers.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne decision to tear up the BRI agreements have brought forward calls to cancel other deals with the Chinese Communist Party, such as the 99-year lease of the Port of Darwin to a Chinese state-owned company and the Confucius Institutes in 13 Australian universities.

At least one institute will close this year, with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) saying financial pressures and a reduced budget due to COVID-19 has forced them to discontinue supporting a significant number of activities and projects.

In August last year, a decision was made to discontinue activities at our Chinese Medicine Confucius Institute due to the financial impacts of COVID-19, an RMIT spokesman told The Epoch Times.

Then-Chinese vice-chair Xi Jinping unveils a plaque at the opening of Australias first Chinese Medicine Confucius Institute at the RMIT University in Melbourne on June 20, 2010. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

Under the Foreign Relations Act, which gave Payne the power to end the BRI deals, over one thousand agreements between foreign administrations and local, state, and territory governments and public universities have been examined.

Universities have until June 10 to submit their Confucius Institute contracts for review. The University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, and Victoria University have already sent in copies of their contracts.

Political Agenda of the Confucius Institutes

The official purpose of the centres is to promote the Chinese language and culture around the world. However, Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) Director Bella dAbrera said its informal mission is to promote a highly uncritical view of Chinese society and ensure the world adheres to the Beijing-determined narrative.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute Executive Director Peter Jennings believes the Confucius Institute contracts must surely be high on the governments list of potential cancelled agreements.

To sustain the funding flow from Confucius Institutes, universities run the risk that courses on Chinese history or international relations cannot discuss Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, the illegal annexation of the South China Sea, human rights, and other topics discomforting to Beijing, Jennings wrote.

Its way past time the institutes were closed, he said.

Former Hong Kong Lawmaker Ted Hui believes the centres should close because they are part of the CCP United Front strategy and lack transparency in its operations.

A former lawmaker from Hong Kongs pro-democracy opposition Ted Hui (R), accompanied by veteran pro-democracy politician Albert Ho (L), speaks to the media as he leaves the Western Police Station in Hong Kong on November 18, 2020. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)

I dont think they are purely teaching Confucius ideas, principles, and knowledge, Hui told The Epoch Times. I would consider it as infiltration into different countries.

Hui said they posed a threat to different countries, including Australia because the institution could be doing other work like getting involved in different community levels to collect information or spread messages.

Therefore, he thinks there should be a thorough review into the organisational structure, how they operate, and whether there is a political agenda behind their community involvement.

As far as I understand, its typical of how the United Front strategy of the CCP is run. They are political organisations themselves, Hui said. I wouldnt say Im 100 percent sure that all of them are running with political agendas, but in general, organisations like that, their nature is political, not academic.

I believe a thorough review is needed before more action can be taken [in the short-term], but in the long-term, I believe they should be cancelled. They shouldnt operate anymore.

Senator Marise Payne during the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee at Parliament House on March 24, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

A spokesman for Marise Payne told The Age that the decision to cancel the institute contracts would be made on a case-by-case basis.

Universities are required to notify all existing arrangements with foreign governments that fall within the scope of the scheme, including where they relate to Confucius Institutes, the spokesman said.

However, Associate Professor at the University of Sydney Salvatore Babones believes the government should not close the institutes. Rather they should be closed by the universities themselves.

They should be closed because it is no longer morally tenable for universities to do business with a government that has slid into totalitarianism and, according to many definitions, genocide, Babones wrote in The Age. In short, they should take a moment to reflect on their true values, and do their best to act on them in managing their relationships with China.
Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Was a Mostly Peaceful Protest: Sen. Ron Johnson

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), in response to the Houses vote to establish a Jan. 6 commission, said that the Capitol breach on that day was largely a peaceful protest.

Johnson told Fox News that the narrative pushed by Democrats, a small number of Republicans, and some corporate media outlets that the Jan. 6 breach was an insurrection is false. That narrative came to the center stage during the January impeachment effort against former President Donald Trump.

Even calling it an insurrection, it wasnt, he told the broadcaster on Wednesday, adding: I condemned the breach. I condemned the violence, but to say there were thousands of armed insurrectionists breaching the Capitol intent on overthrowing the government is just simply false narrative.

Some of his constituents in Wisconsin who went to the Stop the Steal rally as both chambers of Congress met to certify the Nov. 3 election told him that it was largely a peaceful affair and that there were far fewer rioters, according to the senator.

Video footage showed a few hundred people breaching the Capitol, and some were seen on videos attacking police officers, according to prosecutors. The Jan. 6 rally that featured President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani was attended by possibly tens of thousands of Trump supporters.

The Department of Justice has charged more than 300 people with Capitol breach-related offenses, while the respective heads of the FBI and DOJ have said that due to Jan. 6, their agencies will be increasing investigations into what they describe as domestic violent extremists.

And some lawmakers, during the second Trump impeachment, claimed that Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was killed by fire extinguisher-wielding protesters and cited an anonymously sourced New York Times article for their claim. However, it was later revealed by the Washington Medical Examiners Office that Sicknick died of strokes and was ruled natural causes. Before his cause of death was revealed, the NY Times issued an update that essentially retracting the claim that Sicknick was killed by rioters.

By and large, it was peaceful protest, except for there were a number of people, basically agitators that whipped the crowd and breached the Capitol. Thats really the truth of whats happening here, Johnson said, adding that he doesnt support an independent Jan. 6 commission into the breach.

Democrats on the House floor argued that its necessary to establish a commission and some accused top Republicans of capitulating to Trump, who still holds significant sway over the GOP.

Today, over four months later, many questions regarding the circumstances of this assault on our democracy and response to it remain, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday. It is imperative that we seek the truth of what happened on January 6th. And to do that, Congress must, in a spirit, I believe, of bipartisanship and patriotism, establish an independent, bipartisan, 9/11-type Commission.

But top Republicans, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), have expressed that they do not support the commission, alleging that it would be a slanted, politicized affair.

The head of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), meanwhile, said he spent months consulting Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) to come up with the measure, which both Thompson and Katko had described as bipartisan.

It was as big a shock to the Speaker and all of us that our minority leader had not  well, he even said he had not seen it. Which we have letters from him responding to it. So its not like he hadnt seen it, Thompson said, according to The Hill.
Jury Convicts Alabama Woman on Federal Anti-Riot Charge

A jury in Alabama on Wednesday found a woman charged with obstructing authorities guilty.

Tia Pugh, 22, faces five years in prison after a conviction for smashing the window of a police vehicle on May 31, 2020, during a riot in downtown Mobile following the death of George Floyd.

Pugh and others had broken away from a planned protest route and gathered on an on-ramp to an interstate before refusing to obey orders to disperse. Officers deployed crowd control munitions and clashes broke out.

During the chaos, Pugh went to a marked police car that was part of a makeshift barricade that authorities erected and used a bat to break the front passenger-side window. An officer was exiting the vehicle at the time, according to court documents.

Pugh was charged with obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder.

Pughs attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Gordon Armstrong, the attorney, told The Epoch Times in an email earlier this month that he believed the jury would exonerate his client.

Armstrong had attempted to argue the law under which Pugh was charged was racially motivated because its author, former Sen. Russell Long (D-La.) supported racial segregation and opposed the civil rights movement.

But District Judge Terry Moorer, a Trump nominee, rejected that argument, writing in a ruling that the legislative history of the law has no bearing because the codes language is clear.

Pugh will be sentenced on Aug. 19 at the federal courthouse in Mobile. She faces up to five years in prison.

Pugh was also charged on the state level with inciting a riot and criminal mischief. That case is still ongoing.

Juries have convicted at least two others who were part of the rioting in the wake of Floyds death on federal charges: Rudy Alvarez was convicted of pointing a laser at a police helicopter that was flying over protests in San Diego, California, in June 2020. Zachary Karas was convicted last week of possessing Molotov cocktails in La Mesa, California, on May 30, 2020, around 2 a.m. during riots in the area.
An Elections Canada volunteer tapes up signs at a polling station in Toronto on Oct. 19, 2015. (The Canadian Press/Aaron Vincent Elkaim)

Large-Scale Mail-In Ballots In Federal Election Could Facilitate Voter Fraud: Independent MP

Mail-in ballots done on a large scale could open the door to manipulation and election fraud, says independent MP Derek Sloan, who recently voted against a federal government bill that includes this option as one way of helping to make voting safer during the pandemic.

We typically avail [mail-in] ballots for people that are out of the country or overseas, the military, and so on, and thats fine. But when its done in a large-scale manner in Canada, I think it does open to possibilities for fraud and manipulation, Sloan told The Epoch Times.

Independent member of Parliament Derek Sloan rises during question period in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Feb. 5, 2021. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Sloan was the lone dissenting vote on the second reading of Bill C-19, which passed with all-party approval in principle on May 11.

The bill, which aims to provide temporary rules for Elections Canada to conduct an election safely should one take place during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now go to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) for scrutiny and possible amendments.

Sloan said his main concern with Bill C-19 is the mail-in ballot option that allows people to vote by mail on a widespread basis. Chief Electoral Officer Stephane Perrault said in his testimony before PROC on Oct. 22, 2020, that surveys indicated that about 4 million to 5 million voters would vote by mail.

I have concerns about security and potential cheating if the wrong person gets itI mean, almost anybody can just mail a ballot theyve received, Sloan said, adding that voter list and voter identity verification are critical.

I dont know what Elections Canada will be doing to ensure [election integrity]if all theyre going to do is mail ballots to whatever address is on the voter roll, thats a problem.

Sloan cited a personal experience in which he received a voter information card at his home that was addressed to someone who used to live there.

If the federal government does adopt mail-in voting in the next election, he said, there needs to be some kind of strict mechanism to ensure that people have to provide information on the mail-in ballot itself that would be very hard to forge if youre not that person.

In the House of Commons on May 10, Liberal MP Julie Dzerowicz said Bill C-19 would allow Canadians to register online to be able to vote by mail using a drivers licence.

It makes voting more accessible by allowing voters to register to vote by mail using an ID number, like a drivers licence number, rather than a full copy of their identification, she said.

If Canadians did go to the polls in the pandemic, we anticipate that many more would want to vote by mail.

Kent: Interim Report Pre-Empted By C-19

Bill C-19 was introduced on Dec. 10, 2020, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc told the House on May 10 that the government had tabled the legislation because we thought it was important for Parliament to have a chance to consider it over the Christmas break.

But PROC had already been working on the issue since Oct. 22, 2020, following a report submitted by Perrault earlier that month appealing to parliamentarians to study and adopt a new temporary law so that Elections Canada could administer an election safely in the event one happens during the pandemic.

Conservative MP and PROC member Peter Kent said the committee was within days of presenting its interim report, but it was pre-empted by Bill C-19, ignoring the suggestions of the exhaustive study  that would have improved Bill C-19 before it was tabled.

The Liberals clearly intended then to rush the legislation through Parliament, as they have done with so many other flawed pieces of legislation from the beginning of the pandemic, he said on May 10.

The passing of Bill C-19 came a day after the NDP supported the minority Liberal government in cutting short debate on the bill, leading to accusations by Conservative and Bloc Quebecois MPs that the two parties colluded.

The Liberals decided to introduce a bill, utterly disregarding democratic institutions such as the [PROC] committee. Now they are forcing closure with help from the NDP, their usual accomplice for this kind of tactic, said Bloc House Leader Alain Therrien, also vice-chair of PROC.

Speaking for the Liberals, LeBlanc said the government wants to ensure Canada is ready for an election during the pandemic, with temporary measures in place, should an election be called.

The proposed amendments to the Canada Elections Act were introduced in Parliament a few months ago, he said.

With files from The Canadian Press
Then-Capt. Matthew Lohmeier, 460th Operations Group Block 10 chief of training, stands in the Standardized Space Trainer on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., on July 22, 2015. (Darren Scott/U.S. Air Force)

Lawmakers Demand Reinstatement of Space Force Officer Who Was Removed for Denouncing Critical Race Theory

A group of Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the acting secretary of the U.S. Space Force on May 19, urging him to immediately reinstate a lieutenant colonel who was relieved of his command after publishing a book that warned of the spread of Marxism and critical race theory (CRT) in the military.

Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier, a former instructor and fighter pilot, was relieved as commander of the 11th Space Warning Squadron due to loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead, a Defense Department official told CNN on May 14.

The decision came after Lohmeier took part in podcasts to discuss his self-published book, titled Irresistible Revolution: Marxisms Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of the American Military, which warns against the spread of Marxism and CRT in the military.

During an appearance on the podcast Information Operation, Lohmeier criticized Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins agenda. The department deemed his comments to be partisan political activity.

In their letter (pdf), the two dozen Republicans expressed their alarm over the decision to relieve Lohmeier. They said it appeared to reflect the development of an increasingly politicized environment in the Department of Defense, which has now manifested in the Space Force.

The lawmakers criticized the use of euphemisms such as diversity training in describing CRT. Such terms, they said, are grotesque distortions of reality.

CRT has gradually proliferated in recent decades through academia, government structures, school systems, and the corporate world. It redefines human history as a struggle between the oppressorswhite peopleand the oppressedeverybody elsesimilar to Marxisms reduction of history to a struggle between the bourgeois and the proletariat. It labels institutions that emerged in majority-white societies as racist and white supremacist.

Like Marxism, CRT advocates for the destruction of institutions, such as the Western justice system, free-market economy, and orthodox religions, while demanding that they be replaced with institutions compliant with the theorys ideology.

Proponents of CRT have argued that the theory is merely demonstrating how pervasive systemic racism truly is.

Those leaders who are complicit with this poisonous philosophy which promotes racial essentialism and collective guilt in our beloved military will be judged by history accordingly, the lawmakers wrote. Promoting critical race theory will disrupt the good order and discipline in the Space Force and eviscerate our nations ability to attract patriotic talent to serve in uniform and fight our wars.

Signatory Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) said in a statement that the military should focus on threats to U.S. national security and not pandering to one political ideology.

I cant imagine a better way to weaken ourselves in the midst of a great-power competition with China and Russia, he said. Lt. Col. Lohmeier listened to the Secretary of Defense and stood up against extremism on the left. He should be praised for his courage.

Space Force officials didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.

Petr Svab contributed to this report.
Man With Rare Genetic Disease Gets His 3-Wheeled Bike StolenThen Kind Stranger Steps In to Help

The world became significantly smaller for 31-year-old Matthew Wondra when his three-wheeled bike, a gift from his late father, was stolen from his trailer park in Illinois. For Matthew, who has a rare genetic disease, the bike was his sole means of getting around.

But a remedy was soon found when a kind stranger read about Matthews loss on social media. A fellow resident of Granite City, she decided to intervene, paying him a visit with a surprise in the back of her SUV.

Matthews mom Terri told NBC she was definitely angry when her sons bike was taken. He kept looking out saying, Mom wheres my bike? she said.

Matthews sister had set out to help her brotherwho suffers from Lowe syndrome, often characterized by vision and kidney problems, weak muscle tone, and brain abnormalities. She posted about his stolen bike on a community Facebook page with hopes of raising funds for a new one.

However, a kind stranger stepped in before she could do so.

Good Samaritan Venessa Duckett (Courtesy of Venessa Duckett)

A local mom of two, Venessa Duckett, took it upon herself to get Matthew a replacement bike because she simply felt it was the right thing to do.

This town, when I grew up, there was a lot of generous people, she told the news outlet. There was times when I didnt have shoes or a coat and people in this town helped me out.

So Duckett called local bike shop Breese Bikes for some tips on how to assemble the specialized bike. Owner Patrick Breese went a step further by putting the bike together himselffree of charge.

Patrick Breese, owner of Breese Bikes (Courtesy of Venessa Duckett)

Somebody stole his bike in the trailer park and thats his transportation, an outraged Breese said. Working on bikes is something he started doing as a child; now his chosen vocation would give back to his community.

After driving to Matthews house, Duckett knocked on the door and invited the unsuspecting 31-year-old out into the parking lot where his brand-new bike awaited in the back of her SUV.

His reaction was priceless, she recalled.

A touching photo captured the moment Matthew saw his gift. He clasped both hands over his face to mask his shock, and perhaps a tear.

Matthew, surprised seeing his new set of wheels. (Courtesy of Venessa Duckett)

Matthew with his new bike. (Courtesy of Venessa Duckett)

Matthew takes a spin on his new bike. (Courtesy of Venessa Duckett)

Mathews mother, moved to tears, marveled at the generosity of the woman who had been a perfect stranger moments earlier. Shes got a big heart, a caring heart, Terri praised.

Rather than paying it forward, Duckett said, she hoped buying the new bike for Matthew was paying it back to the community which helped raise her.

If we all make each others life a little bit easier, could you imagine what kind of world it would be? she added.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Mollie Tibbettss Boyfriend Testifies in Murder Trial, Wholeheartedly Believes Suspect Is Guilty

The boyfriend of a University of Iowa student testified Wednesday that he had nothing to do with her 2018 abduction and stabbing death, saying he had been out of town for work and was heartbroken by her slaying, and he wholeheartedly believes the suspect is guilty.

Dalton Jack, the longtime boyfriend of Mollie Tibbetts, was a key witness on the first day of the first-degree murder trial of Cristhian Bahena Rivera, an illegal immigrant charged in her killing.

Prosecutor Bart Klaver said in his opening statement Wednesday that video evidence, DNA analysis, and a partial confession by Rivera, a dairy farm worker, will be crucial to proving his guilt. Tibbetts, 20, disappeared while out for a run in Brooklyn, Iowa, on July 18, 2018. Her body was recovered a month later in a cornfield.

Mollie Tibbetts poses for a picture during homecoming festivities at BGM High School in her hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa, in September 2016. (Kim Calderwood via AP)

During cross-examination, defense lawyers for Rivera worked to try to cast suspicion on Jack, painting him as a man with a temper who had a tumultuous relationship with Tibbetts and had cheated on her with at least one other woman.

But Klaver said a homeowners surveillance video will show Riveras black Chevy Malibu appearing to circle Tibbets as she ran. Bahena Rivera, now 26, told police that he drove past Tibbetts and turned around to get a second look because he thought she was hot, Klaver said.

Rivera admitted to investigators that he got out of his car and ran to catch up with her, and became angry and fought with her after she threatened to call police, Klaver said. Rivera said the next thing he remembered was driving his Malibu with her bloody body in the trunk, which he then carried over his shoulder and hid beneath stalks in a cornfield, the prosecutor said.

Klaver said blood found in the trunk matched Tibbetts DNA. He said an autopsy found that she had been stabbed from seven to 12 times in the chest, ribs, neck, and skull, and that she died from sharp force injuries.

If convicted, Rivera faces life in prison without parole.

The case drew national attention to illegal immigration. Then-President Donald Trump said Rivera had exploited lax immigration laws to enter the United States illegally from Mexico as a teenager.

Cristhian Bahena Rivera listens in the courtroom at the Scott County Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa, on May 19, 2021. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette via AP, Pool)

Jack, 23 and now an Army sergeant stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, testified that he met Tibbetts at high school and had been dating her for three years. He described her as happy, bubbly, goofy, saying she liked to have fun and that she went running most days.

On the day she disappeared, Tibbetts was staying at the Brooklyn home where Jack and his older brother Blake Jack lived. She had been watching Blake Jacks dogs while the brothers were out of town that week for work.

Brooklyn hairdresser Kristina Steward testified that she drove past Tibbetts while she was running on a road outside Brooklyn at about 7:45 p.m. on July 18. She said she had known Tibbetts for years and her heart sank when she learned she was missing the next day.

The Jack brothers testified that they became concerned after learning on July 19 that Tibbetts had not shown up for work at a daycare, and she was not answering her phone. Both returned to Brooklyn to search for her before calling police.

Dalton Jack testified that he had been part of a crew building a bridge in Dubuque, about 140 miles from Brooklyn. He worked 12 hours on July 18 then drank beer and played yard games with the crew before going to sleep at a hotel, adding that he never returned to Brooklyn that night.

A photograph of Mollie Tibbetts is shown in the courtroom as Dalton Jack testifies during the trial of Cristhian Bahena Rivera at the Scott County Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa, on May 19, 2021. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette via AP, Pool)

On cross-examination, Jack acknowledged he used to have a short fuse and would get into fights. He said that he had screwed up and cheated on Tibbetts once, and that she discovered the relationship after looking through his phone.

Jack said the two worked through the problem and never broke up but acknowledged Tibbetts told him three days before she disappeared that she remained sad and upset about his infidelity. On the day before she went missing, she had discussed one of his previous relationships with a second woman, Jack admitted.

With friends and police searching for Tibbetts, a woman with whom Jack has previously had a relationship sent him a text message asking, Dalton, is Mollie alive? defense lawyer Chad Frese said, calling the question odd.

Jack admitted that he initially told police that he was watching a movie in his hotel room on the night she disappeared and that he withheld information about his infidelity, calling it irrelevant. He also acknowledged that he told police his last communication with Tibbetts was a Snapchat he received at 10:30 p.m. that night, but phone records show it was after 1 a.m.

He also said he did not agree to voluntarily testify and required a subpoena because he didnt want to be in the same room as Rivera.

I am obviously not his biggest fan, he said. I wholeheartedly believe hes guilty.

Jack said he joined the Army three months after Tibbetts body was found because he was heartbroken and wanted to pretty much leave their hometown.

The trial at the Scott County Courthouse in Davenport is being livestreamed by Court TV and expected to last through next week.

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 03:46:28|Editor: huaxia

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A protester uses a slingshot to hurl a stone at Israeli soldiers during a protest against the ongoing Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip at a checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 19, 2021. The United Nations' casualty count from hostilities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel on Wednesday showed 256 people dead - including 69 children and an Israeli soldier - and thousands of people injured. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' casualty count from hostilities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel on Wednesday showed 256 people dead - including 69 children and an Israeli soldier - and thousands of people injured.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children. Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier. Thousands of people are injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza.

The hostilities shuttered six hospitals and nine primary healthcare centers in Gaza. Damage from a nearby airstrike halted COVID-19 testing at the Gaza Central Laboratory, the UN humanitarians reported. A non-governmental organization hospital stopped functioning because of fuel shortages.

Electric power in Gaza dropped, on average, to just three to four hours a day due to feeder line damage, OCHA said.

The World Food Programme reported giving out electronic vouchers to 74,000 people in Gaza as of Monday. Humanitarian partners were assessing the damage to homes and prioritizing repair support.

The UN refugee agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, said it provides for the displaced in designated areas water, sanitation, hygiene services for the displaced and electric generators.

On Tuesday, the Israelis allowed several fuel trucks crossing through the Kerem Shalom to power electrical generators but held back additional humanitarian vehicles for security reasons.

On Wednesday, OCHA said the barred trucks carried cargo that included COVID-19 vaccines, first aid kits, medical disposables and drugs, including emergency medicines, fire extinguishers and fuel.

Given the high number of vulnerable people, there is great concern about the spread of COVID-19.

The world organization said Gaza crossings should be open for essential and humanitarian supplies, including fuel for basic services, supplies to curb the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that those who need life-saving treatment can access such relief.

The humanitarian fund for the occupied Palestinian territories expects to soon release 14 million U.S. dollars toward a response appeal to be announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Undersecretary-General Mark Lowcock, the UN chief's relief coordinator. Enditem
Mostly Republican Ballots Fail to Scan in Pennsylvania County Election, Stoking Concerns

A number of ballots couldnt be scanned during local elections this week in a southwestern county in Pennsylvania, triggering fresh concerns about election integrity.

The ballots, mostly from Republican voters in Fayette County, were missing bar codes that typically help facilitate electronic scanning.

What we know at this point in time is that a bar code thats required to allow the paper ballots to be scanned at the polling places was missing, state Rep. Matthew Dowling, a Republican, told The Epoch Times.

George Rattay, chairman of the Fayette County Democratic Party, was present when the issues began around 7 p.m. on May 18. He said nobody initially knew what the problem was. He and others went to the county Bureau of Elections and found out it was a bar code issue.

The majority of them were Republican ballots, he told The Epoch Times.

A bureau spokeswoman declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation.

A hand recount was taking place on May 20.

The county said in a statement that the bureau identified and was addressing a printing issue with some of the primary election ballots and that the issue was affecting all parties.

Alternative solutions to the scanning issues were already established and are being enacted. Election officials are currently in direct contact with the judges of elections at all precincts. All judges were trained on these procedures prior to the election, the county said.

Every voter will have an opportunity to vote at their polling place. Election officials will ensure every vote is counted.

Republican county officials helped obtain a judicial order that directed a hand count of all unscanned ballots.

Dowling, state Rep. Ryan Warner, and state Sen. Pat Stefano have issued a right-to-know request seeking records involving ballot and voting machine testing, as well as financial records, including contracts, relating to the printing of ballots and any reports of ballot malfunctions.

We do want to provide transparency and let our constituents know how this blunder happened, Dowling told The Epoch Times, adding that the county has not yet said why the barcode was missing on some ballots.

Im assuming there was nothing nefarious, although I think that does have to be investigated to see why this happened.

The issue compounds an already low level of faith among some voters in election integrity, with some of the representatives constituents saying they arent willing to vote again.

Fayette County District Attorney Richard Bower told CBS Pittsburgh that his office plans to investigate what happened. The office didnt immediately return a voicemail on May 20.

Bill Kozlovich, chairman of the Fayette County Republican Party, told The Epoch Times that he believes the missing barcodes stemmed from a mistake by the printing company.

I honestly believe it was an honest mistake, he said.

Fayette County uses Dominion Voting Systems machines. Issues cropped up with Dominion machines in Luzerne County in the May 18 election. Those were blamed on a ballot screen error.

Regarding the Fayette County issues, a Dominion spokesperson referenced the county statement blaming a printing issue.

Known conspiracy theorists have falsely claimed that Dominion machines were at fault. Dominion is not the ballot printing vendor for Fayette County, the spokesperson said via email. Local Fayette elections officials quickly implemented a back-up plan and assured voters that every vote will be tallied accurately.

Rattay, the chair of the countys Democratic Party, urged people not to take out their anger at what happened on polling workers, because they werent involved with the issue and are already overworked and underpaid.

Theyre going to get their ears beat off. Well, they had nothing to do with it, he said.
Natural Immunity: Public Healths Forgotten Ally

Researchers continue to grapple with questions over value of vaccines versus natural immunity

In the United States, everyone, 16 years of age and older, is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

HealthCare.gov, the agency behind the Affordable Care Act, recently sent out an email announcing the good news. They said the new shot was an important tool to help end the pandemic, and its your best protection from getting COVID-19.

But is it really the best?

An alternative form of immune security hardly gets any attention, but it may have benefits that any one of the COVID shots now available under emergency use authorization do not. And many of us may already carry this protection, no shot required.

Natural immunity (the inborn process of catching a virus and recovering from it) has been common knowledge for many years. The process has also shown to produce significant antibody protection against COVID-19. According to research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in January in the journal Science, the immune systems of more than 95 percent of people who recovered from COVID-19 had durable memories of the virus up to eight months after infection.

Symptoms dont have to be severe for protection to be strong. One study screened individuals who had recovered from a mild case of COVID-19 and found that immune cells not only persist but continuously differentiate in a coordinated fashion well into convalescence, into a state characteristic of long-lived, self-renewing memory.

But is it better than a vaccination? One study from Denmark doesnt think so. It suggests that vaccine-induced immunity for COVID-19 may perform slightly better than natural immunity, which was found to prevent reinfection about 80 percent of the time (compare that to the 95 percent effectiveness that vaccine makers claim).

However, researchers admit that big unknowns still remain. For example, the study did not look at the severity of reinfections from either immunity method. It may still be too soon to tell how natural immunity stacks up next to the protective promises of Pfizers, Modernas, or Johnson and Johnsons jabs, because the disease they guard against is still so new. Meanwhile, strong comparative data is lacking.

But when it comes to vaccination protection for viruses weve known about for generations, natural immunity is typically superior.

In a March 2020 video, Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, addressed the potency difference between natural immunity and vaccine protection using himself as an example. Offit explained that the measles antibodies he developed when he caught the disease as a child in the 1950s are probably threefold greater than what children will get if they get a vaccine.

But acquiring this top-grade protection comes with a big catch: an increased risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and potentially death.

The high price of natural immunity, that is, occasionally severe and fatal disease, is a risk not worth taking, Offit said.

The better question, says Offit, is whether vaccines are good enough. Can this medical intervention provide an immune response that can eliminate disease, without subjecting the population to the risks associated with acquiring natural immunity?

Well, we have the answer for measles. When we added a second dose measles vaccination recommendation in 1991  we eliminated measles in the United States by the year 2000. The only reason that it has come back recently is because of the critical number of parents who have chosen not to vaccinate their children, Offit said.

But a 1984 study adds a crucial detail missing from Offits story. Published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found that the natural immunity of the baby boomers plays a substantial role in the elimination of U.S. measles cases.

In a 2019 interview, Barbara Loe Fisher, co-founder and president of the National Vaccine Information Center, says this stronger, longer-lasting natural immunity protection that our elder generation carries cant necessarily be replaced by more vaccines.

We never were vaccinated, but we are contributing to the concept of what looks like vaccine-acquired herd immunity. When we die, you wont have that barrier anymore, Fisher said. Vaccine-acquired immunity is not the same as naturally acquired immunity. That has been the problem from the very beginning with the creation of these vaccines. They have never understood how to make vaccines mimic naturally acquired immunity exactly.

Eroding Trust in Natural Immunity

Vaccines allow an avenue for immunity without the risks that come with catching the wild disease. But, to be fair, the treatment comes with its own set of risks.

One problem is that vaccines may actually spread disease. In 2019, The Associated Press reported that more polio cases in four African countries were now caused by vaccine than by the wild virus.

Another concern is that vaccines may leave us more vulnerable to diseases other than the ones we get vaccinated against. The phenomenon is known as virus interference, and it was demonstrated in a study published in a January 2020 issue of the journal Vaccine. The study explored virus interference by comparing cases of viral respiratory infections among Department of Defense personnel based on whether or not individuals got an influenza vaccine.

The flu shot didnt raise the risk of all respiratory infections but it was significantly associated with unspecified coronavirus. In other words, those getting the flu shot were more likely to get sick with a coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the natural immunity we develop from some diseases may give us protection from new diseases. A recent study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases shows that human rhinoviruses, the cause of the common cold, triggers an interferon response that blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Mathematical simulations show that this virusvirus interaction is likely to have a population-wide effect as an increasing prevalence of rhinovirus will reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases, researchers reported.

Although the media likes to portray vaccination as a black-and-white issue, characterizing people as either for or against the treatment, individual examples are usually more complex. Health experts in particular often favor some vaccines over others.

And much of the public health community have more faith in the power of natural immunity than officials would like to acknowledge. One example is the Great Barrington Declaration, a document written by infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists. Last year, before any vaccine was available, this declaration proposed an end to the devastating lockdown measures that characterized the official COVID-19 response by giving natural immunity a chance to flourish. The proposal called for more protective measures among the vulnerable, while the vast majority could live as normal, developing the antibodies that could protect the population.

The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk. We call this Focused Protection, states the declaration, signed by more than 43,000 medical practitioners and more than 14,000 public health scientists.

More than 99 percent of people who tested positive for COVID-19 have survived, suggesting that the natural protection built against this virus could be enormous. For these individuals, the risk of disease may have already been conquered. But officials dont seem very interested in examining this influence, or rewarding the antibodies that have been earned the old-fashioned way.

For example, Canadas Federal COVID Immunity Taskforce believes the use of passports will be restricted to immunity conferred by vaccines, as there is more scientific evidence for immunity from vaccines than from natural immunity.

Its as if natural immunity has been removed from the conversation. In June 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) changed its definition of herd immunity. The term describes a point at which enough people become immune to a disease to erase its risk, and it previously included those who had acquired their antibodies through natural infection along with vaccinated individuals. But the WHOs new definition now says herd immunity happens exclusively through vaccination.

Part of the reason officials may dismiss natural immunitys influence is that, unlike a vaccine, natural immunity development can vary from one individual to the next. Thats why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says people who have tested positive for COVID and recovered are still urged to get the shot.

At this time, experts do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long, the CDC states.

But the agency is also known to inflate the vaccines virtues. In December 2020, the CDC stated that the Pfizer vaccine demonstrated benefit for those with evidence of prior COVID infection, but the health agency was later forced to admit the claim was made in error when a U.S. congressman pointed out that the study demonstrated no such benefit.

There is reason to suggest that natural immunity to COVID-19 may have some unique merit, just as the immune system demonstrates with similar diseases. Like the vaccine (which experts already expect to require booster shots in the near future) no one knows how long natural immunity may last for SARS-CoV-2, the virus said to cause COVID-19. But a study published last year in the journal Nature showed that patients who recovered from the first SARS outbreak in 2003 still possessed long-lasting memory T-cells for the virus 17 years later.

Those T-cells, developed naturally several years ago, may still contribute to public health. Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in individuals with no history of SARS, COVID-19, or contact with individuals who had SARS and/or COVID-19.

But officials say even those who have developed their own immune protection against COVID-19 still need a drug industry intervention. Everyone is encouraged to get the shot, but pushing naturally immune individuals toward this treatment may actually push them toward greater risk with no benefit to public health. One survey study found that people with prior COVID-19 illness experience significantly increased incidence and severity of side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who did not have the disease beforehand.

Researchers found that the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) caused milder, less-frequent systemic side effects, compared to viral vector vaccines (Johnson and Johnson), which resulted in more local reactions.
Commuters leave and arrive at Flinders Street Station on Sept. 4, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

New Business Levy to Fund $3.8B Mental Health Reform: Victorian Budget

Victorian-based businesses will be levied with a new surcharge to rebuild the states broken mental health system, according to the states newly released 2021-22 budget.

On Thursday, Treasurer Tim Pallas revealed the state of Victorias economy, which is expected to reach a net debt of $102.1 billion this year and increase to $156.3 billion in 2024-25.

The state has responded with a suite of new taxes to balance the books, as well as new initiatives targeting the health, education, and transport sectors.

The newly announced Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy will bankroll the states $3.8 billion mental health system reform.

Businesses with over $10 million in revenue will be liable to pay the levy. So, for every dollar of wages paid over $10 million, a business will pay the state a 0.5 percent surcharge.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas delivers his budget speech in the Legislative Assembly at Victorian State Parliament in Melbourne, Australia on May 20, 2021. (AAP Image/James Ross)

For businesses with payrolls exceeding $100 million, that surcharge increases to 1 percent for each dollar.

Pallas estimates 5 percent of employers will be affected and predicts the measure will raise $900 million per year by 2024-25approximately $3 billion in total.

Many big businesses have continued to profit through the pandemicpocketing taxpayer subsidies along the way, Pallas told Victoria Parliament.

Were asking those businesses to help deliver a generational reform, after one of the most mentally taxing years of our lives.

The initiative will address one of 74 recommendations by the Royal Commission into Victorias Mental Health System. Around $1.5 billion will go towards establishing 20 of the recommended 50 to 60 local mental health hubs, while $954 million will be spent replacing 22 existing services.

The state budget papers also revealed how Victoria was coping with the fallout of recent pandemic lockdowns, with the state expected to run a deficit of $11.6 billion in the 2021-22 financial yeardown from the projected $13.1 billion.

A general view of an empty street in the central business district in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 14, 2021 (Wayne Taylor/Getty Images)

In the succeeding years, forecasts predict the deficit should narrow to $3.8 billion (2022-23), $2.1 billion (2023-24), and then achieve a surplus of $1.1 billion (2022-23), and $3 billion (2024-25).

The budget also rests on the presumption that future outbreaks of the pandemic are localised and can be contained.

The Victorian government also announced a suite of new taxes targeting property investors and homebuyers to work off the states debt, including raising land taxes and stamp duty on multi-million-dollar properties.

Business Council of Australia CEO Jennifer Westacott was critical of the new mental health levies saying it set a dangerous precedent.

While we welcome mental health reform which is much needed to deal with systemic issues and the devastating impact of a long and disproportionate lockdown, an approach that pits some Victorians against others by taxing jobs makes everyone a loser, she said in a statement.

These are the same employers who kept workers on their books during more than 100 days of lockdown, paid them when they couldnt work because of government decisions and kept services running, she added.

Cafes in Melbournes Degraves street open for dine in customers in Melbourne, Australia on June 01, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Tim Piper of the Australian Industry Group, the nations peak employer association, acknowledged the importance of mental health but said additional taxes were a concern.

The payroll tax levy related to mental health funding, while directly impacting only a small proportion of businesses, will dampen jobs growth and add another cost to doing business in the state, he said in a statement.

The recourse to additional stamp duty in part reflects the lack of revenue options facing the states and territories, he said, warning that stamp duty has oft-been criticised for being an inefficient tax.

Meanwhile, Angus Clelland, CEO of Mental Health Victoria, commended the budget saying it was the single biggest investment in mental health of any government in Australia, which eclipsed the federal governments $2.3 billion commitment to the sector last week

Todays budget represents the culmination of more than two decades of advocacy efforts from individuals, carers, families, peak bodies, and mental health professionals from across Victoria, he said in a statement.

We often refer to mental health as the poor cousin of the health system. The funding announced todayand the budgets that will followwill address this historic imbalance.
New Zealand Court Rules Pfizer Vaccine Rollout Unlawful

The New Zealand government has swiftly changed the law to get around a High Court ruling that had determined widespread access to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was unlawful.

In a court case between Nga Kaitiaki Tuku Ihu Medical Action Society (KTI) and the Minister of Health, KTI argued that the Pfizer vaccine has not completed its clinical trial phase and should not be made available to the wider population in accordance with section 23 of the Medicines Act.

On May 18, the High Court ruled in favour of KTI, stating that it was reasonably arguable that the provisional approval for the vaccine in the entire adult population was problematic.

Minister for Health Andrew Little immediately announced the act would be amended to allow for the continued distribution of the vaccine, with the Medicines Amendment Bill introduced and passed on May 19.

Section 23(1) of the Medicines Act originally stated that provisional consent given by the Health Minister to the supply of a new medicine should be used on a restricted basis and only for the treatment of a limited number of patients.

However, the vaccine was approved for use in roughly 3.5 million New Zealanders over the age of 16more than two-thirds of New Zealands populationdespite the primary clinical trial for the vaccine yet to be completed, due in April 2023.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine vials. (x3 / Pixabay)

Last month, KTI released an open letter signed by 43 New Zealand medical practitioners outlining the case and expressed concern over the promotion of the vaccine despite a lack of evidence demonstrating its safety.

Nobody currently knows how safe or effective this novel mRNA technology is in the medium to long term, the letter stated. Highly credible medical experts around the world, and even some vaccine developers themselves, are predicting problems and raising urgent red-flag concerns.

The letter went on to say that a health risk could be posed for those who had been given the dose, depending on the outcome of the clinical study.

If any safety issues are identified in the remaining period of the trials, the effects could be catastrophic for our community or a proportion that have already received the vaccine, it stated.

The letter also argued that encouraging citizens to have the jab in light of its unproven safety was unethical.

Compelling patients or workers to receive drug, medicine or vaccine which is still investigational would set a significant medical precedent, which would run counter to all international codes of medical ethics since the Nuremberg Code of 1947 and Declaration of Helsinki in 1952, the letter said.

Dame Valerie Adams receives her Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination at the Mt Wellington Vaccination Centre ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Auckland, New Zealand, on Apr. 17, 2021. (Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

Minister for Health Andrew Little announced the amendment to the Medicines Act the day of the ruling, stating the 40-year-old law was in need of modernising.

The law has, for some time now, lacked clarity over how it can be applied, Little said in a media release.

We already knew the Medicines Act was out of date, which is why we were planning to replace it with a new Therapeutic Products Act.

Little added that the Pfizer vaccine did not need rigorous testing and approval because of the critical need for the vaccine during the pandemic.

Treatments approved under Section 23 go through a rigorous Medsafe approvals process, Little said. There are occasions when the health needs of a population call for urgent access to a medicine, vaccine or treatment, and we need to keep this option available for some circumstances.

At the time of the ruling, the High Court allowed for the continued rollout of the vaccine based on advice given by the Director-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield.

Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins (L), Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield (C), and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (R) at a press conference announcing the arrival of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in Auckland, New Zealand, on Feb. 12, 2021. (Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

The advice suggested that pausing the rollout would pose a risk to public health and would mean that COVID-19 remains a real threat to the population of New Zealand.

Consideration towards the waste of vaccine stock was also taken into account, which had a shelf life of about three months upon arrival in New Zealand.

Bloomfield also pointed out that suspension of the vaccine could potentially see public confidence be significantly undermined, impacting efforts for national COVID-19 recovery.
A mask is placed on the table during a meeting between then-President Donald Trump, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, on May 20, 2020. (Doug Mills/Pool/Getty Images)

North Carolina Restaurant Gets Backlash for Insisting Customers Mask Up or Show Proof of Vaccination

The owner of Alpha Dawgs, a restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina, said he has been facing mounting backlash for demanding customers either show their proof of vaccination or mask upor be denied service.

Last Friday, Hisine McNeill, owner of Alpha Dawgs, posted a message on the restaurants Facebook page that made clear his establishments policy on COVID-19 vaccines and masks.

To whom it may concern: If you decide to come into my establishment claiming that you are fully vaccinated, I WILL ASK TO SEE YOUR CARD. If you dont want to provide it then you will have to wear a mask in my store. And if you still dont want to comply with either then I have the right to deny service. Thank you for your cooperation, the post reads.

Again dont get up here thinking this is a debate, a follow-up message states. If you cant seem to understand whats being mentioned please dont come. Im not endangering others for a few. Have a great day.

The Raleigh Republican Club shared McNeills post, adding the caption: Should you be in the area. Eat somewhere else.

McNeill told local outlet WREL that, following the Raleigh Republican Partys post, backlash over his restaurants mask or vaccine policy increased.

People [were] trolling my business page leaving fake/false reviews, making claims Im a Nazi and stuff like that, McNeill told the outlet.

He told WREL that some of his employees have underlying health conditions, and he believes his decision to require masks or proof of vaccination is the right thing to do.

We value lives over profit, reads the most recent post on the Alpha Dawgs page.

People who commented on the Raleigh Republican Partys post were broadly supportive of McNeills freedom to set policies that he believes are right for his business and employees in his establishment.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the Raleigh Republican Club and to Alpha Dawgs for comment, but did not receive a response from either by press time.

Last week, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper lifted the states mask mandate, but recommended that people who arent fully vaccinated continue to wear facial coverings. This followed updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which stated that vaccinated individuals generally no longer need to wear masks in any settings, indoor or outdoor.

The issue of mask mandates and proof of vaccination requirements has become a divisive political issue amid the pandemic, with Republicans often arguing that they amount to infringements on personal liberties.

The relaxation of mask policies has led Republicans in the House to voice their opposition to the requirement that they wear a mask on the House floor, while Democratswho hold a majority in the chamberare refusing to change the rules following updated CDC guidance.

Some fully vaccinated people are also not ready to give up wearing masks.

Jan Massie, a retired Alabama educator, is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. She told The Associated Press that she continues to wear a facial covering as an extra precaution.

Ive worn a mask where it really wasnt required, Massie told the outlet. Many people, more than I expected, still are, too.

Some fully vaccinated mask-wearers are still worried about new viral mutations and the off-chance they might contract COVID-19 and pass it along to others, though the risks of both are greatly reduced for those who are fully inoculated.
Not the Time for Appeasement

Both sides in Canberra should ensure Australia stands united in facing the CCP's threats

Commentary

What is remarkable, says Peter Jennings, is the ability of so many in Australia to deny what is obvious about Beijings intentions. Jennings, Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director, rightly believes that Beijings global policy of bullying, brinkmanship, and backdown is driving the Indo-Pacific closer to conflict.

What is clear is that this is not the time for politicians to be starry-eyed about Beijings real intentions or to engage in appeasement. The accusation by Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong that the Morrison government is endangering our relationship with China by using alarmist rhetoric for domestic political gain is a step back to the naive accommodation that politicians on both sides here and overseas have far too often shown in relation to Communist China.

This has at times been worse than appeasement. So many politicians and other elites in business, the academy, and the media have been dazzled by the gold that Beijing offers both because of the size of the market and the ignored existence of a beaten-down, fearful, cowering, and impoverished labour force, which everyone knows or ought to know includes slave labour.

That we are far too economically dependent on China is the result of both sides being far too naive in relation to the intentions of what were and have always been ruthless, cruel autocrats with an agenda for worldwide domination. This is, after all, what Marxism really is, whether or not it is with Chinese characteristics.

Perhaps the very worse thing about this was on the part of those who pledged to protect the rights of Australian workers, and in particular, Ms. Wongs Labor Party. In their relatively modern obsession about free tradewhich would have outraged the founders of the Australian Labor Party and all in its pantheon of heroesthey were prepared to allow that Australian business rely on the comparative advantage the communists in Beijing hold given their abandonment of the most elementary industrial standards and international humanitarian law. This is one of the essential pillars of success that Communist China can claim, most of which has been garnered by the multi-billionaires among its communist party members.

The politicians could not have been ignorant of this fact. Yet they encouraged Australian businesses to take advantage of it, even if it led to the export of our manufacturing and therefore Labor voters jobs to the so-called workers paradise.

Yin Liping holds up a picture of Masanjia Forced Labor Camp as she testifies before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing titled Chinas Pervasive Use of Torture in Washington on April 14, 2016. Yin is a Falun Gong practitioner who survived torture, forced labor, and sexual violence in Masanjia and other forced labor camps in China. (Lisa Fan/The Epoch Times)

With Prime Minister Scott Morrison playing down Beijings threats as theatrics, it is fortunate indeed that we have in the defence portfolio at long last a realist, one Peter Dutton, who is showing considerable strength in both standing up to the communist threat and restoring morale to the defence forces.

For far too long the politiciansand not only in Australiahave been duped at every stage by the communists.

The Morrison government was absolutely right in proposing an inquiry into the origins of the Wuhan virus but completely wrong in letting that go to the communist-dominated World Health Organisation. It should have been considered by an international tribunal that could have been constructed while there was one of those rare presidents in the White House willing to stand up to the communists, President Donald Trump. That tribunal could have been empowered to find liability in relation to how the virus became so widespread and to assess any consequent damages.

People pay condolence in front of flowers lying near a photo of the late Dr. Li Wenliang at a hospital in Wuhan in central Chinas Hubei Province, on Feb. 7, 2020. Li was reprimanded for warning about Chinas new virus. His death triggered an outpouring of praise and fury that communist authorities put politics above public safety. (Chinatopix via AP)

On this, we should never forget that there are in Australia vast assets, premium and strategic, which unlike most other foreign investment are, in the ultimate analysis, under the control of an alien political entity, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These could be properly accessed to recover any damages.

While it only took the much-maligned Neville Chamberlain a few months to realise that he had been duped by the Nazis at Munich, and not to repeat his error in relation to Poland, how long will it take some politicians to realise what was always obviousthat Beijing is a hostile and dangerous power that, when it is convenient, will disregard international law and morality?

This dates from at least the insertion of a communist army of so-called volunteers against the United Nations operation in Korea and the takeover of the peaceful Tibetans. More recent examples have been the dismissal of the binding arbitral decision concerning the South China Sea and its affective annexation, and its aggression against India, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

That the CCP has no regard for international treaty obligations has been demonstrated in relation to the law of the sea, the several obligations it accepted when the Clinton administration allowed it to join the World Trade Organisation, and the treaty with the United Kingdom in a Joint Declaration concerning Hong Kong.

Unsatisfied with the governments suspension of the controversial extradition bill, an estimated 2 million Hong Kongers took the streets on June 16, 2019, to demand the bills full retraction and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lams resignation. (Gang Yu/The Epoch Times)

In addition, there is the Free Trade Agreement with Australia that is being breached outrageously by a continuing series of trade sanctions, official and unofficial, such as those in relation to barley, beef, lamb, coal, lobsters, cotton, and timber, to name a few. It is likely that tourism and international education will be blocked or reduced.

Above all, there are the constant threats of war over Taiwan and the aggressive incursions into Taiwanese airspace

On this, we should note that the period up to 2024 is no doubt seen as a window of opportunity by Beijing. This, of course, is the presidential term of Joe Biden who, as vice president, has a long record of being an appeaser to hostile powers, especially at the time of the annexation of the South China Sea.

At a time when Australia is subjected to threats of sanctions and, in the communist controlled media, even war, and when there is a massive build-up of CCP armed forces at a time when there is no military threat against them, all Australian politicians should be coming together.

This should be not only to correct their serious error over more than a decade and, on both sides, in making this nation so economically dependent on Beijing. They should all ensure that united we stand up to the threats and intimidation of the CCP and that we are well prepared should, against all our hopes, there is an outbreak of hostilities.

David Flint, a former chairman of the Australian Press Council, the Australian Broadcasting Authority, and the World Association of Press Councils, is an emeritus professor of law.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong speaking at the Australian Labor Party (ALP) National Conference at the Revesby Workers Club in Sydney, on March 30, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Opposition Foreign Affairs Minister Accuses Australian PM of Inflaming Tensions with China

Australias Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong has accused the Morrison government of encouraging anxiety around possible conflict with China and pandering to the far-right interests of the Liberal government. Wong also criticised the prime ministers relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The shadow foreign affairs minister was speaking at a book launch for journalist Peter Hartchers Red Zone: Chinas Challenge, where she spoke extensively of the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), noting that the Chinese regime was focused on survival.

Drawing some lessons from the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Communist Party of China under Xi Jinping has explicitly warned about the threats posed by liberal, democratic values to Chinas stabilityand by extension, the Partys survival, Wong told attendees.

So not only will it seek to assert the superiority of its system of government, casting its rise and the CPCs successes against claims of Western inferiority and failure, it will go to great lengths to remove what it perceives to be threats, she added.

The South Australian senator said this was demonstrated in Beijings crackdown on Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang and its efforts to change the global human rights order from within the United Nations.

The militarisation of disputed features of the South China Sea, flouting international law, and the cabbage leaf and swarming actions there that sought to intimidate Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnamall part of Beijings grey zone tactics, she added.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) speaks after reviewing the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet in the South China Sea on April 12, 2018. (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP)

Wong also emphasised the Australian Labor Partys (ALP) engagement with the region.

Asia has never been a monolith; it has never been static; it isnt now. Asia is in Labors DNAin my case, literally, she said.

It includes Southeast Asia, which (former Prime Minister) Keating and (former Foreign Minister) Evans put at the centre of Australian foreign policy. It includes India, which (former Prime Minister) Gillard elevated as a strategic and economic priority, she added.

The Liberals have always been awkward in Asia. They rarely get the balance right; naive one day, belligerent the next.

Wong said the U.S. Biden-Harris Administration was sticking to a policy of strategic ambiguity to maintain the status quo around the Taiwan Strait.

On what basis, therefore, is the Australian government sprinting ahead of that longstanding U.S. position? she said.

The shadow foreign affairs minister was referring to comments by recently appointed Defence Minister Peter Dutton, who said conflict over Taiwan could not be discounted.

Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton addresses the media in front of the Subiaco War Memorial in Perth, Australia, on April 19, 2021. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Days later, Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo issued a stern warning for Australia to be strong and prepared while warning that the drums of war were beating in the region.

Wong claimed recent discussion around China was frenzied, afraid, and lacking context.

This has been made so much worseby a prime minister who is only interested in any issue to the extent it offers him the political value, she said.

My concern is that not only does he not fully comprehend Australias interests in relation to China, he doesnt even seek to. As with everything else he does, he only seeks to understand his political opportunity.

The shadow foreign minister claimed that the government was focused on pandering to the far-right or seeking a partisan advantage over the ALP.

She also took aim at Prime Minister Scott Morrisons initial decision to recognise West Jerusalem as Israels capital in 2018, following in the wake of U.S. President Trumps decision to do so.

He went all in on President Trump, even attending a campaign rally, breaking long-standing foreign policy conventions by refusing to meet with senior Democrats, pandering with his negative globalism attacks on multilateral institutions that are central to Australias interests, and refusing to call out the U.S. Capitol insurrection when other world leaders did, she said.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a ceremonial welcome on the south lawn of the White House in Washington DC, United States, Sept. 20, 2019. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Wongs speech has been described as two speeches wrapped into one.

The first was a refreshing and thoughtful articulation of the strong bipartisan foundations for Australias China policy, according to Defence Director Michael Shoebridge of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

She also recognised, unlike numerous nostalgic former political figures and senior officials, that the China policy they implemented just cant work for the China the world is dealing with now that Xi is its leader.

Unfortunately, the second speech wrapped around this one treated the domestic debate on China as part of the ALPs domestic political strategy by attacking the government for apparently doing this same thing, he told The Epoch Times.

That can only advantage Beijing and its propaganda machine and pro-Beijing advocates here and elsewhere.

Shoebridges comments were echoed by Joseph Siracusa, adjunct professor of the history of international diplomacy at Curtin University.

Wongs speech strikes me as very long on narrative and short on analysisthat is, she seems more interested in delivering a political counterpunch to the Morrison governments public pronouncements than actually explaining the enduring issues in Sino-American relations, he told The Epoch Times.

Harking back to (former Prime Ministers) Whitlam, Hawke, Keating, and Rudd doesnt cut it. It would have made more sense to talk about the Shanghai Communique of 1972 and its current applicability, he added.

The Shanghai Communique was the beginning of normalised relations between Communist China and the West. The political status of Taiwan was deliberately left ambiguous so it would not impede the progress of the agreement.

The Morrison government last year published its 2020 Strategic Update, which saw the government commit $270 billion to the Australian Defence Force over the next ten years.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a visit to Australian Army base Robertson Barracks in Darwin, Australia, on April 28, 2021. (AAP Image/Charlie Bliss)

Prime Minister Morrison said the Update established a baseline federal budget spend on defence of 2 percent going forward.

It was established in response to a world that is poorer, that is more dangerous, and that is more disorderly.

We have not seen the conflation of global, economic, and strategic uncertainty now being experienced here in Australia, in our region, since the existential threat we faced when the global and regional order collapsed in the 1930s and 1940s, the prime minister said.
A view from the Orange County Great Park Balloon in Irvine, Calif., on May 6, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Orange Countys Recommended Budget Aims Toward Recovery

Orange County released its proposed budget on May 19 for the 202122 fiscal year as it looks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What was initially presented to us is a solid budget, one that we can work with without having to worry about substantial cuts, Supervisor Don Wagner told The Epoch Times.

Im optimistic that were going to be able to continue providing the services that the people in Orange County deserve and have come to expect.

The countys base budget totals $7.7 billion, including $4.1 billion in general funds. Its a slight increase from last fiscal years $7.5 billion budget.

Orange Countys finances will be bolstered by more than $1 billion in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which Wagner said would help us through what I hope are the end stages of COVID.

The county is expected to receive an additional $308 million in fiscal year 202021 and $308 million in fiscal year 202122 through the ARPA. Each city in Orange County will also receive additional funding directly.

The ARPA is a $130.2 billion federal funding bill to mitigate the effects stemming from the CCP virus pandemic. The funding eligibility runs through Dec. 31, 2024.

The ARPA funds will go toward projects such as remodeling public lobbies and work areas to ensure safety and compliance with social distancing measures. The county will also invest in technology that allows the public to access essential county services remotely.

Specific guidance on eligible uses of ARPA funds is still under development.

The board of supervisors and the County of Orange continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and are grateful for the federal and state resources, Orange County Chief Executive Frank Kim said in a press release.

Weve responded effectively and proactively to our citizens needs and we did so with a balanced budget.

The budgeted general purpose revenues, which almost exclusively come from taxes, total $926.6 million$36.5 million more than the 202021 fiscal years adopted budget of $890.1 million.

This increase is primarily due to a $48.5 million projected increase in property tax revenues, offset by projected decreases of $5.4 million each in use of reserve and transfers in.

The revenue assumptions reflect moderate levels of growth, including a 3.5 percent growth in general fund net property tax revenues during the current year-end revenue estimate.

During the 202021 fiscal year, the county utilized federal CARES funding for community services, including free COVID-19 testing sites, personal protective equipment, meals, and shelter for vulnerable populations, allocations to cities, hospitals, and clinics, and grants for small businesses and nonprofits.

All virus-related expenditures using CARES funding will be closed out by June 30.

The one-half cent public safety sales tax is estimated to generate a revenue of $358 million, which is a 12 percent increase compared to last years projection of $317.7 million.

Of the public safety sales tax, 80 percent, or $286.4 million, will go to the Orange County Sheriffs Department. The remaining 20 percent, $71.6 million, will go to the Orange County District Attorneys office.

This fiscal years biggest risk is the uncertainty of costs related to mitigation measures and economic impacts of the ongoing pandemic.

The county receives reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expenses related to the pandemic. However, the county has experienced delays in receiving FEMA reimbursement.

The county said in its report, The unpredictable nature of this funding source presents a budgetary and fiscal risk, so it is closely monitored.

County executives will present the recommended budget to the board of supervisors during the June 8 public budget hearings.

The board is scheduled to adopt the budget during its June 22 meeting.
Police investigators work at the scene of a shooting in Champaign, Ill., on May 19, 2021. (Jim Rossow/The News-Gazette via AP)

Police: Illinois Officer and Suspect, 24, Die in Shootout

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.A gunman killed one central Illinois police officer and wounded another before he was fatally shot during a shootout at an apartment complex early Wednesday, authorities said.

The officers went to the complex in Champaign shortly after 3 a.m. in response to a report about a domestic disturbance and encountered the armed suspect, police said. An exchange of gunfire followed in which both officers and the suspect were shot.

Officer Chris Oberheim, 44, died of his wounds, the citys police chief, Anthony Cobb, said in a statement. The wounded officer was hospitalized in stable condition, the department said.

The suspect killed in the shootout, Darion Marquise Lafayette, 24, of Champaign, was pronounced dead at the scene, the Champaign County coroner said. Autopsies on Oberheim and Lafayette are scheduled for Thursday.

Champaign County court records show Lafayette had previous arrests for domestic violence and drug possession, The (Champaign) News-Gazette reported.

Police have not released the name of the wounded officer.

Cobb said Oberheim joined the police force in Champaign in 2008. Before that, he spent seven years on Decaturs police force. Champaign is 125 miles southwest of Chicago,

His only intention was to serve, protect and help provide care before he was senselessly fired upon and killed, the chief said.

Monticello Schools Superintendent Vic Zimmerman said in a statement that Oberheim had four daughters, including three who attend the districts schools, and that he was very involved in their lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time, Zimmerman said.

Oberheim is the third Champaign police officer to be killed in the line of duty. The other two were killed in 1913 and 1967, The News-Gazette reported.

The Illinois State Police will lead the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from Urbana police, the Champaign County Sheriffs Office and the University of Illinois Police Department, Champaign police said.
Republicans Explain Why They Voted for Jan. 6 Commission

Thirty-five Republicans joined with Democrats on May 19 to vote for a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach. See the full list below.

GOP members who voted in favor of establishing the panel largely said they did so because they wanted to make sure another incident like the one that took place doesnt happen again.

Like many Americans, I was appalled by what took place on January 6th when a mob broke down windows and doors, assaulted police officers, and threatened our very democracy, Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) said in a statement. An independent commission, similar to the 9/11-style review, is needed to remove politicization and shed light on what led to the attack and how members of Congress, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement officials can ensure this never happens again.

Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) was the lone Republican to speak in favor of the bill on the House floor on May 19; Katko was a co-sponsor along with Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), and Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.).

Katko told members the commission is about finding the truth and addressing the vulnerabilities of our security apparatus so that we can emerge stronger and better prepared. Upton said members still lack answers to basic questions about the attack on the Capitol and believes the bipartisan commission will find answers.

The Jan. 6 attack was a completely preventable failure of intelligence, information sharing, decision making, and preparedness. The Capitol Police and D.C. Police suffered greatly and continue to suffer as a result. The institutions of our democracy are and will continue to be a target for extremists set on using violence to further their ideology, Katko added.

And we in Congress owe it to this nation, to our constituents, and to the dedicated men and women who risk their lives every single day to protect those institutions, and I honor them, to see that we learn from those attacks, that we get answers to the hard questions, and that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Katko praised Capitol Police officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and Washington officer Justin Smith, who died in the days after the attack from natural causes or by suicide.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is seen during a press conference in Washington on May 19, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said after the vote that the commission should work to figure out why leadership utterly failed to be prepared on Jan. 6.

What happened that day must never happen again. I urge the Senate to pass the bipartisan 1/6 commission bill. Some things must be above politics, added Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who was recently ousted from the House Republican leadership team.

Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) said he supported the commission to get answers from congressional leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

I want answers from Speaker Pelosi on the lack of adequate security in the U.S. Capitol during that day. More importantly, understanding the events of January 6th is critical so that the instances of heroism can be recognized, and the errors made will never be repeated, Hill said in a statement.

The 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump in January all voted for the commission.

Republicans who voted in favor of establishing the commission:

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)

Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.)

Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.)

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.)

Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah)

Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.)

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.)

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.)

Rep. Carlos Giminez (R-Fla.)

Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio)

Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas)

Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.)

Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.)

Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.)

Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-Ind)

Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-N.Y.)

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.)

Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio)

Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.)

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.)

Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.)

Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.)

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa)

Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah)

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)

Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.)

Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.)

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.)

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho)

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.)

Rep. Van Taylor (R-Texas)

Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.)

Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.)

Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 04:08:44|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Biden administration plans to waive sanctions against a company and its head overseeing the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany, U.S. media reported on Wednesday.

The State Department will report to Congress on Wednesday that "Nord Stream 2 AG and its chief executive Matthias Warnig are engaged in sanctionable activity under U.S. law but that the Biden administration decided to waive the sanctions for national security reasons," Bloomberg said in a piece.

Axios first reported the Biden administration's plan to waive the sanctions on Tuesday.

According to media reports, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Wednesday confirmed and welcomed the U.S. move, calling it "a constructive step."

White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters the same day that the Biden administration remained opposed to the pipeline project and declined to comment on reports regarding the decision to waive sanctions.

"The Biden administration has been clear that Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a bad deal; it's a Russian geopolitical project that threatens European energy security, and that of the Ukraine and Eastern Flank NATO allies and partners," she said.

The move came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Arctic Council in Iceland later Wednesday, the first high-level in-person talks between Washington and Moscow since President Joe Biden took office.

The 1,230-km Nord Stream 2 pipeline is designed to pump natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea and could deliver 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Both Germany and Russia point out that the project is purely an economic one.

The pipeline is currently around 95 percent complete, and Germany has been steadfast on the completion of the project despite opposition from the United States. Enditem
Police officers block a street outside of the Seattle Police Department's East Precinct, in Seattle on July 1, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images)

Seattle Loses Almost 20 Percent of Police Officers Amid Anti-Police Sentiment

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has lost almost 20 percent of its police force in the past year and a half, according to a law enforcement officer.

SPD officer Clayton Powell, who has been with the department for nearly 27 years, told CBS News that some 260 officers have left during that time, and that hes also retiring early, although he had previously planned to leave when he hit three decades with the force.

The support that we had in my generation of policing is no longer there, he told the news outlet.

The death of George Floyd in May 2020 and the protests and riots that followed prompted a wave of police overhaul measures in dozens of states, from changes in use-of-force policies to greater accountability for officers.

Powell said that during riots last year, some officers had objects including rocks and bottles thrown at them, and they had to stand there and take it.

When you see businesses get destroyed and families lose their livelihood because of that destruction  we cant do anything about it. Were not allowed to intercede, he said.

Meanwhile, in New York, more than 5,300 police officers resigned or retired last yeara sharp increase of 75 percent over the previous yearas morale fell following widespread unrest and calls to defund the police. Resigning officers in the state accounted for 15 percent of total officers leaving their posts.

According to the Law Officer website, between May 25 and June 24, 2020, 272 police officers resigned from New York Citys police department.

On March 25, the New York City Council voted to pass various reform measures to abolish the qualified immunity provision for police, opening the way for citizens to sue police over claims of excessive use of force and unreasonable searches and seizures.

Qualified immunity is a judicial doctrine created 50 years ago that shields government officials from being held personally liable for constitutional violations such as the right to be free from excessive police force under federal law, as long as the officials didnt violate clearly established law.

New York saw a rise in murders in 2020, an increase some experts have pinned on the defunding movement. As of May 9, the number of murders in the city is up 27 percent from 2020.

In Washington state this week, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee signed a dozen law enforcement overhaul measures into law, claiming they will boost accountability in policing and address systemic racism in the state. He called it a moral mandate.

The package of bills signed by Inslee includes outright bans on police use of chokeholds, neck restraints, and no-knock warrants, and also requires police officers to intervene if a colleague engages in excessive force.

It also requires the establishment of an independent office to review the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. Police must also use reasonable care, such as deescalation tactics, in carrying out their duties.

The legislation restricts the use of tear gas and car chases, and makes it easier to sue officers when they cause injury.

According to a Rasmussen Reports survey released last month, 63 percent of approximately 1,000 likely U.S. voters are worried that anti-police rhetoric, which is often pushed by progressive Democrats, will result in a shortage of law enforcement officers and endanger public safety.

Hannah Cai contributed to this report.
Sens. Kennedy, Klobuchar Join in Bipartisan Effort to Promote Digital Consumer Privacy

In an increasingly rare act of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill, Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) are co-sponsoring a measure to strengthen the privacy of digital consumers.

The proposal, the Social Media Privacy Protection and Consumer Rights Act of 2021, could fundamentally change the legal landscape that currently allows social media giants such as Facebook and Amazon virtually unlimited access to and use of individuals data on the internet.

Its common sense that people have a right to data privacy, and that right does not evaporate when someone logs on to their social media profile, Kennedy said in a May 20 statement announcing the proposal.

Social media companies have a duty to protect their users data and to offer quick solutions when a breach occurs. The Social Media Privacy Protection and Consumer Rights Act would strengthen users control over their own data and better protect their privacy.

Klobuchar echoed the sentiment in the statement.

For too long companies have profited off Americans online data while consumers have been left in the dark. This legislation will protect and empower consumers by allowing them to make choices about how companies use their data and inform them of how they can protect personal information, she said.

In their joint statement, the senators said that social media and other online platforms routinely capture users behavior and personal information, which they then use to help advertisers or other third parties target those users.

Unregulated access to key consumer behavior data has driven the internet to become the most powerful advertising and communications platform in the world.

The Kennedy/Klobuchar proposal would limit that access by requiring firms doing business on the internet to:

Give consumers the right to opt out and keep their information private by disabling data tracking and collection.

Provide users greater access to and control over their data.

Require terms of service agreements to be in plain language.

Ensure that users have the ability to have access to any personal information that has already been collected and shared.

Mandate that users be notified of a breach of their information within 72 hours.

Offer remedies for users when a breach occurs.

Require that online platforms have a privacy program in place.

Earlier this year, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation designed to apply anti-trust policies to big tech firms.

Woke Big Tech companies like Google and Amazon have been coddled by Washington politicians for years. This treatment has allowed them to amass colossal amounts of power that they use to censor political opinions they dont agree with and shut out competitors who offer consumers an alternative to the status quo. Its past time to bust up Big Tech companies, restore competition, and give the power back to the American consumers, he said in announcing his proposal, the Bust Up Big Tech Act of 2021.

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), who is serving his first term in the Senate, recently introduced his 21st Century FREE Speech Act, which takes a different approach from Kennedy and Klobuchars and Hawleys measures.

Hagerty took a cue from a concurring opinion by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who suggested Big Tech companies could be classified by the government as common carriers, much like utilities.

For too long, Americans have watched Big Tech abandon the foundational American principles reflected in the First Amendmentfree speech, freedom of thought and belief, free assembly, and the open exchange of ideas, Hagerty said in introducing his measure, which would reclassify the Big Tech giants as Thomas suggested.

Thomas explained his reasoning in concurring with the Supreme Courts decision to decline to hear a case against former President Donald Trump for blocking people from his since-banned Twitter account.

In many ways, digital platforms that hold themselves out to the public resemble traditional common carriers. Though digital instead of physical, they are at bottom communications networks, and they carry information from one user to another, Thomas wrote.

A traditional telephone company laid physical wires to create a network connecting people. Digital platforms lay information infrastructure that can be controlled in much the same way. And unlike newspapers, digital platforms hold themselves out as organizations that focus on distributing the speech of the broader public.

Federal law dictates that companies cant be treated as the publisher or speaker of information that they merely distribute, according to 110 Stat. 137, 47 U.S.C. Section 230(c). The analogy to common carriers is even clearer for digital platforms that have dominant market share.

Similar to utilities, todays dominant digital platforms derive much of their value from network size. The Internet, of course, is a network. But these digital platforms are networks within that network. The Facebook suite of apps is valuable largely because 3 billion people use it, Thomas wrote.

Congressional correspondent Mark Tapscott may be contacted at mark.tapscott@epochtimes.nyc
Unaccompanied minors who crossed into Spain are gathered outside a warehouse used as temporary shelter as they wait to be tested for COVID-19 at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, near the border of Morocco and Spain, on May 19, 2021. (Bernat Armangue/AP Photo)

Spain: Stream of Migrants Stops as Morocco Beefs up Security

CEUTA, SpainAuthorities in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave at the center of a humanitarian crisis and a diplomatic dispute between Morocco and Spain, said Thursday that no migrants crossed overnight into the city after security forces in the neighboring north African kingdom tightened the shared border.

Security forces clashed well into the night with dozens of mostly young men who had gathered in Fnideq, the Moroccan town across the border from Ceuta, hoping to follow the thousands who reached European soil in previous days.

Migrants trying to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta wait on the Morocco side of the border, on May 19, 2021. (Bernat Armangue/AP Photo)

The scuffles broke out when police tried to break up the groups of people who had gathered and set fire to a barricade blocking the street. The police moved back but later dispersed the group.

In previous days, the border between Morocco and Ceuta became porous following warnings from the Moroccan government to Spain that it would face consequences over Madrids decision to provide coronavirus treatment to the head of a militant group fighting for the independence of the Western Sahara region annexed by Rabat.

Moroccan youth clash with Moroccan security forces as they try to cross to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, in Fnideq, Morocco, on May 19, 2021. (Mosaab Elshamy/AP Photo)

Brahim Ghali, head of the Polisario Front, flew into Spain in mid-April with an Algerian passport that had a false identity.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles on Thursday said that the country wont accept being pressured with the use of minors.

We are not going to accept being blackmailed, Robles told Spains public radio. Spains integrity is not negotiable and is not at stake. We are going to use all necessary means to guarantee the territorial integrity and to keep vigilance on our frontiers.

You dont play with Spain, she added.

Spain says that more than 8,000 people crossed into Spanish territory in 48 hours, although at least 5,700 had been expelled in bulk pushbacks criticized by rights groups. Many of those who crossed also returned voluntarily after finding no shelter in Ceuta or possibilities to continue onto the European mainland across the Strait of Gibraltar.

By Mosaab Elshamy and Renata Brito
The 300-metre high SEG Plaza (C) is seen after it began to shake, in Shenzhen in China's southern Guangdong province on May 18, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

State Department Posts Warning After Chinese Skyscraper Inexplicably Shakes

The U.S. Department of State this week issued a warning for employees and all Americans in Shenzhen, China, to stay away from the SEG Plaza tower following video footage and reports that the nearly 1,000-foot-tall skyscraper was swaying.

The U.S. consulate in nearby Guangzhou said Wednesday that the alert near the SEG Plaza tower will remain until further notice due to reports of the building shaking as well as the evacuation of people from the building and in the immediate vicinity.

U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou employees have been instructed to avoid the SEG Tower/Huaqiangbei area until further notice, according to the alert. The U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou recommends that all U.S. citizens avoid the SEG Tower and Huaqiangbei area until further notice.

The building, which is 984 feet tall and is among the tallest buildings in Shenzhen, houses a large electronics market and numerous offices.

Video footage posted online shows the building swaying back and forth, as people are seen running away and screaming. The building was evacuated after the shaking started, reported local news outlets.

Panic in Shenzhens Huaqiangbei electronics market as the SEG Building starts shaking, for reasons as yet unknown. Fire and police crews have closed off some of the area. Not my video, circulating on Wechat. pic.twitter.com/rGMV92Sm8p  David Kirton (@DavidKirton_) May 18, 2021

There were no reported earthquakes and no severe weather at the time of the shaking.

Local Chinese Communist Party (CCP) affiliated officials investigating the cause said that no abnormalities in the main structure and surrounding environment of the building were found, according to CNN.

Authorities have not yet disclosed why the skyscraper was wobbling, although the Shenzhen emergency management agency also said it is investigating the matter.

Vendors from the ninth floor said they felt it and that the shaking felt like an earthquake, Hu Jian, a live-streaming equipment vendor who works in the tower, told the South China Morning Post. We couldnt feel it from the second floor.

On Chinese social media sites, a number of people said that the building should be demolished.

Shenzhen should not use this shaking building again. Its fit for demolition, wrote one person, according to reports. In todays cities, theres no guarantee of the quality of these skyscrapers, said another, referring to how many tall buildings in China are hastily made and with relatively lax safety standards.

The online database Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat says the SEG Tower is the 18th-tallest building in Shenzhen and the 104th-tallest in China.
Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren addresses members of the media during a press conference related to the ongoing protest in the city in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 6, 2020. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

State Police Arrest Husband of Rochester Mayor in Relation to Criminal Investigation

New York State Police executed a search warrant on Wednesday at a home in Rochester and arrested the husband of Lovely Warren, the mayor of the city.

The home raid at the Democratic mayors house was part of an ongoing criminal investigation, officials said in a statement, without providing many details.

The mayors husband, Timothy Granison, was part of the investigation and has been accused of being part of an ongoing drugs investigation, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported. He is facing three felony charges related to illegal narcotics and several weapons that were found.

New York State Police Major Barry Chase said a team of detectives stopped his vehicle on Birch Crescent in Rochester and found cocaine inside his car. According to a criminal complaint obtained by the outlet, he allegedly possessed 31 grams of cocaine.

Police also recovered one unregistered handgun, a loaded magazine, and a semi-automatic rifle while executing the warrant at the house that Granison and Warren share, Chase said.

State police conducted a search of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warrens house in Rochester, N.Y., on May 19, 2021. (Jamie Germano/Democrat & Chronicle via AP)

Granison appeared via video from the Monroe County Jail at arraignment on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and one count of criminal possession of a firearm. He was released without bail pending his next court appearance on June 21.

District Attorney Sandra Doorley said Granison wasnt the initial target of the investigation, which started about seven months ago, but evidence recovered from a wiretap investigation led detectives to him.

She added that the mayors husband is among seven people that have been charged so far as part of a midlevel drug organization that was infecting the city of Rochester.

State police conducted a search of Rochester Mayor, Lovely Warrens house in Rochester, N.Y., on May 19, 2021. (Jamie Germano/Democrat & Chronicle via AP)

Rochesters City Communications Director Justin Roj said in an emailed statement obtained by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle the mayor did not know what the raid was in relation to.

The Mayor is just learning about the events that unfolded this afternoon and has no more information than the rest of the community, the statement said. She hopes to learn more details this evening and will have a statement tomorrow.

Warren was indicted in a campaign finance fraud case in October, but a representative for the Monroe County District Attorney said Wednesdays police activity at her home was not connected to that case.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
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)

Texas Doctor Speaks Out Against Forced Organ Harvesting in China

A Texas physician is sounding the alarm over the Chinese communist regimes practice of forced organ harvesting.

Dr. Howard Monsour, who was among the first doctors involved in liver transplantation in the United States in the 1980s, testified last month at the Texas Senate in support of a resolution condemning the vile practice of forcibly removing human organs for transplant. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the state Senate on April 15.

A decade ago, Monsour had a patient who developed liver cancer that had spread too far for him to have transplant surgery. He was turned down by several transplant hospitals in Texas. But a Chinese acquaintance told the patient that he could get a liver transplant for $88,000 in China. Against Monsours advice, the man went to China and received liver transplant surgery. He ended up passing away from the cancer eight months later.

Monsour, who did not know about forced organ harvesting at the time, now suspects that the liver came from unethically sourced organs in China because the transplant process happened way too fast, he told The Epoch Times sister company NTD.

While patients in the United States and other countries typically wait months or even years for an organ transplant, the wait times in China are far shorter, and can be as little as two weeks.

These unusually short times, combined with other evidence, led an independent peoples tribunal in 2019 to conclude that the Chinese regime has been forcibly harvesting organs from live prisoners of conscience on a significant scale. It found that the main source of organs has been from imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners.

For more than two decades, the regime has detained millions of Falun Gong adherents as part of a sweeping crackdown aimed at eradicating the spiritual practice that had gained significant popularity in China during the 1990s.

Had Monsour known, he said he would have warned the patient about Chinas unethical transplant practices.

We all like to think were moral individuals, but when were faced with death, you know, well try anything, he said. We really have to protect our people from going over and doing this, and we really have to punish the people that are participating in this.

Monsour, now a gastroenterology specialist in Granbury, Texas, has talked to many medical professionals about the grisly practice over the last year.

Many are unaware of whats happening and are taken aback when hearing about it, because it sounds like a horror movie, Monsour said.

Thats going to be the challengeto get people to believe thisbecause it sounds so horrific, he added.

Americans, the doctor noted, are somewhat insulated from atrocities perpetrated around the world, so when they come across such things, they may find them hard to believe.

Part of this disbelief stems from a lack of understanding of the Chinese Communist Party, a regime that poses the greatest challenge to the United States in the years ahead, Monsour said.

We have to understand the mindset behind a government that would take innocent people and kill them and give their organs, he said. That says what this government really is  Theres obviously no morals there.

Monsour particularly hopes that the medical and transplant community can take action to try and curb organ harvesting.

Physicians swear an oath that first, do no harm, he said.

We  swear an oath to have high ethical standards. So I think and I hope that my fellow physicians and transplant physicians will begin to get involved, to try to work to solve this issue and stop this practice.

The resolution encourages the Texas medical community to warn patients about traveling to China for organ harvesting. It also urges the federal government and Congress to bar U.S. medical and pharmaceutical companies from collaborating with Chinese firms linked with forced organ harvesting. The bill is due to considered in the Texas House of Representatives.
Then-President Donald Trump speaks at an event in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on March 22, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Trump: 35 House Republicans Who Voted for Jan. 6 Commission Are Wayward, Cant Help Themselves

Former President Donald Trump said that the 35 Republican House members who voted with Democrats in approving a Jan. 6 Capitol commission bill cant help themselves.

In a statement on Thursday, the former president argued that while the GOP has superior policies to Democrats, the Democrats stick together and Republicans dont.

Because of this, Trump said, Republicans in Congress are perceived by voters as being ineffective and weak.

Trump made reference to Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who was ousted from her House Republican Chair position during a vote last week. Sasse and Romneyboth frequent critics of Trumpvoted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial, while Cheney voted to impeach him.

On Wednesday, the House voted to approve a commission that would investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol breach and would investigate what role Trump and other figures played. It would have the power of subpoena.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) heaped praise on the 35 GOP lawmakers who joined Democrats.

This is the Grand Old Party, the partys done so much for our country. And quite frankly, many Republicans have courageously withstood theshall we saythe assault on our democracy that is going forth, she told news outlets.

When you think of the Republicans and you think courage that theyve had in the electoral system in our country and election decisions that have been made to support the fact that the election was legitimate. Many Republicans were the ones who came forward, she added.

Top congressional Republicans including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) opposed the proposed commission.

Some of the Republicans who voted for the commission said that they wanted to make sure another Jan. 6-like incident doesnt occur in the future.

What happened that day must never happen again. I urge the Senate to pass the bipartisan 1/6 commission bill. Some things must be above politics, said Cheney, who voted for the commission, in a statement.

Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) said he supported the commission to get answers from congressional leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

I want answers from Speaker Pelosi on the lack of adequate security in the U.S. Capitol during that day. More importantly, understanding the events of January 6th is critical so that the instances of heroism can be recognized, and the errors made will never be repeated, Hill said in a statement.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
US to Grant Citizenship to Children Born via IVF or Surrogacy

The United States is now granting citizenship to children born abroad through in vitro fertilization or other means of assisted reproductive technology, such as surrogacy.

President Joe Bidens administration is changing the federal governments interpretation of Section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which outlines the requirements for acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth.

Previously, the government required children to have a biological connection to their U.S. parent to receive citizenship. Under the updated interpretation, the child may only have a biological connection to one parent, even if that parent isnt a U.S. citizen.

This updated interpretation and application of the INA takes into account the realities of modern families and advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) unforeseen when the Act was enacted in 1952, the State Department told The Epoch Times via email. This change will allow an increased number of married couples, including those using ART, to transmit U.S. citizenship to their child born overseas, while continuing to follow the citizenship transmission requirements established in the INA.

The requirement for a biological connection to a U.S. citizen remains in place for unmarried parents.

The State Department declined to provide an official policy update, although it has altered language on its website to reflect the updated interpretation. The update is effective immediately and will be applied retroactively to Dec. 24, 1952, so individuals who were ineligible for a birth citizenship but arent any longer can apply for it.

Immigration Equality, a group that works for equality for LGBTQ people, cheered the move.

This is a remarkable moment for all the LGBTQ families who fought the U.S. State Departments unconstitutional policy, Immigration Equality Executive Director Aaron Morris said in a statement.

In recent years, several same-sex couples sued the U.S. government over the policy, including U.S. citizen Andrew Dvash-Banks and his husband Elad Dvash-Banks, who is a noncitizen.

The couples child was conceived using an egg from an anonymous donor and Elads sperm, meaning there was no biological connection to Dvash-Banks. The State Department determined that their child, E.J., was thus not granted citizenship upon birth in Canada.

Federal courts ruled against the State Department in that case, as well as in another similar matter. The State Department withdrew its appeal last year in one case and decided not to appeal the ruling in another.

Allison Blixt, a lesbian parent who filed a lawsuit against the government after it denied citizenship to her baby, called the updated interpretation of INA a success.

We are relieved and thankful that our fight for our family to be recognized by the government has finally ended, Blixt said in a statement.

Still, the new legal view could make it easier to commit fraud, according to some experts.

This simply provides another wrinkle for the marriage fraud problem, Jon Feere, director of investigations for the Center for Immigration Studies, told The Epoch Times. In theory, it could have U.S. citizens offering to marry foreign nationals for a sum of cash and, in exchange, that foreign national adds a U.S. passport holder to their family.

The State Department also acknowledged this possibility in a statement to The Epoch Times

The department is keenly aware of the potential for fraudulent claims of citizenship or entitlement to immigration benefits. As with all citizenship and immigration benefits we examine, the Department implements this policy in a manner that addresses our fraud concerns, the State Department said.
Utah Legislature Passes Bill Prohibiting Mask Requirements in Public Schools, Universities

The Utah legislature on Wednesday night approved a measure that bans public schools and universities from enforcing mask mandates in the next school year.

House Bill 1007, according to its text, prohibits a face covering requirement to participate in or attend instruction, activities or any other place on the school campus or facilities in the system of public education after the end of the 20202021 school year.

In addition, it said that a university may not require proof of vaccination as a condition for enrollment or attendance, unless the institution allows for an exemption for students with certain medical conditions or religious beliefs.

Sponsored by Republican state Rep. Val Peterson, the legislation passed 5024 in the House and 235 in the Senate, on largely party-line votes, during a special session. It now awaits the signature of Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, who took office in January.

At some point this has to end, Peterson said, reported the Associated Press. What this bill is really about is making sure we have those assurances to our students that they can go forward next fall and get right into the school year without the thought of masks and what that might mean.

The vote comes as Cox said Utah schools can go mask-free for the last week of the 20202021 school year.

The change will give kids an opportunity to see their teachers, to see their friends, to spend that last week together without masks, if they so choose, Cox said at a May 13 press briefing, citing a decrease in new COVID-19 cases, and a rise in residents who have been vaccinated.

Individual school districts will be able to make their own decisions whether to keep enforcing mask policies, Cox said, if they feel there is spread in their schools, or that they want to have mask requirements.

Utahs statewide mask mandate ended in April 10, with the exception for gatherings involving more than 50 people and K-12 schools.

If you go into a business and they are requiring you to wear a mask, wear a mask. If youre not comfortable with indoor dining, order takeout, Coxs office said in a statement. We need a measure of grace and patience with each other. We have to treat each other with respect.

Were not out of the pandemic yet. And we know that masks work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it added. Bottom line: We encourage everyone to keep wearing masks whenever you cant physically distance.
Whitmer Faces IRS Complaint, New Bill Over Florida Trip She Failed to Disclose

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing a complaint to federal tax authorities and new state legislation over a trip she took to Florida earlier this year but didnt initially disclose.

Whitmer, a Democrat, visited her father in Florida in March. She omitted the trip when discussing her recent travel in April, but her office has since reluctantly released details about the trip following local media coverage.

Whitmers office disclosed on May 14 that Michigan Transition 2019, a corporate nonprofit formed to pay for the governors inauguration, paid for the charter that flew her to and from Florida, and that the governor had paid $855 out of pocket.

Michigan Rising Action, a nonprofit aimed to hold liberals accountable, filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service on May 19, alleging that the personal trip is not within the exempt purpose of Michigan Transition 2019.

The corporate nonprofits $27,521 payment was a private benefit to Governor Whitmer, it noted in the complaint, encouraging federal tax officials to investigate whether the nonprofit violated tax law.

Governor Whitmers use of 501(c)(4) funds for personal benefit is a clear violation of the law, and weve asked the IRS to launch a full investigation into the matter, Eric Ventimiglia, executive director of Michigan Rising Action, said in a statement.

From her blatant hypocrisy to the litany of ethical and legal violations, Governor Whitmer has spent the last two months misleading the people of Michigan about her trip to Florida. Its time for her to be held accountable.

Republican lawmakers in Michigan have recently introduced a bill that would require Whitmer to notify them when she plans to leave the state.

Were simply asking to know who is fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of governor in your absence, state Sen. Tom Barrett, a Republican, told WLNS.

Whitmers office didnt respond to a request for comment.

In a statement to news outlets, press secretary Bobby Leddy said the Michigan Constitution already clearly outlines a process to ensure that there is always an acting governor available to continue the functions of the state in case of an emergency.

If the Legislature wants to waste their time playing games, thats their own decision, but Gov. Whitmer is going to remain focused on ending this pandemic and putting Michigan back to work, he said.

Michigan State Police spokeswoman Shanon Banner told outlets that sending notification of the governors travel plans would be a security concern, especially in light of the alleged kidnapping plot against Whitmer that was uncovered last year.

The more people who know or have access to her movements, the higher the risk level for both her and her executive protection detail, Banner said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 04:21:18|Editor: huaxia

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Palestinians walk past a destroyed tower after an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, on May 19, 2021. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children.

UNITED NATIONS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' casualty count from hostilities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel on Wednesday showed 256 people dead - including 69 children and an Israeli soldier - and thousands of people injured.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children. Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier. Thousands of people are injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza.

The hostilities shuttered six hospitals and nine primary healthcare centers in Gaza. Damage from a nearby airstrike halted COVID-19 testing at the Gaza Central Laboratory, the UN humanitarians reported. A non-governmental organization hospital stopped functioning because of fuel shortages.

Electric power in Gaza dropped, on average, to just three to four hours a day due to feeder line damage, OCHA said.

The World Food Programme reported giving out electronic vouchers to 74,000 people in Gaza as of Monday. Humanitarian partners were assessing the damage to homes and prioritizing repair support.

The UN refugee agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, said it provides for the displaced in designated areas water, sanitation, hygiene services for the displaced and electric generators.

A Palestinian boy takes part in a protest against the continued Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, in front of the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, May 18, 2021. (Photo by Luay Sababa/Xinhua)

On Tuesday, the Israelis allowed several fuel trucks crossing through the Kerem Shalom to power electrical generators but held back additional humanitarian vehicles for security reasons.

On Wednesday, OCHA said the barred trucks carried cargo that included COVID-19 vaccines, first aid kits, medical disposables and drugs, including emergency medicines, fire extinguishers and fuel.

Given the high number of vulnerable people, there is great concern about the spread of COVID-19.

The world organization said Gaza crossings should be open for essential and humanitarian supplies, including fuel for basic services, supplies to curb the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that those who need life-saving treatment can access such relief.

The humanitarian fund for the occupied Palestinian territories expects to soon release 14 million U.S. dollars toward a response appeal to be announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Undersecretary-General Mark Lowcock, the UN chief's relief coordinator. 
The Connecticut Department of Labor released April job estimates on Wednesday that show muted hiring last month, despite a reduction in the number of people receiving unemployment compensation.

The state Department of Labor reported Connecticuts official unemployment rate at 8.1 percent  down from 8.3 percent in March. The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in April. DOL now estimates that Connecticut has recovered just six in 10 jobs it lost since the outset of the pandemic.

On Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont said Connecticut will pay $1,000 to residents who accept job offers as an extra inducement to rejoining the workforce.

DOL calculates its monthly jobs estimates from polls of households and businesses in the middle of each month. The estimates are subject to distortion depending on vagaries in survey collection. The Connecticut Department of Labor estimated the state added 500 jobs in April for a total tally of 1.58 million people employed, after employers added 8,300 jobs over the preceding two months.

But a federal tally of unemployment claims released Thursday morning shows that the number of Connecticut residents receiving continuing benefits dropped by nearly 3,700 over the course of April, to about 196,500 in all. State jobs estimates showed most industries with significant declines except for retail, health care and finance.

The economy is clearly recovering and while we would have liked to see more robust job growth for April, Connecticuts unemployment rate is dropping, jobs are being added, and the number of people receiving unemployment benefits is declining as people go back to work, said Kurt Westby, Connecticuts labor commissioner, in a written statement Thursday.

For a third consecutive week, the federal labor department recorded less than 5,000 initial claims for unemployment assistance by Connecticut residents. April numbers were driven higher, as many people reached the threshold of 52 weeks of continuing assistance  the point at which recipients must file new initial claims to stay in the system.

DOL notes the possibility of major discrepancies between its official estimate and the total roll of people receiving unemployment compensation.

The leisure and hospitality sectors continue to see strong job growth, DOL reported, with an estimated gain of 1,800 jobs. On Thursday, Dan Mahar, CEO of Wilton-based Tauck, told Hearst Connecticut Media his travel company is selling out tours both domestically and internationally as on as it opens up reservations.

That is true across our industry, said Mahar. The South has done really well all spring  spring breaks to ... Florida and Arizona, those were all back to (pre-pandemic) levels.

Professional and business support services also saw significant gains, representing one telltale for wider economic activity as corporate spending increases in tandem with customer activity.

Last week, Michael Connors, CEO of Information Services Group, said his company started off 2021 with its best quarter ever, with Stamford-based ISG consulting on how to squeeze costs out of operations through automation, outsourcing and other strategies.

While the pandemic is far from over, our clients across many industries are now increasing their digital investments, moving beyond their initial COVID cautiousness in anticipation of renewed growth, said Connors, speaking on a conference call. Digital transformation is still the top priority for almost every client we work with  COVID-19 has shown every company the power of digital to connect people, attract new customers, and enable a new era of business efficiency and growth.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
DANBURY  Ed Chromczaks brother tricked him into taking a flying lesson when he was 17, and he fell in love with being in the air.

I had to get my license, he said. I couldnt live without it.

Decades later, the 84-year-old Beacon Falls resident still flies. Hes among about 1,500 80-and-over pilots in the country who still do.

Members of the United Flying Octogenarians  known as the UFOs  flew into Danbury Municipal Airport on Wednesday morning for an annual gathering in the city and the groups first meeting since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

After about 17 planes flew in, roughly 35 people gathered around Dunkin coffee and doughnuts to share stories of accidents and mishaps at Danbury Municipal Airport and reflect on their decades in the air.

Some shared memories that Mike Safranek, airport administrator, couldnt recall.

What are you a historian, Wikipedia? he joked to one member, who recalled various stories from the Danbury airport.

The UFOs formed in 1982 and have at least 1,500 pilots nationwide who have held an airmans flight certificate in a fixed or rotary wing, sport, balloon or glider aircraft after turning 80, according to the UFOs website. Members range from military veterans to commercial pilots.

You meet some very, very interesting people and see some very interesting planes, said Richard Klein, 83, of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.

The oldest member is 106 and lives in Katonah, N.Y., said Bob Barker, the executive vice president northeast region manager for the organization. The 106-year-old was supposed to come to Danbury, but wasnt feeling well on Wednesday.

Taking after his father, Barker started flying around 26-years-old. He said he enjoys the freedom flying gives him and the perspective you get from being above the earth instead of on the earth.

Its a demanding activity and we all have a passion for it, said Barker, 90, of Stamford.

He joined the organization on his 80th birthday, although he no longer flies because of the medicine he takes.

It keeps me young

Marvin Levine, 81, took a 20-minute flight from New Jersey to Danbury. He became a pilot in 1972 after serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

It keeps me young, he said. Im only 49. Im just making believe.

Ken Johnson, 84, served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for American Airlines for 31 years. He sold his plane a couple weeks ago, but plans to buy another.

Its a good career, said Johnson, who drove to Danbury from his home in Kent. What kind of a career would they give you a multi-million dollar toy to play with, and then pay you money to take this toy to some resort, and then set you up in a nice hotel, pay you for the food you eat, and then, the next day you bring this toy home?

Klein, a retired middle school industrial arts teacher who got his pilot license in 1973, flies twice a week when the weather is good and every 10 days in the winter.

Its a dying hobby, I think, unfortunately, he said.

Millennials are more interested in fancy cars and it takes time to learn, Klein said. Other pilots said their kids arent into flying.

The Piper Dakota aircraft Klein bought with his friend in June 2001  in the height of the market before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks  is based out of Danbury Municipal Airport, so he drove to the city and taxied from one side of the airport to the other.

Klein said he enjoys the convenient location of Danbury Municipal Airport and that the place is well-kept.

Its a perfect airport for general aviation, he said.

Flying into Danbury Municipal Airport on Runway 35 is particularly difficult because pilots go through a valley and trees block the airport tower from seeing the planes, Safranek said. Its a runway pilots love, he said.

It is so challenging and it is a fun approach to flying, he said.

Chromczak, meanwhile, served in the U.S. Army and flew as part of his training, but never in combat, he said. He has his Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation Administration, which goes to pilots who have shown professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years.

Hes a member of a flying club in Oxford and usually flies out of the airport in that town, but he drove to Danbury on Wednesday to catch up with his friends, like Art Templeton, an 87-year-old who served as co-pilot on his flight from New Jersey.

Templeton served nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a crew chief and co-pilot on helicopters during the Korean War. After paying off his house and getting his kids through college, he started flying small planes as a hobby.

Its that freedom you get in the air, that every day people dont get, said Templeton, adding he has a floor mat at his house that reads a pilot and a normal person live here.
As of Wednesday, Connecticut lifted most of its COVID restrictions, including allowing those who have been vaccinated to go without masks indoors.

Gyms, which were thought early on to be a prime space for the spread of the virus, were hit with tough restrictions and closures during the pandemic. But have seen many exercise enthusiasts return, amid restrictions, to work out.

While Gov. Ned Lamont said fully vaccinated people did not have to wear masks indoors, they still must abide by individual business requirements.

But how are gyms handling the lifting of these restrictions?

Do you still need to wear a mask at the gym?

Each gym has different policies, but more and more are allowing fully vaccinated people to go without masks.

The Edge Fitness, with locations across Connecticut, said those fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks. Several YMCA facilities have said the same.

It appears that those facilities are not confirming whether someone has been fully vaccinated.

mActivity, a local gym in New Haven, said it would confirm with members once, via their vaccine card, that they have received inoculations.

What about social distancing?

Some facilities have lifted social distancing requirements that closed off certain cardio equipment and spaced out other equipment in the facility.

The Edge Fitness started to remove social distancing requirements in their facilities.

YMCA branches are keeping some social distancing in place for the time being as they work to shift equipment.

What if you havent been vaccinated?

Gyms are still requiring people who have not been vaccinated to wear masks while working out.

State officials are still encouraging anyone who has not been vaccinated to sign up for a dose. Officials have pointed to increasing the number of people vaccinated as a key to returning the state to normal.
President Joe Biden's efforts to persuade Benjamin Netanyahu to halt military strikes against Hamas in Gaza are plunging the two leaders into a difficult early test of the U.S.-Israeli relationship.

The two have had other moments of tension over the years, and their current differences over the war in Gaza create a challenge that Biden was trying mightily to avoid.

Biden told Netanyahu in a telephone call Wednesday that he expected significant de-escalation of the fighting by day's end, according to the White House. But the prime minister came right back with a public declaration that he was determined to continue" the Gaza operation until its objective is achieved.

Netanyahu did allow that he greatly appreciates the support of the American president, but said nonetheless that Israel would push ahead.

This is not where Biden had hoped to expend his time and energy.

Early in Bidens term, foreign policy has taken a back seat. The president has tried to avoid getting bogged down in an interminable effort to establish an elusive Mideast peace that many of his White House predecessors have dedicated precious time to without much success.

This is not the first time Biden and Netanyahu have been publicly at odds.

As vice president, Biden kept Netanyahu waiting for a dinner meeting after the Israeli leader embarrassed President Barack Obama by approving the construction of 1,600 new apartments in disputed east Jerusalem in the middle of Bidens 2010 visit to Israel.

Netanyahu sought to patch up hurt feelings at the dinner. But after the meal, Biden admonished the prime minister in a statement, saying the move undermined a U.S. effort to persuade the Palestinians to resume peace talks.

Later, Obama and Netanyahus relationship cratered as White House aides questioned the Israeli's willingness to find accommodations with Palestinians and Sunni Arab countries to build a lasting peace in the region. Netanyahu, for his part, was furious about White House efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran.

Amid the tension between Obama and Netanyahu, Biden went out of his way during a 2014 speech before the Jewish Federations of North America to say that he and Netanyahu were still buddies, albeit with a somewhat complicated relationship. Biden noted that he had once inscribed a photo for Netanyahu with Bibi I dont agree with a damn thing you say but I love you.

In late 2019, during a question and answer session with voters on the campaign trail, Biden called Netanyahu counterproductive and an extreme right leader. But he also accused Palestinian leaders of fomenting the conflict and baiting everyone who is Jewish. And he suggested that some on the U.S. political left give the Palestinian Authority a pass when criticizing Israeli leadership.

Netanyahu had a notably better relationship with President Donald Trump, whom he praised for moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv and brokering a normalization of relations between Israel and Gulf neighbors Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Morocco and Sudan.

Biden's call on Netanyahu to de-escalate the fighting came as political and international pressure mounted on the U.S. president to intervene more forcefully to push for an end to the hostilities. Biden, until Wednesday, had avoided pressing Israel more directly and publicly for a cease-fire, or conveying that level of urgency for ending Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas in the thickly populated Gaza Strip.

His administration has relied instead on what officials described as quiet, intensive diplomacy, including quashing a U.N. Security Council statement that would have addressed a cease-fire. The administrations handling opened a divide between Biden and some Democratic lawmakers, dozens of whom have called for a cease-fire.

Egypt and some others have worked without success to broker a halt to fighting, while Hamas officials indicated publicly they would keep up their rocket barrages into Israel as long as Israel continued airstrikes.

Netanyahu, in his statement, made clear he had no plans to immediately wind down Israeli strikes targeting Hamas leaders and supply tunnels in Gaza, a 25-mile by 6-mile strip of territory that is home to more than 2 million people.

With every passing day we are striking at more of the terrorist organizations capabilities, targeting more senior commanders, toppling more terrorist buildings and hitting more weaponry stockpiles, Netanyahu said.

The White House did not respond directly to Netanyahu's statement but said top Biden advisers continued to be in hour by hour contact with their Israeli counterparts.

The State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Wednesday with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and reinforced the message that the U.S. expects to see de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire.

Biden's relationship with Netanyahu could be further complicated for the president by a shifting tide on Israel among some congressional Democrats. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has called Israel an apartheid state, and Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has labeled Israeli airstrikes terrorism." Biden, during a visit to a Michigan on Tuesday, had an animated conversation about the ongoing fighting with Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank. Tlaib told Biden that his administration must do far more to protect Palestinian lives, according to a person familiar with their conversation,

Soon after Netanyahu announced he planned to continue operations, Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin introduced a resolution opposing the sale of $735 million in military weaponry to Israel that's already been approved by the Biden administration. Separately, 138 House Democrats on Wednesday signed a letter, organized by Rep. David Price of North Carolina, urging Biden and his administration to boldly lead and take decisive action to end the violence.

The fighting, the worst Israeli-Palestinian violence since 2014, has killed at least 219 Palestinians and 12 people in Israel.

Top Biden administration officials have stressed to the Israelis in recent days that time is not on their side as international objections mount to their operations and domestic pressure builds on Biden, according to a person familiar with the ongoing discussions,

-

Associated Press Writers Alexandra Jaffe in New London, Connecticut, and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed reporting.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 11:08:43|Editor: huaxia

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BRUSSELS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation and mounting hostilities in the Palestine-Israel conflict, the European Union (EU) has urged "the immediate cessation of all violence and implementation of a ceasefire."

"Security for Israel and Palestine requires a true political solution," said the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell at a Tuesday meeting.

Representing 26 member states, the EU has made such a clear-cut statement, which highlighted outsiders' concern and lent a new urgency to political dialogues over the Palestine issue.

The worst conflict between Palestine and Israel since 2014 has lasted for over 10 days. More violence within the occupied territory made the Jews feel more threatened while several Arab hospitals, including a main COVID-19 testing center in Gaza, were damaged.

The suffering of both sides sheds light on the appalling years-long political stalemate on the Palestine issue.

In recent years, conflicts of different scales between the two sides have never vanished since the Palestine-Israel peace talks reached a deadlock due to the contentious expansion of Jewish settlements.

It is globally recognized that both Palestinians and Israelis are eligible to live in the region around the holy city of Jerusalem, a status quo brought by complex historic and religious factors dated back thousands of years.

Though the two peoples are both keen for a lasting peace, they have felt their respective frustrations -- failed nationalist aspirations for Palestinians and shattered absolute security for Israelis, making their common eagerness a long shot.

In history, the closest moment to such a peace was when the "two-state solution" was presented and accepted by both sides in the 1990s, with concrete support from the international community, including key Arab countries and the Middle East Quartet.

At the moment, it is imperative that the international community once again show resolution and solidarity to strengthen efforts to mediate between the two sides so as to de-escalate the conflict.

An immediate ceasefire is the top priority. And then adequate humanitarian assistance should be delivered to the enclave Gaza Strip, thronged with thousands of the injured and tens of thousands of refugees in want of water and food.

Only the hostilities decrease to a certain level can it be possible to relaunch peace talks. The Middle East Quartet, as well as the United Nations, need to play a bigger and positive role in not only brokering a temporary truce but pushing for a long-term political process.

Unfortunately, the United States, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, repeatedly blocked the UN's efforts to make a unanimous voice on the Palestine-Israel conflict.

Given the great disparity in national strength between Palestine and Israel, it is hardly possible for the two sides to negotiate a fair and equitable deal all by their own.

Therefore international community needs to lend sufficient support for members of the Middle East Quartet, key Arab and international partners to make every endeavor to bring the Israeli and Palestinian leadership back to meaningful negotiations, making the two-state solution viable.

Realizing lasting peace in the Middle East is probably one of the hardest nut to crack for the international community. Only by accommodating the interests of all parties on the basis of a fair and just standpoint can a solution be accepted by all the parties involved.

Political process will be time-consuming and arduous, but it is the only practicable path to a final resolution to the long-lasting problem. Enditem
EDWARDSVILLE  As a reminder for what it represented and its place in local and state history, there will be a historical market dedicated at 9 a.m. Saturday at the former Lincoln School sit.

Walter Williams, president of the Edwardsville chapter of the NAACP, will be on hand to mark the occasion, along with long-time resident, Herman Shaw, and Madison County Historical Society board member, Cindy Reinhardt, among others, to talk about the schools history and its significance.

He said this is a cooperative project among the NAACP, Lincoln School alumni and the city of Edwardsville.

When I got here, seven years ago, this was one of the first functions I attended, Williams said. He recalled meeting a former student. She regaled him with all kinds of stories about her memories of being a student at Lincoln and its history.

When we wrote the language, it made history come to life, he said of the markers inscription.

Williams served as the citys first economic and community development director until late April, when he took a similar position with Madison County.

Located at 1210 N. Main St., the site was originally used as the Madison County Clerks Office. By 1869, that had been abandoned and later, the building was known as Lincoln School, the first, state-funded free public school for African American children in Edwardsville. By contrast, free public education had been afforded to Caucasian students in 1864.

The original school was demolished in 1911 and a new, four-room brick school was built on the site for African American students in grades one through 10. In 1929, two additional classrooms and a gymnasium were added. The curriculum grew to cover 11th grade in 1935 and 12th grade in 1940, allowing African American students to complete their education in Edwardsville.

During the fall of 1951, the District 7 Board of Education integrated Lincoln School students but none of the schools African American teachers were re-hired. Lincoln School closed in 1972, over the objections of parents and teachers.

During its 81-year tenure, the school was more than a place to get educated, it served as a center for the Black community, along with their respective churches.

The charismatic educator, Christopher Columbus Jones, who served as the schools principal from 1902 to 1950, was the liaison between the school board and the Black community. This building remains a tangible reminder of the Segregation Era in public schools and is a monument to the legacy of its contribution to the Edwardsville community.

The school remained shuttered until 2015, when former student and Harlem Globetrotter, Mannie Jackson, bought then donated it to Lewis and Clark Community College, which spent $3.5 million renovating and modernizing the site as the Mannie Jackson Center for Humanities Foundation (MJCHF). The foundation suspended its operations in January due to an inability to identify and locate proper financial and academic support.

Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at 618-659-5735
COLLINSVILLE  The Office of St. Clair County States Attorney James Gomric charged Orlando M. Ladd Jr., of Nashville, Tennessee, with two counts of first-degree murder on Wednesday.

Ladd, 29, was charged in the shooting deaths of Charlie Howard and Martinel Labon.

As it relates to one of the first-degree murder charges, he is alleged without lawful justification and with the intent to kill or do great bodily harm to Howard, shooting Howard about the head with a handgun, thereby causing Howards death.

As it relates to the second first-degree murder charge, Ladd is alleged without lawful justification and with the intent to kill or do great bodily harm to Labon, shooting Labon in his head with a handgun, thereby causing Labons death.

These charges resulted from an incident that occurred at approximately 3:12 a.m. March 13 when the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation - Zone 6 was requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to assist in the investigation of a double homicide, which had occurred in the Samuel L. Gompers Housing complex at 450 N. 6th St., in East St. Louis. A male, 29, from Nashville, Tennessee, was pronounced deceased at that location by the St. Clair County Coroners Office, while a male, 27, from Washington Park, was transported to a regional hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Bond on the above charges was set at $1 million, 10% to apply. Ladd remains in custody in the Rutherford County Jail, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, awaiting extradition.

The incident was jointly investigated by the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation  Zone 6, the East St. Louis Police Department, St. Clair County Coroner and St. Clair County States Attorneys Office.

No further information will be disseminated at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the ISP DCI Zone 6 at 618-571-4125 or Crime Stoppers at 866-371-8477.
Two weeks ago, mid-Michigan slid into a five-day stretch of nighttime temperatures hovering right around the freezing mark. For the next couple of nights, the low temperatures will double that.

Starting Thursday night, nighttime lows were expected to stay in the mid-to-upper 60s, mid-Michigan's first real taste of summertime weather in 2021.

But, it'll be the daytime highs that people will feel the most.

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Friday and Saturday, high temperatures are expected to get near 90, with highs of 88 predicted both days.

Relief from the heat is expected by the end of the weekend. The National Weather Service predicts that daytime highs will fall back into the 70s in time for the workweek.

It could also bring a little much-needed rain. There is currently a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m. on Saturday and a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunday.

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+5 A McGuire Elementary field trip had students visit residents at The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant A local student council group visited The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant to play games with the residents and decorate the windows and sidewalks on t

Gratiot County ordered to reimburse Seville Twp. man for property seizure After four years of litigation a 68-year-old Seville Township man has won a property tax lawsuit he filed against Gratiot County.

Clare rallies around Simmer family, looks to raise funds The community of Clare is rallying around one of its own and looking for more support.

Isabella discusses how to spend its $13 million in COVID relief Isabella County is expected to receive $13 million in federal COVID relief funds, and the first of two anticipated disbursements could come wi
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Clare County

Search warrant lands two Harrison men in jail on meth, heroin charges
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 12:54:22|Editor: huaxia

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by Li Hao, Deng Kaiyin and Jiang Chao

ISLAMABAD, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951, China and Pakistan have forged an all-weather friendship and conducted all-round cooperation.

As an important pilot project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and one of the main platforms for deepening bilateral cooperation, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been bearing fruit.

For 32-year-old Zulqarnian Khan, working as a geological engineer in the Suki Kinari hydropower station, only about 10 km away from his home, is what makes him and his family elated.

"My parents are happy. They know I will have a bright future as I can learn lots of advanced techniques from my Chinese colleagues with a handsome income here," he told Xinhua.

Located in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the 884-megawatt hydropower station is a major CPEC energy project, with construction in full swing.

"Our project currently has around 5,000 Pakistani employees, and over 60 percent of them are from nearby areas of the station," said Deng Siwen, general manager of the project. "Since the start of construction four years ago, I have seen shops and hotels mushroom near our construction site, and many of our Pakistani colleagues began to afford a motorbike for commuting."

Having been working for the project for three years, Khan is joining hands with his Chinese and Pakistani colleagues to smoothly reach each milestone in the construction, including the second-stage river closure achieved in late April.

When starting commercial operation, the project is expected to generate some 3.21 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually to provide sufficient power supply and further improve Pakistan's energy structure while a number of CPEC power plants under operation have already made great contributions to solving the electricity shortage in the country.

"The CPEC energy projects have added thousands of megawatts of installed capacity to the grid of the country, and the electricity shortage which was there for the last 20-25 years is no more," Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of the Pakistani Senate's standing committee on foreign affairs, told Xinhua.

The sufficient energy supply has paved the way for the boom of Pakistan's economic and social activities, enabling the country to embark on a path of clean and green development.

In Pakistan's eastern historic city of Lahore, the launch of the South Asian country's first-ever metro train service last October has provided a modern, comfortable and eco-friendly way of traveling for over 11 million residents in the city.

Adopting the Chinese standard, technology and equipment, the electricity-driven Orange Line metro train under CPEC has become a popular choice among local commuters and is expected to facilitate the traffic and reduce air pollution in the city.

"Earlier, it used to take me an hour via three different kinds of transport to reach my destination and I had to suffer dust since the rickshaw I used to take was open," said Lahore resident Tariq Siddiqui. "Now I am just using this one which takes me only 20 minutes. It's a very good facility for the public."

Meanwhile, CPEC's other transport infrastructure projects including the Karakoram Highway Phase Two and the Sukkur-Multan Motorway "have connected different provinces of Pakistan in a modern and better way, facilitating transportation, trade and people's travel," Syed said.

Facing the Arabian Sea, Gwadar port, one of the pillars of the CPEC, in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, has made a series of achievements including the inauguration of liner services, Afghan transit trade and liquefied petroleum gas business, and is sailing towards the dream of becoming a "New Dubai" in Pakistan.

Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a corridor linking Gwadar port with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation.

According to the data recently released by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, a total of 46 CPEC projects are under construction or have been completed, and the corridor has brought 25.4 billion U.S. dollars in foreign direct investment to Pakistan and created 75,000 jobs for the locals, serving as a focal point for China and Pakistan to drive practical cooperation.

In late April, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a meeting with the country's high-level officials reviewing progress on CPEC that the corridor is a testimony to the time-tested and deep-rooted Pakistan-China friendship.

"After 70 years of development, this iron-clad friendship exists not only between the two governments, but has also become a broad consensus among the two peoples, which is what I feel after working in Pakistan for 13 years," said Deng.

Last year when the COVID-19 epidemic was raging across Pakistan, batches of Chinese engineers and workers took chartered flights back to Pakistan to join their Pakistani counterparts in the CPEC construction, for the common goal of completing the construction on time.

With fruitful achievements, the CPEC has entered a new stage of high-quality development, focusing more on industrial, agricultural and socio-economic cooperation. The Pakistani government plans to develop nine special economic zones across the country under the CPEC to promote its industrialization.

As the first one of its kind being implemented, the Rashakai special economic zone in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is pushing forward its construction and inviting investors, along with the building of the first factory invested by a Chinese company in the zone.

"We are inviting investors from all over the world to come and put up industry in those special economic zones. This will help increase our exports, help our economy and give more jobs to our youth," Chairman of Pakistan's CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa said.

Pakistan also pins high hope on the CPEC and Gwadar port in particular to transform itself into a regional trade hub.

The improvement the CPEC has brought to Pakistan's transport infrastructure and Gwadar port can facilitate trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, which will in turn tap the full potential of the corridor, Badiea Shaukat, an economic consultant, told Xinhua.

Hailing the CPEC as a far-sighted project, Pakistani President Arif Alvi said that the Gwadar port can provide Central Asian countries with ideal access to the sea, which will further strengthen interconnectivity and cooperation for common development of the whole region. Enditem
A federal judge has ruled that Gratiot County must reimburse Seville Township resident Donald Freed more than $40,000, plus interest and legal fees, after then County Treasurer Michelle Thomas seized his home in 2017 and sold it at a public auction for $42,000 to cover the $1,100 he owed for past due property taxes. The extra money went into the county's general fund. The home and 35-acre parcel had an assessed value of $97,000. (Greg Nelson - The Morning Sun)
Sevierville, TN (37876)

Today

Mostly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 81F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
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Oregon loosened its mask guidance last week to allow fully vaccinated individuals to remove their masks in many instances. Some exceptions still apply, like hospitals, schools, public transportation and businesses which choose to require masks.
Its been quite some time since members of the Trenton Fire Department heard the footsteps and giggles of excited school children making their way through the station.

Fire Capt. Josh Hodge said when an official from Anderson Elementary School called and asked if students could walk down to the station on King Road and get a tour of the work environment and hear about the things they do on a daily basis, they were immediately given the green light.

The supervised children walked less than a mile to the station, at 1989 King Road, with no major roads to cross.

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They were captivated by the big red truck and equipment used to protect and help keep people safe in a multitude of emergency situations.

Hodge said other arrangements were made for students to visit the downtown station on Maple Road, as well.

They all learned about fire safety, how the 911 system works and different sections of the fire truck from bumper to bumper.

Normally, we like to connect with the community, but because of COVID-19, we have been unable to, Hodge said. We were able to interact with students and go over safety education. They really seemed to enjoy themselves.

It concerns Hodge that these types of encounters with youths have been put on the back burner because of the pandemic, believing these experiences help build relationships and form positive and fond thoughts about the profession.

Sign up for our daily morning newsletter Click here and then look to the right side for the sign up to the morning newsletter for The News Herald, and you can get the top headlines de

Were always thinking 20 to 25 years down the road, he said.

The captain said one day, one of the children coming through the department might sit in one of their seats.

Its always encouraging and refreshing to see and hear the children, he said.

In all, he said about 150 students visited the stations, apparently energizing both the children and firefighters.

Balloon release planned for Southgate teen killed in motorcycle crash A motorcycle crash in Trenton has claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl from Southgate.

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While receiving newly arrived ambassadors in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated the primary issues of promoting multifaceted cooperation between their individual countries and Russia, emphasizing further that Russia welcomes development of bilateral relations with pragmatism and show respect each others interests.

Moscow is prepared to interact with all countries and build mutually beneficial cooperation on the principles of equality and non-interference, he said in his speech, receiving letters of credence from 23 newly-appointed foreign ambassadors in a ceremony held in the Grand Kremlin Palaces Alexander Hall.

Putin describes in brief the state of relations between Russia and each of the countries the ambassadors represent. The ceremony, which officially marks the start of their diplomatic activities in the Russian Federation, attended by the heads of diplomatic missions of 23 countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia.

Among them, there were six African envoys: Jose Mateus Muaria Katupha (Republic of Mozambique), Dr Khesvar Jankee (Republic of Mauritius), Mahamoud Adam Bechir (Republic of Chad), Alfredo Cristovao Gomes Lopes (Republic of Guinea-Bissau), Benson H.O. Ogutu (Republic of Kenya) and Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka (Republic of South Africa).

With the Republic of Mozambique, Putin stressed that it is Russias time-tested partner on the African continent. We have mutual interest in further building up contacts in the political field and strengthening cooperation in such areas as energy, hydrocarbons production and chemical fertilizer production, he said.

With the Republic of Mauritius, Putin informed that it has traditionally been partner-like and based on mutual respect. There is room for deepening trade and economic interaction and for boosting cooperation in the fields of marine and air transport, fisheries and tourism.

With the Republic of Chad, Putin referred to the strengthening of Russias political and economic ties that will mutually interest both countries. Russian companies are supplying machinery, equipment and other industrial products necessary for the economic modernization of Chad. We will continue to provide assistance to your country within the framework of the UN World Food Programme and to train national personnel for you, including for your armed forces, he said.

With the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Putin says Russia is open to a joint search for promising and mutually beneficial areas of cooperation and joint projects. We intend to continue working to boost bilateral contacts in trade, the economy, investment and culture and coordination in international and regional affairs, including the strengthening of peace and security on the African continent, he said.

With the Republic of Kenya, Putin assertively pointed out that a constructive partnership has been established with the country. Both our countries are interested in promoting bilateral political, trade, economic and cultural cooperation. We will do everything in our power to promote this agenda and will continue to train Kenyan students at Russian universities, he said.

With the South African Republic, Putin noted in his speech that partnership between Russia and South Africa dates back to the days of its struggle against apartheid and has now reached a truly strategic level.

We are working closely within BRICS to strengthen the associations role in global affairs. We effectively coordinate our actions on other international platforms, including the UN and the G20. In the spirit of friendship and mutual respect, we are ready to deepen bilateral ties in trade, the economy and investment in the future, he said.

The newly arrived ambassadors have important and serious diplomatic tasks: to promote the development of comprehensive relations, make conscious efforts in strengthening trade and economic ties, deepening cultural exchanges and promoting people-to-people contacts, facilitating stronger friendship and mutual understanding between their countries and the Russian Federation.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 13:19:35|Editor: huaxia

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Sofia Carvajal, secretary of international affairs of Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), receives an interview with Xinhua in Mexico City, Mexico, April 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

MEXICO CITY, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Political parties in Latin America and the Communist Party of China (CPC) have strengthened exchanges by such mechanisms as the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which has added strong impetus to their all-round cooperation, said a Mexican party official.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Sofia Carvajal, secretary of international affairs of Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), said that her party has been established for more than 90 years and has maintained adequate and diverse inter-party exchanges with the CPC.

Especially in recent years, the PRI has actively participated in events such as the China-CELAC Political Parties Forum and organized party officials' visits to China, deepening mutual understanding and learning between the two sides, Carvajal said.

The PRI has always attached great importance to friendly exchanges with the CPC, the official said, adding that the two parties can strengthen exchanges on areas such as public health, environmental protection and renewable energy development during ministerial meetings of the China-CELAC Forum and the China-CELAC Political Parties Forum.

Noting that youth is the future of a country, Carvajal suggested Latin American political parties and the CPC enhance the training of and communication between young cadres.

The PRI, stressing the importance of cultivating young cadres, has been training young party members through party school programs and other means, she said.

She hoped that Latin American countries will send more outstanding youths to study in China to offer them a broader vision, so that they can better understand China and promote bilateral relations between China and the region.

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the CPC, Carvajal has recently read the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China." Thanks to the work, she has improved her understanding of the CPC leading the Chinese people to their great achievements, and agreed with China's idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

"Organization, order and discipline is something that I think can be fused in all the matters, all aspects of governance, and that makes a country prosper, I think it is due to those three factors," the PRI official said.

The CPC has always maintained a high degree of organization and discipline in every aspect of national governance, and at the same time paid attention to formulating medium- and long-term development plans, which played a decisive role in China's prosperity and continuous progress, she said.

As a century-old party, the CPC has always kept pace with the times and innovated continuously, Carvajal said, adding that in this regard, her party can learn from the CPC to continuously innovate, develop, and adjust itself to people's changing needs, so as to gain public support. Enditem
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The fate of justice system within the four walls of Nigeria as a nation is crying for mercy. For a period of a year and six months, the wheel of justice is clogged, as uncertainty beclouds the entire justice system of the country, this is further amplified by the unfortunate sequence of events ranging from Corona virus Pandemic, EndSARS protest, Vacations, Holidays and Strike action by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Judicial Staff Union (JUSUN) at different periods within same time; all cumulating to compulsory holidays and a stop to the moving rail of the justice sector of the country.

Consequently, Legal Practitioners, Judges and all judicial actors who plays critical role in the legal and justice delivery system have been rendered redundant, while the fate of the Nigerian litigants and persons in dire need of effective justice delivery is hanging in the balance. The overall negative effects of these ugly trends have taken its toll on all citizens within and outside the country.

I have always said, and It is my belief that the two most important considerations witnessed and obviously manifested in any prosperous and/or great nation is good Leadership and effective Justice system; as every other heals and ills of any society rest on these two mighty pillars; resultantly, if the right persons are within the frame and structure of leadership and justice delivery of any nation, naturally there will be justice, security and peace in the land and same would bring about a prosperity and development.

It is of common knowledge that the Judicial Staff Union of Nigerian Judiciary has embarked on an indefinite strike from the first week of April, 2021 till date; all for reasons of seeking to effect compliance of Governors within the Thirty-Six States of the Federation with the necessary provisions of the Nigerian constitution, precedents and other laws; Judicial Financial Autonomy.

The question that keep begging for answer remains, How difficult could it be for our selfish and care-less leaders to effect the content of a written law, particularly that of the constitution they duly swore to uphold and enforce? In a country like Nigeria, Oath of Office and/or allegiance to the constitution has manifestly become a joke; yet, no consequence for any malfeasance or deliberate misgivings made by our so called lawless leaders of law and order.

It is a notorious fact that majority of Governors and leaders in Nigeria never believes in legacy, they would promise heaven and earth, and as soon as they mount the podium of leadership, they soon forget that power is transient; impunity becomes the order of the day, they know nothing about leaving legacies. This same attitude had wrecked the country for too long? For how long would we continue in this perfidious trend and expect a great nation?

It is very unfortunate and embarrassing that we have Governor-Lawyers who know the right thing as clearly stated by our constitution and other laws, but failed to comply with such provision of judicial autonomy for selfish reasons. I suppose if all Governors fails, no Governor-Lawyer heading the important arm of the Executive should ordinarily fail by their callings. Methinks, it amounts to grave misconduct and flagrant breach of Oath of office. It simply amounts to grave illegalities.

A lot of lawyers are in leadership positions across the country as Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers of the Federation, Commissioners; particularly, Attorney Generals; many of whom by their conducts, actions and inactions failed to do, encourage and/or lead by example by simply following the provisions of law; hence encouraged lawlessness and impunity within the system.

Section 81(3), 121(3) of the constitution of Nigeria is clear and unambiguous; its simply provides:

81. (1) The President shall cause to be prepared and laid before each House of the National Assembly at any time in each financial year estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the Federation for the next following financial year.

(2) The heads of expenditure contained in the estimates (other than expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation by this Constitution) shall be included in a bill, to be known as an Appropriation Bill, providing for the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums for the purposes specified therein.

(3) The amount standing to the credit of the-

(a) Independent National Electoral Commission,

(b) National Assembly, and

(c) Judiciary, in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation shall be paid directly to the said bodies respectively; in the case of the Judiciary, such amount shall be paid to the National Judicial Council for disbursement to the heads of the courts established for the Federation and the States under section 6 of this Constitution.

121. (1) The Governor shall cause to be prepared and laid before the House of Assembly at any time before the commencement of each financial year estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the State for the next following financial year.

(2) The heads of expenditure contained in the estimates, other than expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State by this Constitution, shall be included in a bill, to be known as an Appropriation Bill, providing for the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums for the purposes specified therein.

(3) Any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State shall be paid directly to the heads of the courts concerned.

Section 81(3) and section 121(3) of the provisions of the constitution above are clear and instructive enough.

Several judicial precedents as Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria v. Governors of the 36 States of Nigeria (2013), Suit No; FHC/ABJ/CS/667/13; Olisa Agbakoba v. FG & 2Ors. FHC/ABJ/CS/63/2013 gave judicial imprimatur to the essence of independent and financially free judiciary. By judicial pronouncements, Judicial autonomy is not only compulsory, it is a necessity, the importance of an independent of judiciary of any great nation cannot be over-emphasized.

President Buhari Executive Order 10, 2020 which was made granting financial autonomy to States Judiciary and Legislatures is the way to go in a Federation structure like Nigeria. The Executive Order 10 as signed by Nigerian President is simply in line with the provisions of Nigeria constitution, same gives power to the Accountant-General of the Federation to deduct from the allocations due to a state from the Federation Account, any sums appropriated for the legislature or judiciary of that state which the state fails to release to its legislature or judiciary as the case may be, and to pay the funds directly to the states legislature or judiciary concerned through the heads of each arms.

The immediate compliance and/or implementation of the above presidential directive would have been one of the turning points in the history of Nigeria governance; It is very unfortunate that when the executive order 10 was due for implementation, same was eventually suspended on intervention of Governors in Nigeria who prevailed on the president to suspend the said executive order without any valid reason; and funny enough, some of the Governors that prevailed on Mr. president are Governor-Lawyers, who ought to lead by example and influence others by setting a pace in allowing the prevalence of Rule of law and order.

The JUSUN Strike is needless, if only the Governors would obey the constitution. The country is bleeding on all fronts; all sectors of economy and national life are on trial. Let the Governors assist in creating a good, virile and stable society where law and order is given foremost importance. The judicial arm should be given utmost priority by total independence. Power is transient, and where there is no justice, there cannot be peace and development.

The strike action appears to be the satisfaction of the so called Governors who have made outright refusal to heed the yearning for justice through JUSUN. The free course of justice has been suspended indefinitely for unwarranted reasons and the lackadaisical postures of the relevant authorities. This is extremely bad for the governors themselves who would look up to the someday, especially when they are o more in power.

It would be wise, humane, law abiding and reputable for governors, most especially the learned ones, to give wings to the crawling bird of the Judiciary by allowing fiscal independence of the Judiciary in the interest of justice, in tandem with the constitution and the will of the people of Nigeria.

Its a great shame for any Governor, particularly Lawyer-Governors to be fingered in this anomaly. It is simple, in line with your sworn Oath of office, comply with the law and there shall be justice and peace.

Richarmond O. Natha-Alade is a legal Practitioner and Executive Partner, Sun Natha-Alade & Partners (SNATHAP)

[email protected]

www.snathap.com
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Kenneth Tranchida is a convicted murderer.

Hes an admitted liar and a con man.

And now, after 25 years behind bars, hes up for parole for the first time.

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In the next few months, the Michigan Department of Corrections parole board will review findings from Tranchidas May 18 parole hearing and other information to decide whether he has satisfied his debt to society for the death of Tina Biggar, who was a 23-year-old Oakland University student, Farmington Hills resident and professional escort at the time he killed her.

Tranchida, who claims his months-long relationship with Biggar started when she propositioned him, was 41 when he snuffed out her life on Aug. 23, 1995, in the rented room where he stayed in Southfield. An argument there ended in Biggars death, he claimed, and hours later he dumped her body in a field outside an abandoned home, also in Southfield, belonging to his aunt.

Nearly a month would pass before police found Biggars remains.

Today, at 67, Tranchida is housed at the Muskegon Correctional Facility, serving a 25 years-to-life sentence for his guilty plea of second-degree homicide and being a habitual offender.

But is he deserving of another chance at freedom? Is he no longer a danger or threat to society?

Thats up to the full parole board to determine, taking into account a report compiled from Tuesdays parole hearing. The hearing, held remotely before MDOC parole board member Jerome Warfield and Assistant Attorney General Alicia Lane, included more than an hour of Tranchida being questioned about the crime and his years incarcerated.

I wish I could go back and change things, I wish I could give my life for hers...I just lost it that day, said Tranchida, whose appearance is vastly different from his most recent MDOC photo taken in 2018. These days, his hair is nearly chin-length, gray and curly, with a center part, and he wears large-framed eyeglasses. MDOC regulations didn't permit photography or screenshots of the hearing.

Along with expressing remorse for the murder, Tranchida said he regrets the effect it had on Biggar's loved ones. "I literally destroyed that family...they went through things no parent ought to go through. No parent should have to bury their children, he said.

The jig was up

Tranchida insists he has changed for the better during the last quarter-century that hes been locked up  participating in classes on anger management, substance abuse, social skills and more. Im not the same person that I was 25 years ago, he said.

Yet in recounting what led up to Biggars murder and the killing itself, Tranchida gave differing versions at the hearing, bringing into question his honesty. He initially said he and Biggar had spent the day together, eating at restaurants and shopping for a car, then returned to his room to drink a bottle of whiskey and a few beers. They argued, he said, because he wanted her to stop being an escort lady...but she liked the money.

Tranchida claimed that what had started as a sex-for-cash relationship between them blossomed into a romance  a romance that was ultimately built on falsehoods. As the argument continued that day, Tranchida said, he shoved Biggar and she fell, hitting her head on a safe in his room. He soon realized she was dead, he said.

Yet when Lane noted that it was determined Biggar didnt die from falling on a safe  and that records show there were indications of strangulation  Tranchida denied strangling Biggar but did say he smothered her after she fell.

"I put my hand over her face where she couldn't breathe," he said.

With further pressing from Lane, Tranchida changed his story and said the fight happened when Biggar tried to leave his room  having realized he wasnt the well-to-do person he had tried to pass himself off as, and that he wasnt financially able to help buy her a car as he had promised.

Tranchida said he had portrayed himself as a person of means, rather than the gas station attendant with an extensive criminal history that was his reality. And Biggar was catching on.

I out-and-out, straight-up lied...the jig was up, Tranchida said.

He killed, he said, out of anger. I was mad...I got discovered out, he said.

For the parole hearing, neither Oakland County judges connected to the case, Judge Rudy Nichols, who sentenced Tranchida, and Judge Yasmine Poles, who has the case now assigned to her, provided comment regarding support or denial of Tranchidas possible parole. Nor did Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

Should Tranchidas parole be denied, he will again become eligible in five years.

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Bail denied for drunken police officer who shot noodle vendor on Bangla

PHUKET: Pornthep Channarong, the corporal with the Phuket Provincial Police who was drunk off-duty when he shot 25-year-old noodle vendor Aroon Thongplab in the stomach on Bangla Rd, Patong, in February, has been denied the right to post bail.

policecrimeviolencepatong

By The Phuket News

Thursday 20 May 2021, 11:03AM

The Phuket Provincial Court denied former police officer Pornthep Channarong to the right to post bail yesterday (May 19). Photo: The Phuket News

The Phuket Provincial Court made its ruling yesterday (May 19).

Bangkok lawyer Kerdphol Kaewkerd, who is providing free legal assistance to Mr Aroons wife, Kulthida Chananan, confirmed the news today (May 20).

Yesterday, I did not accompany Kulthida to the court, but the lawyer who went with her confirmed that the Phuket Provincial Court did not approve bail, Mr Kerdphol told The Phuket News.

Pornthep told the court that he wanted to be temporarily released so that he could find ways to raise money to provide financial relief to Mr Aroons family.

He also told the court that he wanted to return guns and other equipment which he kept in his house to the Royal Thai Police. His parents could not find them, so he wanted to do it himself, he said.

The court explained that Porntheps reasons for wanting to be released were not good enough for the court to allow him to be released on bail.

The penalty for this case is high, so the court was worried he might flee or interfere with evidence and witnesses, he added.

Additionally, as Pornthep had confessed to what he did, the court said they had no reason to release him, Mr Kerdphol noted.

The court will hear witness testimonies and examine the defendants confession on June 28, Mr Kerdphol said.

After that, the court will set a date to announce its verdict, he added.

Asked whether he had spoken with Ms Kulthida since yesterday, he said, She is satisfied with the courts decision.

While looking after her husband, who has been left paralysed by the bullet Pornthep fired hitting his spine, Ms Kulthida and her family have been struggling to survive financially.

Expats on the island have since launched a campaign to help support Ms Kulthida with the goal of helping to provide support for the long-term care Mr Aroon.

So far Ms Kulthida has received just B20,000 in financial assistance from the Royal Thai Police. That was in February.
South Africa: Concern over service delivery at Durban mental institution

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza, has expressed shock and concern at the collapse of operations at the Durban and Coastal Mental Health Society (DCMH).

Operations have collapsed due to the mismanagement of funds.

In an unannounced visit to the facility on Wednesday, Khoza and Head of Department Nelisiwe Vilakazi, found that residents were fed poor quality food.

Khoza's visit follows a public outcry that people residing in the facility were not given food.

Following a meeting with the board of directors and management of the organisation, Khoza expressed concern that the DCMH is not in compliance with the service level agreement. This as the Social Development and Health Departments has a service level agreement with the institution.

"It is shocking to see how the board has run the affairs in that institution. The appointment of service providers who have no contracts is one of the concerns. The institution is currently unable to perform its responsibility very well. It is clear that there has been mismanagement and misappropriation of funds in the institution," she said.

The MEC noted that the department is funding the institution with a lot of money, and the service it renders should reflect the amount of money allocated.

"This institution is expected to render services to the most vulnerable groups in our society. Our service users can never be treated like this. We were very disappointed by the food given to the end users in the facility.

"The food given to them is not healthy. No person can eat sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. We give funding to this organisation to take care of our people. We want to ensure that their dignity is restored," she said.

She warned that the Non-Profit Organisations Act (NPO Act) governs the board of directors, and should be compliant with the act and all other laws of the country.

"We need to see this board having a turnaround strategy. There are unforgivable things that are taking place in this institution. We are not going to leave this matter unattended to because the end users are going to suffer," Khoza said.

She said inefficiencies of a bloated management structure have also brought the institution to its knees.

The department will be working with the board to fix the problems facing this institution. We will get to the bottom of this and ensure whoever is responsible for such maladministration and corruption embezzled faces the law," she said.

The MEC who has appointed a team to help deal with problems at the institution, said the department will continue providing funding to the institution.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
By Wen Yujie and Guo Chen

CHONGQING, May 20 -- Seven members of the 6th Chinese military medical expert team to Ethiopia were released from quarantine in Chongqing on May 18, after returning home from overseas medical aid mission. The remaining two members of the team will return to China after completing the work handover before the end of this month.

The nine members of the team are mainly from the Southwest Hospital of the PLA Army Medical University (AMU), specializing in neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, cardiovascular surgery, critical care, etc. They arrived in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, in January 2020 and engaged in clinical treatment, personnel training and technical instruction and assistance in the General Hospital of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF).

The team members encountered the COVID-19 pandemic during their stay in Ethiopia. In the case of supplies shortage, they donated more than 30,000 pieces of anti-pandemic materials, provided more than 5,000 times of consultations on pandemic prevention and control, as well as more than 900 boxes of urgently needed medicines. And totally, they performed more than 20 emergency surgeries.

They also helped with the establishment of the Ethiopian militarys first self-supporting COVID-19 testing laboratory and the first isolation treatment center in the ENDFs General Hospital.

When the hospital began to receive confirmed COVID-19 patients, the Chinese military medical experts team participated in the whole process of diagnosis and treatment of more than 500 patients, and ensured zero occurance of nosocomial infection.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 14:33:14|Editor: huaxia

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NEW YORK, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States blocked Sunday a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, leaving three United Nations Security Council emergency meetings over the past few days with no concrete results in de-escalating the violence, according to media reports.

The move came after the United States last week twice blocked United Nations (UN) resolutions that would urge de-escalation amid the rising Israeli-Palestinian tensions, which have caused hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

The UN's casualty count from hostilities in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel on Wednesday showed that 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, were killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, 25 Palestinian deaths were tallied, including four children. Israeli sources reported 12 people killed, including two children and a soldier. Thousands of people were injured, mainly in the West Bank and in Gaza.

While U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone conversation that he expected "a significant de-escalation" of the violence in Gaza, the United States has reportedly approved a 735 million-U.S.-dollar deal of precision-guided weapons to Israel, a move widely seen as "adding fuel to the fire" ravaging the Gaza Strip.

The move was condemned by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Tuesday criticized the United States for selling advanced weapons to Israel amid the flared-up of the conflict, saying that the United States sold Israel "precision" missiles to "kill more children with more precision."

Speaking with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the UN exerts every possible effort for reaching a ceasefire.

Guterres also said that the UN will continue its contacts with the International Quartet for peace in the Middle East to work on a political track that leads to a just and comprehensive peace under international law.

Executive Director Henrietta Fore of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is calling for an immediate ceasefire and aid access to stave off disaster in the Middle East, according to UN News Wednesday.

"Gaza's 1 million children are reeling from the mounting consequences of violent conflict with nowhere safe to turn. Lives have been lost and families shattered," she said.

Concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation and mounting hostilities in the Palestine-Israel conflict, the European Union (EU) has urged "the immediate cessation of all violence and implementation of a ceasefire."

"Security for Israel and Palestine requires a true political solution," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell at a Tuesday meeting. Enditem
TAT focuses on Phukets good safety

PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has come up with a city marketing plan to highlight the high level of safety in Phuket and other sandbox areas to gain tourists confidence despite a spike in new cases.

CoronavirusCOVID-19tourismVaccine

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 20 May 2021, 09:41AM

Central Phuket has become Thailands first shopping centre with herd immunity as 85% of employees have completed two doses of the vaccine. Photo: Bangkok Post.

As the timeline for the countrys reopening via the so-called Phuket sandbox remains the same - July 1 - we have to make sure that the destination, which is currently building herd immunity, is safe for tourists, said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.

Yesterday (May 19), the TAT held a virtual meeting with 50-60 hotel operators led by the Thai Hotels Association, local hoteliers and global hotel companies such as Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group, Centara Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels, Accor, Dusit Thani, Asset World Corp and Onyx Hospitality Group.

The meeting is to assure operators that the Phuket sandbox will be able to open as planned. The agency also encouraged hotel operators to play a key role in communicating with international guests to create confidence.

If we cannot give a clear message that the Phuket sandbox is separate from the rest of Thailand, they will not have the confidence to visit the country, Mr Yuthasak said.

He said hoteliers believe that tourists will visit Phuket as they are longing to travel. This situation was seen in Portugal and the Maldives when their borders reopened.

Most hotel operators believe there is more likelihood that chances will be seen in the last quarter on condition that the Phuket sandbox must perform well which will benefit other areas joining the sandbox from October onward.

However, there is concern from operators about the decision to return to a 14-day quarantine after facing the new outbreak.

Mr Yuthasak said the TAT will regularly update information regarding the reopening plan on its website under the campaign dubbed Countdown to Reopen Phuket.

The information will consist of daily cases, vaccination progress and capacity of the public health system. It will also show livestreaming travel experiences from the Andaman islands.

The 10 sandbox areas have to prepare for vaccination plans which include the ability to administer vaccines, maintaining herd immunity and risk management.

He suggested hotel operators prepare standard operating procedures for vaccinated guests in case a positive result is found.

Destinations are also required to improve the supply side to serve returning demand.

The agency plans to create experimental trips in Phuket throughout July by bringing key opinion leaders, travel bloggers, film and TV crews as well as training camps for sport teams.
Col. Scott Malone, right, the outgoing commander of Security Assistance Training Management Organization, passes the command colors to Brig. Gen. Douglas Lowrey, commander of the Security Assistance Command, at a relinquishment of command ceremony May 7. Interim commander, Lt. Col. Alex Duran, second from left, will accept the colors as acting commander until Malones replacement arrives.
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FILE - In this March 8, 2021, file photo, members of the National Guard open a gate in the razor wire topped perimeter fence around the Capitol at sunrise in Washington. Threats to members of Congress have more than doubled this year, according to the U.S. Capitol Police, and many members say they fear for their personal safety more than they did before the siege.
THACKERVILLE, Okla.  Federal authorities have seized 68 big cats from an animal park in Oklahoma featured in Netflixs Tiger King.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that the seizure of the federally protected lions, tigers, lion-tiger hybrids and a jaguar as part of a court-approved agreement to resolve a DOJ complaint against Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe over the animals care.

The civil complaint, filed in November, accused the Lowes of recurring inhumane treatment and improper handling of animals protected by the Endangered Species Act. The couple has received numerous citations for failing to properly care for the animals following three inspections of the Tiger King Park in Thackerville since December 2020.

During a hearing last week, a judge found the couple in contempt for failing to comply with court orders to employ a qualified veterinarian and establish a program of veterinary care for the animals. Daniel Card, an attorney for the couple, told a federal judge that the Lowes want out completely.

They dont want to fight this anymore. They dont want to do it, Card told the judge.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas McQuaid said in a statement that the DOJ is working to ensure the animals are sent to responsible animal preserves where they can be safely maintained rather than exploited."

Former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson, who now co-chairs the National Law Enforcement Council for Animal Wellness Action, a group that endorses policies to prevent animal cruelty, said the seizure punctuates a long series of federal actions to shut down an unethical roadside zoo operator."

Joe Exotic and Jeff Lowe ran slipshod operations and the chickens have come home to roost, Edmondson said.

Jeffrey Lowe was a central figure in Tiger King" that featured a mullet-wearing zookeeper named Joe Exotic and became a cultural phenomenon last year. Joe Exotic, a pseudonym for Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is serving a 22-year sentence in federal prison in Texas for his 2020 conviction on charges that he participated in a murder-for-hire plot and violated federal wildlife laws.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 17:09:43|Editor: huaxia

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A medical worker takes out the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (adenovirus type 5 vector) which requires only one shot from a cooler at a temporary vaccination site in Haidian District of Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel has been at war with Hamas, Jewish-Arab mob violence has erupted inside Israel, and the West Bank is experiencing its deadliest unrest in years. Yet this may all bolster Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Just over a week ago, the longtime Israeli leaders political career seemed all but over. He had failed to form a coalition government following an indecisive parliamentary election, and his political rivals were on the cusp of pushing him out of office.

Now, after Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers waged their fourth war in just over a decade, Netanyahus fortunes have changed dramatically. His rivals prospects have crumbled, Netanyahu is back in his comfortable role as Mr. Security, and the country could soon be headed for yet another election campaign that would guarantee him at least several more months in office.

The stunning turn of events has raised questions about whether Netanyahus desperation to survive may have pushed the country into its current predicament. While opponents have stopped short of accusing him of hatching just such a conspiracy, they say the fact that these questions are being asked is disturbing enough.

If we had a government, security considerations would not be mixed with political considerations, opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on Facebook. No one would ask themselves why the fire always breaks out just when its most convenient for the prime minister.

Lapid appeared to be poised to make history early last week, saying he was wrapping up the final details of arranging a government that would end Netanyahus 12-year rule.

In a few days, we should be able to swear in a new Israeli government that is functional and that is based on broad agreements and the common good, he declared, hours before the war erupted.

The sudden outburst of fighting was the culmination of a series of events that have made it increasingly difficult, and maybe impossible, for Lapid to assemble his coalition.

His alliance was to include diverse groups that span the spectrum from right-wing to left-wing Jewish parties, as well as an Islamist party, unified by little more than their opposition to Netanyahu.

Such a coalition would make history. An Arab party has never officially been part of an Israeli governing coalition.

Netanyahu himself had courted the same Arab party when he was granted the first chance by Israels figurehead president to assemble a coalition government after the March 23 elections.

But as it became clear Netanyahu could not secure the required parliamentary majority, things began to heat up between Jews and Arabs in the contested city of Jerusalem, in large part due to the actions of the prime ministers allies.

Israelis and Palestinians both claim east Jerusalem and its sensitive holy sites. These competing claims lie at the heart of their conflict and have repeatedly triggered violence.

The Cabinet minister in charge of police, a Netanyahu loyalist, authorized the closure of a popular gathering spot outside Jerusalems Old City used by Palestinians during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. When protests broke out, heavy-handed Israeli police tactics led to days of unrest that peaked with police raids on the Al Aqsa Mosque. The violent scenes caused outrage across the Muslim world.

At the same time, Jewish settlers pressed ahead with attempts to evict dozens of Palestinians from their homes in a nearby east Jerusalem neighborhood. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a leader of a racist anti-Arab party aligned with Netanyahu, temporarily set up what he called a parliamentary office in the neighborhood, further enraging residents.

Then, on May 10, in an event widely seen as a provocation, thousands of far-right flag-waving Israeli activists gathered for a planned march through the heart of the Muslim Quarter of the Old City to celebrate Israels capture of contested east Jerusalem in 1967.

At the last minute, the Israeli government ordered marchers to change their route, but by then it was too late. Hamas, saying it was protecting Jerusalem, launched a barrage of long-range rockets at the city, crossing an Israeli red line and sparking the war.

As the war intensified, violent clashes between Jews and Arab mobs erupted in cities across Israel. The violence also spilled over to the West Bank, where more than 20 Palestinians have been killed in stone-throwing demonstrations against Israeli security forces in recent days, according to Palestinian health officials.

In this fraught environment, it appears unlikely that Lapid will be able to cobble together a government by a June 2 deadline.

Naftali Bennett, a far-right politician and key partner, abandoned the talks last week after the fighting began. Mansour Abbas, the leader of the Arab party, suspended negotiations. He has said he will resume them if the fighting ends, but time is running out.

But with a cease-fire declared late Thursday, and signs of public anger over the inconclusive outcome of the war, Lapid still has time to seek a deal.

Lapids office says he will work until the last minute to try to form a government. If he fails, the country most likely will be plunged into an unprecedented fifth election in little over two years.

It is a script that fits Netanyahus needs well and reinforces his image as a survivor. The unrest has diverted attention away from his ongoing corruption trial, and Netanyahu is at his best when focused on security issues, projecting a calm and powerful demeanor in his frequent TV appearances.

Netanyahu has been desperate to remain in office throughout his trial, using the position to rally public support and lash out at police and prosecutors.

A new campaign would leave him in office until at least the new election this fall. It would also give him another chance at forming a friendlier coalition with his religious and nationalist allies that could grant him immunity from prosecution.

Gayil Talshir, a political scientist at Israels Hebrew University, said she did not think Netanyahu had conspired to keep himself in office. But she called him a master of manipulating events in his favor.

I think he controlled how much oil he puts into the fire, she said.

From Netanyahus perspective, hes looking only at his trial and his power base, she added. This is where Israeli politics are at. Its the political survival of this prime minister and not the public interest.
First Lady Jennie Gordons Wyoming Hunger Initiative is proud to partner with University of Wyoming Extension to launch a new program under the Food from the Farm and Ranch banner called Grow a Little Extra.

University of Wyoming Extension is doing work around the state with their Master Garde...
Heber Springs, AR (72543)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
EAST ST. LOUIS  Nearly three-fourths of Illinois schools do not have enough teachers, according to information presented in an online roundtable Thursday by Golden Apple.

The teacher shortage crisis continues to impact teachers and students in every corner of Illinois, and the COVID-19 pandemic introduced an entirely new set of obstacles for administrators trying to fill crucial positions in their district, making an already dire situation even more challenging, said Alan Mather, Golden Apple President.

Roundtable discussions like these are essential to continue educating Illinoisans about the crisis, discussing potential solutions, and keeping the teacher shortage crisis top-of-mind as a critical issue here in the Southwest region and across the state, he said.

Mather was joined by school superintendents Jennifer Garrison in Vandalia and Chuck Lane of Centralia; Julie Wollerman, a regional superintendent; and Nikki Katich, a Gillespie teacher and Golden Apple Accelerator participant.

The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools 2020 Educator Shortage Survey found 77% of Illinois school districts report having a teacher shortage problem, and 93% of districts report having a substitute teacher shortage problem.

In Southwest Illinois, the numbers are even higher, with 87% of school districts reporting a teacher shortage problem.

The teacher shortage numbers in our region are concerning, and they wont improve unless we take real action to address this crisis, said Garrison. Teacher shortages impact our students ability to learn and produce unsustainable conditions for our teachers. We need to invest in solutions to help our children and our state.

Lane said the additional pressures of COVID-19 have caused higher rates of teacher turnover and retirements.

To address the challenge, Golden Apple has launched its Accelerators Program, a one-year teacher residency and licensure program that expedites the preparation of highly-qualified teachers. The program complements Golden Apples Scholars Program which recruits high school seniors and first-and second-year college students in Illinois to prepare them to thrive as future educators in challenging school environments.

Golden Apple welcomed its inaugural class of Accelerators in June 2020 and placed participants in 22 districts-in-need throughout Illinois. The inaugural class will receive their teaching licenses this summer, and begin teaching this fall.

Participating in the Accelerators program has been extremely effective in preparing me for whatever challenges may come my way as I lead my own classroom this fall, Katich said.

The students of Illinois need dedicated, well-trained, and enthusiastic teachers now more than ever, she said. I look forward to being that teacher for my students in just a few short months, and am grateful to Golden Apple for giving me this opportunity.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 17:35:17|Editor: huaxia

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Falling rocket debris of Haiyang-2D, a new ocean-monitoring satellite which was launched by China on Wednesday, was landed as schedule in Ruoli Town in Gansu, China.

A Long March-4B rocket carrying the Haiyang-2D (HY-2D) satellite took off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time), according to the launch center.

The HY-2D will form a constellation with the HY-2B and HY-2C satellites to build an all-weather and round-the-clock dynamic ocean environment monitoring system of high frequency and medium and large scale.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
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Alert: After US urged 'significant de-escalation,' Israeli prime minister says he's 'determined to continue' Gaza operation
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Approving a variety of candidates for Irans presidential election could help boost turnout for a vote that authorities already worry may see little enthusiasm, a spokesman for the panel that examines them said Tuesday.

Abbas Ali Kadkhodaeis comments came after more than 590 people registered to run during a five-day span last week  far less than the 1,630 people who registered in 2017.

Kadkhodaei, spokesman for the Guardian Council, talked to The Associated Press as the state-owned polling center ISPA has warned of the possibility of a turnout as low as 39%  the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

As Irans theocracy partially bases its legitimacy on turnout numbers, officials likely will try to pique the interest of a public worn down by the raging pandemic and an ailing economy ground down by American sanctions.

The presence of candidates with diverse orientations can possibly add to the participation, Kadkhodaei said.

The 12-member Guardian Council, a body of senior clerics and legal experts, vets candidates for office as well as legislation passed by the Iranian parliament. Though only half the members are appointed by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the panel approves candidates under the 82-year-old cleric's watch.

Within Iran, candidates exist on a political spectrum that broadly includes hard-liners who want to expand Irans nuclear program, 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. That's even though Kadkhodaei stressed the council's members wouldn't be swayed by fiery remarks of the candidates.

"The Guardian Council will never assess the qualifications based on mere statements containing criticism and protest, especially verbal criticisms, he said.

That comment appeared aimed at the hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has threatened to launch a boycott effort of the vote if the Guardian Council disqualified him. The council rejected Ahmadinejad in 2017 after the former president ignored Khamenei's warning to him not to run. This time, however, Khamenei hasn't directly commented on his run.

More than 590 people registered during a five-day span last week, all seeking to replace the relatively moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is term limited from running again. That's compared to some 1,630 hopefuls who registered in 2017.

Among the top candidates is Irans hard-line judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, a cleric who unsuccessfully ran against Rouhani in 2017. The public has widely grown disenchanted with Rouhanis administration after 2018, when then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the nuclear deal.

Kadkhodaei said some 40 women registered last week, but that there's been no particular change in the process. That suggests the women will again be barred from running as the Iranian constitution uses the Farsi word rajol, or man, to describe who can run. Activists have argued one of the word's other meanings, statesman, could be applied to both men and women.

Irans 2020 parliamentary vote saw only a 42.5% turnout, the lowest ever since 1979. Irans 2017 presidential election saw a 73% turnout. Government statistics suggest 59.3 million people will be eligible to vote in June 18 election.

The public, social and political expectations always desire a high turnout, Kadkhodaei said. Nevertheless, from the legal and lawful point of view, low turnout does not bring about any legal problems with the election's credibility.
EDWARDSVILLE  A Granite City man faces multiple charges relating to harassment of a woman.

Nicholes B. Brown, 18, of Granite City, was charged May 19 with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony; stalking, a Class 4 felony; and public indecency, a Class A misdemeanor.

The charges were presented by the Granite City Police Department.

According to court documents, on April 30 through May 17 Brown allegedly followed, monitored, observed or surveiled a 25-year-old Granite City woman. On May 17 he allegedly broke into her residence and exposed himself to her.

Bail was set at $150,000.

Other felony charges filed May 19 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Sahab A. Bashir, 25, of Shiloh, was charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On May 18 Bashir allegedly entered a home in the 2400 block of Washington Avenue, Granite City, to commit theft. Bail was set at $100,000.

 Brittany R. Knox, 33, of Alton, was charged with burglary, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On May 18 Knox allegedly broke into a 2006 Nissan Altima on Porter Street to commit theft. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Michael C. Jackson, 54, and Corletta Johnson, 30, both of St. Louis, were charged with retail theft over $300, both Class 3 felonies. The cases were presented by the Wood River Police Department. On Dec. 22 the two allegedly took hoverboards and various items valued at more than $300 from the Wood River Walmart, 610 Wesley. Bail was set at $25,000 each.

 Jacob I. Alliston, 28, of St. Ann, Missouri, was charged with forgery, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Roxana Police Department. On May 11 Alliston allegedly tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at the Wood River Walmart, 610 Wesley, Wood River. Bail was set at $25,000.

 Nicholas G. Makropoulos, 42, of Alton, was charged with criminal damage to government supported property, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On May 18 Makropoulos allegedly damaged the gate lock at Riverbend Head Start, 1802 E. Broadway, Alton. Bail was set at $15,000.
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is bringing in-person inmate visitation back to select state correctional institutions starting later this month, including SCI Waymart.

The department suspended on-site visits last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitation will resume at SCI Laurel Highlands on Saturday; SCI Waymart, May 27; SCI Muncy, May 30; SCI Cambridge Springs, May 31; and Quehanna Boot Camp, June 3, with remaining facilities to follow.

Facilities will issue a disposable face mask to each visitor 2 and older to wear. Also, visitors need to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire and temperature screening.

Visits must be scheduled online at cor.pa.gov at least three days in advance. Free video visits remain available.
The University of Scranton is the first college in Lackawanna County to require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus for the fall semester.

In an effort to best protect our campus and surrounding community, the Presidents Cabinet and I have decided that all students attending in-person classes or accessing campus for other reasons must be fully vaccinated by Aug. 27, Acting President Jeff P. Gingerich, Ph.D., wrote in a message to the university community.

The universitys fall semester begins on Aug. 30.

Gingerich cited current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and advice from medical experts the university consulted.

During a recent campus-based clinic, around 1,000 students, faculty and staff were vaccinated, according to a news release. Hundreds of others are also fully vaccinated, according to university student surveys.

These levels of vaccination are encouraging but not enough, said Gingerich.

Kelly Nee, from Hopatcong, New Jersey, will begin her junior this fall and is already fully vaccinated.

I was really happy to hear that the university is requiring the vaccine to come back on campus on the fall, said Nee, a journalism/electronic media major. I think its a great idea and its probably our best shot at having a normal semester.

The university is not mandating vaccinations for employees  a recent survey of faculty and staff also showed most have already chosen to get fully vaccinated  but reserves the right to do so in the future, he said.

The University of Scranton is among more than 300 colleges and universities across the country requiring students to be vaccinated for the fall semester.

After more than a year of virtual and hybrid schedules, the University of Scranton as well as Lackawanna College, Marywood University, Keystone College and Penn State Scranton announced in March plans to return fully to in-person classes for the fall semester.

Marywood and Lackawanna are still in discussions about whether to require students to be vaccinated.

An official college policy on the subject will be available in the near future, said Heather Gogas, Lackawanna College spokeswoman.

Johnson College, Keystone and Penn State are strongly encouraging members of their college communities to get vaccinated but are not requiring an inoculation to return to campus in the fall.

We will review this policy and announce any changes in a timely manner, said Fran Calpin, Keystone spokesman.

Penn State Scranton will continue to monitor developments and vaccine available carefully and alter their approach in the future in the best interest of the community or public policy, said Amy Gruzesky, spokeswoman.

Johnson will also continue to monitor CDC, state guidelines and the number of confirmed cases in the area throughout the summer to make this decision closer to the start of the fall semester in late August, said Doug Cook, spokesman.

Clarks Summit University is not requiring students to receive a vaccination.

If Pennsylvania or another official agency requires student vaccinations in the future, CSU will need to abide by those requirements, according to the schools Safe on the Summit plan. At this time, the Commonwealth and CDC recommend students receive the vaccine, but it is not required.
An 8-year-old girl was injured after she fell from a zipline at a Pocono resort, leading to the closing of the attraction while state officials investigate.

At 12:37 p.m. Friday, officers from the Pocono Township Police Department responded to Camelback Resort in Tannersville, Monroe County, Chief Kent Werkheiser said.

He did not release the girls name and did not have an update on the girls condition.

Marguarite Clark, spokeswoman for Camelback, said the resort is working closely with local authorities on an operational review.

The investigation falls under the state Department of Agricultures Division of Amusement Rides and Attractions, he said.

Joseph Filoromo, supervisor of the division, said Wednesday the investigation is ongoing and the attraction is closed.
ARCHBALD  Lights up on the Valley View High School stage. Enter Dominque Ferraro, Ethan Symuleski and Joseph DeSouza, masked.

Tonight, the curtain rises on the high school students, portraying characters from the musical Tuck Everlasting, a production they fought to perform.

I got together with my friends and I was like, We cant let the love of our lives basically die,  said Dominque. This is what we love and we needed it.

Last year, the student performance of Guys and Dolls was canceled because of the pandemic. It appeared their stage would stay dark this year too, but the trio  Dominique and Joseph are seniors, and Ethan is a sophomore  spent three weeks meeting over Zoom to come up with an 11-page PowerPoint presentation for district administrators and the school board.

After realizing the show last year got shut down, it tore me apart, and I just didnt want to lose my last opportunity to perform ever at this school, said Joseph.

They researched rules and regulations and discussed whether to do a virtual performance or record a performance of the play and show it at the Circle Drive-In. They even brought in Broadway and soap opera actress Mandy Bruno Bogue, whom theyve worked with in the past, to get advice on how to safely put on the performance.

Bogue spoke with district administrators and offered her help to figure out the logistics of a theater performance during a pandemic. She stayed on to direct the play.

The students only rehearsed in spaces for 45 minutes at a time; they double masked and kept hand sanitizer on every table. The spaces they occupied were fumigated at night and every prop and costume was cleaned. Bogue and the cast also discussed how their performance could change if restrictions eased or tightened, including social distancing on stage when acting or dancing.

The kids had to learn a lot of different methods and combinations as this pandemic continued to change shape, said Bogue. That was what was most incredible for me working with them ... how quickly they would change and how amenable they became.

The students werent sure if theyd be able to perform in front of an audience, but they figured out a way to do so. For all three performances, the auditorium will be at 50% capacity in compliance with state regulations.

Not expecting to have a live audience here and ending up with one is pretty fantastic, said Ethan.

Tuck Everlasting is based on Natalie Babbitts childrens novel and adapted into a stage musical. It follows the story of 10-year-old Winifred Winnie Foster, who runs away into a forest nearby her home in Treegap, New Hampshire, and discovers an immortal family and the spring they drank from that gave them everlasting life.

Theres drama and moments of laughter, which the students conveyed to their peers Thursday during a dress rehearsal. Soon after the cast took their curtain call and snapped group photos following the rehearsal, another group of Valley View students rushed into the auditorium, masked but returning to the normal pace of high school.

For me, the arts have been in my life forever and ... with COVID and everything, I realized this is my true purpose and not having it was so hard, said Dominique. It didnt matter if I had to wear a mask, if I had to wear a face shield, Im just happy that we get to perform.

The districts initial concern with putting on a play was the health and safety of not just the students but the wider Valley View community, said Superintendent Michael Boccella, Ed.D. Administrators and the school board were impressed with the students passion, determination and dedication.

Were really glad that our kids are getting this experience, he said. At the time where were getting ready to put on our play, conditions are improving, restrictions are being lifted, the light is really showing at the end of the tunnel.

Tickets for the show will be available at the school one hour before the performances, which are scheduled today and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the high school auditorium, 1 Columbus Drive, Archbald. The play will also be livestreamed at no cost. For details, contact the high school at 570-876-4110.
With state Rep. Marty Flynn headed for the Senate, voters will choose his replacement for the 113th House District in the next few months in another special election.

State House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-100, Lancaster County, will have 10 days from the day Flynn resigns his House seat to set the date for the special election. The special election cannot happen any earlier than 60 days after the speaker announces the election date.

That probably means a special election no earlier than August, House Democratic spokesman Bill Patton said.

Flynn will remain state representative until the boards of election in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe counties certify his election to the 22nd Senate District seat. That should happen in the next few weeks.

Flynn, 45, a Democrat, won election to the Senate seat left vacant by Sen. John Blakes resignation, according to unofficial results from the special election Tuesday. He defeated Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, a Republican, Marlene Sebastianelli, a Green Party candidate, and Nathan Covington, a Libertarian. Flynn will serve in that job until Nov. 30, 2022, unless reelected next year.

Local Republicans and Democrats will choose nominees for his House seat after he resigns. Independent and third-party candidates may also circulate nominating petitions to get on the special election ballot.

The names of several possible candidates to replace Flynn began emerging already.

All Democrats, they include:

 Jack Corcoran, 36, a Scranton resident, state revenue enforcement collections agent and the son of former Lackawanna County Commissioner Joseph Corcoran. Jack Corcoran said hes strongly considering a bid for the partys nomination.

 Patrick Flynn, 31, a Scranton resident, a government affairs specialist for Independence Blue Cross and Marty Flynns first cousin. Patrick Flynn said hes considering a bid.

 Bill Fox, 53, a former Scranton school director and the citys two-term tax collector who must leave office in January because of term limits. Fox confirmed he will seek the nomination.

 Robert Solfanelli, 46, a Scranton resident who works as an information technology consultant and used to work as the citys IT director. Hes the son of Natalie Gelb, the retired executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Solfanelli said hes seriously considering seeking the nomination.

 Amber Viola, 35, a Scranton resident and Navy veteran who works as the citys human resources director. Viola said shes considering whether to seek the nomination.

City Councilman Bill Gaughan, a rumored candidate, ruled himself out of the running Wednesday. He said he and his wife have four children under 5 years old so regularly traveling to Harrisburg makes no sense at the moment.

It would be extremely hard on my wife, Gaughan said. You only get one chance to raise your kids.

Frank Burke, a Scranton resident and Scranton School District maintenance man, said he thought about seeking the nomination, but decided its just not the right time for me now.

The 113th district includes Green Ridge, North Scranton, West Scranton, Minooka, the Plot and part of center city in Scranton, South Abington Twp. and Clarks Green Borough.

The salary for a state representative is $90,335.42 this year. The special election winner would serve through Nov. 30, 2022, unless reelected to a full two-year term next year.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 18:42:51|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday said the Japanese government has approved a funding program worth 833,000 U.S. dollars to support Libya against COVID-19

The fund is aimed at strengthening Libya's preparedness for the COVID-19 vaccination program, especially with regard to the procurement of cold chain equipment and institutional capacity development of health staff, UNICEF said in a statement.

With the purpose of vaccinating 1.5 million people, the project will support approximately 200 facilities and 1,000 health officials and health care staff, said Masaki Amadera, charge d'affaires of the Embassy of Japan to Libya.

The Libyan government in April launched a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 in the country, with priority given to medical staff treating COVID-19 patients inside isolation units, followed by the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and then medical workers in different hospitals and medical centers.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Libya so far is 182,350, including 169,070 recoveries and 3,097 fatalities, according to the Libyan National Center for Disease Control. Enditem
Lackawanna County Prison is developing plans to vaccinate willing inmates against COVID-19, and may offer a $20 commissary incentive to encourage vaccinations.

We are coordinating with the (state) Department of Health in order to offer the Moderna vaccination to the inmate population, Warden Tim Betti told the county prison board Wednesday. Our plan is to offer it to everyone here and then  as new commits come in, to offer it to those who havent had that opportunity as of yet.

Wellpath, the countys inmate medical provider, recently received approval to administer COVID-19 vaccines, Betti said. The prison could begin vaccinations as early as the end of the month, though there are elements of the plan that need to be worked out.

The Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses, with a recommended interval of 28 days between shots. Officials are still exploring how to coordinate second-dose vaccinations for inmates released from prison after receiving their first dose, according to the warden.

I dont want to see us put in a position where were giving the first shot to somebody then they get released and they dont get the second shot, and then they try and attribute the failure to get the second shot to us, said Judge James Gibbons, chairman of the prison board.

Inmates expressed little interest in getting the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine when surveyed by prison officials, Betti said. Federal health officials called for a pause in Johnson & Johnson vaccinations last month to investigate a rare blood-clotting issue suffered by six women who received the shot, but lifted that recommended pause in late April following a thorough safety review.

As officials explore how to coordinate second Moderna doses for inmates post release, theyre also considering potential incentives to boost vaccination rates in the jail.

Betti hopes to offer a commissary package worth about $20 to inmates who get the vaccine. Hes working with Oasis Management Systems Inc., which operates the commissary at the prison, to provide that incentive, he said.

Officials are also looking at eventually reinstituting public visitation at the prison, which Betti said is more likely if inmate vaccination rates are higher.

If we have say 10% compliance with vaccination here, thats going to make me hesitate more than 50% compliance, Betti said. The higher the percentage of those vaccinated, the higher the likelihood that we reinstitute (visitation) quicker.

The average daily prison population for April was 603 inmates, according to Bettis most recent wardens report.

The state Department of Corrections announced Wednesday that the resumption of in-person inmate visitation will be phased in at five state correctional institutions or facilities in the coming days, with the remaining facilities to follow. {span}Visitation will resume at SCI Waymart on May 27, according to the state.{/span}

Also Wednesday, the county prison board unanimously authorized the use of about $26,132 in inmate canteen account funds to purchase an ion scanning device capable of detecting narcotics and explosive material in mail entering the jail. Canteen funds are generated by prison commissary sales.

Betti, who has been advocating for the device for the past two months, argued it will bolster safety by helping keep dangerous contraband out of the facility.
May 20, 1976

Scranton doesnt want leadership role

As plans were being made for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, William W. Scranton, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, informed the state Republican Committee he did not want a leadership role with the state delegation to the convention. He just wanted to be a regular delegate.

He said the leadership role with the delegation should have been given to U.S. Sen. Hugh Scott.

He also told the party he would not be able to make the state committee meeting on May 22 because he had a White House Fellowship Committee meeting that was scheduled to interview fellowship applicants.

Fire destroys Eynon dress factory

The George Manufacturing Co., a dress manufacturing company, on School Street in Eynon, was destroyed in the morning by fire.

Fire companies from Eynon, Archbald and Sturges finally got the fire under control by 4 a.m. Archbald Fire Chief John McHale declared the building a total loss and the cause was not determined.

The business was owned by Jerome Comparetta and 50 people worked there. Years before becoming a dress factory, the building was Eynon No. 4 School.

Sale at Sugermans

Ladies knit fashion tops were $5.97, mens flair leg western jeans for $8.97, Electro 35 camera for $99.95, GE 3-speed portable mixer for $8.88, scientific calculator for $17.88, 2-carat diamond wedding band for $788, E-Z Ride shock absorber for $7.99 and two boxes of Puffs tissues for 88 cents.
SCRANTON  Its a dream collaboration.

Two artists, both graduates of Marywood University, will paint the Scranton Tomorrow Mural Arts Programs first piece at 607 Mulberry St. The mural, titled The Dream, will feature Martin Luther King Jr. and one of his quotes, I have decided to stick with love  Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Eric Bussart will do the painting, Emmanuel Wisdom A. will do the lettering, and the mural should be completed by June 3, Bussart said.

The two met in college and became artistic kindred spirits.

We kind of clicked artistically, Bussart said. Weve done a ton of collabs over the years.

Last year, they worked together to create a mural on a side wall of the Leonard Theater in the 300 block of Adams Avenue in Scranton. The mural there features brightly colored flowers and the words Human after all.

Bussart, who has painted several murals in Scranton, designed the upcoming 20-foot by 60-foot The Dream mural as a tribute to the slain civil rights leader. He specializes in interior and exterior mural art, album art, illustrated type, portrait illustration and poster, comic and graphic novel art.

Wisdom A., the founder and creative director of UNA Design Co. in Philadelphia, specializes in hand lettering, typography, branding, graphic design, packaging, apparel design, mural and art direction.

The mural will go on the Mulberry Street side wall of the Scartelli Building that fronts on Adams Avenue.

Its a collaboration, like fine art meets street art, thats the way I look at, said Rose Randazzo-Pizzuto, the murals chairwoman for Scranton Tomorrow.

The backdrop will have symbolism in colorful morning glories, chosen because the flowers are resilient, just as MLK was, Bussart said.

Ultimately, I just like things to look beautiful and pretty and uplifting for the community, Bussart said.

This mural is made possible by support from the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department and the Scartelli family.

Four architectural column pillars on the wall will not be painted over by the mural, and instead will stand out and highlight that architectural facet of the building.

Its nice to get architectural features, preserve them and paint around them, Randazzo-Pizzuto said.

Next, Scranton Tomorrow plans a three-story-tall mural for a side wall of a building at 328 Penn Ave. that pays homage to Scrantons role as a stop on the vaudeville circuit.

Downtown theaters often held trial runs of new shows and performances that, if they did well, would move on to New York City. Performers who appeared in Scranton theaters included the Marx Brothers, Buster Keaton, W.C. Fields, Mae West, Harry Houdini, Fred Astaire, George Burns, Gracie Allen and Will Rogers.

A 36- by 100-foot vaudeville-themed mural titled Danseur de Corde (Rope Dancer) will be created by artist Joel Carson Jones, an internationally acclaimed artist designated as a Living Master by the International Art Renewal Center.

That mural, to be created this summer, will feature the trompe loeil technique that aims to create an optical illusion of having three dimensions.
High notes

Each month, the firm of Colbert & Grebas and staff donate items to a local community organization.

On the suggestion of paralegal Robin Bulzoni, the firms April recipient was the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.

Bulzoni has been an active supporter of the shelter for many years.

Staff donated animal food, cat litter, toys and paper towels, among many other items.

Super students Students from the Life Skills class at Mountain View, including Todd Slater, Nathan Payne, Caden Roach and Sierra Padgett, took on a project this year to create Blessing Bags for those in need.

In the past, the class has helped with similar projects on their trips to the Keystone Rescue Mission in Scranton. They saw an opportunity to bring the project to Susquehanna County.

The students collected donations from the faculty and staff members at the high school. Elk Mountain also donated many food items and Binghams donated tea bags and spoons.

The class made more than 50 bags with various toiletries, non-perishable food items, water, socks, hats and gloves. The bags were distributed by TreHab in Montrose to those in need.

Teachers helping teachers

Members of the Beta Rho Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) participated in a project called S.E.E. (Support Early Educators) to help teachers early in their career.

The members, who contribute items for baskets, started the project because statistics now show early career educators leave the teaching profession after only three to five years. The stress on teachers now is greater than ever before. This year Amber Roese, a full-time substitute in seventh grade reading at the Montrose Area School District, received the basket.

Chapter members held a drawing during their March Zoom chapter meeting to chose who would receive the basket of supplies.

Janet Small, a retired chapter member who taught in the Montrose Area School District, presented Roese with the supplies.

The chapter members hope that with strong support from longtime career educators as well as retired teachers, new teachers will feel their positive support.

Roese previously substituted in all grades for two years and homeschooled her own children for 13 years.

The Beta Rho Chapter members represent Bradford, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
WILKES-BARRE  Gov. Tom Wolf touted a proposal to reduce charter school costs by $395 million per year during a Wednesday morning news conference at GAR High School.

The plan would reduce costs by $185 million each year by funding special education in charter schools the same way the state does for all other public schools. It would also save $210 million a year by establishing a statewide tuition rate for cyber charter schools.

Luzerne County school districts would save $4.9 million, with Wilkes-Barre Area saving $2.2 million. Lackawanna County school districts would save $4.1 million, with the Scranton School District saving $1.3 million.

Charter schools receive tuition funding from their students resident school districts, and the amount a charter school receives is based on a statutory funding formula.

Pennsylvanias charter school law is among the worst in the entire country, Wolf said. Some charter schools in Pennsylvania are outstanding institutions with a solid track record giving students an excellent education. But the way the law is set up, we cant guarantee that every charter school is actually putting students ahead of profits.

School districts are currently required to pay charter schools under an assumption that 16% of students get special education, and that results in some charter schools being overpaid, Wolf said.

Cyber charter schools charge school districts between $9,170 and $22,300 per student, while regional intermediate units only charge $5,400 per online student, Wolf said. Cyber charter schools are not brick-and-mortar charter schools and rely on technology for student instruction through the internet or other electronic means.

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-121, Wilkes-Barre, and state Rep. Maureen Madden, D-115, Coolbaugh Twp., joined Wolf and education officials at Wednesdays news conference. Passing legislation that reforms how charter schools are funded has been a challenge because of campaign contributions, Madden and Pashinski said.

Abington Heights Superintendent Michael Mahon, Ph.D., said 30% of his districts basic education subsidy from the state goes to cyber charter schools.

While we are better at math, and reading, and graduating, they are much better at making television commercials and billboards and radio ads that inappropriately draw away students in a cyber charter school law that must be addressed, Mahon said.

Wilkes-Barre Area has a $128 million budget and is mandated to provide $13 million to charter schools, Director of Instruction Robert Makaravage said. Wilkes-Barre Areas cyber charter school costs have skyrocketed from $2.3 million in 2015-16 and may reach $7 million this year, school board President Joe Caffrey said.

Jim Smith, chief executive officer of Bear Creek Community Charter School, issued a statement after Wolfs news conference. The school in Bear Creek Twp. is a brick-and-mortar charter school.

Bear Creek Community Charter School would lose at least $600,000 in annual funding under Wolfs proposal, Smith said.

This will have a detrimental impact on the quality of the schools educational programming, which means it will negatively impact our students, Smith said. Despite multiple invitations, Gov. Wolf refuses to visit Bear Creek Community Charter School and speak to parents who benefit first-hand from the educational offerings provided by a high-quality public charter school, yet he will stump at the local school district just 10 miles away.

Smith said providing fair and adequate funding to all public schools should not occur by slashing funding for students attending public charter schools.
Republican legislative leaders in Arizona have vowed to leave no stone unturned in striving to prove former President Donald Trumps big lie that Democrats stole the 2020 presidential election. But, with their farcical recount of votes from Phoenix-centered Maricopa County, they have proved only that strange things crawl from overturned rocks.

The big lie has codicils, a principal one being that lawmakers must restore public faith in the electoral process.

But it isnt the public that doubts that President Joe Biden simply won the election; its political crackpots like those who ordered the circus-like Maricopa County recount, while hiring a far-right provocateur who has echoed the big lie to oversee all three rings.

Monday, the five Maricopa County supervisors  four of whom are Republicans  finally had enough. They denounced the audit as a sham and a con, and called on the state Senate to terminate it. In a letter to Republican state Senate President Karen Fann, they said the audit process was riddled with incompetence, promoted lies, harmed the democratic process and defamed the Maricopa County election workers. It is the farcical audit, in which auditors have searched for bamboo traces on ballots to tie them to China, the commissioners wrote, that has caused Arizonans to question the governments competence.

You have rented out the once good name of the Arizona state Senate to grifters and con-artists, ... even as your contractors parade around the (Veterans Memorial) coliseum, hunting for bamboo and something they call kinematic artifacts,  the supervisors wrote. The result is that the Arizona Senate is held up to ridicule ... and our democracy is imperiled.

More adult Republican officials like the Maricopa supervisors must call out snake oil peddlers to ensure that the big lie yields to the facts.
Editor: Republican Rep. Dan Meuser, of Dallas, is fed up with President Bidens gun safety efforts because the goal is really gun control and not a reduction of gun violence.

Joe Rogan (Poorly aimed appeal, May 3) states that the NRA is communist linked. As far as I know investigations have not produced any substantiated NRA wrongdoing, criminal activity or arrests.

Biden wants to limit or ban assault-type rifles. The problem is the firearms he wants to limit are legal semiautomatic rifles that resemble severely restricted fully automatic military rifles. The assault weapons ban of 1994 was in effect for 10 years and resulted in no apparent reduction of violent crime.

As for red flag laws, 18 states have enacted them, including Indiana, where eight Fed Ex employees were murdered in April. But it did not stop that killer from purchasing firearms used in the shooting. Red flag laws are only as good as the will to implement them.

The Second Amendment does not give criminals, terrorists and the mentally ill and abusive husbands unfettered gun rights. I suggest Rogan read a firearm transaction record. There is a long list of prohibited people who cannot purchase, own or possess firearms.

Gun makers are not immune from liability and dealers can still be sued and legally accountable if they make a faulty product or break existing law. What Biden and others want to do is to allow people to sue gun makers and dealers if criminals use their legally sold products in an illegal way.

EDWARD ZINDELL

JERMYN

Editor: Its rare that we see displays of political courage and political cowardice play out openly and at the same time.

No matter what you think of her politics, Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney deserves respect and thanks for standing tall against the lies and bullying of former President Trump and the current Republican leadership in Congress. Who would have thought that speaking truth versus lies would be considered an example of political courage?

But defending our democracy is something that todays Republican Party doesnt care about. They just put down anyone, including their own members, who dare to speak the truth. There is zero evidence that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, as Trump claims. Anyone who says it helps to spread Trumps big lie and they turn their backs on the rule of law and poison our democratic system.

No matter what the political cost to her, Cheney has the courage to speak the obvious truth.

Here at home, its a different story. Rep. Glenn Thompson, of Centre County, Fred Keller, of Snyder County, and Dan Meuser, of Luzerne County, displayed political cowardice when they kowtowed to Trump and GOP lies by trying to overturn the certified Electoral College votes in January.

They have yet to apologize for that or acknowledge their responsibility for the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Are these grown men really so afraid of a bunch of liars?

Courage and cowardice are on full display for all to see. Cheney displays courage. Sadly, for all of us, Thompson, Keller and Meuser display political cowardice.

MARY BRUCE SERENE

STATE COLLEGE

Editor: It looks as if Republicans in charge believe all the lies told by the former guy.

They also have not walked back, but ran back, statements about who was really at fault for the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Kevin McCarthy are so afraid they will not get campaign money that they will gladly be boot-lickers. Funny how money and a little taste of power does that to politicians. Sen. Mitch McConnel now says he is 100% against President Bidens agenda.

The big loser started his big lie months before the election, which he lost. He knew that if he lost, his base, including rioters, would believe the election was stolen and gladly help finance court appeals. Surely, judges he appointed would be beholden to him and overturn 78 million votes for the Democratic winner.

Well, the loser got $250 million in donations and being a generous sort, gave some of the money to the Republican National Committee. But he kept most of it because living at Mar-a-Lago is expensive and buying government flunkies is costly. He now looks at himself as a kingmaker and actually will try to run again.

Rep. Liz Cheney voted with the loser 93% of the time during his time in office. She could not, however, put up with the big lie about the election. She should know a big lie when she hears one. Her daddy, Dick Cheney, a former vice president, told a whopper about nonexistent weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. After many inspections none were found.

If the vast majority of Republicans in office believe the loser, then I consider them to be either liars or weak of mind. They should not be reelected.

DAVE DAVIS

DALTON

Editor: I was surprised to learn that a friends garbage cans were stolen recently.

So, now there are garbage can thieves in Scranton? Thats pretty low. They must have tired of stealing lawn decorations. What is going on in society?

Apparently, buying your own trash cans like decent human beings is too much to ask of these dingbats. I guess it is only fitting that garbage cans are being stolen by pieces of trash. Their conscience must be lower than their IQ.

Lesson of the day: Private property means it does not belong to you so do not take it. Got that, geniuses? So, do what is right and return the garbage cans, you renegades of refuse.

Please do us all a favor: The next time you feel like stealing garbage cans, find a Dumpster instead and throw yourselves in it.

JOE BARBUTI

SCRANTON
Timothy Seth Bryant Pennington was born on January 30, 1988 in Corbin, Ky. He departed this life on June 3, 2021 to be with his Lord and Savior, whom he accepted as a young boy at his church, West Corbin Baptist. Seth was assured of his salvation and knew where he would spend his eternity. S
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 19:23:57|Editor: huaxia

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HOHHOT, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Standing beside his profitable greenhouses, villager Xing Changqing still remembers that just five years ago, his farming business was impacted by the cheap prices of vegetables and fruits grown in his field.

"Back then, fresh products during the harvest season were not only devalued but also hard to sell in traditional marketplaces," said Xing, 58, who lives in a village in Horqin Township, Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Without corporate support, individual farmers like Xing suffered from a lack of stable sales channels and standardized quality control, which hindered them from reaching more consumers.

However, an internet-savvy agricultural cooperative established in his town substantially transformed the gloomy business landscape for Xing.

The cooperative provides fertilizer and cold-chain storage for organic agricultural products grown by its members, and collectively purchases and sells these products through unified sales channels including its burgeoning e-commerce store.

After joining the cooperative, the only thing that Xing needs to do is to manage the 10 greenhouses that are contracted to him, which grow different kinds of vegetables and fruits in turn throughout the year and generate an annual income of around 500,000 yuan (77,563 U.S. dollars) for him, he said.

"Now the sales of my agricultural products have been boosted and their price is double what it was before," said Xing, whose goods can now reach more customers across the country through the cooperative's e-commerce outlet.

The co-op that changed Xing's life is just one of the 88 local cooperatives in his town. Four of these co-ops have seen their annual online sales records exceed 3 million yuan, according to Guan Pengfei, deputy head of Horqin Township.

Next, the cooperatives will tap the markets of major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai by using the Internet of Things and establishing premier brands, said Guan.

He Gaowa, who used to sell her dairy products on roadsides and in traditional marketplaces, is another beneficiary of the development of e-commerce in the region.

"At that time, it was really hard to sell all the milk products that I had made," said He, who lives in a town in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner.

Just like Xing's story, things started to look up for He after she became a supplier for a local e-commerce company, which purchases dairy products from qualified workshops and sells them online.

"Now I get a stable monthly income of 3,000 yuan by just delivering my products, which are in great demand, to the company," said He.

Since the company was founded in 2015, it has cooperated with over 120 local farmers and herders, and assisted people from low-income families by providing them with work opportunities, said Zhou Yinan, the company's founder.

Through marketing techniques such as livestreaming sales, the company last year sold 14.5 million yuan worth of goods on two major e-commerce platforms: Taobao and Pinduoduo.

Thanks to the stable sales channels provided by the company, more and more farmers and herders like He have now shrugged off the long-standing problem of how to sell their products, and many have since expanded their dairy businesses.

"I hope the local specialties from my hometown will be promoted to a wider market," said Zhou, who now plans to improve his products in collaboration with local processing factories. Enditem
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.

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Millions of Britons are worried about fraudsters potentially racking up a several-hundred-pound spending bill on a lost or stolen card ahead of the increase in the contactless limit later this year, new research suggests.

Two-thirds of people are worried about contactless fraud on their bank cards if they lose them, according to research from Zopa, with 46 per cent of those surveyed having misplaced one in the past.

And the survey of 2,000 adults found 30 per cent of those who had lost their card had money stolen through contactless fraud before they cancelled or froze it.

Victims lost 40 on average.

Some 46% of Britons admitted to losing their bank card at some point, 30% of whom had money stolen through contactless fraud before cancelling it

Although contactless fraud fell last year for the first time on record, to 16million, a combination of easing lockdown restrictions and the upcoming upping of the tap and pay limit to 100 could see it rise.

The new single transaction limit of 100, and the higher limit of 300 worth of payments which can be made in a row without a Pin, will come into effect later this year after it was announced on the morning of the 3 March Budget.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak appeared to be banking that consumers, who have increasingly adopted contactless payment methods over the last 14 months, would help spend the UK economy out of its pandemic-induced recession.

However, the banking industry appeared lukewarm on the announcement, with some card providers wanting more checks and limits to be introduced and others even suggesting the higher limit was unnecessary.

In response to the research from Zopa, digital bank Starling said: 'Our customers are increasingly using mobile wallets as a preferred payment method over contactless payments by card.

'Starling customers are three times more likely to use their mobile wallet than to pay with a contactless card transaction, especially given the higher limits and added security this affords them.'

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay do not have single or cumulative transaction limits as purchases must be authenticated each time, such as by using a fingerprint.

The bank had previously said it would allow customers to opt out of the higher limit if they wanted to.

Some of Britain's major banks were reportedly urging the Government to stagger the increasing of the limit to 100 and cap the number of payments which could be made in a day to prevent fraud.

However, it is understood there a single limit is likely to be introduced.

Andrew Hagger, the founder of personal finance site Moneycomms, previously told This is Money: 'I wondered if banks would increase the forced Pin input to maybe once every three transactions.'

A Pin has been required after five contactless payments since September 2019, while the current cumulative spending cap is 130.

Rishi Sunak announced the contactless limit would be upped to 100 on the day of the Budget

He added: 'If you are more than doubling the contactless limit then surely there will be a similar increase in the level of fraudulent activity, assuming no additional security precautions are introduced.'

Contactless fraud accounted for just 2.9 per cent of the 574.2million lost to card fraud last year, according to the latest figures from banking trade body UK Finance, and the 16million loss accounted for just 1.8p in every 100 spent through contactless payments.

However, losses were somewhat limited by the fact consumers were unable to go out and spend for large portions of 2020.

'The fall in contactless fraud losses was in part due to the reduced opportunities for fraudsters to commit these types of scams', UK Finance said.

And even losses tend to be reimbursed in these instances, banks have increasingly introduced measures to help those 46 per cent who have misplaced their plastic and the 67 percent worried about having money stolen on a contactless-enabled card.

Most banks including the likes of Starling and Zopa, which launched a credit card late last year after it obtained a banking licence, now offer customers the ability to freeze their card if they lose it, or even fully disable it for physical transactions.

Britain's biggest bank, Lloyds, said: 'Helping to keep our customers' money safe is our priority and we are working behind the scenes 24/7, investing millions in our fraud defences and enhancing functionality to give customers extra peace of mind, such as card freezing and cancellation tools.

'As the country opens back up after lockdown, this will likely be reflected in consumer spending and contactless payments which are already used widely will continue to offer greater flexibility and choice.'

UK Finance added: 'Always report lost or stolen cards to your bank or card company straight away. Customers can put a temporary freeze on their account through their bank's mobile app, online banking, or over the phone.

'Check your statements regularly and if you spot any payments you don't recognise, contact your bank or card company immediately.'
Private equity pioneers KKR, the original Barbarians at the Gate, want stakeholders to believe they are doing them a huge favour by offering 2billion for British infrastructure giant John Laing.

As with so many recent private equity deals for FTSE 250 companies, the premium to the current share price of 33 per cent looks generous.

But when one takes account of the hit from Brexit and the pandemic, the discount starts to look much thinner.

Takeover bid: Private equity pioneers KKR, the original 'Barbarians at the Gate,' want stakeholders to believe they are doing them a huge favour by offering 2bn to buy John Laing

The strength of John Laing is its ability efficiently to deliver big infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships.

Among its tangible achievements in the UK are the second Severn crossing and some of the UKs big motorway projects.

In recent times, as public-private partnerships have found less favour in Whitehall, Laing has taken its engineering and project management skills overseas, working on projects in Australia and North America.

With the Biden Administration aiming for a big upgrade of US infrastructure from bridges to airports and railways, the opportunities for John Laing skills could be considerable.

The overseas earnings capacity for the UK, as it looks to put its expertise to work globally, looks considerable.

KKRs infrastructure arm says nothing will change after the deal and the company founded in Carlisle in 1848 will remain rooted in Britain.

Headquarters and management will remain intact. All that will happen is that John Laing will be de-risked by having greater access to capital, allowing it to manage more and bigger projects. It sounds like an enticing prospect.

Chairman Will Samuel and the board look to have accepted this at face value and short of rolling out the red carpet could not be more welcoming.

Samuel argues that while the board has faith in management it worries that many initiatives are at early stage development and have execution risk.

If every engineering and construction group showed so little confidence in the ability of its executives and project managers to bring infrastructure to fruition nothing would be built.

Because Laing will become part of an infrastructure fund, the theory is that it will be left untouched. Thats a proposition which is hard to swallow.

We know from many other private equity-backed deals that pledges made at the time of takeover rarely are enforceable.

The object of the buyer is to use leverage, or debt, to the best effect and to use the privilege of opaque ownership to strip out costs and jobs.

John Laing has rolled over too quickly and hasnt bothered with the pretence of conducting a public auction to encourage a higher price.

As a former director of Schroders, Samuel is presumably confident that his former employers, who hold 9pc of John Laing equity, will do what he wants and help the deal over the line. But you can never tell.

Steel trap

The emergence of British Steel owner Jingye as possible buyer for Sanjeev Guptas Liberty Steel plants in the UK could be a life-saver for Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.

He rightly has refused to have any direct dealings with Gupta, whose business and financial affairs are the subject of a Serious Fraud Office investigation.

Kwartengs approach has been to let the constituent companies fall into the hands of the Official Receiver and financially support trading until a suitable buyer can be found.

Even though there is a global steel shortage, which has forced up the price of speciality metals, there is no queue of buyers.

The difficulty is that the backlash against China on the Tory benches from foreign policy hardliners such Tom Tugendhat makes for some uncomfortable decisions.

At the very least one would expect Kwarteng to invoke the new National Security & Investment Act, since steel must be regarded as strategic industry.

Jingyes involvement will be a real test of resolve for the Government.

Crypto anarchy

City regulator the Financial Conduct Authority warned of the risks of consumers piling into bitcoin in January.

Its worst fears of citizens nursing heavy losses are being borne out before our eyes with the price of the cryptocurrency plunging more than 50 per cent in the last two weeks.

Elon Musks sudden reversal on bitcoin payments followed by Chinas curbs have triggered an implosion. Not before time.
The cost of staycation accommodation across Britain has jumped by 41 per cent in the past year, new findings reveal.

At an average cost of 2,040, the Highlands in Scotland is the most expensive place for a family of four taking a seven-day getaway in Britain this year.

That includes accommodation, travel, food and drink and activities.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, a family of four could enjoy a week's staycation in the Peak District for around 1,485, making it one of the cheapest options among the country's most popular holiday destinations.

Costly: A table showing average price hikes for some of the country's top staycation locations

Over 17.6million adults in Britain have not ventured on a staycation in the last three years, with about 4million put off by high costs, Direct Line Travel Insurance said.

The location which has seen the biggest jump in the cost of a week's staycation for a family of four in the past year is Dorset.

There, a week's break for a family is around 233 more than it was a year ago, bringing the total cost up to around 1,835.

The Lake District has also seen a sizeable hike in staycation prices, having risen by 230 to around 1,875 for a family of four holidaying for a week.

For families, the third-biggest spike in staycation prices has emerged in the Highlands in Scotland. Here, the average cost of a seven-day break for a family of four has risen by 226 to around 2,040.

On Expedia's website, This is Money found that a family of four wanting a seven-day stay in Lisbon, Portugal, could do so for a fraction of the cost of many staycations across Britain's most popular locations.

Gorgeous: The Scottish Highlands are beautiful, but can be costly for holidaymakers

Quaint: The Cotswolds is the priciest place to holiday as a couple, new findings suggest (file pic)

Popular: Destinations like Newquay in Cornwall are among the many popular seaside resorts in Britain

For couples, the Cotswolds is the most expensive destination in Britain for a staycation.

In this beautiful part of the world, the average cost of a seven-night stay for a couple, including things like accommodation, travel costs and food and drink, stands at around 1,564, which is 201 more than a year ago.

Behind the Cotswolds, Cornwall, the Lake District and Snowdonia are the most expensive places for couples to take a week-long holiday, the data suggests.

Looking at all the country's go-to staycation destinations, a couple can expect to fork out around 1,266 for a week, while a family of four may have to splash out an average of 1,769, which is 198 more than last year.

In terms of where people are likely to head to this summer, seaside breaks are the most popular option, followed by countryside staycations and holiday resorts like Centre Parcs.

The South West of England came out on top as the most popular domestic holiday destination, followed by Scotland and Yorkshire and the Humber, Direct Line Travel Insurance said.

The new research suggests 41 per cent of people in Britain took a staycation over the past year, which equates to around 36.9million trips. Over the same period, Britons took 15.8milion visits to Europe and 10.5million to the rest of the world.

Comparing different age groups, around two-fifths of over 55s have not taken a domestic holiday in the last three years, compared with a third of 34 to 54 year-olds and a quarter of 18 to 34 year-olds, the research claims.

'With frequent changes likely to the Government's traffic light list for foreign holiday destinations this summer, it seems that the UK "staycation" is going to be more popular than ever this summer', Tom Bishop, head of Direct Line Travel Insurance, said.

He added: 'This means millions of holidaymakers are opting to visit places right here in the UK they perhaps wouldn't have thought about previously.

'The restrictions on foreign travel are going to be tough to handle for some with around one in three adults not having gone on holiday in the UK for the past three years and now having to contemplate a staycation for the first time.

'Wherever holidaymakers do end up they need to consider travel insurance, as it's just as important to protect UK trips as it is for holidays overseas.'

Britons are expected to spend an average of 353 each in the next six months on UK holidays, according to recent data from American Express.

Last month, Cottages.com told This is Money that it had seen bookings rise 210 per cent for the year ahead compared to the year before.

Simon Altham, group chief commercial officer at Awaze, the parent group of Cottages.com, said: 'Everything we are seeing suggests it's going to be a year like no other for the domestic holiday industry.

'The outlook for foreign travel is still uncertain, and so perhaps it's not surprising that summer is selling so well.'
Infrastructure giant John Laing is the latest British firm to fall prey to private equity buyers after KKR swooped with a 2billion bid.

The 403p per share offer was backed by the board and will be put to a shareholder vote.

It is the fourth private equity bid for a FTSE 250-listed firm in less than a fortnight, after approaches were also made to St Modwen Properties, Sanne Group and UDG Healthcare.

John Laing which built the second Severn Crossing (pictured) and the M1 motorway -can trace its roots back to 1848, when its founder first started the business in Carlisle

Bids have also been made for firms such as Aggreko, Signature Aviation and Marston's recently, triggering concerns of 'pandemic plundering'.

British firms are seen as cheap after share prices were hammered by Covid-19 outbreak.

The takeover of John Laing, which built the second Severn Crossing and the M1 motorway, needs 75 per cent investor backing to go ahead.

Will Samuel, its chairman, said the bid was 'attractive' and offered 'certain value in cash' for shareholders.

He added: 'Whilst the board has full confidence in John Laing's strategy and management team, it is clear that many of the initiatives are at an early stage of development, retain an element of execution risk and that it will take time for these to deliver value.

'KKR is a strong partner, providing long-term capital and global expertise to accelerate John Laing's strategy.

'This is particularly relevant in the current environment, where there may be significant opportunities to invest in critical infrastructure which responds to public needs.'

Analysts have warned that British companies are seen as cheap after share prices were hammered by Covid-19 outbreak

Shares in John Laing jumped 11.3 per cent, or 40.6p, to 401.6p  just below the offer price. Speculation that KKR would bid sent the stock soaring this month to its highest point since June 2020.

Before that it had been languishing more than 10 per cent below its pre-pandemic levels.

John Laing invests in and owns projects ranging from railway lines to prisons and stadiums.

Its eponymous founder first started the business in Carlisle in 1848, and it became a UK giant, working on the M1 and M40 motorways, the Sizewell B nuclear plant and Coventry Cathedral, before it was split up in 2001.

After that, John Laing focused on infrastructure investment while the construction business became Laing O'Rourke. More recently it invested 4.7billion in high-speed Hitachi trains for the Great Western and East Coast rail routes.

Now, John Laing is set to benefit as major economies plough cash into transport schemes and green technology following the Covid crisis.

KKR is keen to tap into this investment. Tara Davies, partner and co-head of European infrastructure at KKR, said: 'Under private ownership and with flexible access to capital, John Laing can take a longer-term view as an owner and operator of assets during the next phase of its growth.'

KKR has agreed to partner with infrastructure investor Equitix, which will buy a 50 per cent stake in the British company's existing assets. John Laing will continue to be run from the UK by the existing management, a source said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 20:05:04|Editor: huaxia

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COPENHAGEN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge on Thursday urged caution despite a considerable 60 percent decrease in COVID-19 cases and deaths in recent weeks in the region.

"This progress is fragile. ... Let us not make the same mistakes that were made this time last year, that resulted in a resurgence of COVID-19 and saw our health systems, communities and economies once again bear the full force of this pandemic," said Kluge during an online press conference from Copenhagen.

The warning came as the European region in past weeks has seen cases dramatically drop from 1.7 million in mid-April to just below 685,000 new cases last week, which is a 60 percent decrease in a month, according to Kluge.

He also took the opportunity to briefly address the region's concerns over the B.1.617 variant originally found in India, which he said had now been identified in at least 26 countries out of the 53 in the WHO European Region.

"Most cases have a link to international travel, but onwards transmission is occurring," said Kluge.

"We are still learning about the new variant, but it is able to spread rapidly and displace the UK variant, B.1.1.7 lineage that has become the dominant lineage in Europe."

Kluge reiterated that all coronavirus variants that have emerged so far do respond to the available, approved vaccines.

Meanwhile, the WHO official expected more transmission in Europe as mobility, physical interactions and gatherings increasing in the coming months due to the easing of social measures.

To shore up the perceived fragility, Kluge re-emphasized his frequent call for the need of the region to not only redouble its efforts on testing and sequencing, isolation, contact tracing, quarantine and vaccination, but also maintain social measures.

"Neither testing nor receiving vaccines is a substitute for adherence to measures such as physical distancing and mask-wearing in public spaces or healthcare settings," said Kluge. Enditem
EasyJet blasted the confusion over summer holidays as it racked up a mammoth 701million loss.

The airline will fly fewer planes at the start of the summer than planned amid mixed messages from the Government over its traffic light system for international travel.

The introduction of the red, amber and green list rules was supposed to clarify what holidaymakers and other travellers could do. Instead, it has triggered widespread anger and confusion.

Mixed messaging: Easyjets Johan Lundgren (pictured) says the Government is being too cautious on travel

While it is legal to travel to countries on the amber list  so long as you self-isolate at home for ten days on return and take two Covid tests  ministers have advised against it.

With countries on the amber list including France, Spain, Italy and Greece as well as Eastern Europe and the Nordic states, the travel industry has reacted with fury.

Easyjet chief executive Johan Lundgren said it was 'absolutely legal to travel to amber list countries'.

He said the airline would now operate just 15 per cent of flights between April and June  down from the 20 per cent it had planned.

Lundgren said: 'The messaging has been very confusing to say the least.

'They aren't following their own criteria for restarting travel and making it confusing in terms of if people should travel.'

He also urged the Government to move Greece and Spain to the green list, which has just a dozen countries  including Portugal.

Lundgren added: 'No doubt the Government is taking a much more cautious approach and we don't believe this is backed up by the latest data. Greece and Spain in our view could be safely added to the green list.'

He hopes the airline can ramp up its flight schedule later in the summer as Europe also looks to ease travel restrictions for vaccinated people.

Lundgren said the airline was ready to 'flex up quickly' to use 90 per cent of its planes if there is enough demand.

His comments came as the carrier posted a 701million loss for the six months ending in March.

Revenue fell 90 per cent over the period to 240million, after passenger numbers collapsed.

The record loss underlines the scale of the damage dealt to the airline industry by the Covid-19 crisis.

Michael Hewson, analyst at CMC Markets, said: 'Easyjet is heading for its second successive annual loss.

'At the beginning of the year there was a great deal of optimism, that with the vaccine program well advanced there might be a semblance of a return to normal as the summer approached.

'This optimism now looks rather misplaced and along with the rest of the airline sector it is still no nearer to knowing when they can expect to resume any semblance of a normal service, with most of their planes grounded due to travel restrictions.'

Easyjet also revealed it is still burning through 5.5million of cash every day while 85 per cent of services remain grounded.

But the airline has 2.9billion in total liquidity to last it through the uncertainty having raised 5.5billion since the start of the pandemic.

On Monday budget rival Ryanair posted the biggest annual loss in its history after being battered by travel restrictions.

The Irish airline's boss Michael O'Leary said: 'It is a traumatic loss for an airline that has been consistently profitable for our 35-year history.'
KPMG faces a 250million lawsuit over its botched audits of collapsed construction giant Carillion.

The Big Four accountant gave the firm a clean bill of health just months before it crumpled, leaving debts of 7billion and thousands jobless in one of Britain's biggest corporate disasters, prompting claims by MPs that auditors and consultants 'feasted' on Carillion.

Now, KPMG will be forced to defend itself in the High Court after litigation funders Litigation Capital Management said it was poised to bring forward a big damages claim with the Official Receiver, which is winding up Carillion.

Damages claim: Big Four accountant KPMG gave Carillion a clean bill of health just months before the construction firm crumpled, leaving debts of 7bn

They will argue KPMG's failure to sound the alarm about Carillion's parlous finances was negligent.

The Receiver has claimed KPMG's unqualified audits gave directors the confidence to go ahead with 250million of payments in dividends and consultancy fees in the two years before Carillion collapsed in January 2018.

The failure triggered calls for tough reforms of the audit sector.

MPs accused KPMG of being 'complicit' in directors' 'increasingly fantastical figures', and failing to be sceptical enough during its 19 years working for the company.

Along with Big Four rivals Deloitte, EY and PwC, KPMG was accused of 'feasting on what was soon to become a carcass' after doing work worth 72million for Carillion.

KPMG audits of Carillion are also being probed by the Financial Reporting Council.
Families are escaping to the country and coast, while first-time buyers are returning to cities, according to new data on what buyers want as the property market booms.

It is the latest evidence of shifts in the buyer behaviour amid the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns, with families chasing suburban, seaside and village life and first-time buyers trying to take advantage of weaker city centre housing markets.

While families tend to be seeking more space at home and outdoors, first-time buyers are looking to set up home in urban areas, a pair of studies from property portals Zoopla and Rightmove show.

This three-bedroom house in Scarborough is for sale for 380,000 via estate agents Reeds Rains

GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR TWO AND THREE-BEDROOM HOUSES Rank Local Authority Region Demand growth for 2 & 3 bed houses* Average value of 2 and 3-bed house 1 Scarborough Yorkshire and the Humber 142% 197,000 2 Weymouth and Portland South West 115% 235,000 3 Forest Heath Eastern 111% 227,000 4 Falkirk Scotland 108% 142,000 5 Basingstoke and Deane South East 103% 320,000 6 Gosport South East 102% 238,000 7 Reading South East 97% 311,000 8 Harrow London 94% 578,000 9 Worcester West Midlands 86% 201,000 10 Redditch West Midlands 85% 219,000 Source: Zoopla * Demand growth for two and three-bed houses - eight weeks from 08/03 vs previous eight weeks

First-time buyers are being bolstered by the launch of the Government-backed 5 per cent deposit mortgage guarantee scheme, while more families are heading out house hunting as coronavirus restrictions ease, the reports said.

Zoopla said there has been a 25 per cent increase in buyer demand in the past two months, after schools reopened.

It defined buyer demand as people who are actively viewing and engaged in finding out more about a property, such as through calls and emails to agents.

The property website said the rise was amplified by the announcement that the stamp duty holiday would be extended, along with the rapid vaccine rollout.

It said that two and three-bedroom homes - which are perfect for families - remain in strong demand across Britain, with the seaside resort of Scarborough seeing a 142 per cent increase in demand for such homes, the biggest of any area.

For four and five-bedroom properties, commuter favourite Cambridge tops the list with a huge increase in demand of 182 per cent.

While property prices for two and three-bedroom properties in Scarborough are above the regional average, home hunters do get more bang for their buck with the Zoopla data showing that houses in this area are typically more spacious than those in other parts of Yorkshire.

There is no such luck in Cambridge, where the average home costs 685,000, but with its easy access to London and wide range of Ofsted-rated Outstanding schools, Zoopla said it is easy to see why the demand for family homes has been boosted by the return to school.

At the same time, separate research from Rightmove suggested that city-centre living is staging a comeback, with buyer demand for flats increasing by 39 per cent since January.

York, Norwich, Sheffield, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff and Manchester are among the cities that have experienced buyer demand in their centres increasing since the start of 2021, it said.

It added that while larger family homes have tended to be the strongest performers in the housing market over the past year, the focus is now shifting to flats.

This two-bedroom house in Weymouth is for sale for 237,000 via estate agents Austin Estate

Zoopla said that overall demand is highest in areas with house prices that are below the regional average.

Picturesque Weymouth and Portland, located at the southern tip of the Jurassic Coast, has seen demand for two and three-bedroom homes soar by 115 per cent since the reopening of schools.

Average prices in this area for this property type stand at 235,000, 15 per cent below the regional average in the South West.

It is a similar case in Forest Heath, Suffolk where demand has increased by 111 per cent, and Falkirk in Scotland at 108 per cent, the latter of which is consistently one of the fastest moving property markets in Great Britain.

All these areas offer great value for money, with prices well below the regional average.

GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR FOUR AND FIVE-BEDROOM HOUSES Rank Local Authority Region Demand growth for 4 & 5 bed houses* Average value of 4 and 5-bed house 1 Cambridge Eastern 182% 685,000 2 Angus Scotland 104% 276,000 3 Hastings South East 92% 416,000 4 Watford Eastern 87% 771,000 5 Wyre Forest West Midlands 81% 332,000 6 Stroud South West 80% 397,000 7 Horsham South East 79% 644,000 = Surrey Heath South East 79% 699,000 9 Teignbridge South West 76% 411,000 10 Stratford-on-Avon West Midlands 73% 517,000 Source: Zoopla * Demand growth for four and five-bed houses - eight weeks from 08/03 vs previous eight week

This five-bedroom house in Cambridge is for sale for 675,000 via estate agents Sharman Quinney

Most locations that have seen the largest increase in demand for four and five-bedroom homes are located in rural or coastal areas.

Scenic areas in the South East - including Hastings at 92 per cent, Horsham at 79 per cent and Surrey Heath at 79 per cent - feature strongly.

In the South West, Stroud and Teignbridge feature in the top 10, with an increase in demand of 80 per cent and 76 per cent respectively.

Stroud is located near The Cotswolds and has good quality schools and green spaces. Meanwhile,

Teignbridge encompasses a wide range of pretty towns and villages, part of the Dartmoor National Park and coastline.

Other rural areas that feature in the list include Wyre Forest and Stratford on Avon in the West Midlands, well known for being the birthplace of Shakespeare.

Both areas have seen an increase in demand for four and five-bedroom homes at 81 per cent and 73 per cent respectively.

This four-bedroom property in Twickenham is for sale for 1,100,000 via estate agents Snellers

GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR TWO AND THREE-BEDROOM HOUSES IN LONDON London Borough Demand growth for 2 & 3 bed houses* Average value of 2 and 3-bed house Harrow 94% 578,000 Bexley 82% 429,000 Merton 63% 539,000 Source: Zoopla * Demand growth for two and three-bed houses in London - eight weeks from 08/03 vs previous eight week

Zoopla suggested that there has also been an increase in demand for family homes in London.

Demand has increased most for two and three-bedroom houses in Harrow, which is up 94 per cent, Bexley at 82 per cent and Merton at 63 per cent.

These boroughs have become particularly popular among families seeking houses in the capital at more affordable prices, Zoopla said.

The largest growth in demand for four and five bedroom homes is in leafy Sutton at 57 per cent and Richmond upon Thames at 50 per cent, followed by Kensington and Chelsea at 50 per cent.

Grainne Gilmore, of Zoopla, said: 'The reopening of schools in early March was a key moment for the residential property market, alongside the extension of the stamp duty holiday, with buyer demand rising by some 25 per cent in March and April compared to the first two months of the year.

'The data signals that in more affordable areas buyer interest is rising for two and three-bedroom houses. On the other hand, buyer demand is rising at the highest rates for four and five-bedroom houses in the areas where these homes are typically larger than the average signalling that a need for additional space is a factor driving interest in this segment of the market.'

GROWTH IN FOUR AND FIVE-BEDROOM HOUSES IN LONDON Rank Local Authority Region Demand growth for 4 & 5 bedroom houses Average value of 4 and 5-bed house 1 Cambridge Eastern 182% 685,000 2 Angus Scotland 104% 276,000 3 Hastings South East 92% 416,000 4 Watford Eastern 87% 771,000 5 Wyre Forest West Midlands 81% 332,000 6 Stroud South West 80% 397,000 7 Horsham South East 79% 644,000 = Surrey Heath South East 79% 699,000 9 Teignbridge South West 76% 411,000 10 Stratford-on-Avon West Midlands 73% 517,000 Source: Zoopla * Demand growth for four and five-bed houses - eight weeks from 08/03 vs previous eight week

INCREASE IN BUYER DEMAND BY PROPERTY TYPE - APRIL 2021 V JANUARY 2021 Property type Change in buyer demand April 2021 vs Jan 2021 Flat 39% Bungalow 30% Detached house 26% Terraced house 24% Semi-detached house 23% Source: Rightmove

Rightmove also measured buyer demand by the number of people contacting estate agents to request more details about a property for sale on its website.

The easing of coronavirus restrictions and the recent introduction of the Government-backed 5 per cent deposit mortgage guarantee scheme are said to be helping to boost demand.

A Rightmove survey of more than 1,000 first-time buyers found that nearly one in five - at 17 per cent per cent - are planning to use the mortgage guarantee scheme or are already using it.

The study also indicated that while the desire to move to a quieter location has been driving parts of the housing market during the past year, this is not as appealing to first-time buyers.

While more than a quarter - at 28 per cent - of existing homeowners planning to move in the next 12 months cited a move to the countryside or coast as their motivation, only 10 per cent of first-time buyers were considering doing this.

Rightmove's housing expert Tim Bannister said: 'These are early signs but they certainly point to some good news for city centres across Britain, with a number of agents now telling me they've seen a marked uptick in demand from first-time buyers, and they're managing to sell city-centre flats more quickly than in earlier months of the year.

'People starting to venture in to their local high streets and once again experiencing the buzz of their city centres, along with greater mortgage availability for first-time buyers, means city centres are staging a much-needed comeback in the market.

'Right now some buyers are able to grab a relative city bargain compared to the heady price growth outside cities, but these early signs of demand could be the start of city prices rising again.'

INCREASE IN BUYER DEMAND - APRIL 2021 V January 2021 City centre Change in buyer demand April 2021 vs Jan 2021 York City Centre 76% Norwich City Centre 62% Sheffield City Centre 57% Southampton City Centre 55% Leicester City Centre 53% Newcastle City Centre 51% Nottingham City Centre 39% Leeds City Centre 39% Birmingham City Centre 39% Inner London 30% Oxford City Centre 28% Glasgow City Centre 28% Liverpool City Centre 28% Chester City Centre 24% Edinburgh City Centre 23% Hull City Centre 22% Durham City Centre 17% Cardiff City Centre 11% Manchester City Centre 11% Bristol City Centre 5% Source: Rightmove

Andy McHugo, of James Laurence estate agents in Birmingham, said: 'Not only are inquiry levels fantastic, committed residential buyers are now returning.

'The dynamic may have changed slightly, so apartments with balconies or terraces are proving popular, as are those with room for a home office, a second and third bedroom for example.'

He said large company relocations to Birmingham and entrepreneurial start-ups help make the city 'an exciting place in which to invest, and indeed live'.

Steve Pymm, of Pymm & Co in Norwich, said: 'The market has been crying out for 95 per cent mortgages for years, so since the release of these lower deposit-based products the first-time buyer is back and they're snapping up apartments and starter homes.'
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Barre, VT (05641)

Today

Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 70F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 54F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 20:06:36|Editor: huaxia

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People view an industrial robot at the World Intelligence Congress in Tianjin, north China, May 20, 2021. The fifth World Intelligence Congress, a major artificial intelligence (AI) event in China, kicked off on Thursday, highlighting frontier AI technologies and applications. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

TIANJIN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The fifth World Intelligence Congress, a major artificial intelligence (AI) event in China, kicked off in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Thursday, highlighting frontier AI technologies and applications.

The four-day event, with the theme of "New Era of Intelligence: Empowering New Development, Fostering New Pattern," has attracted the participation of over 240 AI companies and institutions.

A series of activities, including forums, exhibitions and competitions featuring smart cities and transportation, smart manufacturing, and IT application and innovation, will be presented during the event.

The development and application of the new generation of AI require cross-border and inter-disciplinary scientific research, which necessitates the participation and cooperation of all countries, said Wan Gang, chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology.

Over the past four years, more than 10,000 scientists, entrepreneurs, educators and financiers from home and abroad have participated in the event to discuss the trends and future of smart technology. Enditem


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Thomasville, GA (31792)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early with heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with thunderstorms becoming likely overnight. Low 72F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Kashaan Moses, in blue shirt and masks, is escorted by Upper Gwynedd police officers out of the department's station on Wednesday morning after turning himself in to face charges for an accidental shooting in April.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 20:12:46|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday held a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, with both sides pledging to strengthen bilateral communication and cooperation.

China and Pakistan enjoy a longstanding friendship, Li said. Noting that this incoming Friday marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani President Arif Alvi will exchange congratulatory messages.

Li said he hopes that the two sides will maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and maintain and develop the precious treasure of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Li and Khan exchanged views on international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 in particular.

Li pointed out that the pandemic is still raging across the world, and the international community needs to work together to tackle the challenge caused by the virus, the common enemy of mankind.

China is ready to provide support to Pakistan within its capacity in fighting the pandemic, Li added.

Khan, for his part, said Pakistan is looking forward to strengthening high-level exchanges and advancing strategic cooperation with China.

Under the current circumstances, Pakistan particularly hopes to deepen cooperation with China to fight COVID-19, Khan said, adding that Pakistan is ready to work with China to push for new achievements in bilateral relations. Enditem
On Saturday, July 3, at approximately 9:30 p.m, Bob and Julie Smith with Dynamic Effects and Fireworks Company will put on the biggest fireworks show weve ever had in Rogersville.
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China accused the United States on Wednesday of threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait after a U.S. warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from its giant neighbour.

The U.S. Navys 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on Tuesday in accordance with international law.

The ships transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows, it said.

A spokesman for Chinas Eastern Theatre Command expressed strong opposition and condemned the move, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two powers.

The U.S. actions sends the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, deliberately disrupting the regional situation and endangering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he said.

Chinese forces tracked and monitored the ship throughout its voyage, he added.

China believes Taiwans democratically elected government is bent on a formal declaration of independence for the island, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says they are already an independent state called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Taiwans Defence Ministry said the U.S. ship had sailed in a southerly direction through the strait and the situation was as normal.

The U.S. Navy has been conducting such operations every month or so.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms.

Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwans air defence zone.

Some of those activities can involve multiple fighters and bombers.

China has said its activities around Taiwan are aimed at protecting Chinas sovereignty. Taiwans government has denounced it as attempts at intimidation.

SOURCE: REUTERS
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Canadian National railroad is indicating it remains committed to its $33.6 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern, despite reservations from one major shareholder and a regulatory setback.

CN CEO JJ Ruest on Wednesday underscored what he sees as the potential benefits of the deal and he believes most of his shareholders support it. He said he is also confident that regulators will eventually approve CN's acquisition of Kansas City Southern, which would be the first major railroad merger in more than 20 years.

Leave no doubt, CN is very committed to this transaction, Ruest said at an investor conference.

Canadian National has the edge in the bidding for Kansas City Southern over a rival $25 billion offer from Canadian Pacific. CP has until the end of Thursday to respond after Kansas City Southern's board declared last week it prefers CN's offer.

On Tuesday, shareholder with a nearly 3% stake in Canadian National sent a letter urging CN's board to abandon the deal because of uncertainty about whether U.S. regulators would approve the acquisition. But the shareholder, the London-based investment firm TCI Fund, is also the largest shareholder in Canadian Pacific, so it has a potential conflict of interest.

Canadian National's biggest shareholder, Bill Gates' Cascade Investment, has come out publicly in support of the deal.

Ruest said hes confident the deal will succeed because it could offer $1 billion in cost and revenue improvements and it would better serve the needs of customers looking to take advantage of growing trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Canadian Pacific has said allowing Canadian National and Kansas City Southern to combine would hurt competition.

The Surface Transportation Board has said it will review any deal involving major railroads carefully to determine if it would enhance competition and serve the public interest. Earlier this week, the board initially refused to approve Canadian Nationals plan to set up a voting trust that would acquire Kansas City Southern and own the railroad while regulators review the deal. The board said it didn't have a copy of the detailed merger agreement.
Michael Dwyer

ALBANY - National Grid, which provides electricity and natural gas to much of the Capital Region, says it is has signed a partnership agreement to develop offshore wind projects with RWE Renewables.

The two companies will be looking to invest in offshore wind projects along the coast of the northeastern U.S., including New York, which is encouraging development of sea-based wind farms to help the state reach its renewable energy goals. National Grid's unregulated investment division will work with RWE, which is currently developing wind farms off the coast of Great Britain and Germany.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 20:16:22|Editor: huaxia

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A health worker takes a nasal swab sample from a woman as passenger after returning from her Eid al-Fitr holiday before entering the capital city at Pondok Cabe bus station in South Tangerang, Indonesia, May 20, 2021. (Photo by Agung Kuncahya B./Xinhua)

JAKARTA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 cases in Indonesia rose by 5,797 within one day to 1,758,898, with the death toll adding by 218 to 48,887, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.

According to the ministry, 4,969 more people were discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 1,621,572.

The virus has spread to all the country's 34 provinces.

Specifically, within the past 24 hours, West Java recorded 1,332 new cases, Jakarta 895, Central Java 550, Riau 421 and West Sumatra 349.

No new positive cases were found in three provinces, namely Gorontalo, West Sulawesi and Papua. Enditem
SCHOHARIE - National Transportation Safety Board officials say they were never able to get copies of the autopsy reports of the 20 victims of the 2018 limousine crash in Schoharie - despite promises to the contrary.

The revelation comes a week after an attorney for two of the families of the victims asked a state Supreme Court judge to intervene to try to force the Schoharie County coroner to release the reports.

It represents yet another roadblock for the federal agency that has tried from the start to get a bigger foothold in the probe of the deadly crash.

Investigators from the NTSB, who immediately rushed to the scene of the Oct. 6, 2018 crash, at the Apple Barrel Country Store in Schoharie, were repeatedly rebuffed in their bid to examine evidence in the case by Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery - including what remained of the 31-foot stretch 2001 Ford Excursion limo involved in the crash.

Mallery and State Police investigators maintained during the NTSB investigation they were just protecting evidence in the criminal case of Nauman Hussain, the 31-year-old operator of Prestige Limousine, the limo service that rented out the Excursion that day to a group of 17 friends from the Amsterdam area for a birthday party in Cooperstown.

All the passengers and the driver of the Excursion, which was going 100 mph after the brakes failed coming down a steep section of Route 30, died, along with two bystanders struck in the parking lot of the Apple Barrel, which is located at the bottom of that hill.

Coroner Matthew Coltrain, a funeral home director who has held the elected position since 2008, insists he has provided the autopsy reports to any attorneys who have a legal right to the documents.

"I've not withheld anything," Coltrain previously told the Times Union in response to being told that Acting State Supreme Court Justice Denise Hartman had signed a "show cause" order on May 12 forcing him to explain why he has withheld the autopsy reports.

The NTSB says it never received the official autopsy reports, even though it had previously been led to believe they were on their way.

"The autopsy reports have been requested and are in process," the NTSB's final report on the cause of the crash issued last September asserts.

But on Tuesday, Christopher O'Neil, chief of media relations for the NTSB, said that the documents never materialized.

"I spoke with the investigative staff, and the NTSB did not receive the requested autopsy reports," O'Neil said.

During its two-year investigation, the NTSB was only granted limited visual access to the 13,565-pound limo and its key components, such as the brake system, which were locked away as evidence by State Police.

In order to "compensate for the District Attorney and State Police denying our timely access to vehicle and braking components," the NTSB said it had to turn to "alternative methodologies" and hired an outside firm to simulate how the stretch limo's brakes likely responded at the time of the crash using a 2000 Excursion with new brake components.

The testing found that even after being stretched, the crash limo's brakes should have been able to stop at the bottom of Route 30 if they had been properly maintained. However, the NTSB had to rely on only visual inspection of the brakes to take the leap that brake failure was the actual cause of the crash.

"Because of a lack of timely access to the crash vehicle, resulting in the NTSBs inability to perform functional testing of the brake system and other vehicle components, we cannot state definitively and specifically why the brake system failed," the final NTSB report states.

However, the NTSB said that investigators could see from the visual inspections that the rear brakes "had not been appreciably working," which would have put the burden to stop the limo on the front brakes, which normally would have stopped the limo.

The NTSB surmised that with 18 passengers, and driving down the long, steep stretch of Route 30, the front brakes likely heated up too much to work properly.

"Although no failure of a specific brake component could be verified, and the limited access to the limousines brake system prevented identification of a specific failure mode, such as heat-induced failure or mechanical failure (or a combination of both), all indications point to brake failure," the NTSB stated.

No one has ever asserted in any of the investigative documents in the case that anything other than blunt force trauma was the cause of death of all of the victims.

None of the passengers were wearing seatbelts, the NTSB found, except for the driver, who was crushed between his seat and the engine.

In fact, an NTSB investigator was allowed to watch the autopsies of four of the victims when they were done on Oct. 8, 2018, at Albany Medical Center by a State Police forensic team. The NTSB says in its final report that the examinations "indicated that all victims died of blunt force trauma."

The State Police issued a press release 10 days later saying that the cause of death of all 20 victims was listed on the autopsy reports as "multiple severe traumatic blunt force injuries."

Mallery's prosecution of Nauman Hussain, the limo operator, has been in limbo since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year forced jury trials across the state to be postponed. Court officials have indicated that things may change within the next few weeks.

Mallery did not respond to a question from the Times Union about the autopsy reports.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer on Wednesday called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to push his Canadian counterparts to adopt Schumer's plan to reopen the border.

Schumer's four-point plan, first outlined two weeks ago when the senator visited Massena on the Canadian border, includes a public opening plan, widening the definition of who is an essential worker to include fully vaccinated individuals with family or property on the other side of the border, letting boat owners operate on waterways separating the two countries as long as they don't dock on the other side, and providing customs and border patrol officers with Covid-19 testing, vaccinations, and protective equipment.

While there are indications that Canadian officials are discussing internally ways to reopen the border, so far there have been no talks between the two sides.

The border was closed at the beginning of the lockdown on March 20, 2020 as a way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At the time, infection rates were far greater on the U.S. side and, as one Canadian official said, Canadians were "smug" about the difference.

Since then, however, vaccines were rolled out and the percentage of U.S. residents who are fully vaccinated is now about 10 times that of Canada. But vaccination rates in Canada have picked up speed even as the U.S. rate slows, and Canada now expects to surpass the U.S. in the share of those who have had at least one dose in coming days, CNN reported late Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters earlier this week that at least 75 percent of Canadians will need to be vaccinated before he'll consider reopening the border, according to WGRZ in Buffalo.

Trudeau expects the 75 percent threshold will be reached sometime this fall.

Schumer, in his phone call on Wednesday to Mayorkas, stressed that stakeholders on both sides of the border were growing frustrated by the month-to-month extensions of the closing. The latest extension will keep the border closed through June 21.

The European Union seeks to open its borders to U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated by early summer. But details still need to be worked out. In some cases travelers may have to quarantine. Multiple Covid-19 screening tests may also be required, possibly including one before travelers board their flight home.
Update: This story has been updated with comment from CVS Health.

Mom-and-pop pharmacies across the Hudson Valley and beyond say they are hanging on as best they can while navigating not just the pandemic, but another threat they see to their future: pharmacy benefit managers, which pharmacist Dr. Neal Smoller of Woodstocks Village Apothecary describes as the the biggest threat to quality care in communities.

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, are third-party companies that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers and, ultimately, millions of Americans. The intended role of PBMs  who sit at the center of health insurers, drug manufacturers and pharmacies  is to advocate for lower drug costs for health plans and the consumers who use them, and to determine which drugs will be covered by plans. They are a critical player in the payment chain for prescriptions medications.

The industry is fairly concentrated, with three of the largest PBMs in the U.S.  CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRX  collectively handling about 75 percent of all prescription claims in this country.

The big issue, small pharmacies and critics say, is the power PBMs have over the pharmaceutical industry and market, and a lack of transparency regarding drug pricing. PBMs require pharmacies to pay upfront for the scripts that they fill. Pharmacies then have to wait for prescription benefit reimbursements, which can be a hard financial burden for independent pharmacies to bear and sometimes isnt reimbursed at the full amount. Health insurance company Anthem sued Express Scripts five years ago, saying it was overpaying for pharmaceuticals, and local pharmacies in the Hudson Valley say they, too, feel like they are overpaying.

New York state senators James Skoufis and Mike Martucci are introducing measures to protect independent pharmacies, timing that is especially important with only a few remaining weeks left in the legislative session in Albany.

In January 2019, Skoufis launched an investigation into the PBM industry, calling for policy changes for better transparency. In a statement justifying the investigation, Skoufis claimed that PBMs generate revenue through spread pricing, whereby PBMs charge health plans more for generic drugs than the PBMs actually pay the pharmacies for those medications, in turn keeping that pricing spread as a profit. Skoufis has said that a lack of oversight of PBMs allows pricing practices that come at the detriment of consumers.

That 2019 bill was vetoed by Gov Andrew M. Cuomo  which Skoufis called beyond disappointing in a statement at the time.

Taking on the pharmaceutical industry is an uphill battle, but I wont stop until we get this right, Skoufis said in a recent press release on May 7. When theres a family facing a health crisis, its not CVS or PBM companies that are out delivering medications or opening the shop after hours to lend a hand.

The current legislative package, proposed by New York State Sen. Neil Breslin, would level the playing field and allow our local pharmacies to fairly compete in the marketplace, said Martucci in the same May 7 press release. The proposed bill would provide an appeals process to investigate disputes regarding multi-source generic drug pricing in a push for transparency. Additionally, the bill would require PBMs to disclose to the plans with whom they contract any other possible revenue streams.

Spokesman Phil Blando of CVS Health, which has vaccinated thousands of New Yorkers in the pandemic and delivers medications to consumers just as independent pharmacies do, cautions that the proposed legislation would increase prescription costs and result in higher premiums for employers. CVS Health urges legislators to stand with New York families and reject these harmful proposals, Blando said in a statement to Times Union: Hudson Valley.

Smoller, meanwhile, isnt optimistic that the drug pricing system will change.

There is no solution, said Smoller, who hosts his own pharmacy-related Hudson Valley-based podcast and was the owner of former Village Apothecary in Saugerties. He decided to sell that pharmacy five years ago when he said his margins were too tight to continue because of a steady pattern of partial reimbursements from PBMs that made it difficult to remain financially competitive.

At Village Apothecary, he has a large focus on vitamins and wellness rather than just prescriptions  the only reason that business can stay open.

If all of the consumers realized how bad this was and spoke up loudly and clearly say, Pharmacists are valuable, lower the costs of drugs, and pay our providers, thats what would change it, said Smoller. We need legislators to [take] the money interest out and put consumers first.

Linda Engle

A three-fold issue

Dr. Jared Nekos of New Paltzs Dedricks Pharmacy, which has been in business for over 50 years, said the issues are three-fold and relate to: reimbursement for prescriptions, fees from Medicare called direct and indirect remuneration (DIR fees), and mandatory mail-in orders.

Insurance companies keep slashing our reimbursements, said Nekos. A third of my scripts, I lose money on. If I do a three-month supply of a diabetes medication, Im almost guaranteed to lose somewhere between $20 and $150.

At Village Apothecary, during the pandemic dozens of dozens of people transferred to the pharmacy daily, said Smoller, which actually accelerated the pharmacys losses for the year.

A lot of them were patients where the total reimbursement [from insurance providers] for the patient was negative, said Smoller. If someone transfers four prescriptions to us, we lose $80 total because the reimbursement that the insurance sets is below our costs.

Because there are a number of variables when it comes to costs, like insurance plans, benefits and providers, it isnt always uniform between what the true drug cost is, what the markup is, and what amount the pharmacy would get reimbursed. The drug could cost anywhere between hundreds or thousands of dollars, which might only be partially reimbursed, and then the pharmacy could also be hit with a DIR fee months later.

DIR fees are essentially the funds that Medicare may collect to offset member costs. Nekos said that at his pharmacy, the plans are taxed between three and five percent of the sale price, in a market that already has razor thin margins. He said DIR fees can amount to tens of thousands of dollars each year depending on volume, essentially erasing some pharmacies profits.

Yet another challenge that independent pharmacies face is mandatory mail orders. Most people dont have flexibility in their healthcare  if youre a teacher, you use the teachers union [health plan]. If you work for Bank of America, whatever Bank of America offers is what you get, said Nekos.

In Dutchess County, for example, the Dutchess Educational Health Insurance Consortium provides healthcare for participating school districts, and the plan includes a mandatory mail order. That order means some customers would have to change how they receive their prescriptions and who fills them.

In other words, a customer who had been going to Dedricks Pharmacy for years would then be told that now all of their prescriptions will be mailed to them instead.

I cant think of anything more un-American or unfair than saying you cant choose who to patronize, where to get healthcare and where to spend your hard-earned money, said Nekos.

drnealsmoller.com

How small pharmacies weathered the pandemic

Since the start of the pandemic, Smoller said the workload at his pharmacy, like any other, has increased tremendously, due to the implementation of curbside and delivery pickup, which requires more help per transaction from each employee. While prescription volume was initially down at the start of the pandemic, it normalized pretty quickly.

Throughout the pandemic, and especially more recently, local pharmacies have also stepped up their services to meet growing need for information and vaccinations. Village Apothecary is responsible for 23 percent of the COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Ulster County. In Dutchess County, Village Apothecary has administered 6,000 doses. To date, Village Apothecary has vaccinated around a total of 38,000 people across the two counties, for which they get varying reimbursements, depending on the persons insurance plan.

Aside from the vaccination roll-out, all year long Smoller has also been disseminating information online and via digital webinars about the risks of transmitting the virus, in an effort to support his community customer base. If he had sold Village Apothecary as he had the Saugerties pharmacy, he would not have been able to provide such public health benefits, he said.

drnealsmoller.com

Whats next?

For now, Smoller said he will keep reinventing his pharmacy and educating his customers to support legislative change while fearing the possibility that independent pharmacies may die out. A pharmacy is pandemic-proof and recession-proof, but we are constantly under attack, said Smoller. Were at a point where its make or break in New York.

In Nekos opinion, the reason PBMs keep making things harder for independent pharmacies is because they know mom-and-pop pharmacies can offer something that they arent able to. When you go to other independent pharmacies, the level of service and care you get is second to none  its a completely different experience and it should be the norm when dealing with health, said Nekos.

The fight for mom-and-pop pharmacies doesnt end with PBM requirements. There is other legislation on the table in New York for this session, introduced by Skoufis, that adjusts mail-order prescription requirements, calls for the ending of unjustifiable drug price markups, and the protection of patient access to essential pharmacy care and services.

The key here is it has to be actionable legislation and a difference maker, said Nekos. There is a need for politicians, legislators and lawmakers to talk to the real people. If theyre going to act, make a difference.
ALBANY  Healthy Catholic parishioners will again have the obligation to attend Mass in person in the Albany Roman Catholic Dioceses 126 parishes beginning Sunday, June 6, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger said in a letter published Monday.

Scharfenberger granted a general dispensation in March 2020 to the dioceses Catholics relieving them of the religious obligation to attend services during the pandemic. Many people switched from being in the pews in their parish to watching livestreamed of Masses from churches across the diocese.

Changes by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state government on restrictions put in place to battle COVID-19 as vaccination against the disease has become more widespread led the bishop to lift the dispensation that removed the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.

On the one hand, we must be safe and healthy and we must keep others safe and healthy too. On the other hand, there is the supreme good of the Mass, the sacraments and prayer. For example, having Mass online is great, but we know that it cannot be a substitute for being there in person and most especially for receiving our Lord in Holy Communion, for He is "real food and real drink" (John 6: 55), Scharfenberger wrote in his letter published Monday in The Evangelist, the diocesan newspaper.

With all this in mind, given the recent changes in regulations and after considerable consultation; from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Sunday, 6th June 2021), I will remove the general dispensation from the obligation to go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days given back in March 2020, the bishop continued.

The bishop, however, is continuing the dispensation for Catholics who are ill or at risk of becoming sick, who are caring for the ill or have the risk of being sick and for those who experience a significant anxiety or fear of getting sick from being in a public setting.

The diocese updated its guidelines Wednesday for wearing masks and social distancing while in churches. Even though the CDC and state have lifted restrictions in these areas for vaccinated people, the diocese will continue to require people to wear masks except for reception of Holy Communion, or at other designated moments (in the) liturgy and a social distance of a minimum distance of six feet should be maintained wherever possible, between members of the congregation while inside.

Scharfenberger acknowledged in his letter that due to social distancing and the limits on capacity in the churches it may not be possible for people to attend Mass and that good intention would also be included in that particular dispensation continuing to be granted for not being able to attend.

The dioceses parishes continued to function throughout the last 14 months as the pandemic ebbed and flowed. They remained open so people could enter a church and pray.

When public Masses began last June with mask requirements and social distancing in place, people were thrilled to be able to attend in person and there was a slow but steady increase in attendance, to the point where parishes had to start adding extra Masses to meet the demand, said Mary DeTurris Poust, a spokeswoman for the diocese.

We expect another big jump in attendance with the increase in vaccination rates, the easing of restrictions, and the bishop's letter on returning to Mass, Poust said.

Even though congregations in-person were smaller, about two-thirds of the parishes are actually doing very well and are meeting or even exceeding typical collections, Poust said.

The parishes that moved to livestreaming services and reached out to their congregants through social media were able to maintain and strengthen their ties to those who were absent from the pews during the pandemic. In some cases, parishes reported increased attendance at Masses celebrated online, according to pastors.

The parishes that didnt adjust to the new demands placed on them by COVID-19 have not done as well financially, Poust said.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed new legislation into law Thursday that is intended to increase the reporting of hate crimes and help law enforcement investigate and prosecute them, particularly crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, whove faced more discrimination during the pandemic.

All of this hate hides in plain sight, Biden said. Too often is it met with silence.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-Queens, was celebrated at the White House for her work on the bill and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., also attended the signing ceremony.

In New York, the overall number of hate crimes decreased from 2019 to 2020, but crimes against Asian Americans increased, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. From 2019 to 2020, the number of hate crimes against Asian Americans spiked from five to 31 with most crimes committed against people and some against property. The vast majority of crimes took place in New York City.

Vice President Kamala Harris said a year ago that 1,100 hate crimes against Asian Americans had been nationally reported, but by this week that number is more than 6,600. Anti-Asian sentiment has increased in visibility because, among other reasons, the coronavirus pandemic is believed to have originated from China.

Im talking about incidents where businesses are being vandalized in the biggest cities and the smallest towns, Harris said. Eight people in Atlanta getting shot on a Tuesday night. This violence did not come from nowhere and none of it is new.

The new law will establish online reporting systems for hate crimes and provide grants for states to establish and run hate crime hotlines. The bill would train law enforcement on using the National Incident-Based Reporting System on reporting hate crimes and provide support for law enforcement agencies that train officers or establish units to work on hate crimes.

It will also allow judges to require people convicted under federal hate crime laws to undergo community service and education on the communities they harmed. Finally, it would expand public awareness campaigns aimed at raising awareness about hate crimes and their victims.

The legislation passed Congress with broad bipartisan support.

Jason Chang, director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut, supported the law but warned it was not enough.

[Fighting] hate crimes only addresses the issue after it has happened, he said. I would like to see greater attention on prevention and dismantling of racist culture and white supremacy.

He added that he held concerned that increasing policing of hate crimes could result in more incarceration of Black and brown communities.






WATERFORD - Town police said an 80-year-old man missing since Tuesday was found dead near Lock 3 of the Erie Canal Thursday afternoon.

The body of Michael Cassella was found and recovered at 1:43 p.m. by the Waterford Police Department with assistance from the State Police Aviation Unit and Dive Team.
HOUSTON (AP)  A Houston man who had been convicted in a 2010 fatal stabbing but was later eliminated as the killer by DNA evidence was declared innocent on Wednesday by Texas highest criminal court.

The ruling by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals came after a new analysis of DNA found on the victims fingernails pointed to Lydell Grants innocence.

Grant was convicted in the death of 28-year-old Aaron Scheerhoorn, who was stabbed outside a Houston bar. Six eyewitnesses to the stabbing testified against Grant at trial. He was convicted in 2012.

Grant, 44, had served seven years of a life sentence when he was freed on bond in 2019 to await the appeals courts decision.

During a news conference Wednesday, Grant thanked God and said he was grateful to be declared innocent as he had expected to die in prison.

I knew this day was going to come and I just didnt know when, Grant said.

Mike Ware, who is the executive director of the Innocence Project of Texas and one of Grants attorneys, thanked the Harris County District Attorneys Office for its work in helping exonerate Grant.

Its a huge day for justice, Ware said.

Police have arrested Jermarico Carter, 43, for Scheerhoorns killing and he remains jailed in Houston awaiting trial. Authorities say Carter, who was tracked down in Atlanta, confessed to the killing.

The exoneration of innocent individuals is as important as the conviction of guilty ones, said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. The highest responsibility of a prosecutor is to see that justice is done.

The ruling by the appeals court means Grant can apply for $80,000 in state compensation for each year of his wrongful imprisonment.

Grant said he plans on getting a degree in audio engineering and pursuing a music career. He is also writing a book about his experience.

But Grant said while hes ready to move forward with his life, he is still affected by his experience and remains cautious, making sure that whenever he goes to a store he gets a receipt to prove he was there and to show what time he went.

And its crazy because now I got to live like that because of what Ive been through, Grant said. But I dont ask for no sympathy from no one. I dont ask for nobody to feel sorry for me because Im strong and God, he endured and sustained me... and Im just thankful.

Ware has said he believes erroneous eyewitness identifications based on outdated and flawed techniques used by police detectives helped to wrongly convict Grant.

Mistaken eyewitness identifications contributed to about 69% of the more than 375 wrongful convictions in the U.S. that have been overturned by post-conviction DNA evidence, according to the Innocence Project.

The fingernail evidence the cleared Grant was retested with more advanced technology than had been available during the initial investigation. The retesting resulted in a hit on the FBIs Combined DNA Index System that pointed to Carter, according to authorities.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70
ALBANY  Appellate justices on Thursday upheld the conviction of former University at Albany student Ariel Agudio for falsely reporting a hate crime in a 911 call, but tossed her conviction for allegedly causing a panic about the incident on Twitter.

The unanimous 5-0 decision by the Appellate Division of state Supreme Courts Third Department in Albany echoed the appeals court's earlier ruling in April 2020 in the case of Agudios co-defendant, former UAlbany student Asha Burwell. In that decision and the ruling Thursday, justices said the convictions were supported by the weight of the evidence but that the women's tweets were protected by the First Amendment.

The predawn incident that preceded the arrests of Agudio and Burwell, both of Long Island, and a third student, Alexis Briggs, of Chemung County, all of whom are Black, unfolded at about 1 a.m. on Jan. 30, 2016. The students were on a CDTA bus headed back to the college's uptown campus when, they alleged, white men and women attacked them and yelled racial slurs  and that the bus driver did nothing.

Agudio and Burwell called 911, and Agudio told an operator they were "jumped on a bus," that her hair was pulled out and that "boys" hit them.

Agudio told an operator: "All three of my friends were against 10 people and . . . it was a racially-fueled crime, we were three black girls jumped by like 20 white people, so I think it's important that we call," the decision noted.

Video recordings later showed that Agudio and Burwell appeared to be the attackers. The students were arrested.

The school expelled Agudio and Burwell and suspended Briggs, who pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, a violation.

In April 2017, an Albany County jury found Agudio and Burwell guilty of two counts of falsely reporting an incident. One count was for their 911 call. The other count was for tweets about the incident that prosecutors said caused public alarm. They were acquitted of assault and harassment charges. Acting Supreme Court Justice Roger McDonough sentenced both women to three years' probation, 200 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine.

Thursday's ruling, authored by Appellate Justice John Colangelo, stated that the evidence at trial established that Agudio "initiated a verbal exchange that erupted into a physical altercation."

It said Agudio, who became annoyed by a female passenger who sang "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall," stood up and told the passenger, "I'm from Long Island, I can (expletive) you up." That passenger testified that a female friend then said to Agudio, Burwell and Briggs: "You're (expletive) ignorant. Get a job." That woman was punched in the face. The passenger testified that she heard the words "white ignorant bitch."

Agudio testified at trial that she heard phrases used to disparage Black women.

Colangelo stated: "Although (Agudio) testified that the racial slur was spoken, the remaining testimony and the video footage indicate that the racial slur was neither heard nor spoken. "

Thursday's ruling was supported by justices John Egan, Sharon Aarons, Christine Clark and Stanley Pritzker.

In February 2020, Burwell's attorney, Frederick Brewington, argued to appellate justices that the Twitter-related conviction was a slippery slope given the range of untrue tweets in society, including those of then-President Donald Trump, who has since been banned from Twitter.

"If, indeed, we put this standard in place, someone would have to arrest our president immediately," Brewington told the Times Union at the time.

Appellate justices later agreed, ruling that Burwell's tweets were permitted under free speech regardless of whether they were true or false.

And when the Third Department heard Agudio's appeal in February, Albany County Assistant District Attorney Vincent Stark conceded that Agudio's conviction for the tweets should be tossed. He argued that the conviction for the 911 call should remain.

Agudio's attorney, Mark Mishler, argued before the Third Department that Agudio and Burwell faced legal consequences for their conduct that other people who call 911 to report crimes do not face. Mishler said no 911 call is perfect.

"The standard that the (prosecutors) wish to uphold in this case and solely this case," Mishler said, "apparently is that if a Black person calls 911 and alleges a racial incident, that they better damn well be 100 percent accurate in every single word that comes out of their mouth or they will be subject to prosecution."

Mishler argued that people can make such calls amid upsetting circumstances when adrenaline is flowing.

Stark argued back: "I don't think we're holding anybody to a particularly high standard here. The standard we are holding them to is you cannot call the police and lie, just flat outright lie. That's what occurred here."
ALBANY  Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New Yorkers who get a COVID-19 vaccination next week will get a free lottery ticket  and could win a jackpot up to $5 million.

The incentive comes as vaccination rates are slowing. Sixty-two percent of state residents have now been vaccinated, and Cuomo said his administration is seeking new ways to reach people that are hesitant to get shots, or believe its now not necessary as infections drop and restrictions are lifted.

Recipients of the mega multiplier lottery ticket  worth $20  have a one in nine chance of winning at least some prize between $20 and the $5 million jackpot, Cuomo said.

The promotion is being offered between Monday, May 24 and Friday, May 28 at 10 of the states mass vaccination sites.

At the press conference at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Cuomo also announced a $250 million airport improvement competition for upstate airports. The taxpayer-funded competition will ask airports to propose improvements that would enhance traveler experiences, promote tourism in the airports region, or make the facility more environmentally or business-friendly.

Cuomo was asked several questions about his book released last year on the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic, "American Crisis," which will yield him payments of more than $5 million.

One reporter asked Cuomo if he had profited on the backs of dead New Yorkers.

Cuomo responded, simply,Thats stupid.

Later asked by the same reporter why the question was "stupid,"Cuomo replied: I thought your question was stupid and offensive.

Cuomo elaborated that his book was meant to help impart lessons learned during the early period of the pandemic, when New York was the epicenter. He then shifted to slamming the Trump administration's response to the crisis.

The federal government lied, Cuomo said.

Cuomo indicated he would not release a copy of his book contract, which would contain further details of his publishing deal with Crown New York. Cuomo said all the necessary financial details were in a 2020 tax return, which Cuomos office made available to reporters this week, the same day a state-mandated financial disclosure form detailing his outside income was due.

State Republican Party chairman Nick Langworthy, who hails from the Buffalo area, issued a press release stating he was not allowed into Cuomos press conference on Thursday. Langworthy was set to hold his own media availability after Cuomos event to call for the book contracts release.

In response, Cuomo called on Langworthy to release his own tax returns.

Go ask him if he releases his taxes to the public, and if not, what is he hiding? Cuomo said.

Asked about new reports that a Department of Justice probe has expanded  to include alleged preferential treatment that Cuomos family and others received in getting COVID-19 tests  Cuomo said he and his family had not been contacted by investigators.

We didnt do anything in New York State that was different from anyone else, Cuomo said. I was running COVID response for this state, so I didnt want to get COVID. So precautions were taken.
SCHENECTADY  A former nursing student at Ellis Hospital who was stabbed in the neck during a rampage by a scissors-wielding patient last year is suing the medical facility in state Supreme Court, claiming negligence.

Cassidy Taranto, who filed the legal action against Ellis Hospital and its security, contends the two failed to act to prevent the patient, Ian U. Castaldo, who at the time was 27, from attacking a technician, and using a scissors to stab Taranto and two nurses. All survived.

Taranto, now 25, who graduated from Sage College last year, suffered serious and permanent injuries, as well as psychological trauma, because of the hospital's alleged failure to act, stated the lawsuit filed by Tarantos attorney, David Iverson of the firm of E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy in Troy.

Taranto was stabbed while trying to get the nurse who was stabbed in the back out of the room, her attorney said.

The suit accused the hospital and its security team -- identified only as a John Doe -- of "gross recklessness and/or intentional, wanton, or malicious conduct aimed at the public," adding that the "defendants' conduct is so flagrant that it transcends mere carelessness and therefore an award of punitive damages is appropriate."

The suit noted Ellis Hospital has wings with heightened security to control violent patients, and a color-coded system that includes a code gray to call for an emergency response. And it said Castaldo on two prior occasions had to be tied to a bed because of his propensities for violence and erratic behaviors.

On April 22, a Schenectady County grand jury indicted Castaldo on charges of possessing a weapon, two counts of felony assault and menacing in connection with the incident in the Nott Street medical facility on Feb. 27, 2020.

The lawsuit contends Ellis Hospital failed to contain Castaldo before he ran amok.

That day, Castaldo arrived at the hospital's emergency room seeking treatment. He was acting "erratically and violently" but was nevertheless transferred to the hospital's neuroscience intensive care unit, known as the Neuro ICU, which contains no additional security, the suit said,.

No security was informed of the patient's arrival, the suit said.

Without warning by the hospital, Castaldo unleashed his attack, the lawsuit said.

"Castaldo physically assaulted a technician with his bare hands," the suit said. "(Taranto) and other nurses on the unit floor rushed over to assess the scene. At this point, Ellis Hospital neglected to call a 'code gray.' Thereafter, Castaldo acquired a pair of scissors, repeatedly stabbed a nurse, stabbed a second nurse in the back, and finally stabbed plaintiff nursing student in the neck."

The suit said Taranto was instructed to walk herself down to the emergency department "where she witnessed security leisurely walking the hallway with the 'code gray' being called for the first time over the speaker system, a substantial period of time after Castaldo initially assaulted the tech and thereafter stabbed the nurses."

The lawsuit alleged the stabbing was "caused by the negligent security, reckless conduct, and lack of care of defendants and as a result of defendants' failure to provide reasonable and adequate security and follow their own security protocols and procedures."

It said the hospital and its security team"had actual knowledge of Castaldo's propensities for violence, erratic behavior, and psychological concerns yet did nothing to adequately protect or secure its staff, interns, and nursing students."

The suit said the hospital had received complaints about employees being assaulted by violent patients as a result of inadequate staffing and security.

After the incident, the New York State Nurses Association, the union that represents nurses, accused the hospital of being "more concerned about where we park and whether our union rep is in the building, than with the safety of our staff. When there's a violent incident, security is nowhere to be found."

And registered nurse Sarah Cornett, the membership chair of the Bellevue Woman's Center Executive Committee, questioned why Castaldo, whose history was well-known to hospital staff, was placed in an open patient unit.

Philip Schwartz, a spokesperson for the hospital, said "as a general rule, we at Ellis Medicine do not discuss specific pending litigation in these situations."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 20:50:16|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Nov. 8, 2020 shows an Orange Line metro train leaving a station in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore. (Photo by Sajjad/Xinhua)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said he hopes that China and Pakistan will maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and maintain and develop the precious treasure of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday held a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, with both sides pledging to strengthen bilateral communication and cooperation.

China and Pakistan enjoy a longstanding friendship, Li said. Noting that this incoming Friday marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani President Arif Alvi will exchange congratulatory messages.

Photo taken on April 30, 2021 shows a view of the project management department of the Suki Kinari (SK) Hydropower Project in Mansehra district, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Deng Kaiyin)

Li said he hopes that the two sides will maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and maintain and develop the precious treasure of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Li and Khan exchanged views on international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 in particular.

Li pointed out that the pandemic is still raging across the world, and the international community needs to work together to tackle the challenge caused by the virus, the common enemy of mankind.

A handover ceremony of a batch of China-donated COVID-19 vaccine is held at Noor Khan Air Base near Islamabad, Pakistan, Feb. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Tian)

China is ready to provide support to Pakistan within its capacity in fighting the pandemic, Li added.

Khan, for his part, said Pakistan is looking forward to strengthening high-level exchanges and advancing strategic cooperation with China.

Under the current circumstances, Pakistan particularly hopes to deepen cooperation with China to fight COVID-19, Khan said, adding that Pakistan is ready to work with China to push for new achievements in bilateral relations. 
BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union and U.S. top trade officials on Thursday further cemented recent advances on some key differences that have soured trans-Atlantic relations over the past few years.

EU trade ministers used a virtual meeting with U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai to highlight the breakthroughs in the longstanding dispute over airplane production subsidies and a fight over steel tariffs.

We agreed that finding effective solutions together is essential to preserve our critical industries, EU Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said.

It is spring here in Brussels and there is a spirit of optimism," German Trade Minster Peter Altmaier said. It stood in sharp contrast with the four years of divisive relations under President Donald Trump.

U.S. President Joe Biden will visit the EU next month seeking to further increase cooperation on anything from battling the COVID-19 pandemic and confronting a surging China as a disruptive rival.

I stressed the importance of sticking together regarding what happens in China, Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sigrid Kaag said.

Germany's optimism was boosted further when the Biden administration on Wednesday spared the German company overseeing a natural gas pipeline from Russia into the EU, underscoring how Biden wants to mend relations with a key ally that were unsettled during the Trump administration.

Even if Germany is the juggernaut of the EU's economies, France is its strategic partner in dealing with Washington, and French Foreign Trade Minister Franck Riester equally lauded the very positive signals coming from the United States.

And the European Union has done its part too. Just on Monday, it hit the pause button and temporarily suspended some upcoming measures at the heart of a steel tariff dispute. With it, the bloc wouldn't increase some tariffs targeting U.S products, including Harley-Davidson motocycles and bourbon.

And they agree to address together the global steel and aluminum excess capacity, where they see China as a common adversary.

It already followed the four-month suspension of tariffs used in the longstanding Airbus-Boeing dispute. Both sides now face a July 10 deadline to find a new breakthrough.

Work is advancing. So I would say that this timeline is realistic, Dombrovskis said. Of course, it requires effort on both sides, but its possible.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  In this fourth war between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers, the Islamic militant group has fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel, some hitting deeper in Israeli territory and with greater accuracy than ever before.

The unprecedented barrages reaching as far north as the seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv, coupled with drone launches and even an attempted submarine attack, have put on dramatic display a homegrown arsenal that has only expanded despite the choke hold of a 14-year Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the coastal strip.

The magnitude of (Hamas) bombing is much bigger and the precision is much better in this conflict, said Mkhaimar Abusada, a professor of political science at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City. Its shocking what theyve been able to do under siege.

Israel has argued that the blockade  which has caused severe hardship for more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza  is essential for preventing a Hamas arms build-up and cannot be lifted.

Heres a look at how, despite intense surveillance and tight restrictions, Hamas managed to amass its cache.

___

FROM CRUDE BOMBS TO LONG-RANGE ROCKETS

Since the founding of Hamas in 1987, the group's secretive military wing  which operates alongside a more visible political organization  evolved from a small militia into what Israel describes as a semi-organized military."

In its early days, the group carried out deadly shootings and kidnappings of Israelis. It killed hundreds of Israelis in suicide bombings during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, which erupted in late 2000.

As violence spread, the group started producing rudimentary Qassam rockets. Powered partly by molten sugar, the projectiles reached just a few kilometers (miles), flew wildly and caused little damage, often landing inside Gaza.

After Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Hamas assembled a secret supply line from longtime patrons Iran and Syria, according to Israel's military. Longer-range rockets, powerful explosives, metal and machinery flooded Gazas southern border with Egypt. Experts say the rockets were shipped to Sudan, trucked across Egypts vast desert and smuggled through a warren of narrow tunnels beneath the Sinai Peninsula.

In 2007, when Hamas fighters pushed the Palestinian Authority out of Gaza and took over governing the coastal strip, Israel and Egypt imposed their tight blockade.

According to the Israeli military, the smuggling continued, gaining steam after Mohammed Morsi, an Islamist leader and Hamas ally, was elected president of Egypt in 2012 before being overthrown by the Egyptian army.

Gaza militants stocked up on foreign-made rockets with enhanced ranges, like Katyushas and the Iranian-supplied Fajr-5, which were used during the 2008 and 2012 wars with Israel.

___

A HOMEGROWN INDUSTRY

After Morsi's overthrow, Egypt cracked down on and shut hundreds of smuggling tunnels. In response, Gazas local weapons industry picked up.

The Iranian narrative is that they kick-started all the missile production in Gaza and gave them the technical and knowledge base, but now the Palestinians are self-sufficient, said Fabian Hinz, an independent security analyst focusing on missiles in the Middle East. Today, most of the rockets were seeing are domestically built, often with creative techniques.

In a September documentary aired by the Al-Jazeera satellite news network, rare footage showed Hamas militants reassembling Iranian rockets with ranges of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) and warheads packed with 175 kilograms (385 pounds) of explosives. Hamas militants opened unexploded Israeli missiles from previous strikes to extract explosive materials. They even salvaged old water pipes to repurpose as missile bodies.

To produce rockets, Hamas chemists and engineers mix propellant from fertilizer, oxidizer and other ingredients in makeshift factories. Key contraband is still believed to be smuggled into Gaza in a handful of tunnels that remain in operation.

Hamas has publicly praised Iran for its assistance, which experts say now primarily takes the form of blueprints, engineering know-how, motor tests and other technical expertise. The State Department reports that Iran provides $100 million a year to Palestinian armed groups.

___

THE ARSENAL ON DISPLAY

The Israeli military estimates that before the current round of fighting, Hamas had an arsenal of 7,000 rockets of varying ranges that can cover nearly all of Israel, as well as 300 anti-tank and 100 anti-aircraft missiles. It also has acquired dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles and has an army of some 30,000 militants, including 400 naval commandos.

In this latest war, Hamas has unveiled new weapons like attack drones, unmanned submarine drones dispatched into the sea and an unguided rocket called Ayyash with a 250-kilometer (155-mile) range. Israel claims those new systems have been thwarted or failed to make direct strikes.

The Israeli military says its current operation has dealt a tough blow to Hamas' weapons research, storage and production facilities. But Israeli officials acknowledge they have been unable to halt the constant barrages of rocket fire.

Unlike guided missiles, the rockets are imprecise and the vast majority have been intercepted by Israels Iron Dome defense system. But by continuing to frustrate Israel's superior firepower, Hamas may have made its main point.

Hamas is not aiming for the military destruction of Israel. Ultimately, the rockets are meant to build leverage and rewrite the rules of the game, Hinz said. Its psychological.

___

Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Jon Gambrell in Dubai contributed to this report.
Facebook has refused to remove a widely viewed attack ad that links Rep. Ilhan Omar to Hamas, even after her aides told the tech giant that the message is inaccurate, hateful and threatened to subject her to death threats.

The controversy could further inflame tensions between Facebook and Democratic lawmakers, who say the social-media company has failed to police its platform against known, viral falsehoods and refused to heed their cries about the real-world consequences of online speech.

The Minnesota Democrat's office first reached out to Facebook on Tuesday after viewing a series of ads from the pro-Israeli lobby, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. In one of the ads, Omar's face is superimposed onto Hamas rockets, with text that claims: "When Israel targets Hamas, Rep. Omar calls it an act of terrorism."

The ad distorted Omar's tweet from earlier this week, in which she said that Israeli air strikes killing civilians in Gaza, not Hamas specifically, were an act of terrorism.

Omar's office warned the company that similar images of her face with Hamas attacks have directly inspired death threats against her. Her aides told Facebook in emails later viewed by The Washington Post that it "peddles both hate speech and misinformation."

A day of back-and-forth followed, after Facebook initially could not find the ad - then spent hours reviewing it - only to determine it did not violate company policies.

The ad ran as part of a series targeting other lawmakers including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., which Facebook's ad tracking tool estimated potentially could be seen by between 500,000 and 1 million people.

Facebook spokesman Andy Stone confirmed that the company determined the ads did not violate its policies. However, the social network does reject ads that its fact checking partners determine are false, and the company told Omar's office in an email exchange that this ad would be eligible for a fact check.

The exchange follows long-running criticism that Facebook and other social networks are not doing enough to protect women of color from hateful and insightful content online, even at the highest levels of political office.

Omar's office told the tech giant that "we are deeply concerned that Facebook would continue to profit off this hate," in the email exchange.

This isn't the first time a tech company has refused to remove content targeting Omar that raised concerns about hate and harassment. In 2019, Twitter refused to take any action against a tweet from Donald Trump which called on Omar and several other Democratic members of Congress to "go back" to their countries. Twitter said the tweets didn't violate its policies, but they prompted widespread allegations of racism against women of color. Independent researchers struggled to see why the tweets didn't run afoul of the company's rules.

Facebook's refusal to remove the ad could further inflame tensions with Democratic lawmakers, who for years have criticized the company for being too hands-off over falsehoods and other harmful content circulating on the social network.

Party leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., have already criticized the ads. Pelosi said she didn't agree with Omar's position, but she told reporters it was disappointing to see a "deeply cynical" and "inflammatory" ad distorting Omar's statements.

Pelosi has had her own showdowns with Facebook, after the company refused to remove a distorted video that was edited to make her speech appear stilted and slurred. Pelosi criticized Facebook for not removing that clip. Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether the company should remove the ad targeting Omar.

In addition to calling Facebook to remove the ads, Omar's office has also called on AIPAC to apologize. Isi Baehr-Breen, Omar's deputy communications director, called the ads "anti-Muslim hate speech."

"It's dangerous, plain and simple," she said in a statement.

AIPAC defended the ad as "fair and accurate" in a statement to The Washington Post, and said it would continue to criticize lawmakers who seek to undermine support for Israel.

"The ad concerning Representative Omar is completely fair and accurate," AIPAC spokesman Marshall Wittmann said in a statement. "It is not a personal attack but highlights her outrageous characterization of Israel's efforts at self-defense as 'terrorism.' Israel targets Hamas terrorists, not civilians."

The ad exacerbates long-running tensions between Omar and the pro-Israel lobby. Omar faced widespread backlash in 2019 for a tweet suggesting that Israel's allies in American politics were motivated by money rather than principle. She apologized after Pelosi and Democratic leadership condemned her "use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel's supporters."

AIPAC last year apologized and removed Facebook ads that accused "radicals" in the Democratic Party of "pushing their anti-Semitic and anti-Israel policies."
The United Tenants of Albany has a new executive director, K. Michelle Arthur.

UTA is a 40-year-old advocacy organization that works to improve housing conditions for renters in Albany, both in terms of physical conditions and tenants rights for security and equity.

Q: What did you do before taking on your new position with UTA?

A: I come to the amazing team at UTA with an untraditional background. I am a nonprofit administrator with an arts background. I started as a curator and most recently was working as the director of Brookside Museum in Saratoga County. The pandemic afforded me an opportunity to combine what I did as an avocation with what I do for a living. Through local Rotary Clubs in Delmar and Ballston Spa and the Bethlehem PTAs I have been able to work on a number of projects combating food insecurity within our schools. My skills from the museum world were completely transferable. The opportunity that UTAs staff and board have given me to contribute to something larger than myself that will benefit our community is an extraordinary gift and I am honored to have been asked to join UTAs team. In 2005, I came to the Capital Region after spending 16 years in NYC, where I had moved from Boston to go to graduate school. I love being a part of this community and really enjoy raising my children here.



Q: This is a very hard time for tenants and landlords. What role is UTA playing right now? In the past, former director Laura Felts would often go to the courthouse to help tenants defend themselves in eviction cases. Are you still doing that, or has the focus at UTA shifted because of the eviction ban?

A: Laura Felts, has always been a passionate advocate for tenants. Before becoming UTAs director she was our court advocate. UTA has for many decades had a Court Advocate on staff. We still do. Julia, our court advocate, has continued throughout the pandemic to appear in virtual court assisting tenants navigate the legal process and also mediate solutions between landlords and tenants. UTAs crisis hotline gets about 350 calls from tenants each month, up from an average of 70 a month before the pandemic. Our tenant advocate, Lovett, is many of these peoples first contact with UTA. She begins the process that our housing counselors, Caitlin and Eseka complete.

Our program director, Shatiqua and our entire program team have continued to connect people in need with emergency assistance to pay back rent and utility bills. While tenants are our point of contact, the emergency assistance funding distributed by UTA totaling over $385,000 has gone directly to 385 landlords to cover arrears and keep families in their homes.

Albany County will soon be releasing Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds. These emergency funds are part of the American Relief Program passed in January. UTA is one of the local assistance sites coordinating with DSS. We have a case manager (Tatiana) who will be working to help applicants with that program.



Adrian Hill and Kristen Koppler, our Community Engagement team, are working to educate the community, landlords and tenants both, about their rights and responsibilities, participate in community dialogue, and advocate for legislation that redresses the inequities of the legal system regarding the tenant land lord relationship. While both sides can have a lawyer present at eviction proceedings, more often it is the landlord that has the resources to hire private representation.

The Good Cause Eviction legislation that is being discussed in the Albany Common Council Law Committee and is also before the State Legislature will allow a landlord to evict a tenant for breaching their lease or non payment of rent, but prevents a landlord from refusing to repair the unit to force a tenant in good standing out of their home through unreasonable rent increases. Through our collaboration with Housing for All and Housing Justice for All, UTA is a part of these discussions.

Q: Landlords are in a bind as well, as illustrated by a recent story about landlords and tenants in Schenectady. What do you think would be good solutions to help people move past this crisis?

A: The article is heartbreaking and shines a light on the struggles of daily life during this pandemic. COVID has driven wedges into the cracks that already existed in the system. The thing that I personally find to be so sad is that both sides are in crisis. Renters and landlords both have lost their livelihoods and are afraid of not being able to pay their bills and feed their families. Exacerbated by fear, they see each other in an adversarial light.

There are two different sets of issues at play here. The first issue is a larger one of systemic economic disparities, injustices and the imbalance of power. These disparities limit access to resources such as fair wages and financial capital. Systemic issues can only be solved if individuals from all sides work together to effect a change in values where everyone in society is deemed important. The idea that we do not succeed until the least of us succeeds. Stable housing is a foundational piece that allows for personal security, the ability for children to focus in school, adults to focus on work and their families. The second is how do we ensure that everyone follows the rules enacted by our elected officials for the greater good of the community? Legislation is one mechanism to do that.

Q: Housing prices are rising because of low inventory. Are you hearing from clients that rents are rising, too? Are tenants having a hard time finding apartments?

A: Absolutely, yes, rental prices are increasing in the Capital Region. According to Lovett, who speaks with many of the people who call the UTA hotline, rents are going up due to the losses that the landlords are facing because of the pandemic. Some choose to make up the lost rental income by making the tenants who are paying rent pay more to make up the difference. For example, if your rent is $900, it will be increased by $250 to $300, and the tenant is often given only 30 days to pay the additional amount or leave.
ALBANY  Albany Common Council President Corey Ellis is proposing to create a team of neighborhood paid sworn peace officers trained to respond to nonviolent crimes, quality-of-life issues as well as community events like the Tulip Festival.

It's one component of of Ellis' larger plan for a public safety commission that - if approved first by the Common Council and then by voters in November - would help the city implement police reforms not included in a package of changes recently sent to the state.

"This is community citizen driven, sometimes when talk about public safety we don't talk enough about the people, we don't talk enough about how , individuals can be part of that public safety," said Ellis, who was joined on the steps of City Hall by representatives from community and labor groups, including the Albany NAACP, the Center for Law and Justice, Citizen Police Review Board and Albany Central Labor Area Federation.

For example, Ellis envisions peace officers might be able to secure 'Alive at Five' free concerts or Tulip Festival or a loud music complaint thus freeing up police officers to respond to other more urgent 911 calls.

Peace officers would handle so-called nuisance complaints, leaving police free to handle more significant matters. Ellis said the peace officers could help augment staffing at a time when the police department is trying to fill vacancies.

The commission proposal grew out of dissatisfaction over the police reform plan the city recently sent to the governor's office.

In March, after laying out what it sees as some of the plan's shortfalls, the Common Council voted 13-1 to pass a resolution approving the city's proposed police reform plan.

The resolution the council backed took issue with the lack of public input in the process, the timeline for some of the proposed reforms and the lack of information on who is responsible for seeing the reforms into action.

The plan was the city's response to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's executive order requiring local governments to reform their police departments in the wake of nationwide protests last year over police brutality. The deadline for local governments to pass their plans was April 1.

The city created a Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, which released a 102-page report after months of meetings. Mayor Kathy Sheehan's administration turned that report into several dozen recommendations with corresponding timelines for achieving the reforms.

In response to a reporter's tweet about the Ellis announcement, Brian Shea, chief of operations for Sheehan, pointed to and attached a screen grab of Page 14 and 95 of that document that in part outlines pans to create a civilian public safety commission independent of the Albany police department that calls for hiring civilian case managers to staff the commission and mentions the possibility of training and hiring community members.

To make his point, Shea wrote that "Albany has the most detailed and actionable plan in New York state" that is currently being implemented.

Asked later Wednesday during a phone conversation about the differences between the two proposals, Ellis replied that, "I'm putting it in motion."

"They made a recommendation, did anybody move on it?" he asked. "It wasn't presented in anything to the Common Council, we haven't heard a thing, so is what we're doing, we're putting that in motion."

He said the now is the time for the council to act in the interest of the people who want to see real meaningful change on police reform.

"We are the legislative branch of government, we are going to create that entity and move forward," he said. "We don't have to wait for the executive branch of government to do that."

Many of the reforms included in the report will take months if not years to fulfill and lawmakers suggested the city would need to find ways to shepherd the changes.

Ellis said during the news conference Common Council members, who will debate the merits of the new public safety commission, appoint how many members they want to it, much like they do the civilian police review board. He expressed optimism that the panel would back the proposal.

"I think this is about language, language that's in the bill, and how we craft it to make sure that we can try to get it on the ballot before November," said Ellis, adding he hopes to introduce the legislation next month with the caveat that it could be revised based on input from the community.

On Wednesday, Common Council member Tom Hoey said a phone conversation about two weeks ago where Ellis mentioned the idea to him for the commission "gave me hope."

"This isn't going to be top down, this is bottom up ... we're going to go out to the neighborhood associations, we're going to go out to the people, and from the ground up, grassroots, come up with a way that we can build trust again in the community and with public safety," said Hoey.

Alice Green with the Center for Law and Justice said a program to inform people in the community about the commission is in the works "to educate them about this particular new structure but also to get their input."

"I know that COVID was a problem, but we've got to go beyond that, we've got to come up with creative ways of getting in touch with people and getting their feedback," said Green. "We're going to go out there and really talk to people and get their feedback and their input so that it is something that will come from the community, so hopefully it won't be ignored by any of our legislators."

David Galin, the mayor's chief of staff, said in a statement that Sheehan and Police Chief Eric Hawkins have started implementing the recommendations from the police reform process.

"We will continue to work with the community and the Common Council to create a public safety structure that recognizes the critical importance of meeting the needs of our residents and providing alternatives to how we respond to calls for service, added Galin.
ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia's governor on Wednesday appointed a panel to determine whether a sheriff accused of violating the civil rights of several people in his custody should be suspended pending the outcome of federal charges.

A federal grand jury last month indicted Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill. The indictment accuses the sheriff of repeatedly ordering detainees to be put in a restraint chair for hours even though they posed no threat and had complied with deputies. The indictment alleges the restraint chairs were improperly used as punishment.

Hill has said the prosecution is politically motivated.

One of his lawyers, Drew Findling, has called the case against Hill nonsensical but said Wednesday that since the panel is provided for by law, his client doesn't see its appointment negatively.

A federal magistrate judge authorized Hill's release on bond.

Georgia law allows the governor to convene a review commission made up of two sheriffs and the state attorney general to investigate and recommend whether a sheriff facing criminal or ethics charges should be suspended pending the outcome.

In an executive order Wednesday, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Attorney General Chris Carr, Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams and Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds to determine whether the indictment affects Hill's duties in such a way that it could have an adverse effect on the public.

The panel is to report back to Kemp within 14 days.

Findling said he's confident that the review commission will recognize the indictment is an overreach by the federal government to interfere with a duly elected sheriff devoted to maintaining security at the Clayton County jail.

Restraint chairs are used at jails throughout the country, and all health and safety procedures were complied with in its use at the Clayton County jail, Findling said.

"At the end, we are confident that Gov. Kemp, who has demonstrated that he will not be dictated to by the federal government and has committed himself to combatting violent crime, will not suspend Sheriff Victor Hill, who is well documented as one of Georgias most devoted anti-crime law enforcement officers, he said.

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, which certifies law enforcement officers in Georgia, has opened an investigation, which it does whenever an officer faces criminal charges, executive director Mike Ayers said.
ALBANY  Pop-up vaccination clinics are coming to Albany this weekend and Ravena next week, Albany County officials announced Thursday.

The first pop-up clinic will be held this Saturday at the Innovation Blocks Party on Clinton Street between Third and Fourth avenues from noon to 3 p.m. Officials will be administering doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine and first doses of the two-shot Pfizer vaccine to anyone age 12 and up. Second-dose Pfizer vaccinations will be arranged at the time of the first dose.

The clinic was organized in partnership with AVillage, a nonprofit in Albanys South End, and CDPHP, a health insurer based in Albany.

The second pop-up clinic is coming to Ravena next Wednesday, May 26, at the Church of Saint Patrick, located at 21 Main St., from 4 to 7 p.m. First-dose Pfizer shots will be available to anyone age 12 and up.

That clinic was arranged with help from Community Care Physicians, CDPHP and the town of Coeymans, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said.

We know bringing small PODs directly to residents in their own neighborhoods is the best way to ensure trust and get to herd immunity, and were moving in the right direction, he said.

PODs stands for points of dispensing.

As of Wednesday, 59 percent of Albany County residents had received at least one shot of the coronavirus vaccine and nearly 52 percent had completed their vaccine series, state data show. Public health experts say at least 70 percent of the population needs immunity in order to severely curtail risk of future outbreaks, though stronger variants could cause that threshold to rise.
An attorney for one of the more prominent Trump loyalists to enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 to stop the certification of the presidential election has an unorthodox defense for people like his client: theyre dullards.

A lot of these defendants  and Im going to use this colloquial term, perhaps disrespectfully  but theyre all f---ing short-bus people, Albert Watkins told Talking Points Memo. These are people with brain damage.

Watkins, who represents self-proclaimed QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley, used a couple more descriptors that were less than politically correct to make his case before arguing that regardless of their critical thinking skills, many of the alleged Capitol-stormers are unexceptional Americans, who were conned into doing something out of character.

They were subjected to four-plus years of godd--n propaganda, the likes of which the world has not seen since f---ing Hitler, Watkins told TPM.

Watkins had previously asked that his client be freed while awaiting trial because he believed he was following direct orders coming from the president of the United States. A judge determined that even if true, that wouldnt make Chansley  who entered the Capitol with a flag on a spear and wearing bulls horns  less of a threat to society.

Watkins said his client is living with Aspergers syndrome.

Chansley, along with thousands of like-minded individuals, converged on the Capitol to support former President Donald Trumps baseless claims that the 2020 election had somehow been stolen from him. More than 400 people have been charged in connection with the attack.

TPMs report notes that blaming propaganda for their actions may not result in not-guilty findings for those involved in the chaos of Jan. 6, but some legal experts suspect it could be considered a factor in the sentencing of some alleged rioters.

An attorney for another man accused of being involved in the uprising has argued that his client suffered from Foxitis. That was described as an affliction caused by believing what was being fed to him by Fox News.

Trump downplayed the uprising on Fox News, where he contradicted law enforcements summary of events by claiming there was zero threat and that his supporters were hugging and kissing cops in the Capitol.

________
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 21:09:02|Editor: huaxia

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Beekeeping expert Cheng Yonghong checks the bees at a bee breeding farm in Zhongyi Township of Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, southwest China's Chongqing, May 19, 2021. May 20 marks the World Bee Day. This year's World Bee Day Celebration in China, themed "Honeybee, Big Dreams, A program for Rural Revitalization", was held in Zhongyi Township of Shizhu County. In recent years, China's beekeeping industry has made a lot of remarkable practices in promoting poverty alleviation and rural revitalization, and has helped many impoverished households to lift themselves out of poverty and increase their income. The current development of beekeeping industry in Shizhu County covers 179 administrative villages and 6,879 households of bee farmers. In 2020, the annual output value of beekeeping industry in Shizhu County reached 520 million yuan (about 80.7 million U.S. dollars). The industry has not only increased the income of local people, but also attracted the return of more and more young people to join in beekeeping businesses in their hometown. (Xinhua/Liu Chan)
BRUSSELS (AP)  The head of the World Trade Organization said Thursday it is of paramount importance to diversify vaccine manufacturing and to have more production taking place in Africa and Latin America to contain the pandemic.

On the eve of a global health summit in Rome, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told European Union legislators that normal market forces for exports and imports couldn't apply when it comes to the life-or-death issue of COVID-19 vaccines, as many of the worlds wealthiest nations were hoarding the shots for their own population when the crisis hit their home turf.
Provided

On May 12, the Mohawk Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored three local students who were named their schools 2021 DAR Good Citizens.

Each Good Citizen received a pin, wallet card and a check from the Mohawk Chapter. In addition, Anna Ryu of Shaker High School was named the 2021 District III DAR Good Citizen and received an additional certificate and check from the NYSDAR Organization that was presented by Sandra Zerrillo, NYS Chairman for the Good Citizens Committee.



Pictured from left:

Ann Misir, chapter chairman; Nevaeh Boyd, Albany High School winner; Nicole Richmond chapter regent; Zerrillo; Ava Coogan, Colonie Central High School winner; and Ryu.
New Yorkers, it turns out, like the idea of early voting. For some reason, though, New York elections officials dont seem so keen on the concept.

Our suggestion to those officials, with all due respect: Get over yourselves.

Early voting was clearly an idea whose time had come for New York last year when nearly one in five voters took advantage of it. Yes, concerns about going to the polls and mixing with other people in the midst of a pandemic no doubt played a role. But the numbers suggest that wasnt entirely the motivation.

More than 2.5 million New Yorkers voted early and in person, according to the state Board of Elections. Less than half that number  1.2 million  voted by mail. The Legislature in 2019 passed a law allowing early voting as part of a Democratic package of election reforms, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year relaxed the constitutional restrictions on absentee voting to allow concerns about contracting COVID-19 to qualify as a valid excuse for voting by mail.

Yet in at least two counties in the Capital Region, election officials are balking at requests to expand this popular option for people to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

In Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs Supervisor Tara Gaston suggests two additional early-voting sites  one in Saratoga Springs, the other in the countys remote northern corner. She and others note that last November, some 28,000 of the countys 170,000 eligible voters took advantage of early voting and found themselves waiting in lines so long that the county Board of Elections extended the polling hours to accommodate them.

But the Saratoga County Board of Elections seems to think the three sites in Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Wilton are plenty. Or at least Republican Commissioner Roger Schiera does. Democratic Commissioner Bill Fruchi favors Ms. Gastons idea, but since the board is evenly divided, Mr. Schieras no is a veto.

His reasoning? Money. It could cost up to $10,000 a site. For some perspective, the county budget is $341 million.

His answer? Vote on Election Day, when the lines arent as long. Well, yeah  because so many people prefer to take advantage of early voting.

A similar argument is brewing in Albany County, where theres a push for more than one early polling place in Albany, but the Board of Elections is saying no. Democratic Commissioner Kathleen Donovan reasons that Albany is compact enough and has enough public transportation to make another location unnecessary. And she argues that the turnout in 2020 was unprecedented and probably will never be seen on that scale again.

Well, again, yeah, if county elections officials do all they can to frustrate people who would vote, if only they could vote early.

Whats perhaps most irksome is that we dont hear all this nickel and diming from people in positions of political power when it comes to all the patronage jobs they like to dole out  jobs, incidentally, that include those highly partisan posts of election commissioners.

The costs of some extra early voting sites are a pittance  especially when one considers that the benefit is nothing less than more citizen engagement in democracy. What, we have to wonder, is so wrong with that?
A few weeks before it first aired in 2018, I wrote about The Handmaids Tale. Margaret Atwoods book seemed heavy-handed, ideological, paranoid. After all, I knew a lot of feminist men. After all, when I read it in the 1980s I was carrying a much-planned baby.

But like many other viewers I have been riveted, with each new season, by the twinned despair and fierce hope that characterize this dark (literally dark) dystopian tale, now spun far beyond Atwoods narrative.

I know a lot of people who wont watch it. They wont because it strikes too close to home. They say The Handmaids Tale seems almost a possibility, even if not a probability. I cant disagree. The deconstruction of Boston into Gilead, a cult-occupied, caste-bound location in an America ravaged by  well, everything  seems at once far-fetched and eerily believable.

I have shed a lot of tears watching each season. Thats not notable. I cry at the drop of a hat. But as I re-watched the last episode of Season 3, there was a scene I had forgotten all about. (Spoiler alert.)

The main character, June, is attempting to arrange transport for a group of children to escape the rigid gender-bound caste system that pipelines girls for marriage at fourteen and motherhood as soon as possible after. (There is a shortage of children in Gilead since the American soil has been environmentally destroyed and toxins have affected fertility rates.)

Conveniently for the ruthless leaders of this community, caste is controlled by dress: handmaids (fertile women ripped from former lives to become child-bearers for commanders whose name they acquire once they are possessed by them  ofFred or ofJoseph, for example) wear bright red dresses (suggesting questionable morality) and clunky, flat boots. The commanders barren wives wear bright creek-green dresses that are tasteful and understatedly elegant. The young girls wear colorless, shapeless garbs during the years they are denied reading or math lessons, but are schooled in obedience to older husbands they are soon to wed.

As June preps Kiki, one of the little girls, she asks What will it be like?

June responds first that Kiki will be free. She responds that she will be able to wear what she wants. That she will not be hurt for reading. That she will not be told what to think or what to believe. June goes on, You dont have to be a wife. You dont have to be a mother, if you dont want to.

Kiki, confused, asks quietly, Then what would I be?

And June responds you.

And all the inculcated fear bred in Gilead is in Kikis response, Will God still love me then?

Its a tiny moment, a moment meant to tug heart strings. It does. Yet it rings so true.

So many children carry into adulthood the shame that they should not be who they are. And religious institutions, in particular, reinforce this  unwittingly or not.

I pastored the first Lutheran church to become our denominations version of welcoming and all-inclusive. That was 20 years ago. There are still churches that have not seen fit to let people be you. And it terrifies me even as it saddens and angers me.

I am cis-gender, heterosexual. And at no point and for any reason can I understand with one fiber of my being why religious institutions tacitly answer Kikis questionon the lips of so many in search for spiritual support, succor and resilience  with no.

Speaking as a leader of and a denizen in a national religious denomination, I want to proclaim with all my heart and soul and theological schooling and conviction:

Be you . And will God still love you then? Oh my, yes. Oh yes, indeed.

Jo Page is a writer and Lutheran minister. Her email is jopage34@yahoo.com. Her website is www.jograepage.com.
The forced evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah are part of the broader expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland  a process that began during the establishment of Israel in 1948 when about 750,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes and villages. Land confiscations, home demolitions, military detention of children and denial of human rights are all part of the decades-long Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Last month, Human Rights Watch issued a 213-page report, A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution. On the basis of its research, Human Rights Watch concluded that the Israeli government has demonstrated an intent to maintain the domination of Jewish Israelis over Palestinians across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In the OPT, including East Jerusalem, that intent has been coupled with systematic oppression of Palestinians and inhumane acts committed against them. When these three elements occur together, they amount to the crime of apartheid.
Frank Pizatella, Jr. passed away Saturday, June 5, 2021 at age 87. Frank grew up in Watson, West Virginia. He was a proud graduate of West Fairmont High School (1952) and Fairmont State College (1958) where he was a member of the first golf team to qualify for the National Tournament. A Vete
Jason Richey, 49, of Sewickley, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania governor. [M:7 Agency]
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 21:56:51|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Ambassadors from 41 countries and international organizations in China have lauded the country's development achievements and praised north China's Tianjin Municipality as a beautiful epitome of China's rapid development after paying a visit there from May 18 to 19.

The ambassadors also commended the Chinese people for their historic victory in poverty alleviation, spoke highly of China's achievements in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, and congratulated the Communist Party of China on its centennial.

It was the second time that Mongolian Ambassador to China Tuvshin Badral has gone to Tianjin. During the visit, he said he saw that Tianjin had witnessed great economic development in recent years.

Noting that Mongolia and China are good trading partners and his country and Tianjin Port have close cooperation, Badral said he saw the great cooperation potential between the two sides.

At the Tianjin branch of the Hebei-based Great Wall Motor, Chilean Ambassador to China Luis Schmidt Montes test-drove a newly-manufactured car.

"Chile is an important market for Great Wall Motor in South America, and the auto brand is popular in Chile," Schmidt said.

"I also bought my daughter a Great Wall car several years ago, which is of very good quality," he added.

After visiting the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city smart center, Adama Compaore, ambassador of Burkina Faso to China, said China has set a good example in both economic and social development and environmental protection. "If all major countries act and take responsibility like China, our world will be a much better place."

"Tianjin is a green city, and the government has created a beautiful living environment for its citizens," said Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman Elnor, African Union representative to China, adding that the country has made important contributions to climate governance, such as energy conservation, emission reduction and air pollution control, which are very important for urban development. Enditem
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[May 20, 2021] ABB Robotics advances construction industry automation to enable safer and sustainable building

- 9 out of 10 construction businesses predict a skills crisis by 2030, with 81 percent saying they will introduce robots in the next 10 years, while safety and the environment both catalysts for accelerating investment in robotics BANGALORE, India and ZURICH, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ABB Robotics is driving automation in the construction industry with new robotic automation solutions to address key challenges, including the need for more affordable and environmentally friendly housing and to reduce the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage. Robotic automation offers huge potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility throughout the construction industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites and robot 3D printing of houses and customized structures. As well as making the industry safer and more cost effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing quality and cutting waste. "With so few construction businesses using automation today, there's huge potential for us to transform the industry through robotics. Unlike building cars or assembling electronics, many techniques used in construction haven't changed for generations, so we are developing new solutions to address key industry challenges," said Sami Atiya, President of ABB's Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. "This new customer segment will broaden our portfolio as part of a wider strategy to accelerate expansion in high-growth segments including electronics, healthcare, consumer goods, logistics and food and beverage, to meet the growing demand for automation across multiple industries." In a global survey1 commissioned by ABB of 1900 large and small construction businesses in Europe, the US and China, 91 percent said they face a skills crisis over the next 10 years, with 44 percent saying they struggle to recruit for construction jobs. Improving health and safety on building sites was a priority for 42 percent and the same percentage said the environment is a key driver for industry change. 81 percent of construction businesses said they will introduce or increase the use of robotics and automation in the next decade, while today only a handful of businesses benefit from robotics. In the survey, only 55 percent of construction companies say they use robots, compared with 84 percent in Automotive and 79 percent in Manufacturing. Industry forecasts for the total value of the global construction industry predict it will rise by 85 percent to $15.5 trillion worldwide by 20302, while ABB Robotics' internal analysis of the market potential for robotic automation over the next 10 years is for high double digit growth rate in key sectors of construction including pre-fabrication and 3D printing. Robots enabling a new approach With the industry facing increased environmental regulation and the need for more cost-effective buildings, robotic automation reduces waste by improving quality and consistency, which is significant when it's estimated that up to a quarter of material transported to a building site leaves as waste3. With automation and digital solutions, builders can also design waste out at the beginning of a project through effective building design and construction processes. With more than 200,000 vacancies for low and high-skilled workers in the EU alone in Q2 20204, the industry labor shortage is a growing issue, with younger people put off construction careers by perceptions that it is a dangerous occupation. Construction workers account for around 30 percnt of workplace injuries and are up to four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident vs. other sectors, with an estimated 108,000 fatalities every year worldwide5.



Robots can make construction safer by handling large and heavy loads, working in unsafe spaces and enabling new, safer methods of construction. Using robots for the repetitive and dangerous tasks that people increasingly don't want to do means automation can help support the industry's labor and skills crisis and make construction careers more appealing to young people. "A new focus on health, safety and sustainability are catalysts for investment in robotics, while the shrinking pool of skilled labor means the construction industry needs robots to help keep pace with the challenges of urbanization and climate change," added Atiya. "We are putting our expertise and industry-leading portfolio of robots and digital tools at the center of the construction industry value chain with automation solutions for faster, more affordable and sustainable construction, while supporting the industry's labor shortage, by handling large and heavy loads, accessing dangerous spaces and enabling new, safer ways of building."

Innovation already in use Designed to improve flexibility, productivity and quality, pilot projects include the automated fabrication of timber roof supports with Autovol in Canada, the robotic installation of elevators with Schindler Lifts and the robotic automation of Intelligent City's production of prefabricated modular homes, which has increased production efficiency by 15 percent and speed by 38 percent, while reducing waste by 30 percent. Skanska's robot welding application has improved quality, employee productivity and safety by automating the fabrication of steel reinforcement baskets on-site. This solution has also reduced the cost and environmental impact of transporting bulky finished reinforcement baskets to building sites. "It is increasingly challenging to find people to carry out difficult, time-consuming tasks, which means we must look further afield to find the workers we need," said Ulf Hakansson, Technical Director for Skanska Construction. "Allocating these tasks to robots can address this, enabling us to deploy our workers more effectively. Automation also suits the experience and imagination of the next generation of engineers, who have grown up with technology and will be invaluable in helping us find new ways to use robots in our business." ABB is also working with several leading universities to co-develop new automated construction technologies including ETH Zurich, a leading research university in Switzerland. At ETH, ABB is supporting research in the field of robotics fabrication in architecture and construction and has helped establish the world's first laboratory for collaborative robotic digital fabrication in architecture, hosted at the ETH's Institute of Technology in Architecture. This week, the latest large scale ABB robotics 3D printing technology for the construction industry is being showcased by the Austrian architectural bureau MAEID at the 17th International Architecture - La Biennale di Venezia, to inspire architects about the possibilities of automation and 3D printing, driving innovation and enabling new ways of building. For more information, visit the ABB website. An 'Automation and the Construction Industry' panel discussion will be available to view on the website from 26 May 2021. References: 1 ABB Construction Industry Survey May 2021. Conducted by 3Gem Global Market Research & Insights, the ABB construction industry survey of 1900 CEO or Managing Director decision-makers in large and small businesses including residential and commercial construction, component suppliers, contractors and subcontractors, architects and designs and consultants in the USA, Canada, China, UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, France & Italy. Conducted April 22, 2021 - May 12, 2021, 3Gem Research & Insights utilize industry-standard panel management systems and adhere to stringent quality control procedures; delivering double opt-in, GDPR-compliant consumer and B2B panels. 2 The Global Construction 2030 report (link) 3 UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA (link) 4 EU (link) 5 International Labor Organization 2015 (link) About ABB ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB's success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation is a pioneer in robotics, machine automation and digital services, providing innovative solutions for a diverse range of industries, from automotive to electronics to logistics. As one of the world's leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, we have shipped more than 500,000 robot solutions. We help our customers of all sizes to increase productivity, flexibility and simplicity and to improve output quality. We support their transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs more than 11,000 people at over 100 locations in more than 53 countries. go.abb/robotics

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[May 20, 2021] Aeldra and Blue Ridge Bank Launch Neobank to Expand U.S. Financial Access to BRICS-Plus Countries

Blue Ridge Bank, the national bank subsidiary of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (NYSE American: BRBS), announced today a partnership with Aeldra Financial, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based financial technology company, to launch a mobile neobank called Aeldra. The neobank bank will target customers in BRICS-Plus countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others) who have cross-border banking needs in the United States. Aeldra is a financial services company and banking services are provided by Blue Ridge Bank, N.A., member FDIC. "Aeldra meets a significant need in today's banking environment," said Brian K. Plum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ridge Bank. "We are proud to partner with Sukeert and his team as we work together to provide unprecedented financial access to an underserved segment in the BRICS-Plus countries." Aeldra offers interest-bearing accounts with debit cards and mortgage loans, all of which are backed by Blue Ridge Bank's traditional financial infrastructure. Aeldra plans on offering a line of credit products, such as credit ards, in the near future.



"The U.S. continues to attract the best and brightest from across the world," said Sukeert Shanker, Founder and CEO of Aeldra. "They deserve seamless access to U.S. financial services. However, the simple act of opening a bank account without an SSN is challenging, as is getting approved for a credit card or loan. Our special partnership with Blue Ridge Bank aims to close the accessibility gap. Brian and Brett are among the most forward-thinking leaders in banking and we are delighted to partner with them." "Sukeert previously built two leading digital banks and we're excited to help him try to three-peat with Aeldra," said Brett Taxin, Executive Vice President at Blue Ridge Bank. "Aeldra is at the forefront of accelerating demand for mobile first, global banking services. We look forward to working with them to serve a historically underserved community with their specialized financial needs."

About Aeldra

Aeldra (www.aeldra.com) is a Palo Alto (News - Alert) -based fintech that offers borderless banking to global affluent customers. Aeldra's founder has launched similar banking products previously, including Goldman Sachs' consumer bank, Marcus. About Blue Ridge Bank

Blue Ridge Bank is the wholly owned banking subsidiary of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, Blue Ridge Bank provides a wide range of financial services including retail and commercial banking, payroll, insurance, card payments, wholesale and retail mortgage lending, and government-guaranteed lending. The bank provides commercial banking services to customers located throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Visit mybrb.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005180/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Aliaswire President to Speak at Southeast Acquirers Association Conference

BURLINGTON, Mass., May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aliaswire President Scott Goldthwaite will be a featured speaker at the 2021 Southeast Acquirers Association (SEAA) Annual Conference. The event takes place May 24-26 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida. Goldthwaite will lead a roundtable discussion on the evolution of the payment space and what it means for ISOs, merchant acquirers, merchants, and card issuers. He will be joined by executives from Florida Retail Federation, Unified Payments and VizyPay.

The SEAA Annual Conference features 2.5 days of education, training and networking with thought leaders, subject experts, and top vendors in the electronic payments industry. Attendees include leading card brands, payment processors, hardware manufacturers, software developers, and sales/retention solution providers. Session Details

Disruptive Payment Technologies and the Future of Fintech





Participants:

Scott Goldthwaite  President, Aliaswire, Inc. (Moderator)

Crystal Laake  Regional Director, Florida Retail Federation

Austin Mac Nab  Managing Partner, VizyPay

Vlad Sadovskiy  President, Unified Payments Discussion Topics: Whats next for ISOs after their move into software and PayFacs

Merchant payment needs beyond POS software and payment processing

The impact of new payment solutions such as Brex, Rho and Divvy

How merchants have adapted to COVID and the demand for contactless payments

The post-COVID payment technology landscape: what stays and what goes About Aliaswire, Inc.

Aliaswire is a Massachusetts-based company providing advanced payment technologies that give businesses and financial institutions a clear path to growth and success. Its highly flexible gateway architecture allows seamless integrations and the highest levels of multi-channel performance to make partnering easy and winning achievable. Aliaswires technology platforms and intellectual property continuously evolve and scale to meet changing market demands across multiple verticals. It provides multi-tenant payment processing capabilities to the market through a growing network of financial institutions, channel partners and resellers. Core offerings include DirectBiller, the industry's first, fast onboarding, channel-centric, integrated receivable and bill pay platform in the US., and PayVus, the only turnkey bill settlement-to-cards platform that enables ISOs and Acquirers to offer merchants a business credit card. For more information, visit https://www.aliaswire.com/.

Media contact: Tim Walsh for Aliaswire timw@walshgroupmarketing.com 617.512.1641

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[May 20, 2021] Arecor Announces an Exclusive Formulation Study Collaboration With Lilly

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arecor Limited (Arecor or the Company), the biopharmaceutical company advancing todays therapies to enable healthier lives, today announces that it has signed a formulation study partnership with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly).

Under this agreement, Arecor will use its proprietary formulation technology platform Arestat to develop a differentiated, thermostable formulation of one of Lillys proprietary products intended for self-administration. The thermostable formulation would allow greater convenience of use of the product by patients, whilst maintaining its integrity. Lilly will fund the development work and has the option to acquire the rights to the new proprietary formulation and associated Intellectual Property under a technology licensing model to further develop and commercialise the product. Arestat is an innovative and proprietary formulation technology platform which enhances the properties of therapeutic proteins, peptides and vaccines. Arecor applies the Arestat technology to deliver superior reformulations of existing products as well as improving properties of new products in development. Sarah Howell, Chief Executive Officer of Arecor, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with Lilly again. We have always had a strong working relationship and we believe that our Arestat technology has the potential to deliver a new formulation that can improve the convenience of use of this critical self-administered product for Lillys patients. This collaboration with Lilly augments our partnership portfolio of major pharmaceutical companies and demonstrates how our formulation expertise can provide novel medical solutions for our partners. For more information, please contact: Arecor Limited www.arecor.com Dr Sarah Howell, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +44 (0) 1223 426060 Email: sarah.howell@arecor.com Susan Lowther, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +44 (0) 1223 426060 Email: susan.lowther@arecor.com Mo Noonan, Communications Tel: +44 (0) 7876 444977 Email: mo.noonan@arecor.com ? Consilium Strategic Communications Chris Gardner, David Daley, Angela Gray Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700 Email: arecor@consilium-comms.com



Notes to Editors About Arecor

Arecor Limited is a biopharmaceutical company transforming patient care by bringing innovative medicines to market. Through the enhancement of existing medicines using our Arestat technology, we are developing a broad portfolio of therapies as part of our proprietary pipeline and through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Our treatments for people living with chronic disease are designed to simplify patient care and improve medication adherence.

For further details please see our website, www.arecor.com This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com .



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[May 20, 2021] Bambuser Launches Landscape Mode, Bringing 16:9 Cinematic-style Viewing to Live Video Shopping

STOCKHOLM, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bambuser today announced the official launch of landscape mode for its Live Video Shopping One-to-Many, a new feature that enhances the shopping experience by enabling interactive ecommerce events to be viewed across users' full screens. Supporting a 16:9 aspect ratio, the horizontal viewing mode provides a more immersive and cinematic experience on mobile or desktop devices. After beta testing the landscape feature with several brands and retailers already using Bambuser's platform, including Matas, the Danish beauty retailer, and ALTERNATE, one of the largest e-commerce companies in Germany, the feature is now available for all Bambuser One-to-Many customers. Brands and retailers can immediately leverage the feature for both new and previously-recorded Live Video Shopping events. During beta testing, use of the landscape format correlated to increased conversion rates. The Matas event featured influencer, TV host and journalist Annette Heick and her husband, renowned chef Jesper Vollmer. ALTERNATE leveraged the format for its special Star Wars Day livestream, which highlighted select, licensed sets available in the store's LEGO SHOP. The full impact of landscape mode on engagement and sales metrics will be better understood following broader implementation across Bambuser's broad, global customer base. "As a mobile-first platform that has been building our technology since the early days of the smartphone phones, our Live Video Shopping technology has, to date, focused on the vertical viewing experience. Now that Live Video Shopping is being more widely adopted by brands and retailers, the productions are increasing to a point where a more cinematic aspect ratio is a fitting complement," said Jesper Funck, Chief Product Officer at Bambuser. "This is among the many initiatives we're undertaking to make sure both merchants and shoppers are having the best experience with our platform, and we look forward to announcing additional developments in the near future." To see the new landscape mode, check out this video: bmb.sr/landscape. Contact information Sherry Smith, Corporate Communications, Bambuser AB | +46 8 400 160 00 | press@bambuser.com Certified Adviser Erik Penser Bank AB | +46 8 463 83 00 | certifiedadviser@penser.se About Bambuser AB Bambuser is a software company specializing in interactive live video streaming. The Company's primary product, Live Video Shopping, is a cloud-based software solution that is used by customers such as global e-commerce and retail businesses to host live shopping experiences on websites, mobile apps and social media. Bambuser was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters in Stockholm. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/bambuser/r/bambuser-launches-landscape-mode--bringing-16-9-cinematic-style-viewing-to-live-video-shopping,c3350730 The following files are available for download:







https://mb.cision.com/Main/15749/3350730/1420295.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/bambuser/i/landscape-mode,c2915030 Landscape Mode

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bambuser-launches-landscape-mode-bringing-169-cinematic-style-viewing-to-live-video-shopping-301295958.html SOURCE Bambuser

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[May 20, 2021]

China Matters Explores the Secrets of the 'Queen of Chinese Green Tea'

BEIJING, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Around mid to late March each year, farmers in southeastern Chinese city of Hangzhou are busy picking tea leaves. The Longjing tea, a precious Chinese green tea specially grown in Hangzhou, needs to be collected within one to two weeks to maintain its tender nature.

Named after its birthplace, Longjing Village, the renowned green tea has around 1,200 years' history. The very finest tea shoots are traditionally picked and processed in spring before the Qingming Festival in early April.

Longjing tea is distinguished among Chinese green teas in taste and fame, thus dubbed the "Queen of Chinese green tea." The harvested tea leaves will go through 10 hours of processing, including ventilating, drying, screening and frying.

To maintain the quality and production, as well as preserving the traditionalprocessing techniques, Hangzhou has issued a regulation to protect the Longjing tea planting area and standardize the industry. Hangzhou also holds celebrations for the Longjing tea each year.







In this video, British journalist Josh Arslan heads to Hangzhou to experience the core process of tea production and look for the secrets of producing the time-honored green tea.

In Longjing Village, Josh meets a father-son duo engaged in tea production. From them, he learns the picking and frying techniques of fine Longjing tea. The video is filmed and produced by China Matters.

Video - https://youtu.be/X7RUzmlmBV8

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515102/China_Matters_Logo.jpg

Contact:

Zhong Lei

+8610-68996566

ervinz@cnmatters.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-matters-explores-the-secrets-of-the-queen-of-chinese-green-tea-301295995.html

SOURCE China Matters
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 22:06:27|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army thwarted on Thursday an attempt to smuggle 125 Syrian refugees by sea in the area opposite to Arida village in northern Lebanon, a statement by the army reported.

A patrol of the Lebanese army intercepted a boat that was carrying refugees several kilometers away from the shore.

The arrested were referred to judicial authorities for further investigations and legal procedures.

Lebanon's security forces also thwarted earlier this month the smuggling of 40 Syrian refugees by sea to Cyprus. Enditem
[May 20, 2021] Cigna Administered by Oscar Expands Affordable, Innovative Health Plans for Small Businesses in Arizona

Cigna (NYSE: CI), a global health service company, and Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSCR), the first health insurance company built on a full stack technology platform, today announced that Cigna Administered by Oscar1 small group health insurance will be available to Arizona employers across Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma counties starting July 1, 2021. "This pandemic has forced small business owners in Arizona to make many sacrifices, especially when it comes to their health care choices," said Bruce Grimm, Cigna's senior vice president of segments. "As more workplaces reopen, maintaining a safe workplace is vital to helping employees have peace of mind. Through our partnership with Oscar, we are providing more choices for affordable, predictable and simple health coverage to small businesses at a time when they need it most." Small businesses throughout Arizona continue to struggle from the impact brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Census Bureau's Small Business Pulse Survey, 30.2 percent of small businesses in Arizona reported a decline in revenue during the first week of October 2020. A survey conducted by Cigna Administered by Oscar found that 88 percent of small businesses plan to better prioritize their employees' health moving forward, and 66 percent say that health insurance is more important to calculate in their budgets than before the outbreak of COVID-19. "As the country begins to reopen, it is critical that small businesses are being helped to get back on their feet and keep their doors open," said Louis DeStefano, head of the small group business and senior vice president of growth at Oscar. "Cigna Administered by Oscar specifically meets those needs by offering small businesses affordable health plans that meet the needs of their employees, in this moment and moving forward." Arizona small businesses with between one and 50 employees2 will have access to unique services driven by the combination of Cigna's provider relationships and Oscar's consumer-centric, tech-driven approach to customer service and care navigation, including: Expected monthly savings for businesses and their employees. Range of plan options across price points to meet the needs of every employee. Behavioral health benefits to help keep teams productive and healthy.

Local and nationwide networks of quality doctors, hospitals, and specialists. Access to Cigna's behavioral health network for mental health resources. Cigna Open Access Plus network, a national network of quality, cost-effective providers. Cigna LocalPlus, a locally designed network of quality providers offering quality, cost-effective medical care. 24/7 virtual urgent care to support employees wherever they are located, at $0 cost.

Affordable and easy-to-access pharmacy services. $3 co-pays on the most commonly prescribed prescriptions. Express Scripts pharmacists, nurses and specialty drug experts.

Dedicated care team experts to help employees understand their benfits, find nearby care, and get the most value out of their plan.



About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products. Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 175 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter (News - Alert) , visit www.cigna.com. About Oscar Health, Inc. Oscar Health, Inc. ("Oscar") is the first health insurance company built around a full stack technology platform and a relentless focus on serving its members. At Oscar, our mission is to make a healthier life accessible and affordable for all. Headquartered in New York City, Oscar has been challenging the health care system's status quo since our founding in 2012. The company's member-first philosophy and innovative approach to care has earned us the trust of approximately 540,000 Americans across 291 counties, as of January 31, 2021. We offer Individual & Family, Small Group and Medicare Advantage plans. We also offer our full stack technology platform to others within the provider and payor space. Our vision is to refactor health care to make good care cost less. Refactor is a term used in software engineering that means to improve the design, structure, and implementation of the software, while preserving its functionality. At Oscar, we take this definition a step further. We improve the member experience by building trust through deep engagement, personalized guidance, and rapid iteration. 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. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein are forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected expansion of our Cigna Administered by Oscar program and our strategic relationship with Cigna. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the impact of COVID-19 on global markets, economic conditions, the healthcare industry and our results of operations, and the response by governments and other third parties; our ability to retain and expand our member base; our ability to execute our growth strategy; our ability to maintain or enter into new partnerships or collaborations with healthcare industry participants; negative publicity, unfavorable shifts in perception of our digital platform or other member service channels; our ability to achieve and/or maintain profitability in the future; changes in federal or state laws or regulations, including changes with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended (collectively, the "ACA") and any regulations enacted thereunder; our ability to accurately estimate our incurred claims expenses or effectively manage our claims costs or related administrative costs, including as a result of fluctuations in medical utilization rates due to the impact of COVID-19; our ability to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements and applicable performance standards, including as a result of our participation in government-sponsored programs, such as Medicare; changes or developments in the health insurance markets in the United States, including the passage and implementation of a law to create a single-payer or government-run health insurance program; our ability to comply with applicable privacy, security, and data laws, regulations, and standards; our ability to maintain key in-network providers and good relations with the physicians, hospitals, and other providers within and outside our provider networks, or to arrange for the delivery of quality care; unfavorable or otherwise costly outcomes of lawsuits and claims that arise from the extensive laws and regulations to which we are subject; unanticipated results of risk adjustment programs; delays in our receipt of premiums; disruptions or challenges to our relationship with the Oscar Medical Group; cyber-security breaches of our and our partners' information and technology systems; unanticipated changes in population morbidity and large-scale changes in health care utilization; and the other factors set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021 and our other filings with the SEC (News - Alert) . You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date as of which it is made, and, except as otherwise required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. ___________________________

1 Cigna Administered by Oscar coverage is insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. CA (News - Alert) : benefits administered by Oscar Health Administrators. Other states: benefits administered by Oscar Management Corporation. Pharmacy benefits provided by Express Scripts, Inc. Cigna + Oscar health insurance contains exclusions and limitations. For complete details on product availability and coverage, please refer to your plan documents or contact a representative.

2 Cigna Administered by Oscar plans are built for small businesses with at least one qualified full-time (or full-time equivalent) employee, other than the business owner or their spouse. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005169/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Collins Builders Now Offering 3D Virtual Design Services

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For many looking to build a new house, traditional plans can leave them feeling flat or uninspired and without a true sense of how a home will fit their lifestyle. "Builders have experience looking at plans and understanding how that 2D image translates into real space," said Tim Calderala, COO of Collins Builders, a luxury home builder in Jacksonville. "Clients normally don't have that skill or experience and are going into a project without a full picture of the finished product." Recognizing this need, Collins Builders is now offering 3D virtual rendering services to give clients a true sense of how their new home will feel and live before construction begins. Collins Builders is using Lumion , a powerful solution that allows clients to "walk through" their new custom home and visualize all the interior and exterior spaces furnished with their choices - architectural and decorative. Collins Builders is the only home builder offering these in-house design services in Northeast Florida presently.



"When you are building a home, you think about the little things like sitting on the porch drinking a cup of coffee or the walk from the laundry room to a bedroom," architectural designer Whitney Julian said. "Being able to experience the space is powerful in making the choices that will make your house a home." The services are fully customizable and scalable.

"If you are just interested in seeing the exterior brought to life, we can do that and even put in your pool specifications and summer kitchen," said Calderala. "If you just need more of a visual of the inside, we can show you the difficult to imagine spaces with furniture and design details." For examples, visit our video gallery . To make your appointment, visit collinsbuilders.net or call us at 904.575.0400. About Collins Builders | collinsbuilders.net

For more than 18 years, Collins Builders has been associated with faith, family and fine homebuilding. Our entire team at Collins Builders in Jacksonville, Fla. has a passion for creating and constructing luxury homes on your land, and we are guided by our sense of service to our clients and trade partners in every aspect of what we do. We specialize in new luxury home construction throughout Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, the Beaches, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina, Amelia Island and St. Johns County. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/collins-builders-now-offering-3d-virtual-design-services-301296154.html SOURCE Collins Builders

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[May 20, 2021] DAX ESG Target Index selected as underlying index for a new iShares ETF

ZUG, Switzerland, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Qontigo has licensed the DAX ESG Target Index to BlackRock for the launch of a new German-domiciled iShares ETF. The objective of the new index is to reflect the DAX while maximizing its ESG score and reducing its carbon intensity by at least 30%. The iShares ETF was listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange today. "Since 1988, the DAX Index is tracking an essential part of the German economy, making it one of the leading price barometers. Many DAX companies do business on an international level. This means that in addition to their roots in the domestic market, they are also closely linked to the global economy. In this respect, the iShares DAX ESG UCITS ETF reflects the strength of a large part of the German economy as well as the global economy. This makes it interesting for domestic and international investors. A sustainable and therefore forward-looking approach is aligned with our clients' long-term goals," said Dirk Schmitz, Country Head Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe at BlackRock. "Earlier this month, the German federal government announced a new green financing strategy to steer capital towards environmental projects and develop Germany into a major hub for sustainable finance. Germany is taking a leading position on the lobal stage with a strong trend towards sustainable investing. The DAX ESG Target Index is an innovative solution that represents the German market, made possible by the combination of analytics and indexing that is at the core of our approach at Qontigo. At Qontigo, we aim to provide our clients with building blocks to optimize impact for sustainable portfolios by offering choice to reflect their unique sustainability preferences," said Stephan Flaegel, Chief Product Officer, Indices and Benchmarks at Qontigo.



The DAX ESG Target Index offers a similar risk and return profile as the flagship benchmark index and is the first DAX ESG index that integrates ESG improvement as well as addressing climate risks. During the DAX market consultation last year, commenters requested a clear separation between mainstream benchmark indices and dedicated ESG benchmarks, and this new ESG version of the DAX is intended to address that market demand. The DAX ESG Target Index provides a portfolio optimization (re-weighting) to meet tracking error constraints and CO 2 reduction goals and incorporates ESG rating information from Sustainalytics, a leading global provider of ESG research, ratings and data. The index also applies Global Standards Screening provided by Sustainalytics and product involvement screens for weapons (controversial weapons, military contracting, small arms), tobacco, thermal coal, nuclear power, and oil sands.

Companies that are excluded from the index as a result of these screenings are then replaced from the universe of the HDAX (DAX, MDAX and TecDAX) based on market capitalization and ESG score to complete the number of 30 constituents again. The DAX ESG Target is licensed to BlackRock for an exchange traded fund. The index can also be suitable as an underlying for certificates and other investable products. The DAX ESG Target Index is part of Qontigo's suite of Sustainable Index Solutions, a comprehensive offering of ESG, sustainability and climate indices. Qontigo offers a wide range of 'exclude' and 'enhance' strategies to enable investor choice. Indices in the 'enhance' category, including the DAX ESG Target Index, have been designed for investors who wish to maximize their portfolios' ESG profiles while maintaining benchmark exposure. Since 1988, DAX tracks the performance of the 30 largest and most liquid companies on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. As Germany's best-known index, it provides investors with straightforward, transparent and fast access to the German equity market. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dax-esg-target-index-selected-as-underlying-index-for-a-new-ishares-etf-301295721.html SOURCE Qontigo

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[May 20, 2021] DCM is Helping Healthcare Providers Adapt to a Rapidly Changing Market with Its Innovative Communications and Workflow Management Solutions

DATA Communications Management Corp. (TSX: DCM (News - Alert) ) ("DCM" or the "Company"), a leading provider of marketing and business communication solutions to companies across North America, is playing an important role as a preeminent solutions partner to the Canadian healthcare market, which has been significantly disrupted by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. DCM's communications and technology-enabled workflow solutions are used by many of Canada's leading healthcare organizations, including the country's largest provincial health provider, its largest laboratory service provider, and its largest pharmacy retailer, as well as by many hospital networks, clinics and other healthcare enterprises across the country. "Since the pandemic began, healthcare organizations have been thrust into a new reality of patient care that is taxing their staff as traditional services have been postponed. DCM's technology-enabled solutions, combined with our national logistics capabilities and manufacturing scale, have helped our clients adapt to a crisis that many were unprepared for and automate and streamline many of their daily functions," said Jason Kosman, Senior Director of Sales, Healthcare of DCM. "Our expertise in the healthcare sector is both helping improve patient experience and maintaining high standards of reporting and compliance for our healthcare clients." The Company's innovative healthcare solutions are built around DCM | Flex, a proprietary marketing and operational workflow platform, which delivers critical clinical-compliant, on-demand, communications and patient facing collateral, digital asset management, and logistics services. DCM's healthcare solutions also include positive patient identification systems and asset tracking, all accessed through a secure tech-infrastructure. DCM has been serving the healthcare industry for more than 50 years and the sector represented approximately 11% of the Company's $260 million in total revenue in fiscal 2020. Today, DCM manages more than 20,000 SKUs within its healthcare portfolio, with applications ranging from clinical and operational support services, patient facing communications, and laboratory and patient identification systems, all while connecting and streamlining important back-end processes. "No single industry has been as important to Canadians or has been as challenged over the last year as healthcare, and that likely will continue," said Richard Kellam, President and CEO of DCM. "We are proud of the role we play across the entire healthcare spectrum, throughout the integral patient journey, both in and out of hospitals. DCM's solutions directly enable frontline healthcare workers to combat the pandemic. The data driven analytics our solutionsprovide to administrators allows them to manage their departments and services efficiently, and within their ever-challenging budgets."



To read more about DCM's healthcare solutions visit www.DCMHealthcareSolutions.com. ABOUT DATA COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT CORP.

DCM is a communication solutions partner that adds value for large enterprises by creating more meaningful connections with their customers. Our technology-enabled content and workflow management capabilities solve the complex branding, communications, logistics and regulatory requirements of Canada's leading enterprises. We pair customer insights and thought leadership with cutting-edge products, modular enabling technology, and services to power our clients' go-to-market strategies. We help our clients manage how their brands come to life, determine which channels are right for them, manage multimedia campaigns, deploy location-specific and 1:1 marketing, execute custom loyalty programs, and fulfill their commercial printing needs all in one place. Our extensive experience has positioned us as experts at providing communication solutions across many verticals, including the financial, retail, healthcare, cannabis, energy, and public sectors. Thanks to our locations throughout Canada and in the United States, we meet our clients' varying needs with scale, speed, and efficiency - no matter how large or complex the ask - delivered through our technology-enabled service model. Additional information relating to DATA Communications Management Corp. is available on www.datacm.com, and in the disclosure documents filed by DATA Communications Management Corp. on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward looking" statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DCM, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, objectives or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan", and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect DCM's current views regarding future events and operating performance, are based on information currently available to DCM, and speak only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions and should not be read as guarantees that future performance or results will be achieved, including the continued impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian economy and its healthcare system. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DCM to be materially different from any future results, performance, objectives or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Additional factors are discussed under the headings "Liquidity and capital resources" and "Risks and Uncertainties" in DCM's management's discussion and analysis, annual information form, and other publicly available disclosure documents, as filed by DCM on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this presentation as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Unless required by applicable securities law, DCM does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005345/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Delaware Department of Education and GoGuardian Partner to Support Safer Digital Learning and Student Mental Health

GoGuardian, a leading education technology company helping K-12 schools maximize the learning potential of every student, today announced that the Delaware Department of Education selected GoGuardian as its partner to deliver advanced content filtering and student safety solutions for school-managed devices. Delaware's more than 200 public and charter schools will benefit from being supported by GoGuardian Admin, the most complete system for monitoring and filtering content built specifically for K-12 learning environments, and GoGuardian Beacon 24/7, an award-winning safety solution that supports student mental health. Delaware is at the forefront of adopting statewide digital solutions to monitor and filter harmful content, while also helping identify students who may need additional mental health support. By deploying GoGuardian Admin and GoGuardian Beacon 24/7 to public and charter schools in the state, Delaware ensures its 139,000 students are afforded a safer and more supportive digital learning environment regardless of school size, budget, or resources. Equitable access to digital student safety is more important than ever as schools confront the pandemic's longer-term impact on student mental health and learning progress. "Whether students are attending class in our school buildings or remotely, technology is an integral part of their learning. This is an important and necessary investment in student safety," said Delaware Secretary of Education Susan Bunting. "Although some districts and charter schools have purchased their own liited programs in the past, this statewide system is more comprehensive and will provide all Delaware public school students strong protection while saving schools the local purchase costs."



GoGuardian Admin is a multi-layered content filtering solution designed for the most complex technological environments in K-12 schools and districts. It works on any school-managed device, browser, or operating system, using an advanced artificial intelligence engine to scan for and filter content that is harmful, inappropriate, or against school policy. Machine learning enables GoGuardian Admin to evolve dynamically over time, continually identifying new and emerging content to provide a safer online learning experience. GoGuardian Beacon 24/7 offers automated, real-time alerts to identify students who are silently struggling with their mental health. Beacon's proactive alerts rapidly activate a school's custom response plan. Designed in collaboration with leading mental health experts including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), GoGuardian Beacon 24/7 employs artificial intelligence to monitor content across school-managed devices for signs of potential self-harm or suicidality in students. A dedicated 24/7 team of Safety Support Specialists reviews and escalates active planning alerts to help schools support students.

Schools and districts can also use GoGuardian Beacon 24/7 to monitor for possible harm to others through threats, violence, and bullying. The machine learning model provides round-the-clock detection of searches on school-managed devices for guns and bombs, violent acts, bullying, and cyberbullying, intelligently alerting school leaders to review and activate the right responders when needed. Used in conjunction with a school's overall safety program, GoGuardian Beacon 24/7 helps educators meet students' safety and mental health needs so they can better focus, stay engaged, and learn. GoGuardian Admin and GoGuardian Beacon 24/7 are provided to Delaware students as part of a $1.6 million project in partnership with the Delaware Department of Education and Delaware Department of Technology and Information ( DTI (News - Alert) ). The project is funded by Delaware's federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund allocations as provided in the CARES Act. Editor's Note: GoGuardian follows the reporting best practices recommended by reportingonsuicide.org. If you, your readers/viewers, or anyone you know expresses suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). About GoGuardian

GoGuardian believes that education is the highest point of leverage for improving society and that digital learning can meaningfully advance educational outcomes for every student, school, and district. GoGuardian helps thousands of K-12 schools and districts maximize the learning potential of every student by providing solutions that enable more productive and safer digital learning. Its products help educators identify learning patterns, protect students from harmful and distracting content, and support mental health. Learn more at goguardian.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005222/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Discover and Eazy Sign Agreement to Grow Acceptance for Cardholders

Discover, a leading digital bank and payments company, and Eazy Financial Services signed an agreement to expand acceptance for both company's cardholders. Discover, Diners Club International and network alliance cardholders will now be able to use their card at 95% of point-of-sale merchants and 100% of ATMs in Bahrain. Once Eazy Financial begins issuing its first national cards, its customers will get access to the Discover Global Network and be able to make transactions at more than 50 million merchants in more than 200 countries and territories. This partnership is Discover's second network alliance signed in the past year in Bahrain and will grow acceptance to almost 100% for Discover Global Network cardholders transacting in the country. It is also the sixth alliance agreement Discover has signed in the Middle East and North Africa region. "Continually growing acceptance in this area will benefit all of the cardholders of our regional partners," said Matt Sloan, vice president of international markets at Discover. "Eazy Financial has a strong footprint in the country and working together will provide its cardholders a strong card product." "This partnership with Discover empowers Eazy with the quickest, most effective way to re-engineer its business strategies," said Nayef Tawfeeq Al Alawi, Founder & MD, CEO of Eazy Financial Services. "Discover shall provide Eazy with significant customer acquisition opportunities, and serve as an important brand investment for Eazy and its customers, serving them with trustable, secred and unified Global Card Acceptance."



Discover Global Network has more than 50 million merchant acceptance locations and 2 million ATM and cash access locations around the world. The Discover Global Network includes Discover Network, Diners Club International, PULSE and more than 20 alliance partner networks across the globe. About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company About Eazy Established in 2016, Eazy is licensed & regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain as an Ancillary Services Provider, Payment Services Provider, Biometric Payment Services, Payment Gateway (News - Alert) , Financial Settlement/Clearing House, Card programs/Scheme and The 4th POS & Online Payment Acquirer in The Kingdom of Bahrain. Eazy's 1st product was the "Biometric Payment Network" Inaugurated back in 2019 by The Late HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minster of the Kingdom of Bahrain being the "First Bahraini enrolling and transacting using his Fingerprint. Eazy is Primarily engaged in digital financial services within the Financial Industry such as "Digital Wallet" allowing customers based in Bahrain and other countries to obtain Eazy's Wallet Account & Eazy's own National Virtual & Physical Branded Cards, in addition to numerous added value services to their wallet & cardholders such as Biometric Facial payments and more, by achieving its main goal towards transacting seamlessly, adopting innovative new trends & latest payment industry solutions that will evolve to the next level of customer experience. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005102/en/

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[May 20, 2021] display, the Social That Pays, Announces displayFest Headliners and an A-List Roster of Performances to Continue Virtual Concert Series

NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- display, the social that pays, today announces phase two of its displayFest lineup packed with a final two weeks of celebrity performances, interactive game shows and up to $2 million in cash prize giveaways. Since the beginning of May, the virtual concert series has taken off bringing the app to more than 2 million users. The A-list roster continues into the 3rd and 4th week of the 30-day app launch event, featuring exclusive live performances from world famous Saweetie, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross as well as Lil Pump, Neek Bucks and other chart-topping artists. To tune into displayFest, user can open their display app daily from 6-10pm ET and select the displayTV icon in the top left corner. All content is free to enjoy. Each weeknight, Sarah Pribis, former host of viral trivia app HQ, will lead interactive question and answer style games with real cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to as much as $100,000. Throughout displayFest, users can win up to $2 million in cash prizes. Full concert lineup through 5/28 to include:

Saweetie, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Kaskade, Lil Pump, Neek Bucks, Ray J, Rich The Kid, YBN Nahmir, YG, Ice Cube, Miguel, Chinese Kitty, CJ, EST Gee, Fredo, Lil Durk, Moneybagg Yo, Cordae, Bam Marley, B Real, The Palms, Rahky, Pink Sweats, Cochise, Big Boy's Funy Motherfruckas



In addition to the concert series, display is announcing the official return of iconic dance brand 'World of Dance,' with an exclusive five-episode dance showcase airing nightly in app from May 24th - 28th. The performances will include some of the world's most recognized dance acts. This collaboration will create a platform for music to be seen, heard, and experienced across digital media, while in-person events are only beginning to resurface. The powerful combination of World of Dance and display will drive music in a way that no other company or brand has been able to achieve. "We're excited to announce the headliners for displayFest and host the return of 'World of Dance' in celebration of the launch of our platform. It's been incredible to see the support of our user base and the enthusiasm around each week's events and exclusive performances as they've come to life," said Greg Fell, chief executive officer at display. "Now, we officially welcome the world to join display and share content with our community. Our team is dedicated to shifting the social media ecosystem and ensuring creators are fairly compensated for their content."

display recently rebranded to reflect its value to the global social ecosystem and demonstrate that the platform exists to put creators and their content on display. Highlighting the impact of its highly disruptive business model, sharing all ad revenue 50/50 with creators, display is looking to the future as it continues to recognize the talent and passion of some of the industry's top talent. For more information, visit displaysocial.com or download the display social app through Apple's App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices. About display display (formerly Tsu), headquartered and developed in Norwalk, Connecticut, is a private, venture-backed, social commerce platform. display believes creators should be rewarded for quality content, unlike other platforms that share nothing. When advertisers pay display, the content creators on display earn up to a 50% award payout rate on ad revenue generated from their content. display also provides a marketplace for creators to easily sell products, which provides up to a 50% award payout rate from the affiliate commissions for eligible products sold in their display stores. The awards users earn from ad revenue and affiliate commission are added to their display award bank account every day. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/display-the-social-that-pays-announces-displayfest-headliners-and-an-a-list-roster-of-performances-to-continue-virtual-concert-series-301296055.html SOURCE display

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[May 20, 2021] Eco Innovation Establishes Canada Subsidiary to Drive Green Technology Growth

VAN NUYS, Calif., May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eco Innovation Group, Inc. (OTC: ECOX) ("ECOX" or the "Company"), an innovative company aggregating investments in new technologies that promote environmental and social well-being and the advancement of green energy solutions, is pleased to announce the formation of the companys first subsidiary, ECOIG Canada. The Company also announced that Patrick Laurie was named interim CEO of the newly created subsidiary.

Eco Innovation Group, Inc. expects that with a Canada presence, it will be in an even better position to serve its existing strong network of Canadian-based inventors and technology development partners. We look forward to helping expand opportunities for top minds and cutting-edge green technology projects in the rich Alberta region, commented Julia Otey-Raudes, President and CEO of Eco Innovation Group. Canada has become increasingly important for the company and where we already have existing relationships with inventors and business community professionals. Canada has started to establish itself as a global leader in the green technology space and we look forward to playing a role in this Country. ECOIG Canada will focus on the following primary operational objectives: Manufacturing





R&D utilizing new sustainable technologies





Exclusive Rights to all technologies in the Canadian market





Access to incentives for manufacturing and developing green technology projects and assets





Providing jobs in the Canadian maintenance and manufacturing sector





Utilization of strong third-party Alberta and Canadian component manufacturing





Diversifying the Alberta economy into green manufacturing





Accessing cost-effective Alberta-based tax incentives for sustainable technologies





Supplying the Canadian economy with innovative technology solutions





Providing Canadian support for all ECOX technology projects





Providing inventors with effective Canadian-based support network The Company also announced that ECOX Advisory Board member Patrick Laurie was named interim CEO of the new subsidiary ECOIG Canada during its initial stages of establishment and growth. Mr. Laurie is based in Alberta, Canada, and has been an Advisory Board member for ECOX and leading Eco Innovation Groups R&D efforts to-date in North America. Mr. Laurie provides critical support for the company on a global basis in project implementation and business deveopment. Mr. Laurie received his Masters Degree in the field of Electrical at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).



Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge and is an experienced strategist with a deep understanding of how to build enduring technologies while leveraging operational scale across a dispersed production footprint, added Julia Otey-Raudes. He is a strong leader with a proven track record of developing diverse and high performing teams. About Eco Innovation Group

Eco Innovation Group was founded by Inventors and Business Professionals to help nurture and catalyze the most innovative and impactful products and services, and to deliver those innovations to the world, improving the quality of life in our communities and the world around us, while delivering value to our shareholders. At ECOX, we are dedicated to developing and commercializing successful products. But we will never lose sight of the fact that we exist, first and foremost, to help people and improve life on the planet we all share. We take our Social Responsibility Contract seriously in all our endeavors. It is not only what we do. It is who we are. For more information, visit www.ecoig.com. View the Companys new video Here. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by the Company and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for products and services of the company, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report. Corporate Contact:

Eco Innovation Group, Inc.

Julia.Otey@ecoig.com

www.ecoig.com Public Relations:

EDM Media, LLC

https://edm.media A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34fabbef-a376-46dc-abfc-3d29b4c3bf24



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[May 20, 2021] Examity, Inc. Awarded Proctoring Solutions: Live Online and Automated Contract through OMNIA Partners, Public Sector

NEWTON, Mass., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Online proctoring pioneer Examity today announced that it has been awarded a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) contract for Proctoring Solutions: Live Online and Automated now available through OMNIA Partners. The partnership will expand access to Examity's industry-leading proctoring solution for public agencies, educational institutions, and certification providers around the country. "Over the past year, remote learning and testing have rapidly become the 'new normal,' and many of our participating agencies are in search of a proctoring provider that can offer a secure, streamlined testing experience," said Allan McCombs, Senior Vice President, Sales & Account Management for OMNIA Partners, Public Sector. "OMNIA Partners is thrilled to add Examity's proctoring solutions to our robust portfolio of contracts." OMNIA Partners, Public Sector is one of the largest and most experienced cooperative purchasing organizations dedicated to public sector procurement. Their purchasing power and industry-leading suppliers have produced a comprehensive portfolio of cooperative contracts and relationships, making OMNIA Partners a valued and trusted resourc for organizations nationwide.



"Examity is committed to helping organizations around the country access proctoring support that can deliver a seamless and secure exam experience," said Ryan Leer, VP, Business Development Education at Examity. "This partnership is about introducing our solution to OMNIA Partners' participating agencies at a time when access and integrity in remote learning has never been more important." Founded in 2013, Examity was the first solution to provide certification providers and education institutions around the world with a full range of proctoring options, from automated through to live. In addition to an industry-leading 2:1 ratio of proctors to test-takers, the company draws on proprietary technology to create a secure, streamlined experience for millions of test-takers per year, offering flexible solutions designed to address the needs of individual providers and programs. A 2020 winner of Fast Company's prestigious Most Innovative Companies Award, Examity has been named twice to Deloitte's Fast 500 list and has also been honored for four consecutive years as one of the fastest-growing businesses in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal.

About Examity

Examity was founded to meet the needs of assessment providers, colleges, and employers looking to protect e test integrity. Since 2013, Examity has partnered with hundreds of organizations worldwide to provide a cost-effective and flexible online proctoring solution. For more information, visit Examity.com or follow the company on Twitter @examity. About OMNIA Partners

OMNIA Partners, Public Sector is the nation's largest and most experienced cooperative purchasing organization dedicated to public sector procurement. Our 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. For more information, visit OMNIAPartners.com/publicsector View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/examity-inc-awarded-proctoring-solutions-live-online-and-automated-contract-through-omnia-partners-public-sector-301296048.html SOURCE Examity

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[May 20, 2021] Geben Communication Acquires Content Marketing and Influencer Agency Women Online

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Geben Communication, an award-winning public relations firm, today announced it has acquired Women Online, a content and influencer marketing agency that specializes in national social impact and nonprofit clients. "We've always focused on accelerating growth and impact for our clients. Now, we can do more," said Geben Founder and President, Heather Whaling. "This acquisition expands our expertise, elevates our services, and creates new ways for us to support our clients' goals. The Women Online team has a rich history of successfully implementing creative, innovative campaigns that shift behaviors, engage stakeholders, and educate audiences, and we're excited to add their expertise to our team." Generalists by intent, Geben's clients span industries from healthcare and technology to B2B and consumer services. And now, the addition of Women Online catapults Geben to the forefront of the social impact space. After starting as a PR and social media agency in 2009, Geben's services expanded as clients' needs evolved over the years -- adding paid search, paid social, SEO audits and strategy, and data analytics/insights to its offerings. Women Online Founder, Morra Aarons-Mele, is joining Geben's leadership team as EVP and will lead the developmen of a national social impact practice.



"There's so much alignment that joining forces feels like a natural next step for both teams," said Aarons-Mele. "I'm thrilled to deepen our talent bench and supplement our content and influencer services with PR and digital marketing." Geben stays at the forefront of ever-evolving client needs. Consumers are demanding brands live their values. By infusing Women Online's national social impact expertise, Geben is expanding its services to deliver innovative, effective solutions to foundations, nonprofits and mission-driven brands committed to creating a better world.

"Geben means 'to give' in German, so it's only natural that when we decided to invest in our growth, we found a partner who shares our deep commitment to doing well by doing good," said Whaling. The transaction was completed as of May 11, 2021. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. About Geben Communication

Geben Communication is a PR agency specializing in traditional and digital communications services. Since the launch of the agency in 2009, Geben's services expanded as clients' needs evolved over the years-- adding paid search, paid social, SEO audits and strategy, and data analytics/insights to its offerings. Having award-winning work recognized by PRSA, Geben was also recently named a top PR agency in America by Forbes. About Women Online

Women Online is a boutique content and influencer marketing agency. The company specializes in national social impact and nonprofit clients, utilizing The Mission List, Women Online's remarkable influencer network of highly coveted opinion-shapers. Their best-in-class work has been recognized by PR Week, the Webbys, the Iris Awards for excellence in parenting media, and PRSA. Media Contact: Heather Phillips

hphillips@gebencommunication.com

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View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/geben-communication-acquires-content-marketing-and-influencer-agency-women-online-301295784.html SOURCE Geben Communication

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 22:37:20|Editor: huaxia

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Ji Bingxuan, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, speaks at a meeting of the inspection team of the enforcement of the animal husbandry law in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese legislator on Thursday stressed efforts to inspect the enforcement of the animal husbandry law.

The inspection should ensure the high-quality development of the animal husbandry industry and strengthen the industry's quality, efficiency, and competitiveness, said Ji Bingxuan, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

Ji made the remarks at a meeting of the inspection team. He also called for efforts to address prominent problems in this law's enforcement.

The NPC Standing Committee will dispatch six inspection teams to various regions, including the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province.

In addition, local legislators in eight provincial-level regions will be entrusted to inspect the law's enforcement locally.

The inspections, scheduled in June and July, will focus on protecting genetic resources of livestock and poultry, the quality and safety of livestock and poultry products, and the formulation of relevant regulations and rules, among others.

The inspection teams will also conduct research on the enforcement of the newly-revised law on animal epidemic prevention. Enditem
[May 20, 2021] GigNet Signs Agreement With Secrets Puerto Aventuras Resort to Provide Broadband and Managed Services for an All-Inclusive Experience

GigNet, a Digital Infrastructure company with an extensive regional fiber optic broadband network from Cancun through the Tulum Hotel Zone announced today that it is providing broadband for fast and reliable Internet to the Secrets Puerto Aventuras Resort. Secrets Puerto Aventuras Resort is an AM Resorts hotel. AM Resorts is a collection of luxury hotels in different tourist destinations with sun-drenched beaches, elegant accommodations, world-class spa facilities, gourmet restaurants, unlimited premium drinks, and many other amenities. The charming and secluded village of Puerto Aventuras is the haven for Secrets Puerto Aventuras Resort. It is the ideal place to escape the daily routine and enjoy a variety of activities, including a walk on a beautiful beach, a ride on a luxurious yacht, a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience and excellent gourmet food. The village of Puerto Aventuras features an advanced optical fiber network built and operated by GigNet. "Our guests are demanding faster and more reliable internet, especially since the onset of the pandeic. People are looking for ways to divide their time between vacation, relaxation, school, and work while traveling. We need to make sure we meet the demands of the next generation traveler, and this requires an Internet service that exceeds their expectations," said Jorge Macari, Developer of Secrets Puerto Aventuras Resort. "GigNet is using their own capital for the project and is implementing a custom-made optical fiber network to meet our current and future connectivity needs, supported by the region's newest and most advanced network."



"Travelers depend on the Internet more than ever, and we are happy to give the guests at Secrets Puerto Aventuras the opportunity to experience world-class connectivity, even in secluded and serene areas like Puerto Aventuras," said Mark Carney, OBE, President of GigNet Mexico. "We will provide our GigNet service at Secrets Puerto Aventuras Resort for fast and reliable digital services that allows guests to share their experience with their loved ones and simultaneously use apps, Zoom calls, Netflix streaming, PlayStation games, and other online and cloud platforms." ABOUT GIGNET

GigNet is the Mexican Caribbean brand of GigNet, Inc., a U.S. based international Digital Infrastructure company. Through its Mexico operating subsidiaries, GigNet, S.A. de C.V., and Sanalto Redes Peninsular, S.A.P.I. de C.V., the Company is a fully licensed telecommunications provider in Mexico. GigNet is actively adding customers to its extensive regional broadband network in the Mexican Caribbean, one of the largest and fastest growing tourism destinations in the world with over 25 million annual airport visitors. GigNet is a leader in the digital transformation of the region. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005973/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Global Efforts to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Undermined by Vaccine Side Effect Concerns

As the rate of people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed, a new survey of physicians has revealed that doctors are working hard to combat vaccine hesitancy, even among those who have already received their first dose. More than 72% of physicians surveyed said that patients continue to voice concerns over vaccine side effects. Still, others have reported ongoing misinformation discouraging people from getting vaccines. In addition, close to 30% of physicians reported encountering patients who have skipped their second dose due to unpleasant side effects of the first dose, or concerns over side effects. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005139/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) Sermo's COVID-19 Real Time Barometer also showed over half of physicians report their patients have requested a specific vaccine with a clear preference for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, as 78% of physicians indicated it's the most requested and Moderna following at a distant second (7%). In Europe, almost 93% of physicians reported Pfizer-BioNTech was the most requested. Physician Views on COVID-19 Vaccines Fielded May 4 - May 8, 2021, over 3,000 physicians around the world provided feedback, of which close to 40% have treated between 10-100 patients with COVID. The survey found most physicians are currentlynot optimistic that COVID-19 will be eradicated with 75% of physicians believing COVID-19 vaccine boosters will be required annually, and of that, 35% believing their patients will likely see it as similar to the annual flu jab.



This may be attributed to the ongoing vaccine hesitancy physicians reported. In addition to worries over side effects, physicians reported that they have also heard ongoing concerns about safety and efficacy (60%) or erroneous or misinformation, such as you don't need a vaccine if you had COVID-19 (32%), the vaccine modifies your DNA (29%) or the vaccine contains a microchip (15%). Physicians are countering the vaccination resistance mostly by discussing the risk benefit profile (80%) and the impact COVID-19 can have on others (61%), while 14% are connecting patients to community resources, such as peer engagement, but not finding success. "I am burned out with efforts to convince patients to get vaccinated," said Charles LaTendresse MD, Family Medicine, U.S. "I try to get their reasoning for not getting the vaccine, but I can't buy into what I hear." he added.

"Our survey reveals that while sharing effective vaccinations and therapies worldwide is vital, it is not enough," said Peter Kirk, CEO Sermo. "There is a tremendous urgency to counter misinformation and disinformation, and share which messages and approaches have been successful in convincing people to get vaccinated." COVID-19 and Neurological / Mental Impact Data is continuing to emerge on the long-term implications of COVID-19, including the development of neurological or mental disorders, a topic extensively discussed at the recent American Academy of Neurology virtual meeting this year. While almost half of physicians thought it's too soon to tell, a significant number of physicians (30%) believe COVID-19 is a neurotropic disease that can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause direct damage to the brain, rather than a respiratory illness that can have neurological side effects. In addition, 30% reported the pandemic has helped patients with social anxiety disorder / social phobia, and depression / mood disorders (29%) that may arise from avoidance of social situations and other in-person encounters by allowing more time for self-reflection and personal development. About the Real Time Barometer The Real Time Barometer is an observational study of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak as reported by physicians with firsthand experience treating COVID-19 patients. Each week, thousands of physicians provide insights on topics regarding the global health crisis. To date, Sermo has conducted over 70,000 interviews with doctors in 31 countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Russia, China, Japan, and Australia. Full results are available at sermo.com. About Sermo Sermo turns physician experience, expertise, and observations into actionable insights for the global healthcare community. Engaging with more than 1.3 million HCPs across 150 countries, the company provides physicians with a social platform and unique community that fosters impactful peer-to-peer collaboration & discussions about issues that are important to them and their patients. Sermo offers on demand access to physicians via a suite of proprietary technology to provide business intelligence that benefits pharmaceutical, healthcare partners, and the medical community at large. To learn more, visit www.sermo.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005139/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Hand To Hold Launches Mobile App To Help NICU Parents Access Emotional Support

AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hand to Hold, a national nonprofit organization that offers support for NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) parents, unveiled its innovative mobile app. The new app provides interactive and personalization features that allow NICU parents to connect 1:1 with Hand to Hold's team of Family Support Specialists (Mental Health Peer Support Certified NICU graduate and bereaved parents) to receive critical emotional and mental support. Thanks to Huggies, all support through the Hand to Hold app is free to NICU parents and available in both English and Spanish. The Hand to Hold app was created to make support easily accessible, more personalized and more secure for parents and includes: Access to 1:1 support from Family Support Specialists (previously only available in hospitals)

Multiple support groups to cater to different journeys and backgrounds

Private virtual chat community with certified Family Support Specialists and other NICU Parents

Access to NICU-related podcasts

Comprehensive resource library curated to your personal profile

Virtual webinars One in seven babies born in the U.S. spends time in the NICU1, and NICU parents are at a higher risk for postpartum depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD2. Caring for a medically fragile child following hospital discharge can be an isolating and traumatic as many NICU graduates have complex healthcare needs, feeding issues, developmental delays and learning challenges. The Hand to Hold mobile app provides convenience, compassion and connection to help support NICU parents' emotional needs during their journey. "Creating a mobile app is essential to help eliminate barriers to support for all NICU parents," said Kelli Kelley, Hand to Hold Founder ad CEO and NICU parent. "This app will provide access to emotional care for NICU parents regardless of financial means, cultural barriers and other inequalities in the healthcare industry.



"Huggies is incredibly proud to partner with Hand to Hold to help parents navigate the unknowns of a NICU journey," said Sarah Inbau, Huggies North America Brand Manager and NICU parent. "Many of us at Huggies have been NICU parents and have experienced the emotional impact of a NICU stay. While no two experiences are the same, the personalized support Hand to Hold offers parents through this new app is transformative and we're honored to be able to help more parents." Huggies has a long legacy of supporting NICU parents, and their babies, having partnered with NICU nurses and NICU parents to create a special line of diapers and wipes for NICU babies. Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie diapers are each hand inspected and made for babies with delicate skin, weighing less than two pounds. Huggies Extra Sensitive baby wipes are uniquely designed to provide extra gentle cleaning for premature and incredibly delicate skin.

The Hand to Hold NICU Community sits on a custom designed, proprietary, hypermobile platform that supports both English and Spanish built by On the Dot. The app is free, courtesy of Huggies, and can be downloaded on Google Play or the Apple App Store by searching "Hand to Hold". About Hand to Hold

Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides personalized support before, during and after a NICU stay to help ensure all NICU families thrive. They envision a world where every NICU family has a trusted Hand to Hold through their NICU journey and beyond. To learn more, visit Hand to Hold.org About Huggies Brand

For more than 40 years, Huggies has been helping parents provide love, care and reassurance to their babies. From developing innovative, everyday products for babies to partnering with NICU nurses to develop a special diapers and wipes line for the most fragile babies, Huggies is dedicated to helping ensure all babies get the care they need to thrive. Huggies is proud to be the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need in America since 2011. Huggies is also the national sponsor of nonprofit Hand to Hold, which provides personalized support before, during and after NICU stays and infant loss. For more information on product offerings or our community efforts, please visit Huggies.com. About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com. 1March of Dimes (2010). Special Care nursery admissions. National Perinatal Information System/Quality Analytic Services; Special Care Nursery Admissions 2Shaw and Horwitz (2021). Treatment of Psychological Distress in Parents of Premature Infants, PTSD in the NICU. American Psychiatric Association Publishing. [KMB-B] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hand-to-hold-launches-mobile-app-to-help-nicu-parents-access-emotional-support-301296214.html SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

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[May 20, 2021] Higher Education Institutions Invest in Jenzabar to Improve Student Experience and Fuel Digital Transformation Post-COVID

Jenzabar, Inc., a leading technology innovator in higher education serving the new student, today announced that 14 higher education institutions selected Jenzabar's solutions in the first quarter of 2021 to improve performance across campus and deliver more personalized and connected experiences for students. This continued momentum from the past quarter demonstrates that institutions are once again focusing on their digital transformations and student success initiatives in a post-COVID-19 environment. In the first quarter, leading higher education institutions including California Intercontinental University, the College of the Marshall Islands, Antioch College, Union Theological Seminary, and Cleary University selected Jenzabar SONIS as their student information system. Additionally, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Dominican University, the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences, La Roche College, Louisiana College, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, Belmont College, and The American College of Greece upgraded their Jenzabar solutions to drive digital transformation and improve student engagement. "As institutions begin to see a new normal emerge in a post-pandemic environment, they are moving ahead with ambitious online and hybrid learning models that deliver unparalleled student experiences safely and cost-effectively," said Ling Chai Maginn, President and CEO of Jenzabar. "In today's modern learning environments, higher education leaders are investing in innovative technology that can drive student engagement and success, regardless of location. These investments will ensure even more meaningful and collaborative student experiences in the years to come." Jenzabar Helps Higher Education Adjust to the "New Normal" Even as the pandemic promises to wind down in 2021, university and college campuses have been forever changed and it is unlikely they will return to their pre-COVID-19 status. Higher education had to implement significant changes in 2020 to respond to the pandemic and its subsequent second-order effecs, and many institutions are extending and scaling those initiatives to fulfill the demand for online and hybrid learning experiences going forward. This has become the "new normal" for higher education.



The new normal will also be defined by online productification, more meaningful virtual experiences, "online everywhere" learning, and more. Investing in modern student information systems will enable higher education to fully digitalize their campuses and ensure greater sustainability over time. For these reasons, an increasing number of leading higher education institutions selected Jenzabar One, the company's flexible, cloud platform that provides campuses with mobile-friendly solutions to drive institutional and student success. Jenzabar has also seen significant adoption of its AI-powered, award-winning chatbot. Launched in October 2020, Jenzabar Chatbot was specifically designed for higher education institutions to provide an always-on resource to answer student questions and reduce stress as colleges transitioned to remote learning models.

Additionally, Jenzabar made significant enhancements to Jenzabar Financial Aid. Many contributors, including declining high school graduation rates and increased competition among higher education programs, have made financial aid a deciding factor for many students. Jenzabar Financial Aid empowers universities and colleges to offer the best award packages for students by using reliable, accurate information, thereby increasing their chances of attracting prospective students. Resources To learn how Jenzabar One can help your institution make data-driven decisions with confidence, please visit https://jenzabar.com/jenzabar-one.

To learn more about how Jenzabar Chatbot can help your institution provide a faster, more convenient way to deliver information to students, please visit https://jenzabar.com/product/jenzabar-chatbot.

To find out how Jenzabar Financial Aid can help your university automate the financial aid process and gain a competitive advantage in enrolling new students, please visit https://jenzabar.com/product/financial-aid. About Jenzabar Created out of a passion for education and a vision for technology, Jenzabar offers disruptive, innovative software solutions and services that empower students' success and help higher education institutions meet the demands of the modern student. Over 1,350 higher educational campuses harness Jenzabar solutions for improved performance across campus and a more personalized and connected experience for the student. For further information, please visit www.jenzabar.com or on Twitter (News - Alert) @Jenzabar or on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005124/en/

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[May 20, 2021] How Dahua Technology Supports Water Management Efforts

River damming, water pollution, overfishing, and sand quarrying have been damaging the living environment of aquatic organisms in the Yangtze River for some time. The decline of biodiversity in the Yangtze ecosystem is an immediate threat to fishery production, and a longer term threat to the health of the surrounding regions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005383/en/ Dahua Technology Supports Water Management Efforts (Photo: Business Wire) To protect the environment of the Yangtze basin, the main part of the Yangtze River as well as large-scale lakes and important tributaries have just started this year a ten-year comprehensive ban on fishing, a project Dahua Technology is supporting with its digital intelligence systes.



Automatic supervision tools, like smart warnings of ship intrusion, greatly improve the efficiency of manual inspections and speed response to illegal activity in the basin. Dahua systems will monitor activity within banned areas, other fishing regions, dock landing points, and aquatic product wholesale markets. Combining this digital intelligence with enforcement on the ground allows for sufficient evidence and follow up, as well as real-time responses which together contribute to more careful management of these critical bodies of water. Dahua Technology uses a three-dimensional perception system of "air, land and water", deploying AI image recognition systems to capture relevant events in real-time. Our technology can power automatic warning of abnormal activity, deterrence of illegal events, and time-based retrospective evidence collection. This technology builds on years of Dahua experience running ecosystem protection systems along major rivers, using video IoT, artificial intelligence, and data fusion to support water area governance in irrigation systems around China that cover more than 10,000 kilometers.

Building Dahua's Sustainability and Conservation Agenda Dahua Technology is a world-leading video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider. Our engineers and product designers take the 'solutions' part of that description seriously. An important part of their mission is to identify areas where our technology can make distinctive contributions to problem-solving in the interests of society. In the last few years, Dahua Technology has been developing and deploying systems that can advance sustainability goals, participating in one of the most crucial human endeavors of our century. We have taken important steps in the battle against species extinction, against forest fires, and in the protection and conservation of water resources. Check out How Dahua Video Monitoring Solution Protects Endangered Species and How Dahua Technology Helps Prevent Forest Fires. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005383/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Indiana Digital Learning School Class of 2021 to Be Celebrated With Online Graduation Ceremony

After a school year like no other, Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS), an online public school serving K-12 students throughout the state since 2017, will celebrate its graduates with a virtual commencement ceremony this weekend. INDLS is tuition-free to all students who reside in Indiana, staffed by state-licensed teachers, and is an authorized online public-school program of the Union School Corporation in Modoc. "Let's be honest, it's been a rough year for most families when it comes to education. And while other schools may have struggled with online learning throughout the year, INDLS students never missed a day of instruction," said INDLS Head of School Elizabeth Sliger. "We're so happy they made it to this point and look forward to seeing what they do next." This year, INDLS will graduate over 400 students. Approximately 50 students will graduate with a cumulative GPA above 3.5. And nearly $1 million worth of college scholarships have reportedly been awarded to the Class of 2021. Collectively, the graduating class reports it has been accepted to colleges and universities across Indiana and beyond including Coasta College of Georgia, University of Buffalo in New York, Penn Foster College in Arizona, and Eckerd College in Florida.



Calvin Wade is INDLS' 2021 valedictorian and plans to study biology in the fall. Mason Leffel is the class salutatorian and will attend Ball State University. The keynote speaker will be Kevin P. Chavous, Stride's President, Academic Policy and External Affairs. "INDLS was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise all-around odd year for me and my family," said Wade. "I feel like I have the tools to move my life forward and I couldn't be more thankful."

Prior to the pandemic, students 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. INDLS 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. INDLS is inviting all families and friends worldwide to join the celebration. Details of the graduation ceremonies are as follows: WHAT: Indiana Digital Learning School 2021 Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Saturday, May 22nd, 2021, 11:00 AM CONTACT: For any questions about the celebrations, please contact Liz Sliger at esliger@k12.com. For media inquiries, please contact Ken Schwartz at kschwartz@k12.com. About Indiana Digital Learning School Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS) is an online public-school program of the Union School Corporation, serving students across the state of Indiana. INDLS is tuition-free and provides families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride Company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build skills for their future. For more information about INDLS, visit indls.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005009/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Insight School of Oklahoma to Celebrate 2021 Graduates

Insight School of Oklahoma (ISOK), an online public charter school for students in grades 6-12, will celebrate the Class of 2021 during an in-person ceremony on Saturday, May 22. The commencement will feature messages from Matt Pinnell, Lt. Governor of Oklahoma, as well as First Lady Sarah Stitt, and will celebrate the achievements of 237 students from the Class of 2021. Collectively, the Class of 2021 reports it has been accepted to technical schools and universities across the country, including: University of Central Oklahoma, University of Arkansas, Tulsa Tech, Rogers State University, and Rose State College. "We are excited to recognize the achievements of the Class of 2021," said ISOK Head of School Jennifer Wilkinson. "They are proving their resiliency, and I'm glad we have an opportunity to come together and celebrate all of the hard work that got them to this point." ISOK combines online instruction wih the support of state-licensed teachers to provide a personalized learning experience for its middle and high school students. Graduates earn a high school diploma, and those who come to ISOK can participate in the school's credit recovery program.



Teachers at ISOK interact with students via phone, email, web-based classrooms, and online discussions to ensure families feel supported and students feel appropriately challenged as they work towards high school graduation. Details of the graduation ceremony are as follows:

WHAT: Insight School of Oklahoma 2021 Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Saturday, May 22nd | 10 AM WHERE: First Baptist Church, 1300 E. 33rd St., Edmond, OK 73013 About Insight School of Oklahoma Insight School of Oklahoma (ISOK) is an alternative education online public charter school that serves students in grades 6-12 throughout the state of Oklahoma. ISOK is recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Education as an alternative school and is authorized by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board. ISOK is tuition-free and gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12, a Stride company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build their skills for the future. For more information, visit ok.insightschools.net. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005011/en/

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[May 20, 2021] The Internet Data Center Industry in China and Hong Kong is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 4% During 2020 to 2026

DUBLIN, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Internet Data Center Market in China and Hong Kong - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this China and Hong Kong Data Center Market Report



The China and Hong Kong data center market by investment is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 4% during the period 2020-2026.



The emergence of the 5G network has been a significant boost to the China & Hong Kong edge data center market. China and Hong Kong governments have been actively supporting the improvement of networking infrastructure in their countries. The implementation of 5G has boosted the digital economy, leading to the increased demand for high bandwidth networking infrastructure. Chinese telecom operators in the region are incredibly active in the implementation of 5G infrastructure. Operators such as China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile are the major players in the 5G landscape. Over 700,000 5G sites were built by these three operators in 2020 and are likely to add 600,000 base stations in 2021 for the implementation of 5G network. China Unicom has deployed edge data centers in the region. Turbidite, an edge data center platform, launched in March 2021, develops international-standard edge data centers across APAC countries, including China and Hong Kong. The company is in the process of acquiring and developing carrier-neutral edge data centers that will support enterprises and hyperscale data center developers to establish their presence in the APAC region. It is expected that the number of connected devices will triple by the end of the forecast period, and smart city growth will involve data centers nearer to customer locations. These deployments will continue to drive innovations in the data center power space, with increased modular infrastructure offerings.



The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the China and Hong Kong data center market during the forecast period: Implementation of 5G driving Edge Data Centers

Smart Cities fueling Data Center Demand

Renewable Energy reducing Power Cost

The rise in AI, Blockchain & Quantum Computing Investment The study considers the present scenario of the China and Hong Kong data center market and its market dynamics for the period 2020-2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.



China and Hong Kong Data Center Market Segmentation The China and Hong Kong data center market research report includes a detailed segmentation by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, cooling systems, cooling technique, general construction, tier standards, geography. The China & Hong Kong IT Infrastructure market expects to reach over USD 28 billion in 2026, growing at a CAGR of over 3%. Servers are the major revenue contributor to the market as the growth in data generation is fueling demand for fast processing efficient servers. Servers comprising AI-enabled features such as data analytics, development of AI-enabled applications, flexible deployment of data expect to increase the demand during the forecast period.



The electrical infrastructure market in China & Hong Kong is likely to grow at a CAGR of approx. 4% during 2020-2026. In China & Hong Kong, data centers are designed to be of Tier III and Tier IV standards, with the high deployment of 2N redundant UPS systems, coupled with generators and other infrastructure adopting N+N redundancy. The adoption of Diesel Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supply (DRUPS) systems is growing in the Hong Kong market. DRUPS solutions are likely to witness high demand among data centers, with multiple modules having a total capacity of up to 2 MW and N+N or 2N redundant configurations. The adoption of intelligent PDU solutions such as metered and monitored PDU dominates in terms of investments. The adoption of modular infrastructure solutions in prefabricated data center deployment is increasing, continuing to grow and contributing to the market investment by the end of the forecast period.



In China, most facilities are colocation and adopt a combination of air and water-based cooling techniques to cool facilities; however, few are built to support free cooling techniques. In Beijing, a majority of data centers are colocation based and adopt a combination of air and water-based cooling techniques to cool down the facility. Most facilities have installed chilled water-cooling systems. The increased use of rack scale converged infrastructure systems in data centers will impact the rack market, affecting rack adoption. In 2020, the China and Hong Kong data center market witnessed a rack capacity of over 1,00,000. Vendors are constantly innovating rack designs to provide airflow perforation (80%), enhance cabling channels, and support more weight capacity.







Several data centers use CRAC and CRAH units to supply cold air and exhaust hot air from the data hall. With data centers now built to handle over 10 MW of IT load, the use of multiple CRAC and CRAH units split across data halls is growing. The market will continue to grow among data centers that use DX or chilled-water cooling solutions. The adoption of chiller units expects to be higher in the market. All high-density data centers in the region depend on chilled water to cool their facilities. Hence, the use of free cooling systems is partially viable in these locations. Data centers in China & Hong Kong are developed to derive benefits from free cooling techniques. The use of evaporative coolers is also gaining traction in these countries, along with the adoption of evaporative cooling systems.



China is leading the greenfield construction of data centers. Hyperscale developments expect to increase the demand for engineering services in China . Most data centers in Beijing have 24X7 onsite support, including security, maintenance, smart hands teams. In addition, facilities are equipped with disaster recovery systems. Due to the limited availability of land, brownfield construction has witnessed growth in Hong Kong , and this trend is likely to continue during the forecast period. Most facilities in China prefer at least four layers of safety, with few engaged in implementing five-layer ones due to the increasing demand for colocation services.





Several mega data center projects are designed to be of Tier III and Tier IV standards in China . Tier III and Tier IV facilities dominate the China and Hong Kong data center market share, expecting to account for USD 4 billion and USD 2 billion , respectively, by 2026. Around 30 data centers in China & Hong Kong fall under the Tier III category. Equinix, GDS Services Ltd, Global Switch, and China Unicom are major vendors developing Tier III standards facilities. Several facilities in China have received Tier IV Certification for design from the Uptime Institute. These facilities generate more revenue for the market, with focused investment on highly efficient cooling systems. Tier IV facilities involve the adoption of 2N+1 cooling units. INSIGHTS BY VENDORS China & Hong Kong is one of the most developed data center markets. The data center market in China and Hong Kong is still witnessing growth in terms of investment from global and local data center operators. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the data generation significantly increased this derived investment in data centers. Vendors are offering innovative solutions for data centers to improve efficiency of data centers. The market is likely to witness the entry of new players that provide DCIM solutions, installation & commissioning services, and physical security services. The success of new entrants mainly depends on their market expertise and understanding of local regulations. The Princeton Digital Group, GDS Services, and BDx invested in the region in 2020. These providers are either building data centers or acquiring existing facilities to create a foundation for expansion in the future years.



Key Data Center Critical (IT) Infrastructure Providers Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Hitachi Vantara Corporation

Huawei Technologies

IBM

Inspur

Lenovo

Quanta Cloud Technology (Quanta Computer) Key Data Center Support Infrastructure Providers ABB

Vertiv

Caterpillar

Cummins

Delta Electronics

Eaton

Fuji Electric

Schneider Electric

HITEC Power Protection

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Legrand

Rittal

Rolls-Royce Power Systems

AIRSYS

Shenzhen Kstar Science and Technology Key Data Center Investors Apple

AirTrunk Operating

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

21Vianet

BDx

Chayora

China Unicom

Chindata

CITIC Telcom International Holdings

Equinix

GDS Services

Global Switch

OneAsia Network

Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Persero)

PCCW Global Solutions

Princeton Digital Group

SUNeVision (iAdvantage)

Shanghai AtHub

Shanghai Qnet Networking Technology

Tencent Holdings

Holdings Tenglong Holdings Group (Tamron) Key Construction Constructors Arup Group

Aurecom Group

AWP Architects

BYME Engineering (HK)

Chung Hing Engineers Group

DSCO Group

Faithful+Gould

Gammon Construction

ISG

Studio One Design

NTT Global Data Centers KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. How big is the China and Hong Kong Data Center market size?

2. What is the growth of Tier III data centers in China and Hong Kong?

3. What is the growth rate of the China and Hong Kong Data Center Market?

4. What are the new investment opportunities in the data center market?

5. Who are the key players in the China and Hong Kong data center market?





Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Research Objectives



3 Research Process



4 Scope & Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of The Study

4.4 Market Segments

4.4.1 Market Segmentation by Infrastructure

4.4.2 Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure

4.4.3 Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure

4.4.4 Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure

4.4.5 Market Segmentation by Cooling Systems

4.4.6 Market Segmentation by Cooling Techniques

4.4.7 Market Segmentation by General Construction

4.4.8 Market Segmentation by Tier Standards

4.4.9 Market Segmentation by Geography



5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Currency Conversion

5.3 Market Derivation



6 Market at a Glance



7 Introduction

7.1 Overview



8 Market Opportunities & Trends

8.1 5G Implementation To Drive Edge Data Centers

8.2 Smart Cities Fuel Data Center Demand

8.3 Renewable Energy To Reduce Power Cost

8.4 Rising Investment In AI, Blockchain & Quantum Computing



9 Market Growth Enablers

9.1 Data Center Investments Continue To Rise

9.2 Impact Of COVID-19 On Data Center Investments

9.3 Growing Demand For Hyperscale Data Centers

9.4 Increased Adoption Of Cloud Services

9.5 Big Data & IoT Spending To Drive Data Center Investment



10 Market Restraints

10.1 Regulatory Hurdles For Doing Business

10.2 Land Scarcity In Hong Kong Impacts Data Center Growth

10.3 Air Pollution Restricts Free Cooling



11 Market Landscape

11.1 Market Overview

11.2 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

11.3 Area: Market Size & Forecast

11.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

11.5 Five Forces Analysis

11.5.1 Threat of New Entrants

11.5.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

11.5.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers

11.5.4 Threat of Substitutes

11.5.5 Competitive Rivalry



12 Infrastructure



13 IT Infrastructure



14 Electrical Infrastructure



15 Mechanical Infrastructure



16 Cooling Systems



17 Cooling Technique



18 General Construction



19 Tier Standards



20 Geography

20.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

20.2 Area: Snapshot & Growth Engine

20.3 Power Capacity: Snapshot & Growth Engine



21 China



22 Hong Kong



23 Competitive Landscape

23.1 Competition Overview

23.1.1 Infrastructure Providers

23.1.2 Construction Contractors

23.1.3 Data Center Investors



24 Prominent It Infrastructure Vendors



25 Prominent Support Infrastructure Providers



26 Prominent Construction Contractors



27 Prominent Data Center Investors



28 Report Summary 29 Quantitative Summary



30 Appendix

30.1 Abbreviations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dh17oh

Media Contact: Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-internet-data-center-industry-in-china-and-hong-kong-is-expected-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-4-during-2020-to-2026-301295830.html SOURCE Research and Markets

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[May 20, 2021] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces the Filing of a Securities Class Action on Behalf of Ubiquiti Inc. (UI) Investors

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Ubiquiti (News - Alert) Inc. ("Ubiquiti" or the "Company") (NYSE: UI) securities between January 11, 2021 and March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Ubiquiti investors have until July 19, 2021 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors suffering losses on their Ubiquiti investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in this class action at 888-638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com. On March 30, 2021, after the market closed, Krebs on Security published an article entitled "Whistleblower: Ubiquiti Breach 'Catastrophic'" stating that the Company had downplayed a data breach from January 2021 and that the "third-party cloud provider claim was a fabrication." According to the article, the attacker(s) had accessed "privileged credentials that were previously stored in the LastPass account of a Ubiquiti IT employee, and gained root administrator access to all Ubiquiti AWS [ Amazon Web Services (News - Alert) ] acounts, including all S3 data buckets, all application logs, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies." As a result, the article noted that the Company should have immediately invalidated customers' credentials and forced a reset, rather than asking customers to change their passwords when they next log on.



On this news, the Company's stock price fell $50.70, or 14.5%, to close at $298.30 per share on March 31, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants, in their statements concerning the data breach, failed to speak fully and truthfully because they failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the Company had downplayed the data breach in January 2021; (2) that attackers had obtained administrative access to Ubiquiti's servers and obtained access to, among other things, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies; (3) that, as a result, intruders already had credentials needed to remotely access Ubiquiti's customers' systems; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

If you purchased Ubiquiti securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020, by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005256/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Istation's ISIP Early Reading (ISIP ER) Gains K-2 MTSS Approval in South Carolina

Istation, a leader in educational technology, gained K-2 Multi-Tiered System Support (MTSS) approval for Istation's Indicators of Progress Early Reading (ISIP ER) in South Carolina. The MTSS list provides vetted educational technology that incorporates academics and social and emotional learning into one framework. Powered by the science of reading, Istation's reading assessments and instructional resources for pre-K through 8th grade cover the National Reading Panel's "Big Five" foundational essentials: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. Schools get the support they need to improve foundational reading and growth with assessments that provide actionable and insightful data that measure these skills and many others. Students take a computer-adaptive assessment, known as ISIP, which measures overall proficiency and abilities. Istation uses student progress and assessment data to create pesonalized data profiles with relevant information on students' progress. These instantaneous and customizable reports include both graphic and contextual analyses for each student. Teachers can use this data to plan and differentiate instruction, provide necessary interventions and discover students who may be at risk for learning disabilities.



"Driven by scientific evidence and comprehensive research, Istation has been helping educators improve students' core skills for over 20 years," said Istation CEO Richard Collins. "We are honored to be approved by the South Carolina Department of Education and look forward to serving as a collaborative partner to educators, helping to drive personalized learning for students across the state." Learn how Istation Early Reading works as an MTSS resource to address the personalized needs of each student by providing teachers with invaluable insights to help students prosper.

About Istation Founded in 1998 and based in Dallas, Texas, Istation (Imagination Station) has become one of the nation's leading providers of richly animated, game-like educational technology. Winner of several national educational technology awards, the Istation program puts more instructional time in the classroom through small-group and collaborative instruction. Istation's innovative reading, math and Spanish programs immerse students in an engaging and interactive environment and inspire them to learn. Additionally, administrators and educators can use Istation to easily track the progress of their students, schools and classrooms. Istation now serves over 4 million students throughout the United States and in several other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005984/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 00:17:56|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on the international community to do the utmost to help bring a ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict.

"I call on all members of the international community to do everything in their power to enable the parties to conflict to step back from the brink," the UN chief told the General Assembly plenary meeting on the situation in the Middle East and Palestine.

"The fighting must stop immediately. I appeal to all parties to cease hostilities, now and I reiterate my call on all sides for an immediate ceasefire," he said.

"Access for humanitarian goods is paramount. Attacks by militant groups on areas surrounding crossing points are unacceptable," the top UN official stressed.

The secretary-general called for efforts to protect civilians, noting that "even wars have rules. First and foremost, civilians must be protected."

"Indiscriminate attacks, and attacks against civilians and civilian property, are violations of the laws of war," Guterres said. "So are attacks against military objectives that cause disproportionate loss of civilian life and injury to civilians."

There is no justification, including counterterrorism or self-defense, for the abdication by the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law, the UN chief stressed.

"I urge the Israeli authorities to abide by the laws governing armed conflict, including the proportionate use of force. I call on them to exercise maximum restraint in the conduct of military operations," said the secretary-general.

"I likewise urge Hamas and other militant groups to stop the indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars from highly populated civilian neighborhoods into civilian population centers in Israel, also in clear violation of international humanitarian law. Densely populated civilian areas must not be used for military purposes," he added.

According to the secretary-general, as of Wednesday, the continued air and artillery bombardment by the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza had claimed the lives of at least 208 Palestinians, including 60 children, and injured thousands more. The continued indiscriminate firing of rockets by Hamas and other militant groups towards population centers in Israel, resulting in at least 12 fatalities including two children, and hundreds of injuries, is also unacceptable.

Guterres commended the ongoing efforts of member states aimed at encouraging all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and prevent further civilian casualties, and reach a cessation of hostilities.

"We must work towards a resumption of negotiations that will address the status of Jerusalem and other final status issues; end the occupation; and allow for the realization of a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, UN resolutions, international law and mutual agreements, with Jerusalem as capital of both Israel and Palestine," he said.

"The United Nations is deeply committed to working with Israelis and Palestinians, and with our international and regional partners, including through the Middle East Quartet, to realize a lasting and just peace," said the secretary-general.

President of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Volkan Bozkir, convened the formal plenary meeting on Palestine and the Middle East in the General Assembly Hall in New York. The meeting consists of a debate under the agenda items on "The situation in the Middle East" and "Question of Palestine." Enditem
[May 20, 2021] Kentik Strengthens Asia-Pacific Growth with TDS Partnership

SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kentik, the network observability company, today announced continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through a new channel partnership with Technology Distribution Specialists (TDS). Based in Sydney, TDS will support Kentik's growth in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Over the last four years, Kentik's customer base in APAC has expanded by over 300 percent. As a value-added distributor (VAD) and reseller, TDS will help Kentik address regional demand for the Kentik Network Observability Cloud , the platform that enables network professionals to plan, run and fix any network. "Networks are essential for a vast majority of today's businesses, but without network observability, everything from performance and security to user experience and revenue are at risk," said Dom Fitzgibbon, CTO of TDS. "Kentik is addressing these needs on a global scale, and with TDS' experience in the industry, we're excited to partner to bring the Kentik solution to more markets and customers across the region." "With a local presence and longstanding experience with networking and network management solutions, we're thrilled to partner with TDS as we grow our footprint in APAC," said Jim Frey, vice president of channel sales at Kentik. "Through this partnership, w will add dedicated regional support to meet the demands for our solution, while also ensuring a great experience for our customers."



Learn more about the Kentik Channel Partner Program here . Get a free, 30-day trial of the Kentik Network Observability Cloud platform at kentik.com/trial . ABOUT KENTIK

Kentik is the network observability company. Our platform is a must-have for the network front line, whether digital business, corporate IT or service provider. Network professionals turn to the Kentik Network Observability Cloud to plan, run and fix any network, relying on our infinite granularity, AI-driven insights and insanely fast search. Kentik makes sense of network, cloud, host and container flow, internet routing, performance tests and network metrics. We show networking pros what they need to know about their network performance, health and security to make their business-critical services shine. Networks power the world's most valuable companies, and those companies trust Kentik for network observability. Market leaders like IBM, Box and Zoom rely on Kentik for network observability. Visit us at kentik.com and follow us at @kentikinc .

ABOUT TDS

TDS , or Technology Distribution Specialists, was started to address a niche requirement in today's distribution marketplace. TDS addresses business-critical solutions and utilizes specialist partners to bring these solutions to the ANZ marketplace. TDS has almost 20 years of industry knowledge and partnerships to ensure that the products, services, and support provided outshine the usual industry expectations. TDS strives to be different, be dynamic, and be more than the usual distribution experience. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kentik-strengthens-asia-pacific-growth-with-tds-partnership-301295825.html SOURCE Kentik

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[May 20, 2021] Keystone Expands Its Agent Community in Virginia With Moncure Insurance Agency

Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone) continues its expansion in the Mid-Atlantic region by bringing Moncure Insurance Agency, Inc. of Blackstone and Crewe into its agent community. "Moncure is another perfect fit for Keystone's community," said Cheryl Brooks, state vice president for Virginia. "This partnership will provide resources that strengthen their agency while allowing them to remain independent." "We're really excited to be a part of Keystone. Having access to more carriers and vendors will allow our agency to grow," added Shirley Wilkins, Moncure's business manager. "We look forward to the camaraderie of our fellow agents in the community." About Moncure Insurance Agency, Inc. - The business started in 1932 as Bagby Insurance Agency and the name was later changed by new owner, Eustace C. Moncure. In 1966, W. Irby Moncure, Jr., CLU, left John Hancock Life Insurance Company and joined his uncle in the business, which is now located at 203 South Main Street in Blackstone. Irby's daughter, Shirley Moncure Wilkins, CPCU, joined the firm in 1981 after graduating from University of Richmond's E. Claiborne Robins School of Business. Shirley handles the life & health division and is Business Manager. David Lee (News - Alert) Wilkins, CIC, joined the firm in 1984 and is the President.



About Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone): Keystone started in 1983 when four independent insurance agencies teamed up to pool their experience and expertise. This small group believed that agencies could be stronger and more successful if they linked arms - a passion and spirit that continues. Growing to almost 300 independent agency partners in 17 states, Keystone provides its agents with a community of like-minded agencies, industry expertise and access to specialized products for their clients. Keystone is ranked number four on Insurance Journal's 2020 list of Top 20 Property/Casualty Agency Partnerships. For more information, go to www.keystoneinsgrp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005654/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Midwest Row Crop Collaborative Receives $1.6 Million HSBC Bank USA Grant to Help Build a More Resilient U.S. Food System

HSBC Bank USA, N.A., (HSBC) and the Midwest Row Crop Collaborative (MRCC) announced that HSBC has made a $1.6 million grant to MRCC to accelerate conservation and the adoption of regenerative practices such as cover crops, nutrient management, reduced tillage, and prairie strips on large-scale farms in MRCC's collaborative projects. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005653/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) Nature-based Solutions for Catalyzing a More Resilient U.S. Food System is the only U.S.-based project included as part of the Climate Solutions Partnership, which HSBC announced today. The Partnership aims to address barriers to scaling sustainable projects and to bring climate solutions to commercial viability, while also delivering for people and nature. Together with partners World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global initiative is backed by $100 million of philanthropic funding from HSBC over five years. The U.S.-based work, driven by MRCC members Kellogg Company, PepsiCo, and The Nature Conservancy partnering with members Unilever and Cargill, is made possible through direct relationships with row crop farmers, in a region where row crops account for 75 percent of agricultural land. As farmers depend on healthy soil and water resources, which are being depleted rapidly, the benefits of regenerative practice adoption can offer a lifeline for individual farms over the long term. These practices protect against the flooding and erosion impacts of increasingly extreme weather, improve crop yields, and reduce production costs. "We had gullies and water collecting across parts of our land for some time, which prevented crops from being able to grow," said Carter Morgan, a farmer participating in the Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources ( STAR (News - Alert) ) initiative of Georgetown, Illinois. "Once we eliminated tillage and implemented cover crops, we got erosion under control, soil health improved, and our herbicide use went way down." The Climate Solutions Partnership is part of HSBC's ambitious climate strategy. HSBC aims to align its provision of financing to net zero by 2050 or sooner, in line with the Paris Agreement goals, and to work across the financial sector and beyond to accelerate solutions that increase the pace of change. The Partnership seeks to remove barriers and create incentives in three areas: energy transition, business innovation and nature-based solutions. MRCC is part of the focus on nature-based solutions and will be one of 20 projects globally to protect and revitalize wetlands, mangroves and forests, and to promote sustainable agriculture. Working with a network of local partners, these projects will contribute to net-zero goals by capturing CO 2 while increasing social and environmental resilience.



"HSBC's new global Climate Solutions Partnership is about investing in tangible, high-potential methods to attack climate change, and there were no other efforts in the US that impressed us as much as the work being done by MRCC," said Kelly Fisher, Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC USA. "These regenerative agriculture practices will help farmers to keep producing food in a meaningful and sustainable way long into the future." "Soil health is vital for both a healthy natural ecosystem and a healthy agricultural system that supports farm families and production of the food we eat. We are honored that our unique collaborative has been selected to advance the important work of restoring and maintaining soil health by building on our portfolio of projects across the Midwest." said Margaret Henry, PepsiCo's Director, Sustainable Agriculture.

Focused on Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Nebraska, the projects will expand practices that are transferrable to other growing regions in the Midwest, the U.S., and around the globe. Benefits of the work will be measured in multiple ways: reduced carbon emissions, improved water quality and biodiversity, enhanced food security by reducing soil loss, and improved farm profitability. In Iowa and Nebraska, this grant will build on existing projects being implemented by Practical Farmers of Iowa to support expanding cover crops and introducing small grains to provide continuous living cover that protects and enhances soil health. In Illinois, the Precision Conservation Management program implemented by the Illinois Corn Growers Association will be replicated in an entirely new region, expanding its impact to 100 additional farms over four years. A pay-for-performance model to provide growers conservation practice adoption incentives by utilizing the STAR initiative will also be implemented in Illinois. In Michigan, MRCC will develop a sustainably grown grain pilot program that can be incorporated into supply partners' buying frameworks, with the potential to link conservation incentives to the point of sale. Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, farmer, Agriculture Engagement Strategy Director at The Nature Conservancy, and MRCC co-chair offers that "on-farm practices benefitting the environment and society without a visible financial payoff for 3-5 years are difficult practices to embrace. This grant will allow us to prove out the financial benefit and break down some of the barriers to adopting regenerative practices." A unique aspect of the Climate Solutions Partnership will be the creation of a Nature-based Solutions Accelerator, facilitated by global partners WRI and WWF, which will highlight meaningful innovations, including MRCC's work in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Nebraska. Another unique aspect is that, during the four-year grant term, participating projects may draw upon additional expertise from other MRCC members, including Bayer, Environmental Defense Fund, Walmart, and WWF. MRCC members represent distinct roles in the food and agriculture value chain, which creates an opportunity to drive collective action and remove barriers for systemic change to improve food system health, environmental outcomes, and the well-being of farmers. "We firmly believe that partnering with farmers - with support from trusted networks, technical assistance, and funding partnerships to weather their first few years of transition to regenerative practices - is an investment in healthy soils that are the foundation for a resilient future for Midwest agriculture," said Kate Schaffner, Global Sustainability Manager, Kellogg Company. "We're proud to continue our long-standing partnership with MRCC and this important work as it supports Kellogg's Better Days commitment to support one million farmers by the end of 2030." Fourth generation wheat farmer Mike Milligan, a participant in Kellogg's and The Nature Conservancy's project in the Saginaw Bay region of Michigan, echoes the same sentiment, saying "we are here to build something longer term than one lifespan." Note to editors: Midwest Row Crop Collaborative Administered by Environmental Initiative, the Midwest Row Crop Collaborative explores new approaches to agricultural challenges to find solutions that increase productivity while ensuring soil health, protecting water, addressing the factors contributing to climate change, and supporting farm families. Members include Bayer, Cargill, Environmental Defense Fund, Kellogg Company, PepsiCo, The Nature Conservancy, Unilever, Walmart, and World Wildlife Fund. HSBC HSBC Bank USA, National Association (HSBC Bank USA, N.A.) serves customers through retail banking and wealth management, commercial banking, private banking, and global banking and markets segments. It operates bank branches in: California; Washington, D.C.; Florida; Maryland; New Jersey; New York; Pennsylvania; Virginia; and Washington. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. In the United States, deposit products are offered by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Member FDIC, investment and brokerage services are provided through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., (Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC) and insurance products are provided through HSBC Insurance Agency (USA) Inc. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 64 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of $2,959bn at 31 March 2021, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005653/en/

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[May 20, 2021] NAMIWalks Los Angeles Honors Mental Health Awareness Month with Virtual Walk for 2021

LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its efforts to spread awareness of the importance of mental health, NAMI Greater Los Angeles County is announcing its annual NAMIWalks event taking place Saturday, May 22, 2021 as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. With the walk going virtual for the first time this year in light of the safer-at-home pandemic restrictions, the theme is NAMIWalks Your Way. The largest annual mental health advocacy event in Southern California, NAMIWalks Los Angeles County raises funds for free programs and services for those who have mental illness. Event programming will include messages of support from L.A. City Mayor Eric Garcetti, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and Dr. Jonathan Sherin, Director of the L.A. County Department of Mental Health. NAMI Greater Los Angeles County is partnering with HealthNet, which has chosen this year to provide major support for the walk. "This event brings together those wh want to help break the stigma and make a difference in the lives of those suffering from mental illness," said Davi Weber, NAMIWalks Manager. "With the event going virtual this year, we hope it gives people an opportunity to get creative as to how they participate!"



NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI works to end stigma by bringing awareness to mental health, providing support, educating the public and advocating for equal care. Mental illness can be treated and people living with mental illness can recover to live fulfilling lives. To learn more about how NAMI can help, visit namiglac.org. All NAMI programs and services are free of charge for individuals living with mental illness and families and friends who care for them.

To register for the virtual event, please click here. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/namiwalks-los-angeles-honors-mental-health-awareness-month-with-virtual-walk-for-2021-301296257.html SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Greater Los Angeles County

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[May 20, 2021] National Geographic Celebrates 'World Bee Day' With Angelina Jolie in a Collaborative Effort to Protect Bees

Today, on World Bee Day, National Geographic is teaming up with filmmaker, actor and humanitarian activist, Angelina Jolie, to raise awareness across Nat Geo platforms of bee conservation and a new program to empower women beekeepers around the world. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005277/en/ Photograph by Dan Winters/National Geographic To draw attention to United Nations' World Bee Day, National Geographic's Indira Lakshmanan, senior executive editor, sat down for an exclusive interview with Jolie, who, as Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has seen firsthand the link between environmental destruction, food insecurity and human displacement around the world. She has also spent 17 years supporting local communities in Cambodia in their efforts to combat the deforestation and illegal logging that threaten bees, other wildlife, and the ecosystem as a whole, through a foundation named for her eldest son, Maddox. As part of the in-depth interview with Nat Geo, Jolie discusses the importance of bee conservation and why beekeeping is vital to sustainable agriculture, environmental health, and food security. The interview also focuses on Jolie's involvement in the GUERLAIN x UNESCO "Women for Bees" programme, helping promote its twin objectives of women's empowerment and biodiversity conservation. By 2025, the program aims to build 2,500 hives within 25 UNESCO Biosphee Reserves and restock 125 million bees. The 50 women to graduate by 2025 will be trained and supported in establishing their own beekeeping operations.



Additionally, in an effort to show the beauty and importance of bees in our environment, National Geographic photographer and beekeeper Dan Winters captured an exclusive selection of remarkable images of Jolie, dressed in a Gabriela Hearst sustainable dress and covered in a swarm of bees. Winters, who is available for interviews, was inspired by the iconic 1981 Richard Avedon portrait of "The Beekeeper." Using the same pheromone the photographer and entomologist formulated for Avedon's portrait exactly 40 years earlier, Winters carefully photographed Jolie at one with bees in California, with the aim to honor both Avedon and his photography while bringing attention to bees and beekeepers everywhere. The spotlight on bee conservation falls under Nat Geo's recently launched Planet Possible initiative, designed to inspire and empower people to 'live more lightly on the planet.'

"With so much we are worried about around the world and so many people feeling overwhelmed with bad news and the reality of what is collapsing and what is happening, this is one [issue] that we can manage," says Jolie on why she felt it was important to bring attention to bee conservation. "We can certainly all step in and do our part, and we can do much better and anybody can." "At National Geographic, we recognize the power that visual storytelling has to drive real change," said National Geographic's VP of visuals and immersive experiences Whitney Johnson. "In celebrating World Bee Day, we wanted to shine a light on the difficulties facing bees in a creative and eye-catching way. Collaborating with Angelina Jolie and inspired by the iconic Richard Avedon portrait, the 'Women for Bees' entrepreneurship program presented a unique entry point for us to engage readers on an issue that they might not think about everyday but impacts so much of our everyday lives." You can find National Geographic's exclusive World Bee Day interview with Angelina Jolie at NatGeo.com/Bees. For all assets, please find links below which also include MANDATORY USAGE REQUIREMENTS. Interview: NatGeo.com/Bees

Images: here

Behind-the-scenes b-roll: here View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005277/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Nebraska Medicine Creates A More Connected Experience to Elevate Patient Care With Avaya

Avaya (NYSE: AVYA), a global leader in solutions to enhance and simplify communications and collaboration, is working with Nebraska Medicine, using the Avaya (News - Alert) OneCloud platform, to effectively manage the enormous shift in patient interactions experienced during the pandemic, and get individuals the care they need, when they need it. The AI-powered experience platform is also enabling this leading U.S. healthcare provider to easily and rapidly adjust their processes and workflows to provide direction on COVID-19 testing and vaccine administration to help the national recovery effort. Omaha-based Nebraska Medicine is one of the state's largest healthcare systems, with an extensive network of nearly 40 specialty and primary care health centers. Early in the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) turned to Nebraska Medicine as a first-line leader in the fight against COVID-19 and the organization knew it had to prepare for unprecedented increases in call volume from the community. By subscribing to Avaya OneCloud CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service), it was able to quickly deploy a smart, cloud-based conversational solution to help prioritize essential calls and reduce stress on customer service agents and other internal resources while continuing to deliver extraordinary patient care. "Flexibility was key as COVID-19 has made it difficult to predict what we needed to handle next," said Frank Plummer, Manager of IT Telecommunications at Nebraska Medicine. "Essential calls in the Northeast U.S. region increased by more than 60 percent over normal volume in one month alone. Avaya's flexible consumption model enabled us to adapt quickly and scale to handle any number of calls with the benefit of only paying for usage we needed. By having the cloud communications solution manage the first level of triage, agents are freed up to handle more complex or pressing issues and our IT organization can focus on continuing improvement in other key areas. We could only have done this with Avaya. Anything else would have taken an unacceptably long time, carried too much cost, reduced operational capacity at the edge, or compromised the quality metrics our customer needs to deliver." Avaya and Nebraska Medicine co-developed a call flow for its network of over 9,000 employees in the event a worker began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Leveraging their combined extensive knowledge base and experience, Nebraska Medicine and Avaya helped ensure the hospital could provide employees with a dedicated and easy path to reporting symptoms through the automated system rather than flooding the organization's call center agents. "A care team's ability to communicate with patients along their health journey is vital to the mission of supporting care plans and reducing readmissions," said Simon Harrison, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Avaya. "Avaya OneCloud helps extend the ability to support every touchpoint, modality, and persona for both patient and employee journeys. By connecting people, resources, data, and solutions, healthcare organizations can optimize operations and reduce risk while increasing operational efficiency. When it comes to the digital transformation of healthcare systems, nothing's more important than a flexible communications solution." Avaya OneCloud CPaaS offers businesses an easy-to-use platform with a comprehensive set of communications functions, which can be seamlessly incorporated into any type of application. It is a force-multiplier that enhances the composability of the Avaya OneCloud UCaaS and Avaya OneCloud CCaaS portfolios. This composability enables businesses to combine cloud-based building blocks to form packaged capabilities that enable applications to support an 'always-on' business posture to keep customers connected, orchestrate their journey, align business resources, and leverage interactions and data to better understand and create the right experiences for each customer.



Additional Resources Read the full Nebraska Medicine case study.

Learn what your business can do with Avaya OneCloud CPaaS.

Request a free Avaya workshop on how to Elevate Inbound and Outbound Interactions with Your Customers.

Watch a video overview of Avaya's composable healthcare solutions

Read out blog, How COVID-19 Forced Health Providers to Rethink the Patient Experience. About Avaya

Businesses are built by the experiences they provide, and everyday millions of those experiences are delivered by Avaya Holdings Corp. (NYSE: AVYA). Avaya is shaping what's next for the future of work, with innovation and partnerships that deliver game-changing business benefits. Our cloud communications solutions and multi-cloud application ecosystem power personalized, intelligent, and effortless customer and employee experiences to help achieve strategic ambitions and desired outcomes. Together, we are committed to help grow your business by delivering Experiences that Matter. Learn more at http://www.avaya.com About Nebraska Medicine Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care. Learn more at NebraskaMed.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain "forward-looking statements." All statements other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking" statements for purposes of the U.S. federal and state securities laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "our vision," "plan," "potential," "preliminary," "predict," "should," "will," or "would" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Company believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. The factors are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) ") available at www.sec.gov, and may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The Company cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Company's SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release may not in fact occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. All trademarks identified by , TM, or SM are registered marks, trademarks, and service marks, respectively, of Avaya Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Source (News - Alert) : Avaya Newsroom View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005091/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Numerator Sentiment Survey Reveals 1 In 5 Canadian Consumers Expect A Return To Normalcy By Canada Day

One Quarter Expect Regular Celebrations by Labour Day, 3 in 5 by Christmas CHICAGO, May 20, 2021 /CNW/ -- Numerator, a data and tech company serving the market research space, has launched a new Canadian holiday sentiment study to understand the impact of the pandemic and vaccination status on upcoming holidays, and specifically, how people plan to celebrate, shop and spend for Victoria Day, Father's Day, St. Jean Baptiste Day, and Canada Day 2021. The sentiment survey of more than 4,000 Canadian consumers shows the following key findings: Overall, Canadian consumers are expecting a return to normal holiday celebrations (free of COVID-19 restrictions) much later than their US counterparts. Just over 1 in 5 (22%) expect a return to normalcy by Canada Day 2021, in contrast to the 59% of Americans who expect a return to normalcy by the same week (4th of July holiday). Almost a third (32%) of Canadian consumers expect that regular holiday celebrations will not resume until 2022, compared to 13% of US consumers. First "Normal" Holiday Expectation







Holiday % of Consumers

(by Holiday) % of Consumers

(Cumulative) Earlier (already celebrating normally) 12% 12% Victoria Day 1% 13% Father's Day 1% 14% St. Jean Baptiste Day 2% 16% Canada Day 6% 22% Labour Day 3% 25% Thanksgiving 9% 34% Halloween 3% 37% Diwali 1% 38% Christmas 26% 63% New Year's Eve 4% 68% 2022 or Later 32% 100%

Readiness for holiday "normalcy" varies based on vaccination level. Consumers who do not plan to get the vaccine are more than twice as likely to say they are ready to celebrate holidays on a larger scale, and 45% say they are ready to celebrate holidays normally. In contrast, fully vaccinated consumers and those awaiting a vaccine are the most cautious groups, with 35% saying they will ease back into normal celebrations, and 1 in 5 planning to stick to small scale celebrations for the foreseeable future, even after restrictions are lifted. Consumer Intent: Post-COVID Holiday Approach

% of Vaccine Status Group, Canadian Consumers

Total Fully Vaccinated Plan to Get Vaccinated Undecided Do Not Plan to Get Vaccinated Ready to celebrate holidays on a larger scale 10% 10% 7% 9% 24% Ready to celebrate holidays normally 38% 35% 38% 42% 45% Plan to ease back into normal celebrations 32% 35% 35% 32% 17% Plan to stick with small scale celebrations 19% 19% 20% 17% 13% Holiday-specific findings include: Victoria Day 2021: Less than 1 in 10 consumers (8%) expect to celebrate Victoria Day normally this year, with 92% still expecting a COVID impact.

normally this year, with 92% still expecting a COVID impact. Consumers plan to replace eating out with ordering in this year. 1 in 4 celebrators (27%) plan to order food and drinks, up from 17% in previous years.

With fewer, smaller celebrations planned, nearly half (48%) of Victoria Day celebrators plan to spend less than they have in years past. Father's Day 2021: Fewer than 1 in 5 consumers (17%) say that the pandemic will have no impact on their Father's Day celebrations, and nearly half (46%) say COVID will still have a significant impact.

Pandemic-style celebrations will continue this Father's Day as consumers are 49% less likely to see their fathers in-person this year, and 90% more likely to call or video chat.

Father's Day planned gift giving is down for 2021, with one-third of consumers planning to buy a gift for Dad, compared to nearly half (48%) in previous years.

The top five Father's Day gifting categories include: Gift Cards (51% of gift givers), Food/Drinks (29%), Apparel (28%), Electronics (16%) and Sporting Goods (9%). St. Jean Baptiste Day 2021: Of all holidays surveyed, St. Jean Baptiste Day saw the highest percentage of consumers (68%) expecting a significant COVID impact to their celebration plans.

In previous years, nearly half (49%) of celebrators attended public events or festivals, but only 1 in 10 (11%) plan to do so this year.

Similar to other holidays, consumers have an increased likelihood of ordering food and drinks for pick up or delivery, up 17% for this year vs previous years. Canada Day 2021: Only 6% of celebrators expect their Canada Day plans to be unaffected by the pandemic.

Canadian consumers are 47% more likely to order food/drinks for takeout or delivery  the only celebration method which saw an increase from previous years.

While the number of consumers planning to Grill/Barbecue is down slightly (45% in 2021 vs 50% in previous years), Grilling/Barbecuing has jumped to the #1 celebration method for Canada Day 2021, surpassing Gathering with Family/Friends and Attending Public Events/Festivals.

Fewer consumers plan to buy outdoor grills (15% of consumers in 2021 vs 30% in previous years) or grilling materials (20% in 2021 vs 28% in previous years). The Numerator 2021 Q2 Canada Holiday Survey was fielded on 4/26/2021 to 4,290 Canadian consumers. About Numerator

Numerator is a data and tech company bringing speed and scale to market research. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Numerator has more than 2,400 employees worldwide. The company blends proprietary data with advanced technology to create unique insights for the market research industry that has been slow to change. The majority of Fortune 100 companies are Numerator clients. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/numerator-sentiment-survey-reveals-1-in-5-canadian-consumers-expect-a-return-to-normalcy-by-canada-day-301295349.html SOURCE Numerator

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[May 20, 2021] PassiveLogic welcomes Honeywell and Dell leaders to exec team

HOLLADAY, Utah, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PassiveLogic, creators of the first fully autonomous building platform, welcomes Mike Luscombe and Kirsten Billhardt to the team. Mike Luscombe joins as Chief Commercial Officer. Luscombe will spearhead commercial activities worldwide, including direct and channel sales, marketing, business development and customer success initiatives. Luscombe is a ten year veteran of the executive leadership team at Tridium, Honeywell's flagship division for IoT and building automation. Luscombe brings deep international business development experience combined with leadership roles at three startups and ten years at both GE and Honeywell. Kirsten Bllhardt joins as VP Marketing to lead marketing strategy, corporate communications, demand generation, and overall marketing operations. Billhardt brings strong emerging technology experience from leading Edge and Internet of Things (IoT) marketing at Dell Technologies. Prior to her 15 years at Dell, Billhardt was an engineer and product planner for General Motors, helping to bring GM's first hybrid-electric vehicles to market. Billhardt earned a BSIE from Kettering University, an MSE from Purdue University and an MBA from Harvard.



"PassiveLogic is the only fully autonomous building solution at a time when the building marketplace is desperately seeking digital transformation. We are seeing an exponential rise in inbound demand across diverse real estate interests," said Troy Harvey, Founder and CEO of PassiveLogic. "Mike and Kirsten will be instrumental in managing our growing partnership ecosystem, while helping customers realize solutions to their building challenges. We are delighted to welcome them to PassiveLogic." About PassiveLogic

PassiveLogic is disrupting the world of automation with the first fully autonomous platform for buildings. We reinvented automation to replace legacy control logic with real-time control decisions at the edge, reducing the world's carbon footprint, while paving the way for smart cities. We bring together the most talented engineers, thinkers, and creatives  backed by the world's leading investors  to make the future a reality. Visit passivelogic.com to learn more.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/passivelogic-welcomes-honeywell-and-dell-leaders-to-exec-team-301296212.html SOURCE PassiveLogic

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[May 20, 2021] StorageCraft Brings Ultimate Combination of Flexibility, Management, and Security in Cloud & Hybrid Data Backup and Recovery

Latest Versions of ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo to offer

 Seamless Integration with Leading Cloud Storage Providers

 Single Cloud-Based Management Console

 Enhanced Security Through Two-Factor Authentication DRAPER, Utah, May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StorageCraft, an Arcserve Company, whose mission is to protect all data and ensure its constant availability, today announced the general availability of the next major releases of ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo, the company's flagship data and systems backup and recovery software, and its plug-and-protect backup and recovery appliance. Both solutions now support multi-cloud environments with enhanced security features to give customers improved flexibility, performance, economics, and assuredness from their cloud and hybrid data backup protection and recovery investments. As SMBs increasingly embrace multi-cloud strategies and adopt different cloud providers according to price-performance for specific workloads, a single, centrally managed data protection environment that is easy to manage and simplifies workflow is vital. Simultaneously, the constant threat from cyber-attacks requires companies to ensure they can recover applications and data quickly if and when disaster strikes. To address these needs, StorageCraft has enhanced ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo to provide a one-stop data backup and recovery solution that can handle all the complexity of major and multi-cloud environments through a single, seamless management console. Choice, Flexibility, and Scale: ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo now allow partners and customers of StorageCraft, an Arcserve Company, to leverage multiple cloud storage providers for data backup and replication. Both solutions provide the option to back up and support native replication into third-party clouds, including GCP, AWS, Azure Blob Storage, and Wasabi. As announced on May 11, 2021, both ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo now support DRaaS natively on GCP. Improved Cloud-Based Central Management: ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo support a consolidated public cloud-hosted web console that relies on secure protocols, enabling complete management and monitoring of all data protection to ensure dat is available from anywhere, anytime, and highly secure.



Heightened Security: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is now integrated into the StorageCraft OneSystem, a cloud-based management platform for ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo. It provides an extra layer of security to help safeguard customer data for organizations of all sizes, regardless of complexity or location. Said Shridar Subramanian, CMO at Arcserve: "The flexibility that ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo now bring to hybrid and multi-cloud data environments creates unprecedented flexibility, scale, and economic advantage. Offering customers the ability to use and choose between existing cloud storage providers to backup, recover or replicate is game-changing."

Said Michael Welts, CMO at Wasabi: "The trend of companies moving data to the cloud has gone into overdrive as a result of the pandemic and shift to working from home. Combining the predictability and economics of Wasabi hot cloud storage with the simple yet powerful assurance of StorageCraft data backup and instant recovery creates a compelling offering for channel partners focused on the SMB market." Pricing and Availability

The new releases of both StorageCraft ShadowXafe and OneXafe Solo are available immediately through StorageCraft's network of authorized resellers and distributors. Visit StorageCraft.com/how-buy for more information and to connect with a reseller that can help assess your data-management needs and provide detailed pricing information. Follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn , and Facebook , and read the latest data backup and recovery thought leadership articles on our blog . About StorageCraft, an Arcserve Company

StorageCraft, an Arcserve Company, provides the broadest set of best-in-class solutions to manage, protect and recover all data workloads, regardless of size, location, or complexity. The company's unified solution portfolio, comprising Arcserve and StorageCraft technology, eliminates complexity while bringing best-in-class, cost-effective, agile, and massively scalable data protection and certainty across all data environments. This includes on-prem, off-prem (including DRaaS, BaaS, and Cloud-to-Cloud), hyper-converged, and edge infrastructure. With decades of award-winning IP, plus a continuous focus on innovation, partners and customers are assured of the fastest route to next-generation data workloads and infrastructures. As an Arcserve company, StorageCraft is 100% channel-centric and has a presence in over 150 countries. For more information, visit storagecraft.com . StorageCraft, OneXafe, ShadowXafe, OneSystem, and ShadowProtect are trademarks of StorageCraft Technology, LLC. Other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright 2021 StorageCraft Technology, LLC. All rights reserved. Contact Information:

Jock Breitwieser

Arcserve

+1 408.800.5625

jock.breitwieser@arcserve.com



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[May 20, 2021] Sunshine Biopharma Eliminates $250,000 in Variable Rate Convertible Debt and Provides an Update on Status of OTCQB Uplisting

MONTREAL, May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunshine Biopharma Inc. (OTC PINK: SBFM), a pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of oncology and antiviral drugs, today announced that it has paid off $250,000 in variable rate convertible debt and is planning to soon eliminate the two similar items remaining on the books of the Company. The Companys application for uplisting to the OTCQB had been declined due to outstanding variable rate loans which were on the Companys financial statements at the time of the application. The Company can re-apply in October 2021. Sunshine Biopharmas CFO, Camille Sebaaly stated, We are in the process of getting rid of these loans to minimize dilution. Protecting the shareholders against harmful dilution is of utmost importance to the management of Sunshine Biopharma. Sunshine Biopharma continues to be a fully reporting issuer as it has been since inception. The Companys financial statements are audited by a PCAOB qualified firm and its quarterly and annual reports are filed with the SEC under the same requirements as companies listed on the OTCQB or any U.S. Stock Exchange. As a result of investments from RB Capital Partners, the Company will be able to eliminate all harmful debt. This will leave the Companys balance sheet with only fixed price conversions. About Sunshine Biopharma Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 3.4 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. Te 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.



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



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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 02:44:40|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Relief workers in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region blame parties to the conflict for the denial of cargo movements and confiscating of aid trucks and supplies, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

"Sporadic fighting and military reinforcement are being observed across the region," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Access in some areas, however, is feasible but volatile."

Military checkpoints aggressively search humanitarian vehicles and regularly demand proof of permission from local authorities or the military, the office said in a release. Humanitarian partners are scaling up their response but are not yet able to keep pace with mounting needs.

The challenge is from a combination of insecurity, access constraints, ongoing communications disruptions, and a lack of funding, OCHA said. Of the 5.2 million people targeted to receive food assistance, out of a total population of a little more than 7 million, only about 1.8 million people received aid since late March.

The UN Children's Fund and partners said they screened more than 172,000 children under five years of age and found severely acute malnutrition levels at 2.7 percent and moderate acute malnutrition at 19.6 percent.

Malnutrition levels among 45,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women were an alarming 46 percent, the humanitarians said. Screening and treatment for children and pregnant and breastfeeding women have decreased in the past two weeks due to lack of access.

On May 9, OCHA said it and the International Organization for Migration visited Adwa in the central zone. Internally displaced people were not getting sufficient aid. However, the World Food Programme gained access to Zana town in the northwestern area.

The Northern Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan targets all of the estimated 5.2 million people in need in Tigray with assistance, including an estimated 2 million displaced people.

The United Nations and partners seek 853 million U.S. dollars for the relief plan until the end of the year, but there is a significant shortfall of more than 500 million U.S. dollars. Urgently needed by August, 200 million U.S. dollars. Enditem
[May 20, 2021]

Swydo Founder Buys Back Digital Marketing Platform From DialogTech

Former Google Benelux Country Director Marc Duijndam Joins As Co-Owner, Helps Initiate Renewed Focus On Growth And Innovation

HILVERSUM, Netherlands, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Swydo, a global leader for digital marketing dashboards, reports and visualizations announced today the buyback of the company from DialogTech, based in Chicago, Illinois, US.

A unique opportunity arose for Swydo co-founder and managing director Jeroen Maljers to reacquire the business sold three years earlier. The vision behind the acquisition is to further grow the company while maintaining continuity in terms of product offering, customer relationships and company culture. Jeroen will be joined by new co-owner Marc Duijndam, former Managing Directorof Google Benelux, in the daily management of the firm.







Swydo was launched as a standalone reporting platform in 2011, quickly attracting business from digital agencies, brands and franchisors throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific region.

"We are very excited to fully focus on developing our platform, expanding our partnerships, leveraging our team's skills and growing the business," said Maljers. "Marc's extensive experience strengthens our management team and will help Swydo expand the business and achieve new growth and innovation goals."

Swydo's pre-built integrations makes retrieving data easy from third party sources like Google Ads, Facebook, LinkedIn Ads, Google Analytics, and Twitter.

"Swydo has ambitious plans to drive growth and support for our customers," said Duijndam. "Our goal is to provide a marketing hub to centralize and manage reports and dashboards for martech channels, helping our customers to make smarter data-driven business decisions every day."

About Swydo

Focused on business technology that helps digital marketers, Swydo's global reporting and monitoring platform retrieves data from multiple sources and creates professional, customizable marketing reports and dashboards. Known for its ease of use, reliability and affordability, the Netherlands based company has thousands of customers in over 80 countries around the globe. More information at swydo.com .



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[May 20, 2021] Synctera Signs on New Community Bank and FinTech, Enlists Julie Solomon, Ph.D., as Company's First Chief Revenue Officer

Synctera, a new solution for partnership banking at scale, today announced the signing of two new customers, Lineage Bank and Ellevest. This news comes just five months after Synctera's launch and seed funding in December 2020, where it also debuted its first community bank and FinTech customers, Coastal Community Bank and ONE Finance. Alongside its new clients, Synctera also brings on Julie Solomon, Ph. D, as the company's Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), where she will spearhead client growth and onboarding. Synctera enables community banks and FinTechs to create new growth opportunities by forging scalable partnerships without the hassle. For banks, Synctera streamlines day-to-day reconciliation, operations and regulatory compliance, while allowing FinTechs to launch faster with more choice via a one-stop-shop API. With Synctera, community banks can focus on serving their communities and local customers, while Synctera matches them with a FinTech to help both partners scale and grow. "Since the launch of Synctera, we've seen tremendous inbound demand from both community banks and FinTechs to join our platform," said Peter Hazlehurst, co-founder and CEO of Synctera. "As we continue to build out our offering and provide additional solutions to support both sides of our marketplace, we are excited to continue creating partnerships that are not only well matched and successful, but scalable. We're absolutely thrilled to have Julie join us and help continue to scale our go-to-market team." Synctera's new partners include: Lineage Bank will be the next banking customer for Synctera. Lineage, a de novo community bank based out of Franklin, Tennessee, is a forward-thinking financial services company that sees partnering with FinTechs as the primary way to grow its business.

will be the next banking customer for Synctera. Lineage, a de novo community bank based out of Franklin, Tennessee, is a forward-thinking financial services company that sees partnering with FinTechs as the primary way to grow its business. Also included among Synctera's newest FinTech partners is Ellevest, a money management and financial planning app for women. Ellevest is using Synctera to streamline its operational processes, especially reconciliation.



Rajesh Jayaraman, CTO of Ellevest. "We are excited to leverage Synctera's reconciliation technology to enable us to serve our members more efficiently while maintaining strong risk management controls." To support the growth in customer engagement, Synctera is exceptionally pleased to announce Julie Solomon, Ph.D., has joined as Chief Revenue Officer. In her role, she will lead the company's sales, customer success, onboarding and go-to-market teams. Solomon joins Synctera after more than 15 years at Envestnet Yodlee, where she was most recently the Senior Vice President and Head of Sales.

Since the launch of Synctera, the platform has continued its focus of integrating more banking partner options to choose from for the FinTech community, while catering to a variety of risk profiles and allowing niche FinTechs to get matched to banks with similar positions. The company is growing rapidly, with plans to grow its base of community banks to 15 and its FinTech partners to 30 by the end of 2021. Community partner banks and FinTechs are encouraged to reach out via Synctera's website to learn more about how to work together. For more information, please visit www.synctera.com. For visual assets, founder bios and headshots, FAQ and more, please access the media kit here. ABOUT SYNCTERA Synctera is building a partnership banking marketplace connecting community banks with FinTech platforms. Our FinTech-as-a-Service platform reduces risk, ensures compliance and speeds launches to market for FinTechs and banks alike. Synctera creates meaningful connections between community banks seeking more customers and FinTech platforms that need a licensed partner to operate in the US. Launched in 2020, the company was co-founded by CEO Peter Hazlehurst, former head of Uber Money, head of Google (News - Alert) Wallet and CPO at Yodlee, as well as CTO, Kris Hansen and Head of Product, Dominik Weisserth. For more information, please visit www.synctera.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005349/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Thermo Fisher Scientific Accelerates Complex Materials Research at Monash University with Specialized 300kV (S)TEM Microscope

HILLSBORO, Ore., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, has developed a custom-built high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope ((S)TEM) to support advanced materials research at Monash University. The instrument is being installed in the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy (MCEM) in Melbourne, Australia, a node of Microscopy Australia. The Thermo Scientific Spectra f is configured to provide enhanced electron beam flexibility to optimize advanced imaging of complex material systems. The Spectra f was designed and built to meet the specifications of a team led by Professor Joanne Etheridge, of MCEM and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. By incorporating Spectra f into their instrument lineup, Monash University will continue driving groundbreaking research into significant energy related and other initiatives, including high-efficiency photo-voltaic devices, batteries, materials light-weighting, low consumption electronics and clean generation, all which support making the world cleaner, healthier and safer. "This new instrument enables our researchers to probe matter in innovative ways to visualize features they could not previously see," said Professor Joanne Etheridge, Director of the MCEM. "This will be a vital tool in the development of more efficient solar cells, transport alloys, battery materials, low-energy electronics, catalysts and biodegradable polymersas well as many other materials that underpin our daily lives." This flexibility in the control of the electron beam includes the ability to choose both the accelerating voltage and energy resolution, in combination with the largest array of unique, customized apertures ever configuredin an advanced Thermo Scientific transmission electron microscope. The system provides electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) capabilities and is equipped with an advanced combination of pixelated (S)TEM, optimized (S)TEM, direct electron and low voltage optimized detectors. The microscope, configured on the Thermo Scientific Spectra platform, has the electronic, mechanical and electromagnetic stability needed to maximize data quality for situations such as in-situ experiments when long acquisition times are required.



"This is a revolutionary instrument and a powerful new addition to our world-class Monash Technology Research Platforms," said Professor Rebekah Brown, Senior Vice-Provost and Vice-Provost (research) at Monash University. "Monash is home to an extensive network of world-leading research technology platforms, in-house support and expertise available to our research community and collaborators. We believe innovation requires smart creative collaborations, and this is a prime example. We look forward to the new scientific discoveries it will enable." "We are thrilled about our ongoing collaboration with Monash University and the opportunity to design a custom-built microscope that will advance materials science," said Rosy Lee, vice president of materials science at Thermo Fisher. "Understanding the value of the unique feature combinations in this microscope is critical to helping us make the most effective commercialization and integration choices for our future products."

About Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 80,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com. Media Contact Information:

Laura Glass

Thermo Fisher Scientific

+1 971-330-8955

laura.glass@thermofisher.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thermo-fisher-scientific-accelerates-complex-materials-research-at-monash-university-with-specialized-300kv-stem-microscope-301295849.html SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

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[May 20, 2021] Thomas Volk Joins Converge Technology Solutions Corp. Board of Directors

TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Converge Technology Solutions Corp. ("Converge" or "the Company") (TSX: CTS) (FSE: 0ZB) (OTCQX: CTSDF) a software-enabled IT & Cloud Solutions provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Volk to the Company's Board of Directors. Thomas is a Senior Executive with unique experience leading global enterprises and mid-market companies in both CEO and Officer roles in the US and Europe. Previously, Thomas served as CEO of Cancom and led Dell Germany, UK, and France as well as worldwide sales at HP. He also holds established board member experience, currently serving as Director and Chairman of five different organizations. Thomas will also assume the role of Board Chair following the Company's upcoming Annual General Meeting, replacing Gordon McMillan who will be retiring from the board. "It's an exciting time at Converge as they begin their expansion into the European market and I'm looking forward to being a part of the journey on the Company's board," said Thomas Volk. "I believe my international experience and advisory skills will be an asset to Converge as they take on the new challenge of global growth and expanding their managed services practice." I am honored to have Thomas Volk, one of Europe's technology elite, join the Converge board," stated Shaun Maine, CEO of Converge. "It is rare for someone in my position to be able to rely on somebody like Thomas for advice and guidance. Thomas' experience in having previously implemented a managed services and European expansion strategy similar to Converge's during his time as CEO of Cancom is invaluable. This expertise, in addition to his knowledge from having led teams at Dell and HP, will assist and accelerate Converge in its European expansion and aid in our customers' adoption of managed services."



"Additionally, on behalf of the entire board, I would also like to thank Gord McMillan, my partner and co-founder of Converge, for serving as the Company's board chair through the successful implementation of the Company's initial phases of growth" said Shaun Maine. "Gord's leadership and experience, particularly in relation to executing on acquisitions, has been invaluable and I am delighted that he will continue to actively advise the Company on its acquisition activities going forward." About Converge

Converge Technology Solutions Corp. is a software-enabled IT & Cloud Solutions provider focused on delivering industry-leading solutions and services. Converge's regional sales and services organizations deliver advanced analytics, cloud, and cybersecurity offerings to clients across various industries. The Company supports these solutions with managed services, digital infrastructure, and talent expertise offerings across all major IT vendors in the marketplace. This multi-faceted approach enables Converge to address the unique business and technology requirements for all clients in the public and private sectors. For more information, visit convergetp.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thomas-volk-joins-converge-technology-solutions-corp-board-of-directors-301295783.html SOURCE Converge Technology Solutions Corp.

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[May 20, 2021] tZERO Partners With EnergyFunders to Digitize & Trade $25 Million of Securities in Its New Yield Fund I

tZERO, a leader in blockchain innovation and liquidity for digital assets, announced today it has signed an agreement with EnergyFunders, an energy projects funding platform, to digitize approximately $25 million of equity interest in EnergyFunders' Yield Fund I, the company's largest fund to-date that will invest in oil and gas assets throughout the U.S. This partnership represents EnergyFunders' first digital security project, with plans to conduct more digital securities offerings in the future. Based in the energy capital of Houston, Texas, EnergyFunders is the first-of-its-kind platform providing direct access to cash flow returns at the wellhead of oil and gas projects, successfully launching nearly 40 oil and gas investment funds since its inception in 2013. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005286/en/ The digital security will use tZERO's smart contract technology and will be built on the Ethereum Blockchain. EnergyFunders will be launching its Regulation D 506(c) offering this month. The Yield Fund I digital security is expected to become tradeable on the tZERO ATS, subject to legal and regulatory due diligence and securities laws considerations, offering investors secondary liquidity. tZERO CEO Saum Noursalehi stated, "We are thrilled to partner with EnergyFunders to digitize and trade $25 million of equity interest in its Yield Fund I. Opening access to traditionally illiquid investments like this aligns with our mission, and we look forward to collaborating with EnergyFunders on the digitization and trading of future funds." EnergyFunders is the world's largest online investment marketplace disrupting the energy industry by evolving the way capital investment and energy projects come together to generate more profitable commerce. It is led by experienced securities attorneys and trusted specialists in the oil and gas industry, offering unprecedented access to one of the oldest and most elite asset classes. EnergyFunders CEO Laura Pommer Fidler shared, "EnergyFunders is democratizing access to energy investments. We strive to compound investor capital at above-market rates, which historically required tying up capital for several years in private market partnerships. tZERO's revolutionary blockchain-based platform offers a leading regulatory-compliant, continuous, and automated trading environment for private market assets in the U.S. We couldn't be more pleased about this potential opportunity to provide a secondary market for trading our new EnergyFunders Yield Fund I in the same way that you might trade stocks, bonds or ETFs in a regular brokerage account. This will give our investors access to the potential for liquidity in a regulatory-compliant manner."





About tZERO p> tZERO Group, Inc. and its broker-dealer subsidiaries (tZERO) provide an innovative liquidity platform for private companies and assets. We offer institutional-grade solutions for issuers looking to digitize their capital table through blockchain technology, and trade on a regulated alternative trading system. tZERO democratizes access to private assets by providing a simple, automated, and efficient trading venue to broker-dealers, institutions, and investors. For more information on tZERO, please visit https://www.tzero.com/.



tZERO is not a registered broker-dealer, funding portal, underwriter, investment bank, investment adviser or investment manager, and is not providing brokerage, investment banking or underwriting services, recommendations or investment advice to any person, and does not provide any brokerage services. tZERO takes no part in the negotiation or execution of secondary market transactions for the purchase or sale of securities and at no time has possession of investor funds or securities in connection with such transactions. About tZERO ATS

tZERO ATS, LLC is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC (News - Alert) and a member of FINRA and SIPC. More information about tZERO ATS may be found at https://brokercheck.finra.org/. Digital securities that trade on tZERO ATS are conventional uncertificated securities. Ownership of such securities is reflected on the traditional books and records of regulated market participants. The term "digital" refers to the blockchain technology elements of a security that are intended to enhance investor experience through added transparency. About EnergyFunders Founded in 2013, EnergyFunders provides access to direct oil and gas investments via its online platform. The platform presents details about all projects and allows smaller investments to spread over more projects to give investors control over their portfolios. Its mission is to give transparent access to drilling investments traditionally reserved for the wealthy or industry insiders. Investor Notice Investors should note that trading securities could involve substantial risks, including no guarantee of returns, costs associated with selling and purchasing, no assurance of liquidity, which could impact the price and ability to sell, and possible loss of principal invested. Further, an investment in single security could mean lack of diversification and, consequently, higher risk. Potential investors are urged to consult a professional adviser regarding any economic, tax, legal or other consequences of trading any securities as described herein. No Offer, Solicitation, Investment Advice or Recommendations This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation for any security, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory or other services by tZERO or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors or employees. No reference to any specific security constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold that security or any other security. Nothing in this release shall be considered a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security, future, option or other financial instrument or to offer or provide any investment advice or service to any person in any jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this release constitutes investment advice or offers any opinion with respect to the suitability of any security, and the views expressed in this release should not be taken as advice to buy, sell or hold any security. In preparing the information contained in this release, we have not taken into account the investment needs, objectives, and financial circumstances of any particular investor. This information has no regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation, and particular needs of any specific recipient of this information and investments discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Any views expressed in this release by us were prepared based upon the information available to us at the time such views were written. Changed or additional information could cause such views to change. All information is subject to possible corrections. Information may quickly become unreliable for various reasons, including changes in market conditions or economic circumstances. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, tZERO, its subsidiaries, or its representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. These forward-looking statements are based on expectations and projections about future events, which is derived from currently available information. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, including financial performance and projections; growth in revenue and earnings; and business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including, without limitation: the ability of tZERO and its subsidiaries to change the direction; tZERO's ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and competition. These and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this release and other statements made from time to time by tZERO, its subsidiaries or their respective representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. tZERO, its subsidiaries, and its representatives are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this release and other statements made from time to time by tZERO, its subsidiaries or its representatives might not occur. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005286/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Varicent Announces New Territory and Quota Planning Solution and Breakthrough Advances in Symon.AI and Revenue Intelligence at Spring Summit 2021

Varicent, the leading provider of next generation Sales Performance Management (SPM) software, announced today at their Spring Summit the addition of new solution, Varicent Territory and Quota Planning (TQP) to their breadth of SPM offerings. The company also showcased the evolution of their revenue intelligence offering, Varicent Lead to Revenue, through the integration of Symon.AI to bring unprecedented revenue intelligence capabilities to organizations worldwide. Most notably, Varicent presented a ground-breaking partnership with The Alexander Group (AGI) with the announcement and availability of The Symon.AI Benchmarking App. These innovations and the AGI partnership highlight the continued commitment Varicent is making to help its clients intelligently Plan, Operate, and Pay. "Our entire team has been energized by the enthusiasm and incredible customer feedback that our Summit events have been generating," said Marc Altshuller, CEO and President at Varicent. "We're excited to see how the tech advancements and innovations announced during today's Summit will support our customers' move to the next phases of their sales performance management journeys." Today's announcements featured: Territory and Quota Planning : a revolutionary new way for organizations to create smarter, more effective territory and quota plans that can adapt to rapid and numerous shifting market dynamics and drive growth.

a revolutionary new way for organizations to create smarter, more effective territory and quota plans that can adapt to rapid and numerous shifting market dynamics and drive growth. Symon.AI Benchmarking App : leveraging The Alexander Group's rich market data, the App enables organizations to benchmark their own progress compared to similar companies and obtain recommendations to further improve sales performance. The Symon.AI Benchmarking App is available for free to any organization.

leveraging The Alexander Group's rich market data, the App enables organizations to benchmark their own progress compared to similar companies and obtain recommendations to further improve sales performance. The Symon.AI Benchmarking App is available for free to any organization. Advances in Revenue Intelligence: with the infusion of Symon.AI's augmented intelligence into Varicent Lead to Revenue, companies can now access Revenue Intelligence at their fingertips. With these insights, Varicent provides a way for companies to improve pricing models, identify what is required to win an opportunity early in the sales cycle, and even predict which customers are likely to offer the best opportunities for growth and longevity.



Varicent's Spring Summit 2021 was broadcasted virtually to customers located across Australia/New Zealand, EMEA and North America.

About Varicent Varicent is the leading provider of innovative Sales Performance Management software focused on helping organizations Plan, Operate and Pay to drive sales performance and growth. With a full suite of solutions to assist in smarter territory and quota planning, efficient lead-to-revenue operations, and the fastest and most flexible way to pay sellers accurately and on-time, Varicent is the trusted SPM solution for customers worldwide. Varicent combines powerful SPM technology with its augmented intelligence-powered platform to enable customers to quickly and easily see and address sales trends, problem areas, and opportunities by predicting outcomes and prescribing actions to optimize revenue. To learn more about Varicent, visit www.Varicent.com. Varicent, Varicent Software, Symon.AI, and Lead to Revenue are trademarks or registered trademarks of Varicent in the USA, Canada, and other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005905/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Voyager Digital Expands Management Team and Announces Changes to the Board of Directors

CSE: VYGR

OTCQB: VYGVF

Borse Frankfurt: UCD2 - Company Expands Management Team with Additions of Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Global Data Officer and Adds Two New Directors to Board - NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Voyager Digital Ltd. ("Voyager" or the "Company") (CSE: VYGR) (OTCQB: VYGVF) (FRA: UCD2), a publicly-traded holding company, whose subsidiaries operate a licensed crypto-asset platform that provides investors with a seamless solution to invest in and trade crypto assets, announces key management additions. Pam Kramer has joined its management team as full-time Chief Marketing Officer, having an illustrious career leading marketing for market-leading consumer technology and fintech organizations, including a role as Chief Marketing Officer at E-TRADE where she launched market-leading digital financial products in the US and globally and managed a $100+ million annual budget. Further, Akbar Ladhani has joined the company as Chief Global Data Officer, with more than 20+ years of experience. Prior to joining Voyager, he held a variety of Data Analytics senior executive and leadership positions including at Uber, Trinet, Oracle, Responsys, JPMorgan Chase and Cisco. Stephen Ehrlich, Co-Founder and CEO of Voyager, said, "Voyager's ability to attract world-class talent to both our board and management team positions us to rapidly scale our platform and take advantage of our first mover status to grow our user base and product offering." Mr. Ehrlich continued, "With our strong economic model and low customer acquisition costs, Voyager has the opportunity to outpace the competition as we build out the most consumer-friendly crypto platform globally." The Company also is announcing changes to its Board of Directors. Voyager is pleased to advise that Jennifer Ackart and Glenn Stevens have been appointed to the Board of Directors. Concurrently, Jarrett Lillien, Jeff Lightfoot and Guy Elliot have each resigned as Directors to make way for the newly appointed members. All changes are effective immediately and reduce the Board to five members. span >Jennifer Ackart joins the Board after her role as CFO at Raymond James and Associates, Inc. She joined Raymond James Financial, Inc (NYSE: RJF) in 1994 where she served as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining Raymond James, Ms. Ackart worked as the Controller of HSW Engineering, Inc., and prior to that in the audit and advisory practice at Price Waterhouse for over seven years. Her areas of expertise include corporate taxation, all aspects of SEC/public company and financial reporting, M&A, finance transformation and employee benefit programs. Ms. Ackart is a Certified Public Accountant.



Glenn Stevens is currently CEO of the Gain Retail Division at StoneX Group, Inc. He is a financial industry veteran with more than 30 years of trading and foreign exchange (FX) experience. Prior to StoneX, Mr. Stevens was CEO of GAIN Capital, a NYSE listed Company, which was purchased in August 2020 by StoneX. Mr. Stevens was managing director and head of FX North American sales and trading at NatWest Bank before joining GAIN Capital. He served as a member of NatWest's North American Management Committee. Philip Eytan, Chairman of Voyager, said, "On behalf of the Board, I thank Jeff, Jarrett and Guy for their contributions to Voyager and welcome Jennifer and Glenn to the Board as independent, non-executive Directors." Mr. Eytan continued, "The growth of our Company over the past six months has positioned Voyager at the forefront of the global acceptance of digital currencies. As we embark on the next phase of growth at Voyager, our leadership team is well positioned to lead both internationally and through product expansion as we rapidly capture market share."

About Voyager Digital Ltd.

Voyager Digital Ltd. is a publicly traded holding company whose subsidiaries operate a crypto-asset platform that provides retail investors with a seamless solution to trade crypto assets. The Voyager Platform provides its customers with competitive price execution through its smart order router and as well as a custody solution on a wide choice of popular crypto-assets. Voyager was founded by established Wall Street and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who teamed to bring a better, more transparent, and cost-efficient alternative for trading crypto-assets to the marketplace. Please visit us at https://www.investvoyager.com for more information. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such 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 be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/voyager-digital-expands-management-team-and-announces-changes-to-the-board-of-directors-301295870.html SOURCE Voyager Digital (Canada) Ltd.

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[May 20, 2021] Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions Named Legal Company of the Year; Wins Four American Business Awards

Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions, has been named Legal Company of the Year - one of four bronze 2021 Stevie Awards it received - as part of the 19th Annual American Business Awards. The judges praised the business for its technology innovation, domain expertise, and its commitment to helping the communities it serves. ELM Solutions also garnered bronze awards for the following solution and experts: AI-powered LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer, which has received several notable awards in the last two years, was recognized in the Business to Business Services category. The award judges gave the innovative solution high marks for its ability to "reduce legal spending and giving corporate legal professionals more time and resources to focus on high-priority work." Angie Ball, Technical Customer Service Director, ELM Solutions, was named Woman of the Year in the Business Products Industries category. The judges commented that they were impressed with Ball's time dedicated to team building. "She is a great example of how to show care and compassion for the team members you lead," they wrote. Lisa Garcia, Lead User Experience Engineer, ELM Solutions, has been recognized as Product Developer of the Year for her contributions to the continued improvements to the overall ELM Solutions user experience. Judges noted that Garcia has "amazing product development skills" and "is a consistent performer." Ball has been with ELM Solutions since 2009 and has led the company's Client Success Management team since its inception in 2017. Garcia, who joined Wolters Kluwer in 2018, is responsible for instilling and establishing the business's methodology and user-centered design processes. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit entries for the American Business Awards. More than 3,800 nominations - a record number - from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry wer submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories.



"Our longstanding dedication to providing market-leading enterprise legal spend and matter management solutions is not possible without exceptional colleagues," said Raja Sengupta, EVP and General Manager, ELM Solutions. "These awards - and the deserved market recognition they generate - reflect the ingenuity of our team and our market leading capabilities. Many deserved congratulations to Angie and Lisa and sincere thanks to the judges for naming us Legal Company of the Year and recognizing how LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer continues to help our clients reduce legal spend and focus on their priorities." Combined with legal and data experts and its award-winning and patented AI technology, LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer helps clients see up to a 20 percent increase in billing guideline compliance. In the past year LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer has won Legal Innovation of the Year in the North America Business Awards; it received a Golden Bridge Gold Award in the B2B Services category; and it earned silver award for Most Innovative Service of the Year in the Best in Biz Awards program.

ELM Solutions, part of Wolters Kluwer's Governance, Risk & Compliance division, is the market-leading global provider of enterprise legal spend and matter management, contract lifecycle management and legal analytics solutions. The company provides a comprehensive suite of tools that address the growing needs of corporate legal operations departments to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. Corporate legal and insurance claims departments trust its innovative technology and end-to-end customer experience to drive world-class business outcomes. Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions was named a leader in both the IDC (News - Alert) MarketScape: Worldwide Enterprise Legal Spend Management 2020 Vendor Assessment and IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Enterprise Matter Management 2020 Vendor Assessment. The company's award-winning products include Passport, the highest rated ELM solution in the latest Hyperion MarketView Legal Market Intelligence Report and TyMetrix 360, the industry's leading SaaS (News - Alert) -based e-billing and matter management solution. CLM Matrix, meanwhile, was named a "strong performer" in The Forrester (News - Alert) Wave: Contract Lifecycle Management For All Contracts, Q1 2021 report. ELM Solutions' LegalVIEW portfolio of legal analytics solutions is based upon the industry's largest and most comprehensive legal spend database, with more than $140 billion in invoices. 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 19,200 people worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005055/en/

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[May 20, 2021] ZTE Releases 2020 Sustainability Report

SHENZHEN, China, May 20, 2021 /CNW/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the mobile internet, today has announced its 2020 Sustainability Report. The report shows that ZTE, following the strategic positioning of "driver of the digital economy", proactively fulfilled its corporate social responsibilities in 2020. While leveraging technologies to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, ZTE made great efforts to promote the development of the digital economy and pursue green growth. Meanwhile, the company contributed to the global community and continuously improved its corporate governance practices and plans for the future. ZTE has annually released sustainability reports for 13 consecutive years. Leveraging 5G to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in an all-round way At the beginning of 2020, in the face of the sudden outbreak of Covid-19, ZTE promptly activated the emergency response mechanism of pandemic prevention and control. While strictly implementing pandemic prevention measures to protect employees' health and safety, ZTE shouldered corporate social responsibilities and took action to combat Covid-19 through the use of various technologies. Early in the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, ZTE quickly coordinated worldwide resources, covering production and distribution, network construction, guaranteed communication, on-site services and service applications and more. It constructed 4G/5G networks with operators for over 210 hospitals in 82 cities in 26 provinces at home, bridging the communications gap needed for life support. As the pandemic worsened, ZTE joined hands with industry partners to develop innovative applications including 5G-based telemedicine, smart logistics, 5G cloud-based classes, and three-dimensional security, leveraging technologies to beat Covid-19. In addition, confronted with the challenge of the global pandemic, ZTE set up 12 volunteer branches in Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, and other cities in China as well as in Myanmar, India, and other countries. All of these volunteers provided solid support for the relief of the pandemic and other emergencies. At the same time, ZTE Foundation donated pandemic prevention materials, including face masks, goggles, protective suits, and ventilators, to the pandemic frontlines in China and over 50 countries and regions around the world. Pursuing higher core competence and achieving shared successes in the digital economy The digital economy is speeding up integration into other industries and has become a new driver of global economic development. Against this background, ZTE is committed to being a driver of the digital economy by creating and sharing development opportunities with related parties to jointly promote the healthy development of the digital economy. President of ZTE Corporation, Xu Ziyang commented, "In 2020, the pandemic greatly changed the way people live and work, making ICT services a necessity much like air, water, and electricity. Enterprises then needed to accelerate digital and intelligent transformation, not only to reduce costs and increase efficiency, but to become more agile and intelligent, thus better coping with the uncertainties in external environments, markets, and technologies." The report states that ZTE, to become a "driver of the digital economy", regards technological innovations as the primary driving force of corporate development. Remaining on track to pursue higher core competence, the company continuously makes innovations in chips, algorithms, architecture, databases and operating systems among others, thereby laying a solid foundation for more robust growth. ZTE has invested more than RMB 10 billion on a yearly basis in R&D and by the end of March 2021, had filed 80,000 global patents applications, with more than 38,000 granted. According to the report "Who is leading the 5G patent race?" published in February by Berlin-based IPlytics, ZTE has been included in the global top 3 for its sustainable leadership in 5G declared Standard-Essential Patents(SEP) to ETSI. At the same time, upholding the objective of "Empowering industries through innovations and achievingshared success in the digital economy", ZTE is determined to bridge the digital divide between traditional business scenarios and digital technology applications, provide industries with scenario-based solutions that truly create value, and become a leader in the digital transformation of industries. In 2020, relying on its ultimate networks, "precise cloud and network solutions", and enabling platforms, ZTE, together with over 500 partners in industrial, transportation, energy, government, financial, cultural, and tourism industries among others, conducted 5G innovative applications and business practices, and created about 100 scenarios for innovative 5G applications. It earnestly fulfilled its responsibilities as a technology leader with strong innovative strength.



For instance, in the industrial field, a smart factory project, jointly completed by ZTE and Yunnan Sunho Aluminum, promotes the transformation and upgrading of Sunho with "intelligent manufacturing" and enables the traditional industrial enterprise to save operating costs, reduce manpower and improve efficiency. In terms of healthcare, ZTE offers 5G smart healthcare solutions that incorporate such innovative applications as operation demonstrations, remote consultation, remote ward rounds, as well as AI-aided and mobile diagnosis, to protect every human life. And in terms of education, the company provides multiple innovative scenarios and applications for education, such as 5G + 4K remote classrooms, 5G cloud-based XR education, 5G + AR teaching, and 5G+ holographic classrooms, to ignite children's curiosity and dreams about the future.

In the financial area, ZTE's self-developed distributed database, GoldenDB, serves as a secure and reliable foundation for the banking service system, safeguarding every transaction for over 300 million customers. Additionally, by applying innovative technologies to smart phones as well as personal and home information terminals, ZTE makes all-scenario 5G intelligent lifestyle a reality with a rich variety of 5G smart terminals, for shared success in the digital economy. Putting the concept of green development into practice to reach the goal of "carbon neutrality" With "carbon neutrality" reaching a consensus in major economies across the globe, ZTE actively participates in the decarbonization of the global economy, and further promotes the commercialization of green 5G in several fields, to help all industries quickly enter into the green development channel. "We firmly believe that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and try to reduce the impact on our environment from the source. We use more environmentally friendly raw materials and improve production techniques," Xie Junshi, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ZTE, stresses in the report. "We employ more advanced technologies to promote product performance. We have been committed to ultimate spectrum efficiency, ultimate energy efficiency, and ultimate network operation efficiency to facilitate sustainable development." With the advent of the 5G era, the energy consumption of 5G base stations and terminals is regarded as a key issue for the sustainable development of the industry. ZTE has been actively exploring how to reduce energy consumption of base stations and has laid out more than 500 green 5G innovation patents. The company has been devoted to increasing efficiency and reducing consumption by virtue of its self-developed high-performance chips, high-efficiency operation, leading structural design, and technology strength. Also, ZTE has assisted more than 20 operators in building over 500,000 high-efficiency green sites in countries and regions like China, Italy, Vietnam, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Africa, and Ethiopia. In 2020, ZTE released the PowerPilot  a 4G and 5G network energy-efficient solution. The energy saved by the PowerPilot solution is twice as much as that of conventional AI-based energy saving solutions, and it can save up to 20% energy in a multi-mode network, thereby effectively reducing operational expenditure. At present, the solution has been successfully commercialized on more than 700,000 sites in over 20 networks worldwide. In addition, ZTE also actively participates in subject research related to energy-saving standards. In 2020, together with GSMA Intelligence, a leader in global telecoms, media and technology (TMT) research and part of the broader GSMA, ZTE released the white paper "5G Energy Efficiencies, Green is the New Black". The white paper analyzes the background and principles of building and improving the energy efficiency of telecommunications networks in the 5G era from the aspects of cost reduction, network performance optimization, energy security, and contribution to global carbon emission reduction. It also summarizes the feasibility of energy saving and consumption reduction through innovation. As an active practitioner of green development, ZTE Corporation also comprehensively promotes environmental protection management in the company's daily office and production operations. The company is oriented by management targets in terms of energy saving and exhaust emissions, and it further strengthens production technology and equipment improvement to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the impact on the environment. Growing with its employees and partners and contributing to the global community In 2020, ZTE further enhanced its internal digital transformation, and created an all-cloud, intelligent, and lightweight "Ultimate Cloud Company" in the fields of R&D, operation, office, and production. While reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving quality, the company flexibly confronted the uncertainties of the future. During the pandemic, ZTE cloud services enabled more than 70,000 employees worldwide to work from home. More importantly, the remote work efficiency of over 30,000 R&D staff reached more than 95%. In terms of corporate governance, ZTE has further strengthened the attraction and incentives of core talents, improved the compliance management system, enhanced the corporate internal control management system, and achieved high-quality growth along the three-phase route of "recovery, growth, and expansion". Regarding the aspects of contributions to the global community, ZTE Foundation always stays committed to its mission, which is "to advocate the spirit of public welfare, fulfill corporate responsibility, and promote public welfare development". Over the past year, the company has been focusing on three major fields: medical care, education assistance, and aid for disadvantaged groups, and has actively organized public welfare and poverty alleviation activities. In 2020, the ZTE Foundation invested more than 14 million yuan in public welfare, implemented 37 public welfare projects, and carried out 73 volunteer public welfare activities. The Foundation's 2020 China Foundation Transparency Index (FTI) scored full marks in three consecutive years and won the "Annual Charity Innovation Award" and the "Annual Charity Project Award" at the 10th China Charity Festival. Moving forward, ZTE will stay firmly committed to sustainable development around the world and, as "a driver of the digital economy", put its social responsibility into practice. The company will continue to grow together with its employees and partners, expecting to realize the co-development of enterprises, individuals, partners and environment to enable communication and trust everywhere. Click here to view and download the whole report:

https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/zte/Files/PDF/white_book/202105191132EN.pdf Media Contact:

Margaret Ma

ZTE Corporation

Tel: +86 755 26775189

Email: ma.gaili@zte.com.cn View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zte-releases-2020-sustainability-report-301295665.html SOURCE ZTE Corporation

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[May 19, 2021] Hudson's Bay Announces Newly Minted Fashion Fund to Foster Emerging BIPOC Designers in Canada

Hudson's Bay is proud to announce the launch of the Hudson's Bay Fashion Fund, an initiative built to mentor and support up-and-coming BIPOC designers in Canada. Each year, the Fashion Fund will award one designer with a $25,000 grant, coupled with an extensive three-year mentorship program to help brand build and alleviate some of the obstacles fresh designers face when entering into a competitive retail landscape. The Fashion Fund is a part of Hudson's Bay's extensive work to help accelerate racial equity in Canada, and follows the recent launch of the Hudson's Bay Foundation's new social impact platform, Hudson's Bay Charter for Change. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210519005984/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) As part of the three-year mentorship program, the selected recipient will gain an uprecedented opportunity to leverage the Hudson's Bay network to build their skills and expertise in product development, sourcing, financial management and marketing, while also utilizing Hudson's Bay's bricks and mortar retail and digital channels to showcase and sell their collection. The application process will open early Fall.



"As one of the country's leading fashion retailers, we have a unique opportunity to support Canada's talented and emerging BIPOC designers through long-term investment, including industry access and mentorship as well as financial support," says Tyler Franch, VP Fashion Director at Hudson's Bay. "The Hudson's Bay's Fashion Fund is designed to nurture talent through sustained collaboration, which is so integral to setting new designers up for success." The launch of the Fashion Fund was announced at this evening's Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards virtual event by Brother Vellies Designer and Fifteen Percent Pledge Founder, Aurora James, on the heels of Hudson's Bay signing the Fifteen Percent Pledge - the first department store in Canada to do so. The annual Fashion Fund award is planned to become a mainstay category at the prestigious Canadian fashion event.

"Hudson's Bay is taking action across all areas of its business to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of how we do business. The launch of the Hudson's Bay Fashion Fund is part of our commitment to drive change across our organization and our industry," added Felicia Lekan-Salami, DVP, DE&I at Hudson's Bay. In the coming months, the Fashion Fund plans to announce its advisory board, consisting of some of the country's leading industry and societal change-makers. Candidate criteria and the application process will open in September 2021. ABOUT HUDSON'S BAY Hudson's Bay is a digital-first purpose-driven retailer helping Canadians live their best style of life. As one of the country's most iconic brands, Hudson's Bay operates 88 full-line locations and thebay.com featuring Marketplace -- the 5th largest e-commerce business in Canada. Hudson's Bay has established a reputation for quality and style through an unrivalled assortment including fashion , designer, home, beauty, food concepts and more. The Hudson's Bay Rewards program is ranked second in department store loyalty programs in Canada. Hudson's Bay operates under the HBC brand portfolio. Founded in 1670, HBC is North America's oldest company. The signature stripes are a registered trademark of HBC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210519005984/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 05:48:10|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Thursday called on the international community to give more play to the Security Council's role in making efforts to solve the Palestinian question.

"China commends the great majority of Council members for their efforts and urges the relevant member to demonstrate its sense of responsibility. Despite the difficulties, China will continue to support the Council in taking actions, remaining united and speaking with one voice, so as to work with the international community in an unremitting, unrelenting effort to end the current crisis, and find a just solution to the Palestinian question," Zhang told the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the situation in the Middle East and Palestine.

Zhang, who is also the president of the Security Council for the month of May, called for efforts to cease hostilities and violence immediately to avoid more civilian casualties.

"China condemns all violence against civilians, opposes all violence-inciting rhetoric and calls for the immediate end of hostilities and violence," he said.

The ambassador urged parties concerned to earnestly implement UN resolutions and protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Palestinian people.

"China calls on Israel, in line with the UN resolutions, to stop building settlements on the occupied Palestinian land, stop eviction of Palestinian families, halt the demolition of Palestinian houses, suppress violence against the Palestinians, and earnestly protect legitimate rights and interests of Palestinian people in the occupied territories. The historical status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City must be maintained and respected," said Zhang.

He also demanded efforts to take robust measures to prevent humanitarian disasters.

The ambassador expressed the hope to "redouble the efforts to promote peace talks, and a two-state solution."

"The root causes of the repeated eruption of conflict between Palestine and Israel is the fact that the Middle East peace process has been off track and UN resolutions are not effectively implemented," he said.

"China supports all efforts conducive to the realization of the two-state solution. To this end, the international community, especially countries with influence on the parties, should play an active role," said the envoy.

"As a sincere friend of the Palestinian people, China firmly supports Palestine's just demand and the establishment of a fully sovereign, independent Palestinian state by its people on the basis of 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. China will continue to make efforts for this endeavor," said the ambassador. Enditem
[May 19, 2021] Aadi Bioscience Announces Preliminary Data for FYARRO in Patients with Solid Tumors Harboring TSC1 and TSC2 Alterations from a Multi-Institution Expanded Access Study to be Presented at ASCO 2021 Virtual Meeting

LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aadi Bioscience (Aadi), a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focusing on precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers with alterations in mTOR pathway genes, announces the release of an abstract selected for poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2021 Annual Meeting being held virtually on June 4-8, 2021. The poster presentation will highlight antitumor activity in a subset of patients with TSC1 or TSC2 alterations and neoplasms other than advanced malignant PEComa who were treated with single-agent nab-sirolimus (FYARRO) in an expanded access program (NCT03817515). Details on the abstract are summarized below.

Abstract Title: Institutional experience with nab-sirolimus in patients with malignancies harboring TSC1 or TSC2 mutations

Institutional experience with nab-sirolimus in patients with malignancies harboring TSC1 or TSC2 mutations Abstract Number: 339405

339405 Session Title: Developmental TherapeuticsMolecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology

Developmental TherapeuticsMolecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology Session Date and Time: June 4, 2021 at 9 AM CT About Aadi Bioscience Aadi is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers. Aadis primary goal is to bring transformational outcomes to cancer patients with mTOR pathway driver alterations where other mTOR inhibitors have not or cannot be effectively exploited due to problems of pharmacology, effective drug delivery, safety, or effective targeting to the disease site. Aadis product FYARROTM (sirolimus albumin-bound nanoparticles for injectable suspension; nab-sirolimus; ABI-009) is an mTOR inhibitor bound to human albumin that has demonstrated significantly higher tumor accumulation, mTOR target suppression, and superior efficacy over other mTOR inhibitors in preclinical models.1 Aadis initial focus is on treating patients with alterations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes, tumor suppressors that when inactivated, may be drivers in many different cancer types. Aadis registration trial in advanced malignant PEComa (the AMPECT trial) of FYARRO demonstrated meaningfu clinical efficacy in malignant PEComa2, 3, a type of cancer with the highest known mutation rate of TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Based on the AMPECT trial, emerging data for FYARRO in other solid tumors with TSC1 or TSC2 alterations, and following discussions with the FDA, Aadi plans to initiate a tumor-agnostic registrational trial in cancers harboring TSC1 or TSC2 inactivating alterations by the end of 2021.



Aadi also has ongoing studies to evaluate dosing of FYARRO in combination regimens. More information is available on the Aadi website at https://aadibio.com/. Forward Looking Statements

Aadi cautions you that certain statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Aadis current beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding FYARRO, including expectations regarding the clinical responses and safety profile. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: risks related to Aadis ability to obtain sufficient additional capital to continue to advance FYARRO; uncertainties associated with the clinical development and regulatory approval of FYARRO, including potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; the risk that interim results of clinical trials do not necessarily predict final results and that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; the risk that unforeseen adverse reactions or side effects may occur in the course of developing and testing FYARRO; risks associated with the failure to realize any value from FYARRO in light of inherent risks and difficulties involved in successfully bringing product candidates to market; and risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Aadis operations, the biotechnology industry and the economy generally. All forward-looking statements in this press release are current only as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable law, Aadi undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. References: 1 AACR 2019 Abstract: https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/79/13_Supplement/348 2 ASCO 2020 Abstract: https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.11516?af=R 3 The data have not been reviewed by the FDA Contacts Investors & Media:

Investors :

Irina Koffler

ikoffler@lifesciadvisors.com Aadi Bioscience, Inc. Nancy Jorgesen

njorgesen@aadibio.com



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[May 19, 2021] L'OCCITANE to take centre stage at the IUCN Congress to contribute to a 'nature-positive' world

GENEVA, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The L'OCCITANE Group, a leading manufacturer and retailer of beauty and well-being products rich in natural and organic ingredients and a pioneer in corporate sustainability, is pleased to announce that it will participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Convened around the theme 'One Nature, One Future', the Congress will take place in Marseille, France, from 3 to 11 September 2021. The IUCN Congress brings together decision-makers from government, civil society, indigenous groups, business and academia to discuss and develop solutions to the world's most pressing conservation and sustainability challenges. Climate, biodiversity and human and economic well-being are closely linked, and their connection has been made all the moe visible by the pandemic. L'OCCITANE has a clear visionary approach regarding biodiversity, which has been at the core of its products, business model and commitments to society and nature since it was born in Provence in 1976.



Doing business in harmony with nature conservation We live on a fragile planet with finite resources. Today, the world is at a turning point for tackling the climate crisis and halting the loss of biodiversity through mitigation and adaptation. As a group that takes inspiration from nature and relies on its resources and on communities' know-how for how best to work with those resources, the L'OCCITANE Group is committed to contributing to a nature-positive world through the following actions.

Delivering dramatic change to mitigate the climate crisis and anticipate its consequences.

Protecting and restoring cultivated and natural biodiversity within and beyond our value chains.

Empowering all people in our communities and forging lasting and fruitful business relationships with our partners  farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs and NGOs  from Provence to Burkina Faso and Brazil .

L'OCCITANE at the IUCN Congress L'OCCITANE will participate in the Forum, a global marketplace for conservation science that will include high-level dialogues and capacity-building sessions spanning all the Sustainable Development Goals. It will also host a booth in the Exhibition, where L'OCCITANE en Provence will showcase its work and initiatives focused on sustainably manage biodiversity and mitigate the climate crisis to the public. Congress participants will have the opportunity to learn more about L'OCCITANE's extensive efforts to sustain biodiversity in the south of France during field Excursions that will be made available to registered attendees. SOURCE LOCCITANE Group

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[May 19, 2021] UI CLASS ACTION NOTICE: Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Files Securities Fraud Lawsuit Against Ubiquiti Inc.

Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York captioned Molder v. Ubiquiti (News - Alert) Inc., et al., (Case No. 21-cv-04520) on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Ubiquiti Inc. ("Ubiquiti" or the "Company") (NYSE: UI) securities between January 11, 2021 and March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff pursues claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Investors are hereby notified that they have 60 days from this notice to move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff in this action. If you suffered a loss on your Ubiquiti investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/ubiquiti-inc/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com or visit our website at ww.glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.



On March 30, 2021, after the market closed, Krebs on Security published an article entitled "Whistleblower: Ubiquiti Breach 'Catastrophic'" stating that the Company had downplayed a data breach from January 2021 and that the "third-party cloud provider claim was a fabrication." According to the article, the attacker(s) had accessed "privileged credentials that were previously stored in the LastPass account of a Ubiquiti IT employee, and gained root administrator access to all Ubiquiti AWS [ Amazon Web Services (News - Alert) ] accounts, including all S3 data buckets, all application logs, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies." As a result, the article noted that the Company should have immediately invalidated customers' credentials and forced a reset, rather than asking customers to change their passwords when they next log on. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $50.70, or 14.5%, to close at $298.30 per share on March 31, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants, in their statements concerning the data breach, failed to speak fully and truthfully because they failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the Company had downplayed the data breach in January 2021; (2) that attackers had obtained administrative access to Ubiquiti's servers and obtained access to, among other things, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies; (3) that, as a result, intruders already had credentials needed to remotely access Ubiquiti's customers' systems; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Ubiquiti securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than 60 days from this notice ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210519006004/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Newfold Digital Launches as One of the World's Largest Web Solutions Providers

MUMBAI, India, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Newfold Digital today announced its presence as a newly formed entity and leading web technology provider with the debut of new corporate branding, including an employee-designed logo. Newfold Digital was created when web technology leaders Web.com Group and Endurance Web Presence combined forces into one entity in February 2021. The Newfold Digital name and new logo signifies the folding together of two companies to create a new powerhouse in the industry. "Newfold Digital's name and new logo represent the creation of a new type of player unfolding in an existing industry," said Sharon Rowlands, chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Newfold Digital. "Through our work, we aim to set new standards for quality and success that our customers can depend on. Whether a small business or an enterprise, Newfold Digital is positioned to provide businesses with the edge they need to grow and thrive in today's digital world." With a rich product suite offered through a robust portfolio of brands, Newfold Digital provides businesses with the custom solutions they need to compete digitally, regardless of size. While the Newfold Digital name is new, the company's lineup of brands features some of the most prominent and storied within the web services industry, including Bluehost, Domain.om, HostGator, Network Solutions, Register.com and Web.com, as well as some of the strongest regional web brands such as BigRock, Crazy Domains and Vodien.



Beyond the brand names and services, Newfold Digital is a web technology company with a human element. Team members are dedicated to a serve-and-solve approach, differentiating the customer experience from other providers in the market. Through this personalized approach to support, customers get where they want to go with no wasted time or effort, whether it's DIY website building services or "build it for me" expert support. "At Newfold Digital, our culture is driven by purpose and passion. What unites us across the company and around the globe, is a shared set of values and a unified vision for customer success," said Rowlands. "Our team members focus on fulfilling our customer's online needs because that's what we do at Newfold, we empower success in a connected world."

The company's new logo and branding, selected from an internal design competition featuring a pool of 100+ employee-designed submissions, serves as a reminder of this dedication to customers and employees. "The abstract shape of the 'N' in an origami-style pinwheel symbolizes good luck and represents an endless cycle of energy," said Vishnu Pradeepan, system administrator for Newfold Digital and winner of the employee design competition. "That endless cycle of energy represents not just our team, who work tenaciously to ensure our customers are successful, but also the endless possibilities available in our connected world." For more information about Newfold Digital and our brands or services, visit: www.newfold.com/brands. About Newfold Digital Newfold Digital is a leading web technology company serving nearly seven million customers globally. Established in 2021 through the combination of leading web services providers Endurance Web Presence and Web.com Group, our portfolio of brands includes: Bluehost, CrazyDomains, HostGator, Network Solutions, Register.com, Web.com and many others. We help customers of all sizes build a digital presence that delivers results. With our extensive product offerings and personalized support, we take pride in collaborating with our customers to serve their online presence needs. For more information, visit www.newfold.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1514712/Newfold_Digital_Logo.jpg

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S8jlPy8ukg

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[May 20, 2021] Wolf & Badger becomes the first UK Online Marketplace to certify as a B Corp

LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative multi-channel retailer Wolf & Badger has announced today that it is the first and only online marketplace in the UK to become certified as a B Corporation (or B Corp), joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit. Wolf & Badger has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.

Recent attention on the retail industry makes the Wolf & Badger B Corp certification a notable step, and signals a shift towards greater accountability and transparency in the sector. Wolf & Badger has embraced the responsibility and opportunity to drive real change and to inspire all to make better decisions as they continue to build their platform connecting people with unique and individual products from the world's best independent ethical brands, locally and worldwide. Across womenswear, menswear, beauty, grooming, homeware, jewellery and accessories, Wolf & Badger has a strong community of over 1000 designers on its platform, all united behind common goals and a clear responsibility to remain open and authentic to ensure changes are made within the retail industry sector. Receiving B Corp status cements the tangible efforts that Wolf & Badger have made to reinforce their vision to make retail fair and to empower consumers to shop by their values. Wolf & Badger, who operate through their award-winning online retail destination as well as their flagship stores in London and New York, is now part of a community of over 3,800 businesses globally who have certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the UK, representing a broad cross section of inustries and sizes, comprises over 450 companies and include well-known brands such as Allbirds, The Body Shop and Patagonia.



Wolf & Badger was named Draper's Sustainable Retailer of the Year in 2020, after it launched its Sustainability Guarantees in March of that year. The Sustainability Guarantees were created with the aim of delineating all aspects of responsible and purpose driven retail. Brands on the Wolf & Badger platform are asked to work towards these values, and to offer transparency over their production processes in order to be awarded the attributes relevant to their business ethics. "We are immensely proud to join such an incredible community of forward-looking business leaders who share our long-standing dedication to responsible business" comments George Graham, CEO and Co-Founder of Wolf & Badger. "The B Corp certification reflects our wider commitment to help promote a sustainable future for retail and to provide a fair and more conscious alternative for both customers and brands alike. We are excited to continue driving positive change in the fashion and design industry, and look forward to further developing the Wolf & Badger business as a force for good."

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, says "We are delighted to welcome Wolf & Badger to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Wolf & Badger are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward". About Wolf & Badger: Wolf & Badger is a global multi-channel retailer founded in 2010 by the Graham brothers  George Graham, CEO and Henry Graham, Creative Director. Through an innovative multi-channel business model, Wolf & Badger connects customers internationally with brands across fashion, accessories, homeware and beauty verticals. The business has an exclusive focus on ethical, unique and independent designers and launched its updated mission dedicated to promoting sustainability in April 2020. The business operates stores in New York and London, as well as its award-winning online retail destination www.wolfandbadger.com Wolf & Badger

Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London, N1C 4DQ

95 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013

www.wolfandbadger.com

IG: @wolfandbadger Facebook: facebook.com/wolfandbadger Twitter: @wolfandbadger About B Lab UK: B Lab UK is transforming the economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, and tools for business, and we certify companies - known as B Corps - who are leading the way. To date, our global community includes over 3,800 B Corps in 75 countries and 150 industries, and over 100,000 companies manage their impact with the B Impact Assessment and the SDG Action Manager. http://bcorporation.uk

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[May 20, 2021] Online Blockchain plc: Umbria Network Launches DEX and Farming on Polygon Chain

LONDON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Umbria's Layer 2 DEX is going live on Friday, 21st of May and will enable fast, low-cost swaps and liquidity providing. Users of the DeFi protocol will be able to deposit Umbria's token UMBR alongside MATIC in liquidity pools on the Umbria DEX. In return for providing liquidity, they'll receive LP tokens and earn additional UMBR and MATIC. Participants will benefit from the fast, inexpensive transactions provided by the Polygon Layer 2 (formerly Matic). The https://matic.umbria.exchange/ URL will be active on launch day. UMBR-MATIC will be one of the initial liquidity pairs on the DEX with others quickly following. Anyone will be able to create trading pairs for swapping and liquidity providing in the pools. If an asset isn't shown on the Umbria DEX, users can list any ERC20 token that's on Ethereum and the Polygon mapper, and any ERC20 contract deployed on the Polygon chain by providing liquidity. This will enable instant asset swaps. Holders of UMBR-MATIC LP tokens can add these to the new Farm, which is also on Polygon chain and going live on May 21st, to earn more $UMBR. This is a portion of the one token minted per minute, according to the amount staked. The team is hopeful that this will be one of the highest APY farms on Polygon. The latest farm will work in a similar way to Umbria's existing UMBR-ETH farm  which is still available and launched with an APY in excess of 1000% - but fees to enter and exit will be much lower. Farming will soon be extended to other unique and interesting liquidity pairs not featured on other DEXs. From May 21st, anyone can easily configure their MetaMask wallet and connect to the MATIC Mainnet - in order to access the Umbria Layer 2 Farm and Exchange - from here: https://umbria.network/connect/



"This has been a concentrated development period and we're delighted to be rolling out the initial features of our Layer 2 DEX and our first Farm on Polygon ahead of schedule," said Barney Chambers, Co-Lead Developer at Umbria. "The feedback from our community has been amazing and we'd like to thank them and Online Blockchain plc in its advisory capacity for their continued support and input for the Umbria project." See the latest data on UMBR on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko:

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/umbria-network/news/

https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/umbria-network

Head over to the Umbria Discord channel, Telegram , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook or LinkedIn to find out more about the project. Become part of the journey. About Umbria Umbria is a decentralized protocol that is creating low-cost and easy-to-use DeFi applications by leveraging Layer 2 technology on Ethereum. It aims to demystify and simplify DeFi and get people accessing innovative financial services and products as well as earning income on their crypto. Using cutting edge-layer two technology developed by Polygon (formerly Matic), Umbria is developing a suite of popular DeFi features at fractional on-chain cost of many current DeFi platforms with greater transaction speed while maintaining all the cryptographic security provided by Ethereum. Umbria is forking the best features of current DeFi projects and simplifying the over-complicated user-experience, which currently acts as a barrier to entry for those with limited experience and knowledge of cutting-edge cryptocurrency technologies. The Umbria governance token is available on Uniswap where users can add liquidity to earn fees. They can stake their Uniswap LP tokens in the Umbria Farm, which is currently paying 196% APY (as of May 12th, 2021). The Umbria token will also enable users in the network to take control over decision-making and have voting power over the development and governance of Umbria's protocol. Umbria Network's Layer 2 DEX is in alpha and fully functional. Users will soon be able to deposit cryptocurrency as liquidity in liquidity pools to earn fees from token swapping and earn additional Umbria as an incentive for providing liquidity to certain pairs. Other facilities will continue to come online (via developers and community initiatives) which will utilise the Umbria protocol and its governance token. UK-publicly listed Online Blockchain plc (LSE:OBC) acts as Umbria's coordinator, administrator and advisor. Contact:

Francesca De Franco,

francescad@advfnplc.com

+44 794 125 3135 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/online-blockchain-plc-umbria-network-launches-dex-and-farming-on-polygon-chain-301295323.html SOURCE Online Blockchain plc

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[May 20, 2021] MAS Financial Services Limited results - 4th quarter FY 21

- A Robust Financial Performance

- 104 Quarters of Consistent Financial Performance AHMEDABAD, India, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of MAS Financial Services Limited (MAS Financial) (BSE: 540749) (NSE: MASFIN), specialized in MSME financing, announced today the audited financial results for the year and quarter ended 31st March, 2021. The consistent financial performance during all the past turbulent period is the testimony of the strong fundamentals of the company, which is being followed over two decades. Commenting on the performance, Mr. Kamlesh Gandhi - Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, MAS Financial, said, "In consonance with our mission and vision of creating value for stakeholders on a very large scale through efficient last mile delivery of credit, the main focus of the company continues to remain on maintaining : Strong capital base. High level of liquidity. The quality of Assets. High provisioning buffers. Constant engagement with all the stakeholders for understanding the evolving situation. With a Tier-1 capital adequacy ratio of 24.81% and total capital adequacy of 26.85%, sufficient liquidity due to very efficient liability management, stable quality of portfolio of 1.52% of net stage 3 assets and by creating and maintaining additional provisioning buffer which stands at 1.39% of on book assets should not only enable the company to navigate the current unprecedented situation successfully but also regain its growth trajectory of 20-25% once the economy normalizes." As per IND-AS MAS Financial Services Limited reports Assets under Management (AUM) of INR 5372.44 Crore and profit after tax of INR 36.53 Crore for the quarter ended 31st March 2021 from INR 5966.28 Crore and INR 34.50 Crore respectively for the quarter ended 31st March 2020 A growth of 5.88% in PAT over the corresponding period of the previous year.

A contraction of 9.95% in AUM over the corresponding period of the previous year, due to adoption of cautious approach on disbursement while maintaining high Collection efficiency. The profit after tax for year ended 31st March 2021 is INR 143.50 Crore - A contraction of 13.84 % over the corresponding period of the previous year mainly due to contraction in AUM. The total special COVID provision as on 31 st March 2021 stood at INR 56.23 Crore for the total on book assets of INR 4049.75 Crores i.e. 1.39 %. The additional special COVID provision during the FY 2021 was INR 35.90 crore. The special COVID provision during FY 2020 was INR 20.33 Crore .

The portfolio quality remained stable at 1.52% net stage 3 assets of AUM as compared to 1.14% over the corresponding period of the previous year, despite of the prolonged ongoing crisis followed by the unprecedented pandemic situation. The Disbursement during the quarter ended 31st March 2021 was INR 1294.11 Crore as compared to INR 1031.23 Crore during the quarter ended 31st December 2020 resulting into AUM of INR 5372.44 Crore as on 31st March 2021. AUM as on 31st December 2020 was INR 5054.66 Crore. Performance Highlights: Capital Adequacy Ratio (including Tier II capital) as of 31st March, 2021 stood at 26.85%. The Tier-I capital stood at 24.81%.







(INR in CR) Particulars Q4'21 Q4'20 QoQ FY 21 FY 20 YoY Assets Under Management 5372.44 5966.28 9.95%? 5372.44 5966.28 9.95%? Total Income 139.15 169.89 18.10%? 593.89 672.72 11.72%? Profit Before Tax 49.97 46.36 7.78%? 192.89 228.16 15.46%? Profit After Tax 36.53 34.50 5.88%? 143.50 166.55 13.84%? Gross Stage 3 Assets % to AUM 1.94% 1.42% 52 bps ? 1.94% 1.42% 52 bps ? Net Stage 3 Assets % to AUM 1.52% 1.14% 38 bps ? 1.52% 1.14% 38 bps ?

(INR in CR) Asset Under Management (AUM)* March-21 March-20 YoY Micro-Enterprise loans 2970.46 3637.36 18.33%? SME loans 1872.37 1773.97 5.55%? 2-Wheeler loans 326.71 400.26 18.38%? Commercial Vehicle loans 202.90 154.69 31.17%? TOTAL AUM 5372.44 5966.28 9.95%? *Represents underlying assets in each of the category. As on 31st March, 2021

58.48% of the total underlying assets is through various NBFCs

Amortising the gain on assignment of loans over the tenure of the assets in place of booking it upfront - Further strengthening the fundamentals of the company: For more transparent and fair representation, on de-recognition of financial assets (assigned loans), the gain has been recognized as deferred revenue i.e. "Interest Receivable on loan transfer transactions" (Other Non-Financial Liabilities) in place of Retained earnings which is amortized over the maturity of the financial assets derecognized (assigned loans) in place of recognizing gain upfront through profit & loss statement as made applicable while migrating to IND AS. The necessary adjustments are done accordingly for all the related period ensuring that the assets are recognized at fair value in lines with the IND AS requirement, and the gains would be amortized over the maturity of assets. For detailed understanding, please visit following web address: https://www.mas.co.in/financial-results.aspx# Further, NBFC industry body 'Finance Industry Development Council' (FIDC) which is represented by more than 100 NBFCs, has made representation to Reserve Bank of India and National Financial Reporting Authority ('NFRA') whereby the said change, which is adopted by the company in accounting policy has been requested. Dividend In consonance to our policy of rewarding the shareholders the Board of directors of the Company has recommended final dividend of Rs.1 .5 per equity share of face value of Rs. 10 each, which is subject to approval by shareholders of the Company. Note on MAS Rural Housing and Mortgage Finance Limited (Subsidiary) The Board of Directors of MAS Rural Housing and Mortgage Finance Limited in their meeting held on 12th May 2021 took on record the audited Financial Results of the company for the year and quarter ended 31st March, 2021. As per IND-AS MAS Rural Housing and Mortgage Finance Limited reports Assets under Management (AUM) of INR 284.89 Crore and profit after tax of INR 2.89 Crore for the year 31st March 2021 from INR 286.54 Crore and INR 1.72 Crore respectively for year ended 31st March 2020. A growth of 68.05% in PAT and contraction of 0.58% in AUM over the corresponding period of the previous year.

The total special COVID provision as on 31 st March 2021 stood at INR 3.31 Crore for the total on book assets of INR 264.37 Crores i.e. 1.25 %. The additional special COVID provision was of INR 0.86 Crore during the quarter and INR 1.29 crore during the FY 2021. The special COVID provision during FY 2020 was INR 2.02 Crore .

The Profit after tax for quarter ended March 21 is INR 0.20 Crore in comparison to Rs. - 0.89 Crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Performance Highlights: The portfolio quality remained stable despite of the ongoing crisis followed by the unprecedented situation at 0.26% net stage 3 assets of AUM as compared to 0.25% over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (including Tier II capital) as of 31st March 2021 stood at 43.45%. The Tier-I capital stood at 35.12%. (INR in CR) Particulars Q4'21 Q4'20 QoQ FY 21 FY 20 YoY Assets Under Management 284.89 286.54 0.58%? 284.89 286.54 0.58%? Total Income 8.57 9.07 5.45%? 35.27 38.37 8.07%? Profit Before Tax 0.28 -1.23 N.A. ? 3.78 2.24 69.11%? Profit After Tax 0.20 -0.89 N.A. ? 2.89 1.72 68.05%? Gross Stage 3 Assets % to AUM 0.37% 0.34% 03 bps ? 0.37% 0.34% 03 bps? Net Stage 3 Assets % to AUM 0.26% 0.25% 01 bps ? 0.26% 0.25% 01 bps? Team MAS remains committed to its mission of excellence through endeavours. For and on behalf of the Board of Directors Kamlesh C. Gandhi

(Chairman & Managing Director)

(DIN - 00044852)

Place : Ahmedabad

Date : May 19, 2021

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[May 20, 2021] KE Holdings Inc. Announces with Profound Sadness the Passing of its Founder and Chairman ZUO Hui

It is with profound sadness that KE Holdings Inc. ("Beike" or the "Company") (NYSE: BEKE) announces that Mr. ZUO Hui, the founder and chairman of the board of directors of the Company, passed away on May 20, 2021 due to unexpected worsening of illness. Mr. ZUO was a visionary leader since the Company's inception. Through his leadership, drive and determination to lead change, Mr. ZUO helped shape the Company into the leading platform it is today. He led the Company to execute his strong vision in building and launching our Beike platform, pioneering the creation of ACN, continuously investing in talents and technologies, and propelling the evolvement of the housing transaction and service industry. The directors and employees of the Company are saddened by the passing of Mr. ZUO. They extend their deepest condolences to Mr. ZUO's family. Mr. PENG Yongdong, the Company's CEO and executive director, said: "we are very saddened by the passing of Mr. ZUO and extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. ZUO's family. Mr. ZUO was our visionary founder and leader, and a leading figure in China's housing transactions and services industry. He made invaluable contribution to Beike and Lianjia and the industry over the past 20 years. With our unwaveringly strong conviction of doing the right thing for long term success, we will move forward to execute on our strategy and growth initiatives, pursue our mission of "admirable service, joyful living", and continue to create value for the industry. Our commitment to clients, employees, shareholders and business partners remains asstrong as ever, and we will continue to do the right thing even if it's difficult."



The board of directors of the Company will make appropriate arrangements for corporate governance and related matters and make an announcement in due course within two weeks. About KE Holdings Inc.

KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building the industry infrastructure and standards in China to reinvent how service providers and housing customers efficiently navigate and consummate housing transactions, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation, real estate financial solutions, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China's leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 19 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build the industry infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "confident," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release, as well as Beike's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) "), 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.'s 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. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.'s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005400/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Cambridge Pixel Unveils Scalable Cloud-based 'Radar Video in a Standard Web Browser' Application

CAMBRIDGE, England, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge Pixel, a developer of radar display, tracking and recording sub-systems (www.cambridgepixel.com), has introduced new software components to enable the display of radar video on any computer, tablet or smart phone running a standard Internet web browser such as Edge, Firefox, Safari or Chrome. This Radar Video in a Browser application simplifies the construction of web-based display applications for maritime, naval, air traffic and security system integrators. The new software components enable radar video to be displayed with maps, tracks (primary radar tracks, fused tracks, AIS, ADS-B) and alarms as part of an integrated surveillance picture. Radar processing can be handled by a remote server or delivered via a cloud-based architecture for rapid scalability, with licenses to support up to 100 clients. Andrew Haylett, product manager, Cambridge Pixel, said: "Many of our customers, particularly those developing vessel traffic and port security systems, are starting to embrace web-based display applications. The browser-based approach separates the processing from the display and therefore any device capable of running a browser can serve as the display. This can simplify the deployment of a new installation and reduce cost as the only software necessary at the display end is the browser itself." As part of the new product, a scan conversion server application, SPx Radar Web Server, receives radar video and creates radar images. The browser connects to the Server and requests radar video for the geographic area that it is displaying. The radar image for that area is created and delivered to the browser where it is blended with underlay and overlay graphics, including maps and target symbology. The Radar Web Server also assists with track display. The Server receives tracks from a target tracker and selectively delivers those tracks in a GeoJSONformat to connected clients. The client's geographic areas of interest serve as a filter to control the delivery of track reports. The JSON track messages are then rendered in the browser using JavaScript.



"Our web-based radar display application provides integrators with great flexibility and our cloud-based solution enables instantaneous scalability to add more clients as is needed," said Andrew Haylett. "What's more, each browser has its own unique view of the radar image, effectively having its own dedicated scan converter running in SPx Radar Web Server, allowing an operator to change scale and position independently of other users and to see the radar video at full resolution." Cambridge Pixel's SPx suite of software libraries and applications provides highly flexible, ready-to-run software products or 'modules-of-expertise' for radar scan conversion, visualisation, radar video distribution, target tracking, sensor fusion, plot extraction and clutter processing.

Cambridge Pixel's radar technology is used in naval, air traffic control, vessel traffic, unmanned systems, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), commercial shipping, security, surveillance and airborne radar applications. Its systems and software have been implemented in mission-critical applications with companies such as BAE Systems, Frontier Electronic Systems, Blighter Surveillance Systems, Exelis, Hanwha Systems, Kelvin Hughes, Lockheed Martin, Navtech Radar, Raytheon, Royal Thai Air Force, Saab Sensis, Sofresud and Tellumat. For more information about Cambridge Pixel's radar technology please visit www.cambridgepixel.com or call: +44 (0) 1763 852749 or email: enquiries@cambridgepixel.com. Media photo

https://www.cambridgepixel.com/site/assets/files/3341/pr-radar-web-server-1.png Data sheet for SPx Radar Web Server

https://www.cambridgepixel.com/site/assets/files/3193/radar-web-server-datasheet-v1-0.pdf Video: radar in a browser

https://www.cambridgepixel.com/site/assets/files/3217/radarwebserver.mp4 About Cambridge Pixel (www.cambridgepixel.com) Cambridge Pixel is an employee-owned developer of sensor processing and display solutions including primary and secondary radar interfacing, processing and display components for military and commercial radar applications. It is a world-leading supplier of software-based radar tracking and scan conversion solutions through its modular SPx software, and HPx hardware product range. Based near Cambridge in the UK, the company operates worldwide through a network of agents and distributors. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cambridge-pixel-unveils-scalable-cloud-based-radar-video-in-a-standard-web-browser-application-301295689.html SOURCE Cambridge Pixel

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[May 20, 2021] 10,000 Nagarrians, 10,000 trees

MUNICH, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nagarro, a global leader in digital engineering, today announced that it has successfully crossed the 10,000-employee milestone. In line with its 'CARING' philosophy that extends to the environment and society, the company will mark this achievement by planting 10,000 trees. Nagarro continues to hire talent aggressively across the world, and especially in Austria, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Romania, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the United States. Nagarro has been aggressively recruiting talent in the last few months to meet the increased demand from clients seeking to create new digital products and services. By becoming more visible in the job markets and ramping up its hiring operations, Nagarro was able to add over 1,000 professionals in the first quarter of 2021, net of attrition. While a portion of these are fresh graduates to be trained further, these volumes reflect both on the company's improved hiring operations and its confidence in the demand outlook. "We dream of one day being one of the largest and most prominent companies in our space, so that we can truly fulfil our mission of making distance irrelevant between intelligent people everywhere," said Manmohan Gupta, a co-founder of Nagarro who is deeply involved with the hiring and training of recent college graduates. Cultivating diversity and equity



India , as part of which more than 6,000 fresh graduates were interviewed and evaluated over the last months. In April, 100 new women employees were welcomed at the company in a single day and 50 more are still to join on July 1st . With over a dozen nationalities represented in senior management, cultivating diversity and equity are key themes on the company's agenda. Giving back to nature to mark special milestone

Nagarro has historically pursued sustainability aspects with the same entrepreneurial passion as it brings to its business. "Besides trying to be the best workplace for software engineers, we strongly focus on being a responsible company that takes great care of nature and society. It is only fitting, therefore, that we have come up with something very special to mark this achievement," said Jon-Erik Trften, co-founder and Nagarrian resident of nature-loving Norway. "To celebrate the company's special milestone, Nagarro will plant 10,000 trees around the world to individually honor each of the 10,000 Nagarrians and to underline our commitment to a healthier planet." For more information, visit www.nagarro.com

For inquiries, please contact press@nagarro.com About Nagarro Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, helps clients become innovative, digital-first companies and thus, win in their markets. The company is distinguished by its entrepreneurial, agile, and global character, its CARING mindset, and its approach of "Thinking Breakthroughs". Nagarro employs over 10,000 people in 26 countries. For more information, visit www.nagarro.com. (FRA: NA9) (ISIN: DE000A3H2200) (WKN A3H220) View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/10-000-nagarrians-10-000-trees-301295714.html SOURCE Nagarro

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 06:50:14|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BRUSSELS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the European Union (EU) said late on Thursday that the China-EU investment agreement is a balanced agreement, not a gift.

The spokesperson made the remarks when responding to a question regarding a resolution adopted by the European Parliament earlier Thursday, which stated that any consideration or discussion on the ratification of the China-EU investment agreement has been frozen before China lifts the sanctions.

"The China-EU investment agreement is a balanced agreement that benefits both sides. It is not a gift given by one side to the other," said the spokesperson.

The two sides completed investment agreement negotiations on Dec. 30, 2020, after 35 rounds of talks.

The European Parliament adopted the resolution on Thursday, demanding China to lift the sanctions on 10 European individuals and four entities.

China announced the sanctions on March 22, after the EU imposed sanctions on relevant Chinese individuals and entity on the same day citing the so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang.

"China's decision to take countermeasures is a legitimate response to the EU's unilateral sanctions and confrontation," said the spokesperson on Thursday.

"China always has the sincerity to promote cooperation with the EU. We hope that the EU side will work with us in the same direction," the spokesperson added. Enditem
[May 20, 2021] SES Successfully Prices EUR 625 Million Hybrid Bond Offering

SES (News - Alert) S.A. announced the successful launch and pricing of a hybrid bond offering in which it has agreed to sell Deeply Subordinated Fixed Rate Resettable Securities for a total amount of EUR 625 million, with a first reset date on 27 August 2026. The notes will bear a Coupon of 2.875% per annum and were priced at 99.409% of their nominal value. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005435/en/ SES Successfully Prices EUR 625 Million Hybrid Bond Offering (Photo: Business Wire) The instrument's credit ratings are expected to be Ba1/BB with Moody's and Standard & Poor's respectively. The hybrid bonds issued by SES are non-dilutive instruments that are expected to receive 50% equity credit by both rating agencies and be classified as equity under IFRS. Proceeds of the issuance will be used for general corporate purposes which includes the possible refinancing of existing hybrid capital instruments. Concurrently, SES has also announced a capped tender offer for its outstanding hybrid EUR 750 million 4.625% Perp NC2022 at a fixed purchase yield at -0.10%. With this transaction SES has taken advantage of the current attractive market conditions to proactively refinance its hybrid tranche callable in January 2022 well in advance of the first call date. J.P. Morgan and MUFG Securities acted as Global Coordinators & Structuring Agents, together with BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC, Mizuho Securities as Joint Bookrunners and Intesa Sanpaolo as Co-Lead. The settlement is scheduled for 27 May 2021 and application has been made for the notes to be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The securities were placed with a broad range of institutional investors across Europe. Sandeep Jalan, Chief Financial Officer of SES, commented, "We are pleased to have secured this new hybrid offering which allows us to proactively refinance the nearest hybrid call at significantly more favourable terms." The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or unless pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. No public offering of securities will be made in the United States of America or in any other jurisdiction where such an offering is restricted or prohibited. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale wuld be unlawful.



This announcement does not constitute and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute a public offering nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer within the meaning of the Directive 2003/71/EC of the Parliament and Council of November 4, 2003 as implemented by the Member States of the European Economic Area (the "Prospectus Directive"). With respect to the member States of the European Economic Area which have implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "relevant member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of the securities requiring a publication of a prospectus in any relevant member State. As a result, the securities may only be offered in relevant member States: (a) to qualified investors (as defined in the Prospectus Directive, including as amended by directive 2010/73/EU, to the extent that this amendment has been implemented by the relevant member State); or (b) in any other circumstances, not requiring the issuer to publish a prospectus as provided under article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive. In addition to (and without prejudice to) the foregoing, in the European Economic Area this press release is directed only at persons who are not retail investors. 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 ("MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) a "qualified investor" within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive (Directive 2003/71/EC as amended by Directive 2010/73/EU).

With respect to the United Kingdom, this press release is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom, (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any securities will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Follow us on:

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Visit the Media Gallery > About SES SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world's only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world's leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES's video network carries over 8,400 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 361 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005435/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Fraud Detection And Prevention Market Size Worth $62.70 Billion By 2028: Grand View Research, Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global fraud detection and prevention market size is expected to reach USD 62.70 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 15.4% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rise in incidences of mobile payment frauds, phishing, and card frauds, and their subsequent impact on businesses and resultant financial losses are anticipated to drive market growth over the forecast period. Digital transformation is the new buzzword, as businesses transform the way they interact with their customers. However, increased digitization has also exposed businesses to online frauds and scams. Key suggestions from the report: An increase in the number of fraudulent activities reported worldwide and increased reliance on online transactions will create opportunities for market growth

The solution segment is expected to register a CAGR exceeding 10.0% from 2021 to 2028. The need to identify behavior or patterns associated with fraudulent activities among enterprises is a key factor expected to favor the segment growth. The proliferation of analytic tools to detect threats or anomalies in organization data is expected to favor fraud analytical solutions growth

Consistent internet access has paved way for digital transactions. However, cyber frauds becoming rampant at an alarming rate has led to the increased demand for fraud detection solutions to curb payment fraud incidences

Larger enterprises have the spending capacity to secure customer as well as business data, and this has resulted in the segment capturing the highest market share in 2020. However, with fraud activities occurring at an alarming frequency, small- & medium-sized enterprises are also expected to increase spending on security solutions over the forecast period

North America has always been at the forefront of technology developments and digitization of processes. Therefore, the region captured the highest market share in 2020, with increased demand from several tech companies in the region Read 137 page research report with ToC on "Fraud Detection And Prevention Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Solutions, By Component, By Services, By Application, By Organization, By Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/fraud-detection-prevention-market Thus, to mitigate these frauds, while securing customer as well as business data, the demand for fraud detection and prevention (FDP) solutions is anticipated to witness an upsurge over the forecast period. Digital platforms and online banking applications, wherein consumers directly interact with businesses, are complex. These applications require several risk-based security solutions to detect fraud at individual layers. Without implementing solutions and vulnerability testing, hacktivists and fraudsters can easily exploit gaps acrossthese channels.



Incumbents from the banking, telecom, and retail & e-commerce industries are popular targets of such fraud threats. Thus, a need for continuous monitoring and detection of vulnerabilities across layers is required to strengthen fraud defense among organizations. Despite rising digital fraud cases, organizations continue to offer services digitally to consumers as it is a cost-effective approach. Deploying or reliance on a single solution or tool as a defensive tactic increases the risks of fraud attempts. Educating enterprises and consumers related to fraudsters' modus operandi is a significant step towards defending against fraud. Several government agencies, such as the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council of the U.S. and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office of India, provided guidelines, programs, and standards to promote fraud defense among organizations and consumers. In addition, deploying advanced technology adaptable to existing cybercriminal operational strategy is crucial. Thus, the need to curb fraudster activities, secure personal information, and strengthen the security framework is expected to drive the adoption of fraud detection and prevention solutions among enterprises.

Grand View Research has segmented the global fraud detection and prevention market on the basis of component, solutions, services, application, organization, vertical, and region: Fraud Detection & Prevention Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Solutions



Services

Fraud Detection & Prevention Solutions Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Fraud Analytics



Authentication



Governance, Risk, and Compliance

Fraud Detection & Prevention Services Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Professional Services



Managed Services

Fraud Detection & Prevention Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Identity Theft



Money Laundering



Payment Fraud



Others

Fraud Detection & Prevention Organization Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

SMEs



Large Enterprises

Fraud Detection & Prevention Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

BFSI



Government & Defense



Healthcare



IT & Telecom



Industrial & Manufacturing



Retail & E-commerce



Others

Fraud Detection & Prevention Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



U.K.





Germany





Asia Pacific





China





India





Japan



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico



Middle East & Africa List of Key Players of Fraud Detection And Prevention (FDP) Market Total System Services, Inc.

Software AG

SAS Institute, Inc.

SAP SE

Oracle

IBM

Fiserv, Inc.

Experian plc

Equifax, Inc.

BAE Systems

ACI Worldwide, Inc. Find more research reports on Next Generation Technologies Industry, by Grand View Research: Payment Security Market  The global payment security market size was estimated at USD 15.79 billion in 2017. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.3% over the forecast period.

in 2017. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.3% over the forecast period. Anti-money Laundering Market  The global anti-money laundering market size was valued at USD 1.03 billion in 2020. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2021 to 2028.

in 2020. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2021 to 2028. Enterprise Governance, Risk & Compliance Market  The global enterprise governance, risk & compliance market size was valued at USD 35.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% from 2021 to 2028. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: 1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com

Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg

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[May 20, 2021] Kaloom Raises Additional Capital to Fuel Expansion and Expedite Go-to-Market Strategy

KaloomTM today announced that as a part of new financing, Alternative Capital Group (ACG) has become the majority shareholder of Kaloom. The latest investment will help Kaloom speed up the deployment and market adoption of Kaloom's Unified Edge Solution, including Cloud Edge Fabric, 5G User Plane Function (UPF) and network slicing. The new funding brings the total amount raised by Kaloom to USD 32.5 million, Series A. "Kaloom's team possesses in-depth knowledge of the challenges facing major network providers, fixed and mobile network operators, data centers and cloud services providers, which has enabled the company to develop market leading solutions that deliver on promises of 5G enabled Edge. We are proud to support Kaloom, so that the company can fully realize the vision it set out to solve," said Claude Delage, President of ACG. Kaloom is in active Proof of Concept (PoCs) trials with over 10 tier-one global communication service providers. In April, Kaloom announced an expanded partnership with Telenor and the integration of its 5G packet core UPF within Telenor's (News - Alert) larger ecosystem of integrated partner solutions.



Kaloom Expands Executive Team with President As a part of ACG's investment, Kaloom has bolstered its already experienced leadership team by appointing Stephane Boisvert as Kaloom's President. Boisvert has held executive positions with numerous companies in Montreal, Toronto, and Silicon Valley, including, Pivotal (Acquired by VMware), Bell, Sun Microsystems (News - Alert) and IBM. Boisvert is an expert in advanced cloud computing technologies and complex 5G network management with global experience developing technology partnerships. He has also been recognized for his leadership abilities in reaching multi-year growth-generating business agreements.

Kaloom's founder, Laurent Marchand, will retain his role of Chief Executive Officer and focus more on accelerating innovation and feature velocity to serve the market demands. Boisvert will manage the business operations, growth and expansion through go-to-market partnerships with solution providers and system integrators worldwide. "The investment from ACG is a vote of confidence for Kaloom's disruptive solutions and business model," said Boisvert. "If you look at what Kaloom is doing with its software defined architecture, Kaloom is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. It would require a company to turn its business model upside down to replicate Kaloom's technology and business model. I am looking forward to working with the phenomenal leadership team to bring to market a truly programmable, networking fabric, which is disrupting how differentiated services will be delivered from the 5G enabled cloud edge." Kaloom's Cloud Edge Fabric is an automated and programmable network fabric with built-in support for network slicing featuring an embedded multi-Terabit per second (Tbps) 5G UPF that is a highly performant, scalable, low latency cloud native solution. Coupled with the Unified Edge solution, which integrates Red Hat (News - Alert) OpenShift Container Platform into the Cloud Edge Fabric, the solution can streamline and optimize resources at the edge. About KaloomTM Kaloom is delivering a fully programmable and automated cloud-native edge center networking software solution that will disrupt how distributed cloud edge and data center networks are built, managed and operated by Telecom, Fixed and Mobile Operators, Data Center and Cloud Service Providers. Kaloom comprises technology veterans with proven track records of delivering large-scale networking, analytics, and AI-based solutions for the world's largest networks. Kaloom is based in the Quartier de l'innovation in Montreal, Quebec. For additional information visit www.kaloom.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005316/en/

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Outsourcing Law and Business Guide 2021 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

The "Outsourcing. Law and Business" book has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Written for both lawyers and business people, Outsourcing: Law and Business is the first complete guide to all aspects of these complex, strategic arrangements. It offers in-depth practical guidance to both legal and business issues - fee structures, service levels and governance models - to help outsourcing customers and service providers structure and implement transactions effectively.

Topics coveredinclude: types of outsourcing transactions; choosing an outsourcing team; choosing an outsourcing provider; defining services provided, responsibilities, and procedures; knowledge sharing and intellectual property rights; service level standards and metrics; fee and pricing models; human resources issues, including U.S. and international law and regulation; business continuity issues; grounds for termination; confidentiality; customers' privacy and data; compliance with state, federal and international security regulations; risk management and liability; documenting and implementing a governance structure; dispute resolution; and new approaches to outsourcing transactions.







For lawyers and business people who want authoritative, forward-looking guidance to outsourcing law and strategy, this new book is the ultimate resource.

For more information about this book visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jlysgj

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005464/en/
[May 20, 2021] Invesco Office J-REIT, Inc.: Notice Concerning Receiving of Proposal Letter Regarding Tender Offer by IRE (Cayman) Limited

Invesco Office J-REIT, Inc. (TOKYO:3298) hereby disclosed following documents. For the details, please visit our website. Notice concerning Receiving of Proposal Letter regarding Tender Offer by IRE (Cayman) Limited (PDF)

(Amendment) Partial Amendment to "Notice concerning the Sttement of Opinion (Opposition) on Tender Offer by Starwood Capital Group" (PDF)



http://www.invesco-reit.co.jp/en/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005512/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Assured Guaranty Announces Pricing of $500 Million Senior Notes Offering

Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE: AGO) announced that its subsidiary, Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc., has agreed to sell $500 million of 3.15% senior notes due 2031. The notes are guaranteed by Assured Guaranty Ltd. ( AGL (News - Alert) and, together with its subsidiaries, Assured Guaranty). The notes are expected to settle on May 26, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the repurchase or redemption of certain subsidiary indebtedness. Pending such application, Assured Guaranty may invest such net proceeds in marketable securities. The joint book-running managers for the offering are Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., and Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC is a co-manager. The offering is being made only by means f a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.



You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC (News - Alert) Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may request the prospectus by calling Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC at 1-866-471-2526 or BofA Securities, Inc. at 1-800-294-1322. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the senior notes or any other securities, nor will there be any sale of the senior notes or any other 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.

Assured Guaranty Ltd. is a publicly traded Bermuda-based holding company. Through its subsidiaries, Assured Guaranty provides credit enhancement products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets, and also provides asset management services. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005284/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Upstream Security Raises $36M from Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance to Disrupt the Telematics Insurance Space

HERZLIYA, Israel and TOKYO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (MSI), a subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. today announced a strategic partnership through capital investment into Upstream Security, which offers a cloud-based mobility cybersecurity and data analytics platform as part of the automotive OEM's vehicle security operations center (VSOC). MSI is leading Upstream's C-Round as part of a larger investment round that will be announced by Upstream during Q2' 2021. In addition to MSI, I.D.I. Insurance Company, one of the Israel's leading insurance companies, also took part in the investment round. Earlier this year, I.D.I. together with MSI, launched a joint technology hub in Israel. The strategic partnership with MSI will help revolutionize the car insurance industry, allowing insurance companies to use connected vehicle data to gain meaningful insights for various insurance-related areas including improved risk management and enhanced customer experience. The rapid growth of the connected car ecosystem has brought along with it an increased interest in telematics-based services. Upstream's cloud-based mobility data platform expands MSI's data analytics capabilities and enables MSI to provide additional risk-related services based on driver usage and behavior. "As part of our 'Vision 2021', medium term business plan, we at MSI aim to improve the customer experience through digitalization," said Masashi Ippongi, Director, Managing Executive Officer at Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limied. "Upstream's data analytics vantage will help MSI satisfy the consumer demand for higher-value and next-gen insurance products, applications, and services."



"The Upstream and MSI partnership will open new data-driven opportunities for both automotive manufacturers, insurance companies, and their customers," said Yoav Levy, Co-Founder and CEO at Upstream. "We are excited to work with MSI to expand our existing mobility data platform and to develop deep and long-lasting relationships with their customers and automotive OEMs in Japan." MSI strives to provide security and satisfaction to their customers, and Upstream's machine learning and big data platform is designed to unlock the value of mobility data. Through this partnership, MSI and Upstream will bring the power and benefits of automotive telematics data into the hands of the insurers and policy-holders.

About MSI: Established in 1918, Mitsui Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. merged with Sumitomo Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. in 2001 to form Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd. In 2010, it then integrated management with Aioi Insurance Co., Ltd. and Nissay Dowa General Insurance Co., Ltd, leading to the creation of the MS&AD Insurance Group, which is now a top ten Fortune Global 500 company in insurance Property & Casualty category. With global business expansion to 49 countries and regions, especially in Asia, and as the world's only global non-life insurance group with a presence in all 10 ASEAN countries, the Group maintains the No. 1 presence for gross written premiums in the ASEAN region. About Upstream Security: Upstream Security offers a cloud-based mobility cybersecurity and data analytics platform purpose-built for connected vehicles and smart mobility services. Upstream's C4 platform fuses machine learning, data normalization, and digital twin profiling technologies to detect anomalies in real-time using existing automotive data feeds. Coupled with AutoThreat Intelligence, the first automotive cybersecurity threat intelligence feed, Upstream provides unparalleled cybersecurity and data-driven insights, readily available and seamlessly integrated into the customer's environment and broader vehicle security operations center (VSOC). Upstream is privately funded by Alliance Ventures (Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi), Volvo Group, Hyundai, Nationwide Insurance, Salesforce Ventures, CRV, Glilot Capital Partners, and Maniv Mobility. Media contact: media@upstream.auto View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/upstream-security-raises-36m-from-mitsui-sumitomo-insurance-to-disrupt-the-telematics-insurance-space-301295790.html SOURCE Upstream Security

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[May 20, 2021] Nayax to Report First Quarter 2021 Financial Results on May 27, 2021

HERZLIYA, Israel, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nayax Ltd. (TASE: NYAX) announced today that it will release its financial results for the first quarter of 2021 on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Yair Nechmad, Chief Executive Officer, David Ben-Avi, Chief Technology Officer and Liron Grosman, Chief Financial Officer will host a conference call to review the Company's financial results on the same day, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time/ 3:30 p.m. Israel Time. To attend the conference call, please dial one of the following teleconferencing numbers. Please begin by placing your call at least five minutes before the conference call commences. If you are unable to connect using the toll-free numbers, please try the international dial-in number. U.S. TOLL-FREE: 1-866-777-2509

ISRAEL TOLL-FREE: 1-80-9212373

INTERNATIONAL: 1-412-317-5413

AUSTRALIA TOLL-FREE: 1-800-822-994

WEBCAST LINK: https://services.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=epGRwS05 At:

8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

5:30 a.m. Pacific Time

3:30 p.m. Israel Time The Company encourages participants to pre-register for the conference call using the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10156749/e8b8fa53af. Callers will receive a unique dial-in upon registration, which enables immediate access on the day of the call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time. The conference call will also be available via live webcast from a link on Nayax's nvestor Relations website.



A replay of the conference call will be available from May 28, 2021, to June 10, 2021. To access the replay, please dial one of the following numbers: Replay TOLL-FREE: 1-877-344-7529

Replay TOLL/INTERNATIONAL: 1-412-317-0088

Replay Pin Number: 10156749

An archived and live media frame will also be available for 90 days on Nayax's Investor Relations website. ABOUT NAYAX

Nayax is a global commerce enablement and payments platform designed to help merchants scale their business. Nayax offers a complete solution including localized cashless payment acceptance, management suite, and consumer engagement tools, enabling merchants to conduct commerce anywhere, at any time. With foundations and global leadership in serving unattended retail, Nayax has transformed into a comprehensive solution focused on our customers' growth across channels. Today, Nayax has 10 global offices, over 400 employees, connections to more than 80 merchant acquirer and payment method integrations and is a recognized payment facilitator worldwide. Nayax's mission is to improve our customers' revenue potential and operational efficiency Visit www.nayax.com for more information. The securities referred to in this announcement have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or under the securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered, sold, resold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. In the United States, any offer of the ordinary shares will be made only to "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in and in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act or another available exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Outside the United States, any offer will be made in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act. Forward looking statement The information included in this press release contains, or may be deemed to contain, forward-looking statements (as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Israeli Securities Law, 1968). Said forward-looking statements, relating to the initial public offering, are subject to uncertainties and assumptions and the actual results may materially differ. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Nayax on the date hereof. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Nayax are expressly qualified in their entirety by the factors referred to above. Nayax does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. Investor Relations Contact:

Miri Segal

MS-IR LLC

ir@nayax.com

Tel: +1-917-6078654 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nayax-to-report-first-quarter-2021-financial-results-on-may-27-2021-301295817.html SOURCE Nayax

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[May 20, 2021] Boston Materials Closes $8 Million Series A Funding to Unlock High-Performance and Sustainable Carbon Fiber as America Invests in Green Infrastructure

BOSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Materials, the manufacturer of advanced lightweight materials that deliver increased performance and circular solutions using Z-axis Carbon Fiber technology, announced today the closing of an $8 million financing led by AccelR8 and Valo Ventures. Clean Energy Ventures, a previous backer, also participated in the round. The funding accelerates the expansion of the company's Z-Axis Carbon Fiber technology into new electric vehicles, aerospace, and consumer electronics that are higher performing, lighter, and environmentally sustainable. "There's a massive environmental problem from the nearly three billion dollars' worth of new carbon fiber scrap generated every year by the global supply chain  not to mention the end-of-life scrap from large structures like airplanes and wind turbine blades," said Anvesh Gurijala, CEO and co-founder of Boston Materials. "Our Z-Axis Carbon Fiber technology provides a high-performance outlet for the growing amount of available reclaimed carbon fiber, creating a new economic opportunity in the composites and lightweight materials industries." Boston Materials uses a patented roll-to-roll magnetic alignment process that orients reclaimed carbon fibers vertically to manufacture composite film and sheet products, called ZRT. This breakthrough process introduces new z-axis thermal and electrical conductivity, stiffness, and durability benefits to existing composite materials. Ultimately, the company's ZRT products provide designers and manufacturers with multiple benefits over metals and nanomaterials, including lighter weight, lower embodied carbon footprint, and lower production costs. "Boston Materials is doing something others simply can't. They're improving the quality of advanced lightweight materials with a trly scalable Z-axis Carbon Fiber technology that uses 100 percent reclaimed feedstocks," said Dwight Poler, CEO of AccelR8. "Boston Materials is one of the only solutions we've seen that can integrate sustainable materials and actually improve both the performance and breadth of application simultaneously."



Earlier in 2021, Boston Materials commissioned a 60-inch-wide commercial production line capable of producing 800,000 square meters of Z-axis Carbon Fiber materials per year. The company plans to triple the production capacity over the next two years. The production capacity has been installed in a 37,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in Billerica, MA, along with fully-automated equipment for quality control and traceability. Boston Materials is dedicated to expanding its manufacturing operations in the Boston area by cultivating a robust team of manufacturing personnel from across all industries and training them as technicians for the production of advanced composite materials. "Boston Materials creates a clear ROI for customers by delivering products with superior performance at a lower cost. The team has thoughtfully designed their products to augment existing supply chains, helping pave the way for their Z-axis Carbon Fiber to become a breakthrough metal replacement in the next generation of high-volume consumer and industrial products," said Subodh Gupta, Principal at Valo Ventures. "At the same time, Boston Materials' products deliver a strong return for the environment by reducing the reliance on virgin materials, advancing the circular economy and continuing the proliferation of composites to decarbonize industries."

Boston Materials is also ramping up hiring across technical sales, application development, and manufacturing to support the company's rapid growth. To explore opportunities with Boston Materials, visit: https://bostonmaterials.co/ About Boston Materials Boston Materials manufactures Z-axis Carbon Fiber products that can revolutionize the $130B+ lightweight materials market and unlock significant GHG emissions reductions across industries. Boston Materials products add new conductivity, stiffness, and durability benefits to existing composite materials, like carbon fiber, and sheet metals. The company's products are made using 100 percent reclaimed carbon fiber enabling up to 80 percent GHG emissions savings compared to standard composite materials and metals. Learn more at www.bostonmaterials.co/ About AccelR8 AccelR8 invests behind exceptional founders who bring innovative technologies and business models to accelerate the reduction and sequestration of greenhouse gases. AccelR8 brings together deep science and investment experience to support approaches that create reinforcing loops toward exponential change, while achieving both social impact and financial returns. AccelR8 reinvests its fund profits into further social impact ventures and research. For more information go to www.accelr8.com About Valo Ventures Valo Ventures is a thesis-driven venture capital firm investing in North America and Europe. Our mission is "investing for a brighter future" and we do this by focusing on four catalyzing megatrends: climate change, circular economy, autonomy and empowered people. We identify and support entrepreneurs who are applying digital technologies to create long term economic, environmental and social value. Learn more at www.valoventures.org . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boston-materials-closes-8-million-series-a-funding-to-unlock-high-performance-and-sustainable-carbon-fiber-as-america-invests-in-green-infrastructure-301295772.html SOURCE Boston Materials Inc

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[May 20, 2021] Rebounding Economy Strengthens Housing Market Potential Despite Unrelenting Supply Squeeze, According to First American Potential Home Sales Model

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a leading global provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions, today released First American's proprietary Potential Home Sales Model for the month of April 2021. April 2021 Potential Home Sales Potential existing-home sales increased to a 6.31 million seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR), a 1.3 percent month-over-month increase.

This represents an 81 percent increase from the market potential low point reached in February 1993.

The market potential for existing-home sales increased 30 percent compared with a year ago, a gain of 1,450,345 (SAAR) sales. The year-over-year comparison is very large this month as the housing market came to a halt last year at this time when the pandemic shut down the economy. Housing rebounded sharply in the summer.

Currently, potential existing-home sales is 481,854 (SAAR), or 7.1 percent below the pre-recession peak of market potential, which occurred in April 2006. Market Performance Gap The market for existing-home sales outperformed its potential by 4.4 percent or an estimated 277,400 (SAAR) sales.

The market performance gap decreased by an estimated 16,800 (SAAR) sales between March 2021 and April 2021. Chief Economist Analysis: House-Buying Power Drives Housing Market Potential "Housing market potential regained strength in the month of April, according to our Potential Home Sales Model. In April, housing market potential increased 1.3 percent compared with March, and is now nearly 30 percent higher than the pandemic-driven collapse last April," said Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American. "Relative to two years ago, housing market potential is 16.7 percent higher and will likely remain elevated as rates continue to hover near historic lows, the economy improves and puts upward pressure on wages, and millennials continue to choose home owning over renting. "One of the primary drivers of housing market potential in April was the rise in house-buying power, which increased by $6,900 compared with the previous month, contributing to a gain of nearly 49,000 potential home sales. House-buying power is a function of changes in mortgage rates and household income, which both contributed positively this month," said Fleming. "After increasing by 0.27 percentage points in March, mortgage rates settled back down in April, falling by 0.02 percentage points. While it may not seem like much, holding income constant at its March level, a 0.02 percentage point decline in mortgage rates increases house-buying more by $1,300. "However, rising household income fueled the bulk of the increase in house-buying power this month. We estimate household income as a function of average hourly earnings and the average number of weekly hours worked. In April, average hourly earnings increased by 0.7 percent, considerably higher than the 2009-2020 average monthly growth rate of 0.2 percent. The number of average weekly hours worked also increased modestly in the month of April," said Fleming. As more and more people are vaccinated and the economy strengthens further, demand for labor increases, and that puts upward pressure on wages as employers compete to attract employees, as was the case in April."



But You Can't Buy What's Not for Sale "Rising income, rates near historical lows, and higher than average savings rates bode well for home buying. Yet, you can't buy what's not for sale. The record low level of houses for sale makes it difficult to find the next house to buy, so sellers - who are often also prospective buyers - don't sell for fear of not finding their next home to buy," said Fleming. "If sellers all choose to sell, they would benefit as buyers because the inventory of homes for sale would increase and alleviate the supply shortage.

"However, the risk of selling in a market with a shortage of inventory prevents many existing homeowners from putting their homes on the market. The result is increasingly higher average tenure length, which reached a historical high of 10.56 years in April," said Fleming. "Existing homeowners staying put accounted for more than 15,000 fewer potential home sales in April. The problem in the market today is supply. You can't buy what's not for sale, even if you can afford it." Will Summer Bring Supply Relief? "A growing economy in the summer months has multiple implications for the housing market. Growing consumer confidence, a stronger labor market, and higher wages bode well for housing demand," said Fleming. "While a growing economy and improving public health conditions may spur hesitant existing owners to list their homes for sale, it's unlikely to significantly ease the super sellers' market conditions." Next Release The next Potential Home Sales Model will be released on June 21, 2021 with May 2021 data. About the Potential Home Sales Model Potential home sales measures existing-homes sales, which include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate based on the historical relationship between existing-home sales and U.S. population demographic data, homeowner tenure, house-buying power in the U.S. economy, price trends in the U.S. housing market, and conditions in the financial market. When the actual level of existing-home sales are significantly above potential home sales, the pace of turnover is not supported by market fundamentals and there is an increased likelihood of a market correction. Conversely, seasonally adjusted, annualized rates of actual existing-home sales below the level of potential existing-home sales indicate market turnover is underperforming the rate fundamentally supported by the current conditions. Actual seasonally adjusted annualized existing-home sales may exceed or fall short of the potential rate of sales for a variety of reasons, including non-traditional market conditions, policy constraints and market participant behavior. Recent potential home sale estimates are subject to revision to reflect the most up-to-date information available on the economy, housing market and financial conditions. The Potential Home Sales model is published prior to the National Association of Realtors' Existing-Home Sales report each month. Disclaimer Opinions, estimates, forecasts and other views contained in this page are those of First American's Chief Economist, do not necessarily represent the views of First American or its management, should not be construed as indicating First American's business prospects or expected results, and are subject to change without notice. Although the First American Economics team attempts to provide reliable, useful information, it does not guarantee that the information is accurate, current or suitable for any particular purpose.  2021 by First American. Information from this page may be used with proper attribution. About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $7.1 billion in 2020, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2021, First American was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the sixth consecutive year. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005263/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-17 18:32:41|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Monday said that more than 650 illegal migrants have been rescued and returned to Libya.

"Over 650 persons were returned on Sunday to Tripoli by Libyan authorities," the UNHCR tweeted earlier Monday.

"Survivors departed aboard 4 rubber boats from Zuwara (Western Libya), and were intercepted/rescued and returned in 2 different disembarkation. UNHCR & IRC (International Rescue Committee) offered urgent humanitarian & medical aid to all survivors," the UNHCR said.

Rescued migrants often end up inside overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close those centers.

According to the International Organization for Migration and UNHCR, migrants and refugees in Libya continue to be subjected to arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, exploitation and violence, conditions that push them to take risky journeys especially sea crossings that may face fatal consequences. Enditem
[May 20, 2021] Spire Expands Machine Learning and AI Efforts to Improve Predictive Data Capabilities

Spire Global, Inc. ("Spire" or the "Company') announced today significant breakthrough processing wins for the Company, having recently launched multiple novel computing platforms for artificial intelligence ("AI") processing, including "Brain in Space", an on-the-ground simulated testbed replicating Spire's LEMUR 3U platform. The testbed includes multiple embedded edge AI/ML modules enabling users to test their own AI/machine learning ("ML")-powered applications. Spire also revealed the use of a ML program called JUNO, which combines the results of multiple models into one prediction to boost its ensemble weather forecasting. "We collect a vast amount of data each day from our global satellite constellation and other systems, so processing and leveraging that data efficiently is key. At our core, we are an Earth data analytics company that happens to gather our data from the ultimate vantage point-space," said Spire CEO Peter Platzer. "We are combining several significant and complementary technologies to provide improved modeling across a range of applications and our proprietary data streams." With JUNO, Spire's neural network compares numerous weather predictions with measurements and then implicitly determines how to rank each model's results. Multiple weather variables and models are used to correct the forecasts' biases, for instance, looking at the historical relationship between predicted and measured temperatures including how pressure, wind, humidity, and other conditions impacted the results. "We want to provide customers with the most accurate models that we can, and their markets have different modeling needs and demands," said Razvan Stefanescu, head of statistics and machine learning at Spire Weather. "These innovations help us deliver highly accurate, reliable and customized weather forecasts for that particular industry." Spire believes these AI solutions show potential in aiding multiple stages of its numerical weather prediction system, such as possibly helping with automated quality control, data assimilation and model errors, faster physics approximations, and improved optimizers, as well as assisting engineers and scientists with fine-tuning models. With Spire's Brain In Space simulated environment testbed, Spire and its customers are able to test how well AI/ML modules can support the development of advanced AI-enabled analytics and edge computing in space. Spire believes the testbed marks a step-change in the way small satellite constellations are operated and managed - paving the way for satellites to perform time-critical missions and make decisions autonomously, without increasing bandwidth and other precious on-board resources. Spire has already successfully demonstrated the use of ML capabilities in orbit using some of the modules on the testbed. Spire's systems improve as they receive more data, a positive feedback loop fueled by Spire's more than 100 nanosatellites in orbit that gather observations around the world. These satellites already make radio occultation measurements, collecting detailed atmospheric data that can help reduce weather forecasting errors. As Spire launches more devices and capabilities, the constellation will produce more information, making efficient processing capabilities increasingly important. About Spire Global, Inc. Spire is a global provider of space-based data and analytics that offers unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth from the ultimate vantage point so organizations can make decisions with confidence, accuracy, and speed. Spire uses one of the world's largest multi-purpose satellite constellations to source hard to acquire, valuable data and enriches it with predictive solutions. Spire then provides this data as a subscription to organizations around the world so they can improve business operations, decrease their environmental footprint, deploy resources for growth and competitive advantage, and mitigate risk. Spire gives commercial and government organizations the competitive advantage they seek to innovate and solve some of the world's toughest problems with insights from space. Spire has offices in San Francisco, CA (News - Alert) , Boulder, CO, Washington DC, Glasgow, Luxembourg, and Singapore. On March 1, 2021 Spire announced plans to go public through an anticipated business combination with NavSight Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NSH), to be traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "SPIR." To learn more, visit spire.com. About NavSight Holdings, Ic.



NavSight Holdings, Inc. is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. NavSight was organized with the opportunity to pursue a business combination target in any business or industry, with the intent to focus its search on identifying a prospective target business that provides expertise and technology to U.S. government customers in support of their national security, intelligence and defense missions. Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the planned business combination with Spire (the "Proposed Transaction"), NavSight intends has filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") with the SEC (News - Alert) , which includes a preliminary proxy statement to be distributed to holders of NavSight's common stock in connection with NavSight's solicitation of proxies for the vote by NavSight's stockholders with respect to the Proposed Transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, a prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to the Company's stockholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction, and an information statement to Company's stockholders regarding the Proposed Transaction. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, NavSight will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus, when available, to its stockholders. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about NavSight, the Company and the Proposed Transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by NavSight through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: NavSight Holdings, Inc., 12020 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191. Participants in Solicitation NavSight and the Company and their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers and other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Proposed Transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of NavSight is set forth in its Form 10-K/A filed on May 12, 2021. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed Transaction. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transaction. 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 expectations of accelerating Spire's sales and marketing efforts, expectations of product development across Spire's weather segment and the applicability of such products to Spire's market, improvements to Spire's products, including the accuracy of weather forecasting, the strengthening of Spire's competitive advantage, the importance of weather forecasting to Spire's target markets, the ability of Spire's AI solutions and other products to improve weather prediction and achieve their other intended or anticipated purposes, the expansion of Spire's business to new regions and markets, Spire's future growth, estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics, expectations of achieving and maintaining profitability, projections of total addressable markets, market opportunity and market share, net proceeds from the Proposed Transactions, potential benefits of the Proposed Transaction and the potential success of the Company's market and growth strategies, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the Proposed Transaction. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of NavSight's and the Company'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 NavSight and the Company. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of NavSight's securities; (ii) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed by NavSight's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by NavSight; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction, including the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the stockholders of NavSight, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following any redemptions by NavSight's public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (iv) the inability to complete the PIPE investment in connection with the Proposed Transaction; (v) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Proposed Transaction on Spire's business relationships, performance, and business generally; (vii) risks that the Proposed Transaction disrupts current plans of Spire and potential difficulties in Spire employee retention as a result of the Proposed Transaction; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against NavSight or Spire related to the business combination agreement or the Proposed Transaction; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of NavSight's securities on the New York Stock Exchange; (x) the ability to address the market opportunity for Space-as-a-Service; (xi) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not generate expected net proceeds to the combined company; (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the Proposed Transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xiii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; (xiv) the risk of downturns, new entrants and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive space data analytics industry; and those factors discussed in NavSight's final prospectus filed on September 11, 2020 under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents of NavSight filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither NavSight nor the Company presently know or that NavSight and the Company 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 NavSight's and the Company's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. NavSight and the Company anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause NavSight's and the Company's assessments to change. However, while NavSight and the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, NavSight and the Company specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing NavSight's and the Company'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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005306/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Tenstorrent Raises over $200 million at $1 billion Valuation to Create Programmable, High Performance AI Computers

TORONTO, May 20, 2021 /CNW/ - Tenstorrent, a hardware start-up developing next generation computers, announced today that it has raised over $200 million in a recent funding round that values the company at $1 billion. The round was led by Fidelity Management and Research Company and includes additional investments from Eclipse Ventures, Epic CG and Moore Capital. "Our goal is to continue creating AI focused hardware for developers," said Ljubisa Bajic, Tenstorrent's CEO. "Having a great investor like Fidelity is going to help us build a sustainable company for the long term." Tenstorrent's Grayskull processor will go to market in the second half of 2021. In addition, Tenstorrent will be launching DevCloud which will allow developers to try unning their models without first having to purchase hardware. Larger systems powered by Tenstorrent's technology will be available through partners.



"We are bringing to market a high programmable chip at an accessible price point as a means of driving innovation," said Jim Keller, Tenstorrent's CTO. "AI is going to transform the data-center and Tenstorrent's architecture is best positioned to address this data-written future by being a developer focused solution." ABOUT TENSTORRENT

Tenstorrent is a next-generation computing company with the mission of addressing the rapidly growing compute demands for software 2.0. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with U.S. offices in Austin, Texas, and Silicon Valley, Tenstorrent brings together experts in the field of computer architecture, ASIC design, advanced systems, and neural network compilers. Tenstorrent is backed by Eclipse Ventures and Real Ventures, among others. For more information visit www.tenstorrent.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tenstorrent-raises-over-200-million-at-1-billion-valuation-to-create-programmable-high-performance-ai-computers-301295913.html SOURCE Tenstorrent Inc

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[May 20, 2021] Study Identifies Microsoft Teams Data as Source of Compliance Concern among IT Leaders

MILPITAS, Calif., May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZL Tech, the premier technology provider for information governance and compliance, has announced the results of a study investigating Microsoft Teams native arching and third-party compliance systems capabilities. Conducted by Osterman Research, the study surveyed 143 IT leaders at mid- and large-scale enterprises, all of whom are currently using Microsoft Teams.

Due in large part to the global pandemic that mandated virtual collaboration, Microsoft Teams adoption has skyrocketed in recent years, with over 145 million daily users in April 2021. However, this decision was often made without fully considering how usage would affect legal and regulatory compliance. The survey found that when considering whether to incorporate Microsoft Teams, compliance and legal professionals were two of the three least influential decision-makers. When asked whether Microsoft Teams native archiving capabilities were sufficient to meet their compliance requirements, only 54% of respondents fully agreed. Some leading concerns are Microsoft Teams inability to capture source files and documents (48%), quotes (36%), and audio in meetings (35%) and calls (35%). Looking to the future, only 40% of respondents think Microsoft Teams native archiving toolswill meet their various requirements in the next three years.



Regardless of whether the respondents Microsoft Teams archiving capabilities were sufficient for their needs, Microsoft Teams data has already been required in the last year for eDiscovery (49%), internal investigations (49%), and regulatory audits (30%). Of respondents currently archiving Microsoft Teams, over half (52%) believe that third-party archiving tools are superior to native capabilities. The leading reasons IT leaders considered a third-party solution were to search across multiple platforms in-place (54%), to capture all Microsoft Teams data (53%), and to have a single platform for archiving, eDiscovery, and compliance for multiple data sources (53%).

ZL Techs flagship platform, ZL UA, has fully integrated Microsoft Teams into its solutions for compliance, eDiscovery, privacy, and records management. The platform captures all critical components of Microsoft Teams communications: messages, files, reactions, and the context surrounding these interactions. This full archival capture allows ZL Tech to apply governance policies, review messages for compliance, and deliver analytics for deeper insight into enterprise communications. To read the entire report, click here. To learn more about ZL Techs Microsoft Teams solutions, click here. About ZL Technologies, Inc.

ZL Techs centralized information governance platform enables organizations to manage all enterprise content and satisfy corporate needs for data analytics, eDiscovery, regulatory compliance, privacy, and records management. ZL Techs unique differentiator is its unified architecture which consolidates all applications and billions of documents under one platform, thus eliminating todays fractured data silos that significantly raise operating costs and increase legal risk. With a proven track record of serving Global 500 customers, ZL Tech is a technology leader in harnessing big data for strategic advantage. For more information, please visit www.zlti.com. Media Contact

Kathryn Hardcastle

ZLTech@matternow.com

401-575-9086



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[May 20, 2021]

HP Inc. Shares Ambitious 2030 Goals to Drive a More Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Tech Industry

News Highlights:

Achieve 50/50 gender equality in HP leadership by 2030 1

Achieve greater than 30 percent technical women and women in engineering by 2030

Meet or exceed labor market representation for racial/ethnic minorities in the U.S. by 2030

Maintain higher than 90 percent rating on internal inclusion index for all employee demographics annually 2

Reach one million workers through worker empowerment programs by 2030

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today announced a series of ambitious goals to drive a more diverse, equitable and inclusive technology industry, including a pledge to achieve gender parity in leadership by 2030.



Todays announcement is part of HPs Sustainable Impact strategy to create a positive, lasting impact on the planet, our people and communities where we live, work and do business. This follows HPs recent announcement of some of the industry's most aggressive and comprehensive climate action goals.



Our 2030 goals are designed to make HP the worlds most sustainable and just technology company. The actions were taking to address some of societys greatest challenges will strengthen our communities while spurring innovation and growth across our business, said Enrique Lores, president and CEO at HP Inc.

Creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion has long been integral to HPs success, but our work is far from done, Lores continued. We will continue pushing to break down barriers within our own organization while using our platforms to advance gender and racial equality, social justice and human rights across our ecosystem.

HPs new commitments will contribute to the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals and are consistent with the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.



Accelerating Gender and Racial Equality in Technology



Since its founding, HP has embraced the power of diversity to fuel innovation and has recognized progress starts from the top. Thats why HP intentionally created one of the most diverse board of directors in the technology industry. It also remains one of the top technology companies with women in executive positions. More than 30 percent of HPs leaders are women, nearly doubling the industrys benchmark of 16 percent of women in senior positions.

Given that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted many women, with one in four considering to leave the workplace or downshifting their careers according to a recent Lean In and McKinsey study, HP is making a concerted effort to support womens career advancement. The company aims to achieve 50/50 gender equality in HP leadership by 2030. HP also commits to achieving greater than 30 percent technical women and women in engineering roles by 2030.



In addition to championing gender equality, HP has a rich history in advancing racial equality and social justice. As a founding member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Business Deans Roundtable, HP has a long-lasting relationship with HBCUs and hosts an annual business challenge to help Black students kickstart a career in technology. HPs Supplier Diversity Program in the U.S. had an overall economic impact of approximately US$1 billion last year.









Earlier this year, HP publicly launched its Racial Equality and Social Justice Task Force with a comprehensive set of goals that will accelerate the strategies, practices and policies around pipeline, retention and promotion for Black and African American talent; leverage its industry spending power to influence its ecosystem, including HPs partners, vendors and suppliers; and advocate for Black and African Americans through public policy, civic action and clear corporate positions on local and national issues. HP is also a founding member of OneTen, a coalition of businesses who are coming together to upskill, hire and advance one million Black individuals in America over the next 10 years into family-sustaining jobs.

As part of todays announcement, HP aims to have its racial/ethnic representation meet or exceed market availability in the U.S. by 2030.

The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the murder of George Floyd and so many others whose lives were needlessly cut short, sparked a long-overdue reckoning with the systemic inequities that afflict our communities, said Lesley Slaton Brown, chief diversity officer at HP Inc. Were committed to turning the tragedies and challenges of the past year into a force for meaningful change. We will not turn a blind eye to the forces of racism, discrimination and inequity that hold so many back from reaching their potential, and we will not rest until everyone, everywhere has access to the opportunities they deserve.



Upholding a Powerful Culture of Inclusion and Belonging



HP has a strong foundation in place to build a workplace where all employees can belong, innovate and grow. It has more than 125 employee resource groups across 32 countries, Belong @ HP trainings, leadership development programs for underrepresented groups and other resources that have consistently helped the company achieve a high inclusion index rating internally.



Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, HP found innovative ways to help employees stay connected virtually and maintain their health and wellbeing that have contributed to an increase in employee engagement and resulted in positive perception of HP as a great place to work.3 In 2020 alone, HP received more than 150 recognitions related to being a best place to work and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability.



Moving forward, HP commits to maintaining a higher than 90 percent rating on its internal inclusion index for all employee demographics annually. It also seeks to be universally ranked as employer of choice for underrepresented groups in the technology industry by 2030.



Doubling Down on Worker Empowerment

HP understands how we do things is just as important as what we do. Respecting human rights is a priority for the business, and HP has an unwavering commitment to find ways to support its supply chain workers. To drive transparency, HP published its inaugural Human Rights Progress Report last year.



Scaling current efforts, HP will create a visible and resilient supply chain with the goal to assure respect for labor-related human rights for 100 percent of its key contracted manufacturing suppliers and higher risk next tier suppliers by 2030.4 HP also aims to reach one million workers by 2030 through worker empowerment programs.

Workers in the industrys supply chain can often be vulnerable and face challenges they are not equipped to address. HPs programs will go above and beyond the typical risk management approach to seek positive changes through training and personal development. Feedback opportunities will also be expanded to enable employers to hear workers views and respond to their input. Finally, HPs programs will ensure participants have a solid understanding of their rights in the workplace, and through their participation HP will strive to help them develop the ability to positively influence working conditions such as those that lead to harassment and discrimination.

Learn more

Visit the following links for more details:

About HP

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com.

Media Contact

Kelly Xie, HP

Kelly.Xie@hp.com



www.hp.com/go/newsroom





Copyright 2021 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.



1 Leadership is defined as director level and up at HP. We expect that gender identity will remain a key topic in many parts of the world. In the future, HP may take in account of more data and those who identify as female will be counted towards the 50/50 gender equality goal.

2 Annually, HP employees fill out a survey called Voice Insight Action (VIA) to understand overall employee engagement including their sense of belonging in the company.

3 During COVID-19, HP launched HP Spirit, a new engagement approach that offers daily offerings for every week day to support employees. HP Spirit programming was popular among employees (total webinar views 241,734 as of May 14, 2021; offered over 349 virtual activities and events to employees since HP Spirit launch) and there was a 7 percent increase in employees who responded to Taking Everything into account, HP is a great place to work.

4 Labor-related human rights are defined as modern slavery, working hours, pay and safety. Assure based on key performance metrics based on evidence and analysis of published disclosures, mandated data submittals, certifications, audits, etc.
[May 20, 2021] Diverse Group of Immigrants Fund Fair Fintech, a Startup to Provide Equitable Banking and Finance

HOUSTON, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fair, an ethical digital bank and multilingual financial services platform, offering banking, lending, investments and retirement announces 90% of its investors are people of color, 80% are immigrants and many are first-time investors in fintech. Fair CEO and Founder, Khalid Parekh, lead the grassroots fundraising effort and intentionally sought investors from the communities most in need of services from Fair to close gaps and launch banking services this spring. "Hardworking families who carry the economy on their backs deserve access to financial opportunity and freedom," Parekh said. "We must strive to break away from profit-driven models that widen gaps, and we must do so without the institutions that have held us back or excluded us. Fair exists because we came together as a community to uplift each other to build a pathway for successful financial futures together." Stimulating economic opportunity and expanding financial equity is among the shared values that brought the diverse investment group together for Fair. Fair is built on a membership model, where members will pay a transparent price to unlock features including no-fee international money transfers, no-hidden-fee banking, no-interest home, auto and small business lending, high-yield dividend savings accounts with up to 2% returns, ethical investments and retirement planning in multiple languages. "Unnecessary barriers prevent financial freedom for immigrants," Fair investor Imran Dhanani said. "My family built the foundation for me to be successful, but others don't receive the same opportunity. Fintech allows us to change that, but only if it's built by people who understand these barriers. When I learned about Fair's mission and how it would help my community, I knew I wanted to be a part of it." Dhanni, a 31-year-old CEO of a private equity firm attributes his career success to his immigrant father. He was inspired to make his first investment in fintech because he recognized how the platform would give back people in his community.



Immigrants are more likely than their U.S.-born counterparts to face poverty. While banking systems contribute to the disparities, the contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy are undeniable. Nearly half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. The Fair platform is built to serve these communities with banking, lending, investments and retirement because Federal Reserve data shows opportunity gaps widen when people don't have the ability to build and grow generational wealth. Parekh's vision for Fair is driven by solving problems he experienced as an immigrant striving for the American entrepreneurial dream. From not having access to financial services in his language to complicated fee structures, Parekh overcame these barriers to build multi-million-dollar IT firm AMSYS Group. Parekh recognizes most don't receive the same opportunities, so Fair is his way of paying it forward. Parekh will not collect a salary from this venture, and he personally funded the initial technology investment for Fair. He brought in a close circle of individual investors to release the platform.

Fair will launch its banking services this spring, which include no-fee international money transfers, up to two-day early access to direct deposit, MasterCard debit card, no-fee access to over 55,000 ATMs, FDIC-insured deposits, bill payments, mobile check depositing and more. Additional financial services and language options will be available in late 2021. The platform's transparent membership model will provide all consumers equitable access to these services. Fair banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank. Investment and retirement services will be provided by FAIR Invest, LLC. Lending Services will be provided by FAIR Lending, LLC. ABOUT FAIR Fair is an ethical digital bank and mobile financial services platform with neobanking, lending, investments and retirement planning in one place, and in multiple languages. Fair empowers opportunities for financial freedom with its transparent, membership-based services. Unlimited, no-fee access to checking accounts with MasterCard debit card, high-yield savings, international money transfers, interest-free lending and more is included in the upfront membership fee. Intentionally created to stimulate financial opportunity and close inequitable wealth gaps, 2.5% of profits go to economic equality initiatives and refugee missions and causes. Fair is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Learn more at bankwithfair.com, and connect with @bankwithfair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diverse-group-of-immigrants-fund-fair-fintech-a-startup-to-provide-equitable-banking-and-finance-301296061.html SOURCE Fair

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[May 20, 2021] Interactive Veterinary Market Trends Dashboard Now Available On-Demand From Data Experts at VetSuccess

TORONTO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Those with a vested interest in the veterinary industry can now gain valuable insights via data from thousands of companion animal hospitals thanks to the new Premium Veterinary Industry Tracker from VetSuccess . This powerful data analytics tool helps professionals stay on top of trends and changes in revenue and visits for the veterinary market. With transactional data that is updated daily and the ability to filter by date, state, and visit type, the dashboard offers a continuous window into the business of veterinary medicine. The Premium Veterinary Industry Tracker features trendlines that show the full picture, by-month and by-state snapshots of practice revenue and visits, and the ability to export aggregated data into a spreadsheet for further analysis. "The veterinary industry is currently undergoing a major evolution," says VetSuccess Managing Director Kaie McClean. "That's why we're proud to help increase visibility into U.S. practice performance with the release of the Premium Veterinary Industry Tracker."



This intuitive subscription-based dashboard offers quick answers to tough veterinary questions, such as: What was the average revenue per practice in Q1 of this year vs. last year?

Are veterinary practices seeing more patients for wellness visits?

How are New York practices performing compared to California practices?

practices performing compared to practices? What percentage of practice revenue comes from drugs and medications? According to VetSuccess Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sheri Gilmartin, CVT, "Having access to this caliber of veterinary data is a real game-changer for those who make it their business to understand the business of veterinary medicine."

Since 2011, VetSuccess has perfected the art and science of veterinary data analysis, delivering easy-to-understand metrics and apples-to-apples benchmarks for the veterinary profession. The data experts at VetSuccess simplify and normalize complex layers of practice management codes into clear, actionable data and metrics. With the intention to expand its product offerings in the near future on VeterinaryAnalytics.com, VetSuccess empowers professionals to gain a competitive advantage and go beyond survey results and speculation with reliable and timely animal health industry data. To learn more about VetSuccess and the Premium Veterinary Industry Tracker, visit www.VeterinaryAnalytics.com. About VetSuccess

VetSuccess provides practice performance reports, dashboards, and automated marketing solutions for veterinary practices and industry partners. As the industry's definitive data experts, VetSuccess makes sense of veterinary data and turns it into actionable information, metrics, and benchmarks. A subsidiary of Vetsource, VetSuccess harnesses the power of data to help veterinary practices and partners stay one step ahead of the curve. Press contact:

Martin Traub-Werner

Founder (VetSuccess)

VP & GM, Data & Platform Technologies (Vetsource)

(866) 408-8554

mtraubwerner@vetsource.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/interactive-veterinary-market-trends-dashboard-now-available-on-demand-from-data-experts-at-vetsuccess-301295936.html SOURCE VetSuccess

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[May 20, 2021] Wells Fargo to Liquidate Central Fidelity Capital Trust I and Wachovia Capital Trust II Resulting in the Cancellation of Capital Securities and Distribution of Underlying Debentures to Holders

Wells Fargo (News - Alert) & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced that on June 21, 2021 (the "Liquidation Date"), (i) Central Fidelity Capital Trust I will be liquidated, the Floating Rate Capital Trust Pass-through Securities (the "Central Fidelity Capital Securities") and the Floating Rate Common Securities (the "Central Fidelity Common Securities") issued by Central Fidelity Capital Trust I will be canceled, and the Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities, Series A due April 15, 2027 (the "Central Fidelity Debentures"), issued by Wells Fargo & Company, as successor to Central Fidelity Banks Inc., and currently held by Central Fidelity Capital Trust I will be distributed pro rata to the holders of the Central Fidelity Capital Securities and Central Fidelity Common Securities, all in accordance with the amended and restated declaration of trust of Central Fidelity Capital Trust I and (ii) Wachovia Capital Trust II will be liquidated, the Floating Rate Capital Securities (the "Wachovia Capital Securities" and, together with the Central Fidelity Capital Securities, the "Capital Securities") and the Common Securities (the "Wachovia Common Securities" and, together with the Central Fidelity Common Securities, the "Common Securities") issued by Wachovia Capital Trust II will be canceled, and the Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due January 15, 2027 (the "Wachovia Debentures" and, together with the Central Fidelity Debentures, the "Debentures"), issued by Wells Fargo & Company, as successor to Wachovia Corporation, and currently held by Wachovia Capital Trust II will be distributed pro rata to the holders of the Wachovia Capital Securities and Wachovia Common Securities, all in accordance with the amended and restated declaration of trust of Wachovia Capital Trust II. On the Liquidation Date, each $1,000 in liquidation amount of the Capital Securities will be exchanged for $1,000 principal amount of the corresponding series of Debentures, and the principal amount of the Debentures that is distributed to Wells Fargo & Company, as the holder of Common Securities, will be extinguished. The following table sets forth information concerning the Capital Securities that will be canceled, and the corresponding Debentures that will be exchanged for those Capital Securities, on the Liquidation Date.







Capital Securities CUSIP Debentures CUSIP Central Fidelity Capital Trust I

Floating Rate Capital Trust Pass-through Securities 15346WAC4 Wells Fargo & Company

Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities, Series A due April 15, 2027 949746TF8 Wachovia Capital Trust II Floating Rate Capital Securities 949768AA7 Wells Fargo & Company Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due January 15, 2027 949746TG6

No action by the holders of the Capital Securities is required in order to effect the cancellation of the Capital Securities and the distribution of the Debentures. The exchange of the Capital Securities for the Debentures will be effected by The Bank of New York Mellon, as the property trustee for Central Fidelity Trust I and Wachovia Capital Trust II, and as the trustee under the indenture pursuant to which the Debentures were issued, through the facilities and following the procedures of The Depository Trust Company. The next scheduled interest payment on each series of Debentures after the Liquidation Date will include any accrued and unpaid distributions on the corresponding series of Capital Securities. About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets and proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of all middle market companies and small businesses in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment, and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 30 on Fortune's 2020 rankings of America's largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News Release Category: WF-CF View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005659/en/

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Bank of America Surpasses Equity Investment Goal of $200 Million and Increases Target to $350 Million to Support Minority Entrepreneurs

Bank of America announced today it has increased its target for equity investment in minority focused funds from $200 million to $350 million. In less than a year, the company has committed more than $250 million to 90 investment funds across the U.S. These funds provide capital to Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian, Native American, other under-represented minority and women entrepreneurs to help them establish and grow their businesses. Today's announcement articulates the need for more capital in funds led by diverse managers as well as the need for more growth equity funding for the minority entrepreneurs they support.

Bank of America has also completed a total of 17 direct equity investments in minority depository institutions ( MDI (News - Alert) ) and community development financial institution (CDFI) banks as part of its $50 million commitment made last year.

"Equity investments in minority focused funds, MDIs and CDFI banks help address a persistent gap in access to growth capital," said Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America. "By providing this capital, we're helping to level the playing field and open more doors for minority led businesses, entrepreneurs and innovation."

These investments are a component of Bank of America's $1.25 billion racial equality and economic opportunity commitment, which focuses on addressing and advancing social issues in minority populations, such as health, jobs, education, housing and capital inequality, and will facilitate benefits across multiple states and communities.

Equity Investments

Closed investments include, but are not limited to:

Avenue Growth Partners - District of Columbia

Cleveland Avenue - Chicago, Ill.

Cleo Capital - San Francisco, Calif.

e2JDJ - New Orleans, La.

Elevate Capital - Portland, Ore.

Greenwood, Inc. - Atlanta, Ga.

Jumpstart Nova - Nashville, Tenn.

L'Attitude Ventures - San Diego, Calif.

MaC Ventures - Los Angeles, Calif.

Noemis Ventures - New York, N.Y.

Ulu Ventures - Palo Alto (News - Alert) , Calif.

Visible Hands - Boston, Mass.

Zane Ventures - Atlanta, Ga.

The completion of these investments is subject to execution of documentation. View a list of previously announced closed funds.

MDIs and CDFI banks

Separate from the equity investment in minority focused funds, the company has also dedicated $50 million to support MDIs and CDFI banks. As part of this commitment, the company will acquire up to 4.9% of common equity in MDIs and CDFI banks facilitating benefits in the communities that these institutions serve through lending, housing, neighborhood revitalization, and other banking services. Today, Bank of America announced investments in additional MDIs. This brings the total completed investments in MDIs and CDFI banks to 17. New investments were made in the following organizations:

Central Financial Holdings, Inc. - Tampa, Fla.

Greater Pacific Bancshares (parent company of Bank of Whittier) - Whittier, Calif.

The Native American Bancorporation Co. - Denver, Colo.

PDL Community Bancorp (parent company of Ponce Bank) - Bronx, N.Y.

View a list of previously announced MDI and CDFI bank investmens.







These equity investments are in addition to approximately $100 million in deposits from Bank of America in MDIs. The company also operates a $1.8 billion CDFI portfolio with 256 partner CDFIs across all 50 states, providing access to capital to thousands of individuals and small businesses who do not qualify through traditional lenders.

Investing and supporting minority communities

Since June 2020, Bank of America has already deployed $350 million across equity investments and philanthropic grants in the four areas outlined in its $1.25 billion racial equality and economic opportunity commitment. Additional Bank of America announcements focused on racial equality, diversity and inclusion and economic opportunity include:

For recent highlights of the bank's ESG efforts, view the Bank of America 2020 Annual Report.

Bank of America

At Bank of America, we're guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We're delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It's demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (News - Alert) (@BofA_News).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005614/en/
[May 20, 2021] Flexera Announces Software Vulnerability Management for VMware Workspace ONE UEM

ITASCA, Ill., May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flexera, the company that helps organizations maximize business value from their technology investments, today announced a strategic work that enables interoperability between its Software Vulnerability Manager solution and VMware Workspace ONE UEM (unified endpoint management). Through this interoperability, customers will be able to identify, prioritize and satisfy the need for third-party patch deployment to remediate software vulnerabilities.

Flexera's Software Vulnerability Manager is a software security vulnerability and patch management solution that provides out-of-the-box support for tens of thousands of third-party applications. Workspace ONE UEM is a cloud-based endpoint management platform that enables IT professionals to deliver and manage apps on any device in their organization. Combining the industry-leading security advisories produced by Flexeras Secunia Research team with the endpoint management capabilities of Workspace ONE UEM, will result in vulnerable installations of software to be more efficiently identified, reported and acted upon throughout the enterprise. Based on factors such as vulnerability criticality, attack vector or likelihood of exploitation, one can effectively prioritize which software updates will have the greatest impact to improve the security of their environment. Once a vulnerability is identified and prioritized, Software Vulnerability Manager can automatically publish over a thousand out-of-the-box patches, saving IT professionals time and speeding the mitigation of software vulnerabilities. With the integration, customers can now deploy such patches to their managed devices using Workspae ONE UEM.



"By partnering with Flexera, we're enabling two industry-leading tools for a truly seamless patch management and deployment solution," said Jason Roszak, vice president of product management, End User Computing, VMware. "With remote work here to stay, simplifying and automating the patching process will be crucial for maintaining a more secure device fleet and enabling workforce productivity." This integrated solution empowers our customers with a powerful new way to deploy security updates, said Bob Kelly, product management director with Flexera. The Flexera and VMware collaboration will greatly help our mutual customers be successful in addressing a critical need.

For more information on pricing, packaging, an online quote and more, contact Flexera at www.flexera.com, or call 1-800-374-4353. Resources Datasheet / https://www.flexera.com/media/pdfs/datasheet-svm.pdf

List of Patches Included / https://www.flexera.com/svm-vpm

Anatomy of a Security Advisory / https://www.flexera.com/resources/infographics/anatomy-of-a-security-advisory.html

About Flexera Flexera delivers IT management solutions that enable enterprises to accelerate and multiply the return on their technology investments. We help organizations inform their IT with total visibility into their complex hybrid ecosystems, providing the IT insights that fuel better-informed decisions. And we help them transform their IT with tools that allow IT leaders to rightsize across all platforms, reallocate spend, reduce risk and chart the most effective path to the cloud. Our category-leading technology value optimization solutions are delivered by more than 1,300 passionate team members helping more than 50,000 customers achieve their business outcomes. To learn more, visit flexera.com. VMware and Workspace ONE UEM are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. Contact:

Ashleigh Giliberto

Flexera

agiliberto@flexera.com



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[May 20, 2021] As India Burns Amid a Lethal 2nd Wave, It's Now Evident that the World Has Failed in Ensuring Equitable Access to Vaccines. While Vaccine Doses Reach 9.7 Billion by 2025, Will They be Equitably Distributed?

SAN FRANCISCO, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released the 1st edition of its report titled "COVID-19 Vaccines - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics". The report presents fresh perspectives on what to expect post commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines amid the rising spirit of vaccine nationalism, selfish international politics over vaccines, inadequate market access, stockpiling, and vaccine patents that still remain firmly in place. FACTS AT A GLANCE

Edition: 1; Released: May 2021

Executive Engagements: 11708

Companies: 335 Players covered include Moderna, Inc.; Pfizer Inc./BioNTech; AstraZeneca/University of Oxford; Johnson & Johnson; CanSino Biologics, Inc.; China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Sinopharm); Sinovac Biotech Ltd.; Novavax, Inc.; Inovio Pharmaceuticals; Sanofi/GlaxoSmithKline; Gamaleya Institute and Others.

Coverage: All major geographies and key segments

Segments: Age Group (18 Years & Above, Under 18 Years)

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- The new study projects the global COVID-19 vaccines market at 9.7 billion doses in 2025 trailing a 4.8% CAGR over the analysis period 2020 through 2025. But how these vaccines are distributed and made available to countries worldwide will determine the course the pandemic will take in the coming months and years. In this heated battle between virus evolution Vs science, the ability to move fast is of utmost importance. To bring this pandemic to an end or atleast under control, a large share of the world's population needs to develop immunity to the virus which can be offered only by vaccines. After the victorious launch of the first vaccines in late 2020, the world is now staring at international vaccine politics that threatens to undermine the battle against the virus. Global inequality in access to COVID-19 vaccines is currently the biggest challenge faced in this battle. Six months into the massive vaccination drive against COVID-19 countries are beginning to falter; second, third and fourth waves of infections are sweeping through the globe once again; protective policies on critical vaccine ingredient exports continue to be legislated; and vaccine patents continue to be aggressively guarded by countries. India's losing battle against the uncontrolled and unchecked spread of mutant, virulent COVID virus strains raises questions on whether the world has done enough in inoculating people against the virus and helping everyone, everywhere recover from the pandemic. With vaccinations being the only way out of this crisis, failing vaccination campaigns amid deepening shortages paints a grim future for India. Even as India burns amid the devastating crisis, the global fight for COVID-19 vaccine patents rages on. Are patents and intellectual property rights even appropriate in the current context of this global pandemic? With more than 7 billion people to be vaccinated, there are only a handful of companies that are authorized to produce vaccines. As production efforts are ramped up in North America, Europe, India and elsewhere, raw materials shortages are beginning to emerge. Global shortages of raw materials are linked to the policy of prioritizing domestic production, which limits exports of inputs to other countries dependent on imports. This global pandemic can be brought to an end within a year if more companies are allowed to produce the approved vaccines. Even amid this desperate human crisis and testing times, the battle against the virus is intersectingwith international politics. Vaccine patents are slowing down the world's vaccination drive. Supply of vaccine shots has and still continues to be slow and there are no enough vials to go around the world, especially the poor and the densely populated countries that need them the most. India and South Africa have been on the forefront lobbying for a ban on vaccine patents, a move that continues to be resisted by rich countries. Despite the enormous impact of the pandemic which has infected 150.2 million people and claimed over 3.1 million lives to date, the much needed weapons for fighting this disease are being politicized; leveraged for gain, superiority, and influence over other countries. The war against the virus has brought with it challenges of international and political selfishness.



Lesser developed countries in addition to challenges such as poor healthcare, logistics and storage infrastructure also have to deal with vaccine hoarding by rich countries. Wealthy countries in the world have already reserved the bulk of the life-saving vaccines being produced. Political nationalism which is as old as human history has primed the world for vaccine nationalism. In the U.S. the number of surplus vaccines available, after every American has been vaccinated, is estimated at around 70 million, highlighting the massive prioritization measures undertaken by the country. Although the Biden administration, buckling under pressure, has voiced plans to ship surplus AstraZeneca vaccine to India and other countries in need, the move is too little too late. While the U.S. has vaccinated over 50% of its population with the first dose, other countries and regions are still lagging behind. The gap between the number of vaccines administered in rich countries and those administered through COVAX, an international platform for global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, is widening with each passing day pushing up the risk of COVID transmissions. Faster COVID transmission increases the risk of mutations and virus variations which in turn reduces the efficacy of vaccines. This is turning into a reality as India emergences into the new epicenter of the pandemic with several grim implications for the global community. India's crisis which now shaping into a humanitarian crisis in the country is also beginning to present a global challenge. Worry is shifting to India as the country becomes the breeding ground for newer more dangerous strains. The double mutation strain continues to be detected in India in large numbers and is seen as responsible for the rapid spread and higher morbidity risks. Fears over the double mutant variant undergoing further mutations and becoming a triple-mutant is already becoming real. Triple-mutant variants have already been isolated in samples collected from the Indian states of Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

There is a real risk of India's double and triple mutations of the virus spurred by unchecked and rapid spread, jumping borders and spreading to countries. India's new variants will not be limited to India but will very likely emerge in other parts of the world. A variant with two mutations known as E484Q and L452R identified in India, have already been isolated in South Asia. Barely weeks after the second wave overwhelmed India, the Indian coronavirus variant has already been found in northern Italy in the city of Bassano. India's battle with deadlier new virus strains brings grim news for scientists across the world as it underscores the insidious nature of viruses. The repercussions of India's losing battle with the virus can be very serious for the world and for the global efforts to contain this pandemic. The exploding outbreak of mutant viruses in India now has a strong potential to derail the hard-won victory and progress in vaccination and containment in other countries. Efficacy of vaccines also stands a real threat of being compromised if the country fails in its attempts to contain the spread. The more the pandemic is prolonged the higher will be the risk of viruses outwitting our current vaccine technology. The Indian double and triple mutant is already turning this fear into reality. New strains stunting the efficacy of vaccines have the potential to push the world back into square one and such a setback in a battle such as the one we are waging now is almost unthinkable. The need of the hour is to accelerate equitable rollout of vaccines worldwide. Bilateral deals are encouraging and even fueling vaccine hoarding. Close to 45 bilateral deals were signed for securing vaccine supply in the year 2020 and over 15 have already been signed in the year 2021. The result is rich countries accounting for just 14% of global population have purchased over 50% of global vaccines produced till date. The me-first approach of the rich nations that leave the world's most vulnerable and poorest population at risk will end with the world losing this battle. A self-defeating exhibition of selfishness will only prolong the pandemic and the human and economic suffering that accompanies it. The end of the pandemic will continue to elude us for as long as vaccines are not made available for countries that need them most. It's a race against time and to successfully end the pandemic, mass vaccination drives must outpace the speed with which the coronavirus is currently mutating. And for this patents and IP rights on drugs, vaccines, treatments, diagnostics, medical supplies and test data needed to control COVID-19 must be removed. Real hope will come when the world including WTO member states engage in research, manufacturing, scaling up and supplying COVID-19 tools and vaccines without fear of risking a trade dispute. Patent holders are currently opposing the waiver contending that the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) already has adequate flexibilities such as the option to issue compulsory licenses for less expensive generic equivalents when facing a public health emergency and the option of allowing countries unable to manufacture drugs to import them from other countries. But these flexibilities are more flexible on paper than in reality and as a result ability of countries to scale up production of needed COVID-19 products is dangerously slowing down. While the U.S. announced its support of temporary waiver, other European countries still continue to oppose the move, stretching even further a solution to the immediate problem. Other challenges related to logistics, storage and vaccine hesitancy among people pales significantly in comparison with the challenges related to technology transfer and sharing needed to ramp up vaccine production and distribution. While it's true that supply chains for COVID-19 vaccines and drugs are strained and stretched thin, from raw material availability to manufacturing capacity, these challenges can actually be eased to a large extent with international cooperation and concerted efforts to remove barriers to vaccine production and trade. Now is the time for patent-holding rich countries to collaborate with developing world by agreeing to the proposed TRIPS waiver. While science has moved fast to discover new therapies and vaccines, will human selfishness fail us in this epic humanity's battle against the virus? 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:

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Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Phone: 1-408-528-9966

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Info411@strategyr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-india-burns-amid-a-lethal-2nd-wave-its-now-evident-that-the-world-has-failed-in-ensuring-equitable-access-to-vaccines-while-vaccine-doses-reach-9-7-billion-by-2025--will-they-be-equitably-distributed-301294598.html SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 04:55:27|Editor: huaxia

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LAGOS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified gunmen have killed eight residents and razed buildings in a latest attack in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna, a government official said on Wednesday.

Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for the internal security and home affairs of the state, said in a statement that the latest report by security agencies confirmed a gunmen attack on Tuesday on Ungwan Gaida village in Chikun local government area of Kaduna state.

"As of the time of this update, eight residents have been confirmed dead in this attack," he said, without giving further details.

According to the commissioner, a worship center was destroyed by the gunmen, along with several other houses.

There have been a series of gunmen attacks across the most populous country in Africa, leading to the killing of civilians and securities operatives. Enditem
Introducing Postmedia Parcel Services

Postmedia Network Inc. ("Postmedia") today announced that it is building a national distribution network for small parcel delivery. Postmedia Parcel Services, a new division of Postmedia, will leverage its extensive distribution network to expand its offerings to include trucking, sorting and distribution of small parcels beginning with a strategic partnership with Brunswick News Inc. in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and certain regions of Ontario.

"At Postmedia we have a long, proud history of delivering to homes in communities across our country," said Andrew MacLeod, Postmedia's President & CEO. "Extending our offerings and trusted relationships in the communities we already serve, through this new partnership, aligns to our corporate strategy."

"Postmedia's tremendous reach in communities across Canada complements our delivery services offerings - a business we have been growing over the past four years," said Jamie Irving, Vice President Brunswick ews.







The new service offering is expected to launch in early summer and scale up over the summer and fall. Postmedia Parcel Services will include the opening of sortation centres, expansion of Postmedia's existing distribution network and operate 364 days a year.

About Postmedia Network Inc.

Postmedia Network Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX: PNC (News - Alert) .A, PNC.B), is a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 120 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offer advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com or www.postmediasolutions.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005734/en/
[May 20, 2021] Strategy Analytics: TWS Earbuds Will Capture 70% of Global Bluetooth Stereo Headset Sales in 2021

According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global Truly Wireless (TWS) earbuds are out-competing traditional Bluetooth headsets by rapidly adding advanced capabilities found previously only in premium headsets. In 2021 TWS earbuds will account for seven in ten of all Bluetooth headsets sold. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005736/en/ Exhibit 1: Global Bluetooth TWS Earbuds Sales Penetration by Technology (Source: Strategy Analytics (News - Alert) ) Ville-Petteri Ukonaho, Associate Director at Strategy Analytics, said, "TWS Bluetooth earbuds have become more capable than ever. Consumers are replacing bulky old-style Bluetooth headsets with smaller lighter and often less-expensive TWS earbuds that pack advanced features such as active noise cancellation, heart-rate monitoring, water resistance and wireless charging." "TWS earbuds now often have featurs not found in traditional banded Bluetooth headsets," says Ken Hyers, Director at Strategy Analytics. "TWS earbuds better fit modern consumers lifestyles. While Apple's (News - Alert) AirPods are the most popular brand, vendors from around the world, ranging from Bose in the USA to Xiaomi in China and Boat in India are all introducing new TWS earbuds with advance features that capture consumers' notice."



"Powering these advanced features are tech vendors like Qualcomm (News - Alert) , whose Clear Voice Capture technology is the key to providing noise cancelling to improve sound quality in many TWS earbuds," says Ville-Petteri Ukonaho, Associate Director at Strategy Analytics. "Other system-on-chip (soC) solutions providers include Realtek, AppoTech, Actions, BES and Cypress. Prices for these technologies are continuing to fall. In 2021 52% of all TWS earbuds with noise cancellation will have a wholesale price of $50 or less, making them more affordable for more consumers." "TWS earbuds are adding other technologies for consumers engaging in active lifestyles," says Mr. Ukonaho. "Over 30% of TWS earbuds sold in 2021 will be water resistant, meaning consumers engaging in high-impact activities like exercise will be able to enjoy music, podcasts and phone calls without having to worry that their TWS earbuds will be damaged by sweat or an unanticipated rain shower. Heart rate monitors are in 4% of TWS earbuds that will be sold in 2021, allowing users to track a key health metric. And transparency features allow users to hear surrounding sounds when being fully absorbed in music isn't ideal. This is an important safety feature for joggers and bicyclists who need to be able to hear real-world sounds."

About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. is a global leader in supporting companies across their planning lifecycle through a range of customized market research solutions. Our multi-discipline capabilities include: industry research advisory services, customer insights, user experience design and innovation expertise, mobile consumer on-device tracking and business-to-business consulting competencies. With domain expertise in: smart devices, connected cars, intelligent home, service providers, IoT, strategic components and media, Strategy Analytics can develop a solution to meet your specific planning need. For more information, visit us at www.strategyanalytics.com. Source (News - Alert) : Strategy Analytics, Inc. #SA_Devices For more information about Strategy Analytics Service Name: Bluetooth Device Tracker View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005736/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Delaware State Supreme Court Launches "Delaware Bench and Bar Diversity Project" Following Years of Advocacy From Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware

After years of tireless advocacy diversity by Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware and community partners, Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Colin Seitz Jr. announced the new "Delaware Bench and Bar Diversity Project" heeding the calls for more Black and brown representation on Delaware's top courts. Said Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware Campaign Manager Chris Coffey, "We're glad that Delaware is finally taking steps to address the glaring lack of diversity in its judiciary after years of advocates ringing the alarm. While the issue runs deep - and Governor Carney has failed to take the most simple step of nominating Black judges - we're hopeful that the project will identify meaningful solutions to address this crisis, and will listen to those who have been fighting for diversity for years." The project will be helmed by the state Supreme Court's first Black Justice, Tamika Montgomery-Reeves, and will be a "strategic effort to address diversity issues in the legal field" and will make recommendations to attract and retain diverse lawyers to the state's judiciary and legal industry. The project is a collaboration between the state, the National Center for State Courts, and AccessLex Institute. Faith leaders in Delaware and nationally have fought alongside CPBD in recent years to shed light on the lack of judicial diversity. Legendary civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton has decried the state's lack of judicial diversity, traveling to Delaware multiple times to urge Governor Carney to take the issue seriously. Locally, Pastor Blaine Hackett of St. John African Methodist Church Inc. and Reverend Christopher Bullock have led protests outside the Governor's office calling for diverse leadership to restore trust in the state's justice system.



CPBD proudly joined the efforts of those leaders, and recently mobilized over 2,000 Delawareans to nominate a Black justice to replace outgoing Chancery Court Chancellor Andre Bouchard, but to no avail. With Carney appointing Lori Will, a white woman with connections to Bouchard's former law firm, CPBD has pledged to renew its advocacy for systemic change and racial justice in Delaware's courts. Continued Chris Coffey, "We have seen that even under intense pressure, Delaware's leaders have chosen to maintain the status quo rather than listen to community-led advocacy for change, and we will remain vigilant to ensure that this new project actually effects change. While this announcement is a first step, we will maintain pressure every step of the way to ensure the project makes systemic change, rather than just a PR stunt to save face for Delaware's Old Boys' Club."

Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware is a group made up of more than 5,000 members including employees of the global translation services company TransPerfect, as well as concerned Delaware residents, business executives, and others. They formed in April of 2016 to focus on raising awareness with Delaware residents, elected officials, and other stakeholders about the unprecedented forced sale of TransPerfect. While their primary goal of saving the company has been accomplished, they continue their efforts to fight for more transparency in the Delaware Chancery Court. For more information on Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware or to join the cause, visit DelawareForBusiness.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005742/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Mindtree to acquire NxT Digital Business of L&T

WARREN, N.J. and BANGALORE, India, May 20, 2021 /CNW/ -- Mindtree, a leading digital transformation and technology services company, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire the NxT Digital Business, the cloud based IoT and AI platform for Industry 4.0 of L&T Group. The NxT Digital Business, was founded as a startup with broad digital capabilities within L&T. It has played an instrumental role in extensive applications of IoT technology and digitalization of many aspects of L&T's operations where numerous assets were connected and factories were digitalized to make the company's operations data driven for objective decision making. NxT Digital Business leverages the Group's deep industry domain expertise with emerging technologies like industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, machine learning and augmented and virtual reality, geospatial and cybersecurity applications to deliver disruptive business outcomes for its global customers. Mindtree and NxT Digital Business' combined offerings will bring scale and market agility to meet the growing end-to-end digital transformation demands of customers. That will help accelerate the journey to Industry 4.0, which involves smart automation of industry and manufacturing to gain agility and customer-centricity. Mindtre will leverage NxT Digital Business' capabilities across several industry segments in integrating sensors and telemetry data with its advanced data analytics and insights leadership to drive digitization across the manufacturing and engineering value chain, deliver tangible operational efficiencies and a differentiated customer experience.



"There is a huge opportunity ahead as global manufacturers and industrial companies are increasingly adopting Industry 4.0 focused smart solutions, systems, and processes, but are struggling to leverage data and analytics to drive efficiency and competitive advantage," said Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro Limited. "NxT Digital Business experience, talent, expertise and credentials, coupled with Mindtree's global scale, technology leadership, and deep understanding of domain and delivery, are a powerful combination of focus and capabilities to meet clients' requirements." "Industrial and manufacturing companies are starting to adopt digital technologies across the value chain, but need a partner with expertise to strategically connect the dots and generate business value from their data," said Mr. Debashis Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mindtree Limited. "The acquisition will complement our significant strengths in reimagining consumer experience, positioning us as one of the leading partners for leveraging data and analytics to drive insights and deliver transformational services to our clients."

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. About Mindtree Mindtree (NSE: MINDTREE) is a global technology consulting and services company, helping enterprises marry scale with agility to achieve competitive advantage. "Born digital," in 1999 and now a Larsen & Toubro Group Company, Mindtree applies its deep domain knowledge to 270 enterprise client engagements to break down silos, make sense of digital complexity and bring new initiatives to market faster. We enable IT to move at the speed of business, leveraging emerging technologies and the efficiencies of Continuous Delivery to spur business innovation. Operating in 24 countries across the world, we're consistently regarded as one of the best places to work, embodied every day by our winning culture made up of over 23,800 entrepreneurial, collaborative and dedicated "Mindtree Minds." To learn more about us, visit www.mindtree.com or follow us @Mindtree_Ltd For more information, contact: media@mindtree.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mindtree-to-acquire-nxt-digital-business-of-lt-301296151.html SOURCE Mindtree

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[May 20, 2021] Soaring Popularity of Online Shopping Among Millennials Drives the Hang Tags Market Growth: Future Market Insights Study

DUBAI, U.A.E, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global hang tags market is forecast to expand at a CAGR of over 6.0% throughout the forecast period between 2021 and 2031, projects ESOMAR-certified consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI). Surging demand for packed food items and consumer electronics along with expansion of retail chains at a global level has created lucrative opportunities for hang tags market growth. Manufacturers often use hang tags to display the product information and as a marketing tool. Increasing drawbacks of sticky labels such as color damage intensified the demand for hang tags. Implementation of modern printing techniques in hang tag printing has positively affected the apparel and garment sales further boosting the market demand. Manufacturers are using die cut hang tags along with funky and poppy printing on hang tags to earn customer attention. Furthermore, development of hang tags as a new branding and promotional tool is driving the market. Brand owners are moving towards custom designed and glossy printed hang tags in collaboration with manufacturers. This innovation is fueling the hang tag market sales. For more Insights into the Market, Request a Sample of this Report https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-11352 Rising inclination towards branded beverages among youth has also increased the hang tags market sales. Organized retail industry is experiencing significant growth due to changed consumer spending habits and increasing per capita income. This growth has led to heightened demand of products requiring hang tags for authentication and marketing. These factors are contributing towards rapid hang tags market growth. "Rising customer preference towards e-commerce has promoted the market players to use hang tags for brand promotion and product information. Flourishing e-commerce industry will facilitate the hang tags market growth," says the FMI analyst Key Takeaways Hang tags are utilized to provide instructions and information regarding the purchased electronic product. Flourishing electronic goods market in the U.S. is fueling the hang tags market growth.

Plastic hang tag sale in China is expected to surpass the valuation of US$ 96.4 Mn by the end of forecast period. Abundance of natural resources and cheap labor and manufacturing cost are driving the market sales in China .

is expected to surpass the valuation of by the end of forecast period. Abundance of natural resources and cheap labor and manufacturing cost are driving the market sales in . Hang tags are preferred over labels by garment manufacturers to provide information regarding the purchased item. Growing textile industry in India will promote the market sales of hang tags during the forecast period.

will promote the market sales of hang tags during the forecast period. Increasing consumption of cosmetic and personal care products in Europe will boost the demand for hang tags during 2021-2031. Germany and France are expected to be the key markets for hang tag sales.

will boost the demand for hang tags during 2021-2031. and are expected to be the key markets for hang tag sales. Growing tourism in Japan has positively influenced the demand and sales of hang tags in the country. Increased selling of artifacts and jewelry elevates the demand for high quality plastic hang tags. Hang tags are useful in maintaining customer attention alon with effectively conveying the information.

has positively influenced the demand and sales of hang tags in the country. Increased selling of artifacts and jewelry elevates the demand for high quality plastic hang tags. Hang tags are useful in maintaining customer attention alon with effectively conveying the information. With growing demand of green tags, fabric hang tags are predicted to grow at 6.3% CAGR during the forecast period from 2021 to 2031.



Competitive Landscape FMI has profiled some of the prominent market players providing hang tags that include CCL Industries Inc, Dutch Label Shop, Nilorn Group, Pacific Coast Bach Label Inc, Bornemann-Etiketten GmbH, CBF Labels Inc, Sato Holdings Corporation, St. Louis Tag Company, Finotex USA Corporation, Dortex Werbung und Vertrieb mbH, Signal Ltd.Industry leaders are working towards developing customized and application oriented hang tags to be used in wide range of industries. They are utilizing modern printing techniques like thermal printing, thermal transfer, and flexo printing to obtain stylish hang tags.

For instance, one of the leading hang tags manufacturers; St. Louis Tag Company and Signal Ltd. is designing and manufacturing customized hang tags by employing thermal transfer and flexo printing methods for glossy finish. With growing application of hang tags in wide range of industries a surge in market growth can be expected. Get Customization on this Report for Specific Country https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-11352 More Insights on the Global Hang Tags Market Future Market Insights, in its new offering, provides an unbiased analysis of the hang tags market, presenting historical demand data (2016-2020) and forecast statistics for the period from 2021-2031. The study divulges compelling insights on the hang tags market with a detailed segmentation on the basis of material type (paper, plastic, fabric), type (hang tag, loop tag), printing technology (direct thermal, thermal transfer, flexo printing, offset and screen printing, laser printing), end use (clothing and apparels, food and beverages, hospitality and travel, beauty and personal care, consumer electronics, others) across major regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Oceania , and Middle East & Africa) Key Questions Covered in the Report How will the market for hang tags will expand through 2031?

Which top manufacturing companies are leading the global hang tags market?

What are the key drivers and trends that will stimulate the hang tags sales?

What are the challenges that will affect the sales of hang tags market?

Which region will remain the most lucrative throughout the forecast period?

What is the impact of Covid-19 on hang tags market? Contact Sales for Further Assistance in Purchasing this Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/11352 Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage on the Packaging Domain Non-adhesive tags Market: The non-adhesive tags market study by Future Market Insights (FMI) provides deeper insights on the new trends while incorporating the impact of ongoing trends, and growth & restraining factors during the forecast period of 2021 to 2031. Market dynamics have been presented on the basis of prominent drivers, trends and opportunities prevailing across key geographies for the aforementioned decade. Self laminating tags Market: ESOMAR-certified market analysis and consulting company Future Market Insights (FMI) provides insights driving self laminating tags market demand in latest report. Additionally, to find the effect of COVID-19 on the self laminating tags market in general, the study monitor global self laminating tags sales in 20+ high-growth markets and address their end-user in particular. Asset tags Market: In its latest study, ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI) offers in-depth insights on key factors that influence the demand for asset tags. The report covers global demand for asset tags in more than 20 high potential markets, in addition to an in-depth analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the global asset tags market. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact:

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Future Market Insights,

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[May 20, 2021] Foundation Software, LLC Brings YouTube Series for Contractors

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Foundation Software, LLC  America's #1 provider of construction back-office solutions  is excited to share best practices in construction technology through a collection of highlight videos on Foundation Software's YouTube channel. The move comes as part of Foundation's larger push to put helpful, educational information in front of contractors. The highlight video series helps contractors by showing them how to effectively use construction software and offering troubleshooting tips. Some of the covered topics include job costing, AIA billings, Davis Bacon, union and certified payroll reporting, and a variety of other complex problems in construction accounting. Steve Antill, Foundation Software's Chief Revenue Officer, pointed to the YouTube channel as a great way to provide upstream support for contractors. "With these videos, contractors can learn how to use our software and services. They provide insight into various areas that contractors may struggle and showcase how technology and tools, like FOUNDATION, can help them to simplify complex processes," Antill said. "With the industry gaining momentum, staying up-to-date on products and how policy changes affect them can be tough, so we try to make it easier for contractors to get that info." In addition to the YouTube video series, Foundation also offers educational resources through its online Learn Center available at www.foundationsoft.com. Articles and other multimedia on industry best practices, policy updates, economic forecasts, updates from partners and industry subject matter experts (SMEs) and testimonials are available to visitors for free.



Some of the featured webinars in the Learn Center include "Subcontractor Technology to Future-Proof Your Business" featured originally on AboutTime/WorkMax's Mobile Workforce Podcast, "Anirban Basu and the Chamber of Data," with industry-leading construction economist Anirban Basu, and a four-part webinar series with Ohio-based law firm Hahn Loeser to discuss the legal challenges many contractors may face during the pandemic. "It's been great to work together with our partners and other industry experts to help contractors navigate some of the changes caused by the pandemic, and we want to do what we can to make sure they're ready for when things start to reopen again," Antill said.

To see more, visit Foundation Software's Learn Center or YouTube Channel. About Foundation Software, LLC Foundation Software delivers job cost accounting, project management and mobile applications, along with payroll services, to help contractors run the business side of construction. For information, call (800) 246-0800 or email info@foundationsoft.com. Media Contact Tracie Kuczkowski | Director of Marketing tak@foundationsoft.com (800) 246-0800 x 7933 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foundation-software-llc-brings-youtube-series-for-contractors-301296167.html SOURCE Foundation Software

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[May 20, 2021] Webscale Named SaaS/Cloud Security Winner at 2021 Global InfoSec Awards

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Webscale , the Cloud Platform for Modern Commerce, today announced that CloudEDGE Security has been named a winner in the Editor's Choice in SaaS/Cloud Security category at the 9th Annual Global InfoSec Awards 2021 hosted by Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industrys leading electronic information security magazine.

The awards jury consisted of certified security professionals from the DHS (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals), and CEH (Certified Ethical Hackers), who voted based on their independent review of the nominations. We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators that could make a huge difference and potentially help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cybercrime. Webscale is absolutely worthy of the Editors Choice in SaaS/Cloud Security Award and consideration for deployment in your environment, said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine. Were thrilled to receive this highly contested cybersecurity award recommended by leading infosec experts around the globe, said Sonal Puri, CEO of Webscale. Webscale is the only multi-cloud SaaS integrating the needs of modern commerce applications with cloud automation, and true 360-degree security at the origin and the edge. This win represents our continued investment in innovation, defined by the evolving needs of ourloyal customers worldwide.



CloudEDGE Security deploys Webscales award-winning security platform at the traffic edge, alongside the flexibility of the Webscale CloudEDGE CDN or third party CDNs and WAFs, and on top of fully hosted commerce clouds, headless or PWA deployments, and on-premise applications. A highly customizable and scalable solution, CloudEDGE Security uses software, automation and analytics to proactively identify and protect web applications from the front end through web traffic, malicious code, bots or from browsers executing scripts to steal sensitive information. The award winners were honored at the virtual RSA Conference 2021 on May 17.

About Webscale

Webscale is the worlds only cloud platform for the successful delivery of modern commerce applications. Offering enterprise-grade security, predictive scalability and blazing-fast performance, the Webscale SaaS platform leverages automation and DevOps protocols to simplify the deployment, management and maintenance of infrastructure. The platform supports omni channel use cases across a variety of ecommerce platforms and architectures, including headless, progressive web applications, self-hosted and fully hosted commerce clouds. Deployed in multi-cloud environments, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure, Webscale powers Fortune 1000 brands including Dollar General, Watsco, Regal Cinemas and thousands of other B2C, B2B, and B2E ecommerce storefronts across 12 countries. Webscale has offices in Santa Clara, CA, Boulder, CO, San Antonio, TX, Bangalore, India and London, UK. For more information, visit www.webscale.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter , and Facebook . Media Contact: Andrew Humber

Webscale

ah@webscale.com



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[May 20, 2021]

High Street Insurance Partners Inks Pennsylvania Employee Benefits Broker

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Full-service insurance brokerage, High Street Insurance Partners (HSIP), announced today the acquisition of Malvern, Pennsylvania-based Employee Benefits broker, The Elite Group (Elite).

Established in 2001, Elite is a single source Employee Benefits Consulting, Human Resources, Benefits Administration, Payroll, Property & Casualty and Voluntary Benefits solution. The company will continue to be led by Agency President, William Naylor. Naylor will work closely with HSIP Employee Benefits Segment Leader, Brian Hirkoand will report to Scott Goodreau, Managing Partner & COO.







Elite joins The DJB Group and Hartzell Insurance Associates in Pennsylvania.

About High Street Insurance Partners

High Street Insurance Partners (HSIP) is a full-service independent insurance brokerage firm. Founded in 2018, the Traverse City, Michigan-based company provides a broad array of business insurance & risk management; employee benefits & human capital management; financial & retirement services; and personal insurance solutions delivered through community-focused agencies. HSIP employs over 500 insurance specialists & consultants in offices based in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon & Pennsylvania. Additional information can be found at www.highstreetpartners.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-street-insurance-partners-inks-pennsylvania-employee-benefits-broker-301296221.html

SOURCE High Street Insurance Partners
[May 20, 2021] Global Wireless Sensors Market To Reach US$16.4 Billion By 2027

SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled "Wireless Sensors - 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: 10183

Companies: 185 - Players covered include ABB Ltd.; Emerson Electric Company; Endress+Hauser AG; General Electric Company; Honeywell Sensing and Control; Rockwell Automation, Inc.; Schneider Electric SA; Siemens AG; STMicroelectronics NV; Texas Instruments, Inc.; Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Others.

Coverage: All major geographies and key segments

Segments: Technology (Bluetooth, WiFi & WLAN, Zigbee, WirelessHART, Other Technologies); End-Use (Industrial, Medical, Energy, Defense, Agriculture, Other End-Uses)

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 Wireless Sensors Market to Reach US$16.4 Billion by 2027





Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Wireless Sensors estimated at US$5.8 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$16.4 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 15.9% over the analysis period 2020-2027.Bluetooth, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 18.9% CAGR to reach US$6.1 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 WiFi & WLAN segment is readjusted to a revised 13.9% CAGR for the next 7-year period. This segment currently accounts for a 23.5% share of the global Wireless Sensors market. The U.S. Accounts for Over 27% of Global Market Size in 2020, While China is Forecast to Grow at a 21% CAGR for the Period of 2020-2027

The Wireless Sensors market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.6 Billion in the year 2020. The country currently accounts for a 26.96% share in the global market. China, the world second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$3.8 Billion in the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 20.6% through 2027. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 11.9% and 14.9% respectively over the 2020-2027 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 13.8% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$3.8 Billion by the year 2027.

Zigbee Segment Corners a 19.7% Share in 2020

In the global Zigbee segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 14.2% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$865.4 Million in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$2.2 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$2.3 Billion by the year 2027, while Latin America will expand at a 16.1% CAGR through the analysis period. More

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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.

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Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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Info411@strategyr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-wireless-sensors-market-to-reach-us16-4-billion-by-2027--301296229.html SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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[May 20, 2021] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of National Life and General Insurance Company SAOG

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb+" (Good) of National Life and General Insurance Company SAOG (NLGIC) (Oman). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect NLGIC's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. NLGIC's balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and benefits from a conservative investment strategy and a reinsurance panel of good credit quality. The balance sheet strength assessment also factors in the company's good level of liquidity and absence of financial leverage. A partially offsetting rating factor is the concentration of the company's assets to the Gulf Cooperation Council region, particularly Oman. The company's balance sheet strength assessment also takes into account the economic, political and financial system risks associated with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, where the company operates. NLGIC has a track record of strong operating performance, as evidenced by a five-year (2016-2020) weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 18.8%. The company's earnings are attributable primarily to the solid underwriting returns from its non-life portfolio, which translated in a five-year weighted average combined ratio of 92.1%. NLGIC's 2020 technical results benefited from a reduction in claims frequency driven by the governmental restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, on its primary medical and motor lines of business. AM Best expects NLGIC's investment returns toremain modest, reflecting a conservative investment portfolio, although yields should increase moderately, as the company shifts part of its cash holdings to fixed-income securities.



NLGIC has a concentrated underwriting portfolio, with medical business accounting for over 80% of gross written premium. The company is the leading medical underwriter in Oman and has an established presence in the UAE. AM Best considers NLGIC as well-positioned to benefit from the introduction of mandatory medical insurance in Oman, which is due to be implemented during 2021 and 2022. This could provide the company with additional scale and enhance its 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/20210520005808/en/

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Second was Amazon despite reported exploitative conditions in its warehouses, followed by IBM, Microsoft, LG, Apple, Adobe, Google parent company Alphabet, Siemens and Bosch.

The Korean electronics giant shot up from the also-rans at 106th last year in the annual rankings of big multinational corporation published last week.

Samsung Electronics tops this year's list of the World's Best Employers by Forbes magazine.

Forbes ranked the companies based on surveys of 160,000 employees in 58 countries in June and July of this year. It asked them about their employer's image, economic footprint, talent development, gender equality and social responsibility.

It also took into account evaluations of rival companies and whether employees would recommend the companies to friends and family.

Employee satisfaction with their employer's response to the coronavirus pandemic was also a factor in this year's survey.

Samsung rose to the top spot largely due to its effective COVID-19 response. The company swiftly shut down factories and implemented flexible working conditions to deal with the impact.

Last year, no Korean company ranked among the top 100, but this year 12 Korean companies made the cut. Naver ranked 37th, Amore Pacific 42nd, Korea National Oil Corporation 62nd, CJ 64th, Nongshim 72nd, NCsoft 73rd, Mando 74th, Hyundai Motor 80th and SK Group 88th.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 11:09:55|Editor: huaxia

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OUAGADOUGOU, May 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 civilians were killed in an attack by heavily armed unidentified gunmen Tuesday night in northern Burkina Faso, an official source said Wednesday.

The attack took place in Adjarara, located at about seven km from Tin-Akoff in the province of Oudalan, close to the border with Mali.

In a separate incident, at least 12 suspected terrorists were killed Tuesday during a joint sweep operation by Burkina Faso army and its auxiliaries in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso, said the source.

The operation was conducted in the Bangao locality, the commune of Tin-Akoff in the troubled Sahel region of Burkina Faso, according to the regional directorate of communication.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been facing a worsening security situation, with more than 1,000 people killed and over 1 million displaced in terrorist attacks. Enditem
[May 20, 2021] A Time to Celebrate the Students! Idaho Technical Career Academy Class of 2021 Ready to Move Forward

After a school year like no other, Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA), an online public school serving 9-12 grade students throughout the state since 2014, will celebrate its graduates virtually with a commencement ceremony on May 21 beginning at 2 pm. The virtual ceremony will be streamed live via Idaho Technical Career Academy's Facebook page. "While other schools may have struggled with online learning throughout the year, ITCA never missed a day of instruction, which kept our students motivated, excited, and moving forward," said ITCA Head of School Monti Pittman. "And not only did our students stay the course, but they also earned valuable career training that will put the far ahead of their peers at the next level, in whatever path they choose." This year, ITCA will graduate 47 students with 3 students graduating a year early. Additionally, 41 dual credit courses were taken, and 36 Technical Crtificates were earned. Kacy Youmans is ITCA's 2021 valedictorian and plans to attend the University of Idaho in the fall. The Salutatorians are Braden Christensen and Elijah Lopez.



"This year was a whole new kind of struggle and we all couldn't have gone through it without the continued support of our teachers at ITCA," said Kacy. "I'll forever be grateful that they helped me move onto the next level of my education." Prior to the pandemic, students 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.

ITCA 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: WHAT: Idaho Technical Career Academy 2021 Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Friday, May 21st, 2021, 2 PM, Link can be found here. CONTACT: For any questions about the celebrations, please contact Jennifer Edwards at jedwards@idtca.org. For media inquiries, please contact Ken Schwartz at kschwartz@k12.com. About Idaho Technical Career Academy Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA) is a Cognia-accredited, full-time online public charter school that serves students statewide in grades 9-12. As part of the Idaho public school system, ITCA is tuition-free and provides families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride Company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build skills for their future. For more information about ITCA, visit http://itca.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005005/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Government of Canada invests $7.7 million to bring high-speed Internet to over 2,800 more homes in southwestern Ontario

Ontarians in rural communities to benefit from increased connectivity OTTAWA, ON, May 20, 2021 /CNW/ - The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we rely on our connections. Now more than ever, Canadians across the country need access to reliable high-speed Internet as many of us are working, learning, and staying in touch with friends and family from home. Right now, too many Canadians living in rural and remote communities lack access to high-speed Internet. Through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) Rapid Response Stream, the Government of Canada is taking immediate action to get Canadians connected to the high-speed Internet they need. Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and Member of Parliament for Waterloo, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced over $7.7 million in federal funding for Bell Canada, Cogeco Connexion, GBTEL Inc., Quadro Communications and Vianet to bring high-speed Internet to rural residents of southwestern Ontario. Through this funding, 11 projects will connect over 2,800 underserved households to high-speed Internet in the communities of Allenford, Camlachie, Campbells Cross, Cedarhurst Park, Colchester, Connor, Deerbrook, Everett, Lucan, Marthaville, Oxley, Rosemont, Sauble Beach, St. Joachim, Tara, Thamesford and Wyoming. The Universal Broadband Fund was launched in November 2020. The projects being announced today were approved within six months of the formal launch of the now $2.75-billion program. Projects funded under the UBF, as well as through other public and private investments, will help connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% connectivity by 2030. Today's announcement builds on the progress the Government of Canada has already made to improve critical infrastructure in Ontario. Since 2015, the federal government has invested more than $2.85 billion in over 4,060 infrastructure projects in Ontario communities with a population of fewer than 100,000 people. These investments mean 452 km of new or upgraded roads that are making our communities safer; more than 938 projects to provide residents with cleaner, more sustainable sources of drinking water; and more than 5,427 additional housing units built in rural communities, helping ensure all Ontarians have a safe place to call home. Quotes "Today's investment of $7.7 million through the Universal Broadband Fund will help connect more than 2,800 homes in 17 communities right here in Waterloo Region to the high-speed Internet they need. As we build back even better, our government is focused on a resilient and inclusive recovery where no one is left behind, and this announcement is a perfect example. Through the Rapid Response Stream of the Universal Broadband Fund, we are helping ready-to-go projects receive faster approval so construction can start and communities can be connected more quickly. Congratulations to Bell Canada, Cogeco Connexion, GBTEL Inc., Quadro Communications, Vianet and every community involved in this important project."

 The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and Member of Parliament for Waterloo "The COVID-19 pandemic has made it very clear that high-speed Internet is essential for every Canadian. As we moved schools, businesses and even our social relationships online, disparities betwen communities with inconsistent or no Internet access became obvious, and that is unacceptable. That is why our government created the Universal Broadband Fund: to ensure communities like Killarney, East Ferris, Redbridge, and Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation have the Internet capability they need to participate and succeed in today's world. Thank you to the regional Internet providers for their partnership in this effort to provide broadband Internet access to these communities."





Pam Damoff , Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Oakville NorthBurlington "Access to high-speed broadband networks will be a driver of Canada's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and of future social and economic prosperity. Bell has committed to further accelerating our industry-leading capital investment plan over the next two years to connect even more communities across the country. We're proud to invest $94,000 and to partner with the Government of Canada in providing residents of Campbells Cross in Caledon with access to the fastest fibre home Internet speeds available."

 Bruce Furlong, Senior Vice-President, Access Engineering and Deployment, Bell Canada

"Cogeco is thrilled to move ahead with these broadband infrastructure projects. As part of these investments, we will deploy our fibre-to-the-home solution capable of delivering speeds of up to 1 Gbps and enabling services comparable to major urban centres. This will concretely contribute to reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas in Ontario, which is crucial for the communities we serve, while also driving economic recovery."

 Matt Wickham, Vice-President and General Manager, Ontario Region, Cogeco Connexion "GBTEL is thrilled to work with ISED to provide the residents of Allenford and Sauble Beach with next-generation fibre optic services. Funds provided through the UBF Rapid Response Stream will go toward bringing these communities to life through better fibre optic solutions. This will drastically improve the economic situations in these communities and within South Bruce Peninsula. Better broadband and exceptional fibre services have become a lifeline to many people working remotely during this pandemic. We thank the professionals at ISED for working with us and look forward to successfully completing these projectsto the betterment of the community."

 Richard Gils, President, GBTEL Inc. "Quadro is pleased to be bringing our fibre network to Zorra Township. It has become imperative that all communities have access to reliable high-speed Internet services in today's world. When completed, this project will provide the services needed for today and into the future. Quadro is dedicated to continuing our mission by enriching our customers' experience through personal service and innovative products."

 John H. DeHeer, General Manager, Quadro Communications Co-Operative Inc. "Vianet is very pleased with this announcement under the federal government's Universal Broadband Fund, which will help us continue the expansion of our rural fibre-to-the-home network in the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio. This funding will bring ultra-fast and reliable Internet to rural homes in the township where hilly terrain and dense tree coverage present major challenges for fixed wireless and cellular broadband services. We would like to thank Minister Monsef and the federal government for their continued commitment to improving broadband service to rural Canadians, as well as the township staff, council, and mayor for their efforts in helping move broadband projects forward rapidly."

 Brian McCullagh, Director of Business Development, Vianet Quick facts On February 8 , Minister Monsef announced nearly $2.2 million for the Niagara Regional Broadband Network and Mornington Communications Co-operative Limited to improve high-speed Internet access in southwestern Ontario in Niagara-on-the-Lake , Niagara Falls , Rothsay, Drayton and St. Catharines .

, Minister Monsef announced nearly for the Niagara Regional Broadband Network and Mornington Communications Co-operative Limited to improve high-speed Internet access in southwestern in , , Rothsay, and . Canada's Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.

The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) is a $2.75-billion investment designed to help connect all Canadians to high-speed Internet. Applications to the UBF were accepted until March 15, 2021 , and are now being evaluated.

investment designed to help connect all Canadians to high-speed Internet. Applications to the UBF were accepted until , and are now being evaluated. The UBF is part of a suite of federal investments to improve high-speed Internet. The suite includes the Connect to Innovate program, which is expected to connect nearly 400,000 households by 2023, and the recently announced $2-billion broadband initiative from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Associated links Universal Broadband Fund announcement - February 8, 2021

Backgrounder: Universal Broadband Fund and Telesat low Earth orbit satellite capacity agreement

Universal Broadband Fund

Connect to Innovate Program  Project status updates

Canada Infrastructure Bank announcement

High-Speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy Stay connected Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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[May 20, 2021] Backbar Sees Enormous Growth Across Hospitality Industry, Surpasses 10,000 Restaurants on the Platform

CHICAGO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Backbar, the largest and fastest growing beverage operations software for restaurants and bars, surpassed 10,000 businesses on its platform. The company achieved 200% growth over the last 12 months, even amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Backbar manages millions of dollars in beverage inventories for restaurants and bars and is used by businesses in all 50 states and in 147 countries. The milestone comes as the company launches a new Product Discovery tool, which allows restaurant and bar buyers to identify new and trending craft products from nearby restaurants. Backbar is a cloud-based platform that streamlines inventory management , purchasing , and costing to help restaurants and bars consolidate the management workflow, operate more efficiently , and run a more profitable business.



The company has seen incredible growth in all segments of the hospitality industry. Businesses using Backbar include industry leaders like Cohn Restaurant Group, who uses the platform across 19 locations throughout California. The majority of user growth has been through independent restaurants and localized restaurant groups that are switching from running their business on spreadsheets to using the Backbar app to reduce costs without risk or added expense. "We're extremely excited to be in over 10,000 restaurants and bars and to have achieved this milestone less than two years after launching Backbar. Especially with our growth through the pandemic being driven by independent restaurants, the heart and soul of the hospitality industry, who we feel can really benefit from our product at a time when they need it most," said Josh Saunders, Backbar's founder.

The new Product Discovery tool provides a marketplace for decision makers to find exciting new products growing in popularity or newly available in the market. The Backbar algorithm curates the products shown to each venue based on trending products in their area, restaurant type, and products they currently carry, so restaurant and bar operators can see what's up-and-coming in their location. The goal is to surface craft spirits and beers that often have difficulty getting noticed. "We want Backbar to be more than a platform for placing orders with vendors, we want to be a marketplace where users can discover exciting new products or find lower cost items that improve their bottom line," says Saunders. Product Discovery is available in Backbar for U.S. restaurants in 18 states to start, and will expand nationwide by the end of the year. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/backbar-sees-enormous-growth-across-hospitality-industry-surpasses-10-000-restaurants-on-the-platform-301296166.html SOURCE Backbar

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[May 20, 2021] Digital Healthcare Leader Felix Launches Mental Health Service as COVID Fuels Surge in Consumer Demand

TORONTO, May 20, 2021 /CNW/ - Felix , a Canadian digital health startup, today announced the launch of its new mental health service, to make treatment more accessible across Canada. The service, which is designed to help remove the stigma and inconvenience of some mental health treatments, will enable users to get their medication prescribed online and delivered directly to them. With the addition of mental health, Felix is continuing to expand its available categories of end-to-end healthcare services in one place, including online doctor access and seamless prescription delivery. Felix also offers prescriptions for birth control, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, acne, migraines, cold sores and herpes, with further expansion planned in 2021. Mental health has been a long-term target for expansion by Felix, as an area of healthcare with issues of social stigma and access. The decision to prioritize the launch comes amid overwhelming customer demand for these services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data released this month by the Canadian Mental Health Association found that 41% of Canadians reported a decline in their mental health since the onset of the pandemic. These rising mental health challenges have been directly reflected by existing Felix users' requests.



"Our user base has been clear on their number one priority for a new Felix service. With so many Canadians reporting increased mental health difficulties related to COVID, this service is more important now than ever," said Kyle Zien, CEO and Co-Founder of Felix. "We really felt that we had a duty to do what we could to make treatment more accessible, particularly for those put off by the stigma of seeking mental health treatment. Now, during Mental Health Awareness month, in particular, we are pleased that we can start offering a solution."

Initially offering prescription renewals and delivery, in the coming months, Felix will expand the service to offer a more holistic approach to mental health including access to psychotherapy. "By integrating mental health into our robust digital healthcare solution, Felix will be providing aspects of measurement-based care and technology that complements the current mental health system. As the service evolves, these innovations will help Canadians access the treatment they need easier, faster, and with the fewest possible barriers," commented Dr. Rob McMaster, Psychiatrist and Felix advisor. About Felix Founded in 2019, Felix is a patient-driven digital healthcare company empowering people to take control of their health and wellbeing. We're passionate about building technology and beautiful product experiences to make healthcare more accessible (and maybe even more enjoyable) for all Canadians. Felix is one of Canada's leading end-to-end healthcare platforms, providing online diagnoses, prescription delivery, and ongoing care for birth control, erectile dysfunction, acne, hair loss, herpes, and more. www.felixforyou.ca SOURCE Felix Health Inc

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[May 20, 2021] eMaxx Appoints Former Lieutenant Governor and Insurance Commissioner Mary Taylor to Board of Directors

eMaxx, an InsurTech commercial managing general agent specializing in alternative risk, announced the appointment of former Lieutenant Governor and Insurance Commissioner Mary Taylor of Ohio to the Board of Directors. Lieutenant Governor Taylor brings vast public accounting, insurance and public sector experience to eMaxx. "The Company's support of specialty industries through technology, insurance and risk management is an important component for economic growth in the United States," said James Townsend, Chairman of the eMaxx Board of Directors and CEO of Townsend Energy. "We are pleased to welcome Lieutenant Governor Taylor to the Board of Directors as she brings a strong perspective in insurance and public accounting that aligns with eMaxx's strategic vision." Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor has a remarkable career of service serving as a professional executive leader with over 16 years' experience as a Certified Public Accountant working in the private sector and over 16 years of experience serving as an elected official at the local, state and executive branches in Ohio. She served in the General Assembly, State Auditor and Lieutenant Governor. As Lieutenant Governor, she also held the position of Insurance Commissione. Taylor attended the University of Akron, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Master's degree in Taxation. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant, she worked for Deloitte (News - Alert) and Touche and Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Company in Akron. Taylor currently serves as the Vice President for Operations and Finance at Northeast Ohio Medical University.



"I am very pleased to be joining the Board of Directors of eMaxx," said Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor. "The Company's focus on providing technology enabled variable cost property and casualty insurance programs is unique to driving innovation to those seeking alternative solutions in the market." eMaxx has the ability to build and provide support for homogenous, heterogeneous (regional) captives, single parent and enterprise captives for insurance company partners. eMaxx acts as the sponsor of eCaptiv, a Vermont domiciled captive reinsurance company that is organized to provide protected cells reinsurance support. Recent announcements include Amy Lussier as Chief Financial Officer of eMaxx and the appointment of Governor Mary Fallin-Christensen to the Board of Directors.

About eMaxx eMaxx Assurance Group of Companies, Inc. is an InsurTech that has four operating companies. The companies include: eMaxx Insurance Services, LLC (MGA & Insurance Program Administrator), eCaptiv (Vermont- Domiciled Captive Insurance Company), eRisk Solutions, LLC (Loss Prevention / Safety, Claims Investigational & Oversight, and Litigation Management) and eTech Services, LLC (Loss Expense Reducing Technology Systems and Platforms including Telematics Exchange and eLive Connect). More information can be found at: https://www.emaxxgroup.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005837/en/

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[May 20, 2021] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of National Guaranty Insurance Company of Vermont

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of National Guaranty Insurance Company of Vermont (NGIC) (Burlington, VT). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect NGIC's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings support NGIC's role as a captive insurance company of Waste Management, Inc. (WM) [NYSE: WM], one of the leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services in North America. The captive benefits from the parental support and robust risk management strategies afforded to it from WM as important factors of the NGIC's overall financial assurance program. Active risk management has benefited capitalization through loss prevention to generate consistently positive earnings. Partially offsetting these factors is the large percentage of policyholder surplus loaned back to WM in the form of a 24-hour demand note, which has caused liquidity measures to underperform its peers. This factor is mitigated by WM's balance sheet size and operating cash flow, which could readily fulfill the loan obligation if required. Capital levels also are monitored by the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, which requires the company to maintain a certain aggregate exposure to capital ratio. Additionally, NGIC's expense ratio compares unfavorably with the surplus lines composite over a five- and 10-year period, due to the nature of the financial assurance line of business and expenses focused on risk mitigation. However, the company has reduced underwriting expenses significantly over the past five years to further benefit operating and net income. Due to the nature of the relationship between NGIC and WM, changes in WM's credit risk can have an impact on NGIC's ratings, as it is dependent on WM's ability to support its credit risk profile, competitivenessand risk management. The captive continues to be an integral component of WM's risk management platform. AM Best's view of third-party credit ratings and market-based credit risk measures of WM indicates stability, resulting in NGIC's stable outlooks.



Negative rating action could occur if the company's balance sheet strength deteriorates materially to levels that do not support its risks. Negative rating action also could occur if WM experiences financial distress and deterioration to its credit profile. AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated in the United States and throughout the world. For current Best's Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005862/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Digital agency meltmedia names Robin Fossen as President

Digital marketing agency meltmedia has named Robin Fossen to the newly-created position of President, announced Justin Grossman, Managing Partner/CEO. Formerly serving in the role of Vice President of Program Management, Fossen has been with meltmedia for 14 years and has been instrumental in managing and growing client relationships in the life sciences industry. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005040/en/ Robin Fossen, President of meltmedia, a life sciences digital marketing agency (Photo: meltmedia) Said Grossman, "Our vision is to build a company that is not just partner-managed. We want a diverse leadership team and a path for empowerment and growth for everyone in the company. By creating the position of President, we set the precedent for a leadership team and a company that is employee-managed, enabling the partners to focus on strategic initiatives that will allow meltmedia to evolve, introduce new lines of service and build partnerships withi our community."



Having spent her career primarily in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, Fossen's track record demonstrates her ability to drive process and financial efficiencies while also providing guidance and career development for those she manages. She has been a frequent speaker at local and national trade conferences and also authored a number of published articles. She currently serves as a member of the meltmedia Executive Leadership team and a member of the Entrepreneur Organization's Key Executive Forum. "Robin has been instrumental in meltmedia's growth," Grossman added. "Her knowledge of our culture, clients and operations makes her well positioned to excel at this role. Over the years, she has earned a tremendous amount of respect and trust both within meltmedia and within the industry we serve. She has an innate ability to connect with others, build teams and empower others to grow themselves both personally and professionally."

Fossen describes her management style as one focused on people. "My goal is to ensure employees feel welcomed, supported and challenged. I want to reinforce our mission to always 'get better' by creating growth opportunities and career paths. We have a culture of celebration at meltmedia and I will foster that culture through my own servant leadership and dedication to diversity and inclusion. "As for the client side of my role," she continued, "I will focus on our continuous evolution to leverage technology, streamline processes and build partnerships that increase the value and profitability of those we serve. After 20 years in business, meltmedia is no longer a production-only agency. We are a full-service digital marketing agency with the ability to provide effective end-to-end and omnichannel digital services. We can only do that by remaining dedicated to our clients' success." About meltmedia meltmedia is a life sciences digital marketing agency, focused on omnichannel excellence and digital execution. Established in 2000, the meltmedia team consists of more than 70 in-house designers, developers, thinkers and doers who live to create inspiring digital experiences. Its portfolio of leading healthcare/biotechnology clients includes Genentech (Roche Group), Exelixis, Pharmacyclics, Janssen, Alexion, Frontier Medicines, and Denali Therapeutics. meltmedia has been named the #1 web design agency, a top five software company, an Inc. Magazine Best Place to Work, a 7-time Phoenix Business Journal Best Place to Work, and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company in America. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005040/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Phone2Action Welcomes a New CEO

Phone2Action, the leading public affairs and government relations technology platform, has expanded its leadership team. Steven Schneider, former chief executive at Logi Analytics, joins the company as CEO while Co-Founder Jeb Ory transitions into a new role as President and Chief Strategy Officer. "This is a milestone in our continuing journey to support public affairs, government relations, and advocacy professionals," Ory said. "In Steven, I see someone with the experience we need, the drive we want and the mindset of a founder. He's the perfect match for our future." Schneider, a software engineer by training, founded OnDemandIQ, a company that was acquired by Logi Analytics in 2008. He went on to hold leadership positions in operations, products and worldwide sales before taking the helm as CEO in 2016, leading the company to double in size. Schneider joins Phone2Action just months after it acquired KnowWho, the world's largest directory of public officials and influencers, and GovPredict, a software company that provides legislative, regulatory, and campaign finance intelligence. Backed by growth equity firm Frontier Growth since 2019, Phone2Action provides the most comrehensive government relations and public affairs solutions available, serving major clients such as Walmart, Airbnb, and the American Heart Association.



"Steven brings a wealth of company building experience to Phone2Action," said Andrew Lindner, a partner at Frontier. "Partnering with him at this stage will expand upon our commitment to our customers to provide a government relations software platform with the broadest set of capabilities and data." Schneider said: "Phone2Action has built an exceptional product and a passionate team. It is the industry standard for organizations that need to monitor and shape public policy, and we're going to continue to drive welcomed solutions for our field that will lead to massive growth. I'm proud to be part of it."

Ory, who has served as CEO since Phone2Action was founded in 2012, transitions to a new role as President and Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for product strategy and corporate development. About Phone2Action Phone2Action is a comprehensive digital engagement and communications platform for grassroots advocacy, public affairs and government relations. Phone2Action's innovative, user-friendly products make government participation accessible in the digital age. The world's leading nonprofits, associations and companies have used Phone2Action to build their advocacy programs and support their public policy goals since 2013. The Phone2Action platform includes solutions for legislative tracking and alerting, donor insight, grassroots advocacy, GOTV, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. For more information, please visit: www.phone2action.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005912/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Best's Special Report: COVID-19 Pandemic Intensifies Risk in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region were hit particularly hard during 2020 as they faced the dual economic shocks of commodity price declines and slowdowns in domestic activity stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new AM Best report, the global resurgence should accelerate economic activity in 2021, although varying degrees of political, economic and financial system risk specific to the region and its members leaves a great deal of risk and uncertainty. The new Best's Special Report, "Pandemic Intensifies Risk in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries," highlights how country risk factors into all AM Best ratings. As part of evaluating country risk, AM Best identifies the various factors within a country that may affect an insurance company directly or indirectly. According to the report, the surge in the COVID-19 virus toward the end of first-quarter 2021 complicates the region's economic recovery, particularly for countries with lower vaccination rates. With the increase in cases, many governments have progressively tightened business restrictions, which will have negative consequences. Government spending increased as fiscal stimulus programs were enacted to mitigate against the negative economic and health consequences from the pandemic. Debt in the GCC region rose substantially amid the pandemic, to more than 13% of GDP in 2020 from 9% in the prior year, increasing the region's financing needs. To meet these needs, GCC government debt issuance totaled nearly USD 60 billion through October 2020, well-above the previous full-year estimate of USD 44 billion. Financing needs will remain acute, as mre than USD 100 billion of debt will mature between 2021 and 2025. The region also faces long-term challenges. Despite long-standing efforts to diversify the GCC's economies, progress has been relatively limited.



Oil and gas production remains the major contributor to GDP in four of the six GCC countries. Energy also accounts for more than 70% of GCC government revenue for all the countries in the region except Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Over the short term, these non-diversified economies will remain vulnerable to external events that limit demand for energy. Additionally, climate change concerns and the move toward more environmentally friendly energy will play a role in demand. COVID-19 has also exacerbated labor market issues, with rising unemployment rates. The region relies heavily on foreign labor, as a majority of nationals is employed by the public sector. However, a huge number of expat workers, who tend to work in the private sector, migrated from the region, and could further challenge diversification efforts.

The political character of GCC countries has implications for operational risk in the region as well, according to the report. While adopted protectionist measures, such as in Saudi Arabia, likely will diminish companies' ability to operate efficiently across the GCC region, other members may compete to reduce regulatory burdens on business. Ultimately, GCC members could face competing economic interests as each tries to attract investment in non-oil sectors. Insurance premium growth has been relatively stagnant in the GCC countries for several years. Whether the current economic uncertainty-and potentially lower government spending/revenue-will continue to affect premiums remains to be seen. To access the full copy of this market segment report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=308856. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005928/en/

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[May 20, 2021] The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces the Filing of a Securities Class Action on Behalf of Ubiquiti Inc. (UI) Investors

The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Ubiquiti (News - Alert) Inc. ("Ubiquiti" or the "Company") (NYSE: UI) securities between January 11, 2021 and March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Ubiquiti investors have until July 19, 2021 to file a lead plaintiff motion. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. On March 30, 2021, after the market closed, Krebs on Security published an article entitled "Whistleblower: Ubiquiti Breach 'Catastrophic'" stating that the Company had downplayed a data breach from January 2021 and that the "third-party cloud provider claim was a fabrication." According to the article, the attacker(s) had accessed "privileged credentials that were previously stored in the LastPass account of a Ubiquiti IT employee, and gained root administrator access to all Ubiquiti AWS [ Amazon Web Services (News - Alert) accounts, including all S3 data buckets, all application logs, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies." As a result, the article noted that the Company should have immediately invalidated customers' credentials and forced a reset, rather than asking customers to change their passwords when they next log on."



On this news, the Company's stock price fell $50.70, or 14.5%, to close at $298.30 per share on March 31, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants, in their statements concerning the data breach, failed to speak fully and truthfully because they failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the Company had downplayed the data breach in January 2021; (2) that attackers had obtained administrative access to Ubiquiti's servers and obtained access to, among other things, all databases, all user database credentials, and secrets required to forge single sign-on (SSO) cookies; (3) that, as a result, intruders already had credentials needed to remotely access Ubiquiti's customers' systems; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert) : twitter.com/FRC_LAW. If you purchased Ubiquiti securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than July 19, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you purchased Ubiquiti securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005428/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 22:41:27|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The agriculture sector in Africa is losing about 3.6 trillion U.S. dollars annually due to damages caused by invasive alien species, says a study launched in Nairobi on Thursday.

According to the study conducted by researchers affiliated with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), the loss to agriculture linked to invasive species is equivalent to about 1.5 times the GDP of all African countries combined.

"An estimated 3.6 trillion dollars a year impact of Invasive Alien Species on Africa's agricultural sector is a tremendous loss where over 80 percent of people living in rural areas rely on the crops they grow for food and income," said Dennis Rangi, director-general, Development at CABI.

He said that governments should respond forcefully to invasive species that have compromised Africa's ability to feed its growing population.

The new study says the average annual cost of invasive species per African country was about 76.32 billion dollars while fall armyworm (FAW) caused losses to crops amounting to 9.4 billion dollars in the continent.

According to the study, Tuta absoluta, one of the leading tomato pests caused the highest annual yield losses estimated at 11.45 billion dollars.

It says that yield losses of key staples like maize, tomato, cassava, mango, and banana stood at about 82.2 billion dollars while loss of income derived from livestock stood at 173 million dollars.

Rene Eschen, lead author of the study, said the study highlights the need for measures that prevent new species from arriving and established species from spreading, and that reduce management costs for widely present and impactful species through methods such as biocontrol.

Josefa Sacko, commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission (AUC) said the study reinforced the urgency to combat invasive species that have derailed the transformation of food systems in the continent.

"Managing invasive alien species is an absolute imperative if Africa's agriculture is to meet its full potential and feed its growing population - which is expected to double to 2.5 billion people by 2050 - and contribute towards global food security," said Sacko. Enditem
[May 20, 2021] Worldwide Hardcopy Peripheral Shipments Saw Double-Digit Year-Over-Year Growth in the First Quarter of 2021, According to IDC

The worldwide hardcopy peripherals market expanded for the third quarter in a row in the first quarter of 2021 (1Q21) with shipments growing 19.3% year over year to approximately 25.5 million units. Shipment value also increased during the quarter with year-over-year growth of 10.8% to $10.9 billion as more tenders and contract renewals took place in the office, according to new data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker. Notable highlights from the quarter include: Year-over-year increases in unit shipments were observed in all nine regional markets with Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan and China) leading the way with 31.0% growth, followed by China (PRC) at 25.4% and Western Europe at 18.9%. Similar to last quarter, the common theme for 1Q21 was growth driven by increased demand for low-end devices.

Both inkjet and laser markets posted year-over-year shipment growth at 37.0% and 3.6%, respectively. Inkjet vendors continued to record high shipments to meet ongoing demand and fill backlog orders as markets continue to adapt to the new normal.

HP Inc. outperformed all other companies in the top 5 in terms of year-over-year shipment growth for the third quarter in a row. The vendor posted a year-over-year increase of 36.4% with worldwide shipments of approximately 10.8 million units. HP Inc.'s Instant Ink program is helping to drive sales as it grew its subscriber base to over 9 million users. The vendor is seeing continued demand combined with favorable pricing and inventory replenishment within the consumer space.







Worldwide Hardcopy Peripherals Market, Unit Shipments, Company Share, and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q1 2021 (based on unit shipments) Company 1Q21 Unit Shipments 1Q21 Market Share 1Q20 Unit Shipments 1Q20 Market Share 1Q21/1Q20 Growth 1. HP Inc. 10,816,275 42.4 % 7,930,098 37.1 % +36.4 % 2. Epson 4,954,048 19.4 % 4,321,458 20.2 % +14.6 % 3. Canon (News - Alert) Group 4,721,078 18.5 % 4,326,471 20.2 % +9.1 % 4. Brother 1,828,838 7.2 % 2,084,691 9.7 % -12.3 % 5. Kyocera (News - Alert) Group 448,828 1.8 % 501,469 2.3 % -10.5 % Others 2,748,454 10.8 % 2,222,155 10.4 % +23.7 % Total 25,517,521 100.0 % 21,386,342 100.0 % +19.3 % Source (News - Alert) : IDC Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, May 6, 2021

Notes: IDC tracks A2-A4 devices in the Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals.

Hardcopy Peripherals include single-function printers, multifunctional systems (MFPs), and single-function digital copiers (SF DC). Data for all vendors are reported for calendar periods. In addition to the table above, a graphic comparing the worldwide market share of the top 5 hardcopy peripherals companies in 1Q21 and 1Q20 is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. For more information about IDC's (News - Alert) Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, please contact Phuong Hang at phang@idc.com. About IDC Trackers IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly Excel deliverables and on-line query tools. 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, IT benchmarking and sourcing, 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. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005938/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Plant a Tree for a Sustainable Future with PanzerGlass' Limited Artist Edition ClearCase

PanzerGlass in collaboration with LA-based artist and philanthropist Mikael B and non-profit organization, The Perfect World Foundation, pledges to plant a tree for each unit sold. DUBAI, UAE, May 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PanzerGlass, one of the leading screen protection brands in the world, announces the launch of its Limited Artist Edition ClearCase as part of its sustainability initiatives. The company has partnered with Los Angeles-based artist and philanthropist Mikael Brandrup (a.k.a. Mikael B), an ambassador for the Perfect World Foundation, a non-profit organisation that raises awareness and supports efforts to prevent the global ecological crisis. "We are thrilled to partner with Mikael B. for our first-ever limited artist edition ClearCase. For each unit sold, we will plant a tree in the Sir David Attenborough Forest. This collaboration bridge smartphone protection, abstract street style art, and forest restoration to create small changes for a better world," announces Head of Global Marketing Michael Broend.



The Limited Artist Edition ClearCase available for iPhone 11 and 12 models features Mikael B's original artwork and has a signature antibacterial coating proven to kill up to 99.99% of most common surface bacteria, a 100% recycled TPU frame, and an extra-strong honeycomb pattern to enhance shock absorption providing 25% improved scratch resistance. Mikael B is an urban contemporary artist who always had a desire to make a difference with his art. He founded the Mikael B Foundation in 2017, where all his charity initiatives came together  including projects for a school in Cambodia, saving the world seas, and planting trees to reduce CO2 in collaboration with The Perfect World Foundation.

On this initiative, Mikael B commented: "The collaboration has been built on a shared passion for changing the world for the better. To kick off the project, I created a mural called "Moment of Clarity" in Los Angeles. I used the composition of the mural to design a ClearCase to protect your phone that bridges the PanzerGlass heritage and my art style." "As a global business, we believe we have a responsibility to find sustainable solutions in everything we do. Our journey for a greener planet started years ago. Let's continue this journey and take responsibility together," adds Michael Broend. The Limited Artist Edition ClearCase will be made available for purchase at the leading Smartphone Electronics Accessories Retailers. For more information about PanzerGlass, visit https://panzerglass.com/. About PanzerGlass

In 2013, the Danish start-up launched its new and exclusive line of products for mobile devices. Today, a leader in its category, PanzerGlass, has 130 employees, is present in 70 different countries. PanzerGlass is part of the Juhl Bach Holding Group, one of Denmark's largest family-owned holding companies. JB Holding specializes in venture operations and has an impressive portfolio of companies ranging from start-ups to mature companies. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515478/PanzerGlass_Ltd_Artist_Edition_Clearcase_designed_by_Mikael_B.jpg

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[May 20, 2021] CEO Robert S. Wetherbee Becomes ATI Board Chair

PITTSBURGH, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: ATI) announced that at the conclusion of its 2021 Annual Meeting today, Robert S. Wetherbee became Board Chair in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer and President. His appointment is concurrent with the retirement of Diane C. Creel, who was ATI's Lead Independent Director from 2011-2019, when she became Board Chair. Her retirement coincides with the end of her most recent term, consistent with ATI's mandatory director retirement age policies. Recognizing the fundamental importance of independent Board oversight, the Board named current Board member J. Brett Harvey Lead Independent Director. In this role, he will provide oversight to ensure the continued independent and efficient operation of the Board and, as necessary, serve as a liaison between the independent members of the Board and ATI's management. In announcing Wetherbee's new role, Creel said "Combining the roles of CEO and Chair promotes unified leadership and direction for the Company, allowing a clear, sharp focus on the efficient implementation of ATI's strategies to increase shareholder value." "In the two years since Bob became CEO, he has seamlessly assumed leadership of ATI, building his leadership team, driving strong results, developing a long-term strategic visio, confronting the challenges brought on by the pandemic," said Creel. "The Board is confident in ATI's future under his leadership."



"I am both honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me and look forward to continuing to lead ATI as we accelerate efforts to drive significant shareholder value," said Wetherbee. "I thank Diane for her outstanding leadership and service to ATI's Board over many years. With our core strengths in materials science and advanced process technologies and our relentless, innovative people, ATI is well-positioned to solve the world's challenges." Wetherbee was appointed President and CEO of ATI on January 1, 2019. He previously served as Executive Vice President of ATI's Flat Rolled Products business and led the ATI Tungsten Materials business prior to its sale in 2013.

Harvey has served as a director of ATI since 2007. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Chairman of CNX Gas Corporation, a subsidiary of CONSOL. Solving the World's Challenges through Materials Science

ATI (NYSE: ATI) is a $3 billion global manufacturer solving the world's most difficult challenges through materials science; advanced, integrated process technologies; and relentlessly innovative people. We serve customers whose demanding applications need to fly higher, dig deeper, stand stronger, and last longer anywhere on, above, or below the earth. We partner to create new specialty materials in forms that deliver ultimate performance and long-term value in applications like jet engine forgings and 3D-printed aerospace components. We produce powders for forging and additive manufacturing; rolled materials, and finished components. Our specialty materials withstand extremes of temperature, stress and corrosion to improve and protect human lives every day. Learn more at ATIMetals.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ceo-robert-s-wetherbee-becomes-ati-board-chair-301296308.html SOURCE Allegheny Technologies

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[May 20, 2021] KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Zaxby's Funding LLC Series 2021-1 Senior Secured Notes

Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) assigns preliminary ratings to three classes of notes from Zaxby's Funding LLC, a whole business securitization. This transaction represents Zaxby's Operating Company L.P.'s ("Zaxby's" or the "Company") first securitization. The transaction is structured as a "whole business securitization" (WBS) in which Zaxby's and certain of its affiliates are contributing substantially all of their domestic revenue-generating assets to Zaxby's Funding LLC (the "Issuer") and its subsidiaries. The Issuer is issuing three class of notes totaling $985 million (the "Notes"). The transaction collateral includes existing and future domestic franchise agreements and associated royalties and fees, royalties and profits from company-operated restaurants, certain vendor rebates, rental income, other fees and income and intellectual property. The proceeds from the offered Notes will be used to refinance Zaxby's existing indebtedness, to pay certain transaction fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes. The Company is the franchisor and operator of restaurants under the Zaxby's brand. The Company has a 30-year history as a founder-run restaurant brand focused primarily on chicken. Headquartered in Athens, GA, the Zaxby's system includes 911 restaurants across 17 states in the Southern U.S. as of March 28, 2021. System-wide sales totaled approximately $2.1 billion for the twelve months ending ("LTM") March 28, 2021 ("Q1 2021") and the system is approximately 84% franchised. Click here to view the report. To access ratings and relevant documents, click hre.



Related Publications General Global Rating Methodology for Asset Backed Securities

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/20210520006011/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Doma Expands Underwriting Capabilities in Texas

Doma, a leading force for disruptive change in the real estate industry, today announced that it is broadening the capabilities of Doma Title, its title and escrow solution powered by the Doma Intelligence platform, to allow for a more streamlined closing process in Texas in accordance with the state's strict regulatory requirements. Today's announcement comes on the heels of Doma entering into a business combination agreement in March 2021 with Capitol Investment Corp. V (NYSE: CAP, CAP WS and CAP.U) ("Capitol"), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company. Powered by enhancements to the proprietary machine learning technology of Doma Intelligence, Doma Title can now access additional data sources to instantly process robust title searches, ensuring a high degree of compliance integrity and escrow efficiency. This expands Doma Title's ability to identify property-level risks and outstanding title issues for resolution during the closing process. "The title and escrow process in Texas is one of the longest and most complex in the United States. Advancing our title search technology in this market is an important step toward our goal of removing friction and frustration from the home buying process for everyone nationwide," said Max Simkoff, CEO of Doma. "Every time we expand, we are one step closer to a future where painful real estate transactions are no longer the industry standard." Doma Title's new title search capabilities will be available to the majority of Texans, covering major metropolitan areas including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. This expansion reflects Doma's commitment to provide friction-free experiences to as many borrowers as possible, even in states with strict regulations. Leading lenders that work with Doma, including Chase, Homepoint, and PennyMac, can now utilize the new capabilities of Doma Title for refinancing transactions in Texas. Doma is a technology company focused on creating a simple, efficient, and affordable closing experience for current and prospective homeowners, lenders, title agents and real estate professionals. Founded in 2016, Doma uses proprietary machine intelligence technology, that is being trained on 30 years of historical data, to remove the friction and frustration from the residential real estate closing process. About Doma Doma (formerly States Title Holding) is architecting the future of real estate transactions. The company uses machine intelligence and its patented technology solutions to transform residential real estate, making closings instant and affordable. Doma and its family of brands - States Title, North American Title Company (NATC) and North American Title Insurance Company (NATIC) - offer solutions for lenders, real estate agents, title agents, and homeowners that make closings vastly more simple and efficient, reducing cost and increasing customer satisfaction. Doma's clients include some of the largest bank and non-bank lenders in the U.S. In March 2021, Doma announced plans to become publicly-traded via merger with Capitol Investment Corp. V (NYSE:CAP, CAP WS and CAP.U). To learn more visit doma.com or statestitle.com. About Capitol Investment Corp. V Capitol Investment Corp. V is a $345 million public investment vehicle with the mission to invest in and help build an industry-leading public company that will aim to deliver long-term value to shareholders. Capitol is led by Chairman and Chief Exeutive Officer, Mark D. Ein, and President and Chief Financial Officer, L. Dyson Dryden. The Capitol team has raised $1.5 billion in five SPACs since 2007 and closed four SPAC mergers. Capitol's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols CAP, CAP WS and CAP.U.



Additional Information and Where to Find It This press release relates to a proposed transaction between Doma and Capitol. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Capitol has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) "), which includes a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of Capitol, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. A proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Capitol stockholders. Capitol also will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of Capitol are urged to read the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction.

Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Capitol through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by Capitol with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Capitol's website at https://www.capinvestment.com/ or upon written request to 1300 17th Street North, Suite 820, Arlington, Virginia 22209. Participants in Solicitation Capitol and Doma and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Capitol's stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the business combination is contained in the proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph. Forward-Looking Statements Legend This press release 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, projections of market opportunity, total addressable market (TAM), market share and competition and potential benefits of the transactions described herein, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the transactions described herein. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Doma's and Capitol'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, will differ from assumptions and are beyond the control of Doma and Capitol. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the transactions described herein; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions described herein; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Doma; future global, regional or local economic, political, market and social conditions, including due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations, including with respect to the title insurance industry; Doma's ability to manage its future growth or to develop or acquire enhancements to its platform; the effects of competition on Doma's future business; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those other factors included in Capitol's final prospectus relating to its initial public offering dated December 1, 2020 (File No. 333-249297) and the registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254470) filed with the SEC under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents Capitol filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or Doma's or Capitol's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither Doma nor Capitol presently know or that Doma or Capitol 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 Doma's and Capitol's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Doma and Capitol anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause Doma's and Capitol's assessments to change. However, while Doma and Capitol may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Doma and Capitol specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Doma's and Capitol'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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005314/en/

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[May 20, 2021] Partnership Opens Up Employment and Advancement Possibilities

CHICAGO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For six years, Chicago Lighthouse employee Kendra has answered calls and provided basic information to patients contacting UI Health, the University of Illinois Chicago's health system. Kendra, who is blind, excelled at her work and wanted to advance in her career. Unfortunately, outdated technology that was incompatible with the screen-reading software Kendra used to navigate digital services meant that on occasions when a caller wanted to schedule an appointment, Kendra had to pass the call off to a sighted colleague. The Chicago Lighthouse's Digital Accessible Experience Consultants are making digital properties more intuitive. Earlier this year, Kendra, who has Master of Social Work from Dominican University, was promoted to Medical Scheduler for UI Health, thanks to a partnership between The Chicago Lighthouse, UI Health, and Epic, the company behind the most widely-used and comprehensive health records software. Over several months, the three organizations worked together to optimize Epic for users who are blind or visually impaired. As a long-time client of The Chicago Lighthouse's social service enterprise Call Centers, UI Health executives wanted to be sure the social service organization's employees who are blind or visually impaired could seamlessly transition to Epic, which the health system had selected for its new platform. The upgrade, which rolled out earlier this year, will help people who are blind or visually impaired throughout the world. "With the implementation of Epic's enhanced usability, I am happy to see my career develop and take off," says Kendra, who is now training other users with visual impairments onhow to use the software. "With more opportunities for career advancement, I can better support myself and family, and put my advanced degrees and education to better use."



Only 44% of people with visual impairments are employed in the United States, compared with 79% of the general population, according to the American Foundation for the Blind.1 By working with The Chicago Lighthouse's Digital Accessible Experience consultants  I.T. professionals who are themselves blind and certified in digital accessibility  Epic and UI Health are working to provide employment opportunities to people with visual impairments and developing diverse and inclusive workforces. "For years, people with low vision have had limited advancement opportunities as medical schedulers, not because of a lack of ambition or capability, but because the scheduling platforms are not compatible across the wide variety of available adaptive technologies," said Janet P. Szlyk, Ph.D., President and CEO of The Chicago Lighthouse. "Thanks to this partnership, people who are blind, visually impaired, or who have other difficulties navigating visual interfaces can now build careers as medical schedulers, trainers, and supervisors within The Chicago Lighthouse and elsewhere."

Thursday, May 20, is the Global Accessibility Awareness Day. To promote digital access and inclusion, The Chicago Lighthouse is hosting several events highlighting importance of accessibility (including webinars with DAX consultants and a conversation with GAAD Founder Joe Devon) and why businesses and other organizations can make their digital properties more accessible. More information is available at www.chicagolighthouse.org/gaad. For more information, contact: Aaron Baar at The Chicago Lighthouse 312-997-3662 or aaron.baar@chicagolighthouse.org. About The Chicago Lighthouse

Serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veteran communities through innovative education, rehabilitation, employment, assistive technology, and other programs, The Chicago Lighthouse is one of the nation's most comprehensive social service organizations. For additional information, visit www.chicagolighthouse.org. 1 https://www.afb.org/research-and-initiatives/employment/reviewing-disability-employment-research-people-blind-visually View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/partnership-opens-up-employment-and-advancement-possibilities-301296478.html SOURCE The Chicago Lighthouse

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[May 20, 2021] Usability Is More Important Than Accessibility

CHICAGO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2019, The United States Supreme Court ruled websites must be accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since then, businesses and other organizations have redoubled their efforts to bring their websites and other digital properties into compliance with the law. What they are finding, however, is that accessibility is not the same as usability. The Chicago Lighthouse's Digital Accessible Experience Consultants are making digital properties more intuitive. "Our lives depend on how well things are coded," says Jose Martinez, who is blind and works as Lead Analyst for The Chicago Lighthouse's Digital Accessibility Experience (DAX) consultancy. "Many times in my life, I have encountered websites that say they are accessible, but they are not compatible with the screen-reader I use. In those cases, the sites may as well be inaccessible." Since 2019, The Chicago Lighthouse's DAX consultants, a team of I.T. professionals certified in digital accessibility who are also blind or visually impaired, has worked to help organizations optimize the user experience of their digital properties for people who are blind or visually impaired. Working closely with web developers, DAX consultants help ensure accessibility is a priority through all stages of development, from design through launch and eyond. By ensuring accessibility is a priority throughout the entire process, digital properties are not only optimized for usability by users with visual impairments, but they are also much easier to maintain and update.



"Working with The Chicago Lighthouse was great," says Will Ringland, accessibility lead at Epic, and who recently worked with The Chicago Lighthouse's DAX team in conjunction with UI Health, the University of Illinois Chicago's health system. "They helped us improve the workflow experience and ensure that all visually impaired employees will be able do their work more independently." Nearly one in four Americans identify as having a disability, and the disability community as a whole has more than $500 billion in disposable income. Providing them with a digital experience that incorporates accessibility from the very beginning will be critical in reaching this loyal customer base.

"The number of daily activities taking place online expands every day. Companies cannot afford to relegate people with disabilities to an afterthought," says Dr. Janet Szlyk, President and CEO of The Chicago Lighthouse. "The companies that make digital usability a priority will have a huge advantage in accessing a loyal customer base." Thursday, May 20, is the Global Accessibility Awareness Day. To promote digital access and inclusion, The Chicago Lighthouse is hosting several events highlighting importance of accessibility (including webinars with DAX consultants and a conversation with GAAD Founder Joe Devon) and why businesses and other organizations can make their digital properties more accessible. More information is available at www.chicagolighthouse.org/gaad. For More Information, contact: Aaron Baar, 312-997-3662 or aaron.baar@chicagolighthouse.org About The Chicago Lighthouse

Serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veteran communities through innovative education, rehabilitation, employment, assistive technology, and other programs, The Chicago Lighthouse is one of the nation's most comprehensive social service organizations. For additional information, visit www.chicagolighthouse.org. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usability-is-more-important-than-accessibility-301296486.html SOURCE The Chicago Lighthouse

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[May 20, 2021] The Westaim Corporation Reports 2021 First Quarter Results

The Westaim Corporation ("Westaim" or the "Company") (TSXV: WED) today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Westaim recorded a profit of $9.1 million ($0.06 earnings per diluted share) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, compared to a net loss of $20.5 million ($0.16 loss per diluted share) in the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The comparable period had adjusted earnings excluding unusual items for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 of a net loss of $5.6 million ($0.05 adjusted loss per diluted share). At March 31, 2021, Westaim's consolidated shareholders' equity was $329.6 million and the Company had 143,186,718 common shares ("Common Shares") outstanding. Book value per fully diluted share was $2.31 (C$2.90) at March 31, 2021, compared to $2.24 (C$2.85) at December 31, 2020. Key Results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 include: Skyward Specialty: Skyward Specialty reported net income of $13.6 million in Q1 2021 compared to a loss of $48.1 million in Q1 2020 (excluding unusual items, the net loss was $13.8 million in Q1 2020). Westaim recorded net income from its share of Skyward Specialty of $3.6 million in the quarter compared to a net loss of $20.2 million in Q1 2020 (excluding unusual items, the net loss was $5.2 million in Q1 2020). Improved underwriting performance resulted in a combined ratio of 93.8% compared to 97.5% in Q1 2020 primarily due to strategic actions taken over the past year to re-underwrite the portfolio and improved industry market conditions. The combined ratio improved despite catastrophe losses in Q1 2021 impacting the loss ratio by 3.6% compared to nil in Q1 2020. Q1 2021 strategic actions continued with the Aegis Surety acquisition, new hires to lead specialty lines and a new healthcare professional liability business, the announcement of a new partnership with Corvus for a Smart Cargo product, and additional underperforming businesses being placed into run-off. Skyward Specialty's investment income for Q1 2021 was solid at $12.2 million compared to a loss of $17.7 million in Q1 2020. Westaim's results relating to Skyward Specialty for Q1 2020 were impacted by the unusual item of $14.9 million related to the reduction of the Company's valuation multiple of Skyward Specialty from 1.1x to 1.0x adjusted shareholders' equity. Arena FINCOs: Arena FINCOs net income was $7.4 million (+4.5% net return) for Q1 2021 versus a net loss of $3.4 million (-2.0% net return) in Q1 2020. During the quarter, the Arena FINCOs were able to deploy available cash balances from leverage put in place during 2020 and recorded realized gains from opportunistic investments. Arena Investors: Arena Investors' net income was $2.1 million in Q1 2021 versus a loss of $1.5 million in Q1 2020. Westaim recorded its share of net income from Arena Investors of $1.0 million in the quarter compared to a net loss of $0.8 million in Q1 2020. The increase in income was primarily the result of an 135% increase in revenue in the quarter over the prior year due primarily to stronger incentive fees in the quarter compared to Q1 2020. Committed AUM at March 31, 2021 of $2.2 billion was an increase from $2.0 billion at December 31, 2020, with fee-paying assets increasing to $1.6 billion at March 31, 2021 from $1.3 billion at December 31, 2020. "We are pleased to report operating income from all our businesses in Q1. We believe, this validates the strength of our operations, the expertise embedded through the companies, and foundation that has been built over the past several years." said Cameron MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westaim. "To assist shareholders in their analysis of our Q1 2021 results, Westaim has again included on our website an "Investor Presentation", which was viewed favourably in Q4 by our stakeholders. We expect the positive business momentum being experienced at Skyward Specialty, Arena FINCOs and Arena Investors to continue to enhance shareholder value". "Lastly, I look forward to your participation at Westaim's AGM (9:00 am ET) and Investor Day (10:00 am ET) on May 26th, 2021. At the Investor Day presentation, management from Westaim, Skyward Specialty and Arena will be joining me for the presentation and Q&A session." This press release should be read in conjunction with Westaim's unaudited consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 which were filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These documents and the Company's Q1 2021 Investor Presentation can be found on the Company's website at www.westaim.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Westaim uses both International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and non-generally accepted accounting principles ("non-GAAP") measures to assess performance. The Company cautions readers about non-GAAP measures that do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Book value per share, adjusted profit and comprehensive income excluding unusual items, and adjusted earnings per share - diluted are non-GAAP measures. Readers are urged to review Section 15 Non-GAAP Measures in Westaim's Management's Discussion and Analysis in respect of its unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (the "MD&A") for additional disclosure regarding these measures. The financial information relating to Skyward Specialty, Arena Investors and Arena FINCOs contained in the MD&A is unaudited and has been derived from the financial statements of the related entities. Readers are cautioned that the Skyward Specialty financial information and certain Arena Investors and Arena FINCO financial information, including any non-GAAP measures contained therein, has not been reconciled to IFRS and so may not be comparable to the financial information of issuers that present their financial information in accordance with IFRS. About Westaim Westaim is a Canadian investment company specializing in providing long-term capital to businesses operating primarily within the global financial services industry. The Company invests, directly and indirectly, through acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements, with the objective of providing its shareholders with capital appreciation and real wealth preservation. Westaim's strategy is to pursue investment opportunities with a focus towards the financial services industry and grow shareholder value over the long term. Westaim's investments include significant interests in Skyward Specialty, Arena Investors and Arena FINCOs. Skyward Specialty, the HIIG Partnership, Arena, Arena FINCOs, Arena Finance II, LLC, and Arena Investors are defined in the notes to Westaim's unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and the MD&A. Westaim's Common Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol WED. For more information, contact:

J. Cameron MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer or

Robert T. Kittel, Chief Operating Officer

The Westaim Corporation

info@westaim.com

(416)969-3333







The Westaim Corporation Financial Highlights (millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share data) Highlights Three months ended March 31 2021 2020 Revenue and net change in unrealized value of investments $ 12.7 $ (23.8 ) Net expenses (3.6 ) 3.3 GAAP profit (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) $ 9.1 $ (20.5 ) Adjusted profit (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) excluding unusual items1 $ 9.1 $ (5.6 ) GAAP earnings (loss) per share - basic $ 0.06 $ (0.14 ) GAAP earnings (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.06 $ (0.16 ) Adjusted earnings (loss) per share - diluted1 $ 0.06 $ (0.05 )

March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Assets Cash $ 8.6 $ 8.7 Income tax receivable 0.1 0.1 Other assets 1.5 1.6 Investments 377.0 366.9 $ 387.2 $ 377.3 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 11.0 $ 11.0 Income tax payable 0.1 0.3 Preferred securities 39.8 39.2 Derivative warrant liability 1.3 1.0 Site restoration provision 5.0 4.9 Deferred tax liability 0.4 0.4 57.6 56.8 Shareholders' equity 329.6 320.5 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 387.2 $ 377.3 Number of common shares outstanding2 143,186,718 143,186,718 Book value per fully diluted share - in US$1 $ 2.31 $ 2.24 Book value per fully diluted share - in C$1 $ 2.90 $ 2.85 1 Non-GAAP measure. See Section 15, Non-GAAP Measures of the MD&A for a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS figures. 2 At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, an aggregate of 3,034,261 RSUs, 10,428,337 stock options and 14,285,715 warrants were also outstanding. Details regarding these RSUs, stock options and warrants are disclosed in the Company's public filings including its quarterly and annual financial statements which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Period end exchange rates: 1.25685 at March 31, 2021 and 1.27395 at December 31, 2020. Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, information in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Other than statements of historical fact, all statements that involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors are "forward-looking statements". There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these "forward-looking statements". Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Westaim expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information provided herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation regarding any investment products offered by Arena Investors. 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520006023/en/

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[May 20, 2021] HCA Healthcare to Give $10 Million to HBCUs and HSIs

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA), one of the nation's leading healthcare providers, today announced that it will give $10 million over the next three years to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in communities near its hospitals in order to advance diversity in healthcare. "HCA Healthcare serves diverse communities across the country, and we know our ability to continue to do that most effectively depends on a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities," said Sam Hazen, chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare. "We are eager to build productive and collaborative relationships with many of the nation's leading HBCUs and HSIs to attract Black and Hispanic/Latinx candidates into the many exciting career paths in healthcare." HCA Healthcare's local leadership teams are seeking to identify opportunities to collaborate with HBCUs and HSIs to expand opportunities for students who may be interested in careers in healthcare and related fields. The company expects this will be done in a variety of ways including internship programs, investments in curriculum development and scholarships. HCA Healthcare has a history of strategically partnering with organzations to develop future healthcare leaders. In 2019, the HCA Healthcare Scholars at Fisk University program was created to provide scholarships, career planning support and internship opportunities for high-achieving undergraduates. In addition, HCA Healthcare committed $1 million to Tennessee State University in 2015 to fund internship opportunities and support the growth of the Health Information Management program. These partnerships and others with industry- and school-based associations, including the National Urban League, the National Association of Health Services Executives and the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives, are helping HCA Healthcare strengthen the diversity of its talent pipeline at all levels.



"Our partnerships with HBCUs and HSIs allow us to help bridge the gap in Black and Hispanic/Latinx representation in healthcare leadership positions, a challenge our industry faces as a whole," said Sherri Neal, chief diversity officer of HCA Healthcare. "Advancing the diversity of our talent pool will ultimately help us to deliver more equitable, culturally competent care." About HCA Healthcare

Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services comprising 186 hospitals and approximately 2,000 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. With its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare created a new model for hospital care in the United States, using combined resources to strengthen hospitals, deliver patient-focused care and improve the practice of medicine. HCA Healthcare has conducted a number of clinical studies, including one that demonstrated that full-term delivery is healthier than early elective delivery of babies and another that identified a clinical protocol that can reduce bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44 percent. HCA Healthcare is a learning health system that uses its more than 32 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care and save lives. Please click here to connect with HCA Healthcare on social media. All references to "Company," "HCA" and "HCA Healthcare" as used throughout this document refer to HCA Healthcare, Inc. and its affiliates. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005988/en/

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[May 20, 2021] H.I.G. Capital to Acquire Travis Perkins Plc's UK Plumbing & Heating Business

H.I.G. Capital, LLC ("H.I.G."), a leading global alternative investment firm with over 36 billion of equity capital under management, is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Travis Perkins Plc's Plumbing & Heating business (the "Company" or "P&H"), one of the UK's leading plumbing, heating, and bathroom related products specialist merchants. The divestiture is valued at approximately 325 million, and the transaction is expected to be completed within the next three months, following regulatory approval. Headquartered in Northamptonshire, P&H operates under its primary trading brands City Plumbing Supplies (CPS) and Plumbing Trade Solutions (PTS), with over 350 branches across the UK and Ireland, alongside several specialist online outlets including The Underfloor Heating Store, Direct Heating Spares, PlumbNation, and National Shower Spares. The Company, led by Dave Evans and supported by an experienced senior leadership team, serves trade customers and consumers across the residential and commercial construction categories. H.I.G.'s investment will support P&H in its transition to an independent company and accelerate its customer-focused expansion in the UK and Ireland. Dave Evans, CEO of P&H said: "The sale to H.I.G. is great news for P&H and its stakeholders. We are recognised as a market leader across many of our businesses and the categories they operate in and I am very excited to work with the team at H.I.G. to capitalise on the enormous potential for growth we have within the UK and Ireland. We are well positioned to push forward with our plans for growth by developing more customer-focused propositions delivered by over 3,000 dedicated team members. I look forwar to building an even stronger business in the coming years."



Markus Noe-Nordberg, Managing Director and Head of the H.I.G. European Middle Market LBO team, which led the transaction, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome the Plumbing & Heating business from Travis Perkins into the H.I.G. family. H.I.G. has had great success investing in speciality distribution assets, and we will use this experience to support management in maximising the Company's potential. This transaction is an ideal fit with our investment mandate and once more underscores H.I.G.'s ability to execute on complex transactions such as carve-outs." Tobias Borkowski, Principal at H.I.G. Europe, added: "We believe that the Company, as a freestanding enterprise, can better serve the individual needs of its customers, and rapidly expand its trusted relationships with suppliers. We are excited to partner with Dave and his entire team and look forward to supporting the Company's continued growth."

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is acting as legal counsel to H.I.G. Capital. Morgan Stanley is acting as financial advisor and Linklaters LLP as legal counsel to Travis Perkins Plc. About H.I.G. Capital H.I.G. is a leading global private equity and alternative assets investment firm with over 36 billion of equity capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with European offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, and U.S. and Latin American offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/ value-added approach: H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses. H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. is also a leading CLO manager, through its WhiteHorse family of vehicles, and manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance. H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 300 companies worldwide. The firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of 27 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at www.higcapital.com. * Based on total capital commitments managed by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520006055/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 00:55:24|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- African countries have acquired over 39 million COVID-19 vaccines so far, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) disclosed on Thursday.

The Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the 55-member African Union, said 24 million COVID-19 doses have been administered, out of the over 39 million acquired by member states.

This figure corresponds to a coverage rate of 1.48 percent at the continental level, with 0.42 percent of the population having received a full vaccine regimen, according to the Africa CDC.

According to the Africa CDC, African countries have used close to 64.16 percent of the vaccine supply available.

It said five member states that are Morocco, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya have administered the most doses of COVID-19 vaccines to their respective populations.

The north African country of Morocco comes first administering 10.67 million COVID-19 vaccines, with 12.2 percent of the country's population fully vaccinated.

As of Thursday evening, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 4,721,048 as the death toll from the pandemic stands at 127,374 while 4,272,518 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease, according to the agency. Enditem
[May 20, 2021] Owlet to Participate in Two Upcoming Virtual MedTech Events

Owlet Baby Care Inc. ("Owlet" or the "Company"), the connected nursery ecosystem that delivers data-driven technology to modern parenting, will participate in the 2021 Oppenheimer MedTech, Tools, and Diagnostics Summit, which will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Kurt Workman, Owlet's Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Kate Scolnick, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in one-on-one meetings with investors during the conference. Meetings may be requested through Oppenheimer. Kurt Workman will also be participating in the virtual IPO Edge Roundtable, which will also be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 1:00 pm EDT. The roundtable topic is "Digital Health and Parenting" and will include panelists from other digital platform companies. Interested parties may view a live webcast of the discussion using a link posted to the Owlet website at https://owletcare.com/pages/investor-relations About Owlet Owlet was founded by a team of parents in 2012. Owlet's mission is to empower parents with the right information at the right time, to give them more peace of mind and help them find more joy in the journey of parenting. Owlet's digital parenting platform aims to give parents real-time data and insights to help parents feel calmer and more confident. Owlet believes that every parent deserves peace of mind and the opportunity to feel their well-rested best. Owlet also believes that every child deserves to live a long, happy, and healthy life, and is working to develop products to help facilitate that belief. Additional Information and Where to Find It In February, Owlet entered into a definitive merger agreement with Sandbridge Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: SBG) ("Sandbridge"), a special purpose acquisition company. Sandbridge has filed with the SEC (News - Alert) a Registration Statement on Form S-4, which includes a proxy statement/prospectus, that will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of Sandbridge's Class A common stock in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the vote by Sandbridge's stockholders with respect to the business combination and other matters as may be described in the registration statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer and sale of certain securities to be issued in the business combination. After the registration statement is declared effective, Sandbridge wil mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its stockholders. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed business combination. Sandbridge's stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus included in the registration statement and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about the Company, Sandbridge and the proposed business combination. When available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the proposed business combination will be mailed to stockholders of Sandbridge as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination. Stockholders of Sandbridge will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement, the definitive proxy statement and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a written request to: Sandbridge Acquisition Corp., 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2088, Los Angeles, California 90067.



Participants in the Solicitation Sandbridge and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Sandbridge's stockholders with respect to the proposed business combination. The names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Sandbridge are contained in the proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination.

Owlet and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Sandbridge in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed business combination are included in the proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements, estimates, targets, and projections in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events. For example, statements regarding Owlet's expected future operating and financial performance and the expected timing of its transaction with Sandbridge are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expect", "intend", "will", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "predict", "potential" or "continue", or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Sandbridge and its management, and Owlet and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the regulatory pathway for Owlet products and responses from regulators, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and similar regulators outside of the United States; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the evolution of the markets in which Owlet competes; the ability of Owlet to implement its strategic initiatives and continue to innovate its existing products; the ability of Owlet to defend its intellectual property and satisfy regulatory requirements; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Owlet's business; the limited operating history of Owlet; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in Sandbridge's registration statement on Form S-4 and other documents to be filed with the SEC by Sandbridge. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Neither Sandbridge nor Owlet undertakes any duty to update these forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520006091/en/

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NASHVILLE  The Tennessee State Fair and Exposition Commission will meet May 27, 2021 at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. CDT in the Moss Administration Building located at 440 Hogan Road.

The meeting is open to the public to attend. Participants may join in person or via an internet-based teleconferencing system. There is no cost to participants. Alternative methods and instructions on how to join the meeting are at the bottom of this notice.

The agenda includes updates from Wilson County Promotions, Inc., and a discussion and naming of the Tennessee State Fair operator.

The Tennessee General Assembly created the Tennessee State Fair and Exposition Commission to advise, facilitate and coordinate with the Tennessee State Fair Association. The seven-member commission is administratively attached to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and meets as necessary to conduct business.

Microsoft Team link to join on computer or mobile app:

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 629-209-4396, 107541777#

Phone Conference ID: 107 541 777#

Click the Raise Hand button to be recognized by the Chairman.

Connect to Microsoft Teams session at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting to make sure your connection works.
Join TDCI for the Retirement Readiness for Military Families Virtual Event and Get Your Marching Orders for Building a Secure Retirement

Retirement Readiness for Military Families is the Third Episode of the When Im 65 Boomers to Zoomers: Building a Secure Path to Retirement Virtual Event Series

NASHVILLE The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurances (TDCI) Securities Division is partnering with the Investor Protection Trust and PBS Books to produce the Retirement Readiness for Military Families virtual event to livestream on TDCIs Facebook page on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. CT/ 1:00 p.m. ET.

Military families, whether active duty or retired, have access to many great benefits that can help them prepare for a secure retirement. But, they also face unique financial challenges, like deployment, that can make reaching their goals more difficult. Retirement Readiness for Military Families will feature qualified experts who will discuss many of the benefits available to active duty and retired military families as well as strategies for overcoming obstacles and saving and investing for a secure retirement. The event will be interactive, allowing participants to ask questions, submit comments and get answers in real time.

After the live event, Retirement Readiness for Military Families will be available on the TDCIs website and on WI65.org, along with a variety of tools and resources for savers and investors of all ages and at all stages of life. Retirement Readiness for Military Families is the third in a series of 60- minute When Im 65 Boomers to Zoomers: Building a Secure Path to Retirement virtual events.

Helping Tennessees active duty and retired military members and their families build a stronger financial future is the perfect way to kick off Memorial Day weekend, said TDCI Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Bowling.

The Investing: Whats New & Whats Not virtual event will livestream on TDCIs Facebook page, on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. CT/1:00 p.m. ET and will feature the following:

Host: Fred Nahhat, Detroit Public Television

Moderator: Donna Lowry, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Two Topic Segments: Getting Retirement Ready While Serving Mission: Retirement Security for Veterans



As a nation we are given all this month to show our appreciation for our troops past and present, said Rich Homberg, President and CEO of Detroit Public Television. PBS Books and IPT are proud to partner and dedicate this event to secure financial freedom to those who serve to protect the freedom of our country.

Michelle Olympiadis, Acting Executive Director of the Investor Protection Trust, said: Whether its deployment, relocations or transitioning to civilian life, military families face unique challenges when planning for retirement. May is Military Appreciation Month and, as we commemorate Americas soldiers this Memorial Day, its vital that we do all we can to ensure our military families have the tools and resources they need to achieve long-term financial security.

The When Im 65 Boomers to Zoomers: Building a Secure Path to Retirement is a yearlong series of 12 60-minute virtual events livestreaming via Facebook Live on partner Facebook pages on the fourth Friday of each month at 12:00 p.m. CT/1:00 p.m. ET.

The series provides the quality, objective investor and financial information needed by all Americans to make wise and safe investment decisions at every age and every stage of life. The Boomers to Zoomers virtual events are interactive and feature timely topics, financial experts, motivational stories and practical information viewers can use immediately to prepare for long-term financial security. Upcoming Boomer to Zoomer virtual event topics include: Military Finances, Harness Your Inner Hummingbird: How to Build Your Nest Egg and Financial Freedom.

For more information visit, WI65.org.

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About The Groups

About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Fostering fair marketplaces, public safety, and consumer education that promote the success of individuals and businesses while serving as innovative leaders. Our divisions include the State Fire Marshals Office, Insurance, Securities, Regulatory Boards, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board and TennCare Oversight. https://www.tn.gov/com-merce.html | https://www.facebook.com/Tennessee-CommerceAndInsurance | https://twitter.com/TNCommerceInsur

The Investor Protection Trust (IPT) is a nonprofit organization devoted to investor education. More than half of all Americans are now invested in the securities markets, making investor education and protection vitally important. Since 1993 the Investor Protection Trust has worked with the states and at the national level to provide the independent, objective investor education needed by all Americans to make wise and safe investment decisions. www.investorprotection.org | facebook.com/InvestorProtectionTrust | twitter.com/IPT_Info

PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating PBS programming. Born out of the desire to develop original content that would appeal to vast audience of diverse readers, PBS Books hosts regular social and digital engagement events, as well as live coverage of important literary events across the country. In 2018, PBS Books launched a Library Engagement Program to build and enhance working relationships among libraries, local PBS stations, cultural institutions, and readers. Today, the Library Network has more than 1,800 partners. www.pbsbooks.org | www.facebook.com/PBSBooks1 | twitter.com/pbsbooks
Announcement Brings States Total STEM-Designated Schools to 61

Nashville, TN Today, the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) announced 13 schools received the Tennessee STEM School Designation for 2021.

The honor recognizes schools for preparing students for postsecondary and future career success by committing to promote STEM and/or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning for their students. The designation program is aligned to Governor Bill Lees Future Workforce Initiative and goal to triple the number of STEM-designated schools.

STEM-based education helps prepare students for future success in both their academic education and in their careers, said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. Governor Lee and the department are committed to providing students with STEM learning experiences to enrich their education, and we are thrilled to see the number of the STEM designated schools continue to grow.

Since 2018 when the program began, 61 schools have earned the Tennessee STEM Designation, which was developed in partnership with the STEM Leadership Council to provide a roadmap for schools to successfully implement a STEM and/or STEAM education plan at the local level. Schools that receive this honor also serve as models from which others may visit and learn. All K12 schools serving students in Tennessee are eligible.

"Schools that earn STEM Designation incorporate strong STEM teaching and learning experiences that rest on inquiry, technology integration, work-based learning, and project/problem-based learning strategies tied to the world around us, said Brandi Stroecker, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network director. Each school has a unique STEM program, yet incorporates a similar approach by providing diverse, transdisciplinary teaching practices where students become the drivers of their learning. The network appreciates the hard work and passion that each STEM Designated school pours into their educational community. These schools consistently provide students with learning experiences that shape their aspirations for the future.

Each school awarded the Tennessee STEM School Designation was evaluated through a rigorous application process including a self-evaluation, interviews, and hosting site visits with the Tennessee STEM Designation review team. The designation rubric included five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships.

As a part of the process, schools were also required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM and/or STEAM education for the next five years. From this process, a total of 13 schools received the Tennessee STEM School Designation for 2021:

Battle Creek Elementary, Maury County Public Schools

Campus School University of Memphis, Shelby County Schools

Cason Lane Academy, Murfreesboro City Schools

T-STEM Academy at East High School, Shelby County Schools

Fort Loudoun Middle School, Loudon County Schools

George Washington Elementary, Kingsport City Schools

Indian Lake Elementary, Sumner County Schools

John P. Freeman Optional School, Shelby County Schools

Kenwood Middle School, Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools

Lenoir City Intermediate School, Lenoir City Schools

Northview Primary School, Sevier County Schools

Rose Park Math and Science Magnet, Metro Nashville Public Schools

William H. Brewster Elementary, Shelby County Schools

District and school leaders and elected officials are thrilled to congratulate these schools for receiving this honor and to emphasize the importance of STEM education.

Congratulations to the students, parents and teachers at T-STEM Academy at East High School and all of these schools for achieving this Tennessee STEM Designation, said Senate Education Committee Chairman Brian Kelsey. A STEM education provides students with the problem solving, critical thinking and the teamwork skills needed for in-demand careers in Tennessees growing high-tech industries. I look forward to seeing great success from these students in the future.

With an increase in the number of high-tech companies doing business in Tennessee, a STEM education is more important than ever, said State Sen. Joey Hensley. The skills gained from a STEM education will give these students valuable skill sets to be successful. I congratulate all of the schools that have achieved this designation, including Battle Creek Elementary School in my district.

William H. Brewster Elementary Optional School has focused on STEM for the past few years, with an added component of the arts, said Angela Askew, Principal, William H. Brewster Elementary Optional School. Achieving the official title of Tennessee STEM Designated School is a recognition we will proudly share with our entire school community. Our teachers, parents, and community partners will continue to work diligently together to enhance the skills and experiences of critical thinking, innovation, and project-based learning of our scholars daily.

STEM education is having a tremendous impact on Tennessees economy and workforce, said State Sen. Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile. I congratulate the students, parents, teachers at Indian Lake Elementary School and all these schools for successfully achieving this Tennessee STEM designation. It will help ensure that these students have the tools they need for a very bright future.

STEAM helps student to connect the WHY behind the WHAT they are expected to learn in school with a focus on solution-seeking learning, hands-on activities, and real-world application, said Rommie Vasser Jr., Principal, Rose Park Math and Science Magnet School.

Congratulations to the students, parents and teachers at all of these schools for successfully achieving the Tennessee STEM Designation, said State Sen. Frank Nicely. A special congratulations to George Washington Elementary School in my Senate District. It is very important in this growing era of technology that our youth have access to the skills they need to succeed and compete for 21st century jobs. A STEM education will open up many opportunities for these students, while helping to build a strong and thriving workforce in our communities.

Congratulations to Cason Lane Academy for receiving this STEM designation. Our students have the talent, said State Sen. Dawn White. We must continue to provide them with the tools and guidance they need to be successful in an increasingly important STEM workforce. This designation process is a key way to amplify student success so they have the skills they need to reach their career goals and fulfill their dreams.

Focusing on STEM education and training is key to building a sustaining and growing economy and a thriving workforce. I am very proud of Northview Primary School and all of these schools for receiving this designation, said State Sen. Steve Southerland. It will provide our students with the characteristics and practices of an excellent STEM education that will give them the tools they need to be prepared for their careers. I look forward to seeing much success from these students in the future.

A STEM education is increasingly important as technology continues to grow and expand in Tennessee, said State Sen. Bill Powers. It provides powerful learning opportunities to students so they can compete for higher-paying, in-demand jobs. I am very proud of the work being done at all of these schools, especially Kenwood Middle School in my district, to achieve this designation. It is a tremendous investment in these students futures.

I am tremendously proud of the hard work taking place at Indian Lake Elementary, said State Rep. Johnny Garrett. Effective STEM education programs are going to be vital in helping us address the talent needs of Tennessees growing science, engineering and technology fields. I appreciate the faculty and staff for their commitment to preparing our students for 21st century jobs.

Im very proud to recognize the achievements of our teachers and staff at Cason Lane Academy who have put a lot of work into creating a collaborative learning environment that helps students think critically, said State Rep. Tim Rudd. Their commitment to preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow makes Cason Lane Academy a model for other schools.

A skilled workforce demands investing in education at every level, said House Education Instruction Subcommittee Chairman Scott Cepicky. I am thrilled to see Battle Creek Elementary recognized for their strong commitment to addressing college and career readiness for all students. I congratulate the faculty and staff for this outstanding achievement, and I appreciate their continued partnership.

The job fields that will be in demand when our students graduate may not yet exist, but strong grasp of core STEM concepts will best prepare them to be the next generation of innovators and job creators, said House Finance Subcommittee Chairman Gary Hicks. I congratulate George Washington Elementary for this significant achievement and thank them for providing a pathway for students to learn more about the exciting careers available in science, technology, engineering and math.

STEM education has opened many doors for students across Tennessee that traditionally have not been available, said State Rep. Andrew Farmer. I appreciate the great work of Northview Primary School to give our students a high-quality education that prepares them to excel in post-secondary school and careers and congratulate them on this great honor of receiving the Tennessee STEM Designation.

I want to congratulate Fort Loudon Middle School and Lenoir City Intermediate School on receiving this designation, said State Rep. Lowell Russell. Their commitment to providing top-tier, innovative education through STEM teaching and learning experiences will give our students many opportunities to succeed beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to the students, teachers and staff at John P. Freeman Optional School, as all of our stem schools and stakeholders, said State Rep. Jesse Chism. STEM is the foundation at which the flowers of our state can bloom.

The state designation is critical to establishing the T-STEM Academy at East High as the designation for gifted students intent on participating the best preparatory environment for enhanced careers in transportation, science, technology, engineering and math, said State Rep. G.A. Hardaway. Talented students, dedicated parents, highly qualified faculty and staff, committed sponsors, a supportive community and visionary servant-leaders are read and determined to embrace the T-STEM work that can make our students dreams come true.

We are so proud of Kenwood Middle School for receiving its STEM designation, said State Rep. Jason Hodges. This educational opportunity will inspire Montgomery County students to explore, learn, and grow their interests in STEM fields of study.

As a proud graduate of Campus School, I am elated that they are continuing to lead the state in producing our brightest students, especially in STEM, said State Rep. London Lamar. I will continue to advocate and support their educational agenda and producing Tennessees best students! Congrats to the Campus School.

Rose Park Middle Schools designation as a Tennessee STEM School demonstrates a commitment from the school leadership and teachers to provide an education that will enable their students to achieve academic and career success in a 21st century economy, said State Rep. Harold Love.

STEM and/or STEAM education is a diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum in which activities in one class complement those in other classes and offer teaching and learning opportunities focused on inquiry-, technology-, and project-based learning activities and lessons connected to the real world.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.

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NASHVILLE  A North Carolina man is charged with TennCare fraud for allegedly falsely reporting a Tennessee residence in order to obtain TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of James Foster, 27, of Monroe, North Carolina. He is charged with TennCare fraud, which is a class C felony, and theft of services over $10,000 but under $60,000, a class D felony. Investigators allege that Foster was residing in North Carolina when he falsely reported a Tennessee residence to maintain TennCare benefits, resulting in TennCare paying more than $30,360 in fees and claims on his behalf.

The TennCare program is designed to help those who rightfully qualify for benefits, Inspector General Kim Harmon said. OIG strives to ensure that those taking wrongful advantage of Tennessees Medicaid program will be brought to justice.

The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney General Mike Flynn of Blount County.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February of 2005 and has investigated over 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. TennCares budget is comprised of both federal and state dollars: 65% and 35% respectfully. To date, 3,116 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

The OIGs most wanted for TennCare fraud are posted online at https://www.tn.gov/finance/fa-oig/fa-oig-most-wanted.html. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to use the contact information on the page.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read Report TennCare fraud.
ANDERSON COUNTY, SR 61 Bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway and Market Street in Clinton: SR 61 East is reduced to one lane through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this area.

ANDERSON COUNTY, US 25/SR 9 Bridge over Clinch River between SR 61 and Carden Farm Drive: SR 9 northbound is reduced to one lane approaching the bridge as crews continue work in this area. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this bridge construction project.

BLOUNT COUNTY, US 129 North and South between SR 35 Hall Road and Tyson Boulevard: Motorists should be alert for workers present, possible lane closures and brief stoppages of traffic through this roadway construction project. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-hall-road-to-tyson-blvd.html

BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 335 Hunt Road between Ambrose Street and Ramsay Street: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures at various times as crews install utilities through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present directing traffic and use extreme caution through this area.

BLOUNT COUNTY, SR 33 between Foothills Mall Drive and Henry Street: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this intersection improvement construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changed conditions, and use extreme caution through this area.

BLOUNT COUNTY, US 321 between Jones Avenue and Lamar Street: Motorists should be alert for possible daily lane closures as crews perform roadside work through this project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution through this area.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, I-75 North and South between Mile Markers 135 and 142: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, I-75 North near Mile Marker 143: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning on Sundays through Thursdays through this project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, SR 63 between Myers Lane and Frontier Road/Woodson Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and/or 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for slowed or stopped traffic, expect potential delays and use extreme caution through this area.

CARTER COUNTY, US 19E/SR 37 Bridge over the Doe River and Riverview Road: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

CLAIBORNE COUNTY, SR 63 between Old Town Creek and US 25E/SR 32: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect delays and use extreme caution through this area.

COCKE COUNTY, I-40 West near Mile Markers 446 and 434: On Monday, May 24, 2021 and Tuesday, May 25, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. as crews perform roadway maintenance activities. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect delays and use extreme caution through this area.

GREENE COUNTY, US 11E/SR 34 both directions between Blue Springs Parkway and Forest Road in Mosheim: Motorists should be alert for lane closures and lane shifts through this area for bridge repair operations. These lane closures will remain in place 24/7 until repairs are complete. Motorists should be alert for workers present, changing conditions, and use extreme caution in this area. This bridge repair project is estimated to be complete on or before October 31, 2021.

HAMBLEN COUNTY, SR 34 near Commerce Blvd.: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

HAMBLEN COUNTY, SR 160 near Commerce Blvd.: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

HAMBLEN COUNTY, SR 343 between US 11E and East Main Street: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary road closures with detours between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning as utility crews perform work in this area. Motorists should be alert for workers present, follow signed detours, and use extreme caution in this area.

JOHNSON COUNTY, SR 167 at Log Mile 7.5: Motorists should be alert for single lane roadway with temporary traffic signal through this slide repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slowed traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

KNOX COUNTY, Various Interstates through Knoxville: On Thursday, May 20, 2021 and Monday, May 24, 2021 through Thursday, May 27, 2021, motorists should be alert for possible mobile lane closures between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews perform roadway maintenance activities. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

KNOX COUNTY, US 129/SR 115 Alcoa Highway between Topside Road and Maloney Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures and lane shifts as crews perform work through this project. Motorists should be alert for new traffic patterns. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduce speed and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-little-river-to-maloney.html

KNOX COUNTY, US 129/SR 115 Alcoa Highway between Maloney Road and Woodson Drive: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures and lane shifts as crews perform work through this project. Motorists should be alert for new traffic patterns. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduce speed and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-115-alcoa-highway-maloney-to-woodson.html

KNOX COUNTY, US 441 Broadway Viaduct between Jackson Avenue and Fifth Avenue: US 441 Broadway Viaduct over Norfolk Southern Railroad in downtown Knoxville is closed for bridge replacement. The Broadway Viaduct will be closed to all traffic for the duration of the project. During the closure, Broadway will be closed from the intersection of Oak Avenue, Worlds Fair Park, and Jackson Avenue to just north of the Depot Avenue intersection. Depot Avenue will also be closed. These closures will ensure the safety of workers and motorists as crews demolish the old bridge and reconstruct the new bridge. Primary and Local Detour Routes around the bridge closure will be in place. For detour routes and project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/broadway-viaduct.html

KNOX COUNTY, US 441/SR 71 Chapman Highway between Highland View Drive and Burnett Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/chapman-highway-evans-to-burnett.html

KNOX COUNTY, SR 62 Western Avenue between Copper Kettle and Texas Avenue: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area.

KNOX COUNTY, SR 162 Pellissippi Parkway West at Hardin Valley Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area.

KNOX COUNTY, SR 332 Concord Road between Turkey Creek Road and Northshore: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and new traffic patterns through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. For project information, go to https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/sr-332-proposed-widening.html

LOUDON COUNTY, I-75 North and South between Mile Markers 79 and 84: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow traffic, expect delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

LOUDON COUNTY, I-75 South Ramp from I-40 West near Mile Marker 368: Beginning 9 p.m. Friday night, May 21, 2021 through 8 p.m. Monday night, May 24, 2021, the I-75 Southbound ramp from I-40 West will be reduced to one lane around the clock as crews perform bridge deck repairs. (The ramp will be temporarily closed to traffic and detoured between 11 p.m. Friday, May 21st and 6 a.m. Saturday, May 22nd while crews set portable barrier rail to begin repair operations.) One lane will remain open during the other listed times. Wide loads will not be permitted across the bridge during repairs and should follow signed detour route using I-40 West to Exit 364 and take I-40 East back to I-75 South. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area. Motorists should consider seeking alternate routes to avoid this closure.

LOUDON COUNTY, SR 2 between Loudon Middle School and Carter Street: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area.

LOUDON COUNTY, US 321/SR 73 between I-40 and Simpson Road: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

LOUDON COUNTY, US 411/SR 33 between Blount County Line and Monroe County Line: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this resurfacing project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, and use extreme caution in this area.

ROANE COUNTY, I-40 West between Mile Markers 340 and 344: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures at various times through this slope stabilization project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, lane shifts, and use extreme caution through this area.

ROANE COUNTY, I-40 East near Mile Marker 353: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning as crews set portable barrier rails through this slope stabilization project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow traffic, and use extreme caution through this area.

SCOTT COUNTY, US 27/SR 29 between Industrial Lane and Second Avenue: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, expect possible delays, and use caution through this area.

SEVIER COUNTY, SR 71 between US 411 and Macon Lane: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, I-81 North & South between Mile Markers 57 and 63: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures nightly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this bridge repair project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow or stopped traffic, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution in this area. This bridge repair project is estimated to be complete on or before May 31, 2021.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, SR 36 at SR 126: Motorists should be alert for possible nightly lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning through this intersection improvement project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, SR 126 Memorial Boulevard at SR 36: Motorists should be alert for lane reductions through this intersection improvement project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, changed traffic patterns, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, SR 355 between Log Miles 1 and 3: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

UNICOI COUNTY, I-26 East and West near Mile Marker 33: Motorists should be alert for lane closures as I-26 will be reduced to one lane in each direction around the clock through this bridge repair project. Wide loads should follow signed detour routes. Motorists should be alert for workers present, slow traffic, and use extreme caution through this area. This project is estimated to be complete on or before August 31, 2021.

UNICOI COUNTY, SR 81 between Log Miles 0 and 1.8: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. through this resurfacing and safety project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

UNICOI COUNTY, SR 107 between 6th Street and SR 173: Motorists should be alert for possible lane closures daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. through this resurfacing and safety project. Motorists should be alert for workers and equipment present, expect potential delays, and use extreme caution through this area.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, SR 93 between Davis Road and Fire Hall Road: Motorists should be alert for possible temporary lane closures through this construction project. Motorists should be alert for workers present, reduced speeds, and use caution through this area.

For information on statewide interstate construction motorists can access the Tennessee Department of Transportation SmartWay website at https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic

TDOT is now on Twitter. For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511
First off, traffic numbers suggest otherwise but it feels like you d-bags are sleeping on our link blasts which are the favorite function of the TKC blog and one of the few spaces where we venture out of our cowtown comfort zone.

Accordingly . . .

Hottie Bridget has been in the pr0n game for more than a minute and her adult industry endurance inspires this #TBT peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines for our early morning readers.



Check-it . . .

Kansas City Vaxx Contd

People are getting vaccinated after KC ends emergency order JACKSON COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- We've seen vaccination sites across the KC metro many times, but this time around it was at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Many rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated. No one was happier than Edwin Rucker, but he wasn't always so ready.

Rock Chalk Real Estate Speculation Restarts Against Midtown Neighborhood

Big Apartment Project Proposed for Volker Neighborhood by KU Med Milhaus, one of the city's most prolific apartment builders, is pursuing a 224-unit project in the Volker neighborhood on what's now a parking lot across State Line Road from the KU Med campus. The proposed Jamestown Square development would be located on what's now a large surface lot serving businesses along 39th and Bell streets including Blue Koi, Jimmy's Jigger and Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill.

PoFolk Charity Power Play

KC utilities team up for assistance event, drawing a crowd KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - The COVID pandemic may be waning in terms of hospitalization and deaths, but it has left a lasting financial impact on a lot of people. That's one reason why Kansas City's three utilities are teaming up for events bringing all them to one place where people can sign up for assistance.

Kansas GOP Decries Stimmy

Kansas House leaders urge Gov. Kelly to end pandemic unemployment benefits KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Some Kansas Republicans are urging Gov. Laura Kelly to end federal unemployment benefits. House of Representatives leaders Speaker Ron Ryckman (R-Olathe), Majority Leader Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) and Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch (R-Ottawa) said in a statement Wednesday that Kelly "continues to hold Kansas back."

Show-Me Tiger Cost Spike

University of Missouri approves tuition increases COLUMBIA, MO (KCTV) -- Today, the University of Missouri Board of Curators approved a plan to increase tuition at all four of their campuses. The plan itself was presented back in April. The increases are between 2% and 5%. This is below the current rate allowed by Missouri law, which is 9.1%.

Biz Comes Before Pleasure

Adult actress doesn't meet co-workers off camera as 'lines get blurred' A porn star has admitted she isn't comfortable socialising regularly with her on-set colleagues as their relationships could become "blurred". Adult actress Bridgette B tried to debunk some of the myths surrounding the seedier side of the porn industry on a recent episode of her DyrtyBlonde podcast.

Prez Powerless To Stop Holy Land Fighting

Israel-Gaza conflict: fresh attacks after Biden calls for 'significant de-escalation' Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza pursued further cross-border attacks early on Thursday after Joe Biden called publicly for progress towards a ceasefire and Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations until "quiet and security" is restored.

Mask Conflict Amongst Congress

Democrats And Republicans Square Off Over House Mask Mandate The debate over masks has returned to the House floor. As an increasing number of Republicans express frustration that they have to continue to wear masks on the floor of the chamber, a GOP-led resolution to change the House's guidance on masks was tabled on Wednesday evening.

First Lady Animosity Unmasked

Jill Biden said Harris should 'go f-k' herself for debate attack on Joe Jill Biden said Kamala Harris should "go f-k" herself after famously questioning her husband's record on race during a Democratic primary debate, according to a new report. The future first lady fumed to supporters after Harris, who is now President Biden's vice president, slammed his record opposing federally mandated interracial busing to desegregate schools.

SAVE SALMA!!!

Salma Hayek says she battled a near-fatal case of Covid-19 Salma Hayek is opening up about her battle with Covid-19.

Crypto Kaput?!?!

Bitcoin's 40% crash 'does feel like capitulation,' says crypto specialist, but here's where the next crucial support level stands Crypto markets have shifted from buy, buy to bye, bye bitcoin, in a nanosecond, and technicians say that the digital asset may have more room to fall in the near term as a monthslong bullish trend unravels. Prices for the world's most popular digital asset had broken below a number of levels viewed as support for the asset, including $42,000.

Friends Change Over Time

Matthew Perry stuns fans with slurred speech in 'Friends' reunion promo Matthew Perry slurred his words and had a thousand-yard stare in a video to promote the much-anticipated "Friends" reunion - leaving fans worried about his well-being. A clip showing the 51-year-old actor with an odd gaze and a labored speech pattern was posted to People magazine's website and YouTube on Wednesday to promote the HBO Max special, which was shot in April and will air May 27.

FOLK DIVA CONFRONTS HARSH TIMES!!!

Sinead O'Connor Remembers Things Differently The Great Read The mainstream narrative is that a pop star ripped up a photo of the pope on "Saturday Night Live" and derailed her life. What if the opposite were true? Sinead O'Connor's memoir, "Rememberings," recasts the story of her career from her perspective. Credit...

Trendy Kansas City Comeback

Heard the Buzz About Society and the Scarlet Room Coming to The Crossroads? - In Kansas City Just in time to ditch your masks, the Crossroads is gaining two new noteworthy residents this Friday: Society and the Scarlet Room. The dual bar and restaurant concept will offer elevated craft cocktails and a modern menu amid a sprawling social scene. Society promises an art-forward cocktail experience that provides a modern, upscale setting for...

Iconic Summer Threads Debut

Our favorite pieces from the Kansas City Monarchs' apparel collection | Kansas City Magazine A reborn team calls for classic merch. The new Kansas City Monarchs of KCK are issuing apparel that nods to the historic Negro Leagues team of the same name that played at Muehlebach Field a century ago. The classic red-lined pinstripe jerseys or the cardinal and navy interlocking KC caps both have a timeless look that also feels contemporary.

Prizes Abound Amid Pandemic

Kansas City, Kansas, businesses offer incentives to those who are vaccinated KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Wyandotte County leaders held off lifting the county's mask mandate until May 27, after a contentious meeting on Monday. One concerns health officials raised was the county's low vaccination rate. Currently, seven out of 10 people have not received the vaccine, which is one of the lowest rates in the metro.

Desperately Seeking Doggy Style

KC Pet Project puts out urgent call for foster families for pets displaced by pandemic KANSAS CITY, Mo. - While many of the restrictions from the pandemic are slowly fading away, one crisis brought on by COVID-19 is still surging. Some pet owners are unable to provide a home for their dogs and cats.

Share Gift Of Life

Red Cross Blood Drives Coming Up In Kansas City Area KANSAS CITY, MO - The Red Cross and other blood donation organizations are working to bolster the country's blood supply as the pandemic wanes. Those who give blood, platelets or plasma through the Red Cross in May will be entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five from Suburban Propane.

Golden Ghetto Starts Fresh

City accepting proposals for new construction at Overland Park Farmers Market OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -The Overland Park Community Development Committee will soon issue a Request for Proposals for the Downtown Overland Park Farmers Market. In the next few months, developers will submit proposals to build possible apartments in the parking lot of the farmers market at 7950 Marty Street.

Home Team Cans Milwaukee

Royals rally late to top Brewers 6-4 After shutting out the Brewers in Game 1, Kansas City used a late rally and came away with a 6-4 win - completing a two-game sweep over Milwaukee. Brad Keller took the bump with the hopes of replicating his previous two starts. However, as it's become common, the right-hander struggled in the top of the first.

Slightly Soggy & Then Summer

Your Storm Track 5 Daily Forecast Scattered showers and a few rumbles of thunder are likely during the evening hours with a few of the storms capable of producing brief heavy downpours. While severe storms are not likely a few of the storms could be strong so be aware of that possibility if you are planning on venturing outside.

Billboard #1 in 1981 Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes is the #TBT song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Over the past couple of weeks the pace of homicides has slowed . . . Slightly.

Still, local denizens realize that a rough weekend can put us right back on track to repeat another historically deadly year.

Accordingly, we share this collection of news and info on police action, local violence and a few signs of hope as authorities confront the crime game.



Check-it . . .

Late Night South Side Shooting

Kansas City police investigate shooting on Longview Road late Wednesday Kansas City police said they are investigating a shooting late Wednesday in the 5100 block of Longview Road.The shooting was reported just after 10 p.m. Police said a male victim was shot in the chest and he was taken to a hospital with life- threatening injuries. Authorities have not released any other information.

Gunfire Echoes On East Side

KCPD investigating shooting that left man critically injured KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Police in Kansas City are investigating a shooting that has left a man with critical injuries. The shooting happened in the 4500 block of Chestnut Ave. shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The victim was found in a car. There's no immediate suspect information at this time.

Tragic Ride Share Postscript

Man accused of posing as a rideshare driver and assaulting a woman is charged KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- A Kansas City man is charged with a felony after investigators say he posed as a rideshare driver then sexually assaulted a woman. Joel Farris is charged with sodomy or attempted sodomy. His bond is set at $150,000.

Kansas City Family Seeks Cold Case Justice

Kansas City family hopes for justice nearly 5 years after shooting death of two young boys KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Aishah Coppage is all too familiar with loss. She lost her 16-year-old nephew, Jayson Ugwuh, in January in a shooting. In 2016, her 8-year-old son, Montell Ross, and 9-year-old nephew, Jayden Ugwuh, were killed in a shooting while playing video games at home.

Hold On For KCPD

KCPD makes progress reducing 911 hold times KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- The Kansas City Police Department is making progress when it comes to 911 hold times. Right now, you will likely experience a brief wait before you connect with a live call taker. It's a reality that often catches people by surprise in emergencies.

Politico Pushes Back After Sketchy Classroom Sermon & Ruckus

Kansas lawmaker pleads 'not guilty' in battery case involving high school student TOPEKA, Kan. - Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel pleaded not guilty on all counts at his first hearing, after being charged with three counts of misdemeanor battery against a high school student. Samsel appeared in-person with counsel, Chris Scott. Franklin county attorney and state prosecutor Brandon Jones was present.

Golden Ghetto Head Check After Teen Shooting Tragedy Plagues Police

Overland Park would dedicate significant resources to mental health police unit, city manager says KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Overland Park Police Department could have a unit dedicated to mental health emergency calls, if the recommendation from the city's Mental Health Task Force is approved. The task force presented its suggestion, which included 11 plainclothes crisis-intervention team coordinators and seven co-responders, to the City Council on Monday.

KCPD Command Achievement

New Command Staff for KCPD's East, Central Patrol Divisions As the seasons change, so does command staff throughout the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department (KCPD), most notably at the city's six patrol zones. For the last 24 months or so the East Patrol Division (EPD) has been led by Major Doug Niemeier.

Developing . . .
Today's controversy at city hall was dutifully reported as a "reallocation" effort from Mayor Quinton Lucas by MSM. Meanwhile, critics claim that it's nothing less than a scheme to defund the police.



A press conference opposing the proposal from Northland leaders was completely overlooked.



Meanwhile, the response from the KCPD Chief is measured and of focuses on further discussion:

I am disheartened Mayor Lucas and the other sponsoring council members did not reach out to the Police Department prior to todays press conference to notify us of such a policy shift. As a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, the Mayor meets monthly with other Board members, Department members and the public. At these meetings, we discuss performance and statistics from each bureau, including crime, budgets, policy and other matters. The Mayor and the other sponsoring council members have not previously mentioned this proposal, so our discussions about it are just beginning.

Meanwhile . . .



UNDER THE GUISE OF 'LOCAL CONTROL' THE DEBATE OVER DEFUNDING KANSAS CITY POLICE PITS MANY URBAN CORE ACTIVIST LEADERS AGAINST NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES WHO WORK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND DON'T TRUST COUNCIL OVERSIGHT!!!



Add reactionary right-wing voices into the mix and the discussion over city hall funding becomes even more unproductive and accusatory.

What we learned today is that Mayor Quinton didn't seek a consensus on this effort and instead offers a bold pronouncement. In the past he has tried this same tactic only to quietly back down later. To be fair, in this instance he likely has a block of votes to push through his plan.

Already after a tidal wave of social media criticism, the mayor is cautiously stepping back and attempting to calm critics . . . His latest tweet just moments ago offers further explanation and claims his power move is merely a funding reallocation.

Here's even more reassurance as city hall is getting eviscerated this afternoon for this proposal . . .

"Our plan does not defund. It seeks collaboration. It does not ignore the need for police, but it also does not ignore the root causes we must work hard to address. And, working together, it funds a new recruit class while making sure we focus holistically on safety. More ahead."

Per ushe, the mayor attempts to deflect any criticism by retreating into legalese and allowing outraged critics to stumble over themselves.

For right now, here's a glimpse at today's coverage . . .

Mayor Lucas announces redirection of KCPD funding toward community efforts New ordinances announced today by Mayor Quinton Lucas will redirect some of the funding the Kansas City Police Department typically receives toward community efforts. // Image courtesy of Mayor Quinton Lucas Mayor Quinton Lucas and local officials are combining efforts to hold Kansas City police financially accountable and redirect some of the funding they typically receive.

Kansas City Mayor Lucas proposes reallocation of KCPD budget to community efforts Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Thursday two pieces of legislation that he says will "vastly increase accountability for the Kansas City Police Department, enhance police-community relations, and make Kansas City safer."According to Lucas, the ordinances would amend the Kansas City FY 21-22 budget to fund the Kansas City Police

Kansas City mayor announces proposal to change police department funding, create new community fund KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced two ordinances that will partially defund the city's police department and establish a new Community Services and Prevention Fund. The majority of the members of the city council helped co-author the legislation. The mayor said the plan will increase accountability for the Kansas City Police Department.

Kansas City Mayor And Council Seek Local Control Of Police Budget Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced a plan Thursday that would reallocate the police department's budget, giving local leaders more authority to spend money on crime prevention, mental health services and the root causes of violent crime.

Kansas City council members, KCPD chief respond to mayor's plan to change police funding KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Members of the city council and the Kansas City police chief are speaking out on two new ordinances Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced Thursday afternoon that would make big changes to police funding. According to the mayor's office, the majority of city council members helped co-author the legislation, but four council members were not involved in the ordinances.

Lucas proposes minimum funding for local police; KCPD chief says department wasn't notified KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV/AP) -- Mayor Quinton Lucas and eight city councilmembers on Thursday morning proposed an ordinance that would reduce funding for Kansas City police to the minimum amount allowed by law, saying they would like to divert much of that money to the city's Community Services and Prevention Fund.

Mayor seeks to increase KCPD accountability through budget amendment Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has introduced two pieces of legislation to increase accountability for the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), to enhance police-community relations, and to make Kansas City safer.

Developing . . .
Aftermath . . . Missouri politicos oppose Democratic Party efforts to uncover the motives behind the MAGA panty raid that rocked the world.

Here's tonight's round-up . . .

Missouri Politicos Side With MAGA

Hawley, Brownback share views on investigation into the U.S. Capitol attack As lawmakers push ahead to create an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, two well-known conservatives from our region have different views on the commission.One of them is U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. The image of his clenched fist gesture to the crowd that morning made national news.The other is former U.S.

Progressive Perspective

The GOP is turning the January 6 insurrection into a new Lost Cause Let our journalists help you make sense of the noise: Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily newsletter and get a recap of news that matters. On January 6, the day Congress was scheduled to certify the electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election and declare Joe Biden the victor, thousands of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol.

New Commish Starts

House passes bipartisan plan to investigate Capitol insurrection as GOP leaders balk The House passed a bipartisan bill Wednesday to create an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as the chambers GOP leaders lobbied against its passage.

MAGA MEMENTO!!!

FBI arrests alleged Capitol rioter who called insurrection 'coolest thing I've ever done' Scott MacFarlane comments on recent updates in the FBI's Capitol riot investigation.

GOP Against Inquiry

Republicans defy Trump to back Capitol riot probe Shortly before the vote, Tim Ryan, an Ohio Democrat, said on the House floor: "We have people scaling the Capitol, hitting the Capitol Police with lead pipes across the head, and we can't get bipartisanship? What else has to happen in this country?"

Insurrection OP/Ed

Democrats owe America the facts and nothing but the facts about the Capitol attack It makes no sense to expect congressional Republicans to be willing partners in any effort to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol attack that the FBI has labeled domestic terrorism. Their former president's partisans stormed the building, and they themselves are trying to erase history. Exhibit A: Rep.

HIP-HOP STANDS WITH MAGA!!!

A rapper is facing federal charges after his album cover featured a photo of him posing on a SWAT truck during the Capitol riot A Virginia rapper "Bugzie the Don" faces federal charges after he used a photo of himself at the Capitol riot on an album cover. Antionne DeShaun Brodnax released his album cover, which features him sitting on a SWAT car in front of the Capitol. He was charged on four counts, including unlawful entry and misconduct.

Developing . . .
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 03:48:36|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Egypt held an online symposium on Tuesday to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Egypt.

Titled as 65 Years of Support and Cooperation, Hand in Hand for Better Future, the virtual meeting was attended by top diplomats and research centers from the two countries.

"Over the past 65 years, China and Egypt shared good and deep cooperation ties that presented a model of the China-Arab and -African relations," said Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun.

China and Egypt established comprehensive strategic partnership in late 2014, pushing their bilateral relations forward to a new level in all fields.

Zhai said the two countries have supported each other in facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding China has encouraged its companies to provide full support for Egypt in this regard.

So far, China has been going all out to participate in the Egyptian mega projects in the Suez Canal economic zone and the new administrative capital.

By the end of 2020, China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone has attracted 96 enterprises and investment of over 1.25 billion U.S. dollars. With revenues exceeding 2.5 billion dollars, the businesses in the zone have paid taxes of more than 176 million dollars and provided about 4,000 direct jobs and 36,000 employment opportunities in related industries.

Tariq Al-Wasmi, assistant foreign minister of Egypt for Asian affairs, said the past seven years witnessed a leap in the two countries' ties, adding China has contributed experience, funds and direct large investments in Egypt.

He also hailed Egypt's participation in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative as a significant indication for more serious cooperation between the two countries.

The Egyptian diplomat expressed appreciation to China for sharing information with and providing medical service and vaccines for Egypt, noting the two countries' deal to manufacture the COVID-19 vaccine in Egypt will contribute to the fight against the virus in neighboring countries.

Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed announced recently that Egypt will start producing China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in June.

At the symposium, Yang Fuchang, former vice minister of foreign affairs of China, attributed the good relations between China and Egypt partly to the consensus of both countries that interventions in other countries' domestic affairs are not encouraged.

The strong friendship established between China and Egypt cannot be spoiled by any force, Yang noted. Enditem
Over the past week Kansas City witnessed activists in support of Palestine dominate the Country Club Plaza with protests and vigils.



Dutifully buried by local MSM . . . Pro-Palestine supporters ripped the flag of Israel down from a Kansas City display dedicated to peace and understanding.



Now, TOP ECHELON Kansas City insiders offer perspective on the reality of activist control over local streets.



Here's the word . . .

"You won't see any pro-Israel events in KC public spaces because this past year has taught us that Antifa and BLM can operate with impunity and without consequences. This new faction of violent protesters pose a very real risk to anyone who opposes them. Last year they burned a police cruiser and a TV news SUV yet their demonstrations were described as "mostly peaceful" by the media and supported by many elected leaders. Obviously, putting supporters of Israel in physical danger doesn't make sense . . . What's worse is that the threat of reprisal has sparked silence in what can only be described as tacit antisemitism"

Nevertheless, thankfully, fear of confrontation hasn't kept the local Jewish community silent.

Later today there's an online teachable moment that attempts to share perspective an offer insight.

From the Jewish Federation Of Kansas City . . .



"Israel has been under relentless rocket attacks from terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip that have caused extensive damage, injuries and loss of life. Join us for a virtual presentation followed by a question-and-answer session."



Conflict in Israel: Why is this happening, and what might the future hold?

The context, the politics and the strategy

12 p.m. | Thursday, May 20



Featuring Dr. Jacob Stoil, Asst. Professor of Military History, U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies, Ft. Leavenworth and Fellow of the West Point Modern War Institute



Presented to the community by the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City



REGISTER NOW



Actions you can take today:



Urge Members of Congress to stand with Israel



Contribute to our Israel emergency relief fund

(emergency grants to victims and their families, psychological counseling to those affected, and support for first responders)

#################



Related reading . . .

Israel unleashes airstrikes after vowing to press on in Gaza GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Israel unleashed a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Thursday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several others. The latest strikes came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back against U.S. pressure to wind down the offensive against Gaza's militant Hamas rulers, who have fired thousands of rockets at Israel.

Sen. Bernie Sanders to introduce resolution of disapproval on $735 million U.S. arms sale to Israel Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is preparing to introduce a resolution on Thursday disapproving of the U.S. sale of $735 million in precision-guided weapons to Israel, according to a draft obtained by The Washington Post.

Facebook shuts down pro-Israel page after it was reportedly targeted by hate speech campaign Social media giant Facebook took down a pro- Israel page last week after it was allegedly targeted by radical Islamists amid ongoing unrest in the Gaza Strip. The Jerusalem Prayer Team (JPT) page, which has tens of millions of followers, was reportedly shut down on Friday after it was flooded with comments from people who allegedly wanted it taken offline.

Why isn't Biden pushing Israel harder? There's a story Joe Biden likes to tell any time he speaks to an audience about Israel. It's 1948, a matter of days before Israel's founding and three years after the end of World War II.

Can Biden walk the line between support for both Israel and Palestine? For decades, the U.S. has supported Israel, backing up its defense policy and supplying tens of billions of dollars in aid and weapons. Now, some within the Democratic party are questioning that support, and challenging President Biden's handling of the Gaza conflict.

Democrat-leaning progressive groups line up with Palestinians and against Israel as conflict rages Several major progressive groups aligned with Democrats are siding squarely with the Palestinians over Israel in the current conflict, denouncing Israeli actions in harsh terms and urging President Biden to force the U.S. ally to stop its campaign against Hamas.

Opinion | An Arab mob looted my hotel. Now my Arab neighbors are helping me rebuild. ACRE, Israel - In my early 50s, nearly 30 years after I moved to Israel from Ohio, I bought the home of no one's dreams: a dilapidated 300-year-old Ottoman ruin in the ancient Mediterrean city of Acre filled with an entire neighborhood's junk and two live horses.

Germany stands by Israel - despite the Holocaust, and because of the Holocaust | DW "This violence cannot be justified by anything. Israel has the right to defend itself against these attacks within the framework of self-defense," German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Friday, denouncing the actions of Hamas in light of the massive rocket fire on Israel. Seibert speaks for the German chancellor.

Developing . . .
Julio Alejos told jurors he didn't recall much after leaving Quaker Steak & Lube in Richland Township late in the evening on May 30, 2018. Alejos, 34, did remember that he was very drunk, had smoked a cigarette outside of the restaurant and had vomited.
Here are upcoming opportunities for adults to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Each listing includ

COVID-19 by the numbers

Pennsylvania had more than 1,190,000 cases and a total of 26,925 deaths connected to the coronavirus pandemic as of Tuesday. Here are some statistics on COVID-19 statewide and in our region:

Statewide data:

 Negative tests: 4,532,317

 Positive tests: 1,190,102

 Deaths: 26,925

 Recovered: 92%

Southwestern counties:

 Cambria: 14,378 positives, 45,405 negatives (430 deaths)

 Somerset: 7,852 positives, 22,326 negatives (208 deaths)

 Bedford: 4,529 positives, 10,127 negatives (138 deaths)

 Blair: 13,174 positives, 39,359 negatives (334 deaths)

 Indiana: 6,232 positives, 20,159 negatives (175 deaths)

 Clearfield: 8,487 positives, 21,583 negatives (146 deaths)

 Westmoreland: 33,774 positives, 98,199 negatives (760 deaths)

 Allegheny: 100,460 positives, 413,752 negatives (1,956 deaths)

 Beaver: 15,268 positives, 52,492 negatives (380 deaths)

 Butler: 17,276 positives, 52,974 negatives (413 deaths)

 Centre: 16,730 positives, 69,300 negatives (222 deaths)

 Fayette: 12,990 positives, 37,220 negatives (314 deaths)

 Greene: 3,231 positives, 10,024 negatives (40 deaths)

 Washington: 17,530 positives, 61,604 negatives (298 deaths)

Elsewhere in Pa.:

 Philadelphia: 146,897 positives, 631,705 negatives (3,615 deaths)

 Montgomery: 69,632 positives, 358,892 negatives (1,702 deaths)

 Delaware: 51,759 positives, 240,757 negatives (1,375 deaths)

 Bucks: 60,171 positives, 254,837 negatives (1,287 deaths)

 Lancaster: 54,707 positives, 194,569 negatives (1,138 deaths)

 Berks: 47,459 positives, 131,039 negatives (1,020 deaths)

 Lehigh: 39,240 positives, 142,118 negatives (850 deaths)

 Luzerne: 31,445 positives, 111,255 negatives (807 deaths)

 York: 45,812 positives, 154,721 negatives (804 deaths)

 Chester: 40,318 positives, 210,862 negatives (802 deaths)

 Northampton: 35,417 positives, 128,615 negatives (706 deaths)

 Dauphin: 25,700 positives, 104,036 negatives (546 deaths)

 Cumberland: 20,226 positives, 80,021 negatives (520 deaths)

Estimated case counts by age group:

 Ages 0-9: 47,535.

 Ages 10-19: 127,314.

 Ages 20-29: 210,583.

 Ages 30-39: 182,018.

 Ages 40-49: 163,870.

 Ages 50-59: 180,012

 Ages 60-69: 136,143.

 Ages 70-79: 76,043.

 Ages 80-89: 45,030.

 Ages 90-99: 20,228.

 Ages 100+: 981.

Case counts by gender:

 Female: 625,868 cases.

 Male: 559,084 cases.

 Not reported: 5,105 cases.

Estimated case counts by ethnicity:

 Black: 108,463 cases.

 White: 644,902 cases.

 Asian: 20,850 cases.

 Other: 21,250 cases.

 Not reported: 394,367 cases.

 To view Pa. Dept. of Health maps and other information, visit: www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx.
Pittsburgh-based biomechanist Andrew Rentschler told jurors Thursday that he believes that Chase Edward Turner, 30, was the driver of the 2009 Dodge Ram pickup truck that police say was responsible for a wrong-way collision on U.S. Route 219 that took the life of Olivia C. Red on May 31, 2018.
A new CT scanner or digital mammography system carries the same price tag for Titusville Area Hospital as it does for Allegheny General in Pittsburgh  but there are fewer patients at the smaller center to support the investment. That illustrates the financial dilemma that has pushed many rural hospitals to the brink of failure, health care leaders say.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 04:10:52|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has already taken precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

"The state is committed to securing the interests and rights of the Egyptian people," said the ministry's spokesman Ahmed Hafez in a statement.

Hafez reiterated Egypt's rejection of any unilateral measures adopted by Ethiopia regarding the dam built on their shared Nile River.

The remarks came in response to a recent statement from the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry stressing that it will go ahead with the second filling of the GERD, even without reaching a prior tripartite agreement with Egypt and Sudan, two downstream Nile Basin countries.

Hafez described Ethiopia's upcoming unilateral filling of the GERD as "an irresponsible behavior," warning that it would expose the downstream countries to great risks.

Egypt and Sudan have been raising concerns about Ethiopia's decision to unilaterally carry out the second filling of the GERD later this year, like what it did last year, without reaching a legally binding agreement on the rules of filling and operating the dam.

Both Egypt and Sudan seek to form an international quartet that includes the African Union (AU), the United States, the European Union and the United Nations to mediate in reaching the desired agreement.

Ethiopia started building the GERD in 2011, while Egypt is concerned it might affect its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of the Nile water. Sudan also raised similar concerns over the dam.

Over the past few years, the tripartite talks on the rules of filling and operating the giant hydropower dam, whose total capacity is 74 billion cubic meters, have been fruitless, including those hosted earlier by Washington and the AU. Enditem
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-18 14:48:18|Editor: huaxia

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CANBERRA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Doctors warned that Australia's coronavirus vaccine rollout is being slowed down by concerns of blood clots for people aged above 50 years old.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) reported a significant proportion of people in the 50 to 70 age bracket who do not want to receive the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.

The federal government in April said people over the age of 50 would be administered the AstraZeneca vaccine on the advice of medical regulators after it was linked to a rare blood clotting disorder in recipients.

However, RACGP President Karen Price said a large number of patients in that age group were delaying inoculation in the hope they will receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, which the government has also acquired at a later date.

"Basically every consultation there is some degree of vaccine hesitancy and discussion," she told News Corp Australia on Monday.

"Some people are adamant they're going to wait. Even though I bring out my infographics, they're adamant they want to wait. Unfortunately, they've got this idea there's a superior vaccine.

"No amount of talking about statistics saying the blood clots are extremely rare is going to change some people's mind because they fear they will be the one."

The warning came as the vaccine rollout, which has been plagued by supply issues, came under increasing scrutiny.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there had been 3.18 million COVID-19 vaccines administered in Australia.

On Monday the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability heard that the rollout of vaccines in the sector has been an "abject failure".

Kate Eastman, the senior counsel assisting the landmark inquiry, told commissioners that as of May 6 only four percent of disability care residents had been vaccinated. Enditem
Canton, GA (30114)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High near 80F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Hi i need some clarification to this topic.

I know that Portugal has opened its borders and some people might not have come back yet.

I am flying out on Monday 31st and i will be taking my test on Friday. I will be coming back on Saturday the 5th and I will take my Day 2 test then.

My question is: When I leave on the Portugal on the Saturday will i need to take a test to prove to the Portuguese authorities that i am negative or will the proof of having my Day 2 test ready be sufficient? If so where can i get the test, will it be natural flow test or PCR and how much would it be?
Flying in and out of Bozeman. Our car rental, Glacier lodging, GTTSR are reserved.

First we're heading to S Dakota via I-90, doing the South Dakota points of interest and then heading to TRNP in North Dakota.

What route would you recommend going back through Montana from TRNP to West Glacier? Go back again via the interstate? I understand that although it is longer, that it is actually more scenic than 2 or 200. Google maps tells me it is only about an hour longer taking the interstate back.

Thanks!
Just returned from a month in Namibia. Wonderful country, great trip. A big shout out to Gemma Dry who helped arrange our trip, cancelled everything last year and rebooked for us this year, found new lodges when our original choice decided not to open this year, provided us with detailed driving instructions and where to get gas, and especially was exceptionally helpful in the end arranging our COVID tests at our lodge on a Sunday, and following up Monday night to ensure we received our results in time.

We flew on Qatar from NYC to Doha, then to JNB. Had to book a separate ticket to WDH from JNB on Airlink. Qatar business class is fantastic. Transfers in JNB went fine. We had to have PCR Covid test results within 72 hours due to our transit there, instead of the more relaxed rules to come to the US. We had carry on luggage only and while we were worried about the Airlink luggage weight limits, our luggage was never weighed.

We rented a Toyota Fortuner from Gecko Car Rental, which was very comfortable for the 4 of us. We had no problems with the car, the rental check in and check out were efficient. We were provided with 2 spare tires and free second driver. We did have a flat tire, and replaced it on our own, since we were using our own insurance. We traveled more than 3,000 kms and felt perfectly safe at all times. When we had the flat tire, a very nice gentleman stopped and help us to change it.

Here's where we stayed:

Windhoek Luxury Suites, Lapa Lange, Luderitz Nest Hotel, Hoodia Desert Lodge, Swakopmund Hotel A la Mer, Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge, Palmwag Lodge, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Grootberg Lodge, Natural Selection Safari House (part of the Safarihoek lodge), Okonjima Bush Camp, and House on Olof Palme, Windhoek.

Our activities included: Kolmaskoppe tour, Luderitz penguin catamaran tour, Swakopmund catamaran tour to see seals, Swakopmund township tour, 4X4 dune tour, Himba village tour, Damara Cultural tour, San living museum, Africat carnivore care center. We saw the endangered black rhinos, cheetahs, lions, leopards, and all of the other more common animals, herds of elephants, giraffe, springbok, warthogs, zebra, wildebeast, kudu, etc.

The people of Namibia were friendly and interesting to talk with. Due to Covid times, we were frequently the only people on a tour, and typically had game vehicles to ourselves. In general, we were impressed with the food, and several of our accommodations were absolutely stunning (Hoodia, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Natural Selection Safari House, Okonjima Bush Camp, in particular.)

I'd be happy to answer any questions.
My pre-Covid travel plans for 2020 looked like this:

- 04-2020 two weeks in Tanzania

- 07-2020 three weeks in South Africa and Botswana

- 10-2020 two weeks in South Africa

The corresponding flights were all booked in 2019, namely

- DUS - AMS - JRO - AMS - DUS with KLM (through mytrip.com)

- FRA - JNB - MUC with SAA (through their website)

- JNB - MUB - JNB with Air Botswana (through their website)

FRA - ADD - JNB - ADD - FRA with ET (through their website)

The first two trips were booked as solo safaris and single flights, in October I had been hoping to be joined by my mother and my daughter and thus booked three flights.

Unfortunately it was impossible to fly to Tanzania in April and to South Africa in July, those vacations had to be cancelled. In October I was lucky enough to catch a small window where travelling to and entering in South Africa was allowed. However, my mum and my daughter decided (for various reasons) to stay home, so in the end only one of three ET tickets were used.

Initially KLM / mytrip.com, SAA and Air Botswana all refused to reimburse me for the unused tickets. It took months, dozens of eMails and the help of my credit card bank to get my money back.

With ET, I took a different approach. In October it seemed like Covid 19 was pretty much overcome, so we were hoping to catch up on that 3 generations trip to ZA. Being a bit tired of arguing with airlines and banks, I took ET's offer and let them offer us vouchers for those two unused tickets, redeemable within a year, I believe.

Now, 7 months later, my mother and my daughter will soon get their second Biontech and I my second Astra Zeneca shot, so early April I started put together a new itinerary for our journey to the southern part of Africa:

- 7 nights in Cape Town

- 6 nights in Kruger NP

- 12 nights in Khwai (just me)

However, my mum will turn 80 later this year. Also, had I used the ET vouchers I would have had to pay a fare difference of appr. 500  per ticket. In the end I decided to book 3 new tickets with LH, making use of their non stop flights between FRA and CPT / JNB.

Once these were bagged, I contacted ET to let them know I would not need their vouchers anymore and to ask for reimbursement. Under European law they are obliged to at least reimburse accessory charges like taxes, security fees, fuel surcharges, etc. Yet, being in the right and getting your right are not necessarily the same, so my hopes were not too high, especially since I believe a lawsuit would probably have had to be taken to Addis.

To my big big surprise, ET's representatives here in FRG were responsive and accomodating. My (few) mails were answered within days and less than three weeks after my initial approach the money was back on my account. More so, they transferred the entire amounts, not only the accessory charges but also the ticket fares, a difference of close to 400  per person, and that makes Ethiopian Airlines in my experience an extremely notable exception from those other airlines I had to deal with last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 10:56:34|Editor: huaxia

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CANBERRA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has opened talks with international airlines on digital vaccine passports for people who have been inoculated against COVID-19.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) which represents about 290 airlines have been in discussions about vaccinated Australians using the IATA Travel Pass, the Guardian Australia reported on Thursday.

It comes one day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison flagged the idea of a digital vaccination passport.

On Thursday he said holders of vaccination passports could be allowed to be exempt from domestic travel restrictions.

"That is likely to see more strains, more variants, come through, so we have to be exceptionally cautious," Morrison told radio station 3AW. "That's why the borders remain closed, and that's why we look to further liberalize things that are safe."

Vinoop Goel, IATA's Asia-Pacific director for airports, told the Guardian that its digital pass was secure and simple.

"Our goal is try and make sure that borders reopen, and that too without quarantine because you know if you're looking at a 14-day or 21-day quarantine, it does not work for business travel, neither does it work for leisure travel," he said. Enditem
MEXICO CITY (AP)  There are two ways of remembering the Spanish siege of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital now known as Mexico City: as the painful birth of modern Mexico, or the start of centuries of virtual enslavement.

The world-changing battle started on May 22, 1521, and lasted for months until the city finally fell to the conquistadores on Aug. 13. It was one of the few times an organized Indigenous army under local command fought European colonizers to a standstill for months, and the final defeat helped set the template for much of the conquest and colonization that came afterward.

The fall of Tenochtitlan opened the modern history of the West, said historian Salvador Rueda, director of the citys Chapultepec Museum.

One way of remembering the event is symbolized by a plaque that stands in the citys Plaza of Three Cultures honoring Indigenous Mexico, Spanish colonialism and the modern mixed-race Mexico that resulted from the conquest.

The three cultures are represented by three buildings: a ruined Aztec temple, a Spanish colonial church built atop the ruins and a modern government office building constructed in the 1960s. It was neither a triumph nor a defeat. It was the painful birth of the Mestizo (mixed-race) Mexico today, the plaque reads.

That sentiment, preached by the government since the 1920s  that Mexico is a non-racial, non-racist, unified nation where everyone is mixed-race, bearing the blood of both conquerors and conquered  has aged about as well as the 1960s office building.

It is largely roped off because shards of its marble facing regularly shear off and come crashing to the ground, and Indigenous or dark-skinned Mexicans continue to face discrimination by their lighter-skinned countrymen.

A much more enduring and perhaps accurate message is found a few blocks away on the wall of the tiny church of Tequipeuhcan, a place whose very name in the Aztecs Nahuatl language sums it all up.

Tequipeuhcan: The place where slavery began. Here the Emperor Cuauhtemotzin was taken prisoner on the afternoon of Aug. 13, 1521, reads the plaque on the church wall.

Mexico Citys current mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, put it this way: The fall of Mexico-Tenochtitlan started a tale of epidemics, abuses and 300 years of colonial rule in Mexico.

That was to become the rule throughout the hemisphere over the next three centuries. Colonizers stole the land from indigenous peoples and made them work it, extracting the wealth for the benefit of the colonizers.

The Spaniards seemed so convinced this model worked well that (Cortes' lieutenant Pedro) de Alvarado was set to go launch an invasion of China from the port of Acapulco when he got tied up in another battle in west Mexico and died, said David M. Carballo, professor of archaeology, anthropology, and Latin American studies at Boston University and author of the book Collision of Worlds.

He said the conquest of Mexico truly made the world globalized, as it connected the transatlantic to transpacific world and all the habited continents. That kicked off what we now call globalization.

Cortes and his 900 Spaniards  plus thousands of allies from Indigenous groups oppressed by the Aztecs  started the siege on May 22, 1521. They had entered Mexico City in 1520, but had been chased out with great losses a few months later, leaving most of their plundered gold behind.

But the Spaniards were uniquely prepared for a war of conquest. They had spent much of the preceding seven centuries fighting wars to reconquer Spain from the Moors. Amazingly, they were even able to bring their experience with naval warfare in the Mediterranean to bear in the battle for the Aztec capital, located in a high-mountain valley more than 7,000 feet above sea level and hundreds of miles from the sea.

Tenochtitlan was completely surrounded by a shallow lake crossed by narrow causeways, so the Spaniards built attack ships known as bergantines  something akin to floating battle platforms  to fight the Aztecs in their canoes.

It bogged down into a brutal, monthslong series of battles for control of the elevated earthen causeways that led into the city.

The campaign was never a predetermined defeat for the Aztecs. They scored a number of victories, took scores of Spaniards prisoner and even used captured Spanish weapons against the conquistadores.

At one point they took about 60 captured Spaniards and sacrificed them one by one  probably by tearing their still-beating hearts from their chests  on battlements or temple platforms in full view of the rest of the Spanish. Even the conquistadores admitted the effect was terrifying.

But the Spaniards were able to draw on their experience of sieges during the recently concluded Christian Reconquista of Muslim Spain. They cut off supplies of fresh water and food for the city. Just as importantly, the bulk of their troops were Indigenous allies tired of paying tribute under Aztec domination.

The most powerful weapon in their arsenal was not their horses, dogs of war or primitive muskets. It was not even the deceit they used to capture the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma  who died in 1520  or later, the Inca Emperor Atahualpa. The Europeans most effective weapon was smallpox.

During Cortes brief stay in Mexico City in 1520, the Aztecs had begun to be infected with smallpox, purportedly carried by an African slave the Spaniards had brought with them.

Carlo Viesca, a medical historian at Mexicos National Autonomous University, said at least 150,000 of the citys 300,000 inhabitants probably died before the Spaniards were able to reenter the city, and when they did, he quoted one Spaniard as saying, We were walking on corpses.

In the end, Viesca says, Cuauhtemoc  the last Aztec emperor  had few troops with the strength left to fight.

Medical anthropologist Sandra Guevara noted that smallpox assumed a form so virulent among Indigenous people not previously exposed to it  and with no immunological defenses against it  that even those who survived were probably blinded or developed gangrene in their feet, noses and mouths.

By the time the city fell, there were so many corpses the Spaniards couldnt occupy the city fully for months. The only way to get rid of the stench was to demolish the Aztec houses to bury the dead in the rubble.

Cuitlahuac, a respected leader who succeeded Moctezuma and preceded Cuauhtemoc, died of smallpox in late 1520, before the siege began.

If Cuitlahuac had not died, the history of Mexico would have been different, Guevara said.

Emperor Cuauhtemoc  Cuauhtemotzin to the Aztecs  took over and fought on and skillfully led the Aztec resistance in the 1521 siege.

But in August, chased to the eastern edge of the city, he either surrendered or was captured. He was tortured, because the Spanish wanted to find the gold they had briefly looted but had to abandon in 1520. Stoic to the end, Cuauhtemoc purportedly handed the Spaniards a dagger and asked them to kill him.

He remains a figure so tragic yet revered that Mexicans have been encouraged for centuries to repeat his futile self-sacrifice. When six lightly armed army cadets were surrounded by U.S. troops at a hilltop military academy in Mexico City during the 1847 invasion, rather than surrender, they reportedly flung themselves to their deaths from the parapets. They too remain national heroes.

The failed battle to defend Tenochtitlan set the template for the ultimate futility of indigenous groups trying to fight Europeans with huge standing armies, fixed positions and sieges. Apart from some fights between Spanish and Inca armies during Francisco Pizarros 1536 conquest of Peru, Indigenous resistance in the Americas  and much of the world  would largely be reduced to guerrilla tactics, periodic raids and retreats into remote or difficult-to-access areas.

Some of the last armed Indigenous resistance  both in Mexico and the United States  would not be defeated until the early 1900s.
SEATTLE (AP)  Despite recent guidance from federal and state officials, the top health official in Washington's most populous county urged people Thursday to keep wearing face masks in public, indoor settings.

King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin issued a directive strongly recommending that residents age 5 and up wear face coverings whether or not they are vaccinated until 70% or more of the county's residents 16 and older are fully inoculated. The agency projects the county will reach the threshold in late June.

About 57% of those residents in King County  home to Seattle  were fully vaccinated as of Thursday, according to the directive. The county is home to about 2.26 million people.

The directive applies to public indoor spaces including grocery and retail stores, government buildings and anywhere else members of the public can enter freely  unless a state-approved method of checking vaccination status is implemented. It does not apply to outdoor places.

Last week, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.

Gov. Jay Inslee later said Washington state would immediately adopt the new guidance from the CDC. Inslee also said businesses would retain the right to require customers to wear masks, and that, as the CDC said, masks would still be required in hospitals, schools, airplanes, prisons and on public transportation.

Duchin said Thursday he thinks there was uncharacteristically poor planning by the CDC regarding their rollout in communication of that guidance, which took him and many others by surprise.

It has led to unnecessary and avoidable confusion and frustration, he said.

With some people wondering why they should wear a mask inside if they're vaccinated, Duchin said it's because there's no easy way to know who is vaccinated and it's impractical for businesses to determine that.

If unvaccinated people do not wear masks, the risk for COVID-19 spread increases," he said. "From a practical and community health perspective, the most reliable way to ensure everyone is safe is for everyone to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces for a few more weeks, until we get vaccination rates higher and disease rates lower.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates in the county have been decreasing but are still at elevated levels that show the county is just turning the corner on a fourth wave of infection, officials said.

Duchin also said the county's relatively high rate of vaccination is not seen equally throughout the county's population, because the majority of vaccinated people are older adults. Vaccination rates for people of color and in certain geographic locations are lower, as well, and Duchin said without a mask mandate the virus will continue to spread in those communities.

King County, like all counties in the state, is in a reopening phase that allows businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms to operate at 50% indoor capacity. Last week the governor said businesses can open fully once 70% or more of residents age 16 and up statewide have received at least one vaccine dose.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said the city has had low virus death rates, cases and hospitalizations because it has relied on local public health experts and scientists.

"We know masking in indoor public spaces will continue to allow our community to have the highest level of protection, she said.

There have been nearly 392,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases plus another nearly 33,000 probable cases in Washington state and 5,673 deaths since the pandemic began.
A society is judged by the way it treats its most vulnerable, with just over thirty seven thousand Sinopharm vaccines remaining, more elderly persons were turned away from health centres on day two of the walk-in vaccination drive.
The armed formations of the Russian Federation used blinding lasers against Ukrainian troops near Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk) in eastern Ukraine.

"On May 10-16, Ukrainian service members near Stanytsia Luhanska faced the use of a powerful light emitter by Russian armed formations. These could be so-called blinding lasers made in Russia," the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna said during a meeting of the OSCE Security Co-operation Forum on May 19, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

A photograph and a scheme of the use of such lasers by the Russian occupiers were also demonstrated.

Ukrainian diplomats stressed that the use of optical or optoelectronic equipment was prohibited by Protocol IV of the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects.

Article 1 of Protocol IV to this Convention prohibits "to employ laser weapons specifically designed, as their sole combat function or as one of their combat functions, to cause permanent blindness to unenhanced vision, that is to the naked eye or to the eye with corrective eyesight devices." The contracting parties, including Russia, pledged not to transfer such weapons to any state or non-state entity.

As reported, cases of the use of laser weapons by the Russian-occupation forces in eastern Ukraine were already recorded.

On May 12, Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Nayev informed about the use of special laser optoelectronic countermeasures by the occupiers to prevent visual surveillance. According to Nayev, it is possible that the enemy uses the portable laser countermeasure system PAPV 1PN47 which is in service with the Russian Armed Forces.

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Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Inara Murniece, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov, diplomats and other officials have got acquainted with the situation in the area of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) in eastern Ukraine, the press service of the JFO headquarters has reported on Facebook.

"Yesterday, on May 19, Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Inara Murniece, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov, representatives of the Saeima and the diplomatic corps of Latvia, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Ihor Starobinskyi and other officials visited Donetsk region as part of a working visit. [] Members of the delegation talked to local residents of the frontline village of Opytne, Donetsk region, who spoke about the problems they have to face due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine," the report reads.

According to the report, the delegation also got acquainted with the way of life of Ukrainian defenders from a brigade that performs combat missions near Donetsk.

Murniece stated in Avdiivka that Latvia and Ukraine were building bridges of cooperation. According to her, Latvia consistently supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and will continue to do so.

"Today we were at the front and saw the aftermath of the war, a lot of destroyed buildings. We talked to locals. And I would like to note that despite the difficulties of frontline life, they remain patriots. Moreover, we saw successes in the formation of the Ukrainian army and progress in the development of the Donbas infrastructure. We will always stand with Ukraine," she said.

Razumkov, in turn, noted that the military in Donetsk region were performing not only their direct functions, protecting territorial integrity, but they were also helping ordinary people to pass all the trials that the war brought. At present, the tasks set by the authorities at all levels are aimed at returning Ukrainian territories and their people as soon as possible, he said.

The delegation paid tribute to the fallen Ukrainian servicemen at the Memorial of Remembrance near Sloviansk and visited the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Sloviansk.

Murniece is on an official visit to Ukraine on May 17-20, 2021.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 13:19:56|Editor: huaxia

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KATHMANDU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- An 82-year-old climber and a number of other mountaineers attempting different Himalayan mountains in Nepal have given up their plan citing bad weather and COVID-19, while others are still waiting for the right time to try their chances in the final stretch of this spring season.

Carlos Soria, the 82-year-old Spanish national, backed down from his attempt on Mt. Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-tallest at 8,167 meters, in his effort to become the oldest person to summit the tallest 14 peaks on earth, all above 8,000 meters.

He has already scaled 12 of them, including Mt. Qomolangma, the world's highest at 8848.86 meters that straddles Nepal and China, in 2001.

Carlos cited bad weather conditions and the risk of COVID-19 for his abandoned attempt on Mt. Dhaulagiri, which he had tried several times before.

"The Spanish Embassy in Delhi recommends that we leave the country on a flight that has been arranged from Spain. The international confinement will surely continue beyond May 31, indefinitely," Carlos wrote in a social media post on May 17, referring to flight suspension being enforced in Nepal due to the COVID-19 crisis.

"The situation of the mountain and the weather do not offer very good expectations until the end of the month. We must leave the Dhaulagiri base camp," wrote the climber.

According to mountaineering expedition organizers, the Himalayas have seen snowfalls since Tuesday, as cautioned by Nepali authorities over the potential impact of the TaukTae cyclonic storm that originated from the east-central Arabian Sea.

The storm has caused a great loss of lives and properties in India and its impact is being felt in Nepal as well.

Earlier, a number of climbers who attempted Mt. Dhaulagiri tested positive for coronavirus.

Carlos had planned to climb Mt. Shishapangma, the world's 14th highest at 8,012 meters in Nyalam County of Xigaze in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China after he conquers Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Earlier, on May 15, Lukas Furtenbach, managing director of Furtenbach Adventures, an Austria-based mountaineering expedition company, announced that the company had canceled its current expedition to Mt. Qomolangma due to increasing coronavirus infections at the base camp of the world's tallest mountain.

"To climb above base camp with these massively increasing coronavirus numbers and risk the lives of our 20 customers, 4 mountain guides and 27 Sherpas carelessly would be irresponsible," Furtenbach said in a statement.

Nepal's tourism authorities said, however, that they have not received any information about the cancellation. "Nobody has notified us about the cancellation of the expedition officially," Mira Acharya, director at the Department of Tourism, told Xinhua.

Seven Summit Treks, a leading expedition company in Nepal, said the team involving Carlos Soria was the only one managed by the company to have given up climbing this spring.

"Climbers managed by our company for Mt. Qomolangma and Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) are still awaiting the weather conditions to improve," Thaneshwar Guragain, a staff member of the company, told Xinhua. "They are at the base camps of these two mountains."

Himalayan Guides Nepal, another expedition company, said climbers managed by the company were preparing to reach the top of Mt. Qomolangma either on Thursday or Friday.

"Around two dozen climbers managed by my company have stayed at Camp III (Around 7,300m). They plan to start climbing from there on Thursday night," Iswari Poudel, general manager of Himalayan Guides Nepal, told Xinhua on Wednesday.

According to Poudel, despite light snowfalls on the mountain, weather conditions appeared to be manageable for now.

Around 50 climbers and Sherpa guides managed by Asian Trekking are also waiting on Mt. Qomolangma for the weather conditions to improve. "They plan to climb the mountain within a week after the potential risk caused by TaukTae cyclone is over," said Madhav Basnet, an official from the company. Enditem
Ukraine has not yet joined the European Union's Green Deal but supports its strategy.

As Head of the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation to the PACE Maria Mezentseva said on the air of the Dom TV channel, Ukraine supports the Green Deal strategy given the relevance of the country's environmental security issues. In particular, due to Russia's occupation of part of the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the ecology of the region has significantly deteriorated.

"Donbas is a region that has always been linked with heavy industry. And we know from the research by some Ukrainian and foreign scientists that the environmental disaster is looming now in the region because of its occupied parts. It's both water quality and access to it. It's also the use of our natural resources, which began after the occupation and the war in 2014, which leads to losses, dried up mouths of rivers. Satellite images prove this, showing natural water reservoirs that have dried up," Mezentseva said.

She added that "we cannot but follow this EU course, but this requires huge funding."

At the same time, Mezentseva emphasized that Ukraine received significant financial support from the EU. Since 2014, the EU has allocated more than EUR 16 billion for reforms and development of Ukraine.

"This is a clear figure: EUR 16.5 billion in non-repayable financial aid. I want to emphasize that this is not a loan. This is the assistance that has been channeled into science, culture, economics, and other areas," she said.

As a reminder, Ukraine declared its readiness to join the Green Deal in 2020.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky says it is very difficult to attract investors to activities in areas along the contact line because they do not want to risk capital.

He said this at a press conference in Kyiv on May 20, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

It is very difficult to attract investors, believe me, they do not want to risk capital; unfortunately, we have risky areas along the contact line ... But we held the forum in Donbas, namely in Mariupol [in 2019], so that investors come and see that it is safe there," Zelensky said.

He added that in order to solve the problem of emigration of young people from the government-controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, enterprises should open there, and for this, it is necessary to end the war and continue to build infrastructure.

Earlier, the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories reported that the Economic Development Strategy of Donetsk and Luhansk Regions should enter into force on January 1, 2022 to promote the development of business and territorial communities. Among the proposed measures for investors is insurance against military and political risks.

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Russias recent military buildup near Ukraine's border and in occupied Crimea was one of the topics of talks between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

This was said in an official statement released by the U.S. Department of State following the meeting between Blinken and Lavrov on May 19, Ukrinform reports.

"Secretary Blinken raised our deep concerns regarding Russias continued military deployments in and near Ukraine, its actions against VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and the health of Aleksey Navalny and the repression of opposition organizations," the report reads.

The secretary reiterated President Bidens resolve to protect U.S. citizens and act firmly in defense of U.S. interests in response to actions by Russia that harm U.S. or its allies.

In addition, Blinken underscored the imperative of ensuring humanitarian access for the people of Syria, where Russia supports the Assad regime.

At the same time, the secretary noted that the United States sought a more stable and predictable relationship with Moscow. In this context, the parties discussed Russias Arctic Council Chairmanship and the importance of cooperation given their shared stake in the region.

They also discussed regional issues, including finding a long-term political solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Afghanistan, strategic stability, and curbing Iran and the DPRKs nuclear programs.

Blinken and Lavrov committed to continued discussions going forward.

As Ukrinform reported, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk said that the number of Russian troops near Ukraines border has not significantly decreased; therefore, the issue of Russia fulfilling its obligations under the Vienna Document and providing explanations for unusual military activity remains relevant.

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Estonia has become the fourth country in the European Union to declare its intention to support Ukraine in gaining full membership of the EU, Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva has said.

According to the presidential press service, he said this while commenting on the signing by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of a joint statement on priority areas of bilateral cooperation.

"The document states that Estonia has consistently supported the course for Ukraine's European integration, it supports the reforms that Ukraine is implementing along this path, and it is ready to help Ukraine meet membership criteria. As a result, Estonia has clearly stated today that it sees Ukraine in the European Union, and when Ukraine is ready to submit a membership bid, Estonia will certainly support such a bid," Zhovkva said.

He said the joint statement signed in Kyiv on May 19 had become the fourth document that reaffirms the support of EU member states for Ukraine's EU membership aspirations. Earlier, similar documents were signed by officials from Lithuania, Latvia and Poland.

"Our European partners' support for Ukraine's European prospects is only growing," Zhovkva said.

In the joint statement signed by Zelensky and Kallas, Estonia reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the importance of cooperation in areas of common interest, including digitalization, he said.

On May 19, Zelensky and Kallas signed a joint statement on priorities of bilateral cooperation, which emphasizes Estonia's readiness to support Ukraine's future accession to the European Union.

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Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held online consultations with Foreign Policy Secretary of the President of Bulgaria Dimitar Ikonomov.

The interlocutors discussed the current security situation in eastern Ukraine, in particular, they touched upon the issue of significant increase in the number of troops of the Russian Armed Forces along the Ukrainian border and in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas, the press service of the Head of State informs.

In particular, Ikonomov reaffirmed Bulgaria's unwavering position in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Zhovkva praised the prompt and decisive reaction of the international community, partner countries, in particular Bulgaria, which helped prevent further escalation of tensions. The parties agreed on the importance of constant monitoring of the real withdrawal of troops from the Ukrainian border.

As noted, the parties also discussed the security situation in the Black Sea region and noted the need to strengthen regional cooperation at the level of partner countries.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President informed the interlocutor in detail about the Crimean Platform initiative.

During the conversation, special attention was paid to the practical cooperation between Ukraine and Bulgaria, as well as to the further deepening of relations with the EU and NATO, reads the statement.

The Foreign Policy Secretary of the President of Bulgaria supported the deepening of Ukraine's cooperation with the EU and expressed willingness to work out relevant bilateral initiatives.

The interlocutors also discussed in detail the internal situation in both countries, including measures to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that France and Germany have recently weakened their positions in relation to Russia.

He said this at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, May 20, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

We understand that we will go further in the Normandy format. I had a meeting with President Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. I feel their support. I believe they should support us more ... I think that they have recently weakened their positions in relation to Russia," Zelensky noted.

He added that such a weakening is due to the economic situation, pressure from within France and Germany, and pressure from business regarding sanctions. "There is also economic pressure in Germany due to the sanctions policy regarding Nord Stream 2," the president added.

Zelensky stressed that resolving the issue of war and de-occupation of our territories remained his priority.

He added that online meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group are ongoing, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the situation for the meeting of the Normandy format leaders has become more complicated, so "there is no progress here."

In addition, Zelensky noted that the TCG agreements on the opening of new crossing points near Zolote and Shchastia are important in the humanitarian dimension.

As reported, on Thursday, May 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding a press conference at the State Enterprise Antonov. The previous press conference took place near the Mariinsky Palace on May 20, 2020.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky assures he is doing everything possible to prevent the conflict in eastern Ukraine from being frozen.

He said this at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, May 20, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The president stressed that 99% of the solution to the issue of the occupied territories depends on Russia, but the issue of preventing the freezing of the conflict is the 1% on which Zelensky's efforts are now focused.

"We cling tightly to this 1% ... so as not to freeze the conflict. Because it is easier to freeze it, we understand this, and there will be no "betrayal" in this," the president noted.

Zelensky also called the case of the war in eastern Ukraine one of the most difficult in the world. "We have a chess game in which you were initially with half of the pieces, despite the fact that you are white," he added.

The president also assured that he knows exactly what he is doing.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there was no other format for negotiations on de-escalation in eastern Ukraine, except for the Normandy one.

Zelensky also believes that France and Germany have recently weakened their positions in relation to Russia. According to the president, Ukraine deserves stronger support in resolving the situation in Donbas from international partners, in particular France and Germany.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that it is too early to talk about him running for a second term as president.

He said this at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"It is too early to answer," Zelensky said when asked about the likelihood of his run for a second term.

"Not even half of my term has passed. I think we will have time to do a lot of things. There are many promises and I do not want them to go down in history as promises. And my desire to run for a second term will coincide with the desire of society. I think that it will very much depend on the things I promised to do or have not done. Let's see how it goes," he said.

Zelensky added that even if he succeeds as president, he still wants to be better than his predecessors.

"I believe that Ukraine deserves every next president to be better than the previous one. I am sure that after me there will be a better president than me. And it is important that Ukraine does not look back, but that it looks only forward," he said.

Zelensky also noted that his decision to run for a second term would also depend on his family.

"It really depends on my family a little bit. I'm sorry, but I've become less sentimental, more pragmatic in these two years. Nevertheless, in addition to Ukraine, they occupy a big place in my life, in my heart, it will also depend very much on them," he said.

The President's Office said earlier that Zelensky had not yet decided whether he will participate in the next presidential election.

Last autumn, Deputy Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko suggested that Zelensky could run for a second presidential term, as he concluded that one presidential term was not enough to rebuild the country.

Zelensky said at a press conference in May 2020 that he would consider running for a second term if he saw strong support for his actions from the people.

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The ambassadors of the G7 countries have congratulated Ukrainians on Vyshyvanka Day.

According to Ukrinform, the diplomats posted a greeting and a joint photo in embroidered shirts on the Twitter account of the UK Presidency of the G7 Ambassadors' Support Group in Kyiv.

"The G7 Ambassadors' Reform Group wishes Ukraine a very happy Vyshyvanka Day!" the tweet reads.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons also posted a photo in an embroidered shirt on Twitter.

Ukrainians traditionally celebrate Vyshyvanka Day on the third Thursday of May.

Vyshyvanka Day is not an official holiday, but it is marked not only in Ukraine but also abroad.

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First Lady Olena Zelenska, UNICEF Ukraine, the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation to implement a communication campaign on healthy eating.

Olena Zelenska wrote about this on her Facebook page, Ukrinform reports.

"Work on reforming the school nutrition system continues. Today a significant step has been taken  we together with UNICEF Ukraine, the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation to implement a communication campaign on healthy eating," wrote the president's wife.

She also informed about plans to launch an information portal on school nutrition reform this August, which will be a useful and convenient helper for both educators and parents and pupils. Moreover, with the help of partners, some measures will be carried out in cooperation with the private sector to upgrade the necessary equipment in schools, Zelenska added.

"I am proud to take responsibility for starting this journey. I thank UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation for understanding the importance of the topic and actively participating in the work, wrote the president's wife.

As Ukrinform reported, First Lady Olena Zelenska previously stated that the menu for school canteens would be updated in 2021.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 13:42:26|Editor: huaxia

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File photo taken on Sept. 9, 2020 shows a kaka, a native bird to New Zealand at Zealandia Eco-sanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand. In the 1990s, kaka, a native bird to New Zealand, was considered nearly extinct in the main islands of the country. However, Zealandia Eco-sanctuary witnessed more than 1,000 kaka chicks tagged in the past 20 years due to conservation efforts of a re-introduction program. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

WELLINGTON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- "I live about 2 km from Zealandia (Wellington) and it is a rare day when I don't see kaka or hear their tell-tale screech," Ian Archer, a bird observer, told Xinhua.

In the 1990s, kaka, a native bird to New Zealand, was considered nearly extinct in the main islands of the country. However, Zealandia Eco-sanctuary witnessed more than 1,000 kaka chicks tagged in the past 20 years due to conservation efforts of a re-introduction program.

"Actually, we don't know how many kaka we have in the Wellington region now," Archer said with joy in his eyes. He is a professional bird observer to Zealandia, and once served as an environmental volunteer in the Eco-sanctuary for 14 years.

Zealandia was a dam for locals' water supply near the city center of Wellington before being deserted due to potential earthquake risk in 1997. A man named Jim Lynch realised that if the deserted dam located in the valley could be surrounded by a pest-proof fence, then endangered species could be reintroduced safely.

By 1999, an 8.6-km-long, 2.2-meter-tall fence was designed and erected around the dam region, pest species were removed in the following months and re-introduction of native species started by the end of 2000.

In 2002, 14 captive-bred kaka were re-introduced to Zealandia. The lack of mature native trees in Zealandia means the birds originally were short of full range of natural food, nor nesting places, usually like natural holes in big trees. Working staffs of Zealandia then provide plenty of nest boxes made from large plastic pipes and lined with wood for the kaka to chew on. Additionally, two types of supplemental food became birds' regular "desserts" in the sanctuary. One is sugar water and the other is a sort of mixture of honeyeater food.

Plenty of places to nest, supplementary food to feed the young and safety from predators are crucial measures for the extinctive birds to re-establish in the wild.

"Three to six eggs are usually laid with incubation usually starting after the 3rd egg being laid. Chicks that hatch several days later than their siblings can be significantly smaller than the older chicks for the first few weeks," Archer said.

"In the wild with limited food, this often means that smaller chicks do not survive. At Zealandia where supplementary food is readily available, this allows most chicks to survive."

To date, kaka with band have been identified up to 200 km away from Wellington, which means the birds have successfully nested outside the sanctuary and no longer need human support.

Zealandia is not only the Eco-sanctuary for kaka, but also shelters of hihi, takahe, kiwi, saddleback, all the extinctive native birds to New Zealand and home for more than 200 tuatara, a sort of reptile from the Dinosaur's age. The dam, once the surplus of the city, now is an asylum to the endangered birds, animals and floras. Enditem
| By Lou Cortina and Charles Schelle

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) celebrated Commencement in a fitting way this year, as its seven schools mixed virtual events and small, in-person gatherings to honor a Class of 2021 that has persevered to graduate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Universitywide level, the theme was clear: Many of us have been apart for much of the past 14 months, but UMB always comes together to improve the human condition and serve the public good.

Rather than leading the annual Universitywide ceremony at Royal Farms Arena, canceled for the second year in a row because of COVID-19 safety protocols, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, donned his graduation regalia and spoke from Leadership Hall in the Medical School Teaching Facility as the centerpiece of a 17-minute video released May 20 to celebrate the Class of 2021.

(Watch video above and see more Commencement coverage.)

Francis King Carey School of Law Dean Donald B. Tobin, JD, shares a moment of fun with a Class of 2021 graduate.

It is certainly unfortunate that youre not walking across that stage today, Jarrell said in addressing the graduates. I feel your pain, to not be here in person to receive your diploma. But its not the act of walking across that stage that defines you or your career. That is just one more step in your career, the end of one more chapter. Im sure and confident that your studies have prepared you to go forth and write that next chapter.

Our Maryland community and the world could not be more ready for you to get started. The challenges that we face are daunting, but Im confident that you will face them head-on with confidence in your abilities, and with an eye toward the future. The entire UMB family, your families, and the state of Maryland are very proud of you and your accomplishments.

Before Jarrell spoke, members of a Lutherville, Md., family  Swiatoslaw Kuznik, Aneta Otreba, and their son, Mark Kuznik  performed Pomp and Circumstance: March No. 1 with cello and violins inside Health Sciences Research Facility III. After Jarrell spoke, members of the Hippocratic Notes, an a cappella group from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), sang the national anthem while physically distanced and standing in front of historic Davidge Hall.

Greetings from Governor and Chancellor

Next up was Gov. Larry Hogan, who extended congratulations on behalf of the state of Maryland as you begin the next exciting chapter of your lives.

When history looks back on this years graduates, you will often be remembered for your earning your degree in the shadow of a global pandemic, he said. Normal life came to a screeching halt over the past year and forced all of us to pause and reflect on the things that truly matter. Staying apart from friends and family reminded us how much we depend on and need each other to get through the hard times.

Fortunately, now we are so close to that light at the end of the tunnel when we can put this pandemic behind us. And while we know that we can never reclaim the time weve lost, I hope that as you graduate today, you remember that each of us can make the days ahead count that much more.

Jarrell introduced a video presentation from Jay A. Perman, MD, the chancellor of the University System of Maryland, who noted it was so nice to be home again, alluding to his nearly 10-year tenure as UMB president before Jarrell assumed the office in 2020.

I know that nothing youve endured throughout this COVID year has been easy, Perman told the graduates. Given the incredible challenges and uncertainty you faced, Im awed by your persistence and flexibility, your grit and determination. What youve accomplished this year, of all years, is amazing, and I know that the same qualities that got you through these months of turbulence will propel you through a lifetime of work that truly makes a difference.

A crisis like this is a crucible that tests you but also gives you your greatest reward. And that reward is the knowledge that you are who we need  leaders with your talent, your skill, your character, your compassion.

Resilience and Inspiration

Nivedita Hegdekar, MSL, president of the University Student Government Association, a student in the University of Maryland Graduate School, and a Class of 2021 graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, praised graduates for their resilience in the face of COVID-19.

You navigated the hurdles of online learning, multiple Zoom meetings, online finals, personal hardships, and so much more, she said. These were challenges that none of you signed up for, yet you persevered and succeeded. You not only showed personal resilience, compassion, and strength of character, but you also supported one another and the UMB community.

The Class of 2021 proved that through hard times, you can still complete your education and follow your dreams. You inspire all of us.

The presentation ended with a five-minute video recapping UMBs response and recovery efforts as the University adjusted to a new normal starting in March 2020 when the pandemic unfolded: the switch to telework, volunteers sewing face masks to support hospital personnel, the Food for Our Front Lines campaign that provided free meals to front-line workers, the Community Engagement Center giving food and support to West Baltimore families, and the comprehensive efforts to test for the virus, conduct vaccine trials, and distribute vaccines.

The video ended with inspirational words about UMB and its response to the pandemic:

We adapted. We overcame. And what changed as a result of COVID-19 has only made UMB stronger and more efficient. There is no going back to the way things were. Were beyond that. We will keep moving forward, assured that what weve achieved has only made us more focused and more dedicated than ever to our mission. Together, we will continue to persevere. Together, we will always adapt. Together, we will never give up.

UMB  together.

Elsewhere around the University:

School of Dentistry

Doctor of Dental Surgery graduates at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry walked across a stage May 21 to be hooded, physically distanced but still together. While no guests could join them, the occasion was livestreamed and then posted online.



Dean Mark A. Reynolds, DDS, PhD, MA, marveled at the nimbleness the graduates had exhibited during the past year.



This ceremony marks the graduation of a class whose members have shown remarkable tenacity and resilience, Reynolds said. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors have demonstrated great flexibility and adaptability whether studying remotely, conducting novel research, performing online community service, or excelling in patient care.

The school also produced an hourlong video of its honors convocation that included remarks from Reynolds, Alumni Association Board of Directors president Shari Kohn, DDS 90; Board of Visitors chair Melvin Kushner, DDS 66; Student Government Association president Sahar Nesvaderani, DDS, MS, and others.

I think its wrong to say we lost anything at all, really, because of the pandemic. We just had to shift in a different direction, learn to adapt to unexpected change, and test our resilience, Nesvaderani said. As creatures of habit, were wired to face adversity by doing what has always been done, rather than taking a different approach.

Class of 2021, you are the product of a different approach, which is why I know we are one of the strongest graduating classes of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.

Francis King Carey School of Law

The Francis King Carey School of Law celebrated its graduates with an online video and virtual hooding ceremony and is hoping to hold an in-person event during the summer. It also held a post-hooding Zoom celebration for graduates and launched an online yearbook.

To the great Class of 2021, I want you to know that I have never been prouder to be dean of this law school  and you are the reason, said Dean Donald B. Tobin, JD. Your lives and legal educations were disrupted by a global pandemic, but throughout these trying times you have demonstrated remarkable perseverance and adaptability, which will serve you well in your careers.

The ceremony featured remarks from three professors as well as Edward Healy, JD, Evening Program class president, and Rebecca Carlone, JD, Day Program class president.

Donald Gifford, JD, the Jacob A. France Professor of Torts, noted that this class persevered not only through a pandemic, but also during a national reckoning on racial injustice and tumultuous times in Washington, D.C., with two presidential impeachments and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

We could have never anticipated how much the world would change during your time in law school and how these changes would affect you, Gifford said. You attended law school during times more unsettling, more polarizing than any in the history of this institution. And just as the critical needs in our society forced the law to change, to move toward the arc of justice, you as students could not ignore what went on in the world around you.

Your attending law school during these peculiar times has made you better persons of the law. These events made you realize that our nation is not done changing, and neither are you. In fact, you are just at the start of your growth as a professional. We all strive together to be part of a more perfect union, but now you realize that you, too, are still striving to become a more perfect advocate for justice.

Brooke Kasoff, JD, said finishing law school during a pandemic was definitely a challenge. It was difficult sitting at home, doing everything from home  school, classes, studying late at night, and not having the law library. But Im so grateful that we made it to the end.

Graduate School

In a prerecorded ceremony for its doctoral degree recipients, the Graduate School dedicated an hour-plus video to personal messages from graduates mentors, giving viewers a chance to learn about their detailed research and accomplishments.

Gerardo R. Vasta, PhD, professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at UMSOM, introduced the first graduate, Kelsey Abernathy, PhD, whose research focused on the opposite roles of zebrafish galectins in attachment and infection by the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus. She graduated with a doctoral degree in Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental science, and Vasta noted that she multitasked by supervising student interns in the laboratory, serving as a teaching assistant, and co-founding the startup company AlgenAir.

Kelsey has been a dedicated and hardworking member of our research team and is known to everyone as a committed team player, Vasta said. These findings are highly relevant to how viruses have evolved to subvert the immune defenses of the host. It will open new evidence for interventions of viral disease not only in aquaculture but also in veterinary and human medicine.

School of Medicine

UMSOMs virtual celebration was livestreamed May 20 on YouTube and included remarks from Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA; Cynthia L. Egan, chair of the UMSOM Board of Visitors; Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System; and Victor J. Dzau, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine, vice chair of the National Research Council, and Chancellor Emeritus and James B. Duke Professor of Medicine at Duke University.

Graduating from medical school is a real accomplishment at any time, but, of course, this is not just any time, Dzau said in his keynote address. You did this hard work in the middle of a global pandemic, the likes of which the world hasnt seen in 100 years. That is truly impressive and memorable.

You are embarking on a career in health and medicine at one of the most eventful times in recent history, with society being rocked by existing existential threats: the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and an awakening to centuries of systemic racism. As doctors and researchers, you will be at the heart of finding solutions to these crises.

Reece said it would have been hard to imagine a year ago that UMSOM would be celebrating graduation again in a virtual format.

We have come a long way in the fight against this pandemic, he said. The nations and indeed this institutions clinicians and researchers have taken the brunt of the storm. Im confident that this talented and socially conscious class is well-equipped and fully armored to join the rank of the physicians and physician-scientists on the front lines.

The event also featured graduate Autusa Pahlavan, MD, winner of the Faculty Gold Medal for Outstanding Qualifications for the Practice of Medicine and the Balder Scholarship Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. In her remarks, she said she was inspired by the way her classmates mobilized to combat COVID-19 by volunteering in hospitals and the community.

It is clear that the members of this class are ready to handle the challenges of a career in medicine and will undoubtedly have a positive impact in the communities they serve, she said. I also want to express my gratitude for the enriching experience the School of Medicine has provided. We have been so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful physicians and mentors who are role models for how to provide compassionate, clinically excellent care and to advocate for our patients.

School of Nursing

In a virtual ceremony May 20, Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), recognized the extraordinary dedication of the graduates whose time at UMSON was capped by the pandemic, noting that some chose an early-exit option or volunteered in other capacities to immediately help the front-line needs brought on by COVID-19.

Kirschling said the graduates had her deepest respect for their efforts in balancing school, work, families, and the pandemic.

The events of the past 14 months, our national and global struggles to combat COVID-19 give additional meaning to this dedication, Kirschling said during a virtual ceremony that combined live and prerecorded remarks. It is a reminder that nursing does not have the opportunity to pick and choose its moments of service, but rather it must always be on the ready to respond.



Student speaker and Doctor of Nurse Practice graduate Henry Eromosele Inegbenosun, BSN, RN, DNP, echoed the deans remarks about graduating during a pandemic.

Every crisis has its heroes. Firefighters race into burning buildings. Soldiers and police officers place themselves in the line of fire. During times of fear and uncertainty, the world called, and nursing answered, he said.

Eromosele Inegbenosun also told his fellow graduates to remember the journey during these tumultuous times both before and during the pandemic, with some leaving families, others leaving jobs behind, and many experiencing hardships to make their education possible, including himself.

Not many little boys from Lagos, Nigeria, have the opportunity to reach what I have accomplished today: a Doctor of Nurse Practice degree as a family nurse practitioner, he said. Throughout my program, I had to consider various life decisions: contemplating if I should pay for rent, put food on the table, or pay for school. But with the passion for knowledge and the love of wisdom, my nursing education won every time. I overcame the social determinants most only considered in theory.

School of Pharmacy

After an emotional year, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) sent its graduates off on a high note with a series of inspiring speeches during its May 21 celebration with prerecorded remarks livestreamed and then posted online.

Dean Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FAAPS, FCP, lifted graduates up, saying how much they will be needed going forward.

My advice during this unprecedented time in the world is to continue to focus on what is important to you, Eddington said. To be leaders who challenge the status quo approach and contribute to the greater good; to be optimistic and to use your knowledge, skills, and passion to drive innovation and change; to recognize all that you have to offer and that you begin your career at a time when your skills and your expertise are sorely needed.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County President Freeman A. Hrabowski III, PhD, MA, served as the keynote speaker, telling UMSOP graduates: Dont limit yourselves. Dream of the possibilities.

Hrabowski also advised graduates to know yourself well.

Know your level of tolerance for risk, for example. Know that the first job you get wont be your last job. Understand that the experiences youve had have made you stronger than you ever have before, he said. That this as a commencement is just the beginning. Most important: Dont let anyone else define who you are. Be proud of what you have accomplished and take each day to improve.

School of Social Work

The University of Maryland School of Social Work released an online graduation video and conducted an outdoor hooding ceremony May 21 to celebrate its Class of 2021. In the video, Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, presiding over her first graduation as dean, praised the graduates for being persistent, relentless, and passionate in pursuit of your masters or doctoral degrees.

All of our graduates need to be recognized for the incredible efforts they had to invest just to come this far during the turbulent times of a pandemic and increasing racial and social injustice, Postmus said. I stand before you today amazed at how much you have accomplished.

A good portion of your education was completed online and in unique circumstances. You persevered through all obstacles. You were not only a student, but most likely also a parent, a caregiver, a home-school teacher  and maybe you felt alone, depressed, anxious, and scared, all at the same time. Knowing this, I hope you do not feel like you earned less of a degree. On the contrary, your degree is a great symbol of overcoming and enduring and achieving.

Alumnus Lori James-Townes, LCSW-C, MSW 91, president and CEO of Expand-Now LLC and executive director of the National Association of Public Defense, was the keynote speaker, and graduate Mavlyn Bazil, MSW, delivered a speech with this message: Social workers are essential.

Social workers feed the hungry by educating communities about the importance of the food they eat, empowering them to protect their right to food and providing meaningful interventions to vulnerable populations, said Bazil, who earned her masters degree after serving in the Army. Social workers fight for the rights of others and work to obtain resources by convincing policymakers of the legitimate needs of community members. Above all, social workers challenge all forms of discrimination.

I look forward to the changes Im going to make in the lives of women who have experienced different forms of sexual violence, she added. I particularly look forward to one day being able to institute or update policies that will benefit survivors of any form of sexual violence.

Laura Lee contributed to this article.

(Read more about Commencement and UMBs honorary degree recipients.)
| By Mary Therese Phelan

Courtney J. Jones Carney (top) and Rosemary Ferreira host "The Table" podcast, which explores race, ethnicity, culture, norms, and current events.

A space of belonging, value, affirmation, and welcome.

Thats how officials describe University of Maryland, Baltimores (UMB) new Intercultural Center, which opened with a virtual launch and will experience more in-person activity as faculty, staff, and students eventually return to campus.

I must admit, when I applied for the position I currently hold, I never envisioned that the Intercultural Center launch would take place via Zoom, Courtney J. Jones Carney, MBA, director of the Intercultural Center and executive director of Intercultural Leadership and Engagement, said during the virtual kickoff. She leads the center along with associate director Rosemary Ferreira, MEd.

COVID-19 has changed so many of our realities, said Jones Carney, who also is an adjunct professor in the Graduate School and serves as program director for the Intercultural Leadership Certificate Program. However, one thing that has not changed is the necessity to foster a sense of belonging and acknowledge the needs and lived experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented students, staff, and faculty at UMB.

The kickoff program featured remarks from UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, whom Jones Carney said has been very thoughtful and intentional about taking steps toward establishing UMB as a university that actively works toward anti-racism and anti-oppression.

One of my goals as president is to help create a more inclusive and equitable UMB, Jarrell said. And the intention of the Intercultural Center is to create that dedicated space, a space where all individuals feel valued, recognized, affirmed, and welcome, that they belong here. Its a space for students to find connections with others who share their background and experiences  but, conversely, and just as important, connections with students from different backgrounds.

The center will help students to become culturally competent professionals that will make them more effective as clinicians or practitioners, Jarrell said. And that is our mission here  to improve the human condition and serve the public good. And, of course, that will demonstrate just how great UMB is. We all know how great it is, but that will show it even better.

The Intercultural Center grew from the now-defunct Office of Interprofessional Student Learning & Service Initiatives (ISLSI).

That office had a long name that didnt really speak to the focus of the department, Jones Carney explained. Many signature programs were established through ISLSI such as the Presidents Student Leadership Institute, the Presidents Symposium and White Paper Project, I Heart UMB Day, and various heritage month programs that took place over the last decade.

The foundation established through ISLSI was used to build the unit of Intercultural Leadership and Engagement, which is a much larger unit that is composed of multiple functional areas that will one day hopefully grow into departments, Jones Carney said. For now, these functional areas focus on student development through the lens of leadership, supportive student organizations, civic engagement, and the Intercultural Center. While the Intercultural Center is part of this larger unit, it has a distinct and intentional focus on being a recognized space of belonging, a place for intercultural learning that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and cultural competence and a leader in examining and addressing the impact of policies and practices that disproportionately impact historically underrepresented groups. Hopefully the name that has been selected for this center is a better indication of the work that will be done.

Students attend UMB not only to learn about their chosen fields of study, but also to prepare for working with individuals and groups of people in the real world, from all walks of life and with their lived experiences, added Shanice Harris, treasurer of the University Student Government Association (USGA.) And in this time, what that means is experiences that include racism, oppression, and marginalization on systemic and individual levels. A significant part of our preparation includes how we engage with one another as fellow students, and the levels to which we hold one another accountable.

In response to the racial injustice that occurred in the nation in the summer and fall of 2020, Harris and USGA president Nivedita Hegdekar worked to build the framework for what is now known as the Equity Committee, a student-run body devoted to strengthening efforts for equity through anti-oppression and social justice at UMB, explained Hegdekar. The committee will work with the Intercultural Center to expand collective and community-based education, training, and policy framing. The committee, which will include representatives from each of the UMB schools and student leaders of school-specific organizations that are interested in collaborating with USGA, will incorporate existing efforts with the University.

The seed for an Intercultural Center was planted in 2019 when then-president Jay A. Perman, MD, and Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA, interim UMB provost, executive vice president, and dean of the Graduate School, met with students from the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) including Vanessa Gonzalez-Wright, MSW 19, LMSW, a UMSSW alumnus who served as a student leader.

The Intercultural Center was developed out of student advocacy, that student voices and feedback are valued, and this is an example of how seriously your feedback is considered and implemented, said Patty Alvarez, PhD, MS, assistant vice president of student affairs. Discussions around creating a center could not have occurred without the feedback and advocacy of students from the School of Social Work.

Students at the time expressed a need for resources for undocumented students, faculty, and staff, as well as racially and ethnically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff, and an increased focus on creating a more inclusive campus, Alvarez said.

Before that, in spring 2018, a Multicultural Center Taskforce was created, chaired by Alvarez and Gonzalez-Wright.

We look forward to collaborating with each of you and many others and achieving the goals of the Intercultural Center and UMB to make inclusive campus environments where all students can be successful, Alvarez said.

The mission of the center, said Ferreira, is to develop initiatives and resources that foster a sense of belonging and acknowledge the needs and lived experiences of historically marginalized students, staff, and faculty at UMB.

We are also deeply committed to developing anti-racism and anti-oppression educational programs that will inform the practice of our current and future health care, law, and human services professionals, she said. We envision the Intercultural Center will develop spaces of belonging, spaces of courage, and spaces of critical thinking.

Another creation of the Intercultural Center is The Table, a new monthly podcast that delves into questions regarding race, ethnicity, culture, norms, and current events. Jones Carney and Ferreira also hold virtual office hours where they welcome suggestions and opportunities for collaboration. Details can be found here.
Lady Dunn

In July 1909, Lady Dunn was born Marcia Anastasia Christoforides in Sutton, Surrey, England, to parents John Christoforides and Mildred Nightingale- Boyes. In 1942, she married Canadian financier James Hamet Dunn, 1st Baronet. In the late 1940s, Lady Dunn and her husband developed a friendship with the Spanish artist Salvador Dali who painted several portraits of them, notably Equestrian Fantasy  Portrait of Lady Dunn.

Lady Dunn/Beaverbrook was a prominent philanthropist in Canada. The Sir James Dunn Foundation, which she directed during her lifetime, continues to this day and has funded a number of projects at UNB including a wildlife research centre, a residence at UNB Saint John and a Chair in Interprofessional and Family-Centred Care. She died in October 1994 at the age of 85.

History of womens residences at UNB

From its earliest days, the Associated Alumnae Society (formed in 1910), dreamed of opening a womens residence, as propriety prevented out-of- town girls from attending UNB unless they could live with relatives.

The groups chance came in April 1949, when Lord Beaverbrook offered them the house that he had recently purchased on the corner of Charlotte and Church streets, on the condition that they could raise the funds to alter and equip it by the end of the year.

Determined not to lose this opportunity, Muriel Farris Baird, Class of 1927, led the charge. The society secured a hefty $55,000 from various sources, including Lord Beaverbrook himself, between May and September of 1949, and the 21-bed womens residence opened ahead of schedule that fall. The residence later became co-ed in 1979 and was reopened in 2000 as the home of Renaissance College while it continued to act as a student residence under the name, Maggie Jean Chestnut House.

Lady Dunn Hall opened in 1963, becoming the first on-campus accommodation for women at UNB. Lord Beaverbrook decided to name the residence in honour of his second wife and Sir James Dunns widow, Lady Dunn.

References

Photos

1. Lady Dunn and Salvador Dali. Photo provided by and used with the permission of the archive of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

2. Lady Dunn Hall (later to be Joy W. Kidd House). Photo provided by and used with the permission of the UNB Archives & Special Collections.

3. Maggie Jean Chestnut House. Photo provided by and used with the permission of the UNB Archives & Special Collections.
A Honduran family waits in the Kiki Romero gymnasium, Mexico, after being returned at the US-Mexico border under Title 42.  UNHCR/Jeoffrey Guillemard

I appeal to the government of the United States to swiftly lift the public health-related asylum restrictions that remain in effect at the border and to restore access to asylum for the people whose lives depend on it, in line with international legal and human rights obligations.

I welcome the US governments plans for much needed reform and capacity building to manage border processes and the positive steps that have been taken to exempt unaccompanied children and some families in situations of acute vulnerability from these severe restrictions. A system which allows a small number of asylum seekers to be admitted daily, however, carries with it a number of risks, and is not an adequate response. There is an urgent need to take further steps to provide access at ports of entry which remain closed to most asylum-seekers owing to the Title 42 public health order by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in place since March last year.

The Title 42 order has resulted in the expulsions of hundreds of thousands of people to Mexico or their countries of origin, denying their access to asylum procedures. Guaranteed access to safe territory and the prohibition of pushbacks of asylum-seekers are core precepts of the 1951 Refugee Convention and refugee law, which governments are required to uphold to protect the rights and lives of refugees. The expulsions have also had serious humanitarian consequences in northern Mexico.

We at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have maintained since the start of the pandemic that protecting public health and protecting access to asylum, a fundamental human right, are fully compatible. At the height of the public health emergency, many countries put in place protocols such as health screening, testing and quarantine measures, to simultaneously protect both public health and the right to seek asylum.

I encourage the US administration to continue its work to strengthen its asylum system and diversify safe pathways so asylum-seekers are not forced to resort to dangerous crossings facilitated by smugglers.

For our part, UNHCR stands ready to support the implementation of such a decision.
Delta variant prevalent during Covid second wave in Kerala: CM 11 Jun 2021 | 9:12 PM Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 11 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said the more dangerous Delta variant of the Coronavirus was more prevalent during the outbreak of the second wave of Covid in the State. see more..

Liquor bottles seized from Ambulance 11 Jun 2021 | 9:11 PM Puducherry, Jun 11 (UNI) Police on Friday seized liquor bottles worth Rs 77,000 from an ambulance at Koodapakkam in Villianur police station limit and arrested three persons in this connection. see more..

Cong stages demonstrations in Kakinada outside petrol pumps against petrol price hike 11 Jun 2021 | 9:02 PM Kakinada, Jun 11 (UNI) In pursuance of the call given by the AICC, the city Congress workers, led by Nulukurty Venkateswerarao PCC Secretary, carried out a protest rally in the main streets and also staged 'dharna' in front of the petrol pumps here on Friday, demanding withdrawal of the petroleum products price hike. see more..

Flipkart ties up with Telangana govt to conduct pilot on drone deliveries of vaccines in state 11 Jun 2021 | 8:50 PM Hyderabad, Jun 11 (UNI) E-commerce giant Flipkart on Friday announced its partnership with the Telangana government to conduct drone deliveries of vaccines to remote areas under the Medicines from the Sky project. see more..
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Sandra Ortiz, 48, exits from PedEast where she immediately is met with her son Bryan Chavez and Yeritzel Chavez at the San Ysidro port of entry on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 in San Diego, CA. Ortiz was separated in San Diego from her son Bryan Chavez back in 2017 under the previous administration's policy, and was deported back to Mexico. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 14:02:13|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 infections in Mongolia increased by 519 over the past 24 hours to 50,618, the health ministry said Thursday.

The ministry said that eight more deaths and 805 new recoveries were reported, taking the national counts to 247 and 44,391 respectively.

The Asian country launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign in late February, aiming to cover at least 60 percent of its population of 3.3 million.

More than 1,810,400 Mongolians have so far received their first dose, and over 685,100 have been fully vaccinated. Enditem
Zsuzsanna Dianovics of Del Mar, California has been named the Dean's Oustanding Graduate for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Cal State San Marcos with a computer science degree in cybersecurity. (Jarrod Valliere/The San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)
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Currently, only seven nations are considered safe, based on their COVID-19 infection rates.

European Commission spokesman Christian Wigand told reporters in Brussels that ambassadors of the EU's 27 member states agreed to ease the criteria for nations to be considered a safe country from which all people can travel.

The European Union announced Wednesday it would recommend its member countries allow fully vaccinated visitors from outside the bloc.

The EU imposed strict measures last year to contain outbreaks, but the bloc's ambassadors say many of the restrictions on nonessential travel should be eased as more people around the world are vaccinated and the summer tourism season approaches.

Wigand said under the newly approved guidelines, travelers must prove they received all required doses of an EU-approved vaccine. He said the plan also calls for an "emergency brake" that would allow member states to close their borders to travelers from nations experiencing new outbreaks.

The spokesman did not give a precise date when the borders will reopen, since EU countries have yet to formally approve the measure. But EU ministers are expected to formally adopt the proposal and release the full new list of "safe" countries Friday.

EU officials told The New York Times the new rules could go into effect as early as next week.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 16:41:06|Editor: huaxia

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SUVA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Fiji reported on Thursday night one new confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the total tally to 190 in the Pacific island nation.

According to the Fijian Health Ministry, the new case is a household contact of the latest cases confirmed on Wednesday in Nausori, a town about 19 km northeast of capital city of Suva.

The Permanent Secretary for the Health Ministry James Fong said that contact tracing investigations are ongoing for this individual.

A total of 80,946 COVID-19 laboratory tests have been conducted in Fiji since early last year, he added.

Fiji has so far reported 129 recoveries, 57 active cases, including 45 locally transmitted cases, and four deaths from the coronavirus epidemic since the island nation recorded its first confirmed case in March last year.

Currently, Suva and Nausori have been under a lockdown. The whole island of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island where Suva is located, still maintains a curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. local time.

In a related development, Fiji Airways extended on Thursday its international passenger repatriation flight cancellations to May 30. Enditem
IN 1978, I won my first election to Congress, replacing a pro-segregation Democrat. The first day in office, I co-sponsored a bill to make Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday a national holiday.
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
Union Springs, AL (36089)

Today

Mostly cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 84F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 16:48:27|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- India's federal health ministry has announced deferring the COVID-19 vaccination by three months in four specific situations including patients recovering from the COVID-19 infection, officials said Thursday.

The ministry said individuals with lab tests proven that they have tested positive for the virus should defer their vaccination by three months after recovery.

The ministry said COVID-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma during the COVID-19 treatment shall also defer their vaccination by three months from the date of discharge from the hospital.

Previous government guidelines had recommended deferment for only four to eight weeks after recovery for both categories.

The ministry also said individuals who have received at least the first dose and got COVID-19 infection before the completion of the second dose should be deferred by three months after clinical recovery from COVID-19.

Further, the ministry said persons with any other serious general illness requiring hospitalization or ICU care should also wait for four to eight weeks before getting the vaccine.

Officials said the recommendations were actually made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) and the health ministry has accepted them.

"These recommendations have been based on the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging global scientific evidence and experience," the health ministry said.

Meanwhile, the ministry has recommended COVID-19 vaccination for all lactating women.

"Regarding COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant women, the matter is under discussion and further deliberation by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI)," the ministry said.

The federal ministry has written to states to direct the concerned officials to take note of these recommendations and undertake necessary actions for their effective implementation.

The third phase of COVID-19 vaccinations started for people who are 18 years and above on May 1, which has yet to start in many places or is going on at a slower pace in wake of the severe shortage of vaccines.

Reports pouring in from many states said people are being turned away at the designated centers because of the shortage of vaccines.

The government increased the gap between two doses of the Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks from four to eight weeks.

This is the second time in three months that the dosage intervals have been widened.

India is witnessing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, with 276,110 new cases and 3,874 deaths reported on Thursday. Enditem
South Korea's household income rose in the first quarter as the government offered relief grants to help the low-income households get through the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic, statistical office data showed Thursday

SEOUL, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :-- South Korea's household income rose in the first quarter as the government offered relief grants to help the low-income households get through the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic, statistical office data showed Thursday.

The monthly average income of households, including the single-person ones, came in at 4,384,000 won (3,870 U.S. Dollars) in the January-March quarter, up 0.4 percent from a year earlier, according to Statistics Korea.

The earned and business incomes shrank amid the pandemic shock on the economy, but the transfer income soared on the back of the government's offer of relief checks.

The monthly average earned income fell 1.

3 percent over the year to 2,778,000 won (2,450 U.S. dollars) in the March quarter, marking the biggest first-quarter reduction.

The business income diminished 1.6 percent to 767,000 won (680 U.S. dollars), continuing to decline for the second consecutive quarter. The property income tumbled 14.4 percent in the first quarter.

The pandemic roiled the face-to-face services sector, hitting hard the employment and businesses especially in the eatery and lodging segment, the statistical office said.

The monthly average transfer income picked up 16.5 percent over the year to 723,000 won (640 U.S. dollars) in the first quarter, logging the fastest first-quarter expansion in 14 years since 2007.
(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 20th May, 2021) ABU DHABI, 19th May 2021 (WAM) - Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi has announced that the next edition of Abu Dhabi Art will return to Manarat Al Saadiyat in a physical format, from 18-21 November, with an opening reception on 17 November.

Following the success of last years virtual fair, Abu Dhabi Art 2021 will continue to have a strong digital presence through a number of online initiatives.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi, stated, "Abu Dhabi Art is a platform for cultural connectivity, bringing together artists, galleries, institutions and arts professionals and fostering innovation and creativity by connecting them. Whilst the last year has brought up many challenges and issues inherent in the art world, it has also raised opportunities to solve these. This pandemic has shown us that our way forward is through collaboration, adaptation and innovation.

For any society to blossom, culture must be part of its DNA, must be integral to its aspirations for progression and development. Abu Dhabi Art will take part in physical format this year not despite, but because of the challenges that have faced the art eco-system during the pandemic, because it has been able to adapt and still contribute to cultural growth and to the art market in these challenging times, returning in renewed form. We look forward to welcoming visitors and community back to the fair this November."

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi, added, "Abu Dhabi is one of the safest places in the world to visit in 2021, and we are excited to announce that we will welcome visitors to our programme at Manarat Al Saadiyat at the end of the year, adhering to all necessary health and safety regulations.

Abu Dhabi Art is now an important marker in the global cultural Calendar, and a key initiative that reflects Abu Dhabi as a culturally active and artistically conscious city."

This year Abu Dhabi Art will be also showcasing several new commissioned installations at locations throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The art-driven experience will stretch from Liwa and Al Ain to the city centre of Abu Dhabi and is in part a natural extension of the fairs Beyond: Artist Commissions programme, which launched in 2017 and brings site-specific works to world heritage sites in Al Ain each year. Abu Dhabi Art has been working closely with commissioned artists on their new works, as well as with the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi, to create eco-driven experiences in these unique locations.

Each year, the fair collaborates with artists to create its visual campaign and collateral. The visual campaign art selected for the 13th iteration features works by Emirati artists Ayesha Hadhir, Rawdha Khalifa Al Ketbi and Shaikha Fahad Al Ketbi, first created as part of Beyond: Emerging Artists in 2019. In these works, they jointly explore the idea of transformation in different environments, from seascapes and the desert, to abandoned cityscapes.

2021 Guest Artists and Curators will be announced in the coming months, along with further details on the emirate-wide programme for the fair.

Applications are now open for galleries to exhibit in the 13th edition of the fair in November.
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 20th May, 2021) His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, visited the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC), an Abu Dhabi-based specialist healthcare center focused on cell therapy and regenerative medicine, on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohamed listened to ADSCC doctors and researchers as they explained about the centre's role in advancing the efforts of the UAE's health sector, especially in terms of combatting COVID-19, and its ongoing research to find therapies and advanced solutions for several diseases.

The Crown Prince viewed ADSCC's clinical trial on its COVID-19 stem-cell treatment, as well as its clinical trials to assess innovative treatments for diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked the doctors, researchers and all employees at the centre for their invaluable efforts to ensure public safety during the pandemic, highlighting the UAE's prioritisation of the healthcare sector and developing its medical industries, in line with its goal to become a leader in these field.

''It was a pleasure to meet the team of doctors and researchers at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center who are carrying out advanced research. Their inspiring work is a key part of UAE efforts to offer medical expertise to help eradicate diseases and support human development worldwide,'' His Highness Sheikh Mohamed tweeted.

The UAE is committed to enhancing partnerships with advanced research centres, especially in medical fields, and is dedicated to sharing its knowledge and expertise towards driving human progress, and to provide aid to all the people who require it, he added.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports; Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council; and Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.
(@FahadShabbir)

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 20th May, 2021) Dubai Customs is hosting the 5th WCO Global Authorised Economic Operator Conference, to be held virtually over three days between 25th and 27th May, 2021.

Held in cooperation with the UAE Federal Customs Authority, the conference will serve as an ideal platform for exchanging ideas and insights between trade and supply chain professionals and officials. It brings together all stakeholders of global trade to explore the challenges, opportunities, and way forward for global trade under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme. The agenda will address several topics, such as security, risk management, customs clearance lifecycle, e-commerce integration, and new business models.

The upcoming edition is held under the headline "AEO 2.0: Advancing Towards New Horizons for Sustainable and Secure Trade", with a busy programme that includes keynote speeches by several dignitaries such as Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, CEO of the Dubai International Chamber of Commerce; Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director-General of Dubai Customs; Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation; and Prof. David Widdowson, CEO of the Centre for Customs and Excise Research at Charles Sturt University.

The agenda additionally includes panels and roundtables tackling sustainable supply chains, cooperation between governments, intergovernmental agencies, and customs authorities, extending the AEO scope to e-commerce operators and MSMEs, in addition to addressing emerging risks, such as cyberattacks, exploitation attempts, and new technology-based threats.

The programme is widely credited with facilitating trade during the critical early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a report published in late 2020 by Dubai Customs indicates.

Commenting on the announcement, Musabih highlighted Dubais progressive attitude toward the adoption of global trade systems, information exchange, and its readiness for strategic partnerships within the Mutual Recognition Agreement framework of the AEO programme.

"Choosing Dubai as virtual host of the Conference reflects its leading global status as a facilitator of trade, as well as its position as a trusted partner for the implementation and development of the Authorized Economic Operator programme around the world," he added.

Dr. Mikuriya said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of Customs-Business partnership in the wake of an unprecedented disruption of the world trade. Customs has managed to navigate the complexities imposed by the pandemic and the restrictions thereof owing to the cooperation and this Conference will allow us to discuss the lessons learned and the way forward."

Dubai Customs and the UAE Federal Customs Authority have announced registration is open to customs administrators, government entities, international organisations, private sector enterprises, researchers, innovators, academics and all parties with a stake in international trade. Registration is available at this link: http://www.AEOConference2021.com The 5th WCO Global AEO Conference is sponsored by DP World, Nuctech Company Limited, CT Strategies, World Free Zones Organisation, GTS, and Publican.
Algiers, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :Algeria on Thursday launched campaigning for legislative elections next month, overshadowed by a crackdown on a long-running opposition protest movement.

The poll, originally planned for 2022 but brought forward to June 12, comes as authorities attempt to stamp out the Hirak movement, which returned to the streets in February following a year-long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The vote follows more than two years of political turmoil in the North African country, where the Hirak's mass protests swept strongman Abdelaziz Bouteflika from power in April 2019.

The rallies, demanding a deep overhaul of Algeria's post-independence political system, continued well into 2020 before being suspended over coronavirus fears.

"All the candidates are promising change, but most of them came from the old system," said a University of Algiers professor, who asked not to be named.

The poll follows two votes with the lowest turnouts in Algerian history -- Abdelmadjid Tebboune's December 2019 election as president, and a referendum on a revised constitution in November last year.

Some 1,500 electoral lists of candidates have been registered with the elections authority, but on Thursday most of the billboards for election campaigning in Algiers were still empty, an AFP correspondent said.

Opposition figures, journalists and activists from the Hirak, which has continued to call for a boycott of elections pending meaningful reforms, have faced a renewed wave of arrests in recent weeks.

But the movement has continued to hold weekly demonstrations -- including one in the capital last Friday which was broken up by security forces.
Brussels, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :The European Commission fined top banks including UBS and Unicredit a total of 371 million Euros on Thursday for running an illegal bond-trading cartel during the worst years of the eurozone debt crisis.

The decision, announced by EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, said traders from seven investment banks colluded in online chatrooms to fix prices and share sensitive information.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 18:25:33|Editor: huaxia

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VIENTIANE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has decided to extend the current nationwide lockdown to June 4 as COVID-19 cases in the Southeast Asian country continued to surge.

The Lao government will extend the lockdown for 15 days until June 4 as the COVID-19 situation in the country is not yet fully under control, according to a notice issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday.

Under the lockdown, individuals will not be allowed to enter or exit an infected area or at-risk area as determined by the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, except those authorized by the relevant local authorities for transportation of goods, delivery of food, medical services, hospital visits, or vaccination.

Meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, according to the notice.

The Lao Ministry of Health also urged the public to implement anti-epidemic measures including checking body temperatures, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing hands.

As of Thursday, the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Laos is 1,751, with 740 recoveries.

Laos confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases on March 24 last year. Enditem
Berlin, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :A German soldier who allegedly plotted to attack prominent politicians while posing as a Syrian refugee will go on trial from Thursday in a bizarre case fuelling concerns over right-wing extremism.

Franco Albrecht, 32, stands accused of plotting "a serious act of violence that endangers the state", as well as fraud and illegally possessing weapons and explosives.

Prosecutors say the Bundeswehr lieutenant had taken weapons and explosives from the German army in order to carry out an attack on targets including high-ranking politicians such as then justice minister Heiko Maas.

Despite speaking no Arabic, he had also successfully posed as a Syrian refugee in order to "redirect suspicion onto asylum seekers in Germany in the subsequent investigations" of the attack, they said.

Arrested in 2017 while trying to retrieve a Nazi-era pistol he had hidden in a toilet at Vienna's international airport, Albrecht denies he was plotting an attack.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Set to last until August, the trial's opening has already been delayed several times by questions over which court was competent to hear the case.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Berlin, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in a phone call Thursday voiced their support for ceasefire efforts to end days of deadly violence between Israel and armed Palestinian groups, Merkel's spokesman said.

The two leaders "agreed that efforts for a speedy ceasefire should continue to be supported," Steffen Seibert said in a statement. "The chancellor underlined Israel's right to defend itself against rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip."
ANKARA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) -:The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries' economic growth slowed in the first quarter of 2021, the organization said on Tuesday.

The real gross domestic product (GDP) of the OECD area grew 0.3% in this January-March, down from 1% in the last quarter of 2020.

"This slowdown is partly related to the strengthening of COVID-19 containment measures in some countries in early 2021," the organization said.

With the onset of the coronavirus, the GDP in the OECD contracted by 1.9% in the same quarter of last year.

Among the major seven economies, Germany, the UK, and Japan registered a sharp decline of 1.

7%, 1.5%, and 1.3%, respectively.

Italy's GDP shrank to a lesser extent compared to previous quarters with 0.4% in January-March.

The economies of Canada and the US continued to grow in the first quarter of this year with 1.6% in both countries.

In the euro area and the European Union, GDP continued to contract in the first quarter of 2021, by 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively.

The eurozone or euro area represents 19 member states of the EU that use the single Currency  euro  while the bloc consists of 27 member countries.

Pointing to the figures before the pandemic (last quarter of 2019), the statement said GDP still lagged behind for the OECD area.
UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :Pakistan Thursday urged the UN General Assembly to call for a halt to the Israeli aggression in Gaza and demanded concrete steps to safeguard the besieged Palestinians, including deployment of an international protection force in the occupied territories.

"We should deploy an international protection force," Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi told a special session of the 193-member Assembly, pointing out such a force was called for in the General Assembly Resolution ES-10/20 and demanded by the Islamic Summit Conference on May 18, 2018.

"It is appalling that the (UN) Security Council has been unable to exercise its Primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security," he said, noting that the 15-member body had failed even to demand a cessation of hostilities.

"Those preventing the Council from doing so bear a heavy responsibility," the foreign minister said in an obvious reference to the repeated blocking by the United States of a statement calling for an end to the hostilities on the ground that such a move would interfere with the Biden administration's attempts to stop the fighting.

"If the Security Council cannot agree to send the protection force, a 'coalition of the willing' can be formed to provide at least civilian observers to monitor a cessation of the hostilities and supervise the provision of humanitarian help to the Palestinians," Qureshi added.

"In these circumstances,", he said, "the General Assembly must assume its own responsibility." "We must not fail the Palestinian people at this critical juncture," the foreign minister declared.

Qureshi is on a Palestine Peace Mission on the special instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Speaking from the rostrum of the iconic General Assembly Hall, the foreign minister drew the attention of the high-level delegates to the heart-rending situation in Palestine amid brutal Israeli bombardment.

"As we speak, children, women and men in Palestine are being killed with impunity," he said, pointing out that over 250 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured -- one-third are women and children.

"Death echoes in every home in Gaza," he said in a passionate speech.

"Hundreds of such tragedies are being enacted every hour in Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian territories." "So far," he said, "over 50,000 Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza. There is limited access to water, food, hygiene, and health services. Hospitals and access to water and sanitation services depend on electricity. Fuel for the power plants has almost run out." "Gaza is plunged in darkness: literally and metaphorically," he said, pointing out that the only light was that of Israeli explosions.

"This is Palestine, where  in full view of the world  the Israeli air strikes bring down entire buildings to kill and terrorize innocent Palestinians and even silence the media." "It is time to say 'Enough'!," he said.

"The voice of the Palestinian people cannot and will not be silenced," the foreign minister said.

"We, the representatives of the Islamic world, are here to speak with them and for them." In his well-reasoned speech, Qureshi said there was no moral or military equivalence between the beleaguered and occupied Palestinian people, who had no army, no navvy, no air force, and the Israeli war-machine - one of the most powerful in the world.

"This is a war between a military occupier and an occupied people.

It is a conflict between illegal occupation and a legitimate struggle for self-determination," he added.

The foreign minister called for mobilizing all possible humanitarian help for the devastated Palestinian population in Gaza and other parts of the occupied territories.

In addition to the UNRWA emergency appeal, he urged the Secretary-General to launch a comprehensive humanitarian assistance plan to provide succor and sustenance to the Palestinians.

"We need to send medical teams, medicines and other supplies, food and other necessities to Gaza and other parts of the occupied Palestinian territories," he said, welcoming the access being provided by Egypt to Gaza.

"Israel must open all the access points to Gaza to ensure the timely and urgent delivery of international assistance," Qureshi added.

The foreign minister also called on the UN Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to offer protection to the Israel's Arab citizens, who are being lynched and murdered by fascist Israeli gangs at the present time.

"The General Assembly should condemn: Israel's forcible and illegal eviction of Palestinians, including in Al-Jarrah district of Jerusalem and continued construction of Jewish settlements; the onslaught against Palestinians worshipers in Haram Al Sharif and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first Qibla of islam, during the month of Ramazan; and Israel's brutal and indiscriminate aerial and land bombardment of Gaza.

"Israel's crimes against humanity should not escape accountability," Qureshi said.

"There should be no impunity for violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and other human rights Conventions." He also called for reviving concrete efforts to end Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories and to dismantle the illegal settlements and the apartheid-like regime Israel has imposed in the occupied territories.

"The General Assembly should secure unconditional implementation of resolution 242 of November 1967 in which the Security Council declared the 'inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war' and demanded that Israel withdraw its armed forces from territories occupied in the 1967 war.

"It is, therefore, imperative to initiate bold steps to secure the implementation of the Security Council and General Assembly resolutions calling for the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital. Pakistan endorses President Abbas call for an international conference to secure a peaceful settlement." "The Palestine tragedy is at the heart of the turmoil and conflicts in the middle East. It is also the principal root cause of the humiliation and anger in the Muslim and Arab world  anger which breeds extremism and often spawns acts of violence," the foreign minister said.

"A just solution for Palestine is imperative for the maintenance of regional and global peace and security," he said, underscoring that the onus for restoring peace rested on Israel. "It must end its occupation; it must implement the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly." "This General Assembly session must send a clear message to the Palestinian people and to Israel," Qureshi said.

"It is only through determined and decisive action that this Assembly can restore the credibility of the United Nations and demonstrate its effective role in preserving world peace and global order based on equity and justice."
United Nations, United States, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :The Palestinian foreign minister leveled accusations of "genocide" on Israel during a special United Nations debate Thursday as deadly crossfire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups entered in its 11th day.

"The whole world stays silent and turns a blind eye to the genocide of whole Palestinian families," said Palestinian foreign minister Riad Al-Malki, during whose speech Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan walked out.
Ljubljana, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :Less than two months before Slovenia takes over the EU's rotating presidency, conservative Prime Minister Janez Jansa is battling fires at home and abroad -- including an impeachment motion.

The vote in the Alpine country's parliament is the latest crisis for the combative 62-year-old, known for his support for former US president Donald Trump and his outspoken Twitter posts.

Four centre-left opposition parties have initiated the impeachment bid, alleging among other things that Jansa mismanaged the country's coronavirus response.

With the nation of two million suffering a relatively high proportion of pandemic deaths compared to other EU countries, the premier's public approval ratings have slumped to their lowest point since he took office in March 2020.

Jansa's critics say his moves against media he deems hostile -- notably cutting off funding, which has also drawn Brussels' attention -- resemble the tactics of his ally, nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Thousands have gathered during protests in central Ljubljana since late last month. Holding placards that read "Stop the dictator" and "Freedom to the people", they demand new elections.

"The foundations of the state of law have come more and more under attack," protest organiser Jasa Jenull told AFP.

The protests mark "a breaking point, a litmus test", showing an invigorated civil society movement, Ljubljana University professor of social psychology Vlado Miheljak told AFP.

- Clashes with EU - The outcome of the impeachment vote -- originally expected on Tuesday but now postponed until next week -- is on a knife-edge.

As Jansa's coalition has no majority in the 90-seat parliament, the decisions of a handful of independent MPs will be crucial.

A fragmented centre-left opposition failed to pass a no-confidence motion in Jansa in February.

If the impeachment motion succeeds, early elections will be the most likely outcome. But even if the three-time premier survives, further turmoil seems likely.

His reaction to increasing political pressure has been in part to turn his fire on the media -- for one, cutting off funding for public news agency STA and calling it a "national disgrace".

In the funding row, the European Commission has reminded Slovenia of the role independent news agencies play in ensuring "the plurality of media and information sources throughout the EU".

A further run-in came when Jansa -- who declined to be interviewed by AFP -- disconnected from an online grilling on press freedom by a committee of MEPs in March, accusing them of "censorship" for refusing to play a video he had prepared.

"We owe the EU nothing," he tweeted, dismissing some of the committee's members as "overpaid EU bureaucrats".

German Social Democrat MEP Katarina Barley, a member of the committee in question, told AFP that Jansa's behaviour amounted to "utter disrespect for the European Parliament".

"All this does not bode well, because a Council Presidency traditionally has to unite and not divide," she added.

- EU's 'ugly duckling' - Jansa has also faced censure from yet another EU institution.

In an interview with the Delo newspaper, the bloc's Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi criticised Slovenia for its "manifest lack of sincere cooperation" in failing to name delegated prosecutors to the new body she leads.

According to the Slovenian prosecutors' association, the two candidates who had been in the frame for the posts before being blocked had previously probed graft allegations linked to Jansa.

Jansa has made "a declaration of war on Brussels" and become the EU's "ugly duckling", according to the Reporter, the country's only conservative news magazine.

Most recently, Slovenia has also refused to exhibit art at the EU Parliament during its presidency from July. Objecting to pieces the parliament had acquired independently, it insisted the choice of works should be its "exclusive right".

The government did not explicitly object to any individual works, but Slovenian media reported the controversy erupted over several artists' pieces, including those by government-critical Arjan Pregl.

In a further headache for Jansa, independent news website Necenzurirano in April linked him to a proposal allegedly sent to the European Commission putting forward border changes in the region. This, said the report, was to address "unresolved national issues of Serbs, Albanians and Croatians".

The proposal sparked widespread controversy with Slovenia's own president, Borut Pahor, rejecting the idea and saying he doubted such changes "could be achieved in a peaceful way".

Jansa has denied sending any such document to the European Commission.
Ceuta, Spain, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :The seas were calm along the Moroccan-Spanish frontier late Wednesday with no sign of swimmers trying to reach Spain's north African Ceuta enclave after a record 8,000 arrivals in just one day.

Spanish authorities were caught by surprise when large numbers of people began flooding across the frontier on Monday as the Moroccan border forces looked the other way, quickly leaving the tiny territory overwhelmed.

Vowing to "restore order" along its borders, Spain quickly bolstered security measures, sending in troops and police reinforcements who were deployed along the frontier.

It has also been sending the arrivals home, with the Spanish government delegation in Ceuta giving an updated figure of 5,600.

But although the influx has slowed, it has not stopped with several hundreds more trying to make the trip on Wednesday, AFP correspondents at the scene said.

The influx has hiked existing tensions between Spain and Morocco, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday accusing Rabat of "disrespect" over the crisis.

The spat comes with Spain and Morocco at loggerheads over Madrid's decision to provide medical treatment for the ailing leader of the Western Sahara independence movement who has Covid-19.

By mid-evening, there was no sign of any more people in the sea and the numbers of soldiers on the beach were noticeably fewer, AFP correspondents said.

- Minors tested for Covid - Meanwhile at a huge warehouse complex close to the border, a handful of Red Cross medics wearing full protective gear could be seen carrying out Covid tests on scores of minors at a long trestle table outside.

Once tested, the youngsters, some wrapped in red blankets, sat down outside in long lines, munching sandwiches and apples, many of them larking around.

A few appeared to be very young, under the age of 10.

As darkness fell, several dozen young girls could be seen climbing into buses which drove them to one of two centres set up to host minors.

During the day, hundreds had massed on the Moroccan side of the border in the hope of crossing, with Spanish security forces firing tear gas cannisters to distance the crowd as their Moroccan counterparts sought to prevent people from entering the water.

The crowd eventually dispersed, returning to the nearby border town of Fnideq.

Many said they had been forced to leave by the desperate living conditions in Morocco.

"You have a family and you have seven Euros to feed eight people, what do you do?" asked 34-year-old Mohammed Tribak who swam over on Monday.

- 'Protecting Europe's borders' - Analysts said it was clear Morocco had turned a blind eye to the human tide entering Ceuta in order to put diplomatic pressure on Spain to recognise its sovereignty over Western Sahara.

But the matter has also revived tensions over migration, with European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas warning Wednesday that Europe "won't let itself be intimidated by anyone on the issue of migration" in an allusion to Morocco.

The record arrivals also prompted fighting talk from Sanchez.

"This is an act of defiance," he told parliament, a day after visiting Ceuta, describing the events as "a lack of respect not only towards Spain, but also towards the entire EU".

Meanwhile, Amnesty International lashed out at both nations over the crisis.

"Asylum-seekers and migrants are being used as pawns in a political game between Morocco and Spain," the London-based rights watchdog charged, saying "about 2,000 unaccompanied children" were among the arrivals.

Accusing Spanish forces of using violence against those who crossed the frontier, it also pointed the finger at Morocco for waving them through in a tit-for-tat response over Western Sahara.

That row erupted last month after Madrid let Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali fly to Spain for hospital treatment for Covid-19, angering Rabat.

"Spain must know the price for discrediting Morocco is steep," Morocco's human rights minister Mustapha Ramid wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, in remarks pounced on by Amnesty.

"It appears from a Facebook post by Morocco's Minister for Human Rights that this selective border enforcement was retaliation," Amnesty's Virginia Alvarez said.

"Morocco is playing with people's lives. They must not use people, among them its own citizens, as pawns in a political game."
Pakistan and China will hold a series of activities later this year to celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, officials and experts said at an academic seminar held in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) ::Pakistan and China will hold a series of activities later this year to celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, officials and experts said at an academic seminar held in Shanghai.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides are confident in hosting about 100 celebratory activities to attract young people of both countries to participate in bilateral cooperation and exchanges, seminar attendees said. The seminar has "the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan" as its theme.

At the seminar, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque, said that the two countries set a model of bilateral relations. This model is based on mutual understanding, respect, trust, support, and cooperation.

Sha Hailin, President of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, told the seminar that China and Pakistan aided each other in terms of anti-pandemic supplies since the outbreak of the pandemic, demonstrating the partnership between the two countries.

China and Pakistan had established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951.
Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Thursday paid homage to prominent Hurriyat leaders Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq And Khwaja Abdul Ghani Lone on their martyrdom anniversaries

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Thursday paid homage to prominent Hurriyat leaders Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq And Khwaja Abdul Ghani Lone on their martyrdom anniversaries.

People from both sides of the Line of Control valued the Kashmiri leaders who sacrificed their lives in just freedom struggle, the minister said in a statement issued here.

He said despite the passage of seven decades, the right to self-determination movement was alive due to the immense sacrifices of these leaders and thousands of kashmiris. The Kashmir cause being highlighted at every international fora due to their struggle against Indian oppression.

The third generation of Kashmiris was determined for right to self-determination and fighting each day against Indian state terrorism, said the minister.

Gandapur said there was not a single day in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) when occupied forces targeted the unarmed Kashmiris and extra judicially killed Kashmiri youth under the guise of so-called search operations.

He warned that under the prevailing Coronavirus situation in IIOJK , the Hindu extremist government of Narendra Modi could play a vicious game at the valley to achieve its nefarious intentions.

The minister said the relations between Pakistan and India could never be restored untill the resolution of Kashmir issue.

Ali Amin Gandapur urged the international community to play their due role in resolving both the issues Kashmir and Palestine to maintain world peace.

He clarified that the people of occupied Kashmir and Palestine were the victims of worst state terrorism which extremely dangerous to the world peace.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to support the people of Kashmir and Palestinian as long as they did not achieve their inalienable rights.
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ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :The prime ministers of China and Pakistan, while lauding the ongoing progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, have underscored that the stronger bilateral ties will be beneficial for the people of both countries.

Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent congratulatory letters to each other as both Pakistan and China observe the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them on Friday (May 21).

"I am confident that under your leadership our 'All-Weather Strategic Co-operative Partnership' will further strengthen and flourish creating a brighter and promising future for our people," Prime Minister Imran Khan said in his letter to the Chinese Premier.

Li Keqiang also said, "The facts fully demonstrate that there are broad prospects for China and Pakistan to build an even closer community with a shared future in the new era, and will surely bring greater benefits to our two countries and peoples." Imran Khan extended felicitations on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

"21st May 1951, the day when our relations were formally established, has been a watershed moment in our history. Our two people, and successive leaderships and governments have made indefatigable efforts to foster, cement, and strengthen our ties," Imran Khan said.

He said the time-tested relationship was built around lasting values of mutual respect, mutual trust, and mutual understanding.

He said both the governments were closely coordinating to celebrate the current year in a befitting manner enabling the people to truly understand the depth, the breadth and the vitality of Pakistan-China ties.

He thanked China for its support to fight COVID-19 since its outbreak in December 2019. The vaccine and the equipment provided by China to contain the pandemic played a crucial role in saving precious human lives in Pakistan, he added.

He also reiterated Pakistan's continuous support to China's efforts to combat the pandemic, both at regional and global levels.

"My government is firmly committed to the expeditious completion of CPEC projects, which will open up tremendous opportunities for growth and development in the region," the prime minister remarked.

Extending felicitations, the Chinese premier said in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan had helped each other to overcome difficulties, and achieved new progress for the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor against the adverse backdrop.

He said China had been consistent to prioritize Pakistan in its foreign policy, and was willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan, to develop the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level in the next 70 years.

"China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and waters. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both countries have enjoyed firm political mutual trust, close economic cooperation, and ever-increasing people-to-people friendship," Li Keqiang remarked.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 19:51:32|Editor: huaxia

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People line up to receive COVID-19 swab tests in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia, May 20, 2021. Malaysia reported 6,806 new COVID-19 infections in the highest daily spike since the outbreak, bringing the national total to 492,302, the Health Ministry said on Thursday. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia reported 6,806 new COVID-19 infections in the highest daily spike since the outbreak of the pandemic, bringing the national total to 492,302, the Health Ministry said Thursday.

Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a press statement that two of the new cases are imported and 6,804 are local transmissions.

Another 59 deaths have been reported, the highest in a single day, pushing the total deaths to 2,099.

Some 3,916 more patients have been released after recovery, bringing the total cured and discharged to 440,032, or 89.4 percent of all cases.

Of the remaining 50,171 active cases, 587 are being held in intensive care and 330 of those are in need of assisted breathing.

Malaysia has suffered a resurgence of COVID-19 outbreak which has forced the government to impose a nationwide movement control order till June to curb the spread. However, most economic activities have been allowed to continue operations.

State news agency Bernama reported that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will chair a meeting on Friday to discuss stricter measures to curb the spread of the virus. Enditem
An 82-year-old climber and a number of other mountaineers attempting different Himalayan mountains in Nepal have given up their plan citing bad weather and COVID-19, while others are still waiting for the right time to try their chances in the final stretch of this spring seaso

KATHMANDU, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :-- An 82-year-old climber and a number of other mountaineers attempting different Himalayan mountains in Nepal have given up their plan citing bad weather and COVID-19, while others are still waiting for the right time to try their chances in the final stretch of this spring season.

Carlos Soria, the 82-year-old Spanish national, backed down from his attempt on Mt. Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-tallest at 8,167 meters, in his effort to become the oldest person to summit the tallest 14 peaks on earth, all above 8,000 meters.

He has already scaled 12 of them, including Mt. Qomolangma, the world's highest at 8848.86 meters that straddles Nepal and China, in 2001.

Carlos cited bad weather conditions and the risk of COVID-19 for his abandoned attempt on Mt. Dhaulagiri, which he had tried several times before.

"The Spanish Embassy in Delhi recommends that we leave the country on a flight that has been arranged from Spain. The international confinement will surely continue beyond May 31, indefinitely," Carlos wrote in a social media post on May 17, referring to flight suspension being enforced in Nepal due to the COVID-19 crisis.

"The situation of the mountain and the weather do not offer very good expectations until the end of the month. We must leave the Dhaulagiri base camp," wrote the climber.

According to mountaineering expedition organizers, the Himalayas have seen snowfalls since Tuesday, as cautioned by Nepali authorities over the potential impact of the TaukTae cyclonic storm that originated from the east-central Arabian Sea.

The storm has caused a great loss of lives and properties in India and its impact is being felt in Nepal as well.

Earlier, a number of climbers who attempted Mt. Dhaulagiri tested positive for coronavirus.

Carlos had planned to climb Mt. Shishapangma, the world's 14th highest at 8,012 meters in Nyalam County of Xigaze in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China after he conquers Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Earlier, on May 15, Lukas Furtenbach, managing director of Furtenbach Adventures, an Austria-based mountaineering expedition company, announced that the company had canceled its current expedition to Mt. Qomolangma due to increasing coronavirus infections at the base camp of the world's tallest mountain.

"To climb above base camp with these massively increasing coronavirus numbers and risk the lives of our 20 customers, 4 mountain guides and 27 Sherpas carelessly would be irresponsible," Furtenbach said in a statement.

Nepal's tourism authorities said, however, that they have not received any information about the cancellation. "Nobody has notified us about the cancellation of the expedition officially," Mira Acharya, director at the Department of Tourism, told Xinhua.
The Arctic Council on Thursday unanimously greenlighted a new strategic plan for the region's development until 2030

REYKJAVIK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) The Arctic Council on Thursday unanimously greenlighted a new strategic plan for the region's development until 2030.

During the 12th ministerial meeting in Reykjavik, Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson introduced the 10-year strategic plan. None of the delegates objected, meaning that the plan was adopted.

The forum marks the Arctic Council's 25th anniversary and the transfer of the two-year chairmanship from Iceland to Russia.

As the new chair, Russia expects to facilitate major investment, research and trade projects in the Arctic for the sustainable development of the region.

The concept was developed in line with the goals set by President Vladimir Putin in the 2035 Arctic Strategy. It emphasizes the role of the council as a key association for coordinating international activities in the region and strengthening relations between Arctic states.

The Arctic Council was established in 1996 as a high-level intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the region with a focus on environmental protection. The council includes Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
SUKHUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th May, 2021) Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Monday that the visit of his Abkhazian counterpart, Aslan Bzhania, to Damascus is of great importance for bilateral relations.

Bzhania arrived in Syria on Sunday night. The president of the breakaway republic was greeted at the Damascus International Airport by the country's Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Ayman Sousan, as well as other Syrian officials. The 58-year-old leader of the eastern Black Sea nation, which broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s, is being accompanied by a large delegation, which includes the republic's economy, tourism, and foreign ministers.

"Welcoming the Abkhazian delegation headed by President Aslan Bzhania, Syrian President Bashar Assad said that the visit is of great importance for the advancement of interstate relations. It will give a new impetus to cooperation between Abkhazia and Syria in various fields," the Abkhazian leader's press service said in a statement.

Bzhania, on his part, thanked Assad for the warm hospitality.

"It is a great honor for me and my colleagues to be in the ancient land of Syria. Let me once again congratulate you and all the people of the Syrian Arab Republic on the holiday of the end of the holy month of Ramadan  Uraza Bayram [Eid al-Fitr], and wish peace and prosperity," the statement read.

The Abkhazian leader also personally thanked his Syrian counterpart for the 2018 decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and establish diplomatic relations with it.

"This is of historical importance to us. I am sure that relations between our countries will strengthen and develop successfully. We are closely following the events taking place in Syria. We admire your personal courage, the feat of the people of Syria in the struggle for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he said.

Moscow recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on August 26, 2008, after a short war in South Ossetia, during which Georgia's troops established control over the regional center of Tskhinval but were later forced by the Russian troops to retreat. The Russian leadership, on multiple occasions, stressed that the decision reflects reality and will not be reversed. Georgia, however, refuses to recognize the regions' independence, considering them to be occupied territories.
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WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his first in-person meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Arctic Council ministerial discussed US concerns over the recent deployment of Russian troops near Ukraine's eastern border, State Department spokesperson Ned price said in a press release.

"Secretary of State Antony J.

Blinken met today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the margins of the Arctic Council Ministerial... Secretary Blinken raised our deep concerns regarding Russia's continued military deployments in and near Ukraine," Price said on Wednesday.

Blinken also raised concerns over Moscow's actions against Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Russia regarding the new foreign agent law. The top US diplomat also called for the release of all Americans detained in Russia.
MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2021) The Dominican Republic has been negotiating deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and is expecting to receive the first shipment in the near future, Ambassador to Russia Hans Dannenberg told Sputnik on Thursday.

According to the diplomat, the Caribbean country has been actively negotiating the supply with the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

"Latin America, including such countries as Venezuela, Nicaragua, Argentina and Paraguay, has already received vaccines, and we are looking forward to the arrival of a Russian plane carrying vaccines for our people very soon," Dannenberg said, adding that the Dominican Republic has the third-highest toll of vaccinated citizens in the region.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the country has detected some 279,000 COVID-19 cases, including 3,597 fatalities. The entire population of the Dominican Republic is 10.5 million people.

The country is currently importing COVID-19 vaccine from India and China, while also expecting shipments of vaccines from the United States.
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BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2021) The Russian diplomat expelled by North Macedonia left the territory of the republic, the Russian embassy in Skopje told Sputnik.

"Today, within the established period, the Russian diplomat left the territory of the republic," the diplomatic mission told the agency.

The position and personal data of the expelled embassy employee were not disclosed.

North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani expressed hope that Russia would not expel one or both Macedonian diplomats from Moscow in response to Skopje's move. According to Osmani, Skopje is currently represented in Russia by the acting ambassador and another diplomat.

The foreign ministry of North Macedonia announced on Tuesday the expulsion of one Russian diplomat, who must leave the country within seven days from May 14, when the corresponding note was presented to Ambassador Sergey Bazdnikin. The Russian diplomatic mission in Skopje on Tuesday confirmed to Sputnik the expulsion of the Russian diplomat by the authorities and noted that Moscow was considering retaliatory steps.

The Russian Foreign Ministry regarded the move as an unfriendly act and condemned it.
Germany's foreign minister said Wednesday that the United States was waiving sanctions against the company in charge of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, welcoming it as a conciliatory step

Berlin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2021 ) :Germany's foreign minister said Wednesday that the United States was waiving sanctions against the company in charge of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, welcoming it as a conciliatory step.

"There is a presidential waiver for Nord Stream 2 AG and the chief executive officer, who is a German national," said Heiko Maas, confirming media reports on the move.

"We see (this) as a step taken towards us, as we have already spoken informally in the last months about how things could develop further with regard to Nord Stream 2," he added.

Washington has not confirmed the sanctions waiver.

But news website Axios has said in a report quoting unnamed sources that the State Department will in a report call for sanctions to be lifted against the Nord Stream company and its chief executive because of US national interests.

Maas said that "we understand the decisions that have been taken in Washington as taking into account the really extraordinarily good relationship that have been built with the Biden administration.

" The apparent shift in tone came just two months after Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned entities involved in the construction of the pipeline to immediately disengage.

Germany has long irked allies with its stubborn defence of the Nord Stream 2 project which is set to double Russian national gas shipments to Europe's biggest economy.

The United States and several European countries fear that the pipeline would increase German and EU dependence on Russia for critical gas supplies.

But Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has argued that the 10-billion-euro ($12-billion) pipeline beneath the Baltic Sea ensures a more stable and cleaner source of energy as Germany pivots away from coal and nuclear power.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) The expulsion of a Russian diplomat from North Macedonia will certainly affect the bilateral relations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, warning that it will take some steps to respond to the "unfriendly act.

"

"We resolutely condemn such unmotivated actions that are bound to have an impact on the relations between Russia and North Macedonia. Retaliatory measures will follow," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On Tuesday, North Macedonia's Foreign Ministry announced that one Russian diplomat who was declared persona non grata must leave the country within seven days starting on May 14. The Russian embassy in Skopje confirmed the information to Sputnik.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) Nicaragua approved Russia's single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine against the coronavirus, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Thursday.

"RDIF ... announces the approval of the Russian single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine against coronavirus by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Nicaragua," the fund said in a press release.

"Nicaragua is already using Sputnik V vaccine to protect the population. Emergency use authorization of Sputnik Light will help increase the range of anti-COVID tools of the country and advance with the vaccination campaign," RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said, as quoted in the press release.
At least nine people were killed Thursday when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, officials said, the latest violence in a region that has seen weeks of intense fighting

Kandahar (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :At least nine people were killed Thursday when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, officials said, the latest violence in a region that has seen weeks of intense fighting.

Helmand's deputy governor Baryalai Nazari told AFP that women and children were killed in the blast, in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah.

Attaullah Afghan, head of Helmand provincial council, confirmed the toll.

No group has claimed responsibility, but the Taliban and Afghan government forces clash regularly on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah -- more frequently since May 1, when the United States began the final phase of its troop withdrawal.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 19:59:56|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Asia-Pacific countries as India reported 276,110 new cases on Thursday while Pakistan saw an increase of around 29 percent in new cases.

India's COVID-19 tally rose to 25,772,440 with 276,110 new cases registered in the past 24 hours, confirmed the health ministry.

The death toll rose to 287,122 with 3,874 deaths since Tuesday morning. This is the first time in the past few days when the deaths per day fell below the 4,000-mark.

There are still 3,129,878 active cases in the country. The number of daily active cases has been on the decline over the past few days, after a continuous surge since mid-April.

The Philippines' Department of Health reported 6,100 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total tally to 1,165,155.

The death toll climbed to 19,641 after 135 more patients died from the coronavirus epidemic in the Southeast Asian country, according to the department.

The Philippines, which has more than 110 million population, has tested over 12 million people since the virus' outbreak in January 2020.

Pakistan has witnessed an increase of around 29 percent in the number of new cases over the last 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said.

The NCOC said in a statement that 4,207 cases were reported over the last 24 hours against the 3,256 cases reported in the previous day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 890,391.

A total of 131 people died across the country during the last 24 hours which is about 26 percent higher than the number of deaths in the previous day. The overall death toll has risen to 19,987, said the statement, adding that 804,122 people have recovered while 4,517 patients are in critical condition.

Thailand registered 2,636 new confirmed cases and 25 new fatalities, bringing the total tally to 119,585 cases with 703 deaths.

Currently in the Southeast Asian country 42,246 patients are under medical treatment with 1,213 of them in critical conditions, including 405 dependent on ventilators, Taweesin said.

South Korea reported 646 more cases of COVID-19 as of midnight Wednesday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 134,117.

The daily caseload was slightly down from 654 in the previous day, but it stayed above 600 for two days. The daily average caseload for the past week was 641.

Four more deaths were confirmed, leaving the death toll at 1,916. The total fatality rate stood at 1.43 percent.

The Lao government has decided to extend the current nationwide lockdown to June 4 as COVID-19 cases in the Southeast Asian country continued to surge.

The Lao government will extend the lockdown for 15 days until June 4 as the COVID-19 situation in the country is not yet fully under control, according to a notice issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

As of Thursday, the total number of confirmed cases recorded in Laos is 1,751, with 740 recoveries.

Vietnam reported 30 new cases from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m local time Thursday, raising the total confirmed cases in the country to 4,720, according to its Ministry of Health.

As many as 2,687 patients have so far recovered, and over 121,000 people are being quarantined and monitored.

As of Thursday morning, Vietnam had recorded a total of 3,247 domestically transmitted cases, including 1,677 detected since the start of the latest outbreak in late April, according to the ministry. Enditem
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) Gabon may approve other Russian-made vaccines after giving green light to Sputnik V, Gabonese Ambassador to Russia Johanna Rose Mamiaka told Sputnik on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa international conference.

In February, Gabon registered Sputnik V under a fast-track procedure, thus becoming the 29th country in the world and the 4th nation in Africa to register the vaccine. So far the Russian vaccine has been registered in over 60 countries worldwide.

"We asked for the first formula, for the first one [Sputnik V], and we are working on this one. Maybe after we will see [other vaccines] because I know that there is also formula with one [shot] vaccine [Sputnik Light]. Maybe after we will discuss with Russian authorities to get this one.

But actually, we are working for the first vaccine with two shots," Mamiaka explained in reference to Sputnik V.

To the question of how many doses the country ordered, Mamiaka answered that Gabon has ordered 2 million doses for it population.

Her Excellency Mamiaka added that Gabon is still waiting for the delivery of the vaccines, taking into account the high demand for Russian vaccines. She added that Gabon was one of the first countries to ask for the support of Russia with the Sputnik V vaccine.

Russia has three registered coronavirus vaccines: Sputnik V, developed by the Gamaleya research institute, EpiVacCorona by the Vector research center, and CoviVac which was developed by the Chumakov Center.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that his country was ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with all members of the Arctic Council, a leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the region

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that his country was ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with all members of the Arctic Council, a leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the region.

"Taking over the chairmanship from Iceland, Russia intends to maintain a spirit of cooperation in our organization, strengthen constructive interaction between all member states and increase our readiness to look for the best solutions for the Arctic and its people," he said.

Lavrov spoke during the 12th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Reykjavik in Iceland, which held the council chairmanship for two years. Russia will preside over the eight-member organization from 2021-2023. It will maintain a strong focus on the indigenous people of the Arctic, its environment and sustainable economic development.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu held a phone conversation with his Armenian counterpart, Vagharshak Harutyunyan, on Wednesday to discuss the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"The talks focused on the regional situation and areas where Russian peacekeepers fulfill their tasks in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as other matters of mutual interest," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
At least seven inmates were killed, most of them beheaded, in clashes between rival gangs at a prison in western Guatemala on Wednesday, officials said

Guatemala City, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2021 ) :At least seven inmates were killed, most of them beheaded, in clashes between rival gangs at a prison in western Guatemala on Wednesday, officials said.

Hundreds of police have been deployed to restore order at the Cantel prison, which houses inmates from both the Mara Salvatrucha gang and their sworn enemies, the Barrio 18.

"Preliminarily, the death of seven inmates is known," the Ministry of the Interior (Interior) said in a statement, describing the situation as a "riot".

The figure was confirmed by the Prosecutor's Office, whose staff managed to gain access to the prison, located 205 kilometers (125 miles) west of the capital.

A spokesman for the National Civil Police (PNC), Jorge Aguilar, earlier told AFP that the violence was caused by a confrontation between two gangs, and that at least six prisoners had been beheaded.

Authorities suspect one of the gangs attacked the other in retaliation for an incident that took place several days ago, Aguilar added.

Gang violence and riots are common at the Cantel prison, which has been condemned by human rights groups for its grim conditions.

Built to house five hundred inmates, it is currently home to over four times that number, police said.

Guatemala's feared and violent gangs are known for their extortion rackets, in which they force businesspeople and bus operators to pay them protection money or face execution.

Gangs are responsible for nearly half of the 3,500 violent deaths a year in Guatemala, authorities have said -- one of the highest death rates on earth.
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Britain is in "a sprint" to agree a trade deal with Australia early next month, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said Wednesday, following reports of government splits about the agreement

London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2021 ) :Britain is in "a sprint" to agree a trade deal with Australia early next month, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said Wednesday, following reports of government splits about the agreement.

Truss is eager to strike Britain's first major post-Brexit trade deal on its own terms before it hosts the G7 leaders' summit next month in Cornwall, southwest England.

But reports emerged earlier this week of a "ferocious" battle among ministers over whether to sign off the agreement with Australia amid fears over the impact on the country's agricultural sector.

The wrangling reportedly pits Truss and Brexit minister David Frost against Environment Secretary George Eustice and senior minister Michael Gove.

Eustice and Gove have argued British farmers could suffer from zero-tariff imports of Australian beef and lamb, according to the reports.

Australia's former foreign minister Alexander Downer told Times Radio on Wednesday Canberra would not accept a deal with quotas, which Eustice is said to have suggested.

"Zero tariffs with quotas isn't free trade, and that's not going to happen," he said, stating Australia's position was "completely duty free" reciprocal trade.

"Australia isn't planning an avalanche of beef and sheep meat exports into the UK market. Australia's markets are predominantly in Asia," he added.

Appearing before a parliamentary scrutiny committee, Truss insisted a tentative deal was close and would benefit UK farming as well as other key industries.

"This deal which we are working on with Australia, we're currently in a sprint, with a view to getting to agreement in principle by early June," she told lawmakers.

"(It) will have benefits for all nations and regions of the United Kingdom and all industries, including the agriculture industry.

" - Thriving farming - Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pursuing a "Global Britain" strategy that he argues will seal more advantageous trade deals than those negotiated while it was a European Union member.

But Johnson's government is also keen to preserve its farming sector, while upholding health and environmental standards.

Eustice told Sky news Tuesday that there was a "balance to be struck" between free trade and protecting key domestic sectors like farming.

He claimed there was "very clear consensus" within the government that it wanted to do a trade agreement with countries like Australia.

"But obviously on the right terms," he added.

National Farmers Union (NFU) president Minette Batters also warned there was a "trade-off" that needed to be "balanced" between securing new markets abroad and opening up to imports.

She added there was a risk UK farming could suffer "irreversible damage" if an Australia pact undercut the country's animal welfare and other standards.

Truss told lawmakers that her department had held discussions with the NFU in which she had vowed to ensure a good deal for the sector.

"I'm always looking to make sure... that British farmers would not be undercut by unfair practices from elsewhere and we will make sure in all the deals we do that British farming thrives," Truss said.

"I'm absolutely confident that will be achieved through the Australia deal."A trade deal with Canberra would be the first post-Brexit that was not merely a replication or rollover of its previous EU arrangement.

Johnson has already secured trade deals with the European Union and Japan, and is also in discussions with India, New Zealand and the United States.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) China's Zhurong Mars Rover will advance the human race's knowledge of the Red Planet with its discoveries, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson said in a congratulatory on Wednesday after the China National Space Administrations released first photos from the mission.

"Congratulations to the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on receiving the first images from the Zhurong Mars rover!" Nelson said in a statement. "[T]he United States and the world look forward to the discoveries Zhurong will make to advance humanity's knowledge of the Red Planet."

Nelson said he looked forward to future international discoveries that would help inform and develop the capabilities needed to land human explorers on Mars.

CNSA's successful landing of the Zhurong rover last week made it only the second nation to ever land successfully on Mars, Nelson acknowledged.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2021) The US Navy's 7th Fleet on Thursday rejected as false a Chinese report of expelling the American guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilber from the South China Sea.

"The PLA's [People's Liberation Army] statement about this mission is false. USS Curtis Wilbur was not 'expelled' from any nation's territory. USS Curtis Wilbur conducted this FONOP [Freedom of Navigation Operations] in accordance with international law and then continued on to conduct normal operations in international waters," the statement read.

Following Curtis Wilbur's transit, the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command issued a statement that the PLA had "expelled" the Japan-based warship from the region.

Chinese warships and aircraft tracked the transit.

"U.S. behavior violates international law and basic norms of international relations, increases regional security risks, and are prone to misunderstandings, misjudgments, and accidents at sea," the PLA's Southern Theater said in a statement, as quoted by the US Naval Institute news service.

The Navy's statementwent on to say that US forces continue routinely operate in the South China Sea as they have for more than a century, citing international law to counter Beijing's claim to own the entire waterway.
The Biden administration is waiving new sanctions it imposed on a company constructing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline due to national security reasons, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday citing people familiar with the matter

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th May, 2021) The Biden administration is waiving new sanctions it imposed on a company constructing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline due to national security reasons, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday citing people familiar with the matter.

The report added that the State Department in a report to Congress said Nord Stream 2 AG is involved in sanctionable activity under US law, but the US administration has decided to waive the sanctions for national security reasons.

Sanctions on Russian ships laying the pipes are expected to remain.

Axios reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration was expected to waive sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, using US national interests as justification.

The United States continues to express to German leadership its opposition to the pipeline and the idea of western European countries relying on Russian energy.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 21:40:05|Editor: huaxia

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A farmer harvests wheat on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan, May 20, 2021. As the agricultural sector of Pakistan is the backbone of the national economy, the country's officials and experts believe that the enhanced cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can greatly help Pakistan modernize the sector, ensure food security and improve local people's livelihood. (Photo by Sajjad/Xinhua)

by Raheela Nazir

ISLAMABAD, May 20 (Xinhua) -- As the agricultural sector of Pakistan is the backbone of the national economy, the country's officials and experts believe that the enhanced cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can greatly help Pakistan modernize the sector, ensure food security and improve local people's livelihood.

According to the figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the agricultural sector contributes about 24 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), accounts for half of employed labor force and is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran khan said recently that the government has been seeking support from China to boost the agricultural sector of the country to ensure sustainable development and prosperity.

Pakistan is heading towards the modern agriculture, and the country will be following China's footsteps to uplift agro-based industries, Khan said, adding that in order to further elevate the sector, the government has made it one of the key cooperation areas under the CPEC.

In January 2021, China and Pakistan launched an online platform to collect and display information and achievements of agricultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries, aiming at enhancing bilateral cooperation under the CPEC in the two sectors.

In a conversation with Xinhua, Pakistani Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam said that enhanced cooperation with China in the field of agriculture can bring a green revolution in Pakistan and give stimulus to the economic and social development.

"Pakistan and China have a long history of agricultural cooperation, and the country (Pakistan) has excelled in many areas due to enhanced bilateral agricultural research and development activities," Imam said, adding that China has not only established its agricultural sector on modern lines, but also extended its help to countries including Pakistan under the Belt and Road Initiative of which the CPEC is a flagship project, to boost agricultural development.

China has been assisting Pakistan to improve the production of cash crops by imparting valuable knowledge and technology transfer. The country has also provided Pakistan with unprecedented support during the worst locust attack last year by sending experts, equipment and chemicals, saving the country from the threat of massive food shortage, he said.

Highlighting various possible areas of agricultural cooperation between the two countries, the minister said that there is great potential in the fields of seed industry, agricultural material and machinery, agricultural product processing, agricultural investment and supporting service systems such as warehousing, cold chain and logistics to promote the transformation and upgrading of the agricultural sector.

The country can further consolidate its strength in agriculture by learning from China's past success stories and upcoming development designs in agricultural science and technology, and mechanization, Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Muhammad Azeem Khan told Xinhua.

"The cooperation will not only improve the crop production and ensure food security, but it will also be a fate changer for the people of Pakistan," he said.

Talking about the challenges faced by the sector, the PARC chairman said that Pakistan's agricultural productivity has recently been declining due to a number of factors including climate change, drought, diseases and pests, which has largely impeded economic growth and caused food security concerns.

Crops like cotton and wheat have been direly affected recently due to severe climate change and unexpected rains in the country, he said, adding that cotton products contribute to a large part of the country's exports, so Pakistan is in need of cooperating with China to produce resistant varieties to better cope with adverse impacts of climate change.

Muhammad Ansar, chairman of agronomy department at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, said that Pakistan must adopt a global and international perspective in their business practices in order to make its agricultural products more competitive in international markets to earn valuable foreign exchange.

The use of old cultivation and production methods, negligence on international market quality certification systems and quality control standards, and least understanding of consumers' needs have been the reasons behind the less demand of Pakistan's products in the international market, Ansar told Xinhua.

Pakistan can seek Chinese help in improving production technology and product quality, and expanding sales market to increase exports to various countries including China, one of the major destinations for the country's exports, he said.

"With the formation of prudent trade policies and high value-added products in the agricultural sector, the country can develop a huge consumer market in China," Ansar said. Enditem
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Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with heavy thunderstorms this afternoon. High 94F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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There are growing calls from various sectors of the population in Nigeria for a security summit that will address high levels of insecurity in the country.

CNSNg.org  Abuja, Nigeria.

Concerned about the unending security challenges faced by Nigerians, Catholic lawyers through the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) have added their voice in calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently convene a security summit. The meeting would have as its scope finding lasting solutions to widespread national insecurity, the lawyers said.

Security: A primary duty of government

A statement signed by the national president and secretary, Barristers Chukwuma Ezeala and Angela Odunukwe, respectively, condemned criminal elements operating in the country. The lawyers cited provisions of the Federal Constitution which demonstrate that the security of citizens was one of the primary duties of government.

We condemn in the strongest terms ever the unbridled acts of criminal elements operating almost without hindrance, and we call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies, to redouble their efforts towards the fulfilment of their constitutional responsibility for the security of lives and property of the average Nigerian, reads the statement.

Solidarity with Nigerians

The Catholic lawyers expressed solidarity and condolences to all Nigerians and families that have been victims of various acts of criminality and deaths. They urged Nigerians to seek consolation from God and prayed that he would grant them the fortitude to bear their irreparable losses.
Catholic Communities in New Zealand and Australia join forces to host a July virtual conference looking at rebuilding after the pandemic.

By Vatican News staff reporter

Alive in the Spirit: Thats the title of a virtual conference taking place from the 8-10 July, which hopes to enliven Catholic Communities in New Zealand and Australia as both countries slowly emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The online event aims to offer a next-level experience to participants through a variety of keynote speakers, home-grown workshops and enriching prayer and worship experiences.

Enriching communities

Alive in the Spirits New Zealand organiser, Amy Armstrong, pastoral ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Dunedin, says the mixture of live and on-demand opportunities are fully adaptable to strengthen the mission and aims of local Catholic communities.

Our faith communities are hungering for inspiration and support as we emerge from the pandemic, she says.



Three Catholic networks have combined forces to host the event  the Pastoral Ministry Network, Christian Initiation Australia Network, and the Mission Planners Network Oceania.

Key events



One the main highlights of the initiative will be the more than 30 on-demand workshops exploring areas such as best practice for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA); planning for mission and renewal; supporting pastoral care and social justice initiatives.

Presenters at the July event will be drawn from experienced pastoral ministers in Australia and New Zealand who will offer practical, down-to-earth wisdom, resources and avenues of new life.



The virtual conference will also feature a variety of prayer spaces to provide their own sources of inspiration.

A number of scheduled networking sessions will enable all Alive in the Spirit participants a chance to share their knowledge and learn from others in the mission field.



According to Amy Armstrong, The conference offers inspiration and support to lay people and clergy, staff, leadership teams, finance teams, pastoral councils, pastoral ministers and volunteers, those in education, counselling, pastoral care, youth ministry, family ministry, aged care and chaplaincies and anyone who wants to be Alive in the Spirit.
The Bishops of Scotland have announced the establishment of a new "Care of Creation Office", which will seek to call Catholics to action and assist Scottish dioceses and parishes in reducing their carbon footprint.

By Lisa Zengarini

Helping Scottish dioceses and parishes assess their carbon footprint - that is, the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by human activities - and to discern how to work towards carbon neutrality.

That is the aim a new special environmental protection department, which the Catholic Bishops of Scotland plan to set up.



The establishment of the Care of Creation Office, which will be headed by Fr Gerard H Maguiness, the General Secretary of the Bishops Conference (BCOS), was announced this week ahead of the COP26, the 26th UN Conference on Climate Change to be held in November in Glasgow.

According to the BCOS, the idea was inspired by Pope Francis encyclical letter Laudato si', which reminds all Catholics of their responsibilities towards one another and the world we live.

One human family sharing a common home

Caring for creation is also the theme of a Pastoral Letter which the Bishops will distribute on Pentecost Sunday, 23 May, on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the Pope's document on the care of our common home.

The letter draws attention to the Christian message, that we are all part of one human family" and that "we share a common home, [which] means that our earths resources must be shared and used for the benefit of all.

It recalls that Gods creation is a great gift to all humanity and its resources are to preserved and passed on to future generations.

However, although we have been entrusted by God with the care of the earth, we have not just used the earth we have abused it, bringing it to a crisis point, particularly due to CO2 emissions, Scottish bishops write.

Need for a radical change of life

Hence the need for urgent and deep rooted action, which implies a radical change of life. In fact, the environmental crisis is not just an issue that can be left to governments to deal with, but raises questions about how we live, how we work, how we holiday, how we travel, how the goods we purchase are manufactured and transported to us, the Bishops' letter points out.

Environmental and social justice

The Bishops also draw attention on the close connection between the protection of the environment and social justice.

It is not only that we must stop polluting the atmosphere, we need to recognise the right of all humanity to the worlds resources, they say.

They also recall that the Church too needs to act in this regard and that the dioceses of Scotland are in the process of divesting from fossil fuel investments, while the Bishops Conference is aiming for carbon neutrality for its agencies, as are the dioceses in as sustainable and timely a way as possible.

Acting with a sense of urgency

According to the Bishops, all these efforts are a start, but much more is required if we are to undo the harm caused by generations of neglect and abuse.

Calling to mind that scientists have confirmed that window for effective change is limited, they reiterate their urgent call for action.

All of us must work with a sense of urgency to discern what needs to be done and to make the changes required, the letter concludes.
Vietnams Ministry of Finance recently issued Circular 19/2021/TT-BTC on electronic tax payment for Vietnamese citizens.

The Decree aims at enhancing support for taxpayers, easing the tax payment process so that users will experience a convenient tax payment process.

Recently, Vietnams Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued Circular 19/2021/TT-BTC (Circular 19) guiding regulations on electronic tax transactions. The Circular came into effect on May 3.

Taxpayers who conduct e-transactions must have internet access, an email address, a digital signature, or a mobile number. E-tax transactions can be conducted 24/7 including public holidays.

Circular 19 highlights

Circular 19 supplements regulations that allow taxpayers to choose the following methods to perform electronic tax transactions, which are through:

National Public Service portal, the MoFs web portal that is connected to the General Department of Taxations (GDT) portal;

Web portals of other qualified state agencies that are connected to GDTs portal; and

The electronic payment service of an intermediary payment service provider that is linked to the GDT portal.

To be more specific, the MoF states that taxpayers conducting electronic tax transactions through any of the methods mentioned above are required to register to perform e-tax transactions. This application will follow rules according to the regulations and instructions of each agency or organization through which the taxpayer chooses to perform electronic tax transactions.

Further taxpayers will be granted an additional account by the GDT to perform transactions when using the method through the National Public Service portal and the website of the MoF.

This additional account will be created on the basis of the information that the taxpayer provided when registering through these portals, hence taxpayers will not have to manually register for any changes or additions.

When asked about the primary reason for Circular 19, the MoF mentioned that they issued the Circular to enhance convenience for taxpayers and optimize the efficiency in the tax-paying process.

Moreover, this additional circular will be consistent with the provisions of:

Decree 61/2018/ND-CP on the implementation of the one-stop-shop mechanism in handling administrative procedures;

Decree 11/2020/ND-CP on administrative procedures in the aspect of Trade Treasury; and

Resolution 02/NQ-CP dated January 1, 2019, on continuing to perform the main tasks and solutions to improve the business environment and enhance national competitiveness.

Electronic transactions in tax payment, tax refund, tax exemption

Tax payment

Specifically, regarding electronic transactions in electronic tax payment, the new regulation removes the conditions on the implementation of electronic tax payment for banks that participate in this electronic method. Instead, banks and other organizations providing intermediary payment services that meet the technical standards outlined by the GDT will send a connection request to the GDT, according to provisions of Article 38 of Circular 19.

Tax refund

Regarding electronic transactions in a tax refund, Circular 19 makes amends on the time range when the tax authorities send the notice of receipt to taxpayers. To elaborate, this time range is after the tax authority sends the notice of acceptance of the electronic tax refund, in cases when the taxpayer requests a tax refund.

Tax exemption/reduction

Regarding electronic transactions in tax exemption and reduction, Circular 19 inputs new regulations on this issue. Accordingly, taxpayers can send a tax exemption or reduction request to tax authorities by either direct submission or electronic method. This circular specifically outlines the process of receiving, processing, and returning results by electronic method for application for tax exemption or reduction.

Government continues on path of digitalization

Through issuing Circular 19 the government demonstrates that they have made efforts in improving the taxation aspect in Vietnam, supporting Vietnamese citizens in tax payments. Moreover, this proves that the taxation system in Vietnam still holds strong opportunities for improvement, as the government seeks ways to enhance e-government operations and digitalization.
According to the 2021 plan, the goal of sending labourers to work abroad is about 90,000 people. Is this possible?

Nguyen Gia Liem, deputy director of the Department of Overseas Labour

The target number of labourers to work abroad in 2021 is calculated and determined based on the pandemic situation, the analysis of the market situation, and the needs of the receiving markets, as well as local human resources, and the ability to recruit and train these.

Currently, in some main countries and territories receiving Vietnamese workers, the pandemic situation has been controlled, and many are speeding up the progress of vaccination. It is hoped that the pandemic will be even better controlled in the coming time and they will begin to receive foreign workers to serve the needs of socioeconomic development.

We think it is possible to achieve the set target on the number of workers going abroad in 2021. In fact, in the first quarter of this year, the total number of Vietnamese workers working abroad was 29,541 people, reaching 32.82 per cent of the plan.

What solutions has the Department of Overseas Labour defined to accomplish this goal?

We will develop and submit to competent authorities for promulgation detailed regulations and guidelines for the Law No.69/2020/QH14 from last November of the National Assembly on Vietnamese guest workers under contracts, approved by the 14th National Assembly and effective in 2022. Accordingly, a Vietnamese guest worker under contract may unilaterally terminate their contract in case of being ill-treated, subject to forced labour by the employer, and an explicit risk of direct threat to their life, health, or if sexually harassed while working abroad.

Besides that, we will continue to closely coordinate with diplomatic and relevant agencies of the receiving markets to monitor the situation of employees working abroad, promptly handle arising issues, ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of as well as organising the return of those whose contracts have expired.

In addition, we also continue to negotiate with a number of receiving countries to agree on labour cooperation, such as with Thailand, Malaysia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Romania, the United States, and Russia, as well as cooperation agreements on human resources development with some localities in Japan.

The situation of workers out of contract but staying in the overseas countries has made it difficult to continue signing new labour export orders, and some have even stopped accepting workers from Vietnam. What can be done about this situation?

Some Vietnamese workers did not return home on time when their contracts were terminated, illegally staying and working there. This situation has affected the image of Vietnamese workers abroad, adversely affecting the maintenance and expansion of market shares.

To rectify the situation, we have focused on implementing a number of specific solutions. These include requiring enterprises and organisations sending workers abroad to improve the quality of recruitment, training, and orientation education for workers before leaving and studying and amending contents and regulations on administrative sanctions for violations of those working abroad.

We must also strengthen propaganda to raise awareness of workers, families, and communities in mobilising overseas workers to comply with labour contracts and laws of the host country and return home on time after contract termination, as well as strengthen activities to support and introduce jobs to attract and encourage workers to return home on time after the end of their labour contracts.

For workers who have gone abroad, how has the department taken action to protect their rights?

Currently, there are six labour management boards under the Vietnam Representative Office in six countries with a large number of Vietnamese workers working in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Particularly in South Korea, there is also a labour management office working through the EPS Program under the Department of Overseas Labour Centre.

The law also clearly stipulates that enterprises with more than 100 employees working abroad must have a representative office and appoint a representative to manage the labourers sent by the enterprise to work in the host country.

The management board then regularly coordinates with the agencies of the host country and the overseas representative labour managers of the sending enterprise to monitor the situation of the workers and promptly support and handle arising problems, ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of employees during working time.

For countries that have not yet established a labour management board, the Vietnamese representative in the host country will manage and assist in solving problems related to Vietnamese workers in these areas.

In the current context, what advice or recommendations do you have for people wishing to work abroad?

Employees wishing to work abroad need to actively learn the provisions of the law including forms of going to work, rights and obligations, fees payable according to regulations, and related information from other agencies to ensure the process is legal, safe, and efficient.

They also need to actively equip themselves with foreign language knowledge and necessary skills in accordance with the requirements of the target market.

The fact that Vietnamese citizens go abroad through unofficial channels and then reside and work illegally has many potential risks, such as the risk of not finding a job, becoming an illegal resident, and then getting arrested, fined, and deported if found.

If there is no legal labour contract or type of work, the employee is not entitled to insurance regimes and is not protected by the law of the host country.

In addition, due to insufficient information about the employer, working and living conditions, lack of understanding of the culture and customs of the destination country, and not being equipped with working and training skills, these citizens are more at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking or forced labour as well as many other difficulties, but are not recognised and protected by the laws of the host country.

Citizens going to work abroad must register with Vietnamese authorities, diplomatic missions, and consulates in the country where they go to work if they encounter difficulties or arise during their stay.

Otherwise, it will be difficult for Vietnamese authorities to advise and support their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the provisions of Vietnamese law, the law of the host country, and the international system.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 22:57:33|Editor: huaxia

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced on Thursday that the temporary suspension of cross-border activities between Brunei and Malaysia will be extended for another two weeks from May 22 to June 4, 2021.

The temporary suspension on entry of foreign nationals via land and sea ports, including transits through Brunei, is extended by 14 more days until June 4, except for entry and transit travels that have been granted approval by the government.

Brunei shares land and sea borders with east Malaysia.

Temporary suspension on the collection and delivery of private goods and temporary suspension on commuters via land and sea for work are also extended by 14 days until June 4.

According to the PMO, the conditions for the consideration of entry and exit travel mentioned above are subject to review by the Cross-Border Affairs Steering Committee from time to time.

Meanwhile, Brunei temporarily suspended the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) Arrangement with Singapore effective from Thursday, 7 p.m. local time until further notice.

According to a PMO press release, the country made the decision as it continues to review the risk assessment of all countries, areas and regions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brunei reported no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, maintaining the national tally at 235.

The country reported one more recovery on Thursday, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 223. Since May 6, 2020, Brunei has recorded 379 days without local COVID-19 infection cases, with only nine active patients being treated and monitored at the National Isolation Center, who are all in a stable condition.

There have been three deaths reported from COVID-19 so far in Brunei. Enditem
A nurse fills a syringe with the Pfizer Biontech vaccine at the vaccination center of German speciality chemicals company Evonik in Hanau, western Germany, on Mai 19, 2021, amid the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.(THOMAS LOHNES / AFP)

Lawmakers voting late Wednesday narrowly approved an amendment calling on the bloc to back an Indian and South African proposal to the World Trade Organization "for a temporary waiver on intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccines, equipment and treatments".

The text, which was attached to an unrelated health motion by MEPs from The Left (GUE), also "urges pharmaceutical companies to share their knowledge and data".

Earlier this month, EU leaders said they were willing to discuss patent waivers after US President Joe Biden backed the plan -- but called for more details on the proposal and urged other major producers to first increase their exports of much-needed jabs.

EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told lawmakers on Wednesday that Brussels would put forward its own proposal at the WTO focused on boosting production and freeing up exports.

He insisted that Brussels would "engage constructively" to see if a temporary waiver of patents could help bolster global supplies and access to the doses.

WTO boss Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is in Brussels, said production was key to addressing the global shortfall in jabs.

"I want to be clear: Getting the IP waiver will not be enough," Okonjo-Iweala told MEPs before talks with EU trade ministers.

"We need to decentralise manufacturing. It's anomalous that Africa, with 1.3 billion people, has 0.17 percent of the manufacturing capacity of the world," she said.

The World Health Organization, India and South Africa have all called for patents to be temporarily suspended in a bid to help boost supplies to poorer nations struggling to vaccinate their populations.

The EU points to the fact that it has exported over 200 million vaccine doses -- while other key manufacturers such as the US and Britain have sent only limited supplies abroad.

Officials from the bloc have said the hoarding of crucial ingredients needed for vaccines by some nations was a larger obstacle than patent protection.

Key EU members France and Germany have defended vaccine patents, arguing that innovative companies must be rewarded for their efforts.

Germany is the home of BioNTech, which developed the vaccine now being produced by US giant Pfizer that has become the mainstay of Europe's inoculation campaign.

"The limiting factors in the production of vaccines are the production capacities and the high quality standards and not patents," a spokeswoman for Chancellor Angela Merkel's government said earlier this month.

"The protection of intellectual property is a source of innovation and must remain so in the future." The European Commission has also defended this view.
(FILES) In this file photograph taken on April 3, 2019, former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn leaves the office of his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka in Tokyo. Fugitive former auto chief Carlos Ghosn must repay nearly five million euros in wages to Nissan-Mitsubishi that he was paid by their Netherlands-based holding firm, a Dutch court ruled on May 20, 2021.(Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)

Ghosn was seeking 15 million euros ($18 million) for illegal dismissal but the court in Amsterdam said that there was no current contract between him and the Dutch holding firm of the Japanese automakers.

Ghosn is wanted by Japan on charges of financial misconduct but remains at large in Lebanon, where he fled while on bail.

"The former director of Nissan-Mitsubishi BV has to pay back almost five million euros to the company," the Amsterdam court said in a statement.

The court said Ghosn was "not entitled to fair compensation, transitional compensation or arrears, as no employment contract has existed between him and the company.

"The necessary permission from the board was lacking."

The court said the previous contract that began in July 2012 had expired in April 2018, and that Ghosn must now repay wages he earned between April and November 2018.

Ghosn's own request for compensation was "inadmissible", it added.

A spokesman for Ghosn said the former auto chief would challenge the verdict.

"As today's verdict has been rendered without hearing Mr Ghosn and other key witnesses, the defence team will now take the case to the court of appeal where Mr Ghosn's right to witness evidence will be granted," the spokesman said in a statement emailed to AFP.

"We are satisfied with the court verdict which ruled out any bad faith from Mr Ghosn."

Ghosn was a global business superstar and head of an auto alliance joining Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Motors before his career came crashing to an abrupt end in November 2018, when Tokyo investigators stormed his private jet to arrest him.

The French-Lebanese-Brazilian national was eventually charged with four counts of financial misconduct -- which he denies -- over claims he hid compensation and misused Nissan funds.

Having spent months in detention, Ghosn was out on bail when he fled the country in what Japanese prosecutors termed "one of the most brazen and well-orchestrated escape acts in recent history".
Foxconn and LuxShare are outsourcing partners for Apple in Vietnam with factories in Bac Giang

Bac Giang suspended the operations of four out of six industrial zones (IZs) in the province from May 18. The affected zones include Van Trung, Dinh Tram, Song Khe-Noi Hoang, and Quang Chau.

Le Anh Duong, Chairman of Bac Giang Peoples Committee, said that the suspension time will depend on the COVID-19 pandemic situation, but it is not expected to last long enough to have a significant effect on the manufacturing operations of the enterprises in these zones.

He added that by strictly complying with the preventive measures, it will certainly be possible to stop the spread of the pandemic in a short time.

According to the province's notice, suppliers of Apple Inc. like Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn) and Luxshare-ICT Ltd. were among those who had to temporarily close their factories in Van Trung and Quang Chau IZs.

Bac Giang temporarily stopped the operations of the four IZs after testing nearly 140,000 workers for COVID-19 infections. Those who tested negative were sent back to their places of residence, for temporarily isolation at home following the directions of the government.

The province also prevented workers from returning to their home towns.

On May 19, Bac Giang recorded 603 cases of F0, 8,804 cases of F1, and 36,833 cases of F2.
Agencies focusing on labour export are troubled with keeping workers interested

Two months before the latest wave of COVID-19 broke out in Vietnam, 30-year-old Son from the northern province of Vinh Phuc borrowed more than VND100 million ($4,300) from relatives and friends for a brokerage to prepare the documents for his employment in Europe.

However, according to Son, many European countries did not accept foreign workers, and the broker closed its business and fled with money. Troubles mounted when Son had no job and could not repay his debts. When his wife was about to give birth, Son had no choice but to leave his hometown for Hanoi to find a job.

Two weeks afterwards with no success and little money, and nowhere else to stay the night, he had to sleep at a bus stop while constantly receiving calls and messages from people who wanted to collect debts.

Fortunately, a few days later, Son met a construction worker. The man promised to help and later accepted him as a worker at a facility he managed.

Son said that his wife had just given birth a few days ago, but he did not dare to return to his hometown. I cried when I saw her face on the phone. Many people told me that I should arrange to visit my wife and daughter, but the debts are still there, and I cant return if I dont pay the debts, Son said.

Others like Son who dream of going abroad to improve their lives have also been driven into a difficult situation. For more than a year now, many labour export enterprises are also in a similar situation to Sons brokerage, struggling to send people abroad.

Before the pandemic, International Manpower Supply and Trade JSC (SONA) sent about 500 Vietnamese workers each year to Japan, South Korea, Romania, Poland, other European countries, and the Middle East. In 2020, the company sent only 195 people abroad. Currently, there are more than 20 people who have already received the vocational training necessary for their work abroad but still have to return to their hometown and wait as the companys partners temporarily stopped accepting foreign workers.

Nguyen Duc Nam, general director of SONA, said that to hold out and overcome the unprecedented difficult period, the company must reorient its business strategy, focusing on training and labour lease within the country.

Nam assessed that the situation will be prevalent until the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022. Even when countries open to welcome foreign workers again, the recruitment demand may be lower and competition fiercer. Therefore, the company determines that it will have to balance the labour export with the new orientation.

Facing the concerns of many businesses and workers, the Department of Overseas Labour said that the demand for recruiting foreign workers in some markets has not decreased but increased in recent times.

Taiwan is a typical market recruiting many unskilled workers in fields related to agriculture, mechanics, and child and elderly care. Since Taiwan has controlled the pandemic, the number of Vietnamese workers going there to work has been at the forefront of labour export markets and is expected to increase soon.

For some other markets such as Japan and South Korea, recruitment is still carried out online and contracted workers will be able to work abroad as soon as possible, though the number of entry permissions is rather limited.

Fields and professions of recruitment in Japan are very diverse and include areas such as construction, nursing, agriculture, processing, electronics, and car maintenance.

In South Korea, workers are mainly employed for manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and fishing jobs. Particularly in the fisheries sector, South Korea is still accepting workers as sailors because this job does not require entry to the mainland, but workers will move by sea to the ships to work as soon as they are recruited.

Nguyen Thanh Nhat, director of GETRACO Co., Ltd.s Branch in Ho Chi Minh City, said that although the pandemic affects many industries in Japan, in general the demand for recruiting Vietnamese workers has not changed much compared to before COVID-19 emerged.Specifically, the Japanese Technical Intern Training Program every month needs to recruit 30 labourers.

Although it is currently difficult to leave the country, we are still regularly recruiting interns for various industries, getting ready so that as soon as the flight routes are reopened, people can go abroad immediately, Nhat said.

Director of Esuhai Co., Ltd. Le Long Son added that of the companys 2,200 current interns, up to half of them have been offered labour contracts to work in Japan and are waiting to leave the country.

Some businesses also said that their biggest worry right now is the workers unwillingness to go abroad.

Many workers have found other jobs to maintain their lives, so when the routes reopen, we will certainly not be able to call enough of these people back to work. Another group of workers includes those who waited too long and changed their minds. Last year, nearly 100 people paid a deposit then asked to withdraw, making it very difficult for the company, said Bui Hai Tan, general director of Viet Tri Company.

Meanwhile, many workers reported losing money to intermediaries but could still not work abroad, a representative of the Department of Overseas Labour said, adding that most foreign partners finance the cost of vocational training, so employees only must pay for their living expenses during their studies and expenses related to exit procedures if they are recruited.

However, Vietnamese labour export companies often require labourers to deposit a sum of money in advance for fear that they will give up partway. If they fully complete the training courses and are recruited, the labourers will be reimbursed for training costs. Labourers are also supported in the vocational training if the host country stops recruiting.

To avoid an unfortunate situation like Sons story, the Department of Overseas Labour recommends that employees carefully research information about both recruitment companies in Vietnam as well as their partners before making a deposit.
By Le Nguyen Huy Thuy - Partner, Indochine Counsel (left), Ton That Hoang - Legal assistant, Indochine Counsel

A market with millions of potential customers, 60 per cent of whom access the internet and all of whom will need a COVID-19 vaccine, the need for large-scale logistics services continues to grow. Investment, specifically in logistics real estate, will only serve as a profit centre for foreign investors who understand the legal requirements to enter the sector.

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia, with revenue by the end of this year expected to reach $13 billion. In recent years, the supply chain has increasingly focused on consumers, with the speed of delivery a primary factor in making purchasing decisions.

With stay-at-home requirements, more customers shop online. This required competitive prices and strict delivery schedules. The variety of goods, not only dry goods delivery but also cold storage for food and temperature-sensitive items such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and cosmetics entered into this ecosystem drove the demand for expanding services.

In 2019 the global cold chain market was valued at $4.7 billion and is expected to reach $8.2 billion by 2025 with an average annual growth rate of 12.5 per cent. Domestic and international investors have long been targeting cold chains and there is a need for more cold storage located closer to customers to serve the demand for temperature-sensitive products. Another driving force for cold storage is specialised healthcare products.

The COVID-19 vaccine distribution process  an unprecedented service in the logistics market  requires a very low temperature that is not normally required in standard cold storage. The need for new facilities and capabilities to meet this demand promises to bring significant profit to investors and service providers who can seize the opportunity.

But cold storage requires additional space for refrigeration, ventilation, and other elements especially in tropical countries. That need will be met through investment in logistics real estate, and in Vietnam there are certain regulations which are necessary to be considered and comprehended before deciding to make such an investment.

Real estate business is in the list of industries and trades in which business investment is conditional, any organisation or individual wishing to conduct real estate trading must set up an enterprise or cooperative. Real estate business includes:

- Leasing houses and buildings for sub-leasing;

- In the case of land leased from the state, the construction of residential houses for the purpose of lease out; and the construction of houses and buildings other than residential houses for the purpose of sale, lease out or grant of hire purchase;

- The construction of houses and buildings on land leased from organisations, family households or individuals, for leasing out in strict accordance with the land use purposes;

- Receiving the transfer of part or all real estate projects from investors in order to construct houses and buildings for the purpose of sale, lease out, or grant of hire purchase;

- The construction of residential houses on land allocated by the state for the purpose of sale, lease out, or grant of hire purchase; and

- The construction of houses and buildings on leased land in industrial zones, industrial complexes, export processing zones, high-tech zones, or economic zones for trading in strict accordance with land use purposes.

These opportunities do not involve the ownership of land. Foreign investors cannot own land in Vietnam but may lease land for the duration of their investment project. The same rule is applied for logistics related to real estate. While a foreign investor can lease land pursuant to the above allowances from individuals, organisations, or the state, they may not own the land which will underlie their investment in logistics facilities.

To invest in real estate business in Vietnam, a foreign investor must establish an enterprise with foreign-owned capital, or contribute capital or purchase shares or capital contribution portions to a Vietnam-based enterprise. Foreign investors must satisfy the conditions and forms of investment set forth in Article 24 and 25 of the Law on Investment, which are fairly basic qualifications.

Once those conditions are met, foreign investors can enter the real estate business and develop logistics facilities to meet requirements by increased e-commerce and supply of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vietnam has become an ideal place for foreign investors over the last two decades. Despite the pandemic, it still ranked second in the COVID Performance Index and has proven a safe place for foreign investment.

To facilitate foreign investors to invest in supply chains to meet the demand for multi-method logistics and cold chains, the government has loosened rules on real estate investment, particularly logistics real estate.

Given the above conditions, logistics real estate will have many areas for development and very good growth momentum in 2021-2022.
Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, co-founders of Indian social commerce unicorn Meesho, also invested and will join Gokul Rajaram in becoming advisors to Mio CEO Trung Huynh.

Mios mission is to bring financial independence to women in lower-tier cities and rural areas by enabling them to become micro-entrepreneurs by acting as salse partners in community trade.

Mio was founded in June 2020 by Trung Huynh  former investment associate at IDG Ventures Vietnam, An Pham  former co-founder of SCommerce (formerly known as Giao Hang Nhanh), as well as Tu Le and Long Pham.

According to a 2019 paper by S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, an additional $4.5 trillion could be added annually to the total GDP of the Asia-Pacific region by 2025, just by accelerating the female participation in the economy. In Southeast Asia, female micro-entrepreneurs play a significant role in the rural economies of today.

Mio, as one of the most exciting Vietnamese social commerce platforms, is leading this movement in Vietnam where the housewife reseller market in lower-tier regions have been underserved for years, in favour of big players like Tiki and Shopee.

Mio has enabled hundreds of entrepreneurs, mostly women of 25-35 years old in Vietnams lower-tier regions to create their own professional identity, grow their businesses, increase income, and become agents of change in their communities.

Mio's leader team

In Vietnam, rural consumers account for 63 per cent of the population and 60 per cent of the total GDP. They represent a large market opportunity as e-commerce players have traditionally sidelined the lower-tier markets for having rudimentary logistics infrastructure that made them costly to fulfil.

Social media remains the most popular online activity in Vietnams rural areas and overall online shopping penetration for rural Vietnam in 2020 is 46 per cent, showing sharp growth with a 17 per cent increase from 2018.

Mio empowers women in lower-tier regions of Vietnam to launch, build, and promote their online business on Mio platform  and all of this without any investment.

Mio aims to win e-commerce in lower-tier cities in Vietnam by creating an alternate distribution channel through agents, who use social media channels, such as Facebook, Zalo, TikTok, and Instagram to reach end consumers, who are often the agents neighbours and families.

Mio empowers women in lower-tier regions of Vietnam to launch, build, and promote their online business on Mio platform  and all of this without any investment.

Mio also supports them with training, order management, fulfilment, and logistics through focusing on product quality, pricing, and personalisation to help resellers improve their sales and customer service. Hundreds of Mios micro-entrepreneurs are making an extra VND2 million($87) to VND8 million ($348) per month, which is substantial given that their monthly incomes are less than VND8 million.

Mio aims to expand to more localities in Vietnam, helping to bolster financial independence for women in rural areas

We are excited to partner with Mio in their mission of providing affordable products to Vietnamese people by building a new distribution channel from micro-entrepreneurs, many of them women, said Meeshos co-founder and CEO Vidit Aatrey. We are very impressed by Mios management team, and strongly believe that CEO Trung Huynh and his team can build one of the most legendary companies in Vietnam.

Meeshos co-founder and CTO Sanjeev Barnwal shared: We are amazed by the product that the Mio team has built in such a short span and impressed by their tech-first approach towards problem-solving and scaling the business.

Mio seed capital will be used to invest in distribution centres, hire more people for its tech and product teams in order to build a suite of new customer acquisition and selling tools.

The startup also plans to add more personalisation options for its resellers and product categories. With this fresh funding, Mio aims to partner with thousands of more agents and expand to more provinces in Vietnam, giving financial independence to women in Vietnamese rural areas.
Super app explosion signalling a digital payment revolution, source gojek.com

At the beginning of May, Gojek announced it will unveil its car-sharing services in Vietnam in the next few months. The move follows its official launch in the country last August after the rebranding of its existing local operation, GoViet.

A representative of Gojek Vietnam told VIR that Gojeks business is built around transport, food, and pay. Car-sharing and cashless payment services will be the addition to this triangle in 2021, he said.

According to Filippo Bortoletti, senior manager of International Business Advisory at Dezan Shira & Associates, Gojek completing its super app is likely to increase the competition in Vietnams ride-hailing market. Scale is everything in such a business and includes creating a base of regular users, who can then be leveraged into other businesses, like food delivery and e-commerce, Bortoletti said.

In this case, both Gojek and Grab could fight over users with appealing promotions on their apps while competing over local drivers with attractive compensation schemes.

Potentially, partnering with other tech companies could break the equilibrium between the two super apps, but this is unlikely as Gojek and Grab have been evenly competing in Southeast Asia for years without gaining a clear advantage, said Bortoletti.

Also, the competitive landscape of e-wallets may change. Currently, MoMo, Moca, and ZaloPay dominate about 90 per cent of the local market. Gojeks recent acquisition of Vietnamese e-wallet WePay may also alter the market for ride-hailing and food delivery services which may reduce the number of transactions for Moca who partnered with Grab, he added.

Market researcher Decision Labs latest connected consumer report revealed that Vietnams ride-hailing industry could reach $4 billion by 2025 and is one of Southeast Asias fastest-growing ride-hailing markets. Grab is dominating the ride-hailing app scene, while Gojek and Be Group are striving to keep up with traditional taxis. After Grab, Gojek is the second-most popular ride-hailing app in Ho Chi Minh City, while in Hanoi, this position belongs to Be Group.

The latest report by mobile platform provider Appota shows that online food delivery has boomed during the pandemic. The growth of such deliveries on on-demand platforms have skyrocketed 82 per cent in 2020, from 58 per cent in 2018. GrabFood, Now.vn, GoFood, and Baemin are now main players of the online food delivery competition.

Meanwhile, these platforms also compete in last-mile delivery, which has witnessed surging demand owing to the high growth in e-commerce. The market is highly competitive with the expansion of Tiki, Lazada, and Shopee, as well as other local and foreign logistics service providers such as Vietnam Post, Viettel Post, GHN, DHL, and FedEx.

One segment that the on-demand platforms are focusing their efforts on is e-wallet services. The market is crowded with 37 licensed intermediary payment services, including 34 e-wallets. However, there is vast potential as total transaction value of digital payments is expected to show an annual growth rate of 15.02 per cent, resulting in a projected total amount of $26.37 million by 2025, according to Germanys data analyst Statista.

The ongoing addition of new services is not surprising for multi-purpose platforms. In January, Be Group joined forces with VPBank to launch an electronic banking solution system and digital bank called Cake, which is available on the Be Group app.

CEO of Be Group Nguyen Hoang Phuong said that one of the ways be differentiates itself is by positioning the company as an open platform. It is veering away from the super app strategy adopted by many other ride-hailing firms, and instead wants to be a mobility-as-a-service provider and is relying on building partnerships with other companies to grow its ecosystem in a sustainable manner.

Be Group offers more than 10 services such as motorbike and car booking, express delivery, grocery delivery, online ticket ordering, and more. The company reached break-even last year and aims to achieve profitability in 2021.

According to Dezan Shira & Associates Bortoletti, Vietnam is a fertile ground for development of super apps and an attractive market. Like China a decade ago, Vietnam could be in the early phase of a digital payment revolution. Cashless payments are on the rise in Vietnam as more people use e-wallets to pay for groceries, taxi fares, phone and electricity bills, and plane tickets, Bortoletti said.

The pandemic also fostered the development of cashless payments among locals due to high internet penetration and smartphone ownership. Finally, Vietnams banked population is one of the lowest in Southeast Asia, which offers a great opportunity for super apps and e-wallet players to become the next Alipay or WeChatPay, he added.
Recent growth in Vietnamese exports is partly being helped by economic recovery in the US. Photo: Le Toan

The rapid pace of vaccinations and massive scale of fiscal stimulus spending will push the global economy, including the American economy, to recover strongly, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in its Economic Outlook Interim Report on strengthening the recovery released a few weeks ago.

Global economic prospects have improved, with global GDP growth now projected to strengthen to 5.5 per cent in 2021 and 4 per cent in 2022, instead of -3.4 per cent last year due to COVID-19, the OECD said.

Significant fiscal and monetary support continues to underpin activity. Additional discretionary fiscal measures announced in several countries during the past months will add to the overall support this year, including in the United States, Japan, Germany, Canada, and India. In Europe, spending of over 2 trillion ($2.45 trillion) from the Next Generation recovery fund is due to begin later this year.

The extent of fiscal support in the US this year is set to be considerably larger than in most other economies. The Consolidated Appropriations Act enacted last December contained new temporary measures worth $900 billion (4 per cent of GDP), largely concentrated on emergency assistance for households and the unemployed.

On March 12, US President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act into law, sending much-needed aid to millions of Americans still struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan provides $1,400 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 annually, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments and $14 billion for vaccine distribution. The bill also provides $130 billion to elementary, middle, and high schools to assist with safe reopening.

The bills economic-relief provisions are overwhelmingly geared toward low-income and middle-class Americans, who will benefit from the direct payments, the bills expansion of low-income tax credits, expanded health-insurance access, extension of expanded unemployment benefits, food stamps, and rental assistance programmes. The bill contains little direct aid to high income-earners, who largely retained their jobs during the COVID-19 economic shock and bolstered their savings.

Benefits for Vietnam

Vietnam is an economy largely depending on exports and imports. Figures from Vietnams General Statistics Office showed that in 2020, while GDP was valued at $355 billion, total export-import turnover was $544 billion, including $281.5 billion from exports and $262.4 billion from imports. In the first four months of 2021, the economys total export-import turnover is estimated to hit $206.51 billion, including $103.9 billion from exports  up 28.3 per cent on-year, and $102.61 billion from imports - up 30.8 per cent on-year.

In this period, the US was Vietnams largest export market, with a total turnover of $30.3 billion, up 50.1 per cent as compared to that in the same period last year. Meanwhile, China was Vietnams second largest export market ($16.8 billion, up 32.4 per cent on-year), followed by the EU ($12.6 billion, up 18.1 per cent), Southeast Asia ($8.8 billion, up 13.3 per cent), South Korea ($6.9 billion, up 12.1 per cent), and Japan ($6.5 per cent, up 1.5 per cent).

While the global economy is still being heavily affected by COVID-19, a lack of empty containers, a rise in shipping charges, and other transportation costs, Vietnams export-import activities since early this year have been flourishing, with good growth in key exports such as electronics, garments, footwear, machinery and equipment, and farm produce in many markets, especially in major ones like the US, China, the EU, South Korea, Japan, and ASEAN, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Cao Quoc Hung. It is forecast that Vietnams export-import activities will continue thriving in the coming time when free trade agreements are implemented further. Especially, besides support packages launched by nations to support their people and enterprises, deals such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and those with the EU and the United Kingdom will facilitate Vietnamese products to enter partner markets with preferential tariffs, Hung said.

Furthering ties with the US

In the US National Security Strategic Guidance issued in March, US President Biden stated, We will deepen our partnership with India and work alongside New Zealand, as well as Singapore, Vietnam, and other ASEAN member states, to advance shared objectives.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales, said that there will be considerable continuity in the Biden administrations policy from that of the Trump administration.

President Bidens National Security Strategic Guidance sets out to engage Vietnam (along with India). The Biden administration will set a priority on enhancing its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam in all nine areas of cooperation spelled out in the 2013 original joint statement during the Obama administration when Biden was vice president.

The partnership covers furthering bilateral economic, commercial, and investment ties as one of the key pillars of bilateral cooperation.

Early this year, Vietnam and the US agreed the bilateral ties have advanced across fields over the past 25 years, pledging to cooperate in deepening the ties in a more comprehensive manner, with a focus on economy-trade-investment, overcoming war consequences, enhancing maritime capacity, fighting COVID-19 and adapting to climate change. The US reaffirmed it continues attaching importance with Vietnam.

It is expected that in 2021, there will be more connections and talks between both nations high-level leaders, investors, and enterprises.

Adam Sitkoff, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi told VIR that he expected the US-Vietnam trade and investment cooperation will further flourish in the coming time.

Vietnam and the United States have developed a healthy commercial relationship that has created jobs, tax revenues, and opportunity for citizens of both countries, Sitkoff said. The US is Vietnams largest export market. Vietnam also receives billions of US dollars of foreign investment from US companies each year - much of it to build integrated supply chains that benefit American consumers. At the same time, Vietnam has become one of Americas fastest growing export markets.

In 2020, the total export-import turnover between Vietnam and the US was $90.1 billion, up from $76 billion in 2019. In the first four months of 2021, the figure was $35.36 billion.

Responding to a VIR question on whether the US $1.9 trillion fiscal package aimed to spur on domestic consumption, Sitkoff said that it has also partly caused a rise in Vietnamese exports to the US. Anytime American consumers are feeling confident about their finances, it is a positive for exports to the US, he said.

According to Sitkoff, recent growth in Vietnamese exports to the US is partially due to the strong economic recovery and consumer spending in the US. However, most of the export growth to the US appears to be driven primarily by the relocation and reassessment of supply chain sourcing from China to Vietnam.

COVID-19 is likely to continue causing economic disruption. However, I believe the trade and investment relationship between Vietnam and the US will keep growing stronger in the days ahead, Sitkoff said.

Statistics from Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment showed that as of April 20, US investors registered over $9.57 billion in Vietnam for nearly 1,100 valid projects, making the US the 11th-largest foreign investor in the Southeast Asian nation. In the first four months of 2021, the US ranked sixth in investment in Vietnam, with total newly-registered capital of $181 million.

Currently many US firms are exploring opportunities in Vietnam, such as Morgan Stanley, ACORN International, General Dynamics, Nue Capital LLC, BlackRocks Asian Credit, Lockheed Martin International, Smart City Works, Google, Columbia University, and USTelecom.

Intel is now asking Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee for special incentives for its further investment. In January, Intel Corporation announced it has invested a further $475 million in Intel Products Vietnam.

This new investment is in addition to Intels $1 billion investment to build a state-of-the-art chip assembly and test manufacturing facility in Saigon Hi-Tech Park, first announced in 2006. This takes Intels total investment in its Vietnam facility to $1.5 billion, Intel said in a statement.
VPBank's FOL ratio now sits at 15 per cent

VPBank fixed its foreign ownership limit (FOL) at 15 per cent.

According to Decree No.01/2014/ND-CP on the purchase of shares in Vietnamese credit institutions by foreign investors, the shareholding ratio of any one foreign investor and its affiliates must not exceed 20 per cent of the charter capital of a Vietnamese credit institution while the total ownership of all foreign investors must not exceed 30 per cent of the charter capital of a Vietnamese commercial bank.

At the most recent annual shareholders' meeting, Ngo Chi Dung, chairman of VPBank's Board of Management, said that the bank is planning to offer a private placement to a strategic partner by the end of this year.

The bank can use its current treasury shares in combination with issuing new shares for the private placement to foreign partners. The move to reset the banks FOL came hot on the heels of VPBank announcing intentions to look for a strategic partner. VPBank is one of the few major domestic banks that have yet to pair with an international strategic investor.

In May 2020, VPBanks board requested approval from shareholders to lower the FOL to 15 per cent from 22.77 per cent.

VinaCapitals chief economist Michael Kokalari told VIR in a previous interview, Banks want to put aside shares for potential strategic investors and/or for the issuance of convertible bonds that will be sold to foreign investors at some point in the future.

Dragon Capital  Vietnams largest investment fund  has recently increased its ownership in VPBank to 5.12 per cent, thus becoming the banks largest foreign shareholder at the moment.

In particular, Dragon Capital's affiliated funds bought 3.15 million VPB shares. Of this, Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL) bought the most with 1.5 million shares, DC Developing Markets Strategies Pcl. bought 600,000 shares, CTBC Vietnam Equity Fund and Norges Bank bought 500,000 shares, and Samsung Vietnam Securities Master Investment Trust fund bought 50,000 shares.

A few weeks ago, Japanese financial giant Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) acquired 49 per cent stake, equivalent to $1.4 billion, in FE Credit  VPBanks consumer finance arm.

SMBC Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. (SMBCCF), a subsidiary wholly owned by SMFG, is the legal entity to purchase this stake.

In the banking and finance sector, Japan currently ranks third in terms of presence in Vietnam, with six branches, two wholly-owned financial services providers, and 10 representative offices.
Nhat Tin Logistics, photo Thanh Van

Denmarks Maersk has strengthened its contract logistics and distribution capabilities in Vietnam with three new facilities coming into operation in the southern province of Binh Duong and the northern province of Bac Ninh. These warehouses, together with 11 other self-managed facilities in the country, will enhance Maersks logistics capacity for future growth in Vietnam. The two facilities in Binh Duong cover around 10,000 square metres each. At around 18,000sq.m, the new facility in Bac Ninh is situated next to another Maersk distribution centre, scaling up the area here to a combined 29,000sq.m.

Marco Civardi, managing director of Maersk in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, told VIR that the demand for warehousing in Vietnam has increased for both import and export cargo. Container shortages and vessel omissions due to the pandemic crisis has created a strong impact on international freight, therefore generating increase in the warehouse storage demand.

We have also noticed strong growth in digital products and e-commerce/last-mile delivery. While landlords are trying to maximize yields by shifting away from dry-lease to self-operated models, substantial investments in industrial and logistics land are ongoing, Civardi said.

Warehouse supply from new property developers was over 25 per cent in the north of Vietnam and over 28 per cent in the south last year compared to the same period of the previous year.

He stated that the ramping up of warehouse development is partly occurring in support of organic sourcing increases of Vietnamese-made goods, and also accelerating due to relocation of manufacturing activities from China to Vietnam where foreign direct investment in manufacturing needs more supportive logistics infrastructure.

Eager to tap into the market growth, Hong Kong-listed warehouse giant ESR Cayman Ltd. also announced a partnership with BW Industrial Development JSC to develop My Phuoc 4 Industrial Park in Binh Duong.

ESRs foray to Vietnam follows the moves of its two key competitors in the region. Accordingly, Australian warehouse specialist Logos Property established LOGOS Vietnam Logistics Venture in Vietnam last year. Just two months after launch, the venture made its first acquisition in Vietnam  a 13-hectare development site located in Bac Ninhs Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park.

Also last October, Asias largest warehouse builder GLP announced a joint venture to invest in and develop modern logistics real estate in Vietnam. The company quickly acquired two sites in the north and in the south with plans to develop 210,000sq.m of logistics facilities along with its local affiliate SEA Logistic Partners.

In addition to foreign players, local companies are also ramping up development in the field. Nhat Tin Logistics has developed 100,000sq.m of warehouse space across the country, including Van Giang warehouse in the northern province of Hung Yen and Song Than warehouse in the southern province of Binh Duong.

Nguyen Van Tu, general director of Nhat Tin Logistics, said that more logistics developers are increasingly investing in warehouses for various reasons including optimising operations to improve goods flow as well as providing high-speed delivery to consumers. In particular, there is a growing demand for third-party logistics fulfilment services including warehouse management/leasing and order fulfilment so logistics service providers are building large-scale warehouses to cater to the demand.

The Vietnam Logistics Market 2020 report by the Ministry of Industry and Trade revealed that Vietnam is home to 30,000 logistics service providers, of which warehousing and transportation companies accounts for 33.26 per cent. Warehousing services is one of the key segments for Vietnamese logistics companies.

According to real estate group Jones Lang LaSalle, the outlook of Vietnams logistics industry is bright, drawing the interest of investors even in the midst of the pandemic. During the past year, nearly $3 billion was pumped into the warehouse system and modern logistics centres in the country.

Le Duy Hiep, chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, said that previously businesses developed small warehouses to serve their own purposes, but more recently they have developed more large-scale warehouses with multiple functions to form logistics centres.

The general director of Nhat Tin Logistics added that today, warehouse systems are built on larger space and higher space to optimise operations. Many logistics companies also install racking systems to increase storage space and capacity while reducing expenses for merchants. In particular, merchants in retail and electronic goods have a higher demand for warehousing and storage, which opens up opportunities for logistics services providers to invest in more modern facilities to accommodate this demand.

Another reason for warehouse expansion is Vietnams low operating costs. A global report by Savills pointed out that the boom in e-commerce, especially amid the pandemic, is boosting warehouse demand in a majority of markets and, among them, Vietnam has the lowest warehouse operating costs. In Hanoi, costs can be as little as around $5 per square foot, and in Ho Chi Minh City under $10.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 01:02:42|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Thursday renewed a call for COVID-19 vaccines and medicines to be global public good, which can be supplied and distributed upon humanitarian cause to all countries, particularly the vulnerable ones.

Delivering his remarks at the 26th International Conference on "The Future of Asia" via video conference, Hun Sen said the containment and management of impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are the most important task in order to enable all countries to embark on effective recovery process.

"Such a global fight against this communicable disease requires solidarity, mutual trust, joint planning and implementation in a thorough manner under the multilateralism mechanisms with the respect for international laws and sovereignty of each individual country," he said.

"In this spirit, Asia needs to attach high priority and utmost importance to ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccines and medications are global public goods," he added.

Hun Sen said that even though the global economy in 2021 is expected to recover, the world is still facing high uncertainty due to the risks of new waves of COVID-19 outbreak and new variants of the coronavirus.

Hun Sen said Asia is a region with a prominent role in paving the way for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in the post-COVID-19 era. Enditem
Major Chinese capital is being poured into land purchases in Japan near military bases and other military-run facilities, posing a threat to Japanese national security. As a result, Japanese politicians are now attempting to pass controversial legislation that will limit and scrutinize foreign investments based on national security interests.

Back in December 2020, a Japanese government-affiliated agency released information about the purchase of 80 real estate investments linked to Chinese capital. The latest government research, as reported by Hong Kongs Apple Daily, claims that there are now at least 700 real estate investments with Chinese capital near areas with security concerns, including Japan Self-Defense Forces, the military base of the United States Army Japan, Japans coast guard, and facilities for space development.

Japan Forward highlighted Cape Noshappu, an area with suspicious investments. Located at the northern tip of Japan, the area contains a garrison and radar from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) used to monitor the Russian border. The abundance of harnessable wind has attracted several investors. One land purchase tied to Chinese investors was said to be directly at a military choke point, according to a SDF member.

Another area of concern has been the military garrison in Wakkanai. Behind closed doors, Wakkanai officials spoke with SDF officials about possibly ceasing development around the area because of concerns about data vulnerability and susceptibility to radio jamming attacks. The area has now implemented increased surveillance measures and investigations of local land purchasers.

According to Japan Forward, the SDF is not the only party interested in the details of Chinese investors who are purchasing land. A separate intelligence agency is now looking into links between an energy company and Chinese government officials. A foreign power is involved in aspects that are difficult to ascertain, said a Japanese government official.

After a surge in real estate investments just before the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in Japan, the Japanese government appointed an expert panel to review land purchases as they related to national security. Also, the Japanese Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act was revised in June 2020 to install measures safeguarding infrastructure and defense projects.

Before, government approval was required for foreign investors to obtain more than 10 percent of shares in Japanese companies of national interest. After the revision, foreign investors must obtain government approval to purchase even more than one percent of shares, according to the Diplomat. Goldman Sachs felt that this strategy was imprudent and would be detrimental to the market, undermining seven years of market reform.

Guest author Daisuke Akimoto, PhD from the Diplomat stated, The government is entitled to limit property rights and use private property in the name of the public welfare. In other words, it is not unconstitutional for the Japanese government to enact and implement such legislation to restrict the buying and selling of Japanese land between Japanese people and foreign entities, just like other countries such as Australia, South Korea, and the United States.

Having said that, as a member state of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Japan is not allowed to discriminate against other nationalities with regard to property acquisition, he continued.

In the U.S., the Exon-Florio provision of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, the Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007, and the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act enacted in Aug. 2018 and implemented in Feb. 2020, are all in place to prevent foreign investments where national security is considered to be at risk.
The British government is moving ahead with its plan to pass an election integrity bill that will mandate voters show photo identification before theyre given access to a ballot at a polling station during an election. While the move faces the same pushback as seen from Democrats in the United States, a spokesperson for the UKs Cabinet Office said the motive for the legislation is simply to stamp out the potential for fraud.

Equating the theft of a vote to stealing a persons voice, the spokesperson said currently there is an inexcusable potential for someone to cast a vote in another persons name at polling stations.

Labor MPs have criticized the proposal in a similar fashion and on a similar basis to U.S. Democrats. Nadia Whittome, Labor MP for Nottingham East, claimed mandating photo ID for voting when 1 in 4 individuals do not have identification will deny people their right to vote.

This isnt about stopping voter fraud  its about disenfranchising the young, the poor, and people of color. People less likely to vote Tory, she said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed the rhetoric at a recent press conference, I would say that was complete nonsense and what we want to do is to protect democracy, the transparency, and the integrity of the electoral process, and I dont think its unreasonable to ask first-time voters to produce some evidence of identity, reported The Mail.

The Cabinet Office spokesperson stated that almost 98 percent of British citizens already have the necessary identification required to cast votes, adding the government will work with the electoral sector to make sure that new voter requirements are conveyed to the public clearly prior to elections.

In late March, a government published study found that only 2 percent of people in the UK lacked photo ID of any kind.

During the May 2019 election, the government conducted 10 voter ID pilots at various locations. According to a report by Democrat Audit, as little as 0.03 to 0.70 percent of people who attempted to vote were unable to vote due to the ID requirement.

Johnsons spokesman stated that mandating identification would merely bring Britain in line with Northern Ireland, where identification laws have existed for decades.

A briefing paper from the House of Commons states voter ID requirements have been in place in Northern Ireland since 1983 due to concerns of fraud in the embattled region. Beginning in 2003, photo ID has been strictly mandated.

There has been no evidence that the ID requirements in Northern Ireland have affected turnout and the allegations of personation, the crime of pretending to be someone else when you vote, have been eliminated, the briefing paper states.

In 2014, the Electoral Commission stated voters in Great Britain must show their photo ID at polling stations to reduce the risk of fraud. The commission had said that the British voter ID system would be based on the Northern Ireland model.

If the legislation passes into law, voters in England, Wales, and Scotland could be required to produce identification at polling stations starting in 2023.

In an article written for The House in December of 2019, MP Steve Baker said the overwhelming majority of his constituents would be shocked if they discovered the extent of voter fraud and corruption in election practices.

There is widespread abuse of postal votes. In one case, private data held by a third party for legitimate purposes was used to apply for postal votes, and then intercepted before electors had a chance to complete them. The victims would not make a formal complaint as they feared retribution.

In 2014, Bangladeshi-born Luftur Rahman was re-elected as the mayor of Tower Hamlets, a London borough. But in April 2015, the result was overturned after the Election Court found Rahman had committed substantial voter fraud.

A 2015 report by The Times, citing evidence prepared in Rahmans trial, states that almost 25 percent of the postal votes from a single ward in Tower Hamlets was potentially completed by the same hand.

A parallel to the United States

Former U.S. President Donald Trump extended his support to the UKs initiative in a blog post. Trump called for similar laws to be enacted in the United States and criticized Democrats for both seeking to pass their horrible HR 1 bill and for wanting to abolish voter ID laws.

All States should pass Voter ID laws along with many other fair and comprehensive election reforms, like eliminating mass mail-in voting and ballot harvesting, so we never again have an election rigged and stolen from us. The people are demanding real reform, Trump said.

On March 3, the 791-page HR 1 bill, also known as the For the People Act, was narrowly passed along partisan lines by the Democrat-controlled House with a 220  210 vote. All Republicans voted against the bill. From the Democrat side, only Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson voted nay.

The bill, which makes claims about racial discrimination being embedded in the U.S. political process, proposes the following changes among a landslide of others:

States will not be allowed to ask voters to produce photo identification. Instead, they will have to accept a signed statement from the individual as proof that they are who they claim to be; and

Allows mail-in voting nationwide with neither a photo ID nor a witness signature requirement.

In April, North Carolina Governor Mark Robinson, a Republican, told a House Judiciary Committee hearing it was insulting and preposterous that Democrats were characterizing black Americans as incapable of securing photo identification to cast a vote.

Robinson called the Democrats push for federalization of elections a partisan unconstitutional power grab, putting the For the People Act on blast.

H.R. 1 [is] despicableThe entire thing is designed to keep one party in power and make sure they stay there indefinitelyThey plan to do that by taking away the rights of states given by the Constitution to govern their own elections, he said at the hearing.

Two women from Pennsylvania were recently charged with voter fraud for trying to cast votes in the name of their dead mothers during the 2020 presidential race.

In September of last year, the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) published a report, which found almost 349,773 deceased registrants in voter rolls across 41 states, with almost 51 percent of them in Texas, California, New York, and the battleground states of Florida and Michigan.

In April, PILF won a lawsuit against Pennsylvania election officials, arguing the states voter rolls had almost 21,000 dead voters a month before the 2020 election. Officials have since agreed to purge dead voters.

As of October of 2020, 34 U.S. states already have voter ID requirements. 18 states mandate photo ID, while the remainder accept other forms of identification.

Worldwide, most developed countries, including France, Iceland, Mexico, Israel, Germany, and Norway. mandate photo identification during elections. Some countries such as Australia, Denmark, and New Zealand, however, currently do not have voter ID requirements.

In a poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports in March, it was found that 75 percent of American voters supported an identification requirement during elections. 89 percent of Republicans, 60 percent of Democrats, and 77 percent of non-affiliated voters were in agreement. Outside of elections, identification is necessary for various purposes in the United States.

To travel by air, adult passengers over the age of 18 are required to show ID such as a drivers license, passport, or permanent resident card. In New York, to get married, people have to submit formal government identification such as passports, birth certificate, drivers license, and so on.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been accused of mishandling sex abuse allegations against its staff members following the Ebola outbreak in Congo in 2018, according to an investigation and expose published by the Associated Press. The allegations involve at least two WHO doctors who were stationed in the African nation during the epidemic, Boubacar Diallo from Canada and Jean-Paul Ngandu from Congo.

Boubacar Diallo

Diallo reportedly has connections with the top WHO managers, including Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. In late 2019, a young Congolese woman named Anifa who was working at an Ebola treatment center in Beni alleged that Diallo offered her a job with five times her current salary. He wanted me to sleep with him, she told AP. She rejected the offer, saying if he hires me after sleeping with him I would be a sex slave, not a WHO employee.

I condemn WHO for not sanctioning Dr. Boubacar Diallo because I know already they have complaints against him. 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? she said to AP.

Another woman named Reby was approached by Diallo with a similar offer. 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, he told her. Reby also declined the offer, and said From that day on, he always called me the difficult girl.

Diallo also offered 25-year-old Shekinah double her salary. When he asked me to sleep with him, given the financial difficulties of my family I accepted, she said to the media outlet. I wanted to quit But because of my financial problems, I endured it. Even after they parted ways, Diallo continued to send indecent requests. Several other women in Beni were also victimized by Diallo.

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. I would like justice to be done, Shekinah said.

All three women, Anifa, Reby, and Shekinah, declined to share their full names as they were afraid of negative repercussions, including harming their job prospects. The expose states that a WHO staffer and three Ebola experts working in Congo had informed the organizations management about Diallos behavior, but were asked not to pursue the matter further.

Diallo denied the accusations levied against him. He described his relationship with Tedros as purely professional and said that he has never been disciplined for misconduct at WHO nor informed of any complaints regarding his behavior. I have never offered a woman a job in exchange for sex and I have never sexually harassed a woman in my life, he said. Diallo states that he stopped working for the WHO at the end of July.

Dr. Michel Yao, a senior manager at WHO, received complaints about Diallo. Yao did not have the power to terminate Diallo and decided not to place him on administrative leave. It is unknown whether Yao forwarded the complaints against Diallo or Ngandu to the WHOs international investigator or his superiors as required by WHO protocol. Yao has now been promoted to director of Genevas Strategic Health Operations Department.

Jean-Paul Ngandu

Yao first learned of the sexual misconduct allegations against Ngandu through an email he received in April 2019, according to the AP report. Ngandu had impregnated a girl from Beni, Outbreak manager Mory Keita wrote in an email to Yao.

Keita stated that the girl and her aunt went to Hotel Okapi, accompanied by two armed police officers, to look for Ngandu. They claimed that the doctor had been having an affair with the girl. While Ngandu admitted to the relationship, he claimed that it lasted for only two weeks. The aunt responded that her niece had slept with Ngandu a month and a half ago and that he gave her $100 at the time, a claim that Ngandu could not deny, the email stated.

The girl and her aunt asked for compensation because Ngandu would likely abandon the girl and leave her to raise the child alone. Less than a week after the email, Ngandu reached an agreement with the two women.

AP obtained a notarized contract signed by four witnesses, including two WHO staffers, requiring Ngandu to pay $100 per month until the child was delivered, to cover the girls healthcare costs, and to purchase a plot of land for her. The land, valued at $2,800, contained a house located in a Beni neighborhood. Ownership rights were transferred to the girl in August 2019.

Ngandu told AP that the agreement was created to protect the integrity and reputation of WHO, and claimed that he was not the father of the baby. WHO colleagues, including Keita, encouraged Ngandu to arrive at a settlement so as to avoid sullying his reputation. The doctor, who was not disciplined by the organization and finished his WHO contract in June 2019, is now working in Namibia.

Code of conduct versus reality

WHOs code of conduct for staffers prohibits them from actions that could be perceived as an abuse of privileges or as engaging in acts of sexual exploitation. An internal WHO audit conducted in 2020 found that workers sent to aid Ebola relief efforts were never required to finish the organizations sex abuse prevention training.

Paula Donovan, co-director of the Code Blue Campaign, criticized WHOs handling of the sexual abuse cases. 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 If this is how they treated one case, how are they treating all the others? she said to AP.

Director-General Tedros Adhanom of the WHO and other officials visited Beni in 2018 to evaluate developments on the fight against the Ebola Virus. He is accused of covering up multiple cholera outbreaks in Ethiopia in 2006, 2009, and 2011 as health minister. (Image: Alain Coulibaly/MONUSCO via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)

Following the report, the US State Department said more must be done to resolve sexual abuse issues at the WHO, and the parties responsible for such abuses should be held accountable, reported AP News. The United States is the largest donor to WHO.

UKs ambassador to the United Nations, Simon Manley, stated that they were speaking with WHO and other donors to establish the facts and said that his country has a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to sexual harassment and exploitation. The UK is the second-largest donor to the WHO.

Another investigation conducted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation and The New Humanitarian also uncovered several incidents of sexual abuse during the Ebola outbreak in Congo.

More than 70 Congolese women said they were coerced into trading sex for jobs by men who said they worked for aid groups during a 2018 to 2020 Ebola outbreak. More than 40 of the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo accused men who said they worked for the WHO of abuse, including one claim of rape, Reuters reported.

Two women said that they conducted illegal abortions to prevent pregnancies. Another woman died after taking a black market concoction to terminate her pregnancy. She reportedly worked for a man affiliated with the WHO, who had given her a job as a cleaner.

Untouchable facade due to Tedros connection

Lawrence Gostin, Director of WHO Collaborating Center on Global Health Law at Georgetown University, stated that Director-General Tedros had the ultimate responsibility regarding WHOs Ebola response. Gostin suggested that Diallo may have used his relationship with Tedros to sexually exploit women, and that it was necessary to understand what Tedros knew and when he knew it.

The three Ebola experts who had complained to WHO management about Diallo were specifically told that Diallo was untouchable due to his relationship with Tedros. Several reports of the WHOs involvement in sexual abuse in Congo had already surfaced last year.

In an email, Tedros promised to deliver serious consequences for the allegations. The Director-General ordered an independent investigation, with a report due to come out sometime in August.

Reprehensible epidemic coverups

During his time as Ethiopias health minister, Tedros attempted to cover up cholera outbreaks in the country, ORF Online reported. He categorized cholera as acute water diarrhea (AWD) to make it appear less damaging, and as a result, the Ethiopian government failed to acknowledge the outbreak and distribute cholera vaccines. In 2017, a team of American doctors wrote a letter to Tedros, criticizing him for WHOs refusal to refer to the cholera epidemic that was raging in Sudan, instead using the term, AWD.

Your silence about what is clearly a massive cholera epidemic in Sudan daily becomes more reprehensible. Your failure to transport stool samples from victims in Sudan to Geneva for official confirmation of cholera makes you fully complicit in the terrible suffering and dying The inevitable history that will be written of this epidemic will surely cast you in an unforgiving light, the letter stated.

More recently, Tedros met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of January 2020 and commended the countrys efforts to control the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. He praised the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for its openness to sharing information regarding the virus, according to a DW report.

With reporting by Steven Li.
Nunurai Jena

Gibbs Dube

Former Zimbabwean First Lady, Grace Mugabe, failed to attend a traditional court in Mashonaland West province, where she was expected to face charges of violating local norms in laying to rest the countrys late president, Robert Mugabe, who was toppled in a defacto military coup in 2017.

Mrs. Mugabe was summoned by Chief Zvimba to answer allegations that she buried the late former president at the family homestead in Zvimba instead of a designated place in line with traditional norms.

Mrs. Mugabe could not be reached for comment with some close family members indicating that she is in receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment in Singapore where her husband succumbed to cancer.

Patrick Zhuwao, Mrs. Mugabes nephew, recently told a South African broadcasting station that her aunt is undergoing treatment in Singapore. He did not elaborate.

More than 20 policemen, said to be attached to various units in Harare and Chinhoyi, prevented journalists on Thursday from attending Mrs. Mugabes case at the Chiefs Court in Murombedzi Growth Point. Chief Zvimba was unreachable for comment.

One of Mugabe's relatives, Dominic Matibiri, blasted Chief Zvimba for summoning his daughter-in-law to a traditional court when he was among people who did not object to the late presidents burial at his homestead instead of a family gravesite in Zvimba communal lands where his mother and other relatives were laid to rest.

Matibiri said, "It was not Grace (Mugabe) that decided where Mugabe should be buried. It was a collective family decision and besides Chief Zvimba cannot summon Grace today because he was part of the family that presided over Mugabe's burial as a close relative."

Chief Zvimba wants Mrs. Mugabe to exhume her late husbands body and rebury it at a gravesite where his mother, Bona, was laid to rest.

In a letter dated April 29, 2021, and signed by the traditional leader, Chief Zvimba ordered Mrs. Mugabe to attend the village court on Thursday at Gonzo Guzha Hall in Murombedzi Growth Point.

The letter read in part, You are facing charges of burying the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe at his homestead. This is unheard of in Chief Zvimbas area. At the same, time you are accused of abandoning Robert Gabriel Mugabes property which is scattered nationwide.

All properties of the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe are supposed to be kept at his homestead and handled in line with our traditions. I want you to rebury the late president in accordance with our traditions and in Zvimba at a place designated by the family and his late mother. These charges you are facing attract a fine of five cattle and a goat.

In the letter, Chief Zvimba had noted that Mrs. Mugabe was allowed to bring witnesses. We will proceed with the case and make an appropriate ruling if you dont attend the village court without seeking permission.

Mrs. Mugabe was asked to fix a date with appropriate authorities if she wont attend the village court.

The former first ladys nephew, Leo Mugabe, was unreachable for comment on his mobile phone. Leo Mugabe was quoted by an online publication recently as saying he was not aware of any moves by Chief Zvimba to summon Mrs. Mugabe to the village court to face charges of breaking traditional rules and regulations of burying people in his area.

According to independent economists, the Mugabe family has business interest worth more than US$10 million.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 01:14:54|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The shortage of medicine "Amphotericin B" used for treating Mucormycosis, or Black Fungus, a disease being diagnosed among diabetic COVID-19 patients in India, will be resolved soon, said a government minister on Thursday.

"Within three days, five more Pharma companies have got new drug approval for producing it (Amphotericin B) in India, in addition to the existing six pharma companies," said Junior Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya.

The disease is dubbed as Black Fungus, as it leaves black lesions, or spots, said a doctor.

A large number of Mucormycosis cases have been reported from across the country, even leading to deaths in many cases.

The disease erupts among COVID-19 patients, during the treatment or as a post-pandemic symptom. It affects sinus, eyes and even the brain.

Doctors say anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against the disease.

Earlier in the day the central government issued a notification directing the state governments to declare Black Fungus an epidemic.

A letter from the federal health ministry asked states to list Black Fungus under the "Epidemic Diseases Act," saying that all government-run and private healthcare facilities must follow the guidelines issued by the federal government and the Indian Council of Medical Research for screening, diagnosis and management of Mucormycosis.

The notification of the diseases under the epidemic act means all confirmed or suspected cases of Black Fungus have to be reported to the health ministry.

The southwestern state of Maharashtra alone has reported over 1,500 Mucormycosis cases and 90 deaths from the infection.

A leading doctor at Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences was quoted as saying on Wednesday that the number of Black Fungus cases is "increasing rapidly."

Speaking to Xinhua, a doctor at the Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), a known COVID-19 treating center in western Uttar Pradesh adjoining Delhi, said that they detected two cases of Mucormycosis on Tuesday. Both were subsequently referred for further treatment.

"Both males aged over 50 were diabetic. They were admitted with us on May 11 and 12, and were undergoing COVID-19 treatment. After one week of treatment here we found symptoms of Black Fungus. Thereafter, we referred to another hospital as we are catering to COVID-19 treatment only," said SIMS' Medical Superintendent Dr. A.K. Pandey. Enditem
Ahead of President Bidens visit to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn on Tuesday afternoon, faith and community leaders gathered at the American Moslem Society to voice their concern for his administrations position towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The event featured leaders from various community and political action groups who spoke about the need for policy change towards the Palestinians. The event was one of several in the past week aimed at protesting for a free Palestine. Arab American community members have criticized U.S. military support for Israel as the country launches airstrikes on Gaza following weeks of increased conflict with Palestinians.

We are here today to welcome the president to our backyard, said Abdallah Sheikh, president of American and Muslim American Political Action Committee. We invested and helped elect Joe Biden. We believe that he is fair, believes in justice, and is a true leader. We are asking the president for a ceasefire and to help end the war in Gaza. We are asking him to help stop the settlers from using aggression on the native Palestinians.

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Sheikh added that tax dollars from his community should be used to improve the U.S. instead of aggressive nations.

This flag means justice, he said, motioning towards a small American flag on the podium. This flag means helping people, not killing people.

Imad Hamad from the American Human Rights Council spoke at the event and said the purpose of the protests are to show the president loud and clear that they expect him to do what is right.

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American values stand for equal rights and dignity for all, he said. Palestinians under the occupation should not be the exception. Time is due for justice. Israel has three choices  either one state that treats all citizens equally, a two state solution and coexistence, and the third choice is what Israel has chosen for the past 73 years. We tell our president today that our fight will continue. What is good for Israel is good for Palestinians, the value of a human life is not measured by its ethnicity, faith, or nationality.

Other participating organizations included American Muslims for Palestine, American Center for Justice, American-Muslim Leadership Council, as well as groups from the Pakistani and Yemeni communities.

Two other events were held as Biden visited the Ford Rouge Complex, upon the announcement of Fords electric-powered F-150 truck. Demonstrators gathered at the Dearborn Police Department and Lapeer Park, which is near the plant, to voice their opposition to U.S. foreign policy under Biden.

Rallies held in Dearborn to protest President Bidens stance on Palestine

Biden visits Ford River Rouge Plant, talks about infrastructure during Dearborn trip

PHOTOS: Protests against Biden's position on Palestine set up with president in town

Open letter to President Biden
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Has he  seen her work? Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos by Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images and Showtime

Baited. New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang will be joining Ziwe for an interview on this weeks episode of Ziwe. Its the first guest for her Showtime series who was announced the old-fashioned way: Ziwe accosting them on Twitter. @AndrewYang would you be interested in an interview on my show? she tweeted with a pic of what could be. youd be an iconic guest. As first reported by The Wall Street Journals Kate Honan, Showtime has confirmed that Yang will be on Ziwe this Sunday at 11 p.m. The new series that originated as a web series and went viral as an Instagram Live is known for luring in unsuspecting guests and annihilating them with Ziwes unique method of making them think and rethink. Whether they come out looking good isnt her problem. So far, shes interviewed Fran Lebowitz, Gloria Steinem, Eboni K. Williams, and Rachel Lindsay. As an increasingly controversial political figure (from odd bodega purchases all the way to support of Israel as Palestinian civilian deaths rise), Yang is likely in for an interrogation more thorough than the process of becoming mayor wouldve been. Cant think of a more iconic way to tank your campaign.

.@AndrewYang would you be interested in an interview on my show? youd be an iconic guest pic.twitter.com/CoxXrZJ0Cq  ziwe (@ziwe) May 20, 2021

Updated Saturday, May 22 at 2:45 p.m.: Sunday cant come fast enough. On Saturday, Ziwe tweeted a clip from her upcoming interview with New York City mayoral hopeful Andrew Yang, and its even more excruciating than we could have guessed. When Yang says, I listened a lot to hip-hop during like the 90s and 2000s, Ziwe presses for specifics, and Yang answers, Jay-Z and a little bit of Nas. New Yorkers. Sure. But when Ziwe asks what Yangs favorite Jay-Z song is, its as though the candidate has been hit with the toughest piece of gotcha journalism of his career. He says yes. He says um. He sighs. He looks off-camera and asks aloud, what is my favorite Jay-Z song? The guys stumped. Watch on Sunday to see if his assistant mouths Empire State of Mind to him from off-camera, we guess?

i asked new york mayoral candidate andrew yang what his favorite jay z song is pic.twitter.com/UV8tQJXta1  ziwe (@ziwe) May 22, 2021
The city of Huntsville on Thursday released information about the status of Huntsville Police Officer William Darby that WAAY 31 has been asking for since his murder conviction earlier this month.

City leaders initially said they were still calculating how much, if any, of the $125,000 pledged for Darbys legal defense had been spent.

On Thursday, the city said it has paid $89,132.39 in legal fees for Mr. Darby.

Darby was convicted of murdering Jeffrey Parker, a suicidal man, during a police call to service.

After his conviction, the city said Darby would be place on paid administrative leave, and that a disciplinary hearing would be held.

Thursday, the city revealed Darby is now on accrued leave with pay, having availed himself to certain rights under federal law. As a result, his formal hearing has been postponed and will be promptly rescheduled to a later date following a change in his leave status.

See the full news release from the city of Huntsville below, and learn more on WAAY 31 News at 4, 5 and 6 p.m.

Please see the following update from the City of Huntsvilles Legal and Human Resources departments:

Public Employee Due Process

Trey Riley, City Attorney

On May 7, 2021, William Darby received a Guilty Verdict on the charge of Murder in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Alabama. Within hours of that decision, Police Chief Mark McMurray notified the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC), which supervises training and certification of law enforcement officers in the State of Alabama, of the verdict. Accordingly, APOSTC froze Mr. Darbys certification preventing him from acting as a law enforcement officer.

Based on these developments, and under the guidelines of the City of Huntsvilles Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, Chief McMurray, as Department Head, initiated a Request for a Formal Disciplinary Hearing on May 11, 2021. Mr. Darby was notified, and the Citys Human Resources Department scheduled a hearing for May 24, 2021.

These policies and procedures are informed by long established federal constitutional and legal principles applicable to all government employees. Specifically, government employees have a vested right in their employment, and before they can be deprived of those rights they are entitled to due process, which is notice and an opportunity to be heard before an impartial tribunal.

Following these procedures, Mr. Darby was initially placed on paid administrative leave, pending resolution of the disciplinary hearing process. As has been explained in an open City Council meeting by the Director of Human Resources, Byron K. Thomas, this action was in accordance with usual employment procedures  the same as would be applied to other City employees similarly situated.

However, Mr. Darby is no longer on paid administrative leave. He is now on accrued leave with pay, having availed himself to certain rights under federal law. As a result, his formal hearing has been postponed and will be promptly rescheduled to a later date following a change in his leave status.

These elements of the Citys personnel policies and procedures are mandated by federal law and uphold employee rights for which the City must abide. Additional details as to an employees leave status are also covered by federal privacy laws.

This means the City, per federal law, will be unable to offer any further comment or details regarding Mr. Darbys employment status and/or the disciplinary process until his leave status changes.

Darbys Legal Expenses

To date, the City has paid $89,132.39 in legal fees for Mr. Darby. Council approved up to $125,000 in legal expenses. The budget for the Legal Department has a category under the Operational section (as opposed to the Personnel section) entitled Outside Legal Services. This account covers legal expenses incurred by several City departments. Funds paid for Mr. Darbys legal defense were/are being paid out of that accounting category, subject to limitations placed by Council in two different Resolutions (18-653 and 19-39).

What is Due Process in Government?

Byron K. Thomas  Human Resources Director

Federal and state labor laws provide due process protections for government employees. Derived from the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, it means government must respect legal and property rights owed to a person. Government employees have a property interest in their jobs, which is their salary, benefits and vesting in the retirement system, and are entitled to due process before they can be terminated.

This does not mean government employees may retain their jobs under any circumstance. It does, however, require advance notice they will be dismissed and the opportunity to be heard at a formal hearing. The government must show that it has a good reason for terminating the employee, and the employee has a chance to argue that he or she should stay employed. If an employee is unhappy with the outcome of the formal hearing, he or she may appeal the decision to City Council.
The Rosa Parks Day Committee of Huntsville-Madison County reinstated its call Wednesday afternoon for both Huntville's mayor and the police chief to resign.

The committee released a statement saying how disturbed they are that Mayor Tommy Battle would show support for Officer William Darby once again.

That's because last week he provided the committee with an updated statement, one where he does not show support for Darby, who was convicted of murder earlier this month.

According to the information in their statement Battle contradicted what he said to the committee a day later by telling a reporter he stands by his original statement and his revised statement.

In the original statement, Battle said Darby followed protocol.

The committee believes Battle's support of Darby reflects poorly on the city of Huntsville.

Now because of Battle's recent comments, the committee will no longer be meeting with him on Thursday.

Battle did address the Rosa Day Parks Committee's most recent statement Wednesday afternoon with his own statement.

In the statement, he said he is disappointed that they have chosen to end productive dialogue and that, "Progress is difficult without dialogue."

He also mentioned that when he met with committee members last week they had a good conversation.

The committee also continues to call for Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray to resign as well, but McMurray has not even released a statement addressing the committee and their concerns.
On Wednesday, WAAY 31 worked to find out how much of your tax dollars are being used to build the new Amazon Fulfillment Center, and what the total cost will be for the facility.

Many of the details regarding this center are still being kept confidential, but we do know this facility has been in the works for months now.

The future site of the Amazon fulfillment center in Huntsville The future site of the Amazon fulfillment center in Huntsville

The CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association, Bethany Shockney, said they were notified of the facility back in November of last year, but they were not told how much the total cost of the facility was or what incentives were included.

The Alabama Department of Commerce spokesperson told WAAY 31 there were no state incentives included.

We asked city of Huntsville officials about the facility, and were told they are not allowed to speak about it due to a non-disclosure agreement.

Shockney says you always want to abide by a companies wish of keeping details of a project confidential. She says companies have multiple reasons for wanting to keep details below the radar. Shockney said as more details get made public they'll continue to support.

"We will be very aggressive in supporting the job opportunities that are there, we will be helping with their announcements as much as possible getting the word out. Those particular skill sets that are required we will notify the public however Amazon will like our support," she said.

The facility is set to open Fall of 2021 and bring about 500 jobs to the area.
One school stepped up the fight against Covid-19 on Wednesday, with Muscle Shoals High School hosting a vaccine clinic for students.

One student in particular had a pressing reason to roll up his sleeve.

"The way I think about it is the sooner that everyone is vaccinated and the sooner that everyone has got a dose of the vaccine, then that's the sooner that life will get back to normal," says high school sophomore Braden Mauldin

No one wants life to return to normal more than Braden. His father is currently in the hospital battling the coronavirus.

"My dad has been in the hospital for a little over 170 days with the coronavirus," Braden said.

His dad has been fighting Covid-19 since Thanksgiving. So for him, getting the vaccine seemed like a no-brainer.

"I just felt like it was the best thing that I could do to keep me safe and keep the people around me safe," Braden said.

He's grateful that Muscle Shoals High School is bringing the vaccine to him and his classmates..

"That's a really big thing because there's some people that just don't have time to go and make an appointment and go and get the vaccine, so having it here is very convenient for people who can't go places and do things," he said.

Muscle Shoals High School is the first school system in North Alabama to offer a clinic like this.

About 50 students got the shot, and they will need to return to the high school in two weeks to get their second dose.

Since that date will fall over summer break, the school system will send out plenty of reminders to make sure all of the students return to get fully vaccinated.
WAAY 31 spoke to a local civic group, Rosa Parks Day Committee, about next steps in seeking police reform after breaking off talks with Huntsville's Mayor Tommy Battle.

Both sides call the breakdown in communication disappointing.

The mayor began his statement by saying he was disappointed, and we actually share that disappointment, said David Person, a spokesman for the committee.

The Rosa Parks Day Committee called off Thursday's meeting with Battle over his show of support for police officer William Darby. Darby was convicted of murder for an on-duty shooting.

This is about much more than the Rosa Parks Day Committee and Mayor Tommy Battle and (Huntsville Police) Chief (Mark) McMurray. Ultimately, fundamentally, and most importantly, this is about the value of the life of Mr. Jeffery Parker," said Person.

Parker died in that 2018 shooting. The committee wants Darby's conviction to be a catalyst for change so this never happens again.

The committee is willing to speak with Battle in the future. However, Person said a specific level of comfort and trust in the mayor's words will have to be met before.

In order for dialogue to formally resume, we will have to reach a point where we believe the dialogue will yield results that we can count on, you know, whether we agree with them or not," he said.

Person believes the committee will formally reach out to the Department of Justice so they can look into the Huntsville Police Department.

WAAY 31 reached out to Battle's office to learn his plans moving forward, but we have not gotten a response.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 05:49:42|Editor: huaxia

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BRUSSELS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- No consensus was reached among the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Wednesday regarding a proposal for a temporary waiver of patent rights for COVID-19 vaccines in a bid to speed up the global vaccine rollout.

A statement issued by the European Parliament following the debate said that several MEPs had asked the European Commission to support a waiver of the intellectual property rights for coronavirus vaccines as a core element in speeding up the rollout processes in low and middle income countries.

Many other MEPs, however, argued that a patent waiver is a "false good idea" that would not help accelerate the provision of vaccines and, at the same time, would also harm innovation.

They said the Commission should recommend voluntary licensing along with technology- and knowledge-sharing as well as take steps to gradually increase production facilities in other regions.

MEPs on both sides criticized the United States and Britain for "hoarding doses to excess" at a time when poorer countries have little or no access to jabs, according to the statement.

EU leaders have kept the topic open for discussion, but stressed that there are other priorities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier this month that Europe should not "lose sight of the main urgencies," which are "production of vaccines as soon as possible and how they will be distributed in a fair and equitable way."

The EU has exported roughly half of its production to countries in need.

A resolution will be put to a vote at the European Parliament's plenary session in June. Any decision on waiving intellectual property rights will be taken by the World Trade Organization. Enditem
A U.S. Air Force airman is free after police said he traveled to Decatur from Florida to rape a child.

Keith Norris Williams, 25, was arrested in Florida on April 30 and extradited to Decatur on May 15, according to the Decatur Police Department.

Williams is charged with rape, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, and electronic solicitation of a child. Police said Williams is an Airman First Class in the Air Force stationed at Hurlburt Field in Florida,

He was released May 17 on $60,000 bond.

Decatur police said the department received a report on Feb. 12 about an adult male communicating online with a child in Decatur and making arrangements to meet the child in person.

Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that during the month of October 2020, Williams traveled to Decatur and engaged in an unlawful sex act with the child, police said.

Stay with WAAY 31 for updates on this arrest.
Tyson Hjaltalin is not sure what he's going to do next, but it's bound to be one of two things--gastronomy or astronomy.

"I like the stars and cooking," he laughed.

One day he would like to open a restaurant. Or study the stars. Maybe both.

He's currently enamored with Korean cooking, thanks to his girlfriend and her family, who are from South Korea.

"It's not plain old food. They have lots of spicy foods," Tyson said, laughing. "I really like the spicy stuff!"

Tyson was born in Wahkiakum, but when he was young, he moved to the east coast, primarily Maryland and North Carolina.

"I miss the thunderstorms," Tyson said. "They are great. It was fun to watch my brothers freak out when they were young. Their dad would tell them that it was just God bowling."

About four years ago, Tyson returned to Washington and began his freshman year at Wahkiakum High School.

Kayli Hurley has been his favorite teacher since he was a sophomore.

"She has been there, helping me out," Tyson said. "I feel like I've grown a lot because of her. I'm a lot smarter!"

He laughed.

"She's helped me in many ways, in becoming who I am," he said, adding wisely: "Everyone can be part of who you become. One person can change how you look at things."

He took English and math with Miss Hurley, and math is a favorite.

"I'm really good at it," Tyson said.

He's practicing it while studying budgeting right now, a class that is helping seniors prepare for life after school.

Tyson was involved in the drama club for awhile, and performed in a one-act play called Love at First Thought during his sophomore year.

He's thinking about taking up the electric guitar someday and enjoys going on walks with friends in his spare time, or tackling any given creative projects that come to mind. Whether they succeed or fail, he's always learning.

Tyson is considering a return to North Carolina in the future, perhaps for just a while, and one day, this young man with an Icelandic last name I am hopeless to pronounce, plans to visit the country of its origin.

Tyson is the son of Jamie Hjaltalin.
Out of the past: Steep vertical gondola opens for first full year
Monticello schools will have an early dismissal in honor of fallen officer escort
On Wednesday the Pentagon reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, for the second straight day. Austin, while affirming Israel's right to defend itself, also "expressed again our deep concern over the loss of innocent lives," according to Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby.

The White House said Biden told the Israeli leader that "he expected a significant de-escalation today on a path to a ceasefire." The White House declined to say what would happen if Israel continues its bombing attacks on Gaza. "Our approach is to make sure that we do this quietly, intensively, in a diplomatic way," the White House said.

Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip exchanged new attacks on each other on Wednesday, despite multiple attempts by regional and international parties to bring about a ceasefire, including Biden's effort in his fourth conversation with Netanyahu since hostilities broke out last week.

By late Wednesday, the death toll stood at 227 in Gaza, including 64 children, according to local health officials there, and 12 in Israel, according to its authorities.

Instead, Netanyahu said in a statement he is "determined to continue this operation until its aim is met." Netanyahu said he "greatly appreciates the support of the American president," but that Israel will push ahead "to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rebuffed U.S. President Joe Biden's call for "a significant de-escalation" in Israel's bombardment of Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip leading to a cease-fire in the 10 days of hostilities.

Netanyahu earlier told foreign diplomats, "We are engaged right now in forceful deterrence." The Israeli leader pushed back against criticism of the Israeli air campaign, saying his forces are doing their best to avoid civilian casualties. He said Israeli forces try to use "great precision" to respond to attacks, but that they cannot prevent all collateral damage.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas rebuked Netanyahu, contending in a television address that Israel is carrying out "organized state terrorism and war crimes" in Gaza that are punishable under international law. Abbas said the Palestinians "will not hesitate to pursue those who commit such crimes in front of international courts." He is the head of the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, whose forces were driven from Gaza when the militant Hamas group seized power in 2007.

A group of United Nations human rights experts said in a statement Tuesday that Israel's aerial attacks in heavily populated areas of Gaza "constitute indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks against civilians and civilian property." But the rights experts also faulted the Palestinian militants for "deliberately or recklessly" firing rockets into Israel and said the actions of both sides could amount to war crimes.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday on Twitter there is "immense human suffering and extensive damage to homes and vital infrastructure in Gaza," and called on the international community to fund UN humanitarian programs in the Palestinian enclave.

France has proposed a UN Security Council resolution, in coordination with Egypt and Jordan, calling for a halt to the fighting. "The three countries agreed on three simple elements: The shooting must stop, the time has come for a cease-fire and the UN Security Council must take up the issue," French President Emmanuel Macron's office said. Macron spoke Tuesday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordan's King Abdullah II.

The United States, an Israeli ally that has veto power as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, has so far blocked the council from issuing a statement supporting a ceasefire. U.S. officials have said such a statement would not help diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. "Our goal is to get to the end of this conflict," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Tuesday. "We are going to evaluate day by day what the right approach is. It continues to be that quiet, intensive behind-the-scenes discussion are tactically our approach at this point."

The United Nations said it has been "actively involved" in mediation efforts to try to end the violence. In the meantime, the UN said it was able to send dozens of fuel trucks but no other assistance from its relief agency into Gaza.

Thursday, the UN General Assembly will convene an urgent session requested by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the group of Arab countries at the United Nations to deliberate on the matter. About a dozen foreign ministers are flying in for the meeting -- the first time such a high-level in-person meeting has been held at UN headquarters since the start of the coronavirus pandemic more than 14 months ago. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has called for an immediate halt to the hostilities, will also address the special session.

In a video message released Tuesday, Netanyahu said Israel dealt "unexpected blows" to Hamas and set the militant group "back many years." He said Israel's response to the attacks serves as a lesson to Israel's enemies. Hamas began firing rockets into Israel on May 10 for what it said were Israeli rights abuses against Palestinians in Jerusalem. Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Israel's 21 percent Arab minority staged a general strike on Tuesday in solidarity with Hamas.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 09:57:55|Editor: huaxia

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TIRANA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Former Albanian President Sali Berisha denied Wednesday the allegations over corruption made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Berisha and his family members are ineligible to travel to the United States due to corruption acts that have undermined democracy in Albania, Blinken said in a statement.

On his Facebook account, Berisha expressed regret on the U.S. decision, denying the accusations made by Blinken.

He asked the U.S. side to make public every fact and document against him or his family members.

Berisha, born in 1944, was the first leader of the Democratic Party of Albania and was elected president of the country in 1992.

Berisha also served as prime minister from 2005 to 2013. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 16:04:13|Editor: huaxia

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ISTANBUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police launched Thursday simultaneous operations against suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) in Turkey's biggest city Istanbul and detained at least 18 foreign nationals, local media reported.

The Istanbul Police Department's Counter-Terrorism Unit teams raided 20 homes across the city to capture the suspects, who have alleged links to the IS, the Hurriyet daily said.

It said that one of the raided addresses was approximately 500 meters from the U.S. Consulate General in the Sariyer district on the European side.

The nationalities of those targeted in operations were not immediately clear.

Many organizational documents and digital materials were also seized during the searches at the addresses.

The IS has been blamed for a spate of deadly attacks in Turkey since 2015. Turkish counter-terrorism units have been regularly launching operations against IS members in the country. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 18:37:12|Editor: huaxia

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ISTANBUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained on Thursday at least 35 suspects over their alleged relations to a network accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016.

Police launched simultaneous operations in 39 locations in the western Izmir province upon the order of the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the state-run Anadolu agency reported.

It added that the suspects, including expelled soldiers, clerics, and physicians, have suspected connections with the network headed by the U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen.

They have reportedly resided in cell houses that belong to the network and continued their organizational activities.

According to Anadolu, the police units also seized fake IDs and some cash, and operations still continue to catch some fugitive suspects.

The Turkish government blames Gulen and his network for masterminding the coup bid in July 2016, in which 250 people were killed. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 21:51:02|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The India-related coronavirus variant could drive another wave in Britain, a British government advisory scientist warned Thursday.

"The virus just got faster," said Andrew Hayward, a professor from the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), indicating that Britain could be at start of third COVID-19 wave.

"That really brings it back down to this race against the vaccine and the virus," Hayward, an infectious diseases expert at University College London, told the BBC.

"I think what we can see is that this strain can circulate very effectively, although it was originally imported through travel to India, it's spread fairly effectively first of all within households and now more broadly within communities, so I don't really see why it wouldn't continue to spread in other parts of the country," he said.

"Obviously we're doing everything we can to contain the spread of that, but it's likely that more generalized measures may start to be needed to control it," he added.

Almost 3,000 cases of the coronavirus variant first detected in India have been reported in Britain, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Wednesday.

Speaking at the House of Commons, lower house of the British Parliament, Hancock said 2,967 cases of the COVID-19 variant had been recorded as of Wednesday, 28 percent up from the figure of more than 2,300 on Monday.

Surge testing and vaccinations will be deployed in those areas including Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester and North Tyneside, said Hancock.

The Scottish government is also taking similar steps in Glasgow and Moray.

Hayward said: "Fortunately we've had a good proportion of the population vaccinated, but there's still people who aren't vaccinated in high-risk groups, the vaccine isn't 100 percent, effective, and also even in the younger groups if you get many, many thousands or hundreds of thousands of cases, then you will expect a lot of hospitalizations and deaths to result from that."

Hayward suggested he was in favour of restricting travel to stop variants being imported "because there is mixing involved in travelling both on aeroplanes, in airports, and of course in the country where you go to".

Nearly 37 million people, or more than 70 percent of adults in Britain, have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures.

From Monday, as part of England's lockdown easing plan, people were allowed to travel abroad to a number of green-list countries without having to quarantine upon return as the ban on foreign travel has also been lifted.

The British government's roadmap is expected to see all legal limits on social contact to be removed on June 21.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Russia, the United States as well as the European Union have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 01:09:49|Editor: huaxia

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Representatives pose for a group photo after the 12th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, on May 20, 2021. Foreign ministers of the eight-member Arctic Council adopted on Thursday a first 10-year strategic plan for the region, in addition to the signing of a Reykjavik Declaration, to mark the Council's 25th anniversary. (Gunnar Vigfusson/Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs/Handout via Xinhua)

HELSINKI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of the eight-member Arctic Council adopted on Thursday a first 10-year strategic plan for the region, in addition to the signing of a Reykjavik Declaration, to mark the Council's 25th anniversary.

The plan reflects the shared values and joint aspirations of the Arctic States and the Permanent Participants, to advance sustainable development, environmental protection, and good governance in the Arctic, said the Council.

The declaration, which was another major outcome of the 12th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, restored the position of climate change concerns in the agenda of the Council.

This year's meeting saw a return to the commitment of sustainable development and to the necessity of cooperation between the states and peoples of the region, said Finnish analyst Markku Siira.

The 11th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting held in Rovaniemi of northern Finland, in 2019, failed to formulate a customary joint declaration due to disparities over climate change between the United States and other Arctic Council member countries.

Thursday's meeting was the first to be hosted in-person, under the auspices of the Arctic Council, since the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to gatherings in early 2020.

Owing to the situation, the meeting was held in reduced format, with foreign ministers from the eight Arctic States and representatives of the Indigenous Permanent Participants on-site in Reykjavik and the majority of delegates joining the meeting through an online platform.

It also marked the end of the two-year Icelandic chairmanship of the Arctic Council and the beginning of the Russian chairmanship for the 2021-2023 period.

Describing the results, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the participants have all repeated "their commitment to peace, stability, and co-operation in high latitudes, and defined the main areas of promotion of international co-operation in the Arctic region."

As the new chair, Russia will highlight sustainable development throughout its chairmanship. Russia planned to maintain a strong focus on the people of the Arctic - including enhanced efforts towards promoting indigenous cultures and languages, the Arctic environment and sustainable economic development, according to the Council's press release.

A high degree of multilateral activity is needed to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable development in the Arctic region. Such cooperation can also keep this geopolitically and geo-economically important region secure and stable, said Siira.

Also, permanent members and participants of the Council should find ways to engage more productively with the observer states, such as China, which is a "near-Arctic state" in its own right, he added.

The Arctic Council is the pre-eminent intergovernmental forum for cooperation on Arctic affairs. The Council's Ministerial meeting is held every two years, giving the foreign ministers of the eight Arctic States and the political leadership of the six Indigenous Permanent Participants the opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in the region.

The Council includes Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. China gained observer status to the Council in 2013. Enditem
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The bidding stands at $US2.2 million ($2.8 million) and counting for a seat on a spaceflight by Jeff Bezoss rocket company.

More than 5200 bidders from 136 countries have vied to ride on the July 20 flight of Blue Origins New Shepard rocket, its first carrying people, the company said on Wednesday. The top bid was $US1.4 million after two weeks of sealed offers.

The value surged when Blue Origin began displaying the bidding on its website ahead of a live auction June 12 to determine the winner.

The highest bidder can come along: Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos is auctioning off a trip on his space rocket. Credit:New York Times

The rocket maker, which among other goals is trying to help pioneer space tourism, said on May 5 that it has collected enough data to be ready for operational service after 15 test flights and 16 capsule landings at its West Texas launch site. The trips, each roughly 11 minutes in duration, will take riders above 100 kilometres into suborbital space.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce says Australia should start opening its international border late this year but will need to speed up its vaccine rollout so overseas travel can resume safely.

The vaccination program feels like its slower than it should be and should be accelerated to finish the rollout this year as originally planned, Mr Joyce said at a press conference on Thursday.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce says Australia needs to speed up its vaccine rollout. Credit:Janie Barrett

The rest of the world is moving ahead: The US and UK... [are] talking about a travel corridor between both countries; the Europeans are letting people in who have been vaccinated, he said.

Australia has been ahead of the world in everything else, we need to make sure we dont lag behind on this.
Technology stocks and the big banks drove the Australian sharemarket higher as investors clawed back a sizable chunk of Wednesdays $41 billion decline.

The ASX 200 finished 1.3 per cent ahead at 7019.6 on Thursday and edged back in front for the week following its nosedive the previous session. Wall Street finished lower, but the release of US Fed reserve minutes fuelled a late-session recovery that swung the momentum in favour of the local bourse.

The ASX 200 added 1.3 per cent on Thursday. Credit:Michel O'Sullivan

EY partner and investment banking veteran Duncan Hogg said April jobs figures also appeared suitably soft for equities markets.

The unemployment rate dropped from 5.7 per cent to 5.5 per cent even after 31,000 decline in jobs for the month due to a fall in workforce participation. This perhaps eased investor fears that the RBA will need to intervene to cool off inflation brought on by a red-hot economy.

I think the market saw the jobless rate as a positive, given the dynamic in that the rate is low but there is still some softness there, Mr Hogg said.

It also does highlight that well do import quite a bit of highly skilled labour into Australia, which could weigh on peoples minds from an investment perspective going forward.

Commonwealth Bank led gains for the major lenders and added the most points to the index for the session, rising 3.2 per cent to a new record high close of $98.40.

Westpac was up 1.4 per cent, NAB 1.6 per cent, and ANZ gained 2 per cent.

Afterpay led the tech sector higher with a 7.7 per cent gain to $93.10.

Altium rose 6.6 per cent to $26.20, Xero gained 4.1 per cent to $122.12, Appen added another 4.9 per cent to $13.84, and Nermap was 5.1 per cent ahead at $1.74.

Nuix was the outlier, dropping 6.8 per cent to $3.41.

The mining titans BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue metals cooled off as iron ore prices softened with inflationary fears in America, a stronger US dollar and higher bond yields.

In overnight trade, the US Federal Reserve gave its first clue that it could begin to wind back its bond-buying program, flagging a potentially uncomfortable rise in inflation.

Australias listed travel agents were hammered after Qantas said it would cut the front-end commissions it pays them for selling tickets on its international flight from 5 per cent to 1 per cent.

Flight Centre fell 2.4 per cent to $14.93, Webjet was down 0.9 per cent to $4.66, and Helloworld was down 3.2 per cent to $1.65.

Qantas - which announced it would shed several hundred more jobs and impose a two-year wage freeze on staff to help recover from a $16b revenue hole - gained $3.5 per cent to $4.68.
Australian rock legends Hoodoo Gurus are heading on tour across Australia this December to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their first live show in 1981.

The ARIA hall of famers released a new single on Thursday to commemorate the announcement of the tour, which will hit the five major cities and feature renowned US indie rockers The Dandy Warhols.

The Hoodoo Gurus will play Belvoir Ampitheatre in December as part of their national tour.

We are thrilled to be going around Australia to play for our fans again, the band said.

Even better, we are honoured to be accompanied by our admirable friends, The Dandy Warhols from the US.
When Fiorina Golotta learnt that supermodel Naomi Campbell had become a first-time mother at 50, she was one of the few women who could relate.

In May last year, the Melbourne-based jewellery designer and her partner welcomed daughter Roma, via surrogacy, shortly after Golotta turned 50. Campbells news felt like a beautiful confirmation of her choice, Golotta says, but she has some concerns.

Fiorina Golotta with baby daughter Roma. Credit:Eddie Jim

I dont want people to think that having a baby at 50 is some kind of privilege, like a Hollywood thing to do, Golotta says. You dig very deep to get here, and you need to be very thick-skinned. You have a calling to be a mother. Its a crazy voice in the back of your head telling you this while you push stuff uphill trying to get there.

As soon as Roma was born, Golotta says she felt immense joy. I felt so, so happy. I love changing her nappy, I love bathing her, I love brushing her little teeth and combing her hair. Nothing has been a burden to me. Yes, I am exhausted, but its a light-hearted sort of tiredness. I have to trust that my daughter has chosen us for a reason, and that its going to be OK.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-21 05:00:53|Editor: huaxia

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TIRANA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Former Albanian President Sali Berisha declared on Thursday that he has authorized his attorneys to prepare a defamation lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Berisha made this announcement at a press conference following Wednesday's press statement by Blinken, in which Berisha and his family members were banned from entering the United States over corruption allegations.

Berisha said the accusations made by Blinken against him are a product of slandering and public defamation.

He told reporters that the lawsuit will be filed in a neutral country, such as France.

For Berisha, the lawsuit "is a matter of personal dignity for him and his family."

"I was the president of the Republic, Albania's prime minister. I have been responsible for my people's dignity and I have done everything in my power to defend it. Today, I am responsible for my dignity," Berisha said.

On Wednesday, Berisha posted a long message on social media where he expressed regret and denied the allegations of corruption.

Berisha, born in 1944, was the first leader of the Democratic Party of Albania and was elected president of the country in 1992.

Berisha also served as prime minister from 2005 to 2013. Enditem
Victorias Health Department is asking customers and staff at an Epping Woolworths to get tested and isolate after incorrectly naming the wrong Melbourne store visited by a COVID-positive man.

Anyone who attended Woolworths Epping North on Saturday, May 8, between 5.40pm and 6.38pm is urged to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

This is because investigators originally identified Woolworths Epping, not Woolworths Epping North, as an exposure site.

Late Friday, the Health Department revealed traces of COVID-19 have been detected in sewage around Epping, in Melbournes northern suburbs.

The department said it is setting-up a testing site at Epping Stadium given the Melbourne man who recently tested positive to coronavirus after a stint in Adelaide hotel quarantine lives in the adjacent suburb of Wollert.

The Department says the coronavirus traces may be a result of shedding from someone who is no longer infectious. However, it is also possible that there is an active but undiagnosed case in the community.
Australia risks never reaching herd immunity for COVID-19, public health experts warn, without a comprehensive vaccination strategy from the federal government, including an advertising campaign to convince vaccine-hesitant people to get their shots.

Professor Julie Leask, a vaccination expert at the University of Sydney, said the Australian government cannot afford to delay devising a multi-faceted plan to boost vaccine uptake that includes opt-out systems, appointment reminders, enticing incentives and targeted, culturally sensitive messaging.

An emergency worker receives a COVID-19 vaccine at the new mass vaccination hub at Sydneys Olympic Park. Credit:Nick Moir

For now, demand is outstripping our vaccine supply, with people wanting the vaccines lining up at vaccine hubs or going to their GPs. But once supply outstrips demand well be left with people who cant or wont or are very uncertain about getting a vaccine and we have to have a strategy to reach these people, Professor Leask said.

Doing nothing was not an option, Professor Leask said, warning Australias COVID-19 vaccination coverage risked being as low as 60 per cent of the population.
Former Collingwood cheer squad figurehead Jeffrey Joffa Corfe has been charged with two counts of historical sexual offending against a Melbourne teenager more than a decade ago.

Detectives allege the 60-year-old sexually penetrated a child under the age of 16 twice during a 2005 incident in Coburg, in Melbournes north.

Collingwood stalwart and super-fan Jeff Joffa Corfe in 2011. Credit:The Age

Mr Corfe, who now lives in Redbank Plains in Queensland, was arrested in Abbotsford on May 6.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court earlier this month and was bailed to appear again on July 30.
Due to the confidential nature of the email, all employees are prohibited from discussing its content in the workplace. The boss told employees red flag meetings were short meetings to address critical incidents or to identify possible collective disturbances and focused on solutions rather than problems, therefore no such meeting would take place. One of the CPFS colleagues who got the email told WAtoday the worker had the right to call the red flag meeting and that all the CPFS recipients of the email outlining bullying claims had access to the confidential information elsewhere so there was no need for it to be deleted. The colleague said the writers email had detailed her claims of being bullied by another worker. The examples had included information about the children in the residential care home that the claimed bullying had occurred in front of.

The CPFS colleague said staff were surprised by the boss saying the claims werent grounds for a red flag meeting, because red flag criteria include staff feeling scared, worried or angry about something. They believed the management just didnt want any email evidence of the bullying allegations. The worker said their concern was that if this email had been deleted what else had been wiped from the system, which at times would be required during audits, court cases, and internal/external investigations. Examples of situations where a Red Flag Meeting may be called are: when a member of staff or a child is hurt badly

a child starts to run away repeatedly

a child is experiencing severe bullying

staff and/or child feel scared, worried or angry about something,

or stories from staff or children make us really worried. Technology expert Ben Aylett said deleting emails could be done quite easily but it was highly concerning that a government department would do this, with employees able to take the matter to court if they wanted.

I find it very concerning that somebody would delete the email, and even if it was bullying claims, no matter what the content, to have it deleted and to say nobody can speak about it again raises questions about what might be done in other situations, he said. If there was anyone who wanted to follow up this case or go even further, there are forensic services that will actually go through systems, you can actually dig up the evidence. There is a specialist field of digital forensics which will investigate this and have something that is admissible by court. Mr Aylett said deleting emails, no matter within a government department or not, was frowned upon within the compliance and cybersecurity world. The compliance expectations would be very high [for CPFS workers] because were dealing with sensitive information, a pretty volatile environment, and situations, he said.

You would want to have an extremely thorough or stringent compliance policy around the handling of information and that extends to things more than just email, including any other internal communication in that department. Depending on the type of email system theyre using it would be possible to go back through and audit trails. Catherine Stoddart, deputy director general of the departments governance integrity branch, said claims of bullying were taken seriously but in situations where highly sensitive or confidential information is at risk, or had been inadvertently sent the email could be removed from work systems with the correct approval. Communities staff are at times entrusted with sensitive and confidential information, she said. Staff are expected to comply with the requirements of the State Records Act 2000 (WA) which covers obligations regarding safe and ethical document management and protection of sensitive, confidential information.

In circumstances where highly sensitive or confidential information is at risk or has been inadvertently sent, the relevant communication can be removed with the appropriate authorised approval. She said the department encouraged employees to consider grievance resolution within the relevant department area first in the first instance when claims of bullying were involved. Samantha Maddern, a partner at law firm Mills Oakley who specialises in workplace relations, said while there was nothing inherently wrong with an employer removing an email the real question was where the line was drawn. Your use of an employers IT system means you agree to their rules and requirements and that the content you send and receive on email is the employers property  theres certainly no privacy, she said. Its quite an unusual step to go and delete it but Im not sure theres anything illegal or untoward.
Labors foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong has insisted she is not declaring an end to bipartisanship on China despite delivering a scathing speech accusing Prime Minister Scott Morrison of deliberately encouraging anxiety about a conflict with Beijing.

In her strongest comments yet on how the government has handled its relationship with China, Senator Wong said Mr Morrison and other senior members of his government were only concerned about securing a domestic political advantage in their public comments about the Asian superpower.

Senator Penny Wong during the launch of Peter Hartchers book, Red Zone: Chinas Challenge and Australias Future, at Old Parliament House on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

But Senator Wong also declared China was flouting international law in the South China Sea and escalating its grey zone attacks throughout the region, saying the country under President Xi Jinping was demonstrably different from that which we have all seen in our lifetimes.

In her speech on Wednesday launching The Sydney Morning Heralds international editor Peter Hartchers new book, Red Zone, Senator Wong said Mr Morrisons political opportunism on foreign policy was unprecedented in Australian history.
The federal governments cyber spies advised Australia would have had to put 300 separate security measures on Huaweis equipment to make it safe for the nations 5G system but the network could still have been shut down on Beijings orders.

The Australian Signals Directorate spent more than eight months trying to find a way to make the Chinese companys telecommunications equipment acceptably safe but ultimately told the Turnbull government the risk could not be contained satisfactorily.

Huawei was banned from supplying equipment to Australias 5G network in 2018. Credit:AP

Australia was the first country to ban Huawei from its 5G system in 2018, a decision many more have followed. The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping continues to demand that Canberra reverse the veto. It is number two on a list of 14 demands released by the Chinese embassy in Canberra in November as a prerequisite to improving relations. Number one on the list calls for Chinas foreign investment to be unrestricted.

A senior Australian spy said the main risk was not Chinese spying but that Beijing could order Huawei to disconnect the Australian 5G network altogether.
Plans to build a new Australian vaccine facility will be launched on Friday in a call for bids that puts global companies like CSL and Moderna in the running to develop a stronger domestic capacity against viruses.

Companies will have the next eight weeks to prepare their plans to manufacture vaccines in Australia based on the messenger RNA science underpinning products from Pfizer and Moderna.

Moderna is in the box seat to pitch mRNA vaccine production facilities in Australia. Credit:Getty

Industry Minister Christian Porter is expected to launch the approach to market with a proposal to back the development from a $1.5 billion manufacturing fund.

The push to get mRNA vaccines in Australia comes after a rare blood-clotting side effect from the AstraZeneca vaccine led health authorities to recommend it be used only for people over 50 years old. The AstraZeneca dose is an adenovirus-based vaccine, whereas the Pfizer and Moderna products use the new mRNA method.
Loading When this group was asked further questions, the greatest reluctance to be vaccinated came from women and older Australians. Of the group not yet registered for a dose, 23 per cent of women said they were not very likely and 26 per cent of women said they were not at all likely to be vaccinated in the months ahead. Only 19 per cent of men said they were not very likely and 18 per cent of men said they were not at all likely to take the jab. These figures did not reflect the views of all men or women, only those in the subset that is not yet registered. People over 55 who are yet to sign up for the vaccine have some of the strongest doubts, with 47 per cent of them saying they are not very likely or not at all likely to get the jab.

The survey found the same reluctance among people aged from 35 to 54, suggesting the problems could weaken the effort to achieve herd immunity from COVID-19 and open the international border next year. Further questions to this group of unlikely people revealed a soaring anxiety about side effects, with 67 per cent of those aged above 65 naming this as one of their objections. Loading In this same group, only 40 per cent of those aged from 18 to 34 expressed concern about side effects, while 47 per cent of those aged from 35 to 54 did the same. The older age group also had a greater awareness of border controls as a factor, with 25 per cent saying there was no reason to rush when international borders remain closed.

Labor treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers warned on Wednesday the vaccine delays were hurting the economy. Australia wont achieve a first-rate recovery with a third-rate vaccine rollout, he said. But Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was not overly troubled by the poll showing 29 per cent were unlikely to be vaccinated in the coming months. I mean, weve obviously got to work on it. Around 70 per cent of people want to have it, so lets just get on with them, he told radio station 2GB. Theres plenty of time to have the chat with the others who are still a bit hesitant. Thats all right; [its a] free country and they should talk to their doctor. The vaccination rollout reached a record of 95,000 doses in one day on Tuesday, prompting Health Minister Greg Hunt to urge all Australians to back the once in a century national task in protecting the country from the pandemic.

Its a rare privilege for all of us in media, in government, in medicine, in the community, where each of us can roll up our sleeve and each of us can encourage others to roll up their sleeves, he said. The survey put questions to 1622 people online last week and has a margin of error of 2.5 per cent. Loading The vaccine question was: if you were offered a vaccine appropriate to your age group in the next few months, i.e. AstraZeneca for the over 50s and Pfizer for the under 50s, how likely would you be to take up the offer? Grattan Institute health director Stephen Duckett called for a stronger national effort to overcome the concerns, saying high levels of hesitancy would make it virtually impossible to reach herd immunity.

Australian Medical Association vice president Chris Moy said there had been a pile-on in the media about the vaccine rollout when Australia compared relatively well to other countries despite the supply shortages. Weve got to get out of this self-flagellation about it, Dr Moy told Sky News.Were doing all right. Please get your vaccination because we need to protect Australia. Every person vaccinated gets us closer to opening up. A key point in the program came on April 8 when the nations peak medical experts, known as the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, declared that people under 50 should take the Pfizer vaccine due to the very small risk of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine. The Resolve Political Monitor found the greatest concern about side effects was in older Australians, the group being offered the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Law does not fall silent in war. Both sides of the terrible conflict in Gaza and Israel are required to respect international humanitarian law. The law aims to allow warring parties to fight and win  it is realist, not pacifist  while alleviating human suffering as far as possible. It applies regardless of who started the war, or who is the aggressor or victim, since everyone caught up in fighting deserves respect for their humanity and dignity.

The core rules on fighting apply equally to Israel and Hamas, irrespective of controversies over whether Palestine is a state or Gaza is still occupied. First, they must only attack military personnel (such as Israeli forces or Hamas fighters) and military objectives (such as weapons, vehicles or bases). An object which is normally civilian may become a military objective where, for instance, an apartment is used by fighters or to store weapons.

Riad Ishkontana embraces his daughter Suzy, 7, the only one of his children to survive an air strike on Sunday on the Gaza building in which the family lived. His wife was also killed. Credit:AP

Second, it is prohibited, and is also a war crime, to deliberately target civilians or civilian objects. It is also prohibited to launch indiscriminate attacks which fail to distinguish between military targets and civilians.

The International Criminal Court prosecutor is already investigating Hamas for deliberately targeting Israeli civilians in the 2014 Gaza conflict. Many Hamas rockets appear either deliberately aimed at civilians, or are fired indiscriminately because their technology is too crude to be accurately aimed at military objectives. On the other hand, it is not unlawful for Hamas to target Israeli soldiers, as it recently did with an anti-tank missile.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 13:43:48|Editor: huaxia

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by Yosley Carrero

HAVANA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Yoselin Nobrega, an 11-year-old girl living in Havana's Boyeros district, is one of the children affected by the U.S. embargo against Cuba.

Due to the U.S. unilateral policy, the girl, suffering from a motor disability, has been deprived of the access to wheelchairs produced in the United States.

"The virus is not good, neither is the blockade," she told Xinhua.

Amid the tightening U.S. economic sanctions, Cuban authorities have boosted local production of conventional wheelchairs to guarantee supply to children in special schools in the Caribbean nation.

The U.S. embargo is unfair and violates the human rights of Cuban children, said Nobrega's grandmother Barbara Cabrera.

"I very much thank the Cuban government for their huge efforts to protect kids," she said. "If the blockade were lifted, living conditions of our kids would also improve."

Across the island, some 31,000 children and adolescents are studying at special schools funded by the government.

In Havana, physically disabled kids usually attend Solidaridad con Panama school, which is now closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Esther Maria de la Oz, principal of the school, said that out of 202 students enrolled at the educational center, 95 use wheelchairs.

"The U.S. blockade will not stop our children with disabilities from laughing," she told a press conference Wednesday. "We work for them to be happy."

Cuba allocates nearly 24 percent of its national budget to the educational system, including 345 schools for physically disabled kids.

Marlene Triana, a high-ranking official at the Cuban Ministry of Education, said that the U.S. embargo on the island has intensified amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It also hinders the island's access to equipment used in school laboratories, technologies and the book production process," she said. "The U.S. blockade must end."

First imposed in 1962, the embargo bars U.S. companies from doing business with Cuba and selling to the island products containing more than 10 percent U.S. components. Enditem
New York: A new book contends that Barack Obama privately called Donald Trump a madman and a racist, sexist pig in candid remarks to donors.

The 44th president, who has been much more reserved in his criticism of his successor in public, shared his thoughts shortly after Trump was elected.

Obama called his successor a madman among other things. Credit:AP

The comments are reported in Battle for the Soul: Inside the Democrats Campaigns to Defeat Donald Trump by Edward-Isaac Dovere, a staff writer at the Atlantic magazine.

Dovere claims in the book, which will be published next week, that Obama preferred Trump as president over rival Ted Cruz, believing that the hard-right Texas senator would take the country in a dangerous direction.
Washington: The US House of Representatives voted to create an independent commission to probe the deadly January 6 attack on the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump, as a significant number of Republicans defied party leaders attempts to block it.

Over the past two days, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell worked to kill a bipartisan bill to establish the commission to investigate the violence that left five dead.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

The House voted 252-175 to approve the commission, which was styled after the September 11, 2001 panel that probed attacks on the United States. The bill now goes to the Senate where its future was unclear.

The solid number of Republicans voting for the independent investigation -- 35 out of 211 -- signalled some cracks in the partys defence of Trump on a key vote.
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FILE - In this file photo taken Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, is Sgt. Matthew Elseth with "ghost guns" on display at the headquarters of the San Francisco Police Department in San Francisco. A federal appeals court in San Francisco has ruled that plans for 3D-printed, self-assembled "ghost guns" can be posted online without U.S. State Department approval. The San Francisco Chronicle says the 2-1 decision was made Tuesday, April 27, 2021, by the 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals. (AP Photo/Haven Daley,File)
South Boston, VA (24592)

Today

Cloudy this morning with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm this evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
This is an example of a "stick built" home that developer Chris Thieneman proposes in a 95-unit condominium project off W. Manslick Road in Fairdale.
(Left) 3-month-old Charvi Scruggs, (Center) Ebony Moore appears in court on Feb. 20, 2020, and (Right) Ebony Moore appears with 3-year-old. (Child's face blurred to hide identity.)
Police in Hardinsburg, Ky., respond to a shooting Wednesday, May 19, 2021. (Courtesy of WXBC/104.3 The River)
Scene of May 18, 2021 housefire on Depot Street in Marengo, Indiana (Source: Indiana Department of Homeland Security)
Initiative in Louisville would allow mental health, social workers to respond to some 911 calls
Katy Waldman at The New Yorker:

Everybody s central character is the Viennese psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich, and perhaps its no accident that Laing presents him as a man in pieces. This is a formal descriptionfragments of Reichs story are woven throughoutand a thematic one: the doctor, whom Laing praises as a connector, emerges as a teetering amalgam of brilliance, delusion, empathy, and prejudice. Born in 1897, Reich was one of Freuds most famous proteges. He treated mostly working-class patients and believed that they were carrying their past experiences around in their bodies, storing their emotional pain as a kind of tension, which he called character armor. Therapy could help, as could Marxism, but what was really needed, Reich thought, was a revolution in sex, the liberatory potential of which had been warped by an extractive economic system. Reich and Freud fell out over their differing views on repression and HitlerFreud wanted to remain neutral, while Reich urged resistanceand after Reich fled to the United States, in 1939, he grew paranoid and grandiose. He invented the orgone accumulator, a freestanding closet designed to collect orgasmic energy, and the Cloudbuster, the better to wage war on the weather. He eventually died in prison, after the Food and Drug Administration ordered him to stop selling orgone accumulators. (He didnt.)

more here.
Reporter

I cover a range of stories for WDRB, but really enjoy tracking what's going on at our State Capitol. I grew up on military bases all over the world, but am a Kentuckian at heart. I'm an EKU alum, and have lived in Louisville for 30 years.
Sean Illing in Vox:

Its hard to understand the culture of policing in America from the outside.

Theres an informal code among police officers, the blue wall of silence, that encourages them not to talk to outsiders. There have been good attempts to study the police  who they are, what they believe in, what makes them tick  but if you really want to know how they see the world and their role in it, you almost have to become one.

And thats exactly what Rosa Brooks, a law professor at Georgetown University, did in 2015. Brooks has spent much of her career in the national security world, focusing on human rights and the expanding role of the military in government, but she decided to become a sworn reserve police officer with the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department. After graduating from the police academy, Brooks worked part time as a patrol officer from 2016 to 2020 and eventually wrote a book about her experiences called Tangled Up in Blue: Policing the American City.

More here.
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ENFIELD, CT (WGGB/WSHM)--Western Mass News is getting you a preview of what things could look like when Massachusetts lifts its COVID-19 restrictions statewide. Western Mass News headed down to Connecticut, where their mask mandate was lifted Wednesday.

Fully vaccinated people are allowed to go maskless, both indoors and outdoors in Connecticut. While large chain stores like Aldi and Target are adjusting their mask policies, we wanted to see if local businesses were following suit.

On May 29, Massachusetts will lift its COVID-19 restrictions and face-covering order.

Although there will be some instances where face coverings will be required like in transportation, health care and congregate care settings.

In Connecticut, that step came early, with the mask mandate being lifted Wednesday and large national stores changing their mask policies for fully vaccinated customers.

Western Mass News spoke with one customer who is between doses of the vaccine. she said she is happy to abide by the policies.

I don't want to like risk anybody in case I have it or anybody else has it, CT shopper Stephanie Rodriguez said.

It's always up to them, John Russo, owner of Russos Pastry Shop told Western Mass News.

Holyoke Mall lifting mask mandate for vaccinated shoppers HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The Holyoke Mall updated its COVID-19 guidelines and come May 29 

But what about small local businesses?

In Russos pastry shop, owner john Russo is still wearing a mask while serving customers, but vaccinated customers he says, are free to go maskless.

It's up to them if they're vaccinated if they don't want to wear it, it's fine for me, Russo said.

He says he wont ask people for proof of vaccination and neither will Joseph Quinn, who works at Enfield Paint.

Quinn told Western Mass News he noticed a difference already.

As more and more people came in, no one was having masks, Quinn said.

However, Quinn said he is not opposed to putting a face covering on if one of his patrons seems uncomfortable.

If someone comes in with a mask though, I still put mine on and all that out of respect for them, Quinn said.

Massachusetts' mask order will be ending on May 29, as well as restrictions like capacity limits.

The Governor said the state of emergency ends June 15.
KnowBe4 recognized for Established Excellence for company stage and in the extra large company size category

KnowBe4, the provider of the worlds largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, today announced it has been named to Inc. magazines 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.

KnowBe4 has three company rules that every employee abides by: do it right the first time, do it fast and have fun while you do it. These three rules guide KnowBe4s company culture. Due to the pandemic, many of the fun activities have moved online, such as fitness classes, competitions, trivia and more. KnowBe4 also sent several care packages to its employees around the world to bring them some joy while they worked from home.

Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in our 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 pandemic caused a shift to remote work, which really forced us to be creative in the types of activities and perks that we offer our employees, said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. Regarding our management style, we operate on full transparency and ensure that our employees are always well informed about the organizations direction and management decisions. Employee growth and career development is also a priority at KnowBe4. We are grateful to Inc. magazine for recognizing our stellar company culture, effective management team and exceptional benefits by naming KnowBe4 to this years best workplaces list.

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 KnowBe4

KnowBe4, the provider of the worlds largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 37,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. Kevin Mitnick, an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4's Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Tens of thousands of organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as the last line of defense.

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/knowbe4_ranks_among_highest_scoring_businesses_on_inc_magazines_annual_list_of_best_workplaces_for_2021/prweb17948537.htm
An Express Employment Professionals survey, fielded by The Harris Poll, reveals workers may be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to return to the workplace.

As vaccination rollouts expand and the majority of the country resumes normal business operations, companies looking at post-COVID recovery plans are engaged in discussions about employee vaccination requirements.

Nearly three-fourths of U.S. hiring decision-makers (74%) believe proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (such as a vaccine ID or vaccine passport) will be required in the near future for employees returning to the workplace, according to a new survey by The Harris Poll, commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

Additionally, more than three-quarters (78%) of hiring decision-makers believe companies can only truly return to normal (i.e., not limited to restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic) once more people in the U.S. are vaccinated.

The survey also found that 71% believe employees would be more likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine if companies provided incentives to do so.

Although most companies believe proof of vaccination will be required to return to work and company incentives would be effective, 65% do not believe it is a companys responsibility to ensure employees get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Companies need to make decisions and communicate the requirements regarding vaccination expectations of those in the workplace sooner rather than later, Express CEO Bill Stoller said.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is great to see companies planning to ramp up hiring and return employees to work, he said. But in order for this to happen smoothly, decisions about what post-COVID workplaces will require to return to normal need to be made and clear communication about what will be expected of employees should happen as soon as possible.

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between March 23 and April 12, 2021, among 1,001 U.S. hiring decision-makers (defined as adults ages 18+ in the U.S. who are employed full-time or self-employed, work at companies with more than one employee, and have full/significant involvement in hiring decisions at their company). Data was weighted where necessary by company size to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

***

If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena (Karami) Hollander, Director of Corporate Communications and PR, at (405) 717-5966.

About Bill Stoller

William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing company has more than 830 franchises in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Since inception, Express has put more than 9 million people to work worldwide.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 526,000 people globally in 2020. For more information, visit http://www.ExpressPros.com.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: https://www.prweb.com/releases/survey_74_of_companies_believe_proof_of_vaccination_from_employees_to_be_required_in_near_future/prweb17947488.htm
President Moon Jae-in left for Washington on Wednesday without his wife Kim Jung-sook due to coronavirus restrictions in the U.S.

Kim had accompanied her husband on all three previous visits to Washington, but Moon had to halve his entourage and take only a few key officials, Cheong Wa Dae said.

Kim had been vaccinated to prepare for the trip and she had even shortened the interval between the two AstraZeneca shots to be ready, but it was not to be.

Her schedule would not have been too taxing. Cheong Wa Dae wanted to arrange a meeting with U.S. President Joe Boden's wife Jill, and she might also have met Yumi Hogan, the wife of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, whom she met when the couple visited Seoul in 2017.

Kim, however, will accompany Moon on his trip to the U.K. for the G7 summit in June.


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NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - A firefighter who died while battling a fire in New Haven was laid to rest on Thursday.

New Haven firefighter Ricardo Torres was killed fighting a house fire on Valley Street on May 12.

Thousands turned out on Thursday to pay their respects at his funeral.

A morning procession left the New Haven Fire Department and arrived at St. Mary's Church on Hillhouse Avenue just after 10 a.m.

You have no idea, no matter how big the call or small, what God is calling you to do; but God needs you, but on May 12 on Valley Street, God needed Ricardo to answer the call, he needed Ricardo to do what firefighters do, and he did, no greater love," said Deacon Martin O'Connor, who is a retired New Haven fire chief.

Torres was 30 years old, and leaves behind his wife Erica, his soon-to-be 1-year-old son Oliver, and another baby boy due in August, along with a legacy of service and sacrifice.

Now, a family and fire department are left to support one another, while dealing with unimaginable pain.

Ever since I've lost you, I wake up every single day with guilt and sadness and pain over all the things I didn't get to say," his wife Erica said during the service on Thursday.

Family and fellow firefighters described Torres as driven, compassionate, motivated, and someone who was always smiling.

Adding he fulfilled a childhood dream when he became a firefighter just two years ago.

I may never understand why it happens. The world is in chaos; the world needed a hero and God picked you, rest in eternal peace my beautiful son," said Torres' mother Cathy Foster-Mendez.

Family, friends, and firefighters from around the country gathered to honor his memory.

Fallen New Haven firefighter died a hero Ricardo Torres, a firefighter who lost his life while battling a fire early Wednesday morning, always wanted to be a firefighter.

The many people who love him said they will make sure that while he is gone, his memory will carry forward.

Ricardo will be amongst us and a part of us forever. Rest in peace. We'll take it from here," New Haven Fire Chief John Alston said during the service.

After the service ended, several fire departments across the state honored Rico with a rolling tribute, lining each overpass from New Haven to Hartford, saluting the procession all the way to Hartford where Torres will be buried.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz called firefighting a brotherhood. They said they were struck by the number of firefighters in attendance.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said he expected there to be between 3,000 and 8,000 people in New Haven on Thursday in support of Torres and his family.

"We have seen an outpouring of support from the community around Connecticut and across the nation," Elicker said.

Donations are still being collected for the Torres family. Learn more here.
We know the world is truly getting back to normal now that the Eurovision Song Contest is back on. Covid derailed last year's competition, but this year's show will be broadcast live from Rotterdam.

You'll have to wait until Saturday, May 22 to see the UK's entry (along with France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, Team GB gets a pass to the grand finale). So while you wait, you can read my completely subjective, hopelessly biased list of the five best songs in this year's Eurovision Song Contest:





5. Dai og Gagnamagni - "10 Years" - Iceland

From Silvia Night to Hatari, Iceland routinely sends the most fascinating acts to Eurovision, so much so that Will Ferrell smartly chose to portray an Icelandic contestant in his 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. My theory is that Iceland's physical distance from the continent has fostered a remarkably unique culture and sense of humor in its people. It's like the Galapagos Islands of pop music. Living up to that reputation is Dai Freyr and his band Gagnamagni with their unique brand of feel-good dance music and awkward choreography  all of which seems tailor-made for extraterrestrials. "10 Years," about Dai's relationship with his wife, captures that nicely, but perhaps not as perfectly as his 2020 entry "Think About Things," which was favored to win last year's competition before Covid-19 let to its cancellation. While Iceland is no longer the odds-on favorite to win, it is still sending one of the best songs to the competition. And even if it doesn't win, we'll always have "Jaja Sing Dong."









4. Eden Alene - "Set Me Free" - Israel

Eden Alene is giving me serious Dua Lipa vibes with this chill yet danceable nu-disco ditty. A flirty underscoring of electric kamanjat makes the tune distinctively Israeli. I could easily see myself grooving to this song at a beachside cafe with a spritz and a plate of pistachios. Israel has won the contest four times, most recently in 2018 for Netta's "Toy." It may be too soon for them to snag another win  then again, that never stopped dominant competitors like Ireland or Sweden, or unlikely heavy-hitter Luxembourg, which has an astounding five wins to its name. Never discount the small countries.









3. Go_A - "Shum" - Ukraine

In the two decades since it joined the competition, Ukraine has sent some of my very favorite acts ever, as well as two winners. This year's entry comes from electro-folk band Go_A, which draws on pre-Christian Ukrainian tradition in their frenetic techno number "Shum." The music video looks like a trailer for Mad Max Beyond Chernobyl, but the lyrics are actually a powerful invocation of springtime following a harsh winter. And who isn't in the market for one of those right about now?









2. Elena Tsagrinou - "El Diablo" - Cyprus

This song is so hot it has been denounced by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, which issued a strongly worded statement comparing the number to devil worship and "the provocative bulimia of the Turkish conquerors." Rude! But perhaps their eminences have a point. Sounding very much like a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Sia, I suspect some demonic force behind this dance track that I cannot get out of my head. You may have noticed that I have chosen all up-tempo songs in my picks thus far, and there's a reason for that. Eurovision is like a US presidential election: The winner is almost always the polar opposite of the incumbent. Since the reigning champ is still Duncan Laurence for his 2019 bare-bottomed tearjerker "Arcade" we can expect this year's winner to be quite different  which brings us to the best song in the 2021 contest:









1. Destiny - Je Me Casse - Malta

Full disclosure: I am a shameless promoter of Malta, and like everyone connected to the island republic, I have long wanted to see Malta triumph at Eurovision. It never has, despite entering competitions as far back as 1971 (and consistently since 1991). Near-wins in 1998, 2002, and 2005 have contributed to both agita and despair, but 2021 is poised to be Malta's year of destiny  Destiny Chukunyere that is. The 18-year-old powerhouse is already the winner of the 2015 Junior Eurovision and champion of the second season of X Factor Malta, which immediately qualified her to represent Malta in Eurovision 2020. While that contest was a bust due to Covid, Destiny is back in 2021 with an even better number. "Je Me Casse" is the kind of song that will have everyone in the club dancing, which is exactly what we want after this miserable year of privation. Destiny is channeling Lizzo and Beyonce in this fierce feminist anthem, which has all the ingredients of a Eurovision winner. I'm not the only one who thinks so: Destiny has jostled at the front of the pack in the betting odds ever since the song dropped in March. If she can sustain that momentum, we might just see Malta host its first Eurovision in 2022.
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Locals called it the butchers shop. The letters languishing on the dreary brick edifice spelled a different name: Lincoln Hospital. It was the primary source of healthcare for residents of the South Bronx. Shortly after 5 a.m. on July 14, 1970, a U-haul truck rumbled innocuously through the gate.

The building had been condemned some 25 years earlier, deemed unsafe for human habitation, but city officials ultimately decided to keep the hospital open. Reports of unsanitary conditions and medical malfeasance proliferated over the years. City Hall responded with inaction. For the young men and women riding stealthily in the cargo bay of the U-haul, enough was enough. July 14 was a day of action.

They were members of the Young Lords, a Puerto Rican liberation group that sought to protect and empower their community. For a long time, they had been trying to get the city to do something about the inhumane conditions at Lincoln. They had recently set up a complaint table in the emergency room lobby, and in one month documented more than 2,000 complaints from patients, including reports of babies getting bitten by rats. All of the complaints were sent to local officials. None of them were addressed in any meaningful way.

The door of the U-haul swept open and the Young Lords streamed into the hospital. They were unarmed yet unyielding. Within 15 minutes they seized control of the entire building. It was an occupation that came straight out of the Normandy invasion, said Felipe Luciano, one of their leaders. As the sun rose, the Puerto Rican flag flew over Lincoln Hospital.

Fifty years ago today the Young Lords, a militant Puerto Rican liberation organization based in NYC, occupied Lincoln Hospital (aka The Butcher Shop) in the Bronx. They left behind a legacy of community health care.https://t.co/Z0drFwrdeM pic.twitter.com/jAqVfOP9Ix  Certain Days (@CertainDays) July 14, 2020

Scores of blue-shirted policemen arrived. Emissaries from the Mayors office followed. The Young Lords finally had the citys attention. One press conference and 12 hours of negotiations later, they peacefully ceded control of the building. Officials agreed to address the most serious complaints and gave the Young Lords permission to run community programs under the supervision of hospital physicians. This is how the Lincoln Detox Center started.

Dope is Death, a new documentary from filmmaker Mia Donovan thats now available on VOD, is a story about community health and radical politics. In the late 1960s, New York became the epicenter of Americas heroin epidemic. Cheap junk flooded the streets, turning the South Bronx into a zombie hellscape. Crime skyrocketed. The ravaged community could barely function, let alone defend itself against systemic injustices.

You dont wanna fight when youre on heroin, Luciano says in the film. You just want to sit and nod yourself into oblivion.

Fighting, in a political and direct-action sense, is what the Young Lords and the Black Panthers had in mind. One of the most important and successful elements of Donovans film is how it counters official narratives that have shaped public perception of left-wing liberation movements.

A lot of these groups were criminalized, Donovan tells InsideHook, and the criminalization made them look dangerous. It erased the legitimacy of the amazing programs that they were creating to provide for their communities.

In 1969, J. Edgar Hoover called the Black Panthers the greatest threat to [the] internal security of the country. This characterization stoked white suburban fear and prompted many Americans to see the Panthers as violent extremists. What people didnt see, however, were initiatives like the Free Breakfast Program, which fed 20,000 children before school every morning, or the various survival programs that provided food, clothing, transportation, daycare, healthcare and legal advice. Beyond building social infrastructure to strengthen their neighborhoods, the Black Panthers sought to eradicate insidious threats.

Before the quote-unquote war on drugs, they were working to keep drugs out of their communities in the late 60s, Donovan says. And they were. Theyd confiscate heroin from drug dealers because the cops wouldnt. They understood that if they were to call the cops, the cops would just take the heroin and then sell it back into the community to make a profit.

For the film, Donovan compiled an impressive collection of historical footage. One of the films most impactful clips shows a group of Black Panthers destroying bags of heroin in the street.

The Young Lords and Black Panthers saw the opening of Lincoln Detox as a chance to mount a more systematic attack on the heroin epidemic. They were distrustful of methadone, the FDA-approved maintenance drug that essentially swapped one addiction for another, so they introduced their own treatment: acupuncture.

The idea came from Mutulu Shakur, a rising leader in the broader Black Nationalist movement. Shakur was only 20 years old in 1970 but his wisdom and political consciousness belied his youth. Life had taught him that state institutions did not function in the interests of Black people. As a boy, he helped his blind mother struggle to navigate the broken social-services landscape. As a man, he advocated for self-determination. Black communities, he argued, should control the institutions that impacted Black lives.

Shakur became interested in acupuncture after learning about its use as a widely dispensed community health service in Maoist China. He wondered if it could be used to treat heroin withdrawal and invited Dr. Mario Wexu, a Montreal-based acupuncturist, to the South Bronx. Dr. Wexu trained members of the Young Lords and Black Panthers on how to administer a five-point, ear-based acupuncture protocol. The program was a massive success. Patients were able to get off heroin and methadone. As they got clean, they brought other users to the clinic. Many former patients started volunteering and receiving acupuncture training.

Lincoln Detox became much more than a detox clinic. Shakur, the stepfather of the late rapper Tupac Shakur, helped it become a trusted center of community health. Treating heroin withdrawal was an instrumental first step, but there were deeper, more systemic afflictions to address. Shakur created new programs to mobilize and educate the community. The P.E. classes that the Black Panthers started offering at Lincoln did not stand for phys ed.

They were political education classes, Donovan says, and they provided a lens to see who drugs really served in society and how they were part of a chemical warfare. They emphasized that communities had to work together to resist drugs, because the drugs were flooding into communities after the civil rights movement and were being used to pacify their mobilization.

Dope is Death documents the potent efficacy of this work and the consequences of its success. As Shakurs programs and following grew, he was targeted by Hoovers FBI. COINTELPRO, the Bureaus clandestine and illegal domestic surveillance apparatus, had been used since 1956 to monitor, harass and persecute political adversaries.

Communism was the original threat COINTELPRO addressed, Donovan says. And then it seemed like its mission was to prevent the rise of a Black messiah. It was like total white supremacy. And the idea of surveilling these groups and individuals was basically, Lets keep an eye on potential black leaders who could really rise and unite their communities. Like Martin Luther King Jr. Like Fred Hampton. Like Mutulu Shakur.

Mutulu Shakur has been imprisoned for more than 30 years Utopia

On October 20, 1981, an armored Brinks truck was robbed near Nyack, New York. One Brinks guard and two Nyack police officers were killed. Although no evidence linked Mutulu Shakur to the crime, the FBI alleged that he was the mastermind. After four years on the run, Shakur was arrested and charged through the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), a statute that was designed to prosecute leaders of organized crime. The criminal enterprise the FBI accused Shakur of running was BAAANA, the Black Acupuncture Advisory Association of North America. After a lengthy trial that included a number of human rights violations, he was convicted in 1988 and sentenced to 60 years in prison with the recommendation for no parole.

Shakur, who eventually became a doctor of acupuncture, is the main character in Donovans film even though she wasnt allowed to interview him on camera. His story is a jarring reality check for anyone who thinks America doesnt have political prisoners. It also underscores the inhumanity of mass incarceration, a distinctly racist and American phenomenon. Shakur has been imprisoned for more than 30 years. In 2019, he was diagnosed with terminal bone marrow cancer. Hes had COVID twice and been denied parole nine times, including on the grounds of a compassionate release.

By the FBIs own numbers, individuals over 70 have a 0% recidivism rate, Donovan says. Hes not a threat to society.

Shakurs legal team posts regular updates on his website. Donovan communicates with him frequently and says incarceration has not blunted his community-first ethos or his proclivity for leadership.

Hes still doing a lot of work inside prison in terms of organizing people, she says. He runs what he calls empathy classes for rival gang members. In terms of acupuncture, he cant have needles, so he teaches breathing exercises. Hes just such a powerful force.

For such a tightly focused project, Dope is Death covers a lot of terrain. The 80-minute film weaves together a number of threads, each one worthy of its own documentary. And similar to Shaka Kings Judas and the Black Messiah, it offers a compelling counter-narrative to official accounts of recent history. We need more stories like these  that challenge hegemonic myths  if were serious about making the present different from our troubled past.

This article was featured in the InsideHook NY newsletter. Sign up now for more from all five boroughs.

The post Acupuncture, Tupacs Stepdad and the Untold Story of NYCs Heroin Epidemic appeared first on InsideHook.


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JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire Thursday, halting a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, brought life in much of Israel to a standstill and left more than 200 people dead.

Relatives of Hoda Al-Khozondar, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, react as mourners carry her body out of the family home, during her funeral in town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire Thursday, halting a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, brought life in much of Israel to a standstill and left more than 200 people dead.

At 2 a.m. local time, just as the cease-fire took effect, life returned to the streets of Gaza. People went out of their homes, some shouting Allahu Akbar" or whistling from balconies. Many fired in the air, celebrating the truce.

Like the three previous wars between the bitter enemies, the latest round of fighting ended inconclusively. Israel claimed to inflict heavy damage on Hamas but once again was unable to halt the Islamic militant group's nonstop rocket barrages. Almost immediately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced angry accusations from his hard-line, right-wing base that he stopped the operation too soon.

A technician removes an unexploded missile fired from the Gaza Strip that landed on the top floor of a high rise apartment building, Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Ashkelon, southern Israel. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Hamas, the Islamic militant group sworn to Israels destruction, also claimed victory. But it now faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding in a territory already suffering from poverty, widespread unemployment and a raging coronavirus outbreak.

Netanyahus office said his Security Cabinet had unanimously accepted an Egyptian cease-fire proposal after recommendations from Israels military chief and other top security officials. A statement boasted of significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented.

It also included a veiled threat against Hamas. The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign, the statement said.

The fighting erupted on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound, built on a site holy to Muslims and Jews, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinians by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.

Pedestrians run to a bomb shelter as sirens blare to warn of incoming missiles fire from the Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Ashkelon, southern Israel. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

The competing claims to Jerusalem lie at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have repeatedly triggered bouts of violence in the past.

Hamas and other militant groups fired over 4,000 rockets into Israel throughout the fighting, launching the projectiles from civilian areas at Israeli cities. Dozens of projectiles flew as far north as Tel Aviv, the country's bustling commercial and cultural capital.

Thousands gathered Friday morning in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis outside the family house of Mohammed Dief, the shadowy Hamas commander who had ordered the rocket attacks. Supporters shouted victory and waved green Hamas flags.

Israel, meanwhile, carried out hundreds of airstrikes targeting what it said was Hamas military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network.

Lia Tal, 40, rushes with her children and partner to take shelter as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, In Ashdod, Israel, Thursday, May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Heidi Levine)

At least 230 Palestinians were killed, including 65 children and 39 women, with 1,710 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl, were killed.

The United States, Israel's closest and most important ally, initially backed what it said was Israel's right to self-defense against indiscriminate rocket fire. But as the fighting dragged on and the death toll mounted, the Americans increasingly pressured Israel to stop the offensive.

In a rare public rift, Netanyahu on Wednesday briefly rebuffed a public call from President Joe Biden to wind things down, appearing determined to inflict maximum damage on Hamas in a war that could help save his political career.

But late Thursday, Netanyahu's office announced the cease-fire agreement. Hamas quickly followed suit. Militants continued to launch sporadic rocket at Israel early Friday, before the 2 a.m. cease-fire took effect.

People inspect destroyed cars and the rubble of residential building which was hit by Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City, Thursday, May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

In Washington, Biden hailed the cease-fire. I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress, and Im committed to working for it, he said.

Biden said the U.S. was committed to helping Israel replenish its supply of interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome rocket-defense system and to working with the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority  not Hamas  to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Netanyahu quickly came under heavy criticism from members of his hawkish, nationalist base. Gideon Saar, a former ally who now leads a small party opposed to the prime minister, called the cease-fire embarrassing.

In a potentially damaging development for the Israeli leader, the Palestinian militants claimed Netanyahu had agreed to halt further Israeli actions at the Al Aqsa Mosque and to call off the planned evictions of Palestinians in the nearby Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

Palestinian mourners carry the body of Mohammad Kiwan, 17, whose family says he was killed in clashes with Israeli police, during his funeral in the Arab town of Umm al-Fahm, Thursday, May 20, 2021. Police say the May 12 shooting is under investigation. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

An Egyptian official said only that tensions in Jerusalem will be addressed. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing behind-the-scenes negotiations and provided no details.

Itamar Ben Gvir, head of the far-right Jewish Power party, tweeted that the cease-fire was a grave surrender to terrorism and the dictates of Hamas.

The cease-fire comes at a sensitive time for Netanyahu. In the wake of an inconclusive election in March, Netanyahu failed to form a majority coalition in parliament. His opponents now have until June 2 to form an alternative government of their own.

The war greatly complicated the efforts of his opponents, who include both Jewish and Arab parties and were forced to suspend their negotiations in such a fraught environment. But the inconclusive outcome of the war could give them renewed momentum to restart those talks.

Meanwhile in Gaza, a Hamas spokesman, Abdelatif al-Qanou, said Israel's announcement was a declaration of defeat. Nonetheless, the group said it would honor the deal, which was to officially go into effect at 2 a.m.

Ali Barakeh, an official with Islamic Jihad, a smaller group that fought alongside Hamas, said Israels declaration of a truce was a defeat for Netanyahu and a victory to the Palestinian people.

Despite the claims, both groups appeared to have suffered significant losses in the fighting. Hamas and Islamic Jihad said at least 20 of their fighters were killed, while Israel said the number was at least 130 and probably higher.

Some 58,000 Palestinians fled their homes, many of them seeking shelter in crowded United Nations schools at a time of a coronavirus outbreak.

Since the fighting began, Gazas infrastructure, already weakened by a 14-year blockade, has rapidly deteriorated.

Medical supplies, water and fuel for electricity are running low in the territory, on which Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after Hamas seized power from the Palestinian Authority in 2007. Since then, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has governed autonomous areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and has limited influence in Gaza.

Israeli attacks have also damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said. Nearly half of all essential drugs have run out.

Israeli bombing has damaged over 50 schools across the territory, according to advocacy group Save the Children, destroying at least six. While repairs are done, education will be disrupted for nearly 42,000 children.

Akram reported from Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Zeke Miller in Washington and Iris Samuels in Helena, Montana, contributed reporting.
REYKJAVIK. Iceland (AP)  The Biden administration is leading a campaign against Russian attempts to assert authority over Arctic shipping and reintroduce a military dimension to discussions over international activity in the area.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, centre, arrives for the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday, May 20, 2021. Top diplomats from the United States and Russia sparred politely in Iceland during their first face-to-face encounter, which came as ties between the nations have deteriorated sharply in recent months. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)

REYKJAVIK. Iceland (AP)  The Biden administration is leading a campaign against Russian attempts to assert authority over Arctic shipping and reintroduce a military dimension to discussions over international activity in the area.

As Russia assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council on Thursday, the U.S. rallied other members to oppose Moscows plans to set maritime rules in the Northern Sea Route, which runs from Norway to Alaska, and its desire to resume high-level military talks within the eight-nation bloc. Those talks were suspended in 2014 over Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The effort reflects growing concerns in Washington and among some NATO allies about a surge in Russian military and commercial activity in the region that is rapidly opening up due to the effects of climate change. Russia has expressed similar suspicion about NATO's motives.

At a meeting of Arctic Council foreign ministers in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the group should maintain its focus on peaceful cooperation on environmental issues, maritime safety and the well-being of indigenous people in the region.

Blinken left Iceland after the meeting to deliver the same message in Greenland, which attracted international attention when former President Donald Trump expressed interest in buying the world's largest island from Denmark and later cancelled a state visit to Copenhagen when his interest was widely mocked and rejected by the Danes and Greenlanders alike.

Protestors gather outside the conference hall where the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting takes place in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday, May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynjar Gunnarsson, Pool)

Asked whether the Biden administration had dropped Trump's interest in the purchase of Greenland, Blinken replied: I can confirm that is correct." At the same time, Blinken lauded the re-establishment of a U.S. consulate in the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk and said the administration hoped to boost cooperation with island on a variety of fronts starting with climate change.

Earlier Thursday in Iceland, Blinken told his counterparts that the Arctic is a region for strategic competition that has seized the worlds attention. But the Arctic is more than a strategically or economically significant region. Its home to our people, its hallmark has been and must remain peaceful cooperation. Its our responsibility to protect that peaceful cooperation and to build on it.

Blinken stressed the importance of upholding effective governance and the rule of law to ensure that the Arctic remains a region free of conflict where countries act responsibly. He had previously questioned the legality of the proposed Russian maritime rules and expressed deep reservations about Russia's military activity in the far North.

Several other foreign ministers, including those from Canada, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden, echoed Blinken's call to keep the Arctic peaceful and free of conflict under the authority of international, rather than that of individual countries. Representatives of indigenous Arctic populations urged that their voices be heard.

We are concerned over the level of recent angry and provocative rhetoric, said James Stotts of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. We do not want to see our homeland turned into a region of competition and conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who had earlier this week dismissed the U.S. criticism because the Arctic is our territory, our land," questioned NATO's motives in deployments of bombers and submarines to the area. On Thursday, he said resumption of an Arctic Council military dialogue would contribute to stability.

It is therefore important to extend the positive relations we have within the Arctic Council to encompass the military sphere as well, first of all by revitalizing multilateral dialogue on military issues between the general staffs of the Arctic states," Lavrov said.

He said later at a new conference that resuming that dialogue would be a priority for Russia while it heads the council.

We have not received any nos so far but we have not received any positive reaction, either, Lavrov said. So we have decided that within the next three years we will create the proper conditions so that this particular aspect of common security will once again be part of the work of the Arctic Council.

The outgoing council chair, Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, of Iceland, did not appear enthusiastic. Everything that we can do as nations to lower tension and see stability is something that, of course, should be looked into very positively, but I think its important to keep the council as it is, he said.

Lavrov also cast aspersions on NATO and the U.S., which he accused of acting with arrogance toward Russia and its security concerns. He took particular aim at Norway, which he said was amending its laws on foreign military presence to allow for the constant rotation of military equipment and personnel.

Were especially concerned about what is going on close to our borders and Norway is indeed a very close neighbor of ours," he said. "We have very good relations with Norway. Nevertheless, the issues related to heightened military tensions due to military deployments in Norway and in the Baltics are still very present.

He called the rotational presence a play on words to describe what is actually a permanent presence. This is not the first demonstration of this highbrow approach that our Western colleagues are now taking in the international arena," he said. We are going to undertake necessary measures in order to ensure our security, but our priority and our preference really is dialogue.

Lavrov also proposed a summit of Arctic Council leaders to be held at some point during Russia's two-year chairmanship and said Moscow is keen to foster cooperation.

We encourage you to maintain and seek consensus in the council to continue constructive cooperation, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde told Lavrov.
TORONTO - Centerra Gold Inc. says it is suing the man named Tuesday by the government of the Kyrgyz Republic as general manager of the Kumtor gold mine.

The corporate logo for Centerra Gold is shown in this handout image. Centerra Gold Inc. says it has launched legal action against the man named Wednesday by the government of the Kyrgyz Republic as general manager of the Kumtor gold mine, which it took control of last weekend. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

TORONTO - Centerra Gold Inc. says it is suing the man named Tuesday by the government of the Kyrgyz Republic as general manager of the Kumtor gold mine.

In a news release, the Toronto-based miner says it is alleging in Ontario Superior Court that Tengiz Bolturuk, a former member of its board of directors, breached his fiduciary duties to the company by co-operating in the government's seizure of the mine last weekend.

It says Bolturuk was nominated to the Centerra board in December by the Kyrgyz state-owned company Kyrgyzaltyn JSC, which holds a 26 per cent stake in Centerra, but he resigned on Monday.

It says it wants the court to stop Bolturuk from accepting a management role at the mine, as well as engaging in "further breaches of fiduciary and confidentiality duties."

Centerra claims that Bolturuk, a dual Canadian and Kyrgyz citizen, discussed plans to seize control of the Kumtor Mine with the Kyrgyz government and others. It also charges that, prior to the seizure of the mine, Kyrgyzaltyn JSC tried to divert US$29 million to an unauthorized bank account using a forged payment instruction sent to a third party.

On Tuesday, the Kyrgyz Republic issued a news release saying it took control of the Kumtor mine because of the "abdication of its fundamental duties of care'' by Centerra, charging that it had suspended deliveries of materials needed to operate the mine and had disabled "critical sensors'' used to monitor the stability of the mine and the movement of nearby glaciers.

"We can assure our shareholders that we are pursuing all avenues available to us in connection with recent events, including against any persons who violate their obligations to Centerra and its shareholders," said Centerra CEO Scott Perry in Thursday's release.

"In the meantime, to deflect attention from their unprecedented and unprovoked seizure of the Kumtor Mine, Kyrgyz officials and Mr. Bolturuk continue to make unjustified claims related to environmental and safety conditions in the past operation of the Kumtor Mine that are entirely meritless and have no justification under long-standing investment agreements or applicable law.

The government used a recently passed law to assume control of the Kumtor mine on security grounds after a long-running series of tax payment demands and accusations of environmental violations.

Centerra says it has launched an international arbitration suit against the Central Asian state and is trying to prevent Kyrgyzaltyn JSC from carrying out a plan to sell about one-fifth of its Centerra shares.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CG)
BANGKOK (AP)  Chinese citizens living in Thailand began being vaccinated on Thursday as part of China's global campaign to inoculate its nationals living and working abroad.

Chinese volunteer helps Chinese getting registered to vaccination and leading them to the room to test blood pressure at Bangrak Vaccination and Health Center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, May 20, 2021. China began vaccinating its citizens living in Thailand on Thursday as part of a global campaign to inoculate its nationals living and working abroad. (AP Photo/Fu Ting)

BANGKOK (AP)  Chinese citizens living in Thailand began being vaccinated on Thursday as part of China's global campaign to inoculate its nationals living and working abroad.

China recently donated 500,000 vaccine doses, and Thailand agreed in turn to inoculate Chinese nationals as it slowly rolls out shots for its own citizens to contain a coronavirus surge that has sickened tens of thousands in the past two months.

Yang Xin, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, said Beijing's Spring Sprout program would benefit tens of thousands of Chinese in the country. An estimated 150,000 Chinese citizens live in Thailand.

China has so far supplied 6 million vaccine doses to the country, most of which Thailand purchased.

The Thai government has said it will vaccinate Thais before inoculating most other foreigners, regardless of risk factors or age.

Just over 2% of Thailand's 70 million people have received a first vaccine dose and about 1% have received a second. The government hopes to inoculate 70% of its people by the end of the year, but has been criticized for taking too long to start vaccinating.

A health worker administers a dose of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine to Zhang Xiaohong, a 40-year-old businessman who runs a logistic company in Thailand, at Bangrak Vaccination and Health Center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, May 20, 2021. China began vaccinating its citizens living in Thailand on Thursday as part of a global campaign to inoculate its nationals living and working abroad. (AP Photo/Fu Ting)

Chinas official Peoples Daily newspaper says more than 500,000 Chinese citizens in more than 120 countries have benefited from the Spring Sprout vaccine program since it was launched in March.

In downtown Bangkok, a Chinese volunteer with a white mask, transparent shield and blue gloves stood in front of a red banner reading Spring Sprout Action flanked by the flags of China and Thailand at a vaccination center.

A dozen people waited to get a cursory medical check as nurses, accompanied by a translator, gave Chinese-made Sinovac shots in another room.

I am happy and proud to be able to get a vaccine on day 1 organized by my government, said Zhang Xiaohong, 40, who runs a logistics company in Thailand. He said he believes the Chinese government cares about its people.

Qin Qing, a 39-year-old real estate broker in Bangkok, said she was a bit nervous before getting the shot and felt slightly dizzy afterward.

I am grateful for my country and the embassy, and people who help to make it happen, from airline staff who fly the vaccines here to Thai medical workers," she said.

Thailand had largely contained coronavirus cases last year by closing its borders, enforcing mandatory quarantines and actively tracing contacts of those found to be infected. The measures devastated its lucrative tourism industry but kept the pandemic at bay, for the most part, until early April.

Then a surge that began in high-end nightspots in central Bangkok spread rapidly as people were allowed to travel during a mid-April national holiday.

On Thursday, health authorities reported 2,636 new cases and 25 deaths for a total of 119,585 infections and 703 deaths since the pandemic began. Of that number, 90,722 confirmed cases and 609 deaths have been recorded since April 1.

A partial lockdown in recent weeks has made limited headway in containing outbreaks, especially in Bangkok and in prisons.

The capital has been hit especially hard, with thousands of cases surfacing in slums, crowded low-income housing and camps housing construction workers.

Thailand has a population of about 70 million. More than 2.5 million are from neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Many are employed on construction sites and in factories.

Chinese nationals are the most numerous foreigners living in Thailand who are not from neighboring countries. They are the only foreigners being vaccinated under the Spring Sprout" campaign.

Natapanu Nopakun, deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Thursday there are around 1.3 million legal migrant workers in Bangkok and its vicinity and more than 1 million illegal ones across the country. The Labor Ministry intends to inoculate them as well because their high mobility is a risk factor in curbing infections.

Another 200,000 foreigners  from Australia, Japan, Europe, the United States and elsewhere  are mostly professionals and retirees. For now, they can only obtain COVID-19 shots by traveling overseas and would face lengthy, expensive quarantines on their return.

Groups representing Americans living in Thailand sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week asking the government to supply some of the millions of unused vaccine doses available in the U.S. to inoculate American citizens in Thailand.
BEIJING (AP)  China said Thursday it is providing COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 40 African countries, describing its actions as purely altruistic in an apparent intensification of what has been described as vaccine diplomacy."

Director of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Africa Department, Wu Peng, center right, prepares for a briefing in Beijing on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Wu told reporters on Thursday that China is currently providing COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 40 African countries and that the vaccines were either being donated or sold at "favorable prices." (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

BEIJING (AP)  China said Thursday it is providing COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 40 African countries, describing its actions as purely altruistic in an apparent intensification of what has been described as vaccine diplomacy."

The vaccines were donated or sold at favorable prices, Foreign Ministry official Wu Peng told reporters.

Wu compared Chinas outreach to the actions of some countries that have said they have to wait for their own people to finish the vaccination before they could supply the vaccines to foreign countries, in an apparent dig at the United States.

A worker tends to a garden near a sculpture depicting a globe and peace doves outside the Foreign Ministry in Beijing on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Director of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Africa Department, Wu Peng told reporters on Thursday that China is currently providing COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 40 African countries and that the vaccines were either being donated or sold at "favorable prices." (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

We believe that it is, of course, necessary to ensure that the Chinese people get vaccinated as soon as possible, but for other countries in need, we also try our best to provide vaccine help, said Wu, who is director of the ministrys Africa department.

While the U.S. has been accused by some of hoarding vaccines, President Joe Biden on Monday pledged to share an additional 20 million vaccine doses in the coming six weeks, bringing the total U.S. commitment to 80 million. The Biden administration hasn't said which countries will receive them.

The doses will come from existing U.S. production of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine stocks. The administration previously committed to share about 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the end of June.

The U.N. Security Council called on Wednesday for accelerated availability of COVID-19 vaccines for Africa, expressing concern that the continent has only received about 2% of all vaccines administered globally.

A presidential statement approved by all 15 members at a council meeting on African issues reiterated the need for equitable access" to quality, affordable COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.

Chinas vaccine diplomacy has been a surprising success: It has pledged roughly half a billion doses of its vaccines to more than 45 countries, according to an Associated Press tally.

With just four of Chinas many vaccine makers claiming they are able to produce at least 2.6 billion doses this year, a large part of the worlds population will end up inoculated not with the fancy Western vaccines boasting headline-grabbing efficacy rates, but with Chinas humble, traditionally made shots.

Egypt will start locally producing Chinas Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in June, with Sinovac enabling the Egyptian side to obtain the expertise and technical assistance to produce the vaccine, giving the license to manufacture and pack the vaccine in Egypt.

Aid alone cannot solve Africas vaccine issues. We must support local manufacturing of vaccines in Africa, even though this is difficult due to (low) levels of industrialization, Wu said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration Justice Department secretly obtained the 2017 phone records of a CNN correspondent, the network said Thursday in revealing the existence of another apparent leak investigation aimed at identifying a journalist's sources.

FILE - In this May 14, 2013, file photo, the Department of Justice headquarters building in Washington is photographed early in the morning. CNN says the Trump administration Justice Department secretly obtained the 2017 phone records of CNN correspondent Barbara Starr. (AP Photo/J. David Ake, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration Justice Department secretly obtained the 2017 phone records of a CNN correspondent, the network said Thursday in revealing the existence of another apparent leak investigation aimed at identifying a journalist's sources.

The revelation comes two weeks after The Washington Post disclosed that the Justice Department had last year seized phone records belonging to three of its journalists who covered the Russia investigation.

CNN said the Justice Department informed Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr in a May 13 letter that it had obtained phone and email records covering a two-month period between June 1 and July 31, 2017.

"CNN strongly condemns the secret collection of any aspect of a journalists correspondence, which is clearly protected by the First Amendment," CNN President Jeff Zucker said in a statement published by the network. "We are asking for an immediate meeting with the Justice Department for an explanation."

The Justice Department confirmed that the records were formally sought last year, though it did not reveal anything else about the investigation and what story might pertain to. CNN said that in the two-month period listed in the letter, Starr's reporting included stories on Syria and Afghanistan and coverage of U.S. military options in North Korea that were being offered to President Donald Trump.

"The records at issue relate to 2017 and the legal process to seek these records was approved in 2020," Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. "Department leadership will soon meet with reporters to hear their concerns about recent notices and further convey Attorney General (Merrick) Garlands staunch support of and commitment to a free and independent press."

The letter indicated that the government sought records of Starr's Pentagon phone extension, the CNN Pentagon booth phone number and her home and cellphone records. The government also said it had obtained "non-content information" from her emails, which would include information about the senders and recipients but not the actual content of the communications.

The Justice Department under former Attorney General Eric Holder announced revised guidelines for obtaining records from the news media during criminal leak investigations, removing language that news organizations said was ambiguous and requiring additional levels of review before a journalist could be subpoenaed.

The updated policy was a response to outrage among news organizations over Obama administration tactics seen as overly aggressive and hostile toward newsgathering.

Bruce Brown, the executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said Thursday that the phone record seizure amounted to a "big story that just got bigger."

"That a journalist from another news organization had communications records seized by the Trump Justice Department suggests that the last administrations efforts to intrude into reporter-source relationships and chill newsgathering is more sweeping than we originally thought," Brown said.

He called for the Justice Department to explain exactly what happened and "how it plans to strengthen protections for the free flow of information to the public."

_____

Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP
TORONTO - Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. has told Kansas City Southern that it won't raise its takeover bid and urged the U.S. railway to reject rival CN Rail's US$33.6-billion offer that it claims won't be approved by the U.S. regulator.

A Canadian Pacific Railway employee walks along the side of a locomotive in a marshalling yard in Calgary on May 16, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

TORONTO - Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. has told Kansas City Southern that it won't raise its takeover bid and urged the U.S. railway to reject rival CN Rail's US$33.6-billion offer that it claims won't be approved by the U.S. regulator.

In a letter ahead of its deadline to respond to CN's revised offer, CP Rail chief executive Keith Creel said the Calgary-based railway won't "engage in a bidding war in reaction to CN's illusory offer."

He said several recent events, including the Department of Justice's opposition and the Surface Transportation Board's decision that stricter merger rules will be used to evaluate CN Rail's voting trust, are enough for KCS to no longer consider CN's bid to be superior.

"We respectfully believe there is no longer any basis to terminate the CP-KCS merger agreement," Creel wrote.

"The best way for the KCS Board to fulfil its fiduciary duties in light of recent developments would be to continue to pursue the CP-KCS combination, which already has the benefit of STB approval to use a voting trust."

In a presentation to an investor conference, Creel acknowledged having held "high level discussions" with a potential investor that could help the railway raise its offer.

"I'm never going to say never, but I can tell you there's no appetite to  overpay. So there's no need for a partnership," he said.

"We have the balance sheet to pay the right price to unlock this potential, this value. And anything else that's enabled would be a bidding war and  we're not going to get into a bidding war."

Creel described CN rail as "an interloper" that's willing to take on huge debt to deliver an offer that can't be successful.

"They decided to weaponize their balance sheet, to lever up, to use debt to bout the competition and snuff it out."

He said CN's merger with KCS would be bad for competition in the U.S. rail system by reducing the number of lines shippers could use, something he said CN has tried to minimize.

As an independent regulator, he said the STB will make the right decision to protect the rail system by preventing CN's proposal from being successful.

"Value not achievable is value not believable," he told the Bank of America Securities transportation, airlines and industrials conference.

"We're not going to financially impair ourselves to create a company that isn't able to invest in the network that needs to be invested in to realize its potential."

However, he warned that if CP is unsuccessful, the strong track record of the remaining smallest Class 1 railroad would make it an attractive takeover target.

"If it would make sense for CN and KCS with the complexities it represents, then I would suggest  it could be made with us and the partner that might choose us."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CP, TSX:CNR)
AMSTERDAM (AP)  A Dutch court on Thursday rejected fugitive auto executive Carlos Ghosn's wrongful dismissal claim against an Amsterdam-based alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi and ordered him to repay nearly 5 million euros ($6 million) salary he received in 2018.

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2020, file photo, former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn holds a press conference at the Maronite Christian Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, as he launches an initiative to help Lebanon that is undergoing a severe economic and financial crisis, in Kaslik, north of Beirut, Lebanon. A Dutch court has ordered fugitive, former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn to repay nearly 5 million euros in salary to an Amsterdam-based alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi, and rejected his claim for millions in compensation for wrongful dismissal. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

AMSTERDAM (AP)  A Dutch court on Thursday rejected fugitive auto executive Carlos Ghosn's wrongful dismissal claim against an Amsterdam-based alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi and ordered him to repay nearly 5 million euros ($6 million) salary he received in 2018.

Ghosn vowed to appeal.

The ruling came in a case in which Ghosn sought to have his 2018 sacking from Nissan-Mitsubishi B.V. overturned and demanded 15 million euros ($16.5 million) in compensation.

The court in Amsterdam rejected his claims, saying he did not have a valid contract with the company at the time. The salary he was ordered to repay covers payments made to him by the Dutch joint venture from April until November 2018.

As todays verdict has been rendered without hearing Mr. Ghosn and other key witnesses, the defense team will now take the case to the court of appeal where Mr. Ghosns right to witness evidence will be granted," a spokesman for Ghosn said in a written statement. "We are satisfied with the court verdict which ruled out any bad faith from Mr. Ghosn.

The Dutch case stems from Nissans decision to fire Ghosn after he was accused of financial misconduct in Japan. The former high-flying automotive executive skipped bail in Tokyo in 2019 and fled to Lebanon, where he grew up.

Ghosn, who was first arrested in November 2018, has said he is innocent of allegations in Japan that he under-reported his future income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. He says the compensation was never decided on or received, and the Nissan payments were for legitimate business purposes.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese citizenship, was sent by Renault in 1999 to salvage Nissan, which makes the Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models, from the brink of bankruptcy.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Ethiopia plans to begin generating power from its controversial Blue Nile River dam during the upcoming rainy season between June and August, the foreign ministry announced Thursday.

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Ethiopia plans to begin generating power from its controversial Blue Nile River dam during the upcoming rainy season between June and August, the foreign ministry announced Thursday.

The $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is expected to collect 13.5 billion cubic meters of the Blue Nile River water in the rainy season, swelling its reservoir to 18.4 billion cubic meters, the ministry statement said.

The Blue Nile, which originates in Ethiopia, is one of two major tributaries of the Nile River and during the rainy season it contributes up to 80% of the Nile's water.

A power line 650 kilometers (404 miles) long has been completed to connect the electricity generated at the dam to the countrys power grid, said the statement.

The dam is now 80% complete and is expected to reach full generating capacity in 2023, making it Africas largest hydroelectric power plant and the worlds seventh-largest, according to reports in state media.

Ethiopia will not tolerate any move thats aimed at disrupting the water filling process, its operation and water releasing scheme, the ministry stated.

Ethiopia welcomed a recent report that Egypt does not object to the plans to continue filling the dam this year. Egyptian officials have said they can deal with shortages that may be caused by the water filling process, according to foreign ministry spokesman Dina Mufti.

Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said his country can deal with the second filling of the Renaissance Dam through tight procedures in managing water resources, according to reports on Wednesday in Egypts media.

Many of Ethiopias social media users expressed support for the second round of filling of the dam's reservoir and the news that it is expected to start producing electricity this year.

Ethiopia began filling the dams reservoir last July when heavy rains flooded the Blue Nile.

Despite negotiations that have lasted years, Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia have failed to reach agreement over how to share the Nile Rivers water, a lifeline for all three countries. The talks with a variety of mediators, including the U.S. government under the previous Trump administration, have failed to produce a resolution.

Ethiopia insists the dam, which it has fully financed itself, is a crucial development that will help pull millions of its nearly 110 million citizens out of poverty and make the country a major power exporter.

Downstream Egypt, which depends on the Nile to supply fresh water to its farmers and population of 100 million, asserts that the dam poses an existential threat. It has said that Ethiopia is filling the dam too quickly. Sudan has also voiced concern over its access to the Niles water.

Negotiators have said key questions remain about how much water Ethiopia will release downstream if a multi-year drought occurs and how the countries will resolve any future disputes. Ethiopia rejects binding arbitration at the final stage.
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  Italy and the European Union promised Thursday to support Tunisia's economy as part of their efforts to stem migration across the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe.

Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi welcomes Italy's Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese in Tunis, Thursday, May 20, 2021. Luciana Lamorgese and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson are visiting Tunisia in the hope of striking a deal to reduce migrant sea-crossings. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  Italy and the European Union promised Thursday to support Tunisia's economy as part of their efforts to stem migration across the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe.

Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson visited Tunisia for talks with President Kais Saied and Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.

More than 67 migrants drowned or disappeared off the coast of Tunisia in recent days after their boats sank.

Saied called for a global approach on migration issues that goes beyond security solutions...to treat the deep roots of the phenomena via fighting poverty and unemployment and supporting development policies in the countries of origin, according to a statement from the Tunisian presidency.

Italy committed to support Tunisia though increased investment and by helping to create jobs for the youth, the statement said.

Both countries stressed "their determination to fight against criminal human trafficking networks, it added.

Lamorgese and Johansson said Italy and the EU were ready to help Tunisia overcome its economic and social difficulties, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lamorgese also called for more cooperation to accelerate the return of migrants to their country of origin after they arrive illegally in Italy.

Johansson stressed the need to provide opportunities for young Tunisians to come to Europe legally.

We have more than 1 million Tunisians who are working in European countries, and we are ready to welcome more" to contribute to the bloc's economy, she said.

The Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights, a non-governmental organization, issued a statement denouncing Italian and European pressure on Tunisia" to make it accept an unfair cooperation that is infringing on the countrys sovereignty and on migrants human rights."

The organization also criticized Tunisian authorities for doing the police work of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea instead on focusing on other priorities.

The organization said at least 153 people have been found dead in Tunisia's waters and on its beaches and dozens of others disappeared since the beginning of the year.

Lamorgese reported Tuesday that of the 13,358 migrants who have arrived in Italy this year, nearly 9,000 had come from Libya and over 3,000 from Tunisia.

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
DANVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Two fatal shootings by the same police officer in a wealthy San Francisco suburb have cast a spotlight on what criminal justice activists are calling a case of delayed justice and its deadly consequences.

Former U.S. Marine and retired law enforcement officer Marvin Wilson pauses next to an urn holding the ashes of his son along with photos of Tyrell Wilson in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 17, 2021. Tyrell Wilson was shot and killed by Officer Andrew Hall in the San Francisco Bay Area just weeks before prosecutors charged the same officer with manslaughter and assault in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Filipino man more than two years earlier. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

DANVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Two fatal shootings by the same police officer in a wealthy San Francisco suburb have cast a spotlight on what criminal justice activists are calling a case of delayed justice and its deadly consequences.

Felony charges were announced last month against Officer Andrew Hall, of the Danville Police Department, for fatally shooting an unarmed mentally ill man in 2018.

The April 21 announcement of charges came more than two years after the shooting of Laudemer Arboleda, and one day after a jury convicted Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin of killing George Floyd.

It also came six weeks too late for Tyrell Wilson, who was shot and killed by Hall in March.

Why did it take so long for the DA to file charges? asked Wilsons mother, Diane. Just a few weeks sooner, Hall would have been off the streets and, she said: Tyrell would still be here with us now.

Flowers hang at a Danville, Calif., intersection where, in March, Danville police officer Andrew Hall shot and killed Tyrell Wilson as he held a knife on Monday, May 3, 2021. Wilson was shot and killed by Hall just weeks before prosecutors charged the same officer with manslaughter and assault in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Filipino man more than two years earlier. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Danville is a town of multimillion-dollar homes that tops lists of the safest places to live in California. Many of the questions residents are now posing echo those America is asking of policing nationwide. Was the officers use of deadly force justified or excessive?

Was the officer held accountable? And did racism play a role when Hall, who is white, shot nine bullets into Arboleda, an unarmed Filipino man, in 2018, or when he fired a single shot to the head of Wilson, a Black homeless man?

Wilsons March 11 shooting occurred after police received calls about someone throwing rocks off a freeway overpass.

When Hall arrived, he confronted Wilson, who was crossing a nearby intersection. It remains unclear if Wilson was the person throwing rocks, but Hall assumed he was.

Youre jaywalking. Youre throwing rocks, Hall said.

Wilson turned to face Hall in the middle of the intersection and is seen on video holding a knife.

A sign urging justice for Tyrell Wilson hangs on a pole in Danville, Calif., on Monday, May 3, 2021. Danville police officer Andrew Hall shot and killed Wilson, a homeless man who was holding a knife, in March. This and another fatal shooting by tHall in the wealthy San Francisco suburb have cast a spotlight on what criminal justice activists are calling a case of delayed justice and its deadly consequences. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Touch me and see whats up, Wilson responded, verbally challenging Hall but never lunging at him.

Hall ordered him three times to drop the knife and then fired, a single shot to Wilsons face. Just 32 seconds elapsed from the moment Hall first spoke to Wilson to the moment he fired.

The Associated Press reconstructed the encounters through police video footage, interviews and documents obtained through public record requests. The Danville police chief, the Contra Costa County sheriff, the countys district attorney and Hall's lawyer declined to be interviewed for this story.

Civil rights attorney John Burris is representing both families and lobbying the California attorney general and U.S. Department of Justice to examine the shootings to see if they show a pattern of misconduct and racism by Hall.

All I know is a Black man and a Filipino man were both killed in a town that is predominantly white, said Burris. The two are the only police shootings in Danville in at least a decade. This man should be prosecuted, and like Chauvin, he should be in handcuffs for what he did.

In both cases, police were responding to routine calls that escalated quickly when Hall arrived, said Burris. For Wilson, it was not established he had thrown rocks, and there were no reports of injuries or accidents from the rocks.

Attorney John Burris discusses the police shooting of Laudemer Arboleda while speaking in his offices on Monday, May 3, 2021, in Oakland, Calif. Seated are Arboleda's mother Jeannie Atienza, right, and sister Jennifer Leong. Danville police officer Andrew Hall faces felony charges for killing Arboleda during a 2018 car chase. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

How do you go from reasonable suspicion to murder? asked Burris. Its an outrageous shooting, he did not have to kill this man.

In Arboledas case, police responded on Nov. 3, 2018, to a call about a suspicious person knocking on doors. Arboleda was ringing doorbells and lingering in the area, the district attorney said in a statement.

Arboleda was driving away when officers tried to initiate a traffic stop. Like Wilson, he tried to avoid police.

Arboleda led officers on a nine-minute, slow-speed chase. Hall was not involved in the initial pursuit but stopped his vehicle at an intersection to block Arboledas car.

Police video footage shows Hall stepping in the path of Arboledas car and firing a volley of shots into the windshield and passenger side window. Nine bullets hit Arboleda.

The sheriffs office cleared Hall after a nine-month investigation.

It was not the first time Hall was investigated and exonerated by the sheriffs office. In 2014, Hall was accused of brutally attacking an inmate at a county jail in the city of Martinez. The inmate, identified as a 6-foot-3 Black man, said Hall rammed him face-first into a door while he was handcuffed and repeatedly punched him in the face and side. The inmate was treated for a fractured eye socket and needed stitches in his lip. A probe by the sheriffs office found no evidence of unreasonable force.

District Attorney Diana Becton said in a statement accompanying the April 21 indictment that Hall used unreasonable and unnecessary force against Arboleda and his actions underscore the need to improve de-escalation training and response to people suffering mental illness. Hall was charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

Nobody knows exactly why Arboleda or Wilson ended up in Danville. But in both cases, their families say, mental illness played a role.

Arboleda was living at his mothers apartment in Newark, about an hour's drive from Danville, and wanted more independence. His family believes thats why he went to Danville, ringing doorbells and searching for the property manager of his mothers condominium, who lived there.

A few months earlier, Arboleda was hospitalized for psychiatric reasons, and his mother, Jeannie Atienza, said he feared police would take him back to the hospital.

He was afraid of police. I know that he was just trying to get away, said his mother, who disputes police accounts that her son was trying to ram his car into Hall.

In the months before Wilsons death, his family knew he was homeless and had been prescribed medication for depression or paranoia, they think, which he didnt like taking. They believe he chose Danville because it reminded him of the quiet, middle-class suburb where he grew up in Riverside, Orange County.

The environment where Tyrell was killed was the environment he grew up in," his mother said. He felt comfortable there.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Photos taken by a Mississippi River kayaker about five years before a crack was found in the Interstate 40 bridge linking Tennessee and Arkansas appear to show the fracture that led transportation officials to close the span indefinitely last week.

In this 2016 photo provided by Barry W. Moore, the Interstate 40 bridge is seen from the Mississippi River, between Arkansas and Tennessee. A cracked steel beam, seen above, prompted the indefinite closure of the bridge. (Barry W. Moore via AP)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Photos taken by a Mississippi River kayaker about five years before a crack was found in the Interstate 40 bridge linking Tennessee and Arkansas appear to show the fracture that led transportation officials to close the span indefinitely last week.

Arkansas transportation officials said they cannot confirm or refute whats shown in the 2016 photos, which raise questions about how early the crack appeared.

The I-40 bridge connecting Memphis and the Arkansas city of West Memphis was shut down May 11 after inspectors found a crack in one of two 900-foot (275-meter) horizontal steel beams that are critical for the bridges structural integrity. River barge traffic under the span was closed that day but reopened three days later. Road traffic has been rerouted to the nearby Interstate 55 bridge.

Repairs to the heavily used, six-lane I-40 bridge are expected to begin this week, but a long-term fix could take months, officials said. The states are relying on the four-lane, 71-year-old I-55 bridge to get cars and trucks across the Mississippi River and maintain the flow of commercial vehicles. Engineers are inspecting the I-55 bridge to make sure it can withstand the heavier traffic.

Barry W. Moore, 64, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he took the photos while kayaking on the Mississippi River in August 2016 with a group of friends from the Boy Scouts, where he volunteers. Moore said he stored the images in his computer after the trip and went back to look for them after he heard about the discovery of the crack.

Moore said he zoomed in on the photos, found the crack and showed them to his brother.

Our jaws dropped, Moore said.

An Associated Press photo editor inspected metadata from one of Moore's photos and determined it was shot on Aug. 6, 2016, verifying its authenticity.

Moore said he sent the photos to the state transportation departments in Tennessee and Arkansas. He heard back from the Arkansas Department of Transportation this week, he said.

Arkansas Department of Transportation spokesman Dave Parker said the agency went back through its photos of the bridge dating back to the early 2000s and couldnt find any confirming or refuting the 2016 pictures. The department, which inspects the bridge at least annually, did not have access to drone videos for its inspections before 2019.

I cant really comment as to the accuracy of these photos, Parker said.

The kayakers pictures, which were first reported by WMC-TV in Memphis, bring into question just how long the crack had been visible in the bridges structure.

Adel Abdelnaby, an engineer and University of Memphis professor who has been closely watching the I-40 bridge situation, reviewed the photos for the AP. He said it appears the break in the beam could have been present before 2016 because fatigue cracks take time to develop, and the beam shown in Moore's photo was already corroded.

Based on research and science, this crack took so much time, said Abdelnaby, who has inspected bridges and performs fatigue tests on bridge beams as part of his research. It developed as a very small crack before 2016, and it took its time to propagate.

The cause of the crack has not been officially determined, but Tennessee Department of Transportation chief engineer Paul Degges has said that fatigue of having 50,000 vehicles pass daily on the bridge could be a contributing factor.

On Monday, the Arkansas transportation department fired the inspector who missed the crack in the bridges 2019 and 2020 inspections.

Documents released Thursday by the Arkansas Department of Transportation under a Freedom of Information Act request identified statewide bridge inspector Monty Frazier as the employee fired for missing the crack, which a memo said put the span in jeopardy of falling.

Mr. Frazier, neglecting his responsibilities to follow proper fracture critical inspection techniques by getting within arms length of the outside of the tie girder, was why the crack was not discovered, State Heavy Bridge Maintenance Engineer Michael Hill wrote in a memo recommending Fraziers termination for dereliction of duty.

Frazier did not immediately return a message left at a number listed for him. He began work with the Arkansas DOT as a mechanic in 2006 and had served as statewide bridge inspector since 2016.

According to the memo, Frazier said he did not believe it was safe to use the under-bridge unit to inspect along the outside of the tie girder, despite it being standard procedure to do so. Hill wrote that the machinery had safety features to keep it stable.

The Arkansas DOT has also referred the incident to federal investigators and said it is reinspecting the other eight fracture critical bridges that had been reviewed by the fired employee.

Moore said he feels like he performed a public service by sharing the photos.

Im just glad I took photos, said Moore, who lives in the Memphis suburb of Collierville and is retired. I think the engineers need to know what state it was really in five years ago.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Scientists in Idaho this summer plan to remove the 62,000-pound (28,100-kilogram) stainless steel lid on one of the worlds most powerful nuclear test reactors for a rare internal overhaul.

In this Jan. 31, 2007 photo released by Idaho National Laboratory shows its Advanced Test Reactor at Sunrise at Idaho National Laboratory's desert site about 50 miles west of Idaho Falls, Idaho. (Idaho National Laboratory via AP)

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Scientists in Idaho this summer plan to remove the 62,000-pound (28,100-kilogram) stainless steel lid on one of the worlds most powerful nuclear test reactors for a rare internal overhaul.

The Advanced Test Reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory is being refurbished and improved with new components and experimental capacity, the scientists said in interviews this week.

The nine-month and $170 million effort, called a core internals changeout, started last month and is scheduled to be finished around the end of the year.

An additional $100 million has been spent over the last three years on replacing external equipment to keep the test reactor going.

Experiments at the reactor help the U.S. Navys nuclear-powered war fleet stay at sea longer, bolster NASAs space exploration, and advance life-saving medical treatments. The reactor also plays a key role in the effort to keep commercial nuclear power plants running longer and creating new and safer reactors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ATR is an absolutely beautiful reactor, said Sean OKelly, associate lab director in charge of the test reactor. There has never been one like it on the planet.

The reactor is configured so it can run multiple tests simultaneously. Some of the best testing slots face a decade-long wait for room to run experiments, and other slots are booked years in advance.

The ATR is unique because unlike commercial nuclear reactors that produce heat that's turned into energy, the ATR produces neutrons so that new materials and fuels can be tested to see how they react in high-radiation environments. The test reactor's unique cloverleaf design includes a core that's surrounded by beryllium metal to reflect the neutrons.

But all those neutrons puts wear on the internal parts of the test reactor, meaning it would lose the ability to conduct experiments if it is not refurbished.

The reactor's designers foresaw that problem and created a reactor with internal components that can be periodically replaced. The current changeout is the sixth since the reactor started operating in 1967 and the first in 17 years.

OKelly and Hans Vogel, director of the ATR Strategic Irradiation Capabilities Division, said that the most difficult challenge will come this summer when workers take off the stainless steel lid, exposing the inside of test reactor.

Removing the reactor top head itself, thats a 30-ton lift that we do, and that is a very infrequent evolution, Vogel said, adding that will be followed by roughly three months of changing internal hardware.

O'Kelly and Vogel said the U.S. has looked at building a new test reactor that would cost billions of dollars, but so far opted to stick with the ATR.

It's the most powerful test reactor of its kind in the world, producing 250 megawatts at full power. China has a test reactor that can produce 125 megawatts, followed by a test reactor in Belgium that can produce 100 megawatts. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee has one that can produce 85 megawatts.

The advantage with more power, O'Kelly said, is that fuels and materials can be tested to their limits.

You don't want fuel that is designed for 100 megawatts, and the first time you go to 103 megawatts, it fails," he said. "You build a safety margin in, and we have to test to that safety margin.

Additionally, the ATR has what OKelly describes as the ability to maintain a constant gradient of neutron flux throughout the core. ATR has this constant curvature of flux, so the experimenters have a fixed power and they know exactly what the power is in that region.

He said other test reactors can be more challenging for experiments because the environment is changing during the experiment.

The Advanced Test Reactor has been used to develop reactors and fuel that can last the 30-year lifespans of nuclear-powered U.S. warships. Because they don't need refueling, the ships can spend more time on their missions, meaning the Navy needs to build fewer ships.

The USS Idaho, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, benefits from work done at the ATR. The submarine is scheduled to launch in 2023 and spend three decades in service.

Late this year or early next year, scientists expect the ATR will be put back together and have completed required safety testing.

ATR will be able to run for at least another 15 to 20 years, said O'Kelly, adding this internal changeout might not be the last. We are planning to do at least one more (core internals changeout) in the lifetime of ATR in the 2030s.

This story has been corrected to show that it's the sixth core overhaul, not fifth.
BUCARAMANGA, Colombia (AP)  Colombian lawmakers voted against a health system overhaul bill Wednesday, giving protesters another victory after 20 days of street demonstrations that have left dozens dead and forced the government to retreat on tax reform.

A masked man waves a Colombian flag during an anti-government march in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Colombians have taken to the streets for weeks across the country after the government proposed tax increases on public services, fuel, wages and pensions. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

BUCARAMANGA, Colombia (AP)  Colombian lawmakers voted against a health system overhaul bill Wednesday, giving protesters another victory after 20 days of street demonstrations that have left dozens dead and forced the government to retreat on tax reform.

Health Minister Fernando Ruiz defended the proposal, saying it would give the health care system the tools needed to deal with emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 3 million people in the South American country and caused 82,000 deaths.

Critics of the bill said it could lead to health care monopolies by strengthening the role of private health promotion companies, which administer resources and contract services, and by allowing mergers in some cases of private health providers with public hospitals. It would have also increased focus on disease prevention.

The people's struggle in the streets against years and years of injustice has achieved the shelving of a reform that would have destroyed health as a right and commercialized it even more in favor of a few, leftist Sen. Alexander Lopez said on Twitter after the vote by Senate and House of Representatives committees.

The protests began with anger over a now-withdrawn tax restructuring that would have raised levies during the pandemic. Demonstrators later expanded their demands to include less inequality, an end to police violence and the withdrawal of the health measure.

Hundreds of people marched Wednesday in the capital, Bogota, with protesters heading to the iconic Plaza Bolivia, where the country's Congress and the Palace of Justice are. For life and peace, stop the massacre, said one sign. Hundreds also demonstrated peacefully in the cities of Medellin, Cali, Villavicencio, Bucaramanga and Cucuta.

Today the youth, the university students, all of us together, are in the streets demanding a change in the countrys model, which protects industry, so there is employment for the youth, said Hami Gomez, a student leader at National University of Colombia.

Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch say that the death toll since the protests began has risen to 55 and that in at least 15 cases the alleged aggressors were police. The Defense Ministry said Wednesday that 15 civilians had died amid the protests and 11 more cases were being verified.

Tensions rose Monday when President Ivan Duque deployed security forces to try to clear dozens of roads blocked by protesters. The blockades have prevented the transportation of medical supplies, food and gasoline and led to shortages in some areas.

The government and protest leaders grouped in the National Strike Committee have not formally sat down to negotiate after several initial meetings between the parties. The government is demanding the road blockades be lifted, while protesters are calling for the demilitarization of cities and guarantees of the right to protest.

Faced with growing international concern, Colombian prosecutor Francisco Barbosa met Wednesday with representatives of the United Nations, the Organization of American States and some European ambassadors to present a report on the progress of the investigations into killings by police.

Hector Schamis, a delegate of the general secretary of the OAS, said: "The secretary has stated that the (road) blockades cannot continue and any situation of police violence must be investigated. The prosecutor has informed us first-hand that said investigations are being carried out.
MONTREAL - A new report by researchers at the Universite de Montreal's HEC business school is calling for the end of federal transfers payments to the provinces.

The Peace tower is reflected in a window in Ottawa, Tuesday March 26, 2019. A new report by researchers at the Universite de Montreal's HEC business school is calling for the end of federal transfers payments to the provinces. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

MONTREAL - A new report by researchers at the Universite de Montreal's HEC business school is calling for the end of federal transfers payments to the provinces.

The report published Thursday suggests that ending the health and social transfers  while giving provinces more space to raise tax revenue of their own  could end the "tug of war" between the provinces and the federal government over the money.

Released by the Centre for Productivity and Prosperity  Walter J. Somers Foundation at HEC, the report recommends that equalization payments be maintained and that the Canadian Institute for Health Information be given more power, and turned into a sort of Parliamentary Budget Officer for health care, in an effort the make provincial health-care systems more accountable to the public.

The plan would require political will from both the federal and the provincial governments, said Robert Gagne, the director of the HEC centre and one of the authors of the study.

"There are things we've done historically (that were) more radical than this," Gagne said in an interview. "If the will is there, it's doable. Do they want to do it? That's another question."

He said he worries the current system works for both levels of government, even though the provinces regularly complain about the amount of money they receive.

Under the current system, provincial governments can have their cake and eat it too, he said: "They don't have to bear the burden of taxing, and they receive a cheque from the federal government. The downside of this is the federal government can say, 'I'll send you a smaller cheque.' "

It also allows the federal government to enter into areas of provincial jurisdiction, he said.

The provinces are currently calling for a $28-billion increase in annual federal funding for health care  from $42 billion to $70 billion.

The report suggests Ottawa could end transfer payments and give power over corporate taxation, currently worth a little more than $50 billion, and half the GST, worth $18.7 billion, to the provinces. The total, $68.7 billion. represents almost exactly the amount the provinces are calling for.

"The system is out of balance and a bit unhealthy too," Gagne said, because the capacity of different levels of government in Canada to levy taxes isn't proportionate to their responsibilities.

The approach would only require the federal government to cede space to the provinces, so that provincial governments can raise the revenue to meet their needs. Gagne said that has happened before. When former prime minister Stephen Harper lowered the GST by two percentage points, Quebec increased its sales tax proportionately.

Gagne said Canada also needs an independent body to keep health-care systems  which consume roughly half of provincial spending  accountable.

"Are we getting value for our money? That's the other big question, and there's no way of knowing right now," he said. "When we are able to evaluate performance, when there is more transparency, systems work better."

Gagne's report also aims to correct the "vocabulary" and false perceptions around fiscal exchanges between Ottawa and the provinces.

"When (Quebec Premier Francois) Legault says, 'We'll ask for more from the federal government,' be careful. The federal government is nothing more than an intermediary in all this We're asking for more from Canadian taxpayers, including Quebecers," Gagne said.

The same goes for Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Gagne said.

"Mr. Kenney suggested several months ago that it's Alberta that finances the equalization program. No, it's not Alberta that finances the equalization program," he said. "It's Canadian taxpayers, wherever they are in the country, who fund the equalization program. Words are important because people who don't follow this closely start saying that it's the government of Alberta who sends a cheque to Ottawa to fund daycares in Quebec, which is completely false."

Gagne said that in his proposed system, equalization would continue to ensure that provinces are able to offer comparable services, even if they don't have the same ability to tax corporations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2021.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Arnold Schwarzenegger chanted with enthusiasm, We are back! We are back! before he spoke Wednesday about the importance of resurrecting the theatrical experience for moviegoers.

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Arnold Schwarzenegger chanted with enthusiasm, We are back! We are back! before he spoke Wednesday about the importance of resurrecting the theatrical experience for moviegoers.

Now its time to get back to the big screen, Schwarzenegger told a socially distanced audience at AMC Century City 15 theater in Los Angeles.

Nicole Riegel arrives at "The Big Screen is Back" media event, including 10 studios convening to showcase a sampling of their summer movie releases, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at AMC Century City 15 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

The actor and former California governor was joined by filmmakers and major Hollywood studio executives as part of the Big Screen is Back initiative. Other speakers included J.J. Abrams, Maggie Q, Sam Richardson, Janicza Bravo and David Bruckner.

If you have the movie and you dont have the theaters, you dont have nothing," Schwarzenegger said. Yes, weve seen over the past year in the pandemic, that people watch movies on their little iPhone and iPad and put on their glasses to see whats going on there. They are missing special and visual effects and all the great stuff you usually see on the big screen.

The gathering was one of the first in-person events for the industry to showcase its biggest upcoming projects. The three-hour event also featured movie clips and trailers from Disney, Sony and other studios.

Jason Blum arrives at "The Big Screen is Back" media event, including 10 studios convening to showcase a sampling of their summer movie releases, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at AMC Century City 15 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Extended footage was shown from Warner Bros. In the Heights, Disneys Cruella, Universals F9, Paramounts Snake Eyes and Aretha Franklins biopic Respect from MGM Studios/United Artist Releasing.

Each speaker encouraged the return to theaters as the industry moves to rebound after the pandemic created life without theaters about a year ago.

Maggie Q, star of the upcoming action film The Protege, talked about her excitement at seeing her work back in theaters. Bravo offered a glimpse into her film Zola, and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige appeared in a pre-recorded message before he introduced a sizzle reel that included Black Widow.

We set out to craft an epic cinematic experience that is visually spectacular and totally engrossing with every inch of the frame, Feige said. We want you to feel like youre part of the action. Its by far the best way to see a Marvel movie and any movie period.

Abrams offered an inspiring speech, saying his favorite experiences happened in places like a movie theater.

I think we all want to be kids again, he said. And the idea of returning to theaters and being in a big dark room with strangers, screaming and laughing, experiencing the power of that is a human natural need.
CALGARY - Shaw Communications Inc. shareholders voted Thursday in favour of a proposed sale of the company to Rogers Communications Inc. for $26-billion, including debt.

A woman holds two cellphones in this photo illustration, Monday March 29, 2021 in Chelsea, Quebec. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

CALGARY - Shaw Communications Inc. shareholders voted Thursday in favour of a proposed sale of the company to Rogers Communications Inc. for $26-billion, including debt.

The favourable vote, supported by the founding family that controls Shaw and its Freedom Mobile service, was expected. But is near the beginning of a long approval process that is expected to continue into the first half of 2022.

Shaw said it will be seeking approval from the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench on Tuesday.

In total, 99.8 per cent of votes cast at a special virtual meeting Thursday were in favour of the plan of arrangement, well above the required two-thirds support.

Today marks an important milestone in the journey to combine Shaw and Rogers, creating a truly national network provider with far-reaching and multi-generational benefits for all Canadians, stated Brad Shaw, executive chair and chief executive.

He noted that the voter turnout exceeded 70 per cent, which he said was a "strong endorsement for the combination.

Under the plan, Rogers -- which is controlled by the family of the late Ted Rogers -- will pay $40.50 in cash for all of Shaw's issued and outstanding class A and class B shares.

The deal still requires approval from Canadian regulators including the Competition Bureau and the CRTC, two federal bodies that operate largely independent of the government.

The deal also requires approval from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. A Commons committee has also held several days of hearings but its role is to advise Parliament as a whole.

The proposed deal has faced stiff opposition from consumer groups, academics, customers and others since Rogers and Shaw announced their agreement earlier this year.

As part of the transaction, the companies said Rogers will invest $2.5 billion in 5G networks over the next five years across Western Canada.

Rogers applauded the vote by Shaw shareholders.

"Rogers and Shaw are coming together to build a world-class national network and create new jobs and investment in Western Canada, and I want to thank Shaw shareholders for voting in favour of a combined company that will have the scale and capabilities to achieve these goals," stated president and CEO Joe Natale.

As part of the deal, dated March 13, Rogers has exercised its right to require Shaw to redeem all its preferred shares on June 30. The redemption price is $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May, 20, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B, TSX:SJR.B)
KATHMANDU, Nepal  A repatriation flight is rescuing dozens of Spanish nationals who have been stranded in Nepal since a lockdown was imposed in the Himalayan nation to curb the spiking COVID-19 cases.

People wearing face masks walk across the famed Shibuya crossing in Tokyo on Thursday, May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

KATHMANDU, Nepal  A repatriation flight is rescuing dozens of Spanish nationals who have been stranded in Nepal since a lockdown was imposed in the Himalayan nation to curb the spiking COVID-19 cases.

The charted flight arranged by the Spanish government was taking back 96 Spanish mountaineers, trekkers and tourists who arrived in Nepal to climb the mountain peaks or hike the trails before the country went on lockdown on April 29.

The plane arrived in Nepal on Thursday bringing in health aid materials given by the Spanish government. The shipment included respirators, 10 concentrators, face masks and antigen test kits.

Nepal has been recording its highest daily new cases and daily deaths this month, while struggling with shortages of hospital beds, medication and oxygen. The country so far has recorded 488,645 COVID-19 confirmed cases while 5,847 people have died.

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In this picture tweeted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Britain's Prince William receives his coronavirus vaccine in London, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. (Kensington Palace via AP)

THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

 Big gaps in US vaccine rates among Northeast, Southern states

 European Union signs Pfizer vaccine contract for 1.8 billion doses

 When to wear a mask depends mostly on whether or not vaccinated

 Teen baker sweetens lives making desserts for those in need

 Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

A health worker takes a nasal swab sample of a woman to test for COVID-19 in Hyderabad, India, Thursday, May 20, 2021. India has the second-highest coronavirus caseload after the U.S. with more than 25 million confirmed infections. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

HERE'S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Two Republican lawmakers in the Nevada statehouse were punished on Thursday for not complying with restrictions in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Assemblywomen Annie Black and Jill Dickman went mask-less on the Assembly floor but refused to make known whether or not they had received vaccines.

Dickman was escorted out of the Assembly floor after staff told her that she would have to prove that she had been vaccinated. She refused.

In a party-line vote, Black was stripped of her right to vote on measures and address the chamber until she apologized. She remained on the Assembly floor.

HONOLULU  Hawaiis governor says the state will once again require people receiving unemployment insurance benefits to search for work as a coronavirus testing program for travelers and growing vaccinations fuel a recovery of the tourism industry.

From left, Vedika Jawa, Anika Garikipati, Monica Quintana and Caitlin Starmer pose with freshly baked desserts inside the Abode Services homeless shelter in Fremont, Calif., on April 13, 2018. Jawa, a high school junior, distributes sweets to 15 shelters through a nonprofit she started when she was 13. (Abode Services via AP)

Anyone filing for unemployment will need to report at least three steps they took to look for work from May 30 through June 5 when they submit their weekly claim on June 6.

These steps can include filling out job applications, interviewing for jobs and registering at the jobs website HireNetHawaii.com.

The governor says Hawaii will maintain other pandemic-era unemployment insurance benefits, including a weekly $300 supplement to weekly benefits.

HOUSTON -- About 60% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses that have spoiled since Texas vaccination program began in December were wasted in the past two weeks, according to an analysis of state data.

According to a Houston Chronicle analysis of the roughly 60,000 vaccine doses spoiled since December, about 36,000 were lost in the past two weeks, indicating plummeting demand for the vaccine in Texas.

The number of wasted doses through spoilage of the highly perishable vaccine was still a minute fraction of the states vaccine allotment. The state is currently administering an average of about 144,000 vaccinations daily. Even so, that was less than half of the 290,000-vaccination-a-day peak last month.

Vedika Jawa poses with freshly baked desserts inside South Hayward Parish in Fremont, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2021. Jawa, a high school junior, distributes sweets to 15 shelters through a non-profit she started when she was 13. (Rachna Jawa via AP)

Just one in three Texans were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday, mostly with the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, while 42% have received at least one dose.

More than 51,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Texas during the 15-month pandemic out of the more than 3.2 million positive test results reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

RENO, Nev. -- Nevada health officials admit the states goal of vaccinating 75% of the eligible population may not be realistic.

But they say progress toward that goal is continuing to pay dividends with the average number of new cases being reported statewide dropping to its lowest level since June 2020.

The states positivity also rate fell to 4.8% on Wednesday. Thats higher than an all-time low of 4.2% reached March 28, but down from 5.7% April 21 and far below the peak high of 21.3% in mid-January.

Of all Nevadans age 12 and older, 46% have had their first shot and 37% are now fully vaccinated.

People wearing masks to help protect against the spread of coronavirus, walk in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, May 20, 2021. Turkey's daily COVID-19 infections have dropped to levels last seen in mid-March as the country ended its strictest restrictions on Monday.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

BATON ROUGE, La.  Louisianas state epidemiologist and her 12-year-old daughter were among those stressing the need for COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday at the state Capitol.

Theresa Sokol and her daughter Elise joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and health officials at a news conference.

Elise spoke about being part of a clinical trial for the Moderna vaccine. She said shes grateful to be part of the effort to get more people vaccinated. State officials are now promoting vaccinations for children as young as 12.

Edwards, meanwhile, says the states vaccination rate remains too low. A little over 35% of the states eligible population have had a first shot; 30% have completed their vaccination dosages. Thats not where we want it to be, quite frankly, Edwards said. Im very disappointed in those numbers. We have to do better.

Edwards said he is looking at possible incentive programs to encourage people to get vaccinated. He would not give details.

SEATTLE - Despite recent guidance from federal and state officials, the top health official in Washingtons most populous county urged people Thursday to keep wearing face masks in public, indoor settings.

A bartender wears a mask while working at an outdoor bar amid the COVID-19 pandemic Thursday, May 20, 2021, at The Grove in Los Angeles. California regulators will shoot for a mid-June easing of workplace masking and social distancing requirements to conform with a broader state order. They asked to delay a debate Thursday on how quickly they should drop coronavirus safety rules for employees. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin issued a directive strongly recommending that residents age 5 and up wear face coverings whether or not they are vaccinated until 70% or more of the countys residents 16 and older are fully inoculated. The agency projects the county will reach the threshold in late June.

Some 57% of those residents in King County  home to Seattle  were fully vaccinated on Thursday, according to the directive. The county is home to about 2.26 million people.

The directive applies to public indoor spaces including grocery and retail stores, government buildings and anywhere else members of the public can enter freely  unless a state-approved method of checking vaccination status is implemented. It does not apply to outdoor places.

Last week, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings and give up social distancing.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginias governor debuted a new portal Thursday for vaccinated residents aged 16 to 35 to receive a $100 incentive.

Those in the age group who received all required doses of the vaccine can register at governor.wv.gov to get their prize of a $100 U.S. Treasury bond or a gift card of the same value. Gov. Jim Justice announced plans for the incentive program last month, and it will apply retroactively to people who already received the vaccine.

FILE - In this May 2, 2021, file photo, Stephanie Birman, right, a Seattle Sounders season ticket holder, wears a Sounders mask, jersey and earrings as she gets the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic in a concourse at Lumen Field prior to an MLS soccer match between the Sounders and the Los Angeles Galaxy. On Thursday, May 20, 2021, authorities in King County, Wash., which includes Seattle, said all people should continue wearing masks indoors until 70% of people in the county 16 and older are fully vaccinated. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

The state is aiming to boost its sluggish vaccination campaign with the prize and has also expanded clinics at schools and businesses. Justice has a goal of vaccinating at least 65% of residents aged 12 and over by June 20, when his statewide mask mandate will be fully lifted. A month out, 55% of those residents have received at least one dose.

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NEW YORK  People who get vaccinated at select state-run vaccination sites in New York next week will receive a lottery scratch ticket as the state tries to boost slowing vaccination rates.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the pilot program at 10 state-run sites will offer prizes from $20 up to $5 million and run from Monday to May 28.

The governor says theres a one in nine chance of winning a scratch ticket prize in New York, which is joining states like Ohio that have similar lottery incentives. About 43% of New York state residents are fully vaccinated.

HARRISBURG, Pa.  Pennsylvania marked a milestone on Thursday, with 50% of adults statewide now considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The images of those who disappeared during the military dictatorship are displayed in downtown Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 20, 2021. The annual March of Silence, which honors the disappeared, was suspended for a second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf says it will lift an order requiring unvaccinated people to wear masks in public once 70% of Pennsylvanians aged 18 and older are fully vaccinated, meaning at least two weeks beyond the last required dose.

The pace of vaccinations has been slowing for weeks, with most people eager to get the shot already having done so. Health Department data indicates Pennsylvania ordered only about a quarter of the vaccine doses it was entitled to last week.

TULSA, Okla.  The Tulsa Health Department is contacting 1,150 people who received improperly stored doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine so they can get another shot.

The vaccine was kept in cold storage for up to two weeks longer than the recommended maximum of 14 days, Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart said Wednesday.

The improper storage doesnt present a health risk, according to Dr. Gitanjali Pai, Chief Medical Officer at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

However, past this 14-day mark, the vaccine may not be as effective at protecting you from COVID-19, Pai said. For this reason, we are asking these individuals to receive another dose of the vaccine.

A Nepalese woman and her daughter wearing face masks as a precaution against the coronavirus watch devotees pull a chariot during the Rato Machindranath chariot festival in Lalitpur, Nepal, Saturday, May 15, 2021. A truncated version of a Hindu chariot festival took place in Nepal's capital on Saturday amid strict COVID-19 restrictions, following an agreement between organizers and authorities that prevented a repeat of violent confrontations between police and protesters at last year's festival. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

The doses were administered May 3-17 at four health centers in Tulsa County, the local health department says.

ANKARA, Turkey  German pharmaceutical company BioNTechs CEO Ugur Sahin says Turkey will receive a total of 120 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by September.

Sahin participated in a meeting of Turkeys health advisory council via teleconference from Germany. Ozlem Tureci, BioNTech co-founder and Sahins wife, also joined the meeting. Both Sahin and Tureci were born to Turkish immigrant parents.

Pfizer-BioNTech agreed in December to provide 30 million doses of its mRNA-based vaccines to Turkey. Under a new agreement that was finalized on Thursday, Turkey will buy 60 million more doses, with an option for an additional 30 million doses.

The Health Ministry posted 9,385 new cases and 207 deaths in the past 24 hours on Thursday. Turkey has registered more than 5.1 million cases and 45,626, confirmed deaths since the start of the pandemic.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.  A distinct geographic pattern has emerged in the U.S. drive to vanquish the coronavirus - the highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest are mostly in the South.

Experts say the gap reflects a multitude of factors, including political leanings, religious beliefs, and education and income levels. Close to 160 million Americans  48% of the population  have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 million are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Vermont is No. 1, with nearly 64% of its population receiving at least one dose. Mississippi is last at 32%.

Following Vermont at 54% or higher are Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.

Eight Southern states are in the bottom 10, all under 40%. Mississippi was followed by Louisiana, Alabama, Wyoming, Idaho, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia and South Carolina.

Low vaccination rates will leave room for the virus to circulate, re-emerge and possibly form new variants, said Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. High vaccination rates are critical to keeping the disease under control, especially when we get back to the fall and winter.

Closing the state gaps is vital to controlling the virus that has killed 588,000 Americans, health experts say.

TOKYO  A Japanese health ministry drug safety panel has given preliminary approval to coronavirus vaccines developed by Moderna and AstraZeneca.

That comes ahead of an expansion next week of the countrys slow-paced immunization program before the Tokyo Olympics.

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The only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for emergency use in Japan is developed by Pfizer. Formal approval of the two additional vaccines is expected Friday by a broader vaccine policy panel.

As the government pushes to host the Olympics in about two months, accelerating vaccinations is key to warding off mounting public concern about the safety of the event. Recent polls indicate more than 80% of Japanese oppose hosting the Olympics this summer.

BRUSSELS  The head of the World Trade Organization says its paramount to diversify vaccine manufacturing and develop production in Africa and Latin America to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

On the eve of a global health summit in Rome, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told European Union legislators on Thursday that normal market forces for exports and imports cant apply when it comes to the life-or-death issue of COVID-19 vaccines. Many of the worlds wealthiest nations were hoarding the shots for their own population.

She says the world has the capacity to manufacture 5 billion vaccine doses overall but as the virus has spread we require twice and three times that. So the capacity was not there.

A main challenge is diversifying vaccine production, which is now 80% concentrated in 10 European, North American and South Asian nations. She says Africa, with 1.3 billion people, has 0.17 % of the manufacturing capacity of the world, and Latin America has about 2% of global production capacity. This has to change.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A detention facility in Georgia where women claim they were subjected to unwanted medical procedures and a Massachusetts jail that has drawn complaints of inhumane conditions will no longer be used to detain immigrants, the Biden administration said Thursday.

In this May 12, 2021 photo, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies before the Senate Appropriations committee hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Biden administration will stop using immigration detention facilities in Massachusetts and Georgia that are the subject of abuse allegations. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday announced that federal authorities will no longer use the jail facilities in Bristol County, Massachusetts and the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia. (Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via AP, Pool)

WASHINGTON (AP)  A detention facility in Georgia where women claim they were subjected to unwanted medical procedures and a Massachusetts jail that has drawn complaints of inhumane conditions will no longer be used to detain immigrants, the Biden administration said Thursday.

The Department of Homeland Security said it would terminate contracts with the local government agency that runs the detention center in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and with the private operator of the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a part of DHS, has already significantly reduced the detainee population at both facilities. Any detainees the U.S. believes should remain in custody will be transferred elsewhere, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in announcing the move, which had been sought by immigrant advocates.

Allow me to state one foundational principle, Mayorkas said, We will not tolerate the mistreatment of individuals in civil immigration detention or substandard conditions of detention.

Mayorkas said ending the use of the facilities is part of an effort to make lasting improvements" to a detention system that advocates have long argued detains people for civil immigration offenses for too long and in inappropriately harsh conditions.

It also reflects a broader effort to roll back the anti-immigrant policies that characterized U.S. policy under President Donald Trump.

ICE holds about 19,000 noncitizens for removal at about 200 facilities around the country, down about a quarter from a year earlier. About 73 percent of those in custody have no criminal record and many others have only minor offenses, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a data-gathering organization at Syracuse University.

DHS suggested additional detention facilities could close in a statement that noted that it would review concerns about other centers.

Todays announcements show the Biden administrations willingness to decisively break from the immigrants rights abuses of prior administrations, said Naureen Shah, senior advocacy and policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, which recently called for the closure of 39 immigration detention centers around the country.

The ACLU has called for an end to the default incarceration of immigrants and an end to the agreements with state and local authorities that enable prisoners who are noncitizens to be transferred into ICE custody for deportation upon release.

Mayorkas has led an effort to soften some immigration policies but has insisted that noncitizens who pose a threat to the public and have committed serious crimes should be detained pending their removal from the country.

The Bristol County Sheriffs Office operated the Massachusetts immigration detention center jail under an agreement with DHS. The Georgia facility was run by a private company under contract with the government.

Members of Congress and advocates have called for the closure of the Georgia facility since last year after women held there told of being forced into unnecessary gynecological procedures amid unsanitary conditions.

DHS and the Justice Department are investigating the allegations of medical mistreatment, which a doctor involved in their treatment has denied, and Mayorkas said that steps will be taken to preserve evidence.

Immigrants held at Irwin also had broader complaints about overall conditions, alleging that authorities at the detention center failed to take adequate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Given its extensively documented history of human rights violations, Irwin should have been shut down long ago, said Azadeh Shahshahani, legal and advocacy director for Project South, an advocacy group that has pressed for ICE and the company that runs the facility to compensate any women subjected to unwanted procedures there.

The facility in Ocilla, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Atlanta, has been used to house men and women for ICE as well as inmates for the U.S. Marshals Service and Irwin County. Its run by the private LaSalle Corrections, a Louisiana company.

ICE declined to say how many people are currently being held at Irwin. It has had an average daily population of just under 300 detainees so far in fiscal year 2021, down from an average of over 500 detainees a day two years ago, according to an ICE spokesman.

The company did not immediately respond Thursday to voicemail, email and text messages seeking comment.

Immigrants held at the Massachusetts jail, known formally as the C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center, have also complained about a lack of COVID-19 precautions as well as overcrowding and excessive use of force.

The Massachusetts attorney generals office issued a scathing report in December, determining that officers violated the rights of detainees and used excessive force during a disturbance there earlier in the year.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, a Republican who served as honorary chairman of Trumps reelection campaign in Massachusetts, dismissed Thursdays decision as a political hit job by the administration and said it puts people at risk of being victimized by immigrants.

There are 7 detainees currently held at the Bristol County jail, down from about 150 early in the pandemic, according to Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, head of Lawyers for Civil Rights, which filed suit against the government last year to address what it said were unsafe and overcrowded conditions.

Immigrant rights groups have frequently clashed with Hodgson over conditions at the jail, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Boston near Cape Cod, and they cheered the decision as long overdue.

Sheriff Hodgson has inflicted grievous harm on vulnerable immigrants in his custody for years," said Espinoza-Madrigal. And we enthusiastically applaud the Biden Administrations decision to put an immediate end to the abuse.

Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo contributed from Boston. Brumback reported from Atlanta.
The most recent construction project to break ground on Waterfront Drive, the 200-suite residential project at 90 Alexander Ave., will start its life with an architectural award to its credit.

The most recent construction project to break ground on Waterfront Drive, the 200-suite residential project at 90 Alexander Ave., will start its life with an architectural award to its credit.

Construction is now underway on the property  which is incorporating the existing heritage building known as the Great West Metal Co. Building  with a tentative completion date near the end of 2022 or early 2023, the designers of the building, 5468796 Architecture, received the Award of Merit by Canadian Architect magazine.

The prolific Winnipeg firm has won the award several times in the past and it is the fourth building in the East Exchange/Waterfront Drive district that the firm provided the architectural work on.

Among other notable elements of the design, much of the building will wrap around the four-storey Great West Metal building which will be redeveloped to take up about 30 of the 200 rental units that are being built. The units will range in price from $1,200 to $2,200 per month.

Alkarim Devani, CEO of the Calgary development company RNDSQR (pronounced Round Square) responsible for the project, said the award is a real bonus.

"When you can merge urban design with human scale architecture and find a way to deliver on those things its great," he said. "It is a shame when we see great projects that never come to fruition because of execution or cumbersome, expensive design. Striking the balance is really important."

The building is going up on one of the last remaining lots on Waterfront Drive that started development about 20 years ago.

Johanna Hurme, one of the partners of 5468796 Architecture, said the heritage building was always considered the jewel of the development.

She said while the new construction will wrap around the heritage building, it will still be glimpsed from Waterfront Drive through porous openings on the street level.

The grey corrugated facade is an interlocking custom fabricated metal system.

"The interlocking is intended to mimic the interlocking of the brick pattern of the historic building," Hurme said. "The idea is that it stands in contrast and is a backdrop to the yellow brick of the heritage building."

Devani said the building aims to activate that end of Waterfront Drive and will include a 6,700-square-foot commercial space on the main floor for local businesses and coffee shops along Waterfront Drive.

"Its going to bring people and vibrancy to the area which will be so important when we look ahead to the post-pandemic world where we are struggling to get all the people back to downtown that used to be here," said Hurme.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
FIREFIGHTING crews are working to protect Manitoba Hydro infrastructure near a massive, out-of-control blaze in the isolated northern Interlake.

FIREFIGHTING crews are working to protect Manitoba Hydro infrastructure near a massive, out-of-control blaze in the isolated northern Interlake.

The 345,000-acre wildfire, situated in forests off Lake Manitobas northeastern tip, is more than 80 kilometres long and approximately 16-km wide at its largest point. It sparked May 12.

FACEBOOK Northern Manitoba RCMP officers with special training in fire evacuation & suppression assisted Grand Rapids RCMP, local fire fighters & community members with the nearby forest fire.

On Tuesday, the Manitoba Wildfire Service was forced to close Highway 6 between St. Martin Junction and Easterville Junction due to fire and smoke.

The power utilitys Bipole I and II transmission lines are not currently at risk, Hydro spokesman Bruce Owen said Wednesday. But crews are trying to protect two Bipole communications sites in the area.

The fire service deployed sprinkler systems late Tuesday, Owen said.

The two transmission lines run alongside each other for much of their route from Gillam in the north to a power conversion station near Winnipeg.

Smoke from the fire could affect a number of communities in the area, including Grand Rapids, Misipawistik Cree Nation, Homebrook, Skownan First Nation, Waterhen, Mallard and Gypsumville, the province said Wednesday.

Earlier this week, a road construction crew was evacuated.

The Rural Municipality of Grahamdale is to the immediate south of the massive blaze.

Reeve Craig Howse said the northern Interlake is extremely dry. Smaller fires were extinguished in and around the RM in the past week.

"Its quite concerning, that (fire)," the reeve said. "If we dont get any moisture, theres a possibility the wind could bring that fire back and threaten our community and neighbouring communities."

Hot weather, little rain, and high winds have led to a number of significant fires across the province, including a 14,000-acre blaze that started on Canadian Forces Base Shilo near Carberry.

Rain is helping suppress that fire, the province said. A local state of emergency is still in effect in the RM of North Cypress and the Town of Carberry. The communities initiated some precautionary evacuations Monday night.

Manitoba had 27 total active wildfires Wednesday, with nine classified as out of control  six were blazing in Parkland and the northern Interlake, while three burned in the Whiteshell.

Although rain is in the forecast over the next three days in parts of the province, all of southern and central Manitoba remains at extreme risk of wildfires.

"Some rain is coming. It should help with the drought conditions in the province," Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Alysa Peterson said.

A system of rain will move north today from North Dakota into southern Manitoba.

"Essentially, if you draw a line east-to-west, from Dauphin south, youre looking at 20 to maybe 30 to 40 (millimetres of rain) at the most over the three days," Peterson said.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca
Three annual reports into suicides and homicides behind bars collected dust on the justice minister's desk, leaving Manitobans in the dark to the extent of deaths occurring in the province's correctional facilities.

Three annual reports into suicides and homicides behind bars collected dust on the justice minister's desk, leaving Manitobans in the dark to the extent of deaths occurring in the province's correctional facilities.

Each year, the chief medical examiner compiles a report on in-custody deaths for the minister by March 31. Within 15 days of receiving it or within 15 days of the start of the next legislative session the justice minister  currently Progressive Conservative Cameron Friesen  must table it.

But on May 10, NDP justice critic Nahanni Fontaine raised a point of privilege during question period: the three latest reports were missing.

"What makes the breach of this privilege so egregious is that the minister of justice, the minister responsible for the proper administration of justice and the following of our laws in Manitoba, has ignored the statutory requirements that apply to him," Fontaine said.

"These reports are years out of date."

At that point, the last time Manitobas justice minister tabled a report on in-custody deaths was March 19, 2020. That report was for 2017.

On Monday  a week after Fontaine's point of privilege and roughly three weeks after the Free Press revealed the backlog as part of its investigation into prison conditions in Manitoba  the reports for 2018, 2019 and 2020 were finally tabled at the legislature.

The reports provide greater insight into in-custody deaths in the province, particularly when it comes to inmate suicides  all of which have been hangings in recent years.

Since January 2019, nine inmates have killed themselves by hanging in Manitoba prisons and jails.

The in-custody death reports are years out of date, says NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Seven of them occurred at Stony Mountain Institution, the oldest active federal prison in Canada, located just north of Winnipeg.

The Free Press spoke to inmates and guards who knew some of the men who have killed themselves there in recent years.

Adrian Young, 39, hanged himself at Stony Mountain on March 7, 2020.

One inmate said Young had spent a long time trying to work his way into the minimum-security Rockwood Institution with good behaviour. Shortly after he managed to do so, Young was sent back to Stony Mountain for unknown reasons.

"It took him so long to get out to Rockwood. And he finally got out there, after all that time, and then they just brought him right back," the inmate said.

"He just couldnt do it again."

On Dec. 8, 2019, Tyson Roulette, 34, hanged himself in his cell at Stony Mountain. According to multiple inside sources, including both inmates and guards, Roulette was the leader of the Indian Posse street gang at the prison.

Roulette also served as a "range rep," meaning he was a designated go-between the inmates and guards. Range reps are often relied upon by correctional officers to keep the prison running smoothly, sources said.

"He ran this place," one staff member said about Roulette.

"Tyson just couldnt take it anymore. He was the leader of his group or whatever. The guards were using him. They used him to calm down situations, to police the jail. He was trying to make the guards happy and he was trying to make the convicts happy," an inmate said.

Seven people killed themselves by hanging since January 2019 at Stony Mountain Institution. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

"He hung himself because of the situation he was in. They try to get you to snitch. They put him in a bad situation heavy is the head that wears the crown."

In her book Night Falls Fast, a study of suicide, the American psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison wrote that any attempt to understand why someone takes their life is doomed to be "only a sketch, maddeningly incomplete."

"When people are suicidal, their thinking is paralyzed, their options appear spare or non-existent, their mood is despairing, and their hopelessness permeates their entire mental domain," Jamison wrote.

"The future cannot be separated from the present, and the present is painful beyond solace. Each way to suicide is its own: intensely private, unknowable and terrible."

Thats similar to what one current Stony Mountain inmate said.

"Everyone has a breaking point. When you take away a guys hope, youre taking a lot from him. What do you think a guy is going to do?"

Meanwhile, inquests have been called in two suicide-by-hanging cases at provincial jails.

An unnamed 62-year-old inmate killed himself on June 25, 2020 at the Winnipeg Remand Centre. Officials released no details aside from the mans age.

Jeffrey Owen Tait, 31, hanged himself at Headingley Correctional Centre on Jan. 29, 2019.

And on Wednesday, Manitoba Justice issued a press release for a pre-inquest hearing into the death of David Norbert, 58, who hanged himself in an interview room at the Winnipeg Police Service District 3 station in West Kildonan on April 16, 2019.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Judges have made requests to retrofit the cells in Stony's medium-security wing to remove fixed points for hanging, particularly the electrical conduits in the cells. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

While attempts to halt all suicides in prisons and jails may be an impossible task, the Correctional Service of Canada has received concrete recommendations over the years to reduce inmates' opportunities.

The Free Press has reviewed every publicly available inquest report into inmate suicides at Stony Mountain dating back to the early 2000s.

Time and time again, judges have told CSC to retrofit the cells in the 143-year-old medium-security wing to remove fixed points for hanging. Particular attention has been paid to the electrical conduits in the cells.

During the inquest into the death of Alan Nicolson, 34, who hanged himself inside his Stony Mountain cell in 2003, the prisons then-head of engineering, Bruce Cameron, testified it would be possible to make the requested changes.

The Free Press reached out to CSC for comment and the federal department agreed to set up an interview with Stony Mountain's warden but could not do so by deadline Wednesday.

Several current guards and inmates say nothing has been done by CSC to make death by hanging in those cells more difficult.

"No, thats not changed. Theyre still hanging themselves. There are these perfect little spots to hang themselves in their cells. Its ridiculous," one guard said.

"They should be retrofitting that stuff, for sure."

And days before Fontaine stood in the Manitoba legislature to raise her point of privilege about the backlog of reports on in-custody deaths, a source says there was another hanging at Stony Mountain.

There has been no CSC-issued press release about it.

"It was in the health-care unit. It was around 12:30 at night. The (correctional officer) doing the walk-through found him hanging. Midnights are very tricky because were extremely short staffed," a guard said.

"They cut the guy down and managed to revive him. I dont know his status now. I heard there might be some brain damage."

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe
Hundreds of children, elders, and residents with breathing problems were evacuated from five Manitoba First Nations communities Wednesday night.

Hundreds of children, elders, and residents with breathing problems were evacuated from five Manitoba First Nations communities Wednesday night.

The Canadian Red Cross confirmed more than 750 vulnerable people were transported from Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Pinaymootang, Skownan, and Dauphin River, due to smoke from nearby forest fires.

Red Cross spokesman Jason Small said the relief organization was also supporting a few people from Misipawistik Cree Nation. Earlier this week, a grass fire there destroyed two homes and forced the evacuation of 80 households.

On Thursday, Small said residents from four First Nations are being housed in Winnipeg hotels; Skownan residents were being booked into Dauphin hotels.

"The decision on returning home is made by the leadership of the First Nation," he said. "The First Nation also made the decision to evacuate, in consultation with the federal government."

Lake St. Martin leadership sent messages to residents Wednesday night, saying it had activated an emergency response through the Red Cross. Impacted people were told to take clothing, medication and baby supplies. A call went out to anyone local with the proper licence to drive a school bus to help in transportation to the airport.

Don Hallett, assistant director for Manitoba Wildfire Service, said the reserves were mostly affected by smoke blowing back from two major fires in the area.

Fire 47 (a 49,000-acre blaze north of Skownan First Nation) and the monster-sized Fire 44 (a 490,000-acre, 15-kilometre wide, 90-km long blaze around Gypsumville and Homebrook) were being pushed north when, suddenly late Wednesday, the wind changed direction and began blowing south.

"That brought smoke into the communities," Hallett said. "We will soon start to see the air affected in Winnipeg and other communities in southern Manitoba."

Hallett said crews battling the fire near Gypsumville, which started May 13, were making good progress before the wind allowed it jump established fire guards.

"There is limitless fuel out there," he said. "With very little snowfall over the past winter and very little rainfall this spring, we have very dry conditions across southern Manitoba.

"We really need Mother Nature to bring some precipitation."

David Phillips, Environment Canada senior climatologist, agreed forest fires are being fuelled by a dry spring, a dry winter, and, truly, a dry few years in southern Manitoba.

"It is a grave situation, no doubt about it," said Phillips. "No one is not calling this a drought. There is no question about it.

"When you look at soil and the amount of precipitation that has fallen since last September, when you have recharge, it is less than normal. Many areas are more than a quarter or third what they normally would get."

Perhaps a saving grace: several recent days of cool temperatures, which has reduced the amount of evaporation, he said.

"The coming (forecasted) rain will cleanse the air and help snuff out the fires which have created this poor air quality," he said.

"It is not the 'billion-dollar rain' you need; it maybe is the million-dollar rain. You would almost need a monsoon to (balance) the deficit that has been going on for four years."

Phillips said parts of southern Manitoba should get 10-20 millimetres of rain, but some areas will get up to 30 mm.

"It's a slow-moving system, which is what you want," he said. "You don't want a hit and run. You want it to take its sweet time, make three miserable days, poor picnic weather.

"But the seeds will love it."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA  A Manitoba Indigenous leader is pointing to Premier Brian Pallister as the reason the province has become North America's COVID-19 epicentre.

OTTAWA  A Manitoba Indigenous leader is pointing to Premier Brian Pallister as the reason the province has become North America's COVID-19 epicentre.

"The blame for this disaster rests squarely on the shoulders of Premier Pallister and his cabinet," Southern Chiefs Grand Chief Jerry Daniels wrote in a Wednesday news release.

"They have let political interests interfere and not followed the science, and that has had deadly consequences."

In an interview later, he said First Nations are "going backwards" with Pallister's Progressive Conservative government.

"The relationship is deteriorating," Daniels said. "I dont see the outcomes, in terms of First Nations quality of life, changing."

Pallisters office insisted Wednesday that Manitoba has the strictest enforcement measures in the country.

Daniels said First Nations are frustrated after locking down their own communities, urging residents to stay home until sufficient vaccines are rolled out and relying on government subsidies in order to keep businesses closed.

"We've done our part, and a lot of people are frustrated at where we're at right now," he said. "When it's been time to shut it down, we shut it down. And we just don't think that same kind of aggressiveness has happened at the provincial level."

He said Manitoba's two-week quarantine requirement for non-essential workers entering from other provinces isn't strict enough. The government should have set up checkpoints at land borders and airports, and chided Pallister for not joining a push by some premiers to restrict interprovincial flights.

Daniels also had some criticism for Ottawa, saying the Trudeau government should have also clamped down on international travel, but said other provinces have still fared much better than Manitoba.

Last week, provincial officials released modelling they had suppressed for weeks, showing case numbers and hospitalization rates were racing towards the projected worst-case scenario in late April.

The province finally imposed significantly tightened public-health measures on May 9. Officials waited despite a well-documented lag effect in which even medium-sized outbreaks that arent contained escalate rapidly, bringing the health-care system to its knees.

This week, the province led Canada and the U.S. in the seven-day active case rate. Manitobas five-day average test-positivity rate is the highest in the country.

"We're ground zero for COVID right now, so we obviously need to send a message to the premier," said Daniels.

He argued the only way to make sure officials don't prematurely peel back restrictions is to call out the provincial government.

"Our intent is to put pressure on the premier, and for many people around him to take pressure too," he said. "They have to own that."

Manitoba has done an effective job sharing COVID-19 case data with Indigenous leadership, he said. But First Nations are subject to a racist health-care system instead of being allowed to form their own networks of care.

That provincial system is now under enough strain to have some patients being evacuated to Thunder Bay for care. First Nations make up roughly 10 per cent of the Manitoba population, but 45 per cent of intensive-care unit patients.

In a statement, the premier's spokeswoman wrote that the PCs will remain focused on getting Manitoba through the pandemic, and encouraged everyone to follow the rules and get vaccinated.

"(Daniels') comments are unfortunate and do not reflect the reality of Manitobas pandemic response," wrote Olivia Billson.

"Manitoba has implemented the strongest public-health and enforcement measures in the country."

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
One day after the health minister suggested Manitobas ICU capacity could handle a surge of COVID-19 patients, the government revealed three critically ill people had been transferred to a hospital in Thunder Bay, Ont.

One day after the health minister suggested Manitobas ICU capacity could handle a surge of COVID-19 patients, the government revealed three critically ill people had been transferred to a hospital in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Manitoba ICU capacity can expand to 170 beds: health minister Click to Expand The province can expand to 170 ICU beds and shouldn't need a triage protocol to decide who gets a bed and who doesn't, says Health Minister Heather Stefanson. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 7:00 PM May. 18, 2021 Health Minister Heather Stefanson says the province can expand to 170 ICU beds and shouldn't need a triage protocol to decide who gets a bed and who doesn't. If one is required, there's an ethical framework doctors can use, she said. Read Full Story

Shared Health announced Wednesday that multiple days of hospital admissions "far beyond" the numbers experienced during the second wave of the pandemic last fall had placed "extreme strain" on health-care staff.

During a four-day period ending Monday, Manitoba intensive care units admitted 34 patients with COVID-19  nearly half of pre-COVID hospital critical care capacity (72).

With no let-up in the number of new critically ill patients entering hospitals, and no ability to shift sufficient numbers of ICU patients out of critical care, officials took the unusual step of transferring two stable COVID-positive patients to the Ontario city for ongoing care Tuesday, and a third was being transported Wednesday afternoon.

"These are not easy situations. These are not easy decisions that are being made. This is not an ideal situation, no question," Health Minister Heather Stefanson told reporters.

Asked if more critically ill patients may be transferred out of province in the coming days, Stefanson said that would depend on whether the explosion in hospital admissions continues.

"This has been kind of an extraordinary surge in the last few days alone...," she said. "Those decisions will be made on the basis of the safety and health of those patients."

After Stefanson spoke to reporters, Shared Health confirmed a third patient was being transferred, and a spokesperson issued a statement to say more patient transfers are being considered as "an interim measure while we work to increase staffing and build critical care capacity."

A source told the Free Press Wednesday evening there may be as many as 20 beds available for Manitobans in Thunder Bay because more patients are expected to be transferred there.

Premier Brian Pallister was absent from the legislature on Wednesday. A spokeswoman said he and Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler were "getting an on-site update on the wildfire situation near Carberry."

On Tuesday, Stefanson said the province could expand to 170 ICU beds, depending on staffing, and shouldnt need a triage protocol to decide who gets a bed and who doesnt.

But ICU doctors are questioning whether the province has a clinical care model and enough staff to safely care for 170 ICU patients  the transfers to Thunder Bay indicate otherwise. Space, they say, is not a problem. But the number of patients can't expand unless more nurses are brought in. Otherwise, patient care suffers.

Total ICU admissions have quickly approached the second-wave peak of 129 patients, and the number of COVID patients in the ICU has surpassed the second-wave peak of 71. There were about 80 COVID patients in the ICU Wednesday morning and nearly 300 COVID patients hospitalized in total. There are more than 120 patients in ICUs, including COVID and non-COVID patients.

"I don't think any front-line physicians would, at this stage, tell you that there's an ability to care safely for 170 patients in Winnipeg," said Dr. Eric Jacobsohn, an ICU physician and cardiac anesthesiologist at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital.

Dr. Anand Kumar, another attending ICU physician in Winnipeg, said that level of ICU capacity expansion is purely theoretical. ICU nurses normally work one-on-one with critically ill patients because they need intensive treatment. In the second wave, nurses carried double or triple their usual patient loads and in this third wave, they've been doubled up for several weeks already. Realistically, they are already over-capacity, he said.

"I don't think any frontline physicians would, at this stage, tell you that there's an ability to care safely for 170 patients in Winnipeg."  Dr. Eric Jacobsohn, an ICU physician and cardiac anesthesiologist at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital

"I don't know what their plan is. Based on the manpower that's currently present, we don't have capacity. We're in a dire situation, and in my opinion, and in the opinion of several colleagues who've spoken to me, they're already seeing degradations in the quality of care and standards of care," Kumar said.

Stefanson disagreed with a suggestion that the 170-bed figure she gave on Tuesday was a phantom number.

"When you have a surge as large as its been in the last few days, theres obviously challenges, (including) moving staff around in a very short period of time," she said.

"We are dealing with the unions and so on of those employees. Sometimes, it takes a period of time to make those transitions happen."

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES "We are dealing with the unions and so on of those employees. Sometimes, it takes a period of time to make those transitions happen," health and seniors care minister Heather Stefanson said.

Because of the overload, operating rooms and some emergency rooms have closed and staff have been redeployed to ICUs. On Monday, chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa said 82 nurses had been redeployed to ICUs. On Wednesday, a Shared Health spokesperson said 51 nurses  who normally work at Concordia Hospital, Misericordia Health Centre, the Pan Am Clinic, Seven Oaks Hospital and Victoria General Hospital  had been sent to ICUs in Winnipeg.

There are 619 full-time nursing positions and 171 full-time support-staff positions in Manitoba ICUs, a Shared Health spokesperson said Wednesday, but it wasn't clear how many of those jobs are currently filled. The province is in the recruitment stage to fill 60 additional ICU nursing positions.

Kumar said critically ill patients from Thunder Bay are routinely transferred to Winnipeg because it's faster than sending them to a larger hospital in southern Ontario, but until now, Manitoba hadn't needed to send any patients there. He said he was aware it was contemplated during the H1N1 crisis.

Asked on Monday whether transferring patients to Thunder Bay was an option, Siragusa said it hadn't happened but wasn't off the table.

People have been telling us, develop ICU capacity. This government made a political decision not to invest in ICUs."  NDP Leader Wab Kinew

"There's all sorts of options that we need to look at if we exceed our capacity in Manitoba," Siragusa said Monday.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew called the patient transfers "disturbing news."

He said they are the result of the Pallister governments failure to plan and invest adequately in health care.

"People have been telling us, develop ICU capacity," Kinew said. "This government made a political decision not to invest in ICUs. This government made a political decision not to get ahead of the problem by doing that upstream work of training the necessary staff, allocating the necessary staff resources. And now today, we see the result."

It means that we are in an incredibly dangerous place.  Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said about the transfers

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said it is "unprecedented" for Manitoba to transfer such critically ill people out of province to Thunder Bay.

He noted that Winnipeg serves as a critical-care hub for a large region that includes Manitoba, Nunavut and parts of Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario.

"It means that we are in an incredibly dangerous place," he said about the transfers.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Katie May

Reporter Katie May reports on courts, crime and justice for the Free Press. Read full biography
OTTAWA  Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said he's been assured a northern Manitoba reserve has adequate resources to deal with a suicide crisis.

OTTAWA  Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said he's been assured a northern Manitoba reserve has adequate resources to deal with a suicide crisis.

"We got confirmation (Tuesday) that they did have resources in place to deal with the immediate (response)," Miller said.

The isolated fly-in Shamattawa reserve, of about 1,400 people, is in mourning after a young mother of four died by suicide on May 9. The woman is the sister of Chief Eric Redhead, who declared a state of emergency this week. Residents are dealing with the attempted suicide of a seven-year-old child, who was in the Children's Hospital in Winnipeg and was said to be unresponsive.

"The events in Shamattawa are absolutely tragic," Miller told reporters on Parliament Hill Wednesday.

"Obviously, the age of the person in question magnifies the drama immensely."

On Tuesday, Redhead requested federal help, saying that a single suicide has generally created a domino effect in the community, such as a when a 12-year-old died by suicide and others in the community contemplated taking their own lives.

Yet on Wednesday, Miller said he had a direct exchange with Redhead by Facebook, and was assured the community had enough support for the short term.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the local tribal council are both deploying mobile crisis-response teams, while Miller said there are two councillors in the community to help, including one who specializes in childrens mental health.

Redhead could not be reached Wednesday.

Miller said his department needs to help craft solutions in the medium and long term.

"There are a number of equally urgent steps that need to be taken quite shortly after it, as well as the long-term portion, that we will be working with the community to address."

It was similar thinking that led MKO to launch its crisis response teams, after a 2017 suicide crisis at Cross Lake gained national attention.

MKO has two teams of six experts, from clinically trained counsellors to traditional healers, who connect youth or elders with their cultural background. Their goal is to speak with traumatized families, assess which supports are needed and stabilize the situation, within three to five days.

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Aerial view of Shamattawa First Nation.

"The chiefs wanted some mental health supports in place, which are tailored specifically to meet those communities' needs," said Justin Courchene, who manages the MKO teams.

The teams are deployed at the request of local leaders, such as a chief, nurse or school administrator.

"Having a team of Indigenous people from throughout the province, we're able to meet those needs, when and where they're at," Courchene said.

Currently, that means meeting with relatives, close friends and people who are in distress. The MKO counsellors can work with them to assess each persons needs, whether they require structured, intensive psychotherapy, or just need a healthy outlet for their grief.

These days, that takes place in nursing stations or daycares that aren't being used, to avoid COVID-19 exposure.

Thats of particular concern to Shamattawa, which needed military help during one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in Canada last December.

"We are very cognizant of the fact that a lot of communities will only get COVID if something brings it in with them, and of protecting our staff," Courchene said.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Manitoba is introducing additional public-health restrictions in anticipation of gatherings over the long weekend, Premier Brian Pallister announced Thursday morning.

Manitoba is introducing additional public-health restrictions in anticipation of gatherings over the long weekend, Premier Brian Pallister announced Thursday morning.

Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin will detail new orders specific to the weekend at 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon to address gatherings as well as staying at home.

"Were social people and we like to get together and weve been suffering through this pandemic because we cant get together for a long time," Pallister told a morning news conference. "But we need to suffer a little bit longer so we can turn this curve like weve done before."

Pallister did not provide further details about the measures.

Were social people and we like to get together and weve been suffering through this pandemic because we cant get together for a long time. But we need to suffer a little bit longer so we can turn this curve like weve done before. Premier Brian Pallister

`

An onslaught of COVID-19 patients requiring hospital care has pushed Manitoba's critical-care system beyond its limits. Two intensive-care patients with COVID-19 were transferred to Thunder Bay Tuesday, followed by a third Wednesday.

During a four-day period ending Monday, Manitoba ICUs admitted 34 COVID-19 patients. The pre-pandemic critical care capacity was 72 beds.

A spokesperson for Shared Health said Wednesday that more patient transfers are being considered as "an interim measure while we work to increase staffing and build critical-care capacity."

"I think we're in the darkest days of this time with this pandemic," Pallister said Thursday. "Clearly, case numbers are very, very high, and unsustainably high. I think it's important to understand that we are availing ourselves of every tactic and technique we can possibly use given the limitations of the resources that are always a real factor."

Pallister said there is quite a bit more capacity in northwest Ontario hospitals for Manitobans, if needed.

The premier said next week the province will be announcing a vaccination incentive program.

"Going forward, Manitobans have a choice, and you have an important choice to make," Pallister said. "I respect the fact that each of you has to make that choice, but I also know that were all in this together; that youre not alone in your decision and the consequences of it."

Pallister said achieving 75 per cent vaccination coverage in Manitoba will not be enough to provide protection to all Manitobans.

"I think we must aim higher," Pallister said. "The higher percentage of vaccinations we can achieve, the sooner we can get through this third wave."

The premier appealed to Manitobans who may be on the fence about getting vaccinated and have not yet booked an appointment.

"Do it so you can see family and friends, do it so you can have dinner and a movie, do it so you can see family and friends, do it so you can go to church," he said. "Do it for your own reasons, but do it for others, as well."

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
Turns out, it was worth the trip to Steinbach.

Turns out, it was worth the trip to Steinbach.

Kyle Penner, assistant pastor at Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach, said appointments at the vaccination supersite, which opened Tuesday, have been booked far in advance.

"The good news is, our supersite opened and it is booked solid through to June 13," said Penner on Wednesday.

"Right now the problem is accessibility and availability. A lot of people don't want to drive an hour (to Winnipeg) to get their shot."

Penner, who said he was to get his vaccination on Wednesday night, said he has been doing his best to persuade people to roll up their sleeves. Penner said he is helping Manitoba public health with its vaccine campaign.

Penner said there are some things they can't change.

"Southern Manitoba has an average lower age of people than other places, and we are younger and have more children. A lot of us haven't been able to book an appointment until lately."

A senior government official said Wednesday, the initial focus of the vaccine rollout was to get as many doses as possible to the people who wanted them. Now that vaccine uptake has surpassed 50 per cent of the adult population, the focus must shift to those who are on the fence.

The official said the government has been monitoring vaccine uptake for issues related to geographic and demographic factors.

In the past, the government changed its approach to increase uptake by making policy changes, switching delivery models and changing communications strategies, the official said.

"Were going to have to do much more intentional work around some of those skeptical, or folks who experienced barriers to access," said the official, who can't be named.

A survey launched this week will be used to help the government decide where it needs to focus resources to best reach communities and groups where vaccine uptake is low.

It is also asking for opinions on incentives to increase uptake and for parental opinions on vaccinating children.

Early data show that vaccine uptake has been slower in some communities and among lower income groups. It is also lower among men.

The official said "significant" work is underway with religious leaders in southern Manitoba, particularly Mennonite leaders, led by government officials, including elected officials, who are Mennonite.

The aim is to develop an outreach campaign comparable to the one that was developed and used by First Nations leaders.

In response to early discussions with community leaders in the Pembina Valley, health regions have adjusted vaccine clinic operations to better accommodate needs, and in the longer term there will be a formal and funded partnership with leaders to develop a communications and outreach strategy, the official said.

In southern Manitoba, local leaders frequently report misinformation as being a barrier to immunization, the official said.

Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the COVID-19 vaccine task force, said vaccine hesitancy can also stem from historic harm inflicted on groups of people by government, causing distrust that can persist for generations.

"This is not going to be a quick fix," said Reimer. "Reaching out to people who have concerns about the vaccine will take time.

"We have no intention of slowing down that work. It will continue to occur throughout the second dose campaign, and afterward as well."

Michael Pahl, executive minister of Mennonite Church Manitoba, confirmed the government reached out to his organization. He had them speak with others in the organization before sending them to speak with other pastors in southern Manitoba.

"I think the government is listening," said Pahl. "They have been very good about hearing the concerns of our members."

Pahl doesn't think the drive to Winnipeg is behind vaccine hesitancy.

"People drive to Winnipeg all the time, but there is a rural thing. You learn to trust your local leader and minister than one from the urban centre. Now we have people who they know and trust are getting vaccinated... having support from neighbours, leaders and pastors will help."

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

Danielle Da Silva

Reporter Danielle Da Silva is a general assignment reporter. Read full biography
Can robots curb human loneliness and boost mental health?

A team of Winnipeg researchers is hoping to find out.

A 10-week study from the University of Manitobas human computer interactions lab will look at the impact of a social robot on a persons mental health.

The study will use people living alone who self-identify as lonely but have not been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.

Participants will live with a robot dog for eight weeks, while completing questionnaires and conducting interviews with researchers about the experience and its impact on their mental health.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Rahatul Ananto, co-investigator in a U of M computer science study, with an AIBO robot. Ananto is a masters student in the Human Robotics Interaction program in the department of Computer Science and is looking for lonely people to live with the robot for 8 weeks.

Computer science masters degree student Rahatul Ananto, who is working on the study with U of M computer science Prof. James Young, said he hopes evidence will show the robot is a suitable replacement for a pet.

"There are patients who are older adults who dont have the ability to get pets and be responsible for pets. If they get a social robot that works and can be there for them like a pet, that might be helpful for them," he said.

"We still dont have enough research data, were just trying to figure out how people would accept social robots, and how theyd interact with it."

While only one robot canine is currently available, 50 are expected to be sent to participants in the next year.

There are patients who are older adults who dont have the ability to get pets and be responsible for pets. If they get a social robot that works and can be there for them like a pet, that might be helpful for them."  Rahatul Ananto

Ananto said the robot can understand basic English and Japanese, learn simple commands, recognize faces and follow around its owner. It will scale your living space and travel on its own volition. Despite being built to provide a pet-like experience, the robot can also sing, do a simple dance and will cry if it "feels" lonely without you.

Ananto said the team currently has enough applicants, although he didnt say how many, but is hoping to secure more funding to eventually expand the study.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Ananto is part of a team of researchers hoping to find out if robots curb human loneliness and boost mental health.

The U of Ms human computer interactions lab is working on a number of robotics projects meant to improve the emotional state of humans.

A snuggling robot is being designed to detect loneliness and comfort. A conversational robot that could talk to humans is also in the works.

"We are trying to figure out if these are capable of helping people with their mental health issues and general wellness, thats our priority," Ananto said.

The social robotics industry in "flourishing," Ananto said, and COVID-19 has only amplified the urgency of the work for some researchers.

Paro, a therapeutic robotic baby seal created in Japan, is used as a form of therapy for patients with Alzheimers disease and other severe illnesses. Some doctors have used the robots during the pandemic to comfort older patients forced to isolate.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Only one robot is currently available but 50 are expected to be sent to participants in the next year.

Ananto said he hopes social robots will one day become the norm at home.

"...Because of the pandemic, people are staying isolated from their families, they cant go anywhere, theyre staying in their homes," he said. "So right now, people are getting lonelier more than ever before... if they have a social robot, be it a humanoid robot or a pet-type robot, these might be helpful for them."

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_
A trustee in the Winnipeg School Division has been censured for breaching its boards code of conduct, related to confidential meetings.

A trustee in the Winnipeg School Division has been censured for breaching its boards code of conduct, related to confidential meetings.

In a release Thursday, the provinces largest school board announced its trustees voted to formally condemn Jennifer Chen for "publicly disclosing confidential information."

Chairwoman Betty Edel told the Free Press the penalty was issued during a meeting held Monday, after Chen made public an agenda item about collective bargaining that was to be discussed during an in-camera meeting.

"A rule was broken, and if we want to be able to have free and open conversations in private, we need to be able to do that," said Edel, who represents Ward 8 in the school division.

Edel said any discussions about staff salary negotiations, including the very existence of meetings scheduled to discuss bargaining, must be done in private, per the divisions bylaws and provincial legislation. Chen disregarded those rules by tweeting about such information, she added.

Censuring or barring a trustee from a meeting or committee are among the minor penalties school boards can impose when one breaks a rule. Boards also have the authority to take more drastic measures, such as implementing a suspension of trustee duties for up to three months.

When reached via text Thursday, Chen, trustee for Ward 6, said she was not in a position to talk about the censure and simply hopes there will be a "result" for teachers in the division soon.

Late Wednesday, she tweeted she was saddened the board voted to censure her "due to my tweeting about teachers."

"I am proud of my support for teachers, and as an elected trustee I believe in transparency (and) accountability to our teachers, staff, parents, and school community," Chen wrote on Twitter.

For weeks, the Winnipeg Teachers Association has been calling on the division to come to the table to speed up negotiating a new contract for educators before a new provincewide bargaining process came into force and froze wages at 2018 levels.

Teachers in the division ratified a new contract late Thursday  the same day the Progressive Conservative government voted in favour of Bill 45.

The annual wage increases for teachers are 1.6 per cent, 1.4 per cent, 0.5 per cent, and cost of living adjustment, over the four-year period, between 2018-19 and 2021-22. All public school teachers in the province now have a contract until July 2022; their next contract will be negotiated on a provincial level.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
The question came on Tuesday morning from a dear friend, one of those guys I consider to be progressive. Now that were reaching back to the student days on the misconduct issue in the military, has it maybe gone too far? Is a party from 2019 going to haunt a commander in 2049?

Opinion

The question came on Tuesday morning from a dear friend, one of those guys I consider to be progressive. "Now that were reaching back to the student days on the misconduct issue in the military, has it maybe gone too far? Is a party from 2019 going to haunt a commander in 2049?"

My friend was responding to the announcement that Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin is now out as the head of Canadas vaccination rollout, after allegations of sexual misconduct. The complaint suggests he exposed himself while a student in 1989 at the Royal Military College in Saint-Jean, Que. Fortin has denied the allegation. He has been relieved of his duties and Brig.-Gen. Krista Brodie will take over as the head of the vaccination campaign, effective immediately.

Of course, the military had no choice but to suspend Fortin  something I explained to my friend. Canadas Forces are already embroiled in a major sexual misconduct crisis, investigating at least seven complaints against senior officers. Fortins is just the latest. A report in the Globe and Mail suggests the complaint is being taken seriously; acting Chief of Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre and deputy minister Jody Thomas told a Globe source all complaints would be dealt with through a proper military investigation.

But more to the issue at hand  the concern that men will have to be responsible for their behaviour at parties in their youth. Is a party in 2019 going to haunt a commander in 2049? Thats an unequivocal yes  and well it should. We need to stop thinking that bad sexual behaviour is something men seemingly grow out of.

What we do know from research is that sexually aggressive men tend to hold on to rape myths, including the belief that women ask for trouble because of their behaviour or how they are dressed. This can be ameliorated by peer intervention  in other words, being provided an alternative worldview by other men might help young men who are sexually aggressive at 18 or 19 grow to understand from peer intervention and education that this is unacceptable.

This change in perspective might not happen in the military, however. Research conducted on military sexual violence within the Canadian Armed Forces suggests the high prevalence of sexual misconduct stems from a number of issues, including cultural acceptance.

The military places a high importance on being a "man"  being dominant, competitive, self-sufficient, aggressive  all traits society deems important for a fighter and a warrior. This leads to hyper-masculinity  often including negative attitudes toward women and sexual misconduct within the ranks. This has meant a culture that allows for sexualized jokes, language that belittles women and LGBTTQ+ persons and other more serious incidents.

There is little in the way of protection for those who have been subjected to this type of misconduct, and those within the Armed Forces are expected to look after their own. Dont ask, dont tell, and protect your ranks.

Despite a high-profile campaign to stamp out sexual misconduct in its ranks, Department of National Defence figures released to Parliament in April include 581 reports of sexual assault in the past five years, and another 221 incidents of sexual harassment. And because there are many who will never come forward to tell their story, this is likely just the tip of a very big iceberg.

In the meantime, Operation Honour  the attempt to address sexual misconduct in the military  has been deemed a failure and has formally ended. In April, the Status of Women committee probing sexual misconduct in the Forces heard testimony from women in the military. One of them, Emily Tulloch, an aviation technician, testified that the initiative to root out misconduct has "aged like rotten milk and just leaves a sour taste in your mouth."

The allegations continue. Earlier this week, Vice-Admiral Hayden Edmundson was removed from his post as head of human resources following allegations of rape. Of course, the biggest recent news came in February, when Canadas new top military commander, Admiral Art McDonald, voluntarily stepped aside as he is investigated by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service on allegations of sexual misconduct.

McDonald had just replaced Gen. Jonathan Vance, who was under investigation for having a long-standing inappropriate relationship with a female subordinate and separately for having sent a racy email to another woman, also of lower rank.

This is going to be a difficult situation for the Forces to address. It goes to the very core of how the military envisions leaders and builds its ranks. It will require education and a zero-tolerance policy. It will take an influx of women in leadership roles. It will also mean that some men now serving in positions of authority will have to answer for things they did at parties 30 years ago. As well they should.

Shannon Sampert is a Winnipeg-based political scientist and the former politics and perspectives editor of the Winnipeg Free Press.

shannon@mediadiva.ca
AS regions across Canada experience the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and more infectious  as well as potentially dangerous  variants of the virus responsible for the disease predominate, its a critical time for pregnant women in Canada to urgently talk to their doctors. That conversation should focus on the importance of getting vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for our current pandemic.

Opinion

AS regions across Canada experience the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and more infectious  as well as potentially dangerous  variants of the virus responsible for the disease predominate, its a critical time for pregnant women in Canada to urgently talk to their doctors. That conversation should focus on the importance of getting vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for our current pandemic.

With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, pregnant women became designated highest-risk in Ontario, followed by similar priority recommendations in other provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The latest evidence suggests the COVID-19 virus does not affect all pregnancies the same way. Most women who get COVID-19 will have mild-moderate or no symptoms. However, some pregnant women experience severe symptoms resulting in hospitalization, intensive care, the use of a ventilator or even death.

All pregnant women are considered at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness, especially women with advanced age, obesity, diabetes and/or high blood pressure. There are also clear indications that pregnant women who contract COVID-19 are at increased risk for poor pregnancy outcomes, including pre-term birth.

The National Advisory Committee on Vaccination (NACI) recommended on May 3 that vaccination be offered to pregnant women, particularly the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. In response to recent cases, the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) also reaffirmed its consensus statement and recommendations for pregnant women on May 4.

"Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be offered vaccination at any time during pregnancy if they are eligible and no contraindications exist," wrote the authors on behalf of the SOGCs infectious disease committee.

The SOGC also supports the use of all currently approved and available vaccines in Canada for any period of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Vaccination of pregnant women is now occurring in other countries and regions, including the United States and United Kingdom. As of this month, more than 100,000 pregnant women have self-identified as having been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 in the U.S. through a vaccine-safe (v-safe) pregnancy registry.

Preliminary findings assessing vaccine safety were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and examined data from 3,958 women in the v-safe registry, as well as 221 women from a vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS). Both groups received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccine. The findings did not raise any safety issues among the women vaccinated with the mRNA vaccines.

The good news is that COVID-19 vaccines are now available in Canada for pregnant women. Women trying to become pregnant are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination during pregnancy isnt new, and pregnant women should consult the Government of Canada Immunization Guide in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding for more safety and benefit information on vaccination.

In particular, it is recommended that all pregnant women receive the influenza and pertussis (Tdap vaccine) vaccines to help protect them and their babies.

Even if a pregnant woman is wary of SARS-CoV2 vaccination, its important to consider the benefits of vaccination to the health of the baby. As reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnant women who are vaccinated produce a potent immune response and vaccine-generated antibodies that can be passed on to the baby through the placenta or breast milk, providing some immunity to the newborn.

Overall, the emerging evidence is that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of pregnant women can have important benefits for expectant mothers and their babies, and this is the best outcome to achieve during a global pandemic.

Ian J. MacPhee is an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawas department of family medicine. Angela Baerwald is a clinician investigator in the department of family medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Daniel J. MacPhee is an associate professor of reproductive sciences at the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the USask One Reproductive Health Research Group.
In the summer of 1871, about 1,000 First Nations people gathered at Lower Fort Garry along the Red River, between present-day Winnipeg and the town of Selkirk. Manitoba had just joined Canada a year earlier, following an armed resistance by the Metis, which led to the provinces negotiated entry into Confederation.

In the summer of 1871, about 1,000 First Nations people gathered at Lower Fort Garry along the Red River, between present-day Winnipeg and the town of Selkirk. Manitoba had just joined Canada a year earlier, following an armed resistance by the Metis, which led to the provinces negotiated entry into Confederation.

LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA Adams George Archibald was the first Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and the North-West Territories.

Left out of those talks were First Nations, whose territory and traditional way of life were under threat by an influx of European settlers. Tensions were growing between Indigenous people and newcomers, and peaceful solutions were needed to avoid conflict. Manitobas newly-appointed lieutenant-governor, Adams Archibald, promised First Nations leaders in the fall of 1870 that treaties would be negotiated to protect Indigenous territories and to preserve their hunting, fishing and trapping rights.

After several months of delay, negotiations began in July 1871 in what would be the first of several numbered treaties signed between the Canadian government and First Nations. More than 100 tents were set up outside Lower Fort Garry, a Hudsons Bay Company post, with chiefs lodges in the middle where council meetings took place. After a day of celebrations that included Indigenous song, dance and pipe ceremonies, talks began in earnest on July 27.

Negotiations lasted eight days. There were hard-fought battles and heated discussions through interpreters about land use and access to agricultural equipment. Talks nearly broke down, but common ground was eventually found. On Aug. 3  150 years ago this summer  Treaty 1 was signed.

The interpretation of that treaty remains the subject of debate today. However, what is not in dispute is that Treaty 1, which covers the territory of Winnipeg and much of present-day southern Manitoba, is an agreement between First Nations and newcomers to share the land, to live in peace and harmony and to prosper together as equals. Like the numbered treaties that followed, Treaty 1 is an expression of mutual respect.

Today, treaty land acknowledgments are often made prior to public events and meetings  including at major sporting events such as Winnipeg Jets games. They are declarations that an event is taking place on soil where Indigenous people, including the Metis, came together with European settlers to form Manitoba in a spirit of co-operation and inclusivity. They are a reminder of our history, that Manitoba was founded on the principles of mutual respect and sharing.

Treaty land acknowledgments are made regularly at city council meetings, in schools, and at business functions. Politicians often acknowledge they are on treaty land territory prior to delivering speeches.

Oddly enough, Manitobas legislative assembly  arguably the provinces most important public institution  does not open its daily proceedings with a treaty land acknowledgment. Its been discussed on and off for several years, but the provinces legislators cant seem to find the political will to get it on the agenda at a legislative rules committee meeting to make it happen.

A resolution by NDP MLA Ian Bushie calling for a land acknowledgment at the beginning of each sitting day was debated last week. However, after arguments over process and bickering about political motivation, MLAs ran out of time to vote on it.

Treaty land acknowledgments are an important part of reconciliation; they foster inclusion and build good will. Aug. 3 will mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 1; there would be no better time than now for Manitobas legislators to put partisanship aside and amend the house rules to include a treaty land acknowledgment before each sitting day.
Kyle Rittenhouse, the 18-year-old from Illinois accused of killing two people and wounding a third during unrest in Kenosha, is scheduled to make his first in-person appearance in a Kenosha County courtroom Friday.

Rittenhouse is expected to appear before Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Bruce Schroeder at 10:30 a.m. Friday for a pre-trial hearing. The hearing is expected to be brief, with attorneys expected to discuss scheduling for the case moving forward. Rittenhouse is scheduled to go to trial Nov. 1.

Since he was extradited to Kenosha County in November 2020, Rittenhouse has made his court appearances virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in recent weeks, Schroeders courtroom has returned to in-person appearances.

In what has become one of the most politically divisive cases in the country, Rittenhouse is facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison for killing two men and injuring a third during protests in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

Rittenhouse, his attorneys and supporters have maintained that he was defending himself when he shot the men.
As the sad news continued to sink in, more and more people spoke out in tribute to Oberheim. Decatur Police Master Patrolman Larry Brooks, on vacation with his family in Texas, called the Herald & Review to pay homage to a friend and colleague he's known since high school.

"He was a good cop, he was never afraid to go get the dope and the guns off the street; he liked to do that," said Brooks, 46, "and he was always willing to train the younger officers and give them advice."

Brooks said he feels for the fallen officer's family, with one of Oberheim's daughters due to graduate high school on Sunday. "You've got your sadness, your anger, and the feeling of 'Why does it happen to good people?'" he added. "Here he was just responding to a simple domestic situation and he loses his life. I still don't want to believe it, I really don't."

Brooks said police officers kind of have two families, the family outside the job and the close-knit family of colleagues they also spend much of their lives with. He said the loss of one is felt by all who share the same risks, dangers and yet are motivated by the same need to protect and serve.

"Police are a very tight-knit family," he said.
Hes taken it out on the water once so far at Lake Redstone near La Valle. It remains there while he waits for the water to warm up, he said.

For Riesterer, who said he enjoys school, SkillsUSA provided an opportunity to learn more about IT, an area in which he also works for BHS. Plus, I like to compete, so thats fun for me, he said.

Engevold said the IT competitions lasted around seven hours a day. You were on that computer for a very long time, Engevold said to Riesterer. That was pretty intense.

As the state champ, Riesterer will go on to represent Wisconsin in the IT category at the national SkillsUSA competition, so thats kind of wild, Riesterer said, adding that he feels prepared. Another student, Nick Ball, earned bronze in the same category at state.

They arent the first Baraboo students to perform well at state; 2019 alumnus Nick Freed earned first-place finishes for residential electrical wiring two years in a row and placed in the top 20 at nationals, Engevold said.

He said he had been expecting both Riesterer and Hamm to go to nationals, but the woodworking category only goes up to the state level.

Im super proud of them both. They did a great job this year, Engevold said.
A new exhibit showcasing log cabin quilts opens Friday at the Dodge County Center for the Arts.

Presented by the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and Nancy Zieman Productions, a total of 41 quilted wall hangings measuring 30 inches by 40 inches each will be displayed in the two new exhibit rooms at the center, 130 W. Maple Ave., Beaver Dam.

DCCA board member Kraig Kasten said hes excited to welcome members of Nancy Zieman Productions back to the art center for the first exhibit of 2021.

The Celebrating Nancy Zieman fiber arts exhibit was cut short last March due to the mandated closure of businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. That exhibit featured a large collection of original landscape wall quilts designed and sewn by Zieman.

We had people coming here from different states to view her quilts, said Kasten. It ranks as the highest attended show weve had in our new building.

The log cabin quilts that will line the walls until June 28 have travelled throughout the United States in the past year being publicly displayed in various shops and galleries. The quilts were entries in the Log Cabin Quilt Challenge at the 2019 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Quilt Contest held in Madison. They will make one more stop before being returned to their owners.
The foundation said it established the chaired professorship at UNC in 1984 with a focus on advertising that was later changed to its current subject matter.

Hannah-Jones didn't respond to an email asking for comment. But on Thursday, she tweeted: "I have been overwhelmed by all the support you all have shown me. It has truly fortified my spirit and my resolve. You all know that I will OK. But this fight is bigger than me, and I will try my best not to let you down.

The 1619 Project is an initiative of The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. The magazine describes the project as being designed to reframe the countrys history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.

The project was converted into a popular podcast. Materials were developed for schools to use and The Pulitzer Center partnered with the Times to develop 1619 Project lesson plans. However, objections to The 1619 Project have morphed into legislative efforts to prevent its presentation in public schools.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A combat veteran from the Vietnam era was given his proper recognition 50 years after his service with the help of the local veterans office.

These kinds of services really mean a lot to me and this county and we will always value the service of our veterans, said County Chair Vern Gove. Gove said the ceremony for Bill Sommers was supposed to take place in 2020, but COVID-19 forced the county to push it back.

This is a long time coming and we would like Bill (Sommers) to have the recognition he deserves and awards he earned so many years ago, Tammi Brueggman said.

Brueggman served in the U.S. Army for over 26 years and now works in the Columbia County Veterans Service Office. She said Sommers came into the office in 2019 requesting his list of medals and personnel files. The information he received did not accurately show the awards he had earned.

I am humbled to be a small part of righting a disservice that was afforded to a gentlemen and a combat veteran I am honored to know, Brueggman said. William Bill Sommers was a sergeant in the U.S. Army having served from Aug. 23, 1967 to Aug. 22, 1969. He served in the Vietnam War and is the recipient of two purple hearts for wounds received in combat.
ALBANY, NY - The application period for SUNY and CUNY students to apply for free tuition for the 2021-22 school year is now open.

The state says the Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other aid programs, allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college for free.

"Given the economic impact families are facing throughout our State, it is more important than ever that students have access to financial support that enables them to realize their dream of pursuing their education regardless of race, class or social status," said Governor Andrew Cuomo in a news release. "The Excelsior Scholarship provides the financial resources for tens of thousands of students to receive a high-quality education in New York's world-class education system without the burden of worry or debt."

To receive the funding, eligible students must meet the following requirements:

- Attend a SUNY or CUNY two or four-year college

- Complete 30 credits per year towards their program of study

- Be on track to graduate on time with an Associate's Degree in two years or a Bachelor's Degree in four years

- Live in New York State for the length of time they received the award

Click here for an online application.
POLAND, N.Y.  A woman who runs a daycare out of her home in the village of Poland was arrested after multiple parents filed complaints with authorities.

Ashleigh N. Rituno, 28, is facing three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, after she was accused of not providing proper supervision and putting the children in situations that could have become dangerous.

According to the New York Division of Child Care Services, Rituno is not registered or licensed through the state, so the daycare program was not regulated according to state standards.

Rituno was arrested by New York State Police on Tuesday, May 18. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to court Friday at 6 p.m.

According to police, Herkimer County Sheriffs Office and Herkimer County Child Protective Services assisted with investigating this case.
UTICA, N.Y. -- Utica Police units were dispatched to Columbus Elementary School on Armory Drive regarding an irate man armed with a knife on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Utica Police, 33-year-old Zax Ei of Utica, had previous interactions with the district and officers earlier in the day which ultimately led him to return to the school.

At 3:50 p.m. Ei returned to the school and attempted to get into the building by breaking and cutting the glass with the knife, while threatening the individuals inside.

The school immediately followed protocols and declared a lockdown and contacted 911. Utica Police arrived within minutes.

Officers, including Chief of Police Mark Williams, attempted to speak with the Ei, however he was non-compliant and refused to remove his hands from his pockets. After several moments, it was determined that due to the threats presented and his prior actions, the officers would have to physically confront him.

Upon attempting to take him into custody, Ei aggressively resisted arrest and a struggle ensued. After some time the he was detained, and upon searching him, a silver knife was located in the pocket where his hands were. During the course of the struggle several of police officers received minor injuries as well.

Ei is facing several charges including criminal mischief, menacing, criminal possession of weapon, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and petit larceny.

Utica Police say all the students had been dismissed for the day, and at no point were any children in danger.

The Utica Police Department and Utica City School District will be providing additional security in the coming days to ensure the safety of its staff and students.
Steve Meredith Stuff the Bus Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Stuff the Bus Foundation has again partnered with the WKU College Heights Foundation along with Daily News Broadcasting to create a new scholarship for WKU Broadcasting students.

The Steve Meredith Stuff the Bus Memorial Broadcasting Scholarship will honor the memory and contributions of Steve Meredith as both a broadcaster and founder of the Stuff the Bus Foundation. Steve served the community as a radio personality for more than 20 years. For the past seven years, he was part of the Daily News Broadcasting Company (WDNS-FM/WKCT-AM).

"Steve was a crucial part of what we do as a company. He could do it all. From morning drive to in-depth interviews. He loved being a broadcaster, said Alan Cooper, General Manager of Daily News Broadcasting. We couldn't think of any better way to remember his legacy and reward it to future broadcasters."

Steves impact on the community went beyond his role as a broadcaster. He was also a founding member of the Stuff the Bus Foundation. He was beyond proud of seeing the growth of the event to the non-profit foundation that now allocates thousands of dollars each year to local kids, teachers, and schools.

Steve had a passion for broadcasting and left a lasting legacy in the field. He also had a passion to give back to others and serve his community. We are honored to keep his passions alive through this scholarship, said Travis Norton, Stuff the Bus Foundation board member.

The Steve Meredith Stuff the Bus Memorial Broadcasting Scholarship will be awarded to two local WKU Students in 2021. Sophia South of Alvaton, Kentucky and Katherine Brooks of Russellville, Kentucky. Both are current WKU Broadcasting students.

Future applications for the Steve Meredith Stuff the Bus Memorial Scholarship in 2022 and beyond can apply directly at D93Rocks.com and at StuffTheBusKy.com. The Scholarship is funded by a joint partnership with Daily News Broadcasting and through direct donations to the Stuff the Bus Foundation's partnership with the WKU College Heights Foundation. For more information, contact the Stuff the Bus Foundation or Daily News Broadcasting.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)  The Tippecanoe County Health Department is encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19.

As we reported last week, the FDA has approved the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12 and older.

"If you want it to go back to normal in school and you want to have a normal school year, children are going to have to be vaccinated for this to happen," said Tippecanoe County Health Department Administrator Khala Hochstedler

Hochstedler said there are some serious misconceptions when it comes to children and COVID-19.

"We've had several children have serious side effects and have to be hospitalized at Riley from COVID-19 in our community," she said. "We've had a child die, in our community, of COVID-19.

Hochstedler said there are also concerns about the long-term effects of the virus.

That's why she's encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated if they're 12 or older, but she said there's another benefit of getting the shot.

"You don't have to be quarantined if you are vaccinated if exposed," explained Hochstedler. "So, that is a true benefit of the vaccine as far as you're child not having to miss school or any extra-curricular activities."

Hochstedler said she's been working with the local schools on how to educate parents about the vaccine.

Lafayette School Corporation Superintendent Les Huddle said it's a decision that's being left up to the parents.

"We're not leaving kids out of registration if the parents are saying, 'We're not going to get vaccinated,'" he said. "We're also not asking, 'Has your child been vaccinated or not been vaccinated?'"

However, Huddle said the corporation is ready to help any parent with questions about the vaccine.

"If they feel comfortable and need to find a site, we're ready and willing to help them with that," said Huddle.

If parents are uncomfortable with the vaccine not having full FDA approval yet, Hochstedler has some good news.

"We are expecting Pfizer to come out of EUA approval and have full FDA approval, just like any other vaccine you give your child, in June," Hochstedler said.

Hochstedler said the county received 60 doses of the Pfizer vaccine specifically for the 12 to 15 age group, and so far, 50 have been given.

She said there are more doses on the way and encourages parents to schedule an appointment for their child.

Click here for more information on how to get your child vaccinated.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, Mental Health America will expand staff at its 24/7 suicide prevention call center.

"This additional for us, $50,000, affords us the opportunity to hire more people and deliver great quality like we are accustomed to," said CEO & President of Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region, Brandi Christiansen.

The money is split between Mental Health America and 'A Better Way' in Muncie which also operates a 24/7 call center.

"We were concerned about the potential gap in the lifeline coverage for people in this community and the communities around the state that we serve," said Dan Rhodes with Duke Energy.

Rhodes said the grant will allow Mental Health America & A Better Way to continue providing services to more than 80 counties.

"To us at Duke Energy, we want people to know that if they needed to talk with someone, that someone would be available to answer the call," said Rhodes.

This funding will also help prepare for the national "988" suicide prevention hot line in 2022.

"It will bridge the gap to the 988 transfer when all the mental health calls will be routed through 988 just like all emergency calls are routed through 911," said Christiansen.

For information on Mental Health America click here.
Still working on this.....editing also still underway....

Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) is a beautiful pine of large cones & seeds & very long needles native to the southern U.S. (mostly Deep South).

At one time, it completely dominated the Coastal Plain from Missississippi to North Carolina. Longleaf thrives on disturbance. Its seeds do not go very far, as they are bulky & heavy & the trees grow extremely slow, especially in the first 5 years of their lives. It may take 10-15 years for them to really develop into a nice sapling. They spend their first few years looking like a cluster of grass. They spend their time developing a monstrous taproot that makes them extremely drought resistant.

With these factors, it is very hard for them to compete with more vigorous pine & deciduous tree species in their native range. Lumberman have opted to cull out Longleaf & let Slash & Loblolly Pine grow or have those species planted where Longleaf was once abundant. Although Longleaf timber is extremely important & useful has many, many attributes, the tree just grows too slow for many lumber companies who need quick, successional harvest to maintain a steady supply of plywood, pulp & wood for furniture, flooring, electric poles, landscape timbers, 4 x 4s, etc. Many species have taken over areas that reigned supreme to Longleaf a century to centuries ago. Turkey Oak & many other oak species crowd it out on sandy Coastal Plain soils & wetter sands have Sweetgum, Red Maple & Southern Magnolia, etc. overtaking it.

Longleaf needs disturbance to compete. This requires wildfires (which it is HIGHLY-resistant to, which other species are not), hurricanes & tornadoes. The abundant lightning caused fires at all times of the year to the flammable trees & Native Americans frequently burned the flat plain. Frequent hurricanes would create massive blow-downs for Longleaf to re-establish as seed release would occur in such events. The frequent tornadoes also provides avenues for establishment, often the dried, fallen timber serving as fuel for fires. This relationship appears to have evolved for thousands & thousands of years as an entire ecosystem is wrapped up in Longleaf Pine savannas & open forests. Many plants & animals are completely dependent upon the tree in a complex, very old relationship. These species are endemic to Longleaf communities.

Longleaf's abundance, historically, seems to be tied to hurricane frequency & fire greatly. Hot spots for hurricane landfall in far southeastern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia to Florida & especially South Carolina to North Carolina (even bit of southeast Virginia) all support populations now, but especially historically. Colder weather, steeper terrain are limits to its range. Also, ice & snow is extremely damaging to the pines that are easily damaged with their very long needles, large cones & often flat-topped crowns.

THE SLOW PROCESS (image courtesy of The Longleaf Alliance):

So, we notice its range across much of the Deep South. The question is, why is there a band of native Longleaf over northern Alabama to northwestern Georgia with an isolated satellite population northwest of Meridian, Mississippi? It grows on mountain ridges in steep terrain & is closely associated with the ridges running from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham, Anniston & then near Rome to just west-northwest of Atlanta, Georgia.

Unlike its flatter, sandy, Coastal Plain habitate, these are steeper slopes where wildfire would be more difficult to maintain & although the exposure & some rocky soils would give Longleaf an edge, there is an incredible amount of competition in this area for the tree to maintain its range. A wide variety of tree mesophytic species spread out from the coves & oaks & hickories & aggressive Virginia, Shortleaf & Loblolly Pine works to overtake it.

Multiple of studies found that in major hurricanes, Longleaf Pine has exceptional ability to tolerate extreme winds compared to other species, specifically Loblolly & Slash Pine. When all other trees species are decimated in such an event, Longleaf withstands the damage better than other trees. However, the other species are quick to re-growth & regain control of an area unless another catastrophe or fire sweeps through.

Apalachee Wildlife Management Areas with image of Post-Hurricane Micheal damage , December 1, 2018 taken by Nicole Zampieri in The Impact of Hurricane Michael on Longleaf Pine Habitats in Florida:

The band of Longleaf in northern Alabama is separated from more southerly populations by the limy soils of Alabama's Black Belt (Longleaf likes acidic soils) & some buffer zone river valleys & much higher competition between Columbus, Georgia & Anniston, Alabama.

Map courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service showing the areas of greatest Longleaf concentration.

Graphic courtesy of National Geographic Society:

When we look at violent tornado frequency in the eastern U.S. since 1950, we see the ridges around Tuscaloosa to Birmingham & Anniston to near Rome with exceptionally high frequency.

This lines up very well with the range of montane Longleaf Pine.

Looking at tracks of major hurricanes to make landfall, we see that the tracks near the coast tend to coincide with the greatest abundance of Longleaf Pine historically & in modern times.

Major hurricane tracks 1851-2016 (courtesy of NOAA). Note the tracks through the Carolinas, Mississippi & Alabama & especially Florida.

Image courtesy of Maps of the World:

High occurrence of Longleaf Pine coincides with major hurricanes every roughly 15-20 years.

The ridges running from Tuscaloosa to Rome are perpendicular to the strong, uninterrupted flow with a lack of friction from the Gulf of Mexico around often persistent Bermuda-type highs. The winds back or turn counterclockwide on the leeward side of the higher ridges.

The backing may be enhanced as some of the wind energy may also be funneled through the ridges.

Such warm, moist air with low, low cloud bases with the backing winds is highly-suitable for tornadogenesis.

The surface winds move up & over the ridges, then back from the southwest, amidst wind being driven through the ridge divides at times. This enhances the low-level shear dramatically in this corridor. Also, the Coastal Plain & Piedmont is usually warmer than the higher terrain, creating a pseudo warm-frontal zone, which further enhances the shear.

Elsewhere, the set-up is not as pronounced as ridges are not as tall & at the same time perpendicular to the Gulf (& such close proximity to it).

Tornadoes that are already occurring tend to strengthen rapidly when encountering this environment or develop in this zone as a result of the set-up.

The incidence of Longleaf Pine in this zone may very well be tied to violent tornadoes over thousands of years ago bringing seed in & creating a dynamic environment characterized by disturbance suitable for Longleaf Pine regeneration.

This band of Longleaf Pine has been cut off from the parent population long enough to develop its own cold hardiness that is superior to that of the pines in the heart of its range.

Montane Longleaf Pine has been grown up to east-central New Jersey (near the coast), but has been badly damaged in snowstorms, though as said, it tolerates high wind well. That appears to be one significant limiting factor.

Note the ridges & the violent tornado occurrence in Alabama.

Violent tornado tracks (EF4-EF5) courtesy of Midwest Climate Center:

So, how is this tied to our area?

We have a violent tornado zone running through the heart of the viewing area. However, this zone of higher tornado frequency & overall strong to violent tornado frequency (from a long-term decadal stand point) is not related to topography, but an overall climate zone change.

Granted, some of the violent tornado tracking in Alabama is also tied to a climate zone change that occurs from Birmingham to Montgomery. Birmingham's climate is much more like Huntsville of Gadsden, while Clanton to Montgomery turns more into the Gulf Coastal Plain climate. The plant species change dramatically. You see Spanish Moss appear just north of Montgomery, Alabama to Augusta, Georgia. Native Southern Magnolia appears in the forests & it overall looks more & more like northern Florida.

Here, the Indianapolis climate zone differs substantially from the Chicago climate zone, as does the Iowa zone. This boundary is often the leading edge of lake breeze fronts & boundaries in spring & summer & warm fronts at any time of year. As such, overall tornado occurrence in this band over Warren, Tippecanoe, parts of White, Carroll to northern Clinton to Howard counties is very high when long-term data is compiled.

Since we do not have many EF4-EF5 tornado tracks, I included EF3 with EF4 tracks in the graphic below. The only tornado that I have found would be equal to an EF5 was in March 1866. It would be low-end EF5 in Montgomery County.

The intense, long-track tornadoes tend to concentrate in the heart of the viewing area.

Strong to violent tornado tracks (EF3-EF5) courtesy of Midwest Climate Center:

So, we need to look at long-term weather & climate for plant distribution or plant range anomalies not just tied to air temperature, humidity, wind, growing season, precipitation, etc, but rather the consistency of large, significant weather disturbances that may spread plant seeds or create an environment suitable for a species dependent on upheaval (whether it be from flood, fire, tornado, hurricane, overall wind, etc.)

For example, Weed Patch Hill in Brown County, Indiana is named by a late 1700s to early 1800s significant tornado that struck the area sweeping the hill clean of timber, leaving weedy, prairie-like vegetation.

When we see the vegetation of Ohio mapped out from the late 1700s to early 1800s from land surveys (Gordon, 1966)., note the band of oak-hickory timber (orange & pink on the map from Cincinnati to Xenia area amidst the mesophytic and beech-maple dominance). This then leads to the Darby Plains prairies between Xenia & southwest of Columbus. Native Americans burned this flat, nearly stream-less till plain (plain so flat due to the glacier melting at consistent, steady rate depositing even till).

This oak-hickory band coincides well with the modern-day & historic tornado alley of this zone as oak-hickory needs a lack of good competition to have an edge over beech-maple & mesophytic (which has Tuliptree to aggressive Sugar Maple dominance). In fact, the only American Chestnut recorded east of south-central Indiana & west of the Alleghanies was near Xenia, Ohio (which I will talk about below in the next paragraph). It was reported that the Shawnee called this the area of the "devil wind" from multiple tornadoes. Europeans arriving observed evidence of multiple bouts of tornado damage near present-day Xenia in 1797.

In the June 1812 long-track, 0.5- to 1-mile wide tornado, baldcypress, chestnut, pine, laurel covered in ice were found in the tornado track around present-day Xenia. The nearest baldcypress at the time was near Evansville, Indiana, American Chestnut near Louisville, pine (Virginia Pine) near Louisville on the "knobs" & Mountain laurel near Louisville. We see the isolated American Chestnut populations in that Xenia zone.

Xenia was hit at least 6 times directly 1933-2002 alone! There have been at least 3 hits on the outskirts since 2003, including an EF4 May 2019.

In the map below (Gordon 1966), orange is oak-hickory dominance & pink is oak dominance, while yellow areas are tallgrass prairies. Black spots on the map were reported peat bogs. Olive is mesophytic forest & green beech-maple forest.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Purdue graduate student advocacy organization is hosting a reverse town hall Thursday evening about the eventual demolition of the Purdue Village apartment buildings.

Graduate Rights and Our Well-Being is hosting a reverse town hall Thursday at 4:30 p.m. where Purdue Village residents will get to speak to university leaders about this impact.

"There's a need for housing people can afford," said David Savage, a member of GROW.

Purdue Village has been filling that need for decades. The buildings were originally built in the 1950's and 60's. However, the university is soon putting an end to that.

"They're doing a partial decommission now so some buildings are going to be emptied and demolished very soon as I understand it," said Savage.

Purdue has been public with the decommission plan since at least the fall of 2019. Buildings 201-216 have been emptied for several months. The original plan was to demolish them over the summer of 2020, however the pandemic through a wrench into those plans.

Those who lived in those buildings were either re-housed in other open Purdue Village buildings, re-housed in other on campus housing or were forced to find off campus accommodations.

"Purdue Village is one of the most practical and affordable housing options for grad students, especially international grad students or grad students with families," said Savage.

The area used to have its own daycare center. Dozens of childrens bikes can be seen parked outside doors or near the central playground. Savage said it is a tight knit community in Purdue Village where many residents rely on each other to watch kids while grad student parents are in the labs working on research.

As several Purdue Village buildings sit empty, construction is well underway for a brand new apartment complex right across the street.

"Average one bedroom in West Lafayette is around $800," he said. "Purdue Village is around $650 for a family in a one bedroom and that includes utilities."

Savage added that on a graduate student salary, many can't afford much more than what Purdue Village offers.

He said the university has a pattern of making decisions before fully reaching out to those who will be heavily impacted by those decisions. People from the university housing department and the vice dean from the graduate school will be attending Thursday's reverse town hall. Savage hopes they will listen.

"We hope they come away with a better understanding of the challenges a lot of the students who are being moved out Purdue Village are facing," he said.

You have to pre-register for Thursday's event. Click here to do so.
The new U.S. administration of President Joe Biden wants to resume South Korea-U.S. military drills, which were suspended by then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 as a carrot to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Gen. Paul LaCamera said during a Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday that field maneuvers are much better than the current computer simulations.

The next commander of the U.S. Forces Korea has expressed concerns about the halt of major joint exercises with South Korea for the last three years.

"They are extremely important to build readiness," LaCamera said. "They are also extremely important to allow that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guardsmen get an opportunity to work with our [South Korean] allies and see just how good they are."

He added that such training is a potential bargaining chip in negotiations with North Korea but added his duty is to identify and reduce dangers caused by halted training.

In a written statement to the Senate prior to the hearing, LaCamera also stressed the need to deploy more so-called strategic assets such as an aircraft carrier and F-22 and F-35 fighter jets to the Korean Peninsula. He also called for trilateral drills with South Korean and Japanese troops, be it near the Korean Peninsula or on the U.S. mainland.

The South Korean government has been bending over backwards to appease North Korea and is likely to be alarmed at the prospect of resuming the joint drills on the former scale. But North Korea has already severed all communication with South Korea, so it is unclear how resuming the exercises could make things worse.

A 1985 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, LaCamera has served in airborne and special operations forces and fought in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Stars and Stripes, the American military newspaper, on Tuesday called him one of "the Army's most combat-experienced officers."
More than 160,000 in Britain have signed a petition against proposed cuts to funding of arts subjects. There has been widespread anger at the Conservative governments call to halve its subsidy support for courses that are not among its strategic prioritiescovering subjects in music, dance, drama and performing arts; art and design; media studies; and archaeology.

This is deepening of the wholesale attack on arts education and cultural provision, that will deny larger sections of working class youth access to the field.

The government is proposing a cut to the student subsidy support available from the Office for Students (OfS). Part of the 1.47 billion teaching budget, this helps institutions to fund teaching in high-cost subjects on top of tuition fees. The proposal would cut the subsidy for an individual student in the affected courses from 243 to 121.50.

The government launched an OfS consultation on the proposal. The OfS made clear the nature of this consultation, stating that it was not consulting on the total amount of funding available for distribution, as this is predetermined by the governments grant. The consultation only seeks views on a statutory guidance letter which sets out the funds available and the related funding policies and priorities that [the government] wishes us to implement.

The exercise was to channel anger at the cuts in order to then implement the governments proposals. These were laid out clearly in the statutory guidance letter, which proposed an increase to high-cost subject funding for subjects identified as supporting the NHS [National Health Service] and wider healthcare policy, high-cost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and/or specific labour market needs.

This would be offset by A reduction by half to high-cost subject funding for other price group C1 subjectsthat is, for courses in performing and creative arts, media studies and archaeology.

The OfS sought to downplay the impact of the cuts, telling the Guardian that they relate to a small fraction of how these courses are funded, equating to a reduction of 1 percent of overall funding. The spokesperson insisted again that the OfS has a fixed funding budget that is set by government, while pointing to a government commitment to deepen these cuts. The difficult decisions about how to prioritise our increasingly constrained budget were based on the understanding that it will have to stretch further in the coming years.

This was laid out by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in his statutory guidance letter, where he wrote, The OfS should reprioritise funding towards the provision of high-cost, high-value subjects We would then potentially seek further reductions in future years.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson (credit: Wikimedia Commons-Kuhlmann/ MSC)

The proposal exemplifies the governments attitude towards funding for wider education generally and about broader cultural questions specifically. For the ruling class, education is a functional tool of capitalist production and exploitation in what Williamson called high-value subjects. On this basis, access to culture, much less active involvement in its creation, should be of no concern to working class youth.

Williamson told the Conservative Home blog that the proposals would enable the OfS to crack down on low quality courses and allow students to embrace the opportunities offered by degree apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications, modular learning and our flagship Institutes of Technology.

Lest anyone miss his point, he added, The record number of people taking up science and engineering demonstrates that many are already starting to pivot away from dead-end courses that leave young people with nothing but debt.

What leaves students with nothing but debt is the punitive tuition fee and student loan system, introduced by Tony Blairs 1997 Labour government and hiked up by successive governments.

The Treasury sees the current student loan scheme as unaffordable. Peers have warned that the scheme would cost around 1 trillion by 2040, with nearly 83 percent of loans never being repaid in full because graduates are not meeting the 27,295 a year salary threshold at which repayments begin.

A cut in tuition fees, from the present 9,250 to a maximum of 7,500 a year, is under discussion. To these ends Williamson is spearheading his attack on the arts and humanities, where the government calculates it stands to lose the most revenue.

The government is backing a cuts agenda already well underway. London South Bank intends to stop teaching history and human geography. Hull University is axing foreign language degrees. Aston University has plans to close its history and language department. Among the areas threatened by Leicester Universitys savage redundancy programme is the teaching of Mediaeval and Modern Literature in the English department, a plan described by University of Bristol scholars as cultural vandalism.

The brunt of this savagery will fall on the arts and humanities in the newer universities, underscoring the class character of the attack. For the ruling class, culture is their preserve. The Department for Education assured the Independent, High-quality provision in a range of subjects is critical, so they had asked OfS to allocate an additional 10 million to our world-leading specialist providers, including several top arts institutions.

The OfS proposals would also see The withdrawal of the allocation and weightings that support the additional costs of London compared to other regions.

Beyond its impact on working class students in London, this will have an adverse effect on the arts. Six arts, design, fashion and performing arts colleges were federated into the University of the Arts London in 2003, which has a central focus for arts training and study.

The Contemporary Visual Arts Network organised an open letter of protest, focused on the place of the arts in the economy, noting, The creative industries contributed 116bn in Gross Value Added in 2019 and support one in every 16 jobs. All of this is based on arts education, with some two-thirds of employees in the sector having a degree, evidencing the value of the universities and schools of art.

The #ArtIsEssential campaign will be holding a digital protest on June 10. The letter, issued as part of the protest, was signed by more than 300 figures in the art world, including directors of the Tate galleries, the Whitechapel Gallery, the Serpentine Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, and many university departments.

As well as the economic place of the arts, the letter spoke of the essential role they play in the long-term cultural infrastructure, creative ambition and wellbeing of the nation.

The Visual Arts Alliance emphasised the economic aspects of the cuts resulting from fewer arts courses being offered, as well as a decline in the number of skilled workers in the creative industries. Director Sharon Heal expressed the Museum Associations concern at the proposed cuts. The areas affected, including archaeology, art and music, are vital to a flourishing culture sector, and we urge the government to support entry to careers in these areas through a variety of routes including higher education and for people from all backgrounds.

The Public Campaign for the Arts petition described the halving of subsidy funding to arts subjects as an attack on the future of UK arts, the creative potential of the next generation, and the people who deliver our world-leading arts courses.

The petition, which has received over 160,000 signatures, opposes segregating and devaluing the arts in this way. It calls for important investment in creative skills, ensuring that arts courses are widely accessible and properly supported.

It is not a question of deciding between alternatives for funding. The arts and cultural life must be accessible to all, and they require funding for training and education. Billions must be made available for arts and cultural studies and these subjects integrated into a comprehensive and universal education programme. This requires the establishment of workers ownership and democratic control of the banks and corporations and the wealth of the super-rich.
Directed by Burhan Qurbani; co-written by Qurbani and Martin Behnke; based on the novel by Alfred Doblin

Burhan Qurbani has directed a new film adaptation of Alfred Doblins remarkable novel, Berlin Alexanderplatz, first published in 1929. The German filmmaker, whose family comes from Afghanistan, has relocated the action from Weimar Germany to the present day. The story of Franz Biberkopf, former cement and transport worker, just out of prison for manslaughter, has become the story of Francis, a refugee from west Africa, who narrowly escaped drowning and finds himself stranded and alone in Berlin.

Doblins novel has been filmed twice before in Germany. By Phil (or Piel) Jutzi in 1931 with Heinrich George, and then, in 1980, when R.W. Fassbinder directed a 15 hour television series based on the book, with Gunter Lamprecht, Barbara Sukowa, Gottfried John and Hanna Schygulla.

Berlin Alexanderplatz (2020)

For the benefit of the English-speaking reader we should point out that there are two translations of Berlin Alexanderplatz, one published in 1931 by Eugene Jolas, a friend of James Joyce and promoter of his work, and a recent rendition by Michael Hofmann (2018), published by New York Review Books. Other major works by Doblin have only recently become available in English, including The Three Leaps of Wang Lun (1915-1916), Wadzeks Struggle with the Steam Turbine (1918) and Mountains, Seas and Giants (1924).

As noted, Qurbanis adaptation seeks to bring the crisis in Germany in the 1920s up to date. Francis (later Franz, played by Welket Bungue), the refugee from Bissau, is the only one to have survived a hazardous boat trip across the Mediterranean, losing his wife in the process (for which he blames himself). Thanking God, he vows to become a good person, but fails because of his circumstances. Franz wanted to be decent, as the narrator explains, but life didnt like him that way.

Without a passport, Francis has little chance in Berlin. Forced to work without a legal permit in construction, he loses his job after he calls an ambulance for a colleague who has had an accident. Bringing in the authorities in this manner threatens all those involved in the illicit work.

The criminal Reinhold (Albrecht Schuch) eventually recruits Francis-Franz as a drug dealer. The latter rapidly proves his value and becomes his bosss new right-hand man. Soon he is selecting new recruits for dealing from among the other African refugees.

Albrecht Schuch and Welket Bungue in Berlin Alexanderplatz

Franzs relationship with Reinhold is at the center of the novel and the film. The latter is something of an Iago. His endless eagerness to do Franz wrong, while pretending to be his friend, is never fully explained. He is fascinated and attracted to Franz in some fashion, although not necessarily a sexual one. Reinhold envies Franz and anyone who finds a moment of happiness. His lifes work is devoted to smashing other peoples happiness.

In one of the films pivotal moments, Reinhold pushes Franz out of a moving car. Franzs arm is run over by a car and he loses it. But even that doesnt break him from Reinhold. He convinces himself, or tries to, that the episode was only an accident or an aberration. Losing his arm is an immense blow, but Franz is resilient. Then he finds Mieze, his true love. That too is unbearable for Reinhold, it almost drives him mad. Something terrible must be done about it 

In an important scene late in the film, Franz, by now convinced that everyone is the architect of his own destiny, urges sceptical, reluctant refugeesas part of pressuring them into selling drugsto take life into their own hands. He says its about building a future, not just securing daily bread, food and a bed. He speaks from his and to their heart when he explains that they are not refugees but immigrants, We want to stay here. I am Germany, he shouts euphorically, sweeping the others along.

Berlin Alexanderplatz

This scene offers a scathing critique of the German governments half-hearted endorsement of the right to stay (which includes the right to be deported) and the nationwide ad campaign that was supposed to encourage companies to hire refugees, featuring migrants proclaiming: I am a team player, I am resilient. Following the scene, this Berlin Alexanderplatz, unfortunately, loses much of its bite.

Jutzis 1931 version shows a world in flux that is socially out of balance. Technical progress and prosperity are contrasted with abject poverty. Alexanderplatz in central Berlin is the home for all those fighting to survive every day by any means necessary, up to and including prostitution. Franz (George) takes in Mieze, a young woman who sings in backyards and takes off with anyone who gives her a roof over her head. One scene features a street brawl in which a cellar window is accidentally broken. The wretched cellar turns out to be a flat. It is the same Berlin milieu that Jutzi featured in his 1929 silent film Mother Krausens Journey to Happiness, featuring many documentary shots. (Fassbinder played on the title of this film in his 1975 Mother Kusters Goes to Heaven .)

Fassbinders 1980 television production charts Franzs career against the unstable backdrop of political crisis, clashes between Communists and Nazis and widespread discontent with the Weimar Republic. Unemployment is high and Franz (Lamprecht) briefly sells a Nazi newspaper to earn money (as he does in the novel). He is no Nazi, but following his release from prison, Franzwho was brought up to be loyal to the Kaisersees only chaos and yearns for a normality secured by a social force that guarantees order. The militant young men from the German Communist Party (KPD) who fight with the Nazis fail to win the trust of Biberkopf, who has experienced the unimaginable misery of the world war.

R.W. Fassbinder's Berlin Alexanderplatz (1980)

It is perfectly legitimate for Qurbani to turn Franz Biberkopf into the homeless and lawless fugitive Francis, a pariah like Biberkopf. After all, in the Doblin novel, following his term in prison (he has killed his wife in the heat of the moment), Franz is banned from residing in Berlin, a widespread action of the time shamelessly exploited by landlords and employers against the many illegals who were not even allowed to see a doctor.

The current adaptation of Berlin Alexanderplatz, however, comes across as somewhat artificial and limited. There is hardly any trace of todays social and political crisis and no sense of the threat from the far rightonly conflicts in the relatively isolated world of refugees, illegal labour, drugs and prostitution. The rest of society does not exist, including the bulk of the German working class. Every now and then, the policethe sole alternative social element hereshow up in the park to hunt down the dealers. Qurbanis film is relentlessly grim, in keeping with the contemporary film industrys lack of interest in the daily life, resilience and often brash, gallows humour of the working class, which feature so prominently in Doblins original work.

Identity politics also raises its head. The director, the son of Afghan immigrants, clearly wants to address the issue of racism in his film. But apparently for him it is not a question of social inequality and the political interests of the ruling elite, but rather the oppression of minorities by the majority. In interviews on his film, Qurbani describes racism as a structural problem and applauds the fact that the works crucial image of a Pieta was also adopted by the Black Lives Matter movement.

Qurbanis Mieze (Jella Haase) is not a downtrodden woman in social need, but, in what seems to be a concession to contemporary feminism, a mature, self-confident (even a bit smug) high-class escort. She chooses Francis/Franz, not the other way around. Miezes tragic fate, one of the defining moments of the novel and the Fassbinder series, loses a good deal of strength in the process.

Numerous personalities and situations, each perfectly legitimate in itself, combine to lend the work a contrived character beholden to current petty bourgeois moods and trends. The presence of Eva (Annabelle Mandeng), a German-African club owner in a lesbian relationship, does little to advance the drama. In response to Franzs cry I am Germany, the transgender Berta (Nils Verkooijen) asserts We are the new Germans! The boxes have been ticked, but where is the wider reality of Doblins Alexanderplatz? Diversity here too tends to result in an actual social narrowing, in exclusivity.

For his part, Reinhold is an egotistical, sex-addicted monster who attends a costume ball as a big-game hunter accompanied by Franz in a humiliating ape costume. The attention paid to Reinholds sometimes childish, devilish antics distracts from the fact that he is more than just a psychopath. He represents the dregs of society, selfish, narrow-minded, cold-hearted and unconscionable. In reality, but not in the film, these are the characteristics of right-wing thugs, assassinsand undercover intelligence agents.

The new Berlin Alexanderplatz is worth seeing and at times is moving. The director clearly wants to encourage social debate. But the film squanders opportunities and fails to place its finger on the wound. This also applies to the directors last film, We Are Young. We Are Strong (2014, reviewed by the WSWS in German), about the anti-immigrant arson attack in Rostock in August 1992 that horrified world public opinion. The director explained that he wanted to investigate how normal citizens could take part in a racist mob. This ambivalent film does not seriously answer the question. The most vicious of the normal youth, who calls every Vietnamese a Fiji, is portrayed like a little Reinhold.

We Are Young. We Are Strong ignores the wider social context, including the role of Germanys political leadership, which encouraged far-right forces at the time to drastically alter the countrys asylum laws. Unfortunately, references to such facts are only to be found on the films homepage.

Alfred Doblin, c. 1930

Doblins Berlin Alexanderplatz is a book that should be widely read. The author was born into a Jewish family in Stettin, now in Poland. After his father, the owner of a tailor shop, ran off to America with a seamstress, his mother moved the family to Berlin. He studied medicine, first practicing psychiatry and then internal medicine in a working class district. As an artist, he participated in Expressionist circles. His first published novel appeared in 1915.

In The Berlin Novels of Alfred Doblin, David B. Dollenmayer argues that from the time of the November 1918 German revolution onward, Doblin considered himself a progressive writer on the side of the working class. His basic political sympathies lay with the workers and soldiers councils that were formed early in the German revolution of 191819 and then bypassed and suppressed by the majority Social-Democratic government under Friedrich Ebert.

Flirting with anarchism at times, Doblin, in a series of articles for the journal Die Neue Rundschau in 1919-1920, attacks the Weimar state and its Social-Democratic leadership as a thin veneer beneath which the old power structure of officers and junkers [landowning aristocrats] remains: Germany, the Imperial Republic. In 1925, he joined the Gruppe 1925, an informal gathering of left-liberal and Communist writers that discussed politics and art between 1925 and 1928, writes Dollenmayer. Other members included Bertolt Brecht, Robert Musil, Ernst Toller, Joseph Roth and Johannes Becher. Doblin remained aloof, however, from party politics.

Berlin Alexanderplatz was a great artistic and popular success. It needs to be read to be appreciated. It is many things, including the evocation of a huge modern city. In a 1930 review, left-wing critic Walter Benjamin noted that the stylistic principle governing this book is that of montage. Petty-bourgeois printed matter, scandalmongering, stories of accidents, the sensational indictments of 1928, folk songs, and advertisements rain down in this text. The montage explodes the framework of the novel, bursts its limits both stylistically and structurally, and clears the way for new, epic possibilities. Formally, above all.

Fassbinder suggested the novels language is certainly shaped by such thingsmostly the noises of the big city, the specific rhythms, the constant madness of an unceasing back-and-forth. And  a very specific alertness to everything that living in the city means, certainly provides the source of the montage technique Doblin uses.

The Stalinist literary press attacked Doblins novel as a reactionary and counterrevolutionary attack on the thesis of organized class struggle. This was very stupid and repressive, but it doesnt mean there are no problematic features of the novel. They are hinted at by Benjamins somewhat barbed concluding comment in his generally friendly review that Berlin Alexanderplatz was the most extreme and vertiginous, the last and most advanced stage of the old bourgeois Bildungsroman, i.e., a novel of individual spiritual education.

There are unquestionably signs in the novel that the betrayals of Social Democracy and the Stalinization of the Communist Party have politically discouraged Doblin. He imagines Franz Biberkopf only opening his eyes to reality, maturing, through a series of calamities, during the course of which he discards his arrogance, hubris and illusion of strength and becomes clear-headed, a type of extreme program of psychotherapy.

Nevertheless, Berlin Alexanderplatz is an immense artistic achievement. If the new film serves no other purpose than focusing attention on the novel, it will have performed a valuable service.
The World Socialist Web Site has received the following statement from the Berlin Transport Workers' Action Committee for Safe Workplaces in Germany in support of David OSullivans reinstatement at Cricklewood bus garage in London.



We, the bus drivers of the Berlin Transport Workers' Action Committee for Safe Workplaces, strongly condemn the sacking of our London colleague David O'Sullivan by Metroline Transport with the assistance of the Unite union.

We call on the management of Metrolineworking on behalf of Transport for London (TFL)to reinstate bus driver David O' Sullivan immediately. He must be compensated for all the costs of previous losses and be restored all his legal rights without further sanctions.

David O'Sullivan (credit: WSWS media)

The "offence" David O'Sullivan is accused of by management and the Unite union is his courageous fight to mobilise his colleagues against the risk of infection on the buses. He acted in an exemplary manner and inspired many bus drivers and their families to take the fight for their health into their own hands. By the time he and the London Bus Rank-and-File Committee at Cricklewood called for a walkout in January, London's 26,000 drivers had already suffered 45 deaths and hundreds of infected Transport for London workers.

While O'Sullivan is being persecuted, the culprits for the untold suffering of many workers sit comfortably on the government benches in London and in the offices of the shareholder bosses and offices of the trade union bigwigs.

Your struggle is our struggle!

Here in Berlin, almost 500 transport workers have been infected with COVID-19 at public transit company BVG since the outbreak of the pandemic. At least two of our colleagues have died. Most of our infected colleagues contracted the coronavirus this year. In our country, too, the trade unions stand on the other side. Like the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has not organised any industrial action on safety during the pandemic. Currently, the public service union Verdi is collaborating with BVG management and the Berlin state government to restore unsafe front boarding against our opposition.

We will not allow this to happen, any more than we will allow the persecution of our London colleague David O'Sullivan. His defence is part of the struggle for safe workplaces and workers' rights worldwide. We will do everything in our power to publicise the case and mobilise support among bus drivers and other sections of workers in Berlin, across Europe and worldwide.

Visit here to find out more and join the campaign for David OSullivans reinstatement. You can donate to OSullivans legal defence here.
In the selection of key positions in the US national security apparatus, the American ruling elite insists on absolute loyalty to its global interests. Any hint of dissent against the depredations of American imperialism, which might perhaps be tolerated in Congress in order to provide a safety valve for mass discontent, is an absolute disqualification in filling such posts as CIA director, FBI director or Secretary of Defense.

Much the same is true for positions in the media that have a quasiofficial role: for example, editorial page editor and executive editor of the New York Times, which sets the agenda for the bulk of the American media; and executive editor of the Washington Post, the principal daily newspaper in the US capital.

The appointment last week of Sally Buzbee as executive editor of the Post must be viewed in that context. Buzbee, currently executive editor of the Associated Press, is the first Post newsroom chief to be named since billionaire Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and arguably the worlds richest man, bought the newspaper in 2013.

Sally Buzbee in 2010 (Source: Wikipedia)

The $250 million price tag meant little to a man with a fortune now estimated at over $150 billion. It is the equivalent of a $100 purchase for a teacher or autoworker making $60,000 a year, to buy unparalleled influence in the nations capital, where Amazon is seeking to become the cyber-contractor of choice for the Pentagon and CIA.

While Bezos claimed, improbably, that he would have nothing to do with the day-to-day news coverage or editorial line of the Post, there is no doubt that his role was decisive in selecting a new executive editor.

The nominal decision-maker, publisher Fred Ryan, was installed by Bezos in 2014 after a career that included both corporate roles at Albritton Communications and as publisher of Politico, and two decades of service to President Ronald Reagan, first in the White House, then as chief of staff for Reagans post-presidential operations, including the post of chairman of the board for the Reagan presidential library.

In a memo to employees last week, Ryan said that Buzbee was the choice of both Bezos and himself after interviews they conducted with several prospective editors. Bezos has pumped money into the Post since he bought the newspaper in 2013. Under executive editor Martin Baron, who announced his retirement in January, the newsroom has grown from 580 to more than 1,000, and the newspapers digital audience has tripled to three million, even as its daily print circulation has dropped to 200,000.

Even more significant than Buzbees selection by Bezos, which confirms that the financial oligarchy regards her as a safe pair of hands, are the new executive editors close ties to the military-intelligence apparatus. Buzbee is the widow of a career State Department official, John Buzbee, who died in 2016 when he was only 50 years old, of colon cancer.

In his career of nearly 20 years, John Buzbee spent nearly all his time in the Middle East, the focus of the violent intervention of American imperialism throughout this period. The son of a Kansas small town publisher, he obtained a degree in Arab Studies and mastered Arabic at Georgetown University, one of the leading conduits for the State Department and CIA.

He joined the Foreign Service working in US embassies and consulates throughout the Middle East and in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the State Department in Washington over the next 16 turbulent years, according to his obituary.

Buzbee did two tours in Iraq during the period of de facto US rule over the country after the 2003 invasion and occupation: in 2004 in Tikrit, the birthplace of Saddam Hussein and a hotbed of opposition to American intervention; and in 2008-2009 as a political officer in Baghdad.

His biography, published by the Associated Press, continues:

Buzbee served as a political officer and vice consul in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; an economic officer in both Cairo and Jerusalem; and a cultural affairs officer in Cairo. In later years, he served in Washington as deputy director for Syria in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; as a senior adviser in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs; as a researcher at the Foreign Service Institute; and as an adviser in the office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs. He also worked on Balkans issues in the Bureau of European Affairs as the deputy director for South Central Europe.

During this period, his wife Sally spent a number of years in the Middle East as regional bureau chief of the Associated Press in Cairo, as well as in Washington, where she directed AP coverage of both the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections.

It goes without saying that a State Department official who served in Tikrit, Baghdad, Riyadh, Jerusalem and Cairo, as well as deputy director for Syria, must enjoy the highest confidence of his superiors. Moreover, the concentration on the Middle East and the types of positions he held, such as political officer in Baghdad and in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, suggest that Buzbee may well have been a CIA officer operating under diplomatic cover.

Whatever the agency that wrote his paychecks, Buzbee was acting as a high-level operative for American imperialism in the locations and during the times that the most monstrous crimes were being carried out at Washingtons behest: mass murder in Iraq and Syria, the Saudi war in Yemen, drone missile warfare and CIA assassination plots.

And standing at his side, helping provide press coverage that invariably portrays the actions of the US government in the most favorable light, motivated by democratic and humanitarian impulses, was his wife, Sally Buzbee. The obituary of John Buzbee, published by the news organization she then headed, the Associated Press, quoted a diplomatic colleague to this effect:

He loved serving people, said Ambassador Stuart Jones, Buzbees longtime friend and colleague, who served with him in Iraq, Egypt and Washington. Jones most recently served as the US ambassador to Iraq. The question with him was always, How do we make peoples lives better? It was something that animated the work he did, Jones said.

One would not know, reading this treacle, that John Buzbee was an instrument of the most rapacious government in the world, participating in activities responsible for mass deaths throughout the region.

More importantly, from the standpoint of 2021, is that Buzbees wife Sally would undoubtedly have been vetted by the same agencies that directed her husbands activities. The new executive editor of the Washington Post thus carries the stamp of approval of not only Jeff Bezos, but also the American military-intelligence apparatus.

While the American media celebrates Sally Buzbee as the first female executive editor of the Washington Post, the working class should understand the real significance of her elevation.
The seven-week strike by 1,100 miners at Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, Alabama is being conducted in an area that is rich in the history of the class struggle and miners resistance to the violence of the coal bosses and the government. The miners, who walked out on April 1 determined to restore previous pay cuts and fight abusive and unsafe working conditions, have displayed enormous resilience and courage.

This is in sharp contrast to the actions of the United Mine Workers and the AFL-CIO, which have isolated the striking miners and forced them to fight alone against Warrior Met and the Wall Street investors who run it. Opposed to a real mobilization of the working class, including mass picketing to halt Warrior Mets strikebreaking operations, the UMWA organized a civil disobedience style protest in front of the companys main offices on Alabama Route 126 on Wednesday morning.

The scenes of camouflaged miners sitting in the road waiting to be arrested by state troopers are reminiscent of the impotent publicity stunts then UMW Vice President Cecil Roberts organized during the 1989-90 Pittston strike. Despite the determination of the miners, that struggle was defeated, leading to the devastation of mining families in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky.

On April 9, Warrior miners voted down a proposed five-year contract brought back by Roberts (UMW president since 1995) by a margin of 1,006 to 45. Miners were livid that the deal restored only $1.50 of the $6 pay cut workers suffered in 2016, while maintaining the hated attendance system.

The UMW responded to the rebuke by deciding to let the strike drag out, hoping that the economic pressure of a long strike would wear down the miners resistance. Although the UMW has not called a major strike in more than 25 years and has assets of more than $164 million, it has kept the embattled miners on starvation rations of $625 in strike benefits every two weeks, forcing many to rely on local food banks.

Warrior Met Coal Preparation plant #5 (WSWS Media)

I think theyre dipping into it, a striking miner said of the UMWAs strike fund. We pay that, you know. It comes out of our paychecks. I think theyre dipping into it to pay for their marches on Washington and stuff, the miner told the World Socialist Web Site. He said many miners were forced to take second and third jobs, including at Amazons nearby Bessemer warehouse. There are guys working three 12 hour shifts in a row at Amazon, he told the WSWS.

Many miners are also worried they will lose at least part of their 401(k) earnings with the next contract, and they have tapped into those funds to survive the strike. Like his fellow pickets, the miner must be on the picket line at least 16 hours a week to earn strike benefits. Warrior Met sought an injunction early in the strike to limit the number of pickets to five at a time for each site. Now, 10 pickets are permitted.

Striking miners (Source: UMW)

Along with their pay and health benefits, the safety of the mines they work concerns the striking miners. I got friends who are disabled from injuries in the mine, the Warrior Met miner told the WSWS. I know people who have black lung, and a lot more who probably have it.

Under the Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is supposed to coordinate with the UMWA and mine management to provide screenings for coal workers pneumoconiosis (commonly known as black lung). Ive never seen anything like that, the miner told the WSWS. I have never once been screened for black lung.

Other, more immediate hazards lurk within the mines. Many miners point out that Brookwoods mines are not only the nations deepest, but also its gassiest. The area around the mine is dotted with hundreds of degasification fields, where the methane from the mines is pumped out of the mines and dispersed into the air above ground.

On September 23, 2001, an explosion in Jim Walter #5 Mine tragically illustrated the dangers of the odorless, invisible gas. A roof collapsed, trapping one miner and crushing a large battery charging unit. As 12 miners rushed to rescue their fallen coworker, a spark from the charging unit ignited the methane. In the ensuing explosion, all 13 men were killed. A monument at West Brookwood Church stands amid 13 evergreen trees in testimony to the devastating loss. Twenty years on, the disaster is seldom far from the thoughts of the miners, who remember that the miners in Jim Walter #5 warned management about the lack of ventilation for weeks before the explosion.

Monument to 2001 explosion fatalities at Brookwood Church (WSWS Media)

Warrior Met Coal is situated within the Warrior Coal Field; spread over 7,810 square miles, it is Alabamas most expansive and productive coal field. It has also been the ground for some of the states bloodiest labor struggles.

In September of 1920, mounting anger over unfair payment, poor housing, and inhuman hours led Alabamas miners to strike under the leadership of the UMW, which at that time led many courageous struggles. The wage increases they had been promised during World War I were being denied as were the promises of eight-hour days. Miners worked 12 hours or more daily.

The UMW pulled some 20,000 Alabama miners out of the mines, bringing the states coal production to a halt. In response, Alabama Governor Thomas Kilby imposed martial law in mining towns, making it illegal for miners to convene even in pairs. UMW officials were harassed and menaced. Miners suspected of organizing were imprisoned.

In December of 1920, Alabama Guard soldiers pulled labor organizer Adrian Northcutt from his home in Walker County on charges of labor organizing. His son-in-law, Willie Baird, heard seven shots and ran outside to find Northcutt dead. In the ensuing melee, Baird shot the soldier who killed Northcutt.

Baird fled, but quickly turned himself in to the local sheriff and was jailed. On January 5, nine guardsmen invaded the jail and hauled 21-year-old Baird away.

A mail carrier discovered Bairds body, riddled with at least 20 bullets, on the side of the road later that day. Former Governor Braxton Bragg Comer remarked that the lynching had an element of self-defense about it and the militiamen got away with murder scot-free.

Photos of the accused soldiers appearing in the Americus Times-Recorder on Feb. 7, 1921. (Source: Library of Congress)

As the trial proceeded, violence continued to rage in Walker County with at least 16 people on both sides killed during the strike. The UMW appealed for the government to step in. As arbitrator, Democratic Governor Thomas Kilby oversaw a settlement that did not recognize the union, blocked the companies from reinstating striking miners and eliminated any proposed pay increases.

Underscoring the deep egalitarian traditions of the miners, Baird was the descendant of an anti-secessionist family who tried to create the Free State of Winston against the Confederacy, which had its first White House in Montgomery, Alabama. The mine Baird and his father-in-law Northcutt were trying to organize was worked mostly by black miners, including many entrapped in the states convict labor system.

The grave of Rev. Adrian Northcutt, shot on his farm by Alabama Guardsmen in December 1920 (WSWS Media)

The murder of Baird and Northcutt occurred during a period known as the Mine Wars, which raged across the coalfields from central Alabama to Appalachia. It was a period of relentless class struggle in which the miners, many of them influenced by socialism and inspired by the Russian Revolution, engaged in battles with names like the Matewan Massacre, the Battle of Blair Mountain and in the 1930s, Bloody Harlan. These defiant struggles of miners, along with rubber, steel, auto and other workers, finally led to the establishment of the mass industrial unions in the mid-1930s.

Grave of William Willie Baird in Natural Bridge, AL. Lynched in January 1921 in Jasper, Alabama (WSWS Media)

The UMW long ago abandoned these traditions. A major turning point was the introduction of the selective strike policy by then-UMW President Richard Trumka and Vice President Cecil Roberts in the 1980s. This policy overturned the long tradition of no contract, no work and shutting down all the mines, union and non-union, until every operator signed the national contract. This led to the defeat of the AT Massey (1984-85) and Pittston (1989-90) strikes, and was part of the UMWs drive to help the coal operators establish labor peace and boost their profitability and competitiveness with international rivals.

The UMW of 1920 fought for an eight-hour day. One hundred years later, UMWA miners expect to work 12-hour shifts. Black lung, almost eradicated by the 1990s, is surging anew while the UMWA does nothing.

Brookwoods miners must understand that the UMWA uses the struggles of the past to disguise its own treachery. Were todays UMWA the legitimate heir of those bloody struggles, they would have ceased production at every union mine in the United States when miners voted to go on strike at Warrior Met.

If miners are to prevail, they must create their own rank-and-file organizations, independent of the corporatist UMW, to champion their own demands for better wages, reasonable working hours, and safer work conditions, just as their predecessors did a century ago. This means building rank-and-file committees, democratically controlled by miners themselves, which will turn out to area steelworkers, autoworkers, Amazon workers and others, along with coal miners throughout the country, to prepare common action to win this decisive battle.
The Democratic Party administration of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is facing a deepening political crisis, with a wave of resignations and departures among her deputies and other city leaders, including the top three figures at Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

On Tuesday morning, a spokeswoman told reporters that Lightfoot would be granting one-on-one interviews only to Black or Brown journalists. This move is calculated to shore up support among the identity politics-obsessed upper-middle class constituency of the Democratic Party. By shifting focus to the identities of the journalists making inquiries, Lightfoot is transparently attempting to avoid answering questions about the many scandals besetting her administration, the recent wave of resignations and the release of thousands of leaked emails by city officials.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Wednesday, May 19, 2021, that she will grant one-on-one interviews to mark the two-year anniversary of her inauguration solely to journalists of color, saying she has been struck by the overwhelming whiteness and maleness of Chicago media outlets. (AP Photo/John OConnor, File)

Lightfoots previous role under former mayor Rahm Emanuel was to improve the image of Chicago police following the murder of Laquan McDonald. During her tenure, however, police violence continues, illustrated in the recent murder of 13-year-old Adam Toledo. Social anger is growing.

But police murder is not the only crime the Lightfoot administration must answer for. The vicious campaign to reopen Chicago Public Schools in January and February, at a critically dangerous point in the pandemic, centrally featured Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson in national and local media.

Lightfoot, backed by the Biden administration, threatened to take action if Chicagos roughly 25,000 teachers and staff did not agree to return to buildings beginning in early February. In executing this plan, Lightfoot relied on the critical assistance of the Chicago Teachers Union in blocking a strike or other coordinated action.

Departures and resignations from city leadership

Earlier this month, Lightfoot announced her appointment of John OMalley as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. OMalley is a member of the Chicago Police Board and is a former high-level official with the US Marshal Service in Chicago. During his time on the Police Board, OMalley sided with officers accused of misconduct, including those involved in the coverup of the murder of Laquan McDonald.

The last deputy mayor for public safety, Susan Lee, resigned after a failed bid to include social workers in the citys emergency responses to mental health and domestic calls. This approach was criticized by city council members Ray Lopez and Maria Hadden in the summer months of 2020 amid the ongoing anti-police violence protests.

During that same period, Lightfoot awarded $281.5 million in pandemic relief funding to the Chicago Police Department for payroll purposes. This amounted to 70 percent of the $403 million in discretionary funding the city received from the federal government. It is about one-third of the citys annual police payroll costs of about $862 million.

Sydney Roberts, chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) resigned on May 5. Roberts was essentially pushed out by Lightfoot, who stated publicly that she was extraordinarily unhappy with the way that theyve (COPA) handled a number of thingsnot the least of which was taking over 18 months to move forward on an investigation regarding Anjanette Young. Anjanette Young is a social worker who had her door broken down by Chicago police in a no-knock raid. Young was forced to stand naked in her living room as police ransacked her apartment.

Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxxs deputy was forced out of the States Attorneys office in the wake of the police murder of Adam Toledo in late March.

Other resignations and departures from city government include Lightfoots press secretary Jordan Troy, Lightfoots in-house labor negotiator Mike Frisch, Chief Risk Officer Tamika Puckett, Deputy Communications Director Lauren Huffman, Deputy Press Secretary Pat Mullane, Chief Engagement Officer Juan Carlos Linares, Chief Operating Officer Anne Sheahan and Chief Procurement Officer Shannon Andrews, according to the Sun Times. Chief of Staff Maurice Classen is also expected to depart the city government. The Chicago Law Departments top attorney and personal friend of the mayor, Mark Flessner, resigned in late 2020 over the citys mishandling of Anjanette Youngs case.

Some of the most significant of these many departures from city leadership this year are the three top CPS officials who have announced their exit from the district at the end of the school year: CEO Janice Jackson and her deputies, Chief Education Officer Latanya McDade and Chief Operating Officer Arne Rivera.

At the news conference announcing her departure, Jackson stated she was both proud and humbled and also a little bit tired if Im being honest. She said leading CPS was and still is my dream jobbut then you wake up. Jackson, who has been in the position for the past three-and-a-half years, having been appointed in 2017 by Rahm Emanuel, chose not to renew her contract with CPS.

Reports indicate that Jackson has accepted a fellowship at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. McDade would have been next in line for the CEO position in Chicago after Jacksons departure. She is instead to become superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools, the second-largest school district in Virginia.

Jacksons recent predecessors have all left under the cloud of scandal, including multi-million-dollar corruption schemes and rank mismanagement. Former mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed four CPS CEOs in his two terms in office. Jean Claude Brizard left immediately following the 2012 Chicago teachers strike, just before the city began a brutal process of shuttering scores of public schools in 20122013. That initiative would be led by Emanuels next appointee, Barbara Byrd Bennett. In 2015, she resigned and was later sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for a $20 million dollar bribery scheme involving vendors to the city. Following her departure, Forrest Claypool, an old hand in the Illinois Democratic Party, led the district, only to resign amid an ethics scandal. The district is still under federal oversight for its routine violation of the rules governing the treatment of special education students.

The Chicago Teachers Union issued a statement on the CPS departures underscoring the close working relationship between district and union officials. The statement offers the officials the best in their future endeavors, and look[s] forward to a collegial and collaborative relationship with their successors as we continue our work toward creating the schools our students deserve. The CTU letter also blamed Lightfoot for Jacksons departure: We are hopeful the mayor can improve on her ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with others, in particular her own staff and appointees in CPS.

While Lightfoots leadership style is frequently cited, including her tendency to publicly criticize and blame subordinates, her vulgar and petty personal characteristics are not the essential matter in these departures. Jackson is not the only school superintendent to recently announce plans to leave her position. Superintendents of New York City, Los Angeles, Houston and Broward County, Florida public schools are all also leaving their posts.

The CPS leaders who are departing carried out a vicious campaign, led by Lightfoot and the Biden administration, to force open Chicago schools in January and February, the first district in 2021 and the second in the US to reopen, during a particularly deadly phase of the pandemic.

What accountability will they face for the massive social crime in which they participated? They bear no small share of responsibility for the consequences of their districts policies: the illnesses, deaths, misery and stresses they created. None of these officials have made public statements accounting for their role and are instead fleeing the scene of the crime.

The city leaders, against enormous opposition from teachers, CPS parents and the wider community, forced the reopening of schools, victimizing teachers who spoke out about the dangers of in-person learning, forcing teachers onto unpaid leave and later clawing back unpaid leave agreements, and demanding all grades return to classrooms by mid-April. The district further pressured families to return to in-person learning by refusing to invest in improved remote learning after the vast majority of CPS students opted to continue to learn online.

None of this could have been accomplished without the collaboration of the CTU, which permitted Lightfoot and Jackson to divide the teaching workforce and isolate teachers from the rest of the working class. The CTU drove teachers back into buildings in phases, in violation of the most basic principle of an injury to one is an injury to all.

In a meeting on Superbowl Sunday, ahead of a one-day vote on the reopening agreement, CTU leaders told teachers they could not gain any more in bargaining, and that a strike would also not be successful, as teachers could scab by logging on from home. Thus, union leaders argued, there was no real choice other than to accept the agreement, which was promoted with a massive lie: that reopening schools could be done safely.

The reopening agreement between CPS and CTU was the most damning exposure of the reactionary character of pseudo-left social justice unionism, pushed through by CTUs Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators faction composed of members of the now-defunct International Socialist Organization (ISO), the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and other pseudo-left groups. The CTU has been the archetype for unions promoting middle-class identity politics as a cover for their betrayals for more than a decade.
In January of this year the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) launched a new recruitment campaign showcasing the agencys commitment to racial and gender diversity.

The ad campaign was originally posted on the CIAs YouTube page in a series of videos titled Humans of CIA. The videos have caused immense controversy and backlash from workers, particularly young people, as the campaign made its way through social media platforms.

Humans of CIA recruitment video (YouTube)

One of the ads begins with a female CIA agent proudly introducing herself as a first generation Latina, a cisgender millennial and intersectional. In a different video, another female agent states: It is important to have a diverse workforce within the agency because our mission is international.

Another ad features a gay CIA librarian who explains that the atmosphere while working at the CIA encourages the out-of-the-box ideas that drive progress. The video does not elaborate on what some of those out of the box ideas may be ... waterboarding, environmental manipulation, sleep deprivation, etc. The same ad continues: inclusion is a core value here. Officers from the top down work hard to ensure that every single person, whatever their gender, gender identity, race, disability or sexual orientation, can bring their entire self to work every day.

In one video, an African-American CIA agent even speaks with pride about the role that African Americans have played in US imperialist violence: The African-American presence here at CIA is deep and rich. And I would encourage anyone and everyone to know something about that history and the value we have brought to this agency over the past 70+ years.

The CIAs filthy role in flooding the inner cities of the US with crack-cocaine in the 1980s, leading to the jailing and subsequent disenfranchisement of millions of working people, most of them African American, is presumably not included as part of this deep and rich history.

The ad campaign is perhaps best summed up in a video that introduces the CIAs Hispanic Advisory Council, the purpose of which is explained by a CIA agent: We are all unique. And were here to provide that accountability and guidance to ensure this organization stays pristine.

It is not within the scope of this article to go over the long and sordid history of the CIA. Suffice it to say that the CIAs machinations throughout the worldterrorism, sponsoring of coups against democratically elected governments, support for murderous dictatorships and death squads, alliances with criminal elements such as drug traffickershave led to, at a minimum, hundreds of thousands of deaths, while condemning millions more to untold misery.

The ad campaign is a transparent attempt at rebranding the CIA to appeal to a younger, more diverse audience. It has largely drawn a scornful, mocking response on Twitter and other social media platforms. Workers and youth all over the world are familiar with the criminal role that the CIA has played as a bulwark of US imperialism.

The campaign has also drawn criticism from right-wing circles who feel the embrace of pseudo-progressive language by the CIA is somehow a concession to the enemies of US imperialism. This was articulated crudely in a tweet by former CIA director Mike Pompeo, a thuggish representative of the most viciously reactionary sections of the ruling class: The collection of incredibly talented patriots serving at the CIA is what makes it the best spy agency in the worldand we must continue to recruit the best and brightest. We cant afford to risk our national security to appease some liberal, woke agenda.

Former CIA official Susan M. Gordon responded to these criticisms in a revealing op-ed in the Washington Post headlined, CIA critics are creating a false choice between diversity and excellence. She writes, In reality, the smart move is to choose both. Inclusion and excellence. Diversity and mission. Referencing the video of the Latina agent walking down what she refers to as the sacred halls of Langley, she writes, For so long, the outside image and the inside leadership of the intelligence community was White, Ivy League, male. The visual of her walking down a corridor of past directors tells a story that is hard to ignore. How progressive of Ms. Gordon!

Various so-called left proponents of identity politics have been quick to denounce the ad campaign. A Left Voice article earlier this month denounced the ad campaign for using the language of the movement to try to recruit people of color to their organization, a central pillar of U.S. imperialism. This sentiment was echoed on Twitter with one user nervously commenting: They are coopting what was supposed to be an emancipatory language to enact mass murder and torture.

In reality, politics based on race, gender and sexuality has become a fundamental part of the Democratic Partys efforts to divide workers and enrich a thin layer of the middle class who falsely present themselves as representational of the broad masses. But the truth is that workers, regardless of their gender or background, have no representation whatsoever in any branch of government.

As the Democratic Party moves ever more sharply to the right, identity politics is used to give the party a left veneer, however thin it may be. Since the ascension of Democratic President Joe Biden, the corporate media has endlessly celebrated Bidens incoming cabinet as the most diverse in US history. They have proclaimed the appointment of women, African Americans and Latinos to key cabinet positions to be a sign of tremendous social progress.

The argument goes something like this: A woman in power, or a Latino in power, or a black person in power, will be more sympathetic to women as a whole, or Latinos as a whole, or blacks as a whole, and thus, more progressive. This representational argument has been disproven by decades of black mayors and black police chiefs and black cops overseeing and inflicting the most brutal treatment on black workers and youth. To say nothing of black, Hispanic and female CEOs, and their treatment of the working class of all races and genders. This reality has not deterred either the advocates of identity politics or their imitators in the CIA.

The US ruling class routinely justifies its imperialist interventions by invoking alleged concern for the human rights of this or that group or identity. The neo-colonial wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were often justified as being in the interests of womens rights and/or the rights of ethnic or religious minorities. The ongoing propaganda war against China over its alleged genocide of the Uyghur Muslims is following a well-worn path.

Identity politics serves to divide workers into warring camps based on superficial aspects of their identity. There is no challenge to the existing structure of society, only a shuffling of the deck chairs.

The fact of the matter is that identity politics and reactionary ideologies such as intersectionality are not merely compatible with the needs of US imperialism and its institutions like the CIA; they are an essential tool utilized by the bourgeoisie to maintain its class domination over the working class by keeping workers divided along racial and gender lines.

The outrage over the CIAs appropriation of these ideologies is really motivated by an extreme nervousness that their right-wing character is being exposed.

These are the politics of a narrow petty-bourgeois layer that seeks not the overthrow of capitalism, but access to greater wealth and influence at the summits of bourgeois society. These elements are invariably hostile to the interests of the working class.

One would not have to peruse the pages of Jacobin Magazine, or some other pseudo-left rag for long to find the same language and sentiments as those expressed in the CIA ad. For all of their posturing as rebels, these ideas are thoroughly conformist and pose no threat whatsoever to the establishment. Indeed, it is for that very reason that they have now been embraced wholeheartedly by the Democratic Party; the party of the CIA, militarism and Wall Street.

Being a member of an ethnic or sexual minority, or of the female sex, does not in and of itself determine the progressive character of an individual, much less a group or an organization.

If the international working classthe only truly revolutionary force in capitalist societyis to accomplish the socialist overturn, it must first purge itself of bourgeois ideologies such as intersectionality and critical race theory and throw them where they belong: the rubbish bin of history.
On Friday, thousands of high school students across Australia will join demonstrations opposing the refusal of governments to take any action to address climate change.

The protests occur under conditions of a massive crisis of capitalism. The COVID-19 pandemic, the environmental disaster and the mounting threat of a nuclear war are interrelated expressions of the same basic fact: the profit-system is leading humanity to an abyss.

Part of a 2018 climate change rally in Melbourne (WSWS media)

After decades of ever-greater carbon emissions, presided over by capitalist governments everywhere, the consequences of climate change are being felt already. Temperatures are increasing, sea levels are rising, and there is an ever-greater frequency of catastrophic weather events, from bushfires to droughts and flooding.

The urgency of the crisis is demonstrated by the warnings of scientists that if emissions are not drastically reduced by the end of the decade, the effects of climate change may be irreversible.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, not a single government or official politician anywhere in the world has a viable perspective to avert the catastrophe. All of them oppose any measure that would impinge in the slightest on the fortunes of a tiny corporate oligarchy that dominates every aspect of social and economic life.

The experiences of the past year demonstrate that this state of affairs is not limited to the climate. The coronavirus pandemic represents a breakdown and failure of the capitalist system not seen since the 1930s. The disastrous consequences of the disease have less to do with its biological structure, than with the social relations of capitalism, within which the medical catastrophe has unfolded.

For decades, governments have refused to allocate funding to combat pandemics, despite urgent warnings from medical experts of their likelihood. When COVID-19 spread across the globe, the response of all capitalist governments was to hand trillions of dollars to the corporations and the banks. Since the bailouts of MarchApril last year, they have done everything they can to lift safety restrictions, including lockdowns, as quickly as possible.

Everywhere, the mantra of the ruling elites has been to reopen the economy, regardless of the spread of the virus, Millions of workers have been forced into unsafe factories and workplaces, and students and teachers have been pushed into the classrooms. This campaign has been dictated by the insistence of the corporate elite that nothing be allowed to get in the way of its profit-making activities. It has been conducted under the homicidal banner of herd immunity, i.e., of deliberately allowing the virus to spread.

As a result, even by the vastly under-stated official statistics, some 600,000 people are dead in the United States, the centre of world capitalism. Almost a million have perished across Europe, and globally almost 3.5 million have lost their lives. Far from the disaster being over, 2021 is predicted to be worse than the horrors of 2020. The pandemic is raging out of control in large swathes of the world, including India, where the healthcare system is overwhelmed.

The World Socialist Web Site has described the pandemic as a trigger event that has deepened all the social, economic and geopolitical crises of the capitalist system that have developed over decades.

Governments have responded by dramatically intensifying militarism and war. The carnage being inflicted by Israel on the Palestinians, with the full support of the US, Australia and the other major powers, is only the sharpest expression.

American imperialism, under the Biden administration, has stepped up its confrontations with China and Russia. Almost every day, diplomatic, political and military provocations are carried out that could result in a major war. US generals have declared there will likely be a military conflict with China in the next five years.

The drive to war is being accompanied by a war against the working class at home. While trillions of public funds have been handed to the corporations, public healthcare and education are under assault, and the ruling elite is going on the offensive against the jobs, wages and conditions of working people. Indices of unemployment and poverty are at record highs.

The massive growth of social inequality and the plans for war are incompatible with democracy. Everywhere, governments are turning to increasingly authoritarian forms of rule to suppress mounting social and political discontent. The attempt of Donald Trump to overthrow the US election result, in the failed coup of January 6, is a sharp warning that fascist forces are back on the scene, with the encouragement of powerful sections of the ruling elite.

Australia is not exempt from the global crisis. State and federal governments, Labor and Liberal alike, have presided over the same profit-driven response to the pandemic. They have repeatedly lifted coronavirus restrictions at the behest of big business, leading to deadly outbreaks; done nothing to improve the public healthcare system amid a pandemic; and presided over shambolic hotel quarantine and vaccine rollout programs.

Labor and the Liberals have placed Australia on the frontlines of the US war drive against China, exemplified by the recent declaration of one senior government official that the country must be prepared to send off, yet again, our warriors to fight. The entire political establishment is stoking tensions with Beijing and promoting the lying human rights justifications for US aggression, while waging a McCarthyite and racist campaign against supposed Chinese interference inside Australia.

On the social front, governments, backed by the unions have handed more than $400 billion to the corporations and the banks. Now, they are enforcing a sweeping pro-business restructuring, aimed at boosting big-business profits even further, at the expense of the working class.

We are living through a period of wars, revolutions and political upheavals. All the horrors visited upon humanity by capitalism in the first half of the 20th century are once again rearing their heads.

Under these conditions, the claim that a single issue facing workers and young people can be addressed by pressuring capitalist governments, or electing other parties of big business and the banks, is worse than a delusion. It is a political trap that serves to direct young people behind the very forces responsible for the climate catastrophe and all the attacks on social and democratic rights.

The announcement for todays protests, issued by the national organisers of School Strike 4 Climate, sums up this bankrupt perspective. The statement does not say a word about what is taking place in the world. The pandemic, the growth of militarism, and massive social inequality do not rate a mention.

The statement notes that the Morrison government is promoting gas exploration and other fossil fuels. This is lining the pockets of multinational gas companies, which are fuelling the climate crisis. But then it declares that the purpose of the strike is to tell the Morrison government that if they care about our future, they must stop throwing money at gas.

This is truly mutiny on ones knees. The statement absurdly proclaims that The Morrison government could be protecting our climate, land and water, developing renewables, etc. Who do the organisers think they are kidding? Morrisons government represents the interests of the banks and the corporations, including the fossil fuel companies. He is the prime minister who infamously responded to the 20192020 bushfire crisis by holidaying in Hawaii and refusing to take any action as the country burned.

The statement is silent on the record of Labor and the Greens. As in the past, speakers will doubtless present these organisations as lesser evils that would enact progressive policies if allowed to form government.

Labor, no less than the Coalition, is a pro-war party of big business, with a reactionary record on the environment, and every other area. The Green-backed Labor government of Julia Gillard introduced a carbon tax that, according to its own modelling, would result in an increase in carbon emissions for the foreseeable future. At the same time, it kicked hundreds of thousands of single parents off their benefits, aligned Australia with the US war drive against China and viciously persecuted refugees.

For their part, the Greens defend capitalism and appeal to the major parties at elections for the formation of a coalition government, either with Labor or the Liberals. The various emissions trading schemes, promoted by the Greens, have not led to any reduction in emissions where they have been introduced in Europe, instead creating a new and lucrative financial market.

The situation in Australia is mirrored globally. At innumerable world summits, capitalist politicians make token and utterly inadequate pledges to reduce emissions, which they have no intention of fulfilling. Various environmental organisations hail these exercises in deceit as a victory and insist that only a little more pressure is required.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) rejects these bankrupt claims. The issue facing young people is not to appeal to capitalist governments, but to build a political movement of the working class to abolish the profit system.

Under capitalism, every social question is subordinated to the profit-making activities of the corporate elite. A handful of billionaires and giant corporations control the economy, the major political parties, the parliaments, the media and every other official institution of society. Not a single step forward can be taken, on the question of climate change, or any other issue, without breaking the vice-like grip of this oligarchy over society.

And nothing can be resolved within the framework of the capitalist nation-state system. The issues confronting young people and humanity are global in scope. Their resolution requires an internationally-coordinated and planned utilisation of the worlds resources and productive capacity. But at every turn, this is blocked by the division of the globe into antagonistic nation-states, representing the interests of rival capitalist cliques.

The IYSSE states the truth: the only alternative is the fight for international socialism!

The major banks and corporations must be placed under public ownership and democratic workers control. Trillions of dollars must be allocated to the climate crisis, and to guaranteeing the social rights of working people the world over, to decent, well-paid jobs, high-quality public education, healthcare and housing. The resources for such a development exist. They have been created by the collective labour of the international working class.

But such a program can be carried out only through the construction of a revolutionary movement, uniting workers around the world in a common fight for the abolition of capitalism and the establishment of a world socialist society, based on meeting social needs, not private profit.

The IYSSE appeals to all students and young people: take your place in this fight Join the IYSSE!
More than four and a half months after a mob of Trump supporters, fascistic militia members and neo-Nazis stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to block certification of the election of President Joe Biden and install Donald Trump as de facto dictator, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed HR 3233 to establish an independent bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 coup attempt.

The legislation passed by a vote of 252 to 175, with only 35 Republicans, drawn primarily from the Problem Solvers Caucus, voting in favor. The bill has little chance of passage in the evenly divided Senate, under conditions where the entire Republican congressional leadership has come out against it and the party as a whole continues to back Trump and promote his lying narrative of a stolen election.

Rep. Benny Thompson, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, negotiated the bipartisan legislation to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the United States Capitol Complex. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

In the floor debate before the vote, the majority of Republicans denounced the commission proposal as part of a partisan witch hunt, denied that the seizure of the Capitol by insurrectionists directed by Trump was a significant event, and demanded instead that Congress investigate left-wing protesters who marched in cities across the US last summer to protest police killings.

Texas lawmaker Louie Gohmert, who last week claimed there was no armed insurrection on January 6, rose to denounce the commission proposal as part of a radical left takeover of the Democratic Party. One of the chief Republican congressional conspirators in the plot to overthrow the election, Gohmert gave an interview on Newsmax five days before the January 6 coup attempt in which he argued that a federal courts rejection of a lawsuit empowering then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election meant that Trump supporters had no choice but to take to the streets and use violence to block Bidens certification.

Pro-Trump attorney Lin Wood responded to the court ruling by saying Pence would face execution by firing squad if he refused to overturn the election.

Sitting directly behind Gohmert in the House chamber on Wednesday was Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who smiled approvingly as Gohmert delivered his fascistic rant. Last week, Greene accosted New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and accused Muslim members of the Democratic House caucus as well as Vice President Kamala Harris of supporting terrorists.

While the Republicans overwhelmingly rejected the Democrats pleas for bipartisanship, Democratic speakers sought to sell the commission proposal to their Republican colleagues largely on the right-wing basis of defending the police, uniting the nation to take on and defeat the challenge from China and countering growing public distrust in US state institutions.

Toward the end of the floor debate, Ohio Democrat Tim Ryan, a rabid economic nationalist and close ally of the AFL-CIO bureaucracy, angrily declared: We have people scaling the Capitol, hitting the Capitol Police officers with lead pipes across the head, and we cant get bipartisanship! What else has to happen in this country? Cops. This is a slap in the face to every rank-and-file cop in the United States. If were going to take on China, rebuild the country, if we are going to reverse climate change, we need two political parties in this country that are both living in reality.

The legislation, agreed to last week by House Homeland Security Chair Bennie Thompson (Mississippi) and Ranking Member John Katko (New York), would create a 10-person commission divided equally between Democrats and Republicans along the lines of the 9/11 Commission established after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The earlier commission is being held up by the Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans as a model of objective and non-partisan truth-telling. In fact, the 9/11 Commission carried out an official cover-up of the attacks on New York and Washington D.C., leaving unanswered the failure of the US national intelligence apparatus to block the attacks despite multiple warnings from foreign governments and their own agents, and largely ignoring the close ties between the Al Qaeda operatives and US-allied intelligence agencies in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Similarly, the January 6 commission is being promoted not to reveal the true extent of the fascistic plot to keep Trump in office, for fear of the explosive political and social consequences, but to politically rehabilitate the Republican Party and prop up the two-party political system through which the corporate-financial oligarchy rules. Both before and after January 6, the Democrats have promoted the false narrative that Trump alone is the source of the attack on bourgeois-democratic forms of rule, rather than the embodiment of the protracted decline and putrefaction of American capitalism and its entire ruling elite.

The Democrats, who control both houses of Congress and the White House, have done their best to conceal the extensive involvement of top echelons of the police, military and intelligence apparatus in the conspiracy, as well as fascistic elements within the financial oligarchy.

Commissioners serving on the cover-up committee would be drawn from the security apparatus, with the New York Times previously suggesting a list of potential members including former spymasters, generals and security officials whose hands are stained blood-red after decades of serving US imperialist interests. The commissioners would have the power to issue subpoenas if approved by both the Democratic chair and Republican vice chair of the commission, in practice giving Republicans veto power over the calling of witnesses. The legislation also requires that the commission issue a final report by the end of the year.

Democrats had initially proposed that the commission be tilted in their favor, given the fact that their party received a majority of votes in the 2020 election and controls both houses of Congress and the presidency. Negotiations over the formation of the commission stalled after Republicans demanded equal seating with the power to issue subpoenas. However once the New York Times, the leading mouthpiece of the Democratic Party, demanded House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accept Republican conditions, the Democrats quickly agreed to major concessions.

On Tuesday night, Trump issued a statement calling on the Republicans to not approve the Democrat trap of the January 6 Commission. He characterized the commission, which initially was negotiated with the approval of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, as more partisan unfairness.

Trump demanded that unless the murderers, riots, and fire bombings in Portland, Minneapolis, Seattle, Chicago, and New York are also going to be studied, this discussion should be ended immediately.

McCarthy, a likely subpoena candidate should the commission ever become law, announced his opposition to the agreement on Tuesday, deriding the legislations shortsighted scope that does not examine interrelated forms of political violence in America.

Backing Trump and McCarthy was House Republican Whip Steve Scalise. Scalise sent a letter to House Republicans Wednesday morning urging them to vote against the commission, repeating Trump and McCarthys complaints about the scope of the investigation. This was followed on Wednesday by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who announced his opposition to the commission, calling the proposal slanted and unbalanced.
While scientists warn of the dangerous implications of the spread of the more contagious Indian variant of the coronavirus, governments across Europe are pushing ahead rapidly to reopen their economies fully and lifting any limited lockdown measures that have remained in place.

The reopening is taking place amid a competition among the European states over which economy can most quickly restart, and particularly over access to tourism revenue for the Summer holiday season.

The B.1.617 variant, first identified in India, may be up to 50 percent more contagious than even the so-called UK variant, according to a UK government advisory committee, though further studies are required. The B.1.17 variant had first been identified in the UK in September, but has since rapidly become the dominant strain and makes up the majority of cases across Europe. In the UK, the number of identified cases of the Indian variant has rapidly accelerated in the past 10 days to more than 2,300.

By Tuesday, it had reached 2,300 in the UK, a rise of 75 percent from four days earlier. The strain now accounts for at least 20 percent of new infections, and scientists predict that it will become the dominant strain within days. However, yesterday the government admitted that the official count of cases of the new strain was already outdated by a week. The Johnson governments own scientific advisors have made statements warning against the ending of lockdown measures that it is pushing through.

The reopening in Europe, under conditions where only a small portion of the population has been vaccinated, poses clear dangers of a new catastrophic overwhelming of hospitals and mass deaths. It is being pursued as part of the European Unions policy of placing corporate profits before lives, with case numbers already too high for any systematic testing, tracing and isolation system to be put in place.

In France, cafes and restaurants opened for outdoor dining yesterday. Theaters, museums, public monuments and cinemas also reopened. The nightly curfew was pushed back from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Indoor and outdoor physical sports, except for contact sports, are again legally permitted. On June 9, restaurants are to reopen completely.

Only slightly over 13 percent of the French population has been vaccinated, compared to scientific estimates that, to prevent the virus spread, a population immunity rate of between 80-90 percent would be required. The Indian variant has already been detected in France, though the number of daily cases remains unknown. More than 17,000 cases were reported on Tuesday in the country, while the seven-day average for deaths remains at almost 200.

Schools in France have been completely reopened to in-person classes at full capacity. The Macron government is not making any attempt to justify this decision on a scientific basis. On April 23, for example, Prime Minister Jean Castex had asserted in an interview that the virus circulates very little in schools and that schools are not the principal location for contaminations.

On May 11, however, in an interview with France 2, Castex stated the opposite: What does locking down mean? Lets be concrete. It means closing schools. This is the essential variablewhich has the most impact, we know, is closing schools. This policy has been rejected, however, because it would require allowing parents to remain at home and providing them with compensation to not attend work.

In neighbouring Germany, only 11.9 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, and 38.2 percent has received a single dose. According to the Robert Koch Institute, five percent of those aged under 59 have been fully vaccinated, and one in three people aged over 80 has not been vaccinated. The Indian variant is responsible already for two percent of all new infections in the country, though even this figure is already likely an underestimate. Officials in the region of Mettmann quarantined residents in a pair of high-rise buildings in the town of Velbert on Tuesday, after several cases of the Indian variant were detected there.

However the various German state regions are outdoing each other in their reopening policies. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the largest state by population, schools are being reopened to full attendance on May 31, assuming that the seven-day incidence rate in the state per 100,000 people is below 100. In Berlin, which is governed by a coalition of the Left Party, SPD and the Greens, schools have been opened to all children since the beginning of this week. In Schleswig-Holstein, indoor and outdoor cafes and restaurants have been open again since Monday. Other federal states will follow in the next few days.

In Spain, the six-month national state of emergency ended on May 9, ending even the limited restrictions on travel between regions and late-night curfews. Last month, David Lopez-Acuna, a former official for the World Health Organization, opposed the ending of the restrictions, warning that we dont see that the vaccination drive will have a significant impact by May. There may be less pressure on the health system, but the reality is health authorities are trusting too much that the immunization drive can stop the waves.

In Italy, restrictions were lifted on April 26, permitting outdoor dining in bars, restaurants and cafes, the reopening of swimming pools and sports, cinemas and theatres, and the return to in-person schooling for all students.

In Belgium, outdoor dining in bars and cafes has been restarted since May 8, along with sporting facilities. In mid-April, schools in the country were reopened, while hairdressers and non-essential stores were reopened on April 26.

In Switzerland, music venues, sports, museums, libraries, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and cinemas have all been opened since April 19. Similarly in the Netherlands, outdoor dining was reopened on April 18, with hours restricted to between midday and 6pm.

The reckless reopening policy of European governments raises very grave dangers to the working population on the continent. It is being driven by their determination to prevent any further restriction in business activities and corporate profit-making, regardless of the impact on the lives of the population. It was summed up openly by French President Emmanuel Macron, who declared that the population must live with the virus, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who demanded last year in a leaked private cabinet meeting no more fucking lockdownslet the bodies pile high in their thousands.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the globe, governments everywhere are abandoning all mitigation efforts. A fierce opposition is brewing among workers all over the globe, particularly among health care workers who are standing up in defense of patients and society at large.

Healthcare workers demand better working conditions and more COVID-19 vaccines during a protest outside the Clinicas Hospital in San Lorenzo, Paraguay, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

The Biden administration, along with its counterparts in Western Europe are continuing their campaign to reopen society, no matter the human cost. This campaign has been accompanied by media blackouts on daily cases, deaths and infections. In reality, 700,000 people around the world are testing positive for COVID-19, fueling mutations and undermining the very vaccines which are painted as a silver bullet. Vaccines, moreover, have only been accessible to less than five percent of the global population and are highly concentrated in the high-income countries.

Workers, including large numbers of health care workers are beginning to fight back across the globe. The outbreak of strikes and protests have erupted on every inhabited continent.

Workers in India are facing a nightmare of epic proportions. Over one million people have died and the countrys infections account for half of all global infections. At least 150 bodies have been dumped on the banks of the Ganges River as hospitals run out of oxygen and have negative capacity as patients line hallways and are packed in storage closets.

In the over 17 months since COVID-19 has emerged, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have done nothing to support the inadequate and poorly funded health care systems in the country, an international phenomenon that exposes the conscious disregard for human life by the global elite.

Junior doctors, who are still trainees, are striking against the inadequate resources and dangerous conditions at all hospitals in the country where at least a quarter have become infected and have no access to vaccines. Dr. Arvind Meena, president of the Junior Doctors association (JUDA), explained that Twenty-five percent of junior doctors have been infected by coronavirus to date. We are demanding a guarantee of bed allotment for the junior doctors who get infected.

Doctors are striking in Madhya Pradesh, a state located in the center of India, demanding better conditions as they too fall ill from this virus during a devastating surge of the pandemic. Doctors in Madhya Pradesh report being stretched thin, working up to 48 hours straight in hospitals that have unimaginable patient loads.

In Gujarat, to the west of Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab, a state in Indias northern region bordering Pakistan, many other health care workers are going on strike over working conditions. In Gujarat, teachers at medical colleges and Junior doctors are demanding higher non-practicing allowance in line with 7th pay commission recommendations and the abolition of control appointments. In Punjab, the government has responded to a week-long strike for the regularization of their services by terminating all those who sought to continue it. Of the approximate 3,000 participants, about 1,400 stayed striking and were terminated on the grounds that they were endangering people through COVID-19 with this mass gathering.

In Israel, hundreds of doctors went on strike last week in various regions demanding job protection as they face layoffs. This past Monday, 600 doctors went on a 24-hour strike in opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus decision to cut funding to the health care system which will lead to layoffs. One doctor who supports the demands of the strike, Dr. Zeev Feldman, speaking to The Times of Israel explained: ...its clear without 600 doctors who are central to treating patients, the quality of care will suffer. We wont allow this.

Israel has had over 830,000 cases and at least 6,300 deaths. Health care workers have been pushed to the brink, with long hours, and grueling patient loads. After the state cheered the physicians and gave them lots of praise during the crisis, its quite clear that things are returning to the old situation where health isnt a priority and all emphasis in funding goes to security. This should not be allowed to happen, said one supporter of the strike, Professor Nadav Davidovich.

The strike by doctors came during the escalation of attacks on Palestinians by heavily armed Israeli police and military forces that carried out a deadly airstrike on Gaza that very day. Already in a nightmare, doctors are caring for both COVID-19 patients and injured civilians in what has become an open warzone.

On May 5th in France, midwives went on a national one day strike against lack of PPE, vaccines and pay. Days later, on May 11th, French nurses from over 110 Intensive Care Units (ICU) protested, demanding more staff and better wages.

On May 7th, Bolivian health care workers held a 24-hour strike in opposition to the Emergency Sanitary Law, which bans protests and strikes. They also demanded that overdue salaries be paid, and a clear vaccine policy be presented, as they enter their third wave of the pandemic.

In Japan, health care workers have waged online protests which have resulted in hundreds of thousands of tweets opposing the government policy of sending workers to care for athletes and visitors in the Tokyo Summer Olympics. In response to the request for 500 Japanese nurses to work the event, one nurse from Nagoya, Japan, Mikito Ikeda is quoted saying: Beyond feeling anger, I was stunned at the insensitivity. It shows how human life is being taken lightly...Its hard for a hospital to go without one nurse and they want 500. Why do they even think this is possible?

On Friday, 30,000 New Zealand public sector nurses and health care assistants voted to strike over horrific and unsafe staffing conditions. The announcement comes on the heels of a three-year freeze in wages announced by the Labour-Greens government for all public servants earning more than $NZ60,000.

NZ Nurses Organisation (NZNO) spokesperson said nurses were absolutely furious at the announcement as most have already progressed to the last step of their pay scale. NZNO members had already rejected a derisory annualised increase of 1.38 percent offer from the 20 District Health (DHBs).

In the New England region of the United States, health care workers in Massachusetts and Connecticut are also on the move. In Worcester, Massachusetts 700 nurses at St. Vincent hospital are entering into their 11th week of an open-ended strike demanding safe staff to patient ratios and PPE that determine life or death outcomes of patients. Tenet Healthcare, which owns the hospital, responded last week by threatening to terminate and permanently replace the nurses.

The threat of layoffs came just as Democrat Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont tapped the National Guard to intimidate over 5,000 nursing home workers fighting for a living wage and safe staffing.

Health care workers have been treated as expendable across the world, and their protests expose the opposition to the homicidal policy of herd immunity as well as the unsafe and exhausting conditions. Under these conditions, the trade unions, where they exist, have done everything possible to smother opposition.

This growing upswell of health care workers around the globe must find united and political expression. The World Socialist Web Site calls on workers across the globe to build democratic committees at every workplace and hospital and to unite with their international brothers and sisters in the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). Contact the WSWS today for assistance in building a rank-and-file committee in your area.
Although Indias new daily COVID-19 infections dropped this week below 300,000 for the first time in almost a month, the official death toll reached record highs on successive days, with 4,329 fatalities registered on Tuesday and 4,529 on Wednesday.

Making the situation even worse, the pandemic has found new breeding grounds in Indias remote and rural areas, where more than 65 percent of the countrys populationover 800 million mostly oppressed and impoverished peoplereside. Health care facilities are virtually nonexistent in rural areas.

People wait to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Mumbai, India, Thursday, April 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

As horrific as the official infections and death tallies are, they are widely seen by health experts as gross underestimates of the true extent of Indias COVID-19 catastrophe. Some scientists project that the real number of deaths in Indias second wave of the pandemic, which began in mid-February, is between five and 10 times higher than the official figure. This would mean that tens of thousands of people are currently dying from COVID-19 every single day.

Responsibility for this disastrous state of affairs lies squarely with Modi, his far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and Indias venal capitalist elite, which less than two months ago were still boasting about Indias purported exemplary management of the pandemic. Modi systematically ignored warnings from his scientific advisers about the developing second wave, which was driven by new and more infectious variantsincluding the B.1.617 strain, which was first identified in India and has now spread around the world. Instead, Modi continued to insist, as his government has done for over a year, that nothing can be allowed to get in the way of corporate profits. Even as the official daily death toll reached 3,000 in mid-April and India emerged as the epicentre of the global pandemic, Modi declared that it was necessary to save India from lockdown, not from the virus.

The governments vaccine rollout, which is in complete disarray, is of a piece with Modis profits before lives strategy. His government is categorically refusing to provide free vaccines to the Indian population, which in practice means that hundreds of millions of impoverished people will go without. The BJP government has also left vaccine production and a significant portion of vaccine distribution to private companies, which are raking in huge profits thanks to the exorbitant costs the government has allowed them to charge. In addition to further enriching Indias fabulously wealthy elite, the Modi government took the decision to rely on private companies so as to showcase the prowess of Indian capitalist enterprise to the world.

The result of this policy is that India has one of the highest prices in the world for COVID-19 vaccines. Covishield, which is based on the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, costs $12 per dose, while Covaxin, produced by Bharat Biotech, is priced at $17 per dose. Both vaccines require two doses. To put this into perspective, a recent report noted that the pandemic has pushed a further 235 million Indians below the government poverty line, which is a set at an income of 375 rupees or about $5 per day. Thus, for a substantial section of the population, the vaccines are effectively out of reach.

In an interview with India Today TV on May 15, Dr. Devi Shetty, a member of the Supreme Court-appointed national task force for devising a scientific mechanism for distributing medical oxygen, remarked, How many people in the country can afford this kind of money for vaccination? The last few months have been very difficult for the working class and the poor. There has been no source of income for many.

Compared to the lavish sums of money spent on Indias military and the obscene levels of wealth piled up by the countrys billionaireswho, according to Forbes, saw their wealth nearly double over the past year to $596 billionthe cost of vaccinating everyone over the age of 18 is a pittance. The total cost has been calculated at $6.4 billion, or a mere 0.32 percent of Indias GDP, a small fraction of the 2020 defence budget of more than $71 billion.

The Indian ruling elites refusal to spend this minuscule amount to protect the population from the virus is in keeping with its chronic underfunding of health care more generally. For decades, the Indian state, that is all levels of government combined, have spent the equivalent of just 1.5 percent of GDP on health care.

This malign neglect has been compounded by the imperialist powers criminal response to the pandemic. Led by the US, they have refused to waive the pharmaceutical giants vaccine patents, and blocked the export of vaccines and the materials required to produce them. Hundreds of millions of doses have been stockpiled by the United States in a reactionary move to transform potentially life-saving vaccines into yet another weapon in American imperialisms extensive military and diplomatic arsenal.

Last month WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed that as of early April low-income countries had administered just 0.2 percent of the more than 700 million vaccine doses administered globally, while the wealthiest countries had received more than 87 percent. There remains a shocking imbalance in the global distribution of vaccines, he remarked. On average in high-income countries, almost one in four people has received a vaccine. In low income countries, it is one in more than 500. Let me repeat that: one in four versus one in 500.

When the Indian government launched its vaccine campaign in mid-January, Modi boasted that it would be the worlds largest vaccination program. Initially, the program was restricted to those aged over 60 and people aged 45 or over with comorbidities. People aged between 18 and 44, that is, nearly 600 million people, were included in the program as of May 1, even though the government well knew that it did not have the requisite vaccines, and that this would cause further chaos and hardship.

As of May 15, India, the worlds second-most populous country with 1.38 billion people, has administered just 182 million vaccine doses, according to Our World in Data. Merely 40.4 million people, or just 3 percent of the entire population, have been fully vaccinated.

The total population above 18 years old in India is about 966 million. This means approximately 1,930 billion doses of vaccines would be required to vaccinate everyone within 12 months, which translates into 5.4 million doses per day. The production capacity of the main two private vaccine manufacturers in India is limited to 3.8 million doses a day.

The miserable balance sheet of Indias vaccination campaign is the direct result of the Modi governments focus on using it as a means to advance the economic and geopolitical interests of the ruling elite, not protecting the population from the deadly coronavirus. Its determination to rely solely on private enterprises, even though they lack the necessary production capacity to supply the Indian population, flows from the relentless pursuit of pro-investor policies by the entire political establishment for the past three decades. The BJP government also saw it as imperative to tout made in India vaccines under conditions where India is competing with China as a cheap labour platform for global investment, and lining up behind Washington in challenging Beijing militarily and diplomatically in the Indo-Pacific.

The reliance on the private sector for the distribution and administration of the vaccines is throwing up further barriers to substantial sections of the population getting inoculated. After the central government negotiated the purchase of 50 percent of total purchased vaccine doses, which have been designated for those aged 45 and over, it left the states and private hospitals to negotiate their own terms with the private manufacturers for 25 percent each. SII and Bharat Biotech were given a free hand to charge whatever prices they saw fit.

The result of this arrangement is that a disproportionate amount of Indias vaccine production is flowing to large private hospital groups, who are willing to outbid the states. A Times of India report noted that four major health care groups, Apollo, Max, Fortis and Manipal, are securing the lions share of vaccines. These vaccines are, in turn, overwhelmingly directed towards better-off layers of the population who can afford the extortionate price of between 1,000 and 1,200 rupees that private hospitals are charging patients on average per dose.

On the other hand, the rural population, which is facing a major surge in infections, is being sidelined, because the major private hospitals have virtually no presence in rural areas. While 30 percent of inhabitants of urban districts had received a first vaccine dose as of May 14, only between 12 and 15 percent of residents in rural and semi-rural districts had gotten a first shot.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued its murderous assault on Gaza overnight Wednesday, pounding central Gaza and the al-Rimal neighbourhood in an effort to destroy Hamass network of tunnels, destroying homes and killing at least nine people.

The IDF also shelled a number of targets in southern Lebanon after four rockets were fired from Seddiqine, a village near the coastal city of Tyre, into northern Israelthe third such flare up since the start of the war on Gaza on May 11.

At least 20 of Hamass military leaders have been assassinated, with IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman admitting, Throughout the operation we have tried to assassinate Mohammed Deif. We've tried to kill him several times. Deif is the head of Hamass military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, and has escaped numerous assassination attempts.

Palestinians inspect the damage of a destroyed house that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)

Israels sophisticated weaponry has killed at least 227 Palestinians, including 63 children and 36 women, and injured 1,530 others since May 10, according to Gazas Health Ministry. This contrasts with the toll from the Palestinians largely home-made projectiles that have killed 10 Israelis, including two children and a soldier, as well as two Thai migrant workers.

Speaking to foreign diplomats Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that he had no interest in reaching a ceasefire with Hamas until he had achieved his objective of obliterating Hamas and further degrading Gaza.

A further military escalation on Gaza was possible, he said, as Israel seeks to degrade Hamas capabilities. He added, You can either conquer them, and thats always an open possibility, or you can deter them, and we are engaged right now in forceful deterrence. But I have to say we dont rule out anything. That was taken to mean that eradicating Hamas as a political force and re-occupying Gaza were also being considered.

Netanyahu can maintain his bellicose stance, despite mass popular opposition globally to his criminal war on Gaza, his plans to drive out the Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem and sending fascistic goons to terrorise Israels Palestinian citizens because he knows he has Washingtons backing. He stressed that he appreciate[d] the support of our friend, US President Joe Biden, for the State of Israels right to self-defence.

Biden has three times blocked the UN Security Council from issuing a non-binding statement criticizing Israel and calling for a halt to the war, has agreed a $735 million arms package for Israel and called for a ceasefire only at some unspecified time. On Wednesday, Biden issued an equally meaningless plea for a de-escalation.

Netanyahu also has the support of the European powers who, despite their handwringing and calls for a ceasefire, refuse to denounce Washington or oppose its support for the Zionist State and its criminal war.

Netanyahus key ally in the region has long been Egypt, whose brutal dictator General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi overthrew the Muslim Brotherhood-led government of President Mohammed Morsi in a bloody coup in 2013. El-Sisi has aided and abetted Israels blockade of Gaza, closing the enclaves southern border at Rafah with Egypt. He has clamped down on any show of solidarity with the Palestinians, including arresting a doctor who volunteered to tend the wounded in Gaza and others who have waved the Palestinian flag.

Providing further comfort and reassurance for Netanyahu are the Arab regimes which have thrown the Palestinians to the wolves in pursuit of an anti-Iran alliance and their own commercial deals with Israel. The states that signed the Abraham Accords with Israelthe United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan and Moroccoand Saudi Arabia, which has pursued its own relations with Israel and recently hosted a secret meeting with Netanyahu, made pro-forma criticisms of Israels storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Ramadan. But they have been virtually silent about merciless firing of missiles, bombs and shells on Gazas defenceless population. Articles about the destruction wrought by the war are all but absent in the Arabic media.

UAE leader Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan meekly asked Israel to prevent practices that violate the sanctity of the al-Aqsa Mosque. Moroccos King Mohammed VI organized a diversionary stunt by opening Moroccos border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, allowing 8,000 people to enter Spanish territory, enraging the Spanish government, which brutally deported many of them back to Morocco. This was in large part aimed at deflecting the anger that has led to mass rallies in support of the Palestinians and opposing his de facto support Israels atrocities, under conditions where his mismanagement of the pandemic has pauperized millions.

Workers and youth all over the world, including in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Yemen, have also poured onto the streets to express their support for the Palestinians.

On Tuesday, Palestinians in both the occupied territories and Israel took part in their first ever joint general strike, shuttering workplaces, businesses and shops and closing schools, despite some workers employed by Jewish Israelis being threatened with losing their jobs.

Within Israel, there have been long been joint Jewish and Palestinian rallies in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan in East Jerusalem over the planned evictions of Palestinian families. In recent weeks there have been several demonstrations, albeit small, opposing the war, the storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque and the communal violence of far-right extremists.

On Saturday, several joint demonstrations organized by Standing Together, Windows-channels for Communication, Rabbis for Human Rights and other groups took place across the country carrying signs saying, In Gaza and Sderot [a southern town in Israel, bordering Gaza], children want to live, and chanting Jews and Arabs refuse to be enemies.

In Jerusalem, police tried to disperse a small rally before it began, ostensibly to prevent clashes with a right-wing demonstration, later arresting at least six people. In Tel Aviv, a larger rally was addressed by legislators Ayman Odeh who heads the Joint Arab List, Ibtisam Mara'ana-Menuhin from the Labour Party and Meretzs Mossi Raz.

Of greater significance were rallies at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa and the Emek Medical Centre in Afula, in northern Israel, where Palestinian and Jewish medical staff joined together to call for an end to the recent violence and sing peace will come in Arabic and Hebrew.

This points to the way forward. It is the working class, both Jewish and Palestinian, that must now play the decisive role in the struggle for the social, economic, and political rights of all, in a struggle against Israels financial elite, the Arab bourgeoisie, and the imperialist powers. This struggle cannot succeed if it is confined to the national soil.

The war against Gaza and the tentative outbreak of organised working-class opposition in Israel takes place amid a growing wave of militant struggle in the wake of the pandemic that has impoverished millions of workers throughout the region, as evidenced by the strikes and demonstrations by workers in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. Workers in Israel/Palestine must seek consciously to unify their fight with their brothers and sisters throughout the region and with workers in the imperialist centres, in the struggle for socialism.
About 200 people rallied outside New Zealands parliament in Wellington on Wednesday to demand that the Labour Party-Greens government oppose Israels war crimes against the population of Gaza, and its attacks on Palestinians across the occupied territories.

One week of airstrikes and missile bombardments has killed more than 200 Palestinians, including more than 60 children, and injured over 1,500. Israels military has bombarded civilian areas, including a building housing media organisations, and Gazas only COVID-19 testing centre. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes to escape the bombing in the crowded enclave.

Protesters outside parliament in Wellington (Source: WSWS Media)

Far-right thugs and soldiers have also unleashed violence against Palestinians protesting settlements in occupied areas of Jerusalem and the West Bank, with 21 people killed by Israeli forces in the last week. On Tuesday, Palestinians and Arab Israelis held a general strike across Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in protest against the Netanyahu governments brutal attacks.

The protest at New Zealands parliament followed nationwide rallies on May 15, involving thousands of people in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other towns. The events attracted many students and young people, as well as workers, and people from the Palestinian and other immigrant communities. They were part of global demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian people, including across Europe, Turkey and Australia .

Several politicians from the ruling NZ Labour Party, its coalition partner the Green Party, and the Maori Party attended yesterdays rally. Following the event, the Labour Party, backed by the opposition National Party and ACT Party, refused to debate a motion, put to parliament by the Greens, to support the right of Palestine to self-determination and statehood.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told TVNZ on May 17 that her government was calling for a cease-fire, but absurdly blamed the slaughter on both sides, declaring: We condemn both the indiscriminate rocket fire we have seen from Hamas and what looks to be a response that has gone well beyond self-defence on both sides. Primitive rockets fired by Hamas, the nationalist organisation that rules Gaza, have killed 10 people in Israel.

Green MP Golriz Ghahraman addressed the Wellington rally, denouncing ethnic cleansing by Israel in Sheikh Jarrah, and the bombardment of civilians in Gaza. She said the Greens parliamentary motion was about securing a lasting, sustainable peace for Palestinians and for Israelis.

In fact, the two-state solution is a bankrupt perspective. It would ensure that Gaza and the West Bank remain impoverished ghettos oppressed by the Zionist state. The vital task is to fight for the unification of the working class in Palestine and Israel, and throughout the Middle East, to overcome national and racial divides, through the fight for international socialism. This is the only way to put an end to all wars, including the increasing Israeli and US threats of war against Iran.

The hypocrisy of the statements of the Labour-Greens government, calling for peace, is underscored by New Zealands alliance with Washington, the chief imperialist sponsor of the Israeli regime, and the major source of war and global instability. The Ardern government supports the US militarisation of the Indo-Pacific region and is integrating New Zealand into US and Australian preparations for war against China. The Greens recently joined the far-right ACT Party in urging New Zealands parliament to declare that China is carrying out genocide in Xinjiang, a fraudulent claim pushed by the Trump and Biden administrations in the US, aimed at preparing public opinion for war.

Members of the Socialist Equality Group (NZ) spoke with several people attending the protest and distributed the World Socialist Web Site statement,  Stop Israels war on Gaza, ethnic cleansing in Jerusalem.

Anna, who works in the NZ Correspondence School, told the World Socialist Web Site: Im here today because of the increase in aggression from Israel toward Gaza and Palestine. More generally, to recognise that this is a struggle thats been going on a long time for the Palestinian people. She said the response of the New Zealand government and others around the world was definitely not strong enough, in terms of requiring Israel to cease fire, as a first thing that they could do. There isnt enough condemnation or engagement from governments.

Anna (Source: WSWS Media)

The war was a continuing project of colonisation thats been going on for years, Anna continued. Responding to claims by US President Joseph Biden that Israel had a right to defend itself, Anna said, that kind of rhetoric belies the asymmetrical nature of the warfare thats going on. Israel has a very advanced, indoctrinated military that has the firepower and weaponry that Gaza and Hamas dont. To say that Israel has the right to defend itself, elides the fact that when Israel defends itself, it is so damaging, so aggressive towards civilians.

Ruth said that the protest was about defending people who lived in prison-like conditions and had been oppressed for decades. She denounced the rhetoric that were all being fed that both sides are to blame for what is happening in Gaza. Its hard to comprehend that the world can watch for seven decades, with innocent people with no place to escape when the bombs are coming.

Ben, who had moved to New Zealand from the UK, said Israel was a nuclear state and noted that since 2010 the US had given $3.93 billion a year in weapons. Thats not a proportional response for people who just want their land back. Ben and Ruth both criticised the New Zealand government for sitting on the fence.

Ben pointed out that the right-wing New Zealand First Party, which was in a coalition with Labour and the Greens from 2017 to 2020, was quite a hardened supporter of Israel. He added that there were no politicians from the National Party at the protest, which speaks volumes.

Ben, Nurredin, Ruth and friend (Source: WSWS Media)

Ben said, I think, at the least, the prime minister could come out and say: Stop bombing children. I dont think its hard to do, regardless of what your political stance is. He added that it was heartening to see the turnout at the protest. New Zealanders actually do want to actively help, they always rise against injustice, as had happened in the UK, France and elsewhere.

Nureddin, originally from Ethiopia, said: This is about humanity, about justice, about equality. Whats happening there is absolutely wrong: bombing children, bombing buildings. Israel might have a problem with Hamas; they can fight them. But bombing children, bombing women, bombing houses is a crime against humanity.
On Tuesday, the World Socialist Web Site reported that numerous prominent leaders of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) engaged in a coordinated Twitter campaign celebrating the assassination of Leon Trotsky in Mexico City on August 20, 1940. The World Socialist Web Site spoke to Jorge OLeary, world-renowned leader of the 1983-86 Phelps Dodge strike in eastern Arizona, about the DSAs praise for Trotskys assassination.

Jorge O'Leary at age 80 today

O'Leary said, To celebrate Trotskys death at the hands of Stalinist treason, Im disgusted with this. This is mean. Trotsky was a genius and he always worked for the working class for the benefit of the workers. And after 80 years, its shocking to hear that there are those who are happy about that.

Many of the tweets by DSA leaders were illustrated with depictions of an alpenstock, the weapon used by Stalinist assassin Ramon Mercader to murder Trotsky. This might come in handy one day, one DSA leader wrote. Another DSA member proposed erecting a memorial to Mercader, claiming he showed us the way. DSA members and leaders posted dozens of similar tweets, which were liked by a substantial section of the DSA leadership.

OLeary was born in Mexico in 1940, shortly before Trotskys assassination. As a young socialist and anti-imperialist student leader he had profound respect for then-Mexican President Lazaro Cardenas decision to grant Trotsky asylum. He later became a doctor, moved to the United States and practiced medicine in eastern Arizona at a hospital owned by the Phelps Dodge corporation. During the strike, the company fired him from the hospital for refusing to follow management demands that he deny medical attention to strikers and their children.

OLeary then set up a free medical clinic for strikers and was selected by the workers as the leader of the strike, which involved 3,000 workers and lasted three years. He presently lives in Tucson, Arizona. In April, the WSWS interviewed him at length about the strike and the leading role played by the Socialist Equality Partys predecessor, the Workers League, and its then-National Secretary David North.

OLeary made the following statement about the DSAs coordinated effort to celebrate the assassination of Trotsky:
Residents marched in the streets of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Tuesday night after Pasquotank County District Attorney Andrew Womble announced no charges would be filed against the deputy who shot and killed Andrew Brown Jr. in April. Soon after the announcement was made, reporters inside the building where the conference was held could hear protesters shouting from outside.

Brown, who was African American, was killed by deputies on April 21 while behind the wheel of his car. Pasquotank County Sheriffs Office deputies were attempting to serve a drug-related search warrant at the time.

Protesters march along the streets to protest the shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. in Elizabeth City, N.C., Wednesday, April 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

For almost a month, protesters have demanded all body cam footage of Browns shooting be publicly released and the resignation of Sheriff Tommy Wooten and DA Womble. Many residents have protested nearly every day since Browns death and have said they will continue until justice is served.

On Tuesday, a multi-racial group of protesters gathered outside the Pasquotank Public Safety Building, where Womble held a news conference to announce his decision, before moving throughout the city to gather outside the residences of local public officials. Videos showed protesters chanting and blowing car horns outside the home of the former deputy police chief in Elizabeth City.

The Elizabeth City Police Department closed roads in preparation of significant protests. The department said it would redirect traffic around citizens exercising their constitutional right to a peaceful protest. Protesters later marched through the city and blocked intersections.

Demonstrators associated with Black Lives Matter have called for an economic boycott in Elizabeth City every Wednesday until the officers involved in Browns death are charged. They urged protesters to not spend money in Pasquotank County in order to pressure Womble to call on a special prosecutor to take a second look at the investigation into Browns death.

Although the Brown familys attorneys and Democratic Governor Roy Cooper called for a special prosecutor to take over the case, Womble stated his decision was made on an unbiased review of the State Bureau of Investigations report on the shooting.

I'm elected by the people of the 1st Judicial District to do exactly this job. A special prosecutor or outside counsel is not accountable to the people of this judicial district. I am, Womble said. I want the community to completely understand that the right to protest is certainly important. The need for information is important. The transparency aspect, accountability of my office. But in these particular cases I am basing the decision on the facts, the evidence and the law. And nothing else.

When announcing his decision to not file charges, Womble said Brown ignored commands from law enforcement and claimed a deputy who had tried to open the drivers side door of Browns vehicle wound up partly on the hood as Brown backed up. Womble said the deputy had to slam his hand on the cars hood to avoid being run over.

The simple act of starting the car, in violation of an officers command, makes the car a dangerous deadly weapon that can be used at that point and officers can shoot, Womble said. Federal courts have held that The Constitution simply does not require police to gamble with their lives in the face of serious threat of harm.

However, Wombles account of what happened cannot be seen in the footage publicly available. Wombles explanation has also been challenged by Browns family, who called his killing an execution. Brown family attorney Bakari Sellers said the footage did not show Brown using his vehicle as a weapon and that Womble did not adequately explain how Brown was shot in the back of his head.

Monroe, Louisiana

The Associated Press published footage Wednesday showing Louisiana state troopers stunning, punching and dragging an unarmed black man in 2019 as he apologized for leading them on a high-speed chase and explained he was scared. Police have fought against the videos release for two years and have been accused of trying to cover up the incident.

Troopers initially told 49-year-old Ronald Greenes family he died after crashing into a tree. Later, Louisiana State Police released a statement only stating that Greene struggled with troopers and died on his way to the hospital. State Police officials initially claimed the use of force was awful but lawful and did not open an investigation into the matter until 474 days after Greenes death.

The video shows one officer wrestling Greene to the ground, putting him in a chokehold and punching him in the face while another can be heard calling him a stupid motherfucker. Greene can be heard yelling Im sorry as another officer shocked him with a stun gun and threatened to hit him again if he did not put his hands behind his back.

At one point, another state trooper is seen dragging Greene facedown after his legs had been shackled and his hands cuffed behind him. Greene was left lying on the ground moaning for more than nine minutes as officers wiped blood from their arms and faces with sanitary wipes. One is heard saying, I hope this guy aint got fucking AIDS.

After several minutes where Greene is not seen on camera, he appears again, unresponsive and bleeding from his head and face. He is then loaded onto an ambulance gurney, his arm cuffed to the bedrail. There are long spans of time in the 46-minute video where Greene is not visible. Additionally, the microphone on the body cam was cut off halfway through the video, making it difficult to ascertain how events unfolded during the arrest.

They murdered him. It was set out, it was planned, Greenes mother, Mona Hardin, told AP Wednesday. He didnt have a chance. Ronnie didnt have a chance. He wasnt going to live to tell about it.
Around the world, millions of people are shocked and outraged at the brutal terror bombings, ethnic cleansing and communal violence being carried out by Israel, a US client state, against the people of Gaza.

Two hundred and twenty-seven people, including 63 children, have been killed in Israels ten-day-long assault on Gaza, a figure nearly 20 times higher than the number of Israelis killed in the conflict.

Protesters supporting Palestinians walk down Michigan Ave., as President Joe Biden visits a Ford electric vehicle center nearby, Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in Dearborn, Mich.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

These crimes are committed using American armaments, funded by American tax dollars, and with the approval of the American government. They are facilitated by arms deals and military alliances created behind the backs of the American population and orchestrated to facilitate the predatory interests of the US financial oligarchy.

On Monday, after a week of murderous bombardment of the Gazas civilian population, US President Joe Biden began a telephone discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by declaring, in the words of the official readout, The President reiterated his firm support for Israels right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks.

When on Tuesday Biden visited Dearborn, Michigan, the city with the nations highest percentage of Arab American residents in the United States, he was greeted by thousands of people protesting the crimes Israel is committing with US support.

Asked if he would take a question on the conflict from a reporter as he was test-driving a new Ford truck, Biden replied, No, you cant. Not unless you get in front of the car as I step on it.

On Wednesday, Biden again spoke to Netanyahu about Israels progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements. Biden said he expected significant de-escalation today, a request that Netanyahu proceeded to ignore, declaring that he is determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.

Bidens request for a de-escalation, presented by the media as a major shift in US policy, is a cynical ploy. Since the Israeli bombardment began, it has received the critical assistance of the US and the other major imperialist powers.

On May 6, just days before the onslaught on Gaza began, the Biden administration informed Congress that it approved the sale of $735 million worth of JDAM and SDB smart bombs to Israelthe very type of munitions now being rained down on the population of Gaza. In the fiscal year 2019, the United States provided $3.8 billion in foreign military aid to Israel, and Israel benefits from nearly $8 billion in US loan guarantees.

The United States has used its veto power 42 times to protect Israel from resolutions censuring its conduct in the United Nations Security Councilmore than half of the vetoes the US has ever exercised in that body. This includes three vetoes of resolutions calling for a cease-fire in the course of the latest massacre.

In May 2011 and March 2015, Netanyahu was invited to address joint sessions of Congressoccasions he used to berate and threaten the Palestinians.

While the US government backs Israel to the hilt, the US media is busy whitewashing Israels atrocities.

The most egregious example is the Wall Street Journal, which openly defended Israels bombing of media outlets in Gaza last week. On Saturday, Israel destroyed an 11-story building in Gaza housing the offices of the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and other media outlets.

Sneering at the cries of outrage and an admonition at Israels actions, the Wall Street Journal bluntly defended Israels war crimes:

But whos really endangering the journalists?... Using civilians and journalists as shields is a common Hamas tactic Inevitably there will be mistakes in war, and civilians will die, but its remarkable how discriminating Israels targeting has been.

The claim that the population being used as human shields was used to justify the infliction of mass civilian casualties by the United States in the Gulf War, the bombing of Yugoslavia, and the 2003 shock and awe bombing of Iraq. Now, this filthy apology for war crimes is being dusted off once again to justify mass murder by the Israeli military.

The other major US newspapers, while not dipping their hands so gleefully in the blood of the Palestinians as the Wall Street Journal, express essentially the same line. Israel did not start the war that now rages between it and Hamas, begins the only editorial on the conflict published by the Washington Post. This, of course, is a lie, as the clashes were triggered by the eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israel, followed by Israeli military raids on the al-Aqsa Mosque earlier this month.

While the Post has been mostly silent on the onslaught against the Palestinians, its propaganda machine has kept turning, belching out editorial after editorial condemning Russia and China for their alleged human rights violations. A few examples should suffice:

May 16  Chinas repression of Uyghurs is not only cultural, but also physical, a new report shows  Falsely claiming that China is carrying out a genocide against its Muslim population.





May 17  Two possible theories of the pandemics origins remain viable. The world needs to know.  Falsely claiming that COVID-19 may have been created through experiments at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, in a conspiracy theory debunked by the World Health Organization. China, declares the Post, acts as if there is something to hide.





May 19  Apple must resist Chinas tyranny  accusing Apple of collaborating with alleged violations of the freedom of expression by China. It demands that Apple cease collaborating with the Chinese government and collaborate more directly with the American government.

As for the New York Times, the mouthpiece of the American Democratic Party establishment, which supported the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syriait has not published a single editorial on Israels attack on Gaza.

This brief review is sufficient to establish the modus operandi of the US media. Since the birth of US imperialism on the world stage with the Spanish-American war, all US foreign policy has been justified by emotional accusations about the tyranny and crimes of those targeted for conquest or exploitation. And these claims have had precisely no correspondence to the actual tyranny and injustice that occurs throughout the world, a large portion of which is sponsored or carried out by the United States itself.

Responding to Israels atrocities, figures in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party have criticized Bidens support for Israeli war crimes. Commenting on Israels attack on the Associated Press headquarters in Gaza, congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter, This is happening with the support of the United States If the Biden admin cant stand up to an ally, who can it stand up to? How can they credibly claim to stand for human rights?

Ocasio-Cortez is correct to lay the blame for Israels war crimes at the feet of Washington. But if the Biden administration is to blame, all of those who endorsed Bidenlike Ocasio-Cortez herselfalso bear that blame. The fact is, Ocasio-Cortez speaks as an embarrassed defender of US imperialist aims, concerned that the shameless endorsement of open war crimes by Netanyahu hinders the ability of the United States to posture as a defender of human rights.

Any serious defense of the interests of the working class in the United States and in every part of the world starts with the rejection of US imperialism and its lying pretensions to the defense of human rights. The foreign policy aims of the United States are dictated by the same corporations that ruthlessly exploit its working class and have presided over the criminal response to a pandemic that has killed nearly a million people in the United States alone.

The way forward in the struggle against war and imperialist barbarism is not the politics of human rights imperialism, but the international unity of the working classin the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle Easton the basis of the struggle for socialism.
Nearly 100 billion in government health spending has gone to non-National Health Service (NHS) firms over the last decade.

In 2010, 8.4 billion was already annually flowing to private firms, but the last decade has seen this ratcheted up by 72 percent to 14.4 billion, according to data provided to the Guardian by the Labour Party. According to the research, 96.99 billion has been handed over in the last ten years, mainly to private sector conglomerates.

Even this is likely an underestimate. Gaps in the data for 2011-2013 mean the amount likely easily surpasses 100 billion.

The Conservative government has signalled its intent to further bankroll the private sector, proposing last year to spend 10 billionacross four yearson outsourcing knee and hip replacement surgeries. This is being justified on the pretext of reducing NHS waiting lists for treatment. The list currently stands at 4.7 milliona number that shot up over the last 12 months and is entirely down to the Tories criminal handling of the Covid pandemic.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaking at a government Covid-19 press conference inside No10 Downing Street (credit: picture by Andrew Parsons/No 10 Downing StreetFlickr)

This is still significantly less than the amount gifted to the private sector at the start of the pandemic to take on non-Covid patients. The mouthpiece for British capital, the Financial Times, admitted that the pay deal to the private sector at the start of the pandemic was to [shore] up private health groups that would otherwise have struggled to survive.

Handing over billions in public funds is central to the governments NHS white paper released in February. It endorses a roll out of Integrated Care Systems (ICS), combining NHS trusts and GPs, with a single budgetary pot for the acquisition of external services. The ICSs no longer need to tender contracts but can award directly to anyone. Private companies are able to sit on ICS boards, as well as provision for them.

Commenting on the white paper, the WSWS explained that it would also formalise the process of privatisation and outright cronyism which has seen contracts for vast sums of money awarded to private sector friends and donors of the Johnson government. The paper gives the government more direct control of the NHS, with the health minister becoming the head of NHS England, clearing an even more direct path between the party in government, their donors and NHS services.

The government announced through the Queens Speech earlier this month that the white paper proposals will soon be made law.

In the last few weeks, various obscene examples of private sector involvement in the health service have been made public. Last month, the WSWS wrote on the significance of the 37 GP surgeries taken over by the US insurance company, Centenea company facing fraud allegations in the state of Ohiogiving it responsibility for the primary health care of 530,000 patients.

The WSWS also reported on contracts awarded to pandemic profiteers, with one report noting that 3.7 billion worth of contracts awarded to track and trace, PPE and other pandemic-related health care systems and initiatives were red flagged for potential corruption as those receiving the contracts were politically connected. A staggering 1.6 billion worth of PPE contracts (comprising 14 tenders) were awarded to entities with known connections to the Conservative Party.

Through various means, the government is attempting to obfuscate its privatisation project. It has used the pandemic as a justification for making continued private incursions into the NHS, while starving it of much-needed funds.

According to a joint study by London School of Economics and the Lancet medical journal published this month, spending on the NHS, social care and public health needs to rise by 102 billion over the next decade, if it is to provide the health care required by the population in the wake of the pandemic. The LSEs Dr Michael Andersonthe studys joint research leadcommented, Without concerted action and increased funding we risk the UK falling further behind other high-income countries in health outcomes and life expectancy, continued deterioration in service provision and worsening inequalities, increased reliance on private funding and an NHS that is poorly equipped to respond to future major threats to health.

A mobile endoscopy suite run by the In-Health corporation at a National Health Service hospital (credit: WSWS media)

Allyson Pollock, the director of the Newcastle University Centre for Excellence in Regulatory Science and an expert in health service financing noted in the Guardian that years of gutting the health service left it crippled at the onset of the pandemic, and unable to provide an effective test-and-trace system. The government decided to spend an estimated 37 billion to [construct] a parallel privatised test-and-trace system... outsourcing these crucial services to private Lighthouse laboratories and companies with little experience in public health. Blatant profiteering allowed one firm involved, Serco, to pay dividends for the first time in seven years, worth around 17 million, as well as a profitable renumeration package for its CEO at just under 5 million.

While the recent data provided by Labour draws attention to the corrupt policies of the Tory government during the pandemic, this is aimed at political point scoring and not based on any principled opposition.

Labours track record on the NHS over the last decades is no better than the Tories. Conservative prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major set out the initial reforms to open up the NHS for privatisation with the introduction of Hospital Trusts and internal markets. After Tony Blairs 1997 election victory for Labour, numerous hospitals were built under lucrative Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) at a vast cost to the taxpayer and various reforms implemented to develop the NHS internal market.

In 2012, David Camerons Conservative/Liberal Democrat government passed the Health and Social Care Act, opening up NHS trusts to massive levels of private sector involvement. The act introduced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and allowed foundation trusts to receive 49 percent of their income from outside the NHS, i.e., from private sources.

In opposition, Labour under every leader from Ed Miliband to Jeremy Corbyn and current leader Sir Keir Starmer have offered up at best token opposition to the moves by the Tories to eviscerate the NHS and hive it off to their private sector mates.

Operating as the de facto coalition partner of the Tories, Labour voted in favour of the draconian Coronavirus Act 2020 and has consistently voted to renew this draconian legislation under which the Conservatives have been able to hasten their plans to break up the NHS, forcibly disbanding a protest of NHS workers and arresting the organiser this March. The protest was called over the governments insulting offer of a 1 percent pay increase for NHS workers, which Labour opposed with a muted call for an equally insulting 2.1 percent.

The defence of the NHS will not come from the Labour Party or its adjuncts in the trade union bureaucracy. The trade unions have continually betrayed NHS workers struggles for even the most meagre of demands. Three years ago, the unions sold out struggles over pay by health care workers, with the so-called best deal in eight years. The stitch-up resulted in a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) being passed by the membership.

The only way to defend the NHS from privatisation is through the formation of new, rank-and-file organisations of workers struggle, independent of the trade unions and the Labour Party. The NHS FightBack group, initiated by the Socialist Equality Party, supports the call by the International Committee of the Fourth International for an International Workers Alliance for Rank and File Committees and urges workers within the NHS to join this fight.

Join the NHS FightBack group on Facebook today.
Another round of closed door talks between the United Steelworkers (USW) and Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI) management is set for Friday as the strike by 1,300 steelworkers continues into its eighth week.

From the start of the walkout, the United Steelworkers has signaled its intent to isolate and wear down the strike in order to force through another round of concessions, reprising its role in the 2015 walkout.

Pickets outside ATI's Vandergrift, PA Mill. (WSWS media)

Two weeks ago, the USW presented a contract offer that accepted cuts in employee profit sharing and a continuation of the hated two-tier benefit system for those hired after 2015.

No doubt, the union will offer further concessions in Fridays negotiations. For its part, ATI has made clear that it intends to push for even more cuts. We are interested in exploring ways to reach an agreement that both rewards our hardworking team and contributes to the longtime viability of ATI, said Natalie Gillespie, a spokeswoman. By longtime viability, Gillespie means further concessions to boost shareholder profits.

The company continues to hire scabs and has made clear its plans to resume production. Meanwhile, the USW is downplaying this threat, telling workers that ATI will not be able to sell its steel. However, the company has clearly learned some lessons from the 2015-16 lockout and is taking considerable time in training the replacements.

In addition to isolating the strikers, the union is helping the company to starve the workers into submission. While the United Steelworkers itself controls assets of over $1.5 billion and has over $150 million in its strike fund, the USW did not issue any strike pay during the first four weeks of the strike. Starting in May, the USW gave each local $260 per worker, with the locals deciding how to distribute the money. Most of the locals passed along just $150 of the money while keeping the rest in an emergency fund from which individual workers could apply for added assistance.

The isolation of the strike and the doling out of a pittance of financial support by the USW is having its intended effect, and the number of workers on the picket line is declining. Pressure on workers is being compounded by the May 1 cutoff of health care benefits by ATI.

Im lucky to have this guy with me, said a picket at the companys Brackenridge mill. Sometimes Im the only guy here. We are not allowed to stand in the way of the scabs, even yell at them. ATI is filming us, and if we do or say anything, they will retaliate against us.

Most strikers are being forced to find other jobs, unable to live on the weekly $150 strike pay being given out by the union.

I have a house payment, utilities and supporting myself and family, said one worker with 15 years service. I cant live on $150 a week.

We pay union dues all these years, we shouldnt have to beg for money when we go on strike. We are fighting not just for ourselves, but for everyone to have a decent living.

A worker at the ATI Vandergrift plant denounced the unions sabotage of the strike. Were fighting the USW as well as ATI, which you should not be doing whatsoever. At some point in time, people are going to have to start questioning their morals and values. Do I really want to stand behind an organization thats done this for me?

Speaking of the conduct of the current strike and the 2015-16 lockout, the worker continued, It feels like theyre trying to wear you down. That bleeds over to your family members. I was so mad after the lockout. We served all that time out there and didnt get anything near where I thought we should be.

In that one [2015-16], the USW was always talking about how much they were paying out in strike and defense. I paid dues into this USW at that time for all those years and never touched a nickel of it, and thats money due to us that we put in. A USW rep was the last person I wanted to hear complaining about it. That really sat badly for me.

The strike, which began March 30, involves five facilities in PennsylvaniaBrackenridge, Latrobe, Natrona Heights, Vandergrift and Washingtonand at Lockport, New York; Louisville, Ohio; New Bedford, Massachusetts; and Waterbury, Connecticut.

Workers have not had a pay raise in seven years. In its current proposal ATI is demanding that workers pay raises be offset by increased health care costs. In particular, the company is demanding that starting in the last year of the contract, workers pay 5 percent of health care premiums, with new hires paying 10 percent.

In 2015-16 the company locked out the workers for seven months. During that struggle, the union granted the company most of its demands, including that workers would pay 10 percent of their health care costs and that new hires would be in a two-tier system that eliminated their pension plan.

In the proposal made to ATI by the USW two weeks ago, the union promised that it would keep ATIs health care costs in check by cutting the quality of the benefits and would guarantee that if it failed to meet the target, it would make up the difference by robbing workers profit sharing payments.

In addition, ATI, with the collaboration of the USW, has continued to cut jobs. Since 2015, the company has cut some 800 jobs. Currently the company is in the process of cutting 400 jobs by eliminating its production line making steel for appliances. It plans to close its plants in Louisville, Ohio and Waterbury, Connecticut and cut the number 3 division in Brackenridge.

The strike against ATI is taking place alongside a small but growing number of strikes throughout the country and internationally that express the determination of workers to regain the massive concessions and sacrifices they have made. These struggles include the walkout by over 1,000 coal miners at Warrior Met in Alabama, 3,000 Volvo Truck workers in Virginia, nurses in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduate student workers in New York City, and ExxonMobil refinery workers in Beaumont, Texas who are also members of the United Steelworkers. After a year of a deadly pandemic, workers are insisting on adequate pay, good benefits and safe working conditions.

In all of these struggles, workers are learning that they are not only fighting against their respective companies but that they are also up against the very unions that are supposed to represent them. Both the United Mine Workers at Warrior Met and the United Auto Workers at Volvo Truck attempted to ram through concessions contracts, which were decisively rejected by their members.

The ending of the isolation of these strikes, the mobilization of the working class to stop the scabs and the struggle to win improved wages and benefits will require the taking of these struggles out of the hands of the corrupt and pro-corporate unions which are working to sabotage them.

The Socialist Equality Party is working for the formation of rank-and-file committees made up of the most militant and trusted workers. These committees will be democratically run by the members and completely independent of and opposed to the union officialdom and both the Democratic and Republican parties.

These committees must fight for workers demands, including the recovery of all concessions, across-the-board wage increases, no cuts to health care, full pensions for new hires, job security (including for the hundreds of workers slated to lose their jobs this contract), an end to wage and benefit tiers and a return to the eight-hour day.

To end the isolation of the strike, these committees must demand the immediate payment of $900 a week in strike pay, along with health benefits for all striking and laid off workers. They will work to mobilize the power of the working class to stop the scabs from crossing the picket line and close down ATI. They will work to unite the struggle at ATI with the struggles of workers throughout the country and throughout the world.

To find out more and to join the rank-and-file committee, please click Build Rank-and-File Safety Committees!
Repeating the Brexit mantra, taking back control of our borders, the Conservative government is escalating its systematic campaign to eradicate the rights of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

In the recent Queens Speech, which lays out government policy priorities for the next year, Home Secretary Priti Patels draconian New Plan for Immigration was given centre stage. The legislation means that those who enter the UK illegallyi.e. the vast majority of refugees because all legal avenues have been sealed offwill not then be able to automatically claim asylum. Instead, they will only be granted temporary protection, meaning they will be closely monitored and repeatedly targeted for removal from the UK.

Hundreds of local residents surround deportation van in Kenmure Road, Glasgow (credit @chezzy51-twitter)

Before the Bill is even on the statute books, brutal raids by Home Office Immigration Enforcement officials are already being stepped up.

There was an openly provocative element to one such raid undertaken on May 13, in a Glasgow district with a sizeable Muslim population and on the Islamic holy day of Eid al-Fitrthe second in less than a month. Glasgow is Scotlands only dispersal city for asylum seekers arriving in the UK.

At around 10am, immigration officers removed two men, Sumit Sehdev and Lakhvir Singh, from their top-floor flat in Kenmure Street, Pollokshields, on Glasgows southside. Singh said the officers barged in and arrested him and his friend Sumit Sehdevi on suspicion of immigration offences, having allegedly lived in the UK without leave to remain for 10 years. The two men, Indian Sikhs, were removed to a Home Office Immigration Enforcement van waiting in the street outside to be taken to detention.

Neither Sehdev nor Singh were in hiding, nor on the run and had zero advance warning of their removal. Singh and Sehdev, a mechanic and chef respectively, have lived in the UK for years and are part of a community, said the refugee and migrant charity Positive Action in Housing. Both were well-liked and respected members of the local Sikh Gurdwara temple where the two friends worked feeding the homeless.

What transpired gave a glimpse of the hostility in the working class to the endless scapegoating of immigrants and asylum seekers by the political establishment and its compliant media.

News soon spread through the Kenmure Road area and beyond of the attempt to remove Sehdev and Singh and hundreds of local people flooded onto the street to block the immigration vans exit. Swelling in numbers by the minute, the demonstration blocked the vehicle from leaving for several hours. One neighbour lay underneath the van to stop it departing. Local residents even established a snack centre for protesters in a bus shelter, with nearby families providing food and water.

As the protest grew larger, up to 50 police cars and vans descended to the street and side streets. Dozens of police officers ringed the van as the surrounding crowd chanted cops go home and leave our neighbours, let them go. Police repeatedly pushed and shoved peaceful protesters and journalists reporting the event.

Police Scotland eventually ended the standoff and freed the men, effectively preventing their immediate detention.

Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar was among those who led the eight-hour effort to release Sehdev and Singh. In a statement, he accused the Home Office of inciting carnage on the streets of Glasgow with its provocative dawn raid.

Another preventing the removal was Roza Salih, a Kurdish refugee and co-founder of the Glasgow Girls campaign. In 2005, together with fellow school pupils, Salih campaigned to prevent the deportation of a school friend. She told the Guardian, Im just overwhelmed by Glasgows solidarity for refugees and asylum seekers refugees are welcome here.

Another at the protest was Mohammad Asif of the Afghan Human Rights Foundation who spoke for many when he said, We're here against the hostile environment created by the Tories and the British state.

Thanking those who defended their democratic right to remain, Lakhvir Singh, speaking through a translator, told ITN News, 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.

Singh concluded, 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.

Director of Sikhs in Scotland, Robina Qureshi commented, The Home Office have referred to these men as illegal. Well they are wrong, and we are now investigating legal action against the Home Office for casting such aspersions.

Qureshi noted that, like many asylum seekers targeted for forced removal, Sehdev and Singh have not had access to legal representation: The fact that they had no active legal representation before means they were left vulnerable. Dawn raid vans have no place going into communities dragging innocent people from their homes. They are not, categorically not, criminals.

Jelina Berlow Rahman, a lawyer instructed to represent Singh, said he has been in the country since 2008 and has a right to a private life, a family life. She added, It was evident the number of people who came together, that was his community, that was neighbours, that was his friendsthe majority of people knew him.

Despite the protest, the Home Office insisted the raid was a legitimate operation that was 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 Home Office statement concluded with the warning: 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.

The Glasgow raid is the tip of an iceberg. Earlier this month, the Financial Times noted that it had seen a letter from the Home Office sent to a non-Arab fleeing Darfur, in Sudan. The FT noted that, in Sudan, the International Criminal Court has alleged non-Arabs have been subject to crimes against humanity, including genocide. Such people are presumed eligible for refugee protection if they reach the UK. However, the Home Office letter states, without evidence, that the recipient may have come to Britain via another European country and therefore threatens to reject their asylum application out of hand.

As part of this consideration, the letter reads, we may make inquiries with safe countries to verify evidence or ask if, in principle, they would admit you. It warns, If your claim is treated as inadmissible, we will not ask you about your reasons for seeking asylum or make a decision on your protection claim. It then offers help and advice on leaving Britain.

The FT estimated that based on the 30,000 asylum claims lodged last year hundreds or even thousands of asylum seekers will have received such letters. This was backed up by Minnie Rahman, Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants campaigns director, who told the FT that almost everyone who made an asylum claim in the UK since January had been sent such a threatening letter.

The Socialist Equality Party solidarises itself with the workers and youth who acted heroically to stop the removals in Glasgow in defence of democratic rights. We demand an immediate end to all deportations and that all immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers be welcomed and provided with all the benefits of citizenship.
ABERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) - WTVA 9 News has obtained more information regarding a mistrial in a Monroe County murder case.

Bryan Lyons was scheduled to go to trial in April for the death of Teresa Ewing.

Investigators said Ewing disappeared in 2013 and her body was found 19 days later.

Lyons was charged in her death in 2016.

In April, after a jury had been empaneled to hear the case, the judge declared a mistrial before testimony began.

In an order signed with the court and obtained by WTVA 9 News, the judge said prosecutors and the defense attorney reached an agreement on the presentation of some evidence without calling witnesses to authenticate it.

Lyons voiced his displeasure over the agreement and insisted there be no stipulation on evidence.

The state did not have appropriate witnesses in court or under subpoena because of the agreement.

The judge issued the mistrial at the request of the state and ordered the defense attorney removed from the case.

No new trial date has been announced.

Open this link to view the court document.
CARROLLTON, Ala. (WTVA) - A man from Berry, Alabama, will spend time in prison for crashing into a teenagers car while driving drunk.

Wesley Studdard, 31, pleaded guilty in Fayette County court. He received a 15-year sentence for first-degree assault.



Wesley Studdard Wesley Studdard

According to District Attorney Andrew Hamlin, the crash happened on Dec. 13, 2020, on Alabama Highway 13.

Studdards pick-up truck crashed into the rear of a 17-year-old's stopped car.

Medics airlifted the teenager to a hospital in Birmingham for multiple severe injuries.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Charleston, WV (25311)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Clarksburg, WV (26301)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 78F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
At a glance

A day after the House approved legislation to establish an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Wyomings U.S. senators criticized the measure as partisan, breaking from the stance of Congresswoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo.

"There were major security failures at the Capitol on Jan. 6. I support the existing, ongoing investigations to address those failures and make sure individuals involved in criminal acts are prosecuted," U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said in a statement. "What we dont want is another partisan and political exercise. It seems like thats what Speaker Pelosi and her unbalanced proposal is really aiming for.
David Adler , Ph.D., is a noted author who lectures nationally and internationally on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and presidential power. His scholarly writings have been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts by both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress. Adlers column is supported in part through a grant from Wyoming Humanities funded by the Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Adler can be reached at david.adler@alturasinstitute.com.
Good Morning America

A trip designed to showcase the power and influence of President Joe Biden on the world stage has become crowded with questions about his sway -- both at home and abroad. The president's G-7 meetings will bring him into contact with world leaders who are signaling a more skeptical stance than British Prime Minister Boris Johnson when it comes to Biden's ability to deliver on his promises and foster global growth. Five Republicans, of course, is not 10 Republicans -- and getting to that number could cost votes in Biden's own party.
FILE PHOTO: An Amazon worker delivers packages. Reuters

Amazon is facing five lawsuits from employees accusing the company of discrimination and retaliation.

The lawsuits were filed by Amazon warehouse and corporate employees across the country.

Next week, Amazon shareholders will vote on whether to require the company to undergo an independent racial equity audit.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Amazon is facing a wave of five new lawsuits filed Wednesday by employees across its workforce who say they faced illegal discrimination and retaliation on the job, primarily from white male managers.

The lawsuits were filed by current and former Amazon corporate and warehouse employees in Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, and Washington state. They accuse Amazon managers and HR employees of racial, ethnic, and gender discrimination, as well as sexual harassment, and allege systemic biases in hirings, promotions, and firings at Amazon based on race and gender.

Four of the employees claim they were retaliated against after raising complaints, three of which were fired, and attorneys for the employees said Amazon's top executives and HR department "routinely protected and abetted" abusive managers

"Women and employees of color at all levels of Amazon have had their complaints of harassment and discrimination brushed under the rug and met with retaliation for years," Lawrence Pearson and Jeanne Christensen, attorneys at the law firm Wigdor who are representing the five employees, said in a statement.

"Amazon can no longer dismiss abusive behavior and retaliation by white managers as mere anecdotes. These are systemic problems, entrenched deep within the company and perpetuated by a human resources organization that treats employees who raise concerns as the problem," the attorneys added.

In a statement to Insider, an Amazon spokesperson said: "We are conducting thorough investigations for each of these unrelated cases, as we do with any reported incidents, and we have found no evidence to support the allegations."

Story continues

"Amazon works hard to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form, and employees are encouraged to raise concerns to any member of management or through an anonymous ethics hotline with no risk of retaliation," the spokesperson added.

The lawsuits come ahead of Amazon's annual shareholder meeting, where investors are set to vote on a proposal introduced by the New York Common Retirement Fund that would require Amazon to undergo an independent racial equity audit. Amazon unsuccessfully tried to get the proposal tossed out.

The National Labor Relations Board has accused Amazon of illegally firing multiple workers who protested the company's working conditions, and Recode recently reported that internal Amazon data shows Black employees are hired and promoted at disproportionate rates than their white counterparts.

Chris Smalls, an Amazon employee fired in March 2020 after protesting working conditions, also filed a lawsuit in November accusing the company of violating civil rights laws by failing to protect Black, Brown, and immigrant warehouse workers from COVID-19 while looking out for its mostly white managers.

The latest wave of lawsuits were filed by:

Tiffany Gordwin, a Black female senior HR specialist in Avondale, Arizona, who accused Amazon of tricking her into applying for a lower role than what she qualified and interviewed for, and who works for a white manager who is working on his master's degree even though she completed her MBA degree seven years ago;

Diana Cuervo, a Latinx female warehouse manager in Everett, Washington, who claimed her Amazon supervisor made comments such as "Latins suck," and said she was fired weeks after complaining about the harassment she faced as well as a gas leak in the facility;

Cindy Warner, a gay female Amazon Web Services executive in Irvine, California, who accused the company of falsely saying it didn't hire internally for a position she was qualified for, and claimed a male coworker called her a "b---" and "idiot" in front of other coworkers and then fired her after complaining and retaining an attorney;

Emily Sousa, an Asian-American female warehouse manager in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, who claimed a male manager compared her to an adult film star, and that she was demoted after complaining about sexual and racial harassment by another male manager;

Pearl Thomas, a Black female HR employee in Washington state, who claimed her supervisor called her the "n-word" and that when she complained about racial discrimination, her own HR representative dismissed her concerns by suggesting she was emotional because of Derek Chauvin's trial.

Read the original article on Business Insider
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) arrives for a House Republican caucus candidate forum to replace outgoing conference chair, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) at the Capitol on May 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Marjorie Taylor Greene has become the latest Republican to be fined $500 for refusing to wear a mask on the House floor, a report says.

The congresswoman from Georgia is among three GOP lawmakers to have their pay docked over their protest against House Speaker Nancy Pelosis refusal to lift the mask mandate, according to Forbes.

Also reportedly fined for their role in the free your face protest were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and Ralph Norman of South Carolina.

All three lawmakers received a first warning for going maskless in the chamber on Tuesday, a Capitol officials told Forbes.

John Kennedy, a spokesperson for Mr Massie, said they had been told of the Tuesday warning but have not yet received formal communication over a fine.

After being warned on Tuesday, Lauren Boebert and Louie Gohmert reportedly wore their masks on the floor on Wednesday.

Representatives, who are paid $14,500 a month before tax, will be fined $2,5000 for a third violation of the Houses mask policy.

Democrat Marcy Kaptur of Ohio became the first member of her party to be warned for not wearing a mask.

The mask mandate has been lifted on most parts of the Capitol complex, but Ms Pelosi has insisted that it will remain in place in the chamber while some members remain unvaccinated.

Both Ms Greene and Mr Massie have spoken publicly about not getting the vaccine.

Read More

Marjorie Taylor Greene shreds letter from Nancy Pelosi

Only half of Republican lawmakers in Congress say theyve been vaccinated

Marjorie Taylor Greene defends abused Capitol rioters and Ashli Babbitt in House floor speech
May 19NEW LONDON  Wherever the president goes, demonstrators typically follow.

President Joe Biden's visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday brought together a diverse group of demonstrators, protesters and some regular folks attempting to get publicity for their messages.

Peace activists arrived at McKinley Park near the Coast Guard Academy entrance hours ahead of Biden's 10:30 a.m. arrival, to call for reductions in military spending and an end to nuclear weapons. A large contingent of people condemning Israel and Biden also were at the park, protesting what they claim are human rights violations against Palestinians happening amid the recent explosion of violence in Israel and Gaza.

The gathering was peaceful and mostly contained to a small grassy area on the outskirts of McKinley Park.

Representatives from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Muslims for Palestine and Students for Justice in Palestine waved Palestinian flags and led chants that included "Free, free Palestine! Occupation is a crime!"

The crowd of nearly 100 people joined in.

"This is not about religion. It's not about politics. It's a humanitarian issue," said Bazila Munir, 21, of South Windsor. "President Biden has not condemned the actions of Israel, saying that Israel has a right to self-defense, but killing children in their homes and displacing innocent families isn't self-defense."

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More than 200 people have died  mostly Palestinians  in the ongoing exchange of rocket fire and airstrikes between Israel and Hamas.

Mahmoud Mansour, imam of the Islamic Center of New London, said, "We as American citizens have a responsibility to demand the end to the human rights violations."

Mansour joined with others to call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel as a starting point, and for a U.N. Security Council resolution to say, "We need to stop the slaughter immediately."

Story continues

"He's not doing that. I don't understand what he's waiting for. How many people have to die before he says stop this business? Israel, they have the green light," Mansour said.

Biden this week spoke with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and in a statement afterward reiterated his "firm support for Israel's right to defend itself against indiscriminate attacks." Biden also expressed his support for a cease-fire.

Shelly Altman of New Haven, the chairman of Jewish Voice for Peace New Haven, said the argument used consistently is "Israel has a right to defend itself."

"You hear that over and over again," she said. "Israel is a heavily militarized state supported by the United States. They're using that military strength to oppress and murder Palestinians. This is not defense. We need to stop giving aid to Israel at all. Israel acts with impunity... "

Altman, who is Jewish, said the people in the crowd criticizing the U.S. policies are not antisemitic.

"To call it antisemitic to criticize what they're doing right now, creating a catastrophe in Gaza ... is absolutely crazy," Altman said. "But what Israel is doing is fanning the flames of antisemitism worldwide."

Joanne Sheehan of Norwich joined members of the War Resisters League and Coalition for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in a call to reduce military spending.

"Our organization believes war is a crime against humanity," Sheehan said. "I believe that deeply. We need to be calling for a cease-fire. (Israeli) bombs are paid for by us."

She said the country needs to shift its funding away from the military, sign a treaty for the prohibition of nuclear weapons and shift funding toward building communities and addressing things like infrastructure, poverty, racism and militarism.

g.smith@theday.com
Dan Campbell joked at his introductory news conference that he got the Detroit Lions head coaching job after he told his agent to make the team think he was Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.

If they did, Campbell would have landed a whopper of a deal.

According to CBS Sports, Matt Campbell turned down an 8-year, $68.5 million contract to join the Lions this winter, before the team hired Dan Campbell as coach.

SHAWN WINDSOR: Are you not entertained? Maybe Dan Campbell pet lion idea will do the trick

The Lions' interest in Matt Campbell was widely known, though the extent of their offer was never reported. In 2020, the Carolina Panthers lured Matt Rhule away from Baylor with a seven-year, $62.5 million deal.

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2020, file photo, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell reacts on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech in Ames, Iowa. Campbell has agreed to a new eight-year contract through 2028 after leading the Cyclones to the Big 12 championship game and a New Year's Six bowl. The school did not release terms of the contract Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Asked if the Lions offered their job to Matt Campbell at Dan Campbell's news conference, Lions president Rod Wood declined comment.

Im not going to comment on any college coaches," he said. "I think Ive talked to a couple of you about that, out of respect for their current position and recruiting. Im not going to say whether we interviewed a college coach or whether we didnt or whether we extended an offer. Ill just leave it at, no comment on any college coaches.

Matt Campbell, who grew up in Massillon, Ohio, near Lions executive Chris Spielman's home town of Canton  Spielman led the Lions coaching search and is believed to have spearheaded their interest in Campbell  posted a message on Twitter on Jan. 10 saying he was staying at Iowa State.

"So grateful for the commitment of so many to continue to want to build our program together," he wrote. "Our foundation has been built on Loyalty and Faithfulness and it will continue to be our guiding light. Humbled and Grateful to continue to lead to be different."

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The Lions interviewed Dan Campbell the next day, and settled on hiring him as coach later that week.

"Just in regards to the head coach search, how I ended up here, one of things would be that I told my agent, Rick Smith, I said make sure that they think Im Matt Campbell, so I think thats how this has really worked out great for me," Dan Campbell said. "So now that Im in the seat, I am Dan Campbell. But I do know this, you cant go wrong with a Campbell."

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Campbell has been well received in his four months on the job, showing humor and humility and while leading an organizational overhaul with new general manager Brad Holmes.

Matt Campbell is 70-43 in nine seasons as coach at Toledo and Iowa State. He led the Cyclones to a 9-3 record and Big 12 regular season championship last year.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Iowa State's Matt Campbell turned down big offer to coach Detroit Lions
Courtesy Troy Littleton The crib in Troy Littleton's office

A Massachusetts professor is being praised for his kind actions after setting up a crib in his office to help a graduate student who has a 10-month-old child.

Dr. Troy Littleton, a professor of neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recently went viral on Twitter after revealing that he had set up a travel crib for a grad student's daughter.

Good Morning America identified the student as Karen Cunningham and her 10-month-old daughter, Katie.

"My favorite new equipment purchase for the lab  a travel crib to go in my office so my graduate student can bring her little girl to work when necessary and I get to play with her while her mom gets some work done. Win-win!!" Littleton tweeted on May 7 beside a photo of the crib.

That tweet has since captured the hearts of people around the world, who have commended the professor for his considerate gesture and raising awareness about the challenges working mothers face.

"This is what equity and support of women look like!" wrote one user. "This port-a-cot image has made my day. It is so NOT hard if you care to think of inclusive solutions."

Courtesy Troy Littleton Dr. Troy Littleton and baby Katie

RELATED: Daughter Hilariously Impersonates Mom Working from Home  and Other Parents Can't Help but Relate!

"This is beautiful!" added another person. "We need more workplaces like this that consider caretaking as a healthy & necessary part of an adult work life, not a distraction from it."

Speaking to GMA, Littleton  who serves as director of MIT's Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Graduate Program and runs their research lab  explained that he set up the crib for Cunningham as a late baby shower gift.

"Usually in non-pandemic times we always have baby showers for expectant mothers and fathers where we give them gifts and we weren't able to do that with Karen because of the pandemic, so this was sort of the lab gift for Karen, 10 months later," he told the outlet. "It's always a challenge [being a parent while in graduate school] so anything you can do in a lab to facilitate and help out, we try."

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Added Cunningham: "The first year of being a parent is hard and it's helpful to have a lot of support. I think during the pandemic parents have been isolated from a lot of their support so [the crib] is definitely an add-on and a really wonderful one."

Courtesy Troy Littleton Karen Cunningham with daughter Katie

Recently, Littleton decided to post the image of the crib after Cunningham brought her daughter to the lab for the first time, not knowing the massive response his tweet would receive, according to GMA.

"The tweet came from just being delighted to be able to see Katie for the first time and to have the opportunity on occasion, when Karen wants to bring her in, to be able to play with her a little bit," Littleton explained to the outlet. "That was the genesis of the tweet, not from any idea it was going to create this large discussion about the challenges mothers face in the workplace."

In response to his tweet, which has gained over 117,000 likes and 8,000 retweets, some users pointed out the difficulties that moms face with a work-life balance.

One user even called the moment a "sad substitute for parental leave and daycare," leading to a discussion about the challenges of paying for child care services.

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Though the response was completely unexpected, Littleton told GMA he was pleased with the productive conversations that were taking place on social media.

"I'm glad it had that effect because we need to be solving these issues, both in academia and on a broader level as well," he shared with the outlet, noting that MIT does currently offer resources for working moms, including a daycare on its campus.

"It's highlighted that this is a really important issue for our community," he added.

According to Cunningham, her husband usually watches Katie each day and will continue to do so until she begins daycare in the fall. Still, she said, she appreciates having a backup option with MIT and Littleton.

"There's the solid, focused six to eight hours of work that you wouldn't want to bring a baby in for, but then there's the lab errands that you do here and there and that's when it's really useful," Cunningham explained to GMA. "I can put Katie down and just go do something quick and I can see her and talk to her and she can nap in there. It's great."

"One of the reasons I picked MIT was because I got a really positive response from the biology department when I brought up the fact that I was definitely going to want to have a baby during grad school," she added. "I was thinking about that the whole time."

RELATED VIDEO: Celeb Moms Spill: No Mother Is Perfect, and That's Okay!

While she's grateful for the support from MIT and Littleton, Cunningham told GMA she hopes other schools, professors and employees will follow their lead.

"It's really easy to look at the systemic challenges facing parents and moms in our country  and kind of throw up your hands and be like, 'Well it's huge. I can't fix that,'" she explained. "But then these sort of local ways that people in positions of power can protect parents against the systemic things, like what Troy's been doing in creating a really supportive and inclusive lab, I think that does make a really big difference and it's great to have an example of that."

As for Littleton, he said he doesn't see his gesture as anything out of the ordinary and commended moms everywhere for their ability to balance both work and their personal life.

"I wish people were able to spot the real hero here," he wrote on May 9 in response to his viral tweet. "It's the graduate student mom, not me. She's amazing to do all she has to with her daughter and still keep up her thesis project research. Happy Mother's Day to all  they deserve it!"
May 19TUPELO  Staff Sgt. Michael Otts returned to Mississippi on Wednesday after an 11-month deployment with the U.S. Army National Guard to surprise his son at Lawndale Elementary School.

Lawndale Principal Talina Knight told Otts' son, fourth grader Corbin, and his classmates that this was a special week to honor heroes in our nation, so a guest speaker would be dropping by the school to speak with them.

When the "guest speaker" walked through the door to the media center, it was Michael Otts.

Corbin, 10, sat stunned at his table for a few seconds and waved at his father before embracing him.

The students applauded and waved American flags as Otts took photos with Corbin, his wife, Sarah Otts, and their other son, 5-year-old Kolton.

The 38-year-old Tupelo native was deployed to Kuwait on July 5, 2020, and hadn't seen his family in almost a year.

The at-school reunion came together last minute on Wednesday morning and was a collaboration between Lawndale Elementary and Carmen Gary, principal of Parkway Elementary School where Sarah Otts works as an assistant teacher.

Michael Otts had known he'd return home in May, but had just found out on Tuesday that he'd be returning the next day.

"I was surprised," Corbin said. "They just said that it was a special guest coming."

While Michael Otts was overseas, his' family was able to stay in contact with him through a video calling app, and he's been known to participate in the occasional PTO meeting via Google Meet  even with an eight-hour time difference.

Even with the relatively easy form of communication, Sarah Otts said having her husband out of arms' reach has been incredibly challenging.

"This is the longest we've been without seeing him," she said. "He spent our first wedding anniversary in Iraq and he's had to go to schools and things and of course AIT in the summer ... Touching the phone screen is definitely not the same as touching his arm. Video call helps for sure, but it's definitely not the same."

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Standing alongside his family in front of a banner that read "Welcome Home," Michael Otts said, "This is my whole world right here."

Otts is looking forward to relaxing for a few days before going returning to work at Syntron Material Handling in Saltillo.

When asked what he wants to do with his dad now that he's home, Kolton said he's looking forward to going to the beach.

Otts said he joined the National Guard nearly 14 years ago as "a means to better help my family out." He's a turbine engine mechanic, so he fixes engines on helicopters. His deployment to Kuwait was his second tour of duty, following a previous deployment to Iraq.

Knight was happy to host the reunion on her campus.

"We're just so excited to support our community members who are giving back to us so faithfully overseas and here in our own country," Knight said. "That's what it's all about."

blake.alsup@djournal.com
May 19NEW LONDON  The U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduated 240 ensigns at Cadet Memorial Field on Wednesday, in a commencement ceremony that included an address from President Joe Biden and marked more of a return to normalcy after last year's ceremony went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduates were allowed only a limited number of guests each, but families were able to sit maskless in the bleachers on the sunny, 79-degree day. The past four years have been a long journey for the ensigns, culminating in a day both exciting and emotional.

Of the graduates, 34% are women and 34% are minority students, with seven students coming from three other countries: Georgia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. In his speech, Biden said we "need to see more women at the highest levels of command." Twelve students were high school valedictorians, and 91% of graduates have earned a varsity letter.

The president flew into Quonset Point Air National Guard Station in North Kingstown, R.I., before taking Marine One to the Coast Guard Academy, landing at 10:30 a.m. and walking onto the stage about 40 minutes later, wearing his signature aviator sunglasses.

Biden opened his roughly 25-minute speech by mentioning various politicians in attendance, including Gov. Ned Lamont, whom he said has "been a good friend for a long time," as well as Coast Guard leaders.

The president recalled when he addressed the academy as vice president in 2013, when he told cadets, "This is not your father's Coast Guard." But he joked Wednesday to one of the graduates, "First-class Eric Schultz, this IS your father's Coast Guard," considering his father is U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl L. Schultz.

Biden said his 2013 comments were about how the Coast Guard was "adapting so rapidly to changing conditions." His remarks on Wednesday doubled down on that statement.

"The demands and the challenges that you're going to face in your career are going to look very different than those who walked these halls before you," Biden said. "The world is changing. We are at a significant inflection point in world history."

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Before launching into foreign policy, Biden praised graduates and the academy for how they've maintained operations throughout the pandemic.

"You found ways to keep many of the academy's traditions alive and maybe even formed a few new ones," he said. When listing some of these traditions, Biden referenced Slice Pizza Bar in New London, a favorite hangout for cadets.

"You passed through 100th week, and maybe spent a little too much time at The Slice," Biden said to loud cheers. "You can clap. Come on, man, you're moving on. Show a little courage."

Biden also joked that he was addressing a "really dull class" when a barb directed at the Navy didn't land many laughs.

He said his administration is "committed to taking on the scourge of sexual harassment and assault in the military," and referenced discussions on racial equity at the academy in the wake of George Floyd's murder. Biden eventually came to foreign policy issues and elaborated on what graduates will be facing, including pandemic and natural disaster response efforts, as well as matters of national security, such as trade with international partners.

"With the pace of climate change accelerating, we're seeing more frequent and more intense storms and calls for you to respond," Biden said. "Last year was the most active hurricane season on record ... And the Coast Guard was always there to respond, even at the height of the pandemic."

He argued the Coast Guard must be active in ensuring the "unimpeded flow of global commerce" and said he'll continue to support the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to ensure "the waters of our planet are not exploited by any one nation but are preserved for the benefit of all."

To conclude, Biden said he's optimistic about the new ensigns and their generation, saying they are "the most progressive, most educated, least prejudiced, most open generation in American history."

Biden is the 10th presidential keynote speaker at the school.

In true military form, cadets began their procession to "Pomp and Circumstance" at 11 a.m. on the dot, the field silent in the moments before. Prior to the ceremony starting, the U.S. Coast Guard Band played and videos streamed.

In the bleachers, Wendy Everson was there from Colorado Springs to support her daughter, Rachel Everson. She was sitting with Rachel's aunt, sister and boyfriend. Rachel Everson's sister, Hannah Everson, graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2016, when former President Barack Obama spoke  and she thinks it's pretty cool both sisters got a presidential speaker.

Rachel Everson, an electrical engineering major, is set to become a deck watch officer on the cutter Diligence in Pensacola, Fla.

Southeastern Connecticut graduates among Class of 2021

New London's Tommy Thompson was in the bleachers Wednesday supporting his son, Trent Robledo-Thompson, a 2017 graduate of New London High School.

"It's been an incredible experience," he said before the ceremony began. "He has grown so much, and like anything, it takes a village, and he's had a great support system through the academy and the community."

Thompson said whenever his son received time off, known as "liberty," he would bring other cadets with him, "and we were able to host at our home lots of cadets through the years." He said it was like a home away from home for cadets who aren't from nearby, and a chance for them to compress and unwind.

As proud families flooded the field to take pictures with their graduates after the ceremony ended, Robledo-Thompson took pictures with fellow New London High School graduates Nate Skrabacz and Maylis Yepez Burac.

Skrabacz said his father served in the Navy, and wanting to support the military while living in New London, the family sponsored cadets when Skrabacz was a kid. He has been to a lot of Coast Guard Academy graduations, and Wednesday it was time for his own.

Skrabacz said his most memorable moments at the academy were on the rowing team. He is off to Alameda, Calif., to be a deck watch officer on the cutter Waesche.

Other local graduates reflected on their experience the day before, as first-class cadets gathered at Washington Parade Plaza for the Class of 2021's regimental review.

Marine Science Magnet High School graduate Abby Casey, who majored in Operations Research and Computer Analysis at the Coast Guard Academy, said she was drawn to the academy by its focus on humanities and her love of being on the water.

She spent last summer on the barque Eagle and said it was interesting adapting the training program to COVID-19; the 295-foot training ship didn't leave New London because of the pandemic. After graduating, she is going to be a deck watch officer on a buoy tender.

Yepez Burac reflected back four years ago: "When I first came in, I had done the AIM program," she said, referring to a one-week immersive summer program, "so I thought I had a feel for what Swab Summer would be like, and day one rocked my world."

But she stuck through the ups and downs, and was pushed in ways she didn't know she'd be pushed, such as interacting with smaller communities in Barbados during her third-class summer.

"This place kind of expedites growth," Yepez said. The engineering major will next be doing law enforcement missions on the cutter Diligence.

Her roommate in Pensacola will be fellow graduate Lauren Murrill, a government major from Arizona. Most ensigns go to cutters, but Murrill is among the less than 10% going to flight school, which she is doing after spending the summer working in admissions at the Coast Guard Academy.

"I love the idea of being able to pick a human life up and save them," Murrill said of rescue missions.

Murrill got her first taste of aviation at the academy as a fourth-class cadet, doing a pilot shadow program for a weekend at Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. But her father, William Murrill, was in the Air National Guard, and so she was exposed to a lot of air shows growing up.

Her mother, Jackie Murrill, said that family members back home were "super excited" for the graduation Wednesday and going to be tuning in from afar.

When news of Biden's visit was announced, academy Superintendent Rear Adm. William Kelly said, "It will be a memorable event for our community, as well as a great opportunity to showcase the Academy and the city of New London on a national stage."

On Wednesday, he told the graduates, "You have navigated the 200-week journey, you have led the corps of cadets through a global pandemic, and you have sprinted through the tape and arrived here today at the starting line for what I'm sure will be an amazing journey."

The student speaker was Sean Seyller, who during the pandemic co-created a remote tutoring program to help students from local elementary schools, and will be going to Washington, D.C., and reporting to Coast Guard Cyber Command.

Along with the traditional demands of the Coast Guard Academy, Seyller said cadets have dealt with "mental health, social justice upheaval and a global pandemic simultaneously," and that "our finest hours occurred when there was no playbook."

"There's nothing we would rather be known for than the ability to be comfortable with being uncomfortable," he said.

s.spinella@theday.com

e.moser@theday.com
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And once the pandemic is over, how will we assess the impacts and losses? How will we develop a plan of action? The Periscope project brings together the best scientists and experts from 32 European universities, research institutes and think tanks. Gazeta Wyborcza is the only medium cooperating with them. The Periscope project is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon2020 programme.

__________________

Prof. Claudius Gros of the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Goethe University in Frankfurt and Dr Daniel Gros of the Centre for European Political Studies in Brussels are brothers who form an interdisciplinary scientific team.

They have recently derived a mathematical relationship to estimate the rate of vaccination needed to stop the increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19.

They have presented the details of their analysis in a publication titled: "How fast do vaccination campaigns need to proceed to outpace the growing number of COVID-19 infections?" They demonstrate that with timely vaccination of the oldest age groups, restrictions can be loosened and lockdowns avoided. Even if the epidemic was still trending upward.

Protect the oldest as soon as possible

The researchers begin with a reminder that COVID-19 primarily threatens the elderly. That's according to hospitalization and death statistics released by the U.S. CDC, among others.

REKLAMA

A meta-analysis published by the European Journal of Epidemiology has found that the risk of death from coronavirus infection increases exponentially with age. It doubles for an age difference of about 5.7 years. Namely, for 10-year-olds it is barely 0.002 percent. For 25-year-olds - 0.01 percent, but for 55-year-olds - 0.4 percent, 65-year-olds - 1.4 percent, 75-year-olds - 4.6 percent, and 85-year-olds - as much as 15 percent.

Based on this, the researchers estimate that if the entire German population was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, as many as 1.5 million people over the age of 60 would die, "only" 75,000 of younger people.

Thus, if we want to avoid high mortality and overloading the health care system with severe cases of COVID-19 (i.e., we are trying to "flatten the curve"), the oldest age groups should be vaccinated first. Seniors from the 60+ age group currently represent 26 percent of the European Union population (the lowest percentage in Ireland - about 20 percent, the highest in Italy - 29 percent, in Poland - about 24 percent). As the authors of the paper estimate, vaccinating roughly a quarter of the EU population would prevent up to 95% of deaths!

How to control the epidemic without lockdown?

In their work, the Gros brothers also ask whether it is possible to lift restrictions or at least partially loosen them early in a vaccination campaign. This is an important question for policymakers who must weigh the economic and social costs of lockdowns.

Germany derives a formula to estimate at what vaccination rate the health costs associated with new infections (proportional to hospitalizations and deaths) will not increase exponentially, threatening the collapse of the health care system.

Indeed, a properly conducted vaccination campaign can serve a similar function as a lockdown - to slow and ultimately stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

- We analyze the consequences of a "top-down" vaccination strategy, i.e., from the oldest to the youngest. The key point of our analysis is that vaccination not only reduces the reservoir of those susceptible to infection but also quite fundamentally the risk of death for the population not yet vaccinated. This leads to our model, Professor Daniel Gros told Wyborcza.

REKLAMA

The formula determines the minimum speed that a vaccination campaign must have to stop the increase in COVID-19 fatalities. It has the form as below:

With v being the fraction of seniors 60+ vaccinated (v with a dot denotes the change in this fraction over time, i.e. the rate of vaccination) and I being the number of new infections (similarly, I with a dot denotes the change over time, i.e. the rate of increase in infections).

It looks complicated, but it can be reduced to a simple practical rule that goes like this:

If the number of new infections increases by X percent from week to week, then to prevent an increase in deaths, X*f/100 percent of the entire 60+ population must be vaccinated during the same period. Here the factor f depends on the current fraction of those already fully vaccinated. - For example, if 10 percent of seniors are vaccinated, then f equals 8, if 16 percent, then f equals 10, Professor Gros explained to us. Let's calculate it with an example: when 16 percent of seniors are vaccinated, and the number of infections increases by 20 percent from week to week, the vaccination campaign should proceed so that the fraction of fully vaccinated seniors increases by 2 percent during the same time. (20*10/100 = 2).

Thus, by controlling the rate of vaccination itself, the number of hospitalizations and deaths can be limited and kept in check. And no more need for other additional physical constraints, i.e. lockdown

What could go wrong?

So much for the theory. In practice, of course, these conditions are not easy to meet, as exemplified by our country. The formula of German scientists is based on the assumption that we vaccinate down the age ladder, that is, starting with the oldest and not leaving too large a fraction unvaccinated in those most at-risk age groups.

Meanwhile, even though in Poland, enrollment for the vaccination of 70-year-olds began in the second half of January, currently still nearly half of them are not yet fully protected by the vaccination. There are even fewer in the 60-year-old group after two doses of the vaccine.

Another issue is the supply of vaccines. After the European Medicines Agency authorized vaccines, companies were quite slow to ramp up production. As a result, during the spring wave of infections, Europe did not have enough doses to "chase down" the pandemic according to the Gros brothers' model.

In another of their papers, the researchers suggest that vaccine contracts should include incentives for accelerated production, such as doses delivered earliest should be more expensive.

- The EU's contracts do not include incentives for companies to increase production as quickly as possible, said Prof Daniel Gros. These are fixed-price contracts - i.e. a dose delivered tomorrow has the same price as one delivered next quarter - which do not encourage producers to speed up delivery.

As the researchers show in their paper, without financial incentives, companies have opted for a slow linear increase in production. From a business point of view, this is optimal because it is expensive to ramp up production quickly. However, the result was that we did not have enough vaccines, the researchers add. Meanwhile, the Gros brothers point out in their analysis, it is fairly easy to design an optimal contract that matches the time-varying price of a dose with the social value of vaccination.

It is comforting to know that if variants of the coronavirus emerge or other bacteria attack us, we already know what to do. Battle-tested technologies offer hope that vaccines can be developed very quickly, and with their help - as German researchers show - epidemics can be kept under control.

___________

Translated by Chris Borowski

This is a translation of the article from April 26, 2021.
The 2022 budget is devoted to re-launching Hungarys economy, Mihaly Varga, the finance minister, said during a presentation of the draft budget to lawmakers.

The fact that the budget is being submitted as early as the spring will in itself help to kickstart the economy, Varga said, adding that the action plan to get the economys ball rolling was modern Hungarys biggest economic programme ever and would help everyone affected by the epidemic make a recovery.



Budget funds will be channelled towards helping anyone who has lost a job back into the labour market and every entrepreneur who has been forced to shutter their business to restart and even develop it, the minister said, adding that the budget focused on supporting families and businesses, investments that create jobs, as well as developments in health care and higher education.



The government targets an economic growth of 5.2%, with a deficit target of 5.9% of GDP and public debt of 79.3%. Fully 7,308 billion forints (EUR 20.3bn) is pencilled in to restart the economy.



The draft 2022 budget is 483 billion forints larger than this years, Varga noted earlier. In order to manage risks, a 233 billion forint reserve fund has been set aside in the budget, the minister noted.



Parties react to draft budget



In the parliamentary debate on the proposal, Erik Banki of ruling Fidesz said the budget aimed to help all Hungarians benefit from the countrys progress.



After launching a comprehensive economic protection plan in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Hungary has a good chance of becoming a winner of the post-pandemic era, he said.



The protection of families and entrepreneurs, the support of investments creating jobs, as well as of health care and education, will give the economy new momentum, he said.

Jobbik lawmaker Anita Potocska Korosi branded the governments submission as an election budget.



Jobbik MP Daniel Z Karpat said the draft would result in the most cruel budget in Europe which ignored entire social groups. He said the government was presiding over a social catastrophe, and he denigrated the high VAT on basic foodstuffs. He also said the details of major spending items had been omitted from the draft.



Bertalan Toth, the leader of the Socialist Party, lambasted the budget as a budget to bolster the Fidesz economy and a revenge budget. The budget should build the country and help the people rather than taking revenge on them, he said. Taxpayers money should not be spent on useless things so only the privileged one percent benefits, he said.



Socialist lawmaker Attila Mesterhazy said the budget was also a choice of values. The government gives to those whove already accumulated wealth rather than helping those with very little lobbying power, he said.



The Democratic Coalition (DK) said the budget was about chasing pipedreams. Lawmaker Laszlo Varju insisted the governments estimate of next years growth was too high, while it failed to meaningfully reduce the deficit. He called the budget a political and PR budget focused on power and next years elections, and on the interests of [Fidesz] loyalists.
The appeals court in Pecs, in southern Hungary, has handed suspended prison sentences to two men for the racially motivated assault on two Yemeni university students, the court said.

The two men were sentenced for pushing and kicking two Yemeni university students after hearing them speak Arabic outside a shopping mall in August 2018.



One of the attackers was sentenced to 15 months to be served in a youth detention centre, while the other was handed a two-year prison sentence, both suspended for three years.





MTI Photo: Tamas Soki
Rep. Brian King, the Democratic minority leader, said walking out of the debate was their only option to speak out and not be a part of that sham process."

What this is about is an attempt or first step in assuring that my history and the history of many people of color are not taught in our school system in the state of Utah," said Rep. Sandra Hollins, the only Black member of the Legislature.

Identical resolutions on reviewing critical race theory passed in the Senate and House shortly after House Democrats walked out.

Utah is not alone in advancing proposals to try to curb ideas central to critical race theory. Arkansas, Idaho and Oklahoma have implemented various versions of a ban already this year. Other attempts have been floated in New Hampshire, Missouri and Louisiana over the past few months, though those measures are unlikely to pass.

On the Senate floor, Republican Sen. Lincoln Fillmore said he hopes the resolution will lower the temperature on the issue that has become a national lightning rod. Fillmore, who sponsored the bill, acknowledged that he did not know the definition of critical race theory but said he hopes the resolution will allow the state board of education to explore it.
Other turmoil also weighed on the system. More than two years of weekly Friday Palestinian protests at the border with Israel against the blockade produced a constant stream of casualties from Israeli fire  more than 35,000 injured, many with lifelong disabilities and around 100 still awaiting reconstructive surgery and amputations.

Now health facilities are struggling to handle both the casualties of war and the everyday needs of Gazas 2 million people.

"Its layer-upon-layer of crisis. And there never is really enough time between each crisis to rebuild," said Matthias Schmale, the UNRWA director in Gaza. "The (health care) system has gradually been quite significantly weakened. I wouldnt say its on its knees, but getting close."

Gaza health officials say at least 227 Palestinians, including 64 children, have been killed in airstrikes and more than 1,600 wounded. Twelve people in Israel have been killed by rockets.

The bombardment has driven more than 56,000 Gazans from their homes, fleeing into 59 schools run by UNRWA. The U.N. agency is providing them with water and basic hygiene supplies, including face masks. Unknown numbers more have taken refuge with relatives.
It's no secret that the majority of people in today's world hope to one day achieve financial freedom; however, the reality is that very few individuals ever will. This holds especially true for the estimated 582 million entrepreneurs across the globe. Statistically speaking, around 90% of businesses fail in their first year. In order to be successful when starting a business, it's essential for entrepreneurs to identify an area in which there is demand for their product or service and sustain that demand over an indefinite period of time. One entrepreneur, Gianluigi Ventre, managed to achieve financial freedom at a young age through educating others about the ins and outs of finance and investing, but it certainly didn't happen overnight.

Ventre was born in Avellino, Italy, and from a young age was constantly fascinated by entrepreneurship. From the time he was in high school, Ventre recalls envisioning himself becoming a successful businessman on Wall Street, trading his way to a net worth in the millions. He went on to study Economics in school, and upon graduating entered the corporate world. It didn't take long for Ventre to soon realize that he did not want to work for someone else. He had always dreamt of becoming his own boss and found it very difficult to spend his days building someone else's dream. Ventre stated, "When people work for others, they gain money, but they lose a lifetime. That's why I tried to find something different, because I knew if I wanted a different lifestyle I would need to do things out of the ordinary." He realized that working a typical nine-to-five position would never amount to a life of financial freedom, so it was time for him to make something happen.

After leaving his job behind and spending time on various software ventures, Ventre met an Australian trader who would soon change the course of his life for the better. The man, an expert trader and finance guru, inspired Gianluigi Ventre to educate himself on all things finance, from trading to money management. Soon after, Ventre became immersed in the world of trading. He admits that mastering trading was very difficult, as he lost money just as much as he made it in the beginning; however, Ventre relentlessly persevered and eliminated all distractions in his pursuit of financial mastery. "When my peers would go out to have fun, I would stay in and strategize. Then, when those same people finally came back to sleep, I had formulated a new way to make money," Ventre explained.

After many months of studying, Ventre decided to put his trading skills to the test. He entered a competition along with 200 other skilled traders, and an attractive $50,000 cash prize. To his own surprise, he ended up taking first place. To this day, he still considers it to be his biggest accomplishment thus far, as it was a pivotal moment in his life. Ventre then began developing his own software which enabled him to analyze the market in a more efficient way. With his own system built and his financial knowledge increasing on a daily basis, Ventre has consistently managed to double his deposited capital. One of his best returns to date was when he made a 240% profit with a capital of $100,000 in just over a year, and 2,000% on the collapse of oil.

Ventre had begun to make a name for himself in the financial world, and he knew he possessed the knowledge needed to help others learn to trade with his techniques. He invested his winnings from the tournament into creating his first prominent business. The business would primarily revolve around teaching others to trade, but even with a resume like Ventre's, building trust with prospective clients was difficult. As many people in the trading space know, there are countless scams and fraudulent individuals claiming to teach others the secrets of trading, among other financial services. To combat this understandable skepticism, Ventre began sampling his services and products at no cost, sometimes even for the span of multiple weeks.

After spending numerous months proving his validity to potential clients, Ventre began to build a strong list of satisfied customers. Word-of-mouth soon assisted him in gaining a heavy flow of incoming inquiries, and his traffic has only increased since then. In fact, his business has become so highly sought-after that today Ventre has an estimated 300 people working for him. Ventre makes certain that each individual he works with are skilled and passionate about what they do, just as he is. His team helps others learn everything having to do with financials, from trading strategies to maximizing online sales in general, but Ventre emphasizes that it doesn't work without effort on the part of the client. "Anyone can attempt to learn how to trade, but it's not easy by any means. You need the right tools, commitment, and you absolutely need to spend hours studying," Ventre boldly stated.

Gianluigi Ventre constantly strives to help others break through the mental barriers they have subconsciously built to show them that anything is possible with effort and consistency. He plans on establishing himself at the forefront of his industry, and he is already well on his way with hundreds of satisfied clients under his mentorship. We encourage readers to keep up with Ventre online, as he is definitely an entrepreneur to look out for in 2021. Readers can keep up with Ventre on his Instagram, or visit his website.

(Disclaimer: This is a Brand Desk content)

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New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested two terrorist associates in Kupwara district and recovered six live grenades from their possession, officials said on Thursday (May 20).

Police said acting on specific information regarding the movement of terrorists, a special checkpoint was set up at the main market in Kupwara. During checking, two suspicious persons, who on seeing the search party, tried to escape from the spot but were tactfully chased and apprehended.

They have been identified as Jahangir Ahmad Hajam and Abdul Hameed, both residents of Khawarpara Tangdhar. "During search, incriminating materials including six live grenades have been recovered from their possession," the police said.

An FIR has been registered and further investigation has been initiated in this regard.

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New Delhi: As the number of cases of 'mucormycosis' or 'black fungus' which primarily affects people recovering from COVID-19, is on the rise the Gujarat government on Thursday declared it an epidemic under the epidemic act.

It means that it is a notifiable disease and health facilities will have to report every case of the disease in the State. The decision was taken by the state government in view of rising number of black fungus infections.

The governments of Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Telangana and Assam too declared 'black fungus' or Mucormycois as a notifiable disease under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 after a number of people were found to be infected with the disease in these states.

Earlier, the Union Health Ministry urged the state governments to make mucormycosis or black fungus a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.

"All Government and private health facilities, medical colleges should follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis, management of mucormycosis, issued by MoHFW & ICMR,'' the Union Health Ministry said, according to news agency ANI.

As per experts, mucormycosis can be very dangerous if left untreated. It is a fungal infection that mainly affects people who are on medication that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens.

Major risk factors for this disease include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression by steroids, prolonged ICU stay, malignancy and voriconazole therapy.

The disease can be managed by controlling diabetes, discontinuing immunomodulating drugs, reducing steroids and extensive surgical debridement- to remove all necrotic materials, according to an ICMT advisory.

An anti-fungal intravenous injection, which costs Rs 3,500 a dose and has to be administered every day for up to eight weeks, is the only drug effective against the disease.

The Drug Controller General of India, in March this year, approved Mumbai-based bio-pharmaceutical firm Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited to use anti-fungal medication -- Liposomal Amphotericin B or LAmB -- as a medical intervention in patients of Mucormycosis.
New Delhi: The imposition of a ban on baptized Sikh students wearing kirpan, one of five Kakkar's of Sikhs, by the New South Wales (NSW), Australia, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell has snowballed into a major controversy as not only the Sikhs of Oz tooth and nail opposed the order but Sikhs single largest representative body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has now approached the Government of India seeking its intervention for revoking the ban.

The Sikh community has been hit hard by the knee-jerk reaction of the NSW government in the blanket banning of the Kirpan in NSW schools. The NSW governments decision to impose a ban contravenes a statutory right to wear a kirpan for religious reasons. The right is not due to a loophole in the law, as referred to by the Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, said Secretary, Australian Sikh Association (ASA) Pritpal Singh Tiwana while talking to media on Thursday (May 20).

Sarah Mitchell had on May 6 announced a ban on wearing kirpan in public schools after a 14 years old baptized Sikh student of Glenwood High School allegedly stabbed a 16-year student twice in his stomach with his kirpan.

Tiwana said the ban was imposed without taking the Sikh community into confidence, or consultation, in response to an alleged incident involving a 14-year-old Sikh student, who is believed to have been bullied in school. He is alleged to have used his kirpan that, regrettably, resulted in injury to another student at a Sydney school.

Condemnations have poured in from other parts of Australia as well. Danny Singh, a resident of Melbourne, said, Ban is an assault on our religion and culture. I believe the minister has made this decision in haste and she needs to go back and make a much more educated decision. Stating that carrying kirpan was compulsory for baptized Sikh, he said, The kirpan is commanded to us to be carried by the father of Sikhism, the founder of the Khalsa himself.

The Sikh faith is the sixth-largest religion with over 30 million followers worldwide. World leaders have acknowledged the charitable efforts of Sikhs during the bush fires, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, including the Covid-19 pandemic, within Australia and globally. During the pandemic, the Sikh community has continued to distribute free food, grocery hampers, setting up free hospitals, and providing free oxygen to those in need in India and elsewhere.

Tiwana informed that since 1890s Sikhs have been living in Australia as responsible citizens, and there had not been any known incidents involving the kirpan in schools.

We deeply regret the recent incident and the position the two youths are in and we empathise with them and offer all possible assistance to them and their families, Tiwana said.

Meanwhile, SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur said that SGPC has written a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India and the High Commissioner of India to Australia on the issue of banning kirpan in public schools of NSW.

Kirpan is an important part of Sikh life and it was very painful to hear about the ban. We have urged for the intervention of Union Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar and other officials to take up the matter with the concerned authorities in Australia. We urged them to make efforts to get this decision banning kirpan in public schools in NSW for Sikh children, said Kaur.

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New Delhi: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Bhopal Singh appealed to farmers sitting at the borders of the national capital to postpone the agitation against the Centre`s three farm laws, saying that they must stand with the nation during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

"Two farmers died at Singhu border due to coronavirus. If farmers will keep dying like this who will agitate? I would like to request to farmers, that looking at the crisis in the country, we must postpone agitation for the time being," Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.

Singh's appeal comes after two protesting farmers reportedly succumbed to COVID-19 and pointed out that who would be left to protest if farmers will keep dying.

Further, he urged farmers to stand with nation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and carry out the agitation in the future.

"We will only be called `annadatta` if we survive. We will be called that only if we will be able to save our crops and lives. We will carry out the agitation in the future, but the situation is not right now. We must be with the nation in these difficult times," he said.

Meanwhile, farmers have gathered in large numbers near Delhi border in protest against the three farm laws since November 2020. Despite several attempts, talks between the government and the farmer union leaders failed to yield and result and the impasse continued even as coronavirus wrecked havoc in India.
Lucknow: In a major update for Uttar Pradesh Board students, the state government is considering promoting all students of class 10 on the basis of half-yearly and pre-board examination and is mulling other options as well.

The fate of about 30 lakh students will be decided on the basis of the promotion criteria that the government approves.

Deputy Chief Minister and Secondary Education Minister Dr. Dinesh Sharma will soon discuss all aspects with the board officers and send a proposal to the Chief Minister regarding the examination.

Keeping an eye on the development in other states, the UP government is planning a similar proposal for the result criteria of high school examination.

Apart from CBSE, the education boards of Punjab, Odisha, Haryana, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have cancelled their high school exams.

Sharma had earlier said that the final decision on UP Board Class 10th and 12th board exams will be announced after May 20.

The government had announced in April that they have decided to postpone the board examinations indefinitely.

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New Delhi: The Central government on Wednesday (May 19, 2021) accepted the new recommendations by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) to defer the coronavirus vaccination by three months after clinical recovery from the illness.

The Union Health Ministry also announced that if an individual is infected with COVID-19 after receiving the first dose, the second dose of vaccination should also be deferred by three months after recovering from the infection.

Persons with any other serious illness requiring hospitalization or ICU care to also wait for 4-8 weeks before getting the vaccine, the Union Health Ministry said.

The Union Health Ministry added that there will be no need to present or screen the vaccine recipients by a Rapid Antigen Test kit before the COVID-19 vaccination.

NEGVAC is currently advising the Government of India on matters related to COVID-19 vaccines like prioritisation of population groups, procurement and inventory management, vaccine selection, delivery and tracking mechanism.

Additionally, the expert panel recommended inoculation of all lactating women, but the government said that the matter is under discussion and will be further deliberated by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.

On the other hand, the advisory committee on the COVID-19 vaccines had also recommended increasing the gap between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks, which is currently set at four to eight weeks.

As per the media reports, earlier, a government panel, namely The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), had recommended deferring the COVID-19 vaccination for those recovered from infection by six to nine months.

As per the Health Ministrys data over 18.57 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the country so far. According to the data, 64,60,624 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years have received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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New Delhi: The Central government has provided more than 21 crore vaccine doses to the states and Union Territories so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Thursday.

"The Government of India has so far provided, both through the free of cost category and through direct state procurement category, more than 21 crore vaccine doses (21,07,31,130) to States/UTs. Of this, the total consumption (including wastages) is 19,09,60,575 doses (as per data available at 8 AM today)," read a release by the ministry.

The total consumption, including wastage, was 19,09,60,575 doses as of 8 AM Thursday. The Union Health Ministry said that the states and UTs still have nearly 2.00 crore (1,97,70,555) COVID Vaccine doses are available for administration.

"Furthermore, nearly 26 lakh (25,98,760) vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the States/UTs within the next 3 days," it said. The implementation of the Liberalized and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination began on May 1.

Implementation of the Liberalized and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination has started from May 1, 2021.

"Under the Strategy, in every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Government of India. It would continue to make these doses available to the State Govts totally free of cost as was being done earlier," the ministry said.

India reported 2,76,070 new COVID-19 cases and 3,874 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfares data on Thursday.

As many as 3,69,077 discharges have been made in the last 24 hours, which is more than the daily cases reported.

The cumulative caseload stands at 2,57,72,400, including 2,23,55,440 recoveries, 31,29,878 active cases and 2,87,122 deaths.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 20) will hold a review meet on COVID-19 with District Magistrates (DM) and field officials of 10 states.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is also scheduled to participate in the meeting called by PM Modi, ANI reported. The PM will assess the COVID-19 management in the districts as well as discuss ways to enhance the vaccination drive.

Besides West Bengal, the Chief Secretary, Health Secretary and DMs of nine states including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha, Kerala and Haryana will also attend the meeting.

On Tuesday, the PM had interacted with district officials of Karnataka, Bihar, Assam, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, MP, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.

India recorded over 2.76 lakh (2,76,070) fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the caseload to 2.57 crore, as per the Union Health Ministry's data on Thursday. 3,874 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in a single day which took the death toll to 2,66,207.

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Mumbai: With 38 people on board a barge that sank in the Arabian Sea four days ago still missing, Indian Navy ships worked through the night, using searchlights to trace any movement in the pitch dark waters, as hopes of finding more survivors began to recede on Thursday.

The Navy on Thursday morning launched a fresh aerial search and rescue mission, deploying helicopters to scour the waters off Mumbai coast, where the accommodation barge P305 went adrift in Cyclone Tauktae fury before it sank on Monday.

As many as 37 personnel on board the barge are dead and 38 still missing, after Navy personnel, battling extreme weather, so far rescued 186 of the 261 people who were on board the barge P305 and two personnel from tugboat Varaprada.

Naval ships INS Kochi on Wednesday morning and INS Kolkata late Wednesday night brought the bodies of these "Brave Nature's Victims" to Mumbai, a Navy spokesperson said.

Chances of finding more survivors are looking bleak, another official said. The Navy had so far maintained that there were 273 persons on board the barge but an official on Wednesday evening said that the company which operated it has informed that there was 261 personnel on board the ill-fated barge.

Mumbai Police to probe gaps & lapses

Mumbai Police will conduct a probe as to why the ill-fated barge P-305 stayed in the area despite warnings about Cyclone Tauktae, an official said.

The Yellow Gate Police in south Mumbai on Wednesday registered an accidental death report (ADR) in connection with persons on the barge whose bodies have been recovered.

"The Navy's Search and Rescue (SAR) operations off Mumbai and Gujarat entered its fourth day today. Naval ships and aircraft are presently undertaking SAR of the missing crew members of Accommodation Barge P-305, which sank on Monday 35 miles off Mumbai," the spokesperson said.

Warships INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Beas, INS Betwa, INS Teg, P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, Chetak, ALH & Sea King helicopters are involved in the SAR operations.

On completion of its operations off Gujarat coast, INS Talwar has also been diverted to conjoin the other three naval ships searching for the missing crew of barge P-305, off Mumbai.

INS Talwar was the 'On Scene Coordinator' off Gujarat coast and assisted Support Station 3 (SS-3) and Drill Ship Sagar Bhushan, which are now being safely towed back to Mumbai by ONGC support vessels, he said.

Food and water to the 300 odd crew members of these vessels was also provided by naval helicopters from Mumbai, earlier in the day," he said. "As of now, 188 crew members of Accommodation barge P-305, and two from Tug 'Varapradha' have been rescued by Navy ships and aircraft. A total of 26 mortal remains of the crew of Barge P305 have been recovered so far," he said.

"Search and rescue operations are still on. However, the chances of finding more survivors are getting bleaker by the hour," an official said. All personnel on board two other barges and an oil rig rendered adrift hours before the "very severe cyclonic storm" made landfall on the Gujarat coast are also safe, a Navy spokesperson said.

Rescued workmen from barge P305 recall horror at sea

After reaching Mumbai, the rescuees recounted how they battled tidal waves as high as 10 metres and strong winds while trying to stay afloat in the cyclone-hit rough Arabian Sea for two days.

Workmen rescued from barge P305 narrated their horrifying experience in their quest for survival. Some said they had almost lost the hope of making it alive back home.

"It was a horrific situation on the barge. I had not thought I would survive. But, I swam in the waters for seven to eight hours with the determination to stay alive and was rescued by the Navy," workman Manoj Gite told reporters here.

Gite (19), a resident of Kolhapur, said as the barge started sinking, all workmen got worried and he along with others wore a life jacket and jumped into the waters. Asked if he would return to the rig again, Gite said he is not keen to go back and is contented to be alive after the nightmarish experience.

Another workman, who was injured in the incident, thanked the Indian Navy for saving his life. "It is because of the Navy that we all are alive and safe today, otherwise we don't what would have happened to us," the workman said while fighting back his tears.

All the 137 personnel on barge GAL Constructor were rescued on Tuesday by the Navy and Coast Guard. The 196 personnel on barge SS-3 and 101 personnel on board oil rig Sagar Bhushan are safe, the official said.

Three barges and an oil rig with 695 personnel on board went adrift on Monday. These included barge P305 with 261 persons, cargo barge GAL Constructor with 137 personnel on board, accommodation barge SS-3 with 196 personnel on board and the Sagar Bhushan oil rig with 101 personnel on board, the official said.

Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar said the ongoing SAR is among the most challenging search and rescue operations in the last four decades.

Navy ships were deployed on Monday after receipt of a request for assistance for barge 'P305' adrift off Heera oil fields in Bombay high area with 261 personnel on board. The oil fields are around 70 km southwest of Mumbai.

(With Agency Inputs)

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New Delhi: The Navy and the Coast Guard on Thursday (May 20) recovered more dead bodies and continued their search for 37 other missing persons in connection with the death toll on the barge that sank in the Arabian Sea during the cyclonic storm Tauktae that battered the region.

Government sources said while 6,961 persons on 337 offshore wells, platforms and other oil and gas installations that dot the west coast stayed safe, five vessels encountered mechanical faults, putting to risk 714 personnel on board.

Three barges and an anchor handling boat deployed by private contractor Afcons for a project it was doing for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and a drillship of a state-owned firm lost anchors and drifted away.

While 440 persons on two barges and the drillship were brought to safety, barge P-305 carrying 261 personnel sank. Out of 261, 186 were rescued and the bodies of 49 have been recovered, they said. Search for the remaining 26 is going on. Out of the 13 persons on anchor boat Varaprada, two have been rescued while the search for the remaining 11 is on. Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the west coast to look for the missing.

The Indian Navy has deployed six vessels - INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Talwar, Beas, Betwa and Teg, while Coast Guard has deployed ICG Smarth, Juliet, ICG 206, CG Patrol and ICG Shoor for the search operations.

ONGC has also deployed 20 of its vessels to assist the rescue operations, which has also been joined by one vessel of Afcons. 15 helicopters, seven of ONGC and four each of Navy and Coast Guard, have been doing sorties to evacuate persons stuck on the five vessels, they said.

Sources said based on the weather warning, ONGC, which operates the giant Mumbai High oil and gas field and other fields in the region, activated its emergency response system and issued instructions to all installations to take action.

ONGC's installations, which include giant platforms which house hundreds of staff, wells, drillships and support vessels, took appropriate actions like staying at safe mode or moving to a safe location, they said.

Afcons' construction barge Support Station-3, while moving to a safe location, encountered mechanical problems after its towing wire line snapped and it started drifting. It had 202 persons onboard. Its Gal Constructor barge, with 137 persons on board, was at a safe location but its anchors gave away and it too started drifting.

ONGC's drillship Sagar Bhushan was required to stay at its position as per the standard operating procedure but its anchors gave away and it developed a mechanical fault in the steering system. All its 101 persons as also those aboard Afcons' two barges were rescued to safety.

Afcons' P-305 barge decided to stay nearby the platform where it was working. However, its anchors gave away and it started drifting and then hit an unmanned platform before capsizing.

Out of 261 crew, 186 were rescued.

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New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has constituted a 3-member High-Level Committee to inquire into the incident of several vessels drifting into the sea due to Cyclone Tauktae.

MoPNG constitutes a 3-member High-Level Committee (HLC( comprising of Shri S.C.L. Das, DG @DghIndia, Shri Amitabh Kumar, @dgship_goi and Smt. Nazli Jafri Shayin, JS Ministry of Defence to inquire into the incident of several vessels drifting into the sea.  Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (@PetroleumMin) May 19, 2021

The committee has been asked to submit its inquiry report in one month. The high-level committee comprises of Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Directorate General of Shipping and Joint Secretary Ministry of Defence.

MoPNG constitutes a 3-member High-Level Committee (HLC( comprising of Shri S.C.L. Das, DG @DghIndia, Shri Amitabh Kumar, @dgship_goi and Smt. Nazli Jafri Shayin, JS Ministry of Defence to inquire into the incident of several vessels drifting into the sea.  Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (@PetroleumMin) May 19, 2021

In a tweet, the Ministry informed, MoPNG constitutes a 3-member High-Level Committee (HLC) comprising of SCL Das, DG @DghIndia, Amitabh Kumar, @dgship_goi and Nazli Jafri Shayin, JS Ministry of Defence to inquire into the incident of several vessels drifting into the sea.

The committee will inquire into the sequence of events leading to the stranding and drifting of these vessels, and subsequent events thereof and will also make recommendations to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future. The HLC will submit its report in one month, it further said.

The cyclones intensity weakened on Wednesday but rains continued for the most part of the day. It has impacted the weather conditions in several parts of Northern India including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi where heavy rainfall was witnessed.

With 38 people on board the barge that sank in the Arabian Sea four days ago still missing, Indian Navy ships worked through the night, using searchlights to trace any movement in the pitch dark waters, as hopes of finding more survivors began to recede on Thursday.

The Navy on Thursday morning launched a fresh aerial search and rescue mission, deploying helicopters to scour the waters off Mumbai coast, where the accommodation barge P305 went adrift in Cyclone Tauktae fury before it sank on Monday.

As many as 37 personnel on board the barge are dead and 38 still missing, after Navy personnel, battling extreme weather, so far rescued 186 of the 261 people who were on board the barge P305 and two personnel from tugboat Varaprada.

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NEW DELHI: Union Health Ministry on Thursday urged the state governments to make mucormycosis or black fungus a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.

"All Government and private health facilities, medical colleges should follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis, management of mucormycosis, issued by MoHFW & ICMR,'' the Union Health Ministry said, according to news agency ANI.

Union Health Ministry urged States to make mucormycosis a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897  ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2021

The rare fungal infection called `mucormycosis` or `black fungus` is on the rise in several parts of the country, including Delhi. As per the Union Health Ministry, Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by a fungal infection.

People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other types of skin trauma.

Mucormycosis or black fungus is primarily affecting people recovering from the COVID-19 infection. It has been declared as an epidemic in Telangana on Thursday. Fungal infection Mucormycosis is declared as a notifiable disease under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, a statement issued by the Govt of Telangana said.

Earlier, the government of Rajasthan has declared black fungus an epidemic. In view of a growing number of Black Fungus cases, the Rajasthan government had on Wednesday declared the disease to be considered as an epidemic in the state.

The state government declared this under "The Rajasthan Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020".

According to sources, so far more than 130 cases of the fungal infection caused by the steroid administered in the treatment of COVID-19 infection have been reported in Delhi.

On May 18, the Haryana government also formed regulations called, "The Haryana Epidemic Diseases (Mucormycosis) Regulations, 2021".

According to experts, Mucormycosis can be very dangerous if left untreated. Here are some symptoms of the same.

An anti-fungal intravenous injection, which costs Rs 3,500 a dose and has to be administered every day for up to eight weeks, is the only drug effective against the disease.

The Drug Controller General of India, in March this year, approved Mumbai-based bio-pharmaceutical firm Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited to use anti-fungal medication -- Liposomal Amphotericin B or LAmB -- as a medical intervention in patients of Mucormycosis.

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New Delhi: Who was once hailed as a champion in the wrestling world is now most wanted by Delhi police. He is multiple Olympics medalist Sushil Kumar. He is accused of being involved in the murder of wrestler Sagar Dhankhar on May 4 at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium and has been absconding ever since.

Zee News Anchor Sachin Arora on Thursday (May 20) narrated the saga of one of the most celebrated wrestlers, Sushil Kumar, who has now fallen so low he has to go in hiding.

Sushil Kumar had a glorious career. He ended the 56-year-long wait by winning a bronze medal for the country at the 2008 Olympic Games. Then he won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2011 by the President.

Today who is running away from the police on charges of murder. The police have placed a reward of Rs 1 lakh for intel on his whereabouts.

The success story of Sushil Kumar starts from the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi and this is the very place where he has been charged with murder.

On 4 May, wrestler Sagar Dhankar and his friends were attacked at Chhatrasal Stadium. In this attack, Dhankhar was killed. Sushil Kumar and some of his fellow wrestlers were accused of murder. After this incident, a video surfaced that shows Kumar leaving the Stadium in his car after the murder. That is, he was present inside when the murder occurred.

The police say they have incriminating evidence against Kumar on his involvement in the murder. That is why he is running away.

There are three reasons being cited as to why wrestler Sagar Dhankhar was killed.

First, Dhankar and Kumar had a dispute over money, due to which it is possible that Sagar was murdered.

Second, Sagar used to live on rent in Sushil Kumar's house. Kumar sent him a notice to vacate this house but Dhankhar refused, after which the confrontation between the two escalated.

The third reason is believed to be gang rivalry. Dhankhars friend Sonu, who was injured in this attack, is allegedly associated with a dangerous gang. The police are looking at this angle as well.

The murder of Sagar Dhankhar has not only tarnished Sushil Kumar's image but has also damaged the reputation of Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium, which is considered a wrestling mecca in India. But lately, the stadium has become a power center for some big wrestlers.

Sushil Kumar has been training at this stadium since he was 14. After he won two Olympic medals, the stadium gained a tremendous reputation. Even in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, three wrestlers of Chhatrasal Stadium are participating - Ravi Dahiya, Deepak Punia and Bajrang Punia.

However, the stadium has been marred by politics. Sushil Kumar's coach Satpal Singh has been coaching wrestlers at the stadium for a long time. It is believed that Satpal Singh had a great influence in this stadium at one time and Sushil Kumar was his favorite wrestler. In 2016, when Satpal Singh retired as Additional Director of Chhatrasal Stadium, he appointed Sushil Kumar to an important post.

This appointment of Sushil Kumar was also surrounded by controversies as he was participating in different competitions as a professional wrestler at that time. Not only this, before this appointment, he was married to Satpal Singh's daughter Savi Kumar.

It is said that Satpal Singh also benefited from the appointment of Sushil Kumar and even after retirement, he interfered in the internal affairs of the stadium. There were also allegations that wrestlers who did not support the Sushil Kumar camp were forced to leave the stadium. It is said that wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia left Chhatrasal Stadium because of this politics.

The recent events have maligned the reputation of the stadium. Sushil Kumar is at the centre of this. His downfall has been cosmic. From a world champion, he has been reduced to an absconder who is running away from the law.

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New Delhi: Dr Reddy's on Wednesday (May 19) said its anti-COVID-19 drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is expected to launch in the market by mid-June.

In a statement, Hyderabad based Dr Reddy's clarified that the drug is not yet available in the market and its per sachet price remains to be announced, The Times of India (TOI) reported.

Price is being determined with a view to making it accessible and affordable to as many patients as possible, and will be announced soon, the statement read.

While commercial launch and supply of 2-DG to major government and private hospitals is expected to commence in mid-June, as per TOI report.

In addition, Dr Reddy's also warned of agents selling spurious or illegal products in the name of 2-DG.

The anti-COVID-19 drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, a lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr Reddys Laboratories.

On May 17, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had released the first batch of 2-DG.

The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and has to be taken orally by dissolving in water. It accumulates in the virus-infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production.

It was approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on May 1.

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New Delhi: The Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank will hold a virtual meeting with directors of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Institute of Technology (NITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) on Thursday (May 20, 2021).

As per the reports, the Union Education Minister will discuss COVID-19 management with the directors of these premium educational institutions of India. He will also discuss the status of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

I will be meeting Directors of IITs, IIITs, NITs, IISER & IISCs with an agenda of discussing COVID-19 Management, Online Learning and the latest status of Implementation of NEP2020 at 11:30 AM tomorrow, Pokhriyal said.

I will be meeting Directors of IITs, IITs, NITs, IISER & IISCs with an agenda of discussing COVID-19 Management, Online Learning and the latest status of Implementation of #NEP2020 at 11:30 AM tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/7l5KqnhaDV  Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 19, 2021

Earlier, the Union Education Minister on Monday (May 17, 2021) held a meeting with School Education Secretaries of all states and UTs to discuss the various measures adopted for the management of the education system during COVID-19.

In the video conferencing meeting, Pokhriyal also talked about the different strategies adopted for online and offline learning in schools so far and the way forward.

I met State Education Secretaries to review the #COVID situation, online education, and work around NEP. Education is the top priority and as instructed by the Government of India, a COVID action plan to ensure uninterrupted education is required, wrote Pokhriyal in a tweet after the meeting.

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Panaji: A sessions court in Goa on Wednesday (May 19) said it will pronounce the verdict in the Tarun Tejpal case on May 21. The former Tehelka editor-in-chief is accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague inside the elevator of a luxury hotel in Goa in 2013.

The additional district court was to pronounce the verdict on April 27 but judge Kshama Joshi had adjourned the verdict to May 12. On May 12, it was further adjourned to May 19. The court had earlier said the adjournment was due to lack of staff due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Goa police registered an FIR against Tejpal in November 2013 following which he was arrested. Tejpal has been out on bail since May 2014.

The Goa crime branch had filed a charge sheet against Tejpal. He faced trial under IPC sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 376(2)(f) (person in position of authority over women, committing rape) and 376(2)k) (rape by person in position of control).

He had earlier moved the Bombay High Court, seeking a stay on the framing of charges against him, but his petition was dismissed.

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New Delhi: After India entered the third phase of its COVID-19 vaccination drive, thousands of people faced problems, such as technical glitches, website crashes, trying to book a vaccine slot on the Cowin portal or Aarogya Setu app.

To tackle this problem, IIM and NIT alumni jointly developed a mobile-based application that can help an individual book COVID-19 vaccine slots without any kerfuffle.

This utility app, namely localiti.io, can help people in the age group of 18-44 to find an available vaccine slot for themselves. Localiti.io sends alerts and notifications of vacant slots to the users.

The Tribune reported that this app by the IIM and NIT alumni was launched on May 1 and over 10,000 persons have registered with it as of May 6. The report defined localiti.io as a neighborhood-based communication platform that reduces the hassle of refreshing the platform to check for new slots repeatedly.

The alerts and notifications being sent by localiti.io are reliable as the data for the app is sourced on a real-time basis from the Co-Win API portal.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education in a tweet applauded the makers. Partik Madaan, an alumnus of @NITKurukshetra and Prateek Singh, an alumnus of @IIM_Rohtak and @NITKurukshetra, have developed an app named http://localiti.io. Keep up the excellent work!, tweeted the Ministry of Education.

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Jammu: Disgraced police officer Davinder Singh, who was arrested and chargesheeted by the NIA in a terror case, was on Thursday dismissed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, an official order said.

Singh was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January last year when he was ferrying terrorists of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen to Jammu from Kashmir. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) who filed a chargesheet against Singh and others.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha ordered Singh's dismissal from service with "immediate effect" under Article 311 of the Constitution. This provision enables the government to withdraw presidential pleasure without holding an inquiry and the decision can only be contested in the high court.

A notification issued by the General Department of the Jammu and Kashmir administration said "Accordingly, the Lieutenant Governor hereby dismisses Mr. Davinder Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Under Suspension) ...From service, with immediate effect."

According to the NIA chargesheet filed before a special court in Jammu last year, Singh, who was posted in the sensitive anti-hijacking unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, had been in constant touch with his handlers in the Pakistan High Commission who have since been repatriated to Islamabad.

Singh, who has been accused by the NIA of providing support to banned terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, was tasked by his Pakistani handler with establishing a "contact" in the Ministry of External Affairs for carrying out espionage activities.

The 3,064-page chargesheet, filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code against Singh and five others, gave a graphic description of the police officer's involvement in providing shelter to the terrorists of the banned group.

The chargesheet said he had saved the number of his contact at the Pakistan High Commission as "Pak Bhai" (Pakistani brother). The contact had been giving him various tasks which included deployment of forces and arrival of "VIPs" in the Kashmir valley.

After having committed himself to Hizbul Mujahideen, Singh was asked by his Pakistani handler to establish a contact in the Ministry of

External Affairs so that espionage activities could be carried out there.

However, Singh was unable to make any headway in the plan, the NIA officials said.

The chargesheet, filed in the first week of July last year, accused Singh and others of waging "war against India" with the help of Pakistan-based terrorists and members of the country's high commission in Delhi.

Besides Singh, others named in the chargesheet are self-styled commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group Syed Naveed Mushtaq alias Naveed Babu, his brother Syed Irfan Ahmad as well as the group's alleged overground worker Irfan Shafi Mir, alleged accomplice Rafi Ahmad Rather and businessman Tanveer Ahmad Wani, a former president of the Line of Control Traders Association.

Singh was arrested on January 11 this year along with Naveed Babu, Rather and Mir, an advocate, when their car was intercepted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police near Qazigund on the national highway that connects the valley with the rest of the country.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three pistols and a cache of ammunition and explosives. The NIA took over the case on January 17.

The investigation found that Singh, in an apparent bid to shield Naveed Babu, had shifted him along with the advocate to Jammu and arranged safe shelter for them in February last year.

Singh used his own vehicle for the movement of the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists and also assured them help in procuring weapons, the NIA alleged.

Investigations show that the accused were obtaining weapons and ammunition from across the border with the help of arms smugglers and Singh. These weapons were later used for terrorist activities, it said.
New Delhi: The Odisha government on Wednesday (May 19) directed district authorities to cease the COVID-19 drive-in vaccination and doorstep inoculation as it might lead to vaccine wastage.

In a letter to the authorities, a top Health department official asked them to administer coronavirus vaccines only in suitable inoculation centres, PTI reported.

"You are requested to refrain from such strategies and only to conduct sessions in suitable CVCs (covid vaccination centres) with adequate space following the COVID-19 operational guidelines, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, P K Mohapatra said in the letter.

Further, the letter read, "In drive-in/doorstep strategies, it will be difficult to manage Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI), if it occurs, and there is also a high likelihood of vaccine wastage.

Quoting Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guideline, Mohapatra stated that vaccination drives should be conducted at places with adequate space for waiting area, vaccination room and observation room and have adequate facility to manage AEFI.

Recently, some municipal corporations including Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Berhampur Municipal Corporation and Rourkela Municipal Corporation and some district administrations commenced either drive-in vaccination or doorstep vaccination facilities.

The state has administered 68,12,118 doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far.

Meanwhile, to narrow the gap between COVID-19 vaccine supply and demand, Odisha government has floated global bids to procure the jabs.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi: Due to the after-effects of Cyclone Tauktae it has been raining for two consecutive days in Uttarakhands Chamoli, leading to the closure of Badrinath highway from three points.

Heavy rains caused landslides which have disrupted the way to Hanuman Chatti.

Two glacier bursts, one near Badrinath, were also reported. However, there have been no casualties so far.

Moreover, more than 20 meters of highway collapsed in Lambagar. Some vehicles, including a cargo truck, were destroyed due to the landslide.

The Uttarakhand administration has deployed State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) management and police for rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted "heavy to very heavy" rainfall at isolated places of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Dehradun, Tehri, Nainital, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts of the state. Gusty winds with speed of 30-40 Kmph is also expected in isolated places in the plains of the state, ANI reported.

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New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir Police in a joint operation arrested a terrorist associate and seized arms and ammunition from his possession on Thursday (May 20). According to reports, the Kupwara Police along with 28 RR and 162 CRPF, launched the operation.

A police handout reads, "On the basis of specific information regarding the movement of ANEs. Kupwara Police along with 28 RR and 162 CRPF established Naka at Wani Dorussa, Sogam area of border district Kupwara. During checking, one person was found in a suspicious condition, who upon seeing the search party, tried to escape from the spot but was chased and apprehended by the search party."

A police officer said, "The apprehended person on preliminary questioning disclosed his identity as Abdul Rashad Lone of Nagam Karen Kupwara."

The police recovered three grenades and 58 Rounds of AK-47 from his possession. An FIR has been registered against the accused person and an investigation has been launched into the matter.

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Hyderabad: In an interesting study conducted by CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology), it is found that Tibetans blood parameters alter when they change their altitude.

Since the Chinese atrocities after the Tibetan uprising in 1959, India is a second home for the Tibetans. Over the decades, many Tibetans, who are one of the oldest high-altitude inhabitants in the world, have settled in different parts of India in low altitudes like in Karnataka among other places. There are known genetic and physiological factors that help them endure low-oxygen conditions.

Dr Thangaraj and his team at the CSIR - CCMB, Hyderabad, have studied changes in physiological factors of Tibetans who now inhabit the low-altitude regions.

In this study, physiological factors of the people of the Tibetan ethnicity from various regions of the high altitudes of Ladakh at 4500-4900 meters in India are compared with those inhabiting the Tibetan settlements in Bylakuppe, Karnataka at an altitude of around 850 meters.

A sizeable number of Tibetans have been in Karnataka for the last 50 years. The researchers found that the blood parameters in Tibetans in Karnataka, are significantly different compared to their high-altitude counterparts. The study has been recently published in the Journal of Blood Medicine.

We found that the red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit are significantly lower in the low-altitude Tibetans. Their hemoglobin levels are much closer to those living on the plains than the other Tibetans who live beyond 4500 meters, said Nipa Basak, the first author of the study.

Our study suggests that, when Tibetan people reside in non-native, low-altitude, area for long time, their body undergoes various adaptations to cope with the relatively hypertoxic environment in low-altitude areas, said Dr. K Thangaraj, the lead investigator of this study, and presently Director of the DBT-Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad.

Earlier studies had shown that among the Tibetan population, those with lower hemoglobin concentration have better reproductive fitness in women and exercise capacity among men.

It would be interesting to explore exercise capacity and reproductive fitness in the low-lander Tibetans. It will also be worthwhile noting how long these changes persist if the Tibetan inhabited in Karnataka migrates back to high-altitude, added Dr. Thangaraj.

Such population-based studies conducted by CCMB help us in understanding adaptation in people who migrate to different environments from a molecular point of view, said Dr. VM Tiwari, Director in-charge, CCMB.

This work was done in collaboration with researchers from Ladakh and Karnataka. This includes Dr Tsering Norboo, from Ladakh Institute of Prevention, Ladakh, and Dr. MS Mustak from Mangalore University, Karnataka.

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New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday (May 20) issued an order prohibiting schools from raising fees during COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma ordered that no schools in the state should increase fees in academic session 2021-22.

The order will be applicable to all schools of all boards operating in the state.

The order further stated that schools should not charge transport fees during the period when the schools are closed.

Earlier, the government had ordered all schools and colleges to commence online classes for students from May 20.

The academic work in schools was earlier stopped from April to May 20, which will be considered as summer vacation.

The state government also issued guidelines for universities, colleges, and higher educational institutions of the state in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apart from the Dean, Head of Department, and Principal who need to be present in the university campus to carry out administrative tasks, other teachers should work from home.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 20, 2021) held a review meet on COVID-19 with District Magistrates (DM) and field officials of 10 states.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister urged state officials to ensure minimal wastage of COVID-19 vaccines. There is an issue of vaccine wastage. Wasting even a single dose means not being able to give shield to a life. It is important to stop vaccine wastage, PM Modi said.

PM Modi also emphasised the need for new strategies in these challenging times. Coronavirus has made your work more demanding and challenging. In the midst of new challenges, we need new strategies and solutions, said PM Modi during his interaction with District officials.

It becomes important to use local experiences and we need to work together as a country, PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister assessed the COVID-19 management in the districts as well as discussed ways to enhance the vaccination drive.

The Prime Minister asked for suggestions from the District officials. With your fieldwork, your experiences and feedback, we get help to form effective policies. Even to strategise vaccination drive, we are moving forward with suggestions given by States and other stakeholders, he said.

India is currently reeling under the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to inoculate as many individuals as possible at the earliest.

While referring to the current situation, PM Modi asked district magistrates to prioritise making life easier for their people by providing free ration and other essential supplies. "Along with saving lives, our priority is the ease of living of every person," he said.

PM Modi also added that, there should be facilities for free ration for the poor, other essential supplies, black marketing should be stopped, all these are also necessary to win this fight, and it is also necessary to move forward."

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NEW DELHI: As the country continues to deal with the Black Fungus cases during the second wave of COVID-19, several cases of White Fungus have also come to the fore.

According to medical experts, White Fungus is believed to be deadlier than Black Fungus or mucormycosis, which is spreading fast in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

4 cases of White Fungus reported in Patna

According to reports, four cases of White Fungal infection, have been detected in Bihars capital Patna. One of the four infected patients is said to be a famous doctor from Patna.

According to health experts, White Fungus infection is more dangerous than black fungus infection as it affects the lungs as well as other parts of the body including nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts, and mouth.

The information regarding white fungus cases in Patna was shared by Dr SN Singh, head of PMCH's Microbiology Department. Dr Singh said told that four patients had symptoms like Corona (Corona Patients) but they were not infected by the COVID-19 virus.

How they were detected

All the tests conducted on them were negative. During a detailed investigation, it turned out that they were infected with white fungus. However, as a matter of big relief, all four patients were cured by anti-fungal medicines. According to doctors, the white fungal infection affects the lungs and this can be detected by performing HRCT.

Doctors say that if symptoms similar to coronavirus infection appear in HRCT then it's important to examine the mucus culture to detect white fungus.

Who is more prone to White fungus infection

Dr Singh said that white fungal infection attacks people with weak immunity like black fungus. Diabetes patients or those taking steroids for a long time are most likely to get infected with White Fungus.

Health Ministry's new advisory to states on Black Fungus

In a related development, Union Health Ministry on Thursday urged the state governments to make mucormycosis or black fungus a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.

"All Government and private health facilities, medical colleges should follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis, management of mucormycosis, issued by MoHFW & ICMR,'' the Union Health Ministry said, according to news agency ANI.

The rare fungal infection called `mucormycosis` or `black fungus` is on the rise in several parts of the country, including Delhi. As per the Union Health Ministry, Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by a fungal infection.

People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other types of skin trauma.

Mucormycosis or black fungus is primarily affecting people recovering from the COVID-19 infection. It has been declared as an epidemic in Telangana on Thursday. Fungal infection Mucormycosis is declared as a notifiable disease under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, a statement issued by the Govt of Telangana said.

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New Delhi: India is struggling with the deadly COVID-19 second wave, which has caused great misery to millions of people and has overburdened the medical infrastructure of the country. With numerous SOS calls throughout India by ordinary citizens requesting for hospital beds, oxygen cylinders and COVID medication amidst dire shortage, various Bollywood celebrities have tried to contribute towards Indias fight against the pandemic.

While many celebrities are sharing verified information on their social media handles, many others have donated money and started fundraisers. Actor Salman Khan, who is known for his philanthropic work, took to his Instagram to share that he along with politicians Baba Siddique and Zeeshan Siddique has arranged 500 oxygen concentrators for COVID-19 patients.

Our first lot of 500 oxygen concentrators have reached mumbai. Covid positive patients who need these oxygen concentrators for an emergency situation can call us on 8451869785. Or you can tag/DM me. We will be giving these concentrators for free, pls return them once done using, read the actors post.

Many fans took to the comment section to applaud bhaijaan for his thoughtful contribution. Great job sir love you, wrote one, while another wrote, Hit or floop u remain superhero of bollywood and india.

On the work front, Salman Khan released his latest film Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai on May 13 on ZEE5 with ZEE's pay-per-view service ZEEPlex at Rs 249 (per view) and on all leading DTH operators.

The movie is directed by Prabhudeva and also features actors Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff and Randeep Hooda.
New Delhi: Television actor Ravi Dubey who recently tested positive with the novel coronavirus bought some wonderful news for his fans and friends. The actor who was under home quarantine is finally COVID-19 free.

Sharing a picture of himself wearing an all-black athleisure, he took to social media to inform his fans about testing negative.

Ravi Dubey on Instagram posted a picture of himself wearing a black T-shirt, a pair of matching track pants, gloves and shades. He is also seen carrying headphones around his neck and a backpack.

In the picture, he captioned a '-ve' sign to indicate that he has tested negative for COVID and wrote, "Ho gaye ji -ve :-) (I have tested negative) ."

Throughout his quarantine period the actor was seen sharing goofy videos of himself spreading utmost joy in these hard times.

Recently, wife Sargun Mehta featured in a romantic number, 'Ruttan' sung and composed beautifully by Gurnam Bhullar. Ravi shared a romantic Reel with his wife Sargun Mehta on the song.
New Delhi: Clubhouse is finally rolling out its Android app for users in more countries including India this week on May 21, the audio-only social media app announced via a Tweet.

Alpha Exploration Co, the parent company of Clubhouse, had earlier launched the Android version of the popular social media app in the US only. The company is now expanding the Android version to countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Russia and Japan.

Clubhouses rise is often credited to its iOS-only approach and exclusivity which allowed new users to join the platform on an invite-only basis. The presence of several high-profile celebrities, investors, politicians and entrepreneurs also fueled the popularity of the app.

Therefore the app successfully crossed 10 million downloads within a year of launch, despite being available to iOS users for a really long time. However, in the past few months, the download numbers have nosedived, and maybe thats the main reason why Clubhouse is finally expanding its Android play.

Android rollout continues! Japan, Brazil & Russia coming Tuesday

Nigeria & India on Friday AM

Rest of world throughout the week, and available worldwide by Friday afternoon  Clubhouse (@Clubhouse) May 16, 2021

Another reason for Clubhouse to give up its exclusivity is the rising competition in the audio-only social media space. Companies with deep pockets such as Twitter and Facebook have launched their own versions of Clubhouse. Even Indian developers have come up with similar apps to give Clubhouse a run for its money in the country.

Moreover, Clubhouses Android app currently lacks numerous features such as theres no way that a user can follow a topic or create or manage a club on the app. Most of these features are available on the iOS version of the social media platform.
Washington: Amazon.com Inc was hit on Wednesday (May 19) with five new lawsuits by women who worked in corporate or warehouse management roles, and accused the online retailer of gender bias, racial bias or both.

The women, ages 23 to 64, accused Amazon of favoring men over women in career growth, allowing supervisors to denigrate them, and retaliating after they complained.

Two plaintiffs are Black, one is Latina, one is Asian-American and one is white. They filed their lawsuits in federal courts in Arizona, California, Delaware and Amazon`s hometown of Seattle.

An Amazon spokesman said the company has found no evidence supporting the accusations. He also said Amazon does not tolerate discrimination or harassment and supports a "diverse, equitable and inclusive culture."

The lawsuits were filed by the Wigdor law firm, which also represents a Black manager at Amazon Web Services who sued in March over alleged systemic discrimination.

Wednesday`s (May 19) plaintiffs included Cindy Warner, a gay executive in that unit, who said a male manager openly called her a "bitch," an "idiot" and a "nobody," and that Amazon terminated her job after learning she had hired a lawyer.

Pearl Thomas, one of the Black plaintiffs, said a human resources employee downplayed concerns about her treatment by saying Thomas was upset by current events and that "my name is not Derek Chauvin," the white former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd.

The Wigdor firm has also represented women who accused now-convicted movie producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, and Fox News employees alleging bias or harassment there.

In April, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said his company needed to take care of employees better, and Amazon said it wanted more Blacks in senior and corporate roles.

Amazon ended 2020 with about 1.3 million full- and part-time employees.

The company is urging shareholders at its May 26 annual meeting to reject a proposal requiring an independent audit analyzing its "impacts on civil rights, equity, diversity and inclusion."

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Microsoft has announced that the company is finally retiring the Internet Explorer, the ageing web browser that has just become a meme for its slow processing speed in the current times.

Internet Explorer will retire on June 15, 2022, Microsoft has now officially confirmed. The tech giant finally thinks that users have got enough time to get the hang of its Edge browser in the past few years, expecting a smooth transition.

Microsoft Edge program manager Sean Lyndersay announced the end of Internet Explorer, saying, We are announcing that the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge.

Lyndersay also noted that the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10. Microsoft has also confirmed that consumer versions will end support the browser.

In an official statement, Microsoft said, IE mode support follows the lifecycle of Windows client, Server, and IoT releases at least through 2029. Additionally, Microsoft will give one year of notice before retiring the IE mode experience when the time comes.

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#mute
New Delhi: Popular television actress Munmun Dutta, known for playing Babita Ji in hit sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is in trouble. The Indore police have registered a case against a television actor for allegedly using an objectionable word against a Scheduled Caste community.

A video of Munmun Dutta using a particular word against the community had gone viral on social media recently, the official told PTI. Based on a complaint lodged by Akhil Bharatiya Balai Mahasangh president Manoj Parmar, an FIR was registered against Dutta under relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the official said.

In his complaint, Parmar said that the use of a 'racist' word by Dutta in her video has hurt the sentiments of the Scheduled Caste community, especially the Valmiki community.

However, Dutta, who plays the role of Babita in "Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah", has already apologised for her controversial remarks even before the case was filed. The actress had released her apology on May 10 on social media.

Earlier, an FIR was lodged against the actress in Haryana. According to PTI, Munmun Dutta had claimed she used the wrong word 'because of her language barrier' and added she was genuinely misinformed about its meaning. The FIR against Dutta was registered in Haryana's Hansi town on a complaint by National Alliance for Dalit Human Rights convenor Rajat Kalsan.

The Hansi police lodged the FIR against Dutta under various provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A case was subsequently lodged against Dutta in the Hansi city police station in the Hisar district.

Hansi city police station's SHO Dalbir Singh said an FIR has been registered against actress Dutta and further investigations were in progress.

However, the Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actress had already apologised for unintentionally hurting the sentiments of a community on her social media handle.

"This is in reference to a video that I posted yesterday wherein one word used by me has been misinterpreted. It was never said with the intent of insult, intimidate, humiliate or hurt anyone's feelings. Because of my language barrier, I was genuinely misinformed about the meaning of the word," she had said in a statement, which she also shared in Hindi.

"Once I was made aware of its meaning, I immediately took the part down. I have the utmost respect for every single person from every caste, creed or gender and acknowledge their immense contribution to our society or nation," she wrote.

"I sincerely would like to apologize to every single person who has been unintentionally hurt by the usage of the word and I sincerely regret the same," she added.

(With PTI inputs)
Kabul: In an airstrike by Afghan Air Force (AAF) on Monday (May 17) at least 19 Taliban terrorists, including four key members and three Pakistani nationals, were killed in Faryab province. Afghan military`s 209th Shaheen Corps confirmed the news on Tuesday (May 18).

According to their statement, the Taliban were killed in an AAF air raid on a Key Taliban base in the Khwaja Namusi area of Pashtun Kot district in Faryab province on Monday (May 17) evening, reported The Khaama Press.

The statement added that among the dead were "Zainullah" known as Khalid Taliban shadow district governor for Almar district, "Noorul-Haq" designated Taliban district governor for Bala-Murghab district, "Mullah Asadullah Turkman" Taliban`s military commission chief for Andkhoi district, and "Mullah Raihan" a Taliban leader.

According to the statement three Pakistani nationals in the ranks of the Taliban were also killed in the airstrike, reported The Khaama Press.

15 others including Mullah Shoaib Taliban`s military chief for Faryab province were wounded following AAF airstrikes in the region, and 17 different types of vehicles belonging to the Taliban terrorists were also destroyed.

The airstrikes were conducted while senior Taliban commanders and military officials from several districts had gathered to plan their offensives on various parts of the Faryab province, the statement said.

So far, the Taliban has not commented on the air raid mission conducted by the Afghan Air Force, reported The Khaama Press.

This comes as security sources in Herat province said Feroz Ahmad head of the police for Torghundi district was killed in clashes between the Taliban and government forces.

Abdul Ahad Walizada, a spokesman for Herat police HQ told media that the incident took place on Monday (May 17) night, reported The Khaama Press.

According to Walizada, four Taliban terrorists were also killed during the skirmish.

Moreover, local sources indicated a National Directorate of Security (NDS) member was killed and two others were wounded in a Taliban attack in the Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province.

A member of Kunduz provincial council, Khaliludin Hakimi said that the incident happened on Monday (May 17) night.

Security officials in the region confirmed the Taliban attack but did not provide further details. The Taliban have not yet commented on the incident.



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Kabul: The Afghan government is ready to fight against the Taliban after the full withdrawal of foreign troops from the country, said President Ashraf Ghani as the US announced the completion of up to 20 percent troops from the war-torn country.

"The threat of terrorism has changed. It has not disappeared. We are all agreed on this," Ghani said in an interview with American public broadcasting service PBS on May 17.

"The US is committed to support things, providing support. This is financial, in the security area, in the economic area, in the humanitarian area, because the US, fortunately, shares the values of supporting the gains of the last 20 years. And our discussion is enormously productive."

The United States' military withdrawal from Afghanistan is up to 20 percent complete, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday (May 17).

"US Central Command estimates that we have completed between 13-20 percent of the entire retrograde process. We expect to be able to provide weekly updates on the progress of the retrograde," the combatant command responsible for the Middle East and parts of Central Asia said in a statement.

Taliban terrorists have intensified activities since the formal start of the US-led forces pull out from Afghanistan on May 1.

The US aims to complete the withdrawal by September 11. Ghani has recently held talks with influential political leaders, including the reconciliation council chief Abdullah Abdullah and former president Hamid Karzai, to build a consensus around peace and form a high-level state council.

The US entered Afghanistan ostensibly to eliminate and destroy the Al-Qaeda terror group under its "war on terror" military campaign.

However, the effort morphed into an extended attempt to establish democracy on Afghan soil, Sputnik reported.

During the intervening years, the Taliban regrouped and gained control of large parts of the nation in what has become America`s longest war that lasted over two decades and led to cost up to USD 1 trillion.

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Beijing: China accused the United States on Wednesday (May 18) of threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait after a U.S. warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from its giant neighbour.

The U.S. Navy`s 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" on Tuesday (May 18) in accordance with international law.

"The ship`s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows," it said.

A spokesman for China`s Eastern Theatre Command expressed strong opposition and condemned the move, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two powers.

"The U.S. actions send the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, deliberately disrupting the regional situation and endangering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he said.

Chinese forces tracked and monitored the ship throughout its voyage, he added.

China believes Taiwan`s democratically elected government is bent on a formal declaration of independence for the island, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says they are already an independent state called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Taiwan`s Defence Ministry said the U.S. ship had sailed in a southerly direction through the strait and the "situation was as normal".

The U.S. Navy has been conducting such operations every month or so.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms.

Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan`s air defence zone.

Some of those activities can involve multiple fighters and bombers.

China has said its activities around Taiwan are aimed at protecting China`s sovereignty. Taiwan`s government has denounced it as attempts at intimidation.

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Kathmandu: China has turned the heat alongside the borders of its neighbouring country Nepal with border pillars vanishing in the Daulkha district of the Himalayan nation.

It appears to be yet another example of growing Chinese belligerence and a complete disregard to the international border by China.

Raising red flags, the Nepalese Home Ministry reported the incident in village-Vigu of District-Daulkha to the country`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to EU Reporter, the China-Nepal border has historically been a controlled border system, established by a mutual agreement between the two nations in 1960, which subsequently led to the formation of the 1961 border treaty, with the construction of the pillars of demarcation.

Post the 1961 treaty, the boundary line between Nepal and China has witnessed several changes mainly including the erection of 76 permanent border pillars. China is now trying to change the status quo in its favour.

Last year, in the month of September, China encroached upon Nepalese territory and constructed 11 buildings in a remote district of Nepal`s border, Humla. However, Nepal claimed territory over Humla, China expectedly denied it.

This incident raised tensions along the border, culminating to widespread protests outside the Chinese embassy in Nepal, with people sloganeering "Stop Chinese Expansionism".

The buildings were constructed by China at the spot where a Nepalese border pillar was found missing several years ago.

The local rural municipality chair of the disputed area had reported upon China`s stake to claim the area under its control.

These developments fuelled protests at the embassy in Kathmandu against the Chinese hegemony and disregard for the national sovereignty of Nepal, reported EU Reporter.

During those times, Nepalese officials had stated that their attempts to negotiate with the Chinese side were rendered fruitless and met with hostility.

The Chinese security personnel came armed with a tanker, truck and a jeep, asking the Nepalese officials to retreat to the border for talks and clarifications.The expansionist designs of China have gone unabated with whoever it shares a boundary line.

The displacement of the border pillar in Nepal is not an isolated event.As per a survey by Nepal`s Ministry of Agriculture, China illegally encroached on several bordering districts including Gorkha, Dolakha, Humla, Darchula, Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa and Sankhuwasabha.

Years of peaceful coexistence between the two countries is being undone by Chinese President Xi Jinping`s regime and its ruthless pursuit to arm-twist smaller neighboring countries.

The border pillar displacement situation worsened as Prime Minister KP Oli defended the encroachments by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a stance that was vehemently opposed by the opposition members of the Nepali Congress.

KP Oli`s denial has put the Sino-China border row at a crossroads for both countries, thus playing directly into China`s hand.

Under current circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal is also not too keen to engage with China over any border dispute due to possible economic backlash and the high expense involved.

China has an easy opportunity to capitalize upon the vulnerable Nepalese border and displace more border pillars, raking in increased territory, reported EU Reporter.

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Washington: Facebook Inc set up a 24-7 "special operations center" last week to respond to content posted on its platform about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and address any moderation mistakes amid violence in the region, the company said on Wednesday (May 19).

Misinformation, hate speech and calls for violence about the conflict have circulated on social media platforms amid the deadly fighting.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting against Gaza militants after U.S. President Joe Biden urged him to seek a "de-escalation" on Wednesday (May 19) in the 10-day conflict on the path to a ceasefire.

"This operations center allows us to closely monitor the situation so we can remove content that violates our community standards faster, while also addressing possible errors in enforcement," Monika Bickert, Facebook`s vice president of content policy, told reporters on a conference call.

Facebook has previously set up similar operations centers to focus on situations like global elections.

Facebook spokesman Andy Stone told Reuters that Facebook`s head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, and other executives had on Tuesday (May 18) talked to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.

Facebook executives previously met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz via Zoom, Politico reported last week.

A Reuters fact-checking team has debunked images shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that falsely claim https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-gaza-child/fact-check-photo-sh... to be related to the conflict.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 19) that there has also been a surge of new groups formed on WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned encrypted messaging service, by Jewish extremists for the purpose of committing violence against Palestinians.

"As a private messaging service, we do not have access to the contents of people`s personal chats though when information is reported to us, we take action to ban accounts we believe may be involved in causing imminent harm," a WhatsApp spokesman said.

"We also quickly respond to valid legal requests from law enforcement for the limited information available to us."

Social media platforms have also come under fire over allegations of censorship amid the conflict. Last week, BuzzFeed News reported that Facebook-owned Instagram had mistakenly removed content about the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation also reported that Instagram and Twitter Inc had blamed glitches https://reut.rs/3ouaf0t for the deletion of posts mentioning the possible eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem.

On Facebook`s call with reporters on Wednesday (May 19), Bickert said the Facebook operations center was staffed by experts across the company, including native Arabic and Hebrew speakers.

Facebook, which is based in California, has been criticized in the past for lacking local language expertise and resources amid violent situations in other countries.

Bickert also said Facebook had activated a feature for its third-party fact-checking partners - of which Reuters is one - to use keyword detection for grouping related content around the conflict.

She said it had been used in the past, for content about COVID-19, elections and U.S. and Australian wildfires.



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South Africa: MEC welcomes Kgetlengriver court ruling

North West Local Government and Human Settlements MEC Mmoloki Cwaile, has welcomed the North West High Court ruling which directs Kgetlengrivier Concerned Citizens to hand over water treatment plants back to Magalies Water.

This follows a protracted court battle, which saw the court ordering the group to handover the water and wastewater treatment plants back to Magalies Water, which was appointed as the implementing agent earlier this year.

The North West High Court has also granted an interdict against the Concerned Citizens, restraining them from blocking the entrance and egress of the water and wastewater treatment plants situated in Koster and Swartuggens.

Cwaile said the group reneged on an arrangement where all parties agreed that they will hand over the water and waste treatment plants to Magalies Water, as an implementing agent.

We have been vindicated because we said from the onset that we cannot allow a situation where the infrastructure is managed and controlled by private people. We cant allow the safety of the community of Kgetlengrivier [to be] compromised by having the plants controlled by unauthorised people, Cwaile said on Wednesday.

According to the department, the group retook the plants in March 2021 after it was handed over to Magalies Water as per the agreement of all parties, lamenting non-payment by the department for the work done while they occupied the plants between January and February 2021.

They denied the officials of Magalies Water access to the plants raising an issue of non-payment by the department, in spite of their lawyer having been informed about the delay in payment due to the closure of the financial payment systems at the end of the financial year 2020/21.

The department has since paid over R15 million for the operations and maintenance of the plants, as well as their legal costs, which was one of the conditions contained in the settlement court order, Cwaile said.

Cwaile will preside over the official handover of water and wastewater treatment plants back to Magalies Water.

Municipality called to accelerate service delivery

Meanwhile, the MEC has called on the Kgetlengrivier Municipality to make sure that they accelerate service delivery to the community, and urged Magalies Water to occupy the plants as a matter urgency to avoid water services disruptions.

We call on the rate payers to work with government in adding a positive impetus to our peoples desire for a better life and redress on any other concerns. The Provincial Executive Council has resolved to provide an increased support to Kgetlengrivier and other municipalities, through the District Development Model, working with the national government, Cwaile said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: SA to close 10 diplomatic missions abroad

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it has taken the hard but necessary decision to shut down 10 diplomatic missions abroad.

According to the department, this was in response to the countrys fiscal constraints, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the media ahead of her departments budget vote in Parliament, Minister Naledi Pandor said Cabinet made the resolution after a series of consultations that culminated in a decision.

According to the Minister, the missions, which include embassies, high commissions and consulates, are being closed systematically during the 2021/22 financial year.

This decision is deeply regretted and South Africa expresses its confidence that the excellent diplomatic relations with these countries and regions will continue through the non-resident missions, and the diplomatic missions represented in South Africa, Pandor said on Thursday.

Pandor announced that the list of missions earmarked for closure include: Minsk, Belarus; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; The Holy See, The Vatican; Helsinki, Finland; Milan, Italy (consulate); Muscat, Oman; Suva, Fiji; Bucharest, Romania; Lima, Peru and Chicago, United States (consulate).

In addition, she assured South African citizens resident abroad, businesses and tourists that a smooth transfer of civic and immigration services to non-resident missions is underway.

All affected stakeholders are advised to check with the affected embassies and consulates-general on the exact dates of termination of services, she said.

Meanwhile, Pandor said further announcements of the transfer of civic and immigration services will be made on the websites of DIRCO, the Department of Home Affairs and the affected missions.

Foreign policy priorities

According to Pandor, even before the global community was confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, the world had become more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

She said this includes crosscutting and border-blind challenges, global warming, terrorism, pandemics, and cybersecurity.

The global governance architecture is at a crossroads, as it struggles to manage the multiple challenges afflicting people and the planet, while governing relations between States, as well as those between States and non-State actors.

Therefore, Pandor said South Africa has to execute its foreign policy conscious and responsive to dynamic national and international contexts.

It is in this environment that South Africa promotes and protects its national interest. South Africas national interest displays a people-centred, progressive and developmental outlook evidenced in its foreign policy.

She believes that this could be done by promoting pan-Africanism, South-South solidarity and cooperation, North-South cooperation, and multilateral cooperation.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hillsboro EDC Wins Workforce Excellence Award

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) announced last week the recipients of its 2021 Workforce Excellence Awards, with Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) being the recipient in the 15,000 and under population category.



The award winners are recognized at the annual TEDC mid-year conference, which will be held June 9-10 in Frisco.



The HEDC application was based on the 2020 Hill County Youth Career Fair held in March 2020 at Hill College.



HEDC, Hillsboro ISD, Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board (HOTWDB) and Hill College partnered to organize the event.



It was open to all high school juniors and seniors in the county, with over 600 students on the Hill College campus in Hillsboro just prior to the pandemic shutting down all schools.



Dr. Rickie Harris, a Hillsboro native and superintendent of West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District, served as the motivational speaker for the event.



There were several pods that provided student attendees information.



The HOTWDB staff had a presentation on How to Dress for Success.



Staffers discussed and presented a program on how students should dress and conduct themselves at interviews.



Branden Mann with Citizens Financial Services taught a session on personal finance and how students should handle their finances as they prepare to enter the workforce or college.



There was a static display for law enforcement, fire, EMS, air medical helicopters, Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens to exhibit their vehicles and other life-saving tools.



Students were allowed to visit with first responders from the various agencies and learn what type of education was needed to enter their fields.



The final pod was an indoor display where over 20 local industries, colleges, universities and military recruiters were given booth space to visit with the students and answer questions.



The 2021 Career Fair was held virtually, but hopefully the fourth annual event will be back in person in March 2022.



The Career Fair was organized with an objective to educate high school juniors and seniors on what jobs are available in Hillsboro and Hill County.



This fair was not only for students who will enter the workforce after graduation, but also for students who will continue their education at either a two- or four-year college or university and could utilize their degrees at local companies once they graduate, Art Mann, HEDC administrator pointed out.



The HEDC continues to be involved in more and more workforce development programs to try and generate workers from the community and county to fill positions at local manufacturers, Mann added.



The career fair is a product of the Go Hillsboro organization that has worked on workforce development issues over past five years.



Six recipients were awarded the TEDC 2021 Workforce Excellence Awards in their respective population categories. A total of 12 nominees overall were recognized for submitting their workforce projects.



Other winners included:



Population (15,001 to 40,000): Seguin Economic Development Corporation



Population (40,001 to 100,000): Temple Economic Development Corporation



Population (100,001 to 250,000): Amarillo Economic Development Corporation



Population (250,001 and Above): San Antonio Economic Development Foundation



Regional: Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas



The award program recognizes exceptional contributions by a Texas community or region that has implemented successful workforce initiatives.



Members of the TEDCs Workforce Development Committee reviewed and scored the applications from the nominees based on five criteria: innovativeness, transferability, community commitment and leverage, measured objectives, and secondary benefits.



Our TEDCs Workforce Excellence Award is one of the ways in which our organization honors the outstanding work done by our communities and regions, their leaders and their economic development professionals in the area of workforce development, noted Carlton Schwab, president/CEO of the TEDC.



The TEDC was organized in 1961 and provides information, education and legislative services to its members to foster the expansion of existing businesses, the location of new firms and the development of strategies that promote a positive business climate in Texas. With over 850 members, the TEDC is now the largest state economic development association in the nation.




Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Generally cloudy. High 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low 56F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
South Africa: Stick to COVID-19 protocols, despite vaccine rollout

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has reiterated that the arrival of vaccines should not suggest the relaxation of COVID-19 health protocols, which include wearing of masks, sanitisation and physical distancing.

Nzimande made the call during his visit to Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where he received his COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday.

Nzimande, like all South Africans, registered through the registration portal for COVID-19 vaccination for the over 60 years age group. This is part of South Africas Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

Edendale Hospital is amongst the leading hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal to administer COVID-19 vaccination.

It is also the fourth biggest hospital in the country, and is designated as a regional hospital that offers district tertiary services, with a total of 900 beds.

In his previous visit to the hospital, the Minister said he was satisfied with the level of preparedness by the hospital to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations.

Amongst many initiatives that impressed me is Edendale Hospital's proactive and innovative measures introduced by establishing a clinic that is used to screen all patients and visitors to the hospital at the point of entry, Nzimande said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-05-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
NEW 40R PROPOSAL - The bottom rendering provided by private developer GC Fodera Contracting shows how a newly proposed multi-story building on Woburn Street by a municipal parking lot and CVS Pharmacy would fill out a vacant commercial space in the downtown area. The top photo is an image of the Woburn Street space as it exists today.

(Photos Courtesy of CPDC)
Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Cloudy skies. High 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low 56F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
La region #Arequipa ahora cuenta con el sello #SafeTravels en sus destinos: Arequipa Ciudad y el Valle y Canon del Colca. La viceministra, Lyda Garcia, lo entrego a las autoridades regionales y locales.

Este reconocimiento es gracias al trabajo conjunto con el sector privado.???? pic.twitter.com/E3FLNIKVNd
Within this framework, the high-ranking official said that the issuance of regulations, which allow the Peruvian State to intervene, is not enough, adding it is essential that this be do well.

"Administrative simplification means avoiding complex regulations and procedures," she emphasized after mentioning that this simplification responds to a fair and efficient action of the State for the benefit of all citizens.

Likewise, the Cabinet chief recalled that Peru approved the Law of Administrative Simplification and its regulations in 1989, which defines said term as the principle that obliges the State to remove the unnecessary obstacles and costs for society.

Similarly, she affirmed that the regulatory reform in Peru was boosted thanks to the review of the Executive Branch's administrative procedures.

The results of this task show the removal of 30% of paperwork, as well as more than 1,300 requirements.

Bermudez also said that in the two and a half months left in office the Executive Branch will prepare the transition so that the new administration which will take office on July 28, 2021 continues to lead and strengthen the State's modernization and administrative simplification policy in the country.

Remarks were made during her virtual participation in the seminar "30 years of administrative simplification in Peru: achievements, challenges, and the future agenda."

Titular de la PCM: no basta con la emision de normas que permitan intervenir al Estado, tambien es fundamental que esta intervencion se haga bien. La simplificacion administrativa no es otra cosa que evitar regulaciones y procedimientos complejos. pic.twitter.com/WWbvjn4TMo
Las ministras @claudiacornejom y @MarotoReyes firmaron el Memorando de Entendimiento (MOU) en el ambito turistico que permitira intercambiar informacion de Sistemas de Inteligencia Turistica, promover capacitaciones y actividades para la #ReactivacionDelTurismo ????????#FITUR2021 pic.twitter.com/dGA9uh7hcP
Nuestra critica a la prensa va hacia los duenos de los medios de comunicacion que no cultivan la democracia y NO buscan realizar una cobertura equitativa a los dos candidatos. Por eso, nuestra solidaridad con los trabajadores periodistas agredidos. pic.twitter.com/W43NDWsDUr
"The 34 million jobs, which are temporary, are mostly created for the sowing, maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvesting campaigns for the most versatile Andean tuber," he added.

Quevedo affirmed that last season 339,000 hectares were sown, and farmers were hired to work for the stages of preparing the land, sowing, weeding, second fertilization, hilling, pest control, harvest, and post-harvest.

Ranking of regions where potatoes are grown

On the other hand, Quevedo stated that potato cultivation at the national level is distributed among 19 regions of the country, being the areas with the highest production:

1) Puno which produces 850,000 tons per year. Thus, it accounts for 16% of the national production.

2) Huanuco 745,000 tons per year (14%).

3) La Libertad 533,000 tons (10%).

4) Ayacucho 449,000 tons (8%).

5) Cusco 440,000 tons (8%).

Campaign

The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) has launched the campaign "Papa Pa' Ti, lo bueno se comparte" (Potatoes for you, the good is shared) , whose main objective is to encourage the consumption of this exquisite Peruvian product in its various preparations.
If Hollywood were a reliable source of scientific information, figuring out the most dangerous spider in the world would be a no-brainer. The furry tarantula has crawled across cinema screens in countless horror, sci-fi and adventure flicks, causing audiences to grip their chair arms in suspense. Will the hero escape quickly enough to avoid the poisonous bite of the ferocious spider?

In reality, our arachnophobia-induced aversion to tarantulas is misplaced. The formidable spider's bristly hairs are more likely to irritate than its venom. Although a bite from the passive tarantula will induce topical pain, it won't kill you unless you're highly allergic.

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Of the nearly 40,000 known spider species, only a tiny fraction of them can inflict any significant pain in humans. In fact, there is no wholly accepted consensus on the world's deadliest spider because, by and large, spiders aren't much of a threat to our well-being. At the same time, the number of spider bites is often incredibly over-reported. In one study of 600 hospital patients claiming to have been bitten by brown recluse spiders in Southern California, doctors could confirm only 20 percent of the bite wounds as coming from the spider [source: Vetter and Visscher].

That said, there are a handful of arachnids around the world that it would be in our best interests to avoid. The overall morbidity rate of venomous spiders remains below 10 percent, but some of their poisons can induce tissue degeneration, cell death, nausea and other unpleasant side effects.

Before we get to the culprits on the list of the world's most dangerous spiders, it may be helpful to know how these arachnids deliver their fearsome bites. As you can read in How Spiders Work, venomous spiders are equipped with a poison gland that harbors the dangerous chemicals. Those glands are connected to a set of fangs that spiders use to deliver the poison into their victims. The fangs usually remain tucked inside the spider's jaws until it feels threatened. When that happens, it releases its fangs, digging them into the victim's body and secreting poison. Not all spider bites are potentially wounding. Many spiders give dry bites without venom as a warning.

Think it couldn't get scarier than running into a brown recluse or black widow on a bad night? Think again.
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Encroachments against Armenias sovereign territories are absolutely unacceptable, and the Azerbaijani armed forces must return to their initial positions, Armenian caretaker defense minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan said during a telephone conversation with Russian defense minister, Army General Sergei Shoigu, the Armenian defense ministry reported.

During the phone talk Mr. Harutyunyan presented to his Russian counterpart the current situation caused by the provocations of the Azerbaijani forces, as well as the actions of the Armenian side. Both officials emphasized the necessity of the peaceful solution of the issue.

The Armenian and Russian defense ministers also discussed the process of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno Karabakh and regional security-related issues.

Recently, on May 12, the Azerbaijani armed forces have illegally crossed into Armenias territory, in particular the Sev Lake in Syunik province. Thanks to the actions of the Armenian side, some of the Azerbaijani forces have returned back to their initial positions, but some Azeri troops still remain in some border sections of Armenias Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces. Negotiations over the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani forces are taking place.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the talks with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken constructive, reports TASS.

The conversation seemed to me constructive. There is an understanding of the need to overcome the unhealthy situation that developed between Moscow and Washington in previous years, the Russian Foreign Minister said following talks with his American counterpart.

Moscow confirmed its readiness to hold the dialogue on strategic stability with the US and to discuss all aspects and factors influencing it, Washington did not reject such a concept, Russian Foreign Minister noted.

Today we confirmed our proposal to start a dialogue, considering all aspects, all factors affecting strategic stability: nuclear, non-nuclear, offensive, defensive. I have not seen a rejection of such a concept, but experts still have to work on it, he said.
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The preliminary agreements that have been reached are 100 percent in line with Armenias interests, caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting commenting on reports that a new document is going to be signed.

The solutions that as of this moment are reached with our international partners, the preliminary agreements are 100 percent in line with Armenias interests, not 99,9 percent, but 100 percent. And yes, if Azerbaijan implements these agreements and in the conditions weve discussed, yes, I am going to sign that document, because it is 100% in line with the national interests of Armenia. I am simply not going to publish the document now because its inappropriate, it is a working document, negotiations are ongoing, there are proposals and so on, he said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The operational situation in the areas of the border which was breached by Azerbaijani troops remains unchanged and the situation is still tense, Armenian caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting.

He said that approximately 500-600 Azerbaijani troops are still located on Armenian sovereign territory in different parts.

The rationale of our militarys actions is the following: to restrict the Azerbaijani sides potential of taking actions through tactical actions. In terms of politics our objective is the following: first, to not allow the situation to get out of control, that is to do the utmost to rule out any scenario of a combat or war clash, and second, to achieve the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani troops from Armenias territory, he said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Major diplomatic work has been carried out and is being carried out after the recent incursion of the Azerbaijani armed forces into Armenias territory, Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during the Cabinet meeting today, presenting the activities aimed at condemning the Azerbaijani actions and withdrawing its troops from the Armenian territory.

One of the key evidence of this is also the fact that today the foreign minister is not attending the Cabinet session because our colleagues of foreign ministry are engaged in this work at this moment. I would like to state that I consider the diplomatic work of this moment effective. And not only the foreign ministry, but also the defense ministry, the deputy prime ministers work on this direction, he said, calling this work successful because, according to him, the positions of international partners and Armenia are the same in fact, that is the Azerbaijani armed forces must leave Armenias territory.

Recently, on May 12, the Azerbaijani armed forces have illegally crossed into Armenias territory, in particular the Sev Lake in Syunik province. Thanks to the actions of the Armenian side, some of the Azerbaijani forces have returned back to their initial positions, but some Azeri troops still remain in some border sections of Armenias Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces. Negotiations over the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani forces are taking place.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the question on why Armenia applied to the CSTO without having engaged in armed resistance against the Azerbaijani incursion.

All those whove at least read a few paragraphs from the CSTO treaties will know that the CSTO is for the very reason for crisis situations to be overcome without firing, he said at the Cabinet meeting. It isnt an organization within the framework of which one should fire and then invite others to fire. Its an organization whose mechanisms should be applied to not allow escalation, to resolve the escalation diplomatically. This is the very essence of the CSTO. If shooting starts within the framework of the CSTO, with high probability it could transform into a big regional war, if not a bigger large-scale war in the event of certain scenarios, he said. From this perspective, he said, it is highly important to understand the Azeri sides goal. One of the options was to instigate war, and we must focus on the fact that at least in the Syunik section this action was being carried out in the narrowest part of the Syunik province and of Armenian territory, approximately 26 kilometers wide. If the situation was to go out of control, uncontrollable situations could unfold there, which subsequently could create very big problems. Weve decided that we must solve the issue through our international security mechanisms, I think this is right, and as of this moment it justifies itself, although we still cant say that weve reached our goal this way. Considering the domestic processes in Armenia, we cant rule out that the purpose of this action could be to influence the domestic processes and the results of the election, and maybe even to provide political assistance to the network of propaganda and agents operating in Armenia, Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan also addressed the question on how the Azeri troops were able to cross the border.

First I want to say that after the war our border became several kilometers longer. And in the parts where we are dealing there are difficult terrain mountainous sections, covered with snow in most times of the year and where any engineering works are impossible. The borders current condition in this part from the Armenian side is the same from the Azerbaijani side.

He added another issue: We must combine todays situation with the content of the November 9 statement, because, yes, with our assessments the movement of the Azerbaijani troops is in direct contradiction with the November 9 trilateral statement. And here we must also express certain positions and implement diplomatic work to record this.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the possibility of delimitation and demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Much is talked about demarcation, delimitation, adjustment of borders. And now they are trying to scare and terrorize the Armenian society also with this fact. I want to say with utmost responsibility, and this is my position, that Armenia needs the border adjustment as much as Azerbaijan does, because adjustment of borders and eventually at some phase the demarcation and delimitation are important security guarantees, Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting.

Pashinyan underscored that people should realize that this is a simple process. In our region, there isnt a single post-Soviet country which has finalized the delimitation and demarcation process, he said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated once again that Armenia has not discussed, is not discussing and will not discuss an issue of corridor in the context of unblocking of regional communications.

At the Cabinet meeting today, he said the opening of regional communications is one of the priorities of the Armenian government.

I want to draw the attention of all of us to the fact that since 1992 a policy of blocking, in other words, a policy of blocking the communications has been adopted against Armenia. And given this fact we need to understand that the agenda of opening communications is beneficial to Armenia. On the other hand, as we have stated repeatedly, I dont think that we need to announce this every day, I say this for all times  we have not discussed, are not discussing and will not discuss a corridor logic issue in the context of communications, he said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says Azerbaijan has agents among the political elite of Armenia. Azerbaijan has information warfare agents in the Armenian political elite, he said during the Cabinet meeting.

Moreover, the activities of these people isnt a new thing, these people were first of all publicly inviting Azerbaijan to attack Armenia in 2020. These people, recently, were showing in parliament the trails in the most various areas through which it is most safe to cross the Armenian border. Now these people are assisting Azerbaijan to have the chance to avoid implementing the diplomatic work that we are doing and the diplomatic records that have taken place. We have a very disrespectful against the Armenian society, a paper is being published online which is 90% redacted, and this is presented as evidence that the Armenian government is signing an anti-Armenian document. If thats so, the sentences of this document should be opened and not redacted, why are you hiding it? And I cant label these actions anyway else than activities of Azerbaijans network of agents of information warfare. I dont know what terming it has de jure, but this is my political terming, he said.

Pashinyan said it should be analyzed where these people are obtaining these papers from. The more I analyze, the only source they could obtain it from is Azerbaijan itself. Trilateral talks are taking place  Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. As much as I analyze, they are getting these papers from Azerbaijan, Pashinyan said, adding that the video which was originally spread by Azerbaijan and then re-generated by these very same people is nothing but an "undermining activity behind our back".

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan touched upon the process of the control of the Armenian-Azerbaijani borders during todays Cabinet meeting.

According to the view of the Armenian side, the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan must be controlled by the border guards. Yes, the Azerbaijani armed forces have crossed Armenias border. And for the normal launch of the long-term process I mentioned, the Azerbaijani armed forces must immediately leave Armenias territory. In our view, along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, now especially in that particular section, the Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces must go back to their permanent deployment positions. And in that sections and later also on the entire border the border guard services should carry out control. But such solution wont be easy, lets not give in to illusions, he said.

Pashinyan noted that during this period the Armenian side has constantly proposed this and continues to propose, because its eventually the solution which will really be a sign for the long-term stability of the region.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The fact that Armenian prisoners of war are today held in Azerbaijan is unacceptable, Member of the European Parliament (Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) Isabel Santos from Portugal said at the plenary session of the European Parliament during debates on the Armenian POWs of the Nagorno Karabakh war.

We see reports that they [Armenian POWs] are subjected to violence and humiliating treatment. This is a clear violation of the Geneva Convention. We demand the release of all prisoners of war without pre-conditions, Santos said, emphasizing that the November 2020 trilateral agreement must be fully implemented.

She called on the sides to abandon hostile rhetoric and return to the negotiations table by working with the OSCE Minsk Group. A negotiated political resolution based on the recognition of fundamental rights is the only way to have a peaceful and stable future in the region.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
GORIS, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Armed Forces corps commander Samvel Minasyan briefed 11 ambassadors of European countries and 3 representatives of the European Union who visited Goris on the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in the Sev Lake area.

Minasyan stated that the Armenian-Azerbaijani border passes on the administrative borderline of the Armenian SSR, and that in 1969 a border adjustment was carried out, which was ratified with documents, signatures and stamps.

Azeri troops movement to Sev Lake was detected as of 07:00 May 12, he said. The incursion took place at nighttime. Before May 12 the Armenian military units were located near the state border and were carrying out border protection. The Azerbaijani servicemen were carrying out combat shifts on the opposite side. In December of 2020, during border adjustments the servicemen of Armenia and Azerbaijan have installed flags from both sides, we installed from the Republic of Armenia side, and the Azerbaijani servicemen from the Azerbaijan Republic side, he said.

The initial 250 Azeri troops who invaded the territory were from various branches of the Azeri military, the border guards and the special forces.

Commander Minasyan said that the situation is under control and that the Armenian units are located in conditions of direct contact with Azeri units. Settlements are also located nearby, there is no panic there, people understand that the situation is in the phase of solution.

The ambassadors asked questions to the commander, namely whether or not there are accumulation of troops from the Azeri side. Minasyan answered affirmatively, stating that Azerbaijan is amassing at the border. Reconnaissance drones were also detected, he said.

After the briefing the ambassadors departed to the Sev Lake area.

The envoys included the EU ambassador to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin, EU representative Jan Plesinger, EU representative Silvia Zehe and the ambassadors of the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden and Greece.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The final status of Artsakh cannot be imposed by force or weapon, there must be a political solution which will take into account the democratic will of the people living there, Member of European Parliament Jordi Sole said at the discussion during the EP plenary session relating to the prisoners of war captured during the recent Nagorno Karabakh war.

The MEP noted that the issue of the status of Nagorno Karabakh is far from being settled, adding that the war is being glorified and the hatred against Armenians is being rooted in Bakus so-called park.

The Azerbaijani government refuses to fulfill its international commitments, by illegally holding the prisoners of war and civilians it has captured. All Armenian captives, be they servicemen or civilians, who have been captured during the war or after that, must be immediately and unconditionally released, the MEP said, adding: The security of the Armenian population in Nagorno Karabakh must be guaranteed, as well as their cultural heritage must be preserved. The final status of Artsakh cannot be imposed by force or weapon, there must be a political settlement which will take into account the democratic will of the population living there.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. In order to clarify the future status of Artsakh, a long-term, negotiated and political solution to the conflict is needed, based on the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, equal rights and the peoples right to self-determination, Member of European Parliament representing Spain Pernando Barrena Arza said at the discussion during the EP plenary session relating to the prisoners of war captured during the recent Nagorno Karabakh war.

He reminded that the recent attack by Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh has ended by a trilateral statement which is not respected and is violated by Azerbaijan. Around 200 Armenians are still held captive in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani servicemen are killing these prisoners of war, which is a war crime. Its the time for this Parliament to urge Azerbaijan to immediately release without preconditions all those Armenians who have been captured during the conflict and after that, to fully respect the ceasefire agreement and refrain from further military incursion into an Armenian territory, the MEP said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says the trilateral agreements over Nagorno Karabakh have opened new opportunities for the development of the region, which, he added, is in the interests of all countries of the South Caucasus, reports TASS.

During a meeting with the Azerbaijani prime minister Ali Asadov, the Russian PM noted that the joint statement of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders has opened more complex development opportunities for the region.

I am convinced that the unblocking of economic and transportation ties, the creation of new infrastructure railways is in the interests of all states of the South Caucasus, Mikhail Mishustin said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan cannot be called as criminals, Member of European Parliament representing Belgium Tom Vandenkendelaere said at the at the discussion during the EP plenary session relating to the prisoners of war captured during the recent Nagorno Karabakh war.

Its quite a long time the Nagorno Karabakh conflict continues. Its a matter of a serious concern for the European Union, especially from the perspective of the issue of repatriation of prisoners of war. There is great uncertainty regarding the fate of POWs, he said, adding: We must exert huge pressure on Azerbaijan, they cannot remained unpunished.

In particular, the MEP urged to investigate the facts of human rights violations by Azerbaijan. He stressed the need for taking actions for the return of the Armenian POWs from Azerbaijan and the end of this unacceptable situation.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The opening of the military trophy park in Azerbaijans capital Baku and instilling children with hate there will never lead to peace, MEP Viola von Cramon-Taubadel from the Alliance '90/The Greens group said at the European Parliaments plenary debates on prisoners of war of the Nagorno Karabakh war.

War is disgusting and unfair. Thousands of killed soldiers from Armenia and Azerbaijan, many more displaced civilians. This is the price that president Aliyev calls an unprecedented victory, she said.

The MEP said that humiliating the opposite side at victory parks and violating their borders only expands the circle of violence. She was referring to the latest Azeri incursion into Armenia in the Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. An incident took place on May 20 at the border section of Gegharkunik Province with participation of the Azeri troops who have crossed into the territory of the Republic of Armenia, the ministry of defense said.

Around 15:00, several dozens of shots were fired, presumably in the air, after which the Armenian units opened warning shots. The commander of the Azerbaijani troops contacted the Armenian unit commander, asked to cease fire, apologized and said that the shooting was a result of an accident. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia are warning that the repetition of such incidents will be viewed as a deliberate attempt to head for a clash and will lead to relevant actions by the Armenian side.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, 20 MAY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 20 May, USD exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 520.74 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.28 drams to 634.57 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 7.07 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.42 drams to 735.23 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 364.51 drams to 31616.77 drams. Silver price down by 13.38 drams to 463.34 drams. Platinum price down by 401.02 drams to 20040.39 drams.
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has released its judgement over the case of Lapshin v. Azerbaijan, Armenpress reports citing ECHR.

In todays Chamber judgment1 in the case of Lapshin v. Azerbaijan (application no. 13527/18) the European Court of Human Rights held:

unanimously, that there had been a violation of Article 2  procedural aspect (right to life: obligation to conduct an effective investigation) of the European Convention on Human Rights, and

by 6 votes to 1, that there had been a violation of Article 2  substantive aspect (right to life), the ECHR said.

The case concerned an incident during blogger Alexander Lapshins imprisonment in Azerbaijan in 2017 for visiting Nagorno Karabakh. The authorities asserted that the incident had been a suicide attempt, while the applicant alleged it had been attempted murder. The applicant was resuscitated and hospitalised in an intensive-care unit. The following day the applicant was pardoned by the President of Azerbaijan and, upon his discharge from hospital three days later, was expelled to Israel, the ECHR said.

The Court found that the inquiry into the prison incident had been ineffective and in breach of the respondent States procedural obligations under Article 2 of the Convention. It found that the respondent State had failed to satisfy the burden of proof resting on it to provide a satisfactory and convincing explanation as regards the incident which had put the applicants life in danger. There had therefore been a violation of Article 2 under its substantive limb.

The Court held that Azerbaijan was to pay the applicant 30,000 euros (EUR) in respect of nonpecuniary damage.
YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The document published by the opposition is real, ARMEPRESS reports caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said at the National Assembly extraordinary session, adding that the position of the Armenian side remains the same  the armed forces of Azerbaijan must withdraw from the territory of Armenia without preconditions.

Based on the discussions of this situation, a very important question emerges, since we have the reality that we have no delimited and demarcated border with Azerbaijan. If we solve this situation and at the next moment similar situations arise, will we every time take the path of making an international noise and consensus? Finally, we have a situation that has developed under the circumstances that we all know and that situation has to be managed. In this period a proposal has been made to establish a trilateral commission that will deal with those issues, Pashinyan said.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, the government did not consider it correct to publish the working document that is still under discussion. ''But since it has been published by the opposition, I can say that yes, it's the only and unique document that has been on our working table for 1.5-2 days. What's the key point in that document? It's that the sides undertake to resolve the border situations not through mutual movements of troops, but only through diplomatic and political means. Is this a new idea? No, because I have announced about this from here, Nikol Pashinyan said.

The caretaker Prime Minister emphasized that earlier he had said that the establishment of the commission should take place after Azerbaijani armed forces withdraw from the territory of our country. 'Or we will record a provision in that document that, say, in 3 days, in 4 days the process of withdrawal of those troops must take place. This is the whole story and I want to tell you that there is no secret appendix'', Nikol Pashinyan said.
Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

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YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the POWs issue with 607 votes in favor, demanding the Armenian war prisoners to be released immediately and without preconditions.

ARMENPRESS presents parts of the resolution.

 having regard to its previous resolutions on Armenia and Azerbaijan,

 having regard to the EU-Armenia Partnership Council meeting of 17 December 2020 and the EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council meeting of 18 December 2020 and their respective conclusions,

 having regard to the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Geneva Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War,

 having regard to the tripartite ceasefire statement by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia of 9 November 2020, which came to effect on 10 November 2020,

 having regard to the Human Rights Watch report of 19 March 2021 entitled Azerbaijan: Armenian POWs Abused in Custody,

 having regard to the EU statement of 28 April 2021 on captives from the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan,

 having regard to the Statements by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group of 25 October 2020, 30 October 2020, 14 December 2020, 13 April 2021 and 5 May 2021,

 having regard to the European Court of Human Rights notification to the Council of Europes Committee of Ministers of 9 March 2021, under Rule 39 of the Rules of the Court, of interim measures in relation to the recent armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan,

 having regard to Rules 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure,
B.1.617 was the mutant which was increasing in some part of the country like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka

A medic collects swab sample from a woman for COVID-19 tests, at National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases, Mehrauli, in New Delhi, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. (PTI/Kamal Singh)

New Delhi: The double mutant B.1.617 variant of SARS-CoV2 is further mutating and one of its sub-lineages, the B.1.617.2, reported in India, is more infectious than its parent and fast increasing its footprint, according to Rakesh Mishra, former Director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology. He also said there is nothing called the Singapore variant, a term that has led to a war of words between the Centre and the AAP government after Singapore objected to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweet that a "new" coronavirus strain in the city-state is very dangerous for children.

Singapore's health ministry on Tuesday night said the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which was first detected in India.

Amid criticism over Kejriwal's Singapore COVID-19 variant remark, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Wednesday claimed there was a "different strain" of coronavirus spreading in that country.

However, Mishra said B.1.617.2 has already been reported in India and is in the majority of the new cases in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Mishra is part of the INSACOG, a consortium of 10 institutes of the Centre, that is involved in the genome sequencing of coronavirus.

Explaining about the sub-lineage, Mishra told PTI, B.1.617 was the mutant which was increasing in some part of the country like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and now gradually it has led to three sub-lineages (B.1) 617.1, 617.2 and 617.3.

Among these three, B.1.617.2 is more infectious than B.1.617. That does not indicate a greater worry except the numbers are more and symptomatically. Otherwise, we have not seen any other difference. So this is now replacing others,

He said the same thing is being observed in the UK where B.1.617 was found and the sub-lineage has started to take over. This is the same thing we are seeing in Singapore. Most of the cases in Singapore are B.1.617 and a majority is B.1.617.2 B.1.617.2 sub-lineage is majority in the new cases in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Mishra said.

Gradually it is increasing its footprint and it will be a major one replacing other variants, he added.

Another virologist, who did not want to be quoted, said the sub-lineage was first detected in India in December.

Sujeet Singh, the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control, said in a webinar in April that in Maharashtra, the B.1.617 variant was found in over 50 per cent of samples in many cities while the UK variant was found in 28 per cent of samples in the second week of March.

B.1.617, termed as a double mutant, has three new spike protein mutations.

Two mutations E484Q and L452R are in the area important for antibody-based neutralisation. The third mutation P681R in B.1.617 along with the reversion of E484Q allows its sub-lineage to be more infectious.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed it as 'Variant of Concern'.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention of the US, B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.3 sub-lineages have two receptor binding domain mutations --- L452R and E484Q. The former has seven spike mutation while the latter has 7-8.

In case of B.1.617.3, it has 9-10 spike mutations and two receptor binding domain mutations --- L452R and T478K.

In case of all the three sub-lineage, it has the potential to reduced antibody efficacy and potentially reduced neutralisation by vaccine sera, which, however, remains to be established.

On Tuesday, Kejriwal had tweeted, "The new form of coronavirus in Singapore is said to be very dangerous for children. It could reach Delhi in the form of a third wave. My appeal to the Central government: 1. Cancel all air services with Singapore with immediate effect 2. Work on vaccine alternatives for children on a priority basis."

Responding to Kejriwal's tweet, Singapore's health ministry on Tuesday night said: There is no Singapore variant. The strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India. Phylogenetic testing has shown this B.1.617.2 variant to be associated with several clusters in Singapore, it said in a statement.
If you get the COVID-19 vaccine at a state-run clinic, you could win $5 million.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched a new incentive program to encourage more New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Through the Vax & Scratch initiative, anyone who is vaccinated at one of 10 state mass vaccination sites will receive a Mega Multiplier lottery ticket.

The top prize is $5 million. There are other cash awards ranging from $20 to $50,000. The chances of winning a prize are 1-in-9, according to Cuomo.

"It is a very exciting lottery," he said.

The Vax & Scratch pilot program will begin Monday, May 24, and run through Friday, May 28. The 10 state-run clinics that will be participating in the incentive program include the New York State Fairgrounds in Onondaga County.

Other states have offered similar lottery incentives to encourage more residents to get vaccinated. Ohio launched a "Vax-a-Million" program that will award five $1 million prizes to adults ages 18 and older who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. For children ages 12-17, they will have a chance to win full scholarships to any Ohio public college or university.
They were elected to Congress in the same year. Now, U.S. Rep. John Katko is supporting a fellow New York, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, for governor.

Katko, R-Camillus, on Thursday endorsed Zeldin for governor. Zeldin, a Suffolk County Republican, is the front-runner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Rob Astorino, who served as Westchester County executive and ran for governor in 2014, and Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, are also seeking the party's nomination.

Katko and Zeldin were elected to Congress in 2014. They are in their fourth term representing New York districts  Katko's is in upstate, while Zeldin's is on Long Island.

"It's been an honor to serve our great state with my friend and colleague Lee Zeldin and fight with him to safeguard our homeland, lower taxes and secure a brighter future for all New Yorkers," Katko said in a statement. "He's worked across the aisle for the betterment of his constituents and never backed down when it comes to fighting for them.

He continued, "His grit and unwavering determination is why he has my full support in his mission to fire Andrew Cuomo and bring our state back from the brink."
Despite a declining incarcerated population, assaults on staff have increased over the past decade. Within the last five years, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reported that assaults on staff increased from 759 in 2016 to 1,047 in 2020.

Powers urged the Cuomo administration to hold off on any more prison closures until the state Legislature passes a bill that would establish a commission to study violence in prisons. The commission would develop recommendations for addressing the increasing violence in correctional facilities.

"Closing prisons bring these dangerous individuals into tighter, more confined spaces and will bring more danger and violence to our daily lives," Powers said.

NYSCOPBA leaders highlighted other concerns related to prison closures. Mark DeBurgomaster, the union's western region vice president, questioned the need to close prisons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

If facilities close, workers would be transferred and incarcerated individuals would be moved to other facilities. If incarcerated people have COVID-19, the union's leadership is worried that the virus could spread in prisons.
Granison received five years of probation in connection with the 1997 robbery, while two other men were sentenced to prison terms.

In a statement, Warren had said Granison was judged as a youthful offender and his file was sealed, and that he did not have a criminal record.

She pointed to him as an example of someone who had turned his life around and said he had learned from the experience.

State police investigators want to interview the mayor as part of the current probe, Chase said, and were awaiting her attorney's response to their request.

Granison and a passenger were stopped at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday by members of the state police's violent gangs and narcotics enforcement, who suspected there were drugs in the vehicle, Chase said. City Court documents indicate Granison is accused of possessing 31 grams of cocaine.

He was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, including one with intent to sell.
BUCHANAN, N.Y. (AP)  State regulators approved a deal Wednesday that clears the way for decommissioning the recently idled Indian Point nuclear power plant north of New York City.

The state Public Service Commission approved the transfer of the plant from Entergy Corp. to Holtec International subsidiaries, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Decommissioning of the site along the Hudson River is projected to cost $2.3 billion and to take at least 12 years.

Cuomo and other opponents had fought for years to close the plant, which they claimed was a safety threat to the millions of people living in the surrounding suburbs and the city 25 miles (40 kilometers) away.

This is a win for the health and safety of New Yorkers, and the protection of our environment, Cuomo said in a prepared release.

Indian Point Energy Centers Unit 3 reactor was shut down April 30 under the terms of a 2017 agreement involving the state. The plants Unit 2 reactor was shut down a year ago under the agreement.
Oil prices were poised for a third day of losses on Thursday after diplomats said progress was made towards a deal to lift sanctions on Iran, which could boost crude supply.

Brent crude was down $1.40, or 2.1%, at $65.26 a barrel by 0941 GMT. US oil lost $1.12, or 1.7%, to $62.24 a barrel. Both contracts fell around 3% in the previous session.

European powers, the United States and Iran have made progress in talks over Tehran's nuclear programme that could result in sanctions on Iranian oil being lifted.

The EU official leading the talks said on Wednesday he was confident a deal would be reached as the negotiations adjourned.

Indian refiners and at least one European refiner are re-evaluating their crude purchases to make room for Iranian oil in the second half of this year, anticipating that US sanctions will be lifted, company officials and trading sources said.

"With global oil demand growth projected to be healthy for the balance of this year and in 2022 the (OPEC+) producer group is in a relatively comfortable position to deal with increasing Iranian output without undermining the oil rebalancing," PVM analysts said.

Concerns about the demand outlook in Asia also dragged prices down. Almost two-thirds of people tested in India show exposure to the coronavirus.

Speculation the US Federal Reserve might at some point start to tighten policy weighed on the outlook for economic growth and has prompted some investors to reduce exposure to oil and other commodities.

Supporting prices in early trading, crude inventories in the United States increased by 1.3 million barrels last week, against analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.6 million barrel rise.

Gasoline stocks were down by 2 million barrels, compared with predictions of an 886,000-barrel fall. Gasoline product supplied, a measure of demand, rose 5% to 9.2 million barrels per day, though this included follow-on demand from the Colonial Pipeline shutdown.

"What tickles our attention is the rapid revival of US oil product demand now being very close to the 2019 (level)," SEB analysts said in a note.

Swiss bank UBS said it expected oil inventories to fall to pre-COVID levels by mid-year with an oil price of $75 a barrel in the second half.
Ford Motor's F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck will come at a starting price of 39,974 dollars (roughly converted to less than 30 lakh), which is likely to attract a lot of customers in the US for being one of the most affordable electric vehicle of this size.

The price of the base variant F-150 Lightning is likely to be at par with the Tesla Cybertruck. The official price of the electric pickup truck from Elon Musk's company has not been revealed yet. Considering some of its other possible rivals, the Ford electric pickup will cost almost half of what the Rivian R1T costs in the US.

(Also read: A Ford EV to power your home? 5 awesome highlights that F-150 Lightning brags of)

As far as performance is concerned, Ford claims that the top-spec F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck will offer a range of around 482 kms on single charge. The claimed range is slightly more than what the base model of the Tesla Cybertruck claims to do. However, the top-end Cybertruck, with larger battery and more capacity, promises to deliver more than 800 kms on single charge.

While Tesla remains the biggest electric vehicle manufacturer in US, others are in the mood to play catch up. Electric cars currently contribute to about 2 per cent of the entire vehicle sales in the country. Carmakers like Ford and Tesla hope that affordable electric vehicles with a vast and accessible charging infrastructure will attract more customers to switch to EVs in future.
Press Release

May 20, 2021 De Lima gives public glimpse of her life in unjust detention in a memoir Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has shared a vivid detail of her current situation and how her days usually look like inside her detention quarters in Custodial Center, Camp Crame, giving the public a glimpse not only of her life as the most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime but also as a mother, grandmother, daughter and sister longing for her loved ones for over four years. In a piece read/performed by award winning actress Angel Aquino during an online event called "Free the Word!" organized by the Philippine Center of International PEN last May 15, De Lima said she believes that her story now belongs to a greater narrative of the struggle of ordinary people against social injustice. "Around 5 x 8 square meters. Spartan by standard with a single bed and a ceiling fan. My entire world pretty much consisted of that limited physical space the last four years. Not even a gateway into the infinity of cyberspace was made available to me," she shared. De Lima added that everything that almost every person takes for granted has been denied to her, including, among others, the ability to say good morning to her loved ones, the ability to hold her grandchildren, the ability to kiss her mom on the cheeks, and the ability to praise her son Israel, who has autism, on his latest beautiful artwork. While her early days of detention were marked with indignation and disbelief, the lady Senator from Bicol shared how she slowly established a daily schedule to make sure she fulfills her work as a sitting Senator of the Republic despite limitations while also attending to her personal needs. "I recall being sleepless on my first nights inside Camp Crame, thinking of my children and grandchildren whom I wasn't able to see before my arrest, and my mother whose dementia shielded her from knowing the cruel fate that has befallen her eldest daughter," she shared. "Slowly, I established a daily schedule. Nowadays, I wake up at 4:30 a.m. and go to bed between 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. I begin the day with prayers and end it with reading some books. In between, I write my dispatches from Crame, and instructions for my staff. Most of my day is dedicated to Senate paperwork (drafting bills and resolutions, perusing my daily briefing reports, etc.) as I am not yet allowed to participate in Senate deliberations even via teleconferencing," she added. De Lima further shared that she also attends to some chores, "such as sweeping my quarters, feeding my adopted stray cats roaming the facility, and watering my plants. By 8:30 a.m., I've already exercised and taken a bath. By 5 p.m., I pray the Holy Rosary, read the Bible, and write in my journal." Despite her ordeal, De Lima said her faith has never faltered, stressing how she always reminds her staff and family of the importance of surrendering one's fear, doubts, and anger to God. "It's accepting the painful struggle in the promise that nothing lasts forever, and that good will always prevail," she said. "And indeed, it is. Last February 17, a few days before the 4th year of my detention, I was acquitted by the Muntinlupa trial court in one of the 3 conspiracy to commit drug trading charges. But more than this acquittal and the crumbling of fabricated evidence against me, it is the courage of ordinary people that inspires me to believe that vindication is near," she added. It may be recalled that De Lima, the staunchest critic of the administration's war on drugs, was illegally detained since Feb. 24, 2017 on bizarre charges that were mostly based on manufactured evidence and perjured testimonies of convicted criminals and shady characters. A former Chairperson of Commission on Human Rights and Justice Secretary before becoming a Senator, De Lima said that her life has been a life of great achievements, made greater by the unimaginable challenges and even sadness, which always reminds her to continue fighting for life, her country, and humanity. "We have all been given only one life to live; one country to love and defend; and one humanity that we all belong to and must respect and protect. And those are exactly what I will continue to do for as long as I have breath, and how I hope my life so far and going forward will be defined: Live, Love, Defend, Respect and Protect. For Life. For Country. For Humanity," she said. (30) Watch Sen. Leila M. de Lima's memoir for the PEN Congress as delivered by Ms. Angel Aquino, here: https://www.facebook.com/leiladelimaofficial/posts/3021408861422982
There was a time when deadly attacks in the Middle East such as those the world has witnessed in recent days  including the destruction of a high-rise building in Gaza City housing offices of two international media organizations  would demand high-profile U.S. intervention with an envoy shuttling between representatives of Israel and the Palestinians, and a renewed emphasis on the two-state solution.

But that was back when the U.S. still had some credibility as being a somewhat neutral arbiter, when Israel was less attached to hard-right policies and Palestinians had a more functioning government. Those days are past for a variety of reasons. But its still disappointing how little President Joe Biden has done so far in making an effort to assert pressure for a ceasefire on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose administrations efforts to evict Palestinian families from East Jerusalem appear to have touched off the latest wave of violence. Biden spoke with Netanyahu via telephone Monday afternoon, and expressed support for a ceasefire, according to the White House. But were beyond the expressing support stage.
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 bear simply knocked it to the side and the force of the blow knocked Minish to the ground.

As he lunged up on top of me, I grabbed his lower jaw to pull him away, he said, saying thats how he got a puncture wound in his hand. But he tossed me aside there, grabbed a quarter of my face.

He took a small bite and then he took a second bite, and the second bite is the one that broke the bones  and crushed my right cheek basically, he said.

When the bear let go, Minish turned his face to the ground and put his hands over his head.

And then the bear just walked away.

He surmises the bear left because he no longer perceived Minish as a threat. The bears exit  Alaska State Troopers said later they did not locate the bear  gave him time to assess damage.

I realized I was in pretty bad shape because I had all this blood everywhere, he said.

He called 911 on his cellphone. While he was talking to a dispatcher, he pulled off his surveyors vest and his T-shirt and wrapped them around his head in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
This year, due to the pandemic, the Montana spelling bees (school, county and state) were held virtually on the Scripps Online Testing Platform.

There were a total of 144 registered schools statewide that participated and were allowed to have one champion advance to the county level. The winners were determined by their scores on the online test.

Yellowstone County had 17 participating schools and eight spellers scored above the minimum score, allowing for all eight of them to be county spelling champions. Every year Yellowstone County sends the top four spellers to state but this year, eight spelling champions qualified for the Treasure State Spelling Bee.

Florence-Carlton seventh-grade student Carter Rayburn was the winner of the Treasure State Spelling Bee that was held online March 25.

The Yellowstone County spelling champions, their county placement and schools are as follows:
In a unanimous opinion Tuesday, the Montana Supreme Court dealt yet another blow to the former Colstrip chief of police in a string of legal fights tied to his firing in 2012.

The 5-0 opinion, written by Justice Dirk Sandefur, upheld a lower court ruling dismissing claims by Larry Reinlasoder that Supreme Court justices and their law clerks had improperly reviewed sealed records of his work emails containing porn. Reinlasoder's lawsuit also included arguments the city of Colstrip had only appealed a lower court decision sealing the emails in order to push them into the spotlight with the Supreme Court and sway the justices against him.

Reinlasoder served as Colstrips chief of police from 2004 to 2012. He was fired after it surfaced that hed invited a female dispatcher to look at porn with him on his work computer.

It wasnt the only instance in which Reinlasoder was accused of sexual harassment. Three women filed grievances against him in the days before he was put on administrative leave.

Reinlasoder sued the city over his termination, claiming emotional distress and lost wages. In 2015 a jury in Yellowstone County awarded him nearly $300,000 in damages.
Surveillance footage from the Yellowstone River RV Resort & Campground showed Chavez and McClure getting dropped off at the entrance to the campground at 5:44 a.m. on April 23, according to charges. Prosecutors say they walked arm-in-arm into the campground and then turned to head straight for Greshams van. No other vehicles were parked in the row with the van.

Chavez said McClure had two handguns and gave her one before she walked up to the window of the van. She asked for cigarettes and a ride, but Gresham said no, she told detectives.

Some type of altercation occurred between McClure and Gresham, although Chavez became upset and did not provide many details about what occurred at the van, charges state. She denied killing Gresham but said she began driving the van away from its parking spot and heard gunshots shortly afterward.

Chavez told detectives she almost wrecked the van and that McClure took over at the wheel.

McClure and Chavez drove to the Laurel Walmart, where McClure went inside the store for 26 minutes and stole a tarp, prosecutors say. Store surveillance footage showed Chavez re-parked the van in different positions while McClure was inside, charges state.
District Court Judge Mike McMahon, too, wrote in an order on Tuesday he would have to be "blind" to not see that the flurry of subpoenas for the justice's records is not for valid legislative purposes but for political interests, adding messaging from the AG's attorneys have been "caustic."

Knudsen wrote in his letter Wednesday that he has received judges' references to his attorneys' actions as "thinly veiled threats and attacks on the professional integrity of attorneys in my office."

The line in the Supreme Court opinion Knudsen took issue with was a mention of Hansen's public statement about lawmakers choosing to defy a Supreme Court order halting a temporarily halting a subpoena for judicial emails.

He wrote lawyers have an obligation to report judicial misconduct and to safeguard the integrity of the legal system.

"That is what Lieutenant General Hansen and Mr. Oestreicher have done and will continue to do," Knudsen wrote. "They must zealously represent their client with integrity and honesty.
I have to say I was disappointed that we were not able to come to some sort of an agreement on school funding; it wasnt necessarily a surprise, Gordon told reporters in a news conference last month. We have not addressed that fiscal cliff.  I believe its time I start to take a role in that discussion.

The proposals to trim that deficit include new cuts or new taxes, Gordon went on to say at the time. I believe there is a third, perhaps more profitable approach," he said. " Sort of taking a customer service approach. What is it that our customers really want?

The RIDE advisory group is tasked with answering that question.

The governors spokesperson, Michael Pearlman, said Gordon sought this group specifically.

The Governor asked these individuals to participate and they agreed to contribute their time, Pearlman said via email. He selected citizens who he believed would bring an unbiased, open-minded, common-sense approach to broadly exploring education in Wyoming.

The committee is scheduled to meet for the first time in early June. The committee is also planning opportunities to gather public input, but dates for those meetings have not been published.
A Cheyenne prosecutor has been publicly censured after the Wyoming Supreme Court found he allowed testimony he knew to be false to be presented in a 2020 hearing.

David Singleton, a senior assistant district attorney in Laramie County, will have to pay around $800 in fees to the bar, but faces no other discipline besides the public reprimand.

According to a release from the Bar on Wednesday, Singleton knew a law enforcement officers testimony during a July 2020 preliminary hearing got some of the facts of the case wrong, but did not object to it at the time. The case centered around hemp plants found in a Laramie County barn, which testing showed were below the THC content that would make them illegal in the state.

The court found at that hearing that there wasnt enough evidence to pursue the charges of cultivating, possessing, and intending to deliver marijuana.

The Board of Professional Responsibility found Wednesday that Singleton had knowingly violated his obligation of candor to the court by not correcting the officers testimony and by further muddying the record during a later questioning.

The officer, according to the order of public censure, gave false information overstating the THC content found in plants in the case.
At the San Pedro hospital in Logrono, there is little sign of the presence of the Polisario's top man. People familiar with his condition say he recently came out of three weeks in critical care. A security guard performs identity checks on medical personnel and visitors entering the COVID-19 ward. Inside, Ghali receives a daily visit from his personal physician, an Algerian doctor, according to a police report seen by The Associated Press.

They probably chose this place because nothing ever happens here, and we rarely make it to the news, local resident Milagros Capellan, 64, said as she left the hospital after a medical check-up. It feels strange that this is connected with the very sad developments in Ceuta.

Moroccan intelligence officials knew about Ghali's whereabouts from the moment the Algerian jet carrying Ghali landed in Spain last month, leaking his presence to the media and exposing what had been designed by Spain as a covert humanitarian operation.

What was Spain expecting from Morocco when it hosted an official from a group that is carrying arms against the kingdom? Moroccos minister for human rights, Mostapha Ramid, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
Press Release

May 20, 2021 Bong Go renews call for the passage of DOFil bill; urges fellow lawmakers to unite in providing overseas Filipinos a department that would address their concerns Senator Christopher "Bong" Go renewed his call for the passage of his proposed Senate Bill No. 1949, otherwise known as the Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOFil) Act of 2020, urging fellow lawmakers to unite and throw their support behind the measure. "Tapos na po ito sa committee hearing, papunta na po tayo sa TWG (technical working group) at committee report na po. Hopefully, before we go on recess ay maipasa na po sana ito at mai-presenta na ito sa plenary for sponsorship dahil matagal na po, long overdue na," shared Go during an ambush interview right after he attended the launch of the 112th Malasakit Center at the Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital in Mariveles, Bataan. "It was mentioned by the President (Rodrigo Duterte) in the past two SONAs (State of the Nation Address), so dapat po ay maipasa na po ito. Pasado na po ito sa Lower House at dapat po maipasa na rin sa Senado," he added. Go, then, went on to appeal to fellow senators to support the bill, urging them not to deprive overseas Filipinos of the much needed department which would cater to all their needs and concerns. "That's why I am appealing sa aking mga colleague na ipasa na po ito dahil kawawa naman ang ating mga kababayan. 'Wag natin ipagkait sa kanila. Ten million ang overseas Filipinos; that is around 10% ng population natin," he said. "Bigyan natin sila ng isang departamento na talagang nakatutok po. 'Di na nila kailangan magpalabuy-laboy pa at humingi ng tulong sa radyo, TV, o Facebook. Isang departamento ang nakatutok sa kanila para tumugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng ating overseas Filipinos," he added. SBN 1949 is the third version of the measure Go first filed in July of 2019. The bill creating DOFil is one of the priority measures of the present administration as mentioned numerous times by President Rodrigo Duterte, including in his last two State of the Nation Addresses. The President also certified this most recent version filed by Go as urgent. The proposed department will be primarily mandated to formulate, recommend, and implement national policies, plans, programs, and guidelines that protect overseas Filipinos, including OFWs, as well as promote their interests and resolve issues concerning them in a timely and effective manner. The DOFil will be responsible for providing all relevant social and welfare services, including insurance, social work assistance, and legal assistance, as well as administer reintegration and social service programs to overseas Filipinos. It shall also provide Assistance to Nationals services, especially during times of national emergencies, such as pandemic or war. "Mananatili pong prayoridad ng gobyerno ang mapalago ang ating ekonomiya at makapagbigay ng oportunidad para sa mga Pilipino dito sa bansa upang hindi na nila kakailanganin pang makipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa," Go said. "Pero hindi rin natin maikakaila na sampung milyong Pilipino ang nasa abroad, halos ten percent ng ating populasyon," he lamented. As of 2019, it is estimated that there are about 10.2 million overseas Filipinos (OFs) around the world, and they are credited for boosting domestic consumption and contributing about 9.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product and 7.8% of the Gross National Income in the said year. "Habang sinisikap nating bigyan sila ng mas maraming economic opportunities dito, huwag din natin pabayaan ang karamihan sa kanila na may hinahaharap na iba't ibang pagsubok sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa. Responsibilidad nating alagaan ang bawat Pilipino kahit nasaan man sila sa mundo," he added.
Danny "Maca-Danny-A" Holton's job as a "Peanutter" is to make people happy.

Holton is one of three team members for the Planters NUTmobile, a 26-foot-long fiberglass peanut that is the ride of choice for Mr. Peanut. The NUTmobile stopped in Bismarck for the first time this week during its cross-country journey.

Holton said the best part of the job is the positive impact the team makes in the communities they visit.

"I mean, it's the NUTmobile, how can you not smile?" Holton said during a stop at the North Dakota Heritage Center on Thursday. "Especially in such a tough year like this, it's been a very rewarding job and a very important one too."

There are three NUTmobiles traveling across the country. Each will rack up around 30,000 miles at the end of their year-long tour.

NUTmobile spokespeople, known as Peanutters, are recent college graduates looking to gain public relations, social media and marketing experience from a unique avenue. While traveling from state to state, Peanutters are responsible for event planning, vehicle upkeep and contributing to the brand's social media.
Noem, in a document filed Sunday, opposed the tribe's request to join the lawsuit, arguing that the tribe doesn't have standing in what is a state-federal dispute. Her lawyers argue that the fireworks display wouldn't hinder the tribe's religious or free speech rights.

When she filed the lawsuit, Noem included patriotic arguments on why the fireworks should be allowed and argued that the permit's denial was an arbitrary and capricious decision based on politics.

Chief Judge Roberto Lange of the federal district court of South Dakota hasn't ruled on whether the tribe can join the suit. He indicated that he'll decide by June 2 whether to issue a preliminary injunction to force the Park Service to allow the fireworks this summer. The governor's daughter, who worked as a federal liaison for her mother for last July's event, said in a court filing that the governor's office had invited tribal leaders to provide their perspective on it.

Noem wrote to President Joe Biden last month that the tribes were consulted before the event last year. But in a statement Tuesday, the tribe denied that was the case.

The office of the Chairman has no record of any consultations with the State of South Dakota or the federal government regarding fireworks in the sacred Black Hills, the tribe said.
Prosecutors said Bala broke state law by failing to give money to a charity from October 2002 to April 2003. The appeals court said the state Racing Commissions rules were not clear on how the charities were to be paid.

Stenehjem also had charged Bala and Racing Services with illegal gambling, but the federal court verdict came before the states case could be resolved.

Bala believes the state is likely acting out of vindictiveness because the original case against her did not stick.

In 2017, and more than a decade after Balas conviction was overturned, Collins, the federal bankruptcy judge, ruled the state must refund Balas business the money it collected for taxes.

State lawyers approved the settlement at the time and the Legislature allocated $15.8 million to be paid to Bala. The money has been held in a bankruptcy trust estate.

Part of the agreement approved by the court required the state to waive any further claims.
It is said that farmers could benefit by getting paid, by the acre, from businesses offsetting the cost of carbon emissions related to their business. It is not a law yet but if it becomes law, it is my opinion that the price of things produced will have to rise to cover the extra cost. The result of that drops the financial burden directly in the lap of the consumer and benefiting only the agriculture landowner.

Of which I believe around 40% of our agricultural land is owned by non-operators of the land. Which also means around 40% of carbon dollars will be paid to the land owner and not benefit the farming operation in the least. In fact, quite possibly be paying the one who invests in land and Big Business.

So, you say there are still about 60% of the farmers will still benefit. I am of the belief that the people who actually own and operate their farms will sell their operations for good money to Mega Bucks Billionaires who can pay good money for the land because it will offset their carbon costs for the manufacturing business already owned.
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Back in March-May, 2020, the CDC and Dr. Fauci were to synchronize to their boss, "no-mask-just washing-hand." Hearing from China, I got scared and put up my mask, only got people around me to urge me to take off my mask, which scared others around me. I was mad about what Dr. Fauci's yes-man was preaching over the TV, without a common sense of a "so-called infectious disease expert." What was your experience?

Then, the CDC and Dr. Fauci blew different wind: yes, must-mask, even better to have doubled-mask for protection.

Now, they said that, as long as you're vaccinated, you don't need to wear the mask. Ha? How do you know the person next to you got vaccinated? Do you greet her/him like, "Can you show me your CDC vaccine card?" My hunch was like: here again, the CDC and Dr. Fauci open up a huge for a wild controversial interpretation. He said that you need to trust other people - Be honest and respectful.not going to happen; that's why you need to keep wearing the mask on the inside. Watching this and.....ANYWAY, the CDC screwed us all with all these mixed messages. I'M KEEPING MY MASK ON. Any thought?

This morning, the NYU Doctor's Radio on Sirius XM 110 said that the Saturday Night Live (SNL) provided an excellent video to explain that it was a bad idea of CDC, asking the listeners to check it out.

Here I come to check it out: a habit of the pandemic got up to me  go with the flow of experts you trust, go on with their recommendation. So do you???? URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au2tgLjdGIs

BTW: How many of you watch SNL? What do you think about Bowen Yang? You may like to learn from him for those wanting to eliminate your Chinese accent, asking him out for a coffee date.

Some lines came to my mind worth mentioning below:

No More Masks Cold Open - SNL

Dr. Anthony Fauci (Kate McKinnon) presents different scenarios to demonstrate the new COVID-19 mask guidelines. Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3uQxh4q

SNL: "The whole "CDC doctors only had 24 hours to put this little show together" was an actual warning for this entire sketch."

"Because that is what we want every doctor to do, improvise." ????

"We have to trust each other." ~We're screwed~

"People had questions: What does that mean.. is this a trap?" ???? too real

"I'm a businessman..and I need it to relax on business."

I think I'm still going to wear a mask indefinitely. I like being anonymous????-- lmao "oh no, I don't like the bottom of your face." ???????? I didn't know my breath was so bad until I wore a mask.

"Traveling by train from Florida to the UK." ???????????? ...Now hang on a second.

"Should we be wearing masks?" "We don't have to! We're outside the capitol building." ????????????

Kate slips at 2:21 with "a lot of fuks" instead of a lot of folks. She nearly bursts out laughing, lol. (She said too many that Fxxx word, so often that it slips out of her tongue).

"But do I need to be a parent?" I ask myself that all the time. ????????????

I was deeply jealous of Bowen Yang in this sketch.

Dating? "I think this is important: be very careful not to have an intimate relationship with someone who got the vax, or the illness, or had an intimate relationship with those two because they might transmit it to you un-knowingly. The negative side effects/long term won't be evident. First, I think. Just wait. A lot of doctors said it is uncertain if vaxed people can transmit it. I think they know they can, but they won't say without evidence. It would be best if you found someone who completely missed all three for the safety of your future family. I understand this will be very hard, but dating has already been hard anyway. It's just some additional questions to ask. Just consider it for a minute."
Employers considerations

Employers have a lot to consider as they bring workers back after so long, said Paul Tesluk, dean of the University at Buffalos School of Management. Some employees may have child care issues, or worries about contracting the virus. Others may just prefer to keep working from home.

"A-one-size-fits-all approach is the wrong thing to do, and you have to be thoughtful and highly communicative with employees in about how to go about doing this, Tesluk said.

For example, employers have to think about how to best organize the workplace: who to bring back on a full-time or hybrid basis, or which teams might perform better by working remotely, he said.

Tesluk said some things can be tougher for employers to accomplish when a workforce is fully remote.

Its difficult to be able to build trust, mutual understanding, and be able to build a strong culture and be able to build and maintain a strong culture when youre working remotely  not that you cant do that, he said.

Meanwhile, employees will have varying degrees of interest in returning, he said.
The four defendants who were arrested Wednesday morning were released from custody following an initial appearance in federal court in the afternoon.

As a condition of their release, U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Roemer ordered the defendants to surrender their passports and weapons and told them to stay away from Washington, D.C., unless they were there for future court appearances. The judge also gave permission to William Jason Sywak to travel to Virginia this weekend for his girlfriend's sister's baby shower.

Court documents offer some details about how the suspects were identified and what they are accused of doing at the Capitol.

The Sywaks

Sywak and his son were identified as possible suspects in late January when investigators at the FBI Washington Field Office found a match between a photo of the elder Sywak on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol building and a mugshot from a prior arrest. Court records did not say what the prior arrest was for.
Another neighbor said he thinks he heard five or six shots, then another burst of gunfire and then two quieter shots. The man said he looked out his bedroom window and saw a man come out of the house where the shots had come from. He said the man had long, slicked black hair and was wearing a white T-shirt and black pants. The neighbor said he saw the man get into a Camaro parked on Simon Street, which intersects with Layer, and drive off.

A fourth neighbor who asked to be identified only as "Kathy" said she ran outside when she heard the gunfire.

"I heard screaming. I heard a dog barking. Then I heard more gunshots," she said.

She watched as the man emerged from the house and then walked quickly past her and into his car. He then drove off quickly. "I thought he was going to hit my car," she said.

Police identified the suspect after reviewing security cameras from homes in the area as well as witness accounts about the car, Rinaldo said.

"That's when our B District officers came down here and a car that was identified by an eyewitness seen leaving the scene of the shooting at a high rate of speed was located in the driveway. That's how the case kind of brought us to the doorstep," Rinaldo said.
Hontiveros: 'Brand agnostic' vaccine policy 'counterproductive', give incentives instead

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday warned against the 'brand agnostic' vaccine policy of the Department of Health (DOH), saying it is counterproductive and may further erode people's trust in the national vaccination program.

"Hindi natin mapapataas ang kumpiyansa ng ating mga kababayan kapag kaduda-duda ang ating mga polisiya. Senyales din ito na malaki ang pagkukulang ng DOH sa pagkumbinse sa mga tao na garantisadong ligtas at mabisa ang mga aprubadong bakuna, anuman ang brand name nito," she said.

The statement comes as the DOH urged local governments to refrain from announcing the brand of COVID-19 vaccines that they will roll-out supposedly to avoid overcrowding in several vaccination sites.

Hontiveros however stressed that keeping vaccine patients in the dark only creates unnecessary friction in the national vaccination program.

"We hope and expect the DOH will reconsider their policy decision. Respeto naman sa pasyente. Before being vaccinated, they need to be properly informed so they can make an appropriate decision and give informed consent. Gusto nating mabigyan ng kapanatagan ang ating mga kababayan at maproteksyunan ng agaran. Maiiwasan sana ang mga insidente ng overcrowding kung maayos ang impormasyong matatanggap nila," the senator said.

Instead, the senator reiterated that the DOH should strengthen its partnerships with local governments and barangays to expand its vaccine education program and give incentives for people who get vaccinated.

"Mga insentibo ang dapat na ialok sa publiko, gaya ng grocery packs o paid vacation leave, para maengganyo silang magpabakuna. Gawin nating positive ang vaccination experience nila. The government needs to do all it can to regain the public's trust. If not, we risk never reaching herd immunity," she concluded.
Ray Bissonette said his brother abhorred any abuse of power and would never hurt a child.

I cant think of any time I had any reason to question his integrity or his honesty or his dependability. He was an extraordinary person and Im saying that not because hes my brother, but 35 years later now I think I can look back and be a little more objective, he said.

He slammed the Herman Law firm for filing what he called an absolutely outrageous case that threatens to tarnish his brothers legacy as a decent, hardworking and accomplished priest.

When that stuff gets out, its like smoke. It goes wherever it pleases and you have zero control over who sees it and how they interpret it, said Ray Bissonette.

A spokeswoman for the Herman Law firm did not respond to a request for comment.

Ray Bissonette acknowledged that Friels assignment at St. Bartholomews may lend some credibility to the accusation, given his record. Who knows?

I dont know about mistaken identity, but theres certainly a disconnect between the dates of the alleged event and where Joe [Bissonette] was and what he was doing, said Ray Bissonette.
In the fatal shooting in University Heights, Northeast District officers responded to the call just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday at a location on Bailey between Highgate and LaSalle avenues, police said.

Detectives said that a man was shot and died at the scene.

The victim was not identified. The investigation is ongoing.

The spate of shootings totaling five victims further adds to what has been a violent 2021 in Buffalo.

There have been at least 36 homicides in Buffalo this year, which is an increase of 64% over 2020 (when there were 22 homicides through May 20).

As of the end of April, more than 100 people were wounded or killed due to city gun violence since the start of the year, which is more than twice as many than what the city reported at the same point in 2020.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia and Russia launched joint military exercises near Serbia's capital Thursday as U.S.-led forces held massive drills in neighboring Balkan states in what appeared to be Moscows resolve to maintain influence in the European region torn by wars during the 1990s.

The Serbian and Russian defense ministries said the joint training of some 200 special troops will include the destruction of an illegal military formation, live ammunition shooting and anti-terrorist action. The drills will last through May 25, the ministries said.

The exercises at a training ground near Belgrade comes as large-scale U.S. Army-led drills dubbed DEFENDER-Europe 2021 are held across Europe, including in most of the nations that neighbor Serbia.

The U.S. Army has said that the joint exercises which include approximately 28,000 multinational troops are designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries.

The exercises, which include air and missile defense assets, 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, the U.S. military has said.
TIRANA, Albania (AP)  The United States on Wednesday sanctioned former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha for alleged significant corruption and barred him and his wife and children from entering the U.S.

Berisha, 76, who also served as Albania's president from 1992 to 1997, is currently a lawmaker representing the opposition Democratic Party.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that during Berisha's 2005-2013 tenure as prime minister, the politician was involved in corrupt acts, such as misappropriation of public funds and interfering with public processes, including using his power for his own benefit and to enrich his political allies and his family members.

The statement alleged that Berishas own rhetoric demonstrates he is willing to protect himself, his family members, and his political allies at the expense of independent investigations, anticorruption efforts, and accountability measures.

In response, Berisha deplored Blinken's accusations and urged the U.S. administration or anyone in the world to make public any proof or document that supports the U.S. sanctions.
One 18-year-old boy, who had been in Ceuta for a year, said he was called by his parents to help search for his younger brother, who had come over in the recent surge without his parent's consent.

A 15-year-old boy from Fnideq, the town just across the frontier, told the AP that he had crossed on Monday when Moroccan police announced that the border was open.

The Moroccans told us, go go, pass pass, they let us cross. I was just swimming and I saw people crossing so I went too," he said from inside a holding pen with other youngsters.

They have us locked as if we were in a prison. Morocco was a prison and Spain is now also a prison.

The Spanish government has announced that 200 of the young migrants who were already in the city of 85,000 before this week's sudden surge in arrivals would be transferred to the mainland in coming days in order to leave space in government-run facilities in Ceuta. Under Spain's laws, the minors remain under the care of regional authorities until their relatives can be found or they come of age.
How any elected member of Congress could reject such a commission is shocking, yet most Republicans did, even though the measure was negotiated with Republicans, with Democrats agreeing to many changes in the original proposal. The bill now goes to the Senate, where Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has announced his opposition to what should be understood as a patriotic urgency.

The reason for Republican timidity is plain. The party remains in the thrall of Trump, who would be at least embarrassed and possibly incriminated by an investigation. McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy were both clear about Trumps culpability in the aftermath of the seditious act instigated by the former president, but now theyve lost interest, even though the mob threatened their lives, the Constitution and the nations reputation.

Todays Republican Party stands in contrast to the one that existed just 19 years ago, when a bipartisan Congress voted to investigate the 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans. That commission could easily have embarrassed a different Republican president, but members did their duty.
AskMen Grooming Awards Best Body Care Products of 2021

Youre Back Outdoors so Make Your Body Look and Feel Its Best

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Product photos from retailer site.

This past year will forever be remembered for the facial hair trends it encouraged. Men essentially gave up on the daily chore of shaving and instead covered up wherever was growing with a mask and called it a day. Quarantine times and new Zoom reality gave men the excuse and opportunity to retire the razor blade  at least for a while.

RELATED: All the Winners of the 2021 AskMen Grooming Awards

After months of putting up with beard itch and staving off neckbeards, and with the weather warming up, men have started to opt in to shaving off one again. Regardless of the prickly path that lies ahead for your facial hair, we have all the products youll need to get anything from a smooth shave to a well-maintained beard with our picks for the best shave and beard care products of the 2021.

Table of Contents

2021 Expert Panel

These pros gave us expert insight into what they believe to be important in their expertises. Look out for what they said throughout the awards.

Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, Dermatologist and Founder, Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery

Dr. Matt Nejad, DDS, Cosmetic and Biomimetic Dentist

Ian Michael Crumm, Hair, Skin, and Makeup Content Creator

Cassandra Bankson, Medical Esthetician, Skincare, Beauty, and Lifestyle Expert

Siqi Mou, CEO and Co-Founder, HelloAva

David Petrillo, Cosmetic Chemist and Founder, Perfect Image

Trying New Products

When trying out anything new, make sure you only do one product at a time and give it AT LEAST two weeks before adding [more], says board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and laser surgeon Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery. You usually need four weeks to start seeing results, so don't be discouraged if it takes a bit of time.

Take before and after photos, says medical aesthetician, and science-based skin care expert YouTube influencer Cassandra Bankson. Its hard to see changes when we rely on looking at our reflection every day. Try not to switch things up too dramatically more than once a month, and give yourself two-to-three [months] to really see results from active ingredients or treatment products.

When trying out new products, especially ones that contain harsh actives like [alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids] and retinal, you always want to start slow, one night a week, and do a patch test first, adds Siqi Mous, founder and CEO of A.I.-powered personalized skin care site HelloAva.com.

Its not just skin or hair care products you need to be careful with when experimenting with the latest seen in your social feeds.

Many oral care products are unsafe and ineffective, Dr. Matt Nejad, biomimetic and esthetic dentist and Fellow of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry tells us. Even worse, many products and techniques that are hyped are dangerous and damaging to your teeth.

Just like we did here (or not just like we did here), if you are going to be trying anything new you arent sure of, talk to a reputable and respected dermatologist or dentist.

Ingredients and Innovations We Love

If youre not a skin care nerd like us, you could really be missing out on some great new ingredients and updated formulations of the classics.

We are bringing it back to the basics, says influencer, esthetician, and content creator Ian Michael Crumm. [I love] zinc in mineral sunscreen because protecting the skin from the sun is the best anti-aging treatment.

Another ingredient favored by our experts? Niacinamide. I like more anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and niacinamide, says Bhanusali while Mou adds niacinamide  also known as vitamin B3  has become very popular for its many benefits including protecting the skin from environmental aggressors, its the ability to treat acne, improve texture, and its brightening abilities.

[Niacinamide] is amazing to help with decreasing redness in the skin (a great choice after shaving), provide hydration, prevent excessive pigmentation, and even strengthen your skin barrier by stimulating the production of ceramides, amazing substances your skin naturally makes, Bankson adds.

Speaking of brightening, there is nothing better than vitamin C when it comes to brightening skin's appearance. Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant which protects the skin cells from free radicals from UV exposure that can prematurely age our skin, Mou says. [I use] vitamin C to fade dark spots and discoloration while stimulating collagen production, Crumm adds.

We would be remiss not to include what Bankson calls the gold standard in dermatology: retinoids.

Retinoids are really an umbrella term, they include everything from retinol that you may see in your partners cabinet, to retinoic acid, a powerful prescription only a doctor can prescribe., she says of the potent and powerful vitamin A derivative.

Retinoids were developed to help with acne, but can also help resurface scars in skin, plump up wrinkles, and help your skin build new blood vessels which lead to better skin structure due to increased collagen. Its one of the most trusted, well studied ingredients in medical skincare.

Know Why Before You Buy

If you have signed into Amazon or skimmed your favorite website (AskMen, obviously) you know that some skin care products can come with a hefty price tag while others can cost next to nothing. What makes the price jump? It boils down to this: ingredients and marketing.

Turn and learn your ingredients, Bankson advises. The front is all marketing, but the ingredients list (and actives) reveals whats actually in a product.

Most skincare is marketing and it is important to make sure products are working, adds Bhanusali. I generally like things that are lower in price but certain ingredients CAN be expensive and price reflects that. Again, it is important to separate marketing from quality.

Some ingredients do cost a lot more to source than others, so not all the high price tag products are marketing tactics, Mou agrees. We think this is a very personal decision based on your budget and your willingness to spend.

Bankson has her strong convictions on how to get the best bang for your buck. The medical side and marketing side of skincare can be different, but as with everything there really is no always right or always wrong, just gray space on a spectrum in the middle, she says. Unless the product has little elves that jump out of the box and will extract my blackheads, its not worth [more than $100]. I know that marketing in the skincare industry wants you to believe that spending $400 on a product will give you the best skin in the world, but thats simply not the truth.

She continues: I personally love Indie skincare brands. Yes, corporations can offer great research and expensive products, but does it come at the exploitation of people, animals, or resources?

Once again, Nejad weighs in on the oral care side of science as well. Many small, independent brands sacrifice adequate research and development ... More times than not, products from small brands are less effective or potentially damaging to teeth. This is not a rule, but merely an observation which means that you need to be especially careful in researching and reviewing products from small, independent brands.

So which is it? Mega brand or mom and pop? The answer is both. Savvy consumers today require more from brands than a pretty package and a high price tag. We want to know about sustainability and where our ingredients come from. In fact, we deserve to know. And if a brand does a good job communicating its values and morals to us, we are more likely to not only buy, but be loyal.

Thats where our 2021 Grooming Awards come in. We combed through over 1,000 new products from the past 12 months and picked which ones we thought deserved some time in the spotlight.

Methodology

Formula: Is it made from quality ingredients? Is it pleasant to use? Does it do what it claims?

Packaging: How easy is it to use? How does it hold up over time? Is it reusable, recyclable, or eco-friendly?

Value: Measured against comparable products, is it worth the investment?

Brand: What does it stand for? Is it BIPOC-, AAPI-, LGBTQ-, or women-owned? Is it a small business? Does it give back?

Featured attributes:

Vegan

Cruelty-Free

U.S.A. Made

Eco-Friendly

BIPOC-Owned

AAPI-Owned

LGBTQ-Owned

Woman-Owned

Testing: Review over 1,000 new 2021 products and pick only the best based on first hand experience, expert-panel advice, and the above criteria.

Best Body Care Products of 2021

Best Body Wash

Cremo Palo Santo Reserve Collection Body Wash

Why its our winner: Bright cardamom and dry papyrus round out the indulgent, aromatic palo santo fragrance of this luxurious body wash. This offering from the Reserve Blend collection by Cremo offers distinctive scent selections with a rich, lathering body cleanser and provides balanced moisture. Your shower shouldnt always be somewhere youre rushing to get out of. This shower gel lets you take your time, and enjoy.

$9.99 at CremoCompany.com

Best Bar Soap

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar

Why its our winner: Dont call this soap. This soap-free cleansing bar from CeraVe is perfect for all skin types as it cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier. Suitable for both face and body, it is non-comedogenic and contains niacinamide to help calm skin, kaolin clay to absorb excess oil, and three essential ceramides.

$6.99 at CeraVe.com

Best Body Lotion for Dry Skin

SOSS Blessed Body Butter

Why its our winner: This body butter truly is blessed. It combines raw organic shea and cocoa butters with organic almond and coconut oils to hydrate, soften, and illuminate even the roughest, driest skin without leaving you greasy after it fully absorbs.

$30 at Sossd.co

Best Body Lotion for Common Skin

NIVEA Men Breathable Body Lotion

Why its our winner: This isnt your mom's lotion. Specially formulated for men who want to stay active and feel fresh throughout the day, but want sustained hydration at the same time. The lightweight texture allows for sweat to evaporate 3x faster than NIVEA Mens Maximum Hydration Lotion.

$5.79 at Amazon.com

Best Body Treatment for Rough Skin

aLord Jones Bump & Smooth CBD Body Serumaa

Why its our winner: CBD is still a skin care ingredient up for debate among some, but if youre going to go try it, you should probably go ahead and start with one of the best. Lord Jones (a 2020 winner as well) launched this new body serum this year and, well, its a game changer. This powerful resurfacing body serum is specifically formulated to deliver non-abrasive chemical exfoliation thanks to a potent four-acid blend of glycolic, lactic, salicylic, malic acids  a top combo for conditions such as keratosis pilaris. Ceramides moisturize and of course, full spectrum CBD extract calm and soothes. Use it as little as once a week to start seeing a marked difference.

$60 at LordJones.com

Best Body Lotion Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream

Why its our winner: This clinically proven formula with soothing aloe vera and a unique blend of moisturizers, including allantoin and glycerin, hydrates even the driest sensitive skin for a full 24 hours. Allantoin further acts as a protector of hypersensitive skin against environmental aggressors such as wind, cold, and arid conditions.

$7.99 at Amazon.com

Best Body Powder

Hiki Body Powder

Why its our winner: This translucent, talc-free body powder is made with odor-fighting probiotics and moisture-absorbing, mineral-rich clay to keep all your bits dry and feeling fresh all day. The talc-free formula uses a blend of three all-natural, moisture-absorbing powders to soak up excess sweat and the formula easily rubs into any skin tone, dark to light, with no residue or chalky finish.

$14 at Hiki.com

Best Body Scrub

Cocokind Scrubbing Clay

Why its our winner: Scrubs came under fire recently for possibly containing microbeads  tiny plastic spheres that (dont) disappear into our waterways, causing long term problems. This new scrub, however, is made with clay and upcycled coffee grounds that would have otherwise gone to waste. Wed say it smooths, clarifies, and supports the microbiome way better than plastic ever did.

$16 at Cocokind.com

Best Body Trimmer

Meridian Grooming The Trimmer

Why its our winner: This is a fully waterproof trimmer that was designed to handle thick, curly hairs without tugging, pulling, or nicks. You guessed it  this is a trimmer built for your balls. It features a rust-resistant, hygienic, replaceable ceramic blade and uses extra sensitive technology to prevent snags and cuts. All for well under $100.

$69.99 at MeridianGrooming.com

Best Deodorant

Tom's of Maine Natural Strength Plastic-Free Deodorant

Why its our winner: Toms of Maine Mens Natural Strength Deodorant uses only naturally derived ingredients and provides powerful, 48-hour odor protection, but what makes this new iteration even better is that its now exclusively available in 100% plastic-free packaging. Whereas a lot of natural, paper packaged deodorants feel gritty or pull, this glides on smooth, smells great, and lasts long. Plus the transition to this plastic-free packaging is projected help reduce plastic waste by over 60 tons this year alone.

$4.99 at Amazon.com

Best Antiperspirant

Harry's Odor & Enhanced Sweat Control Extra-Strength Antiperspirant

Why its our winner: Harry's Extra-Strength Antiperspirant is a white, solid stick that goes on smoothly and provides 24-hour odor and enhanced sweat protection thanks to 20% aluminum salt  the maximum amount available without a prescription. Formulated with ginger root and jojoba oil to calm and soothe skin after application, this product is suitable for sensitive skin.

$5 at Harrys.com

Best Spray Deodorant

OffCourt Performance Body Spray

Why its our winner: Welcome the newest member of your anti-odor team with the multi-functional performance aluminum-free deodorant-meets-cologne body spray. Developed for active lifestyles, the highly-effective formula offers lasting odor protection pre- or post-workout with three custom fragrances developed with a top fragrance house and a world-renowned perfumer.

$10 at OffCourt.com

Best Foot Treatment

Dr. Scholl's Severe Cracked Heel Balm

Why its our winner: Dudes, fix your feet. Specially formulated for thick, tough skin and cracked heel sufferers. This easy-to-use stick applicator glides on smoothly to hydrate, moisturize, and fill in cracks, while leaving an invisible layer of protection to keep heels healing.

$6.99 at DrScholls.com

Best Body Hair Remover

Sugar Sugar Wax Glow Goop

Why its our winner: As the first at-home, reusable sugaring hair removal product Sugar Sugar Wax nailed it. Unlike most at-home wax kits that use the sticks and strips youre familiar with (if youve been brave enough to try), Glow Goop is a reusable waxing process that allows you to re-use the lump of wax numerous times during on application. This all-natural, organic sugar wax contains only three ingredients  cane sugar, water, and lemon juice  and is packaged in a 100% recyclable glass jar, leaving behind zero carbon footprint.

$36 at SugarSugarWax.com

Best Hand Sanitizer Gel

Lemyn Organics Organic Hand Sanitizer Gel

Why its our winner: Oh yeah, we used a lot of hand sanitizer over the past year (and then some) so we went deep on which ones were the best. If youre looking for a classic gel application, this new option from Lemyn Organics will do you just fine. It kills 99.9999% of illness-causing germs (those extra 9s do make a difference) in only 15 seconds. Hydrating and never sticky, this gel is safe for even the most sensitive skin, is hypoallergenic, and is clinically proven non-irritating for ages 3 and up. Enriched with skin moisturizing and repairing agents including organic aloe, comfrey, orange peel, and avocado, jojoba, and sunflower oils.

$14.99 at Lemyn.com

Best Hand Sanitizer Spray

EiR NYC Pure EiR

Why its our winner: While 65.7% concentration of alcohol ensures a thorough clean, calendula infused olive oil works to soften and soothe your skin with each application. Combined with delightful essential oils for added antiviral and antimicrobial properties, this simple yet luxurious sanitizing spray provides an aromatic calm with every citrus-scented spritz.

$20 at EiRNYC.com

Best Hand Sanitizer Wipes

Bravo Sierra Hand Sanitizing Wipes

Why its our winner: Made of biodegradable viscose, these sanitizing wipes are durable, yet gentle, and use a combined formula of 65% ethyl alcohol and an enriched aloe vera and oat kernel extract to effectively kill 99.9% of germs, while protecting the integrity of the skin. The scent is a combination of fresh cucumber and calming lavender.

$8 at BravoSierra.com

Best Hand Sanitizer Lotion

Vaseline Clinical Care 2-in-1 Hand Sanitizer Lotion

Why its our winner: If you didnt know this was a hand sanitizer, you might never realize thats its main job. This non-greasy moisturizer hydrates dry skin the way you would expect Vaseline to do, while simultaneously offering a sanitizing, not drying, benefit.

$4.49 at Target.com

Best Hand Wash

Baylis & Harding Elements Oud Wood & Bergamot Hand Soap

Why its our winner: Why go out and spend $40 on a hand soap, when this one for $4 cleans just as well, smells good AF, and doesnt dry out your hands in the process. Plus, each high-design bottle in this new Elements collection from Baylis & Harding is just begging to be proudly put on display in your bathroom.

$3.97 at Walmart.com

Best Hand Lotion

Necessaire The Hand Cream

Why its our winner: Whats one of the biggest problems for guys when it comes to hand lotion? Having greasy feeling hands. But, the hands can give away age, no matter how well you take care of your face, so its important to keep them in mind. The Hand Cream is a daily fragrance-free peptide cream that works like a glove for the skin, protecting it against environmental damage. Add to that a powerful dose of niacinamide to help strengthen skin and retain moisture, plus marula oil rich in vitamins C and E, and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, to help nourish and balance skin, and you have a potent cream tough enough for even the roughest guys.

$20 at Necessaire.com

Best Hand Salve

Caswell-Massey Heritage Healer All-Purpose Hand Salve

Why its our winner: For those dry, cracked parts of your hands, this thick balm is packed with essential oils for fighting back against rough, calloused skin. It spreads evenly onto hands without leaving residue behind so you can get right back to work. Plus, the Heritage Healer is a skin soothing multitasker that can also serve double duty as a lip balm.

$14 at CaswellMassey.com

Best Self Tanner

Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tan Foaming Water

Why its our winner: Getting good results from sunless tanners is all about the application  almost. You need to start with a good product, and Bondi Sands dropped a great quick-drying, colorless, fragrance-free foaming formula this year. This water combines that golden tone with skin-loving hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated both during application and after. Dry skin tans and fades unevenly, so using a lightweight tanner that still crams in all the moisture is going to be your best bet.

$27 at BondiSands.com

Best Active Sunscreen Body Lotion

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Active Lotion SPF 50

Why its our winner: This is a mineral sunscreen thats easy to rub in clear on every skin tone. This year has clearly been the best year on record for the once white cast out mineral sunscreens. More than just a zinc oxide sunscreen (the best mineral to provide the best protection) this sheer active sunscreen body lotion also nourishes skin with vitamin E and shea butter. Our favorite part? Each bottle from the brand turns blue if it is exposed to UV rays, which means if it is, you are too.

$29 at Amazon.com

Best Sport Sunscreen Body Spray

Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50 Spray

Why its our winner: This is a tried and trusted sport sunscreen with 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide, now in a new spray format that offers a durable, high-performance formula for powerful SPF 50 sun protection.

$9.99 at Target.com

Best Tattoo Gel

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Repair Soothing Gel

Why its our winner: While a tattoo might last forever, taking care of it from day one is how you keep it looking good forever. This soothing gel is soft and lightweight and only composed of clean ingredients, designed to immediately reduce itching, scarring, and tissue damage when used within two weeks of a new tattoo.

$29.99 at Amazon.com

Best Fragrances of 2021

Best Citrus Scent

Creed Citrus Bigarade Eau de Parfum

Why its our winner: A perfect trans-seasonal scent, this new luxury fragrance from Creed opens with top notes of lemon, and petitgrain with middle notes of white pepper and mandarin and base notes of vetiver, ginger, and peppermint.

$315 at CreedBoutique.com

Best Fresh Scent

Skandinavisk Kapitel 12 Eau de Toilette

Why its our winner: Kapitel 12 is a fresh, green fragrance that evokes the feelings of journeys into the Scandinavian highlands surrounded by herbs and berries

$65 at Skandinavisk.com

Best Clean Scent

Maison Margiela Fragrances REPLICA Bubble Bath Eau de Toilette

Why its our winner: What could be cleaner than a bubble bath? This newest scent from the Margiela REPLICA family opens with top notes of clean, soapy bubbles and bergamot essence. As it dries down, it reveals a rose superessence, lavender accord and jasmine absolute follow, with a final release of coconut accord, patchouli essence, and white musks.

$135 at Sephora.com

Best Woody Scent

Mizensir Perfect Oud Eau de Parfum

Why its our winner: A perfect oud indeed, this fragrance isnt heavy. Instead, it opens with leathery and woody notes then as it dries down, Bulgarian rose plus coriander and bergamot reveal themselves, followed by burnt wood with smoldering oud and iris concrete. The fragrance is anchored by invigorating cade oil and the elusive incense notes of Alaskan cedar.

$260 at Bloomingdales.com

Best Fougere Scent

Jo Malone London Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense

Why its our winner: The top note of cypress is a resinous woody note that gives the fragrance an aromatic freshness at the open. The heart note of grapevine is a rich woody accord, with an unexpected blend of natural cedarwood and vetiver, complemented with warm amber and juicy grape notes. The verdancy of moss cushions the base of the fragrance in earthy, woody warmth. Evocative of undergrowth damp with fresh rain.

$195 at JoMalone.com

Best Spicy Scent

Krigler ABRAKAADABRA 221 Perfume

Why its our winner: This earthy, spicy scent opens with notes of Italian bergamot, Indian pepper and aldehydes. The heart settles into French lily of the valley, Scottish hawthorn, and sandalwood and finishes with Peruvian balm, white musk, tonka beans, and soft vanilla.

$515 at Krigler.com

Best Floral Scent

Maison Francis Kurkdjian lHomme A la rose Eau de Parfum

Why its our winner: L'Homme A la rose is an interpretation of a rose for men and features damask rose and centifolia rose, along with woody, amber base notes, and a bright grapefruit accord. At the open, the fragrance is very fresh and green with notes of grapefruit and essence of Bulgarian damask rose. Then come the middle notes of a rosy, very woody accord which brings the fragrance verticality, gradually enhanced by the woody amber base notes.

$275 at FrancisKurkdjian.com

Best Aromatic Scent

Diptyque Orpheon Eau de Parfum

Why its our winner: Imagined as a tribute to a night bar adjoining the first diptyque boutique, it celebrates the place where the founders friendship was forged. The atmosphere has been recreated by world famous perfumer Olivier Pescheux. Because the nights and notes of the Orpheon on the rue de Pontoise are long gone, the key requirement was to reinvent them. Orpheon is an olfactory dream dominated by cedar, vetiver, and patchouli.

$188 at DiptyqueParis.com

Grooming Awards Ingredient Glossary

There is a lot of information up there, so we asked Cosmetic Chemist David Petrillo to help us dissect some of the most talked about skin care ingredients. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about whats in your favorite product.

Aloe: Known for its medicinal properties such as burn and wound healing, because it contains hundreds of active components. Aloe is a succulent (xerophyte), plants which are accustomed to living in very dry and harsh conditions with minimal water, so naturally they retain and store a significant amount of water in their tissues. Additionally, it contains phyto components with biological properties that can promote healthier skin. The aloe vera plant improves skins hydration and stimulates proliferation of cells, while providing a mix of natural vitamins, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe, repair, and nourish the skin.

Glycerin: This mimics the skins natural moisturizing properties and works to draw water into the skin, which helps to hydrate and strengthen the skins moisture barrier. By helping ease dryness and prevent loss of hydration, glycerin is important to use for its potential to keep skin younger, smoother, and more supple.

Retinol: A vitamin A derivative with collagen boosting and wrinkle reducing properties. Vitamin A penetrates the outer keratinocytes (an epidermal cell which produces keratin) of the epidermis, causing a reaction to remove the dead superficial cells sitting on the surface, increases the blood flow in the skin, leading to new cell replication and organization in the dermis. Retinoids have also been proven effective in helping with blemishes such as pigmentation and scarring, plus reducing fine lines and improving skin texture. Additionally, vitamin A has been shown to improve skin elasticity and slow the breakdown of collagen. If you are using stronger exfoliators then you need to discontinue those before using retinol, as it can increase the sensitivity of your skin significantly.

Niacinamide: This is one of the two major forms of vitamin B3 that has been used to address a host of skin concerns, such as rosacea, acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It has been shown to contribute to a healthier lipid layer which increases moisture retention. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, along with the ability to strengthen cell bonds within skin. This helps to prevent breakouts, smooth skin appearance, and increase skin radiance.

Malic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid found naturally in many unripe fruits and vegetables, this promotes cell renewal, fights wrinkles while exfoliating, and moisturizes. It also evens skin tone, reduces signs of age spots and freckles, tightens pores, and can decrease appearance of melasma and rosacea. Malic also has the ability to adjust the pH or acid-base balance of products. Products work best when they are a specific pH, and the addition of malic acid makes it much easier to adjust a product to an optimal pH.

Salicylic Acid: This is a beta hydroxy acid and outstanding deep cleanser most commonly used to treat comedonal or non-inflamed acne. Acne originates by an excess secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands in conjunction with dead skin cells (corneocytes) which block the follicle of the hair. These oil secretions build up underneath the blocked pore, creating a perfect environment for bacteria. Salicylics larger molecular size, allows it to generate less irritation than the alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.), permitting the structure to cling to the surface for longer periods of time, which results in a more efficient cleansing of the pores. Salicylic also destroys the bacteria below the surface, helping to unclog the pores through exfoliation, creating better breathing passages for the skin.

Green Tea Extract: More formally known as camellia sinensis leaf extract, contains a catechin (antioxidant), known as epigallocatechin (EGCG) which exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea will help reduce inflammation in the skin and fight off free radicals that cause damage to the cells and tissues in the body. Green teas antibacterial properties are capable of also killing the propionibacterium acnes responsible for acne.

Tocopherol Acetate: A form of vitamin E, this is a powerful antioxidant and nutrient found in many skincare products thanks to its ability to fight against free radicals and environmental damages. Vitamin E treats wrinkles by boosting collagen production, a tissue which keeps the skin elastic. It also speeds up cell growth and regeneration, while rehydrating and smoothing the skins outer surface.

Shea Butter: An emollient and occlusive agent, these are larger in molecular size, so they do not penetrate the skin very well, which allows them to remain surface level, and create a protective layer that prevents water from evaporation.

Hyaluronic Acid: A naturally occurring sugar which plays an extremely important role in the health, appearance, and function of your skin. The connective tissue matrix within the dermis is made up of collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) increases absorption and maintains water within the extracellular matrix, promoting hydration, increased volume and density. HA holds more than 1000 mL of water per gram, a key factor in its ability to retain water, provide hydration, and a healthy transport of essential nutrients to viable cells. As hyaluronic penetrates into the dermis, it helps boost elasticity while creating a protective breathable layer on the skin which locks in moisture, promoting a more youthful appearance of the skin.

Vitamin C: This is a powerful antioxidant and essential to healthy skin. Some studies suggest that vitamin C may prevent and treat UV induced photodamage. Aging causes a decline in our bodys natural vitamin C content within the epidermis and dermis, so it is important to replenish this as vitamin C as it helps to tone, revitalize, and boost hydration. In addition it serves as a tyrosinase inhibitor, so it helps reduce melanin production and encourage skin lightening or brightening. Additionally, its been shown to aid in the skins natural regeneration process and speed up recovery by boosting collagen and elastin production.

Argan Oil: This is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and F, essential fatty acids including Omega 6 and Omega 9. Often referred to as liquid gold it is produced from kernels of the ancient Moroccan argan tree. It also contains squalene, phenolic oils, and phytosterol compounds which support healthy skin. This oil is considered a superfood for the skin due to its healing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties

Lactic Acid: An AHA that is best for dealing with pigmentation issues. Its also a powerful humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and improves overall hydration and absorption of other topical products. Derived from milk, lactic acid is a gentler exfoliator used to even and lighten skin tone, and improve overall skin texture.

Glycolic Acid: This is a deeply penetrating acid best for cellular renewal and collagen stimulation. It is the smallest of the AHAs, which allows it to pass through the skin more easily than other acids and target deeper issues. It helps improve tone, texture, and smoothness by increasing collagen and elastin.

Ceramides: Part of the lipid family, along with fatty acids and cholesterol, make up the lipid bilayer that holds our skin cells together. Ceramides are also important because they maintain stratum corneum function, and studies have suggested that there is an important relationship between lip roughness and specific ceramides, as it affects the stratum corneum levels. Product packaging will typically tell you if ceramics ingredients are present.

Avocado Oil: May be one to try as it can mildly penetrate layers of the skin to moisturize, and also serve as a protective layer to lock in the moisture. Aside from its ability to moisturize, it contains antioxidants that have inflammatory and healing benefits.

Zinc Oxide: This is a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen filters tend to be safer since they do not absorb into the skin, and reflect the UV rays by forming a protective barrier on the skin. Since the active ingredients in most chemical sunscreens are being absorbed into the skin to convert the rays into heat, they can cause inflammation, irritation, possible skin reactions, and discomfort for more sensitive skin types. Studies have shown that sunscreen formulated with non-nano zinc oxide are safer for reefs than those with nano zinc oxide. Non-nano means the particle size needs to be above 100 nanometers in size so as to not be ingested by coral. Always check the labels and ingredients for what type of zinc oxide the sunscreen is formulated with. Zinc oxide is still a better option than oxybenzone due to the damage it causes on coral reefs but non-nano is going to be the safest option for the health of the ocean.

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Ali Al-Aazawi, left, abducted his daughter Zahraa in the summer of 2018, leaving her with his family in Iraq. Al-Aazawi was convicted Tuesday and will be sentenced in October. Zahraa's mother has not seen her daughter in three years. (Meghan Grant/CBC, Calgary Police Service - image credit)

A Calgary father who left his daughter in Iraq nearly three years ago has been convicted of child abduction but acquitted of international kidnapping.

Ali Al-Aazawi, 39, will remain on bail until he is sentenced in the coming months.

The child's mother, who is divorced from Al-Aazawi, has not seen her daughter in three years.

Zahraa Al-Aazawi was 10 years old when she left with her father for what was supposed to be a summer trip to Egypt with a plan to attend a resort to celebrate her 11th birthday.

Instead, Al-Aazawi took his daughter to Iraq and left her with his family with the intention of having complete control over her education.

"Mr. Al-Aazawi wanted Zahraa to live and attend school in Iraq so she could be inculcated in the religion, culture and values of Iraqi society," said Judge Greg Stirling reading from his 52-page decision.

Kidnapping vs abduction

Although the child abduction conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, Alberta case law suggests sentences are much lower, in the one- to three-year range.

A conviction on a charge of international kidnapping carries a life sentence but the judge acquitted him on that offence.

While in law, the abduction victim is the mother, whose child was taken against a custody order, the kidnapping victim would have been the daughter.

Stirling said despite Zahraa's young age, he was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that she travelled to Iraq against her will.

Unlike other crimes, Stirling said, there is no age limit on a child's ability to consent.

The judge wrote that given Zahraa's "precocious intelligence and uncommon maturity," he believes she had "the qualities necessary to withhold or give her consent."

Zahraa initially wanted to return

Zahraa's parents had shared custody but Zahraa's mother, Zanaib Mahdi, had sole decision-making powers. In the summer of 2018, Mahdi consented to her daughter travelling to Egypt and Turkey, returning Sept. 5, 2018.

Story continues

Instead, Al-Aazawi took his daughter to Iraq, where he has two wives and a 20-year-old son.

At first, according to text messages presented at trial, Zahraa told her mother she was scared and worried about what was happening to her.

Zahraa told her mother that her father had made plans for her to remain in Iraq for five years so she could attend school and learn the local culture and religion.

In some of the texts, the 11-year-old told her mother she missed her and wanted to come back to Canada.

Mother fears brainwashing

But by the time the trial took place earlier this year, nearly three years after Zahraa was taken to Iraq, her attitude had changed.

She said she did not want to return and was happy in Iraq.

Mahdi has indicated she believes her daughter has been brainwashed.

In a police-recorded conversation between Al-Aazawi and his ex-wife, he said he would allow his daughter to return only on the condition he have sole custody to raise Zahraa.

The day after police recorded that conversation, Al-Aazawi flew back to Canada without his daughter. Police learned of his travel and arrested Al-Aazawi at the Toronto airport.

Al-Aazawi spent about eight months in jail before he was granted bail.

He will remain on bail under conditions until his sentencing hearing in October.
Press Release

May 20, 2021 TRANSCRIPT OF SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS' INTERVIEW

ANC's Matters of Fact with Christian Esgurra Q: What do you make of this statement by Secretary Harry Roque who basically served notice to the opposition that you guys better watch out if this thing regarding vaccination, regarding herd immunity is achieved and if the Philippines gets or experiences a better Christmas, better be ready for 2022 campaign and elections? SRH: My goodness! That should not be the subject of the Presidential spokesperson's warning whether to the opposition or any other group within the country. Yung mas magaling, totoong mas magaling na pandemic response is something that they should have started delivering to the Filipino people since last year since the start of the pandemic in March. At better Christmas, di yan usapin ng opposition, o ng administration. It should be a better Christmas for the Filipino people. I don't know what great performance of the pandemic or the recession the Secretary is talking about because the numbers show how poorly the administration has done even in comparison to other administrations in our region, on both the health and economic fronts. And for him to say that the timeline is Christmas, a better Christmas, my gosh it is more than half a year from now, bakit hindi man lang sa... say August 30, National Heroes Day, bakit hindi sa Undas? This pandemic has caused us so many lives. Why are they going to wait that long in order to reasonably achieve those targets of full vaccination and herd immunity kaya lalong namumuo ang suspicion na ginagamit, dinedelay ngayon ng administration at ginagamit ang national vaccination program para sa 2022 campaign nila and then now the Secretary is trying to shift the attention to the opposition. Wrong call, the ball is in their court. Q: When you say somehow the rollout of more vaccines are being used perhaps in relation to the 2022 campaign, what exactly do you mean? Of course, this is all suspicion, a deliberate effort to delay this, and if true, this is inhumane. SRH: Really inhumane, and it started as a suspicion but yung mga actuations ng administration so far ay tending to give more credence to that suspicion about a very cynical attitude on their part. Una na itong napakabagal pa rin at patsi-patsing rollout ng vaccination program when really government should step up, complete and do it well, the vaccination program for all Filipinos. The vaccines are meant to save lives not to buy votes. Hirap ang mamamayang Pilipino, nagkakasakit, gutom e bakit pamumulitika pa ang patuloy na pinapakain sa kanila. That's why I called on the Secretary and the administration to get back to work so that the poor performance on the one hand tapos yung mga ganitong pinagsasabi would tend to give credence to that very cynical approach of government regarding its own vaccination program. Q: I'm reviewing the quote or statement coming from Secretary Harry Roque. And it indicates that it is also in anticipation for the possibility of the opposition or the likelihood that the opposition including yourself would use this as a main campaign issue in 2022. Will this be front and center of the campaign? For instance in your case? SRH: There's no need to 'use' this issue at all. It is already front and center not just of any campaign next year but of the reality of Filipino people's lives even today even since a year ago. Simula pa lang ng pandemya we called on the administration to implement mass testing, contact tracing, quarantine or isolation treatment and now the fifth live-saving step in the over-all covid response which should be the vaccination. At palagay ko, di lang opposition, non-opposition, administration ang nakakapansin sa suffering ng Filipino people dahil sa napakahinang, palpak na COVID response ng administration. This is a concern for our health and our lives that transcends political boundaries. Kaya walang kailangang magsabi na 'o campaign issue ito o political issue lang ito', hindi. This is a life and death issue and in any political exercise, including elections, that will already be front and center of the attention of the citizens or of the voters. At dapat lang, issue of accountability yan, issue of performance yan. Q: Two things regarding this particular issue. Number one, do you honestly think that the questionable or inadequate government response to the pandemic so far is ticking to President Duterte that he is personally getting infected, cause according to the survey, it is not. And Number 2, do you think that this pandemic response by President Duterte's administration would actually affect the candidates that he would be endorsing in 2022 because again, President Duterte is not the candidate in 2022. SRH: It's true he's not the candidate in 2022, hindi yung pangalan niya ang nasa balota. Pero palagay ko, this will be a make or break issue para sa mga kandidato o para sa slate ni Presidente. Totoo, as of this day, hindi pa 100% dumidikit kay Presidente yung accountability for this poor and patchy pandemic response but as the days go by, no matter how hard this administration works para iligtas siya sa accountability, I think people will come closer and closer to that inevitable conclusion na kung sino ang pinaka nasa posisyon, pinaka may malaking kapangyarihan, pinaka may maraming resources para dapat sa pandemic response, that is none other than the President kaya ika nga, the buck stops with him. The ultimate accountability lies with him. Kahit sa mga tao, mga alter ego nila, kahit yung IATF na inatasan to conduct this pandemic response. And the election I believe is some kind of a referendum sa over-all performance ng kanyang administrasyon. At ano yung pinakamalaking issue na hinarap nito so far. That, I think, will influence the citizens' opinion kahit sa mga kandidato ni presidente. Q: Speaking of the Duterte administration's response to the pandemic, one big issue, of course,is the vaccination. If you ask them of course they will say, we have to deal with the slow arrival of the vaccines because all over the world, that is a problem, vaccine supply. But in this case, in the Philippines, they are tricking down and this is also affecting the rollout of vaccine but another issue affecting that is hesitancy regarding brand. What do you think of this new policy by the DOH, not to announce anymore whatever brand the vaccines that would be administered to people would be? Do you think this is a good idea to address vaccine hesitancy? SRH: It doesn't address vaccine hesitancy head on bagama't nirerespeto ko matagal na si Usec Cabotaje, nag-aalala lang ako na pag hindi alam ng ating mga kababayan what vaccine they are lining up for sa mga LGUs, baka lalong magdalawang-isip lalo na't sinabi naman ng IATF sa simula that they are working on various vaccine platforms dahil ayon mismo sa DOH at mga healthcare providers natin, different vaccines ang bagay sa iba't ibang sektor depende sa health status. I think the DOH, the IATF will be hearing from public about this right on the ground doon sa mga LGU vaccination sites in the coming days And there are other issues na kailangang i-resolve din ng DOH regarding vaccine hesitancy, kailangan pa rin ng isang malawak, comprehensive na information campaign para i-equip ang bawat mamamayan to make that informed choice about being vaccinated at syempre, ang walang kamatayang hindi pa nare-resolve ano ba talaga yung kwentong nangyari sa dengvaxia that has to be laid to rest to the satisfaction of the public also para manumbalik ang tiwala ng Pilipino sa vaccination program. Q: A big part of this of course is public messaging, especially coming from the government. But, again, given the situation we are in now, can we afford to choose whatever vaccines that would be administered to us? Unless of course you're President Duterte, who can of course say he prefers Sinopharm and other politicians. For the general public, given the realities? Can we afford to make choices? SRH: Yes, of course. The other question is: can we afford NOT to have a choice? Nakikinig din naman ako dun sa mensahe na the best vaccine is the one in our arm, or the one that is available. And to a certain degree, I would agree with that. Pero siyempre, yung ibang mga kababayan natin, halimbawa, may comorbidities o may partikular na ibang demographics, baka may payo din sila nung kanilang doctor or ibang healthcare worker about which vaccines are better or not as good for them, given their health status. So, I think tamang balanse sana mai-offer ng DOH at IATF sa ating mga mamamayan. The floor should be basic vaccine confidence and that includes confidence sa ating mga health authorities na binibigay nila sa atin ang kumpleto at tamang mga impormasyon for our choice, and then a reasonable range of choices of vaccines, kung saan makakahanap ang bawat Pilipino ng isa o ilan na alam niya, kampante siya, ay hiyang sa kanya, given his or her health status. Q: Again, this goes back to public messaging. That the DOH for instance needs to properly explain to the public, which particular vaccines would work for specific parts of a demographics or population- for the elderly, for the general population for instance, with no comorbidities. Don't you think also a big part of this is also affected by impressions that certain people are getting favored when it comes to certain brands? That there are certain segments of the population that seem to get advantages as far as the rollout is concerned? SRH: And that's why dapat tayong lahat, kaming lahat, ay dapat sumunod lang doon sa prioritization list na mismo ang DOH at IATF ay nag-draw up. So let's wait our turn, until our particular vaccination group comes up. Let's keep pressing government to have, to procure, receive donations if there are any, but in larger part, to procure the necessary vaccines for every vaccination group, beginning with completely the healthcare workers, going on to the senior citizens, those with comorbidities, and others, including indigents. So no one, no matter what sector, should jump the line, but let's press government to make those proper vaccines available for each group at the proper time. Q: Another issue that is expected to be a major campaign issue is the Duterte administration's policy regarding China over the South China Sea, in particular the West Philippine Sea. How would you assess this approach by President Duterte? And is it wise for him to designate a person who could speak about the issue in Secretary Roque, but afterward Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said he was not covered by that ban.. Given this dynamics within his own house, within his own Cabinet. What does this say about his own policy? SRH: It says that even his own closest people, his own alter egos are quarreling among themselves about who will express, who will articulate, maybe even who will formulate that policy. I have never seen before a Presidential Legal Counsel saying, oops hey I should also be a spokesperson on this issue. Nauna nang nagsabi si Sec. Locsin kay Sec. Roque na I should be the only one speaking about this, and in the end, after all, the President is the chief architect of the country's foreign policy, and his alter egos can and should only say no more or less what his own policy is, as he has articulated it. So muli, we look ultimately to the President, to take the proper stand vis-a-vis China, for Philippine interest in the West Philippine Sea. Q: This interesting dynamics within his own Cabinet, don't you think this is a reflection of the President's own approach to the China issue? That he, himself, is quite, for lack of a better word, the approach is a mess? At least the messaging part. SRH: It's really a mess. And beyond the messaging part, which is clearly very messy. Palagay ko maling-mali ang posisyon ni Presidente sa Tsina at sa West Philippine Sea. And maybe, I can only guess as an outsider, maybe his own inner circle also have their own debates about the correctness not only of their messaging but the content. We've heard much better, proper positions from Sec. Locsin, from Sec. Lorenzana about Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea vis-a-vis China. The President seems to degrade their statements by his repeated avowals of BFF niya ang Tsina, na ang Tsina ang in possession ng West Philippine Sea, and his silence on really egregious actions by China katulad nitong kamakailan na fishing ban laban sa ating mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea. So the President's silence and then when he speaks, his very un-Filipino pronouncements about these issues, yun talaga ang malaking mess, rather than The Hague ruling na sabi nila ay papel na dapat itapon sa basurahan, yung ganitong pananahimik at pagiging un-Filipino sa kabila ng ginagawa ng Tsina yun ang basura, at yun ang tapat itapon sa basurahan. Q: Let's go to the 2022 elections. It's still far away but one way of looking at it is that the elections are quite near. That's why you see a lot of posturing coming from different politicians. Those who are perhaps eyeing certain positions. In the case of the opposition, do you think it would be able to come up with a unified slate? President, Vice President, and all 12 senators or candidates. SRH: We can and we should. At yun ang intensyon namin. And beyond the opposition. Palagay ko lumalawak yung seksyon sa ating populasyon, of different colors or no color belonging to one camp or another or even no camp, who are sharing in common, more and more yung ganitong mga isyung pinag-uusapan natin. How are we going to survive this pandemic and move into a real new and better normal? Paano tayo aahon sa malalim na recession na ito and catch up not just with the rest of the world, but with our own neighbors in the region. Paano tayo makakarating at makakalampas sa eleksyon sa 2022 with better outcomes for our people, again, across political divides? So palagay ko, despite the very divisive nature of the conversations today, may namumuong unities, simply because of the shared suffering- health sufferings, economic sufferings, suffering of being bullied in our own ocean by a bigger, stronger neighbor. I'm hoping, therefore, that it is around these common issues that more and more Filipinos can unite moving towards 2022. Q: Just to set the records straight. What's your plan in 2022? Are you planning to seek reelection or go for a different position? SRH: I will run for reelection to the Senate. Q: This shared suffering that you mentioned, do you think this is enough to make a difference for the opposition as far as the campaign is concerned? Compared to what happened in 2019, when the opposition slate was wiped out. SRH: Yes, it was. We have to learn our lessons from that loss. I've said it before, yung pagkatalong iyon, despite the hostile environment, yung pagkatalong iyon was on us. That loss was on us. So we must harvest and learn and apply the lessons from there. Will the suffering be enough, not just for the opposition but for larger sections of Filipinos? Well, balikan lang natin ang mga nakaraang karanasan natin, na pinakamasasakit - World War II, the martial law dictatorship, tapos ngayon. I think we Filipinos have shown that when we've gone through the worst of times, kahit pa nagkaroon tayo ng mga disunities among ourselves during those worst of times, something has compelled us from within ourselves na, to reach out to each other, build unities where we can, yung mga unities that did not exist before. Halimbawa, moving into 2022, just that common desire for a different kind of a better administration. Palagay ko, if we learn still from our lessons from the past, kakayanin natin, and we must. Q: Are you part of the 1Sambayan coalition? SRH: My party, Akbayan, is participating in the 1Sambayan process, yes. Q: Since Akbayan, your party, is part of that, what do you think of this move by former Senator Antonio Trillanes to declare his intention to run for President if Vice President Leni Robredo won't go for that position. Who do you think basically would be the best candidate of the opposition for president in 2022? SRH: What Senator Sonny did is within the processes being laid out by 1Sambayan, so I appreciate the 1Sambayan process kasi sila ang unang naglunsad niyang search for some kind of a united front or broad coalition at palagay ko nasa loob pa rin yan, nasa kontekstong yan pa rin yung ginawa ni former senator Sonny. Now, who will turn out to be the best candidate for the opposition plus, plus? And I say plus, plus kasi hindi lang oposisyon but more and more Filipinos. Well I guess the person who will in the end throw his or her hat into the ring and rally all of us around him or her, for those common dreams, of moving into a new and better normal, health-wise, economic-wise, and democracy-wise. Q: Do you think that that should be Vice President Leni Robredo who is the logical choice, given her position? The highest ranking opposition politician in government now. SRH: She is the logical choice. She is the choice of many of our hearts. But I'm also still waiting on her decision. And in the end, sa pulitika, sa governance, tulad sa buhay, we work with what we have. There are things we wish for. If they happen, we will take the ball and run with it. If they don't materialize, we will work with what we have kasi ang pinaka-importante pa rin ay yung pangarap natin. To realize that dream, we work with whatever building blocks or ingredients that we have and go for the best.
Such an investment could prove critical in rural Wisconsin, where some communities face a shortage of health professionals and a rise in substance abuse and mental health concerns.

Over the last six months, our organizers and volunteers had hundreds of conversations with people in rural communities across the state about expanding Badgercare, said WFU Organizing Director Bill Hogseth. We took the time to listen to working people about how hard it can be to pay the bills, raise a family, and cover the costs of insurance premiums. We heard very clearly that no matter their differences, everyone needs health care coverage if they ever get sick or injured. Expanding Badgercare is the right thing to do for rural Wisconsin.

WFUs grassroots membership supports creating a public option to buy into BadgerCare, which would be available to any resident of Wisconsin no matter their income. The family farm organization also advocates for the inclusion of the BadgerCare public option on the Healthcare.gov marketplace, allowing Wisconsin residents to apply federal premium subsidies to make health insurance even more affordable.
A rural Chippewa Falls man who pulled a gun on an officer, and later was in a standoff with the area SWAT team last November, has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Nevin M. Reit, 26, 19213 Highway X, pleaded no contest to second-degree recklessly endangering safety, resisting an officer, failure to comply with an officer while in custody, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and bail jumping.

Judge Steve Gibbs ordered the prison sentence, along with two years of extended supervision. Reit also was given a nine-month jail sentence that is concurrent to the prison term; Gibbs placed the 166 days of jail time already served on the jail sentence, meaning those days already incarcerated will not reduce his time in prison. He also must pay $961 in fines.

Reit lived at 1732 17th Avenue in Bloomer when the incident occurred on Nov. 15, 2020.

According to the criminal complaint, the Bloomer Police Department was called to Reits apartment complex, after a woman in the building said Reit was banging on her door and shouting about government conspiracies.
State Attorney General Josh Kaul and Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley on Thursday announced charges in a sexual assault case that was aided by backlogged evidence tested through a Department of Justice initiative.

The criminal complaint Graveley filed accuses Matthew Crockett, 46, of Racine, of first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and two counts of false imprisonment for alleged assaults of two women in 2014 and 2015 in Kenosha.

The complaint also mentions two other alleged assaults that occurred in Racine in 2014 and 2017.

One of those assaults resulted in a pregnancy.

This case shows why its critical for public safety that every sexual assault kit is sent to the Wisconsin State Crime Labs, Kaul said in a statement. Thank you to the multi-disciplinary team at DOJ that has carefully reviewed cold cases to get justice for survivors and to DA Graveley for prosecuting this case.
Vaccinated people will no longer be required to wear masks in the state Capitol and most other state facilities beginning on June 1, according to new guidelines published by Gov. Tony Evers administration.

The guidance, however, also signals that some changes state agencies implemented during the pandemic, such as working from home, may become permanent options.

The new guidance for state employees and members of the public using state facilities comes after Public Health Madison and Dane County announced Tuesday that after the expiration of the current COVID-19 public health order on June 2, no new orders will be issued.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those who are fully vaccinated can shed their masks and forgo social distancing for most indoor and outdoor activities, regardless of gathering size. The CDC still recommends wearing a mask and keeping 6 feet away from people outside ones household for unvaccinated people, who are at far greater risk of still getting sick and dying of the disease.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  Thirteen accredited staycation hotels in Metro Manila are allowed to accommodate guests aged 18 to 65 from the NCR Plus, the Department of Tourism said Thursday.

"Mayroon tayong (We have) 13 staycation hotels with a total room capacity of 5,986 rooms," DOT spokesman Benito Bengzon told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon.

Allowed to operate are Grand Hyatt Hotel, Okada Manila Hotel, Shangri-la at the Fort, Nobu Hotel, Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila, EDSA Shangri-la Manila, Solaire Resort, Hyatt Regency and Nuwa Hotel of City of Dreams, The Peninsula Manila, Aruga by Rockwell, Sheraton Manila Hotel, and Hilton Manila.

He said these establishments have secured "certificate of authority to operate for staycation" purposes. He said this serves as proof that their facilities are not being used as quarantine sites.

"Mayroon pa rin tayong limitations doon sa dami ng guest na pwedeng magcheck in sa mga hotel na ito," he said.

[Translation: We still have limitations on the number of guests who could check in at these hotels.]

For instance, two people can stay in a 20-square-meter room while three guests can share a 30-square-meter room, the official said.

He added the staycation hotels also require COVID-19 test results.

The Inter-Agency Task Force earlier approved the DOT's recommendation to allow staycations in Metro Manila.

But Bengzon said short-term stays in condominiums and resorts booked under platforms like Airbnb are still prohibited. "Hindi pa rin po pupwede iyan."

[Translation: These are still not allowed.]

The NCR Plus area, which includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, is under general community quarantine "with heightened restrictions" until the end of the month.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  The Australian government sees a positive conclusion to its ongoing deal with the Philippines to build offshore vessels that will boost the country's maritime patrols.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson on Thursday told CNN Philippines' The Source that negotiations with the Department of National Defense (DND) are continuing to allow the building of six offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy.

"Were having ongoing discussions with the DND," Robinson said. "Offshore patrol vessels is important for the modernization program of the DND and wed like to contribute to that in a meaningful way."

Australia, which has a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines, is willing to provide the vessels  worth approximately $600 million  through shipbuilder Austal, which has a shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.

"All will be constructed in Balamban, Cebu," Robinson said. "About 1,000 people will be engaged to construct the ships and this will be a significant boost to the Philippine economy and to the people in [the area]."

He added that the initiative will also help the Philippines in terms of maritime security "at a really critical time."

The envoy also expressed hope that there would be progress in the negotiations involving the takeover of Hanjin Shipyard in Subic, as part of its plan to expand shipbuilding activities in the Philippines.

Last March, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said both parties are hoping to sign the contract before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term in 2022.

The Australian government also stressed that it strongly supports the Philippines' arbitral win in The Hague, amid China's unilateral imposition of a fishing ban in the South China Sea.

Beijing continues to reject the 2016 ruling which recognized the Philippines' sovereign rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf that China claims.

"We are strong supporters of the arbitral award," Robinson said. "And of course, we hold with the Philippines' position as outlined at the UN."

Australia and the Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this month.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  Davao Citys quarantine rules are enough for now even with the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area, its local health office says.

For now, I think sufficient naman po yung aming restrictions [our restrictions our sufficient], Dr. Ashley Lopez, OIC of the city health office, told CNN Philippines when asked whether he will recommend stricter restrictions for the locality.

Davao City is currently under general community quarantine until the end of May. Lopez noted that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio recently released Executive Order No. 29, which adopts additional restrictions on the areas land, air and sea travel borders as recommended by the regional IATF.

We have in fact recalled yung ating [our negative] RT-PCR tests (results) among our travelers particularly those coming outside Davao region, added the local health office chief.

Davao City is among the areas outside Metro Manila flagged by independent research group OCTA due to rising coronavirus infections over the past week. Lopez said they observed a rise in cases since the beginning of May compared to previous months, with the city currently tallying around 719 active cases out of the 15,000 listed since the onset of the pandemic.

He further explained that most of their cases came from local transmission, attributing the spike partly to heightened surveillance and contact tracing efforts.

Lopez also cited increased testing capacity, with the citys COVID-19 tests averaging between 2,000 and 2,500 per day from the 500 to 600 average at the start of 2021.

Given the jump in cases logged, the city health office head added they already gave private hospitals a heads-up to prepare in case of an overspilling in cases from the Southern Philippines Medical Center. The health facilitys intensive care unit (ICU) utilization rate is going up and is now at around 77%, said Lopez.

However, Lopez assured they have no problem with their temporary treatment and monitoring facilities as they have prepared enough.
(CNN)  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, the first high-level encounter between the US and Russia since President Joe Biden took office, which comes amid heightened tensions between the former Cold War foes -- friction Blinken acknowledged right away.

"It's also no secret that we have our differences," Blinken said at the top of the meeting, after he and Lavrov had greeted each other warmly.

"When it comes to those differences, as President Biden has also shared with President Putin, if Russia acts aggressively against us, our partners, our allies, we'll respond," Blinken said as he and Lavrov sat facing each other at a long rectangular table flanked by their delegations. "And President Biden has demonstrated that in both word and deed, not for purposes of escalation, not to seek conflict, but to defend our interests."

But the top US diplomat added a caveat. "Having said that, there are many areas where our interests intersect and overlap," he said, and urged cooperation on a range of "intersecting interests" including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, dealing with the nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea, and Afghanistan.

"We seek a predictable, stable relationship with Russia," Blinken said. "We think that's good for our people, good for the Russian people and indeed good for the world."

'We greatly diverge'

Lavrov responded by saying that Russia's "position is clear. We are prepared to discuss all issues on the table, with the understanding that our discussions will be honest, factual and with mutual respect." But he, too, added a caveat, telling Blinken that "we greatly diverge when it comes to our assessment of international situation and our approaches towards how we should resolve it."

And Lavrov appeared to signal that whatever steps the Biden administration might take against Russia, Moscow stands ready to respond. "Laws of diplomacy recommend mutuality, especially when it comes to response to any kind of hostile actions," the Russian foreign minister said. "You can always rely on us to respond mutually to such intentions."

Blinken and Lavrov met on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting in Iceland and were expected to chat without a stringent time limit or any topics off-limits, sources familiar with the plans for the meeting explained. The discussion was expected to cover a wide range of substantive issues between the two nations ahead of a possible summit between Biden and President Vladimir Putin early this summer -- but many of them are fraught.

The two men met a day after news broke that the US will not sanction the company in charge of building Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, despite strongly opposing the project with a State Department spokesperson calling it a "Russian malign influence project" that "threatens European energy security and that of Ukraine and eastern flank NATO Allies and partners."

As Blinken met with Lavrov, the State Department released a statement about Nord Stream 2 from the top diplomat. "I have determined that it is in the national interest of the United States to waive the application of sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG, its CEO Matthias Warnig, and Nord Stream 2 AG's corporate officers.

"Today's actions demonstrate the Administration's commitment to energy security in Europe, consistent with the President's pledge to rebuild relationships with our allies and partners in Europe," Blinken said in the statement. "We will continue to oppose the completion of this project, which would weaken European energy security and that of Ukraine and Eastern flank NATO and EU countries. Our opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is unwavering."

The top US diplomat was expected to directly raise a range of aggressive Russian activities, including the Solar Winds hack that targeted private businesses and government, Moscow's election interference, the wrongful detention of US citizens in Russia, its human rights abuses and detention of opposition activist Alexey Navalny, and the expulsion of each other's diplomats, three sources said.

'We have concerns'

Blinken also planned to emphasize areas where the countries could work together -- such as North Korea, Iran, and Arctic issues -- explained another source. In comments to reporters Tuesday, Blinken made clear that the US also has disagreements with Russia on the resource-rich and strategically important Arctic, particularly Moscow's push to militarize the region, but stressed that there, too, the US will look for areas of cooperation.

"We have concerns about some of the increased military activities in the Arctic. That increases the injuries or prospects of accidents, miscalculation, and undermines the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region, so we have to be vigilant about that," Blinken said, speaking at a press conference Tuesday in Iceland.

"There's been cooperation on a number of important areas, over the years on education, oil spill response, search and rescue, pollution issues, and it is our hope that that ... the Arctic means an area of peaceful cooperation and peaceful collaboration," Blinken said.

Biden administration officials want the Putin-Biden summit to go forward so that the two leaders can discuss matters face-to-face. In the lead-up to that high level meeting, US officials are taking a measured approach to Moscow, explained one source familiar.

That approach contributed, in part, to Biden's carefully calculated response to the recent hack on the Colonial Pipeline, which was carried out by a criminal group based in Russia, one source said. There is no evidence "so far" that Russia is involved in the cyberattack, Biden said, but he added that Russia has "some responsibility to deal with this."

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the hope is to "achieve a relationship with Moscow that is more stable and predictable."

Since Biden's election, stability and predictability have been in short order and in April, the US intelligence community said in an annual report that Russia "presents one of the most serious intelligence threats to the United States."

Moscow has also been making clear it can pose a military threat. Russia built up a massive troop presence along the border of the US's eastern European allies, including Ukraine, this spring and in April blocked foreign naval ships and state vessels in the Kerch Strait, the sea of Azov and parts of the Black Sea -- a move NATO and the Pentagon criticized.

As Blinken met with Lavrov, a major question for Biden administration officials was where Russia intends the presidential summit to go in terms of substance and tenor, two sources said. During Wednesday's meeting, Biden and Lavrov were expected to take stock of one another, said sources familiar with the planning, as well as Russia experts, which will inform how their countries prepare for a possible leaders meeting.

One critical issue on the agenda involves the US embassy in Moscow and its ability to function.

In April, Lavrov announced what he called "tit for tat" measures against the US after Biden announced sanctions to punish Moscow for its interference in the 2020 US election, the SolarWinds cyberattack and its ongoing occupation and "severe human rights abuses" in Crimea. Those US penalties included the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats in Washington, including "representatives of Russian intelligence services."

Russia responded with a barrage of measures that included sanctions against eight senior US administration officials, including FBI director Christopher Wray and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines; expelling 10 US diplomats; curbing the ability of those remaining to travel around Russia; barring the ability of Russians or third-country nationals from working at the embassy; and suggesting US Ambassador John Sullivan leave the country.

Russia's ambassador to the US had already returned to Moscow in March after Biden agreed with the assessment that Putin is a "killer" in a TV interview.

Like his administration officials, Biden has said the US will work with Russia where possible -- the two sides cooperated soon after Biden took office to extend the New START arms control agreement -- but that Moscow will also face consequences for its actions against the US and its allies.

During his first foreign policy speech, Biden underscored that point. "I made it clear to President Putin in a manner very different from my predecessor, that the days the United States rolling over in the face of Russia's aggressive actions, interfering with our elections, cyberattacks, poisoning citizens are over," he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Blinken and Lavrov hold first high-level meeting of Biden's presidency as US-Russia tensions simmer."
(CNN)  Zhang Yiming built ByteDance into one of the biggest names in Chinese tech. Now he's stepping down as CEO at just 38 years old, becoming the latest young tech entrepreneur in China to quit while leading a company on the rise.

Zhang  who founded Tiktok owner ByteDance in Beijing nine years ago  announced Wednesday that he would transition to a new role at the company at the end of this year and "focus on long-term strategy."

"Since the beginning of this year, I've spent a lot of time thinking about how to better drive real long-term breakthroughs," Zhang wrote in a letter to employees that the company posted publicly. He added that he made the decision after several months of thinking, and decided that leaving the "day-to-day responsibilities" behind would allow him to have "greater impact on longer term initiatives."

"The truth is, I lack some of the skills that make an ideal manager," he said. "I'm not very social, preferring solitary activities like being online, reading, listening to music, and daydreaming about what may be possible."

Liang Rubo, ByteDance co-founder and head of human resources, will succeed Zhang as CEO.

Zhang's decision to depart may seem odd, particularly when compared to the paths followed by his counterparts at Western tech firms. ByteDance has experienced a meteoric rise over the last couple of years.

Zhang oversaw a handful of big acquisitions that helped ByteDance become a global name  including a 2017 deal for Musical.ly, a video sharing app that ByteDance merged with TikTok. The popularity of its flagship app has exploded, becoming one of the only Chinese-made apps to gain significant traction outside its home country.

Even after TikTok was embroiled in a dramatic battle in the United States last year over concerns that the app posed a national security risk, it has managed to stave off a ban and remains popular. It has about 100 million users in the United States alone. (TikTok has called the national security claims unfounded.)

ByteDance is also reported to be considering a massive IPO, according to multiple media outlets. Bloomberg has reported that the company has been valued at $250 billion in private trades.

"Zhang was a young software engineer without significant business experience when he suddenly found himself running a massive company in rapidly shifting markets while operating in an extremely complex regulatory and political environment," said Brock Silvers, chief investment offer at Hong Kong-based Kaiyuan Capital.

While Liang's appointment as CEO indicates the company isn't changing strategy, it's unwelcome news ahead of a possible IPO. "Founders suddenly abandoning their celestial perches may well signal a significant red flag to public markets," Silvers added.

Zhang's move, though, follows similar decisions by some of his peers. Colin Huang Zheng, the 41-year-old founder of e-commerce company Pinduoduo, announced in March that he would step down as chairman to pursue other goals, including his childhood dream of becoming a scientist or researcher. He had taken the firm from nothing to a platform capable of competing with Alibaba in less than a decade.

These top tech executives have a lot to worry about right now as Beijing works to reign in the sector.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been calling for curbs on the internet sector to "maintain social stability." Regulators have imposed record fines on Alibaba, ordered an overhaul of its financial affiliate Ant Group, and launched antitrust investigations into Tencent and Meituan.

Tech leaders who maintain close ties to their companies risk getting caught up in the crackdown. Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma  who resigned as executive chairman in 2019  has been subject to intense scrutiny after he criticized financial regulators last fall, and watched as Bejing pulled an IPO for Ant Group at the last minute. Ma, who was famous for being an outspoken celebrity entrepreneur, has since shirked the limelight.

Others have found themselves pulled into controversy, even unintentionally. Earlier this month, Meituan lost billions in market value after founder and CEO Wang Xing posted a 1,100-year-old poem on social media that many people online interpreted as a veiled shot at the government. Wang later explained he was referring to Meituan's industry competitors, but shares were still rattled.

"The environment is now so opaque and difficult that even the iconic master-operator Jack Ma has paid a very dear price for missteps," Silvers said. "Zhang Yiming and Colin Huang are intensely aware of this example, and their desire to not follow in Ma's most recent footsteps probably played at least some role in their respective decisions to step down."

While "this may be beneficial or necessary from Beijing's standpoint," he added, "over the longer term it cannot bode well for China's tech ecosystem."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "The young CEO who helped make TikTok a global hit is latest Chinese tech entrepreneur to quit."
Poe on PUV drivers' vaccination:

Mahigit isang taon sa ilalim ng lockdown, hirap pa rin sa pag-ahon ang ating mga public utility vehicle (PUV) driver.

Napag-iwanan na nga sa ayuda, 'wag na natin silang ihuli sa bakuna.

Included in the A4 category of vaccinees, we hope they will not be bumped off the line and soon get their shots in the current rollout of the government's vaccination program.

Our PUV drivers need the vaccine now given the critical frontline work that they do.

Throughout this pandemic, drivers have been a lifeline to their communities. They have ferried healthcare workers to hospitals, delivered food to people at home, and helped many businesses up and running.

The vaccine will not only protect our drivers, but also strengthen the resilience of our essential transport services.
(CNN)  Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has lambasted the BBC for contributing "significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation" felt by his late mother, Princess Diana, in the years before her death, in a rare emotionally charged statement by a royal against the public broadcaster.

The Duke's comments come after the BBC offered an unconditional apology over the controversial 1995 interview by BBC journalist Martin Bashir with Diana, in which she detailed the breakdown of her relationship with Prince Charles. An inquiry had found that he used "deceitful" methods to secure the landmark interview.

The Duke also accused the BBC of commercializing a "false narrative" about his mother.

"But what saddens me most, is that if the BBC had properly investigated the complaints and concerns first raised in 1995, my mother would have known that she had been deceived. She was failed not just by a rogue reporter, but by leaders at the BBC who looked the other way rather than asking the tough questions," he said.

"It is my firm view that this Panorama programme holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again. It effectively established a false narrative which, for over a quarter of a century, has been commercialized by the BBC and others."

The original interview was featured on Panorama, which is still on air and showed a documentary about the controversy on Thursday.

William's brother -- Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex -- issued an equally emotional statement after the report, saying, "The ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life."

Harry and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have fought battles of their own against British tabloids in court.

"To those who have taken some form of accountability, thank you for owning it. That is the first step towards justice and truth. Yet what deeply concerns me is that practices like these and even worseare still widespread today. Then, and now, it's bigger than one outlet, one network, or one publication," he said.

"Our mother lost her life because of this, and nothing has changed. By protecting her legacy, we protect everyone, and uphold the dignity with which she lived her life. Let's remember who she was and what she stood for."

BBC makes a 'full and unconditional apology'

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said Thursday the interview "fell far short of what audiences have a right to expect."

"While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can make a full and unconditional apology. The BBC offers that today," Davie said.

Bashir responded in a statement Thursday that it was "saddening" the controversy had "been allowed to overshadow the princess' brave decision to tell her story," according to PA Media news agency.

Bashir stepped down from his role as the BBC's religion editor last week, citing health reasons.

The journalist apologized Thursday for using the fake bank statements but said they had no bearing on Diana's decision to take part in the interview.

"It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret," Bashir said in a statement. "But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently."

"I also reiterate that the bank statements had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview."

Bashir added that he remained proud of the interview.

The Dyson report comes at a highly volatile moment for the BBC, which is a giant of public broadcasting but increasingly under pressure from politicians.

Its publicly funded model faces growing scrutiny from the government, including from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

What did the report find?

The report was commissioned by the BBC and written by retired high court judge Lord Dyson. It found that Bashir had shown fake bank statements to Diana's brother Charles Spencer, which "deceived and induced him to arrange a meeting with Princess Diana."

"By gaining access to Princess Diana in this way, Mr Bashir was able to persuade her to agree to give the interview," the report notes, adding that this behavior was in breach of BBC guidelines.

Bashir has long been alleged to have used forged documents that suggested the palace staff were working against Princess Diana and being paid to spy on her, CNN anchor and correspondent Max Foster has previously reported.

Matt Wiessler, a former graphic designer for the BBC, said he mocked up false bank statements after Bashir reached out to him.

The new report notes that Wiessler was worried that he "might have played a role in obtaining the interview by deception" and raised his concerns with the BBC shortly after the interview aired. The report says that Wiessler is not facing any criticism for accepting the commission, and describes him as "an entirely reputable graphic designer" who freelanced for the BBC.

The broadcaster launched an internal inquiry in 1996 and concluded that documents had been forged but didn't play a role in Diana's decision to participate in the interview.

Bashir initially claimed that he had not shown the documents to anyone but admitted otherwise in March 1996, Dyson found.

The report is critical of both Bashir's behavior and of the way the 1996 probe was carried out by the BBC.

It concludes that "without justification" the BBC "covered up... facts as it had been able to establish about how Mr Bashir secured the interview."

Dyson added that the BBC also "failed to mention the issue at all on any news programme and thereby fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark."

The BBC's former director-general Tony Hall, who was in charge of news and current affairs at the time of the controversy, said Thursday that he was "wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt," according to PA Media.

The 1995 interview was a seismic moment in British public life.

During the event, Diana told Bashir that there were "three of us" in her marriage to Charles, referring to Camilla Parker Bowles, whom the heir to the throne would later marry.

Buckingham Palace was blindsided by the interview and thrown into crisis by Diana's comments, which cast a rare light on the inner workings of the royal family.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20) - American model and television personality Tyra Banks hailed Filipinos following the recent Miss Universe pageant.

Banks reshared a Twitter post by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who congratulated Rabiya Mateo for continuing the country's years-long streak of placing in the competition.

The model said in her post: "Pretty Pinoy Power Forever!"

Gray responded to Bank's post with a crown emoji.

This is not the first time that Banks praised Filipino beauty queens. She also complimented Gray's slow-motion turn during her Miss Universe stint, as well as Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach "smize" - or smiling with the eyes - during the evening gown round of the international pageant.

The Philippines has been placing in the Miss Universe pageant for 11 consecutive years. The streak started in 2010 after Venus Raj placed fourth runner-up. In the past 11 editions of the pageant, the country produced two winners, four runners-up, one Top 6 finalist, and four semifinalists.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  The government's compromise with water service firms Maynilad and Manila Water is seen to favor Filipino consumers and should help allay investor fears on the sanctity of contracts, an analyst said.

The new deals come more than a year since President Rodrigo Duterte blasted their supposedly unfavorable contracts to supply water in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

West zone concessionaire Maynilad signed on to agreeable terms on May 18 to sustain its business until the year 2037. Its counterpart, the Ayala-owned Manila Water, struck a similar agreement with regulators in March. The deals were signed just a year before the current contracts expire.

More powerful MWSS

CNN Philippines compared the new contracts with the original ones made in February 1997.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System now has more teeth to police the private firms, which are now considered public utilities from just contractors under the former setup. They are also required to submit more reports and undergo regular audit, including their loans and financial positions.

They should also replace old pipelines, continue linking households and commercial spaces to sewerage networks, as well as build new pumping stations and water treatment facilities.

They are also banned from raising water rates billed to customers until December 2022. After that, adjustments cannot exceed 1.3 times the value of previous charges and should not carry pass-on fees like corporate income tax and foreign currency adjustments.

The new deals are shorter, lasting only 15 years versus 25 years before. Its because the contracts are no longer triggered by a national water crisis, which precipitated the privatization of the water sector under the Ramos administration.

With legal issues resolved, an analyst said this will trickle down to consumers by way of better services and cheaper bills.

At the end of the day, this will improve the water services in the country. Panalo diyan 'yung tao [The people win here], BDO chief market strategist Jonathan Ravelas said in an interview. "Kung may mga [If there are] leakages and all, then it should generate, in the long term, lower cost for water."

The contracts also forgo nearly 10.8 billion which the companies were entitled to receive from government to cover past losses, coming from an arbitration process over rejected water rate hikes from 2013 to 2017.

Their demand for these payments had angered Duterte, which led to multiple threats against the water concessionaires since late 2019 over "onerous" contract provisions. He cancelled the original contract extensions from 2022 to 2037 and even floated a government takeover of their facilities at the height of Metro Manila's rotating water supply interruptions.

RELATED: Duterte unlikely to sue water firms after apology to Ayala, Pangilinan business groups  Roque

'Win-win'

In a statement, MWSS chairman and acting administrator Reynaldo Velasco called the new concession deals a "win-win" for stakeholders and puts the Philippines closer to water security.

The regulator remains in charge of finding new water sources and the construction of new dams or reservoirs.

The updated agreements also impose penalties in case Maynilad and Manila Water fail to meet supply standards. If there are unplanned water interruptions, supply must be restored in six hours. During scheduled supply disruptions, the utility firm should provide alternative water sources especially if these last for more than 12 hours.

The new rules also specify that the government will not assume a concessionaire's loans if ever its supply contract is terminated. Both companies are also mandated to keep providing a 24-hour supply of running water that's safe to drink.

Rate rebasing would still be done every 5 years, with the next scheduled on January 1, 2023.

While private firms are expected to shoulder more costs under the new arrangement, Ravelas pointed out it can be seen as an investment to convince government to allow them to run water services in other parts of the country  in effect, expanding their revenue base.

He added that its also a warning for other service providers to shape up.

"Lumiit nga 'yung profit mo pero kung maseserbisyuhan mo naman ay mas malaking scale, in the long run you are going to make money," Ravelas said. "Kung tama yung ginagawa nila then it's going to be easy to have it (contract) renewed."

[Translation: Your profit may drop but if youd be able to service a bigger scale, in the long run you are going to make money. If they are doing it right then they will have no problem getting their contracts renewed.]

Ravelas said the resolution should likewise end fears about the Philippine government suddenly reneging on contracts in the middle of a concession period, which many have warned may lead to investor uncertainty.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is proposing an amendment that would reduce the number of star-rank officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

I believe personally that we have too many generals in the Armed Forces, Lorenzana said in a Senate hearing on proposals to prescribe a fixed term for AFP officers and improve the pension and insurance system for the military.

Senate Bill No. 1785, authored by Senator Richard Gordon, seeks a fixed three-year term for the AFP chief of staff and other high-ranking officers to prevent a revolving door leadership. They shall retire by age 65, instead of 56 under the current law, but even this would be deferred until completion of their term, according to the bill.

Lorenzana said he agrees with the proposal and other provisions of the proposed measure, but would like to lower the percentage of generals in relation to the total number troops to .1%, from the current .125%.

In fact, we have already exceeded that percentage because as of today, we have 190 generals in the Armed Forces of the Philippines which should have been only 170 as per the percentage, Lorenzana said. Our strength now is 143,000, that means we should only have 143 generals in the Armed Forces."

Lorenzana said a lean leadership would be healthier" for the AFP.

Under Republic Act No. 9188, the defense chief shall prescribe the authorized number of officers in the active force in each grade and in each major, technical or administrative service and shall implement the gradual decrease in the number of officers in each officer rank as part of, and in line with, the Modernization Program of the Armed Forces.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20) The planned deployment of hundreds of caregivers to Israel will be suspended for now amid escalating tensions in the area, the Department of Labor announced on Thursday.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III confirmed this in a statement, but clarified there is no current deployment ban, and that the processing of applications is ongoing.

We have not banned the deployment of our workers to Israel," Bello said. "The processing of those who already qualified continues.

We are merely suspending their actual departure while the tension is still high, he explained.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration first revealed on Wednesday that around 400 caregivers  the first batch of workers under the government-to-government labor deal between the Philippines and Israel  will be deployed to the Middle Eastern country later this month.

Concerns mounted over this announcement  especially with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine  but POEA chief Bernard Olalia earlier assured that workers will not be stationed in areas under conflict.

Bello, for his part, said the suspension may only take a few days.

It will just be about a few days of delay, he noted. We just want to be sure they will be safe.

Ang pakiusap ko pa sa ating mga paalis na caregivers at health care workers ay ipagpaliban ng ilang araw ang kanilang biyahe upang hindi sila mapahamak, the secretary also said.

[Translation: Our appeal to outgoing caregivers and healthcare workers is to hold off their trips for a couple of days so that they wont be put in danger.]

Israel-Palestine relations have long been tense, but clashes have flared up in recent days, 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 previously warning the conflict could escalate into a "full-scale war."

The Philippine government has repeatedly assured it is monitoring the situation in Israel, and that it would be ready to repatriate OFWs should their safety be endangered.

CNN Philippines' Tristan Nodalo and Alyssa Rola contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20) President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government officials to administer the sought-after Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to poor Filipinos.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque revealed this in a media briefing on Thursday, noting the directive is in line with the prioritization rule of the COVAX facility, which donated the prized American-made vaccine.

Ipinag-utos rin po ng Pangulo na ibigay ang Pfizer sa mga mahihirap or sa indigent population dahil iyan po ang patakaran ng COVAX, Roque told reporters. Inatasan niya ang vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez, na siguraduhing maipatupad ang kautusang ito.

Ito ay ayon na rin sa naging unang direktiba ng Pangulo na mababakunahan ang mga Pilipino nang libre; walang maiiwan, he added.

[Translation: The President ordered to give the Pfizer to the poor or the indigent population because thats the rule of COVAX. He ordered vaccine czar Carlito Galvez to make sure this order will be carried out. This is also in line with the Presidents first directive that all Filipinos will be vaccinated for free, no one will be left behind.]

Duterte also ordered the Pfizer doses to be distributed not in the malls, but in barangay vaccination sites where the take-up is low, Roque noted.

Roque, however, did not detail when the President's order will start.

The Philippines earlier this month received some 193,000 Pfizer doses, which have been rolled out in some major cities in the country including in Metro Manila.

Galvez also previously said the country would be getting a bulk shipment of Pfizer  around 2.2 million doses  by the end of May.

Dutertes order not to disclose vaccine brand

Meanwhile, Roque also revealed that it was the chief executive who suggested for the government not to disclose the brand that will be used in the inoculation drive  a proposal that has been widely criticized online.

READ: Ex-IATF adviser against non-disclosure of brand before going to vaccination sites

Unang-una, si Presidente po ang nag-utos niyan dahil nakita nga po niya iyong kawalan ng social distancing doon sa ilang lugar kung saan in-announce ang pagbabakuna ng Pfizer, Roque said.

[Translation: First of all, it was the President who ordered this because he saw the lack of social distancing in that site where it was announced that Pfizer would be used.]

Roque likewise stressed that all vaccines approved for use in the Philippines underwent thorough review.

Lahat po iyan ligtas at epektibo, he assured. Kaya nga po ang pinakamabuting bakuna iyong ilalagay sa inyong mga braso.

[Translation: Those are all safe and effective. Thats why the best vaccine is the one that you will get injected with.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20) - The Department of Health announced on Thursday 6,100 more COVID-19 infections in the country, as new virus deaths breached a hundred for the third consecutive day.

Latest figures show the total case count has climbed to 1,165,155, of which active cases number 51,912 or 4.5% of all infected.

The great majority, or 93.1%, of currently ill patients are tagged as mild, 2.1% as asymptomatic, 1.5% as critical, 2% as severe and 1.31% as moderate.

The department also confirmed 135 more fatalities, including 71 which were earlier tagged as recoveries. These brought to 19,641 the total lives lost to COVID-19, which translates to 1.69% of all cases.

Meanwhile, 4,071 were added to the survivor count, which reached 1,093,602. This means 93.9% of the total infected have already gotten well.

The case update does not yet cover results from three testing laboratories which failed to submit their reports on time, the DOH noted. Based on data from the past two weeks, the three contribute around 0.8% of all samples tested and 2.1% of positive cases.

The department also removed 16 duplicates, including 11 recoveries and one death, for the latest bulletin.

A separate report by the Department of Foreign Affairs showed COVID-19 cases among Filipinos slightly rose to 18,634 with one more detected. Recoveries also increased by four to 11,396, while deaths are still at 1,163.

Nearly three months after the start of the vaccine rollout, some 2.5 million people in the Philippines have been inoculated against the coronavirus, including 786,000 who have received their second dose.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20)  The Philippines is nearing the finish line in terms of preparing for the upcoming solidarity vaccine trials of the World Health Organization, an official of the Department of Science and Technology said.

"Sa ngayon ay di pa nagsisimula ang WHO solidarity vaccine trial pero tayo po ay kumbaga nasa last mile na sa paghahanda," DOST Philippine Council for Health Research and Development executive director Dr. Jaime Montoya told a televised government briefing Thursday.

[Translation: For now, the WHO solidarity vaccine trials haven't started but you could say we are in the last mile of preparations.]

Montoya added that the government is now finalizing the equipment to be used, and has been coordinating with the WHO in the transport of the necessary equipment and the training of healthcare workers who will take part in the trials.

Recruitment of personnel for the trials is also ongoing, he added.

Montoya said the WHO solidarity trials - where at least two vaccine brands are simultaneously reviewed - will also help vaccine manufacturers to come up with long-term data, which can be used when applying for a certificate of product registration.

COVID-19 vaccine brands being used in the Philippines only have emergency use authorization. The manufacturers need the certificate so their vaccines can be sold commercially.

The Philippines is currently inoculating medical frontliners, elderlies, and people with comorbidities against the highly contagious disease. It aims to vaccinate up to 70 million people by year-end in hopes of achieving herd immunity.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 21)  A recent survey revealed that only about half or 51% of adult Filipinos are confident on the governments evaluation of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Of this number, 18% of the respondents said they are very confident and 34% somewhat confident, based on the Social Weather Stations poll. Meanwhile, 31% said they are uncertain, and 17% are not confident.

Confidence on the evaluation is highest in Mindanao at 58%, followed by Visayas (55%), Metro Manila (49%), and the rest of Luzon (47%).

The government started its immunization program in March. Prior to this, earlier surveys revealed that vaccine confidence among Filipinos is low due to safety and efficacy concerns.

To address this, the government implemented several information drives to properly educate the public regarding the coronavirus shots that the country will use. Several top government officials and medical chiefs were also vaccinated publicly to improve vaccine confidence.

Respondents were also asked about their willingness to be vaccinated, of which 32% said they are willing to receive their coronavirus shot, 35% uncertain, and 33% unwilling.

Among respondents who are very confident on the evaluation of the government, 58% said they are willing to be inoculated.

Meanwhile, those willing to be vaccinated said they will do it for their safety and protection against the coronavirus (41%), or to avoid contracting the virus (30%).

Other common answers were: for familys protection against COVID-19 (9%), to stop the spread of the virus (6%), required in workplace (6%), it is safe and proven effective (5%), to be able to go out without the worry of catching coronavirus (4%), it is for free (4%), following what is being required (3%), I already got my vaccine (2%), because others received theirs already (1%), and others (2%).

Among those uncertain and unwilling to get immunized, top reason cited was the possible side effects at 39% and 30%, respectively.

Other reasons given by those uncertain and unwilling were its not safe and effective, they might die or have heard reports of fatality due to vaccination, they do not trust the vaccine, they have comorbidity or are too old, or they might get sick or might contract the virus, among others.

Per area, percentage of those willing to receive a COVID-19 jab is highest in Metro Manila (41%), followed by Mindanao (34%), Visayas (32%), and Balance Luzon (28%).

Willingness to be vaccinated also increases with education at 50% among college graduates, 34% among junior high school graduates, and 25% each for elementary graduates and non-elementary graduates. Confidence on the governments evaluation, meanwhile, does not depend on the respondents educational level.

The First Quarter 2021 nationwide survey was conducted from April 28 to May 2 through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults 18 years old and above. The sampling error margins are 3% for national percentages and 6% for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.